The original 1990 film

*CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy* · 04-04-2015, 03:27 PM

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This movie has a lot of noticeable flaws, plus it utilizes rather outdated technology.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.

DonatelloDomeHead31 · 04-07-2015, 11:31 AM

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!

*Powder* · 04-07-2015, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonatelloBossanova30

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

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

Bmaga123 · 04-07-2015, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Powder

...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!

rickwj324 · 04-07-2015, 04:45 PM

GO WATCH IT.....NOW!!

*Discogod* · 05-01-2015, 10:44 AM

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

darthwahl56 · 05-03-2015, 12:13 AM

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.

~~Leo656~~ · 05-03-2015, 02:26 PM

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.

*ProactiveMan* · 05-04-2015, 07:36 AM

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

Longview01 · 05-04-2015, 02:51 PM

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

DonatelloDomeHead31 · 05-05-2015, 09:11 AM

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

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

Groovy · 05-16-2015, 02:00 AM

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.

Such a badass film.

Walkabout · 05-16-2015, 02:23 AM

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

*plastroncafe* · 05-16-2015, 08:27 AM

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.

TMNTChris1980 · 05-16-2015, 09:49 AM

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.

Groovy · 05-16-2015, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plastroncafe

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.

Sounds like we were both there, small world.

They played some weird funny 90s pizza related youtube clips before the movie too, at least on the Friday showing.

*Cipher* · 05-17-2015, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plastroncafe

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

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.

*CyberCubed* · 05-17-2015, 08:08 PM

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

DonatelloDomeHead31 · 05-20-2015, 07:34 AM

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.

Gump24601 · 05-25-2015, 04:04 PM

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).

04-04-2015, 03:27 PM	#1
CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy Annalist Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 16,435	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. __________________ *ALL THEIR DAYS ARE NUMBERED*

04-07-2015, 11:31 AM	#2
DonatelloDomeHead31 Stone Warrior Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Helping Casey Jones fix the Pick-Up Truck Posts: 878	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! __________________ Donatello: Pork rind. Donatello: Yeah, a few inquiries. Donatello: Turtles don't migrate, Raph. Birds do! Donatello: Have you seen the way this guy drives? Donatello: 0.00000003%! Donatello: I don't know, but it doesn't look good...

05-03-2015, 12:13 AM	#7
darthwahl56 Mad Scientist Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: I live in a Sewer. Posts: 1,119	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. __________________ "Party Wagon on the Move!" Last edited by darthwahl56; 05-03-2015 at 12:18 AM.

05-04-2015, 07:36 AM	#9
ProactiveMan Spooky ghost Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Western Australia Posts: 2,266	It's kind of exciting that you haven't seen it. I would love to see it for the first time again. __________________ ProactiveMan!

05-04-2015, 02:51 PM	#10
Longview01 Foot Soldier Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 202	Going to see the original in the cinema is one of my fondest memories growing up __________________

04-07-2015, 04:45 PM	#5
rickwj324 Mad Scientist Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 1,019	GO WATCH IT.....NOW!!

05-01-2015, 10:44 AM	#6
Discogod Resolutely Analogue. Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Birmingham, UK Posts: 1,707	If you've not seen the 1990 movie you shouldn't be allowed on this forum.

05-03-2015, 02:26 PM	#8
~~Leo656~~ Banned Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: nWo Country Posts: 27,703	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.

05-05-2015, 09:11 AM	#11
DonatelloDomeHead31 Stone Warrior Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Helping Casey Jones fix the Pick-Up Truck Posts: 878	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 Fear not fellow Turtle Fans...I am watching it this weekend. __________________ Donatello: Pork rind. Donatello: Yeah, a few inquiries. Donatello: Turtles don't migrate, Raph. Birds do! Donatello: Have you seen the way this guy drives? Donatello: 0.00000003%! Donatello: I don't know, but it doesn't look good...

05-16-2015, 02:00 AM	#12
Groovy Random Punk Join Date: May 2015 Location: Cowabunga, USA Posts: 18	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. Such a badass film.

05-16-2015, 02:23 AM	#13
Walkabout Stone Warrior Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 556	It's still the definitive TMNT movie as far as I'm concerned. __________________ "When did Mickey become Sherk?" -Ralph R.I.P. Dave Brockie A.K.A. Oderus Urungus None But The Brave

05-16-2015, 09:49 AM	#15
TMNTChris1980 Stone Warrior Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 605	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.

05-17-2015, 08:08 PM	#18
CyberCubed Overlord Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 43,831	Whaaa, the Foot Soldiers playing the piano keys with Donatello's head was genius!

05-20-2015, 07:34 AM	#19
DonatelloDomeHead31 Stone Warrior Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Helping Casey Jones fix the Pick-Up Truck Posts: 878	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. __________________ Donatello: Pork rind. Donatello: Yeah, a few inquiries. Donatello: Turtles don't migrate, Raph. Birds do! Donatello: Have you seen the way this guy drives? Donatello: 0.00000003%! Donatello: I don't know, but it doesn't look good...

05-25-2015, 04:04 PM	#20
Gump24601 Random Punk Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Australia Posts: 24	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).