Enter to Win DVD Gift Set for History’s “Ancient Aliens: The Complete Seasons 1-6” [ENDED]

To celebrate the Gift Set for History’s “Ancient Aliens: The Complete Seasons 1-6” hitting DVD, we are happy to be giving one DVD of this amazing TV series. If you want to win one of these great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email and tell us why you believe aliens are real? This giveaway will remain open until November 21th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to our readers in US and Canada 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.

From over 10,000 years of the most credible evidence unearthed, we’ll explore the ancient and mysterious, from sacred relics, artifacts and wall carvings to technologies, places and lore, all in a search for the humankind’s origins and even the secrets of the universe. New interpretations of ancient texts reveal new historical possibilities: Were ancient gods really aliens? Was Satan really humanity’s ally in the Bible? This groundbreaking HISTORY® series on H2® also uncovers the alien dimension within secret codes, deadly cults, mega-disasters and plagues; alien connections to dinosaurs, NASA and even the Third Reich; and considers time travel, underwater UFO activity, ancient martian civilizations, the possibility that some children have alien DNA — and if you can believe it, much more. Experience the trip of a lifetime (or many) in this mother of all gift sets.

Book Review “Disney Learning: Reading Adventures – Sofia the First – Level Pre-1 Boxed Set”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Reading Adventures
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: November 4, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I simply love “Disney Learning: Reading Adventures” series. Want your kids to not only have fun but also learn this is it. Talk about getting your money’s work…this book includes ten, 16-page books, 86 stickers, parent letter, and achievement certificate. Plus what little girl doesn’t love “Sofia the First”?! The topic of the books include “Numbers are Everywhere”, “How Do You Feel”, “What Does Sofia Know” and “Sofia Feelings”. These are great learning topics. Throw in some fun stickers to play with and you have a great mix of learning with the ability to have fun.

Official Premise: Disney Reading Adventures is a curriculum-based, leveled reading program that offers children the support and guidance they need as they progress on the reading continuum from emergent readers to independent readers who read for meaning. Thoughtfully crafted and engaging stories contain key features that develop children’s reading comprehension and vocabulary skills. The stories are highly predictable with repetitive sentence structures and easy-to-read sight words designed to inspire a sense of mastery and confidence.

 

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Two Billion Downloads and Feature Film Set For Wildly Popular “Talking Tom and Friends” Brand

 Outfit7 Limited & Mythology Entertainment Sign Exclusive Rights Deal Bringing World-Renowned App Franchise to the Big Screen

LONDON (October 7, 2014)Outfit7 Limited, the multinational entertainment company behind the juggernaut franchise Talking Tom and Friends, marks its latest milestone event, a remarkable two billion downloads of its iconic suite of apps. The milestone coincides with the announcement that Outfit7 Limited and Mythology Entertainment have partnered in a deal to adapt the Talking Tom and Friends universe into a fully animated or hybrid live-action/animated motion picture franchise for family audiences.  The franchise will be produced by Mythology co-founders Brad Fischer and James Vanderbilt, and William Sherak, with Outfit7 founder and CEO, Samo Login executive producing.

Talking Tom and Friends is a rare global brand that, in just four years, grew from an instant app success into a fully-fledged media entertainment franchise. With a CGI animated series about to debut, a global licensing and merchandising program and a chart-topping sensation on YouTube, the lovable 3D animated characters have skyrocketed in popularity with fans across the world and sit firmly at the forefront of the digital entertainment era.

“Two billion is an incredible triumph.  We’re beyond proud that our Talking Tom and Friends cast of characters has brought so much joy, laughter and smiles to people across the globe,” said Login.  “The new film we are producing with Mythology Entertainment adds a whole new level of excitement and momentum for our brands that will enable fans of all ages to connect with our characters in a whole new way!  We’re delighted Brad Fisher and his team recognize the fun, loveable and powerful force of Talking Tom and Friends.”

“We at Mythology are among the two billion fans of ‘Talking Tom and Friends,’ so we’re very excited to join Samo and Outfit7 in taking these characters from cell phone and tablet screens to big movie screens worldwide,” said Fischer. “Tom, Angela, Ginger, Ben, Pierre and Gina have been entertaining kids and their parents for years, and we look forward to giving these beloved friends their own story for families everywhere to enjoy.”

The brand has become a global entertainment phenomenon having infiltrated popular culture with its characters featured on ABC’s Modern Family, NBC’s Today Show and the 2013 White House Easter Roll to name a few.

 

More Info

Since the premiere of the first Talking Tom app in 2010 the wildly popular franchise has extended beyond second screen entertainment, and touts soaring numbers to match:

  • Two billion downloads of its portfolio this Fall 2014, with 14 apps launched within four years;
  • An accelerated download rate of 40%, since the company celebrated its one billionth download in June 2013;
  • Talking Tom and Friends exceeds 230 million monthly active users in over 230 territories worldwide;
  • Fans have uploaded 8 million independent interactions with their favorite characters to YouTube, creating more than 35 million views every month;
  • Combined subscribers to the Talking Tom and Friends YouTube channels exceed 1.7 million.

 

About Outfit7 Limited

Best known for its global phenomenon Talking Tom, Outfit7 is one of the fastest-growing media entertainment companies on the planet.

