Cartoons just aren't what they used to be. Back in the heyday of cartoons (from the 1920s through 1960s), each frame was hand-drawn in black-and-white or in simple colors, and sound in these classic cartoons was charmingly primitive. They didn't rely so much upon dialogue and plot as they did jokes, gags and sheer goofiness. If you long for yesteryear and cartoons from the good old days, Consumer Guide recommends some classic cartoon collections that will make you smile and even laugh out loud.


Betty Boop

Betty Boop has been stealing the hearts of viewers with her luscious looks and cute girlish ways since her black-and-white debut in the 1930s. The Ultimate Betty Boop Collection contains two DVDs packed with 25 cartoons, including her first appearance in the 1930 short "Dizzy Dishes". Betty Boop has even inspired A&E's Biography: Betty Boop, The Queen of Cartoons; in this special treat, the program follows the development of Betty and her escalating popularity. It includes clips from classic films, history from the Fleischer Animation Studio and other interesting facts.

Ultimate Betty Boop Collection

Popeye the Sailor

For years, Popeye has been munching spinach, thus perpetuating the cycle of mothers telling their children to eat their spinach in order to grow up big and strong. It's a vicious cycle, but one that's worth admiring. Adults and growing kids alike have been enjoying Popeye cartoons for over 75 years, hence the release of Popeye: 75th Anniversary Collector's Edition. Released in 2004, this 3-disc collection includes eight hours of classic cartoons. And if that isn't enough Popeye for you, consider the live-action movie Popeye from 1980, starring Robin Williams as Popeye and Shelly Duvall as Olive. This is not the best movie ever committed to film -- the script is a little cheesy -- but it's interesting to see Popeye and friends come to life.


Superman

Superman is perhaps the most famous cartoon character out of all the collection we list. The Man of Steel has inspired hundreds of comic books, a series of movies and TV shows and a line of merchandise that just doesn't end. Superman: The Ultimate Max Fleischer Cartoon Collection is the perfect collection for any Superman fan. It presents all 17 Fleischer-produced original cartoons that theatrically appeared between 1941 and 1943. These were the cartoons that started it all. And for the Superman fan who prefers a more contemporary rendition of the Man of Steel, we recommend Superman: The Animated Series (DC Comics Classic Collection). These collections contain the 54 episodes that comprise the newer animated series that aired from 1996 to 2000.


Woody Woodpecker

As with any area of entertainment, there are cartoons that never gain extreme popularity but are remembered fondly throughout the years. Woody Woodpecker is one crazy bird and has been up to screwy antics since 1951; he is not widely marketed today, but he is remembered in the Woody Woodpecker and Friends Classic Cartoon Collection. The compilation's three discs hold 75 remastered classic cartoons featuring Woody Woodpecker and his friends Chilly Willy the penguin, Andy Panda, and Wally Walrus. Other animated shorts, featuring early characters from Woody Woodpecker's creator Walter Lantz, are included in the collection.


Casper the Friendliest Ghost

In 1945, a little ghost appeared in the cartoon world, though no one is quite sure how he died. Casper the Friendly Ghost has appeared in numerous cartoons since then and is always attempting to find a friend, though his condition makes it a bit difficult. Casper has found his share of popularity with comic books, several cartoon series and even a handful of movies. Casper's Spookiest Tales is a collection of 13 Casper cartoons from the 1960s, one of his more popular eras. For an interesting twist on the Friendly Ghost's story, check out the 1995 movie Casper. Although the movie is largely live-action, Casper and his uncles remain animated characters. There's even mention of Casper's past life.

Felix the Cat: Golden Anniversary Edition

Felix the Cat

One of the oldest cartoon characters is Felix the Cat. This wonderful, wonderful cat has been reaching into his bag of tricks to delight viewers since 1919's animated short, "Feline Follies." Animator Otto Mesmer continued making Felix the Cat cartoons throughout the 1930s. Since then, Felix has reappeared in his own TV shows and movies several times. Today, his face is printed on tee shirts, clocks and even boxer shorts, but sadly, his cartoons are difficult to find on television. Felix the Cat: Golden Anniversary Edition will remind you of the cat's original claim to fame -- his cartoons. This 2-disc collection includes all 31 Felix the Cat cartoons that were produced in 1958 and 1959.