Wolf Rock TV (partially found ABC DiC animated series; 1984): Difference between revisions

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{{InfoboxLost
{{InfoboxLost
|title = <center>Wolf Rock TV</center>
|title=<center>Wolf Rock TV</center>
|image = wolfrocktvb.jpg
|image=wolf rock tv color book.JPG
|imagecaption=Wolfman Jack, the title character, and sidekick parrot Bopper
|imagecaption=Wolfman Jack, the title character, and his gang, on a rare color/activity book.
|status = <span style="color:orange;">'''Partially Found'''</span>
|status=<span style="color:orange;">'''Partially Found'''</span>
}}
}}
'''''Wolf Rock TV''''' was an animated series produced by Dick Clark and originally broadcast in 1984 on ABC.
'''''Wolf Rock TV''''' was an animated series produced by Dick Clark and originally broadcast in 1984 on ABC, with originally 13 episodes planned to air.<ref>[http://www.toonarific.com/show.php?show_id=3965 A Toonarific page on ''Wolf Rock TV''.] Retrieved 03 Jul '14</ref>


It starred famed radio DJ "Wolfman Jack" (real name: Robert Weston Smith) as a fictionalized cartoon version of himself.
It starred famed radio DJ "Wolfman Jack" (real name: Robert Weston Smith) as a fictionalized cartoon version of himself.


==Plot==
==Plot==
In the show, he would host a rock music TV program with three teenagers, Sarah, Sunny, and Ricardo, while playing some real live action music videos. A parrot named Bopper also appeared as their pet (and likely comic relief). They had a manager, Mr. Morris, who would show dislike towards the kind of music Jack showcases.
In the show, Wolfman Jack would host a rock music TV program with three teenagers, Sarah, Sunny, and Ricardo, while playing some real live-action music videos. A parrot named Bopper also appeared as their pet (and likely comic relief). They had a manager, Mr. Morris, who would show dislike towards the kind of music Jack showcases.


A segment was ''Wolf Rock News'' and another was ''The Rock N' Roll Museum'' with live-action interviews. 
A segment was ''Wolf Rock News'' and another was ''The Rock N' Roll Museum'' with live-action interviews. 


==Episodes==
==Episodes==
Only seven episodes were aired before it was cancelled as it received bad ratings. These episodes include:
Only seven episodes were aired before it was cancelled as it received bad ratings. According to a listing in the 1998 International Television Almanac, thirteen episodes of the show had been produced, though it's unknown if the remaining six were ever publically shown at any point.
*1- "The Video Nappers"
*2- "Bad News Birds"
*3- "Bopper Goes Ape"
*4- "The Nerds Who Fell to Earth"
*5- "No Time for Sarge"
*6- "Rockin' Robot"
*7- "Wolfman's Granny"


It is likely more episodes were already produced beforehand (probably around 13), but no information has surfaced to confirm this.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! style="background-color:lightblue" | #
! style="background-color:lightblue" | Short Title
! style="background-color:lightblue" | Status
|-
|1
|The Video Rappers
|<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
|-
|2
|Bad News Birds
|<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
|-
|3
|Bopper Goes Ape
|<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
|-
|4
|The Nerds Who Fell to Earth
|<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
|-
|5
|No Time for Sarge
|<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
|-
|6
|Rockin' Robot
|<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
|-
|7
|Wolfman's Granny
|<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
|-
|8
|Unknown title
|<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
|-
|9
|Unknown title
|<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
|-
|10
|Unknown title
|<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
|-
|11
|Unknown title
|<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
|-
|12
|Unknown title
|<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
|-
|13
|Unknown title
|<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
|}


==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==
Line 33: Line 83:
Several animation cels have popped out on websites such as eBay or The Deep Archives. At least one of them has come out from the Van Eaton Galleries, in California.
Several animation cels have popped out on websites such as eBay or The Deep Archives. At least one of them has come out from the Van Eaton Galleries, in California.


