Movies & Books

REVIEW: Gnomeo & Juliet on DVD+Blu-Ray-Surprisingly Good!

25 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

So I have to admit, when Gnomeo & Juliet came out in theaters, I wasn’t jumping at the chance to see it. The Elton John soundtrack intrigued me, however. When I was sent a DVD+Blu-ray combo pack to review, I thought I’d give it a shot. To be completely honest, it surprised me!

Sure, it’s a pretty predictable storyline, and not the most compelling of characters, but there were enough little in-jokes and funny moments that actually made it enjoyable. Plus it features Ozzy Osbourne as a ceramic fawn. What more could you ask for?

Disney fans will enjoy the Tiki Room song that shows up and a nod to Bambi during a particularly poignant moment in the film. It also entertained both my ten year-old and my almost 3 year-old, an all-important test! I really did love the soundtrack as well. Being an Elton John fan, it was fun to hear different variations of his classic songs.

In addition, the animation is actually really wonderful. There is lots of attention to detail and I loved little things like the clanking noise the gnomes made as the moved. The realistic human household items, at times, made me forget it was animated.

Gnomeo & Juliet is out now on DVD and Blu-ray and for a limited time, you can even get $5 off the DVD+Blu-ray combo pack. Just click the image below:

Here are more details about Gnomeo & Juliet and the bonus features available —

From a director of Shrek 2, and featuring fun, all-new music by Sir Elton John, the hilarious twist on William Shakespeare’s legendary tale Romeo & Juliet as you’ve never seen it before, perfect for the whole family. Enter the secret world of garden gnomes and meet two adorable gnomes from completely different worlds who fight the odds to be together.

Bonus Features:

DVD & Movie Download:

• Elton Builds a Garden

• Frog Talk with Ashley Jensen

• “Crocodile Rock” Music Video, featuring Elton John and Nelly Furtado

Blu-ray:

• DVD Bonus plus:

• 2 Alternate Endings with Filmmaker Introductions

• Deleted & Alternate Scenes with Filmmaker Introductions, including:

o 1 Alternate Opening

o 1 Alternate Scene

o 6 Deleted Scenes

• The Fawn of Darkness, featuring Ozzy Osbourne

Check it out today!

NEW Muppet Movie Teaser Poster AND Trailer!

20 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

If you recall from our previous post on the new Muppet movie from the creative mind of Jason Segel, The Muppets were set to hit theaters in December – that date has now been pushed up to November 23, 2011. Check out this new promotional poster for the movie:

There is also now a full synopsis of the film’s storyline:

On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. With secret, signature, celebrity cameos, “The Muppets” hits the big screen Nov. 23, 2011.

Hopefully we will get a few more teases before the Fall!

UPDATE: New #GreenWithEnvy trailer added!

GIVEAWAY: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Prize Pack

10 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis 61 Comments

On the heels of my Pirates of the Caribbean new merchandise post – how about some swag you don’t have to buy? In honor of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides swashbuckling into theaters on May 20th, ZannaLand is pleased to host a giveaway from Walt Disney Pictures for some killer pirate booty! (Apologies, Johnny Depp not included)

ITEMS FOR GIVEAWAY: (only open to US and Canada please)

– PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES in adult sizes of S, M, L, XL

– PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES bandana in black

– PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES temporary tattoo (2 per winner)

~~HOW TO ENTER:~~

Comment below with your favorite character of the Pirates of the Caribbean series so far.

Additional entries:

~~LIKE ZannaLand on facebook (so close to 1000 fans!) and comment to let me know.~~
~~Share this contest on twitter, facebook, or stumble it…and then comment separately for each item letting me know. (please only tweet or share once a day.)~~

CONTEST ENDS: May 17, 2011, Winners will be announced in this post and as comments to the winning comment, and must reply within 48 hours so check back!

Congrats to Josh who won the giveaway! Disney will be sending the prize pack your way, in the mean time – enjoy the movie!!

Be sure to visit the official website at: http://www.Disney.com/Pirates.

“Like” PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN on Facebook at: http://www.Facebook.com/PiratesoftheCaribbean

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES sails into theatres May 20th, 2011 in Disney Digital 3D™.

Happy Mother’s Day from Kanga and Roo! Printable Card

6 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

In honor of WINNIE THE POOH returning to theatres this summer (July 15th), Walt Disney Animation Studios has provided us with this adorable Kanga and Roo Mother’s Day Card Printable to share with you! Feel free to print it out for your little ones to personalize! I’m really excited about this movie because of the super cool soundtrack that will be accompanying the film!

