Title: Free Birds
IMDb |Wikipedia |Trailer |
Year: 2013
Director: Jimmy Hayward
Writer: Scott Mosier (Screenwriter), Jimmy Hayward (Screenwriter), David I. Stern (Story By), John J. Strauss (Story By)
Rating: Rated PG : Some Action/Peril and Rude Humor
Length: 91 Min.
Video: Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English, Spanish

Stars:
Owen Wilson as Reggie (Voice)
Woody Harrelson as Jake (Voice)
Amy Poehler as Jenny (Voice)
George Takei as S.T.E.V.E. (Voice)
Colm Meaney as Myles Standish (Voice)
Keith David as Chief Broadbeak (Voice)

Plot:
From the Academy Award®-Winning producer of Shrek* comes a hilarious animated adventure about two turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks who travel back in time in order to keep their species off the Thanksgiving menu. Featuring an all-star voice cast, including Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson and Amy Poehler, Free Birds is loaded with laughs and stuffed with fun for the whole family!

*Aron Warner, Animated Feature Film, 2001.

Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Bonus Trailers
Featurettes
Closed Captioned

My Thoughts:
I found this one to be entertaining... but a bit on the silly side. It is cute enough for what it is but I think the kids will get more fun out of this one then the adults. It is not a terrible film but there is definitely better animated films out there. A plus I feel this one has is that there really don't seem to be many films out there devoted to Thanksgiving so if you are anything like I am and enjoy having films to watch for every holiday season... you may need this one to help beef up your Thanksgiving collection.

My Rating:
Out of a Possible 5

Title: Dear Santa
IMDb |Trailer |Wikipedia |Wikipedia |
Year: 2011
Director: Jason Priestley
Writer: Barbara Kymlicka (Writer)
Rating: NR
Length: 92 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles:

Stars:
Amy Acker as Crystal
David Haydn-Jones as Derek
Emma Duke as Olivia
Patrick Creery
Gina Holden
James Dugan

Plot:
Shopaholic Crystal's (Amy Acker, Alias) wealthy parents give her an ultimatum: change her irresponsible ways by Christmas or they will cut her off without a cent. With no job or romantic prospects, what's a girl to do? Fate intervenes when she finds seven-year-old Olivia's (Emma Duke) letter to Santa asking for a new wife for her widowed dad, Derek (David Haydn-Jones). Crystal tracks them down and vows to win over father and daughter before the fast-approaching holiday deadline. Only Derek's jealous and calculating girlfriend (Gina Holden, Harper's Island) stands between her and her newfound happiness. Share the gift of love and laughter with this heartwarming romantic comedy directed by Jason Priestley (Beverly Hills 90210).

Extras:


My Thoughts:
This is a film I never even heard of before seeing it listed on Netflix. I must say.... I enjoyed every minute of it. Liked all the characters. It is a fun storyline. And I do think the entire cast did a wonderful job. Sure the entire movie was predictable. Especially if you are a fan of romantic comedies. But sometimes it isn't all about the ending... it's the journey that matters. I will definitely be wanting to add this one to my collection as I could easily see myself watching this one every year.

My Rating:
Out of a Possible 5

Title: Christmas Town
IMDb |Wikipedia |
Year: 2008
Director: George Erschbamer
Writer: Ron McGee (Writer)
Rating: G
Length: 82 Min.
Video: Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: Spanish

Stars:
Nicole De Boer as Liz
Patrick Muldoon as Kevin O'Reilly
Gig Morton as Mason
Gary Chalk as Jack Travers
Jocelyne Loewen as Alison Kay
Gabe Khouth as Otis

Plot:
Disillusioned Liza McCann and her son travel to Hollyville to visit her estranged father. The town's profuse decorations and intense Yuletide spirit exasperate Liza, who has hated the holidays ever since she was a little girl. But a series of magic and inexplicable events force Liza to rethink everything she thought was true. Will the magic of this Christmas town help Liza reconnect with her father and open her heart to the true spirit of the holidays? Heart-warming and fun for the whole family, CHRISTMAS TOWN stars Nicole de Boer (DEAD ZONE), Patrick Muldoon (STARSHIP TROOPERS), Garry Chalk (DECK THE HALLS), and Gig Morton (SNOW BUDDIES).

Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Closed Captioned

My Thoughts:
This is another film I found on Netflix. It is entertaining enough to be worth the time put in to watch it... but at the same time I would say very average. While I can see myself watching this one again it is not one I would feel I have to see every Christmas. That being said... I would add it to my collection if I got it cheap enough.

