Ratatouille Remote Control Remy
From Mattel


Amazon Sales Rank: #84871 in Toys & Games Brand: Mattel Model: L4498 Released on: 2007-04-01
From the Pixar movie, Ratatouille, comes the lovable rodent of the moment, Remy. With one-button simple function steering and an authentic movie sculpt R/C Remy will have the kids chasing fun for hours! Requires two AA for the vehicle and two AA batteries for the remote. Batteries not included.
Cute for an RC This toy is super cute and my children laugh for hours watching it going around the kitchen island. They also liked the movie so they keep interest in this toy for long periods of time. Its a very simple toy so i would recommend it to ages 5 and under. :) This Is Me Casimus Prime is planting mousetraps outside Gusteau's restaraunt, so I'm reviewing this toy of me for him. This is me. I am a small R/C rat (Wheras Linquini calls me Little Chef). I am a small item that drives forward and probably in a J-Spin. I have some competition with Wall-E about being adored and or cute. I come with a small block of cheese that I hold in my right hand. I can't cook anything but I do look for food (By the way has anyone seen my "Anyone Can Cook" cookbook?). I am not poseable but am a nice excuse for an RC car. This is made by Tyco so can they give me a little more driving directions? But I gotta run dinner rush is acommin.

   

Ratatouille
From Walt Disney Video

From the creators of CARS and THE INCREDIBLES comes a break-through comedy with something for everyone. With delightful new characters experience Paris from an all-new perspective. It's "terrific movie making" raves Leonard Maltin of ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT. In one of Paris' finest restaurants Remy a determined young rat dreams of becoming a renowned French chef. Torn between his family's wishes and his true calling Remy and his pal Linguini set in motion a hilarious chain of events that turns the City of Lights upside down. RATATOUILLE is a treat you'll want to enjoy again and again.System Requirements:Running Time: 111 Mins. Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: G UPC: 786936727173 Manufacturer No: 05371400

One key point: if you can get over the natural gag reflex of seeing hundreds of rodents swarming over a restaurant kitchen, you will be free to enjoy the glory of Ratatouille, a delectable Pixar hit. Our hero is Remy, a French rat (voiced by Patton Oswalt) with a cultivated palate, who rises from his humble beginnings to become head chef at a Paris restaurant. How this happens is the stuff of Pixar magic, that ineffable blend of headlong comedy, seamless technology, and wonder (in the latter department, this movie's views of nighttime Paris are on a par with French cinema at its most lyrical). Director Brad Bird (The Incredibles) doesn't quite keep all his spinning plates in the air, but the gags are great and the animation amazingly expressive--Remy's shrugs and nods are nimbler than many flesh-and-blood actors can manage. Refreshingly, the movie's characters aren't celebrity-reliant, with the most recognizable voice coming from Peter O'Toole's snide food critic. (This fellow provides the film's sole sour note--an oddly pointed slap at critics, those craven souls who have done nothing but rave about Pixar's movies over the years.) Brad Bird's style is more quick-hit and less resonant than the approach of Pixar honcho John Lasseter, but it's hard to complain about a movie that cooks up such bountiful pleasure. --Robert HortonBeyond Ratatouille on DVD Ratatouille on Blu-ray Ratatouille Toys & More Other Classic Pixar Hits Stills from Ratatouille (Click for larger image)
A Rat Chef Dishes Up Delights...Bon Appetit! Once again, the creative minds behind Pixar have created enchantment ... possibly their best film in years. Everyone loves Ratatouille...even though he is a rat in the kitchen. Indeed, the idea of rats in an upscale restaurant would normally have us run for cover. Nevertheless, the movie successfully blends the themes of the Ugly Duckling with Cyrano de Bergerac to come up with a fantastic story. Remy is a simple rat with an extraordinary nose. His idol is a great French chef who lectures on the Food Channel. "Anyone Can Cook" is his mantra. So when Remy and his rat family have to leave their homes, Remy accidentally ends up in the very kitchen of this great Chef. Alas, the great chef has passed away, and the food standards are falling, as well as the Michelin stars. To reverse this trend, Remy - the rat - teams up with a clueless scullery boy in the kitchen to whip up some wonderful recipes. Indeed, the rat's food creations are a hit with the customers. The problem, as in all Cyrano stories, is that no one knows who is really behind those wonderful recipes. And most important, will the most difficult restaurant critic in Paris condemn or praise the food that Remy prepares? Everything about this film is wonderful...the streets of Paris are recreated in rich colors and exquisite detail. I haven't seen a European city look this good in an animated film since Disney's "Pinocchio." Oh my, even the French copper pots look authentic. I laughed hysterically throughout the film...particularly the times when the rat conceals himself in a chef hat and rides the garbage boy like a cowboy on a bronco. Please don't miss this treat. Highly recommended. A Feast for the Eyes Ratatouille is a beautiful film and a wonderful showcase for your new Blu-ray player. As beautiful as this film was on screen, it's even more breathtaking on Blu-ray. Every detail and subtle color shine. I was truly blown away by the quality of the picture. As for the film itself, it holds up even better the second or third time around. Definitely a more sophisticated tale than what's usually expected in an animated film. And while really young children may squirm through a lot of this, that doesn't at all detract from the quality of this great film. Creative, amusing, heartfelt and ultimately satisfying, Ratatouille defies the genre - raising the bar once again on American animated films. PIXAR continues to create in an entirely different league than it's competitors. You can't even compare this film to anything else. It makes the ridiculously popular Shrek look, well, green. Bonus features are entertaining, particularly the well-concieved short on the history of Rats. New Blu-ray Bonus materials let you interact with the film in new ways making the "Making Of" featurette quite imersive. Most of the info is for student's and hard core fans of animation. The short LIFTED also appears on this disc as well as the just released PIXAR SHORTS DVD/Blu-ray. While it lacks the high adventure and fan-boy characters of some of Pixar's earlier works, Rataouille will be regarded with more and more acclaim as time goes by. Critic's rightfully praised the film in it's theatrical release but American audiences didn't take to it as eagerly as past films. The overseas market has been strong, bringing in quite a bit more Internationally than other Pixar hits, which is an interesting side note I think. What it says about American tastes and tolerance for animation that isn't Happy Meal ready is sobering. Bon appetit! Considering the Disney empire was founded on a mouse, it would be harsh to dismiss Ratatouille simply because it's about a rat as even the most rodent-phobic will be melting for this charming dish. This is Pixar's second collaboration with Disney since it's fusion. And while Ratatouille may lack the pioneering invention and sardonic wit of some of Pixar's previous films, there is plenty to enjoy. Ratatouille has a culinary flavour as it tells the story of Remy, a rat with a passion for cooking. Much of the film is set in the kitchen of Gusteau's, a restaurant so realistically rendered it's possible to almost smell the mouthwatering aromas lingering around. Remy is possessed with a more sophisticated taste than his brother Emile and the rest of his rat colony. He is visited by the ghost of his cooking hero, Gusteau, whose motto is 'Anyone can cook' and encourages Remy to use his catering skills to rescue his restaurant whose reputation has floundered since his passing. Once there, Remy befriends Linguini, the garbage boy. Hiding under Linguini's chef's hat, Remy indicates the talentless boy how to create fabulous dishes, quickly raising both Linguini's and the restaurant's reputation. Ratatouille cleverly explores the restaurant world with its envious rivalries and turbulent kitchen politics. Through stories of jealousy, intrigue, friendship and love, Ratatouille tells us what it takes to overcome a lack of self esteem and to become the person (or rat) you were meant to be. Ratatouille is also filled with other life's lessons. How do you deal with family members who don't see the potential in you? How do you handle people who are emotionally close to you who want you to bend the law for their benefit? Do you become something bigger than you are, or can you achieve the same results by just being honest? Like any good story, this one operates at many levels. Children will love the simplicity of the message, the funny chases, while adults will love the complexity and reality of the relationships. Ratatouille is the name of a simple peasant food that if prepared with care, will rival anything you can serve in the best restaurants of the world. It is also symbolic of our own lives. It may be simple, but if we lead it with care, love and kindness, it will be as good and valuable as the life of the most notorius man in the world.

   

Ratatouille (Rat A Too Ee) - Kitchen Chaos & Sewer Splashdown Complete Playset Of 2
From Mattel

There's nothing more fun than playing in the dirt! From the Pixar film Ratatouille, this assortment of 2 individually packaged playsets includes a sewer and a kitchen (subject to change), and these can be stacked to make a giant playset of dirty, rodent sewer cooking fun. Includes exciting play features like a sewer slide, ice cube trays, and a fish skeleton.
Amazon Sales Rank: #217077 in Toys & Games Brand: Ratatouille Model: L2397-999A Dimensions: 9.06" h x 12.01" w x 3.35" l, 1.19 pounds

Cute but not extremely well executed Due to the small size of the many pieces, this toy is DEFINITELY not for children under 3; I would even say 4 or 5 would be better. Many plastic pieces that must be somewhat assembled first; since they are small and plastic, I would recommend an adult do the assembly first to get the handle of it and then show the child the different play options. The directions are all picture diagrams; no words. And, as the package states, colors do vary. Even on the pics on amazon, the water stream for the sewer component is 2 different colors. Still, lots of moving pieces that could allow a child with imagination to create fun playtime for quite awhile. The 2 sets are really not very stackable; it would have been a better design if they could actually fit into each other, especially with the lids still on. I do like the carrying case idea, though; it just appears that there wasn't enough testing that occurred to make sure this toy took full advantage of everything it could. These kind of remind me of the old game "Mousetrap."

