Friday, July 12, 2013

New Family-Friendly Programming Avaiable from Mill Creek Entertainment, Including New BabyFirstTV DVD Collection (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent copies from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.





This past May, an incredible assortment of DVD collections were released from Mill Creek Entertainment.  From historical documentaries to the complete series of That ‘70s Show, Roseanne and 3rd Rock from the Sun, to acclaimed children’s educational programs from BabyFirstTV and more, Mill Creek offers something for all entertainment lovers at amazing prices.  These DVDs and Blu-Ray released on May 14 at prices starting as low as $9.98 SRP.

To commemorate Memorial Day, three historical documentary collections were made available including JFK: A New World Order (Blu-Ray and DVD Combo). Insightful and comprehensive, JFK: A New World Order is an in-depth chronicle of John F. Kennedy’s life from barely surviving birth to the years leading up to his decision to enter politics, to the tragic events in Dallas on November 22, 1963 to the legacy he created.  Additionally, The United States Military: A History of Heroes (on DVD and Blu-Ray) and Secrets of War - Vietnam - A War Unwanted offer military and history fans an in-depth look into the evolution and secrets of the US Armed Forces.

For TV fans, the complete uncut original broadcasts of all 25 episodes of the first season of Highway to Heaven featuring the beloved Michael Landon will be released on DVD.  The latest releases from the library of Carsey Werner include Roseanne: Season 9, the final season and for the first-time as a box set, Roseanne- The Complete Series as well as the complete series of That 70s Show and 3rd Rock From the Sun (Limited Review Copies Available). Other TV releases this month include Tin Man - The Mini-Series Event (on Blu-Ray or DVD)  the unforgettable science fiction update of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz starring Zooey Deschanel and programming for the littlest fans with Wild Animal Baby Explorers - Learn and See!  and Wild Animal Baby Explorers - Let's Explore!  and from the acclaimed BabyFirst Series comes two 4 DVDs sets, Baby First - Imagination Station and Baby First - Playtime and Lullabies.

For the first time, all five decades from The Decade of Your Life series will be available in one box set, History of Your Life - The Decades Collection - 40s-80s. This series chronicles 50 years of history with over 20 hours of programming. Soar over the majestic sights of our nation’s natural beauty in the latest release from best-selling National Parks Exploration Series, National Parks: An Eagle's View on Blu-Ray.

Below is a summary of some of the new DVD/Blu-ray titles available from Mill Creek Entertainment.  Any of these titles would make for a great date night or family movie night flick:

 

JFK: A New World Order - Commemorative Documentary Series - DVD Only

 

JFK - A New World Order - Commemorative Documentary Series – Blu-ray/DVD Combo or DVD Edition
$14.98 SRP BD/DVD Combo

Synopsis:

"Over 6 Hours Of The Myth And Memory of JFK The Man Who Captivated A Nation!

Fifty years after his death, President John F. Kennedy’s life and legacy continues to capture the hearts and minds of an entire nation. Experience the history all over again as a new generation of Americans is introduced to the compelling story of this unforgettable leader, and the political dynasty that he left behind. Insightful and concise, this 8 part documentary series covers the life of JFK, from his perilous birth to his dramatic assassination in 1963."


CONTENTS:

Program 1: Early Years
John F. Kennedy’s life through his election as the 35th President of the United States.

Program 2: For All to See
The 1960 Presidential election and the many obstacles, including familial and religious, that Kennedy needed to overcome to win the United States Presidency.

Program 3: New Frontiers
The beginnings of John F. Kennedy’s presidency.

Program 4: Doomsday Averted
The Bay of Pigs and The Cuban Missile Crisis, to his proudest achievements, the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

Program 5: A Wall of Words
The origins of Soviet-American tensions in the divided city of Berlin from the final days of World War II up through the time of John F. Kennedy’s Presidency.

Program 6: War Within & Without Part 1
Civil Rights, from his record as a senator up though the transformation near the end of his life that would help inspire the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Program 7: War Within & Without Part 2
The events in Southeast Asia that eventually led to America’s war in Vietnam.

