Showing posts with label disney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disney. Show all posts

12/24/2011

Faerie Tale Theatre: Three Little Pigs (1982) Review

Faerie Tale Theatre: Three Little Pigs  (1982)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This production of THE THREE LITTLE PIGS from FAERIE TALE THEATRE is played strictly for laughs. With a talented cast including Billy Crystal, Valerie Perrine, Jeff Goldblum, Stephen Furst, Fred Willard and Doris Roberts, it makes for irresistible family entertainment.
Larry (Billy Crystal) and his two brothers leave home to find their way in the world. Whilst his two brothers (Willard and Furst) carelessly squander their savings and build flimsy houses of sticks and straw, Larry wisely builds his house of bricks...which proves to be an extremely wise move when a Wolf with an attitude problem (Jeff Goldblum) goes a-hunting for bacon...
Will Larry be able to stand up to the Wolf and win the affections of feisty piglette Tina (Valerie Perrine)? Wait and see! THE THREE LITTLE PIGS is one of the best in the FAERIE TALE THEATRE series.

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12/01/2011

Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience (Blu-ray/DVD Combo w/ BD Live + Digital Copy) (2009) Review

Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience (Blu-ray/DVD Combo w/ BD Live + Digital Copy) (2009)
Average Reviews:

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The Jonas Brothers are the hottest boy band in America.
With a large legion of fans, the group which consists of brothers Kevin, Joe and Nick, the Jonas Brothers have accomplished many things in their last three years since the release of their first album.
The group debuted on Columbia Records INO Records (a Christian Label) in 2006 and eventually received airplay on Nickelodeon's "Zoey 101: Spring Break-Up" and various Disney soundtrack and compilations. Despite the group starting to gain momentum, the group was dropped by Columbia Records and had no label until signing with Hollywood Records in 2007. And received more attention when they appeared on an episode of "Hannah Montana" and the group were playing at major televised events.
But it was until the group released their third album "A Little Bit Longer" in 2008 which gained mainstream attention (and #40 on Rolling Stone Magazine's top 50 albums in the US) and the group had their own Disney film "Camp Rock" which featured the trio with another upcoming Disney Channel starlet Demi Lovato. The group also received the spotlight on the front cover of Rolling Stone Magazine.
Needless to say, the Jonas Brothers have become popular and Disney began filming their concert tour in the Summer of 2008, preparing the film for a 3D release and starring both popular actress/pop star Demi Lovato and popular country singer Taylor Swift.
"JONAS BROTHERS - THE 3D CONCERT EXPERIENCE" came out in theaters on February 2009.
The film was directed by Bruce Hendricks (producer of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films and "Pearl Harbor") and cinematography by Mitchell Amundsen ("G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra", "Wanted", "Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour", "Transformers"and "Transporter 2') and Reed Smoot "Circque du Soleil: Journey of Man", "Mystery of the Nile" and "Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs").
Needless to say, when it comes to idol-based music films or concerts, they are literally targeted towards their fandom and demographic. Those not familiar with the Jonas Brothers or care for their music are probably not going to have much of an interest in the film. But for those who do enjoy the group's music, "JONAS BROTHERS - THE 3D CONCERT EXPERIENCE: DELUXE EXTENDED MOVIE" is actually an enjoyable release. First off, you get four 3D glasses and you can enjoy the film in either its 3D or 2D presentation via Blu-ray. You get the DVD and a digital copy for a total of 3-Discs.
The following songs are featured in "JONAS BROTHERS - THE 3D CONCERT EXPERIENCE":
1. "Tonight" (Intro/Opening Credits)
2. "That's Just the Way We Roll"
3. "Hold On"
4. "BB Good"
5. "Goodnight and Goodbye"
6. "Video Girl"
7. "Gotta Find You"
8. "This Is Me" (Demi Lovato & Jonas Brothers)
9. "Hello Beautiful"
10. "Still In Love With You"
11. "Pushin' Me Away"
12. "Should've Said No" (Taylor Swift & Jonas Brothers)
13. "Love Is on Its Way"
14. "S.O.S."
15. "Burnin' Up"
Additional performances featured on the DVD Extended Version
16. "Can't Have You"
17. "A Little Bit Longer"
For the film, you get a good balance of concert and also other activities such as the guys picking up the release of their third album, the fake Jonas Brothers and a lot of footage of their hardcore fans. Also, the group performing with their band outdoors and backstage footage.
In terms of concert footage, having reviewed many concert releases on DVD, you often wonder how a concert looks like when it has a significant budget, this is a good example. There are cameras everywhere. Multiple angles, closeups, front, sideways, behind the band, above the band in a various angles you name it, there's a camera. Editor Michael Tronick (Editor for "Hudson Hawk","Bedtime Stories", "Days of Thunder", "S.W.A.T.", "Mr. and Mrs. Smith) did an absolutely great job with the cut footage. No dizzying quick cuts, gives the viewer time to adjust and enjoy the ambiance of the crowded concert with its many fans and their light sticks. The group and band with their constant movement throughout the stage. It's well done!
The lighting is well done and very good lighting from purple, pinks, greens, blues, ambers. And again, the larger production budget definitely shows with the stage set-up.
As for the 3D portion, I'm not the biggest fan of 3D because seldom does it work effectively (with the exception of the 3D shows I have seen at Disneyland) but for "JONAS BROTHERS - THE 3D CONCERT EXPERIENCE", for the most part, the 3D works. From Nick Jonas throwing a drum stick to the drummer and Taylor Swift flicking her guitar pick towards the camera. Those instances were enjoyable.
For the most part, 3D is used to show the audiences arms and light sticks and moreso, bringing out the performers and giving a visual depth when Joe Jonas is seen at the front and everyone is seen directly behind. Also, 3D is used quite a bit during the scenes with cast and crew credits. Also, seeing flames from the stage, the mic and mic stand right by you.
Where it's not effective is certain shots where you can see lines on the faces (for example, during the Jonas Brothers performance with Demi Lovato) during the 3D portion. And this happens a few times during the film. But for the most part, the 3D does work and some scenes that were quite effective. I had a few people with varying eyesight test out the 3D glasses during the play of the concert and interesting enough, each person had different experiences with the one with better eyesight feeling that everything was much more alive and coming out to them visually.
Of course, for those who don't care for 3D can select 2D on the Blu-ray disc and also, the 2D version is included on the optional DVD and digital copy.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
"JONAS BROTHERS - THE 3D CONCERT EXPERIENCE: DELUXE EXTENDED MOVIE" is featured in 1080p High Definition (1:85:1). Of course, quality is a non-issue during the 3D portion but for the 2D portion included, the film is quite vibrant in colors. As mentioned above, there is a lot of lighting in this concert and colors really come out quite well in this film. If there is one thing that I'm always confident from a release from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, every Blu-ray release has had solid picture quality and this film is no exception.
Colors come out quite well during the concert, audience faces can be seen from a distance, blacks are nice and deep. No low-light noise, overall for a concert related release, this is probably one of the best looking concerts I have seen on Blu-ray but considering not many concerts are shot with this large of a budget and is shown as a feature film.
And the audio is fantastic. Disney went for the 7.1 English DTS-HD Master Audio. So you have the front channels delivering the music and vocals. The rear surrounds delivering the audience. Great use of LFE as my subwoofer was being used during the concert. It's an immersive soundtrack and if I had to really nitpick, I wish the explosions had a little more kick but overall, the concert presentation given the DTS-HD Master Audio track was quite exceptional.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"JONAS BROTHERS - THE 3D CONCERT EXPERIENCE: DELUXE EXTENDED MOVIE" comes with a few special features. Included are:
* BONUS SONGS of "LOVE BUG" and "SHELF" - Both the Blu-ray and DVD feature two performances not included in the extended version of the film. "LOVE BUG" (3:41) features the group rehearsing and practicing with their band and goofing around. And then shots of the group performing live in concert with the band. "SHELF" (4:25) features the group performing live.
* BACKSTAGE DISNEY: Up Close & Personal with the Jonas Brothers - (15:09) An in-depth look at the Jonas Brothers as they recall the challenges they had in their career and remembering how they performed at small venues two years ago and now they are performing at larger venues. How they planned the stage along with their crew and working together with everyone (musicians and crew) and treating them like a family. Working with Rob Brenner (Tour Director) and a behind-the-scenes look at rehearsals and challenges they had to face. Promotional tours and being thankful to their fans. An enjoyable featurette.
* Dylan & Cole Sprouse: Blu-ray is Suite (DVD Only) - (5:57) A promotional by the "Suite Life with Zack and Cody" stars promoting Blu-ray.
JUDGMENT CALL:
I've reviewed many concerts on DVD and beginning to review more on Blu-ray but I have to say that this release is quite solid. The Jonas Brothers and their music may not be for everyone but for fans, this is a solid release. It's well-produced, well-edited and again, not may concerts get the higher production (nor do they get a feature film and featured in 3D). You get one of the best looking concerts on Blu-ray with a pretty awesome soundtrack.
For fans of the Jonas Brothers, you really can't go wrong with "JONAS BROTHERS - THE 3D CONCERT EXPERIENCE: DELUXE EXTENDED MOVIE". Disney went all out in giving fans the 2D and 3D version on Blu-ray, plus the Extended Movie on DVD and the DisneyFile Digital Copy.
Personally, I thought it was a well-done concert. Watching a male pop band doing acrobatics during their performance might not be for everyone but having reviewed many female and male idol concerts from Japan and other parts of world, this is pretty standard, so I was not put off by it at all.
Also, I am aware of the negative reviews from...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience (Blu-ray/DVD Combo w/ BD Live + Digital Copy) (2009)

