With the holidays just around the corner, it is the perfect time to pick up a copy of Disney’s PLANES: FIRE AND RESCUE, now available on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital HD. Disney Movies Anywhere is also available so you can watch PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE anywhere you go with the app. This sequel to the 2013 film Planes finds air racer Dusty in the world of aerial firefighters. He has to join up with some veteran firefighters to battle fires in Piston Peak National Park. Is Dusty up to the challenge of this dangerous task? The characters are voiced fabulously by Dane Cook, Stacey Keach, Ed Harris, Julie Bowen, Brad Garrett, Cedric the Entertainer, and Hal Holbrook just to name a few. Once again Disney has created a way the whole family can spend time together as they watch Dusty and the whole gang in this high-flying adventure. You will also love the Blu-Ray bonus features. Vitaminamulch:Air Spectacular is an exclusive short that is a hilarious chain of events. Welcome to Piston Peak is a vintage style travel advertisement for the area. Does anyone else think the Fusellodge hotel looks remarkably like Disney’s Grand Californian resort at Disneyland? I also liked when the narrator of the ad says to watch out for deer and there is a field of John Deere-style tractors grazing. Such a little detail makes a great joke. Finally, the coolest bonus in my opinion is Air Attack: Firefighters from the Sky. The director and producer take us behind-the-scenes to CAL-Fire, a real air attack base. They visited the location for their research, and we can how the animators took the real film footage and turned it into animation for PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE. There is even an interview with an actual Smoke Jumper firefighter. They really put their lives on the line when they go to work. If you love the world of CARS and the first PLANES film, then you must add PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE to your movie collection. You won’t be disappointed.
Archive for Disney Home Entertainment
MALEFICENT Blu-ray and DVD Review
So you think you know the real story of Sleeping Beauty? So you think Maleficent is the most evil of all Disney villains? Disney’s MALEFICENT, now on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD will challenge what think you know and will open your eyes to new possibilities. Starring Angelina Jolie as Maleficent herself and Elle Fanning as Princess Aurora, MALEFICENT tells the story of Sleeping Beauty from a new perspective. Angelina Jolie is absolutely stunning as the evil “villain.” The transformation of Jolie into the iconic character is simply amazing. She is beautiful in even her darkest of moods. The story begins with Maleficent as a young girl flying freely through her world. As she gets older, she becomes an enemy of the king and must do what is necessary to protect the creatures of her realm. A betrayal leads her down the path of darkness and ultimately she curses the newborn Aurora with a sleeping spell on her 16th birthday. This fractured fairy tale will have you cheering for characters that might surprise you. When I watched the MALEFICENT with some 5th grade boys, one yelled out to me that “there is no way she can trust anyone anymore.” He was appalled at the circumstances that turned Maleficent into an evil sorceress. This fractured fairy tale is one that the whole family can enjoy together. It might even be fun to watch the Disney animated version of Sleeping Beauty along with the modern take of MALEFICENT. The ultimate lesson in comparing and contrasting a character. Along with the Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD, you can also take the movie anywhere with the DisneyMoviesAnywhere app.The bonus features include deleted scenes, a look at how Elle Fanning became Aurora, creating Maleficent for a new generation, the building of an epic battle scene, a fashion feature, and an exploration of the special effects. I could watch the behind the scenes bonus features all day long. I just love getting to see what goes into Disney movies–both animated and live action. Disney’s MALEFICENT is an adventure that will have you smiling, laughing, booing, cheering, and even crying by the end. Maleficent is a character that will never be looked at the same way again. It really has me wondering about the back-story of all the classic villains: Captain Hook, Ursula, the Queen of Hearts, Cruella de Vil, and even Jafar. Hmmm…..now those could be some interesting tales!