   

Learn to Draw Disney Pixar's Ratatouille
By Disney Pixar

Kids will fall in love with Disney Pixar's newest action-filled adventure,
Amazon Sales Rank: #536161 in Books Published on: 2007-05-01 Original language: English Number of items: 1 Binding: Paperback 32 pages

My 9 year old daughter loves this book! My 9 year old daughter got this for Christmas. She is a pretty talented artist, but nothing exceptional. She was able to draw the Ratatouille characters on her first try. I actually thought that she traced them because they were so good. These Disney books are great for young artists who want to draw their favorite characters.

   

Ratatouille Sewer Splashdown Playset
From Mattel

Inspired by the Disney/Pixar movie, Ratatouille, this Sewer Splashdown 2-story playset includes 7 play features (Spinning Wheel, Carton Clubhouse, Umbrella Lift, Seesaw Ladder, Water Pipe Slide, Secret Hideaway, Ice Tracy Boat) and 1 Remy figure. The sewer is a world of slime and grime, where rats slip and slide and have a really fun time! For ages 4 and up
Amazon Sales Rank: #106622 in Toys & Games Brand: Mattel Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Cute but too small. My kids love the Ratatouille movie and characters. They do like the toy....or the idea of it - i.e. the toy has a fun concept, it was just not very well executed. The pieces and parts are quite small (even for small hands) and it only comes with two characters (Remy and his dad, Django). I do not believe there are other figures available that would work with this set, again, due to the small scale. It's unfortunate because it could be a great toy but, really, it's just okay.

   

Ratatouille Disney Pixar Lanyard + Taupe Wallet Brand New
From Disney

Wonderful matching Lanyard Change Wallet Purse set. The back of the wallet is a taupe color. New with tags. The Lanyard is approx 24 inches and has clip that can be used for the matching change wallet, or ID etc. The change wallet is approx 3 inches tall and approx 5 inches across with zipper close. Also, clear pocket in back, can be used for fast pass, park tickets etc. Everyone in the family will want one.
Amazon Sales Rank: #115579 in Single Detail Page Misc

   

Benny Buggles and the Termite Elimination
By Douglas W. Martin

SOME TERMITES WANT MORE FOR THEIR LIVES THAN TO JUST EAT YOUR HOUSE. While other termites were busy foraging for cellulose, Benny Buggles dreamed of becoming an artist. But worker termites had limited roles to play in the smalltown colony in Kansas, and making sculpture was not one of them. When his friend Twiggy mentions an audacious plan to escape out to California, Benny jumps at the chance. Arriving at the renowned art academy Auriana, Benny is welcomed as the prestigious institution's newest student and does his best to fit in, finding his rival in three-time Elimination champion James Maximilian, a snobbish termite who looks down on Benny as an untested newcomer pretending to the crown. The manipulative Tiffani Hardwood sees fame and fortune in each of the two promising rivals, playing both sides in the run-up to the biggest art competition of the year. Back home in Kansas, Cassie – working in Brood but harboring dreams of becoming a queen – never loses hope that Benny will return and they will be together again someday. But events soon take an unexpected turn for the worse, and Benny and his friends are tested as never before. Enduring both tragedy and triumph, Benny learns that – win or lose – the things that matter most in life aren't always what they seem, and one's place needn't be so very far away. Benny Buggles and the Termite Elimination is an inspirational story for both young adults and the young at heart. And who knows, it just might inspire a little softness in your local exterminator's heart as well.


Not a false note. While doing the Saturday morning chores, I was listening to the radio. A program on dreams was on, and an author was asked if she wrote for children or for adults. She answered for both. Aren't all children's books read by adults first? All adults were children once. Benny Buggles and the Termite Elimination is a parable, a perfectly told story without a false note. The level of vocabulary employed by William Just is not that of a child, and yet his story has been written free of lingering sadness nor building anger. Time is suspended, his target audience becoming our inner child. Benny Buggles's struggle to become an artist is ours and perhaps also that of the author Mr. Just, or should I say Bill? Once in a while you come upon that rare children's book that contains many levels of comprehension. Of even fewer adult books can that be said! Benny Buggles is that rare adult find where sexual identity and friendship go hand in hand peacefully, where the termites' duty is easily interwined with redemption within the family. Mr. Just has made many fine observations. It's about the termite's emotions and their reflections on life. If you are looking for a dissection of how termites live (do they have a king and queen?), this is not a scientific textbook. There is the occasional rough spot win the narrative where the reader would like to know more, would like to see, rather than imagine, but the parable's overarching logic carries him along without any regret. The real strength of this parable, as must be the case for all parables, is the author's voice. We hear clearly and it rocks us gently into this other universe. There are echos of an American Harry Potter here, such as when Benny moves to the West Coast art school Auriana, leaving behind the seemingly oppresive mid-western home state. Why not? Also the secondary characters are round and well understood. Love inspirational books! I originally bought this book for my 12 year old son but found myself reading and enjoying it, maybe even more than he was! It's an all ages kind of story that keeps you turning the pages faster than you even realize. I really liked it because I love books that have inspirational themes, and this one certainly has some nice themes and lessons that any child (or even adult!) could benefit from. I kept reading because I wanted to find out what would happen to Benny and if he would ultimately be successful. There's alot of humor mixed in with the story that I found really refreshing for a children's kind of book and that I could appreciate as an adult. When they get to the art academy in California, the dean of the school has alot of positive messages for Benny and the students that helps them grow alot, and I have to say that he is probably my favorite character of them all. There are also some "evil" kind of characters that you just love to despise, which makes the story that much more interesting. One of them is a girl who seems to only want to use Benny for whatever she can get out of him. The sad thing is, Benny just doesn't seem to get it. The plot twists quite a bit near the end of the book, and makes for some of the most memorable parts of the story. I especially like what happens with Twiggy and the true character that he demonstrates when things don't go as expected and he is forced to make a huge decision. I also like how Cassie has always been there for Benny through thick and thin and never gave up hope. Overall I would definitely recommend this book for any ages from young adult to adult. Just a word of caution: some of the vocabulary might be too advanced for much younger readers, but if anything it can help them to learn some vocabulary I suppose, which reading is always good for anyway. A Wonderful Allegory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Just, William. "Benny Buggles and the Termite Elimination", Lulu, 2009. A Wonderful Allegory Amos Lassen I love allegorical stories probably because they are so much fun. William Just brings us one that it is just amazing and both inspires and makes you sit up and take notice. Benny Buggles is a termite living in a small termite colony in Kansas where for generations the Buggles family worked in carpentry. Benny, however, wanted to do something more with his life and decided to leave home and head for California and become an art student at the Academy of Auriana. It is not easy for a termite to leave the nest but Benny was in pursuit of a dream. As he traveled he met some dangerous characters and his own fears did no help that much but he did discover a new faith in the "goodness of termite nature". He discovered also that it was not that easy to gain entrance into the Academy and he had to prove himself by taking part in an art competition known as the "Elimination", and to win it he had to get past manipulations and mischievous actions from some of the worst characters at Auriana. What kept Benny going was hope and he finds joy by knowing that there is a place in the world for everyone. I am sure that everyone can find part of himself here in this wonderfully written book by author Just. I smiled the entire time I read it and even thought to myself what a wonderful way to look at life. It's a quick and rewarding read.

