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Visitors Review

DarthBill 2012-05-24 10:45:00

The Grittiest animated Disney movie yet?

In this late 80s/early 90s animated Disney super animal adaptation of theOliver Twist story, Oliver (Joey Lawrence) is a kitten in need of hearth,home, family and friends. Although he is initially mocked and patronizedbythe jaunty dog known as Dodger (Billy Joel), he is later accepted intoDodger's ring of lovable scoundrel thief dogs, who include the typical NewYorker dogs, a Hispanic dog, an older dog, and a Shakespearean dog. JustasOliver is about to learn the way of the pick pocket, he is snatched up byanadorable little rich girl named Jenny and she adopts him as her playmatepetwhile her parents are away and the only one watching her is her butler.Jenny's resident dog, Georgette, a well bred prize winner, doesn't takewellto the little stray cat being in her home. Then Fagan, Dodger's master,whowas already in deep trouble with the local gang lord, gets into even worsetrouble and it's up to Oliver & Company to save him in what has to be oneofthe most intense and violent climaxes ever featured in a children's film.Animation is very much of its time, and so is the music. That doesn't meanyou won't like it, because personally I thought this film was quite a mildriot. If you happen upon it, give it a look.

sol- 2012-05-24 01:00:20

My brief review of the film

Loosely based on 'Oliver Twist', some of the elements are cleverlyadapted, but overall it is a bit of a bumpy ride with the rock musicsoundtrack jarring at times. Although the story is a bit slow togetting work, the film nevertheless seems to find its place after thefirst half hour. The second half of the film has a number of amusingmoments and the songs improve in appropriateness towards the end. Theanimation is not at all exciting throughout, and it this factor morethan anything else that has caused the film to gain a bad reputation.With a degree of silliness, since the film is aimed a children's level,it is not really a great film, and it certainly does not rank amongDisney's best animated works. However, I would be inclined to label itas a good film. While some of the changes to the original Dickens storyare painful, others are very amusing, and ultimately the film does thejob providing adequate entertainment for a little over an hour.

2012-05-23 02:28:26

Oliver and Company

This review is from: Oliver and Company (20th Anniversary Edition) (DVD) Product received in a timely manner. The DVD was in excellent shape and serves our purposes.

2012-05-22 13:25:42

A WONDERFUL DVD RELEASE!

This Disney release is a joy - especially considering the poor film-only DVD releases of late on Region 2 format. Oliver and Company has been given a quality treatment and the DVD boasts the new technology with an animated menu and sound (not just a static picture). From the menu you can choose your various options including the well-endowed Bonus Features section.The Bonus Features are fitting and plentiful including a lovely animated short (cartoon) called `Puss Café' from Disney's Golden Age. The 14 page extensive gallery with conceptual art, character development and layouts makes for good viewing and is a rare peak in to the wonderful making of the film progress which is also documented in an ample featurette.In addition to these features Disney have also included a short featurette on the theatrical re-release of the film as well as a featurette on the animation of Disney animals throughout Disney history - a gem of a bonus on this disc.In true Disney style, as on R1 DVD releases, the DVD also has two Sing Along features.The presentation, detail and consideration that has gone in to this DVD release sets a high standard for the new wave of UK DVDs from Disney. The included documentaries feature interviews with Bette Midler and Billy Joel et al. and are padded with interesting information which fans will welcome. This film is a historic one for Disney - just note the trial of CGI and rebirth of Disney magic under the omniscient eye of Roy Disney in his foundation attempts to regain dwindling love for the House of Mouse.A winning feature with no flaws - and many paws.

2012-05-16 10:33:23

Oliver and Company DVD

This review is from: Oliver and Company (20th Anniversary Edition) (DVD) I bought this DVD for my boyfriend for Christmas. It arrived quickly and in great shape! He loves it and we just watched it last night. I am very satisfied with this product!

