Synopsis: John Travolta solidified his position as the most versatile and magnetic screen presence of the decade in this film version of the smash hit play Grease. Recording star Olivia Newton-John made her American film debut as Sandy, Travolta’s naive love interest. The impressive supporting cast reads like a “who’s who” in this quintessential musical about the fabulous ’50s. Grease is not just a nostalgic look at a simpler decade–it’s an energetic and exciting musical homage to the age of rock ‘n’ roll!
Special Features:
Commentary by Director Randal Kleiser and choreographer Patricia Birch
Introduction by Randal Kleiser
Rydell Sing-Along
Deleted/Extended/Alternate Scenes with introduction by Randal Kleiser
There is no doubt that Grease must be one of the most watched or heard film musicals of all time. It is not a great movie by any means – certainly not at the level of Singing in the Rain, The Sound of Music, or Evita for that matter. It is however a fun easy kind of movie that anyone can enjoy. It does not take itself seriously, but just seeks to entertain us.If you are a fan of Grease, I would suggest a strong buy for the improved picture and sound quality.
Synopsis: High-schooler Ferris Bueller (Mathew Broderick), his girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara), and his best bud Cameron (Alan Ruck) are off on the spontaneous romp through Chicago known as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. You’ll also enjoy righteous bonus materials that give you an insider’s peek at this hilarious comedy hit from John Hughes (Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Sixteen Candles). So, barf up a lung, forge a “sick note” from the parents, and tag along on the funniest adventure to ever sweep through the Windy City. What are you still doing here? Save Ferris!
Special Features:
Getting the Class Together – The Cast of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
The Making of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Who is Ferris Bueller?
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off resides among the best the Comedy genre has to offer. Paramount has done right by the film’s Blu-ray releasing, providing a good video transfer, a surprisingly robust and clear soundtrack, and a few extras. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off comes highly recommended.
Named the “Bueller…Bueller…Edition,” this Blu-ray release of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off isn’t absent special features, but it certainly doesn’t earn an A for quantity, either. Getting the Class Together — The Cast of ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ takes a fairly interesting and strong look at the assembly of the cast, told through both classic and retrospective interviews. The Making of ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ is another piece the combines both classic and retrospective interviews that this time look at the making of several scenes in the film, accompanied by behind-the-scenes photographs and clips from the movie. Who is Ferris Bueller? looks at the qualities that define the film’s title character, told through interview clips and film footage.
Synopsis:From John Travolta’s electrifying Oscar®-nominated performance to the Bee Gees’ top 10 soundtrack to the unforgettable dancing, Saturday Night Fever is a movie sensation that captured the world’s attention like never before. Now catch the fever all over again with this 30th Anniversary Special Collector’s Edition that goes behind-the-scenes with special features on the history, culture and fashion of disco, the smash-hit soundtrack, an exclusive look at Hollywood legend John Travolta, and so much more. Now more than ever before, Saturday Night Fever is the one film that’ll make you feel like dancing.
Special Features:
Commentary by Director John Badham
‘ 70s Discopedia
Catching The Fever
Back to Bay Ridge
Deleted Scenes
Saturday Night Fever is a film that will never be forgotten, and is going to be in the spotlight once again in this 30th anniversary release on the Blu-ray format.Saturday Night Fever is a tremendous film that will entertain anyone, young or old. The whole package here is fantastic, with the only downfall being that there are no Blu-ray exclusive extras. Regardless, this is still highly-recommended on Blu-ray!
Disneyland guests are dancing down Main Street, U.S.A., with Mickey Mouse and the gang in a high-energy show that celebrates spring at the Disneyland Resort. The party rocks with a new street show, revs up with a new dining experience and swings for six full weeks with Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival. Valuable ticket offers and vacation packages add a big bonus to the new entertainment, making this one of the best times ever to experience the magic in Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks.
Whether guests are marking a birthday, anniversary, graduation, family reunion, quinceañera or any special occasion, they’ll discover that Disneyland Resort is the perfect place to celebrate with favorite characters, world-class attractions and entertainment, and legendary guest service – all the ingredients to make magical Disney memories.
To top it off, some extra-special travel and ticket values are available for a limited time.
“Disneyland Resort has always been a popular destination for celebrations, and we’ve seen all kinds of celebrations here in 2009,” said Ed Grier, president, Disneyland Resort. “With new entertainment and adventures appearing this spring and summer, along with our special vacation value packages, we’re offering guests more reasons than ever to celebrate today.”
Vacation Offers, A Cause for Spring and Summer Celebration
Now through June 3, Southern California families (zip codes 90000-93599 in California, 21000-22999 in Baja California) will find the best value at Disneyland Resort by purchasing the “Southern California 2fer Ticket,” which enables guests to visit either Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure one day, then come back on another day to play in the other park, for free! Information is available at www.disneyland.com or by calling (714) 781-7290.
For those planning a multi-day getaway at Disneyland Resort, there’s the “2 Nights Free” offer. Guests who purchase a three-night summer vacation package – three nights of hotel accommodations and three days of theme park admission – will receive two more nights at the hotel and two more days of theme park admission. That’s a total of five days and nights of Disneyland fun for the price of three. Details on these packages are available at www.disneyland.com or by calling (800) 854-3104.
