Now Available on Blu-Ray/DVD Combo for the Whole Family to Enjoy -- Disneynature: Bears (Review)

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

Buy now on Blu-ray/DVD Combo from Amazon for only $22.59

Have you heard about the new movie that was recently released from Disneynature, called "Bears"?  If you haven't seen it, and love learning about animals of the wild, then this is one DVD you will want to pick up and share with your family.  Kids and adults will not only be amazed at the breathtaking Alaskan backdrop, as they learn about a mother bear and her two cubs.  This bear family is followed for a year, which begins as they come out of winter hibernation, and follows them through risky outside world. Just like a human mother's love for her children, you can see how protecting this mother bear is protective of her cubs, but also knows the need to teach them, so that they can thrive and survive on their own when the time comes.

Like other Disneynature documentaries, this new release is filled with action and suspense and will open your eyes to the beauty and wonder of bears of the wild.  And, in addition to the movie itself, this DVD also includes amazing bonus features, which includes featurettes that showcase how the films team lives with the bears during filming, how they did so safely, while interacting with them.  You also get to see how they captured some of the suspenseful scenes you will see unfold during the bear family's year long journey in Alaska.

  
"From Disneynature, the studio that brought you "Earth" and "Chimpanzee," comes the must-own true life adventure "Bears," available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy), Digital HD, Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA), and On-Demand, Aug. 12, 2014. An epic story of breathtaking scale, this heartwarming and visually spectacular film showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life's most important lessons. Families everywhere can now travel to a majestic Alaskan wilderness teeming with life without leaving home as "Bears" arrives on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, and Digital HD featuring stunning high definition picture, transporting sound, and exciting bonus features both parents and their children will love."

My family thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and can't wait to see what Disneynature has in store for us next.  We always learn so much about animals of the wild, and are always impressed with the majestic backdrops.  If you ever wondered how bears lived, this movie will answer your questions, while making you feel like you are  front and center taking in the journey.  This is one movie we will be watching again and again. And, I know that once you see this movie, you will want to watch it again, too!

---

In celebration of the recent release of Disneynature's Bears on Blu-ray Combo Pack, please enjoy 12 pages of downloadable Bears activities! Learn about how people can safely live in proximity to bears, learn about different bear tracks and how to safely visit bear country!  Enjoy!

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

Read more »

Coming Soon to DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital Download from Disneynature, "Wings of Life" (Review)

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this new release from the vendor, in order to write up an honest review.  The views I share are mine and mine alone.

 

Pre-order on Blu-Ray and DVD from Amazon for only $27.99.

"Spring is in the air—literally—as Disneynature prepares to unveil “Wings of Life,” a spectacular, closer-than-close, high-definition look at the intricate world of butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and bats, and their life-sustaining collaboration with flowers. Directed by Louie Schwartzberg (“America’s Heart & Soul”) and narrated by Academy Award® winner Meryl Streep, “Wings of Life” will be available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Digital and On Demand on April 16, 2013—just in time for Earth Day.
 

“In the chaos and craziness of our day-to-day lives, few of us stop to consider what’s happening behind the scenes in nature that makes our lives possible,” said Streep. “This film is a stunning adventure that literally takes flight alongside all kinds of winged creatures—butterflies, bees and bats—each working hard to pollinate our planet.”

Said Schwartzberg, “For me, the joy of doing this film is to be able to explore worlds that humans can’t easily experience—bats sipping nectar in the middle of the desert at night, orchid bees expertly manipulated by a bucket orchid, exotic hummingbirds flying like airborne dancers, and a clustering monarch colony with millions of butterflies. I hope to share the spectacle of nature and to spark in others the sense of wonder I have about the natural world.”

Employing multiple cameras, both time-lapse and high-speed cinematography and extraordinary patience (while nature took its time unfolding), filmmakers shot on location in more than a dozen areas, ranging from the El Rosario Preserve in Michoacán, Mexico, to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Park in Arizona. “Wings of Life” features extraordinary imagery shot with digital cameras—one capable of frame rates of up to 1500 frames per second, and the use of a pinhole lens, which allowed the

cameraman to get within millimeters of an insect subject while retaining a clear view of the background. The resulting imagery—intimate and breathtaking—is brought to life for audiences through spectacular high-definition picture and sound quality.

