Saturday, August 22, 2009

Disney's Bambi (1942)



It always comes up when people are comparing their most traumatic movie experiences: "the death of Bambi's mother," a recollection that can bring a shudder to even the most jaded filmgoer. That primal separation (which is no less stunning for happening off-screen) is the centerpiece of Bambi, Walt Disney's 1942 animated classic, but it is by no means the only bold stroke in the film. In its swift but somehow leisurely 69 minutes, Bambi covers a year in the life of a young deer. But in a bigger way, it measures the life cycle itself, from birth to adulthood, from childhood's freedom to grown-up responsibility. All of this is rendered in cheeky, fleet-footed style--the movie doesn't lecture, or make you feel you're being fed something that's good for you. The animation is miraculous, a lush forest in which nature is a constantly unfolding miracle (even in a spectacular fire, or those dark moments when "man was in the forest"). There are probably easier animals to draw than a young deer, and the Disney animators set themselves a challenge with Bambi's wobbly glide across an ice-covered lake, his spindly legs akimbo; but the sequence is effortless and charming. If Bambi himself is just a bit dull--such is the fate of an Everydeer--his rabbit sidekick Thumper and a skunk named Flower more than make up for it. Many of the early Disney features have their share of lyrical moments and universal truths, but Bambi is so simple, so pure, it's almost transparent. You might borrow a phrase from Thumper and say it's downright twitterpated. --Robert Horton


Thursday, August 20, 2009

KC & The Sunshine Band - Shake Your Booty (1976)



Disney's The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)



Disney's 1977 The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh may be the last word on (animated) Pooh because it so faithfully honors the first word on Pooh, penned in the 1920s by British storyteller A.A. Milne. Gently paced, subtly humorous, and blessedly understated, this adaptation reflects Walt Disney's original vision to develop the beloved British bear for a wider audience. The film is essentially a collection of the original Pooh shorts, "The Honey Tree," "The Blustery Day," and "Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too." These storybooks are presented in seamless "chapters," narrated by the timeless Sebastian Cabot. The familiar musical score and original voices of Sterling Holloway as Pooh, and Paul Winchell as Tigger, cap this enchanting keepsake. (Ages 2 and up). --Lynn Gibson

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Website of the week - Pink Lady

A blast from the past, all the way back to circa 1980. The Pink Lady & Jeff Show were Keiko Masuda ("Kei") and Mitsuyo Nemoto ("Mie") and comedian Jeff Altman. The show was voted #35 on the American TV Guide's list of 50 worst shows ever. Hey, it wasn't THAT bad. It was produced by Sid and Marty Kroft. Some of the guests were Sid Caesar, Roy Orbison, Blondie, Teddy Pendergrass, Alice Cooper, and Jerry Lewis!

http://www.pinkladyamerica.com/

Click on the girls to enter the site. There's plenty of memorabilia with clippings, pictures, sounds, etc. Reminisce down memory lane or discover a new brand of cheese!

Pink Lady in Japanese:
SOS:


ペッパー警部


Medley:


Pink Lady in English:
Kiss In The Dark (Intro by Leif Garrett):


Boogie Wonderland (Earth, Wind & Fire):


Love Countdown:

John Travolta - Whenever I'm Away From You (1977)

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Disney's The Lion King (1994)



Not an ideal choice for younger kids, this hip and violent animated feature from Disney was nevertheless a huge smash in theaters and on video, and it continues to enjoy life in an acclaimed Broadway production. The story finds a lion cub, son of a king, sent into exile after his father is sabotaged by a rivalrous uncle. The little hero finds his way into the "circle of life" with some new friends and eventually comes back to reclaim his proper place. Characters are very strong, vocal performances by the likes of Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, and Whoopi Goldberg are terrific, the jokes are aimed as much (if not more) at adults than kids, the animation is sometimes breathtaking, and the music is more palatable than in many Disney features. But be cautious: this is too intense for the Rugrats crowd. --Tom Keogh

Arrested Development - Mr. Wendel (1992)


Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Don Williams - The Best of Don Williams Vol. II (1990)

*By request*

1. (Turn Out The Light And) Love Me Tonight
2. 'Till All The Rivers Run Dry
3. Rake And Ramblin' Man
4. I'm Just A Country Boy
5. Some Broken Hearts Never Mend
6. Tulsa Time
7. She Never Knew Me
8. Falling In Love
9. I've Got A Winner In You
10. You're My Best Friend
11. Say It Again

http://www.mediafire.com/?zgaydeya2yc

Link donated - thank you!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Don Williams - I Turn The Page (1998)

*By request*

1. Take It Easy on Yourself
2. Her Perfect Memory
3. Elise
4. Ride On
5. Something 'Bout You
6. Cracker Jack Diamond
7. From Now On
8. Pancho
9. Handful of Dust, A
10. Harry and Joe
11. How Did You Do It
12. I Sing For Joy

http://www.mediafire.com/?o9ec1u0vmft

Link donated - thank you!