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.

Click above to buy the DVD NOW!

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Fall in love with Oliver & Company’s adorable gang of animal outcasts all over again on February 3, 2009 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Disney’s 27th full-length
animated film celebrates its 20th anniversary in a special edition DVD with enough fun and laughter for the whole family. Brilliant animation, a fantastic soundtrack and the amazing voice talents of Billy Joel, Bette Midler, and Huey Lewis, put Oliver & Company on track to win the hearts of a whole new generation. The 20th Anniversary Edition comes with animated shorts, behind–the-scenes featurettes and an all-new game that the parents and kids will love to play together.

Inspired by the classic Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist, the film boasts a lovable cast of characters and five infectious original songs from top-tier contemporary talents including Billy Joel, Bette Midler, Huey Lewis and Barry Manilow. Oliver & Company: 20th Anniversary Edition is filled with hilarious animal antics and high-energy adventures as one clever kitten leads a pack of resourceful pups against a would-be kidnapper! This timeless classic lights up the screen with a story of courage and heart, friendship and loyalty and a songbook filled with unforgettable tunes.

Disney presents an unforgettable musical adventure as Oliver, an adorable stray kitten (voiced by Joey Lawrence), takes Manhattan by storm! When Dodger (Billy Joel), a street-smart mutt with a weakness for mischief, befriends the homeless tabby, he introduces his new pal to his pack of pickpocket pooches, run by the nefarious Sykes (Robert Loggia). Just as Oliver is about to begin a life of crime, he is rescued by a rich girl named Jenny, who takes him home to live in luxury with her and her spoiled poodle Georgette (Bette Midler). But when Sykes finds out about Oliver’s new benefactor, he hatches a plot to abscond with the little girl and hold her for ransom. The courageous kitty and his newfound friends must race to the rescue in an electrifying chase through the city’s labyrinthine subway system in order to bring Jenny home. Brimming with music, humor and adventure, Oliver & Company is sure to delight the entire family.

BONUS FEATURES
Games & Activities
• All-New Game

Backstage Disney
• The Making of Oliver & Company
• Puss Café – A delightful animated short starring Disney favorite Pluto and friends
• The History of Animals in Disney Films – A Disney animated featurette
• Return of a Classic – A look at the 1996 theatrical re-release of Oliver & Company

Bonus Short
• Lend a Paw— Pluto rescues a kitten and saves the day in an Academy Award® (1941 Short
Subject -Cartoon) winning animated short.

Strap yourself in as RocknRolla arrives on Blu-ray and DVD January 27 from Warner Home Video. This action film takes a dangerous ride into high crime and low life in contemporary London, where real estate has supplanted drugs as the biggest market, and criminals are its most enthusiastic entrepreneurs.

When a wealthy foreign mobster moves into London gangster Lenny Cole’s (Tom Wilkinson) turf, a small-timer (Gerard Butler) and his crew think they can play both sides and become big time. Add a hard-as-ice accountant (Thandie Newton), a rocker playing dead to boost sales, wannabe music moguls (Jeremy Piven and Chris Bridges), a missing painting and a mosh of money and muscle, and you’ve got a real RocknRolla.

From Director Guy Ritchie (Snatch,Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), RocknRolla features an all-star cast including Gerard Butler (300, P.S. I Love You), Thandie Newton (Crash, The Pursuit of Happyness), Academy Award™ nominee Tom Wilkinson (Michael Clayton, Batman Begins) and Emmy Award™ Winner Jeremy Piven (HBO’s Entourage, Old School).

“I own this town.” But owning is getting expensive for old-school London gangster Lenny Cole (Tom Wilkinson). A wealthier foreign mob is moving in with a riverfront property swindle. A small-timer (Gerard Butler) and his crew think they can play both sides and become big time. Now add a hard-as-ice accountant (Thandie Newton), a rocker playing dead to boost sales, wannabe music moguls (Jeremy Piven and Chris Bridges), a missing painting and a mad mosh of money and muscle, and you’ve got a real RocknRolla.