To celebrate the debut of “Wings of Life,” Disneynature has made a contribution to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) to protect pollinators worldwide. The DWCF has already supported more than 20 projects across North America focused on protecting pollinators and their habitats. Grants have helped conservationists save endangered butterflies, expand habitat for honeybees and educate children about the importance of pollinators and how they can help protect them.

The “Wings of Life” Blu-ray Combo Pack includes a sneak peek at Disneynature’s 2014 big-screen adventure “Bears.” In an epic story of breathtaking scale set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, the film, which is currently in production, follows two mother grizzly bears as they impart life lessons to their impressionable young cubs.

ABOUT THE MOVIE:

From Disneynature, the studio that brought you Earth, Oceans, African Cats and Chimpanzee, comes Wings of Life — a stunning adventure full of intrigue, drama and mesmerizing beauty. Narrated by Meryl Streep, this intimate and unprecedented look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats and flowers is a celebration of life, as a third of the world’s food supply depends on these incredible — and increasingly threatened — creatures.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg, Wings of Life utilizes riveting high-speed, time lapse and macro filmmaking to showcase in spectacular detail these unsung heroes of our planet."

----

My Thoughts:

Remember last year's successful release of Chimpanzee from Disneynature?  Well, this year, they are releasing "Wings of Life" for all to enjoy, right around Earth Day.  Like the movie title suggests, this new release focuses of some of nature's most beautiful creatures, including butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and and even bats.  Without their presence, many of our plant life would be non-existent.

This new nature documentary directed by Louie Schwartzberg, is narrated by Academy Award winner, Meryl Streep.  I don't know about you, but I could sit and listen to Meryl Streep's voice for hours.  She does an amazing job as the narrator, in which she talks from the standpoint of the flower, who rely on the pollinators, like so many other plants, to survive and thrive. 

In addition to offering breathtaking up-close looks of nature and its habitants, Disneynature's main objective is to bring awareness and support to help conserve our planet, animals, etc.  This film does an amazing job at "revealing the fragile relationship between flowers and their pollinators, with a third of the world’s food supply depending on these increasingly threatened creatures.  This film uses high-speed, time-lapse and macro film making to showcase in spectacular detail these unsung heroes of our planet."  A handful of the scenes made me take a double look at they didn't look real.  It is truly amazing at how cameras can catch all the intricate details, like they have done in this movie.  With or without the narration, this movie could be enjoyed, as you lose yourself in the images of the beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds.  Here are just a few of the scenes that really made me sit up and take notice.

What a great conversation starter this new release with be, with Earth Day right around the corner,  I can see parents and children having thought provoking conversations about the importance of pollinators, and what would become of the planet if we all don't do our part to protect it -- including all the animals, plants, etc.  This is one movie you will not grow tired of, and will want to watch again and again.  So, if you are looking for a great nature film, why not pick up "Wings of Life" by Disneynature, when it releases on April 16th on Blu-Ray and DVD, so make sure you reserve a copy now, or pick up to enjoy just in time for Earth Day with your family. And, don't forget to follow Disneynature on Facebook and Twitter for new releases, special offers, and more.

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this new release from the vendor, in order to write up an honest review.  The views I share are mine and mine alone.

Read more »

DISNEYNATURE TO RELEASE "WINGS OF LIFE" ON BLU-RAY 4/16!

LIFE BLOOMS THIS SPRING WITH DISNEYNATURE

DISNEYNATURE’S BREATHTAKING FEATURE

“WINGS OF LIFE” LANDS ON BLU-RAY^® COMBO PACK,

DIGITAL AND ON DEMAND APRIL 16, 2013,

IN TIME FOR EARTH DAY

"Spring is in the air—literally—as Disneynature prepares to unveil “Wings of Life,” a spectacular, closer-than-close, high-definition look at the intricate world of butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and bats, and their life-sustaining collaboration with flowers. Directed by Louie Schwartzberg (“America’s Heart & Soul”) and narrated by Academy Award^® winner Meryl Streep, “Wings of Life” will be available on Blu-ray^™ Combo Pack, Digital and On Demand on April 16, 2013—just in time for Earth Day.

“In the chaos and craziness of our day-to-day lives, few of us stop to consider what’s happening behind the scenes in nature that makes our lives possible,” said Streep. “This film is a stunning adventure that literally takes flight alongside all kinds of winged creatures—butterflies, bees and bats—each working hard to pollinate our planet.”

