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Book Review “Christmas at the Toy Museum”

Author: David Lucas
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Walker Childrens Paperbacks
Release Date: October 4, 2012

David Lucas is an internationally acclaimed author/illustrator. This is the second installment in this series, the first was “Lost in the Toy Museum”. This large format book includes wonderful watercolor and ink illustrations. It is a charming tale that entertains both children, as well as adults. What child doesn’t love Christmas and what child doesn’t love toys?

Premise: “It’s Christmas Eve at the Toy Museum and when the lights go out the magic begins! One very special Christmas Eve, Bunting and the rest of the toys in the museum are gathered around the tree – but what’s this? There are no presents! What can they do? The normally reserved Bunting has a wonderful idea. Why don’t the toys give themselves to each other as gifts?”

David Lucas has captured all the excitement and magic that comes with the eve of Christmas. I myself have never been able to sleep the night before Christmas and this book definitely captures what happens when us kids do to sleep every night. If that doesn’t entertain, what is every child’s fantasy then to have their toys come to life. Smart move David! Smart move! This book is a perfect blend of both and will have kids and their parents getting in the mood for the holiday.

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Book Review “Just Right for Christmas”

Author: Birdie Black
Illustrator: Rosalind Beardshaw
Reading level: Ages 3 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Release Date: September 11, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When I see a book from Nosy Crow, I can’t help but pick them up. I do not think that I have seen a disappointing book from them to date. When you add in the addition of Christmas, then you have a match made in heaven or should I say a book that is “Just Right for Christmas”.

Premise: “In this celebration of the joy of giving, one snowy Christmas eve, a king buys some soft, red cloth to make the perfect Christmas gift for his daughter. Little does he know that the left-over cloth will be used to make presents for many more of the kingdom’s inhabitants, right down to the last teeny bit of cloth which is made into a scarf just right for a mouse.”

This tale is very clever and well-paced. The illustrations are very impressive and overall very warm. It also delivers a very nice message for families. Birdie Black is the pet name for Kate Wilson, who is also the managing director of Nosy Crow. She has been in the business for a long time and she was said to be looking for a story about the joy of giving at Christmas and since she couldn’t find one, she wrote her own.

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Blu-ray Review “Peppa Pig and the Lost Christmas List”

Author: Candlewick Press
Illustrator: Ladybird
Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: September 11, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Christmas, I am a big sap for anything relate to the holiday. The U.K.’s beloved, and award-winning Peppa Pig hops for the first time from screen to page. This is her first book from Candlewick…and it better not be the last. The story is perfect for the holiday and just right for preschoolers. It is a simple read with some very funny dialogue for the kids and parents.

Premise: “It’s almost Christmas, and Peppa Pig and her little brother, George, are mailing their letters to Santa. All of Peppa’s friends are there, too, and each one tells Peppa the special gift on their list. Peppa is excited to help Daddy Pig and Mummy Pig pick out and decorate their enormous tree, and she can’t wait for the big day to arrive. But little does she know that a surprise is in store on Christmas Eve, and that she may play a part in saving the day! Peppa is the endearing star of Peppa Pig — a BAFTA-winning preschool TV series that has been a long-running success in the U.K. and is now winning devoted fans in the U.S. with daily showings on Nick Jr. Peppa and her little brother, her daddy, her mummy, and her many friends arrive at Candlewick just in time for the holiday season, poised for much muddy puddle jumping and more new adventures to come.”

This Christmas tale is a perfect combination with Ladybird’s very colorful and palatable illustrations. a This BAFTA-winning preschool TV series is a perfect children’s book series. It has been such a success in the U.K. and is now also taking over the U.S. with on Nick Jr. I am looking forward to future installment in this series, since I know that there is a lot of potential here.

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Book Review “Merry Christmas, Maisy”

Author: Lucy Cousins
Reading level: Ages 3 and up
Hardcover: 22 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: September 11, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Maisy has become such a well-known icon with children. Her stories and adventures have taught and entertained kids for years. This latest edition is guaranteed to bring a sparkle to the season. This classic Maisy holiday favorite is back by popular demand, with a bright, bold new cover.

