Category: TV Series

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED’S OBSIDIAN (MATTEL ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released by Mattel several years ago in its long-running Justice League Unlimited (JLU) action figure line, this 4.75-inch Obsidian is likely the first-ever toy of this particular DC Comics hero. As the twin brother of Jade and the son of the Golden Age Green Lantern (Alan Scott), the shadowy Obsidian has been a recurring presence (sometimes, as a villain) in DC storylines since his 1983 debut with Infinity, Inc.

REVIEW:

Resembling his animated counterpart, this Obsidian has a stellar dark-blue-black-and-silver paint job. His gray rubber cloak is firmly attached. In terms of articulation, the figure has: 1. His head has full 360-degree mobility. 2. The arms can rotate the full 360-degrees. 3. His upper body can bend into a bowing position. 4. The legs can simulate walking, running, and kicking poses. 5. There is a single peg hole on the bottom of Obsidian’s right foot for the small clear plastic display stands that some JLU figures are packaged with.

For ages 4 and up, this figure is certainly ideal for playtime or display purposes (as this Obsidian will indefinitely stand without a support base).

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Accessories aren’t included.

PACKAGING:

Finding him sold separately means it’s likely a loose figure. This reviewer is aware that Obsidian is included in Mattel’s JLU three-packs with the cowboy Vigilante & Brainiac. He also appears in Mattel’s JLU – The League United six-pack with Mr. Terrific; Superman; Elongated Man; Supergirl; and Hourman.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital) TV Series

SCARECROW & MRS. KING {Cover} (By The Gordon Lorenz Orchestra & Singers: Your 101 All Time Favourite TV Themes)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 1, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1:13 MIN.

With a running time approximate to the original theme, this cover is performed by The Gordon Lorenz Orchestra & Singers for 2009’s Your 101 All-Time Favourite TV Themes album. The track is available as a digital download purchase.

Note: There isn’t an official Scarecrow & Mrs. King soundtrack release for composer Arthur B. Rubenstein’s theme from the CBS TV series (1983-87).

REVIEW:

In spots, it’s merely a competent cover – mostly in the repetitive second half. However, the track’s first half is as close to the original tune that one could reasonably expect. Since Rubenstein’s version evidently is unavailable, this track offers a solid alternative for fans of Amanda King and Lee “Scarecrow” Stetson.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Soundtracks (Digital) TV Series

SCARECROW & MRS. KING {Cover} (by The William Fairey Engineering Band: The Best of Brass)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 1, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:25 MIN.

This marching band cover was recorded by The William Fairey Engineering Band for 2010’s Best of Brass album.

Note: There isn’t an official Scarecrow & Mrs. King soundtrack release for composer Arthur B. Rubenstein’s theme from the CBS TV series (1983-87).

REVIEW:

Interpreting Rubenstein’s theme, this brass interpretation energetically nails every nuance. Its second half draws notably closer to the original theme, though the extended running time/repetitiveness may hamper one’s enjoyment to some degree. Still, this patriotic cover serves up a nostalgic treat for the program’s fans.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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CD's Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's) TV Series

RIPTIDE {Cover: TV Series Theme} (by The Daniel Caine Orchestra: NYPD Blue – The Best of Mike Post)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 1, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:23 MIN.

The 1984-86 NBC TV opening credits theme was composed by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter, but, despite the album’s title, it’s not Post’s brief original version. Covering the theme is The Daniel Caine Orchestra for its 1999 instrumental tribute album, NYPD Blue: The Best of Mike Post.

REVIEW:

While a Riptide TV series soundtrack may not exist, this extended cover from The Daniel Caine Orchestra is a virtual replica of Mike Post’s work. For fans seeking this hard-to-find TV series theme, the cover is likely the best available option.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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CD's Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's) TV Series

QUANTUM LEAP {Cover: TV Series Theme} (by The Daniel Caine Orchestra: NYPD Blue – The Best of Mike Post)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 1, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:03 MIN.

The 1989-93 NBC TV opening credits theme was composed by Mike Post, but, despite the album’s title, it’s not actually Post’s own rendition. In an extended cover, The Daniel Caine Orchestra recreates this tune for its 1999 instrumental tribute album, NYPD Blue: The Best of Mike Post.

REVIEW:

Though it occasionally sounds like a cover, its faithful instrumental sound should please Quantum Leap fans. For anyone seeking this TV series theme, this Daniel Caine Orchestra cover is an excellent option.

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING: 8½ Stars

Notes: Post’s brief original version appears on 1996’s Television’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 7: Cable Ready album, which was released in CD and cassette formats. Also, another excellent cover version of “Quantum Leap” appears on the first disc of 2000’s dual-disc Battlestar Galactica: The A-to-Z of Fantasy TV Themes.

