Finally, FINALLY, Warner Bros. has released the definitive collection of Tom & Jerry cartoons that fans have wanted all along: every theatrical short, uncut, restored, and as originally released by MGM in chronological order. No more piecemeal, hodgepodge abominations forcing viewers to double and triple-dip to try to get close to a full collection. No individual volumes slowly released over years. Just one big, beautiful, comprehensive package containing the whole theatrical shebang, just like it should have been done from the dawn of the DVD age.
Buy Tom & Jerry: The Golden Age AnthologySpread across five discs containing all 114 cartoons, the massive collection still fits in a standard DVD case. It’s fun to watch the characters change as the years go by, with slightly different character colors and designs as well as shifting background styles to mark the passage of time. The supporting cast changes as well, with chief antagonist bulldog Spike eventually adding a lovable pup named Tyke, and Jerry’s assorted relatives such as Muscles, Uncle Pecos, and Nibbles/Tuffy dropping by for hilarious visits. At the heart of it all though are the constant cat-and-mouse antics of the two stars, forever in opposition, usually to Tom’s pronounced physical detriment.
Fans who picked up The Complete Cinemascope Collection, released less than a year ago, will likely feel the most ripped off, since the entire contents of that recent release appear here as well. Aspect ratios are retained, so shorts in the complete set alternate between square screen and widescreen. All original content is also retained, with the obligatory disclaimer that the set is intended for the discriminating “adult collector” who understands the realities of less sensitive times. DVD special features are solely comprised of 20 commentaries by animation experts, although the Blu-ray set has additional bonus content.
As for picture quality, the restorations are wildly successful, with superb colors particularly highlighted by the glorious CinemaScope entries, but detail suffers a bit on DVD, making Blu-ray the clear choice for discriminating collectors. While I get that Blu-ray was never as widely adopted as DVD, and Warners will sell plenty of DVD sets to casual viewers with low-grade AV setups who just want to revisit their glory days or educate the young’uns, Blu is the only way to go for serious enthusiasts, enhanced further by the exclusive bonus features.
After decades of complaints about incomplete releases, the Warner Bros. customer service department can finally take a breather from irate Tom & Jerry fans. Now please get to work on a complete Looney Tunes set, the absolute pinnacle of every classic animation fan’s wishlist.