“Cuddle up for a little comfort and joy featuring everybody’s favorite mouse. As Maisy get ready for Christmas, little ones can lift flaps and pull tabs to watch her bake and decorate, read her cards, peek at her gifts, and open the door on Christmas morning for a merry surprise. Trimmed in foil and twinkling from beginning to end, Merry Christmas, Maisy captures the joys and simple pleasures of the season.”

Lucy Cousins is the creator of this beloved Maisy series. Hopefully she will continue to release this books for many years to come. I have a feeling that my five month old daughter is going to become a big fan of this series throughout her early years. This lift-the-flap book also succeeds in spreading the joy and traditions of Christmas to the whole family.

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“The Muppet Christmas Carol: It’s Not Easy Being Scrooge Special Edition” Blu-ray Giveaway [ENDED]

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EACH WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

© 2012 Disney

Debuting on Blu-ray™ + Digital Copy on November 6th, 2012

To celebrate the release of Disney’s “The Muppet Christmas Carol: It’s Not Easy Being Scrooge Special Edition”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway 5 copies of the film on Blu-ray™ + Digital Copy combo pack. If you would like to enter for your chance to win one of these great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email indicating your favorite Muppets character. This giveaway will remain open until November 16th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to residents of the United States only. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

Greetings, holiday movie fans and culture lovers, I am the Great Gonzo… or as I am better known to fans of this classic motion picture – literary legend Charles Dickens. Ready to laugh, cry, sing, frolic, cavort and enjoy yourself beyond belief!? Well, you’re in luck, because this Great Gonzo’s ‘From Chickens to Dickens” 20th Anniversary Edition of The Muppet Christmas Carol is guaranteed to put you in a holiday spirit that will stay with you forever – or at least until your Aunt Edna starts complaining that nobody is eating the fruitcake she brought… again!

Available for the first time ever on Blu-Ray™ with high-definition sound and picture, so you can enjoy even more of my blue-ness, not to mention the incredible spectacle of Kermit the Frog as Bob Crachit, Miss Piggy as Emily Crachit, Academy Award®-winner Michael Caine as Scrooge, wonderful song by Academy Award®-winner Paul Williams, and, of course, my pal Rizzo the Rat as… well, Rizzo the Rat. A heartwarming and hilarious holiday classic, told as never before by yours truly! Yule love it! Happy Holidays! GONZO

Special Features:

Disney Intermission — An all-new bonus feature. When the film is paused, fans can watch and ‘cluck-a-long’ to five classic holiday-themed songs performed by the Muppets Chickens and chums.
Audio Commentary — All-new audio commentary with fan-favorite characters, Kermit, Rizzo, Gonzo, and more, all reflecting on their experience making The Muppet Christmas Carol.
Frogs, Pigs and Humbug: Unwrapping a New Holiday Classic. A Behind the Scenes Look — Hosted by director Brian Henson, Gonzo and Rizzo fans go behind-the-scenes of the making of The Muppet Christmas Carol.
Blooper Reel — ‘On the Set’ bloopers from the set of the film.
Pepe Profiles Gonzo: ‘Portrait of the Artist as a Young Weirdo’ — A special look at the man, the myth, the legend the Great Gonzo, hosted by the one and only Pepe the King Prawn.
Christmas Around the World — Gonzo and Rizzo take a look at how Christmas is celebrated all over the planet.

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DVD Review “Chilly Christmas”

Actors: C. Thomas Howell, Tom Arnold, Karan Brar, Brooke Langton
Directors: Gregory Poppen
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
DVD Release Date: November 6, 2012
Run Time: 84 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When it comes to this direct-to-video or TV family Christmas movies, they are usually not the greatest pieces of film cinema every released. “Chilly Christmas” is actually cute, not the best Christmas film over but still worth checking out. Kids will definitely enjoy the humor and heart in the film. After recently watching C. Thomas Howell in “The Amazing Spider-Man”, I am not a big fan of him right now. Tom Arnold is not really used to his potential in this. But the real appeal for me is the kids, they are funny and strong characters. The dog is also very cute. The story like most of these are cheesy but overall cute. Besides the film though this DVD does not come with special features included. But in the end, “Chilly Christmas” does end up spreading a little Christmas cheer and joy to get you in the mood for this holiday season.

