Tech Savvy Mama

Parenting in the Digital Age

2009 Holiday Gift Guide: DVDs (w/ 30 DVDs to win!)

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Still following my never ending gift guides? Well, you won’t be disappointed with my long promised DVD gift guide! There are tons of fabulous titles available and an amazing number of giveaways on this list just for you!

I had so much fun watching all of these movies and making my list picks for each age group. But if you have come looking for suggestions for the tweens and teens in your life, sorry. I have DVD ideas because what they really want is a gift card to the local movie theater so they can go out with their friends. Just include a little extra for concessions!

Giveaway instructions are at the bottom! Happy browsing!

Toddlers

  • Elmo’s Animal Adventures ($12.99 from Amazon)- Everyone’s favorite red furry monster is here to teach fans about amphibians, animal prints, amphibians, and animal diets. **Win 1 of 3 copies of Elmo’s Animal Adventures courtesy of Vivendi Entertainment. I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes.
  • Handy Manny: Manny’s Motorcycle Adventure ($26.99)- In this road trip adventure, Manny decides to bring his friends, his tools, along for the ride to his family reunion. With everyone safely aboard his magnificent motorcycle, Manny helps the communities he passes through with fixes and repairs, and even has time to teach Pat the hammer that families come in all shapes and sizes. With quick teamwork and clever steering, Manny manages to rescue Pat, Squeeze, and Flicker who strayed from the group and get everyone to the reunion on time to share in some really fun family festivities. I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes.

Preschoolers

  • Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas ($19.98) This holiday special finds George and The Man with the Yellow Hat having a very merry time counting down the days until Christmas. There’s only one puzzle: neither of them can figure out what to give the other for a present. The Man is having trouble reading George’s wish list and George doesn’t have a clue about what to get for The Man who has everything. Maybe you can help! 58 minutes **Win a copy of Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas courtesy of PBSKids. I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes.
  • SuperWhy! Jack and the Beanstalk and Other Fairytale Adventures ($14.99) SuperWhy has been a longtime favorite thanks to the charming characters with superhero identities that form a powerful foursome to promote the cause of literacy. This DVD contains 4 episodes: Jack and the Beanstalk, Princess and the Pea, The Three Little Pigs, and Little Red Riding Hood. It also has interactive games, music videos, and printable activities such as coloring pages. Run time is 100 minutes. **Win 1 of 3 copies courtesy of Out of the Blue Enterprises and Paramount Home Entertainment. I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes.
  • Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days ($23.49 from Amazon)- In honor of 40 fabulous years, Sesame Workshop has released Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days (retail $29.93 or $19.99 from Amazon), a brand new two- disc set that includes over 5 hours of favorite stories, songs, celebrity segments, and classic scenes that feature the Muppets™ from Sesame Street like Kermit in It’s Not Easy Being Green. This set will delight Sesame Street fans of all ages and is perfect for a movie night or just a lazy afternoon together on the couch with some great educational entertainment. I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes.

Elementary Ages

  • The Night Before Christmas DVD ($19.95)- This value-priced 2-disc set features 12 colorfully animated tales included celebrate the winter holiday season, with stories about Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other family celebrations. Stories include The Night Before Christmas narrated by Anthony Edwards, In the Month of Kislev, Seven Candles for Kwanzaa, Too Many Tamales, The Little Drummer Boy, Rosemary Wells’ classics Max’ Christmas and Morris’ Disappearing Bag. The second DVD, The Twelve Days of Christmas… and More Holiday Stories features a sing along of the Twelve Days, Great Joy, The Clown of God, Merry Christmas Space Case, and Sam and the Lucky Money. Total run time is 2 hours, 4 minutes. Ages 3+ **Win a copy of The Night Before Christmas courtesy of Scholastic Video Collection. I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes.
  • Scholastic Storybook Treasures: Treasury of 50 Storybook Classics: Animal Antics and More ($49.95)- 50 award-winning and classic children’s stories are faithfully adapted and brought to life for this 7-DVD boxed set, priced for holiday gift giving! And from the beloved stories Harry the Dirty Dog and Make Way for Ducklings, to newer family favorites Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type and I Stink!, kids and parents alike are sure to enjoy these storybook treasures, featuring celebrity narration by Meryl Streep, Sarah Jessica Parker, John Lithgow, and others. Run time is 8 hours, 2 minutes. Ages 4+ **Win a copy of Scholastic Storybook Treasures: Treasury of 50 Storybook Classics: Animal Antics and More courtesy of Scholastic Storybook Treasures. I received a copy of this DVD set for review purposes.
  • Where the Wild Things Are: Special Collector’s Edition…and other Maurice Sendak Stories DVD ($14.95) by Maurice Sendak- Well before the fantastical movie, there was the original! Join Max, Pierre and Mickey as they travel with their wildest imaginations in this collection of classic award-winning stories by Maurice Sendak, including the classic, Where the Wild Things Are. Ages 2-6. **Win a copy of Where the Wild Things Are: Special Collector’s Edition…and other Maurice Sendak Stories courtesy of Scholastic Storybook Treasures. I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes.

