Saturday, April 28, 2012

Disney Princess Sing Along Songs, Vol. 1 - Once Upon A Dream

Disney Princess Sing Along Songs, Vol. 1 - Once Upon A Dream Review



Disney Princess Sing Along Songs, Vol. 1 - Once Upon A Dream Feature

  • Sound the trumpets and prepare for the ultimate celebration of magic, music, and dreams come true! Introduce your little princess to the one special collection that features all of her favorite Disney Princesses performing their most cherished songs from Disney's award-winningics. Your child's imagination will soar as she sings, dances, and pretends along with Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, and
Sound the trumpets and prepare for the ultimate celebration of magic, music, and dreams come true! Introduce your little princess to the one special collection that features all of her favorite Disney Princesses performing their most cherished songs from Disney's award-winning classics. Your child's imagination will soar as she sings, dances, and pretends along with Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, and all the Disney Princesses. And, for the first time ever, all the princesses join together to sing an all-new song, "If You Can Dream." So help your little girl get her crown, put on her gown, and get ready for a musical adventure overflowing with charm and delight that's perfect for any little princess and her royal family.


Oliver and Company (20th Anniversary Edition)

Oliver and Company (20th Anniversary Edition) Review



Oliver and Company (20th Anniversary Edition) Feature

  • Experience a magical adventure, filled with friendship, fun and "paws-itively" cool music in the new 20th Anniversary Edition DVD of Walt Disney's OLIVER AND COMPANY -- featuring tail-wagging bonus and new digital mastering! Oliver, a feisty young cat, explores New York in this thrilling animatedic cleverly based on Charles Dickens' timeless story, OLIVER TWIST -- featuring unforge
Based on Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist," Disney's Oliver and Company was one of the first animated features to incorporate computer images with traditional hand-drawn animation and features the music and voice talents of pop-music giants like Billy Joel, Huey Lewis, and Bette Midler. A traditional story set in the modern world, Oliver and Company is the story of a stray kitten who wanders the streets of New York in search of a loving family. When Oliver encounters a street-wise dog named Dodger, the dog begins to teach him about life in the big city and takes him home to his family of street dogs and their master Fagan. Fagan and his dogs Dodger, Tito, Einstein, Francis, and Rita must often resort to thievery just to survive and during a particularly daring caper, Oliver gets separated from the other dogs and winds up meeting Jenny, a young rich girl with a big heart. As Oliver revels in Jenny's affection and begins to feel like part of her family, the dogs set out to rescue Oliver thinking he's been kidnapped. Eventually both Oliver and Jenny end up in grave danger and the only way Fagan and his dogs can save them is by doing what's right. As fresh on its 20th anniversary as it was when it premiered in 1988, this time-tested film appeals to children and adults of all ages. Bonus features include the Mickey Mouse and Pluto shorts "Lend a Paw" and "Puss Café" as well as a 5-1/2-minute making of featurette in which director George Scribner and animator Glen Kean describe the then brand new technique of blending computer and hand-drawn animation. Also included are sing-along versions of "Why Should I Worry? and "Streets of Gold," an interactive game, fun film facts, and an Oliver and Company scrapbook featuring concept art, storyboards, and publicity materials. --Tami Horiuchi A timeless classic inspired by Charles Dickens' novel Oliver Twist, Oliver & Company is a fun-filled, action-packed musical adventure voiced and sung by one of the most talented casts in Disney history! The film artfully blends lovable characters, cool songs, and action-packed adventure into a contemporary classic. Disney's hip, high-energy tale begins in the concrete canyons of New York City, where Oliver, an adorable orphaned kitten, is befriended by Dodger, a carefree mutt with a certain street savoir faire. The mischievous little cat is welcomed by Dodger's pack of pickpocket pooches, including dim-witted Einstein, ravishing Rita, and live-wire Tito. This ragtag family of misfits runs into trouble when the evil mastermind Sykes -- aided by his two daunting Dobermans -- schemes to kidnap the lonely little rich girl who just adopted Oliver! It's up to the brave kitten and his newfound friends to race to the rescue in an electrifying chase through the city's subway system. Boasting five outstanding original songs and the musical talents of Billy Joel, Bette Midler, and Huey Lewis -- and overflowing with brilliant animation, Oliver & Company is a modern masterpiece. Featuring the voice talent of Billy Joel, Bette Midler, Cheech Marin, Joey Lawrence, and Dom DeLuise


Friday, April 27, 2012

Pollyanna (Vault Disney Collection)

