Sketch from the Blu-ray of Lady and the Tramp

One winter day in late 1979, I was called out of my kindergarten classroom and to the office, where my father picked me up and took me to the car. When I got into the back seat, I noticed a basket with a blanket inside. Opening the blanket, I saw the tiniest two kittens. One was blueish grey with a dark tail and ears and the other was cream colored with a dark brown tail and ears. Both sets of eyes were blue. My mom told me they were Siamese cats (a blue point and a seal point), and I thought right then and there that they were the most beautiful cats in the world.

Despite attempts by my parents to go with more interesting names of Rhett and Scarlett, we ended up calling them Boy Kitty and Girl Kitty (we already had a Mr. Kitty) and they grew into gorgeous creatures. So when Lady and The Tramp was re-released in theatres in 1980 and featured Siamese cats, it became one of my favorite movies – even if those particular cats were very naughty. Boy Kitty lived a very long and happy life, staying with me until I was 22.

As an adult, I watched the film on video back when my first two children were little. Perhaps it was the turn-of-the-century time period, the Main Street, U.S.A. feel, or the snow falling on the peaceful lanes of Victorian homes that reminded me of my childhood in New England, – or maybe even remembering my sweet Siamese friends, but it reaffirmed its place in my heart. As Walt Disney knew, animals have a lifelong impact on children, which could be why this film, told from the perspective of man’s best friend, is such a revered classic.

Now, years later, I love the classic story and how, even if it were humans in a live-action movie, the film would be just as compelling, romantic and sweet. I won’t get into the actual movie too much, as it’s a tale we all know and love, but this Blu-ray version is impeccably restored and probably clearer than when it first came out in 1955. The iconic scenes of Lady in the pink striped hatbox, Lady and Tramp sharing spaghetti and meatballs, the pawprints in the cement; they all makes me want to jump right into the screen and move in next door to Jim Dear and Darling.

Blu-ray Bonus Features:

In the special feature, “Remembering Dad” Diane Disney Miller shares some wonderful stories of Walt, Disneyland history and the wonderfully detailed family apartment above the firehouse. Truly a treasure.

The Making of Si and Am feature is chock full of wonderful drawings of my favorite characters. The original theatrical trailers are fun to watch and remember a time when a new Disney picture was an event presided over by Walt himself. And then interesting to see how those trailers changed over the years.

There are some great sketches of deleted scenes from the beginning of the film, where Lady actually has two neighbor dogs, Homer and Boris competing for her attention. Boris moves in with an elaborate Russian-style dog house and is the aristocrat to Homer’s “dog-next-door” persona. Boris makes a later appearance in the dog pound scene. I’m glad they decided to cut this scene, however, it seems a bit long and not in keeping with the character they decided to go with for Lady.

The next deleted scene is of Jim Dear pacing and imagining the future possibilities for his about-to-be-born son. It’s cute, ending with Jim Dear passing out as he learns he is, indeed, father to a bouncing baby boy.

The final deleted scene is another long one where Tramp and Lady get stuck in a theatre watching a performing dog show. It’s cute; something I could see the Disney of today turning into an animated short.

You’ll also find some nice looks at the Disneyland television show, including “The Story of Dogs”, released in color for the first time. Bottom line, for a fan of Disney history, or Walt Disney himself, this dvd+Blu-ray collection is a must-buy. It’s chock full of wonderful history, nostalgia, and of course, Disney animation and story we all know and love.

Now, I am as invested as I was with Harry Potter and his friends, but in a very different way. Katniss Everdeen, the heroine of the Hunger Games Trilogy may suffer hardships as Harry Potter did, but the similarities end there. There are less characters to be introduced to as well as not worrying about drawn-out descriptions of countless places, history and spells. As a result, we are instantly drawn in with the characters we do meet, and the details we do receive about the various districts in the country of Panem are that much more powerful. We feel for her bravery, her sacrifice, and her ever-burning spark as “the girl on fire” throughout the books.

As a quick synopsis: The country of Panem is what remains of our mistreated earth after years of selfishness among its inhabitants and global changes. The country was divided into 13 Districts and there was an unsuccessful rebellion against the Capitol which controls them, resulting in District 13 being destroyed. As penance for its rebellion, the Capitol created The Hunger Games, where a boy and girl child, aged between 12 ad 18, are chosen each year to fight to the death with only one victor remaining. The Districts are known for what they can produce or offer the Capitol, such as electricity, agriculture, fishing, etc. and aside from those closest to the Capitol, most Districts live in extreme poverty and under a police state. I’ll let you discover the rest of the story on your own. I am quite excited to see The Hunger Games film with my son, and cannot wait for the remaining films to be made and released.

I thought I’d share the currently released movie trailers, as well as some official sites to check out, where you can discover your district and connect with other fans:

Here are some places to interact with The Hunger Games:

Enter to win two tickets to the Los Angeles premier of The Hunger Games on March 12, 2012. Click to enter before 2/22/12!

