An American Tail: Don Bluth's Rise to Success!!!

We've saved the best for last! Or at least one of the best for last! An American Tail is the film that put Don Bluth on the map and it was the first time Disney ever truly felt threatened!
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[@jakedebruin2246]

Apparently the reason tiger was added in the movie was to let kids know that not all cats are bad/evil.

[@orangeslash1667]

I wonder if the story would have befitted more if the film was longer?

[@Ender10zCyanOcto95]

That makes sense

[@dmitritelvanni4068]

It's more than that. It's an allegory for how american relationships don't have to be dictated by old world stigmas. This isn't woke in your face agitprop like we see today. It's more subtle, it's shown instead of being told.

[@jackcarraway4707]

There's also that one mouse/rat who runs the sweatshop where Fievel met Tony which shows not all mice/rats are good

[@RadJack14]

Dude the ending of this movie is by far the prettiest, bitter sweet, and by far the most emotional ending I have ever seen in an animated movie

[@a.t.m873]

Congratulations on finishing your Don Bluth theme. Love your jokes and honest opinion. I always appreciate your hard work. Good job.

[@DanGamingFan2846]

I can't think of a better movie to end your Don Bluth review journey on. This is a truly fantastic film, that can be enjoyed by all ages. As a kid, I loved the songs and Dom DeLuise's performance as Tiger. As an adult, I appreciate the sociopolitical commentary of life for immigrants and minority groups in the late 18th century and the truth of "The American Dream." And I love how all the immigrant mice, wealthy and working class, come together to stand up to the oppressive cats.

[@thusnameddigital9397]

Agreed. This movie was my childhood. Definitely one of Bluth's best.

[@JNT737]

I saw a lot of dark movies for kids as a kid and I was scared yes, but I learn it's okay to be scared. Another job well done

[@seanchukwuezi3079]

James horner score is one of the most underrated score for any movie of all time .

[@Ghostlyking-tc3vu]

I love this Film so much mostly because I'm the son of an immigrant father from Nigeria and an American mother so this movie hits me in the feels.

[@omundodovini3774]

You Did It!!! You had Review ALL the Don Bluth Movies!!! Congrats RaisorBlade!!! And your Channel Will Grow Even More!!

[@WolfmanArt]

Definitely one of my favorite films from Don Bluth. It's much smarter than it appears, beautifully animated and it has a good commentary Side Note: The clip with Siskel and Ebert makes it look like his face is melting... 😨

[@matthewdaley746]

Speaking of which, they, were, in Disney's pocket, which explains why they gave great reviews to all their animated films, (even the terrible ones), and, hated all, other, animated films, to believe, otherwise, is, severe denial.

[@ChildofChrist1983]

Born in 1983, I grew up owning and watching most of classic Disney and this Don Bluth classic as well as "All Dogs Go To Heaven", "The Land Before Time" and "The Secret of NIMH" alongside my grandparents. And I still love these all if not most of these classics 30+ years later. I did eventually see his other rotten films while briefly living with my mom and twin half-siblings via video rental, and even then, I knew these didn't hold a candle to his earlier gems. Now, do I like "An American Tail" more than "The Secret of NIMH" or "The Land Before Time"? Absolutely not. But I do feel it's memorable in its own way like "All Dogs Go To Heaven" was and that it is an underrated gem. Don Bluth, just like Walt Disney himself, loved animation and wanted to bring families together and teach valuable lessons with it and both Bluth and Disney are true legends at what they did and do. Saddens me how it's all but forgotten today for the sake of money and woke agenda

[@pascaleelliott63]

Even just rewatching Fievel and his father and family finally reuniting, my heart set off fireworks all over again! I remember first seeing this movie and that scene as a kid, and even rewatching that one scene now, I once again felt overwhelming joy from that happy ending.

[@silashurd3597]

Hey RaisorBlade! Congrats on finally reviewing all the Don Bluth movies!

[@korance2808]

Can I be honest? As a child, I actually watched Fievel Goes West before I watched the original. I honestly wished I had seen the original first, because it's way more powerful. Although I still do have a soft spot for Fievel Goes West.

