Nelvana’s “A Cosmic Christmas” (1977)
A look at one of the ‘70s most memorable specials, a gentle family fable that led to a soundtrack album and a Star Wars landmark.
Van Beuren Tom and Jerry – Part 3
There are a few situations where context is important to help understand the original intention.
Small Wonder: The 25th Anniversary of “A Bug’s Life”
In the twenty-five years since its release, this film has been somewhat overshadowed by the Pixar blockbuster films that followed.
Cartoon Pilgrims – and Gratefulness in Thunderbeanland
Happy Thanksgiving To You All!
Unpredictable as Weather (Part 34)
This week, a sampling of three studios’/producers’ works from the 1960’s – Jay Ward, Total Television, and King Features.
Music of Van Beuren Cartoons 1929-30
While Wall Street was laying an egg, things were humming nicely at the Van Beuren Studio.
Up, Up and Away: Cartoon Character Balloons in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The many famous animated characters who have appeared as balloons in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Peanuts for Dinner: The 50th Anniversary of “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”
First airing on CBS in 1973, the special features almost entirely new material not featured in Schulz’s comic strip.
Some thoughts on preservation and access to classic animation–and “No Mutton Fer Nuttin” (1943)
A few month’s back I won a rare Kodachrome print of the first Noveltoon from Famous Studios. Take a look!
Jerry Beck is a writer, animation producer, college professor and author of more than 15 books on animation history. He is a former studio exec with Nickelodeon Movies and Disney, and has written for The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. He has curated cartoons for DVD and blu-ray compilations and has lent his expertise to dozens of bonus documentaries and audio commentaries on such. Beck is currently on the faculty of Cal Arts in Valencia, UCLA in Westwood and Woodbury University in Burbank – teaching animation history. More about Jerry Beck [Click Here]
