Based on the popular cartoon series from the 1960s, Jetsons: The Movie was first released in 1990 by Universal Pictures and contains all of the familiar members of the Jetsons family: George Jetson (George O’Hanlon), George’s wife Jane (Penny Singleton), teenage daughter Judy (Tiffany who replaces Janet Waldo), young son Elroy (Patric Zimmerman who replaces Darius Butler), housekeeper Rosie the Robot (Jean Vander Pyl), and dog Astro (Don Messick—voice for Scooby Doo). Colorful animation, funny gadgets, and pop music keep the movie entertaining. The plot unwinds easily and the film even features an environmental theme.
George’s boss, Mr. Spacely (Mel Blanc), is having trouble with his mining company Spacely Sprockets and asks George to travel to the asteroid in outer space and find out why his production of sprockets is being sabotaged. He entices George with this offer by telling him he will be vice-president. At first, George’s family is not enthused about leaving their home for intergalactic travel to a new home. Judy has just secured a date that week with a rock star and Elroy is doing well at basketball. George’s wife Jane persuades the family that they should support George and go with him. Rosie the Robot and the family pet Astro also go along to the new home in outer space. After settling in and making friends—Judy even gets a boyfriend—the family investigates why the sprocket production is being disrupted at night. Beneath the surface of the asteroid live small teddy bear like creatures who live right where the drilling is taking place for the raw materials needed to produce the sprockets. In the end, George supports the little creatures and convinces Mr. Spacely to stop destroying their homes. Not entirely environmentally friendly, Mr. Spacely refuses to shut down the company; instead, he hires the creatures to oversee drilling and production of the sprockets.
Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray edition contains bonus features: an audio commentary by author/film historian Lee Gambin; an audio interview with voice actor Jeff Bergman who finished the voice overs for actors George O’Hanlon and Mel Blanc--as both men passed away during production; and, a trailer. This film is sure to appeal to fans of the comedy series and may engage some new fans. Recommended.