‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ (2012-2017): The Complete Series DVD Review – Get Ready For Turtle Power!

Mutants Rule! Emerging from their hidden lair in the sewers, teenage bros Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael face off against the most dangerous baddies and the most delicious pizza in New York City! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are martial arts masters-in-training on a mission to defeat all enemies, protect the innocent, and make it home in time to chill. With the help of powerful pals like April O’Neil, Casey Jones, and Ice Cream Kitty – plus the expert teachings of Sensei Splinter – it’s bros vs. foes when the heroes in a half shell take on Shredder, the Kraang, and the Foot Clan – one awesome attack at a time! This release features all 124 episodes of the 5-season series in one box set!

For thoughts on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012-2017): The Complete Series, please check out our unboxing video:

Video Quality

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012-2017) comes to DVD in a 20-Disc set with a 480p transfer that looks pleasant despite the lack of an HD option. These discs obviously lack the detail and clarity that a Blu-Ray option would provide, but it does mostly avoid a lot of digital anomalies such as artifacting and digital noise. This is a show with many vibrant colors throughout most of the run, but it does not quite pop off the screen due to format limitations. The disc provides fairly solid black levels for a clean viewing experience free of crush. The computer animation style is not as welcome as the old-school hand-drawn animation, but these discs represent the original look well with only occasional instances of blurring along edges of characters and objects. The animation gets a bit stronger as the show goes along, but never reaches anywhere near the capabilities of a big budget studio film. The DVD presentation is a very enjoyable experience, but it would feel like a real win if this one ever made its way to Blu-Ray. 

Audio Quality

This release boasts a Dolby Digital 5.1 track that comes alive quite nicely within the confines of the format, especially during some of the more active moments. Dialogue is rendered clearly with no issues of clipping during more kinetic moments. There is a fair amount of weight in the mix during the chaos of certain altercations, and the environmental effects make the world feel three dimensional. The music in the series is provided with pleasing fidelity and clarity. Paramount has done a decent job with this audio track considering the limitations of the format. There are optional English SDH subtitles provided for those who desire them. 

Special Features

Season 1 (Discs 1-4)

• The Mutation Of A Scene: Early concept looks at select episodes are provided here if you want to take a look at how the finished product evolved from these early visions. 

• Theme Song – Karaoke Music Video: A minute-long video you can sing along to if you so wish. 

• Digital Comic Book

• • Tales From The Turtle Lair, Part One – Six

• • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Video Game Trailer: A minute-long trailer is provided here. 

Season Two (Discs 5-8)

• The Mutation Of A Scene: Early concept looks at select episodes are provided here if you want to take a look at how the finished product evolved from these early visions. 

• Channel 6 Special Report – Creatures Of The Night: A three-minute news report which shines a spotlight towards some human-sized amphibians you might have heard a thing or two about, plus a few other creatures. 

• Meet Casey Jones: A three-minute look at the fan-favorite vigilante and ally. 

• Channel 6 News Special Report – Ooze-Gate 2014: Another three-minute news report, only this time focused on the fallout of the ooze. 

Season Three (Discs 9-12)

• The Mutation Of A Scene: Early concept looks at select episodes are provided here if you want to take a look at how the finished product evolved from these early visions. 

• Metal Mutants Battle Royale – Season 4 Sneak Peek: A nearly eight-minute preview is provided here. 

Season Four (Discs 13-16)

• Kicking Shell and Taking Names: A nearly 21-minute featurette which takes a look at the individual character dynamics and history. 

Season Five (Discs 17-20)

• “Ice Cream Kitty” Music Video: The four-minute music video is provided here. 

Final Thoughts

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012-2017) is a very entertaining addition to this beloved franchise. Longtime fans may be disappointed by the switch to digital animation at first, but you soon come to appreciate what this style brings to the overall execution. Not only that, but the confident storytelling that naturally unfolds over these five seasons is completely enthralling. This is a series that honors what came before while blazing a new trail all of its own. Paramount has released the complete series on DVD with a good A/V presentation for the format and a passable selection of special features. If you are a fan of the show, you will agree it is nice to finally be able to own this in one compact collection. Recommended 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012-2017): The Complete Series is currently available to purchase on DVD. 

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the DVD.

Disclaimer: Paramount Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.