While some will argue whether or not Avatar is animation (including James Cameron), with the film being nearly 90% CGI, it fits my definition of animation (see episode 6 for the debate) as-well-as the Academy’s.

Either way, congratulations to both Up and Avatar.

Part four of our review of the 50 greatest cartoons as selected by a panel of more than 1,000 cartoon historians and animation professionals from the book by the same name by Jerry Beck (1994). In this episode we take on cartoons 35-31.

The 50 Greatest Cartoons (35-31):

35) Ali Baba Bunny, Warner Brothers, February 9, 1957
34) You Ought To Be In Pictures, Warner Brothers, May 18, 1940
33) Superman, Fleischer Studios, September 26, 1941
32) The Cat Came Back, National Film Board of Canada, 1988
31) The Scarlet Pumpernickel, Warner Brothers, March 4, 1950

Our other podcasts:

Don’t Fear the Grape: www.dontfearthegrape.com
Crash! Bang! Pow!: www.crashbangpow.com

After a twelve year hiatus James Cameron returns with the much-hyped film, Avatar. Was Avatar worth the wait? Does it live up to the hype? Is Avatar really a ‘game changer’? Patrick and I have a lively discussion about James Cameron’s latest gambit.

The Third & The Seventh from Alex Roman on Vimeo.

Update: Everything you see is CG except for the photographer (shot on greenscreen), pigeons, timelapsed growing flowers, the flying airplane and sky backgrounds. Stunning realism, artfully done.

Part three of our review of the 50 greatest cartoons as selected by a panel of more than 1,000 cartoon historians and animation professionals from the book by the same name by Jerry Beck (1994). In this episode we take on cartoons 40-36.

The 50 Greatest Cartoons (40-36):

40) Peace on Earth, MGM, December 9, 1939
39) Little Red Riding Rabbit, Warner Brothers, January 4, 1944
38) Bambi Meets Godzilla, Marv Newland, 1969
37) Bimbo’s Initiation, Fleischer Studios, July 24, 1931
36) Feed the Kitty, Warner Brothers, February 2, 1952

Links mentioned in this episode:

Peace on Earth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8OYvHPpGDY
Peace on Earth: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xuiut_mgm-cartoon-1939-peace-on-earth_fun
Bambi Meets Godzilla: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAVYYe87b9w
Bimbo’s Initiation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFrBG4xyaF8

Rudolph, Frosty, the Grinch, what was you favorite Christmas special growing up? In this episode Patrick and I get with the season and discuss our favorite animated Christmas specials.

Part two of our review of the 50 greatest cartoons as selected by a panel of more than 1,000 cartoon historians and animation professionals from the book by the same name by Jerry Beck (1994). In this episode we tackle cartoons 45-41.

The 50 Greatest Cartoons (45-41):

45) Book Revue, Warner Brothers, January 05, 1946
44) The Man Who Planted Trees, National Film Board of Canada, 1987
43) The Barber of Seville, Walter Lantz, April 10, 1944
42) The Cat Concerto, MGM, April 26, 1947
41) Rooty Toot Toot, UPA, March 27, 1952

Based on the underground magazine, 1981’s Heavy Metal mixed violence, nudity and rock-n-roll and was destined to become an animated cult classic. Patrick and I discuss it and its influence on our childhood.

In 1994 animation historian Jerry Beck authored The 50 Greatest Cartoons: As Selected by 1,000 Animation Professionals. While Patrick and I failed to be included in this list, we felt it our duty to give you, our listeners, our two cents. And so here begins a ten-part series, as we watch, review and dissect the 50 Greatest Cartoons.

The 50 Greatest Cartoons (50-46):

50) Felix in Hollywood, M. J. Winkler Productions, July 15, 1923
49) The Dover Boys, Warner Brothers, September 19, 1942
48) Unicorn in the Garden, UPA, September 24, 1953
47) A Corny Concerto, Warner Brothers, September 25, 1943
46) Quasi at the Quackadero, Cruikshank, 1975

Links mentioned in this episode:

Animation Station YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/AnimationStation
Felix in Hollywood: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ-i9bE7RV4
Unicorn in the Garden: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1teJjX-smdE
Sally Cruikshank Website: www.funonmars.com
Sally Cruikshank YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/laughingsal