Love the movies? How about blu-ray movies? Maybe movie merchandise? Learn more about your favorite movies past, present, and future, whether at the movie theatre, on blu-ray or on DVD. Find some unusual gift ideas for movie fans, including yourself. Join the fun and discover a new movie or two!
Betty White Calendar 2011
Betty White Entertainer of the Year 2010
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Quick Links:
Order your copy of Hot in Cleveland Season 1 from Amazon.
Best Johnny Depp Movies
In my reading, I discovered that there are more than a couple of Johnny Dep's movies that I have yet to see that his work really does cross many movie genres. I also discovered that most of his movies are available on Blu-ray.
My favorite Johnny Depp movie still is Chocolat and I know I have written about it time and time again. Now it is your turn...do you enjoy Johnny Depp movies? If so, what is YOUR favorite Johnny Depp movie and why?
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Quick Links:
Johnny Depp movies on Amazon.
Why Is Tron (1982) So Hard To Find?
I did see the new Tron: Legacy movie and enjoyed it. Seems to me that it fits the profile of the original though - excellent effects and a plot that is not particularly strong but you know, of course, that the reason for seeing the movie is for the light-cycles and the technology, not the story.
See you
at the movies.
Brenda
The Best Hallmark Movies Ever
Have you taken a moment to think about the history behind the Hallmark Hall of Fame movies? Did you know that they have been creating quality television programming since 1951? That's a lot of movies and a lot of favorites so coming up with a list of the 'best' ones is difficult.
The shows Hallmark broadcast at the beginning were different than the ones they air now but they were considered quality television programming at the time. I don't think many people would pick them as the best Hallmark movies today.
Since then, however, Hallmark movies have gone on to win more awards than any other television production. A best of list would be hard to put together but it would need to include a few movies like Promise, the movie which one the most awards; What The Deaf Man Heard, the movie which drew the largest television audience; and even the very popular Sarah Plain and Tall collection.
If you want to know more about some of the best Hallmark movies ever, please visit my detailed page The Best Hallmark Movies Ever by clicking here.
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Quick Links:
The Best Hallmark Movies Ever.
Order your Hallmark Event Films Collection.
Black Swan Natalie Portman's Psychological Thriller Ballet Movie (2010)
Words that I have seen or heard used to describe this movie include, but certainly are not limited to: thriller, horror, art, porn, big, crazy, weird, dark, twisted, interesting, amazing and intense. The video trailer makes you agree with those words and makes me question whether or not I really want to see this movie.
I haven't decided if it is a horror movie or an art movie so I started a debate, Natalie Portman's Black Swan: A Horror Movie or An Art Movie?
If you have seen the movie I'd love to hear what you have to say about it. If not and you are looking for the video trailer, more information and a few reviews of the movie, you might want to check the page out.
I'll be waiting to hear what you think...
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Quick Link:
Natalie Portman's Black Swan: A Horror Movie or An Art Movie?
Click here to buy your copy of Black Swan on Blu-ray or DVD.
Cowboys and Aliens, A 2011 Western Movie
The story? Well very simply put, a spaceship arrives in the wild west and the cowboys try to protect their world. It is based on a 2006 graphic novel created by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg and written by Fred Van Lente and Andrew Foley.
Somehow Cowboys and Aliens reminds me of Gunless, the Canadian story of the cowboy...without a gun. Possibly because they are westerns with a twist and boy does this one have an unusual twist!
Cowboys and Aliens opened in movie theatres July 29, 2011.
I'm not sure what to think of Cowboys and Aliens...how about you?
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Quick Links:
Click here to order your copy of Cowboys and Aliens on blu-ray or DVD.
Christmas With Tucker, The Sequel To A Dog Named Christmas
"This simple but strong story celebrates the beauty of everyday things, the power of love and humility, the singular grace that is a good dog, and the mysterious ability of that grace to transform the human heart. A perfect Christmas read." – Dean Koontz
Amazon customer reviews are equally enthusiastic with comments like this one from Rebekah Sue Harris, "For Christmas with Tucker to be truly heartwarming, everything had to fall into place, and it did. Author Greg Kincaid did a wonderful job keeping the flow going without writing a story that was trite or clichéd. This is a wonderful book for a day when you're wrapped in a quilt, sipping hot cocoa, and wanting to be warm and cozy. This lovely Christmas story is recommended for teenagers and adults alike."