Put yourself in the middle of the Jonas Brothers motion picture debut with the ultimate Extended 3D Concert Experience only on Blu-ray Hi-Def. It doesn t get any better than this as Kevin, Joe, and Nick invite you inside their personal world for an all inclusive look at the band. The 3D picture looks so incredible you ll think you can reach out and touch the brothers, and the theater-quality sound will have you jumping out of your seat. This 3D movie event launches music s hottest trio straight into your living room and includes guest appearances by chart topping artists Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift.Secure your backstage pass to this once in a lifetime 3D experience with the Jonas Brothers, complete with exclusive bonus features including unseen performances, additional songs, and an extra DVD copy of the movie. You ll feel like you re part of the Jonas family with this deluxe up close and personal Blu-ray set for the ultimate fan.Bonus Features Include: Two additional songs not seen in theaters, Up Close and Personal: Behind the Scenes with the Jonas Brothers

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11/18/2011

High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Deluxe Extended Edition + Digital Copy + DVD and BD Live) (2008) Review

High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Deluxe Extended Edition + Digital Copy + DVD and BD Live)  (2008)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The movie is truly amazing! (And it`s an extended edition!) Anyone who liked the first two will literally fall in love with this one! I think that even if you didn't see the first two, you will like this one because of what it talks about. This movie is about something we all go through: saying good-bye to our friends after high school. Addiotionally, it's nice to see ateen movie that doesn't revolve around sex, drugs, violence, and profanity.
The East High Wildcats decide to put on their final show together at their school: a musical about their twelfth grade experience. It'll be a pretty unique musical because, for once, they won't have to play a character - they'll be playing themselves! But due to her incredible intelligence, Gabriella, the female protagonist, is offered to skip her senior year in high school and go to straight onto college right away. Will she accept Standard's offer, leaving her friends, boyfriend, and the musical behind? Will Troy, the male protagonist, chose to continue with basketball or will he chose a career than involves acting? Will Sharpay win a scholarship to New York's Julliard University of Performing Arts or will her brother? Will Ryan and Kelsi find true love? Find out in this exciting conclusion to one of the world's greatest film series! The only good thing recently produced by the screwed-up Disney Channel! Yes I hate Disney Channel, Hannah Montana, Cory in the House, Jonas Brothers, and all of the other inappropriate teen shows they've decided to put on a children's channel. But High School Musical is different. It teaches both kids and teens a valuable lesson and it allows adults to revisit their past. The plot is actually relevant to what many people feel and...it's a teenage musical! You don't see something like that everyday! Just watching Troy and Gabriella perform a beautiful waltz is reason enough to buy this film. Also, the old fashioned music at the end proves that rap, hip hop, and pop isn't always what you'll see in a teenage film.
The songs are as original, catchy, and wonderful as they are visually stunning! During "Scream," the turning walls that represent Troy's confusion are spectacular! The disappearing pictures on the wall in Gabriella's solo "Walk Away" were really quite sad. The Statue of Liberty that shoots fireworks out of its head in "I Want It All" is amazing. The sets in "A Night To Remember" will leave you with your mouth wide open. "Right Here Right Now," "Can I Have This Dance," and "Just Wanna Be With You" are three incredible romance songs. And, of course, Troy and Chad turning into little boys in "The Boys Are Back" was really cute. That reminds, "Right Here Right Now" and "The Boys Are Back" are so of my favorites because of what they talk about: not wanting to grow up. Anyway, n case you forgot or are too lazy to read the customer reviews for the HSM3 soundtrack, here are the songs:
1. "Now Or Never" - Troy and the Wildcats basketball team
2. "Right Here, Right Now" - Troy and Gabriella
3. "I Want It All" - Sharpay and Ryan [A TRUE BROADWAY SONG!]
4. "Can I Have This Dance? (Version I)" - Troy and Gabriella
5. "A Night To Remember" - cast!
6. "Just Wanna Be With You" - Ryan & Kelsi, Troy & Gabriella
7. "The Boys Are Back" - Troy and Chad
8. "Walk Away" - Gasbriella
9. "Scream" - Troy
10. "Can I Have This Dance? (Version II)" - Troy and Gabriella
11. "Senior Year Spring Musical" ***made up of reprises of NOW OR NEVER (Chad, the Wildcats basket team, cheerleaders), I WANT IT ALL (Ryan), JUST WANNA BE WITH YOU (Sharpay & Jimmy, and later Troy and Gabriella), and A Night To Remember (Sharpay vs. Tiara), as well as a new song: Last Chance (Ryan and Kelsi)***
12. "We're All In This Together" - cast!
13. "High School Musical" - cast!
14. "Just Getting Started" - during the end credits, winner of the Get In The Picture ABC7 contest
By the way, during the "I Want It All," you actually see Gabriella The Maid a bit more than you did in the theaters because you see that part of the song in a different camera angle than you did in theaters. That also lets you see an important-looking lady giving Ryan a newspaper with him and Sharpay on the cover. This is not due to the extended edition thing because the song is the same length, but, like I said, the camera angle is different so you see more things.
The special features on this Blu-ray are freakin' cool! Even though it's a single disc release, it has the exact same content found on the Two-Disc release, plus more! These are the Special Features (the last two aren't found on the two-disc release).
-- Extended Version Of The Movie
-- Optional Sing Along Version
-- Bloopers
-- Deleted Scenes
-- "Cast Goodbyes" feature
-- "Night Of Nights" feature
-- "It's All In The Dress" feature
-- "Senior Awards" feature
-- New Cast Profiles
In addition, just like in the Two-Disc release, you can download a digital copy of the movie. And as if that weren't enough, it comes with the first disc of the Two-Disc Edition!!!!! Now you can watch the movie practically anywhere because you have the regular version as well as the Blu-ray version!!!! What do you know, it is a two disc after all. ^_^

