Free Willy: Escape from Pirate's Cove Blu-Ray Review


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Free Willy: Escape from Pirate's Cove Blu-Ray Review


Synopsis: The fun and adventure are back! Fans of the Free Willy series will cheer this exciting family film about a baby orca who needs a friend and a girl who finds the courage to help him. After young Kirra (Bindi Irwin) leaves her Australian home to summer with her grandfather (Beau Bridges) in South Africa, she soon discovers a baby orca stranded in the lagoon near her grandfather’s rundown seaside amusement park. She names the lonely whale Willy--and embarks on a great quest to lead the little guy back to his anxious pod before her grandfather's greedy rival turns Willy into a captive, moneymaking attraction at his slick theme park. A little girl, a little orca and big, big fun and adventure!

Review: The Free Willy series really helped to define the ecologically conscious attitude of the 1990s.  This new re-launch of the previously popular franchise stars Bindi Irwin as Kirra.  You may recognize Bindi as the daughter of the late, great Steve Irwin.  We really loved Steve and all of the work he did for animals.  He is greatly missed.  It seems that his daughter has his passions, as she takes on a role in this fun kids film about animal captivity.

This is the 4th movie in the Free Willy franchise, and its been awhile since we've seen one of these released.  Its nice to see a resurgance in animal conservation interest.    Its been 13 years since we saw one of these films.  None of the original cast are featured in this film, but it has the similar premise of a captured whale that needs to be freed into the wild.  Bindi turns out to be a very talented young lady and has a great performance. 

This is a GREAT film for kids.  We highly recommend it, as family entertainment is hard to come by.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

The Blind Side DVD Review


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The Blind Side DVD Review



Synopsis: Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) knows little about family. Less about football. What the homeless teen knows are the streets and projects of Memphis. Well-to-do Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) knows little about his world. Yet when she and Michael meet, he's found a home. And the Tuohys have found something just as life-changing: a beloved new son and brother. This real-life story of family and of Michael's growth into a blue-chip football star will have you cheering with its mix of gridiron action and heartwarming emotion. Share the remarkable journey of the college All-American and first-round NFL draft pick who was a winner before he ever stepped onto the playing field.

Review: I hate sports.  I hate sports movies.  The Blind Side was one of those films that turned me off right away in the trailers, but surprised me when watching it.  I found myself really getting into the characters and even rooting for them in the sports situations, which is very much unlike me.  The Blind Side is a great film.  The Oscars recognized Sandra Bullock for her acting ability in this film.  That made me stand up and take notice.

There was a lot of hype surrounding Precious this past year with heartstring dramas, and while the Blind Side did get a great amount of attention, I don't feel like it necessarily got all that it deserved.  Sandra Bullock really goes all-out in this film and delves into some great dramatic acting.  I've enjoyed her in more comedic roles in the past, like Demolition Man, but this time out she really showed her acting chops.

This is a great DVD and we recommend picking it up.  Its a nice family watch without being boring or too cliche.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Links: http://www.theblindsidemovie.com/dvd/index.html

Beauty and the Beast comes to Blu-Ray!


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A Beloved Fairy Tale Is Restored To All New Heights On Blu-ray™!





 
Disney’s Academy Award®-Winning Animated Classic
Beauty and the Beast: Diamond Edition

On Blu-ray™+ DVD Combo Pack – October 5, 2010
And Standard Definition DVD - November 23, 2010

Burbank, Calif., March 29, 2010 – Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment (WDSHE) proudly announces the Blu-ray high-definition debut of Disney’s animated masterpiece, Beauty and the Beast on October 5, 2010.  

Disney’s most requested film, Beauty and the Beast, arrives for the first time on Blu-ray Hi-Def as the second installment to the company’s new Diamond Collection. The Blu-ray transformation reveals the magic, music and majesty of the film as never before experienced with state-of-the-art picture restoration, pristine 7.1 Digital Surround Sound and hours of additional viewing experiences that include behind the scenes features, deleted scenes, enhanced music tracks, immersive games and more.

The first of only two animated films ever to be nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Picture (the second is 2009’s Up), Beauty and the Beast earned six Academy Award® nominations and won two Oscars® in 1992 for Best Original Song (“Beauty and the Beast”) and Best Original Score.

Unavailable in any form since 2003, Beauty and the Beast will be released from the Disney vault for a limited time only, arriving on a Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack (2 Blu-ray Discs + DVD) October 5, followed seven weeks later with the release of a 2-Disc standard definition DVD on November 23.


The Beauty and the Beast Blu-ray™ + DVD Combo Pack has a U.S. suggested retail price of $39.99 and the 2-Disc DVD set has a U.S. suggested retail price of $29.99.

Film Synopsis:

Set in and around a quaint French village during the late 18th century, Beauty and the Beast follows the fantastic adventures of Belle, a bright and beautiful young woman who finds escape from her ordinary life, and the advances of a boorish suitor, Gaston, by reading books. Meanwhile, off in a castle in the distance, a cruel young prince is cast under the spell of an enchantress who turns him into a tormented beast, while transforming his servants into animated household objects. In order to remove the curse, the Beast must discover a true love who will return his affection before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. When Belle’s inventor father stumbles upon the Beast’s castle and is taken prisoner, Belle comes to the rescue and agrees to take her father’s place. With the help of the castle’s enchanted staff, she sees beneath the Beast’s exterior and discovers the heart and soul of a human prince.

Film Accolades:

Beauty and the Beast received two Academy Awards® for music in 1992, three Golden Globes® for Best Motion Picture, Best Original Score and Best Original Song in 1992, and two Grammy Awards in 1993. Listed as number seven on the American Film Institute’s Top 100 Animated Films, Beauty and the Beast helped define Disney animation for a new generation as the second film in the “Disney Animation Renaissance” (1989-1999) which launched with The Little Mermaid and revitalized animated features by captivating mature audiences while still delighting young viewers.

