Disney unleashes ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND’ and ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND 2’ together on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital so you can enjoy both beloved classics at home and wherever you roam!
Experience these timeless tales of true friendship, set against a backdrop of comedy and music in perfect harmony! With loveable characters, brilliant animation, stellar voice talent and unforgettable songs, ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND – TWO MOVIE COLLECTION features two heart-warming stories of laughter, loyalty and trust that your family will treasure forever!
‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND’ [1981]
Voice Cast: Mickey Rooney (Tod voice), Kurt Russell (Copper voice), Pearl Bailey (Big Mama voice), Jack Albertson (Amos Slade voice), Sandy Duncan (Vixey voice), Jeanette Nolan (Widow Tweed voice), Pat Buttram (Chief voice), John Fiedler (Porcupine voice), John McIntire (Badger voice), Richard Bakalyan (Dinky voice), Paul Winchell (Boomer voice), Keith Coogan (Young Tod voice), Corey Feldman (Young Copper voice), “Squeeks” the Caterpillar (Self voice), Billy Bletcher (Squeeks voice) (archive sound) (uncredited), Brian Cummings (Mr. Horse voice) (uncredited), Linda Gary (Lucy the Butterfly voice) (uncredited), James MacDonald (Bear growling voice) (uncredited) and Clarence Nash (Bear snarling voice) (uncredited)
Directors: Art Stevens, David Hand(earlier film clips) (uncredited), Richard Rich, Ted Berman and Wolfgang Reitherman (earlier film clips) (uncredited)
Producers: Art Stevens, Ron Miller and Wolfgang Reitherman
Screenplay: Daniel P. Mannix (based on the book), Burny Mattinson (story), David Michener (story), Earl Kres (story), Larry Clemmons (story), Peter Young (story), Steve Hulett (story), Ted Berman (story) and Vance Gerry (story)
Composer: Buddy Baker
Image Resolution: Blu-ray: 1080p (Color by Technicolor) + DVD: 1080i (Color by Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 (Panavision)
Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
French: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Spanish: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Subtitles: English, French and Spanish
Running Time: Blu-ray: 82 minutes + DVD: 82 minutes
Region: Blu-ray: All Regions + DVD: NTSC
Number of discs: 2
Studio: Buena Vista Distribution / Walt Disney Pictures
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND’ [1981] is an American animated buddy drama film loosely based on the Daniel P. Mannix novel of the same name produced by Walt Disney Productions and released in the United States on the 10th July, 1981 and it's the 24th film in the Disney Animated Canon. It tells the story of two unlikely friends. A red fox named Tod (Mickey Rooney) and a hound dog named Copper (Kurt Russell) who struggles to preserve their friendship, despite their emerging instincts and the surrounding social pressures demanding them to be adversaries. Tod and Copper meet when young and become friends. They play together all summer long, but as they reach adulthood, they become enemies because real hounds hunt foxes for food.
Despite originally receiving mixed reviews, the animated film enjoyed a moderate financial hit and has developed a low cult following and was nominated for three awards. It stars the voices of Kurt Russell, Mickey Rooney, Pearl Bailey, Pat Buttram, Sandy Duncan, Richard Bakalyan, Paul Winchell, Jack Albertson, Jeanette Nolan, John Fiedler, John McIntire, Keith Coogan, and Corey Feldman.
