The DVD release of the essential first two seasons of this pop culture benchmark will not bring devoted fans absolute joy-joy. Only four of the cartoons are presented uncut: the pilot "Big House Blues" (complete with Ren's unwitting liplock with Stimpy), "Sven Hoek," "Dog Show," and "Powdered Toast Man" (this two disc set also contains the cartoon, "Man's Best Friend," which was banned for its violent content). The rest of the episodes are presented as they aired on Nickelodeon with assorted nips and tucks (all of which have been annotated on the Internet by R&S' eagle-eyed cult). Nickelodeon unleashed Ren & Stimpy in 1991, but these cartoons were anything but kid stuff. The surreal adventures of Ren, a psychotic Chihuahua who sounded like Peter Lorre, and Stimpy, a sub-moronic cat who sounded like Larry Fine of the Three Stooges, raised the ire of parents (not to mention network executives) with their disturbing and, oft-times, disgusting imagery and explicit bodily function gags (and "gag" is the operative word here). No wonder R&S caught on big with college students. But there is more than just shock value at work here: the 1950s-style limited animation style gives the cartoons a retro kick, and one can only marvel at the warped imaginations at work here, as witness the commercials for that great new toy, "Log," or the delirious signature song, "Happy Happy Joy Joy" (featured in the cartoon, "Stimpy's Invention"). Creative differences and disputes over content would lead Nickelodeon to wrest control of Ren & Stimpy away from creator John Kricfalusi, but the cartoons in this set bear his twisted signature. Audio commentaries on six cartoons, as well as a featurette on the show's tumultuous history will make this collection as sweet as Gritty Kitty Litter. Recommended, but not for children. (D. Liebenson)
The Ren & Stimpy Show: The First and Second Seasons--Uncut
Paramount, 3 discs, 418 min., not rated, DVD: $38.99 February 7, 2005
The Ren & Stimpy Show: The First and Second Seasons--Uncut
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: