Minuscule: Valley of the Lost Ants Is One Movie You Will Not Want to Miss - Now on DVD (Review and Giveaway)

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.

Enjoy a BIG adventure this summer with the TINIEST of creatures in Minuscule: Valley of the Lost Ants!

Buy now on DVD from Amazon for only $11.99

The girls and I saw the most amazing movie today, Minuscule: Valley of the Lost Ants, which arrived on DVD this past Tuesday (May 26th) from kaboom!Entertainment, in addition to releasing in theaters and on Demand.  This fun fill adventure that centers around ants has no dialogue, except for the voice of Richard Dreyfuss, who acts as the narrator.  The ants themselves communicate and tell the story via a synchronized soundtrack of music and sound effects -- which I have to say is really cool. Little ones especially with love how this animated movie is told through sound as they will not have to concentrate to follow along with dialogue.

In addition to the unique communication of the animated stars, the imagery and scenery that make up this animated movie are simply stunning.  Who knew that an animated movie could makes insects look really cool.  Want to see what I am talking about?  Check out the movie's trailer and see what I mean...

And, here is more about the movie:

Synopsis

"After a couple leaves their picnic in a hurry, a gang of hungry ants moves in to steal what could be their most coveted treasure: a tin box filled with sugar cubes.  But before they can get away with the loot, a newly-born ladybug strays from its own family and gets trapped inside the box!  The ladybug is soon spirited away by the ants as they try to transport their prize across the woods toward their colony. Together, the insects embark on an epic journey to protect their sugar."

Fun Facts About Minuscule

• Minuscule: Valley of the Lost Ants is a 2013 France/Belgium animated film, co-written and directed by Hélène Giraud and Thomas Szabo
• The film has been a huge box office success worldwide: France, Poland, Korea, Czech Republic, Switzerland and MORE
• Created by the same animated studio that produced Dragon Hunters
• Feature is based off the TV show ‘Minuscule - The Private Life of Insects’
• Series aired on the Disney Channel in the U.S.

Like I said earlier, my girls and I loved this movie and will definitely be watching it again soon. Savannah even wants to bring it to school and have the teacher show it next week during bug week.  Once you and your kids watch this adorable, you'll want to watch it again and/or pass along to family and friends to enjoy.  When they say "good things come in small packages," I am not sure they were referencing ants.  But, with this new animated feature release, these insects will warm your heart and keep you entertained from beginning to end.  I highly recommend this movie is you are looking for fun family-friendly movie to watch this upcoming weekend.

To stay up-to-date on upcoming family-friendly movie releases like this one, make sure you follow  kaboom! Entertainment on Facebook and Twitter.

--GIVEAWAY--

Thanks to the kind folks at kaboom! Entertainment, one lucky reader will win a DVD copy of this new release.  To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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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.

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Now Available to Own on DVD -- Peppa Pig: Muddy Puddles (Review and #Giveaway)

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.

Are you little ones fans of Peppa Pig?  Both of my girls have been watching Peppa and her little brother, George, since they were little.  After stumbling across a YouTube video of this show, we have been collecting books, DVDs and toys to add to our growing Peppa Pig collection.  You can only imagine how excited my girls were they saw me taking this recent DVD release out of the mail.  In addition to receiving the DVD to review, I had also pre-ordered the limited edition gift set, which includes a cute Peppa Pig Ty Plush to surprise the girls with. 
:-)

I have lost count of how many Peppa Pig plush toys we have, but I do know we don't have this cute little one, which has Peppa sporting her yellow boots for jumping in muddy puddles, as well as splattered mud on her boots and outfit.  Really cute, and a must have for any Peppa Pig fan.  