Pollyanna (Vault Disney Collection) Review



Pollyanna (Vault Disney Collection) Feature

  • Hayley Mills received a special Academy Award for her performance as Pollyanna in this timeless Walt Disney tapestry of small-town Americana. Featuring an impressive all-star cast and a story filled with fun, laughter, and tears, Pollyanna will inspire your entire family and prove that the art of positive thinking is just as delightful today as it was at the turn of the century! System Requirem
Optimism shines in this classic 1960 Disney film starring Hayley Mills. When the newly orphaned Pollyanna comes to live with her wealthy aunt in Harrington Town, life looks promising. Despite her aunt's insistence on propriety and modesty, Pollyanna's cheerful, optimistic ways spread throughout the town--converting even a cantankerous recluse and a whining hypochondriac. Only Aunt Polly has trouble welcoming her young niece into her heart. In a clash between the townspeople and Aunt Polly over local politics, it's Pollyanna's influence that helps individual townspeople find the inner strength to stand up for their own beliefs. When Pollyanna is involved in a serious accident, Aunt Polly finally realizes how much she loves her niece. Can Aunt Polly and the entire town somehow restore Polly's optimism and ensure a full recovery? Pollyanna is wholesome entertainment that will leave the entire family eager to play the "glad game." --Tami Horiuchi Hayley Mills, Jane Wyman, Karl Malden, Agnes Moorehead. A cheerful orphan who manages to find the good in any situation comes to live with her aunt in a small New England town in 1912. 2 DVDs. 1960/color/134 min/G/widescreen.


Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Peter Pan (Two-Disc Platinum Edition)

Peter Pan (Two-Disc Platinum Edition) Review



Let your dreams take flight with Walt Disney's original classic. PETER PAN soars to new heights in the magical 2-disc Platinum Edition DVD with an all-new digital restoration. Fantastic adventures await Wendy and her brothers when Peter Pan, the hero of their stories, whisks them away to the magical world of Never Land. After following Peter and his feisty sidekick Tinker Bell past "the second star to the right and straight on till morning," they explore the island and Peter's secret hideout with the rambunctious Lost Boys and leap into high-flying battles with swashbuckling pirates and the infamous Captain Hook! Bursting with fantasy, adventure, and pixie dust, this 2-disc Platinum Edition includes three all-new games in Camp Never Land, deleted scenes, a new discovery -- in which Walt Disney reveals why he made PETER PAN -- and much more.


Monday, April 23, 2012

The Little Mermaid (Fully Restored Special Edition) [VHS]

The Little Mermaid (Fully Restored Special Edition) [VHS] Review



The Little Mermaid (Fully Restored Special Edition) [VHS] Feature

  • Fully Restored Special Edition
  • Disney's Masterpiece
  • VHS
From the moment that Prince Eric's ship emerged from the fog in the opening credits it was apparent that Disney had somehow, suddenly recaptured that "magic" that had been dormant for thirty years. In the tale of a headstrong young mermaid who yearns to "spend a day, warm on the sand," Ariel trades her voice to Ursula, the Sea Witch (classically voiced by Pat Carroll), for a pair of legs. Ariel can only succeed if she receives true love's kiss in a few day's time and she needs all the help she can from a singing crab named Sebastian, a loudmouth seagull, and a flounder. The lyrics and music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken are top form: witty and relevant, and they advance the story (go on, hum a few bars of "Under the Sea"). Mermaid put animation back on the studio's "to do" list and was responsible for ushering Beauty and the Beast to theaters. A modern Disney classic. --Keith Simanton From the moment that Prince Eric's ship emerged from the fog in the opening credits it was apparent that Disney had somehow, suddenly recaptured that "magic" that had been dormant for thirty years. In the tale of a headstrong young mermaid who yearns to "spend a day, warm on the sand," Ariel trades her voice to Ursula, the Sea Witch (classically voiced by Pat Carroll), for a pair of legs. Ariel can only succeed if she receives true love's kiss in a few day's time and she needs all the help she can from a singing crab named Sebastian, a loudmouth seagull, and a flounder. The lyrics and music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken are top form: witty and relevant, and they advance the story (go on, hum a few bars of "Under the Sea"). Mermaid put animation back on the studio's "to do" list and was responsible for ushering Beauty and the Beast to theaters. A modern Disney classic.


