I wasn't expecting to like Firehouse Dog (2006), not by a long shot---and although it's far from a perfect family film, it certainly has a few charms. Directed by Todd Holland (The Wizard), this coming-of-age tale about a boy, his dog and their firehouse is an odd bird that never quite made it to mainstream success. In certain respects, it's easy to see why this film may not sit right with some folks: combining a traditional family comedy/drama with an overcooked satire of celebrity status, Firehouse Dog could've worked just fine without all the flashbulbs and flashbacks.

Here's the rundown: the oddly-named "Rexxx" is a canine celebrity of epic proportions, apparently on the same status level as your average A-list Hollywood icon. He's got his own crew and a devoted fan base, yet the popular pooch is depressed about his failed relationship with an unfaithful dalmation (yes, really). After a skydiving stunt goes wrong, Rexxx goes missing and is presumed dead. He's actually just roaming the streets across town when fate leads him to Shane (Josh Hutcherson), the young son of a local fire captain. Despite a rocky start, Shane eventually befriends Rexxx and adopts him as the fire station's unofficial mascot. The station itself has fallen on hard times: since the death of the former captain (Shane's uncle Marc), spirits have fallen and the company faces termination...not to mention the wrath of a mysterious arsonist.

Though Firehouse Dog eventually morphs into a fairly straight-laced family adventure, a few questionable details keep it from flowing more freely. Rexxx's career as a superstar is basically over-the-top and unnecessary, which also makes room for a padded subplot revolving around his fawning managers. Suspension of disbelief is required in spades from start to finish: we're supposed to believe that Rexxx's "death" is a major media event, yet no one notices his identity for presumably months on end. Thankfully, Firehouse Dog doesn't take itself too seriously. Most jokes are firmly tongue-in-cheek (at least the ones that work), so most families should be able to look past the quirkiness and enjoy what unfolds. There are a few serious and slightly dark moments along the way, but nothing that most kids shouldn't be able to handle. If nothing else, we should simply be grateful that Rexxx doesn't talk.

Had the film been firmly grounded and about 20 minutes shorter, Firehouse Dog would be a more cohesive and entertaining picture; as it stands, it's cute enough on the surface but doesn't quite come together in all departments. Even so, those looking for a good-natured family flick could do a lot worse: there's a sweet story hidden beneath the CGI trickery and cartoonish supporting characters, but most should be able to find it with little difficulty.

Though Firehouse Dog never quite found a following during its brief theatrical run, it plays comfortably enough on the small screen. Surprisingly enough, Fox has provided a fairly solid one-disc package, including a solid technical presentation and a light assortment of appropriate extras. Firehouse Dog may not be the sleeper hit of the year, but there's certainly enough here to warrant a closer look.

Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, Firehouse Dog looks very good from start to finish. Colors are generally bold and bright, image detail is solid and black levels look good. This being a Fox promotional screener copy, modest compression issues (and the studio's watermark, of course) prevent a proper visual rating from being awarded. If a final copy arrives, this section will most certainly be updated.

Audio is presented in a fairly robust Dolby Digital 5.1 track, while Spanish and French 2.0 Surround dubs are also included. Dialogue is always clean and clear, while some of the film's more action-oriented sequences pack a surprising punch. Overall, there's absolutely nothing to complain about here. Optional English captions, as well as French and Spanish subtitles, have been included during the main feature only.

Next up is a miscellaneous section entitled "Dog Treats", which collects a number of brief featurettes. "Tricks of the Trade" (2:16) and "Stunt Dogs: Who Protects Them?" (1:29) include brief chats about animal safety and treatment on set; "Firehouse Tour" (2:10) is a brief set run-through by actors Scotch Ellis Loring and Teddy Sears; "Family Values" (2:18) takes a look at the film's unorthodox family in the firehouse and "A Friend for Life: Dog Shopping Tips" (2:10) reminds new potential dog owners that selecting the right breed is an important decision.

Next up is a Storyboard to Screen Comparison for the loft fire sequence (4:08). Presented with optional commentary by director Todd Holland, this clip also details some of the challenges faces by the cast and crew. Similarly, we also get a trio of Deleted Scenes with optional Holland commentary (4:27 total); though most this material was worth cutting, the alternate opening (presented in animatic form) is nice to see.

The bulk of the remaining extras are tongue-in-cheek featurettes and other minor tidbits. "Firehouse Dog: A True Hollywoof Story" (2:45) trumps up the canine star's outlandish behavior; "Fox Movie Channel's Casting Session" (8:36) is a more down-to-earth piece about the film's pre-production, and a Humane Society PSA (0:34) features participation from Rexxx and a slightly older Josh Hutcherson. Closing things out is a Poster Gallery of Rexxx's biggest movies and advertisements, as well as the film's original Theatrical Trailer (1:51).

All bonus features are presented in 1.33:1 aspect ratios with non-anamorphic film clips. Unfortunately, no optional subtitles are included for the extra content. This is a relatively light assortment of content overall, but those who enjoyed the film should find a few things to dig through.

It's not high art and it's probably not a future family classic, but Firehouse Dog is a good-natured romp that hits several of the right notes. The film's odd blend of celebrity satire and good old-fashioned family values seems a bit awkward, while at least 15-20 minutes of the plot could've been trimmed with very few consequences. Here's the bottom line: if you consider yourself an animal lover and frequently practice suspension of disbelief, you might just end up smiling a few times. It's not quite blind buy material, but Fox's solid DVD presentation supports Firehouse Dog quite nicely...even if it didn't catch on at the box office. Rent It first, just to be on the safe side.