Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Mickey Mouse only appears in half the cartoons. Most feature Pluto chasing another creature, getting himself in a "situation" with him either falling or smashing into something or having his bottom bit by the other creature.
Families can talk about the timeless appeal of these cartoons. They can also point out the simplicity of these shorts and how they manage to still hold interest without wild special effects, complicated dialogue, or the violence that is seen in a lot of animation today.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Pam Gelman
When the name Disney is mentioned, many parents cringe as they envision constant queries from kids on the latest product and goodies. Here is a DVD that is a tribute to the old Disney that parents remember and love from their own childhood.
Eight shorts from the 1940s and 1950s are included in BEST PALS: MICKEY & PLUTO, highlighting the unconditionally sweet relationship between dog and mouse. Actually, Mickey is only in half of the shorts and figures prominently in one, but apparently the Disney folks needed his name to carry this DVD.
The shorts include: "Pluto's Housewarming," focusing on his thwarted attempts to move into his new doghouse; "Pluto and the Armadillo," where he mistakes a long eye-lashed armadillo for his ball; "Cat Nap Pluto," where he wages war with a pesky kitten over sleeping privileges; "Pluto's Party," where all he wants is his piece of cake; "Pluto, Junior," with a pint-sized Pluto look-alike who keeps him from his much-needed nap; "Pluto's Fledgling," featuring a little bird who Pluto helps out; "Plutopia," which follows Pluto's strange dream as a butler; and "Pueblo Pluto," where Pluto is at odds with another pooch while on a trip to South America.
These cartoons have lots of action but nothing that is scary like much of today's animation. Pluto is chased and chases other animals. Sometimes he gives large, exaggerated bites on an animal's back side. Other times he falls down from high places or gets hit on the head and sees stars and birdies. It's all make-believe, silly, and he's always okay in the end. Nevertheless, some younger kids may not be able to make the fantasy/real world distinction. But for older kids and adults, they will still appreciate the humor, clever-for-its-time animation, and sweetness that is characteristic of these older Disney shorts. Parents may still be asked to buy a Pluto toy or Mickey slippers, but that's an unavoidable problem with any favorite children's characters.
Kids who liked this DVD may also like Best Pals: Mickey & Minnie or Best Pals: Donald & Daisy.
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ViolencePluto falls down and sees birdies but he always gets back up. |
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Social BehaviorMickey and Pluto have an unconditional relationship as best friends. |
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CommercialismProducts of every kind available of these characters. |
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