With two girls who don't like to share, I had to quickly order a second one to keep the peace. :-)  Now, we have two plush Peppa dolls and three DVDs, allowing us to enjoy Peppa Pig at home and on the go, as well as one to send to the grandparents house.  And, each night at bedtime the girls cuddle up to their new bedtime pal. :-)

Like I said, in addition to the Peppa Pig: Muddy Puddles limited edition gift set (SRP: $39.99), which would be perfect for an Easter basket gift, you can also pickup the DVD without the plush toy for only $14.98 (available in stores and through many online retailers).  

This new DVD includes the following full-length episodes...

·         “Muddy Puddles”

·         “Mr. Dinosaur is Lost”

·         “Polly Parrot”

·         “Best Friend”

·         “Hide and Seek”

·         “The Playgroup”

·         “Mummy Pig at Work”

·         “Camping”

·         “Gardening”

·         “Bicycles”

While these episodes have already aired on television and your kids, like mine, have probably already watched them half a dozen times or more, you will find that they will watch this DVD as it it was new to them -- my girls acting this way, all while reciting lines that they remembered and snorting like Peppa and her family.  I wish I was able to capture Bella pretending to be like Peppa, as she will drop to the floor and roll around while snorting like a pig.  Then, she lets out a big belly giggle before getting to her feet.  It is so cute...but, everytime I would pull the camera out, she would get camera shy. :-(

I tried asking my girls which of the 10 episodes on this DVD were their favorites.  Both were quick to say all of them.  I did notice, however, that they really got into the "Mr. Dinosaur is Lost" episode in which Peppa's little brother, George lost his favorite stuffed dinosaur and enlisted the help of his family to help him remember where it was.  He eventually found it up in a tree, after everyone searched high and low for it.

This animated series, which airs daily on Nick Jr. continues to gain a following of viewers of all ages.  The show is not only fun to watch, but teaches children about friendship and life lessons, including kindness, helping others, working together and more.   My 8 year old niece is also a fan of this show and like my girls could recite many of the lines from the episodes on this DVD, or at least tell me what each was about, as they started to play.  :-)  

Many of these episodes are perfect for spring as the snow is finally melting, which means muddy puddles galore outside.  Also trips to the park, gardening and even camping are to follow, once we can see the green grass.  So, why not join me and welcome spring by picking up this new DVD release featuring everyone's favorite talking pig, Peppa Pig today. Your kids will love watching all the episodes, as they laugh and snort along. :-)

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More about this recent DVD release:

"Are you ready for some muddy puddle adventures?  The lovable Peppa Pig is back for more adventure in a snortingly-funny all-new DVD –Peppa Pig: Muddy Puddles (SRP $14.98). The latest title from kaboom! Entertainment based on the top-rated series that airs daily on Nick Jr., launches nationwide on DVD and digital download March 10.  Each “peppasode” – 10 in all – featured on the DVD includes all the kindness, laughter, fun and gentle life lessons that make Peppa Pig one of the most beloved pals to preschoolers around the world.  The new release invites fans to spring forward and follow along with Peppa Pig, her brother George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and their animal friends as they play, learn and get muddy!

Peppa Pig: Muddy Puddles Description

It’s raining, and Peppa is sad because she can’t play outside but when the rain stops, Peppa and George get to play one of their favorite games – jumping in muddy puddles! When Mummy and Daddy Pig join in, things get very muddy indeed.  There is also a game of hide and seek, a camping trip in the countryside, a lesson in riding bikes, and much more!  Kids will love these hilarious hijinks filled with lots of laughter! "

--GIVEAWAY--

Thanks to the kind folks at kaboom! Entertainment, one lucky reader will win a copy of Peppa Pig: Muddy Puddles on DVD to surprise that special Peppa Pig fan in their life for Easter.  

To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

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Get the Kids Excited About Easter with Zack & Quack: Popping Hopping Easter on DVD from kaboom! -- Review and #Giveaway

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 DVD from Amazon for only $9.99

My girls were both introduced to Zack and Quack, a fun animated series for young children, after watching on-demand episodes on the the Nick Jr. app I downloaded to our iPads over the holidays.  And, from that point, they were hooked and wanted to watch as much Zack & Quack epsiodes as they could.  So, you can only imagine how excited they were when they saw me take this Easter-themed DVD out of the mailbox.  

