2007 marked the debut of the Silly Symphony Series with the release of the Ugly Duckling and his Mother ("A Loving Embrace") in February. The second release is scheduled for May, 2007 with the release of The Old Mill ("Pastoral Sunset") followed by the Opening Title (pictured at left) in June.
This new series, one I personally am looking forward too, is not the WDCC's first time where a Silly Symphony short was the subject of a WDCC release. In 1993, entering it's sophomore year, the WDCC released The Three Little Pigs which consisted of the Open Edition releases of Fiddler Pig, Fifer Pig, Practical Pig and an Opening Title plus a Numbered Limited Edition release of the Big Bad Wolf all sculpted by Kent Melton (except for the Opening Title).
In 1995, the Walt Disney Classics Collection launched the Enchanted Places (background settings and miniatures) and included each of the Pig's homes (sculpted by Terry Izumi) and miniatures of Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Pig (sculpted by Robert Olszewski) plus an Open Edition release of the Big Bad Wolf in 1996.
During the Disneyana Convention of 1998, the Open Edition releases of Fifer, Fiddler, Practical Pig, the Big Bad Wolf, Opening Title and Enchanted Places releases were all honored with retirement.
In 1997, the Walt Disney Classics Collection introduced the first Gold Circle Exclusive, from the 1934 Silly Symphony short, "The Wise Little Hen" marking Donald's Debut! "Donald's Debut" was Limited to Production Year 1997.
In 2000, the Walt Disney Classics Collection introduced the Duos Series and once again a Silly Symphony short was the first release, this time Max Hare & Toby Tortoise from "The Tortoise and the Hare" (1934). Max ("The Blue Streak") and Toby ("Slow But Sure") were a boxed set Limited to Production Year 2000 and sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons.
Each short is listed separately within the Secondary Guide but also compiled together under Silly Syphony Series for easy tracking.
Rumor has it that a future release could be Little Hiawatha. Nothing has been confirmed at this time. I personally would like to see Wyken, Blyken and Nod (a single sculpt would probably be the most effective) and Elmer Elephant & Tilly Tiger from "Elmer Elephant" (preferably a boxed set).
A complete listing of the Silly Symphony shorts can be found at The Big Cartoon Database.
Don, nice bit of SS history in the WDCC world. You really need to talk with Leonard Maltin about a book deal......
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely looking forward to future releases in this series.
ReplyDeleteBesides the ones you mentioned (Hiawatha, Elmer Elephant, etc.) I would really like to see sculptures pf characters from "Music Land", "The Country Cousin", "Flowers & Trees" & especially "The Skeleton Dance".
As Michelle said, thanks for the history lesson, Don. Happy to see this new SS series moving along so quickly with releases, and knockout releases to boot. Would also like to see The Grasshopper and the Ants, The Country Cousin, and the Three Blind Mousketeers in this series. The Big Bad Wolf short would be nice to see as well as it included Red Riding Hood. Plus, the Funny Little Bunnies would give us an Easter display release for the Collection.
ReplyDeleteI hope that they can continue to release a piece in this series each quarter. So far the Ugly Duckling and Old Mill are knock-out pieces as far as I am concerned!
ReplyDeleteAlthough some of these have been mentioned before, I'll second those that are repeats on this wish list:
--Jenny Wren and Cock Robin (from "Who Killed Cock Robin") THIS IS MY HIGHEST WISH
--Wynken, Blynken and Nodd MY SECOND HIGHEST WISH (must be in their wooden shoe ship... I don't care if it adds to the cost)
--Flowers and Trees (for its historical importance)... perhaps a member's only
--Skeleton Dance (also for its historical importance)... also perhaps a member's only
--The Cookie Carnival
--Elmer Elephant and Tilly
--Grasshopper and the Ants
--Father Noah's Ark
--Little Hiawatha
--The Night Before Christmas
--Funny Little Bunnies
Lots of possibilities still available! Please...!
All great suggestions! I think from all those listed, we could keep this series going for some time.
ReplyDelete