In the entertainment industry, winter is the time stuck between big holiday releases and summer blockbusters. So with barely any big titles coming out, we turn our attention to the highlights of the current new DVD releases, which all seem to have one thing in common: paws. It’ll be a furry (and a bit feathery) February and March for DVD releases, which include one of my all-time favorite Disney classics getting ‘out of the vault,’ plus more re-releases, spin-offs and even a few sort-of classic 60’s cartoons.
February 7
Lady and the Tramp
Last released in 2006, this 1955 Disney classic is the tale of the demure cocker-spaniel Lady (and her people Jim Dear and Darling) and her dapper mutt-about-town, The Tramp. Rated G.
Benji The Deluxe Collection
From animation to live animals, these three movies star another stray, and include the original “Benji” (Rated G), “For the Love of Benji” (Rated G) and “Benji: Off the Leash!” (Rated PG).
February 14
Penguins of Madagascar: Operation Get Ducky
This is where the feathers come into play, in this umpteenth spin-off of the Madagascar movie. Not rated.
February 21
Underdog: The Complete Series
Forget Disney’s “Underdog” movie from a few years back. There’s no need to fear, this Underdog (and his gal pal Sweet Polly Purebred) is the classic 60s series that works much better as a cartoon. Not rated.
February 24
Puss in Boots
If you missed it in theaters (like I did) or want to see it again and again, now you can bring home Antonio Banderas’ swashbuckling feline as he finally gets to step out from under Shrek’s shadow and star in his own movie. Rated PG.
March 6, 2012
Tennessee Tuxedo And His Tales: Complete Collection
Another popular 60s Saturday morning cartoon series about a suave penguin (voiced by the original “Maxwell Smart” Don Adams) and his walrus pal Chumley. Not rated.
And while we twiddle our thumbs waiting for the slew of spring and summer family films, the few new movies that are opening will most likely play to big audiences as restless children finally have a reason to head to the theaters.
March 2
Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax
Another film version of another Dr. Seuss classic. This time it’s a 3D, CGI animated movie featuring the voices of Zac Efron, Betty White, Ed Helms and Taylor Swift. Great excuse to read the book, don’t you think? Not yet rated.
March 16
Mirror Mirror
Hard to tell how family-friendly this is going to be. After all, how hard will it be to have to explain to the kids why they can’t go see a movie about Snow White? With a second, darker Snow White movie coming up later this year, this one is will be a bit lighter with Julia Roberts as the Evil Queen and Nathan Lane as her servant. Not yet rated.
March 30
The Pirates! Band of Misfits
As pirate popularity continues, the studio that gave us “Chicken Run” and “Wallace and Gromit” put their claymation skills to work on the high seas. Also at work, Hugh Grant provides the voice of the Pirate Captain. Ahoy! Not yet rated.
