Official Synopsis
When a ghoul begins to terrorize an amusement park, the Mystery Inc. gang come head to head with the legendary rock group, KISS, who claim they’re also there to solve the mystery. Now the two groups must learn to work together as the clues lead them on a cosmic journey to another dimension.
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This is an odd crossover, isn’t? I understand the WWE crossover because WWE is the perfect demo for kids and teenagers to get interested with Scooby and the gang, but KISS? KISS is an iconic band that ruled the 70s/80s and a little of the early 90s. They’re entertaining as youknowwhat, but kids may not know who they are this day and age. For example, my six-year-old son had no idea that these guys were real people and that they played the actual music from the movie at actual concerts in real life. He was quite shocked, and a little frightened at first. That might pose a problem for this movie. ‘MIGHT’ being the word.
You know what, though? My six-year-old son loved every freaking minute of the movie once it started to get rolling, regardless of how out of place KISS might have seemed in a Scooby-Doo film (his actual line here was, “They were radical!” — I guess that word is coming back into play).
On a side note, his father also loved every freaking minute, as well.
Let’s break this down.
The first act has our gang called in to solve a mystery of a witch terrorizing the KISS amusement park. Scooby and the gang have to come in and figure out what the heck is the problem, if the witch can be stopped and if the witch is really a witch, all before KISS shows up to perform a concert at the park. On their way into the park, they’re met by some angry security guards that are trying to solve the mystery as well and that don’t appreciate meddling kids. Of course, they get going on the mystery and start to uncover some heavy stuff.
The first act goes smoothly, as we’re introduced to all the usual, formulaic suspects in a typical Scooby-Doo! film. You can pretty much guess who is the prime suspect at the beginning, but of course the joy of every Scooby-Doo! film is seeing how it all works up to the big reveal. Love the intensity of the characters and especially love the introduction of KISS. They’re larger than life characters from the get-go, as they were between the 70s-80s.
Anyway, things get out-of-sight when act two gets going.
We learn that KISS is more than just a band, rather they have powers stemming from a secret KISS society looming in the cosmic universe. The witch is after some dark gem that will possibly mean the end of their KISS civilization. At least that is what I garnished from the story.
There is a lot of ‘out there’ stuff that goes on in act two. It is a fast-paced act that features some KISS songs that equal out to some fantastic editing. The whole act really just ups the amp from 10 to 11, and makes the movie more than just another Scooby-Doo! movie. It becomes incredibly entertaining and KISS is the reason. They make what could be a dull mystery just a fascinating trip, and I mean that in every sense of the word. Again, my son loved this film and it didn’t hook him until the action gets going with KISS. Of course, act two introduces some weird scenarios, such as the gang riding a large guitar into another dimension to meet up with KISS’s origin. Yes, it’s a trip, but it’s fun and fast.
As the third act begins, and the movie is reaching its climax, the gem’s purpose is explained, as is the mysterious antagonist’s purpose. While I won’t give away anything else, I will say what is typically predictable in a Scooby movie, in terms of conclusion, is not present in this one. This borderlines on a DC Comic movie at the end. It’s certainly intense, but worth the wait, worry and effort in keeping up with things.
Overall, this entire film, as out there as it might seem, is done incredibly well. The writing, acting, directing and the editing are amazing for a direct-to-Blu-ray/DVD release. This is probably the best Scooby-Doo! film I’ve reviewed. That’s saying something considering the films that have come before it. It has a fun story, funny situations, tense moments and kick-butt music. What more could you want from Scooby and the gang?
On the Blu-ray side of things, it’s another gorgeous Blu-ray transfer, which again, isn’t difficult considering it’s new animation. The colors in this one are especially pretty, though, as you get about everything in the color spectrum and in crisp clarity. This is a great example of how well Warner Home Video can transfer animated features to HD. No issues whatsoever.
On the special features side of things, you don’t get much. You get two short segments with KISS. One of them is about if KISS (and a few other stars) would be Shaggy or Scooby. The other segment is outtakes from the band trying to say Scooby lines. That’s amusing, but it doesn’t last long. Beyond those, you get additional cartoons, but there’s nothing else. Not bad stuff for a release like this, but I would have loved just a few longer features. Maybe some commentary.
Available on Digital July 10. On DVD and Blu-ray™ July 21