If you are not familar with this animated series, it follows a young boy names Zack and his friend, who happens to be a duck called Quack.  Unlike other animated series your children probably watch, this one is made to feel like a pop-up book, which I think is cool, and that my girls really love.

This new DVD release, which released back on 3/15 from kaboom! Entertainment, includes the following 5 full-length episodes:

Zack and Qauck's Pop-Up Circus
The Poppy-Up Flower
Popping Hopping Hiccups
The Poparang 3000
The Pop-Up Easter Egg Hunt

Both of my girls agreed that The Pop-Up Easter Egg Hunt was their favorite, with the episode about the hiccups a close second. :-)  This DVD would be a perfect addition to your child's Easter basket, or to watch days leading up to Easter.  We have had this DVD for a couple weeks, and have already watched it a handful of times, and it has been passed around between Savannah's friends at school, after she couldn't stop talking about it.

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More about this DVD release:

"On March 10^th, Zack & Quack arrived in the U.S. for the 1^st time on DVD in the release Zack & Quack: Popping Hopping Easter. This series follows the adventures of a dynamic boy named Zack & his best friend, an impulsive young duck, called Quack. They live inside the most amazing pop-up book ever! It's a place full of fantastical surprises – where pulling pop-ups makes exciting andunexpected things happen. New worlds and fantastic voyages quite literally unfold before your eyes in this five episode DVD."

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Don't miss out on other fun family friendly movies from kaboom! Entertainment by following them on their social media channels:

• kaboom! Entertainment on  Facebook
• kaboom! Entertainment on Twitter 

--GIVEAWAY--

Want to win a copy of Zack & Quack: Popping Hopping Easter on DVD?  Thanks to the folks at kaboom! Entertainment, one lucky reader will do just that!  To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

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Peppa Pig: Peppa's Christmas -- Arrives on DVD Today from kaboom! Entertainment (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.

Buy now on DVD from Amazon for only $9.99

How does your family get excited about the holidays?  Well, in addition to the girls going crazy for all the toy catalogs arriving in the mail for them to go through and circle what they want (almost every page and item seems to be circled), we also love to pull out or Christmas DVD collection and watch these classic family movies, in addition to watching and adding new ones year after after.  And, with the girls being sick recently, we have found ourselves watching many of the new holiday movies sent to us, including the new "Peppa's Christmas" DVD, which is available starting today on DVD for fans of this hit animated series for preschoolers.  

Do you have a Peppa Pig fan in your house?  Both of my girls can't get enough of this talking spunky pig called Peppa.  Not only do we have toys and DVDs, but my DVR is filled with episodes of this show,which airs daily on Nick Jr.  It was only a matter of time that a Christmas DVD was released for Peppa Pig fans to enjoy!  

 

This new DVD includes the following 12-fun filled episodes:

1.  Peppa's Christmas
2. Pirate's Island
3.  Cuckoo Clock
4. Pretend Friends
5. The Long Grass
6. The Dentist 
7.  Zoe Zebra
8.  Nature's Trail
9.  Pen Pal
10. School Bus Trip
11. Granny and Grandpa's Attic
12.  The School Fete

While I was hoping for more holiday themed episodes, the girls did enjoy watching each and every one of the above episodes (over and over again).  Fans of this show will be snorting and giggling along with Peppa, as she, her brother George and her friends take them on crazy adventures.

Stay tuned as I will be sharing a review soon of another fun Peppa Pig DVD, which will be arriving on DVD on Dec. 2nd, called "Peppa Pig: Bubbles."  In addition to sharing my review, I will also be hosting a giveaway where one lucky Inspired by Savannah reader will win a fun Peppa Pig Holiday DVD Bundle Prize Pack, which will include the new "Peppa Pig: Peppa's Christmas" out today on DVD, as well as "Peppa Pig: Bubbles," soon to be released. 