Program 8: Camelot And Beyond
His health and private life, marriage and family, the myth of Camelot, and finally, his assassination and legacy.


Edition Bonus Features:

1.       Kennedy vs. Nixon Debate

2.       Assassination of President John F. Kennedy

3.       Funeral Service of President John F. Kennedy

  

 The United States Military: A History of Heroes - DVD

The United States Military: A History of Heroes – BD or Standard Edition
$14.98 SRP Blu-Ray; $9.98 Standard Edition

Synopsis:


"The United States Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Core have for more than two centuries proved themselves to be proud and honored defenders of America’s freedoms and liberties. Experience the long and proud tradition of the men and women who served our nation’s interest and advance the national cause in this dynamic 7-Part Documentary series."

Secrets of War - Vietnam - A War Unwanted - DVD
Secrets of War - Vietnam - A War Unwanted
$9.98 SRP

Synopsis:

"Discover the most daring covert operations, ingenious spy gadgets and cunning military deceptions that forever changed the course of history! From the Viet Cong’s secret methods to hidden supply highways, underground cities, covert camps and double agents, this instant classic reveals a wealth of undercover tactics used by the American and Vietnamese military leaders during the controversial war.

Narrated by Oscar Award winner Charlton Heston this series brings to life the hidden and unique conflicts of Vietnam that were once declared classified information."


 

Highway to Heaven - Season 1
Highway to Heaven - Season 1
$14.98 SRP

Synopsis:

"Michael Landon (Little House on the Prairie) and Victor French (Gunsmoke) star in this family favorite hit series Highway to Heaven! Jonathan Smith (Landon) isn’t your average helpful handyman. He’s an angel on a mission from God, or “the Boss” as he likes to say. Accompanied by ex-cop Mark Gordon (French), whose troubled life Jonathan once helped turn around, the two travel the country, guiding the lost and suffering back toward the Highway to Heaven!

Whether helping a young boxer pressured to throw a fight or a veteran’s Eurasian daughter feel welcome in America, Jonathan finds a way to bring grace and love into the lives of those he touches. And when necessary, he helps things along with a little angel power!"


 

Roseanne - Season 9

Roseanne - Season 9
$14.98 SRP

Synopsis:


"After all the top-rated seasons, major awards and groundbreaking comedic performances we say farewell to the one of the greatest TV comedies ever made.  For millions of Roseanne fans the secret surprises and unforgettable moments of season 9 created bittersweet memories of unpredictable realities and shocking conclusions. Watch as your favorite blue-collar family takes their final bows and delivers the side slitting hilarity you’ve come to love in the fascinating final season of Roseanne!"


Roseanne - The Complete Series
Roseanne - The Complete Series
$69.98 SRP

Synopsis:


"Experience all 9 ground-breaking seasons of the Emmy Award Winning Connor clan as they generate oodles of laugher and side-splitting comedy in this laugh-packed 27 disc collection."
 

3rd Rock From the Sun - The Complete Series
3rd Rock From the Sun - The Complete Series
$44.98 SRP

Synopsis:

 
"Burst into surging waves of out-of-this-word comedy with all 6 seasons of the award winning Sci-fi comedy 3rd Rock From The Sun! Ever since the Solomon family began their mission to study the mysterious inhabitants of Earth their awkward and hilarious moments captured the hearts of fans and critics alike. After 139 episodes and 6 seasons this 8 time Emmy Award winning sitcom became one of the funniest sitcoms to hit TV air waves!"

 

That '70s Show - The Complete Series
That 70s Show - The Complete Series
$69.98 SRP

Synopsis:


"Rock on with all Eight Seasons of the grooviest show to ever hit the air waves!

Flash-back to the decade of disco with Eric, Kelso, Jackie, Hyde, Donna and Fez in this 24 disc set of hilarious retro-comedy. From chillin’ out in the Forman’s basement to hittin’ the road in the Vista Cruiser this Complete Series leaves no peace, love and hilarity behind. So tune in and prepare to trip out with the funky fooleries of your favorite groovy gang!"


