Reviews (217)

Amazing....but missing something
I eagerly bought this movie after finishing the novel. I know that a lot of movies based on books are different from the original story, but this really isn't one of them, at least not exactly. Almost all of the main and important aspects of the novel are included in the movie. The time constraints obviously play a part of the limited detail, at least compared to the novel, but what seems most annoying is the fact that different characters play the parts of characters in the book. For example, Susan Stern, who travelled in Stu Redman's group originally suddenly is part of Mother Abigail's group. It's small differences like this that get to me in this movie.

Other than that, the movie is awesome. The makeup effects used are amazing. The actors chosen to portray the characters seem perfect, especially Gary Sinise, Adam Storke, Ray Walston, Bill Fagerbakke, Jamey Sheridan and particularly Rob Lowe, who plays a wonderful Nick Andros. I've already watched this movie a number of times, and there are scenes I can't get enough of. I really like it, but I'm going to have to say, read the book first, because it will not only help you keep better track of what's going on in the movie, but it will you keep you informed on the characters as well. Plus, the book is definitely worth it's 1141 pages and you'll be really missing something without it!

Greatness Has a Name
First off, I'd like to say I have never read the book. But I will soon. Even though, I absolutely LOVED this movie. The acting was amazing, especially the performances by Gary Sinise (can that guy play a bad role? Knock on wood) and Rob Lowe, supposedly in a comeback role. It was probably very hard for poor Rob to play a deaf mute! Anyway, the story goes that a virus created by the Army gets loose at it's base and spreads through the United States. Only a few people survive, and the ones that do are separated into two groups. One group is called in dreams by Mother Abigail (played by Ruby Dee) and the other is called by Randall Flagg, the devil (played by Jamey Sheridan, who did an awesome job). Mother Abigail's group is led by Gary Sinise, Molly Ringwald, Adam Storke, and Rob Lowe (although he didn't lead the group, he played an incredibly important part as a retarded man named Tom Cullen. I'm talking about Bill Fagerbakke). The bad guys, led by Flagg, flock to Las Vegas (yes, Sin City itself) and the good guys go to Boulder, Colorado. I won't give away the ending, but it is truly a wonderful movie with many twists and surprises. It made me jump, scream, say aww, and at times cry ew! It is incredible!

It's not the book, but what movie is?
I was disappointed in the amount of changes in the mini-series; I found the book much more filled out. However, this movie brings about all my greatest fears about the end of our way of life. I have worked in the medical field for a number of years and I have often imagined this kind of scenario. Many people focus on the religious aura of this film, but I enjoyed the all encompassing nature. Stephen King did not write about religion, or how one faith survived while all other belivers died. He wrote a story about good versus evil. Don't look for a hinted meaning and enjoy the movie; it's well worth it.

Religious propaganda - cheap and blatant
I feel that I genuinely wasted my time watching this excessively long DVD (TV series).
It is a cheap production, proving how celebrity does not equate to talent.
Worse of all is the blatant religious "stand" which the story takes... It reminds me of the awful movie productions used by missionaries uninvitedly imposing their beliefs upon others.
Oh! And it is worth pointing out that Mr. King should stick to writing and NOT acting....
Although, it would probably appease many, and reinforce their monochrome ideas and perceptions of good and evil.....

Worth it
I am a relatively new fan of Mr. Kings work. My first exposure to his material was when The Stand miniseries aired. I recently read the book and find the movie adaptation to be just about as complete as you could hope for.

The performances are good, with some nice peaks into the early works of some now well known actors.

The only disappointment for me... in both the book and the miniseries.... is that ending. Won't spoil it here. For me it was a sort of "thats it?" moment. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

INCREDIBLY AWESOME!!!!
I LOVED THIS MOVIE!!!! THE BEGINNING HAD THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS THEMESONG AND AFTER THE THEME SONG THEY HAD SPONGE BOB DANCING A JIG!!!! IT WAS SO COOL!!!! I LOVED IT AND THE BIGGER PINNAPLE WAS DANCING SO HARD IT WENT INTO OUTER SPACE TO THE PLANET NEPTUNE AND BECAME A ROAST CHICKEN!!!!

I LOVE SPONGEBOB
i saw the spongebob movie on the night it came out and i was impressed. the show got me impressed too because it's funny, cute, and awesome. it made me proud in my heart. spongebob will be my favorite show, movie and favorite charactar.

Looks Fantastic!
I have absolutly loved Spongebob Squarepants ever since the tv show was first aired and have been waiting for the movie ever since. The trailers for the movie are really funny! I will be there on opening day, no matter what!

SPONGEBOB!!!!!SPONGEBOB!!!!!SPONGEBOB!!!!!SPONGEBOB!!!!!
I'M READY! (...)FOR THE GREATEST BLOCKBUSTER MOTION PICTURE EVENT OF THE LAST 2 CENTURIES. I WANT TO MOVE TO BIKINI-BOTTOM AND LIVE NEXT TO SPONGEBOB, PATRICK, AND SQUIDWARD AND I WANT TO WORK AT THE KRABBY PATTY AND GIVE MY WHOLE PAYCHECK BACK TO MR. KRABS AND THEN CRASH MY BOAT AT BOATING SCHOOL AND GET MY DRIVING TEACHER THROWN IN JAIL AND HAVE A KUNG-FU FIGHT WITH SANDY CHEEKS AND LOSE TO A GIRL AND GET LOST AND DRIVE A ROCK BACK HOME AND FEED MY PET SNAIL HUGE, GIANT, OVERSIZED CANS OF CATFOOD!!!!! AND I'M 30 YEARS OLD, SO MY WIFE CANNOT SAY NO.

CAN'T WAIT!
I can't wait untill SpongeBob the movie comes out, i've been watching it every day and night on T.V, Me and my friends have stickers, magnets, pencils, everything of Spongebob. We all think SpongeBob rocks, not forgetting Squidwert of course.
Thanks, love Dragon
xxx
P.S Only 5 months and 7 days and counting untill it comes out! ... Read more

Amazon.com

How many movies offer the rare spectacle of a parasailing pink starfish flying over a crowd with a congratulatory pennant clenched between his buttcheeks? And that's only the tip of the iceberg--The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is a freewheeling goof of a cartoon, full of surreal twists as its diminutive heroes head down a dangerous road to rescue the lost crown of King Neptune. SpongeBob (voiced by Tom Kenny), an arrested adolescent in the mold of Pee-wee Herman, works at a fast-food restaurant that serves something called Krabby Patties (as the restaurant owner is himself a crab, it's not clear what exactly they're made of). His best friend Patrick Starfish (Bill Fagerbakke) lives under a rock and has an IQ in the lower digits. Still, their friendship carries them through many a tight spot as they strive for manliness. Anyone seeking a coherent world will be disappointed; in this undersea adventure, things catch on fire or seem to be surrounded by air whenever it's convenient for a gag. The jokes are often more silly than actually funny, but there's an undeniably energetic joviality to the proceedings. Featuring the voices of Scarlett Johansson, Jeffrey Tambor, Alec Baldwin, and a fully fleshed appearance by David Hasselhoff. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (161)

Adorably Sweet and Funny To Boot!
The animation was perfect, the plot was funny as well as interesting and (at times) touching, and the music rocked!!

I think you'll also find the new characters quite charming, especially the sweet and beautiful Princess Mindy (who SHOULD be Spongebob's romantic interest, not Patrick's...but, ah well.).

This movie is definatley wonderful... I give two thumbs WAY, WAY up!

