Director
Jim Kammerud
Cast
Jonah Bobo”¦”¦”¦Tod
Jeff Foxworthy”¦”¦”¦Lyle
Reba McEntire”¦”¦”¦Dixie
Patrick Swayze”¦”¦”¦Cash
DVD Release Date: December 12, 2006
Rating: G
Running Time: 69 Minutes
The Movie
In the days when a sequel just seems to mean more cash for a movie company, Disney is sure to make its way into the direct to DVD business. Sequels to The Little Mermaid, Lady And The Tramp, and Tarzan all did great numbers in DVD sales and are spawning sometimes parts three and four. It was all a matter of time before ever-popular The Fox And The Hound found it’s sequel on store shelves.
The film starts out with the unlikely friendship of Tod (a fox) and Copper (a bloodhound) still just looking to have as much fun as possible, but always ending up in trouble. And what’s the best way to get into more trouble? Well go to where there are more humans and lots of them”¦the county fair.
Tod stumbles across a singing group of dogs called “The Singin’ Strays” who just so happen to lose their lead singer when it’s almost stage time. Copper, who loves to howl, is star struck by the group and gets a little carried away at their show. His singing is heard by the group and they give Copper a chance and he’s an instant hit with the crowd so he’s earned himself a job. Sure Tod is going to cheer his best friend on, but that only lasts for so long when Copper finds that fame may have its advantages over good friendship. Can Tod win back his friend? Does Copper feel the same loneliness or is he happy with his new life? Some excellent music and fun laughs actually get you to that conclusion.
Even though a sequel, there isn’t much there to connect the two films. There’s a bit of a lack of continuity in calling it a sequel as they are more so two stand-alone films. I’m still a huge Disney fan and have been ever since I was a little kid. I grew up watching the movies and actually have always loved The Fox And The Hound, yet I’m a bit of a skeptic when it comes to direct to DVD sequels. Disney has proven my feelings wrong but providing a very entertaining film that is full of some heartfelt moments and great music.
I really liked the way it gave me a feel of the older Disney animated films with a true lesson to be learned and songs that got your toe tapping even if you aren’t a fan of country music, as I am not. The great talents lending their voices to the film helps bring about the big time feel of the movie as if it came straight from the theatres. I long though for the days of the older animation when backgrounds weren’t very 3-D looking and the films were somewhat grainy. Don’t get me wrong, the film is beautiful and my personal feelings take nothing away from it because other then that, it really made me think I was a kid again watching the original The Fox And The Hound for the first time.
The Video
The film is seen 1.78:1 “Family Friendly” Widescreen and looks good. My only gripe is personal as I’ve said before, I am not a big fan of the “new” animation look that is out now. I enjoyed the older look of Snow White or even Aladdin, but other then that the film looks extremely well made for direct to DVD.
The Audio
The film is heard in DTS 5.1 Digital Surround Sound and really does sound fantastic. It kind of needed to with the amount of songs that are included, but the music, dialogue, and sound effects all come through perfectly.
Special Features
The Making Of The Music – Director and cast discuss how the music help generate the country feel of the entire movie.
“You Know I Will” Music Video Performed By Lucas Grabeel
Mutt Mix Master – Fun little game where you can mix in instruments and dogs howling and barking to a particular tune. Even more options and songs are available if you pop the DVD into your computer.
Disney DVD GameWorld Dogs Edition – A short demo of a cute Disney game including dogs from Disney movies including Pluto and Scamp.
“Goofy And Wilbur” Animated Short – One of my all-time favorite cartoons of Goofy going on a fishing trip with his little friend Wilbur.
Sneak Peeks – Some previews for upcoming Disney DVDs.
The Inside Pulse
A heartwarming film that really is enjoyable in story and musical numbers, The Fox And The Hound 2 DVD is a worthwhile couple ours for both children and adults alike. The extras don’t provide endless hours of entertainment like most DVDs out there today, but they still give some nice looks behind the music and fun games to pass the time. If you’re a Disney collector or not, I recommend picking this one up for a fun-loving country time.
