It’s not very often that I saw “Awww” when I watch a movie, but Disney’s Geek Charming, released on February 7th, definitely got a few “awwws” out of this viewer. Disney, who has been on quite a roll with its tween-focused movies in the past few years, has struck gold yet again with a high school movie that most of us can relate to in some way.

Dylan Schoenfield (played by Sarah Hyland of Modern Family) is the popular girl who everybody loves to hate. She treats her friends badly and the rest of the school, which buzzes around her, are barely noticed. She’s a spoiled shop-o-holic who appears to have it all, but early into the movie viewers become aware that Dylan’s life is not as perfect as it appears. After her mother passes away, Dylan’s busy and wealthy father does his best to replace “time” with “things”, turning dear daughter into a bit of a spoiled brat. We realize when she returns from a shopping spree, that Dylan is desperately lonely and misses having her mother and a family in her life.

Dylan has a singular focus, to win her campaign for high school Blossom Queen against her long-time rival “popular”. It appears to the viewers and her fellow students that her desire to win is about putting the final stamp of “most popular” on her high school career, but her co-star Josh (played by Matt Prokop) helps all of us discover there is more to Dylan than what meets the eye.

Josh is, for all intents and purposes, one the film “geeks”  in the school who is not allowed to cross paths with the “popular”s due to clique lines which we all know are drawn in high schools world-wide. He’s out to win a film competition, and after falling flat with his original ideas he decides that making an expose about popularity has real potential. One day their two’s paths cross when Dylan accidentally drops her expensive handbag into the mall fountain and Josh becomes the hero of the day by going into the water and saving the bag.

A deal is struck between the two of them which both see as advantageous. Josh will be allowed to film a documentary on Dylan to allow him to potentially win the film festival and Dylan believes a film centered around her will help her campaign for Blossom Queen. Of course, filming a documentary requires spending a great deal of time together and as “Geek Charming” chips away at his Dylan’s facade he discovers a delightful young woman who misses her mother very much.

I could tell you the rest, but then you would miss out on movie which is a must-have for your collection as you will want to watch it again and again. You will not be disappointed with this excellent film.

The 2 Disc DVD Combo Pack gives you twice the fun in one purchase.

The first DVD contains the movie. The disc menu allows you to play the film from the beginning, select specific scenes, set up your DVD to show subtitles, catch a few sneak-peeks, and *SQUEAL* has 4 special Episodes of Shake It Up, the hit Disney television series!

And, there’s more! The second bonus disc comes equipped  with SIX MORE SHAKE IT UP Episodes (cleverly named Beam It Up, Doctor It Up, Throw It Up, Twist It Up, Match It Up, and Age It Up). The two discs combine to make up more than 5 hours of content!

This combo of adorable heart-warming movie and Shake It Up bonus episodes makes it a GREAT Valentines gift for the young lady in your life. This Disney Diva highly recommends it!

Related articles

• Geek Charming coming to DVD Feb. 7, 2012 (chipandco.com)
• Walt Disney Studios DVD & Bluray Releases for Early 2012 (chipandco.com)

Chip and Co & Episodes & Reels is giving away some Free Money this week! With Valentines Day coming next week we thought it might be nice to giveaway some Disney Cash to use on your next Disney Vacation or Shopping Spree.

So our good friends at Episodes & Reels just shared with us The Top 10 Animated Disney Movies a few days ago! Where did your favorite Disney Movie place on their list? I was sad Wall-e didn’t make it as that was my favorite animated Disney Movie! What’s yours?

To enter just use the Rafflecopter form below. Try to do everything on the checklist. You can tweet and share this post on your Facebook wall as many times as you like! The more you share the more entries you receive!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest ends on 12:01am on Saturday February 11th. I will pick a winner that morning and notify them via Rafflecopter that they won. The winner has 24 hours to respond or I will pick another.

Related articles

• Join the Chip and Co Rewards Program and Win Free Giftcards! (chipandco.com)
• Passporter’s 2012 Walt Disney World Guidebook Giveaway (chipandco.com)

In the last of my iPad reviews, today I’m taking a look at Disney Princesses: A Royal Christmas, which is available at the iTunes store at a cost of $4.99, and is available for both iPhone and iPad devices.

A Royal Christmas is a really good app to have in your library.  Like the other apps from Disney Publishing Worldwide Applications, this one is designed to help younger readers develop their reading skills in a fun, interactive way.  The nice thing about this app is that it contains three separate stories, one each involving Cinderella, Ariel, and Tiana!

Each of the stories, of course, is about the holidays, but they are uniquely different, and quite enjoyable in their own ways.  Sophie looked at it with me, and the first one that she wanted to look at was Princess Tiana — it was really well done, and this is one of the few apps I’ve seen that has featured Tiana and the Princess and the Frog characters, so I was excited to see it.

