Thomas & Friends: 'King Of The Railway' DVD (Review & Giveaway)

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Last year we took The Boy to the cinema for the first time to see the Thomas & Friends film 'Blue Mountain Mystery', which was a complete delight. He was enchanted and, as we were then lucky enough to receive a copy of the film on DVD to review, we have been able to enjoy the film plenty of times during the past year.

Well Thomas & Friends have done it again with another cracking feature-length CG film, currently in VUE cinemas until Sunday 1st September, the day before the DVD is released in shops.

'King Of The Railways' is an even more captivating film introducing several new characters with plenty of personality. The main new engine is Stephen, an ancient steamie brought to the island by the Earl of Sodor who is rebuilding the ruined castle. Stephen was one of the first steam engines, aptly nicknamed The Rocket at the time (a lovely reference to George Stephenson's Rocket, Stephen is even the same design and colour) because of his speed. Rather than being grumpy at not being needed anymore, Stephen endears himself to Thomas and his friends with his good-natured humour and journey to find a purpose on the island, and to help the Earl with his project. Unfortunately, the day before the opening of the castle, Stephen goes missing mysteriously; can Thomas be a really useful engine and save the day?

We took The Boy to see the film in the cinema on Sunday, and despite having seen it several times via our review copy last week, he was wowed by the big screen and spotted new aspects to the story. At only £4.50 a ticket for adults, it was well worth the trip and I'd recomment it before it comes out on DVD. This is definitely a classic Thomas & Friends film, really enjoyable for both adults and children.

King Of The Railways

'King Of The Railways' is out on DVD on Monday 2nd September with an RRP of £12.99, and is currently showing at VUE cinemas daily until Sunday 1st September.

However, I have one copy to give away to a lucky reader. Simply fill in the Rafflecopter form below to be in with a chance of winning 'King of the Railway' on DVD.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received a copy of this DVD for the purpose of this review. My opinion is honest and unbiased.

Room On The Broom DVD (Review)

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Sometimes there comes a adaptation of a children's classic story which is so wonderful that it becomes as well known as the original story itself, standing in its own right. And if it is a vehicle to introduce new fans to the writer's talent, then I'm all for television or film adaptations. Over the past few years there have been two wonderful adaptations of the classic Julia Donaldson stories, The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child which have brought new fans to her wonderful story-writing; and they films themselves have been so beautifully produced that they will stand the test of time.

Last Christmas saw a different Julia Donaldson book being adapted by Magic Light Pictures (the team behind The Gruffalo); Room On The Broom, and we settled down to watch it, as I'm sure did most other families with pre-school children. The newest production from the team pulled in 7.6 million viewers, no mean feat!

Room on the Broom DVD

The story follows a witch and her cat, who becomes increasingly annoyed with her kindness when she allows a dog, a bird and a frog who have helped her retrieve things she has lost to ride on her broomstick, making it top heavy. The broom is destroyed by a fire-breathing dragon who threatens to eat the witch but the creatures band together to impersonate a monster and save her.

Narrated by Simon Pegg, and featuring Gillian Anderson as the witch and Rob Brydon as the cat, the cast also boasts the vocal talents of David Walliams, Timothy Spall and Martin Clunes, amongst others. The production team have very cleverly read between the lines of the story, searching for and highlighting the humour in the story, particularly with the facial expressions of the cat. There are some very humorous moments, mostly involving the cat and in my eyes they are completely engineered for the adults' entertainment. For example, in one scene the characters are searching for something almost impossible to find, and the cat reaches into an enormous haystack and pulls out a needle.

While not quite as well known, or possibly as classic as The Gruffalo, Room On The Broom is just as entertaining and as previously mentioned helps to introduce the literary wonders of Julia Donaldson to new fans.

Room on the Broom was released on DVD on 18th March 2013, courtesy of Entertainment One

For more information please go to www.Roomonthebroom.com

I received a review disc for the purpose of this post, my opinion is honest and unbiased.

A Hit Of Happiness

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There's something we don't have in this house and that's biscuits. Not because I don't like them, but because once a packet is opened we won't  don't can't stop eating them until the last crumb has been fought over. It's not a pretty sight to be honest.

However, someone must have known that it was coming up to a stressful time of year in school for me, because they've sent us some biscuits to help me relax after a busy half term. Not only that, but they thought about the types of things that make little boys happy as well, and that is bubbles and a good, silly DVD.

HIT biscuits

On Friday we took delivery of a beautifully presented box containing a selection of Bahlsen 'Hit' biscuits, a Lorax DVD, a Bananagrams game, and a trio of bubble wands for The Boy.

This is a perfect collection of things to take away with us when we go on holiday with my parents later this week; a game to play in the evening while The Boy is sleeping, a DVD to watch in the car on the way down to Dorset, and some bubbles to blow on the beach at West Bay. And even more importantly, the all important family favourite chocolate biscuits to keep in the car as munchies while on our way to build sandcastles!

Thanks Bahlsen for our lovely Hit of Happiness!

