Disney•Pixar's Coco is Available Today on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital!

As I've gotten older, I find that my attention span for movies has shortened. Whether my mind can't stop wandering or my body fidgets in the seats (which are, admittedly, much more comfortable than they ever were in years past), I somehow spend the majority of my time in movie theaters checking the time in anticipation of the final credits.

Therefore, for me to return to the theater to see a movie multiple times, it has to be more than just special. It has to be filled with incredible animation, beautiful music, an inspiring tale, an overall engrossing message and much more... which are the perfection descriptors for the critically-acclaimed, award-winning Coco from Disney•Pixar.

Celebrating the importance of family, honoring your ancestors and following your dreams, Coco, Pixar Animation Studios' 19th feature film, brings viewers into the story of a 12-year-old aspiring musician's extraordinary journey to the magical land of his ancestors.

Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz, despite his family's baffling generations-old ban on music. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Héctor, and together they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.

If you have somehow not yet seen Coco, it's a MUST! Plus, viewing this vibrant tale is even easier than returning to the theater multiple times like me, as Coco is now available digitally in HD, 4K Ultra HD and Movies Anywhere, as well as on DVD and Blu-ray today, February 27!

I couldn't be much more excited to add Coco to our home library and love that the Multi-screen Edition (formerly known as the Blu-ray Combo Pack) includes a Blu-ray, a DVD and a Digital copy, giving viewers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices.

That simply means more options and opportunities to bring the rich color, textures and sounds of Coco to life as you are immersed in two fantastically animated worlds. Not to mention all of the great bonus material included in this set that provide the opportunity to delve even deeper into the inspiration and creation of this beautiful film.

Bonus features included on Blu-ray and Digital include:

• Deleted Scenes with Introductions - Director Lee Unkrich and co-director Adrian Molina talk about the deleted scenes and the part they played in the development of Coco.

• Día de los Muertos - In this musical extravaganza, the colors and excitement of Día de los Muertos come to life as we meet superstar Ernesto de la Cruz.

• The Way of the Riveras - A musical number in which Abuelita and Miguel prepare their Día de los Muertos celebration while she teaches him Rivera family history and traditions.

• Celebrity Tour - Héctor, a Land of the Dead tour bus guide, agrees to help Miguel, revealed to be a living boy, on his quest to find de la Cruz.

• The Bus Escape - The Rivera family catches up to Miguel and Héctor and attempts to halt their mission to find de la Cruz.

• Alebrije Attack - Miguel and Héctor are interrupted on their journey to find de la Cruz by a fierce alebrije.

• The Family Fix - After de la Cruz reveals his true colors, the Rivera family puts their dismay aside and comes together to repair the smashed guitar needed to send Miguel home.

• To the Bridge - As the Land of the Dead counts down to the end of Día de los Muertos, Miguel and de la Cruz come head-to-head on the marigold bridge.

• Filmmaker Commentary – Presented by Lee Unkrich (director), Adrian Molina (co-director) and Darla K. Anderson (producer).

• The Music of Coco - Collaborating with musicians of Mexico and some unique instrumentation, this documentary explores the beautiful fusion of music essential to the story of Coco.

• Paths to Pixar: Coco - Explore how the film crew's personal stories resonate with the themes of the movie itself.

• Welcome to the Fiesta - A musical exploration of the skeletons that make the Land of the Dead in Coco so wondrous and intriguing.

• How to Draw a Skeleton - Pixar artist Daniel Arriaga gives a lesson on the quick and easy way to draw skeletons using simple shapes.

• A Thousand Pictures a Day - Join the Coco crew on an immersive travelogue through Mexico, visiting families, artisans, cemeteries, and small villages during the Día de los Muertos holiday.

• Mi Familia - Developing the Riveras was a labor of love that took the cast and crew on a deep dive into the meaning of family.

• Land of Our Ancestors – Watch Pixar artists lovingly construct layer upon layer of architecture from many eras of Mexican history, bringing the Land of the Dead to life.

• Fashion Through the Ages – The cast of characters in Coco are from many different eras, making for some magnificent costuming opportunities.

• The Real Guitar – The majestic guitar that spurs Miguel on his journey through the Land of the Dead is a unique creation. Watch as it is initially designed by a Pixar artist and ultimately realized as a real instrument by a master luthier in this poetic ode to craftsmanship.

• Dante - How the crew fell in love with the uniquely Mexican breed of Xoloitzcuintli (or “Xolo”) dogs that inspired Dante.

• How to Make Papel Picado - Join Pixar artist Ana Ramírez González as we learn how papel picado is made traditionally, and then try your own approach to this beautiful art form.

• Un Poco Coco - A montage of original animated pieces used to promote Coco.

• Coco Trailers - Trailers include “Feeling,” “Dante’s Lunch,” “Destiny,” “Journey” and “Belong.”

From beginning to end, Coco is beautifully complicated while being artfully simple. This movie is stunning to watch, delightful to hear and, without a doubt, deserving of the widespread praise it has received since its debut. Filled with love and laughter (and a few tears that I shed each and every time I have watched it), Disney•Pixar’s Coco is both moving and entertaining and sure to be a family favorite for years to come.

