Animation expert and historian Jerry Beck, who has consulted with Warner Home Video about
Looney Tunes DVD releases, has
posted about the April titles at his blog, CartoonBrew.com (and we highly appreciate him linking to our own story with the contents listing for those!). In his write-up, and also in the comments listings below the blog post, Jerry gives us a couple of hints about what the future holds in store for Bugs and his pals, home video-wise, following the releases of
Looney Tunes Super Stars' Bugs Bunny: Hare Extraordinaire and
Looney Tunes Super Stars' Daffy Duck: Frustrated Fowl!
Talking about the first two releases in the new
Looney Tunes Super Stars lineup, Jerry says "
Two new single disc releases are scheduled for release on April 27th - with more being planned for release later this year." The first half of that sentence is already known to TVShowsOnDVD readers, but the second half is brand-new info! Since each of these are single-disc releases, it's worth noting that a second pair of titles in the second half of the year would give fans a grand total of 60 shorts on 4 discs in 2010...which is what was always found inside of any of the annual "Golden Collection" releases. But breaking it up this way makes it easier for the non-collectors to pick these up at more attractive price points...especially when retailer discounting comes into play.
Another exciting piece of info came to light when somebody calling themselves "Rat" asked in the comments area, "
Any chance we’d see any Looney Toons on Blu-Ray?" Jerry candidly (but guardedly) responded that there are some high-definition ideas floating around out there for Bugs and his pals. His exact words were: "
Yes, there are plans for a Blu-Ray release of Looney Tunes. I can say no more." We understand, Jerry. We also know that nothing is set in stone yet, either, and anything can change.
On that note, we'll point to another reader question in the comments section. BJ Wanlund's post in the Cartoon Brew comments area posed this inquiry: "
My question to you, Jerry, is this: The last time you were on [Shokus Internet Radio]
, you confirmed Daffy Doodles for the Daffy DVD. Were you mistaken to confirm that?" Jerry told BJ in response: "
This is one of the reasons I’m reluctant to reveal information on DVD projects I’m working on. Things change continuously on these right up to release. When I did Stu’s Show those titles were indeed planned for the new DVDs. I spoke too soon. The change in the contents is due to several factors relating to restoration issues." Jerry also pointed out, too, that "
It is my goal, and Warners goal, to release every Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies short on DVD eventually." We applaud that, and we know the vast majority of the fans will as well...even if it means taking the shorts we don't like, along with the ones we adore. Our pat on the back to the beloved Mr. Beck for his openness about all of this. Stay tuned, and we'll fill you in as further developments for any upcoming releases happens to occur!
