Celebrating 40 Years of Vacation! National Lampoon’s Vacation in 4K For the First Time! (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent a screener from the folks at Warner Bros. Home Entertainment in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

 

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION

NEW TO 4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY^TM AND DIGITAL

HAROLD RAMIS’ ROAD TRIP COMEDY FILM STARRING CHEVY CHASE AND BEVERLY D’ANGELO WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 4K RESOLUTION WITH HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE (HDR)

 

"National Lampoon’s Vacation, directed by Harold Ramis and starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo as Clark and Ellen Griswold, will be released on Ultra HD Blu-ray and Digital on June 27. As Warner Bros celebrates its 100th anniversary, this film is highlighted as a studio gem on its 40th anniversary.

The 1983 classic comedy film from Warner Bros. Pictures was written by John Hughes and was based on his short story “Vacation ’58 which appeared in the publication “National Lampoon.”  The film was produced by Matty Simmons and also stars Imogene Coca, Randy Quaid, John Candy, Anthony Michael Hall, Dana Barron, and Christie Brinkley in her acting debut.  National Lampoon’s Vacation also features special appearances by Eddie Bracken, Brian-Doyle Murray, James Keach, and Eugene Levy.

Ultra HD* showcases 4K resolution with High Dynamic Range (HDR) and a wider color spectrum, offering consumers brighter, deeper, more lifelike colors for a home entertainment viewing experience like never before.   

National Lampoon’s Vacation will be available on Ultra HD Blu-ray for $33.99 SRP and includes an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc with the feature film in 4K with HDR and a Digital download of the film. Fans can also own National Lampoon’s Vacation in 4K Ultra HD via purchase from select digital retailers beginning on June 27."

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WOW, do I feel old!! I can't believe that National Lampoon's Vacation is celebrating its 40th anniversary.  It feels like yesterday I was watching this movie for the first time with my family.  This movie released in July of 1983 and then went on to garner fans of all ages as it continued to churn out blockbuster and now iconic National Lampoon's movies including National Lampoon's European Vacation in 1985, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation in 1989, as well a few others that were made after John Hughes died.  Growing up, and still to to this day, it isn't officially summer in our house until we all sit down and watch National Lampoon's Vacation.  This is one of those movies that you never grow old watching, and will find yourself laughing until you tear up.

Don't worry I will not bore you with a review of the movie, as you have probably watched it countless times like I have.  Instead, I wanted to share about the special features that are included on this new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Digital release, which arrived on store shelves yesterday for purchase.   First, for the first time ever, you can now enjoy this movie in 4K Resolution with High Dynamic Range (HDR).  While watching the movie, you have the option of turning on the special feature commentary by Harold Ramis, Chevy Chase Randy Quaid, Anthony Michael Hall, Dana Barron and Matty Simmons.  This movie is a must own for 80's kids, and those who love John Hughes movies.  I can't get enough of this summer classic, and can't wait to watch it over and over again, now in 4K resolution with my family.  Be sure to get your hands on the new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Digital release today!

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More About the Film:

"Everything is planned, packed – and about to go hilariously wrong. The Griswolds are going on vacation. In the driver’s seat is Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase), an Everyman eager to share the open road and the wonders of family togetherness. Myriad mishaps, crude kin (Randy Quaid), encounters with a temptress (Christie Brinkley), financial woes, Aunt Edna (Imogene Coca) on the roof, one security guard (John Candy) and 2,460 miles later, it’s a wonder the Griswolds are together. There’s never been a family vacation like it. Except maybe yours. And that helps explain why National Lampoon’s Vacation remains so popular… and so very funny.

Ultra HD Blu-ray Elements

National Lampoon’s Vacation Ultra HD Blu-ray contains the following previously released special features:

• Commentary with Chevy Chase, Randy Quaid, Matty Simmons, Harold Ramis, Anthony Michael Hall, and Dana Barron (98 Minutes)

DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS

On June 27, National Lampoon’s Vacation 4K UHD will be available to own for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on favorite devices from select digital retailers and will be made available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles."