As you can see, there are several layers to this app.  You can follow along, you can read and explore, and you can play games.  All of the options are neat, and ones that your child will really enjoy.  Here are some of the beautiful shots that I captured from the Tiana story.

Out on the bayou

Tiana and Charlotte -- is that Papa Noel in the back there?

I love the dimension in this picture.

These shots are just some of the really incredible details that the folks at Disney Worldwide Publishing Applications have put into their work.  It is truly an incredible app for your iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch, and well worth the $4.99 cost.

Related articles

• New iPad App: Disney Princess – A Royal Christmas (chipandco.com)

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: I ♥ Minnie

A new home video from Walt Disney Studios releases this Tuesday, February 7, 2012. Featuring five fun-filled episodes and one special bonus feature that underline the themes of friendship, teamwork, sharing and problem solving, MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE: I ♥ MINNIE was a sure hit with my little girl and is bound to become a favorite in your home too.

• Mickey Mouse and his Clubhouse friends are planning a surprise party for Minnie’s Birthday. My daughter was truly worried they wouldn’t be able to keep Minnie occupied while they got ready. She worried along with Minnie too, who thought her friends had forgotten her special day, but a happy ending brought a smile back to her face.
• When Daisy discovers her shoe is broken, the Clubhouse friends get creative. My daughter felt like she was really helping with her suggestions on how to fix it, and she had a great time learning the steps to Daisy’s Dance.
• The Pet Parade is almost here, and everyone has a pet to pamper except Daisy. My daughter, who recently got her very own puppy, absolutely loved this episode, because Daisy ends up keeping not just one but three adorable critters for Daisy’s Pet Project.
• Minnie and her friends follow the colorful rainbow that has appeared over the clubhouse and encounter a mischievous leprechaun along the way. At first, my daughter was irritated by the leprechaun, because he kept thwarting their plans, but in the end she and the Clubhouse gang were pleasantly surprised by the special treasure waiting at the end of Minnie’s Rainbow.
• The flower festival is fast approaching, but Minnie’s and Daisy’s flowers won’t bloom. My daughter wanted to run to the store and buy them a bouquet! But in this all new, never-before-seen episode, the two friends are able to coax the clouds to rain on Minnie & Daisy’s Flower Shower. 

The bonus episode makes it personal. You’re Invited to Minnie’s Birthday Party  lets your children join the celebration. My daughter really enjoyed using Toodles’ Mouseketools to RSVP to the invitation, choose the perfect gift for Minnie and decorate a party hat. She made a pink hat with lots of colorful polka dots and oodles of sparkly glitter. She thought Minnie would approve and wished Minnie could see her through the television. The episode ties in to Minnie’s Birthday, wishing the Guest of Honor special birthday wishes.

We were excited to see the bonus sneak peeks at the upcoming Disney Studios All Access offers, Lady and the Tramp and Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure DVD/Blu-ray releases, Lion King 1-1/2 and Lion King 2 combo pack DVD release, and Cinderella DVD/Blu-ray diamond edition, as well as a look at some brand new features that are in the works: Brave (coming to theaters Summer 2012 from Disney-Pixar), Planes (coming to theaters Spring 2013 from Disney-Pixar), and Tinker Bell Secret of the Wings (coming soon to DVD). A Digital Copy is also included for computer download, so we can watch our favorite episodes on the go, but my daughter was most excited about the two complimentary Best Friend necklaces that are packaged with MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE: I ♥ MINNIE, providing a keepsake memento to share with her BFF. 

Don’t let the party start without you!

For more information on MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE: I ♥ MINNIE, see press release.

Sometimes the sound of the mail slot makes me cringe…it’s normally bills or junk mail. But when I hear a package go into the door it’s sheer excitement, especially when I know it’s my 2012 Walt Disney World PassPorter Guidebook!

The folks over at PasspPorter press have done it again with the must have guidebook for all of your Walt Disney World needs. Yes, there are other guidebooks and “official guides” for Disney World but I assure you, I’ve read all of them and none are nearly as good, or as user-friendly as PassPorter.

This spiral bound guide is printed in color and boasts “350+ pages of advice, maps, photos of resorts, restaurants and theme parks plus our famous organizer pockets”.

If you are looking for a hoity-toity, fancy-schmancy guidebook that looks impressive on a bookshelf but is of absolutely no use at all, get one of those “other” guide books. If you want the most complete, up to date, user-friendly trip planning and reference guide, then you want the PassPorter. That was a mouthful, but it’s not nearly enough adjectives to describe the magic of PassPorter.

