“Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur”
Directed by: Ethan Spaulding
Starring: Matthew Lillard, Frank Welker, Mindy Cohn, Grey DeLisle, and Fred Willard
Studio: Warner Bros Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 6, 2011
Not Rated
Everyone’s favorite crime-solving Great Dane is back in a brand new adventure entitled “Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur.” I can never pass up a new Doo movie and look forward to the latest episode of “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated” every week. This straight-to-DVD animated feature actually adds a bit of a twist to the standard formula we’ve come to expect from this classic Hanna-Barbera franchise.
The hijinks in “Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur” begin when “a relaxing spa getaway evolves into a prehistoric panic. Scooby-Doo and the gang uncover the horrible Phantosaur, [which is] an ancient legend come to life to protect hidden treasures buried in secret desert caves. However, this scare-a-saurus doesn’t stand a chance with Shaggy around, after he finds his inner hero with the help of hypnosis. Like, it makes him braver and less hungry! With colorful suspects, including a free-wheeling motorcycle gang, greedy corporate investors and over-zealous scientists, there are more pieces to this mystery than slices in a pizza!”
One thing that stood out from the usual “Scooby-Doo” animated movie was it is actually two mysteries in one. Just when you think “Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur” is over in typical fashion, you find another mystery gearing up and taking us in another direction. I found this to be an interesting change of pace for the franchise.
All our favorite actors are back for “Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur.” Frank Welker is back as Scooby-Doo and Fred. Matthew Lillard portrays Shaggy the same way he did in the live-action “Scooby-Doo” films. Grey DeLisle and Mindy Cohn are both back in the roles of Daphne and Velma respectively. Comedian Fred Willard has a supporting role voicing Mr. Hubley, the owner of a health spa.
One of the best things about all the “Scooby-Doo” films is they have a familiar and comfortable vibe to them. You can always count on the Scooby Gang to be there nobody how old you get or how crazy the world goes around us. That’s what makes the characters so special and timeless. “Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur” will definitely not disappoint fans young and old alike.
The only special feature on “Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur” is a featurette entitled “Searching for Phantosaurs.” It follows Nick Palatas (Shaggy from “Scooby-Doo: The Mystery Begins” and “Scooby-Doo: Curse of the Lake Monster”) as he visits the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum and searches for clues about the mysterious lives of dinosaurs. This is perfect for kids who are fascinated with the prehistoric creatures and shows them coming alive while Palatas is walking around looking at the exhibits.
You can buy the 2-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack + Digital Copy version of “Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur” right here.
You can buy the regular format DVD version of “Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur” right here.
For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:
“Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster” Blu-ray/DVD Review
“Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated Season One Volume 1″ DVD Review
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? the Complete Series DVD Review
Eric Shirey is the founder and editor of Rondo Award nominated movie news websites MovieGeekFeed.com and TheSpectralRealm.com. He also served as a news reporter for the award winning movie website GordonandtheWhale.com. His work has been featured on Yahoo! Movies, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! TV, Associated Content from Yahoo!, DC Comics, StarWars.com, and other national entertainment websites. Eric has interviewed and worked with iconic movie and TV actors like Harrison Ford, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Brooke Shields, Brendan Fraser, Gene Simmons, and many more. His personal website is www.ersink.com.