Said Schwartzberg, “For me, the joy of doing this film is to be able to explore worlds that humans can’t easily experience—bats sipping nectar in the middle of the desert at night, orchid bees expertly manipulated by a bucket orchid, exotic hummingbirds flying like airborne dancers, and a clustering monarch colony with millions of butterflies. I hope to share the spectacle of nature and to spark in others the sense of wonder I have about the natural world.”

Employing multiple cameras, both time-lapse and high-speed cinematography and extraordinary patience (while nature took its time unfolding), filmmakers shot on location in more than a dozen areas, ranging from the El Rosario Preserve in Michoacán, Mexico, to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Park in Arizona. “Wings of Life” features extraordinary imagery shot with digital cameras—one capable of frame rates of up to 1500 frames per second, and the use of a pinhole lens, which allowed the

cameraman to get within millimeters of an insect subject while retaining a clear view of the background. The resulting imagery—intimate and breathtaking—is brought to life for audiences through spectacular high-definition picture and sound quality.

To celebrate the debut of “Wings of Life,” Disneynature has made a contribution to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) to protect pollinators worldwide. The DWCF has already supported more than 20 projects across North America focused on protecting pollinators and their habitats. Grants have helped conservationists save endangered butterflies, expand habitat for honeybees and educate children about the importance of pollinators and how they can help protect them.

The “Wings of Life” Blu-ray Combo Pack includes a sneak peek at Disneynature’s 2014 big-screen adventure “Bears.” In an epic story of breathtaking scale set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, the film, which is currently in production, follows two mother grizzly bears as they impart life lessons to their impressionable young cubs.

ABOUT THE MOVIE:

From Disneynature, the studio that brought you Earth, Oceans, African Cats and Chimpanzee, comes Wings of Life — a stunning adventure full of intrigue, drama and mesmerizing beauty. Narrated by Meryl Streep, this intimate and unprecedented look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats and flowers is a celebration of life, as a third of the world’s food supply depends on these incredible — and increasingly threatened — creatures.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg, Wings of Life utilizes riveting high-speed, time lapse and macro filmmaking to showcase in spectacular detail these unsung heroes of our planet."

Specifications:

Street Date: April 16, 2013

Distributor Prebook: March 5, 2013

Suggested Retail Prices: Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) = $39.99 U.S. And $46.99 Canada

                                         Digital and On-Demand = Consumers should check with their television provider and/or favorite digital retailer for pricing information

Feature Run Time: Approx. 80 Minutes

Rating: G (U.S. and Canada)

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Audio: Blu-ray = English: 5.1 DTS-HDMA, French and Spanish 5.1: Dolby Digital

           DVD = English, French and Spanish: 5.1 Dolby Digital

Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish 

Social Media:

Stay connected with the latest “Wings of Life” information:

·       “Like” the Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/Disneynature

·       Follow on Twitter www.Twitter.com/Disneynature

·       Website: www.Disneynature.com

ABOUT DISNEYNATURE

Disneynature was launched in April 2008. Its mission is to bring the world’s top nature filmmakers together to share a wide variety of wildlife stories on the big screen in order to engage, inspire and educate theatrical audiences everywhere. Walt Disney was a pioneer in wildlife filmmaking, producing 13 True-Life Adventure motion pictures between 1948 and 1960, which earned eight Academy Awards®. The first four Disneynature films, “Earth,” “Oceans,” “African Cats” and “Chimpanzee,” are four of the top five highest overall grossing feature-length nature films to date, with “Chimpanzee” garnering a record-breaking opening weekend for the genre. Disney’s commitment to conservation is a key pillar of the label and Disneynature films empower the audience to help make a difference. Through donations tied to opening-week attendance for all four films, Disneynature, through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, has planted three million trees in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, established 40,000 acres of marine protected area in The Bahamas, protected 65,000 acres of savanna in Kenya, protected 129,236 acres of wild chimpanzee habitat, educated 60,000 school children about chimpanzee conservation and cared for chimpanzees. For more information about Disneynature, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/Disneynature and follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/Disneynature.

ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

For more than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; and Touchstone Pictures, the banner under which live-action films from DreamWorks Studios are distributed. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney On Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!