Like The Hunger Games on Facebook as well as all 12 Districts.

Head over to TheCapitol.pn and find out what your District you are from, what your job assignment is and create your own District ID. And visit CapitolCouture.pn for the latest in fashion trends and news from the Capitol. There’s even a nail polish line from China Glaze inspired by Hunger Games:

You can also now pre-order many items from The Hunger Games from HotTopic.com. Connect with @TheHungerGames on twitter and use the hashtag #HungerGames to see the latest news and discussion about the film.

This should get any Hunger Games fan started – and remember, “May the odds be EVER in your favor…” The Hunger Games opens in theatres and IMAX on March 23, 2012.

When I heard the title, “Disneyland Explorer” I figured it would be more of a “fun” app vs. planning or facts etc. And this is true. This is exactly how I like my Disney information and entertainment. This may shock some, but I’m actually not a planner when it comes to Disney Parks. Maybe I take visiting Walt Disney World so often for granted, but even on my first visit to Disneyland last summer, I didn’t read one guide book or really do anything before I arrived. I just walked in and explored. That being said, I do want to put that little disclaimer in that for anyone looking for solid planning information, this is not the app for that. This is more like a way to be in Disneyland Resort virtually, with some extras thrown in too.

As you would expect from an official Disney app – it is breathtakingly beautiful. As you press the screen to enter the app, you are instantly transported to Sleeping Beauty Castle, with Walt standing in front. An image that makes any Disney fan just sigh with contentment. From there you can just start touching various park icons to discover how you can explore. Some attractions will feature a photo, others a short video of the ride in action, and still others will offer an interactive game or activity.

Pirates of the Caribbean game

As you scroll through the different lands, the music blends seamlessly from one area to the next and each new land offers lush backgrounds and foregrounds with all your familiar favorite scenes. It’s just wonderful. Once you explore all of Disneyland, the landscape continues to the Disneyland Resort hotels, Downtown Disney District and then on to California Adventure. There’s even a section for Cars Land, opening soon – so I’m sure the app will be updated in the future with more interactive elements. [edit: just heard from one of the developers that they are working on this update and the Buena Vista Street area as we speak!] You then end up back on Main Street, U.S.A. and back down to the Castle to explore all over again. (I won’t give away all the surprises, but there are a lot of them!)

Quite a few of the interactive games are perfect for little ones and rated my 3 year-old’s seal of approval. Now I know I can keep him entertained with Ariel’s undersea friends, any time of the day. I think my favorite games were trying to capture a photo of the Yeti from Matterhorn (I wish it saved these to my photos on my iPad!) and the epic pirate battle within Pirates of the Caribbean. You can even enter the Animation Academy and learn how to draw one of the Fab 4 characters. There’s also a menu button to press and see all of the location choices in list form, in case you want to look for a particular attraction or dining location.

Ariel's Undersea Adventure offers fun for the littlest fans

I know I will spend hours just relaxing and enjoying the magic of this little app – free from the AppStore. It is the perfect pick-me-up in between Disneyland visits. I can imagine something like this for the Walt Disney World Resort would require many more months of creation time, but I have hope they’ll be releasing one for the Florida parks and even better – the international parks. I may never let my iPad leave my side if that were to happen. If you need even more convincing, enjoy the Disneyland Explorer preview video below –

The magical sights and sounds of Disneyland Resort can now be discovered with “Disneyland Explorer,”the official Disney Parks app available for iPad. The free app invites parents and kids to explore some of the many thrilling and whimsical experiences that can be found at Disneyland Resort, a premiere, multi-day, family vacation destination in Southern California.

With “Disneyland Explorer,” users can swipe their way from Pirates of the Caribbean to “World of Color” to themed suites at the Disneyland Hotel, discovering more than 100 exciting things to see and do across the resort. Users tap beautiful images, animation and interactive touch points that represent experiences inside Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park, Downtown Disney District and all three hotels of the Disneyland Resort.

Touch points within the photo-realistic carousel reveal photos, videos and special activities inspired by classic attractions and entertainment.  As users explore the Resort, day changes to night with spectacular colors, lights, and fireworks.

Animations are triggered as users scroll through the parks, hotels and Downtown Disney District, revealing surprises such as Dumbo in flight above Sleeping Beauty Castle. Users  discover items that are both fun and historical, from the Mad Hatter popping out of a tea cup to vintage video of Walt Disney dedicating Disneyland.