These travel values are in addition to the first-of-its-kind “Free on Your Birthday” offer – one day’s free admission to a Disneyland Resort park with valid ID. More details and online registration for Free on Your Birthday are available at www.disneyparks.com.
Guests who take advantage of these value offers will find plenty of fun at Disneyland Resort, including new celebration experiences.
At Disneyland: Dancing in the Streets, Roundup and Barbecue at Big Thunder Ranch
The whole family can join the action with two new immersive shows this spring at Disneyland. Celebrate! A Street Party is a dazzling street show featuring a cast of nearly 100 dancers, DJs and Disney characters inviting guests along the Disneyland parade route to celebrate with them as they perform more than a dozen musical numbers in a lively presentation that allows some guests to show off their own dance moves in a conga line or twist party.
The best place at the Resort for hearty mouth-watering barbecue fare is Celebration Roundup and Barbecue, a spot where guests can celebrate their special occasions ranch-style with Woody and Jessie from “Toy Story,” Chip ‘n Dale and festive, country entertainment with live musicians. Located at Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland, Celebration Roundup and Barbecue features family-style table service with a menu of barbecue chicken and ribs, corn cob wheels, ranch beans, cole slaw, cornbread, watermelon slices and a unique surprise dessert.
Food & Wine Festival: At Disney’s California Adventure and Resort Hotels
At Disney’s California Adventure park, guests will enjoy the fourth annual Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival, a celebration of the international cultures, people, food and traditions that have made California one of the most diverse culinary destinations in the world. From April 24 through June 7, the Festival features more than 600 experiences, many of them complimentary, including wine and spirits seminars, culinary demonstrations and a Junior Chef program for children. Food and wine aficionados will get tips from award-winning Disneyland Resort chefs, noted winemakers and celebrity chefs such as Guy Fieri. Unique ticketed events include “World Celebration” dinners, two nights of the gala finale “Taste, Food-Wine-Life” and intimate receptions with stars of the food and wine world. Information and reservations for ticketed events are available at www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.
Even More Ways to Celebrate at Disneyland Resort
Aspiring young princesses (and knights) will get the full fairy-tale treatment at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, new in Fantasyland at Disneyland. Young girls are greeted by their very own Fairy Godmother-in-training who will magically transform them into the princesses of their dreams with a makeover including hairstyles, make-up and jewels. For boys, a magical experience transforms them into gallant young knights.
At Disney’s California Adventure park, guests will find a new lineup at Games of the Boardwalk, along the Paradise Pier Midway. The games, themed to Disney characters for the first time, include “Goofy About Fishin’,” a ball-pitch “Casey at the Bat,” a “Bullseye Stallion Stampede” horse race, and a water-spray “Dumbo Bucket Brigade.”
The Disneyland Resort features two theme parks plus the Downtown Disney District comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s three hotels are the luxurious 745-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the magical 988-room Disneyland Hotel and the “day-at-the-beach” fun of the 489-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. For information on new attractions and vacations at Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com.
2fer Ticket Details: 2fer tickets are valid for Southern California residents within ZIP Codes 90000-93599 and Northern Baja California residents within ZIP Codes 21000-22999. Proof of residency is required for admission. Admission is valid for one Park each day, but not for both Parks on the same day. Tickets are valid 30 days from first use. First use must occur between 1/6/09-6/3/09. Each day of use constitutes one full day of use. Guests may purchase up to 8 tickets per person per day with valid ID. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use. The offer may not be combined with other discounts or promotions. The offer is not valid before 1/6/09 and is subject to restrictions and change without notice. $35 message is based on the purchase price of an adult 2fer Ticket, which is $69. Tickets are $59 for guests ages 3 through 9. Check for entertainment show times. For more information on the 2fer, visit www.disneyland.com or call (714) 781-7290.
“Get 2 Nights Free” offer is valid for bookings from 3/24/09 through 8/11/09 for arrivals at a Disneyland Resort hotel from 4/1/09 through 9/26/09 with travel being completed by 10/1/09, and is valid from 5/1/09 through 9/26/09 at participating Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor hotels with travel completed by 10/1/09. Upon the purchase of a 3-night package, with 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Tickets, at a participating hotel for a family of four (2 adults, 1 junior (ages 10 to 17) and 1 child (age 3-9), two (2) consecutive free nights will be added to the hotel stay and two (2) days added to the tickets. Limited to two (2) free nights per package / reservation and not valid for previously booked rooms. Check for offers associated with longer night stays. The Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Tickets expire 13 days after first use or 10/13/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial purposes. Offer subject to availability and blockout dates; advance reservations required. Not valid with any other discount or promotion. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Walt Disney Travel Company CST: 1022229-50, NYST # 2006-0198.
Free on Your Birthday Details. To receive free admission to one of the Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks on your birthday in 2009, guests must bring valid ID including proof of birth date. Guests who have purchased a valid multi-day ticket they will use on their birthday may choose from other birthday treats instead. No cash refunds or credits will be given. To register your birthday and find out more details, visit www.disneyparks.com. For terms and conditions of the Birthday Fun Card and details on participating locations visit disneyparks.com/birthdayfuncard.
