World War II transformed the Disney Studio. Although nearly one-third of the artists had been drafted, production quintupled, up to 95% of it for military and government uses. Some of the films included in
On the Front Lines have not been seen since their initial release; others were never shown to the general public. Anticipating the importance of animated training films, Disney produced the studio's first educational film, "Four Methods of Flush Riveting" (1941), using limited animation to train riveters at Lockheed. Decades later, "Four Methods" and the excerpts from military training films remain models of how to present information clearly and concisely.
Many of the wartime entertainment shorts are largely propaganda. Donald's nightmare of working on a Nazi assembly line in "Der Fuehrer's Face" is still hilarious slapstick. The grimmer "Education for Death" and "Chicken Little" have aged less gracefully. Disney's oddest wartime project was Victory Through Air Power (1943), a live action/animation feature based on Major Alex de Seversky's controversial book that called for the adoption of long-range bombers. By the time it was finished, air power was a reality.
Front Lines also includes several health films made for the Office of Inter-American Affairs, and bond-buying shorts for Canada that reuse animation from Snow White and "Three Little Pigs." This collection of genuine rarities is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of animation, the Disney Studio, or America during WWII. (Rated G, suitable for ages 10 and older: violence, ethnic stereotypes, tobacco use) --Charles Solomon
On December 8, 1941, the Disney Studio was taken over by the military as part of the war effort. Making the most of the talent that hadn't shipped out yet, Walt Disney spent the next four years creating and producing training, propaganda, and educational films for the Armed Forces. In addition to these films, this extraordinary volume also includes the full-length feature "Victory Through Air Power." Released theatrically in 1943, this powerful propaganda film has never been reissued until now. You'll also see recently discovered on-the-set footage, and get rare firsthand accounts about the work and culture at the Disney Studio in interviews with Disney Legends Joe Grant, John Hench, and Roy Disney. Featuring exclusive introductions by film historian Leonard Maltin, this is a timeless collection from generations past for generations to come.
1 Wonderful collection
Many of the toons here are educational; those are the best. The best entertaining ones are Der Fuehrer's Face and Commando Duck. The best educational ones are Education for Death (an extremely effective look at Naziism, with highly disturbing images that might not be suitable for younger kids) and Food Will Win The War. The picture and sound are beautiful, with no specks or fleckles and no pops or hiss in sound. An essential collection.
2 Great
This is a great adission to your collection and Der Fuehrer's FAce is the greatest classic of them all
3 Leonard Maltin, we should not have known thee
A very good and interesting mix of Disney's WW2 vinettes undelibley marred by the corny introductions of film critic Leonard Maltin.
Commentaries are as common on DVDs as raisnettes in movie theaters, but wisely, they are usually an option to turn on or off at the viewer's pleasure. Not so here. Maltin's bit is part of each chapter. Yes, you can FF over it, but why should I need to?
4 Well worth the price - but be careful with the kids on this!
As others have so aptly noted, this represents the Disney Studios as it contributed to the WWII effort. Basically, the DVD has three cartoon types - entertainment, educational, and propaganda.
It should be noted that Disney has left these INTACT - there has been no clean-up to remove the racist overtones that were common at the time. The Japanese are protrayed as they commonly were at the time.
The straight cartoons - which make up the bulk of the first DVD - are funny, well animated, and generally safe for somewhat older kids (although the writing in a couple of the cartoons feels strange in that the cartoons end rather suddenly - for some reason it didn't feel right). There is one, however, where Donald Duck belives he has lost the lower half of his torso (actually, he fell into a hole - a gag that has been repeated in other venues like Bugs Bunny). The thing is - he grabs a pistol from Pete, his sargent, and almost commits suicide by holding the gun to his head. NOT for kids! Also, several of the darkest propaganda cartoons - "Der Fuehrer's Face" (based on the song most associated with Spike Jones) and "Education for Death", which talks about Nazi indoctornation (and has a style errily similar to Pinnochio), Chicken Little, along with Reason and Emotion, are included on a separate section called "From the Vault". I would definitely screen from younger kids - they wouldn't understand the humor and messages and would be frightened by the imagery.
The second DVD contains some interesting training films, as well as Victory through Air Power - a Disney feature meant to convince people in the supremacy of bombing a country's means of production as a way of winning the war. Some of the ideas, while valid, were eventually disproved (for example, massed up fleets of bombers capable of fending off fighter aircraft - WWII daylight bombing tried this, with tragic loss.).
One hidden gem - "Defense Against Invasion". I remembered this from elementary school myself, and was tickled beyond belief when I finally saw it again.
My main complaint is Leonard Maltin provides some historical background. Some of it is nice - most I could do without. For example, he said that most people went to the movies in the era primarily to escape. True, but the movies also showed news reels that were the only way to get any kind of visual depiction of the war.
Overall, an excellent DVD - well worth its modest cost. All prgrams have been restored to their full glory. It is of special interest for anyone who was curious about WWII, and the environment around it.
And, you may feel sadness. Walt Disney and the empire he built has seen ups and downs, and he has had his share of controversy - but the man, and the people he surrounded himself with, were artists of the highest order. They are missed.