Official Premise: “Chilly Christmas” follows 11-year-old Bobby Cole, his detective dad (C. Thomas Howell), and their lovable-but-destructive pooch, Chilly, who live together in Sunshine Beach, California. When Bobby’s father is offered a job promotion in New York City, Bobby is thrilled for him – but his excitement quickly turns to heartbreak when he realizes he may have to say goodbye to Chilly, who is too rambunctious to live in a tiny city apartment! Desperate not to leave Chilly behind, Bobby and his friends try to acclimate him to city living (including using the toilet and a treadmill!). But, while the Coles prepare Chilly for the Big Apple, trouble begins brewing in their own backyard when a dog-napper (Tom Arnold) and his crew suddenly show up in Sunshine Beach, hot on Chilly’s tail! It’s up to Detective Cole, Bobby and Chilly to stop the thieves in their tracks and keep their family together for the holiday season – and for good!

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Blu-ray Review “The Muppet Christmas Carol: It’s Not Easy Being Scrooge Special Edition (20th Anniversary)”

Starring: Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson, Frank Oz, David Rudman
Director: Brian Henson
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: November 6, 2012
Run Time: 85 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
EXtras: 4 out of 5 stars

There is no film that I think about Christmas more with that “The Muppet Christmas Carol”. It is one of my all-time favorites. The music, the Muppets, the Christmas cheer…couldn’t ask for anything more. This film has also never looked better on Blu-ray. Disney really gave this film a really nice 20th anniversary edition release with this “It’s Not Easy Being Scrooge Special Edition”. Although, this release only included the theatrical version and does not include the extended cut with the song “When Love is Gone”. I am sure this is going to upset many folks but it is what it is. This does though include a very sharp digitally remastered 1080p transfer with 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. I really though this was a nice upgrade for such a wonderful film. If you are looking to get into the holiday mood, then cuddle up with some hot chocolate and get ready to sing-along with the Muppets.

I am going to turn this review over to Gonzo to give the official premise: “Greetings, holiday movie fans and culture lovers, I am the Great Gonzo.or as I am better known to fans of this classic motion picture-literary legend Charles Dickens. Ready to laugh, cry, sing, frolic, cavort, and enjoy yourself beyond belief!? Well, you’re in luck, because this Great Gonzo’s “From Chickens to Dickens” 20th anniversary edition of The Muppet Christmas Carol is guaranteed to put you in a holiday spirit that will stay with you forever – or at least until your Aunt Edna starts complaining that nobody is eating the fruitcake she brought.again! Available for the first time ever on Blu-ray with high-definition sound and picture, so you can enjoy even more of my blue-ness, not to mention the incredible spectacle of Kermit the Frog as Bob Crachit, Miss Piggy as Emily Crachit, Academy Award-winner Michael Caine as Scrooge, wonderful songs by Academy Award-winner Paul Williams, and, of course, my pal Rizzo the Rat as.well, Rizzo the Rat. A heartwarming and hilarious holiday classic, told as never before by yours truly! Yule love it! Happy Holidays!”

I am a big fan of this special featurets included on this Blu-ray. One of my favorite extras on this Blu-ray is the “Disney Intermission”. This is a brand new bonus feature, which activates when the film is paused and leads into five classic holiday-themed songs performed by the Muppets Chickens and chums. There is an all-new audio commentary with Muppets including Kermit, Rizzo, Gonzo and many more. Highly recommended. “Frogs, Pigs and Humbug: Unwrapping a New Holiday Classic. A Behind the Scenes Look” is a vintage featurette hosted by director Brian Henson, Gonzo and Rizzo and gives a nice behind-the-scenes into the making of film. There is a funny blooper reel included form the the set. “Pepe Profiles Gonzo: Portrait of the Artist as a Young Weirdo” is a funny featurette on Pepe the King Prawn. Lastly, Gonzo and Rizzo take the lead in showing us how the holiday is celebrated in “Christmas Around the World” feature.