Cartoon lovers would be crazy not to get their hands on a copy of the upcoming feature-length release, Looney Tunes Movie Collection: Looney, Looney, Looney Bugs Bunny Movie, Now on DVD from Warner Home Video (WHV). This rollicking and rambunctious collection features a compilation of classic Looney Tunes shorts produced by legendary animator, Friz Freleng.
The ear-repressible Bugs Bunny takes top billing in this rip-roaring feature-length romp through some of the wackiest cartoon classics. Titled, Looney Tunes Movie Collection: Looney, Looney, Looney Bugs Bunny Movie, this film is cleverly comprised of three parts. Each portion features a collection of legendary cartoon shorts that are bridged with new material. The result is a seamless work of animated art that takes viewers on a mad cap adventure a la Looney Tunes style!
Part one has Yosemite Sam strike a deal with the devil! Sam winds up in hell, after he’s crushed by a safe dropped by Bugs Bunny. Satan however agrees to give Sam another chance so long as he brings someone else to take his place. Sam sets his sights on none other than his nemesis, that “wascally wabbit” and sets out for his capture.
Part two finds Bugs Bunny as a police detective who goes after a group of gangsters. The mobsters, Rocky and Mugsy, who in spite of being captured numerous times, always manage to free themselves due to some loophole in the law. Rocky and Mugsy capture Daffy Duck after they learn he’s capable of laying golden eggs and go so far as kidnapping Tweety Bird for ransom.
Part three, the finale, showcases a vicious and entertaining satire of the Oscars. Bugs Bunny turns Hollywood’s glitziest awards ceremony into a cartoon-star-studded disaster zone called The Oswald Awards. Bugs hosts the ceremony in which the nominees are the wolf from Three Little Bops, Sylvester and Tweety and himself. Daffy Duck however, gripes about not being nominated. When Bugs wins the award, Daffy is furious and challenges Bugs to a talent showdown.
Classic cartoons featured on Looney Tunes Movie Collection: Looney, Looney, Looney Bugs Bunny Movie include Hare Trimmed, Devil’s Feud Cake, Roman-Legion Hare, Sahara Hare, Wild and Wooly Hare, The Unmentionables, Golden Yeggs, Catty Cornered, Three Little Bops, High Diving Hare and Show Biz Bugs. Academy Award winners Birds Anonymous and Knighty Knight Bugs are also included in this collection.
The release will also include three bonus cartoons: Box-Office Bunny, From Hare to Eternity and Pullet Surprise. Box-Office Bunny follows the story of how a massive movie theater gets built over Bugs’ rabbit hole. From Hare to Eternity tells the tale of how Pirate Yosemite Sam digs up a treasure chest which belongs to Bugs Bunny. Finally, Pullet Surprise covers the action when Pete Puma tries to raid the henhouse Foghorn Leghorn is guarding.
“Looney Tunes Movie Collection: Looney, Looney, Looney Bugs Bunny Movie is really unique in the sense that it presents viewers with classic, legendary cartoon material set within a fresh, new context,” said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President of Family, Animation & Sports Marketing. He added, “Kids will be entertained with this movie because it features all their favorite Looney Tunes characters and adults will appreciate the film’s hilarious satirical references. We are delighted to offer consumers this enormously entertaining film.”
Experience the thrilling action and epic adventure like never before when the groundbreaking first season of STAR TREK®: THE ORIGINAL SERIES lands on Blu-ray disc April 28 from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment. Boasting superior picture and pristine audio for the best possible home viewing experience, the Blu-ray seven disc set includes all 29 first season episodes and loads of special features.
The first season Blu-ray release of STAR TREK®: THE ORIGINAL SERIES features brand-new technology that finally provides fans/viewers with the best of both worlds by giving them the ability to see each episode’s newly enhanced or original special effects and hear a new enhanced soundtrack or the original one. Viewers will be able to select either version to view or toggle back and forth between the newly enhanced visual effects found on the remastered episodes and the original broadcast episode effects. Also for the first time, fans will be able to enjoy the series in 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, the best sound format possible, and have the option of selecting the original mono sound heard on the series’ original television airings decades ago.
As part of the special features, select episodes include the “Starfleet Access” bonus content. By choosing the “Starfleet Access” option, viewers will be able to watch the selected episodes with special pop-up trivia and picture-in-picture video commentaries. The set also includes an interactive tour of the starship Enterprise, rare on-set home movie footage, an inside perspective on what it took to transport Trek into the 21st century and much more. A definitive STAR TREK® collection with more than 24 hours of entertainment, the set will be available for the suggested retail price of $118.00 US and $136.00 CAN. An exclusive collectible Sulu figure from Diamond Select Toys is also being made available with purchase of the Blu-ray set; fans pay only shipping and handling charges.
Starring one of the most endearing casts in television history led by William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan and Nichelle Nichols, STAR TREK® is a worldwide phenomenon and served as a launching pad for numerous television series and feature films. These classic first season episodes started it all, introducing the world to Kirk, Spock and the rest of the Enterprise’s iconic crew.
