The Dinosaurs is one of the rare gems which even today is definitely worth a watch. I even compare them to the Simpsons. Even though The Simpsons made fun of this show because superficially it looks like it. The themes this show handles might have been not the most current themes during the early 90s but if you watch it now you know that this show was way ahead of its time. With themes like vegetarism, homo sexuality, anti capitalism and more. And the last episode gives the anti capitalism theme a very dark tone. Only the picture quality, 4:3 ratio makes the show old but it really aged very very well thanks to the animatronics.
65 Reviews
love it!
luckyfoshizzle3 March 2007
I am very very happy that I grew up in the '90s or else I probably would have never heard of this show. It made me giggle like a little girl when I was a little girl and now that I'm older I still giggle like a little girl at this show.
I have some of the old tapes from when they came out on VHS, oh so many years. I stumbled across them when me and my friend were bored and looking for something entertaining to watch. I remember loving the show from when I was little but once I put that tape in I began loving the show as a teenager.
It's hilarious. The line I remember and love the most is "my family loves him so much, my wife calls him honey and my kids call him daddy". I can't remember the episode or the guy that said, all I can remember is the quote and it being about the boss man.
If you haven't seen this show then you should definitely find a way to see it all.
I have some of the old tapes from when they came out on VHS, oh so many years. I stumbled across them when me and my friend were bored and looking for something entertaining to watch. I remember loving the show from when I was little but once I put that tape in I began loving the show as a teenager.
It's hilarious. The line I remember and love the most is "my family loves him so much, my wife calls him honey and my kids call him daddy". I can't remember the episode or the guy that said, all I can remember is the quote and it being about the boss man.
If you haven't seen this show then you should definitely find a way to see it all.
Enjoyed this as a child
r_robinson-447576 February 2021
Great TV show
SanderStrijbos7 March 2001
Dinosaurs is one of my all time favorite comedy shows. Especially the baby (I'm the baby, gotta love me!) is great! The best episode is the one in which the baby turns 2 years old and he becomes out of control. Earl and Fran call the babysitter and what follows is one of the best parodies I've ever seen along with Eekpocalypse Now from the Eek the Cat show (but you gotta have seen 'the Exorcist' for this one). 'The power of rice compels you!'
See it and see it again... and again... and again. (Even the re-runs are funny as hell!)
See it and see it again... and again... and again. (Even the re-runs are funny as hell!)
One of the greatest shows ever
arkay2 February 2003
I'm still wondering why they ever decided to cancel this great show. It had great production value (those dinosaurs look really great, and this is pre-CGI) and it's one of the funniest shows I've ever seen. I still enjoy watching the reruns on German TV.
The best t.v. show in 65 million years
goomack143 May 2006
Possibly one of the greatest concepts in television history. It is a beautifully done show; with amazing characters, set, and stories. The most important thing about this show is the social satire that it puts forth... It is on the same par as the Simpsons and South Park for making one think about social norms in the US society and world culture... the final thing I will say about the show is that there isn't a laugh track in the background, it can be a little weird if you haven't seen the show in a while, but then you realize how brilliant the show is...it's just an honest and wholesome show for everyone. Get it for the kids, get it if you remember the early 90's and want to remember how awesome it was, or get it for the first time and learn how good t.v. can be.
Dinosaurs
jboothmillard16 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I wish I could remember all of this great puppet show from Jim Henson and the makers of The Muppets and Sesame Street, but this was for Disney. All I do remember is the great theme tune, some of the babies fantastic naughtiness, and the fact that it is almost the same format as The Flintstones. It is basically the funny dysfunctional dinosaur family living in the modern world, with humans as pets and wild animals. The family consists of overweight father and husband, Earl Sinclair (Stuart Pankin/Bill Barretta), trying and failing supporting mother and wife Fran (Jessica Walter/Mitchel Evans/Tony Price/Allan Trautman), the kids, 14-year-old daughter Charlene (Bruce Lanoil/Sally Struthers/Arlene Lorre), 16-year-old son Robbie (Jason Willinger/Leif Tilden), the cranky Grandma, Ethel (Brian Henson, Jim's son/Florence Stanley), and probably the best character, the troublesome Baby (Kevin Clash). It won the Emmy for Outstanding Art Direction for a Series, and it was nominated for Outstanding Editing for a Series - Single Camera Production. Very good, as far as I can remember!