'The Dark Knight Rises' DVD (Review)

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A few months ago, I was a kind wife and agreed to receive 'The Dark Knight Rises' on DVD for Mr. TBaM. I'm not a personal fan of Christian Bale as Batman, I prefer old school Michael Keaton, however, I knew Mr. TBaM really wanted to see this, and so I found myself sat in the living room with my laptop for comfort while he watched the film. Only I didn't get very far with blogging that night as I became engrossed in the film. Sorry Michael! Over to Mr. TBaM to tell you why:

In 2005, Christopher Nolan reinvented cinematic Batman. Out went the cartoon heros and villains – no more Arnie dressed as an icicle, no more Clooney having the most recognisable jaw in the modern world yet being undetected by Gotham's finest, and DEFINITELY no more Chris O'Donnell and "that" batsuit. In their place, Christian Bale brought on a more rounded and thoughtful Bruce Wayne than any prior incarnation, and Nolan delivered stories bearing a much closer resemblance to the source material, yet with the same level of complexity that you'd expect from any of his other films.

2012's Dark Knight Rises starts eight years after the events of The Dark Knight. As Wayne intended, Batman is a wanted man, whilst Harvey Dent is remembered as the hero that Gotham needed. Commissioner Gordon is stepping down, but will he be tempted to finally tell the truth about the events of the past? As the third film of the trilogy, DKR has its own story to tell as well as resolving elements of the previous two. As such, it introduces a new villain – Bale, excellent played by Tom Hardy – as well as a new hero, Joseph Gordon Levitt's John Blake. Considering that both had also been in Nolans previous hit film, Inception, it's fair to say that even before the film starts expectations are high.

Thankfully, it delivers. Bale has the skill to deliver everything expected of him and makes his portrail convincing both as Batman the hero and Wayne the businessman (Robert Downey Jr take note!). Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman all offer excellent support, although Anne Hathaway as not-actually-referred-to-as Catwoman is more forgettable.

As for the plot, it is difficult to describe too much without giving away spoilers. There are some stunning action sequences – in particular, the sequences in the underground prison, and the siege of Gotham at the end. Anyone familiar with the original comics would probably not fall into the same assumptions as the rest of us, but even when all the secrets are revealed there's more than enough to sustain a second or even a third viewing.

I received a copy of the DVD for the purpose of this review, my husband's opinion is honest and unbiased.

"Curious George Swings Into Spring" (Review & Giveaway)

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The past two-three weeks have seen The Boy querying the world around him. And I don't mean in a deeply philosophical and theological kind of way, there are no queries about God and the ether (although he is starting to ask about a time before him in an incredulous manner), or wondering why leaves are green for example. Quite simply he's noticing that Mother Nature is waking the world from its slumber and is asking about Spring and whether it's Summer yet. When we were in Roath Park earlier, I tried to explain to him that Spring turns into Summer quite quickly and we don't even notice it; he told me that it meant he could play outside for a really long time. Seasons are a tricky thing to explain you know!

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'Scooby Doo: Mask Of The Blue Falcon DVD' (Review)

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Scooby Doo is one of those timeless characters that reaches across to both children and parents alike with his madcap capers and craaaaazy, cunning, conundrums!

ScoobyDooMaskOfTheBlueFalcon

Scooby Doo: Mask of the Blue Falcon is a brand new adventure for 2013 and tells of the goings-on at the 'Mega Mondo Pop Cartoon-a-Con with celebrated comic book characters headlining at the convention. However, all goes dramatically wrong (in pure Scooby fashion) when Mr. Hyde unleashes monster bats, howling hounds and sinister slime upon all the revellers. It's time for Fred, Daphne and Velma to help out Scooby and Shaggy to tap into their inner superhero to prevent the convention from being a wash-out.

Included in this disc are bonus vintage cartoons (Comic Book Caper, Reflections in a Ghoulish Eye and The Scooby Coupe), alongside the opportunity to stream and download the movie onto computers, tablet computers and smartphones using Ultraviolet technology. Ultraviolet is such a clever piece of technology and makes it perfect for out and about entertainment by being able to download it onto a mobile device.

Scooby Doo: Mask of the Blue Falcon is available from Amazon priced at £9.99.

I was sent a copy of this disc for the purpose of this post.

'New Year's Eve' DVD

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And so at 11pm on New Year's Eve, 2012 I am about to settle down with Mr. TBaM to watch a DVD, mainly because there's nothing on television (what a surprise), but also because I can't think of a better time to watch a film called, fittingly, 'New Year's Eve'!

I have traditional films that I like to watch over the festive period, some of them are schmaltzy, American, Hallmark style films, but the main one is 'Love, Actually'. I adore this film, not only because of the brilliant storyline and clever writing, but because of the plethora of celebrities throughout and trying to work out how their stories tie together. Another film which is good at linking many people's lives together is 'Valentine's Day,' and 'New Year's Eve' has been created by the same people.

With a huge ensemble cast (Halle Berry, Sarah Jessica Parker, Michelle Pfeiffer, Katherine Heigl, Jessica Biel, Ashton Kutchen, Hector Elizondo, Robert de Niro, Jon Bon Jovi, Zac Effron, and oodles more) and the promise of Times Square on the biggest night of the year, what's not to love?

