Synopsis: SPOON (Written and narrated by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Scott Magoon) Spoon, a usually happy utensil, has a sudden lack of confidence in his abilities. Fork, Knife, and Chopsticks have the popular vote. But do they?

A BOY, A DOG AND A FROG (Based on the book by Mercer Mayer) A young boy and his dog spend an afternoon trying to capture a playful frog at a nearby pond.

OTTO RUNS FOR PRESIDENT (Written and illustrated by Rosemary Wells, narrated by Diana Canova) There is a big school election at the Barkadelphia School. Who will win? Will it be Tiffany, Charles or Otto?

BUGS! BUGS! BUGS! (Written and illustrated by Bob Barner, narrated by Chrystal Taliefero) With whimsical verse and brightly colored collage images, everyone s favorite bugs come to life

Review: Scholastic is famous for bringing us the finest in children's programming.  In fact, these DVDs are a godsend for parents that care everywhere.  These are always safe, educational and fun for all ages.  My kids from ages 2 to 8 love them always.  These four stories all focus on friendship and caring.  They are wildly amusing and well worth the purchase.  These are priced right at just over $10 each on Amazon.

The DVD Features include: 4 Stories Plus: A Lively Documentary on Creating the Music for Spoon; Interview with Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! Author/Illustrator Bob Barner; Read-Along

 

Synopsis: X-Men: First Class is the thrilling, eye-opening chapter you’ve been waiting for...Witness the beginning of the X-Men Universe. Before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their superhuman powers for the first time, working together in a desperate attempt to stop the Hellfire Club and a global nuclear war.

Review:  The X-Men movie franchise changed the face and tone of comic book movies.  The original X-Men in 2000 set the bar very high with great quality acting, script and a serious tone.  After that came X2..another win.  Then...sigh...X-Men 3.  That film was riddled with issues, from multiple directors dropping out to a clearly muddled plot and misuse of characters.  Ok, so that was over..then the Wolverine movie came to mixed reviews.  Personally, I enjoyed it just fine, but it still wasn't up to par with the first two X-Men movies.  Now, we get a prequel..First Class.  

X-Men: First Class is not only a surprise, but an absolute delight!  The characters are fantastic, great actors, great script..great everything.  What an amazing film!  The X-Men are back and yet again setting the bar!   This film is so good that Kevin Bacon is awesome.   The movie, set mostly during the Cuban Missle Crisis, is another serious take on some legendary superheroes and it really does them justice.  This film is a must own.

The special features on this blu-ray include: Disc 1: Theatrical Feature Blu-ray, X Marks The Spot, Composer's Isolated Score, Cerebro: Mutant Tracker, Children of the Atom – 8 Part Featurette Series and Deleted Scenes.  Disc 2: Digital Copy

Synopsis: For the first time ever, in celebration of this landmark film's 70th anniversary, experience the daring adventures of the world's only flying elephant with a dazzling all-new digital restoration and brilliant Disney enhanced high definition theatre mix sound. The inspirational tale of Dumbo, the courageous baby elephant who uses his sensational ears to soar to fame with the help of his clever best friend Timothy Q. Mouse, will thrill and delight audiences of all ages. And now, the award-winning music and empowering messages about friendship and belief in yourself reach new heights in this must-have Blu-ray high-definition presentation of Walt Disney s animated classic Dumbo!

Review: Dumbo is one of the lesser known Disneys by the public at large.  It doesn't get the fanfare that a lot of the Princess-themed films and the late 1980s to early 1990s features like the Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Beauty & The Beast get.  The film is charming, fun and heartwarming and is certainly up to snuff with the other features in the Disney library.   This is the first time that you can own this classic on blu-ray high-definition.  The film looks amazing, which is saying something for a film that was released back in 1941!  The movie has a few cultural aspects that are a sign of the times, but mostly things that fly under the radar of children.  This film is a great family feature and can now be owned on the best possible format. 

