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|seasons=3
|seasons=3
|episodes=40
|episodes=40
|prodcompany=[[Nelvana]]<br/>[[Medialab]] (season 1-2)<br/> Hong Guang Animation (season 3) <br/>Western International Communications
|prodcompany=[[Nelvana]]<br>[[Medialab]] (season 1-2)<br> Hong Guang Animation (season 3) <br>Western International Communications
|runtime=30 minutes
|runtime=30 minutes
|firstair={{release|France|September 4, 1996|Canada|October 17, 1997|USA|August 15, 1998|Japan|October 1, 1999}}
|firstair={{flag list|France|September 4, 1996|Canada|October 17, 1997|USA|August 15, 1998|Japan|October 1, 1999}}
|lastair={{release|Japan|June 30, 2000|USA|July 7, 2000|Canada|July 7, 2000}}
|lastair={{flag list|Japan|June 30, 2000|USA|July 7, 2000|Canada|July 7, 2000}}
}}
}}
{{quote2|It's the wildest, hairiest, most fur-ocious adventure yet, as the popular [[Nintendo]] [[Donkey Kong|character]] swings into his own 3-D animated full-length feature!|The first few lines of ''The Legend of the Crystal Coconut'' VHS description}}
{{quote|It's the wildest, hairiest, most fur-ocious adventure yet, as the popular [[Nintendo]] [[Donkey Kong|character]] swings into his own 3-D animated full-length feature!|The first few lines of ''The Legend of the Crystal Coconut'' VHS description}}
'''''Donkey Kong Country''''' is a computer-animated musical television series based on the [[Donkey Kong Country (series)|video game series of the same name]]. The program first debuted in France on September 4, 1996, on France 2, and then premiered in Canada on Télétoon on September 8, 1997 as a launch program. The English version made its worldwide debut in Canada on Télétoon's English counterpart Teletoon on October 17, 1997, once again as a launch program. The show then began airing in the United States on the Fox Family Channel on August 15, 1998 (occasionally airing on Fox Kids), and the original run finished on July 7, 2000. In Japan, the series began airing with a Japanese dub on TV Tokyo on October 1, 1999, and finished its run on June 30, 2000.{{ref needed}}
'''''Donkey Kong Country''''' is a computer-animated musical television series based on the [[Donkey Kong Country (series)|video game series of the same name]]. The program first debuted in France on September 4, 1996, on [[France 2]], and then premiered in Canada on {{wp|Télétoon}} on September 8, 1997, as a launch program. The English version made its worldwide debut in Canada on Télétoon's English counterpart {{wp|Cartoon Network (Canadian TV channel)|Teletoon}} on October 17, 1997, once again as a launch program. The show then began airing in the United States on the {{wp|Freeform (TV channel)|Fox Family Channel}} on August 15, 1998 (occasionally airing on {{wp|Fox Kids}}), and the original run finished on July 7, 2000. In Japan, the series began airing with a Japanese dub on {{wp|TV Tokyo}} on October 1, 1999, and finished its run on June 30, 2000.{{ref needed}}


''Donkey Kong Country'' ran for three seasons with forty episodes in total. Like the ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]''-based television series before it, the show generally followed an episodic format. During the run, however, there were some episodes aired out of order from the original airing, such as "[[Bad Hair Day]]" being aired as the third episode in its run in the United States despite airing first in France. Additionally, while the first two seasons were produced by [[Medialab]], the third season was instead produced by Chinese company Hong Gaung and switched to a newer and sleeker style of computer animation, as well as dropping the use of title cards to introduce each episode. Also similar to the earlier ''Super Mario'' cartoons, each episode (excluding "[[Message in a Bottle Show]]") features one or two original songs based on events in the episode, performed by the cast.
''Donkey Kong Country'' ran for three seasons with forty episodes in total. Like the ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]''-based television series before it, the show generally followed an episodic format. During the run, however, there were some episodes aired out of order from the original airing, such as "[[Bad Hair Day]]" being aired as the third episode in its run in the United States despite airing first in France. While the first two seasons were produced by [[Medialab]], the third season was instead produced by Chinese company Hong Guang and switched to a newer and sleeker style of computer animation, as well as dropping the use of title cards to introduce each episode. Also similar to the earlier ''Super Mario'' cartoons, each episode (excluding "[[Message in a Bottle Show]]") features one or two [[List of Donkey Kong Country (television series) songs|original songs]] based on events in the episode, performed by the cast.


''Donkey Kong Country'' was one of the earliest television series to be entirely computer-animated, matching the artistic style of the video games. The computer animation style of the series was met with critical acclaim in France and Japan but with mixed reception elsewhere. Despite this, the series has managed to gain a cult following.
''Donkey Kong Country'' was one of the earliest television series to be entirely computer-animated, similar to the artistic style of the video games. The computer animation style of the series was met with critical acclaim in France and Japan but with mixed reception elsewhere. Despite this, the series has managed to gain a cult following.
 
Some elements of the series would go on to appear in later ''[[Donkey Kong (franchise)|Donkey Kong]]'' video games such as ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'', which was released a year after the show had started airing on ABC Family (Fox Family). There was also [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEtPo0_ccP0 a commercial] for the [[Game Boy Color]] game ''[[Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Color)|Donkey Kong Country]]'' featuring [[Donkey Kong]], [[Diddy Kong]] and [[Rambi]] fighting [[General Klump]] and [[Krusha (character)|Krusha]] over a giant Game Boy Color, in which all of the characters are depicted with retooled versions of their designs from the series' third season (besides Rambi, who does not appear in the series).


Some elements of the series would go on to appear in later ''[[Donkey Kong (franchise)|Donkey Kong]]'' video games such as ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'', which was released a year after the show had started airing on ABC Family (Fox Family). There was also [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEtPo0_ccP0 a commercial] for the [[Game Boy Color]] game ''[[Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Color)|Donkey Kong Country]]'' featuring [[Donkey Kong]], [[Diddy Kong]] and [[Rambi]] fighting [[General Klump]] and [[Krusha]] over a giant Game Boy Color, in which all of the characters are depicted with retooled versions of their designs from the series' third season (besides Rambi, who does not appear in the series).
==Synopsis==
==Synopsis==
The show stars [[Donkey Kong]], an anthropomorphic ape living in the jungle who happens to stumble upon a magic orb called the [[Crystal Coconut]] in the temple of [[Inka Dinka Doo]]. After finding the artifact, Donkey Kong is named the future ruler of [[Donkey Kong Island|Kongo Bongo Island]]. As he and his friends wait for the day when the Crystal Coconut will proclaim him the ruler of the island, they strive to keep it safe from the clutches of the villainous [[King K. Rool]] and his minions, who desire the coconut so that K. Rool may conquer the island using its power.
The show stars [[Donkey Kong]], a gorilla-like [[Kong]] living in the jungle who happens to stumble upon a magic orb called the [[Crystal Coconut]] in the temple of [[Inka Dinka Doo]]. After finding the artifact, Donkey Kong is named the future ruler of [[Donkey Kong Island|Kongo Bongo Island]]. As he and his friends wait for the day when the Crystal Coconut will proclaim him the ruler of the island, they strive to keep it safe from the clutches of the villainous [[King K. Rool]] and his minions, who desire the coconut so that K. Rool may conquer the island using its power.


