Official "TMNT Fan Commentaries" Thread

[oldmanwinters]

https://i.imgur.com/RfQj0BG.jpg
Hosted at http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/

Say What?
Face front, true shell-heads! Longtime TMNT fans, Kevin "Jester (http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/member.php?u=1012)" McGill and I, have embarked upon an ambitious project to do audio fan commentaries on the various aspects of the TMNT franchise. We’ve started out with the first five episodes of the original cartoon (yeah, so typical, lol), but our grand scheme is a much wider scope. We are open to doing various cartoons, movies, promotional videos, and even comics. Neither of us has a complete collection of resources at this point so keep in mind that we may be initially limited by what DVDs (and comics?!?) we may possess.

How does it Work?
Select your desired commentary track, then start your own copy of the TMNT episode at the same time you hit play on our audio commentary files. Now that wasn’t too hard, was it?

How do we Make these?
It’s a pretty primitive process, but it’s been relatively effective thus far. We both use Skype to communicate with each other. We pop in our DVDs and simultaneously hit play as we start the recording. In earlier episodes, I used Audacity to record our conversation and save it to an MP3 (files are compressed to around 10MB) after removing background noise and adjusting audio levels to try to bring balance to the commentary. As a result, the sound quality wasn't anything close to professional quality. Beginning with "Planet of the Turtleoids," Jester has been recording our Skype call directly, which gives us a slightly improved product.

Why Bother?
We recognize that there sure are a lot of opinion pieces that have been done on the TMNT cartoons. Nevertheless, there are considerably few commentaries that have been done by turtles fans who have a comprehensive knowledge of the totality of the TMNT franchise. Most fans gravitate to one particular aspect and hold bias against others. Kevin and I, like most of the people on this forum, are pretty much hardcore turtles nerds (with a few exceptions that we might have to tolerate), even if we admit to preferring certain parts of the franchise over the others. Our goal is to make informed observations about the subject matter while still trying to enjoy ourselves while rewatching/reading the material. We'll probably try to reconcile seemingly irreconcilable continuity contradictions and fill in the gaps of various plot holes. We have a genuine desire to keep it both fun and classy, so we make an effort to keep our language and humor fairly clean. Also, we want to showcase the TMNT fandom as well as the franchise, which leads me to the next question...

Who can Participate?
From the beginning, we agreed that we want to bring in additional TMNT fans as guest commentators. We think it will be fun to showcase the better side TMNT fan base, although we recognize that it is substantially more difficult to record three people in different locations than it is to stick with our establish routine. Our goal is to try to record commentaries (1-2 episodes per session) at a regular schedule (we’ve been doing it about once a week for the past month, but that pace may change over time).

We don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings, but we’ll start off by inviting folks who:

(A) are longtime staples in these forums and/or the fanbase at large,

(B) have contributed something significant to the fandom, and

(C) are sufficiently articulate to make solid observations in a recording session while also keeping themselves well-mannered in language and take turns sharing opinions. [Wow…that should count me out – Jester]

Still, it doesn't hurt to ask if you are interested! Jester and I have been recording our sessions around 10:30pm EST once a week. We will try to be flexible to our guest commentators' schedules.

We are always open to doing specific requests, and if you are selected to record a commentary with us, we’ll try to do it on the episode you want. If you don’t really care, we’ll probably just pick a Season 2 episode from the Old Toon.

The History of the Project
This was all really Jester’s idea from back in 2009, but lack of interest at the time left the idea dormant until I proposed we restart the whole project. Initially we recorded “Turtle Tracks” together and uploaded it as a YouTube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDXq0uuSADM&feature=player_embedded). Thanks to Krang (http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/member.php?u=1)’s good graces, we’ve been able to find a home for our audio downloads (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/) on TheTechnodrome.com’s main page. On account of all the recent developments, we’ve decided (with Krang's permission) to lock the older thread (http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=33141) and make this the “Official” thread for our “unofficial” fan commentaries.

Anything Else?
We welcome your feedback, constructive criticisms, suggestions, and requests!

[oldmanwinters]

While the main page (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/) features the episodes listed chronologically (episode order), this thread will list them in order of our recording sessions. We usually record two episodes per session based on a common theme and occasionally refer back to jokes we've made in previous commentaries.
(right-click to “Save As…”)

"Peeling Back the Onion": How David Wise Made the TMNT into a World-Wide Sensation

Turtle Tracks (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/download.php?id=1) [as a Video (http://blip.tv/file/4819704)!] (Fred Wolf Toon- Watch with TMNT Volume 1 DVD)
Enter the Shredder (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/download.php?id=2) Video forthcoming! (Fred Wolf Toon- Watch with TMNT Volume 1 DVD)
A Thing About Rats (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/download.php?id=3) (Fred Wolf Toon- Watch with TMNT Volume 1 DVD)
Hot Rodding Teenagers from Dimension X (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/download.php?id=4) (Fred Wolf Toon- Watch with TMNT Volume 1 DVD)
Shredder and Splintered (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/download.php?id=5) (Fred Wolf Toon- Watch with TMNT Volume 1 DVD)

