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Fritz The Cat
review by Zach B.
Rated R
Running Time: 79 minutes
Screenplay by Ralph Bakshi
Based on characters created by R. Crumb
Directed by Ralph Bakshi
Studio: MGM
Retail Price: $14.98
Features: Theatrical Trailer
Specs: 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, English Mono,
French Mono, English Subtitles, French Subtitles, Spanish
Subtitles, English Closed Captions, Scene Selections (16
Scenes)
Released: December 11th, 2001
Nearly thirty years after "Fritz The Cat" made its long
and controversial debut, it may seem rather tame to some
compared to what's out on the media today. "Fritz The Cat"
had the honor of being the first X rated animated film as it
explored 1960s culture, as artist Ralph Bakshi explored the
form and continued to with risque content. Cartoons aimed
for adults weren't really done before. Now they're all over
the place. We have a lot of crazy animated shows aimed for
more mature audiences as the craze seems to go on ("South
Park" comes to mind... not to mention the show's feature
length film). We have comics with darker content too. Simply
put, it's really nothing new as we've grown with and been
exposed to forms that people once considered for children
are now more adult. I guess it's fair to say that "Fritz The
Cat" was a pioneer in all of this. I don't think in 1972
people were really knew or were exposed to something like
"Fritz The Cat" before as far as cinema goes.
Based on Robert Crumb's creation, "Fritz The Cat" follows
a cat named Fritz. He attends NYU and is always looking to
try new things. As Fritz looks for some inner truth and
personal ways to satisfy himself, it leads him on a journey
of true self-discovery while exploring many ideas and
thoughts of the 1960s (the era where the movie takes place).
What's the problem with "Fritz The Cat"? It's a nicely
done movie and it was before my time. I think the latter is
my problem with it. As I said, it doesn't seem so fresh or
original when I've been watching stuff like "South Park" for
the past four years, and that risky matter has been explored
far more often. Also, the satirical parts of the movie make
good points about the ideas and culture of the 1960s, but
again, the stereotypes and points the movie brings up...
I've heard and seen before. About the groups, about the
drugs, about free love... as far as media concerns and
learning, been there, done that. But it's still fun and
still points out things in pure satirical manner, so it
still does work and can still make people realize things
about the 1960s. But it's not just so original anymore. It's
a movie for its time and that's it. It's an animation
classic in a certain regard that did break new ground in its
time, but it's not 1972. It's 2001. Time changes everything,
and that's something you can't help.
But "Fritz The Cat" is still a good movie, don't take it
the wrong way. While the animation isn't great, it's ideas
and what it explores does make up for it, even if the ideas
have been used over and over. It helped break new ground
long ago, and it's controversial plot did help it. So
animation freaks, it's a must see... just make sure the kids
aren't watching.
"Fritz The Cat" is presented in its original 1.85:1
aspect ratio, and this anamorphic widescreen transfer is
pretty average. There is some slight edge enhancement, dirt,
scratches and blemishes. Shimmering is also found. I suppose
the transfer fits the animation look: dark and murky. You
won't find anything particularly bright or sharp here, and I
think that's okay. Black levels and detail are okay, but
there's nothing particularly strong or noteworthy that
sticks out.
Mono tracks in English and French can be found, and for a
movie that is thirty years old, they sound their age.
There's really not much to say. You can make out what the
characters are saying and you can hear the noises and music,
but fidelity is low and I had to turn my volume up a bit
higher than usual. It sounds a bit low and I heard some
hiss. You'll manage here without a 5.1 remix. Subtitles in
English, French and Spanish are also included plus English
closed captions.
The Theatrical Trailer in anamorphic widescreen. I
would have appreciated some kind of retrospect on the film
as far as then and now or it's original impact.
"Fritz The Cat" is a landmark in animation in adult
respects, and he's finally made his way to DVD. The transfer
and sound aren't special, and this is a bare bones release.
But you can pick this up for about 15 bucks, so animation
fans, do check it out.
 (4/5 - NOT included in
final score)
 (2.5/5)
 (2/5)
 (.5/5)
(2.5/5, NOT an average)
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