Bring home ‘Beethoven’ on Blu-ray

Posted on April 7, 2026 by Francine Brokaw

The lovable, slobbering pooch Beethoven is absolutely adorable. The new Blu-ray edition of the 1992 movie Beethoven is stunning on a brand new HD master.

St. Bernards are fun-loving dogs and bring a lot of joy to their families. That is exactly what happens in the movie for the Newton family, with the exception of George (Charles Groden), the father. He is opposed to keeping the puppy that wondered into their home after escaping from dognappers.

Alice (Bonnie Hunt) and their kids Ryce (Nicholle Tom), Ted (Christopher Castile), and Emily (Sarah Rose Karr) are instantly won over by the adorable pup and end up talking George into letting them keep him. They name him Beethoven.

As he grows, Beethoven causes a lot of havoc in the house, staining the carpets, scratching the walls, chewing George’s shoes, and eating everything. But he is definitely and firmly ensconced into the family. He has an uncanny sense of knowing when one of the kids needs help, and that is not only endearing, but also life-saving for Emily.

While the Newtons deal with their own situations, there is a sinister gang dognapping pets throughout the town. Led by veterinarian Dr. Varnick (Dean Jones), they use the dogs for experimentation. This evil man has no conscience when it comes to mistreating the animals, even though he is a vet. His two henchmen (Stanley Tucci and Oliver Platt) do the dognapping while Varnick does the experimentation, which includes his new job of trying new ammunition on the animals.

That is the situation in this little town.

While Beethoven saves Emily, helps Ted fend off bullies, plays match-maker for Ryce with her school crush, and even saves George from losing his company, his antics and expressions win the hearts of viewers of all ages. St. Bernards are cute and expressive, and Beethoven is the ultimate example of this. Viewers will undoubtedly want to add one to their own family, however people need to understand the requirements of adopting a St. Bernard.

This is a cute show but there are scenes of potential peril, so keep that in mind when showing this to sensitive kids. Beethoven is rated PG for this reason. The ending is a happy one, with George turning into Beethoven’s biggest fan.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Check out the trailer for the upcoming Special ‘The Old Stories: Moses’

Posted on April 3, 2026 by Francine Brokaw

From Wonder Project comes a three part special to stream on Prime Video this spring. The Old Stories: Moses.

“Moses is one of the most iconic figures in history, and his story still resonates with us today,” said filmmaker Jon Erwin. “We set out to tell The Old Stories: Moses with a cinematic awe and scale that feels both epic and personal. I am especially proud of the cast performances, and I can’t wait for people to see it on Wonder Project.”

From the world of House of David, The Old Stories: Moses is a three-part companion special that opens a window into the narratives that shaped Israel long before David took the throne. As the past unfolds with epic force, a young shepherd sees his own future reflected in the courage, failure, and obedience of those who came before him.

Check out the trailer below:

Photo: Ben Kingsley as “Moses” in THE OLD STORIES: MOSES, produced by Wonder Project and Amazon MGM Studios. Photo credit: Stefania Rosini.

Francine Brokaw

‘Little Amélie – or the Character of Rain’ now on Blu-ray

Posted on April 1, 2026April 2, 2026 by Francine Brokaw

Little Amélie or the Character of Rain is a sweet and sensitive story of life through the eyes of one little girl. The animation is pretty and colorful, adding to the enjoyment of this film.

The story begins when Amélie is born. Her parents are Belgian and since her father is a diplomat, they are stationed in Japan. Amélie is their third child.

When she comes home, her brother and sister welcome her, but through her first two years she just doesn’t do anything. After all, what is there to do when you’re one? When she turns two, things change. She grows up and evolves, as do all children.

Amélie struggles. She cries a lot and is a nuisance to the family who are at their wits end. However, this little girl really comes to life and into her own when her grandmother gives her some Belgian chocolate. Chocolate makes everything better.

The family employs a nanny, Nishio-san, who helps with the housekeeping as well as takes care of the children, mostly Amélie. These two become almost inseparable. As little Amélie and Nishio-san forge a strong bond, their love for each other grows.

