Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998) is the franchise’s first direct-to-video feature and it kickstarted the Scoocy-Doo crew’s major resurgence, boosting the appeal for a live-action movie while securing the adoration of a younger generation. Zombie Island has a darker tone but loses none of the comic snap or lighthearted charm throughout its 77-minute runtime. It’s a true gem and a thrill to watch the Mystery Inc. gang hunt for haunts and Scooby’s next meal.
Buy Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (Terror Time Collector’s Edition) Blu-rayMystery Inc., tired of fake ghosts and phony monsters, have called it quits and gone their separate ways. Daphne is now a news reporter with her own TV show called Coast to Coast, with Fred as “producer and one-man crew.” Velma owns and runs a bookstore while Shaggy and Scooby have landed jobs as airport customs agents, sniffing out contraband food stuff. It’s been a good while since any of them chased ghosts and for her show’s second season, Daphne plans to head back out in search of America’s real haunted places. This gives Fred an idea and he decides to surprise Daphne by reuniting the old gang to aid in the renewed antics. They head straight for Louisiana but soon get caught up in the same old net of fakes and frauds. It’s not long before they find themselves in New Orleans wondering what’s next. Enter the attractive young Lena who gives them a hot lead about the nearby bayou island that boasts of a real haunted mansion, where she just happens to live.
Once on Moonscar Island, the Mystery Inc. crew remain skeptical as they learn more about the island’s dark past and its namesake, Moonscar the Pirate. They keep a sharp eye on the usual suspects: a grumpy new gardener, a salty fisherman, and the plantation’s supposed heiress, the cat-loving, dog-hating Simone but it’s not long before things become very real. Ghosts appear delivering frightful warnings while pirates and Civil-War-soldier zombies begin to pop up out of the swampy ground. That’s just the start! Soon the gang will uncover the Islands’ voodoo past and encounter cat people and werecats who want to consume their souls. How will the gang get out of this mess and escape the terror of Zombie Island if it’s all real?
Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island is a true cartoon horror delight filled with genuine laughs, spooky fun, and a rocking soundtrack. The darker mood only adds to those elements already loved by fans of the Hanna-Barbera classic. The animation is a bit different from those early shows and even though Fred, Daphne, and Velma get slight fashion updates, the overall atmosphere and vibe has stayed intact. The silly humor and clever gags remain strong as veteran Scooby-Doo writer Glenn Leopold provided the script and even added some inside jokes and knowing self-aware winks at the Mystery Inc. crew. There’s also the familiar yet updated chase sequence with a new version of “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” by rockers Third Eye Blind as well as new tunes “The Ghost Is Here” and “It’s Terror Time Again” performed by Skycycle and set to a monster montage. Speaking of things familiar and Scooby-Doo vets, Frank Welker returns once more to voice Fred. This time around he’s joined by a strong mix of younger voice performers and seasoned pros such as Mark Hamil, Billy West, B.J. Ward, Mary Kay Bergman, and Adrienne Barbeau.
The Terror Time Collector’s Edition Blu-ray release features an audio commentary track and an accompanying 12-page booklet by Matt Dugan. He gives numerous “making of” highlights, fun facts, and details about the effort put into making the Blu-ray release something memorable. With the endless positive energy and the enthusiasm of a lifelong Scooby fan, he provides information about the cast, crew, music, and animation. All while sharing his own memories and of how watching Zombie Island was his introduction to horror movies as a child.
Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island, though a bit more mature and darker than previous outings, is no less family friendly and fun. The laughs and thrills are only highlighted by the self-awareness and freshness of the endeavor. A must for Scooby-Doo fans, young and old. Be sure to stick around until the very end for the post credits “Scooby Dooby Doo.”
