Synopsis: A high-profile slaying becomes the case of an ambitious attorney’s career in this legal thriller based on the novel by William Diehl. Richard Gere stars as Martin Vail, a famed defense lawyer who volunteers his services to Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton), a Kentucky teenager charged with the murder of a Chicago archbishop. Covered with blood, Aaron was captured after a foot chase broadcast live on TV, making a gleeful Vail certain that he could raise his profile by defending the obviously guilty suspect. Assigned to prosecute is Assistant District Attorney Janet Venable (Laura Linney), who is Vail’s ex-girlfriend. Vail’s case becomes more complicated than he expected when a psychologist, Dr. Molly Arrington (Frances McDormand) concludes that Stampler suffers from multiple personality disorder. Vail also uncovers evidence that the archbishop was involved in a corrupt land scheme and may have molested young parishioners. Now the cynical, opportunistic attorney is faced with a daunting prospect, a client who may actually deserve his best defense. Its shocking, twist ending made Primal Fear (1996) a big box office hit and earned Norton, in his screen debut, an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Paramount Home Entertainment has finally decided to release this 1996 hit on Blu-ray. It features an amazing performance by the young Edward Norton in his breakout debut. The story is about a media-seeking lawyer Martain Vail (Richard Gere) trying to represent the main suspect (Edward Norton) placed at the scene of a murdered Catholic archbishop. Laura Linney and Francis McDormand round out the fantastic cast.
The transfer print is as good as you can expect for a print that comes from 1996. Sound design does a great job immersing the audience in the world of the film. Bonus extras include some audio commentaries from director Gregory Hoblit, writer Ann Biderman, producer Gary Lucchest, executive producer Hawk Koch, and casting director Deborah Aquila. There is also a few featurettes on the legal aspect of the film, the casting of the film, and the psychology behind it. If you enjoy the series Law & Order, you’ll enjoy this film with its brilliant performances.
Runtime: 2 Hr. 10 Min. Sec.
Languages: English SDH Subtitled, English Subtitled, French Dubbed & Subtitled, Portuguese Subtitled, Spanish D
Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital, 5.1 Dolby TrueHD
US Rating: R – For brief grisly violence, pervasive strong language and a sex scene.
DVD Features:
• Commentary: – Commentary by Director Gregory Hoblit, Writer Ann Biderman, Producer Gary Lucchesi, Executive Producer Hawk Koch, and Casting Director Deborah Aquila
• Other: – Primal Fear: The Final Verdict
• Other: – Primal Fear: Star Witness
• Other: – Psychology of Guilt
• Trailers: – Theatrical Trailer (previously used on 1998 release)
Disney today announced the launch of D23 (www.Disney.com/D23), the first official community for Disney fans in the Company’s 85-year history. Through D23, fans will go backstage and behind closed doors to get the inside scoop from every part of Disney, while experiencing the nostalgia, adventure and fantasy of Disney as never before.
“We have a fantastic legacy that started in 1923 and is based on timeless stories, beloved characters and unforgettable experiences, but it’s our fans that keep the spirit of Disney alive year after year, generation after generation,” said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger at the Company’s annual shareholder’s meeting. “D23 is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and celebrating our fans, who bring the magic of Disney to life every day in every corner of the world.”
As a part of this new Disney fan experience, today also marks the launch of D23’s new quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; the all-new D23 Web site at Disney.com/D23; and a new collectibles line, The Walt Disney Archives Collection, which was created specifically with D23 members in mind. D23 also will host special events for its members throughout the year, highlighted by the organization’s signature event, the D23 Expo, which will be held in Anaheim this September 10-13.
A one-year D23 membership ($74.99) includes:
Disney twenty-three quarterly publication: A one-year subscription (four issues) to D23’s new collectible magazine filled with stunning photography, dazzling illustrations and the ultimate Disney insider perspective. This advertising-free keepsake is the all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney’s past, present and future.
Membership Certificate and Card: The D23 membership card and suitable-for-framing member certificate — both specially created for D23’s Charter Year — feature many of Disney’s most beloved characters.
Surprise Collectible Gift and Member Merchandise: Each member who joins D23 will receive an exclusive collectible gift from the new Walt Disney Archives Collection. This merchandise line was created specifically with D23 members in mind, and each piece is authorized by the Walt Disney Archives. D23 members will have exclusive or early access to a wide assortment of Walt Disney Archives Collection pieces.
