Review: “Mickey’s Monster Musical” DVD Offers Secret Treasure

Summer fun is over. The kids are back in school. Soon the temperatures will cool, the leaves will change and store shelves will be covered with anything you can imagine in a pumpkin variety from dish towels and house fragrances to Oreo cookies and even Pop Tarts.

In keeping with autumn’s celebrations, the new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVD Mickey’s Monster Musical includes a small trick or treat bag and offers "Mickey’s Monster Musical," "Mickey’s Pirate Adventure" and "Mickey’s Farm Fun-Fair" along with the bonus Minnie’s Bow-Toons short "Tricky Treats."

We enjoyed meeting spooky friends such as Count Von Drakenstein, Ghost Donald, and Goofy Monster in “Mickey’s Monster Musical” and were delighted by the inspired voice casting of legendary actor Dick Van Dyke as Goofy’s grand pappy in “Mickey’s Pirate Adventure” and as always each episode’s musical numbers inspired a brief living room dance party.

Mickey’s Monster Musical DVDis on sale now at Amazon and elsewhere.

"Mickey’s Monster Musical”

Mickey, Minnie and Pluto’s picnic plans are thwarted when the Toon Car sputters to stop just as an ominous rain storm begins. So, instead, the happy go lucky trio take refuge in a nearby playfully spooky castle where they meet Count Mickula and his kooky friends, Count Von Drakenstein, Goofy Monster and others. Although I’ve only seen clips here and there of Rocky Horror Picture Show the music and story of this episode reminded me of it especially the entertaining musical dance number “Monster Boogie.” Mickey and Minnie’s timing is perfect as Count Mickula and his friends could use their help in uncovering what’s behind new unexplained sounds at the castle. The real fun comes when the friends encounter an exciting secret passage within the castle walls.

“Mickey’s Pirate Adventure”

Mickey and the gang are heading to Mickey Beach for some fun. For the adventure, Toodles brings along a telescope, an oar, an anchor, and of course the Mystery Mouseketools. As Mickey surfs the curl, Goofy builds a sand castle with Pluto while Minnie and her pal Daisy play volleyball. Poor Donald just wants a nap but ends up fighting with his sun umbrella instead.

Their fun is interrupted by Pegleg Pete carrying a tuba addressed to Goofy from his grand pappy Captain Goof-Beard. If they can’t find grand pappy’s hidden treasure his home, Harmony Chord Island is doomed to sink into the sea.

Singing a song of “Captain Mickey,” the Clubhouse crew travel to Harmony Chord — an enchanted island with a melodious landscape of rhythmic trees and musical creatures. But they quickly discover the island’s out of tune and grand pappy has gotten himself stuck while trying to find his treasure. And we discover Goofy’s grand pappy is magnificently voiced by legendary actor Dick Van Dyke — clearly an inspired choice as the efforts create a delightful duo whenever Goofy and his grand pappy are on screen.

As Mickey and friends work together to help Captain Goof-Beard they explore the world of musical instruments – rattling maracas, strumming guitars and wind powered horns.

“Mickey’s Farm Fun-Fair”

Opens with a musical number inviting one and all to the Farm Fun-Fair for games and contests. The gang even Toodles are decked out in boots, overalls, and cowboy hats for the festivities. Throughout the episode the friends participate in Country Fair style events such as baking contests and carnival games. They reinforce shapes knowledge with their Fun Fair Square Dance that takes place on a square floor that becomes a triangle and even a circle during their dance number.

“Minnie’s Bow Toons: Tricky Treats”

Minnie and Daisy are all prepared for a Happy Halloween but an accident spoils their treats for the trick –or- treaters but is reminded that sharing the fun with friends is the best part of a holiday.