Movie Info:
Writer: Andrew Adamson, Christopher Markus
Director: Andrew Adamson
Cast: Ben Barnes, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Sergio Castellitto, Peter Dinklage, Warwick Davis
Rating: PG
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment

Release Info:
DVD Release Date: December 2, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $24.99

Every now and then, a movie comes along and completely takes me by surprise. This year one of those movies was Prince Caspian, the sequel to the huge family hit, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This is one of those rare movies that will work for every member of the family. Caspian offers a good dose of romance, plenty of action, and it is based on a blockbuster classic book series. The funny thing is I originally only put this in the player because I had to review it and because my son wanted to see it. Now, I’m glad that he wanted to and I had to, because otherwise I wouldn’t have taken the time to watch it. I didn’t see the first one, but now it’s in my Netflix queue and I’m looking to catch up on what I missed out on.

If you didn’t see the first one you will be able to watch this with little problem. I didn’t have to see the first one to understand the second one. I would love to see it though because I am sure that it will add so many little things that I missed out on without seeing it. Still, it works well independently, which was a smart move on the part of the filmmakers. This ensured that the movie, which some people feel should be relegated to older children, works for a broader audience and does not rut itself with only those that have seen the first movie.

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Written by Dominick Evans - Visit Website
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Dominick is in his late 20s. He lives in Michigan with his life partner, Ashtyn, their 14 year old son Robert, and their Shih-Tzu, Oliver. Dominick is a writer and the head editor for both LI Kids and Literary Illusions. He enjoys composing music and is an aspiring director/screenwriter. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sports, playing video games, watching movies, and singing.

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Calling all WALL-E Fans! If your kids (or you) can’t get enough of this adorable new character, we have compiled a selection of our WALL-E links that will keep any fan happy until they see the movie again.

Concept Art and Behind the Scenes Shots: It looks like the folks had a great time working on WALL-E. Now you can check out all the cool concept art and shots that occurred during the making of the film.

Hidden Things: This is a downloadable PDF that will challenge the entire family into finding things hidden in the movie. Can you find everything on the list before your kids?

WALL-E Press Release: Information and clips about WALL-E finally coming to DVD.

Film Facts: This is another Downloadable PDF that includes a list of film facts that the whole family should enjoy. If your kids love the movie, they will be sure to enjoy these facts.

WALL-E 3-Disc Special Edition Review: If you haven’t seen the movie (or you have and want to leave your 2-cents) our WALL-E review is the page to visit.

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Movie Info:
Director: Andrew Stanton
Writers: Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, Jim Reardon
Cast: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard, MacInTalk, John Ratzenberger, Kathy Najimy, Sigourney Weaver
Rating: G
Studio: Disney/Pixar

Release Info:
Theatrical Release Date: June 27, 2008
DVD Release Date: November 18, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $22.99

I have officially seen the most adorable movie of the year. I don’t normally use words like adorable, nor do I tend to like movies that are adorable. Maybe I should rephrase by saying the “most awesome” movie. That might just sum up my feelings about WALL-E. It’s hard not to fall in love with the little guy. He is just that darn adorable (oops! I used that word again!). I wasn’t as interested as I should have been in seeing this movie, merely because I’d just seen Tinker Bell and was disappointed, but WALL-E was all that a Disney movie should live up to being and more!

I first heard about WALL-E during a screening for a Disney movie I reviewed a while back. I can’t remember which one. It might have been Meet the Robinsons. I recall the “intro to WALL-E” said something about, Joe Ranft. one of the men who helped create Toy Story amongst other Pixar titles. Joe helped to come up with the idea for WALL-E. In fact, it was one of the last ideas he helped develop for Pixar before he died in a car crash. The staff and Pixar decided to go with it and they worked tirelessly to do the story justice.

Leading up to the release of WALL-E, Disney/Pixar pumped it up to the point where I wasn’t sure if it could live up to my expectations. Well, I was thoroughly surprised and delighted to learn that this movie was excellent. It wasn’t just excellent. It was downright amazing. I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to watch this movie again. WALL-E is a movie everyone should see regardless of age, gender, or whether they like Disney movies or not. Pixar really went all out for this and they deserve as much praise as I can give. I don’t always enjoy Disney/Pixar movies, but this one is definitely a keeper.

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Written by Dominick Evans - Visit Website
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Dominick is in his late 20s. He lives in Michigan with his life partner, Ashtyn, their 14 year old son Robert, and their Shih-Tzu, Oliver. Dominick is a writer and the head editor for both LI Kids and Literary Illusions. He enjoys composing music and is an aspiring director/screenwriter. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sports, playing video games, watching movies, and singing.