Kanga Mother's Day Card — click to download the .pdf file

More about Winnie the Pooh:

Walt Disney Animation Studios returns to the Hundred Acre Wood with “Winnie the Pooh.” Featuring the timeless charm, wit and whimsy of the original featurettes, this all-new movie reunites audiences with the philosophical “bear of very little brain” and friends Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo—and last, but certainly not least, Eeyore, who has lost his tail. “Ever have one of those days where you just can’t win, Eeyore?” asks Pooh. Owl sends the whole gang on a wild quest to save Christopher Robin from an imaginary culprit. It turns out to be a very busy day for a bear who simply set out to find some honey. Inspired by three stories from A.A. Milne’s books in Disney’s classic, hand-drawn art style, “Winnie the Pooh” hits theatres on July 15th!

Get Your PINK on with Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure on DVD

18 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Everyone’s favorite diva from Disney’s High School Musical series is back in her very own adventure in New York City. Just how fabulous do you have to be to make it big in the Big Apple? One aspiring diva is about to find out…the hard way! Ashley Tisdale shines in this totally captivating comedy.

After a talent scout spots her performing with her dog Boi at a charity gala, Sharpay Evans (Tisdale) sets off for the bright lights of NYC, convinced instant fame and fortune are in the bag (designer, that is). But the theatre is a dog-eat-dog world, as she and Boi discover when they encounter the devious owner of a pampered Pooch named “Countess” and a scheming Broadway starlet who will do anything to crush the competition. Fortunately, Sharpay also meets Peyton (Austin Butler), a handsome student filmmaker who finds Sharpay nearly as fascinating as she finds herself.

Sharpay finds out that sometimes dogs are not allowed…

We were recently sent an advanced copy of the dvd/Blu-ray combo pack and I can tell you it passed the 10-year old Tween girl approval test with flying colors!! It’s been on repeat in my house since its arrived (in between repeat showings of the Disney Channel’s Lemonade Mouth!). My daughter isn’t even a fan of pink (altho she’s all about sparkles!) and she loved it.

Ashley Tisdale shares her own thoughts on Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure in this recent interview:

How would you describe Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure?
Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure is a fun, energetic new adventure for Sharpay. We get to step into Sharpay’s world in the new movie and we see her at home with her parents – but then she heads off to New York City to follow her dreams!

How would you describe Sharpay?
Sharpay is a fun-loving, pink diva. She has always had everything she ever wanted, but that soon changes in the new movie. She goes to New York to fulfill her dream of being on Broadway, but it’s not as easy as she thought it was going to be.

What was life like on the set of the movie?
Life was great! It was a big job and we didn’t have loads of time to shoot it, so I worked six-day weeks to get everything done. I was in every single scene, so it was the biggest role I’ve ever taken. It was crazy, but it was cool.

What can you tell us about your new co-stars?
The cast was really fun! We all had a great time and it was really cool hanging out with them. Austin Butler plays my love interest in the movie and he’s an old friend of mine, so I knew I was going to have a laugh with him. And then there was Bradley Steven Perry and Cameron Goodman… I love them all.

What did you get up to when the cameras stopped rolling?
I didn’t have too much time off, but I’m very social, so I’d always hang out with the cast. I’d go shopping or I’d head to the pool with my mom. We’d all go to dinners together and things like that. It was fun.

What’s your most embarrassing memory from the film shoot?
I celebrated my birthday on the set of Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure and something really funny happened that day. Austin Butler wasn’t supposed to work, but he turned up on set at midnight and I thought he’d come to wish me a happy birthday.

What happened?
I made such a big deal about Austin’s arrival on set. I was screaming, “Oh, wow! Look everybody: it’s Austin. I can’t believe you’re here for my birthday!” I stopped everything, but he just smiled at me. It turned out that he got called into work on a scene, so he wasn’t there for my birthday at all!

Eek! How embarrassing…
I know! It was so funny. At first, he just smiled – but he eventually told me the truth. He said, “I’m actually here to work, but I did come in extra early to see you.” I felt so embarrassed because I made such a big deal about it in front of the crew. It was really funny!

How does it feel to be the star of your own movie?
It feels great! It was really strange not having Zac, Vanessa, Corbin and Lucas around me because they were my comfort zone on High School Musical. It was easy to play Sharpay when they were around, but now she’s a little different and I’m a little different, too. For starters, I am an Executive Producer on the movie. That was definitely different to anything I’d ever done before!

