While none of them are up there with the very best of Scooby Doo, the six specials are very enjoyable diversions and are more than likely to please die-hard fans.
'Scooby Doo! Spooky Scarecrow' is not one of the best of the specials, but it is very fun stuff and succeeds also in having a spooky atmosphere. It is let down somewhat by its lack of originality, a lot of the story having too much of an over-familiar feeling (having seen episodes from 'What's New Scooby Doo' and 'The New Scooby Doo Movies' that also have scarecrows for villains, and the set-up's not that hugely different here), making it not stand out as much as it could have done.
Other than that, there is not much actually that's wrong. The animation is colourful, atmospheric and beautifully drawn, while the music is groovy with some suitably eerie moments too. 'Spooky Scarecrow' is very funny, sometimes it's goofy but in an endearing sense and the jokes and dialogue are sharp, nimbly timed and always above amusing level. The best of it comes from Shaggy and Scooby, though Fred also has a hilarious moment involving mistaking a guy for a mask.
Despite being over-familiar, 'Spooky Scarecrow' moves quickly and never drags in its short running time, it's always fun, the mystery's diverting enough and the climactic chase between the gang and the villainous scarecrow Cornfield Clem has the right amount of thrills, fun and horror. The identity of the perpetrator is not as surprising as those of some of the other specials, which had more suspects, but Clem was a cool and quite intensely scary (without being at the risk of being too traumatising for children) villain.
The gang carry the story incredibly well, and it was refreshing to see them being treated with respect. Shaggy and Scooby are likable and funny, their friendship amusing, charming and affecting and Fred, Velma (who is a little more likable than she has been in recent years) and Daphne are true to personality. Voice acting is solid.
All in all, over-familiar but well-made, fun and spooky. Recommended. 8/10 Bethany Cox
