Blu-ray Review - Beethoven's Treasure Tail

Beethoven's Treasure Tail
Director: Ron Oliver
Starring: Jonathan Silverman, Kristy Swanson, David DeLuise and Jeffrey Combs
Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 28, 2014
Retail: $26.98
ASIN: B00LTO33X2
Running Time: 98 minutes
Rating: PG
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Honestly, I didn't realize that it has been over twenty-two years since the original Beethoven film was released to theaters. No, I'm not referring to the famous musician of the same name, but instead I'm referring to the St. Bernard dog who starred in the 1992 blockbuster that was co-written by the late John Hughes, under the name Edmond Dantès. A sequel, Beethoven's 2nd, was released to theaters a year later. It would be seven years until the dog would return in the direct-to-video Beethoven's 3rd, quickly followed by Beethoven's 4th and Beethoven's 5th. In 2008, the franchise received a reboot with Beethoven's Big Break and its sequel, Beethoven's Christmas Adventure, in 2011.

Arriving on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD on Tuesday October 28, 2014 from Universal 1440 Entertainment is newest St. Benard adventure, titled Beethoven's Treasure Tail. The film is directed by Ron Oliver and stars Jonathan Silverman reprising his role as Eddie from Beethoven's Big Break. Co-starring is Kristy Swanson (Buffy, the Vampire Slayer) and Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator Trilogy). There are no extras or special features on the Blu-ray or DVD.

The film centers on the movie star dog, Beethoven, filming his newest movie with his trainer Eddie Bob, but he can't get the scenes right. It seems the dog is depressed or as his veterinarian said, "He has lost his mojo." The dog's lack of energy has gotten him fired the movie, so Eddie has no choice but to pack his bags and leave the movie set with Beethoven.

Eddie and Beethoven have even more bad luck when their car breaks down in a small town and the local mechanic (played by David DeLuise) has no clue how to fix it. Beethoven quickly befriends a young boy, Sam Parker (played by Bretton Manley), who is determined to find the lost pirate treasure that belonged to his ancestor. The only thing standing in Sam's way is his mother Anne (played by Kristy Swanson) and a rich businessman (played by Jeffrey Combs), who wants the treasure for himself.



I have to admit that I have only seen the first two movies in the franchise. I tend to ignore direct-to-video family film sequels as typically the movies have a low-budget with bad acting. However, when I noticed Jonathan Silverman was in the newest Beethoven film, I signed up to review it. While the plot is heavily cliched, Jonathan Silverman, David DeLuise and Jeffery Combs steal every scene they are in. Yes, there are several silly scenes here and there, but it is all in good family fun. Overall, Beethoven's Treasure Tail was a delight to watch and I recommend it to others.

*Disclaimer - I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.