The new Stitch Poseable Plush and “Holiday Mischief with Stitch” Book Set is a fun way to learn about the holiday season. The set includes a plush Stitch and a book filled with colorful images and a cute story.
The plush Stitch is eight inches tall with poseable arms and legs. His eyes are embroidered and he is winking. And to make him even more adorable, he wears a red holiday hat with Hawaiian print. The soft pom pom ball on the tip is embroidered on one side with the word “Nice” and on the other side with the word “Naughty.”
The book features Experiment 626 with Lilo and her family and friends as they learn about Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza. Stitch loves learning about all the food, games, and presents.
This is a great bedtime story to read to your kids as they hug the little fellow and decide whether he’s been “naughty” or “nice” that day. And, to make this set even more exciting, at the end of the story Stitch takes off to celebrate and have more holiday fun. He’s probably hiding somewhere in your house. This is the opportunity for parents to hide the plush Stitch to be discovered by the kids the next day. This could be your new family holiday tradition!
The box comes with a paper ribbon and bow so it doesn’t need to be wrapped. It’s probably a good idea to start this holiday fun well before Christmas to get your whole family into the spirit of the season.
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about books, products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Ralph Breaks the Internet is an adorable and very imaginative and creative movie. The Art of Ralph Breaksthe Internet brings the images to the pages of this colorful book that animator enthusiasts will enjoy as well as those who simply just loved the movie.
There are plenty of vehicles in the film and this book shows them from all angles. As Kevin Nelson, Visual Development Artist, says, “The vehicles in Slaughter Race are nuts.” And he’s right. But it is sometimes difficult to see all the intricacies when you watch the movie. This book shows them in more detail.
Besides the vehicles, the characters are all laid out with both black and white sketches and colored digitalized versions. The new characters that come into play in the film are there but also included in this book are the Disney princesses that create a memorable scene with Vanellope. Again, it’s a little difficult to get all the nuances while watching the movie for the first time. Audiences want to take it all in, so this book is perfect to be able to see the princesses in their gowns as well as their casual wear that Vanellope inspires. The book has a fold out section dedicated to the princesses. Matthias Lechner, Art Director, Environments, writes, “It’s intimidating to make even a small change to one princess, and we had to come up with a new style for each of them.”
So, besides the graphics in the book, there is a lot of input from the filmmakers and artists. This adds to the fun of looking at the pictures.
Parents will be able to discuss the images with their children and relive the various scenes from the film. It also makes a fun way to put a child to bed. Open up a page and tell a story about one of the characters or vehicles or locations (probably while your child hugs the plus Ralph of Vanellope from the Disney Store).
“The Art of Ralph Breaks the Internet” is a fun and informative book that is sure to be enjoyed by everyone, not only animator enthusiasts.
Hardcover: 168 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books
ISBN-10: 1452163685
ISBN-13: 978-1452163680
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about books, products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
The sequel to the hit Disney animated film Wreck it Ralph (2012) has Ralph and Vanellope on another high-octane adventure. This time they leave the haven of Litwak’s arcade and venture into the wide, wide world of the Internet. Ralph Breaks the Internet is filled with humor, heart, and a lot of Disney imagination.
“Ralph and Vanellope are imperfect characters,” says Academy Award®-winning director Rich Moore, who directed the original film. “But we love them because of their flaws. Their friendship is so genuine—the chemistry between them so engaging—that I think we were all anxious to know more about these characters.”
In their newest adventure, to save Vanellope’s game from being shut down, they have to find a replacement steering wheel, which is only available on eBay. So off they go into the world of eBay and all the sites that live in the vastness of the Internet. Audiences will recognize some of their favorite sites (eBay, Instagram, Amazon, Snapchat, and more). One of those sites is Oh My Disney and the princesses we all know and love are there. Vanellope is a princess so she joins the group.