Interest Range: Vintage Animation, Disney Classics

Synopsis: The great halls of Asgard have fallen silent since a new king has overtaken the throne. His name is Loki, son of almighty Odin, brother to the Thunder God, Thor. Once a powerful trickster, the God of Mischief, Loki now rules a grand kingdom with little regard for its subjects. His only thoughts are focused inward, toward the origins of his own pain and suffering. To quell his torment and to gain the respect he feels he so rightfully deserves, Loki must now execute the prisoner chained deep within the dungeons of Asgard, the one man who has ever shown him love. His own brother.

Adapted from the acclaimed miniseries Loki, from Robert Rodi and Esad Ribic, Thor & Loki: Blood Brothers takes a powerful look inside the minds of two legendary nemeses, shedding light, like never before, on the depths of Thor and Loki’s hatred, and love, for one another

Review: The Marvel Knights motion comic DVDs have, thus far, been phenominal.   The Shout! Factory releases of Iron Man, Spider-Woman, X-Men etc. have all been great watches.  Now, they're releasing a great Thor tale.  The quality and entertainment value are right on-par with the previous releases.  They've really managed to make motion comics not only watchable, but highly entertaining.  This one is an absolute win and a great companion to watching the new feature film as it comes on blu-ray and DVD!

Interest Range: Marvel Comics, Thor

Synopsis: Despite their loss at the Regionals, the kids in New Directions are more motivated than ever. And whether it's Will doing a sexy tango with a substitute teacher (Gwyneth Paltrow), Sue joining the glee club, or everyone catching Bieber fever, the excitement at William McKinley High School is keeping everyone on their toes. With more incredible musical numbers, hugely popular guest stars like John Stamos, Carol Burnett and Kristin Chenowith and lots of behind-the-scenes special features, Glee Season 2 hits all the right notes. Stars Jane Lynch, Jayma Mays, Heather Morris, Cory Monteith, Lea Michele, Kevin McHale, Jessalyn Gilsig

Review: Glee, the musical phenom, continues with the complete second season on blu-ray!  This time FOX did the fans right and just went right to the full season release.  The show has really grown and the cool tributes were absolutely insane this year, from Brittney Spears to the now legendary Rocky Horror Picture Show tribute!  This is more of the same from season one..if you dig Glee..if you're a huge Glee-tard, then this is definately for you!

The special features include: Glee Music Jukebox, The Making of the Rocky Horror Glee Show, Exclusive Bonus Song, Getting Waxed with Jane Lynch, A day in the life of Brittany and Shooting Glee in New York City and more!

Interest Range: TV, Musical

Synopsis: Emmy® Award-winning creator Greg Garcia (My Name is Earl) brings you this hilarious and endearing comedy about the joys – and pains – of parenthood and a dysfunctional family. A one night stand becomes a life-long commitment when twenty-three-year-old Jimmy Chance inadvertently impregnates a wanted felon and decides to raise Hope (aka Princess Beyonce) on his own. Jimmy, together with his family, face play dates, family photo shoots, rock star dreams, vasectomies and more in the uproariously irreverent, critically acclaimed first season of Raising Hope.

Review: We miss My Name Is Earl.  We watch it in syndication all day like mental patients.  We just love it so much.  When we heard that Greg Garcia had a new comedy show, we freaked!  Raising Hope isn't Earl..but it stands on it's own two feet as a fantastic show.  The first season even features cameos from Earl, Randy, Joy and Crab Man (not as their Earl personas) and the Earl character Kenny is even a main player in the cast!   One of our favorite episodes, the one with Jason Lee (Earl) as Smokey Floyd, includes a great Earl reference for us crazy fans.   Raising Hope is a fantastic consolation prize for fans and is FULL of laughs.  Every character is well written and the show is absolutely a MUST own.

The special features on this DVD include: Pilot commentary, Unaired Network Pilot, Don't Vote for This Episode - Extended Episode, Adorable Stars: Meet the Hopes, Moments with Mrs. Chance, Taking Chances: Shooting the Season Finale, Gag Reel and Deleted and Extended Scenes.

