The song Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah has been synonymous with Disney for decades. But unlike songs like 'A Whole New World', 'Hakuna Matahta' and 'The Bare Necessities' which people instantly relate to their respective movies, this classic is usually thought of as the 'Disney theme'. Most people have no idea that it comes from the 1946 classic Song of the South. Heck, I would put money that most young people have never even heard of it or any of the Br'er characters that reside within (HINT: It's the entire theme of 'Splash Mountain', kids). Since it's original release in 1946, the movie has been protested by the NAACP, the National Negro Congress, the National Urban League, as well as many other special interest groups for what they consider 'racial stereotyping'. Set during the Reconstruction Period immediately following the Civil War, Song of the South is an interpretation of the 1881 work of author Joel Chandler Harris and his Uncle Remus series of books made up of stories from the African-American folklore of the deep South. Disney's version focuses specifically on Br'er Rabbit and his attempts to out-maneuver and out-think the evil Br'er Fox and dim-witted Br'er Bear as told by Uncle Remus to the local children. Though the stories are very entertaining, Harris told his stories using the dialect of African-Americans of the deep South at the time and Disney made the film to reflect the same era, but sixty years later using the original dialect was not quite as accepted (even though Hattie McDaniel had just became the first African-American to win an Oscar for a similar portrayal as 'Mammy' in the classic and still distributed, I might add, Gone With the Wind in 1939). Song of the South was re-released in 1956, "permanently retired" in 1970, released again in 1972, 1981, and 1986 (the 40th anniversary). The movie brought home two Oscars, one for 'Best Song' (Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah) and the other went to James Baskett for his portrayal of Uncle Remus, making him the first African-American male to receive an Oscar (coincidentally enough, the film co-starred Hattie McDaniel, fresh off of her own Oscar win). Baskett was also the first male Disney ever used in a live-action/animation piece. I loved this movie as a child. The Br'er characters were some of my favorite of all time and still are. I was thrilled when Disney announced that they would be releasing a 60th Anniversary Platinum Edition on DVD in 2006, but once again the company was met with protest and the release was shelved, much to my disappointment. Song of the South is actually available worldwide, just not in the U.S. and even though I've snagged a copy for myself now, maybe we can still look forward to a 75th Anniversary Edition while the other Disney classics make it through their 3rd and 4th releases on DVD/Blu-Ray. What follows are the complete animated stories from Song of the South. Enjoy.
If you'd like a copy of Song of the South for yourself, visit one of these websites:
www.songofthesouthdvdremastered.com
www.songofthesouth4me.net
Both sites use direct transfers from the U.S. Laserdisc version of the movie and include all of the bonus features.
Pixar's new trailer for 'UP'
Friday, November 14, 2008
The befittingly named UP is set for theatrical release May 29, 2009 from Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, and those that I know who have seen the roughs for this movie say that this film will not disappoint. Not that I would expect anything less from Pixar.
VAST FOOD NATION: GREEN DEATH
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
From AniBoom comes the new original series, Vast Food Nation, featuring a cast very similar to everyone's favorite food spokespeople. The first episode, Green Death, revolves around the passing of the second most popular exclaimer of the phrase, "Ho, Ho, Ho!", right behind Santa Clause and right in front of Fuzzy Johnston and his 3-for-1 Tuesday night 'Pimp Special'.
The new Star Trek posters are here
Monday, November 10, 2008
Here is a look at the brand-spankin' new posters for 2009's Star Trek, featuring Chris Pine (Kirk) and Zachary Quinto (Spock). I'm personally not that interested in Star Trek and the posters have looked a bit cheesy, but I really hope this film does well in theaters. The movie is technically a prequel, of sorts, but could ignite a rebooted series if fan response is positive enough. I guess we'll just have to wait and see if J.J. Abrams can bring his magic touch to this franchise or not.
CHRONOLOGICAL DONALD: VOLUME 4
Walt Disney Treasures -The Chronological Donald: Volume Four represents the final volume in the Chronological Donald collection, a series which 
I and many others have enjoyed immensely. This final volume wraps up with some of Donald's rarely seen adventures from 1951-1961. And, for the first time on DVD, Donald's CinemaScope cartoons are presented in their original widescreen format, which is awesome. This set includes two Academy Award nominated Best Shorts: Rugged Bear (1953) and No Hunting (1955); a retrospective of Donald's career in comic books; and a storyboard presentation for an unproduced Donald Duck cartoon pitched by famed Disney animator, Eric Goldberg. Some of these Donald cartoons have never seen a home video release, others have only been released in Japan.