Some merchandise from the time, such as stickers, coloring books, and watches have also been noticed.
Some merchandise from the time, such as stickers, coloring books, and watches have also resurfaced on auction sites.


In a 2013 Dragon Con interview, famous voice actor Maurice LaMarche revealed that he did voice work for one episode of ''Wolf Rock TV'', but didn't give more information on the subject.
In a 2013 Dragon Con interview, famous voice actor Maurice LaMarche revealed that he did voice work for one episode of ''Wolf Rock TV'', but didn't give more information on the subject.<ref> [http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/news/Maurice-LaMarche-Dragon-Con-Interview/ Behind the Voice Actors interview with Maurice LaMarche which mentions his voice acting work on the show.] Retrieved 27 Dec '16</ref>


==Preview footage==
==Footage/Audio==
A VHS recording of ABC's ''Saturday Morning Preview Park'' (dated September 7th, 1984) has surfaced on YouTube, starring "Weird Al" Yankovic with two actors in full-body suits impersonating Scrappy-Doo and Scooby-Doo. The three characters are at the "Knott's Berry Farm" theme park while talking about three upcoming animated series: ''Turbo Teen'', ''Dragon's Lair'' and ''Wolf Rock TV''. A very short preview of each is given at first and then Yankovic, accompanied by the dogs, visits a ride that is theme-related to the cartoon (bumper cars for ''Turbo Teen'' and a cave that hides a fire-breathing dragon for ''Dragon's Lair'') while more details about each show are given. However, the available VHS recording stops while the "dragon cave" skit ends, and the uploader claims this is the only part he has.
A VHS recording of ABC's ''Saturday Morning Preview Park'' (dated September 7th, 1984) has surfaced on YouTube, starring "Weird Al" Yankovic with two actors in full-body suits impersonating Scrappy-Doo and Scooby-Doo. The three characters are at the "Knott's Berry Farm" theme park while talking about three upcoming animated series: ''Turbo Teen'', ''Dragon's Lair'' and ''Wolf Rock TV''. A very short preview of each is given at first and then Yankovic, accompanied by the dogs, visits a ride that is theme-related to the cartoon (bumper cars for ''Turbo Teen'' and a cave that hides a fire-breathing dragon for ''Dragon's Lair'') while more details about each show are given. However, the available VHS recording stops while the "dragon cave" skit ends, and the uploader claims this is the only part he has.


The short preview of Wolf Rock TV shows a dancing young man, Wolfman Jack in an extreme close-up and Hopper breakdancing and described by the voice-over as ''"hip-talking and moondancing"  ''with no mention of the other characters.
The short preview of Wolf Rock TV shows a dancing young man, Wolfman Jack in an extreme close-up and Bopper breakdancing and described by the voice-over as ''"hip-talking and moondancing"  ''with no mention of the other characters.


In January 2017, Lost Media Wiki user [http://lostmediawiki.com/User:Cyber_Bishop Cyber Bishop] got his hands on a 30-year-old cassette tape that contains a recording of the cartoon's theme song.
In January 2017, Lost Media Wiki user [http://lostmediawiki.com/User:Cyber_Bishop Cyber Bishop] got his hands on a 30-year-old cassette tape that contains a recording of ''Wolf Rock TV'''s theme song. Despite the tape's age, Cyber Bishop has managed to record the audio from the tape and has subsequently uploaded it to YouTube.
 
Despite the tape's age, Cyber Bishop has managed to record the audio from the tape and has subsequently uploaded it to YouTube. Many thanks to him!


