I believe we have all seen this one before.  Okay, maybe you haven’t seen this actual film yet, but all of us have seen a very similar movie in the past.  This direct-to-DVD is absolutely nonsense.  “Van Wilder: Freshman Year” is your typical National Lampoon raunchy teen comedy that appeals to no one over the age of 18.  Nothing about this film is fresh, yet I don’t think they are trying to fool anyone.

“Van Wilder: Freshman Year” is at no surprise a prequel to the 2002 instant classic “Van Wilder” starring Ryan Reynolds.  Unfortunately, this third installment of the franchise does not star the comedic genius or anyone else from the original.  Even supporting actor Kal Penn from the first film who scored his own spin-off, “Rise of Taj”, isn’t in this unnecessary prequel.

It isn’t expected for any of the originals to return to the franchise, but these producers need to realize that they are the reason why the first movie was successful.  This movie was no doubt made just for a quick buck.  I suppose this is fine if the buyer knows what they are getting themselves into before their purchase.  I only expect horny teenage boys to be buying this film anyway.

The cover says it all.  Nothing screams quality more than a DVD cover of a girl’s topless back wearing the smallest booty shorts ever with the name of the movie on her tush.  I stand corrected as I double check; it just says “UNRATED” on her shorts.  I suppose I wasn’t really reading the front, but I digress.

The prequel involves Van Wilder’s first year at Coolidge College.  When Wilder, Jonathan Bennett, arrives he quickly realizes the school has a no tolerance policy toward anything party related.  This goes as far as kissing.  Coolidge is quite a different school then the viewer might remember from the first movie.  Mr. Wilder will slowly work at changing his college into a party school while trying to win the heart of the campus hottie played by Kristin Cavallari (The Hills).  Van makes a small transformation just to set-up why he is still in college in the first movie.  In doing so, Van of course goes through the crazy antics of any normal teen movie with plenty of sex and loads of nudity.  Are you teenagers on your way to pick up your copy yet?

Our star Jonathan Bennett is known for “Bachelor Party in Vegas” and makes a decent Ryan Reynolds even though he looks nothing like him.  His character isn’t all that similar to the original, but at least he delivers his lines like Reynolds.  The movies antagonist, Steve Talley, is much like the “bad guy” in school in the first film; however this one doesn’t really love his girlfriend like the prior.  Talley isn’t new to this scene.  In fact him and his sidekick in the movie, Nic Nac (Yes, that’s his name), aren’t new to these direct-to-DVD sequels as both were featured in the “American Pie” direct-to-DVD sequels.  I basically put these movies in a class of their own as there isn’t much that sets them apart from another.

“Van Wilder: Freshmen Year” has no surprises here.  It has the same unintelligent potty humor, outrageous physical comedy, and sexual situations we have all come accustomed to.   Although, there’s nothing really wrong with this film except the fact it’s catering to a really small demographic making me think it’s not the smartest move.  The ending reminds of past outlandish ending scenarios from movies like “Old School” and “Billy Madison” where there is a bizarre competition where the hero of the movie amazingly pulls off a victory through absurd circumstances.  Unbelievable and unoriginal, but we know its coming.

BONUS FEATURES
Commentary with Director Hary Glazer and Cast
Creating the Legend: The Making of Van Wilder: Freshmen Year
Going Balls Out: Colossus
Coolidge College: Orientation Video
Decatur (Satire on The Hills)
Teacher’s Pets
Bloopers
Van’s Party Supplies
Pranks 101

Two of the most popular young actresses, Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, star in the adventure comedy “Princess Protection Program,” a Disney Channel Original Movie about two very different girls – a princess from a small kingdom and a small town girl who, when fate brings them together, must team up to help the would-be queen pass for a regular teen. The “Royal B.F.F. Extended Edition” will be available Tuesday, June 30 on Disney DVD and will feature an exclusive new music video of “One and the Same” performed by Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, a behind-the-scenes look at the film with the teen stars, and a free “B.F.F” necklace set.

Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato star in Disney Channel series, and were each discovered as pre-teens via the channel’s nationwide talent searches. Gomez stars in the hit comedy “Wizards of Waverly Place” which is 2009’s #3 scripted TV series among Kids 6-11 and #2 among Tweens 9-14. Lovato stars in the hit comedy series “Sonny with a Chance,” TV’s #1 program among Kids 6-11 since its February 2009 premiere.  In Tweens 9- 14, “Sonny with a Chance” is in a virtual tie with “American Idol” for TV’s #1 post and ranks as the #1 scripted program on all TV in the key Tween demographic.  Lovato also stars in “Camp Rock,” 2008’s #1 cable TV telecast in Total Viewers and Tweens.

In the movie, royalty meets reality with Carter Mason, a rural Louisiana teen, and Rosalinda Marie Montoya Fiore, the soon-to-be teenage monarch of the tiny country of Costa Luna. The pair meets after Carter’s father, an agent in the covert international Princess Protection Program, rescues Rosalinda from a military take-over.  He whisks Rosalinda to a PPP base where she receives a temporary new identity, Rosie Gonzalez, and is placed in his care until order can be restored in Costa Luna. When he arrives back in Lake Monroe, both teenagers are shell-shocked when Rosie moves into Carter’s room and the princess, posing as Carter’s visiting cousin from Iowa, begins adjusting to country life and enrolls in Carter’s school. Despite their differences, the girls slowly learn that there’s not only a lot to like about each other, but lessons to learn as well. That’s apparent when Rosie nominates Carter for homecoming queen over the heated objections of two jealous rivals, Chelsea and Brooke. And with her newfound realization, Carter brainstorms a way to help her new best friend regain her throne, even if it puts her own well-being at risk.

Princess Protection Program is excellently cast, written, and produced.  It works perfectly for it’s target age range of tweens and teens. Yes, there are those who may say that the movie is a bit far-fetched and the storyline perhaps not very deep.  However, those complaints ignore the fact that the film is geared towards a younger crowd.  Additionally, the fairytale aspect adds enjoyment to the movie. Disney aims to produce good quality and entertaining programming for today’s youth and I think they managed that perfectly once again with Princess Protection Program.

The “Royal B.F.F. Extended Edition” of Princess Protection Program also includes bonus features. There is “Royal & Loyal BFFs,“ where Gomez and Lovato reveal secrets about their real-life friendship and “A Royal Reality,” which is a very interesting peek into the life of a real-life princess, including her royal responsibilities, gowns, and castles. For the music lovers, there is also a great music video, “One and the Same,” starring both Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato. One can tell the girls had a ton of fun making this video and it is a very well done video both in its visual and vocal aspects.

All in all, Princess Protection Program is another success for Disney Channel originals. Girls will love this and it will also make for a great family movie night at home. Even those of the male variety are sure to get a few laughs throughout the film! For great wholesomeness, fun, and tight bonds of friendship and loyalty.

Watch the Trailer:

The world’s three favorite brothers rock out in 3-D only on Blu-ray in their first motion picture, Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience – Deluxe Extended Movie from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.  Included are 4 songs that were never seen when the movie played in theatres, including two integrated into the film itself, extending the experience.

Available for a limited time only, Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience – Deluxe Extended Movie comes in a 3-Disc Combo Pack, which, in addition to the 3-D and 2-D versions of the movie on Blu-ray, contains a standard definition DVD (the extended film in 2-D );  and a DisneyFile (a digital copy of the 2-D extended movie viewers can enjoy.)  Bonus features include Get Up Close and Personal, an intimate look at the brothers; 2 Additional Bonus Songs, “Love Bug” and “Shelf”; and 4 free pairs of 3-D glasses.

Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience – Deluxe Extended Movie, in 3-D, makes the event so real, viewers can virtually reach out and touch the brothers.  Up Close and Personal brings fans closer than ever to Kevin, Joe and Nick’s world as they and their band prepare for their live sold-out concerts all over the world. The movie also includes outstanding guest appearances by chart-topping artists Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift.