Read more »

Arriving on Blu-Ray, DVD, Digital and On-Demand Tomorrow, August 21st -- Chimpanzee from Disneynature (Review)

Meet Oscar, the Young Chimp Whose Playful Curiosity and Zest
for Discovery Light Up the African Forest

 Experience the Spectacular Imagery and Stunning High-Definition Visuals on Disney Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Digital & On-Demand August 21, 2012

Disneynature Will Donate a Portion of First-Week Sales to the Jane Goodall Institute Through the “See ‘Chimpanzee,’ Save Chimpanzees” Conservation Program

On August 21, 2012, Disneynature’s most unforgettable and heartwarming adventure yet, “Chimpanzee,” debuts as a Blu-ray™ Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD), Digital and On-Demand viewing. The inspiring film follows the True-Life Adventure of Oscar, a young chimpanzee whose curiosity and zest for life showcase the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom.

To celebrate the in-home debut of “Chimpanzee,” Disneynature is proud to continue the “See ‘Chimpanzee,’ Save Chimpanzees” conservation program initiated with the film’s theatrical release. For every purchase of the movie through August 27, 2012, Disneynature will make a donation through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) to conserve chimpanzee habitat, educate the next generation, and provide care for orphaned chimpanzees.

The conservation program tied to the theatrical release will help protect 129,236 acres (202 square miles) of wild chimpanzee habitat through infrastructure investments in the expanded Tchimpounga Nature Reserve in the Republic of Congo (Congo); educate 60,000 schoolchildren about chimpanzee conservation; and provide food and medicine for nearly all of the orphaned chimpanzees at JGI’s Tchimpounga chimpanzee sanctuary for at least the next year.

In addition to the remarkable story filmed in the depths of the African forest, the “Chimpanzee” Blu-ray Combo Pack is filled with spectacular bonus features, including in-depth behind-the-scenes footage showcasing the filmmakers’ amazing efforts to document the making of the film; a music video for the song “Rise,” written and performed by McClain Sisters; a feature on Disney’s conservation legacy; and much more.

Film Synopsis:

From Disneynature, the studio that brought you “Earth,” “Oceans,” and “African Cats,” comes “Chimpanzee” — a remarkable story of individual triumph and family bonds. Journey deep into the African forest and meet Oscar, an adorable young chimp with an entertaining approach to life. The world is a playground for little Oscar and his fellow young chimps who love creating mayhem. His playful curiosity and zest for discovery showcase the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom. Stunning hi-definition images bring you up close and personal as Oscar and his family navigate the complex territory of the forest. It’s an inspiring and life-changing adventure that overflows with courage and charm. And it will capture your heart.

Bonus Features:
 

DVD:

• “See ‘Chimpanzee,’ Save Chimpanzees”—This feature details the “See ‘Chimpanzee,’ Save Chimpanzees” conservation program and how for every copy of the film purchased until August 27, 2012, Disneynature will make a donation to JGI to protect chimpanzees today and tomorrow. The feature also includes an interview with Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace.
• Disney’s Friends for Change—This feature highlights Disney's Friends for Change, a program that showcases steps that kids and families can take to make a positive impact on the world and the people and animals that live there.
• Disney’s Conservation Legacy—This feature provides a look at the conservation efforts that Disney sponsors around the world.

BLU-RAY: Everything on the DVD, plus …

• ON LOCATION: THE MAKING OF “CHIMPANZEE” is a series of exciting short features that delve further into the incredible lengths the filmmakers went to tell the story of Oscar and his chimpanzee family.
o 30 Years in the Making—The story of the team of researchers who have been observing chimpanzees in the Ivory Coast for 30 years.
o The Heart of the “Chimpanzee”—A behind-the-scenes look at how and why the film was made.
o Piece of the Puzzle—A cameraman’s two-hour daily trek through the forest to get to the chimpanzees.
o Don’t Blame the Tool—An observation of the chimpanzees’ daily lives and how they use rocks as tools to prepare their food.
o Scar’s Army—An inside look at the struggles between the film’s two rival chimpanzee groups who share the same forest home.
o Camp Invaders—A featurette on all the creepy, crawly creatures found at the filmmakers’ forest camp.
o Forest of Bees—A feature detailing how the crew spent two days wading through a sea of bees that inhabited their filming location in order to capture 20 seconds of footage.

• “Rise” Music Video—A music video featuring Hollywood Records recording artists McClain Sisters who wrote and performed the inspirational song that plays during the film’s end credits.
• Behind the Scenes of “Rise”—An inside look at McClain Sisters music video shoot.

