Illumination's Dr. Seuss' The Grinch #TheGrinch

Families everywhere can ring in the New Year with Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch on Digital and via the digital movie app MOVIES ANYWHERE on January 22, 2019, and on 4K Ultra HD, 3D Blu-ray™, Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand on February 5, 2019. From Illumination and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, the film based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved tale about a cynical grouch who goes on a mission to steal Christmas from others only to feel his own heart grow three sizes larger through unexpected friendships is one “the whole family can watch and enjoy,” (Kidsday/Newsday).

The new home entertainment edition contains more than 60 minutes of bonus content, including three mini-movies: “Dog Days of Winter” starring the Grinch and his heroically loyal dog Max; and “Yellow is the New Black” and “Santa’s Little Helpers,” both starring the lovable Minions. It also includes stunning featurettes, a how-to-draw tutorial and much more. Narrated by Grammy Award^®winner and Oscar^® nominee Pharrell Williams, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch stars Academy Award^® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (Dr. Strange, “Sherlock”) as the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpit with only his loyal dog, Max, for company. The incredible voice cast includes Rashida Jones (“Parks and Recreation,” The Muppets) as Donna Who, Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”) as Bricklebaum, Cameron Seely (The Greatest Showman) as Cindy-Lou Who, and featuring legendary actress Angela Lansbury (Anastasia, Beauty and the Beast) as the mayor of Whoville. Funny, heartwarming and visually stunning, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch is a perfect night in for the whole family!

BONUS FEATURES EXCLUSIVE TO 4K ULTRA HD, 3D BLU-RAY^TM, BLU-RAY^TM AND DVD:

• Who's Who in Who-ville (interactive map) - There are so many interesting characters that call Who-ville home that it’s hard to keep track of them all. This “Who’s Who” pop-up book uses animation to create a virtual storybook that takes us from Who-ville to Mt. Crumpit. 
• "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" Lyric Video – Tyler, The Creator puts a modern spin on the Seussian Christmas classic.

MINI-MOVIES ON 4K ULTRA HD, 3D BLU-RAY^TM, BLU-RAY^TM, DVD & DIGITAL:

• Yellow is the New Black – Before they all make their big escape from prison in Despicable Me 3, a couple of lucky Minions get a taste of freedom as they break free with the help of one of their fellow human inmates.
• Dog Days of Winter – Max braves the harsh winter weather and an uncooperative Who to bring a sick Grinch his favorite hot tea.
• Santa's Little Helpers – Fan favorites – the Minions – are back for another adventure! Having been accidently dropped off at the North Pole, our Minion pals make the most of the situation by trying to become elves.

BONUS FEATURES ON 4K ULTRA HD, 3D BLU-RAY^TM, BLU-RAY^TM, DVD & DIGITAL:

• The Making of the Mini-Movies - Mini in size but not in heart, these short films are fan favorites. From the Grinch and Max to the Minions – you’ll explore the themes of each of the mini-movies through the eyes of the filmmakers who made them.
• From Green to Screen - It takes a lot to bring grumpy green to your home screen. This inside look at the making of Illumination’s Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch features interviews and behind-the-scenes moments with the cast, filmmakers and artists whose hearts have all grown three sizes bringing this classic tale to life.
• Illuminating THE GRINCH - Using filmmaker and cast interviews, concept art and progression reels, we take a behind-the-scenes look at how the characters evolved from initial sketches to fully realized characters.
• My Earliest GRINCH Memories - The cast and filmmakers of Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch reveal their earliest memories of the grumpy green character and the enduring appeal of this Christmas curmudgeon’s journey to redemption.
• Grinchy Gadgets - From his body-size blow dryer to his moving mechanical chair, from his catapult to his dog drone-rig and more… you’ll get to explore the wondrous world of Grinch’s gadgets.
• "I Am The Grinch" Lyric Video - A stylized look at Tyler, The Creator’s original song created just for the film.
• Songs From His Little Heart - Take a deep dive into the toe tapping beats of Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch. From score to specialty songs, you’ll hear from the film’s A-list musicians on what it took to create the music behind the movie.
• X-mas Around the World - Every culture practices Christmas in a slightly different way. We’ll highlight some of the more fun permutations of the holiday around the globe.
• Cindy-Lou's Yule Log - Nothing says the holidays quite like an animated fireplace blasting fake heat from your living room television. Just in time for winter, we’ll recreate Cindy-Lou’s living room on Christmas Eve for all to enjoy.
• Production Babies - A celebration of the babies born to the filmmakers during the production of Illumination’s Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch.
• Any Who Can Draw - Hosted by an Illumination artist and head of story Mark O'Hare, you’ll see step-by-step how to draw some of your favorite characters from this beloved holiday classic; Grinch, Max and Fred!

