Monday, October 21, 2013

#LostAndFoundDVD -- Magical Tale of Friendship and Adventure Comes to Life in Enchanting New Multi-Award-Winning Family Film, ‘Lost and Found’ -- Review and #Giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent a review copy by the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.


"Families will embark on an imagination-inspiring journey alongside a pair of unlikely companions when Lost and Found, the deeply-heartwarming and critically-acclaimed animated film, arrives in the U.S. for the first time ever on DVD (SRP $9.98) and Digital platforms on October 15, 2013 from Entertainment One (eOne)Lost and Found also will air as a holiday special on Nick Jr.®

Based on the internationally best-selling children’s book by award-winning author, Oliver Jeffers, whose newest book has just captured the #1 spot on the New York Times Best Sellers list, the standout production was adapted and directed by Philip Hunt and features endearing narration by Academy Award®-winner Jim Broadbent (Harry Potter, Gangs of New York, Moulin Rouge), stunning CGI animation from Studio AKA, and a charming musical score by esteemed composer Max Richter (Shutter Island).  Lost and Found brilliantly transports viewers from the 2D pages of the storybook to a rich and immersive world that will have both young and old alike mesmerized and brought to tears.  With more than five dozen international awards under its cap, the remarkable film is sure to find its way into audiences’ hearts with its universal and timeless message of the true value of friendship. 

Originally inspired by the real-life story of a little boy in Belfast, Ireland, who somehow managed to sneak a penguin out of the zoo during a class trip and all the way home to his bathtub before anyone noticed, Lost and Found tells the unforgettable story of a little boy who one day finds a penguin on his doorstep.  

Assuming that the unexpected visitor must have lost his way, the thoughtful and determined boy takes up the noble task of bringing the penguin back home – even if it means rowing all the way to the South Pole! But when the pair finally arrives at their destination, the boy soon discovers that maybe the penguin wasn’t really lost after all.  Maybe he was just lonely… And maybe he wasn’t the only one.  

“We’re delighted to bring Lost and Found to DVD and give families everywhere the opportunity to discover this breathtakingly beautiful and enchanting story,” said Michael E. Rosenberg, President, eOne Films US.  “This emotionally powerful film speaks to viewers of all ages and has all the makings of a classic.”



"It is with great pride and pleasure that Lost and Found has made it to the US,” said Jeffers.  “It's such a joy to see my story come to life through the vision and direction of the incredibly talented Studio AKA."

Gentle and uplifting in equal measure, Lost and Found provides families with a welcome alternative to today’s more frenetic on-screen entertainment options for kids.  In addition to the movie, the DVD contains a special “Making of” featurette, showcasing interviews with Jeffers, as well as key members of the production and creative teams.  The segment offers viewers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the various elements that seamlessly come together to bring this dynamic film to memorable life."

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My Thoughts:

It is not that often that I will find myself watching an animated movie over and over again.  But, I couldn't help myself after watching "Lost and Found" last week, when it arrived on DVD.  Based on the internationally best-selling children’s book by award-winning author Oliver Jeffers (inspired by the real-life story of a little boy in Belfast who was able to sneak a penguin home from the zoo), this inspiration and oh so moving movie will delight both children and adults, who get the opportunity to see it. 

I stumbled across an ad for this recent DVD release in a parenting magazine, after the cover art of the little boy and the penguin caught my eye.  Both of my girls love penguins, especially when it is a main character in an animated short or movie.  So, I knew that they would like this movie, once it was available to own on DVD.  But, I will not lie, I, too, was intrigued by the cover art and backstory to the making of this film, which is based on a popular children's book.  In addition to receiving the DVD to review, I was also sent along the hard cover book to read and enjoy with my girls, as a thank you for helping to host the Lost and Found DVD Launch on Twitter last week.  The book has become a hit with the girls, and is read each night.  I even shared on Twitter and Facebook how this cute story/movie has Savannah running to the door each and every time she hears the door bell ring, as she thinks it is a penguin at the doorstep, looking to be her friend.  

I would never have expected this children's book to be made into a movie, but after seeing this magical tale brought to life, I can't help but commend Oliver Jeffers for the inspiration, and those who made this an animation reality.  It is truly breathtaking to watch, and will have even adults wishing for a penguin friend.  What would you do if a penguin turned up at your door?  Would you shut the door and walk away, or welcome a new friend into your life.  This touching story about a boy and an unexpected friendship will have you smiling as you watch the ending.  If you cry easily at movies like I do, make sure you have a box of tissues on hand, as the ending will definitely pull at your heartstrings.

If you like animated movies, then you will want to pick up a copy of "Lost and Found," now available to own on DVD.  This stunning, award-winning film, will not only delight everyone in the family, but will surely become a family favorite, that will be watched over and over again. 
And, be sure to watch the featurette, which shows the making of this movie.  I watched this, and loved hearing about how Oliver Jeffers found inspiration to write this popular children's story, as well as how the folks at Studio A.K.A. included the author in all steps of the making of this movie, which you don't see that often.  I can't stop raving about this movie, and I know that once you see it, you will want to shout it from the rooftops how great it is!  Well, at least rave about it among family and friends. :-)

With the holidays fast approaching, this new DVD would make for the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for that hard to shop for person (young or old). 

--GIVEAWAY--

Thanks to the folks at Entertainment One, one lucky reader will win a copy of "Lost and Found" on DVD to enjoy with their family.   To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!



About Entertainment One
Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE:ETO) is an international entertainment company that specializes in the acquisition, production and distribution of film and television content.  The company’s comprehensive network extends around the globe including Canada, the US, the UK, Ireland, Spain, Benelux, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South Korea.  Through established Entertainment and Distribution divisions, the company provides extensive expertise in film distribution, television and music production, family programming and merchandising and licensing.  Its current rights library is exploited across all media formats and includes more than 35,000 film and television titles, 2,800 hours of television programming and 45,000 music tracks.

About Studio AKA
London-based Studio AKA is a multi-BAFTA-winning animation production company known internationally for its idiosyncratic and innovative work.  Along with an impressively eclectic range of commercial work created for some of the world’s top advertising brands and broadcasters, Studio AKA has also produced a stunning range of multi-award winning short- and medium-length films, including the BAFTA and Cartoon D’Or-winning “Jojo in the Stars”; BAFTA-nominated “Varmints,” winner of 27 international awards; “Lost and Found,” winner of 61 international awards, including the 2009 BAFTA for Best Children’s Animation; and Oscar-nominated “Morning Stroll,” awarded at SUNDANCE 2012 and the recipient of a 2012 BAFTA for short animated film.  Studio AKA is currently in development on its first feature-length production, in addition to producing a new 52x7min series for children. www.studioaka.co.uk.

About Oliver Jeffers
From figurative painting, collage and installation to illustration, Oliver Jeffers is well-known for his award-winning picture books.  Among Jeffers’ New York Times best sellers are Stuck, This Moose Belongs to Me, and The Day The Crayons Quit, which has just reached the #1 spot on the prestigious list.  Published by HarperCollins UK and Penguin USA and translated into more than 30 languages, his picture books include How To Catch a Star and The Incredible Book Eating Boy.  Jeffers has earned multiple prestigious awards and distinctions for his picture books, including The New York Times Best Illustrated Book and The Roald Dahl Prize.  Jeffers also won a NY Emmy in 2010 for his work with artist and filmmaker Mac Premo.  He has created artwork for Newsweek, The New York Times, United Airlines, TED and Nintendo, and illustrated a number of novels.  Jeffers grew up and was educated in Belfast, Northern Ireland and currently lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.


Disclosure: I was sent a review copy by the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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