History of Hamato Yoshi & the Foot Clan
Legend of Koji (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/download.php?id=6) (Fred Wolf Toon- Watch with TMNT Season 7 Disk 3: The Donatello Slice DVD)
White Belt, Black Heart (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/download.php?id=7) (Fred Wolf Toon- Watch with TMNT Season 7 Disk 3: The Donatello Slice DVD)

Mind-Boggling Animation Mistakes!
New York's Shiniest (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/download.php?id=8) (Fred Wolf Toon- Watch with TMNT Volume 2 DVD)
Were-Rats from Channel Six (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/download.php?id=9) (Fred Wolf Toon- Watch with TMNT Season 4 Disc 4 DVD)

An Out of This World +40-Minute Special!
Planet of the Turtleoids (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/download.php?id=10) (Fred Wolf Toon - Watch with TMNT Season 10 DVD)

Kids, Meet the Turtles... Again
Things Change (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/download.php?id=11) (4Kids Toon, Watch with Attack of the Mousers DVD)
Attack of the Mousers (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/download.php?id=12) (4Kids Toon, Watch with Attack of the Mousers DVD)

Invasion of the Guest Commentator #1: Stephan Reese (www.gogreenmachine.org)
The Maltese Hamster (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/download.php?id=13) (Fred Wolf Toon- Watch with TMNT DVD Volume 3)
Mr. Ogg Goes to Town (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/download.php?id=14) (Fred Wolf Toon- Watch with TMNT DVD Volume 6)

Turtles to the Future!
Future Shellshock (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/download.php?id=16) (4Kids FF, Watch with "Fast Forward Vol.1: Future Shellshock!" DVD)
Once Upon a Time Machine (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/download.php?id=15) (Fred Wolf Toon - Watch with Turtles' Awesome Easter VHS)

Happy Belated Halloween!
The Darkness Within (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/download.php?id=17) (4Kids Toon, Watch with TMNT Volume 3.5: "Mutants & Monsters" DVD)
All Hallows Thieves (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/download.php?id=18) (4Kids Toon, Watch with TMNT Volume 3.5: "Mutants & Monsters" DVD)

Garbage Time!
Garbageman (http://media.tmnt.net/TMNT_Fan_Commentary_-_Garbageman.mp3) (4Kids, from TMNT Volume 3: "The Way of Invisibility")
Muckman Messes Up (http://media.tmnt.net/TMNT_Fan_Commentary_-_Muckman_Messes_Up.mp3) (Fred Wolf, from TMNT Season 5 Disc 2)

Babies... They're Babies!!!
Four Turtles and a Baby (http://media.tmnt.net/TMNT_Fan_Commentary_-_Four_Turtles_and_a_Baby.mp3) (Fred Wolf Toon- Watch with TMNT Season 4 Disc 1 DVD)
The Starchild (http://media.tmnt.net/TMNT_Fan_Commentary_-_The_Star_Child.mp3) (Fred Wolf Toon- Watch with TMNT Season 7 Disk 3: The Donatello Slice DVD)

Tribute to James Avery
The Old Switcheroo (http://media.tmnt.net/TMNT_Fan_Commentary_-_The_Old_Switcheroo.mp3) (Fred Wolf Toon- Watch with TMNT Volume 3 DVD)
Ninja Sword of Nowhere (http://media.tmnt.net/TMNT_Fan_Commentary_-_Ninja_Sword_of_Nowhere.mp3) (Fred Wolf Toon- Watch with TMNT Volume 4 DVD)

Conversation with the Writer: Francis Moss (http://cartoonscripts.com/blog/)
The Fifth Turtle (http://media.tmnt.net/TMNT_Fan_Commentary_-_The_Fifth_Turtle.mp3) (Fred Wolf Toon- Watch with TMNT Volume 3 DVD)

[Jester]

Well COWABUNGA! good to see the new thread up and running.

[Donnie]

Love the idea and if you guys would like a third person for a 2k3 episode, let me know!

[Machias Banshee]

Great idea, guys! I've listened to all of them so far.. great stuff. :) I wouldn't mind throwing my two cents in in the future, maybe with the 2k3 series...

Now what comic books are you guys thinking of doing? Movie adaptations included, or just Mirage/Image/Archies?

[Jester]

Can we get this stickied?
Koji and Black Belt, White Heart are recorded. I'll clean up the audio when i'm not "working". I use quotes, because I'm at work right now....:D

[GK Punk]

Can we get this stickied?

You got it.

