‘Silk Stockings’ on Blu-ray

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

The 1957 movie Silk Stockings is a musical version of the 1937 comedy Ninotchka with Greta Garbo. Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, and Janis Paige star in this film filled with plenty of Cole Porter music, singing, and especially great dancing.

A Russian composer visiting Paris undertakes the job of writing music for a new American musical film in France. When the Russian authorities hear about this, they send three agents to bring him back. Peter Lorre, George Tobias, and Jules Munshin play the bumbling Russians who fall in love with the decadence of Paris. Then a more serious agent is tasked with bringing them all back to Russia. Ninotchka, aka Nina (Charisse), is a no-nonsense by-the-book totally committed to the Soviet system woman. But after her introduction to the capitalist life in Paris by movie producer Steve Canfield (Astaire), her life changes dramatically.

Of course, Canfield and Nina fall in love but when she returns to Russia after a misunderstanding, he is not granted a visa to go to Russia to explain. With the two of them separated by not only national boundaries but ideological boundaries as well, it looks like they will never get together. But as we know with the tradition of classic musicals, love conquers all.

What makes this film as entertaining as it is are the fabulous dance numbers. Both Astaire and Charisse are consummate dancers in their own right and when paired together they make everything look easy and beautiful. This film reunited Astaire and Charisse who had appeared in the 1953 musical The Band Wagon. Silk Stockings was the last great musical from MGM and was nominated for two Golden Globes.

Bonus features on this Blu-ray include a documentary, “Cole Porter in Hollywood: Satin and Silk,” hosted by Cyd Charisse. Charisse talks about her career and the input Porter had during the filming of this musical. She also discusses her own experience with the movie. To play this Russian agent she had to add a Russian accent to her acting repertoire. There is also a music menu so viewers can watch their favorite number over and over again. Another fun bonus is a short film titled “Paree, Paree” with a very young Bob Hope. Singing, dancing, and comedy make this a fun short (21 minutes), not to mention the fun of seeing Bob Hope in this 1934 film.

Silk Stockings is part of the Warner Archive Collection. Fans of the great Hollywood musicals, and the MGM musicals in particular, have loved this movie since it first hit the big screen. Now it has been re-mastered for Blu-ray for a bright, colorful, and brilliant presentation of this classic film.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 20 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.

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‘The Iron Giant: Signature Edition’ Blu-ray

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

The Iron Giant is about a lonely little boy, Hogarth Hughes (voiced by Eli Marienthal), who finds a metal giant (Vin Diesel) that becomes his best friend for life. When it was released in theaters it tanked at the box office, yet audiences and critics raved about the movie. The new Signature Edition includes two new scenes as well as a new documentary with Director Brad Bird who takes viewers through the process of how this little film came to be.

“We’re tremendously gratified by the ever-growing status of The Iron Giant, which was a labor of love for those of us who made it,” said director Brad Bird. “It seems like a perfect time to give the film’s large and expanding fan-base the deluxe Blu-ray they’ve long been asking for.”

The year is 1957. The cold war is running hot. Sputnik is orbiting the earth. Paranoia about the Russians is everywhere. So when authorities hear something has landed in Maine, agent Kent Mansley (Christopher McDonald) comes to get to the bottom of the mystery.

Hogarth knows his new friend will be a target if found, so he hides the giant with the help of a “beatnik” artist named Dean (Harry Connick Jr.) Meanwhile, Hogarth’s mother (Jennifer Aniston) is worries about her son’s extravagant imagination. A giant robot? Who would believe that?

“You are who you want to be” is the main theme in the story. The giant turns into a killing machine when provoked but Hogarth knows there is a sensitive soul inside the metal man and tells him he doesn’t have to be bad. He can be good – like Superman. And the theme of selfless friendship is also a major part of the film as well as the idea that souls never die.

“The Giant’s Dream” is a new documentary looking at the making of the film from inception to today. Viewers learn how the lack of publicity on the part of the studio was responsible for the film tanking at the box office. The life and career of Director Brad Bird, with his failures and successes, is another interesting aspect of the documentary.
At age 14 Bird created his first animated film. He then became a young intern at Disney and the studio gave him a scholarship to Cal Arts where he perfected his talent. He said he was “fascinated by animation” from his childhood and his entire life has been directed toward that genre.

