Yes, it's based on a joke. (Hey, it's a SHORT animation film, right?) Yeah, it's from 1971, with 1971 technology, audio, acting, drawing, and dialog.
Still, it was humorous in its day.
As a theater manager in the mid-70s, I sometimes showed this prior to our main features (back before you PAID to see ADVERTISING on the big screen) and the audience always roared.
I'm not so harsh on this as some.... in those days we definitely needed a big laugh to escape the real world, even if for only a few minutes.
Give Crunch Bird a fair shake for what it is... a short piece of fluff that entertained the audiences of the day.
P.S. I can't speak to the points regarding the Academy selection, not having seen (or having seen but not remembered) the other contenders.
Still, it was humorous in its day.
As a theater manager in the mid-70s, I sometimes showed this prior to our main features (back before you PAID to see ADVERTISING on the big screen) and the audience always roared.
I'm not so harsh on this as some.... in those days we definitely needed a big laugh to escape the real world, even if for only a few minutes.
Give Crunch Bird a fair shake for what it is... a short piece of fluff that entertained the audiences of the day.
P.S. I can't speak to the points regarding the Academy selection, not having seen (or having seen but not remembered) the other contenders.