Paramount delivers season one of “Star Trek” to Blu-ray with fantastic results. Featuring a breathtaking video transfer, a solid and clear lossless soundtrack, and plenty of extras, including the option of watching each episode with either its original or updated special effects, this is a set that boldly goes where no collection of “Star Trek” on home video has gone before, and it receives our highest recommendation.
STAR TREK®: THE ORIGINAL SERIES SEASON ONE is a seven disc set presented in the original 4:3 aspect ratio with English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English Original 2.0 Mono, Spanish 2.0 Mono and French 2.0 Mono sound. STAR TREK®: THE ORIGINAL SERIES SEASON ONE Blu-ray is not rated in the U.S. and rated G in Canada. The total running time is 24 Hrs., 20 Min. The Blu-ray disc breakdown is as follows:
Disc One:
The Man Trap
Charlie X
Where No Man Has Gone Before
The Naked Time
Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode
Special Feature: Spacelift: Transporting Trek Into The 21st Century
Special Feature: Starfleet Access episode – Where No Man Has Gone Before
Disc Two:
The Enemy Within
Mudd’s Women
What Are Little Girls Made Of?
Miri
Dagger of the Mind
Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode
Disc Three:
The Corbomite Maneuver
The Menagerie, Part 1
The Menagerie, Part 2
The Conscience of the King
Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode
Special Feature: Reflections on Spock
Special Feature: Starfleet Access episode – The Menagerie, Parts 1 & 2
Disc Four:
Balance of Terror
Shore Leave
The Galileo Seven
The Squire of Gothos
Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode
Special Feature: Life Beyond Trek: William Shatner
Special Feature: Starfleet Access episode – Balance of Terror
Disc Five:
Arena
Tomorrow is Yesterday
Court Martial
The Return of the Archons
Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode
Special Feature: To Boldly Go…Season One
Special Feature: The Birth of a Timeless Legacy
Disc Six:
Space Seed
A Taste of Armageddon
This Side of Paradise
The Devil in the Dark
Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode
Special Feature: Interactive Enterprise Inspection
Special Feature: Sci-Fi Visionaries
Special Feature: Starfleet Access episode – Space Seed
Disc Seven:
Errand of Mercy
The Alternative Factor
The City on the Edge of Forever
Operation: Annihilate!
Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode
Special Feature: Billy Blackburn’s Treasure Chest: Rare Home Movies and Special Memories
Special Feature: Kiss ‘N’ Tell: Romance in the 23rd Century
Special Feature: Starfleet Access episode – Errand of Mercy
Volume 1 Experience the classic Marvel® legacy as the X-Men animated series finally explodes onto DVD for the first time. Featuring stories adapted directly from the original comic books, this collection is a piece of Marvel history and a must-have for every X-Men fan. Discover the origins of your favorite characters and uncover the secrets of Magneto and more of the world’s most diabolical villains in X-Men: Volume 1.
This Volume 1 set contains 16 episodes. Season 1 contained 13 episodes, so this set also contains the first 3 episodes for Season 2. The beginning of Season 2 reintroduces a new character and covers the marriage of Scott and Jean.
It’s a great start to the series, but since they cover such important storylines in this and the second season, the remainder of the series feels slightly disjointed or less important. They got the best out of the way early and were left with a lot of single stories later in the series.
Episode Guide:
VOLUME 1
Disc 1 Night of the Sentinels (Part 1) Night of the Sentinels (Part 2) Enter Magneto Deadly Reunions Captive Hearts Cold Vengeance Slave Island The Unstoppable Juggernaut
Disc 2 The Cure Come The Apocalypse Days Of Future Past (Part 1) Days Of Future Past (Part 2) The Final Decision Till Death Do Us Part (Part 1) Till Death Do Us Part (Part 2) Whatever It Takes
Volume 2
Prepare for more electrifying action as the X-Men return in Volume 2 of the classic animated series! The amazing mutant heroes are back for 2 discs full of spine-tingling battles with Mr. Sinister, Omega Red and more of the most fiendish villains on earth! Viewers will be a part of Marvel® history with these stories adapted directly from the original comic books. Experience 16 thrilling episodes, including the 5-part amazing epic “Phoenix Saga,” in this must-have collection!
When you check out the X-Men: Volume 2 Animated DVD set, you’ll notice a big improvement in the animation. After the success of the first season, the creative team behind this Marvel series went all out. Unfortunately, there are no extras. With the history the X-Men have, something could have been added to this set.
Episode Guide:
VOLUME 2
Disc 1 Red Dawn Repo Man X-Ternally Yours Time Fugitives (Part 1) Time Fugitives (Part 2) A Rogue’s Tale Beauty & The Beast Mojo Vision
Disc 2 Reunion (Part 1) Reunion (Part 2) Out of the Past (Part 1) Out of the Past (Part 2) The Phoenix Saga (Part 1): Sacrifice The Phoenix Saga (Part 2): The Dark Shroud The Phoenix Saga (Part 3): Cry of the Banshee The Phoenix Saga (Part 4): The Starjammers The Phoenix Saga (Part 5): Child of Light
Experience the thrilling action and epic adventure like never before when the groundbreaking first season of STAR TREK®: THE ORIGINAL SERIES lands on Blu-ray disc April 28 from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment. Boasting superior picture and pristine audio for the best possible home viewing experience, the Blu-ray seven disc set includes all 29 first season episodes and loads of special features.
