"Open Season : Scared Silly" Readies for March 2016

To celebrate Open Season's 10th Anniversary, Sony Pictures Animation will present an all-new animated movie, OPEN SEASON: SCARED SILLY, on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on March 8, 2016. This national debut, from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, is the latest release for one of the most successful animated franchises to date, bringing back Elliot, Boog and all of the beloved woodland creatures from the previous Open Season series. The fourth installment is a comedic mystery adventure directed by David Feiss (head of story on the original Open Season and creator of the popular TV series Cow and Chicken); produced by John Bush ("The Simpsons"); and featuring computer animation from Rainmaker Entertainment, Inc.

Says Director Feiss, "My affection for these characters has only grown since we introduced them in Sony Pictures Animation's first feature. We're having a lot of fun bringing them back for a new adventure—it feels like a big party with old friends." Most recently, Feiss; whose prolific career began as a story artist for Hanna-Barbera, directed four mini-movies for the home entertainment release of Sony Pictures Animation's Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2, entitled Steve's First Bath, Super Manny, Attack Of The 50 Ft. Gummy Bear and Earl Scouts.

OPEN SEASON: SCARED SILLY is said to be  a heartwarming tale incorporating good values and laugh-out-loud fun for all ages. The Blu-ray and DVD releases will be packed with bonus materials including all-new featurettes, bloopers, a director's commentary track, and an Inside Sony Pictures Animation profile of director David Feiss. The first featurette, "OPEN SEASON Super Speedy Re-Cap" will give viewers a look back at the previous three films, and some of the most exciting moments of the franchise. "Scaredy Pants: The Fears of OPEN SEASON" will tackle what our favorite characters are truly afraid of! Exclusive to the Blu-ray, "Stepping Into the Spotlight – Mr Weenie's Process" gives a glimpse into Mr. Weenie's trials and tribulations of shooting his most trying scenes for the brand new movie.

"Un Gallo Con Muchos Huevos”, premieres exclusively on DVD in all-new English version "Huevos: Little Rooster’s Egg-cellent Adventure"

Get ready to crack up when the surprise summer theatrical animated hit, “Un Gallo Con Muchos Huevos”, premieres exclusively on DVD in an all-new English version - Huevos: Little Rooster’s Egg-cellent Adventure on DVD on December 1. Share in the laughter and fun as Zachary Gordon (Diary of a Wimpy Kid) brings Rolo, the heroic rooster, to life. Also featuring the voice talents of Amber Montana (TV’s “Haunted Hathaways”), Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), Jason Mewes (Clerks) and Alyson Stoner (Step Up), Huevos: Little Rooster’s Egg-cellent Adventure is an egg-citing story for children of all ages!

Eggs-perience a fun-filled adventure that will crack up the entire family! Rolo is a teenage rooster who’s more than a little chicken. When an evil rancher threatens his home and family, Rolo is determined to rise to the occasion. Together with a dozen of his egg friends, Rolo hatches a plan to save the day—and the farm—in this smile-making, full-length animated feature.

MINIONS Arriving on DVD & Blu-ray

The breakout stars the world fell in love with in Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's Despicable Me global film franchise headline their own movie for the first time in Minions, available on Blu-ray Combo Pack and  DVD on January 5, 2016 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.  Delayed due to their rental holdback policy that applies to public libraries.   A much anticipated prequel to the unprecedented worldwide blockbusters Despicable Me and the beloved sequel Despicable Me 2, Minions is an immensely entertaining film for all audiences called "inventive and hilarious" by Julian Roman, Movieweb.com. The Blu-ray Combo Pack comes with three all-new mini-movies and even more Minions everyone will want to watch again and again especially during the busy holiday travel season.