Including in this set are:
1951
If you are a fan of Donald Duck I would recommend trying to get your hands on the four Chronological Donalds (and possibly On the Front Lines, which features quite a bit of Donald in WWII shorts and propaganda clips) while they're still semi-available. Now that the final Donald set is released many collectors will be looking to buy the preceding sets to complete their collection. A number of past Disney Treasures have become near impossible to get without paying upwards to $150.oo for one 2-disc set. If you're a fan of Chip and Dale (and who isn't?) chances are that their will never be a definitive collection featuring these two rascally chipmunks for some strange reason, but the majority of their adventures take place in Donald Duck shorts; 8 in this set alone. That alone would be reason enough for me to snag this, but the Humphrey the Bear episodes are just icing on the cake. Also included is the surreal Donald in Mathmagic Land which has never been released for purchase in the U.S. (Though Disney's video club did offer it exclusively for a limited time). Disney had previously decided to discontinue their Disney Treasures line before completing the last two volumes of the Chronological Donald series, but fan response was overwhelming and Disney got the message. Don't miss out on this timeless series. They're not going to be available forever.
I and many others have enjoyed immensely. This final volume wraps up with some of Donald's rarely seen adventures from 1951-1961. And, for the first time on DVD, Donald's CinemaScope cartoons are presented in their original widescreen format, which is awesome. This set includes two Academy Award nominated Best Shorts: Rugged Bear (1953) and No Hunting (1955); a retrospective of Donald's career in comic books; and a storyboard presentation for an unproduced Donald Duck cartoon pitched by famed Disney animator, Eric Goldberg. Some of these Donald cartoons have never seen a home video release, others have only been released in Japan.Including in this set are:
1951
- DUDE DUCK (new to DVD)
- CORN CHIPS w/ Chip & Dale
- TEST PILOT DONALD w/ Chip & Dale (new to DVD)
- LUCKY NUMBER w/ Huey, Dewy & Louie
- OUT OF SCALE w/ Chip & Dale
- BEE ON GUARD (new to DVD)
- DONALD APPLECORE w/ Chip & Dale
- LET'S STICK TOGETHER (new to DVD)
- UNCLE DONALD'S ANTS (new to DVD)
- TRICK OR TREAT w/ Huey, Dewy & Louie
- DONALD'S FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH w/ Huey, Dewy & Louie
- NEW NEIGHBOR (new to DVD)
- RUGGED BEAR (new to DVD)
- WORKING FOR PEANUTS w/ Chip & Dale
- CANVAS BACK DUCK w/ Huey, Dewy & Louie
- SPARE THE ROD w/ Huey, Dewy & Louie (new to home video)
- DONALD'S DIARY w/ Daisy
- DRAGON AROUND w/ Chip & Dale
- GRIN & BEAR IT w/ Humphrey Bear (new to DVD)
- GRAND CANYONSCOPE (in CINEMASCOPE)
- FLYING SQUIRREL (new to DVD)
- NO HUNTING w/ Humphrey Bear (in CINEMASCOPE) (new to home video!)
- BEARLY ASLEEP w/ Humphrey Bear (in CINEMASCOPE) (new to DVD)
- BEEZY BEAR w/ Humphrey Bear (in CINEMASCOPE) (new to DVD)
- UP A TREE w/ Chip & Dale
- CHIPS AHOY w/ Chip & Dale (in CINEMASCOPE) (new to DVD)
- HOW TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT AT HOME (new to DVD)
- DONALD IN MATHMAGIC LAND (new to U.S. home video)
- HOW TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT AT WORK (new to DVD)
- DONALD AND THE WHEEL (new to DVD)
- THE LITTERBUG (new to DVD)
- "Donald Goes to Press",
- "The Unseen Donald Duck: Trouble Shooters",
- Leonard Maltin and Jerry Beck audio commentaries on 2 shorts,
- 10 Mickey Mouseworks Cartoons
If you are a fan of Donald Duck I would recommend trying to get your hands on the four Chronological Donalds (and possibly On the Front Lines, which features quite a bit of Donald in WWII shorts and propaganda clips) while they're still semi-available. Now that the final Donald set is released many collectors will be looking to buy the preceding sets to complete their collection. A number of past Disney Treasures have become near impossible to get without paying upwards to $150.oo for one 2-disc set. If you're a fan of Chip and Dale (and who isn't?) chances are that their will never be a definitive collection featuring these two rascally chipmunks for some strange reason, but the majority of their adventures take place in Donald Duck shorts; 8 in this set alone. That alone would be reason enough for me to snag this, but the Humphrey the Bear episodes are just icing on the cake. Also included is the surreal Donald in Mathmagic Land which has never been released for purchase in the U.S. (Though Disney's video club did offer it exclusively for a limited time). Disney had previously decided to discontinue their Disney Treasures line before completing the last two volumes of the Chronological Donald series, but fan response was overwhelming and Disney got the message. Don't miss out on this timeless series. They're not going to be available forever.
