This is only the second Popeye TV episode I've seen from the 1960-1962 series released by King Features Syndicate, and it doesn't take rocket science to see that the original cartoons from the 30s, 40s and 50s (which the TV episodes are based on) were much better. Yes, the original voice actors for Popeye, Olive Oyl and Bluto are still at work for the TV series, and the colors here are much brighter than Paramount's technicolor; but when it comes to animation and creativity, everything is poor to unacceptable. If you have seen any more than ten of the originals, you'll know exactly what I mean--these 1960s cartoons just don't cut it and should be skipped if you're a fan of the oldies.
First of all, what happened to all the wacky hi-jinks of the original series? Where are the incredible feats of strength? Where are the impossibly crazy stunts? "Popeye and the Spinach Stalk" has none of it. The only part that gets even close to the entertaining wackiness of the original cartoons is when the giant makes a huge Bluto-shaped hole right in the ground (which is a kind of gag that's been around forever, so it's nothing new). One might expect the scenes with the giant to have at least some of that original creativity, but the most violence you ever see is where Popeye punches the giant in the head. Are you serious? The originals were packed with action; this episode has literally none whatsoever.
Plus, the animation is bad. King Features Syndicate should have been ashamed of itself for failing to meet the animation standards of the cartoons before. Originally, especially in the 30s cartoons, you would get used to seeing smooth, flowing animation which would help the hi-jinks along. Here, there's almost none of that and you're left to view poor, un-moving characters. And narration? Get real. None of the originals had that--why should anyone do it here? All in all, when compared to the older cartoons, "Popeye and the Spinach Stalk" is cheaply made, badly animated, and not the least bit creative--watch the Paramount cartoons made earlier on; you'll see a big difference.
First of all, what happened to all the wacky hi-jinks of the original series? Where are the incredible feats of strength? Where are the impossibly crazy stunts? "Popeye and the Spinach Stalk" has none of it. The only part that gets even close to the entertaining wackiness of the original cartoons is when the giant makes a huge Bluto-shaped hole right in the ground (which is a kind of gag that's been around forever, so it's nothing new). One might expect the scenes with the giant to have at least some of that original creativity, but the most violence you ever see is where Popeye punches the giant in the head. Are you serious? The originals were packed with action; this episode has literally none whatsoever.
Plus, the animation is bad. King Features Syndicate should have been ashamed of itself for failing to meet the animation standards of the cartoons before. Originally, especially in the 30s cartoons, you would get used to seeing smooth, flowing animation which would help the hi-jinks along. Here, there's almost none of that and you're left to view poor, un-moving characters. And narration? Get real. None of the originals had that--why should anyone do it here? All in all, when compared to the older cartoons, "Popeye and the Spinach Stalk" is cheaply made, badly animated, and not the least bit creative--watch the Paramount cartoons made earlier on; you'll see a big difference.