‘Wally Gator: The Complete Series’ Blu-ray Review (Warner Archive)
When it comes to animation studios, few names carry as much weight as Hanna-Barbera. Over the past few years, the Warner Archive Collection has been steadily celebrating that legacy by bringing classic Hanna-Barbera cartoons to Blu-ray.
The next title to receive the high-definition treatment is Wally Gator. Originally airing as part of the 1962–63 syndicated programme The New Hanna-Barbera Cartoon Series, Wally Gator now joins the growing line-up of lovingly restored Hanna-Barbera favourites making their way to Blu-ray.
A true people-person alligator, Wally is driven by his excessive curiosity and his bon vivant inclinations to seek out new experiences beyond the city zoo where he hangs his porkpie hat. Donning a variety of hilarious disguises, Wally escapes the care of dedicated zookeeper Twiddle only to end up crying “Oh, fuddle-dee-doo!” as he lands himself in a series of ever more ridiculous (and dangerous!) jams!
Wally Gator follows the tried-and-tested Hanna-Barbera formula that proved so successful with characters like Yogi Bear and Magilla Gorilla. It’s a familiar setup, but one that works thanks to strong characterisation and impeccable comic timing.
At the heart of it all is the legendary Daws Butler, whose voice brings Wally vividly to life. Butler’s contribution to animation history is hard to overstate; his iconic performances include Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Snagglepuss, Quick Draw McGraw, Dixie and Mr. Jinks, Lippy the Lion, and Elroy Jetson – just a handful of the unforgettable characters he helped define.
Warner Archive Collection have restored and transferred Wally Gator to Blu-ray in 1080p, presented in 1.33:1. The audio track is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Finally, there is the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.
Warner Archive’s restoration work here is simply superb, making Wally Gator on Blu-ray an absolute pleasure to watch. The care taken really allows Hanna-Barbera’s classic animation to shine, with the clean-up and presentation doing justice to the original artwork.
Across two Blu-ray discs, you get all 52 episodes, which represents excellent value for money. That said, it’s hard not to wish for a little more in the way of extras. A handful of bonus features: interviews, a retrospective, or even a short featurette, would have elevated an already strong release into something truly special.
The New Hanna-Barbera Cartoon Series consisted of Wally Gator, Touché Turtle, Dum Dum and Lippy the Lion and Hardy Har Har. Earlier this year, we saw Touché Turtle and Dum Dum arrive on Blu-ray. Now Wally Gator has come home to Blu-ray… here’s hoping for the rest too!
***** 5/5
If you love Hanna-Barbera cartoons, your collection will not be complete until you have Wally Gator on Blu-ray. Head over to Amazon and order your copy now.
______
