Snow Dogs

It’s all good news as far as the video presentation is concerned, with an absolutely flawless anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) transfer provided by Beuna Vista. Crisp, detailed and perfectly clean, the image displays no hint of the film-to-video or MPEG compression processes. Despite containing a whole lot of white, colours - especially the vivid blues, reds and yellows of Ted’s ski wear, and the pastel shades of Miami, literally leap from the screen. Similarly, skin tones are natural, and blacks are deep and solid. But it’s the detail that you really notice; never more evident than in an early scene in which the air is filled with the contents of Ted’s newly lacerated down jacket. Be it the spectacular mountain scenery, the shaggy coats of the myriad of dogs, or the infinite texture of James Coburn’s stubbled face, there’s detail to be seen in each and every shot, and it is all replicated beautifully here – right down into the deepest shadow. All in all a flawless job. And to think that region 1 suffered a sub-standard, pan-and-scan-because-that’s-what-the-kids-want release!

In terms of audio, Snow Dogs’ Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is a subtle affair which, whilst ably supporting the action, makes only limited use of the format - no real surprise given a limited budget, for-the-kids release. With lengthy sequences containing little more than dialogue, thankfully the film’s voices emanate clearly and distinctly from the centre channel throughout. When scenes take our protagonist and his friends outdoors, a modicum of ambient sounds – including lapping waves, seagulls, traffic, wind, and howling coyotes (when the need arises) - are delivered from the surround channels. While lacking directionality, the effect is a reasonably immersive viewing experience. But it’s not until, matching the action, the score bursts into life that the soundtrack really opens up; supplying a balanced mix that surrounds the viewer nicely.

Like the surrounds, the subwoofer is also used sparingly, but does add some welcome low-end to elements such as growling grizzlies, rolling thunder, and the throaty roar of Ted’s Porsche.

Animated, non-anamorphic menus provide access to a number of extras which, with the exception of the commentary, provide little re-watch potential.

• Audio Commentary – director Brian Levant and producer Jordan Kerner: The guys talk continuously and enthusiastically about a film that they are very obviously proud of and had a hell of a good time making. They discuss all aspects of the production, from conception, through casting, working on location and the various performances on display. It's not the best commentary I’ve ever heard – the film just doesn’t support it - but it is really quite entertaining.

• Featurette – Goin' to the Dogs: (12:13) Interviews with cast and crew discuss the problems associated with having 80-90 dogs (and their trainers) on set at a time, teaching domestic dogs and cushy Hollywood actors to mush and the matching of animatronic dogs to the real thing. This contains some reasonable insights into the making of the film.

• Featurette - Chillin' with the Actors: (6:00) Interviews with cast and crew and footage from on-set provide a little information on the talented supporting actors that litter the film.

• Featurette: Tolketna on Ice: (3:55) Talks about the construction of the fictitious Alaskan town, the selection of the site and the various problems with working in remote, icy locations.

• Game: Ted’s Arctic Challenge: Drive a snow mobile along an icy course using your remote control. It's bloody impossible until you get ‘the knack’ and then terribly easy. Kids may enjoy trying to master it.

• Deleted Scenes: Presented in non-anamorphic widescreen, we’re provided with four scenes that never made it into the final cut. There are a couple of reasonable gags here, but all the cuts were very obviously made for pacing.

• Extended Scenes: Five more existing scenes are provided in their original long-form, adding a little more action, comedy or drama to several of the film’s key moments. Nothing special – there’s good reason why the cuts were made.

Despite descending into Disney hell in the last 15 minutes, Snow Dogs is a funny and entertaining family film. Although I was initially put-off by theatrical trailers showing huskies lying in beach chairs, wearing sunglasses and chatting, as usual those trailers were a gross misrepresentation of the final film. Cuba Gooding Jr is as likeable as ever, and his personality imbues the film with a warmth that will crack even the coldest cynic. Provided on a flawless DVD release from Buena Vista, I recommend you check out Snow Dogs for an entertaining night of family fun.