 

Outfit7 was founded by a group of entrepreneurs in 2009 whose mission is to bring fun and entertainment to all.  Its flagship app franchise Talking Tom and Friends has achieved over two billion downloads since its launch in 2010 and continues to grow with 230 million active users each month.

Talking Tom and Friends is a rare global brand that, in just four years, grew from an instant app success into a fully-fledged media entertainment franchise. With a movie in production and a CGI animated series soon to debut, a global licensing and merchandising program and a chart-topping sensation on YouTube, the lovable 3D animated characters have skyrocketed in popularity with fans across the world and sit firmly at the forefront of the digital entertainment era.

Outfit7 Limited is a UK multinational entertainment company headquartered in Cyprus.

For more information, please visit www.Outfit7.com and www.talkingtom.com or visit our Facebook, Twitter or YouTube pages.

 

About Mythology Entertainment

Since the company’s launch three years ago, Mythology Entertainment is producing and has closed deals on a wide range of projects in film and television.  Partners Bradley Fischer (“Black Swan,” “Shutter Island,” “Zodiac”) and James Vanderbilt (“The Amazing Spider-Man,” “Zodiac”) are currently in pre-production on “Truth,” Vanderbilt’s directorial debut based on his adaptation of a memoir by Dan Rather’s former news producer, Mary Mapes. The film stars Cate Blanchett and Robert Redford.

 

For feature film, Mythology is producing “The Overlook Hotel” for Warner Bros., a prequel to Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” with Mark Romanek attached to direct a script written by Glen Mazzara; Richard Morgan’s Philip K. Dick Award-winning novel, Altered Carbon, adapted by Laeta Kalogridis and David H. Goodman; and “The House With a Clock in Its Walls” adapted by Eric Kripke. For television, Mythology is producing “Ashecliffe,” an HBO and Paramount Television series based on Martin Scorsese’s hit feature film, “Shutter Island.” Scorsese will direct the pilot based on a script by Shutter Island novelist, Dennis Lehane.

 

Mythology Entertainment is repped by attorneys McKuin, Frankel & Whitehead, and Tim Connors.

Blu-ray Review “Ranma ½: Set 3”

Number of discs: 3
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Viz Media
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Run Time: 530 minutes

Series: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

VIZ Media is quickly becoming my go-to when it comes to classic anime series being restored and brought back to life on Blu-ray. They have been delivering above and beyond great releases for “Ranma ½”. They given this show the treatment and even correct issues like the Japanese episode order, which has been restored as well. This is a show that probably would never receive a great treatment and luckily for VIZ, they have been consecutively impressive with each of these releases under this series. Counting down the days until “Ranma ½: Set 4” on December 9th!

Official Premise: In the latest set, containing 23 remastered episodes, things just can’t stay quiet at the Tendo Dojo! After a morning ruckus, Ranma hits his head, falls into water, and turns completely into a girl. Now, even when Ranma transforms back into a boy, he still thinks he’s a girl! Things become even more complicated when Shampoo, still in love with Ranma, gets a surprise visit from Chinese Amazon twin sisters Ling-Ling and Lung-Lung, two of her protégées who have it in for Ranma. Finally, Happosai makes an appearance, and Ranma must defeat him to become strong again!

The third Limited Edition Blu-ray set for the classic Ranma ½ includes a premium presentation with a chipboard box with gold foil stamping beautifully illustrated by creator Rumiko Takahashi, a 32-page booklet, episode guide and an art card. The episodes have been restored and remastered and are presented in its original 4:3 cropped aspect ratio with lossless Japanese and English audio. The special features are a major let down. There is only one featurette called “We Love Ranma, Part 3: The Appeal of Ranma ½”, which looks into the fandom. There are also clean openings/endings and some trailers including.

Book Review “World of Reading – Disney Junior Boxed Set: Pre-Level 1”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: World of Reading (Book 1)
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: August 5, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When I get books for the past two years, I have been sticking to board and hardcover books that are toddler friendly. Watching my two year old daughter growing up I see that she needed more of a challenge with her reading. I decided it was time to turn it over to Disney’s World of Reading series. This collection is absolutely perfect for those early readers, who can’t read yet need more challenge than just pictures and colors.

To make it even better, this is a box set of six Disney Junior Pre-Level 1 books. They should appeal to any preschooler or in my case an exceptional two year old. If you love Disney Junior, all of your favorites are here from Sofia The First, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Doc McStuffins and Jake and the Never Land Pirates. Plus if all that isn’t enough, Disney is also giving you a bonus e-book, which features actually a 7th reader. I highly recommend this set and hope that Disney continues to release get box sets like this one, so my daughter can enjoy as she grows up (too quickly).

 

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CCE Presents DeLand Rock & Metal Festival set for November 7-9th – 3 Days – 50 Bands!

The DeLand Rock & Metal Festival has just finished booking its 5th installment of it’s ever growing Rock and Heavy Metal event. This Fall, The Deland Rock & Metal Festival will host it’s first multi-day, with camping event. The festival will feature bands from all over the east coast, one from Puerto Rico and also DeLand’s very own, Seven Kingdoms. Tickets are on sale, and it is expected to draw 800-1000 over the weekend at OBs in North Deland. This year will also include local business vendors ranging from Vapor products, beef jerky, chocolates and jewelry all the way to CD and Merch tents.