The first season Blu-ray release of STAR TREK®: THE ORIGINAL SERIES features brand-new technology that finally provides fans/viewers with the best of both worlds by giving them the ability to see each episode’s newly enhanced or original special effects and hear a new enhanced soundtrack or the original one. Viewers will be able to select either version to view or toggle back and forth between the newly enhanced visual effects found on the remastered episodes and the original broadcast episode effects. Also for the first time, fans will be able to enjoy the series in 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, the best sound format possible, and have the option of selecting the original mono sound heard on the series’ original television airings decades ago.
As part of the special features, select episodes include the “Starfleet Access” bonus content. By choosing the “Starfleet Access” option, viewers will be able to watch the selected episodes with special pop-up trivia and picture-in-picture video commentaries. The set also includes an interactive tour of the starship Enterprise, rare on-set home movie footage, an inside perspective on what it took to transport Trek into the 21st century and much more. A definitive STAR TREK® collection with more than 24 hours of entertainment, the set will be available for the suggested retail price of $118.00 US and $136.00 CAN. An exclusive collectible Sulu figure from Diamond Select Toys is also being made available with purchase of the Blu-ray set; fans pay only shipping and handling charges.
Starring one of the most endearing casts in television history led by William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan and Nichelle Nichols, STAR TREK® is a worldwide phenomenon and served as a launching pad for numerous television series and feature films. These classic first season episodes started it all, introducing the world to Kirk, Spock and the rest of the Enterprise’s iconic crew.
STAR TREK®: THE ORIGINAL SERIES SEASON ONE is a seven disc set presented in the original 4:3 aspect ratio with English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English Original 2.0 Mono, Spanish 2.0 Mono and French 2.0 Mono sound. STAR TREK®: THE ORIGINAL SERIES SEASON ONE Blu-ray is not rated in the U.S. and rated G in Canada. The total running time is 24 Hrs., 20 Min.
The Blu-ray disc breakdown is as follows:
Disc One: • The Man Trap • Charlie X • Where No Man Has Gone Before • The Naked Time • Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode • Special Feature: Spacelift: Transporting Trek Into The 21st Century • Special Feature: Starfleet Access episode – Where No Man Has Gone Before
Disc Two: • The Enemy Within • Mudd’s Women • What Are Little Girls Made Of? • Miri • Dagger of the Mind • Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode
Disc Three: • The Corbomite Maneuver • The Menagerie, Part 1 • The Menagerie, Part 2 • The Conscience of the King • Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode • Special Feature: Reflections on Spock • Special Feature: Starfleet Access episode – The Menagerie, Parts 1 & 2
Disc Four: • Balance of Terror • Shore Leave • The Galileo Seven • The Squire of Gothos • Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode • Special Feature: Life Beyond Trek: William Shatner • Special Feature: Starfleet Access episode – Balance of Terror
Disc Five: • Arena • Tomorrow is Yesterday • Court Martial • The Return of the Archons • Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode • Special Feature: To Boldly Go…Season One • Special Feature: The Birth of a Timeless Legacy
Disc Six: • Space Seed • A Taste of Armageddon • This Side of Paradise • The Devil in the Dark • Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode • Special Feature: Interactive Enterprise Inspection • Special Feature: Sci-Fi Visionaries • Special Feature: Starfleet Access episode – Space Seed
Disc Seven: • Errand of Mercy • The Alternative Factor • The City on the Edge of Forever • Operation: Annihilate! • Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode • Special Feature: Billy Blackburn’s Treasure Chest: Rare Home Movies and Memories • Special Feature: Kiss ‘N’ Tell: Romance in the 23rd Century • Special Feature: Starfleet Access episode – Errand of Mercy
Disneyland Resort will glow like never before this summer as it debuts an all-new fireworks show, Magical, along with sensational new characters and effects that will brighten the Summer Nightastic! lineup of after-dark entertainment.
WHAT: Guests can see Disneyland Resort in a whole new light as Summer Nightastic! brings nighttime shows and parades to life – bigger, better and brighter. A huge new dragon and other special effects will highlight Fantasmic! Explosive surprises will illuminate the night sky in the all-new fireworks spectacular, Magical. Guests can rock the night away at a new dance club in Tomorrowland. Sparkling new magic comes to “Disney’s Electrical Parade,” as well as to Pixie Hollow, the enchanting home Tinker Bell inhabits with her fairy friends.
WHEN: Nightly, beginning Friday, June 12, and continuing through Sunday, August 23, at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks. All shows and immersive experiences are free with park admission.