D23 Expo and Member Special Events: The D23 Expo — to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center from September 10-13, 2009 — will be “The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience,” featuring incredible speakers, celebrity appearances, breathtaking exhibitions, interactive experiences, sneak peeks, film screenings, one-of-a-kind merchandise, and much more. All Disney fans are welcome, but D23 members will receive a discount on Expo admissions and early access to the show daily. D23 also offers unique members-only special event opportunities throughout the year.
Disney.com/D23: All fans can stay connected to Disney every day through D23’s new Web site, featuring up-to-the-minute Disney news, feature stories, event info and more, but only D23 members will receive regular email updates on special event and merchandise opportunities exclusive to them.
Disney twenty-three quarterly publication
Disney today launches its new quarterly publication Disney twenty-three, a hybrid entertainment and lifestyle magazine that is the all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney’s past, present and future. Its name pays homage to 1923, the year The Walt Disney Company was founded.
The premiere issue of Disney twenty-three includes exclusive features such as:
Interviews with Tim Burton, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens
Inside look at the new Disney/Pixar animated film Up, featuring interviews with Director Pete Docter and Producer Jonas Rivera, concept and production art, and a look at the new animated short Partly Cloudy.
A rare look inside Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California. Meet the Pixar team and learn the secrets behind the success of their films.
The doors open for two of the most exclusive, magical suites in the world: the Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Dream Suite overlooking New Orleans Square and the Rivers of America at the Disneyland Resort.
Disney twenty-three‘s regular featured departments include:
A Walk with Walt: A look back at the trials and triumphs of the man who made dreams come true and whose imagination started it all.
D Society: From gala movie premieres and grand openings to candid Disney moments and memories, D Society takes readers backstage and onto the red carpet.
PHOTOfiles: The legendary Walt Disney Archives Photo Library houses millions of Disney’s most cherished photographic memories, and the Archives team shares its Top 100, five in every issue. Let the countdown begin!
Where in D?: Try to identify where in the world of Disney each issue’s mystery photo was taken.
The Funny Pages: For the first time in decades, enjoy the vintage newspaper comic strips that helped make many of Disney’s most popular characters famous.
Making Magic: Crafts for children of all ages, inspired by Disney’s favorite stories and experiences.
Recipes from Disney’s most popular restaurants and eateries, past and present.
Disney twenty-three subscriptions are available only by becoming a member of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans. Individual issues of Disney twenty-three retail for $15.95 and are available exclusively at all U.S. Barnes & Noble booksellers, all domestic Disney Stores, Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, and Disneyshopping.com.
DISNEY.COM/D23
The D23 site on Disney.com will serve as the premier online destination for Disney fans, highlighted by breaking Disney news, exclusive feature stories, blogs, historical retrospectives, a collectibles boutique, special event information, and other content. The D23 online experience includes News & Features, Walt Disney Archives, Disney twenty-three, Expo & Events, and Boutique23. Highlights include:
NEWS & FEATURES
Late-breaking news, press releases, and photos of interest to fans from every part of Disney.
“Twilight Bark” — inspired by the Disney animated feature 101 Dalmatians — offers up the latest tidbits and news “bites” from all around the world of Disney.
Feature articles and interviews on current Disney topics from theme parks and animation to television and motion pictures, as well as historical retrospectives.
Official Disney Bloggers — Get regular updates on films in production at Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, current Walt Disney Imagineering projects, and the Walt Disney Archives.
WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES
“This Day in Disney” — A daily walk down memory lane.
“What’s Old Is News” — Go back in time and enjoy rare, vintage and classic articles, stories, interviews, press materials and other highlights from deep within the Disney Archives.
“Ask Dave” — Disney Legend and Chief Archivist Dave Smith answers your questions about Disney history.
“Archives Library” — helpful Disney reference tools including biographies, filmographies, award chronologies, Disney A to Z updates, historical profiles and other archival information.
DISNEY TWENTY-THREE
The online home of Disney twenty-three, D23’s quarterly publication.
“The Funny Page: Daily Edition” — a delightful daily dose of vintage Disney comics that haven’t been seen outside the Disney Archives in decades.
“Making Magic” — An archive of the unique crafts featured in Disney twenty-three.
“Disney Dish” — Always be able to find your favorite recipes from Disney twenty-three.