Users will:

• Tour the galaxy with Star Tours – the Adventures Continue
• Learn to draw their favorite Disney characters at the Animation Academy
• Create their own musical water show in “World of Color”
• Steer a Soarin’ hang glider over California, while collecting and sharing personalized postcards
• Bring the iconic dolls of “it’s a small world” to life and hear the classic song in five different languages
• Snap photos of the elusive Yeti as he roams across Matterhorn Mountain
• Take part in a raging sea battle in Pirates of the Caribbean

“Disneyland Explorer” is a free app, available exclusively from App Store on iPad (www.itunes.com/appstore). More of the fun and excitement at the Disneyland Resort will become available on “Disneyland Explorer” throughout the year.

Interactive World of Color

Portobello's beautiful exterior

With so many amazing dining options at Walt Disney World, and for most visitors, a limited amount of days to enjoy them, it can be difficult to experience them all. I will admit that even as a local, it’s easy to pass by some restaurants and just go with what you’re used to. Our family dinner at Portobello last weekend is proof that it’s important to branch out – you may get pleasantly surprised by the delicious creations that lay in wait.

It was a bit chilly the night we arrived for our 6:30 reservation, and the first thing my family remarked on were the cool outdoor heaters the restaurant had, like little obelisks of fire inviting you into the atmosphere. The stone front conjures a feel of a cozy country cottage, and as you step inside the smell of the wood-fired pizza ovens make for an instant welcome. Some of you may have heard of Portobello’s meatball bar, featuring its famous meatball sliders. I actually enjoyed those on my last visit there, over a year ago, so as a result, I wanted to be sure to try some of the other options Portobello’s menu had to offer.

Our wonderful server, Matt, explained some of the appetizer options and we decided to branch out from our usual family favorite, Calamari. We ordered the Portobello Mushroom, the Sambuca Shrimp and kept the kids happy with the fried Calamari. The Portobello Mushroom was perfection on a plate. Sliced portobello mushrooms on a bed of polenta (a favorite of mine) with Gorgonzola cheese on top and a rosemary demi-glaze that was, as Matt said, worthy of dipping your bread in and cleaning the plate. It was delicious.

Portobello Mushroom appetizer

The Sambuca shrimp was a very unique dish, given a little drama when it’s flambéed table-side. The Sambuca gives the shrimp a sweet flavor and even my adventurous 11 year-old daughter tried one and loved it.

Sambuca Shrimp flambeed table-side

Sambuca Shrimp

The Calamari was also excellent and not to be discounted just because it’s standard Italian appetizer fare. It’s so easy to overcook these, making them greasy or rubbery, but Portobello’s were neither – they were crisp and light.

Calamari with marinara sauce

On to the entrees, my daughter and I both had the Gnocchi with pork ragu, which was large enough to feed the whole table. The gnocchi were wonderful and I’d never had a pork ragu before, but it was hearty and delicious. Portobello really knows how to do their sauces. We both had lots of leftovers!

Gnocchi with Pork Ragu

My husband ordered the Black Linguini with Florida Rock Shrimp, served with asparagus, tomatoes and garlic. The black linguini is made that color from squid ink, something we had tried at home and my husband knew he loved. It’s kind of crazy to see black pasta on your plate, but there really isn’t a noticeable taste difference from regular pastas. He loved his dish and said it was prepared wonderfully.

Black Linguini with Florida Rock Shrimp

My son, the picky eater, ordered the Flat Iron Steak and loved it. It was sliced and cooked just the way he likes it. I tried it and the seasonings were just right. He also surprised me and ordered roasted potatoes instead of fries. I guess his 13 year-old palate is changing!

Our littlest guy was not left out as their kids menu really has something for everyone. I thought our 3 year-old would order pasta but he’s been on a hot dog kick lately. He was perfectly contented with his meal, plus the table top is covered with paper, which kept ALL of us entertained in between enjoying the food.

We were all completely stuffed from all the amazing chef creations, but felt, in the interest of the review, it was our duty to order dessert. You know, for the readers. Matt did a great job of explaining all the desserts available and my husband went with the Panna Cotta, I chose the Espresso Cake (no surprise for those that know my love of coffee), and the kids all tried a different flavor of Gelato.

Phillip, the wonderful assistant general manager that chatted with us throughout dinner came over to see how we were and was shocked we didn’t order the Biramisu for dessert. We told him we were tempted but were won over by our choices. He said we had to try it and brought over two orders mid-way through our dessert. He explained how instead of espresso, they used Orlando Brewing’s Organic Porter. If you hadn’t told us there was beer in it, we’d never know. It was extremely sweet and smooth, a wonderful take on this classic dessert. Definitely a must-try when you go.

Biramisu with Orlando Brewing Organic Porter

The Espresso Cake was wonderful as well, almost a combination of coffee-flavored cheesecake mixed with a cookie dough consistency, with chocolate chips. Sinfully good. My husband’s Panna Cotta was without a doubt, my favorite (and his too). Similar to flan in texture but with no eggy taste, this was light and creamy and just melted in your mouth. It is topped with a local Winter Park honey sauce with strawberries on the side and I just can’t say enough about it. It was the perfect amount of sweet without feeling too heavy. In my opinion, another must-try.

