Here Comes Garfield

Have always had a big soft spot for Garfield as both a child and as a young adult, who is in a way a child at heart but with a significantly broader knowledge of film and television. He is such a funny and endearing character and his specials and 'Garfield and Friends' are every bit as good, and perhaps even better, now. 'The Garfield Show' and especially the 2004 live action film, not so much.

When it comes to the Garfield specials, 'A Garfield Christmas Special' and 'Garfield in Disguise' are my personal favourites when the character was more settled. For the special that introduces everybody's favourite orange cat, 'Here Comes Garfield' is a great start. While not as hilarious or as imaginative as 'Garfield in Disguise' or as poignant or charming as 'A Garfield Christmas Special', 'Here Comes Garfield' is definitely a must watch and important for Garfield's development. It doesn't really have an awful lot wrong, just that the specials that followed had a little more to them.

The animation is still as colourful as remembered with the smooth drawing, far from sparse backgrounds and attention to detail holding up really well. The music is playful and never placed questionably. The songs are upbeat, have emotional impact and above all they're memorable. Not a dud in the lot and that has not been said a lot, there are other personal favourites featuring songs (either musicals or song heavy) that still have a song that doesn't quite do it for me.

Entertainment value is constant, with extremely funny wry and witty humour peppered throughout. Very few animation characters make or have made asides as hilarious and as endearing as Garfield does. Yet there is also an emotional impact that doesn't get schmaltzy, underneath all the fun there is also a big warm heart. Also constant is the charm and the cuteness doesn't get excessive. The story is slight but not simplistic and it doesn't try to do too much and it becomes cluttered and muddled, and the sprightly pace keeps things continually compelling.

Garfield never stops being funny and lovable and who can't help love adorable Odie? The voice acting is on point, Lorenzo Music owned Garfield and no voice actor since him voiced him better or as well, that is including the multi-talented Frank Welker.

Concluding, great. 9/10 Bethany Cox

A 1982 cartoon short film first broadcast on television by CBS, and the first film to feature and be exclusively dedicated to the character of Garfield, an orange tabby cat (voiced by Lorenzo Music) who was created as a comic strip in the late 1970s. In this adventure the chubby, sardonic, wisecracking, lasagne loving pussy finds himself having to visit the city pound to rescue his dog companion Odie, the other pet of Garfield's owner Jon (Sandy Kenyon). Directed by Phil Roman (who'd previously directed a number of Charlie Brown films and television specials), and featuring vocals, music and lyrics by Lou Rawls, Desiree Goyette and Ed Bogas, as well as the odd filmic/cultural ref., this cool cat is no 'Fritz the Cat'.

I would have rated this attempt by Jim Davis and Co. about a five because I felt as though it wasn't creative and didn't seem to show that true Garfield spark we saw later on, but I changed my mind and gave it brownie points for the musical talent. The Song we hear as Odie is taken away to be put to sleep is soulful and beautifully sung (by who I'm not sure) and it captures the thoughts Garfield was having as he contemplated life without his best friend... I say CLOSE but not QUITE what I'll call a Jim Davis triumph- for that you'll have to watch, Garfield Goes to Hollywood and A Garfield Christmas.

I'm 46 and have seen tons of show. This is the only show/movie that ever made me cry.

In 1978, Garfield appeared in numerous comic strips throughout the nation.

4 years later, the comic strips became a favorite to millions of people. So Garfield get's his own animation form in this old TV special.

Made 24 years ago, and is still a piece of history for the orange cat himself.

The story is about Garfield going through the same routine he normally goes through every morning. He and his so called pal Odie the Dog decide to mess around with a neighbor next door, who eventually called the pound to catch them. Garfield escapes but Odie let himself get caught. Garfield didn't care much if Odie is sent to the pound, cause he hates dogs and plays tricks on Odie a lot.

Garfield feels like he's the household pet of the house for a change, but the more he enjoys himself the more he starts to regret that it was his fault for Odie to end up at the pound. So he decides to go to town to save the dog he cares about deep down.

The animation is very dated, but very well made for it's time. The characters look similar to their comic appearances. Course Garfield's looks change within the years. This cartoon has some humor and great acting from the original and late voice of Lorenzo Music as Garfield.

But a highly appreciated TV special for all Garfield fans.