Rave & Review

LINCOLN on DVD and Blu-ray now

Remember last November when I was raving about the new Steven Spielberg film, LINCOLN?  The huge Lincoln fan in me has been eagerly awaiting the DVD and Blu-ray release so I could see the movie again {and again, and again}, so I was thrilled when LINCOLN hit shelves last month.

As one of my favorite films of 2012, I was thrilled to watch the movie again now that the hype has died down.  And, it was just as amazing as I remembered, and every bit as moving after a second and third viewing. 

Add in all the special features in the 4-disc collection and being able to watch it in the comfort of my home and I was a happy girl.  If you're one of the few who hasn't seen the movie that won a whopping 47 awards since its release, here's what you can expect: amazing cinematography, a beautiful score, a riveting storyline {and yes, it doesn't matter that you already know how it ends}, and an extremely talented cast of characters with the bushiest eyebrows you've ever seen. 

You hear over and over again how Daniel Day-Lewis nailed his portrayal of Lincoln as a powerful yet gentle man, but the supporting cast was also amazing.   

Seeing the film again has reminded me how much I really want to read the book the film was based off of, Team of Rivals, so I'm determined to finish that this year as well and compare it in detail to the movie.  It's just fascinating to me how close America came to splitting into two all those years ago and how one man who people truly believed in was able to make it happen even with opposition from every side.  Even though the movie only covers a small portion of Lincoln’s life or his term as president, you get a real feel for this amazing man and the people who stood with him.

Even if you aren’t a history buff or a huge Lincoln fan, this is such an important film in addition to it just being a great movie.  As someone who grew up watching badly re-enacted Lincoln films in history class, I am foever going to be jealous of this next generation who will grow up studying this film instead. 

4-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack Super Set (Blu-ray + Bonus Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) Bonus Features Include:
The Journey To Lincoln—Steven Spielberg and his collaborators discuss the challenges and excitement of bringing this story of a complex and very human president to the screen.
A Historic Tapestry: Richmond, Virginia—Steven Spielberg and team discuss the historical significance of Richmond, Virginia, and why they chose to shoot the film there.
In The Company Of Character—Delve into Daniel Day-Lewis’ portrayal of Lincoln, and discover the authenticity and openness created by the actors and filmmakers on set.
Crafting The Past—Examine the re-creation of Lincoln’s era through authentic period details in production design, costume and makeup.
Living With Lincoln—Follow Steven Spielberg, the cast and crew through the shooting of the film, from the battle at Jenkins’ Ferry, through the epic 13th Amendment showdown in the House of Representatives, to Lincoln’s tragic end.
In Lincoln’s Footsteps—Explore the film’s editing, sound design, and the subtle yet poignant musical score by John Williams, and discover how relevant and inspiring Lincoln still is today.

Be sure to "like" LINCOLN on Facebook and follow LINCOLN on Twitter 

While I received a copy of LINCOLN to facilitate this review, I'm sharing this with you because I love the film.  As always, all opinions are 100% ours.

Just in Time for the Holidays: Finding Nemo on Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D

Tonight as we were getting ready for bed, my daughter asked if I would search all over the ocean for her if she ever got lost.  After explaining that she probably wouldn’t be in the ocean, and that I can’t really swim, and that’s why I need her to stay right with me whenever we’re out, blah blah blah, the answer was undoubtedly yes. 

If you can’t already tell, we’ve been spending a lot of time watching Finding Nemo.  Released on 12/4 in high-definition Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D, Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo has been a big topic of discussion at our house over the past week.  From questions such as “what exactly is a clownfish” to asking why Nemo had a hurt fin, and wondering whether any of the fish in the doctor’s office are Nemo, there’s been a ton of discussion both about the movie and the things a 4-year-old takes away from a film such as this.


And, as it turns out, there are quite a few important life lessons in Nemo that I hadn’t really realized when viewing it pre-kids.  I remembered how hilarious the film was, and how much I loved Ellen Degeneres as Dory, but the serious parts just didn’t hit me the way that they do now.  Watching it today, I can feel for Marlin wanting to keep Nemo close and insolate him from the big, bad outside world, but I can also see that Nemo needs to have some independence as well.

