January 8, 2009

For a while now I have been reviewing the numerous Chipmunk DVDs that have been found their way to my desk here at GCM. Part of that reason is because of my undying love for cartoons of old and the other reason is that this is the unofficial year of the Munk. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Chipmunks creation by Ross Sr. and now we all get to relieve the animated series that I, and the rest of the 80’s, remember.

For the past several DVD releases, the main focus has always been on the Boy Trio, but the newest DVD turns it attention to their female counterparts, The Chipettes. The Chipettes came to be in the 2nd episode of the Chipmunks back in 1983. Ever since then these two trios have battling it out and joining forces. So sit back will I review The Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Chipettes on DVD.

The Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Chipettes features 6 episodes from various seasons of the show. This 6 episode disc captures some of the best episodes of the Chipettes at their best. Starting with my favorite episode “May the Best Chipmunk Win”, the Chipettes start at the Chipmunks school. Brittany wants to fit in so she under Alvin’s suggestion to “think big” decides to run for school president. Little does she know that Alvin is running too, so when the two find out hilarity ensues as the two try to win over the student body.

One of the other episodes that I also liked is entitled “My Fair Chipette.” In this episode Alvin makes a bet with Brittany that he can make anyone a beauty pageant winner. For those of you who haven’t recognized the plot it is a spoof of the 1964 film My Fair Lady. Well anyways the “lucky” girl that Alvin must work with is Brittany’s bookworm sister Jeanette. The question remains though. Can Alvin and Jeanette pull it off? You’ll have to watch the DVD to find out.

The rest of this 6 episode disc features the episodes “Operation Theodore”, “Sisters”, “The Greatest Show-Offs on Earth” and “Tell It to the Judge.” I personally like all 6 of the episodes on this single disc set but the ones I explained are definitely my favorites.

Filmmaking: 9
The Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Chipettes DVD brings back the magic that the original show did back in the 80s. I was a big fan of the show as a kid and now looking back I see how well done cartoons were being created when I was younger. Animation was definitely cool back then and it has lasted the set of time.

Graphics: 8
Graphically, the contents of this The Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Chipettes DVD is true to form of the original series and it’s good to see that the animation transferred well to DVD format. This DVD is presented in Full Screen as most TV shows were back then.

Sound: 9
The sounds of the episodes are quite good and are presented in Dolby Digital English Stereo. The voice acting is quite good and just as funny as I remembered them. The Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Chipettes DVD features several fantastic songs of the time and older. Songs like “It’s My Party”, “Material Girl”, “The Longest Time” and “On the Good Ship lollipop” are several of the songs that can be heard in the episodes.

Value: 7
The Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Chipettes DVD features 6 episodes which compared to the other DVD sets is definitely a good deal, with the exception of the Alvin Edition that is. Most of the previous DVDs featured only about 3 episodes at around 14-16 dollars. This set retails for about the same price with 3 more episodes. So if you love the Chipmunks and are looking to start a collection this is a great DVD to start with.

Overall: 8.9
Overall, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Chipettes DVD is entertaining and fun to watch. Any family should enjoy this DVD with their kids, especially if there are brothers and sisters involved. Just don’t let things get out of hand. Hide the valuables, parents. I recommend picking up this DVD for any parents looking for a great DVD for their kids as well as old fans of the series like myself.