Rise of the Mushroom Kingdom - Parts III & IV || VGDC HD LEGACY REMASTER

This video is a Full HD render of the second half of the Rise of the Mushroom Kingdom Flash movie series by Randy Solem, originally uploaded to Newgrounds as two separate parts in 08/04/2004 and 03/14/2005, now seamlessly combined into one video.
The original uploads can be found here:
Part III: www.newgrounds...
Part IV: www.newgrounds...
And there's also a posthumous, video-converted "Disc 2" submission from 2013, which now hosts this remaster instead:
www.newgrounds...
-----
It's 2003, the middle of the golden age of Flash animation. Randy Solem had already been turning heads around Newgrounds.com and beyond with his pixel-based animations for about three years. He was among those pioneering this style of Flash animation, repurposing pixel art assets (or sprites) from 8-bit and 16-bit videogames to make parodies, and it was blowing the minds of many young ones, turning them to art, animation, and sprite editing. Suddenly we could breathe our own life into the videogame characters we all knew and loved, and tell our own stories with them. This changed the landscape of Newgrounds submissions for years to come.
Although others would go on to take this style to new levels before it faded from popularity, the release of Rise of the Mushroom Kingdom in 2003 positioned Randy Solem as the undisputed king of sprite Flash, setting a new bar for quality with its sleek presentation, smooth animation, innovative shot composition, and dramatic story, as well as earning Solem a place among the Newgrounds pantheon of its most recognized Flash animators. Over the next couple years, he went on to release three more parts, each more ambitious than the last.
Randy Solem died suddenly on March 16, 2012, survived by his girlfriend, daughter, and mother, and mourned by his legions of VGDC forum members, as well as artists in the Newgrounds spheres, and many fans who remember his animations fondly.
His legacy remains through his original website domain, his Newgrounds profile, a Facebook memorial group, and an active Discord run by veteran members of the old forums, as well as this UA-cam channel.
VGDC Website:
www.videogamedc...
VGDC Discord:
/ discord
This remaster was carried out by VGDC Forums veteran Neo Link as part of the VGDC Community Legacy Project, with the goal of converting and remastering all of Randy Solem's VGDC Flash movies to HD video for viewing on UA-cam.
The original .SWFs were rendered into HD videos with Swivel and put together in HitFilm Express.
Swivel:
www.newgrounds...
Newgrounds:
www.newgrounds...

[@MageOfDarkness69]

Rest in peace, Randy Solem, a guy who put this as one of the world's top animations. Randy Solem, 1975-2012.

[@AdvanceLAMP]

Rest in Peace Randy. A man who put dedication and love into his animations, and to his family.

[@actionfire4036]

😭😭😭

[@ericklostreloaded]

He was a good guy,if he hadn't died he would be making animations.
The worst part of all,apart of his devasted family,is that Randy Solem missed a lot of good things:like Twitch and the amazing 3Ds,Wii U and Switch titles.
Would you imagine Randy Solem streaming?
In the loving memory of gaming and flash animation,rest pacefully Randy Solem III(1975-2012) we will never forget you

[@robloxzitoo9707]

Mario and lui

[@LITTLE1994]

:(

[@reynery]

Si no
NoLuiji

[@GiuseppeGaetanoSabatelli]

I wish we had a 1UP Mushroom for Randy. 😢

[@ButtersMiiCharacter]

don’t we all with we had a 1-up?

[@alexanderip1003]

You only live once for your eyes only

[@travishough7179]

1UP mushroom isn’t in real life

[@ALLITINJA2022]

Yes, for randy, but this is real life, and we had 1 up mushroom for him

[@themoonrivergalaxy]

I remember being on Newgrounds the day I found out of his passing. I hope his daughter grew up to remember him and see all of his incredible work. What a fantastic storyteller. Thanks for the memories, Randy. May you rest in peace.

[@agenderlesswildeeveeorprot9450]

Almost 20 years old and it looks this good.

[@LITTLE1994]

Yeah, they aged VERY well compared to the other Flash Mario videos made after it.