Oh, and there were some great life lessons in there for the kiddies, too.  Stuff like not wandering off and getting snagged by a fishing boat.  And, learning to “just keep swimming” may not seem like a life lesson, but I would argue that it is – sometimes you just have to keep on track and stay focused in order to get through the tougher moments.      

And that is part of the magic of Disney/Pixar movies, mixing life lessons and tough subjects with entertainment for all ages. For instance, as anyone who has seen Finding Nemo will tell you, the beginning is a bit of a downer.  From the opening scenes of Marlin losing his entire family, save Nemo, to the moment that Nemo is taken from him, there’s not much to cheer about. 

This emotional beginning serves the story by setting the stakes high, which then allows them to make the comedy that follows really count.  Luckily, all the sadness is quickly forgotten when you come along on Marlin’s journey to rescue Nemo with a hilarious cast of characters he meets along the way. 

On top of the great story is the fact that Finding Nemo looks amazing on Blu-ray.  There is just something about the way animated movies look in 1080p that blows me away every time, but the underwater scenes in Finding Nemo are truly gorgeous. The whole family loved feeling immersed in the ocean, and were all amazed as the beauty continued up into the Sydney harbor above the surface.

Besides being available on Blu-ray for the first time, Finding Nemo is also now available in 3D.  This is one of those movies that just needed to be in 3D, and makes me really wish we had a 3D capable TV.  With all the depth and detail in the ocean that is there in the normal 2D version, I'm sure the it is really a sight to behold with even more depth.   P.S. Anyone have a 3D TV we can borrow for a few years?

Of course, there's also some great new bonus features on the new Blu-ray release, such as: HD Aquariums (NEW), CineExplore (NEW), Knick Knack (Original Theatrical Short), Filmmakers Roundtable Discussion (NEW), Reinventing the Submarine Voyage (NEW), Flashbacks, Art Review, Making Nemo, Outtakes, Deleted Scenes, Exploring the Reef, Studio Tour, Old School, Publicity Pieces and Mr. Ray's Encyclopedia

A big thank you to Disney/Pixar for sending Finding Nemo on Blu-ray to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions are 100% ours.

LINCOLN Arrives in Theaters Today

Last week we got to have a Seattle date to see a film I have been excited about for months, the new Steven Spielberg film, LINCOLN.  As an avid Lincoln fan, I have read dozens of books throughout the years about what I believe to be the best president of all time and I was eager to see the film that critics have hailed as the most true-to-life story of the former president to date. 

Even though it was a longer film and I was exhausted having celebrated Halloween the day before, I sat riveted throughout the entire late night showing, as did everyone else in the packed theater.  There was just something special about the film that was apparent from the opening credits.  From the amazing cinematography to the darker and foreboding score, it was easy to get lost in the film.

Not to mention the amazing cast of characters that really brought the time period to life… starting with the eyebrows.  I was expecting another wonderful performance from Daniel Day-Lewis and his cohorts, but I really hadn’t anticipated the eyebrows – wild, bushy, blow-in-the-wind, sometimes styled eyebrows that stole the show. 

I guess for me it’s the little details you just can’t get in a textbook. 

In all regards, Daniel Day-Lewis nailed Lincoln to a degree that even I was surprised about.  From his stooped gait to his powerful yet gentle presence, this character is how I have always pictured Lincoln.  When he spoke, people listened, and I found myself hanging on his every word. 

And, even though I knew how the story ended as it’s based on the book Team of Rivals {oh, and history}, I still found myself fearful for this man in a divided nation in a time of war.  It’s just so hard to convey the varying degrees of opposition Lincoln faced using only text, and this was the first movie I’ve seen that really made it clear how close America came to splitting into two and allowing slavery to continue.  The opposition from every side and the long hard road even to convince his own party really brought this small snapshot of Lincoln’s life during the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution to life.

Even if you aren’t a history buff or a huge Lincoln fan, I urge you to go see Lincoln in theaters this month.  Once you see LINCOLN on the big screen and get a real feeling for the man who made happen what many thought was impossible, I know you will quickly become a fan as well.  A film that’s destined to be shown in history classes for decades and studied from every critical angle, this is going to be an important film to see in our lifetime.

And, if all that’s not enough, go see it for the eyebrows.  Trust me.

