No comments about Pirates of the Caribbean.

5 comments about Saludos Amigos (Disney Gold Classic Collection).

1. This movie was one of two movies made at the request of the Office of Inter-American Affairs during World War II. The goal of the trip that created this movie was to help improve relations with South America during the war. Some countries in South America had little reason to be friendly with the United States during the war, and some of these countries had relatively friendly relations with the Axis powers. Walt Disney's goodwill trip was a relatively low-key way for the United States to show South Americans how friendly the Unites States was.
   
   There are three problems with this "full-length" animated feature. First, the animation is actually four cartoons that Disney wove into the visit by Walt Disney and a team of artists to South America. The second problem is that this feature is only 42 minutes long, which is well short of feature length. The 75 minutes shown on the box includes a documentary titled "South of the Border with Disney." The third problem with this "full-length" animated feature is that it is very dated. South America has changed a lot in the six-plus decades since this movie was initially released. The result of these problems is that the movie falls well short of being a "must-have," unless you are a die-hard Disney fan and you must have everything created by Disney.
   
   This DVD does have two redeeming features.
   
   First, the four cartoons woven into this feature are cute and clever. "Lake Titicaca" shows Donald Duck in various locations in South America. Donald shows some interesting and exciting aspects of riding a llama on suspension bridges, among other things. This short is funny, clever and worth watching multiple times. "El Gaucho Goofy" has Goofy showing the similarity between American cowboys and South American gauchos. The demonstration is hilarious. "Pedro" is similar to "The Little Engine That Could," only Pedro is a small mail plane rather than a train. This short is quite clever and is one of the best reasons to have this DVD. The fourth short is "Aquarela do Brasil," or "Watercolor of Brazil." Donald Duck and José Carioca experience the wonders of 1942 Brazil in colorful and clever ways.
   
   Second, the film shows Disney and a team of artists in action as they gather information and sketch scenes. Though this portion of the feature is dated, fans of Disney Studios and Disney artists may find scenes of their favorite artists from this era that they would be unable to find anywhere else.
   
   I am a huge fan of Disney movies, with a collection of probably more than 300 movies. There are parts of this one that I like a lot. However, most modern audiences will consider this "feature" to be four cartoons connected by a lot of boring stuff. You may want to consider just how valuable this feature is to your collection considering how difficult and relatively expensive it will be to add it to your collection.
   
   Good luck!



2. In this film, we see Disney and his fellow animators travel to Latin America. In this however, you feel as if you are watching the Discovery channel with a little Disney thrown in. The film is whimsical when you come across a Disney cartoon, but all the inbetween bits are lackluster and boring. If maybe you traveled along with Mickey or Goofy it may have been more exciting. Sorry. Good but lacks.



3. This film was made during the war and Walt didn't have the money to turn out another full length animated film. To appease his fans, he made a film which is basically a trip with him and some of his best animators "South of the Border." The animators where then inspired to make several short animated films, which are all packaged together to make this feature. The back of the box says "Total Running Time: Approc. 75 Minuites." By total running time, the mean with special features. The film is only 45 minuites, and the bonus "South of the Border With Disney" was a television show he did. If you are not a Disney fan, I don't recomend this film to you, because it is not like the other well known animated films you are used to. The picture and sound are not very good. Disney didn't feel the need to tough it up because hardley anyone knew of it's existance.



4. This rather cute collection of four Disney cartoons are kinda interconnected with a travelogue of South America that is very dated by today's standards, but entertaining nevertheless.

   The best of the four cartoons is "El Gaucho Goofy". Previously unavailable on DVD, "Gaucho Goofy" is Goofy at his all time best. Watch the bit with the bolas - simply hilarious.

   The next best is "Pedro". The story of the little airplane that could (think "The Little Engine That Could" with wings) is very good at telling a story - and you almost believe for a moment that Pedro didn't get through the Andes.

