Happy Holidays from Blog THIS, Pal!

 Like many of you, I'll be spending this holiday weekend at Mom's. And like many of you, Monday will be a "day off" because Christmas is on a Sunday.

So just in time for the holiday, here are some holiday-themed videos via YouTube.

(And no, I didn't forget Bogie or Serling Day - but you're going to have to wait until tomorrow)

Your Easter Viewing Moment of Zen

While I'm heading to Mom's to enjoy an Easter feast, here's some videos to help you pass the time.

First, the latest Batman video (by Bruce Timm) that you may have seen floating around the Internet:




Next, a BBC documentary about Machiavelli that basks in several layers of pop culture television goodness:




Your Cab Calloway/Betty Boop crossover moment of zen:




And finally, one of my favorite episodes of Leverage - see if you can guess why? (And yes, I've posted this before).



Happy Easter, everyone!

Your Conspiracy Theory Moment of Zen

The Dark Truth Behind the Most Famous Cartoon Company Ever -- powered by Cracked.com

Public Domain Drive-In: Superman (Follow-up)

A few years ago, I had written about the Max Fleischer Superman Cartoons being available via public domain. However, recently Cartoon Brew had announced that Warner Brothers posted some remastered, high quality versions via You Tube.

In an effort to create some cool content - and for your viewing pleasure - here's a small sample:

Raging For A Film And Against Another

Although I have no interest in Raging Bull 2 (seriously, they're making this movie), I have a strong interest in Raging Bullwinkle (clip is definitely not safe for work....or for kids):




(Which reminds me, I need to reread this biography at some point)

Support My Blog By Watching TV!

As many of you know, I have some affiliate links on the right side of the blog - mostly, they're there for you to show your support.

One of them is for Warner Brothers studios (and if you are wondering why I'm being so up close and personal, please check out my disclosure policy) and I would like to invite you to help support this blog (mainly domain purchase, bandwidth, etc), through some really cool series they have on sale...and to take advantage of their bargains.

It's also a great way to catch up on some great television as well...although the WB Shop has standard Harry Potter/Superman/Batman/other fare, it has some really cool deals on some great television shows.

This is the sick kitty in question.

First, would you believe you could get each season box set of The Wire for under twenty bucks apiece? Well, would you believe Get Smart boxed sets for ten? How about Brisco County, Jr: The Complete Series for $12?

Ok, obvious references aside, there are some really good deals - seasons of Babylon 5 for $12 apiece, Deadwood Seasons 1 - 3 for $18 apiece, or even all three volumes of Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law for under $30. Plus, since I get a little piece of the action, your money will go towards helping take care of this blog....and a sick kitty. I rarely, if ever, do the flat-out money grab, but thought that this would be a good way to encourage you, the reader, to help without feeling like I was begging.


(And plus, you should also consider checking out the WB Archive, which should be accessible by clicking the small banner in the upper left corner of this post. It's a DVD on Demand service that has many hard-to-find films, relatively obscure Hanna Barbera Cartoons (although, quite honestly, I believe it's worth it to own your own custom copy of 
The Herculoids).
So please visit the links and purchase something, and help keep this blog running.

I Pity the Fool that doesn't take this post seriously.

Public Domain Drive-In: Santa & the Three Bears

Yes, things have been a little busy - mostly, recovering from Chicago TARDIS, making sure Mom is doing OK, and basically getting work done. (Can't really go into too much detail, but can do so privately). For your viewing pleasure (and to make sure I'm up to date on the blog), here's a little holiday cuteness entitled Santa and the Three Bears

Enjoy!

Lantern's Light

Unlike many in the comics blogosphere, I actually liked the Green Lantern movie: it's not as bad as others make it out to be.

The same can be said for the new animated Green Lantern series on Cartoon Network - it's not perfect, not by a long shot....but it's actually pretty good, especially if you're willing to be open and actually commend DC for taking some interesting creative chances.

First, let's get the negatives out of the way - this initial foray into CG for DC animated looks...a little unfinished. It would be easy to make a cheap crack like, "Bruce Timm in CGI eerily resembles The Incredibles" - truth be told, it's a little too clean and unrefined for my tastes, but once you get past that...."Beware My Power" (the initial two-part opener) really sets the stage for what promises to be a halfway decent space opera/science fiction/super hero hybrid.

