Sarah’s a Member of the Chicago Film Critics Association

Chicago Film Critics Association

Sarah Knight-Adamson writes for TribLocal

Sarah’s the Regional Arts
and Entertainment
Columnist for TribLocal
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Chicago Tribune. Her
articles appear online
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What's New on DVD


Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 Blu-ray®/DVD (G) ★★★☆ | Print |
Written by Tyna Cline   
Wednesday, 08 December 2010 12:25
The 2 Movie Collection of Fantasia and Fantasia 2000
The 2 Movie Collection of "Fantasia" and "Fantasia 2000"

The Magic Still Shines Through in This Vintage Film

If you are looking for something to reflect on today, think about this: Disney’s “Fantasia” is officially 70 years old, and although originally released in 1940, it is as fresh and magnificent as ever. It is a fascination of beautiful animation set to equally beautiful classical music. Digitally restored and released on DVD and Blu-ray®, the vibrant colors and the visual fluidity beg the question, “How do they do that?” Disney films such as “Fantasia” never seem to lose their magic, and for that, we can all be thankful.

Also included in this double movie release is “Fantasia 2000,” a sequel of sorts. It comprises mostly new material, but includes “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” starring Mickey Mouse, featured in “Fantasia.” Two new selections included in “Fantasia 2000” are “Rhapsody in Blue” and “Pomp and Circumstance.” Not as lengthy as “Fantasia,” (75 minutes compared to 125 minutes) the newer movie features several guests (including Steve Martin, James Earl Jones, and Angela Lansbury) who introduce each segment.

 

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Toy Story 3 on Blu-ray®/DVD (G) ★★★★ | Print |
Written by Tyna Cline   
Tuesday, 30 November 2010 15:47
Woody, Buzz and the Gang
Woody, Buzz and the Gang

Disney - Pixar Takes Bonus Features to Infinity and Beyond!

If you haven’t heard the buzz about “Toy Story 3” by now, then be warned − have some tissues handy when sitting down to view this movie. Andy is heading off to college − they grow so fast, don’t they? − and he has some tough decisions to make. What to do with all those beloved childhood toys? Store them in the attic, give them to charity, or (gasp) throw them away? Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), as loyal as a golden retriever, has faith that Andy will do right by him and his pals.

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Oceans on Blu-ray/DVD (G) ★★★ | Print |
Written by Tyna Cline   
Tuesday, 16 November 2010 09:44
Incredible underwater cinematography!
Incredible underwater cinematography!

This Underwater Exploration Shines on Blu-ray™/DVD

Disney’s “Oceans” is a beautifully photographed film, a cinematic delight for sure. Directed by Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud, with narration by Pierce Brosnan, “Oceans” features underwater photography that is breathtaking and spectacular. Certainly, technological advances have improved the underwater photography and the advances are amazing! The images are sharp, the colors vivid and the clarity is spectacular, making this a film well worth watching on Blu-ray™. 

 

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Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time on DVD ★★★ | Print |
Written by Tyna Cline   
Tuesday, 02 November 2010 16:24
Jake Gyllenhaal as Dastan
Jake Gyllenhaal as Dastan

Enjoy Traditional Disney High Adventure

Directed by Mike Newell (“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” 2005), “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time,” is an action-adventure sure to be enjoyed by the whole family. Starring Oscar nominated Jake Gyllenhaal (“Brokeback Mountain” 2005) and Academy Award winner Sir Ben Kingsley (“Gandhi” 1982), this tale transports us to sixth century Persia. An adopted Prince (Gyllenhaal), once a shrewd and valiant street orphan, teams up with Princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton) to retrieve a magical dagger which, in the wrong hands, could cause devastation to the entire world.

While at odds with Princess Tamina, Prince Dastan must decide who he can trust. The future of the world depends upon his failure or success. Time reversal, wonderful foot-chase scenes, and ostrich races are just a few of the reasons this movie is so fun to watch. If your family enjoyed films such as “The Mummy” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” then they are sure to enjoy “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.”

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Beauty and the Beast on BluRay/DVD ★★★★ | Print |
Written by Tyna Cline   
Tuesday, 02 November 2010 16:24
Beauty and the Beast
Robby Benson voices the Beast and Paige O'Hara voices Belle

Disney’s Diamond Edition of “Beauty and the Beast” Is a Gem

It is hard to believe that it has been 19 years since Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” earned an Oscar nomination for Best Picture (1991). This timeless, classic tale was the first animated feature film ever to have this honor bestowed upon it, and it is as enjoyable to watch today as it has ever been. The transfer to HD is nothing short of spectacular. If you’ve been debating whether or not to make the switch from DVD to Blu-ray, watch “Beauty and the Beast” on Blu-ray and your decision will be made. The quality is truly remarkable. Packed full of special features, the Diamond Edition of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” provides hours of quality entertainment. Prepare yourself to fall in love with this movie all over again.

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Disney’s TinkerBell and the Great Fairy Rescue on Blu-ray and DVD | Print |
Written by Tyna Cline   
Tuesday, 21 September 2010 01:42

Another Charming Disney Movie to Add to Your Collection

TinkerBell and the Great Fairy RescueIn this endearing Disney tale, an original, full-length, CG animated film, and a prequel to Peter Pan, TinkerBell is back and she’s meeting a human for the first time. TinkerBell and the Great Fairy Rescue takes us into the countryside of England as TinkerBell and her friends gather for summer fairy camp, where the motto is “faith, trust, and pixie dust.” Since she is naturally curious, it doesn’t take Tink long to find trouble. This time, trouble is a lonely girl named Lizzy, who believes in fairies with all her heart, even though her father insists they are not real. After being captured by Lizzy, TinkerBell’s friends go on a daring, if not bumbling, rescue mission. Luckily for Tink, she discovers a friendship that she never expected. TinkerBell and the Great Fairy Rescue is a delightful story of trust, friendship, and of course, believing. An all-star cast provide the voices, including Mae Whitman, Michael Sheen, Kristen Chenoweth, Lucy Liu, Jesse McCartney, and Raven-Symone.

Disney has packaged TinkerBell and the Great Fairy Rescue in a 2-disc combo pack, which includes both a Blu-ray and DVD disc. If you have not yet converted to a Blu-ray player, this packaging will make the switch that much easier.

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