Jingle All The Way (Triple Play) (2011)

On October 16th, 2007, 20th Century Fox released Jingle All The Way Family Fun Edition. This is the extended cut specially supervised by director Brian Levant. This runs at 94 minutes verus 89 minutes for the theatrical cut. This edition features the following additions...

1.) Instead of Howard going right after the woman in the car, he first sees another woman (Yeardley Smith) with a matching fur coat. He sees a TurboMan package in her bag and offers her money. She takes it and walks away. He takes it out and discovers that it is TurboMan's sidekick, Booster. He then runs after the woman in the car.

2.) In the following scene of Howard traveling to different toy stores looking for TurboMan, the 'Jingle all the Way' song is replaced by "The Christmas Song".

3.) A scene inside Howard's GMC when they're driving to Santa's warehouse where it shows Howard saying his "We've yet to see a sign of that supposed Turbo Man doll" sentence. The mall Santa doesn't sing his "Little Boy Who Santa Claus Forgot" song in the car.

4.) Additional dialogue in the warehouse, as well as the Mall Santa and all the other Santas singing a chorus of "Little Boy Who Santa Claus Forgot".

5.) The rock version of "Jingle all the way" plays as Howard fights the warehouse Santas

6.) An extra scene of Myron Larabee describing the Johnny 7 O.M.A gun to Howard.

7.) Additional dialogue between Howard and the cops at the warehouse.

8.) A scene with Howard riding home in a tow truck after his car had been stripped where he's rehearsing how he was going to explain what happened to him to his wife.

9.) An alternate ending: instead of the ending at the parade, the film fades back to Howard's house. He turns on the lights on his tree and everybody is happy. Liz says "It was so nice that you went to all that to get him that present.... so what did you get me?" It ends with a closeup of Howard looking horrified. This scene originally played following the credits (theatrical and home video versions).

Personally I prefer this edition cause I am a sucker for Director's Cuts...plus I do like this movie alot. This Extended Cut is presented in it's original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, a fullscreen version is not offered on this disc. If you like this movie and have the previous edition I would recommend upgrading, if you're new to this movie then this is the edition to get.

Yes, "Jingle All the Way" is chock full of bad acting and ridiculous situations, but hey, it's a Holiday comedy, and a darn good one! And, for those of us who are really into Christmas shopping and have been on that search for the elusive, must have toy of the year, it really touches a nerve!

Arnold Schwarzenegger plays Howard Langston, a workaholic father who's failing with his family. He is constantly breaking promises and missing family events simply by being absent-minded and overly concerned with his business. When he shows up far too late for his son Jamie's Karate presentation, he realizes he's got some major sucking up to do. Howard immediately offers to get his son anything he wants for Christmas as a quick fix. But, little does Howard know that the toy Jamie wants, the official Turbo Man action figure, is the hottest toy of the season! No stores in town have one, and tomorrow is Christmas Eve!!!

Howard gets an early start in the morning, arriving at a toy store that hasn't opened yet and already has a large crowd outside. Here, he meets his biggest competition, an unstable mailman named Myron (Sinbad). Myron is also an inexperienced shopper whose son has asked for a Turbo Man figure. Both men are shocked and angered when everyone in the store mocks them upon hearing what they are looking for, and this is where their heated rivalry begins. Howard and Myron bump into each other at location after location in their search for the evasive toy and continue to physically abuse each other at nearly every encounter, and every bit of it is quite hilarious! In addition to dealing with Myron's attacks while searching for Turbo Man, Howard has to keep tabs on his intrusive neighbor, Tim (Phil Hartman), who is continuously making plays for Howard's wife, Liz (Rita Wilson). It's not as confusing as it sounds, but it's a lot for a man to have to worry about on Christmas Eve when he's gotta meet his family at a parade later on that same day.

"Jingle All the Way" is a great Christmas adventure that is full of laughs and mayhem! It's not supposed to be "It's A Wonderful Life," it's just supposed to be funny! And it is, if you have any sort of sense of humor at all and any experience with last-minute shopping during the Holiday Season! Arnold Schwarzenegger is still not a great actor, but he plays the role of a helpless, inexperienced shopper rather well, and this is probably my favorite of all his movies that I've seen. Sinbad is great as nutty mailman Myron, and Phil Hartman steals the movie as Tim, the seemingly perfect single dad that all the neighborhood women want, but who mainly has eyes for Liz. And, upon repeated viewings, Jake Lloyd (who plays Arnold's son) isn't as annoying as everyone says. "Jingle All the Way" may not be as magical as "Miracle On 34th Street," but it still qualifies as an annual MUST WATCH Christmas movie for this viewer, and probably many others!

