This Friday, February 10th, Walmart will celebrate the marriage of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen in more than 2,700 stores. Those who purchase the Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 a 2-disc DVD or Blu-ray will receive the following:

• Bella’s Wedding Special Edition featuring the collectible wedding dress packaging
• Fabric poster of Bella and Edward’s big day
• Music videos from Bruno Mars and Christina Perri

Additionally, Walmart will host Twilight parties in-stores.  Beginning at 11 pm on the 10th they will offer special giveaways, ask movie trivia, and stock in-store bakeries with Twilight-themed cakes and cupcakes.  In anticipation of the midnight unveil, shoppers can catch a cameo appearance from Rosalie Cullen on in-store television networks.

Breaking Dawn will be available on DVD for $22.96 and Blu-ray for $26.96. For a complete list of stores holding midnight events, just visit the website.

 Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.

On December 2nd, celebrate the holiday season with The Smurfs, will will be released on Blu-ray 3D and DVD as well as a 3-Disc Holiday Blu-ray/DVD Gift Set.  The film, which is adorable, finds the Smurfs in the middle of Central Park when the evil wizard chases them out of their village.  Follow their adventures as they find their way back to the village before the evil wizard catches them.

Along with the DVD/Blu-ray’s special features, The Smurfs will offer UltraViolet, a technology which enables Blu-ray owners to add the film to their free cloud-based UltraViolet Digital Accounts.  Once added, the film can then be streamed or downloaded anywhere access to the internet is available.  The Blu-ray version will also include Smurf-O-Vision: Second Screen Experience, where the Smurfs literally take over the television, iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.  During the film, the Smurfs will appear on-screen to sing and dance.   The two free apps, Smurfs’ Village and Smurf-O-Vision, will have adults and children popping bubbles, dropping smurfberries, and much more.  Additionally, the free app GoldRun allows you to take pictures with your favorite Smurf characters. Each week, a new Smurf will appear so be sure to capture those memories!

In addition to all of the Smurftastic things happening this holiday season, Sony Pictures will release The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol on DVD.  The brand new mini-movie is exclusive to the Holiday Gift Set and features a Smurftastic take on the holiday classic.  I actually enjoyed this film more than I expected and am excited to share it with my son.  Combining CGI animation and traditional animation, the film depicts the story of Grouchy Smurf who’s Bah Humbug attitude towards Christmas is weighing The Smurfs down.  When he receives a visit from the Smurfs of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, he begins to see just how his behavior is affecting each and every Smurf in the village.  The film offers some important lessons about the spirit of Christmas that I believe my son is ready to begin exploring.

For more information, visit the website.

No compensation was received for this post. I attended a press event which helped facilitate this review.

Photo Credit: Zimbio

I’m a dreamer…a romantic at heart. I enjoy feel-good movies with happy endings…I’m an idealist.

Naturally, my favorite movies are romantic comedies. Because I have two small children who I choose to stay home with, I never found a moment to see Something Borrowed in the theater (or an entire list of “must-see” films of 2011).  The beauty of technology today is that a few months after a film is released in theaters, it’s released on Blu-ray and DVD.

Photo Credit: Zimbio

On August 16th, Something Borrowed will be available on Blu-ray and DVD and I can watch it in the comfort of my home after my children fall asleep. The film is based on the best-selling novel by Emily Griffin and stars Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, and Colin Egglesfield. Here is a brief synopsis from the site:

When a talented attorney (Ginnifer Goodwin) at a top New York law firm ends up in the arms of her best friend’s (Kate Hudson) fiancé (who just happens to be a former crush), she finds herself caught between friendship and love.  As the wedding date approaches, Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) must decide what’s most important…love, friendship, or ethics.

To celebrate the DVD release, I have a copy to give away to one of you!

Win It! One of you will win a copy of Something Borrowed on DVD. Simply leave me a comment with either your favorite moment from the film (if you’ve seen it) or something you’re looking forward to if you haven’t seen the film. Comments will close on August 25th, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. Giveaway DVD supplied by the company.

One week ago, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment released Gnomeo and Juliet on DVD and Blu-ray.  You might suspect that this is truly one of my favorite Disney films.  I grew up reading and studying Shakespeare and Disney’s take on the tragic love story is simply brilliant.

Since I’ve already shared my thoughts on the movie, I thought I’d include a short Q&A with Sir Elton John, who serves as both the executive producer and songwriter/provider.  During the press junket earlier this year, we were offered the opportunity to ask him a few questions.

What attracted you to taking part in “Gnomeo & Juliet”?