5 Is Disney Finally Waking Up?!
Along with others in the set, this box had us jumping for joy when we saw it at the store. I have only heard about things like "Victory Through Air Power' and seen stills in books, but I ifnally get to see what the historical fuss was about.
Even if you're not into history or WWII, you'll surely enjoy these films. Grab it now, because for some reason Disney has been stingy with releasing old material. Perhaps they want the big money, or maybe they are realizing viewers and boomers want this stuff for their own kids, rather than recent Disney trash like Britney Spears.
6 A history lesson, and a propoganda lesson...ruined by Maltin
This is a tremendous set of films, a true reminder that not everything one reads or views can be taken at face value. Propoganda, while it exists today, was very blatant back in the days of World War II. These cartoons are a fine example of just that.
Yes, some are very entertaining, while others are downright scary. But they are a product of their time, and any intelligent person will view them from that perspective.
But, of course, the always-PC Leonard Maltin thinks that the public isn't that intelligent, so he is there throughout both discs, inserting his comments...usually insipid, but also often insulting....pointing out "offensive" points in the cartoons which in actuality are merely a reflection of the time in which they were made. He seems to think he is the only one who understands this perspective, and he has to explain it to what he must conclude is a brain-dead viewer.
The WORST PART about the Leonard Maltin comments? Unlike his blurbs on "Mickey Mouse in Black and White", they can't be skipped!!!! YUP...THAT'S RIGHT....THEY CAN'T BE SKIPPED. The fast forward button doesn't work, and neither does the chapter button. One is stuck listening to him blather, until the program finally appears. (A little communist propoganda plot of his own going on?)
Guess it's a fine time to go use the bathroom....or perhaps upchuck from seeing Maltin again and again.
Five stars for the cartoons.....the transfers are as good as can be expected for cartoons of this age. And, I reluctantly recommend this package, because it is the only way you are going to seem these VERY important films.
Just keep the barf bag handy for when you get your fill of Maltin's idiotic nonsense.
7 You must get this before they run out!
Back when Walt Disney ran the studios (before nephew Roy took over and flushed everything down the toilet with sickening political correctness and worthless, endless direct-to-video sequels) he almost bankrupted his own company to help promote America's role in WWII to the masses. Everything from encouraging folks to sign up for the army, save their kitchen fat, pay their taxes and buy war dollars.
This limited edition Walt Disney Treasures box set includes all of the entertainment, educational and propoganda shorts Disney made during WWII. On the second disc you'll also find the long forgotten animated feature Victory Through Air Power. Every one of the shorts have been remastered wonderfully and all look bright and vibrant with practically no damage. Of particular note are the shorts Der Fuehrers Face, Education for Death and The Winged Scourge (which you should NOT watch while eating.
Many of the shorts contained in this set are unbelievably xenophobic (though this is to be expected) and would never be allowed today. I am so glad they are all presented in their uncut form. The bonus is that most of these have not been seen for years as after the war ended they became obselete.
So now, in a time of controversal conflict, seeing America's attitude to war back in the 40's and comparing it with the attitude now is very interesting.
You must get this. Presented in a beautiful tin case with great inserts as usual. All of the Disney Treasures sets are great but this is my fave so far.
8 Great piece of history, but...
This is my first "Disney Treasures" DVD. Since I grew up with Disney's cartoons (I'm 29), I want my daughter to see the beautiful classic Disney cartoons of the 30's, 40's and 50's. Those are the classics; they are timeless. It is delightful to see a piece of history, but while they must have been funny and entertaining at the time, today they are not. They show a darker side of Disney. I was a bit disturbed to see these cartoons with my daughter, especially when Donald Duck was about to commit suicide with a gun on his head in one of the shorts. It was disturbing to see "Education for Death" and "Little chicken", but I know the intention at the time was for propaganda. I'm sure it served its function and since I love WWII history and I'm a Disney fan, I give this piece of work four stars.
One thing about the Disney classics of the Treasure series, is that they transcend time, in other words, they don't show a specific time period, but unlike the rest of the series, "On the Front Lines" do: the WWII era. And because it is not apt for my daughter to watch, I take away one star.
In all, I recommend this DVD for Cartoon Disney Collectors, or WWII enthusiasts, but be warned, it is not really amusing and I really don't think is apt for young children.
9 I agree with the other 1-star reviewer
I didn't realise this had happened to other people. But i ordered this off Amazon, got it a week or so later only to find an empty case.
10 GREAT CINEMATIC LESSONS IN PROPAGANDA
This is trully a grat collection of war-time propaganda from WWII made by the Disney Studios. Some of these movies feature our favorite characters Donald Duck, Goofy and Pluto. Others feature specific characters created on purpose.
The main thing about this collection is Mr. Disney's master hand behind each film. Quality animation (and expensive animation from the studio that elevated animation to an art on its own).
They alert, inspire, teach and (last but not least) entertain. Some of these little gems are a bit violent and you should see them before deciding if they are suitable for your children. But anyway, these are great films and should be seen by anyone who want to see some of the best propaganda films aver made.
