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Tom And Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale- Special Edition Blu-ray Review

“Tom And Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale” is no Christmas classic.

In this 49 minute animated movie loosely based on “The Nutcracker,” Jerry is a ballet loving mouse who wishes he could perform in a ballet. Magically, a Nutcracker land comes to fruition as toys come alive and a new realm is unveiled before Jerry and his nephew Tuffy’s eyes. Unfortunately, the alley cats (including Tom) led by the King of the Cats get drawn into this magical world and soon take it over. Jerry seeks to free everyone from the Cats by embarking on a quest to find the Toymaker who might be able to help.

“Tom And Jerry” have a long history dating back to 1940 and have existed in many iterations since including this 2007 animated movie. Alas, this largely narrated 2007 movie is better left forgotten. Aside from “The Nutcracker” soundtrack (which is the best part of the entire movie), this Spike Brandt scripted movie is nothing more than a slapped together product made for the holiday season. 

Brandt (who also directed alongside Tony Cervone) had an opportunity to create a fun take on “The Nutcracker” with Tom and Jerry in the mix but all the potential is squared in this cheaply made feature that is filled with dizzying edits, atrocious animation, lame musical moments, tired slapstick gags and dreadful dialogue like  “Don’t worry, I’ll hang on to you like a fat man with a donut.” Yes, that’s an actual line from the movie. Unless you have kids who love “Tom And Jerry” or a T&J completist, skip this one. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. How does it look? Animation quality aside, this is a fine transfer that delivers striking colors. 

Audio Track: Dolby Digital 5.1. How does it sound? The music is strangely mixed higher than the dialogue. Also, not quite sure why this wasn’t given a hi-def upgrade audio track. 

Extras include a Digital copy, a trailer for “Scoob,” and 2 Christmas themed “Tom and Jerry” episodes titled “The Night Before Christmas” and “Santa’s Little Helpers.” The vintage 8 minute T&J short ‘Night’ is far and away the best thing on this entire disc.

November 1, 2020 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Animated Movie, Christmas, The Nutcracker, Tom and Jerry, Tom And Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale- Special Edition Blu-ray Review