The Hobbit The Battle of The Five Armies App + Giveaway

"The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world.

The exclusive Battle of the Five Armies app below lets fans of The Hobbit and LOTR explore the world of their favorite characters.

• Are you Brave like Bilbo? Take the quiz to find out if you have the bravery it takes to journey through Middle Earth!
• Mouse over the Interactive Map to learn fun facts about Middle Earth.


The final chapter of The Hobbit Trilogy is available now on Blu-Ray combo pack. Special Features include:

•    New Zealand: Home of Middle-earth Part 3

•    Recruiting the Five Armies

•    Completing Middle-earth: A Six-Part Saga

•    Completing Middle-earth: A Seventeen-Year Journey

•    The Last Goodbye: Behind the Scenes

•    Music Video

•    Trailers

Would you like to win a copy for yourself? Simply comment below with your results from the interactive quiz in the app by April 20th. US/CA residents only.


Each household is only eligible to win One (1) Blu-ray The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.Prize is being provided by Warner Home Video; no compensation was provided.

Make Your Own Awesome LEGO Movie GIFs + Giveaway

I have to admit, I was shocked at just how awesome The LEGO Movie is. So many reasons to love it, from the obvious lure of block building to pop culture humor to the timeless battle between good and kind of evil… there's something for everyone in this movie and now it's available on Blu-ray/DVD so you can enjoy it over and over and over again. C'mon, you have to admit it's better than Frozen!

If you'd like to win a copy, make your best video using the LEGO GIF maker widget above. They will automatically be posted on YouTube here. Leave a link to your LEGO masterpiece in the comments below before July 1st and I will randomly pick a winner. 

Rumor has it that there might be extra minifig toys shipping with randomly selected prizes, too! 

US and Canada households only are eligible to win The Lego Movie Blu-Ray via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Parenting Advice 101 from The Americans

We binge-watched the first season of FX's The Americans last week. Its '80s throwback nostalgia (Everyone looks like people from when you were little! Walkmans and feathered hair!) combined with a hearty dose of Cold War sleeper cell intrigue is pretty irresistible. 

At its heart, The Americans is a family soap opera– two undercover KGB agents form a picture perfect American family in the DC suburbs. They have marital issues, annoying kids, problems at work. And an incredible array of disguises. The wigs are super amazing.

The first season of The Americans is now available on Blu-ray and DVD, just in time for you to catch up before season 2 arrives on February 26th! 

This trailer will give you an idea of what you're missing. Starts off with some NSFW language, if that sort of thing bothers you. Actually, if a little swearing or sex bothers you, this might not be the show for you. I, for one, can't wait!

“The Americans” Season 1
Secrets can be deadly in this suspenseful thriller about undercover Russian spies in 1980s Washington. Philip (Matthew Rhys) and Elizabeth Jennings (Keri Russell) seem to be a typical suburban couple, but they’re actually lethal KGB agents plotting to bring down America. As the Cold War escalates, Philip and Elizabeth must take extreme measures to continue their mission and keep their true identities hidden. But when an FBI agent moves in across the street, they become ensnared in a pulse-pounding game of cat and mouse.

Blu-ray #MovieMagic (Giveaway)

Do you Blu-ray? I'll admit, I was hesitant initially. I still have a whole dresser full of VHS tapes that I can't play anymore… and my dad was an early adopter of Betamax. It makes me look at new technology with a healthy dose of skepticism. But I love the new combo packs that include Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copies in one purchase. It's so convenient.


Aside from mere convenience, Blu-ray lets you watch your favorite movies with unmatched sound and video that is SIX TIMES the quality of DVDs! Plus, Blu-ray allows you to rediscover the #MovieMagic behind your favorite films with exclusive special features that put you in the filmmaker’s chair, with a behind-the-scenes access to all of the magic: special effects, talent interviews, alternative endings, unreleased scenes, bloopers and more.

With a Blu-ray combo pack, you can enjoy your favorite films in high-definition whenever and wherever you want. You can keep the Blu-ray disc in the living room, DVD in the car, and the digital copy on your phone for when you’re on the move.

Check out the #MovieMagic Blog App below to learn more about Blu-ray:

• Behind-the-Scenes #MovieMagic GIF Grid - Mouse over each of the GIF squares and click to view a behind-the-scenes clip exclusively from the film's Blu-ray special features.
• The Next Generation of Blu-ray - Don't get left behind with old tech! Check out what's next for Blu-ray in 2014 and beyond!