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3D Blu-ray Review “Arthur Christmas 3D”

Starring: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Ashley Jensen
Director: Sarah Smith
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: November 6, 2012
Run Time: 97 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Christmas films, I always get excited. Whether it is animated or live action…doesn’t matter. “Arthur Christmas” is fun and ‘pretty’ to look at. The 3D also really adds a lot of depth to the film and makes the colors really pop out. When I first saw this in the theaters, I am not going to lie and say I wasn’t a little bit disappointed. But after viewing a second time, I have to say that it definitely is one of those films that grow on you. It may not be the best Christmas movie ever but it is still quite a bit of fun. Also if you are looking for a way to kick start some Holiday spirit that I would highly recommend this. Fun for the whole family. Guaranteed to become a must watch in my house each year!

The film is made from a combo of Aardman Animations, known best for claymation films like “Chicken Run” and “wallace and Gromitt” and Sony Pictures Animation (“The Smurfs”). It has a nice feel to its animation style and has a lot of nice character designs. The voice cast is made up of mostly UK actors like James McAvoy (“X-Men: First Class”), Hugh Laurie (TV’s “House”), Bill Nighy (“Love Actually”) and Jim Broadbent (“Moulin Rouge”). So expect a lot of British humor. Kids are also going to love the fact that Justin Biebers single, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” from his album ”Under the Mistletoe” is included. I remember when I was forced to sit through that in the theaters (it was very painful), but again it is not for me…the kiddies will love it for sure.

Official Synopsis: The film tackles the question of how Santa delivers all his presents in one night. When Santas elves and their high-tech system of present delivery forgets to deliver one present to a young girl in England, Arthur embarks on a mission to safely deliver her pretty pink bicycle. Arthur decides its up to him not to disappoint this little girl and ensure that she will still believe in the magic of Christmas, even if it means conquering some of his own fears. With Arthurs determination and Grand-Santas quirky cynicism, the operation is bound to be an adventurous one.

This release comes in a three disc combo pack including a Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy. The transfer looks very sharp and super clear. The star though has to be the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. It really captures the action and showcases the score very well. The special features are very kid-friendly. There is a cute Elf Recruitment video. There is a decent behind-the-scenes featurette called, “Unwrapping Arthur Christmas”, which focuses about the Clause Family and the production. Lastly, there are five progression reels included that dive into how the filmmakers had created these fun characters in “Arthur Christmas Unwrapped”, “Arthur’s Office”, “Grand Santa”, “Invasion” and “Trelew”.

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CD Review: Blake Shelton “Cheers, it’s Christmas”

Blake Shelton
“Cheers, it’s Christmas”
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Label: Warner Bros.
Running Time: 42 minutes

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

In my early years, I would never be caught dead listening to country music. In the last five years or so though, I have changed that tune quite a bit. Blake Shelton was one of those reasons. His sound is just so unique, enjoyable and he just has this wonderful presence. When I heard he is coming out with a Christmas (my favorite time of the year) album, I literally got super excited. The album itself is not just a bland cookie-cutter release though. It is a really great mix of classic tracks and some really fun new country songs. When I first received this album, I kept it on loop for almost 8 hours. Usually you can tell when an album starts looping, not with this one. It just blends together so well and continuously entertains throughout the whole album.

Blake Shelton is not alone on this album though he has some really great duets as well. On “Jingle Bell Rock” he sings along with Miranda Lambert and it is a wonderful collaboration. On “Oklahoma Christmas”, which is a very fun track, it features Reba on the track. “There’s A New Kid In Town” is a really sweet song featuring Blake singing with Kelly Clarkson. “Home” features a duet with Michael Bublé and it is easily my favorite track on the album. “Blue Christmas” features Pistol Annies and is a great take on the classic song. “Silver Bells,” features a nice duet between by Blake and Xenia. Blake really nails the track, “The Very Best Time Of Year” as he debuts with Trypta-Phunk. Blake even has a track debuting with this mom Dorothy Shackleford on “Time For Me To Come Home”, which is very sweet as well.

Blake Shelton does not take this reign of ACM and CMA Male Vocalist of the year lightly. You can tell that he is given 100% in this album just like it was a non-holiday release. If you are looking for a way to get in the holiday mood, this album will surely do the trick and kick-start the season early. I am also very happy that now “Cheers, it’s Christmas” will easily become a must-listen each year during the Christmas season. I look forward to sharing this album with my friends and family as well and hopefully it will have the same effect it does on them as it has me. Thanks Blake for sharing your heart with us and delivering a wonderful Christmas album!

