Animation for Grown-ups

Chicken Run movie cell

June 23 marked the release of Nick Park's "Chicken Run," featuring the voice of Mel Gibson among other actors. If you aren't familiar with Nick Park, a three-time Academy Award winning director, you are in for a treat. He is a master of clay animation as well as humor and plot construction. We've been collecting his films for several years and include them in this list of great animated short films.

The Films of Nick Park
Creature Comforts, included in two film anthologies -- the World's Greatest Animation, VCV 7.415 W92, and the British Animation Invasion, VCV 7.91433 B86
A Grand Day Out, VCV 7.415 G75
The Wrong Trousers, VCV J 7.415 W95
Wrong Trousers A Close Shave, VCV 7.415 C64
Creature Comforts and A Grand Day Out were both nominated for Academy Awards, with Creature Comforts taking the prize. A Grand Day Out introduces the adventures and characters of Wallace, inventor and cheese connoisseur, and his long-suffering dog and partner, Gromit. During a cheese shortage, they make a trip to the greatest source of cheese and it's not Wisconsin. The Wrong Trousers, a film noir, introduces into Wallace and Gromit's home a heinous criminal mind who smells a bit fishy to Gromit. A Close Shave rounds out the trilogy with romance and another mystery for the daring duo to solve.
The International Tournee of Animation
VCV 7.91433 I61
vol.1-6
Volume 1 is a collection of 14 individual animated shorts initially produced between 1982 and 1985. This film is full of humorous, satirical and thought-provoking images and stories.
Volume 2 features outstanding animated films including Academy Award winner, "A Greek tragedy," and the great animation of Bill Plympton in "Your Face."
The ten animated short films in Volume 3 experiment with new themes and techniques.
Volume 4 features a collection of 18 individual animated shorts initially produced between 1986 and 1990 including the 1989 Academy Award winner "Balance."
Volume 5 features the Annecy Grand Prize winner "Grey Wolf" and "Little Red Riding Hood," a clay animation masterpiece!
Volume 6 includes the wit of Gahan Wilson ("The Diner") and the award-winning films "The Sandman," "Words, Words, Words," and "Mr. Resistor."
A Short Film Festival, VCV 7.914 S55
Seven delightful animated shorts including the Academy Award nominee "The Family That Dwelt Apart," the "Log Driver's Waltz," and the "Blowhard."
Use our WebPAC to reserve any of these titles or call your local branch to check them out today.

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