The Censored Eleven

There's a discussion about which six of the censored eleven cartoons they'd like to see released at the Golden Age Cartoons forum. The two constants among the bunch seem to be Tin Pan Alley Cats, and Coal Black and de Sebben Dwarfs. Speaking of Coal Black, at his blog, Jaime J. Weinman ponders whether that controversial cartoon will ever see a release:

I'm not sure how to get around that, because in all honesty, if "Coal Black" were released and a controversy erupted, that probably would be bad for the marketing/franchising of WB cartoons. I don't think the controversy over "Bugs Bunny Nips the Nips" did Turner any favors back in the '90s (Turner released it on a laserdisc but then, foolishly, released it on a mass-market VHS as well, and people who bought this thing for their kids were understandably outraged). To get a release, someone would probably have to convince WB executives that there won't be any controversy, and I'm not sure that anyone can guarantee that. "Coal Black" is a great cartoon, but I've seen the reactions to it of people who are not cartoon buffs, and it does make many people very uncomfortable and, yes, even angry.

More Golden Collection speculation

Over at the Animation Show forums, TinaMarina wonders if we might finally see some of the controversial "censored 11" on the upcoming volume five of the Looney Tunes Golden Collection DVDs:

This sounds like the Golden Collection of every cartoon fans' dreams--especially since the Fairy Tale and Bob Clampett discs could give way to some of the Censored 11 cartoons appearing, preferably:

--Coal Black and De Sebben Dwarfs (could be on either the Bob Clampett disc or the Fairy Tale disc)
--Goldilocks and the Jivin' Bears (Fairy Tale disc, since this is a Friz Freleng cartoon)
--Tin Pan Alley Cats (Clampett disc, since it's not based on a fairy tale)

To me, Coal Black seems to be the one most likely on the disc set since it is a fairy tale, it is a Bob Clampett cartoon, and everyone loves it despite the racial stereotypes. The others have a chance, but it's a long shot. Then again, I said the same thing about "Mississippi Hare" appearing in volume 4 and look what happened.

Alas, it is not to be. Jerry Beck puts this idea to rest:

I hate to break it to you... but those titles will not be appearing on Vol. 5. Sorry.

Which is unfortunate, but not altogether surprising. Why would Warner Brothers bother risking the type of backlash they might suffer by releasing a cartoon like Coal Black, when there are still so many great cartoons not yet on DVD?