   

DISNEY PIXAR RATATOUILLE KITCHEN QUAKE GAME
From Mattel

It's a thrilling daredevil race around a wacky contraption made out of kitchen utensils. But don't let Chef Skinner spot you. He'll drop his cleaver and set off a wild and funny chain reaction that could knock you flying. Be the first to get your special ingredients into the soup and you win.
Amazon Sales Rank: #81866 in Toys & Games Brand: Mattel Model: L3322 Released on: 2007-04-16 Dimensions: 3.27" h x 15.75" w x 10.43" l, 3.22 pounds
Remy¿ Kitchen Quake Game. It's a thrilling daredevil race around a wacky contraption made out of kitchen utensils. But don't let Chef Skinner¿ spot you! He'll drop his cleaver and set off a wild and funny chain reaction that could knock you flying. Be the first to get your special ingredients into the soup and you win!
Mattel built a better Mousetrap This is a variant of the Mousetrap game (Mousetrap or mousetrap) with a Ratatouille movie theme -- and with the game portion modified to make it much more fun to play as a game than classic Mousetrap! While I've enjoyed the Rube Goldberg contraption aspect of Mousetrap since I was a kid, and my kids enjoy it too, we almost never bother to actually play the Mousetrap game -- we merely build the contraption and then trigger it. But with the Ratatouille game, the actual game play is fun as well. For Ratatouille, the contraption assembly is part of setup, so the game starts out with it already assembled and ready to be triggered (which as far as I'm concerned accords with the reality that that's how my kids always wanted to play with Mousetrap anyhow -- they want to start setting it off as soon as possible). So instead of constructing the contraption during the game, the Remy-the-rat pawn pieces are, at times, actually interacting with the contraption: two positions of the movement track are on top of the fly-apart-bread-loaf, and another two positions are on top of the yanked-by-the-spoon-napkin. Plus various other board positions are, by design, in danger of getting whacked by moving parts once the contraption is triggered -- which can happen at numerous times during the game. So when the contraption gets triggered, players' Remy pawns may get sent flying (and then have to move back to the nearest "penalty" space). Also, the Remy pawns actually carry each ingredient token collected -- the token fits between the upraised paws and rests on the head of the token. (This is a cute touch and getting the tokens in place didn't give my little girls any trouble.) And at the launching loop stage of the game, the player takes that same ingredient token from their Remy pawn and puts it into the final spoon from where (if all goes well) the contraption, once triggered, will fling it into the soup pot. Note: For those with extra large hands or limited manual dexterity, the way that the movement track snakes through, and even over and under, the contraption might be awkward to manage, as might putting the ingredient token into the Remy pawn's paws (though that could be skipped by those that wished). There's also a minor "memory game" aspect: players have to collect their two "ingredients" from any of four "plate" locations where the ingredients tokens are face-down -- if a player turns over an ingredient token that isn't his own, it gets replaced face-down in the same location, so players need to pay attention to what other players have turned over and replaced. Also, recall how the Mousetrap contraption would be cantankerous: sometimes working, sometimes not? Well, that's handled better, in my opinion, in Ratatouille: the frustration level is lowered, while still retaining a certain iffiness of effect. The Ratatouille contraption has fewer pieces, most of which are anchored in plastic anchors in the game board, so it's overall a bit more reliable. Then there are two trigger buttons to start it, one which works almost all the time (used for actual ingredient launching), and a second that intentionally only works sometimes (used when Chef Skinner squares are passed, or Chef Skinner tokens are turned up). I can't comment very meaningfully on durability, as we haven't had it long enough. But as with Mousetrap, you wouldn't want to lose or break a piece of the contraption. Also, I rather suspect that the upraised paws of the Remy pawns, used to hold the ingredient tokens, will sooner or later be a breakage point -- which will be a shame esthetically, but not interfere with playing. Mouse Trap for the Year 2007 Anybody out there remember the game Mouse Trap? This is showing my age just a bit, heck, it may even be available as an old school classic at Toys R Us. Anyway, in that game, your mouse raced around the game board amongst a crazy contraption which tried to "trap" your mouse. Ratatouille is basically a revamped version of that game, with the movie characters stepping up to the plate. You play as Remy, the main mouse in the movie. As you travel around the game board, you weave in and out of Chef Skinner's crazy kitchen set-up. Skinner is trying to take you down, and his kitchen trap includes a cleaver, a stack of plates with spinning knives, coffee cups, etc. Remy tries to collect 2 soup ingredients and have them tossed into the soup bowl. Whichever player is able to do this first is the winner. This is a cool game right out of the box, for the simple fact that it is easy to set-up...even though there are several pieces. The kids will love the cool kitchen traps, which seem well-built. Lots of eye catching colorful pieces and designs. My only complaint on this game is that because there are so many towering, connected kitchen pieces, the game board is far too cramped. It is tough, especially with excited children, too navigate the board without knocking pieces over or out of place. As the game goes on this aspect becomes more and more frustrating. Overall, this is a fun game that kids will enjoy, adults too. Only buy if you like seeing your kids giggle My 6 yr old and 11 yr old love this, the 3 year old likes to try and knock it over and ruin their fun, LOL. Its fun though, the kids loved the movie and love the game too.

   

Disney Pixar Ratatouille Movie Toy Plush Talking Figure Emile
From Mattel




Excellent, will put a smile on your face. I am totally pleased with little talking Emile. He's soft and cuddly and his little comical comments bring back the movie and all it's charm. If you loved the movie, you'll want to hug him every day and hear what he has to say. Tiny, squeaky voice Could just barely hear the tiny voice from this toy, by holding it next to my ear.

   

Ratatouille: The Guide to Remy's World
By Glenn Dakin

Remy, a young French rat who dreams of becoming a great chef, stars in this delicious new CGI-animated adventure from Pixar, creators of


Ratatouille, Remy's World A must-have for all Ratatouille fans! Very colorful pictures that brings back a lot of fun memories of the film! Excellent book This is a fun collectible that will bring back all the charm of seeing the movie. Great pictures are used throughout.

   

Disney Pixar Ratatouille Figurine Set
From Disney

This neat collectible Disney/Pixar Ratatouille Figure Set features all of the most popular Ratatouille characters including Remy, Linguini, Emile and more! These high quality pvc figures are 2 to 3 inches tall depending on the character and come in a really neat clear plastic 12 inch by 6 inch full color display box! These are great for any Disney/Pixar film fan and also make great unique gift. Do not miss out on these neat collectible Disney/Pixar Ratatouille figures!
Amazon Sales Rank: #165832 in Toys & Games Dimensions: 3.00" h x 2.00" w x 2.00" l, 2.00 pounds

Ratatouille figurine set Terrific toy. My 2 year old loves these Disney figurine sets. They foster great imagination play. They are durable and all the figures stand up on their own. Great toy that she plays with mutiple times a day.

   