Track Listing:
1. Jingle Bell Rock (feat. Miranda Lambert)
2. White Christmas
3. Oklahoma Christmas (feat. Reba)
4. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
5. There’s A New Kid In Town (feat. Kelly Clarkson)
6. Santa’s Got A Choo Choo Train
7. Home (feat. Michael Bublé)
8. Winter Wonderland
9. The Christmas Song
10. Blue Christmas (feat. Pistol Annies)
11. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
12. Silver Bells (feat. Xenia)
13. Time For Me To Come Home (feat. Dorothy Shackleford)
14. The Very Best Time Of Year (feat. Trypta-Phunk)

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CD Review “A Christmas Story: The Musical”

Music and Lyrics: Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
World Premiere Recording
Release Date: October 22, 2012
Tracks: 18
Label: Masterworks Broadway

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

What is the holidays without “A Christmas Story”? This film has been the highlight of all of my holiday seasons since I was a young kid. You can always tell when holidays are around when the “A Christmas Story” quotes start flowing my house. When I heard that one of my favorite films was coming to Broadway, I was very excited and also very nervous. Well if the songs have any bearing on the play itself, it is going to be a huge success. “A Christmas Story: The Musical” will arrive on Broadway this holiday season at The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre from November 5 – December 30, 2012. Be sure to pick up this album as well so you can sing along with the songs or enjoy then again after seeing the play.

“A Christmas Story” is turning 30 next year and yet shows no signs of fading. This film’s fan base only gets bigger and bigger easy year. Masterworks Broadway is behind this release of the World Premiere Recording and they did a wonderful job of delivering the play to the homes of its fans. Of course since this is a play a needs to be expanded a bit, it is based off the book by Joseph Robinette and the writings of radio humorist Jean Shepherd and it works really well. Since it is Broadway musical, the songs have to be amazing. The music and lyrics are from Richard Rodgers Award-winning newcomers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and they do not let us down. The 18-tracks included are all great with each one outdoing the next. I heard some sample of these tracks back in 2008 and they have only gotten better and better.

“A Christmas Story: The Musical” is not only fun but also extremely clever with their songs. I can imagine the audience faces in the theaters as they jump from song to song to the next. They are also almost guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit. From the moment that “Counting Down to Christmas” starts, it is a really great kick-off and puts you in the mood. “Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun” is really funny and sharp. “A Major Award” is simply epic and leaves you laughing. Lastly one of the best track is the irresistible “Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana”. To ensure that this play was done right it is also being produced by the film’s original Ralphie, Peter Billingsley. So get ready to hear some of the characters that you watch every year but in a completely new way through the beauty of song. But be warned, you will find yourself singing along right away as these songs are very catchy.

Track Listings
1. Overture
2. Counting Down to Christmas
3. At Higbee’s
4. Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun
5. Counting Down to Christmas (Reprise)
6. The Genius on Cleveland Street
7. When You’re a Wimp
8. Ralphie to the Rescue
9. What A Mother Does
10. Sticky Situation
11. A Major Award
12. Act One – Finale
13. A Kid At Christmas
14. Just Like That
15. Up On Santa’s Lap
16. Before the Old Man Comes Home
17. Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana
18. A Christmas Story

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DVD Review “The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow”

Directed by: Rankin/Bass
Starring Angela Lansbury
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: October 2, 2012
Run Time: 22 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Even though it is not Halloween yet, I am never going to turn down watching a Christmas film. In fact, I like to watch Christmas films all year long, it puts you in a certain mood that you get are “suppose” to be in once a year. “The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow” is made from the legendary duo Rankin/Bass (“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”). The film is so sweet and really delivers a wonderful message. The music/songs in the film are also so memorable and leave you humming the rest of the day. If it wasn’t good enough, we get the wonderful voice and narration from Angela Lansbury. Must purchase for all fans of Rankin/Bass.

The only issue I have of this film is the idea that it is being called a deluxe edition. There is only one special feature called “Celebrate and Create: Holiday Cards That Kids Can Make”. It is cute for kids but doesn’t warrant the title of deluxe. Nonetheless, the fully remastered transfer of this film does look very nice and delivers. I would have like to see this put out on Blu-ray though, like a few recent other Rankin/Bass releases. I mean these films are never going to look perfect with there age and their type of animation. I am looking forward to sharing this film with my daughter for many years to come making it a must-watch each holiday season!