Synopsis: THIRTY-SOMETHING ANNIE HAS HIT A ROUGH PATCH BUT FINDS HER LIFE TURNED COMPLETELY UPSIDE DOWN WHEN SHE TAKES ON THE MAID OF HONOR ROLE IN HER BEST FRIEND LILLIAN'S WEDDING. IN WAY OVER HER HEAD BUT DETERMINED TO SUCCEED, ANNIE LEADS A HILARIOUS HODGEPOD GE OF BRIDESMAIDS A WILD RIDE DOWN THE ROAD TO THE BIG EVENT.

Review: Bridesmaids has a huge amount of hype following it around these days.  Its touted as the best comedy of the year..by some the best comedy ever!  In league with the Hangover.  We didn't see this film in the theaters, so this is our first experience with Bridesmaids, after being tained by the hype machine.  I found the film to be charming and funny.  That said, I think the hype is a bit overblown.  All the actors in the film are fantastic and definately on their game.  The script is there and the life-affirming story is certainly nice in the end.   This is a great date movie..something that everyone can enjoy and get things out of.  The unrated DVD is definately the way to go to squeeze some more inappropriate humor out of the film!

Interest Range: Comedy

Synopsis: The sins of the past are not forgotten in this chilling suspense thriller starring Ray Liotta, Christian Slater and Ving Rhames. When the first body was discovered, it seemed a coincidence. But now homicide detective Jack Verdon (Liotta) has cause to worry: the victims of a series of brutal sex murders are all his former girlfriends. Suspected by the FBI agent who’s taken over the case (Slater) and suspended by his captain (Rhames), Jack must work outside the law if he’s to find the killer, save his future and protect what’s left of his past.

Review: We love Ray Liotta here at the Legion.  His presence in crime drama is prolific.  The River Murders gives us Liotta doing what he does best, except this time he's on the side of the law.  Liotta chases around a serial killer and has to resort to a bit of vigilante justice to get the job done.  This is a rather predictable film, but the ride is great and full of nail biting thrills.

The special features include: Filmmakers' Commentary, Writer and Actors' Commentary and Making-Of.

Interest Range: Action, Drama

Synopsis: JOE CONAHEY, A HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL COACH WHOSE CHRISTIAN FAITH IS TESTED BY A SEASON OF DISCONTENT. JOE HITS ROCK BOTTOM WHEN HIS ADOPTED SON JOSH, THE TEAM'S TALENTED BUT SELF-CENTERED STAR, TRANSFERS TO A BIG-CITY SCHOOL, BETRAYING HIS TEAMMATES AND FAMILY.

Review: Breaking the Press is the latest in a recent series of Christian-themed films about familiy and sports.  This one centers around a coach and his son that leaves town to play ball in the big city and the ethical challenges he faces.  This is a nice family film for religious folks.  The acting is pretty good, all in all its about the quality of a made for TV movie. 

Interest Range: Christian, Drama

Synopsis: Single mom Rachel Easton and her two daughters move from their cramped Detroit apartment to the suburbs when Rachel gets an irresistible deal on her dream house. But with the night comes scratching from within the walls, distant cries, and a figure of a young woman in the shifting shadows of the basement. As the haunting intensifies, Rachel and her friend must uncover the horrifying secret of what happened in the house years ago to save her family.

Review: Secrets In the Walls is a great horror-thriller starring Jeri Ryan.  She really does a great job in this made for TV film.  The movie aired on Lifetime and is a great production.   The haunting sequences are genuinely scary and the plot is solid.  The backstory may be a bit of what you'd expect, but its well-done and would be a great Halloween season watch. 

Interest Range: Thriller

Synopsis: Young. Sexy. Eternal.  Lena (Karoline Herfurth, Perfume: Story of a Murderer) is a troubled young woman from the wrong part of town. Antisocial and self destructive, Lena is caught in a dead end life until she meets Louise. Beautiful and glamorous, Louise is everything Lena is not and Lena cannot help but be flattered by her attention and the promise of a new life and family. A life of power and excitement. A life that will never, ever end. Fresh from the success of his internationally acclaimed The Wave, director Dennis Gansel delivers a darkly sexy spin on the vampire mythos, one where glamour and power come with a price not noticed until it is far too late.