Visit the event page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/468548056578993

The Deland Rock & Metal Festival is BACK for its FALL edition!!!

This FALL FESTIVAL will be a MULTI-DAY Event!

NOV 7 – PREPARTY
NOV 8 – FESTIVAL – DAY 1
NOV 9 – FESTIVAL – DAY 2

Camping will be available overnight on festival grounds!

TICKETS ONSALE SCHEDULE:

-ALL INCLUSIVE BADGE (VIP and Camping)
ON-SALE-NOW – $95
http://ccepresents.bigcartel.com/product/deland-rock-metal-festival-all-inclusive-pass-vip-camping

VIP PASS only: ON SALE NOW – $65
http://ccepresents.bigcartel.com/product/deland-rock-metal-festival-vip-pass-only

CAMPING PASS only ON SALE NOW – $30
http://ccepresents.bigcartel.com/product/deland-rock-metal-festival-camping-pass-only

General Admission prices:
Preparty – $12
Saturday Festival – $25
Sunday Festival – $15

**VIP BADGE** – $65
– VIP FOIL LAMINATE
– EVENT T-SHIRT
– EVENT POSTER
– Masters Of Metal Productions Sampler CD
– **FREE ADMISSION** to the PreParty
– ENTRY TO SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
– 22oz SOUVENIR DR&MF BEER MUG
– EXCLUSIVE DRAFT BEER / CIDER OUTSIDE WITH BEER MUG ONLY
– VIP BAR and PATIO LOUNGE ACCESS
– ONLY **100** AVAILABLE

CAMPING INFO:
Camping will be PER PERSON – $30
– CAMPING STICKER CREDENTIAL
– Camping Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights
– HOT DELUXE BREAKFAST Saturday and Sunday Mornings
– ONLY **100* CAMPING STICKERS AVAILABLE
**we will be in touch with all our campers to see who is sharing tents – paid per person because we are including breakfast for campers**

More info, Bands, Lineups to be announced! 50 bands!

FRIDAY – NOVEMBER 7th **PREPARTY**
-OB’s MAINSTAGE-
1|6:15-6:45 – Stand Well Among Giants – Post Hardcore from Orlando
2|7:00-7:30 – Almost Winter – Metalcore from Orlando
3|7:45-8:15 – Unsung Hero – Metal/Hard Rock from Tampa
4|8:30-9:00 – Cover The Sun – Rock/Metal from Orlando
5|9:15-9:45 – ShadowStrike – Power Metal from NY
6|10:00-10:45 – Judicator – Power Metal from Tuscon, AZ
7|11:00-11:30 – Project: Roenwolfe – Power Metal from AZ/FL
8| 11:45-12:30 – Fathom’s Pass – Prog/Power from Tampa

SATURDAY – NOVEMBER 8th
-FESTIVAL STAGE-
1|12:00-12:30 – Koffity – Metal from Panama City
3|1:00-1:30 – Sinister Circle – Metal from Tampa
5|2:00-2:30 – All Hell – Death Metal from Longwood
7|3:00-3:30 – Atlas – Metal from Melbourne, FL
9|4:00-4:30 – Darkness Rising – Metal from Deltona
11|5:00-5:30 – Sarcophagi – Deathcore from Pensacola
13|6:00-6:30 – The Bride Wore Blood – Deathcore from Orlando
15|7:00-7:30 – Orbweaver – Experimental Metal from Miami
17|8:00-8:30 – Promethean Horde – Death Metal from Tampa
19|9:00-9:30 – Ovid’s Withering – Death Metal from Tampa
21|10:15-11:00 – Warforged – Death Metal from Chicago

-OB’s MAINSTAGE-
2|12:30-1:00 – Slow Motion Suicide – Metal from Jacksonville
4|1:30-2:00 – Denied Til Death – Death Metal from Jacksonville
6|2:30-3:00 – Martyr’s Asylum – HardRock from Orlando
8|3:30-4:00 – Psykotribe – Metal from Tampa
10|4:30-5:00 – Impurity – Death Metal from Gainesville
12|5:30-6:00 – Death Before Dying – Death Metal from Panama City
14|6:30-7:00 – City Of Stages – Metalcore from Orlando
16|7:30-8:00 – Zafakon – Death/Thrash from Puerto Rico
18|8:30-9:00 – Thrash Or Die – Thrash from Miami
20|9:30-10:15 – Abdomen Canvas -Death Metal from Orlando
22|11:00-11:45 – Visceral Disgorge – Slam Death from Baltimore
23|12:00-1:00 – Massacre – Death Metal from Florida

SUNDAY – NOVEMBER 9th
-FESTIVAL STAGE-
1|12:00-12:30 – Primitive Hard Drive – Rock from Jacksonville
3|1:00-1:30 – Jack Mantra – Rock from Brandon
5|2:00-2:30 – Armor Of God – Power Metal from Orlando
7|3:00-3:30 – Slikk Wikked – Metal from Tampa
9|4:00-4:30 – Chernobyl – Heavy Metal from Orlando
11|5:00-5:30 – Archangel – Thrash/Heavy Metal from Tampa
13|6:00-6:30 – Maverick Hunter – Heavy Metal from Tampa
15|7:00-7:30 – Everthrone – Epic, Symphonic Metal from SC
17|8:05-8:50 – Draekon – Symphonic Metal from Indiana
19|9:35-10:20 – Widow – Traditional Metal from NC