The film will be available on 4K Ultra HD in a combo pack which includes 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray^TM, Blu-ray^TM and Digital. The 4K Ultra HD disc will include the same bonus features as the Blu-ray^TM version, all in stunning 4K resolution.

• 4K Ultra HD is the ultimate movie watching experience. 4K Ultra HD features the combination of 4K resolution for four times sharper picture than HD, and the color brilliance of High Dynamic Range (HDR) with immersive audio delivering a multidimensional sound experience.
• Blu-ray^TM unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
• Digital lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.
• MOVIES ANYWHERE is the digital app that simplifies and enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers. Consumers can also redeem digital copy codes found in eligible Blu-ray^TM and DVD disc packages from participating studios and stream or download them through Movies Anywhere. MOVIES ANYWHERE is only available in the United States. For more information, visit https://moviesanywhere.com.

For artwork, please log onto our website at www.uphepublicity.com

Website: http://uni.pictures/TheGrinch

Trailer: http://uni.pictures/TheGrinchTrailer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrinchMovie

Twitter: https://twitter.com/grinchmovie

Instagram: https://instagram.com/grinchmovie

#TheGrinch

My Thoughts 

I was really excited to see this film released on blu-ray.  My family loves this updated version of the How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It's always fun to watch the holiday book by Dr. Suess come to life on the small screen, and the computer animation adds a whole new level to the story. I enjoy his plotting and mayhem,  and the colorful characters. I also loved the addition of a few new characters like the adorable chubby reindeer, and the enhancement of  some of the Whos.  The result was the same beloved story with a little more meat to it. Of course, in the end, he overcomes his dark side and embraces the true spirit of the holidays.

This is a great movie with a great message that should be a stable of everyone's holiday gatherings. This new set is a great deal because you get the DVD, Blu-ray and digital versions, plus lots of special features like a behind the scenes look at the making of the movie, songs, and three cute mini movies.. You can grab a copy of this sensational movie in stores nationwide or online at Amazon.

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS

Disney's dazzling adventure "The Nutcracker and the Four Realms"- inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann's classic tale and the beloved ballet "The Nutcracker"- carried audiences along with 14-year-old Clara (Mackenzie Foy) to a magical, mysterious world with breathtaking performances by Misty Copeland plus sweets, snowflakes, soldiers, scurrying mice... and no shortage of surprises. Destined to become an annual viewing tradition for adventurers of all ages, the film arrives home instantly with never-before seen extras and deleted scenes on Digital and Movies Anywhere, and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ and DVD Jan. 29, 2019. 

Bonus features include a discussion with American Ballet Theatre’s Misty Copeland about her role as the enchanting Ballerina Princess, her personal history with “The “Nutcracker” ballet, and her inspirational and historic rise within the world of dance. Extras take viewers on the set of “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” to meet both new and reimagined characters, and discover how the Land of Sweets, Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and mysterious Fourth Realm were created to such dazzling effect. Deleted scenes provide a look at magical moments that didn’t make the final version of the movie.

In “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms,” Clara travels along a golden thread, presented at Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual party, eagerly searching for a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a music box that holds a priceless gift. When she enters a mysterious parallel world, Clara encounters a Nutcracker soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice and three Realm regents, including the Sugar Plum Fairy (Keira Knightley). Ultimately, she must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve the key and return harmony to the unstable world.

The stunning feature film will be packaged and released in several different formats, giving families the flexibility to watch it on a variety of different devices. Viewers can instantly watch the film in Digital UHD, HD and SD, and bring home a physical copy of the film as the Ultimate Collector’s Edition (4K UHD, Blu-ray and Digital Code), Multi-Screen Edition (Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Code) or a single DVD.