Up [Theatrical Release]
From Walt Disney Pictures



At a time when too many animated films consist of anthropomorphized animals cracking sitcom one-liners and flatulence jokes, the warmth, originality, humor, and unflagging imagination of Up feel as welcome as rain in a desert. Carl Fredericksen (voice by Ed Asner) ranks among the most unlikely heroes in recent animation history. A 78- year-old curmudgeon, he enjoyed his modest life as a balloon seller because he shared it with his adventurous wife Ellie (Ellie Docter). But she died, leaving him with memories and the awareness that they never made their dream journey to Paradise Falls in South America. When well-meaning officials consign Carl to Shady Oaks Retirement Home, he rigs thousands of helium balloons to his house and floats to South America. The journey's scarcely begun when he discovers a stowaway: Russell (Jordan Nagai), a chubby, maladroit Wilderness Explorer Scout who's out to earn his Elderly Assistance Badge. In the tropical jungle, Carl and Russell find more than they bargained for: Charles Muntz (Christopher Plummer), a crazed explorer whose newsreels once inspired Carl and Ellie; Kevin, an exotic bird with a weakness for chocolate; and Dug (Bob Peterson), an endearingly dim golden retriever fitted with a voice box. More importantly, the travelers discover they need each other: Russell needs a (grand)father figure; Carl needs someone to enliven his life without Ellie. Together, they learn that sharing ice-cream cones and counting the passing cars can be more meaningful than feats of daring-do and distant horizons. Pete Docter (Monsters, Inc. ) and Bob Peterson direct the film with consummate skill and taste, allowing the poignant moments to unfold without dialogue to Michael Giacchnio's vibrant score. Building on their work in The Incredibles and Ratatouille, the Pixar crew offers nuanced animation of the stylized characters. Even by Pixar's elevated standards, Up is an exceptional film that will appeal of audiences of all ages. Rated PG for some peril and action. --Charles SolomonStills from Up (Click for larger image)
An outstanding Blu...4 discs filled with more than a day's watch I had no expectations of being disappointed with a Disney/Pixar BD, and being that it took me a whole dedicated day to get through everything, I now feel it was worth every penny. The film was enjoyable, funny, sad, and scary filled with some nice messages about life and loss. I can understand why the majority of my customers loved it. The Blu clarity is outstanding, and the amount of reference points are extensive, but one that stands out the most for contrast lines would have to be when the house is entering the lair (balloons against the dark cavern). The sound is selectable between 5.1 DTS, 2.0 DTS and Descriptive English. The 5.1 was beautiful with tons of reference points, sometimes excruciating (that bird screeching) but thorough nonetheless. Now for the supplements (all times in minutes): DISC 1: (BD) * 5:46 Partly Cloudy short film. Was hilarious. A great depth test for your display with the clouds. Nice little message of tolerance no matter how difficult someone might be. * 4:40 Dug's Mission. An almost lo-def looking short take on our main dog dealing with the main three baddies on a chase. * 22:17 Adventure Out There. A must see documentary about the crew taking the actual trip to the Tepui location in South America. A beautiful travel infomercial in itself. Loved how their guide only wore sandles for the ascent and hikes. * 4:56 Alternate Scenes Ending of Muntz. Sketches and interviews regarding different endings for that bad guy that they had come up with. * 1:00 How-to on using the Digital Copy. * Cine Explore option while watching the film. The two directors give their commentary with multiple pop-up screens showing art, ideas, etc. * Screen Saver. Allows you to set a time period for your screen saver to activate. * Maximize Your Home Theater. The standard Pixar multi-step process for setting all of your theater capabilities. DISC 2: (BD) Documentaries * 6:24 Geriatric Hero. History behind the creation of our old guy. All of these documentaries are interview oriented with sketches and film clips to supplement. * 8:26 Canine Companions. In depth analysis on the breed choices, training and dog behavior studied to get the dogs in the film to be more - dog like. * 9:00 Russel Wild Explorer. Covers the reasons for his character to have the loss and why he was "egg" shaped as opposed to other sketch ideas. * 5:04 Kevin (bird). Nice reference to the Swiss Family Robinson ostrich; covered the hardest part of any of these animation films - the feathers. * 4:38 Homemakers Pixar. Enjoyed the work that went into them studying sub-floors and lighting options in making this look so real in the house. * 6:25 Balloons and Flight. Tells the now famous number of balloons used; some interesting dirigible history; shows the Pixar group using that local Bay Area air service I keep seeing fly around here (research stuff). * 7:37 Composing for Characters. Have to be into the musical/scoring stuff for this one. Extras * Global Guardian Badge Game. After the initial setup of name, difficulty levels and tutorial material, the game has an extensive amount of country/geography material. Customers grouped around and we did fine for the United States section, but we randomly tried Africa and we bombed (some of the countries they were asking for I hadn't heard of in years) - good learning tool though. * 9:15 Alternate Scene - Married Life. Another sketch/interview piece about more material being removed/added into that section of the film. The scene itself would have been only a minute longer. * 6:00 montage. A mix of characters doing funny things - will make the kids laugh. * Screen Saver option. DISC 3 (DVD) * Film, plus special features from disc 1. WITH THE EXCEPTION of no Spanish subtitles/language; English only. DISC 4 (Digital Copy). * Code both unlocks the copy and gets you the usual points at the Disney site. Overall, an excellent product no matter how you look at it. The case has that new single hinge, multi-page off center chassis that has proven to be less than durable, but it should suffice for low usage storage. Enjoy. An emotional triumph Here's a movie for dog lovers, the elderly, children of divorce, FOBs (Friends of Birds), former Boy Scouts, people yearning for adventure, and anyone who has ever loved... and lost. Up is for everyone. It made me laugh out loud, and it made me cry. I thought it would be tough for Up to match the emotional power of Wall-E. The two Pixar films are similar in their lack of dialogue in the first act, which helps deepen the emotional impact. Up begins with Carl, a shy young boy star-struck by a famous explorer; and kookie Ellie, who has a similar obsession. The two kids become fast friends, and vow to one day travel to Venezuela's Paradise Falls. After getting married, they buy their dream home and fix it up, hoping to fill it with children. Carl and Ellie's life together from childhood through old age is depicted, silently, with delicacy and subtlety. The first 15 minutes is like a celebration of a happy marriage, and you truly feel Carl's pain when he is left alone. He sits slumped in his chair, talking to the house as if it is the missing Ellie. When developers close in on Carl's beloved home, he decides to fulfill his promise to Ellie and travel to Paradise Falls. A former balloon vendor, Carl lifts his home with hundreds of colorful balloons. Stowing away on the porch is Russell, a plump, plucky kid trying to earn a scouting badge. After landing in Paradise Falls, the old man and the little boy are joined by a golden retriever named Dug who can talk with his collar, and a huge rare bird that bonds with Russell (he names her "Kevin"). Dug is priceless: spot-on for every dog that ever lived, including an obsession with squirrels. Through a series of close calls and adventures, the quartet vanquishes a villain, saving the day. And Russell earns his scouting badge. In the process, Carl learns to let go of his sad mourning for Ellie, and live life again. When this happens, a truly magical thing happens. Before, Carl's craggy face is gray and monochromatic. At the moment of his transformation, Carl's face is awash in color, and he is surrounded by beautiful hues. It reminded me of The Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy steps out of her gray world and into a candy-colored Munchkinland. Carl, too, enters a whole new world. Up is a deeply emotional film, full of truth. It's the year's best film. Score another triumph for Pixar. Squirrel! Someday, Pixar is going to do it -- they're going to create an emotionally uninspiring, lackluster animated movie. But in the meantime, they're still putting out delightful animated movies like "Up," which defies the usual kid-movie conventions by starring a crotchety old man. It's a charming, fun little adventure story with flying dogs and balloon-powered houses, but underlying it is a bittersweet little story about loss and love. As a child, the shy Carl Fredricksen bonded with the oddball Ellie over their shared love of adventure, the explorer Charles Muntz, and Paradise Falls. They later married, move into their "clubhouse" together, and lived a long, sadly childless life together. When Ellie died, she had never fulfilled her dream of going to Paradise Falls. Now crotchety, alone and harassed by a real estate developer, Carl (Ed Asner) is finally ordered to a retirement home. But he isn't going quietly -- instead he attaches thousands of balloons to his house and floats it away toward South America. But he accidentally takes an enthusiastic, naive Wilderness Explorer (a thinly-veiled Boy Scout) named Russell (Jordan Nagai) along for the ride. Poor kid was just trying to earn an "assisting the elderly" badge. And the jungle trek to Paradise Falls turns out to have some surprising obstacles: a big emulike bird that Russell names Kevin, a talking dog named Dug ("I am jumping on you, bird!"), and a mysterious old man who lives deep in the heart of the jungle. Turns out the old guy is very familiar to Carl -- and to capture Kevin, he's willing to sacrifice Carl and Russell. Industry experts were babbling about how "Up" wouldn't be as popular as the previous Pixar movies, because the protagonist is basically a crusty old coot. Well, shows what they know. It ended up becoming one of those classic movies that somehow appeals to all ages -- while the humor and action appeal to children, adults can appreciate Carl's love for his lost wife, and his slow realization that he's clinging to the past. In fact, the first ten minutes are some of the most heart-tugging, quietly bittersweet scenes I've seen in a long time. Without a word, they show all the ups and downs of a realistic marriage -- joys, sorrows (Ellie's inability to have children), growing old together, and finally loss. But it's not a depressing movie by any stretch -- in fact, it's like a childhood fantasy come to life, complete with a floating house suspended on hundreds of balloons, and biplanes piloted by a talking dog army.. Plenty of great dialogue ("Do you want to play a game? It's called See Who Can Go the Longest Without Saying Anything." "Cool! My mom loves that game!") and an action-packed climax in an aged airship. Ed Asner is absolutely perfect as ubergrouch Carl -- crotchety, grumpy, and determined to fulfill his wife's lifelong dream, but gradually realizing he's clinging to the past. Nagai is equally perfect as Carl's polar opposite: a naive, chattery Scout who is determined to reunite Kevin with her baby chicks. And the utterly adorable Dug and the other dogs deserve special notice. These creatures are utterly hilarious -- they talk ("I hid under your porch because I love you") and act the way dogs would if they talked. Three words: cone of shame. The two-disc edition is going to have some very nice extras, but once again people with regular-def DVDs are going to get shafted because the Blu-ray edition will have a bunch of exclusive stuff. Grr. As for this one, there's a digital copy, the director's audio commentary, kinda-alternate-ending "The Many Endings of Muntz," and the documentary "Adventure Is Out There" about the research for this movie. There are also a pair of adorable animated shorts. "Partly Cloudy" has a much-abused stork having to deliver potentially harmful baby creatures from a kind but clueless cloud. And "Dug's Special Mission" is a sort of backstory for the adorable Dug, explaining what the heck he was doing before he met up with Carl and Russell. "Up" continues Pixar's running tally of gloriously animated, emotionally layered movies that the entire family can enjoy. With that, I have only one more thing to say... SQUIRREL!

