media K-9 was released to home video in early 1990, followed by a DVD release 16 years later, on October 24, 2006. It was re-released along with its sequels in a collection as "K-9: The Patrol Pack" on January 17, 2010. It was initially released on Blu-ray disc in the U.K. in 2017 by Fabulous Films and then in the United States on May 15, 2018. Reception Critical response On Rotten Tomatoes, which aggregates both contemporary and modern reviews, the film has an approval rating of 22% based on 9 reviews, with an average rating of 4.1/10. On Metacritic it has a score of 44% based on reviews from 11 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews". Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film a grade A− on scale of A to F. Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times praised the actors but not the routine plot. Thomas wrote, "It's enjoyable, thanks not only to its charismatic duo, but also to the skilled comedy direction of Rod Daniel." Stephen Holden of The New York Times stated it has "no shred of credibility", yet contains "cutesy, surefire dog tricks" and a "breezy pacing". Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film "2 stars". Rita Kempley of The Washington Post complimented Jerry Lee's performance. Sequels and spin-off K-911 is a 1999 American buddy cop action-comedy sequel film released direct-to-video. It was directed by Charles T. Kanganis and stars James Belushi as Detective Michael Dooley. K-9: P.I. is a 2002 American buddy cop action-comedy sequel film released direct-to-video. It was directed by Richard J. Lewis and stars James Belushi as Detective Michael Dooley. K-9000 is a 1991 American science fiction crime action spin-off film released as television film. It was directed by Kim Manners and stars Chris Mulkey as Detective Eddie Monroe. See also List of media set in San Diego References External links 1989 films 1989 action comedy films American buddy cop films American action comedy films Fictional portrayals of the San Diego Police Department Films about dogs Films set in San Diego Films shot in San Diego American police detective films 1980s police comedy films Universal Pictures films Films directed by Rod Daniel 1980s buddy cop films Films scored by Miles Goodman Police dogs in fiction 1980s English-language films 1980s American films