Get ready for more wholesome Charles M. Schulz fun; Warner Brothers has released the follow-up volume to their first Peanuts 1970’s Collection. Just like in previous collections, there’s a distinct mix of classic cartoons that have become holiday staples and others you might never have seen before unless you’ve previously purchased the double-feature DVD releases that were par for the course until Warner Brothers started its anthology trend. Additionally, one of the cartoons gets its first-time-ever release on DVD in this collection. Finally, you can toss out that VHS copy.
Be My Valentine Charlie Brown (1975)
Depending on whether or not you think the sanitized trend of every kid giving a valentine to every other kid in their grade is a smart emotional buffer or ridiculous, the story of this cartoon has a different meaning. Charlie Brown, for whatever reason, has a really bad track record when it comes to getting valentines on Valentine’s Day. He has lots of friends, but he’s never anyone’s valentine. Ever. So, the homely little boy that everyone likes sets out to be anyone’s valentine so he can get a card. It’s a bittersweet idea based on an unfortunate happening that has been phased out thanks to the school system’s “give everyone a card” policy.
You’re a Good Sport, Charlie Brown (1975)
Remember when Charlie Brown chose a po-dunk, little tree for Christmas and everyone ridiculed his decision? Well, it wasn’t the last time that happened to him. This time around it’s the laughable little motorbike he buys for a motorcross which he enters with his friends. Does Charlie Brown win? Does he ever really “win”?
It’s Arbor Day Charlie Brown (1976)
Charlie Brown loves his baseball field. His team rarely (if ever) wins, but that field provides him with some sense of ownership. He’s very possessive and takes pride in it and the team he leads while playing on it. So when the field is converted to a garden in honor of Arbor Day, Charlie Brown obstinately goes forth with a game against Peppermint Patty regardless. He may not like the new state his field is in, but he finds his team plays better than ever before (or rather, the other team doesn’t play quite as well).
What a Nightmare, Charlie Brown (1978)
This is the cartoon that is just now getting its DVD debut, and it might not be hard to understand why. While it offers some very sparse levels of the cutesy comedy Snoopy is known for, the majority of it is a very off-color story about Snoopy having a nightmare about being a sled dog in the arctic and changing to meet the harsh conditions and stronger nature of his teammates. What an odd Peanuts cartoon, but here it is. The strangeness alone makes it worth a view.
It’s Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown (1977)
This cartoon might have the best setup of all those in the set, and provides the best scope of just what it is Peanuts offers. Everyone knows Charlie Brown loves the red-headed girl. He pines, he loves, he yearns. When he learns that he’ll have the chance to impress her at the football game (can you guess it yet?) his heart jumps. This will be his chance. But lo and behold, who is holding the football for his big moment? That’s right, Lucy. So Charlie Brown continues his streak of misplaced faith, poor guy. But still, two classic Peanuts elements in one cartoon.
You’re the Greatest, Charlie Brown (1979)
Remember earlier how we talk about how Charlie Brown never wins anything ever. We’ll eat half our words here, with a side of fries, as Charlie Brown proves himself somewhat of a pro as he enters (not entirely by choice) the decathlon, the most grueling event in his school’s Olympics. It’s kind of like Charlie Brown with a Vengeance. You expect him to get snuffed or trip up as Marcie or Snoopy go whizzing past, but he holds his own. Charlie Brown finally has his day (sort of).
DVD Bonus Features
A decent documentary featurette examines the progression of this iconic cartoon and its lovable characters in a decade filled with polarizing national events. Considering the steady hand of the Peanuts cartoon features, the documentary makes for a very interesting watch.
Overall this is one of the better selections offered in the Peanuts collections so far. It offers a good mix and throws in the best elements of the series.
"Peanuts: 1970's Collection, Vol. 2" is on sale June 1, 2010 and is not rated. Animation, Children & Family, Comedy. Directed by Bill Melendez, Phil Roman. Written by Charles M. Schulz. Starring Bill Melendez, James Ahrens, Linda Ercoli, Lynn Mortensen, Melanie Kohn, Stephen Shea, Todd Barbee.
