Summary of "The First 100 Episodes (Seasons 1-5) - Great Packaging!": This is a pretty awesome set, from the packaging to the excellent documentary on the series. I absolutely love the thick plastic case that houses the double-thin cases. Man, that's one sturdy, sturdy packaging, and it's so refreshing to see a company release a deluxe set in high-quality packaging instead of shoddy packaging which could damage the discs (though I'd had a report of the hubs breaking off in at least one set, and I found a similar problem with my disc 14, which was loose inside, though not scratched).
I didn't sit and watch all 100 episodes for the review, instead I jumped around a bit to measure the quality of individual episodes. There were some I had seen before on previous sets, and some that were new to me. My dog watched a few episodes with me as well - he was mesmerized by what he saw on the screen. Unfortunately I don't think he likes Mr. Crabs as he managed to get ahold of the case (discs 9 and 10) and gnawed the packaging (it's destroyed, but the discs are fine).
It's tough to say whether this set is worth buying if you already own the season sets, but I can tell you the documentary is excellent. It's not all "rah, rah, SpongeBob is great," as they touch on some of the controversy that the show brought ("Is SpongeBob Gay?!"). I loved seeing some of the guest star interviews, clips from other shows, and interviews with celebs that dig the yellow guy. They certainly spent some cash putting this together, but it's an amazing piece, and if you chose not to pick up the set, please find a way to rent the 14th disc. (read entire review)
SpongeBob vs. the Big One - It's the Big One! (3/03/2009)
Summary of "SpongeBob vs. the Big One - It's the Big One!": I like that Nick includes an unaired episode of the show on these DVDs because it helps justify the purchase, and gives kids something new to check out (after all, many will have seen these as they air). The continued silliness of the show puts a smile on my face, and I find myself growing to like it more with each DVD release. (read entire review)
Summary of "Spongicus - I am Spongicus!": Collectors will likely wait and pick up the upcoming season set (whenever it's announced), but for fans that can't wait, Nick is continuing to release these single-disc releases focused on one "big" episode, with a number of other ones tagged on. I thought "Spongicus" was fun, and parents may enjoy it as much as their kids. (read entire review)
Season 5, Volume 2 - SpongeBob DVDPants (11/30/2008)
Summary of "Season 5, Volume 2 - SpongeBob DVDPants": With countless SpongeBob DVDs already out, I'm finding it harder and harder to wrap up these reviews. I'll admit I was a bit surprised by the lack of bonus material in the set. I enjoyed the days of behind-the-scenes material for the show, but with nearly 40 DVDs released, that must be difficult to pull off for every release, not to mention you simply run out of material that can be included. (read entire review)
To Love A Patty - Animatics are Boooooring (1/26/2008)
Summary of "To Love A Patty - Animatics are Boooooring": Well, another volume of SpongeBob with entertaining episodes and lame extras. I'm soooo sick of the animatics, which are pretty much just poorly-drawn episodes that run slightly longer than the original episode. Oh well, these volumes are good for the kids. (read entire review)
Summary of "Bikini Bottom Adventures - Adventures Galore": Nickelodeon continues to release episodes that haven't aired on TV yet; I'm not sure sure if any of these episodes have been on TV. The trivia game is fun to play - I got all the questions correct on my second try (it was a different batch of questions).
The other day I discovered Mark Osborne, the Oscar-nominated director of More, a short film, directs most of the live-action SpongeBob segments. I've been a fan of More since I saw it about 5 years ago, but I didn't realize Mark was connected to the show at all.
Nick has already announced season 5, part 1 will come out in September, and that release show include the cartoons on this disc, plus some that were on another volume. Just giving you a heads up in case you collect the season releases. (read entire review)
Friend Or Foe - Check out the unaired episodes (4/13/2007)
Summary of "Friend Or Foe - Check out the unaired episodes": I think Nickelodeon is one of the few companies that releases episodes on DVD that haven't aired yet. "Friend or Foe" airs today (the day this review was posted), but "Night Light," "The Original Fry Cook," "Fungus Among Us" and "Spy Buddies" haven't aired at all, which leaves "Rise and Shine" and "Waiting" as the only two episodes that have already appeared on TV.
Am I the only one that finds animatics extremely boring? (read entire review)
Whale Of A Birthday - Happy Birthday to Pearl (10/28/2006)
Summary of "Whale Of A Birthday - Happy Birthday to Pearl": All these episodes are from the second half of season 4, which makes it useless to people planning on buying the second half of season 4 in January. In fact, this is almost half of half a season (which means it's about a quarter of season 4). A few of these episodes haven't aired yet ("That's No Lady" and "Wigstruck"), so there's some value to parents who buy the volumes for their kids.
