Reviews

Ren and Stimpy the Lost Episodes- New to DVD

Remember watching Ren and Stimpy as a kid and laughing like mad? Remember going to school and quoting episodes or singing Happy Happy Joy Joy? Remember watching the episodes for the first time in years when they received an official DVD release? Well now you can relive Ren and Stimpy but feel like it’s the first time all over again with Ren and Stimpy the Lost Episodes.

Series creator John K. had written numerous scripts based on fan mail during the early Nickelodeon days. Even though censors agreed to be less harsh with what was considered offensive on the Ren and Stimpy show, they flat out refused these episodes to be made. Then Spike TV came around, decided to breathe new life into Ren and Stimpy, and animate the scripts considered too racy for tots. If you’re like me and missed the Spike TV episodes (for one stupid reason or another) you can redeem yourself by buying the DVD.

John K. does a great job building up each episode. He has the presence of a deranged uncle wearing sans a belt pants while talking to various people involved with the show. His excitement and demeanor matches that of the characters in his show. He not only provides insight to the world of Ren and Stimpy but the world of being an animator. John K. is quit blunt about how he feels with his past animating jobs on shows like The Smurfs. He talks about how animators will often fall asleep or set scripts on fire when dealing with “retarded” scriptwriters. John K. also says this is some of the best animation he’s been involved with. I don’t agree. The original run of the show had a raw hand drawn feel to it. The newer episodes feel too glossy at times. Don’t get me wrong, the cartoon still looks great but parts look almost computer generated.

The DVD lives up to it’s, “Not for kiddies” warning, these are certainly adult themed Ren and Stimpy cartoons. Clearly not meant for children. Although I’m sure there are parents who would argue the show was never fit for children. The older Ren and Stimpy are more vulgar and are pulled through each episode by their raging hormones. The first episode alone gives us fart bubbles flowing from a snorkel, bare breasts, defecation, pubes and Ren’s raging erection. Yes, Ren sniffing panties with a raging erection.

What I love about the shock of the first episode is it merely serves as a warning for how twisted the rest of the episodes get. In the episode, Altruists we’re given a blunt and insanely funny log-sawing gag that insinuates Ren and Stimpy are gay. In numerous episodes Ren and Stimpy drink, smoke, curse… what else? Oh yeah, Ren attempts to give Stimpy an abortion with a coat hanger. The title screen for each episode includes a drawing of a smiling martini glass, a pack of cigarettes, and a condom.

This is the perfect DVD for anyone who grew up loving this show. The humor is still in the same vein; only the jokes and punch lines have grown up (or down) with us. Some people may feel alienated by the adult Ren and Stimpy. It is odd to see them curse. It’s like a Playboy comic come to life. I however welcome the change. If new episodes are going to be made, keep the humor fresh with age group of the fanbase. The important thing is all the Ren and Stimpy trademarks are still there and the show still makes me laugh.

Buy or rent the DVD at Wild and Woolly Video. Once you start you’ll find yourself going through all six episodes in one sitting. Personally I went back and watched Stimpys Pregnant twice. Well worth your time and money, the lost episodes are sure to please fans of the show.
9/10
Andy

Relive all the classic Ren and Stimpy episodes by renting full seasons at Wild and Wolly.

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