Sometimes EXTREME ignorance can be charming!
I am a big fan of the TV series; unfortunately, the movie is not nearly as entertaining to me. If you enjoyed "An Extremely Goofy Movie" or maybe "The Care Bears Movie" then you might want to chance it, but if you're expecting the TV show forget it. The most interesting thing about this movie to me is that it drew someone like p kitts out from under whatever rock he/she was hiding. Word creations like "lagh" (used 5 times), "houp" for "hope," "seen" for "scene," and "though" for "tough," when teamed with expressions such as "i seen it 2 times," etc., are funnier than anything in "The Spongebob Squarepants Movie"! Just funny, funny stuff! And I don't mean any disrespect, honestly. I just wish the movie had entertained me as much as that review!

Spongebob's Biggest Adventure Yet!
King Neptune somehow misplaces his crown and suspects it was stolen. He then goes to Mr. Krabs, who is a crab {obviously}, and the owner of the restaurant the Krusty Krab. He is also egomaniacal. Spongebob and his friend Patrick who is a starfish agree to go find the crown so King Neptune would be happy. {It's nice to not have commercials in between the movie too}. But, Mr. Krabs nemisis, Plankton, hires a guy {more like a tough biker} to go after Spongebob.

loved it , two tumbs way up!!
I love this movie i seen it 2 times in the theaters, and bought it when it came out.For allmost a month i watched evey night ,and somtimes throughout the day.Even adults can love this.My favorite seen is when spongebob sings "Goffy gober rock" when it showes patrick with tights on LOL. I laghed untill I allmost cried ,but when i seen it the second time i didnt lagh,but i was expecting eveyone else to lagh but no one laghed.(must have been a though crowd), if you have not seen it you must at least rent it,or buy it if you are a spongebob fan like me or anyone else,houp you like it!

Good L-o-L Fun
there are some good jokes in this film and funny scenes. Worth the buy, that simple. ... Read more

Description

Join SpongeBob as he develops an inexplicable fear of Krabby Patties preventing him from doing his job, takes the place of Mr. Krabs at his reunion, convinces Mr. Krabs to join him in a game of "Treasure Hunt," wins the title of "World's Greatest Fry Cook" after pulling a magical spatula form a vat of ancient grease, and buys a novelty hat from Mr. Krabs that turns out to be worth a fortune. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The episodes that will be on DVD.
These are the epsodes that will be on this DVD according to nick.com

Fear of A Krabby Patty
Molting
Argh!
Neptune's Spatula
One Krab's Trash
I'm Your Biggest Fanatic

Bonus Episodes are:
Karate Choppers
Superfriends

Not that funny.
Ever since spongebobs creator, Stephan Hillenburg retired from the cartoon, the new episodes of spongebob seem less funny than the classics...and if you look carefully, you will notice that the characters look diffrent. The last thing Stephan worked on was the spongebob movie. Now, he left the show to his producer.
When I watch the NEW spongebob, I am saying to myself, "the classic spongebob beats the NEW spongebob. The NEW CREATOR is trying tomake us laugh like we did before Hillenburg retired, but right now, they are making the show look bad.

SpongeBob SquarePants is the Coolest!
This is going to be one of the best SpongeBob DVDs yet!! The two episodes from season 4 that will be included are called "Fear of a Krabby Patty" and "Shell of a Man". The only let down of this DVD is that the season 4 episodes won't new. They will air on May 6th, as the season premier, and the DVD will be released on May 24th, so you will not see any never before seen episodes.

The episodes I thin will be on this DVD!!!!!!!
The episodes I think will be on this DVD are:
Help Wanted/Reef Blower
Karate Choppers
I'm Your Biggest Fanatic
Fear of a Krabby Patty {new episode}
another new episode

bonus episodes:
Mermaidman and Banacleboy V
One Krab's Trash
Squilliam Returns

I bet its going to be a great DVD!
I saw on Tv Tome that on this DVD, they will have 2 new episodes that have not been relased on Television or season 4 yet....and the other 6 episodes will be classic ones that we see on TV every day. I hope this will be the best spongebob DVD yet!
... Read more

Amazon.com

Like Disney's animated Atlantis: The Lost Empire, its sequel, Milo's Return, is an Indiana Jones for the younger set.Bespectacled Milo Thatch (James Arnold Taylor taking over from Michael J. Fox) is back in this made-for-video release, helping to rebuild Atlantis alongside new sweetheart Queen Kida, but all is not so calm in the outside world.A giant octopus-like creature, the Kraken, is terrorizing a local village, so Milo, Kida, and the rest head out--Scoobie-style--to make things right.Once that problem has been solved, they're off to the Southwest to tame a passel of wild sand coyotes and then to Antarctica to battle a 100-foot ice monster.Milo's Return is a series of loosely linked adventures drawing on a variety of mythologies, including Native American and Norse, that doesn't always have much to do with the original movie, but is always lively and entertaining.(Ages 8 and older) --Kathleen C. Fennessy ... Read more

Reviews (16)

An average Disney sequel
First of all, this one of those 3 episode things that Disney throws out as sequels. I, being a kid, don't much care about this one way or the other, though I prefer whole movies. I even liked Tarzan and Jane, which everyone else seems to have hated. Back to the point here, the story separation isn't nearly as bad. The voices are almost all the same, except Milo, (his replacement voice doesn't sound too bad, though) and of course, Cookie (the guy who voiced him died). The animation is like that of an animated series (from which I think the 3 episodes were taken from). Some may scoff at the idea of them having a cute animal along for the ride, but in this one there is this thing named Obby that they call a lava-dog, who is essentially Milo and Kida's pet. He is a very funny character, and I wish he was in the first one. About the stories, all three of them are very strange. The are all I suppose from a Atlantis animated series (that would be interesting) which has not or will not go on the air (I read that somewhere). All in all, it is an average Disney sequel.

Do not rent, and definetively do not buy!!
Probably the worst Disney-release I have ever seen, badly drawn, and no "movie" at all, it is a collection of three different, but thin(!) stories. In other words; not the usual Disney-charm on this one.

Maybe Milo shouldn't have come back...
In "Atlantis II: Milo's Return" we are subjected to a series of loosely sewn together pieces of Disney's quickly aborted "Team Atlantis" cartoon.

Due to the bomb this was in the theaters, the "Team Atlantis" cartoon never made it to the Saturday morning schedule. But that was no excuse - Disney had to use the material they made for their stillbirth somehow...

Neither Milo nor Cookie have the same voices. It's doubtful whether even Disney could have come up with enough money to pay Fox to reprise his role in this sequel. The man that voiced Cookie passed away - hopefully before he could see this B-Grade monster fest.

In the first of the three stories, Milo and his "Team Atlantis" (most of the characters from the original Atlantis movie) have to stop a Kraken from destroying a small village.

Then, believe it or not, they all leave Atlantis to go to the American Southwest to tame a pack of Coyotes. Coyotes? I thought they could have come up with something more challenging than that...

Then to top it all off, it's off to Antarctica to battle an ice monster. I almost wish they had run into something a little more life-threatening, like Lovecraft's "Old Ones".

This reminded me a =lot= of the old "Scooby-Doo" mysteries, except with real monsters. You know none of the main characters will ever be killed, so there's no suspense at all.

Only recommended for Disney purists.