[Jester]

♫♪Have I ever told you your my hero?♪♫

[oldmanwinters]

Thanks, GK, we appreciate it! We hope the fan community will find the next two commentaries worth their time! They are on the themes of the structure of the Foot Clan and Splinter's personal history.

[Canadian Turtle]

Hey guys!

This sounds like fun, let me know if I can help. I have a deep knowledge of aspects from the other side of the screen as a result of spending two years of my life interviewing those who bring TMNT to the world. There are untold stories on a grand scale, so maybe I can lend some cool insight.

[Jester]

We'd love to have you along.

[oldmanwinters]

Oh, yeah, Canadian Turtle, your experience is too good to pass up! What episode(s) or other media would you like to cover?

[Canadian Turtle]

Oh, yeah, Canadian Turtle, your experience is too good to pass up! What episode(s) or other media would you like to cover?

Tough answer! Some of the best knowledge and history that I know is pretty exclusive stuff has more to do with the toy line and the first movie. The cartoon history I am involved with has more to do with the voice talent rather than actual behind the scenes (for now). Its the first movie that I can really dig into. That said I'd have to clear it first, but would love to help non the less.

[oldmanwinters]

Tough answer! Some of the best knowledge and history that I know is pretty exclusive stuff has more to do with the toy line and the first movie. The cartoon history I am involved with has more to do with the voice talent rather than actual behind the scenes (for now). Its the first movie that I can really dig into. That said I'd have to clear it first, but would love to help non the less.

I've become increasingly interested in the show's writing talents. Did you get to have any interaction with the creative team in your exploits?

[Jester]

And you knew where I stand on OT voice actors...THEY ARE AWESOME!
Ever hear why Rob was gone during the European Vacation?

[oldmanwinters]

Jester and I have uploaded two new episode commentaries, and these episodes happen to be two of the finest of the whole series' run!


The Legend of Koji

White Belt, Black Heart


These episodes give us some fascinating insights into the history of Hamato Yoshi and the origins of the Foot Clan!

http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/
Check 'em out now!

[Jester]

Adam and I have recorded New York's Shiniest and Were-Rats from Channel 6. We have plans to do another recording session Wednesday and after that Adam will be on vacation for a week...which gives me time to try and track down (a) guest commentator(s)

If you're interested shoot me a PM with the episode (or other piece of TMNT media) you'd like to help us do a commentary on. I'll talk it over with Adam and we'll work to schedule a time when the 3 of us can do it.

[Jester]

Our resident cretaphobe mentioned that it might be helpful to post which disk the episodes could be found on...so:

Turtle Tracks (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/files/TMNTCommentary1_TurtleTracks.mp3) (with Video (http://blip.tv/file/4819704)!) From TMNT Vol. 1.
Enter the Shredder (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/files/TMNTCommentary2_Enter_the_Shredder.mp3) (Video forthcoming) From TMNT Vol. 1
A Thing About Rats (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/files/TMNTCommentary3_ThingAboutRats.mp3) From TMNT Vol. 1
Hot Rodding Teenagers from Dimension X (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/files/TMNTCommentary4_HotRoddingTeens_from_DimensionX.mp 3) From TMNT Vol. 1
Shredder and Splintered (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/files/TMNTCommentary5_Shredder_and_Splintered.mp3) From TMNT Vol. 1
Legend of Koji (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/files/TMNT_Fan_Commentary_-_Legend_of_Koji.mp3) From TMNT Season 7 Disk 3: The Donatello Slice
White Belt, Black Heart (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/files/TMNT_Fan_Commentary_-_White_Belt,_Black_Heart.mp3) From TMNT Season 7 Disk 3: The Donatello Slice

[Cure]

Wait. Who's afraid of chalk?

[Jester]

It was a lame pun (like you'd expect any less)...there is no word for "fear of crayons" so I made up a word.

[oldmanwinters]

It was a lame pun (like you'd expect any less)...there is no word for "fear of crayons" so I made up a word.

Ah, and here I was trying to look up "cretaphobe" and "creta" on dictionary.com. The joke is on me again, I guess!

Anyway, good idea about listing the specific disk each episode is contained on. These commentaries are best experienced while watching the actual episode.

[Krang]

Our resident cretaphobe mentioned that it might be helpful to post which disk the episodes could be found on...so:
Good idea, I added those to the site as well.

[oldmanwinters]

Jester and I have uploaded two new episode commentaries, focusing on the theme of animation mistakes!

* New York's Shiniest
* Were-Rats from Channel 6

In our opinion, these two episodes boast the 1st and 2nd most mind-boggling animation mistakes of the entire series' run! Nevertheless, we really enjoy them anyway!:)

http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/
Check 'em out now!

[Cure]

...who's afraid of crayons?

[Jester]

...who's afraid of crayons?
No one...but he runs a website called Scary-Crayon.