Click Here to see more reviews about: High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Deluxe Extended Edition + Digital Copy + DVD and BD Live) (2008)

It's time to celebrate as Disney's phenomenal High School Musical hits new heights in High School Musical 3: Senior Year! Fresh from the big screen, this motion picture extravaganza delivers non-stop entertainment from start to finish! It's almost graduation day for high school seniors Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Chad, Ryan and Taylor - and the thought of heading off in separate directions after leaving East High has these Wildcats thinking they need to do something they ll remember forever. Together with the rest of the Wildcats, they stage a spring musical reflecting their hopes and fears about the future and their unforgettable experiences growing up together. But with graduation approaching and college plans in question, what will become of the dreams, romances, and friendships of East High's senior Wilcats?Find out what happens to all your favorite characters in the big screen musical sensation, High School Musical 3: Senior Year! It s a fabulous celebration the whole family will love! Disc 1:
Includes extended version of the movie and all of the bonus features from the 2-Disc DVD
Plus, Exclusive Blu-ray Bonus Features including: Senior Awards, New Cast Profiles, BD Live (includes BD Live Photo Feature)
Disc 2:
DisneyFile Digital Download Copy Disc: Watch your DVD disc in the living room and your DisneyFile digital copy on the go
Disc 3:
DVD copy of the Extended Movie
Special Features: *Extended Version of the Movie *Cast Goodbyes *Bloopers *Deleted Scenese *Night of Nights *It's All in a Dress *Sing-Along Mode *Senior Awards *New Cast Profiles

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11/14/2011

Kidnapped (1960) Review

Kidnapped  (1960)
Average Reviews:

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Originally released in 1960, filmed 10 years after Disney's "Treasure Island" (Both are based on books written by Robert Louis Stevenson). This is a grittier more realistic film than Treasure Island, not as flamboyant. Coincidentally, Disney Director Robert Stevenson wrote the screenplay based on the novel but he is not related to the original writer.
Set in 18th centurey Scotland, it features James MacArthur who made 5 other films for Disney as a young man, and later moved on to "Hawaii 5-O". The film starts with a plot of a young man finding out he has an estate after his father dies, and when he goes to reclaim it his uncle tries to cheat him out of it. There is a famous scene where the uncle tries to kill the young man by sending up a tower in the dark... with missing stairs. Peter Finch is the Hero that takes him under his wing. They have to battle their way off a ship as cutthroat sailors try to murder them. The movie draws you in, as it is very realistic and loaded with period atmosphere, costumes, sets, and weapons. The British are chasing the Scottish Highlanders all over the countryside which is loaded with friends and traitors, and so they can trust no one. There are many character actors that add to the richness of the film. This film is a rollicking good time, and has intrigue, adventure, and mystery as well. Swordfights and gun battles galore! There are numerous authentic Scottish actors and accents, as it was filmed on location in Scotland. While Disney films that were made in Europe were criticized for being "too Americanized" they loved this film and praised both it's authenticity to the original book.
The color is beautiful on this nice clean print. This film is not for the smallest kids as it does have some scary scenes and some violence. (But keep in mind that the film still takes a strong stand against killing and drinking/gambling. Nice moral lessons without being preachy. The stars fight because they have too, and truly regret having to participate in violence to defend themselves).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kidnapped (1960)

Robert Louis Stevenson's exciting saga of a young man's quest for his rightful inheritance bursts upon the screen in this faithful Disney adaptation. Award-winning actor Peter Finch stars as the daring rebel, Alan Breck, who joins forces with young David Balfour (James MacArthur) to do battle with scurvy sea dogs and ruthless Redcoats. A strong supporting cast features the memorable screen debut of Peter O'Toole. Filmed in the majestic Scottish Highlands, Disney's KIDNAPPED, with its swordplay, storms at sea, and heroic bravery, is a classic adventure of epic proportions!

