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New streaming service Disney Plus may not release as much new content on a monthly basis as some of its competitors, but it still offers fresh titles regularly, both on the TV and movie front. Togo, a well-embraced addition to the platform, is a family-friendly movie that’s sure to bring out the dog lover in everyone.
Togo was one of the first titles announced by Disney for its online streaming service. The film entered production back in 2015 and became exclusively available in Canada on Disney Plus on December 20, 2019. Early reviews for Togo were largely positive, with critics praising the title for its crowd-pleasing nature and nuanced portrayal of the unique bond between humans and dogs. Here are the details you need to tune in.
Based on an “untold true story,” Togo centres on the dog of the same name who became somewhat of an unknown hero following the 1925 serum run to Nome. Also known as the Great Race of Mercy, the serum run involved a transport of diphtheria antitoxin by dog sled relay across Alaska, meant to save the town of Nome from a dangerous epidemic.
Following the race, Balto, the lead sled dog on the final stretch into Nome, became quite the canine celebrity. The same cannot be said for Togo, who displayed a lot of courage and leadership during the race and had a huge contribution to the serum making it to its destination.
The movie, which chronicles Togo’s heroics alongside handler Leonhard Seppala, attempts to finally give him the credit he deserves.
Disney’s trailer that offers a pretty good look at what to expect – including puppy shenanigans, rough race conditions and an impressive display of courage from the lead doggo.
Togo’s handler, Leonhard Seppala, is portrayed by the undeniably-talented Willem Dafoe, who you might know from acclaimed movies like Platoon, The Last Temptation of Christ, The English Patient and, more recently, At Eternity’s Gate. The cast also includes Julianne Nicholson, Christopher Heyerdahl and Michael Gaston, among others.
The dogs featured in the film are gorgeous to look at. The adult Togo himself is brought to life by a flesh-and-blood Siberian husky named Diesel, not CGI, which is another point in the movie’s favour. (Interestingly, Diesel is related to Togo by blood and bears a strong resemblance to him, according to photographs taken during Togo’s lifetime.)
Togo will be available on Disney Plus, the new streaming service that offers a generous content library of family-oriented titles. The platform hosts movies and TV shows not only from Disney itself, but also subsidiaries like Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and National Geographic.
Highlights so far include hit series The Mandalorian, 2019 blockbuster Avengers: Endgame and a whole bunch of Disney Channel favourites sure to appeal to younger audiences.
The cost of a Disney Plus subscription is $8.99 a month. But you can save nearly $20 with a yearly subscription, which costs $89.99.
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