Hotel Strangeduck

Love and appreciate animation even more now than as a child with my knowledge having (hopefully) broadened, extending Disney, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry and coming across some very overlooked foreign animation (Russian animation for example deserves more attention). As well as more things being noticeable through young adult eyes not as obvious before. No biased intended.

'Ducktales' was one of those personal favourites and not an example of terrible animation. Luckily it still is and actually love it even more now, it is always a relief when a childhood favourite does hold up (not all have). It captivated me as a child and to this day it's among the best shows Disney ever did and have ever done. Making one pine for the classic Disney and the quality of the animated shows they had in the 80s and 90s, as they sure, with exceptions, don't make them like this anymore. It strikes me as a show that is even funnier, more entertaining, more colourful and more inventive as a young adult.

"Hotel Strangeduck" is one of my many favourites from the show. Just love its suitably creepy atmosphere and strong mystery, but most importantly it still manages to be enormous fun. The idea for the story had great potential, and thankfully "Hotel Strangeduck" lives up to it and even exceeds it.

As said, the atmosphere is a massive part of why "Hotel Strangeduck" works so well. The spooky elements are genuinely creepy without ever being traumatising and reminds one fondly of the atmosphere in a haunted house/gothic horror film or television episode, animated and not. It is a good thing that the episode manages to make the content fresh from start to finish, when some of the haunting methods are fairly familiar but very entertainingly handled. Even better is the mystery, which is incredibly well written and attention is not lost for a second. The investigative methods are fun to watch, the tone is suitably suspenseful and mysterious and one is kept guessing all the time, Strangeduck's motives not obvious too early.

The climax is busy, but very exciting and didn't feeel bloated or rushed. As always with 'Ducktales', "Hotel Strangeduck" delivers brilliantly on the humour and characterisation. The dialogue is smart and never less than very amusing, as well as some great gags with the guests and them adjusting to the environment. The animation is great, very colourful and atmospheric with very meticulous backgrounds and smooth, lively drawing. The final third and the fight with the ghost is the highlight. The music never disappoints here and was always one of the best things about 'Ducktales' as an overall show too. The score is dynamic, beautifully orchestrated, never jarring with the action and full of energy. Just as animated shows of this kind should be. It is impossible to resist or forget the theme song, one of the catchiest in animation and ever.

Scrooge and the nephews are terrifically characterised, lots of fun and easy to like. The supporting characters are equally good, from the elegant Duchess, the energetic Gasolini and the sinister Strangeduck. The voice acting is very good, particularly from Alan Young and Arte Johnson.

In summation, truly terrific episode. 10/10