Paramount Home Media Distribution has officially announced that it will release on Blu-ray Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero (2018), featuring the voices of Helena Bonham Carter, Logan Lerman, and Gérard Depardieu. The release will be available for purchase on December 11.
SGT. STUBBY: AN AMERICAN HERO depicts the little-known true story of the unbreakable bond between a young soldier and a stray dog on the brink of America's entry into World War I. For his valorous feats, Stubby is still recognized today as the first dog promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the U.S. Army and the most decorated dog in American history. He is also widely considered the forerunner to the U.S. Army's working dog program. The delightful animated film shows the world that the greatest heroes can come from the unlikeliest places.
SGT. STUBBY: AN AMERICAN HERO was directed by award-winning documentarian Richard Lanni and features the voices of Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson & The Olympians) and Helena Bonham Carter (Harry Potter films).
With an original score by Patrick Doyle (Brave) and animation services by Technicolor that combine CGI and vintage-inspired 2D sequences, SGT. STUBBY: AN AMERICAN HERO was produced and distributed by Fun Academy Motion Pictures. Screenwriters are Richard Lanni and Mike Stokey II (Band of Brothers), with editing by Mark Solomon (Chicken Run).
SPECIAL FEATURES AND TECHNICAL SPECS:
The Making of a Hero" Featurette with Behind-the-Scenes Footage and Cast Interviews
"Real to Reel" The True Story of Sgt. Stubby
"Animating History" The Art of Sgt. Stubby
Historical Image Gallery
Optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles, plus descriptive audio
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The true story of Sgt. Stubby has resonated with audiences of all ages, including parents, educators, animal lovers, military supporters and history buffs alike. The film has been selected as an official project of the United States World War I Centennial Commission and its French counterpart, La Mission du Centenaire 1914-18; additional endorsements and educational partners include the American Legion, the Connecticut State Library, the National Infantry Museum Foundation, the National World War I Museum & Memorial and the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.
Beyond his military exploits, Stubby's status as an adopted stray has resulted in nearly a century of recognition by animal rescues and welfare organizations. As part of the film's theatrical release, Fun Academy partnered with more than 90 regional and national animal organizations across all 50 states – including the Humane Society of the United States and the Westminster Kennel Club – to shine a light on the human-animal bond and the amazing things adopted animals can do when given a chance in life.
About SGT. STUBBY: AN AMERICAN HERO: With the "War to End all Wars" looming, the life of Army "doughboy" Robert Conroy (Lerman) is forever changed when a little stray dog with a stubby tail wanders into a training camp in New Haven, Conn. Conroy gives his new friend a meal, a name, a family and the chance to embark on an adventure that would define a century.
About the Real-Life Stubby: Before he was a hero, Stubby was homeless, unwanted, unwashed and unloved, scrounging for scraps on the streets until he was taken in by Private First Class Robert Conroy of the 102nd Infantry Regiment, 26th "Yankee" Division.
In France, Stubby saw frontline action in four offensives and 17 battles. He found wounded soldiers, saved an entire company by alerting the men to don gas masks and even caught a German spy. After the recapture of Château-Thierry, the women of the town made him an embroidered jacket that would serve as Stubby's uniform and display his numerous awards throughout the rest of his career.
Returning home to a hero's welcome, Stubby and Conroy toured the country leading victory parades and met three sitting U.S. presidents, among other honors.