If you’ve never experienced a PassPorter guidebook here is what you’re missing.
Honest opinions: the missing “official guidebook” stamp means that these are people just like us; they are Disney travelers. They can give an honest opinion about what they see and experience instead of giving you the “real estate” review : “quaint accommodations in a charming atmosphere”,when it should really read “rooms so small you can’t express an emotion and don’t look outside”.

• Travel equals: These folks travel just like you and I. They don’t squeak in on VIP treatment, free passes etc. They stay in the rooms we stay in and hunt for the same deals that will benefit you and I. They gather information from their own experiences and from fellow travelers in the PassPorter Community.

• Beyond a guidebook: This is more than a guidebook, this is a planning guide. The planning doesn’t start when you want to book your vacation, it starts far before. It starts at the conception of your vacation thought and encourages you to immerse yourself in the Disney experience prior to your vacation. Participating in forums, learning from other travelers, ordering vacation planning video’s. etc. are all a part of the planning process and PassPorter will show you how to do it all. The book is designed to be personalized with spots to make notes, interactive planning pages you can access online, and “Passpockets”-the one page folder that holds all of your day-to-day details (confirmation numbers, notes, tips, etc.) and also serves as a folder to store your receipts.

• Worksheets: There are budget worksheets, planning worksheets, transportation worksheets, lodging worksheets, packing lists and more. These folks know what you need to plan, even if you don’t!

• All inclusive information: The PassPorter breaks down into eight main categories: planning, getting there, staying in style, touring, feasting, making magic, index, notes and more. You’ll find everything you need to know within these categories. For example, the “staying in style” section outlines each resort and includes the following: ambiance, resort layout and rooms, eating and drinking, playing and relaxing, getting about, tips, notes and ratings. Then there’s the mini resort maps (in color of course!), best locations, rates and info. Whew. I’m exhausted and that’s just one category!

Passporter is your one stop shop for any question you may ever have about Disney World and is great to keep on hand for reference; even for us veterans! I know what you’re thinking, “why should I invest in this guidebook when things are constantly changing?” Well, the folks at PassPorter have already thought about that! Their books are being updated in real-time with PassPorter articles on their website, questions and answers in their forums and the free book updates you can get online.

You can find me on Passporter Boards, if you book your vacation with me and mention Passporter I’ll give you a $25 Disney gift card to spend on your trip!

Michele@PixieVacations.com for your free quote! Don’t forget that all of my services as your Authorized Disney Travel Planner are FREE!

Related articles

• Passporter’s 2012 Walt Disney World Guidebook Giveaway (chipandco.com)
• Visiting Disneyland – What to expect from a Disney World point of view (chipandco.com)

In the next series of iPad apps that I’m reviewing, today I’m going to share with you my impressions of Disney Publishing Worldwide Applications app “Toy Story Showtime“, which is available for $4.99 at the iTunes Store.  Similar to Pooh’s Birthday Surprise, which I recently reviewed, the Toy Story app is an interactive storybook app, designed to help early readers develop some good reading skills while having fun at the same time!  The plot behind the story revolves around all of your favorite Toy Story characters, who are excited because Dolly declares that they should put on a Talent Show!  This excites everyone — except Buzz — who tries to think of all sorts of ways that he can impress Jessie.

What will Buzz do for the talent show?

In the scene above, a spotlight shines, and your child (or you, if you prefer) can move the spotlight around to the other characters, and when it lands on them, you’ll see what they are practicing for the show!

Look at Woody and Bullseye go!

As Buzz checks out what all the others are doing, and comes up with ideas similar to what they are doing (but with him in the scene instead of them), the talent show time gets closer and closer.  Finally, the time has arrived! However, as soon as the music is turned on, a funny thing starts to happen to Buzz.  He starts to dance!

Fortunately for Buzz, Jessie is there to encourage him, and he relaxes and starts dancing to the music!

Buzz takes a bow!

Being interactive, there are several scenes where you can do things with the characters in the book.  Anytime you see golden circles by a character, as illustrated in the image below, you can tap on one of the characters, and they will do a special move.

Touch the circles to see a special action take place.

At the end of the story, you are given a chance to play some special games.  In one of the games, you are told what move Buzz needs to make, and you tap the appropriate move on the screen, as you can see below in this screen shot.

Can you match up the correct dance move for Buzz?

In this next game, you are able to pick moves that you want to see Buzz perform, and then at the end, you press the play button to make Buzz perform your dance steps!

What Dance is Buzz going to perform for Jessie -- you pick the moves!

As with Pooh’s Birthday Surprise, this interactive storybook is for a younger reader, but it should provide plenty of interactive fun for them!