   Next best is "Lake Titicaca". This hilarious romp with Donald Duck fighting a reluctant Llama (could this be the inspiration for "The Emperor's New Groove"?) will leave most anyone laughing.

   Finally, there's "Aquarela do Brasil" - probably closest to the material that links the four stories and introducing the great Jose Carioca.

   It's kind of a mystery to me why Disney considers this mixture of animation with live-action to be a "canon" movie. It's simply a collection of four Disney cartoons joined together with a live-action look at travelling in parts of South America.

   The supplementary material, about Disney artists travelling in South America is a nice addition to the material on this disc, and also helps explain that this material is presented as a courtesy to the Office of Inter-American Affairs.

   The interconnecting material that tries to tie together these four Disney cartoons is sadly dated, and is live-action and not animation. It also does not do near as good a job at tying together the various cartoons as "Three Caballeros" would later do.

   An entertaining look at what movie theaters used to do - provide news, travel info, and cartoons together and all for a dime. But not recommended for anything but Disney purists.




5. An enchanting product of the Good Neighbor policy with Latin America, Saludos Amigos gives viewers a nostalgic trip back. The film chronicles the good will tour Walt Disney and his animators made to Latin America in 1941. Footage of Walt and company on their trip tie the four cartoons that make up this feature (Lake Titicaca staring Donald Duck, Pedro, El Gaucho Goofy, and Aquarela do Brasil). The four cartoons are cleaver and very well done in the Disney tradition, staring existing Disney favorites such as Donald Duck and Goofy, and new characters such as Pedro the airplane and Jose Carioca (the last of which would go on to appear with Donald in two other features during the 1940s). However, it is truly the live action at the artists finding inspiration that elevates the film to more than just a collection of four shorts. Also included with the film is a travelogue entitled "South of the Boarder with Walt Disney" which includes even more footage of Disney and company and their travels in South America. To any Disney fan, this is a hidden gem and a nostalgic treasure.

5 comments about Ice Princess.

1. This was a great CD that I was able to play in the office with no one to be affended by it. It's very up beat and fun. A true young lady to teen album, but overall a good investment.



2. If you loved the movie you wont want to miss this. A very exciting CD. It even has all your favorite artists. Aly&Aj, Raven, Jesse McCartney, and more! A variety of different music, but mostly pop. Even if you didn't like the movie the soundtrack is no dissapointment.



3. I checked out this CD from the library the other day and so far, I am pretty happy with it! I think it is pretty good. Here are my fave songs on it (and pretty much the only ones I listen to):
   
   Unwritten: Track 13. Very Good! ONe of my faves on the whole CD
   I fly: Track 9. Pretty Good. Not the best, but very good.
   Get up: Track 8: DEFFINETLY one of my faves!!!
   You set me free: Track 4. REALLY good!
   No one: Track 6. Ok. I like it
   IT's so quiet: Track 7. Pretty good
   
   Thanx for reading my review!!!!!
   
   BYE!!!!!



4. I own the soundtrack, and listen to it all the time! Catchy rythems and it's from Disney, so it's bound to be good! Here's the best songs on the CD:
   
   "Reach"- Cool beat to it.
   "If I Had it My Way"- Fun and fast song.
   "You Set Me Free- the BEST on the album. I am actually going to buy Michelle Branch's CD because of this one song!
   
   "I Fly"- Simple and sweet, Hayden does really good in this one.
   "There Is NO Alternative"- Good dancing song and really pop-ish.
   "Unwritten"- Good message in it too.
   
   The rest are good but not great. The WORST song on it was definallty IT'S OH SO QUIET! That song is so retarted and lame with her whilpering in it! Come one! That's a horrid song and i never listen to it!
   You should go buy this CD. Trust me, you will like it.



