Walt Disney Treasures: The Chronological Donald

Every duck has his day. From Donald's first scene-stealing appearance in 1934's "The Wise Little Hen" to 1941's "Chef Donald," this two disc-set gives long-overdue star treatment to one of Disney's most endearing and enduring cartoon characters. Donald Duck preceded the Warner Bros. character Daffy Duck, who made his debut in 1937, but they both shared the same Achilles' heel flaw: each was his own worst enemy. Donald's undoing was his temper, and his apoplectic rages lend the 36 exquisitely drawn cartoons compiled here an edge not seen in the antics of his Disney stablemates Mickey and Goofy. Benchmark 'toons here include 1937's "Don Donald," in which we get an early peek at Donald's girlfriend, Daisy, and 1938's "Donald's Nephews," which introduces mischievous terrors Huey, Louie, and Dewey. DVD extras include introductions by film critic and Disney aficionado Leonard Maltin, and a featurette devoted to Clarence "Ducky" Nash, who for 50 years was the voice behind the duck. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (D. Liebenson)