Although I wasn’t a big fan of the film, I have to admit to being taken in by the series. Tons of animated goofiness, punctuated by action sequences that are both fun and ridiculous, the acting is highly exaggerated, as it should be, and the dialogue is quick and funny. Be warned though, these characters are foul mouthed, this is an adult cartoon.
Black Dynamite doesn’t really follow a linear storyline. Most of the episodes included here standalone nicely, as this is clearly a show built on quick gags. Most episodes take a celebrity or pop culture cornerstone of the 1970’s, and mock the heck out of them. One of this season’s best episodes, “A Crisis at Christmas or The Dark Side of the Dark Side of the Moon” has Black Dynamite visit the moon at Christmas to prove to the kids in his Whorephanage (a sanctuary for both whores and orphans) that he can be just as friendly as O.J. Simpson, the one black person white people like. Black Dynamite has no interest in being politically correct, and often crosses the line of good taste in the name of a quick laugh. Women are regularly referred to as hoes, and dead celebrities (particularly Michael Jackson) are fair game.
As stated earlier, many of the voice actors are reprising their roles from the film, and do a great job capturing the feel of the 1970’s and the blaxploitation era. The series is also fortunate enough to have several notable guest stars including Eric Bauza, Corey Burton, Snoop Dogg, and Eddie Griffin among others, who fit in well with the series’ satirical awareness.
If you hated the film, chances are you won’t care for the cartoon. But if you’ve seen an enjoyed the original Black Dynamite more than once, this ‘toon is probably for you. Replay value is a question though. Once you’ve heard all the jokes, a second look could feel a bit stale.
Episodes: “Just Beat It, or Jackson Five Across Yo’ Eyes” – “Bullhorn Nights, or Murder She Throats” – “Taxes and Death, or Get Him to the Sunset Strip!” – “A Crisis at Christmas, or The Dark Side of the Dark Side of the Moon” – “Panic on the Player’s Ball Express, or That’s Influenza Sucka!” – “The $#*! That Killed The King, or Weekend At Presley’s” – “Apocalypse This!, or For the Pity of Fools AKA Flashbacks are Forever” – “Honky Kong, or White Apes Can’t Hump” – “The Race War, or Big Black Cannon Balls Run!” – “Seed of Kurtis, or Father Is Just Another Word For Motherf#@ker”
Warner Bros has delivered Black Dynamite with uncensored audio, though body parts are still either pixellated or blocked out. Each of the 10 episodes included on this set are presented in 2.40:1 widescreen in 1080p high definition. The show features colorful, above average animation. Free of any print damage or obvious imperfections, fans should be pleased.
The DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track is a solid one, providing clear dialogue throughout, and unexpected aggressiveness when the various pieces of funky music kick in. Effects and music are easily distinguishable.
English, French, and Spanish subtitles are included.
Extras include the original pilot episode (which is only eleven minutes long); a very short behind-the-scenes featurette; audio commentaries on five episodes featuring Michael Jai White, Byron Minns, Tommy Davidson, writer/producer Carl Jones, and Kym Whitley; and a digital copy of the series.
