DVD Review: Phineas and Ferb the Perry Files

• Phineas and Ferb: The Perry Files (Two-Disc Combo: DVD + Digital Copy + In-pack Perry Activity Kit)

To say that we are huge Phineas and Ferb fans at the Imaginerding household is an understatement.

Phineas and Ferb is our go to Saturday morning, Sunday evening, anytime during the week that it comes on show. We listen to the soundtrack in the car and we quote the show all of the time. I try to explain to people that it is one of the smartest, funniest and most musically endearing shows on television.

So, when The Perry Files made it to our house, we were excited to watch the seven episodes.

While Phineas and Ferb do it all to make every day the best day ever, evil lurks just around the corner! But there is hope for the unsuspecting citizens of Danville. Now, for the very first time, crack open the top- secret archives of O.W.C.A. (Organization Without a Cool Acronym) to expose... THE PERRY FILES!

• No More Bunny Business/Spa Day
• Split Personality/Brain Drain
• Candace Disconnected/Magic Carpet Ride
• Ask a Foolish Question/Misperceived Monotreme
• Mommy Can You Hear Me?/Road Trip
• Perry The Actorpus/Bullseye!
• Escape from Phineas Tower/The Remains of the Platypus

This is a great collection dedicated to Perry the Platypus but it is lacking on the extras side. There are two features and they are both less than a few minutes each.

The Bonus Features:

Nerves of Teal Do you have nerves of teal? Then OWCA (Organization Without a Cool Acronym) wants you! See if you have what it takes to become like Agent P in this spy recruiting video.

Platybus Tour Take a look inside the Platybus, the traveling Phineas and Ferb exhibit that toured North America.

There is also the Perry Activity Kit.

 The pack contains a small puzzle and a magnet with different Perry expressions that you can choose.

A simple search and find with clues. 

A strange postcard mailer and a sticker set!

If you are a fan of the Platypus, then you will enjoy this series. We keep up with older episodes on Netflix but having a disc with some great episodes is good for a trip or when the Internet is down. There is a digital copy included that you can transfer to your laptop or iPad.

Hey. Where's Perry?

Marvel Avengers, Earth's Mightiest Heroes DVD Review

Avengers Assemble!

Season Two of this fantastic series is available on DVD.

---

• Marvel The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Volume Three
• Marvel The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Volume Four

We are huge superhero fans at Imaginerding HQ. With the rebirth, so to speak, of the Marvel Universe with the Iron Man film, we have seen every film and collected the DVDs.

I reviewed Volumes One and Two, here.

Much like the first season, we found the stories to be engaging, exciting and educational. Yes, I said educational. We were able to use the DVDs as a starting point to talk about Norse Mythology and how we have run into these same gods, goddesses and stories in other media. I was surprised that my twelve year-old was as captivated by the stories as my eight year-old. Whenever the story talked about Yggdrasil or the nine realms, we were reminded of the amazing book series by Michael Scott, the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel.

The second season brings Loki's plan to fruition that began in the first season. You can still enjoy Volumes Three and Four without watching the previous two, but I would urge you to watch the whole series for the stories and the arc. Both seasons are a great interim while waiting for the release of the Avengers movie in 2012. They add a lot of depth to the existing film franchise and fans of Iron Man, Captain America and Thor will revel in the back stories and character development.

The voice acting was very well done and the animation was a notch above most superhero animated series that we have seen. These two volumes represent the story arc of the second season of the Disney XD series.

• 14 – Masters of Evil 
• 15 – 459 
• 16 – The Man Who Stole Tomorrow 
• 17 – Come the Conqueror 
• 18 – The Kang Dynasty 
• 19 – Widow’s Sting
• 20 – The Casket of Ancient Winters 
• 21 – Hail, Hydra! 
• 22 – Ultron-5 
• 23 – The Ultron Imperative 
• 24 – This Hostage Earth 
• 25 – The Fall of Asgard 
• 26 – A Day Unlike Any Other

Although the final episode ties up the Loki story nicely, there is a surprise cliff hanger that leaves us waiting for Season Three.

Avengers Assemble!

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DVD Review: The Avengers, Earth's Mightiest Heroes!

• Marvel The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Vol. 1
• Marvel The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Vol. 2

Wow. The Avengers Series produced for Disney XD is a cut above most superhero shows.

Beyond pandering to the fanboys, we get a fairly complex storyline that arcs over 13 episodes that introduces the characters, villains and their raison d'etre. Suffice it to say, any one who enjoys the superhero genre is going to love these DVDs.

My seven year-old and I are big superhero fans. Iron Man and the Hulk are his current favorites. After watching the Avengers DVD release, he has a fascination with Thor and Captain America and the idea of the Avengers.