[@vixenrevitup]

I watched Fievel Goes West first as well. It is still one of my favorite animated movies. Heck, Linda Ronstadt’s version of Dreams To Dream is my favorite soundtrack song of all time because of it. Similarly, I watched All Dogs Go To Heaven 2 before the original as well, and that movie (despite all the obvious flaws) is my absolute favorite movie of all time (though this choice is arguably through rose-tinted glasses). Honestly, it’s hard for me to say whether I like the original American Tail movie more than the sequel. I saw and enjoyed the sequel far more as a child, but the heartfelt journey in the original is far more impactful. The animation is great, the soundtrack is great (especially since Ronstadt is in it), the story is great. If I don’t put on my nostalgia goggles, I would say the first one is the favorite, but the memories I had with the sequel place it so close to my heart. So, I guess it’s a tie. I can’t say the same for All Dogs Go To Heaven, though. The sequel is so much more important to me to even bother thinking objectively! I’m definitely in the minority for placing this very flawed movie as my all-time favorite, but I just can’t erase the fun memories I had watching it with my twin and acting out the scenes as little kids.

[@lizafootfor5471]

Ever since the news of the death of James Horner happened, I grew to appreciate the score from this film even more. I also like The Land Before Time better too. Despite that, I still like this one for its bits of history, its scary yet emotional story about unity, hardship and happy reunion. This film is 8 out of 10 treestars for me 😉

[@retrofan4963]

An American Tail is a 10/10 movie in my opinion.

[@Musicradio77Network]

There were other films that they didn’t cover were the Disney animated films from the 1970’s that Don Bluth worked at the time. He did “The Rescuers”, “Pete’s Dragon” which was a live action/animated hybrid film, an a short called “The Small One”. Don Bluth also did the animated sequence in “Xanadu” during a song called “Don’t Walk Away” by the Electric Light Orchestra.

[@CraigS1996Entertainment]

The Don Bluth movie reviews are officially complete!! It was one hell of a ride, but you finally made it, Blade!

[@sjmhadsock4586]

Funny fact the character of Warren and the flea was originally supposed to be in banjo the woodpile cat

[@supermariof0521]

Strangely enough I actually came up with an idea for an "An American Tail" sequel that takes place in the modern day, and focuses on Fievel's great great great (several greats later) granddaughter, Sofia Mousekewitz and the stories her family told her about her great (a million greats later) grandpa Fievel. Basically like the first film, this spiritual successor also focuses on social injustice and how to this very day there is still a species devide between cats and mice. Its still a work in progress, but if this concept was greenlit, would you watch it? If so, what would you like to see in it?

[@matthewdaley746]

Yeah, I'd watch it, I'd, also, like, Mae Whitman as the voice of Sofia, considering that she's the daughter of Pat Musick, that's, only, fitting, really, a terrifically inspired choice.

[@supermariof0521]

@@matthewdaley746 Neat. What would you like to see story wise?

[@matthewdaley746]

@Fire Dust The story you mentioned, with, events recounted from previous eras, appears perfect.

[@supermariof0521]

@@matthewdaley746 Examples?

[@matthewdaley746]

​@@supermariof0521 The narrative of films from her ancestors seems a, great, idea, absolutely.

[@brianlevine871]

It's been a while since I last saw this movie, but it's still good from what I remember. Seeing it in my high school history class years ago really made me appreciate the actual history presented in the movie. Although, giving Tiger more screen time would've been great, especially since he's a fan favorite character.

[@satin8683]

And at very long last, we finally came to the very end of Don Bluth's Movies. It's been one helluva ride but It was still worth It.

[@furryhick1998]

The Irish mouse in the no cats in America is one of the most memorable in most of the movie

[@johnnygallagher5718]

American Tail 3 & 4 stayed true to the spirit of the first movie in my opinion Also fun fact the third movie was animated by TMS. The same animation company behind Bakugan, Cybersix, Animaniacs, Little Nemo, and even Akira!

[@matthewdaley746]

I thought they, were, terrible, at least, they quit, while, they, were, behind, unlike, TLBT, sad.

[@chasg3242]

Plus the original D Gray Man.

[@matthewdaley746]

@@chasg3242 The strange things that come out of the world of animation, seriously, have no limits, remarkable.

[@JWeb66]

I don't recall much of the 4th one, aside from the monster mystery gimic and news industry, but the 3rd one was memorable with its commentary on both the plight of indigenous people and workers' rights with scenes of police brutality.

[@matthewdaley746]

@JWeb66 Totally, unnecessary, sequels, unquestionably.

