Fans of the sarcastic cat Heathcliff, fear not. DVD iterations of classic episodes of the 1970’s cartoon creation are on the way as part of a new deal just signed between UAV Corp. and DIC Ent. The distribution deal will bring select titles from DIC’s library of animated classics to VHS and DVD throughout 2004. The first two titles due in stores Feb. 24 are Heathcliff compilations–Fish Tale and Terror of the Neighborhood.
"We’re thrilled to re-introduce a classic property that will definitely meet the ongoing demand for retro properties in the retail market," says Steve Chase, UAV senior VP of sales and marketing.
Among other things, Heathcliff features the voice talents of the late great Mel Blanc, who brings the comic cat to life. Both releases include seven episodes and two bonus Catillac Cats episodes on each DVD.
Heathcliff was created in 1973 by George Gately, and became the first newspaper comic character to feature a cat as a main character. The syndicated Heathcliff strip currently appears in more than 1,000 newspapers around the world. The orange tomcat is also featured in a bestselling line of children’s books, greeting cards, and comic books.
Additional titles to be released in 2004 under the deal between UAV and DIC include Care Bears, Sylvanian Families, The Littles, Sabrina: the Animated Series, Inspector Gadget, and Super Mario Bros.