I'll never forget this show, EVER.
rdoubleoc26 April 2019
Stuart Pankin's voice is forever cemented into my mind because of this show. One of my fondest childhood memories is sitting around waiting for dinner to be ready while I watch this show. I really wish there were a show like this today, but I just can't think of any that even come close to feeling or being the same way.
Classicsarus Rex
ThunderKing618 September 2021
Dinosaurs may or may not have existed. Although this show did and it's an underrated, forgotten classic.
It was so funny that you'll remember to laugh for decades.
Dinosaurs was a juggernaut of a show. I really do miss this show.
It was so funny that you'll remember to laugh for decades.
Dinosaurs was a juggernaut of a show. I really do miss this show.
Sharp satire, yet you can watch with your kids.
gparob22 May 2006
Just like my favorite romance movie, the Princess Bride, or even Rocky and Bullwinkle for that matter, here's a show that's clearly written for two completely different audiences- the kids that love them, and the parents that watch with them. If you want the most cutting example of this, watch the Dinosaurs episode in which a Barney-like animal (a Hippo, if I remember right?)hosts a daytime TV kiddie show, but he's really a manipulative bad guy when the TV cameras are off. Throw in the French Resistance, complete with horrible Clouseau-like frrrrench accents, and, well, you get the idea. Absurdist humor at it's best. I guarantee you'll laugh at this one.
One other noteworthy episode is the last one- it appears that they knew that the show was cancelled, so they put together a parting shot; very different in tone from the rest of the series. Thank goodness this series FINALLY came out on DVD. Now I can throw all those videotapes away.
Watch this with your kids, if you have any. In the words of Baby dinosaur, "AGAIN!!!!!"
One other noteworthy episode is the last one- it appears that they knew that the show was cancelled, so they put together a parting shot; very different in tone from the rest of the series. Thank goodness this series FINALLY came out on DVD. Now I can throw all those videotapes away.
Watch this with your kids, if you have any. In the words of Baby dinosaur, "AGAIN!!!!!"
Great Show except for 1 character
steveaustinsa22 July 2017
i absolutely could not stomach the baby! in fact i can not think of any character on any show i hated as much as that one. But the rest of the show was awesome. I only gave it a 7, it would have been a 10 if not for the baby. The dinosaur suits/costumes were absolutely works of art. Would like to know what they did with the dinosaur costumes when the show ended.
Really well done spoof of modern America!!!
TOMNEL3 May 2006
stars: Stuart Pankin as Earl Sneed Sinclair. Jessica Walter as Fran Sinclair. Jason Willinger as Robert Mark Sinclair. Kevin Clash as Baby Sinclair and Howard Handupme. Sally Struthers as Charlene Sinclair. Florence Stanley as Ethyl Phillips. Sam McMurray as Roy Hess and Mr. Lizard. Sherman Hemsley as BP Richfield. Suzie Plakson as Monica Divertibrae. (episode 14 plus) Chris Meloni as Spike (1991-1992) Jason Alexander as "Sexual" Harris, Gus Molehill, Job Wizard, Grown up Baby and various others. Michael McKean as Various. Tim Curry as Various. Brian Henson as Arthur Rizzic, fridge food and others. With Performers: Steve Whittemire, Dave Goelz and Bill Barretta.
Based on an idea by the late, but great Jim Henson, Dinosaurs is about Megalasaurus Earl Sinclair, who is your average dumb father. We have his slightly overbearing wife Fran, his baby who craves attention, his teenage son robbie and his unpopular but trying daughter Charlene. The show brings dinosaurs to life through animatronic puppeteering through facial movements, which looks great and really cool sets. The show kind of turns actual situations into dinosaur situations, like Charlene wanting to grow a tail because her friends have them and the boys will like her, or dirty politics (most plots containing Earl's boss). It actually shows how ignorant man can be. earl is a tree pusher, and pushes down trees for no reason. The dinosaurs eat anything smaller than them because they're big. It has clever dialogue that helps it along too. Other than the family, we also have Ethyl Phillips, who is Fran's paraplegic mother who hates Earl. There's Roy, Earl's bud at work. There's his evil Triceratops boss Mr. Richfield and Fran's long necked, four legged friend who just sticks her neck in because she has no hands. I totally recommend this show, and I hope you enjoy it!
My rating: 4/4. TV rating can differ, can contain some sexual candor or mild language. TVPG.
