Coinciding with the launch of Fridays new PINK PANTHER feature starring Steve Martin, comes the recently released THE PINK PANTHER CLASSIC CARTOON COLLECTION on DVD (Sony Pictures Home Ent., $69.96). Now, for the first time, all 124 cartoons produced by Friz Freleng and David DePatie between 64 and 80 are available in this five-disc set. So nows your chance to study the evolution of the cartoons, from the early theatrical releases through the popular TV productions.
Cool and aristocratic, the six-minute cartoons were directed by Freleng, Gerry Chiniquy, Hawley Pratt, Art Davis, Robert McKimson, Sid Marcus, Cullen Houghtaling, Art Leonardi, Bob Richardson, Brad Case and Dave Detiege. Voice work was supplied by Dave Barry, Mel Blanc, Rich Little, Paul Frees, Athena Lorde, Marvin Miller, Paul Winchell and Lorry Storch, among others.
Bonus features include:* "Behind the Feline: The Cartoon Phenomenon" doc* "Pink Patter With Art Leonardi: The Story Behind the Animation" featurette* "Remembering Friz: A Tribute to Friz Freleng" featurette* "Think Pink: How to Draw the Pink Panther" featurette* Page to Screen: The Making of Two Cartoons* Animated main title sequences from five of the features
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
