Disney Afternoon DTV films?

[milojthatch]

This question came up when on the Open Vault Disney Twitter account, Tad Stones mentioned the idea for Darkwing Duck to get direct to video films made like Scooby Doo. But, it is a really great idea, so I'm exploring it a little. Who here would be interested in joining up for a letter writing campaign to get Disney to start producing direct to video films based on the old Disney Afternoon shows?

My thinking is the best titles for a "first wave" of such films would be for "Gargoyles," "DuckTales," "Darkwing Duck" and "TaleSpin" as from what I can tell, they may be the most popular from that era and I think would do the best. I personally would rather see more "TaleSpin" then a "Cars 2" spin-off! What say the rest of you?

[slave2moonlight]

I agree, and actually, I've been saying this since the Disney direct to video sequels were still being released. Just check around at my comments in threads about the Disney direct to video stuff. Instead of everyone hating Disney direct to video, they would have praised it, because the product could easily have been an upgrade from the source material rather than a downgrade. I'd say a better way to prove the point though, would be referencing some of the DC comics direct to video movies rather than the Scooby ones.

I have always said they should be making direct to video movies of stuff lik DuckTales, Darkwing, TaleSpin, Rescue Rangers, Gummi Bears (yes, please!), Gargoyles, etc..., but also to make new features for Mickey and the gang. It also would be a good place for stuff like, say, a Disney's Gremlins movie (especially now, since Epic Mickey has given them more exposure), or maybe an Epic Mickey movie? Or movies based on other Disney comics/games, or theme park attractions. Imagine how much better The Country Bears movie could have been if it was a traditionally animated film that was more loyal to the original attraction/characters. Of course, it's not the sure thing, profit wise, that sequels to stuff like Cinderella might be, but even those characters could have been included in better ways. Say a much better House of Mouse movie than the sort of things they did release related to that show. Anyway, yeah, they really blew it with the direct to video stuff, but there is a lot of potential for that market. Planes will probably do well, but it is not something I, personally, can get psyched about. I think it'd be better if they would make use of all these great characters they have already, and it could open up the market for complete series releases of those fantastic old shows.

They did tap into some of this stuff with terrific results. The Mickey, Donald, and Goofy Three Musketeers movie was very good. An Extremely Goofy Movie, kinda regardable as a Goof Troop movie, was also a great sequel (to a bigscreen release, no less). And, the Mickey's Once and Twice Upon a Christmas movies were very good, though not everyone likes anthologies (I do, but the girl I've been seeing recently, for example, didn't like Once Upon a Christmas because she was hoping to see one feature-length story). I think more holiday themed features for direct to video would be a good idea, if they were actual features and not cut together with previous specials and shorts. Even anthologies are great if they are all new material though, in my opinion. I really think it'd be nice to get a Disney animated feature with a Halloween theme (Mickey, Donald, and Goofy visit the Haunted Mansion? A DuckTales Halloween?), as well as more features for other holidays, including more Christmas ones. So much potential here, and yet they are just using it for preschoolers now. I love the TinkerBell movies, and I'm sure I'll get "Planes", but honestly, it's underwhelming. Cars and Cars 2 were already underwhelming enough, and I LOVE everything else PIXAR has ever done.

[DisneyJedi]

You know, Disney was planning to create theatrical films for their Disney Afternoon cartoons. But apparently, because the Ducktales movie flopped, they had a change of mind and it sucks because we'll never get to see a movie of Darkwing Duck, TaleSpin or Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers. The former two I'm fine with, but I want a Rescue Rangers movie because it deserves one, damn it!!

[Goliath]

I'm a big fan of the Disney Afternoon shows, because they're so infinitly better than any of the crap Disney produces for tv these days (indistinguishable from the Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon shit); they had a very own unique style. Yet I don't want to see new movies of those shows. The shows are over. They ended in the early 1990's. Let them stay there. There really is no need to make new stories. I'm sure they'll never be able to recapture the spirit of the original shows: not in the design, not in the animation style, not in the writing and not in the voicework.

