While they are known for their releases of classic features and TV shows every so often Shout Factory offers up something new and different. The latest The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales from the creators of Ernest & Celestine is being released on under the Shout Factory and GKids brand, but does it offer up the laughs or should the curtain stay closed?

 

The Big Bad Fox and other Takes follows a fox who mothers a family of chicks, a rabbit who plays the stork, and a duck who wants to be Santa Claus. If you think life in the country is a walk in the park, think again! Directors Benjamin Renner and Patrick Imbert adapt Renner’s own acclaimed graphic novel into a delirious, delightful triptych of interlocking stories, with a pacing and visual spontaneity that harkens back to classic Looney Tunes shorts and slapstick two-reelers. But underneath the gags (and there are plenty of them), the three stories offer a sensitive and beautiful portrayal of family, and the anxieties of modern life.

 

I knew nothing about this feature going in and I’m glad as it offered up some fun old school cartoon laughs throughout. It’s very simple in its storytelling allowing it to be broke up into chapters and separate stories to keep you locked in the entire time. They have taken the old school cartoon approach with numerous sight gags and ridiculous situations that make for a great cartoon. I love the art style and character design that is just simple enough to work to perfection and keep them all ones you can’t wait to watch. Their adventures are fun and hilarious and I can only hope that we will somehow see these crazy animals for futures zany stories.

 

Until that happens we at least have this release to revisit. Grab your copy of The Big Bad Fox And Other Tales when it hits Blu-ray and DVD on July 16th from Shout Factory and GKids.