PBS Distribution To Release New ‘Splash And Bubbles’ Movie On DVD

Courtesy: PBS/PBS Kids/PBS Distribution

PBS Distribution will release the Splash and Bubbles movie Pole To Pole on DVD Tuesday.

The movie follows Splash and his friends as they travel from the Antarctic to the Arctic, learning about the different ways in which life thrives below the waves.  The group learns about topics, such as migratory patterns, food chains within given habitats and the various types of life that make up each food chain through its global journey.

Splash and Bubbles: Pole To Pole will retail for MSRP of $6.99. More information on the DVD is available online now along with lots of games, activities, printables and more at:

 

Website: http://pbskids.org/splashandbubbles

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SplashAndBubbles

 

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Writing, Pricing Make PBS’ New “Dinosaur Train” DVD Another Success From The Hit Series

Courtesy: PBS Distribution/PBS Kids/PBS/Public Media Distribution

All aboard! The dinosaur train is off on more adventures in a brand new Dinosaur Train DVD, Meeting New Friends.  Released June 12, this latest collection of episodes from the family favorite PBS Kids series is another fun set for audiences of all ages.  That is proven in part through the collection’s featured stories.  They will be discussed shortly.  The lessons that are taught through the stories are also important to discuss by connection.  They will be discussed a little later.  The DVD’s relatively affordable average price point rounds out the DVD’s most important elements.  It will be discussed a little later, too.  Each element is important in its own right, as will be pointed out here.  All things considered, they make Dinosaur Train: Meeting New Friends another wonderful, welcome ride on the Dinosaur Train for the whole family.

PBS Kids’ new Dinosaur Train DVD Meeting New Friends is another fun, welcome ride back in time that is sure to entertain and engage the whole family.  That is proven in part through the stories presented throughout this set.  All eight episodes follow the set’s central theme of making friends while continuing to introduce new species of prehistoric creatures.  The Pteranodon kids and their parents befriend a turtle and his friend Tommy, a prehistoric rodent who were washed onto the Pteranodon family’s home after a hurricane in “Rafting the Cretacious.”  It’s through this episode that young viewers are taught about hurricanes and animal dispersal as well as about certain creatures.  It’s fitting that this episode is included in this set, considering that the set has been released during hurricane season.  It’s a good starting point for discussions on said weather systems.  “Beating The Heat” presents its own story, which sees the Pteranodon kids learn about Stegosaurus’ plates.  Not to give anything away, but it turns out they actually have more than one use.  This is something that even adults will appreciate learning.  “Tiny and the Crocodile” introduces another prehistoric creature, this time a dangerous pre-historic crocodile.  These are just a few examples of why the stories included in this set are so important.  Between these stories and others not directly noted here, it becomes clear in watching this DVD that the stories themselves offer plenty for audiences of all ages to appreciate.  They are original and they follow one central theme (I.E. maintaining a certain continuity).  As much as this does to make the DVD’s viewing experience a pleasure, it is only part of what makes the DVD so positive.  The lessons tied into the stories are just as important to the DVD’s presentation as the episodes’ stories.

The lessons tied into the stories are so important to discuss because they don’t stick to just science.  Given, the science lessons are there.  That should not be mistaken.  However, they are not the only lessons presented in these episodes.  “Tiny and the Crocodile” teaches young viewers an important lesson about confronting things that scare you, and does so without going over the top in doing so at the same time.  It presents this lesson by having Tiny go to meet a giant crocodilian named Deanna Dinosuchas, who is the natural predator of Pteranodons.  Deanna is definitely an imposing creature, but Tiny doesn’t let that get to her, and ends up, of course, making a new friend in an unlikely creature.  That in itself leads to an even deeper lesson about never knowing what one can accomplish unless one tries.  To that end, these collective lessons in themselves go a long way toward showing why the lessons are so important.  “Double-Crested Trouble” teaches another important non-science lesson in the form of the importance of teamwork.  This lesson is taught as two Dilophosaurus brothers exhibit quite the sibling rivalry, to which the Pteranodon kids have to react before things get out of hand.  Obviously it ends well.  That’s to be expected.  The important matter is that this lesson would once continue the series’ ongoing tradition of adding non-science lessons into the standard science lessons. To a certain point, “Tiny’s Tiny Friend” also continues that tradition by promoting the lesson of compromise.  This argued lessons rises when a Cimolestes names Cindy (it looks kind of like a possum crossed with a ferret) takes Tiny’s spot on a tree.  Rather than just get mad, Tiny and her siblings work to find Cindy her own spot in the tree.  Of course, they succeed, too, and in the process, make another new friend in Cindy. It’s just one more way in which the lessons tied into these episodes prove to be so important to the DVD’s presentation overall.  When they are joined by the standard scientific lessons included in each episode, the whole of the lessons presents just as much for viewers to appreciate as the stories themselves.  Keeping this in mind, the stories in these episodes and their related lessons are both critical to the DVD’s whole, but are still not the only key elements to consider in what makes the DVD a success.  Its average price point plays into its success, too.

