"Jackie Chan Adventures" is everything I love about cartoons; cool characters, bad guys you really hate, situations that could only be in a cartoon, and a story that makes you laugh.
In this disc, Valmont finds the dragon talisman and uses it's power to steal treasures to add to the Dark Hand coffers. My favorite episode of the 3 is the second one; the rat talisman brings one of Jade's toys to life and it's up to Jade and Jackie to capture it, and the talisman. In the third episode Jackie is poisoned and must co-operate with Valmont to get the antidote before he turns to stone.
"Jackie Chan Adventures" is a great show for the little ones, or those of us that wish we were. Lots of action, great animation and an interesting story. Jackie doesn't always win, which keeps you guessing.
Video
The video on this DVD is beautiful! The colors are very vibrant and look super on a properly calibrated TV. Don't look at the shots on the back of the package because it simply doesn't do the DVD any justice. I caught an episode of the show on broadcast TV and was shocked by the dull colors compared to the DVD. I noticed some shimmering in a few scenes, but it's very, very minor. I tried the DVD in my computer which usually makes spotting flaws in the video really easy. Nothing. No banding, no compression problems, nothing. All I saw were bright, beautiful drawings.
In my review of the second volume I mentioned that one of the episodes was edited. I've never seen any of the episodes on this disc, so I have no idea if there are edits or not.
Audio
The English audio on this release is in Surround, with the disc also containing Spanish, French and Portuguese audio tracks and English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean and Thai subtitles. The audio isn't impressive, but is very clear and without problems. To be honest, I thought it was in stereo like the first release. I can't say I noticed the rears being used at all.
Fans of extras will be let down with this release. You'll find:
Trailers
"3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain" - 1:02
"The Karate Kid Part II" - 1:26
The packaging says: "Exclusive Jackie Chan Interview". This lasts about a minute and a half, but it isn't exclusive, or an extra as far as I'm concerned. Jackie answers 3 questions, but these are part of the TV show (air at the end of the episodes) and are also included in the feature. I expected more.
Summary
Although the extras are lacking, the story is excellent and the video is superb. I had a smile on my face for an hour while I watched Jackie, Jade and Uncle fight "The Dark Hand". If this show wasn't already near the end of it's second season I'd consider catching it on TV. Oh well...keep those releasing coming Columbia TriStar!