Bonus features include*:

BLU-RAY:

• On Pointe: A Conversation with Misty Copeland - Copeland shares the thrill of portraying one of her favorite characters in a whole new way.
• Unwrapping “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” - Dive into the production design, sets, costumes and more that helped transform a beloved ballet into an adventurous movie.
• Deleted Scenes –
  • The Stahlbaums Arrive- As the Stahlbaums enter the Christmas Eve ball, the butler attempts to announce them to the assembled guests.
  • Follow Your Ribbon- Drosselmeyer encourages a reluctant Clara to go find her gift.
  • Deleted Scene: Clara Asks About Her Mother- Sugar Plum gives Clara a tour of her mother’s bedroom.
  • Left, Left, Left, Left, Left- Wandering lost in the forest, palace guards Cavalier and Harlequin quarrel about which way to go.
  • Out with the Old- Sugar Plum makes sweeping changes to the palace decor.
• Music Videos -
  • “Fall on Me” Performed by Andrea Bocelli Featuring Matteo Bocelli- Experience superstar tenor Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo Bocelli performing their first duet together in this uplifting song.
  • “The Nutcracker Suite” Performed by Lang Lang- Get swept up in a series of images from the movie, set to Tchaikovsky’s music and featuring world-renowned pianist Lang Lang.

ON DIGITAL:

• Unwrapped: The Visual Effects of “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms”- View a reel that explores the layers of effects in sequences of the film.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:
Product SKUs:                   
Digital UHD, HD, SD; Ultimate Collector’s Edition (4K UHD+Blu-ray+Digital Code); Multi-Screen Edition (Blu-ray+DVD+Digital Code); DVD and On-Demand                                                                                     
Feature Run Time: Approximately 99 minutes
Rating: PG in U.S. (bonus material not rated), PA in CE and PG in CF
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio:
Blu-ray = English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks
DVD = English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio
HD/SD Digital = English 5.1/2.0, Latin Spanish 5.1/2.0, French 5.1/2.0 (for some clients), English 2.0 Descriptive Audio (for some clients)
Languages/Subtitles:       
Blu-ray = English SDH, French and Spanish
DVD = English SDH, French and Spanish
HD/SD Digital = English SDH, French and Spanish
Closed Captions: English (DVD and Digital)

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook:                        Facebook.com/DisneysNutcracker
Website:                           Movies.Disney.com/the-nutcracker-and-the-four-realms
Twitter:                             Twitter.com/thenutcracker
Instagram:                        Instagram.com/disneysnutcracker

My Thoughts

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms follows a little girl named Clara as she embarks on a magical journey. Clara has lost her mother who was an inventor, but not before leaving her with a gift. It's a key of sorts which leads her to the magical world of the Four Realms. There she will met toy soldiers and magical ballerinas, and will lead an army against the evil mice and their leader, Mother Ginger. Clara learns her own mother was once the queen and she must take her place and save the world she created from destruction.

This was one of my favorite movies of 2018. I loved the special effects and the imaginative take on a classic ballet and novella. The acting was suburb, with Morgan Freeman shining. Kiera Knightly was magical as well. The costumes were all beautiful, and I truly felt transported to another realm while I was watching it. My children all enjoyed it as well, even the teenagers. It's really a movie that people of all ages can enjoy, and perfect for the holidays. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms will be an annual event for us when we ring in the holiday season.

Holiday Gift Guide - Little Women DVD from Masterpiece

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel, and set against the background of a country divided, “Little Women” follows the four March sisters on their journey from childhood to adulthood while their father is away at war. Under the guidance of their mother, the girls navigate what it means to be a young woman. Starring Emily Watson, Michael Gambon, Angela Lansbury and Maya Hawke. The run time of the program is 180 minutes. 

My Thoughts

Little Women is one of my all time favorite novels. It centers around a group of sisters who are coming of age. As they travel to adulthood, they go through many different trials. They find love, get married, and some even get careers. Two of my favorite parts are when Jo sells her hair to get medicine for her sister, and when she gets a job as a writer.

