Lady and the Tramp, one of Walt Disney’s classic animated movies, celebrates its half-century mark this year with the release of a special 2-Disc 50th Anniversary DVD Edition chock full of wonderful bonus items. The film itself oozes charm and nostalgia, but I’m even more impressed by the informative and playful additional materials included in this terrific DVD offering.

Among the most interesting bonus items here are: a “deleted scene” storyboard showing Tramp describing what it would be like if the tables were turned and dogs kept humans as pets; “Making of Lady and the Tramp,” a featurette which gives fascinating behind-the-scenes details about the movie in addition to showing Walt Disney touring the small town of his youth; funnyman Fred Willard’s history of dogs; and the “inner bark” profile that tells which type of dog you would be if you’re brave enough to take this personality quiz.    

I also enjoyed learning about legendary Peggy Lee’s participation in Lady and the Tramp. She wrote the lyrics for (and sang) “The Siamese Cat Song” and “He’s a Tramp.” Speaking of the film’s delightful music, did you know Walt almost put the kibosh on that romantic “Bella Note” spaghetti-eating scene?

Although Lady and the Tramp isn’t one of Disney’s best animated films, it’s an entertaining one -- especially for viewers who long for a time before high-tech took over our lives. With its simple story of two dogs from different sides of the tracks falling in love, this film won the hearts of canine lovers everywhere. In fact, Lady and the Tramp is “dedicated to all dogs.”

And, naturally, most of the dogs in this fifty-year-old Disney movie are very cute. Lady, a golden cocker spaniel with beautiful huge eyes, could win Best of Show in my book any day. Granted, I’m not too objective where Lady is concerned because she reminds me of my favorite pet when I was a child. The mongrel Tramp looks a bit rough around the edges, but he definitely displays an appealing canine charisma. The other dogs represent various ethnic groups -- the better to make use of accents.

Opposites attract, so the old saying goes -- and that’s probably why Lady, raised in a comfortable environment by a wealthy family, becomes smitten with Tramp. When things get tough for her at home because of the arrival of a human baby and the appearance of a baby sitter who doesn’t like dogs, she decides to travel a bit with the roguish Tramp. Hey, that baby sitter would scare anyone! It’s Aunt Sarah, a died-in-the-wool cat person. She brings her evil pair of Siamese cats along -- and these two are definitely not friendly to Lady.       

Will Lady and Tramp find happiness despite their differences? This is a Walt Disney movie, folks, so you know the answer. Still, it’s a lot of fun watching how that happens, even if you’ve seen Lady and the Tramp a few times before. 

(Released by Walt Disney Home Entertainment and rated “G” as suitable for all ages. Bonus materials not rated.)