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Donkey Kong Country (television series): Difference between revisions
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|seasons=3 | |seasons=3 | ||
|episodes=40 | |episodes=40 | ||
|prodcompany=[[Nelvana]]<br | |prodcompany=[[Nelvana]]<br>[[Medialab]] (season 1-2)<br> Hong Guang Animation (season 3) <br>Western International Communications | ||
|runtime=30 minutes | |runtime=30 minutes | ||
|firstair={{release|France|September 4, 1996|Canada|October 17, 1997|USA|August 15, 1998|Japan|October 1, 1999}} | |firstair={{release|France|September 4, 1996|Canada|October 17, 1997|USA|August 15, 1998|Japan|October 1, 1999}} | ||
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Some elements of the series would go on to appear in later ''[[Donkey Kong (franchise)|Donkey Kong]]'' video games such as ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'', which was released a year after the show had started airing on ABC Family (Fox Family). There was also [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEtPo0_ccP0 a commercial] for the [[Game Boy Color]] game ''[[Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Color)|Donkey Kong Country]]'' featuring [[Donkey Kong]], [[Diddy Kong]] and [[Rambi]] fighting [[General Klump]] and [[Krusha (character)|Krusha]] over a giant Game Boy Color, in which all of the characters are depicted with retooled versions of their designs from the series' third season (besides Rambi, who does not appear in the series). | Some elements of the series would go on to appear in later ''[[Donkey Kong (franchise)|Donkey Kong]]'' video games such as ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'', which was released a year after the show had started airing on ABC Family (Fox Family). There was also [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEtPo0_ccP0 a commercial] for the [[Game Boy Color]] game ''[[Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Color)|Donkey Kong Country]]'' featuring [[Donkey Kong]], [[Diddy Kong]] and [[Rambi]] fighting [[General Klump]] and [[Krusha (character)|Krusha]] over a giant Game Boy Color, in which all of the characters are depicted with retooled versions of their designs from the series' third season (besides Rambi, who does not appear in the series). | ||
==Synopsis== | ==Synopsis== | ||
The show stars [[Donkey Kong]], | The show stars [[Donkey Kong]], a gorilla-like [[Kong]] living in the jungle who happens to stumble upon a magic orb called the [[Crystal Coconut]] in the temple of [[Inka Dinka Doo]]. After finding the artifact, Donkey Kong is named the future ruler of [[Donkey Kong Island|Kongo Bongo Island]]. As he and his friends wait for the day when the Crystal Coconut will proclaim him the ruler of the island, they strive to keep it safe from the clutches of the villainous [[King K. Rool]] and his minions, who desire the coconut so that K. Rool may conquer the island using its power. | ||
==Cast== | ==Cast== | ||
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[[File:Kaptain Skurvy DKCTV group.png|thumb|Kaptain Skurvy (center), one of the main antagonists of the show, with his crew mates [[Green Kroc]] (left) and [[Kutlass (character)|Kutlass]] (right)]] | [[File:Kaptain Skurvy DKCTV group.png|thumb|Kaptain Skurvy (center), one of the main antagonists of the show, with his crew mates [[Green Kroc]] (left) and [[Kutlass (character)|Kutlass]] (right)]] | ||
The series features almost all of the [[Kong]]s from ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' and ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]'', the exceptions being [[Swanky Kong]] and [[Wrinkly Kong]]. However, the show also features several original characters that do not appear in the games, such as [[Eddie the Mean Old Yeti]], [[Kaptain Skurvy]] and his crew, and [[Bluster Kong]]. | The series features almost all of the [[Kong]]s from ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' and ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]'', the exceptions being [[Swanky Kong]] and [[Wrinkly Kong]]. However, the show also features several original characters that do not appear in the games, such as [[Eddie the Mean Old Yeti]], [[Kaptain Skurvy]] and his crew, and [[Bluster Kong]]. | ||