{Get Connected}

Want more LINCOLN?  Download the free iPad book today, which has interactive features galore.  My favorite detail is the pictures comparing the actor/actress to the historical figure they were portraying.  The comparisons are truly shocking.  Also, be sure to "like" LINCOLN on Facebook and follow LINCOLN on Twitter

I was provided complimentary tickets to the Seattle prescreening of LINCOLN but was not enticed to write this review in any way.  As always, all opinions are 100% ours.

BRAVE on Blu-ray and DVD Today

Sometimes when I’m snuggling with my daughter, she will put her hands on both cheeks, look into my eyes and say, “I never, ever want to turn you to a bear!”  The reference, of course, is the DisneyPixar movie, Brave that we saw last spring and she has been talking about ever since. 

A heartwarming tale of following your heart and of mother-daughter love, Brave is one movie I can really get behind.  Knowing it would be coming out in time for the holidays, I knew this would be one movie we had to own and have been eagerly awaiting the release date.

I firmly believe all young girls should watch Brave as it’s got some great lessons and extremely colorful characters.  Instead of a movie about a girl who wanted to be a princess, Merida is a princess who would like nothing more than to be allowed to have freedom that princesses aren’t usually given.  Merida is a strong character that target shoots, rides horses, climbs, and explores like some sort of adventurer, not at all what you would expect from a princess.

And, in addition to a very different type of princess, I also love that Brave doesn’t have a prince.  Well, technically it’s got a lot of princes, but not one that’s a love interest.  No meeting the prince and falling in love at first sight or overcoming a wicked-something-or-other as love conquers all, instead Brave is all about choosing the road less traveled to be true to yourself.

Although Merida is the undisputed star of the film, Queen Elinor and King Fergus are not the typical King and Queen role, either.  With multi-dimensional roles and strong background stories, they are a wonderful characters that add so much to the film.  Throw in the mischievous and adorable triplet brothers who are always looking for fun and excitement, and the colorful family is complete.

Beyond the great cast of characters and the action-packed plot-line, you can’t talk about this movie without raving about the animation.  Set in the lush, green Highlands of Scotland, Brave is a magical transportation to majestic castles, sweeping skyline, sparkling sea and magical knolls.  Merida’s fiery red hair is such a beautiful contrast to the darker hues of the scenery and it truly has a life of its own.  With curls you just have to see to believe and ringlets that often steal the show, her hair almost deserves a movie all on its own.    

And, now you get to see that amazing hair in the comfort of your own home as Brave hit shelves today and is now available at retailers everywhere.  I would highly recommend picking it up as one for the Disney movie library or as a gift for a special little girl this holiday season.  I know we will be watching it over and over again as the weather turns cold and rainy and it will be really nice to have a princess adventure awaiting us each time we pop it in.

A big thank you to DisneyPixar who provided the movie to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review. 

The Secret of the Wings is Released on DVD and Blu-ray Today {$5 off Coupon}

Know what’s cuter than a fairy?  Why, two fairies, of course!  Disney’s The Secret of the Wings, gives you two for the price of one as a new fairy, Periwinkle, joins Pixie Hollow.

As much as I was anticipating the release of The Secret of the Wings even as far back as BlogHer this summer, my daughter was even more excited.  Every time she saw a commercial or ad she would say “ooooh, fairies!” followed by “I can’t wait to watch that with you, mama.” 

So, when the film landed on our doorstep a few days ago she was seriously overjoyed – and there was a whole lot of jumping, squealing and dancing as she waited for nighttime when we could have a family movie night.  As soon as the sun went down we popped some corn, made some cider, and sat down as a family to watch the new Disney fairy movie. 

I hadn’t heard too much about the plot ahead of time, but what I did know made me certain my daughter would love it.  And, she did.  Or rather, we all did. 

Just look at my little Tinker Bell fairies playing with the wings we got at BlogHer this year.  Obviously, they are big fans.

In The Secret of the Wings, Tinker Bell lets curiosity get the best of her and ventures into the Winter Woods even though she was warned to never go there.  Once she crosses the line from summer to winter, her wings began to shimmer and sparkle as they never have before, and she won’t rest until she finds out why.

