Ahh… a flash back from when Nickelodeon ruled my life. Salute your shorts, Ren & Stimpy, Doug and The Adventures of Pete & Pete were some of the shows that sculpted me into the freak of nature i am.
Out of the bunch I’d say Pete & Pete was probably the most obscure. Not only was it the weirdest but in my opinion it has stood the test of time best with maybe the exception of Ren & Stimpy.
The Series
The Adventures of Pete & Pete was a surreal comedy in which a peaceful suburban neighborhood was a strange and skewed world as seen through the eyes of pre-teens. Wellsville, USA contained many different unique characters, such as: two brothers that were both named Pete, their mom who had a metal plate in her head, Artie the spandex-wearing super-hero, and Petunia, little Pete’s tattoo. The Adventures of Pete and Pete originated as a series of one-minute vignettes (shorts) in 1990, then was expanded into a series of five specials, and then became a regular weekly series in late 1993 for three seasons.
This was one of the first kids show I remember watching that didn’t make me feel stupid or like a little kid. This show was and is cutting-edge for a show to still appeal to its initial audience 12 years later is quite a feat.
The first season is Pete & Pete at its rawest, weirdest and uncut. As season went on they began to water it down a bit, but the show was still excellent. The show dealt with issues in a non preachy or corny way and did i mention it was weird?
The Adventures of Pete & Pete bring back memories of some of the best TV of programing I’ve ever seen. The only thing i could honestly compare it to now is probably Adult Swim. different, cutting edge and beyond the norm. An excellent example of what TV programing for kids/ young teens should be.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Transfer
This is truly a shame, the show has made the jump to DVD but it looks like the transfer is just making the jump to VHS. While not the worst transfer I’ve ever seen its not pretty by any means. My biggest gripe is the ridiculous VHS like tracking problem that appears occasionally… i mean c’mon really! I could carry on and point out all the weak spots of the DVD but why bother…
The transfer problem really is a shame, hopefully Paramount/Nick will give us better transfers on their upcoming releases. If salute your shorts has a crappy transfer i will raise HELL!
Rating: 3 out of 10
Audio
While the audio isn’t as bad as the video… it isn’t much better. As with the video the audio sounds like its coming off of VHS. It’s presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 there are not subs at all which i don’t mind much, but those who are hearing impaired will have a fit. The audio quality will also disappoint those of you who were fans of the indie-rock soundtrack
Rating: 4 out of 10
Extras
The packaging is similar to most TV sets that are out now, Digipak like case with slim clear Amaray cases. They also come with a very cool TV schedule from Nickelodeon back in 93. Ahh the nostalgia.
The Extras are fairly sweet we get 4 bonus Pete & Pete specials, 2 Pete & Pete 60 sec shorts, Audio only selections from Polaris who actually performs the Pete & Pete theme song and finally we have selected commentary tracks by show co-creators Will McRobb and Chris Viscardi and director Katherine Dieckmann
All in all it’s a fair set of extras that the hardcore fans will enjoy
Rating: 8 out of 10
Overall
Overall The Adventures of Pete & Pete is a must have for anyone who grew up in the early 90’s and love Nickelodeon. Granted the audio and video quality isn’t up to snuff, the show is still totally watchable. It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t get a nice clear print but 95% of you out there will just be happy to actually have Pete & Pete on DVD. Let’s hope season 2 gets better treatment.
Being that this is the only way to enjoy The Adventures of Pete & Pete I must recommend this DVD regardless of its flaws.
Rating: 7 out of 10
The Adventures of Pete & Pete
Movie: 8.5
Transfer: 3
Audio: 4
Extras: 8
Overall: 7
Format: 1.33:1
Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0
Rated: N/R
Genre: Comedy
Studio: Paramount / Nickelodeon
Bring Petunia Home
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