The “Snoopy 4-Movie Collection” includes the debut classic “A Boy Named Charlie Brown,” the on-screen debut of Woodstock in “Snoopy Come Home,” the outdoor adventure “Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown,” and the globe-trotting antics of “Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (and Don’t Come Back!).”
Consisting of four original Snoopy adventures, two of them making their Blu-ray debut, the new “Snoopy 4-Movie Collection” will delight fans of the lovable pup and his extended family. Lacking any of the cynicism, irony, and vulgarity so prevalent in contemporary children’s animation, these cartoons will take you back to a more innocent era. Who’d think going back in time would be such a breath of fresh air?
“A Boy Named Charlie Brown”, originally released in 1969, was the first-ever feature-length Snoopy cartoon. Detailing Charlie Brown’s struggles in the national spelling bee, it’s simple and charming — a nostalgic delight for adults, and a riveting, almost meditative experience for their jaded kids. 1972’s “Snoopy Come Home” sees Snoopy and Woodstock visiting a hospitalized girl named Lila, therein delving deeper into the canine hero’s past.
And then there are 1977’s “Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown” and 1980’s “Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (and Don’t Come Back!)”. The former details the gang’s river-rafting trip and deals with issues like bullying. The latter follows Charlie Brown and his friends to the French countryside. They’re all equally delightful and cozy.
Director Bill Melendez oversaw most, if not all, of the Snoopy adaptations, ensuring that the spirit of creator Charles M. Schulz remained intact. The thinly-veiled social commentary — Charlie Brown is a stand-in for our collective morose ego — perfectly gels with the wide-eyed innocence, gentle music, and animation. Don’t underestimate the stick-figure-like sketches — there’s true artistry here. Simplicity is key.
Having all four of these classics in one polished collection is a real treat. Your soul, and your kids, will thank you. It may be ruff around the edges, and it’s certainly no Pixar, but the joy here is real, unfiltered, and unadulterated.
Now available on Blu-ray for the first time from Paramount Home Entertainment