Leave a comment below about what you like most about Blu-ray or what you learned from the #MovieMagic app for a chance to win a copy of one of the following titles (chosen at random from the list below) to award one lucky reader!
• The Little Mermaid - Diamond Edition
• The Lone Ranger
• Monsters University
• Angels Sing
• Rise of The Guardians
• Despicable Me 2
• Turbo
• Grown Ups 2
• Wizard of Oz 3D
• The Wolverine
• Star Trek: Into Darkness
• White House Down
• Fast 6
• Pacific Rim
• After Earth
• Man of Steel
• Red 2
• World War Z
• 2 Guns
• Weeds: The Complete Collection
• Predator 3D

Each household is only eligible to win ONE #MovieMagic Title via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. US only. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that the prize is being supplied by PartnersHub. No compensation was provided. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own. 

Pacific Rim Blu-ray Giveaway

Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Pacific Rim is an epic science fiction film set in the 2020s. Earth is at war with Kaijus; colossal monsters from an inter-dimensional gateway on the Pacific Ocean floor. Humanity unites to fight these huge monsters by creating the Jaegers: gigantic humanoid robots that are controlled by two pilots whose minds and memories are linked. The story takes place in the later days of the war, following Raleigh Becket, a former Jaeger pilot called out of retirement and paired up with newbie pilot Mako Mori in a final effort to defeat the Kaijus! Pacific Rim will be available on Blu-ray & DVD Oct.15! Get ready for the release date with the Pacific Rim app above: Pacific Rim: CONTROLLABLE GIFs - Move & click your mouse across the GIFs to control the Giant Kaiju and Massive Jaegers! Pacific Rim SUPERFAN QUIZ - How do your movie smarts stack up? Do you consider yourself to be a movie superfan? Take the quiz to find out! Pacific Rim SOUNDBOARD - Pacific Rim features epic battles between the Jaegers and Kaiju! Play with SFX from the movie, create your own battle clashes, and save mankind from the apocalypse! Win a copy of Pacific Rim on Blu-ray!  To enter, take the Pacific Rim SUPERFAN QUIZ in the app above and post your results in the comments section below before October 21st. US only. Each household is only eligible to win 1 Pacific Rim Blu-Ray via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that we product samples to facilitate this review. No compensation was provided. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own. 

Tweet The Heat This Friday

Director Paul Feig's epic buddy cop comedy The Heat, starring Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy, is available on Digital HD today in a special Unrated cut! 

Download The Heat on Digital HD and join the online screening party on Friday at 6 p.m. PST//9 p.m. EST! Tweet with co-stars Jamie Denbo & Jessica Chaffin (Beth & Gina in the film) using hashtag #DigitalHDHeat. 

Check out The Heat online for more info:

Follow on Facebook

Follow on Twitter

Watch more Videos!

Check out The Heat on Tumblr

Check out the Official Site

Breaking Bad Collector's Edition Full Series DVD set

Do you ever find yourself over a barrel? Yeah, so did Walter White. 

Chances are, you're a Breaking Bad fan. And you're looking for something to give you solace now that the final season is winding to a close. Lucky for you, the perfect holiday stocking stuffer will hit the streets on November 26th:

Breaking Bad Collector’s Edition Full Series Set includes:

- Collectible replica money barrel

- Over 55 hours of special features from all seasons

- All new two-hour documentary

- 16 page booklet with letter from Vince Gilligan

- Commemorative challenge coin designed by Vince Gilligan

- Exclusive Los Pollos Hermanos apron

Blu-ray discs of the entire series are nestled discretely inside a replica black barrel like the ones Walt uses to hide his money. Also hidden within are more than two hours of never-before-seen footage from an all-new documentary chronicling the making of the final season, from filming the first table read to the very last day on set and everything in between, including Bryan Cranston inviting the camera in to his Albuquerque living room for the first reading of the final script with Aaron Paul.

I'm particularly smitten with the Los Pollos Hermanos apron, sure to liven up your cookouts. Heh.

Top 21 Quotes from 21 & Over

Sometimes I like to remind myself that it's good to be old and boring. That being said, it's pretty hilarious to watch other people behave badly on the big screen. Over the top screwball comedies underscore the fact that I'm totally cool with life being slow and normal. 21 & Over is one such movie, brought to you by the same writers who unleashed The Hangover on an unsuspecting world.