[@Banjo362]

I like Don Bluth too, he puts his stories in the concept of a fairy tale and tells a story that you've never heard before. And another way I look at it is Don Bluth Films also are like Country Music because a lot of country songs tell stories they're like ballads. So even Country Music has a lot in common with fairy tales and Don Bluth films.

[@moritztsacher]

Personally, this is my favorite movie directed by Don Bluth.

[@sjmhadsock4586]

A good way to end your don bluth review marathon

[@homecruz7743]

Somewhere out there on Raisorblade Reviews he reviewed An American Tail somewhere out there out where dreams come true!🐭🐱🇺🇲

[@zaidnail3544]

You made it , you faced the good, the bad, and the ugly, but at the end, you made it and you endure it since land before time and thunbelina.

[@davidhileman8567]

Yeah. I can definitely see the "Somewhere Out There" scene being very wonderful. It's a very adorable and sweet scene. I think it's inspiring me to make a sort of drawing of the Mousekewitz siblings asleep in their bed, complete with the pretty blue hue, as sort of a reference/follow-up to the scene but I would also throw in a little juxtaposition by "filming" the drawing in the anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio, the kind used for processes like CinemaScope and Technirama (the process used for such films as Disney's "Sleeping Beauty", Richard Fleischer's "The Vikings", and the 1962 adaptation of "The Music Man"). It's on purpose, juxtaposing an adorable, sweet-looking scene with a filming style reminiscent of the mid-20th century big-budget films made during the waning years of the Golden Age of Hollywood, like "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea", "Ben-Hur", and others.

[@omundodovini3774]

Sad that the "Dragon's Lair", the Possible Last Don Bluth Movie, will be Live Action, instead of Animation. DIDN'T HE SAID THAT AFTER ROCK-A-DOODLE HE WILL NEVER BE ENVOLVED IN LIVE ACTION EVER AGAIN?!

[@matthewdaley746]

Even, worse, that it's going to have Ryan Reynolds, there's no reason, for, him to be, so, successful, and, yet, he is.

[@rainbowracer9576]

Congratulations on completing the Don Bluth films Rasiorblade!! Also Love the thumbnail!⭐️

[@exileraptor2622]

The ending scene you showed made me tear up unexpectedly making me say holy sh!t

[@chasg3242]

Honest John and Gussie are practically saints though in comparison to the Robber Barron factory owners from the third movie.

[@StephenKterror]

Don Bluth is such a classic! Hey, I was hoping to ask, have you ever looked up to read his autobiography yet? He just had it released last year and it's a worthy read!!! As for the conflict of the film's interest between Spielberg and Bluth, I'd say that both sides have a legit point. Let's not forget that Spielberg got BLASTED for Gremlins and The Temple of Doom, so he speaks from experience. And Bluth wants to not dumb down the message and trials no matter the age. So it has to do with balancing out these tones, which are a challenge itself.

[@devonhall3785]

I am not crying your crying this movie has a happy ending.

[@kieranstark7213]

I hope anytime I can make a Pac-Man movie with the animation style of Pac-Man World 2 of all games, I can also work with Don Bluth on it (I mean, then again, Dom DeLuise was in some of Bluth’s films like The Secret of NIMH (Jeremy Crow, the worst thing about one of his best movies which I’m glad RaisorBlade called out for because of his predatory behaviour when no one else has), An American Tail (Tiger the Cat), All Dogs Go to Heaven (Itchy Itchford) and A Troll in Central Park (Stanley the Bad Troll). So when it comes to one of his sons (David DeLuise) who played Jerry Russo (Wizards of Waverly Place), we might even give him a role as one of the snowball-throwing blue ghosts in world 3 of PMW2).

[@mrquake7789]

So Don Bluth was a realist as well Disney is more whimsical

[@itsabbycadabby]

honestly it was soooo good!!! espiecally the vioces❤❤❤

[@ronanthesuperginger]

Watch as Don comes out with 80 films in one year

[@chasg3242]

If you ever go to any upcoming Comic Cons, hopefully you can run into Phillip Glasser sometime, becuase he seems like a really nice dude and is always so eager to talk about his experience as Fievel, and isn't afraid to dunk on his off key singing.

[@chasg3242]

@@matthewdaley746 Yeah. Though he did come back for Fievel Goes West, something not even Tanya's original VA did.