A BOLDER FANTASMIC!: Guests will find new thrills at the popular Fantasmic! on the Rivers of America in Frontierland. The evil Maleficent from “Sleeping Beauty” transforms into a 40-foot tall, fire-breathing dragon. Ursula the Sea Witch from “The Little Mermaid” introduces her pet eels, Flotsam and Jetsam, who slither into the show with new power. In addition, the Fantasmic! video projections practically leap off the giant mist screens, thanks to HD (high-definition) technology … (in this case, HD takes on a new meaning – Huge Dragon).
AN EXPLODING CELEBRATION IN THE SKY: Magical is a new Disney fireworks spectacular created especially to celebrate Summer Nightastic! at Disneyland. Tinker Bell is once again your host, waving her wand to ignite the brilliant color, stunning special effects and charming music. But she won’t be alone in the sky this summer. Dumbo will make his surprise airborne debut in the new show. Tink’s sparkling touch awakens a fantastic array of Disney’s most magical characters, from Pinocchio to Mary Poppins to Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, and the Three Good Fairies from “Sleeping Beauty.”
NEW FLOATS BRING NEW MAGIC TO ‘DISNEY’S ELECTRICAL PARADE’: Everything about “Disney’s Electrical Parade” will have a new glow as Tinker Bell leads the way, waving from the basket of a magical balloon aboard a new opening parade float. The parade’s beloved music and floats will feature electrifying audio and lighting technologies, with sparkling pixie dust added to all the parade floats. Snow White and Pinocchio return to the parade this summer as well, after several years’ absence, riding bright new versions of their classic floats.
AN EXCITING NEW DANCE CLUB ‘IGNITES THE NIGHT’ IN TOMORROWLAND: Tweens, teens and families will be drawn to the TLT Dance Club at Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland. Dazzling décor will include an illuminated DJ console where the TLT Dance Club DJ will spin the hottest dance tunes, guaranteed to keep Tomorrowland rockin’ all night. Live bands and the hottest Southern California radio stations will appear on select nights throughout the summer.
PIXIE HOLLOW ENCHANTMENT: Tinker Bell and her friends have been welcoming guests into their Pixie Hollow home, tucked into the glen near the entrance to Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, since fall of 2008. This summer, for the first time, nighttime visitors will find magical surprises as Pixie Hollow and the nearby pond come to life in iridescent light shows. Pixie dust cascades across the landscape and radiates down into the pond. Even the water becomes enchanted as playful fountains spring to life, pop jets perform with whimsical precision, and sparkling strobes shine throughout Pixie Hollow.
If ever a movie was meant to be experienced in high definition, Sin City is guilty on all counts! Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez’s visually stunning crime thriller debuts on Blu-ray this April 21, 2009, from Miramax Films. Featuring the ultimate in high definition picture and sound, this 2-Disc set comes fully loaded with two cuts of the film plus eight hours of bonus material, including innovative special features created exclusively for the Blu-ray High Definition release. The interactive game “Kill ‘em Good,” lets viewers play Marv, the outcast misanthrope on a mission to avenge the death of his true love, Goldie. The “Cine-Explore” feature, a breakthrough interactive visual commentary lets viewers watch picture-in-picture footage of the film in its early green-screen stages original artwork synced with filmmaker commentary. Additional special features include Commentary with Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller, interviews with Robert Rodriguez and “guest director” Quentin Tarantino, Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes showcasing the cars, props, costumes and make-up of Sin City, and much more! One of the most eagerly awaited films to debut in the format, Sin City arrives on Blu-ray with both barrels blazing!
Sin City is based on Frank Miller’s popular series of graphic novels and features an all-star crew both behind and in front of the camera. Acclaimed director Robert Rodriguez (Grindhouse, Spy Kids) teamed with Mr. Miller to co-direct an all-star cast that includes Bruce Willis, Oscar-nominee Mickey Rourke (Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for: The Wrestler, 2008), Clive Owen, Jessica Alba and Rosario Dawson, in this riveting tale of killers, cops, hookers and hit men, all inhabiting one very dangerous, very sexy city. Sin City debuted in theatres in 2005 to critical acclaim and box office success and, like Mr. Miller’s graphic novels, continues to grow in its fan base. Now these fans, and anyone who loves explosive, groundbreaking filmmaking, can see and hear the movie like never before with the ultimate in high definition picture and sound.
Blu-ray Features include:
All new Cine-Explore – Innovative Blu-ray technology allows viewers to experience a uniquely interactive visual commentary that pushes the envelope. When selected, see picture-in-picture green screen footage and original art synced with the filmmakers’ commentary.
All new “Kill ‘em Good” Interactive Comic Book – Dive into a visually stunning interactive game that puts you in the driver’s seat. Exploiting the Blu-ray format in ways never before seen, you finish the story – with guns blazing!
Plus many more features….
The results are even more mind-blowing when you compare the Blu-ray transfers to their standard DVD counterparts. Literally every aspect of the image has received a fitting overhaul, rendering any previous release of Sin City a decidedly dated relic. If you have any love Frank Miller’s original comic series or for Rodriguez’s adaptation — any affection at all — this release deserves a very special home on your shelves.
