The Bottom Line
- Terrific family film
- Great entertainment for dog lovers
- Above average selection of bonus features aimed at the film's target audience
- None worth noting
Description
- 'Dogster Montage' - 200 contest winners were able to have their dogs included in the credit sequence.
- 'Tricks of the Trade' - How the stunts were accomplished (no dogs were hurt during filming).
- 'Firehouse Tour' - A tour of the set hosted by a couple of castmembers.
- 'Stunt Dogs: Who Protects Them' - The American Humane Association does, that's who.
- 'Family Values' - The dynamics of the firehouse cast.
- 'A Friend for Life' - Choosing a dog/lifelong friend.
- 'Firehouse Dog: A True Hollywoof Story' - A spoof of those celebrity profile shows featuring the film's canine star.
- Deleted scenes, storyboard comparisons, and a behind-the-scenes featurette on the story and the cast.
- DVD Release Date: July 31, 2007
Guide Review - Firehouse Dog DVD Review
Rex is living a life any dog would envy. He's a major Hollywood star who's pampered and treated like a king. But Rex's life in the spotlight comes to an abrupt end when a stunt he's participating in goes wrong and he winds up in the back of a tomato truck. Lost and all alone without his personal assistant, make-up artist, or any adoring fans, Rex has to try and make a go of it in a totally unfamiliar environment.
Fortunately for the furry Hollywood star, he's adopted by the crew of a dilapidated fire station (known as the 'Dogpatch') led by Captain Connor Fahey (Bruce Greenwood). Connor and his 12-year-old son Shane (Josh Hutcherson) are still recovering from the loss of a loved one when Rex appears on the scene, lifting their spirits with his canine antics. While Rex is working wonders on the Fahey family, he's learning all about friendship, family and loyalty.
The DVD
There's not a single bonus feature that doesn't deserve checking out on the Firehouse Dog DVD. The bonus features included on the DVD really allow viewers to see how the dogs were treated on the set and how specific scenes were done so as not to injure any of the animals. And you can tell from the interviews with director Todd Holland and the cast that everyone involved in the making of Firehouse Dog enjoys the company of dogs.
