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Author Archives: Anne`
Bluray Review: It’s New! It’s Blu! It’s Incredible!
Disney’s superhero family comes to life for the first time on Blu-ray with the release of The Incredibles! Join Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack on a rip-roaring adventure in full 1080p High Definition. Watch them unite as a family to battle the evil Syndrome and make the world a safer place for humans and supers alike. Don’t forget to watch for your other favorite supers such as Frozone!
The quality of the Blu-ray is outstanding. Details are very crisp, and you can really see the painstaking level of artistry put into this film by Pixar. If you thought this movie was beautiful in the theater and on DVD, wait until you see it on Blu-ray! The audio master shines with 5.1 surround sound, giving you an immersive experience.
In this Blu-ray/DVD combo release, Disney and Pixar have done the movie justice. Though the DVD has been out for a while, the Blu-ray quality and extra value such as High Definition bonus features make this upgrade a must have for any Disney/Pixar film fan.
This release packs a punch with a ton of discs and bonuses! It includes a Blu-ray of the movie with bonus features, a DVD of the movie including bonus features, an extra Blu-ray full of bonus features and interactive content, and finally a Disney Digital Copy disc!
Some of the outstanding bonus features include the following:
- Pixar Short Film “Boundin’” – A cute little Pixar story about a sheep and a jack-a-lope and how life can be full of challenges, but you can always look on the bright side. Creator commentary is an option for this feature.
- “Jack-Jack Attack” Short Film – A short film sure to be appreciated by any new set of parents or babysitters. This film gives you a more in-depth look at Jack-Jack, his powers and the babysitter’s ordeal from the movie. There is also the option for watching this with commentary.
- Deleted Scenes
- Easter Eggs – Awesome, bite-sized clips that are sure to be fun (and funny) for the whole family.
- Paths to Pixar: Story Artists – An introspective look at the film provided by the creators of story-boards for your favorite Pixar films.
- In-Depth look at Ending Credits – A wonderful piece on how the ending credits were developed.
- Studio Stories: Gary’s Birthday – A cute little story about how the “studio family” came together when it comes to birthday celebrations. It shows a rare insight into the employees of Pixar.
- “The New Nomanisan” Island Redevelopment Plan – An interactive video and map of the evil Syndrome’s island. This bonus feature shows how the island has been redeveloped into a new resort destination! Join in the fun by selecting one of the many island amenities such as “The Shooting Gallery.” If you are a fan of the old “How-To” Goofy cartoons, this bonus feature will be right up your alley.
Details:
Format: Blu-ray (1080p), DVD
Release Date: April 12th, 2011
Discs: 4
Running Time: 115 minutes
Related articles
- Gnomeo & Juliet on DVD & Blu-ray May 24th! (chipandco.com)
- The Incredibles Makes Its Highly-Anticipated Blu-ray Debut On April 12th (chipandco.com)
DVD Review: Tales from Earthsea
Disney and Studio Ghibli are bringing Gorō Miyazaki’s epic film “Tales from Earthsea” to DVD on March 8, 2011. This story is based on the “Earthsea” fantasy book series by Ursula K. Le Guin.
This is the first film adaptation of any part of the the “Earthsea” series, as previously, the author denied requests from others to adapt her work to the big screen. Hayao Miyazaki received approval to create the anime version after winning an Oscar for “Spirited Away,” but he was engaged on another project at the time. Therefore, his son stepped in and took charge of bringing this masterpiece to life.
The film was originally released in Japan in 2006 and had a limited release in the United States in August 2010. Now in March 2011, US families will be able to bring the magic home to share with others and enjoy again and again.
This tale revolves around the world of Earthsea which is experiencing troublesome events and dark times due to an imbalance man has created in the world. In the world of Earthsea, magic is still alive and respected, but it’s focus on nature and the communion of man with all things in nature has been lost. We won’t tell you anymore because we don’t want to give it away, but basically, our heroes have to fight to regain the balance.
The striking visual style and sweeping orchestral soundtrack work in unison to provide an engaging experience for the viewer. It is as if you could feel the wind and smell the earth just as the characters do. It is truly a novel experience as many films leave you with a feeling of watching from a third party view rather than full immersion. And this film is not even in 3D!
To some the story may seem a little confusing, especially during the first half of the movie. This may also make it feel a little slow, but stick with it. As you get into the film, the history behind the characters is revealed and the meanings of strange happenings becomes evident. You will really get pulled in about halfway through the story.
Just a heads up for the parents out there. There are a few violent scenes in the movie depicting the chaos the imbalance has caused and during the climax towards the end. Based on this and the speed of the movie and complexity of the story, we would not recommend this for younger viewers. Older children and adults are more likely to enjoy this film and appreciate the dramatic storytelling.
The DVD also includes some bonus features including a way to further explore the lands of Earthsea by selecting the Enter the Lands option or to learn more about the origins of the film through the Behind the Studio option. And if you feel up to a challenge, test your expertise by taking the Studio Ghibli Trivia Challenge!