Very little is provided in terms of exposition - in fact, only about ten minutes takes place on Earth (merely to establish who Hal Jordan is); the rest of the plot concerns the Corps helping "Frontier Lanterns" - members of the Corps who are responsible for far-flung sectors of the universe, and who are pretty much given a ring, an instruction guide, and orders to serve.

However, Frontier Lanterns (which sounds like the title for a great spin-off series) are being systematically slaughtered by the Red Lantern Corps (an obvious nod to Geoff Johns' work, as well as seemingly setting up the major arc of the series). Thankfully, there are no super-obvious riffs on potential "adaptations" of past Lantern stories, and it's a pretty decent animated take on the Lantern.

First episodes, by their very nature, aren't perfect - they're meant to introduce, provide the context, and then set the tone. Cartoon Network's animated Green Lantern isn't perfect, by a long shot....but it's well worth your time.

Now, when's the second season of Young Justice?

Hey, Kids! Animated DC Trailer

While I'm enjoying the beginning of my vacation (and getting ready for a trip to St. Louis while procrastinating on other stuff), here's a preview of the next DC Animated DVD, Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths:



Enjoy!

To Sweetcheeks From Mr. Know-It-All

Dear Sweetcheeks,

Oh, I know that's not your real name, and that it's been years since we worked together. However, I wanted to keep you relatively anonymous on my blog - you didn't ask for me to address this to you, so I figured it was "sweetcheeks" or "Jennifer", since 80% of the women I worked with were named Jennifer.

However, since Jennifer isn't your name, and "Sweetcheeks" is, well, funnier, there you go.

I know you've been busy doing...well, whatever you're doing, and I wanted to ask you a favor.

Could you please send me back my copy of The Moose That Roared, Keith Scott's biography of animator Jay Ward?

Oh, sure, I could take back my mom's copy (which I bought for her on her birthday), or simply buy another one from Amazon.com...but quite frankly, I'm tired of having to borrow my library's copy, because it's quite a good book. I thought I had said you could borrow it - unfortunately, I probably should have been more assertive. By the time I realized my error, I didn't have your number, although you can contact me through Facebook and Linked In, if you want to connect.

Granted, it's not for everyone's taste - in fact, I'm rather flattered that you kept it and forgot to give it back. (Unless I told you that it was OK to keep, in which case - my bad). It's a really strong survey of a man who helped shape much of contemporary humor and culture. It takes two readings to really get - often, Scott attempts to mimic the tone of the old Bullwinkle and Rocky show, and it often doesn't come across well in print. But there's a real treasure trove of information for fans of classic cartoons...and quite frankly, you can tell that Keith Scott is a real aficionado.

And not just because he did the Bullwinkle voice in that movie a few years back, either.

But anyway, if I could have my copy back, it would be really appreciated. And fair's fair - I allowed you to tease me about my Alex Ross Superman poster without complaining. I think this is the least you can do, and I'll never ask anything from you again.

Oh, and if you're ever in my neck of the woods, let get together to catch up on old times.

Your former co-worker,
Mr. Know-It-All

P.S. Just as a side note - I want to see some Bullwinkle/Bully the Little Stuffed Bull crossover fanfiction. It just simply makes sense.

Post # 999

Too good to put on the quote blog

And coming tomorrow: Post # 1000!

Public Domain Drive-In: Fleischer Studios' Superman

And now, a brand new feature to the blog - with April 15th coming up, and in these rather tough economic times, it means that we all have to tighten our belts.

In that spirit, I am announcing the new, semi-regular "Public Domain Drive-In" - that is, films and other materials of interest that are in the public domain. It would be easy to find obvious trashy stuff to feature (like Plan 9 from Outer Space), but this is more about the treasures - things that might not be as well-known, but thanks to sites like Public Domain Torrents and the Internet Archive, will be released for you, the reader, to enjoy.

(When possible, I'll also try to find ways to embed the videos in the post - that way, you can watch at your leisure. Our first entry is a little tricky, but rest assured - my job is to help you gain access).