Did you enjoy being an Executive Producer?
It was really exciting because I got to learn a whole new side to movies, but it was also a challenge to juggle being an actress and an Executive Producer. Whenever I needed to executive produce, I’d put on my Executive Producer hat and I’d be the boss. But when I needed to be the lead actress, I just put on the diva hat!

Which job do you prefer?
I love them both. Acting is a huge passion of mine, but it was fun to learn something new by being an Executive Producer. I got to be creative and I got to have a say in the movie.

And finally… Why should we go and buy the DVD?
I think you should go and buy the DVD because it’s a really fun movie! It’s the perfect ending to a character that everybody enjoyed watching in the High School Musical series and you’re going to love watching her again. I think you’ll be shocked and surprised by the new movie because you’ve never seen Sharpay like this before. Trust me, you’re in for a real treat!

SHARPAY’S FABULOUS ADVENTURE FROM WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT AVAILABLE ON DVD & BLU-RAY APRIL 19TH!

Check out these FASHION TIPS from Sharpay herself – (Click to enlarge)

Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure is available April 19, 2011!

EDIT: This just in! Here’s a coupon code for $8 off the Combo Pack and a bonus clip from the dvd!

sharpay coupon — Click for your $8 coupon!

The Only Walt Disney World Dining Guide You’ll Ever Need!

12 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Faithful readers of ZannaLand will of course know of my love for AJ Wolfe and her Disney Food Blog. Her site is simply the place for up to date, in-depth information on Disney dining reviews, menus, news, photos and more. She has built up a loyal following, with good reason. The Disney Food Blog is committed to bringing Disney dining details to your screen and making sure they are the most accurate you can find. AJ has now combined her years of writing and researching into an easy to download 265-page e-book FULL of dining plans and reviews: The Disney Food Blog Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! The photos accompanying the pages will leave your mouth watering!

As AJ notes in the preface, “There’s no guidebook I’ve found that covers Disney World dining the way I’d like it to be covered. This e-Book has twice as much dining information and advice than any official Disney dining guidebook on the market. And, due to its digital format, it’s completely portable in the parks.” Since it downloads in a .pdf file, you can pop the book open on your smart phone, iPad or laptop and double check information on the go. That way you can also click directly on links or phone numbers and not have to write down a thing. Brilliant!

What’s included? Well, it would be impossible to list it all there is so much, but here’s a sample:

A 5-Step Guide to Stress-Free Dining to help you easily plan your Disney dining in one sitting. There is a section on budgeting, with average costs for counter and table service dining as well as beverages (alcoholic and non-) to help you prepare for costs, or consider the Disney Dining Plan.

A Dining With Kids section, which offers restaurant choices and unique menu suggestions for kids, so no one gets bored with chicken nuggets! Need to know which characters are in each character dining location? She’s got you covered. Tips for avoiding meltdowns? Yep! And if you’d like a kid-free night out, the guide shares what to expect at the Kids Clubs too.

Dining reviews, which are perfect when you have indecisive family members!! If that’s not enough, there are also sections on special celebrations, a comprehensive list of all lounges and bars, even sample dining itineraries. It really lives up to its promise to offer “steps for a stress-free, personalized plan!” And if by chance you are unhappy, there is a money-back guarantee!

Not convinced? Check out some of the amazing reviews by top Disney authors and see some sample pages here. If you’re a Disney veteran and wonder what this guide could offer you, AJ reminds us, “Even if you’ve been to Walt Disney World hundreds of times, the Imagineers, chefs, and cast members will always keep surprising you. You deserve to know what incredible dining opportunities and experiences are available to you, and new ones are being added all the time!”

If you’re ready for all the info now, you can purchase The Disney Food Blog Guide to Walt Disney World Dining by clicking here. The price is $18.95, which includes four downloads, that’s a great deal!

*Disclosure: I was given a complimentary copy of The Disney Food Blog Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, which did not influence my review one bit, it’s just that wonderful! In addition, the links contained in this review are affiliate links which means if you purchase the e-book after using these links, I will get a small commission. Win-win! 😉

See African Cats-Save The Savanna!

