Animation Station - Latest Comments

Re: Episode 39: The Oscars (1948 & 1949)

LatexSoup — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:23:15 -0000

We downloaded "Mouse Wreckers/The Hypo-Chondri-Cat" from iTunes after listening to this podcast. My daughter has watched it on my iPhone on the way to school and back several times, and loves it. And of course we both picked up "Yeah, yeah. Sure, sure." afterwards, and have been saying it since...

Re: Episode 37: The Oscars (1946 & 1947)

Christopher Sobieniak — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 11:20:12 -0000

Also reminded myself, the 1970's Tubby the Tuba movie was produced at the New York Institute of Technology, led at the time by the late Alexander Shure. While not know for producing animated films (before or since Tubby), the institute had been involved in creating many computer-generated imagery seen on TV, movies and such for a number of years.

In the case of that movie, it sported many New Yorker animators who had worked for studios like Famous back in the day, though there was also some young talent aboard who went on to become leaders in CGI such as as Pixar.

Re: Episode 39: The Oscars (1948 & 1949)

Tad Runkle — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 22:52:16 -0000

Chris -

I just made it through all your comments.

Thanks for listening and your comments. I've seen some for you comments on Cartoon Brew and you are a font of information. I look forward to hearing more from you in the future.

Re: Episode 13: The 50 Greatest Cartoons (20-16)

Christopher Sobieniak — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:37:14 -0000

- I suppose the "Mr. Magoo in Sherwood Forest" was an episode of a Mr. Magoo TV series that was produced by UPA in the 60's whose name escapes me, but it had Magoo portraying many literary characters in different stories highlighted in each episode.

- Just so you know, the proper term is "Anthropomorphic" to describe what the Fleischers did in "Minnie the Moocher". Basically it is a means of giving animals human-like qualities and/or abilities (as we often see in literature or cartoons/comic books) but can also lend itself to inanimate objects as well.

- It should be of note an earlier sound cartoon that came out before Steamboat Willie was made by the Van Bueren Studios with an "Aesop Fables" cartoon whose title escapes me at the moment, but Disney saw that cartoon and realized they had to get their sound cartoons done right.

- While it was true that they did use these 3-D model backgrounds for those two cartoons (Popeye meets Sindbad and Ali Baba's Forty Thieves), there was a third two-reeler called "Aladdin's Wonderful Lamp" which otherwise didn't use it, but also involved Popeye in an Arabian Night tale. I was though a fan of the Robert Altman live-action Popeye film from 30 years back.

Re: Episode 18: Saturday Morning Intermission

Christopher Sobieniak — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:36:32 -0000

Usually, network schedules back then in the 80's often went from 8AM to 1PM depending on availability. Some stations may pre-empt shows or air shows earlier or later than the times listed here due to personal scheduling ideas.

Apart from ABC doing the PSA's, CBS and NBC had similar things such as "In The News" (CBS, a short news clip basically) and "One To Grow One" (NBC). Much of this came out of concerns from partents, teachers and other educators wanting something in their path than the so-called mindless violence Saturday morning was labeled for. I suppose dedicating 30 seconds to several minutes to stuff like Schoolhouse Rock was a way to pander to that group but not entirely as to ruin the entire schedule as we see today with shows that are E/I-labeled.

I do have a copy of "The Incredible, Indelible, Magical Physical Mystery Trip" someplace, but not the second film though.

Chuck Jones at the time in the early 70's was a VP of Children's programming on ABC I think, one of his contributions to ABC was a show in '71 called "Curiosity Shop", a short-lived educational program that I heard Schoolhouse Rock got it's start on.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C...

Another familiar set of PSA's in the 80's was O.G. Readmore, who's animation was handled by Rick Reinert Productions for both the PSA's and a number of TV specials that aired during the "Weekend Specials" series on ABC which usually concluded their Saturday morning line-up.

