DVD Review: Ben 10, The Complete Season 1
Cartoon Network Presents the Entire First Season of Ben 10 on DVD
Sep 12, 2008
Cartoon Network presented Ben 10 after Christmas in 2005. What seemed to be a simple sci-fi kids' show took off to be a huge hit with the older demographic as well as kids. Ben 10: The Complete Season 1 packages together what initially wowed cartoon audiences in early 2006 with a funny yet complex sci-fi animated series.
What Ben 10 is About
For those unfamiliar with the series, Ben 10 is about a ten-year-old boy going on a cross-country RV trip with his grandfather and cousin, Gwen, over the summer. On the first night of his vacation, Ben happens upon what he thinks is a meteorite. When he inspects it, the would-be meteorite opens up, and strange looking watch leaps out and attaches itself onto Ben's wrist. Ben initially freaks out (who wouldn't?), but his ten-year-old curiosity gets the best of him, he starts to play with the watch.
Aside from the fact that the watch attached itself to Ben, it is no ordinary watch. For starters, it doesn't even tell time. Instead, when Ben turns the dial, silhouettes of ten different aliens appear on the watch's face. If he presses down on the face with a silhouette selected, he morphs into the alien.
Ben decides to use the watch to be a hero, something he has always wanted to be. However, the kid in him often comes out, and he sometimes uses the watch for mischief, like rummaging through cereal boxes for a rare Sumo Slammer card or teasing his cousin.
Focus of Season One
As one would think, season one is primarily about introducing the main characters and potential villains, as well as the collection of aliens Ben has in store. The main villains introduced are Kevin Levin, Dr. Animo, and the awesome and powerful Vilgax. Vilgax is present throughout the entire season, but he doesn't meet Ben until the very last episode. It is in this same episode that Ben, as well as the viewers, learn that Ben's Grandpa Max was not an ordinary plumber as he claimed to be. This final revelation is a fabulous cliffhanger for what will come in the second season.
The DVD Extras from the Ben 10 Creators
What DVD box set would be complete without some special extras? The creators of Ben 10 include some wonderful extras that all Ben 10 fans should be interested in.
The first and shortest extra is a quick drawing lesson in how to draw the hero, Ben Tennyson. Not sure if it will really teach anyone how to draw Ben, but it was still fascinating to watch (no pun intended).
The second is a sneak peek at the second season. A conglomerate of the creators participated in this feature, and the most fun thing about this extra is seeing how excited the creators are for and about their product. Usually when the production crew is excited about a show, it reflects upon the quality of the show. This show is no exception.
The third and final extra feature is an audio commentary of the final episode by a few of the writers and designers. They discussed where they got some of their ideas for the story, how they tried to make the first season cohesive, and some of their favorite moments in the episode and entire season. Some of the commentary may be beyond the comprehension and appreciation of young viewers, but many superfans should enjoy it.
Final Word
Kids, cartoon fans, and sci-fi fans alike will enjoy this show. If you can look past the appearance of Ben 10 being strictly a kids' show, you will find a somewhat serious series with wit and complex characters. Every episode of the first season appears to be silly and standalone with a simple plot, but the final episode slams down how complex the plot really is.
The first season of Ben 10 is available wherever Cartoon Network DVDs are sold.
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