Since the Disneyland television show debuted in 1954, it is not surprising that there was such ample coverage of the making of Lady and the Tramp included on that program, as seen in several Excerpts from the Disneyland TV Shows. These excerpts combine several source materials, including rare color footage, some of which has never been seen before. “The Story of Dogs�? (original airdate: December 1, 1954) features extensive rough animation footage, while “Cavalcade of Songs�? (original airdate: February 16, 1955) shows Peggy Lee recording “The Siamese Cat Song�? (explaining just how she sang a duet - with herself) and “He’s a Tramp�?, the later joined by the Mello Men, who are also seen, under the baton of Oliver Wallace, howling out their unique interpretation of “There’s No Place Like Home�?.

Completing the set is a trio of Theatrical Trailers for this, Walt’s “Happiest Picture!�? and numerous Galleries, viewable as still frames or in slideshow mode.

Coming Soon in Toon Talk:

• Tim Allen returns in a new take on The Shaggy Dog story (Disney, March 10).
• The sky is falling - again! Chicken Little comes home to roost on Disney DVD (March 21).
• Scrat is back in Ice Age 2: The Meltdown (Fox, March 31).

As I write this on Sunday, February 26, 2006, I would like to note that today is the fifth anniversary of Toon Talk. Five years ago today, on February 26, 2001, the very first Toon Talk review (of the animated short John Henry) was posted on LaughingPlace.com.

I would like to take this opportunity too thank, first and foremost, Doobie and Rebekah Moseley for giving me this opportunity in the first place, and for allowing me to let the column grow and evolve over the years. Their support and encouragement has been immeasurable these past five years.

I also want to thank many friends and family members who have not only have had to put up with me (and my insistence of “not being interrupted when I’m writing!�?) but have also been willing and helpful “sounding boards�? for me to bounce ideas off of, especially my mother, Mary Sandven (“Hi mom!�?) and brother Kerry. Many thinks to fellow critics/movie fans Neil Cohen and Chris Carpenter for their inspirations, not to mention various friends whose help, whether knowingly or not, has greatly aided me in my continuing creation of Toon Talk, namely Jeffrey Blanchfield, Kevin “Woody�? Beltz, Heather “Disney Lady�? Georgi and my “little nutmeg from Oz�? Ulta Brandt.

Not to be remiss, I must also acknowledge the innumerable contributions of those at Buena Vista Publicity and Buena Vista Home Entertainment and their subsidiaries (namely, Barclay Communications in Phoenix) whose assistance and materials (such as advance movie screenings and DVDs) has greatly enhanced and made my job easier.

And last, but certainly not least, special thanks to William Searcy (whom I actually met through the discussion boards her at LP), whose talent is on display in every current column with his delightful logo designs. Will has his own online art store, Magic Bear Graphics, which recently added a "Toon Talk Gear" section that I am just thrilled about (imagine, my own merchandise!); take a look via the link below, and while you’re there, be sure to check out Will’s other awesomely creative designs.

In closing, I must also thank those of you out there in cyberland who read Toon Talk; I hope you have enjoyed reading all the reviews and specials these past five years as much as I have enjoyed writing them. Here’s to five more years!

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