[ChetTurtle]

You should do a comparison between the OT episode "ShredderVille" and the 2k3 episode "Same as it never was". I am pretty sure the latter is at least partially based on the OT episode, and they have many similar elements (They both have the same theme of an alternate future where shredder rules). If you decided you wanted to do this I would love to be on (and could offer a viewpoint of someone who grew up with the 2k3 turtle) although its fine if you don’t want that.

[Jephael]

"Shredderville" was about an alternate reality where the Turtles never existed, not an alternate future.

[ChetTurtle]

"Shredderville" was about an alternate reality where the Turtles never existed, not an alternate future.

Close enough :tsmile:

[oldmanwinters]

Alright, all you lucky owners of the "Planet of the Turtleoids" VHS tape, dust off your VCR and enjoy some Fan Commentary on the most "epic" episode (as far as running time goes) of all the original series episodes!

Fan Commentary on Planet of the Turtleoids (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/files/TMNT_Fan_Commentary_-_Planet_of_the_Tutleoids.mp3)
Hosted by http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/

This commentary marks the first use of our new method of recording, which should hopefully result in better quality audio in all future installments.

Coming Soon: The first installment of the 2k3 episodes! And our first Guest Commentator session!

[Jester]

Planet of the Turtleoids is up on my Blip account....with video.
http://blip.tv/file/5093288

[Revan]

Planet of the Turtleoids is up on my Blip account....with video.
http://blip.tv/file/5093288

loved it! I really like watching the video WITH the audio. Not that it's a huge deal to pop in a dvd. But I cannot do that with this episode for obvious reasons.

Who is the special guest that might help you out next time?

[Machias Banshee]

I like this format a Lot.. :D :thumbsup: The audio is a lot nicer, what tweeks did you do with the sound?

Can't wait to see what comes up with the 2K3 eps.. :)

[Jester]

Who is the special guest that might help you out next time?
I'll never tell....
I like this format a Lot.. :D :thumbsup: The audio is a lot nicer, what tweeks did you do with the sound?
Originally Adam was recording himself along with what came through his speakers with Audacity, but I found a program that records both sides of the conversation itself, and it's a little clearer.

[Jester]

Commentaries for The Maltese Hamster (fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com) and Mr. Ogg Goes to Town (fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com) (featuring Stephan "Archon Turtle" Reese) have been uploaded, as well as Things Change (fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com) and Attack of the Mousers (fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com) from the 4kids series.

[Archon_Turtle]

That's what I sound like? Yikes.

Thanks again for the invite you guys. It was a blast!

[Jester]

That's what I sound like? Yikes.

Thanks again for the invite you guys. It was a blast!
No one likes how they sound....:P

Loved having you.

[oldmanwinters]

That's what I sound like? Yikes.

Thanks again for the invite you guys. It was a blast!

No one likes how they sound....:P

Loved having you.


Don't sweat it, Stephan, the recorder adds ten pounds to everybody!
:tlol:

[ChetTurtle]

Just watched/listened things change and I want to say, they're great! A few points: I live in Australia, and yes we had "Insane in the membrane" on TV (and I would have been six/seven at the time, and remember it clearly.

You were right, in the Raph issue he says Mikey's his best friend.

You said you can't remember Raph/Don figthing. They had a sort of fight in TMNT Volume 1, Issue 12, although it was only verbal and splinter broke it up (Raph called Don a wuss and Don called raph stupid and so on). Also in the TMNT cgi movie they have an argument (Once again ending with splinter stepping in.

Once again, great stuff!

[oldmanwinters]

Just watched/listened things change and I want to say, they're great! A few points: I live in Australia, and yes we had "Insane in the membrane" on TV (and I would have been six/seven at the time, and remember it clearly.

You were right, in the Raph issue he says Mikey's his best friend.

You said you can't remember Raph/Don figthing. They had a sort of fight in TMNT Volume 1, Issue 12, although it was only verbal and splinter broke it up (Raph called Don a wuss and Don called raph stupid and so on). Also in the TMNT cgi movie they have an argument (Once again ending with splinter stepping in.

Once again, great stuff!

Thanks for the support and the fact checks, Chet!

[ChetTurtle]

No problem!

[ssjup81]

Wow, these are awesome. Wish I could've joined in on some of these. :tlol: I need to finish listening.

How did you guys manage to do these, anyway? Are you two in the same place?

[oldmanwinters]

How did you guys manage to do these, anyway? Are you two in the same place?[/SIZE][/FONT]

Nope, it's all through the magic of Skype (at least it will be before Microsoft rebrands it in their own image!). You can read more about the details of this project in the original post:


How do we Make these?
It’s a pretty primitive process, but it’s been relatively effective thus far. We both use Skype to communicate with each other. We pop in our DVDs and simultaneously hit play as we start the recording. In earlier episodes, I used Audacity to record our conversation and save it to an MP3 (files are compressed to around 10MB) after removing background noise and adjusting audio levels to try to bring balance to the commentary. As a result, the sound quality wasn't anything close to professional quality. Beginning with "Planet of the Turtleoids," Jester has been recording our Skype call directly, which gives us a slightly improved product.


