Power Rangers SPD - Zapped: Vol. 5
A likable cast of valiant cadets with immense onscreen chemistry; a longstanding tradition of strictly held conventions; a dazzling display of martial arts maneuvers--such is the allure ofPower Rangers, the enduring franchise of galactic superheroes based on the JapaneseSentaiseries.Zappedis the fifth and final volume of the (2005)Power Rangers: SPDincarnation, which includes episodes 21 through 25 packaged in a single disk. Peace is short-lived when alien forces turn their destructive intentions toward Earth, Her last and best defense is Space Patrol Delta, a team of highly trained peace officers, aka rangers.  Beginning with the two-part "Messenger," the pace quickens when the academy receives a message from the future warning of impending doom. It seems that Devastation—the most wanted criminal in the galaxy—along with brother, Shorty, and sinister sidekick Morgana have returned to conquer Earth for imminent destruction. It's an SPD Emergency as the team of elite warriors morph into their superhuman multi-hued spandex to take on intergalactic minions.  Just when the fury circle is tightening, a mysterious Force from the Future materializes, riding a giant Omegamax Cycle. As the stories continue (including a two-part "Reflections"), the team of five rangers struggles to accept this newcomer, while simultaneously clashing with a Who's-Who of criminals including Broodwing, Slate, and Mirloc. The same cast from volume four returns: Brandon Jay McLaren as Jack; Chris Violette as Sky; Matt Austin as Bridge; and Monica May and Alycia Purrott as 'Z' and 'Syd,' respectively. The film is packed with "must-have" goodies including requisite megablaster and sword fights, impressively choreographed stunt sequences, and tongue-in-cheek quips like, "Let them marinate in fear,"  "Let's get this party started," and "How can you ever amount to anything with your skin so... scaly?" Aside from the banter, the storylines explore morality themes of teamwork, courage, and honor. Bonus material includes the never-seen episode, "Wormhole," a Power Rangers promotional, and a Delta Squad Runner simulator game. (Ages 4 and older)--Lynn Gibson