Top Cat: The Complete Series Blu-ray Review
“Top Cat” is still an entertaining Hanna-Barbera series.
1961’s “Top Cat” is notable for being the 2nd primetime Hanna-Barbera animated series behind the iconic “The Flinstones.” Despite being short lived (it only ran 30 episodes) and perhaps not as well remembered as other Hanna-Barbera series, the cartoon developed a passionate fanbase over the years. Even though it was before my time, I fondly remember catching re-runs on Cartoon Network in the 90’s. The show had a certain vibe that connected with me.
The series, for those that may not know, revolved around Top Cat (AKA T.C.) who lived in Hoagy’s Alley in New York City alongside his cat pals Benny The Ball, Spook, Brain, Choo-Choo, and Fancy Fancy. The cat gang spends a lot of time trying to live a better life by scheming, gambling and engaging in money-making opportunities (or money spending plans). Officer Dibble (a human cop) is a frequent foil for the cats although they seem to respect him at the same time. Throughout the series, plots involved a trip to Hawaii and a counterfeit money scandal, gangsters, impersonations, a cat named Jazz, a horse, Benny mistaken for a violinist, an heir’s fortune, Top Cat falling for a nurse, Benny’s mom visiting him under the lie that he’s the Mayor of NY, a TV show production and a real robbery, Top Cat becoming an honorary Police Sergeant, Choo-Choo falling in love with a cat named Goldie, Top Cat and pals plotting to save Benny from gangsters, Benny with an accidental museum theft, Top Cat getting a fat check, Top Cat and pals plotting to get housing during the winter, an anteater, babysitting, Officer Dibble being replaced, a treasure map, Benny getting money, a space trip, a misunderstanding about T.C.’s life span, a birthday party for Officer Dibble, Choo-Choo wants a date with Hollywood star Lola, Top Cat wanting to be on “King For A Day,” Top Cat and co. attempting to get money back from con men, Top Cat helping Dibble break a record, Top Cat becoming Dibble’s manager for a possible singing career, a police dog, and a criminal disguised as Dibble.
It’s no secret that a lot of classic cartoons suffered from repetitious stories, basic plots, and repeated gags, but “Top Cat” at least attempted something a bit different. Yes, the jazzy animated series feels very much like a product of its time (complete with a phony laugh track) and was more or less a play on “Sgt. Bilko.” Yes, the plots were largely interchangeable. And yes, this wasn’t the most glamorous looking animated series by any means. However, the series was more adult in nature in its exploration of the lower class (in this case alley cats) looking to move up in the world. I mean, Top Cat lived in a trash can and was looking to make money to get out of his current living situation. It all just feels a bit different compared to other shows of its era with the setting, themes, and its lack of violent or slapstick antics to get laughs. It also certainly helped pave the way for the numerous primetime cartoons that would follow.
The characters are what really make “Top Cat” shine. T.C. is one cool cat to be sure. He’s a leader, he’s charismatic, and he can crack wise. He may land in trouble, but things tend to work out. Choo-Choo is my personal pick for the most underrated character. He tends to have the best lines in the show. Benny is also a charming, but sweet little goofball.
Perhaps the best part of the entire series is the theme song “The Most Effectual Top Cat.” Even after all these years it has stuck with me. It’s a real bop.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.33:1 1080p. How does it look? The hi-def prints of the episodes contain sharper colors all while maintaining the print grain. This is how restorations of classic toons should look.
Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? While there are audible defects, this is generally a nice clean 2.0 track.
Extras:
* Commentary on “Hawaii, Here We Come,” “A Visit From Mother,” and “The Late T.C.” by Earl Kress (animation historian), Leo De Lyon (Brain and Spook voice actor), Jerry Beck (author and animation historian) and Marc Evanier.
* 3 minutes of vintage commercials
* A storyboard and finished cartoon sequence comparison for “The Missing Heir” episode.
* “Top Cat Sing-Along” for the opening credit song.
* “Top Cat Collection Of Art, Stills, Sketches, And Backgrounds”- A nearly 7 minute image gallery
* “Cool Cats In Interview Alley”- A 21 minute extra with Earl Kress interviewing voice cast members Leo De Lyon and Marvin Kaplan and writer Barry Blitzer.
* “Back To Hoagy’s Alley: The Making Of Top Cat”- A 17 minute featurette that deals with the history of the animated program, the cast/characters and more.
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