It’s cold as heck right now out here in Michigan and lots of places; at Thunderbean we’ve been hunkering down— and working on the next projects that are lined up. I thought it would be a good week to give an update as to the status of the ‘official’ Thunderbean sets.
Over the last six months, we’ve been working diligently on something that, right now, hasn’t come to fruition yet— and moving things forward isn’t in our hands. Even though that’s disappointing at the moment, this tiny company has been able to keep afloat because of its small size and adaptability.
Thunderbean started in 2004, producing DVDs. It is really a continuation of ‘Snappy Video’ a small business I started in 1988, releasing VHS tapes of cartoons. He jumped to Blu-rays in 2014 changed the abilities of the company drastically, as did the opportunities to work with other companies (like Tommy Stathes’ Cartoons on Film, TCM, Disney, ASIFA and others).
Here are the ‘official ‘projects that are all on the slate right now, and a few things about how they’re doing. We’re having a lot of fun moving all these forward.
Mid Century Modern Animation, Volume 3: The Blu-ray master and packaging are finished on this title. we started a Go Fund Me Campaign on February 6th to help get this to the finish line, and as I was writing this the campaign reached it’s goal! Thanks to everyone for helping. We’ll be leaving it up for anyone that wants to contribute, and the additional funds will go toward getting the long out-of-print Mid Century Modern, Volume 2 back in replication.
Rainbow Parades, Volume 2:
This set completes the Rainbow Parades series. This set, using the master materials licensed from Blackhawk Films, includes all the Technicolor Rainbow Parades. We had ten of the 13 films completed for the set; A major hard drive cash set us back 6 restorations, and we’re working on trying to restore the hard drive (there are now five we need to either recover or redo). We hope to have this set wrapped in the coming few months. The bonus features are nearly done for this set as well.
Lou Bunin’s Magic Puppet Animation Featuring Alice in Wonderland: Over the last few weeks, I’ve reviewed the materials we have on this set, and love how everything is looking. We’re still waiting to get some things we’ve been trying to get for years, but it’s looking positive. We’ll have this set out in the first half of this year.
ComiColor Cartoons, Volume 1 and 2: Lots of scans are done on this set, with more in progress. Nearly all are coming from the black and white separations, so these films are looking better than they’ve ever been seen. We’re keeping his one under wraps a bit, but it’s really looking great. Both volumes will be out this year.
More Technicolor Dreams: Depending on the ability to get certain films from a major archive, his set will likely be finished later this year. This one has been in progress the longest at this point- and hard to say if we can get this done this year, but we’re really trying!
Felix the Cat: The Thunderbean Felix project has, at this point, a long and varied history. Project partner Dave Gerstein and I are really excited about jumping onto some aspects of the project this year, as the plate gets a little clearer. We’ll be talking about it later his year, and I’m excited to add more scans to the big collection we have so far.
Other Thunderbean projects are in various stages (I need to be properly dressed to talk about one of them) and we’re looking forward to talking more about those soon, too.
HAVE A GOOD WEEK ALL!
Steve Stanchfield is an animator, educator and film archivist. He runs Thunderbean Animation, an animation studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan and has compiled over a dozen archival animation DVD collections devoted to such subjects at Private Snafu, The Little King and the infamous Cubby Bear. Steve is also a professor at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit.
Do you have a list of the animations that are in Volume 3 of Mid Century Modern Animation?
I’m so glad to hear progress on these collections. I am waiting and waiting and anticipating. I’m wondering what this “cartoons about cartoons“ collection is going to be. I’m also anxious to find out more about the special sets that I ordered. I’m always interested in your “special“ collections because they are wonderful! You are on a roll here, so please I hope there are no more obstacles. Good luck!
Great news about the Felix the Cat collection! Are you and David planning to search for some of the missing shorts like Musical Mews or The Adventures of Felix? It would also be fantastic to hear some authentic silent-era scores with these cartoons—sometimes the later-added sound effects can be a bit distracting. Looking forward to seeing what you put together!
Well, this is a fun surprise. Glad to see there’s still a devoted fanbase for Thunderbean’s animated offerings.
I’m very happy the GoFundMe was successful! The updates on the Thunderbean projects is appreciated too! I’ve been wondering how More Technicolor Dreams was coming.
So much good stuff in the works! Rainbow Parades and ComiColor sound good. Any Felix releases are a welcome surprise.
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He’s “tied for third” (with Betty Boop) among my favorite cartoon characters/stars.
(After Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig.)
I hope the Alice set has “The Kangaroo and the Dingo Dog”
No Fleischer project with Jane, Mauricio and Ray?
I did work for the Fleischer project for the better part of a year. I worked on 18 films all together. I’m not doing work for them right now, but was happy to work with original negatives. It was really cool. I was working with Jane and Thad, who is still working on the restorations and supervises the restoration aspects, and does a good job on all these things.
I’m curious to.know more about the 1929 blu ray that’s a available for pre-order on the Thunderbean site
I’m hoping that Thunderbean will be able to give us a complete Happy Harmonies collection someday.
All good, Steve! I’m most excited for Mid Century Modern Animation: Volume 3. I’m the only Gen Z cartoon fan that actually likes stylized animation.
If the Felix set finally happens I’m leaving my family heirlooms to Thunderbean as a sign of gratitude.
Hey Steve, any updates on the Cartoon Legacy special set? I ordered it back in December and I don’t see it listed on the Thunderbean Status page of your website.
Glad to hear the Thunderbean train is busy chugging along! Any news on Lantz Studio Treasures?
Exciting news here, and much to anticipate! I take it anything not mentioned shouldn’t be expected in 2025, like the Cartoons for Victory Blu-Ray?
We’re working on getting as many things out the door as possible this year. My hope is to have the Cartoons for Victory out in 2025 as well if we’re able. There’s a lot of things scanned for it already…