What's Opera, Doc? - Dark Toons

[@ChannelAwesome]

WELCOME BACK DARK TOONS!!!!!! Watch the new Nostalgia Critic on Kung Fu Panda - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIO7gaONmcaGfdk Watch more Dark Toons here - bit.ly/DarkToons​​​​ Follow us on Twitch - www.twitch.tv/channelawesome​

[@dadocta5168]

I have missed this series :) Please review the Walrus episode from Pingu.

[@MrWhitman]

Now that you're back I want to let you know of the episode "King Bluebeard" from "Grimm's Fairytale Classics" it's fairytales, how much more little kid can you get? But watch it and even ADULTS would be freaked out by it!

[@gageperuti5519]

There's an episode of the original Teen Titans called "Fear Itself", where they watch a scary movie and are then hunted by the monster from the movie. It's pretty dark. By the way, welcome back.

[@desmondsipesjr755]

Could you review Hyde and go Tweet? That was one Sylvester and Tweety short that really scared me as a kid

[@vinnietheanimationgod8149]

Please do a dark toons episode of DC superhero girls 2019 #happybirthdayzee. 👍

[@SoundtrackFred]

Hey Doug, the "violin" part that you are looking for is featured in the end of the Tannhäuser (concert) overture. There is a video on KZbin with Maestro Karajan rehearsing this part with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in great detail. Look it up: "Karajan rehearsal Tannhauser" (the one where he looks rather elderly). Enjoy!

[@scratchd0g]

THANK YOU

[@DemonMage]

You're a hero.

[@JTCurtisMusic]

Beat me to it! I’ve noticed this in quite a few cartoons from the past where certain instrumental counterpoints you don’t usually hear in performances overpower the main melody. I don’t know if it was a mixing issue (it was recorded back in the 50s) or maybe they wanted the horns to be subtler for Elmer’s dialog. Either way, those strings are gorgeous.

[@PoseidonRM]

Yes, it's definitely part of the Overture, though brass is turned town (or violins turned up).

[@twofacetoo75]

Honestly, as fun as 'Dark Toons' is, I personally wouldn't mind just more videos like this, dissections of classic animations and really looking at how and why they work, as well as the impact they had on later cartoons and media as a whole. They don't have to be 'dark', they just have to be iconic, and let's be frank, there's a lot of great iconic cartoons out there, just like this, which deserve more recognition.

[@sebastiengendron6427]

I agree, I appreciate when Doug just talks normally to his audience about what he likes in animation instead of the usual over the top scripted nostalgia critic reviews, I miss his old vlog reviews.

[@Zikkar]

Agreed

[@theashtubereviews]

yea I agree, this was a great look at some classic cartoons

[@chibicheeks78]

I love this idea so much

[@Ugly_German_Truths]

I could live with a whole Nostalgia Toonz Channel ;) with every four or six weeks a Dark episode between them maybe?

[@racookster]

I never thought Bugs died in the end. Everything about it, from its being a musical to those gorgeous abstract backgrounds, suggested that it was a staged presentation within a cartoon. It's a fiction within a fiction. Even as a little kid, I saw it that way.

[@snowangelnc]

I thought the same, especially at the end with Bugs supposedly being dead, then popping up for a moment to make a comment to the audience. From the first time I saw it as a kid it always felt to me like it was the same two familiar characters that were performing in an opera.

[@coolgreenbug7551]

I always saw it as Bugs Bunny the actor telling us that Bugs Bunny the character died in the cartoon

[@BrenTenkage]

@@coolgreenbug7551 yeah thats how I always thought of it as a kid, then again I did watch Space Jam around the time I saw this short so maybe I already had the idea that the Toons kinda are actors and do things outside of the shorts. More so when I saw Roger Rabbit.

[@faiaflrt]

Yeah, it's kind of funny because I don't think I had a lot of experience with stages as a little kid, but the lighting felt artificial in an intentional way and backgrounds always made it look different enough from a normal short that I just assumed that's what it was.

[@JasonAFlintham]

Y’know what I always thought the same. The lighting in some scenes definitely give the impression that Elmer and Bugs are doing nothing more than performing on a stage.