BASICS

PRODUCT                                                                                ERP

Ultra HD Blu-ray                                                                    $33.99*                 

Standard Street Date: 06/27/23

EST Street Date: 06/27/23

Ultra HD Blu-ray Languages: English, Spanish, French

Ultra HD Blu-ray Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, Parisian French

Run Time: 98 minutes

Rating: R 

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About Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment:

Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment (WBDHE) distributes the award-winning movies, television, animation, and digital content produced by Warner Bros. Discovery to the homes and screens of millions through digital transactions on major streaming, video-on-demand cable, satellite, digital, and mobile channels, and through physical Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD retail sales. WBDHE is part of Warner Bros. Discovery Content Sales, one of the world’s largest distributors of entertainment programming.

Disclosure: I was sent a screener from the folks at Warner Bros. Home Entertainment in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Enter to #Win 1 of 9 PVOD Codes Up for Grabs for Dreamworks Animation SPIRIT UNTAMED #Giveaway

 Disclosure: I was provided with a screener from the folks at DreamWorks Animation in exchange for promoting SPIRIT UNTAMED releasing to PVOD. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

CRITICS ARE CALLING SPIRIT UNTAMED “SPECTACULAR!”  IT’S “PURE AND UNBRIDLED FAMILY FUN!”  FROM THE STUDIO THAT BROUGHT YOU HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD, DREAMWORKS ANIMATION PRESENTS SPIRIT UNTAMED.  RATED PG.  IN THEATERS NOW & ON DEMAND JUNE 25TH. 

Ever since Spirit Riding Free started airing on Netflix years ago, both of my girls were hooked on the show. Being animal lovers and fans of animated television series, it wasn't hard to see why they loved this show. And, I found myself stopping what I was doing to watch an episode or two with them.  And, when the holidays and birthdays rolled around, Spirit Riding Free toys, books and bedding was always top on their wish lists.  So, when they heard that there would an actual movie releasing in theaters, they were over the moon excited. 

Unfortunately, due to Covid, we haven't been back to the theaters yet. And, the theaters in our area have either shut down or are only doing private showings where you have to book the whole theater. I told the girls that as soon as SPIRIT UNTAMED released to VOD or DVD that we would get and they could watch it as many times as their hearts desired.  But, after hearing from friends who lived out of state and saw the movie in theaters last week, both of my girls were upset that they hadn't seen it yet, and that they would have to wait so long for it to arrive on DVD.  But, I have a surprise for them tomorrow, as the kind folks at Dreamworks Animation are providing me with a PVOD code so that we can screen this movie. Shh, don't say anything, as I know once they see the SPIRIT UNTAMED movie starting to play on the television they will be screaming and dancing all about. :-)

Do you have a SPIRIT UNTAMED / Spirit Riding Free fan in your house?  Well, I have same amazing news...not only will I be sent a PVOD code to view this upcoming release with my girls, but the kind folks at Dreamworks Animation are giving me 9 more PVOD codes to share with nine (9) lucky Inspired by Savannah readers. Yes, you read that right!  You have a chance to win 1 of 9 PVOD codes up for grabs for SPIRIT UNTAMED which arrives on PVOD tomorrow.  Yippee!!! I am so excited that not only will I get to watch this movie with my girls for our weekly family movie night, but 9 of my readers will get to see this fun, action-packed movie in the comfort of their own homes.  So, what do you have to do enter?  Simple...complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form over the next 24 hours, and I will choose 9 winners come Friday morning. Then, I will reach out to you for your email, so that a PVOD code can be sent for viewing.  It is that easy!  So, what are you waiting for? Enter this fun giveaway today. But, act fast as you only have the next 24 hours to enter.  And, don't forge to share this SPIRIT UNTAMED giveaway with friends and family who love Spirit Riding Free, as they will want to see this movie, too!

--GIVEAWAY--

I am excited to offer 9 lucky Inspired by Savannah readers the opportunity to watch Spirit Untamed when it arrives on PVOD tomorrow, with their family, in the comfort of their own home, thanks to the folks at Dreamworks Animation.  This is a quick 24 hour giveaway, so be sure to act fast and sign up now for a chance to win one of the nine screening codes up for grabs. If you win, I will reach out Friday AM and request your preferred email address and full name so that I can send along to Dreamworks so they can get a PVOD code over to you.