It is all great if you check Nazi propaganda films at the same time... they are very different. In these here films Mr. Disney never lost his touch and the style that made his studio famous.
In this double DVD you will find lots of things... one feature-length film (VICTORY THROUGH AIR POWER - a trully memorable film that explains the importance or air power to american forces and also the strategical and logistic problems WWII represented to America). This is certainly a landmark film.
The DVDs also contain an enormous list of cartoons (in the short form) that cover a large variety of subjects and moods.
This is one of the best titles in the collection and an important piece of History. Should be treasured. The quality of the DVDs is outstanding... as everything that is made with care.
I just don't understand why the tin cans are not numbered anymore (like the previous titles in this collection).
11 Finally!
Of all the film studios that produced "propaganda" cartoons during WWII, none have been better kept hidden than those made by the Walt Disney studio. Sure a couple of them slipped through the cracks into the public domain, but as a whole they remained sealed in the Disney Vaults until now.
While not every single cartoon made during the War (Disney produced numerous "how to" films made only for those in the actual armed forces, clips of some are shown on these DVDs), it does include all the theatrically released features. Stars like Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Pete, Minnie and Huey, Dewey and Louie star in these wartime cartoons. Mickey Mouse only appeared in one short, using borrowed animation from "The Band Concert."
There is also the full length animated WWII feature "Victory Through Air Power," which is considered to be amongst the rarest of all the Disney features. This DVD set is well worth the buy.
12 History Buffs and Disney Fanatics Will Love It
During World War II, Walt Disney almost bankrupted his company producing stuff for the war effort. Now, we get a chance to see this part of animation history at home on DVD with this two disc set.
Disc 1 features 29 shorts. They range from entertainment with a patriotic edge, like "Donald Gets Drafted" or "Private Pluto," to shorts purely to help with the war like "The New Spirit" and "Out of the Frying Pan and into the Firing Line." There are even shorts used to fight disease in South America like "Cleanliness Brings Health" and "The Winged Scourge." I was surprised to learn from this disc about the films Disney was making for Canada even before the US entered the war.
Of course, the highlight of this disc is "Der Fuehrer's Face" which finds Donald trapped in Nazi Germany.
Disc two's main attraction is "Victory Through Air Power." This feature length movie was produced to bring the arguments of a book by the same name to more people. It makes a compelling argument that the Allies needed to build up their air forces to win the war, arguments about modern warfare that still apply today.
Disc two also features a few of the educational shorts Disney produced during that time. Frankly, after viewing the two that are included in their entirety, I'm glad that most of them are just highlighted. I don't find watching a film on how to fire a gun or how to flush rivet that entertaining. There are lots of production galleries and even galleries of some project this Disney fan had never heard of before. Finally, we have interviews with Disney veterans Joe Grant, John Hench, and Roy Disney.
This is a set that Disney buffs will want because it fills in some time in the studio's history. It also has interest for historians of all stripes as it presents a picture of life on the home front during World War II. Since the entertainment value of much of the disc is low, I took away one star. I probably won't go back to this set in the near future, but I was fascinated by much of what I saw here and am thrilled that the studio released this material so fans can view it today.
13 "Power" Worthy of National Film Archive Preservation Status
All else having been said about this terrific collection of Disny wartime shorts and educational films, I'd like to bring attention to the included full length feature, "Victory Through Air Power." Other reviewers have been somewhat tentative about sitting through it, and admittedly, the prospect of a lecture on the strategic neccessity of building long range air bombers might, at first glance, induce a glazed look in the eye. Let me say, though I'm hardly a WWII military buff and can understand the hesitation, having now seen it, I can state with assurance it is quite fascinating and brilliantly made. "Power" describes the complex problems and solutions of fighting a war on far flung shores with a visual clarity and concision that are a marvel, helping us understand firsthand both the immensity and gravity of the obstacles American military strategists had to overcome to insure victory - an outcome that was far from certain in the early years of the war. Disney's talents as a story teller are well attested to - but here, we see Disney as a shrewd, incisive communicator building a case and hammering home points with a lively blend of straightforward illustrations, kinetic diagrams and striking pictorial metaphors. Propaganda? Yes, but with genuine, hard hitting substance. "Power" not only has terrific historic and educational value, but is a model worthy of study for modern day communications scholars. This one belongs in the National Film Archive. Not to be missed!
14 An Excellent Addition to a Strong Series
The words 'Masterpiece' and 'Classic' are overused these days especially by the Disney company ('Disney's Classic The Black Cauldron' anyone?). When the Walt Disney Treasures series first appeared several years ago it was clear that we fans were in for a treat. The series has never let us down, although some entries are much better than others, and 'On The Front Lines' proves to be the master stroke by which all the others should be measured.
The real beauty of this release is the wealth of 'never before released' footage. Usually footage has 'never before been released' because it wasn't worthy of a release, but this is real gold from the Disney vaults. For a start, the inclusion of 'Victory Through Airpower' completes my Disney feature collection (over VHS and DVD) and then there's the rest!
