On DVD: It's Flashbeagle, Charlie Brown (1984)

A few days ago, we reviewed a 1991 Peanuts special, "Snoopy's Reunion". Now, let's turn the clock further back about 7 years to 1984.

Aerobic exercise was all the rage in the early 80's, and for that reason, early on in this episode, we see Peppermint Patty lead an exercise class, sporting a pink leotard & leg warmers and white sneakers in place of her usual sandals. Future pop star Stacy Ferguson, aka Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas, made one of her first appearances here, voicing Sally. The soundtrack was composed by Desiree Goyette (ex-You Asked For It) and Ed Bogas, who would later become her husband (she was married at the time to producer Lee Mendelson). Goyette also teams with 1-hit wonder Joey Scarbury ("Believe It Or Not", the theme from Greatest American Hero) on the title song, "Flashbeagle", which of course is a satire on 1983's "Flashdance".

One thing the movie and the cartoon have in common is dancer Marine Jihan, who doubled for actress Jennifer Beals in "Flashdance", and performed the intricate dance sequences in "Flashbeagle" that were rotoscoped onto Snoopy. Because the special dates itself, it's rarely shown anymore, even though it's been nearly 30 years since its initial airing on CBS.

Jedi Juggernaut uploaded this sample, which shows Snoopy getting ready for a night at the club.........



Wikipedia notes that this was the 27th primetime special in the series, nearly 20 years after the first, "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Unfortunately, they ain't making 'em that often anymore......

Rating: B.