DIGITAL:

• “See ‘Chimpanzee,’ Save Chimpanzees”
• Disney’s Friends for Change
• Disney’s Conservation Legacy
• “Rise” Music Video
• ON LOCATION: THE MAKING OF “CHIMPANZEE”
o 30 Years in the Making
o The Heart of the “Chimpanzee”

My Thoughts:

My husband and I stayed in this past weekend for date night and ended up watching Chimpanzee from Disneynature, which releases tomorrow on Blu-Ray and DVD combo pack, as well as digital and On-Demand.  We missed this film when it was in theaters back in the Spring, but had it on our must-watch when released to DVD list.  So, once we finally the girls to bed, we watched this film and had a nice quiet dinner together.

I remember when the film was in theaters my friends all talking about the cute little chimp, Oscar, and how you can't help but fall in love with him.  Well, they were right.  He is such a lovable guy, and makes you feel emotionally attached to him as you watch the movie.  It can't help that I have two young children, so everything about babies jugs at the heartstrings and has me in tears.  Blame it on the hormones. :-)

I have always loved chimpanzees and supported the Jane Goodall Institute.  She is such an amazing woman and really does an amazing job at bringing the awareness of chimpanzees and their behaviors to the forefront, while transforming the scientific perceptions of the relationship between humans and animals.  Prior to seeing this film, I had seen Disneynature's other award-winning films Earth and African Cats, and love how they share up-close footage to families to enjoy and talk about.  So, knowing how well these types of films are made, I knew we would love Chimpanzee.

Tim Allen narrates the film, and as soon as my husband and I heard him speak, we thought we were watching Toy Story, as we do on a daily basis with Savannah, as he voices Buzz Lightyear.  But, it was nice to hear his voice, as he did an amazing job in sharing the marvels of these creatures.  Who says a comedian can't be serious?  Well, he does a great job in being charismatic and sincere in this Disneynature film.

So, what is the movie about, besides chimpanzees.  Well, it follows the life of Oscar, a baby chimp and his mother Isha, who live in the African jungle.  Little Oscar reminded me of my girls, are they love exploring and getting into mischief (yes, even at 9 months and 2 yrs. old, they can get themselves into trouble).  I loved watching Oscar and his fellow young chimps play around and discover new things, just as babies and children do.  It is amazing to see the parallels between how both chimps and humans develop and form strong bonds.  Without films like this, we would not know how courageous these animals are, and how they are so similar in emotion and their behavioral traits as humans.  But, thanks to research and the help of Jane Goodall and her team, we can truly appreciate these animals, and sit back and enjoy watching them play in their own jungle playgrounds.  The visuals of this film are spectacular and breathtaking to watch.  Even if you are not a nature lover, you will be amazed at the plants and how they grow and add to the scenery in the wild.

Even though you can't really have a pet chimpanzee, this film makes you wish you could, as they are just so darn cute and smart.  Viewers both young and old will fall in love with this movie, and will walk away with a better understanding and appreciation for chimpanzees.  Definitely a film worth watching if you missed it when it was in theaters in April.  Or, if you did get a chance to see it in theaters, why not re-live this heartwarming story again.  I can't wait to watch this with Savannah, and see her reaction to Oscar and his family.

Stay connected with the latest “Chimpanzee” information:

• “Like” the Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/Disneynature
• Follow on Twitter www.Twitter.com/Disneynature
• Website and Mobile Site: www.Disney.com/Chimpanzee

---BUY NOW---

You can order this film on Blu-Ray and DVD when it releases tomorrow at Amazon, as well as pick up at your favorite local retailer.  Or, by renting it On-Demand, without having to worry about returning it back to the rental kiosk.

 -----

ABOUT THE JANE GOODALL INSTITUTE

Founded in 1977, the Jane Goodall Institute continues Dr. Goodall’s pioneering research on chimpanzee behavior started more than 50 years ago—research that transformed scientific perceptions of the relationship between humans and animals. Today, the Institute is a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. It also is widely recognized for establishing innovative community-centered conservation and development programs in Africa, and Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, the global environmental and humanitarian program for youth of all ages, which has groups in more than 120 countries. For more information, please visit www.janegoodall.org.

