Warner Brothers had their online chat about TV and Animation properties last night. Two things of interest:

1) They said there is a set of MGM cartoons in the works, and that fans won't be disappointed. Not sure if this is the Tex Avery set, or a reworking of the Tom and Jerry boxes as well (there are still 2 unreleased T&J cartoons from the classic era), or perhaps even getting in some of the one-shots and lesser MGM characters like Barney Bear. This won't be till 2009, in any case. If fans won't be disappointed, I'm hoping for uncut cartoons. Restored/remastered is more problematical as most MGM cartoons prior to 1951 had their negatives lost in the huge 1970s fire. But the first T&J box did show that they can look good regardless - the first 6 cartoons on there were restored from existing prints, and looked great.

2) They said the second season of Night Court will be out next year, a mere 3 1/2 years after the first season was released. This is the interim season between the early, far more realistic Night Court and the wacky slapstick we know and love. Dan is still a bit sensible here, but is starting to get perverse. Lana is gone, and Mac joins the cast. There's a few rotating DAs before Ellen Foley steps in as Billie - she'd last till the end of the season. Ellen is best known for being the female vocalist in Paradise by the Dashboard Light. Notably, before Billie joins there's an episode with a one-shot DA played by Markie Post, Christine Sullivan. She'd return for Season 3. This is also the final season with Selma as the bailiff, as she would pass away between seasons.

Yes, it's time for a STUFF update.

First, for Beanie: http://www.animeigo.com/PRODUCTS/YAWARA.t

On 4/15, the 2nd Woody Woodpecker box is released. With 45 more Woody cartoons (including 'if Woody had gone right to the police', the Chopin armed robbery one, the guided missile one, etc), classic Lantz one-shots, Oswald, Andy Panda, Chilly Willy, and more. A must buy for fans of cartoons. Oh yes, all are uncut.

In June, the 2nd Popeye box comes out, with Popeye cartoons through the end of 1940 on a 2-disc set. Classic Fleischer madness, complete with the classic Goonland! Also overloaded with tons of extras.

In July, Tiny Toon Adventures Season 1 and Freakazoid Season 1 arrive. Yes, I know Animaniacs isn't finished yet... but these two series are really good too! If you get enough TTA, maybe they'll put out the classic TTA movie, How I Spent My Summer Vacation on another DVD set!

That's it for cartoons. BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

May 15 gives us the 3rd season of Saturday Night Live. May 22nd the 3rd Season of The Muppet Show. June 5th the new Classic Who box set, with Pertwee's brilliant Doctor Who and the Silurians and still good fun The Sea Devils, and Davison's horribly crap so let's stick it in here with great stuff Warriors of the Deep!

And for those who missed it when it came out in Season sets (like me), Soap: The Complete Series is out 6/12. An unheralded classic of its age, which gave us Billy Crystal, Robert Guillaume (and Benson), Richard Mulligan, and so many others. Desperately silly and hilarious, even after 30 years.