‘The Little Mermaid’ Anniversary Edition in 4K

Posted on February 24, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

It’s hard to believe but it’s been 30 years since Ariel was introduced to audiences. Now, for the 30^thanniversary edition (part of the Walt Disney Signature Collection) of The Little Mermaid, viewers get the opportunity to finally view the adored movie on 4K Ultra HD. And believe me, it does make a difference.

I just finished watching the Blu-ray disc the studio sent for review. It was spectacular with plenty of wonderful bonus features. Then, lo and behold, they sent the 4K Combo Pack so I watched it again. (Yes, I do watch the Disney films over and over and over.) I know Blu-ray is a step above DVD and 4K Ultra HD is a giant leap above Blu-ray.

What I discovered by viewing this film on 4K is that the colors are spectacular. Everything jumps right out of the screen. The underwater scenes feel as though you are in the ocean. Not only are the colors more spectacular, it seems like the lines are sharper and the audio is definitely clearer. Although the Blu-ray version is wonderful, when you watch a movie, especially an animated one, on 4K Ultra HD, you’ll feel like technology is definitely on the side of viewers. There is a larger color spectrum, which is evident from the first scene.

The 4K disc contains only the delightful story of Ariel and Prince Eric. It has captured the hearts of audiences around the world. And the music is part of pop culture.

Also included in this Combo Pack is the Blu-ray disc (which can be viewed on any 4K player). This disc includes the film and a sing-along version, as well as bonus features.

The bonus features are definitely worth watching. Alan Menken sits down with Benson, Paige O’Hara (the voice of Belle), Irene Bedard (the voice of Pocahontas), Donna Murphy (the voice of Mother Gothel in “Tangled”), and Lillias White (the voice of Calliope the Muse in “Hercules”) to reminisce about their films and the music that has lasted through the years. Menken and Howard Ashman wrote the wonderful songs from this film.

Another bonus looks at a lecture and history of animation with Ashman who passed away in 1991. His contribution to the studio was enormous.

There is a look at the voice cast in the movie with film from taping sessions and rehearsals. There is also a look at how the animators watched humans to capture realism in animation. This was how animation began but in the years that brought no major animated films to the big screen, the technique had to be relearned by the animators at the studio.

There is also a fun look at Walt Disney’s office and his collections. He loved miniatures and had a large collection of miniatures from around the world. And a special bird in a cage was the impetus for Walt’s development of animatronics. There is history here, and viewers will gain perspective about Walt Disney by watching this featurette.

Some deleted scenes and a few other bonuses round out this new edition.

If you have a 4K TV and a 4K player, I highly recommend this combo pack. If you are not yet set up with 4K (you will be soon), then by all means, the Blu-ray combo pack is still a nice way of revisiting Ariel and all the mer-people, not to mention Sebastian and Flounder.

The Little Mermaid is rated G.

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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.

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‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ Movie Review

Posted on October 31, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

For a different twist to the annual treat of Clara and the tale of The Nutcracker, Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms takes viewers on a unique adventure to a magical kingdom. There is still the wonderful music we all know and love from Tchaikovsky, but not the ballet we have experienced throughout our lives. It has been replaced with an intriguing story of fantasy and love.

Mackenzie Foy stars as Clara, whose mother Marie (Anna Madeley) recently passed away. Clara and her sister, brother, and father are experiencing their first Christmas without Marie. Clara is a genius at mechanical items, like her mother was. This is the key to her experience in the new world she is about to discover. With a nudge from her godfather Drosselmeyer (Morgan Freeman), Clara uncovers an amazing kingdom where her mother once ruled and now it is up to her to save it from evil.

There are four realms in the kingdom (or Queendom) with Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren) and Sugar Plum (Keira Knightley) being the two dominant leaders. Clara must find a way to stop the destruction of the beautiful land once ruled by her mother. Can she live up to the high standards set by Marie?

