Legendary Pictures Comic-Con Contest Is ...Legendary

SNAP. SEND. WIN.

THE LEGENDARY GAME

at COMIC-CON!

Are you going to San Diego Comic-Con? Want to win an iPad2? How about a $500 iTunes gift card, Legendary DVD collection, and an autographed copy of Frank Miller's Holy Terror?


Legendary Entertainment is rewarding you, our loyal fans, with two interactive mobile based games using SnapTag technology - simply SNAP, SEND, WIN. PRIZES include: 10 iPad giveaways plus a GRAND PRIZE of an iPad2, $500 iTunes Giftcard, Legendary DVD collection, Two Frank Miller Holy Terror t-shirts, and one signed copy of Frank Miller's Holy Terror.

HOW TO PLAY?

GAME 1 "SNAPPEES CONTEST": The first 500 people to visit the Legendary Pictures Booth will get a special unique Legendary SnapTag badge. Get the most people to snap your badge and win the GRAND PRIZE!

GAME 2 "SNAPPERS SWEEPSTAKES": For anyone who snaps a Legendary badge, simply snap a badge with your camera, message it or email it as directed, provide your email address and you will get one entry for every unique badge you snap and a chance to win 1 of 10 iPad2s.


HOW DO SNAPTAGS WORK?

A snaptag is an interactive logo based 2d mobile barcode and can work two ways:

1) Download the free SnapTag Reader app (via iTunes or Android app stores), and simply hover over the tag to activate.

2) Snap a photo of the SnapTag and send to 95871 or email to legendary@snaptag.mobi.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

Open to legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.), 13+Void where prohibited. Contest and Special Offer only available to Comic-Con Int'l 2011 attendees, while supplies last. Promotion ends on 7/24/11 at 12:00 p.m. PT. For Official Rules, prizes, offers, odds & how to enter without using your cell phone, visit www.legendary.com/snaptags-legal. If you enter via MMS messaging, TXT STOP to 95871 to opt out. TXT HELP to 95871 for information. Send questions to support@spyderlynk.com. Message & data rates may apply. You will need to send and receive between 2-4 mobile messages to enter the Sweepstakes. Entry via MMS messaging may not be available via all wireless carriers. Sponsor: Legend Pictures, LLC, 4000 Warner Blvd., Bldg 76, Burbank, CA 91522.

WARNER BROS. BOOTH WILL GET FAMILY DAY “TOON UP”

BURBANK, Calif. (July 15, 2011) — Sunday is family day at Comic-Con, and this year for the first time, Warner Bros. Entertainment will partner with Time Warner sister company Cartoon Network on a daylong “booth takeover” initiative. On Sunday, July 24, at Comic-Con International: San Diego, the Warner Bros. booth — with its distinctive 30-foot tall replica of the iconic Warner Bros. water tower — will transform overnight into the Cartoon Network booth to create a fun, family friendly environment designed just for kids.

In celebration of family day, Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. will present a day’s worth of kid-friendly events at the booth, including:

Signings by stars and creators from “Regular Show,” “Adventure Time,” “The Looney Tunes Show,” “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated” and “Young Justice”

The return of last year’s smash success kids’ Dance Party, featuring costumed characters like Scooby-Doo and Bugs Bunny. For 2011, dance party revelers will show off their hottest moves on a custom-made Liquid Fusion floor, allowing them to walk on water! (Figuratively, of course.)

Live demonstrations by cartoonists and other artists, including iconic “MAD” illustrator Sergio Aragones

One-of-a-kind giveaways and premiums from Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. Animation, including the live giveaway of the Tweety car

And more!

Thirty-five workers will work over 500 combined hours to engineer a Cartoon Network rebrand of the 3,600-square-foot Warner Bros. booth, literally overnight, hanging all-new banners and booth signage to create an all-new environment.

CARTOON NETWORK BOOTH EVENT SCHEDULE

SUNDAY, JULY 24

“The Looney Tunes Show” autograph signing, 10:15 a.m.

“Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated” autograph signing, 10:15 a.m.

“Adventure Time” signing, 11:00 a.m.

“Young Justice” signing, 11:15 a.m.

Cartoon Network Dance Party, 12:00 Noon–12:45 p.m.

Tweety car giveaway, 12:45 p.m.

Sergio Aragones live cartooning presentation, 1:00 p.m.

