Best of 2009

Fans of Family Guy will thoroughly enjoy this DVD, not only for the hilarious never-aired cartoons that are included, but also because this DVD gives serious cred to anyone who claims to love Seth MacFarlane's brand of humor. Delve into the extras to see character models and learn more about the animation process.

Yes, I'm recommending this DVD even though it won't be released until December 22. That means you should pre-order it, or get out your parka to stand in line at your local store on the day in question. This is the second Star Wars special from Family Guy, and if it's as funny as the first one, it will be a gem of a gift indeed. In this episode, The Empire Strikes Back is lampooned. This 2-disc set is sure to please.

This South Park DVD includes episodes that provide a snapshot of 2008 like a well-planned time capsule, such as "Britney's New Look," "Pandemic," "The Ungroundable" and "About Last Night." Plus you can see the making of a full episode; it only takes 6 days!

What I love most about the Robot Chicken parodies of Star Wars, is that the creators focus on specific scenes and little-known characters. The writers must know those movies frame-by-frame to pull off some of these gags, such as when Palpatine is hiring bounty hunters or the Ewoks are being lambasted.

Like any cartoon that's been on the air for a lot of years, and continues without its creator at the helm, SpongeBob SquarePants isn't quite the same cartoon it used it be in the early aught years. However, this fabulous DVD set can remedy any yearning for classic SpongeBob you may have. The best episodes include "Bubblestand," "Sailor Mouth" and "The Donut of Shame." There are also fun behind-the-scenes extras to answer some burning fan questions.

There are a multitude of Peanuts DVDs available, including a variety of episodes grouped in seemingly random ways. However, this DVD set includes holiday classics, like "A Charlie Brown Christmas," as well as less-known specials that are just as charming, such as "He's Your Dog, Charlie Brown," which features more of Snoopy than usual.

I have heard too many rumbles from Star Wars fans about the latest incarnation of their 'verse: The Clone Wars. I say, "Stuff it." These animated episodes are packed with fun and engaging visuals. Seeing Anakin Skywalker kick butt and crack wise before his fall into the darkside is enjoyable, as well as his give and take with Obi Wan. The main complaint is that there isn't enough story, but I don't care. I love the action and quips. To me it captures a lot of the feel of the original movies. So enjoy the whole first season with this slick DVD.

Are you raising your eyebrows? Yes, you! Don't be so surprised. This wonderful classic cartoon plays on more than one level, like other enduring cartoons. Adults and children alike can watch it, laughing at the same jokes or sight gags, though probably for different reasons. When Buttercup tells Bubbles, "You're all clear, kid, now let's blow this thing and go home!" I laugh every time. Powerpuff Girls is silly and smart, and provides literally hours of entertainment.

The last of the straight-to-DVD Futurama movies, Into the Wild Green Yonder riffs on a popular theme of the show: going green. Plus feminism is explored when Leela is running from Zapp, and Bender is married to a fembot. This is a great capper to a fun foursome of Futurama films. (Say that five times fast!)

Usually I'm not a fan of SpongeBob SquarePants specials. And at first, "SpongeBob vs. The Big One" wasn't any different. The premise was too-far fetched and handled clumsily, having the regulars get thrown by a huge wave into different parts of the world. However, there are enough solid jokes and old school SpongeBob humor to fill in the gaps. I giggle every time Squidward says, "SpongeBob, what are you doing with that seaweed?" SpongeBob answers, "Just dragging it around." Silliness from nowhere is a hallmark of The Sponge. Throw in Johnny Depp's understated performace and JKL's very, very long surfboard and you've got a classic. Plus, other episodes such as "Sun Bleached" and "Plankton's Regular" fill out the set.