===English voice actors=== | ===English voice actors=== | ||
*[[Richard Yearwood]] — [[Donkey Kong]] | *[[Richard Yearwood]] — [[Donkey Kong]] | ||
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==Episodes== | ==Episodes== | ||
Two conflicting season numbering schemes exist for the show: [[Nelvana]] considers the show to have three "cycles" (13x13x14),<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060328013320/http://www.nelvana.com/shows/episodes_template.asp?sid=16 "Episodes : Donkey Kong Country" on Nelvana's official website circa 2006]. Retrieved Sunday, June 26, 2021</ref> and this is the numbering used for the show's release on services such as {{wp|Pluto TV}} and {{wp|Tubi}}. The show's official DVDs and release on {{wp|iTunes}},<ref>https:// | Two conflicting season numbering schemes exist for the show: [[Nelvana]] considers the show to have three "cycles" (13x13x14),<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060328013320/http://www.nelvana.com/shows/episodes_template.asp?sid=16 "Episodes : Donkey Kong Country" on Nelvana's official website circa 2006]. Retrieved Sunday, June 26, 2021</ref> and this is the numbering used for the show's release on services such as {{wp|Pluto TV}} and {{wp|Tubi}}. The show's official DVDs and release on {{wp|iTunes}},<ref name="iTunes"> [https://tv.apple.com/us/show/donkey-kong-country/umc.cmc.6xhbt8gczd8a24krkj6ac7anl ''Donkey Kong Country'']. iTunes. Retrieved March 24, 2024.</ref> however, identify two seasons, the first being made up of the 26 [[Medialab]]-produced episodes and the second being made up of the 14 Hong Guang-produced episodes. The list below follows the former scheme. | ||
Note that the episodes are listed in production order,<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Donkey-Kong-Country/dp/B00G4E0CBS/ Donkey Kong Country on Amazon Video]</ref> which differs from the order of the original North American air dates.<ref>http://epguides.com/DonkeyKongCountry/</ref> | Note that the episodes are listed in production order,<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Donkey-Kong-Country/dp/B00G4E0CBS/ Donkey Kong Country on Amazon Video]</ref> which differs from the order of the original North American air dates.<ref>http://epguides.com/DonkeyKongCountry/</ref> | ||
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#"[[Double Date Trouble]]" | #"[[Double Date Trouble]]" | ||
#"[[The Curse of Kongo Bongo]]" | #"[[The Curse of Kongo Bongo]]" | ||
;Season 2: | ;Season 2: | ||
#"[[Speed (episode)|Speed]]" | #"[[Speed (episode)|Speed]]" | ||
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#"[[To the Moon Baboon]]" | #"[[To the Moon Baboon]]" | ||
#"[[A Thin Line Between Love & Ape]]" | #"[[A Thin Line Between Love & Ape]]" | ||
;Season 3: | ;Season 3: | ||
#"[[Hooray for Holly-Kongo Bongo]]" | #"[[Hooray for Holly-Kongo Bongo]]" | ||
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According to a post on a fan page by [[Nelvana]] writer [[Erika Strobel]], Medialab had originally obtained the rights to create an animated series from [[Nintendo]]. After thirteen episodes were written, Medialab asked Nelvana for assistance after firing the original writers (who, according to Strobel, had produced scripts "with racist/sexist jokes and just sooo bad for a kiddie show").<ref name="Retrojunk">[http://web.archive.org/web/20081227060342/http://www.retrojunk.com/details_tvshows/430-donkey-kong-country/ Retrojunk page for Donkey Kong Country] (August 5, 2008). Erika Strobel's comment is under the username "canuckgirl1966" (Retrieved April 24, 2016)</ref> As storyboards had already been produced for ten of the original scripts, Nelvana decided to write new stories around these storyboards to save money.<ref name="Retrojunk"/> The songs, however, were included at the request of Medialab; all of the show's songs, as well as the title theme, were written by Pure West Music.<ref name="Retrojunk"/><ref>[http://purewestmusic.com/ Pure West Music's website] (information is under the "Credits" tab). Retrieved April 24, 2016.</ref> Nelvana purchased the rights to the show after Medialab's license lapsed.