Long one of the most successful animation series on television, The Flintstones have returned in their first new production in fourteen years. A direct-to-video animated film, The Flintstones and WWE: Stone Age Smackdown is a partnership between Warner Bros. and the WWE. As a point of interest, Smackdown! Represents the first animated Flintstones project not to involve original creators William Hanna and Joseph Barbera and for the first time in almost fifty years, doesn’t feature the voice of John Stephenson as Mr. Slate. Changes are afoot.

When Fred (voiced by Jeff Bergman) loses the family vacation money, he’s in need of an advance on his paycheck. When that becomes impossible after another workplace accident, he decides a small wrestling show could be profitable. Fred enlists a muscular co-worker John Cenastone (who looks like, and is voiced by the WWE’s John Cena). Other wrestlers involved include: Rey Mysteriopal (Rey Mysterio), The Undertaker (The Undertaker), CM Punkrock (CM Punk), Marble Henry (Mark Henry) and twins Nikki and Brie Boulder (Nikki and Brie Bella).

Fred raises the money to take his family and the Rubbles to Rockapulco, but as so often happens, Fred takes things too far. Deciding he can get rich, Fred quits his job, spends the vacation money on a flashy suit and pinkie ring, and organizes an even bigger event, the Saturday Night Spectacular at the Bedrock Sports Arena. Predictably, everything that can go wrong does, leaving Fred in the ring with men twice the size of himself, with serious bones to pick.

It’s a pleasant surprise that the filmmakers have done such a good job recreating the original look and tone of the original 1960’s cartoon. While I’m certainly partial to the original cartoon, the partnership between The Flintstones and the WWE makes sense, given the current popularity of the latter. The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age Smackdown! doesn’t require that you have any knowledge of the WWE, but it certainly contributes to the enjoyment level. The WWE is to be commended for attempting to make The Flintstones hip again.

Presented in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio, this 1080p transfer is flawless. It’s a wonderful showcase for the simple, but wonderful animation. The color is bright and vibrant.

The 5.1 is very lively, catching every sound. The dialogue is clean throughout.

English SDH and French subtitles are included.

The following extras are available:

  • The Superstars of Fred Flintstone Entertainment (HD, 9:46) Producer/director Tony Cervone and the wrestlers involved in the film discuss their animated selves in prehistoric times. Real WWE footage is compared to the cartoon and stats are listed for each featured wrestler.
  • How to be a Stone Age Superstar (HD, 4:45) The wrestlers discuss developing their identity and developing signature moves. Cervone discusses how to apply those things to the film.

Two classic episodes of the 1960’s Cartoon:

  • The Engagement Ring (HD, 26:22, originally aired November 25, 1960) Barney trusts Fred to hide the engagement ring he plans to give Betty. That decision has unintended consequences, as misunderstanding ensues and Barney has to fight a boxing champion to pay for the ring.
  • Take Me Out to the Ball Game (26:05; originally aired April 30, 1962) Barney is coaching children’s baseball and Fred is learning to become an umpire.
  • DVD Copy
  • Digital Copy
  • UV Copy