ABOUT DISNEYNATURE

Disneynature was launched on Earth Day 2008 with the mission of bringing the world’s top nature filmmakers together to share a wide variety of wildlife stories on the big screen in order to engage, inspire, and entertain theatrical audiences everywhere. Walt Disney was a pioneer in wildlife filmmaking, producing 13 True-Life Adventure motion pictures between 1948 and 1960, which earned eight Academy Awards®. Earth (2009), Oceans (2010), African Cats (2011), and Chimpanzee (2012) are four of the top five highest overall grossing feature-length nature films to date, with Chimpanzee garnering a record-breaking opening weekend for the genre. Conservation has been a key pillar of the label, and Disneynature films empower the audience to help make a difference. Through donations tied to opening week attendance, Disneynature has planted 3 million trees in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest; established 40,000 acres of marine protected area in The Bahamas; protected 65,000 acres of savanna in Kenya; and contributed to efforts to educate schoolchildren, care for chimpanzees, and protect 129,236 acres of wild chimpanzee habitat in the Republic of Congo.

ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

For more than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; and Touchstone Pictures, the banner under which live-action films from DreamWorks Studios are distributed. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group

ABOUT THE “SEE ‘CHIMPANZEE’ SAVE CHIMPANZEES” CONSERVATION PROGRAM

Disneynature will contribute $.50 to the Jane Goodall Institute for the Disneynature Tchimpounga Nature Reserve Project per Blu-ray DVD Combo Pack and Digital purchase through August 27, 2012, with a minimum of $30,000 pledged to this program. Information concerning the Jane Goodall Institute can be obtained, without cost, by writing to JGI, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22203, or by calling 703-682-9220, or by visiting www.janegoodall.org. This purchase is not tax deductible.

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this film by the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

Read more »

Chimpanzees: Experience the Spectacular Imagery and Stunning High-Definition Visuals on Disney Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Digital & On-Demand August 21, 2012

Disneynature Will Donate a Portion of First-Week Sales to the Jane Goodall Institute Through the “See ‘Chimpanzee,’ Save Chimpanzees” Conservation Program

  

On August 21, 2012, Disneynature’s most unforgettable and heartwarming adventure yet, “Chimpanzee,” debuts as a Blu-ray™ Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD), Digital and On-Demand viewing. The inspiring film follows the True-Life Adventure of Oscar, a young chimpanzee whose curiosity and zest for life showcase the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom.

To celebrate the in-home debut of “Chimpanzee,” Disneynature is proud to continue the “See ‘Chimpanzee,’ Save Chimpanzees” conservation program initiated with the film’s theatrical release. For every purchase of the movie through August 27, 2012, Disneynature will make a donation through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) to conserve chimpanzee habitat, educate the next generation, and provide care for orphaned chimpanzees.

The conservation program tied to the theatrical release will help protect 129,236 acres (202 square miles) of wild chimpanzee habitat throughinfrastructure investments in the expanded Tchimpounga Nature Reserve in the Republic of Congo (Congo); educate 60,000 schoolchildren about chimpanzee conservation; and provide food and medicine for nearly all of the orphaned chimpanzees at JGI’s Tchimpounga chimpanzee sanctuary for at least the next year.

In addition to the remarkable story filmed in the depths of the African forest, the “Chimpanzee” Blu-ray Combo Pack is filled with spectacular bonus features, including in-depth behind-the-scenes footage showcasing the filmmakers’ amazing efforts to document the making of the film; a music video for the song “Rise,” written and performed by McClain Sisters; a feature on Disney’s conservation legacy; and much more.

Film Synopsis:

From Disneynature, the studio that brought you “Earth,” “Oceans,” and “African Cats,” comes “Chimpanzee” — a remarkable story of individual triumph and family bonds. Journey deep into the African forest and meet Oscar, an adorable young chimp with an entertaining approach to life. The world is a playground for little Oscar and his fellowyoung chimps who love creating mayhem. His playful curiosity and zest for discovery showcase the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom. Stunning hi-definition images bring you up close and personal as Oscar and his family navigate thecomplex territory of the forest. It’s an inspiring and life-changing adventure that overflows with courage and charm. And it will capture your heart.

Bonus Features:

DVD:

·  “See ‘Chimpanzee,’ Save Chimpanzees”—This feature details the “See ‘Chimpanzee,’ Save Chimpanzees” conservation program and how for every copy of the film purchased until August 27, 2012, Disneynature will make a donation to JGI to protect chimpanzees today and tomorrow. The feature also includes an interview with Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace.