Based on an idea by the late, but great Jim Henson, Dinosaurs is about Megalasaurus Earl Sinclair, who is your average dumb father. We have his slightly overbearing wife Fran, his baby who craves attention, his teenage son robbie and his unpopular but trying daughter Charlene. The show brings dinosaurs to life through animatronic puppeteering through facial movements, which looks great and really cool sets. The show kind of turns actual situations into dinosaur situations, like Charlene wanting to grow a tail because her friends have them and the boys will like her, or dirty politics (most plots containing Earl's boss). It actually shows how ignorant man can be. earl is a tree pusher, and pushes down trees for no reason. The dinosaurs eat anything smaller than them because they're big. It has clever dialogue that helps it along too. Other than the family, we also have Ethyl Phillips, who is Fran's paraplegic mother who hates Earl. There's Roy, Earl's bud at work. There's his evil Triceratops boss Mr. Richfield and Fran's long necked, four legged friend who just sticks her neck in because she has no hands. I totally recommend this show, and I hope you enjoy it!
My rating: 4/4. TV rating can differ, can contain some sexual candor or mild language. TVPG.
It Was Different
view_and_review20 March 2024
Thinking back on it, "Dinosaurs" wasn't that good of a show, but at the time I was digging it. I was still young enough to be entertained by people walking around in dinosaur costumes. In all honesty, they were human in just about every sense. They had all the same issues, hang-ups, wants and needs as people--they just happened to be dinosaurs. I think that little oddity is what got them four seasons. This same show with regular folks doesn't even make it past its pilot.
The show featured the Sinclairs. There was the father Earl, Fran the mother, Robbie the teenage son, Charlene, the teenage daughter, and Baby. There was also the grandmother, Ethyl. It was novel, hence it was entertaining. But much like a Max Headroom, ALF, or other novelties, the novelty wears off pretty quickly.
The show featured the Sinclairs. There was the father Earl, Fran the mother, Robbie the teenage son, Charlene, the teenage daughter, and Baby. There was also the grandmother, Ethyl. It was novel, hence it was entertaining. But much like a Max Headroom, ALF, or other novelties, the novelty wears off pretty quickly.
Liked it as a Kid; Don't get it as an Adult; FORGIVE ME, I'M BRITISH !
alleywayambush1 June 2018
OK, so I bought an old VHS of this the other day (May 2018) and watched it for the 1st time in like 20-odd years. (Think I last saw this show in 1997 in Germany where it was pretty big; didn't understand a word mind !) As an adult I don't really get it; seems really mediocre, 'cool' 1990s and generally All-American.
That said, maybe that's sort of the point ! Interesting to see how EVERY other review on here is of high appraisal and practically 10/10 ! Interesting all the comparisons to The Simpsons. OK, so as a kid I guess I just thought it was cool + funny (the latter in a quite superficial sort of way). Maybe I was too young to get it; maybe this is - as the comparisons to The Simpsons would suggest - a social parody of working-class USA. After all, what else would a US show featuring a lumberjack, housewife, baseball-jacketed son + sparkly-clad daughter be about !?
So I'll give it 5/10 to be safe; good compromise considering my being on a stepping stone to getting its purpose !
That said, maybe that's sort of the point ! Interesting to see how EVERY other review on here is of high appraisal and practically 10/10 ! Interesting all the comparisons to The Simpsons. OK, so as a kid I guess I just thought it was cool + funny (the latter in a quite superficial sort of way). Maybe I was too young to get it; maybe this is - as the comparisons to The Simpsons would suggest - a social parody of working-class USA. After all, what else would a US show featuring a lumberjack, housewife, baseball-jacketed son + sparkly-clad daughter be about !?
So I'll give it 5/10 to be safe; good compromise considering my being on a stepping stone to getting its purpose !
Fantastic, this was one of the funniest show on TV shame they don't make them anymore!
gavinpage5 August 2000
This show was fantastic, really funny with the baby being the funniest character, he was always hitting Earl Sinclair on the the head with a frying pan and saying "Not the Mamma". Its just a shame the cancelled it and you can't get the videos anymore.
