Watcher
10-03-2002, 09:32 PM
<I><B> ROADSHOW ENTERTAINMENT </I></b>
<center><b>
<h2>CATS & DOGS </h2>
Available: March 20, 2002
Roadshow Entertainment
Rating: PG
RRP: $34.95
<UL>SPECIAL FEATURES AND SPECS:</b></center>
<LI>Cast and Crew
<LI>Teaching a new dog new tricks.
<LI>HBO First Look.
<LI>Storyboard Comparisons.
<LI>Theatrical Trailer.
<LI>Hidden Features.
<LI>DVD ROM features.
<LI> Subtitles: English for the hearing impaired.
<LI>English language in Dolby Digital 5.1
<LI>Aspect: 1.78:1 widesceen 16:9 enhanced
<LI>Running Time: 83.36 mins.</UL>
<center><b>CAST:</b></center>
Jeff Goldblum, Elizabeth Perkins, Charlton Heston, Alec Baldwin, Susan Sarandon, Tobey Maguire, Michael Clarke Duncan, Jon Lovitz, Joe Pantoliano
Directed by: Lawrence Guterman
<center><B>FROM THE BACK COVER:</b></center>
"You may never look at your pet the same way again"
- Time Magazine
Take the creature effects from ‘Babe’, the military manoeuvres of ‘Chicken Run’ and mix it with the age-old battle between paws and claws; and you have the year’s most purr-fectly inventive, barking mad comedy:
Meet the evil Persian feline Mr Tinkles (Will and Grace’s Sean Hayes)…
Rookie beagle puppy Lou (Tobey Maguire)…
Special Operative Agent Buch (Alec Baldwin)…
Slinky, long-legged stray Ivy (Susan Sarandon)…
Big hearted sheepdog Sam (Michael Clarke Duncan)…
Chinese hairless electronics expert Peek (Joe Pantolino)…
And Chief Dog Commander Mastiff (Charlton Heston).
This all star voice cast features alongside Jeff Goldblum and Elizabeth Perkins in a tale that pits crack canine agents against their malicious four legged friends. What’s at stake is more than just a battle for the best seat on the couch. It’s a fang-sinking, tail wiggling, action-packed war to win domestic supremacy. Things are gonna get hairy. Doggone it!.
<center><b>AUDIO/VISUAL:</b></center>
Audio:
The movie features some very active Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.
All of the speakers are used well in this movie and the second half in particular features some very good sound effects that blast around the room in a very active fashion.
The rocket sled sequence in chapter 19 for example, sounds awesome and makes good use of all speakers. Cats & Dogs contains a lot of action and it's good to see (or should that be hear) plenty of surround effects, directional sound and bangs from the sub.
Speech is always clear and easy to understand from the humans or animals and sync wasn't a problem from the human cast.
Even the lip sync on the animals was pretty realistic and enough to convince you that they are talking for the duration of the movie.
Video:
Cats & Dogs has an aspect of 1.78:1 widescreen and is 16:9 enhanced. The cover incorrectly states that the transfer is 1.85:1
How does it look? Well...... Wow!
The video transfer on this DVD is so spot on and is near perfect.
Viewers are treated to a very clear, sharp and well detailed picture which showed no signs of grain, specs or scratches.
Well, I think I saw two very small specs, but who cares!
The picture quality really does look spot on for the entire movie.
Colours are also spot on and one example such as the soccer netting in the childs backyard shows off a shade of blue that is so vibrant. Flesh tones were natural looking.
Blacks and shadow detail look fine and the many darker scenes didn't even have a hint of trouble.
The layer change was noticeable, if this is a concern to anyone.
<center><B>EXTRA FEATURES:</b></center>
Cast and Crew -
Here you will find 2 pages listing the various cast and crew involved in making this great movie. Basically you have the character name (or crew job description....writer etc) and than the actor/crew member's name next to it. In a section like this you would normally find a pic of each cast/crew member along with a page of text relating to their career but unfortunately none of that is provided. It is still a good feature though
HBO-First Look Special-
This featurette: The Making of Cats & Dogs which is hosted by Sean Hayes (the voice of Mr Tinkles)
runs for a little under 14 minutes and delves into the various aspects of making this type of movie.
