Sunday, January 31, 2016

Now Available on DVD -- CAILLOU LEARNS TO SHARE (Review)

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


CAILLOU LEARNS ABOUT TAKING TURNS IN THE NEW DVD “CAILLOU LEARNS TO SHARE”


"PBS Distribution announced today it is releasing seven stories from PBS KIDS’ CAILLOU series on the new DVD “CAILLOU LEARNS TO SHARE.” In “CAILLOU LEARNS TO SHARE,” Caillou discovers that sharing his things with the people he loves always turns out better in the end. From taking turns at playing conductor with his friends and family after a musician visits his school, to sharing his favorite things with little sister Rosie even after she accidentally scratches his bicycle, Caillou learns that sharing not only makes him feel good, it makes those around him feel good too!

CAILLOU LEARNS TO SHARE” hit store shelves January 19, 2016. The DVD run time is approximately 60 minutes and its SRP is $12.99. The stories included on the DVD are listed below.

That’s Mine!
Caillou learns that accidents happen sometimes. When Rosie accidentally scratches Caillou’s bike, he’s determined to take back all of his toys and keep their things separate…until he accidentally breaks Daddy’s guitar string. After breaking the guitar string and talking with Daddy, Caillou forgives Rosie and decides to share his toys once again.

Copycat Clementine
Clementine is being a copycat – and Caillou doesn’t like it. When Clementine copies his artwork at preschool, Caillou thinks this is the last straw…until Clementine admits she’s copying him because she really likes his artwork! With help from Miss Martin, Caillou realizes this is a compliment and he feels much better about Clementine’s copycat ways.

Caillou’s Poster
Caillou is excited about the opportunity to draw a poster for his friend Ted, at the grocery store. When Caillou gets his friends to help him with the poster, but doesn’t share the credit, Leo is upset. Caillou realizes he needs to make things right – and he has the perfect solution: he includes his friends in a photo shoot with their collective “masterpiece.”

Playhouse Play Date
Caillou and Sarah work together to decorate Caillou’s new playhouse. They even plan a playhouse play date for all of their friends! When the big day arrives – and Sarah is sick – Caillou decides to go ahead with the party…but soon realizes it isn’t the same without Sarah, especially since she contributed so much.

Caillou Conducts
The preschool has a visitor – Liz, a musician. She shows the kids all sorts of instruments and Caillou is excited when he’s chosen to be the orchestra’s conductor. In fact, he’s so excited, he can’t stop conducting those around him – at preschool and even at home! When Caillou refuses to share his conductor’s baton he soon learns how easy it is to hurt other’s feelings – and how it feels better to give others a turn.

Caillou’s Song
Caillou wants to learn to play a song on his little keyboard…only Rosie won’t leave him alone. She keeps distracting him, trying to chime in with her drum, and pots and pans, and silly singing. When Caillou sees his sister playing on a pretend keyboard – just like Caillou – he decides to let Rosie join in his music fun.

Where’s Caillou?
Caillou wants someone to play with, but he doesn’t want to play dollies with Rosie…again! In an effort to get away from his pesky little sister, Caillou hides. As Rosie searches around the house for Caillou, her efforts soon turn into a fun game of hide-and-seek…giving both siblings something fun to do!

Lovable four-year-old Caillou has a boundless imagination that makes every experience an opportunity for fun and play. By sharing in his incredible adventures, children can “make believe” along with Caillou and find new ways to understand and enjoy the world around them. CAILLOU is designed for preschoolers and focuses on role-playing and “make-believe.” CAILLOU airs weekdays on PBS KIDS (check local listings) and is produced by DHX Media.