Don't forget to follow Kaboom Entertainment on their social pages and visit their website often to stay up-to-date on new releases, new and more...

• Kaboom Entertainment's Official website
• Kaboom Entertainment on Facebook Page
• Kaboom Entertainment on Twitter

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.

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Must Have for The Berenstain Bears Fans -- Golden Edition Gift Sets (DVD w/ Plush Doll) from Kaboom Entertainment -- Review

Disclosure:  I was sent a sample as part of a campaign from Child's Play PR on behalf of Kaboom Entertainment, in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone

Did you grow up loving The Berenstain Bears, or do you have child who can't get enough of Brother Bear or Sister Bear?  If you answered, "Yes," then I have a must have for you.  Back on May 21st, Kaboom Entertainment released The Berenstain Bears: Golden Brother Edition and The Berenstain Bears: Golden Sister Edition, exclusively to Sam's Club and Walmart.  For only $19.99, you can pick up this wonderful gift set, which includes a DVD with 2 hours of Brother Bear or Sister Bear episodes, along with a 10-inch plush doll.  The DVD and plush bear come in a limited edition package, that is sure to delight any fan of The Berenstain Bears, which have been around for 50 years!

 

"Sister Bear is a spirited, spunky third-grader. Outdoorsy and sports-minded she also loves fairytales, writing and jump rope.

Set in the rolling hills of Bear Country, this animated comedy stars a fun loving family of honey bears whose love, loyalty and humor allow them to overcome any obstacle that finds its way down to their sunny dirt road.

The funny, familiar experiences of this bear family instill timeless life lessons and reflect the traditional community values of country life."

"Brother Bear loves sports of all kinds, especially soccer. He often acts as protector and stands up for the smaller cubs at school.

Set in the rolling hills of Bear Country, this animated comedy stars a fun loving family of honey bears whose love, loyalty and humor allow them to overcome any obstacle that finds its way down to their sunny dirt road.

The funny, familiar experiences of this bear family instill timeless life lessons and reflect the traditional community values of country life."

Thanks to the folks at Child's Play PR and Kaboom Entertainment, my family was sent both limited edition sets to review.  I was so happy to received two plush bears, as I knew the girls would fight until I had the chance to pick up another one, so they would each have one.  With each DVD having 2 hours on non-stop Brother Bear or Sister bear episodes, we have been having a blast watching each episode, which even the youngest of viewers can follow along and enjoy.  As a parent, I love how each episode instills life lessons, while sharing with viewers about the importance of love, family, loyalty, humor and perseverance.  Whenever Brother Bear or Sister Bear find themselves with an obstacle to overcome, they don't give up, and find a way work through it.  This is truly a wholesome family based animated series, that families can sit together and enjoy watching, and even follow up with an open discussion about what was learned for those with older children.

I was so excited when I received the sample sets, as I have to admit, I really wanted to share my childhood love for The Berenstain Bears with my daughters, as we snuggled up on the couch together to watch.  With the girls and I being sick these past few weeks, this was a great way to keep our minds off of not feeling well, while enjoying this wonderful and truly entertaining animated series.  I really loved seeing the girls get excited about the adventures Brother and Sister Bear went on, and watching them interact with their parents in a country setting.  And, when it came time to choose which plush doll they wanted, it was hard for them to choose, as they loved both characters.  So, the only reasonable thing to do was to take turns with the bears.  :-)  The girls would pass of the bear when they were done with it, or sit together on the couch with the plush bears between the two of them. 