Beauty and the Beast features a cast of top vocal talent. Veteran stage actress and singer Paige O’Hara is the voice of Belle, one of Disney’s most beloved and independent heroines, and Robby Benson (TV’s “American Dreams”) delivers a powerful portrayal of the Beast. Three-time Oscar®-nominated screen star (The Manchurian Candidate in 1963, The Picture of Dorian Grey in 1946, and Gaslight in 1945) and six-time Golden Globe® award winner (TV’s “Murder, She Wrote” in 1992, 1990, 1987 and 1985, The Manchurian Candidate in 1963, and The Picture of Dorian Grey in 1946), Angela Lansbury gives a bubbly performance as Mrs. Potts. The late Jerry Orbach (TV’s “Law and Order,” “House of Mouse”) shines as the voice of Lumiere, the passionate candelabra, and David Ogden-Stiers (TV’s “M*A*S*H,” Lilo & Stitch) is Cogsworth, the tightly-wound mantel clock who functions as the head of the household.  

Beauty and the Beast was also the first Disney animated film to inspire a Broadway stage production by the same name. Highlighting the film’s music by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, seven new songs were written for the stage musical. Beauty… was nominated for nine Tony Awards in 1994 and ran on Broadway for 5,464 performances until 2007, becoming Broadway's sixth-longest running production in history. 


About Disney’s New Blu-ray™ Diamond Collection:
The new Blu-ray™ Diamond Collection represents The Walt Disney Studio’s most prestigious animated classics. The Collection will be comprised with many of Walt Disney’s most treasured animated classic titles to be released through 2016. These titles represent the highest level of picture and sound, feature groundbreaking, state-of-the-art immersive bonus content, and include unprecedented levels of interactivity, personalization and customization, made possible because of Blu-ray technology.

About Disney Combo Packs (Blu-ray + DVD in a single package):
To provide consumers with unprecedented quality, value and portability of their favorite Disney classics, in 2008 WDSHE pioneered the Combo Pack – a Blu-ray Disc plus a DVD in a single package. Current Disney Animated Classic titles available as Combo Packs include Sleeping Beauty, Pinocchio and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

About Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment:
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc™ and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios.

Deadliest Catch: Season Five DVD Review


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Deadliest Catch: Season Five DVD Review


Synopsis: The top-rated, Emmy®-winning hit series DEADLIEST CATCH takes viewers deep into the most brutal fishing seasons on the planet – red king crab and opilio crab. Brave the icy, black waters of the Bering Sea with Captains Sig Hansen, Johnathan and Andy Hillstrand, Phil Harris and Keith Colburn and their rugged crews daring to gamble high risk for high reward. Dirty Jobs’ Mike Rowe narrates as brutal storms, grueling hours, heavy injuries, violent tempers and fierce competition push these men over the edge.

Episodes: Everything on the Line, Red Skies in the Morning, Stay Focused or Die, Put up or Shut up, Long Haul Short, Fuses, Deadline, Down to the Wire , Payback Time, No Second Chances, Sea of Misery, Lockout, A Slap in the Face or a Kick in the Ass, End of the Earth, Bitter Tears, Multiple Mayday, Shipwrecked

Review: Discovery is famous for their fantastic reality television.  They shy away from absurd dating shows and get deep into various professions around the world.  Deadliest Catch is a show that follows the extreme lifestyle of sea fishermen.

Here is my issue.  I love animals..yes, even fish.   I'm a vegetarian.  I'm not an activist and I don't push my lifestyle choices on others, but watching guys fish isn't exactly my idea of a thrilling show.  Firstly, its pretty disgusting.  Have you ever smelled a fisherman?  Not good. We're talking about an extreme fishing show here.  I mean say that out loud.  I gave it a fair shake, though and it just didn't do anything for me.

I will give it to them..the show is well-produced and has great narration.  There is no problem there, its just the content thats not only somewhat disturbing, but rather dull.

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

The Lord of the Rings Animated Film Blu-Ray Review


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The Lord of the Rings Animated Film Blu-Ray Review


Synopsis: Ralph Bakshi's animated adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's revered Middle-earth saga captures the dark mood of the books extraordinarily well. The film covers the first half of the trilogy--"The Fellowship of the Ring" and the earlier part of "The Two Towers"--as Frodo (voiced by Christopher Guard), the cousin of Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit", is given the all-powerful ring sought by the evil Sauron of Mordor. So begins his adventure, as he must elude Mordor's black riders in an effort to prevent the ring from returning to its owner and thereby signaling the end of Middle-earth. Even with the mighty wizard Gandalf as his ally and faithful friends Merry, Sam, and Pippin by his side, Frodo is still up to his hobbit neck in peril.

Review: I've never seen the 1978 animated Lord of the Rings film.  Its kinda funny too, since I was so into fantasy stories as a kid, and in fact I read the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit and loved them.  I just never was interested in watching these movies, I thought they'd be hoaky.  Then, after Peter Jackson's epic trilogy was released you might think I'd go back to give them a view.  Nope.  Now, I had heard that it was coming out on blu-ray and I'm finally sitting down to give it a chance.  I figured that 30 years later was just 30 years too long, but I was so wrong.

The Lord of the Rings animated film is epic.  I mean epic.  It is so absolutely fantastic both in voice acting and animation.  Bakshi's method of rotoscoping, where you animate over live action footage, really made the film amazing.  What surprised me is how dark and intense the film really is.  I figured it'd be watered down for children, but to the contrary it was some of the oldest feature film to really be geared towards adults.  It didn't talk down to the kids at all like most animated film does to this day.  It very closely follows the books and is quite the tribute to Tolkein's masterpiece.

Included in the blu-ray is a great documentary about Ralph Bakshi that goes into his history as an animator and how he made classic film like Fritz the Cat and the Lord of the Rings.  Its an interesting in-depth view of this pioneer in the industry.  The transfer to blu-ray is really fantastic.   There isn't any grain at all in the feature, though it does include some dust.  The colors really pop and the animation certainly doesn't look as dated as it truly is.   I highly recommend this one for any fan of the Lord of the Rings. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Links: www.warnerblu.com

Sherlock Holmes DVD Review


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Sherlock Holmes DVD Review


Synopsis: The hangman did his job, Dr. Watson declared the condemned man dead...yet Lord Blackwood has emerged from the tomb to assert his deadly will over 1890 London. Is he in league with the forces of hell itself? Is the whole Empire in peril? It's a mystery macabre--and only Sherlock Holmes can master it. 

Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law put memorable imprints on Holmes and Watson in this bold new reimagining that makes the legendary sleuth a daring man of action as well as a peerless man of intellect. Baffling clues, astonishing Holmesian deductions, nimble repartee, catch-your-breath scenes of one slam thing after another--director Guy Ritchie helms the excitement reintroducing the great detective to the world. Meet the new Sherlock Holmes!

Review: I remember when I heard that Guy Ritchie and Robert Downey, Jr. were working together to make Sherlock Holmes!  Wow!  Its really one of those marriages made in heaven.  Firstly, Guy Ritchie knows crime drama.  This guy is a master in the genre, with the exception of that Revolver movie.  Ugh.  Sherlock Holmes is not only a fanatstic groundwork for a new franchise, but its a high-quality blockbuster film.

Downey brings his ususal wit and charm to the role of Sherlock Holmes, making him a slightly shady and disturbed version of the character.  Jude Law does a great job of playing up the straight man trying to keep Holmes on the narrow as Watson.  The film is so enjoyable that its just sad.  It seems like everything Downey touches these days turns to gold.  I won't spoil the story, but whats great is after this huge mystery we find out that none of it really matters, because there are behind the scenes workings you won't realize until the end, in true Sherlock Holmes fashion.  This is the Batman Begins of the new franchise and I having a feeling that the inevitable Sherlock Holmes 2 will be their 'Dark Knight', so to speak.

The DVD is a nice release, but I can't in good conscience recommend it over the blu-ray.  If you don't have a blu-ray player, this DVD is great.  The movie is a must-own, but if you have the option, certainly pick-up the blu-ray!  And don't forget about the BD Live Event!  You can read our report on that HERE.

Rating: a strong 5 out of 5 Stars

Video: Watch the trailer HERE

Links: http://sherlock-holmes-movie.warnerbros.com/dvd/index.html 

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel Blu-Ray Review


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Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel Blu-Ray Review

Synopsis: The box office smash hit Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel sings and shakes its way to Blu-ray Disc/DVD Combo Pack, “Squeak-Along” double DVD, and DVD Single Disc March 30th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. A follow-up to 2007’s Alvin and the Chipmunks, Chipmunk singing sensations Alvin, Simon and Theodore are back for an encore in this hilarious “squeakquel” packed with over an hour more of music. The Squeak-Along bonus content includes new sing-alongs such as Beyonce’s “Single Ladies,” teaches audiences how to dance like the Chipmunks with the “Shake Your Groove Thing” dance instructional video, games and more nutty fun for the whole family!

Review: I have read a few bad reviews about not only the first film, but the er..well, squeakquel.  I hadn't watched the first film until we got this one to review.  My kids (ages 6 and 7) both enjoyed the first one, so I thought I'd pop their copy in to check-out.  After all, I used to enjoy the Saturday morning cartoon as a kid, maybe I'd dig this new incarnation.....

I have to say that these are adorable films.  I know that some adult critics don't enjoy them, but honestly why should they?  These are geared towards children.  They don't talk down to kids either, they are legitimately entertaining.  The squeakquel features the chipettes, which were always one of my favorite aspects of the show.  Alvin, Simon and Theodore are just as I remember them...charming and fun.  Dave is played by the great Jason Lee (My Name is Earl) and he does a bang-up job, as usual. 

The blu-ray / DVD combo pack is definately the way to go!  The transfer into high-definition is enjoyable and since this is the type of film that the entire family can enjoy, its preferable to have a DVD copy for the kids to watch.  Of course by watch I mean scratch and ruin!  And this way we still have our family blu-ray copy safe and sound!  Pick this one up..it'd make a great Easter Basket gift!

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

IMAX Under the Sea Blu-Ray+ DVD Combo Pack Review


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IMAX Under the Sea Blu-Ray+ DVD Combo Pack Review
 You can own this DVD today

Synopsis: Imagine a world of incredible color and beauty. Of crabs wearing jellyfish for hats. Of fish disguised as frogs, stones and shag carpets. Of a kaleidoscope of life dancing and weaving, floating and darting in an underwater wonderland. Now, go explore it! Howard Hall and his filmmaking team, who brought you Deep Sea and Into the Deep, take you into tropical waters alive with adventure: the Great Barrier Reef and other South Pacific realms.

Narrated by Jim Carrey and featuring astonishing camerawork, this amazing film brings you face to fin with Nature's marvels, from the terrible grandeur (and terrible teeth) of a Great White to the comic antics of a lovestruck cuttlefish. Excitement and fun run deep Under the Sea!

Review: I've seen a number of these underwater nature blu-ray releases.  They're always interesting and beautiful, but they have to try hard to distinguish themselves.  This release scored Jim Carrey as the narrator, which is a great start.  Of course, Carrey isn't cracking jokes, he's very seriously detailing the dangers to the aquatic ecosystem and what is happening with ocean warming and our affect on ocean life.

The 45 minute feature was an IMAX filmed event that is like candy for your HD-tv.   The combo pack features a digital copy and a DVD, so we gave the kids the DVD copy to watch in their room and scratch up, while we keep our nice family blu-ray copy safe and sound.

We recommend this title for anyone interested in nature, homeschoolers or classrooms.  Its a great release with wonderful information and visuals.  The blu-ray takes viewers through five expeditions from Papua New Guinea to Indonesia.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Sabrina The Teenage Witch: The Complete Sixth Season DVD Review


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Sabrina The Teenage Witch: The Complete Sixth Season DVD Review



Synopsis: This year, half-witch teen, Sabrina, decides to make some changes in her life, including attending college and living away from home like a normal freshman. Ecstatic to finally be on her own, she discovers that college life isn’t all she’d imagined and find out how difficult it will be to keep the fact that she’s a witch a secret from her unfriendly new roommates.