“Regular Show” signing, 1:45 p.m.

WARNER BROS. ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF COMIC-CON SWAG WITH

BURBANK, Calif. (July 15, 2011) — To celebrate the highly anticipated premiere of ThunderCats, the newest Warner Bros. Animation series on Cartoon Network, the studio has commissioned a replica Sword of Omens, Lion-O’s mythical weapon used in the series, to be given away to one lucky fan, exclusively at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2011.


Handcrafted by the artisan Dragon of Renegade Effects Group, this replica Sword of Omens is forged of aircraft aluminum (1/3 of what steel weighs – but just as tough!) and features a hand-carved eyepiece and ThunderCats logo.
For a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the sword, click here:
www.thewb.com/comiccon/swordofomens
Sword design taken directly from the drawings of the Warner Bros. Animation artists.
Visit the Warner Bros. booth (#4545) to find out how you could win the Sword of Omens.
In addition to this special prize, the Warner Bros. booth (#4545) will also be giving away free foam replicas of the Sword of Omens to fans on Friday, July 22, and Sunday, July 24.
A world premiere screening of ThunderCats at Comic-Con will take place on Friday, July 22, at 3:30 p.m. in Room 6A. Afterward the screening, join Larry Kenney (voice of Claudus, voice of Lion-O in the original series), Emmanuelle Chriqui (voice of Cheetara), producers Michael Jelenic and Ethan Spaulding, and art director Dan Norton will for a panel discussion on the series.
ThunderCats roars onto TV screens with an hour-long special premiere event on Friday, July 29, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network. Following the premiere, the show will air regularly on Cartoon Network Friday nights at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT, beginning August 5.
Only the true Lord of the ThunderCats can wield the mighty Sword of Omens! And only one lucky fan will be able to win this exclusive Comic-Con replica at the Warner Bros. booth.
Must be over 18 to enter. Official Rules available at TheWB.com.
For continuing info on the Studio’s plans at Comic-Con, please visit www.thewb.com/comiccon and follow us on Twitter @TheWBdotcom (hashtag #WBSDCC).
About ThunderCats:

ThunderCats is a new animated series from Warner Bros. Animation (WBA), premiering exclusively on Cartoon Network, and is executive produced by Sam Register (Teen Titans, Ben 10, Batman: The Brave and the Bold), with Michael Jelenic (Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Wonder Woman) and Ethan Spaulding (Avatar: The Last Airbender) producing.



An epic, all new reimagining of the classic 1980s animated series, ThunderCats tells the story of a hero’s journey to fulfill his ultimate destiny. On Third Earth, the kingdom of Thundera is being threatened by the evil sorcerer Mumm-Ra, and Lion-O, the young heir to the throne, embarks on a great quest to take his rightful place as king. The unlikely champion must work with his faithful comrades Tygra, Cheetara, Panthro, WilyKit, WilyKat, and his loyal pet, Snarf — who join him on his journey — to save their world from darkness.

It All Started With A Big Bang....BANG!

BURBANK, Calif. — TV’s #1 comedy — and newly minted Emmy® nominee for Outstanding Comedy Series — The Big Bang Theory (Thursdays 8/7c on CBS, premiering September 22) and multi-platinum pop rock group the BARENAKED LADIES have teamed up on a special music video for the band’s full-length version of the hit series’ theme song. The video was shot on The Big Bang Theory set and gives fans an exclusive insider’s look at the hit sitcom, via never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage of the show’s table read, rehearsals and episode taping in front of a live studio audience. The band was joined in the video by the stars of the award-winning show: Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar.

• Beginning today, the video can be seen at the following link:  www.thewb.com/shows/thebigbangtheory

• The collaboration on the music video continues the longstanding relationship between the band and the series that was established in 2007 when The Big Bang Theory creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady — who are fans of the band — asked Barenaked Ladies’ singer/guitarist Ed Robertson to pen a theme song for the series as a “sort of history of everything … in about 32 seconds.”

• The band later made a surprise appearance at The Big Bang Theory’s panel session at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2010, performing the song, complete with an audience sing-along.

• Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution will feature the video in its campaign to support the off-network launch of The Big Bang Theory in syndication this fall. The Big Bang Theory debuts in syndication September 18, simultaneously on TBS, the Fox Television Stations and broadcast stations across the country, and will air five nights a week.

