Earlier this month, the timeless tale of Peter & The Wolf was released on DVD from Magnolia Home Entertainment.

I saw the short film twice, once alone at work and the second time with the kids (ages 5 and 3) on our “Night at the Movies.” It was easy to know why this was an award winner last year. The music was tops (Sergie Prokofiev is my favorite composer). The story was classic and intertwined with the music. Historically, this story has been redone over the years periodically by the great voices and directors of the world. It had not been ‘touched’ for a while though (the last I remember was an album with Sting as the Narrator). The animation was realistic, and (wow!) how they get those characters!

This production highlights modern aspects. It is set in a Russian rural area during the cold (but not too cold) weather. You will see the change in the characters that we yearn to see: the oppressed teen breaks out; the kid who needs a lesson, gets one; etc. There is also a nice variation to the ending- a surprise. Don’t look for either subtitles or narration, but the plot is easily understood. My kids understood most of it. My past experience with the story derailed my first view. It was a confused comparison with all that I had remembered. However, my second view was much better.

The animation was vivid – the set/scenery was excellent. I thought it would scare the kids, but only once did I hear them mention being afraid. Many parts were fun while others were cute. The writers must not have liked the original heroism of the hunters though (you will see what I mean!). The musical score has also been stretched to include extra moments which were pretty realistic with good effect.

Bottom line – see it! Turn the lights down low, pick a quiet time and relax. My kids want to see it again. One liked the end the most, and the other liked the whole thing. The DVD also features some good “Behind the Scenes” moments. (Also, be sure to run the intro with the movie.)

(On a side note, we chose roles and sang the themes afterwards in the bathroom getting ready for bed. I was the grandfather, of course!)
-Toby Crane

On October 7th SLEEPING BEAUTY: 50TH ANNIVERSARY PLATINUM EDITION was released on DVD.

Mom in the City reviewer Toby Crane shared the following:

First, this reissue of Sleeping Beauty is loaded. My family not only enjoyed the picture, but I (as a music teacher) was thrilled with the “extras”. They included a music video, the whole animated “Grand Canyon Suite” by Grofe, a history of the movie’s animation by Walt Disney himself and much more.

My 3 year old daughter has been often selecting this DVD to see – she is even beginning to follow and repeat the main song theme from this movie’s score. My daughter usually chooses it when there is time to relax – such as when she was home sick. If you are in a rush, or there are distracting influences, this would not be the movie to put on. It is better for a longer family night. This movie reflects times of simple happiness and innocence – something that little girls should have as they grow and come of age (in this author’s view). This was common in Disney features of old.

Recently, Mom in the City reviewer Toby Crane shared his thoughts on the all-new direct-to-DVD movie Thomas & Friends™: The Great Discovery which features Pierce Brosnan as the new narrator. The DVD is available starting today (9/9/08) for a SRP of $19.98. (One lucky Mom in the City member will also win their own copy!)

Toby’s thoughts:

“First of all, I liked certain things about this Thomas movie, though some aspects were a bit advanced and not so gripping. Thomas toys are geared for tots to school starters generally, yet this movie’s maturity level seems to be school age and above. Children can learn the futility of envy, jealousy, revenge, and selfish ambition along with values of forgiveness, kindness, service, helpfulness and good work ethic.

Mom in the City newsletter subscribers can enter to win the DVD by leaving your name in the “Comments” section below or by sending an email to contests@mominthecity.com with “Thomas” in the Subject line by September 30th.

At last Bob gets a house, and not just a house! The whole story is divided into three parts, really, and other projects are included. Before the last, “Fantastic Flex,” special features are inserted. These must be done by the same company and are included as promos due to having room on the DVD. I was confused for a moment as to whether my machine had turned off and if the cable was showing the other ones.

The Bob the Builder series attracted my children first for the machines. My 4 year old found his BtB tractor to hold while it played. BtB was never their first choice, and is seldom played on the channels of cable the way it was 1-2 years ago, but the kids surprised me by their interest yesterday watching episodes back to back.

I’ve done construction as a sideline for years, and always learn a thing or two from the show. Bob and Wendy’s experience can’t be denied…the writers know how to put a lot of thought and planning into how they portray the building process. Of these episodes I especially enjoyed when they reviewed all of the projects done in the area to borrow ideas to complete, or ’spiff’ up Bob’s House.

I found that the series had less of the bungling that is given many of the characters is other episodes. Another favorite part I enjoyed was when the film director is introduced, and where this leads. This is clever! I also imagined that Bob would lose his patience with the paint job they do for the shed, but he stays in character- a patient gentleman to the end.
(Review by Toby Crane)

Underdog (Review by Toby Crane)

On the first viewing, the kids did not understand all that was happening in the movie, but my 4 year old was able to sing some of the theme song. His favorite part was the clip of the old cartoon, which helped him to see what underdog was. This original show, which had its original run in the late 1960s, was my favorite of all. Viewing the current movie brought back pleasant memories of being 3 or 4 in my old neigborhood while my best friend’s mom cut apples and PB & J sandwiches. Back then, I felt that underdog was a personal hero for me and my friends as we were not exactly in the social mainstream…

Fortunately, the mild violence and teen concepts in the current movie was a bit over my son’s head, but there was enough action to hook him. My 2 year old daughter also watched and focused primarily on the dog. Personally, I never knew how the underdog story started, but now I do. As a family, we look forward to any sequels. My wife’s only regret is that we did not see it on the big screen. The kids now go around saying, “Have no fear, Underdog is here!”