Updating this review for the "Family Fun Edition" 2007 DVD release, the newest edition, which maintains the enhanced widescreen of the previous release, includes a handful of new extras along with a special, extended cut of the film. Unfortunately, having watched the extended cut, I can definitely say I still prefer the theatrical version. Luckily, this new release includes both. The scenes added into the extended version were deservedly cut from the film, and it also includes a different and completely inappropriate song in the early toy hunting montage, making the theatrical version much more enjoyable. The only positive thing I can say about the extended version is that they move the post-end credits scene to just before the end credits, and it fits so well that one wonders why it wasn't placed there to begin with. The extras include "The Making of a Hero", which is a somewhat interesting look at the creation of the Turbo Man character, "Super Kids", a pretty unnecessary interview montage with random kids on their wishes to be superheroes, and "Turbo Man Unmasked," a short and mildly funny mockumentary on the hero as a former (fictional) TV star that inspired a fictional action figure craze. Other extras include a photo gallery that is happily in a slideshow format and two DVD games. "Guess the Gift" is a somewhat fun game. I took less interest in the "Christmas Rush" shopping cart game, as it was one of those luck based games that didn't rely much on your input as to whether or not you won or lost.

If you're a fan of the film and don't own it yet, I definitely recommend the Family Fun edition. If you own the 2004 release that already had the 16x9 enhancement, you may not feel it necessary to double-dip for the sake of the extended cut or new extras. Also, all buyers should be aware that this edition doesn't contain the previous extras (theatrical trailer and cast bios).

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This movie is great if you have a zany sense of humor.

I think the reason that most people do not like it is that it hits too close to home. This movie is for people who can laugh at their problems, and some people don't feel that trying to find the toy of the year at Christmas is funny because of painful experience.

Of course, the point of the movie is that the father wants very badly to keep this promise to his son because he has let him down so many times before. At the end of the movie, guess what? Arnold BECOMES his son's hero! How cool is that? Who wouldn't want to be their kid's hero?

People whose parents let them down and people who let their kids down would not like this movie. Like I said, it hits too close home. Ouch!

Read Best Reviews of Jingle All The Way (Triple Play) (2011) Here

It's not going to win an academy award. It's not going to be the best acted or scripted movie that you will see. Arnie's acting, 'nough said. However, my family and I have seen this moview every holiday season, and quite honestly, this is the pick of the litter. Second,third and subsequent viewings were always more appreciative than the first. It is unique, and really hits upon the Christmas experience. Phil Hartman is great, as is Arnie. I know for the next 30 years my family will watch this every Christmas season, and I'm glad that Arnie took the risk to make a comedic Christmas experience.

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I'm glad this movie is finally getting re-released since I've always liked it. If you *ever* want this movie, BUY IT NOW... here's why:

For those who don't know, this movie was pulled off the shelves about 3 years ago. Fox was on the losing end of a $19 million dollar lawsuit which claimed they had ripped off the script from a Detroit high school teacher (Brian Webster). Later, the award was reduced to $1.5 million. Meanwhile, Fox appealed the case which held off any payment until at least late 2003; however, Fox was forced by this decision to pull the movie off the market and excess stock was sent back to Fox.

Murray Hill publishing (the Plaintiff) had optioned a script titled "Could This Be Christmas" from Laurel as far back as 1993. The script was about two men trying to secure the last known Action Man doll on Christmas Eve. Murray Hill says they pitched "Could This Be Christmas" to Fox in 1994 and a year later Robert G. Laurel Lessnau learned of Fox's plans for "Jingle All the Way" which was penned by a script reader for Fox Studios.

On May 22, 2004, Fox won on appeal. Apparently they were able to show evidence that "Jingle All the Way" was based on a treatment that predated the pitch for "Could This Be Christmas" in 1994.

Murray Hill vows to appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Incidentally, Murray Hill's Lessnau died in September 2001, about 6 months after the company's court victory.

When the movie was pulled, you saw the price on this DVD skyrocket. Here on Amazon, if you search for "Jingle All The Way", you'll find an "out-of-stock" version. This is the one that was pulled. Notice that the price is STILL (as of today) between $26.99 and $132.57. Before this re-release was announced, the prices were all in the $100 dollar range. Some people obviously have seen the writing on the wall and have reduced the price of these used DVDs on the eve of its re-release. Some people, I guess, have not heard of this coming. Anyhow, if you want this movie buy one (or two) NOW before any further legal action makes it unavailable again. Then you can sell your extra here at Amazon for a hefty profit.

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Ghost (1990)

This review refers to the Paramount DVD edition of "Ghost"....

A man is shot and killed. His body dies, but not his spirit. Before leaving this world for the next, he must find a way to warn his lover that she is in impending danger from the culprits. Sound just a little familiar? It should. The idea for this story is loosely based on none other then "Hamlet". This though is not quite as deep or complex as Shakespeare's great tragedy. It is however, a thought provoking, touching story that has a little something for everybody. It's got romance,comedy, mystery and suspense, fantasy, action and most importantly...WHOOPI!

