The Aristocats

By Ian McCreath

Following Ratatouille, the french flavour continues with the Disney DVD release of "The Aristocats."

Duchess, a pedigree "Aristocat", and her kittens are cat napped by a greedy and bumbling butler after being named as sole beneficiaries of their doting owners estate.

Taken from the high society of Paris and dumped in the french countryside, it's down to alley cat Thomas O'Malley and his band of swingin' jazz cats to save the day.

A classic of an earlier Disney vintage, The Arisotcats has all the essential ingredients you'd expect.

However you can't help thinking it lacks a certain je ne sais quoi.

First class 2D animation, memorable songs (including the swinging "Everybody Wants to be a Cat") and solid characterisation make this a lively and enjoyable family favourite.

However Disney have taken us on similar journeys before and with a touch more magic.

Think of 101 Dalmations but without the genius of Cruella De Ville to elevate it to classic status, and you won't be far off.

One for the family collection certainly,  but the last animated film to be personally approved by Walt Disney is by no means his crowning glory.