Month: March 2024

AWA/NWA NIGHT (OR NITE) OF CHAMPIONS II (Recorded/Aired Live USA Network: 12-29-1985)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 28, 2024

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2 Hrs., 27 Min.

The AWA and NWA, through their short-lived ‘Pro Wrestling U.S.A.’ co-promotional banner, presented the show on December 29, 1985, at the Meadowlands Arena, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Evidently, the program was televised on cable by the USA Network that same night.

The only non-wrestling talent seen on-screen are ring announcer Gary Michael Cappetta and, at ringside, Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s Bill Apter. Per the video’s disclaimer, this show isn’t complete, as at least one match introduction is missing, etc.

Utilizing a single (and occasionally fuzzy) camera, Night (or Nite) of Champions II presents limited visual angles. More significantly, neither ringside commentary nor interviews are provided. Hence, TV viewing is like silently catching a house show from an ideal distance.

Opening the footage are NWA interviewer Tony Schiavone’s pre-taped bluescreen promos with The Road Warriors & “Precious” Paul Ellering; a bandaged Tully Blanchard & his valet, Baby Doll; and The Rock ‘N’ Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson).

The event’s card is as follows:

“Cowboy” Ron Bass vs. J.J. Dillon (Running Time: 5:02)

Quick Take: By far this show’s weakest entry, as Dillon is no Bobby Heenan when it comes to projecting a villainous manager’s charisma. Bass finally scores some fan approval near the end. Rating: 2½/10 Stars.

2. World Midget Champion Little Tokyo vs. “Cowboy” Lang (Running Time: 9:14)

Quick Take: Though midget wrestling, generally, is of dubious taste, both “Cowboy” Lang and Little Tokyo demonstrate remarkable athleticism. Their match is, suffice to say, better than expected. Rating: 6½/10 Stars.

3. AWA Women’s World Champion Sherri Martel vs. Debbie Combs (Running Time: 11:12)

Quick Take: A villainous Martel’s in-ring work is okay, but the veteran Combs helps make up the difference. Both women contribute solidly tuned performances worthy of the mid-80’s. Rating: 7/10 Stars.

4. WWC Universal Champion Carlos Colón vs. The Barbarian (with Paul Jones) (Running Time: 5:31)

Quick Take: The Barbarian’s potential star power is obvious in spite of a famous Colón’s middling effort. Their match’s outcome climaxes on an unconvincing reversal, which epitomizes the Barbarian’s career fate as an also-ran. Rating: 4½/10 Stars.

5. The Fabulous Freebirds’ Buddy Roberts vs. “Precious” Paul Ellering (Running Time: 4:58) – SPECIAL GRUDGE MATCH

Quick Take: Roberts’ notorious Freebird compatriots (Michael “P.S.” Hayes & Terry Gordy) are absent, as he faces a vengeful Ellering alone. Wearing a neck brace, Ellering, as he would also demonstrate in 1987-88 War Games bouts, appears remarkably gifted in short spurts. As cheered by the audience, the Road Warriors Hawk & Animal make a ‘guest appearance’ to seek retaliation on Roberts. Rating: 5½/10 Stars.

6. NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Rock ‘N’ Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) vs. The Long Riders: “Wild” Bill Irwin & Scott Irwin (Running Time: 11:48)

Quick Take: Even if the Irwins aren’t first-rate competition, their work against the nimble Rock ‘N’ Rolls at least serves up a standard-issue tag title defense. In that sense, this bout is certainly watchable. Rating: 6/10 Stars.

7. AWA Americas Champion Sgt. Slaughter vs. Boris Zhukov & Chris Markoff (Running Time: 12:52) – HANDCAP RUSSIAN DEATH MATCH

Quick Take: A still-in-his-prime Slaughter scores the loudest audience pop for AWA talent. Though this rough-and-tumble brawl overstays its welcome, a bloody Slaughter reminds viewers of his drawing power. As for Zhukov and Markoff – predictably, not so much. Rating: 6/10 Stars.

8. NWA U.S. Champion Magnum T.A. vs. Tully Blanchard (with Baby Doll) (Running Time: 12:27)

Quick Take: In the first of back-to-back Starrcade ’85 rematches, this title bout exudes both welcome substance and star power. With both veterans shedding blood, Magnum T.A. and Blanchard’s classic in-ring chemistry is impressive. Unquestionably, this showdown is the night’s gem. Rating: 8½/10 Stars.