Related articles

• It’s Toy Story Showtime! New Disney Storybook App (chipandco.com)

Episodes & Reels is delivering our monthly Top 10 List a little differently this time around.  We have posted one entry in the countdown each night from Jan 23 – Feb 3 on Chip and Co and now it’s time to finally reveal #1!  Here is our choice for the #1 animated Disney film of all-time:

Toy Story, 1995

#1 -  TOY STORY (1995)
Stars: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen
Director: John Lasseter
Rating: G

To put it simply – this one changed the animation game forever.  Disney/Pixar now has 12 feature films on their resume, with 2 more on the horizon (Brave and Monsters University).  With each of their releases, Pixar seems to elevate the digital animation bar even higher constantly topping themselves (and everyone else in the industry).  Much like our #3 entry (Snow White) changed the traditional hand-drawn, brush-stroked animation forever thrusting us into over 75 years of wonderful cartoons and animated films, Toy Story has done the same with digital or computer-generated animation.  As I already mentioned on this list, I had to limit myself from including more than 3 Pixar films, because if not they would have dominated this countdown.  I would say that at least 5 or 6 of their productions could’ve easily made my top 10 animated films of all-time – they are just that innovative and simply put, good.  Not only is Toy Story a trendsetter and mentor to anything that exists in digital animation today, but it is also a family friendly story of friendship that can easily be enjoyed by any generation.  As a kid, who didn’t talk to their dolls or toys, even if just to have a simple tea-party?  Well, what if those toys came to life at night or when we were gone?  I’m sure every child’s imagination has run in that direction, and with Toy Story we saw it come to life like never before.  With celebrity voices like Tim Allen (Buzz) and the legendary Tom Hanks (Woody) on board, as well as two sequels that are just as good (some may say even better) as the original, this animated giant is destined to remain one of the greatest animated franchises ever created.

We hope you enjoyed our Top 10 Countdown of Disney’s best movies.  Need a re-cap?  Just click HERE to view the entire Top 10 List at Episodes & Reels, and if you’re up for it “Like” us on facebook.

Watch the TOY STORY Trailer

On the back cover of the new Diamond edition Blu Ray you will find a quote from a Time magazine reviewer, “A winner that delights every new generation of children.”  Not only does Richard Corliss have it right, but I have yet to meet anyone that doesn’t like this movie young and old alike.  There is something magical about this movie even before it was remastered for the HD edition.

There are 2 different editions of this new Diamond Edition Lady & the Tramp, the 2 disc combo pack which comes with Blu Ray and DVD and the 3 disc edition that comes additionally with a digital copy of the film.

Let me start by saying this film looks stunning and sounds sensational.  Who would have ever thought that a movie almost 50 years old could have been remastered to look so magnificent.  You will have trouble seeing or hearing a single flaw, as Disney magic shines right into your living room.

As if the quality of this classic film weren’t enough there are tons of bonus features! It has a Disney Second Screen option with iPad and laptops as well as an optional introduction from Diane Disney Miller and audio commentary.  Additionally there is a really great featurette called “Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad” which you can watch on the DVD or Blu Ray and is a must for Walt Disney fans.  This focuses on Walt’s apartment over the Disneyland firehouse and Diane’s memories from when her father was working on this film.  The Blu Ray & DVD also both feature a children’s feature that is called PuppyPedia and helps identify the breeds found in the film.

The Blu Ray additionally has three deleted scenes (played out through storyboard), a never-before-heard song written during the original creation of the film called “I’m Free as a Breeze”. And as if these aren’t enough to have you spending hours watching this movie, there are additional featurettes about the making of Lady & the Tramp (specifically focusing on Lady and then Siamese Cats).

As if being an amazing copy of a classic film, have discs filled with special features and viewing options weren’t enough there are also lots of Sneak Peaks including the sequel’s upcoming Blu Ray release and other titles from the Walt Disney family of companies.

Related articles

• Lady and the Tramp: Diamond Edition on Blu-ray & DVD February 7, 2012 (chipandco.com)

Episodes & Reels is delivering our monthly Top 10 List a little differently this time around.  We will post one entry in the countdown each night from Jan 23 – Feb 3 on Chip and Co until we finally reveal #1!  Now back to the countdown with our runner-up, the #2 animated Disney film of all-time:

Beauty and the Beast, 1991

#2 -  BEAUTY & THE BEAST (1991)
Stars: Paige O’Hara, Robby Benson
Directors: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
Rating: G