[@LITTLE1994]

Poor Luigi found that the dream in part 1-2 was a WARNING. Sad he sacrificed himself for saving Mario, though he eventually came back. I remember from 5th grade the music in 10:49, cuz we watched this so often, we used that same song as an intro for a program there. This really put the black sheep Super Mario Bros 2 (Doki Doki Panic) into epic proportions. Randy did awesome work. RIP that creative man...
That part where Mouser gets killed (4:55), that's what happens if two evolved Eeveelutions get the full jump on you. Yeah, another Eevee joke. Lol
And, look closely in 9:28 (pause there) for a cool, hidden easter egg.

[@LITTLE1994]

@Ignacio So, you figured. Yes, I have autism; Aspergers.

[@mohamedhamis853]

He came back thanks to the 1-up.

[@Ninety_Eightxd]

for the old times.
thanks for the pretty and rare childhood Randy. C-:

[@alucard00mx]

Randy wherever you are, thanks for everything.

[@Nathanieltan100]

The ending of this series got me happy tears every time I watched it. PM's Love Theme from Love Actually fits the ending of the series perfectly! It is truly the happy ending of the series! I love the ending and the music so much! That was the time copyrighted music can be used in the 2000s and the early 2010s on UA-cam and Newgrounds until times have changed.
RIP Randy Solem. You're a true genius at making Flash animations with dedication and love. You have inspire many new animators in future generations. Thank you, Randy. We miss you very much.

[@phongsaiyuk]

Randy Solem. Rest in GLORY, LEGEND.

[@Mina_Fox_90]

I watched these flash movies back when they were fairly new at the time, even before when the 4th and final part was finally released to the public that I was waiting for at the time. Sad that the original creator behind these flash videos passed away and that the original website he ran folded.

[@groundtank]

I remember checking his website constantly for updates. The eventual release of episode 4 was monumental.

[@rosskerr1439]

There are so many jokes I didn’t get the first dozen times I watched this. That was mostly a generational thing. But one thing I DO remember is being able to spot Arnie near the end of the cartoon.

[@groundtank]

Legends never die.

[@PikaXRich]

4:41 Finish Him!
4:55 Fatality! 🐭💀
5:02 Mario: Whoa! 😱
5:03 Mario Wins! 🕺😀

[@joshuamiller3701]

5:04 Super Mario Bros 2 Victory Theme

[@joshuamiller3701]

6:05 Donkey Kong Theme m25

[@joshuamiller3701]

0:05 Donkey Kong Country Into

[@joshuamiller3701]

6:32 Super Mario Bros 2 Course Clear

[@BlackLabel-dc9ln]

Came here because I was watching some Mario animations, and I eventually remembered of this series. Till the day, I'll believe this series is worth of an official animated movie. It has a great concept.
Also, rest in peace Randy, we're always proud of your work here. 🖤

[@UrbanGarlic]

so happy these still exist. grew up watching these and got hit hard re-watching them.

[@KuperSpyronicStudios]

7:57 This right here? Aged like fine wine. Godspeed Randy.

[@user-rn4dc2ot4o]

7:57 - Cappy!

[@LITTLE1994]

Sort of, but this is actually taken from the Oddjob hat throw from James Bond.

[@hirotwo2018]

1:57 Spiderman 2 music
11:48 nice catch
12:45 nuke
15:13 RIP Randy Solem 1975-2012

[@oscarsoto8428]

I didn’t know he passed. 😢 Thought he might have gone on to do other things with animation. Can’t begin to describe how much those animations brought me joy, and the idea of making our own stories with video game characters cracked open the imagination.

[@robloxian68]

7:57 randy predicted mario odyssey

[@mevb]

Well, it was meant as a reference/parody on Oddjob from the James Bond franchise. He's a villian with sharp metal edges on his hat, which he used to throw at his victims like a frisbee and because the edges on the brim, were sharp, it would decaitate them.
In Toy Story 2, there's a similiar reference where Mr. Potato Head throws his hat to prevent the doors to street from closing when Buzz and Co go after Al when he's leaving for Japan towards the end.