Find out more and connect with all things Coco on Disney's website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and be sure to pick up your Multi-screen Edition today at retailers everywhere and on Amazon.

Other than a copy of Coco that I was provided in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion about this product.

The Villain Kids are Back in Descendants 2! {Available on DVD Today}

While I consider myself to be pretty in-the-know on all things kid-movie related, it wasn't until Little Sister B attended a slumber party more than a year ago that I was introduced to a completely new cast of characters. Mal? Uma? Gil? Who are these people?

Although it initially took a little deciphering to understand Little Sister B's stream of excited storytelling, it all began to fall into place when she got to the they're the kids of the bad guys part. Disney villains moved on with their lives and had children? Sure enough they had!

From that day forward, it was Descendants this and Descendants that as my young fan was officially obsessed. Everything from the plot to the soundtrack was brought up over and over again with glee – only to be enhanced 1000% when we heard the best news Little Sister B could have dreamed up: the villain kids were coming back in a highly anticipated sequel.

It was time to prepare for yet another music-driven smash in Descendants 2 (available on DVD today, August 15th)!

Overflowing with more action, more catchy music, unforgettable dance numbers, and new Villain Kids, Descendants 2 brings viewers into a deeper story line as the teenage sons and daughters of Disney's most infamous villains try to find their place in idyllic Auradon.

When the pressure to be royally perfect becomes too much for Mal (daughter of Maleficent), she returns to her rotten roots on the Isle of the Lost where her archenemy Uma, the daughter of Ursula, has taken her spot as self-proclaimed queen of the run-down town. Hoping to retrieve Mal, Evie (daughter of The Evil Queen) brings along help and sneaks onto the Isle as well.

But Uma, still resentful over not being selected by Ben (Belle and Beast's son) to go to Auradon Prep with the other Villain Kids, stirs up her pirate gang including Captain Hook's son Harry and Gaston's son Gil, to break the barrier between the Isle of the Lost and Auradon, and unleash all the villains imprisoned on the Isle, once and for all.

The result is swashbuckling action and incredible song and dance numbers that Descendants fans are sure to love!

As well as the 90 minutes of mischief and music included in this fun film, the Descendants 2 DVD also includes fun bonus features to take the enjoyment even further:

• Cast Secrets – Personal secrets are revealed by cast members Dove Cameron (Mal), Cameron Boyce (Carlos), Sofia Carson (Evie), Booboo Stewart (Jay) and China Anne McClain (Uma) during the filming of the movie.

• Bloopers – The cast cracks up on set during some crazy takes.

• Deleted Song and More – Includes an extended song ("The Space Between"), a deleted song ("If Only"), and two alternate endings.

• Descendants: Wicked World – An ultimate collection of all the animated shorts from Season One.

If you have a young fan of Descendants in your life, you're going to want to bring home a copy of Descendants 2 on DVD today (available on Amazon as well as from retailers nationwide) to continue the singing, dancing, and villainous fun.

As a special bonus, inside the case you'll find a free necklace with five interchangeable villain icons so your little one can show off their Descendants love even further!

To find out more about Descendants 2, listen to clips, play games, meet the cast, get party planning tips and recipes, see news, and much, much more, head over to the Disney website.

Other than the copy of of Descendants 2 that I was provided, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion about this product.

Disney's Moana is Available Now on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand!

Although I have always supported Little Sister B's love for anything and everything princess-related, I would be lying if I didn't say that there has been a tiny voice in the back of my mind that wished that the underlying message wasn't a little more modern for young girls.

While more recent years have brought changes to the typical damsel in distress who must be saved by her strapping love interest theme, when a film can instead feature a heroine on a journey of self-discovery who is empowered to find her own identity, I take notice. She's independent, progressive, ready for a challenge, cares about the environment, and not afraid to stand up for what she believes?

No wonder I was ready to welcome Moana into our lives with open arms!

The sweeping story of a spirited teenager who sets sail on a daring adventure to save her people, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana has received rave reviews from the moment it hit the big screen.

According to directors Ron Clements and John Musker, the story of Moana was inspired by the great explorers who masterfully navigated the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. "Voyaging is a real source of pride for many Pacific Islanders, a part of their identity," says Clements. Many experts believe that about 3,000 years ago, those deep-sea exploratory voyages halted for about a millennium before resuming.

This rebirth of exploration sparked the filmmakers' imaginations, and the heroine at the heart of the story. "The idea of a teenage girl who dreamed of becoming a navigator—considering the abilities of her ancestors—was so appealing," explains Musker. Moana's quest to become a wayfinder also serves as a journey of self-discovery, empowering her to find her own identity, a beautiful and powerful message for audiences of all ages and genders.

Families near and far can now continue the fun-filled adventure with brave and tenacious Moana and larger-than-life demigod Maui, as Moana is available today, March 7th, on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand!

Inspired by her grandmother, Moana is on a mission to restore the Heart of Te Fiti, a magical stone stolen years ago by Maui... but why not also enjoy hours of extensive and entertaining bonus offerings while watching her do so?

Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D bonus features include:

• Theatrical Short Film: Inner Workings – With an introduction by the filmmakers, this story tells the internal struggle between a man's pragmatic, logical side and his free-spirited, adventurous half. Created by a small team at Walt Disney Animation Studios in a unique, fast-paced style that blends CG and traditional hand-drawn animation, the short explores the importance of finding balance in daily life.

• Maui Mini-Movie: Gone Fishing – When Maui decides it's time to take charge of the ocean and catch his next meal, Moana must show him the error of his ways... with a little help from her friends!

• Voice of the Islands – An in-depth look at how Pacific Island people and cultures inspired the filmmakers to create the story of Moana.

• Meet the stars of Moana – a dynamic Q&A featuring Dwayne Johnson, newcomer Auli‘i Cravalho, and famed animation directors Ron and John.

• Meet the musical team behind Moana – a fascinating Q&A featuring Opetaia Foa‘i, Mark Mancina, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

• Island Fashion – Find out how costume designer Neysa Bové took on the unique challenge of creating costumes using materials and techniques native to the islands of Oceania.

• They Know the Way: Making the Music of Moana – Musicians Opetaia Foa‘I, Marc Mancina, and Lin-Manuel Miranda take viewers on a personal journey through their involvement in the movie and how it changed their lives.

• Fishing for Easter Eggs – Dive deep into the ocean and fish for the Easter Eggs hidden by the animators at Walt Disney Animation Studios.

• The Elements of... – This series of four mini-docs explores the technical achievements behind some of the ground-breaking effects used in the film.
• Mini Maui – Meet "Mini Maui," Maui's tattoo sidekick. Animated by legendary hand-drawn animator Eric Goldberg, we explore how the 2D world collides with CG animation to bring the demigod’s tattoos to life.
• Water – In the movie, the ocean is a character. This piece explores how the water is given a personality, along with the technical feats of creating a believable ocean landscape farther than the eye can see.
• Lava – Te Kā is a creature made of lava, smoke and fire. This piece dives into the challenges of making an animated creature of massive scale brought to fiery life by character, technical, and effects animators.
• Hair – One of the greatest technical achievements of the film was the animation of the beautiful, curly hair on Moana and Maui. Take a look at the hair-raising detail that goes into animating each strand, adding performance to the movie that has never been seen before.

• Deleted Song: Warrior Face – With introduction by songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda.

• Deleted Scenes – Ron and John introduce the following deleted scenes: Race the Wind/Ties that Bind; Discussing Moana’s Future; Under the Sea; Grandmother’s Warning/Legend of Maui; Education of Moana; Father, Daughter, Boat; and Canoe Race.

• Music Video: How Far I’ll Go – Performed by Alessia Cara.

• How Far I’ll Go Around the World – Multi-language reel of the song How Far I’ll Go.

• Audio Commentary – With directors Ron and John.

Whether you enjoyed Moana in theaters and have been playing the soundtrack over and over ever since (my hand is raised!) or have simply been waiting for this movie to be available to watch at home whenever you please, now is the time to add this film to your collection. It is available today on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand and can also be found on Digital HD/3D and Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA).

With a feature running time of approximately 90 minutes, keep an eye out for Moana in stores near you, from Disney or on Amazon. You can also keep up with all things Moana by connecting with the film on Facebook and Disney Animation on Twitter and Instagram.

Want to celebrate the release of Moana even more? Check out these fun (free!) crafts and activities!


Other than a copy of Moana that I was provided in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion about this product.

Disney•Pixar's Finding Dory is Now Available on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD, Disney Movies Anywhere, and On-Demand!

My kids are an advertising company's dream. They see a commercial for a new toy and they immediately think it looks amazing (even if it really doesn't). A new, brightly colored cereal hits the grocery store shelves and they're dying to try it. A brand new television series is debuting and they're ready to watch it (even if it is designed for children much younger).

So when yet another children's movie makes its way to the big screen, there's a good chance that I'm going to opt out of going to see it with them, no matter how many times they bring up the name. I don't know these characters, the plot doesn't make any sense, and my attention span has me tapping my fingers in anticipation of the end.

On the flip side, however, there are times that I get just as excited as they do about a movie's upcoming release. If it involves charming characters that we already know and love taking part in a hilarious and heartwarming tale of family and friendship, then I'm not going to miss it.

Which is why the whole family was so excited to see Finding Dory together!


The wildly-anticipated sequel to 2003's smash hit, Finding Nemo, Disney•Pixar's Finding Dory was a summer blockbuster this year before it had even debuted. Audiences everywhere couldn't wait to tune back in to see their favorite forgetful blue tang and how Dory's short-term memory loss had affected her in the past 13 years.

The result is an incredible undersea adventure starring Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres), Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks), and Nemo (voiced by 12-year-old Hayden Rolence) on a larger than life quest to find Dory's long lost family, who may be looking for her. Along the way, the trio receives help from Hank, a cantankerous octopus; Bailey, a beluga whale who's convinced his biological sonar skills don't work; and Destiny, a nearsighted whale shark. Not to mention the slew of other humorous characters that pop on and off of the screen!

