When I was a kid we never used to have cool gadgets like this. My two year old daughter already knows how to use a iPad fully. She can unlock it, swipe through the pages/apps and open/play her games. This is unbelievable that today’s kids has this knowledge. I used to pretend to be superheroes running around in my backyard, but as they say “Kids these days”. I feel old. Luckily, the VTech InnoTab 3S: The Wi-Fi Learning Tablet is not old…in fact it is brand new and really cool. This device is a tablet and also a learning tool for our kids. It comes with a kid-safe WIFI connection, built-in camera/video recorder, eReader, Games, MP3 Player and Art Studio. It comes stocked with 20 apps that are already installed and it also included an expandable memory up to 32GB (along with the 4 GB of internal memory storage).

The InnoTab 3S: The Wi-Fi Learning Tablet promotes learning and as a parent, I am behind that full force. Only with the 20 apps that come pre-installed you are able to download more than 350 educational games, e-books, music and videos. These are specially developed around each child’s unique stage of development, age and interests. Some of the subjects that are tackles with these apps are reading, math, social studies, science, creativity, problem solving and more. Kids don’t need to panic though, these apps are fun and don’t feel like you are being forced to learn and be taught anything.

I am a IT guy, so the specs of this device are pretty cool. There is an improved 180° 2.0 MP rotating camera with enhanced photo features similar to the Kidizoom camera. There is a Kid Connect communication app, which allows a secure communication between a child’s InnoTab and a parent’s smartphone. Kids are allowed to browse the web with a kid-safe internet browser with VTech pre-selected and parent-approved websites. The display is a solid 5″ color touch screen. All I know is that if I was a kid and they had “toys” like this my life would have been shaped much differently so as a parent, I think that this is really cool to be able to assist in the development growth of my child.

Along with the apps that come pre-installed and are downloadable, you can also purchase themed software packs in the stores. Two of the VTech InnoTab Software packs that we were able to test out are “Minnie’s Bow-Toons” and “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”. In “Minnie’s Bow-Toons”, it is an e-book that tells the story of the TV episode a “Trouble Times Two”. There are three learning games focusing around teaching numbers and counting, shape matching, colors, and patterns. In  “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”, you are able to use the touch screen or the tilt-sensor to play three educational games. There is also a e-book that tells a story of Mickey and Donald playing hide-and-seek around the clubhouse. These games are great and filled with fun Disney characters, music and sounds.

Man o man, I haven’t played the game Simon since the early 90’s. This makes me feel old…but holy cow it is still a ton of fun. In fact, it is much more fan that I even remember despite being in my 30’s. If you know the game of Simon, you will catch up quick. You are challenged keep up with the pace and now the new trick is to also swipe the right combinations. With Simon Swipe you can four games to choose from including classic Simon with 16 levels total. You can swipe solo or get a group and have a party. It’s funny how Simon can still be the life of a party, I have no idea how fun this game would be.

Here is the official pitch “Swipe the lights to conquer the colors! To master this challenging game, you need to tap, swipe, and reverse your way to victory as you try to repeat the pattern of lights and sounds. When you hear the music and see the lights flash, you’ve leveled up and a new pattern will start. If you make a mistake, the buzzer will signal the end of the game and the unit will let you know your score.”

I have to admit, this game was still as challenging. You think it is simple that you just watch the light signal and then copy it. But with this game you can tap, swipe, and swipe and reverse. This game is also still a blast to play the game in the dark  with the music and lights, its like a dance party in your house. Since this has four games to choose from there is also tons of  challenges to keep you entertained. I warn you though The Extreme Game is quite epic and, to use the title, extremely hard…but still tons of fun. The Party Game was my favorite, which allows you to compete against your friends.

Since “Frozen” was released last November in theaters, it has flown out of the theaters and take over ever market in the world. “Disney Pop-Up Magic Frozen Game” is the latest game featuring the hit film from Hasbro Gaming. There is nothing special about the game but it is quite fun. It is also very easy for young kids. I have a two year old daughter and she is easily about to play. You have a got a spinner, you move spaces on a board and there is a side game of memory as a bonus. The game board is very “pretty” (in the words of my daughter) with with a pop-up ice palace right in the center.