Tin Man - The Complete Mini-Series Event - DVD

Tin Man - The Mini-Series Event – BD and Standard Edition
$14.98 SRP Blu-Ray; $9.98 Standard Edition

Synopsis:

 
"Hordes of winged monkey-bats, a shape-shifting dog, and a cyber-punk sorceress can all be found in the vast hidden underworld known as The O.Z.! Zooey Deschanel (New Girl, TV Series) stars in this unforgettable science fiction update of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. When small-town waitress D.G. (Deschanel) unexpectedly lands in the dangerous wasteland known as The O.Z., she’ll need the help of three unlikely friends and the great Mystic Man (Academy Award Winner Richard Dreyfuss) to escape cruel sorceress Azkadellia (Kathleen Robertson)."

 

Wild Animal Baby Explorers - Learn and See! - 10 Episodes
Wild Animal Baby Explorers - Learn and See! - 10 Episodes
$9.98 SRP

Synopsis:


"Join Izzy the Owl, Benita the Beaver, Miss Sandy the Salamander and Skip the Rabbit as they explore the wonderful world around them! This award winning series has children grinning and giggling at the antics of the Wild Animal Babies as they discover new sights, sounds and ways to use their imaginations."


 

Wild Animal Baby Explorers - Let's Explore! - 10 Episodes
Wild Animal Baby Explorers - Let's Explore! - 10 Episodes
$9.98 SRP

Synopsis:


"Bring the natural world to life for your preschooler with the award winning Wild Animal Babies! This sensation series has children laughing and smiling at the antics of Izzy the Owl, Benita the Beaver, Miss Sandy the Salamander and Skip the Rabbit as they learn about the natural world. Each educational and entertaining episode features a unique mix of high-quality animation and live-action footage so children stay engaged and having fun while they learn!"


BabyFirst - Imagination Station
$29.98 SRP

Synopsis:

 
"Explore the wonderful world of learning with the most popular characters from BabyFirstTV! This 4 DVD Collection includes a variety of interactive opportunities for your little ones to explore the whimsical world around them. Engage and entertain your child with captivating imagery, magical discovery and social interaction with fuzzy friends like Harry the Bunny!"

The Best of BabyFirst: An Educational Adventure

Numbers Around the Globe: Adventures in Counting

Baby Class: Building Blocks of Learning

Harry the Bunny: Come Along and Play


 

Baby First: Playtime & Lullabies - 4 DVD
 BabyFirst - Playtime and Lullabies
$29.98 SRP

Synopsis:

 
"A Collection that includes a variety of playful programs of captivating imagery, magical discovery and cuddly creatures. Introduce the colorful world of creativity and provide new opportunities for your babies and toddlers through entertaining and stimulating characters, stories and music."

Art & Music: Sensory Wonderland

Shushybye Baby: Bedtime Stories and Songs

Sweet Dreams: Calming Music and Imagery

Color Crew: All About Colors

 

History of Your Life - The Decades Collection - 40s-80s

 

History of Your Life - The Decades Collection - 40s-80s
$29.98 SRP

Synopsis:

"Prepare to discover the notable figures and events that dominated the decades and changed the course of history! Flash-back to the “good old days” with this nostalgic and entertaining 5 DVD collection that captures the life and times in America – from the 1940’s through the 1980’s. Together for the first time this series reveals the fun and fascinating pop-culture and historical highlights of each decade. From politics & pantyhose to Pac-Man prepare to travel through The History of Your Life!"

 

National Parks Exploration Series - National Parks: An Eagle's View


National Parks Exploration Series - National Parks: An Eagle's View - BD
$9.98 Standard Edition



Synopsis:


"Prepare to take flight and explore America’s greatest treasures in this ‘birds-eye-view’ exploration through our historic National Parks. This breathtaking series journeys through the elegant and adventurous landscapes of our nation’s most colorful and sacred places."

