Now that summer is in full swing, I wanted to share so great new releases from Mill Creek Entertainment, that would make for great options for family movie night, as well as series to binge watch when there is nothing else to stream. I even included a comedic double feature feature from two movies that were favorites of mine from back in the day, and that were fun to watch again recently with my husband during our in-home date night.
Check out these movies, all of which are reasonably priced, and perfect additions to your DVD movie collection, to watch time and again....
"Life can really throw you curves!
Drop Dead Diva tells the story of Deb, a shallow model who dies in a sudden accident. By a twist of fate and a bolt of divine intervention, her soul resurfaces in the body of Jane, a smart, plus-sized and recently deceased attorney. As she confronts the challenges of her adventurous new life, love and career, she must learn to reconcile her beauty queen ways with her brilliant new mind - finding surprises at every turn.
“Elliott is a full blown instant star!” – USA Today"
My Thoughts:
This series premiered back in 2009 and ran for 6 seasons through 2014. I started watching the series near the end of series, around the 5th season, and was hooked. I had friends who recommended this show to watch, as they loved the story line -- an aspiring model killed in a car accident is reincarnated into a smart, overweight lawyer. Just hearing the show's synopsis had me intrigued and wanting to learn more. The series featured Brooke Elliott, Margret Cho and Kate Levering, so you know from this that this series would be full of laughs, and that it was! I found myself looking forward to tuning in each week to see a new episode, as it was a great way to unwind after a busy day at work. Even though I started watching almost near the end of the series, I had always wanted to go back and watch it from the beginning. I started watching the previous seasons on streaming channels, but found myself either having to buy individual episodes or seasons, and that would add up with needing to buy all 6 seasons. So, I was excited to learn that the folks at Mill Creek Entertainment was releasing this complete series on DVD.
I reached out to Mill Creek Entertainment to see if they would send along a screener so that I could binge watch this show from the start. They kindly set along the complete series which includes all 56 hours of the show over 12 DVDs. I started watching the series a couple of weeks ago, and am almost done. As soon as I started watching this series, I was reminded just how good it was, and why I looked forward to new episodes each week. If you loved Drop Dead Diva back when it aired on Lifetime, then you really must pick up this complete series collection, now available on DVD, to enjoy all over again. It really was a great series from Josh Berman, and one I get to watch time and again, and share with friends and family who are looking for a series to binge watch.
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"After losing his wife Alice (Marilu Henner) in a mysterious bike accident, Joe Bigler (Corbin Bernsen) is left alone without faith to help him grieve. That and the circumstances of Alice’s accident leave more questions than answers, and Joe begins a fast descent into the dark abyss of uncertainty. But his salvation arrives when a dog wanders into his garden and won’t leave despite Joe’s many attempts to rid him. Without so much as a single bark, "Dog,“ as Joe has named him, shares His voice; a deep love and comfort that Joe has never experienced before. With Dog’s love comes the discovery of God’s love, and a faith that not only helps Joe toward the road to recovery, but also the unsolved mystery surrounding his wife’s accident, and the ability to finally grieve her passing."
My Thoughts:
My husband and I watched this movie the other day, and found ourselves getting caught up in the story, which was so compelling and riveting. It really did pull at your heartstrings, as you watched Joe grieve the loss of his wife, and try out and figure out what is going on with the new development that is going up in his neighborhood and that see his house which he shared with the love of his life, demolished. The motion centers around pain and suffering, and will have viewers relating to Jack in that it is always hard to make sense of a tragic events, especially those that hit so close to home.
This movie is Dove Approved, and geared towards viewers ages 12+. It does have a message of faith around it as Jack is questioning God during this difficult time. He wonders if God is to blame for what happened and everything that is transpiring with the new housing development. God is supposed to look out for us, and He didn't seem to do this for Jack's wife, or with their house, which is looks like Jack is about to lose. But, when all seems lost, a dog walks into Jack's life, and starts to fill the void left by his wife's passing. With the help of Dog (yes, that is what he named the dog). Dog is there for when, to lend an ear, as well as watching him when he has outbursts. The dog seems to provide comfort that Jack needs, and this helps him through this tough time of grieving.
My husband and I were glued to the TV screen from start to finish with this movie, and found ourselves agreeing at the end that it was a 5 star movie, and one would definitely be watching again. If you are looking for a heartwarming film for you and your older children to watch, or a good movie for an at-home date night, I highly recommend Life with Dog, available now on DVD.
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"The Demon Portals Saga
Jackie Chan, an amateur archeologist, enjoyed his job working for the local university until fate dealt him another hand. After finding a shield containing a talisman he encounters The Dark Hand, a criminal organization led by a man called Valmont that serves the demon sorcerer Shendu. Jackie and his family must cooperate with a secret law enforcement organization, Section 13, to counter the threat, and must face dangers that will demand all of Jackie's daring and skill in martial arts to overcome."