An original and funny early 90's sitcom.
chodefacemcgee695 October 2014
I'm going to echo what a lot of other reviewers are saying and just simply state that Dinosaurs was a very good TV show. I'll be honest, though, and say that in my opinion it's not particularly the most laugh-out-loud funny sitcom I've ever seen, and it doesn't have the same emotional impact as some other shows of a similar nature. For example - I've never felt quite the same emotional resonance as I did some some of the more sensitive-themed episodes of similar sitcoms, such as how much more I felt very sorry for Will Smith in several of the more emotional episodes of Fresh Prince (which overall was a very lighthearted and funny show as well), than I ever did for any of the Sinclair family members.
Still, the joy of this show is in the original setting and the creative spins they put on both major plot lines and all the minor details, references, and in-jokes. While the show's structure is pretty a standard family sitcom, it's SUPPOSED to be. Jim Henson himself wanted that. The fun comes in when the all-too-familiar sitcom tropes are given a prehistoric spin. The situations are fun, the characters are colorful, the prehistoric elements are clever and naturally integrated. Though I mentioned that it's not the funniest show I've ever seen, it's still quite high up there on the list.
Overall I'd give it a 9/10. Great, original programming. It features very awesome characters that are not just impressive in terms of the life-like properties of the puppets (just look at their facial expressions!) but also their personalities. The plot lines and little details are great, and though the show is a little corny at times, it's still quite funny and enjoyable.
Still, the joy of this show is in the original setting and the creative spins they put on both major plot lines and all the minor details, references, and in-jokes. While the show's structure is pretty a standard family sitcom, it's SUPPOSED to be. Jim Henson himself wanted that. The fun comes in when the all-too-familiar sitcom tropes are given a prehistoric spin. The situations are fun, the characters are colorful, the prehistoric elements are clever and naturally integrated. Though I mentioned that it's not the funniest show I've ever seen, it's still quite high up there on the list.
Overall I'd give it a 9/10. Great, original programming. It features very awesome characters that are not just impressive in terms of the life-like properties of the puppets (just look at their facial expressions!) but also their personalities. The plot lines and little details are great, and though the show is a little corny at times, it's still quite funny and enjoyable.
Outstanding, ranking with "best family entertainment aired"
RSBlain2 May 2006
I was thrilled to see "the Dinosaurs" being re-published on DVD. As an adult of 62 years I know cartoon characters are a little far fetched for an interest. I am, as an adult of 62 years, not only fond of the Dinosaurs but "just plain crazy about them". The characters and moral teaching done within all of the episodes was outstanding and human and highly entertaining. Sitting here writing, I am not speaking of a single episode but of every episode that was aired. I can't think of a better teaching tool for values or better entertainment for children or adults. There is no blood and guts, no bad language, wonderful animation, no dysfunctional family but real togetherness all done in the most heartwarming ways. I am remembering so many of the stories as I write and can't fault a single one.
I purchased all of the tapes I could find and hope to add all of the upcoming releases on DVD, I wouldn't miss adding them to my collection. I just can't speak highly enough of every single episode I was ever privileged to see. My rating is a 10. RSBlain
I purchased all of the tapes I could find and hope to add all of the upcoming releases on DVD, I wouldn't miss adding them to my collection. I just can't speak highly enough of every single episode I was ever privileged to see. My rating is a 10. RSBlain
An absolute ABC classic!
Catherine_Grace_Zeh22 January 2006
"DINOSAURS," is my opinion, is an absolute ABC classic! I don't think I've seen every episode, but I still enjoyed it. It's hard to say which episode was my favorite. However, I think it was always funny when a mishap occurred. I always laughed at that. Despite the fact that it was a short-lived series, it was nice that all the main characters stayed with the show throughout its entire run. It seems that no one stays with a show throughout its entire run. Everyone always gave a good performance, the production design was spectacular, the characters and everything about them were well-designed, and the writing was always very strong. In conclusion, I hope they bring it back on the air for fans of the show to see.
Smart and funny
chrismise30 December 2017
I absolute love this serie as a kid. Its funny and smart, with good insight about the society that for me, as a child, was important to notice and question. Like working relations, gender, capitalism. The series do that with inteligence to please kids and adults
A Great Show For All Ages
gtimandan31 May 2006
This is one of those magical shows that has the perfect mix of writing, cast & crew that comes together far too seldom and provides you with something that's about as sublime as can be mustered. Also, it entertains on many levels so that anyone watching will be able to laugh at, and learn from, each episode.