Animal Lovers and Activists

  • DisneyNature: Earth (Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack: $39.99)- I pride myself on raising little environmentalists and love watching Earth because it tells a trio of unforgettable stories that truly captivate movie lovers of all ages. Set against some of the world’s most spectacular vistas, this breathtaking motion picture achievement uses the classic Disney storytelling tradition to celebrate the diversity and determination of its animal stars in a heroic journey that covers the Earth from pole to pole. Available in a single-disc DVD or two-disc Blu-ray Hi-Def/DVD Combo Pack, Earth includes bonus features that offer viewers an in-depth look at the making of the film and an opportunity to learn more about our planet and its myriad fascinating inhabitants. **Win a copy of DisneyNature: Earth courtesy of Disney Home Entertainment. I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes.
  • Lions ($14.95)- Any fan of the King of the Jungle will enjoy watching 4 amazing Animal Planet shows combined into one DVD. This DVD contains A Lion Called Christian, Serengeti in The Lion’s Share, White Lions, and Rogue Lions about is about the lions who live in Kruger National Park. **Win 1 of 3 copies of Lions courtesy of Vivendi Entertainment. I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes.
  • Africa’s Elephant Kingdom and Queen of the Elephants ($13.49 from Amazon)- This DVD contains two Animal Planet shows- the amazing story of an elephant family’s life and death journey as depicted in Africa’s Elephant Kingdom and India in Queen of the Elephants, that shows the plight of the elephant in India caused by the country’s population boom and rapidly disappearing living space that forces elephants to raid fields and towns for food as their enviroment is destroyed. **Win 1 of 3 copies of Africa’s Elephant Kingdom and Queen of the Elephants courtesy of Vivendi Entertainment. I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes.
  • Predators ($13.49 from Amazon)- This DVD contains three different shows that will allow viewers to get up close and personal with some of the most dangerous animals in the world. After the Attack features stories about people who have survived traumatic deadly attacks by wild animals and have lived. Up Close and Dangerous is a 2 hour special about a filmmaker’s (including cameramen, soudn operators, directors, producers, and TV hosts) encounters with animals as they often risk their lives to capture animals in their natural habitats. Killer Crocs of Costa Rica is a one hour documentary that follows the life of a female crocodile and her young through mating, birth, and growing up. **Win 1 of 3 copies of Predators courtesy of Vivendi Entertainment. I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes.

Tweens and Teens

  • Remember, it’s all about the gift card!

Family Movie Night

  • Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian ($29.99)- Living in DC has its advantages including being able to go to any and all of the Smithsonian museums when the mood strikes for free. It was also kinda cool to go the Air and Space Museum and see Night at the Museum 2 on the ginormous IMAX screen. While not much of the movie was really filmed in the museums, it was still fun to see all the DC landmarks make an appearance in the sequel to the original blockbuster set in New York. Ben Stiller is back as Larry Daley. Larry has moved on from being the night guard at The Museum of Natural History to a successful career when he is called back into service as the museum closes and crates and ships all the artifacts to Washington, D.C. where they immediately come to life and come into conflict. Larry Daley teams up with Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams) to save his museum friends and restore order to the Smithsonian. Fans of the first will certainly enjoy the sequel but this is a great movie to watch together over the holidays since it is film that all generations can enjoy. **Win 1 of 5 copies to give away courtesy of 20th Century Fox. I personally paid to see Night at the Museum 2 at the Air and Space Museum in DC and then received a DVD to review and enjoy at home.
  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Diamond Edition (Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack: $39.99)- Whether you believe in fairy tales, true love, or good ultimately triumphing over evil, the Snow White is just as magical as she always was in the new Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Diamond Edition ($24.99). Disney took Snow White from their vault, digitally restored her 1937 self by enhancing picture and sound before re-releasing a combo pack that contains both a Blu-ray and a DVD to create a Diamond Edition that is available for a limited time only. I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes.
  • Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure (Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack: $29.99)- In 2008 audiences around the globe re-discovered and fell in love with one of the world’s most iconic characters, as Walt Disney Pictures launched the breathtaking original story of a beloved character in the fantastic all-new animated adventure — Tinker Bell. Now the enchanting pixie-dusted tale continues in an action-packed adventure, as Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure expands the world of fairies and takes Tink far beyond Pixie Hollow in an original full-length animated film that have magical bonus features including animated “scenes you never saw,” a guide to Pixie Hollow, and much more, offering viewers an extraordinary trip deep inside the enchanted world of Pixie Hollow. I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes.
  • UP (Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack: $39.99)- Up follows the uplifting tale of 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell. Their journey to a lost world, where they encounter some strange, exotic and surprising characters, is filled with hilarity, emotion and wildly imaginative adventure. **Win a copy of UP courtesy of Disney Home Entertainment. I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes.
  • Monsters, Inc. (Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack: $39.99)- This 2-Disc Blu-ray Edition has scary cool new bonus features that will thrill fans of the original. Check out “Filmmakers’ Round Table,” in which the creative forces behind the film reflect on its creation, “Monsters, Inc. Ride and Go Seek: Building Monstropolis in Tokyo,” a sneak peak at the new Monsters attraction at Tokyo Disneyland, plus the all new interactive game “Roz’s 100 Door Challenge,” in which viewers can solve a series of puzzles, trivia questions and more in order to join the ranks of Monsters Inc.! I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes.
  • Little Spirit: Christmas in New York ($14.99 from Amazon)- Told from the perspective of a friendly cabbie (Danny DeVito), this story is about a boy named Leo who moves to Manhattan with his family. Leo’s move occurs right before Christmas and during a trip to Central Park, he loses his dog named Ramona. Heartbroken, Little Spirit appears to assist Leo and together they have an adventure of a lifetime as they take in the Christmas spirit of the city and meet fellow New Yorkers as they set out to find his dog. A truly heartwarming holiday story! **Win 1 of 3 copies of Little Spirit: Christmas in New York courtesy of Vivendi. Entertainment. I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes.