9. NWA World Heavyweight Champion “Nature Boy” Ric Flair vs. “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes (Running Time: 14:51)

Quick Take: The second Starrcade ’85 rematch is programmed as vintage Flair vs. Rhodes straight through to the cop-out ‘Dusty Finish.’ Still, these legends deliver reliable entertainment, in spite of this dubious industry cliché. Rating: 7/10 Stars.

10. The Road Warriors: Hawk & Animal (with “Precious” Paul Ellering) vs. The Russian Team: Ivan Koloff & Krusher Khruschev (with Nikita Koloff) (Running Time: 11:14) – AUSTRALIAN TAG TEAM RULES

Quick Take: Contested under supposed ‘Australian-style’ rules, this brawl’s power-packed choreography is exactly what one would expect. Even without surprises, it’s some brutally fun nostalgia. Rating: 6/10 Stars.

11. AWA World Heavyweight Champion Rick Martel vs. Stan “The Lariat” Hansen (Running Time: 13:47)

Quick Take: The night’s final bout is also a rematch, as its combatants previously faced off at SuperClash ’85: The Night of Champions three months before. Unlike their quick double-DQ finish last time, Martel and Hansen make some AWA history.

Consistent with its realistic choreography, this title showdown is all about pitting a low-key Martel’s ground game vs. Hansen’s vicious, cowboy-style bullying. The result, in all fairness, doesn’t make for the most exciting viewing. Nonetheless, the AWA could be proud of the old-school workmanship that Martel and Hansen supply – pro wrestling doesn’t have to be solely about vivid personalities.

For that matter, it says plenty that the New Jersey crowd readily prefers a roughhousing Hansen over the cheerful yet comparatively bland Martel. Rating: 7/10 Stars.

Notes: To clarify the acronyms: the AWA is Verne Gagne’s Minneapolis-based American Wrestling Association while the NWA is the National Wrestling Alliance. The NWA’s talent for this show was supplied by the Crockett Family’s Charlotte, NC-based World Championship Wrestling (WCW) promotion. The WWC is Colón’s co-owned World Wrestling Council out of Puerto Rico.

Lastly, the individual match times in this review are mostly going by the official post-match announcements. As other accounts will vary, the match times should be deemed more of a best guess.

REVIEW:

Scoring a moderate success on the established turf of Vince McMahon’s rival WWF (World Wrestling Federation), the AWA and NWA promoters rightfully should have been encouraged. Despite lacking the magic of Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Roddy Piper, etc., their Night (or Nite) of Champions II efficiently conjures up a product that could compete for any serious wrestling fan. Conversely, given its minimal production values, where this show falls far short is generating mainstream interest, as compared to the cheesy WWF’s assortment of resources.

Overall, comparing its in-ring content to the WWF’s original WrestleMania only nine months earlier, Night (or Nite) of Champions II readily prevails. That said, nearly forty years later, the AWA/NWA Night (or Nite) of Champions II deserves a chance for re-discovery.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars

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

WCCW WORLD CHAMPION KERRY VON ERICH VS. AWA WORLD CHAMPION JERRY “THE KING” LAWLER (AWA SUPERCLASH III: Aired Live 12-13-1988)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 19, 2024

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 18:53 Min.

Held at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion on December 13, 1988, this World Title unification bout would headline the AWA’s sole Pay-Per-View: the interpromotional SuperClash III. At the time, in addition to starring in his co-owned CWA outfit, Jerry “The King” Lawler doubled as the AWA’s World Heavyweight Champion. Opposing him this night would be WCCW’s multi-time World Champion, “The Modern-Day Warrior” Kerry Von Erich.

To stoke interest, Von Erich had recently lost and then regained his WCCW title from Lawler on their own perspective home turfs. Hence, the winner of their SuperClash III showdown would be declared the AWA’s Unified World Champion – presumably, as a dig upstaging WWF World Champion “Macho Man” Randy Savage and NWA World Champion “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair.

For this pivotal bout, Von Erich’s second would be WCCW promoter Frank Dusek. The ringside commentators are the AWA’s Lee Marshall and Ray “The Crippler” Stevens.

