Disney’s 24th animated film, The Fox and the Hound began production during a time of transition at the studio. Although the two surviving members of Disney’s legendary “Nine Old Men” began work on the project in 1977, they soon stepped aside, passing their duties to a new generation of animation masters, among them Don Bluth. Two years later, Bluth declared Disney’s work “stale” and walked out with eleven others to form his own studio. Production of The Fox and the Hound was left in a state of flux. Finally released in 1981, the film managed to achieve minor classic status. It’s still an animated favorite of mine.
Disney’s 2006 direct-to-video “midquel,” The Fox and the Hound II had none of the behind-the-scenes drama, but is probably best forgotten. With little regard for the simple, sweet, yet ultimately tragic original, the “midquel” actually tarnishes the reputation of the original. Since this was a direct-to-video release, once can only assume the studio saw it as an avenue to some easy cash. The Fox and the Hound II is so forgettable; one would wonder why Disney felt it deserved a high-definition release.
The Fox and the Hound tells the story of Tod and Copper (voiced by Keith Mitchell and Corey Feldman), an orphaned red fox and a coonhound pup that form an unlikely friendship, in the face of others telling them they’re natural enemies. Months later, their relationship begins to unravel. Tod (Mickey Rooney) is thrilled to welcome Copper home from a hunting trip, but Copper (Kurt Russell) has come back a different dog; he understands a caring relationship with a fox can’t last. Unfortunately, while Copper is explaining his new understanding to Tod, another hunting dog named Chief (Pat Buttram) sees the two chatting and suddenly begins chasing a startled Tod. When Chief is injured in an accident, Copper and his owner, Amos Slade (Jack Albertson), hold Tod responsible, and come up with a plan to poach Tod.
The Fox and the Hound takes a decidedly dark turn midway through the second act. In this case, it’s that turn that makes this film truly memorable. The numerous storywriters and screenwriters Ted Berman and Larry Clemmons crafted a narrative that said something without resorting to clichés. They explore an unlikely friendship with care and thoughtfulness.
Admittedly, the animation here isn’t Disney’s best. And there are moments where the narrative is a bit uneven. Beyond that, some of the supporting characters aren’t as fully developed as one might like. Even so, The Fox and the Hound is a highly enjoyable film.
The Fox and the Hound II shares little in common with its predecessor, though it does involve a story concerning Tod and Copper (now voiced by Jonah Bobo and Harrison Fahn, respectively) when they were still young, naive and the best of friends. However, the focus of things isn’t Tod and Copper, but rather The Singin’ Strays ; a band of country music-beltin’ pooches — Cash (Patrick Swayze), Dixie (Reba McEntire), Granny (Vicki Lawrence) and twins Floyd and Waylon (Jim Cummings) — hoping to impress a talent scout at the local fair. Trouble strikes when Dixie leaves the band at the last minute. But when Copper discovers a hidden talent, he takes her place and finds himself dreaming of a life touring with the Strays. Meanwhile, Tod, hurt and jealous, comes up with a plan to keep Copper from joining the band. That leads to misunderstandings and eventual reconciliation. Can Tod and Copper reunite the Singin’ Strays? Can they teach Cash and Dixie the value of true friendship?
This one might keep some little ones occupied for one viewing; otherwise it’s not worth much.
Presented in 1.66:1 aspect ratio, Disney has remastered The Fox and the Hound, so the film looks great for its age. The colors have a nice, new pop. While some of the background imagery doesn’t appear as vibrant, the muted backdrop makes the characters and the action appear even sharper than ever.
It should be noted there is a wavy line that’s present throughout most of the film. It’s on the right side of the screen, right on the edge. It comes, it goes, and sometimes it’s so soft that you barely notice it. Sometimes it’s also dancing up a storm. That said, you really have to look for it. Disney has obviously put a lot of effort into this restoration.
Not as much needed to be done to The Fox and the Hound II, which was released in 2006. The colors are wonderful throughout the film, as is the detail. It’s what we’d expect from a newer film, but certainly deserves praise, considering it’s a direct-to-video release.
Both films get the DTS-HD Master Audio treatment. The Fox and the Hound II does a lot more with it, though. The first film sounds wonderful. The dialogue is crystal clear. However, the film never really uses the surrounds. Occasionally, a bit of the film’s soundtrack sneaks through.
The Fox and the Hound II is all about the music, and pumps through the speakers. Overall, the track isn’t an immersive experience, but it’s a does the job. Dialogue also sounds good, as do the film’s many songs, which are really the main attraction here.
The two film set offers the following special features:
- Unlikely Friends (Disc 1, HD, 7 minutes): Designed for children, this feature offers little more than a look at various rivalries and unlikely friendships in the animal kingdom.
- Sneak Peeks (Disc 1, HD, 9 minutes): Trailers and previews are available for The Lion King, Spooky Buddies, Dumbo, Tinker Bell and the Pixie Hollow Games, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Mars Needs Moms, Tinker Bell and the Mysterious Winter Woods and Bambi II.
- “Passing the Baton” (Disc 2, SD, 7 minutes): This much-too-short Fox and the Hound mini-doc doesn’t hold a candle to the lengthy production features Disney has included on the Blu-ray releases of other animated classics. It’s still worth watching; I just expected more.
- “The Best of Friends” Sing-along (Disc 2, SD, 3 minutes): “The Best of Friends,” karaoke style.
- Backstage Disney: The Making of the Music (Disc 3, SD, 10 minutes): Go behind-the-scenes of The Fox and the Hound II and learn how the music in the film — Gordon Kennedy’s “Blue Beyond” (with Trisha Yearwood), Marcus Hummon’s “Friends for Life,” Hummon’s “Good Doggie” (with Reba McEntire), Will Robinson’s “Hound Dude” (with Josh Gracin), Hummon’s “We Go Together” (with Karen Fairchild and Little Big Town) and Joel McNeely’s score — came to be.
- Music Video (Disc 3, SD, 4 minutes): Lucas Grabeel’s “You Know I Will.”