Review: We Are The Night is a German made vampire flick that is released in the USA on DVD by the fine folks at IFC.   At first glance, it looks cheesy.  Like a silly vampire flick full of camp.  Then, the blood-soaked and stylish first scene hits you and you realize very quickly that this film is more than meets the eye.  What you get is a film that empowers the female side of vampirism for once.  It really focuses on the women with amazing action sequences and truly gorey and fantastic death scenes.  This one is heavy on plot, has fresh faces for the USA (being made in Germany) and is a ton of fun.  Great for the Halloween season!

Synopsis: The game of cat-and-mouse is on as Chromeskull’s assistant, Preston (Brian Austin Green, Desperate Housewives), scrambles to tie up the loose ends left behind after his deranged boss’s last killing spree. He finds that he likes taking care of business—maybe a little too much. One bloody mess leads to another and the bodies pile up in a visual feast of the most spectacular kills ever filmed. Thomas Dekker (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Danielle Harris (Hatchet II), and Owain Yeoman (The Mentalist), also star in the most brutal slasher film of the year. Chromeskull is back with a vengeance.

Review: Laid To Rest was a fantastic horror film!  It was a breath of fresh air.  Chromeskull, the sequel to Laid To Rest, is right in line with the first.  More cat and mouse and more ghoulish kills.  Its enough to bring joy to any horror fan, especially during the Halloween season!  This sequel delivers and carries over a fantastic new villain.  This one is a must have for any horror buff.

Synopsis: Worldwide Films was the biggest of the big, the grandest of the grand. But the era of dream factories has gone, replaced by the era of quick-bucks real estate. It’s time to sell the studio, parcel by parcel. Not so fast, a mysterious someone says – someone who has secretly lived amid the sets and soundstages for decades, someone who will kill to preserve his backlot home. The Phantom of Hollywood lures movie fans with its luminous cast and a remember-when nostalgia that includes clips from famous classic films contrasted with glimpses of the same sets years later (filming took place at MGM while the backlot was being dismantled). Enter the realm of the phantom’s mad, murder-filled memory lane. Lights, camera…mystery!

Review: This cool 1970s made for TV movie was the last film that was filmed on the MGM backlot, as it was destroyed afterwards.  This murder mystery is a spoof on the Phantom of the Opera, with a disfigured actor running round killing people to save his secret home.  This one is a fun watch.  Its been impossible to get until now. The Warner Archive is making it on demand and its a gem!  If you're into 70s TV or just cool old movies with a sense of humor, check this one out!

Interest Range: Vintage

That 70's Show Season One - That 70's Show Season Two

Season One Synopsis: Plug in the boob tube, put on those boogie shoes and get ready for a totally groovy collection!

Flash back to a time when platform shoes and puka shells were all the rage in this hilarious retro-sitcom. For Eric, Kelso, Jackie, Hyde, Donna and Fez, a group of high school teens who spend most of their time hanging out in Eric's basement, life in the '70s isn't always so groovy.

Season Two Synopsis: Set in the era of Led Zeppelin, Tab cola and Farrah Fawcett posters, this hilarious sitcom starring Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis continues to delight fans with its nostalgic references and funny, slice-of-life storylines about growing up in the 70s.

Eric Forman is a typical high school student growing up in Wisconsin in 1976 with his family and his friends. Together, they have the same kind of joys and sorrows that just about every teenager has while growing up.

From special brownies to Kelso s serenade and Halloween to the infamous garage sale, Season 2 is jam packed with all your favorite episodes!

Review: It is rare that a television comedy really grab our attention here at the Legion.  We've just seen SO much and its mostly cliche.  That 70s Show was a fantastic departure from the mold with its great character acting and risque comedy.  The show is centered around a group of teenagers and parents that are engaged in everything from sex to drugs, school, work and even swinging!  This show is crazy and its so hilarious.  Mill Creek is releasing the first two seasons on DVD for a very low price of $15 each.  This is a FAR better deal than the previous releases by other companies and in this economy who wouldn't be a fan of Mill Creek, right?  I know I'm lovin' it and I can't wait to collect the entire series at this low price.

