New on DVD: The Flintstones: Prime-Time Specials Collection, Volume 1

The Warner Archive recently released The Flintstones: Prime-Time Specials Collection, Volume 1, featuring two animated programs, "The Flintstones meet Rockula and Frankenstone" and "The Flintstones: Little Big League." The former centers around the Flintstones and the Rubbles spending the night in a spooky castle, where they encounter the recently awakened Count Rockula and Frankenstone. The latter finds Fred and Barney at odds when they coach opposing little league teams. Do those two ever stop fighting?

After winning a prize on a game show, Fred, Wilma, Barney and Betty head to Count Rockula's castle in Rockslyvania, which is now a resort hotel. Before long, the gang stumbles upon the remnants of an old laboratory and inadvertently set the stage for the revival of Frankenstone, who then revives Rockula, his master. The nefarious duo cause problems for the Flintstones and the Rubbles, but Rockula believes that Wilma is his long lost bride and endlessly pursues her right up until the conclusion, making Fred jealous and placing his life in danger.

In "The Flintstones: Little Big League," Fred and Barney volunteer to be coaches for the Bedrock Broncos and the Sandstone Sluggers, respectively. Fred has his hands full with an under performing team and soon must deal with the kids' overzealous parents, who pressure him to do what they think is best for their children. Barney is soon entangled in Fred's predicament, but an unexpected source of help may help make things right for everyone, if that person is simply given a chance.

Jean Vander Pyl and Mel Blanc reprise their original roles as Wilma and Barney, respectively, while Henry Corden provides the voice of Fred and Gay Autterson Hartwig portrays Betty. Other familiar voice talents from the original Flintstones series, Don Messick and John Stephenson, can also be heard, along with guest stars Casey Kasem, Frank Welker (both from Scooby-Doo) and Ted Cassidy (Lurch, from The Addams Family). In addition, Pebbles, Bamm-Bamm and Mr. Slate make appearances in "Little Big League." The familiar voices add to the enjoyment factor for both specials, which were originally produced in the late 1970's and are now available on DVD for the first time from the Warner Archive.