• The music video and a special featurette, complete with interviews with the band, will be available on The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Fourth Season Blu-ray™ and DVD release on September 13

• The audio recording will also be featured on the band’s upcoming greatest hits package STOP US IF YOU'VE HEARD THIS ONE BEFORE. The release of the two-CD package will feature never-before-heard rarities as well as some of the band’s best-known songs and will be followed by a U.S. tour this summer (see tour dates below).

• The announcement of the music video follows the announcement yesterday that The Big Bang Theory was nominated for five Primetime Emmy® Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for stars Johnny Galecki and Jim Parsons.

• To connect with The Big Bang Theory online, become a fan of the show on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheBigBangTheory or follow on Twitter @BigBang_CBS. Become a fan of the Barenaked Ladies on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/barenakedladies or follow them on Twiter @barenakedladies.

Tour dates for Barenaked Ladies are as follows:

Date                                        City                                                     Venue

July 16^th                                                         Chicago                                               St Pat’s Block Party

July 23^rd                                                         St Louis                                              Celebrate St Louis

July 29^th                                  Oswego, NY                                       Oswego Harborfest

July 30^th                                                         Readington, NJ                                   Festival of Ballooning

July 31^st                                                         Saratoga Springs, NY                         Saratoga PAC

Aug 13^th                                                         Hampton Beach, NH                          Hampton Beach Casino

Aug 14^th                                                         Long Island, NY                                 West Hampton Beach PAC

Aug 17^th                                                         Rochester, NY                                    Finger Lakes Casino

Aug 18^th                                                         Glen Allen, VA                                   Innsbrook After Hours

Aug 19^th                                  Fredricksburg, VA                              Celebrate Virginia Live

Aug 20^th                                  Webster, MA                                      Indian Ranch

Sept 16^th                                  Thousand Oaks, CA                            Fred Kavli Theater

Sept 17^th                                  Newport Beach, CA                            Taste Of Newport

Sept 18^th                                                        San Bernardino, CA                           California Theater PAC

Sept. 19^th                                                      Saratoga, CA                                      Mountain Winery

About The Big Bang Theory

From Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in associations with Warner Bros. Television, The Big Bang Theory stars Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar. Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady created the series and serve as executive producers with Steven Molaro.

About Barenaked Ladies

Over the course of the past twenty-one years, the Barenaked Ladies have racked up eight Juno Awards and multiple Grammy nominations, sold more than 14 million albums worldwide, written a plethora of hit singles (including “One Week,” “Pinch Me” and “If I Had $1000000”) and amassed an international fanbase whose members number in the millions. They recently performed at both the Glastonbury Festival & Hard Rock Calling in the UK. They’re currently planning a brand-new studio album for release in 2012. www.barenakedladies.com

The 8th Installment of J.K. Rowlings's Epic Tale Concludes with High Action, Drama & Love

The only thing slow about Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2 was the line to get into the theatre.

Directed by David Yates, the eighth and final installment in the blockbuster franchise is an action packed adventure that masterfully concludes the beloved series in a battle of epic proportions. Faster paced and more closely following the book than previous films, HPATDHP2 is a visually stunning emotional tale of duality; life and death, good and evil, redemption and damnation.
This is the first of the eight films to utilize the widely popular 3D technology. And use it they did. The enhanced images explode from the screen resulting in a richer more magical atmosphere than prior films in the series. In this case, the use of 3D heightens the depth and dimension of the film rather than detracting from it.

Opening where the last movie left off, a triumphant sneer is splayed across Lord Voldemort’s (Ralph Fienes) serpentine features as he desecrates Dumbledore’s grave and claims the wizarding world’s strongest tool, the Elder Wand. As Voldemort, Death Stick in hand, continues to search for Harry (Daniel Radcliff), our heroic trio resumes their pursuit for the remaining Horcruxes.

Aided by the Goblin Griphook (Warwick Davis), Harry, Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) in the guise of Bellatrix (Helena Bonham Carter) visit Gringotts and endure a harrowing coaster ride that would leave even the most seasoned amusement park rider dizzy.

An amazing film with a truly stellar British cast, HPATDHP2 delivers several notable performances; from Professor McGonagall (Dame Maggie Smith) aptly using the magic she has so devotedly taught for decades, to the lovable but bumbling Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) who once again stands up for what is right in the face of insurmountable odds. But, it is Alan Rickman’s brilliant portrayal of Professor Snape that is one of the most poignant of the film with a series of flashbacks that left nary a dry eye in the theatre.