==Cast==
==Cast==
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[[File:Kaptain Skurvy DKCTV group.png|thumb|Kaptain Skurvy (center), one of the main antagonists of the show, with his crew mates [[Green Kroc]] (left) and [[Kutlass (character)|Kutlass]] (right)]]
[[File:Kaptain Skurvy DKCTV group.png|thumb|Kaptain Skurvy (center), one of the main antagonists of the show, with his crew mates [[Green Kroc]] (left) and [[Kutlass (character)|Kutlass]] (right)]]
The series features almost all of the [[Kong]]s from ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' and ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]'', the exceptions being [[Swanky Kong]] and [[Wrinkly Kong]]. However, the show also features several original characters that do not appear in the games, such as [[Eddie the Mean Old Yeti]], [[Kaptain Skurvy]] and his crew, and [[Bluster Kong]].
The series features almost all of the [[Kong]]s from ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' and ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]'', the exceptions being [[Swanky Kong]] and [[Wrinkly Kong]]. However, the show also features several original characters that do not appear in the games, such as [[Eddie the Mean Old Yeti]], [[Kaptain Skurvy]] and his crew, and [[Bluster Kong]].
===English voice actors===
===English voice actors===
*[[Richard Yearwood]] &mdash; [[Donkey Kong]]
*[[Richard Yearwood]] &mdash; [[Donkey Kong]]
**{{wp|Sterling Jarvis}} &mdash; [[Donkey Kong]] (singing voice)
**[[Sterling Jarvis]] &mdash; [[Donkey Kong]] (singing voice)
*[[Andrew Sabiston]] &mdash; [[Diddy Kong]]
*[[Andrew Sabiston]] &mdash; [[Diddy Kong]]
*[[Joy Tanner]] &mdash; [[Candy Kong]], [[Baby Kong]], [[Candy Clone]]
*[[Joy Tanner]] &mdash; [[Candy Kong]], [[Baby Kong]], [[Candy Clone]]
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*[[Donald Burda]] &mdash; [[Bluster Kong]]
*[[Donald Burda]] &mdash; [[Bluster Kong]]
*[[Ben Campbell]] &mdash; [[King K. Rool]]
*[[Ben Campbell]] &mdash; [[King K. Rool]]
*Adrian Truss &mdash; [[General Klump]]
*[[Adrian Truss]] &mdash; [[General Klump]]
*{{wp|Len Carlson}} &mdash; [[Krusha (character)|Krusha]]
*[[Len Carlson]] &mdash; [[Krusha]]
*Lawrence Bayne &mdash; [[Inka Dinka Doo]]
*[[Lawrence Bayne]] &mdash; [[Inka Dinka Doo]]
*{{wp|Rick Jones (voice actor)|Rick Jones}} &mdash; [[Polly Roger]]
*[[Rick Jones]] &mdash; [[Polly Roger]]
*{{wp|Ron Rubin (voice actor)|Ron Rubin}}<ref>https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/3fdfac_72b9d6c25c3940f8b3244bdea8528dd5.pdf</ref> &mdash; [[Kaptain Skurvy]], [[Jr. Klap Trap]]
*[[Ron Rubin]]<ref>https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/3fdfac_72b9d6c25c3940f8b3244bdea8528dd5.pdf</ref> &mdash; [[Kaptain Skurvy]], [[Jr. Klap Trap]]
*[[John Stocker]] &mdash; [[Kutlass (character)|Kutlass]]
*[[John Stocker]] &mdash; [[Kutlass (character)|Kutlass]]
*{{wp|Richard Newman (actor)|Richard Newman}} &mdash;  [[Green Kroc]], [[Kong Fu (character)|Kong Fu]]
*[[Richard Newman]] &mdash;  [[Green Kroc]], [[Kong Fu (character)|Kong Fu]]


===Japanese voice actors===
===Japanese voice actors===
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*Jūrōta Kosugi — [[King K. Rool]]
*Jūrōta Kosugi — [[King K. Rool]]
*Keiichi Sonobe — [[General Klump]], [[Inka Dinka Doo]]
*Keiichi Sonobe — [[General Klump]], [[Inka Dinka Doo]]
*Tomohisa Asô — [[Krusha (character)|Krusha]]
*Tomohisa Asô — [[Krusha]]
*Katsuhisa Hōki — [[Kaptain Skurvy]]
*Katsuhisa Hōki — [[Kaptain Skurvy]]
*Kenyu Horiuchi — [[Eddie the Mean Old Yeti]]
*Kenyu Horiuchi — [[Eddie the Mean Old Yeti]]


==Episodes==
==Episodes==
Two conflicting season numbering schemes exist for the show: [[Nelvana]] considers the show to have three "cycles" (13x13x14),<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060328013320/http://www.nelvana.com/shows/episodes_template.asp?sid=16 "Episodes : Donkey Kong Country" on Nelvana's official website circa 2006]. Retrieved Sunday, June 26, 2021</ref> and this is the numbering used for the show's release on services such as {{wp|Pluto TV}} and {{wp|Tubi}}. The show's official DVDs and release on {{wp|iTunes}},<ref>https://itunes.apple.com/ca/tv-season/donkey-kong-country-vol-1/id760744886</ref> however, identify two seasons, the first being made up of the 26 [[Medialab]]-produced episodes and the second being made up of the 14 Hong Guang-produced episodes. The list below follows the former scheme.
Two conflicting season numbering schemes exist for the show. [[Nelvana]] considers the show to have three "cycles" (13x13x14),<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060328013320/http://www.nelvana.com/shows/episodes_template.asp?sid=16 "Episodes : Donkey Kong Country" on Nelvana's official website circa 2006]. Retrieved Sunday, June 26, 2021</ref> and this is the numbering used for the show's release on services such as {{wp|Pluto TV}} and {{wp|Tubi}}. The show's official DVDs and release on {{wp|iTunes}},<ref name="iTunes"> [https://tv.apple.com/us/show/donkey-kong-country/umc.cmc.6xhbt8gczd8a24krkj6ac7anl ''Donkey Kong Country'']. iTunes. Retrieved March 24, 2024.</ref> however, identify two seasons, the first being made up of the 26 [[Medialab]]-produced episodes and the second being made up of the 14 Hong Guang-produced episodes. The list below follows the former scheme.


Note that the episodes are listed in production order,<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Donkey-Kong-Country/dp/B00G4E0CBS/ Donkey Kong Country on Amazon Video]</ref> which differs from the order of the original North American air dates.<ref>http://epguides.com/DonkeyKongCountry/</ref>  
Note that the episodes are listed in production order,<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Donkey-Kong-Country/dp/B00G4E0CBS/ Donkey Kong Country on Amazon Video]</ref> which differs from the order of the original North American air dates.<ref>http://epguides.com/DonkeyKongCountry/</ref>  
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#"[[Double Date Trouble]]"
#"[[Double Date Trouble]]"
#"[[The Curse of Kongo Bongo]]"
#"[[The Curse of Kongo Bongo]]"
;Season 2:
;Season 2:
#"[[Speed (episode)|Speed]]"
#"[[Speed (episode)|Speed]]"
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#"[[To the Moon Baboon]]"
#"[[To the Moon Baboon]]"
#"[[A Thin Line Between Love & Ape]]"
#"[[A Thin Line Between Love & Ape]]"
;Season 3:
;Season 3:
#"[[Hooray for Holly-Kongo Bongo]]"
#"[[Hooray for Holly-Kongo Bongo]]"
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#"[[Just Kidding]]"
#"[[Just Kidding]]"
#"[[Message in a Bottle Show]]"
#"[[Message in a Bottle Show]]"
== Differences from the ''Donkey Kong Country'' games ==
The ''Donkey Kong Country'' television series is different in comparison to its respective video game series. The series uses elements from the first ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' game and ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]'', though the show differs heavily from the source material. It also introduces elements that were not seen in previous games such as the inclusion of Bluster Kong and Eddie the Mean Old Yeti.
*None of the musical themes from the games appears; the soundtrack either consists of original music or public domain tracks.
*Donkey Kong is depicted as bipedal rather than walking on fours.
*The [[banana hoard]] never appears in the series. The [[Crystal Coconut]] serves a similar [[Wikipedia:MacGuffin|MacGuffin]] as K. Rool and his minions attempt to steal it in a similar way.
*Cranky is never stated to be DK's [[Cranky Kong#Identity confusion|grandfather]], with the latter referring to Cranky by his name, rather than a family title. Likewise, the series never states him to be the [[Donkey Kong#Donkey Kong series|original Donkey Kong]]. "[[Ape Foo Young]]" depicts a [[Cranky Kong (young)|younger Cranky]], not resembling any previous youthful appearance of him.
*Cranky does not have hair on his head and instead, has white eyebrows.
*Candy Kong looks different from her appearance in the [[Donkey Kong Country|first game]], not wearing a pink bikini, but instead a tank-top with shorts, sandals (rather than being barefoot), and having a different hairstyle that is shorter with a headband and orange hair, rather than being blonde and having a bow.
*Funky Kong has blonde fur rather than brown, wears black goggles instead of sunglasses. He has no necklace.
*Dixie Kong has a different design than she does in her [[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest|first appearance]]. Her fur is brighter to a yellow-like color rather than brown and wears a green blouse with a daisy on it. She also lacks eyelashes and her face shape appears is closer in design to Diddy's; Dixie's face in the games has a different shape from Diddy's. Her beret lacks the [[Rare Ltd.|Rare]] logo.
*[[Swanky Kong]] and [[Wrinkly Kong]] do not appear.
*Kremlings are never referred to by name, being generically referred to as "lizards", "gators", and similar terms. [[Kritter|Kritters]] and [[Klaptrap|Klaptraps]] are properly referred by their names, however.
*Klaptraps are depicted as bipedal, rather than on fours like an actual crocodilian. They are also depicted as ammo, being shot from [[Klap-Blaster|guns]]; Klaptraps and [[Klampon|similar]] [[Krimp|entities]] walk on the ground and are not shot. They also have a habit of eating, which aside from their biting attacks, is a trait that did not happen in prior games.
*Not all Kremlings are part of K. Rool's [[Kremling Krew|group]], with [[Kaptain Skurvy]] and his [[Kutlass (character)|two]] [[Green Kroc|minions]] being separate from the group and being occasional enemies of K. Rool, rather than allies.
*No other enemies appear such as [[Gnawty|Gnawties]] or [[Necky|Neckies]].
*The [[Animal Friends]] are absent.
*[[Donkey Kong Island]] is named Kongo Bongo Island or simply, Kongo Bongo.
*The series has various locations that are vaguely inspired by the ones in the first game.
**[[Monkey Mines]] and [[Kremkroc Industries, Inc.]] appears to serve as inspiration for K. Rool's base.
**The White Mountains appears to be inspired by [[Gorilla Glacier]].
*The [[Gangplank Galleon]] never appears in the series, with K. Rool lacking a pirate motif. [[Kaptain Skurvy's ship]]  appears to take inspiration from said ship.
*[[Cranky's Cabin]] takes place in a forest and does not resemble the cabin that appears in any previous game.
*King K. Rool does not wear a gold chestplate and has a regular chest, similar to his later appearances. Neither one of his eyes are bloodshot by default, although they do enlarge depending on his emotions and become bloodshot in "Ape Foo Young". He also has no tail.


