DVD Corner

Cats Don’t Dance Blu-ray Review

“Cats Don’t Dance” deserves more attention. 

1997’s “Cats Don’t Dance” is the lone Turner Feature Animation film. The simple story revolves around a village peasant cat (Danny) who dreams of singing and dancing in the movies. He decides to venture to Hollywood to pursue his dreams, but unfortunately, the naive cat discovers that things aren’t how he imagined in that humans get the big roles while animals never get the spotlight. Danny wants to change the status quo, but an animal hating bratty diva movie star Darla Dimple (a spoof of Shirley Temple) and her towering servant Max look to sabotage Danny’s grand plans. Elsewhere in the story there is a key subplot involving a secretary/wannabe actress (Sawyer) who may or may not have feelings for Danny.

Looking back at director Mark Dindal’s “Cats Don’t Dance” as an adult, the overlooked animated film comes off as a bit of an oddity. Sure, there’s some definite “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” vibes here, but the Golden Age of Hollywood centric time frame is not exactly something that would appeal to many children. With that said, the old school Hollywood feel is precisely what makes ‘Cats’ work so well. Writers Cliff Ruby, Elana Lesser, Theresa Pettengill and Roberts Gannaway stuff amusing references to everything from Walter Brennan and King Kong to “Gone With The Wind” and “The Wizard Of Oz” in the script, Gene Kelly was a consultant on the choreography before he passed away (the film is actually dedicated to him), the slapstick humor is very reminiscent of classic “Looney Tunes” cartoons and the wannabe musical star plot feels very much like a plot from yesteryear. Add in Randy Newman songs and lovely colorful animation and you’re in for some good old fashioned movie fun.

It may be set in the past (although there are weird 80’s and 90’s references in the end for some reason), but the movie also feels extremely relevant thematically 26 years later as it explores broken dreams, discrimination, and racism. It’s certainly a film that has something to say and not just a series of zany adventures. 

“Cats Don’t Dance” will be available on Movie Zyng and through other online retailers Sept. 26, 2023.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? Fans will be happy to know that this is a nice upgrade. The colors look especially sharp. 

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The 5.1 track does the movie’s audio justice. The music really soars here.

Extras include the original theatrical trailer, a song selection option, and 4 cartoons titled “Daffy Duck In Hollywood,” “What’s Up, Doc,” “Show Biz Bugs” and “Curtain Razor.”

September 21, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | 90's Movie, Animated Movie, Cats Don't Dance Blu-ray Review, Gene Kelly, Golden Age of Hollywood, Warner Archive