Tex Avery’s MGM Cartoons Coming to Blu-ray
As Droopy would say, “Ya know, what? I’m happy.”
It’s only January, but the Warner Archive Collection has announced an upcoming release that is a strong contender for my 2020 Blu-ray Pick of the Year. Tex Avery Screwball Classics Volume 1 is the first collection of restored color cartoons from the master of animated mayhem, Tex Avery. Hopefully, future volumes will eventually provide a complete HD collection of Avery’s MGM output, including my favorite, The Magical Maestro.
Volume 1 is expected on February 18th. And based on the disclaimer below, I’m guessing these shorts will be released uncut (including un-PC content) for historical purposes.
Here’s what we know thus far:
NEW 2020 1080p HD MASTERS FROM 4K SCANS OF ARCHIVAL ELEMENTS!
TEX AVERY SCREWBALL CLASSICS-VOLUME ONE
Run Time 138:00
Subtitles English SDH
Audio Specs DTS HD-Master Audio 2.0 – English
Aspect Ratio 1.37:1, 4 X 3 FULL FRAME
Product Color COLOR
Disc Configuration BD 50
*Tex Avery Screwball Classics Collection, Volume One is Intended for the Adult Collector and May Not Be Suitable for Children*
Collection Includes:
Tex Avery Classics
RED HOT RIDING HOOD
WHO KILLED WHO?
WHAT’S BUZZIN BUZZARD?
BATTY BASEBALL
THE HICK CHICK
BAD LUCK BLACKIE
GARDEN GOPHER
THE PEACHY COBBLER
SYMPHONY IN SLANG
Screwy Squirrel
SCREWBALL SQUIRREL
THE SCREWY TRUANT
BIG HEEL-WATHA
LONESOME LENNY
George & Junior
HOUND HUNTERS
RED HOT RANGERS
Droopy
DUMB HOUNDED
WAGS TO RICHES
THE CHUMP CHAMP
DAREDEVIL DROOPY
There were several masters of animation during Hollywood’s golden era. Of the top two geniuses, one created elaborate fairy tales and ornate feature-length fantasias – the other guy was Tex Avery. He just wanted to make you laugh. Having already been integrally involved in the development of Porky Pig, Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny for Warner Bros., Avery moved to MGM in 1941 to create a set of comedy masterpieces that defined a new slapstick style for animation, inspiring cartoonists, comedians and filmmakers for decades to come. Avery’s unit at Metro Goldwyn Mayer was all about breaking the fourth wall, shattering expectations and making audiences fall down with laughter. His one-shot masterpieces, including Bad Luck Blackie, Red Hot Riding Hood and Symphony in Slang, have proven themselves pure gold. And continuing characters like Droopy, Screwball Squirrel and George & Junior – not to mention Spike, Red and The Wolf – remain unforgettable comic personas among the top rank of cartoondom. Avery’s cartoons were ahead of their time – and their time has come. Finally committed to Blu-ray™, this first collection of restored Technicolor® shorts feels fresh and new, and is funnier than ever. This set will delight young and old – and will amaze a new generation ready to laugh again. – JERRY BECK, Animation Historian
