THE PLOT THUS FAR

Based on the best-selling book by Oliver Jeffers, this multi-award winning film, tells the unforgettable story of a little Boy who one day finds a Penguin on his doorstep. Although at first unsure what to do, the boy becomes determined to help the penguin find his way back home…even if that means rowing all the way to the South Pole!
Featuring the endearing narration by Academy Award®-winner, Jim Broadbent, this breathtakingly beautiful tale about the power of friendship is sure to captivate the hearts of young and old alike.

WHAT WE THOUGHT

A boy has a penguin turn up at his door and tries to get it to go away. He eventually makes a trip to the south pole, but then realizes he wants to keep the penguin. That’s the gist of the show and it works as a Holiday themed short with not a ton going on. If anything, I could see it pairing up nicely with “Olive the Other Reindeer”. Modern Holiday outings need to be canonized too!

The animation was beautiful, it was never overdone but quiet yet atmospheric with crisp backgrounds and bold use of colour. The characters were convincing in design and movement too. The music had a nostalgic feel to it, and was also hypnotic without being obtrusive. Another strong point was the story. It was a simple, but very touchingly told story, with one of the most heartwarming messages I have encountered in a film or short film in a while. The characters were so likable and engaging when played against Broadbent’s narration.

The DVD comes with a making-of featurette as the special feature. The A/V Quality is strong with a supportive transfer and a Dolby 5.1 audio track. The Dolby track doesn’t get much back channel action outside of the few major action scenes. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase to parents of young kids.

RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!

THE PLOT THUS FAR

Over 29 Hours Of Compelling Lincoln Films and ; Documentaries!

Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth. Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln s remarkable life story and historic achievements are chronicled in this epic 10 DVD collection. Through captivated storytelling and dramatic portrayals witness the unique appeal and legacy of one of America s greatest heroes!

AMERICA THE BIRTH OF FREEDOM

10 Documentary Collection
Embark on an exciting, historical journey through the battles and victories surrounding America s pursuit for freedom. This poignant documentary series is comprehensively presented through narration, photographs and paintings to create a visual history of America s founding ideals of liberty and freedom.

SANDBURG S LINCOLN THE COMPLETE MINISERIES EVENT
Sandburg s Lincoln, television s first broadcasted mini-series stars Hal Holbrook in his Emmy®-winning role in this dramatic adaption of Carl Sandburg s bestselling novel. Produced by the legendary David L. Wolper (Roots), this groundbreaking portrait follows Abraham Lincoln s life from his early years as a lawyer on the Illinois prairie to his rise in politics, highlighted by the election campaign that led him to the White House.

CIVIL WAR AMERICA DIVIDED
Discover the issues in the unprecedented election of 1860, an election that tore a young nation apart. Through historical photos and masterfully crafted battlefield re-enactments, experience the war through the soldier s point-of-view. Explore the events that led to the Firing on Fort Sumter and on through to the surrender at the Appomattox Court House.

LINCOLN: TRIAL BY FIRE DOCUMENTARY COLLECTION
10-Part Documentary Series
Witness the stirring events leading up to Lincoln s assassination and the aftermath that quickly followed. Discover the power struggle between Lincoln and General George McClellan and unravel the events that lead to the Emancipation Proclamation. Uncover the story of the Confederacy s last attack that almost brought the north to its knees! Also, through full-color, live-action, authentic record learn about the fight for freedom and abolishment of slavery through the eyes of the African-American Civil War Soldier.

Feature Film: D.W. Griffith s Abraham Lincoln (1930)

WHAT WE THOUGHT

“The Lincoln Chronicles” is a hodgepodge release held together by a random assortment of films and documentaries tied back to Lincoln. KINO has a better Blu-Ray release of Abraham Lincoln, the presentation here looks terrible since it seems they’re using a standard definition public domain transfer. That being said, the documentaries and live performances look better. Stay for the Hal Holbrook and take everything else with a grain of salt. That sounds about right.

The DVD comes with no special features. You’re getting more than a day’s worth of content. It took me forever to review it, so I’m glad it didn’t have bonus footage. The A/V Quality is pretty standard for non HD presentations. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase to Lincoln fans.

RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!

THE PLOT THUS FAR

The revealing historical documentary The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln on DVD, the illustrated biography Abraham Lincoln: President and Icon, PLUS rare memorabilia including a reproduction of the earliest known draft of the Gettysburg Address. Few figures in American history have achieved such iconic status as Abraham Lincoln. Consistently rated by historians as the greatest president the country ever knew, Lincoln’s life reflected the ideals and ethics of a nation. A self- educated woodsman from Kentucky, his desire to improve both himself and his countrymen drove him to the highest political office in the land, but his presidency would be blighted by war, division, and ultimately assassination.This high quality box set pays tribute to `Honest Abe’ and offers a unique glimpse into his life and times. The feature-length DVD, The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln, goes back to that momentous time in U.S. history when the country came together to enjoy a hard-fought peace, only for the nationwide joy and relief to be shattered by the actions of a lone gunman. The accompanying 24-page biography, filled with facts and rare photographs, tells the life story of the man history remembers as `The Great Emancipator’, while a collection of lovingly reproduced memorabilia gives you the opportunity to hold history in your hands. Honor the memory of America’s greatest public servant with this unprecedented collection, and bring the past to life as never before.

WHAT WE THOUGHT

“Abraham Lincoln” is a repackage of the prior American Experience release of “The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln”. You get a ton of character actors voicing the original players, but the hunt for Booth never feels more alive than it does here. There have been films about it, but few really capture that sense of urgency felt in the weeks following Lincoln’s death. Attempting to reconstruct and put a face on an American tragedy is pretty haunting. It’s quite an important part of the Lincoln mythology.

The DVD comes with material for educators and historical reproductions as the special features. The A/V Quality is strong with a supportive transfer and a Dolby audio track. The Dolby track doesn’t get much back channel action outside of the few major archival scenes. I just can’t get over the bonus value of the documents. It’s a neat mix and it’s something I’d love to see from PBS on a frequent basis. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.

RELEASE DATE: 11/12/2013