As far as the “Princess” storyline goes, Beauty and the Beast may be the all-time best.  Belle is a beautiful, yet simple girl who never really dreamt of becoming a Princess, but rather of falling in love.  Of course, it helps when the person that you fall in love with has a brutal curse that can only be lifted by love, thus turning him back to a Prince.  Disney’s reimagining of this classic French fairy tale from the 1700s is timeless.  It features some of their most memorable characters, which not only include Belle and the Beast, but also the Beast’s servants around the castle that have been turned into furniture and trinkets – Lumiere (the candlestick), Cogsworth (the clock), Mrs. Potts (the teapot) and Chip (the teacup) just to name a few.  We also get one of the most conceited and often hilarious bad-guys in Disney’s sinister depot of villainous characters, Gaston.  The music in this one is just as much of a star as any of these characters.  Who can forget the title track “Beauty and the Beast” sung by “Murder She Wrote” star, Angela Lansbury (voice of Mrs. Potts), or “Be Our Guest,” which has become one of Disney’s most recognizable ensemble numbers, often used in advertisements for visiting their theme-parks.  Beauty and the Beast has just been released in theatres again, this time in 3D, so the timing has never been better to re-live this classic or to be introduced to it for the first time.

Watch the 3-D Verison’s Trailer

Come back tomorrow night when we finally reveal our #1 Disney movie of all-time, and check us out on facebook.

The folks at Disney Publishing Worldwide Apps have released several iPad apps, and today I’m going to review for you Pooh’s Birthday Surprise.  This app is for younger children, and the app itself is available at the iTunes store for both the iPad and the iPhone (or newer generations of the iPod Touch), and costs $4.99.

In the story, the narrator helps to guide you along in the story of Winnie the Pooh’s birthday, and the surprise party that his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood are planning for Pooh.  As you can see from the scenes I’ve captured, there is quite a bit to do to get ready for the party!

Tigger and Rabbit working together?

As you can see from the outline of the cupcake, this is one scene where your children can interact with the scene.  In this case, Tigger ate a cupcake (big surprise), so you have to match the correct sized cupcake with the rest of the cupcakes.

As for Piglet, he is helping Christopher Robin to wrap a present for Pooh.  Based on the shape of the present, can you tell me what object it might be?

They are wrapping a special present for Pooh. What do you think it is?

As for Roo, he has a big job to do as well — he needs to make the party hats!

Which color hat will come next in the pattern?

As you can see, there is a pattern that needs to be completed.  Can you tell me what color hat will come next (look for the dotted line to indicate where the hat needs to go.)

Eeyore has perhaps the hardest job!  It’s his job to get the balloons.  I do not like balloons, so I wouldn’t want this job at all!  Look at the trouble Eeyore had with them!

Are those balloons caught on Eeyore's tail?

Yep, the balloons have caught Eeyore!

Even Owl has a job to do — he needs to make a Birthday Card for Pooh!

As you can see, everyone works together to give Pooh a happy surprise birthday party!

As you can tell, this app is for a younger aged child, but it’s a good app, and one that your young child will enjoy.  There isn’t as much interaction as with the Beauty and the Beast app that I reviewed recently, but it is a nice app, and worth the price in my opinion.

Episodes & Reels is delivering our monthly Top 10 List a little differently this time around.  We will post one entry in the countdown each night from Jan 23 – Feb 3 on Chip and Co until we finally reveal #1!  Now back to the countdown with our #3 animated Disney film of all-time:

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, 1937

#3 – SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937)
Stars: Adriana Caselotti, Harry Stockwell
Directors: William Cottrell, David Hand
Rating: G

Well, what do you know, another film from the pages of the Brothers Grimm’s storybooks.  In 1937, this became Walt Disney’s first ever full-length, theatrical animated feature film, so in a way, it’s the one that started it all.  This year (2012) will give us two live adaptations of the classic Snow White tale – Mirror Mirror (starring Julia Roberts) and Snow White & the Huntsman (starring Charlize Theron).  I am extremely excited to see both (you can click here to see our breakdown and preview of both those releases).  Snow White’s story is also the pivotal plot-point on the new ABC fantasy series, “Once Upon a Time.”  I think it’s safe to say that her classic story may be the most well-known, and definitely the most often duplicated, in all of Disney’s arsenal.  This is a movie that basically created the “Evil Queen” stigma that would show up in countless others that followed.  Also, thanks to Snow White, none of us can ever look at a mirror or a red apple the same way ever again.  If you are lucky enough to own this one on DVD or blu-ray, please pop it in at least once a year.  While you are watching it, remind yourself that without Snow White, none of the other movies on this list would have been possible – and, not only that, but where would animation be today without it?

Watch the Original Trailer

Come back tomorrow night for our runner-up #2 entry, and check us out on facebook.

I was recently able to take the Beauty and the Beast Storybook Deluxe app for a spin.  In a word, this app is incredible!