The combination of this new book by Gregory Kincaid with the old book and/or a copy of the Hallmark movie, A Dog Named Christmas would make a lovely gift idea. Christmas With Tucker is available as a hardcover book, as a CD audiobook and for your Kindle.
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Quick Link:
Order your copy of Christmas With Tucker.
Order your A Dog Named Christmas DVD.
Read my review of A Dog Named Christmas, the movie.
24 The Complete Series DVD Set
My husband loved the television series 24 although I am not sure if he was able to keep up with it until the very end. What a surprise then when I saw that 24 the complete series DVD was available on Amazon. That makes the watching of many, many, many hours of television viewing a possibility at his own pace.
This DVD set starring Keifer Sutherland includes the entire television series, Series 1 through 8, 24 Redemption and a bonus disc with many special features. In total, this set contains a whopping 56 discs.
The complete 24 boxed set would make a great gift idea for anyone who missed the series, anyone who saw part of the series or even for anyone who loved it and would like to re-watch the entire series.
And, oh yes, 24 The Complete Series, is NOT available on Blu-ray. That's too bad.
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Quick Link:
Order your copy of 24 The Complete Series from Amazon.
New Blu-ray Christmas Movies 2010
Disney's A Christmas Carol
George C. Scott's A Christmas Carol
White Christmas
Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage Movie Trailer
The Christmas Hope
Santa Claus: The Movie
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
The Year Without A Santa Claus
The Peanuts Ultimate Holiday Collection
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Which Will Be The Best True Grit Movie?
As I write this post, I realize it is a just a bit early but I cannot help but wonder if Jeff Bridges' 2010 version of True Grit will be able to measure up to John Wayne's 1969 version.
Will it go on to become "one of the major entertainments of the year" as the New York Times said about the 1969 version and will it still be a popular movie, forty plus years later? Only time will tell...
So tell us, what do you think? Can a remake of a western classic hope to compete?
True Grit Blu-ray Movie (2010)
Simply buy a copy of John Wayne's True Grit movie on blu-ray and add a copy of the 2010 True Grit movie and voila, an instant gift set.
The John Wayne version of True Grit was one of his most memorable roles and it is the movie for which he won his only Academy Award. This would be the great place to start a collection of his movies.
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Quick Links:
Order your copy of John Wayne's True Grit on blu-ray from Amazon.
More John Wayne movies on blu-ray.
An Old-Fashioned Christmas (2010) Movie
An Old-Fashioned Christmas originally aired on December 6, 2010. It was only on the Hallmark Channel which meant that some people (like myself) had to wait and see it when the DVD became available. Unfortunately, it is still not widely available in North American on DVD but you can watch An Old-Fashioned Christmas here on Amazon Prime.
Disneynature's African Cats 2011 Nature Documentary
Lovers of African mammals will likely love this new documentary set in the African savanna and following, as it does, the lives of two wild cat families ~ lions and cheetahs. Following Disney's tradition with these new nature documentaries, African Cats arrives in theatres around the world on Earth Day, April 22, 2011 and yes, once again, Disney will make a contribution on behalf of everyone who attends the movie during opening week this time in support of 'African Cats, Save The Savanna.'
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Disneynature Oceans Blu-ray Review
Take a peek and see for yourself:
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Quick Links:
Order your copy of Disneynature Oceans on blu-ray or DVD.
The Best Christmas Songs Ever...
First on the list is of course, White Christmas by Bing Crosby (1942). Then comes The Little Drummer Boy by the Harry Simeone Chorale (1958) and finally, Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms (1957.)
What do YOU think are the best Christmas songs ever?
Merry Christmas!
Brenda
The Christmas Box Hallmark Movie
The story is that of a cash-strapped family who are caregivers in an apartment complex. They are given the opportunity to move to a local mansion and be the caregivers of the home as well as assume the responsibilities of looking after the owner, a lady named Mary, who lives alone in the house. Mother and daughter quickly become close to Mary but the husband, who works long hours, struggles to get along with her. Eventually, however, Mary teaches him some important secrets about the true meaning of Christmas.
The Christmas Box is a 1995 Hallmark movie with an all-star cast which includes starred Richard Thomas, Maureen O'Hara and Annette O'Toole.
