Garfield in the Rough

Have said more than once about having always had a soft spot for Garfield as both a child and actually especially as a young adult, who is a child at heart with broader knowledge garnered over time. Have always found Garfield such a funny and endearing character, one that really stands out, and his specials and 'Garfield and Friends' hold up very well, and even more so, now. Not so much 'The Garfield Show' and especially the 2004 live action film.

As far as the Garfield specials go, 'Garfield in the Rough' is great and among the best ones, the occasional roughness in animation quality aside. Making one feel nostalgic about camping and reminding one of the excitement and danger of it. From personal tastes, 'Garfield in the Rough' is not quite as hilarious or as imaginative as 'Garfield in Disguise' or as poignant or charming as 'A Garfield Christmas Special', but that is not to say that any of those qualities are not present. They certainly are, just not quite as much.

The animation is still as colourful as one would expect, the drawing mostly is smooth, the backgrounds don't come over as sparse and there is some lovely attention to detail. The music is playful, catchy and with not a questionable placement. It's upbeat and above all it's memorable.

From start to finish, 'Garfield in the Rough' entertains, peppered with typically witty and wry humour and asides that are both hilarious and endearing. There is also an excitement, nostalgia and an emotional impact that doesn't get schmaltzy, there is a big warm heart underneath. It's constantly charming too and any cuteness doesn't get excessive. The story achieves not being simplistic or trying to have too much, the sprightly pace keeping things engaging.

Garfield is as funny and lovable as ever and can never get over the cuteness of Odie. Cannot imagine anybody else voicing Garfield other than Lorenzo Music.

Overall, great. 9/10 Bethany Cox

I liked this tv show because I like Garfield. Garfield's my favorite cartoon character.

I know this special premiered in 1984, but I saw this sometime in the early 90s. And let me tell you, seeing these cute characters in those dark and scary situations is too contrasting. Sure there are some funny moments like the fantasy sequences the Garfield goes through, as Garfield tries to impress a girl. There is an Italian-themed one, a Mexican-temed one, and a Hawaiian-themed one. They are funny and something of what I call, the saving graces. However, it is time to peel the band-aid off the skin. It has come to my attention that the panther on the loose is the one that makes it all dark and scary. Was I sacred when I first saw it in lower school? Yes, I was. I felt so sorry for the poor characters. It was dark. Dark in 1984, dark in 1991, dark in 2007, dark in 2012, dark today! How could they put this on national television?! The other good part was the ending. Where you know what happened. It is a feel-good one too, so I won't spoil it for you. You have to see it. I bet you were sacred by the panther in this cartoon. Let me tell you that this is suitable for kids seven and up. However, there are some scenes that can frighten not only younger viewers, but sensitive viewers too. This cartoon can teach kids about courage and learn to stand up for themselves.

Give it a watch at your own risk.

This Garfield animated short is a good one! It is quite spooky once Garfield,Odie,and their master,John get to the great outdoors.The Panther is really neat.Lou Rawls' song(s) is good.I think this is really a good cartoon and its for any age!

Did Desiree Goyette sing the songs for all the Garfield episodes? I'm just curious. I remember the voice for the shows, but haven't found any credits for the singing. I did notice, however, that on this site she is credited as a composer as well as an actress.