EXPO & EVENTS
“D23 Expo” — The official Web site for everything you need to know about “The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience” September 10-13, at the Anaheim Convention Center, including programming, show hours, celebrity appearances, keynote speakers, ticket information, vacation packages, and more.
“D23 Member Special Events” — Throughout the year, D23 hosts special events created just for its members. Members can find out which ones they want to attend and how to register.
BOUTIQUE 23
D23 merchandise and collectibles, including D23 member-only offerings from the Walt Disney Archives Collection
D23 membership is not required to visit Disney.com/D23, but some merchandise and special event opportunities are exclusive to D23 members.
Fans can join D23 at www.Disney.com/D23, all Disney Store locations within the United States, select shops at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, and www.DisneyShopping.com/D23.
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. Through the years, Disney has captured the imagination of millions around the world, and, as requested by Disney fans everywhere, D23 gives them a greater, richer connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic.
A lonely clockmaker named Gepetto carves a wooden boy and names him Pinocchio because he longs for the family he never had. A Blue Rairy hears his longing when he wishes on a star and brings the wooden Pinocchio to life. She also promises that he has the opportunity to become a real boy if he tries to be good – a message most parents will appreciate. She gives Pinocchio (Dickie Jones) a conscience in the form of Jiminy Cricket (Cliff Edwards). Almost as soon as he enters the world, he gets into mischief, ultimately ending up at Pleasure Island where bad boys makes asses of themselves-literally turning into donkeys. After escaping, he learns that Gepetto has gone missing while searching for him and now he sets out with Jiminy Cricket to locate his father who has been swallowed by the giant whale named Monstro. The heartwarming ending will live in the heart of anyone who has ever wished upon a star.
The video transfer to Blu-ray is in its original 4:3 aspect ratio. Compared to its former DVD release, the color transfer is quite impressive. In some of scenes, such as the opening shot of Gepetto’s village, it’s possible to see distant detail that was hard to see in earlier prints. The audio transfer is clean, though its original audio mix is front-heavy with occasional sound effects from the rear.
There is a bundle of bonus features presented in high definition, including the “No Strings Attached” making-of featurette, an audio commentary with film critic Leonard Maltin, a music jukebox featuring music from the film, Pinocchio fun facts that appear as you watch the film, art galleries, deleted scenes, and more. There is also a DVD version of the film.
Many fans and film critics over the last 20 years have referred to Alan Moore’s fascinating 400-page graphic novel as the unfilmable superhero movie. This turns out to be anything, but true. Director Zack Snyder (who brought us the equally visually stunning “300”) stays faithful to the tale, it’s shadowy visual style, and any small changes are for the better.
The story takes place in 1985 as America faces the fear of engaging in nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Masked vigilante superheroes have been banned by the government for years. Since then some have chosen to capitalize on their former crime-fighting days, which others try to live a normal life, and others yearn to relive their former days of glory.
A mystery unfolds as someone appears to be killing these former masked crimefighters. It starts when The Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), a former thug who wrecked havoc in Vietnam for the Nixon administration, is thrown out his skyscraper window. Then a hit man narrowly fails to kill Ozymandias, considered to be the smartest (and probably richest) man in the world. The crazy, but wildly entertaining superhero named Rorschach (another amazing performance by Jackie Earle Haley) recruits former colleagues Nite Owl (Patrick Wilson), Silk Spectre (Malin Akerman), and her blue lover Dr. Manhattan (a superhero with real powers) to uncover the mystery, which is linked to the imminent nuclear war.
The technical crew for this film will be nominated for Oscars. Every frame is gorgeous and keeps this lengthy film (nearly 3 hours) moving and engaging. The environment of this world in chaos is full of detail, whether it’s Dr. Manhattan walking across the planet Mars, Nixon’s war room (in a funny homage to “Dr. Strangelove”), or the incluion of a rusted sign outside an auto junkyard that reads: “obsolete models a speciality” (a joke on our aging superheroes). The amount of brilliant detail make this film worth watching on IMAX.
Fans should love almost everything about this film. Those in the audience that are unfamiliar with the source material may need a second viewing to grasp everything complex that is happening. The film brings new life to the superhero genre by exploring their politics, their sexuality, and their philosophy. It is like the “Moby Dick” of comic book stories, but this adaptation to the big screen is far more successful and a joy to experience.