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The following images, concept art, and behind the scenes shots have been released to celebrate the upcoming November 18th release of WALL-E on DVD and Blu-ray!

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In anticipation for the upcoming release of Disney’s newest movie we have posted several Wall-E Clips for your enjoyment. Wall-E will be released on November 18, 2008 in standard definition editions and in Blu-Ray. This is sure to be one of the hottest DVD gifts this holiday for kids so you’ll want to make sure to get a copy when it’s released! In the meantime, enjoy the clips.

Treasures & Trinkets

Elbows (Bonus)

Notes on a Score (Bonus)

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Walt Disney Treasures Wave VII is being released with November 11, 2008 releases of The Mickey Mouse Club Presents: Annette, The Chronological Donald: Volume Four, and Dr. Syn: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh. Check out the clips below to see some of what you will be in store for with these fabulous DVD releases.

Paying the Piper (Mickey Mouse Club bonus)

Trouble Shooter (Chronological Donald bonus)

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Movie Info:
Writer: Robert Reece, Evan Spiliotopoulus
Director: Peggy Holmes
Cast: Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Sally Field, Jim Cummings, Parker Goris, Tara Strong, Kari Wahlgren, Grey DeLisle
Rating: G
Studio: Walt Disney Video

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: N/a
DVD Release Date: August 26, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $19.99

If I had to choose my favorite Disney movies, The Little Mermaid would certainly rank as one of the higher movies. Ariel is a likable character that is surrounded by comical and adorable creatures that work together to accomplish whatever their interests might be. I have yet to meet a little girl that didn’t love Ariel and the role that she plays in the princess category of Disney movies.

So, it was with some mild apprehension that I approached Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning. After seeing the direct to DVD release of Jungle Book 2 I was worried that The Little Mermaid would suffer the same lackluster fate. I am happy to report that I was wrong for thinking that and while The Little Mermaid is not exactly the same the second time around it certainly is fun and befitting of the Disney name.

The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning Plot
Ariel (Jodi Benson) is the youngest of seven daughters by her father, King Triton and her mother, Queen Athena. Her parents are incredibly in love and they rule the kingdom with compassion, happiness, music, and joy. The family and other mermaids often spend time at a hidden lagoon where they can relax and enjoy the sun above the water. However, one day a pirate ship comes along and ruins everything when Queen Athena is unable to escape.

She goes back for a music box that Triton just gave her and ends up meeting her end in the process. As he is unable to cope with the loss of his wife and his best friend Triton changes from the happy, loving father he was to a colder, more mechanical king. He becomes a mere shell of a man compared to what he was and he ends up banning music from Atlantica.

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Written by Ashtyn Evans - Visit Website
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Ashtyn lives in her home state of Michigan with her life partner, Dominick, her 14 year old son, and her baby, the Shih-Tzu, Oliver Twist. Ashtyn is in college, going for a degree in Psychology. She plans to get her Ph.D and work as a therapist in the field of human sexuality. Ashtyn is an experienced and talented chef. She also excels at writing and has worked as a professional writer for the past five years. Ashtyn enjoys spending time with her son and four year old nephew, watching movies, listening to music, and writing works of fiction.

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Writers: Emi Mochizuki, Carrie Evans, Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio
Director: Roger Kumber
Cast: Martin Lawrence, Raven-Symone, Brenda Song, Kym Whitley, Margo Harshman, Eshaya Draper, Na’Kia Bell Smith, Donny Osmond, Molly Ephraim
Rating: G
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Release Date: July 15, 2008

I didn’t expect anything from the Martin Lawrence-Raven-Symone Walt Disney movie, College Road Trip. I was right to expect nothing because boy was this movie awful. The jokes weren’t funny, there were far too many “annoying” characters to make me care about the movie and the entire plot was just plain stupid.

I get the premise that Martin Lawrence was a protective father, but he did some pretty stupid things for being the chief of police (like breaking into a sorority and sleeping under the bed). This didn’t exactly make the movie as realistic as it seemed to be trying to go, but then I do believe in some movies you should try and suspend your belief of reality. This movie isn’t one of them.

College Road Trip was so bad I counted down (on my watch) the minutes until I could turn this drivel off. While my son said he liked it, normally, he’ll be overly absorbed in the movies he finds to be enjoyable. While he laughed at a few things, he tried to find other things to do to occupy his time, while watching the movie. This says a lot about it. It can’t even hold a 13 year old kid’s attention. This must be why the movie has a rating of less than three on IMDB. Sure, the IMDB community can be picky, but for once I completely agree with the fans assessment of College Road Trip.