Friday, April 20, 2012

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Storybook Surprises

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Storybook Surprises Review



Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Storybook Surprises Feature

  • The only thing more fun than listening to a story is actually being part of it. So just say the magical words, "Meeska, Mooska, Mickey Mouse" -- and let the enchantment begin! When Donald Duck turns into a frog after drinking Professor Von Drake's new potion, only a kiss from Princess Daisy can change him back. But she's locked away in the Tallest Tower! Will you help Mickey choose

The only thing more fun than listening to a story is actually being part of it. So just say the magical words, "Meeska, Mooska, Mickey Mouse" -- and let the enchantment begin! When Donald Duck turns into a frog after drinking Professor Von Drake's new potion, only a kiss from Princess Daisy can change him back. But she's locked away in the Tallest Tower! Will you help Mickey choose the right Mouseketools to rescue Daisy and de-frog Donald? There's nonstop fun, excitement and new challenges around every corner as you help solve a Goldilocks-style mystery, wake Sleeping Minnie from a hundred-year nap, outsmart pesky Pete on a race through the woods and more! Let your imagination soar as you join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and the whole Clubhouse gang of classic characters as they set off on amazing music-fill!


Hercules (Gold Collection)

Hercules (Gold Collection) Review



Hercules (Gold Collection) Feature

  • An outrageous odyssey of fun, fantasy and adventure unfolds in the hilarious hit film, Hercules - Disney's 35th animated triumph "brimming with comic surprise!" (Entertainment Weekly) Taken from the gods as a newborn, adopted on Earth, Hercules becomes an awkward, teenage pillar of strength. Trying to fit in, he discovers his dad is Zeus and home is Mount Olympus - if he can move from "zero
Not the egregious foul it seemed to be in theaters, Hercules stands up as an entertaining spritzer of an animated feature. The continual peppering of in-jokes and cultural references becomes less irksome on video. That there's no majesty or awe invested in the beloved Greek legends also seems less of an error. Also on the plus side is the bounciest Alan Menken music since Little Shop of Horrors. With Zeus's blood in his veins, young Hercules's amazing strength makes him an outcast (sorry, that still doesn't fly), so he trains with a satyr named Phil to become a hero. Along the way Herc meets Meg, a common mortal who falls hard for him. They're both against the jocular Hades, who has to destroy Hercules to take over Olympus. The hydra is the computer-animated set piece for this little number, a no-chance attempt to beat that wildebeest herd from The Lion King. --Keith Simanton The son of Zeus must prove he's a hero to regain his place among the other gods on Mt. Olympus.


Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Full Screen Edition)

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Full Screen Edition) Review



Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls start your engines. You're about to take an incredible ride with one of the most wonderful family films of all time! Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has never looked or sounded better. Dick Van Dyke stars as eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, who creates an extraordinary car called Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It not only drives but also flies and floats as it leads him, his two children and his beautiful lady friend, Truly Scrumptious (Sally Ann Howes), into a magical world of pirates, castles and endless adventure.


Sunday, April 15, 2012

Bedknobs and Broomsticks Enchanted Musical Edition

Bedknobs and Broomsticks Enchanted Musical Edition Review



Bedknobs and Broomsticks Enchanted Musical Edition Feature

  • Experience the extraordinary animation, enchanting music and Academy Award(R)-winning special effects(1971: Best Effects, Special Visual Effects) of Disney's belovedic BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS -- now fully restored and remastered in this Enchanted Musical Edition with dazzling new bonus features! Hold on tight for a magical, musical, fun-filled journey! When young Charlie, Carrie and Paul move to
When a mail-order apprentice witch (Angela Lansbury) is saddled with three sibling refugees from London during World War II, the outlook is grim. But the kids soon discover her secret and sign on for adventure in the name of England. With the aid of a magical bed, they track down her fraudulent headmaster (David Tomlinson) to find the spell that will aid the Allies. Fascinated that she has actually achieved results with his lessons, he joins forces. The quintet does battle with corrupt booksellers, animated-lion royalty, and, eventually, invading Germans. Songs include Lansbury's Oscar-nominated "The Age of Not Believing." This film is often compared to director Robert Stevenson's earlier effort, Mary Poppins, and for good reason. In addition to Tomlinson, the movies share a fondness for magic at the hands of a good woman, light romance with an understanding male, and wide-eyed children. Stevenson also graces both films with interaction between humans and animated animals. Disney is wise to play up that aspect on its box this time around as both the underwater ball and the subsequent island soccer match are the most visually interesting and appealing parts of the film. Adults may find the 1971-vintage mixing of actors and animation a bit creaky, but kids used to a variety of animation quality will find the action a hoot. Ages 4 and up. The movie has been recut several times but was restored to the original length of 139 minutes for its 30th anniversary in 2001. --Kimberly Heinrichs Experience the extraordinary animation, enchanting music and Academy Award(R)-winning special effects(1971: Best Effects, Special Visual Effects) of Disney's beloved classic BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS -- now fully restored and remastered in this Enchanted Musical Edition with dazzling new bonus features! Hold on tight for a magical, musical, fun-filled journey! When young Charlie, Carrie and Paul move to a small village during World War II, they discover their host, Miss Price (Angela Lansbury), is an apprentice witch! Although her early attempts at magic create hilarious results, she successfully casts a traveling spell on an ordinary bedknob, and they fly to the fantastic, animated Isle of Naboombu to find a powerful spell that will save England! All-new fun is brewing in this Enchanted Musical Edition, including "The Wizards of Special Effects" feature. Also starring David Tomlinson (MARY POPPINS) and Roddy McDowall, BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS is a heartwarming adventure your family will love sharing again and again!