The story of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's Minions begins at the dawn of time. Starting as single-celled yellow organisms, Minions evolve through the ages, perpetually serving the most despicable of masters. Continuously unsuccessful at keeping these masters—from T. rex to Napoleon—the Minions find themselves without someone to serve and fall into a deep depression. But one Minion named Kevin has a plan, and he—alongside teenage rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob—ventures out into the world to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow. The trio embark upon a thrilling journey that ultimately leads them to their next potential master, Scarlet Overkill (Academy Award®-winner Sandra Bullock), the world's first-ever female super-villain. They travel from frigid Antarctica to 1960s New York City, ending in 'mod' London, where they must face their biggest challenge to date: saving all of Minionkind...from annihilation.

"Home" Delivers on July 28

Celebrate family, friendship and fun in the surprise smash comedy hit of the year from the creators of How To Train Your Dragon and Shrek! In DreamWorks Animation’s HOME.  Oh, a lovable misfit from another planet meets a girl named Tip. The two unlikely friends embark on the greatest journey of all time...the journey HOME. Hailed by critics as “an animated triumph” (CBS Radio News) that is “family fun with tons of heart” (Fox TV), Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will release DreamWorks Animation’s HOME PARTY EDITION on  Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD July 28.

Directed by Tim Johnson (Over The Hedge, Antz), HOME features the voice talents of Golden Globe and Emmy winner Jim Parsons* (“The Big Bang Theory,” The Muppets), Grammy winner Rihanna** (Battleship), Oscar and Emmy winner Steve Martin*** (The Pink Panther, Father of the Bride) and Golden Globe nominee Jennifer Lopez (“American Idol,” Maid In Manhattan).

“HOME is smart, fun and funny” proclaims Bill Bergoli of CBS Radio. A hit with audiences and critics alike, the film received an outstanding audience reaction with a coveted “A” CinemaScore®.

The HOME Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD feature a Boov-tastic party of never-before-seen bonus features that will persuade the entire family to get their groove on, including “Oh’s Boovy Jukebox” of top tracks, “Oh’s Shake Your Boov Thing,” a toe-tapping, music video mash-up, hilarious deleted scenes, character-drawing tutorials and more!

Enter the Frog Kingdom on June 30th

Take the journey of a lifetime when Frog Kingdom arrives on DVD  June 30 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. The DOVE Family Approved film is “funny and filled with action” (DOVE Foundation) and features the voice talents of teen-favorites including Bella Thorne, Cameron Dallas, Drake Bell and Gregg Sulkin. Frog Kingdom, containing a behind-the-scenes look at how the characters are brought to life in the recording studio plus Minuscule award-winning shorts, arrives on DVD for the suggested retail price of $19.98. 

When The Frog King (Keith David) announces that the winner of the Froglympics will win his daughter’s hand in marriage, Princess Froglegs (Bella Thorne) runs away instead.  Disguised as a commoner, the Princess befriends street vendor, Freddie (Cameron Dallas), and begins training with him for the games—determined that she will win and thwart her father’s plans of marriage.  Meanwhile, the villainous serpent has ideas of his own to ruin the Froglympics and take over the kingdom.  With a little luck, and a little help from their trusty sidekick Captain One-Eye (Rob Schneider), Freddie and Princess Froglegs set out to save Frog Kingdom from the evil serpent.

Strange Magic

“Strange Magic,” a new animated film coming to DVD, on May 19 from Disney Entertainment is a fairy tale; but not your average fairy tale. This magical adventure features a host of colorful characters including a princess who has sworn off love, a dubious villain, a slightly nutty Sugar Plum Fairy, a tenacious elf, a mischievous imp, and a knight who is no Prince Charming. Bring home the enchanting tale the whole family can enjoy today! 

The film has the voice talents of Alan Cumming (CBS’ “The Good Wife,” Broadway’s “Cabaret”), Evan Rachel Wood (“The Ides of March”), Kristin Chenoweth (Broadway’s “Wicked”), Maya Rudolph (“Big Hero 6,” “Bridesmaids”), Sam Palladio (ABC’s “Nashville”), newcomer Meredith Anne Bull, Alfred Molina (“Chocolat”) and Elijah Kelley (“Hairspray,” “The Butler”) and was directed by Gary Rydstrom from a story by George Lucas .