That last one particularly troubles me, as I've grown up watching all these shows in a dubbed, Dutch version and, unlike the Classics, that's still the way I prefer them. But a lot of the people who originally worked on those dubs are either not available anymore (like, when ignorant Disney Netherlands decided the Dutch voice for Huey, Duey and Louie in Duck Tales didn't "fit" anymore) or have deceased (Dutch voices of Scrooge McDuck and Launchpad McQuack).

So no, no new movies, please. Just release the season sets of these shows that you've been witholding, Disney. Oh, and send them to Europe, as well!

[milojthatch]

Of course, it's not the sure thing, profit wise, that sequels to stuff like Cinderella might be, but even those characters could have been included in better ways.

I think that is what it comes down to for Disney. They, and every other major studio, want "sure things," which basically ends up creating a creative void. The best films and shows were 9 out of 10 times anything but a sure thing. How different this company has become. "Snow White" wasn't a sure thing either back in the day!

I'm not sure that they ever would or not make these films, which is why I'm probing before I actually start a campaign for it. My experience so far is that by and large, Disney fans are not the campaigning type and the last thing I want is to do is ask for support for a new campaign when the current one is less then settled. However, I can see how one could help the other and hold fast to the thought that with enough stick-to-it-tivity, we can and will pull things off here.

You know, Disney was planning to create theatrical films for their Disney Afternoon cartoons. But apparently, because the Ducktales movie flopped, they had a change of mind and it sucks because we'll never get to see a movie of Darkwing Duck, TaleSpin or Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers. The former two I'm fine with, but I want a Rescue Rangers movie because it deserves one, damn it!!

I'm actually very much aware of that. I wonder if "DuckTales: The Movie" would have done better as a DTV film instead? We'll never know, but, I think the big idea here is that that film came right after the show. These would be a few deacdes after and riding on the nostalgia train, which can be very profitable if done right.

[UmbrellaFish]

*Let me note this first by saying that I'm speaking mostly as a Gargoyles fan as I've little experience with other Disney Afternoon properties.

I agree with Goliath to an extent. I don't think animated DTVs are the best way to revive these series. Gargoyles in particular, I think, would not benefit because the meat of the show was always in the character arcs that developed over episodes, and a DTV movie wouldn't allow that growth.

However, I'm a proponent of the comic books, and I would welcome new seasons of these shows, as well, especially if they had their original creative teams attached. I've always dreamed of a big screen adaptation of Gargoyles to be produced that would generate interest in the franchise, and allow for the opportunity of a new season or the production of one of Weisman's proposed spin-offs. Is this likely? No, but I can daydream. I'll be happy, anyway, as long as word of mouth holds true and Disney releases Season Two, Volume Two this year.

[milojthatch]

...and I would welcome new seasons of these shows, as well, especially if they had their original creative teams attached.

I agree, this one may be a bit more of a stretch then getting what has been made onto DVD, but if (knock on wood) it ever did happen, I could not imagine it being done without the original creative teams behind it. I'm sure most would gladly do something like this if given the chance.

[Goliath]

Also, look at how horribly wrong season 4 of Kim Possible went. That one was made after major pressure from fans. Initially, season 3 was going to be the last and they made a satisfying ending to the series, yet a few years later, after much campaigning from fans, Disney changed its mind and gave into them. A big mistake, in my opinion, as the season 4 episodes turned out to be very contrived and far-fetched, because all of the good ideas had already been used before. Sometimes it's better to just let a favorite show end.

[UmbrellaFish]

But there's already been an additional season of Gargoyles, Season Three in comic book form by series creator Greg Weisman and it was warmly received. That series unfortunately ended prematurely, but left plenty of room for Gargoyles to grow. It's a very open universe.

[milojthatch]

Also, look at how horribly wrong season 4 of Kim Possible went. That one was made after major pressure from fans.

I know, I'm actually friends with the guy who ran that. Well, associates would be a better term, but I have talked with him a number of times about it.

But there's already been an additional season of Gargoyles, Season Three in comic book form by series creator Greg Weisman and it was warmly received. That series unfortunately ended prematurely, but left plenty of room for Gargoyles to grow. It's a very open universe.

I think the comic book, especially the new ones for "Gargoyles" and "Darkwing Duck," show that there is a lot of life left in these characters. Sadly, in his last Tweet to Open Vault Disney, Mr. Stone said that he had pitched the idea for a "Darkwing Duck" DTV film and it was rejected. It seems he has moved on and is busy with new characters.

