Peter Cottontail

About This Movie

So, Peter Cottontail is this jazzy little piece of animation from 1951 that captures that breezy, upbeat vibe of the early 50s. The animation is pretty loose and exhilarating, thanks largely to Grim Natwick's touch – you can really see the UPA influence here, with its stylish design. It's less about a structured narrative and more about the joy of Easter, with catchy tunes that stick in your head. The atmosphere is playful and vibrant, making it a fun watch, even if it doesn't dive too deep into themes. It's got that cool little bunny delivering baskets of joy, and it's just charming in a way that feels very much of its time.

Peter Cottontail has had a varied distribution history, with its original format being 16mm and later appearing in various VHS and DVD compilations. It's not the rarest in terms of availability, but collectors often seek out the original 16mm prints, which can be harder to find. There's definitely an interest in the animation style and the historical context of the film, especially among those who appreciate the early work of Natwick and the UPA aesthetic.