7 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

ZannaLand first showed you the trailer for this awe-inspiring DisneyNature movie back in December. African Cats is now set to open in just a few weeks on Earth Day, April 22, 2011. During the film’s opening week (April 22-28), a portion of the proceeds from that week’s ticket sales will be donated to the African Wildlife Foundation through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to protect the Amboseli Wildlife Corridor, a passage between the Amboseli, Tsavo West and Chyulu Hills National Parks that is frequently used by lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, giraffes and a host of other animals in the African savanna.

An epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth, “African Cats” captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. Narrated by Oscar®-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson, the story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a rival lion and his sons. Disneynature brings “The Lion King” to life on the big screen in this True Life Adventure directed by Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill (“Earth”). An awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild, “African Cats” leaps into theatres on Earth Day, April 22, 2011.

You can view the trailer again here below:

You can also download this cool African Cats Educational Guide and AfricanCats Activity Sheet for African Cats. Great for kids activities and homeschooling!

Like AFRICAN CATS on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Disneynature.

Concept Art from Disney•Pixar’s BRAVE

30 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

UPDATE: Since the first promo poster has been released by Disney Pixar, I thought I’d add it here – it’s simply gorgeous in my opinion and after seeing a teaser trailer before Cars 2, I am even more excited to see this film. Click to enlarge the poster:

HIGHLAND OF THE “BRAVE” — The rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland serve as the backdrop for BRAVE, a new tale that joins the land’s ancient lore—stories of epic battles and mystical legends passed down for generations. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by Katherine Sarafian, BRAVE is the grand adventure of Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald), a skilled archer who confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts to discover the true meaning of courage. The film also features the voices of Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly, Julie Walters, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson and Robbie Coltrane. BRAVE, full of heart, memorable characters and Pixar’s signature humor, takes aim at theaters on June 22, 2012, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

Disney Pixar Brave — I love Merida already!

A redheaded girl as the main character set in Scotland? I’m in heaven!! 😉 These concept art pictures look amazing, I can’t wait to see more about this film. What do you think?

The Ballad of Nessie Animated Short to Appear with Winnie the Pooh Movie

17 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “THE BALLAD OF NESSIE” is an all new animated short appearing exclusively with the upcoming WINNIE THE POOH theatrical release, which opens in theaters in Spring 2011; the U.S. release date is July 15, 2011.

Here is more about the short: (click to enlarge)

Check out these images from The Ballad of Nessie:

Like WINNIE THE POOH on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/WinniethePooh.

Win a “Prom” Date Premiere With Your Creative Prom Invite Idea!

11 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Disney.com to Award a Date to Disney’s “Prom” Premiere to Winner of the Prom Ultimate Invite Contest –

Disney.com is looking for the most creative ways to ask someone to prom in its new Prom Ultimate Invite Contest. In the upcoming Disney movie “Prom,” hitting theatres on April 29, lead character Lloyd just can’t seem to score a date to the biggest event of the year. At Disney.com/PROMContest, fans can help Lloyd by uploading videos that show or tell the most creative ways to ask that special someone to prom. The contest participant with the best idea will be awarded a trip for four to Los Angeles to attend the premiere of Disney’s “Prom,” a $500 Macy’s gift card to get red carpet ready and a chance to meet Disney’s “Prom” stars Nicholas Braun or Aimee Teegarden. Contest entries will be accepted until March 31, 2011.

To find out more, go to Disney.com/PROMContest where the band members from Allstar Weekend provide contest details and share their best ideas for asking a date to prom.

Fans can check out the rockin’ music featured in the movie with 30 second clips of “Not Your Birthday” by Allstar Weekend and “Prettiest Thing” by Oh Darling. Then, they can create their own music videos with their favorite songs and photos from the film by going to Disney.com’s Create and make their own “Prom” Music Slideshow.

You can also check out the trailer on our Prom first look post or the synopsis below:

At “Prom,” every couple has a story and no two are exactly alike. Several intersecting stories unfold at one high school as the big dance approaches; Disney’s “Prom” portrays the precarious passage from high school to independence as some relationships unravel and others ignite. For Nova Prescott (Aimee Teegarden), it’s a battle of wills as she finds herself drawn to the guy (Thomas McDonell) who gets in the way of her perfect prom. Fellow seniors Mei (Yin Chang) and Tyler (De’Vaughn Nixon) harbor secrets, while others face all the insecurity and anticipation that surrounds one of high school’s most seminal events. There are hundreds of nights in high school, but there’s only one “Prom.” Featuring an emerging ensemble cast and a powerful soundtrack, Disney’s “Prom” hits theaters April 29, 2011.