In Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” an all-new spectacular adventure featuring the unforgettable characters from Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories, Alice returns to the whimsical world of Underland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter.Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” opens in U.S. theaters on May 27, 2016.
Author: Francine Brokaw
The Original Christmas Classics Anniversary Collector’s Edition GIVEAWAY
The Original Christmas Classics Anniversary Collector’s Edition includes Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, The Little Drummer Boy, Cricket on the Hearth, Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol, and Frosty Returns, all digitally remastered in a specially designed box.
Whether you are in the mood for the story of little Rudolph, the tale of Santa, or two tales of a kind-hearted snowman, this set has them all. Plus there are the stories with Mr. Magoo as Ebeneezer Scrooge in a remake of A Christmas Carol, The Little Drummer Boy in a story about the birth of Jesus, and a loveable Cricket named Crocket.
These are all Christmas stories that have entertained generations of holiday movie-lovers over the years. The season is the time to gather around the TV and watch fun holiday films together. New bonus content created for these special anniversary editions, including singing, dancing, craft projects and fun facts about the holidays, will enhance the fun for the entire family.
We have several box sets of Blu-rays to giveaway.
To be eligible to win a copy of The Original Christmas Classics Anniversary Collector’s Edition, email us at [email protected] with “Christmas Classics 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 November 20, 2015.
Dyson V6 Mattress – Product Review
When you see the Dyson V6 Mattress handheld vacuum you might wonder what makes this different from the other Dyson handheld vacuum. The difference is the additional motorized brush designed especially for mattresses. When was the last time you vacuumed your mattress? Have you ever thought about it? We often hear of bedbug outbreaks in hotels but we don’t hear about dust mites.
No matter how often you change your sheets, your mattress still collects dust mites and skin cells. That’s not going to stop unless you have a special covering over your mattress; more than simply a regular mattress pad. The average bed is filled with dust mites, their feces, and skin cells. Doesn’t it make your stomach turn when you think about that?
The Dyson V6 Mattress will alleviate your concerns and put your mind to rest, along with your body. The motorized mattress tool has stiff bristles that agitate the fibers in your mattress and sucks up the mites, feces, and skin cells. The HEPA filter captures particles so they are not released back into the air.
If you have allergy sufferers in your house, remember that dust mites can trigger attacks and even asthma. Inhaling the mites or their feces or contact with skin are the ways our bodies come in contact with these disgusting little guys. Have you ever seen a mite through a microscope? They are creepy bugs that are just as menacing as they are ugly.
Besides the specially designed motorized mattress brush, the Dyson V6 Mattress includes a soft brush for cleaning gentle surfaces like keyboards, a combination tool for cleaning shelves and other areas, and a crevice tool. And emptying the bin is as simple as a push of a button. You don’t have to touch anything that has been captured by the vacuum.
The Dyson V6 Mattress is compact and lightweight. It is quieter than the Dyson V6 Trigger, their other handheld vacuum. The main difference, however, is the motorized mattress tool.
After receiving this vacuum to test, my first thought was that I wish I could take it with me whenever I go to a hotel. I hope hotels and motels know about this vacuum!
Because we spend at least a third of our lives in bed, it makes sense that the mattress should be as clean as possible. According to Environment, Health and Safety Online, “A typical used mattress may have anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million mites inside. (Ten percent of the weight of a two year old pillow can be composed of dead mites and their droppings.”
There are many ways to help control mites in your environment. Read more at the ehso website.
In the meantime, remember that the Dyson V6 Mattress is one important tool in keeping your family a little healthier. Even with special mattress covers, it is a good idea to vacuum your mattresses. After all, every little bit helps.
If you are considering a handheld vacuum, the Dyson V6 Mattress adds a little extra to the package. It does everything the other handhelds do, plus a little more. And you will be happier when you get into bed.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about products and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as many Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
Disney Deluxe Mini Animators’ Collection Box Set
WOW. The new Disney Animators’ Collection Box Set is an amazing product. Anyone who loves the Disney princesses (and Tinker Bell and Kristoff) and the animators’ collection dolls will love this set of 15 mini dolls.
The presentation alone is enough to put any little girl into Disney doll heaven. The front of the box as well as the inside panels are covered with drawings of the young Disney characters and closes with a magnet to keep everyone safe and secure. There is a handle on top to make it easy to transport for a play date, to grandma’s house, or simply from one room to another.
