The average, everyday Saturday morning cartoon-watcher may not know this, but The Archies cartoon was a countrywide phenomenon. Filmation put The Archies into production in late 1967, and it was released to television audiences in early 1968. Teenage viewers went wild for the show, which was based on the long-running comic book series of the same name. Unlike many cartoons of the time, The Archies was not about superheroes or other crime-fighters, but about teenagers getting into mildly complicated trouble, dating, singing and dancing. Teenagers could watch The Archies and relate to High School rivalries and mix-ups, and parents could rest assured that the entertainment was not too violent for younger viewers.

The Archies was a success for many reasons, some of which producer Lou Scheimer talks about on the bonus features included on this DVD set. Firstly, The Archies were wholesome family television, with absolutely no violence. Secondly, The Archies was the first cartoon to have a laugh track, which added an infectious sense of humor that the audience could relate to. Finally, The Archies had original music segments, much like The Beatles’ cartoons that preceded them, and also had a new dance step for viewers to learn at the end of each episode. The Archies was fun, hip, and entertaining.

The Special Features section on the DVD is really enjoyable; its highlight is producer Lou Scheimer’s interview in his Filmation office, he tells all about the creation of The Archies cartoon. Mr. Scheimer seems to be a truly affable fellow; funny, friendly and interesting to listen to. He speaks about The Archies phenomenon, and how the show got an amazing 55 share of the viewing audience, which is unheard-of today. He also discusses about The Archies hit single from the show, “Sugar Sugar”, which sold seven million copies worldwide.

The Archies vocal talent is formidable; a discerning ear might pick up the oft-used sound of voice actor Dallas McKennon, who is best known as the cartoon voices of Gumby and Pokey, as well as the old prospector’s narration on Disneyland’s “Nature’s Wonderland” and “Big Thunder Railroad”. In The Archies, McKennon plays many characters, including Archie, Jughead’s dog Hot Dog, Mr. Weatherbee, and Coach Cleats. Fan-favorite Jughead was voiced by Howard Morris, who had Jughead’s high-pitched warble down to a science on the cartoon. Amazingly, Morris also voiced the manly and authoritative voice of He-Man for Filmation’s He-Man and the Masters of the Universe in the 1980’s.

The Archies two-disc set is visually stunning, the DVD’s look like little 45 rpm record singles. When a DVD is removed from the case, the cartoon face Betty or Veronica is revealed. At the end of the multi-page full-color booklet, fans can choose to receive the ongoing Archies comic book for 35% off! Also included on the Special Features is a jukebox feature, which allows viewers to watch the animation to all of The Archie’s songs on the DVD’s. Since The Archies original LP’s are highly sought-after collectables in their own right, this is the next best thing to tracking those down. To get a feel for the orchestration of each episode, viewers can choose to watch episodes # 1 and #14 without voice-overs or effects. Finally, Lou Scheimer appears on the mini-documentary in the Special Features, “Come On Let’s Go With The Archie Show!”, an entertaining and funny interview about the comic book and cartoon that made The Archies an American icon.

This two DVD set is what consumers hope for when a nostalgia-based cartoon is released: great packaging, nice bonus features, and a general feeling of fun and quality. The Archies is a great blast from the past, a cartoon that is still enjoyable and silly, as candy-colored and pop-music groovy as when it was created. Hats off to Filmation founders Lou Scheimer, Norm Prescott and Hal Sutherland, who created volumes of Filmation cartoon entertainment that will entertain kids and adults for generations to come.