If one puppy on screen can steal your heart, imagine the pleasure of watching five -- count ‘em -- little golden retrievers in a series of funny adventures. The Air Buddies DVD celebrates the 10th anniversary of Walt Disney’s highly successful Air Bud franchise with a comical and endearing movie and cute bonus features that capitalize on the warmth almost everyone feels toward our canine friends.

In this latest Air Bud outing, five adorable puppies embark on a rescue mission to save their dad (Buddy) and mom (Molly) from dognappers. Although the villains turn out to be bunglers, our heroes  face some very dangerous situations, including a scary wolf, a manipulative billionaire, a spoiled brat, and some very tempting donuts.

Did I say “heroes”?  I should have said “heroes and one heroine.”  After all, Rosebud, the only female puppy in the litter, comes across as the bravest of the bunch when she stands up to that ominous looking wolf. We can tell it was Rosebud by the little flower she wears in back of one ear and by her voice. Yes, you read that right. These puppies actually talk!  Although Air Buddies is not an animated movie, all the animals in the film talk to each other -- through the magic of special effects, of course.

I’m amazed at how well each puppy’s personality shines through here. They may look alike, but filmmakers have gone to great lengths to give each one a distinct persona. “Budderball” is always hungry; “B-Dawg” wears a bit of bling around his neck; “Buddha” practices yoga; “Mudbud” loves to get dirty: and “Rosebud” represents girl power to the max.  

Human actors in Air Buddies take a back seat to the animals, but Richard Karn and Cynthia Stevenson are fine as the owners of Air Bud and his precocious pups. The movie’s excellent voice talent also deserves commendation, especially Michael Clarke Duncan (The Green Mile), who sounds absolutely terrific as the wolf, and Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine herself), who speaks for the daring, darling Rosebud.

My favorite bonus feature on the Air Buddies DVD involves some hilarious banter during a junket-style interview with all five canine stars. Each puppy sits in his/her little chair while being asked such questions as “How did you prepare for your role?” I couldn’t help chuckling throughout this clever and amusing presentation. Also included in the bonus items are “Puppy Profiles,” “Train Your Dog To Be a Star,” and a music video performed by Jordan Pruitt.

Air Buddies may not win “best in show” at any awards programs this year, but I think many youngsters will howl with delight while watching it.

(Air Buddies is released by Walt Disney Home Entertainment and rated “PG” for some mild rude humor.)