Tag Archives: #DVD

Bringing Books to Life for Kids

Bringing books to life for children is a lot of fun and a wonderful learning opportunity for young minds. Reading aloud, drawing pictures and imaginary play are just a few ways you can do this at home which gives children an opportunity to work on reading comprehension, creative thinking, recognising letters, numbers, colours, shapes and patterns, listening, exploring social and emotional skills and sharing and taking turns.

As we grow older our books can also come to life through audio books where the author is reading us their book with amazing inflection and passion, or through television and movie adaptations.

Here are a few of our favourite children’s books that have come alive.

 

Books we can watch…

 

Charlotte’s Web written by E.B White

An affectionate, sometimes bashful pig named Wilbur befriends a spider named Charlotte, who lives in the rafters above his pen. A prancing, playful bloke, Wilbur is devastated when he learns of the destiny that befalls all those of porcine persuasion. Determined to save her friend, Charlotte spins a web that reads “Some Pig,” convincing the farmer and surrounding community that Wilbur is no ordinary animal and should be saved. In this story of friendship, hardship, and the passing on into time, E.B. White reminds us to open our eyes to the wonder and miracle often found in the simplest of things.

The DVD is available here.

 

 

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are a prize-winning team and the creators of many bestselling books for Macmillan. Julia Donaldson was a songwriter before becoming an author, and music continues to play an important part in her life. She is always much in demand for her brilliant events at schools and literary festivals. Axel Scheffler is a star illustrator within the children’s book world, and his books have been translated into over 30 languages. His bright, humorous illustrations are a perfect complement to Julia’s lively songs.

The DVD is available here.

 

Books we listen to…

 

Road Dahl’s Phizz-Whizzing Audio Collection by Roald Dahl

Spread over eight CDs, these three sumptuous recordings are complete and unabridged, allowing listeners to enjoy Dahl’s work word for word. The stories in this collection have all been skilfully brought to life. ”Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” read by James Bolam (Abridged): Charlie Bucket thinks he is the luckiest boy alive when he wins an amazing tour of Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory. It’s a tour of a lifetime that changes his life beyond belief! “The BFG” read by Geoffrey Palmer (Abridged): The BFG is a Big Friendly Giant who spirits Sophie out of bed one night. Together, Sophie and the BFG cook up an ingenious plan to rid the world of child-eating giants forever! “James and the Giant Peach” read by Andrew Sachs (Unabridged): James lives a lonely life with his two beastly aunts.Then one day, something very peculiar happens, something magical that will take him on the most amazing journey …

The books are available here.

 

Beatrix Potter The Complete Tales by Beatrix Potter

This is a fabulous six-CD audio box-set containing the entire collection of stories by Beatrix Potter, complete and unabridged. The twenty-three tales have never lost their popularity, and sell in their millions all over the world. Meet the famous characters that children love and adore: Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin, The Flopsy Bunnies, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, Tom Kitten, Jeremy Fisher, Jemima Puddle-Duck and many more. These stories are beautifully brought to life by a talented cast of readers, including Patricia Routledge, Timothy West, Michael Hordern, Janet Maw, and Rosemary Leach.

The books are available here.

 

Books we can colour and play with…

 

I Completely Must Do Drawing Now and Painting and Colouring by Lauren Child

Even the rainiest of days is no match for the wonderful imaginations of Charlie and Lola! It may be dull outside, but Charlie and Lola’s world is full of colourful adventure, and with this unique colouring book, kids can join in on the fun. With simple text on the page, activities, and tons of space to draw, the possibilities are endless! It’s the perfect way to bring imagination to life – rainy day or any day!

 

 

Maisy’s Farm by Lucy Cousins

This is a huge favourite in our house. This pop-up-and-play book opens up with a free-standing model of Maisy’s barn, garden and farmyard. It comes with a sixteen-page full-colour booklet that features learning activities based on Maisy’s day on the farm. In each room, there’s a sheet of card pieces to press out, tabs to pull, doors to open and more…so much fun!

 

 

Also…

Keep an eye out for the new initiative from Play School. In celebration of Children’s Book Week this year there will be a delightful new Play School series featuring some of Australia’s much loved celebrities as they snuggle up on the couch and read entertaining picture books written by Australian authors and they will be accompanied by Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima, Humpty and Joey.

Enjoy!

The Best DVD Box Sets of 2015

2015 has been a great year for DVD releases, so compiling this “Best of” list has been tough.  I have scoured the world to find these hilarious, absorbing, and downright gorgeous box sets.  Perfect for some downtime as we approach the frantic end-of-year period; these box sets also make excellent gifts – for a favourite someone, or just for yourself!
These titles hail from several different DVD/Blu-ray regions, so do check whether they will be compatible with your media players.  In many cases, an edition suitable for your country will be available.