So how does Sam(Patrick Swayze) manage to make contact with his beloved Molly(Demi Moore) after his death? Well he goes through a psychic of course. Not just any psychic though..he finds a medium who's larger than life..Oda Mae Brown(Whoopi Goldberg).

Together, they turn Molly into a believer(along with the audience) and chase down the murderous thugs out to get her.

The action, and suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat, the romance will thrill you and the special effects are dazzling. Whoopi Goldberg is fabulous, and provides the wonderful comic relief in the story, as a con artist who finds herself with a gift to give. She took home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for this 1990 film. The film was also honored with the Best Original Screenplay. Swayze and Moore seem like they were made for each other and will have you believing in love ever after.

The DVD presents a nice clear picture in widescreen and the sound gives you the choice of DD5.1 surround or stereo surround. It may also be viewed in French(stereo) and has English subtitles for those needing them. The features include commentary by the Director(Jerry Zucker), and Writer (Bruce Joel Rubin), as well as an informative retrospective on the film(this is where I learned of the "Hamlet" connection).

The film is rated PG-13. There are some scenes of violence and of course there's the very sensuous clay sculpting scene to the tune of "Unchained Melody"(who can ever forget that?!)

If you have already seen this movie, and know it's one that you will watch over and over(and to that I would say "Ditto"), this great DVD is a bargain. If you haven't seen it, it's well worth a try and will keep everybody involved for the entire length of the film.

Go for it and enjoy....Laurie

also recommended:

Along for the Ride

Maxie [VHS]

The Color Purple

A picture-perfect modern-day romance that tells an exciting romantic story, "Ghost" is one of the best romantic films ever made. In it, we see just what lengths someone will go to for their love for someone else, and also shows us that the love we have for someone in our life goes on after death. Director Jerry Zucker, and acting by Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg, all make this movie a landmark that everybody knows about.

What is so special about the story is the connection between the two romantic leads. Swayze plays Sam Wheat, who, with his longtime girlfriend Molly, is remodeling a penthouse apartment in New York, where they soon live together, completely happy and in love. We have no reason to question the love story angle because the direction and acting tell us from the very beginning the nature of their relationship, and does it in understandable terms. Sam also works for a major banking corporation, where he has a best friend Carl, who seems more than willing to take certain workloads off of Sam's shoulders. One night, Sam and Molly are set upon by a thief, who demands Sam's wallet, and after a struggle, Sam is left with a fatal gunshot wound. Of course, being dead, he is now a ghost, and must watch as Molly comes to the realization that her lover is dead.

The acting of these two actors is what makes all of this incredibly affecting, most especially Molly's coping with Sam's sudden exit from her life. She keeps his personal things, as well as any little scrap of paper or memory she can hold onto, with Sam watching all of this from behind her shoulder and Carl trying his best to comfort and console her. Sam soon pays a visit to a con artist medium named Otta Mae Brown, played by Whoopi Goldberg, who is the only person that Sam is able to talk to. The comedy of the movie really picks up as we are given scenes of Brown walking in the streets arguing with the air, talking to the walls, and having hissy fits with Sam in public. Goldberg is really given a chance to shine in this role, playing out some of her best lines and material ever.

Comedy then mixes with drama and action as the plot reveals that Carl was a mastermind behind a murder conspiracy. Carl is in desperate need of money, and when he found out that Sam was in charge of a four million dollar bank account, he hired a hitman to have Sam killed in order to try and take over the account and steal the money. As he further tries to worm his way into Molly's life, Sam becomes more and more determined to try and find a way of reaching her aside from giving Otta Mae instructions on what to say to her. Swayze is able to give us a powerhouse performance here, as his character sits back and can do nothing to physically protect his love. He feels weak, helpless, and these emotions are played out brilliantly.

The film won an Academy Award, one of two, for Best Original Screenplay for 1990. The script is a melting pot of many different elements: comedy that comes from the relationship of Otta Mae and Sam's collaboration, supernatural elements stemming from the ghost angle, thriller techniques that reside in the mystery of Sam's death and Carl's intentions, and most important, the love story that Molly and Sam live out, which serves as the basis for everything that happens. It has a little bit of everything for everyone, which gave diverse audiences what they wanted and made it a sheer success among people.

Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze both give excellent performances that keep the love story going. They both have a chemistry that never stops or staggers the film, but keeps it going. Whoopi Goldberg is Otta Mae Brown, a role she was born to play and for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her comic genius and diverse areas of acting play a major role, and sometimes become the heart of the film. Tony Goldwyn plays the conniving Carl, and does so effectively. He is one of those few people in a movie that the audience can truly despise for his crimes, and when the ending comes, it is pure satisfaction to watch him get what's coming to him.