Amendment (New Year's Day):

We thorougly enjoyed this DVD. 'Valentine's Day' was a little bit of a let down, a touch too schmaltzy and the storyline was predicatable. However, the acting and storyline in 'New Year's Eve' was a lot stronger; less predictable and not everything turns out happy and twee. The acting from Robert de Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer is clearly strong, Hilary Swank is a bonus addition, and the male leads are not the main focus. I think the production team have learnt from 'Valentine's Day' and this film is a lot more memorable.

I was sent these product for the purpose of this post.

Guess How Much I Love You? DVD

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We've just watched the most delightful DVD that we've been sent in a while: Guess How Much I Love You?

I'm pretty sure that we're not the only household to own a copy of the book, or indeed the seasonal versions of the book, and they are a firm favourite at bedtime. Our latest 'guess how much I love you?' consists of 'the moon, the sun and the stars and then back home again!'

The books shouldn't need an introduction but I will give one in case anyone has never heard of them. Little Nutbrown Hare and his daddy, Big Nutbrown Hare, have adventures in the beautifully illustrated (with watercolours) and endearing story where they try to convey to each other just how much they love each other, with daddy always gazumping his son's proclamations. There is an additional set of books with a similar theme set in each season, showing the changes to nature throughout the year.

I've always loved this story so much; my 16 year old niece had the book as a child, my mum bought it for me when I moved away from the family home for the first time, and now The Boy has my copy as his own to read. I adore the book so much that it inspired his nursery…

This new DVD (released on 5th November 2012) features eight episodes, lasting nearly an hour and a half, including; Blossoms, What sound does the moon make?, Bedtime Story, and Big Like You, amongst others. In the episodes there are some new characters, Little White Owl and Little Field Mouse, introduced to help Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare with his adventures which promote love and friendship.

This is a truly lovely DVD to snuggle down on the sofa and watch at this time of year, and would make a perfect addition to any pre-schoolers Christmas stocking.It's available from all major retailers with an RRP of £9.99 but I've found it on Amazon for £5.00!

I was sent a copy of this DVD for the purpose of this review, my opinion (that I love it) is honest and unbiased.

'Dark Shadows' DVD (Review)

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I'm a sucker for a Johnny Depp film, especially it's a Tim Burton film. By and large, they are (combined with Helena Bonham Carter) a pretty talented trio who can virtually guarantee a film's success. Therefore I'd been hankering after watching Dark Shadows for a while, and when I was sent it to review I was extremely chuffed.

Dark Shadows follows the tale of Barnabus Collins (Depp) who was a Liverpool-born, aristocratic young batchelor in America in the 18th century. His wealthy family had founded Collinstown and they lived in a spectaculorly gothic mansion full of secret tunnels, grandeur and adoring servants. Angelique (one such maid) fell deeply in love with Barnabus following a fling and when he rejected her for his true love, the little witch set about destroying his life, family and fortune, casting a spell causing his beloved's death and him to become a vampire. Once the local town's people heard he was a vampire, he was captured and entombed for just under two centuries deep beneath the ground.

Cut forward to 1972 and the mansion is a shadow of its former self with his remaining descendants trying hard to maintain some form of status quo against the poverty they live in, enforced by Angelique's business which has taken over Barnabus' beloved town. Until one day, when the foundations for a restaurant of the golden arches is being dug, and the workmen discover a box with a blood-thirsty vampire inside. What happens next in the film is a case of vengeance and determination as Barnabus tries to salvage his family's name against the twists and turns of every truly dark Burton film.

There are some surprise appearances in this film, and big names with it. Eva Green, Johnny Lee Miller and Michelle Pfeiffer are main characters throughout, alongside Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter. Eva Green makes for a truly wicked and dastardly witch to Johnny Depp's vampire, Helena Bonham-Carter is… a bit mediocre if I'm honest; I don't really see what her character adds to the film at all. I liked the relationship between Barnabus and his female descendant, Michelle Pfeiffer, and she does a pretty good job in the film. Johnny Depp is good in the film (when is he not?) but he doesn't quite cut it as a blood-sucker for me, I'm too used to him being mischievious or slightly whacky and seeing him as a comedic killer in this vampire comedy just seemed a bit strange. Especially when his appearance in Sweeney Todd actually gave me nightmares.

Dark Shadows is a good film. It's not one of the terrific trio's best, but it's certainly watchable and enjoyable; I will watch it again and I will chuckle and gasp in all the right places because the combined cast and storyline is amusing.

I was sent this DVD for the purpose of this review, my opinion is honest and unbiased.

Tree Fu Tom (Review & Giveaway)

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I have always adored the quality of the television programmes on CBeebies, in my opinion they are worth the license fee alone! Sometimes I have a little quibble about the scheduling, but 98% of the programmes are absolutely fantastic and we really enjoy watching them together.

This year's there's been a wealth of quality new shows starting on the channel and one of them is Tree Fu Tom. I looked forward to it starting and was sorely disappointed, and surprised, when The Boy didn't take to it. I don't think it helped that in the first episode there was a giant (slightly alarming) mushroom chasing some of the characters. Since then he's refused to watch it.

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