“Romeo and Juliet” is one of the greatest love stories of all time.  And garden gnomes are huge in many countries throughout the world.  We thought this would be a really good idea.  It’s very accessible and funny.  And there’s a message in this film—the two gnome families, the Reds and the Blues, are diametrically opposed and are always at war with each other  And in the end, peace is better than war.  Two people fall in love and it brings about harmony and peace in the two warring factions.

What music did you contribute to the production?

There’s a lot of music from our catalog that’s being used—songs like “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting,” which is crucial in the lawn mower race along the back alley with Tybalt and Gnomeo.  Plus, two brand new songs, including “Hello, Hello”—it’s the first time Gnomeo and Juliet get together. But I think “Love Builds a Garden” is the best song in the movie. The flamingo explains to them that even though his garden is overgrown, it once flourished because the two people that lived there loved each other. Once they stopped loving each other, the garden died. But love can bring the garden back to life.

How did you approach the music for “Gnomeo & Juliet”?

It’s a collaborative experience.  It’s one that I really like.  I’ve always been a team player, I’ve always written with Bernie [Taupin]—he writes the lyrics and I write the melody—I like it that way.  You get a good reaction and everyone’s happy and we can celebrate together.

What can audiences expect from “Gnomeo & Juliet”?

We are so proud of the film.  It’s been a labor of love, it’s full of Elton John/Bernie Taupin new music and old music, and I think it’s a really brilliant, funny movie.  I hope it’s a big smash.  I hope it will give people pleasure for the rest of their lives.  We want to make a movie that people can look on in 12 years time and say, “Well that still holds up.”  If we can do as good as Will [Shakespeare], we’ll be all right.

I’ve seen the movie several times now, and I still come away inspired and moved.  You can read my full review here.

The great thing about owning a movie on DVD or Blu-ray is that you have access to special features.  The Blu-ray version includes deleted scenes, alternate openings and more.

Win It! TWO more of you will win a copy of Gnomeo and Juliet on DVD/BD and a Gnomeo Gnome statute. Simply leave me a comment with your favorite scene from the film. Comments will close on June 15th, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. Review and giveaway items supplied by the company.

It’s rare that I actually get to see a movie that isn’t animated!  During my visit to Hollywood earlier this year, Disney offered us an opportunity to screen I Am Number Four, an action-packed suspense thriller based on a science fiction novel with the same title.  Here is a quick overview of the film from the site:

Three are dead. He is Number Four. D.J. Caruso helms a suspense-thriller about an extraordinary young man, John Smith, who is a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him. Changing his identity, moving from town to town with his guardian Henri, John is always the new kid with no ties to his past. In the small Ohio town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events—his first love, powerful new abilities and a connection to the others who share his incredible destiny.

To celebrate the release, I’ve partnered to give away 3 copies (3 winners!).

Win It! To enter to win a copy of I Am Number Four on DVD. Simply leave me a comment with your favorite scene from the movie. Comments will close on May 24th at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. Items for giveaway were supplied by the company.

One of our favorite Disney movies combines classic Shakespeare, comedy, the music of Elton John, and adorable garden gnomes, in a story that transcends time.  Gnomeo & Juliet, which stars the voice talents of James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Patrick Stewart,  and Ozzy Osborne, will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on May 24th, 2011.

You may remember that I covered the world premiere of the film back in January of this year. While we are truly a Disney family and enjoy pretty much all of the films we’ve seen, this one is just different…unique…special.  I think the way Disney merged such seemingly unrelated themes into a cohesive, touching story was brilliant.  I encourage you to read my full review if you have yet to see the film.

To celebrate the release, I’ve partnered to give away 3 copies (3 winners!).

Win It! To enter to win a copy of Gnomeo & Juliet on DVD. Simply leave me a comment with your favorite scene from the movie. Comments will close on May 24th at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. Items for giveaway were supplied by the company.

Two weeks ago, The Switch was released on DVD and Blu-ray.  This is one of those movies I had hoped to see in theaters, but never had an opportunity due to busy schedules and lack of childcare.  The film stars Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Jeff Goldblum, Juliette Lewis and Patrick Wilson in a heartwarming story about friendship, family, and love.

Here is a quick synopsis from the site:

Kassie (Aniston) is a smart, fun-loving single woman who, despite her neurotic best friend Wally’s (Bateman) objections, decides it’s time to have a baby – even if it means doing it herself…with a little help from a charming sperm donor (Wilson). But, unbeknownst to her, Kassie’s plans go awry because of a last-minute switch that isn’t discovered until seven years later…when Wally gets acquainted with Kassie’s cute – though slightly neurotic – son.

I finally completed the film and liked it so much more than I expected.  The story itself negates your preconceived ideas about the origins of a family.  In today’s society, where women can become mothers without a spouse, comes a film that continues where most stories conclude.

