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| THE MARZIPAN PIG / JAZZTIME TALE |
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| Actors: Tim Curry, Brenda Braxton, Ruby Dee, Ken Prymus, Heidi Stallings |
| Producers: Michael Sporn |
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Distributor: First Run Features |
| DVD release: 22 July 2008 |
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Feature runtime: 60 minutes
(1 disc) |
| Format: Animated, Color, DVD-Video, Full Screen, NTSC |
| DVD Features: Audio tracks (English), Documentary: Inside the Animation Studio,
Art Gallery, Animatics (animation storyboard) |
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The Marzipan Pig is an excellent companion to Abel's Island , another film by Michael Sporn. This feature tells the story of a Candy Pig that falls behind a couch. His feelings of loneliness are carried on through several characters that come into contact with him.
This film, based on the book by Russel Hoban, is more of an animated poem than a traditional cartoon. Tim Curry's narration is spot-on and conveys all the emotions of the characters. While Abel's Island was suitable for all ages, this film introduces some issues that might need some parental interpretation for younger viewers. Michael Sporn's animation is excellent as always, like a watercolor painting come to life.
The second feature of this disc is A Jazztime Tale, the story of two girls who meet and become fast friends in 1919 New York City. Eventually their story lines converge in a jazz theatre, where a young Fats Waller is on stage. Ruby Dee narrates this story, and some excellent jazz music goes with the animation. It is a splendid companion piece to The Marzipan Pig and has a charm rarely seen in your average kids' cartoon.
All in all, this release is a great addition to your DVD library.
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