Dad of Divas' Reviews

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

DVD Review - Beauty & the Beast Special Edition Titles Now Available!

The Enchanted Christmas
Celebrate the most magical time of the year with this Special Edition of the irresistible holiday classic inspired by Disney's Academy Award(R)-winnng masterpiece, Beauty And The Beast (1991: Winner -- Best Song, Best Original Score; nominated for Best Picture). Share the wonder as Mrs. Potts (Angela Lansbury) recounts another "tale as old as time" about a Christmas past that almost wasn't -- thanks to the scheming of former court composer Forte (Tim Curry), now a gloomy, holiday-hating pipe organ, determined to keep Belle and Beast apart forever. Only a true Christmas musical could possibly thwart his dastardly plans. Reuniting the original voice cast, this spectacular gem sparkles with exciting bonus features, delightful songs, spellbinding visuals, and enduring themes of hope, friendship and love. Your family will experience the spirit of the season all year long with the timeless magic of Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas.

Belle's Magical World
Enter the enchanting world of Belle, one of Disney's most beautiful Princesses, as her adventures continue in the Beast's unpredictable castle. This Special Edition full-length movie, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: BELLE'S MAGICAL WORLD, brims with delightful stories and songs, and all your favorite characters and voice cast from the acclaimed and beloved movie masterpiece. Share in the fun as Belle, Beast, Cogsworth, Lumiere, and charming new friends work side-by-side to bring new happiness to the castle and all its inhabitants. You'll discover how true friendship and cooperation can turn a gloomy castle into an enchanted palace fit for a Princess!

Recipes and Activities
With the new DVD's coming out, there are also some great recipes and activities that you will just love to share with your whole family. You can access all of them here!

Disney Movie Rewards (Use quickly, expires 11/27):
http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/promotions/special-offers/batbenchantedcoupon

Film/Bonus Clips:

Beauty & The Beast: The Enchanted Christmas

"Ice Skating"

"As Long As There's Christmas"

"Finding The Tree"

"Apologies"

"Sing Me A Story Intro" (BONUS)

"Voice of Cogsworth" (BONUS)

"Importance of Music" (BONUS)

Beauty & The Beast: Belle's Magical World

"Listen With Our Hearts"

"Belle Helps Lumiere"

"Planning the Party"

"Asking Nicely"

"Bird Bath"

"Sing Me A Story Intro" (BONUS)

"What's On The Inside Counts" (BONUS)

My Take on the Movies
As I have said in the past my family are huge Disney fans so we will watch any Disney movie. Also, being a father of two girls you can guess that Belle is a favorite too. These movies were both fun additions to the Beauty and the Beast story. While in my opinion that are not as strong as the original, my family and I still loved them both and we were entranced by the story and the music that was shared. My girls particularly enjoyed The Enchanted Christmas and one of their favorite songs was As Long As There's Christmas. If you are looking for a great gift this holiday season for your favorite Disney or Disney Princess fan, look no further than these two special edition movies!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas

ABC Family will kick off the holiday season with 36 days of festive, family-friendly programming starting with the “Countdown to 25 Days of Christmas” from November 20 - 30, 2011, and then “25 Days of Christmas” from December 1 - 25, 2011. The highly-anticipated annual programming event will include all-new original Christmas-themed movies as well as the return of holiday favorites. On-air and online, viewers can enjoy the best time of the year with “25 Days of Christmas” exclusives, such as an original theme song and video from hit country music artists, The Band Perry; two holly, jolly sweepstakes; and many other very merry digital treats.

“‘25 Days of Christmas’ is a beloved tradition at ABC Family, with programming that gives viewers opportunity to celebrate the season,” said Tom Zappala, Executive Vice President, Acquisitions & Scheduling. “From our original holiday-themed movies to the premiere of ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,’ plus returning favorites like ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas,’ we hope viewers will get into the spirit and count down the days with ABC Family.”

This year “Countdown to 25 Days of Christmas” which will feature the ABC Family original movie premiere of “Desperately Seeking Santa” on Sunday, November 27 (8:00 – 10:00 PM ET/PT). Laura Vandervoort (“V,” “Smallville”) stars as an ambitious young marketing executive who dreams up the ticket to Christmas sales: a sexy Santa contest. Teenage girls and their moms flock to her mall when the gorgeous winner of the contest becomes a local hero, sending sales through the roof. She counted on this new Santa to win her a promotion - not win her heart, complicate her life and question everything she ever wanted. In addition, ABC Family is proud to bring the wooftastic holiday movie “The Search for Santa Paws” to television for the first time on Monday, November 21 (9:00 – 11:00 PM ET/PT).

