Have always loved animation and that undying love for it will never go away. In fact, with my tastes having (hopefully) broadened outside Disney, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, with seeing more in foreign languages, more obscure animation and those that are lower budget (variable in quality), and more things being noticeable through young adult eyes not as obvious before, actually love it even more.
Still consider one of my most watched shows when younger 'Ducktales' one of the best animated shows ever made and among the best Disney ever did, during one of their best periods for television (late 1980s-early to mid-90s, some timeless shows there). Can remember very vividly watching television early on Saturday morning, and do miss that feeling, it's just not the same anymore and can barely watch the Disney Channel now. Watching 'Ducktales' episodes like "All Ducks on Deck" brings all those fond memories back. Some people will know all of this already from past reviews but it is always worth saying, with me being so passionate about it but at the risk of my review abuse stalker striking again.
"All Ducks On Deck" has always been and still is very nearly one of my favourite 'Ducktales' episodes. There are a lot of thrills here, an entertaining story, some really nice family dynamics and interesting character writing. Re-watching "All Ducks on Deck" was a real joy and really cheered me up during a hard time with anxiety and health problems. It just misses the extra something of the very best episodes and falls ever so slightly short of being perfect, something that is not easy to get to and not often done.
It is always great seeing Donald, one of Disney's greatest characters, and he is a pleasure whenever he appears. Regarding whether he fits within the show, yes he does. Love that he is not a heroic character, neither is he idiotic and it is hard to stay mad at him despite his actions when trying to prove his capability. His cantankerous personality is maintained but doesn't get over the top or softened. Equally great was the maturity and good helpful intentions Huey, Duey and Louie show, even when their good intentions are not always placed well, their dynamic with Donald is not antagonistic but instead showing a more mature and helpful edge.
Meanwhile, Scrooge and Launchpad are as amusing and interesting as ever, their storyline is the one that "All Ducks on Deck" is centred around and it's one that's thrilling and suspenseful, with well-animated and energetically choreographed action. It and the Donald/nephew dynamic come together just fine, there is not a two different episodes feel here. The Phantom Blot is an interesting villain, both sinister and egotistical and the episode manages to make a done to death motivation not tired and executed with energy and suspense.
The animation is great. It is bright and colourful with lively fluid movement, smooth drawing and meticulous attention to detail in the backgrounds. The music again is dynamic and beautifully orchestrated, never jarring with the action and full of energy. Disney had many theme songs that were irresistibly catchy to the extent one doesn't forget them, and that for 'Ducktales' to me was one of the best. The writing is smart, thought-probing and funny, the story is never less than diverting, the dynamics are intriguingly different without being out of character and the characterisation is spot on.
Likewise with the voice acting, especially from Tony Anselmo and Frank Welker. Russi Taylor also deserves credit for voicing the most characters and giving them enough distinction that you can tell them apart. Alan Young was made for Scrooge and cannot imagine anybody else as the character.
Complaints are very few, but for me the Plover reveal was rushed, without giving it enough depth, and too out of the blue.
While the climax did thrill, the outcome was not a surprising one and also felt on the rushed side.
Otherwise, this is a great episode. 9/10
Still consider one of my most watched shows when younger 'Ducktales' one of the best animated shows ever made and among the best Disney ever did, during one of their best periods for television (late 1980s-early to mid-90s, some timeless shows there). Can remember very vividly watching television early on Saturday morning, and do miss that feeling, it's just not the same anymore and can barely watch the Disney Channel now. Watching 'Ducktales' episodes like "All Ducks on Deck" brings all those fond memories back. Some people will know all of this already from past reviews but it is always worth saying, with me being so passionate about it but at the risk of my review abuse stalker striking again.
"All Ducks On Deck" has always been and still is very nearly one of my favourite 'Ducktales' episodes. There are a lot of thrills here, an entertaining story, some really nice family dynamics and interesting character writing. Re-watching "All Ducks on Deck" was a real joy and really cheered me up during a hard time with anxiety and health problems. It just misses the extra something of the very best episodes and falls ever so slightly short of being perfect, something that is not easy to get to and not often done.
It is always great seeing Donald, one of Disney's greatest characters, and he is a pleasure whenever he appears. Regarding whether he fits within the show, yes he does. Love that he is not a heroic character, neither is he idiotic and it is hard to stay mad at him despite his actions when trying to prove his capability. His cantankerous personality is maintained but doesn't get over the top or softened. Equally great was the maturity and good helpful intentions Huey, Duey and Louie show, even when their good intentions are not always placed well, their dynamic with Donald is not antagonistic but instead showing a more mature and helpful edge.
Meanwhile, Scrooge and Launchpad are as amusing and interesting as ever, their storyline is the one that "All Ducks on Deck" is centred around and it's one that's thrilling and suspenseful, with well-animated and energetically choreographed action. It and the Donald/nephew dynamic come together just fine, there is not a two different episodes feel here. The Phantom Blot is an interesting villain, both sinister and egotistical and the episode manages to make a done to death motivation not tired and executed with energy and suspense.
The animation is great. It is bright and colourful with lively fluid movement, smooth drawing and meticulous attention to detail in the backgrounds. The music again is dynamic and beautifully orchestrated, never jarring with the action and full of energy. Disney had many theme songs that were irresistibly catchy to the extent one doesn't forget them, and that for 'Ducktales' to me was one of the best. The writing is smart, thought-probing and funny, the story is never less than diverting, the dynamics are intriguingly different without being out of character and the characterisation is spot on.
Likewise with the voice acting, especially from Tony Anselmo and Frank Welker. Russi Taylor also deserves credit for voicing the most characters and giving them enough distinction that you can tell them apart. Alan Young was made for Scrooge and cannot imagine anybody else as the character.
Complaints are very few, but for me the Plover reveal was rushed, without giving it enough depth, and too out of the blue.
While the climax did thrill, the outcome was not a surprising one and also felt on the rushed side.
Otherwise, this is a great episode. 9/10
