Five Animated Features that Deserve a Place in the National Film Registry

Established in 1988, the National Film Preservation Board of the Library of Congress works to ensure the survival, conservation, and increased public availability of America’s film heritage. Every year since 1989, the National Film Preservation Board has inducted 25 films showcasing the range and diversity of American film heritage as a way to increase awareness for its preservation.

As of 2023, there have only been fifteen animated movies included on the list, with the oldest being Disney’s “Snow White the Seven Dwarfs.” The newest: Pixar’s “WALL-E.” Disney is highly represented in this list, and I’d even argue absolutely over represented. Disney has absolutely created some of the biggest animated movies of all time, influencing so many, but while they dominate other amazing animated movies have waited in the wings deserving of a spot on the list. The Registry’s deadline is on August 15th, and I’m listing five (among so many) animated movies that deserve a spot in the National Film Registry to ensure curating and immortality.

These five films have not only proven to be influential and innovative, but they also deliver on statements and social commentary. They’re works of art begging to be re-assessed. The deadline for Public Voting ends on August 15th.

Continue reading

post

The Bootleg Files: Sammy Stops the World

BOOTLEG FILES 865: “Sammy Stops the World” (1979 filmed record of Sammy Davis Jr.’s stage production of “Stop the World – I Want to Get Off”).

LAST SEEN:
On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO:
Back in the early VHS and Betamax days.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: An obscure film that fell through the cinematic cracks.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Not likely.

One of the most unusual figures in the movie world was Bill Sargent, who commanded a unique niche – he would videotape prominent stage productions, transfer the video to 35mm film, and release the work into cinemas. Sargent reckoned that moviegoers would pay to see recordings of shows that theatrical and concert audiences paid to see – and he was right, when he had the vehicle that demanded attention. Beginning in 1964 with the gimmicky banner “Electronovision,” Sargent packaged video-to-film presentations that included Richard Burton’s Broadway turn in “Hamlet,” the all-star music concert “The T.A.M.I. Show,” the Truman tribute “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!” with James Whitmore in his Oscar-nominated role, and the definitive comedy concert presentation “Richard Pryor: Live in Concert.”
Continue reading

post

The Bootleg Files: Our Town

BOOTLEG FILES 862: “Our Town” (1955 television musical production starring Frank Sinatra, Paul Newman and Eva Marie Saint).

LAST SEEN:
On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: It’s complicated.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Not likely.

One of the most prestigious and ambitious series in the history of American television was “Producers’ Showcase,” which ran from 1954 to 1957 and offered live 90-minute plays starring A-list talent. The series aired every fourth Monday of the month and a total of 37 episodes were created.
Continue reading

Wonka (2023) [4K UHD/Digital]

Now Streaming on Digital and Available on Physical Media.

What made the 1971 screen version of Willy Wonka so entertaining was that while he was an idealist, he was also a well-worn cynic who hated people as much as he loved them. While he made candy for people, he also understood how ravenous and cut throat they could be. He approached everyone entering his factory with a sense of caution and quiet observation. Even with Charlie he saw something special in the boy but was quick to write him off at a moment’s notice. What’s missing from Timothée Chalamet’s Wonka is that sense of misanthropy; that sense that deep down while he likes people, he understands how nasty that they can be.

Continue reading

Mean Girls: The Musical (2024)

Now Available on Digital Streaming.

Despite the flack that it received this year from a lot of anti-musical individuals that transformed “Mean Girls: The Musical” in to a tik tok meme, at the end of it all Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr’s film ended up being much ado about nothing. It can’t be that narratives can’t translate in to musicals since “Hairspray” was excellent. But when all was said and done “Mean Girls: The Musical” ended up being an okay movie. It wasn’t what I’d call awful, but it’s by no means in the upper echelons of musicals like “Grease” or even “Teen Beach Movie.”

It’s a just fine, pretty okay movie that just made me want to rewatch the original classic.

Continue reading

The Brave Locomotive (2023) [Cinequest 2024]

Andrew Chesworth’s animated adventure is a neat and adorable tribute to the likes of Disney and classic Merrie Melodies tunes. It’s that classic tale about friendship, and commitment and loyalty above all else. While I was originally assuming this would be about a lot more, “The Brave Locomotive” keeps its intentions firmly planted in the more innocent side with a story about wicked companies and sticking to what works.

Continue reading

Moana (2016)

I dare say that not only is “Moana” a better film than “Frozen” but the music is better. I know that’ll leave many aghast since “Let It Go” is a massive earworm (I personally prefer “Love is an Open Door”), but I think “Moana” is so much more well rounded and catchy. Everything from “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome” don’t just contribute to Disney’s legacy of catchy traditional music, but they also do their job of establishing characters so much better. I loved “Frozen,” but I think “Moana” has a more cohesive pacing and interesting narrative.

Continue reading