Along with a Lawler biographical career profile, this match is included on the WWE’s The Greatest Wrestling Stars of The ‘80s DVD set. It also is provided in the WWE’s The Spectacular Legacy of The AWA DVD set.

Note: It’s all about the acronyms. 1. AWA: Verne Gagne’s Minneapolis-based American Wrestling Association. 2. CWA: Lawler’s Memphis-based Championship (or Continental) Wrestling Association. 3. WCCW: The Von Erich family’s Dallas-based World Class Championship Wrestling.

REVIEW:

The Von Erichs’ 22-year-old World Class franchise essentially ended at SuperClash III, if not on paper. However, an ultra-brawny Kerry Von Erich’s one-dimensional performance isn’t to blame. After evidently lacerating his arm with a hidden blade in his ring robe (during the pre-match introductions), Von Erich proceeds with a game effort against Lawler’s opportunistic villain.

While neither champion demonstrates much of a repertoire (i.e. lots of punches, trading single piledrivers, Von Erich’s ‘Iron Claw,’ Lawler’s brass knuckles, etc.), this bout is solidly constructed — up to a point. Hence, neither the WWF nor the NWA would likely lose sleep over this second-tier competition between rival World Champions.

Including repetitive teases, the match’s fateful miscalculation is its gory, cop-out finish. Curiously, the NWA’s Great American Bash ‘88 Pay-Per-View World Title bout between champion Ric Flair and Lex Luger had implemented a similar outcome only five months earlier. Inevitable blowback from NWA fans indicated that Luger’s eye-rolling disqualification (or submission) due to blood loss was a major turn-off. One visible difference is that Luger’s forehead bled minimally, as compared to Von Erich’s grisly head wound. Still, why would SuperClash III foolishly risk this same tainted ending?

One can reason out the tone-deaf justification. First, assuming SuperClash III was even a moderate success, then the show’s promoters cynically figured they would get away with it. Seeing an upset Dusek (along with a bloody Von Erich) protest to the referee during the match and afterwards definitely adds a semblance of real-world credibility. Then, having a straight-faced Lawler concur with the referee’s decision to ‘protect’ Von Erich’s health delivers the cheating winner’s insult after injury.

More so, a blood stoppage might have been the one dubious option that could be agreed upon backstage without anybody losing face. That means the various promotions involved wouldn’t care less, even if fans despised the ending. Regardless of any pride-driven motives, this Lawler/Von Erich title bout is still remarkably good. The drawback is having a satisfying and conclusive finish replaced by some ugly wrestling politics.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Notes: Ironically, SuperClash III’s fallout surpassed its main event. For starters, the show’s dismal failure was threefold: it flopped both at the box office and on Pay-Per-View. Most significantly, its dire lack of revenue effectively halted future collaborations between Lawler’s group and World Class, among others, with the AWA.

Still, Lawler’s CWA and Von Erich’s World Class merged into what became the USWA (United States Wrestling Association) — an entity which Lawler would privately co-own with Jerry Jarrett. By early 1989, backstage animosity had abruptly stripped Lawler of his AWA World Championship. Even so, his Memphis-based USWA’s regional success continued, including a mid-90’s affiliation with Vince McMahon’s WWF/WWE.

World Class, after merging with and then later separating from the USWA, quietly closed in 1990. The Von Erich brothers, Kerry and Kevin, were reportedly among its last co-owners, along with Jerry Jarrett.

Lastly, Verne Gagne’s long-diminished AWA shut down approximately two years after SuperClash III. Per its bankruptcy, the company officially became defunct by August 1991.

Books & Novels Fantasy, Horror, & Science Fiction STAR TREK-Related

STAR TREK # 47: THE KOBAYASHI MARU

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 19, 2024

Written by Julia Ecklar

SUMMARY:

Released in 1989 by Pocket Books, Julia Ecklar penned this 254-page paperback, which became the forty-seventh entry in Pocket’s ongoing series. The book’s title is taken from the Starfleet Command simulation depicted in 1982’s Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

Set shortly after the events of Star Trek: The Motion Picture, the U.S.S. Enterprise’s latest assignment is to reestablish contact with a research team evidently lost somewhere in the vicinity of the remote planet, Hohweyn VII. Ongoing cosmic interference prevents the Enterprise from approaching close enough to utilize its transporters.