 

Mad Men: The Complete Collection (Blu-ray and Digital HD) [Region A/1]

My absolute favourite is this Mad Men Limited Edition Gift Set, as stylish as the show itself.  23 discs containing all 7 seasons of the show, all previously-released special features and commentaries, plus over 4 hours of exclusive new special features including Cast Wrap Ups and Show Timelines.  And to get you into the spirit of things (pun intended), two handmade low-ball tumblers and four themed cork coasters.  All packaged in elegant black, white and red.  So pour that whiskey sour, settle into your mid-century armchair, and relive that Mad Men magic once more.  This gift set also comes in DVD format.  The complete final season (Series 7) is also available separately.

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X Files – The Collector’s Set (Blu-ray) [Region A/1]

As one iconic show wraps up, another is reborn.  The X-Files revival, a six-episode “event series”, will premiere in late January 2016.   Helmed by original creator Chris Carter, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson will reprise their roles as Mulder and Scully.  Will the new episodes be as good as the originals?  Inform your decision by revisiting the original show – a ground-breaker that has become a significant influence on media and pop culture in general.

This Collector’s Set is the first time The X-File has been available in Blu-ray.  Containing the nine original series (202 episodes) plus over 23 hours of extras, the compendium box has also thoughtfully set aside space for the 2016 series.

 

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Utopia The Complete Series [Region 4]

Utopia is a deadpan satire about public service bureaucracy – however, such a simple description does not do it justice.  Think The Office with a dash of Yes, Minister.  Focussing on the fictional Nation Building Authority (NBA), Utopia shows how grand plans and great visions are compromised and eroded by red tape and political fickleness until nothing can be achieved.  A central irony is that the less the NBA achieves, the more it finds favour with the government.  The creators’ observations are spot-on and eerily prescient, with some of the absurd-sounding story arcs coming true in recent months.  Its depictions of the frustrations of working life is so realistic that some public servants describe it as documentary.

 

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Doctor Who – 10 Christmas Specials [Region 4]

The Doctor Who Christmas Special is a highlight of Christmas TV viewing, and has become a tradition for many.  These stand-alone movie-length episodes often include big-name guest stars (Kylie Minogue comes to mind) and are a good introduction to the Doctor Who universe.  Bearing in mind that they are usually the most-watched episodes of the year, the show’s writers often include key plot points into these stories, including new companions and Doctor regenerations.  So here is a collection of all ten official Christmas Specials from 2005-2014, starring Doctors Eleven to Thirteen (aka David Tennant, Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi). Each set contains a bonus gift – Christmas cards for Regions 2 and 4, while Region 1 is offering a sonic screwdriver!

 

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries Series 3 (Complete) [Region 1]

Take one gutsy, racy lady detective, put her in the glamorous Jazz Age, add a string of carefully-plotted mysteries, and you’ll begin to understand why Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries has become a favourite world-wide.  Closely based on Kerry Greenwood’s beloved novels, the show has an enormously entertaining heroine, who is strong, independent and liberated.  The series is a visual feast, with acclaimed set and costume designs recreating the 1920s based on the author’s meticulous research.  Series 1 and Series 2 DVDs are also available.

 

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Archer Complete Seasons 1-3 [Region 2]

If you think James Bond is politically incorrect and gives spies a bad name, you probably haven’t watched Archer. Sterling Archer is a suave, egotistical and highly accomplished secret agent.  He is also extremely dangerous because he is into espionage for the thrills and the jet-setting lifestyle.  The outrageous story arcs follow Archer and his spy agency colleagues, including his mother (who happens to be his boss), and his ex-girlfriend (who happens to be a fellow agent).  Archer is a fast and furious spoof of 60s/70s spy shows, mixing retro stereotypes with futuristic technology.  It is rude, violent and very funny.  Animation that is definitely not for kids.

 

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Miffy 60th Anniversary Collection [Region 4]

Miffy, the sweet little bunny star of books, TV series and a film, celebrates her 60th birthday in 2015.  Stories about Miffy and her friends are available in over 50 languages, and are part of many childhoods worldwide.  This 3-disc set contains episodes of the original TV animation series, that shows Miffy and her friends having fun doing, making and learning.  These are short, gentle stories that will engage even very young children.

 

Horrible Histories Series 1-6 & Specials Box Set [Region 2]

The creators of Horrible Histories know that grossness and jokes about bodily functions work for kids, and have used them to great effect in a show that combines music, comedy, and “the horrible bits of history”.  Based on the books by Terry Deary, what started as children’s edutainment grew into a ratings winner with a cult adult following, picking up many awards along the way.  Horrible Histories is subversive, satirical, and has an impressive cast and creative team drawn from the UK comedy scene.  This new box set contains the five original series, plus Series 6 (a reboot produced this year), as well as four Specials episodes.

 

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Life Story narrated by David Attenborough [Region 4]

Sir David Attenborough’s documentaries are the gold standard in natural history broadcasting.  It is amazing that, after almost 40 years, he can still find fascinating stories and craft amazing footage to keep us riveted.  Life Story follows the journey from birth to parenthood, with each episode focussing on a different life stage, such as Growing Up, and Courtship.  We see the myriad challenges animals must face just to survive from day to day, and to reach their ultimate goal – producing and ensuring the survival of their offspring.  There’s plenty of drama, pathos and humour to enrich the stunning visuals.