We missed this series when it premiered on Disney XD and the notion behind the Avengers was never quite clear before watching. I read comic books sporadically when growing up because my parents never bought them for me on a regular basis. I knew that the Iron Man franchise and latest Hulk film were leading up to an Avengers film, but I never saw all of the heroes tied together. This is also a great time to introduce the animated Avengers' series as we see the release of Thor to theaters.



I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the stories, the voice-acting and the animation.It is obvious that the creatives behind the series have a fondness for the original tales without disregarding trends in current superhero lore.

It was a great bonding experience for me and my son. We discussed why the Avengers were forming a team and why the Hulk was so distrusting. Plus, there was the anticipation of queuing up the next episode and trying to decipher where the story might lead us next.

My only issue with the set is that Disney chose to break up the season into two separate discs instead of packaging them together. It must have been a marketing issue or a business strategy of some sort.

EPISODES: 
Volume 1 Episodes:
1. Iron Man Is Born!
2. Thor The Mighty
3. Hulk Versus The World
4. Meet Captain America
5. The Man in the Ant Hill
6. Breakout: Part 1
7. Breakout: Part 2

Volume 2 Episodes:
8. Some Assembly Required
9. Living Legend
10. Everything Is Wonderful
11. Panther’s Quest
12. Gamma World: Part1
13. Gamma World: Part 2

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DVD Review: Waking Sleeping Beauty

• Waking Sleeping Beauty

Powerful. Dramatic. Sensational.

Don Hahn and Peter Schneider, both modern heroes in the pantheon of Disney animation, offer this remarkable tale of the rebirth of the animated feature film. Waking Sleeping Beauty (WSB) tells the story of the Walt Disney Feature Animation Studios from 1984 to 1994; more than just a litany of facts and photos, WSB is a testament to the artists and executives that created some of the biggest and most memorable animated films in history.

The film opens with images of Michael Eisner and home video footage of the studios from 1980. You meet a ragtag group of young animators who seem to know that they are in a hollowed environment yet seem to be without a rudder. As the story unfolds, we meet the three major players in the film: Roy E. Disney, Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg. Most Disney enthusiasts are familiar with the conflict that developed between the three, but WSB provides such a greater nuance to the machinations of the executives. We quickly discover the roles being played by Eisner, Katzenberg and Disney--the heavy, the upstart and the traditionalist (and soul of the company).

I was surprised at the honesty and apparent truthfulness to the film. Hahn, who was involved with the majority of the releases during the time period, does his best to tell an exciting and unbiased story. Granted, he is one of the artists as opposed to the executives, but it is obvious that Hahn was more concerned that the film succeeds in telling as much of the story as possible. One of the unsung heroes of the film is the late Frank G. Wells. Schneider and Hahn spend time proselytizing the former President and COO; Wells was truly loved and admired. Reading anything about the company post-Eisner and you will see the same theme: the death of Frank Wells really shook Eisner in confidence and ability.

The producers spend a lot of time focusing on Howard Ashman who passed away in 1991, shortly before the release of Beauty and the Beast. Ashman and his songwriting partner Alan Mencken were responsible for the change in direction of the Disney animated feature. Ashman pushed for a return to the animated musical. Ashman believed that music is central to what Disney animation is. In the film and the bonus features, he is referred to as the next Walt Disney. A scary, but very heartfelt appellation.

The film is told through a unique viewpoint. Instead of using archival interview footage with random talking heads, Hahn had the idea to use historical photos and videos with various voice overs from key persons. Hahn and Schneider tackle a very touchy subject and partway through the film, you wonder if they were going to make enemies. They address this in the bonus features, stating that they told the truth and were personally involved--that they wanted to show everything, including the warts!

Anyone who is a fan of the movies released during this time period will enjoy Waking sleeping Beauty. It is so much more than a documentary about the people; it is a heartfelt and emotional journey into the politics and infighting of the Disney Studio at the time. And above it all, amazing animation was produced. Which Hahn notes, is really what people will remember.

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DVD Review: Walt & El Grupo

• Walt & El Grupo

Walt & El Grupo is finally on DVD and this is every Disney geek's dream film.

Directed by Theodore Thomas, this film is an important look at a singular year and event which defined a Studio, a man, his artists and the direction of the company. Frank Thomas, one of Disney's Nine Old Men and an artist on the trip was Theodore's father. Theodore also directed the wonderful film Frank & Ollie about his dad and fellow animator Ollie Johnston.

In 1941, Walt was reeling from the Animator's Strike. He had just opened his new Studio in Burbank, found his European funds cut off from the war and he needed to downsize the staff. The US Government had created a new department, the Office of Coordinator of Inter American Affairs (CIAA) in order to strengthen relationships between the United States and their neighbors in South America. Oil Magnate Nelson Rockefeller was in charge of the CIAA and used the offices for two main purposes: to foster goodwill with South American countries through ambassadors and goodwill trips; to keep an eye on foreign investments (oil and hotels).