Enter by completing one or all of the entries listed on the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Disclosure: I was provided with a screener from the folks at DreamWorks Animation in exchange for promoting SPIRIT UNTAMED releasing to PVOD. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Fun Donut Pop Tires Snack and Easter Basket + #Giveaway for Upcoming Monster Trucks Release to Blu-Ray Combo Pack on 4/11 #Giveaway #MonsterTrucks

My girls can't wait for Monster Trucks to arrive on Blu-Ray Combo pack on 4/11?  How about your family?  We saw previews for this movie awhile back in the theaters, but then the infamous stomach bug and cold that went through the house hit and we missed it.  So, the girls have been counting down the days until it arrived on Blu-Ray Combo pack so that they could watch.  

With Easter fast approaching this upcoming family-friendly movie release would make for a great Easter basket filler.  Or, if you can't wait until Easter and want to watch it sooner with your family, I don't blame you! :-)  When we finally sit down to watch Monster Trucks, I am going to make these cute and oh so easy Donut Pop Tires Snacks for the family to enjoy.

Don't they look so cute?!  :-)  I am a chocoholic and could use one of these donut pop tires now.  Next to being yummy, this movie inspired snack is oh so easy to make.  Don't believe me?  Check out the easy to follow instructions below...

See, easy peasy!  So, you have no excuse not to make your family's next movie night watch Monster Trucks (Read on to learn how you can with this upcoming Blu-ray release and other goodies just in time for Easter) that much more memorable.  Make sure you add the ingredients needed for this tasty snack to your shopping list, along with popcorn and extra movie night goodies, so you will not be running around last minute.  I could see donut pop tires also making a great party snack if you child is asking for a Monster Trucks birthday party this year. :-)  

Here is more about Monster Trucks, including the official movie trailer, in case you haven't heard about this wonderful movie the whole family will enjoy -- and, don't forget to enter my giveaway for a fun Monster Trucks Easter Basket Prize Pack at the end of this post. :-)

More about this upcoming release...

FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS AND GEAR UP FOR A FUN,
ACTION-PACKED RIDE

Pre-order now from Amazon for only $19.99

Hilarious and Heartfelt Family Film Hits the Road Just in Time for Easter on
Blu-ray^™ Combo Pack April 11

Get the Film Two Weeks Early on Digital HD March 28

"Get ready for “big, big fun” (Max Evry, Coming Soon) when the “perfect family film” (Mike Reyes, Cinemablend) MONSTER TRUCKS revs up on Blu-ray Combo Pack April 11, 2017from Paramount Home Media Distribution.  Get in the driver’s seat two weeks early with the Digital HD release on March 28.

            Tripp is a high school senior with a knack for building trucks who makes an incredible discovery - a gas-guzzling creature named Creech. To protect his mischievous new friend, Tripp hides Creech under the hood of his latest creation, turning it into a real-life super-powered Monster Truck. Together, this unlikely duo with a shared taste for speed team up on a wild and unforgettable journey to reunite Creech with his family. A fun-filled adventure that never slows down, MONSTER TRUCKS features a terrific ensemble cast including Lucas Till (X-Men: Apocalypse), Jane Levy (Don’t Breathe), Thomas Lennon (“The Odd Couple”), Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon), Amy Ryan (Central Intelligence) and Rob Lowe (“Parks and Recreation”).

       

     
A perfect family Easter gift, the MONSTER TRUCKS Blu-ray Combo Pack features over 40 minutes of action-packed behind-the-scenes bonus content.  Take a look under the hood and discover the magic behind MONSTER TRUCKS with interviews from cast and crew, deleted scenes, a hilarious gag reel and much, much more!  Plus, the Blu-ray Combo Pack includes collectible MONSTER TRUCKS wall decals, for a limited time while supplies last.  The film also boasts a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack* remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead."


MONSTER TRUCKS Blu-ray Combo Pack
The MONSTER TRUCKS Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with English Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD compatible), French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.  The DVD in the combo pack is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.  The combo pack includes access to a Digital HD copy of the film as well as the following:


Blu-ray
• Feature film in high definition
• Bonus Content:
  • Who’s Driving the Monster Trucks?
  • The Monster in the Truck
  • Creating the Monster Truck
  • Gag Reel

• Deleted Scenes
• Production Diaries

DVD

• Feature film in standard definition

            The Blu-ray Combo Pack available for purchase includes a Digital HD copy of the film that can be accessed through UltraViolet™, a way to collect, access and enjoy movies.  With UltraViolet, consumers can add movies to their digital collection in the cloud, and then stream or download them—reliably and securely—to a variety of devices.   

