Of course there's a Santy. Otherwise, we'd have a lot of jobless elves running around. Just one of many humorous quotes from Once Upon a Christmas, another of Disney's anthology Christmas specials. Unlike Winnie the Pooh, this one has consistently good animation and features a wider variety of our usual gang.
Opening the first of our three shorts is something familiar to us all, a wish that Christmas happened every day. However, as Huey, Dewey and Louie find out this isn't always a good idea. It's sort of a variation of "Groundhog Day" and spends it's time pointing out Donald's card, that Christmas isn't about the tree, the presents or snow but about the love and warmth we share with our family.
Our second story features Goofy and a much younger Max as they dare to ask the question. Is Santa Claus real? Max isn't quite sure if he believes or not, and Pete is hardly any help as he only enforces the more adult view that Santa is not real. However, good old Goofy in all his more child mind set believes in him right down to the core. Even when things get dark and all hope seems lost, Santa himself arrives to brighten their hope and renews their belief.
Our final story is a classic Mickey and Minnie one as our two favorite mice try and find each other just the perfect gift. It plays out much like "Gift of the Magi" and has almost a classic Mickey short feel to it, but with that extra little Christmas twist to things and serves as a pleasing finale to the movie.
One final note is that aside from the characters mentioned above, we are also treated to seeing Pluto, Chip an' Dale, Uncle Scrooge, Daisy and Aunt Gerdy. The latter of which seems to be a newer character to the Duck family.
Showing posts with label Dewey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dewey. Show all posts
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Countdown: Top Ten Halloween Specials/Episodes
Continuing with the Halloween-themed countdowns, I now present my ten favorite Halloween specials, episodes and shorts. Sadly there are a lot more out there that most likely deserve a spot on here, but I have been unable to track them all down.
10) Halloween (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 2)
While it's a tad odd to see a Halloween episode in a show that's always got monsters running amok, this one is rather enjoyable and seems to fit right in with the rest of the episodes in the season. Despite having more time to tell the story, it just doesn't quite have that extra bit to earn a place higher on the list.
9) Eye of the Beholder (Gargoyles Season 2)
Ah, Gargoyles. This was quite fun since the our heroes actually get a chance to walk amongst the humans without causing a stir. This provides some fun opportunities and interactions. Though a fair amount of time is directed towards the trouble that Fox is in as Goliath and Xanatos work together to help.
8) Headless Horseman Of Halloween (Scooby-Doo)
While I have already reviewed this not too long ago, this episode is a lot of fun as we see a Scooby version of the Horseman. Even if the story is pretty straight forward, and the villain obvious it's still pretty fun especially with the inclusion of Scooby-Dum.
7) It's the Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester (Supernatural Season 3)
Much like Buffy, having a Halloween episode on a show known for it's monsters can be a tad odd. But also a bit fitting since we can explore Samhain and the holiday itself a bit more. As it turns out Samhain is featured in this episode as one of the many Seals locking up Lucifer. The twist on Samhain was rather fun to see as well as the take on the holiday from a more Supernatural perspective.
6) Broomstick Bunny (Bugs Bunny Short)
One of my favorite Bugs shorts, this trip features our favorite rabbit as he matches wits against Witch Hazel. While the Halloween theme is only referenced largely in the beginning to set things up, the short itself is quite enjoyable from start to finish.
5) Trick or Treat (Donald Duck Short)
Much like the previous entry, this short features a Witch Hazel who is even voiced by the same actress as Broomstick Bunny. This Donald short features the poor duck as he battles against Witch Hazel who is intent of teaching him to be less stingy with the candy. The addition of Huey, Dewey and Louie makes this a perfect short, especially with the song we have included.
4) When Halloween Was Forever (The Real Ghostbusters)
Who you gonna call? Ghosbusters! Once again we find a twist on Samhain in the form of a spook with a pumpkin for a head. I remember this cartoon from when I was younger and have always loved the character as he's surrounded by the ghosts flying up to him. Definately a favorite that is viewed not only every year at Halloween but still enjoyable any time.
3) Garfield's Halloween Adventure (Garfield Special)
I've always loved Garfield, adding in my love of Halloween and we have a recipe for success. Watching our hefty as trick or treats with Odie is enjoyable to watch, especially with the catchy songs that can stick in your head. The pirates who are surprisingly scary for a Garfield cartoon are a definate highlight and pretty well handled. Worthy of it's place on this list.
