Thursday, May 17, 2012

Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales Around the World on DVD!

My kids have been loving this new Scooby-Doo DVD.  It features many of our old favorite episodes.  The Bermuda Triangle episode is a favorite for sure.  Two disc on this DVD make is a great value and 13 full episodes means you get a lot of viewing time.
Additional information:
Get set for a ghostly global trek with Scooby-Doo! and the Mystery Inc. gang on Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales Around the World, new animated collection from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group available in stores May 15, 2012. This two-disc DVD features over four hours of globe-trekking high-jinks and fun, featuring everyone’s favorite mystery-solving Great Dane, Scooby-Doo! and an UltraViolet™ Digital Copy. Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales Around the World will retail for $19.98 SRP.

Nobody vacations like Scooby-Doo and the gang! Join Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy and their canine pal in Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales Around the World as they visit some of the coolest and creepiest destinations across the world. Prepare to get shipwrecked in the Bermuda Triangle with scary skeleton scuba divers and chased through the canals of Venice by the Ghostly Gondolier, who even kidnaps Daphne! Hop aboard a haunted Aztec barge, but not before Scooby-Doo! wows a vengeful god with his best Mexican hat dance – to say nothing of his airplane cha-cha over the headhunter-happy jungles of Brazil. Along the way you can bet the Mystery Inc. gang will get to the bottom of each mystery with plenty of “zoinks!” (the same in every language), plenty of high-jinks, and a whole lot of international cuisine – leaning tower of pizza anyone?

“This collection is a fun ride for both kids and adults as they enjoy a variety of Scooby-Doo! stories from various places around the world,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, WHV Vice President, Marketing of Family & Animation Franchise. She added, “Scooby-Doo always delivers thrilling stories that are mixed with comedy and fun, and appeal to a wide audience. We think consumers will be excited about the almost five hours of spooky fun in Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales Around the World.” 

Scooby-Doo!, the hit franchise follows the adventures of Daphne, Fred, Shaggy, Velma and Scooby-Doo as they travel in their van “The Mystery Machine” and solve cases typically involving ghosts, monsters or other supernatural forces. High-jinks always ensue, with their investigations resulting in entertaining chase scenes mixed with catchy musical numbers and comedic antics. The original television program went on to become one of the most successful animated television programs in history and spawned several spin-off series, specials, consumer products and live action films.

Featured Cartoons

Disc 1:
Disc 2:
The Fiesta Host is an Aztec Ghost
Shiver and Shake, That Demon’s A Snake
The Harum Scarum Sanitarium
Lock the Door, It’s a Minotaur
The Spirits of ‘76
The Ozark Witch Switch
A Creepy Tangle in the Bermuda Triangle
The Jaguaro
To Switch a Witch
Moonlight Madness
A Menace in Venice
Ghosts of the Ancient Astronauts, Part I

Ghosts of the Ancient Astronauts, Part II


The Credits

About Warner Bros. Animation
Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, with an innovative and talent-rich roster boasting some of the most accomplished writers, producers and artists working today. The studio is on the cutting edge of animation technology and has both CG and traditionally animated projects in current production and development. For TV, WBA produces series such as Green Lantern: The Animated Series, The Looney Tunes Show, MAD, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, ThunderCats and Young Justice, for Cartoon Network. WBA will also produce series and additional original content for Cartoon Network’s multiplatform branded DC Nation programming block, which debuts in 2012. In addition to TV series, WBA produces theatrically released CG cartoon shorts featuring iconic Looney Tunes characters, rendered in stereoscopic 3D. The first three shorts premiered in 2010, the most recent short — I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat — was released in November 2011, and two additional cartoons will debut in 2012. WBA also creates the highly successful series of DC Universe Original Animated Movies for DVD. Producing for multiple platforms including TV, digital and home entertainment both domestically and internationally, WBA is highly respected for its creative and technical excellence, as well as for maintaining the Studio’s rich cartoon heritage. It is also the home of the iconic animated characters from the DC Comics, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries. One of the most-honored animation studios in history, WBA has been honored with six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, the HUMANITAS Prize, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD,  electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.


Thanks you to Warner Bros. Home Entertainment for providing a copy for review purposes.  As always the opinions expressed are my own. 

Time Life Messed Up!

Have you seen the cover of Time Life Magazine?  It shows a Mom extended nursing her 3 yr old son.  Well I have a few things to say over this controversial cover!

