Fox Home Entertainment presents

Strawberry Shortcake: Meet Strawberry Shortcake (2002)

"Straw-bub-buh-buh-buh-buh-berry... Shortcake..."- Theme Song

Stars: Strawberry Shortcake, Apple Dumplin', Pupcake, Custard
Other Stars: Ginger Snap, Orange Blossom, Angel Cake, Honey Pie Pony, Huckleberry Pie
Director: Various

MPAA Rating: Not Rated for nothing objectionable
Run Time: 00h:45m:10s
Release Date: 2003-03-11
Genre: family

Style Grade	Substance Grade	Image Transfer Grade	Audio Transfer Grade	Extras Grade
C-	C-	A	A	D

 

DVD Review

How many times have you heard the phrase, "great book, terrible movie"? Well, I think I may have found the kiddie equivalent in Strawberry Shortcake: Meet Strawberry Shortcake. But before continuing, I must be honest in admitting I haven't read any books in the series. But they can't be nearly as cloying and overbearing as this animated adaptation.

Our sticky sweet heroine lives in a town that might just as well be known as Berryville, as it is surrounded by strawberry fields, trees, bushes, well, you get the idea. Even rain, wind and snow take shape in rooty-tooty strawberry fruity form. Trouble is, I'm a picky eater, so we're not off to a good start here. Anyway, younger sis Apple Dumplin' is celebrating a birthday and Shortcake wants to make it the best party ever. So with help from her precocious, unintentionally mischief-making doggie Pupcake and her cat Custard (who adds some much needed sarcastic relief), she sets out to collect all the goodies needed for the celebration.

Along the way, the berry bunch meets up with a variety of helpful folks, including Angel Cake, Orange Blossom, Huckleberry Pie and Honey Pie Pony (yes, these are actual character names and not menu offerings from the Little Debbie people, although I can see where one could get confused).With Pupcake's insatiable curiosity for exploring new surroundings keeping everyone on their toes, there's never a dull moment, until the same scenario replays itself in a different environment, time and time again. Saccharine songs, grating dialogue ("I always see the glass as half-full," please!) and an overlong running time will tax all but the most forgiving tykes.

Rating for Style: C-
Rating for Substance: C-

 

Image Transfer

	One
Aspect Ratio	1.33:1 - Full Frame
Original Aspect Ratio	yes
Anamorphic	no

Image Transfer Review: Though the stilted animation is reminiscent of 1980s-era cost cutting fare, kudos must be given for its rich, glorious colors, artifact free delivery and extremely sharp visuals.

Image Transfer Grade: A
 

Audio Transfer

	Language	Remote Access
DS 2.0	English, Spanish	no

Audio Transfer Review: One of the most impressive soundtracks for a straight-to-video children's program I've heard in a while. Very (or shall I say berry) wide stereo mix that's very kind to the above average incidental scoring; deep bass and clear dialogue are strong suits.

Audio Transfer Grade: A 

Disc Extras

Static menu
Scene Access with 4 cues and remote access
Subtitles/Captions in English, Spanish
5 Other Trailer(s) featuring Casper: A Spirited Beginning, Casper Meets Wendy, Anastasia, Ferngully: The Last Rainforest, Ferngully 2: The Magical Rescue
Packaging: Amaray
Picture Disc
1 Disc
1-Sided disc(s)
Layers: single

Extras Review: It's sad when the most impressive extra on a children's title (aside from standard trailers) is the scented Amaray case. Good thing I'm not allergic.

Extras Grade: D
 

Final Comments

Don't be surprised if Strawberry Shortcake: Meet Strawberry Shortcake winds up the equivalent of an endurance test for your pre-schoolers. Stick with collectibles and storybooks. At least they can't talk.

Jeff Rosado 2003-07-31