Using the country’s five biggest retailers – Target, Best Buy, Wal-mart, Amazon and PBS’ store – the average price point of this single-disc collection proves to be more than a little affordable.  Between the five outlets, that noted price sits at $8.21.  It is being listed least expensive – no surprise – at PBS’ online store – and a little more surprisingly – via Target.  Of course, this average price point is reached without adding in tax, shipping and handling.  It is just the base price.  Either way, the average price point of less than $10 for eight episodes is affordable for any viewer.  Simply put, at $8.21, that makes the unit price just over $1 per episode.  Again, this will appeal to any family because it is so budget friendly.  When it is considered along with the original stories and the mix of lessons tied into the stories, the whole of these elements goes a long way toward making DinosaurTrain: Meeting New Friends another new welcome DVD from the hit PBS Kids series.

PBS Kids’ new Dinosaur Train DVD, Meeting New Friends, is hardly the first collection of episodes to be released on DVD from the hit series.  At the same time, it is just as enjoyable and impressive as its predecessors.  That is proven in part through the eight original stories that make up the body of the DVD.  The lessons that are tied into the stories add even more depth and enjoyment to the DVD’s presentation.  When the set’s affordable average price point of less than $10 is considered along with the stories and lessons, the whole of the elements, all three elements prove to give audiences of all ages more than enough reason to add this DVD to their home video libraries.  It is available now in stores and online.  More information on this and other Dinosaur Train DVDs is available online now along with printables, activities and more at:

 

 

 

Website: http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtain

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DinosaurTrain

 

 

 

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Listeners Of All Ages Will Enjoy “Diving Into” ‘Splash And Bubbles” Season 1 Soundtrack

Courtesy: Varese Sarabande/Music Film Recordings/The Jim Henson Company/PBS/PBS Kids/Herschend Studios

Fourteen years ago, one of the worst moves that could have ever happened to the film and television worlds became a reality when the family of Jim Henson sold the rights to the Muppets and so many other related properties to Disney.  The result of that sale has proven to be anything but successful with a handful of Muppet movies that have flopped as well as an equally unsuccessful TV series on ABC.  The irony here is that allegedly Jim Henson wanted to sell to Disney way back in 1990, even farther back in time.  Even Disney’s recent attempt to reboot Muppet Babies has proven to be anything but enjoyable.  One can’t help but wonder how Henson would feel today if he were around and had sold to Disney all those years ago.  For all the damage that Disney has done to Jim Henson’s legacy and that of his creations, it luckily didn’t get full control of everything that The Jim Henson Company does.  That is evidenced in the form of the PBS Kids series Dinosaur Train, Sid The Science Kid and its newest creation, Splash and Bubbles.  The latter of that group debuted on PBS Kids only two years ago and has already gone on to become one of the network’s top 5 most popular series, even finally seeing its first DVD release last week.  The relatively young series even received its own soundtrack accompaniment as the month of June opened thanks to Music Film Recordings, Varese Sarabande, The Jim Henson Company and Herschend Studios.  The 22-song record is the first of its kind for any PBS Kids series.  Keeping that in mind, it shows that the network’s other shows could easily compete with Disney’s TV show soundtracks.  This is proven in part through the record’s musical arrangements, which will be discussed shortly.  The record’s lyrical themes also support that statement and will be discussed later.  The record’s sequencing supports that statement just as much as the lyrical themes and musical arrangements.  Each element is pivotal in its own right in proving the viability of soundtracks from PBS Kids’ shows.  All things considered, they make Splash and Bubbles: Rhythm of the Reef – Songs From Season One a strong first ever effort in what could be a bright musical future for PBS and PBS Kids.

Splash and Bubbles: Rhythm of the Reef – Songs From Season One is an intriguing new offering for fans of the family favorite PBS Kids series.  That is especially the case considering that its release early this month marked the first time that any PBS Kids series has seen a soundtrack accompaniment to the show released.  Considering that this is the first time that such a recording has been released, it is a strong first effort that will entertain the whole family.  That is due in part to the musical arrangements within each of its 22 songs.  The arrangements, from start to end, are fun, old school r&b and doo-wop style works.  That is evident right from the compilation’s opener, the series’ title song.  The fund definitely doesn’t end there.  Case in point ‘I Never Knew About You,’ with its bass-driven arrangement.  It conjures thoughts of some of the great songs included in the Blues Brothers movies, especially considering the inclusion of the keyboards and horns.  To that end, this song’s arrangement is just as certain as any other to entertain listeners of all ages.  ‘Hangin’ With Friends’ meanwhile conjures thoughts of Jackson 5, K.C. and the Sunshine Band among others.  As if that isn’t enough, ‘Living It Up’ instantly conjures thoughts of Tina Turner while ‘One Small Ripple’ leads to thoughts of Diana Ross and the Supremes with its gentle, flowing arrangement and harmonies.  One could even reach even farther back with ‘Only in the Ocean’ and compare its arrangement to the likes of The Trammps’ ‘Disco Inferno’ and Rose Royce’s ‘Car Wash.’  That’s the case even despite the fact that this song is only one-minute, 41-seconds long.  Stylistically speaking, there’s no denying the comparisons.  Between these comparisons, the others noted here and so many others that could be made throughout the record – including comparisons to works from Sly and the Family Stone, Parliament Funkadelic and so many others – the clear old school r&b style sounds exhibited throughout this record are sure to entertain adults just as much as their younger counterparts, if not more so.  To that end, one must admit that the record’s collective arrangements are critical in their own right to its presentation.  While they obviously play a key part in the album’s whole, they are not – again, collectively – its only important element.  The album’s lyrical themes are just as important to note here as the record’s arrangements.

