Vintage Mickey (2005)

4 Stars (out of 4)

Mad About the Mouse

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Buy Vintage Mickey on DVD.

All nine of these classic Mickey Mouse cartoons have already been released in the now out-of-print Walt Disney Treasures: Mickey Mouse in Black and White, Volumes 1-2 (in the metal boxes). But I highly recommend this new single disc for two reasons: it's cheaper and more readily available than the box set... and also because a little of Mickey goes a long way. I thoroughly enjoyed all nine of these shorts without getting bored. Mickey actually reveals a personality in these early cartoons. He is more playful and lively with a definite impish, wicked streak. (Several countries actually banned Mickey cartoons because they were worried that he would frighten children.)

DVD Details: This new disc kicks off with the essential Steamboat Willie (1928), justly famous for being the first sound cartoon. But even better than that is Plane Crazy (1928), which had me howling with laughter. Otherwise, we get a quasi Christmas cartoon with Mickey's Orphans (1931) -- also an Oscar nominee, Mickey trying to sell Minnie a dancing hot dog that doesn't want to be eaten in The Karnival Kid (1929) and a second Oscar nominee, Building a Building (1933). Other cartoons include The Birthday Party (1931), The Castaway (1931), Mickey's Revue (1932) and Mickey's Steamroller (1934).