Review: Sabrina the Teenage Witch was a great show.  Ok, maybe it wasn't the deepest of plots nad perhaps the comedy didn't vary terribly from episode to episode, but it was entertaining as all out.   Sabrina and her bizzare talking cat Salem managed to keep us tuning in week after week throughout the 1990s and early turn of the millenium.

This DVD represents all 22 episodes of the 6th season of the show, which aired in 2001-02.  The show has moved by this point to the college years format where Sabrina works at the school newspaper and is trying to launch her serious career as a writer.  Of course, she is constantly struggling with using her powers and getting into all sorts of trouble.  I really enjoyed the format change and the new characters that it brought.  This really helped to keep the show fresh and alive when it moved to the WB.  Famous guests this season include Usher, Sisquo and Adrienne Barbeau!

This is the first time that this season is availabe on DVD.  There is just one more to go before the entire series is available.  There are absolutely no extras on this DVD set, but we're hoping that for the 7th and final season DVD release they will manange to add something!  We definately recommend this one.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Fantastic Mr. Fox Blu-Ray / DVD Combo Pack Review


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Fantastic Mr. Fox Blu-Ray / DVD Combo Pack Review

Synopsis: Academy Award-winning Hollywood heavyweights George Clooney (Up In The Air) and Meryl Streep (It’s Complicated) lend their voices to the hilarious, heartwarming and dazzling stop-motion animated adventure from visionary director Wes Anderson (The Royal Tenebaums) Fantastic Mr. Fox, arriving as a Blu-ray Disc/DVD Combo Pack and on DVD March 23 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. In there-imagined classic family tale, Mr. and Mrs. Fox (Clooney and Streep) live a happy home life with their eccentric son Ash (Jason Schwartzman: The Darjeeling Limited) and visiting nephew Kristopherson. That is until Mr. Fox slips into his sneaky, old ways and plots the greatest heist the animal world has ever seen. When mean old farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean join forces to surround Mr. Fox and his family, they don’t realize they are not dealing with any old fox – it’s Fantastic Mr. Fox and he has a fantastic master plan to save the day!

Review: When I first saw the trailer for this film it looked creepy to me.  I don't know what it was about the animation style, but it was just unsettling.  I was forced to look deeper into the film, though, thanks to an amazing cast.  With names like George Clooney, Bill Murray, Jason Schwarzman and Meryl Streep lending their voices to the characters, I figured that there must be something worthwhile about this film.  Not only did that turn out to be true, but there is something magical, as well.

The stop motion animation that was used has a very retro feel.  Its certainly not in-tune with modern quality stop motion, but its clearly not intended to be.  This is more of a throwback to something that you might have seen back in the 1960s.  The films soundtrack matches the odd feel.  Its a lot of banjo music.  Yep, banjo music.  Its just one of the most bizarre films I've seen in some time.  Considering that its a Roald Dahl tale, that kinda works.

I recommend checking this one out.  You won't see anything like it anytime soon.  Its most certainly unique!  The blu-ray transfer looks great and it comes in a combo pack with the DVD and a digital copy for your iPod!

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

The First Easter Rabbit DVD Review


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The First Easter Rabbit DVD Review


Synopsis: Did you know that without the help of Santa Claus, there might not be an Easter Bunny at all? That's the sweetly surprising story told in this animated family favorite from Rankin/Bass Productions that has enchanted generations.

Academy Award winner Burl Ives narrates and Robert Morse, Stan Freberg, and Paul Frees provide character voices in a fanciful, tuneful, and color-splashed tale. Stuffy the Rabbit is a cuddly toy who magically comes to life and journeys to Easter Valley, an enchanted realm where it's always springtime, even thought it's not far from Santa's house. From there, the Bunny hopes to bring the first-ever basket of Easter goodies to children. But a cold-hearted ice creature named Zero refuses to allow such happiness. If he has his way, he'll freeze out Easter celebrations forever!

Review: Rankin Bass are famous for such treasured kids classics as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Mad Monster Party and even animated classics like the Last Unicorn.  One of their lesser-known specials is 'The First Easter Rabbit'.  Now, we get a remastered deluxe edition DVD release of this timeless classic.

The animation isn't terribly advanced and the story is...weird.  Basically it starts out like the Velveteen Rabbit and then it all travels to the North Pole where Stuff the Rabbit learns to be the Easter Bunny.  Santa gets involved during his Xmas downtime and insanity ensues.  Honestly, it was a valiant effort to give Easter its own personality outside of religion.

The picture is fantastic on this remastered DVD.  The colors are vibrant and pop right off the screen.  There are no scratches or dust anywhere!  The kids were very pleased with the games added to the disc.   We definately recommend this one.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Toy Story 2 Blu-Ray / DVD Combo Pack Review


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 Toy Story 2 Blu-Ray / DVD Combo Pack Review


Synopsis: Andy heads off to cowboy camp leaving his toys to their own devices. Things shift into high gear when an obsessive toy collector named Al McWhiggin (owner of Al's Toy Barn) kidnaps Woody. At Al's apartment, Woody discovers that he is a highly valued collectible from a 1950s TV show called Woody's Roundup, and he meets the other prized toys from that show, Jessie the Cowgirl, Bullseye the Horse, and Stinky Pete the Prospector. Back at the scene of the crime, Buzz Lightyear and the other toys from Andy's room, Mr. Potato Head, Slinky Dog, Rex and Hamm spring into action to rescue their pal from winding up as a museum piece. The toys get into one predicament after another in their daring race to get Woody before Andy returns.

Bonus Features include: BE Live, Director commentary, Toy Story 3 Sneak Peek: The Characters, Buzz Lightyear Mission Logs: International Space Station, Paths to Pixar: Technical Artists, Studio Stories: Toy Story 2 Sleep Deprivation Lab, Pinocchio, The Movie Vanishes, Pixar's Zoetrop, Celebrating our Friend Joe Ranft

Review: The format of blu-ray high definition was made for films like Toy Story 2.  Its the way that technologically advanced films like this one were meant to be enjoyed.  I've been waiting a long time to get all of the Pixar films released on blu-ray...the most of which is Toy Story and Toy Story 2.  We just reviewed Toy Story on blu-ray, now we're taking a look at the fantastic sequel.