While the story includes many of the elements and characters of the ballet, don’t think this is the ballet set to a fantasy story. There is some beautiful dancing by Misty Copeland, and definitely stay for the ending credits as there is more dancing as the film ends. But on the whole, this is a whimsical story which engaged and entertained all ages in my screening audience. The very young kids were delighted and the older viewers enjoyed it as well.

The story has shades of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe with a hint of The Wizard of Oz. That should give you a hint of the fantasy that will delight audiences this holiday season.

Explore the parallel world of the Land of Snowflakes, the Land of Flowers, the Land of Sweets, and the Fourth Realm (with mice) with Clara as she confronts evil. Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is rated PG for some mild peril.

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.

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Vivofit Jr. 2 from Garmin

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

Just when we thought Smart Phones were taking up too much of our kids’ time, Garmin changes the game. Now your Smart Phone can be helpful with their APP and the new Vivofit Jr. 2. This tracker is on a comfortable adjustable band that comes in a variety of colors and characters and will motivate kids to stay active, do their chores, and achieve goals, while letting parents know how much sleep their child is getting, their activities, and if they are doing their chores.

The Vivofit Jr. 2 is more than a fitness tracker. There is Disney magic inside every band. It’s customizable and parents can adjust the items as needed, via their Smart Phone.

The Disney Princess band is available in two colors: pink and purple. After they reach their activity goals, there are fun adventures to explore with the Disney princesses on a Smart Phone or tablet. They will help Rapunzel and Flynn escape from Mother Gothel, explore the Cave of Wonders with Jasmine, and other fun things. By achieving the goals, they open up more stories and adventures.

Besides activities, parents can set up their App for homework time, brushing teeth, and other responsibilities. And they will be able to design their own rewards for their kids. By achieving their goals, kids earn coins and parents can decide for themselves how many coins must be earned for a special dessert, a trip to the zoo, or any other reward.

The unit is also water friendly, so kids can wear it in the pool or the bathtub. Besides keeping track of time for responsibilities and sleep, the unit tracks steps and activities. It’s recommended that children get at least 60 minutes of activity every day. This unit will not only encourage kids to move but also let parents know if their kids are keeping active or sitting on the couch watching TV or playing video games.

With interactive games and challenges, kids will want to keep busy and keep moving to unlock more fun.

The Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2 comes in the two Disney Princess designs as well as Minnie Mouse, Star Wars and Marvel Avengers with stretchy and adjustable bands. Boys and girls can use it to connect with their friends who also have the App and challenge them to activities.

The unit connects to a Smart Phone via Bluetooth and comes with a one-year battery that can be replaced when needed. It’s recommended for ages 4 and up.

I tested this for a day. It was comfortable and easy to use.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books,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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The Walt Disney Ambassadors

Posted on July 1, 2018August 12, 2025 by Francine Brokaw

The folks at Disney want to bring magic and enjoyment to everyone, especially those outside of the parks. For many people, it’s not easy for them to get to a Disney theme park. Many kids are stuck in hospitals and could use some of the Disney magic to help them through their ordeals. That is where the Disney Ambassadors come into play.

I recently met with Brandon who is an Ambassador for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. He is just finishing up his two-year term, which is a little bittersweet for him because he loves his job so much. Brandon has been a cast member at Disney for many years and was thrilled when he was selected to be an official Ambassador. Being a Disney Ambassador means bringing the love, magic, and fun of Disney “outside of the castle walls.”

So, how does one get selected to be an official Disney Ambassador? First you must be a cast member for at least two years (although Brandon says that might change). Those who apply go through a series of interviews, write essays, and go through media assessments to see if they have what it takes to be an Ambassador. There are 1-2 Ambassadors per Disney resort.

The Ambassadors serve for two-year periods, and even though he is almost finished with his official capacity, Brandon insists he will continue to spread the Disney love and happiness to children and families wherever he goes. He wants that special feeling we all have when we visit a Disney park to infect others outside of the resorts.

Walt Disney began the program ten years after opening Disneyland. He realized he couldn’t be everywhere and needed special people to represent his vision. That is how the Disney Ambassadors came to be.