Open the box and all you will hear from girls young and old is “OMG” or “Oh My Gosh!” Fifteen mini dolls each have their own little cubbyhole: Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine, Aurora, Pocahontas, Ariel, Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Rapunzel, Tiana, Snow White, Tinker Bell, Merida, and Mulan. These 5” dolls can either be taken out to play with or remain untouched in this beautiful display box. If you are a “collector,” then you will most likely keep them as is. However the majority of us and parents of little girls will gladly disentangle the dolls for play. They can still return the their cubbyholes without the confinements of their attachments. The clear plastic covering maintains the dolls in their compartments.
The size of these individual dolls is perfect for little hands. Young imaginations will run wild with this set. Perhaps Kristoff will play with Belle or Pocahontas will become best friends with Mulan. There’s no end to the creativity young minds will have with the set.
The Animators’ Collection dolls have been beloved by Disney fans for years. The 16” dolls reflect the animators’ vision of the iconic characters as children. After the initial success of this doll line, Disney Consumer Products began releasing the dolls in mini-sets. Each mini play set comes with the 5” doll and tiny toys to accompany the character. The good part about this is that a child could play with one character with all of their accessories. The down side (although not a big downside) is that there is only one main doll in the play set. This brand new deluxe set includes all 15 dolls sans their little additions. This set is the most amazing doll set available.
This season the Disney Deluxe Mini Animators’ Collection Box is pretty much guaranteed to be the hit of the holiday, whether it is Chanukah or Christmas, or even a birthday. It is truly an item that will take your breath away, whether you are young or old.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. 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.
Follow her on Twitter
Sleep Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona
If you’re planning on visiting Scottsdale, Arizona for business or pleasure, think about staying at the Sleep Inn. It’s part of the Choice Hotels, which includes Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Rodeway Inn, MainStay Suites, Suburban, and EconoLodge.
Sleep Inn isn’t filled with bells and whistles. There is no restaurant or bar in the hotel, however they are adjacent and plenty more are within a few miles.
Included in your stay is a free hot breakfast that includes several options, one of which is a Belgian waffle. If you’re watching your weight, you can get yogurt and fruit. In the afternoon fresh cookies are complimentary for all guests. A fitness room and outdoor pool and spa are also part of the facility.
One thing I look for whenever I travel is free parking. I find it appalling when a hotel charges to park your car. I also require free Wi-Fi. Both parking and Wi-Fi are free as well as a daily USA Today and Wall Street Journal.
Sleep Inn has a complimentary shuttle service that will take guests anywhere within a 5 mile radius. Just call the front desk and let them know you want to go to a specific location. If it’s in range, you don’t have to drive yourself or find a taxi.
Another personal preference of mine is a non-smoking hotel, not simply non-smoking rooms. This hotel fit the bill.
So, what was our room like? Granted, it wasn’t huge but it was comfortable. We had a choice between two queens or one king bed. All of the rooms are the same size so select which option best fits your needs. The shower was fabulous. I really enjoy a stall shower instead of a bathtub/shower combination. This shower was a pleasure to use.
The room also included a microwave and refrigerator. Let me tell you how handy it is to have a refrigerator in the room, especially if you want something cold to drink in the middle of the night or a place to put your leftovers from dinner. This might seem like a small thing, but for many travelers a refrigerator is a convenience that comes in handy.
Having stayed in several different hotels in Scottsdale, I can honestly say I will return to the Sleep Inn. It’s comfortable, convenient, and clean. Plus, the staff went out of their way to help all guests. This was without a doubt the friendliest hotel staff I have ever encountered. Since my stay there was not specific to travel writing, the staff wasn’t aware that I would be writing a review. Usually when a hotel knows a reviewer is staying there they go out of their way to make them comfortable in hope of getting a good review. This time the staff went out of their way without any ulterior motive.
All of the staff deserves a thumbs up, and especially Nick, the Director of Operations.
Sleep Inn is located at 16630 Scottsdale Road. Their direct phone number is 480-998-9211. The nationwide phone number is 866-477-6424.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. 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.
Follow her on Twitter
‘The Peanuts Movie’ is Fun for All
The Peanuts gang comes together for an adorable movie for the entire family. The Peanuts Movie is filled with all the fun and antics of the characters that fans have enjoyed for 65 years. Yep, it has been 65 years since Charlie Brown, Shermy, and Patty began this iconic comic strip by Charles Schultz. Through the years other characters joined the group, yet it was Charlie Brown who appeared in the first strip on October 2, 1950 and the final strip on October 4, 2000. For fifty years generations couldn’t wait to grab the newspaper to see what the loveable Peanuts kids were up to. I was one of them.