The show enjoys a terrific cast of voice actors, some well-knowns (Sherman Hemsley, Sally Struthers, Florence Stanley, Christopher Meloni) along with lesser-known talent but who were equally as gifted here, and their chemistry together worked very well.
Each show had a heady topic to be dealt with, such as marijuana; sexual harassment; stealing; job loss; children switched at birth; steroid use; cataclysmic forces in nature; arrogance; caring for the elderly; et al, all while doing so in as light-hearted a manner as possible and with a plethora of humor thrown in along with a gem of wisdom at the end.
This show is a combination of The Honeymooners, The Flinstones, and All In The Family (Sally Struthers is here also, once again suffering an obnoxious father), but is crafted as an inverted Flinstones in that the dinosaurs are the intelligent ones that live in homes, watching TV, and the cavemen live outside in the wild or are the family pets.
The lives of everyone seem to be ruled by the domineering, fearsome "WeSaySo" corporation (it's only funny because it's true) which is the company that loud-mouthed father Earl works for under the thumb of the tyrannical BP Richfield, an odd carnivorous triceratops expertly voiced by Sherman Hemsley. Earl is equal parts Archie Bunker, Fred Flintstone and Ralph Cramden, but possessing about 1/100th of either's intellect, and his best friend, Roy, is a near clone of Ralph Cramden's best friend Ed Norton, who even uses phrases such as "Pally Boy" in this show.
Beyond WeSaySo, the family suffers trials and tribulations at near every turn, from a volcanic eruption closing school for an "ash day" (eg: snow day), to the continent breaking apart, all the way down to the food in the refrigerator (who's vermin leader, I might add, has a cabbage for a hand) taking your family hostage.
Rounding out the family are level-headed mother Fran, tree-hugging son Robbie (perhaps the only one that can see their species is on a path of self-destruction (again, only funny because it's true?) and is forever trying to educate the imbeciles around him), shopping-crazed daughter Charlene, difficult mother-in-law Ethel, and lastly the tyrannical sadomasochistic scene-stealing Baby (I'm the Baby! Gotta love me!).
If ever a TV show generated classic one-liners as found in the realm of a cult-classic movie, this show is it. A decade and a half later, many of those one-liners are still fresh with me today: from overused fare such as "Not the mama!" and "Again!!!", to more obscure ones such as Spike's offering for the school science project "I don't do projects" which then leads to "I call this: What's inside a TV"; to Mr Lizard's oft used "We're going to need another Timmy!"; to pea-size-brained Roy's discovery of a suggestion box, which he speaks into saying "This is Roy...What do you suggest?" as he then leans his ear to the slot listening for a response; to stoned-out hippie BP Richfield's take on Jimmy Hendrix's "Purple Haze" when under the influence of the Happy Plant at work; and lastly bumbling BP's groping for words, trying to say something flattering to the enormously-necked Monica Devertebrae which finally comes out as "Neck! Small! Neck small! My, my, my, what a LoVeLy neck small!", this show is absolutely overflowing with one-liners.
Remarkable still today, the Henson company developed the animatronic puppet for this show, one that employed the use of a person inside a huge rubber body suit for each character. Each puppet required about (if memory serves) four to seven people to operate the facial expressions and certain movements to bring the character to life, all while syncing up to the voice actor for that puppet. Quite a heady task, and it was typically pulled off with great aplomb, the exception being the first episode which was a bit clunky.
Although a terrific show for children, any person of any age can enjoy this gem of a show as it is also chock full of humor that only an adult would get. If you haven't yet seen Dinosaurs, do yourself that favor and check it out - you will immediately be hooked!
The show enjoys a terrific cast of voice actors, some well-knowns (Sherman Hemsley, Sally Struthers, Florence Stanley, Christopher Meloni) along with lesser-known talent but who were equally as gifted here, and their chemistry together worked very well.
Each show had a heady topic to be dealt with, such as marijuana; sexual harassment; stealing; job loss; children switched at birth; steroid use; cataclysmic forces in nature; arrogance; caring for the elderly; et al, all while doing so in as light-hearted a manner as possible and with a plethora of humor thrown in along with a gem of wisdom at the end.
This show is a combination of The Honeymooners, The Flinstones, and All In The Family (Sally Struthers is here also, once again suffering an obnoxious father), but is crafted as an inverted Flinstones in that the dinosaurs are the intelligent ones that live in homes, watching TV, and the cavemen live outside in the wild or are the family pets.
