Some exciting news from the Warner Archive! The 1980 Saturday morning staple, Thundarr the Barbarian: The Complete Series is being released with new masters! This may not be all that interesting to some, but for myself and other devotees, this is incredible!
Well into my high school years, Thundarr played on my local independent station - and I watched it religiously. My mom would even record it for me when I had worked too late at my after school job at the ice cream shop the night before and couldn't get up early enough to catch the 7:00am airing. While the animation wasn't very good, and the VHS tape made it look even worse, I loved it!
The story of man’s civilization cast in ruin after a runaway planet speeds between the Earth and the Moon sounds like a pitch for the latest Marvel movie. But it is the basis for banding 2000 years later a Druid princess with supernatural abilities, a barbarian throw back to the beginnings of man's existence, and a mutant-like creation straight out of the Mos Eisley cantina on Luke's home plant of Tatooine.
New Earth has risen through the ashes only to face a strange new world of savagery, science and sorcery ruled by wicked wizards who enslave the surviving humans. Thundarr is the one who bursts the shackles of slavery to lead a fierce rebellion. Joined by his companions Ookla the Mok and the sorceress Princess Ariel, Thundarr uses his strength, courage and wits, plus his magical Sunsword to liberate slaves and battle all kinds of beasts, mutants, wizards, thieves and robots. The future of Earth may be shrouded in darkness, but now, a battle cry rings throughout the land, bringing hope to the oppressed and terror to the oppressors - the battle cry of Thundarr the Barbarian! At least that's what the press release says. I think it's wonderful, mindless entertainment, reminiscent of Dungeon and Dragon games and Lord of the Ring books.
Now Thundarr's Sunsword shines brighter than ever thanks to this future-proofed brand-new HD master of the acclaimed animated classic from the studio of Joe Ruby and Ken Spears. Special Feature: "Lords of Light: The Story of Thundarr the Barbarian" featurette.