==''Donkey Kong Planet''==
==''Donkey Kong Planet''==
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==Production==
==Production==
{{quote2|What could be more hip than turning the most popular 3-D game into a computer-animated series? Not only did "Donkey Kong" have a ready-made audience, but the lovable chimp lived in a cool place we'd all like to escape to- the jungle.|Computer Animation: A Whole New World}}
{{quote|What could be more hip than turning the most popular 3-D game into a computer-animated series? Not only did "Donkey Kong" have a ready-made audience, but the lovable chimp lived in a cool place we'd all like to escape to- the jungle.|Computer Animation: A Whole New World}}


''Donkey Kong Country'' was the first full-length television series to be primarily animated using motion capture,<ref>Ron Fischer, [http://www.motioncapturesociety.com/resources/industry-history The History and Current State of motion capture]. ''Motion Capture Society''. Retrieved October 8, 2015</ref> using [[Medialab]]'s proprietary technology which allowed the animators to see the performance play out in real time.<ref>Legrand, Fabienne (November 11, 2011). ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rcNu8rrLXg L'aventure Donkey Kong chez Medialab]''. YouTube. Retrieved January 25, 2016</ref> Due to this attribute, the company prefered to use the term "Performance Animation" to refer to the animation style of the show.<ref>''Computer Animation: A Whole New World'' (1998, Rockport Publishers). "''Medialab'' Donkey Kong Country". p. 88</ref> This caused controversy when the show was rejected for an {{wp|Emmy Award}} nomination, the reasoning being that the TV academy did not consider the then-new motion capture technique to be a form of animation.<ref>Solomon, Charles (June 1, 1999). [http://articles.latimes.com/1999/jun/01/entertainment/ca-42903 An Emmy Awards Debate: What Makes 'Donkey Kong' Run?]. ''L.A. Times. Retrieved January 25, 2015</ref>
''Donkey Kong Country'' was the first full-length television series to be primarily animated using motion capture,<ref>Ron Fischer, [http://www.motioncapturesociety.com/resources/industry-history The History and Current State of motion capture]. ''Motion Capture Society''. Retrieved October 8, 2015</ref> using [[Medialab]]'s proprietary technology which allowed the animators to see the performance play out in real time.<ref>Legrand, Fabienne (November 11, 2011). ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rcNu8rrLXg L'aventure Donkey Kong chez Medialab]''. YouTube. Retrieved January 25, 2016</ref> Due to this attribute, the company prefered to use the term "Performance Animation" to refer to the animation style of the show.<ref>''Computer Animation: A Whole New World'' (1998, Rockport Publishers). "''Medialab'' Donkey Kong Country". p. 88</ref> This caused controversy when the show was rejected for an {{wp|Emmy Award}} nomination, the reasoning being that the TV academy did not consider the then-new motion capture technique to be a form of animation.<ref>Solomon, Charles (June 1, 1999). [http://articles.latimes.com/1999/jun/01/entertainment/ca-42903 An Emmy Awards Debate: What Makes 'Donkey Kong' Run?]. ''L.A. Times. Retrieved January 25, 2015</ref>
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According to a post on a fan page by [[Nelvana]] writer [[Erika Strobel]], Medialab had originally obtained the rights to create an animated series from [[Nintendo]]. After thirteen episodes were written, Medialab asked Nelvana for assistance after firing the original writers (who, according to Strobel, had produced scripts "with racist/sexist jokes and just sooo bad for a kiddie show").<ref name="Retrojunk">[http://web.archive.org/web/20081227060342/http://www.retrojunk.com/details_tvshows/430-donkey-kong-country/ Retrojunk page for Donkey Kong Country] (August 5, 2008). Erika Strobel's comment is under the username "canuckgirl1966" (Retrieved April 24, 2016)</ref> As storyboards had already been produced for ten of the original scripts, Nelvana decided to write new stories around these storyboards to save money.<ref name="Retrojunk"/> The songs, however, were included at the request of Medialab; all of the show's songs, as well as the title theme, were written by Pure West Music.<ref name="Retrojunk"/><ref>[http://purewestmusic.com/ Pure West Music's website] (information is under the "Credits" tab). Retrieved April 24, 2016.</ref> Nelvana purchased the rights to the show after Medialab's license lapsed.<ref name="Retrojunk"/>
According to a post on a fan page by [[Nelvana]] writer [[Erika Strobel]], Medialab had originally obtained the rights to create an animated series from [[Nintendo]]. After thirteen episodes were written, Medialab asked Nelvana for assistance after firing the original writers (who, according to Strobel, had produced scripts "with racist/sexist jokes and just sooo bad for a kiddie show").<ref name="Retrojunk">[http://web.archive.org/web/20081227060342/http://www.retrojunk.com/details_tvshows/430-donkey-kong-country/ Retrojunk page for Donkey Kong Country] (August 5, 2008). Erika Strobel's comment is under the username "canuckgirl1966" (Retrieved April 24, 2016)</ref> As storyboards had already been produced for ten of the original scripts, Nelvana decided to write new stories around these storyboards to save money.<ref name="Retrojunk"/> The songs, however, were included at the request of Medialab; all of the show's songs, as well as the title theme, were written by Pure West Music.<ref name="Retrojunk"/><ref>[http://purewestmusic.com/ Pure West Music's website] (information is under the "Credits" tab). Retrieved April 24, 2016.</ref> Nelvana purchased the rights to the show after Medialab's license lapsed.<ref name="Retrojunk"/>
===Early ideas===
===Early ideas===
Early reference sketches for production depict multiple concepts that were considered but ultimately unused in the show proper, including the [[Animal Friends]] characters [[Rambi]], [[Expresso]], and [[Winky]], a more game-accurate appearance for Candy Kong and a desert-like area for Kongo Bongo Island.
Early reference sketches for production depict multiple concepts that were considered but ultimately unused in the show proper, including the [[Animal Friends]] characters [[Rambi]], [[Expresso]], and [[Winky]], a more game-accurate appearance for Candy Kong and a desert-like area for Kongo Bongo Island.
<gallery>
<gallery>
Dkc cartoon character lineup.png|Character size chart showing the Animal Friends and a different design for Candy Kong
Dkc cartoon character lineup.png|Character size chart showing the Animal Friends and a different design for Candy Kong
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{{main|List of Donkey Kong Country (television series) songs}}
{{main|List of Donkey Kong Country (television series) songs}}
In addition to the opening theme, most episodes in the series feature two unique songs each, performed by one or more characters to illustrate certain points in the story.
In addition to the opening theme, most episodes in the series feature two unique songs each, performed by one or more characters to illustrate certain points in the story.
===Theme song lyrics===
===Theme song lyrics===
<blockquote><i>Hoo! Hah!<br>Hoo, hah!<br>Donkey Kong!<br>
<blockquote><i>Hoo! Hah!<br>Hoo, hah!<br>Donkey Kong!<br>
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{{rewrite-expand|section=y|include which songs each track plays in}}
{{rewrite-expand|section=y|include which songs each track plays in}}
The background music used for the songs in the show was taken from a variety of albums.
The background music used for the songs in the show was taken from a variety of albums.
{| class="wikitable"
{|class="wikitable"
! Tracks
!Tracks
! Composer(s)
!Composer(s)
! Albums
!Albums
|-
|-
|Guava Nectar
|Guava Nectar
| rowspan="18" |Paul Koffman<br>Timothy Foy
|rowspan="18"|Paul Koffman<br>Timothy Foy
|''NLV 115 - Sunny Day Sounds Vol. 2''
|''NLV 115 - Sunny Day Sounds Vol. 2''
|-
|-
|Madcap Monday
|Madcap Monday
| rowspan="2" |''NLV 126 - Music for Silly Moments''
|rowspan="2"|''NLV 126 - Music for Silly Moments''
|-
|-
|Edsel
|Edsel
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|-
|-
|Quick Con
|Quick Con
| rowspan="6" |''NLV 169 - Spy vs Spy''
|rowspan="6"|''NLV 169 - Spy vs Spy''
|-
|-
|Hover Car
|Hover Car
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Donkey Kong Country Title Screen (TV Show).PNG|The title screen.
Donkey Kong Country Title Screen (TV Show).PNG|The title screen.
BadHairDayTitleCard.png|Title card of [[Bad Hair Day]].
BadHairDayTitleCard.png|Title card of [[Bad Hair Day]].
DKC TV Group Artwork.jpg|The main characters of the series.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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The series had a large line of merchandise in Japan, including a [[Gallery:Donkey Kong Country (television series) trading cards|collectible card game]] by [[Nintendo]] and [[Ahomaro Games]]. A subsequent release of the card game featured characters and gimmicks based on ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''. The television series took over the TV Tokyo Friday 6:30 PM timeslot from ''{{wp|Gokudo}}'', and was later replaced by ''{{wp|Hamtaro}}''. As with most programs in Japan, the series has received home releases through rental tapes.
The series had a large line of merchandise in Japan, including a [[Gallery:Donkey Kong Country (television series) trading cards|collectible card game]] by [[Nintendo]] and [[Ahomaro Games]]. A subsequent release of the card game featured characters and gimmicks based on ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''. The television series took over the TV Tokyo Friday 6:30 PM timeslot from ''{{wp|Gokudo}}'', and was later replaced by ''{{wp|Hamtaro}}''. As with most programs in Japan, the series has received home releases through rental tapes.
<gallery>
<gallery>
DKTV Rental Volume2.jpg|Japanese Rental Volume 2
DKTV Rental Volume2.jpg|Japanese Rental Volume 2
Line 233: Line 251:
DKTV Rental Vol10.jpg|Japanese Rental Volume 10
DKTV Rental Vol10.jpg|Japanese Rental Volume 10
DKCcartoon Japanese rental vol13.jpeg|Japanese Rental Volume 13
DKCcartoon Japanese rental vol13.jpeg|Japanese Rental Volume 13
</gallery>
The television series also received a dedicated two-part manga. The two editions were seen in the Japanese [[CoroCoro Comics]], published by {{wp|Shogakukan}} in 2000 and 2001 respectively.
<gallery>
DKC GCI - CoroCoro Manga 1.jpg|Cover of part #1
DKC CGI - CoroCoro Manga 1 Art.jpg|Artwork used for the back cover of part #1
DKC GCI - CoroCoro Manga 2.jpg|Cover of part #2
DKC CGI - CoroCoro Manga 2 Art.jpg|Artwork used for the back cover of part #2
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 251: Line 260:
DKC He Came, He Saw, He Kong-quered DVD.jpg
DKC He Came, He Saw, He Kong-quered DVD.jpg
</gallery>
</gallery>
The television series also received a dedicated two volume manga, ''[[Uho'uho Daishizen Gag: Donkey Kong]]''. It was serialized in the [[Shogakukan]]'s [[CoroCoro Comics]] in 2000 to 2001.