Friday, April 13, 2012

Sleeping Beauty (Two-Disc Platinum Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo + BD Live) [Blu-ray]

Sleeping Beauty (Two-Disc Platinum Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo + BD Live) [Blu-ray] Review



A beautiful princess born in a faraway kingdom is destined by a terrible curse to prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into a deep sleep which can only be awakened by true love's first kiss. Though the titular princess is on par with the rest of Disney's essential heroines, most of the fun arises from the trio of charming fairies entrusted with her care: Flora, Fauna, and Meriweather. Meanwhile the evil Malificent may just be Disney's most chilling villainess. This classic makes wondrous use of Tchaikovsky's same-titled ballet score, which earned SLEEPING BEAUTY an Academy Award nomination for Best Scoring of a Musical Picture.


Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The Sword in the Stone (45th Anniversary Special Edition)

The Sword in the Stone (45th Anniversary Special Edition) Review



The Sword in the Stone (45th Anniversary Special Edition) Feature

  • Condition: New
  • Format: DVD
  • AC-3; Animated; Color; Dolby; Dubbed; DVD; Full Screen; NTSC; Special Edition; Subtitled; Widescreen
Based upon T.H. White's beloved novel, this Disney-fied version chronicles the tutoring of the Once and Future King, Arthur, as handled by the magician Merlin. Sword was a portent of things to come, with slapstick upbraiding storytelling, and cultural in-jokes substituting for wonder. But there's much to enjoy here as Merlin shows Newt, the young Arthur, things that will help him become the ruler of the Britons. The transformation sequences, where the boy is turned into a fish, a bird, and a squirrel are vintage Disney. The oft-repeated scene of Merlin battling it out with the mean old Madame Mim still is worth a few chuckles, but it belies the problem with most of the film--the scenes are only there for the chuckles. References by Merlin to television and other items of modern life also mar the generally innocuous landscape. Children will like it, but they won't cherish it. --Keith Simanton UPC:786936761627
DESCRIPTION: Humor, spectacle and magic rule in Walt Disney s legendary classic tale The Sword In The Stone now celebrating its 45th Anniversary with exciting new bonus features!
Embark on an adventure-filled quest for an unlikely hero! According to legend, only someone with honor, decency and inner strength can claim the throne of England by pulling out the enchanted sword that lies locked in a massive stone. Many brave knights have tried, so it seems impossible that a young apprentice known as Wart could succeed. But with the guidance of the wizard Merlin, help from some hilarious friends and true strength of character, Wart just might become England s greatest king.
There s even more wizardry fun with marvelous new bonus features including the all-new Merlin s Magical Academy game, animated shorts, Disney s song selection and much more! The Sword In The Stone: 45th Anniversary Special Edition DVD is a magical experience your whole family will want to share again and again!
END


Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Up (Single-Disc Edition)

