Written by Jennifer
May 12, 2009
Volume 6 of the collection includes four memorable shorts about four memorable misfits.
The Disney Animation Collection has the singular task of grouping together classic animated shorts that deserve to be released, but that are too brief to stand on their own. Volume 6 of the collection includes four memorable shorts about four memorable misfits. It's a nice selection that winds up serving as a celebration of individuality.
The first short is an endearing story about a dragon who has struck fear in the hearts of the townspeople. A curious young boy sets out to get a look at this ferocious creature, only to find "A Reluctant Dragon" who loves chatting and drinking tea. Though the dragon is sweet and funny, he speaks in an almost intelligible voice, and can become a bit tiresome after awhile. The little boy, however, enunciates nicely, and hatches a plan to calm the villagers and save his new serpentine friend.
In "Goliath II" a teacup sized elephant faces down the mouse that has been terrifying his herd. "Ferdinand the Bull" refuses to give in to peer pressure and stands up for his right to smell the roses. And finally, Johnny Appleseed follows the beat of his inner drummer across the country, planting apple seeds as he goes. "Johnny Appleseed" is surely one of the best and most beloved shorts in the collection, and holds up well. It transported me back to elementary school, and I could practically hear the whir of the film projector as Johnny launched into one of his familiar songs.
The protagonists in each of these cartoons prove that it's okay to be yourself, and that great good can be accomplished by those strong enough to follow their hearts. The collection is a nice walk down memory lane for anyone who grew up on classic Disney, and will undoubtedly be embraced by a new generation as well. Each DVD in the Disney Animation Collection comes with a collectible lithograph, and in this case we get an adorable picture of "The Reluctant Dragon".
