Jonny Quest: The Complete First Season
Warner Home Video, $64.99Samurai Jack: Season One
Warner Home Video, $29.99Around-the-world adventures with human characters that had every imaginable weapon, vehicle, or gadget at their disposal made the animated series Jonny Quest a favorite when it ran in the 1970s. However, contemporary audiences may find Jonny Quest dated. The bad guys are relentlessly brown, primitive, and a threat to progress, as represented by U.S. government scientist Dr. Benton Quest. Fans who fondly remember Jonny Quest will probably choose to be oblivious to this, instead waxing nostalgic with the 26 episodes and four featurettes on four discs.
For a more sophisticated vision of the world, one should look to Genndy Tartakovsky’s Samurai Jack: Season One, which collects 13 episodes and six featurettes (including “The Making of Samurai Jack” on two discs). Contrasting kinetic action with serene stillness, the clash of the modern with the ancient, droll humor with thoughtful wisdom, and good vs. evil, this story of a young samurai bolted into the future by the dastardly Aku is superb. Less is more in much of Samurai Jack, but when the action ignites, the artistry is simply stunning.
This article appears in May 21 • 2004.