There was a gap of 5 years between the release of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 and it really does show in the fluidity of the characters.  When you see them talk in high definition Toy Story is great, but Toy Story 2 is miles ahead in quality.  I can't even imagine what Toy Story 3 will be like!  The image is so crisp that this 11 year old film looks brand new again.

The blu-ray is packed with extras, including great sneak peeks at Toy Story 3, coming to theaters this June.   The combo pack is a really nice situation, because you can let the kids abscond with the DVD and keep the blu-ray nice for the family.

Rating: 6 out of 5 Stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bugs Bunny's Easter Funnies DVD Review


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Bugs Bunny's Easter Funnies DVD Review 

Synopsis: In Bugs Bunny’s Easter Funnies, Granny tries to recruit a substitute for the Easter Bunny when he falls ill. Someone has to help deliver Easter baskets and so Bugs Bunny and his pals all volunteer. Each character auditions for Granny. Which Looney Tunes character makes the best Easter Bunny? Viewers will be surprised! Portions of legendary Looney Tunes cartoon shorts are cleverly mixed into the plot of this delightful special including Birds Anonymous, For Scent-imental Reasons, Knighty Knight Bugs, Sahara Hare, Robin Hood Daffy, Rabbit of Seville, Hillbilly Hare and Tweety’s Circus.

Aside from the special, the DVD will also include a bonus short titled His Hare Raising Tale  and three menu-based puzzle games.

Review: This Easter special aired back in the 1970s and was comprised of a little bit of new footage and older cartoon reels.  The basic plot is that Granny needs help from Bugs to distribute Easter Eggs.  She does to the WB lot where Bugs is working on cartoons and has to sit through several 3 minute shorts.  These are edited vintage shorts from the Looney Toons catalog.

This is a great DVD release.  Whenever they take old tv specials and put them on DVD it really excites me.  These are often lost and overlooked for release, so for Looney Toons fans to now have this in their library is quite a treat.  Its enjoyable as any Looney Toons release and we highly recommend.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars


YOU can be involved in the Highlander Season 2 Blu-Ray Extras!


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Davis-Panzer dropped DVD Legion a line to show their continued dedication to the Highlander fans.  They're delaying the release of season 2 until mid-summer and letting us fans get involved in the extras!  Not only are they including NEW blu-ray exclusive extras, but we get to participate in three different ways.  Check out the following link...

http://www.legendaryheroes.com/blu-ray-bonus.html

Toy Story Blu-Ray / DVD Combo Pack Review


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click the title above to read the full review....


Toy Story Blu-Ray / DVD Combo Pack Review



Synopsis: In this 3D computer animated feature, a pull-string cowboy doll is the leader of the toys until the latest, greatest action figure enters the picture. When the toy rivals are separated from thei rowner, they ultimately learn to put aside their differences and work as a team to get back home to the boy they love.

Bonus Features include: Toy Story 3 Sneak Peek: The Story, Buzz Lightyear Mission Logs Blast off, Paths to Pixar Artists, Studio Stories: John's Car, Baby AJ, Scooter Races, Buzz Takes Manhattan, Black Friday The Toy Story You Never Saw

Review: I'm not going to insult you by going into a review of the actual movie 'Toy Story'.  You've seen it.  Heck, you've probably seen it a thousand times by now, right?   I first saw Toy Story when I worked at a movie theater back in 1995...I was 16 years old at the time.  I saw kids piling in on opening night, I wanted to see what all of the fuss was about, so I stood in the back and watched.  I watched that movie every showing from then on.  I brought my girlfriend's siblings to it, I got the kids meal toys.....I ended up getting my wife into it when we met.  She now has one of the largest Toy Story collections in the world.  We're serious about Toy Story here at the Legion!

Finally, in anticipation of Toy Story 3 (coming this June to theaters) we're getting Toy Story on blu-ray!  This is the way that Pixar film was meant to be seen.  The major question on everyone's mind isn't whether the film is of good quality, but how does it look in high-definition?!  There are plenty of films from the mid-90s and thereafter that just don't look well.  Toy Story is not one of those films.  The transer to blu-ray is not only flawless, but it brings out this film the way it was meant to be seen.  It looks like a brand new movie.  You notice textures and detail that you just don't see on the previous DVD and VHS releases.  The colors pop off the screen.  This is it!

The movie comes in the convenient blu-ray / DVD combo pack that Disney pioneered.  This way, you can have a DVD copy for the kids to muck up and a nice blu-ray for the family to keep nice.  This is a MUST HAVE purchase.  Get it for the family, yourself, the kids for Easter, it doesn't matter, but if you own just one blu-ray release it should be Toy Story (and Toy Story 2) on blu-ray!

Rating: 6 out of 5 Stars!!!!!!!!!!

Sherlock Holmes BD-Live Event w/ Robert Downey Jr. !


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 Watch the mystery unfold live with Robert Downey, Jr. during a Live Community Screening of Sherlock Holmes on April 1st at 9pm EST exclusively on the Sherlock Holmes Blu-ray disc. For event details and to sign up, go to www.SherlockHolmesBlurayEvent.com

Ninja Assasin DVD Review


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Ninja Assasin DVD Review




Synopsis: If it moves, smash it! The filmmakers behind The Matrix and V for Vendetta bring new blood (lots of it!) to martial arts movies in Ninja Assassin. Korean pop star Rain (Speed Racer) stars as heroic, deadly Raizo. Trained from childhood in the way of the Ozunu Clan ninja, he is stalked by fellow warriors for breaking free of them and their iron-willed dojo patriarch (martial arts legend Sho Kosugi)... and is on the run with a Europol agent (Naomie Harris) who has proof the clan sells assassination services to governments. The action is start-to-finish – fast, fierce, filled with weaponry (chains, swords, staffs, shuriken) and awesome athleticism. Fear not the weapon, but the hand that wields it.