Her search leads her back to the Winter Woods, where she encounters a frost fairy named Periwinkle.  They find themselves drawn together when they find out a secret from their past that links the two of them and they become fast friends. 

Unfortunately, they cannot be together long because they must return to their sides of Pixie Hollow before the extreme temperatures take their toll.  Hijinks ensue so they can remain together in secret and the result of their scheming threatens to throw the seasons out of balance for good.

You can find out what happens to Tinker Bell and Periwinkle today, October 23, 2012, when you pick up the 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download.  Starring the voices of Mae Whitman, Lucy Liu, Megan Hilty, Raven-Symoné, Angela Bartys, Matt Lanter, Timothy Dalton, Lucy Hale and Debby Ryan, The Secret of the Wings has an all-star cast and is a fun addition to the Tinker Bell series. 

Want to save some money when you go pick up the Combo Pack?  Click the image below to get a $5 off coupon for a limited time!

A big thank you to Disney for sending a copy of the movie to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions are 100% ours. 

E.T. The Extra Terrestrial Anniversary Edition Blu-ray and DVD Combo Pack

Before this week, I had never seen the movie E.T.  Sure, I knew of it and that it was about a little boy who eats Reese’s Pieces and turns into a googl-y eyed monster with a glowing finger that scares Drew Barrymore.  Then through the kindness of others and the determination to win, he eventually wins the big game and the heart of the head cheerleader and they ride off in the sunset together. 

Okay, maybe I didn’t know what it was about at all, but I did have the Reese’s and Drew Barrymore parts right. 

After seeing E.T. for the first time this week in stunning Blu-ray, I’m actually quite sad I didn’t see it as a child.  It’s one of those great movies from the 80s where the kids work together to solve a problem that’s bigger than them and find out a lot about themselves along the way.  You know, the kind of heartwarming and empowering stuff every kid loves. 


But, watching the film now with my kids on my lap was almost as good as enjoying it in my youth as I was able to see it through their eyes as well.  Seeing how they would light up at the funny parts and were really quite scared that E.T. was going to be captured by “the bad men” was really cute and it was fun to watch it the first time with them.

While I can’t speak to the film quality differences between the original VHS/DVD to the new remastered Blu-ray high definition version, I can say that the film quality was amazing.  I love it when I hear of classic films being rereleased with the newest technology, thus preserving them for the next generation of kids {and those who *ahem* missed it the first time around}.

And, the image quality was truly amazing.  The nighttime scenes had a beautiful almost glowing effect and were made even more beautiful with John Williams’ famous score. 

Need more motivation to check out this classic on Blu-ray?  Check out all these awesome bonus features:
•    The E.T. Journals:  In this all-new bonus feature, retrace the day-to-day experience of creating E.T from never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes footage shot by Academy Award®-winning cinematographer John Toll.   This piece will give viewers a unique feeling of being on the set and living the excitement of what it was like to make E.T.
•    Steven Spielberg & E.T.:  Watch an all-new interview with Steven Spielberg, as he reflects back on the film and discusses his experience working with the actors, as well as his overall and current perspective on E.T.
•      Deleted Scenes: Two scenes from 2002 version of the film.
•      A Look Back:  A special insider’s look into the making of E.T. featuring interviews with Steven Spielberg, the cast, and others intimately involved with the film.
•      The E.T. Reunion:  The cast and filmmaker reunite to discuss their thoughts on the impact of the film.
•      The Evolution and Creation of E.T.:  From idea to screenplay, throughcasting and making the film.
•      The Music of E.T.:  A Discussion with John Williams:  Interviews and footage focused on the long-standing relationship between John Williams and Steven Spielberg.
•      The 20th Anniversary Premiere:  Composer John Williams played the score of E.T. live at the Shrine Auditorium for the re-release premiere of E.T.   This featurette gives us a behind the scenes look at this presentation.
•      Original Theatrical Trailer
•      Special Olympics TV spot
•      Designs, Photographs and Marketing
•      UltraViolet™:  The revolutionary new way for consumers to collect movies and TV shows, store them in the cloud, and instantly stream and download to computers, tablets and smartphones. Consumers can now truly enjoy their movies anytime, anywhere on the platform of their choice.  Currently available in the United States only.
•      Digital Copy:  The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack includes a digital copy of the film compatible with iTunes®, iPad®, iPhone®, iPod™, iPod™ touch, Android or online retail partners.
•      pocket BLU™ App:  The popular free pocket BLU™ app for smartphones is now even better with newly updated versions for iPad®, Android™ tablets, PC and Macintosh computers, with features made especially to take advantage of thedevices’ larger screens and high resolution displays.
o    Advanced Remote Control: A sleek, elegant new way to operate your Blu-ray™ player. Users can navigate through menus, playback and BD-Live™ functions with ease.
o    Video Timeline: Users can easily bring up the video timeline, allowing them to instantly access any point in the film.
o    Mobile-To-Go: Users can unlock a selection of bonus content with their Blu-ray™ discs to save to their device or to stream from anywhere there is a Wi-Fi network, enabling them to enjoy content on the go, anytime, anywhere.
o    Browse Titles: Users will have access to a complete list of pocket BLU™-enabled titles available and coming to Blu-ray™. They can view free previews and see what additional content is available to unlock on their device.
o    Keyboard: Entering data is fast and easy with your device’s intuitive keyboard.
•    BD-LIVE™:  Access the BD-Live™ Center through your Internet-connected player to access the latest trailers, exclusive content and more!