Jennifer Aniston is humorous yet moving in her maternal role.  She’s beautiful and relatable and perfectly suited to portray Kassie.  Jason Bateman is strong yet vulnerable and you’ll likely find yourself “rooting” for him.  Their friendship evolves organically over time into a lasting relationship.

I found the relationship between Wally and his son to be poignant and a model for the father-son relationship.  The making of this family is in no way traditional but I like the emphasis and positive portrayal of family.

Based on the movie, here are some cute film-themed parenting tips:

TIP 1: Identify & Communicate Your Child’s Interests. Help friends and family get your kids the gifts they’ll really love by understanding their hobbies and collections—even if they’re as unusual as a collection of brand-new picture frames filled with stock photographs.

TIP 2: Keep a Watchful Eye on Internet Use. Specifically, limit your child’s exposure to WebMD. It’s unlikely he has Cyclothymic disorder or Parkinson’s disease, but he could come down with a nasty case of hypochondria.

TIP 3: Pick Your Battles. Especially when it comes to feeding a picky eater, there are times when the fight isn’t worth it. Sometimes rice with soy sauce is just fine, no matter how impressive (or expensive) the duck is.

TIP 4: Fewer Choices Yield Faster Results. Giving kids choices is fine, but you’ll get them to bed faster if you limit their options to just two: Cowboy or astronaut pajamas? Duck or unfortunate chicken stuffed animal?

TIP 5: Beware the Big Birthday Bash Temptation. Your idea of the best birthday party ever might not be your kid’s idea of a good time, even if it is something as fun and adventurous as a huge bash at the local rock climbing gym.

TIP 6: Don’t Bug Out Over Bugs. Kids can pick up lice from other kids at school, daycare, wherever. It happens. There are several steps you can take to eliminate the bugs, but most importantly, don’t make it a big deal. It’s lice, not leprosy.

The Switch is currently available on DVD and Blu-ray in stores nationwide.

No compensation was received for this post. A copy of the DVD was provided which helped to facilitate this review.

Photo Credit: The Grove

Black Swan Alive in The Park is happening Friday, March 25 and Saturday, March 26 from 12pm – 10pm at The Grove.  Guests will enjoy a live Black Swan inspired performance where professional ballerinas will take the stage on a life-sized music box and perform to the film’s soundtrack.

For more information, follow Fox Home Entertainment on Twitter or visit The Grove’s website.

No compensation was received for this post.

Photo Credit: Disney

You likely know the story…

A young deer named Bambi explores the world and meets a myriad of friends along the way, including the beloved Thumper, Flower, and Owl.  It’s an adorable coming-of-age story about friendship, love, family, and life.

Last week, Bambi Diamond Edition was released from the Disney vault for a limited time in Blu-ray high-definition. Did you know that Bambi is Walt’s fifth full-length animated classic and was originally released in 1942?  The film was digitally restored and includes enhanced picture and sound.  I honestly couldn’t tell that the film had been made almost 70 years ago.

Some of the special features include 2 new deleted scenes and a deleted song, a comprehensive look at the making of the film, and Disney’s Big Book of Knowledge which uses the film as a learning tool.  Bambi Diamond Edition is currently on sale for $39.99 but you can download a $10 savings coupon here.

Along with the release of the movie, Disney released Second Screen, an app that transforms your movie viewing experience by allowing you to explore the story behind the film synced on a second device (such as an iPad or laptop) without interrupting the movie.  Some of the content available includes interactive galleries, animated flipbooks, games, and interesting facts about specific film scenes.

For more information about Bambi or Disney Second Screen, visit their respective websites.

No compensation was received for this post. A copy of the film was provided which helped facilitate this review.

Kristen Bell (as Marnie), Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, Kristin Chenoweth and Betty White star in You Again, a comedy about life, love, and friendship after high school.  Here is a brief synopsis from the site:

For Marnie, high school was a horror movie, and her brother’s wedding is the sequel when her archrival comes back to haunt her as his bride. Its nice girl versus mean girl in this hysterical reunion with the one person Marnie would really like to forget. And if that weren’t enough, Marnie’s mom reunites with her own high school nemesis.

The film while lighthearted and comical, reminds us that people can change and are not always who they appear to be.  I found myself empathizing with Marnie and hoping she’d gain some respect (or perhaps just an apology) from her former bully.  I realized that from the start of the movie, I was stereotyping her and forced myself to be open-minded about her character. Overall, the movie is upbeat, witty, and thoughtful.

You Again is currently available on DVD and Blu-ray.

No compensation was received for this post. A copy of the DVD was provided which helped to facilitate this review.