==References in later media==
==References in later media==
Line 256: Line 267:
*''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'': Cranky Kong's chemistry hobby is retained in this game. Crystal Coconuts are used to power the [[Kong Barrel]] powers and the Klump in the intro is stated by the manual to be General Klump.
*''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'': Cranky Kong's chemistry hobby is retained in this game. Crystal Coconuts are used to power the [[Kong Barrel]] powers and the Klump in the intro is stated by the manual to be General Klump.
*''[[Donkey Konga 3 JP]]'': The Japanese opening and ending themes of the series are featured as songs that can be played.
*''[[Donkey Konga 3 JP]]'': The Japanese opening and ending themes of the series are featured as songs that can be played.
*''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D]]'': For the game's marketing campaign, Nintendo UK's {{wp|Facebook}} page posted {{media link|DKC Returns 3D DKC cartoon reference.jpeg|an image}} titled "What is your Donkey Kong name?". Two of the names listed are "Bluster" and "Eddie", referencing Bluster Kong and Eddie the Mean Old Yeti.
*''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D]]'': For the game's marketing campaign, Nintendo UK's {{wp|Facebook}} page posted {{file link|DKC Returns 3D DKC cartoon reference.jpeg|an image}} titled "What is your Donkey Kong name?". Two of the names listed are "Bluster" and "Eddie", referencing Bluster Kong and Eddie the Mean Old Yeti.
*''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Nintendo Switch)|Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]'': In the [[Nintendo Switch]] version of the game, [[Tawks]] will sometimes tell [[Funky Kong]] to "give 'em the old banana slamma, dude,"<ref>Nintendo Life (April 25, 2018). [https://youtu.be/K_yaJjLiS_8 Weird Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Switch TV Show Easter Egg]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved April 25, 2018.</ref> which is a reference to Donkey Kong's catchphrase in the series.
*''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Nintendo Switch)|Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]'': In the [[Nintendo Switch]] version of the game, [[Tawks]] will sometimes tell [[Funky Kong]] to "give 'em the old banana slamma, dude",<ref>Nintendo Life (April 25, 2018). [https://youtu.be/K_yaJjLiS_8 Weird Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Switch TV Show Easter Egg]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved April 25, 2018.</ref> which is a reference to Donkey Kong's catchphrase in the series.
 
