Monster High, the popular franchise known for its stylish monster characters and positive messages, introduced many fans to its world through DVDs like “2 movies for the first time on DVD.” While this disc includes two animated specials, it’s the second one, “Why Do Ghouls Fall In Love?”, that truly captures the essence of Monster High’s appeal, especially when exploring themes of romance and heartfelt connections among its ghoulish students.
The Monster High universe is cleverly designed, populated by the children of famous monsters. We meet characters like Draculara, daughter of Dracula, Frankie Stein, daughter of Frankenstein’s Monster, and Clawd Wolf, son of the Wolfman. These “ghouls,” as the girl characters are often called, navigate high school life in a world that blends spooky aesthetics with relatable teen experiences. The visual design is distinctive, with Monster High itself resembling a castle and everyday objects adopting coffin shapes, adding a playful gothic touch to the setting.
While the DVD is presented as featuring two movies, they are actually extended specials, each around 46 minutes long, originally aired on Nickelodeon. These CG-animated features, while not as elaborately rendered as theatrical films, possess a polished look that aligns with the franchise’s visual style.
Unpacking “Why Do Ghouls Fall in Love?”
“Why Do Ghouls Fall in Love?” centers around Draculara’s monumental 1600th birthday, which coincidentally falls on Valentine’s Day. This special puts a Monster High spin on the holiday’s origins, introducing “Valentine,” a charming vampire with a centuries-long history of captivating young ghouls. Valentine, it turns out, holds a special connection to Draculara, having declared her birthday as Valentine’s Day long ago when he was smitten with her. After losing contact with her family centuries ago, he resurfaces at Monster High, determined to rekindle their romance.
However, Draculara’s heart now belongs to Clawd Wolf, creating a classic love triangle scenario. The episode cleverly explores the question of what constitutes true love. Valentine attempts to woo Draculara with extravagant gifts and displays of wealth, embodying a superficial understanding of romance. In contrast, Clawd’s gifts are simple, everyday items imbued with personal meaning and genuine affection.
This contrast highlights the episode’s central message: true love is not about material possessions or grand gestures, but about the emotional connection and thoughtfulness behind actions. “Why Do Ghouls Fall in Love?” encourages viewers to consider the deeper aspects of love and relationships, valuing sincerity and meaningful gestures over superficial displays. It’s a lesson that resonates with audiences of all ages, wrapped in the fun and quirky Monster High aesthetic.
A Glimpse into “Friday Night Frights”
The DVD also includes “Friday Night Frights,” which showcases the competitive spirit of Monster High. In this special, the school’s roller-skating team, faces defeat against the Granite City Gargoyles in the “Skultimate Roller Maze” competition. The loss has significant consequences, as the Gargoyles claim Monster High’s school crest, leading to the school building itself starting to crumble.
Frankie Stein takes the lead in rallying her “ghoul”-friends to step up and reclaim the crest after several team members are injured. This episode tackles themes of gender discrimination and challenging outdated traditions, as the male players initially resist having “ghouls” on the team, citing centuries of exclusion in the sport. Ultimately, “Friday Night Frights” emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and questioning prejudiced norms.
Technical Aspects and Overall Impression
On the technical side, the DVD presents both specials in 16×9 widescreen with 5.1 Dolby Digital audio. While the picture quality on DVD is noted as softer compared to Blu-ray, the animation remains visually appealing within the format’s limitations. The audio is adequate, though surround sound is used sparingly, with “Why Do Ghouls Fall in Love?” seemingly utilizing it slightly more for ambient effects.
The DVD package includes limited extras, primarily promos for a Monster High video game and another DVD release. Despite the lack of bonus content, the main draw is the two specials themselves, particularly “Why Do Ghouls Fall in Love?”.
Final Verdict: Why Monster High Captivates
This DVD offers a solid introduction to the Monster High franchise, showcasing its blend of monster lore, teen drama, and positive messages. “Why Do Ghouls Fall in Love?” stands out for its charming exploration of romance, offering a sweet and thoughtful take on Valentine’s Day and true love within the Monster High universe. It perfectly encapsulates why Monster High has resonated with audiences – it’s unconventional yet relatable, delivering valuable life lessons within an entertaining and visually engaging package. For those curious about Monster High or seeking family-friendly content with heart, this DVD, especially for “Why Do Ghouls Fall in Love?”, is a worthwhile watch.