Atlantis: Milo's Return
The Adventure continues in this Disney sequal when Milo Thatch and his new wife Kida are told by Mr. Whitmore that there is trouble on the surface. In a little town off the ocean, there is a legand that a sea monster is threatening the Village so Milo, Kida and the gang are out to destroy it. Led by the evil leader of the village Volgud, The Kraken is taking people and turning them into mind-less zombies.
Milo and his crew are eating when they ricieve a phone call from Dr. Sweet about trouble in the South-West. They say there are Sand Coyotes in a dust storm that attacked Whitmores old friend Sam Makine. When Milo, Kida, Audrey, and Mole get there, they try to find an old stolen crate from Makine that holds an ancient piece of potery when the Dust Coyotes come back. They meet an old Indian legand teller that lives in the old village in wich the pottery needs to be returned. But with the old Mayor of the town Carnaby interfiering with them, it is hard to do the right thing.
A Blizard starts when Milo, Kida, Vinnie, Audrey and Mole go to iceland where they get captured by the Evil Viking king while trying to reclaim the spear of destiny and raise Atlantis. But there are a Snow Monster and A Fire Lord that want the spear also. So Its a race against time to find the Spear of destiny.
I enjoyed it and I hope you will enjoy it too!

This boat barely floats.
Ouch. I should have read the reviews before forking over the dough. I had no choice, really - the kids found it at the grocery store check-out. The kids liked it - they didn't notice that the animation was no better than 1960's Hanna-Barberra cartoons and that the story was 3 stories awkwardly stitched together. If you liked the moral theme of Atlantis, don't ruin it with this dumbed-down cartoony follow-up. The orignal Atlantis was a visually stunning masterpiece of animation almost in the league of The Lion King and Fantasia. This DVD is not nearly worthy of the Disney name ... ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of the remarkable things about making an animated sequel is that actors don't age. It took Disney 46 years to make a sequel to its 1955 hit Lady and the Tramp, yet the events of this made-for-video sequel take place only six months later. Lady and Tramp are getting along fine with their human family, the Darlings, and they have four new puppies. The three girl puppies take after mom, the boy, Scamp, has a lot of dad in him. Scamp dreams of "being a real dog," and that means living on the street as a member of the Junkyard Dogs. Despite his dad's warnings, Scamp (voiced by Scott Wolf) runs off and goes through the trials of a mutt, including run-ins with Junkyard leader Buster (Chazz Palminteri); the dog catcher (Don Knotts); and a fellow stray, Angel (Alyssa Milano). The formula here is the same as other Disney direct-to-video sequels The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, and the justification to return to a classic movie is flimsy at best. To its credit, Disney has made a quality effort in the animation department, adapting sets and characters from the original with great success. But the story is never engaging, the songs are forgettable, and the impact unsustainable (and at 62 minutes, quite trite). Nevertheless, a Disney kid should dig Scamp's rough-and-tumble adventures and the cute tale of puppy love (Scamp and Angel even revisit the Italian diner). The purist: beware. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (70)

Scamp is the poor man's Scrappy Doo...
And just as annoying. My 3 year old daughter loves this movie (mostly because she thinks she's a dog lately), but I just want to bury it in the backyard. Lady & the Tramp was Disney at it's finest, but this movie just felt 2nd tier the entire way through. The animation was dead-on, but the script, music, and voice talents were bland and uninteresting. If it weren't for the special features, and the fact that it keeps the kids quiet for 70 minutes, I'd only give it one star.

Bottom line is that it had little purpose besides dealing [with] how parents are boorish control freaks who set up a bunch of rules "for your own good", but only after children experience the hard-knock life for themselves can they ever accept any guidance or wisdom from their parents. The lessons in these movies are not lost on the kids...I caught my daughter soon after a couple of viewings telling me she doesn't want to take a bath because she's "a wild dog". She took the bath.

I guess there's a market for these halfhearted Disney classic "part 2" direct-to-video disasters, but it sure makes me appreciate efforts like "The Emperor's New Groove" and all of the Pixar movies that much more.

Who let the dogs out? :)
I thought this was surprisingly good for a Disney sequel. Tramp's son, Scamp, yearns to be a "wild dog" and sets out stubbornly to do so. Along the way we see many backgrounds from the first 'Lady and the Tramp'. Old characters are seen as well, from the Siamese cats to old Trusty and Jock. The plot itself is pretty good and goes along nicely. The only time your interest might wane is during the songs which aren't very up to par. The 'Junkyard Rag' started off great, but could've been much better. The characters are great and I really liked Buster. He was sort of like Steele (Balto) and Scar (Lion King) combined. The other Junkyard dogs seemed to fade into the background though once the story gets rolling. Lady's three girl pups, however, are hilarious, and their voices are perfect.The only problems I had with this movie was: The boring songs. How quickly the Junkyard Dogs, (except for Buster,) found a home. The annoying Dog Catcher. When Buster sees Tramp again after all these years he hardly reacts. And Scamp's odd voice. I thought Scamp's voice should've been younger, he sounds more like a teenage dog than a pup.Not quite as good as the original, but I still recommend it. Disney seems to have gotten the "hang" of making sequels....let's see if they can keep it up.

Rehashed and Pathetic.
Take the original, turn it around a little, and you get this piece of trash.

It's sad that this is what Disney has bent to - taking successful films, and turning them into lamed, limping sequels.

While children might find the story entertaining and adorable, their parents will likely find it lacking and a poor attempt to ride on the success of another film. It felt cheap and dirty to me, and like a formula film - which it truely is. Along with a rash of other "II" movies the plot goes like this: Protagonist of first film has kids. Kids face similar issues their parents faced - perhaps with some reversal of situations. Villian of last film is 'not really dead' or has some sort of successor that's pretty much just like them. Kids learn same lessons. The end.

I think it's one of the sad indicators of Disney's current attitude towards animation.

Another reversal of the original.
Scamp, the only male pup of Lady and Tramp, is pretty much the bad seed of the litter. He is rebellious, and disrespectful of his father and owners. He runs away from home, and like the original, falls in love with someone from "the wrong side of the tracks" It took his girlfriend Angel, who eerily resembles Tramp, telling him she would give anything to have what he has, a home and loving family, to finally open his eyes to when you have it all, don't complain about it.

Overall it was decent, but not that terribly great.

DTV
DTV : Abreviataion : Direct To Video.
1. DISNEY : An attempt at making money by producing a sequel to a prior sucess (I.E The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, etc.) Sequel is most normally and/or always about the prior main characters child rebelling against rules, wanting to live life their own way. (I.E. The Lion King II, Lady and the Tramp II, The Little Mermaid II). Result is most normally a terribly bad 72 minute monster. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Sled dog Balto may have retired in this second sequel toBalto, but our hero's sense of compassion and keenintellect have not diminished with time.When a new flying machine makesan appearance in the small Alaskan towns of Nome and White Mountain, itlooks as if Kodi (Balto's son who is now a sled dog in his own right); therest of the dog team, and their human Mushers will shortly be stripped oftheir duties as mail carriers.Refusing to be dismissed without a fight,the dogs and their Mushers challenge pilot Duke to a race and call Baltoout of retirement to lead the team.When bad weather causes unexpectedproblems for the plane, it's up to the wise and courageous Balto to saveDuke from certain death.An amusing sub-plot features Boris, a snow goosewho's afraid of heights, and Stella, a seductress goose who's bent onwinning Boris's affection.Voice talent featured in this 79-minute, animated program includes Sean Astin, Jean Smart, Keith Carradine, KathyNajimy, and David Paymer. (Ages 3 to 10) --Tami Horiuchi ... Read more

Amazon.com

Paul Verhoeven's dark, satirical adaptation of Robert Heinlein'sStarship Troopers seriously strayed from the novel. ThisVerhoeven-produced TV series--part sequel, part remake, all CGI animated--hewscloser to the spirit of the novel, a space-age twist on a World War II battle adventure.Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles--The Pluto Campaign is amini-platoon epic comprised of the initial five episodes of the series, essentiallya series of skirmishes and assignments leading up to the climactic confrontationat Bug City. The episodic nature works perfectly within this framework, and themix of Marine grit ("No retreat, no surrender!"), military jargon, and understatedmelodrama give a feel somewhere between the steely seriousness of an old-fashionedwar comic book and the spectacle and romance of a Japanese anime space opera. Theexcellent voice cast includes the inimitable E.G. Daly (who also contributes toRugrats and Powerpuff Girls) as the gung-ho Private "Dizzy" Flores.