RocknRolla contains the following special features:

2 Disc Digital Copy Special Edition Special Features

1. Commentary by Guy Ritchie and Mark Strong
2. Guy’s Town: Guy Ritchie shapes a crime saga around London’s evolving landscape
3. Digital Copy

BD Special Features

1. Commentary by Guy Ritchie and Mark Strong
2. Guy’s Town: Guy Ritchie shapes a crime saga around London’s evolving landscape
3. Blokes, Birds and Backhanders: Explore the world of RocknRolla
4. Digital Copy

Available for purchase NOW! (click logo below to Buy it):

Dazzling animation, groundbreaking special effects and award-winning music earned Mary Poppins five Academy Awards®, including Best Actress and Best Song. The new two-disc DVD features hours of captivating bonus material, including the all-new “Mary Poppins: From Page to Stage”, a fascinating feature that takes audiences backstage for an exclusive look at the making of the Tony Award winning musical, and “Step in Time,” a never-before-filmed musical number performed by the original Broadway cast—also downloadable as an MP3 audio file. Bonus materials also include the ultimate “behind-the-scenes” movie documentary and reminiscences of the film’s stars and legendary composer Richard Sherman.

With its revolutionary blend of live action and pioneering Disney animation, Mary Poppins became an instant hit and was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar®. The film stars the incomparable Dame Julie Andrews, who won the 1965 Best Actress Academy Award for her film debut, and Dick Van Dyke as Bert, the dancing chimney sweep.

Songwriting brothers Richard and Robert Sherman (Bed Knobs and Broomsticks, The Jungle Book, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) received Oscars for Best Song (“Chim Chim Cher-ee”), and Best Score, which includes such unforgettable numbers as “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Sister Suffragette,” “The Life I Lead,” “The Perfect Nanny,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Jolly Holiday,” “Stay Awake,” “I Love To Laugh,” “Feed the Birds,” “The Fidelity Fiduciary Bank,” “Step in Time” and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite.”

Based on the popular children’s stories by P.L. Travers, Mary Poppins has won the hearts of generations of kids and their parents with its enchanting tale of a magical nanny who changes the lives of two rowdy but neglected kids with determination, discipline and “Just a Spoonful of Sugar.” Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) takes Jane and Michael Banks (Karen Dotrice and Matthew Garber) on magical, musical outings including a play date with adorable animated penguins, a race through the country side on merry-go-round horses and a trip across the rooftops of London on a stairway made of smoke—and always gets them home in time for dinner! With her foolproof mixture of good manners and unpredictable fun, Mary not only introduces order to the chaotic Banks household, but brings the whole family together in the process.

BONUS FEATURES

Backstage Disney
Disney on Broadway

• Mary Poppins from Page to Stage —First a beloved children’s book, then a classic movie and now a smash hit Broadway musical! Fans can follow the story of Mary Poppins from page to stage as the creative team and cast prepare to take the long running show on tour.

• Step in Time—The Broadway cast of Mary Poppins performs the never-before-filmed
number “Step in Time” from the show.

• Step in Time – A downloadable MP3 featuring the Broadway cast of Mary Poppins singing “Step in Time,” featuring Ashley Brown as Mary Poppins and Gavin Lee as Bert.
• Video Intro By Scenic & Costume Designer, Bob Crowley

• Bob Crowley’s Design Galleries—Concept art, costume designs, set designs and set
models for the Broadway musical

• Audio Commentary—Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Karen Dotrice and Richard Sherman recall the making of Mary Poppins.

• Poppins Pop-Up Fun Facts—Select this option and fun-filled facts about the creation of this classic film pop up during viewing.

• Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious: The Making of Mary Poppins—The definitive behind-the- scenes look at how this unique and beloved film came into being.

• Movie Magic—A look at the special effect techniques used to bring the magical world of
Mary Poppins to life.

• The Gala World Premiere—Footage from the Red Carpet.

• Dick Van Dyke Make-Up Test

• Trailers, Ads and More from the Original Release and Reissue of the Film

• Mary Poppins Still Art Galleries

Music & More

• Disney’s Song Selection—The whole family can sing along to “A Spoonful of Sugar,”
“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and any of the film’s other memorable songs as the lyrics pop up on screen. Each song can be selected separately or while watching the film.

• Magical Musical Reunion—Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke and songwriter Richard Sherman eminisce about making Mary Poppins and the music that makes it so special.

• A Musical Journey with Richard Sherman —A delightful magical journey through some of the film’s locations with co-composer Richard Sherman, who reveals surprising secrets about the music of Mary Poppins along the way.

Bonus Short
• The Cat That Looked at a King—Live action and animation bring a chapter of P.L. Travers’ Mary Poppins Opens the Door to life! Julie Andrews takes viewers into a magical animated world created in the style of the whimsical chalk drawings in Mary Poppins.

Deleted Song
• “Chimpanzoo”—A reconstruction of a song that did not appear in the movie using original storyboard and concept art, accompanied by a new rendition of the song performed by co- composer Richard Sherman.

