Scooby-Doo Goes Hollywood

Scooby-Doo Goes Hollywood is a 1979 animated television special that features beloved characters from the Hanna-Barbera produced Scooby-Doo franchise. With the original voice cast, including Michael Bell, Edie Lehmann Boddicker, and Paul DeKorte, this special offers an unusual but hilarious take on Scooby and the gang's adventures.

In Scooby-Doo Goes Hollywood, our eponymous Great Dane Scooby-Doo and his mystery-solving friends finally break out of their crime-solving roles, only to find themselves in the glamorous, unpredictable world of Hollywood. The television special, set apart from the typical Scooby-Doo mystery format, has Scooby yearning for more than just being labelled as a 'sidekick' in his television show. Feeling unappreciated, he decides that he has what it takes to be a star in his own right. Thus, he together with his faithful companion, Shaggy, embarks on the turbulent journey of pursuing fame in the heart of show business.

Setting the stage for laughs, spoofs, and family fun, the special features Scooby and Shaggy pitching various ideas for new shows to a skeptical network executive, who is none too convinced about Scooby's potential as a leading actor. Each proposal they present is a unique parody of a then-popular TV show or movie, resulting in a variety of humorous scenarios. It effortlessly captures the essence of the late 70s era, featuring popular cultural icons and references from the time, offering older viewers a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Adding to this entertainment are the other members from the original Mystery Inc. team, including the always pragmatic Fred, the brainy Velma, and the fashion-conscious Daphne. Throughout the movie, they find themselves embroiled in their usual fare of monster chasing and mystery solving, all the while unaware of Scooby and Shaggy's Hollywood pursuits. This divergence from the usual narrative allows the audience to see the characters functioning separately, providing a fresh perspective on their individual personalities.

Animator and story artist, Ray Patterson, directs the animation with a charm true to the original series, preserving the essence of the Scooby-Doo show we all know and love. However, Friz Freleng and David Detiege’s screenplay cleverly plays with the characters’ dynamics and traditional show format to create a unique and hilarious new setup that's sure to please both long-time fans and new viewers alike.

The vocal performances are another high point of the special. Michael Bell is the voice behind various characters, and his talent shines through his distinctive voice interpretations. Noteworthy are the versatile performances of Edie Lehman Boddicker and Paul DeKorte, whose vocal embellishments bring an enduring charm to the characters they play.

This special also differs from the regular series by employing musical numbers. Notably, it features catchier, more upbeat versions of the original theme song, infusing the show with a necessarily glamorous Hollywood touch. A particular scene where Scooby performs a comical rendition of 'Frankly, With the Wind' stands out, further adding to the entertainment quotient.

One major draw of Scooby-Doo Goes Hollywood is its ability to captivate younger audiences while providing subtle humor to keep adults engaged. The special caters to all age groups, staying true to the franchise's reputation as a family-friendly show. The humor ranges from slapstick to more discreet and sophisticated comedy, making it easily accessible for children and adults.

In summary, Scooby-Doo Goes Hollywood is an entertaining, hilarious, and heartwarming television special that takes a delightful spin on the traditional Scooby-Doo formula. With its unique premise, excellent voice acting, sincere nods to popular culture, and endearing animation, it effortlessly captures the charm that has made Scooby-Doo a timeless children's favorite. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a new viewer to the franchise, this special serves as a loving tribute to the wonderful world of Scooby-Doo.