The CGI animation is less ambitious than in such feature films as Toy Story,but it's one of the most impressive examples of the animation made for TV. Thedetailed designs, rich textures, 3-D modeling, and awesome sense of scale (notto mention the pumped-up action and whiplash speed of the bug army) give it thelook of an impossibly sophisticated video game, with the rat-a-tat editing andsoaring camerawork of a Hollywood movie. The budgetary shortcuts are evident inmoments of blurring and jerking, but overall it's startlingly effective. ThePG-level violence (no humans are killed, only demonic-looking bugs) may not beappropriate for younger viewers, but it's aimed at an older crowd and has won aloyal adult following. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (64)

More reserved, but enjoyable none the less
In a mood to take a look at something new in the realm of computer-generated animation, I decided to check out the first volume of the Starship Troopers Roughnecks chronicles. Being a fan of the over-the-top and oh-so-very unsubtle live-action flick, I expected much of the same here (with the language & violence toned down to a great degree, of course). Strangely enough, it ended up being even more reserved than I initially anticipated! Although it continues the movie's war epic scenario, the Pluto campaign features very few human casualties, save for a drop-ship taken out by plasmas and the occasional flesh wound. Plenty of bug slayings, though, just like the movie.

But, even though the show's aimed at a younger audience, the dialogue is significantly more mature and the personal interactions between characters are deeper and better defined than what most folks would expect from "kiddie fare". The only real downside: the computer animation is pretty good for a TV budget, but is a fair distance away from being top-notch. The facial expressions of the human characters don't really display too much range or emotion. And some of the warrior bugs don't always look consistently three-dimensional in some scenes. But, if you can see it in your heart to forgive these little shortcomings, and you really enjoy space-opera shoot-em-up action, this disc is worth at least a look!

'Late

Amazing CGI entertainment!
When Roughnecks was on television, I was completely hooked. BKN showed the episodes out of order, at 7:30 in the morning, and preempted them every Friday, but I still watched! Following Rico, Diz and Lt. Razak (changed from "Ratjack" -- who knows why?) as they defended themselves against armies of giant bugs was completely addicting!

I remain amazed at the quality of the computer generated images in these stories. One scene that always sticks in my mind is that of a reflection of fire on one troopers faceplate. It was a secondary detail, but added completely to the overall effect of the scene.

The details of the animated "Roughnecks" story lines more closely follow the original Heinlein book than the live action movie did -- something Heinlein fans will appreciate. Another plus: the fact that the story is told episodically allows the creators more time to "flesh out" the lead characters -- something that couldn't be done in a 2 hour movie.

All in all, a terrific series that deserves to be on DVD, and a great buy. Enjoy!

A better retelling of the story than the movie
I enjoyed this series far more than I expected to. I missed it when it was first shown on TV and only recently (March 2004) watched the DVDs and I enjoyed them a lot. The CGI animation was pretty good for the time (especially for television) and the stories were often clever. My primary complaint was the dialogue, which often resorted to overused cliches.

The animated series manages to explain something that the movie explained very poorly, and the book explained somewhat weakly: why have Mobile Infantry battling millions of bugs on the ground when you could just nuke them from orbit?

The movie's dumb explanation was to throw a knife at some guy's hand and say "The enemy cannot press the button if he cannot reach it." That made no sense and did not explain why tens of thousands of troopers were thrown into a fight with no artillery and only limited air support to fight an enemy that could have been killed with some helicopters spraying Raid.

The book's explanation was more nuanced, discussing the idea of responding appropriately to the threat and not wiping out an enemy that could eventually become an ally. This works as long as the enemy is not going to wipe out earth. But if humanity's very survival is at stake, there is no reason not to use nukes.

But the animated version has a bigger hurdle to jump, because it eventually becomes clear that the bugs intend to invade and completely conquer earth. So why don't the humans simply nuke every bug infestation that they find? The explanation is shown, rather than told. First, the humans do not really understand what kind of enemy they are dealing with and how extensive it is. That is evident in this first episode which takes place after the bugs have shown up on Pluto, destroyed numerous science stations, and been defeated in initial battles. At first the humans think that the bugs might be indigenous to Pluto, but soon they discover that they came from elsewhere. So the humans cannot simply nuke all the bugs because they do not know where the bugs are or where they are coming from. Second, the humans need to gather information about the bugs more than they need to kill bugs. So over the next several campaigns they start to learn how the bugs travel from planet to planet, how they reproduce, how they control their armies, how they adapt, etc. In fact, by the later campaigns it is much more common for the humans to simply nuke the bugs rather than engage in ground combat. Third, it is clear that simply firing large weapons doesn't kill all the bugs. Some are deeply buried and it requires troopers to track them down and kill them. All of this makes a heck of a lot more sense than the movie's simplicity.

Overall, I enjoyed the stories and the DVDs, but there were some annoying things about them. For starters, there is no commentary track on this first DVD. However, when you get to the commentary track on the second DVD (The Hydora Campaign) the filmmakers talk as if they _had_ produced a commentary track for the first DVD, which seemed rather strange to me. I suspect that the distributor for the first DVD did not have much faith in it and kept the extras to a minimum, but then started adding them to the later DVDs once they realized that sales were good. Another annoyance is that the DVD boxes are not numbered, so it is not easy to figure out which one to watch first, second, third and so on.

Most of the characters are fleshed out fairly well. However, Higgins, the young reporter with the group, became a bit of a running joke late in the series. He was always getting knocked out or missing the action. This was deliberate by the writers, but it really became rather silly.

Officially, the series was aimed at kids and so they followed some rules that are not quite sensible. For instance, the troopers could only kill bugs, not humans, and even then they could not ambush the bugs but had to be engaging in defensive battles. The narrator often tells us how badly the war is going, but that seems rather silly as we never see anybody get killed. In addition, the guns could not seem gun-like because the filmmakers were concerned that some kid might pick up a gun and shoot somebody after watching their cartoon.

However, although ostensibly aimed at kids, it is clear that the series was actually intended for adults. There is a sophisticated story arc that most kids would have trouble following, and bad things happen to a number of major characters--one appears to go insane, another is paralyzed, a third turns into a bug, and a fourth is killed. This is not Spongebob Squarepants.

I thought that the storytelling was weakest for The Hydora Campaign but got stronger by the middle and later episodes. In addition, the troopers' tactics also made a lot more sense. They started using diversions and feints and some really clever solutions to fighting the bugs. And their weapons were also more sophisticated than what we saw at first. They were still missing some obvious weapons, like radar-guided gatling guns, but the combat eventually started to make sense.

All in all, I enjoyed this series much more than I did the movie.

BRING THIS BACK TO TV
The Starship Trooper Chronicles are one of the greatest series ever made and should be put back on T.V. immediatley. Never before have i been so attached to an animated series like have this one. It brings the developed storyline of an anime and the American styled shootem up action film in one. Not only is their great character development but a great entertainment; that is why i feel Roughnecks should be put back on T.V. immediatley.

