I can’t say that I expected much when I decided to check out Joss Whedon’s new online venture, Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog.  Well, maybe a little since I’m a big Firefly fan.  But a short (45ish minutes) three part musical?  Sounded a bit lackluster and out of sorts to me.  But, nevertheless, I did go and watch the first episode of the thing.  And I was surprised.

For as little as was needed to make the thing (low 6 figures I hear) it is really well done.  The acting in it is superb and the casting is really spot on.  Mal (I don’t care that he has a real name, Nathan Fillion, He’s Mal.)  is great as Dr. Horribles Nemesis, Captain Hammer.  And who knew he could sing?  And Neil Patrick Harris fills the shoes of Dr. Horrible perfectly.  He’s just the right comedic mix of nerd and wannabe evil overlord to make you believe the story.

Another thing that struck me about the first episode was the actual filming.  The effects and filmography here are really good.  Maybe not quite major studio good, but really close.  It looked professional.  Which, given that it’s Joss Whedon’s baby, I’m sure it was.

All in all, I was impressed and will be looking for the second act tomorrow (July 17th) and the third act on the 19th.  The whole thing will only be available until the 20th after which it will get pulled and will become only available for a paid download and then eventually as a DVD.  The DVD is slated to include another musical of nearly the same length that is called Commentary! and will basically be the same as a cast/director’s commentary but in the same form as the original.

Go over and check it out when you get a chance.  I think it’s worth it.  In short, Dr. Horrible, Isn’t.