"Ghost" is nothing short of a successful movie, keeping us enthralled with comedic, romantic and thrilling elements, making us believe in things beyond this world. It never stops moving, it is utterly original, and it keeps us at the edge of our seats as well as tugging at our hearts.

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Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze are a couple madly in love with each other when Swayze is murdered but just won't entirely go away. His ghost is hanging around, protecting Moore from some bad guys and trying to figure out a way to give someone the information needed to nail his killer. The movie veers between genres: horror, sci-fi, romance, mystery. And then, there's Whoopi Goldberg in another signature role (she won an Oscar for this one); she plays a medium who is shocked to find that she really IS gifted with second sight and her confusion as she comes to grips with her newfound power is hilarious to watch as she works with Swayze to pass on the incriminating criminal information.

It's a tear jerker, especially the scene in which ghost and Goldberg revisit Moore in a passionate, loving, romantic sayonara interlude set to the music of the Righteous brothers.

Marvelous sentimental schmaltz that works perfectly in every way.

Read Best Reviews of Ghost (1990) Here

I doubt very much if very many people have not heard of this movie. If you haven't, welcome back from the Moon and boy are you in for a treat! One of the greatest Date Flicks of all time, this movie is MANDATORY SEEING as a couple, especially DVD with surround, the lights low, the scented candles on, and plenty of Kleenex! Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore play roles you have never seen before, as does Whoopi Goldberg. The range of emotions displayed are breathtaking, and many scenes will make you have tears in your eyes.

Yes, it is a moving story, one that will make you cheer and will make you cry, but in the end, it will leave something behind in you. The story is original, fast paced and well crafted. You not will not get lost in this movie, and the timing is perfect.

This is the movie that re-made the Righteous Brothers "Unchained Melody" hit for them a second time. This song is perfect for this movie, and delivers the added puch to the scene it is in.

If you have not seen this move SEE IT! If you have a DVD, this is mandatory for any collection. Is this for children? It is in my opinion too intense for under 14. This is a modern love story, and should be seen with the one you love or intend to.

In DVD Format, the soundtrack surrounds you and adds something that you can't get from network TV and un-interrupted. It is a vital part of this movie

A "HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"

Want Ghost (1990) Discount?

This classic stands up well. There are some nice additions to this BR-Disc such as interviews from the time the movie was made which are a little haunting when Patrick Swayze appears for his insight. So, the special features are enough to lure you in more about this movie and it 's background.

The Blue Ray transfer either could have been better or it was as good as it was going to get. The clarity is soft (but improved from the DVD version)and blacks are okay. The color match up well but are not instant by first notice. The audio is decent as well. So, if you are interested for Blue Ray reasons? It is a nice investment to your collection ongoing or just starting out.

But, I strongly suggest to first check out either or Blue Ray Digest for a more well thought out review of this classic.

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Cheech & Chong's: Animated Movie (2012)

Very funny mix of old and new jokes. Several skits make up this cartoon version of everything you know and love about Cheech & Chong. From the drugs, girls and celebrities, you will laugh at something and feel it fits well with the existing Cheech & Chong collection.

I'm glad there is something new out by these two hilarious nutjobs and figure I'm probably not alone there. They have a ton of fans, and all of them are going to find this cartoon pretty groovy!

I, like many others, have waited years for this to finally get released. However, I was expecting it would be the classic sketches the duo did on the CD's, but surprisingly it seems like it was re-recorded old material, but they left the really good bits out, or used sketches that where not their best material. For god sakes, it's 2013, quit trying to make movies that wont offend or can be watched by small teens. Most of this almost seemed PG rated, if dope was a family thing to watch.

We already have had the best sketch by Cheech and Chong in their first movie Up In Smoke. We got a slightly re-worked version in Hey Watch This, and of coarse their has always been the album recorded version. Yet half of it has been cut out and watered down for the cartoon version. Why? If shows like South Park or Drawn Together can push every boundary of what is seen in cartoons on TV, then why not just go all the way for a straight to home video release? It really felt like so much of the material on this cartoon movie was holding back, and not reaching the potential it could have had.

It is good to HEAR Cheech & Chong after all these years, but this cartoon movie that has taken so long to get released just did not come anywhere near as funny as I expected it to be. Heck, it's probably only one step up on Corsican Brothers, so I'd rather watch just about any other C&C video over this.

It's not to say it's all bad, it had a few good moments. But some things like Ralph & Herby work much better as two dudes on stage, rather than actually being dog characters. Then their a few background things that just make you wonder why they bothered, and just about every sketch worked better on the albums or movies then it did as a visual cartoon.