The public info films and the propaganda shorts are priceless. The perfect animation seems almost wasted on films that have spent over a half a century locked in the vaults. Show the powerful 'Education for Death' to a cynic and ask them if 'cartoons' are just for kids. All of the rest of the shorts on offer are equally interesting and provide a great insight for animation fans and historians alike.
The 'funny' shorts that feature Donald, Pluto and Goofy are mostly top-form. The shorts featuring Private Duck and Sergeant Pete are my particular favourites. 'Der Feuhrers Face' is a classic in it's own right and it's fantastic to see it over-coming it's (well deserved!)racist reputation to appear on this DVD.
This brings hope that Warners may issue a DVD featuring the Private Snafu shorts as well as the infamous 'Bugs Bunny Nips the Nips'.
15 Very rare collection:
This collection of Disney cartoons produced during WW2 to help the war effort. The thing that makes this cartoon collection so unique and special is that most all of the cartoons have not been released or shown on tv ever!
These rare cartoons have spent the last half of the century being banned and censored and left to rot in the vaults. I'm glad that Disney finally released these cartoons on a DVD collections, and I suggest anyone interested in animation buy this, since they wont be around for long.
The most notable cartoon on here is the famous "Der Fuerers Face" staring Donald Duck. This academy award winning cartoon stars Donald living the life as a factory worker in Nazi Germany. This one cartoon is the most famous of all Disney's blacklisted cartoons and is a real tresuare for anyone to finaly see after all these years.
The anti-nazi humor can be a bit risque for nowadays (some jokes might be considered racist and unusual for a Donald Duck cartoon) but these cartoons stand up well as a capsule for the time at which they were made.
16 Wow!!!!
Thank you Disney for releasing this series of spectacular videos. It is nothing short of brilliant. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for having the guts to release it in such a sensitive time for USA. There is still hope for a proper release of Song of the South, another masterpiece.
17 Warning! Disney ships empty boxes
Hello
I have been waiting impatient for this little beauty. Got it last week. Big surprise: When I opened the proberly sealed box from Disney, there was only a empty DVD case in it without any DVD!
First they let you wait a few month and then all you get is a empty box. Great!!!!!
Kind Regards A
18 The Vault Has Been Busted Open
Disney completists, WW II buffs, animation fans, historians and aviation addicts will be overjoyed with this set. Destined to be the crown jewel of the entire Disney Treasures line, On the Front Lines has something for everyone. All of this material has been under lock and key for years, some of it never having been viewed again since it's initial release.
The power, seriousness and visual drama of a lot of the shorts is astounding. Few today would expect (much less support) such material from modern Disney. Much care was taken with preserving these shorts and features which sport video quality every bit as vibrant and alive as the restoration of Snow White. Parents will have to decide if this material is something they want their children to watch, but for adults this is treasure trove of animation. Don't miss it.
19 Brilliant piece of film history
To be certain, there will be those who attempt to tear apart these shorts based on current cultural standards, but that isn't fair at all. This collection of short cartoons was made at the height of World War II, at a time where Hollywood actually supported the war effort, and made efforts to educate the public and spark them to action. Things like Donald Duck joining the army, Pluto acting as a mascot, Goofy teaching about "alternative" transportation and the Three Little Pigs and Seven Dwarfs stumping war bonds were not only commonplace, but necessary.
Plus, some of these shorts are just plain FUNNY. "Commando Duck" may have some unflattering portrayals of Japanese soldiers, but the slapstick comedy is some of Donald Duck's best. "Der Fuehrer's Face" is a masterpiece, and a lot of the Donald shorts in this collection were written (or co-written) by the legendary Donald Duck comic book artist Carl Barks, adding another tidbit of historical significance to this collection.
Perhaps the centerpiece of this collection comes on disc two, with the full-length "Victory Through Air Power," in which Walt Disney and a Russian expatriate explain that the only way to win World War II was to build up America's Air Force, a message that did not go unheeded by Churchhill and Roosevelt. People don't even know about this film, but it's one of the most important movies ever made.
This set is entertaining and fascinating from a cultural standpoint, and on top of that, Leonard Maltin's commentaries are probably the best he's done yet for a "Treasures" collection. No animation fan can go without this set.
20 V T A P predates modern adult geared animation
When I watched V T A P only days ago, I realized as never before the details of Hitler's march through Europe at the start of WW2. In history class as a kid and eventual teen, I could only vaguely grasp the concept. If only the teacher had owned a copy of V T A P, the explanation of both the start of the war (remember, the film was made in the middle of the war with no clear end in sight), the history of aviation, and what was to become the solution to ending the war, would have been illustrated a little better. Not to say that war is confusing enough, but Disney's team of skilled animators displays beauty among war and fine examples of explaining uncomfortable topics like death and the pillaging of a land's goods in metaphor.
For animation fans of all kinds, the hard hitting battle sequences were years ahead of their time and remind you where adult themed animation got its start.
Oh yeah, the Donald Duck shorts are great!