Over the next year, Amélie’s view of the world changes as she learns more about life, people, and places. On her third birthday she gets a rude awakening. This is a sad birthday for her, and sad for viewers.

But there is a change that comes and, SPOILER ALERT, things work out for the family and especially for little Amélie.

The movie is a thoughtful representation of life through the eyes and perspective of a little girl. It is beautifully designed and will, in my opinion, be a treasured film families will enjoy over and over again.

The bonus features on this new Blu-ray release give viewers background to the story. The directors talk about how they created all the angles from the low height of Amélie, to give a true representation of what she sees and experiences. There is a little featurette about the characters, and a look at the animation from storyboard to the final cut.

The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film as well as 46 other awards.

PARENTS NEED TO KNOW:

Little Amélie is rated PG for thematic content, peril and brief scary images. While there are some sad situations (the death of her grandmother and two times when she almost dies), the film is a sweet, touching story filled with love, and one little girl who will steal everyone’s heart.

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Watch ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ at home

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Francine Brokaw

The third feature film in the Avatar franchise, Avatar: Fire and Ash, is now available on Digital at Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Movies Anywhere, and Fandango at Home. There are three hours of bonus features that add background to the characters, the production, and the visuals.

The world of Pandora has captivated fans since the first film debuted in 2009, which introduced the Na’vi civilization and culture to the public. It so entranced audiences, Disney created an entire world of Pandora in Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

This newest film delves into many new cultures and characters. There are new clans introduced as well as spectacular visuals for the new characters, lands, and transportation, ie the gondolas used by the newest clan.

The warlike Ash People bring more drama, after having been almost wiped out due to a volcanic eruption. They are, to put it mildly, not happy with others and other worlds.

For those who saw the film when it was in theaters or those who have waited to view it at home, watching it in the comfort of home is a gift, as the film runs approximately three and a half hours. Being able to pause the movie is a plus. And being able to rewatch various scenes makes the digital (and later the discs) beneficial for viewers.

The bonus features delve into many aspects of the film, including how the production combined virtuality with live actors. The designs of the costumes and scenery is another great addition for fans who are curious about how and why various aspects were created. The scenery is spectacular.

While Avatar: Fire and Ash is currently available on Digital, it will be released on DVD (without all the bonus features), Blu-ray + Digital, 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital, and a 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Steelbook. There will also be an Avatar 3-Movie Collection with the three feature films (Avatar (2009), Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), and Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025) on 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Blu-ray Bonus features + Digital, Blu-ray + Digital, and DVD. To say Avatar fans will have a variety of options for their home entertainment libraries is an understatement. Watching all three movies consecutively is my recommendation.

Bonus Features vary by product and retailer

Family Audio Track: All objectionable language removed.

