DVD Review: The Jetsons: Season Two, Vol. One
Filed under: — Cartoon, Classic Cartoons, DVD, Television
Written by: Dominick at 6:36 PM
TV Show Info:
Writers: Various
Producers: Joseph Barbera, William Hanna, Alex Lovy, Jeff Hall, Bob Hathcock
Cast: George O’Hanlon, Mel Blanc, Don Messick, Penny Singleton, Jean Vander Pyl, Daws Butler, Janet Waldo, Frank Welker
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Turner Home Entertainment
Release Info:
Original Air Dates: September 16, 1985-October 22, 1985
DVD Box Set Release Date: June 2, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $29.99
Not only did I grow up watching The Jetsons in syndication, apparently I also watched them air live in the early 80s. I didn’t realize that these episodes were new, but they were. Despite having a hiatus of over 20 years between seasons one and two, the formula for the show was so similar it was as if time had not passed. The only difference is in the visual quality, with the 1985, second season looking far superior to that which aired in the early 60s.
I love the Jetsons. I think of them as the futuristic version of the Flintstones. From the time The Jetsons first aired in 1962, the show has been a part of the lives of generations of children and adults. I grew up in the 80s and I loved the show. I remember watching it as a small child, a teenager, and today I still catch episodes on Boomerang.
You know what’s nice about shows like The Jetsons? This cartoon is timeless. No matter your age, you will find something you can enjoy within it. This isn’t like the cartoons of today, which often seem restrictive to a hyper-active, sugar induced audience. I get just as many laughs off this cartoon as I did as a 4 year old in 1985. I know my grandparents laughed at this when it aired back in the 60s, as adults, and that the children of the 70s and 80s remember when this show aired on a regular basis.
What’s so amazing is that all of the voice actors came back, after 22 years. The animators invested more time into developing a second season for all of us to enjoy. Some of my favorite episodes of the show come from this second season. I’m lucky enough to have Boomerang, which airs episodes of The Jetsons daily. For those without the station or who wish to watch episodes on their own time, it is pertinent you pick up these DVD sets. You can watch these lovable, futuristic cartoons whenever you want and share them with your children, a generation who may only know them from the classic cartoon channel, Boomerang, if they even get it.
The Jetsons: Season Two Episode Guide
The Jetsons: Season Two, Vol. 1 contains 21 episodes. These are 21 random episodes from the second season that do not always play in the order they premiered. As I mentioned previously, the second season aired 22 years after the first season aired. This is because the show became popular only after it was in syndication. There was enough of a fanbase for Hanna Barbera to invest in a second season in the early 80s.
Here is a list of the episodes included on this DVD with a brief synopsis of each of one:
“Elroy Meets Orbitty”
Original Air Date: September 16, 1985
While on a field trip to an asteroid, Elroy picks up a pink rock. When he returns home, the rock hatches, producing Orbitty, an endangered species that lives on the asteroid. Elroy is excited to have a new pet, but Astro is soon jealous of the attention the family gives to Orbitty. Ultimately, he decides it’s time for him to find a new place to live.
“Rosie Come Home”
Original Air Date: September 17, 1985
When Rosie’s internal processing seems to have a short circuit, George and Jane head to the robot store to get parts that will fix her up. Seeing them at the store, Rosie assumes they are replacing her. A very sad Rosie runs away, thinking she’s no longer needed.
“Solar Snoops”
Original Air Date: September 18, 1985
When Mr. Spacely receives a mysterious package, which turns out to be a robot guard dog, Sentro, he’s inclined to let the dog guard his latest invention, the Chocolate Microchip Cookie. Little does he know that Cogswell Cogs has hired Galactic Sneak, a spy, to hide inside Sentro and operate the dog’s body so he can steal the Chocolate Microchip Cookie.
“Judy’s Birthday Surprise”
Original Air Date: September 19, 1985
Judy breaks plans with all the ‘cool’ kids at school because she is sure her family has something exciting planned for her birthday. When no one is home on the date of the festivities and it appears they have all forgotten her birthday, she tries to make new plans. Everyone is busy save for an unpopular kid who really likes Judy; someone she blew off earlier in the week.