Straight-A college student Jeff Chang (JUSTIN CHON of the Twilight Saga) has always done what’s expected of him. But when his two best friends Casey (SKYLAR ASTIN of Pitch Perfect, Wreck-It Ralph) and Miller (MILES TELLER of The Spectacular Now, Project X, Rabbit Hole) surprise him with a visit for his 21st birthday, he decides to do what’s unexpected for a change, even though his critical medical school interview is early the next morning. What was supposed to be one beer becomes one night of chaos, over indulgence and utter debauchery in this outrageous comedy.

Miller, Casey, and Jeff Chang have a night to remember in 21 & Over. Their wild and crazy party brings us 21 unforgettable quotes that we are sure to hear comedy lovers laughing over for years to come. 

1. Miller: Look Jeff Chang this is your 21st birthday in the United States of America, Budweiser and bald eagles you go out and drink. 
2. Miller: If you were in Africa you would have to leave the village and not come back until you kill the bear.
3. Miller: Ok look, I go back to the window to check out for our safety and I come back and everything’s bananas in pajamas.
4. Miller: I can tell you don’t like me but if you have a sister who looks like you…
5. Miller: Oh my God did we just kill Jeff Chang?
6. Miller: Nice tie, you look like Jason Gordon Levitt.
7. Miller: Okay bros when we beat you, you can’t rape us ok? No rapey.
8. Miller: You wanna make out with me no? Kenny you can come too. You look like a watcher.
9. Miller: Coming from a man with a diaper eating a banana.
10. Miller: Your nipples are just looking right at me.
11. Jeff Chang: I'm 21 and over with!
12. Jeff Chang: Dude. I really feel alert right now. I feel like Spider man!
13. Narrator: 21 years ago, Jeff Chang entered the world naked and screaming. Tonight, he ends up the same way.
14. Casey: Jeff Chang, this isn't just any birthday, this is your 21^st birthday! This is the day you become a man!
15. Casey: Jeff Chang's Dad will honor kill him if we don't get him to that interview.
16. Miller: When did this get all Bananas and Pajamas?
17. Jeff Chang: I’m 21. Black Jack!
18. Miller: I don’t know Casey, are we too old to have fun times?
19. Jeff Chang: I wanna be 21 forever! 
20. Miller: Did we just kill Jeff Chang again? 
21. Miller: He is still breathing, right? Casey: Who cares. 

Follow @FoxHomeEnt & @21andOver and tweet with #PARTYLIKEITS21 to celebrate the release!

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that this information was provided in return for the giveaway prize. No compensation was provided. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (Giveaway)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is coming to Blu-ray and DVD March 19th. It's the first in a trilogy of films adapted by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson from the enduringly popular literary masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.  

If you didn't already know, J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic adventure is the back story for The Lord of the Rings trilogy. It follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins (uncle of LoTR's protagonist Frodo) who is swept into an amazing quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Although Bilbo is content with being a regular Hobbit in the Shire, unlike his more adventurous nephew, he is approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey and finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers.

The Hobbit was a favorite story of mine growing up and I am embarrassed to say I missed this in the theater. I'm anxious to check it out in the comfort of my own little Hobbit-hole!
If you'd like to win your own copy of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey on Blu-ray and DVD Combo-pack, enter using the form below:a Rafflecopter giveaway





In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that this contest is being sponsored by Partners Hub and Warner Brothers. No compensation was provided. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

Happy Pi Day!

It's 3/14. In honor of this auspicious occasion and the recent Blu-ray/DVD release of the Academy Award-winning Life of Pi, we wish you a Happy Pi Day.

I haven't seen the movie yet but the kids saw it with grandma. Jasper said it was scary but Roo said it was really good. It's probably a bit of both and I am anxious to see it soon.

A Late Quartet - Available Now on Blu-Ray and DVD

The critically acclaimed A Late Quartet starring Christopher Walken, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener and Mark Ivanir is now available on Blu-ray and DVD. The piece of sheet music below is an interactive rendering of Beethoven's Opus 131, the piece featured in the film. Each of the seven movements are represented by music and a clip that relates from the film as the music piece reflects what's happening in the characters' lives.



Click here to listen to the official A Late Quartet page on RDIO, which features playlists from writer/director Yaron Zilberman and co-star/acclaimed musician Nina Lee.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I am posting this because I think the movie looks good. No compensation was provided for this post. If you click on the link and buy something, I might earn a few pennies. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

The Words on Blu-ray/DVD/On Demand

The Words is a the kind of movie I remember my mom being obsessed with when I was little: romantic but with a tragic element underscoring the happiness of the attractive characters and a lot of cobblestone streets in drizzly urban settings. Like The Umbrellas of Cherbourg or The Way We Were, the characters make choices and have to deal with them, no matter how shattered, cynical, bitter and miserable they may become.