I wasn't a fan of SpongeBob when I first saw the show, but the humor has grown on me. (read entire review)
Fear Of A Krabby Patty - It's another SpongeBob release (5/31/2005)
Summary of "Nick Picks Vol 1 - I pick Nick": It seems as though Nickelodeon continues to release discs that collect a few episodes of their shows, but they're always renaming the released. This is "Nick Picks Vol 1," but will there be a "Vol 2"? If you've been collecting all the Nick releases then this one has 3 new episodes on it; "Information Stuporhighway," "Bitter Reunions" and "Hostile Makeover." This is a fun disc if you don't mind some possible duplication. (read entire review)
Complete 2nd Season - I love my sponge friend (10/14/2004)
Summary of "Complete 2nd Season - I love my sponge friend": I love singing along to the theme song. There, I said it. I wasn't a huge fan of SpongeBob when I first saw it, but it's really grown on me, and it's gotten to the point where I look forward to hanging with the little sponge-dude.
If you take away the commentary tracks then this set has nothing worthwhile. The first set had some commentary tracks, various interviews, songs, drawing tutorials and more. This set has commentary tracks, storyboards and a lame game demo. Couldn't they have come up with something more? (read entire review)
Summary of "SpongeGuard On Duty - Spongy": I'd prefer them to continue releasing season sets for SpongeBob rather than these discs of random episodes. There are two episodes on this disc that can be found on the season 1 set; "Naughty Nautical Neighbors" and "Walking Small" so hardcore SpongeBob fans that have own everything will be skipping over those episodes.
Here's hoping we'll see another seasons et later this year. (read entire review)
SpongeBob Goes Prehistoric - Spongegar, Patar and Squog (3/08/2004)
Summary of "SpongeBob Goes Prehistoric - Spongegar, Patar and Squog": They sure skimped on the extras for this release. Since I don't have a PC I can't try out the game demo so that means the only thing of interest for me is the Nick previews, something I've seen far too many times.
One scene in "SpongeBob BC" made me laugh - Pathar looking at Squag reminds me of an old Cheech & Chong sketch involving stuff from a dog (you know what I mean if you've ever heard it). (read entire review)
Complete 1st Season - He lives in the sea... (12/01/2003)
Summary of "Complete 1st Season - He lives in the sea...": Okay, I have to come clean with you guys. When I watched the first SpongeBob DVD, I didn't "get it." I thought this was just a weird show with things that didn't make sense, like surfing underwater and fire, and now I'm a SpongeBob fan. I sing the theme song, and I laugh at his antics. Yes, I look forward to SpongeBob DVD releases.
This was a nice release of the first season. All the first season episode, new extras and some extras from the previous releases. If you know a big kid who likes SpongeBob, think about picking this set up for Christmas. (read entire review)
Summary of "NickToons: Christmas - It's Christmas!": These holiday-themed discs are nice for parents, but also for consumers not familiar with all the cartoons. While I've seen every SpongeBob disc that's been released, I've only caught a few episodes of The Fairly OddParents and I want more, more, more! Please Nick, release some The Fairly OddParents DVDs for me. Pretty please. (read entire review)
Summary of "NickToons: Halloween - Spooky Stories": While not every episode is about Halloween, these 6 episodes are entertaining. I'm really interested in checking out some other episodes of The Fairly OddParents. If you're looking for a Halloween themed disc, or just want to check out a few different Nick shows, this is the perfect disc for you. (read entire review)
Summary of "Tide And Seek - My Yellow Friend": With the recent announcement that the first season of SpongeBob Squarepants will be coming to DVD I assume this will be one of the last discs to contain random episodes, the last being the Christmas disc. While I'm excited that the first season will be released, I must say it seems a little odd given how many SpongeBob discs have already come out. It seems like each SpongeBob DVD is better than the last, and this is no exception. The quality on this release is the best yet, and it has quite a few special features. I hope the season set will put the previous releases to shame.