All things considered, The Blu-ray edition of The Jonas Brothers: 3-D Concert Experience won’t give fans or critics much to complain about (at least from an AV perspective). Whether you select the 2D or 3D version of the concert, Disney’s BD-50 disc offers a solid, at-times gorgeous transfer that thoroughly trounces its standard DVD counterpart.

The 3-disc Blu-ray edition of The Jonas Brothers: 3-D Concert Experience offers both 2D and 3D versions of the performance, four pairs of 3D glasses, an extended 89-minute cut of the movie itself (with two additional songs: “Can’t Have You” and “A Little Bit Longer”), two bonus songs from the cutting room floor (HD, 8 minutes), and Up Close and Personal (HD, 15 minutes), a semi-decent behind-the-scenes featurette that gives the Jonas boys a chance to reflect on their tour, careers, and fame. A 2D edition DVD and a standard definition DisneyFile digital copy disc are included as well.

Watch the Trailer:

The Concert Experience: Deluxe Extended Movie (3-Disc Combo Pack) includes:

Disc One—Blu-ray
3-D and 2-D Extended Version of the Movie with 2 performances not seen in theaters — “Can’t Have You” and “A Little Bit Longer”

1. 2 Additional Bonus Songs – “Love Bug” and “Shelf”
2. Up Close & Personal — Go behind the scenes with the ‘Jo-Bros’ and learn what this tour means to them.

4 free pairs of 3-D glasses

Disc Two–DVD
2-D Extended Version of the movie with 2 performances not seen in theaters – “Can’t Have You” and “A Little Bit Longer” plus bonus features listed above.

Disc Three
DisneyFile – Digital Copy of extended movie in 2-D

The Concert Experience: Extended Movie (2-Disc Standard Def DVD) includes:

Disc One

1. 2-D Extended Movie with 2 Additional Performances – “Can’t Have You” and “A Little Bit Longer”
2. 2 Additional Bonus Songs – “Love Bug” and “Shelf”
3. Up Close & Personal – Go behind the scenes with the ‘Jo-Bros’ and learn what this tour means to them.

Disc Two

DisneyFile Digital Copy of extended movie in 2-D.

The Concert Experience (Single Standard Def DVD Disc) features:

The theatrical version of the film (2D)

SYNOPSIS
When fashionista Rebecca Bloomwood’s out-of-control spending reaches the outer limits of her credit cards, she is forced to find employment to pay for her label-icious wardrobe. Her dream job is a position at New York’s top fashion rag Alette, but she has to settle for a desk at Successful Saving, a struggling financial magazine owned by the same publishing company. With a dogged debt collector (Robert Stanton) hot on her stilettos, Becky becomes the unlikely author of a column on saving money—with a little help from her friends at Google. Her unconventional outlook on money matters attracts the approval of her dreamy boss, Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy), and Becky begins to think maybe there is a whole new world waiting for her just a few steps away from Madison Avenue.

A flat broke fashion junkie is hired to dispense monetary advice in the stylishly funny romantic comedy Confessions of a Shopaholic, coming to Blu-rayTM Hi-Def and DVD on June 23, 2009 from Touchstone Home Entertainment.  Legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer (the Pirates of the Caribbean and National Treasure franchises) presents a lighthearted, feel-good romp based on Sophie Kinsella’s best selling novels about a fashion forward New Yorker who trades frocks for finance and finds fulfillment in the most unexpected place. Available in 1-disc DVD plus 2-disc DVD and Blu-ray editions that include Digital Copy, Confessions of a Shopaholic sports bonus features including bloopers, deleted scenes, and a music video.  The Blu-ray has even more bonus features, including a look behind the making of this season’s must-have accessory for anyone who loves to laugh. 

Confessions of a Shopaholic’s strong ensemble cast includes Isla Fisher (Wedding Crashers), Hugh Dancy (The Jane Austen Book Club), Krysten Ritter (What Happens in Vegas), Joan Cusack (Friends with Money), John Goodman (Speed Racer), John Lithgow (Dreamgirls) and Kristin Scott Thomas (The Other Boleyn Girl).  Directed by P. J. Hogan (My Best Friend’s Wedding) with a comic touch as light as the rarefied air of the fashion world, Confessions of a Shopaholic also features costumes by iconic designer Patricia Field (Sex and the City, The Devil Wears Prada) that give New York’s Fashion Week a run for its money.  