You can play as Anna, Elsa or Olaf. The little pieces are cute as well. They are fairly detailed and I have a feeling might end up being played it outside of the game as well. Plus with this game you can expand the fun! You can connect the game board to other Pop-Up Magic games (sold separately) to create a longer path to follow. It is actually really cool because you can merge your favorite character with your other favorite Disney characters to create some exciting adventures. So this is a really great feature for a game that is already very reasonable priced. This is a going to be a weekly must play for our family!

 

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When you have a kid, it is very important for parents to buy them the right toys. You want toys that are going to challenge your kid and also teach them in the process. Enter VTech. They are responsible for tons of great learning products for kids. Their products are fun and yet just drive the kids to the next level and keep their minds thinking. Their latest product that I came across is the Go! Go! Smart Animals™ Zoo Explorers Playset. With this playset, you are able explore and learn about animals, colors and more.

There are SmartPoint locations for the rhino and this also recognizes other SmartPoint locations as well. This helps to teaches your child not only the respective animals name but also the colors and additional fun facts. Plus this is also able to be connected to other playsets including Go! Go! Smart Wheels, so it is expandable for your kids. I hope you have a big spot for it though because without being connected to other playsets it already takes up a nice chuck of space.

There are 80+ sing-along songs, melodies, short tunes, sounds and phrases. There are 13 track pieces, which can be put together in multiple configurations. In the week that we had had this, I have reconstructed it twice so far. So you are able to keep it fresh for your kids and they don’t get tired of the same thing. The playset comes with the rhino but there are a bunch of other animals you can purchase including a lion, monkey and zebra to expand this playset.

Parents if you are concerned about putting this big playset together, relax cause is very easy to do and because like I said it has different ways to be setup…you really can’t screw up too bad. I would have liked VTech to have listed a few different ways to setup since the box shows one way and the directions show another. I just winged it. My daughter still has not stopped playing with this playset and I have a feeling we are going to be adding on some of the other sets very soon.

Living in the south, one of the major perks is being able to visit one of my favorite restaurants Cracker Barrel. This place is just not a place to eat though if you have ever been it is also a fantastic old country store. I was recently there and of course the store is all decked out for the Fall and most importantly Halloween! Well I might have discovered one of the coolest Halloween decorations…quite possibly ever. We are talking about the “Animated Haunted Suitcase”.

It is the normal size of your average suitcase. It has some decent weight to it as well. But what you don’t know is that when you pass by it a ghost with a creepy as hell face and hands literally press out of the side of the suitcase and extend out of the suitcase. This amazing trick is achieved by having a thin near-see through black cloth on the one side. You can set the suitcase to go off with the touch of a button or set it to motion sensor. You will hear a haunting string of noises and visuals, and end up face to face with a light up ghoul!

This is no question my favorite new toy this Halloween season. I look forward to providing spooks with this suitcase to numerous innocent bystanders. If you love Halloween like I do, I highly recommend you running out to your local Cracker Barrel and picking this up ASAP! Or if you don’t live by one don’t fear you can order it online here. Happy Halloween y’all!

What is Running Press you ask? Whenever you go to a book store or any entertainment store and go to check out it is impossible to pay at the check out without passing their products. They consists of little toys, gadgets and mini-books. Check out below some of their recent releases, which I wanted to highlight to all of our fans!

Doctor Who: K-9 Light-and-Sound Figurine and Illustrated Book
Kit includes a miniature figurine of K-9, the Doctor’s trusty robotic canine, complete with audio of his catchphrase, “Affirmative, Master!” and light-up eyes. Also included is a 48-page book on Doctor Who and K-9, featuring full-color photos.

Everyone is in Doctor Who fever right now with the entrance of the new Doctor this month! But let’s not forget the classic characters like “K-9”. He is really cool. I love the “Affirmative, Master!” catchphrase, but I wish he had a few more saying though since my daughter loves to push the button…ALOT!

Elf Snow Globe with Magnets
Buddy the Elf is a Christmas classic! Keep him around all year long with this kit containing a snow globe featuring Will Ferrell as Buddy. Also included are two magnets featuring artwork and two of Elf’s most famous quotes: “I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite!” and “Son of a Nutcracker!”