The Halley’s shuttlecraft team consists of: Captain James T. Kirk, Hikaru Sulu, Pavel Chekov, Montgomery “Scotty” Scott, and Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy. A freak collision with a gravitic mine, however, soon disables the Halley, leaving both Kirk and their pilot, Sulu, injured.

Unable to contact the Enterprise, the Halley’s stranded crew anxiously awaits rescue, with time slowly running out on the craft’s remaining power supply and life support. Attempting makeshift repairs to stay alive, the shuttlecraft’s crewmates (with the exception of Dr. McCoy) each divulge his own closely guarded experience as a cadet years before facing a similar life-or-death experience. In turn passing time, they recall Starfleet Command School’s dreaded ‘Kobayashi Maru’ scenario, as the shuttle crew helplessly endures the longest day of their lives.

As only alluded to in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Kirk reveals the brazen contempt he has for the simulation by defying its seemingly unfair rules.
Having spectacularly failed the simulation, Chekov’s narrative reluctantly divulges his ingenuity and ruthlessness in a subsequent training scenario. Specifically, inside an abandoned industrial station on Earth, his cadet class must competitively evade elimination by an imaginary assassin where it is every cadet for himself/herself.
Anguished by his beloved great-grandfather’s terminal illness, Sulu’s non-confrontational attitude may end his hopes of any future command.
Reluctantly attending Command School to appease his family, Scotty‘s umbrage at the simulation’s relentless Klingon assault precipitates a fateful pivot in his destiny.

With evidently no other options left to help Spock find the lost Halley, Kirk’s refusal to succumb to ‘no-win scenarios’ is desperately tested. As Star Trek fans all know, he doesn’t like to lose.

Notes: This title is also available digitally and as an audiobook.

REVIEW:

Though her set-up for multiple extended flashbacks is ultra-formulaic, writer Julia Ecklar devises a very readable Star Trek adventure. The intrigue permeating Chekov’s spy games; Sulu’s poignant bond with his great-grandfather; and Scotty’s fuming ‘don’t mess with my ship’ retaliation are all well-played. As with the flashbacks, the intervals shifting to and from the ongoing Halley crisis contribute plausible layers to each character’s personal depth.

The only less-than-compelling component is Kirk’s flashback. Ecklar’s answer explaining his legendary triumph over the seemingly unbeatable test, though amusing, is something of a letdown. Still, her take on Kirk’s ‘Kobayashi Maru’ test preceded the 2009 Star Trek film’s version by two decades — yet, both depictions are consistent with Kirk’s ego. If anything, Cadet Kirk’s unique solution is perhaps a Star Trek mystery best left to be satisfied by a reader’s own imagination.

Note: Ecklar’s story implies that, afterwards, Kirk will relate his ‘Kobayashi Maru’ tale once more, (this time, to a curious Spock) for consistency with their subsequent discussion, as depicted in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

In spite of its predictable lulls, Ecklar’s novel should be commended for concocting an otherwise worthwhile read for Trekkers. Specifically, her believable characterizations and low-key sci-fi jargon makes The Kobayashi Maru a welcome find for readers of any age.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

There is a single page of the author’s acknowledgements.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Digital Movies & TV Movies & Television (Videos) Online Videos Sports (TV & Videos) WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

WWE WORLD CHAMPION EDDIE GUERRERO VS. KURT ANGLE (WWE WrestleMania XX: Aired Live 3-14-2004)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 19, 2024

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 22:30 Min.

WrestleMania XX occurred on March 14, 2004, at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. One of its two main events would pit the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) World Champion Eddie Guerrero defending his title vs. four-time ex-champion Kurt Angle. The bout’s ringside commentators are Michael Cole and Tazz.

REVIEW:

This title defense is flawlessly executed. In their mid-thirties, rugged veterans Guerrero and Angle both still appear in virtually peak technical form. More so, there aren’t any cheap added components: i.e. outside inference or foreign objects to taint their in-ring star power.

Their ultra-competitive bout instead focuses on choreography (both masterful and brutal), especially as neither Angle nor Guerrero telegraph the match’s outcome. In the moments leading up to the inspired finish, one does get a hint, but it’s ingeniously played.

