Tweety DVD review

[Greg Method]

Well, after much internal debate, I broke down and bought the first Japanese Tweety DVD last week. Part of it was just to say as a collector "Well, I bought the first ever Warner DVD of Looney Tunes in the world," even if I couldn't find a way to watch it.

It arrived today, and as I anticipated it took me a while to figure out how to get this Region 2 disc to play in my Region 1 player. One word of warning to those who are also trying to do this: almost all of the web sites out there that list hacking instructions list info for the other way around (Region 1 discs on Region 2 players), so don't be surprised if it still doesn't work after following directions on the web!

Anyway, after some thinking and reversing one or two steps, I all but gave up, hoping to try again tomorrow. I inserted the disc in one last desparate attempt to see what I can do. Somehow in my fumbling of buttons I must have found the right sequence (I don't know what I did, honest), because all of a sudden I saw and heard the majestic roar of the Warner Home Video logo. I was quite happy.

Okay, the disc. The menu is in Japanese except for the words "Tweety" and "Bully For Bugs." I played Bugs first, and then the ten Tweety cartoons. The transfer and sound were both nice, but I know the remastered prints on the U.S. DVD's will blow these out of the water. Quality-wise it was exactly what I expected. I'm just glad that I can watch Looney Tunes collections on my big living room TV since I only have my DVD and laserdisc players hooked up to it.

I doubt I'll get the other two Tweety DVD's just yet (at a shade under $30 a pop after shipping, it's not *that* great of a collection...maybe if it was all-Bugs!). The pamphlet inside mentioned "Tweety's High-Flying Adventure" was coming out, but no word on other character releases. Too bad. :(

[all41]

I was planning on waiting until November when Vol 3 comes out and then buy all three at once. Since I watch DVD's on my laptop, it isn't hard to break region codes.

I have heard others say the quality was very good. Are you not impressed with the prints or the quality? If not, I'll reconsider whether to shell out the bucks for them.

[Greg Method]

<< I have heard others say the quality was very good. Are you not impressed with the prints or the quality? >>

Oh no, don't get me wrong. Both the prints and transfer were well done, but I know they will pale in comparison to when the films are fully restored and cleaned up, etc. It was exactly what I expected...great picture and okay sound, but nothing to really recommend to everyone who may already have these on video or laser.

It's a nice disc to tide me over until we get something stateside, but like I said at about $30 each they'll have to offer more than just Tweety to get me excited about buying more.

And while I'm on the subject of DVD, I do hope Warner will prepare something cool as far as special features go. If he's able and willing, I'd like to see Chuck Jones do commentary for his shorts....in addition to anyone else still around they can find (wouldn't it be great to hear Norm McCabe talk about something like "Impatient Patient" or "The Ducktators?") :)