Disney brings Charles Dickens' tale of orphaned pickpockets in the streets of London to the screen with a colorful cast of canine characters. Oliver (voiced by Joey Lawrence) is an orphaned kitten lost in Manhattan until he meets up with the Dodger, a crafty dog with a gang that leads Oliver on a series of colorful adventures. Featuring songs by Billy Joel and Bette Midler.

This animated Disney film, loosely based on Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist," revolves around a cute orphaned kitten named Oliver, who is given shelter by a streetwise gang of dogs. A human beggar named Fagin does his best to provide for these homeless (and tuneful) animals.
But Fagin has a problem: he owes the wicked loan shark Sykes a lot of dough, and has only three days in which to cough it up. Oliver and the pooches take it upon themselves to help Fagin out of the doghouse.
Meanwhile, Oliver is adopted by a lonely (and rich) girl named Jenny -- who Sykes later kidnaps. Can Oliver and his canine cohorts find a way to save both Fagin and Jenny?

Theatrical release: November 18, 1988.
Rereleased March 29, 1996.

OLIVER AND COMPANY is the 27th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures.

During its initial theatrical release in 1988, "Oliver and Company" grossed $53.3 million domestically. The film was re-released theatrically in the USA in 1996, and grossed an additional $18.5 million.

"Oliver & Company" was the first Disney film to use computer animation.

Color by DeLuxe; prints by Metrocolor.

Additional cast: Carl Weintraub (voice of Desoto) and William Glover (voice of Winston).

Additional credits: Jim Mitchell, Chris Bailey and Leon Joosen (story); Samuel Graham and Chris Hubbell (additional story material); Ron Rocha, Rocky Pedilla, Michael Eckhart and Jon St. James (song composers); Doug Krohn (supervising animator); Dan Hansen (art direction); Chris B. Bushman (special optical printing).

"Perfect Isn't Easy" performed by Bette Midler.

"Why Should I Worry" performed by Billy Joel.

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Anamorphic 1.66
Audio:
TBD
Additional Release Material:
Bonus Short - 1. "Puss Cafe"
2. "Lend A Paw"
Making-of - 1. "The Making of OLIVER & COMPANY"
Featurette - 1. "Animated Animals"
Documentary - 1. "Return Of A Classic: The Theatrical Re-release of OLIVER & COMPANY"
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Sing-Along
Interactive Menus
Text/Photo Galleries:
Stills/Photos

Distributor Notes: Oliver & Company: Special Edition

A timeless classic inspired by Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist," OLIVER & COMPANY is a fun-filled, action-packed musical adventure voiced and sung by one of the most talented casts in Disney history! And now you can own this Disney masterpiece on DVD! The film artfully blends lovable characters, cool songs, and action-packed adventure into a contemporary classic that's "charming, funny, musical, and thrilling!" (ABC-TV) Disney's hip, high-energy tale begins in the concrete canyons of New York City, where Oliver, an adorable orphaned kitten, is befriended by Dodger, a carefree mutt with a certain street savoir faire. The mischievous little cat is welcomed by Dodger's pack of pickpocket pooches, including dim-witted Einstein, ravishing Rita, and live-wire Tito. This ragtag family of misfits runs into trouble when the evil mastermind Sykes -- aided by his two daunting dobermans -- schemes to kidnap the lonely little rich girl who just adopted Oliver! It's up to the brave kitten and his newfound friends to race to the rescue in an electrifying chase through the city's subway system. Boasting five outstanding original songs and the musical talents of Billy Joel, Bette Midler, and Huey Lewis -- and overflowing with brilliant animation, OLIVER & COMPANY is a modern masterpiece.

Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

George Scribner: Animation Director

Jim Cox: Screenwriter/ OLIVER AND COMPANY (1988)
Timothy J. Disney: Screenwriter/ OLIVER AND COMPANY (1988)
James Mangold: Director/ Screenwriter - OLIVER & COMPANY, GIRL INTERRUPTED
Roger Allers: director

"...Visuals and sound combine to vividly capture the Big Apple crunch from a feline's-eye view..."
"...A bright, upbeat comedy that should appeal to audiences of all ages....Scribner keeps the pace rapid and the camerawork unusually fluid for an animated feature..."