[@ninjabunnywholivesinsideaw8216]

Elmer Fud singing"Kill da wabbit," is the highlight of this looney tunes episode for me. Everytime me or my family hears Flight of the Valerie's, we immediately start singing "kill da wabbit, kill da wabbit." It quickly became a household running gag of sorts for us.

[@pundertalefan4391]

My mom also likes to sing that from time to time. XD

[@charlieandhudsonspal7031]

Me too

[@ernestcline2868]

My favorite line, which gets referenced when I play D&D, is "... with my spear and magic helmet. Magic helmet? Ma-gic Hel-Met!"

[@christhornycroft3686]

I missed this series. It was kind of relaxing to rewatch before bed.

[@chasehedges6775]

Same

[@braindeadserenity2962]

Facts

[@p.terodactyl6848]

My first ever introduction to Looney Tunes was when I was 5, when my dad took me to the Denver Symphony to see Bugs Bunny on Broadway. It was an entire concert of Looney Tunes shorts on a screen with a live orchestra below. I remember being absolutely awestruck by the fact that an orchestra could play along with a screen and make it come to life in a whole new way. I remember this was one of the shorts they did. To this day, it is one of my favorite childhood memories. Thank you, Dad!

[@hannatude]

I genuinely enjoy when Doug goes off on animation info-dumping adventures.

[@jessehcreative]

We all came here for NC, but we stay for Doug himself.

[@goodnewsgeek42]

So true, it's rare to see someone as fascinated with the details and process behind cartoons as I am!

[@romdan7136]

@@goodnewsgeek42 I DO have to wonder: What Dark toons are there left for Looney Tunes? Disney, oh good god i imagine there're a few, especially if what i heard about Don Bluth being a former disney Animator is true XD

[@princesspixel3151]

As someone who’s obsessed with cartoons in general (except for the adult shows like South Park or Family Guy, sorry 🙁) these episodes definitely get me curious! Some of them even might be evidence to me at least that some weird contents in cartoons I don’t really like haven’t really changed much.

[@CreatorKPT]

Honestly, Doug. You should have a segment where you just talk about any Looney Tunes cartoon, seeing how much you love them.

[@darienblizz3444]

Something like "What's up, Doug?"

[@demi-fiendoftime3825]

@@darienblizz3444 YES

[@cameronreed6171]

I’m for that

[@projectknm8670]

You're onto something... ...

[@melissamarsh2219]

Yes! There used to be a guy who reviewed classic looney tunes but he stopped

[@Willow76ny]

It’s like Bugs says at the end “well, what did you expect in an opera, a happy ending?”

[@landyachtfan79]

"NO, BUT I EXPECT IT FROM A FUCKING BUGS BUNNY CARTOON!!!!!!!!!"

[@GUILLE832]

What review did this come from?

[@glowworm2]

@@GUILLE832 I believe it was from the top 11 saddest nostalgic moments. "Bugs Bunny made me cry!"

[@leawebber5455]

I loved this short as a kid, but to be honest the one that really hit me in the feels was “Feed the Kitty” with Pussyfoot and Marc Anthony. I’ve never had more of an emotional reaction from any cartoon as a kid.

[@pundertalefan4391]

My mom loves that one. :03

[@MicahDarkFantasy]

What’s Opera, Doc was definitely that short where so much imagery was twisted that as a kid, I completely forgot that I was watching Looney Tunes. And it was awesome! ❤️

[@nemopouncey3827]

on the slappy squirrel cartoon siskel and ebert hated this. they mocked it and think thumbed it down.😂

[@WelshGiraffa]

It was definitely one of my earliest memories of watching Looney Tunes as a kid and a personal favourite of why I love old bugs bunny cartoons

[@MegaLPlover]

"imagery was twisted that was a kid" huh?

[@stephanybrown3226]

I remember seeing this on VHS as a kid, it made me cry. It was so confusing with how beautiful the art was.

[@chromaticchimera817]

Same! I've been trying to remember if it was a Merry Melodies VHS that had a few random things towards the end, life a black and white stop motion that was really dark and had something to do with a kid and a haunted house. I've been trying to look for that clip.

[@Krendall2]

@@chromaticchimera817 I know it was one of the Looney Tunes compilation movies. I want to say the Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Movie.