For the Hard to Buy For Grown Ups on the List

  • Lost: The Complete 5th Season (DVD $59.99, Blu-Ray $79.99)- If you are Lost fans like we are, you are not only anxiously awaiting the start of the next season but dying to know how the numerous loose ends will come together in a nice neat package when the series comes to an end. Lost: The Complete 5th Season allows me to relieve the mystery and intrigue that I get each week from the series but I love the never-before-seen bonus material, including revealing cast interviews and behind-the-scenes features. There’s also LOST University, a captivating immersive bonus that expands the world of “LOST” by giving viewers around the world an amazing interactive experience that you have to see to believe! Highly recommended for any Lost fan on your shopping list! **Win a copy of Lost: The Complete 5th Season courtesy of Disney Home Entertainment on DVD. I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes.
  • Kevin Smith Movie Collection (Blu-Ray Box Set $89.99)- If you are as much of a Kevin Smith fan as Tech Savvy Daddy and don’t yet own a Blu-Ray player, the Kevin Smith Movie Collection is enough to make you seriously consider taking advantage of the holiday sales to score one on sale just to watch this trio of classics in high definition. Perhaps characters like Jay and Silent Bob were never meant to be seen in high def but Clerks, Chasing Amy, and Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back are a real treat in Blu-Ray. Each of the three titles features all new Blu-Ray features. Clerks has an introduction by the one and only Kevin Smith while Chasing Amy features “Tracing Amy: The Chasing Amy Doc;” “Was It Something I Said?” – A Conversation With Kevin and Joey which is a must see for those who always wondered what happened after the movie ended. I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes.

  • The Proposal (DVD $29.99)- This romantically comedy is cute without the cheese factor or predictable plot. Sandra Bullock plays a mean corporate boss who is loathed by her entire company who tasks her over worked assistant (Ryan Reynolds) into marrying out of convenience so she won’t be deported to Canada. While the two do eventually fall in love, there are many rocks along the way, making for a delightful and fun contemporary romantic comedy. I reeived a copy of this DVD for review purposes.

Phew! That was a long list!

Now that you made it to the giveaway part, I am giving away an astonishing number of DVDs- 30 to be exact thanks to the incredibly generous home entertainment divisions and their fabulous PR companies.

Want to enter to win? You must fill out this form and leave a comment about your favorite movie of all time!

Looking for extra entries? Here’s what you can do for up to 10 more entries:

  • Think of others in need or a charitable organization who could benefit from a donation of LeapFrog toys and leave a comment on my post about The Gift of Giving.
  • Tweet this: @TechSavvyMama has another gift guide! Her DVD gift guide is out with 30 giveaways! http://tr.im/GtFP
  • And Tweet this for a second Tweet entry: @TechSavvyMama’s 2009 Holiday Gift Guide is out! Great gift suggestions & tons of giveaways here: http://tr.im/F776
  • Write a blog post about my DVD gift guide and include the words “Tech Savvy Mama’s 2009 Holiday Gift Guide: DVD Edition” and link to this post: http://tr.im/GtFP

Here’s the fine print: All entries for giveaways will be collected through the form mentioned above. One person can win multiple titles based on their number of entries. Winners will be selected by Random.org. E-mails must be valid and addresses must be within the United States. Companies will not ship outside the U.S. nor will they ship to P.O. boxes.

All information collected is solely for Tech Savvy Mama to ensure efficient delivery of your prize and will not be shared with anyone else but the marketing/PR company who is shipping the prize.

Winners will be notified between December 11-13.

Thanks for reading Tech Savvy Mama through your feed!

Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
©2012

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