I seldom consider press releases newsworthy, but considering this is combining two of my favorite things (Gumby and YouTube), it’s worth mentioning in an official capacity:

Gumby’s Golden! Today marks the 50th anniversary of “The Gumby Show” TV premiere. To celebrate the anniversary of this groundbreaking television series, Gumby is going digital. Starting today, classic TV episodes from the 1950s and 60s, including the pilot “Gumby on the Moon,” are launching on Google and AOL/In2TV, as well as a dedicated Gumby area on YouTube at the DMGI channel.

Over the next few months all 200+ Gumby episodes will roll out to the digital channels. For his anniversary close-up, the original Clayboy has had a makeover. Joe Clokey, son of Gumby creator, Art Clokey, has digitally remastered each episode from the classic TV series. The original soundtrack has also been restored. Gumby’s digital debut will be the first time the beloved series has been seen in its original format in over twenty years. After more than 40 years, the 50s episodes have also been restored to their original eleven minute format (from previously re-edited two six minute shorts).

You know, I didn’t get into Gumby until decades after the episodes were created and released – thanks to the magic of cable television. Now, a completely new digital generation may enjoy them in ways I never could (as a kid).

Gumby and Pokey coming to YouTube