01/21/2003 Entry:
"The 5,000 Fingers Of Dr. T. - Roy Rowland (1953)"

Initially Bethany and I were going to see this at Music Box as a midnight movie, but being the old farts that we are, we fell asleep before it even started. Thank you Netflix. Totally warped and funny kids movie, the only live action representation of the world of Dr. Seuss. Someone should have gotten a set design Oscar for this, because they are bright, huge, and totally impressive. This is only enhanced by the expansive shots, largely far away and/or wide angle. Not only do these long shots show off the sets, but they enhance the whole otherworldliness of the film. Often you will see just one or two people running through a totally empty courtyard, and its pretty surreal. Also noteworthy for putting together several Simpsons gags, including how Sideshow Bob got his last name. In addition, the DVD has Gerald McBoing-Boing's Symphony, a cartoon also penned by Dr. Seuss which is a ton of fun and has some cool 50s animation.