"Now you know. And knowing is half the battle. Yo Joe!"
Remember those public service announcements from the '80s "G.I. Joe" cartoon? They aired at the end of each episode and taught boys and girls not to give out their addresses to strangers, or how to safely avoid downed power lines. They typically starred popular Joe characters like Duke or Roadblock.
Pixar's 2013 Halloween TV special "Toy Story of Terror" introduced a new toy named Combat Carl, who was voiced by Carl Weathers. On the forthcoming Blu-ray and DVD release of "Toy Story of Terror" is a new short starring Combat Carl. For this short, Pixar has dipped a toe into old-school, cel-shaded, 2D animation, like that seen in "G.I. Joe" and other cartoons from yesteryear.
Also, it just so happens that Combat Carl has a more than casual resemblance to Roadblock.
See where this is going?
Pixar's "Combat Carl PSA" strikes a strong G.I. Joe PSA vibe, and that's entirely intentional. But behind the wink-wink homage (you can practically hear the animators cackling with maniacal glee), there's a useful message. Combat Carl, it seems, has issues with the way that most people cough in public.
It's just not cool to cough into open air with an uncovered mouth. Most people think that it's a good idea to cover your mouth with your hand. Wrong! Now you're spreading germs onto everything and everyone you touch.
To learn the proper method, watch the "Combat Carl PSA" below. And pick up "Toy Story of Terror" on Blu-ray and DVD this coming Tuesday, Aug. 19.