Walt was given a $70,000 grant by the government for the goodwill tour, but he knew there would be long term fiscal rewards for befriending the populace in South America. It was also a tactical ploy by FDR to try to remove Walt from the situation to lessen the stress of the animators' strike. While Walt, his wife and 16 key Disney animators were on the goodwill tour, Walt's wife, Lillian remarked that Walt was treated more like royalty than anything else. Children and grown-ups alike heralded the creator of Mickey Mouse (El Ratón Mickey). During the South American tour, the US Labor Department Conciliation Service was able to settle the strike.

Walt Disney and Chazarreta troupe

Walt & El Grupo is a wonderful look at the South American trip and the events surrounding it. Arguably, one of the most stunning aspects of the movie is how the photographs and artwork come to life on the screen. Since most of the raw material were from photographs and 16mm footage, the filmmakers created photographic images that move and come to life.

Similarly, it is fascinating to see Walt Disney through these images and film clips. Since Walt's passing, he has attained a rather mythic status; it is wonderful to see how much of a superstar Walt was and how he affected people all over the world. You also catch rare glimpses of his lovely wife, Lillian, and how they interacted.

Part of the charm of the film is seen through the eyes of the individuals that were fortunate enough to have met Walt, through family members or media events. You can still see, 70 years later, how enamored they were of Walt and El Grupo. At first, it seems rather mundane to interview the journalists and people that were brought in as live models, but it helps to paint a larger picture of the trip and its effect. In all there are multiple stories weaved into this film: the political climate, the creation of the films, the goodwill tour and the experiences of the animators involved. The filmmakers visit the places made famous by El Grupo's visit and offer comparisons to the modern day cityscape and areas.

The bonus features are not as extensive as I would have liked, but the film covers so much ground that there could not have been much left over! One of the interesting inclusions is the full 1942 theatrical release of Saludos Amigos, which had been edited, previously, to remove images of Goofy smoking.

In all, this is a mesmerizing glimpse into working with Walt and his artists during 1941. Each artist is spotlighted during the film, including their contributions to the films and the Studios. Expert insight is provided by animation historians John Canemaker and J.B. Kaufman. Canemaker wrote the seminal work on Disney's Nine Old Men. Kaufman is the author of South of the Border With Disney: Walt Disney and the Good Neighbor Program, 1941-1948. Walt and Lilly's daughter, Diane Disney Miller makes several appearances in the film as well to provide a more familial take on the trip. Diane rarely grants interviews and it was nice to see her talk about her parents and that time period.

This is a movie that will resonate with animation fans, Disney Company enthusiasts and anyone interested in the art and making of Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros.

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DVD Review: The Boys, The Sherman Brothers' Story

• The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story

Their litany is unparalleled.

Their affect on popular culture is unmatched.

Mention any of the songs from Mary Poppins and most people will be able to sing along. (Are you humming A Spoonful of Sugar, yet?)

The tagline from the film, two brothers, fifty films, one thousand songs is quite accurate. If you were to present the Sherman brother's contributions to the film Mary Poppins or the seminal theme park attraction, It's a Small World, you would ensure their place in history. This film covers the spectrum of their musical contributions while interweaving the story of their lives together and apart.

Conceived and created by filmmakers and cousins Gregory V. Sherman and Jeffrey C. Sherman, this documentary divulges a unique portrayal of their fathers, Robert and Richard Sherman. We explore the brothers’ childhoods, marriages, early careers and close personal and professional relationship with Walt Disney. As the film progresses, you meet a larger cast of characters that worked with The Boys: Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Angela Landsbury, Alan Mencken, Randy Newman, John Williams and many others. When these celebrities and musicians speak about the Shermans, you can sense the love and admiration.

The overall tone of the film is reverential without being sappy or sweet. Gregory and Jeffrey Sherman (the filmmakers) set out to share their father's legacies and to show the world the inside story of the Sherman families. Although they were business partners, Bob and Dick shared a rocky and tumultuous sibling relationship. We meet the family members in the film and see their perspective of the famous patriarchs. Imagine, for a moment, that your grandfather helped to write It's a Small World (After All) or that you helped inspire A Spoonful of Sugar. Bob and Dick spent a large part of their adult lives apart; the filmmakers chronicled this aspect and set about to reunite the brothers. You will need to watch the film to see the outcome.

From a geekier perspective, it was great to see three of my favorite authors in the film and in the bonus features. Jeff Kurtti and Bruce Gordon served as co-producers for the film. Jeff and Bruce also served as the editors for the book, Walt's Time. Another author and frequent Geek-End Update blogger, Brian Sibley gets a lot of screen time, as well, as he discusses the Boys influence on the Studio productions.