This edition includes the Signature Edition of the film as well as the original theatrical release. There are also some featurettes about different aspects of the film.

The Iron Giant is rated PG for fantasy action violence, language, some thematic material, and smoking. There are a few sensitive scenes that might be a bit disturbing to some viewers. However on the whole, this is a sweet, touching, and unforgettable movie that will touch your heart – and soul.

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‘The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today!’ on DVD

Posted on September 3, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today! is the sixth installment in the popular animated “Swan Princess” franchise. This story focuses on fun-loving Princess Alise, Odette and Derek’s daughter.

When Derek and Odette leave for the summer, Alise expects to enjoy her time swimming, playing, and having a lot of fun. But her grandmother, Queen Uberta, has other plans. She starts training Alise how to be a princess. Alise wants to be a “modern princess” but the queen things the only way to be a princess is to wear “a tight corset and a pair of ill-fitting shoes.”

This little girl is bored to tears. All she wants is to play with her friends. So her friends Lord Rogers, Jean-Bob (the talking frog), and Speed (the turtle), take pity on the young girl and concoct a plan to take Alise away from the palace and have some fun.
They sail away on a boat and Alise pretends they are pirates. But soon their adventure turns perilous and they are stranded on a strange island and have to find a way to escape – with their lives.

The inhabitants of this mysterious place are strange creatures who have eaten all the “meat” on the island and now must survive on the fruit that grows on the trees. But they hunger for something living, and soon find Lord Rogers and have delicious plans for him.

In the meantime, Alise meets a young boy, Lucas, who has been living alone on the island. He helps her and her friends escape from the meat-eating creatures, only to find he has to escape himself. He doesn’t want to leave this island. He likes it there and doesn’t have anyone to go home to. He had run away because he thought his parents didn’t want him. Now he doesn’t rely on anyone. He doesn’t want to feel that heartache again.
Once back in civilization, with the help of Odette and Alise, Lucas discovers his parents do want him. Both families are reunited and no one has to deal with the meat-eating creatures again. Family love is at the core of this daring tale.

This story is filled with fun songs and plenty of adventure. Besides a sing-along, a bonus feature introduces viewers to the two young actors that voice the leading characters: Jayden Isabel (Alise) and Grant Durazzo (Lucas).

The Swan Princess (1994), The Swan Princess: Escape from Castle Mountain (1997), The Swan Princess: The Mystery of the Enchanted Treasure (1998), The Swan Princess: Christmas (2012), The Swan Princess: A Royal Family Tale (2014), and The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today! (2016) are all available on DVD. It’s time to catch up on all the fun of these royal princesses and their exciting escapades.

Young Alise brings a new generation of royalty to the franchise and a new generation of viewers. For 24 years the stories of Princess Odette have been cherished by fans and now Princess Alise (who was introduced in 2014) is continuing the fun and adventures.

The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today! is rated PG for some mild peril.

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‘Churchill’s Secret’ on PBS

Posted on September 3, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Winston Churchill was an iconic character of the 20th Century. He led his country through some difficult years and is still beloved by England. Churchill served as Prime Minister during the hard years of World War II. Churchill’s Secret is the story of his final years.

In 1953 Churchill suffered a stroke, which was hard to keep a secret. His wife Clementine (Lindsay Duncan) and his aides whisked him off to his family home called Chartwell. It was there where nurse Millie Appleyard (Romola Garai) was brought in and the where his convalescence began. But no one was certain whether he would survive and if he did what would the damage be to his body? Would he be able to speak and walk?

Michael Gambon portrays Churchill with grace and style. This was a man who was completely dedicated to his country and to peace. Churchill wanted to prevent nuclear weapons from expanding around the world and to prevent another world war.

This film also looks at the dysfunctional Churchill family, with some hilarity.

When asked about playing this consummate politician, Gambon told the media, “Winston Churchill is not much different than doing Shakespeare in a way. It’s a very complex dialogue. I don’t really give it much thought.”

Churchill was only 78 when he suffered this traumatic medical incident. But with his strong will and the help of his devoted nurse, he was able to bring himself back to a place where he could continue with his life and his life’s work, which was the motivation for his long hours of therapy. He knew he couldn’t go on forever, but he had work to do. He always had another thing that he wanted to accomplish.
“Growing old is not for cowards,” Churchill says in the film. After regaining his strength and returning to his position, Winston Churchill served another 18 months as Prime Minister. He lived ten years after that. The years from 1955-1965 were spent in retirement.