[@chromaticchimera817]

@@Krendall2 You've seen the black and white stop motion about a haunted house? Did it have a scarecrow in or near the beginning or something like that? It could've been that compilation movie. I had like two or three as a kid, so I could be confusing it with a Merry Melodies one.

[@chromaticchimera817]

@@Krendall2 After all of these years, I couldn't find the clip until just now after looking for it again. Jasper and the Haunted House. I guess it's not in black and white? and I mistook one of the characters as a scarecrow lol.

[@Krendall2]

@@chromaticchimera817 I know there's a cartoon with Porky and Sylvester staying at a "haunted" house (it's actually sadistic mice).

[@coreytomison3292]

You know it’s going to be a good day when a new ‘dark toons’ episode is dropped 🙌

[@romdan7136]

What do you think could be next?

[@RedHood001-KA]

Absolutely!!

[@officialbrucewayne]

So true

[@coreytomison3292]

@@romdan7136 I'm hoping to see the Donald Duck cartoon "Der Fuher's Face" in a review for just how surreal it is.

[@bustatrix1905]

100%

[@IgnatiusBlaze4]

This and Barber of Seville are probably my favorites and the best Bugs Bunny cartoons, so well done. Also yeah it's not as dark as say Tom being hit by a piano going to hell or the looming train in the one episode of Tom and Jerry, and Bugs does confuse you by briefly coming back, but yeah it's still tragic to see Bugs actually dead, Elmer winning for once.

[@ismokemadherb4677]

This is still one of the most memorable episodes of any cartoon for me. Kill the wabbit is something I still randomly bust into out of nowhere. Keep up the great content and keep up the awesomeness.

[@LucyLioness100]

We’ve done the “Kill the Wabbit!” bit for ages in the family 😅

[@Paulsr7]

i sing it too

[@Morgil27]

@@LucyLioness100 Me too! So much so that I now use it as my ringtone for when my dad calls.

[@anguirus6803]

Doug My man. Where has this series been. You have no clue how much I love the way you brake down these cartoons. The history animation, people behind it etc.

[@TheCommenterDragon]

What's Opera Doc is one of my all time favorites of the classic Looney Tunes cartoons! seeing Elmer and Bugs singing in an opera style setting was very interesting and of course it's always enjoyable to hear Looney Tunes characters sing, but i can also see the dark side too it especially when it seemed like Elmer killed Bugs.

[@ismokemadherb4677]

It’s one of my earliest memories of cartoons I can think of, I remember watching th reruns and my father quoting it. It’s an amazing episode of any cartoon.

[@nemopouncey3827]

on animaniacs siskel an Ebert hated it. they was mocking it and everything.

[@muigokublack6487]

"Well what did you expect in an opera doc, a happy ending?"

[@chloenieuwsma4846]

@@muigokublack6487 NO! BUT I FREAKING EXEPECTED IT FROM A BUGS BUNNY CARTOON!

[@ImmortalfireTheMod]

Bugs line at the end is funny and appropriate “what did you expect in an opera, a happy ending?”

[@landyachtfan79]

"NO, BUT I EXPECT IT FROM A FUCKING BUGS BUNNY CARTOON!!!!!!!!!"

[@chrismulwee4911]

That comment MAY have been a nod to Bob Hope. In the movie The Paleface (1948) Bob Hope's and Jane Russell's character are about to tie the not, when one of the horses runs off, dragging Jane with it. Bob breaks the fourth wall and says "What do you want? A HAPPY ending?!" and it ends

[@mas8705]

May not be the darkest toon featuring Bugs, but it is seen as one of the best Bugs cartoons of all time. An excellent choice to review how dark it was.

[@alecfoisy58]

When I was a kid, I found the ending of WOD more confusing than outright sad. The Chuck Jones short that messed ME up the most at that age was probably Feed the Kitty. I still find it hard to watch the part where Marc Anthony thinks the kitten is dead and is sobbing hysterically.

[@glowworm2]

"Feed the Kitty" is such a great cartoon though. One of my absolute favorite Looney Tunes shorts. A simple story told in 7 minutes that makes you laugh, cry and awe throughout.