----
My Thoughts:

Caillou is my youngest daughter, Bella's favorite PBS show.  She can't get enough of this curious 4-year old and all the adventures he goes in exploring and understanding the world around him, just by using his imagination.  When Bella saw this DVD arrive on our doorstep she was quick to ask to watch it.  Knowing how much she loves this popular PBS Kids preschool series, I didn't mind popping it in the DVD player for her and Savannah to watch.  While Savannah is not as excited about this show anymore, as she thinks she is a big girl and this show is for 4 year olds...note she is only 5 :-) ... as soon as it started playing, she sat down and watched it and started talking about the episodes with Bella. :-)

I don't know about your little ones, but sharing is one of hardest things for my youngest to do.  We have been buying duplicate toys for the girls as they both don't want to share their toys, especially Bella.  But, I have also had to talk with Bella about sharing as she has run into a few instances at preschool where a friend had a toy and didn't want to share and this upset Bella, or vice versa.  I found this DVD and the episodes that make up this DVD perfect is getting the message of sharing across to Bella in such a way that she would understand it better.  Come on, what little one doesn't want to listen to Caillou, right?! 

I have lost count on how many times my girls have watched this DVD.  And, if you were to ask the if they had a favorite episode of them all, you would probably get an "all of them" response.  They and I highly recommend this recently released DVD for Caillou fans or for parents of preschoolers looking for a DVD about sharing to watch with their little ones.

---


About DHX Brands
DHX Brands is the dedicated brand-management and consumer-products arm of DHX Media Ltd. (NASDAQ: DHXM; TSX: DHX.A, DHX.B) (www.dhxmedia.com), a leading creator, producer, marketer and broadcaster of family entertainment. DHX Brands specializes in creating, building and maintaining high-profile global entertainment brands within the children’s and young-adult markets. With expertise in brand development, licensing, marketing and creative, we develop brands which captivate and inspire through engaging content, first-class distribution, quality consumer products, immersive live experiences, and digital media. DHX Brands’ world-class portfolio includes TeletubbiesTwirlywoosIn the Night GardenYo Gabba Gabba!Caillou, Make It Pop!, Slugterra,  and Degrassi. DHX Brands has offices in London, Toronto and Los Angeles.

About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital platforms and community-based programs.  Kidscreen- and Webby-award winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS also offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning. The PBS KIDS Video App is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast. For more information on specific PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.

About PBS Distribution
PBS Distribution is the leading media distributor for the public television community, both domestically and internationally, extending the reach of these programs beyond broadcast while generating revenue for the public television system, stations, and producers.

PBS Distribution offers a diverse range of programming to our customers, including Ken Burns’s films, documentaries from award-winning series such as NOVA, FRONTLINE, AMERICAN MASTERS, NATURE, and AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, dramas from MASTERPIECE, as well as films from independent producers and popular children’s programming. PBS Distribution offers consumers high-quality content in multiple formats including DVD, Blu-ray, digital download, and digital streaming, and is also a leading source for factual content for international broadcast, cable, and satellite services.

CAILLOU: CAILLOU LEARNS TO SHARE
Street Date: January 19, 2016
Genre: Kids
Run Time: Approximately 60 Minutes
SRP: $12.99

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

Reading Rainbow Fans Will Love the New “MISS NELSON IS BACK” DVD (Review)

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



NEW READING RAINBOW DVD
“MISS NELSON IS BACK” FEATURES FOUR
CLASSIC EPISODES FROM THE ICONIC SERIES



I grew up watching Reading Rainbow on PBS with my two brothers and was excited to share this beloved children's series with my two girls, who are now fans of Levar Burton and Reading Rainbow.  Not many of my favorite shows have lasted so that I could share with my girls, but ones like and the Magic School Bus series have, and make for great family time together.  

Who hasn't seen Reading Rainbow?  It is hard to find an adult or child who hasn't seen the show or at least heard the catchy theme song.  Can you believe Reading Rainbow has been around for over 30 years?  Boy, do I feel old knowing that I was around before the show launched on PBS.  :-)

Fans of the show, both young and old, will enjoy this new DVD, which includes four full-length stories, including everyone's favorite teacher, Miss. Nelson. Here is more about "Miss Nelson is Back" and the three other stories which make up this approximately 120 minutes new DVD release...