Friday the 13th Deluxe Edition DVDs
With the upcoming anticipation of the new Friday the 13th film (Friday, February 13th, 2009) Paramount Home Entertainment has announced that they will be releasing the original Friday the 13th in an Uncut Deluxe Edition on DVD February 3, 2009. The studio has also announced a Blu-Ray edition scheduled for this time as well. Soon after, they added the addition of Deluxe Editions of both Friday the 13th Part 2 & Part 3 scheduled for the same February 3 release. In addition to these three DVD, Anchor Bay will be releasing His Name was Jason: 30 years of Friday the 13th -Splatter Edition, a documentary covering the history of the successful franchise from the production compnay as Halloween: 25 Years of Terror. This documentary will also be broadcast on STARZ the night the new movie opens. Out of all of this, the biggest news is probably the announcement that the Deluxe Edition of Friday the 13th part 3 will finally be released in the long awaited original 3-D version.; something fans have been screaming for for years. Below are the current specs for each of the upcoming releases: 
Friday the 13th: Uncut Deluxe Edition
• Commentary: Commentary by director Sean Cunningham (on the WB international version - trying to access)
• Fresh Cuts: New Tales from "Friday the 13th"
• Man Behind the Legacy: Sean S. Cunningham
• Friday the 13th - Special Reunion
• Lost Tales from Camp Blood - Part 1
• Trailers: Theatrical Trailer - Used on 2004 release
• Remastered in Dolby from original track
Friday the 13th: Part 2 -Deluxe Edition
• Inside Crystal Lake Memories
• Horror Convention
• Lost Tales from Camp Blood - Part 2
• Slasher Films: Going for the Jugular
• Jason Trivia Track (text)
• Jason Forever (Used on 2004 release/Best Buy bonus disc)
• Theatrical Trailer - Used on 2004 release
• Remastered in Dolby from original track
***There are currently no plans for a Blu-Ray release***
Friday the 13th: Part 3 -Deluxe Edition
• Features original 3-D version of the film
• Includes four pair of 3-D glasses
• Theatrical trailer -used for 2000 release
• Remastered in Dolby from original track
***There are currently no plans for a Blu-Ray release***
Press release for His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th
[He first became known to audiences on May 9, 1980. Over the course of nearly three decades and eleven films (soon to be twelve with next year’s remake), he has inspired terror in the hearts of film fans the world over. He redefined the concept of immortality and invincibility. He gave horror a new face...by not having one. His name is Jason Voorhees and this is his story.
His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th, the ultimate tribute documentary about one of horror cinema’s most enduring icons, has been acquired by Anchor Bay Entertainment, the leading horror programmer, for North American DVD distribution. It will be released as a “splatter edition” DVD on February 3, 2009. Then, on February 13th, 2009, Starz will host the broadcast premiere of the documentary – in celebration of the infamous date and its most famous posterboy. In addition, the documentary will have its World Premiere Friday, November 14 at the 31st Starz Denver Festival during The Watching Hour, the festival’s midnight film series. Ari Lehman, the “first” Jason and other special guests will be in attendance.
Produced by Anthony Masi (Halloween 25 Years of Terror, The Psycho Legacy) and Thommy Hutson (Prank) and directed by Dan Farrands (The Girl Next Door, Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers), In addition to the full-length documentary, the DVD is anticipated to contain over four hours of bonus features, including additional interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and more.
Hosted by legendary special effects make-up artist Tom Savini – whose (literally) eye-popping prosthetics were featured in such gorefest classics as 1979’s Dawn of the Dead, Creepshow, Maniac, and the original Friday the 13th – His Name Was Jason is the definitive look at the history and cultural legacy of this 20th Century boogeyman. Extensive interviews were conducted with over eighty people involved throughout the entire Friday the 13th franchise, as well as filmmaker and fan testimonials.