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If you're lighting up right now, then this one is for you. If not, you won't get the jokes and anyway what are you doing watchin' a Cheech & Chong movie in the first place?

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Cheech and Chong animated, I thought they all ready are. This is a great animation, with great voices. A first I hope of many. Cheech and Chong doing ninety nine point nine, percent of the voices, is a GREAT BONUS! A truely talented duet, that we, as United State Citizens, should be very proud and celebrated. These two can never be replaced by anyone, on earth, ever again. They make me Proud to be a U. S. citizen, and proud of the funniest two people on Earth. Thank you GOD, for Cheech and Chong. May they live long and healthy lives. We will never see Comedians, and Greatness, like these two ever again. Sincerely, Jon Berry Linder, Photographic Artist.

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These guys really crack me up. I love this movie. It really doesn't matter if the animation isn't up to Pixar standards since it's really all about the comedy!

I love these guys so much that if either of them were to run for congress, I'd vote for them in a heartbeat over 98% of the people that are currently congressmen! When it comes to everyone's (well, the more intelligent portion of our population) favorite recreational herb, they make more sense than most of our nation's so-called leaders!

I recommend that everyone purchases this just to support the legendary comedy duo even if for no other reason. If you get a few laughs, and you will, then count them as the icing on the cake.

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The Princess Diaries: 10th Anniversary Collection (The Princess Diaries & The Princess Diaries 2: R

To start off I have to say that I enjoyed watching these movies when they first came out in watching these again brings back great memories. These Blu-rays are wonderful and provide a great quality experience for the viewer and on top of this they also have put together a great list of bonus features that my kids really enjoy. Both of these movies are definitely family-friendly and ones that I would highly recommend anyone to watch. The movies are light, fun and offer a great time for all.

Both blue ray movies on the same disc and two separate discs for the DVDs allows us to have the movie in multiple places. Also let the family move right on from the original to the sequel. Great story, characters and family friendly movie!

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The recent reissue of both The Princess Diaries: 10th Anniversary Edition and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement on a new Blu-ray/DVD package may have been due to nothing more than the titles coming up on the "to be Blu-rayed" list. It may only be coincidental that producer Whitney Houston passed not long ago -or that Princess Mia, in the second film, wields a bow and arrow (suggesting the upcoming Brave), but that's probably reaching.

According the the generous audio commentaries on both discs (recorded several years ago on previous DVD issues), The Princess Diaries book was purchased by Houston's company and brought to Disney. The wisdom of casting Julie Andrews as the Queen (her first Disney film since Mary Poppins) and Garry Marshall (he of the modern-day Pretty Woman fairytale rom-com) cannot be underestimated.

Marshall has a talent for talent -casting Anne Hathaway while she was still in her late teens and a movie unknown. His movies have a stock company that stretches back as far as his days with The Dick Van Dyke Show, not to mention Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley and Mork & Mindy. His commentary on the first film, likely supplemented by copious notes, is a wall-to-wall comic monologue of moviemaking technique.

Julie Andrews, ironically, takes the Henry Higgins role in transforming awkward Mia into a princess. To me, she's really training Hathaway to be Julie Andrews, since Dame Julie has made a fine art of presenting herself as the gracious magical movie icon that she is. The first film was also shot at what is now the Julie Andrews stage -Stage 2 on the Disney lot, the same one where Mary Poppins soared.

Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway share a high tea in their previously-released commentary on the first film. It's especially interesting to hear Hathaway's ambivalence to film acting and her reluctance to wear a swimsuit -little did she know what stardom (and love scenes) were ahead for her.

The second film is perhaps not as cohesive as the first, but how can it be -how do you follow up a Cinderella story? With a courtship and wedding, in this case, with another "newcomer," Chris Pine, as the garden-variety rom-com guy.

Julie Andrews returns with Garry Marshall for the commentary on the second film, also from an earlier issue. Marshall is less meticulous in his spoken details about this film, but no less enthusiastic. Princess Diaries 2 is more of a children's film, even including a song sung by Dame Julie!

Marshall's directing skills and his ability to surround himself with some of the best production people in Hollywood is evident as you savor the fine photography and staging made more clear on Blu-ray. While both films are frothy confections, they're also beautifully rendered and a joy to experience again.

Read Best Reviews of The Princess Diaries: 10th Anniversary Collection (The Princess Diaries & The Princess Diaries 2: R Here

This is a good movie, but it is not similar to the book series. For those of us who read the novels, then watched the movies, most of us were disappointed. It is a good movie and they did a good job, just I'm upset because they changed everything from the book including they eliminated characters and events. They should remake this series.

Want The Princess Diaries: 10th Anniversary Collection (The Princess Diaries & The Princess Diaries 2: R Discount?

