Tom and Jerry: Blast Off to Mars

Tom and Jerry: Blast Off to Mars is a 2005 American animated science fiction slapstick comedy film staring the multi Academy Award-winning cat-and-mouse duo Tom and Jerry. It is the second in the Tom and Jerry direct-to-video film series and was produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Turner Entertainment and Tom Minton. Bill Kopp also worked as a writer and director. The plot involves Tom and Jerry stowing away on a rocket ship and landing on Mars.

The film was released on VHS and DVD simultaneously on January 18, 2005 marking the 65th anniversary of the series, and was re-released on Blu-ray on October 16, 2012. Upon release, the film received mixed reviews.

Plot Synopsis
The movie begins with Tom chasing Jerry around the house until an incident with a lawnmower lands them in the "International Space Place". After interrupting a interview they accidentally stow away on a rocket ship piloted by Biff Buzzard and Buzz Blister (a spoof on Buzz Aldrin) before they get stranded on Mars.

Jerry is eventually confused as an ancient alien called the "Great Gloop" and is given gifts until they're found out forcing them to escape with a female alien while the rest launch an attack to invade Earth. Tom, Jerry and Peep eventually stop the alien attack and the Invinc-a-tron, and the movie ends with Tom running off being chased by Spike in a repaired Invinc-a-ron.

Production
Blast Off to Mars started production in 2003, and was announced by Business Wire on November 22, 2004 alongside the announcement Bard Garnett would be a voice actor.

Pre-production and post-production phases were handled in the United States, while animation was handled by Toon City in Manila, Philippines. The original cut was a bit longer, mainly with scenes being extended.

The film was the first Tom and Jerry project to be animated in 1080p widescreen, but due to most people still using standard-definition TVs the animators made sure to keep most of the important elements in the 4:3 aspect ratio. It was also the first Tom and Jerry production Joseph Barbara done without his long time partner William Hanna, who died in 2001.

Reception
In a review for Common Sense Media, Renee Schonfeld gave the film a 3/5 saying "This franchise entry is funnier than some and has a wittier, more well-developed story than most."

As of March 24, 2020 the film has a 6.0/10 on Internet Movie Database (IMDb) indicating "mixed or average" reviews.