2012-05-15 20:19:51

Nothing Dates as Fast as "The Latest New Thing"

This was an animated Disney feature which was a free re-working of Oliver Twist, set in modern New York. It seemed to vanish without a trace after it's initial release, twenty years ago - which was a pity, for although the animation work is pretty pedestrian - the first to rely heavily upon computers, and not much above the level of a Saturday morning cartoon feature, the voice work was amusingly several cuts above. Where else to find Billy Joel doing the voice of a shrewd street mutt named Dodger, Bette Midler as an extravagantly pampered poodle, Georgette, Cheech Marin as (of course) Tito the Chihuahua, Dom Delouise as the hapless Fagin - and then-teen star Joey Lawrence as the impossibly cute (yet feisty) kitten, Oliver? There are even heartbreaking glimpses of the World Trade Center towers, in some of the city-scapes. The villainous Sykes and his menacing Dobermans are perhaps a little too frightening for very small children - but on the whole, it is an enjoyable outing, if very, very short one, being only a little over an hour of viewing time.Of the extra features, I found the most watchable to be a pair of classic shorts featuring Goofy and cats: "Lend a Paw" and "Puss Café", with Goofy alternately rescuing a kitten, and defending his yard, his milk bottles, and his fish-pond from a pair of hungry moochers. (Slight detour there, while I reminded my daughter that milk used to be delivered, and homes would have bottles of milk actually sitting on the porch. Just for fun, I wondered what breed the invading cats (Siamese?) and Goofy is supposed to be, exactly? Mastiff? Great Dane? Dog of no breed? Another feature, the obligatory `making of' featured a look at the then-latest word in desktop computers, which now look quite clunky and huge. Nothing dates so fast, as the very latest in technology, I guess.

TheLittleSongbird 2012-05-14 00:02:30

Bright and breezy animation that is enjoyable at best!

OK, first things first. I am not sure what Charles Dickens would say ifhe found his best book "Oliver Twist" has inspired an animation. I hateto say this, but surprisingly the project worked quite nicely, if alittle predictable and uneven at times. The animation isn't bad at all,actually very clean and smooth mostly, and neither is the story, bothof which are the redeeming merits of an enjoyable movie like this one.The characters were also well done in general. My favourite wasGeorgette, what a genius the casting director was to cast Bette Midler.Jenny and Oliver- who was adorable- were appealing also, but Sikes attimes was a bit frightening, and Fagin's part was quite poorly written.Now the script was the letdown, very uneven at times, andunintentionally funny, and this marred the well-told narrative. Some ofthe characters were uninspiredly written, and Tito was a little hard tounderstand. On a positive note, I loved the songs, especially "WhyShould I worry?" which is delightfully catchy. May I also say thatBilly Joel did a great job with Dodger, who was one of the bettercharacters. And it has a wonderful contemporary atmosphere. All in all,an enjoyable and well-told film, that was let down by the script. 8/10.Bethany Cox

2012-05-13 11:37:18

Adorable Disney classic!

A cute and amazing film with great music and animation. Focusing on a tiny cute kitten Oliver and a pack of hilarious stray dogs. Dodger, the wire fox terrier is my personal fav. Full of love and humor plus action. This classic will live on.

2012-05-12 19:06:54

Cute Movie Inspired by Oliver Twist

The Charles Dickens book "Oliver Twist" was the inspiration for this book. There have been many adaptations of "Oliver Twist," and I found this one to be humorous and enjoyable. The movie is a bit scary in some places, but otherwise should be suitable for most family members.Oliver (voice by Joseph Lawrence) is an abandoned kitten in New York City. Oliver stumbles about until he encounters worldly dog Dodger (voiced by singer Billy Joel). Dodger lives a carefree life with pals Tito (voiced by Cheech Marin), Einstein (voiced by Richard Mulligan), and other dogs. Initially Oliver believes that Dodger's world is a good place to be, but all the stray dogs work with Fagin (voiced by Dom DeLuise), and Fagin owes Sykes (menacingly voiced by Robert Loggia) money. Sykes has very affirmative methods of getting what he wants. Those methods include effective application of violence.Jenny (voiced by Natalie Gregory) adopts Oliver and it seems as though Oliver's life is going to get better. Unfortunately, Jenny's dog Georgette (voiced by Bette Midler) is not prepared to allow Oliver to take any attention away from her, so she plots to get Oliver out of the house. Fagin captures Oliver and holds Oliver for ransom. When Jenny shows up with her piggy bank, Sykes steps in and grabs Jenny, holding her for ransom from her wealthy parents. The excitement is intense as we learn whether the dogs are able to defeat Sykes and return Jenny to her home.This movie is rated G, but there are some dark scenes in this movie. I suggest the movie is suitable for most children down to the age of four or five years, but younger children may find some of the scenes disturbing or too intense. Most other members of the family should find this movie fun to watch.This movie is kept from being too dark by a series of funny scenes. There are also songs and dancing. This movie shares some similarities to "The Lady and the Tramp." If you enjoyed that movie, you should enjoy this one. This movie is a favorite of younger children, and most adults should find it interesting as well.Enjoy!