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10/21/2011

Faerie Tale Theatre: Tales from the Brothers Grimm (1982) Review

Faerie Tale Theatre: Tales from the Brothers Grimm (1982)
Average Reviews:

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Though Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre is available as a complete collection, the thematic DVD sets are also well-done. This particular DVD contains 4 adapted Brothers' Grimm tales:
- Hansel and Gretel which features Ricky Schroeder as Hansel, Bridgette Andersen as Gretel, and Joan Collins as both the wicked stepmother and witch.
- Rapunzel which features Gena Rowlands as the witch, Shelley Duvall as both Rapunzel and Rapunzel's mom, and Jeff Bridges as the prince and er, Rapunzel's dad.
- Rumpelstiltskin features Shelley Duvall as the girl/Queen, and Herve Villachaize "the plane, the plane" as Rumpelstiltskin, and
- Little Red Riding Hood which features Mary Steenburgen as LRRH, and Malcolm McDowell as the wolf.
The stories have a touch of humor in them and are well-acted by a talented ensemble cast. Highly recommended for the young and young at heart!


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Includes Four Magical Episodes from Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre Digitally Restored and Re-mastered! Evil witches, beautiful princesses, a wicked stepmother and a big, bad wolf fill this collection of Faerie Tale Theatre episodes adapted from the Brothers Grimm classics. Sure to keep you entertained "happily ever after," these enchanting stories are brought to life with stellar casts that include Jeff Bridges, Joan Collins, Diane Ladd, Gena Rowlands, Ricky Schroder and more! HANSEL AND GRETELLeft alone in the woods, Hansel (Ricky Schroder) and Gretel (Bridgette Andersen) chance upon a house made of candy, only to become prisoners of a mean old witch (Joan Collins) who wants to fatten them up for supper.RAPUNZELIn the middle of a dark forest, an old enchantress (Gena Rowlands) keeps the beautiful, long-haired Rapunzel (Shelley Duvall) hidden inside a tall tower, until a handsome prince (Jeff Bridges) finds her and falls in love.RUMPELSTILTSKIN After helping a young woman (Shelley Duvall) spin straw into gold and become Queen, a menacing little man (Hervé Villachaize) gives her an ultimatum - either guess his bizarre name or give up her first-born child. LITTLE RED RIDING HOODWhile on the way to her grandmother's house, Little Red Riding Hood (Mary Steenburgen) crosses paths with a hungry wolf (Malcolm McDowell), who hatches a plan to eat her.

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10/11/2011

High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Single-Disc Theatrical Version) (2008) Review

High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Single-Disc Theatrical Version) (2008)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The movie is truly amazing! (And it`s an extended edition!) Anyone who liked the first two will literally fall in love with this one! I think that even if you didn't see the first two, you will like this one because of what it talks about. This movie is about something we all go through: saying good-bye to our friends after high school. Addiotionally, it's nice to see ateen movie that doesn't revolve around sex, drugs, violence, and profanity.
The East High Wildcats decide to put on their final show together at their school: a musical about their twelfth grade experience. It'll be a pretty unique musical because, for once, they won't have to play a character - they'll be playing themselves! But due to her incredible intelligence, Gabriella, the female protagonist, is offered to skip her senior year in high school and go to straight onto college right away. Will she accept Standard's offer, leaving her friends, boyfriend, and the musical behind? Will Troy, the male protagonist, chose to continue with basketball or will he chose a career than involves acting? Will Sharpay win a scholarship to New York's Julliard University of Performing Arts or will her brother? Will Ryan and Kelsi find true love? Find out in this exciting conclusion to one of the world's greatest film series! The only good thing recently produced by the screwed-up Disney Channel! Yes I hate Disney Channel, Hannah Montana, Cory in the House, Jonas Brothers, and all of the other inappropriate teen shows they've decided to put on a children's channel. But High School Musical is different. It teaches both kids and teens a valuable lesson and it allows adults to revisit their past. The plot is actually relevant to what many people feel and...it's a teenage musical! You don't see something like that everyday! Just watching Troy and Gabriella perform a beautiful waltz is reason enough to buy this film. Also, the old fashioned music at the end proves that rap, hip hop, and pop isn't always what you'll see in a teenage film.
The songs are as original, catchy, and wonderful as they are visually stunning! During "Scream," the turning walls that represent Troy's confusion are spectacular! The disappearing pictures on the wall in Gabriella's solo "Walk Away" were really quite sad. The Statue of Liberty that shoots fireworks out of its head in "I Want It All" is amazing. The sets in "A Night To Remember" will leave you with your mouth wide open. "Right Here Right Now," "Can I Have This Dance," and "Just Wanna Be With You" are three incredible romance songs. And, of course, Troy and Chad turning into little boys in "The Boys Are Back" was really cute. That reminds, "Right Here Right Now" and "The Boys Are Back" are so of my favorites because of what they talk about: not wanting to grow up. Anyway, n case you forgot or are too lazy to read the customer reviews for the HSM3 soundtrack, here are the songs:
1. "Now Or Never" - Troy and the Wildcats basketball team
2. "Right Here, Right Now" - Troy and Gabriella
3. "I Want It All" - Sharpay and Ryan [A TRUE BROADWAY SONG!]
4. "Can I Have This Dance? (Version I)" - Troy and Gabriella
5. "A Night To Remember" - cast!
6. "Just Wanna Be With You" - Ryan & Kelsi, Troy & Gabriella
7. "The Boys Are Back" - Troy and Chad
8. "Walk Away" - Gasbriella
9. "Scream" - Troy
10. "Can I Have This Dance? (Version II)" - Troy and Gabriella
11. "Senior Year Spring Musical" ***made up of reprises of NOW OR NEVER (Chad, the Wildcats basket team, cheerleaders), I WANT IT ALL (Ryan), JUST WANNA BE WITH YOU (Sharpay & Jimmy, and later Troy and Gabriella), and A Night To Remember (Sharpay vs. Tiara), as well as a new song: Last Chance (Ryan and Kelsi)***
12. "We're All In This Together" - cast!
13. "High School Musical" - cast!
14. "Just Getting Started" - during the end credits, winner of the Get In The Picture ABC7 contest
By the way, during the "I Want It All," you actually see Gabriella The Maid a bit more than you did in the theaters because you see that part of the song in a different camera angle than you did in theaters. That also lets you see an important-looking lady giving Ryan a newspaper with him and Sharpay on the cover. This is not due to the extended edition thing because the song is the same length, but, like I said, the camera angle is different so you see more things.
The special features on this Blu-ray are freakin' cool! Even though it's a single disc release, it has the exact same content found on the Two-Disc release, plus more! These are the Special Features (the last two aren't found on the two-disc release).
-- Extended Version Of The Movie
-- Optional Sing Along Version
-- Bloopers
-- Deleted Scenes
-- "Cast Goodbyes" feature
-- "Night Of Nights" feature
-- "It's All In The Dress" feature
-- "Senior Awards" feature
-- New Cast Profiles
In addition, just like in the Two-Disc release, you can download a digital copy of the movie. And as if that weren't enough, it comes with the first disc of the Two-Disc Edition!!!!! Now you can watch the movie practically anywhere because you have the regular version as well as the Blu-ray version!!!! What do you know, it is a two disc after all. ^_^