-OB’s MAINSTAGE-
2|12:30-1:00 – The Hanging Chads – Hard Rock from Tampa
4|1:30-2:00 – Embrace The Envy – Metal from Orlando
6|2:30-3:00 – Absolon – Goth/Power Metal from Orlando
8|3:30-4:00 – Frostfang – Thrash Metal from St. Pete
10|4:30-5:00 – Skyliner – Power Metal from Jacksonville
12|5:30-6:00 – Sons Of Ragnar – Viking Metal from Longwood
14|6:30-7:00 – Arcsin – Prog/Power from Miami
16|7:30-8:05 – MindMaze – Female Fronted Power Metal from PA
18|8:50-9:35 – A Sound of Thunder – Female Fronted Power Metal from DC
20|10:20-11:20 – Seven Kingdoms – Power Metal from DeLand

MISC INFO:
Your EXCLUSIVE draft beer and cider will be Yuengling and Angry Orchard. VIPs you will be the only people allowed to even have draft beer at the festival, all others are bottles/mixdrinks. Fillups will range (depending) from $4-$6 for whichever one you want and 22oz of it! you will get 10 tickets per day, which you will need to use each time you pay for a fill up. Its super exclusive draft just for you! IF YOU DON’T WANT BEER, there will be bottled water and Soda fillups for $1. PLEASE REMEMBER you will not be able to get the special draft, if you BUY THE CUP ALA CARTE at the fest, YOU MUST be a VIP holder! CAMPING BREAKFAST will be open each fest morning from 8AM-10AM. We will have Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Biscuits & Gravy, Toast, Coffee and Orange Juice. Breakfast will be open for TWO HOURS. Breakfast will also go on sale, ala carte for those that didnt camp, that are Hungry, however we are only guaranteeing enough breakfast/per day for presold camping passes, so get your camping and breakfast passes!

Sportsman Channel and Penn Jillette Set to Conjure Series Launch of “Camp Stew” on Thursday, July 17

“The Best of the Worst of the Great Outdoors”

NEW BERLIN, WI (July 3, 2014) – Illusionist and magician Penn Jillette is teaming with Sportsman Channel, the leader in outdoor television for American sportsmen and women, for the launch of the network’s newest original program Camp Stew,exclusively premiering on Thursday, July 17 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Camp Stew – a reference to a favorite hunters’ dish comprised of a mishmash of ingredients including ground beef, chicken, pork, beans, corn, tomatoes and other additions – on Sportsman Channel will comprise of a variety of clips from all facets of the outdoor lifestyle. The new and exciting 10-episode program will showcase some of the craziest outdoor videos ever recorded, with Penn adding his unique brand of commentary to these incredible clips. Each 30-minute episode will feature host commentary from Penn Jillette in front of clips of some of the wildest adventures ever caught on tape.

Clips will include footage involving “Girls and Guns,” “Backyard Rambos,” “Wild Hunts and Cold Outdoors,” “Outdoor Pranks,” “Unreal Shots,” and many more scenes that will elicit a smile, offer a grimace, and even educate. Camp Stew is the third show produced in conjunction with Sportsman Channel and Pilgrim Studios. Executive Producers are Craig Piligian, Jake Shelton and Brett Boydstun.

“A series never tasted so good.  This show will entertain and engage viewers with the sometimes amazing and sometimes humorous side of the outdoor lifestyle,” said Marc Fein, executive vice president of programming and production for Sportsman Channel. “Having Penn Jillette as the host of Camp Stew is magic!”

“I’m happy to be a part of the Sportsman Channel family,” added Jillette, a noted firearms enthusiast and second amendment advocate. “I’m way excited to host Camp Stew, a show about serious outdoor fails. No camera tricks, no magic, just plain funny real-life wackiness in the great outdoors.”

Additionally, Sportsman Channel has engaged John Deere in a significant partnership for the duration of Camp Stew. John Deereis one of the biggest and most respected brands in the world and will provide a presence in Camp Stew throughout the third quarter.

Sportsman Channel is a part of the nation’s largest multimedia company targeting and created exclusively to serve the information and entertainment needs of outdoors enthusiasts. Sportsman Channel is dedicated to providing the most entertaining and informative hunting, shooting and fishing multimedia content while also promoting conservation and the tradition of the sportsman lifestyle.

Join the Twitter conversation @SPORTSMANchnl and let your voice be heard by using #CampStewTV.

About Pilgrim Studios: Craig Piligian’s Pilgrim Studios produces a wide variety of unscripted and scripted programming for television, including hit series Fast N’ LoudStreet Outlaws and #BikerLive for Discovery; Ghost Hunters and The Wil Wheaton Project for Syfy; The Ultimate Fighter for FOX Sports 1; Down East Dickering for History; Orange County Choppers and Swamp Pawn for CMT; Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s and Raising Whitley for OWN (Pilgrim also produced the eight-part documentary Lindsayfor the network); David Tutera: Unveiled for WEtv; Wicked Tuna and its new spin-off, Wicked Tuna: North vs. South, for National Geographic Channel; and Bring It! for Lifetime. In the scripted realm, Pilgrim’s original movies for Lifetime include Amanda Knox: Murder On Trial In ItalyAbducted: The Carlina White Story, which earned a 2012 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Writing In A Motion Picture; and the crime thriller Stalkers.  Among Pilgrim’s current scripted projects is the pilot Recovery Road for ABC Family, starring Samantha Logan.

