Beetlejuice: The Complete Series

Based on Tim Burton's 1988 comedy-fantasy live-action hit, this children's TV series (by the esteemed Canadian animation studio Nelvana) ran from 1989 to 1991. If it isn't remembered with Scooby-Doo-level fondness, Nelvana's line-art animation here deftly brings to life the elaborate, elastic "Netherworld" that is only hinted at in the Michael Keaton movie, serving up a garish palette, twisted characters, and often funny gags (even a Charles Bukowski reference). Shape-shifting ghost Beetlejuice (voiceover actor Stephen Ouimette subs for Keaton) is considered a menace even by the other undead in Netherworld as he moves from one caper to the next with his human friend, winsome goth girl Lydia (Alyson Court, in the Winona Ryder part). Much of the humor turns on visual punnery—Beetlejuice announces that he's tired and turns into a tire, etc.—and there are some truly inspired bits, such as a teacher named Miss Shapen, presented in Picasso's cubist style. Many of the 94 episodes compiled here feature a positive moral lesson—stay in school, don't lie, be a good friend, etc.—which sometimes seems a bit strange for such an incorrigible hero. Likely to appeal to all ages, this is recommended. Aud: P. (C. Cassady)