Advance and Be Mechanized

Advance and Be Mechanized is an animated science fiction movie from 1967 that features Mel Blanc, June Foray, and William Hanna in starring voice roles. Looking back at this classic piece of animation, it becomes evident how far animation has come and how adventurous these early experiments with the genre were.

The film starts as a futuristic feast of creativity that manages to hold its own despite the considerable technological advances since its release. It constitutes a unique offering in the world of classic animation, making use of the familiar characters of Tom and Jerry which are presented through an entirely new and forward-thinking perspective.

In this version of their world, Tom and Jerry have been reinvented as robots working in a subspace mine. It's a departure from the typical cat-and-mouse rivalry viewers have grown accustomed to, making Advance and Be Mechanized a distinctive film in the series.

Mel Blanc, renowned for his voice characterization in a series of Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies characters, quickly showcases his versatility by giving life to a robotic version of Tom. It's a testament to his voice acting skills that he habitually captured each character's unique personality and humor with meticulous precision, which is evident in this film.

Equally notable is June Foray's voice work. Foray was already an integral part of the animation world, voicing a variety of iconic characters at the time. In Advance and Be Mechanized, her talent allows her to bring new nuances to Jerry, capturing the imagination of the audience with her consistently engaging performance.

Completing the voice-over trio is William Hanna. Staying true to his co-creator role in the original Tom and Jerry series, his involvement and encouragement tremendously contributed to the film's inventive approach to storytelling.

Although Advance and Be Mechanized is inherently a comedy, it intriguingly shadows a critique of technology's invasion in the lives of people. From the opening frame, the audience is introduced to a world where machines perform most functions and tasks. Tom and Jerry are merely cogs in a larger, shiny metal and electric-run system, engaging in a series of comedic adventures that mirror the terrors of a society manipulated by its own creations.

The advanced mechanical universe in Advance and Be Mechanized is beautifully conceived and gorgeously brought to life by legendary animation director, Gene Deitch. Deitch not only ensures that the film is visually enticing, but also that it seamlessly incorporates the familiar slapstick comedy from Tom and Jerry.

As technology continues to invade every corner of modern living, Advance and Be Mechanized seems all the more prescient. Technology is both a benefit and a burden for Tom and Jerry. It makes their tasks easier but also frequently leads them into trouble. The film thus reflects common concerns of the time relating to the rise of technology and automation.

Overall, the movie is extended play of hilarity and chaos uniquely packaged in a science fiction costume. With the significant voice acting talents of Mel Blanc, June Foray, and William Hanna and the creatively daring direction of Gene Deitch, Advance and Be Mechanized becomes a worthwhile viewing experience. Its ground-breaking exploration of classic animation and futuristic themes continues to captivate audiences across generations.

In conclusion, Advance and Be Mechanized stands out as a creative beacon in the world of animation. Offering a stark departure from the traditional Tom and Jerry narrative, it weaves a tale that synonymously combines humor and a critique on advancing technology. Despite the decades since it first premiered, it continues to offer a delightful viewing experience and a nuanced representation of the conversation around technology in society.