FROM THE GOLDEN AGE
OF ANIMATION

The Superman animated short films listed above are truly spectacular classics. Commonly known as the "Fleischer Superman cartoons" are part of a series of seventeen (17) animated Technicolor short films, released by Paramount Pictures between 1941 and 1943. They are based upon the comic book character Superman and are seen as some of the finest animated cartoons produced during The Golden Age of American animation (1930s-40s).

"NEW MUSIC" SOUNDTRACKS

These 8 animated films feature new music composed and recorded by John Pritchard with keyboardist Adam Holzman adding highly creative tracks to 5 of the films. Each soundtrack has been selected to provide an alternative cinematic experience and avoid rehashing the characteristic adventure theme music of the original cartoons. The new soundtracks provide minimal dialogue and musical motifs to advance the storyline. Instead the music aims to provide more presence to the engaging film noir style of the Fleischer Brothers' imagination and celebrate the sheer visual beauty of their unique work. These are some of the greatest animated films ever made. While the Superman cartoons were originally made for Saturday matinees during World War II, they can be appreciated today as high forms of art, like any Picasso or Van Gogh.

THE ORIGINAL SUPERMAN SERIES BY THE FLEISCHER BROTHERS ON DVD



$9.99 Amazon.com

Catch the original animated adventures on DVD with the complete 1941-1943 Paramount Superman cartoon classics! Legendary animation innovators Max & Dave Fleischer were the first to bring Superman to theater screens, only four years after the comic book hero's debut. Capturing the comic book spirit better than any live action film with the stunning early art-deco look of the original Superman/Action Comics era, these stylish adventures proved so powerful that they influenced every Superman production afterward. Now restored to their best possible quality, these 17 animation masterpieces are presented in superbly clear quality! FEATURING: Superman (Pilot), Mechanical Monsters, Billion Dollar Limited, The Arctic Giant, The Bulleteers, The Magnetic Telescope, Electric Earthquake, Volcano, Terror on the Midway, Japoteurs, Showdown, Eleventh Hour, Destruction Inc., Mummy Strikes, Jungle Drums, The Underground World, & Secret Agent.
  
 

JOHN PRITCHARD - COMPOSER/DRUMMER/FILMMAKER
email: john@pritcharddigital.com

"Experimental Cinema is what I call a creative mix of music and visuals that produces an aesthetically pleasing experience that is different than the narrative structure we see in most commercial movie productions." JP

In the case of these vintage Superman cartoons created during the Golden Age of Animation, John has composed music that has very little to do with the actual details of the story. These new soundtracks are designed to provide a less predictable emotional connection to the storyline in order to showcase the masterful animation in all its visual glory.

Of course, the original musical arrangements by Sammy Timberg are works of art in their own right. Sammy is primarily noted for the musical vitality he provided for the celluloid antics of such animation icons as Betty Boop, Popeye, Olive Oyl, Wimpy, Bluto, Casper the Friendly Ghost, and of course, Superman. Make sure you take a listen to the original movies at the bottom of each Movie page.

By replacing the score and majority of dialogue with a new soundtrack, the cinematic experience changes significantly from sole entertainment to more of an artistic experience. You are not just watching a classic cartoon crime drama, you are now experiencing a greater appreciation for the Fleischer Brothers style of animation. Hopefully you will enjoy the music too!



As an improvisational musician, drummer and keyboardist, John has 4 albums to his credit: the newly released Infinitely by VyZ, Tornado by VyZ, The Talking Tree with Kenneth Little Hawk, and First Light by SinhTala. He has performed with Grammy Award winning saxophonist Fred Lipsius of Blood, Sweat & Tears, and legendary drummer, Jack DeJohnette.

For the past 20 years John has worked as a creative director, multimedia consultant and computer trainer for dozens of Fortune 500 companies, advertising agencies, digital start-ups and educational institutions.

Since 2001, John has been running his own multimedia training and consulting company, Pritchard Digital Arts, located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. In 2010, he started his own publishing firm, Eternal Ways. Between his day job and sleeping, John has been making music and movies with his band, "VyZ," who have produced several independent films: Unum, Novus, & Star Cycles.

Check out John's other websites at: www.getmorecreative.com and www.jazz-rock.com.



ADAM HOLZMAN - COMPOSER/KEYBOARDIST

Adam Holzman is simply one of the most innovative musicians on the planet. "Keyboard" magazine named him one of the top 10 players in the world, "Down Beat" lauded his "killer groove" and the "New York Times" and the "Washington Post" have praised his live performances. Adam has played and recorded with legendary artists such as Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, and Grover Washington.

For this "Superman" project, Adam graciously added his compositional talent and amazing keyboard chops to 5 of the 8 soundtracks. One of the compositions that is the soundtrack for Jungle Drums was re-recorded by Adam's band and renamed, Tuesday... it is featured on Adam's great 2009 album "Spork.

In addition to his incredible keyboard work, Adam has produced several Miles Davis projects for Sony and Warner Bros. Adam is currently working with his own band, Brave New World, as well as, the amazing Mahavishnu Project. He is also a faculty member of the Jazz and Contemporary Music Program at the New School University in NYC.

Check out Adam's music sites at www.adamholzman.com, www.jazz-rock.com and his custom comic site at www.bigfuncomics.com.


Disclaimer: SUPERMAN and all related elements are the property of DC Comics.

Site Design by John Pritchard.