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New Releases

Tex Avery's DroopyTex Avery's Droopy - The Complete Theatrical Collection (1954)
Rated G, $19.95
You may remember this cartoon when you were a kid, it's based on Droopy,
a basset hound detective.  He acts a little dumb and talks real slow, but manages to get the bad guys in the end because he's brilliant.  It's a fun cartoon because he always outwits the criminals.  Droopy is deadpan and witty and speaks slowly in a monotone voice.  As always there are bad guys  - a nasty wolf, English fox and bad Irish bulldog.  Kids who like comics will enjoy this DVD and parents and grandparents who grew up watching these cartoons will enjoy them even more!

 

Tom & JerryTom & Jerry Tales: Volume 2 - Rated G, $19.95
When I was a kid I remember my grandfather watching Tom & Jerry.  It was one of the few programs that he watched on television.  I used to hear him laugh and giggle at their antics.  My brother followed in my grandfather's footsteps and now, years later, so has my son.  My son loves Tom & Jerry.  He loves cartoons, but particularly loves the mischief that these two get into.  This DVD has

There are 12 cartoon shorts, each lasting about 30 minutes and they appeal to the newer generation of cartoon watchers.  With episodes like Digital Dilemma and Hi Robot it's easy to see why.  The cartoon are definitely aimed at the younger kids as they are newer - the first ones made in 30 years.  They do have the typical Tom & Jerry antics though from swords to "mouses" and more.  Kids who love Tom & Jerry will not be disappointed - parents you may want to record older versions so you kids can watch those too! 

 

Charlotte's Web (Paramount)

I remember when the animated version of Charlotte's Web came out in 1973. I was 6-years-old and I remember crying my eyes out! I was worried that my daughter would do the same when she watched this new version, but surprisingly she said that it wasn't sad!

This latest version is a live-action adaptation of E.B. White's classic book. It's a story about friendship, miracles, life and death. It's rated G, but does have some older themes, including natural death as well as, well, unnatural death -- the slaughtering of pigs. Wilbur, the runt of the litter is destined to become bacon... but he is saved by three compassionate friends. Fern (Dakota Fanning) is the young girl who claims him as her pet, and Charlotte, the spider (Julia Roberts) is the web-weaver who helps impress adults and saves Wilbur’s life. Templeton, the rat in his own way helps too.  Many of the characters have equally famous voices and exceptional personalities including two cows (Kathy Bates and Reba McEntire), a pair of geese (Oprah Winfrey and Cedric the Entertainer), a horse (Robert Redford), and Templeton the rat (Steve Buscemi). The movie captures the original story well, while mixing in a good sense of humor. Grandparents/parents may have to be prepared to discuss the cycle of life, and if your kids afraid of spiders you might want to wait, but for most this is a great story that all will enjoy!

Scooby Doo, Where Are You! - The Complete Third SeasonScooby-Doo, Where Are You? The Complete Third Season (Warner Brothers) If your grandchild is a fan of Scooby Doo, they'll love this new, two disc set which includes 16 episodes, including The Tar Monster, A Menace in Venice and The Warlock of Wimbledon.  It includes episodes from both Scooby's All Stars and Scooby-Doo Where Are You? shows.  Some of our reviewers favorite episodes were, Scooby's Chinese Fortune Kooky Caper and The Creepy Creature of Vulture's Claws.  The episodes feature the voices of Don Messick as Scoobert 'Scooby' Doo, Frank Welker as Fred 'Freddy' Jones and of course Casey Kasem as Norville 'Shaggy' Rogers.  Fans old and young of Scooby-Doo will not be disappointed by this packed DVD.  Also included, for extra's fans is special featurette on Hanna Barbera.

Batman Beyond - Season Three (DC Comics Classic Collection)Batman Beyond Season 3 (Warner Brothers) This DVD which takes Batman 30 years into the future sums up the series very nicely in 13 episodes.  The DVD then takes you into the Justice League Unlimited.  This particular DVD features Terry McGinnis. After McGinnis' father is murdered, McGinnis dons a high-tech Bat suit that with lots of gadgets
and gear and becomes the "new" Batman.  Our younger testers thoroughly enjoyed all the episodes as did their parents who remembered watching the show as a kid.

Happy Feet (Warner Brothers)  If your grandchildren are like my kids they'll love Happy Feet.  My son hasn't stopped dancing since he saw this movie.  The story is set in Antarctic where the Emperor Penguins each express their love with a "heartsong".  It's a song that expresses who they are, unfortunately for Mumble (the misfit) he can't sing - but, boy can he dance!  He can tap dance amazingly, unfortunately the leaders of the colony don't see the magic in his dance and they believe that he is why they can't find food.  Mumble and his friends set out to find out the real reason why they can't find food.  There are a few scary scenes that you'll want to keep in mind, mostly with the leopard seals and there are some chase scenes - but overall nothing too scary.  The characters from Latin inspired penguins, to an African-American-type penguin add some fun diversity.  Grandparents can use this as an opportunity to discuss how to accept each person's unique qualities.  If all else fails you can just dance to the great music!  Our favorite song is the Britney Murphy version of "Somebody to Love" by Queen.  Click below for a preview of this Academy Award winning film.  Click here to buy it today!

