Peanuts: 75th Anniversary
Ultimate TV Specials Collection
review by Bobby Blakey
There are few cartoons and comic strips that are as iconic as Charles Shulz’ Peanuts. Over the years outside of the classic comic strip they have delivered a ton of TV specials and a big screen animated feature in 2015. Now to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the iconic comic Warner Bros is bringing fans the Ultimate TV Specials Collection featuring all 40 specials together for the first time.
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This collection brings together nearly five decades of beloved Peanuts TV specials, offering fans the ultimate way to revisit their favorite moments with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the entire Peanuts gang including everything from A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) to Happiness Is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown (2011).
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I have never been a major fan of the Peanuts but would be lying if I said I haven’t watched them all numerous times. Over the years I have connected with them more in both art style and the iconic nature of them all. The simplicity of it all is something special and what most non-artistic people may not realize is that often the more simple the art the harder it is. These characters all have unique looks and if they aren’t exact then they look completely different. Irt’s a simple yet complex style that I love on every level.
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These have never been overly comedic but of course have plenty of laugh-out loud and chuckle worthy moments wrapped in the days and nights of these kids. They all actual focus more on the trials and tribulations of this coming of age and their day to day which has made them more enduring and relatable. Each of these specials brings something special to the fans and with them being individual stories you can jump into any one at anytime and just have some fun. There are plenty of running gags that stay intact like the football, Snoopy’s fight with the Red Baron and more, but they keep it focused in a way that works to dive right in.
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Despite the animation going all the way back to 1965, each and every one of them are beautiful and vibrant. Sure, you can see the quality getting better as they go, but they never waver from the classic look and feel that makes it iconic and what fans love. The best thing about this collection for me are the non-holiday specials that tend to get forgotten about. We all watch the Halloween and Christmas ones every year on TV, but getting to revisit those at camp, about music, sports and everything in between is a real treat in revisiting these classic characters in all their fun.
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The Peanuts: 75th Anniversary Ultimate TV Specials Collection is the definitive celebration of a cultural legacy that continues to resonate with generations. Whether you’re reliving your childhood favorites or sharing them with new fans, this box set brings together the wit and warmth that have defined Peanuts since 1950.
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This must have collection not only includes all 40 specials together for the first time, but also a bonus collectible anniversary booklet. Grab your copy of Peanuts: 75th Anniversary Ultimate TV Specials Collection available now on DVD from Warner Bros Discovery Home Entertainment.