DVD Review: Spongebob Squarepants Spongicus
Paramount Home Video, Nickelodeon Animated Show
Jan 26, 2009
Now fully into its 6th season, Spongebob Squarepants has become a kiddie cartoon institution. Now the first 8 episodes of Season 6 have been packaged into Spongebob Squarepants: Spongicus, named after the episode of the same name.
While it's a definite step up from the Season 5 DVD (no Patches the Pirate makes Animation Boy™ happy), it's not going to convert any Spongebob haters. But fans will get some good laughs from the silly situations our hero finds himself in.
What Spongebob Squarepants Episodes Are on Spongicus DVD?
"Spongicus" - Customers desert the Krusty Krab in boatloads when Sheldon Plankton replaces his Chum Bucket restaurant with a massive gladiatorial arena. But Spongebob discovers that the first event features Patrick getting eaten by a ravenous lionfish. Hijinks ensue.
"Suction Cup Symphony" - Squidward tries to write a musical masterpiece for the Bikini Bottom Symphony Orchestra competition. But Spongebob and Patrick keep interrupting his creative flow.
"House Fancy" - When Squidward's uni-browed nemesis Squilliam has his mansion showcased on the show House Fancy, Squidward claims that his house is much nicer. Chaos ensues when Spongebob decides to assist Squidward in cleaning up his home.
"Krabby Road" - Sheldon breaks out of jail in order to get the Krabby Patty formula. But when Spongebob won't talk, Sheldon tries to convince him to spill by forming a rock band.
"Penny Foolish" - Spongebob's boss Mr. Krabs covets a penny that he sees Spongebob pick up off the sidewalk.
"Nautical Novice" - In an effort to convince Mrs. Puff that he deserves his boating license, Spongebob memorizes the entire history of boating prior to a class trip to the Nautical Museum.
"Not Normal" - In a fit of exasperation, Squidward screams at Spongebob, "Why can't you be normal?" However, Spongebob takes that advice just a little too far . . .
"Gone" - Spongebob wakes up one morning, only to discover that everyone else in Bikini Bottom has disappeared.
Overall, there's some funny stuff here. There's still an emphasis on non-stop screaming, which kids will no doubt adore but parents may find wearing after a while. However, fans of absurdist comedy will appreciate the bizarre imagery offered on-screen. Obviously this show is more geared for kids than for their parents.
DVD Extra Features
There's not a lot here. There are two art galleries: one features storyboards for the episode "Spongicus" while the other shows rough drawings for various characters and how they're altered for each episode.
There's also the inevitable trailer for more Spongebob DVDs, plus a spot for Avatar: The Last Airbender's 3rd season DVD.
The Final Analysis
While this DVD set shows a marked improvement over previous Spongebob episodes, this set won't convert anyone who wasn't impressed with the show in the first place. Creator Stephen Hillenburg and Nickelodeon have settled into a groove, and they see no reason to mess with a successful formula.
If your kidlings are screaming for more Spongebob, then this set will help tide them over. However, canny parents should hold off until the entire 6th season comes out onto DVD, as it inevitably will. Spongebob Squarepants: Spongicus gets a 7/10.
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