Up (Single-Disc Edition) Review



Up (Single-Disc Edition) Feature

  • From the revolutionary minds of Pixar Animation Studios and the acclaimed director of MONSTERS, INC. comes a hilariously uplifting adventure where the sky is no longer the limit. Carl Fredricksen, a retired balloon salesman, is part rascal, part dreamer who is ready for his last chance at high-flying excitement. Tying thousands of balloons to his house, Carl sets off to the lost world of his child
At a time when too many animated films consist of anthropomorphized animals cracking sitcom one-liners and flatulence jokes, the warmth, originality, humor, and unflagging imagination of Up feel as welcome as rain in a desert. Carl Fredericksen (voice by Ed Asner) ranks among the most unlikely heroes in recent animation history. A 78- year-old curmudgeon, he enjoyed his modest life as a balloon seller because he shared it with his adventurous wife Ellie (Ellie Docter). But she died, leaving him with memories and the awareness that they never made their dream journey to Paradise Falls in South America. When well-meaning officials consign Carl to Shady Oaks Retirement Home, he rigs thousands of helium balloons to his house and floats to South America. The journey's scarcely begun when he discovers a stowaway: Russell (Jordan Nagai), a chubby, maladroit Wilderness Explorer Scout who's out to earn his Elderly Assistance Badge. In the tropical jungle, Carl and Russell find more than they bargained for: Charles Muntz (Christopher Plummer), a crazed explorer whose newsreels once inspired Carl and Ellie; Kevin, an exotic bird with a weakness for chocolate; and Dug (Bob Peterson), an endearingly dim golden retriever fitted with a voice box. More importantly, the travelers discover they need each other: Russell needs a (grand)father figure; Carl needs someone to enliven his life without Ellie. Together, they learn that sharing ice-cream cones and counting the passing cars can be more meaningful than feats of daring-do and distant horizons. Pete Docter (Monsters, Inc. ) and Bob Peterson direct the film with consummate skill and taste, allowing the poignant moments to unfold without dialogue to Michael Giacchnio's vibrant score. Building on their work in The Incredibles and Ratatouille, the Pixar crew offers nuanced animation of the stylized characters. Even by Pixar's elevated standards, Up is an exceptional film that will appeal of audiences of all ages. Rated PG for some peril and action. --Charles Solomon

Stills from Up (Click for larger image)



Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios take moviegoers up, up and away on one of the funniest adventures of all time with their latest comedy-fantasy. Up follows the uplifting tale of 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip an overly optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell. Their journey to a lost world, where they encounter some strange, exotic and surprising characters, is filled with hilarity, emotion and wildly imaginative adventure.



Saturday, April 7, 2012

American Legends

American Legends Review



American Legends Feature

  • Disney celebrates the legends that inspired our country withic stories of great American heroes in this all-new, full-length animated collection, Disney's American Legends! You'll meet the doers and dreamers who made America great - including John Henry, the railroad builder who proved the value of believing in oneself. Journey with giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan as he clears the land for
American history and pioneer mythology blur in this collection of animated Disney shorts hosted by James Earl Jones. From Disney's Golden Age come the marvelous Johnny Appleseed (1948), a fanciful, folksy, story-song tale of the real-life planter who seeded the Midwest, and The Brave Engineer (1950), a screwball version of "The Ballad of Casey Jones." Paul Bunyan (1958) is pure tall tale turned energetic American myth: the giant lumberjack is a homespun Zeus in flannel and logger boots creating the mountains and valleys of the American West with his big, blue ox, Babe. Joining these classics is Disney's stylized new take on the folk song John Henry (2000), narrated by Alfre Woodard. The sketchy, roughed-up style echoes Jacob Lawrence in moments, and the rich soundtrack soars with spiritual-influenced music. Like the best of Disney, these spirited folk tales speak to both children and adults. --Sean Axmaker Disney celebrates the legends that inspired a country with classic stories of real American heroes in this all-new, full-length animated collection, DISNEY'S AMERICAN LEGENDS! You'll meet the doers and dreamers who made America great -- including John Henry, the railroad builder, who proved the value of believing in oneself. John Henry was created using rough-style animation over a scratchboard background, a technique that dates back to Disney's 101 DALMATIANS! This artistic style was chosen specifically by the director in order to convey the power and emotion of the story. Journey with the giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan as he clears the land for American settlers. Follow the trail of the beloved American icon Johnny Appleseed, whose peaceful planting of apple trees blossomed along the new frontier. Then take an unforgettable ride with Casey Jones, The Brave Engineer, who never failed to deliver the mail, no matter how difficult the route! Each story is introduced by celebrated actor James Earl Jones, and filled with unforgettable characters, adventure, and memorable songs. Gather the family together and enjoy these timeless tales ... an experience no childhood should be without!


Wednesday, April 4, 2012

The Fox and the Hound / The Fox and the Hound Two (30th Anniversary Edition)

The Fox and the Hound / The Fox and the Hound Two (30th Anniversary Edition) Review



In celebration of The Fox and the Hound's 30th anniversary, Disney proudly presents a special 2-movie collection of The Fox and the Hound and The Fox and the Hound II! Experience these timeless tales of true friendship, set against a backdrop of comedy and music in perfect harmony. A Featuring lovable characters, brilliant animation, stellar voice talent and unforgettable songs, The Fox and the Hound's Two-movie collection includes two fun, heartwarming stories of loyalty and trust that your family will treasure for all time.