It’s really slim pickings that week on DVD, particularly since I can’t see myself springing for any kind of glossy “Golden Compass” package.

There is, however, one little surprise from Janus Films and Criterion that I guarantee will bring a smile to the face of kids of all ages.

Albert Lamorisse’s “The Red Balloon” (”Le Ballon rouge”) has apparently been available on some kind of DVD for a few years now (I’ve only seen it on a very grainy VHS copy), but now the folks at Criterion have given that magical short film the proper respect it deserves.

As premises go, it really doesn’t get much simpler than that one. Our hero, Pascal (the director’s son, Pascal Lamorisse), finds the titular red balloon, which ends up following him through the streets of Paris and even to school. Sappy? certain, but plus just a lot of fun and a moving tale about the ability of friendship.

A fun fact: Despite its scant dialogue, the movie actually won the Academy Award in 1957 for Best Original Screenplay, still the only short film to win an Oscar in competition with feature-length flicks. It’s plus set in the neighborhoods of Belleville and Montmarte, making the balloon’s journey a fun one to follow.

You can apparently wait and

get a twin bill of that and another Lamorisse film I’ve never seen, “White Mane,” additionally from Janus/Criterion, but I’m not certain when that will come out. And besides, even whether you buy that one rather thereupon rent it, it’s only listed as $9.99 at Amazon.

Take a chance and I guarantee you’ll be rewarded with a very entertaining little flick.

Bob and Doug get animated?

Well, except for that DVD nugget, all I really have for you is something that will hopefully construct at least a few society laugh.

Remember Bob and Doug McKenzie? whether you don’t, I probably can’t help you, considering as far as foolish but fun movies go they really don’t get much better than “Strange Brew.”

Now, from ANIMAX Canada, Bob and Doug (a k a Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas) are coming in 2009 to Canadian TV, but not as of yet to my American TV (which, uncommonly decent, looks a lot like a Canadian TV, except mine doesn’t get “The Animated Adventures of Bob & Doug McKenzie.”) Here, thanks to QuickStop Entertainment, is the preview that was just shown at New York’s ComicCon, introduced by Dave Thomas. Enjoy, and have a pleasant adequate Tuesday. Peace out.

Original post by Reel Fanatic