TOY STORY
Disney/Pixar DVD

- It has been ten years since Toy Story, the first computer generated animation movie, hit the big screen and launched a cartoon revolution. "Toy Story" is an incredibly likable tale about the life of toys when they're alone. Woody (Tom Hanks), an old-fashioned cowboy doll, is Andy's favorite toy. But, when Andy gets Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) for his birthday, life among the toys in his room is forever changed. Buzz is flashy and modern with his own cardboard ship, flashing buttons and a pair of wings. Woody can't help but be a little jealous as Buzz takes center stage with among the toys and in Andy's imagination. The rivalry results in both Woody and Buzz landing in Sid's room -- the mean kid next door and who knows if they'll survive.

"Toy Story" has a believable story with human emotions, chase scenes and plenty of action. But, it was also the computer generated look of the film which featured some of the most beloved toys -- the Piggy Bank, Mr. Potato Head, the Ring Dog, Little Bo Peep, the Green Plastic Soldiers, etc.

The Bonus Features include a behind the scenes look of the creation of the characters and the setting of Andy's house, room, a pizza parlor, etc. There are hilarious deleted scenes, an all-new game, "The Claw" and an interesting documentary about the animator's reflections. This is solid entertainment!

LOST: The Complete First Season
Buena Vista Home Entertainment

- An airplane traveling from Australia to Los Angeles crashes on a remote, deserted island and there are 48 survivors. Convinced that rescue planes will arrive soon, the survivors set up camp on the beach. But, when a terrifying howl is heard from the jungle, they realize that this isn't an ordinary island. "Lost" is an intensely enjoyable viewing experience!

An instant hit from the first air date, "Lost" is a fictional mix of TV's "Survivor" and "Lord of the Flies" with a possible dash of "Jurassic Park." The mysterious island offers comfort and danger. One of the survivors is Jack (Matthew Fox "Party of Five"), a doctor who quickly becomes the leader of the group. He suggests they find the transceiver from the front of the plane so that can radio for help. Not only is the transceiver not working, but the survivors learn that they are 1,000 miles off course and there is a large killer animal occupying the island.

What's intriguing about the series is the way it pulls the audience into the story. Yes, the howl and scary grunts of animals -- and possibly a monster -- tap audience curiosity. The island has been made into a complex character. But, veteran producer, J.J. Abrams ("Alias") and Damon Lindelof uses flashbacks to inform us of each person's past life and possible motive for present behavior. Jack had issues with his doctor dad; earthy Kate (Evangeline Lilly) is running for the law; big-guy Hurley won the lottery with a spooky set of numbers; Michael (Harold Perrineau "OZ") has just been reunited with his young son, Walt (Malcolm David Kelley "Antowine Fisher"); Sawyer (Josh Halloway) is a con man; Sayid (Naveen Andrews), a communications specialist was in the Iraqi Imperial Guard; Sun (Yunjin Kim), the Korean wife of a businessman, Jin (Daniel Dae Kim) was about to abandon her husband and a wheelchair bound middle manager, Locke (Terry Quinn "Millennium") has been transformed into skillful outdoors man. There is also a warring brother and sister (Ian Somerholder and Maggie Grace); an 8th months pregnant woman, Claire (Emilie De Ravin "Roswell") and drug addicted former rock star, Charlie (Dominic Monaghan "Lord of the Rings").

There is mystery, intrigue and secrets! Is the island haunted or inhabited? Who is the mysterious passenger who wants Claire's baby? Will Kate do just about anything to get off the island? Matthew Fox is good as the compassionate doctor and Terry Quinn, who is a familiar face from "X-Files, is excellent as Locke, a man transformed by the island. He may have metaphysical reasons for exploring the island. The entire cast is really quite good and newcomer, Evangeline Lilly is superb. She's an assertive woman who can read people really well. Josh Halloway as Sawyer has become a favorite with his handsome manly looks and bad boy attitude.

The 7 disc set is stuff with loads of visual treats. Besides the commentaries with cast and creators, there are several documentaries including "Welcome To Oahu: the Making of the Pilot," The "Lost" Flashbacks, On Location and Designing a Disaster. There are also deleted scenes, bloopers from the set, and several featurettes of on the Jimmy Kimmel show, "Lost at Comic-Con." Live From the Museum of Television & Radio and much, much more. Fans of the show will be absolutely delighted because watching the episodes back to back is even more powerful than network viewing.

SMALLVILLE: The Complete Fourth Season
Warner Home Entertainment

- It's Senior year for the denizens of Smallville High and events are definitely taking shape regarding the legend of Superman. Lois Lane (Erica Durance), Clark Kent's future love appears on the scene searching for answers about her dead cousin, Chloe (Allison Mack). Clark (Tom Welling) has returned from outer space and his visit to his home planet. His father, Jonathan Kent (John Schneider) is recovering from a heart attack and his devoted wife, Martha (Annette O'Toole) is by his bedside. Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk) suddenly returns from a thrilling summer in Paris and her new boyfriend, Jason (Jenson Ackles) follows to be with her. And, lastly, Lex Luther (Michael Rosenbaum) has taken over Luther Corp while his father, Lionel (John Glover) serves out a prison sentence for the murder of his own parents. Of course, this is over simplify life in Smallville.

The search for three magic elemental stones is the obsession of Lana, whose secret ancestor was burned at the stake as a witch and Jason's conniving mother, Genevieve Teague (Jane Seymour), descendant of the noble woman who sentenced Lana's kin. Chloe isn't dead and Mr. Kent recovers his health. Clark's secret powers are revealed to one of his closest friends with surprising results and Lex begins to realize his true nature. Lastly, Lionel goes through an incredible personal journey.

In order words, "Smallville," is still that picture postcard looking place with weird things happening because of the meteor collision. Characters pop up with awesome powers to age, freeze things, erase memories, teleport themselves, etc. Clark is still struggling with his secrets and still in love with Lana, who has moved on. The series is still a smart metaphor who being different and finding unique ways to cope with adolescent craziness. There is also intense sensual undercurrent and pent-up sexual desire. Lex admits his desire for Lana. Clark nearly consummates a brief marriage. These are the sexiest teens on television.

The 6 disc set includes all 22 episodes, unaired scenes, commentary by cast and crew and several featurettes. "Being Lois Lane" has the big screen actor, Margot Kidder commenting on the role. There is also bonus material on the DVD-ROM internet connection. Fans will adore this new season!

SING ALONG SONGS: Disneyland Fun; At Walt Disney World; At Animal Kingdom
Disney DVD

- All new to DVD and wonderful collection of songs that kids of all ages will enjoy! Dozens of new and favorite songs like "Oh, Susanna!" "Comin' Round the Mountain," and "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah!" are featured.

CINDERLELLa: Platinum Edition
Disney DVD

- Walt Disney's original classic fairytale is beautifully restored in this platinum edition. The familiar story about the beautiful poor step-sister, Cinderella who is granted her wish of attending the Royal Ball and meeting the prince by her Fairy Godmother is a universal tale of faith, wishfulfilment and feminine fantasy. The story taps into the jealousy and cruelty in families and the strength to survive and overcome such hardship. Cinderella's Fairy Godmother turns a pumpkin into an magnificant coach and creates an elegant gown for her to wear. There are wonderful songs and esquisite animation.

The 2-disc set includes deleted scenes, a documentary about the inspiring story, a Making of featurette and a sneak peak of the All-New Movie,"Cinderella III." there are also games, music videos and DVD-ROm features. Girls of all ages will be delighted!

Edited by Veronica Mixon
images courtesy of Buena Vista, Disney and Warner.

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