This was a great adaption that stayed reasonably close to the novel. I have seen many different versions come out over the years, but I think this is my favorite. The costumes and settings were realistic, and the actors were just as I pictured them when I was reading the book. If you want grab a copy of this fantastic DVD, you can find it in stores nationwide or online at Amazon.

Disney•Pixar’s “Incredibles 2”

It’s not a stretch to say audiences have missed their favorite family of Supers over the past 14 years. Disney•Pixar’s “Incredibles 2,” the sequel to 2004’s beloved Oscar®-winning “The Incredibles,” received a mega-strong reaction from critics and audiences — earning a 93 percent critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, rocketing atop the list of highest-grossing animated films, and surpassing $1 billion at the global box office. Fans can reunite with this incredible family of Supers instantly on Digital in HD and 4K Ultra HD™ and on Movies Anywhere on Oct. 23, and on Blu-ray 4K Ultra HD,™ Blu-ray,™ DVD and On-Demand on Nov. 6.

Family members of all ages will be hypnotized by hours of delightful entertainment, with never-before-seen “Incredibles 2” bonus material highlighting the beloved characters in the film and the  filmmakers who bring them to life. When audiences instantly bring home the film two weeks early on Digital, they will receive additional exclusive featurettes, including two SuperScene Breakdowns and Samuel L. Jackson discussing his character Frozone a.k.a. “The Coolest Guy in Show Business.” Overall bonus includes an all-new mini-movie “Auntie Edna,” which gives  a glimpse of fashion visionary Edna Mode’s all-night endeavor to design a suit to best harness baby Jack-Jack’s expanding super powers. Also included are an inside look at the impressive production team at Pixar Animation Studios; documentaries highlighting the film’s relatable characters and stand-out scenes; 10 never-before-revealed scenes; filmmaker commentary; the touching theatrical short “Bao” and a corresponding featurette about how the dumplings sprung to life; and much, much more.  

“Incredibles 2” is packaged and released in several different ways, offering families the flexibility to watch the movie instantly and on a variety of devices of their choosing, including Digital 4K Ultra HD, HD and SD and physically as a 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Digital Copy), a Multi-Screen Edition (Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy) and a single DVD.  Additionally, the Digital HD/SD, Blu-ray and DVD versions of the film have been modified in an effort to accommodate photosensitive viewers, however individual sensitivities may vary.

In “Incredibles 2,” Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is called on to lead a campaign to bring Supers back, while Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) navigates the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life at home with Violet (voice of Sarah Vowell), Dash (voice of Huck Milner) and baby Jack-Jack—whose super powers are about to be discovered. Their mission is derailed, however, when a new villain emerges with a brilliant and dangerous plot that threatens everything. But the Parrs don’t shy away from a challenge, especially with Frozone (voice of Samuel L. Jackson) by their side. That’s what makes this family so Incredible.

My Thoughts

In Incredibles 2, the heroes, who have been in hiding for years, are hoping to make a comeback. Helen is chosen as the hero to lead the way, and Bob is left home to manage the family affairs. Things get out of hand for both of them as the baby begins to develop his powers and Helen goes after a villain using the internet to control the minds of the people. A whole new cast of young heroes joins the team, and a few rich humans are fronting the project. But someone among them is not who they seem. Before she knows it, Helen finds herself in deep trouble, and only Bob and the kids can save the day.

This is a film my whole family was excited about. My older kids are 16 and 18, and they remember when the original came out. They introduced their younger siblings to it, and we all enjoyed watching it together. It was great seeing the family pick up where they left off. We loved the new additions to the super hero team, and seeing the baby develop his powers and fight with the raccoon. The short in the beginning was interesting as well, though I admit to being a little weirded out by the ending.  I hope they will consider adding a third movie to the franchise, because the Incredibles are a great cast of characters we just can't get enough of.

You can grab a copy of the Incredibles 2 in stores nationwide or online at Amazon for only $22.99.

Animated Family Adventure DEEP Coming to DVD and Digital 10/10

From Lionsgate comes the animated family adventure DEEP, available on Digital HD and DVD October 10.  Let me know if you would like a review copy, we also have giveaway copies available.