Synopsis: The Smurfs are a group of over 100 bluish, three-apple tall creatures who live in the mushroom homes of Smurf Village. They are led by 543-year-old Papa Smurf (who doesn’t look a day over 530). Their lives would be perfect were it not for the villainous Gargamel, a wizard who spends his days trying to capture them to eat, turn into gold, or for other evil reason. Gargamel’s cat Azrael adds to the menace, always looking for a smurfalicious snack.. Its Season Two, Vol. 1 of Smurf Adventures, the Emmy-winning animated series [Outstanding Childrens Entertainment Series 1982-83] that delighted Saturday morning cartoon fans for nearly a decade.
Edition Description
• Released in English • Originally in English • NTSC (Canada and USA) • Runtime: 92 minutes • Color
A longtime favorite of Disneyland guests will return as “The Disneyland Story, featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” an enhanced version of the show which appeared, in various forms, in the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland park from 1966 through 2004 . The attraction will reopen later this year in celebration of the 200th anniversary year of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.
The current Opera House presentation, “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years,” will go on hiatus beginning Monday, March 16, in preparation for the new “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” show. When the updated “Disneyland Story, featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” opens later this year, “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years” will be presented as part of the “Disneyland Story” display of art, models and mementoes in the Opera House lobby.
Also planned for fall 2009 is a prominent new home on Main Street, U.S.A., for The Disney Gallery. Formerly located above Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans Square, The Disney Gallery houses treasured Disney artwork and collectibles representing creative efforts from throughout The Walt Disney Company. A frequently changing exhibit area often includes never-before-displayed art. The Disney Gallery’s new home will be in the Bank of Main Street building, located next door to the Main Street Opera House and currently serving as the headquarters for Disneyland Resort Annual Passport processing. The Bank will continue to operate as an Annual Passport center until mid-summer 2009. After that, Annual Passport processing will move to the Plaza Pavilion, near the entrance to Adventureland.
The original “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” was created by Walt Disney and his Imagineers for the State of Illinois Pavilion at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and featured the world’s first fully animated human Audio-Animatronics figure, built by Walt Disney Imagineering. The show, made its Disneyland debut in the Main Street Opera House on July 18, 1965.
Jonny and his pal Hadji are once again headed for action-packed fun and excitement in The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest: Season 1, Volume 1, available for the first time on DVD from Warner Home Video on February 17, 2009. A remake of the classic science-fiction/adventure animated television series Jonny Quest, The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest: Season 1, Volume 1 chronicles the all new adventures of our hero and his friends Hadji and Jessie in 13 episodes guaranteed to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
“Jonny Quest is truly a classic character beloved by kids of all ages,” said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President of Family, Animation & Sports Marketing. “We are very happy to add The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest: Season 1, Volume 1 to our library of animated offerings for kids, their parents and fans of animation.”
Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy is the first show of its kind to appear on Broadway, having debuted there in June 2008.Now it’s on tour and arriving at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.Created and directed by Neil Goldberg, this exotic 2-hour encounter inspired by nature’s unpredictable creations are brought to life by an international cast of 25 soaring aerialists, spine-bending contortionists, acrobats, jugglers and musicians complete with over 150 spectacular costumes.
The stage setup when you enter the theater is a Technicolor-gone-wild color scheme that suggests what “The Lion King” may have looked like on magic mushrooms.The set quickly transports adults and children alike to the jungle.After a humorous start with some jungle clowns embarrassing some audience members, the story begins and the action rarely stops.
The plot is about bringing the jungle to life if the trees had a heart and a soul and if flowers really lived and if animals could really speak or express strength and beauty through physicality and grace.In the show the lizards contort as lizards do, the butterflies soar in the air with colorful elegance and frogs enthusiastically hop and “ribbit” across the stage.A jungle creature inspired every act and my favorite act resembled a giraffe with two men balancing themselves high in the air on a wobbly barrel. All the acts feature jaw-dropping feats of strength, balance and dexterity with most of these critter costumes weirdly obscuring evidence of the human shape within.
The show makes use of both prerecorded and live music.Through the stunts, the sound system blares impersonal, relentlessly pulsating disco music resembling a global-village sound.At some points, an incredibly tall tree becomes human and plays the electric violin while a Lady Bug sings bad pop tunes interspersed with commentary about the ecosystem.The amazing acrobatic stunts compensate for these disappointing elements in the show.
