Yogi and the Invasion of the Space Bears (Blu-ray Review)
- Review Date: May 30, 2024
- Format: Blu-ray Disc
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Director
Don Lusk, Ray PattersonRelease Date(s)
1988 (February 20, 2024)Studio(s)
Hanna-Barbera (Warner Archive Collection)- Film/Program Grade: See Below
- Video Grade: See Below
- Audio Grade: See Below
- Extras Grade: C
Review
During the 1980s, Hanna-Barbera was in full swing with any number of TV shows, including their previous hits which were in constant rotation in re-runs. However, a return to the classic characters of old in some new adventures was definitely needed, and from 1987 to 1988, they produced ten syndicated made-for-TV feature films starring many of their most popular stars, including Yogi Bear, Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Huckleberry Hound, Top Cat, and many others. This series eventually became known collectively as Hanna-Barbera’s Superstars 10, and 36 years later, the folks at the Warner Archive Collection have released all of the films on Blu-ray for the first time.
Premiering on November 20, 1988, Yogi and the Invasion of the Space Bears brings back Yogi Bear and Boo-Boo for one last adventure. While Ranger Smith and his fellow rangers declares the day to be “Y.B. Day” in the hopes of having a single day without Yogi bothering campers or causing trouble, Yogi and Boo-Boo are secretly abducted by aliens from the Planet Daxson. Incorrectly judging them to be the most intelligent of all species on Earth, the aliens make robot clones called Dupoids of Yogi and Boo-Boo in order to take over Jellystone Park, and eventually, the universe. Meanwhile, Cindy Bear is distraught when Yogi goes missing, pleading with Ranger Smith to do something about it (who’s only too happy that Yogi’s out of the picture) and turning to Mountain Bear for help. Yogi tries to get them back to Earth, Boo-Boo falls in love with a bear-like alien named Snulu, and all three must escape the aliens’ grasp and stop the invading Dupoids.
Though the animation style is the same as its predecessor, Yogi and the Invasion of the Space Bears is a more entertaining film. Yogi Bear is his usual picnic basket-loving self, though Ranger Smith goes a bit mad when confronted with so many clones of Yogi and Boo-Boo. It’s also one of the few times in the history of these characters that Boo-Boo has a love interest. Cindy Bear doesn’t have much to do but be sad and, in one instance, sing a song about how unhappy she is when Yogi is missing. The stakes are low and there isn’t too much hilarity to be had, but it’s still a mildly fun romp that opts to go in a much more off-the-wall direction than what’s expected of it. It’s also the final film in the Superstars 10 series, but more importantly, the final project to feature Daws Butler, who passed away a few months before it aired. For that reason alone, it makes a little more special, and perhaps more forgivable when it comes to its shortcomings.
According to the text that opens Warner Archive’s new Blu-ray release, “Yogi and the Invasion of the Space Bears was one of two of the Superstars 10 telefilms Hanna-Barbera produced using an early form of digital ink and paint, and was output to a final 1” videotape master, with no film protection of any kind. This presentation has been up-converted from its original analog standard definition master to digital High-Definition, with every effort made to improve the visual quality of the program.”
Presented on BD-50 disc and maintaining its original television aspect ratio, it’s given its best possible chance, but like Scooby Doo! and the Reluctant Werewolf, it’s a rough presentation in comparison to what’s come before. However, it’s far more watchable as animation and backgrounds blend much better than in Reluctant Werewolf, wherein backgrounds were usually brighter than the animation, making it stick out even more than it already did. There’s even a sequence of traditional cel animation, possibly taken from a previous Yogi Bear show or special (though I don’t know which one). Everything is inherently soft with faint traces of video lines along the edge of the screen, and in some instances, throughout the rest of the screen. The good news is that the same quality bitrates apply, sitting primarily between 30 and 40Mbps, with excellent color and contrast. Above all else, it’s much-improved over previous home video presentations.
The audio is presented in English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio with optional subtitles in English SDH. It’s an odd soundtrack as it’s spaced out pretty wide, sounding almost as the channels are backwards, which stands out more during the first half of the film. After a while, you get used it. Otherwise, dialogue, score, and sound effects are given good enough support, and there’s a very mild hiss present.
YOGI AND THE INVASION OF THE SPACE BEARS (FILM/VIDEO/AUDIO): C+/C+/B-
This release also comes with a single extra:
- Yogi’s Ark Lark (HD – 42:49)
Airing on September 16, 1972, Yogi’s Ark Lark was not only broadcast as it’s own special, but it also served as two episodes of Yogi’s Gang. Yogi, Boo-Boo, and a who’s who of Hanna-Barbera characters hop into their own version of Noah’s Ark and sail around the world to find the “perfect place,” devoid of all pollution. Snagglepuss, Magilla Gorilla, Peter Potamus, Huckleberry Hound, Quick Draw McGraw and Baba Looey, Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy, Top Cat, Lippy the Lion and Hardy Har Har, and Pixie and Dixie (among others) take part in the adventure. It’s highly repetitive, but charming nonetheless. (I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that a personal childhood favorite of mine, the HB-TV home video of Old Time Rock & Roll, which re-used clips from vintage Hanna-Barbera cartoons synced to popular songs, featured lots of footage from this special.)
Thankfully, Yogi’s Ark Lark is treated with the same great care in terms of quality. It was animated and finished on 35 mm film at the aspect ratio of 1.33:1, and Warner Archive maintains that. Bitrates sit between 30 and 40Mbps, with solid linework and cel dirt, and excellent color and contrast with deep blacks. The grain structure is fine, though it’s perhaps not the deepest scan as fine detail is often lacking. However, it’s a sharp, organic presentation overall.
Audio is presented in English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio with optional subtitles in English SDH. Like the video portion, there are no issues as it’s a clean, well-balanced track with good support for dialogue, score, and sound effects.
YOGI’S ARK LARK (FILM/VIDEO/AUDIO): C+/B/B+
For people of a certain age who saw these films when they originally aired on TV, or rented them on VHS through Worldvision Enterprises, seeing them in such high quality is a real treat. Thankfully, Warner Archive realized that not everybody may like every film in this series, and they’ve given them the opportunity to purchase them individually, or pick them all up in the Hanna-Barbera Superstars 10 Blu-ray boxed set; which, if you’re planning on getting all of them, is the better bargain. Regardless, it’s great to see Yogi and the Invasion of the Space Bears (as well as Yogi’s Lark Ark) finally make it past the DVD format.
- Tim Salmons
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