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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Home run!, January 23, 2001
This review is from: Snoopy Double Feature Vol. 8 (Charlie Brown's All-Stars/It's Spring Training, Charlie Brown) [VHS] (VHS Tape)
If you're a real Peanuts fan, surely you know of this terrific special from 1968, but it seems to be overshadowed by the admittedly impressive holiday specials. "Charlie Brown's All Stars" culls a number of very funny situations from a couple of seasons of Peanuts baseball comic strips, and the traditionally choppy editing is kicked up a notch to include as many jokes as possible, delivered in the charmingly non-professional style of real kidtalk. Charlie Brown's demoralized team finally decides to call it quits so they can actually enjoy their summer free of the humiliation of constant losing, and there's some wonderfully playful visual humor whether the kids are splashing (or surfing!) in the community wading pool, skateboarding, or jumping rope (sometimes more than one at a time!). When Mr. Hennessey offers to sponsor Charlie Brown's team, the team is convinced to stick it out, with the promise of new uniforms being the main reason. However, Mr. Hennessey welches on the deal when he learns that Charlie Brown's team includes girls and a dog (the league won't allow it), so instead of kicking them off the team, he gives up the uniforms and the chance to play in a "real" league. Charlie decides to keep that knowledge from them and capitalize on the team's positive buzz, and they play their best game ever--which, of course, is lost by a too-confident steal to home by you-know-who. The news of the cancelled uniforms sets the team on edge further, until Linus reveals Charlie Brown's sacrifice. Inspired by Charlie Brown's faithfulness, the rest of the team decides to make him a manager's uniform; unfortunately for Linus, the only fabric available is his blanket. The closing shot reveals Linus and Charlie Brown on the pitcher's mound in the rain, with Linus relievedly hanging onto Charlie Brown's uniform. The fast pace and laugh-out-loud jokes will especially appeal to adults, I think; adults may even enjoy it more than their kids! The unique jazz accompaniment from Vince Guaraldi is ever-present and continues to help make the early Peanuts specials in a class by themselves. The complete package also includes a much more contemporary second feature which pales by comparison, though it is in the baseball theme. I would pay the price above just for "All-Stars," which earns a definite 5-star rating.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Play Ball, Charlie Brown!, April 5, 2000
This review is from: Snoopy Double Feature Vol. 8 (Charlie Brown's All-Stars/It's Spring Training, Charlie Brown) [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Trivia question: What was the 2nd Charlie Brown specail? Answer: Charlie Brown's All Stars. I don't remember them showing it on TV that often, but watching the "blockhead" try at great lengths to catch that ball is priceless! He may not win the game, but he does get offered uniforms by Mr. Hennessey for his team (but the league won't allow girls or his dog Snoopy). Part 2: 26 years later, Charlie's team is still not doing well in It's Spring Training, Charlie Brown. New character Leland is cute! Again, Mr. Hennessey offers the Blockheads the coveted uniforms (this time on the condition that they win one game).
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2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
OK Video for Peanuts Fans, August 10, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Snoopy Double Feature Vol. 8 (Charlie Brown's All-Stars/It's Spring Training, Charlie Brown) [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This is an adequate compendium of 2 Peanuts specials, each dealing with Charlie Brown needing sponsorship for his baseball team. CHARLIE BROWN'S ALL STARS scores in some of its animation, especially the action scenes with Snoopy surfing and the kids skateboarding. Also noteworthy is a good soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi-probably the main reason why this special was nominated for an Emmy. But the special is poorly edited and has some poor animation. IT'S SPRING TRAINING, CHARLIE BROWN, overall, is about as good as CHARLIE BROWN'S ALL STARS. It's well edited and scores in its funny, unexpected rap/dance scene led by Franklin. Some things about the story are not well explained, like where Charlie Brown knows new character Leland from. Worth your money if you were curious about these 2 specials as you probably don't remember them being broadcast.
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