Since receiving the two DVDs, as part of this limited edition set, we have already watched them half a dozen times.  In any given day, I am having Savannah ask to watch at least 1-2 episodes, as she holds her plush bear.  How can I say no, when I, too, find this animated series to be fun to watch? :-)

So, if you are or know someone who is a fan of The Berenstain bears, you will want to head to your local Walmart or Sam's Club  to pick up either The Berenstain Bears: Golden Brother Edition or The Berenstain Bears: Golden Sister Edition, both from Kaboom Entertainment, and retailing for only $19.99.  Usually DVDs and plush bears like this would cost you $19.99, so you are getting an amazing deal with this combo pack, which comes in a cute limited edition package -- ready to give as a gift or enjoy for yourself. :-)

Disclosure:  I was sent a sample as part of a campaign from Child's Play PR on behalf of Kaboom Entertainment, in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Last Minute Easter Gift Ideas: The Berenstain Bears: DVD Collection (Review)

Buy this 3-DVD Collection from Walmart for only $21.24.

"Set in the rolling hills of Bear Country, this animated comedy stars a fun loving family of honey Bears whose love, loyalty and humor allow them to overcome any obstacle that finds its way down to their sunny dirt road. The funny, familiar experiences of this bear family instill timeless life lessons and reflect the traditional community values of country life."

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My Thoughts:

Can you believe that The Berenstain Bears are celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year?  I sure do feel old, knowing that I have enjoyed over 30 years of their books and programming.  And, now that I have children of my own, I get to share memories of my childhood with them, as my Mother had saved some of my favorite Berenstain Bears books, she used to read to me as a child. It was only a matter of time before movies would be made of classic children's series like these.  The Berenstain Bears movies are one of my favorites as they follow suit with the illustrations we have all grown up with -- no need for fancy animations or over the top effects. 

This new 3 DVD collection features the following The Berenstain Bears movies (all of which were released previously on DVD):


 
"This collection includes 5 episodes of Berenstain Bears: "Go to School," "Trouble At School," "Homework Hassle," "Jump Rope Contest," and "The In Crowd." From popularity contests to jitters before starting a new grade, each episode concentrates on a common issue associated with attending school as a young child."

 
"This collection includes five episodes of The Berenstain Bears: "Go Up and Down," "The Big Election," "The Giant Mall," "Showdown at Birder's Wood," "and "That Stump Most Go.""

 
"Sister discovers there is more to Brother than she realized when she makes him the subject of her 'Tell Us About A Family Member' project for school."

Don't worry, I am not going to bore with you with a review of each and every episode, I am guessing you have probably already enjoyed a handful of more with your children.  What I will say is that each of these DVDs were a treat to watch with the girls.  I was expecting it to take us about a week to watch all 15 episodes, but once the girls saw the first episode, they didn't want to stop.  We ended up watching all 3 DVDs in about 3 days, with a few of the episodes being watched twice. :-) And, this weekend, when we go to visit Nana and Papa, the Celebrations DVD will be playing, as the girls have already requested this. :-)  My husband and I will not mind listening to this play, as we got hooked on the series again, while watching it with the girls.   My husband made a point to watch 1-2 episodes each night with the girls while I was preparing dinner, and then talking with Savannah at bedtime about the lessons that were taught with each, like family, friendship, sharing, etc.

My childhood was filled with The Berenstain Bears, and was one of the main reasons why I fell in love with reading, as these books were the first beginning books I learned how to read.  And, now I can share not only the books my mother saved for me to share with the girls, but also these fun-filled animated episodes that make up this special 50th Anniversary 3-DVD collection. :-)  I can't wait to add more The Berenstain Bears DVDs to my daughters' growing collection, thanks to the folks at Kaboom! Entertainment and Phase 4 Films.  

So, if you grew up loving The Berenstain Bears, or have children who love reading this classic series, why not pick up this 3-DVD set today?  You will not be disappointed with the 10 episodes that make up this 50th anniversary collection! :-)



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

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Easter Gift Ideas -- Egg-Cellent Easter DVD from Kabook Entertainment -- Includes 10 Kid-Friendly Episodes (Review)

Buy now at Walmart for only $9.86.