There are 5 different mini sections which have actors/crew members talking about the different areas including: The Great War (an explanation of the plot of the movie regarding the war between cats & dogs), Voice Over (looks into the casting of the voices of the cats & dogs), Visual Effects (takes a look at the use of visual effects in the movie), Live Animals (shows bits of how the animals used in the movie were trained and how they are used throughout the film) and Animatronics (looks at the Jim Henson Workshop's involvement in the making and operating of the puppets in the movie.)
Storyboard Comparisons -
This is a 2.52 minute segment which shows how the storyboards used in production compare to the final cut of the movie. They accomplish this by displaying 2 screens, one has the original storyboards and the other has the relevant scenes from the actual movie.
Teaching a New Dog New Tricks -
In this 6 minute feature Producer Chris Defaria, Director Lawrence Gutterman, Animal Stunt Coordinator Boone Narr, Visual Effects Supervisor Ed Jones, Lead Animator Alison Leaf and Animatronics producer Sally Ray talk about their different roles throughout the film and how the live animals, CGI and Animatronics all came together to make this movie great!
Theatrical Trailer -
This 1.06 minute trailer is presented in widescreen with Dolby 2.0
Dog Hidden feature #1 -
The first hidden feature available in the DOG special features section you will find by selecting the silver bone/toy that is pictured.
All you need to do is highlight this item and press enter and you will have access to 15 concept sketches relating to the Ninja Cats scenes in the movie.
Dog Hidden feature #2 -
You will find this feature on the second page of the DOG special features. All you need to do is select the dog logo and you can watch this 0.56 minute collage of clips from the movie with the underlying message that DOGS RULE. It is presented in widescreen with Dolby 2.0 audio.
Cat Hidden Feature #1 -
The first hidden feature available in the CAT special features section you will find by selecting the silver spiked ball/weapon that is pictured.
This 1.38 minute segment contains six "audition tapes" of Mr Tinkles trying for roles in many "FAMOUS" movies including C2: The Catinator and Furriest Gump.
This is a very funny segment and is well worth watching at least once.
Cat Hidden Feature #2 -
You will find this feature on the second page of the CAT special features. All you need to do is select the cat logo and you can watch this 1.18 minute collage of clips from the movie which try to push the point that Cats are best!. It is presented in widescreen with Dolby 2.0 audio.
DVD ROM Features -
Director's Alternate Ending
Create a Secret Identity for your Pet
Production & Artwork Galleries - Screen Saver Wallpaper
Link to Original Theatrical Website
<center><B>OVERALL:</b></center>
This really is a fun movie that's going to keep kids of all ages entertained for a good 83 minutes or so (even more if you have a good look at the entertaining special features).
The DVD is a winner in every way. The movie is good fun and has some neat and very clever special effects, the audio and video quality are superb and the extra features add more value to this DVD which help the fun of the movie last even longer.
The repeat viewing factor on this DVD is very high for the young ones. Just ask my two year old daughter!
After seeing this movie for the first time, and on DVD I can't wait for Cats & Dogs 2!
Cats & Dogs is available from March 20, 2002 with a RRP of $34.95.<TABLE WIDTH="90%" ALIGN="center" BORDER="1">
<tr><td><B>VIDEO QUALITY</b> </td><td><B>4.5/5</b> </td></tr>
<tr><td><B>AUDIO QUALITY</b> </td><td><B>4/5</b> </td></tr>
<tr><td><B>EXTRAS</b> </td><td><B>4/5</b> </td></tr>
<tr><td><B>THE MOVIE</b> </td><td><B>4/5 </b></td></tr>
<tr><td><B>OVERALL</B> </td><td><B>4/5 </b></td></tr></table>
Thanks for reading....