Overall, this is a great film and a wonderful addition to your Disney and Studio Ghibli film library. We will admit that the story and the scenery is beautiful, but at first the story really did not grab us. However, we stuck it and are so glad that we did. We were rewarded with a fantastic story and an incredible movie experience which further renewed our love of Studio Ghibli projects. Make sure to check this on out on March 8, 2011!
Related articles
- Coming to Bluray: Tales from Earthsea (chipandco.com)
- Review: Nausicaa’s return to the Valley of the Wind. (chipandco.com)
Review: Bambi on Bluray – The Rebirth of the Little Prince
On March 1, 2011, Disney’s classic story about the Little Prince and his woodland pals will be released on blu-ray for the first time ever. This new diamond edition combo pack will include both blu-ray and dvd versions of the movie. All of your old friends including Bambi, Thumper, Flower, Friend Owl, and a host of others are back to delight old and new audiences alike.
Disney has taken great care to digitally restore the original film providing the audience with a beautifully rendered picture of this classic from 1942. The forest scenes still convey a sense of hazy mystery allowing it to be both the background to this incredible story and to act as a central character. However, now the lines and stark contrasts in color are more perceptible than they have ever been. In many of the scenes, the clarity was so intense that you could actually detect the brush strokes used. While some would wonder if this is distracting, it actually lends a sense of authenticity and beauty to the overall film.
The blu-ray version of the film includes the classic dvd features as well as some awesome extra bonus features. You can start off the film with an introduction by Diane Disney Miller as she describes her father’s love of nature and passion for this film. You also get a sneak peek of The Walt Disney Family Museum (http://disney.go.com/disneyatoz/familymuseum/) in San Francisco, CA and some of the Bambi artwork the museum has on hand.
Just as we saw with the Alice In Wonderland restoration, audiences will have the opportunity to watch the film with the normal black bars to the side or in stunning Disney View. We are huge fans of this option as it adds a sense of completion to the screen and the panels change and adapt with the story as it progresses. In addition, this is the first blu-ray to bring you Disney’s Second Screen option. It will allow you to watch the blu-ray on an internet connected blu-ray player and interact with the movie on your laptop or iPad. It syncs your laptop or iPad with the movie and allows you control access to additional bonus features as the movie plays.
If you crave a little more history on the film including recreations of creative design and storyboard meetings, another option to watch the film includes the ”Inside Walt’s Story Meetings – Enhanced Edition.” This edition plays the movie with an interactive overlay of video and audio about the whole development process of the movie.
Bonus features also include two never-before-seen deleted scenes from the film. While they are not fully completed, they provide important background information to the story. Along with these rare gems is the forgotten song “Twitterpated.” This song would have come into play during the movie when Friend Owl is explaining how the Spring affects some folks and how the sudden appearance of a pretty face can have them all twitterpated and walking on air.
An interactive gallery is included on the blu-ray that allows you to view many of the sketches and artwork from the film. This gallery also includes ways to rate or “favorite” certain pieces of art. And your little ones will really enjoy “Disney’s Big Book of Knowledge Game” included on the disc. It teaches them about the seasons and the animals seen in the film. As they progress through the game, they will earn digital character stickers to play in their digital sticker book. This provides them with education and the classic fun of sticker books while providing parents less mess and items to store.
But the magic does not have to end once the blu-ray player stops. To celebrate the release of the film, Disney created the “Bambi Official Website” (http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/animatedfilms/bambi/) that has links to coupons, content about the movie, online games, and fun, family arts and crafts. We really like the Bambi and Thumper Cutie paper crafts under the Games & Activities heading. And the Flower cupcakes are pretty cute too! Not to mention the super cute Bambi’s Forest Friends game. Your little Disney fan will love this one. And as an extra bonus, they created a mobile site (Disney.com/Bambi) so that you take the Bambi fun on the go.
We are really excited about this new release and generally overjoyed at the new direction Disney has taken regarding movie releases. Disney continues to pack so much value into their combo pack releases. While other companies sell you just a copy of the blu-ray, Disney provides you with a blu-ray, a dvd, Second Screen, Disney View, and many other features for the same price. Then add into it that Disney provides coupons to help you upgrade your vhs or dvd library to the new format and you often come out saving $10 or more. For classic, quality, family entertainment, that is something you just cannot ignore. Overall, we love this version of Bambi and cannot wait to show it our little one for years to come.
~Reviewed by Anne’ and Jon Lowman of Chip & Co.
Related articles
- A Chat with Young Bambi, Donnie Dunagan (chipandco.com)
- Learn How To Draw Bambi & Thumper! (chipandco.com)
Re-mastering Wonderland
On February 1, 2011, Disney fans young and old will be able to delight in Walt Disney’s classic re-telling of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.” And just in case you’re thinking, “Hey, this already came out,” think again. This is Alice as you have never seen it before. The creative wizards at Disney have re-mastered the classic and presented the magic in stunning blu-ray. The classic story is just how you know and love it; however, the richness of the colors and the textures will blow you away and take you further into Alice’s world than you have ever been before.