[@ty-seansenior6660]

I think Feed the Kitty messed us all up as kids, dude!

[@pundertalefan4391]

My mom loves this one, and that one. :03

[@desmondsipesjr755]

I was disappointed when you stopped doing this but I’m so excited you are bringing it back! I never really saw this episode as dark, mainly cause Buggs shows that technically he isn’t dead, but this short was one of my favorites growing up.

[@davidkirk8945]

Breaks during burnout is understandable, it's good to have you back Doug doing Dark Toons

[@ma3mc3mu-X]

So good to see these again. I highly recommend you review "Who Killed Who", it's a murder mystery in the style of Tex Avery.

[@LowellLucasJr.]

It was so awesome and hilarious! Still love the red skeleton joke!

[@amitaikatz5929]

I also remember The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy having a similar episode with the same name

[@oneearrabbit]

Yes, I love that cartoon!

[@fhb3]

"Who Killed Who" was a great installment from Tex Avery!

[@ryanhoule4415]

The Cuckoo Clock was also great for this show.

[@Shade_Thedra]

I'm so glad this series is back! I really recommend Over the Garden Wall. I'd say The Ringing of the Bell would be the best episode for Dark Toons, but you could honestly use the whole mini series as a Nostalgia-ween video.

[@alexanderklepp]

Nice to see Dark Toons return and this is also a really good choice. I remember watching this film in a history of animation class and we all had a great time watching it.

[@shewolfsiren]

“Education For Death” is a really dark toon as well. So dark--it got BANNED! The ending leaves me emotionally gutted every time.

[@Tadicuslegion78]

The only time Elmer killed Bugs Bunny in canon....or at least came closest to.

[@Krendall2]

There was also a cartoon that was kind of a sequel to "Duck Amuck," only this time an animator is pestering Bugs. The ending reveals the animator is Elmer Fudd, who ends by saying, "I finawwy got even with that scwewey wabbit."

[@matthewjones6786]

Your passion for animation is contagious! Love these Dark Toons, keep it up!

[@jamescorck]

Oh man, this is a good dark toon to come back to. This one's got the laughs and the tears really well balanced.

[@chuck08113]

I too love this short and as a child(6-7) seeing it for the first time remember a sense of genuine fear with that colour shift, because it wasn't just another character going red in the face with frustration but the whole scene moved with his emotional state. It imparted a feeling of immense power behind him and he brought down his wrath. and I also remember feeling sad with him at the realization that he had gone too far. I love these deep dives and hope you continue with this series.

[@vincentfranklin17]

Definitely one of my favorite Chuck Jones Bugs Bunny shorts!

[@DanGamingFan2406]

This is one of the best Looney Tunes. No wonder it was preserved in the national film archives.

[@ClassicSonicManiac]

Exactly, I Love this short

[@bookkitty]

Hi Chaplain! Seriously this is one of my favorite bugs cartoon short. It's so good!

[@Amanda-zn7ox]

This was on TV once in the early to mid 2000s. I was a super death-phobic kid, and this traumatized me. Legit, it's the second reason I started therapy, I was that messed up. That last end bit of imagery of this short stuck with me ever since I saw it. My mom tried to convince me that Bugs didn't really die, but I don't remember if I was buying it. While I still feel saddened by seeing it again after so many years, I'm not crippled with fear anymore. Ask A Mortician really helped me reduce my fears surrounding death more, as well as growing older and understanding it better.

[@xxMintoStarxx]

YES SO HAPPY THIS IS BACK :D I LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT ANIMATION FROM THIS SERIES :D

[@tracyglennmurray]

The violin part that you mentioned in the end was written specifically in a custom arrangement to match the cartoon. However, the closest to that violin part that you like can still, in fact, be found in the Overture to Tannhauser. It's just in a different key, but it's there. It is also prominent in the Pilgrim's chorus from that opera.

[@kimifw58]

Notice that Elmer's armor here looks like a bullet casing? I wonder if that's intentional.

[@pundertalefan4391]

I wouldn't be surprised. XD

[@sammalammadumalama6210]

Tower of dr zalost ( courage the cowardly dog) is a episode with a great depiction of depression shown throughout the episode. Also the backgrounds are really nice 👌

[@jamesthebluecat1263]

FINALLY! A new episode of dark kids episodes. I’ve been waiting for this.