The match ultimately comes down to Guerrero’s ring savviness and high-flying agility vs. Angle’s pit-bull tenacity and mastery of submission holds. Decades later, this Guerrero-Angle title showdown absolutely merits re-discovery.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars

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Digital Movies & TV Movies & Television (Videos) Online Videos Sports (TV & Videos) WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

WCW STARRCADE ’91: BATTLEBOWL – THE LETHAL LOTTERY (Aired Live: 12-29-1991)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 17, 2024

SUMMARY: APPROX. RUNNING TIME (EDITED): 1 Hr., 38 Min.

On December 29, 1991, from the Norfolk Scope in Norfolk, Virginia, World Championship Wrestling (having separated from the National Wrestling Alliance) produced this annual Starrcade Pay-Per-View.

For this particular Starrcade, there would not be any singles matches nor any title defenses. Instead, WCW’s gimmicky ‘Battlebowl’ concept would first pair twenty random tag-teams by an open draw. These makeshift teams must then prevail in one of ten qualifying elimination matches to enter the 20-man, two-ring battle royal main event.

Starting in the first ring, nineteen ‘Battlebowl’ competitors gradually shift over to the second ring. The first ring’s ‘winner’ remains behind awaiting the second ring’s last wrestler. In order to claim the Battlebowl victory, these two last combatants will then face other in an over-the-top-rope showdown.

This show’s on-screen presenters are Eric Bischoff, Missy Hyatt, and the inaugural ‘Battlebowl’ commissioner, Magnum T.A., as they draw and announce the tag team pairings. Initially appearing in front of the backstage curtain, WCW’s roster is then seen being summoned from two opposing locker rooms. At ringside are announcers Jim Ross and Tony Schiavone.

The show’s 40-man roster consists of:

WCW World Champion “The Total Package” Lex Luger (with Harley Race)
WCW U.S. Champion “Ravishing” Rick Rude (with Paul E. Dangerously aka Paul Heyman)
WCW World Television Champion “Stunning” Steve Austin
WCW World Tag Team Champions Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat & “The Natural” Dustin Rhodes
Sting
Ron Simmons
The Fabulous Freebirds: Michael “P.S.” Hayes & Jimmy “Jam” Garvin
The Wild-Eyed Southern Boys: Tracy Smothers & Steve Armstrong
Marcus Alexander Bagwell (a rookie “Buff” Bagwell)
Van Hammer
Big Josh
Richard “Ricky” Morton
Thomas “Tommy” Rich
The Enforcers: Arn Anderson & Larry Zbyszko (with Madusa)
El Gigante
Jushin Thunder Liger
Bill Kazmaier
Mike Graham
Diamond Dallas Page
Terrance “Terry” Taylor
Tom “Z-Man” Zenk
“Flyin’” Brian Pillman
Abdullah the Butcher
Cactus Jack (Mick Foley)
The Patriots: Todd Champion & Firebreaker Chip
Buddy Lee Parker
“Beautiful” Bobby Eaton
Mr. Hughes (Luger’s on-screen bodyguard)
The Steiner Brothers: Rick Steiner & Scott Steiner
Big Van Vader
Nightstalker (Bryan Clark), as a substitute for Scott “Diamond Studd” Hall (also present)
Johnny B. Badd
Arachnaman (aka Brad Armstrong)
“Rapmaster” P.N. News.

Notably absent are Barry Windham and Nikita Koloff, as is ex-WCW World Champion “Nature Boy” Ric Flair (whose abrupt dismissal mid-summer led him to join the World Wrestling Federation).

Due to the show’s truncated video release, some matches appear in their entirety; several are highlighted; and one is inexplicably omitted. However, including the competitors’ catwalk-like entrances, the main event is shown intact.

MATCHES:

COMPLETE MATCH: Hayes & Smothers vs. Garvin & Bagwell (12:45)

Winners: Garvin & Bagwell.

2. HIGHLIGHTS: Austin & Rude (with Dangerously aka Heyman) vs. Big Josh & Hammer (12:56)

Winners: Austin & Rude.

3. HIGHLIGHTS: Zbyszko & El Gigante (with Madusa) vs. Rhodes & Morton (5:54)

Winners: Rhodes & Morton.

4. COMPLETE MATCH: Liger & Kazmaier vs. Page & Graham (13:08)

Winners: Liger & Kazmaier.

