Disney still uncovering ‘Treasures’
Walt Disney Treasures
Wave 3
Disney, $33 per set
The third “wave” of the classy DVD series features uncut, uncensored and beautifully restored goodies from the Walt Disney vault. The “Wave” editions began in 2001 -- Disney’s centennial year -- and the latest features four two-disc sets: “Walt Disney on the Front Lines,” primarily for serious animation buffs; “The Chronological Donald (Volume One),” “Mickey Mouse in Living Color (Volume 2)” and “Walt Disney’s Tomorrowland.”
*
“Walt Disney On the Front Lines”
The lowdown: The crown jewel of “Wave 3” features beautifully restored cartoons, training films and documentaries Disney produced during WW II for both commercial and military venues. Several are recently declassified training shorts like the animated “Four Methods of Flush Riveting” and the animated/live action “Stop that Tank.”
Among the many propaganda and entertainment short subjects featured are the amusing “Donald Gets Drafted” and two endearing Pluto adventures.
The “Front Lines” collection also includes the rare 1943 feature-length documentary “Victory Through Air Power,” in whichDisney pressed home to audiences that the U.S. armed services had to augment their air corps to win the war.
Extras: Introduction by film historian Leonard Maltin, rare behind-the-scenes color footage of “Victory Through Air Power,” poster and production art galleries, still art, storyboards, backgrounds and publicity galleries from “Victory Through Air Power.”
*
“The Chronological Donald (Volume One)”
The lowdown: By the end of the 1930s, the temperamental duck, memorably voiced by the Clarence “Ducky” Nash, actually surpassed Mickey Mouse as Disney’s No. 1 animated star. This two-disc set featuring Donald’s first appearance in 1934’s “The Wise Little Hen” and concluding with 1941’s “Chef Donald” is a real quack-up.
Extras: Maltin provides introductions as well as explanations of the political incorrectness of some of the animated shorts, publicity and memorabilia gallery, storyboard and background gallery and a featurette on Nash.
*
“Mickey Mouse in Living Color
(Volume Two)”
The lowdown: This volume covers Mickey’s short subjects from 1939 through 1995. Among the standouts are “Mickey and the Seal,” “Mickey Down Under,” “Mickey’s Birthday Party, “The Nifty Nineties,” “The Pointer” and “Symphony Hour.”
Extras: Maltin’s introductions, the “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” sequence from “Fantasia,” deleted animation from “Fantasia” and a visit to Disney Studio’s Animation Research Library, which preserves the artwork from the animated films.
*
Walt Disney’s Tomorrowland
The lowdown: Lively and informative episodes of the 1950s “Disneyland” TV series dealing with space exploration and travel. Mixing live action and animation, these hourlong programs are still surprisingly refreshing nearly 50 years after they were made.
Extras: Maltin’s interview with author Ray Bradbury, who affectionately discusses his long friendship with Disney.