The lyrical themes expressed throughout Splash and Bubbles: Rhythm of the Reef – Songs From Season One present their own share of variance, just as with the record’s arrangements.  ‘My Best Friend Ever’ and ‘Hangin’ With Friends’ obviously present the theme of friendship.  ‘I Never Knew About You’ promotes diversity and taking the time to learn about others (I.E. tolerance).  In a time when it seems that xenophobia and racism have so overtly returned to the fore of society, such a theme is not just welcome, but needed as a reminder for children and adults alike.  On a much lighter note, ‘I Don’t Know What I’m Doing,’ – in its own way – seems to promote taking life as it comes and not being so serious about every little thing.  It’s not saying to be carefree about everything, but to not be so serious about everything because being a little bit looser makes life better.  While there are plenty of life lessons presented in the featured songs, there is also an emphasis on caring for the environment in the form of ‘Reeftown Rangers’ and ‘Keep It Clean.’  There are even biology lessons of sorts in the forms of ‘So Many Kinds of Fish,’ ‘Catch a Current,’ ‘The Changing Tide’ and ‘Seasonal Pond.’  Simply put, the lyrical themes featured throughout the record offer just as much to appreciate as the album’s musical arrangements thanks to their own variance.  This makes the album even more welcome in both the home and the classroom.  The compilation’s sequencing puts the final touch to its presentation, proving once more what makes this first-time effort a welcome recording from the involved parties.

Considering that Splash and Bubbles: Rhythm of the Reef – Songs From Season One spans 22 songs and 27 minutes, plenty of thought had to have been put into its sequencing.  This is the case even despite the fact that the songs are not very long.  The longest of the featured songs – the southern gospel-tinged ‘Dark in the Deep’ – clocks in at only one minute, 42 seconds and the shortest – ‘Only in the Ocean’ – at 33 seconds.  By and large, the record keeps the energy flowing from one song to the next, slowing things down only three times – early in its run in ‘One Small Ripple,’ later in ‘And So We Celebrate (Coral Day)’ and in the album’s closer ‘Seasonal Pond.’  Other than those three moments, the record keeps things moving fluidly from one song to the next with plenty of mid-tempo and up-tempo arrangements.  It also works hard to keep the lyrical topics varied, so as to ensure even more, listeners’ engagement.  Keeping this in mind, the stability offered through the record’s arrangements does just as much to make this record a welcome companion to its TV series as its arrangements themselves and the album’s lyrical themes.  When all three elements are jointly considered, they make this compilation a fun, welcome accompaniment to its broadcast companion.

Splash and Bubbles: Rhythm of the Reef – Songs From Season One is an enjoyable accompaniment to its broadcast counterpart that is just as certain to entertain grown-ups as it is children.  That is proven in part through musical arrangements that are deeply rooted in the old Motown sounds of the 60s and 70s.  Its lyrical themes present just enough variance – from friendship to environmental concern to general biology – to keep young listeners engaged and entertained.  The sequencing of those themes and arrangements shows that plenty of time and thought was put into keeping listeners engaged and entertained in this aspect, too.  When that thought is taken into consideration along with the thought put into the arrangements and lyrical themes, the whole of these elements makes the album in whole an enjoyable companion to the Splash and Bubbles series.  It is available now in stores and online.  More information on Splash and Bubbles is available online along with plenty of games, activities, printables and more at:

 

 

 

Website: http://pbskids.org/splashandbubbles

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SplashAndBubbles

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

The Dinosaur Train Heads For More Fun And Learning On DVD This Summer

Courtesy: Public Media Distribution/PBS Kids/PBS

The Dinosaur Train is headed for more fun and learning this summer on another brand new DVD.

Public Media Distribution will release the brand new Dinosaur Train DVD: Dinosaur Train: Under The Volcano on Tuesday, July 12^th.  The DVD will feature eight more episodes from the Emmy Award®-nominated series.  This time the Pteranodon family goes to visit the local volcano in the set’s title episode.  Buddy, Shiny, Tiny, and Don also learn about geysers in “Old Reliable.”  And in “The Forest Fire,” the Pteranodon kids go on a Nature Tracker hike with Mr. Conductor to learn about forest fires and the good that can come even from their devastation.  That’s not all that is offered in this collection.  The Pteranodon family also learns about Triceratops, Deinonychus, and even the difference between nocturnal and diurnal animals among much more.