Military Cartoon.
ROUGHNECKS reminded me of the GI JOE cartoons I used to watch in the 1980s when I was a kid. Except instead of soldiers fighting a group of evil troops wanting to take over the world, in ROUGHNECKS a group of soldiers is fighting an army of giant alien bugs bent on destroying humankind. For a made-for-tv cartoon series, the animation is surprisingly well done. The plot of the episodes is solid and they run together smoothly, without much jarring commercial break-type interludes. This episode of the series tends to follow the movie, rather than the original novel, but if you can put that aside and view with an open mind, you might actually enjoy watching. Great video for middle school adolescents who like sci-fi. ... Read more

Amazon.com

After chasing the bugs out of the solar system in "The Pluto Campaign,"S.I.C.O.N. tracks the enemy's retreat in hopes of finding the invaders'homeworld. Razak's Roughnecks are in the first wave of humans to hitwater-dominated Hydora, a refueling planet infested with deadly new armies of alieninsects. This second campaign in Roughnecks: The Starship TroopersChronicles is packed with whiplash action scenes, but it also ups the antein a startling manner. Psychic soldier Jenkins gets a shock to the system aftera meeting of minds with the Brain Bug: the bugs' final solution is the completeextermination of the human race. As hatched by the show's animators, the fiercedart-spewing ripplers and amphibious water tigers are marvelouslysinister-looking things, more "realistic" than the humans. That's a fair tradeoff. Thestylized 3-D computer animation makes this look unlike any other high-techsci-fi TV adventure. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (12)

The battle against the bugs continues. . .
"Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles- the Hydora Campaign" continues the story of Razak's Roughnecks, an elite unit in the Mobile Infantry as they face the 'bugs', a terrifying alien race bent on the destruction of humankind.

After discovering the 'bugs' on Pluto, the Roughnecks follow the threat to Hydora, a world covered in water. Hoping to find the bug's home world, the squad discovers a planet that is one of the Arachnid's conquered worlds. On missions ranging from reconnaissance to search-and-destroy, our heroes face new perils with every new bug species. The Hydora campaign comes to a climax when the Roughnecks discover a brain bug, a massive swollen grub that acts as the unifying mind of the bug armies. Only Carl Jenkins, the squad's psychic has any hope of facing the bug and destroying it.

"Roughnecks" represents the best CGI animation that ever came to TV. Animated by Foundation Imaging (who also did digital effects for Babyon 5 and Star Trek: Voyager), the series has a sophistication and realism never before accomplished on the small screen. In Hydora, I was amazed by the superior water effects, atmospheric 'haze' and first rate character animation. What is equally remarkable is that the story and characters are sophisticated enough for even this adult to enjoy. If you've seen the earlier DVD's (Pluto campaign and Tesca campaign) you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't seen this series yet, you're in for a real treat! Any serious fan of science fiction, computer animation or good storytelling will love this series.

The way a television animation DVD should be
The Hydora campaign takes the Roughnecks to an alien water planet. There they encounter more bugs and unravel more about the enemies and themselves.

Although the plot and characterization *could* be deeper, compared to most tv and almost all animation on USA TV, the quality is extremely high.

The animation, while a little rough in places, really starts to explore and expand the CGI medium.

Rounding out the DVD are two sets of commentaries, one by the filmmakers and one by the technical people. Talk about replay value! I think this is outstanding and raises the bar for DVD production of an animated series.

I also like how the series is arranged in 5 part story arcs (and all 5 parts per disc). Makes it great to watch! Highly recommended!

The weakest of the series
I found this to be the weakest of the Roughnecks DVDs. I missed the show when it was originally aired and saw only one or two episodes. It can really only be enjoyed if viewed in sequence. Nevertheless, I made a mistake when I found these at my local video store and did not know the order of the DVDs (it is not on the boxes) and I viewed The Hydora Campaign first.

My reaction was generally negative. The plot for this one was very thin. Usually for each campaign there is a clear beginning and ending, with the Mobile Infantry troopers learning several important things about the bugs during the campaign. But the Hydora Campaign was weak. They had very little story. There is one sequence during one of the later episodes on this DVD where the troopers are on a hovercraft and are chased by bugs across the water for around nine minutes. This got very tedious and it was clear that the writers did not have much story. It reminded me of the saying that it is boring to watch somebody else play a video game. Seeing people get chased for nine minutes is dull.

Another annoying feature of this disc, common to several of the others, is that a great deal of the dialogue consists of smart-aleck cliches tossed back and forth. Sometimes this is done cleverly, but after awhile one gets the impression that the writers simply looked up cliches in a book and dropped them into the script.

I am going to buy the entire set, but this is the one that I will probably rewatch the least. In fact, it can essentially be skipped for the next disk in the set.

A Great Installment In A Great Series
The 2nd installment of the Roughneck series lives up to expectations. After the Pluto campaign, MI follows a bug transport to Hydora, a refueling planet populated with kamikaze flying bugs. THe battle is long and costly with MI outnumbered 75 to 1.
The 1st episode has MI landing for Recon and discovering the kamikaze bugs. Jenkins gets a meesage that the Bugs want nothing less than the eradication of humanity, to which Flores responds "Duh".
SICON wants to demy the planet to the Bugs and begins a campaign.The 2nd episode sees a meeting between Rico and Ibanez which doesn't turn out exactly like Rico wants. The 3rd episode has MI on an Egg Hunt, for the nest of the kamikaze bugs. The 4th is the most interesting. Jenkins must use his telepathic powers to probe an officer's mind to find a missing squad. What Jenkins finds is a Brain Bug that controls all other bugs. In the mental battle, Jenkins crushes, actually explodes, the Brain Bug and ends the Hydora campaign. But the war is far from over.
In the episodes, the characters mature and merge into a better fighting team. The episodes are coherent and fit together well. The narration is superb. The CGI is great, not superb. The action scenes are terrific and enjoyable.
The Series are not for just for teenagers.

ROUGHNECKS - A series that grows on ya. Part II.
Campaign numero two. Hydora. A water planet. After pursuing the huge Transport Bug from Pluto, the SICOM MI troopers find themselves at a water planet where the Transport Bug lands to refuel itself.

In this campaign, the characters continue to grow and develop. Carl Jenkins develops his mental powers to a new height when he confronts the first appearance of a brain bug.

Hydora is a planet of apparently dense water that doesn't allow itself too much for boiyancy and swimming. So the troopers wear a inflatable life perserver in case they fall in. Which, unfortunately happens a lot. However there is land on this planet but it's mainly just like corral reef type stuff and caves. While being a water planet, we get to see a lot of new hardware. Water skiffs, jet ski type thingies and some weapons that go kablooey.

In this campaign we see basically one type of bug. The Ripplers, who this time are animated a bit better than they were in Pluto. The Ripplers' main weapon is a volley of sharp barbs that come from their mouths. This of course provides a new problem for our MI troopers. However we do see some regular warrior bugs, but being a water planet, the Ripplers are more suited for this planet.

Now the action once again is top-notch. We see a lot of nice explosions of bugs going kablooey. There's a really great scene at the end with lots of stuff going on. Be sure to check out the technical commentary during that section.

But all in all, this campaign is quite exciting, but a bit tedious at times due to the static environment they're in. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Lost Episodes... Almost!
Although it was nice to finally obtain the lost episodes which were edited out of the proper release order (which is what the other clips on this disc are, as I have them in the proper order on VHS from Sci-Fi Channel from Long Ago) when these features were assembled, as I HATE having one of these series that isn't COMPLETE, I'm STILL waiting for the Saturday Morning Special that started it all, which I missed somehow, and have never seen repeated anywhere else, for some unknown reason, unless that it was a full length production.
Now, if I could just find my playlist, again!
Hopefully the producers of "Roughnecks" won't let their die-hard fans down.

