Search - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - City At War (Volume 14) on DVD

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 4/26/2023...

Fun Ninja fun for the whole family!

The City is at War

Simon | Brampton, ON | 01/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This disc collects the three-part "City at War" story arc, as well as the "Rogue in the House" 2-parter. Note that with this release, the first two seasons of TMNT are now available on DVD.

City at War, while fairly entertaining, is an example of the poor story pacing that plagued the series in its second season. The story was adapted from a 13-issue miniseries from the original comic, and while many subplots needed to be dropped or toned down for saturday morning standards, that's not the problem here. The problem is that plot points like the robot battle go on for far too long, cutting into time needed to develop Karai's arrival and her association with the Foot. You dont see enough of the gang violence to really get a sense that the entire city is at war. And Leo and Raph's arguments are annoying and circular - they argue because the writers make them argue, not because their arguing actually goes anywhere. And 4Kids TV standards are painfully clear, as no one gets remotely injured even when people are firing rocket launchers at each other from only 10 feet away.

However, Rogue in the House makes up for all the problems with City at War, and is my main reason for recommending this disc. Featuring the fan favourite Triceraton Zog, this 2-parter is a clever homage to the original series that old school fans will love. Low on plot and high on quick action and references, we get Foot Mechs (the equivalent of the old Foot Soldiers), a robot Splinter (used in "Plan 6 From Outer Space") and replicas of the President and Prime Minister ("Cowabunga Shredhead"). This is as close to the old series as the new one gets, and manages to be mindlessly fun while playing everything straight-faced (gotta love that 'Superfriends' battle charge).

With a great 2-parter and a flawed but entertaining 3-parter, this disc comes recommended. Now bring on season 3!"

On of the better episode sets you'll find.

Veil_Lord | San Jose, CA | 02/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I didn't know if this DVD was going to be a good buy, but I have no regrets. It's even amusing just for the fact the Turtles end up fighting alongside a couple old enemies, though the episodes are quite enjoyable. There were a few parts they could have been a little more subtle on, but they did clear up at least one hanging plotline from the Secret Origins episodes and all in all this was a genuiunly fun purchase."