For the longest time available only on VHS videotape, this movie is now available as a part of a 2-DVD set that includes both The Christmas Box and Timepiece. Timepiece is a prequel to The Christmas Box. You can find either the VHS tape or the DVD on Amazon by clicking right here. Buying the set may save you a few dollars but, more important, is the fact that the set is on DVD rather than VHS videotape.
If you enjoy Hallmark movies, I think you will enjoy The Christmas Box. I have yet to see Timepiece though I have read that it is a darker story. If you have seen it, be sure to let us all know what you thought of it.
Merry Christmas!
Brenda
Quick Links:
The Christmas Box Hallmark Home Entertainment Movie Review
Buy The Christmas Box on Amazon.
Hallmark's Farewell Mr. Kringle Christmas Movie
You can watch the official movie trailer here to determine whether you will be adding this movie to your Christmas movie list this year.
What Do You Need To Watch Blu-ray 3D?
- A Blu-ray capable HDTV
- A 3D Blu-ray player
- Special 3D glasses
- Blu-ray 3D movies.
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Johnny Depp 2011 Calendar - It's Sizzlin'
If you were to pick a Johnny Depp calendar, which movies or versions of Johnny would it have to include? I'm not so keen on the costumed pictures although I loved those movies, too. I guess I'd rather be able to see the real Johnny. How about you?
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
More Johnny Depp:
Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie in THE TOURIST 2010 Movie
The Magic of Flight (2004) on Blu-ray Disc
The Magic of Flight was seventh on the list of the best Imax
Blu-ray movies in 2008. Definitely a great choice if you love airplanes and
flying. It is an older movie that was shot in 1996 and so is of a different quality than
those being made with today's Blu-ray technology.
On this page, you will find some information about this Imax
documentary film including short reviews, links to excellent and more detailed reviews and the trailer.
Imax documentary movies take us to new worlds. Read on to take flight with The Magic of Flight.
REVIEWS
The Magic of Flight has been called, "Astonishing and gut jolting."
DVD Talk says that the aerial film included in this program is both stunning and exciting. "Having a nosecone's view of vertigo inducing quick rolls and drops is really an amazing experience."
Blu-ray.com says that this film is impressive particularly its audio track that reproduces everything from the thunder of jet engines to the detail of a near-silent flock of birds.
As always, ordinary viewers like you and I are disappointed with the length of this Imax film, which is just 37 minutes long. However, they are not disappointed with the footage, which is amazing in high definition. Reportedly, it cost somewhere in the vicinity of a million dollars a minute to make this IMAX footage. Pretty impressive. See for yourself in the official trailer:
TRAILER
Order your copy of The Magic of Flight on Blu-ray from Amazon by clicking here!
There are a number of other Imax Blu-ray aviation-themed films available. You might also consider Fighter
Pilot- Operation Red Flag or Straight
Up: Helicopters in Action.
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
MORE IMAX DOCUMENTARIES:
The
Best Nature & Adventure Documentary Films on Imax
Aircraft Carrier Movies and Documentaries on Blu-ray and DVD
The first movie is shown here and called The Final Countdown with Kirk Douglas, Martin Sheen and James Farentino. Blu-ray.com says, it "combines action, adventure, and sci-fi elements with a deep philosophical and moral discussion that never becomes too burdensome or too pronounced, always punctuated by moments of intense action and spectacular imagery..." They call this one well worth owning and recommended.
The second aircraft carrier movie available on Blu-ray is Flight of the Intruder with Danny Glover, Willem Dafoe, Brad Johnson, Rosanna Arquette and Tom Sizemore. High-Def.com says that if you are a Flight of the Intruder fan, you must own this Blu-ray. Otherwise, they recommend it for renting because it isn't as cool as Top Gun or as emotional as Platoon.
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Quick Links:
Order your copy of The Final Countdown on blu-ray.
Order your copy of The Flight of the Intruder.
November Christmas 2010 Hallmark Movie
Anyway, November Christmas is the story of a couple of families and their community. It tells how people can rally together to help people in their times of need, in this case as a young daughter suffers from a serious illness. Eventually, the father and a neighbor decide to celebrate Christmas in November and come up with a plan to make it happen.
