DVD Review: Courage the Cowardly Dog - Season One

Release Date: July 20th, 2010
Running Time: 286 minutes

The Show

Courage the Cowardly Dog began in the form of an Academy Award nominated short called The Chicken From Outer Space. Created by John R. Dilworth, that little short would spawn the much-loved Cartoon Network series. Unfortunately the DVD release of Season One is devoid of any content outside of the episodes.

The show revolves around the adventures of Courage, a pink dog who is afraid of just about everything. He was abandoned as a puppy and adopted by Muriel Bagge and her husband Eustance who live in the town of Nowhere, Kansas. Courage’s constant fear is there for good reason, however, as problems with monsters, aliens, and more are a constant problem. Muriel is often the target of these attacks while Eustance openly voices his dislike for Courage. Nevertheless, Courage risks life and limb to save his owners, no matter what terrifying beastie stands in his way.

Though it may be simple in its formula, Courage the Cowardly Dog is a solid specimen of animation. A lot of effort was put into creating genuinely creepy atmosphere without it being too dark for children. Admirable artwork, pitch-perfect music, and moments of tension-relieving comedy are blended together across the kooky stories. Some of the plots in Season one include: a Cajun Fox stealing Muriel for stew; a trickster shadow running amuck; an appearance by Bigfoot; a cursed mattress with a demon that possesses Muriel; Muriel becoming a Weremole; mind-controlling alien ducks; the mummy of King Ramses; and a Snowman trying to steal an anti-melting gene from Muriel and Eustance. Needless to say, Courage has his work cut out for him.

The two-disc set contains all 13 episodes from Season One.

Disc One contains: “A Night at the Katz Motel / Cajun Granny Stew,” “The Shadow of Courage / Dr. Le Quack,” “Courage Meets Bigfoot / Hothead,” “The Demon in the Mattress / Freaky Fred,” “Night of the Weremole / Mother’s Day,” “The Duck Brothers / Shirley the Medium,” “King Ramses’ Curse, “ The Clutching Foot,” and “The Hunchback of Nowhere / The Gods Must Be Goosey.”

Disc Two contains: “Queen of the Black Puddle / Everyone Wants to Direct,” “The Snowman Cometh / The Precious, Wonderful, Adorable, Loveable Duckling,” “Heads of Beef / Klub Katz,” “Revenge of the Chicken from Outer Space / Journey to the Center of Nowhere,” and “Little Muriel / The Great Fusilli.”

The DVDs

The video is presented in a 1.33:1 Full Frame transfer. Detail is fine for standard definition, and the black levels are consistent. Animation is smooth as well. On the weaker side are the colors, which can be blown out, and a noticeable amount of video noise. Though it may not be the best animation transfer out there, ultimately it shouldn’t draw to much negative attention to itself.

The audio is offered in an English Dolby Digital Stereo transfer with English subtitles. Dialogue is crisp and clear throughout, and the music remains balance. There are no major technical problems with the mix, just don’t expect anything in the way of dynamic panning or directional effects.

The Extras

No special features are on the disc.

Final Thoughts

Courage the Cowardly Dog: Seasone One may not be an impressive DVD set, but animation fans will still appreciate the home video release of this beloved series.