The Magilla Gorilla Show: The Complete Series Blu-ray Review
“The Magilla Gorilla Show” has its moments.
“The Magilla Gorilla show” is a 1964 Hanna-Barbera animated series comprised of 23 episodes. Each episode contains 3 cartoons- one featuring Magilla Gorilla, one “Ricochet Rabbit and Droop-a-Long,” and one “Punkin’ Puss And Mushmouse.” The titular character is a goofy, kind, dopey, accident prone gorilla for sale at Peebles Pet Shop. He’s been there since he was a baby but no one has purchased him. Mr. Peebles wants to get rid of him and find a new home for him, but it seems every time he gets a buyer it’s short-lived and ends badly. A young girl named Ogee (who is Magilla’s friend) wants to buy him but doesn’t have the money. The series follows Magilla’s adventures involving Army service, the movie biz, a motorcycle, the circus, aliens, the Foreign Legion and more. “Ricochet Rabbit and Droop-a-Long” is a western themed toon that primarily revolves around Hoop ‘n Holler Sheriff Ricochet Rabbit and his deputy coyote pal Droop-a-Long (who is a bit of an oaf). The duo find themselves going head to head with various outlaws. Lastly, there’s “Punkin’ Puss and Mushmouse” which follows the hillbilly cat (Punkin’ Puss) going after Mushmouse (a poor mouse). Storylines tend to involve feuds between the 2, family members, Mushmouse getting allies to go after Punkin’, a robot dog, a dream, and more.
While not one of the best Hanna-Barbera series out there, “The Magilla Gorilla Show” has its charms. The Magilla Gorilla cartoons may not be the most original, but it’s hard not to get swept into Magilla’s adventures as he’s such a likable and genuine character. He’s an easy character to root for. It doesn’t hurt that the theme song slaps and the dachshund character Chugga-Chugga is a total scene stealer (I may be biased as a doxie owner).
“Ricochet Rabbit and Droop-a-Long” is arguably the best of the toons included here. As someone who is passionate about westerns, it’s right up my alley. Sure, it’s basically a “Quick Draw McGraw” wannabe, but there’s something nostalgic about this one for me. Rabbit’s catchphrase “Ping, Ping, PING!” is one of those weird things that has stuck with me. Plus, all of the shorts are fast (like Ricochet himself), funny, and filled with gun blazing action.
“Punkin’ Puss And Mushmouse” is easily the weakest of the lot. It’s a lousy “Tom And Jerry” knockoff filled with hillbilly stereotypes. There’s nothing remotely funny about this one. It feels like an idea that was found in a drawer and repurposed for this series.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.33:1 1080p. How does it look? Warner Archive continues to crush it with these Hanna-Barbera Blu-ray releases. This set features 4K scans of the original camera negatives and the colors absolutely pop with this remaster. Fans will be pleased by the results.
Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Generally, this is a sharp and lively 2.0 track but there are noticeable crackles. The defects don’t take away from what is a pleasing audio track though.
Extras:
* 8 bonus “Magilla Gorilla” animated shorts titled “Camp Scamps,” “Deep Sea Doodle,” “High Fly Guy,” “Magilla Mix-Up,” “Love At First Fight,” “Makin’ With The Magilla,” “Pet Bet,” and “The Purple Mask.”
* “Mr. Peebles Pet Shop”- Interviews with animation expert Jerry Beck, Magilla voice actor Allan Melvin and animator Jerry Eisenberg talk about the show and its history, casting and characters, and more.
* “Here Comes A Star”- An archival 25 minute TV special about Hanna-Barbera and “The Magilla Gorilla Show.”
* “Magilla Theme Song Live And Unplugged”- William Hanna and Hoyt Curtin singing the theme song.
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