Our premiere piece focuses on Superman, whose copyright has been recent news. These are the famous Fleischer Studio cartoons from the 1940s - these are the toons that served as the basis for the art style of Bruce Timm's later work on Batman: The Animated Series, and stylistically, are extremely impressive - the plots are basic WW2-era plots (mad scientists, saboteurs, etc), but watching them just to enjoy the artwork...is a real pleasure.

So, you may be asking yourself - since DC had owned Superman, how could these cartoons be in the public domain? Wikipedia has a great explanation of the circumstances, and these cartoons have been released...repeatedly. Much of it is through cheaper editions, but higher quality (though more expensive) editions still exist. Plus, a key note to consider when watching: there are some very strong tendencies towards sexism and (more appropriately) racism - granted, it's an emblem of its time, but these are best viewed one or two cartoons at a time.

So, welcome aboard, and in future installments, we'll see a great classic of screwball comedy, a conspiracy picture 30 years ahead of its time....and a lost science fiction film that's excellent, except for its final line.

Download Information:

Superman Fleischer Cartoons on Google Video

Superman Festival - Torrent Downloads

Superman Festival - Internet Archive

Animated Second Chances

(Yes, I know, I've been away awhile - luckily or unluckily, I've had some opportunities to work, and a big fund raising opportunity. So this is for those of you who missed reading new stuff on the blog)

It's ironic that the Fox Network - owned by Rupert Murdoch, one of the most conservative businessmen on the planet - is often one of the most out-of-the-box in terms of content. The network also seems to hire executives with little judgment, cancelling shows only to have them later revived. Such is the case with two animated shows: Matt Groening's Futurama and Seth McFarlane's Family Guy, due solely to DVD sales. McFarlane received a new order for a further series and spin-off; Groening, with The Simpsons had to settle for made-for-DVD versions of Futurama.

Groening got the better deal - Bender's Big Score is a well-written, remarkably taut movie that resembles the best of old school Futurama. (Can I even say that?) It's incredibly hard to write about without giving spoilers, but let's just say it involves Internet scammers from the nude beach planet, time travel, and a very well-placed slap at Fox executives. (Not the ones in the home video department, according to the producers' commentary, but the ones at the network). There's even a twist that, on first viewing, I didn't see coming...and no, I won't spoil it for you. This movie is so good, that I wish I could afford to buy all my blogger and podcast pals a copy. It also wears its geekiness on its sleeve - let's face it, any DVD that features both a live comic book reading and a math lecture by a fan is real hardcore. More hardcore than MC Chris. But the best part of the DVD...is a complete episode with this character.

But Blue Harvest, aka "The Family Guy Star Wars Special"? A complete and utter waste of time. Wow, what an original idea - retell the movie with Family Guy characters. (Want to see it done right? Check out the Robot Chicken Star Wars Special. Sharper jokes, smarter writing...it's worth it. Trust me)

In its first three, pre-cancelation seasons, Family Guy seemed to be moving towards a heady mix of raunch and story. However, Blue Harvest reveals that Jamie Weinman (one of my my favorite bloggers) hits every flaw of the show right on the nose). Now, in his arrogance, McFarlane and his crew seem to rely on the same formulas of random cutaways and it-will-be-so-wacky obvious targets (A talking dog! Fart jokes! A baby who talks like Rik Mayall! Ironic voice cameos!) that, much like current South Park, doesn't even try anymore, content to just coast because - let's face it - McFarlane "won", and what's the worst that will happen? Another fan-based DVD drive to get a second "reboot". Sorry, Seth, but laziness is no substitute for humor.

For those of you who will post the "dude, you don't get it" comments, or tell me how wrong I am about Family Guy...Ok, I liked the hyperspace gag that led to this. But let's face it - Family Guy is about as cutting edge as Full House was in the 1980s. For McFarlane and his staff, Family Guy seems more like a job...but for the cast and crew of Bender's Big Score, it's a labor of love. And fortunately for them, it shows.

And to quote Bender, if you still disagree with me, you can bite my shiny metal ass. Or something.

Bender's Big Score: Highly Recommended.
Family Guy Presents Blue Harvest: Not Recommended

Early Easter Eggs

As many of you know, I extended the deadline for your questions until the 8th...and since it's Easter, I thought I would provide some lovely Easter Eggs, in the form of the brilliant, short-lived, why-in-tarnation-isn't-this-on-dvd cartoon known as Freakazoid!

