Leonard Maltin's Animation Favorites From the National Film Board Of Canada

Life is full of defining moments that irrevocably change the way we view the world: our first kiss, our first paycheck, our first Peanut Buster Parfait from Dairy Queen. One's first National Film Board animated film is in that league, and I vividly remember my baptism: Richard Condie's Getting Started, a hilarious paean to the extraordinary lengths we will go to in the pursuit of procrastination. Getting Started is one of nine animated shorts selected and presented by Leonard Maltin on this wonderful homage to the NFB which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Opting for titles that display a wide range of innovative technique rather than just those which are the most entertaining, the video includes two pieces by animation pioneer Norman McLaren ("Begone Dull Care" and "Pas de Deux") and closes with the NFB's maiden effort in computer animation "Anniversary." In the middle, however, are pieces which emphasize story value as much as craft: Cordell Barker's side-splitting "The Cat Came Back," Shelden Cohen's delightful "The Sweater," and Caroline Leaf's haunting "The Street" (based on a Mordecai Richler short story about a young boy's experience of his grandmother's decline and passing). And for pure knee-slapping fun, it's hard to beat "The Log Driver's Waltz." An excellent collection. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (R. Pitman)