In 2000, the first volume of Meg Cabot's epistolary novel series, "The Princess Diaries", was released. A year later, "The Princess Diaries" was released as a film and achieving commercial success as it grossed over $165 million in the box office.

The film was produced by singer Whitney Houston and directed by Garry Marshall ("Pretty Woman", "Beaches", "Runaway Bride") and the success of the first film would ensure a sequel in 2004 titled "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement", the sequel would feature a screenplay by Shonda Rhimes (best known for creating and producing "Grey's Anatomy", "Private Practice" and "Scandal").

The two films would star Julie Andrews ("The Sound of Music", "Mary Poppins", "10″), Anne Hathaway ("The Devil Wears Prada", "Alice in Wonderland", "Get Smart") and Hector Elizondo ("Pretty Woman", "Runaway Bride", "Chicago Hope"). "The Princess Diaries" would be the first feature film debut of Anne Hathaway.

And now, both films will be released in a 10th Anniversary Blu-ray+DVD combo pack, courtesy of Disney.

VIDEO:

"The Princess Diaries" and "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" are presented in 1080p High Definition (1:85:1). The video quality on both films is much better than the original DVD release and while the first film does show its age during the title credits and stock footage of San Francisco, the actual film is looks very good on Blu-ray with the additional clarity and more emphasis on colors. Especially detail on closeups of the characters faces. Skin tones natural on both films, black levels are good and there are no video issues that I spotted during my viewing of the film.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

As for audio, "The Princess Diaries" and "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" is presented in English 5.1 DTS-HD MA, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital. While both films are dialogue-driven, there is also quite a bit of music featured in the films and also scenes that utilize the ambiance of various moments. Such as the first film which features Mia in a rainstorm or the sounds of crowds, but for teh most part, both films are front and center-channel driven as expected. Not exactly immersive but for both films, the lossless soundtrack is appropriate.

Subtitles are provided in English SDH, French and Spanish.

SPECIAL FEATURES

"The Princess Diaries" and "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" is quite interesting when it comes to special features as Disney has elected to not include the special features on the Blu-ray release (only the "Royal Bloopers"), while most of the special features can be found on the accompanying two DVD's.

The Princess Diaries

Royal Bloopers (4:20) Outtakes from "The Princess Diaries" (featured on Blu-ray and DVD).

A New Princess (24:19) A featurette hosted by Anne Hathaway with interviews with director Garry Marshall and the cast of "The Princess Diaries".

Audio Commentary Featuring an informative audio commentary by director Garry Marshall.

Audio Commentary A second audio commentary featuring Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway.

Deleted Scenes Featuring an introduction by director Garry Marshall and eight deleted scenes.

Livin' Like a Princess (3:27) Featuring animation on a princess' life.

Music Video "Miracles Happen" (4:18) Featuring "Miracles Happy" by Myra

Music Video "Supergirl" (3:54) Featuring "Supergirl" by Krystal Harris

The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

Royal Bloopers (3:56) Outtakes from "The Princess Diaries: Royal Engagement" (featured on Blu-ray and DVD).

Deleted Scenes (4:21) Featuring an introduction by director Garry Marshall and eight deleted scenes.

Games & Activities: Find Your Inner Princess A game/quiz for those to find their "inner princess".

Making a Return Engagement (15:37) Director Garry Marshall and cast talk about working on this second film.

The PD2 Makeover (11:07) Featuring Anna Curtis, Anne Hathaway's stand-in for the film.

Music Video (4:02) Featuring "Breakaway" by Kelly Clarkson

Audio Commentary Featuring audio commentary by Julie Andrews and director Garry Marshall.

EXTRAS:

"The Princess Diaries: 10th Anniversary Edition" Blu-ray comes with a separate DVD for each film.

JUDGMENT CALL:

"The Princess Diaries" and its sequel "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" are two-lighthearted, fun and delightful films that would appeal to young ladies but also with director Garry Marshall, the film also appeals to people of all ages, especially with the older crowd as the film also pays a little homage to his 1991 film "Pretty Woman".

First, lets discuss the storyline. While the first film is much more enjoyable than the sequel, part of the enjoyment of the first film was seeing new and older faces. When "The Princess Diaries" first came out, I actually saw star potential within actress Anne Hathaway and as Lindsay Lohan at the time, was the up-and-coming star in films such as "Mean Girls" and "Freaky Friday" and would later incorporate this bad girl image, Anne Hathaway is an actress who came out of nowhere but yet had this pure image in which she fit into the heels of Princess Mia quite perfectly.

While Hathaway was a teen actress known for her role on "Get Real" (which she starred alongside Jesse Eisenberg back in 1999-2002), there was no doubt that this role propelled her career and would blossom into roles in "Nicholas Nickleby", "Ella Enchanted", at the time, she captivated audience with her quirkiness and felt that she fit the role perfectly as Mia.