"PBS Distribution announced today it is releasing four episodes from READING RAINBOW on the new DVD “MISS NELSON IS BACK.” The four episodes and books featured in this DVD are “Miss Nelson Is Back,” read by Ruth Buzzi, “Our Big Home,” read by Naomi Judd, “How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World,” read by Helen Mirren and “Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express,” read by Brian Dennehy.  

This fun-filled DVD is chock-full of great kid friendly adventures. Join LeVar as he gets made-up like a movie monster, visits with a food scientist who is working to develop new ice cream flavors, learns all about trains from a railroad engineer, and participates in a magic act! In addition to going on these field trips, kids will learn cooking tips from a chef, uncover that things aren’t always what they seem, and watch LeVar visit the United Nations and explore ways children can help others both locally and across the world. 

READING RAINBOW aired on PBS from 1983-2009. Hosted by LeVar Burton (“Roots,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Perception”) for its entire 26-year run, the program encouraged a love of literature in millions of children and garnered more than 200 awards, including 26 Emmys and a Peabody Award.

More about the four episodes that you will find on this new DVD release, which hit store shelves on January 12th...

“Miss Nelson Is Back” – Reader: Ruth Buzzi:
Illusions appear in abundance in this episode. As part of his birthday celebration, LeVar gets made-up like a movie monster, and then gets involved in Harry Blackstone’s magic act. Ruth Buzzi reads “Miss Nelson Is Back,” all about a group of rowdy students who try to take advantage of their teacher’s absence when she’s out sick, and how she gets revenge on them by pretending to be “the meanest teacher in the world, Viola Swamp.”

“Our Big Home” – Reader: Naomi Judd:
LeVar visits the United Nations building to learn more about how different countries of the world try to work together. Naomi Judd reads “Our Big Home,” a poem about how everything in the world is connected and how we all must work together to make it succeed.

“How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World” – Reader: Helen Mirren:        
LeVar and a friend point out that following recipes and cooking foods tend very much to be science experiments. They work on recipes which include lasagna made with rice, a marinara sauce, and apple raisin muffins. Helen Mirren reads “How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World,” a tale about a lady who goes to elaborate lengths to get all the ingredients to make a pie after she finds her local grocery store closed.

“Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express” – Reader: Brian Dennehy:
LeVar takes a train ride in this episode. Along the way, we learn about trains and how the transcontinental railroad came to be. Brian Dennehy narrates the true story of how a young teen named Kate Shelley saved the engineers of a train that crashed into a river when the bridge near her home collapsed, and how she got word to the nearest station to alert them to stop the express train.
----

You don't need me to go on and on about Reading Rainbow as you already know how wonderful this beloved children's series is.  I just wanted to make sure you knew about this recent DVD release so that you could pick it up and add it to your growing Reading Rainbow DVD library. :-)

----


About Reading Rainbow and LeVar Burton:

The award-winning Reading Rainbow children’s television series launched in 1983 to encourage reading. By the end of the series in 2009, it had produced 155 episodes, all hosted by famed actor/director LeVar Burton, best known for his distinguished TV roles —  most notably Kunta Kinte on Roots and Geordi La Forge on Star Trek: The Next Generation. In 2011, Burton formed RRKidz with his business partner Mark Wolfe with the commitment to bring to the next generation of kids the finest reading and enrichment experiences found anywhere. They hold rights to the Reading Rainbow classic television series and brand through a partnership with series creator WNED/Buffalo. Reading Rainbow is now a fully reimagined digital service, with the mission of bringing a passion for reading to Every Child, Everywhere-- at home, in the classroom, and on the go. Reading Rainbow ® and its logo are registered trademarks of Western New York Public Broadcasting Association (WNED-Buffalo) and used with permission. © 2015 RRKidz, Inc.

About PBS KIDS PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital platforms and community-based programs.  Kidscreen- and Webby-award winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS also offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning. The PBS KIDS Video App is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast. For more information on specific PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.

