Where to Watch "The Fox and the Hound"

"The Fox and the Hound" is a timeless animated classic produced by Walt Disney Productions in 1981. This heartwarming tale is directed by Ted Berman, Richard Rich, and Art Stevens. It belongs to the family-adventure genre and has charmed audiences of all ages for decades.

Plot Summary:

Set in the rustic countryside, the movie tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two young animals, Tod, a fox voiced by Mickey Rooney, and Copper, a hound dog voiced by Kurt Russell. Initially, the two start as playful companions, unaware of the societal expectations that dictate they should be natural enemies.

As the story unfolds, Tod and Copper are forced to confront these expectations. Copper is trained to be a hunting dog, putting him at odds with his loyalty to Tod. The film explores the challenges they face as they grow older and society tries to keep them apart. It's a poignant coming-of-age tale about friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of growing up.

Cast and Characters:

• Mickey Rooney as Tod, the young and curious fox.
• Kurt Russell as Copper, the loyal but conflicted hound dog.
• Pearl Bailey as Big Mama, a wise and nurturing owl.
• Pat Buttram as Chief, a grumpy and aging hunting dog.
• Jack Albertson as Amos Slade, Copper's owner, and a central antagonist.
• Sandy Duncan as Vixey, a female fox who befriends Tod.
• Jeanette Nolan as Widow Tweed, Tod's compassionate human caretaker.

Where to Stream

• United States (US)

• Streaming: Disney Plus
• Purchase/Rental: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store, DIRECTV, AMC on Demand

• Australia (AU)

• Streaming: Disney Plus
• Purchase/Rental: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Telstra TV, Fetch TV

• United Kingdom (GB)

• Streaming: Disney Plus
• Purchase/Rental: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Rakuten TV

• Germany (DE)

• Streaming: Disney Plus
• Purchase/Rental: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Sky Store, Rakuten TV, maxdome Store, Microsoft Store

• Brazil (BR)

• Streaming: Disney Plus
• Purchase/Rental: Currently unavailable for purchase or rental in Brazil.

• Spain (ES)

• Streaming: Disney Plus
• Purchase/Rental: Apple TV, Rakuten TV, Google Play Movies, Amazon Video

• France (FR)

• Streaming: Disney Plus
• Purchase/Rental: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Orange VOD, YouTube, Canal VOD, Amazon Video

• Canada (CA)

• Streaming: Disney Plus
• Purchase/Rental: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Cineplex, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Amazon Video

Production:

"The Fox and the Hound" marked a significant milestone in Disney's history as it was one of the last films to involve the veteran animators known as the "Nine Old Men." Despite being released in the early 1980s, the film's production began in the late 1960s, making it a unique blend of Disney's classic and modern animation styles.

The film's animation quality is exceptional, showcasing the artistry of Disney animators. It effectively captures the beauty of the natural world and the emotional depth of the characters.

Critical Reception:

Upon its release, "The Fox and the Hound" received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Many praised its heartwarming story, memorable characters, and the emotional depth it brought to its animal protagonists.

The film's portrayal of the themes of friendship and societal expectations resonated with viewers. It was celebrated for its ability to tackle mature themes in a family-friendly manner. "The Fox and the Hound" proved that Disney could continue to produce emotionally impactful animated films.

Box Office Performance: At the box office, "The Fox and the Hound" was a success, earning over $63 million worldwide during its initial run. It solidified Disney's position as a leading studio for animated features, even in the face of changing trends in animation.

Legacy: "The Fox and the Hound" remains a cherished Disney classic that has left a lasting impact on audiences. Its story of friendship and societal expectations continues to be relevant and relatable. The movie has also inspired merchandise, theme park attractions, and even a direct-to-video sequel.

Trivia and Fun Facts:

• "The Fox and the Hound" was inspired by a novel of the same name by Daniel P. Mannix.
• The film features two original songs, "Best of Friends" and "Appreciate the Lady," both of which contribute to the emotional depth of the story.
• It was the last Disney animated feature to be personally supervised by Walt Disney's "Nine Old Men."
• Kurt Russell, who voiced Copper, also lent his singing talent to the film's soundtrack.
• This film's release was followed by a surge in interest in adopting pet foxes, though it's essential to note that foxes don't typically make suitable domestic pets.

Conclusion:

"The Fox and the Hound" (1981) stands as a testament to Disney's ability to create timeless and emotionally resonant animated classics. Its enduring themes of friendship and societal expectations, brought to life by a memorable cast of characters, have secured its place in the hearts of generations of viewers. This Disney masterpiece continues to be a beloved part of the studio's rich cinematic legacy.