Panna Cotta with Winter Park Orange Blossom Honey

I was really surprised that Portobello incorporates so many local Floridian ingredients and still turns them into classic Italian dishes we all know and love. The same Winter Park orange blossom honey used in the Panna Cotta is also put into their lemonade, which was incredibly delicious. My daughter loved it. I would’ve ordered it too if I hadn’t loved my Cafe Shakerato (iced coffee with a hint of vanilla that instantly endeared me to Portobello – they speak my language!). It is a unique way to make Portobello stand out from other Italian options and expand our palates as well. In two words – it works.

All in all, the meal was all hits with no misses. The staff is knowledgeable and personable, making you feel like family and the chefs bring out the entrees, reminding you that this is in fact, home to culinary prowess. As I was tweeting parts of our dinner the other night, I received many replies from people that hadn’t given Portobello a try – to them I say definitely add this to your list. And locals, it makes a great date night spot too, with beautiful views! I think perhaps the best recommendation comes from my son – his 13th birthday is on Monday and when asked where he wants to have his birthday dinner this weekend, without hesitation he said, “well after Sunday, Portobello!”. Done.

Great thanks to Levy Restaurants, who provided us with our complimentary dinners for this review. This compensation did not in any way influence my review and the fact that we’re heading back there this weekend should be proof of that. In addition to Portobello, Levy Restaurants also runs Fulton’s Crab House and Wolfgang Puck’s Grand Cafe, two other great options at Downtown Disney. Also huge thanks to our server, Matt and the assistant General Manager Phillip, who gave us a tour of Fulton’s after dinner which provided us with both some amazing views of Downtown Disney, and memories to last a lifetime. You can check out more photos from our dinner at my facebook page: facebook.com/zannaland.

Our family photo atop Fulton's Crab House

I remember what a big deal it was that Beauty and the Beast featured those great computer animated scenes during Be Our Guest and the ballroom dance. It was exciting for audiences to see computer animation move beyond what we’d seen in Tron, this time in a more realistic albeit completely animated setting. It was impressive. Of course the music was also a big deal, the team of Ashman and Menken having made such a splash with the Little Mermaid soundtrack. Howard Ashman passed away before the release of the film, but his work lives on and the score and original songs for Beauty and the Beast are some of the most well-known Disney songs around.

All of that praise behind it, I must admit I was a bit nervous about seeing a media preview last weekend, and what the 3D treatment would do to one of my favorites. I hoped that the computer animated scenes would translate seamlessly and it would all work out. And for the most part, it did.

I guess what Beauty and the Beast has working against it is the hilarious short preceding the film, Tangled Ever After. This short was a quick encore of what audiences loved so much about Tangled, Maximus the horse and Pascal the chameleon. See a clip below:

Don’t get me wrong, I can appreciate the classics, and part of what endears Dumbo to me so much is that you can actually see the sketchy style of animation. But when you go from 2011 animation directly into 1991 animation, the differences stand out. I was actually distracted by the facial expressions and a lot of the main characters and kept comparing them in my head to Rapunzel and Flynn. Maybe that’s just me, but that’s how I felt watching it.

Many of the 3D effects were great and fit right in, the opening scene zooming into the stained glass windows, the landscapes and computer animated scenes were fun to see “pop” at you. At the end of the day, however, it wasn’t necessary to enjoy this classic animated story. I would’ve seen Beauty and the Beast as a re-release, regardless of the 3D effects. I’m sure many parents in my age range, or younger folks that grew up with the film would feel the same, and will see it in 3D too, but the film stands on its own, without need for gimmicks. It is a history lesson of sorts, a visual timeline of how far we’ve come in animation, including styles and design.

One of the previews let us know that Finding Nemo will be the next to receive the 3D treatment, which perhaps makes more sense, since the film is entirely computer animated. I know Disney is constantly looking for ways to bring classic films to a new generation, and of course looking to make money, they are a business after all. But where the Lion King excelled in bringing us breathtaking African landscapes in 3D, Beauty and the Beast falls short of really benefiting from 3D. I still enjoyed it, my children (who had never seen the film in theatres) loved it, and the tale truly is as old as time. I do recommend seeing the film, I just implore Disney not to feel like they have to 3D-ize every film in their vault. They can stand on their own.

Beauty and the Beast 3D opens in theatres nationwide this Friday, January 13 and is worth it to see Tangled Ever After alone!

As much as I love Mr. Spielberg, I just cannot watch movies where I know going in that animals will appear to be hurt. Even with that disclaimer at the end about no animals being harmed, my little brain cannot get past what the filmmakers want me to believe, that the animals are being hurt.