This film is a joy for Disney enthusiasts and will leave you hungering for more Sherman Brothers.

Shouldn't this be enough to get you to buy this disc: A Spoonful of Sugar. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room. Winnie the Pooh. I Wan'na Be Like You. One Little Spark.Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
 
All of that and so much more!

This is a perfect addition to your Disney Geek library!

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Blu-ray Review: The Sorcerer's Apprentice

• The Sorcerer's Apprentice (Two-Disc Blu-ray / DVD Combo) [Blu-ray]
  

This movie completely surprised me!

Jerry Bruckheimer, Nicolas Cage and Disney have created the beginnings of a possible new franchise (a la Pirates of the Caribbean) with The Sorcerer's Apprentice. As with most Hollywood films, if the premier weekend doesn't break records or surpass a certain level it won't garner any additional love from the Studio that created it. Unfortunately, the potential has been shelved.

Any movie with a magical and size-changing book makes me happy!

The film has a PG rating, which is mostly for some fantastical scenes of magical fights with spellcasting, flying bodies and a dragon! Both of my boys watched the film and thoroughly enjoyed it. It had some very formulaic moments, but the unique nature of the magic and action created some very exciting scenes.

In all, this is a fun movie to watch with the whole family. There is plenty of humor and the main cast of the film create a sensible and likeable group. I have to admit that I really loved Alfred Molina as the arch-nemesis Maxim Horvath. He played a delightfully charming and malicious villain to Cage's more sympathetic and engaging character.

With the Harry Potter movie franchise drawing to a close, Disney has missed a potential series that will attract the teen and young adult audience. My youngest has been talking about the movie and I have seen him playing Sorcerer's Apprentice with a few of his toys. Is anyone listening?

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Update! The History of Animation, The Boys, Waking Sleeping Beauty, Walt & El Grupo and Fantasia

The History of Animation, The Boys, Waking Sleeping Beauty, Walt & El Grupo and Fantasia/Fantasia 2000 all showed up at Imaginerding HQ. It looks like it is going to be an amazing Thanksgiving weekend!

• Enchanted Drawings: The History of Animationby Charles Solomon

• The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story

• Waking Sleeping Beauty

• Walt & El Grupo

George's Geeky Gift Guide: Disney Dream DVDs

Need a great gift idea for your favorite Disney Nerd this Holiday Season?

Questar Entertainment released three different sets on Blu-ray and DVD, this summer, of shows that every Disney fan will want to get their Mickey gloves on!

• Disney Parks: The Secrets, Stories and Magic Behind the Scenes (Six-Pack)

You get six DVDs with an episode on each disc. A few of the discs do contain bonus features not included on the original airing. I have been asked if there is anything new on the discs or if it a re-packaging of the Travel channel shows created by Lightship Entertainment. We watched each disc and found snippets and new segments added to each one!

• Walt Disney World: Behind the Scenes—An exclusive look at the park that made Orlando the nation’s number one vacation destination. 
• Disneyland Resort: Behind the Scenes— A journey through the incredible attractions and entertainment experiences at the original Disneyland Resort.
• Ultimate Walt Disney World—A close look at the exciting thrill rides that make Disney parks so exciting.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom—A tour of Disney’s largest and most ambitious theme park to date!
• Disney Cruise Line—Exclusive access to Disney’s cruise ships and its private island, Castaway Cay.
• Undiscovered Disney Parks—A unique guide to Disney sites “off the beaten path” including properties and locations in Anaheim frequented by Walt Disney himself.

“Disney granted us unprecedented access into their theme parks, resorts, and attractions which has allowed us to present over five hours of programming that reveals incredible information and imagery,” said Andy Perrott, President and Executive Producer of Lightship Entertainment. “Working closely with Disney Parks, we proudly present over five hours of the most definitive collection of insiders information and imagery on Disney's theme parks, resorts, and attractions.” 

These DVDs are perfect for the Disney fan/enthusiast of every level. Families that are planning trips and researchers wanting to own these shows will be thrilled with the production and picture quality. You will pull these discs out before every trip and whenever you are feeling homesick! My eleven-year old watched these with me. He thought the shows were full of facts and made you think about what to do on your next vacation. He says that it is perfect for people that are trying to decide which rides they should do on their next trip. In all, he loved the set and thinks that everyone that has visited Walt Disney World or Disneyland will love this set.

Also available:

• Disney Parks: The Secrets, Stories and Magic Behind the Scenes [Blu-ray plus DVD and Digital Copy]
• Disney Parks: The Secrets, Stories and Magic Behind the Scenes