The lives of everyone seem to be ruled by the domineering, fearsome "WeSaySo" corporation (it's only funny because it's true) which is the company that loud-mouthed father Earl works for under the thumb of the tyrannical BP Richfield, an odd carnivorous triceratops expertly voiced by Sherman Hemsley. Earl is equal parts Archie Bunker, Fred Flintstone and Ralph Cramden, but possessing about 1/100th of either's intellect, and his best friend, Roy, is a near clone of Ralph Cramden's best friend Ed Norton, who even uses phrases such as "Pally Boy" in this show.
Beyond WeSaySo, the family suffers trials and tribulations at near every turn, from a volcanic eruption closing school for an "ash day" (eg: snow day), to the continent breaking apart, all the way down to the food in the refrigerator (who's vermin leader, I might add, has a cabbage for a hand) taking your family hostage.
Rounding out the family are level-headed mother Fran, tree-hugging son Robbie (perhaps the only one that can see their species is on a path of self-destruction (again, only funny because it's true?) and is forever trying to educate the imbeciles around him), shopping-crazed daughter Charlene, difficult mother-in-law Ethel, and lastly the tyrannical sadomasochistic scene-stealing Baby (I'm the Baby! Gotta love me!).
If ever a TV show generated classic one-liners as found in the realm of a cult-classic movie, this show is it. A decade and a half later, many of those one-liners are still fresh with me today: from overused fare such as "Not the mama!" and "Again!!!", to more obscure ones such as Spike's offering for the school science project "I don't do projects" which then leads to "I call this: What's inside a TV"; to Mr Lizard's oft used "We're going to need another Timmy!"; to pea-size-brained Roy's discovery of a suggestion box, which he speaks into saying "This is Roy...What do you suggest?" as he then leans his ear to the slot listening for a response; to stoned-out hippie BP Richfield's take on Jimmy Hendrix's "Purple Haze" when under the influence of the Happy Plant at work; and lastly bumbling BP's groping for words, trying to say something flattering to the enormously-necked Monica Devertebrae which finally comes out as "Neck! Small! Neck small! My, my, my, what a LoVeLy neck small!", this show is absolutely overflowing with one-liners.
Remarkable still today, the Henson company developed the animatronic puppet for this show, one that employed the use of a person inside a huge rubber body suit for each character. Each puppet required about (if memory serves) four to seven people to operate the facial expressions and certain movements to bring the character to life, all while syncing up to the voice actor for that puppet. Quite a heady task, and it was typically pulled off with great aplomb, the exception being the first episode which was a bit clunky.
Although a terrific show for children, any person of any age can enjoy this gem of a show as it is also chock full of humor that only an adult would get. If you haven't yet seen Dinosaurs, do yourself that favor and check it out - you will immediately be hooked!
Not funny
cboldwoman-19 February 2021
it was great show
ellemanzo13 November 2004
'Dinosaurs' was a great show, it really was. And not some copycat on 'The Simpsons.' I was quite young when the show began and ended, and it was an all time favorite of mine. I loved it b/c it was so funny. Many episodes had messages about our society today. Even though I was little, and there were some things I didn't get, I still remember those shows. Like this one episode where Earl, the dad, went and bought the two animals, considered delicacies, for his and Fran's anniversary. It turns out that they are the last of their kind, so Robbie tries to protect them. Sadly, Earl's boss eats them. But not before Robbie persuades them to reproduce and when Earl comes home with a heavy heart and trying to tell Robbie and tragic news, the adorable offspring hatch from their eggs. Or two episodes where Earl is arrested for bad parenting and the one with Robbie being head or the household. This show was good, but it was underrated and now, not even a decent number lousy fan site is out and about with it.
They forgot to make this show suck!
planktonrules15 November 2010
I have a major bone to pick with "Dinosaurs". As it appears to be a kids' show, why did the producers forget to make it totally suck?! After all, there is an unwritten rule that says kids and their parents should not be able to watch and enjoy the same shows. With the exception of this show and "The Simpsons", I have noticed that kids' TV must be terrible, broadly written and annoying--such as with shows like "That's So Raven", "Hannah Montana" and the like. Shame on the creators of "Dinosaurs" to have imaginative characters, LOTS of inside jokes for adults, great Henson-created costumes and FUN! However, since the show only lasted two seasons, it appeared if some big-wigs at ABC realized their mistake and promptly canceled the show. Good for you--as this will insure insipid programming for our kids.