Churchill’s mantra was “Keep buggering on” and that is what viewers see in this film. The determination of this man to get back to what he felt was his important life’s work to maintain peace around the world spurred him on.

Churchill’s Secret is a heartfelt look at this man who played an important part in world history. It premiers Sunday, September 11, 2016 on MASTERPIECE on PBS.

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Photos courtesy of Robert Viglasky/Daybreak Pictures and MASTERPIECE

Norbert Plush – A Must-Have for Norbert Fans

Posted on September 2, 2016September 15, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

You must have heard of Norbert. He’s an adorable little dog that became a registered therapy dog because he brought so much love and joy to people. Along with his “mom” Julie Freyermuth, Norbert penned three great books. He is the definition of adorable.

Now you can have your own Norbert, and you don’t have to feed him or take him out for walks. This brand new life-sized Norbert plush looks identical to the real thing. He is super soft and makes the best sleeping buddy for kids (ages 3 and up).

Norbert’s fur is comb-able to fluff him up and he is machine washable for when he gets a little dirty. Dogs always get a little dirty and with the love and affection this one will get in your house, you know he’ll need a little sprucing up from time to time.

The Norbert Plush is hard to put down. He’s so darn cute and cuddly. This First Edition 2016 plush also does a lot of good. For every Norbert plush bought, a second one will be donated to Toys for Tots for a child in need! How cool and selfless is that? Norbert wants all his fans to have a plush of their own to hold and love.

With his trademark pink tongue sticking out of his little mouth, Norbert has been taken to the hearts of hundreds of people, old and young. The plush is not a toy for dogs or cats or other pets – just for kids and, you guessed it, adults. Norbert has fans of all ages.

Besides being a valuable therapy dog, Norbert is a Fairy Godmother, so to speak. He brought his “mom” and “dad” together. Julie brought the little ball of fluff out to appear on Hallmark Channel’s Home and Family, hosted by Mark Steines. Mark and Julie fell in love and recently got married, with Norbert in attendance. He is an amazing little dog that brings a smile to everyone who sees him, and this plush will too.

This holiday season Norbert, along with his books, is going to make a lot of kids happy. And that’s doubled when you consider the Toys for Tots donations from Norbert and his mom!

Just one look at his little face and you’ll fall in love. He’s one plush dog that will make you smile and fill your heart with love. Okay, so he’s not the real Norbert, but the real Norbert is one of a kind. I have held the real Norbert and I can honestly say, with the plush you’ll have the next best thing. With the exception of him being a real breathing dog, the plush is a duplicate of the little guy. And everyone who sees him will say, “Aww.”

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about 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.

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‘9 to 5’ Blu-ray GIVEAWAY

Posted on September 2, 2016September 16, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

9 to 5 (1980) is an of-the-moment social comedy with enduring ramifications, focusing on the trials and tribulations of three working women, fabulously played by Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton (making her extraordinary movie debut). Suffering under the world’s worst – and most sexist – boss (Dabney Coleman), the trio live out their madcap fantasies of revenge and ultimate triumph, proving themselves magnificently in the process.

Special features include:

Isolated Score Track
Audio Commentary with Actresses Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton, and Producer Bruce Gilbert
Audio Commentary with Screenwriter Patricia Resnick and Film Historians Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman
Nine @ 25: Revisiting a Comedy Classic
Remembering Colin Higgins
Singing Nine to Five Karaoke
Dolly Parton Interview
Lily Tomlin Interview
Deleted Scenes
Animation Reel
Gag Reel
Original Theatrical Trailer

We have several copies of this Twilight Time Special Edition to giveaway.

To be eligible to win a copy of 9 to 5, email us at [email protected] with “9 to 5 Giveaway” in the title. Please supply your name, address, phone number and email address (so we can let you know if you are a winner).

The deadline for this giveaway is September 15, 2016.