Release Information:
College Road Trip debuted in over 2,000 theaters in North America on March 7, 2008. In its opening weekend, College Road Trip grossed $14 million. This made it the number two film at the box office for the weekend. It has earned around $45 million domestically in that time. The movie has received mixed reviews from both online and offline critics.

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Written by Dominick Evans - Visit Website
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Dominick is in his late 20s. He lives in Michigan with his life partner, Ashtyn, their 14 year old son Robert, and their Shih-Tzu, Oliver. Dominick is a writer and the head editor for both LI Kids and Literary Illusions. He enjoys composing music and is an aspiring director/screenwriter. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sports, playing video games, watching movies, and singing.

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Writer: Karl Geurs
Director: Steve Trenbirth
Cast:John Goodman, Haley Joel Osment, Mae Whitman, Connor Funk, Bob Joles, Tony Jay, John Rhys-Davies, Jim Cummings
Rating: G
Studio: Disney
Release Date:June 17, 2008

Jungle Book 2 feels like an odd movie for me to review. When I think about why that is, it’s because Disney sequels usually don’t come out as good as they should, and certainly nowhere near their predecessors. Sure, there are a few Disney sequels that I have enjoyed, but for the most part I view them as a cheap way the studio to make more money. Kids generally enjoy them, but I have found that most kids will watch just about anything. I am not sure why it is, but if it’s got bright colors and music, most kids will be satisfied enough to watch whatever is on television no matter how bad it is.

This particular Disney venture falls somewhere in between completely horrible and decent. It’s not anything I am particularly interested in watching a second time on my own, but if a little one was nearby and liked it, I could sit through it without dire consequences. It certainly could have been better, and it definitely appears to have been made for more commercial reasons, I didn’t absolutely loathe it. I am more indifferent than anything.

Release Information:
DisneyToon Studios is the team responsible for most of the Disney sequels. The first outing for the studio was Return to Neverland, which was one of the few Disney sequels that I enjoyed. Jungle Book 2 was the second undertaking. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as exciting to me as the first venture, but the studio is continuing to produce sequels, so apparently someone likes them.

You can pick up Jungle Book 2 just about anywhere, as it was released on June 17, 2008. If you are unable to find it at stores, you can also pick it up on the Internet. Amazon is currently stocking it for just under $20, with the option of free shipping, permitting you spend at least $25.

The The Jungle Book 2 (Special Edition) Plot
The Jungle Book 2 picks up about five days after the old one leaves off. Mowgli (Haley Joel Osment) is in the village, but he’s having a hard time adjusting to life around men vs. animals. This is even harder for Mowgli, because his new father (John Rhys-Davies) prohibits the children from going into the jungle. It wouldn’t be the Jungle Book though if Mowgli listened, so as you can guess he does make some unapproved trips into the jungle. This leads his new little brother Ranjan (Connon Funk) and his new girl friend Shanti (Mae Whitman) to follow him even though they are nowhere near as familiar with the jungle as Mowgli is.

Mowgli runs into Baloo (John Goodman), the bear that was like a father to him. However, things aren’t like they used to be. Mowgli’s enemies, specifically Shere Khan (Tony Jay) and Kaa (Jim Cummings) are coming to look for him with revenge on their minds. Surprisingly (or not, as the case may be) this is about all I can say without giving things away. Like other Disney films there is music and dancing, bright colors, and mild action. However, I just don’t feel that it lives up to the Disney name.

The story is more or less a lot of the same, the plot is lacking, and it feels pointless to see a sequel that offers nothing new. The voice actors did a nice job, but they didn’t have a lot to work with. It seems funny that despite it being five days later, the studio did not attempt to find people that sounded remotely like the original actors. Mowgli sounds drastically different from one movie to the next, as does Shanti. In many cases, the characters are written in a more tired, boring way, as well. It makes the entire movie seem like a letdown. The musical numbers were mildly entertaining, but I am sure that most adults will easily find their minds wandering as they watch this. I know mine did.

Storyline/Plot:
Replayability:
Acting:
Directing:

Audio/Visual:
I would have thought that a Disney movie, sequel or not, would have had a better visual quality. It’s not that everything was bad about this. Instead, there was one major thing that was absolutely distracting. The anamorphic widescreen with an aspect ratio of 1.66:1 should have provided a nice looking picture quality. Instead there were lines of color interference that showed up more often than I would have liked. Had it been one or two lines I could have ignored them, but they were a regular occurrence. If you took out the lines the color and look of the picture was otherwise acceptable.