When a playful octopus named Deep gets his undersea fish colony in trouble, the tribe’s stern leader Kraken orders Deep to go find help. Joined by his splashy BFFs—a sassy shrimp and a silly anglerfish—Deep takes an epic, colorful journey through submerged cities and sunken ships, where they meet outrageous creatures that help the trio on its way. Throughout the adventure, Deep and his buddies laugh, sing, and bond with one another, proving that friendship can be a very “deep” subject.  

My Thoughts

This fun family film centers around a little octopus named Deep. He gets his fish colony into a little bit of trouble and they lose their home. The leader sends Deep on a journey to find a new home. He takes his friends along with him. They include Alice, a cute little shrimp, and Evo who is an angler-fish. The three of them travel on a magical undersea adventure, overcoming perils and making some amazing discoveries along the way.

This is a really cute film. My children loved the colorful ocean characters.  We enjoyed all the magical places they visit, especially the Titanic. Though, I did have to wonder how New York wound up under water!  The story line was a bit predictable, but younger children are sure to enjoy it. There is lots of singing and funny moments that kept my children glued to their seats. This is definitely a great film to watch together on family movie night.

Disney's Born in China

Narrated by John Krasinski (“13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi,” NBC’s “The Office,” “Amazon’s “Jack Ryan”), Disneynature’s newest true-life adventure film “Born in China,” journeys into homes on Digital, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack (Blu-ray+DVD+Digital) and On-Demand on August 29.  And in continued efforts to help protect the wild animals featured in the film, Disneynature through the Conservation Fund has made a contribution to World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to focus efforts that benefit wild pandas and snow leopards.

“Born In China” transports audiences to some of the world’s most extreme environments of China where few people have ever ventured to witness wildly intimate and adorable moments in the lives of three animal families - a doting panda bear mother, a 2-year-old golden snub-nosed monkey, and a mother snow leopard. It is the seventh theatrical release from Disneynature, which brings the world’s top nature filmmakers together to share wildlife stories that engage, inspire and educate. The breathtaking footage and high-definition quality picture is captivating for audiences of all ages and is a must-add to the in-home collection. 

Furthermore, the in-home release comes packaged with all-new bonus features that take viewers deeper into the making of a true-life adventure film, showcasing the extreme measures it took to travel, film, observe and encounter these amazing animals in their natural habitats in the far northeast China; Showcases how Disneynature and the Disney Conservation efforts behind these films have helped make a difference around the globe; and features the full music video by “American Authors” end-credit song “Everything Everything.” 

The film is directed by accomplished Chinese filmmaker Lu Chuan and produced by Disney’s Roy Conli and renowned nature filmmakers Brian Leith and Phil Chapman. The film features an orchestral score composed by Emmy®-winner Barnaby Taylor that incorporates authentic Chinese flavors. 

My Thoughts

This is such a great film.  The Disneynature series always gives you an upfront and personal look into the world of animals. I've enjoyed the whole series, and this one is no different. This time, we follow three different animal families including pandas, golden monkeys, and snow leopards.   Each story follows a family, complete with another cups, as they survive the wild terrains of China.
There's so much action in this film, it's not much different than watching an animated movie from Disney. Expect, this is real life, which makes it so much more fascinating. 

I really enjoy watching these films. I love watching the animals interact and seeing the beautiful landscapes of far-off lands I know I'll never be able to visit. The narration gives you just enough plot without interfering with the nature effect. The Bluray/DVD set also includes a behind the scenes look at the filming of the movie, and a music video. My whole family enjoyed watching this film together, and my children range in age from 6-17.  With Disneynature Born in China, you can make family movie night both fun and educational.

Leap! The Movie Coming to Theaters August 25th! #LeapMovie

Check out the brand NEW trailer from The Weinstein Company’s  LEAP!, featuring Carly Rae Jepsen’s hit song from the soundtrack, “Cut To The Feeling.”

In LEAP! 11-year-old orphan, Félicie has one dream – to go to Paris and become a dancer. Her best friend Victor, an imaginative but exhausting boy with a passion for creating, has a dream of his own - to become a famous inventor. The two friends flee their orphanage in pursuit of their passions. But Félicie quickly learns that talent alone is not enough, but determined to succeed, Félicie finds her mentor in the tough and mysterious school custodian, Odette who, along with Victor’s encouraging friendship, help her reach for the stars.

