TV DVD Review: "What's New, Scooby-Doo?": The Complete Second Season

Rated: TV-Y7 (US)
Starring: Frank Welker, Casey Kasem, Mindy Cohn, and Grey DeLisle
Released: September 13, 2003 - March 27, 2004 (Kids' WB premieres) / June 5, 2007 (DVD)

Synopsis: In this second season of the 21st century adventures of the Mystery, Inc., gang, Scooby and his human pals are in for one adventure after another! They travel everywhere from Greece to Egypt to Tokyo to even the South Pole; along the way, they find mysteries that need solving...and solve them is just what they do! With special guest stars including rock bands KISS and Simple Plan, there's plenty that's new with Scooby-Doo!
As seen on Kids' WB and Cartoon Network.

The Good: Scooby-Doo is a longtime favorite franchise of mine; ever since I discovered it all the way back in 1998, I've been a big fan.  While they've done different takes on the characters over the years, my favorites have always been the original-style cartoons.  These may be much more modern, but, I'm sure Hanna and Barbera would approve; they're decidedly in the style of the old-school Saturday morning installments.  Older fans will likely enjoy this right alongside their children.  The mysteries are fun, cute, and exciting; what's not to like?

The Bad: As good as this is, I did find some scenes a bit frightening, which could be a problem for very young viewers.  I'd suggest taking the "TV-Y7" rating seriously.

Content Concerns:

• Sex: Flirting and totally innocent romance. 4/5
• Nudity: Women are seen occasionally in bare-midriff outfits. 4/5
• Language: Nothing worse than "heck". 4/5
• Violence: Chase scenes and action sequences abound; none of it is graphic, but, Scooby and friends have numerous close calls. 3/5
• Drugs: None. 5/5
• Frightening/Intense Sequences: Some rather creepy monsters and a few frightening moments. 3/5
• Other: Controversial rock bands KISS and Simple Plan guest star. 4/5

Conclusion: Maybe I'm biased as a longtime fan, but, I enjoyed this new(er) interpretation of the old-school Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? adventures.  Though later versions may have ruined the franchise, this is still great fun for fans new and old.  If you've seen all of the episodes from the '70's and want something more, this is for you.

Score: 4/5