“Super George”
Original Air Date: September 20, 1985
With broken appliances, George tries to get new ones, but the salesman ends up convincing him to purchase a Thinko machine instead. Whenever a person has a wish, the Thinko machine will give it to him/her. Wanting to prove the machine was worth it, George wishes to become a superhero, and he does, with disastrous results.
“Family Fallout”
Original Air Date: September 23, 1985
When the Jetsons take on the Spacelys in a ‘Family Feud’ type of setting, the Spacelys are out for blood. After Jane confronts Mr. Spacely and Rosie finds out incriminating evidence having to do with George’s work computer RUDI, the tables are turned on George’s boss and the Jetsons get a fair shot at winning the game!
“S.M.A.S.H.”
Original Air Date: September 26, 1985
When Jane accidentally crashes Mr. Spacely’s car, something she borrowed, she feels horrible. Of course, Spacely is thrilled to make George pay for this by making him his slave. George unwillingly sees to his bosses’ every whim, until he finds out the true reason behind the crash.
“The Mirrormorph”
Original Air Date: October 11, 1985
The Mirrormorph is a transmuting alien with shape shifting abilities. It can become a replica of a person or thing it emulates. Things get sticky when it starts emulating the Jetsons. The only problem is, the shape-shifted Mirrormorph is an exact replica that cannot talk!
“Mother’s Day for Rosie”
Original Air Date: October 1, 1985
Mother’s Day is a happy occasion for everyone, but Rosie. She can’t seem to get the thought of her own mother out of her mind. Ever since her mother was deactivated, Rosie has been sad. George has a surprise for Rosie though. He wants to bring her mother back, but that’s definitely easier said than done.
“Jetsons’ Millions”
Original Air Date: November 4, 1985
The Jetsons are venutiaires! When Mr. Spacely gives George what he believes is a worthless raffle book for the Venutian Sweepstakes, he’s flabbergasted when George wins the grand prize. With $10 million Venuties on the line Mrs. Spacely demands he get the winnings from George.
“Fugitive Fleas”
Original Air Date: September 25, 1985
Astro develops a bad case of the fleas. What he doesn’t know is that these are fugitive fleas. Trying to get rid of the escapees, Astro tries to do everything he can, but these fleas are persistent in their need to stay put, since they escaped the Solarini flea circus.
“Rip-Off Rosie”
Original Air Date: October 24, 1985
George is praised for fixing a malfunctioning robot, but his success is short lived. When Rosie starts malfunctioning, her bad side comes out. The next thing you know she’s a rip off artist and a thief. George must do something before Rosie and his reputation are ruined.
“Far-Out Father”
Original Air Date: November 13, 1985
It’s Father’s Day! Elroy has a school assignment for the big event. He must make a special Father’s Day video. Unfortunately, all his hard work and determination to make a good video are foiled by Astro’s love affair with the poodle next door!
“Astro’s Big Moment”
Original Air Date: November 1, 1985
Astro is sure to be a shoe-in for winning the big prize when George is assigned to be a judge by Mr. Spacely at the Spacely Space Sprockets Space Dog Show. Unfortunately, his family isn’t the only one who wants George to choose a dog. He is faced with the pressure of disappointing his own family by not choosing Astro, disappointing his boss and possibly getting fired by not choosing Mrs. Spacely’s poodle, and getting hurt by a mobster named Mangler Mars, who wants George to choose his dog, Starbite.
“The Cosmic Courtship of George and Jane”
Original Air Date: October 14, 1985
It’s George and Jane’s anniversary and George forgets the big event. He has no choice but to make it up to Jane when they discover the minister that married them was a fraud. The two decide to renew their vows by eloping to Las Venus, and finally make their marriage legit.
“Fantasy Planet”
Original Air Date: October 28, 1985
In this Fantasy Island spoof, the Jetsons head to Fanatasy Planet for vacation. George definitely needs a break from work, and what better way to spend his vacation then at a place called Fantasy Planet? There, they meet Mr. Rocket, who with the help of his short assistant (the plane boss!) lead the family to capsules where they can live out their greatest fantasies.
