I consider myself well-versed in Disney culture and movies, but for some reason The Fox and The Hound was not a movie that I was very familiar with. But since K is also being raised with an appreciation for all things from The Mouse, and she just loves Bambi, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of the re-released set of both The Fox and The Hound 1 & 2.
Originally debuting in 1981, this tale of two unlikely friends features some very familiar voices from other Disney classics including Mickey Rooney as Todd, John Fiedler (better known as Piglet from Winnie the Pooh) as Porcupine, Pat Buttram (the voice of the Sheriff from Disney’s Robin Hood) as Chief and Kurt Russel joining the voices as Cooper. I just love hearing familiar voices in the Disney Classics.
When Tod, an orphaned fox cub meets Copper, a coonhound puppy, they make a pledge to be lifelong friends, not realizing that Copper is being groomed to hunt wild animals, including foxes. Copper spends the winter with his owner, Slade, and an older dog, Chief, tracking animals at a remote cabin. When they return, a lonely Tod eagerly greets his old playmate but is stunned when a reluctant Copper joins Slade and Chief to chase Tod through the forest. During the pursuit, Tod escapes but Chief is seriously injured. Seeking revenge, Copper hunts down Tod only to find himself confronting an even bigger enemy, which he and Tod must face together.
The follow up story of The Fox and The Hound 2 (2006) introduced more familar voices to the cast of characters including Patrick Swayze as Cash, Reba McEntire Jeff Foxworthy as Lyle.
In The Fox and the Hound 2, music takes centerstage as Tod contemplates joining up with “The Singin’ Strays,” a group of harmonizing dogs appearing at the local county fair but dreaming of hitting the big time at the Grand OleOpry. While Tod does his best to fit in with his new friends, Copper finds himself relegated to “roadie,” a position he begins to resent. With the encouragement of Dixie, the “diva” of “The Singin” Strays,” Copper manages to sabotage an important audition. The next day, their differences forgotten, Copper and Tod team up and, using Copper’s superior tracking skills, they locate the Grand Ole Opry talent scout who signs “The Singin’ Strays” (minus Tod, who chooses his friendship with Copper over fame) on the spot.
Since the main characters (Cooper and Todd) grow up in the first movie, I was a little surprised to see them again as pups in The Fox and The Hound 2. But I quite enjoyed the lighter story focused on a series of musical numbers that made my daughter want to get up and dance.
Both movies are Disney Classics that I am very happy to share with and enjoy with my daughter. Whether The Fox and The Hound was a favorite of yours as a kid, or, like me, you are not as familiar with this film, I recommend adding the 30th Anniversary set that includes both movies to your Disney library.
The Fox and The Hound 1 & 2 Blu-Ray/DVD combo is now available on Amazon for $22.99 (remember this is for two full-length movies). Another pleasant surprise, because it is two movies you will receive 250 Disney Movie Rewards points for this combo!
For another fun treat, click on the image below to download the activity sheets for the kiddos. (The Suburban Mom HINT – K loved the coloring pages, but I didn’t bother printing out the “spot the differences” page because it was full color (hello ink eater), so we just looked at that on the computer.)
Disclosure – I was provided a copy of The Fox and The Hound 1 & 2 to facilitate this review, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.