Teddy Ruxpin on DVD

jcaliff · Post by **jcaliff** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 12:31 pm

I've waited nearly 20 years for someone to release the entire series of the Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin on home video. My dream may finally be coming true.

Today is the official release date for the first two volumes of the Teddy Ruxpin animated series on DVD in North America. Each of the DVDs is a five-episode story arc. The first five episodes is the introductory story where we meet Teddy, Grubby, Gimmick, Leota, Wooly, and Prince Arin as they search for the missing Princess Aruzia and find the Treasure of Grundo in the Hard-to-find City. The second volume focuses on the invention of the Reducing Machine and the introduction of MAVO, the Monsters and Villains Organization.

I don't know yet what stores are going to be carrying the series - that's my plan for this evening, to drive around and see if I can find it - but I've already got my copies ordered from Amazon. I seriously hope the whole series finally makes it to video over the next few months/years.

The first half of the series is sometimes a little bit slow, but by the time you get into the second half the plot picks up and never lets go until the end. Although it's definitely a kids show, Teddy Ruxpin was one of the first series I ever saw with a serial plot that continually builds over the entire 65 episodes. Compared to the episodic-style comedy of 99% of animation in the 1980s, it was a huge leap forward in storytelling, especially for a show aimed at very young children. It's one thing to have a progressive plot in a show like Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors, but Teddy Ruxpin is more on the level of shows like Smurfs, My Little Pony & Friends or Care Bears as far as target audience. And yet, IMHO it has one of the most well-crafted stories and characters of any cartoon of its day, with an amazing back-story and interesting mysteries that play out over the course of the series, and even a few truly nerve-wrecking scenes and killer cliff-hangers. And singing. It has singing. In every episode, there is at least one song-and-dance number. But don't let that scare you off. How can anyone not love a series where the bad guys sing songs with lyrics like this:

You're sinking fast into the goo
This is our last chance to say we'll miss you
It's sure been great, and lots of fun
You're in quicksand (quicksand)
I'd lend a hand but I have none

If you have even a passing interest in quality children's animation, you should give Teddy Ruxpin a try. The animation itself is not great - it's an 80's DIC series after all - but the story SO makes up for it.

I brought over one of my LJ icons that my sister made for me in honor of the occasion. As much fun as it is to watch the videos I recorded off the air in 1988 (and see awesome commercials like the Atari 2600 rap), I'm ready for DVD quality and a chance to get all the episodes I was never able to record. I just can't wait. I can't wait!! I want my DVDs NOW!!! I already have a 13-disc space carved out on my shelf waiting for Teddy Ruxpin DVDs to fill it. Nothing could make me happier. I've been waiting so long.

Ronin · Post by **Ronin** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 1:05 pm

Can't say that I've ever heard of it...certainly sounds interesting, so I'll have to keep an eye out for it, but what can I say, but I'm happy that after 20 years the wait is finally over for you!

Krafty · Post by **Krafty** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 3:10 pm

A 20-year wait! WOW you ARE patient

I know what you mean, it's about time some of these series got the digital treatment. I'd buy He-man if it came with bonus footage and staff interviews but since it's geared towards kids, this'll never happen.
It was good to see Dungeons & Dragons and Ulysses 31 released on DVD so other's are bound to follow suit.

Teddy Ruxpin was a series I used to watch and remember the talking bear that toy came out too- I think you put cassettes into his back and he'd tell stories, heh, cool.

So if they're releasing all episodes with only 5 per disc, you'll have a long wait, JCaliff, you can be patient for a while longer

Caroline · Post by **Caroline** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 2:53 am

my guess is that Target will have the DVDs. they are a big carrier for most of the my little pony and care bears dvds. also maybe amazon.com ? they have pre orders.

i remember thinking grubby was the coolest! i got him for xmas one year, but he only worked when he was plugged into teddy r. damm 80s marketing schemes.

cutiebunny · Post by **cutiebunny** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 9:57 pm

My goodness, more people that remember the staples of my childhood!

I, too, loved Teddy Ruxpin. I always wanted the bear, but as I recall, the sucker was a very expensive bear due to having a tape player in the back of his..back.

I may just have to buy the episodes for this one. Next to Jem and some of the other great cartoons of the 1980s, it's one of my more favorite.

Cloud · Post by **Cloud** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 9:57 pm

Do you still want it? Really always?

cutiebunny · Post by **cutiebunny** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 9:58 pm

My goodness, more people that remember the staples of my childhood!

I, too, loved Teddy Ruxpin. I always wanted the bear, but as I recall, th he was very expensive due to having a tape player in the back of his..back.

I may just have to buy the episodes for this one. Next to Jem and some of the other great cartoons of the 1980s, it's one of my more favorite.