What makes The Words different is a three-tiered storyline that pairs couples across generations. It's not quite sci-fi but there is definitely an element of suspense that stems from not knowing which one is the "real" story. Ultimately, I wished there was more of a mystery involved. Bradley Cooper and Zoe Saldana star as Rory and Dora, a couple just out of college who move to New York to pursue literary aspirations. (Well, for him, anyway– it's never very clear what she does, aside from being pretty and supportive in a wifely fashion.) Jeremy Irons plays the old man who tracks Rory down with a secret. And the incredibly unlikely duo of Dennis Quaid and Olivia Wilde play the aging writer and grad student-cum-groupie who are also entangled in the story.

The Words is compelling although it never really answers the questions it asks. It's still an engaging way to spend an hour and a half.


In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a copy of the DVD to facilitate this review. No compensation was provided for this post. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

Pitch Perfect on Blu-ray/DVD

The holidays are a stressful time. This season has been particularly harsh, with the political climate and gun violence. While there are several laudably dramatic films out that are worth watching, I highly suggest that you take the visual equivalent of a chill pill and watch Pitch Perfect. It's the ideal bit of candy fluff to take your mind off the world's troubles, conveniently available on Blu-ray and DVD.

I didn't see this in theaters because Bob hates any film that features singing. Particularly a capella singing. I wouldn't say that it's my top musical genre but I totally enjoyed watching Anna Kendrick playing an angsty college radio geek who bafflingly decides to join the Bellas, a singing sorority of sorts. None of it is very plausible, sure, but it is a total singalong lovefest that will have Miley's "Party in the USA" ringing through your head for days. In an oddly sweet and non-annoying way.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that we received a copy of the DVD (and sparkly purple Nubar nail polish, squee!) to facilitate this review. No compensation was provided for this post. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

Warner Brothers Happy Holidays Giveaway

Ho Ho Ho, it’s the holiday season and that can only mean one thing... Shopping! But finding presents for your loved ones can be no easy task! That’s why Warner Bros. has come up with their awesome Happy Holidays Blog App featuring some classic and new movies out on Blu-ray sure to please everyone from your teeny nephew to old grandma wrinkles!


Enter to win a copy of Peanuts Deluxe Holiday Collection, Classic Christmas Favorites or Dr. Seuss’s Deluxe Holiday Collection on Blu-ray (Prize will be chosen randomly from the titles mentioned) by checking out the Warner Brothers Happy Holidays App above and then leaving a meaningful comment below. You can share your results from the Holiday Movie Challenge or Decode-A-Scene Game or even just share your holiday shopping tips or favorite holiday movie memories. I'll pick a winner randomly on December 19th.




In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that no compensation was provided for this post. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

Dinner and a Movie with Marvel Avengers and MarketSide Pizza

I didn't get to see Marvel's The Avengers in theaters (grandma and grandpa took the kids without me!) so I was anxious for it to be released on DVD. When I was asked to treat my family to dinner and a movie featuring the Walmart Exclusive Marvel Avengers Blu-Ray/DVD and Graphic Novel combo pack and MarketSide Pizza, I didn't hesitate. Pizza and comic books are kind of a no-brainer for me.

We love comic books in this household. And superheroes. Just between you and me, I've always been more partial to the Marvel universe than that other realm. The Marvel superheroes always have more humanistic flaws that I can relate to. They sort of teeter on the brink between superhero and supervillain. Well, you can see how I'd like that…

Anyway, back to shopping. I decided to go to Walmart while the kids were in school because it's Halloween season and I don't like arguing over candy and costumes. Especially while I'm trying to concentrate on serious business. Like, for example, using the augmented reality Avengers app Super Hero AR to enhance my shopping with Avenger-y goodness– another Walmart exclusive.

Using the app on your mobile device, you can scan special Avengers displays throughout Walmart and unlock a "Which Avenger are You?" quiz as well as interactive animations and sounds. Kind of cool! This big display lets YOU interact with the Avengers. 

Point your mobile device at it, using the Super Hero AR app, and be surrounded by the Avengers!