Sneak Peek at “Manchester by the Sea”

Posted on September 2, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

In Manchester by the Sea, the latest film from award-winning writer and director Kenneth Lonergan, the life of a solitary Boston janitor is transformed when he returns to his hometown to take care of his teenage nephew. The story of the Chandlers, a working-class family living in a Massachusetts fishing village for generations, Manchester by the Seais a deeply poignant, unexpectedly funny exploration of the power of familial love, community, sacrifice and hope.

After the death of his older brother Joe (Kyle Chandler), Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) is shocked to learn that Joe has made him sole guardian of his nephew Patrick (Lucas Hedges). Taking leave of his job, Lee reluctantly returns to Manchester-by-the-Sea to care for Patrick, a spirited 16-year-old, and is forced to deal with a past that separated him from his wife Randi (Michelle Williams) and the community where he was born and raised. Bonded by the man who held their family together, Lee and Patrick struggle to adjust to a world without him.

‘9/11: Inside the Pentagon’ Premiers on PBS

Posted on September 1, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Fifteen years ago terrorists who had hijacked airplanes and used them as lethal weapons attacked the United States. Two planes hit the World Trade Center in New York City, one plane was brought down by the passengers in a field in Pennsylvania, and a fourth plane smashed into the Pentagon. 9/11: Inside the Pentagon is the story of those people who were inside the Pentagon at the time and those who responded to help.

This is a film that shows the dedication and selflessness of Americans during that fateful day. Through first person accounts and some reenactments, the minute-by-minute story of the day in Washington unfolds with stark reality. 184 people lost their lives at the Pentagon that day, including those on the plane.

“To know the full story of what happened on 9/11, we need to know what happened at the Pentagon,” said Kirk Wolfinger, executive producer of 9/11 Inside the Pentagon. “It’s remarkable that 15 years later, few of us really know the extent of the damage that took place there, the risk posed to our national defense apparatus and the dramatic stories of heroism that kept the Pentagon running throughout this ordeal—a point that the Defense Department is rightly very proud of. People returned to work at the Pentagon the very next day.”

As it is stated in the film, the Pentagon was bruised but not broken. That is a testament to the resilience of the people and the country. That day Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said in a press conference that the people would return to work immediately. The Pentagon has never closed in the history of the building. It didn’t close on 9/11.

In this film, which is dedicated to the 184 people who died there, viewers get an unprecedented look inside the building and hear some of the most courageous stories from those who were there. Accounts from those who were inside trying to make it out, those who were outside trying to make it in to help, and those who were on the periphery doing their jobs, combine to make this a thorough account of American courage and resilience. The stories are incredible to hear.

The accounts of the fire engine that wouldn’t move, the blast-resistant windows that wouldn’t/couldn’t open, the anticipation of another attack on the building, and the first sight of an American fighter plane dipping its wings over the site are memorable. The bravery of those at the Pentagon are just as much a part of that fateful day as the people on United 93 and in NYC.

9/11: Inside the Pentagon premiers September 6, 2016 on PBS.

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Sneak Peek at Netflix’s ‘Mascots’

Posted on September 1, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Mascots is a new comedy from Christopher Guest, director of Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show. Starring many of his regular troupe of actors, this latest film takes place in the ultra-competitive world of sports mascots where they compete for the most prestigious award in their field, the Gold Fluffy.

The Netflix original film stars Jane Lynch, Parker Posey, Fred Willard, Ed Begley, Jr., Christopher Moynihan, Don Lake, Brad Williams, Zach Woods, Chris O’Dowd, Matt Griesser, Susan Yeagley, Sarah Baker, Tom Bennett, Kerry Godliman, Bob Balaban, Jennifer Coolidge, Michael Hitchcock, Maria Blasucci, John Michael Higgins, and Jim Piddock. The film was written by Christopher Guest and Jim Piddock and produced by Karen Murphy. Mascots will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday, September 10 and will launch globally on Netflix on October 13, 2016.

Sneak Peek at ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Live Action Movie

Posted on September 1, 2016September 1, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Take a look at a new sneak peek of Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” from the bonus features of the upcoming release of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION. Relive the magic and the music of Disney’s beloved animated classic with four versions of the film plus all-new bonus features! Watch the full sneak peek when “Beauty and the Beast Walt Disney Signature Collection Edition” becomes available on Digital HD September 6th and Blu-ray September 20th.

“Beauty and the Beast” opens in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.