[@JustAPaperface]

Instant classic, rematered, thanks guys

[@Scout_Master2004]

👏👏👏 I really appreciate this work, I always got to immerse myself in the emotions of the characters, every second was totally worth it 👏👏👏

[@ShonkTeHonktalks]

7:56
Randy predicted Mario Odyssey

[@Sparkbomber]

Sheesh... I remember being so excited when this came out... Hadn't seen it in years, but now it turns out Randy passed away too? Great loss, rip

[@DSpaceConqueror]

this was my childhood right here

[@karwan6385]

Same.

[@LITTLE1994]

Yup.

[@groundtank]

Allow me to add my signature as well.

[@DripKing]

Same

[@abdelali_16]

This made me cry as a kid

[@JoseElErizo5663]

7:57 Bro, He Predicted Mario Odyssey

[@USPBTHEBFDIFANAUTTPATHDTC]

5:41 I thought he was scared but he actually cries in that scene!

[@williamw.2610]

Rest in peace randy

[@joshuarobinson8529]

12:38
Never light flammable pressurized methane (like Wart's farting) on fire if you can't escape the explosion.

[@hanzfantasma8172]

1:08 Anyone have ever noticed that Luigi got a premonition just like the Final Destination series?

[@4K_Asahi]

"Randy Solem may have died but he never stops to help inspire other people for what's right, may the god be with you.."

[@youhaveayds8975]

Rip Randy, thank you

[@alexanderip1003]

Place a *sack of sand where the extra life mushroom once stood
*Reference from Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark

[@aepoth1]

Thank you for helping start the Sprite revolution we all know and love today. You know you made a mark 20 years later people still remember. I saw wart in a video and it reminded me of this classic.
R.I.P Randy.

[@drink.juice.]

watched this at 8 years old.
glad so many others had fond memories of this stuff. newgrounds was that shit

[@MageOfDarkness69]

7:45 "I'm the great Wart! Hahaha!"

[@JosRaider.Z20]

Gracias Randy Salem por este video tan nostaligo, recuerdo que vi esta animación cuando estába pequeño y ahora que tengo 14 años, veo esto y casi lloro, que descanze en Paz Randy Solem.

[@classicknuckles124theanima5]

6:56 Flower: HUH? Kun? Kun is a strange-looking name. Kun is the Goomba's Name. It's always not my favorite character. Accana? Accana is a fan of this video.

[@diegofranco5760]

It’s great to see this old video again and we’re going to miss him.🥲😇

[@kingchris8255]

I didn’t see this animation until just today. Let me say that this is INSANELY well made. It’s a shame that the creator of this masterpiece passed away. May he rest in piece😭 Also, is it just me or do the stars in the sky after the toads blow up Wart’s castle look almost exactly like the nether star from the Wither Storm in Minecraft Story mode?

[@retrotek664]

F*ckin tears me up every time at the end of this. Thanks so much.

[@jaysarutoby569]

This was way better than the Mario movie

[@ericklostreloaded]

The Mario movie was ok,but this flash animation is the proof that you can make the Super Mario series something epic and profund.

[@mariic2]

4:19
This hits differently after Chris Prat was announced as the voice of Mario.

[@suzoanimation]