2012-05-12 14:33:41

Oliver and Company

Great movie! Catchy songs will make this groovy adaption of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist worth watching! Here are my ratings on the songs:Once Upon A Time in New York City: A+Almost enough to make you cry!Why should I Worry?: A+Billy Joel is a riot as Dodger!Streets of Gold: A+Great beat! (Note: a longer version is on the soundtrack, but I don't mind.)Perfect Isn't Easy: A+I was floored when Bette Midler as Georgette sang this! She's a great singer!Good Company: FI don't like this song. It's too gushy and, in my humble opinion,it kinda breaks the tension of the film plot. I sure wish it was deleted!Buscando Guayaba: BI don't get it.So get this DVD! You will not be sorry!

2012-05-03 06:15:59

Good additon to movie collection

This review is from: Oliver & Company (Special Edition) (DVD) This movie is a good addtion to our movie collection, it is one that has been on my daughter list of movie to buy for years now and it is a great buy through Amazon. Good wholesome entertainment.

Safari-1969 2012-05-02 10:16:28

Extremely Dated and It Lacks a Great Story, But It Has Some Qualities

Not-so-spectacular animation, a rather shoddy plot and hardly anycharacter development, "Oliver & Company" is a weak link in the Disneycanon. It was a big thing when it hit theaters in 1988, but now, it'seither a shoddy film or a nostalgic joy (If you loved it as a kid)."Oliver & Company" takes "Oliver Twist" and modernizes it to be morehip for the 80s and for animation-hating teens at the time. Likewise,it was big because of the older crowd. The film is more of a trainingexercise for the young Disney animators, but fortunately, it is a funfilm to watch.Seeing Billy Joel doing a voice in an animated film is priceless, andhe sings in it too, and the song is actually good (Well, Disney filmsalways have good songs). The rest of the cast was fine. The dialogue isvery 80s-esque, but tolerable. The rest of the soundtrack is 80s pop &rock. It's not bad.Flaws include the plot, screenplay, unexciting animation and the factthat the film is dated. This is why it was a flop on its re-release andits debut on video. The animation is not bad, but it's been-theredone-that when you put it next to the older Disney films and even amajority of the newer ones. The sames goes for "The Great MouseDetective", which fortunately had a lot of redeeming qualities. Thereis one excellent moment in this film, the use of computer animation fora chaotic subway chase sequence. This is probably the best thing aboutthe film, and it shows ambition in Disney animation. This would lead upto stunning use of computer animation in "Beauty and the Beast","Aladdin" and "The Lion King".Otherwise, "Oliver & Company" one of Disney's weakest animatedfeatures. A 7.7 out of 10.

2012-05-02 04:12:23

"Why Should I worry? Why Should I care"?

It's been 7 years since this has been Re-issued on DVD. For me I had to get the 20th anniversary because I didn't have this film to begin with. Last summer, this had a price tag of 25.99 for the 2002 edition! I am so glad i have this now. The music itself delivers. I can't believe its been 20 years! I saw this when i was 4! anyway great buy for $19.99 at Target. I highly recommend this film to people who are intermediate with Disney Classics! a must Buy!

scmercer 2012-05-01 14:34:31

The worst animated feature ever.

Everything about this movie is horrible. It is too violent for smallchildren, the songs are poorly executed, the animation is sub-par, and itisaltogether disjointed throughout. I don't know how Disney convinced anyofthe stars to use their voices in this one. Every part of this movie waspainful to watch.