5. Have you ever had a big, big dream and you felt like you were soaring up into the clouds? Even if perhaps you haven't had such a dream yet, the music from Ice Princess is enough to get you feeling that "up in the air" feeling. All of the songs have a great message to give you about just going for things and being yourself... not being afraid to do anything. Many of the singers are probably familiar to you - Natasha Bedingfield, Aly & AJ, Jesse McCartney... even Diana DeGarmo from American Idol. There's just something about this album that reaches out to your innermost feelings and allows you to open up yourself. I realized that many of these songs helped me feel stronger. And if you enjoy this CD, be sure to check out the movie... and if you enjoyed the movie, it's guaranteed that you'll enjoy this CD. Start flying!

5 comments about The Lion King Disney Read-Along.

1. The item's content was of course, excellent. The movie did come unhinged during shipping, which caused a loose, shaking noise inside before I opened it. I had to prevent the movie from hitting the floor when I opened it. Haven't actually watched the movie to inspect visual damage....more to come.
   
   Robert



2. I'm a little at a loss for words... this set is almost $100 and it doesn't even include the other Lion King sequels? I love the Lion King movie, but sorry, I don't think any movie is worth that much money (no matter how many extra-never-before-seen-interviews-songs-videos there are).



3. I DON'T DO A LOT OF CARTOON WATCHING, BUT, THIS IS ONE OF THE FEW THAT I ACTUALLY ENJOYED WATCHING WITH MY KIDS ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASIONS.. A MUST SEE FOR EVERYONE



4. I never received the product and the seller would not respond to emails. I could not recommend this seller!



5. I think I can safely say that "The Lion King" is one of my top three favorite things Disney has ever done. I love the story, the music, and the beautiful animation and color. It truly is an art form and any lover of the movie should be able to appreciate the platinum edition DVD.
   
   And I do. I truly do. I can be quite the geek when it comes to DVDs, but this... it's kind of reminiscent of the marketing ploy that part of Disney has become.
   
   Really, with all the marvelous extras this thing has... does it really need all the crap? The ads and too-long menus gave me something of a headache.
   
   Still, I suppose it's worthy it to at least have this film gem on DVD.

5 comments about Walt Disney World Millennium Celebration.

1. 
   After much research I have found the complete track listings of both Illuminations CDs, and after comparing them by looking at the tracks visually on Sound Studio, I can tell you for certain that the Fireworks Spectacular, and the songs, "We Go On" and "Promise" are identical on the two CDs. Only the Parades are different. I like the Tapestry of Dreams Parade better. And the Gospel song (which is nice) is not on the Tapestry of Dreams CD.
   
   
   WALT DISNEY WORLD MILLENNIUM CELEBRATION CD
   
   1 Illuminations 2000 - Reflections Of The Earth
   Fireworks Spectacular (1999 to Present)
   Prolgue - Acceleration / Chaos / Space / Life /
   Adventure / Home / Celebration / Meaning
   (Gavin Greenaway) 9:32
   
   2 We Go On - Kellie Coffey 2:26
   
   3 Tapestry Of Nations Parade (1999 to 2000)
   The Sage Of Time Prologue / Millennium Heartbeat /
   The Millennium Walk... (Gavin Greenaway) 23:53
   
   4 Promise - Kellie Coffey 4:26
   
   5 Celebrate The Future Hand In Hand (Gospel Version)
   (includes 'When You Wish Upon A Star') -
   Kurt Von Chmittou 5:14
   
   
   ILLUMINATIONS
   EPCOT - Tapestry Of Dreams CD
   
   1 Illuminations 2000 Reflections Of The Earth
   Fireworks Spectacular (1999 to Present)
   Prolgue - Acceleration / Chaos / Space / Life /
   Adventure / Home / Celebration / Meaning
   (Gavin Greenaway) 9:32
   
   2 Promise - Kellie Coffey 4:26
   
   3 Tapestry of Dreams Parade (2001 to 2003) 25:38
   
   4 We Go On - Kellie Coffey 2:26
   
   
   If any of the above info is not correct, just put the track listing in your own review, and I will correct mine.
   Thank you.