The Blu-ray edition of Confessions of a Shopaholic may boast a fairly proficient DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, but the film’s sound design is as uninspiring and uninvolving as you’d expect from a formulaic romantic comedy. Dialogue is bright and clear, prioritization leaves no line behind, and pans are silky smooth, but rear speaker activity is so maddeningly reserved that the mix fails to recreate the hustle and bustle of New York’s busy streets. LFE support is competent, but usually produces similar results: traffic lacks presence, effects lack weight, and movement lacks the heft provided by the best lossless tracks on the market. It isn’t overly distracting per se, but it does leave the soundscape malnourished from time to time. In all, this DTS-HD MA offering is often as thin and superficial as the film it accompanies. It won’t spoil the experience for anyone swept up in Rebecca’s world, but it certainly doesn’t break the romcom mold.

Disney has at least cobbled together a decent Blu-ray release. It doesn’t offer much in the way of supplemental material, but its attractive video transfer and passable DTS-HD Master Audio track should satisfy genre regulars looking for a solid AV presentation.

Watch the Trailer:

BONUS FEATURES FOR CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC 

Both the Blu-ray Hi-Def and DVD Editions of Confessions of a Shopaholic include these exciting bonus features: 

• Bloopers
• Deleted Scenes
• “Stuck with Each Other” Music Video  by Shontelle Featuring Akon

Plus, available exclusively on Blu-ray Hi-Def: 

• “Accessory” Music Video by Jordan Taylor
• “Takes Time to Love” Music Video by Trey Songz
• Behind the Fashion – A collection of insider peeks at the making of Confessions of a
Shopaholic, including:
o Wardrobe by Patricia Field – The renowned fashion designer takes viewers into her
studio and shares some of the secrets of her outrageous creative process.
o Temple of Shopping – The inspiration for Rebecca Bloomwood’s fashion wonderland
is finally revealed.
o The Green Scarf – Fans will learn more about the all-important accessory that drives
Rebecca to take desperate measures. 
o New York Fashion Central – A style-centric tour of the home of more shopaholics
per square foot than anywhere else on the planet. 
o Sample Sale Madness – The filming of the film’s hilariously chaotic shopping spree. 
o Window Shopping – The Shopaholic team brings store windows to life along
shopping mecca Madison Avenue.

Synopsis:
Steve Martin returns to the scene of the fun as the brilliant, bumbling Inspector
Jacques Clouseau in this side-splitting slapstick comedy for the whole family!  When legendary treasures from around the world are stolen, including the priceless Pink Panther diamond, Clouseau is assigned to a dream team of international detectives who are under pressure to bring the master thief to justice before he strikes again.  Co-starring Jean Reno, Alfred Molina, Andy Garcia, Lily Tomlin and John Cleese, The Pink Panther 2 will steal your heart…and keep you laughing!

Inspect the unexpected when five-time Golden Globe-nominee Steve Martin*  (Father of the Bride) springs back into action as the blundering French police officer, Inspector Jacques Clouseau, in the all-new The Pink Panther 2 available on Blu-ray Disc (BD) with Digital Copy June 23 from MGM Home Entertainment.  Co-starring Oscar-nominees John Cleese** (Rat Race) and Andy Garcia*** (Ocean’s Eleven), Yuki Matsuzaki (Letters From Iwo Jima), Emily Mortimer (Lars and the Real Girl) and Bollywood sensation Aishwarya Rai (The Mistress of Spices), The Pink Panther 2 is the side-splitting sequel to the worldwide hit The Pink Panther, based on the 1964 original starring the legendary Peter Sellers.  After a thief known as “The Tornado” allegedly steals a variety of precious items, including France’s beloved pink panther diamond, an “international dream team” of detectives band together to crack the case.  Slowing down the process is the team’s leader, Inspector Clouseau, the highly unintelligent officer who has a way of missing the obvious until he somehow stumbles onto the truth.