So when the opportunity to preview War Horse came about, I asked my movie buff husband, J.F. DiMarzio, to see the film and review it here. Now that I know a little more about it (I actually like spoilers with movies like this so I know what to expect) I may even see it myself. Spoilers are marked at the end if you’d like to avoid them:

…

When the Oscars come around a few weeks, War Horse will most likely win everything it is nominated for, and deservedly so.  Steven Speilberg has crafted an amazing movie.  If you are familiar with, and a fan of, Spielberg movies you will not be let down.  The lighting, cinematography, and sound design are impeccable.

All of the standard elements of a Spielberg movie are present and accounted for: close up on emotional facial reaction shot, check; obligatory crowd scene where everyone is looking at something that you cant see, check; locations are as much a character in the movie as the people, check; amazing John Williams score, check.  Honestly, this is all I was expecting out of War Horse.  After seeing the trailer I was not interested in the story at all, I did not want to see a glorified war movie about a boy missing his horsey..boo hoo.  That is what I was expecting going into War Horse.

However, what Steven Spielberg managed to do is divided the 2 hour and 20 minute movie into five distinct parts; five distinct stories about people that are woven together by the story of the horse.  This is not to say that the horse is a secondary character in the film, you are aware of its presence throughout every minute of the journey, but you find yourself gravitating more to the stories of the people who come into contact with the horse, than the horse itself.  Each story in the movie is unique and each one could have been an amazing short on it’s own.

The story of War Horse plays out over the backdrop of World War I.  Given Spielberg’s track record for war films (WWII ala Saving Private Ryan), you may be expecting a violent and realistically gritty portrayal of World War I, and you would be only half right.  Yes, the war is gritty and dirty, but because of the delicate handling of a very complex story 95% of all of the violence is shielded from the camera’s immediate view.  Showing realistic war violence would surely have overshadowed the surrounding story.

This does not mean that the story is violence-free.  There are some scenes that are very tough to take, even without the violence, but again Spielberg tempers this.  He manages to take the most harsh and violent scene in the movie and, before letting the audience get lost in greif, follows it up with the funniest scene of the film.  In short, the overall theme of the movie is brought home beautifully in the line: there are big days, and there are small days, and this is a very big day.

Is War Horse perfect? No, it has its faults (to read about those however, requires a few spoilers), but you will quickly forgive its faults after getting lost in its story.

Spoiler Alert below the photo >>>

So what is wrong with War Horse?  Steven Spielberg managed to figuratively turn a horse into Jesus, and it wasn’t necessary.  Lest you think I’m exaggerating: The opening scene of the moving has the horse being born to a mare with no stallion in sight, symbolic of the virgin birth.  A stretch you say? Wait, it gets better.  The horse is immediately labeled as ‘miraculous’, for no apparent plot reason.  Over the course of the movie it is crucified,  dies for the sins of the warring nations, is resurrected after they realize the error of their ways, has its feet washed to reveal its divinity, and even heals the blind.  A better name for this movie might have been Jesus Christ Superhorse – I kid.

Does it really detract all that much from the overall story? Only slightly, and only depending on how much thought you put into it.  Is the horse (Joey) literally crucified? No.  However, it what is the most disturbing scenes in the movie, the horse runs head long through a battlefield.  Because the horse never learned to jump (a running theme in he movie) he barrels through barbed-wire barricades, eventually becoming so entangled in the barbs that he is flipped motionless through the air and comes to rest on the ground in a mass of wire with a cross shaped wooden support on its back.  The warring nations break from their fighting and each sends a representative into the middle of the battlefield to cut free (resurrect) the horse.

If you can get past the overt correlation between the bible narrative and War Horse then it is still an amazing movie that will surely go down as one of history’s finest.

…

For real Spielberg fans, or those wishing to learn more about the filming process and story, watch this Q&A with director Steven Spielberg:

You can see more about War Horse, opening Christmas day – December 25 at the War Horse site, by liking War Horse on facebook or following on twitter.

Here’s a video highlighting the holiday events:

Special ticket offer to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® Presents DRAGONS^SM

And a chance to win four free tickets!

Looking for a holiday gift that is sure to thrill? Ready for something BIG to arrive this January? Don’t miss DRAGONS, a once in a millennium event that honors The Year of the Dragon. Circus performers from the farthest reaches of the earth have assembled for Ringling Bros. Presents Dragons to showcase their astounding acts of bravery and astonishing athleticism. Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson presides over this fantastical celebratory tournament of circus champions that brings together mystic dragon lore with authentic circus feats. DRAGONS is a never-before-seen blend of renowned spiritual and real life legends that can be found only at The Greatest Show On Earth! ^®. Playing the Amway Center Jan. 12-16.  

Get tickets for just $12 (plus facility and handling fees) by using promo code MOMMY at checkout on ticketmaster.com. This offer is available for all tickets except Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP. The offer is valid for the following performances: Friday at 7:30 pm; Saturday at 11:30 am and 7:30 pm; Sunday at 5 pm; and Monday (MLK Day) at 5 pm.

