Walt Disney Treasures - Disneyland - Secrets, Stories & Magic (Collector's Tin) (2005) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I generally enjoy Disney's "Treasures" releases, due to their wealth of insiders knowledge and vintage film and shows that appear in these special collector's packages. I do own Walt Disney Treasures - Disneyland USA, and watch it from time to time, fascinated by the many selections offered. I was so happy to learn that Disney was releasing a new set of videos, "Disneyland- Secrets, Stories and Magic".
This two-disc set offers a small variety of shorts, clips, and films that were used to promote Disneyland in it's earliest stages. The first disk contains a recent documentary on the creation and development of Disneyland, with many, many interviews by Disneyland insiders still living, which provides a fascinating look at how Walt built the park. This doc tends to concentrate on the early years, instead of a broader fifty year view of the park.
The treasure on this disk, however, can be found in the "People and Places" documentary filmed in a new technology at the time, "Cinemascope". Filmed in all four lands, this film shows Disneyland in it's true infancy, with stage coach rides, the trip to the moon, and a park without New Orleans Square. Despite it's occasional un-PC tone (you audibly groan as the narrator talks about Native Americans), it's a fascinating look inside the park early on. I watched it once, then immediately watched it with the insightful commentary track by Leonard Maltin and Tony Baxter. Wheeeee!
Disc two is a bit more disappointing. There is an unexplicable boring "Operation Disneyland" made for TV stations showing the technological nightmare of bringing the live opening day Disneyland broadcast to the public. I stopped it three minutes in for fear I'd fall asleep. Fortunately, "Disneyland through the Seasons" makes up for this faux pas. I loved watching it, despite the hint of sadness, realizing Walt had died just prior to its broadcast.
I gave this set, which in my opinion is sold VERY cheaply, four stars, only because I want more. As a true Disney fan, who loved Disneyland ever since he was six years old, it's hard to satisfy my hunger for Disney information. This is a great, great appetizer, though!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Walt Disney Treasures - Disneyland - Secrets, Stories & Magic (Collector's Tin) (2005)

On July 17 1955 Walt Disney opened the gates to Disneyland(R) the beloved American icon that has become a cherished destination for generations. It was also the day Walt\'s sixteen-year dream came true. The centerpiece of this volume is a captivating and nostalgic film that takes you inside that dream. Rare archival footage new interviews with key people and Walt\'s own words reveal how his innovative vision became a reality. Then discover more Disneyland(R) secrets with a fun-filled trivia game and relive the magic of the recently restored PEOPLE AND PLACES: DISNEYLAND U.S.A. presented in CinemaScope with a new 5.1 audio mix. Featuring exclusive introductions by film historian Leonard Maltin this is a timeless collection from generations past for generations to come.System Requirements:Running Time: 332 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre:CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating:NR UPC:786936702057

Click here for more information about Walt Disney Treasures - Disneyland - Secrets, Stories & Magic (Collector's Tin) (2005)

Disney's Little Einsteins - Rocket's Firebird Rescue (2007) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is one of the best Little Einsteins DVDs yet for exposing kids to classical music. Twice as long as a regular television program, its 51-minute main feature, "Rocket's Firebird Rescue," will really make children familiar with Igor Stravinsky's "The Firebird."
Just about the perfect length for many youngsters' attention spans, the program tells the tale of the Firebird, a mythical crane that spreads music throughout Russia until a mean, magical ogre traps it. It also introduces kids to the painting "Improvisation" by Wassily Kandinsky, the amazing eggs of Carl Faberge, Russian nesting dolls, even St. Basil's Cathedral and the Baikal freshwater seal.
It's even better if you view it with a home theater set-up, as the Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack includes the kids' "Rocket" flying machine zooming around you as it travels.
The DVD also contains a regular episode of the Little Einsteins television series, 2007's "Rocket Soup," in which the kids fill up their transporter with its favorite food, a mix of cheese, peas, and jumping beans. It features Antonin Dvorak's catchy "Humoresque No. 7" (you'll know it when you hear it) and the painting "Moonrise" by Paul Klee.
There is just one bonus feature, "Magic Mission," which plays the main feature with "hidden" pop-up cards. When selected with a remote, each leads to an animated fun fact.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Disney's Little Einsteins - Rocket's Firebird Rescue (2007)

LITTLE EINSTEINS:ROCKET'S FIREBIRD RE - DVD Movie

Get 33% OFF

Click here for more information about Disney's Little Einsteins - Rocket's Firebird Rescue (2007)