Dinosaur Train: Under The Volcano will be available Tuesday, July 12^th.  It will be available exclusively on DVD and will retail for MSRP of $9.99.  It can be pre-ordered online now via PBS’ online store.  More information on Dinosaur Train: Under The Volcano is available online now along with lots of Dinosaur Train games, activities, and more at:

 

 

Website: http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DinosaurTrain

 

 

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Turkey Hollow Is 2015’s Best New Holiday Movie

Courtesy: Lionsgate

Lionsgate’s new Thanksgiving movie Turkey Hollow is this year’s best new holiday offering. This movie, originally crafted by Jerry Juhl and the late, great Jim Henson, is a must have for every single family not just this year but every year. It proves this centrally through its writing. This includes not just the story presented within the script but the script’s dialogue and even the feeling of the story presented throughout. That will all be discussed shortly. It is just one way in which Turkey Hollow proves itself to be such an impressive movie. Being that Turkey Hollow is a TV movie instead of a big screen feature, its transitions are just as important to note in its presentation as its writing. That will be discussed at more length later. Last but hardly least of note here is the work of the movie’s cast. From veteran actress Mary Steenburgen’s ecclectic Aunt Cly to rapper Chris “Ludacris” Bridges’ own comic portrayal as the story’s on-screen narrator, to that of Cly’s nephew Ron and his kids Annie and Tim, the cast’s work in front of the camera rounds out the movie’s most important elements. Even Sheriff Grover (Reese Alexander) offers his own share of laughs. That is not to ignore the work of the movie’s makeup and costume department either. Thanks to their work, Cly looks somewhat akin to famed singer Cher. And Linden Banks, who portrays the vile Eldridge Slump, looks every part the evil old money-grubbing persona. Whether for the work that was put in to bring each actor’s character to life, for the cast’s work, the editors (in regards to the movie’s transitions) or for those responsible for the movie’s script, all of the noted elements play their own important part to the whole of this movie. Altogether, they make Turkey Hollow the single-best new holiday movie of 2015 hands down.

Turkey Hollow is the single-best new holiday movie of 2015. This movie, which originally aired on Lifetime over the weekend, will be available Tuesday, November 24th in stores and online. For those that were not lucky enough to see the movie in its original broadcast this past Saturday, there is so much to like about it beginning with its writing. This includes not only the movie’s script but its dialogue and the very feel of the story presented within that script. Jim Henson and Jerry Juhl’s script is so important to the movie’s overall writing thanks in large part to its simplicity. It sees a divorced father–Ron Emmerson (Jay Harrington–American Reunion, Better Off Ted, Benched) bringing his kids Annie (Genevieve Buechner–The Final Cut, Caprica, Jennifer’s Body) and Tim (Graham Verchere–A Girl’s Best Friend, Perfect Match, Impastor) to visit Ron’s ecclectic aunt–Cly (Mary Steenburgen–Back To The Future Part III, The Proposal, Step Brothers) after a family shakeup–a divorce. Anyone that saw the movie will get that joke. While there, Tim ends up getting into trouble and bringing to a head a years-long fued between Cly and her vile farmer neighbor Eldridge Slump (Linden Banks–Deep Rising, Antitrust, Wind Chill). Thanks to Tim’s curiosity, Slump is able to threaten Cly, telling her that he can take her farm. It is a variation of a classic story. But it is still original in that it isn’t just the standard old school story of a person/family trying to hold onto a farm. The story’s execution is what makes it so wonderfully enjoyable. There are some friendly little magical forest animals who lend a hand along the way and who also reveal to Tim and Annie the truth behind Turkey Hollow’s legendary Howling Hoodoo. Yes, that is really what it is called. And it is such a silly name that one can’t help but smile every time that one says its name. The occasional cutaways to narrator Chris “Ludacris” Bridges offers even more enjoyment to the script. It shows that neither Juhl nor Henson (may he rest in peace) took themselves seriously in crafting this script. Rather they had so much fun in creating it. In turn , audiences will have just as much fun in watching it. It is all just one part of what makes the writing behind Turkey Hollow such a strong point of the movie.

The script that lies at the center of Turkey Hollow’s writing is clearly among the most important aspects of the movie’s enjoyment. It is just one element of the writing that makes the writing (and the movie in whole) so enjoyable, too. The dialogue incorporated into the movie is just as important to the movie’s whole as the movie’s story. Being a Jim Henson story, there is not a single foul word to be heard anywhere in the movie. That being the case, one can only wonder why it received a TV-PG rating. Audiences will love hearing Annie complain, like the typical teenager that she is, about not having internet access while at Turkey Hollow or even television. Her complaints are even accompanied by the use of the term “hashtag.” On the opposite side, there is Tim and his wide-eyed optimism and interest in everything. Audiences will love the pair’s back and forth when they meet Squonk, Zorp, Burble, and Thring. And yes, those are in fact the names of the monsters. Again, much as with a Dr. Seuss story, the names are so silly that they will put just as much of a smile on audiences’ faces. Audiences will love hearing Annie ask Tim incredulously about his ability to suddenly speak the language of their new furry friends. His reaction to her questioning is just as classic. It won’t be given away. But it will have audiences laughing just as much as her question. There is also the dialogue between Cly and Sheriff Grover to note in regards to the dialogue. Sheriff Grover trying to hide his feelings for Cly are great. that’s just because he gets so tongue-tied as he tries to maintain his professionalism around her. And of course what great family movie would be complete without the hilarious lines from the evil villain’s bumbling henchmen? There are plenty of laughs from their lines as from any of the movie’s other dialogue. There are so many other examples that could be cited to show just how important the dialogue is to the movie’s writing. Of course there is nowhere near enough time to discuss every one of the movie’s lines. That being the case it can be said that the examples noted here show in their own way just how entertaining the script’s dialogue proves to be just as important to Turkey Hollow’s overall writing as the movie’s script and its presentation to the presentation of the movie in whole.