ABOUT PBS DISTRIBUTION:

PBS Distribution is the leading media distributor for the public television community, both domestically and internationally, extending the reach of these programs beyond broadcast while generating revenue for the public television system, stations, and producers.

PBS Distribution offers a diverse range of programming to our customers, including Ken Burns’s films, documentaries from award-winning series such as NOVA, FRONTLINE, AMERICAN MASTERS, NATURE, and AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, dramas from MASTERPIECE, as well as films from independent producers and popular children’s programming. PBS Distribution offers consumers high-quality content in multiple formats including DVD, Blu-ray, digital download, and digital streaming, and is also a leading source for factual content for international broadcast, cable, and satellite services.

READING RAINBOW: MISS NELSON IS BACK
Street Date: January 12, 2016
Genre: Kids
Run Time: Approximately 120 Minutes
SRP: $6.99
Format: DVD

Disclosure:  I was sent a screener from the vendor in order to write up an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
Read more »

'Shimmer and Shine' Make Their DVD Debut February 2, 2016! -- Review and #Giveaway

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





SHIMMER AND SHINE MAKE THEIR STANDALONE DVD DEBUT
WITH AN EXCITING SEVEN-EPISODE DVD

Nick's newest and most magical twin sisters sparkle their 
way to DVD on February 2, 2016 

"Nickelodeon's (mis)adventurous and magical twin sisters come to DVD on Shimmer and Shine. In its standalone DVD debut, fans can join Shimmer, Shine, Leah and her friend Zac in the magical worlds of genies, dinosaurs and more. Despite any obstacles, the power of teamwork and friendship help to make their adventures turn out great! In addition to over 2 ½ hours of magical content, this DVD comes with a set of four hair ties as a fun gift with purchase! Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Media Distribution, Shimmer and Shine is available for the first time on DVD February 2, 2016 for the hot, bargain price of $7.99."

---

My Thoughts:

Even though Shimmer and Shine launched on the Nick Jr. channel last August, it was only recently that my girls stumbled upon it.  Instead of recording an episode of Little Charmers (another Nick Jr. favorite of theirs), our DVR recorded an episode of Shimmer and Shine.  As soon as the theme song began playing, the girls were glued to the television. I can see why this new preschool series has become a hit with young girls.  After the first commercial, the girls quickly ran into the kitchen and asked me to start recording this new show, as they loved it.  I came in and sat down to watch the show with them to see what it was all about and have to say I was impressed.  

Here is more about Shimmer and Shine, two genies in training from the magical world of Zahramay Falls, which airs daily on Nickelodeon...

About Shimmer and Shine:


Boom Zahramay! Get to know Shimmer and Shine, twin genies-in -training who can't wait to make your preschooler's wishes come true.