“25 Days of Christmas” is the biggest cable programming event of the year, and ABC Family delivers the gift of holiday cheer with the world premiere of the original movie, “12 Dates of Christmas,” starring Amy Smart (“Just Friends,” “The Butterfly Effect”) and Mark-Paul Gosselaar (“Franklin & Bash,” “NYPD Blue”). Premiering Sunday, December 11 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), “12 Dates of Christmas” follows a young woman who re-lives the same first date on Christmas Eve over and over again until she learns to open up her world to new things and stop living in the past.

“25 Days of Christmas” also brings the basic cable premiere of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” (Sunday, December 4, 8:30 PM – 12:00 AM ET/PT), which headlines the network’s annual “Harry Potter” movie marathon running on Saturday, December 3and Sunday, December 4. The marathon also includes the first five installments of the “Harry Potter” film franchise.

Viewers can also ring in the holidays with the television premiere of the Pink Panther animated short “A Very Pink Christmas” on Wednesday, December 7 (6:00 – 6:30 PM ET/PT) and the network premiere broadcasts of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” on Wednesday, December 7 (9:00 – 11:00 PM ET/PT), and Disney∙Pixar’s “Up” on Friday, December 16 (9:00 – 11:00 PM ET/PT).

Triple platinum artists, The Band Perry, who are currently nominated for three AMA and a total of five CMA Awards, have written and recorded an original holiday song for “25 Days of Christmas” and will shoot a music video for the song, which will be part of the network’s on-air and online campaign. Viewers will get an exclusive 60-second sneak peek of the music video during the November 20 (8:00 – 10:00 PM ET/PT) airing of “Holiday in Handcuffs,” and the entire video will be available immediately afterward online at ABCFamily.com/25Days.

Online will get into the holiday spirit at ABCFamily.com/WheresBuddy beginning November 18, when the popular “Where’s Buddy?” Game and Sweepstakes* returns with an all-new hunt for ABC Family’s own Buddy the Elf.

Then, beginning December 1^st, deck the halls with the $25,000 grand prize for ABC Family’s “25 Days of Christmas” Sweepstakes** at ABCFamily.com/25DaysSweeps. Visitors to ABCFamily.com/25Days can also revel in an abundance of holiday themed goodies, including:

· The 25 Days of Christmas Countdown Calendar that delivers a daily dose of holiday spirit in the form of custom videos, sneak peeks, recipes, music, coupons, and more!

· A favorite from last year, the holiday themed ticker will be back on the homepage displaying visitors’ messages to friends and family

· Wildly popular games like Jigscene video jigsaw puzzles, Double Exposure and Merry Match Up

· Holiday e-cards that can be customized and sent to friends and family

· Smartphone users will be able to ring in the holidays with free Christmas music featured in “12 Dates of Christmas”

Fans can get more information online at:

http://abcfamily.com/25days

Facebook.com/25DaysofChristmas

Twitter.com/ABCF25Days

Twitter hashtag: #25DaysofChristmas

Part of the Disney/ABC Television Group, ABC Family is distributed in over 98 million homes. ABC Family features programming reflecting today’s families, entertaining and connecting with adults through relatable programming about today’s relationships – told with a mix of diversity, passion, humor and heart. ABC Family’s programming is a combination of network defining original series and original movies, quality acquired series and blockbuster theatricals. ABC Family is also the destination for annual holiday events with “13 Nights of Halloween” and “25 Days of Christmas!” ABC Family. A New Kind of Family.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

Heely's Offers Great Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals #Heelys

Buy any pair of Heelys or HX2s, and get second pair for $25; buy a Nano, get any pair of shoes for $25; free ground shipping on all orders. The Four-Day Deal is only available online at the Heelys Shop and is only valid from Friday, November 25, through Monday, November 28, 2011. This offer is for US customers only.

PRODUCT INFORMATION:
HEELYS: MSRP: $47.00 and up
Heelys are the original shoes with wheels in the heels that allow the user to transition from a walk to a roll by shifting the weight to the heel. Users can also transform Heelys into street shoes by removing the wheels. An instructional video on how to get started can be found at www.Heelys.com.

HX2: MSRP: $54.99 and up
Heelys HX2 has two removable wheels in each shoe, making it ideal for younger kids and beginners. Not only is it easier to maintain balance, but the HX2 also does not require as much leg strength to lift up your toes to skate. When you get the hang of skating, convert the HX2 into a normal pair of Heelys by removing the front wheel. Pull out both wheels, and the HX2 becomes a normal pair of street shoes.

NANO: MSRP: $85.00
The Nano™ was designed in house at Heelys® and works by simply removing the wheel from one of the Heelys skate shoes and snapping the patented wheel bracket into the Sole-Link™, like a ski or snowboard binding. For use on a single foot, the innovative board thrills the user with the same sensations and freedoms felt while slalom skiing and wakeboarding. The Nano™ lets skaters move farther, faster and longer than ever before.