   

Ratatouille
From THQ

Ratatouille is based on the Disney/Pixar film and brings the fun and laughs of the movie to your Nintendo GameCube. Ratatouille features an acrobatic rat named Remy who must balance his love for cooking with loyalty to his family. Features major voice talent from the film
Amazon Sales Rank: #3587 in Video Games Brand: THQ Released on: 2007-06-26 ESRB Rating: Everyone Platform: GameCube Number of items: 1 Dimensions: .75" h x 5.50" w x 7.50" l, .28 pounds

Live life as a rat I rented this game for my 6 year old son. There are many things as a rat you need to do to survive the perils of the human world. You start out in the country, at the old woman's home in the movie. You are taught various skills, like how to jump, double jump, jump from the top of one end of a post to another, how to grab a spoon and whack baby chicks that want to attack you (a little disturbing), and how to paddle a "boat." The moves seem a little complicated because it's all about timing, but it tells you what you need to push each time. To explain, when you are getting close to something that "does something" like a sardine can that you can jump on to get to higher places it kind of sparkles. When you get close to it if you need to use say the "b" button to use it it will show you what button you need to use. (Usually, it's the B button, but again, it's all about timing.) You have a super sense of smell that with a button push will highlight the way you need to go. VERY helpful for children and grownups who (to hurry things along) keep pushing the A button and miss the instructions of your task. As a rat you need to "sneak" past various animals, and I assume later, humans. It has a little circle meter it puts in the bottom corner that honks as a warning to let you know you've been seen, and for as long as the animal can see you the meter on the circle moves to red. At "all red" you loose any hiding place you have (If you are hiding under a cardboard box for example) but if you keep still under your box, the animal watching you forgets and you refill the meter back to green. As an adult, I can accept the honking because they probably did it so kids would notice. But it scares my boys because they think the honk and the appearance of the red means that they are about to die so I have to keep playing those parts for them. VERY ANNOYING! There have only been 3 of these challenges so far, but I'm sure more are coming. A nice thing about the game is that you have unlimited lives, so my sons can fall off ledges or fight cockroaches without having the sadness of a game ending. Remy does go through a brief dying clip after you've killed him based on how you did him in, but it's not "for sure" that he dies as he is instantly back in the game once you push the A button. (In other words there is no graphically dying rat in the game. He just looks like he passes out or sinks out of view if he drowns.) When your health gets lowered you can eat a piece of cheese (found throughout the game at various spots) for a health boost. There has been one mini game where Remy tells you what to put in the soup and you have to push the right button to add the right ingredient. My kids loved this matching game, but it's only shown up once so far. Maybe when we get further in the game there will be more. My son is hoping I will buy this for him, and it is pretty kid friendly. (I would give it 5 stars but I am really annoyed by the honking sneak-o-meter.) In the end, it's all about life as a rat, so expect a lot of running in sewers, between walls, and around trash cans and such while using your ultra cool rat moves. So much fun ! ! ! I bought this game as a reward for my son's good report card. If all of his rewards are this much fun for both of us, I may have to do his homework for him. (Just kidding on that last part) But, honestly this game has really been a good bonding experiance for us. Even though it is one player for the most part, we play together and help each other get through the levels. We actually got the game before we even saw the movie, and when we did get the movie, we were that much more excited about it because we could pick out different parts that were in the game. I am so glad I bought this game. Interesting Game I bought this game for my small grandson. We previously saw the movie and enjoyed it very much. This game is fast moving, the mini-games are easy enough for him to play without losing interest, and he loves the content of the story.

   

Ratatouille Disney Pixar Lanyard + Wallet Brand New
From Disney

Wonderful matching Lanyard Change Wallet Purse set. New with tags. The back of the wallet to light blue. The Lanyard is approx 24 inches and has clip that can be used for the matching change wallet, or ID etc. The change wallet is approx 3 inches tall and approx 5 inches across with zipper close. Also, clear pocket in back, can be used for fast pass, park tickets etc. Everyone in the family will want one.
Amazon Sales Rank: #122108 in Single Detail Page Misc

   