And part of my enjoyment of seeing this film was watching Julie Andrews, who was still as charming onscreen since her classic films of "Mary Poppins" and "The Sound of Music", and also carried the grace that she is known for, as grandmother to Mia in both films.

Going back to the Garry Marshall reference to "Pretty Woman", Marshall brings back his "Pretty Woman" actors such as Hector Elizondo and Larry Miller, but also brings back Allan Kent to repeat the same line "It Happens All the Time" in "The Princess Diaries" as he did in "Pretty Woman". In fact, the song "Sempre libera degg'io" from "La Traviata" featured in "Pretty Woman" is used once again in "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement". So, there are "Pretty Woman" references in this film, which I found quite interesting.

So, for the first film alone, I enjoyed the "unpopular girl finds out that she is a princess" storyline, but the sequel seemed a bit out of the place as the goal was now "princess to become queen and must find a husband". While the storyline did work, I suppose that the rush into seeing the character of Mia needing to find a husband in order to become queen, just wasn't exciting enough. And as much as I enjoy Shonda Rhimes as a writer, this is one film that tried to capitalize on the success of the first film and to tell you the truth, I didn't think it was needed. Especially since the sequel has nothing to do with Meg Cabot's original novels (as the novels began to focus on Mia's teenage life and life in college).

As for the Blu-ray release, the Blu-ray definitely is a worthy upgrade for fans who own it on DVD. The video and audio quality is much better but for those who already own the DVD's, its important to note that Disney didn't even bother put the special features (except the gag reel) on the Blu-ray release, they are on the accompanying DVD's. So, unless you have never seen the films or enjoy the films and want in HD, if you own the older DVD releases, there is nothing new, in terms of special features, added in the Blu-ray release of "The Princess Diaries: 10th Anniversary Edition".

Overall, I still feel that "The Princess Diaries" is a fun and delightful film, the second was OK...for the value of both films on Blu-ray, it still makes this release worth owning (if you don't own the previous two DVD's).

For parents looking for a fun family film for their daughters (both films are "Rated G") or may you be fans Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews or simply love Garry Marshall films, for the upgraded visuals and audio in HD, "The Princess Diaries: 10th Anniversary Edition" is worth owning and upgrading to Blu!

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Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

Joss Whedon was so upset with the way things were going on the set of the movie, for which he wrote the screenplay but over which he exercised no artistic control, that he walked off the set. Indeed, this is a very hard movie to watch today after the TV series. I did, in fact, moderately enjoy the movie when it first came out. I actually appreciated and enjoyed the absurd tension contained in the title, an airhead bimbo cheerleader called upon to be her generation's vampire slayer. But viewed today, the movie isn't terribly successful, and is in fact made much worse by the genius of the television series. It isn't just a question of Sarah Michelle Gellar being more appealing in the title role than Kristy Swanson (though SMG's much smaller stature increases the paradox of a tiny girl beating up large, supernaturally strong vampires) or the movie missing all the familiar characters of the show; the movie is almost completely devoid of its own style, look, and feel. Although the TV series started off on a tiny budget, it instantly had a compelling look and visual style that the movie completely lacks. Furthermore, on TV they managed a coolness and hipness that the movie never comes close to. Unfortunately, the series has pretty much reduced the movie to a curio.

Many talk of the movie falling short of Joss Whedon's vision in writing the original script. Actually, overall the plot isn't too terribly different. Buffy doesn't burn down the gym at the end in the movie as Whedon wrote, but while there are many stylistic differences, many of the main plot elements were retained. I find the main difference between the movie and the series to be in the "how" they tell the story rather than the "what" in the story. Cleverness and intelligence permeates the TV show; the movie is nearly entirely devoid of those qualities. Take the death of vampires. In the movie, they get staked and simply fall down. In the TV series, they explode, which is not merely a spectacular special effect used to great purpose, but, as Joss Whedon mentions on the DVD commentary, leaves less clean up as there are not bodies. Also, in the movie, there isn't anywhere near the emotional depth that one finds in the series.

Another part of the problem with the movie is the casting. Kristy Swanson isn't bad except when compared to Gellar, but Donald Sutherland is just dreadful. He plays his part as if he were a cartoon character, with a degree of camp that subtracts considerably from his humanity. In fact, the performances are almost uniformly awful. Not just Sutherland, but Rutger Hauer (someone I have loved in many other movies, especially in his Dutch films) and Paul Reubens create one almost unwatchable scene after another. David Arquette is at his worst here as well. In fact, the vampires are both poorly conceived and horribly executed, in contrast to the TV series. Many have noted the number of performers in supporting roles who later became well known, such as Ben Affleck, Natasha Gregson Wagner, and Hillary Swank (not to mention Stephen Root, who memorably played Milton the stapler guy in OFFICE SPACE)

On top of all this, the thing that set the TV show apart from most other forms of popular entertainment was the degree to which it allowed for deep interaction among the various character, something made virtually impossible by the short format of a film (and something that in the long run should prove to be television's innate superiority over film, if it can ever overcome the resistance of television network execs to produce art rather than vehicles for selling airtime for commercials--my fear is that BUFFY could be an exception rather than a harbinger of things to come).