Fall is here and that means Christmas is just around the corner. What is Christmas without “Elf”!? This is a must own for any Christmas fan…if not then consider yourself a Cotton-Headed Ninnymuggins! That’s right I said it 😉

Harry Potter Voldemort’s Wand with Sticker Kit: Lights Up!
This commemorative kit includes an 8-inch light-up replica of the wand belonging to the evil Lord Voldemort. The kit also includes a book of photographic stickers highlighting the most memorable battles with the Dark Lord.

Let’s give some respect to the Dark Lord. He is not only bad-ass but also packs a kick-ass wand. This item is some high quality craftsmanship…and looks so dark cool. Did I also mention it lights up?!

Planet of the Apes: Mini Replica of Statue of Liberty Scene
George Taylor’s discovery that the strange planet ruled by apes was earth all along is a classic moment in movie history. Recreate the scene with this kit! It includes: Mini replica of the Statue of Liberty, Audio of the movie’s last lines, Packet of sand with mat, Figurine of Taylor on horseback, 32-page book of quotes and full-color photos

YOU MANIACS! YOU BLEW IT UP! OH, DAMN YOU! GODDAMN YOU ALL TO HELL! I can listening to this all day long! Great job Running Press, this is like a mini Zen garden…with Apes.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutagen Ooze and Illustrated Book
This kit includes a canister of green glow-in-the-dark mutagen ooze, ten temporary tattoos, two magnets, and a 48-page full-color book on the history of TMNT.

TMNT is one hot topic right now. My daughter, who is two, makes it her duty to stick anything she can find in the ooze every night before bed. Super cool for any TMNT fan!! Ninja ninja rap!…sorry…couldn’t help myself!

Transformers: Light-Up Optimus Prime Bust and Illustrated Book: With Sound
This collectible kit includes a miniature bust of the iconic and powerful leader Optimus Prime, with eyes that light up and a sound feature that plays seven of his classic lines! Also included is a 48-page book with quotes and illustrations from the 1980s animation.

Optimus Prime the coolest dude ever…when it comes to Transformers! This awesome toy plays some great clips. I just wish it would have, I don’t know maybe, transformed a little or something 😉

 

Related Content

• Product Review “Loot Crate – August 2014 – Heroes”
• Product Review “Loot Crate – July 2014 – Villains”
• Product Review “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Z-Line Water Tower Washout Playset”
• “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie” Starring Megan Fox, Will Arnett and Whoopi Goldberg Inspires Nationwide Stretchkins Fitness Toy Craze
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Emerge from the Shadows onto the Big Screen and into Fans’ Hands

Loot Crate is a epic monthly subscription box for geeks and gamers for under $20. You are getting at least $40+ Retail Value in every crate, most of the contents are exclusive to Loot Crate! So be sure to subscribe to have bragging right against your friends. You also have a chance to win Mega Crate with $750+ Value! This is the first time that we have received Loot Box (and hopefully not the last). I came across an ad on Facebook and couldn’t help but requesting one and helping spread the word.

Loot Crate isn’t messing around with its partners either. They only have the best including Capcom, Marvel, DC Domics, Star Wars and Nintendo. So you are guaranteed to get something amazing each month for sure. This month focus is on Villains, so if you dig that be sure to check out our video unboxing below to check out what great goods is included in August’s box.

There are three ways to sign up for Loot Crate:
1 month plan $13.37/mo + $6 S&H
3 month plan $12.37/mo + $6 S&H
6 month plan $11.67/mo + $6 S&H

Click here to sign up your own Loot Crate subscription!

Click here for our video unboxing of this latest Loot Box:

Since last month’s Loot Crate was Villains, it is only right that this month’s is Heroes! Since the movies this summer have been taken over by the Guardians of the Galaxy and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, you can expect some goodies from them. I AM GROOT! But this is not just stuff you can get anywhere…this is EXCLUSIVE loot only available here! Inside the August pamplet, there is a cool feature article on the “Origin Of Heroes” by Joshua Brown. There is another great article called “What Makes a Hero?” by Candice Shane. This is no three line article either, it is a solid essay like article. Very cool stuff. .

