Animaniacs - Spooky Stuff (1993) Review

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(More customer reviews)The cartoons on this "Animaniacs" compilation all come from the first and best year on Fox, when the gang at Warner Bros. TV Animation were at their peak in terms of writing and visual invention. These particular cartoons were all written by John P. McCann, a specialist in finding the fun in "spooky" subject matter (and like most of the best Animaniacs writers, a gifted sketch comic). Within the general theme, this collection has a lot of variety, including two welcome contributions from the cat-dog team of Rita and Runt. Here's a cartoon-by-cartoon evaluation: "Draculee Draculaa" - one of the first Animaniacs cartoons to be recorded and animated, this cartoon shows just how quickly the show hit its stride; the TMS animation isn't as slick as it would later become, but the Warner sibs' trademark combination of innocence and knowingness is here, as are plenty of good one-liners and visual flourishes. Dan Castellanetta guest-stars as Dracula. "Phranken-Runt" - perhaps the best Rita and Runt cartoon; it's very funny, beautifully animated by TMS, and the Rocky Horror-esque songs contribute to the story rather than slowing it down. Mr. Squeak, the large but uncoordinated mouse, is the scene-stealer here. The late Richard Stone comes through with one of his finest background scores. "Meatballs Or Consequences" - One of McCann's best and most quotable scripts, replete with satirical knocks at Ingmar Bergman movies, bureaucratic red tape, and (ahem) Steven Spielberg. "Scare Happy Slappy" - a good, standard Slappy Squirrel cartoon, with plenty of pointless violence and meta-humor. The sadly defunct StarToons provides excellent animation, particularly on the hapless Walter Wolf. "Witch One" - a short Rita and Runt, nothing spectacular but with some funny "Beauty and the Beast" song parodies. "Hot, Bothered and Bedeviled" - The Warners meet Satan. Animaniacs at its best and least kid-friendly, with many unforgettable moments -- inlcuding Satan's idea of an agony that is worse than all others. No bonus material here, and some of the closing credits are inaccurate, but for 50+ minutes of pure "Animaniacs" entertainment, this tape is a sound investment.

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Animaniacs: Wakko's Wish (1999) Review

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(More customer reviews)Through the application of liberal amounts of cash and anability to place last-second bids on eBay, I've managed to lay handson an advance copy of Wakko's Wish. I'm glad I did. It's a worthyfinale to the Animaniacs franchise.
I won't get into the plot. Daniel Gallo did so on Usenet a few months ago, and did a thorough job of it. Suffice it to say that the plot is a good framework to build the movie on. For those who were wondering if Animaniacs could support 80 minutes worth of story, this will answer the question with a loud YES!. The different characters have different places in the story, but they're woven together smoothly and well; there's no sense of jumping back and forth between storylines. The ending is logical and fits well.
Wakko's Wish spends a lot of time paying homage to the series itself. I believe that most of the CRGA entry for the movie will be references to Animaniacs episodes, rather than the rest of the world. There's a fair amount of that as well, though. Those who appreciate potshots at real- world happenings won't be disappointed. You'll find plenty of humor here, whether you're 10 or 40. I suspect that, had this gotten theatrical release, it would have been a case of kids dragging their parents to see it, with the parents coming out afterwards laughing more than the kids.
There's plenty of original music here. At first, I thought it was all going to be musical, but right about the time the story picked up, the prevalence of songs as opposed to spoken dialogue changed. That made for a good change in feel, and worked well. The music, as well as the story, allowed Jess Harnell's singing talents to take center stage, and he shows just why he's doing well as a professional singer (though in places where he's not immediately known). Just about everyone gets a chance to show off their musical talents; those who think that Pinky can't sing get a dramatic rebuttal, and even Sherri Stoner and Ben Stein take a whack at it, with humorously bad results. I don't know if Sherri can sing, but Slappy sure can't.
TMS's animation is at the top of the heap. Their Warners are generally recognized as the standard to which everyone else aspires, and, if anything, they've raised the bar here. Not once did I catch an error in modeling or in continuity. There are several scenes with very fast action, all handled quite well, and more than a few difficult pans. There's also a fair amount of CGI, though it's so well done and so unobtrusive that you'll have a hard time picking it out. This is the first cartoon I've seen that combined cel animation and CGI in a manner that wasn't jarringly dissonant.
About the only negative I can bring up is the final bit. The writers resisted the tendency to over-senitimentalize right until the very end, but there they succumb to temptation and deliver a message with a heavy hand. Animaniacs can and does do better than that. Even so, it's not objectionable enough to make you want to throw the tape in the trash after seeing it; the rest of the movie is way too good for that.
The credits had a pleasant surprise; every major and nearly all minor speaking roles are credited to the voice actors who performed them, and the rule the TV series follows about only crediting a voice actor once even if they play multiple characters is not followed here. The viewer is shown exactly who voiced everyone. There's also a disappointment: no gag credit. I don't know why not, but I expected to see one and didn't.
Overall, Wakko's Wish is a winner. It's well worth ordering and waiting with bated breath for it to hit your doorstep on December 21. Animaniacs fans, and anyone who enjoys a good comedy, will love it. Tom Ruegger and his team have done a great job.
Thanks, guys. If it had to end, this is the best way I can think of doing it.