You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll cheer on these brave sea creatures from start to finish. This tale is completely full of imagination, humor, and heart. And now you can watch it anytime, anywhere as Finding Dory has arrived on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD, On-Demand, Digital HD, and Disney Movies Anywhere!

Along with having the ability to watch this fun film at your leisure, there is a whole slew of bonus offerings that make the blu-ray combo pack even better. These include:

• Theatrical short — Piper, the theatrical short film starring an irresistible sandpiper hatchling digging for food in the sand and encountering scary waves.

• Interviews — An all-new mini short featuring interviews with Dory's pals from the Marine Life Institute.

• Deleted scenes — never-before-seen scenes, including a digital exclusive featuring the Tank Gang from Finding Nemo who make it their mission to get Marlin and Nemo to the Marine Life Institute.

• Deep in the kelp — See how far the crew went to make Dory's world believable.

• The octopus that nearly broke Pixar — A behind-the-scenes look at the most technically challenging character Pixar has ever created.

• And more!

I especially love the fun information about Hank, Finding Dory's cranky octopus, as it always amazes me to see the immense amount of work that can go into making one single scene or character by the talented Disney•Pixar crew.

For instance, when the designers were working on Hank, they created tapered tentacles that were modeled separately from the body. However, when they tried to attach them, only seven would fit! Filmmakers later decided that it made sense that Hank would have an affliction, so they worked it into the script.

Hank also has 350 total suckers on his body; required 11,041 rigging prims for his simulation (the average character requires around 20); took 118 weeks of work by the team of technical directors responsible for building and articulating him; and took 22 weeks for shading to give him extra texture and color, as well as making it possible for him to camouflage himself (an average character takes less than eight weeks). That's a whole lot of work for one grumpy octopus!

As well as fun facts about the film, I love finding out about the hidden gems that Disney•Pixar is known for including in their movies. I never catch any of them myself while watching, but love going back to see where they were tucked away right in plain sight.

Among those that appear in Finding Dory, my favorite is that Riley from 2015's Inside Out appears in a group of kids touring the Marine Life Institute and is featured in a frame with Dory. Two great movies coming together in one!

Filled with laughter, heart, adventure and thrills, Finding Dory has a running time of 97 minutes and is available now. Be sure to keep an eye out for this magical film at your local retailers as well as from Amazon (where the Blu-ray Combo Pack currently retails for $19.99).

You can also find out much more about this great movie from Disney as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Other than a copy of Finding Dory that I was provided in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion about this product.

Fall in Love with Zootopia on Digital HD, Blu-ray and Disney Movies Anywhere {Available Now!}

I'll admit that I typically don't expect much when I sit down to watch a movie with my children (which is why I actually don't agree to it all that often). What can I say? My kids don't always have the most discerning taste when it comes to the movies, television shows and characters that they like.

However, when a film manages to include much more than simply entertainment, it's difficult to not take notice. An epic adventure? A heartwarming tale of an unlikely friendship? An underlying message about following your dreams, believing in yourself, and discovering what you are truly capable of?

The combination of all of that (plus more) is exactly why Walt Disney Animation Studios' comedy-adventure, Zootopia, has broken records worldwide earning more than $900 million at the global box office to date... and can now be enjoyed at home anytime thanks to its release on Digital HD, Blu-ray, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand!

The best reviewed movie of 2016, critics and audiences around the world have fallen in love with the wonderfully innovative animal metropolis of Zootopia and the comedic chemistry of rookie rabbit officer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and scam-artist fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman).

If you haven't yet seen this film, it is set in the mammal city of Zootopia, where animals from the largest elephant to the smallest shrew live and thrive. When Judy Hopps, a rabbit from rural Bunnyburrow, becomes the first rabbit to join the city's police force, she quickly learns how tough it is to enforce the law.

Determined to prove herself, Judy jumps at the opportunity to crack an unsolved case of missing mammals even if it means working with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde, to solve the mystery. But the case leads these two unlikely partners to an uneasy conclusion that Zootopia's "evolved" society is being pulled apart by unseen forces determined to use fear to take control of the city by turning predators and prey against each other.

Through the ups and downs and surprise twists, viewers of all ages will enjoy the vibrant world of Zootopia and the cast of adorable and humorous characters!

As well as being thrilled to be able to watch Zootopia time and time again, my family has been excited to discover more about the evolution of this extraordinary tale through the various in-depth bonus features included via Digital HD, Blu-ray, DVD, On-Demand, and Disney Movies Anywhere.

These new bonus offerings including candid conversations with filmmakers and artists behind Zootopia, an alternate opening, never-before-seen characters and deleted scenes, and a sneak peek at some of the hidden Easter Eggs that make reference to Disney Animation's most beloved films and characters.

Just check out some of these fun and innovative Easter Eggs that you're not going to want to miss!


