Invader Zim DVD collection
In 2003, Wal-Mart began selling a DVD compilation of Nickelodeon cartoons. As well as three other cartoons, the episode of Invader Zim The Nightmare Begins was included[1]. Media Blasters approached Nickelodeon with interest in Invader Zim DVDs[2] and in June 2003, they put out a press release announcing that it's anime division AnimeWorks will be producing three double DVD sets starting in Spring 2004 and a limited edition box set.[3] As more information about the DVDs came out, it was revealed that Nickelodeon were approached by Media Blasters with details of how there was a market for an Invader Zim DVD release, to which Nickelodeon responded by giving the go ahead.[4] As of 2007 only region 1 DVDs have been released. The DVD Volumes can also be purchased on iTunes [1]
The DVDs
Doom Doom Doom
On May 11 2004, Nickelodeon and Media Blasters released the first volume of an official Invader Zim DVD collection. Titled Volume 1: Doom Doom Doom, the two disc set includes nine half-hour episodes (most of which are comprised of 2 quarter-hour sub-episodes):
Disc 1:
Disc 2:
- 1. The Nightmare Begins
- 2A. Bestest Friend; 2B. NanoZim
- 3A. Parent Teacher Night; 3B. Walk of Doom
- 4A. Germs; 4B. Dark Harvest
- 5A. Attack of the Saucer Morons; 5B. The Wettening
- 6A. Career Day; 6B. Battle-Dib
- 7A. Planet Jackers; 7B. Rise of the Zitboy
- 8A. Invasion of the Idiot Dog Brain; 8B. Bad, Bad Rubber Piggy
- 9A. A Room with a Moose; 9B. Hamstergeddon
The DVD collection also includes numerous "extras" such as the Zim pilot episode and alternate audio tracks with
commentary by series creator
Progressive Stupidity
On August 31 2004 the second volume titled Volume 2: Progressive Stupidity was released, and like Volume 1 contains two discs (labelled discs 3 and 4). The episodes included are:
Disc 3:
Disc 4:
- 10A. Plague of Babies; 10B. Bloaty's Pizza Hog
- 11A. Door to Door; 11B. FBI Warning of Doom
- 12A. Bolognius Maximus; 12B. Game Slave 2
- 13. Battle of the Planets
- 14. Halloween Spectacular of Spooky Doom
- 15A. Mysterious Mysteries; 15B. Future Dib
- 16A. Hobo 13; 16B. Walk for Your Lives
- 17A. Megadoomer; 17B. Lice
- 18A. Abducted; 18B. The Sad, Sad Tale of Chickenfoot
This volume was originally supposed to have very different art on the cover. However, Nickelodeon rejected it, but said they could use it if everyone in it was having fun. Jhonen Vasquez said in an interview with IGN that "That's just not my show, and I figured it would be false advertising."[5]
Horrible Holiday Cheer
On November 21 2004 the third and final volume titled Volume 3: Horrible Holiday Cheer was released. It contains discs 5 and 6 of the set, and includes the following episodes:
Disc 5:
Disc 6:
- 19A. GIR Goes Crazy and Stuff; 19B. Dib's Wonderful Life of Doom
- 20. TAK: The Hideous New Girl
- 21. Backseat Drivers from Beyond the Stars
- 22A. Mortos Der Soulstealer; 22B. Zim Eats Waffles
- 23A. The Girl Who Cried Gnome; 23B. Dibship Rising
The DVD sets have animatics, apparently accurate Irken subtitles, and digitally restored and remastered picture and sound, as well as a Spanish language track. They also include commentary with the actors, writers, and the production staff.
Zim House Box Set
The box set was released on April 12 2005. A week later the box set edition containing all the volumes was released on April 19 2005. The box is in the shape of Zim's house from the series. The door opens to reveal the DVDs, while the top opens to reveal a Duty Mode GIR figure which is the same size as the GIR from Palisades figure. An extra disc is included with the box, containing an Interview with Kevin Manthei, Sound Design Featurette, a Sample Soundtrack, the uncut version of The Most Horrible X-Mas Ever,[6] and the vocal recordings from unfinished Zim episodes:
- 10 Minutes to Doom
- Invader Poonchy
- Mopiness of Doom
- Nubs of Doom
- Return of Keef
- Robo Parents Gone Wild
- Simon Says Doom
Reception
The Invader Zim DVDs were met reasonably by critics. Criticisms were drawn by the lack of animated menus and the interlacing of the video causing some quality problems.[7] The DVDs gained praise for the quality of audio and the commentaries that are included. The quality of the video was also commended.[8] The box set received excellent reviews for its quality and look, specifically the concept of the house design being used for the box.[9]
See also
References
- ^ Invader Zim's first appearance on a commercial DVD (HTML). Retrieved on 2007-02-16.
- ^ Adam Tierney (1 September, 2004). An Interview with Jhonen Vasquez and Rikki Simons (HTML). Retrieved on 2007-05-08.
- ^ Media Blasters announces the release of the show on DVD and a box set (HTML). Retrieved on 2007-02-16.
- ^ Interview with Media Blasters' Chief Designer Meredith Mulroney (HTML). Retrieved on 2007-02-16.
- ^ Nickelodeon rejects the Volume 2 cover art (HTML). Retrieved on 2007-02-16.
- ^ Box set to contain uncut version of Invader Zim episode (HTML). Retrieved on 2007-02-16.
- ^ IGN review of the Doom Doom Doom DVD release (HTML). Retrieved on 2007-02-16.
- ^ Visual review of the Invader Zim DVDs provides good results (HTML). Retrieved on 2007-02-16.
- ^ Review of the Invader Zim box set (HTML). Retrieved on 2007-02-16.
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