DVD Pick of the Week: TIE Animaniacs and Pink and the Brain

Just like last week, this week brings with it a tie for the top spot. Last week it was a pair of short lived television series starring Bruce Campbell, this week is a pair of Warner Brothers cartoon series from the 1990s. These are a pair of shows that many fans have been waiting for quite some time to see on their preferred digital format. Finally, we can relive the humor of our earlier years.

This week's picks are Animaniacs: Volume 1 and Pinky and the Brain: Volume 1. The latter being a spin-off of the former. I loved both of these series, they were smart, witty, and flat out fun. They were reminscent of the old Looney Toons in their attitude and zaniness. The former show focused on the comedic exploits of the Warner brothers, Yakko and Wakko, and the Warner sister, Dot. They were always getting in trouble whenever they left their water tower on the Warner Brothers lot. I don't recall many specifics of their adventures, which this set will thankfully rectify. They are not the only participants in the insanity, there was Slappy and Skippy Squirrel, the Goodfeathers, Chicken Boo, and, of course, Pinky and the Brain.

Pinky and the Brain was a spinoff featuring the most popular of secondary characters. They are a pair of gentically altered lab mice, one is a genius, the other's insane. The Brain had the same goal every night, after the humans left, he would attempt to take over the world. Of course, his plans would always turn into spectacular failures. Always at his side is the goofy Pinky, who is always ready with some nonsensical remark. I didn't watch this show as much, but it was still funny stuff.

Both of these sets are sure to be hits with kids and adults alike. They represent a high point in the after school cartoon, in a time that wasn't dominated by the likes of Pokemon and Yu Gi Oh.

Also out this week:

• The 2005 Academy Award Nominated Shorts. This is a wonderful idea. This collects almost all of the nominated shorts, both live action and animated. One of the ones missing is Pixar's One Man Band, presumably rights issues.
• Awesome, I…. Shot That. Here is another interesting idea, the Beastie Boys gave a number of fans cameras to shoot the show, this is the result.
• The Benchwarmers. Not a good movie, but I still got a kick out of it. It was weird seeing Rob Schneider, someone I do not care for, being the straight man.
• The Boondocks: The Complete First Season. I have heard good things about this socially satirical animated show.
• Final Destination 3. I liked the first two, but this one fell flat. On the plus side, the extras look to be pretty good.
• Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers. Getting the Anchor Bay Divimax treatment is this horror sequel.
• Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers. Same deal as above.
• Halloween: 25 Years of Terror. This is a feature length documentary on the history of the killer in the Kirk mask.

What are you getting this week?