One of the Best TV Shows ever made!!
bluesc94232 July 2008
This show was so funny!It's my favorite TV show, I have to say. I'm so glad they are on DVD now. My husband and I watch them over and over. One of our favorites is the episode where Robby has to see the job wizard who tells Robby what career he's going to have for the rest of his life. I love Earl's co-workers reactions when he takes Robby to work with him! I wish they made more of them. The writers on this show were fantastic and very creative! And it's also a very family friendly show. It's amazing what incredible work the performers and puppeteers did. They don't get half the credit they deserve. The pilot episode is another one of my favorites. I love this show!!
Great show! A big part of my childhood, and still great as an adult.
tawdry_hepburn28 June 2008
There are a lot of things I love from my childhood. Turns out, most of them suck. I'm not much for hanging onto something just because it makes me happy. There are a few things here and there, I can't let go of my love for Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont's work ("Can't Hardly Wait", "Josie and the Pussycats") for example. But most of the time, I look back at something I loved as a kid and it turns out to be unwatchable tripe.
When I got the DVD of "Dinosaurs" in the mail, I was scared that this would be another case of being let down by discovering how truly abysmal my taste was (is?).
Fortunately, "Dinosaurs" is not only not terrible, it's excellent. The animatronic dinosaurs are fascinating to watch. The voice acting and lip syncing is solid and the jokes are damn funny. This isn't just some kids show, a lot of love and effort when into it.
Where most "family" television settles for entertaining the kids and maybe throwing something in for mom and dad every once in a while, "Dinosaurs" is chock full of giggly moments, I even found myself laughing out loud once or twice an episode. But then, I'm a sucker for animatronic anything.
The characters are well defined and act in a logical and consistent manner throughout the course of the series. The character designs are attractive and story arcs are dynamic. There are even a few episodes that took things in places I was totally unprepared for. And then there is the series finale that deals with extinction is a poetic and prophetic manner.
Along the way though, the series hits the notes of every major sitcom before and after. There is the drug episode, that worked as a drug episode when I saw it as a youngster and works as a parody of "very special" drug episodes now that I'm older.
Sure, there are a few off episodes, and many jokes, like an on-going gag about a "Barney" type kids show feel stale or dated, but by and large the series still holds up as exemplary TV.
If you've got kids, this is the one to buy. I was utterly enchanted with it when it first aired, and equally charmed by it today. Your kids will probably want to watch it on a non-stop loop as youngin's are wont to do, which is fine because the episodes are filled with enough subtle jokes as to enrich re-watch value. Also, the 4 disc set with 36 episodes is sure to keep you from growing tired of the show too quickly.
When I got the DVD of "Dinosaurs" in the mail, I was scared that this would be another case of being let down by discovering how truly abysmal my taste was (is?).
Fortunately, "Dinosaurs" is not only not terrible, it's excellent. The animatronic dinosaurs are fascinating to watch. The voice acting and lip syncing is solid and the jokes are damn funny. This isn't just some kids show, a lot of love and effort when into it.
Where most "family" television settles for entertaining the kids and maybe throwing something in for mom and dad every once in a while, "Dinosaurs" is chock full of giggly moments, I even found myself laughing out loud once or twice an episode. But then, I'm a sucker for animatronic anything.
The characters are well defined and act in a logical and consistent manner throughout the course of the series. The character designs are attractive and story arcs are dynamic. There are even a few episodes that took things in places I was totally unprepared for. And then there is the series finale that deals with extinction is a poetic and prophetic manner.
Along the way though, the series hits the notes of every major sitcom before and after. There is the drug episode, that worked as a drug episode when I saw it as a youngster and works as a parody of "very special" drug episodes now that I'm older.
Sure, there are a few off episodes, and many jokes, like an on-going gag about a "Barney" type kids show feel stale or dated, but by and large the series still holds up as exemplary TV.
If you've got kids, this is the one to buy. I was utterly enchanted with it when it first aired, and equally charmed by it today. Your kids will probably want to watch it on a non-stop loop as youngin's are wont to do, which is fine because the episodes are filled with enough subtle jokes as to enrich re-watch value. Also, the 4 disc set with 36 episodes is sure to keep you from growing tired of the show too quickly.
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