Cookin’ up ’toons
September 1, 2006

They’re cute, they’re cuddly and they go straight to DVD. Animated DVD premieres have been a cash cow for studios for years, and three high-profile—at least, more than others—titles are coming in the next few months.

Continuing its strategy of turning classic theatrical movies into DVD franchises, Buena Vista trots The Fox and the Hound 2 to disc on Dec. 12 (prebook Oct. 17 direct, Oct. 31 distributor; $29.99). Featuring songs from Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood and the voice talents of Patrick Swayze and Jeff Foxworthy (get it, FOX-worthy? Oh nevermind), the movie follows Copper and Tod (the fox and the hound) to a county fair, where adventure ensues.

Duck soup

Also coming home for the holiday (home video, that is) is Warner’s Bah, Humduck! A Looney Tunes Christmas. This umpteenth take on A Christmas Carol sees Daffy Duck as Scrooge (of course) and Porky Pig as his put-upon worker (Steven Spielberg couldn’t have cast it better). The title will be unwrapped on Nov. 14 (prebook Oct. 10; DVD $19.98). Warner has partnered with KFC for promotions, with kids meal boxes featuring the DVD box art and a $3 mail-in rebate offer. Think Daffy will mind being on a box of fried chicken?

Cobbler pie

And always acting like a major studio, Weinstein plans to steal space on shelves with The Thief and the Cobbler, distributed through Genius on Nov. 21 (prebook Oct. 10; DVD $19.95). Toni Collette, who’s currently garnering laughs in theaters in Little Miss Sunshine, joins a host of notable names in the voice cast, including Matthew Broderick, Vincent Price and Jennifer Beals. The story of a shy shoemaker who falls in love with an adventure-loving princess (aren’t they all?) comes in pop-up packaging showing off the characters and castle. Perfect for any fairy tale ending.

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