Thanks for the kind words, ssjup81. These commentaries are by the fans and for the fans!

[ssjup81]

No prob, and sorry for even overlooking that part in the original post. It sounds like you guys had a lot of fun with it. What ep will you two do next?

I just rewatched ep 02, and just noticed something I never did before. I'm curious if you guys' commentary on it picked it out. I never noticed how Raph took out Bebop and Rocksteady, even though it should've been impossible. :tlol: Gotta love those animation errors.:trazz:

Now, off to the commentary for Enter the Shredder. I already did Turtle Tracks, and you guys were so right!! Leo and Raph were fighting to kill. Fav part of that ep is still Raph's, "Clang" line and Mikey's, "Let's rock" one. Liked it as a kid, and like it now still.

[oldmanwinters]

No prob, and sorry for even overlooking that part in the original post. It sounds like you guys had a lot of fun with it. What ep will you two do next?

I just rewatched ep 02, and just noticed something I never did before. I'm curious if you guys' commentary on it picked it out. I never noticed how Raph took out Bebop and Rocksteady, even though it should've been impossible. :tlol: Gotta love those animation errors.:trazz:

Now, off to the commentary for Enter the Shredder.

Yeah, we delight in animation errors. Despite Toei's overall stellar job on the animation in the pilot episodes, bizarre animation mistakes are frequent.

Jester and I did a whole session devoted to the two episodes with the greatest animation blunders: New York's Shiniest and Wererats from Channel Six.

We've had difficulty getting the next commentary session organized due to changing job schedules and vacations, but in June we are hoping to record a commentary on "The Fifth Turtle" with a special guest commentator.

[ssjup81]

Oh wow. You know, I actually liked that ep a lot, when younger. I always thought it would've been cool to hang with the Turtles for real so Zach's character was refreshing to see. I still like the story behind the creation of the character.

[Jephael]

Can someone PM me about doing a fan commentary on the episode "Raphael Meets His Match"? I'd love to do that one!

[Jester]

The VHS only episodes are finished with Once Upon a Time Machine (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/files/Fan_Commentaries_-_Once_Upon_a_Time_Machine.mp3)
And here's the season/series premiere episode of TMNT:>>, Future Shell Shock (http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/files/Fan_Commentaries_-_Future_Shellshock_%284Kids%29.mp3)

[oldmanwinters]

Really happy to see these commentaries uploaded, Jester! Didn't we record them back in May?

Also, I have uploaded the comprehensive list on this thread:
http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showpost.php?p=829523&postcount=2

Hopefully in August we'll be back in the swing of things and ready for more guest commentators!

[gobo]

Dibs on the Turtles Forever commentary! ^_^

[oldmanwinters]

Dibs on the Turtles Forever commentary! ^_^

We ain't recording that one until we get a proper DVD release!:D

[Jester]

Really happy to see these commentaries uploaded, Jester! Didn't we record them back in May?
According to you in the Future Shellshock commentary the end of May, yeah. :D

We ain't recording that one until we get a proper DVD release!:D
Man...that's gonna be a wait, unless we import.

[AK_Mikey_Fan]

Listening to all of these amazing commentaries, I suddenly feel like doing one! I can go all out on these episodes!

[oldmanwinters]

On Halloween night, Jester and I recorded two more commentaries from the 4Kids series. Now you can enjoy them before Thanksgiving!

"The Darkness Within" & "All Hallows Thieves"

http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/

[ZariusTwo]

Still holding out hope for a commentary on The Big Blow-Out or some of the more essential finale episodes. I would love to hear your insight on 'em.

I've toggled with doing some commentaries myself, but I run out of things to say pretty quickly.

[Jester]

And we're coming back...anyone wanna join us? Anyone, Bueller, Bueller!
(and ironically I'm watching the Shelly Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre episode Cinderella, starring Matthew "Ferris Bueller" Broderick.)

[oldmanwinters]

And we're coming back...anyone wanna join us? Anyone, Bueller, Bueller!
(and ironically I'm watching the Shelly Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre episode Cinderella, starring Matthew "Ferris Bueller" Broderick.)

We've still got some "invitations" we need to follow up on!

[MikeandRaph87]

I would be happy to contribute if "Night of The Rogues" and/or "Get Shredder" of the 1987 cartoon are done at some point. Problem is I am not familar with Skype technology. :tsweatdr:

[Jester]

We've still got some "invitations" we need to follow up on!
I know...but I've forgotten who all I invited, and figured this feeler might get them to say, "Ooo ME!"