About Sportsman Channel: Launched in 2003, Sportsman Channel/Sportsman HD is the only television and digital media company fully devoted to honoring a lifestyle that is celebrated by millions of Americans. The leader in outdoor television, Sportsman Channel delivers entertaining and informative programming that embraces outdoor adventure, hunting and fishing, and reveals it through unique, surprising and authentic storytelling. Sportsman Channel embraces the attitude of  “Red, Wild & Blue America” – where the American Spirit and Great Outdoors are celebrated in equal measure. The network also is dedicated to promoting our nation’s military heroes and veterans, as well as providing a voice for conservation throughout the United States.Sportsman Channel reaches more than 36 million U.S. television households. Stay connected to Sportsman Channel online at www.thesportsmanchannel.com; Facebook, (facebook.com/sportsmanchannel); Twitter (twitter.com/SPORTSMANchnl and twitter.com/SportsmanPR) and YouTube (youtube.com/TheSportsmanChannel).

To find Sportsman Channel in your area click here.

Blu-ray Review “Ranma ½ Set 2”

Number of discs: 3
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Viz Media
DVD Release Date: June 24, 2014
Run Time: 530 minutes

Series: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Rumiko Takahashi’s classic martial arts romantic comedy Ranma ½ is back! In Mach, Viz Media released the first 23 episodes of the popular anime series “Ranma ½” and this month we are already getting “Set 2”, which includes the next 23 episodes. With 56 episodes in the bag already this series is on fire with this new revival. I have been having flashbacks of my younger days watching this show on bootleg VHS that I got from a friend, who got it from a friend. I cannot wait for the next release from Viz Media and I hope that they continue to release this series quickly since I cannot get enough of it.

Official Premise: Ranma Saotome, the boy who turns into a girl with a splash of water, always has his hands full fending off crazed admirers. One of the most fanatical is Shampoo, a girl from a tribe of Chinese Amazons who tried to kill girl Ranma, was defeated by boy Ranma, and then proposes marriage to him due to her clan s rule. Things get a little crazier when Shampoo falls into a cursed spring and turns into a cat! And even crazier when Mousse, who is in love with Shampoo, challenges Ranma to a battle over…Ranma s fiancée, Akane…? Back at the Tendo dojo, Ranma s dad, Genma, and Akane s dad, Soun, receive a visit from their former master, Happosai. Around the same time, some of the neighborhood ladies find their undies are disappearing… Is Happosai responsible, or is it just a coincidence?

Like the first set of episodes, these 1080p transfers are absolutely stunning with high quality encodes created using the original Japanese Blu-ray masters. Fans are able to enjoy each episode with an uncropped, 4:3 aspect ratio. These episodes are also arranged in the original Japanese episode order. There are both lossless tracks available for the original Japanese (with English subtitles) and the English dub, and a secondary subtitle track is available for signs and songs. The box presentation also for this set is amazing coming in a premium chipboard box with gold foil stamping with art illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi. Inside it also includes an exclusive art card and a 32-page booklet with episode summaries

The special features aren’t as impressive as the first set. “We Love Ranma Part 2: Favorite Scenes” is a collection of notable scenes in these episodes. There is “Next Episode Previews” for the upcoming set. Lastly there are Clean Opening Animations and Clean Closing Animations for the episodes. After the decent extras in set 1, I was hoping that this was going to be the trend for these releases. I hope that they pick up the slack with set 3 and future installments after that. Still though for the outstanding video and audio on this Blu-ray will make this worth it alone for any anime fan.

Marvel’s Spider-Man Play Set Swings Into Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes

With the 2014 Electronic Entertainment Expo beginning today, Disney Interactive is officially announcing the latest Play Set to appear in Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) – Marvel’s Spider-Man Play Set. Please check out the new gameplay trailer for a first look at new characters coming to the Play Set and Toy Box 2.0.

The Spider-Man Play Set will feature a storyline which follows the Green Goblin as he tries to destroy S.H.I.E.L.D. once and for all. After capturing Venom to extract and clone symbiotes from him, he hires Mysterio to be his second in command and wreak havoc on the Marvel universe. Players will fight the spreading symbiotes and face Mysterio and Green Goblin in in the sewers, labs and skies above Manhattan.

Key highlights for the Spider-Man Play Set include:

  • Play Set: Playable characters include Spider-Man, Nick Fury, Iron Fist, Nova and Venom with additional appearances by White Tiger, Black Cat and Luke Cage. Players will be tasked to destroy the cloned symbiotes and advance to fight Mysterio.
  • Toy Box: Spider-Man, Nick Fury, Iron Fist, Nova and Venom will be playable in the all-new Toy Box 2.0 mode of the game, along with all characters previously released for Disney Infinity. Players will be able to use these characters, plus hundreds of Marvel and Disney-themed items, locations, props and vehicles, to create new adventures in customized worlds. Once players complete the Spider-Man Play Set, the S.H.I.E.L.D. Hover Car, S.H.I.E.L.D. Sky Cycle, Daily Bugle Building and more will be unlocked and can be used in Toy Box.