Electrified_Voltage 2012-05-01 07:39:07

Understandably not widely considered to be one of Disney's masterpieces, but still likable enough

This particular Disney animated feature, inspired by Charles Dickens'"Oliver Twist", was originally released when I was only two years old,and I never heard of it until around the time of its 1996 re-release.It seemed like a new film at the time, and I guess it was new to theVHS format when I saw it. I didn't know it was originally released intheatres years before then until I looked it up, which I believe wassometime in the past few years. I saw it at least once in the 1990's,when I was around ten years old, but after over a decade without seeingit, I've finally gotten around to doing so. By this time, I knew"Oliver & Company" wasn't one of Disney's most popular animatedfeatures, but as usual, I thought it was still a good one.A litter of orphaned kittens are purchased on a street in New YorkCity, but sadly, one of them, an orange cat named Oliver, is leftbehind. This kitten wanders the streets of the city and can't seem tofind anyone to interact with until he meets a dog named Dodger. Oliverhelps Dodger steal from a hot dog vendor, but the dog then refuses toshare the food with him, so the homeless kitten follows the dog back towhere he lives. Dodger's home is a barge, where he lives with severalother dogs and their poor owner, Fagin. Fagin is in trouble, as he owesa loan shark named Sykes a lot of money, and only has three days to payit! The next day, Oliver goes with Fagin and his dogs on a mission totry and somehow get enough money for the man to pay off his debt. Whilethey are out on the streets, the kitten is found and adopted by afriendly little girl named Jenny Foxworth, but this may lead to moretrouble.This 27th Disney animated feature starts on the streets of New York,showing people buying the kittens. This is not a stunning beginning,but it does get rather moving as we see poor Oliver left behind in therain. More major characters are introduced along the way, starting withDodger, voiced by renowned musician Billy Joel. We soon hear him sing,"Why Should I Worry", a song I remember from my first viewing of thefilm. Of all the songs contained in "Oliver & Company", that one mightstand out the most. After that, the film soon introduces the rest ofthe dogs that live on the barge and their owner, Fagin. These aregenerally likable characters, much like Oliver, and so is Jenny, whofirst appears a little later in the film. The voice acting is also verygood, which helps. As one would expect from a Disney film, there's alsohumour here. Tito, a Chihuahua voiced by Cheech Marin, can be veryfunny, and he's certainly not the only one. The plot may not be thegreatest ever written, but it's enough to hold one's interest. Theanimation is also pretty good here, with some nice city backgrounds.Unlike many of the other animated Disney movies made during the 20thCentury, this one is certainly not considered one of the classics, andthat's understandable. There are definitely a number of better onesfrom the company. However, while "Oliver & Company" is nothing TOOspecial, it's still decent family fare, maybe more for kids, but itstill has enough for adult Disney fans. I'm sure quite a few Disneybuffs don't like this 1988 release at all, and there are some thingswhich might make it a little different from most of the company's otheranimations, most notably the songs. These aren't typical Disney musicalnumbers, and I don't think most of them are among the most memorable,either, but they certainly could be worse. Anyway, while I wouldn'texpect this to be one of the best animated movies you've ever seen, itstill has my recommendation for those who like this type of film,regardless of age.

Cylex 2012-04-30 13:16:25

Purr-fect - An under-rated furry classic

Oliver & Co is a story of loyalty and love. The characters are cute,funny,brave and resourceful. The songs stick in your head especially those byDodger, Georgette & Rita. It takes the basic elements from Dickens' noveland transforms them into an original, fun filled, animated adventure. Thevoice talent includes Billy Joel, Dom Deluise & Bette Midler who reallybring their characters to life. Oliver joins Figaro, Marie, Toulouse &Berlioz in being one of the most lovable kittens in film history. Noanimallover should be without it. 10/10

2012-04-25 04:28:28

my review

in contrete canyons of new york city,where oliver, an adorable orphaned kitten, is befriended by dodger, a carefree mutt with a certain street savoir faire. the mischeivous little cat is welcomed by dodger's pack of pickpocket pooches,including dim-witted einstein,ravising rita live-wire tito.this ragtag family of misfits runs into trouble when the evil mastermind sykes aided by his two daunting dobermans schemes to kidnap the lonely little rich girl who just adopted oliver! it's up to the brave kitten and his newfound friends to race to the rescue in an electricying chase through the city's subway system.