Jason fans who watch His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th will be treated to reminiscences and ruminations spanning Jason’s entire film history, as well as a virtual “who’s who” of contemporary film horror, including:
Actors: Betsy Palmer (1), Adrienne King (1 and Part 2), Larry Zerner (Part 3-D), Bonnie Hellman and Judie Aronson (The Final Chapter), Shavar Ross and Debi Sue Voorhees (A New Beginning), Darcy DeMoss and Vincent Gustaferro (Part VI), Lar Park-Lincoln, Elizabeth Kaitan and Diana Barrows (Part VII), Peter Mark Richman and Jensen Daggett (Part VIII), Lawrence Monoson and Camilla More (The Final Friday), Lisa Ryder (Jason X), Seth Green and Travis Van Winkle (2009 remake);
Jason Voorhees portrayers: Ari Lehman (1), Warrington Gillette (Part 2), Richard Brooker (Part 3-D), Ted White (Final Chapter), C.J. Graham (Part VI), and Kane Hodder (Part VII, Part VIII, The Final Friday, Jason X);
Filmmakers: Sean S. Cunningham (Director, 1), Victor Miller (Writer, 1) Dany Steinmann (Writer/Director, A New Beginning), Tom McLoughlin (Writer/Director, Part VI), John Carl Buechler (Director/Special Makeup Effects, Part VII), Joseph Zito (Director, The Final Friday), Greg Nicotero (Special Makeup Effects, The Final Friday), Marcus Nispel (Director, 2009 remake), and Composer Harry Manfredini, creator of Jason’s signature musical cue "Sh-sh-sh-sh, ha-ha-ha-ha."]
Friday the 13th: Uncut Deluxe Edition
• Commentary: Commentary by director Sean Cunningham (on the WB international version - trying to access)
• Fresh Cuts: New Tales from "Friday the 13th"
• Man Behind the Legacy: Sean S. Cunningham
• Friday the 13th - Special Reunion
• Lost Tales from Camp Blood - Part 1
• Trailers: Theatrical Trailer - Used on 2004 release
• Remastered in Dolby from original track
Friday the 13th: Part 2 -Deluxe Edition
• Inside Crystal Lake Memories
• Horror Convention
• Lost Tales from Camp Blood - Part 2
• Slasher Films: Going for the Jugular
• Jason Trivia Track (text)
• Jason Forever (Used on 2004 release/Best Buy bonus disc)
• Theatrical Trailer - Used on 2004 release
• Remastered in Dolby from original track
***There are currently no plans for a Blu-Ray release***
Friday the 13th: Part 3 -Deluxe Edition
• Features original 3-D version of the film
• Includes four pair of 3-D glasses
• Theatrical trailer -used for 2000 release
• Remastered in Dolby from original track
***There are currently no plans for a Blu-Ray release***
Press release for His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th[He first became known to audiences on May 9, 1980. Over the course of nearly three decades and eleven films (soon to be twelve with next year’s remake), he has inspired terror in the hearts of film fans the world over. He redefined the concept of immortality and invincibility. He gave horror a new face...by not having one. His name is Jason Voorhees and this is his story.
His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th, the ultimate tribute documentary about one of horror cinema’s most enduring icons, has been acquired by Anchor Bay Entertainment, the leading horror programmer, for North American DVD distribution. It will be released as a “splatter edition” DVD on February 3, 2009. Then, on February 13th, 2009, Starz will host the broadcast premiere of the documentary – in celebration of the infamous date and its most famous posterboy. In addition, the documentary will have its World Premiere Friday, November 14 at the 31st Starz Denver Festival during The Watching Hour, the festival’s midnight film series. Ari Lehman, the “first” Jason and other special guests will be in attendance.
Produced by Anthony Masi (Halloween 25 Years of Terror, The Psycho Legacy) and Thommy Hutson (Prank) and directed by Dan Farrands (The Girl Next Door, Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers), In addition to the full-length documentary, the DVD is anticipated to contain over four hours of bonus features, including additional interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and more.
Hosted by legendary special effects make-up artist Tom Savini – whose (literally) eye-popping prosthetics were featured in such gorefest classics as 1979’s Dawn of the Dead, Creepshow, Maniac, and the original Friday the 13th – His Name Was Jason is the definitive look at the history and cultural legacy of this 20th Century boogeyman. Extensive interviews were conducted with over eighty people involved throughout the entire Friday the 13th franchise, as well as filmmaker and fan testimonials.
