Looney Tunes Collector's Choice Vol. 3 [Warner Archive Blu-ray review]

Looney Tunes Collector’s Choice releases always blow my mind when Warner Archive brings them to Blu-ray. I dig what they’re doing, but I also want you to know what shorts are included. Since people seem to care more about what they’re getting vs. the actual A/V Quality.

“A Feud There Was” (1938)

This cartoon utilizes the classic feud trope reminiscent of the Hatfields and McCoys, providing a humorous take on rural disputes. Its use of exaggerated conflict and resolution, coupled with lively animation, makes it an entertaining watch. The dynamic between characters is enhanced by the clever use of musical cues, a hallmark of the Merrie Melodies series.

“Hop, Skip and a Chump” (1949)

A lesser-known entry, this cartoon features a small, resourceful character outsmarting his larger antagonists. It’s a classic underdog story with effective slapstick humor and well-timed gags. The animation is vibrant, capturing the kinetic energy that Merrie Melodies cartoons are known for.

“China Jones” (1959)

Daffy Duck stars as a detective in this parody of film noir and mystery tropes. The cartoon is notable for its clever writing and Daffy’s manic energy, providing a satirical look at detective stories. The use of cultural stereotypes, however, reflects the period’s less sensitive approach to humor.

“Cinderella Meets Fella” (1938)

This is a whimsical adaptation of the classic Cinderella tale with a typical Warner Bros. twist. It stands out for its playful dialogues and characters, including a cameo by Egghead, an early version of Elmer Fudd. The cartoon blends fairy tale elements with slapstick and puns, making it a lively rendition of the story.

“Dumb Patrol” (1964)

In this later Looney Tunes entry, Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam are World War I flying aces duking it out in the skies. The animation style here is slicker, characteristic of the 1960s era of Warner cartoons, and it maintains the series’ penchant for witty exchanges and aerial antics.

“Elmer’s Pet Rabbit” (1941)

This cartoon is significant for being one of the first to feature Elmer Fudd in his recognizable form, and it sets the stage for many future encounters between Elmer and Bugs Bunny. The humor arises from Elmer’s clueless nature contrasted against Bugs’ sly tricks, setting a template for their future dynamic.

“Punch Trunk” (1953)

A unique entry, this short features a tiny elephant causing chaos in a city, unbeknownst to the hapless humans around it. This cartoon is a great example of Warner Bros.’ ability to blend surreal situations with everyday settings, creating humor that is both absurd and relatable.

“Quentin Quail” (1946)

This cartoon showcases the studio’s knack for crafting characters that are both endearing and comical. Quentin Quail is a bumbling, overly protective parent whose best intentions often go awry. The animation effectively captures his frenetic attempts to protect his chick, making for a heartwarming and humorous story.

“War and Pieces” (1964)

This late entry in the Looney Tunes catalog sees Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner in their classic chase dynamic, with innovative traps and relentless pursuit. The cartoon captures the essence of the series with its silent comedy style and the endless inventiveness of the coyote’s schemes.

Let’s talk about Looney Tunes Collector’s Choice Vol. 3 and what comes on the Blu-ray

I didn’t talk about all of the shorts on the Looney Tunes Collector’s Choice Vol. 3 Blu-ray, but I highlighted a few of the ones I dug. There are 25 shorts on the release ranging from the 1930s to the 1960s.

The A/V Quality remains stunning for a lot of shorts I had only seen on TV and old Looney Tunes VHS tapes prior to this point. You don’t get any substantial special features. However, you end up with nearly three hours of high quality classic American animation. That should be enough to wow anyone.