==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
|Jap=ドンキーコング
|JapR=Donkī Kongu
|JapM=Donkey Kong
|JapC=<ref>{{Cite|url=https://youtu.be/byZ3wEeVqMQ?si=PGsI_qsHARG5fUbB|title=Donkey Kong Country TV Show Japanese Opening|author=Japancommercials4U2|publisher=YouTube|date=March 6, 2009}}</ref>
|Dut=Donkey Kong Country
|DutC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1usSWESaPTw Donkey Kong Country Dutch Dub - Bad Hair Day, Kong for a Day, Barrel, Barrel... Who's Got the Barrel]</ref>
|Fre=Donkey Kong
|FreM=Donkey Kong
|FreC=<ref>{{Cite|url=https://youtu.be/pRN1F6bIWbc?si=JBjXKCoEBWgxrmS7|title=Donkey Kong Country TV Show French Intro|author=Japancommercials4U2|publisher=YouTube|date=March 6, 2009}}</ref>
|Ger=Donkey Kongs Abenteuer
|GerM=Donkey Kong's Adventure
|GerC=<ref>Donkey Kong Country Forever (September 3, 2020). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmSwaB8FcBo&list=PLwpK-VGAzSVQZZUlU5naklddi64dG8qfM Donkey Kong Country Deutsch S2E1 - Der Große Film <nowiki>[HD-Breitbild]</nowiki>]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved November 9, 2024.</ref>
|Gre=Ντόνκυ Κονγκ
|GreR=Dónki Konng
|GreM=Donkey Kong
|GreC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqV0PWkLbtA Ντόνκυ Κονγκ - Η εξαφάνιση της κρυστάλλινης καρύδας]</ref>
|Ita=Donkey Kong Country
|Kor=동키콩<ref>레오. (January 1, 2020). [https://youtu.be/tST3woj47-U?si=MZLJvSmE94Aqbo_t (고화질) 동키콩 OP]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved November 9, 2024.</ref>
|KorR=Dongki Kong
|KorM=Donkey Kong
|Por=Donkey Kong Country
|PorC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXQkqhrvnZM&list=PLwzf4mOPE8BmkSmu1Uhw1ZoWkng0f3wLf Donkey Kong Country - Um Dia Ruim]</ref>
|Svk=Gorila v červenej kravate
|SvkM=Gorilla in a red tie
|SvkC=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip_SyA-ZY7A Donkey Kong Country - Season 2 Episode 8 (SLOVAK)]</ref>
|Spa=El país de Donkey Kong
|SpaM=Donkey Kong's Country
|SpaC=<ref>Donkey Kong Country Forever (June 20, 2020). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZMVPAvpiSs&list=PLwpK-VGAzSVQTFVLMJDiinHrkGytMXjc0&index=1 El país de Donkey Kong S1E1 - Dia Nocivo Para El Pelo <nowiki>[HD de pantalla panorámica]</nowiki>]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved November 9, 2024.</ref>
}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*In the Japanese dub, the voice actors for Donkey Kong and Candy Kong, Kōichi Yamadera and Mika Kanai, were married to each other during the series' run.
*In the Japanese dub, the voice actors for Donkey Kong and Candy Kong, Kōichi Yamadera and Mika Kanai, were married to each other during the series's run.
*A running gag throughout the series involves Donkey Kong (sometimes with Diddy Kong) constantly crashing into trees.
*The villains in the show are never referred to as [[Kremling]]s, only as "lizards", "gators", and similar terms. However, enemies like [[Kritter]]s and [[Klaptrap]]s are still referred to by their names from the games.
*The villains in the show are never referred to as [[Kremling]]s, only as "lizards", "gators" and similar terms. However, enemies like [[Kritter]]s and [[Klaptrap]]s are still referred to by their names from the games.
*All non-Kremling enemies from the first game ([[Zinger]]s, [[Gnawty|Gnawties]], [[Manky Kong]]s, etc.) are omitted and the Kremlings' military force is mostly simplified to Kritters and Klaptraps (the latter of which is considered ammunition for weapons instead of troops). Other Kremling enemies appear as individualized characters, with the exception of [[Rock Kroc]], which does not appear at all. Additionally, none of the [[Animal Friends]] appear, though three of them were considered. The only character to neither be a Kong nor a Kremling to have a model in the series is [[Polly Roger]], while [[Inka Dinka Doo]] is part of the scenery.
*All non-Kremling enemies from the first game ([[Zinger]]s, [[Gnawty|Gnawties]], [[Manky Kong]]s, etc.) are omitted and the Kremlings' military force is mostly simplified to Kritters and Klaptraps (the latter of which is considered ammunition for weapons instead of troops). [[Rock Kroc]]s additionally do not appear, nor do any of the [[Animal Friends]]. The only character to neither be a Kong nor a Kremling to have a model in the series is [[Polly Roger]], while [[Inka Dinka Doo]] is part of the scenery.
*In multiple episodes, Donkey Kong admits to being a fan of [[King Kong]]; this is ironic considering that {{wp|Universal Studios}} [[List of controversies#Universal Studios|attempted to sue Nintendo]] for a copyright dispute based on the similarities between ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'' and King Kong.
*In multiple episodes, Donkey Kong admits to being a fan of {{wp|King Kong}}; this is ironic considering that {{wp|Universal Studios}} [[List of controversies#Universal Studios|attempted to sue Nintendo]] for a copyright dispute based on the similarities between ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'' and King Kong.
*Though the series is based on the first three ''Donkey Kong Country'' games, its {{wp|Apple TV}} listing background is artwork from ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'', which released a decade after the series ended. As such, the background shows [[Rambi]] and members of the [[Tiki Tak Tribe]], despite them not appearing in the series.<ref name="iTunes" />
*''Donkey Kong Country'' is the most recent television series derived from the ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' franchise, not counting ''[[Donkey Kong Planet]]''.


==References==
==References==
Line 272: Line 314:
==External links==
==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBZNlAa1UKF6GYKmHuyuMktX3nVwuw_aE All full episodes of the show in English] officially uploaded on YouTube, courtesy of [[Nelvana]]'s [https://nelvana.fandom.com/wiki/Retro_Rerun Retro Rerun] channel
*[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBZNlAa1UKF6GYKmHuyuMktX3nVwuw_aE All full episodes of the show in English] officially uploaded on YouTube, courtesy of [[Nelvana]]'s [https://nelvana.fandom.com/wiki/Retro_Rerun Retro Rerun] channel
{{DKC TV}}
{{DKC TV}}
{{TV series and films}}
{{TV series and films}}

Latest revision as of 11:50, November 28, 2024

Donkey Kong Country
Donkey Kong Country Title Screen (TV Show).PNG
General information
Developer(s) Jacques Goldstein
Philippe Percebois
Director(s) Mike Fallows
Seasons 3
Episodes 40
Production
Production company Nelvana
Medialab (season 1-2)
Hong Guang Animation (season 3)
Western International Communications
Runtime 30 minutes
Broadcast
First aired France September 4, 1996[?]
Canada October 17, 1997[?]
USA August 15, 1998[?]
Japan October 1, 1999[?]
Last aired Japan June 30, 2000[?]
USA July 7, 2000[?]
Canada July 7, 2000[?]
“It's the wildest, hairiest, most fur-ocious adventure yet, as the popular Nintendo character swings into his own 3-D animated full-length feature!”
—The first few lines of The Legend of the Crystal Coconut VHS description

Donkey Kong Country is a computer-animated musical television series based on the video game series of the same name. The program first debuted in France on September 4, 1996, on France 2, and then premiered in Canada on Télétoon on September 8, 1997, as a launch program. The English version made its worldwide debut in Canada on Télétoon's English counterpart Teletoon on October 17, 1997, once again as a launch program. The show then began airing in the United States on the Fox Family Channel on August 15, 1998 (occasionally airing on Fox Kids), and the original run finished on July 7, 2000. In Japan, the series began airing with a Japanese dub on TV Tokyo on October 1, 1999, and finished its run on June 30, 2000.[citation needed]

Donkey Kong Country ran for three seasons with forty episodes in total. Like the Super Mario-based television series before it, the show generally followed an episodic format. During the run, however, there were some episodes aired out of order from the original airing, such as "Bad Hair Day" being aired as the third episode in its run in the United States despite airing first in France. While the first two seasons were produced by Medialab, the third season was instead produced by Chinese company Hong Guang and switched to a newer and sleeker style of computer animation, as well as dropping the use of title cards to introduce each episode. Also similar to the earlier Super Mario cartoons, each episode (excluding "Message in a Bottle Show") features one or two original songs based on events in the episode, performed by the cast.

Donkey Kong Country was one of the earliest television series to be entirely computer-animated, similar to the artistic style of the video games. The computer animation style of the series was met with critical acclaim in France and Japan but with mixed reception elsewhere. Despite this, the series has managed to gain a cult following.

Some elements of the series would go on to appear in later Donkey Kong video games such as Donkey Kong 64, which was released a year after the show had started airing on ABC Family (Fox Family). There was also a commercial for the Game Boy Color game Donkey Kong Country featuring Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong and Rambi fighting General Klump and Krusha over a giant Game Boy Color, in which all of the characters are depicted with retooled versions of their designs from the series' third season (besides Rambi, who does not appear in the series).

Synopsis[edit]

The show stars Donkey Kong, a gorilla-like Kong living in the jungle who happens to stumble upon a magic orb called the Crystal Coconut in the temple of Inka Dinka Doo. After finding the artifact, Donkey Kong is named the future ruler of Kongo Bongo Island. As he and his friends wait for the day when the Crystal Coconut will proclaim him the ruler of the island, they strive to keep it safe from the clutches of the villainous King K. Rool and his minions, who desire the coconut so that K. Rool may conquer the island using its power.

Cast[edit]

The Kong family in the "To the Moon Baboon" episode of the Donkey Kong Country television series.
The cast of the main Kongs. Clockwise from the top left: Funky Kong, Donkey Kong, Bluster Kong, Candy Kong, Cranky Kong, Diddy Kong, and Dixie Kong.
The Kongo Bongo Festival of Lights
Kaptain Skurvy (center), one of the main antagonists of the show, with his crew mates Green Kroc (left) and Kutlass (right)

The series features almost all of the Kongs from Donkey Kong Country and Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, the exceptions being Swanky Kong and Wrinkly Kong. However, the show also features several original characters that do not appear in the games, such as Eddie the Mean Old Yeti, Kaptain Skurvy and his crew, and Bluster Kong.

English voice actors[edit]

Japanese voice actors[edit]

Episodes[edit]

Two conflicting season numbering schemes exist for the show. Nelvana considers the show to have three "cycles" (13x13x14),[2] and this is the numbering used for the show's release on services such as Pluto TV and Tubi. The show's official DVDs and release on iTunes,[3] however, identify two seasons, the first being made up of the 26 Medialab-produced episodes and the second being made up of the 14 Hong Guang-produced episodes. The list below follows the former scheme.