<ref name="Retrojunk"/> | According to a post on a fan page by [[Nelvana]] writer [[Erika Strobel]], Medialab had originally obtained the rights to create an animated series from [[Nintendo]]. After thirteen episodes were written, Medialab asked Nelvana for assistance after firing the original writers (who, according to Strobel, had produced scripts "with racist/sexist jokes and just sooo bad for a kiddie show").<ref name="Retrojunk">[http://web.archive.org/web/20081227060342/http://www.retrojunk.com/details_tvshows/430-donkey-kong-country/ Retrojunk page for Donkey Kong Country] (August 5, 2008). Erika Strobel's comment is under the username "canuckgirl1966" (Retrieved April 24, 2016)</ref> As storyboards had already been produced for ten of the original scripts, Nelvana decided to write new stories around these storyboards to save money.<ref name="Retrojunk"/> The songs, however, were included at the request of Medialab; all of the show's songs, as well as the title theme, were written by Pure West Music.<ref name="Retrojunk"/><ref>[http://purewestmusic.com/ Pure West Music's website] (information is under the "Credits" tab). Retrieved April 24, 2016.</ref> Nelvana purchased the rights to the show after Medialab's license lapsed.<ref name="Retrojunk"/> | ||
===Early ideas=== | ===Early ideas=== | ||
Early reference sketches for production depict multiple concepts that were considered but ultimately unused in the show proper, including the [[Animal Friends]] characters [[Rambi]], [[Expresso]], and [[Winky]], a more game-accurate appearance for Candy Kong and a desert-like area for Kongo Bongo Island. | Early reference sketches for production depict multiple concepts that were considered but ultimately unused in the show proper, including the [[Animal Friends]] characters [[Rambi]], [[Expresso]], and [[Winky]], a more game-accurate appearance for Candy Kong and a desert-like area for Kongo Bongo Island. | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
Dkc cartoon character lineup.png|Character size chart showing the Animal Friends and a different design for Candy Kong | Dkc cartoon character lineup.png|Character size chart showing the Animal Friends and a different design for Candy Kong | ||
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{{main|List of Donkey Kong Country (television series) songs}} | {{main|List of Donkey Kong Country (television series) songs}} | ||
In addition to the opening theme, most episodes in the series feature two unique songs each, performed by one or more characters to illustrate certain points in the story. | In addition to the opening theme, most episodes in the series feature two unique songs each, performed by one or more characters to illustrate certain points in the story. | ||
===Theme song lyrics=== | ===Theme song lyrics=== | ||
<blockquote><i>Hoo! Hah!<br>Hoo, hah!<br>Donkey Kong!<br> | <blockquote><i>Hoo! Hah!<br>Hoo, hah!<br>Donkey Kong!<br> | ||
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{{rewrite-expand|section=y|include which songs each track plays in}} | {{rewrite-expand|section=y|include which songs each track plays in}} | ||
The background music used for the songs in the show was taken from a variety of albums. | The background music used for the songs in the show was taken from a variety of albums. | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {|class="wikitable" | ||
! | !Tracks | ||
! | !Composer(s) | ||
! | !Albums | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Guava Nectar | |Guava Nectar | ||
| rowspan="18" |Paul Koffman<br>Timothy Foy | |rowspan="18"|Paul Koffman<br>Timothy Foy | ||
| | |'NLV 115 - Sunny Day Sounds Vol. 2'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Madcap Monday | |Madcap Monday | ||
| rowspan="2" |''NLV 126 - Music for Silly Moments'' | |rowspan="2"|''NLV 126 - Music for Silly Moments'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Edsel | |Edsel | ||
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|- | |- | ||
|Quick Con | |Quick Con | ||
| rowspan="6" |''NLV 169 - Spy vs Spy'' | |rowspan="6"|''NLV 169 - Spy vs Spy'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Hover Car | |Hover Car | ||
