While none of Disney’s direct-to-video sequels have been as successful as the originals, they’ve generally been well done and offered impressive animation. Released in 2001, Lady and the Tramp 2: Scamps Adventure isn’t terrible, but even fans of the original may wonder why this sequel was even made; it just feels unnecessary.

Picking up where Lady and the Tramp left off, the story focuses on Lady and the Tramp’s mischievous pup Scamp (Scott Wolf). In 1911, just two days before the Fourth of July, Lady and The Tramp have a liter of three females who strongly resemble their mother. The one male, Scamp, takes after his father. Scamp doesn’t enjoy being confined in the house and likes to get rowdy on a regular basis. After one too many punishments, Scamp makes his escape and pursues the life of a street dog.

Lady and the Tramp 2It’s not long before Scamp meets a pack of junkyard dogs led by Buster (Chazz Palminteri), a self-centered tough guy. A female in the clan named Angel (Alyssa Milano) is quick to advise Scamp to return home. Buster’s crew continuously refers to the legendary stray, Tramp. It’s not long before Scamp realizes that Buster is referring to his father. Once he learns that Buster is bitter because Lady chose Tramp over him, he’s none too eager to reveal his parentage. As time passes, Scamp and Angel find themselves growing closer. One night on their way home,  Scamp spots his family out searching for him. He quickly forces Angel to join him in hiding from them. When Angel learns that Scamp is willing avoiding a family that loves him, she walks away in disgust; Angel would love to be part of a family again.

During the Fourth of July celebrations, Buster spots Tramp at a picnic with the Dear family. He quickly comes up with a plan to get revenge on Tramp. He tells Scamp he must steal the chicken from the Dear family picnic in order to remain a junkyard dog. Scamp does the deed, but before long, the youngster will have to make some tough decisions about the kind of life he really wants to lead.

A weak script makes Lady and the Tramp 2: Scamps Adventure a take-it-or-leave-it movie. It doesn’t really add anything to the legacy of the original classic. However, at 69 minutes it represents a little bit of harmless fluff.

Presented in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio, Disney has provided a very nice 1080p transfer. As you might expect, the animation is impressive; remaining sharp and fluid throughout with no noticeable glitches. Detail is very good and colors are appropriately vibrant.

For a direct-to-video feature the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is quite impressive. Dialogue comes through the front channels in a clear, concise manner. The rear channels deliver a nice mix of effects, songs and music. All and all, this is a fairly balanced effort.

English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles are included.

The following special features are available:

  • From Tramp to Scamp (SD, 16:34): This making-of takes a look at the production, from script to storyboards to animation to screen.
  • Audio Commentary: A run through the sequel with director Darrell Rooney, animation director Steve Trenbirth and co-director/producer Jeannine Roussel.
  • Puppy Trivia Track (HD): A pop-up animal fact track designed for kids.
  • Sing-Along Songs (HD, 14:21): Five songs with highlighted karaoke-style subtitles.
  • Classic Walt Disney Shorts (HD, 22:40): “Pluto Junior,” “Bone Trouble” and “Pluto’s Kid Brother.”
  • Standard DVD