[@fiveona5666]

Only a couple of days ago, I rewatched What's Opera, Doc? on a whim, hadn't seen it in who knows how many years. It must have been since I was a kid. With no sarcasm or hyperbole, this legitimately brought me to tears. Finally able to appreciate the art of animation as an adult and hearing perfectly fitting the music is, it was too much. For a 65 year old cartoon, it can and will stand the test of time as high art disguised as a comedy. Also crazy this video was posted right after seeing it

[@Furrball2023]

5:02 - Bugs looks so cute, as if to say "Please don't kill me, Elmer!" 😍

[@Montesama314]

"What's Opera, Doc?" and "Rabbit of Seville" are two of my favorite cartoons of all time.

[@chrismulwee4911]

If I HAD to pick a favorite BB cartoon, it would probably be 1954's Bugs and Thugs.

[@johnnyroche138]

My dad LOVES this cartoon. He used to quote it ALL the time. Didn’t like it much when I was younger, but it’s grown on me

[@joetophat2121]

I remember seeing this as a kid. The network I watched it on actually cut out the part where Bugs wakes up and ask "What did you expect from an opera? A happy ending?" It ended with Elmer carrying dead Bugs. So for a long time I thought Elmer killed him for real. Some editor made this cartoon darker than it really is.

[@tommyblack6135]

My dad isn't a particularly cultured guy, but he insisted that my brother and I be exposed to "What's Opera, Doc" when we were kids. He still declares it the best animated short of all time, and that's certainly with good merit.

[@Argumedies]

Welcome back. This was the only opera I've ever enjoyed.

[@glowworm2]

Same here. Opera only worked for me if cartoon characters were making fun of it!

[@Kpopk1ng]

I remember seeing this episode when I was younger and I got really scared when I thought that bugs bunny actually died, but when it was revealed that he was still alive I was relieved

[@bigtimedom9660]

13:56 SMOG! Favorite line.

[@thedrboy161]

I'm gonna preface this with that usual KZbin comment of "I don't usually comment on videos" so... I don't usually comment on videos like this but I felt compelled to this time because this is a really good series and I'm glad to have it back. It hits all the right notes of feeling much more cozy, you get a nice hit of nostalgia revisiting these old cartoons, plus Doug is kind of a fountain of knowledge when it comes to animation. I always feel like I come out learning something from these. Plus Doug just seems so much more at ease and talks with so much passion that it's hard not to get invested with him. Dark Toons and the Twilight-tober Zone are my favorite series on this channel and I hope they feel encouraged to keep them going strong!

[@timmckee6340]

Oh, l love this one. One its funny as heck, I mean just how Fuud goes “kill the wabbit” “kill the wabbit” and the n bugs just goes “kill the wabbit? Just makes me die every time. When bugs doubt Fudd’s spear and magic helmet and after Fudd proved they are real he just goes well I’m out of here” my dad used to quote “ohh Brunhilda your so lovely” a lot. It’s just a gold mine! Its also a rare case of bugs NOT winning in the end, yeah Fudd don’t win either, so I guess it’s more of a draw, but that make it even rarer.

[@deserttrekkie]

Out of the 100s of NC vids I've seen and enjoyed throughout the years, gotta say, I really appreciate this one. It always warms my heart when I get to see someone lighting up and really going in depth to cover the minute of details of something they're genuinely passionate about. I don't think we get enough of that these days. That said I have a renewed appreciation for this cartoon. Something my dad had on tape to play when we visited him at work yearrss ago lol ✌️♥️

[@mileshk8083]

I'm so glad to see this returning after so long. Actually I found some toons that could be consider worthy of this: - Cuphead Show, Season 1 Episode 6 "Ghost Ain't Real" - Cuphead and Mugman spend a night in a graveyard and they're haunted by ghosts - Looney Tunes "Chow Hound" - a cat being bullied by a dog, with a cruel dark ending - Looney Tunes "Porky Pig in The Wearing of the Grin" - Porky is in Scotland and spends a night in a castle inhabited by leprechauns - Betty Boop "The Old Man of the Mountain" - an old man terrorizes a village and Betty meets him (another cartoon with Cab Calloway)

[@fhb3]

"Chow Hound" was OUTSTANDING!!! "What? No GRAVY?!"