Twin sisters Shimmer and Shine are Leah's secret genies-in-training! Leah always has some dilemma that she needs her magical friends' help with, and the genies are happy to grant her three wishes a day.  As genies-in-training, they sometimes misinterpret what Leah wishes for, and often times they'll accidentally grant her wishes she didn't even mean to make. Each wrong wish quickly compounds into a crazy adventure. Ultimately, through teamwork, the genies and Leah find a way to fix the problem without the use of wishes.
Shimmer and Shine airs on Nickelodeon, weekdays at 11:30am ET/PT.
Shimmer and Shine includes the following episodes:
  • Genie Treehouse - Leah and Zac try building a treehouse but find themselves in over their heads. Leah asks her genies for a treehouse and is thrown for a loop when Shimmer and Shine turn her house into a house of trees.
  • Ahoy, Genies! - When Leah's bucket full of beach treasures floats into the vast ocean, Leah summons Shimmer and Shine to help her retrieve the loot. With the genies' assistance, a typical day at the beach quickly escalates into a magical beach treasure hunt, complete with a treasure map, pirate ship, and a talking parrot.
  • The Sweetest Thing - When Leah wishes for help making cupcakes for her school bake sale, she and the genies find themselves stuck with a giant birthday cake, some farm animals and a river of cupcake batter. How in the world will Leah finish her cupcakes without any wishes left, or worse, explain all this craziness to her curious (and hungry) neighbor Zac?
  • Lights! Camera! Genies! - When it looks like Movie Night will be a no-go, Leah asks Shimmer and Shine for some movie magic help. But when they accidentally wish the movie to life, they turn Leah into a medieval princess with a flying dragon to tame in her own backyard.
  • What a Pig Mess - When Leah's party food accidentally gets run over by Zac in his battery-operated car, Leah needs to figure out what else to bring fast. Leah asks her genies for more Pigs in a Blanket, but the genies give her real pigs wrapped in a blanket. It's up to Leah and the girls to catch the fast little pigs and find a way to fix this hog-sized mistake.
  • Abraca-Genie - Leah notices Zac the Magician's magic tricks aren't going quite so well, so she calls on her genies for some real magic assistance. But Shimmer and Shine aren't getting the tricks right either and suddenly more than a rabbit pops out of Zac's hat - a whole zoo of animals. The girls have to find a way to fix the magical mess before Zac's big performance.
  • Dino Mite! - After searching endlessly for Zac's missing dinosaur toy, Leah asks her genies to wish up a replacement and gets stuck with a real live Apatosaurus. Now Leah, Shimmer and Shine have to figure out a way to fix this behemoth mistake before Zac finds out - and it all starts with a little bit of dino training.
---


What also caught the attention of my girls besides these two genies is the pets.  Tala the monkey and Nahal the Bengal tiger cub make each episode of Shimmer and Shine extra magical.  

And, just like other preschool shows on Nickelodeon this series has really got my girls excited about the show.  Each and every day like clock work, the girls put a bunch of pillows and blankets on the living room floor, to pretend it is their magic carpet.  Then, they are read to watch the show.  I can't tell you how many times the girls will pause or replay a scene when they are watching an episode.  And, whenever the catchy songs from the series start, my girls will sing along, raising their voices to try and out sing each other. :-)

As a parent I love this educational series for the lessons it shares through their fun and captivating episodes.  Preschoolers will learn about patience, friendship, family, perseverance and so much more, as they watch the magical ways these two genies in training teach these lessons, while going on fun adventures and granting wishes.

If you have a preschooler who is a fan of the Shimmer and Shine series, you will definitely want to pick up this DVD when it hits store shelves tomorrow.  Or, if you have been looking for a fun new series to share with your preschooler that is not only fun to watch, but also educational, then you will want to check out Shimmer and Shine.  My girls, while they only recently became fans of this popular series, have already watched all the episodes thanks to the Nick Jr. app on Roku, and can talk your ear off about the show...that is...when they are not acting out scenes or singing the theme song at home and in the car. :-)

--GIVEAWAY--



Thanks to the kind folks at Nickelodeon, I am excited to be able to offer one lucky Inspired by Savannah reader the chance to win a copy of the new 'Shimmer and Shine' to share with that special preschooler in their life.  To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

----

About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 36th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 20 consecutive years.  Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).
About Paramount Home Media Distribution
Paramount Home Media Distribution (PHMD) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.  PPC is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands.  The PHMD division oversees PPC's home entertainment, digital and television distribution activities worldwide. The division is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment content on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and CBS and applicable licensing and servicing of certain DreamWorks Animation titles.  PHMD additionally manages global licensing of studio content and distribution across worldwide digital and television distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices and emerging technologies.
Shimmer and Shine Fast Facts:
Street Date: February 2, 2016
Catalogue: 59175294000 (US); 59175295000 (CAN)
S.R.P.: $14.99
DVD Running Time: 156 minutes
Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish 2.0 Stereo audio tracks

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

Discover the World Through Elmo's Eyes with the New Elmo’s World: Elmo Wonders DVD (Review)

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





DISCOVER THE WORLD THROUGH ELMO’S EYES
WITH THE RELEASE OF
ELMO’S WORLD: ELMO WONDERS
ON DVD AND DIGITAL FEBRUARY 2, 2016



Featuring Over Two Hours Of Fun Including “Elmo’s World: Transportation”
for the First Time on DVD!