Wall-E (Single-Disc Edition)
Directed by Andrew Stanton

The highly acclaimed director of
Amazon Sales Rank: #111 in DVD Brand: Buena Vista Home Video Released on: 2008-11-18 Rating: G (General Audience) Aspect ratio: 2.35:1 Formats: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen Original language: English Number of discs: 1 Dimensions: 5.00 pounds Running time: 98 minutes
Pixar genius reigns in this funny romantic comedy, which stars a robot who says absolutely nothing for a full 25 minutes yet somehow completely transfixes and endears himself to the audience within the first few minutes of the film. As the last robot left on earth, Wall-E (voiced by Ben Burtt) is one small robot--with a big, big heart--who holds the future of earth and mankind squarely in the palm of his metal hand. He's outlasted all the "Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class" robots that were assigned some 700 years ago to clean up the environmental mess that man made of earth while man vacationed aboard the luxury spaceship Axiom. Wall-E has dutifully gone about his job compacting trash, the extreme solitude broken only by his pet cockroach, but he's developed some oddly human habits and ideas. When the Axiom sends its regularly scheduled robotic EVE probe (Elissa Knight) to earth, Wall-E is instantly smitten and proceeds to try to impress EVE with his collection of human memorabilia. EVE's directive compels her to bring Wall-E's newly collected plant sprout to the captain of the Axiom and Wall-E follows in hot pursuit. Suddenly, the human world is turned upside down and the Captain (Jeff Garlin) joins forces with Wall-E and a cast of other misfit robots to lead the now lethargic people back home to earth. Wall-E is a great family film with the most impressive aspect being the depth of emotion conveyed by a simple robot--a machine typically considered devoid of emotion, but made so absolutely touching by the magic of Pixar animation. Also well-worth admiring are the sweeping views from space, the creative yet disturbing vision of what strange luxuries a future space vacation might offer, and the innovative use of trash in a future cityscape. Underneath the slapstick comedy and touching love story is a poignant message about the folly of human greed and its potential effects on earth and the entire human race. Wall-E is preceded in theaters by the comical short Presto in which a magician's rabbit, unfed one too many times takes his revenge against the egotistical magician. (Ages 3 and older) --Tami Horiuchi> Stills from Wall-E (Click for larger image)   Review Golden Globes 2009 Winner Best Animated Feature FilmBoston Society of Film Critics Awards 2008 Winner Best Animated FilmChicago Film Critics Association Awards 2008 Winner Best Animated FeatureChicago Film Critics Association Awards 2008Winner Best Original ScoreChicago Film Critics Association Awards 2008 Winner Best PictureChicago Film Critics Association Awards 2008 Winner Best Screenplay, OriginalHollywood Film Festival 2008 Winner Animation of the YearLos Angeles Film Critics Association Awards 2008 Winner Best PictureNational Board of Review, USA 2008 Winner Best Animated FeatureNational Movie Awards, UK 2008 Winner Best Family FilmNew York Film Critics Circle Awards 2008 Winner Best Animated FilmSoutheastern Film Critics Association Awards 2008 Winner Best Animated Film Toronto Film Critics Association Awards 2008 Winner Best Animated FeatureWorld Soundtrack Awards 2008 Winner Best Original Song Written Directly for FilmMusic by Thomas Newman, Music by, lyrics by, performed by Peter Gabriel Down To Earth --imdb.com
A masterpiece I am floored. I didn't think it was possible for Pixar to surpass Toy Story, but it has. A sophisticated treat for adults and teens, a cuddly romance for the juice-box set, this comedic science fiction thriller romance (really!) takes the company to a new, more mature level. Filled with artistry, depth, meaning and a lot of humor, WALL-E is a masterpiece. Where Cars was a kid's movie with added adult themes, this is an adult movie with added value for children. DIALOGUE SCHMIALOGUE Before I saw WALL-E I had read about the lack of dialogue, and how it might be a risky move for Pixar to make a film with characters that don't talk in a traditional sense. Well, trash that. The most emotionally powerful scenes in this movie are those with the LEAST dialogue. Fully developed and indeed almost human, the two main characters are Wall-E himself (the letters stand for Waste Allocation Load Lifter-Earth Class; there's also a WALL-A) and EVE (Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator), two machines in love. After about a half hour I was wondering if Pixar could continue to pull off this less-is-more concept for the rest of the film -- then the two robots started playing Pong! Such imaginative screenplay carries the film to what should be a Best Picture nomination. Seriously. A TOUCHING STORY WALL-E is a lonely little robotic trash compactor who was left behind after Earth was abandoned some 700 years earlier. He has been methodically cleaning up the trash-ridden planet ever since, and harboring a tiny plant he has found among the garbage. Eve, meanwhile, lives on the immense spaceship Axiom, which is also home to the fat, blob-like remains of the human race. She is a probe robot that flies to Earth to determine if the planet is ready for habitation. WALL-E takes one look at the streamlined, angelic Eve and falls in love. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with the little robot. As soon as he giggled (after his pet cockroach tickled him) I was hooked. This hardworking rusty guy with his small home full of collected treasures is so poignant. His lonely life is so human. Eve is just as likable, but much more sleek. Near the end comes a heartbreaking moment when a key character seems to lose all personality, all self. So well done, it made me think of how families must feel when a loved one disappears inside him- or herself with Alzheimer's disease. All ends well, of course. As the credits roll, the artwork illustrates how everyone and everything lives happily after ever. AN ADULT MEANING For adults, WALL-E is not so much about a cute little robot as it is about the future of man. What happens when humans become such creatures of the consumer culture, so fat they can't even stand up without assistance, living literally on auto-pilot, that they do nothing but buy cheap merchandise, stuff their faces at the Regurgitated Food Buffet and lie around watching video screens? Can they ever get back to the land and set their souls free? Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young asked that question decades ago; Pixar asks it today. There is even a sly political reference. Broadcasting a message to the passengers of the spaceship, the CEO of monster corporation Buy 'n' Large -- played in live-action by the inimitable Fred Willard, and named Shelby Forthright -- says they will be continuing on their never-ending, hopeless cruise to nowhere because they must "Stay the course!" Hmmm, haven't I heard a president use that line? EXTRA TOUCHES WALL-E has so many wonderful touches! After the little robot is charged using his solar panels, he "turns on" with a sound any Macintosh owner will recognize. The robot's collected objects, much like the thingamabobs of The Little Mermaid's Ariel, are things that are uniquely human: bubble wrap, an iPod, a Rubics cube, a singing plastic trophy fish and -- blink and you'll miss it -- a carrousel horse from Walt Disney World. Especially inspired are the two things on this future Earth that are totally indestructible: a cockroach and Twinkies. Stay for the credits. Recalling cave drawings, hieroglyphics, Monet and Van Gogh paintings and early computer graphics, the progressive sequence of art within them sneaks in the history of dialogue-free storytelling. ANIMATED? REALLY? The look of the movie is hard to describe. In one scene, when WALL-E and EVE are investigating a piece of bubble wrap, you can't tell it is an animated film. It actually appears to be live-action. Likewise, the outer space scenes have the same level of realism as any of the Star Wars movies. The trailing tower of squiggly smoke that's left behind by a launching spacecraft re-creates the Florida sky of a Space Shuttle launch to a T. For the most part, it is only when humans are portrayed that you are consciously aware that what you're watching was generated on circuit boards, not in cameras. I've seen the movie three times, first in digital projection and then from a film projector. The digital showing was much sharper, which made all the realistic touches far easier to appreciate. MOVIE REFERENCES It's obvious the Pixar folks are movie lovers; there are so many cinematic inspirations in WALL-E that I lost count. The "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" sequence from Hello, Dolly! shows up -- literally -- maybe half a dozen times. (Disney World fans may also remember the song as one of the background melodies along Main Street U.S.A.) The Axiom spaceship's computer is clearly an homage to HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey; that film's signature overture "Also Sprach Zarathustra" plays at a key moment. WALL-E himself combines the purrs of E.T., the attitude of R2-D2 and the moves of Charlie Chaplin. There's a brief reference to Titanic. OPENING CARTOON The movie is preceded by a Pixar short, "Presto," that had the entire audience I was sitting with in stitches. Its plot: When a magician neglects to feed his bunny a carrot, an escalating disaster results. It's so nice to start a feature with a cartoon. I wish other studios still did it. (Disney fans will note the magician's hat is similar to the one used by Mickey Mouse in Fantasia.) SOUVENIR TOY Might as well budget it in: if you take your kids to see this you're going to be buying a souvenir. Here's the coolest one I've found on Amazon: U Command Wall-E. Will it ever run out? This continuous font of imagination from Pixar? With WALL-E, it sure doesn't look like it. The 3-Disc edition gives WALL*E the deluxe treatment. Not yet listed on the Amazon page, here are the goodies that will be in this 3-disc version: Standard bonus material: director's commentary, deleted scenes, short film: Presto, new short: BURN*E, "Animation Sound Design", "WALL*E's Tour of the Universe"; Exclusive to the 3-Disc Special Edition DVD: more deleted scenes, making-of featurettes, BnL shorts, documentary film The Pixar Story, "WALL*E's Treasures and Trinkets", "Lots of Bots" DisneyFile digital copy. An Imaginative and Heartfelt Masterpiece Though there have been some exceptional movies so far this year there but there have been few which I would call a classic. With WALL-E, things have just changed. WALL-E isn't only the best film of 2008 so far, it is a pure masterpiece. From start to finish, the film wraps you in utterly delightful charm and humanity. WALL-E is a piece of inventive beauty and wonder unlike any other that you will see at the cinema this summer. I absolutely guarantee it. WALL-E (voiced by Ben Burtt) is the last operating robot on Earth. As for the human race, they left 700 years ago, when the huge amounts of self-produced trash caught up with them. WALL-E's task is to clean up the planet for the return of the humans. However, after being left on his own for so long, WALL-E has developed a personality. He is curious about many of the items that he finds whilst compacting trash, such as an old tape of the musical "Hello Dolly!" But he is also becoming lonely, which is understandable for someone who only has a friendly cockroach for company. However, all of this changes with the arrival of EVE (voiced by Elissa Knight). Thought EVE is initially hostile towards WALL-E, this doesn't stop him from becoming smitten with her and trying to connect with her. However, EVE has come to Earth on a classified mission. Once that mission has been completed, EVE shuts down and waits to be taken back from whence she came. When her transport arrives, WALL-E can't bear to lose his friend and sneaks aboard. His search for EVE brings him into contact with the remainder of the human race, who have been taking refuge on a huge spaceship and who have become excessively reliable on machines to supply their every need. They don't even walk. However, WALL-E's arrival sets many events in motion which may help the human race to return to normality... First of all, WALL-E's animation is flawless. However, as with the rest of the film, there is also a sense of risk and bravery which adds extra dimensions to the glorious animation. The first moments in the film, which show us the beauty of the stars before swooping down to gaze upon a barren and deserted Earth, are so detailed and emotionally engaging that you are immediately sucked into the tale without any hesitation. Even when the story becomes more traditional (that is in no way an attack on the film), the creativity and power of the film's visuals never falter. The main focus of the plot is on the growing affection between WALL-E and EVE. This is one of the most moving romantic relationships in years. No, they're not even human. But watching the initial conflict of EVE's determination and WALL-E's innocence slowly mix into love and companionship is magnificent. The scenes between the two characters on Earth are simply wonderful, perfectly paced and confident in the set-up of this unusual couple. However, the best scene comes in the second half, when WALL-E and EVE dance through space together. Everything in this scene is perfect, the comedy of watching WALL-E propel himself through space by use of a fire extinguisher, the lovely visuals, Thomas Newman's marvelous score and the interaction between the two characters. When WALL-E looks likely to float off into space after the fire extinguisher runs out, EVE flies in and scoops him up in her arms. This scene is pure cinematic genius. Overall, there is a humanity and grace of execution in the relationship between WALL-E and EVE which elevates it far beyond the emotional impact of other romantic relationships. The term of "cinematic genius" can also be applied to the iconic character of WALL-E and the fantastic direction by Finding Nemo director Andrew Staunton. Staunton shows that he is willing to inject some risk into his movie-making if it makes a better film. This decision pays off magnificently here. Staunton has lovingly constructed this film with invention, depth and bravura, and in doing so has crafted a piece of movie making which is likely to go down as at least a family classic. Not only will children be enthralled by the sheer brilliance of this film, but other audiences will also be open to its bewitching magic. As for WALL-E himself, he is one of the most original movie creations in years. Speaking in sequences of robotic speech (bleeps, whirs, etc.) with only small moments of mechanical dialogue, the filmmakers have still managed to create one of the most human characters of the year. By mostly using his eyes, the animators are able to flawlessly display WALL-E's emotions. In one scene, his eyes droop with sadness when EVE calls him Wally. When he panics or is happy, his eyes rise in an outburst of emotion. The life that the filmmakers are able to find in such simple mannerisms is incredible. Even the beeps and whirs, provided masterfully by legendary sound designer Ben Burtt, increase an already rich and lovable character to terrific heights. The character of WALL-E is just superb, as is the rest of the movie. WALL-E has just raised the bar for future animated movies. Pixar Animation Studios has already crafted many animated classics. WALL-E joins them without question. The visuals are compelling, the characters are endlessly endearing and the story is told with beauty, wit, imagination and humanity. I couldn't have asked for more.

   

Ratatouille Linguini 8 1/2" Action Figure
From DISNEY

Linguini, Remy's chef-in-training partner from, " Ratatouille," features fully-articulated, poseable arms. legs and neck!
Amazon Sales Rank: #271187 in Toys & Games

   

