"Mystery Mask Mix Up" oddly enough was one of my favourite episodes as a kid and five or so years ago. Like it a little less now, but it is still a hugely enjoyable episode.
For one thing the Oriental Chinese setting is one of the most unique of the series, with the quite enchanting and atmospheric streets of China and especially the temple shrouded in fog, which is one of the standouts of the animation. The animation is fine, lush colours, smooth drawings and very detailed backgrounds that add to the atmosphere, as well as cool-looking villains (the zombie henchmen are particularly creepy).
The music is haunting and energetic, and the classic theme song, accompanying a fun, affectionate montage of the season's villains, once again shows why its iconic status is justified. Am not the biggest fan overall of the use of songs for the longer and more elaborate chase sequences used for the second season of the show, but the one in "Mystery Mask Mix Up" is one of the better and more fitting ones and the chase itself is one of the most inspired and most fun.
Scooby Doo is known for its mix of creepiness and humour. "Mystery Mask Mix Up" succeeds in both areas. The creepiness is enhanced by the temple setting and the scene-stealing creepiness of the zombie henchmen, while there are some great gags with Shaggy and Scooby with the only one being somewhat questionable being their Chinese waiters disguises which may not be for the easily offended. Scooby's Scoobycycle and the watchdog impersonation are definite highlights.
Here the story, while very silly and maybe slightly convoluted for a first-time viewer, is elevated by the great humour, even greater atmosphere, inspired frantic chaos and fantastic energy. Shaggy and Scooby's relationship still charms, amuses and affects, and the zombie henchmen steal all their scenes and are perhaps the creepiest henchmen on the show. The main villain is not quite as memorable, still cool-looking especially when with the mask on but he has little to do and there is no surprise as to who is responsible.
The gang carry the mystery really well, Daphne's role is limited really to be the damsel-in-distress but the dynamic in the gang and everything with Shaggy and Scooby makes that not be an issue. The voice acting is solid as rocks, especially from Don Messick and Casey Kasem.
All in all, hugely enjoyable if not one of my favourites like it was as a child. 8/10 Bethany Cox
For one thing the Oriental Chinese setting is one of the most unique of the series, with the quite enchanting and atmospheric streets of China and especially the temple shrouded in fog, which is one of the standouts of the animation. The animation is fine, lush colours, smooth drawings and very detailed backgrounds that add to the atmosphere, as well as cool-looking villains (the zombie henchmen are particularly creepy).
The music is haunting and energetic, and the classic theme song, accompanying a fun, affectionate montage of the season's villains, once again shows why its iconic status is justified. Am not the biggest fan overall of the use of songs for the longer and more elaborate chase sequences used for the second season of the show, but the one in "Mystery Mask Mix Up" is one of the better and more fitting ones and the chase itself is one of the most inspired and most fun.
Scooby Doo is known for its mix of creepiness and humour. "Mystery Mask Mix Up" succeeds in both areas. The creepiness is enhanced by the temple setting and the scene-stealing creepiness of the zombie henchmen, while there are some great gags with Shaggy and Scooby with the only one being somewhat questionable being their Chinese waiters disguises which may not be for the easily offended. Scooby's Scoobycycle and the watchdog impersonation are definite highlights.
Here the story, while very silly and maybe slightly convoluted for a first-time viewer, is elevated by the great humour, even greater atmosphere, inspired frantic chaos and fantastic energy. Shaggy and Scooby's relationship still charms, amuses and affects, and the zombie henchmen steal all their scenes and are perhaps the creepiest henchmen on the show. The main villain is not quite as memorable, still cool-looking especially when with the mask on but he has little to do and there is no surprise as to who is responsible.
The gang carry the mystery really well, Daphne's role is limited really to be the damsel-in-distress but the dynamic in the gang and everything with Shaggy and Scooby makes that not be an issue. The voice acting is solid as rocks, especially from Don Messick and Casey Kasem.
All in all, hugely enjoyable if not one of my favourites like it was as a child. 8/10 Bethany Cox