·     Disney’s Friends for Change—This feature highlights Disney’s Friends for Change, a program that showcases steps that kids and families can take to make a positive impact on the world and the people and animals that live there.

·       Disney’s Conservation Legacy—This feature provides a look at the conservation efforts that Disney sponsors around the world.

BLU-RAY:

Everything on the DVD, plus …

ON LOCATION: THE MAKING OF “CHIMPANZEE” is a series of exciting short features that delve further into the incredible lengths the filmmakers went to tell the story of Oscar and his chimpanzee family.

o   30 Years in the Making—The story of the team of researchers who have been observing chimpanzees in the Ivory Coast for 30 years.

o   The Heart of the “Chimpanzee”—A behind-the-scenes look at how and why the film was made.

o   Piece of the Puzzle—A cameraman’s two-hour daily trek through the forest to get to the chimpanzees.

o   Don’t Blame the Tool—An observation of the chimpanzees’ daily lives and how they use rocks as tools to prepare their food.

o   Scar’s Army—An inside look at the struggles between the film’s two rival chimpanzee groups who share the same forest home.

o   Camp Invaders—Afeaturette on all the creepy, crawly creatures found at the filmmakers’ forest camp.

o   Forest of Bees—A feature detailing how the crew spent two days wading through a sea of bees that inhabited their filming location in order to capture 20 seconds of footage.

·     “Rise” Music Video—A music video featuring Hollywood Records recording artists McClain Sisters who wrote and performed the inspirational song that plays during the film’s end credits.

·       Behind the Scenes of “Rise”—An inside look at McClain Sisters music video shoot.

DIGITAL:

·      “See ‘Chimpanzee,’ Save Chimpanzees”

·       Disney’s Friends for Change

·       Disney’s Conservation Legacy

·       “Rise” Music Video

·       ON LOCATION: THE MAKING OF “CHIMPANZEE”

o   30 Years in the Making

o   The Heart of the “Chimpanzee”

Social Media:

Stay connected with the latest “Chimpanzee” information:

“Like” the Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/Disneynature

Follow on Twitter www.Twitter.com/Disneynature

Website and Mobile Site: www.Disney.com/Chimpanzee

ABOUT THE JANE GOODALL INSTITUTE

Founded in 1977, the Jane Goodall Institute continues Dr. Goodall’s pioneering research on chimpanzee behavior started more than 50 years ago—research that transformed scientific perceptions of the relationship between humans and animals. Today, the Institute is a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. It also is widely recognized for establishing innovative community-centered conservation and development programs in Africa, and Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, the global environmental and humanitarian program for youth of all ages, which has groups in more than 120 countries. For more information, please visit www.janegoodall.org.

ABOUT DISNEYNATURE

Disneynature was launched on Earth Day 2008 with the mission of bringing the world’s top nature filmmakers together to share a wide variety of wildlife stories on the big screen in order to engage, inspire, and entertain theatrical audiences everywhere. Walt Disney was a pioneer in wildlife filmmaking, producing 13 True-Life Adventure motion pictures between 1948 and 1960, which earned eight Academy Awards®. Earth (2009), Oceans (2010), African Cats (2011), and Chimpanzee (2012) are four of the top five highest overall grossing feature-length nature films to date, with Chimpanzee garnering a record-breaking opening weekend for the genre. Conservation has been a key pillar of the label, and Disneynature films empower the audience to help make a difference. Through donations tied to opening week attendance, Disneynature has planted 3 million trees in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest; established 40,000 acres of marine protected area in The Bahamas; protected 65,000 acres of savanna in Kenya; and contributed to efforts to educate schoolchildren, care for chimpanzees, and protect 129,236 acres of wild chimpanzee habitat in the Republic of Congo.

ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

For more than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stageplays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; and Touchstone Pictures, the banner under which live-action films from DreamWorks Studios are distributed. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney On Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!

ABOUT THE “SEE ‘CHIMPANZEE’ SAVE CHIMPANZEES” CONSERVATION PROGRAM

Disneynature will contribute $.50 to the Jane Goodall Institute for the Disneynature Tchimpounga Nature Reserve Project per Blu-ray DVD Combo Pack and Digital purchase through August 27, 2012, with a minimum of $30,000 pledged to thisprogram. Information concerning the Jane Goodall Institute can be obtained,without cost, by writing to JGI, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22203, or by calling 703-682-9220, or by visiting www.janegoodall.org. This purchase is not tax deductible.

Read more »