Would someone please get the theme song out of my head! (read entire review)
Summary of "Lost At Sea - Unaired Episode!": In "Tales from the Deep," the previous SpongeBob DVD, we got to see the first appearance of Sandy the Squirrel, and on this disc we see the first appearance of Plankton. SpongeBob cracks me up, and these episodes are great to watch after a long, hard day at the office. I think it's really cool that Nickelodeon is continuing to include episodes that haven't aired on TV in their DVD releases ("The Sponge Who Could Fly" is the episode on this disc). The unaired episodes just give parents another reason to pick up the DVD for their little SpongeBob fan. (read entire review)
Tales From The Deep - Sandy the Squirrel (1/28/2003)
Summary of "Tales From The Deep - Sandy the Squirrel": It was nice to see the first appearance of Sandy the Squirrel in "Tea at the Treedome." This release also contains 2 cartoons that haven't aired; "I had an Accident" and "Born Again Krabs." That's a nice little bonus for fans of the show, and one that was also repeated on the Rugrats "Mysteries" disc. The next SpongeBob DVD, "Lost at Sea", is scheduled for release on 3/04/2003. Mark that down on your calendar. (read entire review)
Summary of "Sea Stories - My buddy under the sea": The biggest kick I got out of this disc was during "Life of Crime". Patrick and SpongeBob are sitting around the fire when Patrick says, "Hey, if we're under water how can there be a..." and the fire goes out. If you've read my previous SpongeBob reviews you'll remember that I had a hard time understanding how they could live under water and go surfing and have fires. That scene almost left me in tears. (read entire review)
Summary of "Halloween - SpongeBob ScaredyPants": I must say that the cover for this DVD is a little misleading. In rather large text it says "5 spooky sea tales", with "PLUS 5 Bubblin' Bonus Episodes" in much smaller text a little higher. If I was trying to market this DVD there's no way I'd want "5" in large text when the disc holds 10 episodes. Why advertise a smaller number in large text? Totally bizarre if you ask me.
I wonder if this DVD was pushed up from an October release? It seems odd to have a Halloween-themed DVD coming out in the summer, but I enjoyed the material on the DVD never-the-less. I love having an excuse to sit down and watch a cartoon. I can hardly wait for the upcoming "Rugrats" DVD from Nickelodeon, and David Lambert will be reviewing the "Nick Jr. Holiday" DVD released later this month. It's a good time to be a cartoon fan. (read entire review)
Summary of "Nautical Nonsense/ Sponge Buddies - SpongeBob...what?": The humor in "SpongeBob" reminds me of "Ren & Stimpy"; a little off the wall but funny at the same time. I can see why the show appeals to children and how adults can be drawn into his world. Because of the length of the episodes (11 mins on average), they could easily be played as a break from homework or before bed. "SpongeBob" is one of those shows that lets you shut off your brain and escape to a wacky, wacky place. I'd have to say I quite enjoyed this DVD. (read entire review)
Early Front DVD Cover Art for SpongeBob's Last Stand
A few days ago we reported about the March 16th release of SpongeBob SquarePants - SpongeBob's Last Stand on DVD, featuring the never-before seen title episode plus 6 other new-to-DVD episodes and some... (read entire news item)
12/14/2009
Never-Seen Episode Comes to DVD First in 'SpongeBob's Last Stand'
In the never-before seen episode "SpongeBob's Last Stand", all chaos breaks loose in Bikini Bottom when SpongeBob and Patrick hear that a new highway will be running through Jellyfish fields. Outraged,... (read entire news item)
11/03/2009
Go Into Battle This January with Viking-Sized Adventures
Join SpongeBob and his pals as they go on a Viking-Sized Adventure, weather a storm, fill in for super heroes Mermaidman and Barnacleboy and meet Mr. Krabs grandpappy the pirate, guest starring Dennis... (read entire news item)
9/08/2009
Dive Into Season 6, Volume 1 on DVD this December! **UPDATE: PACKAGE ART!**
With the big SpongeBob SquarePants - The First 100 Episodes DVD set almost available (Sept. 22nd), with every episode collected from the first five seasons, Nickelodeon and Paramount Home Entertainment... (read entire news item)
8/11/2009
Truth or Square Officially Announced: Package Art, Extras & More!