"Get ready to think about the outside world like you never have before with everyone’s favorite red furry monster as WarnerBros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind SesameStreet whose mission is to help children grow smarter, stronger and kinder, get set to release Elmo’s World: Elmo Wonders on DVD and digital FEBRUARY 2, 2016.  Over two hours of fun, this wonderful compilation also features “Elmo’s World: Transportation” for the first time on DVD. As an added bonus segment, Elmo’s good friend Ernie joins the fun to sing the “I Wonder” song. Elmo’s World: Elmo Wonders will be priced to own for $14.98 SRP on DVD."

My Thoughts:

You may recall me mentioning last year how I decided to homeschool my girls. I have a new found appreciation for teachers after I started teaching my girls.  Each month I have to create lessons plans with weekly themes, and gather up worksheets, learning materials, books, etc. to share with the girls.  While it is stressful at times and time consuming, the rewards are much greater.  I love seeing the girls get excited about learning and exploring and when they share with friends and family about things they have learned, I can't help but smile and feel proud of them.  

This month, with Valentine's Day a couple weeks away, we will be focusing on the post office, how mail is delivered, etc.  I was looking for a perfect book and DVD to share with the girls.  I found the book, but was struggling to find a DVD...that was until I was sent a copy of Elmo's World: Elmo Wonders, which arrives on DVD tomorrow.  In addition to sharing about firefighters, this DVD shares about the post office and mail.  And, after previewing this DVD, I was very excitement for a number of reasons.  For one, I knew this would be perfect for our mail/post office theme week, as we get ready to mail out our handmade Valentine's Day cards to other homeschool families across the US.  In addition, the other topics covered including doctors, the sky, weather, jumping, etc. got me excited and the wheels turning in my head about other themes that I could share with the girls.  They are both intrigued about the weather and sky, so next month we will be spending the month discussing the weather, sky and clouds.  And, I will be sure to share this DVD again with them.

Do you have an Elmo fan in your life?  If so, they will definitely love this DVD.  Or, if you have a preschooler who is curious about the world, this is a wonderful DVD to share.  Come on, who doesn't love watching Elmo learn and discover.  My girls loved this DVD, and I know your family will, too!
----


More about this DVD...

"In Elmo’s World: Elmo Wonders, Elmo wonders all about the exciting and adventurous world around him. Sesame Street’s curious red monster takes preschoolers on a journey to learn all about the sky, weather, doctors, bicycles, jumping and many other things inquisitive little kids like yours ask questions about.

“Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is thrilled to release another fun adventure with the most lovable preschool character ever, Elmo,” said Jeff Brown, WBHE Executive Vice President and GM of Non-Theatrical Franchise Marketing. “The Elmo’s World series has been hugely popular and we are excited to fill parents’ demand for more with Elmo’s World: Elmo Wonders.”

Sesame Street continues to be a retail powerhouse with over 4 million DVDs sold each year and more than $1.5 Billion in licensed merchandise sales. It continues to be the #1 top-of-mind preschool television shows for parents across the country."

###

About Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street which reaches 156 million children across more than 150 countries. The Workshop’s mission is to help kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder. Delivered through a variety of platforms, including television programs, digital experiences, books and community engagement, its research-based programs are tailored to the needs of the communities and countries they serve. For more information, visit us at www.sesameworkshop.org.


About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.


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

Own it on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD & Digital HD 2/2 -- LEGO® Friends: Girlz 4 Life

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


LEGO Friends: Girlz 4 Life

This has been a fun stay around the house weekend.  When we weren't outside enjoying the warmer temps, we were snuggling up on the couch and watching a handful of new and upcoming DVDs that have been sent to us recently. One DVD, which the girls absolutely loved and watched a handful of times from Friday up until this evening was the upcoming LEGO® Friends: Girlz 4 Life from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.  I never would have guessed this to be their favorite of all the DVDs we were sent, as Savannah is not usually a fan of the show.  But, Bella was so excited for the DVD that she got Savannah excited and they acted out the scenes from the movie -- while either pausing the DVD or asking to see the scene over again.  They really got into it, and it was nice to see them playing nice together and using their imaginations to set the scene and recite the lines from the characters.

