SpongeBob Goes Prehistoric DVD : SpongeBob trades square pants for a loin cloth

I was looking to be entertained, simply just to have an enjoyable evening. I popped in a Nick DVD to enjoy a couple of laughs delivered by a sponge that lives in a pineapple. I simply was not prepared for what happened. I was blindsided by compelling story telling, wide-ranging acting, superb writing, and cutting edge special effects. I was witness to the effects of SpongeBob SquarePants. I was basking in the glory that is SpongeBob goes Prehistoric.

I picked up this DVD for...er… my son, yah, I bought it for him. We are both big fans. There are nine episodes on this DVD and there were a few I had not seen before. So I threw on my SpongeBob boxer shorts, my son grabbed his SpongeBob slippers and we sat down for a two-hour spongefest!

Let’s talk Sponge, baby
Like I said, there are nine episodes contained on this DVD. The VHS version only has five. At the main menu you can choose to watch all of the episodes at once or select the episode to watch. You can also choose to hit the special features.

Let me just tell you a little bit about the episodes, since this is a collection after all!

SpongeBob BC episode: This is the headliner of the DVD. This is a super duper double episode special. Patchy the Pirate introduces the show with his sidekick Polly. There has not been this much talent on one stage with this explosive chemistry since the Brat Pack burst onto the scene.

The show is a hilarious set done in prehistoric times. SpongeBob, Squidward, and Patrick are cavefish struggling for survival. The tension builds as the food supply is exhausted and the clan discovers the power of fire.

Chariots of Fire was the last time this amount of meaningful drama was blessed upon the screen. The acting in SpongeBob goes Prehistoric was far beyond the limits of mere mortal sponges. This is what is going to make SpongeBob a legend. Our children will tell their children of the legend of SpongeBob as we speak of Bugs Bunny. We are living in special times, people.

Nature Pants episode: SpongeBob struggles with the demands of living in a modern ocean. He chooses to go natural and live with the jellyfish. I will warn you that this may not be appropriate for younger viewers as there are several scenes with SpongeBob nude. If they have seen the sponge in the kitchen before and feel comfortable with what they see, then they should be fine with this level of sponge exposure.

Fools in April episode: April Fool’s Day is SpongeBob’s favorite holiday. In this episode he steps out of his accustomed romantic lead role and tries a little comedy. Playing a comic part suits SpongeBob and I would hope to encourage him to try this again. He plays a straight sponge well and mixes in several slapstick gags playing April fools jokes on fish to keep the laughs rolling.

I’m with Stupid episode: Patrick the starfish is confronted with the stress of a visit from his parents. The internal struggle that haunts Patrick grabs you and refuses to cease. Patrick is dumb, his parents know this, so he wants to impress them with newly acquired “dumber” friend, SpongeBob. Simply amazing. Breathtaking acting from both Patrick and SpongeBob in tear-jerking roles that will leave you waiting for a sequel.

Patty Hype episode: In another demanding role, SpongeBob sets off on his own peddling a new “Pretty Patty”. This is another Hollywood rags-to-riches story that leads SpongeBob from the streets to the penthouse of success. It is a feel good story that reminds you why SpongeBob is the highest paid sponge in America.

Squid on Strike episode: I am a manager for a transportation company so labor issues are close to my heart. This episode forced me to look in on myself and challenge the way I think about working relationships with my team. Squidward and SpongBob are put into compromising positions as Mr. Krab refuses to agree to fair working arrangements. The duo is forced to strike against Mr. Krab’s restaurant, the Krusty Krab. The drama is fierce. You will be talking about this show around the water cooler with your co-workers after seeing it!

The Great Snail Race episode: Not since Days of Thunder has there been a more engaging story of racing. Squidward purchases a purebred racing snail to compete against Gary, SpongeBob’s snail. Patrick enters his hopeful, Rocky, his racing rock with nerves of steel. The action is intense and there is a fury of wrecks as the pace picks up. I was told that Gary did all his own stunts in this episode.

Plankton’s Army episode: The setting of this episode is the anniversary of an attempted case of industrial espionage. This high-tech suspense drama pits Mr. Krab against Plankton, his arch enemy. As Plankton’s continued attempts to steal Mr. Krab’s secret formula for Krabby Patties fail Plankton is forced to step up the pressure. The plot is thick and riveting. You will want to watch this one over again to catch the subtle plot twists.

Squilliam Returns episode: Squidward’s high school antagonist, Squilliam has made it big and he is back in town to rub it in Squidward’s face. In a fish-out-of-water tale Squidward pulls together a quick scheme to try to outdo Squilliam’s success. Hilarity ensues shortly after. The script comes together well and the actors pull it off strongly. This is the best role that Squilliam has had since he was blackballed for leaving ER midseason.

Special Features: The disk contains the Battle for Bikini Bottoms PC game demo. I have not yet played it because after two hours of SpongeBob I now see square yellow dots whenever I blink.

The SpongeBob goes Prehistoric DVD is in Dolby Digital surround sound, baby. You have never heard a sponge giggle till you hear it through five speakers pumping out 500watts in surround sound.

Personal Impressions
This is an outstanding collection of SpongeBob shows. I would recommend the DVD over the VHS version for the simple fact you get more sponge for your dollar with the DVD. Four more episodes are contained on the DVD.

This DVD will be a blast for any SpongeBob fan! Now go out and get it!

Rated Not Rated
Duration: total of 110 minutes

A note to you, the reader: Thank you in advance for taking the style of this review with a grain of salt. This is an attempt, be it a poor one, to be funny.

Other SpongeBob reviews:
SpongeBob: Lost at Sea