[Machias Banshee]

I'm still up for The Three Musketurtles... :)

[Jester]

I'm still up for The Three Musketurtles... :)
That's one I remembered, Ms. Dumas. :D

[Jephael]

I know I'd still like to do a commentary. Any episode with Zach the 5th Turtle will do for me!

[oldmanwinters]

New Commentaries! :tgrin:
http://fancommentaries.thetechnodrome.com/

Drome Members: *yeah* :tsleep:

Last month, people started talking about the "Garbageman" episode from 4Kids series, so Jester and I decided to record a garbage-themed commentary session!

It's Garbage Time!

Garbageman (4Kids, from TMNT Volume 3: "The Way of Invisibility")
http://media.tmnt.net/TMNT_Fan_Commentary_-_Garbageman.mp3

Muckman Messes Up (Fred Wolf, from TMNT Season 5 Disc 2)
http://media.tmnt.net/TMNT_Fan_Commentary_-_Muckman_Messes_Up.mp3

My special thanks to Jester for the audio cleanup and to Krang for the upload!

We had a little trouble with the recording session on the Garbageman episode, which is why the audio sounds a little garbled.

[zkarlette]

Wow guys! Great job with the commentaries! They are really entertaining.:)

[oldmanwinters]

Wow guys! Great job with the commentaries! They are really entertaining.:)

Thanks for the kind words! Hopefully, we'll get another session done before too long.

[CyberCubed]

The Muckman episode is excellent. I loved Joy eyeballs personality, and its the only episode in Season 5 where you actually have a fight with the Foot Soldiers! And the Technodrome!

Too bad it got a shoddy animation team though for that ep.

[oldmanwinters]

In preparation of Kevin's new addition to his family, we decided to do a "Baby" themed commentary session.

Four Turtles and a Baby (http://media.tmnt.net/TMNT_Fan_Commentary_-_Four_Turtles_and_a_Baby.mp3) (Fred Wolf Toon- Watch with TMNT Season 4 Disc 1 DVD)
The Starchild (http://media.tmnt.net/TMNT_Fan_Commentary_-_The_Star_Child.mp3) (Fred Wolf Toon- Watch with TMNT Season 7 Disk 3: The Donatello Slice DVD)

We've also decided to try and branch out into social media in hopes that it might help us recruit guest talent who used to work on the cartoon shows (writers, mostly). We'd be honored for anyone to follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook; we'll at least try to keep them interesting with periodic fun pictures and witty quips. We'll just have to wait and see what develops on the recruitment of the special guest stars.

Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/TMNT-Fan-Commentaries/498158020197984)

Twitter feed (https://twitter.com/TMNTcommentary)

The Muckman episode is excellent. I loved Joy eyeballs personality, and its the only episode in Season 5 where you actually have a fight with the Foot Soldiers! And the Technodrome!

Too bad it got a shoddy animation team though for that ep.

Thanks for the kind words, CC!

[Jephael]

I'm planning on listening to your commentaries in the near future, after which I would love to do a new one with you guys at some point.

[Jester]

Adam and I recorded 2 new commentaries in honor of James Avery. Should be up soon.

[zkarlette]

Cool! Can't wait to check them out.

[Pterobat]

Adam and I recorded 2 new commentaries in honor of James Avery. Should be up soon.

Excellent! I love listening to those things.

Fingers crossed for one of the Shredder body-swapping episodes. :D

[oldmanwinters]

Cool! Can't wait to check them out.

I really appreciate that folks still remember this little hobby of ours, considering how long it's been since we did the last ones.

Excellent! I love listening to those things.

Fingers crossed for one of the Shredder body-swapping episodes. :D

Hmm... your hopes might just be rewarded, faithful listener!

[Jester]

Thanks to Krang they are up on the media site, with an update of the commentary site proper to come. Until then use these links:
The Old Switcheroo (http://media.tmnt.net/TMNT_Fan_Commentary_-_The_Old_Switcheroo.mp3)
Ninja Sword of Nowhere (http://media.tmnt.net/TMNT_Fan_Commentary_-_Ninja_Sword_of_Nowhere.mp3)

[MikeandRaph87]

Old Switcharoo comments:
While it would seem Splinter is considered elder of all the incarnations due to his lack of participation in fights I always though of him as being 34 as the video game profiles mentioned him as. Yes, its slightly different universe but I went by that. The Splinter of the films I precieved as the more feeble of the many versions.

Shredder is more scientifically compentent than you think. He did start off like "alien technology oh I can use this to kill my foe" in the backstory to building an andriod with alien technology by the fifth episode.

[Jester]

Shredder is more scientifically compentent than you think. He did start off like "alien technology oh I can use this to kill my foe" in the backstory to building an andriod with alien technology by the fifth episode.
From Krang's own specs. Part of me wonders if Krang was back-seat android building.
"No, Saki! That is the leg actuation servo!"
"Do you want me to build this body, or not!?"