In case you don’t feel like watching the video, here are the items included in this month’s Loot Crate:
1. TMNT Ooze Action Figure – Glow in the Dark Series – Raphael
2. Exclusive Funko POP! Groot – Glow in the Dark
3. TMNT Mask Glasses (I got Michaelangelo)
4. The Flash Shoe Lightning Bolts by Schwings
5. Sonic, Mega Man or Proto Air Fresheners (I got Sonic)
6. Deadpool – Chimichango’s Magnet
7. Bonus Exclusive Digital Loot

Loot Crate is a epic monthly subscription box for geeks and gamers for under $20. You are getting at least $40+ Retail Value in every crate, most of the contents are exclusive to Loot Crate! So be sure to subscribe to have bragging right against your friends. You also have a chance to win Mega Crate with $750+ Value! This is the first time that we have received Loot Box (and hopefully not the last). I came across an ad on Facebook and couldn’t help but requesting one and helping spread the word.

Loot Crate isn’t messing around with its partners either. They only have the best including Capcom, Marvel, DC Domics, Star Wars and Nintendo. So you are guaranteed to get something amazing each month for sure. This month focus is on Villains, so if you dig that be sure to check out our video unboxing below to check out what great goods is included in July’s crate.

There are three ways to sign up for Loot Crate:
1 month plan $13.37/mo + $6 S&H
3 month plan $12.37/mo + $6 S&H
6 month plan $11.67/mo + $6 S&H

Click here to sign up your own Loot Crate subscription!

Click here for our first video unboxing of this latest Loot Box:

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You can tell that a lot of planning went into this loot crate. Who doesn’t love Villains. Even though they are bad guys doesn’t mean they are bad guuuuyysss (Anyone see “Wreck it Ralph”?) Inside the July pamplet, there is a great interview with Marvel Artist Skottie Young. There is a listing of Loot Crate’s Top 5 Video Game Villains. It is unveiled which treats were included in the Mega Crate for this month including a 60″ LED TV 1080p and a Marvel Labbit Venom Figure and more, so congrats to those subscriber that got that.

In case you don’t feel like watching the video, here are the items included in this month’s Loot Crate:
1. Joki Villain T-Shirt (Mash-Up for Loki and Joker)
2. Exclusive Rocket Raccoon Comic
3. Harley Quinn & Joker Posters
4. Deadpool Socks
5. Necessary Evil: Super Villains of DC Comics DVD
6. Darth Vadar Key Chain
7. Bowser 3×3 Magnet

I wish they cool toys like this when I was a kid. With the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Z-Line Water Tower Washout Playset” you can literally build a city and then use your “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” character to zip-Line from wall to wall. It is pretty cool once you get it all setup and going. I have been a fan of the TMNT since the 80’s and I have a two year old daughter and we bought really enjoyed this!

This does not come with any “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” figures but it will most with any of the new Turtles figures or even the old ones as well. I tested my old 1980’s Michaelangelo and it worked perfectly. The directions were easy to put this together, if you are wondering how it holds on the wall, don’t worry there are no screws involved. It is held by 3M tape, which could work well or not well due to your texture on your wall.

The Water Tower Washout is not the only playset available either. There are three other playsets available including a Window Wipeout Playset; Billboard Breakout Playset and Fire Escape Free Fall Playset. These are connectable so you can wire up the entire room with these Z-Lines. Some parents might not dig this too much but I totally think it would be awesome to have the whole room as a Z-line obstacle course.

Here is what is included in the box: Water Tower Play set, 4 Command Strips from 3M, 4 wall clips, 1 gargoyle launcher, 1 C-Clamp, 2 tension cylinders, 2 Z-line pulleys, 1 two-hand handle, 1 one hand handle, 2 48″ Zip-line, 1 72″ Zip Line, 1 Angle Gauge. It definitely requires some parent’s assembly but once it is up and ready. It is very easy to manage and use. Also priced very well, this is a great product for any fan of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, young or old.

NEW YORK, June 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles the new film from Paramount and Michael Bay starring Megan Fox, Will Arnett and Whoopi Goldberg will open nationwide on August 8 and is set to be the family smash hit of the summer.

For kids who want to take home their very own ninja turtle look no further than Stretchkins. The fun fitness toys have started a craze on the East Coast, and are now available nationwide at Walmart and Toys “R” Us. The officially licensed Ninja Turtle Stretchkins will go into stores in all 50 states from July.

