Somewhere
In Dreamland (Fleischer Animated Set/Revision A)
Picture: C+
Sound: C+ Extras: B Animated Shorts: A
VCI has updated their terrific Somewhere In Dreamland
set of the full color animated cartoon shorts of Max & Dave Fleischer,
excluding the Superman, Popeye and feature length works. Since the previous edition, the company has
tracked down some improved prints and upgraded some of the shorts as a
result. While the owners of the
original negative materials sit on them and do nothing, VCI proudly continues
to offer the best set of them and the first time a comprehensive collection of
these works have been gathered.
The 1.33 X 1 image usually originates in Technicolor and
sometimes in CineColor, but all look good here and there is more of a clarity
improvement here than anything else.
The Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono is a bit better in most cases, with some
sounding a tad more compressed than before, while others are a bit fuller and
clearer. The differences are just
enough to upgrade if you are a big fan, but get this set any way you can. Many companies still have a few copies of
the discontinued first set left, but if you specifically want the new “Revision
A” version, go to www.vcientertainment.com
for more information. As for how we
feel about the shorts and great extras check out our previous review at:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/886/Somewhere+In+Dreamland+(Fleischer+Animation+set)
We have also covered the VCI Popeye set with those color
Fleischer shorts and you can find them at:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/1175/Popeye+75th+Annniversary+VCI+set
The Fleischer legacy is too important to ignore and it has
even become more important over the years, so those who are buying all the
Disney and Warner classic animation should serious consider these sets.
- Nicholas Sheffo