Complete bonus features for Zootopia on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and Digital HD include:

• Zoology: The Roundtables – Ginnifer Goodwin hosts an in-depth look at the movie’s characters, animation, environments and more. The artists at Disney Animation give a rare and in-depth look at the complexities of bringing an all-animal world to life from the ground-breaking technology behind the characters’ fur and clothing to the varied and vast environments of Tundratown, Sahara Square and the Rainforest District as well as the deep thought and research given to bringing 64 unique animal species to life through animation.

• The Origin of an Animal Tale – Follow the story’s development from its origins to a big story shift that turned the film upside down. In this feature-length documentary, filmmakers give a candid look into the difficulties of creating the story of Zootopia and the bold decision to switch the main character late in the production process, putting one resolute rabbit center stage.

• Research: A True-Life Adventure – The filmmakers traveled the globe to find inspiration for the diverse characters and amazing city of Zootopia. They reflect on the importance of research and how a deep dive into animal behavior at Disney Animal Kingdom theme park and a deep immersion into animal society on the African savanna shaped and inspired the characters of Zootopia and changed the filmmakers’ lives forever.

• Z.P.D. Forensic Files – Find the movie's hidden Easter Eggs. Every city has its hidden gems, especially when it has been created by the filmmakers of Disney Animation who love nothing more than sprinkling hidden references to some of Disney’s greatest animated features throughout the story. 

• Scoretopia – Academy Award-winning composer, Michael Giacchino spotlights five of cinema’s greatest percussionists and how they brought an organic, animalistic sound to his powerful and emotional music score.

• Deleted Characters – Directors Byron Howard and Rich Moore introduce citizens of Zootopia who did not make the final cut.

• Deleted Scenes:

• Alternate Opening – Young Judy Hopps rescues a fellow classmate and realizes she can reach beyond a life in carrot farming to a future in law enforcement.

• Wild Times! Pitch – Nick desperately pitches the bankers of Zootopia on funding Wild Times!, an amusement park made exclusively for the predators of Zootopia and a sure-fire, money-making scheme for Nick and his friends.

• Alternate Homesick Hopps – After a frustrating first day on the force, Judy has a conversation with her parents. See how this scene changed from a heartfelt conversation with her parents to tough love when her parents discover their daughter is only a meter maid and not a “real cop.”

• Detective Work – Judy borrows a fellow police officer’s computer to conduct research, which turns out to be no small task.

• Alternate Jumbo Pop – In this early version of the story where Nick was the main character, the filmmakers and Jason Bateman were able to take hustling to a new level.

• Hopps’ Apartment – When Judy’s entire family pays her a surprise visit they are shocked to discover the company she’s keeping.

• The Taming Party – In this emotional clip from an early version of Zootopia, Judy attends her first "taming party" and gains a deeper understanding of the plight of the predator.

• "Try Everything" Music Video by Shakira.

There is no doubt that Disney has done it again when it comes to turning what could have been a simple children's tale into a completely original story full of humor, heart, action, and imagination that is perfect for the whole family.

Young and old will surely cheer on Zootopia's brave duo, and, if kids can walk away having learned an important lesson about self-confidence, never giving up, and acceptance, then it's surely a win-win!

Filled with laughter, heart, adventure and thrills, Zootopia has a running time of 108 minutes and is available now. Be sure to keep an eye out for this magical film at your local retailers as well as from Amazon (where the Blu-ray Combo Pack currently retails for $22.99).

You can also find out much more about this great movie from Disney as well as on Facebook.

Other than a copy of Zootopia that I was provided in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion about this product.

The Good Dinosaur Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere {Available Now!}

While I typically sit down to watch a movie with plans to be entertained (and hopefully have a few laughs), I love when a film manages to also include so much more.

An epic adventure? A heartwarming tale of an unlikely friendship? An underlying message about confronting your fears, believing in yourself, and discovering what you are truly capable of?

It all comes together (along with those laughs) from the innovative minds of Disney•Pixar in today's release of The Good Dinosaur.

Available now on Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere, The Good Dinosaur asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely, and giant dinosaurs never became extinct?

What follows is a glimpse into the world of dinosaurs, where viewers meet an apatosaurus named Arlo, the last to hatch among his siblings and the smallest and most fearful in his family. This 11-year-old has yet to make his mark on his family's farm but, after falling into a river and getting swept hundreds of miles from home, Arlo finds himself forced to face his fear.

While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape in his effort to find his way home, Arlo makes an unlikely friendship with a human boy who helps him realize he is capable of much more than he ever thought.

This small human, named Spot, is wild and tough, having lived on his own in the wilderness for much of his life. He speaks in only grunts and growls but he is fearless, confident and a survivalist. Although Spot and Arlo do not meet under the best of circumstances, it isn't long before Spot proves to be a great resource for Arlo... which then turns into a beautiful friendship.

There is no doubt that the Disney•Pixar team turned what could have been a simple children's tale into a completely original story full of humor, heart, action, and imagination that is perfect for the whole family. I laughed, I cried, I cheered on this young, brave duo, and, when the final credits rolled, I was even happier knowing that we could watch it again!

Both of my girls had seen The Good Dinosaur in the theater, but were still just as excited to watch it again and gave it two thumbs up afterward.

It's a sad movie but it turns out to be a really good one because when the dinosaur gets his friend then they have a really good time together. I liked that the little guy's name was Spot. 