On the Krusty Krabs' Eleventy Seventh anniversary, Mr. Krabs calls everyone over early to prepare for the big night and the entire crew finds themselves locked in the restaurant's freezer! It's going... (read entire news item)
7/27/2009
Final Package Art, Including Disc Cases, for The First 100 Episodes
A month ago we gave you the first look at packaging for Nickelodeon/Paramount's September 22nd DVD release of SpongeBob SquarePants - The First 100 Episodes. Now the studio has provided pictures of the... (read entire news item)
6/30/2009
Early Package Art for The First 100 Episodes (Seasons 1-5) DVDs
Yesterday we reported on Nickelodeon/Paramount's official announcement for SpongeBob SquarePants - The First 100 Episodes, which brings you the entire first 5 seasons of the show on 14 DVDs this September... (read entire news item)
6/29/2009
The First 100 Episodes Set Formally Announced: New Details and Extras
SpongeBob SquarePants First 100 Episodes is the "must-have" DVD collection for the über SpongeBob fan. This collection includes every episode from Seasons 1 through 5 plus exclusive special features on... (read entire news item)
4/28/2009
'First 100 Episodes' 5-Season DVD Set Arrives with New Extras this Autumn
This week's issue of Home Media Magazine has a full-page ad on the inside cover of the trade publication, informing retailers about Nickelodeon's plans to celebrate 10 years of SpongeBob SquarePants with... (read entire news item)
4/21/2009
To SquarePants or Not to SquarePants Debuts in July's 100-ep Marathon, Then on DVD
Nickelodeon and Paramount Home Entertainment have announced that a DVD titled SpongeBob SquarePants - To SquarePants or Not to SquarePants is on the way, with a number of new-to-DVD eiposdes that will... (read entire news item)
12/12/2008
Rear Box Art Reveals Complete List of Cartoons for SpongeBob vs. The Big One
Earlier this month Nickelodeon/Paramount announced the March 3rd release of SpongeBob vs. The Big One, a DVD that includes 7 cartoons. One of those, the one named in the disc's title, is seen for the... (read entire news item)
12/02/2008
Big One DVD Features a Brand-New Cartoon with Johnny Depp
Nickelodeon and Paramount Home Entertainment present SpongeBob vs. The Big One, a new DVD release coming out on March 3rd. It includes 6 episodes of the show that are new-to-DVD, plus the title episode... (read entire news item)
10/08/2008
Package Art, New Details for the Upcoming Spongicus DVD
The other day we reported that SpongeBob SquarePants - Spongicus is coming to DVD on January 27th. The studio has now sent over the package art for this release, and we wanted to share it with all you... (read entire news item)
10/06/2008
More Undersea Hilarity Announced with Spongicus!
Bikini Bottom turns upside down when SpongeBob and Patrick become gladiators in the title episode Spongicus. Plus more fun and foolishness as Squidward tries to write a music composition, Plankton starts... (read entire news item)
7/30/2008
Bonus Material, Box Art for Season 5, Volume 2 DVDs
The other day we brought you the announcement from Nickelodeon/Paramount that SpongeBob SquarePants - Season 5, Volume 2 is on the way for a November 18th DVD release. Today we've got a look at the package... (read entire news item)
7/28/2008
Are Ya' Ready to Complete the 5th Season? Nick/Par Announces 'S5,V2' at Last!
It's been more than a year since we've had the chance to pass along a studio announcement for a SpongeBob SquarePants (half-)season set for you, and fans have waited desperately for word of a new release... (read entire news item)
12/19/2007
3-D Box Art & Extras for SpongeBob's Pest of the West DVD
Yesterday morning Nickelodeon and Paramount announced the April 15th release of SpongeBob SquarePants - Pest of the West. Today we've learned that the disc will not only have 7 episodes new-to-DVD, but... (read entire news item)
12/18/2007
New DVD Next April Will Be A Pest
Get ready to hoot and holler with SpongeBob as he researches his family tree and finds out that he's related to a great Western hero in the title episode, Pest of the West! For more hilarious and crazy... (read entire news item)
10/16/2007
Announcement for To Love A Patty & Rear Box Art for Atlantis SquarePantis
Are you ready for more SpongeBob? Well he's back and he's in love...with the perfect Krabby Patty! If that's not funny enough then watch Plankton turn the Krusty Krab patrons into babies and SpongeBob... (read entire news item)
5/15/2007
Who Lives on a DVD Under The Sea? SpongeBob - Season 5, V1!
