Walt Disney Treasures: The Complete Pluto, Volume Two 1947-1951

This two-disc set spanning the years 1947-51 will be “Plutopia” for fans of one of Disney's most lovable characters. Unlike Pluto's anthropomorphized costars, Mickey, Goofy, and Donald, the fetching canine was portrayed as a real dog with neither a funny voice nor snappy dialogue. But as with the great silent comedians, audiences always knew what Pluto was thinking thanks to his expressions and reactions. Among the cartoons that rank Best in Show here are the Oscar-nominated “Pluto's Blue Note”; the sweet “Pluto's Fledgling,” in which he takes a baby bird under his wing; the hilarious “Pluto's Sweater,” in which Pluto suffers the embarrassment of being forced to wear a pink sweater that Minnie Mouse knitted for him; and “Food for Feudin',” with the always nutty Chip and Dale. Disc two isolates four cartoons under the “From the Vault” banner as these pre-PC cartoons feature ethnic stereotypes (a Mammy figure in “Figaro & Cleo,” with the popular breakout characters from Pinocchio) and violence (a suicide attempt in “Plutopia”). Animation buffs will appreciate being able to view these vintage cartoons complete and uncut, while film critic Leonard Maltin makes the case that it is best for parents to discuss the objectionable content with their children rather than suppress it. Aspiring artists can also bone up on Disney's signature “personality animation” techniques with the illustrative bonus features, which include a pencil test deconstruction of the cartoon “Pluto's Judgment Day” and two onscreen commentaries by Disney animators Randy Cartwright and Andreas Deja, who walk viewers through the cartoons “Bone Trouble” and “Hawaiian Holiday,” respectively. Pluto itself may have been recently downgraded from being a planet, but as these timeless cartoons delightfully demonstrate, this Pluto will always be a star. Recommended. (D. Liebenson)