THE TRUMAN SHOW

Almost predicting the rise of reality television, this movie by director Peter Weir is about the highly public life of Truman Burbank. The world watched his birth, his school days, his wedding…and yet Truman doesn’t know. He thinks this highly elaborate TV soundstage that recreates the fictional island of Seahaven is his life. Though a problem arises when Truman overhears a crew member’s radio signal that is clearly dictating his every move. Every attempt to explore has a much too logical explanation. He begins to question everything he’s known, since he’s only seen the world through TV (he has a fear of water and lives on an island, so he isn’t going anywhere). This film offered the first outstanding dramatic performance from Jim Carrey, who was only known up to this point for his rubber face in movies like The Mask. He was able to create a vulnerable character here that put his skills on display. This innovative story had a lot to say about our perception of reality being heavily influenced by what the media feeds us. It also points a finger at the media and questions how far they ethically should go for the next ad dollar. The film has great picture detail on Blu Ray and a featurette on the special effects of the film along with some deleted scenes.

GHOST
Ghost was a blockbuster in the 90s. It earned Whoopi Goldberg an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and brought girls to the theater so see this love tale between Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. Their relationship ends quickly when Sam (Patrick Swayze) is killed during a robbery. Rejecting the light, he opts to stick around on earth as a ghost. While researching his own death, he realizes that the robbery was part of a larger scheme. His efforts to solve the crime and protect Molly are difficult since he can’t seem to communicate. Fortunately, he finally communicates with a con artist spiritual advisor (Whoopi Goldberg) who is surprised that a spirit is actually speaking to her. While the ghostly element makes this an interesting murder mystery, it is the chemistry between Swayze and Moore (especially the famous pottery scene) that captured audiences. The Blu Ray contains similar features found in previous releases, including an audio commentary by director Jerry Zucker and writer Bruce Joel Rubin, as well as “The Making of a Classic” that interviews the cast for a retrospective take on the film, and “Alchemy of a Love Scene” that attempts to diagnose why that scene has become so iconic. The transfer to Blu Ray looks good for a film that’s 20 years old.

DAYS OF THUNDER

This film is a near imitation of Top Gun, with the fighter planes being replaced with race cars. It is also made by the same filmmaking team of director Tony Scott, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and star Tom Cruise. The eerily familiar plot is about Cole Trickle, a cocky race car driver who dreams about NASCAR fame, but has little experience. He shows great instinct, but has a distaste for the rules. His behavior improves as he is taken under the wing of a top mechanic (played by Robert Duvall). There is also a feisty love interest (this film is where he first met Nicole Kidman) and a big finale full of car crashes. If you already saw Top Gun and aren’t a racing fanatic, than you can probably skip Days of Thunder because it’s basically the same film. Also, the Blu Ray transfer is spotty with some sections have a clean transfer and other sections having lots of grain and artifacts. The only special feature is the film’s theatrical trailer, but you can just watch Top Gun’s trailer and see the same thing.

American Teen takes the reality-TV craze to the big screen. Director Nanette Burstein premise was that all the oddball teen comedies and dramas we’ve grown up watching (like Breakfast Club or Animal House) are based on some shared reality that all high school student face. After searching a number of towns, she settled on a small town in Indiana and followed five students around every day for their whole senior year. The film invites us to enter the lives of these strangers, people we probably wouldn’t normally meet or care about, to see how their experience is similar or different from our own.

Surprisingly (or maybe not), the lives of these students reflect the same type of stereotyped characters we’ve seen in cinema for years. There is Colin Clemens, the jock, who is the star of the town’s basketball team and is relying on a basketball scholarship to avoid his only alternative—the army. We also meet Megan Krizmanich, the popular girl who is wealthy, beautiful, and feeling lots of family pressure to get accepted to Notre Dame where her father and siblings went for college. There is also Hannah Bailey, the artsy girl who is a beautiful misfit with her liberal atheist views in this conservative Christian town. She dreams of moving to San Francisco to study film, but first she needs to not get expelled from school. There is Mitch Reinholt, the school heartthrob who is interested in Hannah, but worries about how she will click with his group of friends. Finally, there is Jake Tusing, the shy loner with a greasy face who is socially awkward with everyone, not just girls.

Since every day of their senior year was filmed, one can only imagine how difficult is must have been for the director to make choices on what to keep and lose (though lots of deleted scenes exist on the DVD). The heavily edited narrative does a good job keeping the story interesting with the constant drama of high school relationships and pressures, but we also unfortunately fail to learn anything new about today’s generation of youth.