Igniting the Flame: The Making of Avatar: Fire and Ash — A series of featurettes that explores the filmmakers’ journey making Avatar: Fire and Ash with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and insights about the process from the creative talents who shaped the film.
- Writing the Sequels: In 2013, James Cameron gathered a team of top screenwriters to craft a vision for the Avatar sequels. Together they created an ambitious saga that weaves new stories, clans, biomes, creatures and, most importantly, a family for Jake and Neytiri.
- Pandoran Design: Production Designer Dylan Cole and his team tackle their biggest design challenge: creating a vivid world and culture for the new clans, the Wind Traders and the Ash People, and the creatures that share their world.
- RDA Design: Production Designer Ben Procter and his team of concept artists and art directors showcase the sets of Bridgehead and the RDA. From concept art to over 70 sets, Procter’s designs set the stage for many of the film’s action scenes.
- The Women of Pandora: Dive deeper into James Cameron’s fiercest Na’vi warriors with the powerhouse actors that define these epic roles.
- Varang and the Mangkwan: Like every aspect of the Avatar films, Varang and the Mangkwan are a melding of talents, from character and scenic design to costumes and body art, but most distinctive is the performance by Oona Chaplin. Discover how she approached her role.
- Capturing Performance: Cameron and his cast take the “freedom to imagine” on Avatar‘s capture stage. The characters come to life instinctively as actors rely on their connection to each other, rather than the physical trappings of lighting, costumes, and sets.
- Stunts: Second unit director Garrett Warren takes us inside the action of Fire and Ash. If you see it in the film, his stunt team did it for real: climbing, falling, fighting, shooting, swimming, and even dogfighting on ikrans.
- Editing and Virtual Camera: On the Avatar films, Editorial is the quiet hero of production. Discover the editors’ complex process of transforming filmed “scenes” from the capture stage into performance edits, camera loads, shots, templates and finally, a finished film.
- WĒTĀ FX: Wētā FX tackles the monumental task of rendering every shot in photoreal detail. Fire and Ash is bigger and more complex than any film before it, with giant set pieces, virtual characters, dynamic creatures and vivid effects.
- ILM: ILM undertakes a pair of key scenes: Jake’s imprisonment in a thanator cage, and his thrilling escape on the gritty tarmac of Bridgehead.
- Score: Composer Simon Franglen takes us behind the scenes of his thrilling score for FIRE AND ASH, capturing the majestic beauty of the Wind Traders and the unsettling world of the Mangkwan. Also hear from Miley Cyrus on her hit single, “Dream As One.”
- The Art and Impact of 3D: James Cameron takes us inside 3D, a critical component of the Avatar films. Audiences feel the immense scope of Pandora, not just through the breadth of the movie screen, but in the endless depth enabled by stereoscopic filming.
- Home in New Zealand: Though Fire and Ash’s live action filming was centralized in one cozy corner of Wellington, vendors from all parts of New Zealand banded together to build the sets, costumes, props, and even working maritime vessels.

Jon Landau Tribute: If James Cameron is the guiding vision for the Avatar sequels, producer Jon Landau was their nurturing heart. In this warm tribute, the filmmakers celebrate a beloved friend and colleague with remembrances from cast and crew.

RDA Orientation: Do you have what it takes to survive the wild frontier of Pandora? In these tutorial videos, the RDA provides essential training in Na’vi language and an intelligence briefing on the clans of Pandora and the biomes they inhabit.
- Na’vi 101: The RDA’s Official Language Orientation: Before you set foot on Pandora, the RDA requires personnel to complete Na’vi language training. This video covers the basics of Na’vi – greetings, key phrases, proper pronunciation, and cultural mores. Trust us: say it right or pay the price.
- Pandora Intelligence Brief: Prepare for deployment with this essential RDA orientation video designed to give new recruits a tactical edge when navigating the uncharted territories of Pandora. This isn’t just a new world. It’s a new frontier.

Marketing Materials & Music Video – Marketing materials used to build audience awareness of the film.

Avatar: Fire and Ash is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, bloody images, some strong language, thematic elements and suggestive material.

About the Author

Images courtesy Walt Disney Studios

‘A Royal Setting’ shines on Hallmark and Hallmark+

Posted on March 30, 2026 by Francine Brokaw

Jen Lillley and Dan Jeannotte star in the new Hallmark Channel movie A Royal Setting. This is another fun story of two people from different backgrounds who, despite their different lifestyles and histories, find they are meant to be together.

Ruby (Lilley) is a world-renowned gemologist living in New York City. She is hired to restore the Crown Jewels in a small European kingdom. Upon her arrival Ruby has a fun “meet cute” with Prince Luca (Jeannotte), who is about to be crowned king. Luca is set on modernizing the palace, to the consternation of his mother, the queen. She wants everything to remain the same. Tradition is her guiding light.

Ruby is a sparking, high spirited woman. She is wise, intuitive, and more than capable in her job. Named one of the top gemologists in the world, Ruby knows gems, and when she sees all the beautiful stones in the palace vault, she is overwhelmed. They are magnificent.

As the queen pushes her son toward a noble young woman, Jory (Ferelith Young), Luca resents her interference. But will he relent to her desires? After all, she is the queen as well as his mother. But Jory’s heart belongs to another man. And soon Luca discovers exactly who that man is.