For more background information, check out Wikipedia and Jamie J. Weinman's article.

(All of these clips are safe for work - just a heads up. However, for those of you with more delicate constitutions, click here. Your system can't handle Freakazoid. Seriously)

Opening credits are always important.

Enjoy the two-part adventure, "Mission: Freakazoid"

Here's a clip that Scott can enjoy.

Here's a clip especially for Mike Sterling.

One of the first uses of Scream-O-Vision

Can your system handle the excitement?

A test of the emergency broadcast system.

A lesson in French you'll never forget.

Infinite Crisis was never this fun.

And finally, this one's for the ladies.

Happy Easter, everyone!

This One's For the Fat Guys

(Props to Camryn Mannheim for the initial catchphrase)

You know, I never thought I would write this, but Bouncing Boy is my new favorite bad ass.

No, I'm not being ironic or aspiring towards ISB-dom - as I watched this weekend's episode of Legion of Super Heroes, I realized that not only is Chuck Taine a supremely cool character, but he is being written in an almost shockingly original way.

I have to admit, I'm projecting a lot of myself into him. Growing up, I had a weight problem, and body image issues - not something men normally talk about. Oh, sure, I would make jokes about it - "Between me and Matter Eater Lad, no all-you-can-eat buffet will be safe" - but ultimately, I never saw myself as anything but comic relief. Gradually, however, I became much more confident, and found myself taking on leadership roles in a variety of settings. Much of that involved letting go of my doubt and "making people listen", moving past the comfortable "fat guy as jolly clown" and being assertive. Showing that, yes, I could be taken seriously, and that I was more than the sum of others' expectations.

Nice to be reminded of that.

Another reason why I like Chuck is the way the writers are handling the Bouncing Boy/Triplicate Girl "romance". Normally, the cliche is for the fat guy to want the unobtainable woman, but she's oblivious, and several cliches are utilized:

1. After being rejected/hurt/traumatized, the heroine decides that the fat guy is worthy of her affection, and so decides to "honor" him with her affection.
2. Some variation of Cyrano De Bergerac, leading to wacky hilarity; and
3. The hero being put in the "friend zone".
4. After proving himself, our heroine decides that the hero is worthy of her affection, and so acts accordingly.
   

What's refreshing? Triplicate Girl - long before we see Chuck assert himself - begins expressing an interest. Gosh, a fat guy loveable simply because...he is? I know I'm reading a lot into this, but quite frankly, it's refreshing, especially during a time when much children's television - much television in general - is geared towards the shove-it-down-your-throat-easy-moral.

So, DC, here's an offer - I'll write a Bouncing Boy mini-series. Free. Because I think you have an unsung hero in your ranks.

Last Week's Ticket In This Week's Train Station

First, a gratuitous Graham Parker reference - let's see if our favorite Parker fans can identify the reference.

Anyway, the long and short of it - ankle's healing well, work's keeping me on my toes, and I'm recovering from a really cool Thanksgiving. (Having a cute-as-get-out godson helps). So, in order to celebrate, an update on the shows that I'm Netflixing, especially since it's cheaper than cable.

Deadwood - I owe Tom the Dog. Big time. This western is sheer genius, turning profanity into poetry, and giving us a small piece of "real" history. And that's just after the first four episodes.

House, Season 2 - I also owe Polite Scott; this is probably the closest we will ever come to a 21st century Sherlock Holmes. The medicine is non-guessable; the soapishness is just right. Makes me regret not going to medical school.

Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. - Mix a little Wild, Wild West with a slightly knowing sense of humor (think Army of Darkness), and you get this shoulda-been-a-hit. Bruce Campbell can do no wrong, and quite frankly, I've fallen in love with this actress all over again.

30 Days - After viewing the first disc, this is my second favorite "reality" show. (My first is Penn and Teller's Bull$h!+ on Showtime). Morgan Spurlock should receive a ton of free money for this show, examining the minimum wage, youth issues, and religious tolerance. Each episode touches on some other, deeper issues.

Justice League Unlimited - Why aren't the comics this good?

Coming Up on Blog THIS, Pal!: I answer Roger's questions; I discuss my top candidate for a comic book girlfriend; and of course, cool guy tips.