As a fan of Winnie the Pooh, 'The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' was always one of my favourite shows as a child. Not all childhood favourites have held up, but 'The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' is one of the strongest examples of those that have.
While the original three 60s-70s short films ('Honey Tree', 'Blustery Day' and 'Tigger Too') and the 1977 'The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' are just a little better, 'The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' is one of the Winnie the Pooh franchise's high points. "The Great Honey Pot Robbery" is yet another wonderful episode introducing Stan Wozzle and Heff Heffalump, and while "A Bird in the Hand" is great as well this is the slightly better of the two episodes, funnier and more inventive.
The animation is very bright, well drawn and colourful, everything looking lush, detailed and smooth. The music is playfully jaunty and beautifully orchestrated, going mainly for the playful and whimsical touch and succeeding marvellously. The theme tune is very rousing and one of the catchiest theme songs of any animated show of the late 80s.
Writing has a perfect mix of whimsy, drollness, wit, charm and childhood innocence, Stan and Heff's interplay is enormously entertaining, like when Heff freaks out at there being mice and Stan irritably reprimands him saying that "they think we're mice". The story is invention and childhood innocence personified, with an enthralling mysterious air too.
Once again the characters add so much to the episode's, and show's appeal. The main characters are immensely engaging, likable and fun, but bumbling Heff and antagonistic Stan (the brains of the two) steal the show with their wonderfully contrasted double act and witty interplay. All the voice acting is top notch, Paul Winchell, Chuck McCann and Ken Sansom being the standouts.
In conclusion, wonderful episode and introduction to two of the show's most fun supporting characters. 10/10 Bethany Cox
