Family Movie Night: “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” (1993)

Last November, I worked on a small Family Movie Night series, which consisted of some reviews for movies that the whole family can sit back, relax and enjoy together. And, now I decided to work on another Family Movie Night series!

So, for this edition, I took a look at one of the most beloved Disney favorites of the 90s - the 1993 film “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.”

Before the Seavers leave for San Francisco, they drop off their pets - Chance, an adventurous American bulldog; Shadow, a wise golden retriever; and Sassy, a cautious cat - at a friend’s ranch.

But when the animals start to worry that they’ve been left for good, the three embark together on a treacherous and thrilling journey to find their way back home through the California wilderness.

The 1993 film “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” is a Disney classic that myself and I’m sure many, many others have seen in their childhood numerous times. This heartwarming story does a great job keeping audiences entertained with its many hilarious moments and moments that can also make you a little teary-eyed.

There are quite a few moments scattered throughout this 90s classic that will easily make the whole family burst out with laughter, especially from Chance the bulldog (voiced by Michael J. Fox). There’s a scene where Chance is chasing after a bunch of chickens at the ranch and has a surprise run in with a large turkey. Thinking it's a huge chicken, Chance shouts out “It’s Birdzilla! I swear  I’ll never eat a McNugget again!” (a moment that still makes me laugh).

In between all of the humorous scenes that will really make you laugh, there are also

some that will really make you a little emotional, such as when Shadow falls into a hole and it appears that the elderly dog may not be able to continue their journey. Of course, the most impactful scene of the film is the triumphant return home and seeing the pets finally reunited with their family. I’ll admit that moment still gets me!

The 1993 film “Homeward Bound” is remembered as a successful Disney remake of the 1963 film of the same name that became a beloved family classic. Its legacy is built on its heartwarming emotional core, the charming use of talking animals, and its enduring message of family.

The film was both a critical and commercial success, and later spawned a sequel in 1996, “Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco.” For those who grew up in the 90s, the film remains a nostalgic favorite. It was a staple of the era’s family friendly entertainment, and its themes of bravery and love continue to resonate with viewers who share it with new generations.

Trivia: “The Incredible Journey” was one of Don Ameche’s final movies before his death the year of the movie’s release. In this movie, he voiced the elderly dog Shadow. This is a remake of the 1963 film “The Incredible Journey,” which was based on the 1961 novel of the same name by Sheila Burnford. The animals were largely filmed separately to prevent conflict, and scenes were then cut together to create the illusion of the animals interacting.

MPA: Rated G   (runtime 84 minutes)

You can currently stream “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” and its 1996 sequel “Lost in San Francisco” on Disney Plus!

• When Shadow falls into a pit and injures his leg, the dog never actually fell into the pit. When he stepped on the boards, they broke, but there was a platform immediately below. Then a fake dog was dropped into the pit and these scenes were edited together. Shadow tries to get out but the pit is large and deep and muddy and he keeps slipping back into the pit because he cannot get a good grip. To accomplish this scene, a special pit was dug which was about three to four feet deep. For the sliding back and forth, one trainer was at the top of the pit calling the dog. Another trainer was at the bottom telling the dog to stay. When he did, he would naturally start sliding downward. The dog could actually walk out on his own at any time and did so several times during the filming. When Shadow does appear at the end of the film to be reunited with Peter, Shadow runs with a limp. This was accomplished by putting part of a round wooden bead between the dog's toes. The bead did not hurt him in any way, but gave him a peculiar sensation, causing him to walk with a limp.

• This was one of Don Ameche's final movies before his death the year of the film's release. He voiced Shadow.

• Chance loves to tease the aloof Sassy by chasing and teasing her. The chase scenes were done in cuts. The cat was merely running to a buzzer while the dog came in response to verbal cues and was not actually chasing the cat.

• When Chance chases Sassy onto a seesaw, and she gets catapulted through the air, the scene was done in many cuts. The seesaw lifted up to a height of about four feet and the cat was filmed on it. The cat was then filmed as she was tossed from one trainer to a blanket being held by several people. The cat seemed to love it and purred throughout. The camera angle facing up made it look as though the cat was at a height much greater than it was. A fake cat was also filmed flying through the air to give the perception of distance. Edited together, it creates a spectacular scene. For the cat's landing, she was dropped by a trainer from a height of around two feet and landed in sand.

• One of the rare talking animal movies in which the animal's mouth doesn't move in sync with their lines.

• Walter Matthau was the first choice to voice Shadow, but turned it down due to other commitments.