I do love this episode, top three for sure. Vincent van Ghoul is brilliant, the ending is perfect I must say. This episode is near perfect I'd say, I'm not even sure what could have improved it!
3 Reviews
A night of fright is a sheer delight
TheLittleSongbird14 May 2023
It is always an absolute delight seeing Vincent Van Ghoul. He was my favourite character in 'The 13 Ghosts of Scooby Doo' (being a fan of Vincent Price is a big part of why) and he, even with a more modern look, in a different profession and voiced by somebody else, still is a joy in his appearances in 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated'. "Nightfright" is the first episode in the show really where he plays a big role, his previous appearances being cameos and the premise sounded like it would suit him perfectly.
And it does, like a glove. "Nightfright" is another great episode in a season where there were many great, outstanding at their best, episodes. It is an ingenious and inspired premise executed near-ingeniously too. Absolutely loved Vincent's role and loved every bit as much the atmosphere, the villain and Shaggy and Scooby's interaction with him. "Nightfright" is not quite perfect, but it was nearly and would have been if one aspect had been toned down by having less.
That aspect being the tinkle references, which the episode goes a little too overboard on.
Everything else works beautifully. The animation is colourful and atmospheric, with a creepy character design for the villain that is animated very inventively. The music still fits very well tonally and isn't overused. The writing is still very funny and smart, with moments provoking thought as well. As said too, the premise for "Nightfright" is ingenious and the execution has great humour and genuine creepiness.
Vincent is delightful and one of my favourite recurring guest characters that should have been used more, here he has great comic timing and is suitably macabre. Maurice LaMarche's voice acting is exemplary and an inspired casting choice, amazing at how his voice work has uncanny resemblance to Vincent Price in 'The 13 Ghosts of Scooby Doo' (LaMarche was clearly paying homage) without being too much of an impersonation. The voice acting for the gang is fine as well, Matthew Lillard particularly, if not quite on LaMarche's level.
It always helps to have a memorable villain, and the villain here is very creepy and the truth didn't strike me as too obvious. Loved the character interaction between Vincent, Shaggy and Scooby, the last two being true to character and funny and endearing (have also always loved their bond). All the gang are well characterised, with this also being the first episode where this viewer felt sorry for Velma on this show. It was heartfelt and heart-warming to see how clear it is how much she is needed in the gang and how much she means to them.
Overall, great. 9/10.
And it does, like a glove. "Nightfright" is another great episode in a season where there were many great, outstanding at their best, episodes. It is an ingenious and inspired premise executed near-ingeniously too. Absolutely loved Vincent's role and loved every bit as much the atmosphere, the villain and Shaggy and Scooby's interaction with him. "Nightfright" is not quite perfect, but it was nearly and would have been if one aspect had been toned down by having less.
That aspect being the tinkle references, which the episode goes a little too overboard on.
Everything else works beautifully. The animation is colourful and atmospheric, with a creepy character design for the villain that is animated very inventively. The music still fits very well tonally and isn't overused. The writing is still very funny and smart, with moments provoking thought as well. As said too, the premise for "Nightfright" is ingenious and the execution has great humour and genuine creepiness.
Vincent is delightful and one of my favourite recurring guest characters that should have been used more, here he has great comic timing and is suitably macabre. Maurice LaMarche's voice acting is exemplary and an inspired casting choice, amazing at how his voice work has uncanny resemblance to Vincent Price in 'The 13 Ghosts of Scooby Doo' (LaMarche was clearly paying homage) without being too much of an impersonation. The voice acting for the gang is fine as well, Matthew Lillard particularly, if not quite on LaMarche's level.
It always helps to have a memorable villain, and the villain here is very creepy and the truth didn't strike me as too obvious. Loved the character interaction between Vincent, Shaggy and Scooby, the last two being true to character and funny and endearing (have also always loved their bond). All the gang are well characterised, with this also being the first episode where this viewer felt sorry for Velma on this show. It was heartfelt and heart-warming to see how clear it is how much she is needed in the gang and how much she means to them.
Overall, great. 9/10.
Great Standalone episode!
lukeneedssand19 June 2021
Vincent van ghoul (an obvious tribute to the very talented Vincent price) stars in this very horror/halloween-esc Episode of the show, perfect to watch if you know absolute nothing about this series and don't want to watch a plot-driven episode. The animation and colors here are presently unique, colorful, and somehow still bring that scary element into the film. Super Great episode of the series, could watch this every month If I wanted to.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