Not like other releases
I was very surprised and disappointed to find out this DVD had only one episode and was over in say 20 minutes or so. There is some supplemental material worth watching, but only one main menu episode.

The animation series is great fun and worth having every episode. But I felt cheated when after watching all the previous DVDs, this one ended so quickly.

Sure hope any future DVD releases run longer.

Don't start with this one...
People keep emailing my Roughnecks site about the proper DVD order, so here it is:

This is the order the Roughnecks DVD's should be watched in:
(but skip the clip-shows on the "Trackers" disk and save them till last)

1. The Pluto Campaign (episodes 1-2-4-3-5)
[episodes 3 and 4 deliberately switched around, disk plays in "correct" order]

2. The Hydora Campaign (episodes 6-7-8-9-10)

3. The Tophet Campaign (episodes 11-12-13-14-15)

4. The Tesca Campaign (episodes 16-17-18-19-20)
[also known as the Tesca Nemerosa campaign]

5. The Zephyr Campaign (episodes 21-22-23-24-25)
[also known as the Ice Asteroid campaign]

6. The Klendathu Campaign (episodes 26-27-28-29-30)

7. Trackers (episode 31; clip-shows 1 thru 4)

8. The Homefront Campaign (episodes 32-34-35-36-37)
[there IS NO EPISODE 33! 37 is the "final" episode even though it's a cliffhanger]

Who Wants to Live Forever?
"Trackers" is NOT the final episode in the Roughnecks saga -- in fact, it actually falls before "Homefront" chronologically. Also, fans of the previous discs in the Roughnecks series will be a bit disappointed that there's only a single episode on tap from the main menu... and some of the Special Features featurettes are simply rehashes of previous episodes.

The quality is still high -- but if you haven't filled out your collection of the previous discs, do so first before picking up this disc!

Good way to finish the spectaular DVD collection
The final DVD installment in the Roughneck series. Trackers is not a campaign like the other seven DVDs. Trackers includes 5 episodes that were cut from some campaigns in the earlier releases. Such as the Propoganda machine, cut from the Hydora campaign. Marooned, Court Martial of Lt. Razak and Trackers from the Klendathu campaign. Finally the Pluto and Beyond episode that was cut from the Pluto Campaign. Except Trackers, every bonus episode are really nostalgic recollections of events that took place prior to that particular episode. Each bonus epidose is full of emotional and critical events in the characters lives. To fully complete your Roughneck Collection this DVD ties up any loose ends. I heard there are 3 unreleased episodes, lets all hope that Sony/Tristar releases them on DVD. And of coure any Roughneck fan wants a second season, lets all continue to support the Roughnecks as much as possible so we can get a 2nd season!!!!! ... Read more

Description

The Emmy-nominated ROUGHNECKS: STARSHIP TROOPERS CHRONICLES is the groundbreaking sci-fi adventure series featuring breathtaking 3-D computer animation and nonstop war action. In THE ZEPHYR CAMPAIGN, the fearless Troopers are back for a terrifying mission on a mysterious frozen asteroid deep in space. When beautiful pilot Carmen is forced to crash land their powerful spaceship on icy, unpredictable terrain, heroic Rico, Flores, T'Phai and Co. set out to complete their work: finding a powerful toxin they can use against the deadly insects taking over the universe. What they encounter instead arefire-breathing bugs and asteroid-shaking earthquakes which plunge the Troopers and their ship further into the center of the planet. Now, their only mission is survival, and when the Troopers realizethe true nature of the asteroid, even survival seems out of reach. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

At last, the Missing Week
After almost a year of waiting, we finally have episodes 21 through 25 of this 40 episode series, bringing the total number available on DVD to 35 ... maybe we'll see the other five episodes some day.

This disk does not have quite as many features as the other disks in the series (multiple languages, for example), but they did go back to the studio and enhance the music and audio effects, and the full-length commentary track provides insights into the making of the series.

Even though the target audience was adolescents, I'm in my 50s, and have been anxiously awaiting this "missing week" to complete my collection. (I pre-ordered it as soon as it was available, as I did with the other disks in the series.) As different from the movie as the movie was from the book, it is still Very Entertaining, and I really enjoy watching the reactions of people who see it for the first time. :-)

As revealed on one of the other disks, the actors recorded the scripts of two additional episodes, but they were never animated ... budget constraints near the end led to the creation of two "clip shows" to deliver the promised 40 episodes (5 episodes a week for 8 weeks.) We now have 7 of what should be 8 DVDs, and if enough fans buy them, maybe the producers will complete the unfinshed episodes and include them on a final DVD.

Cast your vote for completing the collection by buying this disk ... and if you haven't purchased any of the others yet, get this one first, because it's a well constructed, self-contained story arc that stands OK by itself, even if it is out-of-context.

Buggalicious!
Another absolutely stunning adventure for the ROUGHNECKS, the "Zephyr Campaign" has long been referred to as the 'lost campaign,' seeing as it was skipped over in the DVD production schedule due in large part to what the producers had deemed 'questionable effectiveness' to their animation. Some of the imagery had been dubbed 'watery,' and there was thought that this campaign had a snowball's chance of seeing the light of day.

Thank goodness the kind folks decided to release it!

In the scope of the entire ROUGHNECKS series, ZEPHYR introduces some mighty fine species of new bugs for our heroes to fight, and the digital transfer is wonderfully done. The story also expands heavily upon the possible relationships between the principle characters, and the non-stop action continues from start to finish.

Please, please, please! Buy this product so that the producers will be able to justify completing the final three-episode installment to give us a fitting conclusion to one stunning series.

Some really clever ideas
Roughnecks used the look and feel of the movie, plus a lot of the storylines of the book to retell the story of the Mobile Infantry fighting a war against an alien invasion. But they also introduced some unique ideas of their own and this episode had one of the better ones.

One intriguing idea that the series introduced was that of an alien race that did not use technology at all, but "bred" or "grew" whatever it needed. So their ships are biological, their artillery is biological, and they have various kinds of fighting bugs as well. That was a clever idea.

But this episode introduced another clever idea as well--the idea of giant "sleeper bugs" that could sleep in space for perhaps thousands of years, looking like an asteroid, until one day waking up to head off to a new planet to invade. I don't know if that is a unique idea of their own, or if the writers got it from science fiction literature, but it is clever. The one downside is that they never really show this sleeper bug very well.

Something that I liked about this series that this campaign showed off well is that the story does not always progress in ways you would expect, but in some ways is more "real." For instance, at one point the troopers manage to get the Zephyr off the ground only to crash it only a short time later. I did not see that coming.

One downside is that the commentary tracks occasionally leave something to be desired. The filmmakers often re-cover the same background and explanations that they have on previous discs and we don't need to hear all of that stuff again.

Glued to my TV!
Having read Starship Trooper when it was first released many years ago, I felt like a purist when it came to the movie and a viewer of the Chronicles. But having purchased the first six dvd's and now this new one, I am hooked and convinced that this series is a winner big time.
I am a bit confused about the issue of the last two episodes. I watched Homefront and of course I was totally irritated by the fact that the producers left our heros on earth with bugs doing there dirty best to wipe out the human race and nothing follows.
Are the missing episodes the undrawn conclusion to Homefront episode? I would hate for the bugs to win in the end. :(
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR PURCHASE to anyone that loved the book and the movie. Our heros get more time to rescue all our butts and it is a great story.

