Just like last week, this week brings with it a tie for the top spot. Last week it was a pair of short-lived television series starring Bruce Campbell, this week it's a pair of Warner Brothers cartoon series from the 1990s. These are shows that many fans have been waiting for quite some time to see on their preferred digital format. Finally, we can relive the humor of our earlier years.
The picks are Animaniacs: Volume 1 and Pinky and the Brain: Volume 1, the latter being a spin-off of the former. I loved both of these series - they were smart, witty, and flat-out fun. They were reminscent of the old Looney Toons in their attitude and zaniness.
The former show focused on the comedic exploits of the Warner brothers, Yakko and Wakko, and the Warner sister, Dot. They were always getting in trouble whenever they left their water tower on the Warner Brothers lot. I don't recall many specifics of their adventures, which this set will thankfully rectify. They are not the only participants in the insanity - there was Slappy and Skippy Squirrel, the Goodfeathers, Chicken Boo, and, of course, Pinky and the Brain.
Pinky and the Brain was a spinoff featuring the most popular of secondary characters. They are a pair of gentically altered lab mice; one is a genius, the other's insane. The Brain had the same goal every night. After the humans left, he would attempt to take over the world. Of course, his plans would always turn into spectacular failures. Always at his side is the goofy Pinky, who is always ready with some nonsensical remark. I didn't watch this show as much, but it was still funny stuff.
Both of these sets are sure to be hits with kids and adults alike. They represent a high point in the after-school cartoon, in a time that wasn't dominated by the likes of Pokemon and Yu Gi Oh.
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Article comments
1 - Deano
You missed the notable fact that Pinky (done by Maurice LaMarche) is voiced in a fabulous Orson Wellesian imitation....
2 - Boxclocke
I have been waiting for these DVD's for the longest time. I had wondered why it was taking them so long to get them out, but then I realized they were waiting for all of the kids who originally watched the show to grow up, move out, and get their own credit cards.
3 - Baronius
Brisco County Jr. and Pinky and The Brain? What an excellent couple of weeks! The nominated shorts DVD is a great idea. I never get to see short films, and it just makes sense that the people who'd want to see one are the market who'd be interested in all of them.