Get Social with E.T. on Facebook, Twitter {hashtag #ETPhoneHome}, Pinterest and YouTube

A big thank you to Universal Studios for sending a copy of the film to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions are 100% ours.

Cinderella Diamond Edition on DVD & Blu-ray

Who doesn’t love a Cinderella story?  Growing up, Disney’s Cinderella was one of my absolute favorite movies, something I would watch over and over again with my sisters as we sang along and danced.  In fact, I can still recite just about half of the movie in its entirety, which I’m hoping eventually comes up in a game of trivia at some point so I can wow everyone with my amazing Cinderella-memorizing powers.  

There was no doubt I’d eventually get Cinderella for my kids as well, the question was just which edition and format to get.  Making the decision to switch to Blu-ray for all of our kids movies, I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Cinderella in Blu-ray for quite some time now. 

On October 2nd the wait will be over, as the Cinderella Diamond Edition DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack is finally released.  If you thought it was magical the first time, just wait until you see it in stunning Blu-ray for the first time.  In vivid color and high definition Blu-ray clarity, it’s easier than ever to be swept away to a land of crafty mice, evil step-somethings, pumpkins you can ride in and a world where glass slippers only shatter when dropped off pillows. 

Ever since the Diamond Edition Cinderella Combo Pack arrived at our house it’s been nonstop talking about “Cinderelly”, and my little four year old is very excited to get invited to her first royal ball.  Sure kiddo, if you get all your chores done.  I said if. 

Even though we've only had a chance to watch it a few times now, I can already tell that Cinderella is going to be a beloved classic just as it was when I was young.  Of course, I'm thrilled, because it gives me a great excuse to watch it over and over again, as well as show off my amazing memorizing and reciting abilities.

Be sure and pick up the Cinderella Combo Pack when it’s released this Tuesday.  The 2-disc or 3-disc CINDERELLA: DIAMOND EDITION on Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital and On-Demand viewing will be available at the stroke of midnight and only available for a short time!

Bonus material includes  "The Real Fairy Godmother" the incredible true story of Mary Alice O'Conner who was the inspiration for the character of the Fairy Godmother, "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-You" a second screen personalized digital storybook and more.

 

A big thank you to Disney for sending the Diamond Edition Combo Pack to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

The Lorax on DVD and Blu-ray Combo Pack

A few months ago I read the book Dr Seuss' The Lorax for the first time to my daughter.  She had all sorts of questions about why this happened or that happened in Thneedville and was really taken with the story, so when her grandma invited her to the movie one afternoon she was elated.  Unfortunately, I hadn’t seen the movie myself, so when she again had all sorts of questions, I had no answers for her. 

Since she’s been talking about the movie ever since she saw it and posing questions like “do you think the Lorax would do that?” or “wasn’t The Lorax movie the BEST?” I couldn’t wait to check out the movie for myself and knew this would be one that we would end up owning.  And, even with that kind of build-up, The Lorax movie did not disappoint. 