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The series had a large line of merchandise in Japan, including a [[Gallery:Donkey Kong Country (television series) trading cards|collectible card game]] by [[Nintendo]] and [[Ahomaro Games]]. A subsequent release of the card game featured characters and gimmicks based on ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''. The television series took over the TV Tokyo Friday 6:30 PM timeslot from ''{{wp|Gokudo}}'', and was later replaced by ''{{wp|Hamtaro}}''. As with most programs in Japan, the series has received home releases through rental tapes. | The series had a large line of merchandise in Japan, including a [[Gallery:Donkey Kong Country (television series) trading cards|collectible card game]] by [[Nintendo]] and [[Ahomaro Games]]. A subsequent release of the card game featured characters and gimmicks based on ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''. The television series took over the TV Tokyo Friday 6:30 PM timeslot from ''{{wp|Gokudo}}'', and was later replaced by ''{{wp|Hamtaro}}''. As with most programs in Japan, the series has received home releases through rental tapes. | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
DKTV Rental Volume2.jpg|Japanese Rental Volume 2 | DKTV Rental Volume2.jpg|Japanese Rental Volume 2 | ||
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DKCcartoon Japanese rental vol13.jpeg|Japanese Rental Volume 13 | DKCcartoon Japanese rental vol13.jpeg|Japanese Rental Volume 13 | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
The television series also received a dedicated two-part manga. The two editions were seen in the Japanese [[CoroCoro Comics]], published by {{wp|Shogakukan}} in 2000 and 2001 respectively. | The television series also received a dedicated two-part manga. The two editions were seen in the Japanese [[CoroCoro Comics]], published by {{wp|Shogakukan}} in 2000 and 2001 respectively. | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
DKC GCI - CoroCoro Manga 1.jpg|Cover of part #1 | DKC GCI - CoroCoro Manga 1.jpg|Cover of part #1 | ||
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DKC CGI - CoroCoro Manga 2 Art.jpg|Artwork used for the back cover of part #2 | DKC CGI - CoroCoro Manga 2 Art.jpg|Artwork used for the back cover of part #2 | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
DVDs and one VHS were also released: | DVDs and one VHS were also released: | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
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*''[[Donkey Konga 3 JP]]'': The Japanese opening and ending themes of the series are featured as songs that can be played. | *''[[Donkey Konga 3 JP]]'': The Japanese opening and ending themes of the series are featured as songs that can be played. | ||
*''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D]]'': For the game's marketing campaign, Nintendo UK's {{wp|Facebook}} page posted {{media link|DKC Returns 3D DKC cartoon reference.jpeg|an image}} titled "What is your Donkey Kong name?". Two of the names listed are "Bluster" and "Eddie", referencing Bluster Kong and Eddie the Mean Old Yeti. | *''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D]]'': For the game's marketing campaign, Nintendo UK's {{wp|Facebook}} page posted {{media link|DKC Returns 3D DKC cartoon reference.jpeg|an image}} titled "What is your Donkey Kong name?". Two of the names listed are "Bluster" and "Eddie", referencing Bluster Kong and Eddie the Mean Old Yeti. | ||
*''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Nintendo Switch)|Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]'': In the [[Nintendo Switch]] version of the game, [[Tawks]] will sometimes tell [[Funky Kong]] to "give 'em the old banana slamma, dude, | *''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Nintendo Switch)|Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]'': In the [[Nintendo Switch]] version of the game, [[Tawks]] will sometimes tell [[Funky Kong]] to "give 'em the old banana slamma, dude",<ref>Nintendo Life (April 25, 2018). [https://youtu.be/K_yaJjLiS_8 Weird Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Switch TV Show Easter Egg]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved April 25, 2018.</ref> which is a reference to Donkey Kong's catchphrase in the series. | ||
==Names in other languages== | |||
{{foreign names | |||
|Jap=ドンキーコング | |||
|JapR=Donkī Kongu | |||
|JapM=Donkey Kong | |||
|Dut=Donkey Kong Country | |||
|DutM=- | |||
|Fre=Donkey Kong | |||
|FreM=Donkey Kong | |||
|Ger=Donkey Kongs Abenteuer | |||
|GerM=Donkey Kong's Adventure | |||