[@historylover]

I was something like 5 years old when I first saw this short. I don't remember how old I was, I remember my reaction, which was going and crying to Mom that Elmer Fudd killed Bugs Bunny. I either was crying so hard that I missed Bugs' line or ABC cut the line or something. Because I don't remember hearing that line until I was a teenager. And at the age of 44, I still get this weird sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach when I see Bugs lying there "dead." It's like I can't forget being a 5 year old and really thinking that Bugs was dead. This is one of my favorite Looney Tunes, and, sadly, I can't seem to find it on DVD without paying a pretty penny for it. I'm not an opera fan at all, but that Wagner music is incredible. But, like Barber of Seville, I hear that music, and I think of that short. I hear Wagner, and I think "Kill the wabbit! Kill the wabbit!" And, yeah, I completely agree--this short is GORGEOUS!

[@MacNava]

Oh hell yeah! So glad this series is back.

[@rodrigocaballero5795]

Good to have these back, I missed them. Great review as always Some suggestions: - The Phantom Bride (Hey Arnold) -Wearing the grin (Porky Pig) -Hyde and go tweet (Sylvester the cat)

[@downrightdreaming_5630]

I’ve been waiting for this all day. I’m so happy Dark Toons isn’t dead. This is easily my favorite past times to watch. Their all perfect and I appreciate it the time and detail of telling each scene. Allows to enjoy a scene much better even when you know the cartoon all to well. Thank You!!

[@nevermindmeijustinjectedaw9988]

11:40 "show must go on" by you guys was excellent

[@beffylonglegs1818]

I am so happy to see a dark toons back again and what a toon to start with, one of my favourites!

[@jean-pierrevidrine4097]

This was definitely my introduction to opera. It didn't frighten me in anyway you describe as I saw it simply as the characters role playing, just as if they'd been cast in an opera.

[@eerieeric834]

It’s been a while since you last did one of these episodes I’m glad you’re doing more

[@DarylCooke]

The fact that you can only hear this version with the violin by watching this, makes this cartoon that much more special. I was raised on these classics, so that may impact my view on this cartoon. Glad to see this series get a reboot.

[@Kelga80]

This one is one of my favorites. My family will randomly sing songs from this frequently. It's so good! I love all the Bugs Bunny opera episodes. They were so great!

[@cabbitness1983]

Can't even lie, as a kid, this cartoon used to give me chills at the end. I legit would avoid it because of the visceral sadness I would feel... as pathetic as that is lol. But for a looney tunes cartoon, this was so well made and built up the drama so perfectly while still keeping comedic elements. Definitely a classic!

[@joshuariddensdale2126]

"What did you expect, a happy ending?"

[@firedragon7456]

*Applauds*

[@landyachtfan79]

"NO, BUT I EXPECT IT FROM A FUCKING BUGS BUNNY CARTOON!!!!!!!!!"

[@mattfleurant9295]

Glad these are back! 👍

[@MusicGirl881]

Glad to see this series is back. What’s Opera Doc was one of my favorites.

[@darpanpatel3303]

"What did Elmer do?" EVERTHING, DOUG! EVERY FUCKING THING!!

[@saveriopanaccione996]

Oh A classic this was one of my favorite Looney Tunes shorts

[@fashizzle78]

I admit I use to cry when Elmer breaks down crying and Tannhauser plays

[@nickdknez]

My favorite piece of animation of all time. I can still remember the first time I saw this as a child and was just blown away with how incredible it was. Classical music, simplistic backgrounds that are vast, incredible animation, catchy dialog set to the music, and the best closing line to any cartoon. "What did you expect in an opera, A happy ending? "

[@isaacandluxo5463]

Since I love seeing SpongeBob in this series, I racked my brain, and I would LOOOOVVEE to see Krabby Patty Creature Feature. Watching all the classic lovable characters turning into evil sandwich zombies is pretty dark and fun

[@timwoods2852]

I remember when I first saw this as a kid. I was shocked when it ended in tragedy. I was legitimately angry that a cartoon had ended in a tragedy, like I had been betrayed by something that, up till this point, was a source of happiness. And Bugs's line at the end just made it sting more, like 'that's life. Get used to it.' Of course, looking back on it now, I wouldn't have appreciated as many cartoons without this lesson and I like this one now, but I'll always remember this as the cartoon that killed my innocence, along with the wabbit. Would really like to see your take on some of the darker episodes of MLP: Friendship is Magic. Especially Scare Master.

