Release Date: March 11th, 2008
Running Time: 88 minutes

The Show

Superman and Lex Luthor, Batman and the Joker, Optimus Prime and Megatron—classic rivalries made to be fought until the end of time. Like these other duos, Tom and Jerry will mess with each other forever; it’s just in their nature. Employing the hyper-stylized sadistic violence of classic WB cartoons, many fond memories were formed out of watching the cat and mouse on their wild adventures. Tom and Jerry Tales: Volume 4 offers a new generation a chance to experience the classic rivalry in all of its outlandish goodness.

There’s not much to Tom and Jerry. Placed in different themed adventures, the two go at it in true cartoon form, using whatever methods and means they can to deliver a cartoon-whooping. Volume 4 contains 12 zany adventures.

“Zent Out of Shape” sees the pair fighting in Feudal Japan, complete with a Godzilla-like creature.

“I Dream of Meanie” is set in the ancient Middle East with Jerry getting revenge against Sultan Tom by the way of a genie.

“Which Witch” finds the pair being used by two witches to play pranks on each other.

“More Powers to You” has Tom assisting a group of superheroes by guarding their power rings, only to abuse the power with Jerry.

“Catch Me Though You Can’t” finds Jerry becoming the subject an experiment that gives him super speed.

“Power Tom” has Tom coming across a superhero suit, much to his delight, only to find out that he’s dressed as a female superhero!

“Don’t Bring Your Pet to School Day” has both Tom and Jerry being brought into school for Pet Day only to lead to one of their inevitable, chaotic chases.

“Cat Show Catastrophe” gives Tom a chance to be a part of a feline high society cat show only to have Jerry mess with his opportunity.

“The Cat Whisperer” finds Tom being trained by a cat whisperer after ruining a tea party, a process made more difficult by Jerry’s antics.

“Adventures in Penguin-sitting” has the pair in trouble after Jerry befriends a penguin and their freezer malfunctions, leaving the house in a state of ice.

“Cat of Prey” has Tom trying to snag Jerry at an ocean theme park only to run into troubles with various animals.

Lastly, “Jungle Love” finds Jerry enlisting the help of a baby rhino during his chase with Tom, who also encounters a number of other wildlife with other plans for him.

Tom and Jerry Tales: Volume 4 is fun because it is constantly playing with the formula. It’s not always Tom and Jerry on a chase in the house. The different settings and themes open the show up to new gags and laughs. It is good, old-fashioned entertainment and a sure-thing for any cartoon-loving kid or adult.

The DVD

The video is presented in 1.33:1 Full Frame. With rich, vibrant colors and smooth animation, Tom and Jerry continue to please the eyes with this transfer.

The audio is offered in English/French Dolby Digital Stereo with English subtitles. There are no issues with clarity and the sound travels well across the front channels. Not bad for a TV mix.

The Extras

None.

Final Thoughts

Tom and Jerry Tales: Volume 4 may not be as timeless as the classics, but it offers plenty of cartoony fun for the kids. I’d take this franchise over the newer schlock on TV any day.