Here is more about this upcoming release, including the official trailer, which arrives in stores on February 2nd--



 
"In LEGO® Friends: Girlz 4 Life, our friends must devise and execute a plan—and fast—when popstar Livi’s manager steals the girls’ hit song: Girlz. As Livi gains more fame and recognition from the new hit single, the girls try to share the truth behind the song in hopes that Livi will do the right thing. As the friends set their plan into motion, they come to realize that fame doesn’t mean everything and friendship is the most precious thing in the world! Join Olivia, Stephanie, Emma, Mia and Andrea as they learn one of life’s most important lessons while having fun along the way.



LEGO® Friends: Girlz 4 Life will be available on Blu-rayTM Combo Pack for $24.98 SRP and DVD for $19.98 SRP.  The Blu-rayTM Combo Pack includes a digital version of the movie on Digital HD with UltraViolet.* Fans can also own LEGO® Friends: Girlz 4 Life on Digital HD on January 19, via purchase from digital retailers.

“Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is thrilled to team up with The LEGO® Group once again to release LEGO® Friends: Girlz 4 Life on Blu-rayTM , DVD and Digital HD,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing. “Fans of the LEGO® Friends television program and line of construction toys will feel right at home in Heartlake City with the always confident and fun group of girlfriends in this new film.”

----
Just we warned, the songs from the movie are really catchy.  I have found myself singing along and humming the tunes while going about my stuff. Fans of LEGO® Friends will definitely want to add this new movie to their growing LEGO® Friends DVD collection.  Or, if you are new to this popular series, this is one movie that will make you an instant fan.  Themes of friendship, teamwork and perseverance are seen in this and other LEGO® Friends movies/episodes, which is great for young girls to watch and learn about.  I highly recommend this movie for readers with young girls.  Tweens will even love this series.

---

About The LEGO Group
The LEGO Group is a privately held, family-owned company with headquarters in Billund, Denmark, and main offices in Enfield, USA, London, UK., Shanghai, China, and Singapore. Founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, and based on the iconic LEGO® brick, it is one of the world's leading manufacturers of play materials.

Guided by the company spirit: "Only the best is good enough”, the company is committed to the development of children and aims to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through creative play and learning. LEGO products are sold worldwide and can be virtually explored at www.LEGO.com.

For more news from the LEGO Group, information about our financial performance and responsibility engagement, please visit http://www.LEGO.com/aboutus.

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Minifigure, DUPLO, LEGENDS OF CHIMA, NINJAGO, BIONICLE, MINDSTORMS and MIXELS are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2015 The LEGO Group.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.


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

Read more »

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Take Control of the Toy Clutter in Your House with the Help of Pley #sponsored

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post in which I was compensated for my time.  However, all views shared are mine and mine alone.



Can you believe that January is almost behind us?  Boy, do the months seem to fly right by.  As far as resolutions go, how are you doing?  I only made a few resolutions for 2016, as I really wanted to have a chance at actually seeing them through.  One of my resolutions involved my girls and their toys.  I wanted to make 2016 the year that I finally got a hold of the toy clutter in our house.  How am I doing?  Well, let's just say I am really try hard at this one, as I would love to reclaim some space in our house where their toys are overflowing.

It doesn't make keeping this resolution any easier when we just had a visit from Santa and he brought what seems like a boat load of new toys for the girls.  Thankfully this year Santa got the memo that we didn't two of everything, which made for less toys (or so I thought).  What Santa didn't bring, family and friends seemed to fill the void for the girls. :-)  But, like most kids, the girls got overwhelmed with the toys from the start and now a month after Christmas the bulk of the new toys are sitting in corners of rooms throughout the house.  The girls have found favorite toys they continually look for and play with, while the others sit helpless, as if they were toys from Toy Story, hoping one of the girls will stumble upon them and pick them up. 