21 Great addition to the Treasures line
On the Front Lines was the last set I viewed in the Treasures series from Wave 4, and I must admit that it is some great stuff. I am not much for history, but I do like viewing history programs. Now that Disney has released this material from their vaults, the general public can now enjoy these wonderful programs. I for one had only seen 2 of the programs on here; Out of the Frying Pan... and Education for Death. Those are both excellent pieces, and I am glad to own dvd quality copies of these, but that is only a mere fraction of what this set has to offer.
Disc 1 is divided into 3 parts: entertainment/propaganda, education, and from the vaults.Some of my favorites were the entertainment shorts with Donald Duck and Pete as the Sargeant. Many of these were to persuade Americans to do their part in the war effort by paying income taxes and buying war bonds. There is even an interesting short from Canada in which the Seven Dwarfs promote war bonds.The education shorts include material on things such as disease, cleanliness, protecting against mosquitos and the importance of corn. Those can be boring but they are vital to this set and I am glad they are here. In the From the Vaults section, there are excellent shorts, ranging from comical to serious. Education for Death is a grim short that depicts the typical German child growing up while being brainwashed with the ideas of the Nazi party.I'd seen that before but it never looked better than it does now. I also really enjoyed Reason and Emotion, which explains that a balance of reason and emotion is required to maintain rationality.And my favorite part of the set was Der Fuehrer's Face, in which Donald dreams he is in Naziland under the rule of Hitler. I really enjoyed disc 1, the sound and picture was great, and I loved how the dvd menus were set up.
Disc 2 is comprised mostly of the full-length feature Victory Through Air Power. In this feature the importance of air power in winning the war is stressed. It is a blend of good animation with explanation by Major Seversky of why and how air power is important in winning the war on sea and land, and offers great visualizations to get his point across. This feature is hard to sit through and can get old quick, but if you take a break like I did then you will probably better appreciate what it's all about. Along with the feature are 4 Methods of Flush Riveting, Stop that Tank! and a training film montage. 4 Methods is absolutely an educational film and I found this to be the only boring part of the dvd. Stop that Tank! was great, and its purpose was to demonstrate the anti-tank rifle. It explains the mechanism behind the weapons, how to clean them, and is accompanied by good animation.You even get to see Hitler blown away in a tank. Who can't appreciate that? And finally was the training film montage. These are short introductions by Leonard Maltin on various training films for such things as adapting to different weather conditions. These arent shown in their entirety, but honestly I don't think that matters. Aside from these programs, you get the following extras:
"Victory Through Air Power" Trailer
On the Set of "Victory through Air Power"
Production Art Galleries
"Victory Through Air Power" Art Galleries
"A Conversation with Roy Disney"
"A Conversation with Joe Grant"
"A Conversation with John Hench"
This is some of Disney's strangest work, yet some of the most interesting. It was a lot of fun seeing wartime propaganda and seeing how it influenced the public back then. This is a strong release and I highly recommend it to any dvd collection, whether you are a history buff or not. My 5 favorite parts were Der Fuehrer's Face, Homeland Defense(involving Donald's nephews), The Old Army Game, Stop that Tank!, and Commando Duck. But I digress from the point: I think there is something cool on here for everyone to enjoy. But parents be warned: some material should be viewed first before children see it. One such thing is a Donald short where he believes he has lost his legs, so he points a gun at his head as if to end it all. The one bad thing about this set is the Maltin intros to some of the shorts in which he "puts them into perspective for today's audience".It seems rediculous but it is the only way we get to see these uncut in such a politically correct world. Better to have that than not have this set at all. So I hope I helped persuade you to buy this set. It is a great piece of our history, and for 24 bucks it really is a steal. One more thing though, be prepared for about 7 hours of viewing, preferably not all at once.
22 Wonderful set, finally available to the public
On the Front Lines is an interesting blend of entertainment, education, propaganda and training shorts that are fascinating. This was the final set of Wave 3 that I viewed and I can say I enjoyed it very much. Be warned though: it is very difficult to sit through large parts of this dvd without getting bored. I had to watch each disc on seperate days, and it was even hard watching Victory through Air Power in one sitting. But dont be discouraged from watching this because of its historical aspect. I am not one you would call a history fanatic, but I found interest in most of what this set has to offer and I am sure you will too.
Disc 1 is divided into Entertainment shorts, Education shorts, and From the Vault. I thoroughly enjoyed the Donald Duck shorts which encouraged Americans to buy war bonds, pay your taxes, and do what you can to help the country. Some of the best of these in my opinion are The Vanishing Private, Home Defense, The Old Army Game, DER FUEHRER'S FACE(my favorite on this set, where Donald dreams he is in Naziland), and Education for Death, which I had previously seen but am glad to own a quality copy. Also Reason and Emotion I thought was a great piece about how reason/emotion must be balanced to keep one rational.The picture and sound on all of these are great, and I especially liked the way the dvd menus were set up.
