As with previous compilations, we get a mix of old and new cartoons. The older ones are largely from 1940-57, when Hanna-Barbera were producing theatrical shorts and managed to win the Academy Award for Animated Short Film seven times. Of the 22 here, six are from the classic era—five produced by Hanna-Barbera and one from 1965 during the Chuck Jones era. Watching the Chuck Jones era episode, “Haunted Mouse,” is interesting, because his style was noticeably different from that of Hanna-Barbera. Tom has sharper ears, thicker eyebrows and gray fur; Jerry has larger eyes and ears, was a lighter brown and now had a sweet (rather than scowlish) look on his face. Of the Hanna-Barbera productions here, the most notable is “Touché, Pussy Cat!” Not only was it nominated for an Oscar, but it was the first produced in CinemaScope.
The remaining cartoons on the set are from the short lived Tom & Jerry Tales which ran on the Kids’ WB network from 2006-08. “Monster Con” finds Tom helping Van Helsing in Transylvania. “Tomb It May Concern” finds the guys’ exploring an Egyptian tomb for treasure (as I said, the Halloween theme here is very loose.) “The Itch” is a fun little short featuring a rock band that causes an unusual audience response whenever they play their signature tune.
Two bonus cartoons are included. I’m not sure why these are on the bonus menu, as they are part of the 22 cartoons promised on the front cover. Perhaps it’s because they’re not Halloween related…Anyway, First up we have “Ho, Ho Horrors,” a Christmas-themed short from season one of Tom and Jerry Tales in 2006. “Doggone Hill Hog” is another wintery excursion about sledding. Spike the dog comes along for this adventure.
The Episodes: “More Powers to You,” “Over the River and Boo!,” “The Woods,” “Fire Breathing Tom Cat,” “Touché Pussy Cat!,” “The Flying Sorceress,” “Tiger Cat,” “Robin Hoodwinked,” “Jerry’s Cousin,” “Invasion of the Body Slammers,” “Haunted Mouse,” “Trap Happy,” “Spook House Mouse,” “Bats What I Like About the South,” “Fraidy Cat Scat,” “Which Witch,” “Monster Con,” “Tomb It May Concern,” “Power Tom,” “The Itch,” “Hi Robot,” “Ho, Ho Horrors,” “Doggone Hill Hog.”
The video is presented in 1.78. The transfer looks fine, reflecting the fairly traditional Tom & Jerry look. Audio is a fine sounding Dolby Digital Surround track and Spanish and French dubs and English subtitles are offered.