My thinking is after probing, that it may be a great idea, and one I firmly believe in, but not one that will work with modern Disney. If down the road, someone that grew up in the "Disney Afternoon" generation end up in charge of such things and gets the idea, then maybe in 10 or 20 years we might see it. But as for right now, they don't seem to hold that vision.

But, getting what has been released on DVD is far from over and another story entirely!

[Elladorine]

Darkwing definitely has a lot of life left in its characters and concept and I agree that the recent comic is a reflection of that. I'd go so far as to say a reboot could work well, if done right. I'd even think it's the right time for it, and it's too bad that Disney isn't interested.

I'd rather not see DuckTales revived, but instead a more straightforward adaptation of the Scrooge comics. I'd really, really love that, but doubt there's much of a market for it. I imagine a lot of people might unfavorably compare it to the "original" DuckTales, including the people at Disney.

In all honesty, I feel that the Disney Afternoon series, as high of a quality that they were, are very much the product of a different era. If they were made now with the same feel and tone they were given back then, they'd struggle for an audience outside the nostalgic fanboys.

[steetboris]

I DREAM of a TaleSpin DTV film!!! This is the Disney show that holds up the best, it's perfect for adults and kids alike.

I think Disney should have done DTV films of their Disney Afternoon shows instead of doing unneeded cheap sequels to their films...especially because the DA shows were MADE to have continuation, and the gap in animation would have nonexistent, it probably would have even improved on the shows!

As for getting an audience, how can you know considering Disney hasn't even TRIED? I do believe it could have a huge success if done right and promoted right. A lot of companies are making new series based on past series (like Scooby Doo or Looney Tunes), and are very successful, so why not Disney?

Talking about that, have you seen this amazing Talespin video game a fan has made?








Well, you can DOWNLOAD IT HERE! http://bit.ly/wlMA0b

We're talking about this game on the TaleSpin Source forum right here!
http://www.animationsource.org/board/i- ... 33943.html

[Prince Edward]

I'm a big fan of the Disney Afternoon shows, because they're so infinitly better than any of the crap Disney produces for tv these days (indistinguishable from the Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon shit); they had a very own unique style. Yet I don't want to see new movies of those shows. The shows are over. They ended in the early 1990's. Let them stay there. There really is no need to make new stories. I'm sure they'll never be able to recapture the spirit of the original shows: not in the design, not in the animation style, not in the writing and not in the voicework.

That last one particularly troubles me, as I've grown up watching all these shows in a dubbed, Dutch version and, unlike the Classics, that's still the way I prefer them. But a lot of the people who originally worked on those dubs are either not available anymore (like, when ignorant Disney Netherlands decided the Dutch voice for Huey, Duey and Louie in Duck Tales didn't "fit" anymore) or have deceased (Dutch voices of Scrooge McDuck and Launchpad McQuack).

So no, no new movies, please. Just release the season sets of these shows that you've been witholding, Disney. Oh, and send them to Europe, as well!

I totally agree with you, and I do have the same regard for the Norwegian dubs for DuckTales and the other series. And it is really sad that Disney started to release DuckTales and Rescue Rangers on DVD here i Norway, but then they decided to not release the entire series.

[Super Aurora]

Also, look at how horribly wrong season 4 of Kim Possible went. That one was made after major pressure from fans. Initially, season 3 was going to be the last and they made a satisfying ending to the series, yet a few years later, after much campaigning from fans, Disney changed its mind and gave into them. A big mistake, in my opinion, as the season 4 episodes turned out to be very contrived and far-fetched, because all of the good ideas had already been used before. Sometimes it's better to just let a favorite show end.

But the 4th one also has one of the best episodes too. The one with Miss Go.

[Goliath]

But the 4th one also has one of the best episodes too. The one with Miss Go.

That's a small comfort. Season 4 had a lot of unneccesary changes; things they changed just for the sake of changing (Kim's outfit; the car; the twins going to Middleton High) and too much was about Ron's so-called "growing up". And that baby... *facepalm*

[TsWade2]

I blame the critics and the people for not supporting Disney Afternoon cartoons. Ducktales the Movie would of been hit so we can get Chip 'N' Dale Rescue Rangers and Talespin to get their own movies. I just like see when Talespin has it's own movie, that in the end, Baloo finally decided to adopt Kit as his own son and Don Karange will be defeated by falling to his death. No offense for the fans of Don Karnage.