My Thoughts:
My husband was a fan of this series, and was excited when I shared with him that Mill Creek Entertainment was releasing a DVD featuring 39 full-length episodes, that make up the complete second season on this animated Jackie Chan series. Seeing how excited my husband got when the DVD arrived, my two girls sat down and watched a few episodes with my husband. After the second episode, they were both hooked, and have been sitting with my husband when he gets home from work each night to watch a few episodes. If you loved watching Jackie Chan Adventures like my husband, and you want to own the whole series, why not start by picking up this new release from Mill Creek Entertainment that includes the complete second season. My husband and girls are almost done with the DVD, and plan to add more DVDs from the series to their collection, to watch together.
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"MO’ MONEY
Comedian Damon Wayans (TV's In Living Color, The Last Boy Scout) brings his rogue gallery of outrageous characters to this action-filled comedy about a con artist who tries to go straight, but keeps getting pulled in the wrong direction.
“Damon Wayans and his younger brother Marlon make a terrific comedy team!” – Variety
HIGH SCHOOL HIGH
Jon Lovitz and Tia Carrere are dedicated educators facing some dangerously strange minds in this outrageous comedy from the creators of The Naked Gun.
“... a rapid-fire gag machine.” – Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle"
My Thoughts:
Don't worry, I am not going to bore you with a review of these two movies, as you have probably watched them in theaters and then at home time and again over the years. These two comedic movies from the 90's were huge hits back them, and still enjoyable to watch today. I am a huge Jon Lovitz fan, and miss seeing him in comedies like High School High. But, I am glad that Mill Creek Entertainment is coming out with classic 90's movies in double features like this one, so that fans of these movies can pick up and watch, and relieve their favorite moments/scenes from these nineties hit movies. While they may not have won movie awards, they did find a place in the hearts of those who grew up watching them back in the day, and still provide viewing enjoyment, time and again. So, with all the music bands like NKOTB and others making a come back, why not bring back your favorite 90's movie, starting this this double feature, to watch with your family and friends?! :-)
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"STEPMOM
The story of an unlikely friendship that develops between two remarkable women: Jackie (Sarandon), a divorced mother of two, and Isabel (Roberts), the career-minded girlfriend of Jackie's ex-husband Luke (Harris), who continually clash over the well-being of Jackie and Luke's children.
“Wonderful, funny, emotional and uplifting.” – Sara Edwards, NBC-TV
THE DEEP END OF THE OCEAN
A seemingly joyous return to a high school reunion becomes every woman's worst nightmare when her son suddenly disappears. Michelle Pfeiffer delivers a powerful performance as a wife and mother faced with rebuilding her life and family after they've been shockingly torn apart.
"Michelle Pfeiffer and Treat Williams give such magnetic performances that they elevate the film..." – Emanuel Levy - Variety"
My Thoughts:
This is another double feature I will not share a long drawn out review on, as you have probably lost count on how many times you have watched these movies, especially Stepmom, featuring Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon. Stepmom was a favorite of mine back in the day, and I always feel like it's my lucky day when I am flipping through channels at night and stumble upon this movie. Sarandon and Roberts worked well together, and had you feeling all sorts of emotions through the movie. One moment you were crying because you knew Sarandon's character had cancer and was probably dying, but then smiling and laughing the next watching the impromptu dance and sing alongs her character had with her children, or when Julia's character coached Isabel how to respond to the boy troubles she had at school.
Stepmom will always be a favorite movie on mine, and I am so happy to get this movie along with another heartwarming movie, The Deep End of the Ocean, featuring another of my favorite actresses, Michelle Pfeiffer. If you are looking for a couple chick flicks to watch with your girlfriends during the summer, or get to choose an at-home date night double feature, why not pick up this new DVD release, to share and enjoy?
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"This spellbinding collection includes 8 classic retellings of the beloved Aladdin stories all based on the classic Arabian Nights folk tales!
A Thousand and One Nights – 1945
When Aladdin (Cornel Wilde) becomes smitten with Princess Armina (Adele Jergens), his attempts to woo her are met with threats from her father, a sinister sultan (Dennis Hoey). After finding a magical lamp, Aladdin, accompanied by his wacky sidekick Abdullah (Phil Silvers), conjures up a lovely genie (Evelyn Keyes) who aids him in his quest to win the hand of the princess.
1001 Arabian Nights – 1959
In this animated retelling of the classic tale, Abdul Aziz Magoo -- an ancestor of Mr. Magoo -- is the lamp-selling uncle of Aladdin. Tired of his nephew's laziness, Abdul insists that Aladdin find a wife. To his uncle's surprise, Aladdin falls in love with the beautiful Princess Yasminda.