Note that the episodes are listed in production order,[4] which differs from the order of the original North American air dates.[5]

Season 1
  1. "Bad Hair Day"
  2. "Ape Foo Young"
  3. "Booty and the Beast"
  4. "Barrel, Barrel... Who's Got the Barrel"
  5. "Kong for a Day"
  6. "Raiders of the Lost Banana"
  7. "From Zero to Hero"
  8. "Buried Treasure"
  9. "Cranky's Tickle Tonic"
  10. "Get a Life, Don't Save One"
  11. "Orangutango"
  12. "Double Date Trouble"
  13. "The Curse of Kongo Bongo"
Season 2
  1. "Speed"
  2. "Klump's Lumps"
  3. "Bluster's Sale Ape-Stravaganza"
  4. "Legend of the Crystal Coconut"
  5. "Kong Fu"
  6. "I Spy With My Hairy Eye"
  7. "Bug a Boogie"
  8. "Watch the Skies"
  9. "Baby Kong Blues"
  10. "Ape-Nesia"
  11. "The Big Chill Out"
  12. "To the Moon Baboon"
  13. "A Thin Line Between Love & Ape"
Season 3
  1. "Hooray for Holly-Kongo Bongo"
  2. "The Kongo Bongo Festival of Lights"
  3. "Speak No Evil, Dude"
  4. "The Day the Island Stood Still"
  5. "Monkey Seer, Monkey Do"
  6. "Four Weddings and a Coconut"
  7. "Follow That Coconut"
  8. "Vote of Kong-Fidence"
  9. "The Big Switch-a-Roo"
  10. "Hunka Hunka Burnin' Bluster"
  11. "Best of Enemies"
  12. "It's a Wonderful Life"
  13. "Just Kidding"
  14. "Message in a Bottle Show"

Differences from the Donkey Kong Country games[edit]

The Donkey Kong Country television series is different in comparison to its respective video game series. The series uses elements from the first Donkey Kong Country game and Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, though the show differs heavily from the source material. It also introduces elements that were not seen in previous games such as the inclusion of Bluster Kong and Eddie the Mean Old Yeti.

  • None of the musical themes from the games appears; the soundtrack either consists of original music or public domain tracks.
  • Donkey Kong is depicted as bipedal rather than walking on fours.
  • The banana hoard never appears in the series. The Crystal Coconut serves a similar MacGuffin as K. Rool and his minions attempt to steal it in a similar way.
  • Cranky is never stated to be DK's grandfather, with the latter referring to Cranky by his name, rather than a family title. Likewise, the series never states him to be the original Donkey Kong. "Ape Foo Young" depicts a younger Cranky, not resembling any previous youthful appearance of him.
  • Cranky does not have hair on his head and instead, has white eyebrows.
  • Candy Kong looks different from her appearance in the first game, not wearing a pink bikini, but instead a tank-top with shorts, sandals (rather than being barefoot), and having a different hairstyle that is shorter with a headband and orange hair, rather than being blonde and having a bow.
  • Funky Kong has blonde fur rather than brown, wears black goggles instead of sunglasses. He has no necklace.
  • Dixie Kong has a different design than she does in her first appearance. Her fur is brighter to a yellow-like color rather than brown and wears a green blouse with a daisy on it. She also lacks eyelashes and her face shape appears is closer in design to Diddy's; Dixie's face in the games has a different shape from Diddy's. Her beret lacks the Rare logo.
  • Swanky Kong and Wrinkly Kong do not appear.
  • Kremlings are never referred to by name, being generically referred to as "lizards", "gators", and similar terms. Kritters and Klaptraps are properly referred by their names, however.
  • Klaptraps are depicted as bipedal, rather than on fours like an actual crocodilian. They are also depicted as ammo, being shot from guns; Klaptraps and similar entities walk on the ground and are not shot. They also have a habit of eating, which aside from their biting attacks, is a trait that did not happen in prior games.
  • Not all Kremlings are part of K. Rool's group, with Kaptain Skurvy and his two minions being separate from the group and being occasional enemies of K. Rool, rather than allies.
  • No other enemies appear such as Gnawties or Neckies.
  • The Animal Friends are absent.
  • Donkey Kong Island is named Kongo Bongo Island or simply, Kongo Bongo.
  • The series has various locations that are vaguely inspired by the ones in the first game.
  • The Gangplank Galleon never appears in the series, with K. Rool lacking a pirate motif. Kaptain Skurvy's ship appears to take inspiration from said ship.
  • Cranky's Cabin takes place in a forest and does not resemble the cabin that appears in any previous game.
  • King K. Rool does not wear a gold chestplate and has a regular chest, similar to his later appearances. Neither one of his eyes are bloodshot by default, although they do enlarge depending on his emotions and become bloodshot in "Ape Foo Young". He also has no tail.

Donkey Kong Planet[edit]

Main article: Donkey Kong Planet

In addition to the animated series, Donkey Kong hosted on France 2 Donkey Kong Planet (also known as La planète de Donkey Kong, DKTV, and DKTV.cool), which was a mix of children's programming and original content featuring part of the cast of the Donkey Kong Country series. The original segments featured Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, and Candy Kong performing musical numbers, parodies of contemporary movies and television shows, and comedic sketches. It debuted on September 4, 1996, the same day the Donkey Kong Country TV series premiered, and the block continued its run on the channel until September 1, 2001.

Production[edit]

“What could be more hip than turning the most popular 3-D game into a computer-animated series? Not only did "Donkey Kong" have a ready-made audience, but the lovable chimp lived in a cool place we'd all like to escape to- the jungle.”
—Computer Animation: A Whole New World

Donkey Kong Country was the first full-length television series to be primarily animated using motion capture,[6] using Medialab's proprietary technology which allowed the animators to see the performance play out in real time.[7] Due to this attribute, the company prefered to use the term "Performance Animation" to refer to the animation style of the show.[8] This caused controversy when the show was rejected for an Emmy Award nomination, the reasoning being that the TV academy did not consider the then-new motion capture technique to be a form of animation.[9]

After writers finalized the characters' roles and personalities, artist Phil Mendez worked on the concept sketches, taking care to keep the characters' appearance simple and geometric to make them easy to convert into three-dimensional models.[10] The 3D modellers grouped characters with similar bodies into "families" and used the Alias/Wavefront modeling software to build the digital skeletons, using the "families" as a base to create the individual model.[11] Characters' heads were modeled in clay and then digitized.[12]

Though groundbreaking, the use of motion capture came with many challenges. As the models had to work for both live motion capture and traditional keyframe-based animation, Medialab had to optimize the models to keep the polygon count low.[13] Writer Simon Racioppa explained that due to the format's limitation, the series bible heavily discouraged new locations and characters, and characters could not be animated picking up objects (although them holding objects was possible). Animating water was also considered "next to impossible".[14] Speaking of the differences between Donkey Kong Country and ReBoot, a 3D animated series that did not employ motion capture, producer Maia Tubiana explained that making the models required "experimentation, discipline, and the ability to live with a few compromises", an example being having to shorten King K. Rool's cape to not interfere with the animation.[15]

According to a post on a fan page by Nelvana writer Erika Strobel, Medialab had originally obtained the rights to create an animated series from Nintendo. After thirteen episodes were written, Medialab asked Nelvana for assistance after firing the original writers (who, according to Strobel, had produced scripts "with racist/sexist jokes and just sooo bad for a kiddie show").[16] As storyboards had already been produced for ten of the original scripts, Nelvana decided to write new stories around these storyboards to save money.[16] The songs, however, were included at the request of Medialab; all of the show's songs, as well as the title theme, were written by Pure West Music.[16][17] Nelvana purchased the rights to the show after Medialab's license lapsed.[16]

Early ideas[edit]

Early reference sketches for production depict multiple concepts that were considered but ultimately unused in the show proper, including the Animal Friends characters Rambi, Expresso, and Winky, a more game-accurate appearance for Candy Kong and a desert-like area for Kongo Bongo Island.

  • Character size chart showing the Animal Friends and a different design for Candy Kong

    Character size chart showing the Animal Friends and a different design for Candy Kong

  • Reference sheet for Donkey Kong and the Kremlings

    Reference sheet for Donkey Kong and the Kremlings

  • Concept art for DK's Tree House

    Concept art for DK's Tree House

  • Partially-covered concept art for Kongo Bongo Island

    Partially-covered concept art for Kongo Bongo Island

Songs[edit]

Main article: List of Donkey Kong Country (television series) songs

In addition to the opening theme, most episodes in the series feature two unique songs each, performed by one or more characters to illustrate certain points in the story.

Theme song lyrics[edit]

Hoo! Hah!
Hoo, hah!
Donkey Kong!

Heeeeyyyyyy, oh! Look out down below!
Here he comes, banana slamma!
Donkey Kong!
Hoo! Hah!
Hoo, hah!
Donkey Kong!
Hoo! Hah!
Hoo, hah!
Donkey Kong!
Heeeeyyyyyy, oh! Look out down below!
Here he comes, banana slamma!
Kongo Bongo's hero!

