Review-”Duckman: Seasons Three & Four”

• Release Date: January 6, 2009
• Publisher: Paramount
• Price: $35.99 on Amazon.com (Buy It)
• Rating: Not Rated
• Run Time: 1,077 minutes
• Special Features: Video of Original Animation From Unaired Pilot, “Walk Cycles, Expressions, Storyboards, and Pencil Tests,” More
• Starring: The Voices of Jason Alexander, Nancy Travis, E.G. Daily, Gregg Berger, Dweezil Zappa, Dana Hill, Pat Musick
• Genre: Animation, Comedy

I reviewed the first two seasons of “Duckman” in September. Most of what I wrote in that review applies to the final two seasons of the show. The show’s comedy is often hit-or-miss, with some episodes being very funny while others hardly deserve a chuckle.

As I wrote in my previous review, “Duckman” is definitely not for children. The language isn’t terrible but there is still a lot of mature themes and humor. In other words, it’s more like “Family Guy” than “The Simpsons.” It’s probably alright for older teens but I wouldn’t let anyone younger watch.

Duckman is a lazy and sarcastic P.I. who generally hates his life. He tries to solve cases but can’t seem to do so without getting into some sort of trouble. Also featured are his three children, his wife’s twin sister, his comatose mother-in-law, and his P.I. firm partner.

As I wrote earlier, Duckman’s humor is very hit-or-miss. The good news is that this two-season set holds 48 episodes and doesn’t cost a dime more than the previous set. With those many episodes, it isn’t that big of deal that the show is inconsistent. I personally would grade “Duckman” as average but people who love shows like “Family Guy” and “South Park” would probably really enjoy this show.

Video quality is iffy, which is to be expected since the show is over ten years old and aired on cable. It’s not like the show is unwatchable, it just isn’t as impressive as other animated shows. Some of the colors are a bit drab and there are occasional specks of dirt. Even though video quality isn’t the most impressive aspect of this set, it probably shouldn’t dissuade you from purchasing it. Extras aren’t as plentiful as on other animated show DVD releases but the ones offered are pretty interesting.

Obviously people who picked up and enjoyed the first two seasons of “Duckman” will want to pick the final two seasons up. I’d also recommend this set for fans of adult animated shows like “Family Guy” and “South Park.” Recommended.