1) I think this Mom should seriously reconsider what she just put out there for all the world to see.  She is 100% exploiting her son with this picture.  Remember that little girl Jessica that fell into a well as a baby?  Well they still do stories on her now that she is an adult.  What do you think this kid is going to be remembered by?  Media will want to push the story and know where is that little kid that was nursing on the cover of that magazine. 

2) I have a problem with the image in general.  Why are they not sitting in a nice chair cuddling?  There is no 'bonding' kind of thing going on here.  This is not the 'face' of breastfeeding IMO.  It is more personal and close than grabbing a stool and pulling down on Mom's top.

Now before you think I'm just against breastfeeding you should know I've nursed 3 babies.  My oldest was for 13 months, middle was for 18 months and my last is currently 18 months old and still nursing.  I'd say as for as society goes going over 12 months is 'not the norm' so I'm all for extended nursing.  My pediatrician recommends until 2 so that is my personal goal.  The difference is we don't do it all the time anymore.  Mostly for bedtime.  He is big, he walks and talks.  He doesn't need to nurse anywhere/ everywhere anymore.  When he was a baby I did.  I have no problems nursing out in public at all. 


Last thought is why is Time Life trying to say that we are not 'Mom Enough' if we don't nurse our 3 yr olds.  Who are they to judge with that title!  Aren't there enough images and pressures for Moms to deal with already?  Okay I'm done.  You might not agree.  I'd love to hear your thoughts (just keep it PG please)



Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Claritin Mom Crew Member!






 I don't know if you have a kid with allergies but if you did you would know that as a Mom you would do anything to help your suffering kid.  Xander gets it the worst.  His eyes weep, he coughs, his nose runs and he sneezes.  It is so bad his whole face swells.  Thankfully we received our welcome kid from Children's Claritin because it came just in time!  We started the daily dose and it helped with in a few hours.  The real help was making sure to keep him dosed regularly.  


He is not a fan of the liquid but did great with the chewables.  


You can find Claritin at most major retailers or save yourself the trouble and order from Amazon!












"As a member of the Children’s Claritin Mom Crew, I receive product samples and promotional items to share and use as I see fit.  No monetary compensation has taken place and any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience."

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Happiness is ...Peanuts Team Snoopy Available 5/8

On May 8th the Happiness is... Peanuts releases their latest title in the series Team Snoopy.  This DVD is all about sports.  Charlie Brown is back with all his friends in this installment!

Additional information:
Batter up with Peanuts and celebrate their greatest sports moments in Happiness is…Peanuts™: Team Snoopy. For Charlie Brown, a new baseball season equals new hopes of winning. Unfortunately, one player just isn’t measuring up, which makes the team decide that Lucy Must Be Traded, Charlie Brown. This delightful special finds Charlie Brown trading his teammate, Lucy for Marcie, one of Peppermint Patty’s players in hopes this will finally end his losing streak. Will Marcie lead Charlie Brown’s team to victory? More importantly, will Peppermint Patty have the patience to tolerate Lucy and her antics?

Viewers will then suit up for a triple-header of laughs with The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show. The three featured segments available on DVD for the first time include, The Pelicans, which finds Charlie Brown getting stuck with mascot duties while Peppermint Patty is on the road to victory with her baseball team. In Great Pumpkin, the Peanuts gang visits the bowling alley in hopes of teaching Charlie Brown a new sport with hilarious results. In Spike, it’s game on as the neighborhood cat meets his match when Snoopy’s older brother Spike trots into town.  It’s time to catch the winning spirit and share these tales with your teammates!

“With summer on the way Happiness is…Peanuts™: Team Snoopy is the perfect way to celebrate having fun outdoors with sports and activities,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, WHV Executive Marketing Director of Family & Animation Franchise. She added, “We are delighted to add another title to the growing Happiness is…Peanuts™ collection, which offers consumers great value with one Peanuts television special along with an episode from the Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show. It’s a must own title for Peanuts fans and anyone who loves classic animation.”

Our Thoughts:

My kids love The Peanuts!  This DVD had an episode about Snoopy's older brother and they couldn't stop talking about it.  I guess kids like 'back story' just as much as we do!  Another great title to add to your DVD collection.

You can purchase Happiness is... Peanuts: Team Snoopy wherever DVDs are sold or get your copy online at Amazon.com.

