And do it in a way that not only is a great way of introducing younger audiences to classical music, but be very well-made and hugely entertaining in its own right.
One thing that stands out about 'Pigs in a Polka' is how beautifully animated it is. It's all vibrantly coloured, all the characters are well drawn and the backgrounds have so much smoothness and detail as well as being rich in colour. The animation also matches the music wonderfully, making for some inspired visuals and beautifully timed and often hilarious visual gags, the best moments coming from the wolf.
'Pigs in a Polka' makes prominent use of Brahms' "Hungarian Dances". Not everybody is a fan of Brahms, this reviewer loves a lot of his music and feels that the "Hungarian Dances" is not only great music and arranged beautifully and cleverly but also used to outstanding effect, not just excelling in fitting with the gags but enhancing their impact.
The gags, almost all the funny moments are visual, are hilarious and help make the cartoon such rewarding viewing. Every sequence is choreographed and timed with few misfires, and synchronise with the music so well. The story adheres nicely to the original story with its own spin, especially with the wolf, and avoids being rushed, too stretched, too thin or dull.
All four characters carry 'Pigs in a Polka' more than solidly with their actions and interactions also playing a huge part in the entertainment value, Disney's "Three Little Pigs" Silly Symphony shorts have slightly more memorable versions and the three pigs are more individualised in them. However the pigs are quite cute and amusing, without being annoying, but the wolf whose personality is more interesting and his material makes more impact is the best of the bunch. The voice acting is dependably top-notch, Mel Blanc is great as the wolf though he has had more to do elsewhere.
It is agreed that 'Pigs in a Polka' while never dull properly comes to life when the wolf appears and gets even better with him. The very end is a touch abrupt, though with great animation and use of music.
Overall, a winner of a cartoon. 9/10 Bethany Cox
One thing that stands out about 'Pigs in a Polka' is how beautifully animated it is. It's all vibrantly coloured, all the characters are well drawn and the backgrounds have so much smoothness and detail as well as being rich in colour. The animation also matches the music wonderfully, making for some inspired visuals and beautifully timed and often hilarious visual gags, the best moments coming from the wolf.
'Pigs in a Polka' makes prominent use of Brahms' "Hungarian Dances". Not everybody is a fan of Brahms, this reviewer loves a lot of his music and feels that the "Hungarian Dances" is not only great music and arranged beautifully and cleverly but also used to outstanding effect, not just excelling in fitting with the gags but enhancing their impact.
The gags, almost all the funny moments are visual, are hilarious and help make the cartoon such rewarding viewing. Every sequence is choreographed and timed with few misfires, and synchronise with the music so well. The story adheres nicely to the original story with its own spin, especially with the wolf, and avoids being rushed, too stretched, too thin or dull.
All four characters carry 'Pigs in a Polka' more than solidly with their actions and interactions also playing a huge part in the entertainment value, Disney's "Three Little Pigs" Silly Symphony shorts have slightly more memorable versions and the three pigs are more individualised in them. However the pigs are quite cute and amusing, without being annoying, but the wolf whose personality is more interesting and his material makes more impact is the best of the bunch. The voice acting is dependably top-notch, Mel Blanc is great as the wolf though he has had more to do elsewhere.
It is agreed that 'Pigs in a Polka' while never dull properly comes to life when the wolf appears and gets even better with him. The very end is a touch abrupt, though with great animation and use of music.
Overall, a winner of a cartoon. 9/10 Bethany Cox