Ratatouille [Blu-ray]
Directed by Brad Bird

No Description Available.
Amazon Sales Rank: #756 in DVD Brand: Buena Vista Home Video Released on: 2007-11-06 Rating: G (General Audience) Aspect ratio: 2.35:1 Formats: Anamorphic, Animated, Color, Dolby, Subtitled Original language: English, French, Spanish Number of discs: 1 Dimensions: 1.00 pounds Running time: 111 minutes
One key point: if you can get over the natural gag reflex of seeing hundreds of rodents swarming over a restaurant kitchen, you will be free to enjoy the glory of Ratatouille, a delectable Pixar hit. Our hero is Remy, a French rat (voiced by Patton Oswalt) with a cultivated palate, who rises from his humble beginnings to become head chef at a Paris restaurant. How this happens is the stuff of Pixar magic, that ineffable blend of headlong comedy, seamless technology, and wonder (in the latter department, this movie's views of nighttime Paris are on a par with French cinema at its most lyrical). Director Brad Bird (The Incredibles) doesn't quite keep all his spinning plates in the air, but the gags are great and the animation amazingly expressive--Remy's shrugs and nods are nimbler than many flesh-and-blood actors can manage. Refreshingly, the movie's characters aren't celebrity-reliant, with the most recognizable voice coming from Peter O'Toole's snide food critic. (This fellow provides the film's sole sour note--an oddly pointed slap at critics, those craven souls who have done nothing but rave about Pixar's movies over the years.) Brad Bird's style is more quick-hit and less resonant than the approach of Pixar honcho John Lasseter, but it's hard to complain about a movie that cooks up such bountiful pleasure. --Robert HortonBeyond Ratatouille on Blu-ray Ratatouille on DVD Ratatouille Toys & More Other Classic Pixar Hits Stills from Ratatouille (Click for larger image)
A Rat Chef Dishes Up Delights...Bon Appetit! Once again, the creative minds behind Pixar have created enchantment ... possibly their best film in years. Everyone loves Ratatouille...even though he is a rat in the kitchen. Indeed, the idea of rats in an upscale restaurant would normally have us run for cover. Nevertheless, the movie successfully blends the themes of the Ugly Duckling with Cyrano de Bergerac to come up with a fantastic story. Remy is a simple rat with an extraordinary nose. His idol is a great French chef who lectures on the Food Channel. "Anyone Can Cook" is his mantra. So when Remy and his rat family have to leave their homes, Remy accidentally ends up in the very kitchen of this great Chef. Alas, the great chef has passed away, and the food standards are falling, as well as the Michelin stars. To reverse this trend, Remy - the rat - teams up with a clueless scullery boy in the kitchen to whip up some wonderful recipes. Indeed, the rat's food creations are a hit with the customers. The problem, as in all Cyrano stories, is that no one knows who is really behind those wonderful recipes. And most important, will the most difficult restaurant critic in Paris condemn or praise the food that Remy prepares? Everything about this film is wonderful...the streets of Paris are recreated in rich colors and exquisite detail. I haven't seen a European city look this good in an animated film since Disney's "Pinocchio." Oh my, even the French copper pots look authentic. I laughed hysterically throughout the film...particularly the times when the rat conceals himself in a chef hat and rides the garbage boy like a cowboy on a bronco. Please don't miss this treat. Highly recommended. A Feast for the Eyes Ratatouille is a beautiful film and a wonderful showcase for your new Blu-ray player. As beautiful as this film was on screen, it's even more breathtaking on Blu-ray. Every detail and subtle color shine. I was truly blown away by the quality of the picture. As for the film itself, it holds up even better the second or third time around. Definitely a more sophisticated tale than what's usually expected in an animated film. And while really young children may squirm through a lot of this, that doesn't at all detract from the quality of this great film. Creative, amusing, heartfelt and ultimately satisfying, Ratatouille defies the genre - raising the bar once again on American animated films. PIXAR continues to create in an entirely different league than it's competitors. You can't even compare this film to anything else. It makes the ridiculously popular Shrek look, well, green. Bonus features are entertaining, particularly the well-concieved short on the history of Rats. New Blu-ray Bonus materials let you interact with the film in new ways making the "Making Of" featurette quite imersive. Most of the info is for student's and hard core fans of animation. The short LIFTED also appears on this disc as well as the just released PIXAR SHORTS DVD/Blu-ray. While it lacks the high adventure and fan-boy characters of some of Pixar's earlier works, Rataouille will be regarded with more and more acclaim as time goes by. Critic's rightfully praised the film in it's theatrical release but American audiences didn't take to it as eagerly as past films. The overseas market has been strong, bringing in quite a bit more Internationally than other Pixar hits, which is an interesting side note I think. What it says about American tastes and tolerance for animation that isn't Happy Meal ready is sobering. Bon appetit! Considering the Disney empire was founded on a mouse, it would be harsh to dismiss Ratatouille simply because it's about a rat as even the most rodent-phobic will be melting for this charming dish. This is Pixar's second collaboration with Disney since it's fusion. And while Ratatouille may lack the pioneering invention and sardonic wit of some of Pixar's previous films, there is plenty to enjoy. Ratatouille has a culinary flavour as it tells the story of Remy, a rat with a passion for cooking. Much of the film is set in the kitchen of Gusteau's, a restaurant so realistically rendered it's possible to almost smell the mouthwatering aromas lingering around. Remy is possessed with a more sophisticated taste than his brother Emile and the rest of his rat colony. He is visited by the ghost of his cooking hero, Gusteau, whose motto is 'Anyone can cook' and encourages Remy to use his catering skills to rescue his restaurant whose reputation has floundered since his passing. Once there, Remy befriends Linguini, the garbage boy. Hiding under Linguini's chef's hat, Remy indicates the talentless boy how to create fabulous dishes, quickly raising both Linguini's and the restaurant's reputation. Ratatouille cleverly explores the restaurant world with its envious rivalries and turbulent kitchen politics. Through stories of jealousy, intrigue, friendship and love, Ratatouille tells us what it takes to overcome a lack of self esteem and to become the person (or rat) you were meant to be. Ratatouille is also filled with other life's lessons. How do you deal with family members who don't see the potential in you? How do you handle people who are emotionally close to you who want you to bend the law for their benefit? Do you become something bigger than you are, or can you achieve the same results by just being honest? Like any good story, this one operates at many levels. Children will love the simplicity of the message, the funny chases, while adults will love the complexity and reality of the relationships. Ratatouille is the name of a simple peasant food that if prepared with care, will rival anything you can serve in the best restaurants of the world. It is also symbolic of our own lives. It may be simple, but if we lead it with care, love and kindness, it will be as good and valuable as the life of the most notorius man in the world.

   

Disney Pixar Ratatouille Movie EXCLUSIVE Collector's Talking Action Figure Remy
From Disney

Includes a small mushroom, a wedge of cheese and a slice of lemon along with a mini Gusteau and Remy the Rat. Says sevreal phrases
Amazon Sales Rank: #57083 in Toys & Games

   

Independence Day [Blu-ray]
Directed by Roland Emmerich

One of the biggest box office hits of all time delivers the ultimate encounter when mysterious and powerful aliens launch an all-out invasion against the human race. The spectacle begins when massive spaceships appear in Earth's skies. But wonder turns to terror as the ships blast destructive beams of fire down on cities all over the planet. Now the world's only hope lies with a determinded band of survivors, uniting for one last strike against the invaders - before it's the end of all mankind.

essential video In Independence Day, a scientist played by Jeff Goldblum once actually had a fistfight with a man (Bill Pullman) who is now president of the United States. That same president, late in the film, personally flies a jet fighter to deliver a payload of missiles against an attack by extraterrestrials. Independence Day is the kind of movie so giddy with its own outrageousness that one doesn't even blink at such howlers in the plot. Directed by Roland Emmerich, Independence Day is a pastiche of conventions from flying-saucer movies from the 1940s and 1950s, replete with icky monsters and bizarre coincidences that create convenient shortcuts in the story. (Such as the way the girlfriend of one of the film's heroes--played by Will Smith--just happens to run across the president's injured wife, who are then both rescued by Smith's character who somehow runs across them in alien-ravaged Los Angeles County.) The movie is just sheer fun, aided by a cast that knows how to balance the retro requirements of the genre with a more contemporary feel. --Tom Keogh
Good transfer, but still disappointing I have to say that I'm a big fan of this film, and I already own the DVD. Most of those wanting to buy this film on Bluray are those who have already seen it and liked it, so I won't comment on the movie content itself, but rather the technical and supplemental aspects of this release. I borrowed a friend's copy of the BD version of ID4 just a few weeks ago, as I was contemplating whether to add this to my small but growing blu-ray collection. The picture and audio are superb, and watching this on my new LCD at 1080p with the lossless DTS-MA audio track really transported me back to the July of '96, when I watched this on the big screen. This movie has certainly aged well these thirteen years, and the special effects are still terrific even today. While watching, I was pretty much set on adding this to my collection. That is, until after I finished watching the movie and wanted to see the extras in HD. The DVD version I have contains two discs and a lot of extras, including an alternate ending, making-of feature, trailers, and cast/crew interviews. Sadly, in this BD release there are none, not even in standard definition. The only "extra" is a commentary track, which, as an another reviewer already pointed out, is laughably outdated. At $25, I would expect more than just a movie and nothing else. The Dark Knight BD had two discs plus a digital copy for the same price- that was justifiable, even in this economy. This... isn't. FOX is notorious for double-dipping their DVD and Blu-ray releases. I would imagine that a two-disc or dual-layered "special edition" version will come out over the next year or so. Needless to say, this BD release is quite a disappointment. An Outstanding DVD Package! Studios are finally getting the whole DVD thing! This is a truly worth-your-money deal with lots of extras including two versions of the film; the first version is the original theatrical release and the second version is a directors cut featuring about 9 minutes of added footage not released in theatres. What's really great about this is they list what new scenes have been included and some of them are really funny and some of them make the story a lot more heartfelt. Also included is a second disc that includes a really cool mockumentary called "The ID4 Invasion" which is truly a priceless gem in this great collection. Also, there is commentary, lots of interviews with cast and crew, a special effects documentary on the making of the film and the original biplane ending which unfortunately looks really hokey and what I felt after watching it was-THANK GOD THEY DIDN'T GO WITH THAT ENDING-THAT ENDING WOULD'VE MADE THIS MOVIE A "REAL" DISASTER! For a product like this under $30 it is totally worth your money. For those who appreciated this movie as a special effects funfest, this DVD is not one to be passed up. For those of you boring types who felt this movie needed a "serious acting edge" buy Out of Africa and leave science fiction alone! Cheers! Independence Day This is one of my most favorite movies!! It is hard to pick which is better the cast, special effects or writing. The special effects go without saying - superb. The timing on some of the events like the synchronized takedown of the different cities could not have been done better. I can't say enough nice things about the cast. Will Smith was funny at times and yet still the tragic hero. Randy Quaid was priceless! Jeff Goldblum was more likeable in this movie than I have ever seen him in the past. I also thought Robert Loggia and Bill Pullman were well chosen. While the script was similar to movies done in the past, there was a new spin on it. I particularly liked the scene when Bill Pullman gave his speech prior to fighting the enemy. Some borrowed history from a Dylan Thomas' poem was genius.

