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DIFFICULT BUT CREATIVE ERA FOR DISNEY
A controversial treasureThis collection was planed to be release in Wave 2 (2002), but because the US-Iraq incoming war, was postponed (a lot of people thought that it was cancelled).
Finally will be released, and acording to the scaned image of this set, i will contain "Victory thru air power", but, the rest of the shorts are, until now, a mistery; it's expected that it will contain among others two of the more controversial shorts: Der Fuehrer's Face (a Donald Duck short), and "Education for death" (aka. How to be a Nazi).
I hope Buena Vista reveals the contents of this set soon.
LAST INFORMATION!!! (WITH EXCELLENT NEWS!!)
I emailed Buena Vista, hoping that they reveal me a little information about this set, and they answered the following:
"The following information for DISNEY ON THE FRONT LINES is tentative at this time:
BONUS FEATURES:
Disc One:
***Leonard Maltin Introduction***
Disc Two:
***Leonard Maltin Introduction***
***On the Set of "Victory Through Air Power"***
***Victory Through Air Power Trailer***
***A Conversation with Joe Hench***
***A Conversation with Joe Grant***
***A Conversation with Roy Disney***
***Production Art Galleries***
***Victory Through Air Power Gallery***
____________________________________________
CONTENT:
Disc One:
PROPAGANDA & ENTERTAINMENT
***Introduction***
***Donald Gets Drafted***
***The Army Mascot***
***The Vanishing Private***
***Sky Trooper***
***Private Pluto***
***Fall Out; Fall In***
***Victory Vehicles***
***The Old Army Game***
***Home Defense***
***How to Be a Sailor***
***Commando Duck***
EDUCATIONAL SHORTS
***Introduction***
***Thrifty Pig***
***Seven Wise Dwarfs***
***Food Will Win the War***
***Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Firing Line***
***Donald's Decision***
***All Together***
***The New Spirit***
***The Spirit of '43***
***The Winged Scourge***
***Defense Against Invasion***
***All Together***
***The Grain That Built A Hemisphere***
***Cleanliness Brings Health***
***What Is Disease?***
***Planning for Good Eating***
FROM THE VAULT
***Der Fuehrer's Face with Introduction***
***Education for Death with Introduction***
***Reason and Emotion with Introduction***
***Chicken Little with Introduction***
Disc Two:
***Victory Through Air Power with Introduction***
TRAINING SHORTS:
***Introduction***
***Four Methods of Flush Riveting***
***Stop That Tank***
***Training Film Montage***"
Pretty cool, isn't it?


Affective minimalist documentary.
Amazing... touching...In a nutshell, various actors read real letters written during war time. These letters span many years, from many different conflicts... from the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, up to the Gulf War... these are letters written from GI's to parents, brothers, wives, and girlfriends back home. More often than not, there is a grim footnote attached to some of the readings about how this or that particular GI died a day or two after writing the letter just read. Shocking. Touching.
The only drawback is that some of the actors (such as Bill Paxton, Eric Stoltz, and Kevin Spacey) are used repeatedly for multiple readings. It would have been nice if each letter received individual treatment. Other than that, this is a class act production.