Interest Range: TV Series, Comedy

Buy Season One - Buy Season Two

Season One Synopsis: The complete, UNCUT, original broadcast edits of all 23 episodes available for the FIRST TIME on DVD!

Roseanne is the glue the keeps the Conner family together as they struggle with life's essential problems: Marriage, Children, Money and Parents. Both Roseanne and Dan work hard, but can never seem to get out debt. A typical, blue-collar American family.

Season One highlights unconventional parenting methods of Roseanne and Dan Conner who generate tons of laughs in this hit sitcom.

Season Two Synopsis: Watch the Conner family as they deal with everyday problems like juggling work and family, and trying to make ends meet. The Conners know how to stick together, and are a real family, with comical antics along with dramatic moments. Roseanne and Dan are always there for each other, and their trio of children, as they watched them grow up, fall in love and make good and bad decisions.

In Season Two watch the Conners take on the school council, police a coed party, lock-up the liquor cabinet and more.

Review: Roseanne was a groundbreaking television show.  It was the first show that really didn't reflect the bogus hollywood version of family.  This one showed REAL life..all the way to the bitter end.  It was depressing and taxing and sometimes downright awful.  It was so real it could've been a reality show!  It was fantastic.  

The first two seasons of the show are being re-released by the fine folks at Mill Creek for an absolute bargain price of around $15 per season, but you can likely find them for more around $12 each if you look.  The show was released previously, but they were terrible releases that cut up the show.  This is the first time you can get it UNCUT as it aired originally.  Its a fantastic gift to Roseanne fans everywhere. 

Synopsis: Brazil (Jean-Claude Van Damme) is a contract killer, willing to take any job if the price is right. Flint (Scott Adkins) left the assassin game when a ruthless drug dealer’s brutal attack left his wife in a coma. When a contract is put out on the cold-blooded drug dealer, both Brazil and Flint want him dead – one for the money, the other for revenge. With crooked Interpol agents and vicious members of the criminal underworld hot on their trail, these two assassins reluctantly join forces to quickly take out their target before they themselves are terminated

Review: I have to own up to the fact that I was a huge Van Damme fan back in the day.  His films were a main course on the dish of my viewing as a youth.  That being said, I haven't seen a Van Damme film that wasn't terrible in over 15 years.   This is the first one!  Van Damme steps out of his old mold to play a contract killer and really does well in the more distinguished role.  This one is full of great action and suspense. 

Interest Range: Action

Synopsis: In the tradition of "The Departed", comes this explosive crime thriller from the writer of "Battle: Los Angeles" (Chris Bertolini). Mike "Madso" Madden (Matthew Marsden) leads a gang of small-time criminals on the gritty backstreets of Boston. When the local Irish mob boss goes on the lam, Madso and his crew are thrust into an epic street war, as rival gangsters and corrupt cops fight it out for control of the mobster's hidden fortune. Locked and loaded with shootouts, double-crosses and violent retribution, "Madso's War" will blow you away.

Review: Madso's War is a violent crime drama that has all the grit and grime of any great mob film.  This one is a must-watch for fans of the Departed and Miller's Crossing.  This one lives up, only with even more violence..and when we say violence, we aren't messin' around! 

Own Babar the Classic Series: School Days - Own Babar the Classic Series: Best Friends Forever

Synopsis: Based on the beloved children's books by Jean and Laurent de Brunhoff, these DVD Collections feature four endearing tales that explore core family values including acceptance, honesty and patience. Includes a bonus 8-Page Coloring Book.

DVD Reviews: Babar is a beloved children's character.  The classic cartoon is charming, sweet and full of great lessons for your pre-school aged children.  These haven't been available for years and now is the perfect chance to share these lovable tales with your kids.

School Days Episodes Include: School Days, Kings of the Castle, Every Basket Has a Silver Lining and Peer Pressure.