Give US More
I totally agree with everyone that's reviewed so far. We need the missing 2 catchall clips and the last few episodes!! Why stop when your so close to finishing the mission? ... Read more

Description

"The Homefront Campaign" brings the Troopers back to a familiar yet newly bug-infested planet: Earth. Tough-as-nails war veteran Rico, telepathic Carl, fearless female soldier Flores and their special squad must face an impossibly difficult assignment to capture and kill scores of enormous bugs without harming San Francisco civilians. But in the midst of their complicated mission, the Troopers suffer a shocking loss that threatens to tear their team apart. Could this be the Troopers' last stand and the final hope for humanity? ... Read more

Reviews (19)

The Bug War Comes Home
The First Interstellar War comes to a stirring climax in "The Homefront Campaign", the latest DVD release in the Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles series. During the close of the Klendathu campaign, the Arachnid Queen escapes and SICON forces follow her trail. They find her in deep space and after pitched battle destroy the Royal Transport. The world celebrates but Carl Jenkins, the Roughnecks psychic believes the Queen is alive on Earth. At Carl's urging the Roughnecks enter deepest darkest suburbia to prove the bug menace remains. Sadly Jenkins is correct, the Queen is on Earth and our home becomes the last battlefield. The war does not go well, and the Roughnecks are in the thick of it. The squad suffers a terrible loss and must find a way to stay together to continue the fight.
This DVD is a triumph and disappointment. The stories in this chapter are surprisingly adult and poignant, as the squad deals with death, self-doubt, and uncertainty. The CGI work done primarily by Foundation Imaging is some of the best of the series (watch for the fighter plane flyover of Hawaii) The disappointment is that the end of the story is uncertain. Sony originally scripted three final episodes to include the final conflict of the war, and because of budgetary constraints those episodes have not been produced. I hope the success of these DVDs will prompt Sony to give the show's fans the ending they deserve.

Roughnecks Ho!
I'm truly a fan of this series, and i thank myself for catching the first episode of this show. The CGI is stunning, something which i wished to learn... I'm bitterly disappointed with Sony for not producing the last 3 episodes, in which Humanity's last stand will be held deep underground in the core of the Earth. If Sony can't let us have the episodes, at least let us have the scripts... so we'll know what happened.

This campaign on Earth touched me quite a lot. Lt Jean Razak, a guy i have came to admire myself, died in line of duty. Why? Why must he detonate the grenade? Rico, Diz and Doc could have helped him! Frankly, episode 36, Funeral For a Friend, nade me cry... a great man, laid to rest. So, Sony, make it happen! Let's have the last 3 episodes!

P.S. To all the fansites up there, please petition for a release of the last 3 episodes. Look alive, Apes!

Great Series
I have all six episodes in the DVD series. Great set of DVDs. Homefront is by far the best of the series, in my opinion. I just hope that the final 3 episodes originally scripted will be produced. The ending of Homefront leaves you hangin. Also the episode where Carl communicates with the Queen before returning to earth should be included either in Homefront or Klendathu. Also the Ice Bug Astroid needs to be produced. Overall, a great collection of DVDs.

A little schizophrenic, but still enjoyable
Trying to figure out how this series was produced was a little confusing. The plan was to produce 40 episodes. However, the filmmakers ran low on money late in production and so they cheated a bit. They made several "clip" shows that were nothing more than scenes from previous episodes strung together. They skipped an episode completely (episode 33). So there are not really 40 complete episodes, which explains why there are only seven discs, with an eighth due in June 2004. But they also did not film the final three stories that they wrote--the stories that end the war. This campaign ends and the war is still raging.

But when they released the DVDs they also did some annoying things. For starters, the DVDs are not clearly numbered, so it is a little hard to figure out which one is first, second, third, etc. unless you look that information up. Some of the filmmaker's commentary tracks are repetitive. But one of the more annoying things is that they actually SKIPPED an episode that was after the Klendathuu Campaign and before the stories on this DVD. That one had the troopers hunting down the alien queen in space. The result is that this campaign starts rather abruptly with the war over and no explanation as to how that happened. It is really annoying and you only learn what happened by listening to the commentary track. That episode will be released in June 2004, but its exclusion from this disc lowers the value of this DVD.

That said, there is some excellent storytelling here, and also some plot holes. A major character gets killed and the troopers hold a funeral for him. It is fairly powerful for a show that was ostensibly aimed at kids.

[SPOILERS]

However, I also was annoyed at some plot holes. For starters, at one point we are told that earth has been devastated by the bugs and that "no major landmarks remain standing." Then a few minutes later we learn that San Francisco is completely intact. When Lt. Razak gets killed he is blown up, underwater. Yet in the next episode the troopers are gathered to spread his ashes over a lake. Where did they get the ashes from? He was blown up! And in the final episode, when they are battling on Hawaii, most of the action concerns their efforts to keep a radio tower up and yet one wonders why they don't simply use satellite communications. The show was usually well thought and executed, but occasionally they had the characters do rather stupid things just so the plot could carry along.

rade
this video is asousim i have never seen something so cool!!!!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Roughnecks take a breather from combat (or so they think) to scoutthe desert planet Tophet for a possible base, and meet a race of tall,lizardlike, apparently friendly aliens they dub "skinnies." But nothing is as itseems in this intergalactic war, not even the double-crossing skinnies, who havelaid a deadly trap for the humans. The truth behind their collaboration hides aneven more disturbing twist in the bug infestation of the universe. Dry,desolate, and full of wide-open spaces, "The Tophet Campaign" is a sci-fi takeon a World War II platoon drama in the African desert. It lacks the visualspectacle of other adventures but makes up for it with heavy artillery(including an experimental cyborg soldier loaded with firepower) and morecomplicated character dynamics. The eerie mental breakdown of telepath Jenkinsgives the Roughnecks their first casualty of the war. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (12)

CAUTION: Warrior bugs are bigger than they appear on your TV
This disc contains episodes 11 thru 15 of Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles (40 episodes altogether). We are introduced to a new alien species called the Skinnies (a concept taken directly from Heinlein's novel) and the very survival of the Roughnecks squad may hinge on whether the Skinnies prove to be friend or foe.

The CGI quality varies from episode to episode as there were two different animation studios involved in the production (Foundation Imaging and Flat Earth Productions). To understand how the two studios were able to collaborate and create one of the best CGI series of all time, this disc has an extensive Technical Commentary track which allows animators from both effects houses to weigh in. There is also a Filmmakers' Commentary to offer perspective from the Columbia/Tristar writers, directors, and the voice actor for my favorite character, T'Phai (voiced by Steve Staley).

So in case you hadn't noticed, I am extremely satisfied with this DVD. The "CHAS" episode (ep. 13 where a cybernetic robot is assigned to the Roughnecks squad) is also a fan favorite which is essential Roughnecks viewing. So what are you waiting for? Go buy this DVD!

