DVD Review: GI JOE - Season 1.1

If you grew up in the eighties then there is no doubt that cartoons were a huge part of your life. Okay, that might not be true for everyone, but I can tell you for sure it was certainly true for me. And for me, there was nothing better than G.I. Joe. Not Transformers, not Scooby Doo (although he would be a close second). It was always G.I. Joe. I had the toys and I watched the cartoon constantly.

One of my favorite things to do is revisit these movies and shows I loved as a kid. DVD has provided such a great chance to do this, especially now, with so many great shows finally coming to DVD.

G.I. Joe might be one of the most anticipated, for me anyway.

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G.I. Joe is a classic cartoon. Its influence was felt by countless kids growing up in the eighties both from the show and the toys.

Growing up, I was at Toys R Us as much as possible to get my hands on these action figures. They fueled my imagination daily and before long I was creating my own episodes featuring characters from any number of other shows. I think this was the precursor to my writing. I was developing TV before I knew that was a real job!

Anyway, it was with this dedication to the product that I sat and watched the cartoon I hadn't watched since I was a kid. I was pleasantly surprised. Sure it's a bit cheesy at times, (what cartoon isn't?) but the stories seem surprisingly layered for a action cartoon.

The DVD set features the first 22 episodes of the shows inaugural season, including multiple episode arcs, which I think may have been a first for cartoons.

Bonus features include the PSA's, Looking Back with Writer Ron Friedman, Archival Hasbro Toy Commercials, G.I. Joe's Original 1963 Toy Fair Presentation, and a printable Script for the "Jungle Trap" episode.

It's a pretty nice set for fans who want to go back and relive the show. Does it entirely hold up? No, it has some pretty atrocious dialogue but it is great to see how a show I grew to love started. I don't remember most of these episodes so it was a bit like watching it for the first time.

Like I said, the dialogue is a little iffy but the stories are still pretty great. It's especially going to be interesting to see how exactly the characters evolve as the seasons progress so I am definitely looking forward to future releases. Those of you with serious spare change can get a head start and pick up the Complete Series set.

I would say those of you looking for a blast from the past with some good old fashion action adventure or back to some glory days of animation, certainly pick up this set.

G.I. Joe: Season 1.1 is available now.