The Spider-Man Play Set will be available in retail stores this fall. Additional Play Sets and characters will be announced in the coming months.

About Disney Infinity
Disney Infinity is an interactive gaming platform where players have unprecedented freedom and endless opportunity to create stories and play experiences starring the beloved characters from across the worlds of Disney. Building on the success of last year’s initial launch, Disney Interactive announced that Disney Infinity’s next chapter, Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes, will hit stores this fall. In the all new game, players use real-world interactive figures to activate original storylines (Play Sets) in the virtual game worlds of popular Marvel franchises and create new adventures with other Disney Infinity characters in the Toy Box mode. For more information, visit Disney.com/Infinity.

“Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes” Avengers Play Set Trailer Released

Disney Interactive today released additional details and a new trailer for Marvel’s The Avengers Play Set which will be available for Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition). Slated for release this fall, gamers will be invited to take part in a brand new true-to-property storyline crafted with the help of award-winning Marvel comic writer Brian Michael Bendis and featuring The Avengers Super Heroes Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor, Captain America, Hulk and Hawkeye.

Play Set: The Avengers Play Set is the first play set to be announced for Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes and features Iron Man, Thor and Black Widow, with Captain America, Hawkeye and Hulk sold separately. Players will take the role of earth’s mightiest heroes as they try to put an end to Loki’s cold-hearted plans to invade New York City. Along the way, they will learn that Loki isn’t working alone and that this is but the first step in a villainous plot that threatens the entire planet. The Avengers will need not only their strength and wits, but also the technology and insight of S.H.I.E.L.D. to have any chance of saving the world.

Toy Box: In the all-new Toy Box 2.0, players will be able to use Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow and all of The Avengers characters, plus hundreds of Marvel-themed items, locations, props and vehicles, to create new and exciting adventures in customized worlds.

The Avengers Play Set and new Toy Box mode will be included in the Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes Starter Pack. Additional Play Sets and characters will be announced in the coming months.

 

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Blu-ray Review “Ranma ½ Set 1”

Number of discs: 3
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Viz Media
DVD Release Date: March 25, 2014
Run Time: 530 minutes

Series: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Ranma ½ started off as an manga series back in 1987 in Japan, which was turned into a TV series shortly after in 1989. This is way before Japanese anime hit the US. The series got big here probably around the early 90’s and this and “Dragon Ball Z” were two of my favorite anime series growing up. Ranma ½ ius definitely unique and is an interesting blend of romance, comedy, action and marital arts. Thanks Viz Media this series is getting presented in high definition for the first time ever. Set 1 includes the first 23 episodes of the show, so since there are over 140 episodes total I would expect at least an additional six releases over the next year. If you are a fan of this series, then this is a new brainer.

Official Synopsis: From the legendary oeuvre of master creator Rumiko Takahashi, the mixed-up, madcap, martial arts romantic comedy Ranma ½ returns! After taking a surprise dip in a cursed spring while on a training journey in China, martial artist Ranma Saotome and his father, Genma, aren’t quite themselves anymore. Now Ranma turns into a girl whenever he’s splashed with cold water, and Genma turns into a panda. Their new forms cause nothing but confusion at the Tendo dojo, where Soun Tendo is waiting to introduce one of his three daughters to Ranma… as his fiancée. Turns out Genma and Soun arranged the match long ago, but the girl, Akane, and the boy, Ranma, aren’t exactly crazy about the idea, or each other! Or are they? Watch the gender switching, jealous rages, and martial arts battles unfold all over again!

Having watching this show on bootleg VHS tapes growing up, these 1080p transfers are stunning with high quality encodes created using the original Japanese Blu-ray masters. Fans are able to enjoy each episode with an  uncropped, 4:3 aspect ratio. Another first time for this release is that all episodes are arranged in the original Japanese episode order. There are both lossless tracks available for the original Japanese (with English subtitles) and the English dub, and a secondary subtitle track is available for signs and songs. The box presentation also for this set is amazing coming in a premium chipboard box with gold foil stamping with art illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi. Inside it also includes a 64-page booklet with a full color episode guide and a manga re-master sampler.

If you were satisfied with all that, wait there is still more in this Limited Edition box set. There are some decent extras including an exclusive “We Love Ranma: Part 1” Manga Re-Mastering Interview with VIZ Media editor Hope Donovan, which talks about the processes behind the latest manga release. There is two great extras taken from 2013 New York Comic Con this past year with “Ranma ½ Panel Footage” and “VIZ Media Events Highlight Reel”. Lastly there are upcoming episode previews and trailers included here. Can’t wait for Set 2! Keep them coming Viz!

MediaMikes.com Awards Set To Be Announced


After three weeks of voting, with hundreds of submissions sent in by Media Mikes.com readers, the winners of the 2013 Media Mikes.com Awards for the years best films and performances have been finalized. The reader-voted winners will be announced later this week on the weekly “Behind the Mikes” Podcast and will be posted on the site on Friday, January 10.

Media Mikes.com readers had the opportunity to submit their choices in seven different categories – BEST PICTURE, DIRECTOR, ANIMATED FEATURE, ACTOR, ACTRESS, SUPPORTING ACTOR and SUPPORTING ACTRESS. Media Mikes.com staff voted on four additional categories – BEST ORIGINAL SCORE, BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE, BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY and BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY. These categories will be open to readers beginning in 2014.