MONSTER TRUCKS Single-Disc DVD

The single-disc DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.  The disc includes the film in standard definition.

Follow Monster Trucks on their social media channels below:

http://www.MonsterTrucksMovie.com/

Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/MonsterTrucksMovie

Twitter: https://Twitter.com/MonsterTrucks

Amazon: http://j.mp/OwnMonsterTrucksNow

iTunes: http://j.mp/MonsterTrucksWebsite

Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies present a Disruption Entertainment production of a Chris Wedge film: “Monster Trucks.”  Music by David Sardy.  Costume designer Tish Monaghan.  Edited by Conrad Buff, ACE.  Production designer Andrew Menzies.  Director of photography Don Burgess, ASC. Executive producers Cale Boyter, Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger. Produced by Mary Parent, p.g.a. and Denis L. Stewart, p.g.a.  Story by Matthew Robinson and Jonathan Aibel & Glenn Berger.  Screenplay by Derek Connolly.  Directed by Chris Wedge.

 --GIVEAWAY--

I am excited to offer one lucky Inspired by Savannah reader the chance to win this fun "Monster Trucks" Easter-themed basket, complete with Blu-Ray Combo Pack, a chocolate Bunny, and a toy car from the film, all nestled in a cute Easter basket.

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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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), home to premier media brands that create television programs, motion pictures, consumer products, and digital content for audiences in 180 countries and territories.  The PHMD division oversees PPC’s home entertainment and transactional digital 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, 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 transactional distribution across worldwide digital distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices and emerging technologies. 

About Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos delivers moving audio—sound that can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in three-dimensional space, including overhead. It brings entertainment alive all around the audience in a powerfully immersive and emotive experience. To learn more about Dolby Atmos, visit dolby.com/Atmos.

MONSTER TRUCKS

Street Date:                 March 28, 2017 (Digital HD)

                                        April 11, 2017 (Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand)

U.S. Rating:                 PG for action, peril, brief scary images and some rude humor

Canadian Rating:        PG for violence, not recommended for young children

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Arriving on DVD and Blu-Ray Today–The Whistblower, Starring Rachel Weisz

 

NOTHING IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN THE TRUTH

THE WHISTLEBLOWER

Academy Award® Winner Rachel Weisz Stars in the Heart-Pounding Suspense Thriller Arriving on Blu-ray and DVD January 24

“Rachel Weisz’s performance holds the viewer every step of the way!” –Variety

“Incendiary. Bracing. Explosive.” -The Hollywood Reporter

Summary:

How far will one woman go to fight global injustice? Clandestine secrets are waiting to be exposed in the gripping dramatic thriller THE WHISTLEBLOWER, arriving on Blu-ray and DVD January 24 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.  Inspired by true events, THE WHISTLEBLOWER has been met with praise by critics and heralded at the Palm Springs International Film Festival (“Best Narrative Feature”), Seattle Film Festival (“Best Director”) and Whistler Film Festival (“Best Film,” “Best Narrative Feature”).

Academy Award winners Rachel Weisz (The Constant Gardner) and Vanessa Redgrave (Julia) head a powerful cast that includes Oscar® Nominee David Strathairn (Good Night and Good Luck) in writer-director Larysa Kondracki’s harrowing dramatic thriller.  When Nebraska cop Kathryn Bolkovac (Weisz) accepts a U.N. peacekeeper position in post-war Bosnia, she uncovers a deadly sex trafficking ring.  After learning that fellow peacekeepers and military contractors are involved in the ghastly practice and its cover-up, Bolkovac risks her own life to save the lives of others and expose the corruption.  With masterful acting and a heart-racing plot, THE WHISTLEBLOWER is an acclaimed film inspired by actual events and includes stellar supporting performances from Benedict Cumberbatch (“Sherlock”), Monica Bellucci (The Matrix Reloaded) and David Hewlett (“Stargate: Atlantis”).