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Mickey Saves Santa (2006) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We recently bought the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse CD and I LOVE it. So when I heard that a new DVD was coming out--Mickey Saves Santa--I of course wanted to buy it for my son. (We buy several new holiday DVDs every year.)
Mickey Saves Santa features 3 episodes:
*Mickey Saves Santa
*Goofy's Bird
*Mickey-Go-Seek
The new episode, Mickey Saves Santa, is only about 17 minutes long--with a very simplistic plot line. In fact, Mickey and Donald are the primary Disney characters. The rest of the gang are relegated to showing up at Mickey's for a slumber party (right before Mrs. Claus crashes the party requesting Mickey's help), and then at the end of the story.
Santa is apparently stuck at Mistletoe Mountain and Mrs. Claus asks Mickey to help. Mickey then asks Donald to be the co-pilot. He protests, almost beginning a tantrum, while Mrs. Claus gently scolds "Now Donald--be nice or you won't get any presents!" She does this about 5 times through the entire story! At the end of the "adventure", Donald is rewarded with tons of gifts for "being nice". Never mind that his natural inclination is to throw tantrums and be greedy--all that matters is that, because he's "played nice" for awhile, he's now deserving of a crap load of presents. (Not because the Claus's are grateful, but because Donald "played nice". What a message to send to kids! Unfortunately, this world rarely rewards those who "play nice"--let alone those who actually ARE nice and do so because they're nice at core.)
My personal rant aside, this DVD isn't worth the rather expensive price, in my opinion--especially since the other 2 episodes air frequently on Playhouse Disney...and Mickey Saves Santa probably will be airing in December, too.
I was expecting a full-length movie with an engaging plot, colorful animation, and ALL the characters--not a short, simplistic mini-story featuring a Mrs. Claus with a white Elvis 'do.
There aren't many extras on this DVD, either--just a "Dance-Along" to the rousing song "Hot Dog" (which is just the characters dancing around to the ending Clubhouse song--no dance step instructions or anything) and a Picture Puzzle Game which has kids guessing which one of three pictures is being formed by a (very simplistic) on-screen puzzle. I think we got through 15 or more puzzles, so there's a decent amount. But still...
If your child is a rabid fan of Mickey Mouse or the Clubhouse TV show, they'll probably love this DVD. However, I think that Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas is a better buy. If you prefer CGI animation, Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas is stunning--but some of the thematic elements aren't so "nice", especially for younger kids.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Mickey Saves Santa (2006)

This holiday, pack the sleigh, hitch up the reindeer, and celebrate the season with Mickey and all his friends in a fun-filled adventure. When Santa's sleigh breaks down at the top of Mistletoe Mountain, Mickey and Donald race to his rescue. The gang plays a game of hide-and-seek with the world's greatest hider -- Donald Duck! And Goofy needs help returning a lost baby bird to its mother in the forest. Be a part of three hilarious stories about helping others, and discover that the greatest gift of all is good friends. Open the door to Mickey's Clubhouse, and unwrap some holiday fun for the entire family.

Get 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Mickey Saves Santa (2006)

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Mickey's Great Clubhouse Hunt (2006) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I don't know what it is about this show on TV but my daughter can't get enough of it. It is one of the only shows she will sit and watch start to finish without moving a muscle. So for the show I have to give it 5 stars but this review is specific to this DVD.
It is a lot like the show with a few more songs it seems. Both the episodes are great but my complaint is that you only get two. There are some decent extras on this disc but my daughter is 2 and it's more about the show. I have also had trouble playing this disc on my car DVD player which I'm sure is tied to Disney copy protection as other DVD's work fine.
Disney has something called fast play which seems like a great idea. My impression of fast play would be put it in and it goes straight to the show. Well it does that but not without playing several previews from other DVD's that are available. This should be a selection off of the main menu and not force you to watch them on fast play.
The episodes are a half hour long so they could have easily fit at least two more episodes on the DVD for greater value. A Doodlebops DVD gets four episodes on one DVD and costs 10 - 12 dollars. This one puts two episodes on one and costs 15 - 22 dollars. I can't help but feel like they are bilking me a little bit. I found it at Target for 15.00 and it looks like you can get it used on Amazon for close to the same price.
All in all good DVD just too much for what you are getting. If you can find it cheaper than retail or used I would definately purchase.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Mickey's Great Clubhouse Hunt (2006)

Meeska Mooska Mickey Mouse! The search for big fun is just beginning in this all-new adventure from the hit TV show, MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE. Mickey and his pals are planning the best springtime party ever-and you're invited! But the festivities are put on hold when Mickey’s magical clubhouse mysteriously breaks into pieces and disappears with Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Daisy inside! Mickey needs your help as he sets out on a great adventure to save his friends and put the clubhouse back together again. Filled with interactive fun and songs, MICKEY'S GREAT CLUBHOUSE HUNT is an adventure you'll love again and again.

Get 13% OFF

Click here for more information about Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Mickey's Great Clubhouse Hunt (2006)

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Mickey's Treat (2006) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Just received this DVD today and like Mickey's Great Clubhouse Hunt and Mickey Saves Santa, this one is great and my 2 year old son loves it. There are two other episodes on the DVD that we have seen on Playhouse Disney. There is the Dr. Daisy episode where Daisy tries to earn her pretend dr. sticker and there is the Magician Goofy episode where the gang helps Goofy practice his magic tricks for the magic show. We've seen these several times before but my son still loves to watch them. The Halloween episode is cute. I just wish they would release more! If your little one is a Mickey Mouse lover then he/she will love this one as well, there is no doubt!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Mickey's Treat (2006)

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Great Clubhouse Hunt is an all-new DVD premiere based on the popular series on the Disney Channel. Mickey takes you on the ultimate adventure to find his friends and to put back together the clubhouse, which has mysteriously broken into parts and disappeared with his friends inside! Featuring favorite characters Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy and Daisy Duck.

Get 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Mickey's Treat (2006)