More than one enemy
The Roughnecks discover that there are more enemies than bugs in the universe. During their ongoing war against the Arachnids, the Roughnecks spearhead a mission on Tophet, a world populated by seven-foot tall, methane-breathing "Skinnies", a sophisticated alien race. Our heroes are welcomed at first only to discover that the Skinnies are allied with the bugs and laying a trap for SICON. What follows are battles on this firey, volcanic world against the bugs and their allies. In the course of their adventures, the squad must rescue Razak, their leader and Higgins from deep in enemy territory; break in a new squadmate, a huge heavily-armed robot; and escape from a Skinnie prison. Eventually the Roughnecks discover that the Skinnies are being controlled by tiny bugs attached to their necks and are unwitting pawns in the war.
This series of episodes continues to display the first-rate CG animation and story-telling that distinguish the series. These episodes were animated by two different companies (Foundation Imaging and Flat Earth) and while both do a fine job, there is a slight difference in visual style between the two houses that you can notice from episode to episode.
Once again the series adheres more closely to the Heinlein original than the movie giving us the Skinnies first as enemies of Earth and finally as allies; it was great to see Heinlein's creation brought vividly to life. As we learn in the Tesca campaign, one of these aliens will become a valued members of the squad.
Sony has once again stocked this DVD full of extras that you won't find on most other animation releases, including commentary by the episode directors, computer animators, filmographies, and concept art. This DVD is a must for any lover of science fiction or CG animation.

This Show DESERVED A Wider Audience
A long time ago, I grew to accept the fact that all of my friends say I'm too hard on movies.

Having seen thousands of them in my life, I've grown cynical. Sure, I'm largely a sci-fi enthusiast, but I've had to look outside my comfort zone to find new, guilty pleasures. They're increasingly hard-to-find. So, I've accepted the grim reality that there is very little out there left in the land of entertainment for surprise or delight -- like seeing STAR WARS for the first time -- and one DVD is just a flick filling time until the next one comes available for rental or purchase.

Then, along came the ROUGHNECKS ...

This installment, I've already watched three times in under a week.

Call me a geek.

This outing of the Emmy-nominated ROUGHNECKS: STARSHIP TROOPER CHRONICLES only serves further evidence that this show -- utilizing state-of-the-art CGI technology along with highly-stylized fiction -- deserved a wider following that it will hopefully be treated to on DVD.

THE TOPHET CAMPAIGN is years ahead of other CGI-based adventure shows because its premise is a formula that works: action ... and plenty of it. Our heroes, the Roughnecks -- part of a futuristic Mobile Infantry fighting for mankind's survival against a race of sentient killer bugs --, are actually allowed to endure psychological as well as physical challenges, encouraged to face their own personal demons, and continue to grow in each subsequent arc of the overall story. After all, when's the last time 'Captain Planet' learned he might be wrong?

The story unfolds at a frenetic pace: the bugs have taken Tophet, where a race referred to as the Skinnies turn out to be unanticipated allies waiting to lure humanity into a trap. However, NOTHING is what it seems here, and that's perhaps the greatest attribute to the entire ROUGHNECKS series. Despite some story elements that might have been explored or even lifted from other works, the show continued to push its own bar higher, delivering plot twists almost at the same rate the soldiers deliver bullets.

The climax is an almost blockbuster-movie-caliber turn, with the adventure quotient turned up even higher, as Johnny Rico and Dizzy Flores and the rest of the troopers learn that Tophet holds far more secrets than they could've ever imagined.

One spectacular outing after another, THE TOPHET CAMPAIGN can be enjoyed by fans of the STARSHIP TROOPERS movie, general science fiction, or action/adventure enthusiasts alike. It's one DVD well worth the price.

TRUE TO HEINLEIN
Columbia Tristar has released two more episodes of the fantastic CGI animated "Roughnecks: Starship Troopers" series. "THE TOPHET CAMPAIGN" and "THE HYDORA CAMPAIGN" continue the incredible extra galactic war in proper chronological order (unlike the original TV broadcasts). Robert Heinlein's visceral and highly ironic sci-fi action (and perhaps fascist satires) are truer to the source material than the theatrical version. The animation is incredible and consistent in tone. Great characters interact in wonderfully detailed landscapes and interior spaces. A richly nuanced color palate greatly enhances the feel of these neatly arched episodic set pieces. In "Tophet" the action takes place on a desert planet where the oddly humanoid "Skinnies" make them feel way too comfortable. But alas, the bug war is not over. "Hydora" is a water planet where the advance team hopes to locate and extinguish the bugs' home base. Here they encounter the terrifying Mother insect who controls the bug universe.

They Just Keep Getting Better!
I've just discovered this animated series, long after its brief and troubled TV run. I'm viewing the DVDs in the "correct" order: Pluto, Hydora, Tophet, Tesca. Having just finished Tophet, I can only say that they keep getting better! It's the best one I've seen so far. I'm perplexed by a previous review that "warns" us of its inferior visual quality. No way! It's clear that Foundation Imaging really began hitting their stride with this arc. The animation of the troopers was incredibly fluid and lifelike. Their faces look even better. The bugs, the equipment, the scenery - all fantastic. The episode with the cybernetic trooper C.H.A.S. was especially good. I can see now why I've read that it's a fan favorite. An absolutely first rate sci-fi experience.

The scripts continue to grow in sophistication, with surprise twists and startling developments. As always, the voice talent is first rate.

If you intend to buy all of the disks, then I definitely recommend viewing them in order. If you're just looking to try one out, this is the best of the first three DVDs. Tesca may well be better, but I don't know yet. I'll let you know! ... Read more

Description

In "The Klendathu Campaign," Rico and his fellow Troopers are confronted with a disturbing turn of events when their leader Lieutenant Zander is infected with a bug virus and is transformed into a super-strong half-human/half-bug mutant. Intent on destroying the Troopers, Zander follows them in the fiery Klendathu planet. Now, while they try to beat impossible odds fighting the enormous Arachnid army, they're also trying to save their former leader--before he destroys them. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Human arrogance takes center stage
Thanks to BKN, I've been privy to see these episodes beforehand and I have to commend their creators. Without trying to be vague and still ease people's apprehension (I was allowed to see the episodes in order and hate spoilers, so forgive my vagueness), this series, while showing us the flaws in the bipedal killing machine, works on a few levels. It doesn't simply give the viewer an army of bugs as they are overrun, but instead continues with the progression of the characters and their unfortunate plight. Thusfar, we, the viewers, have watched our beloved Roughnecks turn from rookies into hardened veterans as they've faced down adversity and droves of bugs. Still, the series outdoes itself in this set of episodes, leading us even further down paths that weren't so easily predicted. They manage, in the battle for the bugs home planet, to pull out all the stops and show us a battle worthy of our attention. Certainly, we all knew that this was coming, but what we didn't know was the wonderful surprise that leads our Roughnecks, like cattle, into the next, and final, installation of the series. Personally, I think this was the second best piece of the Starship Troopers Campaign, and was the best to come along thusfar. Still, what else would you expect from bugs defending their homes?
I highly recommend the whole series, but I recommend this DVD and the next as two that are definitely worth purchasing. (Thank you, BKN!!!)

Pretty cool
I enjoyed this campaign a lot because it started out onboard the USS Valley Forge, the starship carrier that houses the Razak's Roughnecks.

It is clear from watching these disks that the writers and animators borrowed a lot of ideas from other movies and television shows. Here one of the obvious influences is Aliens. There are several episodes where the troopers are running around darkened starship corridors searching for the bugs that borrow the atmosphere and look of that movie.

[SPOILER]

If I have any complaint, it is that occasionally the show delved into comic-book-like stories and I think this is the worst example, when one of the human characters turns into a bug but still taunts the troopers with quips and snide wordplay. It is too much like a Spiderman comic book.

[MAJOR SPOILERS]

There is also a choice that Rico makes late in the episode that is not really touched on later in the series that I found troubling: at one point he has the opportunity to kill the alien queen but does not do so in order to save the life of one of his friends. The problem is that the queen then makes it to earth, leading to massive warfare and presumably the deaths of millions of people. But they never again revisit Rico's bad decisi