One would be forgiven if they looked at the title for this episode and thought to themselves, "hooray, an episode that would feature characters from 'Animaniacs'. As amazing as that would have been to see, being a fan of 'Animaniacs', one is not to be misled. The episode has nothing to do with that show or its characters, which did not even exist at this point of 'Tiny Toon Adventures' run. Instead "Animaniacs" is a depiction of animation production in preparation for making a student film.
Which is a great premise. Not innovative sure but "Animaniacs" makes the absolute most of it, has an absolute blast with it and nothing about the execution feels stale. To me, it is among 'Tiny Toon Adventures' best episodes and reminds me as to why animation and Looney Tunes has always held (and always will hold) a dear place in my heart. Colourful, enormously entertaining, extremely clever and nostalgic, this is classic 'Tiny Toon Adventures' through and through and actually made me appreciate animation even more.
"Animaniacs" is well animated throughout, very vibrant in colour, expressive with some great character expressions and meticulously detailed. Seeing all the different methods and such was fascinating and what was really interesting about the episode is that there are not a lot of times in animation where we see for ourselves the animation process and how much time and effort it takes. On young adult re-watches, it actually really made me appreciate animators even more than before and was very educational as a child.
The music was always great in 'Tiny Toon Adventures'. Actually calling it great doesn't do it enough justice. "Animaniacs" is no exception. Here the music is lushly and cleverly orchestrated and very characterfully used, like the Looney Tunes cartoons for example it not just adds to but enhances every expression and gesture. The theme tune is timeless, one of the best and catchiest theme tunes of not just 90s animation but animation in general.
Moreover, the writing is just terrific. There is the usual razor sharp wit and wackiness in the dialogue that one associates 'Tiny Toon Adventures'. As ever too, there are some immensely affectionate and clever references that makes one nostalgic and bust a gut laughing. As well as some truly lovely moments, such as everything to do with the judging panel (with the right Looney Tunes characters for the job), the beautifully judged chemistry between Buster and Plucky and the deliciously surreal pencil test gag never gets old.
Story is beautifully paced and was so great in understanding and appreciating more the work that goes into animation, its process and the mind of the animators. Do agree that it was an episode of two brilliantly constructed halves, one half with a documentary-like approach in a very funny and illuminating way and the other a short film anthology. The short films are a sheer delight, including Hamton's, and says a lot about the competitors' personalities and frame of minds. Delivering hugely on the entertainment value (Gogo's is hilariously strange).
Cannot say anything bad about the characters, all on top form (especially Buster, Babs and Plucky and what a joy it was to see Bugs, Daffy and Porky). Or the character interaction, that between Buster and Plucky is particularly nailed. Joe Alaskey and Charlie Adler stand out of the uniformly never less than great voice acting.
In summary, brilliant. 10/10
Which is a great premise. Not innovative sure but "Animaniacs" makes the absolute most of it, has an absolute blast with it and nothing about the execution feels stale. To me, it is among 'Tiny Toon Adventures' best episodes and reminds me as to why animation and Looney Tunes has always held (and always will hold) a dear place in my heart. Colourful, enormously entertaining, extremely clever and nostalgic, this is classic 'Tiny Toon Adventures' through and through and actually made me appreciate animation even more.
"Animaniacs" is well animated throughout, very vibrant in colour, expressive with some great character expressions and meticulously detailed. Seeing all the different methods and such was fascinating and what was really interesting about the episode is that there are not a lot of times in animation where we see for ourselves the animation process and how much time and effort it takes. On young adult re-watches, it actually really made me appreciate animators even more than before and was very educational as a child.
The music was always great in 'Tiny Toon Adventures'. Actually calling it great doesn't do it enough justice. "Animaniacs" is no exception. Here the music is lushly and cleverly orchestrated and very characterfully used, like the Looney Tunes cartoons for example it not just adds to but enhances every expression and gesture. The theme tune is timeless, one of the best and catchiest theme tunes of not just 90s animation but animation in general.
Moreover, the writing is just terrific. There is the usual razor sharp wit and wackiness in the dialogue that one associates 'Tiny Toon Adventures'. As ever too, there are some immensely affectionate and clever references that makes one nostalgic and bust a gut laughing. As well as some truly lovely moments, such as everything to do with the judging panel (with the right Looney Tunes characters for the job), the beautifully judged chemistry between Buster and Plucky and the deliciously surreal pencil test gag never gets old.
Story is beautifully paced and was so great in understanding and appreciating more the work that goes into animation, its process and the mind of the animators. Do agree that it was an episode of two brilliantly constructed halves, one half with a documentary-like approach in a very funny and illuminating way and the other a short film anthology. The short films are a sheer delight, including Hamton's, and says a lot about the competitors' personalities and frame of minds. Delivering hugely on the entertainment value (Gogo's is hilariously strange).
Cannot say anything bad about the characters, all on top form (especially Buster, Babs and Plucky and what a joy it was to see Bugs, Daffy and Porky). Or the character interaction, that between Buster and Plucky is particularly nailed. Joe Alaskey and Charlie Adler stand out of the uniformly never less than great voice acting.
In summary, brilliant. 10/10