Some, like myself, might confuse this touring show with those produced by the famous Cirque du Soleil.It turns out the two companies, though similar, are not affiliated.Soleil is so grand that it requires huge tent-pole productions, but the Cirque Dreams shows are able to perform on local theater stages for a smaller and more intimate production, which also allows them to offer a more affordable price without compromising quality.
Goldberg created his theatrical entertainment company Cirque Dreams in 1993 with a vision “to blend European artistry with circus and Broadway theatrics in a dramatic fashion that transcends imagination, leaves its narration to the eyes of the beholder, and offers something for everyone.”Over one million fans throughout the U.S. have attended a Cirque Dreams show in the last year.If those shows are as impressive and family-friendly as Jungle Fantasy, then it’s clear that he has succeeded in his vision.
Cirque Dream Jungle Fantasy is playing February 18-21 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.Tickets start at $20.Call 714-556-2787.
The worldwide blockbuster that thrilled kids of all ages is now the home entertainment event of 2009 when Disney’s High School Musical 3: Senior Year –Deluxe Extended Edition, arrives on Blu-ray and DVD from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment on February 17th. Fans will have a chance to see the movie like never before with the all-new 3-disc Deluxe Extended Edition DVD and Blu-ray combo pack. Available for a limited time only, it includes three ways to watch the move: 1) an extended version of the High School Musical 3 and loads of extras on Blu-ray disc, 2) a DVD copy of the extended movie, — plus 3) ‘DisneyFile’ Digital download of the movie so viewers can enjoy the film on the go in their choice of iTunes or Windows Media formats. Bonus features include deleted scenes, bloopers, sing along and much more, as well as the exciting Blu-ray exclusive ‘BD-Live’ which allows viewers to enjoy ‘Movie Chat,’ ‘Movie Mail,’ ‘Movie Challenge’ and ‘Disney Movie Rewards.’
America’s favorite Wildcats (Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Lucas Grabeel, and Monique Coleman) are back for their exciting final year at East High. Director Kenny Ortega pulls out all the stops with incredible new music and exhilarating dance numbers that will blow away devoted franchise fans and newcomers alike.
It’s almost graduation day for high school seniors Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Chad, Ryan and Taylor – and the thought of heading off in separate directions after leaving East High has these Wildcats thinking they need to do something they ll remember forever. Together with the rest of the Wildcats, they stage a spring musical reflecting their hopes and fears about the future and their unforgettable experiences growing up together. But with graduation approaching and college plans in question, what will become of the dreams, romances, and friendships of East High’s senior Wilcats? Find out what happens to all your favorite characters in the big screen musical sensation, High School Musical 3: Senior Year! It s a fabulous celebration the whole family will love!
The 3-disc Deluxe Extended Edition Blu-ray Combo pack includes the extended movie in three formats:
Blu-ray disc
Plus all bonus features included on the 2-disc DVD (see below) as well as exclusives:
If you have kids or know people who have kids, then you know all about High School Musical. The success of this Disney Channel TV movie took everyone, including Disney, by surprise. With only a mere $4 million budget, it had record-breaking ratings, the best-selling album of 2006, best-selling DVDs, concert tours, stage tours, book series, video games, reality show, and has been seen in more than 20 languages in over 100 countries. For those who don’t know, the film follows the tough choices between popular basketball team captain Troy and stunning academic Gabriella who shock their social cliques when they audition for the school’s musical. Through the lyrics of a number of catchy, upbeat songs and dances, they try to help their peers become more open-minded and accepting of their choices.
The film looks brilliant on Disney Blu-Ray with no noticeable artifacts or flaws. The surround sound is underutilized since the movie was originally designed for television. Most of the dialogue is front heavy and the musical numbers can sound a little flat. Also, the extras fall a little short since they are mostly promotional featurettes. Kids will enjoy the dance-along features. Overall, it looks great, but could have sounded better for a Blu-Ray musical movie.
The first Madagascar film was a huge hit, so we knew it wouldn’t be long before we become reacquainted with these lovable characters. Madagascar 2 tells the story of four friends trying to get home to New York (even though they spent the first film trying to escape from it). Shortly after leaving the island on their broken airplane being piloted by a hilarious group of Penguins, they crash land in Africa. They run into identical animals like themselves and begin to question themselves (though it doesn’t get too existential). These animal friends are voices by a fantastic line-up of stars. Ben Stiller voices the dancing lion named Alex. Chris Rock voices his best friend Marty, a Zebra that is black with white stripes. David Schwimmer voices a hypochondriac giraffe named Melman who is secretly attracted to a fat hippo named Gloria, voiced by Jada Pinkett Smith. The plot isn’t great, with side characters like the Penguins and an Old Lady taking up far too much time, but it does provide for many humorous moments.