Packed with amusing adventure for the whole family, The Pink Panther 2 Blu-ray Disc includes a fun-filled three-disc version of the film with bonus disc featuring 27 Pink Panther cartoons and Digital Copy for portable media players.  Fully loaded with all-new bonus features including a gag reel, exclusive behind-the-scenes featurettes, and more.

For something called “The Pink Panther” about a jewel heist, you would expect the Blu-ray release to sparkle, but it doesn’t. The Pink Panther 2 looks rather dull in this 1.85:1 AVC/MPEG-4 high definition presentation from MGM.  It’s like contrast levels were set a bit too low. The picture is also a bit unstable and grain is a little jittery. Flesh tones are far more bronze than they should be at times, as well. The most exciting looking parts of this film, sadly, are the animated opening credits.

The first “Pink Panther” film starring Steve Martin was passable entertainment, but this sequel is a painful disaster as Cousteau bumbles through the film in unfunny ways. I had hoped Martin would have refined his portrayal of Jacques Cousteau for the second outing, but he regressed into a state of absurdity. The Blu-ray release contains less than a half an hour of bonus footage on the Blu-ray disc, but it is technically sound. The only reason I can come up with to purchase this title is for the three hours of vintage “Pink Panther” cartoons contained on one of the bonus DVDs of this three disc set.

Three-Disc Blu-ray Disc Specs:
The Pink Panther 2 Blu-ray Disc (BD) with Digital Copy is presented in widescreen format (FOX TO PROVIDE) with English 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio and Spanish/French 5.1 Dolby Surround with English, French and Spanish subtitles.  Bonus features include:

Disc One
·     Gag reel
·     Drama is Easy…Comedy is Dangerous
·     A Dream Team Like No Other
·     Master Thief-Global Crime Showdown!
 
Disc Two
·      Digital Copy File of The Pink Panther 2 for Portable Players
 
Disc Three
·     Bonus disc featuring 27 Pink Panther cartoons
o   The Pink Phink – 1964 Academy-Award winner for Short Subjects, Animated Films
o   Pink Pajamas
o   We Give Pink Stamps
o   Dial ‘P’ For Pink
o   Sink Pink
o   Pickled Pink
o   Pinkfinger
o   Shocking Pink
o   Pink Ice
o   The Pink Tail Fly
o   Pink Panzer
o   An Ounce of Pink
o   Reel Pink
o   Bully For Pink
o   Pink Punch
o   Pink Pistons
o   Vitamin Pink
o   The Pink Blue Print
o   Pink, Plunk, Plink
o   Smile Pretty, Say Pink
o   Pink-A-Boo
o   Genie With The Light Pink Fur
o   Super Pink
o   Rock A Bye Pinky
o   Pinknic
o   Pink Panic
o   Pink Posies

Two-Disc DVD Specs:
The Pink Panther 2 DVD release features the theatrical version of the film presented in widescreen format (FOX TO PROVIDE) with English 5.1 Dolby Surround and Spanish/French Dolby Surround with English and Spanish subtitles.  Bonus features include:

Disc One
·     Theatrical version of The Pink Panther 2

Disc Two
·     Bonus disc featuring 27 Pink Panther cartoons
o   The Pink Phink – 1964 Academy-AwardÒ winner for Short Subjects, Animated Films
o   Pink Pajamas
o   We Give Pink Stamps
o   Dial ‘P’ For Pink
o   Sink Pink
o   Pickled Pink
o   Pinkfinger
o   Shocking Pink
o   Pink Ice
o   The Pink Tail Fly
o   Pink Panzer
o   An Ounce of Pink
o   Reel Pink
o   Bully For Pink
o   Pink Punch
o   Pink Pistons
o   Vitamin Pink
o   The Pink Blue Print
o   Pink, Plunk, Plink
o   Smile Pretty, Say Pink
o   Pink-A-Boo
o   Genie With The Light Pink Fur
o   Super Pink
o   Rock A Bye Pinky
o   Pinknic
o   Pink Panic
o   Pink Posies