Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Complete Series

TLDR: An instant classic! Here you find the finest modernization of the 1987 TV series with an expert blend of clever storytelling, comedy, action, and sci-fi. There's even plot complexity, mature themes, and deep character studies. However, the show never steps into the dark territory that 2003 was thriving in.My history with the heroes in the half-shell:There are few things in life I love more than TMNT. I grew up with the 1987 TV series, one of my first drawings ever was of Donnie (my fav turtle back then), and some of my fondest childhood memories include the TMNT: playing couch co-op with my little bro. I've consumed so much Turtle media in my lifetime with the 1990s movies, I even watched the snooze-fest that is the "Next mutation", but then I realized something only around 2004 or so. After the 2003 animated series, the series utterly struggled to capture the Turtle power/magic with releases ranging from lackluster (2007 movie) to straight-up abominations. (The movies involving a certain Mr. Bay.)Then...one day, I came across a glowing review for this series from a friend. Since pretty much everything is hyped up to all-hell these days - mediocrity or not, I almost passed. However, I decided to give it a shot after I was sent a gif of Mikey's brain exploding after experiencing pizza for the first time. In just 2 episodes, that was also my mind because I hit Turtle gold after almost a decade!Why this is God-like TMNT:+ This version of Master Splinter is numero uno! Charismatic, comedic, captivating, and an absolute badass, Hamato Yoshi has unsurpassed presence, as well as style! His character design is pleasing too.+ Every season has a killer finale. Plot-related episodes are epic. Even non-plot episodes are a blast!+ Has my favorite versions of Leo (typically my least favorite turtle), Mikey (aka the universal treasure), Karai, April, and the Shredder. My second favorite versions of Raph, Donnie, and a few others I can't list, because spoilers.+ Plenty of dope additions to the TMNT lore - with pet kitties, enhanced weapons, new characters, amusing character revisions etc.+ Gorgeously fluid animations, and breathtaking martial arts choreography are treats to behold!+ This show hits the sweetest spot with the turtle character designs to highlight their uniqueness. Everything after this overdesigned to the nth degree - ranging from dumb to stuff-of-nightmares. It's like there's a secret competition organized by Nick(elodeon) to see who can come up with the lamest designs.+ Immaculate voice casting! The voice acting performances are on point - that's to be expected when the legendary Andrea Romano is responsible for voice direction. (The Krang and Donnie's outbursts always get me haha!)+ Super catchy soundtrack is a thing here. The intro theme, a remake of the intro from '87 is fire!+ In a nutshell, this series is an outright love letter to the franchise referencing lore from all TMNT channels, plus the extended TMNT universe. I even noticed the Turtles performing special moves from the 90s video games during battles...now that is pure passion!What holds this back from perfection:- Some non-plot episodes slow down pacing, chiefly when they follow the brilliantly phenomenal plot-related episodes.- Casey just exists. He's still fun as a lovable idiot, but rarely gets the time to shine.My ratings per season:Season 1: 10/10Season 2: 9.9/10Season 3: 9.3/10Season 4: 9.6/10Season 5: 9/10Overall package:Superb price for what you get - the complete series with 150+ episodes. Only wish we had blu-ray releases for this, 2003, and the 1987 series - made with care, apparently.Rant:TMNT is always going to be redone to appeal to new(er) kids or should I say, fans? After this (or around the same time as, and even served as an inspiration to this series), the best thing that happened to the franchise involves the IDW comics (the rad reboot from 2011 with marvelous storytelling), at least up until issue #100. I mean, why would TMNT be any immune to the forced propaganda that has been shoved down our throats the last few years in the West? Ugh.Epilogue:Are you still here? Awww! Did I mention that I thoroughly adore this show? Can't wait to watch this with my future kids so we can all yell: "Booyakasha!" "Goongala!!" and mf'n "Cowabunga!!!"

I’m one of those kids who grew up on TMNT media in the late 80’s to the early 90’s. I fell out of it, but took interest in the 2003 series due to it reminding me of the 1990 live action movie which was the best version of the TMNT for me. For context, I ranked the 2003 series above the 1987 cartoon. As a kid I loved it for what it was, but just like the first movie, I enjoyed the more “mature” nature and themes of familial bonds.One again I dropped out of TMNT media and out of curiosity I watched the premiere of this version of the franchise. To my surprise they took everything that you could love of any iteration of the TMNT and perfectly molded it together, while maintaining its own individuality that sets it apart from the others.I’m mentioning this so anyone whose been a TMNT fan but never had a chance to see this version, would have an idea what my prior experiences are and my personal tastes as to why I like the series. Maybe this will be helpful in deciding if this is right for you.Side note: This series in my opinion, has the best version of Splinter in TMNT media.Everything from the strange and wacky gallery of mutants from the 80’s cartoon, the family aspects of the 2003 series and bits from the Archie or Mirage comics which I admit I’m not too familiar with, is all present in this series. It even includes a wonderful crossover with the original 80’s Turtles and the return of their respective voice actors, including Rob Paulsen working double as his Ralph & Donnie.Now how did I come about buying this collection? Well my time had passed with the franchise once again, but my nephew has gotten into the TMNT craze and out of the more recent series, he found that this one just clicked with him (Mikey is his favorite lol). Unfortunately Hulu stopped streaming the series and Netflix currently only has two seasons (I refuse to pay for Paramount +) this was the best option.I’m glad he’s happy with it and that I could give the absurd gift of mutant shinobi turtles to him like I did as a kid lol. My only gripe is the case it comes in. I feel like I’ll break a disc trying to pry it from the holder. As well as how the disks are stacked on top of one another. I’ve bought disc collections before, but it’s annoying to remove 4 disks in order to get the 5th disc for which one you want. It would’ve been nice if there was an episode guide list included in order to remember which episodes are in which season.Speaking of seasons. As many other reviewers have pointed out, this collection has the naming of the separate arcs that were released individually on DVD. Instead of Season 1 or 2, they’ll read something like “Return to NY” or “Shredder’s Revenge” etc. So it can get confusing remembering the episode order. As some reviewers mentioned, sometimes the discs are not in order and made it difficult to figure what’s the order of episodes. Fortunately mine came in order. I’m not gonna steal someone’s thunder by listing them, as one or two reviewers have already done so here and I used those to help verify I had the right order. I recommend looking at their reviews for that and as further opinions to buy this collection (or not because it’s your choice)As I’ve gotten older and have grown with my interest in art, animation and storytelling, I’m impressed with the work that was put into series. You can tell the writers cared and wanted to give a story that’s been told multiple times already, but with new twits and while keeping what it is that makes these characters the ones you grew to enjoy. If you do buy it as a first time viewer, wanting to add this to your collection or sharing this with your own kids, I hope you enjoy it.

Great productMy son loves the ninja turtles and this is a great way to still have episodes available when we travel. Highly recommend.

Awesome

I've seen enough episodes to know that the quality of the show is exceptional. I just haven't watched all of it and I genuinely want to so again as a Ninja turtle fan I'm genuinely happy to have this.

Like some reviewers said, many of the discs are not numbered, instead titled and stacked like chapters in a book. So beware when replacing the discs that you put them in the way they originally are placed.Also, while there are various special features there is no Subtitle options. Slightly annoying but I think a necessary (almost expected) part of video collecting in the 2020s. Regardless, great to have Nickelodeon’s better version of the TMNT.

Gift for 4 yr old grandson who is into the N turtles. Loves it!

Good quality, everything in order