Tag: elmo

  • Win SESAME STREET: ELMO’S MAGIC NUMBERS on DVD!

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    In conjunction with Warner Bros., we’re giving away five (5) copies of SESAME STREET: ELMO’S MAGIC NUMBERS on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, August 15th.

    Enter the contest!
    Email:
    First name:
    Last name:
    Street Address:
    Address Line 2 (if needed):
    City:
    State/Province/Whatever:
    Zip Code/Postal Code:
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    Birth Day:
    Birth Year:

    Official Rules

    No member of FRED Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.

    No Purchase necessary to win.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

    One entry per day, per person.

    All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, August 15th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win SESAME STREET: SINGING WITH THE STARS on DVD!

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    In conjunction with Sesame Workshop, we’re giving away three (3) copies of SESAME STREET: SINGING WITH THE STARS on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, May 16th.

    Enter the contest!
    Email:
    First name:
    Last name:
    Street Address:
    Address Line 2 (if needed):
    City:
    State/Province/Whatever:
    Zip Code/Postal Code:
    Country:
    Birth Month:
    Birth Day:
    Birth Year:

    Official Rules

    No member of FRED Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.

    No Purchase necessary to win.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

    One entry per day, per person.

    All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, May 16th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Weekend Shopping Guide 4/20/12: Childish Burgers

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    The weekend’s here. You’ve just been paid, and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. What’s a pop culture geek to do? In hopes of steering you in the right direction to blow some of that hard-earned cash, it’s time for the FRED Weekend Shopping Guide – your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…

    (Please support FRED by using the links below to make any impulse purchases – it helps to keep us going…)

    If you only know him from Derrick Comedy or Community, you owe it to yourself to partake of Donald Glover’s first stand-up special Donald Glover: Weirdo (E1, Not Rated, DVD-$14.99 SRP), recorded live in New York. Bonus materials include an interview and a bonus featurette.

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    Who doesn’t love being able to launch things at friends, foes, and family alike with their very own desktop catapult? Particularly when that desktop catapult launches safety-friendly foam balls? Well, that’s just what the Air Strike Catapult ($14.99) lobs, with a range of up to 40 feet. Yes, you know you want one. So head over to Thinkgeek and get it. Just remember – the desktop arms race has begun.

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    Further closing the hole in fans’ complete collection of every episode, a pair of rather good Jon Pertwee 3rd Doctor stories – Doctor Who: The Daemons (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$34.98 SRP) and a new 2-disc special edition of Doctor Who: Carnival Of Monsters (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$34.98 SRP). Both are beautifully restored, considering that both suffered from the 1970’s-era BBC’s lack of care for the show’s master tapes. Both releases are jam-packed with the usual load of bonus materials, including commentaries, new documentaries, deleted scenes, interviews, ephemera, and more.

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    I’m delighted that my goof buddy Loren Bouchard’s brilliant Bob’s Burgers (Fox, Not Rated, DVD-$19.99 SRP) caught on in its debut season, because like all of Loren’s previous work, right back to Home Movies, his naturalistic, character-based comedy shines through the giddy absurdity of Bob Belcher and his family-run burger restaurant. Just pick this up, and watch it. Bonus materials include audio commentary, outtakes, featurettes, the original demo, a music video, and more.

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    While Meryl Streep is certainly wonderful in the role, it’s a shame that The Iron Lady (Anchor Bay, Rated PG-13, Blu-Ray-$39.99 SRP) isn’t a better film, because Margaret Thatcher was certainly an interesting, very controversial figure, and the movie doesn’t quite ever capture that. A shame, really. Bonus materials include a clutch of behind-the-scenes featurettes.

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    It’s one of those not-terribly-good releases that curious and completionist genre fans have been asking about for years, so they’ll be delighted to get Logan’s Run: The Complete Series (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$39.98 SRP), containing all 14 episodes of the small screen spin-off.

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    Kudos to director Brad Bird for helming Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (Paramount, Rated PG-13, Blu-Ray-$44.99 SRP), the third film in the Mission Impossible series starring Tom Cruise as IMF superagent Ethan Hunt, which also happens to be the most enjoyable outing of the bunch. In fact, so much so that I wouldn’t mind seeing another outing from Bird. Bonus materials include deleted scenes, an audio commentary, making-of featurettes, and more.

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    Just when you thought it was safe to assume that David Attenborough and the BBC’s nature documentary team couldn’t possibly top themselves comes the incredible beauty of Frozen Planet (BBC, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$24.98 SRP), which – as you can probably guess – explores Earth’s Arctic and Antarctic regions. Bonus materials include bonus featurettes and video diaries.

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    Time for another soundtrack round up for all of you fans of cinematic scores – you know who you are. First up is David Arnold & Michael Price’s score from the BBC’s superb Sherlock (Silva Screen, $13.97 SRP), followed by another bit of Brit goodness with Marco Beltrami’s haunting score to The Woman In Black (Silva Screen, $14.12 SRP), and the new 2-disc special edition of James Horner’s score for Jim Cameron’s Titanic (Sony Classical, $22.19 SRP), which contains the traditional classical works performed by the Titanic band.

