Peanuts: The Timeless TV Specials Collection Hits Blu-Ray

The enduring appeal of Peanuts remains unparalleled, irrespective of societal shifts. Originating as a syndicated comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, the franchise`s popularity soared in the 1960s with the debut of its animated TV specials. Fans can now anticipate a substantial collection of these beloved specials arriving on Blu-ray later this year. For those keen on revisiting classic memories, the `Peanuts: Ultimate TV Specials Collection` is available for preorder, with its official release scheduled for October 7.

This extensive Blu-ray set encompasses 40 animated Peanuts specials, spanning from the inaugural 1965 installment up to 2011. Each special has undergone 1080p remastering. The five-disc package includes a 28-page collectible booklet filled with artwork and interesting facts about each episode. Audio is provided in English with Dolby 5.1 surround sound, alongside support for optional subtitles in multiple languages. This comprehensive collection offers more than 18 hours of Peanuts content.

The characters of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and their Peanuts companions have left an indelible mark on popular culture since their inception. The TV specials, with their endearing cast, have become a source of nostalgic comfort. Over five decades, while individual episode quality varies, many have emerged as timeless classics. Memorable moments include Lucy`s persistent pursuit of the musically-inclined Schroeder, Charlie Brown`s nervous excitement when tasked with escorting the Little Red-Haired Girl to a dance, and Linus`s steadfast vigil for the Great Pumpkin.

Snoopy, Charlie Brown`s beloved dog, has frequently taken center stage in specials such as `A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,` `Easter Beagle,` and `He’s Your Dog,` solidifying his status as a cultural icon. It`s important to note that despite its substantial size, this collection does not feature every single Peanuts special. Notable omissions include `Snoopy: The Musical,` `It Was My Best Birthday Ever, Charlie Brown,` and `It’s the Girl in the Red Truck, Charlie Brown.` Below is the complete list for fans to check for their personal favorites:

1. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
2. Charlie Brown`s All Stars! (1966)
3. It`s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
4. You`re in Love, Charlie Brown (1967)
5. He`s Your Dog, Charlie Brown (1968)
6. It Was a Short Summer, Charlie Brown (1969)
7. Play It Again, Charlie Brown (1971)
8. You`re Not Elected, Charlie Brown (1972)
9. There`s No Time for Love, Charlie Brown (1973)
10. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
11. It`s a Mystery, Charlie Brown (1974)
12. It`s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974)
13. Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (1975)
14. You`re a Good Sport, Charlie Brown (1975)
15. It`s Arbor Day, Charlie Brown (1976)
16. It`s Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown (1977)
17. What a Nightmare, Charlie Brown! (1978)
18. You`re the Greatest, Charlie Brown (1979)
19. She`s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown (1980)
20. Life Is a Circus, Charlie Brown (1980)
21. It`s Magic, Charlie Brown (1981)
22. Someday You`ll Find Her, Charlie Brown (1981)
23. A Charlie Brown Celebration (1982)
24. Is This Goodbye, Charlie Brown? (1983)
25. It`s an Adventure, Charlie Brown (1983)
26. What Have We Learned, Charlie Brown? A Tribute (1983)
27. It`s Flashbeagle, Charlie Brown (1984)
28. Snoopy`s Getting Married, Charlie Brown (1985)
29. You`re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1985)
30. Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! (1986)
31. Why, Charlie Brown, Why? (1990)
32. Snoopy`s Reunion (1991)
33. It`s Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown (1992)
34. It`s Spring Training, Charlie Brown (1996)
35. Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Valentine (2002)
36. Charlie Brown`s Christmas Tales (2002)
37. Lucy Must Be Traded, Charlie Brown (2003)
38. I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown (2003)
39. He`s a Bully, Charlie Brown (2006)
40. Happiness Is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown (2011)

As a complementary piece, the 2015 `The Peanuts Movie` is also worth considering. Although purists of the original comic strip might initially hesitate at the transition to CG animation, the film masterfully employs digital techniques to achieve a distinctive 2.5D visual style that honors Schulz`s pioneering artistry. With its vivid color palette, `The Peanuts Movie` presents the characters beautifully for a contemporary audience. This film also comes packed with bonus features, including short vignettes, behind-the-scenes documentaries, art instructionals, and various art galleries, such as:

• Snoopy Snippets vignettes
• You Never Grow Up, Charlie Brown featurette
• Snoopy`s Sibling Salute featurette
• Learn to draw Snoopy
• Learn to draw Woodstock
• Learn to draw Charlie Brown
• Get down with Snoopy and Woodstock music video
• `Better When I`m Dancin“ Meghan Trainor lyric video
• `Better When I`m Dancin“ Meghan Trainor music video
• Behind the Scenes of Better When I`m Dancing
• Snoopy`s Playlist
• Concept art gallery
• Color Keys gallery
• Characters art gallery
• Final Art art gallery
• Trailers

The Complete Peanuts Omnibus Collections

For those interested in exploring the original source material, the `The Complete Peanuts` hardcover omnibus editions offer an excellent opportunity. While many collections exist, these stand out for their comprehensive, chronological presentation of every Peanuts comic strip. Each volume, roughly 340 pages, starts from 1950 and continues through to the final strip published in February 2000.

This extensive series includes 25 main volumes, supplemented by a 26th book dedicated to Charles M. Schulz’s rare Peanuts artwork. This special volume features a diverse array of content, such as storybooks, comic book narratives, single-panel jokes, promotional art, book illustrations, photographs, and even a recipe.