Advertisement

Posts Tagged ‘Complete’

Walt Disney Treasures - The Complete Pluto, Volume Two (1947)

posted by Everything Kids 8:59 AM
Saturday, April 18, 2009

Walt Disney Treasures - The Complete Pluto, Volume Two

Unlike the other animal characters in Disney’s cartoon repertory company who served as substitute humans, Pluto remained a dog. Although he began as Mickey Mouse’s companion, he was soon given films of his own: Mickey and Minnie appear in only a few of these cartoons from the late ’40s and early ’50s. Most of the stories follow the pattern animator Norm Ferguson set in “Playful Pluto” (1934). The hectored hound has to cope with either a recalcitrant object or an adorable but problematic animal: a little bird in “Pluto’s Fledgling,” the embarrassing pink sweater Minnie knits in “Pluto’s Sweater,” Chip an’ Dale in “Food for Feudin’.” The animation in these shorts is polished and subtle: the animators capture the nuances of a change in expression as skillfully as the rhythm of a run. But the humor feels very tame. While director Charles Nichols and his staff made beautiful, amusing films, the artists at Warner Bros. and MGM were pioneering a brasher, faster-paced style of cartoon that was much funnier. The extras are generally interesting but some of the choices are odd: Pluto doesn’t appear in some cartoons. Animator Andreas Deja offers an interesting commentary on “Hawaiian Holiday” (1937), but the film isn’t shown in its entirety. Similarly, the pencil test from “Pluto’s Judgment Day” (1935) provides a rare look at the animators’ drawing, but the finished film isn’t included. The Complete Pluto, Volume Two is well worth having, but it’s not likely to provide many belly laughs. (Rated G, suitable for ages 5 and older: cartoon violence, minor ethnic stereotypes) –Charles Solomon

Mickey’s best pal Pluto continues to light up the screen as leading dog in more of his adventure-filled cartoons. Putting the spotlight on his comical antics from 1947 through 1951, this volume includes the inspired “Bone Bandit” of 1948 and the 1951 classic “Plutopia.” The treats continue with three rarely seen shorts featuring Pluto’s feline nemesis Figaro, and a revealing exploration of a classic Pluto short. Plus, contemporary Disney master animators discuss their favorite Pluto moments and the art and craft behind them. It’s no wonder Mickey’s faithful pup became top dog around the world. Featuring exclusive introductions by film historian Leonard Maltin, this is a timeless collection from generations past for generations to come.

(more…)

Walt Disney Treasures - The Complete Pluto, Volume One

posted by Everything Kids 8:49 AM
Saturday, April 18, 2009

Walt Disney Treasures - The Complete Pluto, Volume One

Mickey’s pal Pluto developed from the pair of bloodhounds in “The Chain Gang” (1930). Walt Disney liked animator Norm Ferguson’s handling of the dogs’ expressions, so the artists continued to work with the character. Ferguson’s breakthrough animation of the flypaper sequence in “Playful Pluto” (1934), available on Walt Disney Treasures: Mickey Mouse in Black and White, Vol. 2, showed that the cartoon character could think and react to a situation through pantomime. Many cartoons follow the pattern of “Playful Pluto”: the ochre dog tries to cope with either a recalcitrant object–skates in “On Ice,” an inflatable rubber horse in “Beach Picnic”–or a cute but troublesome animal: a seal in “Pluto’s Playmate,” a gopher in “Canine Caddy” and the title character in “Pluto and the Armadillo.” Pluto’s quick temper and willingness to rush in where pedigrees fear to tread made him a popular subject for cartoons (and military insignias) during World War II. In “First Aiders,” Pluto serves as a reluctant subject when Minnie practices splinting and bandaging. Eager to do his bit, he serves as a military watch dog in “Private Pluto,” “Dog Watch,” and “Canine Patrol.” In several of these cartoons, Mickey is reduced to playing straight man to Pluto, who gets the laughs. Pluto is pitted against a black housekeeper, reminiscent of Mammy Two-Shoes in the Tom and Jerry cartoons in “Pantry Pirate”–a rare example of ethnic stereotyping in a Disney short. (Unrated, suitable for ages 5 and older: cartoon violence, occasional ethnic stereotypes) –Charles Solomon

