Peanuts 1970’s Collection – Volume One (1971 – 1974/Warner DVD Set)
Picture:
C+ Sound: C+ Extras: C+ Episodes: B+
Continuing
Warner Bros. reissues of the animated Peanuts catalog on DVD, the Peanuts 1970s, Volume One Collection. It includes the DVD debut of two classics and
welcome addition of four others, including a reissue that has been out of print
for a while. What follows are the
previously issued titles in the set with links to our previous coverage:
You’re Not Elected, Charlie Brown (1972)
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/7730/You%E2%80%99re+Not+Elected,+Cha
There’s No Time For Love, Charlie
Brown (1973)
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/617/Charlie+Brown+Valentine
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/7617/Peanuts+Deluxe+Holiday+Collection
It’s The Easter Beagle, Charlie
Brown (1974)
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/6638/Be+My+Valentine,+Charlie+Brown
Play It Again, Charlie Brown (1971) and It’s A Mystery, Charlie Brown (1974) are both underrated shows, the
first more Classical Music based than usual and the second a fun send-up of
detective fiction with plenty of solo Woodstock moments, all in the Peanuts
mode.
Again has Lucy (actress Pamelyn Ferdin
in one of her few voiceovers) tormenting Schroder over his music appreciation
and when she sets up a playdate for him, his dislike for her is reinforced when
it all goes bad. Note how Pigpen is cast
as a band drummer. Mystery has Woodstock’s nest stolen, so Snoopy dawns a deerstalker
hat, matching coat and magnifying glass to find out what happened. It has been far too long since these have
been in circulation and are reason enough alone to get this set. That they look so good is a plus.
The 1.33
X 1 color image and Dolby Digital Mono on all shows are again upgraded, new
transfers that look and sound as good as they are going to on this format, as
has been the case in all of Warner’s reissues of the Peanuts specials. Extras include previews for other Peanuts
releases on DVD begin both DVDs, Warner previews on DVD 2 and great new special
Woodstock:
Creating Snoopy’s Sidekick (12 minutes) about the making of possibly the
most famous bird in comic strip history, which is presented in anamorphically
enhanced 1.78 X 1. Another great set
worth owning.
- Nicholas Sheffo