Disc 2 is mostly made of Victory through Air Power, the full-length feature about how air power is vital to winning the war at sea and on land. Major Alex de Seversky explains what it will take to neutralize enemy forces and this feature is accompanied by some impressive animation. There is also a trailer for this film in the bonus features section that is interesting to visualize seeing back in that time. Aside from the feature are 4 Methods for Flush Riveting, Stop that Tank! and a training films montage. 4 Methods was apparently made only for educational purposes, and while it is important to this collection, it was the only short I did not enjoy. It is a bore to be honest. Stop That Tank! provides great animation and I found it to be very interesting, as it details the anti-tank rifle and the mechanisms behind it. Hitler even gets blown away in a tank, and who can't enjoy that? As for the training film montage, Leonard Maltin briefly introduces some training films that were to educate soldiers about adjusting to different weather conditions, etc. They aren't shown in their entirety though, but I don't think that takes away from the set at all. To round out disc 2, you get plenty of extras including:
"Victory Through Air Power" Trailer
On the Set of "Victory through Air Power"
Production Art Galleries
"Victory Through Air Power" Art Galleries
"A Conversation with Roy Disney"
"A Conversation with Joe Grant"
"A Conversation with John Hench"
All in all this set is something every historian, animator, animation fan and person interested in American culture should definately own. A lot of this material has been in the Disney vaults for years, but we are now lucky enough to see them. I wouldn't say it is for kids, but parents should judge it for themselves as some of the material is questionable for young eyes, such as one scene where Donald believes he has lost his lower half and then points a gun at his head as if to end it all. I, like many of you am annoyed at Maltin's introductions and you cannot skip them on here. That is what it costs though to see these things because of the politically correct world we live in. It is a small price to pay though and without it we may not have gotten these films to enjoy. So I hoped this helped you decide either way to buy this set, and I can add it is one of the best purchases I have made for 24 dollars. That is a steal to me. I highly recommend this set for the funny entertainment shorts, and others not so comical such as Education for Death, which shows the darker side of the whole Nazi movement. So there is something on here everybody can enjoy, so I recommend this as a valuable asset to any DVD collection.
23 Plllleeeeese!!!
After waiting and wishing most of my life for the titles in this set to be released, the day is finally here. Praise the god of Disney DVDs! I must tell you, though, that I am not quite sure what other reviewers think of this set as I could not read their comments. The first review I came across was the one entitled "Shut Your Bearded Pie-Hole, Leonard". I laughed out loud and a tear began to form in my right eye because, without reading the review, I knew what the writer was going to say. Scrolling down, I came to the one entitled, "Inter-active Game". I was able to read down to the point where the reviewer begins to describe the game but by now, I am laughing uncontrollably and the tears are streaming down my face. You guys are too much! Thanks for your wit and your way with words. Sometimes the reviews on Amazon are better than the product. I have even been known to print out a few for posterity. Anyway,as soon as I compose myself, I am going to curl up with this DVD and finally view these long-lost gems...bearded guy or not! Hurry up and get this set before the powers that be change their minds and recall it!!!
24 Shut your bearded pie-hole Leonard!
This is a great set, the only annoyance is that you have to sit through Leonard Maltin's justifications for Disney cartoons such as the classic "Der Fuehrer's Face". The morons in Disney's political correctness department who made the decision to put this droning, banal nonsense in front of each cartoon and to set up the DVD so you *CAN'T* fast forward through it should be beaten. So in order to watch "Der Fuehrer's Face" or "Education for Death" you have to listen to Maltin tell you that "Gee, during World War II we were in a war and goshdarnit, people were just less sensitive back then and ethnically stereotyped people, especially their enemies", which aside from insulting your intelligence is obnoxious and faintly nauseating.
Other than the nauseating dose of political correctness the set is fantastic, Disney really does a good job in taking care of the film stock of their older cartoons, colors on the DVD are vivid and clear and there aren't any scratches on the transfer. Sound is clear, although sometimes it's hard to tell as who can understand Donald Duck?
If you're buying this for kids you might want to watch out, depending upon how able your kids are to handle adult themes, aside from the content of the propaganda features there's also a hilarious scene where Donald thinks that he's lost his legs and is shown putting a pistol to his head to end it all, which some kids, raised on blander fare such as "The Little Mermaid" might have difficulty dealing with.
25 Interactive Game!!!
This limited edition dvd is the best out yet. Not only does it have propaganda cartoons and rare bonus footage, it also includes an interactive game- "The Nerdy Bearded-Guy Drinking Game"!!! However, the dvd does not include the rulebook, but luckily for you, I obtained a copy. 1. Whenever the nerdy bearded guy appears on the screen before a cartoon all players have to drink a shot of Yager (any hard alcohol can be used as a substitute). 2. The last player to make it to the final bearded-guy round wins. 3. If, however, there are more than one players to make it to the final round, it is then each remaining player has to execute the physical challenge round!!! This dvd is loads of fun and the game makes the experience 10x as good. I don't know how you do it, but Disney, you have done it again!!! A must have!!!
26 More than you'd expect
This 2-disc set starts off with several entertainment shorts, dating from the early years of the war. Donald Duck and Pluto are the stars here, and the material offers a reflection of the nation's obsessions during that era. The discs, narrated by film critic Leonard Maltin, then progress into more serious subjects, including educational and propaganda pieces produced for the U.S. and Canada. A long-lost feature film, "Victory through Air Power," fills the majority of disc 2. If you have any interest at all in World War II or popular cultural history, you should find this collection fascinating. You'll also find considerably more material than advertised. The packaging, liner notes, and Amazon all give an approximate running time of 210 minutes; however, not including bonus materials, the main features appear to take up 3 and a half hours on each disc. More like 7 hours total. Enjoy!