“I’m happy I have had a personal impact on so many people,” said Brandon. He has definitely been a model Ambassador and exactly what Walt Disney had in mind when he created the program. Along with Mickey, Minnie, and other characters, Brandon travels to hospitals to bring a touch of Disney magic to the patients. Perhaps Tinker Bell has also included some pixie dust.
Brandon was in the entertainment area of the cast, however any cast member in any area is welcome to apply. They simply need the desire to spread the love and have a positive impact on the public, and go outside of the parks to bring some Disney magic to children and families everywhere.

For Brandon and his fellow WDW Ambassador Ken, their time is just about over but new Ambassadors will be selected soon. Even though they will no longer be official Ambassadors, they will always hold a special place in the Disney family.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 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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Disney’s Babies – Brought by the Stork

Posted on March 20, 2018April 2, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

The stork delivers the latest group of Disney’s Babies plush animals. These adorable little guys are wrapped in a soft blanket pouch, which Mr. Stork carries in his beak.

These cuddly animals are about 10” high and posed for delivery in their colorful and soft sacks. Their blanket pouches have images that correspond to their stories.

Baby Dumbo is adorable. In the movie he was delivered to his mom by the stork. Now he is delivered to your home by the stork, via Shop Disney. His oversized ears are soft and floppy and can wrap over his sweet and innocent little face. He is dressed in his circus hat and collar and his facial features are embroidered with great detail. blanket pouch is designed with circus animals and even little Timothy is represented. The blanket pouch is fastened with Velcro so it’s easy to unhook and remove the cuddly little elephant. And once he’s out of his pouch he’s an adorable, soft little fellow that makes a great sleeping pal. Actually, he’s just as cuddly when he’s wrapped in his pouch.

Other animals in the current collection include baby Sven, baby Bambi, baby Thumper, baby Flower, baby Simba, baby Marie, baby Scamp, and baby Pegasus. Hopefully there will be others in the future as they are sweet little guys and a welcome addition to the Disney’s Babies line of plush. The past line of Disney’s Babies had the animals wrapped in their own blankets that closed via Velcro. This new line has the soft blanket pouches that make them easy for toting by a child or by Mr. Stork. They are all posed to fit inside their pouches but are each free to get hugs once out of their swaddling delivery pouches.

Each of their expressions are endearing. It’s hard to choose just one. They are all sweet and loveable.

The Disney’s Babies cuddly animals in their blanket pouches are only available at the Disney Parks and on the Shop Disney website. They are delightful baby representations of some of the most beloved Disney animated animal characters.

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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‘Lady and the Tramp’ Signature Collection

Posted on March 1, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

The 1955 animated classic brings together two memorable characters: the prim and proper Cocker Spaniel Lady and the rough and tumble pooch about town Tramp. And of course, at the end, the couple’s puppies are introduced, setting the stage for the 2001 sequel. Lady and the Tramp has been a beloved film for several generations.

Every animal in the movie has a personality all his/her own. They are a memorable group filled with humor and emotions.

The romantic restaurant scene in which Lady and Tramp share a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, and even one strand of spaghetti that results in a memorable screen kiss, ranks among the film industry’s most romantic moments. And this is an animated film! Plus, more romance ensues when Tramp gives the last meatball to Lady.

This edition has three ways to view the classic movie. First, there is the original theatrical edition. There is also a “Sing-Along-Mode” where viewers can sing the songs with the film. And finally, viewers can select the third option, which allows them to hear Walt discuss the various characters and scenes as the movie plays on the screen.

New bonus features for this Signature Collection edition include a cooking lesson as an homage to the spaghetti and meatballs scene, a tour of Walt Disney’s offices at the studio, and a feature about Walt and his love of dogs. Viewers learn that the scene in the movie where Lady is given as a gift, wrapped up in a hatbox, was taken from Walt’s own life. Yes, he surprised his wife with a puppy that same way, and that incident made its way into the movie.

