Release Date: 08/9/11
Genre: Animation, Family
Rating: G
Directors: Ted Berman, Richard Rich, et al
Screenwriters: Daniel P. Mannix, Larry Clemmons, et al
Studio: Walt Disney Studios
Starring: Mickey Rooney, Kurt Russell, Pearl Bailey, Sandy Duncan
Running Time: 83 Minutes

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, The Fox and the Hound is now available to own on Blu-ray Combo Pack from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, along with its 2006 sequel, The Fox and the Hound 2.
Originally released during the summer of 1981, The Fox and the Hound tells the story of Tod, an orphaned fox and Copper, a young hound dog.  While being fostered out in the country by the sweet Widow Tweed, Tod innocently befriends Copper, for whom he has no natural animosity, despite Copper’s pedigree of hunting and tracking.  Copper’s owner, the hunter Amos Slade, holds no love for Tod and would do just about anything to rid the countryside of this displaced kit.  When Copper leaves town for the hunting season, both he and his friend grow and mature during their time apart.  When they reunite, Copper, Tod and those they love must contend with some difficult obstacles in the face of these natural life changes.  A fox is not meant to be domesticated, and having a friendship with a hound dog is almost an impossibility.  In the end, the lessons of compromise and forgiveness are learned on both sides.

The Fox and the Hound was released before the Disney renaissance of the late 80’s and early 90’s, before The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.  It’s very much a transitional piece between the classics that were helmed by the studio’s “Nine Old Men”, creators of works such as Snow White, Dumbo and Sleeping Beauty.  And while it does hold many of the old classics’ characteristics, it doesn’t meet the same standards set by other animal-based, coming of age films such as Bambi or The Lion King.  The story, music and animation fall short in many respects.  However, The Fox and the Hound is a sweet tale with some great life lessons.  It holds a special place in my heart, as I was 10 years old when I saw it in the theater on its original release.  I learned about the value of friendship and loyalty with those who wouldn’t normally be seen as typical associates.  Tod and Copper had to overcome stereotyping and prejudice, and did so in brave fashion.  The Fox and the Hound may not be Disney Studio’s greatest work, but it’s a fine piece that the whole family can enjoy.

The Fox and the Hound 2
Genre: Animation, Family
Rating: G
Directors: Jim Kammerud
Screenwriters: Roger S.H. Schulman, Rich Burns, et al
Studio: DisneyToon Studios
Starring: Reba McEntire, Patrick Swayze and Jonah Bobo
Running Time: 69 Minutes

Originally released direct to video in 2006, The Fox and the Hound 2 is a nice addition to this Blu-ray set.  While the cast doesn’t have the likes of Mickey Rooney and Kurt Russell, there are still several stars involved in this project. Tod is played by Jonah Bobo, seen recently in Crazy, Stupid, Love.  Country superstar Reba McEntire has a major part, and Patrick Swayze is her love interest, one of his final roles before his death in 2009.

As The Fox and the Hound 2 was direct to video, it doesn’t have the scope and look of a full length feature film.  The story line is a bit more simplistic, with Copper and Tod discovering the hound dog pup’s love of music while still childhood friends.  There’s a bit of adventure and relational conflict as they run off to join a touring group of harmonizing dogs.  Copper becomes a bit of a star and Tod has to deal with living in his shadow, outside of the group.  Ultimately Copper has to choose between his friendship with Tod and his newfound fame.

The music in this sequel is far better than the original, with well-produced country and bluegrass music filling the bulk of the soundtrack.  Reba McEntire’s lovely voice was put to good use, and fans of hers would be well served to check out this simple, yet fun video.  It was also a bittersweet thing to hear Patrick Swayze again, before cancer took him from us far too soon.  Like its predecessor, The Fox and the Hound 2 is no great classic, but it’s a great addition to this Blu-ray Combo Pack.

Blu-ray Disc and Features

Regarding the Blu-ray release of The Fox and the Hound, Disney has produced a standard package for this reissue.  The animation has been cleaned up nicely.  It doesn’t match the beauty and clarity of other works, but it’s possible that the images may look nicer than they did in 1981.  The soundtrack still sounds dated, stuck with a late 70’s television show tone.  There is one new special feature, an educational piece about differing animal species forming friendships in domestic and natural surroundings.  It was educational, and my two boys enjoyed it as well.

Other extras are included in the Combo Pack on the enclosed DVDs, both music videos and some behind the scenes footage.  Passing the Baton on The Fox and the Hound DVD particularly addresses the transitional nature of the film.

Blu-ray Disc:

• Unlikely Friends: A fun and fascinating collection of unlikely friendships in the animal kingdom (All-New)

DVD’s:

The Fox and the Hound

• “Best of Friends” Sing-A-Long Music Video

• Passing the Baton: Making of The Fox and the Hound

The Fox and the Hound 2

• “You Know I Will” Music Video – Starring High School Musical alum Lucas Grabeel

• The Making of the Music Featurette