There are two things that I love most in this world: cartoons and music. The peanut butter and chocolate blend of animated musicals are always welcome, but there’s something about when they’re married together in weird and unexpected ways that makes me smile. As a kid I had very specific ideas of what Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck were: more “Merrie,” less “Melodies.” When I watched the new Looney Tunes: Musical Masterpieces DVD from Warner Bros I was reminded of why, in the intervening years, I’ve been drawn to the musical shorts of Chuck Jones and Friz Freleng.

To anyone who is even the slightest bit familiar with Looney Tunes, some of these shorts will be instantly recognizable. “Rabbit of Seville” and “What’s Opera, Doc?” are among the most celebrated of Looney Tunes shorts and the refrain of “Kill The Wabbit” brings nostalgic joy even to those who dislike “classical” music and opera. The simple animation of “High Note” is a definite standout and, if I may be so bold, one of my all-time favorite animated shorts ever. Even if you haven’t seen “One Froggy Evening,” the singing and dancing frog is iconic at this point. The origins of Michigan J. Frog may be unfamiliar to some, but once you see his origin you won’t forget it. It’s the rare Looney Tunes short that could double as a Twilight Zone episode.

The Looney Tunes: Musical Masterpieces DVD contains eighteen shorts in all. These shorts are stellar examples of the golden age of animation. The music and animation are the main attractions here, so it’s not just a Bugs Bunny-fest. These shorts are heavy on the “Tunes” as well as the “Looney.” Clocking in at over two hours, there’s something for everyone here and its definitely worth watching (and listening to).

Here is a full breakdown of the shorts included:

“Corny Concerto”
“Page Miss Glory”
“Rabbit of Seville”
“Katnip Kollege”
“One Froggy Evening”
“High Note”
“Rhapsody Rabbit”
“Pigs in a Polka”
“What’s Opera, Doc?”
“Three Little Bops”
“Hillbilly Hare”
“Rhapsody in Rivets”
“Pizzicato Pussycat”
“Back Alley Oproar”
“Nelly’s Folly”
“Holiday Shoestrings”
“I Love to Singa”
“Lights Fantastic”

This could have been an easy release, with some great shorts slapped on, and it would have been a good day. The reason this is a must-own DVD to treasure is due to the bonuses. This collection has great commentaries and mini-documentaries that go a long way to illuminate the music as well as the shorts. The best part of this DVD are the select raw orchestral tracks and selected raw voice-over sessions of Mel Blanc and Stan Freberg. They are a brief – but amazing – glimpse into the artistry and passion of a bygone area of animation.

For those who love classical animation, fantastic music, and the fever dream, Warner Bros. meld of the two, Looney Tunes: Musical Masterpieces, is a must own. Not only will it ignite a passion in the younger, unfamiliar generation of animation fans, but it will hopefully inspire them to pick up a classical music CD or two. Remember those?