27 A Must Have Collection
Incredible collection of WWII shorts and propaganda for mature audiences. A big thank you to Disney for releasing this unique piece of history. A true treasure indeed!
28 Leonard Maltin is a problem
Hey, Maltin knows his stuff and all, but why should I be forced to hear his introductions? Disney is concerned about the racist elements of these wartime shorts that Maltin's explanatory comments before each cartoon cannot be fast forwarded through! I hate that. Otherwise, a great set.
29 A show not for everyone
This DVD is awesome, the background music and setup of this DVD is great. The material (classic Disney cartoons and shorts) is very informative and very pro war and american. Those people who might be Japanese or German may find it offensive. Remember that these cartoons were made in a time where many countries were in turmoil. Other than that I Love it! I love the US and Love Disney! Cant get any better than that!!!!!
30 A show not for everyone
This DVD is awesome, the background music and setup of this DVD is great. The material (classic Disney cartoons and shorts) is very informative and very pro war and american. Those people who might be Japanese or German may find it offensive. Remember that these cartoons were made in a time where many countries were in turmoil. Other than that I Love it! I love the US and Love Disney! Cant get any better than that!!!!!
31 A show not for everyone
This DVD is awesome, the background music and setup of this DVD is great. The material (classic Disney cartoons and shorts) is very informative and very pro war and american. Those people who might be Japanese or German may find it offensive. Remember that these cartoons were made in a time where many countries were in turmoil. Other than that I Love it! I love the US and Love Disney! Cant get any better than that!!!!!
32 Excellent collection, but be warned.
I've been waiting eagerly for this collection, and for the most part, it didn't disappoint. But be warned--some of the most famous of these wartime shorts, such as "The Fuhrer's Face" and "Chicken Little" have an annoying Leonard Martin intro tacked onto them, and you can't skip through them. I say annoying because Maltin insists on giving away story points and illustrating his simplistic remarks with clips from the cartoons you are about to see! It ruins the experience of seeing these cartoons as "new"--particularly relevent in this case because these films were designed to elicit a strong emotional response from an audience. Don't miss this collection, it's a real rarity, but unless you're the type who turns immediately to the last page of a whodunit, or who always uses cheat codes on video games, mute Maltin's comments and close your eyes when he comes on--at least, for the first time you watch these.
33 Another fascinating side to Disney
Here is a side of Disney which some of us don't know about or have never seen before. At times, it's surreal and bizarre, but it is just as innovative and imaginative and well-executed as any other Disney animation. High time these films were seen and appreciated from a historical and artistic standpoint.
Critics have carped about this set, and whether it is PC or not. Perhaps expecting people to be absolutely politically correct when wartime emotions run high and different cultures and military operations collide is a bit absurd. Keeping an open mind always helps. For all hardcore Disney fans, this set will introduce you to yet another facet of Disney animation which until now has been locked away in the vaults.
By the way, Amazon reviewer John D. Kenworthy states that Disney's "Destino" was recently released. Is this on video or in theaters? I'm an American living in Japan who sometimes misses out on new developments at home. Care to share your info?
34 Excellent and Entertaining as well as Educational
This collection has been the most aniticpated set for hardcore Disney fans and cartoon historians alike. Collecting all of Disney's war time cartoons into one set was just a great idea and a real gem to own. I watched the entire collection in one day with friends of mine and I showed it to some students I teach at school who were just dumbfounded that people did this with cartoons during the second world war.
An excellent set with many bonus features including Leonard maltin who comes on to explain the background of many of these animated shorts.
I recommend this to everyone, not as a baby sitter for young children, but as an entertaining and educational look at America's history in animation and WW2.
35 A Must Buy For Disney Fans And History Buffs Alike!
I just got my copy and all I can say is... WOW. Regardless of one's viewpoints on war, this is one very important and educational peice of history. The shorts on why we fight, who we fight and how the homefront can help were amazing to watch! One word of advice for parents: these cartoons over all are not children's cartoons. Watch the contents of these DVDs before deciding whether or not (or which parts) to let your kids watch. That disclaimer out of the way, let me restate: WOW. Definitely the best of all the Treasures to be released to date!
36 Wow -- "Victory Through Air Power" on DVD!
When I was about 13 years old around 1978, our school teacher had our class watch a 16mm print of the first part of Disney's "Victory Through Air Power", which is all in animation and is about the history of aviation. I loved it. In the decades since, I'd always clearly remembered the shot in which an early WWI fighter plane pilot accidently shot up his own propellor with his machine gun (before the technology to synchronize machine guns with propellers was developed), and went down comically weeping.
When I became interested in Disney animation several years ago, I hoped to find a copy of that one. But I learned that it had never been released on any videotape or videodisc format, and that my only glimmer of hope of ever seeing it again was to buy a 16mm film projector and find an old 16mm print, and probably pay a lot for it. More than any other, this title had me seriously thinking about doing that.