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    Kiddies and hipsters alike will rejoice at the release of Yo Gabba Gabba: Super Spies (Nickelodeon, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP), which collects another 3 episodes of the trippy kinder show. But why no box sets?

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    While most of the talk has been about Michael Fassbender’s part in Steve McQueen’s Shame (Fox, Rated NC-17, Blu-Ray-$39.99 SRP) – and his wonderful performance – I found Carey Mulligan’s presence to be just as riveting in a tale about a pair of damaged siblings and how the secret, destructive lives they’re both living come crashing down around them as they slam together. Bonus materials include a clutch of featurettes.

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    As if Frozen Planet weren’t enough, another visually stunning nature documentary hits home video this week with IMAX: Born To Be Wild (Warner Bros., Rated G, 3D Blu-Ray-$44.95 SRP), which looks at the people who rescue and raise orphaned orangutans and elephants. And as if IMAX wasn’t lovely enough, the 3D version is definitely the one to get, just for that aforementioned cinematography popping out at you. Bonus materials include webisodes and trailers.

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    Elmo gets supersized in Sesame Street: Big Elmo Fun (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP), towering over the street in this collection of 3 full-length stories. Also included as a bonus is the video Monster Hits, featuring all your favorite Monster songs.

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    Fans can pick up the 7th volume of Seth MacFarlane’s often overlooked other series, American Dad (Fox, Not Rated, DVD-$24.99 SRP), which contains 19 episodes, audio commentaries, featurettes, and deleted scenes.

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    The adventures of Ben 10 come to a close with Ben 10 Ultimate Alien: The Ultimate Ending (Cartoon Network, Not Rated, DVD-$19.97 SRP), as he faces down both Dagon and Vilgax and everything comes crashing down.

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    The second season of Treme (HBO, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$79.98 SRP) brings the residents of New Orleans over a year past the events of Katrina, as the pieces remain fractured and the ability for the city to hold onto its identity seems an almost insurmountable task as people continue to move away and crime is on the rise. Bonus materials include audio commentaries, music commentaries, and featurettes.

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    Dance your weekend away – or at least watch the master do it – with a pair of deep catalogue release from the Warner Archive Collection starring the great Fred Astaire – The Sky’s The Limit & Living In A Big Way (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$17.95 each). Both are worth a spin based on charm alone.

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    How about a clutch of new releases from the History Channel? On the good side, you have a pair of documentaries worth a look-see, with Planet Egypt (History Channel, Not Rated, DVD-$24.95 SRP) exploring the ancient kingdom and its legacy, and The Presidents (History Channel, Not Rated, DVD-$29.95 SRP) exploring the lives and legends of the US Chief Executives. On the not-so-good side is their mostly obnoxious reality programming – which, granted, still has its fans, en masse – including the second volume of Only In America With Larry The Cable Guy (History Channel, Not Rated, DVD-$19.95 SRP), the fourth season of Billy The Exterminator (A&E, Not Rated, DVD-$19.95 SRP), the fifth season of the still-trucking Ice Road Truckers (History Channel, Not Rated, DVD-$29.95 SRP), and the third season of Top Shot (History Channel, Not Rated, DVD-$29.95 SRP).

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    So there you have it… my humble suggestions for what to watch, listen to, play with, or waste money on this coming weekend. See ya next week…

    -Ken Plume

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  • Win BEING ELMO on DVD!

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    In conjunction with New Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of BEING ELMO on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, May 2nd.

    Enter the contest!
    Email:
    First name:
    Last name:
    Street Address:
    Address Line 2 (if needed):
    City:
    State/Province/Whatever:
    Zip Code/Postal Code:
    Country:
    Birth Month:
    Birth Day:
    Birth Year:

    Official Rules

    No member of FRED Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.

    No Purchase necessary to win.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

    One entry per day, per person.

    All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, May 2nd.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Weekend Shopping Guide 4/6/12: Horsing Around

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    The weekend’s here. You’ve just been paid, and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. What’s a pop culture geek to do? In hopes of steering you in the right direction to blow some of that hard-earned cash, it’s time for the FRED Weekend Shopping Guide – your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…

    (Please support FRED by using the links below to make any impulse purchases – it helps to keep us going…)

    I didn’t think Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of the tale about a WWI cavalry War Horse (Dreamworks, Rated PG-13, Blu-Ray-$45.99 SRP) would be terribly interesting, but I shouldn’t have doubted Spielberg’s ability to at least ring a watchable flick out of material. And then make it into one of his strongest films in years, with a powerful sweep and emotional depth found in his best work. Bonus materials include an in-depth behind-the-scenes documentary, featurettes, and more.