Review: When I heard about Ninja Assasin the 13 year old in me went nuts!  I spent so much time in my early teen years sitting around watching old ninja movies.  I watched American Ninja, I watched the old film titled 'Ninja Assasins', I watched every single crappy movie that had a ninja in it.  I mean that literally, just about every one.  It was truly sad.  Now, Warner Bros. has released a great new film that is so indulgent in violence that its disturbing.


The only thing I heard about this film is that it was a violence showcase.  We're talking blood and severed body parts everywhere.  I heard a lot of backlash coming off of this film from viewers that it was just ninja violence.  Um...yeah.  What exactly did they expect?  Thats exactly what this should be..sounds perfect to me!  And from the moment we put the DVD in, its absolutely a thrill-ride of action, money, ninja clans and revenge!   Everything you want in a good ninja film.


If you're into ninja movies or martial arts film, then you're going to love Ninja Assasin.  Don't let children watch this one, but any adult or older teen can freely enjoy the gratuitous nature of the action and violence.  I highly recommend it.



Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Links: http://ninja-assassin-movie.warnerbros.com

Broken Embraces Blu-Ray Review


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Broken Embraces Blu-Ray Review


Synopsis: A luminous Penélope Cruz stars as an actress who sacrifices everything for true love in Broken Embraces, Academy Award -winning filmmaker (2003, Best Writing, Original Screenplay, Talk to Her) Pedro Almodóvar's acclaimed tale of sex, secrets and cinema. When her father becomes gravely ill, beautiful Lena (Cruz) consents to a relationship with her boss Ernesto (José Luis Gómez), a very wealthy, much-older man who pays for her father's hospitalization and provides her a lavish lifestyle. But Lena's dream is to act and soon she falls for the director of her first film - a project bankrolled by her husband to keep her near. Upon his discovery of the affair, Ernesto stops at nothing to ruin Lena's happiness.

Review: One of the first things that strikes you about this film, especially on blu-ray, is the use of color.  Director Pedro Almodóvar is famous, or infamous rather, for his use of colors in his filmmaking.  This new feature is no exception!  The costumes and the backrounds really pop in a way that you don't typically see in film these days.  It is very clear that this is an international film.

The actual story isn't terribly original, but its poignant nonetheless.  I enjoyed Penélope Cruz in this film.  I haven't historically cared about her roles, but after Nine and this film I am really starting to get on board with her work.  She's vulnerable, but cunning in this movie, which can only be described as lavish.  

The blu-ray special features include:
       •       Deleted scenes
       •       “Pedro Directs Penélope” Featurette
       •       “On the Red Carpet:  The New York Film Festival Closing Night” Featurette
       •       “Variety Q & A with Penélope Cruz”
       •        “The Cannibalistic Councillor” (La Concejala Antropófaga) – an original short film by Pedro Almodóvar

I highly recommend checking this one out.  Its a great watch, definately something to enjoy with someone you love.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

The Princess and the Frog Blu-Ray / DVD Combo Pack Review


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The Princess and the Frog Blu-Ray / DVD Combo Pack Review

Synopsis: Disney celebrates a modern-day classic from the directors of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin. Discover what really happened after the princess kissed the frog in an inspired twist on the world's most famous kiss. This hilarious adventure leaps off the screen with stunning animation, irresistible music and an unforgettable cast of characters. Enter Princess Tiana's world of talking frogs, singing alligators and lovesick fireflies as she embarks on an incredible journey through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. Spurred on by a little bit of courage and a great big dream, these new friends come to realize what's truly important in life...love, family and friendship. Overflowing with humor and heart, The Princess and the Frog is an incredible motion picture experience your whole family will want to enjoy again and again!

Review: The Princess and the Frog is Disney's latest foray into the 'Princess' animation genre that they've created and made so famous.  I have to tell you, I was quite the hero when I pulled this one out for my five year old daughter.  She has been so excited to see the newest Princess film, and we weren't able to make it out to the theater to see it.  

I have to say that an african american princess is long overdue!  Kudos to Disney for finally giving little girls of color someone to relate to!  The setting of this film is very creole and New Orleans, which is admittedly a bit stereotypical, but its still a fun and charming watch.   Its also animated without computer animation.  What I mean to say is that real life humans used their hands to draw this film.  There has been such a lack of hand drawn animation that I feared it was a thing of the past.  Thankfully, John Lasseter took over as head of Disney Animation, so that perhaps we can get more of the style of animation that Disney made so famous.  Thanks to the success of the Princess and the Frog Disney will be releasing at least one new hand-drawn animated feature every two years.  This is great news.

This comes in a blu-ray combo pack.  This is a design that was pioneered by Disney and they do it best.  The idea of getting a blu-ray for the family to keep nice and a DVD for the kids to watch and presumably destroy, is perfect.  Not to mention the digital copy that you can load on a iPod, so that the kids can enjoy it on the go!

You're going to be hard-pressed to find a kid that doesn't really enjoy this movie.  It has a great story and fun characters.  Its not just for little girls either, my son enjoyed it more than my daughter even did!  Its just plain fun. 
Bonus Content Includes: Deleted Scenes, The Princess Portraits Game, DVD Feature Film + Bonus, Digital Copy Of Feature Film, The Making Of A Princess, Conjuring The Villain, The Return To Hand-Drawn Animation, The Disney Legacy, Disney's Newest Princess, Bringing Life To Animation, Art Galleries, Music Video By Ne-Yo 

Rating: a strong 5 out of 5 Stars

Ripley's Believe It Or Not DVD Review


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Ripley's Believe It Or Not DVD Review


Synopsis: Welcome to the Believe It or Not Hall of Curiosity. Here you’ll find a woman reciting 200+ words in 24 seconds, the world’s smallest book (a 5/16” x 1/8” tome of the Rubaiyat), a 6-year-old lifting 200 pounds, a man-eating tree, a duck teaching chickens to swim, a two-headed turtle, a man with a suit made of Confederate currency and much, much more. You may not believe all you see. But you will be entertained. A little more than a decade after Robert L. Ripley put pen to paper and captured the imaginations of readers everywhere, he brought his knack for finding the unusual to moviehouses with these 24 Theatrical Shorts that are part travelogue, part human interest, part history, part fanciful, all Ripley – believe it or not!