SLEEPING BEAUTY Diamond Edition Review
“Before the sun sets on her sixteenth birthday, she will prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel, and fall into a sleep like death!” Can you name the Disney villain who said this? Can you name the Disney princess who suffers this fate? Of course it is the evil Maleficent and sweet Princess Aurora. In Disney’s latest release, Sleeping Beauty Diamond Edition Blu-ray and DVD, you can see how this curse came to be. This is the ultimate fairy tale with a beautiful princess, a handsome prince, an evil curse brought on by the most powerful villain, and of course some helpful fairies. Originally released by Disney in 1959, Sleeping Beauty is awakening for a new generation of fans. With the popularity of Disney’s Maleficent starring Angelina Jolie, the story of Aurora and the sleeping curse has sparked a new interest in the classic Disney animated version of the story. Fans will not be disappointed with the Blu-ray, DVD, or digital copy that all come in the Sleeping Beauty Diamond Edition. There are tons of bonus features too like deleted scenes from the classic film, interviews with artists from the past and present, a look at the new Festival of Fantasy Parade at WDW with Sarah Hyland, and my favorite bonus, The Art of Evil:Generations of Disney villains. I think it is so interesting to see how the villains today, like Prince Hans from Frozen ,were inspired by the villains Disney made famous over 50 years ago.(I will admit I am still scared of the witch from Snow White–so creepy!) I am also a huge fan of Disney Animation: Artists in Motion. In this clip, Visual Development artist Brittney Lee goes through the process of creating a three dimensional sculpture of Maleficent, completely out of paper. It is incredible! Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Diamond Edition is a must for those who love Disney animation, who love princesses, who love villains, or who just want to be entertained by a classic fairy tale. The entire family can spend some quality time together as they are transported to a magical kingdom where dreams really do come true.
Disney In-home Release Schedule 2014
February 2014
2/4 THOR: The Dark World (3D & HD Digital) (Rated: PG-13)
Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s “Thor” and “Marvel’s The Avengers,” Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos…but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. To defeat an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor sets upon his most dangerous and personal journey yet, forced into an alliance with the treacherous Loki to save not only his people and those he loves…but our universe itself.
2/11 THE JUNGLE BOOK: Diamond Edition (Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD & Digital) (Rated: G)
Now for the first time ever on Blu-ray with glorious digital high definition, Disney’s Jumpin’ Jungle Classic has never looked so lush or sounded so good! Beloved characters, swinging music and new behind-the-scenes bonus features make this Diamond Edition Blu-ray a must-have for every family’s classic collection!
2/11 MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE: Minnie-Rella (DVD) (Rated: TV-Y)
Our pals need to get Minnie a surprise present, so they keep her busy with plenty of chores to do at the Clubhouse. Tired from so much work, Minnie falls asleep and dreams that she is MINNIE-RELLA! Inspired by the fairy tale of Cinderella, the story of Minnie-rella sparkles with music and fun as we recognize our favorite Clubhouse characters in familiar roles.
2/25 FROZEN (Digital HD & Digital 3D) (Rated: PG)
Walt Disney Animation Studios presents a chilly twist on one of the most humorous and heartwarming stories ever told. “Disney Animation’s best since The Lion King” (William Bibbiani, CraveOnline) will melt your heart.
Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey — teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven — to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.
2/25 THOR: The Dark World (3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray, DVD & On Demand) (Rated: PG-13)
Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s “Thor” and “Marvel’s The Avengers,” Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos…but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. To defeat an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor sets upon his most dangerous and personal journey yet, forced into an alliance with the treacherous Loki to save not only his people and those he loves…but our universe itself.
March 2014
3/11 WINNIE THE POOH: Springtime With Roo (Blu-ray & Digital Hi-Def) (Rated: G)
Now on Digital High Definition and Blu-ray™ for the first time, Springtime With Roo leaps out to enchant a whole new generation!
Each year, Rabbit plays Easter Bunny, but this year, he’s decided it’s “Spring Cleaning Day,” and he orders everyone to hop to it: scrubbing, dusting, and mopping. All his pals are disappointed – especially little Roo – until Rabbit learns that putting others first and showing friends how much you care turns every day into a precious gift. Sparkling with unforgettable songs and a never-before-seen bonus treat, this delightful “egg-stravaganza” shows why love, hope and friendship are always in full bloom in the Hundred Acre Wood!
3/18 THE JUNGLE BOOK II (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital) (Rated: G)
Experience the wonder of this timeless tale as you reunite with your favorite characters and meet new friends. Disney’s beloved movie classic continues in this new digital master of The Jungle Book 2 – on Blu-ray for the first time, and wilder than ever in breathtaking high definition!
3/18 DEVIOUS MAIDS: The Complete Fist Season (DVD)
Sex. Lies. Murder…It’s all in a day’s work. From Executive Producer Marc Cherry, creator of Desperate Housewives, comes Devious Maids: The Complete First Season. Meet five women bonded together by their jobs, their dreams and the dirt they sweep under the rug: Aspiring singer Carmen; Rosie, who longs to be reunited with the child she left back in Mexico; Marisol, whose outward identity masks a desperate hidden agenda; and Zoila and her daughter Valentina – both employed by the delightfully unhinged Genevieve Delatour (Susan Lucci).