It's been some time since I've kept up with new DVD releases. I was shopping at Costco today and stumbled across some of Disney's "Treasures Limited Edition" tins. I already had some of those, but I noticed that these were titles I hadn't seen before. I tossed the Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck titles into my cart, passed on one that was about futurism, and dug through to make sure I hadn't missed any. I could hardly believe my eyes when I picked up one that said "On the Front Lines" and "The War Years". My first thought was to wonder if it included that aviation history I had seen in 1978. I turned it over and yes, it said it included not only the aviation history part I had seen then, but the entire film!
Somewhat in a daze, I went straight to the checkout line, then straight home, then straight to the DVD player. Even my wife watched it with me, I guess because she could see how excited I was about it.
I loved it in 1978 on 16mm, and I loved it again in 2004 on DVD. It's at once an interesting history, attractive animation, and fun entertainment. I was also interested to see the realism in animation of planes I had learned about over the years.
The live action part was also very interesting and well worth watching, if a little on the tedious side at times, especially for my wife. It's certainly very interesting to consider how this movie may have changed the course of the war, or more precisely, this movie may have brought enough attention to the book that inspired it, and to that book's brilliant and prophetic author, to change the course of the war.
When I looked up this title on the web, I was a little startled to find that I had bought it on the very day it was released!
It looks like Disney has let the earlier "Treasures Limited Edition" tins go out of print, and undoubtedly they will do the same with this title. If you have any interest at all in aviation history, and/or in WWII, and/or in rare Disney animation gems, this disc is a must-have, just for Victory Through Air Power. (I haven't even watched most of the shorts yet.)
37 AN ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE SET!!!
Several years ago Warner Bros. came out with "Bugs and Daffy: The Wartime cartoons" a great editon of WWII themed shorts. Now Disney checks in with this great 2 DVD set of their own wartime toons. In all you get 32 cartoon shorts from the golden era of animation, an intro by Leondard Maltin, and many great extra features.
Among the great shorts are:
"Donald gets Drafted" Donald does his patriotic duty when he recieves his draft notice and enlists in the army. The first of Donald's "Army" pictures follows him though his induction medical exam and boot camp
"Private Pluto" Pluto is in the infantry guarding a pillbox from saboteurs.
"Commando Duck" Donald is given a wartime assignment to wipe out a Japanese airfield.
"Home Defense" Donald mans his listening post while his three nephews wait in readiness to attack the enemy. But chaos breaks out when the enemy turns out to be nothing more than a wandering bee.
"How to be a Sailor" A history of sailing through the ages; from a prehistoric Goofy using a log, through the Age of Sail ("iron men, wooden ships") and on to modern times.
"the Old Army Game" The old shell game gets a new face as Donald stays off-base past "Taps" and has to try to sneak back in with out alerting Pete.
Just great WWII era stuff. Includes interviews with Roy Disney and others. Kudos to Disney for putting out this great material.
38 Walt Disney Treasures...need I say more?
I will not waste your time with what will be on this and the other 3 editions because other reviewers have covered that. I just would like to say that I have seen a great deal of the material (shorts/television shows) included on these sets and think this is some fantastic work. There is also quite a bit that I have yet to see but am very much looking forward to seeing as well. Trust me, If you are a fan of Classic Walt Disney films then you should certainly treat yourself to these gems. I give all of the sets in the Walt Disney Treasures series 5 stars.
39 Rarities and priceless gems
While Disney's recently released "Destino" is earning rave reviews for its surrealistic pairing of Uncle Walt with Salvador Dali, this much anticipated package contains some of the most bizarre footage of anything that Disney ever did.
When I was doing research for my 2001 biography of Ub Iwerks, a friend of mine gave me a private showing of many of these films which he had smuggled out of the Studio. Some of the imagery is absolutely stunning and frankly, well, weird. Using metaphors such as the U.S. producing enough grain to make enough pasta to knit a sweater that would wrap around the earth is not a normal image. Seriously demented stuff!
The most notable effort in this bunch for me personally is "Stop That Tank" because it is amongst the few films that Ub Iwerks directed upon returning to Disney in the 40s. Most people assume that Ub went right to work on technical things after his hiatus, but he in fact was placed at the helm of a few small films including this one. The late, great Ward Kimball told me that when he and Freddy Moore did the animation on this, Ub cut them loose and told them to have fun "You boys know what you're doing." He said. And of course, they did.
Ub had fun designing the technical drawings of the gun itself and timing the film while Kimball said he and Moore treated the soldier in the film as a surrogate Goofy-type character. If the narrator said to do it one way, they had the sad sack do just the opposite.
Aside from this gem are the harrowing 'Education for Death,' the legendary 'Victory through Air Power' and sterling discussion throughout guided by my personal hero, Leonard Maltin. This is the undeniable prize of the Walt Disney Treasure's collection (that is, until we get Song of the South at some future date, hint, hint.)
40 DIFFICULT BUT CREATIVE ERA FOR DISNEY
The years that the probable contents were released, as well as some info on the various works.
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.