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Action Figures MARVEL-Related Toys & Games TV Series

SPIDER-MAN AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS’ FIRESTAR (Toy Biz Action Figure)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in either 1996 or 1998 by Toy Biz, this 5-inch Firestar figure is likely the first toy representing the mutant heroine from the early 1980’s Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends animated TV series. The figure was evidently a prize for a contest held through the now-defunct Wizard Magazine.

Recreating the character’s TV look, the figure’s articulation consists of 360-degree rotation of the arms, and the ability to move the arms and legs back and forth. However, due to her molded hair, Firestar’s head doesn’t turn. Small silver screws seen on its shoulder, elbow, and knee joints add some extra bending flexibility. When positioned straight, the figure will stand for display poses.

REVIEW:

Re: Angelica “Firestar” Jones, this sturdy figure makes a solid compromise between the small 3.75-inch Marvel figures and the standard 6-inch Marvel Legends. Her paint job (including the flame-accented gloves and boots) is undemanding but effective. Short of the excellent 2021 Marvel Legends Firestar (in her original costume, no less), this Toy Biz version is the next best thing for her fans. At the very least, this first Firestar figure retains a nostalgic charm beyond its Happy Meal toy look.

Note: Firestar, again in her original costume, has been released in 3.75 inch form with Spider-Man & Iceman in a Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends three-pack.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Unknown. Firestar’s feet have large peg holes, but there isn’t any indication that the figure came with a display base.

PACKAGING:

When purchased via auction, the figure came only in a sealed transparent plastic baggie. Otherwise, whatever packaging Toy Biz may have included is unknown.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital) TV Series

REMINGTON STEELE [LAURA’S THEME] {Cover} (by Dominik Hauser: single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:11 MIN.

Keeping in mind an official Remington Steele soundtrack doesn’t exist for NBC’s 1982-1987 TV series, musician Dominik Hauser recorded Henry Mancini’s ‘Laura Holt’ theme as a 2011 single. While Mancini’s version initially accompanied actress Stephanie Zimbalist’s voice-over for the first season’s opening credits, it also surfaced as a background theme throughout the series. With the onset of a streamlined Season 2, Mancini’s theme appears over each episode’s closing credits.

REVIEW:

Few can replicate Henry Mancini’s jazzy instrumental magic so flawlessly, but TV theme cover specialist Dominik Hauser comes close. This subdued yet somewhat sultry melody is near-identical to Mancini’s work. Considering the improbability of a Remington Steele soundtrack ever being released, Hauser’s first-class effort is likely the next best thing.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Note: Hauser also has available Mancini’s Remington Steele opening credits theme (at least, starting with Season 2) as a single. It’s also an excellent facsimile.

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital) TV Series

REMINGTON STEELE [OPENING CREDITS THEME] {Cover} (by Dominik Hauser: single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1:10 MIN.

Considering an official Remington Steele soundtrack doesn’t exist for NBC’s 1982-1987 TV series, musician Dominik Hauser recorded Henry Mancini’s upbeat Season 2 opening credits theme as a 2011 single.

REVIEW:

Few can replicate Henry Mancini’s jazzy instrumental magic so easily, but TV theme cover specialist Dominik Hauser is one of them. While there are subtle hints that it’s still a cover, Hauser’s rendition is likely one of the best-ever renditions of this particular theme. Considering the improbability of a Remington Steele soundtrack ever being released, Hauser’s first-class effort is likely the next best thing.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

Note: Hauser also has available Mancini’s Remington Steele (Laura’s Theme) as a single. It’s more than just an excellent facsimile — it’s virtually identical to Mancini’s original work.

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Blu-Ray Digital Movies & TV DVD Sports (TV & Videos) TV Series WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

“MACHO MAN” RANDY SAVAGE VS. RAZOR RAMON (WWF Wrestling Challenge: Broadcast October 28, 1992)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 27, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: Approx. 10:00 Min.

Airing as part of the WWF’s Wrestling Challenge broadcast on October 28, 1992, Scott Hall (as Razor Ramon) pits his villainous machismo vs. the legendary “Macho Man” Randy Savage. Their feud also factors into a tag match the following month at the Survivor Series where Savage would recruit “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig to face Ramon and another arch-rival: “Nature Boy” Ric Flair.

Note: This match appears on the Randy Savage Unreleased: The Unseen Matches of the Macho Man DVD set.

REVIEW:

All things considered, this showdown reminds fans that the wily veteran, Savage, and the brash newcomer, Ramon, are both viable threats. However, their match is more of a heated brawl, as trading punches and kicks make up most of the bout’s run time. Without a commentary track, it’s also fun to hear the ref and the wrestlers alike talking back and forth throughout the match. Overall, it’s not bad, but the cheap finish probably doesn’t warrant tracking this brawl down.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

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