In it’s basic form, the app is a simple read-along book that your child will enjoy because of the story.  However, the app does so much more than that!  If your child is learning to read, the app is good because it highlights the words as it reads them to them, helping them to develop reading skills.  If they are a little further along in your reading, your child can record a “page” of the book and the app will play the words back in your voice, rather than the narrator’s voice.

In addition to that, at various points in the story you will see symbols embedded into the page you are on.  For example, as you see here on this image, there is a jigsaw puzzle piece.  Touch that, and the scene will turn into a jigsaw puzzle for you to solve.

There are so many unique interactions that you can do with the app.  For example, in some of the scenes you will see twinkling lights.  Touch the light, and it will animate the scene for you.  In particular, look at the scene when Belle’s father heads off to the fair!

The Disney Publishing Worldwide Applications group has done an incredible job in turning the app into a very realistic three dimensional scene.  Each scene is integrated with special touches, and in some of the scenes, you can tilt your iPad for some really incredible special effects.  The perspective changes as you tilt the iPad, almost as if you are looking at it from a different angle!

One thing that Sophie enjoyed was being able to “paint” some of the scenes.  As you can see from this screen shot, you can set up the scene without any color and supply your own to paint the scene.

But all of this is really just scratching the surface.  Take a look at all of the features that you have with the Beauty and the Beast app:

• The Pages button will let you quickly move to different pages in the story.  You can also look for the special symbols that indicate a page with special features.
• The Read button gives you some special settings.  They include the following, which you can turn on or off depending on your preference:

• Read To Me — This will have the narrator read the story to you.  It’s default is on.
• Auto-turn Pages — This will turn the pages for you after a page is read.
• Young Reader Mode — This mode will put arrows at the top right and left that you touch to turn the pages with, instead of “swiping” to turn the page.
• Record — This microphone will let you record a page of the story, and when you have finished recording, it will read the page back to you.  This is a good way for young readers to practice their reading!
• Info — This is simply an information menu, which gives you more instruction on how to manipulate through the app.
• Paint — This will display the three scenes in the story that you can paint, as I described above.  Just tap one of the scenes and it will pull up the scene for you to paint.
• Music — This menu item shows the two main songs that you can sing along to.  This includes the songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast”
• Games — There are two games you can play, one is the “Rose Garden” game where you collect roses throughout the story, and the other is the Hedge Maze, where you have to lead Belle and her friends out of the maze.  In each game there are Easy, Normal, and Hard levels.
• Puzzles — This shows the four puzzles that you can work on in the book.  Again, there are Easy, Normal, and Hard levels for the puzzles.

All in all, this is a really well done app, and is well worth the investment for any Beauty and the Beast fans!  Originally priced at $8.99, it is now available for $4.99 at the iTunes Store.

But in the end, of course, what really matters is this:

Related articles

• Beauty and the Beast Deluxe Storybook iPad App (chipandco.com)
• Disney Leads The Way In Digital Reading With Six New Apps Based On Favorite Chlildren’s Characters (chipandco.com)

Episodes & Reels is delivering our monthly Top 10 List a little differently this time around.  We will post one entry in the countdown each night from Jan 23 – Feb 3 on Chip and Co until we finally reveal #1!  Now back to the countdown with our #4 animated Disney film of all-time:

The Lion King, 1994

#4 – THE LION KING (1994)
Stars: Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones
Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
Rating: G

If Disney has done anything as if it were second nature, it would be making animals talk and carry on as humans in everyday life.  After all, their “mascot” is a talking mouse.  In Lion King they take the story of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and turn it on its ear.  Much like Shakespeare, the film plays out in perfect harmony – a story with three main acts, a slew of delightful and unforgettable characters, extremely catchy songs and a thrilling climax.  With its recent re-release in 3D, Lion King has become the 9^th largest grossing movie of all-time, not to mention the spin-offs, sequels, soundtrack and of course the wildly popular Broadway musical.  Much like Snow White was the face of Disney cinema in the 1930s and 40s, Lion King would be that today as it is easily one of the first films that comes to mind when you think of Walt Disney Pictures.  This one is sure to make you laugh, cry and everything in between.  If you don’t own this one on DVD or blu-ray and watch it at least once per year, there is something wrong with you.

Watch the Trailer

Come back tomorrow night for our #3 entry, and check us out on facebook.

