Blog From The Bench

Count Duckula
Capital Entertainment
Release Date: Oct. 4, 2005 (hey, that’s this week!)
Amazon

From the creators of Danger Mouse came this genuine oddball from the late ‘80s/early ‘90s. Count Duckula is the latest in a long line of deadly vampires, but a botched resurrection spell has made him less than fearsome. Instead of a vicious bloodsucker, he’s now a clumsy vegetarian. Duckula’s only friends are his butler Igor, who longs for the good old days of terrorizing the Transylvanian countryside, and his gigantic, destructive, yet well-meaning nanny.

I recently had the opportunity to view a publicity screener containing only the first two episodes, but even at two, a formula presents itself for the entire series. While hanging out in the castle, Duckula and Igor get into a discussion that eventually becomes about another part of the world. Meanwhile, some treasure seekers and/or vampire hunters are trying to get inside. Thanks to a magic mirror, Duckula transports the entire castle to the foreign land in question, and numerous misadventures follow. The first episode finds our heroes and their adversaries in Egypt, wandering around a boobie trap-ridden pyramid. Then, it’s off to Spain and right into a bullfighting ring.

Count Duckula was a combined American and British production, so you can imagine how the tone of the series is mixed. But in this case, it’s a good thing. There’s over-the-top slapstick in the Warner Brothers tradition combined with the dry line delivery British humor is known for. This what I like to call “summer stock theater” comedy, with a reliance on mistaken identities, slapstick, the occasional musical number, and puns, puns, puns. If a joke is too stupid for you, don’t worry, because another one is only seconds away.

The look of the series is unique. The characters are very simply drawn, but the backgrounds are highly detailed, with odd angles and moody lighting. Imagine Carl Barks collaborating with P. Craig Russell and you might get the idea. The picture quality on the disc leaves a little to be desired, though, with a soft image and several specks and scratches visible. The sound varies from good to great, especially during the toe-tapping Thriller-style theme song.

The first season of Count Duckula was released in stores earlier this week. Animation junkies in search of something different should give it try.