The top-5 vote getters in each reader chosen category are listed below in alphabetical order. Thanks to everyone that voted!

BEST PICTURE
12 Years a Slave
Act of Killing
American Hustle
Gravity
Nebraska

BEST DIRECTOR
Alfonso Cuaron – Gravity
Paul Greengrass – Captain Phillips
Spike Jonze – Her
Alexander Payne – Nebraska
Martin Scorsese – The Wolf of Wall Street

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
The Croods
Despicable Me 2
Frozen
Monsters University
The Wind Rises

BEST ACTOR (due to the closeness of the vote, there are seven nominees)
Christian Bale – American Hustle
Bruce Dern – Nebraska
Leonardo DiCaprio – The Wolf of Wall Street
Chiwetel Ejiofor – 12 Years a Slave
Tom Hanks – Captain Phillips
Hugh Jackman – Prisoners
Matthew McConaughey – Dallas Buyers Club

BEST ACTRESS
Cate Blanchett – Blue Jasmine
Sandra Bullock – Gravity
Judi Dench – Philomena
Julie Delpy – Before Midnight
Emma Thompson – Saving Mr. Banks

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Daniel Bruhl – Rush
Bradley Cooper – American Hustle
Michael Fassbender – 12 Years a Slave
Jared Leto – Dallas Buyers Club
Sam Rockwell – The Way, Way Back

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Scarlett Johansson – Her
Jennifer Lawrence – American Hustle
Jena Malone – The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Lupita Nyong’o – 12 Years a Slave
Julia Roberts – August: Osage County

Book Review “Disney Frozen: Royal Sisters – A Dress-Up Book and Magnetic Play Set”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Book and Magnetic Play Set
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: October 1, 2013

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

One of the coolest things of having an 18 month old kid is that I am able to play with things that I haven’t been able to since I was a kid. I grew up in the 80’s and I used to LOVE playing with Colorforms! All you 80’s babies out there know that I am talking about! When I saw this book, I had a flash back of being a kid and playing with those. On top of that, “Frozen” is no question my favorite film to date of 2013 and our family cannot get enough of this film. The characters, the colors, the music, the design…it is absolutely perfect. As is this book, which is a not only a book but also a magnetic play set and a dress-up book as well.

Inside this book you literally get transported into the wonderful the magical world from Walt Disney Animation Studio’s “Frozen”. Included inside this great handy plastic carrying case are two storybooks, two magnetic dolls, six play scenes, and over 60 magnets. The play scenes are really sharp and quite colorful. The magnets are spot and represent the film very well. There is a ton of fun to have with this set and is also a great way to get kids imaginations going. Seeing my daughter play with this set, I knew that she was having a real blast and she is still technically too young for this. I can only imagine how much she will enjoy as she gets older. Highly recommended, very reasonably priced and will make a great holiday gift this year! If your kids are fans of “Sofia the First”, there is also a great set for that show as well.

Blu-ray Review “Duck Dynasty: Seasons 1-3 Collectors Set”

Starring: Willie Robertson, Jase Robertson, Kay Robertson, Phil Robertson
Number of discs: 6
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Thomas Nelson
DVD Release Date: December 3, 2013
Run Time: 954 minutes

Series: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Duck Dynasty” is an A&E reality show that follows the Robertson family, who run a multi-million dollar enterprise called Duck Commander. The show has been getting more and more popular since its first season and in fact, the saga of the Roberston family has recently become one of the biggest phenomenas in cable history as it smashed ratings for the series’ fourth season premiere episode. I am normally not a fan of reality shows but I have recently become hooked into “Duck Dynasty” like most people have. They also released a Christmas album this year as well, so they are everywhere right now. Seriously though, once you start watching this show you cannot stop. It is like a train wreck that doesn’t allow you to look away. If you haven’t seen it and want to binge like myself, this set is a great way to do it and would also make a great holiday gift!

Official Premise: Keep the camo-clad Robertsons in your sights at all times with this Duck Dynasty gift set from A&E. With these down-home millionaires from Louisiana, there’s always somebody up to something that you can rest assured somebody else isn’t going to like. See what happens when Willie hosts his own radio show, but makes the mistake of bringing Uncle Si on the air with him. Watch how his employee retreat fails to build trust among the Duck Commander team. And you’ll want to catch Jase’s plans to prevent Missy from finding out he’s lost his second, newly replaced wedding ring. But the Robertsons never back down from a challenge, always taking on new adventures. Whether it’s a family cooking, fishing or football competition; a blind leap into winemaking; a spontaneous road trip in the RV; or their run-ins with critters of all kinds, this clan makes the most of their funny business. And now you can, too. But please, don’t fight over who gets to wear the enclosed Duck Dynasty bandana!

Since we are talking about a reality TV series, “Duck Dynasty” doesn’t blow you away in terms of audio and video but it still is a solid presentation…after the first season. The first season is basically a DVD upscale with its 1080i transfer in an 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The subsequent two seasons have received a 1080p presentation. All three seasons come with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 surround track, which again isn’t bad but also doesn’t stand out since the show is all dialogue. This 6 disc collection also comes with a limited-edition, exclusive Duck Camo Bandana.