The intense on screen battle dominates roughly half the film. Leaving a trail of destruction reminiscent of a World War 2 blitz in their wake, Death Eaters smoky forms zip and buzz through the castle while giants and stone guardians face off on the front lines. With all battles, friends are lost and families are torn apart. An overwhelming sense of despair settles over our heroes as the catastrophic number of casualties is realized. Recognizing there is only one thing to do, Harry bravely becomes the martyr to enable his friends to live.

The subsequent overt religious imagery provides a striking contrast to the otherwise dark themes as we find Harry and Dumbledore bathed in white light. God-like in appearance with cascading robes and an ethereal glow, Dumbledore counsels Harry, as he has become what many have long considered him to be, a savior.

Setting up the final confrontation, an imprisoned Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) gently cradles Harry’s form as Voldemort again marches on the castle. This time, to claim victory and demand fealty. Harry jumps out of Hagrid’s arms as a stunned Voldemort scrambles to regain control of the situation while protecting what is left of his fractured soul.

Having come full circle, the end is as it started and was always supposed to be; Harry and Voldemort, facing off in a battle of good vs. evil, love vs. hate, light vs. dark.

The film concludes with a glimpse into the future and the promise of happy tomorrows for our trio.

At times, certain scenes felt a bit rushed. Such was the case with the showdown between the fiercely protective Molly Weasley (Julie Walters) and the sadistic Bellatrix Lestrange. There were also attempts by Screenwriter Steve Kloves to lighten the mood by inserting quips and comedic moments. While most worked, some did fall flat. Regardless, the resulting film is a dazzling epic that will be enjoyed by generations to come.

Harry Potter is not only the boy who lived, he is the boy who grew up before our eyes, stole our hearts & brought JK Rowlings magical world to life.

Warner Bros. Pictures’ Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 opens nationwide July 15th 2011

As Seen On Buzzine July 13, 2011

We Need More Bryll Schultz' In The Classroom

   Today is a very sad day in the Morden home. It is not just the end of a school year. Today marks the day our son's teacher retires. Mr. Bryll Schultz is by far the most amazing educator to ever grace the halls of Colfax Charter Elementary. Teachers like him should be celebrated and praised. Instead, they are forced into an early retirement by a system that sees them as the problem when in reality, it is the flawed system that is beyond repair. All too often, the drive for more money from the states coffers eclipses and outweighs a solid educational foundation at a primary school level. Striving for high test scores has become the norm. The focus of many schools has shifted from learning to test taking because of the financial rewards for high scores. This approach, I believe, has caused the degeneration of California's public schools. Our state has steadily declined in educational rankings. The inception of California's Public Schools Accountability Act has only made the decline worse. It is a travesty that schools are more concerned with children being able to test well than to actually gain the tools to help them truly learn. I vehemently believe one of the reason California's schools are suffering is because the focus has shifted from learning to the drill and kill method of teaching the standardized test. For 2010, California ranked number 46 out of 50 states according to StateMaster.com.

  We are blessed Declan was assigned to Mr. Schultz class. After the turbulent year, Declan's one constant was Mr. Schultz. As sad as I am that Mr. Schultz is retiring (tearfully so), I am most sad that future children won't know the wit, caring or encouragement from someone who doesn't teach for a paycheck but does so because he actually gives a damn. At the same time, we are lucky to know that what Mr. Schultz has given Declan is something that will play a prominent role in his life...forever. Declan gained practical knowledge. He gained the ability to think more critically. He knows the easy road is not always the best. He knows that his opinion is important even if it goes against the masses. Mr. Schultz has fostered not only a love for learning, but also a sense of self worth in my child. I will forever be grateful. Mr. Schultz, saying thank you will never be enough.

Bobby Long at Troubadour With He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister

Bobby Long, He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister 

Troubadour

February 3

English singer-songwriter Bobby Long has built a devoted following the past few years through fine storytelling and confessionals inspired greatly by the sounds of Americana and contemporary folk.  Playing solo and then, last year, with a backing band of indie musicians, fleshing out the tunes just right, he’s gone from shy Brit lad to a more confident, though still humble artist.  So what happened at his recent Troubadour appearance in West Hollywood?  

