-Bolt
On Sunday, March 22nd, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment released BOLT in high definition as a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital File combo. The standard DVD version became available on Tuesday, March 24th. (I’m hopefully getting a Blu-ray in the near future so I received the combo.)
BOLT, the super dog (voiced by John Travolta), is the star of a Hollywood show that he thinks is real. After being accidentally shipped to New York City and separated from Penny (voiced by Miley Cyrus), his “person,” he tries to find his way home. Along the way, Bolt makes some new friends – Rhino (voiced by Mark Walton) and a street-smart cat named Mittens (voiced by Susie Essman). He discovers that he doesn’t really have superpowers but he also realizes that he doesn’t need them in order to be a hero. My son Michael really likes this movie. (His favorite part is “when Bolt does the super bark”. In fact, he’s taken to randomly breaking out in super barks!)
The combo set is also packed with bonus features. The “Super Rhino Short” is Michael’s favorite. Behind the scenes features, music videos, deleted scenes and much more are also included.
In case you haven’t seen the movie, below is the trailer:
Rhino the hamster is my son’s favorite. Meet him below:
-Secrets of the Furious Five
I was so excited to see Secrets of the Furious Five the follow-up to Kung Fu Panda that was released on March 24th by Paramount Home Entertainment. To my surprise, my husband and sons had already seen it on television before! Never mind. We all still enjoyed this short (it’s only 24 minutes). In fact, my kids would see it over and over and over if I allowed them to do so.
The story has Po teaching young Kung Fu students. Although the little ones are most interested in learning how to fight, Po, the new Dragon Warrior, focuses on teaching them the character “secrets” that The Furious Five (Viper, Tigress, Monkey, Crane and Mantis) learned when they were younger. Patience, courage, confidence, discipline and compassion are all taught in a fun, non-preachy way.
In addition to the short, the DVD has some great bonus material included. Viewers can learn to draw the characters. (This goes a little quickly for the very little ones, but older kids/aspiring artists will especially enjoy it.) Other bonus favorites include “Learn the Panda Dance” and “Do You Kung Fu?” (which shows the various fighting styles). In any event, I’ve been getting my workout by trying out the various fight styles with my guys!