Noticed this webpage touting DVD's for sale of the Saturday morning material despite being black market anyway, but I enjoy the presentation of the webpage.
http://satambrainfood.com/

ABC technically would own most of this material anyway, and there is no excuse not to release any of it at all in any means possible.

Re: Episode 19: The 50 Greatest Cartoons (05-01)

Christopher Sobieniak — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:36:11 -0000

- Usually those "Looney Tune" movies often were just excuses to run clips of the classics with some newly animated bridging sequences to tie them into a theme or plot.

- I suppose Dave Chappele was thinking of Michigan J. Frog as a "minstrel" charater the way he made him off to be, though I never saw it that way at all, though his song stylings was more akin to something more vaudvillian.

- You're probably thinking of Pete, who's actually suppose to be a cat origianlly when he first appeared way back in "Steamboat Willie" but often took on a more canine-appearance in some later cartoons.

Re: Episode 20: Underdog

Christopher Sobieniak — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:31:47 -0000

The current copyright owners of Underdog and other Total TV Productions favorites are Classic Media, who had previously licensed the material to Sony Wonder years before in those DVD releases.
http://www.classicmedia.tv/

The TV distribution rights though lie with Program Exchange who assumes syndication of the shows to TV stations to this day (along with the Jay Ward material except for George of the Jungle).
http://programexchange.com/

Re: Episode 22: Fantasia

Christopher Sobieniak — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:31:18 -0000

- The whole widescreen issue with these cartoons is a little tough to figure out, but basically after 1953, cartoons that were released theatrically were produced to be handled both ways where they can be cropped for a theatrical release while also shown in full frame later on in TV airings. There's a term to refer to this but I can't remember it at the moment.

- The origianl title to Fantasia while it was in development was known as "Concert Feature", which is exactly what it was.

Re: Episode 24: Rock & Rule

Christopher Sobieniak — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:30:45 -0000

- While you say "Heavy Metal" didn't do well in the box office, it was one of those that ended up in the same Midnght Madness screenings that festered such classics as Rocky Horror Picture Show and Fantastic Planet for years to come.

- I suppose sticking in nudity and violence might've given it some life in the midnight screening circuit that otherwise kept "Heavy Metal" in people's mind for most of the time. I want to say it's not a bad movie, but one that certainly seemed like it could've done better.

- I suppose Nelvana's woes came from expectations with this film in general, and what led up to it as I've noticed from their early history. Seemed like after Rock and Rule, they ended up having to play ball with the networks and other studios the way they stayed in the Saturday morning ghetto from then on.

- Much of Rock and Rule's premise is loosely based on a TV special Nelvana did back in 1978 called "The Devil and Daniel Mouse", itself, loosely based on the story "The Devil & Daniel Webster" with the main protagonist wishing she could become a singing star and sells her soul to the devil.

Re: Episode 26: The 2010 Best Animated Feature Film Nominees

Christopher Sobieniak — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:16:05 -0000

-Assuming that was how Jacques Tati wrote the original story, I wouldn't be surprised if the ending was meant to be ambigious and you could interpret that photo as that of his long lost daughter he just couldn't bring himself to admitting at all because of the circumstances and how the acting was portrayed. Certainly the story needed better work if there was more detail to what was happening.

- Often a few guys I know often look to Toy Story 3 as a re-working of 1987's "The Brave Little Toaster" if only for the premise itself.

- Feel a little let down though that "The Illusionist" didn't get played at any theater where I live (which hardly has a theater catered to those indie/foreign movies at all).

Re: Gotta love those French PSAs

Christopher Sobieniak — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:15:38 -0000

I can picture Mark Kausler working on this piece!

Re: Episode 31: The Oscars (1941)

Christopher Sobieniak — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:06:34 -0000

- The actual organization that was thanked in "Lend A Paw" was called the Tailwagger Foundation. Not sure if they exist anymore since I hardly find much information on them today outside a few webpages touting an address somewhere in California.

- "The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Co. B" was released the Universal DVD release of "Woody Woodpecker & Friends: Cartoon Collection Vol. 1"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T...