2. A 5-star rating doesn't do this CD justice - I would rate it 10 stars if I could. The music on this CD is beyond description - it's unbelievably powerful, poignant, emotional, sentimental, uplifting, and inspirational. My favorite songs are the "Reflections of Earth" and "Promise." I listen to this CD every day because it is so beautiful and so empowering... Only Disney could come up with such true musical and creative ingenuity. The music brings tears to my eyes everytime I listen to it, even after having listened to the music countless, countless times. I have visited the Disney parks several times over the past few years, and I never miss the Epcot fireworks show with this music because it is so stunning and just beyond comprehension. This CD is an absolute must for your collection. I might need to get a second copy of the CD because I will probably wear out my existing copy soon!



3. While at WDW I purchased this album, best soundtrack from a parade ever. Just about wore it out so I purchsed another from Amazon, best price around. The memories remembered while listening to this CD are priceless and now with the retiring of this parade in WDW, this CD keeps the magic alive.



4. A fantasmic album! Disney is at the top of its game with this wonderful musical piece. Not only is 'Reflections of Earth' reason alone to buy this CD, The 'Tapestry of Nations' is one of the best songs I've ever heard. When it ends after 23 minutes, you can't believe that it's already over. I had the opportunity to see this live when I visited Epcot in 2000 and it was a fantastic show! As soon as I heard it, I had to buy the CD, and I'm glad I did. I highly recommend this to anyone!



5. Gavin Greenaway has done a magnificent job with this arrangement and it feels like my heart skips a beat each time I listen to "Reflections of Earth." My high school marching band performed a version of Millenium Celebration, so I have a special connection with this music. I was thriled when I was finally able to get my hands on the audio portion of this. After listening to the album, I only wish I could have been able to experience this at Epcot in 2000. I highly recommend this album to anyone who has a taste for classical music!

5 comments about High School Musical Hits Collection.

1. Se lo compre a mi hija y se la pasa escuchándolo, le encanta, además tiene la ventaja de traer todos los discos de una vez, como regalo a mi me funciono muy bien!!!



2. My niece is a Highschool Musical fan and was thrilled to get this for Christmas. I was happy that it got to me quickly and that the price was right.



3. the kids are so crazy about this, and it has the music they can't get enough of with karaoke



4. I purchased this for my 10 year old daughter for her birthday and she loves it.



5. THE KIDS LOVE IT, I LOVE IT. THIS IS A GREAT SET AND DEFINATLEY WORTH THE PRICE.

5 comments about Cars: Lightning McQueen's Fast Tracks.

1. I saw the movie; liked the music; bought the CD. The music is non-traditional hard to categorize except for soundtrack. Fun music though. Listen to it; if you like it, buy it.



2. OK songs....kid liked it after a long long time of sitting in the glovebox and as a parent one can stomach.



3. I guess I didn't read the discription very well, I thought I was buying the motion picture soundtrack. So needless to say my "Cars" obsessed 2.5 yr old grandson didn't "get it" when he listened to the CD.



4. I bought this for my 1-year-old who loves the movie to keep him occupied in the car. When it first arrived, I was actually a bit disappointed at the lack of between-song dialogue. McQueen and Mater exchange just a line or two at the beginning of each song (but, for some strange reason, not the first song). I figured my son wouldn't be into it, but apparently there's enough of the characters for him, because for the past few months, EVERY time we go in the car, he yells "Mater! Mater!" until I put this CD on.
   
   The music isn't bad at all -- it consists of accessible, catchy rockabilly and country-rock tunes with cutesy, humorous lyrics. It's great for singalongs. Unfortunately, the constant play is getting a little old. Actually, the fact that it isn't driving me completely nuts at this point, especially considering that it isn't my favorite style of music, is a huge point in its favor!
   
   My only real complaint, aside from wishing there were more dialogue, is that the dialogue is recorded at a much lower level than the music. I find myself cranking up the volume when the characters start talking and then turning it back down when each song starts.



