Looney Tunes Collector's Choice: Volume 4 Blu-ray Review

"Looney Tunes Collector's Choice: Volume 4" offers a visually captivating experience with a mix of restoration quality. The Blu-ray presents the shorts in their original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, admirably avoiding previous DVD missteps of improper cropping. A consistent feature across the collection is the vibrant color palette, notably with "Holiday for Drumsticks" (1949), which, despite its Cinecolor origins, showcases authentic Technicolor hues. This attention to maintaining such vivid colors significantly enhances the visual appeal.

However, the remastering shows some inconsistency in texture preservation. While certain shorts have undergone a meticulous restoration to retain their original textures and film grain, others have evidently been sourced from earlier HBO Max versions, resulting in a somewhat scrubbed look. For example, "The Impatient Patient," being a black-and-white short, suffers from softer imagery likely due to suboptimal source materials. Nonetheless, the majority of shorts display a clean finish, with cel dirt and debris intentionally preserved to uphold historical authenticity. Additionally, the disc is well-encoded, minimizing compression issues like banding and macroblocking, ensuring a smooth viewing experience.

In summary, despite some variance in the restoration quality, this volume remains visually satisfying for enthusiasts due to its dedication to retaining original textures and vibrant color presentation while effectively managing technical encoding aspects.

The audio presentation of "Looney Tunes Collector's Choice: Volume 4" showcases an impressive restoration effort, expertly removing many signs of wear from the original source material. The shorts exhibit fewer volume inconsistencies across different episodes than typically anticipated in such compilations. Although minor age-related issues like mild hiss and a slightly thin high-end persist, the restoration effectively retains the integrity of the original mono mixes. Optional English SDH subtitles accompany all 25 shorts, although these are not available for the included extras.

Presented in English and Spanish 2.0 mono DTS-HD Master Audio, the audio tracks demonstrate notable differences in treble, hiss, and occasional mild crackle from one cartoon to another. Despite these variances, the soundtracks have been generally well supported, maintaining a balance that respects the historical nature of the material. Additionally, subtitles are available in English SDH, French, and Spanish, offering accessibility for a range of audiences.

The English 2.0 DTS-HD audio boasts a commendable dynamic range given the age and source of the material. The absence of audible hiss contributes to a clear listening experience, with volumes achieving an impressively powerful presence. This release encapsulates both the visual and auditory charm of the beloved Looney Tunes shorts, establishing a new benchmark for how these classics can be experienced in modern home theaters.

The extras for "Looney Tunes Collector's Choice: Volume 4" on Blu-ray deliver an engaging trip for animation enthusiasts, showcasing a collection of meticulously restored classic shorts. The transferred works exhibit authentic film grain with minimal noise reduction, maintaining a balance between classic aesthetics and modern clarity. The bonus cartoons "Lighter than Hare" and "Stork Naked", although previously featured in the Looney Tunes Super Stars DVD releases in 16:9, are now beautifully re-presented in 4:3. Other cartoon shorts within this release, such as "Peck Up Your Troubles", have been newly scanned in 4K from original nitrate negatives, revealing impressive visual fidelity. Significant restoration efforts ensure vibrant presentations while minor corrections improve past oversights. However, some opening and closing titles remain unrestored. This meticulous restoration highlights Warner Archive's dedication to preserving the legacy of Looney Tunes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Lighter than Hare: Yosemite Sam hunts Bugs Bunny using high-tech Robot ZX29B.
• Stork Naked: The stork delivers to Daffy Duck, who resists due to not wanting more responsibility.

"Looney Tunes Collector's Choice: Volume 4" offers another robust selection from Warner Archive, revitalizing a library of classic animated shorts. This Blu-ray volume comprises 25 shorts, delving into a lesser-known catalog beyond the heavy-hitters, offering a nuanced look at the creative richness and diversity across characters and themes. Meticulously selected, these shorts traverse genres and styles, showcasing renowned voices like Freleng, Jones, and Avery. There are applaudable inclusions like "Hyde and Go Tweet" (Freleng, 1960) featuring Tweety and Sylvester, and "Dangerous Dan McFoo" (Avery, 1939), anchored in a 1907 poem narrative.

Presented succinctly on a single BD-50 disc, the shorts are presented alphabetically, lending a unique freshness to the viewer experience. Noteworthy are the varying formats within the collection, including rare black-and-white entries such as "The Impatient Patient" (McCabe, 1942), which was later colorized. Fans will appreciate the playful jabs at contemporary culture with works like "D' Fightin' Ones" (Freleng, 1961), and inventive gags in "Double or Mutton" (Jones, 1955).

This collection provides an essential opportunity for enthusiasts to explore beyond the mainstream classics found in prior releases like the Platinum and Golden Collection DVDs. Its eclectic mix shines a light on the less prominent characters that are intrinsic to the Looney Tunes legacy. This release reiterates why Looney Tunes remains an indispensable part of animation history, echoing the original run's appeal from its inception in 1930 through its evolution into color-drenched comedies filled with creativity and wit.

Looney Tunes Collector's Choice: Volume 4 on Blu-ray delivers an eclectic collection of 25 classic cartoons featuring beloved characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig. While not presented chronologically, the selection offers a rich representation of the Merrie Melodies and Looney Tunes libraries. The video and audio presentation remain consistently high-quality, maintaining the visual charm and auditory appeal synonymous with these timeless cartoons. As a bonus, this installment includes a few additional shorts not seen in previous volumes, a delightful treat for animation aficionados.

Distinctly curated by Warner Archive, this release affirms their commitment to preserving and celebrating animation history. The fourth volume showcases both popular favorites and seldom-seen gems, appealing to both new viewers and seasoned collectors. Although some fans may wish for a complete chronological release, the current format still offers an enjoyable experience packed with nostalgia and character-driven humor. Furthermore, the attractive price point solidifies this volume as a wise investment for enthusiasts looking to expand their collection.

In conclusion, Volume 4 of Looney Tunes Collector’s Choice is a must-have for dedicated fans of classic animation. With its varied selection and improved A/V quality, it promises hours of entertainment and stands as a testament to Warner Archive's dedication to restoring these iconic cartoons. For those without the preceding volumes, considering the Volume 1-4 Collection for a marginally higher cost is advisable. Overall, this Blu-ray is a commendable addition to any animation library, and anticipation grows for additional releases in this esteemed series.