Cubussoli
Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!
CrawlerChunky
In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.
Marva
It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,
Dalbert Pringle
I don't know about you - But (for me) - When it comes to pre-CGI cartoons - It's the "Golden Age" of animation (Hollywood 1940s & 50s) that absolutely fascinates me with the incredible work and attention to detail that went into many of these Technicolour gems.Of course, it was the innovative animators at Disney Studios who were the ones at the absolute top-of-the-line in their field. And, this "Melody Time" DVD proves that beyond a shadow of a doubt.Featuring the vocal talents of such performers as Roy Rogers, The Andrews Sisters, and Bob Nolan (to name but a few) - 1948's "Melody Time" is a superb collection of 7 enjoyable, animated shorts whose stories are all told through song.Even though some of the story-lines of these cartoons may not appeal to some people - There can be no denying the absolute wonder and marvel of the fantastic animation-techniques that went into these works.3 of my favourites here are - Little Toot, Casey Bats Again, and Pecos Bill.
OllieSuave-007
Like Fantasia, Melody Time is an anthology of animated sequences, but is not as long like the former and not as brilliant or vibrant in my opinion. It contains seven animated shorts, some with just music and some with dialog and music.You won't find much plot in this film - just a bunch of cartoon shorts set to the music of contemporary oldies and songs sung by singers from the Golden Era. The animation looks pretty washed up and the overall movie misses the rich music, dynamic and scenic animation sequences and the excitement and majesty Fantasia was able to present.While each segment wasn't very appealing, the Johnny Appleseed sequence was a little touching and the Trees segment was quite beautiful. The story of Little Toot was too "cute" but has some heroic elements, and the Blame it on the Samba sequence was quite catchy with its Latin music (and it's nice to see a familiar face, Donald Duck, star in that sequence). However, the Once Upon A Wintertime short was boring, Bumble Boogie was a little too mindless and the Pecos Bill story, while set to some good ol' American flavor, dragged the film.Overall, the film doesn't have much that would grab your attention and has that all-around lazy feel to it. It might be something that is OK for adults to watch once to pass the time, but children might not be able to sit through it.Grade D+
Mightyzebra
All possibly to reflect Walt Disney's dreams and possibly some of his new ideas, while the world was recovering from the terrifying Second World War, Disney released "Melody Time", a collection of beautiful, heartwarming, musical and entertaining shorts. At the beginning, a speaking mask (who at times is the narrator), explains that there is something for everyone and there indeed just about is! A lot of different kind of shorts await you and you are bound to like at least one a little bit.In order of when the shorts are shown:"Once Upon A Wintertime": A different kind of Disney animation, including pristine backgrounds, Disney shows a rather messy winter love story. Not the best short in the bunch, but definitely not the least best, with a good woman singer. "Bumble Boogie": Good for the eye, this short shows a very angry and upset bee trapped and flustered in a world of musical caterpillars and images. A good short mainly for the older, for the young it may be a bit upsetting, especially as the bee is quite a likable character."Johnny Appleseed": One of the few shorts with a proper plot, with some of the best animation in the set, Johnny Appleseed is a heartwarming story, you may even be inclined to believe this beautiful American story is true! Good for all ages."Little Toot": Unfortunately, this short is rather tedious babyish and a slight bit depressing, probably the least good of the lot. However, it is likely to entertain the wee ones and maybe some grown-ups would not mind watching it."Tree": Is basically a poem, a moving painting and a picture of a tree. Like "Bumble Boogie", it is plot less and another feast for the eyes, hopefully it will become your favourite of the set. Very beautiful for any animation and stunning."Blame It On The Samba": Featuring Donald Duck, a parrot friend of his and a rascal of a waiter bird! Showing a naughty bird bullying and entertaining Donald Duck and his friend with the amazement and annoyance of the samba."Pecos Bill": The last of the set, Pecos Bill is pretty entertaining - even with a rather tedious beginning and animation that could do with some work. The songs and characters are certainly entertaining. It shows a young boy being bought up by coyotes and becoming a "rooting, tootin' cowboy".So, enjoy "Melody Time"!
ian-1211
Throughout the 40's, Walt had a great problems with staff and money issues thanks to the Second World War and had to produce cheap films containing short stories. But most of them were good like "Saludos Amigos" (1943), "The Three Caballeros" (1945) and "Make Mine Music" (1946). "Fun and Fancy Free" (1947) proved that the gloss was starting to wear off but still provided good entertainment but with "Melody Time" (1948), you could tell that the studio was starting to head into trouble! I afraid this is lame, boring, clichéd, over-used and dweary. It starts yet again with Donald Duck (he's a very great character most of the time but let's just face it: back in the late 1940's he was just been over-exposed! It's now just overkill!) starting with a silly dance with will give nobody any pleasure or interest whatsoever. Then it all turns into a bunch of flat stories which tries hard to recapture the charm and the wit the Three Caballeros had but fails miserably. One or two of the shorts are worth watching but overall, they boring and same-old! No even an appearance from Jose Carioca, possibly one of Walt's best characters from the 40's could save this one! If you are a Disney enthusiast and wants to wonder all of Walt's work than this will do but for everybody else DON'T BOTHER because they is so much better other Disney films out there (like "Lady and the Tramp" and "The Sword in the Stone"). I'm sad to break it to Walt with all his financial problems at the time but this truly does suck!2/10