[@pundertalefan4391]

I felt the same way. XD

[@nine_tails137]

As a kid watching this, I legit thought Bugs Bunny was really dead. then after that 4th wall break at the end, still made be question weather or not he was dead. As for Dark Toon recommendations: Mickey's Garden.

[@glowworm2]

God, I missed this series! This is basically a classic, highly recommended Bugs Bunny short. It's also responsible for me wanting to chant at the top of my lungs "Kill Da Wabbit! Kill Da Wabbit!" every time I hear "Ride of the Valkyries." When I first saw this short as a kid, the part where Elmer goes all red and declares "I'll kill the wabbit!" was quite frightening, not to mention, Bugs' "death" scene is beautifully done. If it wasn't for him quipping "So what were you expecting in an opera? A happy ending?" I would have bawled my eyes out back then.

[@Hinatachan360]

My brothers and I would also sing Kill Da Wabbit at the top of our lungs. Great memories. 🤣

[@Krendall2]

"Ride of the Valkyries." Unless you're talking about Bryan Danielson's WWE theme.

[@glowworm2]

@@Krendall2 Thanks for the correction. Must have mixed it up with other classical music titles, such as Flight of the Bumble Bee

[@Krendall2]

@@glowworm2 Nah, it's probably the most common title mistake I've seen. I was guilty of it myself for some time.

[@17kiranime]

This, easily, was one of my first introductions to classical music that wasn't brought on by going to the symphony- I remember the first time I saw this cartoon, @NostalgiaCritic, I did in fact cry. My appreciation of certain classical/jazz pieces were definitely made influence by cartoons- Looney Tunes, Disney, Tom & Jerry (to a lesser extent), they all grabbed my musical attention something fierce & I live for those pieces. The artistry certainly played another role in my enjoyment of the pieces, though being able to tell you which specifically would be easier found than remembered... but this was an absolute favorite of mine no questions asked.

[@mleighqs]

I love all of the Bugs Bunny opera cartoons lol. Smog! is my favorite line in this one. Then when he shaves Elmer in the other opera cartoon I laugh so much.

[@chrismulwee4911]

My pick for the best is Long Haired Hare.

[@dillonsukram9381]

1:38 that sounds so nostalgic. I remember watching re runs of the Bugs Bunny and Tweety show on tv in the early 2000's thinking it was a modern show. I said as a kid they could've just showed the show for more years and kids would still love it.

[@connorwood9211]

"Kill the wabbit" always made my grandmother laugh

[@teceneka]

I love Dark Toons! Please continue it, I enjoy watching your nerd about animation, angles, backgrounds, color palettes, soundtracks because I do too

[@Nasser851000]

This is more emotional than scary TBH

[@dbzgal04]

1. When the sunlight shines on Bugs at the end, I'd always be like, "Is that light what I think it is?" Know what I mean? LOL 2. How is the flower dripping water, when there wasn't any rain?

[@IanTheMotorsportsMan_YT]

Great to see this series return! We missed it so much!

[@RedStarRogue]

Every time I see a bunny outside I almost always sing "poor widdle bunnnny, poor widdle wabbiiiit"

[@coolgreenbug7551]

I grew up on the old Hannah Barbera shows and there was always one episode from the shows I was scared of. I'd love to see you do "The Invisible Monster" from the original Jonny Quest or "Spooky Space Kook" from the original Scooby Doo

[@LucyLioness100]

God I love this one. This helped me get into opera along with “Rabbit of Seville”; thank you Warner Bros. I never fail to laugh at the humor in this short & even the ending has a great gut punch and Bugs’ punchline in the last second is hilarious for any opera fan

[@shyholo]

YAY FOR DARKTOONS! i missed this series! keep them coming!

