DVD Review: See ‘101 Dalmatians’ like never before, plus in-depth bonus features

By Anthony Armenia

Disney’s classic animated film, “101 Dalmatians” is now available on Blu-ray, Digital HD and DVD. While the classic film holds up well and looks great re-rendered in high definition, the highlight of the release is all the bonus features.

This release of “101 Dalmatians” comes with a ton of bonus features, taking you behind the scenes and beyond with everything from previous releases along with some new solid bonus features as well. Here’s what you’ll get:

Lucky Dogs: Disney Animator and Imagineer Rolly Crump, ink and paint artist Carmen Sanderson, animator Burny Mattinson, animator Floyd Norman and voice actress Lisa Davis reminisce about their experiences working at Walt Disney Animation Studios during the production of “101 Dalmatians.”

Dalmatians 101: Hosted by young actor Cameron Boyce (who plays Cruella De Vil’s son in Disney Channel’s “Descendants”), countdown five interesting facts about “101 Dalmatians.”

The Further Adventures of Thunderbolt: An animated short in which black-and-white television star, Thunderbolt, survives a fall down a waterfall and captures a horse thief.

The Best Doggoned Dog in the World: The tenth episode of “The Wonderful World of Disney’s” fourth season from 1962.

Classic Bonus Features: A multitude of extras and special features from previous releases of ‘101 Dalmatians’ are included as well:
• Redefining the Line: The Making of “101 Dalmatians”
• Music & More Bonus Contents
• Cruella De Vil: Drawn to Be Bad
• Sincerely Yours, Walt Disney
• Trailers & TV Spots
• Promotional Radio Spots

Each of the extras vary in length, ranging from two minutes to an hour, with an average of five minutes. Most of the extras are very interesting, featuring fun facts about the film and an in-depth look at how it all came together. I really enjoyed the classic bonus features as well, especially The Making of “101 Dalmatians” and Cruella De Vil: Drawn to Be Bad.

I recommend you buy the movie, if not for the movie itself, then at least for the generous amount of extras included in this release. It’s now available on Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital HD, Disney Movies Anywhere and On-Demand platforms. All of the extras are available on most of the options including Disney Movies Anywhere and iTunes.