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Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet Frankenstein is a 1999 American animated dark comedy horror film produced by Bagdasarian Productions, LLC. and Universal Cartoon Studios and distributed by Universal Studios Home Video. It is directed by Kathi Castillo, written by John Loy and based on characters from Alvin and the Chipmunks and Mary Shelley's 1818 novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. This is the first of two Alvin and the Chipmunks direct-to-video films, and the first of three Universal Cartoon Studios productions to be animated overseas by Tama Production in Tokyo, Japan. This is the only animated Alvin and the Chipmunks film where the Chipettes do not appear.
Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet Frankenstein | |
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Directed by | Kathi Castillo |
Screenplay by | John Loy |
Based on | |
Produced by | Kathi Castillo |
Starring | |
Edited by | Jay Bixsen |
Music by | Mark Watters |
Production companies | |
Distributed by | Universal Studios Home Video |
Release date |
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Running time | 78 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
It was followed up a year later by a standalone sequel, titled Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman.
Plot
editThe Chipmunks are performing at a theme park called Majestic Movie Studios. While taking a break from their concert, the Chipmunks get lost, and eventually get locked inside the park. They find their way to the "Frankenstein's Castle" attraction, where a real Dr. Victor Frankenstein is working on his monster. The monster is brought to life, and the doctor sends it in pursuit of the Chipmunks. In their escape, the monster retrieves Theodore's dropped teddy bear.
The monster follows the Chipmunks home and returns the bear to Theodore, who quickly befriends him. The Chipmunks teach the monster (whom Theodore has nicknamed "Frankie") how to be nicer and make friends. Dave goes to the park to book a concert that night to celebrate the premiere of an anticipated film. Dr. Frankenstein tracks Frankie to the Chipmunks' home, and, angered at the monster's benevolence, kidnaps Alvin. Simon, Theodore, and Frankie hurry back to the park to rescue him.
Dr. Frankenstein force-feeds Alvin a potion and induces a powerful electrical shock. Alvin is released by Frankie, and after Simon swipes the doctor's potions book, the four of them escape back into the park. Shortly after, the process Alvin underwent takes effect, transforming him into a zany cartoon monster. Alvin escapes to the premiere, causing chaos and havoc in his path. Using the potions book, Simon and Theodore mix an antidote using various food items from a buffet and feed it to Alvin during his rampage. Alvin returns to normal, and the Chipmunks go to perform their concert.
Before the concert begins, Dr. Frankenstein attempts to transform Alvin back to his monster self, but is thwarted by Frankie, which leads to an explosion. After the smoke clears, Theodore introduces Frankie to the public, promising that Frankie will bring no harm if treated nicely. Meanwhile, Dr. Frankenstein is revealed to have been given the job of being the studio's mascot, Sammy Squirrel, much to his dissatisfaction, as he is trying to get the mascot's head off in a last-ditch effort to kidnap Alvin.
Voice cast
edit- Ross Bagdasarian Jr. as Alvin Seville / Simon Seville / David "Dave" Seville
- Janice Karman as Theodore Seville
- Michael Bell as Doctor Victor Frankenstein, Person in Mob and Delivery Man
- Frank Welker as Frankie, the Frankenstein's monster, Man dressed up as Frankenstein, Sammy Squirrel, and Movie Director
- Jim Meskimen as Mr. Yesman, Person in Mob, Boy #2 and Police Officer #2
- Dee Bradley Baker as Tour Guide Phil and Person in Mob
- Mary Kay Bergman as Miss Miller, Mother at the theme park, Little Boy, Boy #1, Female Bouncer
- Kevin Michael Richardson as Bud Wiley, Man with Camera, Male Bouncer and Security Guard
- Susan Boyd as Police Officer #1, Mother at the playground and Olivia D’Handlotion
Production
editThe film was in production around 1998 alongside direct-to-video sequels to An American Tail. Universal Home Entertainment acquired the home video rights for The Chipmunk Adventure in the hopes of creating long lasting direct-to-video film series matching the success of The Land Before Time.[1]
Songs
editAll original songs written by Michele Brourman and Amanda McBroom. Soundtrack available on MCA Records.
- "Things Out There"
- "If a Monster Came in Our Room"
- "If You Wanna Have Friends"
- "Dem Bones"
- "Sammy Squirrel's Theme Song"
References
edit- ^ "'American Tail' videos return to stores". June 5, 1998. Archived from the original on June 30, 2022. Retrieved April 17, 2021.