Synopsis:

"Egg-cellent Easter" is a sweet collection that includes 10 episodes of favorite kid shows. Enjoy Franklin, The Berenstain Bears, George Shrinks, Elliot Moose, and Timothy Goes to School on this perfect-for-springtime DVD. From Phase 4 Films.

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My Thoughts:

I was excited to receive this new release from Phase 4 Films, as it included episodes of some of my favorite childhood characters, including The Berenstain Bears, Franklin and Pippi Longstocking.  Prior to sitting down with the girls to watch this DVD, which is filled with over 2 hours of entertaining programs, the girls were only familiar with Franklin, through books and iPad apps.  I knew that they would be excited to see Franklin come to life on the television screen -- and, they were.  I will not lie, I also found each and every episode included in this new DVD release entertaining, especially The Berenstain Bears ones.

In addition to Franklin, The Berenstain Bears and Pippi Longstocking, this new Phase 4 Film release also included George Shrinks, Elliot Moose and Timothy Goes to School, in the following episodes:

Franklin: 

• Franklin's Funny Business
• Franklin's Spring First
• Franlin's Garden
• Franklin's School Play

 The Berenstain Bears:

 

• Go Up and Down
• Fly It

 Pippi Longstocking:

• Pippi Goes to the Fair

 George Shrinks:

• Journey to the Centre of the Garden

Elliot Moose:

• Dragon's Egg

Timothy Goes to School:

• Cherry Blossom

Each of these episodes were great ways to welcome in spring, and really got Savannah excited about planting a garden with Daddy, flying a kite and taking in local fairs.   With an average episode lasting about 10-12 minutes in length, my daughters were able to sit through handful of them at a time, which I loved.  And, they didn't grow tired, as they were just the right length for their attention span. :-)  I am so happy to have had the chance to share this new Phase 4 Films, Kaboom! Entertainment DVD with them, and introduce them to some of my favorite childhood characters.  Not only was it is a great way to bond and learn together, but it was a great excuse to be a kid again, while watching these entertaining episodes with them. :-)

So, if you are looking for a great spring-themed DVD to share with your children, why not consider picking up the Egg-Cellent Easter DVD today?  You will not be disappointed with each fun-filled episode, featuring some of your child's favorite characters.

 

 

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

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Easter Gift Ideas -- The Jungle Book: The Movie (Review)

Buy now at Walmart for only $13.97.

Synopsis:

"There's trouble in the jungle, and as usual, Mowgli and Mani are at the center of it all! While they enjoy their time drumming away at logs in the jungle, Shere Khan plots to put an end to the noise. Meanwhile, Tabaqui is stuck in a well, Appu gets lost, and there's something fishy going on at the Cold Lair... Will Mowgli escape the clutches of the evil Shere Khan, and manage to still have time to join his friends in the jungle rhythm? This action packed feature length film promises to bring you the best of The Jungle Book. "

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My Thoughts:

What do you do when you are under the weather?  In our house, we love to gather up all the blankets and pillows in the house and snuggle up together on the couch, watching some of our favorite family-friendly movies, as well as new ones.  Luckily, I have been reviewing some great movies for my Easter Gift Guide, and had a few more to watch and review, including The Jungle Book: The Movie, along with two Berenstain Bears DVDs -- all from Kaboom!

Still recovering from food poisoning and the stomach flu on top of it, I was looking for some good movies that would put the girls in better spirits.  I knew Jungle Book: The Movie would fit the bill, as Savannah loves watching this new animated series on Disney XD.  And, with the added bonus of Mowgli and Baloo collectible toys that come with the limited edition gift set exclusive to Walmart, I knew I would be able to put a smile on their faces -- and, I did! :-)

Jungle Book was one of the first movies I introduced Savannah to from Disney, as it was my favorite growing up.  I enjoyed watching both the original and Jungle Book 2 versions, and was excited to hear that Disney XD would be airing this new animated series.  Out of all the kid's shows I watch with the girls, I have to say that I love this animated series the most.  The animation and scenery are breathtaking, and the story lines are easy for young children to follow and enjoy.  And, who doesn't love Mowgli, Appu, Baloo and Mani and other popular Jungle Book characters?  