[oldmanwinters]

I've always thought Yoshi looked fairly mature in the flashbacks (and the fact that he seemed to lean on his walking stick so often).

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3262/2626745245_6597fa8b42.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22047800@N07/2626745245/)
Splinter Profile: TMNT Arcade Game (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22047800@N07/2626745245/) by oldmanwinters (http://www.flickr.com/people/22047800@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3273/2627563484_c2c35332a1_o.png (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22047800@N07/2627563484/)
Splinter Profile: Turtles in Time Arcade Game (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22047800@N07/2627563484/) by oldmanwinters (http://www.flickr.com/people/22047800@N07/), on Flickr

Ain't no way that old rat could be a mere 30 years of age!

[MikeandRaph87]

30 instead of 34. I had that number in my head from the arcade game at Chuck E. Cheese for some reason. As far as the walking stick it could be a visual cliche of a wise mentor. He is wise therefore he has a walking stick. Just a guess.

Just an observation,but did The Ninja Sword To Nowhere signal the series turn to being sillier in nature than it started. The whole alien pawn broker appearing as the laziest plotpoint in the series annoys me. Come on, the writers can do better than that!

[pannoni1]

Just an observation,but did The Ninja Sword To Nowhere signal the series turn to being sillier in nature than it started. The whole alien pawn broker appearing as the laziest plotpoint in the series annoys me. Come on, the writers can do better than that!

It's just the fact that its a Francis Moss episode and it wasn't his first; he wrote "The Fifth Turtle" beforehand, and he's known for his silly episodes (except for Shredder's Mom).

30 is way too young for Splinter's age in the arcade version, as he would have been 15 when he got mutated since the 1989 NES game confirms his human origin, and one shot of the arcade game is based on the OT's title sequence.

I noticed you mentioned how Mr. Avery was the first cast member to pass on at the end of your "Ninja Sword to Nowhere" commentary. Actually, Tony Jay (Dregg) was the first voice actor who passed away who recorded in this TMNT series in 2006.

http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=16703

That said, nice job on providing the feedback, especially with regards to how in Old Switcheroo having James Avery 's voice speaking over Splinter in the Turtles' exercise room freaked you out as a kid, it startled me a bit too! One possible future commentary idea is to compare the 1941 Superman short "The Mad Scientist" and match it up with an OT episode since that fresh at the time plot became the basis of cartoon schlock that affected many OT episodes.

[MikeandRaph87]

It's just the fact that its a Francis Moss episode and it wasn't his first; he wrote "The Fifth Turtle" beforehand, and he's known for his silly episodes (except for Shredder's Mom).

30 is way too young for Splinter's age in the arcade version, as he would have been 15 when he got mutated since the 1989 NES game confirms his human origin, and one shot of the arcade game is based on the OT's title sequence.

I noticed you mentioned how Mr. Avery was the first cast member to pass on at the end of your "Ninja Sword to Nowhere" commentary. Actually, Tony Jay (Dregg) was the first voice actor who passed away who recorded in this TMNT series in 2006.

http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=16703

That said, nice job on providing the feedback, especially with regards to how in Old Switcheroo having James Avery 's voice speaking over Splinter in the Turtles' exercise room freaked you out as a kid, it startled me a bit too! One possible future commentary idea is to compare the 1941 Superman short "The Mad Scientist" and match it up with an OT episode since that fresh at the time plot became the basis of cartoon schlock that affected many OT episodes.

Agreed about the sudden voice change. It went all the way to Justice League's LGreag Brian Robbery" with Flash (Wally West) and Lex Luthor. I thought cliche plots had died out by the mid 2000s'. Not familar with the specific Superman short,but it does remind me of mad scientist gimmick of Ultra Humanite.

I know Wise and Reeves well not so much the other writers.I feel letdown to this day about the sudden appearance of an alien pawn broker. The Elvis impersonating alien was funny bt this not so amusing.

Another poster pointed out that about Tony Jay,but I do not consider either Tony Jay or Bumper Robinson as the principal cast since they were later additions. No disrespect to Frollo its just I don't think of those two as principal cast. I hold Jim Cummings,the most regular guest voice more dear.

Edit: Was it ever said why James Avery did such limited additional voices other tha n the black thug that appeared twince starting in New York's Shinnest? Was it limited vocal range?

You guys forgot Michelangelo fighting Rat King? I like Jim Cummings BUT William E. Martin did the best sub job as a hoarse Shredder.

[oldmanwinters]

"The Fifth Turtle" placed first in IGN's poll of best classic TMNT episodes.