The film is rendered crisp on Blu-Ray with all the colors and fine details looking great. The sound is mixed in Dolby TrueHD and sounds superb with all dialogue being easily heard and surround sound used nicely. The disc comes with the normal extras, including some “making of” featurettes, a director’s audio commentary, and a music video. A special addition to the Blu-Ray extras over the DVD release is an audio commentary with the film’s animators.
MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA proves that bigger IS better thanks to a steamer trunk full of additional bonus features including a behind-the-scenes peek at the creation of this animated epic, music videos and more Mad-Tastic fun exclusives with hours and hours of activities such as printables to download, games and much more. A single disc and a Valentine’s Day version in themed gift-wrapped packaging for gifting to sweethearts of all ages will also be available at stores nationwide.
Ben Stiller (Tropic Thunder), Chris Rock (Bee Movie), David Schwimmer (“Friends”), Jada Pinkett Smith (The Women), Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat), Cedric the Entertainer (Charlotte’s Web) and Andy Richter (Semi-Pro) return in MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA, joined by Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock”) as “Makunga,” will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas as “Moto Moto,” Bernie Mac (Soul Men) as “Zuba” and Sherri Shepherd (“The View”) as Alex’s mom making their introduction to the watering hole as a brand-new cast of characters.
The four zany zoo denizens of the original blockbuster comedy prepare to head home to Manhattan in a rickety aircraft piloted by the ever-inventive penguin cadre. But when they crash land in the African savannah, it’s time for a crash course in survival. Now the four friends far from home must answer a question of the heart when Alex finds his long lost parents (Bernie Mac and Sherri Shepherd), Marty joins a herd of his wild brethren, Gloria finds romance with a hippo Casanova (will.i.am) who appreciates her curves and Melman has one last chance at his truest desire. With King Julien’s manic musical antics, the funniest pack of penguins ever and a pair of primates with opposable thumbs, MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA is “great family fun” (WABC-TV).
Everyone’s favorite cat and mouse duo Tom and Jerry return to DVD in an all-new set of adventures on Tom and Jerry Tales Volume 6, which will be released by Warner Home Video (WHV) February 3, 2009. The sixth volume of the hit Kids’ WB TV series will feature 15 action-packed cartoons showcasing Tom and Jerry’s latest adventures.
In this volume of Tom and Jerry Tales, Tom and Jerry’s unending pursuit takes them around the world from Africa to Australia and on. The duo also learns some valuable lessons about history, including an episode where Tom inadvertently turns the Declaration of Independence into a paper airplane and an episode where Jerry has a role in the Wright Brothers first flight at Kitty Hawk. Tom and Jerry are also involved in a number of musical adventures that are anything but harmonious — Jerry sabotages Tom’s efforts to win a Flamenco dance contest and Tom tries to avert his girlfriend’s attention from Jerry by singing the blues. Three very cool episodes on this DVD are entirely devoted to the theme of snow and ice. The duo confronts each other on a frozen pond where Jerry wants to skate but Tom plans to play hockey. Tom and Jerry also engage in an all-out snowball battle and later on, find themselves face-to-face with the giant abominable snowmouse.
You can’t beat the original Tom and Jerry cartoons from Hanna-Barbera, but Tom and Jerry Tales does a good job of slapping a new coat of paint on the characters. These cartoons are chock full of cartoon violence, just like the originals. In an age of too much violence in the real world, it’s nice to know you can still smash, chop, and mutilate cartoon characters with impunity and in good fun!
There are no extras to speak of on the DVD except for a few previews of other WB properties coming to DVD, including A Pup Named Scooby-Doo – Season 1, Tom and Jerry Tales, Volume 5, and Pop Go the Wiggles.
This set of 15 episodes is a solid offering from WB Animation. They’re fun, cartoonishly violent, and keep the spirit of Tom and Jerry alive. Be sure to check it out at your local retailers or online. You can also find more information about Tom & Jerry Tales at KidsWb.com.
Disney+ has announced that an all-new episode of “The Simpsons” is now streaming exclusively on the streaming service. The full-length episode, titled “Yellow Planet,”...
