Rating: 
Summary: Great
Review: A very good and interesting mix of Disney's WW2 vinettes undelibley marred by the corny introductions of film critic Leonard Maltin.
Commentaries are as common on DVDs as raisnettes in movie theaters, but wisely, they are usually an option to turn on or off at the viewer's pleasure. Not so here. Maltin's bit is part of each chapter. Yes, you can FF over it, but why should I need to?
Rating:
Summary: Plllleeeeese!!!
Review: After waiting and wishing most of my life for the titles in this set to be released, the day is finally here. Praise the god of Disney DVDs! I must tell you, though, that I am not quite sure what other reviewers think of this set as I could not read their comments. The first review I came across was the one entitled "Shut Your Bearded Pie-Hole, Leonard". I laughed out loud and a tear began to form in my right eye because, without reading the review, I knew what the writer was going to say. Scrolling down, I came to the one entitled, "Inter-active Game". I was able to read down to the point where the reviewer begins to describe the game but by now, I am laughing uncontrollably and the tears are streaming down my face. You guys are too much! Thanks for your wit and your way with words. Sometimes the reviews on Amazon are better than the product. I have even been known to print out a few for posterity. Anyway,as soon as I compose myself, I am going to curl up with this DVD and finally view these long-lost gems...bearded guy or not! Hurry up and get this set before the powers that be change their minds and recall it!!!
Rating:
Summary: "Power" Worthy of National Film Archive Preservation Status
Review: All else having been said about this terrific collection of Disny wartime shorts and educational films, I'd like to bring attention to the included full length feature, "Victory Through Air Power." Other reviewers have been somewhat tentative about sitting through it, and admittedly, the prospect of a lecture on the strategic neccessity of building long range air bombers might, at first glance, induce a glazed look in the eye. Let me say, though I'm hardly a WWII military buff and can understand the hesitation, having now seen it, I can state with assurance it is quite fascinating and brilliantly made. "Power" describes the complex problems and solutions of fighting a war on far flung shores with a visual clarity and concision that are a marvel, helping us understand firsthand both the immensity and gravity of the obstacles American military strategists had to overcome to insure victory - an outcome that was far from certain in the early years of the war. Disney's talents as a story teller are well attested to - but here, we see Disney as a shrewd, incisive communicator building a case and hammering home points with a lively blend of straightforward illustrations, kinetic diagrams and striking pictorial metaphors. Propaganda? Yes, but with genuine, hard hitting substance. "Power" not only has terrific historic and educational value, but is a model worthy of study for modern day communications scholars. This one belongs in the National Film Archive. Not to be missed!
Rating:
Summary: Is Disney Finally Waking Up?!
Review: Along with others in the set, this box had us jumping for joy when we saw it at the store. I have only heard about things like "Victory Through Air Power' and seen stills in books, but I ifnally get to see what the historical fuss was about.
Even if you're not into history or WWII, you'll surely enjoy these films. Grab it now, because for some reason Disney has been stingy with releasing old material. Perhaps they want the big money, or maybe they are realizing viewers and boomers want this stuff for their own kids, rather than recent Disney trash like Britney Spears.
Rating:
Summary: Well worth the price - but be careful with the kids on this!
Review: As others have so aptly noted, this represents the Disney Studios as it contributed to the WWII effort. Basically, the DVD has three cartoon types - entertainment, educational, and propaganda.
It should be noted that Disney has left these INTACT - there has been no clean-up to remove the racist overtones that were common at the time. The Japanese are protrayed as they commonly were at the time.
The straight cartoons - which make up the bulk of the first DVD - are funny, well animated, and generally safe for somewhat older kids (although the writing in a couple of the cartoons feels strange in that the cartoons end rather suddenly - for some reason it didn't feel right). There is one, however, where Donald Duck belives he has lost the lower half of his torso (actually, he fell into a hole - a gag that has been repeated in other venues like Bugs Bunny). The thing is - he grabs a pistol from Pete, his sargent, and almost commits suicide by holding the gun to his head. NOT for kids! Also, several of the darkest propaganda cartoons - "Der Fuehrer's Face" (based on the song most associated with Spike Jones) and "Education for Death", which talks about Nazi indoctornation (and has a style errily similar to Pinnochio), Chicken Little, along with Reason and Emotion, are included on a separate section called "From the Vault". I would definitely screen from younger kids - they wouldn't understand the humor and messages and would be frightened by the imagery.
The second DVD contains some interesting training films, as well as Victory through Air Power - a Disney feature meant to convince people in the supremacy of bombing a country's means of production as a way of winning the war. Some of the ideas, while valid, were eventually disproved (for example, massed up fleets of bombers capable of fending off fighter aircraft - WWII daylight bombing tried this, with tragic loss.).
One hidden gem - "Defense Against Invasion". I remembered this from elementary school myself, and was tickled beyond belief when I finally saw it again.
My main complaint is Leonard Maltin provides some historical background. Some of it is nice - most I could do without. For example, he said that most people went to the movies in the era primarily to escape. True, but the movies also showed news reels that were the only way to get any kind of visual depiction of the war.
