Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears A Who – Deluxe Collection (1970/Warner Animation DVD)
Picture:
C+ Sound: C+ Extras: C+ Main Program: C+
With the
big computer animated feature version of the Dr. Seuss classic on the way to
the big screen, Warner Bros. has decided to issue a DVD of the original 1970
animated Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears A Who –
Deluxe Collection and though we have not seen the new version yet, we can
say that the original by the legendary director Chuck Jones holds up very well
and remains one of the finest of all Seuss adaptations in any medium.
The trick
with any Seuss work is that the suspension of disbelief is in fun absurdity and
anything that deviates from that (like the dreadful live action Cat In The Hat) ruins the tone and
spirit of the piece, so subtly strong are the Seuss works. These are from consistent works of an
auteuristic nature and as shown in the additional shows on this set, easy to
deviate from even when you are trying not to.
Dr. Seuss’ Butter Battle Book, Daisy-Head Mayzie and Horton
Hatches the Egg! are all good pieces, but they are somehow lacking at least
slightly less focused for whatever reasons.
They are still good and I am glad Warner cared enough to include them so
this was not a basic, empty disc, but the main feature is the best and will be
a strong curio and more as the new feature arrives.
The 1.33
X 1 image on all four animated shows is very good, though despite its age, I
like the look of Horton the best down to its color, thanks in part to Jones’
exceptional grasp of color and detail.
All the programs are in Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo with no major surrounds
(despite what the package says) except for Horton, sadly presented in Dolby 1.0
Mono. This track is far too flat and
along with the great voice work by the great Hans Conried, should be upgraded
to stereo in a major restoration. Extras
include the other shows, a singalong Music Video for the main feature and very
good documentary In Search Of Dr. Seuss.
- Nicholas Sheffo