[jazzflower92]

If they were to reboot the Tale Spin series then they need a replacement for Tony Jay since he is no longer with us.Man,Tony Jay voice was a legend and I am glad he played Shere Khan.If they are doing DTV movies I was thinking they would bring back old concepts from the Jungle Book.I was thinking they would do a movie about Buldeo who was a character cut from when they were going to be more faithful to the book.I was thinking that Buldeo would be a hunter that would be very arrogant and is going hunting after big game.I think he would be from the same village as Mowgli and they would often have some tension between each other because of the fact he hunts for sport.

[Papa Bear]

I think a reboot of the Disney Afternoon would be great and should draw in those of that that loved it growing up as well as our kids who would love it now.

[Voiceroy]

Animated D2Vs based on established franchises/properties have been fairly successful for the most part. Marvel and DC have both done well in the market with their product, and there's been room for "indies" (apart from Marvel and DC) like Hellboy Animated to cash in on fan demand as well.

But I don't believe Disney cares enough about their vaulted animated series -- or their fans -- to produce new D2V features unless they have "Princess" in the title. I don't think they would acknowledge that they even remotely had potential to be profitable.

[slave2moonlight]

I think a reboot of the Disney Afternoon would be great and should draw in those of that that loved it growing up as well as our kids who would love it now.

I wouldn't mind seeing a reboot of Disney Afternoon at all, but with new shows that had some of the best qualities of the old shows, and maybe a few continuations. Like Darkwing maybe, and maybe a Goof Troop show about an older Max? I would prefer continuity when dealing with past shows. I am not a fan of starting all over when the original was good. It can be updated or expanded without starting from scratch. For example, Batman, Superman, Justice League, Batman Beyond, they were all in the same universe rather than a bunch of reboots, like the many DC shows that followed which were all inferior from what I saw (not that they weren't good).

I don't necessarily agree that those old shows wouldn't be hits today if they had new episodes but were mostly the same. Maybe they would appeal to a younger age bracket than they used to (as well as nostalgic adults), or maybe it would come out the same, but I think if they were as good as the originals, people would watch. Perhaps new episodes are what would be needed to sell new direct to video movies on the subjects though, or theatrical films, or DVD sets of the old shows. I wouldn't underestimate the nostalgia though. They have been making a lot of movies lately that partly or largely rely on nostalgia. Some hit it big. There were even plans recently to make a Fraggle Rock movie. I don't know what the status on that is now, but if they could consider that, I think new movies about the Disney Afternoon shows are worth consideration (especially if something like the Fraggle Movie would come out and be a big hit). Ya know, I would never expect them to come out with another DuckTales theatrical film if the first one flopped (I saw it in theaters myself, so it wasn't my fault!), but I kinda think if they did make another one today, the nostalgia alone might make it a success. But, they probably wouldn't market it well enough for anyone to know about it... I do think that DuckTales or Gargoyles are the two they would have to start with to have a fair chance at success though. Or Kim Possible, which they also could (and should) have done in live-action for the bigscreen. Gargoyles or Gummi Bears could also make great bigscreen material too. At least more worthy of a try than some of the other live-action stuff they release.

Anyways, yeah, I think some semi-reboots could be cool, but I would prefer they keep continuity with the originals. Maybe they could be a little different visually (I don't mean CGI or anything, but I'm sure that's what they'd do, or Flash or something *sigh*), and some characters could be older or situations changed. Updated but still good, ya know? And, that new TRON show could fit into it, as well as some other new stuff. Maybe finally a show about Mickey, since Donald had Quack Pack and Goofy had Goof Troop. I don't think House of Mouse is the same thing. Maybe an adventure show about Mickey, or detective or secret agent or something. In the comics, he was often helping the cops with Goofy at his side. Or, maybe Mickey, Donald, and Goofy as paranormal investigators? That'd be pretty cool.