Priced from $19.95, kids can have fun and get fit with their very own Stretchkins, available as Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Donatello, in addition to the classic Playful Puppy, Pretty Unicorn, and Red Dragon models.

The much loved line of life-size stretchable, cuddly toys, are great for summer as they encourage boys and girls to get up and moving, kick up their heels, and get physical, all while having good time.

Marvin Azrak, a grandfather of 13, developed Stretchkins to take action against child obesity; “I wanted to create a new type of toy, one that would get my grandkids off their seats, away from their computers and video games, and into action.”

Whether you decide on a classic model or one of the fab four turtle designs, each toy comes with an accompanying ‘Dance and Stretch’ DVD that helps children enjoy happier, more active lives.

About Stretchkins
Stretchkins come in five fun designs: Playful Puppy, True Blue Elephant, Pretty Unicorn, , Red Dragon and Jumping Frog. The Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles will go on sale in July 2014.

Available online and nationwide in Toys “R” Us and Walmart, each classic design retails at $19.95 while branded designs retail at $29.99, plus any shipping and handling costs.

Stretchkins is currently used by autism non-profits where it has proven to hold value in encouraging play and development in autistic children who respond well to the various figures.

Learn more at: https://www.stretchkins.com

-New Play Experience Moves Children Seamlessly Back and Forth Between Physical and Virtual LEGO® Worlds Via Hands-On Brick Building and App Gaming to Delight LEGO Builders and Casual Gamers Alike-

NEW YORK (June 19, 2014) – LEGO Systems, Inc., makers of the world’s leading construction toys, today introduced LEGO® FUSION, a play experience that combines traditional LEGO brick play with familiar app-based game themes. LEGO FUSION leverages new technologies—and children’s fascination with them—to create an entirely new way to engage in LEGO brick building and app game play for children ages 7 and up. Available later this summer, the LEGO FUSION collection will include four distinct titles: LEGO FUSION Town Master, LEGO FUSION Battle Towers, LEGO FUSION Create & Race and LEGO FUSION Resort Designer.

Each LEGO FUSION experience consists of a distinct set of LEGO bricks, a corresponding free downloadable app and the new FUSION capture plate, a small brick building plate with a printed design that enables a smart phone or tablet’s camera to identify the size and colors of the LEGO bricks built onto it. In response to game prompts, children build vertically in 2-D on the FUSION capture plate, enabling the app to ‘see,’ import and transform the creation into 3-D in the digital world.

“Children have always imagined their LEGO creations as immersive worlds which come to life for hours of role-play and adventure,” said Ditte Bruun Pedersen, senior design manager, LEGO Future Lab. “Recently, smart phones and tablets have become a popular platform for empowering game mechanisms that kids love. LEGO FUSION brings these two favorite play patterns together in an experience where real-life LEGO builds come to life in a virtual game, inspiring creativity, strategy, and the pride of creation.”

To Win, Step Away from the Screen
Once a child’s creation has been imported into the game, a series of challenges and interactions requires that players turn away from the device and return to the real world to use their LEGO bricks to build new solutions in order to move game play forward. Each game encourages this back-and-forth between physical and virtual, keeping children engaged in both worlds.
“In our research, we heard repeatedly from parents that they are constantly battling ‘zombie gaze,’ the experience when their children are immersed in their device screens for large blocks of time,” said Pedersen. “We developed LEGO FUSION with this challenge in mind, creating a play experience that keeps children entertained with the kind of app gameplay they love while giving real reasons to return to the brick pile to creatively build.”

Each LEGO FUSION product offers a distinct play experience. The four products launching this year are:

LEGO FUSION Town Master
In this simulation game, players create and rule their own LEGO town, first by building it with LEGO bricks, then by capturing it and importing it to the game. Children build everything from houses to a pizzeria, fire station and bike shop while completing errands and missions like catching robbers, fighting fires and skateboarding. To keep the minifigure citizens happy, players solve problems through physical building and earn points to gain access to more structures, and even run additional towns.