“Putting Vanellope in a room with all of the Disney princesses was funny from the get-go, considering her unapologetic personality and laid-back outlook,” says director Phil Johnston. “As the story evolved, the scene changed considerably to best serve the story, which was imperative. And as it turned out, Vanellope is on a coming-of-age journey, so her encounter with the princesses was integral to the completion of her arc in the film.”
All the princesses (with the exception of Sofia and Elena) are gathered together. They make an impression on Vanellope and she has a large influence on them as well. Pay close attention to the clothes they wear once they change out of their gowns. Cinderella’s shirt has a pumpkin carriage, Merida’s tank top has a bear, Aurora’s shirt says “Nap Queen,” Pocahontas’ has a wolf, Elsa’s says “Just Let it Go,” Tiana’s says “NOLA,” Ariel’s says “Gizmos & Whos-Its & Whats Its & Snarfblats & Dinglehoppers,” Rapunzel’s has a duck, Moana’s says “#shiny,” Belle’s says “BFF, Beast Friends Forever,” Mulan has a Chinese motif, Jasmine’s has three fingers and “wishes,” and Snow White’s has a poison apple. They are clever and adorable as each reflects the story of the wearer.
The filmmakers had the original voice talent return to the studio to bring their characters to life. The reunion included Irene Bedard (Pocahontas), Kristen Bell (Anna), Jodi Benson (Ariel), Auli’i Cravalho (Moana), Linda Larkin (Jasmine) Kelly Macdonald Merida) Idina Menzel (Elsa) Mandy Moore (Rapunzel) Paige O’Hara (Belle), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana) and Ming-Na Wen (Mulan). “We were able to get just about everyone who’s still with us to reprise their roles,” says Johnston. This is just one small part of the story, however.
The movie is about the friendship between Ralph and Vanellope. They are two very different characters who love each other but who want different things out of life. This is the bittersweet part of the film.
“We’re exploring the reality of all relationships, which come with ups and downs. Friendships are tested from time to time, and Ralph and Vanellope have to navigate the complexity of theirs—while attempting to navigate the vast and often intimidating Internet,” explained Johnston. Director Rich Moore said, “They’re like a couple of small-town kids who venture into the big city. One falls in love with the city, while the other one can’t wait to go home.”
So, as the humor on the screen and the fun of the Disney characters as well as the websites appear, Ralph and Vanellope each find something different in the net. Vanellope discovers the Slaughter Race game where she can show off her racing skills, and Ralph is overwhelmed by it all and afraid of not getting what they came for and getting back to the arcade in time.
The bottom line is Ralph Breaks the Internet is a fun, imaginative, endearing movie that will touch your heart as well as your funny bone. It’s a wonderful sequel to the first imaginative and entertaining film. And with all the characters, it’s a movie that will be loved by all ages. It’s a lot of fun! The movie is rated PG for some action and rude humor.
When the movie is over, stay for the credits because there is a cute little bonus!
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
One of the most popular lines of dolls and animals from the Disney Store and shopdisney is the Animators’ Collection. The latest in this line is the Origins series. These dolls are for ages 2+ and depict the adorable characters as babies. The original Animators’ Collection dolls were geared for ages 3+ and the characters were depicted as toddler age. The Origins are smaller in size and much younger characters. They are babies.
At this time there are three different dolls in the new Origins Series: Aurora, Belle, and Mowgli. Each doll has a soft body with poseable soft plastic legs and moveable soft plastic heads as well as rooted hair. They are each 12” long when lying down.
The boxes are designed for each character. They are decorated to fit they story of the children and Baby Aurora’s box says, “Inspired by the character design from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, this young interpretation recaptures the gentle nature of the original character. Her dreamy face it accented by her signature crown and blonde curls.” As a matter of fact, this little baby looks exactly like the baby Aurora in the animated movie, although she was only seen for a short time. That baby Aurora endeared herself to audiences of all ages. Aurora is dressed in a beautiful pink dress with matching diaper. She has a soft crown that can be removed. Her violet eyes and sweet smile will touch the hearts of adults and collectors, but she will be loved and played with by youngsters for a very long time.