In short, while not an awful movie, the movie version of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER is not the masterpiece the television series is.

Pity poor Buffy (Kristy Swanson). She just wants to enjoy her life as a cheerleader/Valley girl when some scruffy old guy (Donald Sutherland) shows up and tells her she is "the Chosen One." You cannot believe how being a Vampire Slayer puts a crimp in a young girl's lifestyle. But when vampires (Rutger Hauer & Paul Reubens) are snacking on your classmates, what's a girl to do but grab some stakes and get down to some serious slaying. Fortunately, there is a cute guy (Luke Perry) as a bonus.

For fans of the hit television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," the original movie is certainly a mixed bag. The strengths of the film come from Joss Whedon's script, which takes the ...idea of the blonde bimbo being chased by the monster and reverses it so that she end's up kicking the monster's butt. The weaknesses of the film come from director Fran Rubel Kuzui, who plays the whole thing for camp, personified by Paul Reubens over the top turn as "Lefty" and his agonizingly long death scene. But if you listen past the deliver to the actual lines, you can clearly find the foundation for the Buffy character on television.

Donald Sutherland lends a certain amount of weight to the proceedings as Buffy's Watcher, but Rutger Hauer's considerable presence is lost in his campy Vampire King. What looks the most out of place is the fighting style of Kristy Swanson as Buffy, which combines martial arts with gymnastics and cheerleading, which, again, fits more into the camp style of the film. Ultimately the direction overwhelms the promise of the script and we are left with basically a one-joke film that does not get too far off the ground. But if you compare this to the pilot for the television series, you certainly get a better feel for how Joss Whedon refined his vision of the Slayer.

Buy Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) Now

This movie is funny. Unfortunately, it is dissected by the hardcore Buffy fans that were lured in by their love of the television series, and subsequently bashed.

I liked this movie back in the day, and I still enjoy it. I never watched Buffy the Vampire slayer on TV, so I don't hold a grudge against this movie as its predecessor.

If you watch this movie expecting what you saw on TV, you will be disappointed, but it's unfair to drag this movie into the mud just because it's not the same thing as the TV show.

Overall, it's a funny movie that will give you a few laughs and that you'll enjoy, as long as you don't watch it expecting Buffy from the WB series.

Read Best Reviews of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) Here

As many know, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is now a cult hit tv show. This is what started it all. Joss Whedon wrote the script for the movie, but always envisioned it as a tv series. And although his script was tinkered with, for the movie, I think the movie turned out good. Of course, it's campy and cheesy. But that's what makes it good. Kristy Swanson stars as Buffy, she who must rid the world of the forces of darkness. She is guided by Merrick, her watcher, played by Donald Sutherland and a friend, Pike, played by Luke Perry. There are also appearances by the then up & coming David Arquette and Hilary Swank. When Buffy finds out her destiny as the Slayer, she must help Merrick slay a very powerful vampire, played by Rutger Hauer. Of course, chaos ensues, but Buffy saves the day in a final showdown worthy of all the one-liners shot out by Rutger and Kristy. Although the hit show created by Joss is superbly better, the movie still holds it own and will go down as a cult classic.

Want Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) Discount?

Long before the public was provided the television series: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," there was the film of the same name. Both are the brainchildren of writer/creator Joss Whedon, but Whedon has said that the film was NOT his vision of the story he had written. That is why he created the television series which, although at times humorous, is far more dark and serious than the film that started it all.

The film tells the story of valley girl cheerleader Buffy Summers and how she is led to the dubious career of vampire slaying. Buffy is head bimbo among the group of her vacuous friends in their high school. With little more than what the latest fashion trends are to toil her brain, Buffy is anything but concerned about anyone other than herself. Enter Donald Sutherland as Merrick, her soon to be Watcher (an individual who teaches slayers their craft). Merrick must not only convince Buffy that she is a slayer by birthrite, but also convince her that vampires exist no small feat.

The story is told in a tongue-in-cheek manner. Buffy, the film, never seems to engage the viewer to the action, as though the director didn't quite know how to present the subject matter. It's not that the film isn't watchable because it is it's just that it loses steam when it isn't funny and it is often funny. The valley girl schtick works well in this film.

The actors are up to the task and seem to have fun doing it.

Used as a reference for the television series, the film is surreal on an entirely different level. Watch it as a standalone and enjoy it. Don't try to compare it to the series.

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