Review: The Warner Archive series has really produced some fantastic vintage releases on DVD.  They have brought us everything from the complete 'Our Gang' to a rarely seen early Johnny Depp performance in 'Arizona Dream'.   The newest addition to the collection is the classic Ripley's Believe It Or Not theatrical shorts.

The host of the strange and bizzare hosted a series of two dozen Believe It or Not! theatrical short films in 1930 and 1931 for theater use by Warner Brothers.  These are being collected for the first time and they're such a gem to see.  The historical aspect of watching the old black and white theater shorts is enough for me, but to see Ripley doing his thing is so much fun.   Ripley specialized in all-things odd and unbelievable, and this was one of the first times that people around the nation could really witness visually what he did.

This is a DVD that you shouldn't miss.  It would make a wonderful addition to anyone's DVD collection.  Another home run from the Warner Archive!

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

The Brothers Warner DVD Review


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The Brothers Warner DVD Review


Synopsis: Of the major studios, one was family. Harry, Albert, Sam, Jack " the Warner brothers " turned a storefront that used a sheet for a screen into a dream factory rooted in the credo of educate, entertain and enlighten. In this fascinating documentary, filmmaker (and Harry's granddaughter) Cass Warner Sperling tells a story of sibling rivalry, social conscience and the silver screen. It's a story of pioneering (risking all for Talkies) and politics (standing alone in Hollywood against the Nazis), of reels (The Public Enemy, Casablanca and more) and rifts (including a shocking family betrayal). It's a story told from the inside (via rare family archives) by those who lived it (among them such stars as Dennis Hopper, Debbie Reynolds, Tab Hunter and more) and from the outside by film historians. The people, the pictures, the tales untold on camera until now! The Brothers Warner educates, enlightens, entertains, reveals.

Review: Not too long ago a great documentary about the Warner Brothers Studios was released called "You Must Remember This".  Its easy, at first glance, to see "The Brothers Warner" as a redundant DVD, but nothing could be further from the truth! 

The Brothers Warner is an in-depth look at the men behind the legend.  This documentary examines the actual Warner Brothers..their personal lives..victories and tragedies.   It delves into their many entertainment ventures prior to their now legendary movie studio.  The documentary is honest and up front about the various issues that each brother had in their lives and with each other, this is no puff piece.

If you love documentaries as much as we do, you'll be into this one.  Its a cool look back and historical figures that do have cultural significance, but you certainly don't hear about every day!  This is a rare peek inside a world that is long forgotten.  We highly recommend it.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Storm Chasers DVD Review


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 Storm Chasers DVD Review


Synopsis: This product is exclusive to the Discovery Channel Store.
Venture with an intrepid group of scientists, filmmakers and adventurers as they hunt down devastating tornadoes to capture amazing IMAX footage and valuable scientific data in America's 'Tornado Alley'. Follow this diverse group as they embark on another grueling season of storm chasing.
The Complete 2009 Season of Storm Chasers, including:

1. Storm Catchers: Tornado season erupts early in Oklahoma. Reed gets his new Dominator too close. Tim chases multiples, and Sean battles a rain-wrapped monster.

2. Bigger in Texas: Sean and Reed face off at the New Mexico border. Monster tornados break up everything in their paths, except the tension.

3. Highway to Hail: Reed steps up his science to take on Dr. Josh Wurman's massive research project. Joel has second thoughts. The fallout reaches Sean, who makes a drastic decision.

4. Inside the Tornado: Reed's new radar propels him from aggressive chaser to extreme scientist, inside an EF3.

5. Not in Kansas Anymore: Reed, Sean and Tim take on the strongest tornado conditions of the season, and nature responds with twisters too close to home.

6. Fight or Flight: Both Tim Samaras and the TIV team face off with a dangerous tornado. Reed pushes too close, and finds no place to hide.

7. Sean Casey At The Bat: Sean Casey's meteorologists finally put him in position for the shot of a lifetime, and this time it's a home run. Reed, Tim, and Josh all score big.

8. EF-3 Strikes, You're Out: On the last chase of the season in Nebraska, Reed and Tim chase multiple vortices. But when an EF-3 monster touches down right on top of Reed's armored research vehicle, Mother Nature shows who really dominates in Tornado Alley.

Review: Remember the movie 'Twister'?  Well, this is it...but its real life.  This is what I used to do as a kid.  Even before the movie came out, I'd go storm chasing on my own.  I had no equipment or training...or common sense, but hey I had guts.  A few close calls later, I decided to hang up my storm chasing shoes.   Meanwhile, I still have a love for the chase.  This show, which airs on Discovery, is a fantastic foray into the real life world of storm chasing.

This season gives you eight full episodes of Reed, Sean and Tim using the most up to date technology to chase down tornadoes all across the midwest!  I know that so many people watch reality television..but this is true reality.  You can't fake a storm.  Its a blast and a great ride.

Storm Chasers is available ONLY on the Discovery Channel website!  We've placed a link at the top of this review for you. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Did You Hear About the Morgans? Blu-Ray Review


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 Did You Hear About the Morgans?  Blu-Ray Review


Synopsis: Hugh Grant and Sara Jessica Parker star in this delightful comedy about finding love in the most unexpected places. Two successful New Yorkers, Paul (Grant) and Meryl (Parker), are at their wits’ end with repairing their strained marriage. But when they become the only witnesses to a brutal murder, the police hide them away in Wyoming – together. Now these die-hard city dwellers will have to survive the weather, bears, fresh air, and forced time with one another if they want to make it out alive.