The girls and I loved this full length movie (which is only 62 minutes long), and have seen it twice so far, with more views expected soon. :-)  Arabella fell in love with Mani the monkey, as she has a fascination with monkeys, while Savannah is still partial to Mowgli and Baloo.  Fans of Jungle Book will love the ending, which is filled with music the kids the love to dance to.  Even though my daughters were under the weather, they mustered up enough energy to get off the couch and dance around at the end. :-)

So, if you are looking for a great family film to watch with your family, why not consider picking up this new release from Kaboom Entertainment?  And, with Easter right around the corner, the limited edition DVD gift set, which includes the Mowgli and Baloo collectible toys would make for a great Easter basket gift idea.

 

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

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Family Movie Night with Horrid Henry and Lots of Slime and Play Dough (Review and Recipes)

An Exclusive Limited Edition "Slime Pack" Will Be Available at All Walmart Stores in the US on March 12th, 2013.

 

Plot synopsis: 

"When Henry fails yet again to hand in his homework for the umpteenth time, he inadvertently sets off an unexpected and curious chain of events. He forms an unlikely alliance with Moody Margaret, the infuriating girl next door, wins a talent contest, and stands up to his ultimate nemesis. With each antic crazier than the last, Henry finds himself inexplicably trying to save the very school which he has always professed to hate!"

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--My Thoughts--

What will they come up with next?  I say this because I was recently sent the Horrid Henry: The Movie limited edition DVD, which will be available exclusively at Walmart stores in the USA, on March 12th, and couldn't believe my eyes.  Instead of a standard plastic DVD case to hold the DVD in, I received a pouch of green slime, with the DVD slide in another compartment of this pouch.  The slime pouch was then slid inside a plastic display case with an open window, so that you can touch the slime pouch. 

Prior to the movie night, I was also sent a handful of Horrid Henry Inspired gag jokes, which included wind-up chattering teething, a toy buzzer and a water balloon kit, as well as a copy of the original Horrid Henry Book by Franscesca Simon.  The best part of this party kit was that I was also given a $25 Walmart gift card to play supplies and snacks.  I ended up using the gift cad to buy supplies needed to make homemade slime and play dough for the kids (scroll down to see the recipes so you can try at home with your children).

My two nieces and nephew were over this weekend to spend time with the girls, so I used this opportunity to have a family-friendly movie with all the kids, and my husband and I.  We ordered pizza, followed by making our own ice-cream sundaes, and then the real fun began.  I had all the kids come into the kitchen and told them we would be playing scientists and make our own slime.  They had no idea what movie we would be watching until they saw they it displayed on the counter next to the slime and play dough ingredients.  My nephew went crazy as he loved this movie and has read the book a few times.  I was first introduced to Horrid Henry through my nephew as he was reading it last summer when he came to visit and couldn't stop laughing.  I sat down with him and had him tell me about the stories he was reading and enjoying so much, and then wound up reading him one of the stories, as we laughed together.  So, I was really looking forward to watching this movie with them, and the surprising my nephew with another copy of this book, to keep at our house and read when he comes. :-)

We had such a great time mixing up our homemade slime and play dough, and for the next hour, the kids played today with their ooey gooey green slime and play dough.  Once the popcorn and Chex mix was ready, everyone gathered up in the living room to watch Horrid Henry.  This movie, which has a run time of 93 minutes and is rated PG will have you laughing from start to finish.  And, the music is great today, with a soundtrack that includes Katy Perry, LMFAO's Party Rick Anthem and so much more.  All the girls kept getting up to dance around and giggle.

