In this day and age of television entertainment, online streaming services are gradually becoming the norm in the source of programming. Stories abound on net forums and social media about TV viewers taking the bold step of “cutting the cord” of cable service. Thanks to pioneers like Netflix, it’s beginning to look like more and more stuff to watch are likely to be found streaming. There are even thematic services going around now. For example, Time Warner is gearing up to introduce a new streaming service that’ll be a total hoot for couch potatoes who enjoyed watching old cartoons, especially from the likes of three major (non-Disney) animation labels from the past.
The best of retro cartoons
Rather appropriately enough, the new service is named Boomerang, after the Time Warner cable channel that specializes in airing oldie cartoons (in some countries and territories, Boomerang could be a special block of TW’s other animation channel Cartoon Network). What it means is this online streaming service will feature the classic cartoons that most viewers of a certain age grew up with. Fans of retro Warner Bros. can go Boomerang and get their fill of “Merrie Melodies” and “Looney Tunes.” Those of a more Hanna-Barbera persuasion might prefer their own stable from Yogi Bear to Huckleberry Hound, the Flintstones or Jetsons, or the meddling kids from “Scooby Doo.” MGM Animation can offer Tom & Jerry, Spyke & Tyke, Droopy and so on.
But don’t get the impression that the streaming version of Boomerang is all old stuff. Warner Bros. Animation has also cooked up a new cartoon series to sell the value of their new VOD service really. This is “Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz”, an all-new retelling of the much-adapted book.
Exclusive only here
Time Warner says in their announcement of Boomerang that their new streaming service will be the first to stream these popular old cartoons online, and access to the media will be exclusive only to their subscribers.
For fans that appreciated animation from the old days and would like to share this enjoyment with their kids for instance, then Boomerang is right up their alley. With a monthly subscription of $4.99 or a yearly fee of $39.99, the service’s massive library of WB, HB and MGM cartoon hits will be up for perusal. Boomerang will start out on the net, iOS, and Android, and may later appear on Apple TV and Amazon devices in the future. For offering something of a niche media akin to Microsoft Xbox games, Time Warner is certain to have a hit on their hands with Boomerang online.