Additional Credits:
 
About PEANUTS WORLDWIDE
The PEANUTS characters and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide LLC, a joint venture owned 80% by Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and 20% by members of the Charles M. Schulz family. Iconix Brand Group, Inc. owns, licenses and markets a growing portfolio of consumer brands including CANDIE'S (R), BONGO (R), BADGLEY MISCHKA (R), JOE BOXER (R), RAMPAGE (R), MUDD (R), LONDON FOG (R), MOSSIMO (R), OCEAN PACIFIC (R), DANSKIN (R) ROCA WEAR (R), CANNON (R), ROYAL VELVET (R), FIELDCREST (R), CHARISMA (R), STARTER (R), ZOO YORK (R), WAVERLY (R) and SHARPER IMAGE (R). In addition, Iconix owns an interest in the ARTFUL DODGER (R), ED HARDY (R), ECKO (R), MARC ECKO (R), MATERIAL GIRL (TM), TRUTH OR DARE (TM) and PEANUTS (R) brands. The Company licenses its brands to a network of leading retailers and manufacturers that touch every major segment of retail distribution from the luxury market to the mass market in both the U.S. and worldwide. Through its in-house business development, merchandising, advertising and public relations departments Iconix manages its brands to drive greater consumer awareness and equity.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Tom & Jerry Around the World DVD Review

Tom & Jerry Around the World is coming to DVD May 8th.  This DVD features Tom and Jerry and their usual hijinks but out of  their usual environment.

Additional information:

It’s bon voyage for Tom and Jerry as they duke it out as competing street performers in the Big Apple in Way-Off Broadway. Tom chases Jerry through the streets of Naples in Neapolitan Mouse. In Flamenco Fiasco, the dueling duo finds itself in Spain where Tom shows off his fancy footwork as he engages in a very competitive Flamenco dance competition. It’s a trip Down Under in Kangadoofus where Jerry takes refuge with a kangaroo mother and her joeys in an effort to ditch Tom.  In Freaky Tiki, it’s “Aloha” for Tom and Jerry as they relax on a Hawaiian beach and find themselves entering an active volcano where they encounter Pele, the goddess of flames. Next it’s off to Tinseltown where Tom conducts a symphony orchestra in Tom & Jerry in the Hollywood Bowl. These and several other captivating adventures are featured on this must-own release.


Featured Shorts:

  • Way-Off Broadway
  • Martian Mice
  • Medieval Menace
  • Abracadumb
  • The Million Dollar Cat
  • Din-O-sores
  • Invasion of the Body Slammers
  • I Dream of Meanie
  • Neapolitan Mouse
  • Kitty Hawked
  • Flamenco Fiasco
  • You’re Lion
  • Kangadoofus
  • Monkey Chow
  • Freaky Tiki
  • Monster Con
  • Royal Cat Nap
  • Spaced Out Cat
  • The Two Mouseketeers
  • Tom and Jerry in the Hollywood Bowl
  • Johann Mouse
  • Treasure Map Scrap

My Thoughts:

While I didn't get to see this one personally my kids grabbed it for their Friday night movie in their room.  My middle son Xan actually stayed up and I had to tell him to go to bed.  I don't think he ever stays up past 9:30 ~ we joke that he is our lightweight when it comes to going to bed! LOL!  The boys liked this title so much that they took it on their vacation with Dad (fishing) too!  If that isn't a testimony I don't know what is!

You can purchase Tom & Jerry Around the World wherever DVDs are sold or get your copy on Amazon.com. 


Additional Credit:
About Warner Bros. Animation
Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, with an innovative and talent-rich roster boasting some of the most accomplished writers, producers and artists working today. The studio is on the cutting edge of animation technology, and has both CG and traditionally animated projects in current production and development. In 2010, WBA unveiled three new CG cartoon shorts that feature iconic Looney Tunes characters Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner, rendered in stereoscopic 3D. The films have been released theatrically, attached to Warner Bros. Pictures releases. For television, WBA currently produces The Looney Tunes Show, Young Justice, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated and MAD for Cartoon Network, and will soon launch Green Lantern: The Animated Series, ThunderCats and more. WBA also creates the highly successful series of DC Universe original animated movies for DVD. Producing for multiple platforms including TV, digital and home entertainment both domestically and internationally, WBA is highly respected for its creative and technical excellence, as well as for maintaining the Studio's rich cartoon heritage. It is also the home of the iconic animated characters from the DC Comics, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries. One of the most-honored animation studios in history, WBA has been honored with six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents' Choice Award, the HUMANITAS Prize, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.