 

Disney's Legacy Collection Series Now Includes "Pinocchio" Music CD

The sixth release from The Legacy Collection celebrates the 75^th anniversary of "Pinocchio" with a 2-disc set, which includes the original restored motion picture soundtrack, 3 new Lost Chords recordings, plus bonus tracks, enchanting illustrations, original concept art and more. The Walt

Disney Records two disc CD set is available now from Baker & Taylor.

"Pinocchio" was a groundbreaking achievement in the area of effects animation, giving realistic movement to vehicles, machinery and natural elements such as rain, lightning, snow, smoke, shadows and water. The film was released to theaters on February 23, 1940. "Pinocchio" became the first animated feature to win a competitive Academy Award®, winning two for Best Music, Original Score and for Best Music, Original Song for "When You Wish Upon A Star." The beloved ballad became an instantly recognizable cornerstone of Disney's entertainment legacy. In 1994, "Pinocchio" was added to the United States National Film Registry as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

YELLOWBIRD Flies onto DVD on April 7th

Take a journey with the most unlikely hero when the adorable and heartwarming tale, Yellowbird,

flies onto DVD on April 7 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Awarded the Dove Seal of Approval, the digitally animated film is perfect for the whole family. Headlined by the voice talents of Seth Green (Austin Powers franchise), Dakota Fanning (The Twilight Saga) and Danny Glover (The Color People), Yellowbird includes a behind-the-scenes look at the voice recording for the film and a “making of” featurette and will be available on DVD for the suggested retail price of $19.98.

 

Just when it’s time to migrate to Africa, Darius (Glover), the elder of the flock, is wounded.  He will have no choice but to share all his secrets, wisdom and new flying routes with the first bird that happens to come along. The candidate is none other than Yellowbird (Green), an eccentric little fellow, super excited about the challenge, but without the slightest hint of knowledge or natural talent for migrating whatsoever.

Sony's HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 Adds Mel Brooks to the Cast

Sony Pictures Animation announced this week the casting of Oscar-, Tony-, Grammy- and Emmy-winning writer, director, performer, composer and producer Mel Brooks in the sequel to SPA's 2012 worldwide hit, HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2. Brooks has been cast in the role of Vlad, the ancient, undead and incredibly grumpy father to Dracula (Adam Sandler).

Dracula, Mavis, Jonathan and all of their monster friends are back in the brand new comedy adventure: when the old-old-old-fashioned vampire Vlad arrives at the hotel for an impromptu family get-together, Hotel Transylvania is in for a comic collision of supernatural old-school and modern day cool.

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 is slated for a September 25, 2015 release (DVD, BD release date tbd), and is being directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, produced by Michelle Murdocca, executive-produced by Sandler, Allen Covert,and Ben Waisbren, and written by Robert Smigel.

Brooks, who takes on the role 40 years after helming the horror-comedy classic Young Frankenstein, said, "I’m having a wonderful time with the character Vlad. He’s been around for eons and he’s a pretty crabby guy. Basically, he reminds me of me."

Brooks isn’t the only icon who will be voicing Vlad, as Sony Pictures Releasing International is securing the talents of additional high-profile stars around the world to voice the ancient one for the non-English versions of the film. So far, these regional Vlads include: France’s Michel Galabru, the esteemed 92-year-old actor who has appeared in more than 200 films; Japan’s Junji Inagawa, whose voice is instantly recognizable as the "go to" narrator of horror films, radio programs and DVDs; Holland’s Bram Van Der Vlugt, who, for decades, was the most requested Dutch TV/film "Sinterklaas" (Saint Nicholas); and Belgium’s Jacques Vermeire, the well-known Flemish performer with decades of memorable comic television and feature film performances.