[@chasg3242]

@Matthew Daley Yeah that's odd, though at least she has a really nice singing voice. Lacy Chapert at least was much younger and sounded cute, in spite of her age and the way they treated her character.

[@chasg3242]

@@matthewdaley746 Her Tanya and Eliza voices were my favorite voice roles of hers.

[@chasg3242]

@Matthew Daley Definitely not, that voice doesn't fit at all. I'm still can't believe Phillip Glasser lives in Nashville of all places. Then again so does Susan Egan.

[@orangeslash1667]

@@matthewdaley746 The directors of Hercules admitted that the film was made out of obligation. They originally wanted to make Treasure Planet first, but Disney hated the idea. However Disney said that if the directors can make a film that is as marketable as Aladdin, then they can make Treasure Planet. Sadly Treasure Planet BOMBED big time💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸💸.

[@grimmtheschoolaroffools2068]

Congratulations!

[@foxlover208]

Nice video raiser

[@AdamFishkin]

On the subject of the cast size: NIMH as a comparison is understandable. I will say, however, that it takes more of a spiritual angle with its themes that benefits from a smaller cast: individuals being granted power and facing a choice with what to do with it. Land Before Time is similar: kids learning how to make their way in the world during bad times. But with American Tail and its more political themes, exploring such a story requires a larger cast, despite some of them seeming superfluous on the surface. On the subject of Tiger: there were scenes deleted that accounted for Tiger making his benign intentions known to the other mice. Spielberg had a lot of authority over the final cut, but I don't think that was the issue. Everyone involved was just worried about pacing ... and Tiger's arc was a small sacrifice to make ... so if they could save a little extra money by not inking/painting scenes they didn't have certainty about putting in, PLUS a shorter runtime meaning theaters could squeeze in more screenings. (It's why 4-hour epics like "Lawrence of Arabia" aren't a thing in Hollywood anymore.) I also disagree about him lacking relevance in what we see ... on a thematic level, the important message to keep things fair is that not every member of the dominant class is evil/exploitative at their core. There are still chances to find common ground. In full agreement with you though on Siskel & Ebert. They dropped the ball. They just weren't thinking. Head empty that day, no thoughts. That's all there is to it.

[@centurynerdbr]

You can't always show literally anything in a kids movie just for the "happy ending". To be a good or a great movie specially animated ones is not about go too far, its not a rule, its how you make the story and its main message, some will liked and some will not. All im saying that is it is not a formula of how to make perfect or great movies. Some movies even workout great beign simply with no need of beign too harsh or too far. Im not saying is bad im just saying it is not a number 1 rule to follow to make even a normal friendly afternoon movie. Some movies are good just the way they are. Even nowdays there are great animated movies that don't need to push too far and they still workout great. I get it the reasons behind and sometimes it works and it is okay too push far sometimes, but other times it is not a good idea. Not every movie needs to do that just so they can be considered good or great movies. Thats all im saying.

[@NicklasZandeVGCP2001]

I wonder what Percy Jackson thinks about his father seperating a mouse from his family.

[@erainmartinez8175]

very good

[@omundodovini3774]

Movies Suggestions to you Review (If you want, of course): - The (First) Swan Princess (1994); - Quest for Camelot (1998); - The Mighty Kong (1998); - The Princess and the Pea (2002).

[@matthewdaley746]

TSP, like, TLBT, just ruined by, Franchise Fatigue. QFC, a total misfire. TMK, proved Jodi Benson, was, a, one-trick-pony. TPATP, never, watched, likely, a, disappointment.

[@quoth128]

as an irish american, I think it was actually pretty poignant note. My ancestors were more easily able to assimilate as americans than jewish people and folks of color. The Irish politicians were part of the history.

[@seanchukwuezi3079]

So basically don bluth is the reason why te rennasiance existed

[@nicholassims9837]

Will you do the Tv shows based on movies?

[@enminghee2926]

This movie is Gangs of New York for under 12s.

[@darkalicornkingdoom3572]

Gotta admit i'm kinda sad the dragon's lair movie is not gonna be a animated movie

[@orangeslash1667]

@@matthewdaley746 What's wrong with Reynolds????????

[@orangeslash1667]

@@matthewdaley746 I think the reason Don chose Ryan is because his performance as Dead Pool proves that he's funny enough to play a silly knight.

