Roland and Rattfink Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.5

Roland and Rattfink Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 14, 2016

“Roland and Rattfink” isn’t big on complicated plotting. It’s a mash-em, bash-em series from DePatie-Freleng Studios depicting a never-ending war waged by the titular characters, with their broad antagonisms reimagined for every short. Roland is the square-jawed hero and Rattfink is the gnarled baddie determined to ruin the day, and, throughout 17 chapters of this saga, he manages to do so in a mildly silly manner. Physical comedy carries the viewing experience, highlighting big action and stymied troublemaking with small additions of satire and stillness. It’s not the company’s finest creative hour, but there’s plenty to like about “Roland and Rattfink,” especially when it pays tribute to silent film romps, focusing intently on elastic violence and cartoon reactions.

Episodes

“Hawks and Doves” (5:55)

“Hard-hitting pacifist” Roland meets “war monger” Rattfink, with the two going to battle over a wounded bird.

“Hurts and Flowers” (6:16)

“Flower Child” Roland has trouble maintaining serenity with “weed” Rattfink around.

“Flying Feet” (6:06)

Roland arrives at college, quickly signing up for a track and field event, competing against chain-smoker Rattfink.

“The Deadwood Thunderball” (6:17)

In Dodge City, train engineer Roland sets off on fresh track, only to be chased by Rattfink, hired by a trio of shady stagecoach owners looking to get rid of the locomotive.

“Sweet and Sourdough” (6:17)

In Yukon Territory, 1897, outlaw Rattfink is pursued by mounted policeman Roland after a bank robbery.

“A Pair of Sneakers” (6:15)

Superspy Roland engages in chases and battles with rival Rattfink over control of a special envelope.

“Say Cheese, Please” (6:21)

At the Incredible Movie Studio, matinee star Roland is confronted with industry rivalry when Rattfink demands to be the hero for once.

“A Taste of Money” (6:28)

Rattfink makes a play for a woman who’s recently received a massive inheritance, only to end up in marital hell.

“The Foul Kin” (6:27)

Serial loafer Rattfink learns of his uncle’s 100th birthday, hoping to cash in on his impending death.

“Bridgework” (6:26)

Foreman Roland is in charge of building a massive bridge, only to find Rattfink trying to kill him at every stage of construction.

“Robin Goodhood” (6:16)

Roland Hood is a hero to all, soon doing battle with tax collector Rattfink, fighting to return stolen money to the masses.

“War and Pieces” (6:19)

Pirate Rattfink, the Scourge of the Seven Seas, is pursued by Roland, who’s been tasked by the King to bring the villain to justice.

“Gem Dandy” (6:23)

Roland is a security guard at a museum displaying a massive diamond. Rattfink is a jewel thief determined to steal it.

“Trick or Retreat” (6:18) Sergeant Roland is in charge of guarding a remote fort. Rattfink the Renegade plans his attack.

“The Great Continental Overland Cross-Country Race” (6:10)

Engineer Roland and stinker Rattfink compete in a car race, with the scoundrel looking to keep Roland’s girlfriend as a prize.

“A Fink in the Rink” (6:14)

At Roller Skating Land, Rattfink has finds it difficult to cause trouble, constantly thwarted by a no-nonsense security guard.

“Cattle Battle” (6:27)

Lonesome cowboy Roland oversees a herd of cattle, defending the animals from rustler Rattfink.

Roland and Rattfink Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.34:1 aspect ratio) presentation handles primaries with care, emphasizing broad blues and reds that contribute to the cartoon mood. Detail is also satisfactory, preserving backgrounds and character designs, while craftsmanship is textured, showcasing the hand-drawn appeal of the series. Delineation is crisp. Source is in fine shape, without overt points of damage.

Roland and Rattfink Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is perhaps the most consistent of the DePatie-Freleng releases, showcase slight fluctuations in volume as the episodes progress, but clarity is never challenged. Dialogue exchanges are defined well, while scoring holds on to instrumentation, providing a jazzy mood. The only disappointing short is "Cattle Battle," which is hampered by hiss and age-related issues.

Roland and Rattfink Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Odd Couples" (13:22, HD) discusses another around of DePatie-Freleng creative achievements with historians and production participants, singling out "Tijuana Toads" and "Roland and Ratfink" for inspection.

• "Music and Sound Mix-ologists" (23:46, HD) returns to interview participants to highlight the soundscape of the DePatie- Freleng cartoons, tracing musical interests through multiple programs.

• Commentaries are provided for "Hawks and Doves" (with historian Jerry Beck), "Hurts and Flowers" (also Beck), "The Deadwood Thunderball" (with Greg Ford), "Cattle Battle" (also Ford), "Sweet and Sourdough" (with author Mark Arnold), "The Great Continental Overland Cross-Country Race" (also Arnold), "A Pair of Sneakers" (with cartoon writer William Hohauser), and "Say Cheese, Please" (with Greg Ford and archival audio from director Art Davis).

Roland and Rattfink Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Roland and Rattfink" has the advantage of change, switching styles (two episodes simply refuse to color the characters) and personalities to keep the series fresh and exciting. Laughs are few and far between, but animated spirit carries throughout, underlining a classic collision of good vs. evil as it visits numerous jobs, eras, and acts of violence.