“S’no Relative”
Original Air Date: October 2, 1985
Things go awry when an alien inhabitant shows up on the Jetsons’ doorstep. Of course, they are expecting their Moongolian nephew, Hunky Moonrock, who is scheduled to visit the Earth. From here you can obviously see where the comedic mishaps occur in this episode!
“Instant Replay”
Original Air Date: September 24, 1985
George meets an old man on the bus who gives him a Replayola machine. With it, George is able to live the high life with success and money. However, it comes with a price. In the end, George must decide what is more important to him; all the dough and power he has now retained or his normal, family-oriented life with Jane, Judy, Elroy and Astro.
“Haunted Halloween”
Original Air Date: October 31, 1985
It’s Halloween and the curator of a museum is interested in making a new exhibit to celebrate the holiday. He wants to include Oribitty, the alien pet Elroy found on an asteroid at the beginning of this season. It is up to the Jetsons to decide to let their beloved Orbitty be a part of the crazy exhibit, even if the curator has something up his sleeve to get them to give in.
“Future Tense”
Original Air Date: November 12, 1985
Jane has the ability to see into the future. Before there was Lady Cleo, there was Jane Jetson! When Jane puts on a pair of glasses she found while shopping on Planet Bevdayo, things go awry. Suddenly, Jane has the gift of clairvoyance, which proves to be much more than she expected!
“The Wrong Stuff”
Original Air Date: November 5, 1985
Time really flies when you’re sent off to deep space! When Elroy wins a science contest at school, he’s excited to get to see a space shuttle launched into deep space. However, when Elroy and Astro accidentally get shipped off while in the shuttle, their return from deep space comes with a disastrous consequence.
Storyline/Plot: 
Replayability:
Acting:
Audio/Visual:
It’s not surprising that the visual presentation for The Jetsons is at a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. That is fairly common for cartoons, especially older, ‘classic’ cartoons. For as old as these episodes are they look really good. The opening sequences feature some dirt and specks, but nothing is wrong with the majority of the actual episodes. The colors are bright and vibrant with strong blacktones and great saturation. The occasional line and dirt speckle will appear, but other than that, this transfer is good!
The English: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo track has been remastered. Everything comes through loud and clear. The dialogue is crisp. The soundtrack music and sound effects don’t override the dialogue. No volume toggling was needed, since the volume remained consistent throughout. The theme song played out well, with a well balanced speaker arrangement.
There are additional audio tracks, both in Dolby Digital Stereo. These tracks are in Spanish and Portuguese. Subtitles are also available in English, French and Portuguese.
Visual: 
Audio:
Bonus Features:
There isn’t much here in the way of bonuses. That’s to be expected for cartoons, especially those from Warner Bros. I have to give WB credit though as they usually have more offerings than what is available from Paramount.
The first feature is the option of playing the Jetsons closing sequence from the menu. This is a weird bonus, but it’s available nonetheless. The true, meat and potatoes bonus is a featurette called “The Jetsons Return To The Future: Explore The Evolution Of The Series.” This looks at what it was like to make a second season 20 years after the first. Overall, this is a fairly interesting bonus.
BUT…other than a couple previews, that’s all there is.
Bonus Features:
Bottom Line:
As funny as season one, The Jetsons: Season Two, Vol. One is a must have for fans of the series. With a decent visual and audio quality, this three disc set is the perfect way to introduce a new generation to some of the coolest cartoons ever made. I cannot recommend The Jetsons: Season Two, Vol. One more highly than I already have. Pick this up either online or at your favorite place to purchase DVDs, when you get the chance!
Overall Rating:
Technorati Tags: The Jetsons, Season Two, Volume One, Hanna Barbera, Warner Bros, Cartoons Family
Written by Dominick Evans - Visit Website
---
Dominick is in his late 20s. He lives in Michigan with his life partner, Ashtyn, their 14 year old son Robert, and their Shih-Tzu, Oliver. Dominick is a writer and the head editor for both LI Kids and Literary Illusions. He enjoys composing music and is an aspiring director/screenwriter. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sports, playing video games, watching movies, and singing.
