Tom and Jerry: Blast Off to Mars
is a 2005 American animated science fiction comedy-adventure film featuring the iconic cat-and-mouse duo, Tom and Jerry. Directed by Bill Kopp and produced by Warner Bros. Animation and Turner Entertainment Co., this direct-to-video release marked the second made-for-video Tom and Jerry film. The animation was outsourced to Toon City in the Philippines.
Film Overview
- Title: Tom and Jerry: Blast Off to Mars
- Release Date: January 18, 2005 (DVD and VHS); October 16, 2012 (Blu-ray)
- Director: Bill Kopp
- Producer: Tom Minton
- Writer: Bill Kopp
- Music: Julie Bernstein, Steven Bernstein
- Editing: Ken Solomon
- Studio: Turner Entertainment Co., Warner Bros. Animation
- Distributor: Warner Home Video
- Runtime: 75 minutes
- Language: English
- Country: United States
- Format: First Tom and Jerry film produced in widescreen and high-definition format.
🧑🎤 Voice Cast
- Bill Kopp as Tom Cat, Jerry Mouse, Press Guy #1
- Kathryn Fiore as Peep, Press Girl
- Frank Welker as Spike the Bulldog, Ubu
- Jeff Bennett as Dr. Gluckman, Martian Guard #1, President
- Corey Burton as Martian Scientist, Court Attendant, Eyes at the Gate
- Brad Garrett as Commander Bristle, Martian Guard #3
- Jess Harnell as Buzz Blister, Martian General, Worker #3
- Tom Kenny as Grob, Martian Guard #2, Gardener #1
- Rob Paulsen as Computer Voice, Boy, Worker #1, Worker #2
- Billy West as Biff Buzzard, King Thingg, Gardener #2
📖 Plot Summary
The film begins with Tom chasing Jerry through their usual antics, leading them to the “International Space Place,” where a mission to Mars is being prepared. During the chaos, Tom is mistaken for an alien due to an accidental splash of green paint and is ejected from the facility. However, Jerry causes an explosion during a dehydrated food test, prompting the staff to recall Tom to catch Jerry. Their chase inadvertently leads them onto a rocket bound for Mars, and they become stowaways on the spacecraft.
Upon arrival on Mars, Tom and Jerry are left behind by the astronauts. They encounter Martians who mistake Jerry for the prophesied “Great Gloop.” Tom, however, accidentally destroys the Martian city and is sentenced to death. Peep, a female Martian, saves them, and together they discover the Martians’ plan to invade Earth using a giant vacuum robot called the “Invince-a-tron.” Tom, Jerry, and Peep return to Earth to warn humanity. They manage to stop the invasion by causing the Invince-a-tron to malfunction. In gratitude, the U.S. President rewards Tom and Jerry with a Hummer, but their celebration is cut short when a rebuilt Invince-a-tron, now controlled by Spike, resumes the chase.
🎨 Animation and Visual Style
Tom and Jerry: Blast Off to Mars was the first Tom and Jerry film produced in widescreen and high-definition format. However, the Region 1 DVD and the American version of Boomerang were in full screen, cropping the left and right of the image. The film is broadcast in widescreen on Cartoon Network in the United States and released in widescreen on the Region A Blu-ray. Wikipedia
🏆 Reception
The film received mixed reviews. Radio Times gave it two stars, criticizing the sharp character designs and the pacing. Screen Rant listed it among the worst Tom and Jerry movies, citing a convoluted plot. Conversely, Common Sense Media rated it 3 out of 5 stars, noting it as funnier than some franchise entries with a wittier story. Wikipedia
📀 Home Media and Availability
The film was released on DVD and VHS on January 18, 2005, and on Blu-ray on October 16, 2012. It is available for streaming on platforms like Max and Apple TV.
Tom and Jerry: Blast Off to Mars offers a space-themed adventure that blends classic slapstick humor with science fiction elements. While it received mixed reviews, it remains a notable entry in the Tom and Jerry franchise for its unique setting and high-definition production.