THE FOX AND THE HOUND MUSIC TRACK LIST
BEST OF FRIENDS (1981) (Music by Richard O. Johnston) (Lyrics by Stan Fidel) [Performed by Pearl Bailey] (uncredited)
LACK OF EDUCATION (1981) (Music by Jim Stafford) (Lyrics by Jim Stafford) [Performed by Pearl Bailey] (uncredited)
A HUNTIN’ MAN (1981) (Music by Jim Stafford) (Lyrics by Jim Stafford) [Performed by Jack Albertson] (uncredited)
APPRECIATED THE LADY (1981) (Music by Jim Stafford) (Lyrics by Jim Stafford) [Performed by Pearl Bailey] (uncredited)
GOODBYE MAY SEEM FOREVER (1981) (Music by Richard Rich) (Lyrics by Jeffrey C. Patch) [Performed by Jeanette Nolan (uncredited) and Chorus]
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‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND 2’ [2006]
Voice Cast: Reba McEntire (Dixie voice), Patrick Swayze (Cash voice), Jonah Bobo (Tod voice), Harrison Fahn (Copper voice), Jeff Foxworthy (Lyle voice), Vicki Lawrence (Granny Rose voice), Stephen Root (Talent Scout voice), Jeff Bennett (Additional voices), Jim Cummings (Additional voices), Grey Griffin (Additional voices), Hannah Farr (Additional voices), Kath Soucie (Additional voices), April Winchell (Additional voices), Rob Paulsen (Additional voices), Russi Taylor (Additional voices) and Krista Swan (voice) (uncredited)
Director: Jim Kammerud
Producers: Catherine A. Jones, Danielle Legovich, Ferrell Barron and Joelle Spencer-Gilchrist
Screenplay: Daniel P. Mannix (book) (uncredited), Rich Burns (screenplay) and Roger S.H. Schulman (screenplay)
Composer: Joel McNeely
Image Resolution: Blu-ray 1080p (Color by Technicolor) + DVD: 1080i (Color by Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
French: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Spanish: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Subtitles: English, French and Spanish
Running Time: Blu-ray: 69 minutes + DVD: 69 minutes
Region: Blu-ray: All Regions + DVD: NTSC
Number of discs: 2
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures / Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND 2’ [2006] to some this sequel is in fact not really a sequel. The story of the film takes place when best friends Tod the red fox (Jonah Bobo) and Copper the hound dog (Harrison Fahn), back as teenage pups from the first film, visit a country fair in Nashville, Tennessee when they see a band of dogs called “The Singin' Strays.” The band has five members: Dixie (Reba McEntire), Cash (Patrick Swayze), Granny Rose (Vicki Lawrence), and twin brothers Waylon (Jim Cummings)and Floyd (Jim Cummings). Their band leader is Lyle Snodgrass (Jeff Foxworthy). It is important that they perform well because a talent scout from the Grand Ole Opry (Stephen Root) will be at the fair. Cash and Dixie get into an argument, and Dixie walks off before their performance, forcing them to go on stage without her. During the show, Copper sings along, and Cash invites the pup up on stage to sing with them. The musical number is a success. Cash invites Copper to join the band, which he does upon promising that he is a “stray.” Copper spends the entire day with Cash, forgetting his promise to watch fireworks with Tod.
THE FOX AND THE HOUND 2 MUSIC TRACK LIST
FRIENDS FOR LIFE (Music by Marcus Hummon) (Lyrics by Marcus Hummon) [Performed by One Flew South]
WE’RE IN HARMONY (Music by Will Robinson) (Lyrics by Will Robinson) [Performed by The Singin' Strays, Reba McEntire as Dixie, Patrick Swayze as Cash, Vicki Lawrence as Granny, Jim Cummings as Waylon and Floyd, and Harrison Fahn as Copper] (Arranged by Michael Weiner and Alan Zachary) [Vocal Arrangement by Harry Stinson] [Additional Vocals by The Nashville Chorus and Randy Crenshaw]
HOUND DUDE (Music by Will Robinson) (Lyrics by Will Robinson) [Performed by Joshua Gracin with Patrick Swayze as Cash] [Background Vocals by Louis Dean Nunley, John Wesley Ryles and Harry Stinson]
GOOD DOGGIE, NO BONE! (Music by Marcus Hummon) (Lyrics by Marcus Hummon) (Arranged by Marcus Hummon) [Performed by Reba McEntire] [Background Vocals by Tanya Hancheroff, Marcus Hummon, Lisa Davis Scott and The Los Angeles Chorus]
BLUE BEYOND (Music by Gordon Kennedy and Blair Masters) (Lyrics by Gordon Kennedy) (Produced by Garth Fundis Jonathan) [Performed by Trisha Yearwood]
WE GO TOGETHER (Music by Marcus Hummon) (Lyrics by Marcus Hummon) (Produced by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Marcus Hummon) [Performed by Little Big Town with The Singin “Strays”]
YOU KNOW I WILL (Music by Gordon Kennedy) (Lyrics by Gordon Kennedy) (Produced by Matthew Gerrard) [Performed by Lucas Grabeel]
WE’RE IN HARMONY (End Title Version) (Arranged by Will Robinson) [Performed by Chip Davis]
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Blu-ray Image Quality – ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND’ is presented with a 1.66:1 aspect ratio and ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND 2’ is presented with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Both animated cartoons are presented in a wonderful 1080p high definition. The remastered version of ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND’ is a significant improvement over the previous release. For an animated cartoon ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND’ that was released in 1981, the folks at Disney did a very excellent job overall with the restoration, and the close ups appear to have had more restoration than the wider shots. The Technicolor image is bright and consistent but there is still quite a bit of visual noise, especially evident when looking at some of the snowy scenes. ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND 2’ is obviously a much up to date animated cartoon and definitely surpasses even the remastered original ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND’ when it comes to bright vivid colours and image quality overall is really good.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND’ and ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND 2’ animated cartoons are presented in English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio experience. Dialogue is clear and intelligible throughout both and both are good mixes. The first animated cartoon remixed soundtrack is quite good for its age. ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND’ and ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND 2’ animated cartoons utilise all of the channels but of course the second animated cartoon does a better job of that as it provides more emphasis on the rear channels. Music and effects sound good but again, the music for animated cartoon sequel comes across much better which is understandable as it is the newer animated cartoon. Fans of ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND’ and ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND 2’ animated cartoons should be very pleased with the audio for both animated cartoons. The French: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio and Spanish: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio tracks are available as well as the English, French and Spanish subtitles. There are no real major complaints for the animated cartoons ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND’ and ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND 2.’