Dashing Errol Flynn is the definitive Robin Hood in the most gloriously swashbuckling version of the legendary story. Warner Brothers reunited Michael Curtiz, their top-action director, with the winning team of Flynn and Olivia de Havilland (Maid Marian) and perennial villain Basil Rathbone as the aristocratic Sir Guy of Gisbourne, and pulled out all stops for the production. It became their costliest film to date, a grandly handsome, glowing Technicolor adventure set to a stirring, Oscar-winning score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. The decadent Prince John (a smoothly conniving Claude Rains) takes advantage of King Richard's absence to tax the country into poverty but meets his match in the medieval guerrilla rebel Robin Hood and his Merry Men of Sherwood Forest, who rise up and, to quote a cliché coined by the film, "steal from the rich and give to the poor." Stocky Alan Hale Sr. plays Robin's loyal friend Little John (a part he played in Douglas Fairbanks's silent version), Eugene Palette the portly Friar Tuck, and Melville Cooper the bumbling Sheriff of Nottingham. Flynn's confidence and cocky charm makes for a perfect Robin Hood, and his easygoing manner is a marvelous counterpoint to Rathbone's regal bearing and courtly diction. The film climaxes in their rousing battle-to-the-finish sword fight, a magnificently choreographed scene highlighted by Curtiz's inventive use of shadows cast upon the castle walls. --Sean Axmaker
Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
James Cagney thrills in a rare (and limber) song-and-dance performance as composer-entertainer George M. Cohan. This nostalgic biography is told in flashbacks, covering Cohan's formative years becoming Broadway's brightest star and touching upon his loves, musicals, and artistic triumphs. Director Michael Curtiz (The Adventures of Robin Hood) offers Cagney ample opportunities to invent an utterly charming performance in what is practically a one-man show. If you've never seen Cagney as a hoofer, you're in for a treat: his dancing is as dynamic as anything else he's ever done on screen. --Tom Keogh
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
Ranked at No. 30 on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 all-time greatest American films, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a genuine masterpiece that was, ironically, a box-office failure when released in 1948. At that time audiences didn't accept Humphrey Bogart in a role that was intentionally unappealing, but time has proven this to be one of Bogart's very best performances. It's a grand adventure and a superior character study built around the timeless themes of greed and moral corruption. As adapted by writer-director John Huston (from a novel by enigmatic author B. Traven) it became a definitive treatment of fate and futility in the obsessive pursuit of wealth. Bogart plays Fred C. Dobbs, a down-and-out wage-worker in Mexico who stakes his meager earnings on a gold-prospecting expedition to the Sierra mountains. He's joined by a grizzled old prospector (Walter Huston, the director's father) and a young, no-nonsense partner (Tim Holt), and when they strike a rich vein of gold, the movie becomes an observant study of wretched human behavior. Bogart is fiercely intense as his character grows increasingly paranoid and violent; Huston offers a compelling contrast as a weathered miner who's seen how gold can turn men into monsters. From its lively opening scenes (featuring young Robert Blake as a boy selling lottery tickets) to its final, devastating image of fateful irony, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre tells an unforgettable story of tragedy and truth. With dialogue that has been etched into the cultural consciousness (who can forget the Mexican bandit who snarls "I don't have to show you any stinking badges!") and well-earned Oscars for John and Walter Huston, this is an American classic that still packs a punch. --Jeff Shannon

Warner Bros. Legends Collection now on restored DVD box set.All 3 movies are outstanding and are timeless classics. The American Film Institute (AFI) voted all 3 films into the greatest films including top 100 film circa 1998 for "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" & "Yankee Doody Dandy" (James Cagney received Best Actor Oscar).
"The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938) with legend star Errol Flynn remains the best film even today depicting this fictional hero. "Yankee Doodle Dandy" Hollywood legend James Cagney in his Oscar winning song & dance man (as George M, Cohan) performance. "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" (1947) starring film legend Humphrey Bogart (many say this was his best role) is a western about gold treasure and what it does to man.
What makes this "Two-Disc Special Edition" Set so great? Each film has an all-new digital transfer from restored picture & audio elements. Disc 1 in this series includes; Each film has a unique "Night at the Movies" introduction by Leonard Maltin. Warner Brothers has provided the viewer with a complete specialized movie program circa the year each movie feature was made. First off, coming attractions, newsreel, Bugs Bunny Cartoon, Short Subject Film and finally the Main Feature presentation. This is an awesome treat!!!! Thank You, Warner Brothers Studio. Also you have up to 12 legendary star film trailers. Finally a full feature commentary. That's only Disc 1.
Disc 2 - has over 3 hours of extra features to include; documentaries, radio shows presentations, galleries of art/photo/publicity, cartoons, cast & crew, & vintage shorts.
With this "Warners Legend Collection" box set you get a bonus 7 disc, "Here's Looking At You, Warner Bros." - the history of Warner Bros. Studios. (108 min documentary) excellent bonus!!
All Movies & Extras are Standard Format (4:3 ratio / tv size) Pre- WideScreen 1953. Robin Hood is beautiful TECHNICOLOR. (even today it is still regarded as the best color) Pictures & sound are outstanding. This is a must have collectible box set. I especially love the "Night at the Movies" program. Enjoy.
Really great movies stay greatEach film is given the 2-disc treatment, with plenty of extras, plus excellent commentaries. I love when they give the classics this much attention.
Oh, there is one drawback...Hollywood, please, no more Leonard Maltin as host of classic DVDs! I know you probably think the public has a recognition of him as a famous movie reviewer, and thus his hosting must be a plus because will buy it, but you would be surprised to see how many of those people are truly, truly sick of him and shun his ever appearance. I know I got fed up with seeing him a long time ago. So has everybody I know. I almost hesitate picking up a DVD if he is anywhere on it. Turner Classic Movies' Robert Osborne is a much better choice for host. Osborne has style, sophistication, and an intelligence that is delivered on a friendly, low-key level. Maltin is too much in your face.

