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The Movie: "Magilla Gorilla" premiered in 1964 and ran until 1967. The Hanna-Barbera creation's main feature was "Magilla Gorilla", which focused on the ape of the title (Allan Melvin), who opened each episode sitting in Mr. Peebles (Howard Morris)' pet store. Each week, Mr. Peebles would try to get rid of the good-hearted Magilla (who was a financial burden) and succeeds (almost always bought by someone who needs Magilla , only to have the gorilla returned to its home at the store by the end of the tale. Although the series won't be considered among the best creations from Hanna-Barbera, the cartoons offer some amusing moments as Magilla found himself in another ridiculous situation outside the store each week (an amusing example is one of the early episodes that has Magilla serving as a replacement for a football player). Filling out the running time on the episodes of "Magilla" were two other cartoons - "Punkin' Puss and Mushmouse" (which focused on a cat who's always feudin' with a mouse who lives in the house) and "Ricochet Rabbit" (an energetic rabbit sheriff in the West who was paired with a low-key partner, Droop-a-long.) While "Rabbit" offers some spirited fun, "Punkin' Puss" rarely gets a laugh. Overall, "Magilla" does offer some old-fashioned cartoon chuckles and fans should be pleased to have it finally available. Also coming to DVD this week is "Hong Kong Phooey", a memorable series that ran from 1974-75 and focuses on kung-fu canine Hong Kong Phooey, who never gives up in his quest to defeat local criminals. Penry (voiced by Scatman Crothers) is a janitor at the police station, but little do co-workers Rosemary (Kathy Gori) and Sergeant Flint (Joe E. Ross) know that Penry is actually famed crime fighter Hong Kong Phooey. The series offers surprisingly basic animation, but some of the plots are fun and the series does have its charms. Both sets (available individually) include all episodes from each series. The DVD VIDEO: "Magilla Gorilla" and "Hong Kong Phooey" are both presented by Warner Brothers Home Entertainment in 1.33:1 full-frame. Both presentations are generally enjoyable, although there are some instances where mild wear (some scratches, specks, marks and dirt) is seen on the elements. No pixelation, edge enhancement, shimmering or other flaws are noted. Colors on both titles do flutter at times, but otherwise appear accurately presented. SOUND: Both titles offer a rather thin-sounding (but clear) mono soundtrack. EXTRAS: "Hong Kong Phooey" offers a commentary from creative producer Iwao Takamoto, layout manager Willie Ito and historian Scott Jeralds on "The Claw", "Hong Kong Phooey Vs. Hong Kong Phooey" and "Comedy Cowboy". The commentaries do have gaps of silence at times, but otherwise, the participants have a good time fondly remembering the series and pointing out some interesting minor details about the episodes. Also included on "Phooey" are "The Phoo-Nomenon" (retrospective documentary) and "Hong Kong Phooey: The Betty Bank Gang: Complete Storyboard". "Magilla Gorilla" offers a series of featurettes: "Magilla Theme Song: Live & Unplugged" (footage of Hoyt Curtin and Bill Hanna at the piano, introduced by animator Jerry Eisenberg), "Mr. Peebles Pet Shop" (interview gallery with actor Allan Melvin, animator Jerry Eisenberg and historian Jerry Beck) and "Here Comes a Star" (archival TV special that introduced the character.) Final Thoughts: Fans will be pleased that both shows are finally available on DVD, with each getting a nice set of supplemental features (although "Phooey" boasts more bonus material.) Recommended. |