          -Little Sister B, 7

Exciting, funny and sad all at the same time. 

          -Big Sister E, 9

As well as the feature film, The Good Dinosaur also includes some amazing bonus features available on the Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere:

• Sanjay's Super Team (theatrical short) – Sanjay loves the world of cartoons and comics, while his father tries to draw him into his Hindu traditions. Reluctance quickly turns into awe-inspiring adventure as the boy embarks on an amazing journey, returning with a new perspective they can both embrace.

• True Lies About Dinosaurs – Learn more about what separates the fictional dinosaurs of The Good Dinosaur from what scientists know about real dinosaurs.

• Recyclosaurus – Watch as the crew of The Good Dinosaur competes to see which department can create the best dinosaur ever…using only recycled, discarded items from the studio's "free table."

• The Filmmakers' Journey – Director Peter Sohn and his fellow filmmakers talk about the challenging, inspiring, and unexpectedly emotional experience of making The Good Dinosaur.

• Every Part of the Dinosaur – The filmmakers talk about the special animation challenges of The Good Dinosaur, including figuring out how to animate a dinosaur who is really a boy and a boy who has the spirit of a dog.

• Following the T-Rex Trail – Follow the filmmakers as they travel to a working cattle ranch and meet the McKays, a close-knit family whose work ethic, generosity, and stories inspired the T-Rex ranchers of the film.

• Dino Bites – A montage of original animated pieces produced to promote The Good Dinosaur.

• Hide and Seek – A short animated clip produced to promote The Good Dinosaur.

• Commentary – Commentary from director Peter Sohn, story supervisor Kelsey Mann, supervising animator Mike Venturini, director of photography/lighting Sharon Calahan, and supervising technical director Sanjay Bakshi.

• Deleted Scenes – 
• The Attack – An idyllic introduction to the family farm is cut short when a savage predator attacks the newborn Arlo. With an introduction by Director Peter Sohn.
• Building the Silo – An admiring Arlo is thrilled to follow along as his father builds a silo for the family farm. With an introduction by Director Peter Sohn.
• Waiting for Poppa – Arlo awaits the return of his beloved father on a stormy night, only to be greeted with tragic news. With an introduction by Director Peter Sohn.

Filled with laughter, heart, adventure and thrills, The Good Dinosaur has a running time of 93 minutes and is available now. Be sure to keep an eye out for this magical film at your local retailers as well as from Amazon (where the Blu-ray Combo Pack currently retails for $22.99).

You can also find out much more about this great movie on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Other than a copy of The Good Dinosaur that I was provided in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion about this product.

Available Today: Minions Movie Blu-ray Combo Pack!

While there will forever be movies and characters that fall into the take it or leave it category, there are also those that manage to capture the hearts of audiences everywhere and delight children as well as adults.

Therefore, it is no surprise that folks everywhere were excited to hear that the breakout stars the world fell in love with in Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's Despicable Me global film franchise were finally headlining their own film.

And, if you missed it in theaters (or just want to relive the laughter over again), you'll be happy to know that Minions is now available on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand today, December 8th!

A much anticipated prequel to the unprecedented worldwide blockbusters Despicable Me and the beloved sequel Despicable Me 2, Minions is an immensely entertaining (and hilarious!) film for all audiences.

Starting as single-celled yellow organisms, the story of the Minions begins at the dawn of time and evolves through the ages as these cute characters perpetually serve (and accidentally eliminate) history's most despicable of master villains.  However, as the Minions are continuously unsuccessful at keeping these masters—from T. Rex to Napoleon—the Minions' latest explosive mistake leaves them without someone to serve and causes them to fall into a deep depression.

But one Minion named Kevin has a plan, and he—alongside teenage rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob—ventures out into the world to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow.

The trio embark upon a thrilling journey that ultimately leads them to their next potential master, Scarlet Overkill (voiced by Academy Award-winner Sandra Bullock), the world's first-ever female super-villain.

From frigid Antarctica to 1960s New York City to 'mod' London, Kevin, Stuart, and Bob eventually end up being challenged to save all of Minionkind from annihilation. Will they succeed?

This unique and inventive tale is just too fun! Plus, along with getting to see the Minions headline their own movie for the first time, the Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital HD of Minions also comes with three all-new mini-movies (Cro Minion, Competition, and Binky Nelson Unpacified) and a slew of great bonus features:

• Deleted Scene – Me, Myself and Stuart

• Around the World Interactive Map – Explore the world of the Minions with this interactive map featuring a collection of games, trivia, featurettes, storyboards, and more all themed to movie locations.

• Behind the Goggles – The Illumination Story of the Minions – Get a "behind the googles" look at the history and evolution of everyone's favorite yellow henchmen.

• Writer - See how the Minions evolve throughout the different time periods. Writer, Brian Lynch discusses creating distinctive personalities for the three main Minions, his VillainCon idea, and the Minion family.

• Boss' Office – Illumination Entertainment CEO and founder and Minions producer, Chris Meledandri discusses the origins of Illumination Entertainment and the genesis of both Despicable Me and Minions.

