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Monday, November 30, 2009

The '80s cartoon revival and why we love it

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There is no avoiding the '80s revival these days whether it's through fashion (leggings, shoulder pads, acid wash), electro synth pop (Lady Gaga and LMFAO), and dance movies (remakes of "Footloose" and "Fame"). We've already seen adorable '80s icon Strawberry Shortcake get a makeover and the promise of a revamped Skipper and P.J. Sparkles on the way.

This summer there is no shortage of '80s cartoon nostalgia with awesomely packaged reissues of the original "G.I. Joe" and "Transformers" animated series on DVD along with new films for both. The "Transformers" sequel has already broken records for this year's
biggest blockbuster, and the August 7 release of "G.I. Joe" is predicted to have similar success by riding off this '80s revival moment.

My boyfriend and I are both children of the '80s and have a real affinity for the programs we grew up watching. For him, that means scouring eBay for long lost G.I. Joe action figures and trying to get me to watch Season 1 on DVD. (I have to admit, I did get into it, as the old cartoons have a certain formula I enjoy and miss.) For me it means still being bitter about the time my younger brother broke the flashing earrings of my Jem doll and waiting for the series to be re-released on DVD. (Pleeease, can someone make this happen? Soon?!)

Everyone loves reminiscing about the old cartoons or programs they watched as a kid, and I'm happy to say that the DVD releases of classics like "Transformers" and "G.I. Joe" have filled the craving for many of us '80s babies. I hope new generations of children will learn to enjoy them as well. Here's to hoping the "G.I. Joe" movie doesn't suck. (We can dream.)

What were your favorite cartoons growing up and which would you love to see reissued or brought to the big screen?

Related: tv, transformers, reissues, nostalgia, movies, jem, g.i.joe, dvd, cartoons, '80s

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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 22
  • Dubs's Avatar
    Posted by Dubs Tue Jul 21, 2009 8:53pm PDT

    I loved growing up in the 80's. I remember after the cartoons were over there would be a little morality PSA's that were cheesy now that I look back, but as a kid I ate up every minute of it. Today the PSA's are really just advertisements for kids to get their parents to buy them stuff. (Granted we were like that too but the saturation today is absolutely mind blowing)

    I admit I loved the He-Man /She-Ra series...even though when "I love the 80's" on VH1 ripped it apart for the *ahem* alternate lifestyle innuendos. I laughed because I had no idea back then, completely oblivious.

    It's just funny sometimes to see how Hollywood butchers some of the nostalgia in the attempt to reach a new generation...with revamped slogans, fancier animations, corporate drudgery, cheesy script work etc.

    Sometimes you just have to break out the old school and reminisce...the young folk just don't get know.

    "Because knowing is half the battle!" :P

    Damn, now I feel old.;)

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  • One's Avatar
    Posted by One Tue Jul 21, 2009 10:18pm PDT

    JEM and The Holograms!

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  • V-for-V-a-l-i-a-n-T™'s Avatar
    Posted by V-for-V-a-l-i-a-n-T™ Tue Jul 21, 2009 11:45pm PDT

    Joanna, you know when the first Transformers came out, I went and bought the old 80's movie as well and combined them all into one DVD case?! lol

    I pray they did not mess it up!

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  • icysapphire64's Avatar
    Posted by icysapphire64 Wed Jul 22, 2009 5:51am PDT

    I'd love to see Jem back, as well as a new Super Mario Bros. cartoon, and a Legend of Zelda cartoon. Oh, can't can't forget the Disney Afternoon! (eg. Gummi Bears, DuckTales, Chip n' Dale's Rescue Rangers, etc.

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  • Jezabel's Avatar
    Posted by Jezabel Wed Jul 22, 2009 6:56am PDT

    I wonder, in ten years will they be making a live-action Rugrats movie?

    Well, I guess the 80s was the first and last decade of action cartoons so its easier to translate them into action movies (read: marketable to the 18-25 male demographic).

    BTW why are we remaking Footloose and Fame? Didn't we say all we wanted to the first time around? What are they going to bring to the story. A modern soundtrack? FUN! =P

    Same thing with the RED DAWN remake. 80s=cold war=invasion plausible

    Now=mo cold war=invasion highly unlikely.

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  • Smiley79's Avatar
    Posted by Smiley79 Wed Jul 22, 2009 7:47am PDT

    The snorks, the smurfs, Rainbow brite. Lvoed them all Jem was one of my favorites. Gummi bears, ahh my youth I miss it!

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  • Donovan T's Avatar
    Posted by Donovan T Wed Jul 22, 2009 11:13am PDT

    The cartoons these days BLOW !

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  • InLove's Avatar
    Posted by InLove Wed Jul 22, 2009 11:43am PDT

    Cartoons now are terrible... I miss Bugs Bunny, Chip n' Dale, Talespin, Duck Tales, ORIGINAL Power Rangers, and the Jetsons. Yeah, I was a late 80s child. Even toys like Light Bright were great!

    I went through a few years ago and made a CD of all the old theme songs to cartoons and shows I loved. They're so goofy, but great! Think of the Captain Planet or old Spiderman theme songs!

    Remember the stupid slap-n bracelets? Now that was something that needed to die out!

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  • Jett's Avatar
    Posted by Jett Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:00pm PDT

    I bought some My Little Ponies on E-Bay a few years ago. :) That was my favorite show when I was little! Somehow I don't see that becoming a life action film.

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  • Jett's Avatar
    Posted by Jett Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:00pm PDT

    oops, meant "live action."

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Comments 1-10 of 22

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