There are also bonus features from the classic editions, including deleted scenes, a “making of” feature, storyboarding the movie, and a feature where Diane Disney Miller discusses her parents and viewers see the Disney’s apartment above the firehouse in Disneyland. Plus, the song “I’m Free as the Breeze” was supposed to be sung by Tramp before the filmmakers decided not to have him sing at all, however the song is a delightful ditty and would have been a nice addition to the movie.

The Signature Collection edition of Lady and the Tramp includes a Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital code. It is rated G for the entire family. Grab some popcorn and gather up the family. It’s time for a classic and endearing story of puppy love.

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‘Minnie Helping Hearts’ on DVD

Posted on February 1, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

From the hit Disney Junior series Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Minnie, Daisy, and Cuckoo-Loca are the “Happy Helpers.” This newest DVD includes eight episodes featuring the Happy Helpers who are always willing to take on a new challenge.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Happy Helpers are called on to be the cruise directors for a Valentine’s Day cruise. They prove they are up for the job and put on a great dancing contest. They have a knack for pairing up dancing partners, and manage to coax a shy dancer into competing in the contest.

And speaking of shyness, when the girls are asked to look after the children when the daycare is closed for the day, they meet an adorable new goat in town. Buddy is super shy and not ready to take part in all the activities. But thanks to Minnie, he soon becomes a popular kid (no pun intended) and everyone has a great time when the Happy Helpers take over day care duties.

Uh oh, Billy Beagle is the race announcer for the big Mud Bowl Race, but decides at the last minute to enter himself. He has always wanted to win a race and let’s face it, he can’t win unless he races. And he cannot race while announcing. So the Happy Helpers jump into their announcing outfits courtesy of the TurnStyler, and off they go to announce the race while the contestants drive through the mud in Hot Dogs Hills, and thanks to some craziness on the girls’ part, through the town as well. But they get back on track and manage to continue through the mud. With Mickey in the lead, Billy Beagle gets some encouragement from Minnie and Daisy, and he summons up the drive (again, no pun intended) to step on the gas and win the race.

In another episode, the helpers again jump in to aid Billy Beagle when he needs help with Grandpa Beagle. In “Lights! Camera! Help!” the girls become assistants to a movie star who has a big problem. She cannot sing in public but can in the shower. So it’s up to the happy helpers to get her sing when she is supposed to. “Artful Helpers” has the girls hired to keep the museum’s art safe but they find more problems than they thought.

The Happy Helpers are always ready and eager to help out. And with their TurnStyler, they are always dressed for the occasion. Too bad we all don’t have one of these handy little gadgets!

The episodes on this DVD are:

• The Happiest Helpers Cruise!
• The Big Broadcast
• Adventures in Buddysitting!
• Lights! Camera! Help!
• Grandpa Beagle’s Day Out
• Artful Helpers
• Cuckoo La-La
• Figaro’s New Friend

Minnie Helping Hearts is rated TV-Y for everyone.

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The Disney Animators’ Collection Littles: Mystery Figures

Posted on December 1, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Whether you’re looking for some cute stocking stuffers or additional gifts for Chanukah, this new assortment from the Disney Animators’ Collection is perfect. The Disney Animators’ Collection Littles: Mystery Figures sell for $4.95 each from The Disney Store and ShopDisney.com. Besides gifts for the holiday season, they’re also handy for keeping around for little bonus incentive gifts in the future.

When I was a child and faced a difficult situation or challenge, I was rewarded with a small toy. It wasn’t a bribe to do something. It was a token of accomplishment. These little figures would have been exactly what I would receive for overcoming something or facing an illness.

The miniature figures each come in a pencil-shaped case. The cases are designed to fit together and stack to make a unique display. With their special connectors, they can be set in a variety of ways and can be added to as new figures are brought into the group. These are blind boxed so no one knows what is inside until the package is opened.

Currently Wave One is available, with items from Lilo and Stitch, Tangled, and Frozen. There are eight different figures in this first wave: Rapunzel, Pascal with a chase variant, Elsa, Olaf, Elsa’s Bed, Lilo & Scrump, Stitch, and Lilo’s Record Player with Scrump. New waves will be coming with different characters.