Arguably more defined and even more lyrical than its predecessor, When It Was a Game 2 moves from a general celebration of baseball culture in America to a specific focus on various facets of the game's history, including the special relationship between game announcers and fans and the farm-team system during the 1930s, '40s, and '50s. Brooklyn's assimilation of the Dodgers into their community identity is covered quite winningly as is the heartbreak of the team's desertion to California. Last, the film takes us on a tour of some of the game's legends and presents a touching tribute to the extraordinary Babe Ruth. --Tom Keogh
When It Was a Game 3 focuses on the 1960s, a time of change for all of America. Through sharp, incredibly clear color footage of players and fans, the film shows how Major League Baseball slowly but surely evolved from pure sport to moneymaking entertainment. Covering the mighty Yankees, the western expansion of both leagues, the increasing inclusion of black players, and the rise of free agency and increased salaries, the film shows the growth of baseball from adolescence to adulthood. --Rob Lightner

When it was a game-3 pack
Baseball History on DVD

Very suspenseful!
GREAT SUSPENSE!

It was Cool
The Hatchet

My 18 month old cannot get enough of this movie!
very merry pooh year

Presents truly amazing color war footage
excellent sequal to "WWII the Lost Color Archive"

have all seven.
Simply the best

Buy this Program!
It's About Time ...
FILMS
1943
VICTORY THROUGH AIR POWER - This film was basically propaganda with some entertainment and some powerful animation. Mainly championed Major Seversky's 1942 book of the same title with the theory that long-range air power could defeat the WWII enemies. The scene of an American eagle attacking the Japanese octopus is very powerful, moving animation.
ENTERTAINMENT/PROPAGANDA SHORTS
1942
DONALD GETS DRAFTED-always enjoyed the idea of Donald reporting to the draft board in his sailor suit.
THE ARMY MASCOT-Pluto schemes to take over the job of a mascot goat, with hilarious results.
THE VANISHING PRIVATE-Donald goes crazy with invisible paint, leading to war with his sergeant Pete, with a perfect, funny ending.
SKY TROOPER-Donald wants to be a pilot, and his sergeant Pete gives him more than Donald bargained for.
1943
DER FUEHRER'S FACE-the famous and infamous cartoon in which Donald dreams he is in Naziland where he is forced to work in a munitions plant.
EDUCATION FOR DEATH-very strong propaganda about Germany's totalitarian state which turns an innocent young boy into a robotic soldier.
PRIVATE PLUTO-Pluto has a war with the chipmunks in guarding the area.
FALL OUT - FALL IN-Donald experiences some of the trials of Army life, such as super-long hikes.
REASON AND EMOTION-entertainment and propaganda used in a story about reason and emotion working together for the war effort, enjoyable animation.
VICTORY VEHICLES-Goofy shows off alternate transportation due to the wartime rubber and gasoline shortage, settling on the pogo stick.
THE OLD ARMY GAME-Sergeant Pete catches Donald sneaking back into base after a late night on the town, leads to a merry chase.
HOME DEFENSE-Donald's nephews conflict with Donald after he sleeps during his duty of watching for enemy attack.
CHICKEN LITTLE-The classic "the sky is falling" story, originally planned to have more wartime references.
1944