2) It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (Peanuts Special)
.....I got a rock. This short, much like the others on this list is rather timeless. The fact it's lasted this long is a testament to it's high enjoyability as we watch our favorite Peanuts characters celebrate Halloween. Getting to watch Sally be duped into sitting with Linus as they wait for the Great Pumpkin still earns laughs.
1) The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad)
From the creepy atmosphere, the fun songs to the great characters, Disney's telling of Sleepy Hollow has it all. The Horseman chasing Ichabod through the forest can be quite creepy and is well animatd. The suspense built up through the night as Ichabod is exposed to the legend by Brom Bones at the party is well done. Definately my favorite Halloween special even if it may not take place on the day itself.
Honorable Mentions. While some of these may be questionable for where they are from, I felt the following deserved at least a slight nod for their use of Halloween.
- Things That Go Bump In The Night (Tiny Toons)
- Hyde and Hare (Bugs Bunny Short)
- Transylvania 6-5000 (Bugs Bunny Short)
- Trick or Treat (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)
- Life's A Masquerade (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)
- Fear, Itself (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
- The Flintstones Meet Rockula and Frankenstone (Flintstones)
- Treehouse of Horror series (Simpsons, much thanks to Garethil for pointing out they were missing :) )
10) Halloween (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 2)
While it's a tad odd to see a Halloween episode in a show that's always got monsters running amok, this one is rather enjoyable and seems to fit right in with the rest of the episodes in the season. Despite having more time to tell the story, it just doesn't quite have that extra bit to earn a place higher on the list.
9) Eye of the Beholder (Gargoyles Season 2)
Ah, Gargoyles. This was quite fun since the our heroes actually get a chance to walk amongst the humans without causing a stir. This provides some fun opportunities and interactions. Though a fair amount of time is directed towards the trouble that Fox is in as Goliath and Xanatos work together to help.
8) Headless Horseman Of Halloween (Scooby-Doo)
While I have already reviewed this not too long ago, this episode is a lot of fun as we see a Scooby version of the Horseman. Even if the story is pretty straight forward, and the villain obvious it's still pretty fun especially with the inclusion of Scooby-Dum.
7) It's the Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester (Supernatural Season 3)
Much like Buffy, having a Halloween episode on a show known for it's monsters can be a tad odd. But also a bit fitting since we can explore Samhain and the holiday itself a bit more. As it turns out Samhain is featured in this episode as one of the many Seals locking up Lucifer. The twist on Samhain was rather fun to see as well as the take on the holiday from a more Supernatural perspective.
6) Broomstick Bunny (Bugs Bunny Short)
One of my favorite Bugs shorts, this trip features our favorite rabbit as he matches wits against Witch Hazel. While the Halloween theme is only referenced largely in the beginning to set things up, the short itself is quite enjoyable from start to finish.
5) Trick or Treat (Donald Duck Short)
Much like the previous entry, this short features a Witch Hazel who is even voiced by the same actress as Broomstick Bunny. This Donald short features the poor duck as he battles against Witch Hazel who is intent of teaching him to be less stingy with the candy. The addition of Huey, Dewey and Louie makes this a perfect short, especially with the song we have included.
4) When Halloween Was Forever (The Real Ghostbusters)
Who you gonna call? Ghosbusters! Once again we find a twist on Samhain in the form of a spook with a pumpkin for a head. I remember this cartoon from when I was younger and have always loved the character as he's surrounded by the ghosts flying up to him. Definately a favorite that is viewed not only every year at Halloween but still enjoyable any time.
3) Garfield's Halloween Adventure (Garfield Special)
I've always loved Garfield, adding in my love of Halloween and we have a recipe for success. Watching our hefty as trick or treats with Odie is enjoyable to watch, especially with the catchy songs that can stick in your head. The pirates who are surprisingly scary for a Garfield cartoon are a definate highlight and pretty well handled. Worthy of it's place on this list.
2) It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (Peanuts Special)
.....I got a rock. This short, much like the others on this list is rather timeless. The fact it's lasted this long is a testament to it's high enjoyability as we watch our favorite Peanuts characters celebrate Halloween. Getting to watch Sally be duped into sitting with Linus as they wait for the Great Pumpkin still earns laughs.
