Happy Tree Friends: Volume 1: First Blood

For the purposes of this comment, the version I watched was the European (region 2) DVD of this first volume.

I caught one of these on late night TV, probably as I was hopping to BBC Parliament (don't ask), so it made a pleasant change :) Next time I was in the video store, I was chuffed to see this, though it only caught my eye as I was passing the kids' videos. (why does animated automatically = kids?) (I mean STILL?). The concept is simple: Cute, fluffy bun-bun and friends get decapitated in a variety of ways. Lots of lovely gore, lots of Grade A screaming from the voice actors and actress. Sweet.

I think I'm right in saying that the total content of this DVD only lasts less than an hour. That and the fact that the intro and ending of each 'toon' are included, stretching the viewing time with the same ending over and over. The intros include the name of the sketch and the characters in the sketch, so I can see why they should be left in, but the only different aspects of the endings are the 'thought for the day' suggestions, like 'don't forget to floss' etc. They're funny, but I'd have rather just seen the thought for the day, then onto the next intro. The last sketch could've then had the full credits.

I wouldn't recommend paying more than about £8 (or equivalent) for this disc, as it's pretty short, however: These are great for winding down. No plot, no 'back story', no nothing. Just a cute and happy scene suddenly splattered with gore and intestines. Also, the DVD extras are brilliant, 12 animated shorts of 4 of the character getting geeked in even more varied ways.

There's nothing here that'd satisfy gorehounds, but for those who REALLY need something to take the edge off their stress levels, this could be just the ticket.

I have a warped sense of humor, and this is the perfect series of shorts for me. It's about nothing really. A whole community of cute little animated animals, such as Cuddles the bunny, live out their lives as best as they can. However, in each episode, some kind of horrible mayhem ensues, which generally features a large amount of blood and gore. Some of the deaths are incredibly intricate, and all are laugh out loud hilarious. It truly is one of those rare gems of plain hilarity that in no way attempts a plot or satire. It just relies on the ability to make people laugh by having really cute animals have their faces swiped off, or have skunk's eyes come out of their heads and then dangle from their optic nerve. It truly is for a select group of people (cough- teenagers cough). But that doesn't mean that if u're not a teenager u cannot enjoy it. If u like animated animals dying, like Itchy & Scratchy times ten, this is 4 u.

The cute (but awkwardly annoying) happy tree friends animals die in a variety of different ways. It may have worked if it had even a dose of intelligence, but unfortunately it doesn't. The deaths are predictable rather than surprising and edgy, the results are always the same. It's probably funny once or twice, or if you have a sick sense of humour you will probably like it (especially if your under 18) but otherwise give this a miss and search for some more worthwhile animated shows.

Such as: The Simpsons, Futurama, Family Guy, Ren and Stimpy (for gross and lewd), Beavis and Butthead (immature fun), Daria etc........

Anyway the next few lines are superfluous as my review is not long enough but if torturing fluffy animals is your bag then buy this. It'll fill the time between waiting for the hamster to finish cooking in the microwave and the minute your parents arrive home to find a bloody mess that they now have to clean up.

A distant land on an uncharted island, a yellow bunny comes out of a mysterious wood a knife suddenly slices across his head and his dismembered corpse is left there...Mayhem begins in the first volume of the set of happy tree friends! Animals having terrible accidents and usually ending up bursting, dismembered or with a large headache. Get this and you will realise the sick, twisted mind you were born with wasn't just your imagination. Happy killing. The Mat Neve.co is not responsible for any murders of small animals during the reading of this review. Anyway you can also get this DVD in the overkill boxset, you should go on the website www.happytreefriends.com

Don't let the charming theme tune fool you. These cartoons are sick! They star the most cutest and cuddly little animals you can imagine but they end up getting killed, tortured and maimed in the most depraved yet ingenius ways. You'll actually be gritting your teeth and looking away when death comes calling. But how can anyone be so mean to animals so cute? Animated or not these guys (especially the Vietnam Vet dude) would make great cuddly toys. Tho one might be tempted to press their faces into a lawnmower after watching this DVD too much.

The DVD is presented in full frame and has a loud, gut wrenching soundtrack that only adds to the sound of tearing flesh (or fur), breaking bones and mutilations. Extras include your own DVD Happy Tree Friend Tamagochi plus commentaries from the creators. Shame it only lasts for half an hour.