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Animaniacs: Wakko's Wish (Clam) [VHS] (1999)Rob Paulsen (Actor), Jess Harnell (Actor), Liz Holzman (Director), Rusty Mills

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Animaniacs: You Will Buy This Video (1993) Review

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(More customer reviews)This video contains a few of the funniest toons featuring Pinky & The Brain, and of course, The Brain is up to his usual scheming to take over the world. Cartoons on this video: "Puppet Rulers"--Pinky & The Brain become pop culture icons on a childrens' puppet show, only to abandon the show at the height of its popularity, sending their viewers into therapy. "Win Big"--a classic toon spoof of "Jeopardy!" Even The Brain is no match for Alex Trebek's smugness! In "Battle for the Planet," they spoof the radio version of "War of the Worlds," and darn near convince their listeners that the earth is really being invaded, and of course, the plan backfires and the show ends up being a comedy smash instead of a power coup. In "Meet John Brain," The Brain runs for president, and it's not until he's rating high in popularity polls that anyone notices he's a mouse. For anyone who couldn't stomach Billy Ray Cyrus, then the last toon "Bubba Bo Bob Brain" will have your side splitting. Brain tries to take over the world by combining country music and subliminal messages! Watch for the caricatures of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton... Guaranteed to make you laugh good 'n hard -- NARF!

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Animaniacs: Mostly in Toon (1993) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm not a big fan of the Animaniacs TV show, but these songs are lots of fun! If I'm bored, or having a bad day, this tape always cheers me right up. I often find myself humming bits from The Quake Song, The Big Wrap Party, and others. Recommended for anyone, of any age, who appreciates inspired wackiness, bad puns, and silly rhymes. :)

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Animaniacs: Warners Escape (1993) Review

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(More customer reviews)Animaniacs is one of the greatest cartoons ever made. The VHS's are cool, but we need this on DVD!!! I came across this petition on-line & decided to share it w/ my fellow Animaniacs fans. Please sign this on-line petition to release Animaniacs as a DVD Boxset.
Here is the website
http://www.petitiononline.com/toon0001/petition.html
Let's hope we can have it on DVD asap. I can't wait & I would pre-order it (as I'm sure many other fans will be happy to do as well).
Daina

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Animaniacs: Animaniacs Stew (1993) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you only buy one Animaniacs video, this should be the one! (note: the TV version of Animaniacs stew is different). Here's a quick breakdown of the included episodes:
In "Slappy Goes Walnuts," Slappy is on a quest to obtain walnuts from Doug the Dog's walnut tree to make some brain food for Skippy. Buttons has his paws full keeping Mindy safe in "Operation: Lollipop." The Warner sibs are magically summoned to Camelot to defeat a dragon in "Sir Yaksalot." "In the Garden of Mindy" finds Brain in Button's place but he still has time to work on his global aspirations. Slappy plays the part of Dot in "Baghdad Cafe" and Brain is nearly replaced when he walks out on a voice-over session in "Yes, Always." This tape is full of classic Animaniacs and is an absolutely faboo must-have. Also included but not listed on the jacket: Mime Time, Dot's Poetry Corner, Randy Beaman's pal (Colin), and "Bumbi's Mom"--another great Slappy/Skippy short. Since no one seems to be broadcasting Animaniacs anymore, it's time to build your own collection. Hopefully they'll be released as a DVD collection soon!

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Animaniacs, Vols. 1 & 2 (1993) Review

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(More customer reviews)Volumes 1 & 2 has some gems I didn't get to see on TV since it was on TV before most adults got home - these are too good. If you like zany, anvils dropping, off the wall... two gems, one is a reciting of most countries in the world on a world map that lights to show where the country is, rapid fire (have to admire him), and recitation of state capitals with a map and pointer. Also fun is Anvilonia (sp?) with one of those sleepy style European national anthems. These are just fun if you refuse to grow up and take life too seriously. Dot feels like she's maybe 12 years old, but she reminds me of the girl that would chase boys into the restroom in 6th grade. I highly recommend Vol. 1 & 2 for putting a big silly smile on your face... if it doesn't you have gotten old before your time. You will not get Slappy Squirrel at all.

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Animaniacs: Helloooo Holidays (1993) Review

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(More customer reviews)At the age of 34, I'm still a sucker for those Bugs-Bunny like cartoons, packed with wit clearly aimed at the adults watching with the children. Most of this tape is just plain funny (a version of the night before Christmas includes all the Animaniacs characters), and includes great music, but there is a kicker of a holiday lesson, wonderfully told, in "A Gift of Gold". Do not buy this tape if you think belching is unacceptable. The real judge? My nephews John and Isaac, who loved it.

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Animaniacs Sing-Along: Yakko's World (1993) Review

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(More customer reviews)Animaniacs is the best show with the best music! This is my review of every song: "I'm Cute" is a very cute and funny song thanks to Yakko and Wakko getting bored. "Snitchelbank" is very funny when you are seeing the cartoon, the same thing with "Make a Gookie", a parody of "Fealing Grovy". I like how they combinded 2 cartoons to do "Our first day of School" and "Wakko's America". H.M.S. Yakko has a funny story and the songs get better and better near the end. Can you sing "Yakko's World" without the words? I can! "I'm Mad" is a great song to sing along with my sister Nina. The theame song is great and very energetic. All in all, this is great!

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