In terms of special features, this release certainly does not disappoint. There are around 70 minutes of bonus footage from the three season. Season one includes 25 short featurettes of interviews and extra scenes, which run just over 35 minutes. The featurettes are: Romeo & Juliet, Sibling Rivalry, Willie CEO, Yuppies, Hairy Guys, The World’s Largest Deer, Si-ence Fiction, All Cameramen Are Weird, Miss Kay’s Cookin’, When You Feed Them They Will Come, Generations, Uncle Si’s Tea Party, Phil-osophies The Birds and the Bees, The Other White Meat, Jase “Si” Robertson, A Kind Gentle Woman, The Making of the Duck Call, Talkin’ My Language, The Making of “The Commander’s Kitchen”, Snakes, Phil-osophies Chatter, Gators, Boys Will Be Boys, The Wives of Duck Dynasty, and Decoy Hunting.

Season two doesn’t pack the same punch as season one but does include nine short featurettes with additional interviews and bonus scenes. The featurettes are: Workin’ With Family, Jack of All Trades, Momma’s Boy, Pizza vs. Toast, Mountain Man, The Brains Behind the Duck, Bootleg Building, Catch Phrases, and Work Hard Nap Hard. Season three gets back to deliver the goods including a bunch of great extras after season two was a little light. First up we have, “The Duck Dynasty Phenomenon”, which focuses on the success of the show with various interviews included. There are also Cast Interviews, Deleted Scenes, a few Webisodes, Mash-Ups and Amanda Ryan Song Recaps included.

Blu-ray Review "InuYasha: The Final Act – Set 1 & 2"

Starring: Kira Tozer, Kappei Yamaguchi, Richard Ian Cox, Satsuki Yukino, Kôji Tsujitani, Hôko Kuwashima
Directors: Yasunao Aoki
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Viz Media
DVD Release Date: November 20, 2012/ February 12, 2013
Run Time: 325 minutes per set

Series: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

“InuYasha: The Final Act ” is an anime series that draws inspiration from the last volumes of author Rumiko Takahashi’s popular mangas. “InuYasha” one of the most successful anime titles of the 2000’s. The origianl series end of its run (September 2004 in Japan and October 2006 in the U.S.) after 167 episodes and four movies. This final act series picks up right and picks up after left the series ended abruptly. This Sunrise produced series game this show the ended it deserved with this 26-episode series. “The Final Act ” is a real answer to many fans prayers. Viz Media is releasing this series in two separate sets each with 13 episodes.

What is the best part of “InuYasha: The Final Act” is that it will not only appeal to the most longtime InuYasha fans but it should also be able to win over a new group of fans. The characters and plot design is well formed so that you are able to figure out is going on without the having seen the prior series.  Obviously, if you are a fan you will appreciate that the Japanese dub returns with most of its principal cast.  Though the English dub was a different story. The major change is Kira Tozer taking over the role of Kagome, since Moneca Stori has retired from voice acting. After an episode or two I got used to her voice taking over. Michael Daingerfield, know best for Johann Trinity in “Mobile Suit Gundam 00” does a great job taking over for Sesshomaru.

Set 1 Official Premise: Kagome is an ordinary schoolgirl who finds her destiny linked to the half demon Inuyasha and the powerful Shikon Jewel. In their quest to restore the shattered Shikon Jewel, Inuyasha and Kagome face their ultimate enemy, the demon mastermind Naraku. Meanwhile, Sesshomaru learns the truth behind his sword Tenseiga, and Kikyo discovers a secret that could defeat Naraku. With the jewel nearly complete and in enemy hands, the race to collect the remaining shards intensifies, and an epic battle is brewing on the horizon.

Set 2 Official Premise: Kagome finds her worlds colliding as she struggles to both fight alongside Inuyasha in the past and pass the exam to get into her high school of choice in the present. But with her spiritual powers sealed away, how will she purify the Shikon Jewel before Naraku can absorb it forever? As the battle enters its final stages, Inuyasha and his friends find their strength, loyalties and will to live pushed to impossible limits. And in the end, the final key to Naraku’s and the Jewel’s destruction may lie in nothing more—and nothing less—than the trust between a half demon and a girl from the future.

“InuYasha: The Final Act” comes well presented on Blu-ray thanks to Viz Media. The episodes look sharp with their 1080p transfer in 1.78:1 aspect ratio.  The colors really jump off the screen and line detail is sharp. The audio tracks included are DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 with both the original Japanese and English dub. I would like to say that both tracks are equally impressive. I usually prefer the original Japanese track but the English dub also delivers.  The dialogue and action are well represented. Kaoru Wada returned for the musical score from the previous series and delivers again with a very effective, dramatic and well-orchestrated score. I loved both of the closing songs “With You” by AAA and “Diamond” by alan.

Despite how much I loved this series and the Blu-ray release, I was not a fan of the special features.  There are various production art gallery and various storyboards included on both sets. When it comes to animation, I love seeing artwork. Lastly, there are various Japanese trailers along with their translated credits. I would have loved to see some featurettes on the comparison between the manga and the new series.  Also I would have loved to see some commentary tracks from the English dub discussing taking over for the original cast and their experiences working on the series.