Paramount has announced the September 4th release of SpongeBob SquarePants - Season 5, Volume 1 on DVD. All they had for us today, though, is this description and the cover art. It's a short description,... (read entire news item)
2/20/2007
Head Back To Bikini Bottom For 7 Never-Before-On-DVD Episodes
Join SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom pals in 7 all new-to-DVD quirky adventures with the latest release of SpongeBob SquarePants - Bikini Bottom Adventures. You will laugh out loud as SpongeBob and Squidward... (read entire news item)
12/24/2006
'Friend or Foe' announced
SpongeBob is ready to entertain you with 7 all new DVD episodes! Laugh with SpongeBob as he finds out the secret to Mr. Krabs and Planktons rivalry, wards off the boogeyman, tries to impress a world renowned... (read entire news item)
11/04/2006
Artwork for the second volume of season 4
It's been a month since we posted news that the second volume from season 4 would be released on January 9, 2007, and now Nickelodeon has released artwork for the set. You can preorder the set from Amazon.com... (read entire news item)
10/01/2006
Season 4, Volume 2 news
Nickelodeon/Paramount haven't formally announced the second half of season 4, but Amazon.com is taking preorders for the set, due to be released on January 9, 2007. The 2 disc set contains the second... (read entire news item)
5/31/2006
Grab a Krabby Patty and watch Season 4, Vol 1 in September
A few weeks ago we told you SpongeBob SquarePants season 4, volume 1 would be released in September, and now we have the exact date: September 12. The 2 disc set holds 20 episodes (235 mins), a behind-the-scenes... (read entire news item)
5/18/2006
Season 4, Volume 1 coming in September
Nickelodeon, and distributor Paramount Home Entertainment, have announced that they'll release SpongeBob SquarePants in September. Unlike the previous season sets, this one is labled "Season 4, Volume... (read entire news item)
8/05/2005
3rd Season Set Package: SpongeBob Is Cookin'!
We've given you lots of details about the SpongeBob Squarepants - The Complete 3rd Season DVD set, due on Sept. 27th, but no cover art yet. Now the studio has made that available, and here it is. Enjoy! (read entire news item)
7/22/2005
More on upcoming season 3 set
We've been saving these season 3 details for an appropriate time, and today's Animation Spectacular (officially it's "Friday's News Day," but I thought "Animation Spectacular" sounded catchier) is the... (read entire news item)
7/17/2005
Season 3 news
Paramount hasn't announced the set yet, but a few retailers are taking orders for SponeBob SquarePants: Season 3. The 3 disc set will be released on September 27, for a suggested retail price of $49.99.
You... (read entire news item)
7/04/2005
Nick Picks Vol 2
Nickelodeon has announced the second "Nick Picks" volume for release on October 18. This single disc will include more of your favorite episodes from Rugrats, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Fairly OddParents,... (read entire news item)
6/24/2005
Absorbing Favorites - Absorbing Money
Paramount has announced SpongeBob SquarePants: Absorbing Favorites for release on September 20. This single disc release contains 9 "favorite" episodes, and most have been released once or twice before.... (read entire news item)
7/20/2004
Pics of box, discs, plus all the details for the 2nd Season set!
SpongeBob SquarePants is swimming your way toward an October 5th release of The Complete 2nd Season. This 3-DVD box set contains all 40 of the 11-minute episodes from the second season of the hit Nick... (read entire news item)
7/06/2004
Are ya' ready for Season 2, kids? Aye-aye, Captain!
Major online retailer Amazon.com has put up a pre-order listing for SpongeBob SquarePants - The Complete 2nd Season on DVD. The e-tail giant reports that Paramount will begin distributing this for Nick... (read entire news item)
7/18/2003
Season 1 Gift Set Art & Info
Paramount has provided artwork for Spongebob Squarepants: The Complete 1st Season, and with the cover comes some basic info. Uh, it seems to be a 3-disc set with 90 minutes of special features. Okay,... (read entire news item)
7/12/2003
Season 1 box set in-the-works
Paramount Home Entertainment has mailed out a piece of paper (how quaint!) listing some of the upcoming titles in October, 2003. Nick Jr. titles figure heavily in there, with new discs for Dora The Explorer... (read entire news item)
6/18/2003
A Tidal Wave of Releases
We apologize for the delay, but we finally have the episode list (and cover art, shown below) for the July 29th release, Tide And Seek:
Mermaidman & Barnacle Boy III
Big Pink Loser
Opposite Day
Squirrel... (read entire news item)
4/22/2002
Another release in August?
A Paramount Home Video employee posted to the Home Theater Forum that we may see another SpongeBob release in August. Since this isn't in the form of a press release the date could change. (read entire news item)
11/07/2001
Releases are coming?
Martin Blythe from Paramount posted this message to a "SpongeBob SquarePants" thread on the Home Theater Forum. "Spongebob fans, you will probably get your wish next year." He said PROBABLY get your wish.... (read entire news item)