|Ita=Donkey Kong Country | |||
|ItaM=- | |||
|Kor=동키콩 | |||
|KorR=Dongki Kong | |||
|KorM=Donkey Kong | |||
|Por=Donkey Kong Country | |||
|PorM=- | |||
|SpaA=El país de Donkey Kong | |||
|SpaAM=Donkey Kong's Country | |||
}} | |||
==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
*In the Japanese dub, the voice actors for Donkey Kong and Candy Kong, Kōichi Yamadera and Mika Kanai, were married to each other during the series' run. | *In the Japanese dub, the voice actors for Donkey Kong and Candy Kong, Kōichi Yamadera and Mika Kanai, were married to each other during the series's run. | ||
*A running gag throughout the series involves Donkey Kong (sometimes with Diddy Kong) constantly crashing into trees. | *A running gag throughout the series involves Donkey Kong (sometimes with Diddy Kong) constantly crashing into trees. | ||
*The villains in the show are never referred to as [[Kremling]]s, only as "lizards", "gators" and similar terms. However, enemies like [[Kritter]]s and [[Klaptrap]]s are still referred to by their names from the games. | *The villains in the show are never referred to as [[Kremling]]s, only as "lizards", "gators", and similar terms. However, enemies like [[Kritter]]s and [[Klaptrap]]s are still referred to by their names from the games. | ||
*All non-Kremling enemies from the first game ([[Zinger]]s, [[Gnawty|Gnawties]], [[Manky Kong]]s, etc.) are omitted and the Kremlings' military force is mostly simplified to Kritters and Klaptraps (the latter of which is considered ammunition for weapons instead of troops). [[Rock Kroc]] | *All non-Kremling enemies from the first game ([[Zinger]]s, [[Gnawty|Gnawties]], [[Manky Kong]]s, etc.) are omitted and the Kremlings' military force is mostly simplified to Kritters and Klaptraps (the latter of which is considered ammunition for weapons instead of troops). Other Kremling enemies appear as individualized characters, with the exception of [[Rock Kroc]], which does not appear at all. Additionally, none of the [[Animal Friends]] appear, though three of them were considered. The only character to neither be a Kong nor a Kremling to have a model in the series is [[Polly Roger]], while [[Inka Dinka Doo]] is part of the scenery. | ||
*In multiple episodes, Donkey Kong admits to being a fan of {{wp|King Kong}}; this is ironic considering that {{wp|Universal Studios}} [[List of controversies#Universal Studios|attempted to sue Nintendo]] for a copyright dispute based on the similarities between ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'' and King Kong. | *In multiple episodes, Donkey Kong admits to being a fan of {{wp|King Kong}}; this is ironic considering that {{wp|Universal Studios}} [[List of controversies#Universal Studios|attempted to sue Nintendo]] for a copyright dispute based on the similarities between ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'' and King Kong. | ||
*''Donkey Kong Country'' is the most recent television series derived from the ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' franchise, not counting ''[[Donkey Kong Planet]]''. | *''Donkey Kong Country'' is the most recent television series derived from the ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' franchise, not counting ''[[Donkey Kong Planet]]''. | ||
*Though the series is based on the first three ''Donkey Kong Country'' games, its iTunes listing background is artwork from ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'', which released a decade after the series ended. As such, the background shows [[Rambi]] and members of the [[Tiki Tak Tribe]], despite them not appearing in the series.<ref name="iTunes" /> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
*[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBZNlAa1UKF6GYKmHuyuMktX3nVwuw_aE All full episodes of the show in English] officially uploaded on YouTube, courtesy of [[Nelvana]]'s [https://nelvana.fandom.com/wiki/Retro_Rerun Retro Rerun] channel | *[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBZNlAa1UKF6GYKmHuyuMktX3nVwuw_aE All full episodes of the show in English] officially uploaded on YouTube, courtesy of [[Nelvana]]'s [https://nelvana.fandom.com/wiki/Retro_Rerun Retro Rerun] channel | ||
{{DKC TV}} | {{DKC TV}} | ||
{{TV series and films}} | {{TV series and films}} | ||