3/18 FROZEN (Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD & On-Demand) (Rated: PG)
Walt Disney Animation Studios presents a chilly twist on one of the most humorous and heartwarming stories ever told. “Disney Animation’s best since The Lion King” (William Bibbiani, CraveOnline) will melt your heart.
Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey — teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven — to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.
3/25 DELIVERY MAN (Blu-ray, DVD, Digital & On-Demand) (Rated: PG-13)
In this heartwarming comedy, underachiever David Wozniak (Vince Vaughn) learns he’s actually an overachiever — he’s fathered 533 children via donations made twenty years earlier! David soon discovers that the shock of his life might just be the best thing that’s ever happened to him. Along the way he discovers not only his true self, but also the father he could become. Also starring Chris Pratt and Cobie Smulders — and complete with bonus materials, including behind-the-scenes footage — it’s a feel-good movie that really delivers.
April 2014
4/1 THE PIRATE FAIRY (Blu-ray) (Not Yet Rated)
From the world of “Peter Pan” comes “The Pirate Fairy,” a swashbuckling new adventure about Zarina (voice of Christina Hendricks), a smart and ambitious dust-keeper fairy who’s captivated by Blue Pixie Dust and its endless possibilities. When Zarina’s wild ideas get her into trouble, she flees Pixie Hollow and joins forces with the scheming pirates of Skull Rock, who make her captain of their ship. Tinker Bell (voice of Mae Whitman) and her friends must embark on an epic adventure to find Zarina, and together they go sword-to-sword with the band of pirates led by a cabin boy named James (voice of Tom Hiddleston), who’ll soon be known as Captain Hook himself. With laughter, heart, magic and thrills, “The Pirate Fairy” sets sail April 1, 2014.
4/8 SOPHIA THE FIRST: The Floating Palace (DVD) (Rated: TV-Y)
Do YOU believe in mermaids? You will – when you set sail on a magical full-length adventure under the sea with Sofia the First! After Sofia helps a young mermaid named Oona, Sofia’s amulet grants her the power to transform into a mermaid and visit her new friend’s secret underwater kingdom. But when Cedric (disguised as a sea monster) plots to steal Oona’s enchanted Mermaid Comb, danger surfaces for both worlds. With a little help from special guest, Princess Ariel, Sofia embarks on an adventure to rescue Oona. Overflowing with oceans of song-filled fun – plus three more exciting episodes – Sofia the First: The Floating Palace proves that when families and friends work together, they can weather any storm and save the day!
October 2014
Oct 2014 SLEEPING BEAUTY (Blu-ray) (Rated: G)
The ultimate Disney fairy tale, SLEEPING BEAUTY, once again awakens to exquisite new picture and sound on Blu-ray in the U.S. in October 2014. Heralded by audiences and critics alike, SLEEPING BEAUTY was one of the final fairy tales to be that Walt Disney himself worked on. Fully restored with revolutionary Blu-ray technology, this animated classic’s dazzling colors, spectacular action, and Academy Award®-nominated orchestration (for Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture) shines brighter than ever. With wondrous new bonus features families will love, SLEEPING BEAUTY charms like never before on Blu-ray Diamond Edition!
MARVEL’S THOR: THE DARK WORLD Blu-Ray and DVD Review
Looking for a way to battle the winter blues? If so, pick up a copy of MARVEL’S THOR: THE DARK WORLD available on BLu-ray and DVD. This story picks up after the AVENGERS have saved Earth in an epic battle in New York City. Thor has returned to Asgard as its protector, Loki is imprisoned by his father Odin, and Jane Foster is investigating strange forces on Earth. The three come together to defeat an enemy set on destroying the universe. The action takes place in multiple locations throughout the nine realms. Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston play Thor and Loki with perfection in their love-hate brotherly relationship. The bonus features are outstanding! Be sure to check out Marvel One-Shot: All Hail the King, a documentary style piece about Trevor, AKA “The Mandarin”, from Iron Man 3. Ben Kingsley is hilarious in this role. Sam Rockwell also has a cameo as Justin Hammer from Iron Man 2. I also enjoyed A Brother’s Journey: Thor and Loki. This 30 minute featurette includes behind the scenes footage, interviews with cast and crew, and even screen tests for Thor. Can you even picture Tom Hiddleston as Thor? Me neither. There are deleted scenes and bloopers from the feature film as well. When you bring home a copy of MARVEL’S THOR: THE DARK WORLD, you will be a hero to your family for sure.