When opened, the pencil-shaped box contains a Micro Collectible figure, display case connectors and clips, a collector’s guide, and a surprise drawing. Due to their small size, these are for ages 3 and up.

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‘Mickey Mouse: Merry & Scary Holiday Collection’ on DVD

Posted on October 1, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

If you’re looking for a way to spice up the holiday season or start a new family tradition, Mickey Mouse: Merry & Scary Holiday Collection will do just that. The DVD is fun for the entire family.

“The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular!”

This story has Mickey, Donald, and Goofy doing their best to tell a scary story for Donald’s nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie and Mickey’s nephews Morty and Ferdie Fieldmouse. The stories aren’t scary enough for the five little boys. That is until Mickey comes up with a super scary tale of five little boys getting baked into pies by the old witch. That does it. Everyone, even Donald and Goofy are scared by the story. The show includes some music and a lot of mayhem by the five little fellows. Vampires, witches, and ghouls, oh my!

“Duck the Halls: A Mickey Mouse Christmas Special”

This second story on the disc is all about Christmas. It’s time for Donald, Daisy, and all the ducks to migrate south for the winter. After all, ducks don’t do well in the cold weather. But Donald decides to stay with his friends and celebrate Christmas, something he has never been able to do. He learns why ducks migrate south. Donald doesn’t handle the cold and snow like the thought he would. In the meantime, Daisy and the rest of the ducks are in a warm climate having fun in the sun and sea.

There are five bonus shorts included on the DVD. They are pretty much meant for Halloween time. The disc is a fun new way to bring holiday cheer to your house.

With about an hour of animated fun, this DVD is a good way to entertain kids when the weather is bad outside or just to get some Halloween and Christmas spirit in the house. It’s not just for kids. Adults will also enjoy the many clever quips and references.

Mickey Mouse: Merry & Scary is rated TV G for everyone.

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‘Mickey and the Roadster Racers: Start Your Engines’ revs up for home viewing

Posted on August 9, 2017August 15, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Gear up for fun with Mickey and the Roadster Racers: Start Your Engines, which includes seven episodes from the Disney Junior television series. This preschool series introduces kids to problem solving and plenty of other skills while entertaining them at the same time with Mickey and the gang.

Included among the episodes on this DVD are a couple of “royal” stories. One has Goofy mistaken for his doppelganger who is a secret agent who has all the technological goodies in his car ala James Bond. When the queen is expected for a spectacular tea party with the gang in Mickey’s garage, an evil sleuth tries to steal the royal briefcase that has mistakenly been entrusted to Goofy who bears a remarkable resemblance to the secret agent. Well, things get turned topsy turvy but in the end they all enjoy a splendid afternoon with the queen, with Minnie and Daisy in their new fascinators just for the occasion.

Another royal episode focuses on the stolen royal jewels that Minnie mistakes for her anniversary gift from Mickey. But once that gets straightened out, the gang must make sure the jewels are returned safely.

Included in the DVD box is a flag kids can use to decorate their room. This black and white checkered flag is also colorful with images of Goofy and his Turbo Tubster, Minnie and her Pink Thunder, Mickey and The Hot Doggin’ Hot Rod, Donald and The Cabin Cruiser, and Daisy and her Snapdragon.

Mickey and the Roadster Racers debuted in January 2017 as the replacement for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto, along with Minnie’s helper Cuckoo-Loca, enjoy plenty of adventures in their amazing vehicles. While they all focus on their fun vehicles, Minnie and Daisy also have their Happy Helpers business. They are pretty handy when it comes to fixing the vehicles too!

This preschool series has been popular with boys and girls. It’s filled with good life lessons as well as cooperation lessons and tools for everyday life. And with these classic characters, you know your kids will enjoy everything they have to offer.

As with their other DVD releases, Disney Junior has included a fun bonus inside the box – the flag. Parents can help kids hang the flag via the two holes on the top, or simply tape it to a wall. With images of the characters and their colorful vehicles, it’s a nice way to decorate a room.

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