Do you find yourself in the same predicament as me and an influx of toy clutter?  If so, how are you handling it?  I asked a handful of my friends this the other day during a playgroup meet up and was surprised at their different responses.  One mom said she would box up the toys that weren't being played with and store away for a rainy day.  Then, she would sporadically pull the toys out and they become "new toys" that the kids forgot about. Being "new" toys, they would show interest and play with them.  Other moms said they gathered out toys the kids grew out of before Christmas and donated them, as to make room for the new times that Santa would bring. Another mom, who also had two little ones, found herself feeling overwhelmed with the toy clutter and not knowing where to start to combat it...just like I was and still am feeling.  Wherever I turn I see a toy that the girls leave out, only to have to pick up and a place to store it.

As I sat and listened to the moms, I was happy to hear two moms talk about Pley.com and how they utilize this service for their kids, and which helps prevent toy clutter in their house.  You may recall Pley.com as I shared about it a few times on my blog.  I tried it back when we only had Savannah and far fewer toys. But, then when we had two and our lives got busier I forgot about this service.  It was nice to hear other moms talk highly about Pley.com and hear all the positive things about it. Just hearing them rave about Pley.com made me want to give this service a try again. Maybe this is what I need to help get control over the toy clutter and need for "new" toys in our house each month.



Here is more about Pley.com if you are not familiar -- just think of it as a rental service but for toys.  

What is Pley?


"Pley helps smart parents save money, reduce clutter and help the environment, while raising brighter kids. For a monthly fee, members receive unlimited toys (one at a time) delivered directly to their door. We offer a range of plans starting as low as $19.99/month and all plans include free delivery and unlimited rentals."

Pley is a toy rental service. Not just that, it is also a socially-responsible company that aims to change how families consume, interact and spend time together. Leveraging collaborative consumption, we aim to raise a more creative and skillful generation that follows the principles of open-ended play and waste reduction, while emphasizing the benefits of sharing and giving back to the community.



For a monthly fee, members receive unlimited toys delivered directly to their door. When your child is done with a toy, you simply return it back and get another toy mailed right to your door for them to enjoy, until they grow tired of it and want something new.  No more wasting money on toys that are left gathering dust on your shelves.

With Pley, your children are never bored. It’s like Christmas every month.  Come on, what kid wouldn't want a new toy to play with, especially if it is something they see their friends playing with and want (just for a short time).  Sound like something that your kids would like, and that would make more sense when it comes to reducing the number of toys in your home that actually get played with on a daily basis?  If so, you will want to head over to Pley.com today and sign up.  I can't wait to try this with my girls.  After sitting down with them the other day, they have a new wish list of toys they want to play with.  And, to get them started on helping me curve the toy overload, I have asked them to put at least one toy they no longer want in a box to donate.  Who knew the idea of getting "new" toys would get them to fill a box with "old" toys (old meaning a month old -- sorry Santa)?  I think with the help of Pley.com and support of my girlfriends, that I can see this toy clutter resolution through.  What do you think? :-)




 ---

Stay tuned next month when I will share an update on my toy clutter resolution and more about Pley.com and how my girls and I are liking this toy rental service.  I will also be sharing ways to keep your child's toys feeling fresh and exciting during these dreary winter/spring months.  Who knows...maybe I will also through in a few Easter gift ideas.  I know, I know...let's get through Valentine's Day first! :-)  I agree.




In the meantime, be sure to head on over to Pley.com to learn more about this wonderful toy rental service. Maybe this is what your family has been searching for when it comes to taking control over the toy clutter in your house.


Stay up-to-date on all related to Pley including special offers and discounts, giveaways and more by following their social media channels:
Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post in which I was compensated for my time.  However, all views shared are mine and mine alone.
Read more »