Dog Man Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Dog Man Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Justin Dekker April 1, 2025

From DreamWorks Animation, the studio behind 'The Wild Robot' and the 'Shrek' and "How to Train Your Dragon' franchises, their latest feature 'Dog Man' arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Universal. Part man and part dog, this unusual and improbably constructed hero was originally brought to life in a series of books penned by author Dav Pilkey ('The Adventures of Captain Underpants'). Directed by Peter Hastings ('Animaniacs', 'Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness'), the film's voice cast stars Lil Rel Howrey ('Get Out'), Isla Fisher ('Wedding Crashers'), and Pete Davidson ('Saturday Night Live'). The release is outfitted with a fan-pleasing mix of bonus features with something for everyone regardless of age. A Digital Code redeemable through Movies Anywhere and an embossed and spot-glossed slipcover are also included.

Within the realm of comic books and comic book movies, origin stories are of considerable import, with legions of devout fans flocking to theaters and purchasing home video releases for their collections, each eager to see that the work presented on the screen remains faithful to the source material. While the character of Dog Man may not originate in the decades-old Marvel Universe with its ever-expanding catalog of interconnected films and television series or DC's relatively equally venerable printed history, award-winning animated series, and comparably substantial film and television presence it's important to establish that in the film, his origin is handled rather well. Officer Knight and his canine companion Greg are a relatively ordinary if less-than-exemplary crime-fighting tandem until one day when an accident threatens both of their lives. The only way to save them is a radical procedure that will combine the two, with Greg's head being attached to Office Knight's body thus giving rise to Dog Man. In keeping with the Captain Underpants book franchise in which this character was created by two of its adolescent characters, the film retains the (in)attention to detail, humor, heart, and sensibilities that the printed Dog Man material has cultivated since its inception.

With the origin of the titular character handled as expeditiously as possible in the film's first minutes, Dog Man wastes no time getting into the action. While addressing the aftermath of their surgical union, Dog Man may be a rising star on the police force, but his personal life is in shambles. As he's trying to find a new place of residence, his "nemesis" and the city's current greatest threat, Petey (Pete Davison), described as "the world's most evilest cat" seeks to improve his capacity for evildoing by cloning himself. His creation, born from the genetic material in his own whisker, is the adorable Li'l Petey. But when he doesn't quite share his father's penchant for evil, he's cast out and unwittingly forms a friendship with Dog Man. Can they stop Petey's latest evil scheme and reunite the feline family before it's too late?

Those familiar with Pilkey's writing in general and the Dog Man books, in particular, will already be able to deduce the answer to that question. Even those who simply understand the primary audience of the Dog Man film will be able to unerringly predict how the film's plotlines will ultimately resolve. But like a road trip in a car filled with old friends, the joy is in getting there, and in Peter Hasting's Dog Man there is plenty of joy to be found.

DreamWorks, over the past several years, has released a considerable number of high-quality animated features that put the studio on equal footing with one-time standard-setter Pixar, with some contending they've now surpassed them. While many viewers may sit down with Dog Man expecting to see the studio's customary incredibly detailed, nuanced, and almost lifelike CGI work, like last year's The Wild Robot 4K, this film crafts a decidedly different visual identity. Rather than complex reality, Hastings' team strives for something he refers to as "high-end handmade", the result of endeavoring to keep the film optically in line with the IP's fictional creation. Since the characters and the stories were the products of 10-year-old children, perfection and real-world accuracy are never the goal. Lines will be crooked. Objects will be simplified. Details may either be missing or simply misplaced. Not every element in the frame has a completely finished look to it, with squiggly lines imperfectly blended contours, and shading easily visible. It's a unique look that is a logical extension of the character's printed roots. As with The Wild Robot there are some "painterly" elements that are observable, but whereas that feature could at times be breathtakingly beautiful, Dog Man strives for youthful energy and whimsy. And it succeeds.

Dog Man moves at a brisk pace, with the frequent action scenes stuffed full of villainous mayhem being especially frantic. But for as wildly out of control as the picture may sometimes threaten to careen, the script allows for numerous opportunities to pause the frenetic in favor of the calm. It's in these moments that the picture truly shines and its heart is observable. For as absurd as the character of Dog Man is and for all of the preposterousness of his B-movie mad science creation, the reaction of his girlfriend rings painfully true. Petey, though he strives to be evil, has a messy and complicated relationship with his own father that colors his actions as an adult and his relationship with his young clone/child. And Li'l Petey, who perhaps inadvertently but scientifically accurately demonstrates that while a clone may duplicate its source genetically but without the source's experiences it's a markedly different entity, surprisingly plumbs some emotional and philosophical depths as he relentlessly asks "Why?" to every answer he receives until the original mundane topic becomes something more profound. That, in particular, is a scene to which many parents will be able to relate. As engaging, funny, and entertaining as the action of the story is, it's these moments and others like them that are the film's greatest asset and are what elevate it beyond simply being an animated story of a Dog (Man) fighting a cat.