<center><b>
<h2>CATS & DOGS </h2>
Available: March 20, 2002
Roadshow Entertainment
Rating: PG
RRP: $34.95
<UL>SPECIAL FEATURES AND SPECS:</b></center>
<LI>Cast and Crew
<LI>Teaching a new dog new tricks.
<LI>HBO First Look.
<LI>Storyboard Comparisons.
<LI>Theatrical Trailer.
<LI>Hidden Features.
<LI>DVD ROM features.
<LI> Subtitles: English for the hearing impaired.
<LI>English language in Dolby Digital 5.1
<LI>Aspect: 1.78:1 widesceen 16:9 enhanced
<LI>Running Time: 83.36 mins.</UL>
<center><b>CAST:</b></center>
Jeff Goldblum, Elizabeth Perkins, Charlton Heston, Alec Baldwin, Susan Sarandon, Tobey Maguire, Michael Clarke Duncan, Jon Lovitz, Joe Pantoliano
Directed by: Lawrence Guterman
<center><B>FROM THE BACK COVER:</b></center>
"You may never look at your pet the same way again"
- Time Magazine
Take the creature effects from ‘Babe’, the military manoeuvres of ‘Chicken Run’ and mix it with the age-old battle between paws and claws; and you have the year’s most purr-fectly inventive, barking mad comedy:
Meet the evil Persian feline Mr Tinkles (Will and Grace’s Sean Hayes)…
Rookie beagle puppy Lou (Tobey Maguire)…
Special Operative Agent Buch (Alec Baldwin)…
Slinky, long-legged stray Ivy (Susan Sarandon)…
Big hearted sheepdog Sam (Michael Clarke Duncan)…
Chinese hairless electronics expert Peek (Joe Pantolino)…
And Chief Dog Commander Mastiff (Charlton Heston).
This all star voice cast features alongside Jeff Goldblum and Elizabeth Perkins in a tale that pits crack canine agents against their malicious four legged friends. What’s at stake is more than just a battle for the best seat on the couch. It’s a fang-sinking, tail wiggling, action-packed war to win domestic supremacy. Things are gonna get hairy. Doggone it!.
<center><b>AUDIO/VISUAL:</b></center>
Audio:
The movie features some very active Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.
All of the speakers are used well in this movie and the second half in particular features some very good sound effects that blast around the room in a very active fashion.
The rocket sled sequence in chapter 19 for example, sounds awesome and makes good use of all speakers. Cats & Dogs contains a lot of action and it's good to see (or should that be hear) plenty of surround effects, directional sound and bangs from the sub.
Speech is always clear and easy to understand from the humans or animals and sync wasn't a problem from the human cast.
Even the lip sync on the animals was pretty realistic and enough to convince you that they are talking for the duration of the movie.
Video:
Cats & Dogs has an aspect of 1.78:1 widescreen and is 16:9 enhanced. The cover incorrectly states that the transfer is 1.85:1
How does it look? Well...... Wow!
The video transfer on this DVD is so spot on and is near perfect.
Viewers are treated to a very clear, sharp and well detailed picture which showed no signs of grain, specs or scratches.
Well, I think I saw two very small specs, but who cares!
The picture quality really does look spot on for the entire movie.
Colours are also spot on and one example such as the soccer netting in the childs backyard shows off a shade of blue that is so vibrant. Flesh tones were natural looking.
Blacks and shadow detail look fine and the many darker scenes didn't even have a hint of trouble.
The layer change was noticeable, if this is a concern to anyone.
<center><B>EXTRA FEATURES:</b></center>
Cast and Crew -
Here you will find 2 pages listing the various cast and crew involved in making this great movie. Basically you have the character name (or crew job description....writer etc) and than the actor/crew member's name next to it. In a section like this you would normally find a pic of each cast/crew member along with a page of text relating to their career but unfortunately none of that is provided. It is still a good feature though
HBO-First Look Special-
This featurette: The Making of Cats & Dogs which is hosted by Sean Hayes (the voice of Mr Tinkles)
runs for a little under 14 minutes and delves into the various aspects of making this type of movie.