With such an important message woven into a very kid-friendly plot, I loved watching the movie together as a family and then talking about the message.  And, even though it’s been more than 40 years since Dr Seuss first published The Lorax, the classic tale of consumerism and environmental disaster is just as, if not more, relevant today in our world of over indulgence and greed.

Dr Seuss' The Lorax does a great job explaining to children how important it is to protect our environment and leave it healthy for future generations.  Instead of some abstract “leave the world a better place for your children’s children”, The Lorax movie shows kids what a world without trees, greenery, and nature would really be like, all while infusing lighthearted humor.

I thought the film was done really well and it really felt like I had just stepped inside the storybook into the world of Dr Seuss.  It followed along with the book in many ways, but also added its own plot points and made several smaller parts into more of the story, which I love.  Whereas some movies from books take too many liberties in telling the story, I thought The Lorax movie did really well sticking to the original text while adding truly loveable characters throughout.

My daughter especially loved the Lorax himself and has been screaming “The LORAX!” whenever we pass an ad or something from the movie, so she was thrilled that she got to meet the Lorax outside of the BlogHer Expo Hall this year, and proceeded to have her picture taken with him… twice {going in and going out, of course}.  She told him how much she loved his movie and how she was happy the trees came back, and I was one proud mama. 

One of her favorite parts of the movie was when Ted's mom showed off how technologically advanced their faux tree was with changing lights for each season and the built-in disco party.  But even though part of her probably really, really wanted that fun disco tree, she still knew that real trees are far better than fake – for the environment and for aesthetic reasons.    

Even though she’s still young, I know the message of The Lorax isn’t lost on her.  I love that I can now use this as a great teaching point to help her realize how important it is to protect what we have and resist what we just don’t need.  And, what could be better than a fun movie the whole family loves that has an important message to share?   

BLU-RAY 3D COMBO PACK AND BLU-RAY^TM COMBO PACK BONUS FEATURE EXCLUSIVES

• MINI MOVIES
  • Serenade -- Two Bar-ba-loots -- one love shy and the other suave and confident -- battle for the heart of their would-be sweetheart with the help of a colorful cast of characters, including the Humming-Fish and Swomme-Swans.
  • Wagon-Ho—Two Bar-ba-loots take The Once-ler’s wagon on a ride they won’t soon forget.
  • Forces of Nature—Determined to scare The Once-ler out of Truffula Valley, The Lorax decides to create the illusion of ominous forces of nature.

• MAKING OF THE MINI MOVIES—Go behind the scenes at Illumination Mac Guff to see the joys and challenges of continuing the characters’ stories in the dynamic format of the mini movie.
• DELETED SCENE
• SEUSS TO SCREEN—A fascinating look into the translation of Seuss’ iconic style from book into the big feature film canvas.
• SEUSS IT UP!— A great tutorial on how to draw the Lorax, a Humming-Fish and a Bar-ba-loot in the unique Seuss style.
• TRUFFULA RUN—The player moves left and right to avoid obstacles while attempting to pick up berries with modes for easy, medium and hard.  As difficulty increases, the player will have more obstacles to avoid. 
• “LET IT GROW” SING ALONG— Karaoke-style sing along to the end credit version of Let It Grow.
• FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH CO-DIRECTORS CHRIS RENAUD & KYLE BALDA
• ONCE-LER’S WAGON— While the Once-ler is away peddling his wares, the curious forest creatures have fun with his belongings.  Users can select an item for the creatures to mimic or play with and then watch the adorable antics of all the forest friends.

Find out more at TheLoraxMovie.com.  Looking to buy Dr Seuss' The Lorax?  Thrifty Northwest Mom just posted this awesome Lorax deal happening at Safeway this week that you should definitely check out!

A big thank you to Universal Studios for sending The Lorax to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

The Muppets are BACK!

In case you haven’t noticed, the Muppets are coming, and around our house this is a very big deal. The Muppet Movie was released today, November 23rd, 2011 in theatres throughout the country and it seems the whole world is talking about it.  It’s been a few years since the last Muppet movie came out though, which means a lot of younger kids may not be as familiar with them as my generation was growing up. 