Salazar 2012-04-25 01:52:28

A very good movie

"Oliver & Company" is about an adorable vagrant kitten called Oliverwho gets taken in by a gang of good hearted dogs and their kind hoboowner, Fagin. Oliver is soon taken in by rich girl Jenny and lives thegood life, however, Fagin owes money to nasty loan shark Sykes andJenny is kidnapped by Sykes. The dogs, Oliver and Fagin all set out toget her and it ends in a pretty dark climax. It's a good movie andthat's all I can just say about this. It may appeal to boys more thangirls but girls will like it nonetheless. It's also a very dark filmand may frighten some kids and it deals with adult-ish situations(nothing really sexual though), but still a fun little family flick.

2012-04-21 18:48:50

Doesn't get any better than this! Rita fan.

I saw this movie when I was little and became obsessed with it. I would sing the songs on the schoolbus, dance to them, listen to them constantly, sing along in-character. This movie has everything, and I mean everything! It's severely underrated. Rita has always been a personal friend of mine; she reminds me of, well, myself, and I always loved her best. It was a dream of mine in childhood to have a plush Rita, and the day I acquired one was a very happy day indeed, and I even recall the date! I adore Georgette, Dodger, and everybody else as well. But aside from my love for the characters, what's important to know is that this is a must-see animated masterpiece!

Dawalk-1 2012-04-21 04:32:44

The Twist Put In The Title Of Its Original Source.

At the time, I didn't know that this film is supposed to be looselybased on Oliver Twist, but this take on it puts the twist in OliverTwist. And I remembered that this is another Disney animated flick thatdidn't see the light of day on VHS (or any other home media, for thatmatter) for almost a decade. I didn't see the original theatricalrelease, but I caught the re- release. And I loved it. I love how thisis one of the few movies of which the studio/company made itsemi-adaptation/semi-original. One of the things I love about it is the song "Why Should I Worry",among others featured in this, which is one of my favorite Disneytunes. I find the set-up of this version taking place in then moderntimes, which made up the same era that this was made (late 1980s)interesting, possibly, simply because it was interesting that somethingdifferent was done. There were even some real world ads featured onbillboards that made it into this and were referenced. And the factthat the main cast are dogs and a kitten.The Oliver in this remake is a tabby kitten who is the last in a box ofabandoned kittens to be eventually adopted. The first dog he meets isthe streetwise Dodger, who attempts to lose him after dropping theirbrief partnership. Oliver follows him to an old barge, which is hishome, as well as the other dogs (Francis, Einstein, Rita and Tito) andtheir owner (Fagin)'s home. Oliver only stays with them briefly, asFagin is deep in debt to a loan shark dealer named Sykes, who warns himhe has three days to come up with the money he owes him or else facethe consequences. When Fagin and the pets head out the next day, Oliveris soon discovered by a girl named Jenny, who wants to adopt him andhe's taken into her home. After the other dogs come to what theythought was his aid, Oliver misses her and his new home, and wants togo back there. Dodger bitterly lets him do as he requests but beforeOliver can return, Fagin finds him and decides to use him as ransom, asa desperate attempt to make the amount of money he needs to pay offSykes. But once he finds out that it's Jenny who's looking for thetabby with her poodle, Georgette, he decides to do the right thing andgive him back to her. Suddenly, there's trouble when Sykes arrives andkidnaps Jenny after learning that she comes from a wealthy family. Soit's up to the dogs to come to her salvation. How will they ever manageto succeed in the rescue and will they come through for her?Not only did I see this, but I had the Disney read-along and the bookadaptation as part of the Disney Classics Series by Mouse Works Books.Again, what I love about this are the aforementioned reasons above.This is one of the Disney features that are the closest to doingsomething fully original (other than Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Lilo &Stitch, Brother Bear and Home On The Range). The first song included inthis that I mentioned is my favorite is one reason why all who haven'tseen it should check it out when they can. That's a great part of thesoundtrack and the best.