Dog Man Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

While fans may have been clamoring for a 4K presentation of their favorite character's inaugural big-screen adventures, they will find little to take issue with the film's 1080p presentation. Colors are nicely saturated with every shade of blue on display in the numerous police-related scenes looking sumptuous and allowing each its own distinct identity. Yellows are rich and reds sport a pleasant vibrancy. Detail levels are strong when the often simple image on display allows for it to be so. Often this equates to being able to observe the texture in the brush strokes that color vehicle exteriors, buildings, and set elements in a decidedly painterly fashion. Other times, a simple surface like that of the giant vacuum cleaner bag will suffer damage that then reveals details like each severed and frayed thread of the fabric covering. Blacks are acceptably inky, adding spookiness to scenes in Petey's hideout, richness to prop and costume elements, and allowing for an image that is satisfactorily deep and dimensional. There are moments when one may believe they spot banding, particularly in wide shots where the city's skies fill large portions of the screen. However, it is, to my observation, merely a product of the film's "high-end handmade" style whereby brushstrokes are oftentimes visible and colors are purposefully not perfectly blended and shaded. Indeed, for an image that at first blush appears to be quite simple, there's a devilish amount of complexity.

Dog Man Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Dog Man is sent into the field with an impressive English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 audio track that hastily establishes that it means business. Immersive from the get-go, tires squeal as Officer Knight and Greg recklessly hurtle through the busy city streets in pursuit of their quarry, with surrounds firing as their squad car, and other vehicles whizz by. Viewers are squarely in the middle of an ominous thunderclap as the two injured heroes are rushed to the local hospital on a dark and stormy night. Atmospheric music likewise emanates from surrounds with routine frequency. Bass levels are punchy and deep, whether adding depth to the aforementioned thunderclap, various explosions, or in support of the joke where reporter Sarah Hatoff repeatedly hits The Chief in the face with a handheld microphone during an interview. Directionality is strong and realistic and objects move smoothly through the sound field. Music is occasionally allowed to dominate, such as during the presentation of the banjo-driven theme song, with the quick and bouncy notes sounding crisp and precise. Dialogue is always clear and understandable and typically front and center focused. It's an engaging track.

Dog Man Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Dog Man's on-disc supplemental material is as follows:

• Deleted Scenes and Extended Scenes With Introductions by Screenwriter/Director Peter Hastings. (Note: Most use storyboards with an audio track rather than featuring finished animation.
  • Sewer Ball Chase (1.42)
  • Petey Robs Bank of Jim (2.38)
  • Li'l Petey Adoption People (1.06)
  • Petey Puppet Time (2.06)
  • Dog Man Chopper Hang Glider (2.06)
  • Revenge of the Bank of Jim (2.06)
  • Butler Business (2.06)
  • Flippy in Jail Epilogue (2.06)

• Meet the Pack (5.15) - Hear from the cast discuss the film's characters and watch them recording lines from the film in the recording studio.

• The Making of 'Dog Man': A Sarah Hatoff Exclusive (5.43) - With plenty of clips from the film, Peter Hastings and members of the cast briefly talk about their experiences making the film, with several sharing their own children's love of the source material.

• Howl to Draw Flip-O-Rama Style - Head of Story Anthony Zierhunt instructs viewers how to draw several characters from the film and turn them into a Flip=O=Rama.
  • Dog Man (2.03)
  • Petey (1.26)
  • Li-l Petey (1.22)
  • Flip-O-Rama (7.29)

• Howl to Make Doughnuts for Dogs (5.24) - In a simple tutorial, viewers will learn how to make treats for their four-legged friends. (Young chefs will likely need adult supervision.)

• Feature Commentary with Screenwriter/Director Peter Hastings. - Throughout the commentary, Hastings shares his love for the film's source material as well as other books written by Dav Pilkey. He conveys his intent to remain faithful to the original beloved books, though he admits that elements from later works appear in this film. Hastings gleefully points out various Easter Eggs, shares his passion for what he describes as the film's high-end handmade animation style (which he elaborates on in great detail), and his quest for Dog Man's heart, sense of humor, and themes. It's a very relaxed and conversational commentary track, with Hasting clearly not guided by prepared notes and instead driven by his own obvious affection for the book and the film, the action appearing on-screen, and odd bits of trivia that spring to mind. It's a fun and informative listen.

Dog Man Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

With its unique style of animation, clever humor, and deft mix of action and heart, it's no surprise to see that this film performed well at the box office. Dog Man's cast, anchored by Pete Davidson and assisted by Isla Fisher, Lil Rel Howrey, and a number of other Satruday Night Live alums, does a wonderful job with the script, lending their characters the appropriate levels of energy, authenticity, and obvious chemistry. Hastings and his team have filled the picture with enough Easter eggs as to both encourage and reward repeat viewings and the feature itself certainly warrants them as well. While an understanding and appreciation of the source material would be somewhat helpful, even those unfamiliar with the character of Dog Man and the work of author Dav Pilkey will find a great deal here to enjoy, and several of the special features will be of particular interest to younger viewers. For fans of the source material, those with young children, and fans of animated fare, Dog Man comes strongly recommended.