Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Otto Mesmer lives!!!, September 9, 2002
This review is from: Felix the Cat (1919-1930 Collection) (DVD)
I have long been a fan of the early, silent Felix cartoons. They have a life that few cartoons these days can match (even with sound). There were many (relatively speaking) Felix complilations on VHS, but as that medium goes the way of the vinyl LP, I wondered if Felix would also be making the move (I doubt a ton of money is made off of silent animation these days, and since money seems to move most things...). Luckily someone did lead the charge, and now I can finally rid myself of the VCR. This collection has a lot of good stuff in it, but what I found a little irritating is the removal of some of the original title sequences(i.e., the ink bottle sequence with Felix and a drawing hand; it does appear, but not before every toon like it would have originally). This could be seen as a tribute to Otto Mesmer and a slight to Pat Sullivan (Mesmer who is reputed to be the real genius behind Felix; Sullivan's name was splattered all over the titles as he took most of the public credit, but was mainly the PR man for most of Felix's run - see John Canemaker's book on Felix for more info), however, I felt like I was missing out, being a sort of purist when it comes to historical media. The titles of silent animation have as much character as the animations themselves - in the same way that old photographs have a character of their own even if the people aren't familiar. Other silent Felix collections are not edited in this manner (it's the first time I've seen it, at least). Nonetheless, this collection is a good one, and there is much to be seen here. If you're not sensitive about missing titles (there are worse things in the world, after all), this compliation will view smoothly. The footage of Otto Mesmer is very interesting, though it's what you would expect: someone sitting and drawing (and he's not drawing Felix; the footage looks like it could be from the 60s - it has a watered technicolor hue to it, and may be discarded footage from a documentary). It's not enthralling, but it's great to have any footage of the master behind Felix at work.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An evolution of Felix in his silent days., July 23, 2002
This review is from: Felix the Cat (1919-1930 Collection) (DVD)
This DVD is an ideal companion to the excellent "Presenting Felix the Cat" DVD. Although it contains only 7 episodes, it does span from his debut to the end of his silent days. The first 3 cartoons (Feline Follies, Felix Saves The Day, Felix in Hollywood are available on Felix's other DVD, but they are of a far stunning picture quality with better music. The other cartoons are presented with added 1920's music and sound effects (when they were re-released), some of which are a bit crude (especially Felix's constant meowing in Futuritzy), but does serve up an idea of how desperate the cartoon studio was to bring Felix into the sound era after losing their lucrative distribution contract in the late 1920's. All of the cartoons are well chosen, especially my favourite, Felix Woos Whoopee, in which a drunk Felix is constantly haunted by his booze-fuelled hallunications! Also included is 1940/1950's colour fottage of Otto Messmer at work designing billboard animations. This DVD is a must for the true animation fan, but will also serve as an ideal introduction to the early days of the timeless feline!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
About time too., February 7, 2002
This review is from: Felix the Cat (1919-1930 Collection) (DVD)
I read up on these cartoons at college several years ago and this is the first time I've been able to get to see them - it's fascinating to watch these as examples of the best and most popular cartoons of their time, in the years immediately before Mickey Mouse - primitive as they appear now, this only serves to highlight the impact that Disney's work must have had soon after these cartoons were made. They're still witty and entertaining in their own right, predating the insidious idea that cartoons are a kids' medium, but it goes without saying that they should not be judged by today's technical standards. The few minutes of film of Otto Messmer in his later years is a nice extra, but a page or two of text on the historical background, either on-screen or in a leaflet, might have been a good idea.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
