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 :) )
Showing posts with label Peanuts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peanuts. Show all posts
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
Peanuts, Part 2
Today I will be wrapping up the non holiday shorts for Peanuts. While the two of these may not be as iconic as A Charlie Brown Christmas, or It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown they are still just as enjoyable.
He's Your Dog, Charlie Brown.
After one too many antics upset the other kids, Charlie Brown decides it's about time Snoopy was sent back to the farm for a refresher course in obedience. Snoopy, however has other plans as he decides to prolong his one night stay with Peppermint Patty and fantasizes he's a World War 1 flying ace on vacation in France. The kids eventually miss Snoopy and Charlie Brown tries to bring Snoopy home with little success until the dog realizes he'd rather be at home.
Charlie Brown's All-Stars.
With the arrival of the new season, Manager and Pitcher Charlie Brown hopes to make up for all of his past failures. Of course things go terrible and all of his teammates quit in favor of swimming and skateboarding. But when the local hardware store decides to sponsor the crew, the idea of real league uniforms lures them back. However, the league rules won't allow Snoopy and the girls to play in the organized league.
The latter of the two shorts stands out as my favorite despite the lack of Peppermint Patty. The loyalty Charlie Brown shows towards his team despite their poor treatment of him is rather sentimental. I also quite enjoyed how Schroeder put the girls (and Snoopy) in their place when it's revealed why Charlie Brown did not accept the uniforms.
However, that is not to say that He's Your Dog, Charlie Brown isn't inferior since it certainly is able to hold it's own and is quite enjoyable as well.
He's Your Dog, Charlie Brown.
After one too many antics upset the other kids, Charlie Brown decides it's about time Snoopy was sent back to the farm for a refresher course in obedience. Snoopy, however has other plans as he decides to prolong his one night stay with Peppermint Patty and fantasizes he's a World War 1 flying ace on vacation in France. The kids eventually miss Snoopy and Charlie Brown tries to bring Snoopy home with little success until the dog realizes he'd rather be at home.
Charlie Brown's All-Stars.
With the arrival of the new season, Manager and Pitcher Charlie Brown hopes to make up for all of his past failures. Of course things go terrible and all of his teammates quit in favor of swimming and skateboarding. But when the local hardware store decides to sponsor the crew, the idea of real league uniforms lures them back. However, the league rules won't allow Snoopy and the girls to play in the organized league.
The latter of the two shorts stands out as my favorite despite the lack of Peppermint Patty. The loyalty Charlie Brown shows towards his team despite their poor treatment of him is rather sentimental. I also quite enjoyed how Schroeder put the girls (and Snoopy) in their place when it's revealed why Charlie Brown did not accept the uniforms.
However, that is not to say that He's Your Dog, Charlie Brown isn't inferior since it certainly is able to hold it's own and is quite enjoyable as well.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
It Was A Short Summer, Charlie Brown
Originally created in 1950 as a comic strip, Peanuts centers around Charlie Brown and his friends. Charlie Brown, or "Chuck" as he's often called, is a kind child who just happens to be pretty unlucky in life. Often joining him is his imaginative pet Snoopy, and Linus his best friend who has a habit of always carrying around a blue blanket. Also part of the main group is Schroeder the fledgling pianist, Lucy who is well known for taking joy in Charlie Browns mistakes, Peppermint Patty the tomboy of the girls and Sally, Charlie's younger sister who has a crush on Linus. Rounding out the gang includes Violet who drives Charlie Brown crazy, Frieda who proudly wears curly hair and Pigpen who's arrival is generally announced by swirls of dirt and is much like his namesake.
The interesting thing to note about the Peanuts shorts is just how adult the kids often talk, using a vocabulary where even I at times have to look something up. As well, the world generally lacks visible adults. Rarely do we see any of the parents, and even then just partially. Perhaps the most recognizable is the teacher, Miss Halverson who is well known for her "wah-wah wah" manner of speaking.
Moving onto the review itself, the first of six shorts from the 1960's collection which contains the more iconic featurette's of the gang. While it will be some time until I get around to the Christmas and Halloween specials, for now I present "It Was A Short Summer, Charlie Brown"
Featurette: It Was A Short Summer, Charlie Brown
First Aired: September 27th 1969
Runtime: 25:16
We actually start on the opening day of school where after being caught playing Hangman, Linus and Charlie Brown earn the class a 500 Word essay on what they did during the summer. This is when we begin to backtrack to the events taking place months earlier through the point of view of Charlie Brown, Linus and Lucy.
As it turns out, some of the kids have plans for the summer which comes to a halt when Lucy signs them all up for summer camp, much to their dismay. What follows is a fun series of competitions between the boys and the girls, from softball to nature hikes the girls dominate the poor guys.
However, in the end the boys issue one last challenge. Wrist Wrestling. It comes down to Lucy versus the Masked Marvel, aka Snoopy who is described by Peppermint Patty as the only one on their team with any athletic ability. After a bit of back and forth between the two, and many crazed looks, Snoopy finally gets the upper-hand when he kisses Lucy which causes her to flail and announce that the Masked Marvel had fouled.
A rather enjoyable featurette, like all of the early Peanuts. Though it may lack the popularity of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" or "A Charlie Brown Christmas" it still retains a feeling of nostalgia and charm. Despite the simple animation, and often changing number of campers per team, it's the simplicity that helps enhance an already charming and innocent world.
The interesting thing to note about the Peanuts shorts is just how adult the kids often talk, using a vocabulary where even I at times have to look something up. As well, the world generally lacks visible adults. Rarely do we see any of the parents, and even then just partially. Perhaps the most recognizable is the teacher, Miss Halverson who is well known for her "wah-wah wah" manner of speaking.
Moving onto the review itself, the first of six shorts from the 1960's collection which contains the more iconic featurette's of the gang. While it will be some time until I get around to the Christmas and Halloween specials, for now I present "It Was A Short Summer, Charlie Brown"
Featurette: It Was A Short Summer, Charlie BrownFirst Aired: September 27th 1969
Runtime: 25:16
We actually start on the opening day of school where after being caught playing Hangman, Linus and Charlie Brown earn the class a 500 Word essay on what they did during the summer. This is when we begin to backtrack to the events taking place months earlier through the point of view of Charlie Brown, Linus and Lucy.
As it turns out, some of the kids have plans for the summer which comes to a halt when Lucy signs them all up for summer camp, much to their dismay. What follows is a fun series of competitions between the boys and the girls, from softball to nature hikes the girls dominate the poor guys.
However, in the end the boys issue one last challenge. Wrist Wrestling. It comes down to Lucy versus the Masked Marvel, aka Snoopy who is described by Peppermint Patty as the only one on their team with any athletic ability. After a bit of back and forth between the two, and many crazed looks, Snoopy finally gets the upper-hand when he kisses Lucy which causes her to flail and announce that the Masked Marvel had fouled.
A rather enjoyable featurette, like all of the early Peanuts. Though it may lack the popularity of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" or "A Charlie Brown Christmas" it still retains a feeling of nostalgia and charm. Despite the simple animation, and often changing number of campers per team, it's the simplicity that helps enhance an already charming and innocent world.
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