This movie has the entire gang (with the exception of Rerun and a few others who appeared throughout the years) in a series of familiar situations we all know and love. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder, Sally, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Patty, Pig-Pen, Violet, Shermy, Franklin, and the Little Red-Haired Girl are even more endearing in this movie, if you can believe it. Charlie Brown continues to try to kick that football and to get his kite in the air, Lucy continues to give out psychology advice for five cents, Schroeder’s piano playing is even better than ever, and Linus is still Sally’s “Sweet Babboo.”
The main premise of the film is Charlie Brown’s attempts to get the attention of The Little Red-Haired girl who moved in across the street. While he has been called “wishy-washy” throughout the years, this movie demonstrates his true worth. He is compassionate, honest, brave, and funny. For anyone who has identified with this little boy over the years, take heart. This fellow comes out on top.
“Charlie Brown gets referred to as a loser all the time,” laments Craig Schulz, the son of Charles M. Schulz and one of movie’s writers and producers. “But in reality, Charlie Brown is a winner because he never gives up. We all lose a lot more than we win, and who better than Charlie Brown to teach us that?”
We all have our favorite Peanuts character however this movie raises them all to that status. They are all endearing in their own way.
In case you have been living on another planet, here’s the rundown on some of the Peanuts characters:
• Charlie Brown is insecure and extremely kind-hearted
• Lucy is a know-it-all.
• Linus is Lucy’s younger brother, loves his blanket, and is philosophical.
• Sally is Charlie Brown’s younger sister and has the hots for Linus.
• Snoopy is Charlie Brown’s dog who thinks he is human
• Woodstock is not a place where a music festival was held. He is a little yellow bird and Snoopy’s best friend.
• Peppermint Patty is a Tomboy who falls asleep in class all the time.
• Marcie is Peppermint Patty’s best friend.
• Pig-Pen is always dirty and walks around in a dust cloud.
• Schroeder is a musical prodigy who plays Beethoven on his toy piano.
Snoopy’s high-flying adventures (on the roof of his doghouse) fighting the Red Baron to save Fifi, a French fighter pilot, mimics the frustration felt by Charlie Brown as he tries with all his might to get the Little Red-Haired girl to notice him. For Charles Schultz’ grandson Bryan Schultz, he said, “This sequence was a chance for me to finally answer a question I had been pondering for years: Why was Snoopy even chasing the Red Baron?” Perhaps this was the reason, or perhaps he was just heroic and patriotic. You decide.
In his quest to gain the attention and admiration of the Little Red-Haired girl, Charlie Brown shows what a great and smart guy he is. He actually gets through Leo Tolstoy’s entire book War and Peace although in the beginning he thought he was going to be reading “Leo’s Toystore” by Warren Peace. He also proves that honesty is the best policy. Although through the years the phrase “Good Ol’ Charlie Brown” has often been derogatory, in this movie it is a phrase that truly encompasses this iconic character. Good Ol’ Charlie Brown is a sweetheart and selfless.
The Peanuts Movie is fun from start to finish. It’s rated G for the entire family. And yes, it is something all generations will enjoy. It opens nationwide November 6, 2015.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. 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.
Follow her on Twitter
‘Terminator Genisys’ Combo Pack
When Terminator Genisys hit the theaters several months ago, fans were electrified by the continuation of the Terminator franchise. He’s baaaaaaack. Arnold Schwarzenegger returns and picks up where he left off – a little older but still able to kick butt.
Terminator has always been a war between humans and machines. If you have been aware of the franchise, you already know the names John and Sarah Connor, and of course, Skynet. They are back again, with different yet very nearly lookalike actors taking the roles.
Judgment Day is over and it is 2029. John Connor has just won a major war against the machines. But then discovers a terminator has been sent back to destroy his mother, John sends his friend Kyle (Jai Courtney) back to 1984 to protect Sarah. Now it is a different world this new protector encounters. The 1984 Reese encounters has already been altered. Bad things are happening. But Sarah and her guardian (Schwarzenegger), whom she calls “Pops” combine with Reese to put a stop to the world of terminators.
Bonus features include a look at the family dynamic on set and the international cast that was created for this film. As they say, it wouldn’t be a Terminator movie without Arnold. His Terminator character is a pop culture and film icon. And who can forget his three famous words, “I’ll be back?”