 

------
My Thoughts:

I was excited when I heard about the new DVD releases from Mill Creek Entertainment, as they have become my go-to source for family entertainment and educational titles for the girls, at an exceptional price.  I requested a copy of the following titles to review:

Highway to Heaven - Season 1

Wild Animal Baby Explorers - Let's Explore! - 10 Episodes

Wild Animal Baby Explorers - Learn and See! - 10 Episodes


Over the past month I have had a blast watching the kid's titles with the girls.  We have seen the Wild Animal Babies before, so it was a treat to experience watching these fun-filled episodes for the first time together. This series, which aired on PBS is a great educational tool for children ages 2+.  As soon as the girls saw the cute and cuddly wild animals appear on the screen, they went crazy.  Savannah started calling and pointing out the different animals she knew, like the bunny, owl, skunk, bear and frog.  Like most programming for kids, these animals had fun names -- Izzy the Owl, Benita the Beaver, Sammy the Skunk, Miss Sandy the Salamander and Skip the Rabbit .  Each of the new Wild Animal Baby Explorers DVD's include 10 full length animated episodes.  We began our Wild Animal Babies experience by watching the "Learn and See" DVD.  The episodes included:

Episode 1: Frog Hop/By a Nose
Episode 2: Crowd Pleaser/Ready for Winter
Episode 3: Z Is for Zebra/What’s Up Giraffes
Episode 4: Rainbow Treasure Hunt/Crab Walk!
Episode 5: A Seahorse, of Course/Seeing Snow Prints
Episode 6: Slow Down!/Itsy Bitsy Spider
Episode 7: Home Tweet Home!/Eye Spy!
Episode 8: Dig This!/Sharp Dressers
Episode 9: Show-Off!/Hello Kitties!
Episode 10: Clever Coyotes/Telling Tales

The total run time for this DVD is 3 hr. 30 min. Within the first few minutes of watching the first episodes, the girls and I were hooked.  I can see why this animated series won the distinguished iParenting Media Award.  While the episodes in this series are entertaining, they do an amazing job at teaching young children about new sights, sounds, as children are encouraged to use their imagination.  If you are familiar with the current hit show, Wild Kratts on PBS Kids, you will be pleased to know that this new DVD release includes high quality animation paired with live-action footage.  My girls love this combination, as it seems to keep them more engaged, and introduced them to new things both through animation and real-life footage, which as a parent I love.

I spent the entire month of June watching the two Wild Animal Babies DVD's with the girls.  Like I said, they each include 10 episodes each.  So, I ended up breaking up the viewing time, to watching 2-3 at a time each day. There were a few occasions that the girls wanted to watch more, as they were getting into the show, and having fun learning new things.  And, I loved seeing them so excited about learning. So, we added in a couple more episodes. :-)

Overall, I have to say that this is an amazing series for kids.  I wish that is was still airing on PBS, as I know it would be a hit and that many families with young children would tune in.  Thankfully, parents can purchase these new DVD's from Mill Creek Entertainment and introduce their little ones to the Wild Animal Babies in their own home.  Once you watch the first episode, you will be hooked.  What parent or child can resist these cute baby animals? :-)

----

In the past, I have shared a handful of posts/review about the programming which airs on BabyFirstTV.  I was first introduced to this channel through my cable lineup, but once we switched providers, we lost this channel.  I think I was more upset than the girls were, as I know how great each of the shows are, and how they were really helping the girls learn new things like colors, vocabulary, counting and more.  But, thanks to the Roku, I was able to sign up for live streaming BabyFirstTV for only $4.99.  This is a steal for the high quality children's programming you can watch and enjoy with your little ones.  In addition to streaming live programming, I have also had the opportunity to stock up on some great BabyFirstTV DVDs to share with the girls whenever I want.  Mill Creek Entertainment has a wonderful selection of BabyFirstTV DVD's available, that will provide hours of educational fun for young children.  I was sent the two new BabyFirstTV releases from Mill Creek Entertainment's May releases -- BabyFirstTV- Imagination Station and BabyFirstTV - Playtime and Lullabies.  These two DVD releases contain a wonderful collection of entertaining programming from some of the channel's hit shows, including Color Crew, Shushybye Baby, Art & Music, Harry the Bunny and Numbers Around the Globe.  Little ones will have a blast using their imaginations as they discover new things.  My daughter Savannah is a huge fan of Harry the Bunny.  She started watching this show prior to Easter this year, and when she finally met the Easter Bunny, she called him Harry. :-)  Last year, she was too scared to have her photo taken with the Easter Bunny.  But, thanks to this fun show, she couldn't get enough face to face time with the bunny. :-)  Another favorite BabyFirstTV show, Savannah also enjoys is Color Crew.  This show features a box of crayons that fill in a coloring sheet.  Two crayons are chosen at a time, and they travel to the coloring page.  Children watch as the colors try

