Thanks to Warner Home Video, collectible DVD box sets of the initial seasons of THE FLINTSTONES and SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? kick off a new Hanna-Barbera signature Gold series. Released March 16, 2004, each four-disc set retails for $64.92 and features transparent slipcases designed to resemble a vintage animation cel from each series.
The two programs were created, of course, by television legends William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, who, under their pioneering production company Hanna-Barbera, crafted some of television's most enduring series. THE FLINTSTONES made television history as the first ever animated program to air in primetime on ABC in 1960. A Stone Age HONEYMOONERS, the colorful sitcom targeted adults and children alike. Exceptional voice work was provided by Alan Reed as Fred Flintstone, dino-operator/quarry worker; Jean Vander Pyl as Wilma Flintstone, his wife; Mel Blanc as Barney Rubble, Fred's bosom buddy; and Bea Benaderet as Betty Rubble, Barney's wife. June Foray provides Betty's voice in the FLAGSTONES pilot included in the collection.
In addition to all 28 half-hour episodes of its entire first season, special features include:
* "All About The Flintstones," a close look at the history of the series* "The Flagstones: The Lost Pilot"* "Wacky Inventions" featurette chronicling the many pre-historic amenities afforded to Bedrock* Early network television advertisements and promotional spots
SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? contains the first 25 half-hour episodes of seasons one and two from '69 and '70, in which a group of California teenagers and their dog solve strange and wacky mysteries. Fine voice work was turned in by Don Messick as Scooby-Doo, Casey Kasem as Shaggy, Frank Welker as Fred, Stefanianna Christopherson and Heather North as Daphne and Nicole Jaffe as Velma.
Special features include:
* "Scooby-Doo's Ultimate Fans" featurette* "Funky Fashions" featurette* "Scooby-Doo Street Smarts," detailing fans' favorite cases* "Take the Scooby Challenge" trivia* "Get The Picture: How to Draw Scooby-Doo and the Gang"* "America Loves Scooby-Doo" music video.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