November Christmas stars Sam Elliott, John Corbett, Sarah Paulson, Karen Allen, Elizabeth McLaughlin and Emily Alyn Lind and airs TOMORROW NIGHT, November 28th, on CBS.
Find your copy of November Christmas on Amazon by clicking right here. You can rent it via Prime video or add the DVD to your collection.
at the movies!
The Twilight Zone on Blu-ray Disc
The Twilight Zone, Season One, took the seventh spot on my list, the Top 10 Best Blu-ray Movies in 2010 for sound and picture quality. It's a television series that, more than fifty years later, still has a large following. It is fantastic then that the video and audio have been restored and are reported to be better better than ever.
The complete set, as shown above, contains 156 episodes on 24 discs. I am not sure if they have all been treated to the same restoration.
REVIEWS FOR SEASON ONE
With regard to the quality of the Blu-ray release of Season 1, the experts were thrilled and they said:
Monsters and Critics said this was, "Extremely highly recommended and worth every penny."
High-Def Digest says, "This is one of the best blu-ray releases of the year and quite possibly one of the best catalog releases in the history of blu-ray."
And finally, Blu-ray.com says, "If you love television, science fiction, fantasy, horror, time travel, Cold War craziness, snappy twist endings, the realm of the unknown, or all of the above, this is an absolute must-have release."
I'm not sure that there is anything I can add to that but I'm thinking I should add it to my Christmas shopping list for my teenage sons. Order your copy of The Twilight Zone Complete series from Amazon by clicking right here.
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
When Will Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Be Released on Blu-ray and DVD?
However, I know some of you who are not going to see this movie at the theatre for one reason or another or who just want to add this latest installment in the Harry Potter franchise to their collection, are anxious.
What is known, however, is that Warner Brothers doesn't have a lot of time to play with on this release because of the upcoming release of the second part of the Deathly Hallows this summer.
Best guesses then of when the blu-ray and DVD will be released, include April or May of 2011. That allows time for the movie to run its course at the theatre and for the discs to sell in advance of the second movie release. (Some experts are betting on a strong preview of the second movie being included with the release of the disc for the first movie.)
To know for sure, however, you can sign up with Amazon to be notified when the blu-ray or DVD do become available.
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Buy your copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on blu-ray or DVD.
Buy your copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on blu-ray or DVD.
Amazon Daily Deals
However, what might be of more interest to people on a day-to-day basis are the daily movie deals. Like today's special on the Harry Potter Years 1 to 6 blu-ray set at just $39.99 with FREE shipping. That savings represents a discount of 60 percent off and probably won't be beat anywhere else again anytime soon. (The corresponding DVD set is also on sale for 60 percent off or just $23.99, which works out to about $4 per movie.)
Some of the specials I have seen will make wonderful Christmas gift ideas and, because they are so deeply discounted, they're budget friendly, too.
If you are not reading this post today, November 23rd, odds are you've missed the Harry Potter movie special. However, the point of my post was really to let you know that Amazon has some pretty amazing deals on their blu-ray and DVD movies every single day. Visit today's specials by clicking right here.
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Quick Links:
See today's Amazon Daily Deals.
Best Harry Potter Gift Ideas
The gift guide is my newest Harry Potter themed page and is devoted totally to some of the very best gift ideas for Harry Potter fans. If you are shopping for someone who loves Harry's world, you are sure to find the perfect gift idea on this page or through the resources included on this page. If you already know what you are looking for, you might find it there, too.
You will find some of the best Harry Potter wands, including the new Harry Potter remote control wand; a selection of books and calendars about Harry's world but not written by by J.K. Rowling; costume ideas; decorating ideas; and, t-shirts. You will find the most amazing Harry Potter blu-ray gift set which comes in a replica of Hogwarts Castle and which really is a totally unique gift item. I have even included some Harry Potter stocking stuffer ideas and Christmas ornaments like the Kurt Adler Polonaise ornament shown here.
The Harry Potter Gift Guide is the culmination of much research on my part. It was really my intention to discover some wonderful gift ideas and I think I accomplished that. I hope you will find it an excellent resource page and even enjoy seeing much of the amazing and magical Harry Potter merchandise that is available.