Asadullin Troupe - Teeterboard Aerialists - image ©Feld Entertainment

For those looking for something really special, try the VIP Family Four Pack, which includes 4 VIP tickets, 4 small Lemonades, 4 small Popcorn Boxes, and 4 jumbo Lollipops. The package is $170 and is a savings of over $50! To get this package use promo code FAMDEAL at checkout.

For more information on the show, visit www.Ringling.com. We’ll see you at the show!

Here’s your chance to win four ticket vouchers good for any performance of DRAGONS:

Comment below with your favorite part of a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey performance. I know I have such fond memories of seeing Gunther Gabel Williams and his tigers at my first visit many years ago! Contest runs from now until December 15, 2011. Winner chosen at random and announced December 16 and will need to contact me with your mailing address to receive the vouchers for any Orlando performance.

For additional entries, LIKE my facebook page facebook.com/zannaland or tweet about the contest, feel free to copy and paste the text below to tweet:

” I just entered to win 4 tix to the Greatest Show On Earth in Orlando @zannaland and you can too! bit.ly/txAiE0 “

Congrats to our winner Becky Browne Allen!

Good luck and On with the Show!

In exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.

First day of school, with my Muppet Show lunch box, 1978

I can’t remember which came first, my stuffed Kermit doll that rarely ever left my arms, or watching The Muppet Show each Sunday night, like clockwork. What I do know is that I fell instantly in love. Back in the late 70′s and early 80′s, kids growing up didn’t think the Muppets were real, they knew they were.

It was a simpler time of rainbows and unicorns and the Muppets let kids know it was okay to dream. Way before I knew of a magical place called Walt Disney World, I knew of the magical place called The Muppet Theatre. I wanted so badly to be able to sit in the audience, or better yet, visit backstage with Scooter.

When The Muppet Movie was released back in 1979, we were able to see where the Muppets came from and they became even more endeared to us. Famed film critic Roger Ebert had this to say about the original Muppet Movie:

“They turn out, somehow, to have many of the same emotions and motivations that we do. They are vain and hopeful, selfish and generous, complicated and true. They mirror ourselves, except that they’re a little nicer.“

So very true.

For fans like me, the Muppets never really went away, but I can understand how an entire generation really doesn’t have that Muppet upbringing to draw from. When Jim Henson passed away in 1990, I actually grieved. I was about to graduate high school in the coming year and it was as if my childhood was ending in more ways than one. We were lucky to soon have the Muppets living on at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but it wasn’t quite the same as having those jokes and skits each week, or full-length feature films of our favorite furry friends (aside from the themed movies putting the Muppets into classic tales). For that reason, I am so grateful to Jason Segel for making it his mission to bring the Muppets back to the big screen. {Some spoilers may be contained below, continue reading at your own risk}

The cast of characters, old and new

I was lucky enough to attend a media screening of The Muppets last Saturday. I am already a fan of Jason Segel’s writing and acting, so I was excited to see where The Muppets took us. I was not disappointed. The Muppets opens with the story of Walter and Gary, brothers who grew up doing everything together. While Gary (Jason Segel) continued to grow in height, Walter stayed the same. Walter bares more resemblance to say, Scooter than he does Gary, so things got a little tough for him. When Walter and Gary discovered The Muppet Show on their television, Walter found a new reason for living. He became the Muppets biggest fan.

Similar to the original three Muppet films, The Muppets focuses more on the Muppets story than the humans.  With the usual musical and dance numbers, the Muppet and human cast acknowledge that there is an audience watching. It lets us not only get in on the joke, but be a part of it. The story then focuses on Gary’s trip to Los Angeles with his girlfriend of 10 years, Mary, (Amy Adams). Gary brings his brother along for the vacation and Walter’s dreams of taking the Muppet Studios tour is about to come true. The Studios are the first stop, and Walter is shocked to see they have fallen into disrepair and are for the most part abandoned.

Walter sneaks into Kermit’s old office where he overhears the villain of the story, oil barron Tex Richman, discussing his plans to demolish the studios and drill for oil. When the loophole of the “Standard Rich and Famous Contract” is brought to light, I couldn’t help but smile at the reference to the original Muppet Movie. Walter knows they have to find Kermit and save the Studios, no small task as the price to buy it back is 10 million dollars, and no one knows where the Muppets are today. As they travel across the globe to retrieve Muppets and put on a Muppet telethon, we see pieces of Muppet history from the movies and show, mixed with slapstick humor and puns.

I won’t give away all of the movie, but I will admit to tearing up when the Muppet telethon begins with the original Muppet Show opening. It was truly magical to see it unfold live before your eyes, and to know that my children will now love and appreciate the Muppets and learn from them as I did so many years ago.