It’s up to Luca to stand up to his mother and make her see she is stuck in the past. She needs to accept change, and when he becomes king, he most certainly has plenty of changes in mind.

As Ruby goes about restoring the Crown Jewels, she and Luca begin to expand their relationship. She is a breath of fresh air in the palace, and just what Luca has in mind as far as changing things up.

While viewers know who will be getting together – it is a Hallmark movie, after all – it is entertaining to see the characters interact. And the most entertaining character is Ruby, who forges a relationship with the guard. This man stands tall, with no expressions or conversation. His job is strictly to guard the gems. But Ruby, being the effervescent woman she is, manages to touch his heart in some cute ways.

A Royal Setting is fun fare. It premieres March 28, 2026 on Hallmark Channel and begins streaming March 29, 2026 on Hallmark+.

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Great American Media adds a faith-driven genre

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Francine Brokaw

Great American Media has always been filled with inspirational stories. The company was created to bring wholesome, family friendly shows to the small screen. Their latest addition to their offerings is a new faith genre they call The Golden Thread.

Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Great American Media, said, “At Great American Media, we believe faith is not something that appears only in moments of crisis. The Golden Thread reflects the reality that faith is part of the entire journey of life. It’s present in the joyful moments, the difficult seasons, and the everyday experiences in between. These stories will entertain while demonstrating that faith is the very fabric of our lives, and is woven throughout life’s journey, guiding decisions, relationships, and purpose along the way.”

Unlike other shows where the character finds or rediscovers his or her faith, the stories in The Golden Thread have faith woven through the entire story. It lifts up the characters throughout their journeys.

The company describes this as a new kind of storytelling.

Why is this a good time to bring these faith-based and inspired films to the world? With all the turmoil around the globe and the stress building inside us, this is the perfect time to do this. Reminding viewers how faith is ever present and important in these times of upheaval is just what is needed, and that faith is woven through our lives in many ways.

Abbott, the former CEO of Crown Media, wanted to bring more stories to the public that were grounded in old-fashioned morals and virtues. That was the impetus for co-founding Great American Media in 2021.

As Abbott told the Bold and Blunt podcast, “There’s a tremendous passion from the audience and they just want to be entertained and they don’t want the social engineering and the indoctrination that has become such a part of the culture of entertainment.” He is insistent that Great American Media will always offer content families can enjoy together.

Blessings in Disguise is the first film under this new banner. It premieres on Great American Pure Flix beginning March 26, 2026, and Great American Family and GFAM+ beginning March 28, 2026. For our feature on this movie, click here.

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Bring home ‘Somewhere in Time’

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Francine Brokaw

In 1980, the movie Somewhere in Time stole the hearts of viewers. Christopher Reeve stepped out of his Superman suit to take on the romantic role of Richard Collier. The film showed a different side of the actor, and fans were enthralled with his character and the story. It is now available in a 4K UD/Blu-ray combo pack from Kino Lorber.

Collier, a playwright, was stuck. He decided to get away to refresh his mind, and ended up at the Grand Hotel where his life changed. He saw the photo of Elise McKenna (Jane Seymour), an actress who had starred in a play at the resort. Collier was immediately entranced by the photo and fell in love with McKenna, even though she lived a lifetime ago.

Thus began his research about the actress, which led him to understand something that occurred eight years earlier when an old woman approached him, gave him a pocket watch, and said, “Come back to me.” That old woman was Elise McKenna, and Collier was intent on finding her. Then he discovered she was dead.

Death did not stop him from pursuing this woman with whom he knew was his destiny. Having learned about the possibility of time travel from someone who discovered hypnotizing the mind could send someone back in time, Collier set out to do just that. And voila, he was transported back to the early 1900s.

The romance between the two began, and their connection was powerful, even though McKenna’s manager Robinson (Christopher Plummer) did everything to keep the two apart. Destiny had other ideas.

Time travel is a tricky topic to tackle. The pocket watch was given to Collier in his time, but then once he traveled back, McKenna took it. Then she gave it back to him in his time. So just how did he get the watch in the first place? But even though there are things that baffle the mind, viewers are tasked with going along with the story, which isn’t hard to do.

