It's a Dog's Life

Nicolas Bianco-Levrin and Julie Rembauville's line-art-animated short from the National Film Board of Canada is thematically reminiscent of Tim Burton's mini-classic Family Dog. In a bustling suburban household, it seems that everyone takes the resident pet bulldog for granted (or blames him). But the canine has a rich inner life and intellect, and while the family squabbles over money or engages in mundane drama at the dinner table, the dog is literally underfoot with the day's newspaper, attempting—unsuccessfully—to read a science article that has caught his eye. A bit of a one-joke affair, It's a Dog's Life is presented in both English and French versions on the disc. A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (C. Cassady)