Heeeeyyyyyy, oh! Donkey Kong, let's go, let's go!
Here he comes, banana slamma!
Hooooo, HAH!

Background music[edit]

It has been requested that this section be rewritten and expanded to include more information. Reason: include which songs each track plays in

The background music used for the songs in the show was taken from a variety of albums.

Tracks Composer(s) Albums
Guava Nectar Paul Koffman
Timothy Foy 		NLV 115 - Sunny Day Sounds Vol. 2
Madcap Monday NLV 126 - Music for Silly Moments
Edsel
Paisley Man NLV 127 - Funkytown
Marching Orders NLV 131 - Clash of the Titans Vol.2
Tiny Czar NLV 141 - Just For Laughs Vol. 4
Three Piece Suit NLV 148 - Peaceful Jazzy Feeling Vol. 2
Haunted Funhouse NLV 151 - Big Top Adventure
House Of Frights
Meditation Fire NLV 155 - Global Bazaar
Jump In NLV 165 - Techno Town
Techno Cowboy NLV 166 - Cowboy Camp
Quick Con NLV 169 - Spy vs Spy
Hover Car
Helicopter Heist
Sneakers
The Line Up
Ragtag Chase

Staff[edit]

Main article: List of Donkey Kong Country (television series) staff

Donkey Kong Country was produced by Nelvana. It was co-produced with Medialab for the first two seasons and with Hong Guang Animation for the third season. The first two seasons were animated by Medialab and the third by an uncredited CGCG Inc.[18]. The soundtrack of the series was composed by the music production company Pure West.

Gallery[edit]

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Donkey Kong Country (television series).
  • The title screen.

    The title screen.

  • Title card of Bad Hair Day.

    Title card of Bad Hair Day.

  • The main characters of the series.

    The main characters of the series.

Releases and other merchandise[edit]

The Donkey Kong Country show is available on iTunes.

Four episodes were released together in North America on a VHS cassette titled Donkey Kong Country: The Legend of the Crystal Coconut. Said episodes were edited together to make them seem like one continuous storyline. However, these episodes were not put together in the proper order; for example, a flashback shown in the third episode actually happened in the fourth episode of the tape. It was released in Canada by Seville Pictures and Nelvana themselves, while in the United States, it was released by Paramount Home Entertainment. Advertisements and the videotape's packaging neglected to mention the program the episodes originated from, with it instead marketed as a standalone film (leading to some confusion among newer viewers of certain content, such as Eddie the Mean Old Yeti's brief appearance in "Ape-Nesia").

The DVDs Donkey Kong Country Vol.1 (released in Australia) and Donkey Kong Country - Bad Hair Day (released in the United Kingdom) feature several episodes of the series. Two other Australian DVDs, Donkey Kong Country: Hooray for Holly Kongo Bongo and Donkey Kong Country: The Kongo Bongo Festival of Lights, each only feature one episode. Three years after the release of the previous DVDs, an additional DVD titled I Spy With My Hairy Eye was released in England. There have been over 30 Donkey Kong Country DVD releases. Starting in 2013, Phase 4 Films, under its Kaboom! Entertainment label, began releasing the series on DVD in North America. On May 12, 2015, the company released the first season of 26 episodes in a 3-disc set. Nelvana once had the entire series available for free streaming on its official YouTube channel until it was turned into the official Wayside channel.

The series had a large line of merchandise in Japan, including a collectible card game by Nintendo and Ahomaro Games. A subsequent release of the card game featured characters and gimmicks based on Donkey Kong 64. The television series took over the TV Tokyo Friday 6:30 PM timeslot from Gokudo, and was later replaced by Hamtaro. As with most programs in Japan, the series has received home releases through rental tapes.

  • Japanese Rental Volume 2

    Japanese Rental Volume 2

  • Japanese Rental Volume 5

    Japanese Rental Volume 5

  • Japanese Rental Volume 6

    Japanese Rental Volume 6

  • Japanese Rental Volume 7

    Japanese Rental Volume 7

  • Japanese Rental Volume 8

    Japanese Rental Volume 8

  • Japanese Rental Volume 9

    Japanese Rental Volume 9

  • Japanese Rental Volume 10

    Japanese Rental Volume 10

  • Japanese Rental Volume 13

    Japanese Rental Volume 13

DVDs and one VHS were also released:

  • DKC Legend of the Crystal Coconut VHS.jpg
  • DKC Complete First Season DVD.jpg
  • DKC Raiders of the Lost Banana DVD.jpg
  • DKC He Came, He Saw, He Kong-quered DVD.jpg

The television series also received a dedicated two volume manga, Uho'uho Daishizen Gag: Donkey Kong. It was serialized in the Shogakukan's CoroCoro Comics in 2000 to 2001.

References in later media[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ドンキーコング[20]
Donkī Kongu 		Donkey Kong
Dutch Donkey Kong Country[21] -
French Donkey Kong[22] Donkey Kong
German Donkey Kongs Abenteuer[23] Donkey Kong's Adventure
Greek Ντόνκυ Κονγκ[24]
Dónki Konng 		Donkey Kong
Italian Donkey Kong Country[?] -
Korean 동키콩[25]
Dongki Kong 		Donkey Kong
Portuguese Donkey Kong Country[26] -
Slovak Gorila v červenej kravate[27] Gorilla in a red tie
Spanish El país de Donkey Kong[28] Donkey Kong's Country

Trivia[edit]

  • In the Japanese dub, the voice actors for Donkey Kong and Candy Kong, Kōichi Yamadera and Mika Kanai, were married to each other during the series's run.
  • The villains in the show are never referred to as Kremlings, only as "lizards", "gators", and similar terms. However, enemies like Kritters and Klaptraps are still referred to by their names from the games.
  • All non-Kremling enemies from the first game (Zingers, Gnawties, Manky Kongs, etc.) are omitted and the Kremlings' military force is mostly simplified to Kritters and Klaptraps (the latter of which is considered ammunition for weapons instead of troops). Other Kremling enemies appear as individualized characters, with the exception of Rock Kroc, which does not appear at all. Additionally, none of the Animal Friends appear, though three of them were considered. The only character to neither be a Kong nor a Kremling to have a model in the series is Polly Roger, while Inka Dinka Doo is part of the scenery.
  • In multiple episodes, Donkey Kong admits to being a fan of King Kong; this is ironic considering that Universal Studios attempted to sue Nintendo for a copyright dispute based on the similarities between Donkey Kong and King Kong.
  • Though the series is based on the first three Donkey Kong Country games, its Apple TV listing background is artwork from Donkey Kong Country Returns, which released a decade after the series ended. As such, the background shows Rambi and members of the Tiki Tak Tribe, despite them not appearing in the series.[3]

References[edit]

  1. ^ https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/3fdfac_72b9d6c25c3940f8b3244bdea8528dd5.pdf
  2. ^ "Episodes : Donkey Kong Country" on Nelvana's official website circa 2006. Retrieved Sunday, June 26, 2021
  3. ^ a b Donkey Kong Country. iTunes. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  4. ^ Donkey Kong Country on Amazon Video
  5. ^ http://epguides.com/DonkeyKongCountry/
  6. ^ Ron Fischer, The History and Current State of motion capture. Motion Capture Society. Retrieved October 8, 2015
  7. ^ Legrand, Fabienne (November 11, 2011). L'aventure Donkey Kong chez Medialab. YouTube. Retrieved January 25, 2016
  8. ^ Computer Animation: A Whole New World (1998, Rockport Publishers). "Medialab Donkey Kong Country". p. 88
  9. ^ Solomon, Charles (June 1, 1999). An Emmy Awards Debate: What Makes 'Donkey Kong' Run?. L.A. Times. Retrieved January 25, 2015
  10. ^ Computer Animation: A Whole New World (1998, Rockport Publishers). "Medialab Donkey Kong Country". p. 89
  11. ^ Computer Animation: A Whole New World (1998, Rockport Publishers). "Medialab Donkey Kong Country". p. 91
  12. ^ Computer Animation: A Whole New World (1998, Rockport Publishers). "Medialab Donkey Kong Country". p. 92
  13. ^ Computer Animation: A Whole New World (1998, Rockport Publishers). "Medialab Donkey Kong Country". p. 93`
  14. ^ Matt Paprocki (June 5, 2020) Inside Nintendo’s weird attempts at making movies and TV shows. Polygon. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  15. ^ Computer Animation: A Whole New World (1998, Rockport Publishers). "Medialab Donkey Kong Country". p. 89
  16. ^ a b c d Retrojunk page for Donkey Kong Country (August 5, 2008). Erika Strobel's comment is under the username "canuckgirl1966" (Retrieved April 24, 2016)
  17. ^ Pure West Music's website (information is under the "Credits" tab). Retrieved April 24, 2016.
  18. ^ CGCG Production History. CGCG Inc.. Retrieved July 01, 2016.
  19. ^ Nintendo Life (April 25, 2018). Weird Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Switch TV Show Easter Egg. YouTube. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  20. ^ Japancommercials4U2 (March 6, 2009). Donkey Kong Country TV Show Japanese Opening. YouTube.
  21. ^ Donkey Kong Country Dutch Dub - Bad Hair Day, Kong for a Day, Barrel, Barrel... Who's Got the Barrel
  22. ^ Japancommercials4U2 (March 6, 2009). Donkey Kong Country TV Show French Intro. YouTube.
  23. ^ Donkey Kong Country Forever (September 3, 2020). Donkey Kong Country Deutsch S2E1 - Der Große Film [HD-Breitbild]. YouTube. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  24. ^ Ντόνκυ Κονγκ - Η εξαφάνιση της κρυστάλλινης καρύδας
  25. ^ 레오. (January 1, 2020). (고화질) 동키콩 OP. YouTube. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  26. ^ Donkey Kong Country - Um Dia Ruim
  27. ^ Donkey Kong Country - Season 2 Episode 8 (SLOVAK)
  28. ^ Donkey Kong Country Forever (June 20, 2020). El país de Donkey Kong S1E1 - Dia Nocivo Para El Pelo [HD de pantalla panorámica]. YouTube. Retrieved November 9, 2024.