The soundtrack is wonderful. And the new combo pack includes an interesting bonus documentary that looks at the making of the film, and has some fun interviews with the cast and crew.

The movie was filmed on location on Mackinac Island, which is where the Grand Hotel is. The story was originally designed to be set in the Del Coronado Hotel in California, however there were too many modern elements that would take away from the feeling of being back in the early 1900s.

Fun anecdotes from the cast add to the documentary. For instance, Reeve had his personal plane nearby, and he and Seymour would take it on outings. Another fun story is told by Seymour who describes one of her scenes on stage as the actress.

And, while the cast and crew stayed together, they became a family, each looking out for the other. It was a good experience for them all.

Beside the documentary, there are new audio commentaries, and a featurette about the movie’s fan club.

With the entertaining and informative bonus feature, this new Blu-ray release is a must-have for fans of the film. It was nominated for an Academy Award for best costume design, and won the Saturn Awards for Best Fantasy Film, Best Music, and Best Costumes.

The movie is a romantic fantasy time travel story that touches the hearts of both men and women, and has stood the test of time (no pun intended) through the 46 years since it premiered.

Somewhere in Time is rated PG.

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Watch ‘Send Help’ at home

Posted on March 25, 2026March 25, 2026 by Francine Brokaw

Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien star in the dark comedy Send Help, the story of two people who dislike each other both personally and professionally but must find a way to survive when they are the only two survivors of a plane crash.

Linda Liddell (McAdams) is addicted to the TV show Survivors and has always wanted to be a contestant. She has the skills, but her personality just isn’t what would get her on the show. Linda is a hard worker at a big company and is due to be promoted to Vice President.

Bradley Preston (O’Brien) is the new president of the company, and although he is told his late father promised the promotion to Linda, he gives the job to his old friend Donovan (Xavier Samuel), a man who has little experience at the company and who has undermined Linda at every turn.

Bradley is a smug, spoiled, self-centered, womanizing brat who treats Linda with disdain. After all, she is not the most beautiful woman in the office, and her style leaves a lot to be desired. He holds all of that against her, even though she has saved the company many times through the years. This evokes shades of the 1980 movie Nine to Five.

When Bradley, Donovan, Linda, and a couple other company men take a private jet to Thailand on business, the plane crashes in the ocean. Linda and Bradley are the only two survivors, and with her expertise, she knows she must use her talents to save their lives. But Bradley is not happy about relying on this woman.

As the days go by, the dynamic between the two shifts, several times. Linda is a hard worker not only in the office but also in the wild. She makes shelters, forages for food, and is the ultimate survivor, while Bradley initially sits by and watches. To be fair, in the beginning he is injured, however when he is mobile, his skills are put to the test and he is no match for the competent and confident Linda Liddle.

The relationship between the two is complicated, with Bradley still playing the role of boss, until this changes. He is, to be blunt, a jerk. But somehow Linda feels a tug in her heart when it comes to him.

Bradley changes as the days go by, as does Linda. They each take on different personality traits audiences originally attributed to them.

There are some gruesome scenes in this dark somewhat horror comedy. McAdams puts a lot of energy and fun into her character, which has viewers rooting for her. And the insufferable Bradley looks like he could become a good guy, under her guidance. However things are not always what they seem.

There are plenty of bonuses with this film. A blooper reel is included, however it is mainly showing how much fun the actors had while filming. There is 1 hour 18 minutes worth of deleted and extended scenes as well as storyboards, some of which add insight into the characters and the film. And there is one deleted scene that if it had been included in the final cut, wold have changed the ending. Plus, in the film there is a reference to Linda’s audition tape for the show Survivor. This audition tape is included in the bonus features.

Also included are five featurettes giving viewers some background into the production, how they filmed various scenes, and how they filmed on location. The production had an actual survivalist training the characters exactly what they would do in this situation and under these circumstances, and actually using what was available to them on that deserted island. McAdams was instructed in the proper techniques of survival, which added authenticity to her character and gave the movie credibility.