Re: Episode 33: The Oscars (1942 & 1943)

Christopher Sobieniak — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:01:11 -0000

"Pigs in a Polka" was one of those that fell into the Public Domain along with a number of other WB cartoons from around 1942/43 for some particular reason. And as such, often was seen on many unofficial video releases throughout the 1980's and 90's where I had first saw it from. The character that introduces the thing spoofing Fantasia is meant to spoof Deems Taylor who was in Fantasia by the way. It wouldn't be the only time Warner's would spoof Fantasia by the way, as they would also do the same thing in A Corny Concerto the following year.

The real problem with the Puppetoons scenario is due to the supposive ownership of one Arnold Lebovit, whom produced a theatrical release of the films under the name "The Puppetoons Movie" some decades ago. His company often polices the net whenever these shorts do pop up.

The worm and even fisherman in the end of "Greetings Bait" by the way is meant to be a caricature of comedian Jerry Colonna who was familiar for his appearance and mannerisms.

In the case of "Reason & Emotion", a later TV airing of this made in the 1960's had Ludwig Von Drake narrate the cartoon and the Nazi stuff was edited out or dubbed over to make it contemporary to that time period.

Both Fleischer Brothers went their separate ways, with Dave manning the Screen Gems studio for a brief number of years, while Max did a number of things for the Jam Handy Organization.

Re: Episode 36: Fire and Ice

Christopher Sobieniak — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:59:57 -0000

Much of the reasons for why the film is what it is usually goes back to the rather limited budgets Bakshi had to use to make the movies he's made.

Yeah Thomas Kinkade would be best known for those illuminated cottages that make you think these guys must love wasting energy out in the forested woods! He's recently done some paintings for Disney based on their animated feature classics.

For another opinion/review on this film, you can check out Paul Chapman's "The Greatest Movie Ever" pocast episode on Fire & Ice with guest Gerald Rathkolb...
http://gooberzilla.wordpress.c...

The same podcast also tackled "Cool World" with some more insight into Bakshi and his integrities.
http://traffic.libsyn.com/goob...

Recently a blog posted a story on Bakshi's brief stink in the 1960's up in Canada working on a little-known program that became a cult classic up there.
http://www.animationmagazine.n...
http://www.animationmagazine.n...
http://www.animationmagazine.n...

Re: Episode 37: The Oscars (1946 & 1947)

Christopher Sobieniak — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:58:18 -0000

In the case of the Cat Concerto/Rhapsody Rabbit scenario, I'm reminded of something Kevin Smith (director of Clerks) once said when he noticed someone copied an idea he once did in a comic book by coining the phrase "great minds think alike", and perhaps the same thing could be attributed to this situation unless it was apparent one copying the other than simply having an idea on it's own without knowing.

Re: Episode 38: Fleischer Studios

Christopher Sobieniak — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:57:33 -0000

Reminded Ray Pointer had a lot to say about the Fleischer Studios and of Max in general when he talked to Stu Shostak about it on his online radio show. You can find it here, but they now charge you to buy an audio copy of the broadcasts from a few years ago on the subject.
http://www.stusshow.com/archiv...

Re: Episode 39: The Oscars (1948 & 1949)

Christopher Sobieniak — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:54:42 -0000

The name for that cat in "Mouse Wreckers" by the way is Claude. He would appear in other cartoons totally."Robin Hoodlum" was released on home video back in the 80's, and I do have a copy of that already in my collection. Much of that will change next year when the TCM Shop will be releaseing a DVD set called "Jolly Frolics" which will have this and other non-Magoo UPA cartoons to view.The Fox & Crow were advisarial in the original "Screen Gems" cartoons though in UPA they often had them more partner-ish or competitive such as in the other short "PUnchy de Leon". I often felt the Fox & Crow's that UPA made were merely to placate Columbia Pictures on giving them the contract to produce cartoons for them. UPA did not have it in mind to continue produce cartoons in this manner as they have had other ideas and concepts to explore, which will be apparent when you cover the 1950's.