Deep Sea IMAX  (Warner Brothers) This incredible ocean adventure, filmed by Howard Hall and narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet let's you see many of the most exotic sea creatures.  We watched this in High Definition, which makes each scene even more amazing.  Although the film is short, just 41 minutes, it's packed with stories and images that will keep kids amazed.  Watching the giant jelly fish swim, eels or sharks is truly breathtaking and a great opportunity for kids to get a close up view of these amazing undersea creatures.  It's rated G and great for kids of all ages. 

Full House - The Complete Sixth Season  (Warner Brothers) My kids are so addicted to Full House that it's running just about every time they are allowed movies.  My son and daughter even agree in the evening to watch it together!  They just love the stories, that the Tanners and now too, Katsopolis's experience.  In the Sixth Season the girls are now 16, 11 and 6 years-old.  Some of the episodes include a trip to Disney World, DJ's Prom, Becky and Jesse decide on pre-school, Jesse gets his High School diploma and Danny finds another love.  It's light, fun and entertaining.  My kids, their friends, and my babysitter all seem to just love it! Visit the official Full House website.

Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends - The Complete Season 1  According to our 5 and 8-year-old reviewers this DVD "totally rocks!"  Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends is centered around, Bloo, an imaginary friend created by 8-year-old Mac. When Mom says Mac is too old for Bloo, Mac takes him to Madam Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends a giant mansion.  The kids commented that their favorite thing about this show is that it's really funny.  They like the other imaginary friends, Wilt (the tall basketball guy), Coco who drops eggs when she's excited and Eduardo who is a constant worrier.  This is a laugh-out-loud cartoon for most kids, which is a joy in itself.  Our 8-year-old reviewer commented that she likes the episode where they break Madame Foster's statue and they have to break rules to get it fixed.  She thought it was funny that they use soap to make a model, toothpaste to try and glue it together and the best part is that they really break all the time, so it breaking in the first place isn't really a problem.  The kids crack up every time they watch this episode.  Great cartoon fun!  This two-disc set contains 13 episodes, as well as bonus features.

 Peter Pan   Finally, on 2-Disc DVD Peter Pan has arrived.  All the magic of Neverland, Peter, the Darling children, The Lost Boys, Captain Hook and his pirates, and “Tic Toc” Croc. This timeless movie has been thoroughly enjoyed by our kid-reviewers and their parents.  Although all are fans of "Pirates of the Caribbean" this great tale isn't quite as scary.  It has great music, including one new song, both picture and sound have digitally enhanced so the picture is fantastic.  The DVD also includes includes "In Walt's Words: Why I Made Peter Pan", the making-of featurette "You Can Fly", as well as a sneak peek at the upcoming movie Tinker Bell.  There are some other great bonus features that the kids will also really enjoy - like flying over London.  Kids old and young will enjoy this movie - and so you grandparents!

Ben 10: Season 1  This movie has been played non-stop since it has arrived, and not just by my son, by his sister and all his friends.  Ben 10 is a HUGE hit around here.  All the boys are into the toys, the show and now this DVD.  The show features  Ben, an "average" 10-year-old, his cousin Gwen and his Grandpa Max.  During a road trip Ben discovers an alien watch called the omnitrix in a crashed meteorite. This is what gives Ben the ability to transform into any of ten alien heroes, including Four Arms, Rip Jaws, Cannonbolt, XLR8, Wildvine, etc. each with their own powers and now that he has these powers it's his job to save the world from aliens. The double disc set contains 13 episodes of the 2005-2006 debut season, which is plenty to keep a Ben 10 fan happy, however, my son requires me to DVR every episode that also appears on Cartoon Network.  As a parent, I actually like the show.  I think I've watched every cartoon out there and this one is actually fun and I don't mind watching it.   It's quite creative, the animation is good, the characters (the alien heroes) are fun.  My son, who is now "earning" the characters actually has me addicted.  Every time I go to Target I see which ones are there and which ones he doesn't have yet - then I buy them, and hide them for when he's been particularly good!  With all the animated shows out there this is a good one - since it features his Grandpa Max - it might be fun for you grandparents to watch together!  All in all, a great DVD for any Ben 10 fan (or boy between 6 and 10!)

Teen Titans Trouble In Tokyo  Fans of the hit show Teen Titans will not be disappointed by the first feature-length movie featuring Robin, Cyborg, Starfire, Raven and Beast Boy.  In this film the Teen Titans Tower is attacked by a high-tech ninja called Saico-Tek.  When Robin discovers the ninja was sent by Brushogun a Japanese criminal the Teen Titans travel to Tokyo to track him down.  The movie is 75 minutes long and full of action that our 50-year-old fan just loved.  The only part that made him cringe was the Robin and Starfire kiss, but, hey - he is five! The DVD also features "The Lost Episode," and an interactive game, "Robin's Underworld Race Challenge."  Our young Teen Titan's fans have just loved this movie and have watched it again and again.  Grandparents, if your grandchildren like Teen Titans (or some of the other characters out there like Ben 10 and Avatar) we're sure they'll like this too!  Click here to buy it today!

 

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