The audio offers a much more stable sound to it overall. The Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround track is consistent and free of any real problems. The various sound channels are used to the fullest, rather than just keeping a monotone based sound that many audio presentations offer. While I am not sure what the original audio sounded like for this DVD, this was likely the best option out of the audio/video.

Visual:
Audio:

Bonus Features:
As with most Disney movies, things in the bonus area are filled to the brim. Sometimes it always seems like there are more bonuses for those movies that you just don’t care for, but either way, love it or hate it, you’ll find more than a few bonuses here to check out. Things begin with a fairly standard trailer section. The trailers included in this set are Sleeping Beauty – Platinum Edition, 101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London Adventure, Wall- E, and The Sword in the Stone – 45th Anniversary Edition. There is also a trailers/sneak peek section with ads for The Suite Life of Zack & Cody: Lip Synchin’ in the Rain, The Secret of the Magic Gourd, The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning, Tinker Bell, Phineas and Ferb, and The Nightmare Before Christmas: Collector’s Edition.

One of the main special features here is a game called, Mowgli’s Story Time Adventure Game. In the game Mowgli is able to re-tell the story by using shadow puppets. It becomes your job to press the arrows by using the buttons on the remote that go with the on-screen activities. The game ends up feeling pointless since you do not really win anything. Also, it’s not that exciting when you are spending the majority of the game looking at the arrows to make sure you hit the right buttons. The rest of the special features come from the previous DVD release and have been added again to this set for anyone that does not have the older DVD.

First up here is another game, Mowgli’s Jungle Ruins. Using your remote you get to navigate through a maze. Questions pop up randomly about animals. You have to get these questions right in order to keep the game moving. When you “win” you receive a small “Jungle Rhythm” clip. While this game is better than the first, again this is hardly anything spectacular.

The Deleted scenes area offers two deleted scenes that are introduced with explanations by Matt Walker and Sharon Morrill. The scenes are “I Got You Beat”, which is another version of “Jungle Rhythm”, the song that made it in the movie, and “Braver”. Three music videos are also included, although, with two of them coming straight from the film, they feel pointless, at best. The videos are for “W-I-L-D” and “Jungle Rhythm”. The third video is the Smash Mouth cover of “I Wanna Be Like You”, though unfortunately, the song comes heavily edited from the looks of it, which is too bad since it was a decent cover. You can opt to watch these videos with or without the lyrics on the screen.

The final area for these features is Backstage Disney. In this area you receive a synopsis of the movie that lasts for a few minutes. Then there is the lone featurette of the group, “The Legacy of the Jungle Book”. This includes the original cast and crew interviews about the original film and the making of a sequel. This tends to feel a little rushed, cut off, and at times promotional in nature.

While it’s true there are a lot of special features here, quantity does not equal quality.

Bonus Features:

Bottom Line:
I highly recommend all you Disney fans just go ahead and skip this because it really isn’t worth your time. If you have to watch it, do yourself a favor and just rent it. It will save you some money, because I doubt you will want to see it twice. The kids might like it, but I am guessing that you can even convince them to watch something else. If all else fails, just show them the original, its close enough to keep them happy and it will save you some money. In the end, it’s more entertaining anyhow.

Overall Rating:

Technorati Tags: Movie, DVD Review, Cartoon, Animated, Disney, Walt Disney, Home Video, Special Edition, Jungle Book 2, Sequel

Written by Ashtyn Evans - Visit Website
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Ashtyn lives in her home state of Michigan with her life partner, Dominick, her 14 year old son, and her baby, the Shih-Tzu, Oliver Twist. Ashtyn is in college, going for a degree in Psychology. She plans to get her Ph.D and work as a therapist in the field of human sexuality. Ashtyn is an experienced and talented chef. She also excels at writing and has worked as a professional writer for the past five years. Ashtyn enjoys spending time with her son and four year old nephew, watching movies, listening to music, and writing works of fiction.

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To celebrate the release of the Disney classic, The Sword in The Stone Disney has released the following clips of the movie. This 45th Anniversary Edition will be filled with bonus features and other goodies that the whole family will enjoy.

Film: Wizards Duel

Based on T.S. White’s immortal novel The Once and Future King, The Sword in the Stone 45th Anniversary Special Edition brings the legend of King Arthur to spectacular animated life in a dazzling adventure sure to entertain both adults and children.

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