Episodes & Reels is delivering our monthly Top 10 List a little differently this time around.  We will post one entry in the countdown each night from Jan 23 – Feb 3 on Chip and Co until we finally reveal #1!  Now back to the countdown with our #5 animated Disney film of all-time:

Monsters Inc, 2001

#5 -  MONSTERS INC. (2001)
Stars: John Goodman, Billy Crystal
Directors: Pete Docter, David Silverman
Rating: PG

By 2001, Disney/Pixar already had six years of pitch-perfect animated storyboards under their belt featuring the Toy Story franchise and A Bug’s Life (1998).  But, this was the year that it all got kicked up a notch with their instant-classic, Monsters Inc.  Did your kids (or you) ever get scared at the thought of monsters under the bed or in the closet?  Did you ever hear that the “boogie man” was going to get you?  Well, the genius minds over at Pixar thought up the brilliant faux world of “Monstropolis,” where these monsters are actually more afraid of humans, in particular young children, than we ever were of them.  It acts as not only a triumphant and hilarious Disney film, but also a lesson for kids that they don’t have to be afraid.  Somehow they got the animation even better as this was their most crisp and colorful yet.  Disney once again implored celebrities to voice the main characters, led by John Goodman and Billy Crystal.  With the announcement of a “pre-quel” that is being released in 2013 (Monsters University), this movie franchise will prove to be so-good-it’s-scary.

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Thomas the Friend’s Curious Cargo is Thomas’ wildest ride yet. Settle in and watch as Thomas and his friends deliver furry friends to the Sodor Wildlife Center. In these three episodes, Thomas learns how to overcome the challenges of transporting a very tall giraffe, Percy learns the importance of being gentle with animals, and Belle and Toby discover why it’s so important to listen to others.  All good lessons presented in a fun way that you can reinforce after you watch the video with your child.

Thomas the Tank Engine has been around for 65 years and yet the stories never fail to convey the importance of friendship and hard work. This episode is no exception.  My four-year old twins laughed at Thomas silly predicament and loved the fact that the trains’ mouths moved in these episodes.   The animation is top-notch and the stores are entertaining yet easy for a young child to follow. Unlike a lot of cartoons aimed at children, there’s never any violence or inappropriate humor in these videos, something I appreciate as a parent.

My kids are huge animal lovers and they also love Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends, so this video was the perfect combination. If you have a little boy or girl at home who likes Thomas, this is a great addition to your video collection.

Related articles

• Coming to DVD Thomas and Friends: Curious Cargo. (chipandco.com)

Episodes & Reels is delivering our monthly Top 10 List a little differently this time around.  We will post one entry in the countdown each night from Jan 23 – Feb 3 on Chip and Co until we finally reveal #1!  Now, here’s our #6 animated Disney film of all-time:

Aladdin, 1992

#6 – ALADDIN (1992)
Stars: Scott Weinger, Robin Williams
Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker
Rating: G

Take the most popular Arabic storybook of all-time (“1,001 Arabian Nights”) and mix it with – the wildly famous comedian and actor Robin Williams?  Yep, that’s right.  That is exactly what Disney did with their modern-day classic adventure, Aladdin.  I was in the 10^th grade when this movie was released, and I had never laughed so hard in all my life.  Robin Williams as the blue wish-granting genie of the lamp who doubled as a stand-up comic and impressionist was priceless, and to this day remains one of Williams’ best, and most recognizable, performances (even though he’s only lending his voice on camera).  Aladdin has a romance between the title character and the born-rebel, Princess Jasmine (“A Whole New World” anyone?), but what makes this movie so different and great is the full-blown adventure.  There are chases, fights, danger and flying carpets around every corner.  Aside from the Genie, the movie features tremendous supporting characters such as Iago (Gilbert Gottfried), Jafar (Jonathan Freeman), Abu (Frank Welker) and the Sultan (Douglas Seale).  Aladdin is a movie that truly plays out just like reading a story to your kids at bedtime, except it is being “read” to you, and you can’t fall asleep because the feel-good adventure is just too exciting to pass up.  And if that weren’t enough, Robin Williams will keep splitting your sides as the incomparable Genie.

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Come back Monday night (1/30) for our #5 entry, and check us out on facebook.

Episodes & Reels is delivering our monthly Top 10 List a little differently this time around.  We will post one entry in the countdown each night from Jan 23 – Feb 3 on Chip and Co until we finally reveal #1!  Now, here’s our #7 animated Disney film of all-time:

Cinderella, 1950

#7 – CINDERELLA (1950)
Stars: Ilene Woods, James MacDonald
Directors: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson
Rating: G

If you have ever purchased any kind of “Disney Princess” merchandise for your kids, then you will know all of the major players in the Disney Princess family – Aurora, Tinkerbell, Snow White, Belle and of course, Cinderella.  This is another Disney project ripped from the pages of Grimm’s fairy tales from the 1800s.  Cinderella may also be the most duplicated and re-imagined character from the Disney catalog, although Snow White will give her a run for her money this summer with two feature film releases (Mirror Mirror and Snow White and the Huntsman).  Cinderella’s story is one of the few ones that we all know.  We can’t remember where we heard it for the first time, but it has always been a part of our imagination.  The glass slipper, the evil stepmother and stepsisters, the pumpkin carriage, the stroke of midnight.  These are storied images that remain with us for all-time.  Cinderella is one of Disney’s most crowning achievements in animation cinema.  It’s not a coincidence that “Cinderella’s Castle” is the featured symbol at the famed Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida – which just happens to be the most magical place on Earth, by the way.

