Heathcliff and the Catillac Cats

The burgeoning popularity of the TV-on-DVD market extends to older animated series as well, and this neatly packaged collection of the 24 first season half-hour episodes (and “pet tips” that closed each show) from the 1984-1987 Heathcliff and the Catillac Cats is likely to be appreciated not only by nostalgic Gen Xers but by their preschoolers as well. Based on the popular comic strip created in 1973 by George Gately, the kid-friendly (but not entirely without edge) series revolves around the titular tabby (voiced by animation legend Mel Blanc), an inveterate practical joker and a bit of a con artist as well. Heathcliff's primary mission in life seems to be tormenting the bulldog Spike—a task he approaches with relish when he's not romancing a fetching feline named Sonja or annoying his human master, Grandpa. The Catillac Cats are a fuzzy, animated approximation of the old Dead End Kids, led by a troublemaking, pintsized pussycat named Riff Raff. DVD extras include an interview with Heathcliff illustrator Peter Gallagher, as well as a selection of Heathcliff cartoon strips. Although admittedly somewhat repetitious—like most Saturday morning cartoon fare—this set is recommended for larger collections. (E. Hulse)