LEGO FUSION Battle Towers
Players build a tower and defend it against attack so they can rule the kingdom. First, players design the Battle Towers with real LEGO pieces, then capture them and import them to the game. Next, players choose tower defenders like wizards and archers and battle against evil warriors, skeleton armies, and more. If a tower is damaged in battle, players can repair the damage with a timed build with the game’s real LEGO bricks.

LEGO FUSION Create & Race
In this racing game, players get behind the wheel and virtually drive the cars that they create with real LEGO bricks. Once a custom vehicle is digitally designed, physically built, and imported to the game, it can be optimized for success in racing, demolition or stunts. Players learn that every brick shape and color on the vehicle matters for performance. Three themed courses offer endless challenges unlocked by physical LEGO builds, and children can even ghost race against friends to top the leaderboard.

LEGO FUSION Resort Designer
Players help the LEGO Friends design new vacation houses, shops and activities for Ambersands Beach. After building 2-D facades, capturing them and importing them to the game, players can design the interiors of 3-D digital structures, such as an aquarium, surf shop and beach houses. Children can unlock new levels and build more resorts by completing missions like rescuing dolphins, riding horses, surfing and other resort activities.

Beginning in September, LEGO FUSION will incorporate the ability for players to access their digital LEGO creations and game play anywhere. Using their LEGO ID, players can sign in on any compatible device and access their gallery and game play from within the LEGO FUSION app.
The LEGO FUSION app uses the Qualcomm® Vuforia™ mobile vision platform, enabling the games to ‘see’ the LEGO bricks and making possible the transition from physical to digital. Developed by TT Games, makers of the best-selling LEGO video game franchise, the LEGO FUSION Town Master, Battle Towers, Create & Race, and Resort Designer app games are free for download from the Apple, Google or Samsung App Store for Apple iOS and Android.

LEGO FUSION Town Master, LEGO FUSION Battle Towers, and LEGO FUSION Create & Race will launch in August 2014; LEGO FUSION Resort Designer will launch in September 2014. Each will be available for $34.99 in LEGO Stores and Toys”R”Us stores in the U.S., as well as online at shop.LEGO.com and at toysrus.com.

About LEGO Systems, Inc.
LEGO Systems, Inc. is the North American division of The LEGO Group, a privately-held, family-owned company based in Billund, Denmark, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of creatively educational play materials for children. The company is committed to the development of children’s creative and imaginative abilities, and its employees are guided by the motto adopted in the 1930s by founder Ole Kirk Christiansen: “Only the best is good enough.” Visit the virtual LEGO world at www.LEGO.com

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Minifigure and brick and knob configuration are trademarks of The LEGO Group. ©2014 The LEGO Group. ]

About the Qualcomm® Vuforia™ Platform
Vuforia is a mobile vision platform that enables apps to see and connect the physical world with digital experiences that demand attention, drive engagement, and deliver value. Vuforia is supported by a global ecosystem of more than 100,000 registered developers in 130 countries and has powered more than 10,000 apps for iOS and Android devices. Additional information is available at www.vuforia.com.

Qualcomm Vuforia is a product of Qualcomm Connected Experiences, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Qualcomm and Vuforia are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries, used with permission.

 

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• Enjoy all the family fun of “Turbo” on Blu-ray November 12!
• Disney’s “The Lion King” Reigns Once Again
• Universal Orlando and Warner Bros. announce “A Celebration of Harry Potter” in January 2014
• Disney to Buy Lucasfilm for $4.05 Billion; “Star Wars: Episode VII” Slated for 2015
• Max Charles chats about playing Peter Parker in “The Amazing Spider-Man”

Playmates Toys to Introduce New Toy Line Based on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Film

El Segundo, CA – June 18, 2014 – Playmates Toys, the creative force behind the successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy line over the last three decades, is set to introduce a new product line inspired by Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies’ summer blockbuster film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, directed by Jonathan Liebesman, written by Josh Appelbaum & André Nemec and Evan Daugherty and produced by Michael Bay, hitting theaters August 8. The movie line of toys will include an assortment of products for Turtles fans, including action figures, vehicles and role play gear.

“We are proud to introduce an all-new line of toys that reflect the personalities and distinctive look of the Turtles in the movie,” said Karl Aaronian, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Playmates Toys. “The range of toys will provide kids and fans of all ages with a one-of-a-kind ninja play experience that brings their favorite characters from the film to life.”