The performance had its moment, but the essence of his appeal was often hammered away by his quite slick three-man band, of obvious session and tour pros.  As result, one number wouldn’t work, while another left many fans wondering if they’d ever hear the more stripped-down beloved version again.  

That was certainly the case for “Who’ve You Been Loving,” one of his shots at a sing-a-long hit, which was rocked up, losing all the tune’s bittersweet charm. In other cases, pedal steel drenched songs as though crying out, “look, this is almost country.”

This isn’t to say there weren’t moving pieces, such as “Bounty of Mary Jane,” and “A Stranger’s Song.”  

When the band left the stage and Long played a couple of songs solo some of the heart and soul that seemed to be missing returned.  And the band wasn’t always heavy handed. The slight weepy steel accompanying him for the ballad “Dead and Done,” was just the right touch, rather than the overbearing playing through much of the set.  And it was hard to tell when Long strapped on an electric guitar for more of a jam than anything else whether he was enjoying it because it looked so forced.  

It’s hard to understand what ATO’s thinking is here. You have an artist, albeit still growing, but already with a distinctive style and you try to turn the man into a band?  The move was disappointing and even, at times, distasteful, and that’s too bad. Because there’s still no doubt that Long’s a talented songwriter and inviting singer.

On another side note, trading in his jeans and flannel shirt for all black including a jacket came off as image calculation – GQ or something like that - matching the spiffy-dressed other players.  Some were fine with it all, but others were left wondering, what happened to the artist that touched them?  Those seeing him for the first time may well have thought he was good, with no idea how much better he's been. Here’s hoping he gets to pull back the band a bit to scale down things, less is more definitely a truth here.

In contrast, the night’s support band was a wonderful discovery, in fact a delight. He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister is an unsigned Los Angeles band fronted by brother Robert Kolar on guitar and also bass drums (which is behind him and he thumps with the heel of one foot) and sister Rachel Kolar on vocals and percussion.  The band includes upright bass/cello, lap steel guitar, a drummer on snare and cymbal, plus a tap dancer! 

The group’s sound is eclectic mix of circus or carnival rock, Vaudeville by way of New Orleans swamp blues and flashes of off-center folk and quirky cabaret. The songs, including the lively “Lazy Daze' and "Coattails," and catchy “Tales That I Tell" were thumpy and organic, with a slinky, sexy appeal, too. The band was fun from song one. Keep an eye on this playful troupe, they're on to something.

Blu-Ray/DVD Review: 'Sorcerer's Apprentice'

It seemed to come and go at theaters earlier this year, but Disney’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is now on Blu-ray and DVD and truly is a fun film, loaded with creative effects, but also grounded in a story that bodes well for not just a sequel, but perhaps a francise of several movies. 

Very  (very) loosely based on the same-named segment in Disney’s classic Fantasia, the movie spans a millennia though most of the setting is modern-day New York, though with arcane touches right of Dr. Strange comics and the like.  

Nicholas Cage as Balthazar Blake is a one-time disciple of none other than Merlin, while Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel from Fanboys, Tropic Thunder)  is, but of course, the one he's been seeking for centuries. And he becomes the apprentice.  Alfred Molina relishes his role at bad guy wizard Maxim Horvath. Add Teresa Palmer and Monica Bellucci as love interests for each hero, and a creepy Alice Krige (The Borg Queen in Star Trek: First Contact) and you have a solid cast,  well-guided by director John Turteltaub, though Cage is the real anchor here.

And the magic through movie magic?  It’s quite stellar and also different from say, the land of Potter, with links to science, including a big nod to the work and creatins of Nikola Telsa. Everything looks best on Blu-ray, though the DVD is quite vivid as well. And yes, the Fantasia scene is there, cleverly done, with the music of Paul Dukas, which all was inspired by a 1797 poem by Goethe. 

For those who enjoy behind-the-scenes material, the documentaries provide much insight as fascinating looks at how it all came to together, especially the special effects.   

So this is another score for Jerry Bruckheimer and family-friendly all the way, too, with only a few harrowing moments for the littlest ones, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is watchable and winning and would make a nice little holiday gift in any format. Print up a limited time discount coupon here. 

Green Lantern Trailer Hits Web!!!