The script and dialogue presented throughout Turkey Hollow are both equally important to the whole of the movie’s writing as already noted in-depth. For all of the importance of said elements, the story’s look plays just as important of a role in the writing. Audiences will note in watching this movie a presentation that wasn’t written to look or even feel like so many other big screen holiday features or movies in general. It looks and feels just like Henson’s classic creature features (of sorts). From the backdrops to the shooting style, to the very fact that it used actual hand-made puppets instead of CG creatures, everything about the look and feel of this movie makes it one that every audience should see. It proves convincingly that there is still just as much of a place in the movie making business as there is for CG if not more so. It shows that a movie doesn’t need CG and other special effect or even big sets and other cosmetic elements in order to be enjoyable. It rounds out the ways in which the movie’s writing shows itself to be so important to its overall presentation. All three elements together show clearly why Turkey Hollow’s writing is so important to the movie’s presentation in whole. Of course even considering all three elements, there is even more that could be considered such as the themes of parenting’s trials and triumphs, family dynamics, and even possible hidden messages about nature versus business and so much more. There is nowhere near enough time to delve into all of that. So we will rest it all in saying that considering those additional topics and those more directly noted here, the writing that went into Turkey Hollow proves without a shadow of a doubt to be rock solid. it makes a solid foundation on which the rest of the movie’s elements rest comfortably.

Turkey Hollow’s writing is a hugely important piece of the movie’s overall presentation. Just watching this standout family friendly holiday movie, this is obvious. Even as important as the movie’s writing proves to be to the whole of the story’s presentation, the story’s transitions should not be ignored, either in their importance. It is a minor element to consider on the surface. But in the grand scheme of things it proves truly important to note. That is because the movie is a TV movie rather than a big screen feature. Audiences that were lucky enough to see the movie in its Lifetime premiere this past weekend will note that there were obviously commercial breaks which ended up making the movie a full two-hour presentation. Without those breaks, that run time is cut down by half an hour. So why is this important to note? It is important to note because the movie is presented in exactly the same fashion in its DVD presentation as it was on television. The breaks (the story’s transition points) in the DVD’s presentation are set in exactly the same spots as they were in the movie’s television presentation. What this means is that audiences get the piece of mind knowing that they got in the movie’s TV premiere the full, unabridged version of the movie. And they get the same presentation on DVD. Nothing has been changed in the transfer from Lifetime to DVD. That makes for even more enjoyment for audiences with each watch. It still is not the last of the movie’s key notable elements. The work of the movie’s cast is just as important as the movie’s writing and its transitions to the movie’s overall presentation.

The writing behind Turkey Hollow and its transitions in regards to its TV broadcast versus its DVD presentation collectively make for plenty of enjoyment among audiences of all ages. For all of the enjoyment that each element generates, they are not the only ways in which this movie proves itself to be such a great holiday movie. The work of the cast in terms of each member’s portrayal is just as important to the whole of Turkey Hollow’s presentation as the movie’s writing and its transitions. Veteran actress Mary Steenburgen leads the cast as the eccentric Aunt Cly. She is great in her handling of Cly’s modern-day hippie persona. At no point does Steenburgen ever try to ham it up in her role. She [Cly] is so reserved in her character. Yet there is still a certain fire inside her that alongside that reserved nature makes her so entertaining to watch. And that is thanks to Steenburgen’s professional take on the character. Genevieve Buechner and Graham Verchere are just as entertaining as Annie and Tim. The pair really comes across as a brother and sister. That speaks volumes in regards to . the duo’s on-screen chemistry. On a related note, rapper Chris “Ludacris” Bridges is just as enjoyable as the movie’s narrator. While he may not be on screen nearly as much as his cast mates he is still wholly entertaining in his role. It’s tough to put fully into words what makes his portrayal so entertaining. But it can be said that the attitude that he portrays in the studio and on stage plays a part in that entertainment. He uses that same attitude but in a different fashion. The end result is a character that has some edge but is still a great standard narrator at the same time. Linden Banks and his henchmen are just as entertaining on the other side of the story. They are classic villains that audiences will love to root against and at whom they will love to laugh just as much in their bumbling. Together with the work of Steenburgen and the others, the work of Turkey Hollow’s cast in whole makes the movie’s presentation even more fun for the whole family. Together with the movie’s writing and its transitions, Turkey Hollow proves in the end to be a movie that every family should see this and every holiday season. As a matter of fact, all things considered, Turkey Hollow shows in the end to be this year’s best new holiday movie.

Turkey Hollow is a simple movie. But there is so much that went into bringing this movie to life. Its writing is extremely in-depth. Its scene transitions on DVD are the same as they were on television. This means that audiences get the same presentation on DVD as they did on television. The work of the movie’s cast rounds out the movie’s most important elements. The work of the movie’s cast will put a smile on every audience’s face. Of course one shouldn’t ignore the work of the movie’s makeup and costume department or those charged with handling the movie’s look and feel. Thanks to all involved, Steenburgen looks somewhat like famed singer Cher. And Linden Banks looks every part the evil, old businessman. Thanks to the work of those charged with handling the movie’s overall look and feel, the movie looks and feels just like Jim Henson’s classic “creature features.” It really looks just like his classic movies and specials thanks to the reliance on actual puppets and sets instead of CG and special effects. It makes suspension of disbelief all the easier and in turn the movie’s enjoyment greater. The end result of that enjoyment is the agreement that Turkey Hollow is, in whole, the best new holiday movie of 2015. Turkey Hollow will be available in stores and online on Tuesday, November 24th. It can be ordered online direct via Turkey Hollow’s official website at http://www.shopturkeyhollow.com. It can also be ordered online direct via Lionsgate’s online store at http://www.lionsgateshop.com/search_results.asp?Search=Turkey%20Hollow and via Lifetime network’s online store at http://www.mylifetimestore.com/jim-henson-s-turkey-hollow-dvd/details/117624982. More information on this and other titles from Lionsgate is available online now at:

Website: http://www.lionsgate.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lionsgate

Twitter: http://twitter.com/lionsgate

More information on this and other titles from Lifetime is available online now at:

Website: http://www.mylifetime.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lifetime

Twitter: http://twitter.com/lifetimetv

More information on this and other titles from The Jim Henson Company is available online now at:

Website: http://www.henson.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hensoncompany

Twitter: http://twitter.com/hensoncompany

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Lionsgate Takes Viewers On A Magical Trip To Turkey Hollow This Fall

Courtesy: Lionsgate

This fall, Lionsgate will release a special, family friendly movie from none other than the late, great Jim Henson.

Lionsgate will release Turkey Hollow on Tuesday, November 24th. The movie is based on a story originally conceived by Henson before his untimely passing in May of 1990 and writing partner Jerry Juhl. The story stars Jay Harrington (Benched, American Reunion, Hot in Cleveland) as recently divorced father of two Ron Emmerson. Ron and his children Tim (Graham Verchere–A Girl’s Best Friend, Perfect Match, Impastor) and Annie (Genevieve Buechner–The Final Cut, Caprica, Jennifer’s Body) take a road trip on Thanksgiving to see the the kids’ eccentric aunt Cly (Mary Steenburgen–Back To The Future Part III, The Proposal, Step Brothers). Cly lives in the rustic town of Turkey Hollow. While there, Tim and Annie learn about a legendary creature called the “Howling Hoodoo” and set off to find the elusive creature. While Tim and Annie hunt for the “Howling Hoodoo” another issue arises as one of Cly’s neighbors frames Cly for turkey theft, threatening to ruin the holiday for everybody. However, when Tim and Annie team up with some surprising friends, things take a turn for the better. Rapper Ludacris serves as the story’s narrator.  The movie will air November on Lifetime Saturday, November 21st at 8pm ET  ahead of the movie’s release in stores and online November 24th.  Pricing information will be announced at a later date.

Lisa Henson, Halle Stanford (Jim Henson Company Executive VP of Children’s Entertainment) and Michael Taylor of Multiple Media Entertainment served as the movie’s co-Executive Producers. Christopher Baldi and Tim Burns wrote the script for Turkey Hollow, which was based on a story originally penned by Jim Henson, Jerry Juhl, and Kirk Thatcher. Thatcher (It’s A Very Merry Muppet Christmas, Muppet Treasure Island, The Muppets Wizard of Oz) directed. The puppets used in the movie’s filming were developed at the Burbank, CA location of Jim Henson’s famed Creature Shop. More information on this and other TV titles from Lionsgate is available online now at:

Website: http://www.lionsgate.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LionsgateTV

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” It. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

PBS Kids’ New Dinosaur Train DVD Re-Issue Will Have The Whole Family “Roaring” With Joy

Courtesy: PBS Kids

PBS Kids’ re-issued Dinosaur Train DVD Eggstravaganza is yet another welcome addition to any family’s home library. The DVD’s re-issue early last month marks the first time that it has been re-issued since its original release three years ago in 2012 and second time overall that it has seen the light of day. Despite being re-issued so close to its original release, one might question a re-issue so soon. But taking into consideration that it’s not as easy as some might think to find these DVDs, it still proves to be just as welcome an addition to any family’s home library. That’s especially the case with the addition of the DVD’s bonus jigsaw puzzle this time around. It’s just one of the reasons that audiences will enjoy this DVD. It will be discussed at a later point. The central point of success in Dinosaur Train: Eggstravaganza is the writing in each of the disc’s episodes. Audiences of all ages learn about even more dinosaurs throughout the course of each episode. And of course there is also the inclusion of the DVD’s original bonus features, including Dr. Scott’s companion segments. Whether for the inclusion of those bonuses, the newly included companion jigsaw puzzle, or for the episodes themselves, Dinosaur Train: Eggstravaganza proves to be a fully welcome addition to any family’s home library. All together they make it a DVD that is just as valuable in the classroom as in the living room.

Only three years have passed since the last time that Dinosaur Train: Eggstravaganza was originally released on DVD. While the span of time between its original release and its new re-issue is relatively short, the seeming difficulty of finding the DVD in stores makes it a welcome re-issue for any family that does not already have this DVD as part of their home library. That is proven centrally through the writing in each of the compilation’s episodes. From one episode to the next, the Pteranodon family continues to learn about different kinds of dinosaurs. That’s not all that they learn about in these episodes, though. Tiny, Shiny, Don, and Buddy learn about dinosaur eggs and the different kinds of dino babies that existed during the different prehistoric eras, too. They learn about both in the DVD’s feature episode when a group of unhatched eggs is discovered on the beach near the kids’ nest. They even learn about the prehistoric sea turtle archelon late in the DVD’s episode list in the episode “A Sea Turtle Tale.” With both spring and Easter right around the corner, the varied lessons about dinos and their different kinds of young are both a perfect fit and the DVD in whole that much more of a welcome addition to any family’s collection even as a rei-issue. And as important as the lessons tied into each episode make the DVD in whole, they are only part of what makes the DVD well worth the watch whether in the living room or the classroom. The inclusion of a bonus jigsaw puzzle with this re-issue adds to its overall value.