Best Friends Forever Episodes: City Ways, Between Friends, Friendly Agreement and An Elephant's Best Friend.

Interest Range: Kids Shows, Vintage Animation

Synopsis: The mighty, warring forces of Rome, China, and Malaysia collide in this unforgettable, action-packed epic. In 120 AD, a warrior and descendant of Alexander the Great named Merong is tasked with accompanying a Roman prince through the dangerous regions of Asia ruled by the expanding Han Dynasty. Their destination: a beautiful princess whose kidnapping sets them on a course that will alter the fate of the entire world. Spectacular, lavish, and emotional in the tradition of Spartacus: Blood and Sand, this pulse-pounding mixture of sweeping adventure and relentless martial arts will take you to the dawn of our modern civilization.

Review: Ok, when I watch a film like Clash of Empires or 300 I'm not looking for a history lesson.  Its ok to me that they borrow some true elements and change others..Hollywood does this all of the time.  This film is an epic journey that has amazing scenery, magical costumes and a great plot.  There is a ton of great action and some very decent acting here.  If you dig shows like Spartacus, like we do, then this one will definately be for you.

Interest Range: Action, Drama

Synopsis: Raised by her father (Eric Bana), an ex-CIA agent, in the wilds of Finland, Hanna's upbringing and training have been one and the same, all geared to making her the perfect assassin. The turning point in her adolescence is a sharp one. Sent into the world by her father on a mission, Hanna journeys stealthily across Europe, eluding agents dispatched after her by a ruthless intelligence operative with secrets of her own (Cate Blanchett). As she nears her ultimate target, Hanna faces startling revelations about her existence.

Review: This is a fantastic action drama that really turns out to be a coming of age film.  The acting talents of Eric Bana and Cate Blanchett really light-up the screen, while the main characters shines as a great young talent.  The movie showcases this young girl, trained as an assasin from birth, as she goes on a huge journey that teaches her about herself and really enables her to blossom and grow.  You really root for Hanna and develop a great emotional attachment to her throughout the movie.  This one is definately worth watching again and again.

Synopsis: Without the security of the job he wants or the future he dreamed of, Paul Dynan (KEVIN ZEGERS), plans the perfect crime to help his struggling family -- extort a fortune from three wealthy men (RAY LIOTTA, VICTOR GARBER, STEPHEN MCHATTIE). The plan: to abduct their socialite children (LAURA VANDERVOORT, DUSTIN MILLIGAN, JOHN BREGAR) and collect a healthy ransom of $3-million dollars. Over the course of one long night, Paul and his accomplices hold the rich kids hostage awaiting the $3-million ransom with little idea of the secrets that will surface between the fathers when they are forced to choose between their children and their money. Once blood is shed and things go horribly wrong, Paul must fight to stay one step ahead of his own twisted game.

Review: The Entitled is a direct to DVD action thriller.  That can often mean disaster, but in this case its a win all the way.  The cast is fantastic, and though I wasn't familiar with most of them, except of course the great Ray Liotta.  The film is overloaded with style and swagger, while the plot and narrative aren't necessarily up to the same level.  Its a really fun watch and great for anyone into crime drama.

Interest Range: Drama

Synopsis: Kate and her brother Joel have gathered their five best friends for a scenic RV road trip to their high-school reunion. But their cross-country adventure is about to take an unexpected turn for the worse when an ancient curse takes wing by way of a massive creature. It's called the Simuroc, and this gigantic bird of prey has found the perfect, helpless quarry in Kate and company. Stranded in the backwoods of the predator s territory, there s little chance for escape.

Review: When you tune into the SyFy network for a new original film you kinda know what you're getting into. We love campy sci-fi here at the Legion, so we were all up for Roadkill.  Whats that?  Giant birds that devours helpless campers?  WINNING!  This film is full of crazy action and suspense as the people run for their lives.  This one is a ton of fun.

Come over to the official CITIZEN KANE Facebook page http://on.fb.me/KANE70 to Watch the FIRST 10 MINS. of the Orson Welles’ classic.

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