Rise of the Guardians combo pack Blu-ray + DVD Review

Praised by critics and moviegoers of all ages, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: DWA) spectacular and heartfelt adventure RISE OF THE GUARDIANS is now available on Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D™ and DVD. Hailed as “brilliant” and “the best family film of the year” (Joel Amos, MovieFanatic.com) with “spellbinding power” (James Verniere, Boston Herald) and “dazzling animation” (Tom Long, Detroit News), RISE OF THE GUARDIANS received outstanding audience reactions and a coveted ‘A’ Cinemascore. DreamWorks Animation’s newest animated adventure has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide with a fun-filled and magical story about the legendary guardians—Jack Frost, the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and Sandman—together for the first time! When the evil Pitch threatens to take over the world, it’s up to our beloved heroes to protect the hopes and dreams of children everywhere. Filled with non-stop action and laughs, it’s a dazzling family film that’s being hailed as “an instant classic” (Nancy Jay, Daybreak USA).

Available now for Easter, RISE OF THE GUARDIANS on Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy Pack with UltraViolet™ or single-disc DVD, each of which includes two delightful hopping toy eggs inspired by the ones seen in the film (while supplies last—quantities are limited). The combo pack and single-disc DVD also include special features that take viewers behind-the-scenes to learn more about the magic used to bring the story to life.

Featuring an all-star cast of voice talent including Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher and Jude Law, RISE OF THE GUARDIANS delivers humor, adventure and exceptional entertainment that the whole family can enjoy.

 I received the above tote packed full of goodies for the family to enjoy. The tote included the following:

• DVD/Blu-ray combo pack (with hopping eggs)
• Watering can (pink)
• Bunny ears
• Flowering Pot (Forget Me Nots seeds to plant) 
• Easter candy (peeps, Cadbury eggs, etc) 
• Easter egg decorating kit 
• ROTG Night light 
• Temporary tattoo sheet

Forget Me Nots planted. Will they grow?

The Rise of the Guardians Combo pack Blu-Ray + DVD with the hopping eggs is a great value that provides hours and hours of enjoyment for the entire family. The hopping eggs are so cute and remind me of the eggs in the movie. We printed out some Easter coloring sheets from the DVD for this coming weekend, to keep the kids busy while Easter dinner is cooking. The Blu-Ray also had some games to play along with some extra videos, and commentary. There really is something to keep everyone entertained.

Blu-ray Exclusive Bonus Features:

• Jack Frost Snowball Showdown!—Use your remote to duck and dodge snowballs!
• Rock, Paper, Scissors with Sandy—See if you can beat the Sandman in this classic game.

Additional Bonus Features:

• Behind the Magic—Explore the filmmakers’ journey to create Rise of the Guardians’ enthralling look, characters, effects and music:
• Dreaming Up the Look
• Naughty & Nice: Designing Memorable Characters
• Enchanting Effects
• Creating an Epic Score
• The Man Behind the Guardians—Learn how DreamWorks Animation worked with author William Joyce to bring his novels to life.
• Dreamers and Believers—A look at the cast and characters of Rise of the Guardians.
• Sandy’s Dream Guide—The Sandman helps interpret your dreams in this interactive guide.
• Filmmakers’ Commentary—With director Peter Ramsey and producers Christina Steinberg and Nancy Bernstein.

Disc 2 (DVD): Bonus features:

• Dreamers and Believers
• Sandy’s Dream Guide
• More Magic (DVD-ROM)—Printable egg holders, coloring sheets and more—perfect for Easter fun!
• Filmmakers’ Commentary

Wow! That is quite the list of bonus material don't you think? Talk about value, you sure got it with this combo set. Not much filler material, just good bonuses that fit well with the movie.

If you saw Rise of the Guardians at the movies or if this will be your first time watching, you will be pleasantly surprised with this purchase. The film itself features well flushed out characters and a story that surpasses the 'Holiday' theme. It is really a great movie that can be enjoyed year around. Hopefully we will see more of this franchise in the future. Jack has a tremendous amount of depth to his character for the adults. Yet the film has a lot of 'eye candy' to keep the kids entertained.

Don't just take my word for it! Head out to your favorite retailer or visit your favorite e-retailer to purchase your copy of Rise of the Guardians so you and your family can not only enjoy it this Easter but year around!

***Note: I was sent a copy of Rise of the Guardians and goodie tote in order to help facilitate this review. Opinions are my own.***

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Kung Fu Panda Holiday Blu-Ray + DVD Review

Summary:
In this hilarious action adventure, Master Shifu calls on Po to host the year’s biggest event – the Winter Feast, a special time of the year to celebrate family, tradition and the awesomeness of Kung Fu!  Po and the Furious Five must team up to throw the best celebration the Valley of Peace has ever seen.  Can Po pull off the perfect party, impress his heroes, and discover the true meaning of the Winter Feast?

About The Blu-Ray & DVD:
•    1080p High Definition
•    English 7.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital & Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
•    English, English SDH, French & Spanish Subtitles


Running Time: 26 Minutes
Not Rated
Price as low as: $19.96

Special Features:
o    Learn to Draw Wo Hop
o    Kung Fu Panda Holiday Shuffle
o    Mr. Ping’s Noodle House
o    How to Use Chopsticks
o    World of DreamWorks Animation

Review:
I really love Jack Black and he is one of those actors that I give a chance to anything he does. Kung Fu Panda was one of those cases. I wasn't sure if as a adult I would enjoy the movie, but it kept me entertained. So I was thrilled to be able to enjoy it with the entire family. We have been dedicated Kung Fu Panda watchers from the beginning and each installment has been must see. So we were all thrilled when I was given the opportunity to review Kung Fu Panda Holiday!