HOW TO BE A SAILOR-Goofy's story of the history of sailors, ending with him using himself as a torpedo to sink Japanese ships.
COMMANDO DUCK-Donald is sent on a suicide mission to wipe out an entire Japanese air base, with hilarious results.
EDUCATIONAL SHORTS
* = Created for Canada to sell their war bonds.
** = CIAA films (Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs) created to combat the German Nazy influence that was widespread in Latin American in the early 1940s.
1941
THE THRIFTY PIG * - animation from Three Little Pigs cartoon adapted, with the Big Bad Wolf wearing a Nazi hat and armband.
THE SEVEN WISE DWARFS * - animation from Snow White adapted to show dwarfs buying war bonds.
1942
DONALD'S DECISION * - uses animation from 1938 Donald Duck cartoons "Donald's Better Self" and "Self Control" to convince Donald to buy war bonds.
ALL TOGETHER * - uses animation from several sources, including The Band Concert (1935) and Mickey's Amateurs (1937) to show several Disney characters in a parade to sell war bonds.
THE NEW SPIRIT - Donald is encouraged to pay his income tax to help the war effort.
FOOD WILL WIN THE WAR - Stresses the importance of farmers to the war effort. Includes the Three Little Pigs leading a long line of pigs.
OUT OF THE FRYING PAN INTO THE FIRING LINE - Minnie & Pluto star in an effort to show how important it was for housewives to save kitchen fats and greases for the war effort.
1943
THE GRAIN THAT BUILT A HEMISPHERE ** - Tells the history of corn and its importance to the world.
THE SPIRIT OF '43 - Donald Duck resists Nazi propaganda and pays his taxes to support the war effort.
WHE WINGED SCOURGE ** - The Seven Dwarfs point out ways to defeat the malaria-carrying mosquito.
DEFENSE AGAINST INVASION ** - Shows the human body's ability to fight off germs through vaccination.
1945
CLEANLINESS BRINGS HEALTH ** - The difference between the Clean Family that is happy and healthy and the Careless Family that is unhappy and unhealthy.
WHAT IS DISEASE ** - Shows what causes disease and how to protect against disease.
1946
PLANNING FOR GOOD EATING ** - Careless Charlie is used to teach a family about good dietary habits.
TRAINING FILMS
1942
FOUR METHODS OF FLUSH RIVETING - basic animation for education purposes
STOP THAT TANK (BOYS ANTI-TANK RIFLE) - a great deal of live action but fun, enjoyable animation of Hitler being blown to Hell by the rifle
1942-1945?
TRAINING FILM MONTAGE - A selection of scenes from various training films, I assume.
There are a few war-related entertainment shorts not listed here - one or more might be added to this collection instead of what is listed above.
1943
DONALD'S TIRE TROUBLE - most likely short. Donald has continual trouble with flat tires due to the wartime shortage of rubber.
PLUTO AND THE ARMADILLO - small connection to the wartime. Short releated to the Latin Armerica trip and the Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros films developed from that trip.
1944
THE PELICAN AND THE SNIPE - same info as for Pluto and the Armadillo.
1945
DOG WATCH - Pluto is a watchdog for a Navy ship.
The war years were a demanding time for the Disney Company. Most of their meager resources were devoted to the war effort. But this era contained a great deal of creative effort that might not have existed if not for the war.
I have seen most of these war works, and I consider them fascinating and among the best of all of Disney's work. I much look forward to owning them on DVD.