Kermit sang those famous words 32 years ago; “Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection…” while Gonzo later crooned, “I’m going to go back there someday…” Well, I think we’ve done both. Welcome back, Muppets. We’re so happy you are Together Again.

The 7-minute short which precedes The Muppets is a hysterical piece of work from Pixar, featuring the Toy Story gang back again, including Bonnie, beneficiary to Andy’s toys. “Small Fry” takes a look at some fast food kids meal toys, and how they just want to be played with too. Jane Lynch stars as the voice of Neptuna, a discarded mermaid warrior toy and leader of the discarded toy support group. The names and types of abandoned toys got laugh after laugh in the theatre; pure genius!  Make sure you arrive on time to the theatre so you don’t miss this one!

The Muppets opens nationwide on November 23.

In addition to the downloadable demo of the game, consumers who are interested in getting a first-hand look at Disney Universe can also visit a participating Best Buy store beginning December 12. Select store locations will have an Xbox 360^®video game and entertainment system available for consumers to play the demo of the game.

Disney Universe offers a four-person multiplayer action experience, with frenzied gameplay that appeals to players of all ages. The game features 45 classic and contemporary iconic character costumes inspired by well-known and legendary properties, such as the Disney•Pixar hits WALL•Eand Monsters, Inc., Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Academy Award® winning classics, The Lion King and Aladdin. You can check out a review at my friend and fellow Disney blogger’s site DisneyEveryDay.com, with review from another friend, John Saccheri, who you may remember from his touching Give Kids the World post here last year. Check out the trailer below:

The downloadable demo available now features swashbuckling adventures with the first level of the game’s Pirates of the Caribbean world and includes costumes inspired by Stitch from Lilo & Stitch, Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc., Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean and one of Disney’s most beloved characters of all time, Mickey Mouse.

Disney Universe is now available for the Xbox 360^®video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Wii™ system from Nintendo and Windows PC.

Published by Disney Interactive Studios, Disney Universe is rated E10+. Please visit www.DisneyUniverse.com for more information.

For more information about Disney Universe, please visit www.DisneyUniverse.com. DisneyUniverse is now available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation, Wii and Windows PC.

After seeing Winnie the Pooh in theaters this summer, I was excited to get the DVD+Blu-ray combo pack and share it with my 3 year-old. He hadn’t seen it with me when it came out because he was still at the age where I worried he wouldn’t make it through the whole film. However the minute I popped it in the Blu-ray player, he was enthralled. You can read my review of the film if you’d like, here I’ll just cover the DVD and Blu-ray extras.

Of course, as mentioned in the review, I loved the Ballad of Nessie, and still did on the Blu-ray. It’s so heartwarming and a fun little lesson for children. One thing I noticed watching it at home is I really heard the lovely Zooey Deschanel songs better and really enjoyed hearing them.

The Blu-ray bonus features aren’t too many in number, but with a primarily kids film, I don’t think they are really necessary anyway. These aren’t film buffs Disney is aiming at but there’s just enough behind-the-scenes fun to keep them entertained:

Blu-ray ™Bonus Features:

·       Exclusive bonus short “Mini-Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: The Balloon” – In this charming short, Pooh comes up with a daring plan to get a hold of some honey by fooling a group of bees.

·       “The Ballad of Nessie” - The animated short film included in the theatrical release is the heartwarming tale of how Nessie found her new home in the Loch Ness.

·       “Winnie the Pooh and His Story Too” – A fun and informative behind-the-scenes look at the film, designed for the whole family. Hosted by John Cleese (narrator of the film), and with occasional help fromPooh himself, this featurette explores Winnie the Pooh’s history from his beginnings as a character in a book, to his continued life in the movies. The filmmakers reveal how they worked to keep the look of the characters and settings in this movie consistent with their first appearances on-screen in1966. Pooh, being a bear of very little mind, finds much of this confusing, but the Narrator and the filmmakers make it all clear to Pooh – and you!

·       Deleted Scenes introduced by directors, Stephen Anderson and Don Hall – 5 deleted scenes including “The Tummy Song,” “”Rabbit’s Friends and Relations,” “Original Eeyore Intro,” “Original Tigger Intro” and “Pooh Searches for a Tail”

·       Sing-Along with the Movie – Follow the red balloon and changing word colors to seven song lyrics featured in the film.

·       Disney Song Selection – “Winnie the Pooh Theme Song,” “The Tummy Song, “A Very Important Thing To Do,” “The Backson Song,” “It’s Gonna Be Great,” “Everything is Honey” and “The Winner Song Finale”

The DVD bonus features are limited to the Ballad of Nessie, The Balloon, and 3 deleted scenes. Here’s a fun look at the real Hundred Acre Wood.

Winnie the Pooh is available now on DVD, Blu-ray, combo pack and digital download.