Schwarzenegger himself says the movie and the role was a “breakthrough for my career.” He jokes that he was fully clothed during most of the movie and he is remembered for his “acting” in the film rather than his “body.”
Sarah Connor is described as a strong icon for women and Emilia Clarke was honored to get to play this tough and smart character.
The film was shot on location in New Orleans and San Francisco and a bonus feature looks at how New Orleans looks more like the Los Angeles of the mid 1980s than does the current L.A. And movie magic also plays a part in this story. The effects do no disappoint fans and have improved greatly since the original film was produced in 1984.
Before you watch Terminator Genisys, you might want to relive the past films in this franchise: The Terminator (1984), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Terminator Salvation (2002- sans Arnold), and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003).
Terminator Genisys is available on a Blu-ray Combo Pack, a Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, and a single disc DVD. It is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and gunplay throughout, partial nudity and brief strong language.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. 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.
Follow her on Twitter
Flesh and Bone Premiers on Starz
The best show of this season premieres November 8, 2015
When Sarah Hay was approached for the series lead of Starz’s Flesh and Bone, she really didn’t think she was going to get it. She thought, “Okay. I’ll give it a try and see what happens.”
Creator Moira Walley-Beckett, three-time Emmy winner, wanted a virtuoso dancer who could act. When she was cast, however, Hay had mixed feelings since her career finally took off in Dresden, Germany. “It was exciting but also very nerve-racking because you can lose your status and your place in the dance world very easily. You are very easily replaced. It’s kind of like a chess game for the director, you know.”
That’s how Flesh and Bone was born. Walley-Beckett, after seven months of exhaustive international search, almost gave up her pet project because she simply couldn’t find her Claire. “I didn’t want to fake it. I didn’t want to have body doubles. I didn’t want to have actors who could dance a little.” Walley-Beckett was aiming for the most authentic depiction of the underbelly of a ballet company.
So eat your heart out, Natalie Portman! There’s a new girl in town. Unlike Portman’s Black Swan, Flesh and Bone is a character drama. It follows a brilliantly talented but emotionally damaged ballet dancer, Claire Robbins from Pittsburg, as she joins the dysfunction and harsh splendor of the ballet world.
Although Hay flew right back to Dresden Semperoper Ballet the day after they wrapped, she must be thinking of her future since dancers have limited shelf lives. After the press conference, I asked Hay if she might be following the footsteps of Amanda Schull (12 Monkeys, Suits), who kicked dance at the age of 26. She is well aware of the ballerina-turned-actress Schull and looks up to her as her role model.
Having witnessed her natural yet superb performance unfolding Claire’s toughness as well as vulnerability, I shamelessly begged her to give it a go in Hollywood. Yes, she’s that good. Her phenomenal debut performance in Flesh and Bone will touch you deeply and leave you wanting more.
Flesh and Bone premiers November 8, 2015.
About the Author
Meg Mimura is a TV critic who actually watches shows zealously in search of human drama worth watching. She is a member of Television Critics Association as well as Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas DVD GIVEAWAY
Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas tells the story of Buddy the elf, and his quest to reunite with the human father he never knew existed. While Buddy’s sincerity and idealism are commonplace at the North Pole, these attributes are rejected in cynical New York City. But through song, dance, and relentless good cheer, Buddy rekindles the spirit of Christmas for the entire city.
We have some copies to giveaway.
To be eligible to win a copy of Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas, email us at [email protected] with “Elf 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 November 16, 2015.
First Trailer for Open Season: Scared Silly
OPEN SEASON: SCARED SILLY is a heartwarming tale incorporating good values and laugh-out-loud fun for all ages. The Blu-ray™ and DVD releases will be packed with bonus materials including all-new featurettes, bloopers, a director’s commentary track, and an Inside Sony Pictures Animation profile of director David Feiss. The first featurette, “OPEN SEASON Super Speedy Re-Cap” will give viewers a look back at the previous three films, and some of the most exciting moments of the franchise. “Scaredy Pants: The Fears of OPEN SEASON” will tackle what our favorite characters are truly afraid of! Exclusive to the Blu-ray, “Stepping Into the Spotlight – Mr. Weenie’s Process” gives a glimpse into Mr. Weenie’s trials and tribulations of shooting his most trying scenes for the brand new movie.
Check out this trailer:
OPEN SEASON: SCARED SILLY debuts on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD March 8, 2016.