I also would like to see a DuckTales that brings Donald back into the picture to make it more like the comic books. The title could be different, even just Donald Duck Adventures (one of the comic book titles), and it could have a lot more of Donald's relatives appear in it. But, often Scrooge, and Scrooge could wear his red/maroon coat this time. For a long time, I hated the colors of his clothes on DuckTales, even though I adored the show. I didn't like that Donald wasn't in it either. But, since Launchpad went on to work with Darkwing... Yeah, I think it could work, and I'd like to see the continuity kept there. Donald's back from the Navy and the boys are back with him, but they still go on adventures with Scrooge, and sometimes have stories that involve Gladstone Gander (who only had like 2 appearances or so on DuckTales), Gus Goose, Grandma Duck, Daisy, Moby Duck, Ludwig, Gyro, and so on... Maybe a crossover episode with Darkwing and special guest episodes with other characters too, like GizmoDuck (who would only appear as a special guest once or twice, busy doing the superhero thing and not working for Scrooge anymore), Supergoof, maybe even Mickey and friends. Anyways, that's just another idea.

With TaleSpin, I love it, but that might be the hardest one to get a new audience with. I don't know, I feel like it was such an unusual show, and I'm not sure how to change it or do more with it, aside from doing some feature length adventures. I mean, you could make more great episodes, but like I said, they would be the same thing. I don't think you can bring in human characters or anything. But, like I said, because it's a great show, that alone may be enough to get it an audience. As for Rescue Rangers, I kinda see them turning that into something like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. It's a downgrade for sure, but if it brings the characters back...

Things had changed so much for the Gummi Bears by the end of their show, that I really don't think they would have to make changes, just continue it. Like I said, they could change the drawing style a bit. And, ya know, some shows, like Shnookums and Meat for example, I think so few people saw those the first time around, that they could just run them again amongst all this other stuff, and it might be more popular this time around. As I recall, that was a pretty hilarious show! But, you don't even find it on torrents. Same with Marsupilami (which was on at like 5 a.m. in my area), and Raw Toonage, which we never got here at all!

In the tradition of Aladdin, Little Mermaid, Tarzan, Timon and Pumbaa, Emperor's New School, and Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, as well as probably stuff I'm forgetting (oh, yeah, Hercules too), they could always include a show based on a feature too. For some reason, while the direct to video movies got trashed, these were pretty widely liked. An Incredibles series could be outstanding! Especially if they changed it up and did it with hand drawn animation, like with Buzz, but they probably wouldn't. I don't know why Pirates of the Caribbean never got an animated series either.

Well, I could probably come up with more thoughts, but it's getting pretty late, so that will have to do.

Oh, how about an animated show that takes place at Disney World or Disneyland! Like House of Mouse, it could use all the characters. Heck, they could have done a preschool show like that if they wanted, where some kids search for clues for whatever reason within the park, with the help of famous characters. Something like the Jake and the Neverland Pirates show, but in the parks! But, of course, not here to talk about preschool shows, which really don't interest me much (but that might help). I would rather see some sort of Disney Afternoon show in the parks. I don't know what the story/situation could be though. I'd have to come up with that. Could be something like Epic Mickey or whatever that Kingdom Keepers stuff is about, ha. Or, they could just get inspiration from some of the rides. A Country Bears show (not like the movie, like the attraction), a show about Figment and Dreamfinder. Yeah, these shows hit a nostalgic bone, but that doesn't mean they can't draw in new, kid viewers with good writing and designs and all... Oh, actually, animation could be a new way to bring back the Mickey Mouse Club/Mouseketeers! The Mouseketeers at Disneyland (or Disney World) could be the whole show. Again though, that sounds like it would be a preschooler show...

Oh, good, I just remembered what I was going to add to this, they could go back into the vaults for some new Disney Afternoon ideas. Shaggy Dog could be a great animated series about a teen who turns into a dog and solves crimes and stuff (interesting spin on the Scooby thing), or one of my faves, Dexter Riley, who is always getting interesting new powers as soon as he loses the last one. Though, in a new show, he could keep each power he gets, ha, gradually getting more. There's actually an artist on DeviantArt who loves to do a modern Dexter Riley. I don't recall if it's his own design or the one from some comics Disney Adventures magazine did in its last days. I never got that mag except in the first year or so, so I didn't get to read those. Sky High is another film that could make a great Disney Afternoon show!