MORE INFORMATION:
Log on to http://www.Heelys.com for products, videos and how to guides. Follow Heelys on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/Heelys, Twitter - http://twitter.com/Heelysworldwideand YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/Heelysworldwide.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

Puppet Heap Puppets Are Simply Amazing!

Old Mother Hubbard and her mischievous friends are making a come back this holiday season, thanks to Puppet Heap Playthings. The company recently launched their first ever line of hand puppets – Mother Hubbard Among Others, a richly designed collection of hand puppets will be available in stores nationwide for $19.99 (and available on www.amazon.com) These fun, and playful puppets will make the perfect gift this holiday season for kids and adults of all ages.

Puppet Heap Playthings is all about inspiring people to share through stories and play. As such, the hand puppets combine traditional storytelling methods with modern technology to literally put the story in your hands. The first line of characters will be based on the Puppet Heap Moving Picture Company short films, “Mother Hubbard Among Others” and “I Knew an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” (www.puppetheap.com). Each puppet will come with a unique code that will unlock a secret window into that character’s world at the Puppet Heap Playthings website. This rich online experience will deepen your relationship with the puppet characters and the world they live in.

Founded by artist and designer Paul Andrejco, Puppet Heap™ is an innovative design studio, based in Hoboken, New Jersey. The company has a rich history of bringing dynamic characters to life for some of the biggest names in film, television and theatre. Puppet Heap’s original content, created by its film division “Puppet Heap Moving Picture Company™” includes the short films, Omar’s Mother; Mother Hubbard and I Knew An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

Freckleface Strawberry The Musical

The beloved New York Times best -selling children’s book Freckleface Strawberry by the celebrated actress Julianne Moore is adapted into a 70-minute musical chock full of music, dance and fun!. The musical hit which played an initial 7 month run last year returns to the new family-friendly off Broadway theatre MMAC (Manhattan Movement and Arts Center), 248 West 60th Street with performances starting on November 8th (an open-end run).

The cast features Francesca McGrory as Strawberry with her friends including: William Bailey, Sarah Haines, Matthew Hooper, Bridget Riley, Ashley Tobias and Wesley Tunison
FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY THE MUSICAL has music and lyrics by Gary Kupper, book by Gary Kupper and Rose Caiola based on the books written by Julianne Moore and illustrated by LeUyen Pham. The show was conceived for the stage by Rose Caiola. Direction is by Buddy Crutchfield and the choreographer is Gail Pennington Crutchfield. Set design is by Beowulf Boritt; costumes by Fabio Toblini and Holly Cain; lighting design by Jason Kantrowitz and sound design by Peter Fitzgerald & Chris Cronin. MMAC Productions produces.

FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY THE MUSICAL chronicles the life of seven-year-old Strawberry being teased by her schoolmates for having bright red hair and freckles. She feels different from everyone else and does anything to get rid of them- from scrubbing them with soap and even wearing a ski mask to school. Strawberry goes on a journey and discovers that all people are different. She ultimately learns to accept herself for all of who she is, freckles and all.
The heartwarming musical explores the book’s key message that “we’re all different, just like everyone else.” Not only Strawberry but the other characters in the show learn to live in their own skin.

The music in this show with song titles, such as, “I Can Be Anything” and “Hey, It’s Me” and lyrics like “can’t you see the real me and what I am inside, I no longer want to hide. Accept me for who I really am under this foolish disguise,” present its many important messages.

Critics and audiences alike have been raving about FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY THE MUSICAL. The New York Times calls it “FAST-MOVING AND FUNNY! IT WILL ENTERTAIN CHILDREN OF ALL AGES!”. The Huffington Post exclaims “IT’S A TREAT! A HIGH-ENERGY AND CHARMING SHOW! And the NY Daily News sums it up by saying “EVERY KID SHOULD SEE IT!”.

The performance schedule for FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY THE MUSICAL is Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm with many added holiday performances scheduled in November and December. Check the website for information and schedule www.frecklefacestrawberrythemusical.com.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

William Shatner & Exploding Turkeys - Holiday Safety Advice from State Farm

William Shatner. Veteran thespian. Accomplished author. Song stylist. Master of the spoken word. Turkey fryer burn survivor.

His contributions to the entertainment industry are numerous, but an accident with a turkey fryer several years ago made him more than just a hot celebrity. He was a man on fire, literally, and he doesn’t want it to happen to you.

“I love to fry turkey and have been doing it for years but I am not immune to frying accidents,” says Shatner. “In fact, my family now gathers together to watch my mishaps. Several years ago I was even burned on my arms after accidently dropping the turkey in the hot oil. People need to remember that hot oil and turkey can be a dangerous combination.”

To warn others in the Shatnerverse that these turkey fryer accidents actually do happen, Shatner is teaming with insurance giant State Farm® to produce a short online “docudrama” recounting his experiences.

