Paul Penna
Screenwriter
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2002
- Messages
- 1,230
- Real Name
- Paul
The reason (or theory - I can't remember where I saw it, so I can't vouch for its authoritativeness) for the absence of a "play all" feature on the cartoon sets is that it was deliberately done to discourage parents from using the discs in "babysitter mode." That is, starting the things and leaving the room with the tots glued to the set as it played through. Since some of the cartoons have what is today deemed "problematic" content in terms of violence and ethnic humor, the select-one-at-a-time process forces the viewer to watch (unless it's specifically skipped) the historical context disclaimers by Leonard Maltin which preface some titles. Agree with it or not, that's apparently how they decided to deal with the potential "problem."
From my personal point of view, if this was a factor that encouraged the inclusion of complete, unedited versions of the cartoons, or even their inclusion at all, it's a small price to pay. Also, although I love cartoons, I find that watching them in long, uninterrupted batches tends to lessen their impact. Except for Saturday matinee marathons for the kiddies, they weren't intended to be viewed like that. Note the difference in timing and content between an 8-minute cartoon short and a full-length feature, for example.
From my personal point of view, if this was a factor that encouraged the inclusion of complete, unedited versions of the cartoons, or even their inclusion at all, it's a small price to pay. Also, although I love cartoons, I find that watching them in long, uninterrupted batches tends to lessen their impact. Except for Saturday matinee marathons for the kiddies, they weren't intended to be viewed like that. Note the difference in timing and content between an 8-minute cartoon short and a full-length feature, for example.