==Videos==
==Videos==
Line 57: Line 105:
==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery mode=packed heights=125px>
<gallery mode=packed heights=125px>
File:wolfman and bopper.gif|A promotional image of Wolfman Jack with Bopper.
File:wolf rock tv.jpg|A promotional image showing the main cast.
File:wolfrocktvb.jpg|Wolfman Jack with Bopper.
File:wolf rock tv cel.jpeg|An animation cel from the series, showing Bopper and Wolfman Jack.
File:wolf rock tv cel.jpeg|An animation cel from the series, showing Bopper and Wolfman Jack.
File:wolf rock b.jpg|A cel showing the main characters.
File:wolf rock b.jpg|A cel showing the main characters.
File:Wolf_rock_tv_soup.jpg|A cel showing Wolfman Jack.
File:Wolf_rock_tv_bopper_tapes.jpg|A cel showing Wolfman Jack and Bopper near Betamax tapes.
File:wolfrocktv friends.jpg|A cel showing several of the characters.
File:wolfrocktv friends.jpg|A cel showing several of the characters.
File:Wolf Rock TV New York.jpg|A cel showing a scene seemingly happening at the Statue of Liberty.
File:Wolf Rock TV New York.jpg|A cel showing a scene seemingly happening at the Statue of Liberty.
Line 67: Line 120:
File:Wolf_rock_tv_parrots_cameras.jpg|Another cel showing these parrots.
File:Wolf_rock_tv_parrots_cameras.jpg|Another cel showing these parrots.
File:Wolf Rock TV bird.jpg|Another cel of Bopper, possibly from the episode "Bad News Birds".
File:Wolf Rock TV bird.jpg|Another cel of Bopper, possibly from the episode "Bad News Birds".
File:wolfman and bopper.gif|A promotional image of Wolfman Jack with Bopper.
File:wolf rock tv.jpg|A promotional image showing the main cast.
File:wolf sticker.jpg|A very rare sticker album.
File:wolf sticker.jpg|A very rare sticker album.
File:Wolf_rock_sheet.jpg|Closer look at the sticker panel.
File:Wolf_rock_sheet.jpg|Closer look at the sticker panel.
Line 74: Line 125:
File:Wolf_rock_stickers.jpg|Closer look at the stickers.
File:Wolf_rock_stickers.jpg|Closer look at the stickers.
File:Wolf_rock_sticker_album.jpg|Front of the sticker album. The inside pages are blank.
File:Wolf_rock_sticker_album.jpg|Front of the sticker album. The inside pages are blank.
File:wolf rock tv color book.JPG|A rare color/activity book.
File:abc saturday morning.jpg|Illustrated preview for Saturday Morning Preview Park, including "Wolf Rock TV".
File:abc saturday morning.jpg|Illustrated preview for Saturday Morning Preview Park, including "Wolf Rock TV".
File:abc saturday morning ad.jpg|Another magazine ad.
File:abc saturday morning ad.jpg|Another magazine ad.
Line 80: Line 130:
File:Wolf Watch.jpg|A rare watch.
File:Wolf Watch.jpg|A rare watch.
File:Wolf_rock_watch.JPG|Closeup on the watch.
File:Wolf_rock_watch.JPG|Closeup on the watch.
File:Wolf_rock_tv_glasses.jpg|Rare glasses.
File:Wolf Rock TV Bag.jpg|A rare carry bag.
File:Wolf Rock TV Bag.jpg|A rare carry bag.
File:wolfrocktv weird.jpg|Screencap of a VHS recording preview of the show - live-action part.
File:wolfrocktv weird.jpg|Screencap of a VHS recording preview of the show - live-action part.
Line 89: Line 140:
File:wolfrocktv bopper mon.jpg|Screencap of a VHS recording preview of the show - Bopper breakdancing.
File:wolfrocktv bopper mon.jpg|Screencap of a VHS recording preview of the show - Bopper breakdancing.
</gallery>
</gallery>
==External Link==
*[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Annuals/Archive-International-Television-Almanac-IDX/IDX/90s/International-Television-Almanac-1998-OCR-Page-0075.pdf International Television Almanac listing, under ''Wolfrock TV''.] Retrieved 27 Nov '19
==References==
==References==
*http://www.toonarific.com/show.php?show_id=3965
{{reflist}}
*[http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/news/Maurice-LaMarche-Dragon-Con-Interview/ Maurice LaMarche mentioning his voice acting work in the show]


[[Category:Lost animation]]
[[Category:Lost animation]]
[[Category:Lost TV]]
[[Category:Lost TV]]
[[Category:Partially found media]]
[[Category:Partially found media]]

Revision as of 22:32, 6 February 2021

Wolf rock tv color book.JPG

Wolfman Jack, the title character, and his gang, on a rare color/activity book.