This charming animated comedy will inspire the whole family! Parents, kids, anyone who has ever dreamed of following their heart will fall in love with LEAP!. The entire cast captures the spirit and humor of the story and the music will have you dancing all the way home!

Make sure to get your tickets early!

LEAP! opens in theaters nationwide on August 25th and stars Elle Fanning, Nat Wolff and Maddie Ziegler alongside Mel Brooks, Kate McKinnon and Carly Rae Jepsen.

#LeapMovie

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 This sponsored post is brought to you by The WeinsteinCompany and coordinated by Wendy’sBloggers 

Americano DVD

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Get ready for a south-of-the-border journey, when the animated adventure Americano arrives on DVD, Digital HD and On Demand on June 13 from Lionsgate. Awarded the Dove Family Seal of Approval,Americano tells the charming tale of a colorful Mexican parrot named Cuco who sets off on an adventure to defend his family. Available in both English and Spanish, the film features the voices of Rico Rodriguez, Kate Del Castillo, Cheech Marin, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Golden Globe^® nominee Lisa Kudrow (Best Supporting Actress, Television, “Friends”), and Academy Award^® nominee Edward James Olmos (Best Supporting Actor,Stand and Deliver, 1988), in addition to radio personalities Don Cheto, El Mandril, and Argelia Atilano. TheAmericano DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $14.98.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

Cuco is a Mexican boy parrot that would rather imitate the crazy stunts of his TV parrot superhero, El Americano, than help with his chores at the family bird circus. Yet when a gang of bully birds threatens his ringmaster father and takes over the circus, Cuco sets off on a hilarious and perilous journey to Hollywood to enlist his hero in his fight, only to discover the true hero within himself.

My Thoughts

Americano is a cute movie about a little circus parrot named Cuco.  His family has been part of the circus for years, and his father is the ringmaster. At first, Cuco just wants to change up the act with some moves he learned from watching superheroes on TV. But when a mean parrot tries to steal his father's job, he decides that he needs a real hero on his side. He decides to head to Hollywood to find El Americano, the super hero from television. Along the way, he faces many challenges and learns that the he may be more of a hero than the actor who plays the role on television. But will he make it back in time to save the circus?

This is a really cute animated film. The characters are colorful and fun. My kids really enjoyed following Cuco along on his adventures and rooted for him all the way. The best part of the movie is that it teaches kids that we all have the heart of a hero. We just need to look inside ourselves for the answer.

DVD Review: ENTER THE WARRIORS GATE

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Reach the next level when the family action-adventure film Enter the Warriors Gate arrives on Blu-ray™ (plus Digital HD) and DVD June 6 from Lionsgate. Follow the journey of a teenage gamer who is magically transported to an ancient kingdom and must transform his video game skills into those of a Kung Fu warrior to battle the empire’s tyrannical ruler. The film’s all-star cast includes Mark Chao, Ni Ni, former WWE Superstar Dave Bautista, Sienna Guillory, and Uriah Shelton. Written by Luc Besson (The Fifth Element and the upcoming Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets) and Robert Mark Kamen (The Karate Kid), the Enter the Warriors Gate Blu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

Epic fantasy-adventure meets martial arts action in this thrilling film written by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen. After a mysterious chest opens a gateway through time, teen gamer Jack (Uriah Shelton) is transported to an ancient empire terrorized by a cruel barbarian king (former WWE Superstar Dave Bautista). Jack will need all of his gaming skills as he battles to defeat the barbarian, protect a beautiful princess, and somehow find his way back home.

My Thoughts

Epic fantasies have always been my favorite genre, but there aren't many that I can enjoy with my children. Enter the Warriors Gate was just what I was looking for. It's a little like the Karate Kid, but with some mystical elements. In the film, a teen gamer named Jack discovers a chest that allows them to travel through time. He finds himself in an ancient empire that is being ruled by an evil king. With his gamer skills, Jack tries to find a way to free the kingdom and save the princess. Once that is done, he hopes to find his way home.

