Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Tijuana Toads Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 11, 2016

Dealing with a show like “Tijuana Toads” in 2016 is a tricky situation. Obviously, this isn’t a new production, with episodes released from 1969 to 1972, capturing a time when racial and cultural sensitivities weren’t exactly a priority to the entertainment business. Indeed, the animated shorts from the DePatie-Freleng Studio aren’t exactly kind in their depiction of Mexicans and Asians, and it takes extra effort to look beyond dated attitudes, but there’s a highly amusing series that’s worth a look for those who are up to the challenge of a viewing while keeping the production era in mind. After all, this is a rare opportunity to watch two silly frogs embark on a prolonged quest for survival, avoiding danger and each other’s stupidity along the way.

Episodes:

“Tijuana Toads” (6:17)

Tijuana toads Toro and Pancho are in for a world of hurt when they target a particularly brawny grasshopper for dinner.

“A Pair of Greenbacks” (6:30)

Toro and Pancho bungle all attempts to capture a tasty cockroach.

“Go for Croak” (6:26)

Passing by the area, Crazylegs Crane pays a visit to Toro and Pancho, trying to gobble them up without success.

“The Froggy Froggy Duo” (6:12)

Visiting Acapulco, Toro and Pancho wander into a resort restaurant, chased by chef who’s looking to present the perfect set of frog legs for a particularly demanding customer.

“Hop and Chop” (6:14)

Toro and Pancho meet a Japanese bug looking for directions.

“Never On Thirsty” (6:26)

Trying to survive a drought, Toro and Pancho scheme to secure a drink, coming into contact with a determined guard dog.

“A Dopey Hacienda” (6:14)

Relaxing in a fountain, Toro and Pancho are hunted by an accident-prone housecat.

“A Snake in the Gracias” (6:15)

After experiencing an accident, Crazylegs Crane believes he’s a frog, coming to help Toto and Pancho when speedy snake The Blue Racer endeavors to devour the local amphibians.

“Two Jumps and a Chump” (6:14)

Returning to town, Crazylegs Crane resumes his hunt for Pancho and Toro.

“Mud Squad” (6:16)

Chasing a fly, Toro and Pancho discover an alligator nest, trigger the ire of the panicked mother-to-be.

“The Egg and Ay-Yi-Yi” (6:14)

Discovering an egg, Pancho and Toro become reluctant parents when a bird hatches.

“Fastest Tongue in the West” (6:18)

Coming into contact with The Cactus Kid, Toro and Pancho challenge the outlaw to a tongue duel.

“A Leap in the Deep” (6:23)

Toro and Pancho are one the run again once Crazylegs Crane returns to collect his dinner.

“Croakus Pocus” (6:28)

A witch is looking to perfect her latest potion, in need of frog hair to complete her recipe.

“Serape Happy” (6:15)

As lunchtime arrives, Pancho and Toro chase a grasshopper around the area.

“Frog Jog” (6:13)

Rejected by his girlfriend for being too fat, Toro tries an exercise program with Pancho acting as his trainer.

“Flight to the Finish” (6:46)

Crazylegs Crane makes a final push to eat Pancho and Toro, chasing them around the desert.

Tijuana Toads Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation is quite strong with colors, finding primaries immensely appealing, generating the required exaggeration to sell the cartoon world. Detail is suitable for this type of traditional animation, with technique and budgetary limitations easy to spot. Source is in encouraging shape, without major damage. Speckling is present throughout the episodes.

Tijuana Toads Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix does battle with age, finding episodes inconsistent in terms of quality. For the most part, the cartoon essentials are handled satisfactorily, emphasizing broad voice work and sound effects, while scoring is pronounced with decent instrumentation. Sharpness is periodically encountered, and more substantial hiss issues are found on "Tijuana Toads," "Never On Thirsty," "A Dopey Hacienda," "Mud Squad," and "Flight to the Finish."

Tijuana Toads Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Odd Couples" (13:22, HD) discusses another around of DePatie-Freleng creative achievements with historians and production participants, singling out "Tijuana Toads" and "Roland and Rattfink" for inspection.

• "Music and Sound Mix-ologists" (23:46, HD) returns to interview participants to highlight the soundscape of the DePatie-Freleng cartoons, tracing musical interests through multiple shorts.

• Commentary is provided for "Tijuana Toads" (with historian Jerry Beck), "Snake in the Gracias" (with cartoon writer William Hohauser), "A Dopey Hacienda" (with author Mark Arnold), "The Egg and Ay-Yi-Yi" (also with Arnold), "Frog Jog" (with filmmaker Greg Ford), and "Flight to the Finish" (with Ford and archival audio with director Art Davis).

• "Go for Croak" offers alternate "Texas Toads" audio.

Tijuana Toads Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Tijuana Toads" isn't hateful, it's just old, reflecting comedic stereotypes only beginning their journey into obsolescence (indeed, the series would later be rebranded "Texas Toads" and re-voiced for television consumption). Put the ugliness aside, and there's a snappily scripted, enthusiastically performed cartoon effort that retains plenty of laughs with physical antics, showcasing DePatie-Freleng's strengths with simplicity.