Instead of ignoring this fact as a lot of people would, the Muppets throw it out first and foremost by making it a major plot point of the movie. Coming from a household that used the Muppet Show as units of time {as in “We’ll be there in two Muppet Shows”} it’s hard to think of them as underdogs, but that is the reality today. 

So, in the beginning of the film we find the Muppets have stopped performing together, are spread all across the country and the old Muppet Theater is falling apart.  When an old oil tycoon {played by the always great Chris Cooper} sets up a deal to buy the theater but really intends to demolish it, the gang must reunite to save it. 

Will all the Muppets get back together? Will they save the theater? Well I won’t spoil the suspense for you here, but I will say that the same old sense of humor is here throughout the movie.  I’ve always thought the Muppets were one of the first shows to have jokes for kids and adults and that is definitely true in the new film. 

There are multiple times where the characters break down the third wall and mention the fact that they’re in a movie, mixed in with sight gags and fart jokes, as well as 80’s references and all sorts of social commentary.  I can’t think of another movie recently that I laughed at this much while my 3 year old daughter was enjoying it just the same. 

Another great staple of Muppet movies that continues here is the celebrity cameo. Every few minutes would be another instance of “hey look who that is!” It’s always fun to see who shows up, even to just deliver a line or two, and then see how many you can name at the end of the movie. 

Written by and starring Jason Segel the Muppets is a true celebration of Kermit, Miss Piggy and the whole gang. It is very clear that this was a labor of love and comes from someone who understands what the Muppets are all about.

So, if you like the Muppets even slightly, or just want a movie you and your kids can agree on you have to go see the Muppets movie. It really is a rare treat to be able to share something you loved from your childhood with your kids and have it be new for both of you. 
A big thank you to Disney and the Muppets for giving us a sneak preview into the new Muppet Movie. All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Winnie The Pooh on Blu-ray & DVD 10/25! {Giveaway & $5 Coupon Code}

Have you seen Disney’s new Winnie The Pooh movie?  We were sad we missed it in theatres, so I was really excited to review the new Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack a few days ago and have a movie night with the family.  Having seen numerous trailers for the release, I had thought the film would be cute, but it turns out that it’s adorable.  If you haven’t already seen the film, prepared to be enchanted. 

If you are a fan of Pooh, you will love the classic rendition of the gang and the common themes throughout all books, movies, and stories in the Hundred Acre Wood.  But, what’s really cool is that even if you aren’t a big Pooh fan, it’s still a fun and lighthearted movie the whole family can enjoy.  Scenes such as the knot/not done in a “who’s on first” style were absolutely hysterical and something we still talk about.  Really, that whole 10 minutes around the knot/not scene pretty much made the movie for me.  Not only were they classic Pooh, they also felt very current and fresh even after decades of watching the gang throughout my childhood. 

The movie has a running time of 63 minutes but it really felt more like 40, and we were all sad when the final credits rolled and family movie night was over.  Thank goodness there were bonus features, music, and mini adventures to keep the fun going after the movie had ended.  “Pooh’s Balloon” was a favorite mini feature and had us all laughing and watching it over and over.  Of course, as a fan of the band She and Him, we also loved the musical stylings of Zooey Deschanel and will be heading out to get the soundtrack soon as well. 

Here’s some more Winnie The Pooh fun!  Click below for video tutorials by famed Disney animators Andreas Deja and Mark Henn with instructions on how to draw your favorite characters!

Want to get $5 off the new Winnie The Pooh movie from Disney Movie Rewards?  Click below to print their special offer before it expires!  Be sure to stay connected with the latest news and information on Winnie The Pooh by liking them on Facebook and on Twitter!
 

Want to win Winnie The Pooh on Blu-ray and DVD?  Of course you do! 

To enter, simply tell me your favorite Winnie The Pooh character 

 And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar {2 extra entries, must be verified to count}

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Winnie The Pooh on Blu-ray/DVD #giveaway from @raveandreview and @DisneyAnimation!  http://bit.ly/vgieep

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7) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

On November 11th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US Addresses.

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all who entered and congrats to:

108 Jenn S. said...  Email subscriber.

Thank you to Disney Animation for sending the film for review.  All opinions are 100% ours and no monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.