DVD Corner

Tom And Jerry: The Complete CinemaScope Collection Blu-ray Review

“Tom And Jerry: The Complete CinemaScope Collection” offers up more classic cartoons. 

In honor of the 85th anniversary of “Tom And Jerry,” Warner Archive is releasing a new title in the form of “Tom And Jerry: The Complete CinemaScope Collection.” This collection of 23 MGM cartoons range from 1954 to 1958. The shorts contained are as follows: “Pet Peeve,” “Touché, Pussy Cat,” “Southbound Duckling,” “Pup On A Picnic,” “Tom And Chérie,” “That’s My Mommy,” “The Flying Sorceress,” “The Egg And Jerry,” “Busy Buddies,” “Muscle Beach Tom,” “Down Beat Bear,” “Blue Cat Blues,” “Barbecue Brawl,” “Tops With Pops,” “Timid Tabby,” “Feedin’ The Kiddie,” “Mucho Mouse,” “Tom’s Photo Finish,” “Happy Go Ducky,” “Royal Cat Nap,” “The Vanishing Duck,” “Robin Hoodwinked,” and “Tot Watchers.”

Story wise, viewers can expect to see Tom and Spike trying to catch Jerry in order to stay in a household, Mouseketeer Jerry training a young mouse, Jerry and his duck pal, a picnic, a love letter, a baby duck, a witch’s broom, a baby woodpecker, babysitting (times two), the beach, a dancing bear, a depressed Tom, a barbecue, Spike and Tyke, Tom’s cousin, a Thanksgiving turkey, Tom trying to catch Jerry in Spain, a chicken debacle, Little Quacker, Mouseketeers, vanishing cream, and Robin Hood imprisoned.

While perhaps not the most celebrated collection of “Tom And Jerry” cartoons in comparison to the peak years in the 40’s, this set still features plenty of joyous William Hanna and Joseph Barbara directed toons. There’s even one Oscar nominated short with  “Touché, Pussy Cat.” In addition to the usual chasing shenanigans between Tom and Jerry, a lot of other characters pop up here such as Spike, Tyke, Tuffy, and so on. The supporting characters really add a lot of added humor and variety to the usual recycled stories. More than anything, it’s just a treat to see cartoons presented in CinemaScope and Technicolor. Even if some of the shorts are forgettable, the presentations are nothing short of wonderful. They just look and feel cinematic when compared to the standard cartoons of the era. 

While everyone is bound to have their own individual favorites, 3 stood out to me. “Feedin’ The Kiddie” is arguably the funniest one here with Tuffy (AKA Nibbles) stealing every scene. “That’s My Mommy” is an amusing little adventure in which a baby duck thinks Tom is his mommy (even though Tom wants to eat him). Finally, there’s “Robin Hoodwinked” which is a beautifully animated little piece in which Jerry and Tuffy try to break Robin Hood out of prison. It’s especially noteworthy for anyone who loves “Robin Hood”!

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.35:1 1080p. How does it look? The cartoons have been beautifully restored and contain vibrant colors. 

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The 2.0 tracks are crisp and clean for each and every short. 

Extras include 3 bonus cartoons titled “Good Will To Men,” “Give And Tyke,” and “Scat Cats.” 

February 1, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Cartoons, Tom and Jerry, Tom And Jerry: The Complete CinemaScope Collection Blu-ray Review, Warner Archive