I always loved the Warner Brothers cartoons when I was younger and now that I'm well into adult-hood it's wonderful having DVD's of the cartoons. These "Golden Collection" releases aren't cheap but they're not out of this world expensive, neither. The collections were always chock full of bonus features...something I appreciated because I love hearing from those who worked on the cartoons give their thoughts. It's always nostalgic to watch people reflect back on their days in animation and it's especially refreshing to watch almost everyone talk in amazement and sheer puzzlement at how long-lasting the cartoons have been when originally the directors and writers and everyone else involved with the cartoons assumed the cartoons would get a few showings at theaters and never be seen again.
This documentary, narrated by Stan Freberg, starts out making reference to Windsor McKay before discussing Walt Disney and the beginning of the animated cartoon. Naturally this is at the beginning of Warner Brothers cartoons and a key figure at the time was Friz Freleng. The story of the cartoon studio is looked back on with loving respect and there's not too many omissions which is what you often get with look back programs and documentary retrospectives. Many animators both past and present as well as voice actors pop up throughout the story. Also seen are animation historians and footage of Friz Freleng and Chuck Jones. The contributions at the studio of Bob Clampett, Frank Tashlin, and Robert McKimson are discussed as well. In fact, Clampett's daughter appears in a segment as does Robert McKimson's son. Frank Tashlin is spoke of in high regard by Jerry Beck and Bill Melendez. The impact of Carl Stalling's music is discussed as is a segment about voice actors. Noel Blanc, the son of Mel Blanc, appears throughout giving anecdotes and recollections of his father and life growing up as the son of a voice artist.
Who's the director that's given credit for being the one person with the Looney Tunes from start to finish? You'll find out when you watch the documentary...and here's a hint...it isn't Friz Freleng.
This documentary, narrated by Stan Freberg, starts out making reference to Windsor McKay before discussing Walt Disney and the beginning of the animated cartoon. Naturally this is at the beginning of Warner Brothers cartoons and a key figure at the time was Friz Freleng. The story of the cartoon studio is looked back on with loving respect and there's not too many omissions which is what you often get with look back programs and documentary retrospectives. Many animators both past and present as well as voice actors pop up throughout the story. Also seen are animation historians and footage of Friz Freleng and Chuck Jones. The contributions at the studio of Bob Clampett, Frank Tashlin, and Robert McKimson are discussed as well. In fact, Clampett's daughter appears in a segment as does Robert McKimson's son. Frank Tashlin is spoke of in high regard by Jerry Beck and Bill Melendez. The impact of Carl Stalling's music is discussed as is a segment about voice actors. Noel Blanc, the son of Mel Blanc, appears throughout giving anecdotes and recollections of his father and life growing up as the son of a voice artist.
Who's the director that's given credit for being the one person with the Looney Tunes from start to finish? You'll find out when you watch the documentary...and here's a hint...it isn't Friz Freleng.