Similar to Volume 3, Volume 4 collects five vintage Disney shorts, presented in both their original and re-mastered versions. The cartoons included Volume 4 are:
- Mickey Down Under (1948)
- Hawaiian Holiday (1937)
- Trailer Horn (1950)
- How to Swim (1942)
- Pluto's Surprise Package (1949)
Volume 4 is another great release. The cartoons are old, but they still work and are genuinely funny. One or two shorts even manage to top some of the stuff on TV today. Not that animated shows are in a bad place, but there's a sense of craft here not seen in most of the stuff kids are consuming today.
Of the two versions available, I have to go with the original versions. You could accuse me of being a traditionalist, but for whatever reason, the re-mastered versions have been edited. The originals run about 7 - 9 minutes while the re-mastered versions are about 3 - 5. The changes were a mild annoyance with Volume 3, but after an episode or two of Volume 4, it really bothered me because I can't find a reason for the edits. I think they were used as bumpers a few years ago on the Disney Channel, but even then why include them on the set? I'll take whatever classic Disney content I can get, but I'm starting to think another round of Disney Treasures releases are in order.
Volume 4 also includes a set of "BLAM!" vignettes, which are clip shows of other Disney shorts. These are sometimes set to music, but also include narration. I definitely remember these from a few years ago and like them for the short form animation studies. Yes, I'm that much of an animation nerd.
Finally, there's a "Re-MICKS" featuring "Play My Music" from Camp Rock. I was okay with Volume 3's Re-MICKS send up of the "I've Gotta Feeling," but I really didn't like this one.
Despite my misgivings about the edited versions and attempts to "modernize" vintage cartoons for a new audience, Have a Laugh!: Volume 4 is a solid purchase. Yes, the cartoons are old, but I think some parents (and executives) will be surprised at how well kids will take to the shorts. They're funny, non-offensive and a lot of fun.