Synopsis: Mickey Rourke gives the performance of a lifetime as pro wrestler Randy “The Ram” Robinson, a former superstar now paying the price for twenty years of grueling punishment in and out of the ring. But he’s about to risk everything to prove he has one more match left in him: a re-staging of his famous Madison Square Garden bout against “The Ayatollah.” Darren Aronofsky directs a powerful cast in this action-packed saga of guts, glory and gritty determination that is “as irresistible as a headlock” (New York Post).
One of the most-critically acclaimed films of the year, featured on dozens of year-end “top ten” lists and garnering numerous accolades for its once fallen star, The Wrestler debuts on Blu-ray Disc and DVD April 21 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain) directs Mickey Rourke (Sin City, Man on Fire) in a career-defining role as Randy “The Ram” Robinson, a veteran performer on the professional wrestling circuit who is desperate to hold on to the fame and glory that once surrounded him. Despite himself and the odds stacked against him, “The Ram” begins to evaluate his state of life, attempting to reconnect with his estranged daughter and striking up a relationship with an exotic dancer with troubles of her own. Bruised and battered both inside and outside the ring, Randy slowly tries to piece together the life he still has; but the thrill of the show and the passion for his art threatens to take it all away from him once again.
Blu-ray Disc Features: The Wrestler Blu-ray Disc is presented in widescreen format 2.35:1 aspect ratio with English 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio, English and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, English, French and Spanish subtitles along with Digital Copy. Individual disc bonus features as follows:
Within the Ring featurette
Wrestler Round Table
The Wrestler Music Video – Written and Performed by Bruce Springsteen
The Wrestler, shot documentary-style, feels more genuine that most movies, capturing both the glory and pain of everyday life. Still, heartache is the theme of the film, and both the emotional and physical toll Ram’s life takes on his heart marks the core of the story, the man, and the journey for meaning.
Overall, The Wrestler looks fantastic on Blu-ray, serving as yet another disc that isn’t clean and clear but recreates the director-intended look of the film very well, making it a first-class presentation.
The Wrestler nevertheless represents one of cinema’s great character studies that should continue to fascinate for years to come. 20th Century Fox has once again released a quality Blu-ray disc, though this one is disappointingly short on bonus materials. However, the studio has provided their usual stellar video and audio presentation that only heighten the impact of the film. Despite the lack of extra content, The Wrestler on Blu-ray comes highly recommended.
Like many things in life, Tiny Toon Adventures can only be fully understood when considered with what came before and after it. Can you watch Jack Nicholson’s original interpretation of the Joker without thinking of Heath Ledger’s more recent portrayal? All the same, Tiny Toons can really only be seen in retrospect as the link between the Muppet Babies of the late 1980s and the subsequent, far more engaging Animaniacs, which premiered in 1993.
Tiny Toon Adventures takes place (for the most part) at ACME Looniversity, where younger counterparts of nearly all of the original Looney Tunes characters learn how to be ‘looney’ from the original characters of the 30s and 40s. Though the primary focus remains on the characters of Babs (Tress MacNeille) and Buster Bunny (Charles Adler), Plucky Duck (Joe Alaskey), and Hamton J. Pig (Don Messick) who essentially have the same personality as the character on which he or she is based, there is a wide supporting cast that includes rough younger approximations of the Tasmanian Devil (Dizzy Devil), Yosemite Sam (Montana Max), and Pepe Le Pew (Fifi La Fume). While a number of the episodes try to focus on their attendance of ACME Looniversity, they also do things such as travel back in time, become parodies of other major popular characters and, in certain cases, turn into giant eyeballs. This being a Steven Spielberg production, there are also a number of references to older classic Hollywood films, and a few ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ sight gags that are for collectors only. Which is not to say that the show is totally without charm, or that it isn’t more knowing than the vast majority of children’s animation altogether.
DVD Extra Features:
The set includes a trailer for The Zeta Project, a recent DVD release of a cartoon from the creators of Batman Beyond about a hitman robot that decides he is no longer going to kill people.
I’ll start off by saying that this was one amazingly beautiful film. In fact, the “beautiness” was what I was most looking forward to since I am a fan of the Planet Earth series that aired on Discovery Channel and BBC. Earth is actually produced and directed by the same people that brought us Planet Earth. A part from great cinematography and rare animals I have never seen before, I figured I would not get too much out of this film. I was right, but it’s still interesting!
Disneynature is Walt Disney Company’s newest production label. This new label was launched April 2008 with the announcement of the first film entitled “earth“. The film, narrated by the one and only James Earl Jones, follows the journey of three families of different animals on their yearly migrations and treks to different parts of the world throughout the seasons. Earth begins with a family of polar bears appearing from hibernation. We follow them from the arctic as the story leads into other animals and their natural long journeys they must make for survival. This was a clever way to be able to showcase all aspects of Earth while keeping a storyline.
As the film displays these rare and wild creatures, the audience may notice several scenes they have seen before. That’s right! Since this is produced by BBC Worldwide, the same people that made Planet Earth two years ago, many shots are the same that aired on the TV series. I was watching an episode of Planet Earth the day before I watched this new Disneynature film and noticed the same scenes. I understand there may be no need to re-shoot a scene if they want to use the same shots, but I was a little irritated by the fact our host, Mr. Jones, ends up reciting the same script Sigourney Weaver did on Planet Earth.
