Copyright © Shochiku / Nippon Animation

For an executive summary, THE DOG OF FLANDERS (first reviewed in EX 4.8) is a beautiful animated film based on the classic Flemish novel by Oui'da. To those unfamiliar to the story, THE DOG OF FLANDERS takes place in 19th century Belgium. The main character, Nello, is a young admirable boy raised in the harsh peasant life, and a possessor of a great artistic talent. Nello helps out his kind but aging grandfather (his only living relative) by delivering milk, and in his spare time Nello tries to follow his dream of becoming an artist in the footsteps of the great Reubens.
Constantly by Nello's side is his dog Patrash, whom his grandfather saved when Nello was a child. As such, Nello and Patrash are always together throughout their trials and hardships of peasant life. THE DOG OF FLANDERS paints an amazingly detailed window into this world, and the viewer is easily drawn to like and admire these characters.
This is a great family drama with an animation style remarkably similar to works from Studio Ghibli, although for families I would suggest that parents watch it first to determine if their children are mature enough to handle the occasionally slow parts and sad scenes. The DVD has only one major fault in my opinion, but overall it is certainly worth a viewing if not a purchase.
In order to better describe these issues, be forewarned though that the rest of this review may contain minor spoilers.
Certainly the biggest disappointment to DVD enthusiasts is that the English edited and dubbed version is the only option available on this disk. The original Japanese version was 104 minutes long and contained some extra scenes (for instance, events at the beginning that hint more at the ending) while the English edit is only 93 minutes. There are no real extras on this disk, and I feel that Pioneer took a step backwards in regards to the power of DVD by going with this cheaper route.
On the other hand, this is a beautiful letterboxed print, and I found the English dub to be overall quite good. Pioneer is definitely marketing THE DOG OF FLANDERS to families, and in my mind they have succeeded in this goal. Though, in some ways, these edits make the film even more deceptively happy at the beginning of the film.
Which brings me to my other warning about the film. Simply put, THE DOG OF FLANDERS is a beautiful tragedy, and I would certainly compare it in a favorable light to THE GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES. As such, I would caution people who might be expecting an uplifting MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO or KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE should be prepared to have very teary eyes by the end.
My favorite element of THE DOG OF FLANDERS was the amazingly detailed backgrounds. Over the seasons the artwork is remarkable, and some even approach photogenic quality. The animation is simple but clean, though scenes such as the great fire rival real life. The story is slow in parts, yet it is generally well paced and does an admirable job of telling this famous tale.
While I certainly believe Pioneer missed a chance to make a must-have DVD by not including the Japanese uncut version, I would strongly encourage people to make an effort to at least see this film in one form or another. THE DOG OF FLANDERS is a memorable experience.

Released in North America by Pioneer Entertainment
Dubbed VHS/DVD: 93 Minutes
VHS - PINA-0001D, $24.98 / DVD - PINA-0001V, $29.98
Subtitled VHS: 104 Minutes
PINA-0001S, $24.98
Available now in the USA
Where to buy