You'll also want to pick up a MarketSide pizza or two, emblazoned with your favorite Avengers. I tried to use the app on the signage above the pizza display but it wouldn't work for me, sadly. Captain America = Pepperoni, Iron Man = Five Cheese, Hulk = Everything. I got cheesy breadsticks, too. Nom nom.

When I got home, I was impressed with how nice the Walmart exclusive Avengers graphic novel is. It's full-sized and full-color, with glossy, thick pages. I was expecting something smaller and more perfunctory but this is the real deal for Avengers fans. Jasper ran off with it, immediately.

We also used the app to check out the AR features on the DVD packaging and pizza box. So cool- you get a whole little Marvel universe to interact with. This is way more impressive in person, I have to tell you. It looks very 3D and you can see it in 360º! Squint at my screen shot and you can see all the Avengers hanging out on top of skyscrapers, as superheroes are wont to do.

The kids love eating in front of the TV, especially all together. The movie is a bit long for younger kids and Roo said there were too many bad words.

Roo also says that Captain America is cute and that daddy likes Black Widow. I concur.

Jasper was ready for bed before the movie was over but he has added the Avengers graphic novel to his bedtime reading queue.

To see my whole shopping/Marvel Avengers Superhero AR app experience, check out my Google + album.

Keep up with all things Avengers by liking Marvel on Facebook and following @Marvel on Twitter.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Marvel. #MarvelAvengersWMT #CBias #SocialFabric. As usual, all opinions are my own.

Dark Shadows DVD/Blu-ray Giveaway

Dark Shadows will be available to own next week on DVD and Blu-ray and I'm already getting the cold chills of excitement. Why not take the "Are You Creepy Enough?" quiz just to get ready for the retro-goth-vampire goodness? Also bone up on your Barnabas Collins trivia and learn your horror scope. Enjoy!


Warner Bros. Pictures is proud to announce the release of Dark Shadows on DVD and Blu-Ray October 2nd 2012.

From the incredible mind of Tim Burton comes the hit film Dark Shadows, based on the classic television series! Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp) has been trapped for two centuries by an evil witch (Eva Green) who just happens to be an ex lover. Barnabas now has to struggle with the ever changing 1970s and save his families business! With an all star cast that includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Chloe Grace Moretz, Jonny Lee Miller and more, Dark Shadows will be sure to whet your appetite for fun.


As a special bonus… enter to win your own copy by filling out the form below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that the prize has been provided for this giveaway. No compensation has been provided. As usual, all opinions are my own.

Bond 50 - Five Decades of James Bond

It's hard to believe that ageless superspy James Bond has been gracing cinema screens with a singular blend of style and action for fifty years. To mark the half-century Golden Anniversary of the franchise, MGM and 20th Century Fox are releasing a definitive compendium of the 007 experience on Blu-ray for the first time. The Bond 50 box set will feature all 22 James Bond movies and will be released on September 25th, just prior to the release of Skyfall, the newest Bond film.

Everything from Dr. No to Quantum of Solace, all in one sleek package, with historical featurettes, cast and crew commentaries and even video blogs from the making of Skyfall. This is obviously a must-have for Bond fans. 23 discs in all! I'm dying to see how it's packaged, it looks super slick.

Wizards 35th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray + Book

Way back in the days before I had kids, I was a kid. And much like my kids do now, I watched entirely too much inappropriate stuff on cable TV. I remember Wizards (celebrating its 35th anniversary with the fancy schmancy book/Bluray set shown above, which was released yesterday) being particularly formative when I was somewhere between Roo and Jasper's ages. Kind of explains my love of sci-fi/fantasy and underground comics…






Twentieth Century Fox’s first-ever animated film, created by renowned director Ralph Bakshi, WIZARDS appears in a 35th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray + Book release on March 13 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the “epic fantasy of peace and magic” stars the voice talent of Mark Hamill (Star Wars Saga). The special edition Blu-ray + Book release is a must-have for fans and collectors, featuring 24-pages of amazing artwork from the film, some of the artwork never-before-seen, and a special message from Bakshi!


Set on a post-apocalyptic Earth, this fantasy adventure follows the story of Avatar, the kindly, eccentric sorcerer-ruler of Montagar, a rainbow paradise inhabited by elves and fairies. Avatar's evil brother, Blackwolf, dominates Scortch, a bleak land of goblins and wraiths. When the power-hungry Blackwolf attacks Montagar, Avatar, accompanied only by a spirited young woman and a courageous elf, must enter the darkness of Scortch to save his world. 

Follow Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on Twitter for more information.