Click Here to see more reviews about: High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Single-Disc Theatrical Version) (2008)

It's time to celebrate as Disney's phenomenal High School Musical hits new heights in High School Musical 3: Senior Year! Fresh from the big screen, this motion picture extravaganza delivers non-stop entertainment from start to finish! It's almost graduation day for high school seniors Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Chad, Ryan and Taylor - and the thought of heading off in separate directions after leaving East High has these Wildcats thinking they need to do something they ll remember forever. Together with the rest of the Wildcats, they stage a spring musical reflecting their hopes and fears about the future and their unforgettable experiences growing up together. But with graduation approaching and college plans in question, what will become of the dreams, romances, and friendships of East High's senior Wilcats?Find out what happens to all your favorite characters in the big screen musical sensation, High School Musical 3: Senior Year! It's a fabulous celebration the whole family will love!1 Disc DVD:
Theatrical version of the movie

Bonus Feature: Cast Goodbyes


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9/20/2011

Annie (1999) Review

Annie (1999)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Many people pass off ANNIE as a children's musical, when in actuality it has one of the most sophisticated scores and the book is of a higher standard than of many other shows. It still holds a record of something like the 8th or 9th longest running show on Broadway, and it is a delight among theatre-goers.
This new Disney version stays faithful to the stage score and script, not like John Huston's rambling version back in 1981 (refer to my review for this), and it is a delight to watch. It has that 'theatrical-style' feel to it.
The esteemed cast, the bulk of which are seasoned Broadway performers, include Kathy Bates as Miss Hannigan, Alan Cumming as Rooster, Audra McDonald as Grace Farrell, Kristin Chenoweth as Lily St Regis, Victor Garber as Daddy Warbucks and the lovely Alicia Morton as Annie. Making a cameo in the 'NYC' number as ''Star To Be'' is (oh happy day) the original Broadway Annie - Andrea McArdle.
The cast is sensational, and while I will not bring down the 1981 performers of Carol Burnett, Bernadette Peters and Ann Reinking, they are far more believable in their interpretations.
You must buy this new version of the Broadway smash ANNIE!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Annie (1999)

Disney makes this beloved musical more magical than ever with an all-new, feature-length production! Featuring an all-star cast and new choreography, this charming tale of an adorable orphan named Annie captures all the fun of the original, but adds an unmistakable Disney touch! For a young girl living a "hard-knock" life in a children's orphanage, things may seem pretty bad -- especially at Christmas. But feisty Annie carries a song in her heart and hope in her locket -- the only thing she has from her parents. One day, fed up with the dastardly Miss Hannigan (Academy Award(R)-winner Kathy Bates), Annie escapes the rundown orphanage determined to find her mom and dad. Her adventure takes her from the cold, mean streets of New York to the warm, comforting arms of bighearted billionaire Oliver Warbucks, with plenty of mischief and music in between! Filled with memorable songs and magical moments, Disney's ANNIE brings this heartwarming story to a whole new generation. And now you can relive the magic over and over again!

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9/18/2011

Gen 2 3D Movie Viewing Theater by Razor 3D with 2 Pair Wired Shutter Glasses Review

Gen 2 3D Movie Viewing Theater by Razor 3D with 2 Pair Wired Shutter Glasses
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
these glasses work far better than the ordinairy paper ones.
they r great. you just have to find the right 3 d movie.
i would recommend it to any one.

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Description3D Viewing System for 2MSRP $49.95!If you have been amazed by a wide-screen 3D film, the i-ware!TM 3D holographic-like visuals will astound you!Experience incredible 3D effects! Step into your TV. The world opens up. The 3D action comes right off the screen and the effects surroung you. The images are so real. Enjoy hours of great entertainment: Nature, Travel, Sports, Adventure, Horror and more!The 3D Theater is easy to set up: The video transmitter and wired glasses easily connect between your TV and VHS video player, DVD player or other source so you can view the DVDs listed in our Store (To Include IMAX and MANY MORE) and most other 3D videos and DVDs. Images take on a whole new dimension!Two pairs of wired high performance 3D shutter glassesVideo Synchronization ControllerPower ChordRCA video cableInstruction manualPlease Note: CRT or "Tube" type televisions are required for use with the 3D Video Viewing Systems. These types of televisions refresh their image in a very consistent manner, which makes it very easy for the 3D system to synchronize to the signal.HDTV, Plasma, LCD, and most projection television systems refresh their image in a random manner. This makes it impossible for the 3D Video Viewing system to synchronize to their signal, making them incompatible with the system. The exception to this is 3 "gun" CRT based projection systems where all 3 guns have a synchronized refresh.The outer package is the pictured above.Here is the unit that is inside the package:FormatAll of our DVDs are Region 1 or 0/All playable in North America.Rating/ConditionFactory Sealed