Jason fans who watch His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th will be treated to reminiscences and ruminations spanning Jason’s entire film history, as well as a virtual “who’s who” of contemporary film horror, including:
Actors: Betsy Palmer (1), Adrienne King (1 and Part 2), Larry Zerner (Part 3-D), Bonnie Hellman and Judie Aronson (The Final Chapter), Shavar Ross and Debi Sue Voorhees (A New Beginning), Darcy DeMoss and Vincent Gustaferro (Part VI), Lar Park-Lincoln, Elizabeth Kaitan and Diana Barrows (Part VII), Peter Mark Richman and Jensen Daggett (Part VIII), Lawrence Monoson and Camilla More (The Final Friday), Lisa Ryder (Jason X), Seth Green and Travis Van Winkle (2009 remake);
Jason Voorhees portrayers: Ari Lehman (1), Warrington Gillette (Part 2), Richard Brooker (Part 3-D), Ted White (Final Chapter), C.J. Graham (Part VI), and Kane Hodder (Part VII, Part VIII, The Final Friday, Jason X);
Filmmakers: Sean S. Cunningham (Director, 1), Victor Miller (Writer, 1) Dany Steinmann (Writer/Director, A New Beginning), Tom McLoughlin (Writer/Director, Part VI), John Carl Buechler (Director/Special Makeup Effects, Part VII), Joseph Zito (Director, The Final Friday), Greg Nicotero (Special Makeup Effects, The Final Friday), Marcus Nispel (Director, 2009 remake), and Composer Harry Manfredini, creator of Jason’s signature musical cue "Sh-sh-sh-sh, ha-ha-ha-ha."]
DVD releases for Nov. 11th
Sunday, November 9, 2008
***KUNG FU PANDA HAS AN EARLY SUNDAY RELEASE THIS WEEK***
- Kung Fu Panda (Full Screen)
- Kung Fu Panda (Widescreen)
- Kung Fu Panda/Secrets of the Furious Five (Full Screen)
- Kung Fu Panda/Secrets of the Furious Five (Widescreen)
TOP OF THE LIST:
- Walt Disney Treasures: Chronological Donald, Volume 4
- Walt Disney Treasures: The Mickey Mouse Club Presents Annette - 1957-1958 Season
- Walt Disney Treasures: Dr. Syn -The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh
MAIN RELEASES:
- 7th Heaven: The Seventh Season
- The Cosby Show: The Complete Series
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army (3-Disc Special Edition)
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Collector's Set)
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Full Screen)
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Widescreen)
- Hollywood Musicals Collection
- JFK (Three-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition)
- Sabrina (Paramount Centennial Collection)
- Scrubs: The Complete Seventh Season
- Shaun the Sheep: Off the Baa!
- The Sopranos: The Complete Series
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Two-Disc Special Edition)
- Sunset Boulevard (Paramount Centennial Collection)
- Warner Bros Classic Holiday Collection: Volume 1
- Warner Bros Classic Holiday Collection: Volume 2
- Warner Bros. and the Homefront Collection
SOME OTHER STUFF:
- 301: The Legend of Awesomest Maximus Wallace Leonidas
- The Apprentice
- Beer For My Horses
- The Boys in the Band
- The Hanoi Hilton
- Mind of Mencia: Season 4 (Uncensored)
- Planet B-Boy
- Quo Vadis: Special Edition
- Roman Holiday (Paramount Centennial Collection)
- Storm Hawks: 2-Disc Collector's Set - Showdown in the Skies
- The Streets of San Francisco: The Second Season, Volume Two
- Sukiyaki Western Django
- This Christmas
- Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage
- Kung Fu Panda (Full Screen)
- Kung Fu Panda (Widescreen)
- Kung Fu Panda/Secrets of the Furious Five (Full Screen)
- Kung Fu Panda/Secrets of the Furious Five (Widescreen)
TOP OF THE LIST:
- Walt Disney Treasures: Chronological Donald, Volume 4
- Walt Disney Treasures: The Mickey Mouse Club Presents Annette - 1957-1958 Season
- Walt Disney Treasures: Dr. Syn -The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh
MAIN RELEASES:
- 7th Heaven: The Seventh Season
- The Cosby Show: The Complete Series
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army (3-Disc Special Edition)
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Collector's Set)
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Full Screen)
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Widescreen)
- Hollywood Musicals Collection
- JFK (Three-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition)
- Sabrina (Paramount Centennial Collection)
- Scrubs: The Complete Seventh Season
- Shaun the Sheep: Off the Baa!
- The Sopranos: The Complete Series
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Two-Disc Special Edition)
- Sunset Boulevard (Paramount Centennial Collection)
- Warner Bros Classic Holiday Collection: Volume 1
- Warner Bros Classic Holiday Collection: Volume 2
- Warner Bros. and the Homefront Collection
SOME OTHER STUFF:
- 301: The Legend of Awesomest Maximus Wallace Leonidas
- The Apprentice
- Beer For My Horses
- The Boys in the Band
- The Hanoi Hilton
- Mind of Mencia: Season 4 (Uncensored)
- Planet B-Boy
- Quo Vadis: Special Edition
- Roman Holiday (Paramount Centennial Collection)
- Storm Hawks: 2-Disc Collector's Set - Showdown in the Skies
- The Streets of San Francisco: The Second Season, Volume Two
- Sukiyaki Western Django
- This Christmas
- Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage
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