“Playmates has outdone themselves yet again, with an incredible product offering for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie,” said Manuel Torres, SVP Global Toys and Publishing, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. “These products – from action figures to role play toys – will provide hours of play, collectability and deepen our fans’ connection to the beloved brand.”
The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie toy line from Playmates Toys will feature the following action figures, group vehicle and role-play gear:

Action Figures
The action figure collection will include basic action figures, 11-inch figures and deluxe feature figures. The action figures are highly detailed, fully articulated and uniquely sculpted to reflect the Turtles’ appearance in the movie. In addition, each figure comes equipped with unique accessories. The basic action figures vary in heights from 4.0 inches to 5.5 inches. The collection includes Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael, as well as Splinter, The Shredder, Foot Soldier, April O’Neil and Raphael in Disguise. The 11-inch figure collection includes the four Ninja Turtles.

The Combat Warrior Deluxe Figures are highly detailed, fully articulated and uniquely sculpted, with heights ranging from 5.25 inches to 6 inches. The Turtles’ legs can be squeezed to trigger battle actions. The collection includes Leonardo with quick cut katana action, Donatello with smack-down spinning staff action, Michelangelo with triple terror twist nunchuck action and Raphael with serious slashing sai action.

Vehicles
The Turtle Assault Van is packed with ninja action features, allowing kids to drive the Turtles into their next battle and recreate their favorite scenes from the movie. Features include a spring-powered Turtle torpedo, launching luge assault vehicle, pop top hatch and side attack ramp. The control cabin holds the basic Ninja Turtles action figures.

Role Play Gear
With the Ninja Combat Gear, kids can transform themselves into one of their favorite heroes in a half shell from the film. Each set includes the Turtles’ signature weapon and bandana, allowing kids to see if they have what it takes to become a Ninja Turtle. The collection includes Leonardo with katana sword, bandana and two hand guards, Michelangelo with Nunchuck, bandana and two hand guards, Raphael with two Sais and bandana and Donatello with Bo Staff and bandana.

About the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie
In this modern-day iteration of the popular franchise that has captivated audiences of all ages for decades, the Turtles must work with fearless reporter April O’Neil (Megan Fox) and her wise-cracking cameraman Vern Fenwick (Will Arnett) to save New York City and unravel Shredder’s diabolical plan. Based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters created by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman, written by Josh Appelbaum & André Nemec and Evan Daugherty, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is produced by Michael Bay (director and executive producer of the blockbuster Transformers franchise), Andrew Form, Brad Fuller, Galen Walker, Scott Mednick and Ian Bryce, and directed by Jonathan Liebesman (Wrath of the Titans).

About Playmates Toys
With a history of over 40 years, Playmates Toys is today among the most well-respected and innovative marketing and distribution companies in the global toy industry with a proven history in the creation of imaginative products as well as the development and management of profitable, long-term brand franchises. Key brands include TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, HEARTS FOR HEARTS GIRLS and WATERBABIES. From its offices in Hong Kong and California, Playmates designs, develops, markets and distributes its products in over 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.playmatestoys.com or http://facebook.com/playmatestoys

About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 35th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 19 consecutive years.

About Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

© 2014 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

Paperback: 16 pages
Publisher: Running Press Miniature Editions
Act Nov St edition
Release Date: May 6, 2014

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Godzilla is back and better than ever! Warner Brothers and Legendary Pictures are teaming up with the goal to make Godzilla cool again. Eat it Matthew Brodwick! Running Press is getting on the fast track to release some cool new merchandise. This kit includes a figurine of the monster that is not only bad ass but also comes with light and sound. When you press his spine spikes you get the light from his mouth getting ready to unleash his atomic ray and of course you also hear his iconic roar.

Besides the figurine, there is also a small sticker book included with Godzilla illustration. I think Warner Bros, did an awesome design with the new design of Godzilla and the figurine pays a great homage to the character. My only issue is that the roar is not so powerful as it should be. I wish they cranked up the volume a bit. If you are a Godzilla junkie like myself I would recommend picking this up since it is the first in the tons of planned merchandise for this film.