5. OMITTED: Taylor & Zenk vs. Luger (with Race) & Anderson (10:25)

Winners: Luger & Anderson.

6. COMPLETE MATCH: Cactus Jack & Parker (with Abdullah’s interference) vs. Steamboat & Champion (7:48)

Winners: Steamboat & Champion advance.

7. COMPLETE MATCH: Sting & Abdullah vs. Eaton & Pillman (5:55)

Winners: Sting & Abdullah.

8. HIGHLIGHTS: Rick Steiner & Nightstalker vs. Vader & Hughes (5:05)

Winners: Vader & Hughes.

9. HIGHLIGHTS: Arachnaman & Badd vs. Scott Steiner & Firebreaker Chip (11:16)

Winners: Steiner & Chip advance.

10. HIGHLIGHTS: Simmons & Rich vs. News & Steve Armstrong (12:01)

Winners: Simmons & Rich.

MAIN EVENT: BATTLEBOWL (25:10). The winner subsequently challenges the WCW World Champion at February 1992’s SuperBrawl II.

Note: On December 28, 1992, at The Omni in Atlanta, Georgia, Starrcade ’92: Battlebowl – The Lethal Lottery II included a similar format.

REVIEW:

In retrospect, Koloff, Windham, and Flair lucked out. Even if they had participated, it would have made little to no difference bolstering Starrcade ’91’s bland content. Ross and Schiavone invariably telegraph the main event’s build-up as yet another Sting cliché-fest — paralleling the WWF’s depiction of Hulk Hogan during that era.

Despite some mild intrigue impacting the show’s oddball tag-teams, frankly nothing occurs that generates must-see viewing — even for a die-hard WCW fanbase. Case in point: with only two more shows to go before his early 1992 WCW exit, Luger’s boredom as its World Champion is readily evident. Supporting players, like Steamboat, Pillman, Simmons, Liger, Eaton, Rick Steiner, and even Garvin, at least, try to energize the audience – in spite of the lackluster in-ring action.

The 20-man Battlebowl itself (which resurfaces on the WWE’s Best of Starrcade DVD set) is, at best, okay entertainment. Some fun face-offs include: Sting vs. Rude; Steamboat vs. Anderson; Luger vs. Sting; Rude vs. Steamboat; Simmons vs. Luger; Austin vs. Sting; and even a rare Luger vs. Vader. WCW’s considerable star power, otherwise, is squandered throughout an unremarkable Pay-Per-View. Even Abdullah’s brutal assault on Parker before his tag match against Sting fails to muster interest.

Further, a few eye-rolling gimmicks (i.e. Brad Armstrong’s ‘Arachnaman’ phase) mimicking the WWF looked stupid then and have aged even worse seeing them now. The most tone-deaf offense is failing to include any surefire title match as an added attraction to help anchor this show. It’s simply a gaping hole that WCW’s elite players can’t divert attention away from fans. All this show does is wearily continue stirring the pot, so to speak, towards the Battlebowl’s ultra-predictable conclusion.

Despite a veritable surplus of pro wrestling icons, Starrcade ’91 makes for quickly forgettable viewing.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 4 Stars

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BATMAN: FIRST APPEARANCE – 80TH ANNIVERSARY (FUNKO STAUTETTE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 11, 2024

SUMMARY:

Released in 2019, this 3¾-inch Batman vinyl statuette presents homage to the iconic Dark Knight’s debut in 1939’s Detective Comics # 27.

Other FUNKO Batmen from this particular Pop Heroes! series include tributes to: Batman (Michael Keaton/1989) # – 275, Batman Forever (Val Kilmer/1995) – # 289, and Batman & Robin (George Clooney/1997) – # 314; 2018-2019’s Batman Damned comic book series (# 288), Batman’s 1950 Batmobile (# 277); and San Diego Comic Convention’s exclusive 2019 Batman (# 284).

Additionally, Jack Nicholson’s Joker (two different FUNKO’s) and Bat-Mite were among other Bat-characters receiving entries in this same Pop! Heroes 80^th Anniversary wave.

Note: Though representing the same character, this FUNKO Pop’s look doesn’t replicate the ‘Golden Age Batman’ (# 140). Among their visual differences, one will notice: the ‘Golden Age Batman’ sports more of a fighting stance pose; the styling and length of its Bat-ears extend from the top of the cowl; and a modified and bigger Bat-insignia stands out.