• Art Department – See how the Minions came to life, from the original art concept of the henchmen to the final creation of the Minions and how to differentiate them between new time periods. Also, see how the idea of Herb and Scarlett Overkill's characters came to be. 

• Gallery – Stuart Hot Tub Storyboard (stills)

• Gallery – Concept Art (stills)

• Gallery – Color Script (stills)

• Composer – Listen to how composer Heitor Pereira creates the sound of the Minions and what it takes to create big music for small characters.

• Actors Studio – Listen to the actors' experiences being part of the Minions movie, who their favorite Minions are, and why they love them so much.

• Notice Board (stills)

• Illumination MacGuff Animation – Go behind the scenes and hear about the challenges and excitement behind the Minion characters and bringing them alive through animation in the movie.

• Lighting, Layout and Effects – A look at the ways in which layout and lighting plays a big role in the emotion and motivation in the movie. Also see the ways in which they try to keep the 60's vintage look and the challenges they face with very technical shots, where one shot can take weeks.

• 3D Models Gallery (stills) 

• Jingle Bells Minion Style – This holiday favorite is brought to life in a merry-Minion way. Now you get to sing along to the beloved video that was the most shared piece of content on Facebook in 2014.

• Directors – Directors Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda discuss the unique challenges of creating distinctive personalities for the Minions.

• Producers – Producers Chris Meledandri, Janet Healy, and Executive Producer Chris Renaud discuss the three main characters – Kevin, Stuart, and Bob – little family in the movie and the goal of creating a special bond between them and the audience when they leave the theater.

• Editorial – Editor Claire Dodgson discusses the distinctive editing style of the Despicable Me franchise and the three-year process it takes to make these movies from the original storyboards to cutting scenes with Minion dialogue.

• Storyboard Artist – Learn how the actions of the words of the script turn into visual drawings and how much work is put in from the rough sketches to the final cut of the movie.

• The Secret Life of Pets Theatrical Trailer

What more could you ask for? With a running time of 1 hour, 31 minutes, the Minions Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand is available at your local retails (as well as online) now from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Find out more, watch trailers, do crafts, find recipes, and much more by visiting MinionsMovie.com. You can also connect with all things Minions on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, Tumblr, and at the #Minions hashtag.

Other than the copy of Minions that I was provided by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion of this product.

Available Today: Shaun the Sheep Movie on DVD and Blu-Ray Combo Pack!

 

Back in August, my family was excited to help in announcing the release of one film that all ages can appreciate: the entertaining, engaging, amusing, heartfelt, visually stunning, adventurous Shaun the Sheep Movie.

It was time to head to the theaters to follow Shaun and his friends as an accident with the farmer's caravan and a very steep hill lead them to making a trek to (and through) the big city. When it was up to Shaun and the flock to return everyone back home, we couldn't wait to see if they would be able to work as a team and get the job done!

Whether or not you and your family made it to see Shaun on the big screen, now is the time to celebrate the ability to bring home this little sheep with big dreams just in time for the holidays, as Shaun The Sheep Movie arrived on Digital HD on November 10 and is being released on Blu-Ray Combo Pack (plus Digital HD) and DVD (plus Digital) today from Lionsgate Home Entertainment!

Perfect for the young and young-at-heart, this "world-class winner" (Rolling Stone) is rated 99% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and was the #1 movie on their Summer Movie Score Card for 2015. Is it any wonder? Everyone loves Shaun even when life on Mossy Bottom Farm has become a bit dull.

Which is why when Shaun takes the day off for some fun in the Big City, he gets a lot more action than he bargained for. This film follows Shaun and his flock as they must use their wits to hatch a baaaa-rilliant plan to get back home in an adventure the whole family will love!

The Shaun the Sheep Movie home entertainment release comes loaded with bonus features including a fascinating look behind-the-scenes of the making of the film as well as interviews with the cast and crew.

The full list of bonus features includes:

• "Making the Shaun Movie" Featurette

• "Meet the Characters" Featurette

• "Join Shaun Behind the Scenes" Featurette

• "Meet the Crew" Featurette

• Parody Poster Gallery

Still on the fence? Check out the adorable trailer to see just how fun and laughter this movie can provide!


Aimed at kids ages 4-10 and with a feature run time of 85 minutes, the Shaun the Sheep Movie Blu-Ray combo pack (plus Digital) is available now for an MSRP of $34.99 and on DVD (plus Digital) for $29.95.

Find out much more about the fun, feel-good antics of Shaun and his flock by visiting ShauntheSheep.com and connecting on Facebook, Twitter and at #ShauntheSheep.

Want to get in on the Shaun the Sheep Movie excitement even more? Download these fun activity sheets to extend the love for this adorable sheep today!


Other than a copy of Shaun the Sheep Movie that I was provided by Lionsgate Entertainment, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion about this product.

Available Today: Toy Story That Time Forgot on Blu-ray, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere!

Although my kids have been fans of quite a few Disney•Pixar movies over the years, one franchise that has consistently been a favorite is Toy Story. Is there anyone that can resist the appeal of the adventure, friendships, love, and feel-good messaging of these adorable toys?