Mickey’s faithful friend Pluto is unleashed in this first volume of the celebrated canine’s cartoon capers. Spanning the years 1930 to 1947, these 29 classic shorts include Pluto’s 1930 debut in “The Chain Gang” — which was actually his first and second appearance playing unnamed, identical bloodhounds — and the 1941 Academy Award(R)-winning short “Lend A Paw.” The tales continue with a special “dogumentary” focusing on the birth and evolution of everybody’s best friend, an excerpt from the TV program “A Story Of Dogs,” a look back at the life of Pluto’s father, animator Norman “Fergy” Ferguson, and more. It’s no wonder Pluto’s star rose faster than his temper.

(more…)

Hannah Montana: The Complete First Season

posted by Everything Kids 2:41 PM
Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Hannah Montana: The Complete First Season

Hannah Montana is one of Disney Channel’s hottest tween series and now all 26 first-season episodes are together in one four-disc set that’s sure to be watched again and again. The season begins with Miley’s first few weeks in Malibu and the story of how friends Lilly and Oliver learn of her secret identity as Hannah Montana. Who could forget Cody Linley as the zombie-slayer and the That’s so Suite Life of Hannah Montana episode that begins with a stay at the Tipton hotel and ends with Robbie Ray restarting his career and leaving Roxy watching over Jackson and Miley? Other first-season events include an American Idol spoof in which Amber’s lack of singing talent is exposed, a disturbing visit from Hannah’s deranged cousin Luanne, and Miley’s inadvisable crush on the Hannah Montana-hating 9th grader Josh. Throughout the season, Miley struggles to keep her alter-identity a secret, juggle the demands of her dual life, have a meaningful relationship with a boy, and somehow coexist with her brother Jackson while constantly growing and learning about the importance of friendship, being yourself, and doing what’s right. Guest stars abound in this first season and include Dolly Parton, Corbin Bleu, Cody Linley, and Ashley Tisdale. Bonus features include a 7-minute walk through the Cyrus family farm with Miley and Robbie Ray and the first episode of the 2008 Disney Channel Games. The “Hannah’s Highlights” feature is simply an indication of Hannah’s favorite episode from each disc. Hannah Montana: The Complete First Season is the perfect gift for Hannah Montana fans, but be forewarned: watching all 26 episodes back-to-back leads to calling your Grandma “Mamaw” and waxing on about how “Being a teenager is harder than walking through a balloon shop with a porcupine purse.” (Ages 7 and older) –Tami Horiuchi Stills from Hannah Montana: The Complete First Season (Click for larger image)

Get ready to rock out the show with Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana! Now, for the first time ever, you can bring home the Complete First Season on Disney DVD. Plus, this 4-Disc Collector s Set is loaded with ultimate must-see bonus features, a visit to Miley’s hometown, and totally cool guest stars including Corbin Bleu, Ashley Tisdale, Cody Linley and more! When Miley Stewart moves to a new city, it seems she’s just an ordinary teen who wants to make new friends and fit into her new school. But she’s got a huge secret: She s also the glamorous pop-star Hannah Montana, who s living the celebrity dream with awesome concerts, limos and a huge closet full of the latest styles. Y’all won t believe the hilarious things she does to keep her double identity a secret. It all works out, though, because this girl totally rocks!

(more…)

Star Wars Galaxies: The Complete Online Adventures

posted by Everything Kids 1:27 PM
Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Star Wars Galaxies: The Complete Online Adventures

Be the hero of your own Star Wars adventures in a galaxy far, far away. Star Wars Galaxies: The Complete Online Adventures includes Star Wars Galaxies and all of the game’s expansions, including An Empire Divided, Jump to Lightspeed, Rage of the Wookiees, and Trials of Obi-Wan, along with all of the regularly updated “Chapter” adventures that are downloaded regularly to your PC. The Complete Online Adventures is the most inclusive and immersive Star Wars Galaxies experienc (more…)