I especially loved this movie as it starred Anjelica Huston.  While the children know her best for her role as Morticia Addams in the Addams Family movie, and then appearing in other kid-friendly flicks like Tinker Bell and Daddy Day Care, I have enjoyed her in earlier films like The Postman Always Rings Twice, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and The Royal Tenenbaums.  Now that I have young children, it is nice to be able to sit down and watch family friendly movies with actors I have enjoyed watching over the years.

If you have children or even grandchildren, then you know how mischievous they can be -- come on, we were all kids once and loved trying to pull the wool over our parents eye, while getting away with things.  Well, this is the case with Henry, the main character in this upcoming DVD release.  The movie follows him as he tries to defy his parents by not doing his homework, only to step up to the plate when his future at his school is jeopardized.  Henry appears his favorite television show, "Too Cool for School," as his last resort to try and save his school. 

I have to say the young actor, Theo Stevenson did an amazing job at playing Henry, and added a real flair to the character.  I especially loved watching Theo's character, Henry and Anjelica Huston's character, Miss Battleaxe, interact together on the screen.

Will Henry be able to able to save his school from closing? Don't worry, if you haven't seen this movie yet, I am not going to ruin the ending.  I will say that is was a great choice for family movie night, and one movie the kids continue to talk about.  So, if you are looking for something fun to do with the kids this month, why not pick up a copy of this limited edition DVD, when it becomes available at Walmart on March 12th, with the slime case, and surprise your children with a movie night?  This limited edition DVD would also make for a great Easter basket gift.  However you choose to surprise your child(ren) with this new release, just know the whole family will be in for a treat, and a bunch of laughs when you sit down to watch the film. 

And, if you want to add more fun to the movie night, why not try making my homemade slime or play dough recipes below.  The kids will love them, and they store well for future use. :-)
 
DIY Homemade Slime Recipe:



We made more slime for all the kids to play with with a few simple ingredients -- Elmer's Glue, Borax, water and food coloring (optional for colored slime).

Once you have all these ingredients, there are only a couple of steps, and then you will have slime the kids will go crazy for. First, you want to mix 1 teaspoon of borax in 1 cup of water. Stir the two until the Borax dissolves. Then, in a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup of Elmer's glue (1 bottle) in 1/2 cup of water (you can use other glue, but this works best). If you want to have colored slime, then you will want to add a few drops of food coloring in the color of your choice to the Elmer's glue and water mix.  The next step is the best part, and one the kids like seeing -- Combine the two bowls into one.  In scientific terms, "When you mix the two solutions together, crosslinks will form between the molecules, forming the gelatinous polymer we call slime."  Cool, huh?  It always amazes the kids.



 

When your children are done playing with the slime, store in a plastic storage bag to prevent it from drying out.  And, if your children get the slime (which is non-toxic) on surfaces in your home, you can clean up with soap and water. :-)


And, if you have little ones in the house, I would suggest making a separate batch of homemade play dough for them to play with, while the bigger kids play with the slime.  Here is a recipe I have been using for years, to make homemade play dough.

DIY Homemade Play Dough



Ingredients

    4 cups all-purpose flour
    1 cup salt
    2 Tbsp vegetable oil
    4 Tsp cream of tartar
    4 cups water

Directions

In a large pot combine all ingredients and mix well.  Stir in the water and oil.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the dough starts to become dry and pulls away from the pot.  The dough should look more dry than wet.  Divide the dough into balls and knead.  The dough is very hot, so I just shape it into balls, then go back, knead, and add my color after it cools for a few minutes.  Add your colors and work each ball until you reach the desired color.

And, like with the homemade slime, you will want to store your homemade play dough in a plastic storage bag to keep from drying out.  I like to keep my play dough in the refrigerator, as I find it keeps better and longer this way.  But, you don't have to.



Disclosure: I was sent a DVD, Walmart gift card, and movie-inspired gag toys from the folks at Childs Play PR, to assist in writing up an honest and thorough review of this movie.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

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