There’s something special about the bond between humans and dogs. This is especially true in A Dog’s Journey, a movie about a dog named Bailey who, after passing away, keeps coming back as different dogs over time to watch over a young girl, CJ, as she navigates childhood and adulthood. I received a copy of A Dog’s Journey from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment in exchange for a review, but as always, all opinions are my own. I’m a dog owner myself, and I love movies that focus on the unconditional love that dogs provide to humans. Not only is A Dog’s Journey now available on Digital, but it will be released on Blu-ray™, DVD, and On Demand on August 20, 2019, and includes over 30 minutes of all new bonus features. Keep reading to find out more about this heartwarming movie and its bonus features!
A DOG’S JOURNEY: A MOVIE REVIEW
A Dog’s Journey is the sequel to A Dog’s Purpose, starring Dennis Quaid, as Ethan, and his dog Bailey, voiced by Josh Gad. The movie is big on character development and begins with CJ as a young girl, living on a farm with her grandparents Ethan and Hannah, her mom, Gloria, and Ethan’s trusted four legged companion, Bailey. Ethan, Hannah, and Bailey love spending time with CJ - there is especially a very cute scene where young CJ has Bailey wear a tiara on his head! However, Gloria feels like she doesn’t belong on the farm - she doesn’t like dogs (including Bailey) and struggles with motherhood. In a moment of anger, she decides to leave the farm with CJ, and cuts off all ties with Ethan and Hannah. This is devastating to Ethan and Hannah, and after CJ and Gloria leave the farm, Bailey’s health starts to decline. Before Bailey passes away, Ethan asks Bailey to watch over CJ in his next life. Bailey follows through with Ethan’s request, and is reincarnated several times, as different dog breeds. We really enjoyed watching A Dog’s Journey. Dogs have such a meaningful impact on our lives and Bailey is a great example.
(from left) – Bailey as Buddy, a Great Pyrenees Bernese Mountain Dog (voiced by Josh Gad), and Ethan (Dennis Quaid) in A Dog’s Journey, directed by Gail Mancuso.
Is A Dog’s Journey Kid Friendly?
A Dog’s Journey is rated PG and I would agree with that rating. My 6 year old son watched the movie with me and my husband but while it is a family friendly movie overall, there are mature themes like death. I’m always a sobbing mess when a dog passes away in a movie. CJ also gets involved in an abusive relationship, so it’s definitely something you’ll want to keep in mind when trying to decide if it’s appropriate for your child. However, there are also lighthearted moments, which will appeal to kids.
ALL NEW BONUS FEATURES ON BLU-RAYTM, DVD & DIGITAL:
Once my family finished watching the movie, we enjoyed watching the bonus features, which are listed below.
- Deleted and Extended Scenes
- It’s Gonna Work
- A Song for Molly
- You Can Stay Here
- Just Do the Laundry
- Let’s Get Started
- Gloria Looks at Henry’s Things
- This Place is Huge
- It’s Really Happening
- I’ve Loved You Forever
- Gag Reel
- A DOG’S Sequel - New and returning cast members discuss their roles in A Dog’s Journey and share their appreciation for director Gail Mancuso.
- Everyone’s Best Friend - Sit down with the cast to hear about their life-long love of man’s best friend.
- Working with Dogs - Cast and crew share the joys of working with animal-actors.
- A Healing Journey - Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid and others discuss the bond between dogs and humans.
- Scoring the JOURNEY - Director Gail Mancuso and composer Mark Isham discuss the music in the film.
- Feature Commentary with Director Gail Mancuso
To see a trailer for A Dog’s Journey, click the play button below 🙂
I want to see this movie. It sounds wonderful..