Belle’s box says, “Inspired by the character design from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, this young interpretation recaptures the kindness of the original characters. Her eyes sparkle with curiosity and compassion foretelling her true beauty.” Baby Belle is dressed in her signature yellow dress with a rosette on the front. She comes with a soft plush rose rattle that she can hold and when shaken it really does rattle.
And little Mowgli’s box says “Inspired by the character design from Disney’s The Jungle Book, this young interpretation recaptures the joyfulness of the original character. His smile and fun-loving attitude warm the hearts of his jungle family.” Baby Mowgli is really endearing with his sweet smile and his very wide eyes. He is eager to explore and to be loved. Mowgli comes with a soft plush prickly pear rattle that he can hold it does make noise. He is dressed in a loincloth and also comes with a green blanket in the shape of a leaf. Mowgli’s little face will melt everyone’s heart. He is so loveable that everyone, boys and girls, young and old, will enjoy having him around. His “skin” and “body” are dark tan and this little jungle boy is ready to be loved. It’s great to have this little boy in the collection.
Each doll in the new Animators’ Collection Origins Series can sit and lie down. They have soft bodies for little hands to hug and all three are completely adorable. Collectors will love to have them in their collections, but more than that, kids will love them and they will undoubtedly be favorite sleeping pals and best friends to little kids. They’re small enough to take in the car and for play dates, and especially to bed. This new series is a wonderful addition to the Animators’ Collection. Just one look and they’ll steal your heart.
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about books, products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Even though we will always think of Julie Andrews as Maria, the play itself has been around longer than the film. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Broadway classic play, this 2015 live performance is definitely worthwhile and is filled with the songs and the emotions we know from the film.
Kara Tointon is wonderful as Maria, the wanna-be nun who ends up falling in love with a man with seven children. And Julian Ovenden is equally entertaining as Captain von Trapp. The role of Max Detweiler, the family friend, is played by Alexander Armstrong who is a more personable character than the Max Detweiler in the movie. And Maria Friedman, who sings a heavenly version of “Climb Every Mountain,” plays Mother Abess
The story differs slightly from the film as do the songs, however most of the wonderful songs we know from Rodgers & Hammerstein are included in the play, along with some that were deleted from the film.
When a movie is so well known and beloved it might put off viewers from seeing a different version, but don’t let the fact that this is different from the movie dissuade you from this Blu-ray. It is just as enchanting as the film, however in a little different way.
The cast does a wonderful job of creating the characters and singing the songs.
This version of “The Sound of Music Live” won the BAFTA Television Craft Award.
“The Sound of Music” has been performed on stage by a variety of casts, and this one does the writers proud. The Blu-ray from Shout Studios includes an optional commentary by Tointon and Ovenden as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the story and the making of the broadcast.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Incredibles 2 begins about 30 seconds after the end of the first film and takes audiences on a fun adventure with the entire Parr family, especially little Jack-Jack who turns out to be the star of the show. If you have Incredibles at home, you might want to refresh your memory and when it’s finished pop in this new disc for an entire evening with the Parr family.
Superheroes are coming back and Elastigirl (Helen Parr) is offered her first assignment. So, how will she juggle saving the world and being a mom, and more importantly, how will Bob handle being a stay-at-home dad?
Soon, as things progress, the entire family is once again involved in saving the world and doing so with their usual flair.
Included in this combo pack is the adorable short film “Bao” that ran in theaters before the movie. And there is an all-new mini-movie “Auntie Edna” with Edna and Jack-Jack. (By the way, when you go to Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure in the Disneyland Resort in California, the Incredicoaster is based on Edna and Jack-Jack.)
There is a bonus disc included filled entirely with additional features. Besides a music video and 10 deleted scenes, the featurettes add more for viewers to understand the characters and the movie.
One featurette looks at the vehicles in the film, especially Elastigirl’s Elasticycle. How cool is this? And a featurette focuses on the individual characters with comments by the actors and filmmakers.