The bonus jigsaw puzzle that has been included in PBS Kids’ re-issue of Dinosaur Train: Eggstravaganza was not included with the DVD’s original release in 2012. So it goes without saying that its inclusion with this edition of the DVD is itself a positive worth noting. It isn’t the only of PBS’ recent re-issues to boast a companion jigsaw puzzle. The network’s recent re-issues from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Caillou, and Super Why! each included their own companion jigsaw puzzle, too. And as with those DVDs, the jigsaw puzzle included with this DVD is the same size as the DVD’s case. Making it even better is that the puzzle’s artwork matches that of the case’s cover. So not only can young viewers assemble the puzzle right on top of the DVD’s case, they can use the case’s artwork as a direct guide in assembling the puzzle. Even before assembling the puzzle, viewers need only remove the puzzle, which comes fully assembled, from the case and then from its own sticky backing. Removing the puzzle both from its back and from the case is relatively simple since the assembled puzzle is connected to the DVD case by little more than rubber cement. Once removing the puzzle from both its sticky backing and the case, young viewers can re-assemble it either on their own or with a parent. That makes the puzzle even more of a positive addition to this re-issue. And together with the writing that went into each of the disc’s episodes, it helps to make the DVD even more of a joy for any family or educator.

The writing that went into each of the episodes on the new Dinosaur Train re-issue Eggstravaganza and the companion jigsaw puzzle that came with the DVD’s re-issue both make it well worth the addition to any family’s library or to any classroom setting. Just as worth noting as the writing and the re-issue’s companion jigsaw puzzle is the inclusion of the original DVD’s bonus material. The bonus material in question includes a handful of printable coloring pages and a DVD-rom game as well as printable materials for parents. The printable material for parents includes a character guide among other material. This is also the same material that is included on other Dinosaur Train DVDs that have come both before and after. So regardless of whether this DVD would be the first or fifth from the series, no parent will be left feeling left out in terms of the extras. It’s one more way that this re-issue proves its worth to any family or educator that has yet to add it to their collection. Together with the episodes themselves and the companion jigsaw puzzle, the inclusion of these printable materials carried over from the DVD’s original release rounds out the presentation showing once and for all why the new Dinosaur Train DVD Eggstravaganza is well worth the watch whether in the classroom or the living room.

From the writing that went into each episode included on this disc to the companion jigsaw puzzle to the inclusion of its original bonus material, the re-issues of Dinosaur Train: Eggstravaganza shows more than its share of reasons for it to be added to any educator or family’s library. It is available now in stores and online and can be ordered direct from PBS’ online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=49575186&cp=&sr=1&kw=dinosaur+train+eggstravaganza&origkw=dinosaur+train+eggstravaganza&parentPage=search. More information on Dinosaur Train is available online along with more episodes and games at:

Website: http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DinosaurTrain

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Your Family Can Win A PBS Kids DVD Prize Pack From Phil’s Picks!

Courtesy: PBS Kids

Courtesy: PBS Kids

Courtesy: PBS Kids

 

PBS Distribution recently re-issued a trio of DVDs from three of PBS Kids’ family favorite series. The DVDs—Dinosaur Train: Eggstravaganza, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Welcome To The Neighborhood, and Caillou: Caillou’s Garden Adventures—were all released Tuesday, January 13^th. Now thanks to Phil’s Picks, five lucky families out there will each receive not one, not two, but all three of the DVDs in question. All five winners of these prize packs will be announced Friday, January 30^th and will be mailed out to the winning families soon after. Winners will be announced that afternoon at 5pm ET.

Each of the DVDs are presented as in their original releases complete with episode listing and printable coloring pages and activities. What’s different with them this time around is that each DVD comes with its own detachable jigsaw puzzle for young viewers to take apart and re-assemble. It’s a great way to pass some time and build problem solving skills. Children can assemble it themselves or with their parents. The puzzles are covered with a sticker-type backing that is easily removed. And that backing

has a couple touches of rubber cement to attach the assembled puzzle to the case itself. This makes it simple to remove the puzzle both from its backing and from the case. It should be noted that parents should keep the puzzle pieces in bags or other containers so as to not lose them. That’s because it is very easy to lose them being that there are so few pieces.

Any interested families and entrants can get their name into the drawing for these prize packs simply by going to the Phil’s Picks Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and hitting the “Like” button. Once that’s done, all that’s left is to write on the timeline there, letting me know that they want to be entered for a shot at the PBS Kids’ DVD prize pack. It’s that simple. Again, the winning names will be drawn January 30^th at 5pm ET. It’s that easy. So spread the word and good luck. And to keep up with all of the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

The Dinosaur Train Will Bring Lots Of Spooky Family Fun This Fall

Courtesy: PBS Kids/PBS/The Jim Henson Company

PBS Kids and The Jim Henson Company will release another brand new DVD from PBS Kids’ family favorite series Dinosaur Train next month.