My Rating:
Out of a Possible 5

Title: How The Grinch Stole Christmas!/Horton Hears a Who: Special Edition
IMDb |Wikipedia |Trailer |
Year: 1966
Director: Chuck Jones
Writer:
Rating: G
Length: 53 Min.
Video: Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, French: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Stars:
Boris Karloff as Narrator/The Grinch
Thurl Ravenscroft as Singer
June Foray as Cindy Lou Who/Jane Kangaroo
Chuck Jones as Horton and Dr. Hoovey
Hans Conried as Narrator

Plot:
From one of the greatest fable-writers of all time come two enchanting tales for the whole family!

Few storytellers are as delightfully unique as Dr. Seuss - and few animated tales are as beloved as his "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" and "Horton Hears a Who!" All of your favorite Suess characters are here - and the whole whild, wooly, completely adorable and outrageously imporobably menagerie comes parading your way in one mammothly entertaining presentation!

In "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!," the crotchety Grinch, with "termites in his smile" and "garlic in his soul," tries to wipe out Christmas for the cheerful Whovillians - only to discovere that the true spirit of the season lies beyond his covetous grasp! Just the opposite of the miserly Grinch is Horton, the big elephant whith an even bigger heart, who protects the miniscule inhabitants of Whoville from impending disaster in "Horton Hears a Who!" Filled with songs and tongue-twisting verse galore, these Dr. Seuss favorites are a festival of fun for the entire family.

Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Featurettes
Interactive Games
Pencil Tests, Music Selections

My Thoughts:
This is a very good Christmas special that I try to watch every year. While watching this I can't help to somewhat feel like a kid again. A true classic in every meaning of the word. Definitely one I feel safe recommending.

My Rating:
Out of a Possible 5

Title: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
IMDb |Trailer |Wikipedia |
Year: 1964
Director: Larry Roemer
Writer: Romeo Muller (Writer), Robert May (1905) (Original Material By), Johnny Marks (Original Material By)
Rating: NR
Length: 52 Min.
Video: Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby TrueHD: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Spanish: Dolby Digital: Mono, French: Dolby Digital: Mono
Subtitles:

Stars:
Burl Ives as Sam/Narrator (Voice)
Larry Mann as Yukon Cornelius (Voice)
Billy Richards as Rudolph (Voice)
Paul Soles as Hermey (Voice)
Stan Francis as Santa Claus (Voice)
Stan Francis as King Moonracer (Voice)

Plot:
Do you remember when...
Rudolph visited the Island of Misfit Toys, and Santa asked Rudolph to guide his sleigh on Christmas Eve? Share the magic of this Original Christmas Classic told and sung by Burl Ives!

Extras:
Scene Access

My Thoughts:
This is a true Christmas Classic. One I have seen countles times every since I was a little kid and it aired on TV every year. I mean how can you not watch the likes of Rudolph this time of the year? The image and sound on this blu-ray is amazing... easily the best this one has ever looked and sound.

My Rating:
Out of a Possible 5

Title: The Santa Clause 2: Fullscreen
Trailer |Wikipedia |IMDb |
Year: 2002
Director: Michael Lembeck
Writer: Leo Benvenuti (Story By), Steve Rudnick (Story By), Don Rhymer (Screenwriter), Cinco Paul (Screenwriter), Ken Daurio (Screenwriter), Ed Decter (Screenwriter), John J. Strauss (Screenwriter), Leo Benvenuti (Original Characters By), Steve Rudnick (Original Characters By)
Rating: G
Length: 104 Min.
Video: Pan & Scan 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English

Stars:
Tim Allen as Scott Calvin/Santa/Toy Santa
Elizabeth Mitchell as Carol
David Krumholtz as Bernard
Eric Lloyd as Charlie Calvin
Judge Reinhold as Neil Miller
Wendy Crewson as Laura Miller

Plot:
Walt Disney Pictures presents an all-new comedy adventure overflowing with holiday cheer. Tim Allen reappears in 'Santa Clause 2' , the hilarious sequel to everybody's holiday favorite. Scott Calvin (Allen) has been Santa for the past 8 years, and his loyal elves consider him the best one ever. But Scott's got problems. His son Charlie landed on this year's "naughty" list, and if Scott doesn't marry before Christmas Eve - one very, very short month away - he'll stop being Santa forever. Embracing Chrsitmas and the magic of family with heart, warmth, fun and charm, 'Santa Clause 2' is classic holiday entertainment everybody will enjoy again and again.

Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Interactive Games
DVD-ROM Content
Closed Captioned
THX

My Thoughts:
This is a pretty good sequel. I enjoyed it quite a bit. But this one was not as good as the first one. I think the only real problem I have with it is the whole Toy Santa storyline. That part just didn't feel right to me, personally. Other then that I enjoyed every minute of it... and watch it every year. I did like the whole must find a wife storyline though.

My Rating:
Out of a Possible 5

Title: The Alphabet Killer
IMDb |Trailer |Wikipedia |
Year: 2008
Director: Rob Schmidt
Writer: Tom Malloy (Writer)
Rating: Rated R : Language and Some Violence
Length: 98 Min.
Video: Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: None

Stars:
Eliza Dushku as Megan Paige
Cary Elwes as Kenneth Shine
Timothy Hutton as Richard Ledge
Tom Malloy as Officer Steven Harper
Michael Ironside as Captain Nathan Norcross
Bill Moseley as Carl Tanner

Plot:
A ten year old girl is found brutally murdered outside the small blue-collar city of Rochester, New York, and obsessed police detective Megan Paige ( Eliza Duschku of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and DOLLHOUSE) suffers a mental breakdown while trying to solve the crime. But when the child-killings resume two years later, Megan's return to the investigation also brings back her own horrific hallucinations. Even if she can prove a 'double initial' connection to the slayings, will she hang onto her sanity long enough to catch a psychopath? Cary Elwes ( SAW), Michael Ironside ( STARSHIP TROOPERS), Bill Mosely ( THE DEVIL'S REJECTS), Carl Lumbly ( ALIAS) and Acadamy Award winner Timothy Hutton co-star in this chilling thriller directed by Rob Schmidt.

Extras:
NONE

My Thoughts:
The first thing I notice when I put in this blu-ray disc is that it is the most sparse I ever seen a blu-ray. There isn't even a menu let alone any extras! As soon as you pop in the disc the movie starts... and when I press the menu button I get the message "No Menu Available." Even when the movie was over it didn't have a menu to go to.... it just started the movie over again in a loop. This really surprised me, as I always liked the extras we get with our films. But I sit here telling myself it is the movie that is important. Though still feel a bit down about it.

The film itself...Well it seems this is another movie that I disagree with most reviewers on. When I decided to watch this movie I checked other reviews to see what others were saying about this movie. And I was surprised to see most people saying to skip this one. I personally enjoyed this one quite a bit. Loved Eliza Dushku in it... and found it to be a very interesting movie. Well worth the hour and a half I put into watching it. I also liked that this is based on a real serial killer. I would definitely recommend this one... though with caution after reading so many bad reviews. So I would recommend with that notation.

My Rating:
Out of a Possible 5

Title: Crooked Arrows
IMDb |Wikipedia |Trailer |
Year: 2012
Director: Steve Rash
Writer: Todd Baird (Writer), Brad Riddell (Writer)
Rating: Rated PG-13 : Some Suggestive References
Length: 105 Min.
Video: Widescreen 1.77:1
Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, Spanish

Stars:
Brandon Routh as Joe Logan
Crystal Allen as Dr. Julie Gifford
Chelsea Ricketts as Nadie Logan
Dennis Ambriz as Crooked Arrow
Gil Birmingham as Ben Logan
Kakaionstha Betty Deer as Grandma Logon

Plot:
You'll stand up and cheer for this feel-good sports thriller starring Brandon Routh (Superman Returns). The ancient sport of lacrosse has been part of their tribal heritage for centuries, but the Native American players on the Crooked Arrows high school team are longtime losers. When former star player Joe Logan (Routh) agrees to coach the ragtag group to seal the deal on a lucrative casino project, he sets out to turn the chumps into champs and, in the process, learns the value of loyalty himself. If the Arrows can learn to shoot straight and challenge their prep school rivals, these fast-breaking warriors may just pull off the ultimate upset and win it all!

Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Bonus Trailers
Featurettes

My Thoughts:
This is a film I enjoyed very much. Sure, just like many movies of this type it is predictable how it is going to end. But when it comes to this type of film... it is not about the ending. It is about the journey to get there. If you never seen this one I definitely recommend it. Well worth the time put in to watch it.

My Rating:
Out of a Possible 5