Review:  I was certain that this movie would be cliche.  I figured that I could predict not only the ending, but just about everything else in-between.  I got a surprise...I couldn't figure out exactly what would happen at every moment in-between!  The end is, of course, very predictable.  This is a romantic comedy genre film, after all.  It wouldn't be very American if it ended sadly, right? 

That aside, the film was cute and fun.  I don't mind romantic comedies personally, and my wife loves Hugh Grant films.  Anything that brit-mongrol does is pretty much gold to her, so I've come to appreciate his work by default of viewing it over and over and over and..well, you get the point!  I'm not complaining, mind you..he really is a great actor.  He's had some gems like 'About a Boy' and 'Notting Hill', so I mean to say that I never would've given him a chance, had my wife not twisted my arm into it! 

Did you Hear About the Morgans? is a great little movie.  If you want to cuddle up on the couch with your honey and watch a nice film, this would be it.  If you want something safe to watch as a family, this one would do nicely!   To get it on blu-ray would be the only option!  It does the unfortunate deed of showing how much Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker are aging, but its the only format worth bothering with these days!

We do recommend this one.  Its predictable yes, but still well-produced and charming.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

VizAnime.com Launches!


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VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES VIZ ANIME
A NEW OFFICAL WEB DESTINATION FOR SOME OF THE HOTTEST ANIME CONTENT  
Optimized Technology Allows Fans To Connect And Interact And Spend Less Time Looking For The Latest Anime Episodes And More Time Enjoying Them 

San Francisco, CA, March 15, 2010 – In a significant news announcement, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has detailed the launch of VIZ Anime – a brand new, free-to-use interactive web destination that will become a permanent home to some of the company’s best-loved animated series as well as new content which will be added on a weekly basis. VIZ Anime is accessible at: www.VIZAnime.com.  

VIZ Anime kicks off with more than 400 episodes from hit series such as BLEACH, BUSO RENKIN, DEATH NOTE (complete series), HIKARU NO GO, HONEY & CLOVER, INUYASHA (complete series) and INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT, NANA, NARUTO (complete series) and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN as well as THE PRINCE OF TENNIS. The site will also be the future web home for many other eagerly anticipated anime series set to launch later this year! 

Episodes can be streamed for free with new ones being added weekly. A variety of interactive social networking tools and features also help foster an official online home and community for VIZ Media anime fans allowing them to connect on and discuss favorite shows, and offer ratings and opinions of various episodes. New functionalities will be added regularly. 
  • Users can “follow” as many series as they like and choose to be notified each time a new episode is released, as well as keep track of the last episode they’ve watched. This makes it easy to stay current on series like INUYASHA or NARUTO, which feature more than 100 episodes.
  • Users can comment on individual episodes and also meet and interact with other fans, invite friends to join, ask questions and debate plot twists and characters, voice their opinion on what’s happening in a particular series, and also find out what else is going on across the anime and manga spectrums.

  • Users can rate their favorite episodes by using a “Like” button on each episode page. They can quickly access a list of all the episodes they’ve similarly liked to compare how other users have liked an episode.

  • Users can make a personalized profile page to keep track of the episodes they’ve watched and enjoyed, the series they’re currently following, and comments they’ve made. Mail tools can also be used to send private messages between individual users. Privacy controls let users decide what information is shared publicly and who is able to send them messages.

“We’re committed to developing VIZ Anime as a premiere online destination, and hope to offer a real community for VIZ Media fans to interact with each other and share their love of anime,” says Ken Sasaki, Senior Vice President & General Manager of VIZ Media. “We will also utilize the site as a means of two-way communication to better understand what our fans enjoy most and want, and how they engage with anime and manga online. With a lot of content to select from, VIZ Anime will become a favorite site to visit again and again!” 

For more information on VIZ Media or VIZ Anime, please visit www.VIZAnime.com. 

James Cameron's Avatar coming to DVD & Blu-Ray


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TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES AVATAR BLU-RAY DISC AND DVD GLOBAL RELEASE DATES

Much-Anticipated Blu-ray and DVD Launch of James Cameron’s History-Making Epic Begins April 22 - Coinciding with the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day

LOS ANGELES, CA. – Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment today announced that it will launch director James Cameron’s history-making motion picture AVATAR on Blu-ray Disc and DVD on Thursday, April 22.

AVATAR on Blu-ray presents the ultimate high definition experience for home viewing audiences. Fans around the world will soon be able to discover every detail and relive every moment of James Cameron’s AVATAR in the comfort of their own home. Blu-ray is recognized for presenting optimal picture and sound, and now AVATAR’s masterful cinematography, art direction and visual effects will lend itself to awe-inspiring clarity when you become absorbed in the extraordinary all-encompassing experience in the living room.
Since its global theatrical release last December, AVATAR has continued to make motion picture history. Written by James Cameron and produced with his long-time collaborator Jon Landau, AVATAR stars Sam Worthington, Zoë Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Wes Studi and Laz Alonso.

Oscar and Golden Globe® winning epic is the highest grossing film of all time, taking in over $2.6 billion in worldwide box office.  Director James Cameron takes audiences to a spectacular world beyond imagination, where a reluctant hero embarks on a journey of redemption and discovery as he leads a heroic battle to save a civilization.  AVATAR delivers a fully immersive cinematic experience of a new kind, where the revolutionary technology invented to make the film disappears into the emotion of the characters and the epic nature of the story.

AVATAR will be available on Blu-ray Disc and DVD everywhere in the United States and Canada on Earth Day, April 22. Please see below for additional release dates around the world:

FRANCE – April 21                                                             BELGIUM – April 21
NETHERLANDS – April 21                                                SPAIN – April 21
CHINA – April 22                                                            BRAZIL – April 22
RUSSIA – April 22                                                            NORTH AMERICA – April 22
GERMANY – April 23                                                JAPAN – April 23
SWITZERLAND – April 23                                                 MEXICO – April 23
UK – April 26                                                             DENMARK – April 27
NORWAY – April 28                                                            SWEDEN – April 28
NEW ZEALAND – April 28                                                AUSTRALIA – April 29
FINLAND – April 30                                                            ITALY – May 6

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