There are 5 different mini sections which have actors/crew members talking about the different areas including: The Great War (an explanation of the plot of the movie regarding the war between cats & dogs), Voice Over (looks into the casting of the voices of the cats & dogs), Visual Effects (takes a look at the use of visual effects in the movie), Live Animals (shows bits of how the animals used in the movie were trained and how they are used throughout the film) and Animatronics (looks at the Jim Henson Workshop's involvement in the making and operating of the puppets in the movie.)
Storyboard Comparisons -
This is a 2.52 minute segment which shows how the storyboards used in production compare to the final cut of the movie. They accomplish this by displaying 2 screens, one has the original storyboards and the other has the relevant scenes from the actual movie.
Teaching a New Dog New Tricks -
In this 6 minute feature Producer Chris Defaria, Director Lawrence Gutterman, Animal Stunt Coordinator Boone Narr, Visual Effects Supervisor Ed Jones, Lead Animator Alison Leaf and Animatronics producer Sally Ray talk about their different roles throughout the film and how the live animals, CGI and Animatronics all came together to make this movie great!
Theatrical Trailer -
This 1.06 minute trailer is presented in widescreen with Dolby 2.0
Dog Hidden feature #1 -
The first hidden feature available in the DOG special features section you will find by selecting the silver bone/toy that is pictured.
All you need to do is highlight this item and press enter and you will have access to 15 concept sketches relating to the Ninja Cats scenes in the movie.
Dog Hidden feature #2 -
You will find this feature on the second page of the DOG special features. All you need to do is select the dog logo and you can watch this 0.56 minute collage of clips from the movie with the underlying message that DOGS RULE. It is presented in widescreen with Dolby 2.0 audio.
Cat Hidden Feature #1 -
The first hidden feature available in the CAT special features section you will find by selecting the silver spiked ball/weapon that is pictured.
This 1.38 minute segment contains six "audition tapes" of Mr Tinkles trying for roles in many "FAMOUS" movies including C2: The Catinator and Furriest Gump.
This is a very funny segment and is well worth watching at least once.
Cat Hidden Feature #2 -
You will find this feature on the second page of the CAT special features. All you need to do is select the cat logo and you can watch this 1.18 minute collage of clips from the movie which try to push the point that Cats are best!. It is presented in widescreen with Dolby 2.0 audio.
DVD ROM Features -
Director's Alternate Ending
Create a Secret Identity for your Pet
Production & Artwork Galleries - Screen Saver Wallpaper
Link to Original Theatrical Website
<center><B>OVERALL:</b></center>
This really is a fun movie that's going to keep kids of all ages entertained for a good 83 minutes or so (even more if you have a good look at the entertaining special features).
The DVD is a winner in every way. The movie is good fun and has some neat and very clever special effects, the audio and video quality are superb and the extra features add more value to this DVD which help the fun of the movie last even longer.
The repeat viewing factor on this DVD is very high for the young ones. Just ask my two year old daughter!
After seeing this movie for the first time, and on DVD I can't wait for Cats & Dogs 2!
Cats & Dogs is available from March 20, 2002 with a RRP of $34.95.<TABLE WIDTH="90%" ALIGN="center" BORDER="1">
<tr><td><B>VIDEO QUALITY</b> </td><td><B>4.5/5</b> </td></tr>
<tr><td><B>AUDIO QUALITY</b> </td><td><B>4/5</b> </td></tr>
<tr><td><B>EXTRAS</b> </td><td><B>4/5</b> </td></tr>
<tr><td><B>THE MOVIE</b> </td><td><B>4/5 </b></td></tr>
<tr><td><B>OVERALL</B> </td><td><B>4/5 </b></td></tr></table>
Thanks for reading....