>
Part 3
“Opening Fanfare” - Donkey Kong Country, David Wise
“Ending Demo” - Super Mario 64, Koji Kondo
“Pain and Retribution” - The Crow, Graeme Revell
“Lacrimosa Dominae” - Immediate, Trailerhead
“Whistle” - Super Mario All Stars: Super Mario Bros. 3, Koji Kondo
“Opening” - Super Mario 64, Koji Kondo
“The Black Gate Opens” - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Howard Shore, James Galway
“Birdo” - Super Mario All Stars: Super Mario Bros. 2, Koji Kondo
“Salt Shaker” - Ying Yang Twins, Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz, Me and My Brother
“World Clear” - Super Mario All Stars: Super Mario Bros. 2, Koji Kondo
“Victory” - Super Mario All Stars: Super Mario Bros. 2, Koji Kondo
Part 4
“Underworld” - Super Mario All Stars: Super Mario Bros. 2, Koji Kondo
“Adagio for Strings, Op. 11” - (composed by) Samuel Barber, (arranged by) Leonard Bernstein, Romantic Favourites for Strings
“Donkey Kong Start” - Donkey Kong, Yukio Kaneoka
“How High Can You Get?” - Donkey Kong, Yukio Kaneoka
“Jumpman Theme 1” - Donkey Kong, Yukio Kaneoka
“Hammer!” - Donkey Kong, Yukio Kaneoka
“The Gods #3” - Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Peter Connelly
“Chants” - Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Peter Connelly
“Lyre #2” - Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Peter Connelly
“Boss Nearby” - Super Mario All Stars: Super Mario Bros. 2, Koji Kondo
“Wart” - Super Mario All Stars: Super Mario Bros. 2, Koji Kondo
“Overworld” - Super Mario All Stars: Super Mario Bros. 2, Koji Kondo
“Subspace” - Super Mario All Stars: Super Mario Bros. 2, Koji Kondo
“Power-Up Fanfare” - Super Mario All Stars: Super Mario Bros. 2, Koji Kondo
“The Gods #1” - Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Peter Connelly
“Action Theme #2” - Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Peter Connelly
“Egyptian Mood #1” - Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Peter Connelly
“Boss #1” - Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Peter Connelly
“Clubbed to Death” - The Matrix, Robert D.
“Action Theme #3” - Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Peter Connelly
“Ending” - Super Mario All Stars: Super Mario Bros. 2, Koji Kondo
“PM’s Love Theme” - Love Actually, Craig Armstrong
This has driven me bananas for 13 years so I did my research, used a lot of Shazam and have found every music source in the series.
This was a major influence that led me to the animation industry today, and wanted to give something back - especially in honour of Randy.
I haven’t timecoded anything or said when they play so the comment isn’t so long, but they are in order of appearance and usually only use a sample (I’ve also left out repeats of the same music used more than once in the list). Feel free to message me if you need any of it clarifying.
This same comment is on Parts 1 and 2 but obviously with the track list for those parts.

[@mevb]

Action Theme #2 is listed twice in the list, with the last one being in-between Clubbed to Death and Ending from Super Mario Bros 2. It must have been some other music as it's not that one when Mario falls towards his death over the spikes before Luigi comes and rescues him.

[@suzoanimation]

You are totally correct! I've amended it - it was Action Theme "3" from the same game. Thanks!

[@mevb]

You missed one music in the list for Part 3: Stage Boss from Super Mario 64, Koji Kondo, after Ending Demo and Pain and Retribution.

[@InsaneKorean77]

I can’t seem to find any uploads of this “Chants” song you mentioned. Also, what the hell is the song that plays when Mario is about to fall on the spikes?

[@suzoanimation]

@@InsaneKorean77 That track is also called "Incidental Mysterious 5" - it became tricky when unofficial soundtracks have inconsistent names - I can't remember where I found it as "Chants", but since this has been added to Spotify.
Likewise "Action Theme 3" can also be "Incidental Action 3", which is when Mario is falling.

[@MarioLuigiBillyFan]

12:36 Mario: Kamehameha!

[@erickfgty]

I really wish Randy could have seen the super Mario bros movie 😢

[@ericklostreloaded]

He missed a lot things 😢

[@AAAAanamus-edits]

YAY now everyone lives happily ever after!

[@killerfoxy936]

Rest in peace you gave me a good memory as a kid it's very sad to see you died at the age of 37 may you rest in peace and may your family not suffer from the❤❤ with all my heart thank you for giving me a good memory

[@greenmetbox7513]

The only thing you lose out on by UA-cam vs flash was the mouse over of the two Toads raw doggin it behind one of the windows in the end scene. Never forget the day I accidentally discovered that one. Rest in Peace Randy, you were truly an inspiration for so many!

[@lyndseywedgewood680]

Eva Barrett the you was the yes I am good day finish 3 the college the you are you shops the was you are move the you was the you Asda closed the you as soon as you the please the you been the you vegetables the going you the you and ..Rodney the you was toes soften the up coming the was the you and the you the please you Rotherham the yes please the you please the was

[@KaltemAnteir]

This man predicted Mario Odyssey. Thowing the hat and stuff (?

[@classicknuckles124theanima5]

4:20 Wow. Hardcore Dance Music from ClassicKnuckles124 All-Star Music and My Mario Forever Series.

[@classicknuckles124theanima5]

6:56 Is that the bell toning sound?