[@orangeslash1667]

@@matthewdaley746 The good news is that here is a theory that Don Bluth studios may have inspired Cartoon Saloon to make animated films, since their both located in Ireland. Cartoon Saloon made the Secret of Kells and WolfWalkers.

[@somethingcreative32]

try doing all the american tail sequels

[@jinxnvm1148]

here i am learning that this man did not make the sequel to the movie... huh

[@171QA]

So true.

[@omundodovini3774]

Now makes a Video Ranking All the Don Bluth Movies in a Tier List!!!

[@matthewdaley746]

An American Tail, The, Secret Of NIMH, and, TLBT, definitely lead it.

[@omundodovini3774]

@@matthewdaley746 what I think it's his opinion (Expecullation, not Oficial!!!!), acording to the what he said about all of them: *Best:* The Land Before Time, The Secret of N.I.M.H., An American Tail. *Great:* Anastasia, The Small One. *Good:* Bartok: The Magnificent. *Mid:* All Dogs Go To Heaven, Banjo: The Woodpile Cat, The Pebble and the Penguin. *Bad:* Titan A.E. *Disaster:* Thumbelina, A Troll in Central Park, Rock-a-Doodle.

[@matthewdaley746]

@O Mundo do Viní We'll have to wait, for, the reveal to know, for, sure, but, it's certainly, possible, excitement, really, can be expected.

[@matthewn1566]

Sooooomewheeeeeere oooooout theeeere, beneath the pAaAaAle moonliiiiiiiiight.

[@sjmhadsock4586]

Not a dry eye in the house

[@centurynerdbr]

Did you all know American Tail it also had its own videogame line?

[@ethejumper6568]

You mean the Wild West one.

[@retrofan4963]

@@ethejumper6568 There's also one based on the original An American Tail for the PS2. About Goes West, you're right about that. There are 2 video games based on Fievel Goes West on the SNES and the other called Fievel's Gold Rush on GBA. There's also a PC An American Tail game, which is a point and click adventure and it's based on both the original An American Tail and Fievel Goes West.

[@sjmhadsock4586]

Heck nostalgia critic put some scenes of this movie in his saddest nostalgic scenes video

[@OmarAlikaj]

Those critics in the 1980s sound so out of touch like some of nowadays.

[@samabbitt5587]

I was watching the movie when I was listening to sum 41 screaming bloody murders back in November

[@BrandonCroker]

What a bluthy ride it’s been…

[@berengerdietiker22]

Actually, Fievel and his family lived in Ukraine which was part of Russia back in 1885.

[@RaisorBlade]

So Russia?

[@berengerdietiker22]

In a manner of speaking.

[@renamon5658]

Is don bluth still making movies?

[@chasehedges6775]

I think he’s retired and he’s probably too old at this point, really. Still a legend regardless 😊

[@orangeslash1667]

@@chasehedges6775 I think he became a teacher?

[@secretsupergirl]

I do agree that this movie while good has some cringing moments secret of nimh and land before had better story telling and animation that kept you engaged

[@reasonablebutcrazy]

Review the direct to video sequels raisorblade. You did all 13 Land before time sequels. You already did Fievel goes west. The direct to video An American tail movies can't be that bad

[@dmitritelvanni4068]

5:38 you're looking at this movie completely outside of the context of its own allegory. Picture this if you will, say two immigrants meet in new york. One a German, one a Russian or a pole(pretty sure fivel is russian but idk exactly.) The two would have plenty of reason to hate eachother at home (as a cat and mouse are historical foes, like germans and slavs) but here in america, the rules aren't the same. A German could be the best friend of a russian here in america and it wouldnt be out of place. Youre neglecting the historical allegory completely.

[@henrymockingbird9645]

14:51

[@halothere6995]

Tread carefully what you say is heresy 8:34

[@mariarustico9091]

Americantail2

[@itsabbycadabby]

5:39 I HATE THAT SHOW

[@calumsanderson6741]

Ten minutes in and honestly I can see why you're saying the characters coming in late and background characters leading musical numbers then dipping is a problem, but you're honestly missing the point, and have clearly never made a major move in your life. You come across people who help you then you never see them again. Is that poor film production? Arguably. Is it relatable and realistic? Absolutely. Cut this movie some slack, my guy, you aren't seeing the forest for the trees and getting caught up in the leaves.