Overall, an excellent DVD - well worth its modest cost. All prgrams have been restored to their full glory. It is of special interest for anyone who was curious about WWII, and the environment around it.
And, you may feel sadness. Walt Disney and the empire he built has seen ups and downs, and he has had his share of controversy - but the man, and the people he surrounded himself with, were artists of the highest order. They are missed.
Rating:
Summary: You must get this before they run out!
Review: Back when Walt Disney ran the studios (before nephew Roy took over and flushed everything down the toilet with sickening political correctness and worthless, endless direct-to-video sequels) he almost bankrupted his own company to help promote America's role in WWII to the masses. Everything from encouraging folks to sign up for the army, save their kitchen fat, pay their taxes and buy war dollars.
This limited edition Walt Disney Treasures box set includes all of the entertainment, educational and propoganda shorts Disney made during WWII. On the second disc you'll also find the long forgotten animated feature Victory Through Air Power. Every one of the shorts have been remastered wonderfully and all look bright and vibrant with practically no damage. Of particular note are the shorts Der Fuehrers Face, Education for Death and The Winged Scourge (which you should NOT watch while eating.
Many of the shorts contained in this set are unbelievably xenophobic (though this is to be expected) and would never be allowed today. I am so glad they are all presented in their uncut form. The bonus is that most of these have not been seen for years as after the war ended they became obselete.
So now, in a time of controversal conflict, seeing America's attitude to war back in the 40's and comparing it with the attitude now is very interesting.
You must get this. Presented in a beautiful tin case with great inserts as usual. All of the Disney Treasures sets are great but this is my fave so far.
Rating:
Summary: The Vault Has Been Busted Open
Review: Disney completists, WW II buffs, animation fans, historians and aviation addicts will be overjoyed with this set. Destined to be the crown jewel of the entire Disney Treasures line, On the Front Lines has something for everyone. All of this material has been under lock and key for years, some of it never having been viewed again since it's initial release.The power, seriousness and visual drama of a lot of the shorts is astounding. Few today would expect (much less support) such material from modern Disney. Much care was taken with preserving these shorts and features which sport video quality every bit as vibrant and alive as the restoration of Snow White. Parents will have to decide if this material is something they want their children to watch, but for adults this is treasure trove of animation. Don't miss it.
Rating: 
Summary: History Buffs and Disney Fanatics Will Love It
Review: During World War II, Walt Disney almost bankrupted his company producing stuff for the war effort. Now, we get a chance to see this part of animation history at home on DVD with this two disc set. Disc 1 features 29 shorts. They range from entertainment with a patriotic edge, like "Donald Gets Drafted" or "Private Pluto," to shorts purely to help with the war like "The New Spirit" and "Out of the Frying Pan and into the Firing Line." There are even shorts used to fight disease in South America like "Cleanliness Brings Health" and "The Winged Scourge." I was surprised to learn from this disc about the films Disney was making for Canada even before the US entered the war. Of course, the highlight of this disc is "Der Fuehrer's Face" which finds Donald trapped in Nazi Germany. Disc two's main attraction is "Victory Through Air Power." This feature length movie was produced to bring the arguments of a book by the same name to more people. It makes a compelling argument that the Allies needed to build up their air forces to win the war, arguments about modern warfare that still apply today. Disc two also features a few of the educational shorts Disney produced during that time. Frankly, after viewing the two that are included in their entirety, I'm glad that most of them are just highlighted. I don't find watching a film on how to fire a gun or how to flush rivet that entertaining. There are lots of production galleries and even galleries of some project this Disney fan had never heard of before. Finally, we have interviews with Disney veterans Joe Grant, John Hench, and Roy Disney. This is a set that Disney buffs will want because it fills in some time in the studio's history. It also has interest for historians of all stripes as it presents a picture of life on the home front during World War II. Since the entertainment value of much of the disc is low, I took away one star. I probably won't go back to this set in the near future, but I was fascinated by much of what I saw here and am thrilled that the studio released this material so fans can view it today.
Rating: 
Summary: Warning! Disney ships empty boxes
Review: Hello
I have been waiting impatient for this little beauty. Got it last week. Big surprise: When I opened the proberly sealed box from Disney, there was only a empty DVD case in it without any DVD!
First they let you wait a few month and then all you get is a empty box. Great!!!!!
Kind Regards A
Rating:
Summary: Another fascinating side to Disney
Review: Here is a side of Disney which some of us don't know about or have never seen before. At times, it's surreal and bizarre, but it is just as innovative and imaginative and well-executed as any other Disney animation. High time these films were seen and appreciated from a historical and artistic standpoint.
Critics have carped about this set, and whether it is PC or not. Perhaps expecting people to be absolutely politically correct when wartime emotions run high and different cultures and military operations collide is a bit absurd. Keeping an open mind always helps. For all hardcore Disney fans, this set will introduce you to yet another facet of Disney animation which until now has been locked away in the vaults.
By the way, Amazon reviewer John D. Kenworthy states that Disney's "Destino" was recently released. Is this on video or in theaters? I'm an American living in Japan who sometimes misses out on new developments at home. Care to share your info?
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