Jester and I discuss its legacy with a little help from its writer Francis Moss!
http://media.tmnt.net/TMNT_Fan_Commentary_-_The_Fifth_Turtle.mp3

http://ninjaturtlecollectibles.com/tmnts-fith-turtle-episode-interview/

[Jephael]

Yet you two never got back to me about doing a commentary. :trolleye:

[MikeandRaph87]

Yet you two never got back to me about doing a commentary. :trolleye:

Same here. Tell me when and I will fit it in as it will be a blast. However, this is the episode's actual writer! How awesome even if a lame concept of trying to have us relate to the turtles. It worked with Dick Grayson but not with Zach.

[oldmanwinters]

Yet you two never got back to me about doing a commentary. :trolleye:

Sorry, Jeph! We've been very slow about doing any commentaries of late. It was kind of the perfect storm to get Francis available so we went ahead and crammed a session into our schedules. Ever since we took our big hiatus after the Starchild/Four Turtles + Baby session, we've only had the inspiration to schedule two more sessions. Personally, I'd love to recruit more official writers for the show. That sort of thing could be really exciting. It is at least possible that Francis might be able to hook us up with longtime editor on the series Jack Mendelsohn (http://www.jackmendelsohn.com/) (though apparently he is 87 years old, so I don't know if Skype calls are his kind of thing).

What episodes would you most like to do? No promises, of course! :-)

Same here. Tell me when and I will fit it in as it will be a blast. However, this is the episode's actual writer! How awesome even if a lame concept of trying to have us relate to the turtles. It worked with Dick Grayson but not with Zach.

Even though I've never been the biggest Zach fan, I've actually come to think the idea of his character works very well for the tone of the show. It was nice that he was a recurring character that only appeared on occasions like maybe once a season on average.

[MikeandRaph87]

As long as its not Night of The Rogues or Get Shredder any yet to be done between 1987 and 2003 for that matter is yours to choose from. Look forward to the listen.

[oldmanwinters]

As long as its not Night of The Rogues or Get Shredder

Do you really dislike those episodes?

[Jephael]

Sorry, Jeph! We've been very slow about doing any commentaries of late. It was kind of the perfect storm to get Francis available so we went ahead and crammed a session into our schedules. Ever since we took our big hiatus after the Starchild/Four Turtles + Baby session, we've only had the inspiration to schedule two more sessions. What episodes would you most like to do?

At this rate I'm kinda on the fence about doing a commentary, though I would love it if I could review "Michelangelo Meets Mondo Gecko" or the episode with Merdude.

[Gadget]

Hey, sorry to be bumping the thread, but I've been listening to these commentaries and really enjoying them. I just wondered if you guys had plans to do anymore? Or maybe release them in podcast form? that would be cool. If not, no worries, I just like the insight you guys have :)

[Powder]

Jester once mentioned the possibility of having me join you guys for one in the event you bring these back, I'd be down. The Big Cufflink Caper would be my #1 choice. :tlol:

Considering Viacom/Lionsgate doesn't seem to be pulling full episodes off of Youtube it'd probably be a far better viewing/listening experience to just talk over it's live visuals like commentary on a DVD.

[Gadget]

Yeah that makes sense to host it on youtube if copyright is no longer an issue with them. It'd probably make the commentaries easier to find/view as well. I'd honestly just love if the FW series was done, since it's obvious you guys have real fondness for it...but that might be asking a bit too much :lol:

[oldmanwinters]

I've always been scared to death of digital copyright complaints, as when Jester and I started this project Lionsgate/Youtube would throw down the hammer against any little clip that wasn't copied from an older VHS source. Laying the commentary audio over the video source is the best way to watch them, and it would be an intriguing project if someone wanted to help us synch them up.

I'm definitely hopeful that Jester and I can schedule more of these, even though our schedules have been full of higher priority stuff in the last year or two. Last time we seriously tried to schedule a "Farm house retreat" themed session (as it was recent in the Nick toon), but then I realized I didn't own a dvd copy of the 4Kids "Sons of the Silent Age" episode. Then we thought about doing a Renet theme, but I realized that episode was also on the elusive "Turtles Against HATE" release. I think our plans kinda fizzled out after that.

I'm still kicking myself I was too cheap to get a copy of it when a fellow Dromer had some for sale! And I feel bad about watching it "illegally" on Youtube.

[Gadget]

oldmanwinters, would be great if you can get the youtube stuff up and running, but i know how hard scheduling and stuff is. i'd be happy to sync them to an ep and send you back the file if you like some time. :)

[Jephael]

I feel bad about watching it "illegally" on Youtube.

At this point, it's really the easiest way to watch the 4Kids series. You hardly see it on DVD shelves anywhere, whereas I still find used copies of the original cartoon out there.

In regards to doing an episode commentary, please read the PM I sent post-haste.

[mikezilla2]

Kudos to you guys for all the Work put in on these :)

[oldmanwinters]

Kudos to you guys for all the Work put in on these :)

We do enjoy it when Kevin and I can squeeze in a recording session! Thanks for the kind words!