For over six decades, a flexible green figure and his orange horse companion have captivated audiences with their whimsical adventures. Gumby, the brainchild of visionary animator Art Clokey, is more than just a classic cartoon; it's a cornerstone of stop-motion clay animation history. Its unique, hand-sculpted charm offers a tactile, dreamlike quality that stands in stark contrast to today's digital animation, reminding us of the artistry and patience required to bring inanimate clay to life, frame by painstaking frame.
This enduring legacy is now meticulously preserved in definitive home video collections. For fans and collectors, acquiring a comprehensive set is the ultimate tribute. One standout offering is the extensive The Gumby Show Complete 1950's / Gumby Complete 1960's collection. This remarkable gift set consolidates the character's foundational eras into a single, treasure-filled package.
The Genesis of a Green Legend: Art Clokey's Vision
The story of Gumby is inextricably linked to the genius of its creator, Art Clokey. After studying under film legend Slavko Vorkapich, Clokey experimented with clay animation, leading to the 1955 short film 'Gumbasia,' a surreal parody of Disney's 'Fantasia' created with clay shapes. This experimental film caught the attention of producers and led to the creation of Gumby, whose name was inspired by the clay mixture Clokey's father referred to as 'gumbo.'
Clokey's philosophy was one of gentle adventure and boundless imagination. Gumby's world wasn't about conflict or fast-paced gags; it was about exploration, curiosity, and kindness. The character's simple green form and wire armature allowed for an incredible range of expressive movement, making him the perfect clay canvas for storytelling. This artistic approach established a new genre within animation, proving that clay animation could sustain a beloved series and connect deeply with viewers.
Navigating the Gumby Universe: A Guide to the Classic Episodes
With over 120 episodes spanning the 1950s and 1960s, the Gumby series is a vast landscape of creativity. The early 1950s episodes, often in black and white, establish the core premise: Gumby and his best friend Pokey the horse can leap into books on a library shelf, transporting themselves to different worlds and historical periods. This simple device allowed for an incredible variety of settings, from the Wild West to ancient Egypt.
The 1960s episodes, now in color, expanded the universe. The iconic Blockheads—antagonistic, block-shaped creatures—were introduced, providing gentle comedic conflict. Characters like Prickle the dinosaur and Goo the flying mermaid joined the cast. The narratives often involved helping others, solving puzzles, or exploring the wonders of science and nature. This volume of content, representing over 11 hours of animation, is a testament to the prolific and imaginative output of Clokey and his team.
Why a Restored Collection is Essential for True Fans
Time has not been kind to many classic film and television archives. For decades, fans of Gumby had to make do with fuzzy, low-resolution copies transferred from aging broadcast tapes. The colors were faded, the audio was muffled, and the beautiful texture of the clay was lost. This is where the value of a fully restored animation set becomes immeasurable.
A proper restoration involves going back to the original film elements, meticulously cleaning each frame of dust and scratches, digitally stabilizing the image, and re-mastering the audio for clarity. The result is a viewing experience that is as close as possible to the animators' original intent. You can see the fingerprints in the clay, the subtle gradients of color in Gumby's form, and the intricate details of the miniature sets. For a series whose appeal lies in its handmade artistry, this restoration is not a luxury—it's a revelation, allowing a new generation to appreciate the craft in its full glory.
Inside the Ultimate Gumby Gift Set: More Than Just DVDs
While streaming offers convenience, it cannot replicate the tangible joy of a premium DVD collection designed as a gift set. The comprehensive collection we're discussing transcends being a mere video package. The inclusion of three figurines—typically Gumby, Pokey, and often a Blockhead or Prickle—transforms it into a collectible display piece. These figurines bridge the gap between the on-screen animation and the physical world, allowing fans to hold a piece of the history they are watching.
The 6-disc set is logically organized, separating the pioneering 1950s episodes from the vibrant 1960s chapters. This structure allows viewers to appreciate the artistic evolution of the series. Furthermore, such sets often include valuable bonus features: documentaries on Art Clokey's life and techniques, behind-the-scenes footage of the animation process, and commentary from historians or surviving crew members. This contextual material enriches the viewing experience, providing a deeper understanding of why Gumby remains a significant cultural artifact. For anyone seeking the definitive archive, this type of collection, like the one detailed here, represents the pinnacle of home media preservation for this classic series.
The Enduring Appeal of Claymation and Gumby's Cultural Impact
In an age of computer-generated imagery, why does the simple charm of clay animation still resonate? The answer lies in its humanity and imperfection. Every slight wobble, every reshaping of a character's face, is a direct record of an artist's hand at work. This creates a warmth and organic feel that is difficult to replicate digitally. Gumby is the patriarch of this tradition, inspiring countless animators, from Nick Park (Wallace & Gromit) to the creators of modern adult-oriented claymation.
Gumby's influence extends far beyond television. The character became a merchandising phenomenon, with toys, lunchboxes, and of course, the iconic bendable figure. He has been referenced in countless films, TV shows, and music videos, and even had a brief revival in the 1980s with a new series. This flexibility—both literal and figurative—has cemented Gumby as a symbol of adaptability, creativity, and nostalgic joy. He represents a slower, more imaginative form of storytelling that continues to offer a unique comfort and inspiration.
Conclusion: A Timeless Treasure Restored
The journey of Gumby from a lump of clay to a global icon is a remarkable story of artistic vision. For those who grew up with his adventures, or for new viewers discovering them, the value of a complete, high-quality collection cannot be overstated. It preserves not just episodes, but a piece of animation history and a specific, heartfelt approach to children's entertainment. A restored DVD collection with physical collectibles, like the extensive set featuring over 120 episodes and figurines, is the ultimate way to honor the legacy of Art Clokey and ensure that the gentle, green dreamer and his friend Pokey continue to inspire wonder and flexibility in imaginations for generations to come.