[@objectcrashofficial506]

WOW! Awesome! I like it.

[@hardlucknate6769]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 I'm speechless from what I just seen

[@zackaryruhland5684]

4:19 Mario dancing!

[@cutepinkpearlOficial]

1:35 CARACA!!!

[@TheDrJ2006]

7:57 What a way to predict Super Mario Odyssey!

[@BluStrikerFBK]

I legit just watched it rn and saw u posted this LMAO

[@DripKing]

This is nostalgic

[@AAAAanamus-edits]

Am so sad that died he and Yoshi are my favorite characters

[@cheesecake1767]

oooh nice animation

[@filipoholz]

pure nostalgia

[@RedBread1944]

Yep this is considered childhood

[@classicknuckles124theanima5]

6:14 GRRRRRRRRRRRR! Mama-er.

[@alexinklingsuperstar4715]

20 years.

[@Cute_stuff66]

i love it ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@yomi-xg9zv]

Mario Bros 2 and Mario World combined

[@brentithecutiejkidk6116]

Randy Solem died suddenly on March 16, 2012, survived by his girlfriend, daughter, and mother, and mourned by his legions of VGDC forum members, as well as artists in the Newgrounds spheres, and many fans who remember his animations fondly.ewno rinalkds noit nduslenkdslktn oarge165 123 ewno rin emodem lfoidne randio osole nidoeton udneo k16 14 on 20123 123013789

[@MageOfDarkness69]

12:38 dear god

[@zacharydavis4825]

Randy Solem died of heart medications

[@travishough7179]

13:25 POV: it’s Saturday/Sunday

[@jenniferprikkel2734]

i have known this for years i used to watch this when i was little i am 24 years old it is already 20 years old i feel sad i don't understand 1 thing how did mario come to life in part 3

[@DarkSCPDisguised8945]

When i was a kid, i saw part 3 and 4, not 1 and 2

[@jhamirpinto909]

Esto lo ví en 2009, a los 8 años.
Lo miré junto con mis hermanos menores, todavía recuerdo cuando tenía ganas de llorar al ver morir a Mario.
Psdt: Soy Fan de Super Mario desde los 4 años.

[@nerfmarioluigi5589]

Same bro. The only difference is that I saw this in 2015 when I was 11.

[@12poopie]

wish he couldve been alive to see the mario movie

[@abeleater]

I’m here because Mario 35 anniversary

[@nintenchris5963]

8:04 I am “GULP”!

[@getuworku958]

Sonic Lost World 3D Rise of the Mushroom Kingdom

[@yomi-xg9zv]

Smw and smb2 combined

[@brujocalavera4637]

9:06 Name of the soundtrack?

[@carlosrodriguezborges2990]

So he's dead right?

[@marcocarrasco5966]

Mario vs frog red

[@pizzanocooking]

Luigi:Mario!!!

[@joannestealey4482]

Ha ha 🤣 wart farted himself to death

[@veronicaporras9246]

0:55

[@veronicaporras9246]

4:53

[@AAAAanamus-edits]

Wait how did Luigi come back from death?

[@drink.juice.]

peach went and got a hidden 1up
there were no 1up in luigi dream cuz it was a dream

[@DavidKozakiewicz]

Donkey Kong a super funny🤣

[@veronicaporras9246]

5:09

[@veronicaporras9246]

1:11

[@veronicaporras9246]

8:15

[@harmonieshmendoza]

F luigi

[@ritapascale9328]

Final the Super Mario Bros 2

[@barryrampersad]

How is Mario even a name??????

[@carlosrodriguezborges2990]

Who's Randy Solom?

[@TheDarkYoshi64]

Did you not read the description dawg? He was the creator of this flash video and many others.

[@carlosrodriguezborges2990]

Oh yeah

[@carlosrodriguezborges2990]

Sorry I ask

[@TheDarkYoshi64]

@@carlosrodriguezborges2990 No worries buddy, all good!

[@carlosrodriguezborges2990]

So If Randy Solom is still live or dead? Or something?

[@kristophermcbride]

4:20 What is that song

[@marcelaamaya5163]

😮

[@user-yg4ff1qq1z]

О❤❤❤❤😂❤😂😂😂🎉😢