Pooh Oughta Be in Pictures

As a fan of Winnie the Pooh, 'The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' was always one of my favourite shows as a child. Not all childhood favourites have held up, but 'The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' is one of the strongest examples of those that have.

While the original three 60s-70s short films and the 1977 'The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' are just a little better, 'The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' is one of the Winnie the Pooh franchise's high points. "Pooh Oughta Be in Pictures" signalled the start of the show, and while there are many favourites in a show where there is not a bad episode in the bunch this episode has to be up there with the favourites.

The animation is very bright, well drawn and colourful. The music is playfully jaunty and beautifully orchestrated, enhancing scarier moments with hauntingly urgent scoring, sadder moments with poignant and particularly lush and emotional scoring and the more playful moments with a jaunty touch. The theme tune is very rousing and one of the catchiest theme songs of any animated show of the late 80s. The song in the cinema is also very catchy and sung with gusto, even if Christopher Robin's singing is rather out of tune.

Writing has a perfect mix of whimsy, drollness, wit, charm and childhood innocence, with Tigger and Piglet having the best lines. The story is paced beautifully and never feels rushed or stretched, with a terrifyingly atmospheric opening sequence, entertaining referencing to monster films, a hilarious scene with a monster film recreation, touching moments with Piglet struggling to conquer his fears (his scene with Pooh one of the show's most affecting moments) and some real inspiration as he conquers them, always have loved the episodes where Piglet overcomes obstacles.

Here as always the characters really shine, Pooh, Piglet and especially Tigger coming out on top. The voice acting is excellent, particularly from Jim Cummings, John Fiedler and Paul Winchell (unequalled as Tigger, Cummings is fine as the character later on but Winchell made the character iconic).

Overall, such a terrific starting episode to a show that is still one of my favourites. 10/10 Bethany Cox