The original 1990 film
 

So even though I've had the DVD sitting on my shelf for months, I finally got around to watching it. I was surprised by how well it held up!

This movie has a lot of noticeable flaws, plus it utilizes rather outdated technology. I can’t stand the lack of characterization for Leo and Donny, but this movie gets so much right. Raphael and to a lesser extent Mikey, April and Casey, Splinter… plus it adapts so much from the original source material: Raphael’s faceoff with Casey Jones, the ambush of a lone Turtle on the rooftops, the antique store fight, retreating to Northampton, and the epic rooftop fight with Shredder. Plus, the theme of family is unmistakable and woven throughout the film—just as it is woven throughout the TMNT comics.

If only Michael Bay had updated this movie for a new generation, all would have been well.

I read something in which the 1990 film compared to the one that came out recently (with Michael Bay) that he wanted this recent one to be less dark than the 1990 one. That's why there were some scenes with Michaelangelo's humor and a few of the 80s cartoon humor.

Overall, I haven't had a chance to watch the 1990 film, but now that you mention it...maybe I will! :D

...Ever? Really? Wow. & you've had a lot pictures from it as avatars & sigs over the years. Go watch it!

I was about to say the exact same thing. I find it hard to believe a member since 2007 with several 1990 movie avatars has never seen the original masterpiece WOW! :roll:

:o

GO WATCH IT.....NOW!! :lol:

If you've not seen the 1990 movie you shouldn't be allowed on this forum.

I don't remember seeing the movie in theaters. I remember getting the video cassette and I was over at my babysitters house amoungst several kids who were jealous that I had the movie to watch almost anytime I wanted. I even remember the video cassette TV commercial that stated you could own the movie and I yelled, "I do!" The other kids actually cheered.

Great movie for a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fan. Now where is that special edition version that needs to show up already.

One of my favorite things about seeing it in theaters, was that my parents forced my older sister and my cousin to take me, and they pitched a fit and thought it was gonna be stupid, and instead they loved it.

I've won so many people over with that movie. "Ninja Turtles? C'mon, that's corny." "Hang on, hang on, just watch it... it's short, I promise..." Gets 'em every time.

It's kind of exciting that you haven't seen it. I would love to see it for the first time again.

Going to see the original in the cinema is one of my fondest memories growing up

Let me rephrase what I said--I have seen this movie, I am a fan of it all the way...but thanks to a busy work life, it does not reach a Friday night movie watch :D

Fear not fellow Turtle Fans...I am watching it this weekend.

This played at a local theater recently with an original film print, plus they had free pizza there. Very very fun time, cool to see a theater packed enjoying such a classic. :tsmile:

Such a badass film.

It's still the definitive TMNT movie as far as I'm concerned.

Local independent movie house just showed the 1990 flick as part of a Muppet/Henson weekend film festival. And yeah...it really does hold up very well. Praise be unto who ever has kept The Suck Fairy at bay.

Hands down still the best non-Mirage version of Michaelangelo.

I saw it in the theater the weekend it came out. At the beginning of the movie before it even really shows the turtles, I remember turning to my mom and telling her "that's the foot clan" "that's Raphael", "That's April"....and I remember how it took so long for the reveal of the turtles....I effing geeked when they showed them....and didn't say another word throughout the movie.

It still holds up today, probably the only Turtle movie I watch yearly.

I think the reason it worked (and we probably won't ever see one so good again) is because, it was before people thought that TMNT could be a money maker. It was an independent movie with quality actors, and amazing fighting. I honestly think this movie is the last of the dangerous 70's 80's children's movies. It sits comfortably with The Goonies, The Neverending Story, etc.

Definitely watch it.

Sounds like we were both there, small world. :D They played some weird funny 90s pizza related youtube clips before the movie too, at least on the Friday showing.

Woooooooord.

Though while I'm completely on board for this movie being the best screen adaptation we've had so far, I feel like the terribleness of the slapstick fight scenes cannot be overlooked.

It's remarkable that it came out as good as it did, and if you cut the movie down to just its quiet moments, it'd be great, but as it is, it's still kind of a mess.

Whaaa, the Foot Soldiers playing the piano keys with Donatello's head was genius! :lol:

Some movie theaters will do a "Classic Night" and play movies from the past. My only criticism is that some of the them get a 3D effect added to it.

So I'm starting to think...if the 1990 movie was given a 3-D addition, what scenes would be awesome in 3D.

And if this has already happened...then I'm way behind.:D

1990 turtles movie is best movie!

I saw it in the cinemas sitting in canvas deck chairs. I even remember crying for Raphael (I was only 9 at the time).