What really makes this set is the wealth of cartoons on it. This set is made of the first 101 cartoons staring Porky Pig. This means it includes many classic films, that are not easy to find elsewhere as well as some old favorites. It also lets us see each of these films chronically and see how the Looney Tunes series developed over time. With that being one of the major perks of this DVD set it has cartoons from the perfect time period for this kind of exanimation. That is the mid 1930's to the early 1940's. During this time Looney Tunes were getting away from being imitations of what Disney cartoons were doing and instead becoming their own thing. The truth is the Disney studio was simply the best at what it did and the only way to compete was to do something different. That evolution is perfectly shown here. This period was also the time when each Looney Tunes directors had their own identities most clearly defined. In a way no American animation studio has been before or since, the Warner Brothers studio at this time was simply full of auteur filmmakers. Tex Avery's films were delightfully successful experiments in how far he could go with a zany idea in ways most comedy directors (live action or animated) would never dare to try. Bob Clampett's cartoons were filled with pure imagination and childlike energy. Frank Tashlin employed many cinematic ideas with cinematography and cutting in ways that hadn't been seen before in animation. Jack King's cartoons were much more story based and less gag based than the other directors. In fact some of King's Porky cartoons on this set can't even really be considered comedies (such as Shanghaied Shipmates) and are more action/adventure films. This is interesting considering he directed some really funny Donald Duck cartoons for Disney later. Chuck Jones' cartoons on this disc are his early work and because of this they are the slowest paced and most atmospheric cartoons here. Friz Freleng's cartoons on this set are extremely structured and entertaining but also are the most safe and least experimental cartoons here. These kind of observations you can clearly see watching these cartoons are absolutely perfect for my fellow Looney Tunes history buffs. However there is still plenty here to entertain a causal cartoon fan. This set features many classic cartoons and I don't see how any lover of Looney Tunes can't enjoy watching such films as Porky in Wackyland, Porky and Daffy, Porky's Preview, You Ought to Be in Pictures, The Case of the Stuttering Pig, Porky's Romance, Porky's Duck Hunt, The Film Fan and so many more.
However this set is not perfect. The picture quality is good, but leaves something to be desired after The Golden Collection and The Platinum Collection sets. However the main thing missing is new bonus features. All the bonus features here (both commentaries and storyboard reels) have been seen on the Looney Tunes Golden Collection sets. This is great for newcomers because these are great bonus features, but disappointing for those who already have those sets. Despite any of the faults though the sheer amount for cartoons, and the rarity of many of them, making this a must have for Looney Tunes fans, and a must add set to any cartoon DVD collection. Get it now you won't regret it.
-Michael J. Ruhland
No comments:
Post a Comment