Friend and zannaland correspondent Nicole Siscaretti got to experience Disneyland Adventures first hand, as one of the games creators explains the ins and outs of the game. Things like “you never die in Disneyland” (you just splat and come right back) and how you collect coins and can then purchase costumes for your avatar in Bibiddi Bobbidi Boutique within the game.

Kinect Disneyland Adventures arrives in stores November 15th. Be sure to pick it up for your adventurer or the whole family!

Walk right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A.

Become Alice's croquet ball!

Paddle with Pirates!

The leaves have been rustling here, and it is getting darker earlier in the evenings, which can mean only one thing, in just a few days princesses, pirates, monsters, cowgirls, and bugs will be descending upon our streets in search of sweet treats! This, of course, makes it the perfect time to watch a spooky movie with the ones you love the most. Here are my top five Disney flickswhich are sure to give you just as many tricks as they do treats!I need to start off with two dishonorable mentions. Arguably, the two most frightening attractions in Walt Disney World and Disneyland are The Haunted Mansion and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Films based upon both of these attractions have been created, with all-star casts attached, but both features fall well short of their potential. Still, for images that remind you of your favorite attraction, or just a bit of family fun, they will do the trick in a pinch.

Number 5 – The Black Cauldron (1985)
The Black Cauldron, it is said, has the power to bring the dead back to life as a warrior horde. The Horned King, a villain who is sure to send shivers down your spine, seeks the cauldron in order to raise just such an army. However, this is a classic fantasy journey, and the scores of undead are met with plenty to smile and laugh about. This animated feature was seven years in the making, and it feels as if it could have used a couple more years cooking in the cauldron, but still manages to deliver the good vs. evil action!

Number 4 – Hocus Pocus (1993)
Set in Salem, MA in the 17th Century and the early 1990s, this film features a trio of inadvertently humorous witches brought back from beyond the grave. The Sanderson sisters, portrayed by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker, use their witchy ways to suck the life out of children in order to maintain the young(ish) beauty (if they say so…). After being summoned to the present day, it is up to the children who accidentally brought them back to stop them, along with their talking cat. This film shows that comedy really can be scary!

Number 3 – Animated Shorts
There are tons of animated shorts that would make for the perfect Halloween viewing. These are just a few of my favorites spooky shorts. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949) features Ichabod Crane who has run afoul of the Headless Horseman. Bing Crosby’s narration is sure to give you chills! Night on Bald Mountain (Fantasia- 1940) is the darkest segment of Fantasia and features the heavy Chernabog, the second most memorable character from Fantasia who remains a time-tested, fan-favorite Disney Villain to this day. Chernabog’s beckoning to the dead is sure to frighten even the bravest of souls. Lastly, The Skeleton Dance (1929). This short is the first of the Silly Symphonies and is sure to spark ghoulish grins for the whole family.

Number 2 – Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This Halloween-Christmas hybrid, which fans watch all the year round, features jack Skellington, the King of the Pumpkin Patch who wishes for something more that scares and finds it in Christmas. While the citizens of Halloween Town may seem terrifying to adults at first glance, the non-menacing way in which they are utilized, along with the terrific songs, call kids back to this film again and again. Though the dastardly Oogie Boogie, may draw out a scream or two, especially from insect-phobic children and moms!

Number 1 – Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)
This movie, featuring Jonathan Pryce as the enigmatic Mr. Dark, is the real deal folks. Based upon Ray Bradbury’s novel of the same name, Mr. Dark and his carnival blow into Greentown one fateful autumn evening. They’ve come to town seeking to grant the residents’ wildest wishes… for a price. What secrets are held within the Pandemonium Carnival and can Mr. Dark be stopped by a librarian and two young boys? You’ll have to watch the film to find out, but be warned, it is not for the faint of heart!

The dvd and blu-ray are on shelves today, October 18, but you could win a copy without giving up a single one of your pieces of eight, or setting fire to a single village. And there be great bonus features on this shiny treasure. Just look at some of the concept art:

To enter, simply comment below (pirate speak optional but encouraged!) with your favorite character from any of the Pirates of the Caribbean films (or attractions!).

Earn additional entries by:

Hitting “Like” on Zannaland’s facebook page

Tweeting about the giveaway – you can copy and paste this into your tweet:

“Avast! There be treasure @Zannaland .com & I be settin’ my sails to plunder it. Ye can too http://t.co/ii5YC77A #PoTC4Giveaway “

Please comment below for each additional entry so I can count and enter them in the total entries. Thanks and may fortune favor ye!

Giveaway ends on Sunday, October 23 at midnight eastern time. Winner will be posted Monday on this page.

Congrats to Audrey Bloomberg who was our winner chosen at random! Please email me your mailing address at zanna @ zannaland.com

And if ye aren’t chosen, ye can still get $5 off the dvd+blu-ray combo pack by clicking below!