I was so excited to see Mill Creek Entertainment offer additional BabyFirstTV DVD's, as is not only added to our current BabyFirstTV DVD collection, but came in handy during our recent car ride to NH.  The girls were not only get entertained by BabyFirstTV programming, but they couldn't stop telling Nana and Papa things they learned from these shows.  Savannah was so proud being able to count to 20.  If there is one DVD collection you want to buy for your little one to help prep them for pre-school and encourage imaginative play, BabyFirstTV DVD's from Mill Creek Entertainment will fit the bill.  They are reasonable prices, and jam packed with fun, educational content, that will keep even the youngest of viewers engaged.  They will not even know that they are learning new things, until they start naming colors, counting, etc.
----

I ended up having Mill Creek Entertainment send along Highway to Heaven: Season 1, as this show has sentimental connections of my childhood, with my father.  Whenever he would come home from working all day, he would unwind on the couch by watching Highway to Heaven on television.  Even though I was familiar with Michael Landon from My Little Prairie shows, it was the first time I was introduced to Victor French who played Mark Gordon.  If you are not familiar with this show, which aired in the 80's, and still airs on Retro TV -- it follows Michael Landon's character, Jonathan Smith, who plays an angel on a mission from God, who is sent to help turn around the troubled life of ex cop, Mark Gordon, played by French.  It was great seeing these two actors work alongside each other.  While I watched other family programming with my family, I was drawn to this wholesome show.  I loved tuning in with my dad, and watching Mark and Jonathan travel the world, as they help others in need.  Many famous actors made cameo appearances on this show, with some even getting their TV debut break.  Even though this is a spiritual drama, you are not bombarded with religious content at all times.  Just knowing that God, or the Boss, as Landon's character called him, had a purpose for these two men, was more than even to provide uplifting content for viewers.  I love when shows included humor and wisdom, while providing great family-friendly content, and Highway to Heaven, did a great job at this.  When I received the Season 1 DVD, I couldn't wait to show my dad.  He had the same reaction as I did -- he smiled.  I could tell he was thinking back to when we used to snuggle on the couch together and watch Highway to Heaven episodes.  And, this past 4th of July weekend, my father and I had a Highway to Heaven: Season 1 marathon after the girls went to bed.  We loved watching some of our favorite episodes, and talked about others that made an impression on us.  It also reminded me of how great an actor Michael Landon is, and how much he is missed.  I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more DVD's to be releases from this popular television series, so that I can pick up.  :-)


So, if you are looking for great family content to share with your family -- let it be wholesome movies or retro television, Mill Creek Entertainment has you covered.  So, what are you waiting for?  Head on over to Mill Creek Entertainment's website and browse their selection of current and upcoming DVD/Blu-ray releases today -- http://www.millcreekent.com/.


About Mill Creek Entertainment

Mill Creek Entertainment is the leading provider of value home video content to the retail and specialty marketplaces.  With over 50 million DVDs and Blu-ray discs sold annually the company has established a powerful distribution network that encompasses over 30,000 storefronts and millions of online customers. The company is relentless in its quest to always provide outstanding content and packaging with amazing value propositions to ensure consumer demand and customer satisfaction. Mill Creek offers a tremendous range of content including contemporary and classic feature film and television, kids’ animation, documentary, special interest and fitness.  Compilations range from double-features to 100-movie collections as well as 10 to 600 episode TV collections.   Driven by its immense library of over 12,000 hours of owned and licensed content and licensing partnerships with major studios and production companies world-wide, the company continues to redefine the value marketplace.  For more information: www.millcreekent.com.



Disclosure: I was sent copies from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.


1 comment :