This Holiday special runs just 26 minutes, so it was a quick watch. We were kept entertained and everyone was laughing together. Great times to spend as a family! What I loved most is all the lessons Po teaches us. Po the Dragon Warrior is not perfect. He makes mistakes and learns from them. No one is perfect, far from it. It teaches our kids that you can make mistakes and we will still love you! Po also helped Master Shifu to know that sometimes things change for the better and that family is important. We can all learn from Po here I think.

The special features were a nice bonus. The kids seemed to like the holiday shuffle game more then the others. One thing is for sure though, the food extras sure made me hungry!

Kung Fu Panda Holiday does have reply value, especially for the kids. I'm sure they will want to watch this each year.

This is one Holiday Blu-Ray/DVD title that your entire family will love. So be sure to pick up Kung Fu Panda Holiday Blu-Ray as a last minute gift.

*Please note that I received a copy of the DVD so I could give my fair and honest opinion. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way.*

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Turbo Movie Trailer - Coming July 19, 2013

Turbo- July 19, 2013

Turbo by teasertrailer  

Synopsis

From the makers of Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda, Turbo is a high-velocity 3D comedy about an underdog snail who kicks into overdrive when he miraculously attains the power of super-speed. But after making fast friends with a crew of streetwise, tricked-out es-car-goes, Turbo learns that no one succeeds on their own. So he puts his heart and shell on the line to help his pals achieve their dreams, before Turbo-charging his own impossible dream: winning the Indy 500.

Genre: Family

Director: David Soren

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Michael Pena, Luis Guzmán, Bill Hader, Richard Jenkins, Ken Jeong, Michelle Rodriguez, Maya Rudolph, Ben Schwartz, Kurtwood Smith, Snoop Dogg, Samuel L. Jackson

 

DreamWorks Animation & 20th Century FOX Distribution

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Dreamworks Holiday Classics Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack Review

The DreamWorks Holiday Classics 2-Disc Blu-Ray + DVD Combo is packed with Holiday fun in these movie shorts inspired by their big screen counterparts. Merry Madagascar, Shrek the Halls and Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury might be made for the small screen, but have the quality of the big screen. This makes the perfect stocking stuffer or the item to keep the kids occupied during that car ride to Grandma's house.

Merry Madagascar:
When Santa and his reindeer crash onto the island of Madagascar, it’s up to Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melman and those wacky Penguins to save Christmas. Get ready for a sleigh full of laughs in this hilarious holiday classic, Merry Madagascar. Also includes The Penguins in A Christmas Caper!

Shrek the Halls:
The Christmas tree isn't the only thing green in this holiday classic. Shrek is back and trying to get into the spirit of the season. After promising Fiona and the kids a Christmas they'll remember, he is forced to take a crash course in the holiday. But just when he thinks he has everything for their quiet family Christmas just right, Donkey, Puss in Boots, Gingy and the rest of the gang decide to crash the party. Shrek the Halls is the greatest holiday tale that's never been told... until now. Also includes Donkey's Caroling Christmas-tacular.

 Dragons Gift of the Night Fury:
The Dragons are back in the exciting next chapter to the Academy Award® -nominated film, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON. The epic story of Hiccup and Toothless continues as they take flight in a thrilling, adventure to discover an island of never-before-seen dragons. Explosive action and fire-breathing excitement collide in this exhilarating DreamWorks Dragons story.

Our Thoughts:
With Christmas right around the corner, this Holiday Collection helped us get into the Christmas spirit. As if we needed any help though. What I liked about this combo set, is that it came with two discs. Essentially one for the "adults" and one for the kids.  The "adult" Blu-Ray copy for the family-room tv, so that the adults can enjoy the sounds and HD quality. The DVD for the kids to put in their playroom player or the portable one to play during the car ride to grandma's house.

The release itself is stunning in the 1080p transfers. The colors are bright and the images are crisp. The familiar voices are back and that is a major plus. It goes along way to keeping everyone interested and engaged. The kids loved the only special feature included, which was the "Donkey's Caroling Christmas-tacular". They just loved to sing along with it! I did noticed that Dreamworks included preview clips for other titles, but we didn't watch those. I just knew if we watched them, they would want to watch the movies that same day.  

We were left wondering why the other Madagascar short "Party with the Penguins" wasn't included with this release though. Hopefully it will make it to Blu-Ray somehow, but it could have easily been included! It was also brought up that Kung Fu Panda Holiday was also missing, but found out that will be release separately. (I will be reviewing Kung Fu Panda Holiday Shortly, so stay-tuned!)

In-conclusion, I would recommend this 2-disc set. Especially if your children enjoyed Shrek, Madagascar, and/or Dragons. Plus who wouldn't want to watch these without the commercials? That alone to me would be worth the money.

If your interested in picking up this Holiday Classics Combo set, Amazon.com currently has it listed for just $19.96.

*Please note that I received a copy of the DVD so I could give my fair and honest opinion. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way.*

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