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Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: Disney Blu-ray and Disney DVD Trailers: The Lion King – Diamond Edition Blu-ray Release [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] + Spooky Buddies: Curse Of The Halloween Hound [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] + DUMBO [2011] [1080p] [1.37:1] Running Time: 3:47
Special Feature: Unlikely Friends [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] [7:25] With this featurette, it looks at unlikely animal pairings of friends in Disney movies and with real life animals. Question and answer sections asks the viewer which animals would be friends. We learn about symbiosis and animal instincts from Gary Wilson [Professor of Animal Science].
Special Feature: Discover Disney Blu-ray 3D with Timon & Pumba [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1 / 2.35:1] [4:23] With this featurette, we get to view a commercial for 3D Blu-ray players and TVs. I don’t think you can really advertise 3D in 2D but that doesn’t stop Disney from trying.
Special Feature: Learn How To Take Your Favourite Movies On The Go [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] [1:04] With this featurette, we get to find out about DisneyFile Digital Copy and the information is explained in-depth when watching movies on any device when you input a code from your purchase of any Disney Blu-ray disc. This system is compatible with iTunes and Windows Media Player.
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DVD Special Features and Extras:
The Fox and the Hound DVD:
Special Feature: “The Best of Friends” sing along – This is a Disney Karaoke, with a bouncing Mickey Mouse logo over the words. This plays over the clearly unretouched original film and you makes you appreciate the visual quality of the remastered Blu-ray disc.
Special Feature: Passing the Baton – The “old guys” Animators at Disney discus the passing the animated cartoons on to the “new guys.” Contains classic footage of an animator watching Pearl Bailey perform her role.
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The Fox and the Hound 2 DVD:
Special Feature: Music Video “You Know I Will” – With this Lucas Grabeel’s music video, we get to view the way Lucas Grabeel holds the camera at times during the video and his sideways hat is kind of very annoying. Actually, Lucas Grabeel is kind of very annoying throughout the whole video, but there again I am not a teenager, and I’m clearly not Lucas Grabeel’s target audience. Despite this, Lucas Grabeel has at least a good voice.
Special Feature: Backstage Disney: The Making of the Music – Filmmakers and musicians discuss creating the country style music for the film in Nashville.
Please Note: This will annoy those who already own it on standard definition who want to upgrade at the lowest price possible, but potentially, those who don't already have the film on DVD may have young children who might want to watch it on a portable DVD player.
Finally, upon opening the Blu-ray case, I was surprised at how they were packaged – with two DVD’s stacked directly on top of each other. Usually they are separated to prevent damage. I also did not like having some of the special features put on the two DVD discs, especially when there is so few offered that it makes no sense. Although I watched all three discs to complete this review, I would have expected to find all of these special features included only on the Blu-ray disc and to be able to only use only the Blu-ray disc to review all of the special features. Although the sequel seemed unnecessary to me, I’m guessing the music filled the sequel that will appeal more to some more than the original animated cartoon. ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND’ and ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND 2’ animated cartoons is not quite top of my list of Disney favourite animated cartoons, but I am still very glad to have them as part of my Disney collection. You never know which ones will appeal to young children at a certain age, so I just plan to collect them all whenever they are released on a Blu-ray disc. And for those who have never taken the time to watch this often-forgotten animated cartoon ‘THE FOX AND THE HOUND’ should of course take the opportunity to enjoy it in its best quality release to date. Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