[@KitsunenoHibi]

I LOVE the opera Looney Toon shorts! Even more than any of the other regular shorts, honestly. Watching a story told to deep, thrilling music has always been very engaging to me. I love Fantasia, musicals, and of course, these cartoon shorts. Even when I'm reading, I feel like I engage more and connect to the story more when I have music play in the background. And now, as an adult, I love that all these cartoons and animated experiences exist, so that children are exposed to classical music in a way that makes it come alive for them. Because frankly, music like symphonies and operas are very long and can be very hard for kids to get through. Taking pieces of that music and presenting it with a lively, beautiful, and entertaining animated story helps keep young children involved with it and enjoy it. To this day, I can't hear that crescendo from Barber of Seville without picturing Bugs Bunny on Elmer Fudd's head! XD

[@ohfudgemuffins]

Just in time for fall! One of my favorite shorts to watch as a kid - definitely memorable and leaves me with a feeling of unease even as an adult

[@chrisrj9871]

So hi, thanks for bringing it back! I was surprised you chose this one. Hard to call it "dark" aside from a few moments near the end... still a true classic, especially for everything you had to say about it that I never thought about! I never went to Design School or anything like that so that kind of analysis doesn't always come to me. As for requests, I stand by "Donald's Crime", when he steals coins from his nephews' piggy bank.

[@Miglohara]

One of the greatest Maurice Noble cartoons from a design perspective. Initially the background layouts were done by Ernie Nordli (Disney artist who'd worked extensively on Sleeping Beauty and several Jones cartoons from the mid-'50s), but all of his work was scrapped in favor of Noble.

[@HaydnRees]

I was exposed to Wagner by my Dad as a young child, and was totally nonplussed to see this cartoon for the first time. I remember getting such a huge belly laugh out of the comic juxtaposition.

[@Bigjake8776]

I’m glad Dark Toons is back. Hope to see more in the future

[@starfox386]

Same. I'm still hoping he reacts to Return of Raggedy Android from My Life as a Teenage Robot

[@titangirl161]

Ahh yes, I remember my first time watching this as a kid... 6 year old me: *sobbing uncontrollably as Elmer carries bugs up the stairs* Bugs bunny: Well, what did you expect in an opera, a happy ending? Me: *still with tears in my eyes but now with a weird mixture of relief and confusion* huh?

[@sasamichan]

" The Old Grey Hare" 1944 did a story that I as a kid found a bit more interesting. I also really enjoy "What's Opera, Arnold?"

[@drakeware655]

4 things: 1) Welcome back, Doug! So happy this wasn't canceled and it's understandable why you kinda dropped it for a bit, but we're glad you're back with this 2) When a short from the 50s can do a better Bugs Bunny death than Space Jam: A New Legacy, 3) 12:37 That is a REALLY good drawing! 4) If you want another Dark Toon, I HIGHLY recommend The House of Discontent from Courage the Cowardly Dog and Ghost Bride from Hey Arnold

[@shainewhite2781]

YES!! THANKS DOUG FINALLY!. This is one of my favorite Looney Tunes episodes or segments. Also WB has officially cancelled all of their upcoming Looney Tunes movies.

[@johnnysparkle]

All because of the failure that is Space Jam: A New Legacy, Lebron James being a terrible person, and winning some razzies

[@smurfydude77]

My kid-logic was that all the toons were actors playing their characters. I always knew that Bugs the actor was alive but Bugs' character was dead.

[@impatienstheshmuck5348]

Been waiting for another installment of this for months now. Nice to see 'the greatest cartoon of all time' getting talked about.

[@altongehringer9858]

Is no one going to mention that this is about getting a girl pregnant with a " spear and magic helmet"? The rabbit test is an early pregnancy test and if the rabbit died the girl was pregnant. Oh what have I done!? The episode of MASH where Margret thinks she is pregnant is called, "What's Up Doc?" In reference to this cartoon. They are even going to use Radars rabbit Fluffy for the test. The Aerosmith song Sweet Emotion has the line, "You can't catch me because the rabbit done died..." Up until the 80s or so the rabbit died was common slang for getting a girl pregnant.