 This was a really awesome movie. It was packed with action, but isn't too scary for kids. My children range in age from 5 to 16, and they all enjoyed the film. While some parts are predictable and others are a little exaggerated, it's all in good fun.  Jack in a likable character that kids can relate to and there is plenty of action. The budding romance with the princess is a cute addition to the story. With a little magic around every corner, this is a movie that kids of all ages are sure to enjoy.

Disney's Bambi Signature Collection

“Bambi,” which celebrates its 75^th anniversary this year, joins the Collection on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on May 23, and on Blu-ray™, DVD and On-Demand on June 6.  The Collection release includes a variety of new bonus material, including recordings of Walt Disney discussing the challenges and triumphs during the production of “Bambi;” deleted scenes and characters; stories and effects that “Bambi” had on the Studio, other films and artists; and much, much more. Additionally, the Digital HD release includes an exclusive, heartfelt feature on the incredible artist, Tyrus Wong, who inspired the film’s soft watercolor backgrounds and beautiful palette.

Designed to bring together visionaries across industries and diverse audiences to celebrate the power of storytelling, it is only fitting that the Tribeca Film Festival serves as the setting for this year’s announcement of upcoming additions to the Walt Disney Signature Collection. This collection includes groundbreaking films created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney, one of the great visionaries of the 20^th century. This summer, “Bambi” will take its place in the collection alongside three other great achievements in storytelling, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Pinocchio.”

“Bambi” was released in 1942 during World War II and took over five years to make due to its exquisite hand-drawn artwork and attention to detail. Beloved by generations, “Bambi” holds the No. 3 spot on the American Film Institute’s “10 Top 10,” honoring the 10 greatest animated films of all time. The timeless tale features an adorable young deer named Bambi who explores the wonders and challenges of the woods with his playful pal Thumper, the lovable skunk Flower, and wise Friend Owl – and ultimately fulfills his destiny as prince of the forest.

My Thoughts 

Bambi in a classic film that made families laugh and cry together for decades. In this film, a little foul is born. Life starts out happy and carefree, with baby Bambi playing on the ice with his rabbit friend Thumper and Flower the skunk.  Then he loses his mother when man comes to the forest and hunts her down. Alone in the woods, he is scared at first, but eventually he grows into a proud stag who takes the place of this father to rule the forest. 

This is such a wonderful movie. I loved watching it when I was a child, and now I was able to introduce it to my own children. The scenes come to life better than ever before on the blu-ray disk. The colors seem more vivid and striking. The set also includes some great bonus footage including deleted scenes and fun animal facts. This is a great addition to our Disney collection and allows me to relive some of the best memories of my childhood with my family. 

Rock Dog DVD

From Academy Award^®-nominated writer-director Ash Brannon (Best Animated Feature Film, Surf’s Up, 2007) comes the heartwarming and hilarious family film Rock Dog, on Digital HD May 9^th and Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand May 23^rd from Lionsgate. The music-filled adventure about a dog’s quest to fulfill his dream features an all-star cast, including J.K. Simmons (Zootopia), Luke Wilson (Old School), Eddie Izzard (Cars 2), Lewis Black (Inside Out), and Kenan Thompson (The Smurfs 2).
 
When a radio falls from the sky into the hands of a wide-eyed Tibetan Mastiff, he leaves home to fulfill his dream of becoming a musician, setting into motion a series of completely unexpected events.
 
A film the whole family will want to jam to, the Rock Dog home entertainment release includes four behind-the-scenes featurettes looking at the making of every part of the film from voice recording, to animation, to music, as well as the “Glorious” music video. The Rock Dog Blu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $34.99 and $29.95, respectively.

My Thoughts


Rock Dog is an adorable movie about a little dog named Bodi who dreams of being a rock star. When a radio falls from the sky right into this hands, that convinces him that it's a dream that is destined to become a reality.  He leaves his small wool-making town far behind and goes on a quest to find the music. Even though his father, who had outlawed music, is against the plan, he heads to the city to jump start his career. Of course, he'll have to outwit the town wolf to get there. The DVD also includes some great behind he scenes footage and music videos.

My kids loved this movie. The characters are colorful and fun, and the story-line was entertaining. They are lots of laughs and toe-tapping songs that you can't get out of your head. The story also reminds us that any one can make their dreams come true if they take the time to work on them. This is a wonderful family film and one I'm sure we'll return to again and again.