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Paramount Studios presents

Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (1975)

"Boy! Here's my chance to get a valentine! In this big class, somebody is sure to give me a valentine!"- Charlie Brown (Duncan Watson)

Stars: Duncan Watson, Stephen Shea, Melanie Kohn, Greg Felton, Lynn Mortensen, Linda Ercoli
Director: Phil Roman

MPAA Rating: Not Rated for (no objectionable material)
Run Time: 00h:25m:15s
Release Date: 2003-01-07
Genre: animation

Style
Grade
Substance
Grade
Image Transfer
Grade
Audio Transfer
Grade
Extras
Grade
B BCC C-

 

DVD Review

When it came to his highly prosperous Peanuts comic strip, animator Charles Schulz knew never to change a good thing; for nearly 50 years he enjoyed unimaginable success with this simple yet appealing cartoon. From 1950 until his death in 2000, Schulz continued, without compromise, to humor the world with such delightful characters as Linus, Lucy, Pig Pen, Schroeder, Peppermint Patty, Snoopy, and good ol' Charlie Brown. Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown is more of the same brand of enjoyable entertainment we have come to expect from the Peanuts gang.

Seeing as the hardships of young love are a recurring theme for this bunch, a Valentine's Day television special only seemed natural. All of the usual twisted relationships are explored; Lucy loves Schroeder, Sally loves Linus, Charlie Brown loves the little red-haired girl, and nobody loves poor Charlie Brown. On Valentine's Day, he arrives at school with a briefcase to carry all of his Valentine's Day cards but finishes the day empty-handed. He returns home feeling about as downcast and dejected as a poor blockhead possibly could.

Many may see the constant torment of Charlie Brown as a manifestation of Schulz's dark side, but closer inspection will reveal this as a valuable life lesson, demonstrating the importance of kindness and compassion towards others. Be My Valentine truly is suitable for the whole family, as children and parents alike will enjoy the comedic elements while together discovering important values.

In addition to Be My Valentine, two similar Peanuts cartoons are included on this DVD: You're in Love, Charlie Brown and It's Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown. These episodes also feature the same delightful brand of lighthearted humor as Be My Valentine. The Peanuts cartoons may not stretch the boundaries of storytelling, but there is something to be said for their consistency and charm. For decades, they have entertained generations with plain but loveable characters. Charles Schulz may no longer be with us, but his delightful cartoons will live on for eternity.

Rating for Style: B
Rating for Substance: B

 

Image Transfer

 One
Aspect Ratio1.33:1 - Full Frame
Original Aspect Ratioyes
Anamorphicno


Image Transfer Review: The image transfer is somewhat of a disappointment, appearing grubby and aged throughout. While colors are pleasing, excessive shimmering and an abundance of source artifacts sour what should have been a much cleaner picture. Nevertheless, this is the most attractive presentation of Peanuts that I have seen to date on a television screen.

Image Transfer Grade: C
 

Audio Transfer

 LanguageRemote Access
MonoEnglishyes


Audio Transfer Review: The monaural soundtrack is excessively weak, thin, and somewhat strident, but the mix serves the material well. Somewhat surprising is the lack of any bass presence; even with the continuous jazzy soundtrack played near reference level, I detected no activity in the low end.

Audio Transfer Grade:

Disc Extras

Static menu
Scene Access with 5 cues and remote access
Subtitles/Captions in English with remote access
Packaging: Amaray
Picture Disc
1 Disc
1-Sided disc(s)
Layers: dual

  • Interactive GameExtras Review: While You're in Love, Charlie Brown and It's Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown are listed as bonus features, they should actually be considered part of the main feature. The only true extra is an interactive game that serves as a promotional piece for the upcoming Paramount release, Charlotte's Web 2—Wilbur's Great Adventure. This game is a fun learning exercise for young children, though not recommended for anyone over five years of age.

    Extras Grade: C-
     

    Final Comments

    Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown is yet another enjoyable outing from the Peanuts gang. Along with You're in Love, Charlie Brown and It's Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown, this Peanuts extravaganza will provide excellent entertainment for the whole family this Valentine's Day, or any other day of the year.

    Brian Calhoun 2003-02-16