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9/09/2011

Disney WOW: World of Wonder Review

Disney WOW: World of Wonder
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Recently purchased a 55" Samsung UN55C6800 LED TV and was looking for a calibration disc. I was about the purchase the DVE HD Basics Blu-Ray but saw a press release concerning this DVD, so I decided to wait until this one came out and give it a go.
I will preface this by saying I had already used calibrated settings from CNET as well as users on the AVS forums to tweak my TV already. Before using the WoW Blu-Ray I would say I was about 95% satisfied with the picture my TV delivered using the settings I found online. The main reason I bought the blu-ray is I was just interested in seeing all the (albeit non-professional) test patterns used to calibrate a TV and so forth. I went in to this purchase not expecting any vast improvements in Picture Quality over my already somewhat tweaked settings. I know this disc is no substitute for a ISF professional calibration and was not expecting such results.
First, for people who havent purchased, head over to Disney's website and search for this blu-ray. On its Disney page, you'll find at the bottom a link to download the "WoW Technical Manual." This is basically an instruction booklet on how to use the blu-ray, and I found it to be a nice read before I actually received the blu-ray itself. It goes over a lot of the test patterns and how they work.Here are the contents of the blu-ray:
DISCOVER
The discover section basically gives you an overview of what HDTV is, how a picture is composed, etc.
OPTIMIZE
Beginner
VIDEO TOOLS
*Brightness *Aspect Ratio *Contrast *Color *Sharpness
VIEWING ANGLE DIAGNOSTIC Find the best seat in the house
AUDIO TOOLS
*Speaker ID *Polarity Test *Noise Floor *Buzz & Rattle Test
ADVANCED
ADVANCED VIDEO CALIBRATION TOOLS
*Advanced Brightness & Contrast *Aspect Ratio *Convergence *Chroma & Hue *Sharpness/Focus *Overscan Test *A/V Sync
DISPLAY EVALUATION TOOLS *Purity *Scaling Test *Advanced Scaling 1 & 2 *Sharpness/Focus *Hyperbolic Zone Plate *White-Black Clipping *Viewing Angle Test *Gamma Response *Grayscale *Compound Test Chart
AUDIO TOOLS *Speaker ID *Polarity Test *Noise Floor *Buzz & Rattle Test *A/V Sync *Speaker Level Adjustment *Subwoofer Level Adjustment
EXPERT
PROFESSIONAL TOOLS HD SHOOTOUT Standard DVD vs. HD Blu-ray (BD only)
EXPERIENCE
1-2 minute clips of recent Disney movies.
So....how did it work for me?
First, I love the included manual. Very well written and easy to use. Also, this blu-ray comes with a blue filter gel used to calibrate your colors. (I believe the DVE Blu-Ray also comes with color gels).
The actual DVD menus are wonderful too. Each test pattern has three sections: Overview (description of whay the particular TV setting is important), Instructions (shows the test pattern and clearly talks about how to use it), and finally just the test pattern itself, allowing you to tweak and take as long as you want.
Depending on how familiar you already are with your TV and if you wanted to watch the "Discover" portion of the disc, you can expect to spend anywhere from 1 hour to a few hours with the disc. There is a second included disc called Visions that has a bunch of nature scenery/etc to show off your TV. I did not care for the second disc, but i could see how someone could enjoy it.
At the end of the day, after running through all the tests (some multiple times because other tests later on may change your initial settings), I only changed two settings on my current set-up, and they were very small changes at that. I was disappointed that my settings didnt change too much, but like i said in the beginning I was already very happy with my TV's picture using settings I found online.
For what it is (an average-joe TV calibration blu-ray), this product is wonderful. I highly recommend it for people purchasing their first HDTV as it thoroughly discusses everything a person new to the technology would need to know. If you are the type of person who buys a new TV and starts watching it day 1 on the default settings, this dvd may help a LOT. However, for those who already play around with settings, consumer calibration dvds such as this one will probably not help all that much - especially since we can get decent settings online already from professional review sites or forums.
However, since I am rating the product, it undoubtedly deserves 5 stars. Easy to navigate, well produced, professional, etc. Just understand that if you've already tweaked your TV settings using information you've gathered online, this dvd may not bring that much of a change to your picture settings!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Disney WOW: World of Wonder

The Disney WOW World of Wonder Disc is a definitive "how to" guide for in-home High Definition (HD) optimization of home entertainment systems featuring the help of classic Disney character GOOFY and including HD demonstration clips from popular Disney titles including Toy Story, Up, Bolt and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. The easy to follow on-screen guide is designed to help consumers get the best quality experience from their home theater systems by providing everyone from beginners and enthusiasts to experts and custom installers alike with valuable high quality calibration tools.

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Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008) Review

Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Being the chihuahua lover that I am, I was first in line at our local cinema to see this flick!
I loved it from begining to end, however it wanst exactly what I expected. From some of the previews it looked like there would be lots more chihuahuas in most of the film, but for the most part it is two chis (Chole and Papi) along with a German Shepard. Towards the end is about 5-7 mintues of films with LOTS of chihuahuas, include a bit of history about the breed, some pretty cool looking aztec ruins, and chis of every shape and color, including brindles, blue, chocolates, blacks, merles, spotted, fawn and even long coats!
Has great themes about finding your roots, not giving up on your true friends and helping others when they need it the most. Also, that no matter what your situtation is, there is a place where you belong.
I went with a friend from work (we are both adults) and we both loved it. We laughed and cried, and agreed we will see it again and buy it when it comes to video!
Also, kudos to Disney. At the end of this film there is a note about how each pets deserves a permenant loving home, and if you purchase a dog, to do research on the breed!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008)

Get ready for a hilarious fun-filled adventure starring Chloe (voiced by Drew Barrymore), a diamond-clad ultra-pampered Beverly Hills Chihuahua who gets lost while on vacation in Mexico. Papi (voiced by George Lopez), an amusing Chihuahua who's crazy about Chloe, springs into action and heads south of the border to rescue her, while Chloe gets help from Delgado (voiced by Andy Garcia), her newfound friend and self-appointed protector. Beverly Hills Chihuahua from Walt Disney Pictures is a heartwarming and outrageously funny tale proving once again that good things do come in small packages. It's a real treat for the whole family. This DVD has fullscreen or widescreen capabilities. Bonus Features:*Deleted scenes with introductsion by director Raja Gosnell*Blooper scooper*Legend of the chihuahua*Feature audio commentary by director Raja Gosness (Widescreen version only)

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9/06/2011

Up (Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + BD Live) (2009) Review