REVIEW:

Made of durable vinyl, this FUNKO Pop statuette enjoys an immaculate paint job recreating the Dark Knight’s pulpy first Bat-suit from Detective Comics # 27. Packaging-wise, the statuette is securely encased within three tiers: the exterior transparent plastic square box, the Funko Pop! Heroes window display box, and. finally, an interior shield of transparent plastic. A transparent plastic display base isn’t included, as this statuette can readily stand without one.

This FUNKO Pop, suffice to say, makes a neat little gem for any Bat-fan.

BONUS FEATURES:

Fully transparent, the exterior plastic box ideally doubles as a second portable display case.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Music & Radio Shows Novelty Albums (CD's, Digital Music, & Records) Records/LP's TV Series TV Series (Specific Episodes)

AT HOME WITH THE MUNSTERS

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 11, 2024

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 41:00 Min.

This novelty tie-in album was first released by Golden Records in 1964 to exploit the 1964-66 TV series’ popularity. BMG Records subsequently re-issued the album in 2021. Featuring the primary cast (Yvonne De Carlo, Fred Gwynne, Al Lewis, Pat Priest – the second ‘Marilyn Munster,’ and Butch Patrick), the album’s script and lyrics were written by Bob Mosher. The show’s composer, Jack Marshall, supplies the instrumental score. Ezra Stone directed this recording project.

The premise has Herman taking young listeners (as an unseen neighbor) on a late morning tour of the Munsters’ home and meeting the family. The tracks and mostly spoken-word tunes are:

SIDE A:

At The Munsters (note: The young vocalists sing lyrics over an adaptation of the TV theme).
Herman Says “Hello” (Gwynne)
It Takes All Kinds of People (Gwynne: song vocals)
Everyone is Welcome (Gwynne & De Carlo: song vocals)
Meet Our Pets (De Carlo & Gwynne)
Meet Grandpa! (Gwynne, De Carlo, & Lewis)
Grandpa’s Lab (Gwynne & Lewis: song vocals)
Eddie!(Gwynne & Patrick)
I Wish Everyone Was Born That Way (Patrick: song vocals)
Marilyn: “When Will I Find a Boyfriend for Me?” (Gwynne & Priest: vocals)
Nice of You to Drop In / At The Munsters (reprise) (Gwynne: vocals & De Carlo: vocals)

SIDE B:

Herman’s Favorite Story (Gwynne summarizes the episode: “Grandpa’s Call of the Wild”)
Lily’s Favorite Story (De Carlo summarizes the episode: “If A Martian Answers, Hang Up”)
Grandpa’s Favorite Recipe (Lewis explains how to make Grandpa’s Do-It-Yourself magic potion)
Final Theme. (jazz Instrumental).

Herman Munster: Fred Gwynne

Lily Munster: Yvonne De Carlo

Grandpa (Dracula): Al Lewis

Marilyn Munster: Pat Priest

Eddie Munster: Butch Patrick

Kid Vocalists (Track 1): Uncredited.

REVIEW:

For a kiddie recording (consistent with a popular 1960’s trend), this album is predictably the equivalent of a Munsters radio show. To the record company’s credit, the album’s contents, sound-wise, have been kept in pristine shape. Side A is geared towards teasing the show’s campy gimmicks while Side B is all padding. Narrating most of the album, Fred Gwynne, in particular, delivers an endearingly low-key performance.

Sporting droll, tongue-in-cheek imagination, die-hard Munsters fans will appreciate this rare supplement to the TV series. The flip side is that the TV show’s reliance upon sight gags becomes lost in translation when the cast has only minimal sound effects to work with. For all others, the album is surely a forty-minute eyeroll.

Unlike Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s spoofy “Monster Mash” tune, this album’s antiquated camp humor practically creaks in comparison. At Home With The Munsters, unfortunately, would fall flat and quickly be deemed boring at a kindergarten’s Halloween party in the 2020’s. Hence, classic TV nostalgia, if anything, is the sole purpose for obtaining this album.

PACKAGING:

The outer casing accurately lists the credits and tracks without any running times. An interior sleeve effectively shields the record. No matter how dated the album’s material is, the packaging design is first-rate.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 3½ Stars