Dinosaur Train: Buddy’s Halloween Adventure will be available on DVD Tuesday, September 2^nd.  The brand new DVD features four more family friendly Halloween-themed episodes that are perfect for any child’s Halloween party.  In “Haunted Roundhouse,” the first of the adventures on this disc, the Pteranodon family goes to Troodon Town.  During the family’s trip, the Dinosaur Train makes a stop at its roundhouse, which has been decked out in Halloween decorations by the Troodons.  While there, the Pteranodon kids meet Vlad Volaticotherium.

“Big Bond Pumpkin Patch” is the second of the shorts included on the disc.  The Pteranodon kids discover their first pumpkins in this episode while learning about the customs of their neighbors, the Lambeosaurus family at the annual “Gourd Day,” a prehistoric Halloween of soirts.  The whole family learns how to hollow out and carve pumpkins along the way.

“Night Train” is the third of the shorts included on PBS Kids’ latest Dinosaur Train DVD.  Buddy and Tiny go for a nighttime ride on the Dinosaur Train along with Mr. Pteranodon in this short.  They learn about all sorts of nocturnal animals during their ride.  T all ends with a walk under the full moon at the Big Pond.

Dinosaur Train: Buddy’s Halloween Adventure is rounded out with the short “Fossil Fred.”  Buddy, Tiny, and Don are searching for fossils around the Big Pond in this episode.  The result is the discovery of the complete skeleton of a dinosaur from the Jurassic era.

Dinosaur Train: Buddy’s Halloween Adventure will be available Tuesday, September 2^nd on DVD.  It will retail for SRP of $7.99.  It can be ordered via the PBS online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=42447476&cp=&kw=buddys+halloween+adventure&origkw=Buddy%27s+Halloween+Adventure&sr=1.  Parents and children can get more information on Dinosaur Train, as well as games, activities and more episodes online at http://www.facebook.com/DinosaurTrain and http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain.  To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

PBS Kids Announces Release Date, Info For Upcoming Dinosaur Train DVD

Courtesy: PBS/PBS Kids

PBS Kids will release the latest DVD from its family favorite series Dinosaur Train next month.

Officials with PBS Kids have announced that Dinosaur Train: Adventure Camp will be released June 10^th alongside new DVDs from Wild Kratts and WordGirl. The last of the trio of new DVDs from PBS Kids, the DVD will feature four more shorts taken from the series. Tiny, Shiny, Don, and Buddy go on adventures that will teach them about erosion, tree lines, rainforests, and canyons in this DVD’s episodes. It all starts off with “Adventure Camp: Rafting.” The Pteranodon kids learn about erosion as they travel down the river in their first river rafting trip. Viewers will learn through this episode how streams and rivers work together and how different plants and animals depend on them.

After going on their first river rafting Tiny, Shiny, Don, and Buddy go on a mountain hike. During their hike, the kids learn about tree lines. They notice that as they get higher on the mountain, the trees get shorter and shorter. They learn that the lack of air at higher altitudes and lower temperatures causes the trees to be shorter near the top of the mountain. Younger viewers will learn these same lessons in watching this episode.

Having already gone on a river rafting trip and climbing a mountain, the next step for the Pteranodon kids is a trip down a zipline through a rainforest in “Adventure Camping: Ziplining.” Young viewers will learn along with the Pteranodon kids about the different levels of a rainforest’s ecosystem, from the forest floor to its canopy. Along with this, young viewers will learn about the various plants and animals that live in rain forests, as well as the surprising amount of rain that falls in rain forests each year. They will also learn about the importance of rain forests to the entire world because of the amount of oxygen that they provide for the world.

There is one more adventure for the Pteranodon kids after having hiked through a rainforest, up a mountain and having gone on a river rafting trip. That one adventure is a hike through a canyon. In “Adventure Camp: Canyon Hiking,” Mr. Conductor and his nephew Gilbert lead the Pteranodon kids on a hike down a canyon. As they make their way down the canyon, the kids see the different layers of the Mesozoic Era. Before they can even get their hike down the canyon started though, it’s up to Don to convince Lily Lambeosaurus that the new adventure isn’t as hard as she thinks. Having convinced her, Lily comes along and each member of the group comes back with its own Ammonite fossil. Young viewers will learn through this short how erosion helps canyons as rivers flow through them.

Dinosaur Train: Adventure Camp will be available Tuesday, June 10^th at SRP of $7.99. Along with the episodes included on the DVD, there will also be an interactive game titled “River Run” in which Buddy and Don have to collect bugs for Don’s collection. Players will learn about river currents and insects as they make their way down the river, collecting bugs for Don’s collection. The DVD can be pre-ordered now via Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Dinosaur-Train-Adventure-Camp/dp/B00H540LD0/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1400377558&sr=1-1&keywords=dinosaur+train+adventure+camp. More information on Dinosaur Train is available online at http://www.facebook.com/DinosaurTrain and http://www.pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain. Parents, teachers, and children can also go online to http://www.pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain to see more episodes of Dinosaur Train and play Dinosaur Train games. To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.