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DVD Features
- DVD Release Date: April 7, 2009
- 1.33:1
- English
- Suggested Retail Price: $19.99
The Movie
In my opinion, Disney has done a pretty good job of getting their classic animated shorts out there in recent years. The DVD age certainly gave the company the chance to put clean digital versions of their classics out to a more-than-appreciative audience and hopefully introduce them to a younger demographic as well. From the true completist point of view, the Walt Disney Treasures series has certainly been a blessing. This new series falls a bit short of the Treasures series, but it is a good way to continue to get the classic shorts out to the public.
This first volume features the title short, 1947’s Mickey and the Beanstalk, made famous from the compilation film, Fun and Fancy Free. However, this version is narrated by Ludwig Von Drake from a 1963 episode of Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color. Mickey and the Beanstalk, it should also be noted, is the last time Walt Disney performed the voice of Mickey Mouse on film. These two facts, along with the short’s sheer enjoyability, make this the gem of the disc.
The remaining shorts included are certainly no slouches:
The Brave Little Tailor (1938)
Thru the Mirror (1936)
Gulliver Mickey (1934)
Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip (1940)
All five shorts are a pleasure to watch for any level of Disney fan. My 6-year-old boys loved them, my 10-year-old daughter has seen them before and was eager to watch them again, and this old writer certainly has a soft spot for them. I showed them to a group of my high school TV Production students and was pleasantly surprised to hear their positive comments. “There’s nothing like a Disney cartoon,” was one, “These are awesome. How come these aren’t on TV anywhere?” was another. “Yes, you’re right.” and “I have no idea why.” were my answers to their queries. Perhaps I spurred some of them to make a purchase? More than likely, they’ll try to download them somewhere, but at least they realized the quality.
The Goodies
There are no special features included on any of the discs. The one goody included with each DVD is a collectible litho print. Each set contains a decent quality print on postcard weight paper.
Mickey and the Beanstalk Collectible Litho Print. “© WDSHE. All Rights Reserved.”
Audio, Video and Interface
The discs sound fine to me, but it must be noted that I’m not a strict audiophile. I also realize the age of these films and the fact that their original tracks are mono. That said, one shouldn’t expect to be blown into your seat by the sound.
The picture quality, on the other hand, is troubling. Granted, these discs aren’t the Treasures series, nor are they marketed as such, but the video quality leaves much to be desired. Mickey and the Beanstalk is the worst offender on the disc; which is unfortunate because the version on the Treasures series is quite good. It looks like they used a very bad print for this transfer. The picture is grainy and a lot of “floaters” can be seen. Ironically, the older films look better. I realize these discs are intended for a more casual viewer, not a rabid Disney collector, but still, why not use the restored version of the signature title?
The menus are static. They’re attractive enough and easy to use.
The Final Evaluation
If you own the wonderful Walt Disney Treasures series than you don’t need to make a purchase. The Ludwig Von Drake opening and narration is a nice inclusion as is the litho print, but the poor video quality on Mickey and the Beanstalk and The Brave Little Tailor is upsetting. If you weren’t able to get the Treasures version, didn’t want to spend the money, or just want to show your kids the classics, then go ahead and get this series. I prefer the restored versions, but any collection of classic Disney animation is a winner when compared to most of the offerings out there.
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DVD Features
- DVD Release Date: April 7, 2009
- 1.33:1
- English
- Suggested Retail Price: $19.99
The Movie
One of Walt’s most endearing quotes was about his company’s lack of sequels to their major animated films. Walt’s great reply to the sequel question was, “You can’t top pigs with pigs.” Well, Walt and company certainly tried in the 1930’s. The Three Little Pigs was such a winner in 1933 that the company followed it with three different attempts to repeat the original’s success. Two of those “Pigs” shorts are included here as well as four other animal stories to try and keep a theme on this disc.
The Big Bad Wolf (1934)
Three Little Wolves (1936)
Lambert the Sheepish Lion (1952)
Chicken Little (1943)
Three Blind Mouseketeers (1936)
Elmer Elephant (1936)
Once again, this group of Silly Symphonies is a joy to watch. All of these shorts have previously been released on the Treasures series and have also been included on several other compilations. Some have also been included as special features on DVD releases like Dumbo and other animated classics. However, this is a good mixed bag of animated shorts and would serve as a good introduction to the uninitiated Disney fan.
The Goodies
Three Little Pigs Collectible Litho Print. “© WDSHE. All Rights Reserved.”
Audio, Video and Interface
The Audio and Interface is similar to Volume 1.
Video, however, is far superior to Volume 1. Each of these shorts look great for their age and are comparable to their previous releases. It’s obvious that the restored versions found on the Treasures series were used here.
The Final Evaluation
Once again, if you own these in previous incarnations, there’s no need to purchase. However, If the pricey and limited edition Treasures series eluded you, this is a nice intro to the Silly Symphonies. It could be argued that any Disney fan worth their salt should own a copy of The Three Little Pigs. If you don’t, then here’s your chance.
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DVD Features
- DVD Release Date: April 7, 2009
- 1.33:1
- English
- Suggested Retail Price: $19.99
The Movie
The third disc in the series contains one of my favorite modern animated shorts. The Prince and the Pauper. I suppose 1990 is hardly modern, but when compared to the other shorts on this disc, The Prince and the Pauper is brand new. The classic Mark Twain story is fun and fast paced, and clocking in at just over 25 minutes is a very satisfying “short.” Continuing with the Medieval theme are:
The Pied Piper (1933)
Old King Cole (1933)
Ye Olden Days (1933)
A Knight for a Day (1945)
The Medieval theme is not all that appealing to me. The three old shorts are certainly Disney classics and make for enjoyable viewing, and it’s great to have a Goofy short (Knight for a Day) included. I am, however, a big fan of The Prince and the Pauper. This is the kind of short that the Disney Studios could be and should be producing today. My kids love this film and it always holds their attention.
The Goodies
The Prince and the Pauper Collectible Litho Print. “© WDSHE. All Rights Reserved.”
Audio, Video and Interface
The Audio and Interface is similar to Volume 1.
The video quality is hit and miss. The Prince and the Pauper, having been released in 1990, would have no excuse for poor quality, and it looks great. I did notice that the Walt Disney Treasures version was presented in widescreen, and here the short is in fullscreen. That kind of thing annoys me as a purist. Once again, I’m quite sure these DVD’s are not intended for the purist, so perhaps it’s forgivable.
The remaining shorts, given their age, do look a little worn. It’s odd that they would use better versions in Volume 2 than in Volume 3, but it does seem like these are not the restored versions.
The Final Evaluation
As a big fan of The Prince and the Pauper, I highly recommend seeking out the Walt Disney Treasures: Mickey Mouse in Living Color, Volume 2, to experience this short in its unadulterated format. If the expensive and elusive tins are not in the cards for you, then this may be your best shot at seeing it and introducing it to the uninitiated Disney fan or to your kids.
The Final Final Evaluation
I’m glad that Disney continues to release their gems from the massive Disney vault. The expensive collectible sets aren’t for everyone, and these simpler sets give everyone a chance to experience the beauty and artistry of the original Disney art form, the animated short. I’d be happier if the video quality was a little more polished. The work deserves to be seen at its best, but as I said before, a DVD full of classic Disney animation is better than most anything else out there. Turn off Spongebob and Phineas and Ferb and show the kids some real works of art. It’s not too late to get them hooked on quality.