The movie is now available on digital, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home, and Movies Anywhere. It will be available on DVD, and Blu-ray/4K beginning April 21, 2026.

Send Help is rated R for strong/bloody violence and language. It’s not for kids.

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Images supplied courtesy 20th Century Studios

‘Blessings in Disguise’ is filled with inspiration and love

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Francine Brokaw

The inaugural film in the new faith-based films from Great American Media is a sweet story about faith, love, and following your heart. Blessings in Disguise stars Shae Robins as Katie, a woman from a small town who has been trying to make it as a fashion designer in the big city. Unfortunately, along the way, she lost what really matters.

After her first fashion show proved to be uninspired, Katie returns to her home town to figure out her next move. Her mother is happy to have her home, but this woman is still dealing with the loss of her own mother and husband. Neither of these woman have a focus for their lives.

Luke (Casey Elliott), Katie’s ex-boyfriend, is still in town, and the two reunite – as friends. And when Katie decides to re-open her grandmother’s little dress shop, it is Luke she asks for help.

Katie is determined to redeem her reputation in the fashion world, and immediately sets out to design a new line of clothing. What will make her clothes stand out from all the others in the world? It is in her grandmother’s shop where she finds inspiration and her true calling in life.

Sewing in quotes and lines from the Bible to inspire and lift up the wearers of the clothes is what her grandmother always did. Her faith led her in her business. And now Katie learns just how much that faith and the inspirational lines in the Bible mean to not only her, but to the community and the world. These little blessings are unique. Sewn into the garments they add a touch of love, extra care, motivation, and encouragement to whomever wears them. These are the blessings in disguise.

While Katie is struggling to meet her deadline for a new fashion line, Luke is right by her side. And his steadfast belief that things will turn out all right if she just follows her beliefs, is the additional thread that binds her new path in her career to her life with meaning and love.

Blessings in Disguise begins streaming on Great American Pure Flix beginning March 26, 2026, and premieres on Great American Family and GFAM+ beginning March 28, 2026.

This new faith-based genre titled The Golden Thread from Great American Media, is meant to inspire, entertain, and bring hope and love to viewers. More movies will be rolling out under this new banner.

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Image courtesy Great American Media

‘Leo: A Ghost Story’ by Mac Barnett

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Francine Brokaw

Leo: A Ghost Story is a fun and whimsical book for ages preschool to kindergarten. It’s the story of a little ghost who only wants to be wanted.

Leo does not realize ghosts can scare people. When new residents move into the house he has been occupying, they think it is haunted. To save them any more distress, little Leo leaves his house and roams around the city.

Things were different than he remembered. And it was bigger and noisier.

No one can see this little guy. After all, he is a ghost. People walk right through him. Nevertheless, Leo longs for someone to talk with and play with.

Then he encounters a little girl named Jane. Jane is able to see and converse with Leo, to his delight. But Jane thinks he is only one of her imaginary friends.

Leo moves into Jane’s house and one night catches a thief trying to rob it. When Jane asks him how can an imaginary friend catch a thief, he admits that he is not imaginary. He is a ghost.

Jane is undaunted by this fact and Leo and Jane become fast friends.

The story is adorable for little kids to read to themselves or for parents to read to their children. It makes a great bedtime story.

Filled with fun as well as a cute little ghost, the book provides plenty of entertainment. Mac Barnett’s prose is easy to understand, even for the smallest kids. And every page is filled with illustrations by Christian Robinson who captures the whimsy of the story in his pictures on every page all in shades of blues with a hint of green. Blue represents quiet and calm, making this the perfect book to take to bed.

Leo: A Ghost Story might become a favorite go-to book for kids. Whether they are looking at the drawings or reading or listening to the story, Leo will be a fun story with a delightful little ghost and his new best friend Jane. The hard cover is available now and the paperback can be pre-ordered and will be released on July 7, 2026.

Publisher : Chronicle Books
ISBN-10 : 1797239236
ISBN-13 : 978-1797239231

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