DVD REVIEW: Rocko’s Modern Life Season 1

[MichaelK]

It's just another day in O-Town for everyone's favorite wallaby...

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Rocko’s Modern Life debuted in September 1993 on the Nickelodeon network, joining the already popular line-up of animated programming including Doug, Rugrats, and Ren & Stimpy. The fourth of the Nicktoons branded cartoons, the show went on to become another of this reviewers beloved childhood memories, enjoying over four seasons and fifty-two episodes alongside such popular toons as Ahhh! Real Monsters and Hey Arnold!. The award-winning series created by Joe Murray features several well-known voice actors including Tom Kenny who voices Spongebob Squarepants and Carlos Alazraqui, Mr.Weed of Family Guy and Deputy James Garcia on Reno 911!.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HmEGRVUcR0"]ROCKO #1[/ame]

The plot of the show follows a wallaby named Rocko as he stumbles through various pitfalls in his suburban life in the fictional O-Town with his goofy dog Spunky and two friends, the dimwitted Heffer Wolfe (a cow living with his adopted wolf family), and the neurotic turtle Filburt. He oftens butts heads with his annoying neighbors Ed and Bev Bighead or gets involved with the annoying Chuck and Leon, The Chameleon Brothers. The first season of Rocko’s Modern Life includes thirteen episodes with a total of twenty-six vignettes. The stories are as crazy and diverse as the show can get with adventures ranging from Rocko abusing a credit card and Heffer going to Heck to a crazy carnival and a day at the beach. A personal favorite that was removed from the air for a period of time due to racy themes is the episode “Leap Frogs” where a neglected Mrs. Bighead tries to seduce Rocko for a little attention.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVnqNtMl_UY"]ROCKO #2[/ame]

The 2-disc DVD set doesn’t appear to be remastered or cleaned up from the original airing, but the quality still holds up even now. I did notice in at least one episode that they missed removing the Nickelodeon announcement logos from the opening credits. The DVDs also have no special features, which is unfortunate considering how long fans have been waiting for this show to make it to home video. Regardless, its wonderful to finally get this fantastic cartoon on DVD to enjoy once again and I hope that we will see the other seasons released in the near future. Rocko’s Modern Life Season 1 is available now from Shout! Factory.

Review by Michael Klein

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