1) The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad)
From the creepy atmosphere, the fun songs to the great characters, Disney's telling of Sleepy Hollow has it all. The Horseman chasing Ichabod through the forest can be quite creepy and is well animatd. The suspense built up through the night as Ichabod is exposed to the legend by Brom Bones at the party is well done. Definately my favorite Halloween special even if it may not take place on the day itself.
Honorable Mentions. While some of these may be questionable for where they are from, I felt the following deserved at least a slight nod for their use of Halloween.
- Things That Go Bump In The Night (Tiny Toons)
- Hyde and Hare (Bugs Bunny Short)
- Transylvania 6-5000 (Bugs Bunny Short)
- Trick or Treat (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)
- Life's A Masquerade (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)
- Fear, Itself (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
- The Flintstones Meet Rockula and Frankenstone (Flintstones)
- Treehouse of Horror series (Simpsons, much thanks to Garethil for pointing out they were missing :) )
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Goofy World of Sports
The first of many Disney today! The Goofy World of Sports is a fairly old vhs compilation, and the opening sequence itself is rather enjoyable as it shows a number of scenes from various shorts. Though for me, some of this is more than likely nostalgia kicking in.
First up is Olympic Champ in which we join Goofy as he attempts various Olympic events with...little success as we could predict. One highlight is during the pole vault demonstration, in which our narrator asks poor Goofy to wait in mid-air so that he can describe things but quickly become distracted with telling a poem. In the end, Goofy lands in a well earned pile of trophies.
Next up we join Donald as he tries to golf, though the pranks of Huey, Dewey and Louie provide him with much trouble. From phony golf clubs that do a 1,000 tricks to hiding a cricket in a fake golf ball the troublesome trio do their best. After Donald becomes tied up, they proceed to sink their own balls in a variety of ways, though Donald only manages to get his bill stuck as we close.
Moving onto Skiing, we join Goofy and the Narrator once more. First we watch Goofy as he tries to prepare for learning to ski, having some difficulty with getting dressed. Once on the slopes many gags ensue as the lovable Goof does his best to try and stay on his feet while showing a variety of things from basic walking to the much more advanced ski jumps.
The final short is Aquamania in which Goofy attempts to take on water skiing, and boating in general. His rarely seen son joins him this trip, when Goofy or "Mr. X" as he's called here purchases a boat and is quite promptly entered in a water skiing race.
The four shorts are quite enjoyable, though personally most would rank in the middle for me. Some out there are not quite as fun, yet there are better shorts out there showcasing our two main stars. The animation is, I assume, quite good by the standards of the shorts back then though since I viewed an older vhs things weren't quite as good as they could have been. The shorts and the humor inside them more than make up for it though.
First up is Olympic Champ in which we join Goofy as he attempts various Olympic events with...little success as we could predict. One highlight is during the pole vault demonstration, in which our narrator asks poor Goofy to wait in mid-air so that he can describe things but quickly become distracted with telling a poem. In the end, Goofy lands in a well earned pile of trophies.
Next up we join Donald as he tries to golf, though the pranks of Huey, Dewey and Louie provide him with much trouble. From phony golf clubs that do a 1,000 tricks to hiding a cricket in a fake golf ball the troublesome trio do their best. After Donald becomes tied up, they proceed to sink their own balls in a variety of ways, though Donald only manages to get his bill stuck as we close.
Moving onto Skiing, we join Goofy and the Narrator once more. First we watch Goofy as he tries to prepare for learning to ski, having some difficulty with getting dressed. Once on the slopes many gags ensue as the lovable Goof does his best to try and stay on his feet while showing a variety of things from basic walking to the much more advanced ski jumps.
The final short is Aquamania in which Goofy attempts to take on water skiing, and boating in general. His rarely seen son joins him this trip, when Goofy or "Mr. X" as he's called here purchases a boat and is quite promptly entered in a water skiing race.
The four shorts are quite enjoyable, though personally most would rank in the middle for me. Some out there are not quite as fun, yet there are better shorts out there showcasing our two main stars. The animation is, I assume, quite good by the standards of the shorts back then though since I viewed an older vhs things weren't quite as good as they could have been. The shorts and the humor inside them more than make up for it though.
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