Actually, I don't think the Harry Potter series is really for children -- perhaps much older children
or wise beyond their years children or maybe I was just a child too many years ago to be
trusted on the subject. One thing I do know -- these two are PERFECT for medium sized kids
and the forever young at heart.
last year. I’ve made the decision to follow the Hogwarts crew and their magical
adventures cinematically, eschewing the books until AFTER they've made all the
movies. Here the series takes a big leap into adolescence (read my complete
review HERE) and though this movie is a MUST for older kids and kids at heart
(yours truly included), it’s most decidedly NOT for the little ones.
Warner Home Video has done their usual spectacular job on the home version
and the two disc set presents the film with its beautiful dark cinematography
and art direction (which should have won the Oscar) in the widescreen format it
needs to be seen in (though fullscreen is also available). The extra features
include deleted scenes, making of featurettes, a more in-depth look at the
Triwizard tournament challenges, and plenty of those CD-Rom things for the
tweens. I particularly liked a feature that hints at what’s to come in the next
chapter. Those that have read the books know but if you tell me and spoil the
surprises I’ll get Voldemort to put an Avada Kedavra (killing curse) on you!
Walt Disney has released a 50th anniversary edition of 1995’s animation classic
Lady and the Tramp that will have dog lovers baying at the moon for
more. The story focuses on purebred Cocker Spaniel Lady and her streetwise
and unsuitable suitor, the mixed breed Tramp and how the course of their True
Love is finally won – despite opposition from many corners (including the evil
twin Siamese cats). The score, some of it by Peggy Lee (and sung winningly in
her effortless style) is as sweet and charming as the movie and Disney has
done their painstaking best with this two-disc set. Oodles of extras (enough to
fill the dog pound) are rounded out with Disney’s typical assortment of kiddies
games (I especially liked the personality profile game – “Your Inner Bark”). A
lighthearted, winning release that’s often sullied by more high profile efforts.
Makes a nice double feature with Cinderella and will hold you until The Little
Mermaid special edition arrives later this year (I can't wait -- I think it's the best
of their latter musicals).