The 4K Ultimate Collector’s Edition is the way to go. If you don’t have a 4K set-up yet, you will soon. This pack includes a Blu-ray, a 4K, a digital code, and a Blu-ray disc with the bonus features. The 4K is remarkable for bringing out all the colors and making this movie as brilliant to see and enjoy as if you were in a theater. 4K is the future, and the future is here. Watching Incredibles 2 on 4K Ultra HD is amazing. It’s visually stunning and the audio is the highest quality available to date. It’s corny to say, but this 4K is incredible.
Check out some clips from the bonus features:
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Ewan McGregor is Christopher Robin, having grown up, left the old cottage, and now lives in London with his wife (Hayley Atwell) and daughter (Bronte Carmichael). The thing is, Christopher Robin has lost all the joy in life. He works all the time and neglects his daughter Madeline. His only focus is his job.
When Winnie the Pooh steps through the door in the Hundred Acre Wood, he ends up in London and lo and behold, he immediately comes face to face with his old buddy, Christopher Robin. This can’t be true, can it? Robin thinks he has lost his mind. But soon enough he realizes his old friend is there and he must return him to the Hundred Acre Wood.
Once reunited with all his childhood friends, Christopher Robin slowly rediscovers the joy of the little things in life, and the fun that can be had all around.
With the gang back together, Christopher Robin realizes what is most important in his life. His family must come first and thanks to Pooh and the gang, when audiences leave the theaters they will be smiling.
The bonus features on the Blu-ray Combo pack include a look behind the scenes. It sure looks like it was a fun film to make. There is a look at Jim Cummings who has voiced Winnie the Pooh (and Tigger) for more than half his life. Another bonus looks at how Walt Disney first learned about Pooh and the stories from his daughter. He knew they would translate well to film but it took him many years to get to that point. Disney was an admirer of A.A. Milne, the author of the books, and Milne was an admirer of Walt Disney. Their combined intelligence produced several magical and memorable characters we have known and loved. Perhaps one of the most interesting bonus features is how the stuffed animals came to life. They were stuffed animals on set, but also then digitized after the scenes were shot to create the moving and talking characters. It’s movie magic and in this case, the animators and the actors worked together seamlessly.
Christopher Robin is a loveable story for the entire family. It’s rated PG for some action, and is available in a Blu-ray Combo Pack and a single DVD.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Eleven Pixar shorts along with two mini-movies combine in this Blu-ray combo pack. Plus there is a bonus about the making of Bao and a look at the Pixar animators creating caricatures of their colleagues. Each short is introduced by a filmmaker.
Included in the disc are:
Bao (It’s a cute little film about a mom who is suffering from empty nest syndrome. Then, magically, one of her dumplings comes to life and she once again has a little guy to care for. She tries everything to keep him close to home, but this little dumpling soon starts growing and eventually leaves the nest. No one stays young forever.)
Lou (A cute story about toys in a lost and found box and a playground bully.)
Piper (A fun little story of a young sandpiper who is afraid of the ocean. This little bird must learn to tame her fear in order to get food. )
Sanjay’s Super Team (Sanjay is a little boy who loves his super heroes. When his father makes him meditate in front of the Hindu gods, the little boy dreams of them as super heroes. This is a colorful little short.)
Riley’s First Date? (This short focuses on Riley and her parents when a boy comes to their house to pick her up. Is this an actual date?)
Lava (It is really a fun little story set to music about a volcano that is lonely and wants someone to “lava.” Occurring over millions of years, the volcano is about to give up when a new volcano bursts from the ocean. To say this is inventive doesn’t do it justice. It is sweet and adorable)
The Radiator Springs 500 ½ (Lightning McQueen and Mater must and the entire town of Radiator Springs are celebrating their Founder’s Day. Some hot rods roll into town and challenge McQueen and the race is on.)
Party Central (Join Mike and Sully at Monsters University as they party in the Oozma Kappa fraternity.)