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Come back tomorrow night for our #6 entry, and check us out on facebook.

Episodes & Reels is delivering our monthly Top 10 List a little differently this time around.  We will post one entry in the countdown each night from Jan 23 – Feb 3 on Chip and Co until we finally reveal #1!  Now, here’s our #8 animated Disney film of all-time:

The Little Mermaid, 1989

#8 -  THE LITTLE MERMAID (1989)
Stars: Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright
Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker
Rating: G

There was a period of time in the late 1980s, perhaps early 1990s, that Disney Animation turned the corner.  They went from brush-stroked, classical impressionistic cartoons that we see in a lot of the classics (oldies) on this top ten to a much more pristine and refined form of moving artful cartoons.  The images were crisper, the characters more believable (and sometimes voiced by A-list celebrities), and the stories more profound.  The period of 1989 until about 1995 with the release of the first Disney/Pixar film (Toy Story) is the exact timeframe that I am speaking of, and it all really started with The Little Mermaid.  Movies such as Aladdin, The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast would all follow suit in this new Disney era, but they all owe a little bit of gratitude to the red-headed Ariel and her friendly array of singing sea creatures.  As far as Princess movies go, Little Mermaid is probably the most unique as it plays to the Pinocchio plot-line except that this is a half-fish/half-Princess who just wants to be a “real girl” as opposed to a puppet who, well you get it.  Little Mermaid is a movie that every little girl will love and remember forever as they dream of being a Princess.  It is also great cinema for us parents because we can see when the new Disney frontier of animation really picked up steam with this release.

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Come back tomorrow night for our #7 entry, and check us out on facebook.

Episodes & Reels is delivering our monthly Top 10 List a little differently this time around.  We will post one entry in the countdown each night from Jan 23 – Feb 3 on Chip and Co until we finally reveal #1!  Now, on to our #9 animated Disney film of all-time:

The Incredibles, 2004

#9 – THE INCREDIBLES (2004)
Stars: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter
Director: Brad Bird
Rating: PG

Ok, I had to limit myself to just three Disney/Pixar films for the top 10, of which The Incredibles is the first.  Down the line, I will make a top 10 of solely Pixar movies, but for now I wanted to be fair to the rest of the world of Disney animation and hold back.  Disney/Pixar have been trend-setters and innovators since the early 1990s thanks to basically creating digital animation (at least on a broad media scale).  In 2004 they merged the world of digital animation with the world of comic book/superhero lore.  What we got was one of the most exciting, funny, heart-felt and triumphant movies in Disney’s illustrious catalog.  The Incredibles features a family of superheroes who are trying to live everyday lives with the rest of the commoners.  However, when “Mr. Incredible” (voiced by Craig T. Nelson) becomes restless and begins to miss his crime-fighting days, hilarity and adventure take over and the family must come together like never before.  The animation is stellar and among one of the best of all-time.  This movie was also named #3 on my top 10 superhero movies (read the full top 10 Superhero here).

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Check back tomorrow night for our #8 entry, and check us out on facebook.

Episodes & Reels is delivering our monthly Top 10 List a little differently this time around.  We will post one entry in the countdown each night from Jan 23 – Feb 3 on Chip and Co until we finally reveal #1!  Time to get started with our #10 animated Disney film of all-time:

Sleeping Beauty, 1959

#10 – SLEEPING BEAUTY (1959)
Stars: Mary Costa, Bill Shirley
Director: Clyde Geronimi
Rating: G

One of the greatest notches in the Walt Disney cinema legacy is their ability to take a classic fairy tale (in most cases from the Brothers Grimm) and “dress them up” for new generations.  Sleeping Beauty is the first of three movies to appear on my top 10 that originated as Grimm fairy tales in the 19^th century.  Well, in 1959 we got the Disney version, which of course is not nearly as dark or “adult” as the original tale, but it’s just as magical.  Princess Aurora has a wretched curse placed on her by the evil sorceress Maleficent (one of my favorite villains, by the way) which dooms that she will die before her 16^th birthday by a poisoned spinning wheel – are those things still around?  Anyway, what do you think will break the curse?  Yep, a prince.  Sleeping Beauty came along at a time when Disney was reimagining animated films, creating a sincere path to greatness that can be seen in every minute, colorful detail of this treasured classic.

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