Synopsis: Unwrap a Christmas miracle with this new deluxe edition DVD! Give your family a holiday to remember with this unforgettable story about the true meaning of Christmas from the animation powerhouse Rankin/Bass (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer)! After Sister Theresa (voiced by Angela Lansbury) rescues an orphan shepherd boy from a lightning storm, she lovingly nurses him back to health. However, the boy suffered injuries during the storm and wakes up blind and discouraged in his new surroundings. With Sister Theresa’s help, the pint-sized shepherd with the king-sized heart learns that seeing goes deeper than what your eyes show you. Together, they discover that unconditional love can overcome any obstacles. Celebrate the gift of love with your family this holiday as you experience this fully remastered deluxe edition DVD!

The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow is available on DVD 10/2 at http://bit.ly/RQqRNr
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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: christmas, dvd, review, snow, story

DVD Review “12 Dogs of Christmas: Great Puppy Rescue”

Directed by: Kieth Merrill
Actors: Danielle Chuchran, D.B. Sweeney, Sean Patrick Flanery
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 102 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

I saw the first “12 Dogs of Christmas” on TV a few years ago. I wouldn’t really call it a holiday classic but it was cute. I was assuming the same would happen with this sequel. This really has that ABC Family/Lifetime TV movie quality. It is cute but really doesn’t feel like much of a Christmas film until the end, which is a little too late for me. I wish they would have focused more time around the musical event and less on basketball games etc. This is also said to be “song-filled”, that isn’t really the case. To be honest this is best served a rental or just watch on cable TV.

Synopsis: The dogs of Doverville are in trouble again…but Emma O’Connor (Danielle Churchran) is back to save them in a song-filled, seasonal extravaganza. Mean-spirited mogul Finneas James (Sean Patrick Flaner) plots to shut down the local puppy orphanage, unless Emma can come up with the money to save it. With the help of some friends, she races against time to put together a musical holiday event that might just save the day.

The special features are not bad for a glorified TV movie. They include five featurettes which go behind-the-scenes and up close with the puppies. The first is “Whats Your Favorite Dog?” with the cast and crew discuss their personal favorite. “Behind 12 Dogs of Christmas” looks into the production. “Working With Writer//Director Kieth Merrill” features the cast chatting about their experience on the film. “The Basketball Game Sequence” and “The Christmas Finale” go in-depth into how those scenes were done.

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CD Review: Francesca Battistelli “Christmas”

Francesca Battistelli
“Christmas”
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Tracks: 11
Label: Fervent Records

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Francesca Battistelli is one of the notable rising stars in music today. She only entered the spotlight in 2008 and has earned a Grammy nomination (Best Gospel Performance) and has over 700,000 in album sales to date. So what better than to make a Christmas album, since it is a gift that keeps on giving every years. This album is a real treat and is very simple yet powerful. Though this album is not the only album Francesca will be featured on this Fall, also including “A Very Special Christmas: Bringing Peace on Earth” and “A Very Special Christmas 25th Anniversary”. So be sure to support those albums as well. “Christmas” will definitely get you in the mood for the holiday season.

This 11-track album is produced by Ian Eskelin. It is a nice compilation of classics and some newly-penned Christmas songs. The traditional songs include: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Marshmallow World,” “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “The Christmas Song,” “What Child Is This? (First Noel Prelude),” “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” and “Joy To The World.” Battistelli co-wrote all of the new songs as well such as: “Heaven Everywhere,” “Christmas Is,” “Christmas Dreams” and “You’re Here.” They are really nice songs and the fact that she included original songs sets this aside from other Holiday albums.

Battistelli said been quoted saying “Christmas is my favorite time of year”. I personally share the same feelings as well. You can tell that she is not just trying to sell her album, you can literally hear it throughout each song. The words are so pure and really filled with Christmas joy. Francesca is just getting started in this business and she is going to have a lot more coming up. But sticking with this album, I suggest grabbing some hot chocolate, grabbing a blanket and get ready to welcome in the holiday season.