“Only one person was truly capable of getting this important message across in a fun way. The fact that Mr. Shatner actually experienced a turkey fryer accident only brought more realism to his portrayal,” said David Beigie, State Farm Public Affairs Vice President. “In all seriousness, he’s been a good sport in helping us get the word out about frying safely.”

You can see Shatner’s work on the State Farm YouTube Channel. Fans are encouraged to join Shatner’s “Fryers Club” by liking or commenting on the video. In doing so, viewers are committing to take Shatner’s advice to stay safe if they fry a turkey. “Ignorance is the friend of accidents,” says Shatner. “Be enemies with ignorance.”

According to State Farm claims data, more cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year. In fact, grease and cooking-related claims more than double on Thanksgiving Day compared to an average day in November.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

DVD Review - West Side Story 50th Anniversary Edition

WEST SIDE STORY: 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Five decades after its historic debut, a timeless classic returns to dazzle audiences young and old. Based on the hit Broadway musical of the same name, the iconic film WEST SIDE STORY returns in brilliant Blu-ray form November 15, 2011 from Twentieth Century Home Entertainment. With a record-breaking ten Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Best Directing and Best Original Score, the film took home more awards than any other movie-musical in the history of cinema. This monumental production not only featured the timeless lyrics from master American composer Stephen Sondheim, but a brilliant score from Leonard Bernstein, and beautiful direction from Robert Wise. WEST SIDE STORY: 50th Anniversary Edition boasts hundreds of hours of restoration, new 7.1 digital audio, and a collection of bonus features spotlighting the harmonious songs and elaborate dances of the original film.

This “brilliant” (The New Republic) film sets the ageless story of Romeo and Juliet against a backdrop of gang warfare in 1950’s New York. A love affair is fated for tragedy amidst the vicious rivalry between two street gangs – the Jets and the Sharks. When Jets member Tony (Richard Beymer, The Longest Day) falls for Maria (Natalie Wood, Splendor in the Grass), the sister of the Sharks leader, it’s more than these two warring gangs can handle. As mounting tensions rise, a battle to the death ensues and innocent blood is shed in a heartbreaking finale.

Featuring the famous songs “Maria,” “America,” “Tonight,” and “I Feel Pretty,”WEST SIDE STORY: 50th Anniversary Edition showcases thrilling performances by Best Supporting Actress® winner Rita Moreno (The King and I), Best Supporting Actor® winner George Chakiris (Two and Two Make Six) and Russ Tamblyn (How the West Was Won). The Blu-ray will be available in a Limited Edition 4-Disc Boxed Set featuring 2 disc Blu-ray, newly-restored DVD, Tribute CD and collectible memorabilia, as well as a 2-disc Collector’s Edition Blu-ray. Prebook is September 7.

WEST SIDE STORY 50th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray Special Features
ALL-NEW: Pow! The Dances of West Side Story - cast members, contemporary filmmakers, dancers and choreographers analyze and illuminate the film’s famous dance sequences.

Prologue
Dance At the Gym
Tony and Maria’s Cha Cha
America
The Rumble
Maria’s Roof Dance
Cool

ALL-NEW: A Place for Us: West Side Story’s Legacy – a look back at the iconic film and the impact it has had all over the world

Creation and Innovation
A Timeless Vision
Song Specific Commentary by Lyricist Stephen Sondheim

Prologue
The Jet Song
Something’s Coming
Dance At the Gym
Maria
America
Tonight
Gee, Officer Krupke
I Feel Pretty
One Hand, One Heart
Quintet
Somewhere
Cool
A Boy Like That / I Have A Love

Music Machine –allows viewers to go straight to their favorite musical numbers
West Side Memories
Storyboard to Film Comparison Montage
Trailers

Original Theatrical Trailer
Original Issue Trailer
Reissue Trailer
Animated Trailer

“AMERICA”

“TONIGHT”

“SOMEWHERE”

“SOMETHING’S COMING”

“JET SONG”

“GEE, OFFICE KRUPKE INTRO”

“A BOY LIKE THAT”

“PROLOGUE”

“BLADE FIGHT”

BONUS CLIPS

“LEONARD BERNSTEIN”

"STORYBOARDS”

“CO-DIRECTORS”

“ORIGINAL THEATRICAL TRAILER”

My Take on the DVD
This three disc set had the Blu- Ray with the feature film and special features. The remastered version has amazing hi-def with 7.1 DTS-HD sound. It also includes West Side Story special memories.

The DVD has an updated look to the classic with new featurettes.

I saw this film when it was released many years ago. It was a favorite of mine. With the enhanced color images and sound it came to a new life on the TV screen.

This would be an excellent gift for someone who loves the story or an excellent addition to your own video library. Whether it is Blu-Ray or DVD you will watch, you will absolutely enjoy it a second time around.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.