[yasr_overall_rating]
The romantic tale of a sheltered uptown Cocker Spaniel dog and a streetwise downtown Mutt.
Originally released in 1955, Disney’s favorite dogs are now available on Blu-ray. The story has not changed, but the cartoon is now digitally re-mastered for easier viewing. Christmas morning brings a puppy to a loving couple. The tiny yipping puppy lives a charmed life with the loving couple and two canine friends next door. Then the couple becomes pregnant, and the pups’ charmed life disappears.
The Tramp comes along to show Lady about life on the other side of the tracks when Lady’s couple go away for a trip and leave the pup with their Aunt Sarah. She cares more for her beloved Siamese cats and the new baby in Lady’s home. When Sarah decides to treat Lady like a dog instead of a well cared for family member, Lady leaves in care of the Tramp. Before long, she finds herself charmed by the charmer. She learns how to swindle meals out of humans and have other animals help her rid herself of the muzzle forced on her face. The good times only last a couple hours before Lady is carted off in a wagon to the pound.
In puppy prison, Lady learns the Tramp comes with a history and a list of girlfriends. She learns his lifestyle is for the dogs and confronts him about his seedy past. The tenacious dog refuses to leave, which allows him to help Lady protect her newest human, the baby. Aunt Sarah only sees a bad dog and calls the pound just as Lady’s humans arrive home, unsure if her beloved, who has proved his worth, will ever come back to her again.
“Lady and the Tramp” is still a cute story, ripe with extra meaning to force children to hear more than one side before judging someone. Disney rarely has a message, beyond true love, so clearly outlined. Not to mention, the puppies are adorable. What I love most about this Disney cartoon is while the animals can talk and have a few human tendencies, they are still dogs. They hide bones, bark for attention, race for treats, just like man’s best friends have always done. Too many cartoons show animals acting like humans and this oldie lets animals be animals. A perfect movie for a rainy weekend this spring.
Available on Walt Disney Signature Collection Blu-ray February 27th