Therefore, as much as we have adored all of the full-length Toy Story features (and are already eagerly anticipating the fourth installment!), we also clamor to watch any of the fantastic shorter films that have been released as well.

And, as of today, we now have the ability to watch a hilarious animated Toy Story adventure whenever we choose thanks to the release of Toy Story That Time Forgot!

Available for the first time on Blu-ray, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere, Toy Story That Time Forgot stars everyone's favorite Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen) and the rest of the gang for an unforgettable holiday tale.

During one of Bonnie's post-Christmas play dates, the crew find themselves in uncharted territory when the coolest set of action figures ever turn out to be dangerously delusional. Will the group be able to escape from the clutches of the new, seemingly-evil character Reptillus Maximus?

It's all up to Trixie, the triceratops, if the gang hopes to ever return to Bonnie's room!

Even though Toy Story That Time Forgot has a short running time of approximately 22 minutes, there is still plenty of action and adventure to make this a favorite. Even better, there are tons of bonus features that all Toy Story fans are sure to want to watch time and again:

Reptillus! — In this behind-the-scenes look at Toy Story That Time Forgot, the filmmakers share a peek at the origins of the Battlesaurs world and culture, and explain the character design and development of its greatest hero, Reptillus Maximus.

Commentary — Commentary with Toy Story That Time Forgot director, Steve Purcell, and head of story, Derek Thompson, on the process of making the film.

Toy Story Goes to Comic-Con — The Toy Story That Time Forgot team heads to San Diego to unveil the project to the public, led by their own longtime Comic-Con veterans, Steve Purcell and Derek Thompson.

My Unexpected Friend — Feel the power and sing along as Reptillus Maximus expresses the depth of his feelings for Trixie in this 80's-inspired karaoke video for his soulful ballad, "My Unexpected Friend."

Battlesaurs Animated Opening — A 2D animated opening for the fictional animated TV series, Battlesaurs.

Deleted Scenes with Intros & Outros — Toy Story That Time Forgot director, Steve Purcell, introduces scenes that were developed and storyboarded for the special, but were ultimately cut from the final version:

• Battlesaurs Christmas
• Light of Play
• Prisoners of Bone
• SOS
• Trixie’s Proposal

Whether you are picking up this film as a special surprise or to stash away for a holiday gift, Toy Story That Time Forgot is a perfect addition to any Toy Story collection or for a fan of any age. Pick up a copy today from Amazon or in stores for an MSRP of only $11.99.

You can also connect with all things Toy Story on Facebook and Disney•Pixar on Facebook and Twitter. Or, for fans of certain characters, you can also find some of the main characters with their own Facebook pages — Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and Pricklepants!

Other than a copy of Toy Story that Time Forgot that I received in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion about this product.

Impractical Jokers: The Complete Third Season {Available Today!}

There are a few television shows that members of my family never miss and can therefore be found filling the space on our DVR. After all, once you find a series that you love, you don't want to miss a single episode!

For as long as I can remember, one such show for my husband has been Impractical Jokers. This hidden camera series airs on truTV and stars four lifetime friends who dare each other to perform, say or do outrageous and/or embarrassing things.

I can always tell when my husband is watching an episode elsewhere in the house due to his nonstop laughter — I have teased him more than once that he only giggles like a schoolgirl when watching this particular show!

If you have always wanted to see four real-life best friends daring one another to do ridiculous things in public while capturing the footage on hidden camera — complete with the unsuspecting public's amused, confused, or flabbergasted reactions — then Impractical Jokers might just be for you.

After completing each dare, the guys are given a thumbs-up or a thumbs-down to determine who succeeded under pressure and who got the raw end of the deal. At the end of each episode, the guy with the most fails must face a mortifying punishment at the hand of his best friends with truly humiliating consequences.

Crazy, right? The millions and millions of weekly viewers can attest to just how hilarious the results are from this group of jokers!

But once you're hooked on Impractical Jokers you'll want to see Sal, Joe, Murr and Q compete to embarrass each other more often!

Right now just that can happen as Impractical Jokers is raising the stakes with three times the pressure, three times the awkwardness and three times the laughs with the DVD release of Impractical Jokers: The Complete Third Season today, October 13, 2015.

This four-disc set comes complete with all 32 episodes from the third season plus hilarious bonus content including behind the scenes, digital originals, episodic commentary and deleted scenes.

The third season of Impractical Jokers premiered in 2014 on truTV, along with the six episodes of Jokers After Party, a brand new post-show series featuring the guys chatting about their favorite moments from various episodes. With episode titles like “Make Womb for Daddy,” “Junk in the Trunk,” and “Baggage Shame,” the foursome take entertainment and laughter to the next level!

If you're ready to laugh out loud, be sure to pick up a copy of Impractical Jokers: The Complete Third Season (it has a run time of 704 minutes, so that equals a lot of hilarity!) today. This humor-filled DVD set can be found at your local retailer, online, on Amazon and more with an MSRP of $24.98.

Find out more about how no one can embarrass you quite like your best friends by visiting truTV.com.