   

Disney Pixar Ratatouille Collectibles Movie Figure - Remy In a Jar
From Disney

Disney Pixar Ratatouille Collectibles Movie Figure - Remy In a Jar
Amazon Sales Rank: #56253 in Toys & Games Dimensions: 7.00" h x 5.00" w x 5.00" l, 1.00 pounds

   

Pixarpedia
By DK Publishing

From before

Review
"Truly written with a young audience in mind, this hefty, encyclopedia-style tome is jam-packed with beautifully reproduced movie images presented in stunning large-size format or artfully arranged in eye-catching layouts along with brief explanatory narrative and captions. The book begins with a summary of the company's creation, a step-by-step flow chart of how Pixar movies are made, and a time line. Next, each Pixar film (including Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Wall-E, Up, and more) is introduced in a sizable entry that covers plot basics, characters, and settings. Final spreads cull from all of the movies to highlight various themes (e.g., friendship, villains, etc.) and present behind-the-scenes facts about each production. Brief bios and photos of real Pixar employees are sprinkled throughout, inspiring future filmmakers. With plenty of visuals to look at and lots of interesting tidbits to discover, this is one of those reference works that will draw kids into the library again and again to explore its pages." --School Library Journal, September 21, 2009

"[A] lavish, full-color, kid-friendly roundup of everything Pixar. It ranges from a brief history of the company to hints on finding the inside jokes and references in each Pixar film -- and everything else in-between! In fact, calling it "A Complete Guide to the World of Pixar... And Beyond!" may actually be selling it a bit short. ... Many of these spreads are poster-worthy! [O]ne of the best coffee-table books ever produced for an audience too young for coffee." --ComicsWorthReading.com, October 3, 2009

A Must Have for Pixar Fans
This is an awesome book. The layout and design of this book is done extremely well. Packed full of images, movie stills, character art, & poster art this book gives fans of all ages a behind-the-scenes description and analysis of PIXAR films. Featuring movie facts, film plots as well as character bios, this 350 page book is an excellent guide to the world of PIXAR. PIXAR shot films are also included in this book such as, One Man Band, Mike's New Car, Presto, Lifted, Mater and the Ghostlight and more! Although this book is written at a young adult age level, it is a must have for any PIXAR fan.

Beautiful Book
If your a Pixar Fan, this is a must have. The pages are filled with screen shots of all the different movies and characters. If your interested in more of the process of how Pixar makes their movies, then you need to look at the individual "Making of" books for more in depth, behind the scenes action. Being an encyclopedia of Pixar I would have hoped to learn a bit more about the people and process from Pixar. Don't get me wrong, it's a cool book to look at, and there are a few pages about the people and process. But it is about the movies, mainly.

Must Own
Must own for any animation, pixar, film, or cartoon buff. Also fantastic if you want to wow your friends with "inside" knowledge about the films!

   

Disney Ratatouille 12" Remy Plush Doll
From Disney

Cute plush collectible
For the plush toy fan, this foot tall Remy from Disney's Ratatouille is sure to be a hit. His cute face, whiskers, feet and paws make him cuddly, the ears and tail make him look like a real rat! There's not much to do with this toy except display him if you're a collector, or tuck him under the covers if you're a kid. There is no voice, no sound, nothing. Other versions of this toy sold in stores offer a push button on the paw which will make Remy speak a few lines from the movie, which by the way, is one of the best films for youngsters in a long while with lots of positive messages of loyalty and friendship throughout. A refreshing change of pace and very original.

   

The Student Council
By David Dasilma

“It was all about respect. Yes, from the start, this whole damn thing was about respect. I believe you can’t trade respect in for anything in this world. However, in order to get respect, you need money and power. At least that’s the case where I’m from. I’ll be the first to tell you that I have that respect. The student council has that respect. It still lives on and it will never, ever die.”—Giles Chanesworth The Student Council is the story of the fourteen British Columbian teens that, in the late 1990s, rebuilt the notorious “Chanesworth Crime Family.” Within these pages, David Dasilma cinematically carries you through the rise and fall of yesterday’s youngest organized criminals. Chanesworth and his crew capture your heart in this novel as you realize that behind the criminally efficient exteriors lay the mixed emotions and typical confusions of everyday high school kids.

A New Classic
First of all, I must say I am a huge fan of gangster films, and with American Gangster coming out following last year's The Departed, I have a newfound love for the genre. Prior to those last two films, contemporary gangster films have sucked for the most part.

Dasilma's "The Student Council" falls right alongside the new slew of hardcore mobster tales. I was actually surprised at how smoothly the story flowed. It was as though I were watching a film. The love story, the violence, and the narrative style were all thumbs up.

This author is the Tarantino of written crime.
I recommend this book to anyone; it's a real page turner and quick enough to warrant future reads.

I look forward to Denzel Washington's new film as well and I hope Hollywood produces this novel one day.

NJ

`CRUEL INTENTIONS' MEETS `GOODFELLAS' & The Author's Message
The following Press Release by Renee Kenner of TCI Smith Publicity (NJ/NYC):

`CRUEL INTENTIONS' MEETS `GOODFELLAS' IN NEW TEENAGE LITERARY ANTHEM

Money, respect, and power make the world go `round. CEO's of billion dollar corporations, politicians, athletes and entertainment celebrities all have it. People with influence, control the world - at least for a time.

In high school, the social hierarchy is similar. The star football player or the richest kids in school are usually the trendsetters and have the most influence on the student population. What they wear, have and do usually dictates what the rest of the student body population will wear, have and do. The kids that don't have it will do almost anything to obtain it. Those that don't have money, cool clothes or new car will steal.

No respect? Take it forcefully. Kill for it.

That's exactly what The Student Council did. Written by David Dasilma and based on his teenage years, The Student Council, an exciting, fast-paced drama centers around 14 high schoolers growing up in British Columbia.

While going through the emotional and hormonally charged highs and lows of normal teenage life, they also form an organized crime family. Taking place in the mid to late 90's, the teens re-establish the notorious "Chanesworth Crime Family." As the students gain the status and power of an organized crime mob, they also gain the problems that come along with it.

Dasilma, an actor and film producer, wrote The Student Council in hopes of opening the doors to those that normally don't read books, but love a good movie. "This was written first and foremost, for movie lovers who aren't necessarily avid readers," remarks Dasilma. "I started out writing The Student Council as a screenplay but it ended up evolving into a book."

He combines the most popular movie themes and ongoing issues in today's society in the book: power, popularity, organized crime, youth and corruption.

Dasilma points to the fascination with organized crime as a reason for writing the book.

"I have yet to understand why people are fascinated with those who wreak havoc on society. Perhaps it's the allure of the dark side we all have or what we secretly wish we could do, or would do," says Dasilma. "Yet, if we were affected by this element in real life we would be horrfied by it."

He also points out the influence of organized crime on today's youth with The Student Council; in particular, hip-hop.

"Almost every crew in hip hop models themselves as dynasties and families the way the mafia does it," says Dasilma. "It'll be a proud day for me when artists start using `Chanesworth Crime Family' references in classic gangster tunes."

"I hope my book," Dasilma adds, "cinematically carries you through the rise and fall of yesterday's youngest organized criminals. Chanesworth and his crew capture your heart as you realize that behind the criminally efficient exteriors lay the mixed emotions and typical confusions of everyday high school kids."

About the author

David Dasilma is from Surrey, British Columbia in the town of Fleetwood. He attended the Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts for Acting, attended Valencia Community College in Orlando, Florida and graduated with his AA Degree.

He was a local actor in Vancouver, British Columbia (1999-2003).
Currently a Soldier in the US Army, he plans on returning to Film after service obligation.

***********************************************************************
FROM THE AUTHOR

This novel is not a glorification of violence and organized crime; this is entertainment.

The Student Council is a classic Organized Criminal tale that had to be told.

Enjoy this novel and keep your eye open for "Heaven's Devils"...it's on the way. Details soon.

David Dasilma

The Student Council

Interesting Read
I met David on a flight home to Seattle from a business meeting in Chicago. I doubt I would have ordered this book had it not been for the very pleasant conversation we had on the flight. I'm so glad that I ordered it. The book reads like a movie, it held my interest and I truly enjoyed it. I handed it over to my husband and he really enjoyed the story. It was hard to put down once I got in to the story. This is not the type of story I normally pick up to read, but I'm really glad that I did this time.

The Student Council