Disney Infinity Series
Platform: Nintendo Wii, Wii U, 3DS, Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3
Disney Interactive Studios
Exclusive Release

Rapunzel: 4 out of 5 stars
Wreck-It Ralph Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Since the release of Disney Infinity late August, I have been obsessed with this game. There are so many endless possibilities and Disney has been releasing so many great characters this year. Two of the latest figures released are Rapunzel & Wreck-It Ralph. They are also from two of my favorite movies of all-time…yes all-time! My daughter seriously watching “Tangled” at least 3-5 times a week and I try and watch “Wreck-It Ralph” at least once a month. I was really excited to give these characters a go in the Toy Box mode in Disney Infinity. They do not have their own world’s like “Toy Story” and “The Lone Ranger” but you can at least transform your Toy Box into their respective themes since both “Tangled” and “Wreck-It Ralph” has Texture and Terrain Power Discs, which were available in Series 1. I would highly recommend both of these characters.

What is great about these both is that they speak to both male and female audiences. Obviously Wreck-It Ralph is no question going to be over so well with the “boys” and Rapunzel will be a must for the “girls”. My daughter in fact loves both of them equally…given she is only 18 months old but from the minute I took them out of the box she is carrying them around (even in the car) when I am not playing them in the game.  Wreck-It Ralph has a really cool special attack, in which he throws cherry bombs that when hits the ground or it’s target explodes and looks like something from an old 8-bit game. Ralph also runs and pounds the ground with his fists and he destroys everything or everyone in his path. Rapunzel is quite fun as well, she has a killer special move, which is a called Frying Pan Bash. Frying pans…who knew right? Sorry I’ve seen this movie was too many times. Plus there is nothing cooler than see Rapunzel piloting a Recognizer from “TRON” personally (another favorite of mine).

Overall, they are really well designed and look quite amazing. I love Rapunzel’s animated look and I also love her pose as well. That seen in the movie when she gets to the town and gets her hair braided is so sweet. Wreck-It Ralph has little subtleties as well that I love that he a really cool 8-bit sound when his attacks are done. Totally cool for a retro gamer like myself. There is tons of fun to have with these characters and I have a feeling that I have only just began to explore the many possibilities to enjoy with these.  I really can’t wait to see what they have planned for 2014 because this year will be very hard to top. Currently the Wreck-It Ralph and Rapunzel figures are sold exclusively at certain retail stores. Wreck-It Ralph is available only at Best Buy and Rapunzel is only available at Wal-Mart…if you can find them due to the holidays.

If you are wondering what the heck is Necomimi, well that was what I was also asking myself. Necomimi are cat ears that are honestly controlled by your brainwaves. When you are focused, your ears perk up. When youy are in the zone, the ears wiggle up and down. When you are relaxed, the ears drop down. These are super cool and very easy to Use. I have knew that there was this type of cutting-edge technology available. But the Necomimi is even research-graded and trusted by over 400 universities. The are totally safe, with only two light-touch sensors on your forehead and ear. So if you are looking to impress your friends pick up a pain and be one of the first to communicate with brainwaves! The only downfall that I see about these picking up as a trend is the steep $99.99 initial price. But I guess you can expect to get an item that is brain controlled for pennies.

So if you are looking for a fun, quirky addition to either a parties, heading the conventions with cosplay, or just to impress your friends and family.  You might want to wear Necomimi! It is hard to believe that you can now express yourself without even talking.  The good things about these ears are also that they are changeable. EVen though Halloween just past, they offered the change to purchase Devilish Horns, which were priced at $24.95. There are also many other choices of ears, including Obsidian Black, Minky Brown, Jungle Leopard, as well as the signature white cat ears. Find the custom ears on the website at www.necomimi.com.

Here is some info about the company behind Necomimi: 
NeuroSky, Inc., a bioelectronics company, is the leader in Brain-Computer Interface technology for consumer product application. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in San Jose, CA, NeuroSky works with industry partners, developers, as well as academic and research institutions to provide innovative products and solutions across a wide range of industries. Grounded in more than 60 years of research, NeuroSky’s precision-grade technology has taken proven research EEG (electroencephalograph) technology and evolved it for application to the mass consumer market by making it more user-friendly and cost-effective.

 

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