5. Not as impressive as we had hoped. My son loves the Cars soundtrack, so i thought he would like this, but it never gets listened to.

5 comments about Disney Songs the Satchmo Way.

1. Louis Armstrong is someone I admire for doing what they did consistently. Thus, if you are at all familiar with Satchmo, you have a good idea what this album is all about. There are those who view Armstrong's later years as a time of commercial submission, yet from my perspective, he elevated all the material that he recorded. This set of Disney tunes is no different. I bought it for my toddler son, so that he would be exposed to music of quality, but that would also appeal to him; however, I have no qualms listening to it on my own. My favorite is Louis' take on "Chim Chim Cheree", followed by "The Bare Necessities". If you have kids, make sure they hear this recording!



2. We love to dance and unwind to Disney by Louis. The songs are my favorite Disney songs...back when Disney really was magical. We have really enjoyed this. Fun for road trips, too.



3. This cd is worth its price for one cut: The "Chim Chim Cheree" is one of the finest pieces of jazz in the 20th century. It is haunting and brilliant, done languidly, with brilliant and subtle changes of language (so Louis makes it his own), two great solos and scat singing. In short, in one piece, Louis showcases what he did for 20th century music.

   If I'm raving, I make no apologies. By coincidence (if there is such a thing) this was the first piece of music that made me smile after 9/11.

   The rest of the cd is below average, imo.




4. One of Louis Armstrong's talents was to turn an otherwise unremarkable song into a classic. Unfortunately, his talent is stretched to the limit here by some kitschy arrangements and overwrought vocal accompaniment. Satch still manages to shine in a couple of numbers, though - notably Chim-Chim-Cheree and the Bare Necessities. I found my copy on sale in a clearance outlet for 99¢, and thought it was a pretty good deal for one of the stranger jazz albums I've ever heard.



5. This CD of familiar Disney songs sung by Louis Armstrong - the late great Satchmo - is not the best performance of his career, nor is it the best Disney disc available. Nonetheless, it is quite entertaing and fun to listen to with or without your children.

   Don't purchase this if your looking for the best Satchmo performance, or the traditional arrangements of Disney tunes.

   But if you're open minded and enjoy a little flavor, pick it up as a treat to hear one of the greatest musicians of all time fly through a number of happy tunes in his own special way. Including adding a few syllables to the nonsensical syllable songs "Chim-Chim-Cheree" and "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" - still recommended, especially for parents who want to introduce their children to jazz music.

No comments about Winnie the Pooh Christmas.

5 comments about Disney Sing Along Songs - Let's Go to the Circus!.

1. My 30 month old went to the circus right before we went to Disney World, She loves this tape and sings like a little diva to it. I only wish it ran an hour instead of 30 min!



2. SHE JUST ADORES MICKEY AND MINNIE AND ALL THE GANG, WE HAVE ALL OF THEM AND I HOPE THEY LAST FOREVER, I EVEN ENJOY THEM ONCE IN A WHILE (NOT ALL DAY LIKE HER). SING-A-LONG IN DISNEY LAND IS THE BEST FOR VACTIONERS. HOPE YOU ENJOY......



3. I bought this for my 18 month old granddaughter after taking her to a real circus. She watches it over and over and over. She tries to do some of the routines because there are lots of kids in it, some her age. I just ordered another one for my daughter's house so that she can enjoy it as much as I do!



4. My 2-year-old loves the "Sing-along-Songs" videos so I've seen most of them. This is one that adults can watch and enjoy along with their children. Disney characters are prominent but not oppressive. Most of the circus acts feature children as performers and some include the "Disney" children as well. One surprise is that the featured clown (unnamed in the credits) is David Larible, Ringling Brothers "clown of clowns." He is excellent and interacts well with the Disney characters. The bell ringing routine is very funny--even after you've seen it 35 times!



5. Our two year old is Disney character obsessed. See will watch this video, but gets bored waiting through the circus acts to see Mickey and the others. This video is primarily a circus video and not much of a Disney one.