THE WHISTLEBLOWER Special Features

• Cast & Crew Interviews

My Thoughts:

This is a one of the best movies I have seen so far in 2012.  I was on the edge of my seat with this dramatic thriller, this past weekend while watching an advanced screener copy.  Rachel Weisz is one of my favorite actresses, so I couldn’t wait for this movie to arrive on DVD to see.  Like I said before, being a new mom, it is hard to get out to the movies when new films are released, so I eagerly await their arrival on DVD for viewing.  This movie was top on my list to see in 2012, and I am so glad that I did. 

This is a fast moving and gripping movie, that will have you rooting for Kathryn Bolkovac, played by Weisz, as she try to expose a deadly sex trafficking ring and those poor girls involved.  Based on actual events, and including a wonderful cast, you too, will be raving about this dramatic thriller, and telling your friends to rent it. 

 

Disclosure:  I was sent an advance screening copy from Twentieth Century Fox in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

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Coming to Theaters on March 9,2012 -- SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN starring Emily Blunt and Ewan McGregor

Studio: CBS Films

Release Date: March 9, 2012 (Ltd.)

Rating: PG-13 for some sexual content, violence and language.

Running Time: 107 minutes

Synopsis:

From the beloved director of Chocolat and the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Slumdog Millionaire comes the inspirational comedy Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. A visionary sheik (Amr Waked) has a big dream - to bring salmon fishing to the desert. Willing to spare no expense, he instructs his representative (Emily Blunt) to turn his dream into reality, an extraordinary feat that will require the involvement of Britain's leading fisheries expert (Ewan McGregor) who happens to think the project both absurd and unachievable. That is, until the Prime Minister's overzealous press secretary (Kristin Scott Thomas) latches on for its potential as a 'good will' story. Now, this unlikely team will put it all on the line and embark on an upstream journey of faith and fish to prove the impossible, possible.

Cast Includes:

Ewan McGregor ("Fred Jones") Emily Blunt ("Harriet Chetwode-Talbot") Kristin Scott Thomas ("Patricia Maxwell") Amr Waked ("Sheik")

Director: Lasse Hallström

Screenwriter: Simon Beaufoy

Based on the novel by Paul Torday

Producer: Paul Webster

Executive Producers: Jamie Laurenson, Paula Jalfon, Zygi Kamasa, Guy Avshalom, Stephen Garrett

Co-Ex. Produced by: Samuel Hadida, Victor Hadida

Co-Produced by: Nicky Kentish Barnes

To learn more about this movie, check out the official website.  And, don’t forget to follow on Facebook and Twitter.

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Valetine's Day Gift Giving Guide -- New DVD Release: The Rebound (On DVD and Blu-Ray 2/7)

 

Academy Award®-Winner Catherine Zeta-Jones and Justin Bartha Star in the Charming Romantic Comedy Arriving on Blu-ray and DVD February 7

Spend Valentine’s Day cuddled up with a captivating comedy, and learn that age is just a number with Academy Award®-winner Catherine Zeta-Jones* (No Reservations, Chicago) and Justin Bartha (The Hangover, National Treasure: Book of Secrets) in The Rebound, coming to Blu-ray and DVD February 7 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

 

 

Upon discovering her husband’s infidelity, Sandy (Zeta-Jones) and her two kids move from the suburbs to pursue a new life in the big city. There she meets Aram (Bartha), a local coffee shop employee whose wife only married him as a means to getting her green card. The two strike up a friendship which eventually evolves into something more. But it isn’t long before they’re faced with the big question - “Is this real or just a rebound?”

 

 

Arriving just in time for Valentine’s Day and featuring electrifying chemistry between Zeta-Jones and Bartha, The Rebound also features fantastic supporting performances from Lynn Whitfield (The Women, Madea’s Family Reunion), John Schneider (“The Dukes of Hazzard,” Lake Placid 2) and music legend Art Garfunkel.

 

 

THE REBOUND Special Features
●	Cast & Crew Interviews

 

 

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company. Representing 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions on DVD, Blu-ray Disc Digital Copy, Video On Demand and Digital Download. The company also releases all products globally for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world.

 

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Follow Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on Twitter @FoxHomeEnt

 

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