Genius...No. Enjoyable...Yes.
This DVD is a mixed bag, containing three different cartoons created over the last 20 years. To thoroughly vet the offerings, I viewed this disc with my three expert cartoon critics, ages 9, 7 and 6.
I've been anticipating "Tropical Island Hum" for a few years now since the project was previewed during the "Flaming Pie" sessions. And the problem with expectations is they are often dashed. The cartoon is virtually plotless and merely a showcase for the eponymous song, a tune that is subpar by McCartney standards. The kids found it pretty dull too. A giggle here and there, but not much beyond that. Sadly, the closing credits were almost as long as the cartoon (and more enjoyable).
"Tuesday", on the other hand, is a wondrous cartoon full of magic, delight and hosts a splendid soundtrack. And the kids enjoyed it very much too. This enchanting story about the nocturnal travels of lillypad flying frogs is beautifully drawn and almost worth the price of the...
Still magical after all these years...
This DVD collects three short films directed by Geoff Dunbar based on ideas/music/songs by Sir Paul McCartney: "Tropic Island Hum," from 1997; "Tuesday," from 2000; and finally "Rupert and the Frog Song," from 1985.
"Rupert and the Frog Song" is the real gem on this collection. It follows legendary comic character Rupert the Bear as he explores the country one night and finds a special gathering of frogs. I bought the DVD because of this piece; it was such a huge favorite of mine as a child I just had to revisit it and see if it still held the same magic it did as a child. I have to say, it still holds up very well. The song in it, "We All Stand Together" is a great song written by Paul and arranged by the Beatle's producer George Martin.
"Tropic Island Hum" is a fun little cartoon that Paul and his late wife Linda produced. Paul and Linda do nearly all the voices. It has a very good song at its core but doesn't quite capture the magic of Rupert. Interestingly,...
Watch Out Disney!
You can see the Disney influence from the outset in the way McCartney introduces the videos just as Walt used to do.
There are three short animated features. Tropic Island Hum is the first. It is a story about an island where animals find sanctuary from hunters and other forms of abuse. It is light, whimsical, and fun. Some of the artwork is quite astoundingly beautiful: look at the sunsets. This is a lovely tribute to Linda McCartney who was a great animal protection advocate.
Second up is Tuesday which is about a day when frogs go on an extraordinary adventure. This is based on an award winning book of the same name by David Wiesner. The animation includes voice work by Dustin Hoffman. This is the best of the three. It is surreal, funny, and completely charming. The music is absolutely stunning and I hope it will be released. This one is just plain exquisite.
The third video is Rupert And the Frog Song featuring the song We All Stand Togther and voice work by June...
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