In addition to the stunning presentation of the classic film, Disney has provided a variety of unique viewing options along with some rare animated gems and a fun family game. Not only can you choose to watch the movie the regular way, but Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland” on blu-ray provides you with the option to watch it in Disney View. For those of you who have ever been to the old style theaters such as the El Capitan Theater (http://elcapitan.go.com/) in Hollywood, CA, it is very reminiscent of that style. The film plays with beautifully detailed side bars as opposed to the standard black spaces seen on today’s larger screen televisions. In fact, we viewed the film both ways and really preferred Disney View to the standard option.
Another viewing mode is actually seen by accessing the “Through The Keyhole: A Companion’s Guide to Wonderland.” This version actually plays the movie on half of the screen while playing interviews, classic illustrations, and historic pictures on the other side. This mode is for the true history or Disney history buff or someone who just wants a new way to view an old classic. It provides intricate detail about Lewis Carroll and his story along with information about how Walt and his crew brought the film to the big screen. For example, did you know that in the original version of the movie, the author’s name is misspelled on the title screen? This is just one of the interesting little tidbits you will pick up from this viewing companion.
The combo pack includes a blu-ray copy and a dvd copy of the film. The features from the prior dvd release are still on the disc and they have included some footage from pencil tests and reference footage. Ever wonder what the real Alice looked like? Well, you will get to see and hear her on this version! And we cannot forget the Painting the Roses Red puzzle game that will delight the entire family. It is not just one of those random point and click games. This is actually a puzzle game where you must complete each level before you can unlock the subsequent level.
Finally, being fans of previews, we cannot forget the sneak peeks. On this disk you will get a glimpse at the (wait for it), new “Winnie the Pooh” movie. That’s right. We are not talking about a re-make or a side story. This is a whole new feature film about your favorite honey-hungry bear. Along with this tantalizing teaser are “Bambi” on blu-ray, “Dumbo” on blu-ray, “The Incredibles” on blu-ray, “Tangled,” and “Spooky Buddies.”
If you are looking to reminisce with an old classic or share a Disney classic with a new audience, you will not be disappointed with “Alice in Wonderland” on blu-ray.
Related articles
- Blu-ray Review: Alice In Wonderland (imaginerding.com)
- Alice in Wonderland is coming to Bluray Feb 2011! (chipandco.com)
Finally! A Comic for the Ladies…Or Fans of Classic Literature
I don’t know about all of you, but I have never really gotten into comic books. I think I liked them as a kid and may have had a few, but I was not really a collector or die hard fan. I also think I know the reason why. It’s not that I didn’t have a comic book shop in my town or that my parents refused to buy them. It was the fact that comic books did not really seem to be made for girls. I know some people may not agree, but go into a comic book shop and tell me how many females (young or old) you see inside. I am willing to bet that the majority of individuals you see will be male.
Now, this is not to say that girls that have an affinity for comics are strange. I am simply stating that traditionally, there has not been a mass market appeal to women. Occasionally you would get your Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast, etc., but these were really scarce offerings in a sea of superheroes. Not to mention, that the majority of female characters you saw on the covers of the comics, were usually buxom babes with very little clothing. That probably also scared away the female fan base as that really doesn’t do a lot for your ego.
So the other day I venture into the comic bookstore with my husband. I can sometimes find something that interests me, like the new Muppets comics, but normally I would not go in there on my own. On this particular trip, I started looking around while he was talking to the clerks. Lo and behold, a Marvel comic entitled, “Pride & Prejudice” captures my eye. Now anyone who is a fan of the classics, a great love story or that has been subjected to high school English has probably seen this title before. Being a fan of Jane Austen, I know the story well.
My first thought is confusion – Am I seeing this right? ”Pride & Prejudice” in a comic store?
Then I moved on to skepticism – Oh no. I really hope they did not mess with this epic love story. That would be such a tragedy! How would they fit all of this into a comic book any way?
I finally end on curiosity. I picked up a copy and began reading with trepidation – Hmmm. Not bad. It of course moves faster than the novel, but nothing major seems to be missing. The Bennets are all there and accounted for. Bingley and Netherfield are in existence. Maybe this won’t be awful.
So I decided to take the leap and purchase the series which consists of five comics that came out starting in April 2009. And that was all she wrote. I was hooked by the middle of the first comic. The author (Nancy Butler) utilized much of the original dialogue and the artist (Hugo Petrus) worked seamlessly with her to tell this classic story in a beautiful, graphic format. The pictures and emotion along with perfectly synced wording conveyed more emotion and feeling than you could imagine. It is an incredible feat to pull off a story of this complexity in so few (comparatively) pages.
I was so enthralled with it that I purchased the trade paperback to read in the future and the individual comics to preserve as collectibles.
Trade Paperback (front)
Trade Paperback (back)
Issue #1
Issue #2
Issue #3
Issue #4
Issue #5
The comic and the way it conveyed the story was fantastic. It not only gave me a greater appreciation for the medium, but it gave me hope that maybe this is the start of things to come. More options for women to enjoy in the comic book realm. I don’t expect a rush of material overnight, but it is refreshing to see some change. If you are a fan of a good love story, literary classics or a woman looking for a good comic, check this series out. Elizabeth and Darcy won’t fail to entertain you and neither will Marvel.