Linus The Lionhearted – DVD Restoration Update 2026

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This week’s Thunderbean Thursday column is not being written by Steve Stanchfield, but with his permission and his endorsement, we turn it over to video producer/historian Jim Pierson – the man behind the restoration and distribution of Ed Graham’s Linus The Lionhearted show (now currently airing on MeTV Toons). Steve is enjoying a well deserved New Year’s Day off – he will be back with his Thunderbean Thursday next week.
    – Jerry Beck

    “Happy New Year” Cartoon Researchers!

    As previously reported, our Linus The Lionhearted project – restoring the animated series (1964-66 CBS-TV/1966-69 ABC-TV reruns) – has been under way the past few years and is nearing the finish line with the DVD now scheduled for a spring release. As a holiday gift to you, here’s the key art for the cover by cartoonist Jim Engel.

    While the series has begun airing weekly on MeTV Toons late Sunday night/early Monday morning) there are a couple of episodes yet to be fully restored due to damaged and missing color elements. (LINUS originally aired in black-and-white only for its first season although black-and-white network 16mm prints for its 5-year run are common as they were supplied to stations who aired the show on a delayed basis.)

    This restoration project, sanctioned by series producer Ed Graham, has been a labor of love for animation historians, archivists and collectors such as Mark Kausler, Ron Kurer, Steve Stanchfield and others who have contributed time and materials.

    DVD bonuses will include over a dozen “lost” Linus, Rory Raccoon, So-Hi and Company cartoons never seen in reruns plus original extended opening and closing credits, sponsor elements, character commercials, unaired spin-off pilot and featurette with Jerry Beck.

    We couldn’t have done this project without the help of numerous fans and collectors – dedicated in helping to preserve this otherwise “lost” series.

    Here’s How You Can Help: Should any film collector have either of the following episodes on 16mm, in color, and would be willing to loan the film for the official restoration project, they will receive special credit on the DVD both in print and onscreen in addition to receiving complimentary DVD releases from MPI Home Video – and will be mentioned in an upcoming article, unless anonymity is preferred.

    These are the 2 priority episodes needed:

    Syndicated Episode 2008 (also ABC Episode A-53 and A-14)
    Company wrap-arounds: Linus Submarine
    Linus cartoon: The Talking Rock
    Sugar Bear: Trick Banjo
    Lovable Truly: Flop Flop
    So-Hi: Jolly Roger

    Syndicated Episode 2018 (also ABC Episode A-71 and A-32)
    Company wrap-arounds: Sugar Bear, Linus Says
    Linus cartoon: The Gallant Grouse
    Rory Raccoon: Circus Stars
    Lovable Truly: The Flying Dog Catcher
    So-Hi: Miss Muffet & The Spider

    Also, if anyone has any CBS prints, black and white or color, please let us know as a couple of elements from those need to be upgraded.

    Note: Australian prints are also in circulation with different #s.

    In the end, THANK YOU to anyone else who can kindly lend a hand or point us in the direction of anyone who may have film prints.

    EDITOR’S NOTE – Part 2: A few things to note – to be clear: Jim actually HAS these episodes, but they are damaged or in poor shape. They will be going on the DVD one way or another. He’s simply looking for better copies to scan for eternity. Unfortunately, Ed Graham’s personal set of episodes were lost. You can let us know if you have these prints – or leads to them – either in the comments below, or by contacting Jerry via email jerrybeck18@gmail.com – Also, mark your calendars for the February 2nd Linus broadcast on MeTV Toons – that episode (#20) features several segments scanned from 35mm – a real treat. Happy New Year everyone!
    – Jerry Beck

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