External links[edit]

[Edit]
Donkey Kong Country TV series
Characters Baby Kong • Bluster Kong (Leo Luster) • Candy Clone • Candy Kong • Cranky Kong (Young) • Diddy Kong • Dixie Kong • Donkey Kong (Robot) • Eddie the Mean Old Yeti • Funky Kong • General Klump • Green Kroc • Inka Dinka Doo • Jr. Klap Trap • Kaptain Skurvy • King K. Rool • Kong Fu • Krusha • Kutlass • Polly Roger
Locations Bluster Barrelworks • Cranky's Cabin • DK's Tree House • Forbidden Forest • Funky's Flights • Inka Dinka Doo's Temple • Kongo Bongo Island • Kongo Jungle • White Mountains
Episodes Season 1 Episode 1: "Bad Hair Day" • Episode 2: "Ape Foo Young" • Episode 3: "Booty and the Beast" • Episode 4: "Barrel, Barrel... Who's Got the Barrel" • Episode 5: "Kong for a Day" • Episode 6: "Raiders of the Lost Banana" • Episode 7: "From Zero to Hero" • Episode 8: "Buried Treasure" • Episode 9: "Cranky's Tickle Tonic" • Episode 10: "Get a Life, Don't Save One" • Episode 11: "Orangutango" • Episode 12: "Double Date Trouble" • Episode 13: "The Curse of Kongo Bongo"
Season 2 Episode 1: "Speed" • Episode 2: "Klump's Lumps" • Episode 3: "Bluster's Sale Ape-Stravaganza" • Episode 4: "Legend of the Crystal Coconut" • Episode 5: "Kong Fu" • Episode 6: "I Spy With My Hairy Eye" • Episode 7: "Bug a Boogie" • Episode 8: "Watch the Skies" • Episode 9: "Baby Kong Blues" • Episode 10: "Ape-Nesia" • Episode 11: "The Big Chill Out" • Episode 12: "To the Moon Baboon" • Episode 13: "A Thin Line Between Love & Ape"
Season 3 Episode 1: "Hooray for Holly-Kongo Bongo" • Episode 2: "The Kongo Bongo Festival of Lights" • Episode 3: "Speak No Evil, Dude" • Episode 4: "The Day the Island Stood Still" • Episode 5: "Monkey Seer, Monkey Do" • Episode 6: "Four Weddings and a Coconut" • Episode 7: "Follow That Coconut" • Episode 8: "Vote of Kong-Fidence" • Episode 9: "The Big Switch-a-Roo" • Episode 10: "Hunka Hunka Burnin' Bluster" • Episode 11: "Best of Enemies" • Episode 12: "It's a Wonderful Life" • Episode 13: "Just Kidding" • Episode 14: "Message in a Bottle Show"
Items and objects Banana • Banana Flip • Barrel • Barrelcopter • Coconut Chill • Curse of the Double Doubloon • Crystal Coconut • Golden Banana • Kaptain Skurvy's ship • Klap-Blaster • Kongo Bongo Gone Wrongo • Plane • Tin Banana Tu
Miscellaneous Annual Donkey Kong Challenge • Gallery • Quotes • Songs • Staff • Trading card gallery • Uho'uho Daishizen Gag: Donkey Kong
[Edit]
Television series, films, and videos
Animated TV series Saturday Supercade (1983) • Les Trésors de Super Mario (1989) • Captain N: The Game Master (1989) • The Legend of Zelda (1989) • The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990) • Super Mario World (1991) • Captain N & The Video Game Masters (1993) • Mario All Stars (1994) • Donkey Kong Country (1996)
Televised live action / mixed format The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! (1989) • Mario Ice Capades (1989) • King Koopa's Kool Kartoons (1989) • Club Mario (1990) • The Super Mario Challenge (1990) • Super Mario Club (1990) • Super Mario Stadium (1993) • 64 Mario Stadium (1996) • Donkey Kong Planet (1996) • Mario School (2000)
Films Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyūshutsu Dai Sakusen! (1986) • The Wizard (1989) • Super Mario Bros. (1993) • Pixels (2015) • The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) • Untitled The Super Mario Bros. Movie follow-up (2026)
OVAs / Straight-to-video Mario no Daibōken (1986) • Amada Anime Series: Super Mario Bros. (1989) (Super Mario Momotarō · Super Mario Issun-bōshi · Super Mario Shirayuki-hime) • Super Mario no Kōtsū Anzen (1989) • Super Mario no Shōbōtai (1989) • Super Mario World: Mario to Yoshi no Bōken Land (1991) • Super Mario: ABC no Uta Video (1992) • Mario Kirby Meisaku Video (1993)
Web videos "Finding Luigi - Legend of Parkour" (2013) • "Five Games With Spooky Levels to Play in the Dark" (2014) • The Cat Mario Show (2014) • Mario Kart 8 From the Pit (2014) • "Nintendo - Winter Wonderland Levels" (2014) • "DIY With Nintendo: Boo Cookie Pops" • "Nintendo eShop - Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars Level Creation" (2015) • "Mario Myths with Mr Miyamoto" (2015) • Yoshi's Woolly World: Adventure Guide (2015) • "Celebrate Mar. 10 - Mario Day!" (2016) • "Luigi Runs the Nintendo 2DS Factory for a Day" (2016) • Mario Reads Your Letters (2017) • "Nintendo Switch Parental Controls - Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017 Trailer" (2017) • Frizzy's Silly amiibo Theater (2018) • "5 Games With Spooky Levels to Play on Halloween!" (2018) • Guess That Game (2020) (Episode 1 · Episode 2 · Episode 3 · Episode 4 · Episode 6 · Episode 8) • 5-Second Focus (2020) (Ep. 1 · Ep. 2 · Ep. 4 · Ep. 7 · Ep. 8 · Ep. 9 · Ep. 10) • 60-Byō Challenge! Luigi o Sukue!! (2020) • Know Your Nintendo (2020) (Episode 1 · Episode 2 · Episode 3 · Episode 4 · Episode 6 · Episode 9 · Episode 10) • LEGO Super Mario Adventure Zone (2021) • Baddies & Battles (2022) (Ep 1 · Ep 2 · Ep 3 · Ep 4 · Compilation) • Fun Lists! Lists! Lists! (2022) (Top 10 Reasons to Play My Game! · 5 Funny Games! · 5 Characters = 5 Fun Choices · Princess Peach Power · Laugh Till You Pop · 10 Power-Ups! · Get Them Goombas! · Epic Mario Kart Takedowns Compilation · Mario Kart Items to Put Your Bro on Blast · 5 Minigames in Mario Party Superstars That Are Really Cool) • "Mario and Friends" (2022) • Meet the Characters! (2022) (Episode 1 · Episode 3 · Episode 5 · Episode 6 · Episode 7 · Episode 8 · Episode 9 · Episode 10 · Compilation 1 · Compilation 2) • Stuff on Nintendo Switch (2022) • "This Is My Nintendo Jam!" (2023) • Get to Know Mushroom Kingdom Characters (2023) • Super Mario Maker 2 Challenges! (2023) (Ep 1 · Ep 2 · Ep 3) • Which Nintendo character are you (2023)
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