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Quick Link:
The Harry Potter Holiday Gift Guide
The Thin Red Line Blu-ray War Movie
This movie is a 1998 Terrence Malick production that saw the adaptation of James Jones' 1962 book about the World War II battle for Guadalcanal. This movie featured an all-star cast, which included Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Elias Koteas, Woody Harrelson, Adrian Brody, George Clooney and John Cusack. Some consider it to be one of the best war movies ever made.
In terms of blu-ray quality, Blu-ray.com very highly recommends it, saying the movie looks and sounds amazing.
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Quick Links:
Order your copy of The Thin Red Line from Amazon.
Ratatouille Movie Review on Blu-ray and DVD
Once you get past that part (and for some people it IS a sticky point), you will discover a beautiful movie starring one little rat and one young male kitchen employee.
You will combine three of my and possibly your favorite hobbies ~~ movies, food and travel.
You will enjoy the sights and sounds of the city of lights, Paris.
You will be able to smell the very realistic albeit animated soup simmering away on the stove...
And the blu-ray version of Ratatouille? Well, simply put, it is a delight. High-Def Digest says, "This blu-ray release is also fantastic, boasting absolutely perfect video and audio, plus a great package of extras. This is a must-own disc that no Blu-ray collection should be without."
See you at
the movies!
Brenda
Quick Links:
Click here to order your copy of Ratatouille from Amazon.
Hallmark Christmas Movies 2010
Hallmark movie fans will recognize the picture opposite as that of one of last year's Hallmark Christmas movies, Mrs. Miracle, which was Hallmark's highest rated film from 2009 and which was released this Tuesday on DVD. Following the success of that movie, a second has been made and is entitled Call Me Mrs. Miracle. It is just one of several new Christmas movies that Hallmark plans to air this year.
Also set to air this holiday season are at least five more Christmas movies including:
The Night Before, The Night Before Christmas
The Town Christmas Forgot
November Christmas
Farewell, Mr. Kringle
An Old-Fashioned Christmas
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Quick Links:
Click here to order your copy of Mrs. Miracle from Amazon.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Movie Release (2010)
Do you have any suggestions as to what I could do to avoid seeing or hearing something about the movie that I don't want to see or hear?
I guess I could log off of my computer, cancel my cable, ignore my newspaper or put on some big FLUFFY (pun intended) earmuffs but maybe the best solution would be simply to go and see the new Harry Potter movie pronto...so that I can rush back here to give you my Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows movie review.
Here's a video preview, an official peek into the movie, with narration by Harry, Ron and Hermione...
Here's to a fantastic new Harry Potter movie...even if it is only Part 1. You do realize, of course, that this Part 1 and Part 2 thing is going to give us a dilemma down the road...will you buy Part 1 when it is released on Blu-ray or will you wait until Part 2 has been released first at the movie theatres in July, 2011, and then on Blu-ray so that you can buy the two movies as a set...and no doubt they will be very attractively bundled as a boxed set. Find your copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows movie here on Amazon.
See you at
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!
Brenda
Quick L
What Is The Best Hallmark Christmas Commercial?
Did you know that when people watch a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, they WATCH the commercials, too? How about that they have favorite Hallmark Christmas commercials and that Hallmark receives a flood of mail if their favorite is not aired during a movie? Finally, do you know which Hallmark Christmas commercial is the most popular and most requested?
I think it is a tribute to Hallmark that people love Hallmark commercials and that they are as important to some people as the actual movie is. The most popular commercial is one that originally aired in the 1990s and featured a 10-year old boy waiting with longing for the return of his brother from overseas. I can see why it is so popular and must warn you to have a box of tissues at hand before you hit the play button.
After watching, I am sure you can see why this commercial is so very popular. I have no idea if they'll be airing it this year but, if not, you can be sure that it will be replaced with another heartfelt message.
See you
at the movies!
Brenda
Entertainment Weekly's Johnny Depp & Angelina Jolie The Tourist Cover
The Tourist opens in North American movie theatres on December 10th, 2010. I'm a bit disappointed with the timing of the release because I would rather see a Christmas movie at that time in December. However, I'll have to see if I can find time in my holiday schedule to take a holiday of another sort in Italy with Depp and Jolie in The Tourist.
What do you think of this cover? Is it enough to make you want to see The Tourist? Or is the presence of two of the biggest movie stars of our times enough to make this movie a must see?
See you
at the movies!
Brenda