Track Listing:
1. The Christmas Song
2. Heaven Everywhere
3. Christmas Is
4. What Child Is This? (First Noel Prelude)
5. Marshmallow World
6. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
8. You’re Here
9. Joy To The World
10. Christmas Dreams
11. Go Tell It On The Mountain

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: battistelli, cd, christmas, francesca, review

CD Review: Edie Adams “The Edie Adams Christmas Album: Featuring Ernie Kovacs (1952)”

Edie Adams
“The Edie Adams Christmas Album: Featuring Ernie Kovacs (1952)”
Release Date: October 9th, 2012
Label: Omnivore Recordings
Tracks: 15
Running Time: 29 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Omnivore Recordings is the label behind releasing this gem of a Christmas record. Edie Adams sings the best Christmas tracks along with Ernie Kovacs. There are 15 classic that have been pulled out from rare audio air checks from the TV show, “Kovacs Unlimited” dating back to the early to mid 1950’s. These recordings only exist today because Edie herself paid for them to be recorded. This holiday album from Edie Adams is also her first Christmas album. If you are looking for more audio titles from the archive of both Ernie Kovacs and Edie Adams, stand tuned since Omnivore and Ediad recently announced a deal together to release a bunch of unreleased recording.

There is just something about these tracks that make them very fun and entertaining. Even though they are from way before my timem still listening to these Christmas tracks from the 1950s, really put me in the mood. Edie Adams had just such an amazing voice and add that to the charm of Ernie Kovacs, this is a perfect match. Edie brought the vocals and Ernie brought the humor. “Silver Bells” is a great notable collaboration of the two. Some of the classics are tracks like “Winter Wonderland”, “White Christmas” and “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town”. There is even a fun little Irish track “Christmas In Killarney” and also “It’s a Marshmallow World” makes me laugh every time.

I know today is the age of digital downloads and MP3, but I feel that his album really deserves to be listed to on Vinyl LP. I am not sure if it is available at this time but it would be a great idea if it is not. You can just hear the cracks and unique sounds that this was home recorded. Music today is way to polished and produced, it is very refreshing to here a different type of Christmas recordings. I could see myself putting this album on, relaxing with my wife and daughter and sipping some hot chocolate on a cold night. If you are looking to get some of that old time Christmas feeling, this is a must purchase for sure!

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: 1952, adams, album, cd, christmas, edie, ...

3D Blu-ray Review “A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas”

Directed by: Todd Strauss-Schulson
Starring: John Cho, Kal Penn, Neil Patrick Harris, Thomas Lennon, Danny Trejo
Distributed by: Warner Bros Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R (Theatrical) / Unrated (Extended)
Running time: 90 minutes (Theatrical) / 96 minutes (Extended)

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Traveling back to 2004 with “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle”, who knew that today we would have a third film about these guys. Not to mention a Christmas movie…not to mention again that it would be in 3D. I think that this film is easily the best installment in the series. The Blu-ray video looks so fantastic and vibrant with the color especially the claymation scene. The sound is another issue if you are watching the theatrical cut either 3D or 2D it is amazing. The extended cut is missing the amazing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 for a decent but lacking Dolby Digital track. Let’s talk about the 3D Blu-ray as it seriously makes the whole movie. The 3D adds so much to the film and really allows the film to additionally laugh at itself within the third dimension. You can still watch this film in 2D, but it does loose some of the fun factor and over-the-top cheese that this film delivers.

If you are looking to watch the extended cut in 3D, look again as it is only available in 2D. That is a little disappointing, but the extended cut is really nothing special. There are some gross gags added to the cut but the film works well without it. Next up, I am a HUGE fan of the UltraViolet Digital Copy and I recommend everyone to start using this great service. Other special features includes a bunch of EPK shorts hosted by Thomas Lennon called “Through the Haze with Tom Lennon”. They are hilarious and definitely worth checking out as Lennon was a great asset to the film. There is a look into the claymation sequence and includes picture-in-picture with its animated storyboard reel and the final scene. Lastly there are about four minutes of deleted scenes…funny but not hilarious.

When Kumar accidentally burns down Harold’s father-in-law’s prized tree on Christmas Eve, the two embark on another ill-advised journey to New York City to replace it.

Buy It 2/7 on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with UltraViolet Digital Copy or Download to Own http://bit.ly/DHKVS

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 3d, bluray, christmas, harold, kumar, review, ...

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