Disney films have a long standing place in both American and international culture. For decades, audiences consisting of both children and adults have been entertained and taken on many delightful adventures. Walt Disney was responsible for many of these trips to fantasyland. The Aristocats is one such trip and it was actually the last film Mr. Disney approved of before his death/cryogenic hibernation in 1966. Released in 1970, the film is a charming tale that is now out in dazzling high definition Blu-ray.
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Heidi’s Song
Animated feature films have been around for a very long time. Snow White and the Seven Dwarves started the genre in 1937 and more than seven decades later, the animated film business is still going strong. Heidi’s Song is one such animated feature. Released in 1982 and produced by Hanna-Barbera, it is a charming musical tale of a young orphaned girl who struggles to find a family and friendship. Warner Bros. has re-released the film on DVD through its special Archive Collection.
Spoons, Toons & Booze
As a kid, Saturday mornings were like Christmas Day. Cartoons, cereal and a weekend full of having fun and not worrying. The only worry might be that two of your favorite cartoons were on at the same time but that’s what the VCR was for. Nevertheless, the fun was always there and entertainment company Secret Formula and the Nitehawk Cinema are having their very own cereal, cartoon and alcohol brunch event Spoons, Toons & Booze Gone Wild, a celebration of the wonderful combination of classic animated series and delicious cereal.
Virginia
What is it about Oscar-winning actors who after they win the coveted award, they decide to star in mediocre films? Someone should have asked Jennifer Connelly this very question when she made the disappointing human drama Virginia, a film with two big stars but not a lot else.
Bio: Barack Obama
On November 4, 2008, Barack Hussein Obama made history by becoming the first African-American to be elected President of the United States. It was a truly wonderful night for not only African-Americans but people all over the world. Obama’s win was proof that all individuals can achieve great things no matter what their ethnicity or social status. Biography‘s profile on Barack Obama is an informative documentary which chronicles the extraordinary life of our current President in vivid detail.
Spaceballs: The 25th Anniversary Edition
“May the Schwartz be with you.” Mel Brooks has had a successful career satirizing and spoofing popular film genres. For decades, the legendary filmmaker has tickled audiences’ funny bones and at the same time, made cinematic history. One of his popular forays in spoofing came in 1987 with Spaceballs a film which not only lampoons Star Wars but a host of other science fiction films and franchises. This hysterical comedy is now out in a special 25th anniversary Blu-ray edition and Brooks fans and comedy fans in general now have something else to add to their Blu-ray collection.
The Raspberry Brothers: Top Gun
In 1986, heartthrob Tom Cruise took to the sky in the blockbuster action-drama Top Gun, an okay film which is pretty much responsible for making the then young Scientologist a star. There are cliches, bad acting and a lame romantic subplot. These are all aspects that make Top Gun a truly ridiculous piece of cinematic cheese. Having said that, it is now up to the comic team of The Raspberry Brothers to rip it to shreds with their Mystery Science Theater 3000-like comedic style.
Fathom Events Hosts RiffTrax’s Live Roast of “Manos: The Hands of Fate”
Mystery Science Theater 3000 or MST3K was one of Comedy Central’s first hit shows. From 1988 to 1999, the cult series would take terrible B-movies and offer humorous audio commentary or “riffing” as the film would play simultaneously. Three comedians who were involved with the show (Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett) have gone on to form RiffTrax, a comedy website which features downloadable audio commentaries in true MS3K form. The trio also does live shows, one of which, RiffTrax Live: ‘Manos’ The Hands of Fate will be played in movie theaters nationwide on August 16 courtesy of NCM Fathom Events.
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The Autism Enigma
Autism is a common neurological disorder found in many people. It affects social interaction, communication and behavior, and as early as the age of three, children can start to experience the disorder’s effects. Research into finding treatment and hopefully, a cure is an ongoing mission. In the fascinating documentary The Autism Enigma, scientists and families work together to help battle autism for the many people who are affected by it.
Queen & Country
All hail the Queen, the good people of England and the equally good people at PBS who have presented audiences with Queen & Country, a very detailed and insightful look into the history and traditions of the British monarchy. This four-hour documentary is now on DVD and if you are curious about the inner workings of England’s royal practices, then this is the perfect program for you.
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