I didn't watch DuckTales during its original run, but through the amazing resources of the Internet and DVDs I have been privileged to enjoy this truly timeless masterpiece. Sure, the 80s animation is a bit dated, but aside from that and a few cheesy moments, this show is gold.
In a nutshell, DuckTales follows the exploits of billionaire Scrooge McDuck as he travels the world with his three great-nephews (Huey, Dewey, and Louie) in search of treasures. Rounding out the cast are Scrooge's incompetent, lovable pilot Launchpad McQuack; the McDuck mansion's snooty butler Duckworth; tech wizard Gyro; and housekeeper Mrs. Beakley and her granddaughter Webby.
Really, DuckTales is like a Saturday morning cartoon on steroids. It features the typical adventurous plots you'd expect but mixes in wonderful writing and creativity. It's obvious the writers worked hard on these scripts, sprinkling in surprising wit and heartwarming conversations between Scrooge and his nephews. Thankfully, there's also no potty humor, something which has infested too many modern cartoons.
The theme song is irresistibly catchy; once you've heard it you'll be singing it all day.
Voice acting is solid here, featuring Mister Ed's Alan Young as feisty Scotsman Scrooge and Terry McGovern as hapless Launchpad. I also was impressed with the younger characters; their voices aren't squeaky or annoying.
This is definitely a cartoon I'd show kids. It's entertaining for all ages and highly adventurous! Cancelling this and their other Weekday Afternoon cartoons was one of Disney's biggest mistakes. I believe DuckTales is the best of this collection, though in fairness I haven't watched much of TaleSpin. While it's not as flashy as newer cartoons, DuckTales makes up for this shortcoming with lots of heart.
If you see this on DVD somewhere, don't hesitate to pick it up. You won't regret it!
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