Status: Partially Found

Wolf Rock TV was an animated series produced by Dick Clark and originally broadcast in 1984 on ABC, with originally 13 episodes planned to air.[1]

It starred famed radio DJ "Wolfman Jack" (real name: Robert Weston Smith) as a fictionalized cartoon version of himself.

Plot

In the show, Wolfman Jack would host a rock music TV program with three teenagers, Sarah, Sunny, and Ricardo, while playing some real live-action music videos. A parrot named Bopper also appeared as their pet (and likely comic relief). They had a manager, Mr. Morris, who would show dislike towards the kind of music Jack showcases.

A segment was Wolf Rock News and another was The Rock N' Roll Museum with live-action interviews. 

Episodes

Only seven episodes were aired before it was cancelled as it received bad ratings. According to a listing in the 1998 International Television Almanac, thirteen episodes of the show had been produced, though it's unknown if the remaining six were ever publically shown at any point.

# Short Title Status
1 The Video Rappers Lost
2 Bad News Birds Lost
3 Bopper Goes Ape Lost
4 The Nerds Who Fell to Earth Lost
5 No Time for Sarge Lost
6 Rockin' Robot Lost
7 Wolfman's Granny Lost
8 Unknown title Lost
9 Unknown title Lost
10 Unknown title Lost
11 Unknown title Lost
12 Unknown title Lost
13 Unknown title Lost

Aftermath

The series was reaired in 1989 with the other animated series Kidd Video (also music-themed, featuring teen heroes and live-action music videos) in a segment known as "The Wolf Rock Power Hour". While Kidd Video’s episodes survive on unlicensed VHS recordings, there are no known viewable copies of full Wolf Rock TV episodes.

It is very unlikely that the series would ever come out on DVD, due to the great number of music/music videos used in the episodes that would be very expensive to license (the same problem that happened with Kidd Video).

Several animation cels have popped out on websites such as eBay or The Deep Archives. At least one of them has come out from the Van Eaton Galleries, in California.

Some merchandise from the time, such as stickers, coloring books, and watches have also resurfaced on auction sites.

In a 2013 Dragon Con interview, famous voice actor Maurice LaMarche revealed that he did voice work for one episode of Wolf Rock TV, but didn't give more information on the subject.[2]

Footage/Audio

A VHS recording of ABC's Saturday Morning Preview Park (dated September 7th, 1984) has surfaced on YouTube, starring "Weird Al" Yankovic with two actors in full-body suits impersonating Scrappy-Doo and Scooby-Doo. The three characters are at the "Knott's Berry Farm" theme park while talking about three upcoming animated series: Turbo Teen, Dragon's Lair and Wolf Rock TV. A very short preview of each is given at first and then Yankovic, accompanied by the dogs, visits a ride that is theme-related to the cartoon (bumper cars for Turbo Teen and a cave that hides a fire-breathing dragon for Dragon's Lair) while more details about each show are given. However, the available VHS recording stops while the "dragon cave" skit ends, and the uploader claims this is the only part he has.

The short preview of Wolf Rock TV shows a dancing young man, Wolfman Jack in an extreme close-up and Bopper breakdancing and described by the voice-over as "hip-talking and moondancing"  with no mention of the other characters.

In January 2017, Lost Media Wiki user Cyber Bishop got his hands on a 30-year-old cassette tape that contains a recording of Wolf Rock TV's theme song. Despite the tape's age, Cyber Bishop has managed to record the audio from the tape and has subsequently uploaded it to YouTube.

Videos

A short preview of Wolf Rock TV at 1:14.

Theme song from a tape.

Gallery

External Link

References