The Magic Carpet – 1951
Arabian Nights-type of tale stars Agar as a deposed prince trying to free his people from the evil rule of the caliph and his vizier, played by Burr. Agar enlists the aid of harem girl Lucille Ball and together they win back the province, while zipping around on a flying carpet.
Arabian Nights – 2000 TV Mini-Series
This lavish production brings to life some of the most timeless fables to come down through the ages. Mind-blowing adventure and extraordinary special effects set against the backdrop of mysterious Arabia make this an exhilarating trip through the grandest adventures of all time.
Aladdin – 1990 TV Musical Adaptation
This musical version of ALADDIN is based on a popular stage production of the fairytale which restores the locale to it's original Chinese roots has Aladdin discovering the lamp with the help of a scheming old magician who aims to exploit it's magic for his own ends. The lamp contains a Genie (Barry Bostwick) who bestows upon Aladdin the riches he requires in order to marry lovely Princess Mei-Ling (Susan Egan).
Mr. Piper and the Story of Ali Baba – 1963 Cartoon
The tale of Ali Baba from One Thousand and One Nights where a poor wood cutter discovers the gold treasure of 40 thieves. Seeking revenge, they try to kill Ali Baba but his wife outsmarts them. Open Sesame!
Popeye Meets Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp – 1939 Cartoon
Olive has a job at Surprise Pictures as a script girl when she dreams up a story of Popeye in the Aladdin tale.
A Thousand and One Nights – 1945
When Aladdin (Cornel Wilde) becomes smitten with Princess Armina (Adele Jergens), his attempts to woo her are met with threats from her father, a sinister sultan (Dennis Hoey). After finding a magical lamp, Aladdin, accompanied by his wacky sidekick Abdullah (Phil Silvers), conjures up a lovely genie (Evelyn Keyes) who aids him in his quest to win the hand of the princess.
1001 Arabian Nights – 1959
In this animated retelling of the classic tale, Abdul Aziz Magoo -- an ancestor of Mr. Magoo -- is the lamp-selling uncle of Aladdin. Tired of his nephew's laziness, Abdul insists that Aladdin find a wife. To his uncle's surprise, Aladdin falls in love with the beautiful Princess Yasminda.
The Magic Carpet – 1951
Arabian Nights-type of tale stars Agar as a deposed prince trying to free his people from the evil rule of the caliph and his vizier, played by Burr. Agar enlists the aid of harem girl Lucille Ball and together they win back the province, while zipping around on a flying carpet.
Arabian Nights – 2000 TV Mini-Series
This lavish production brings to life some of the most timeless fables to come down through the ages. Mind-blowing adventure and extraordinary special effects set against the backdrop of mysterious Arabia make this an exhilarating trip through the grandest adventures of all time.
Aladdin – 1990 TV Musical Adaptation
This musical version of ALADDIN is based on a popular stage production of the fairytale which restores the locale to it's original Chinese roots has Aladdin discovering the lamp with the help of a scheming old magician who aims to exploit it's magic for his own ends. The lamp contains a Genie (Barry Bostwick) who bestows upon Aladdin the riches he requires in order to marry lovely Princess Mei-Ling (Susan Egan).
Mr. Piper and the Story of Ali Baba – 1963 Cartoon
The tale of Ali Baba from One Thousand and One Nights where a poor wood cutter discovers the gold treasure of 40 thieves. Seeking revenge, they try to kill Ali Baba but his wife outsmarts them. Open Sesame!
Popeye Meets Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp – 1939 Cartoon
Olive has a job at Surprise Pictures as a script girl when she dreams up a story of Popeye in the Aladdin tale.
Features the following stars: Cornel Wilde, Evelyn Keyes, Phil Silvers, Jim Backus, Hans Conried, Lucille Ball, John Agar, Barry Bostwick, Susan Egan, Alan Bates, John Leguizamo, Doughray Scott, Rufus Sewell"
My Thoughts:
With the release of the new Aladdin remake, my girls are all about Aladdin. So, when I heard Mill Creek Entertainment was releasing this DVD, I wanted to get my hands on a copy to share with my family. This new release includes eight magical tales of Aladdin that will delights kids and adults. The Magic Carpet featuring Lucille Ball was my personal favorite of the 8 tales included on the DVD. My youngest really enjoyed Aladdin the Musical, and my oldest really got into the 1001 Arabian Nights tale.
At only $14.98 for 8 full-length tales, you can't go wrong with the price. I highly recommend this release for families to enjoy this summer and for years to come.
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These are just some of the new releases from Mill Creek Entertainment to Blu-Ray and DVD.
To check out their current movie offering head on over to https://www.millcreekent.com/ to browse their offering for the whole family.
Disclosure: I was sent screeners from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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