Re: Episode 38: Fleischer Studios

curt — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:33:00 -0000

Hey guys,

I'm a fan of classic cartoons and have been listening to your podcasts for a little while now. I'm especially interested in the studios and processes behind these cartoons so I really liked this episode. Great stuff, keep up the good work!

I see you have Ub Iwerks listed as an upcoming topic. I'm excited for that one!

Re: The Middle East Explained via “Three Little Pigs” and Angry Birds

Rhtaft — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 01:22:01 -0000

The Middle East has incredible game-play value. We're not out of Iraq yet, after almost a decade!

Re: Episode 22: Fantasia

Tad Runkle — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:52:30 -0000

Scott, after we recorded this episode, I convinced Patrick and Paul to sit down watch Fantasia 2000. I think your comments are dead on. I'll see about maybe getting it added to a future show. I don't know if we'd do a full episode on it, but possible a segment of a larger show. Thanks for listening.

Re: Episode 22: Fantasia

Scott the Balloon Guy — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:10:45 -0000

This episode actually piqued my curiosity about Fantasia 2000. I'd seen F2000 once in my life, and that seemed to be enough. All I remembered from the movie was killer whales flying through the Arctic. Kind of a let-down. But then again, there was NO way Disney could have lived up to my expectations. We were all thinking "This is going to be as great as the original Fantasia, but with 60 years of improvements!"

So I picked up a haggard old VHS copy of Fantasia 2000 from the public library, and was pleasantly suprised. The whale goofiness was there, but it was all really rather well done. Your points about the music seeming to be written for the animation was spot-on. When you watch either film with this in mind, it gives you a much greater appreciation.

Aside from the odd and distracting guest appearances between segments, I found Fantasia 2000 to be enjoyable. Of course they reran The Sorceror's Apprentice segment, for reasons we already understand and have discussed, but they also added another feature character segment with Donald Duck. And it worked! Okay, well, it worked for me. I can imagine that you guys might take issue with the "whoring out" of a popular character to help carry a film, but I thought it was a fun break in the pace. And the Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue segment was a masterpiece. The sound-to-animation was amazing.

I know you have a lot of material on the To-do pile already, but Fantasia 2000 might warrant a second look.

-Scott

Re: Episode 24: Rock & Rule

Alexmcn — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:07:56 -0000

I saw this on Canadian TV in 1983 - CBC ran it twice that year and at least once a year for a decade. Being 15 at the time I quite enjoyed it. I was a big "Heavy Metal" fan and I ate this up. The plot was cheesy, and some of the characters were anoying but that was the norm for Nelvana animated movies that ran on CBC:
Take Me Up to the Ball Game (1980)
Intergalactic Thanksgiving (1979)
Romie-O and Julie-8 (1979)
A Cosmic Christmas (1977?)

This was probably one of the most ambitous projects they tackled. It still fell into formula but for what it was there was some great visuals, social satire and some interesting music (produced for the movie). I still find myself humming the melody to the duet from time to time (couldn't tell you what it was called or recall the lyrics but the melody is very hummable)

As cult classics go I think you could do worse. I recently revisited HM and it didn't stand up to my teenage memories of it as a kid. Not much does though.

Re: Episode 16: Thundarr the Barbarian

Tad — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:26:24 -0000

While Joan was in Thundarr, it was only as a supporting role on two episodes: Prophecy of Peril voice of Cinda and Treasure of the Moks voice of Captain Corden

Re: Episode 16: Thundarr the Barbarian

mike — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 02:05:20 -0000

Pat you were right, according to

http://www.knotslanding.net/kl...

Joan was in Thundarr.

Chin Chin
Mike

Re: Episode 14: Droopy

Latex Soup — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 18:57:26 -0000

The quality was fine, don't sweat it. I'll happily give up a little of the post-production polish if it means we get more podcasts produced! So glad to see you back!

-Scott Tripp