A trailer for Green Lantern, due in 2011, has hit the Web. 
One version, with Spanish subtitles, comes courtesy of www.cineheroes.net. 
You can also find it here at Apple Trailers. 
There are fanboy and fangirl squeal delights to be seen - Abin Sur, Killowog, Sinestro, Hector Hammond and other names from Green Lantern lore. It looks as though star Ryan Reynolds plays Hal Jordan cocky, but not for laughs.  And that could be good.I could go through it bit by bit....but why don't you just check it out. I'm sure stoked. What do you think? 

DVD/Blu-ray Reviews: Scott Pilgrim, Sound of Music, A Christmas Carol

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Universal
Blu-ray and DVD


While Scott Pilgrim is not the "game changer" that Rolling Stone claimed it is, this is still a clever, fun film. The action sequences play out like a video game (as does a variation on the Universal Pictures opening) contrasted by other segments that are somewhat like an indie film albeit with plenty of quirks.  Having yet to read the comics it was based on by Bryan Lee O'Malley, I can't say if it's a faithful adaptation, but it is a hoot, as an indie rock bassist (Michael Cera, doing his standard bewildered clueless slackeresque guy thing) must battle the "evil exes" of the girl of his dreams (Mary Elizabeth Winstead).  This isn't a super-hero film, far from it, though the exes and Scott , it turns out, all have super-powers of some kind. Those parts are surely absurd and ridiculous, but nonetheless sheer entertainment with slugfests of mayhem and references ranging from Bollywood to The Matrix movies to a slew of vid games. The final resolution and attempt at some depth - as the characters are pretty shallow people or caricatures overall, truth be told - doesn't quite work. But that doesn't make Scott Pilgrim a less-enjoyable wacky ride.  Both the DVD and especially the Blu-ray are chock full of extras, from commentaries and alternate footage to a making-of documentary about how it all came together, a music featurette and music videos, plus pre-production footage, too.   One thing's for sure, the movie does beam with an earnest sense of hope and that can't really be said of this year's earlier, far  more violent and cynical Kick-Ass. 



The Sound of Music
45th Anniversary Editions
Twentieth Century Fox
Blu-ray and DVD


Along with Mary Poppins, which of course, also starred Julie Andrews, The Sound of Music defines family film, even some 45 years after its initial release.  Adapting the story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, this film version by director Robert Wise  of the musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein (in fact, their final work together, as Hammerstain died from cancer nine months after the Broadway premiere, so he didn't live to see the movie) remains beloved around the world. And for good reasons.  There are those songs:  The title number, "My Favorite Things," "Do Re Mi," "The Lonely Goatherd" among them, so magical and yes, innocent with delight.  Then there's the acting: Andrews shines as Maria, who leaves the nuns in the Abbey where she was raised to become the governess for the Von Trap children and falls in love with their seemingly stern Austrian Navy Captain father, Christopher Plummer, who falls in love with her as well. And there's the backdrop of the Nazis in Austria and that threat. A few may cry "hokey," but then, they really have no heart. The film looks gorgeous in Blu-ray and it still charms, once again.  Special features include a Music Machine Sing-Along, a viewing version with on-screen lyrics and trivia, commentaries with Andrews, Plummer and Wise. The Blu-ray includes a virtual map of the filming locations, screen tests and featurettes about the stage show, film and restoration. In addition to the Blu-ray/DVD Combo and individual format releases, there's a grand  Limited Edition Collector's Set. But any version is a wonderful family holiday gift this season. 


A Christmas Carol
Disney
Blu-ray and DVD


Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol will be presented again and again in films, on television and on-stage because its story resonates for every generation as a tale of a greedy, self-centered man discovering what it truly means to bring hope and joy into the lives of others. This CGI animated version by Robert Zemeckis with Jim Carrey as not just Scrooge but many of the other characters, has its moments, but tries to hard at times (one can't see it joining  the holiday classic ranks like Zemeckis' Polar Express). Still, as with much animation, it looks stunning in Blu-ray, though the DVD is fine as well.  Carrey's a bit too hammy a Scrooge, though the performances - and they are really are that, not just voice acting, thanks to the technique of motion capture - of Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn and Cary Elwes are quite good. A behind the scenes feature explores the process, plus there are deleted scenes and a look at the challenges of bringing something new to the holiday story that's still sums it up with lines from the chain oppressed ghost of miser Jacob Marley as written by Dickens: "Business! Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!" There's a lesson there for plenty of ranting  political pundits on TV and radio and politicians and executives all over this country - and around the globe.