February 6, 2009

Power Rangers is one of the oldest running children's television series adapted from the Japanese tokusatsu Super Sentai Series on American TV. Power Rangers first made their debut here in the States in 1993 and they have been captivating little kids for years. I remember the series when it first came out and it was cool for its time. The original show even had its own Motion Picture and now there are 14 total variations of the Power Rangers including Power Rangers: Jungle Fury.

Power Rangers: Jungle Fury, the subject of this review, is the 14th series and 16th season in the Power Rangers universe. The series is based around an epic battle between Dai Shi and the Order of the Claw, a feline based martial arts faction that is part of the Pai Zhua.

Many centuries ago, an evil spirit, Dai Shi, roamed freely across the Earth waging a "Beast War" against the humans. Fortunately, through valiant fighting, the Order of the Claw, were able to conquer the evil spirit and have since been able to keep him locked away. The secret of their prisoner and their duty to keep him under control was passed along from generation to generation of Pai Zhua members, three of which charged with keeping Dai Shi from being released.

Now, in the present day, Dai Shi has escaped and three new warriors have been selected by the Pai Zhua to find and destroy the evil Dai Shi. The three teen warriors must go to where Dai Shi's ancient palace is located, a land once uninhabited, now known as Ocean Bluff. In their new home, the teen warriors must assume normal lives working at a pizza parlor under the guidance of their boss and new Pai Zhua master, R.J., who gives them the power to morph into the Power Rangers.

This review features the Power Rangers: Jungle Fury: Into the Jungle Volume 1 DVD. This single disc package features the first six episodes of the series, which includes the two-part season premiere. In this first 6 episodes the Rangers gain the ability to morph, learn to work as a team and tackle their own problems.

Each episode features classic Power Rangers scenarios usually involving a life lesson, minion fighting and a big bad guy or two to fight. The basic laws of the Rangers for the most part still apply so instead of crushing the bad guys under the foot of their Jungle Pride Megazord in about 30 seconds we are treated with 30 minutes of martial arts a few minutes of somewhat annoying commentary by a little fly in trousers.

Of all the episodes on this DVD “Dance the Night Away” and the two part opening episode “Welcome to the Jungle” are the ones that I like the best. While this show is obviously geared towards a much younger audience than me and I found myself laughing at the antics it still remains to be a decent show all around. In “Dance the Night Away” the Rangers must face off against a scorpion villain that has the Rangers outmatched with fancy footwork. With the Rangers in disarray about who Lily’s best friend is it is up to her to give the boys a few new moves.

In “Welcome to the Jungle” the student and future Rangers are chosen to uphold a very important “Order” mission. It would be their job to make sure that the evil spirit of Dai Shi never be released. Only they are stopped and the unthinkable happens and Dai Shi escapes taking out their master. The rangers must find their new master in the form of a first inept pizza parlor owner named RJ. Only he’s not as inept as he first appears and the Rangers have much to learn.

Filmmaking: 7
Presentation wise, Power Rangers: Jungle Fury is a lot like its predecessors. With it’s over the top fights, the wicked costumes and flashy explosions. The storyline is fairly continuous and straightforward featuring the overall battle versus good and evil. The show is directed fairly well and is presented in the same style that it has been all these years.

Graphics: 8
Power Rangers: Jungle Fury is vibrant and shiny one the one side and wickedly evil looking characters on the other. This contrast has always been a staple in the series and this show doesn’t disappoint. All the episodes are presented in 1.33:1 Full Screen and transition well to DVD.

Sound: 7
The sound department matches the visuals and sound pretty good in Dolby Digital Stereo Sound. The voice acting is fairly good but found that all the classic Power Ranger speak to be a bit taxing. I know that this show is for kids and once being a fan of the show makes it easier to listen to it.

Value: 8
The Power Rangers: Jungle Fury: Into the Jungle Volume 1 DVD features the first 6 episodes of the TV series. You can pick this DVD up at most retailers for around 13-15 dollars which isn’t bad considering that most children series volumes are lucky to contain that many episodes.

Overall: 7.5
Overall, I had to appreciate the continued tradition of a fairly wholesome children’s program. I grew up watching them with my younger brother when I was younger and I’m sure that kids today will enjoy them as much as I did then. I recommend Power Rangers: Jungle Fury: Into the Jungle Volume 1 DVD to any parent looking for someone to get their young ones their Power Rangers fix.