The Blue Umbrella (On one rainy day in the big city, two umbrellas meet and fall in love.)
Miss Fritter’s Racing Skoool (This is like an infomercial with the characters from Cars 3. Miss Fritter is advertising her school as Cruz and McQueen watch the television.)
Marine Life Interviews (Some of the characters from Finding Dorydiscuss the blue fish who – surprise – doesn’t remember any of them. Hmm.)
The Legend of Mor’du (Discover the history of the characters of Brave.)
Partyaurus Rex (Toy Story’s greatest dinosaur is a party animal.)
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
With two new additions to the plush line of Disney characters, there’s a size to fit any house. The Cuddleez line of plush are approximately 25” long and the Tiny Big Feet plush characters sit about 4 ½” high.
Cuddleez
The Cuddleez line of soft plush currently comes in five different characters: Stitch, Eeyore, Angel, Winnie the Pooh, and Baymax ($34.95 each). They are adorable to adorn a bed but they also serve as pillows. Plop one down on the floor or the couch and put on a Disney movie; your child will be delighted.
The Cuddleez characters each have embroidered features and they lie flat on their stomachs. Angel and Stitch have embroidered closed eyes so they’re definitely the lazy ones. The others have embroidered open eyes.
These are not only great pillows but they are great for hugging. With their soft bodies and squishy stuffing, they can help any kid hug away tears. The Cuddleez are hand washable.
Tiny Big Feet
Currently there are 10 different Tiny Big Feet characters ($5.95 each): Dumbo, Thumper, Marie, Pooh, Eeyore, Stitch, Pluto, Winnie the Pooh, Marie, Sully, Mickey and Minnie. Don’t let their size fool you. They are soft and squshable. These little guys are great for taking to a play date and sprucing up a bookshelf. After all, what shelf couldn’t use some Disney charm?
Each character has oversized feet and adorable expressions. They sit easily on any surface. Their embroidered features and soft bodies make them fun for all ages, and easy for small hands to hold. They are hand washable so don’t worry about getting them dirty.
Check them out at your local Disney Store or online at shopdisney.com.
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about books, products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Celebrate Bell, the Beast, and all the magical characters from Beauty and the Beast with this new Lumiere Serving Plate from Disney Eats. It’s perfect for cakes, cookies, donuts, cupcakes, or just about anything and turns a plain table into a setting for fantasy.
Lumiere is trying his best to hold up the plate and his expression of angst is evident. Nevertheless, the plate is up there and ready to hold whatever you have to set out.
The whole thing is 9” high and the diameter is 11 inches, so even a pie would sit perfectly on the plate. Besides the frustrated little Lumiere, the plate section itself is surrounded with inverted hearts and is held up by Lumiere’s candle arms. It’s so cute everyone will be enchanted with this item.
This serving plate is not for the microwave or the dishwasher, but it’s not just for show either. Simply hand- wash it and it’s ready to greet your visitors with some delicious treats. Imagine piling on some cookies for afternoon snacks. Or even fresh fruit would be welcomes on this ceramic plate.
If you want an entire Beauty and the Beast table theme, there is a fun 20-piece stainless steel flatware set adorned with the characters from the film. $75.00.
A silicone bread pan shapes your homemade bread into a beautiful dome with Mrs. Potts, Cogsworth, a rose, and others. Once you bake your bread, it would fit nicely on the Lumiere Serving Plate. $16.95. And why not wear the Belle Dress Apron or the Belle Gown Apron while you’re baking your bread?
$29.95 each.
A light up Lumiere would definitely add some sparkle to your table. He stands 11” high. With three AAA batteries, he can be turned on and off via a switch. $55.00
The Lumiere Serving Plate can also hold other special items. Perhaps you want to keep him on the table by the door to hold keys or mail. Or, you might just want to keep him on display somewhere. Whatever you do, Lumiere will be happy to have a new home in your enchanted castle. $39.95
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about books, products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