Up (Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + BD Live)  (2009)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I had no expectations of being disappointed with a Disney/Pixar BD, and being that it took me a whole dedicated day to get through everything, I now feel it was worth every penny. The film was enjoyable, funny, sad, and scary filled with some nice messages about life and loss. I can understand why the majority of my customers loved it.
The Blu clarity is outstanding, and the amount of reference points are extensive, but one that stands out the most for contrast lines would have to be when the house is entering the lair (balloons against the dark cavern). The sound is selectable between 5.1 DTS, 2.0 DTS and Descriptive English. The 5.1 was beautiful with tons of reference points, sometimes excruciating (that bird screeching) but thorough nonetheless. Now for the supplements (all times in minutes):
DISC 1: (BD)
* 5:46 Partly Cloudy short film. Was hilarious. A great depth test for your display with the clouds. Nice little message of tolerance no matter how difficult someone might be.
* 4:40 Dug's Mission. An almost lo-def looking short take on our main dog dealing with the main three baddies on a chase.
* 22:17 Adventure Out There. A must see documentary about the crew taking the actual trip to the Tepui location in South America. A beautiful travel infomercial in itself. Loved how their guide only wore sandles for the ascent and hikes.
* 4:56 Alternate Scenes Ending of Muntz. Sketches and interviews regarding different endings for that bad guy that they had come up with.
* 1:00 How-to on using the Digital Copy.
* Cine Explore option while watching the film. The two directors give their commentary with multiple pop-up screens showing art, ideas, etc.
* Screen Saver. Allows you to set a time period for your screen saver to activate.
* Maximize Your Home Theater. The standard Pixar multi-step process for setting all of your theater capabilities.
DISC 2: (BD)
Documentaries
* 6:24 Geriatric Hero. History behind the creation of our old guy. All of these documentaries are interview oriented with sketches and film clips to supplement.
* 8:26 Canine Companions. In depth analysis on the breed choices, training and dog behavior studied to get the dogs in the film to be more - dog like.
* 9:00 Russel Wild Explorer. Covers the reasons for his character to have the loss and why he was "egg" shaped as opposed to other sketch ideas.
* 5:04 Kevin (bird). Nice reference to the Swiss Family Robinson ostrich; covered the hardest part of any of these animation films - the feathers.
* 4:38 Homemakers Pixar. Enjoyed the work that went into them studying sub-floors and lighting options in making this look so real in the house.
* 6:25 Balloons and Flight. Tells the now famous number of balloons used; some interesting dirigible history; shows the Pixar group using that local Bay Area air service I keep seeing fly around here (research stuff).
* 7:37 Composing for Characters. Have to be into the musical/scoring stuff for this one.
Extras
* Global Guardian Badge Game. After the initial setup of name, difficulty levels and tutorial material, the game has an extensive amount of country/geography material. Customers grouped around and we did fine for the United States section, but we randomly tried Africa and we bombed (some of the countries they were asking for I hadn't heard of in years) - good learning tool though.
* 9:15 Alternate Scene - Married Life. Another sketch/interview piece about more material being removed/added into that section of the film. The scene itself would have been only a minute longer.
* 6:00 montage. A mix of characters doing funny things - will make the kids laugh.
* Screen Saver option.
DISC 3 (DVD)
* Film, plus special features from disc 1. WITH THE EXCEPTION of no Spanish subtitles/language; English only.
DISC 4 (Digital Copy).
* Code both unlocks the copy and gets you the usual points at the Disney site.
Overall, an excellent product no matter how you look at it. The case has that new single hinge, multi-page off center chassis that has proven to be less than durable, but it should suffice for low usage storage. Enjoy.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Up (Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + BD Live) (2009)

Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios take moviegoers up, up and away on one of the funniest adventures of all time with their latest comedy-fantasy. Up follows the uplifting tale of 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip an overly optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell. Their journey to a lost world, where they encounter some strange, exotic and surprising characters, is filled with hilarity, emotion and wildly imaginative adventure.

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8/25/2011

Disney WOW: World of Wonder Review

Disney WOW: World of Wonder
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Recently purchased a 55" Samsung UN55C6800 LED TV and was looking for a calibration disc. I was about the purchase the DVE HD Basics Blu-Ray but saw a press release concerning this DVD, so I decided to wait until this one came out and give it a go.
I will preface this by saying I had already used calibrated settings from CNET as well as users on the AVS forums to tweak my TV already. Before using the WoW Blu-Ray I would say I was about 95% satisfied with the picture my TV delivered using the settings I found online. The main reason I bought the blu-ray is I was just interested in seeing all the (albeit non-professional) test patterns used to calibrate a TV and so forth. I went in to this purchase not expecting any vast improvements in Picture Quality over my already somewhat tweaked settings. I know this disc is no substitute for a ISF professional calibration and was not expecting such results.
First, for people who havent purchased, head over to Disney's website and search for this blu-ray. On its Disney page, you'll find at the bottom a link to download the "WoW Technical Manual." This is basically an instruction booklet on how to use the blu-ray, and I found it to be a nice read before I actually received the blu-ray itself. It goes over a lot of the test patterns and how they work.Here are the contents of the blu-ray:
DISCOVER
The discover section basically gives you an overview of what HDTV is, how a picture is composed, etc.
OPTIMIZE
Beginner
VIDEO TOOLS
*Brightness *Aspect Ratio *Contrast *Color *Sharpness
VIEWING ANGLE DIAGNOSTIC Find the best seat in the house
AUDIO TOOLS
*Speaker ID *Polarity Test *Noise Floor *Buzz & Rattle Test
ADVANCED
ADVANCED VIDEO CALIBRATION TOOLS
*Advanced Brightness & Contrast *Aspect Ratio *Convergence *Chroma & Hue *Sharpness/Focus *Overscan Test *A/V Sync
DISPLAY EVALUATION TOOLS *Purity *Scaling Test *Advanced Scaling 1 & 2 *Sharpness/Focus *Hyperbolic Zone Plate *White-Black Clipping *Viewing Angle Test *Gamma Response *Grayscale *Compound Test Chart
AUDIO TOOLS *Speaker ID *Polarity Test *Noise Floor *Buzz & Rattle Test *A/V Sync *Speaker Level Adjustment *Subwoofer Level Adjustment
EXPERT
PROFESSIONAL TOOLS HD SHOOTOUT Standard DVD vs. HD Blu-ray (BD only)
EXPERIENCE
1-2 minute clips of recent Disney movies.
So....how did it work for me?
First, I love the included manual. Very well written and easy to use. Also, this blu-ray comes with a blue filter gel used to calibrate your colors. (I believe the DVE Blu-Ray also comes with color gels).
The actual DVD menus are wonderful too. Each test pattern has three sections: Overview (description of whay the particular TV setting is important), Instructions (shows the test pattern and clearly talks about how to use it), and finally just the test pattern itself, allowing you to tweak and take as long as you want.
Depending on how familiar you already are with your TV and if you wanted to watch the "Discover" portion of the disc, you can expect to spend anywhere from 1 hour to a few hours with the disc. There is a second included disc called Visions that has a bunch of nature scenery/etc to show off your TV. I did not care for the second disc, but i could see how someone could enjoy it.
At the end of the day, after running through all the tests (some multiple times because other tests later on may change your initial settings), I only changed two settings on my current set-up, and they were very small changes at that. I was disappointed that my settings didnt change too much, but like i said in the beginning I was already very happy with my TV's picture using settings I found online.
For what it is (an average-joe TV calibration blu-ray), this product is wonderful. I highly recommend it for people purchasing their first HDTV as it thoroughly discusses everything a person new to the technology would need to know. If you are the type of person who buys a new TV and starts watching it day 1 on the default settings, this dvd may help a LOT. However, for those who already play around with settings, consumer calibration dvds such as this one will probably not help all that much - especially since we can get decent settings online already from professional review sites or forums.
However, since I am rating the product, it undoubtedly deserves 5 stars. Easy to navigate, well produced, professional, etc. Just understand that if you've already tweaked your TV settings using information you've gathered online, this dvd may not bring that much of a change to your picture settings!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Disney WOW: World of Wonder

The Disney WOW World of Wonder Disc is a definitive "how to" guide for in-home High Definition (HD) optimization of home entertainment systems featuring the help of classic Disney character GOOFY and including HD demonstration clips from popular Disney titles including Toy Story, Up, Bolt and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. The easy to follow on-screen guide is designed to help consumers get the best quality experience from their home theater systems by providing everyone from beginners and enthusiasts to experts and custom installers alike with valuable high quality calibration tools.