Therefore, if you’re a fan of Planet Earth, you may become bored during some scenes, but you may also enjoy watching these great moments displayed on the big screen. Nonetheless, if you have never seen the show then, this will be all new to you. I am really pleased that Disney has decided to make another series of nature films as they did back in 1946 with Walt Disney’s True-Life Adventures. This is staying true to the company’s pact to educate people about nature and its importance. Preservation is the key they want the audience to take home.
No doubt this is a step in the right direction and I look forward to the numerous other nature films they plan to release. These new films will document flamingos, oceans, flowers and their pollinators, big cats of the wild, and chimpanzees. Each film has their own directors and production crew, but for now I say that “earth” is worth a gander. It is beautiful and interesting as it helps us remember how small we humans are in the big world that we call home. The script has some humorous parts along with some music that adds some funny underlining to mating rituals and other rather fascinating things animals do in their environment.
Earth is a “Disneyfied” nature film with no real graphic killings as the film tends to cut away right when the prey has been caught. The audience should still be able to get the idea of the dog eat dog world that you see in the animal kingdom. There are still the climaxes, tear jerkers, and the “aww how cute” moments that we all come to expect. Luckily with a running time of 89 minutes, you shouldn’t get bored. Yet even with the short running time, the directors were still able to fit all major areas of our planet into the film. I was quite surprised.
Earth opens cleverly on Earth Day, April 22nd, with a tree being planted in your honor for every ticket sold within the first week. A good reason to see the movie. Overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend seeing it on the big screen rather then waiting for it on DVD.
I don’t want to say it, I don’t want to say it, I don’t want to say it… oh shoot! I’m restraining myself, but I have admit it. I actually liked this film. I can’t figure out what it is about Zac Efron that makes me want to not like him however I must say I am tolerant of him. I originally thought that this was just going to be another one of those “Disneyesque” family movies with horrible one-liners and incredibly cheesy acting. Perhaps I believed this because of Efron’s past performance and film selections. After all, he is another Disney prodigy. I’m not saying that this is a bad thing, but it’s just not what I’m into. That being said and done, I was pleasantly surprised with 17 Again, and you may be as well.
New Line Cinema’s adaptation of this transformation story was actually more adult-oriented than I expected. Not realizing it until I received the production notes, this film is PG-13 and takes on some themes that one might not expect out a film marketed the way it has been. In fact, I could tell this would be rather different than the norm during the first scene when you find out that Zac Efron’s character, Mike O’Donnell, has a girlfriend that is pregnant. Not exactly the squeaky-clean theme that I had imagined.
However, the beginning of the film started just as I predicted the film would be in its entirety. Mike is the star high school basketball player, SURPRISE SURPRISE, with his future set as long as he does not screw up the game that college recruiters are present. The audience starts off with a shot of the sweaty, shirtless Zac Efron shooting some hoops and quickly becomes a dance number with Zac and the cheerleaders before the game starts. My first thought was here is another false reality film with Zac Efron as a basketball star with choreographed dance numbers. Fortunately this was the only dance number of the film.
This week’s Saturday Night Live, hosted by the teen heartthrob, actually featured a satire on the High School Musical films when Zac Efron came back to a high school graduation to let the students know that the real world did not feature choreographed dance numbers and students breaking into song. Funny enough that’s basically what happened at the start of 17 Again. The writing toward the beginning was making me cringe. Luckily, the film made a drastic turn for the better once Mike O’Donnell’s older version, Matthew Perry, came into the picture.
Mike O’Donnell has always been bothered by the “what if…” he actually stuck with basketball. Now Mike has a dead-ending job, a falling apart marriage, and two kids he doesn’t know very well. Mike ends up magically transforming into the 17-year-old version of him in present time. This is the “standard transformation story” that you may come to expect, but I give credit to the writers cracking a little joke about this. There isn’t much reasoning behind how it happens, however there is enough reasoning why it did. Now Mike must figure out why he has been transformed and if he really needs to change anything at all. A classic story of not realizing what you had already in front of you.
I am okay with this though. 17 Again is actually quite comical. There are the tear jerker moments along with those very sappy, yet not too cheesy, goosebump moments. Mike O’Donnell’s best friend Ned Gold (Thomas Lennon), is a fantastic choice for great comic delivery. You may know him from Reno 911 and several other flamboyant characters. Mike’s daughter Maggie is played by the beautiful Michelle Trachtenberg. Okay, maybe I had a crush on her growing up. Nonetheless, she and Zac Efron both have some phenomenal scenes. Zac has proven himself as a talented actor to me; now let’s see how long it will take for the rest of the over 18 male audience to notice.
I realize this may be a little long for a review of this film, but I was quite impressed. I walked out of the theater satisfied and realized while I was watching that I was laughing way too much. I don’t expect many of my friends to see this movie, but I am sure if their girlfriends force them too that it may become their guilty pleasure as it has for me. I think I am bowing my head in shame.
17 Again does however fall short from being anything different or being an instant classic. What it lacks it makes up for in comedy and good casting. It’s another fun, corky spring film that looks to have a bit of a wider target audience than one may think. Take a gander.
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