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8/20/2011

Tangled (Four-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy) Review

Tangled (Four-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)

*contains some spoilery bits*
Tangled, Disney's version of the oft-refashioned folk tale Rapunzel, is the studio's 50th animated film and one that is destined for classic status.
The Synopsis:
This latest retelling begins with a tiny piece of sunlight falling to earth and a magical golden flower sprouting where it lands. The flower, and its ability to restore youth, is discovered, used and kept secret by Mother Gothel. When the kingdom's beloved queen falls ill, a search for the flower (apparently its existence wasn't *completely* secret) is successfully undertaken and the healing potion brewed from it restores the queen's health. The flower's magical abilities are also transferred to the hair of the queen's unborn child, Rapunzel. When Mother Gothel discovers this and learns that the magical properties are only retained as long as the hair remains uncut, she kidnaps Rapunzel and raises her as her own child. Claiming that she wants to keep Rapunzel safe from a frightening world full of danger and thugs, Mother Gothel locks her away in a remote tower. While her hair (almost a character in and of itself) grows longer and longer, Rapunzel blossoms into a surprisingly well-adjusted young woman and gifted artist who longs to see the world - particularly the mysterious lights that appear in the night sky each year on her birthday.
Enter our amusing narrator, Flynn Rider, a roguish thief who has just stolen a tiara and is on the run from palace guards when he comes across Rapunzel's tower and takes refuge there. The very competent Rapunzel restrains Flynn, hides the tiara and strikes a bargain with him - she will return the tiara to him if he will agree to take her to see those mysterious lights, which he tells her are floating lanterns. Flynn agrees and the two set off on a rollicking adventure. Pursued now, not only by Maximus - a horse from the palace guard who refuses to give up the chase - but also by a pair of thugs Flynn double-crossed AND Mother Gothel, Flynn and Rapunzel learn to trust each other as they make one narrow escape from their pursuers after another.
Comments:
Tangled is a laugh-out-loud funny family film that will thoroughly entertain both children and adults. The animation is stellar, the story engaging and the pacing excellent, never dragging for a moment. Rapunzel and Flynn are both charming and likeable, making it easy for viewers to root for them. Further, they are surrounded by a terrific supporting cast including tavern thugs with secret dreams and Pascal, Rapunzel's pet chameleon. But it's Maximus who truly steals the show. The expressive horse is brave, determined, sometimes petty, and hilarious. Every scene he's in is solid gold. I would love to see some sort of sequel with Max and Flynn trading quips - particularly since Max doesn't speak at all and the two still seemed to be doing just that through much of Tangled.
I did have a couple of quibbles, neither of which significantly impacted my enjoyment of the film. First, the colors often seemed a bit too dark to me, rather grayed out. This impression may well have been exacerbated by the 3D glasses. (ETA: A couple of fellow reviewers have commented that they found the colors bright and vibrant when they viewed the film in 2D. It seems likely that my experience may have had more to do with the theater where I saw the film or with the 3D glasses - or a bit of both. This is especially important since I imagine most Amazon costumers will be purchasing this film in 2D. My thanks to Star Fire and Thomas Plotkin for their input - I really appreciate it!) Second, even though I felt they were well performed, the songs were, IMHO, largely under whelming. With the exception of the lovely "I See the Light", I felt they had neither the excitement of previous Disney showstoppers "Be Our Guest", "Under the Sea" or "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" nor the memorable melodies of "Kiss the Girl", "Beauty and the Beast" or "Circle of Life".
On the plus side, the film is rich in emotional depth and is blessed with a number of wonderful scenes. My favorite sequence begins with Rapunzel and Flynn entering the village and dancing with the villagers and continues on through their scene on the lake among the floating lanterns. Their happiness in the village, Rapunzel's sense of wonder (and ours!) while surrounded by the lanterns, the romantic song they sing as they realize they're attracted to one another and may be falling in love - it's all perfect. The lantern scene is jaw-droppingly gorgeous - well worth the price of admission on its own and the film's most effective use of 3D. Another scene that I loved for its poignancy centers on the silent communication between Rapunzel's parents as they mourn their lost daughter together just before releasing their floating lantern.
I do want to alert parents to one element. The relationship between Rapunzel and Mother Gothel is difficult and layered, dealing with emotional abuse masked with concern and declarations of love. (Mother Gothel's frequent put-downs of Rapunzel, followed by a cheery "Just kidding!" had me clenching my teeth.) Young children who are used to a more black and white portrayal of good and evil may be confused by Rapunzel's oft-declared love for the woman she believes is her mother and by Rapunzel's conflicted feelings when she first leaves the tower with Flynn. This unhealthy relationship doesn't overshadow the film, nor does it steal the humor and fun from it, but parents should be prepared for questions children might ask and concerns they might have. These questions may not come until a second or third viewing, when children have already seen the scenes where Mother Gothel more explicitly reveals her true nature and so have that knowledge when viewing the early mother/daughter scenes.
That said, I still loved the film and believe it's a great addition to Disney's animated classics. Lastly, let me just add a big "Yeah!" to the film's final moments when Flynn, back in narrator mode, reveals that it was several years before he and Rapunzel got married. A much better message for children than the more usual we-saw-each-other-twice-before-tying-the-knot which seems almost de rigueur in so many fairy tales.
Highly recommended.Note: Author, editor and fairy tale aficionado Terri Windling has written a wonderful essay about the long history of the "Maiden in a Tower" story which, it turns out, predates the Brothers Grimm by more than 200 years. I found reading about how a story evolves over time and across cultures absolutely fascinating. (Essay is available at Windling's website. A simple google search - "Rapunzel" + "Terri Windling" - should get you there.)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tangled (Four-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy)

Disney presents a new twist on one of the most hilarious and hair-raising tales ever told.Your whole family will get tangled up in the fun, excitement and adventure of this magical motion picture. When the kingdom's most wanted - and most charming - bandit Flynn Rider hides in a mysterious tower, the last thing he expects to find is Rapunzel, a spirited teen with an unlikely superpower - 70 feet of magical golden hair!Together, the unlikely duo sets off on a fantastic journey filled with surprising heroes, laughter and suspense. Let your hair down and get ready to cheer for "Tangled."Bursting with never-before-seen bonus features, it's even more enchanting on Blu-ray Hi-Def.

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