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    What a brilliant geek alchemy the fine folks at LEGO unleash every time they release another their vehicle sets based on the classic Star Wars films, and all of the buttons are duly pushed with their new LEGO: X-Wing Fighter ($59.99), which perfectly replicates – in brick form – the workhorse starfighter of the Rebel Alliance. Not only do you get workable wings, but also minifigs of Luke Skywalker, R2-D2, Jek Porkins (!), & R5-D8. Come on – As soon as you know you can get a Porkins minifig, how can you not get this set?

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    One of the biggest surprises of last year was Chris Elliott’s triumphant return to television with the Adult Swim take on Walker, Texas Ranger, Eagleheart (Adult Swim, Not Rated, DVD-$19.97 SRP), which stars Elliott as the cranked to 11 eponymous Federal Marshall. The disc features all 12 episodes of the first season, plus commentaries, deleted scenes, outtakes, and featurettes.

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    It doesn’t really address some of the stories I’ve heard about how ambitious he was in his rise to the top of the Sesame Street food chain, but Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey (New Video, Rated PG- DVD-$29.95 SRP) is really more about being a touchy-feely tale of how a Baltimore teenager named Kevin Clash followed his dream of working with Jim Henson and The Muppets and grew up to be the performer behind one of the most recognizable characters in the pop culture landscape. Bonus materials include featurettes, interviews, a Q&A, and more.

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    Short-lived and forgotten, who couldn’t love Bob Newhart as a superhero comic artist in the sitcom Bob (Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$39.98 SRP). Audiences, it seems, as it only lasted a little over a season. Not even the incredible power of Betty White could save it, even though it is a fun show. The complete series set contains original Entertainment Tonight interviews with Bob & Betty, and a digital version of the “Mad-Dog” comic.

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    It’s always a delight when a classic piece of cinema makes its way to high definition, and so we have Roman Polanski & Robert Towne’s still brilliant Chinatown (Paramount, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$26.98 SRP), looking and sounding superb. Bonus materials include an audio commentary, featurettes, and the theatrical trailer.

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    Very few sitcoms have gotten the high definition treatment, and particularly not one that goes back over 10 years, but That 70’s Show: Season One (Mill Creek, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$24.98 SRP) looks pretty darn good, even more so because it’s presented for the first time in anamorphic widescreen. Certainly worth checking out, and here’s hoping they release the rest of the series. Bonus materials include featurettes and a new-to-Blu-Ray look at how the show’s signature transitions were created.

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    Shout Factory continues their noble mission of re-releasing Mystery Science Theater 3000 episodes that have gone out of print with a pair of returns – MST3K: The Wild World Of Bat Woman & MST3K: Girl In Gold Boots (Shout Factory, Not Rated, DVD-$14.99 each). Here’s hoping they continue to release ’em!

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    Cartoon Network’s decidedly indie kiddie cartoon gets it’s first DVD release with Regular Show: Slack Pack (Cartoon Network, Not Rated, DVD-$14.97 SRP), featuring 12 episodes of awesome plua s a bonus. Yeah. Even adults will dig it.

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    When he puts his mind to it, Cameron Crowe certainly knows how to make an affable – overly-so – film, and that’s exactly what he does with We Bought A Zoo (Fox, Rated PG, Blu-Ray-$39.99 SRP), which is based on the true story of a journalist who moves his fracturing family out of the city and to a dilapidated zoo. Which, yes, they restore – at the same time they restore their family. Guessed that, did ya? Bonus materials include an audio commentary, featurettes, deleted scenes, a gag reel, and more.

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    As much as I thought Torchwood was a misguided, often frustrating, and even more often boring series (and regrettable spin-off from Doctor Who), it wasn’t until the recent Torchwood: Miracle Day (BBC, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$59.99 SRP) that I truly began to loathe it, as every character in the convoluted, ultimately insulting story about death taking a global holiday is a tone deaf parody of genre cliches. Don’t believe me? Watch at your own risk… And mourn the lost potential of the once-exciting Captain Jack Harkness. Bonus materials include an audio commentary, deleted scenes, featurettes, and more.

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    Wil Wheaton fans eager to complete their collections of his cinematic output will want to thank MGM’s MOD Limited Edition Collection for the release of Fish Don’t Blink (MGM, Rated R, DVD-$19.98), while Freddie Prinze fans get the comedic heist pic The Million Dollar Rip Off (MGM, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98). Meanwhile fans of obscure, misguided attempts to be comedically hip in the 60’s will want to get Sergeant Deadhead (MGM, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98), and aficionados of dated 80’s drama will want Modern Girls (MGM, Rated PG-13, DVD-$19.98).

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    Watch as a franchise already on thin ice gets in trouble in the tropics with Alvin & The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (Fox, Rated G, Blu-Ray-$39.99 SRP), which finds the singing animal trio saddled with the Chippettes on a remote island after a cruise trip goes wrong. Bonus materials include featurettes, extended scenes, music videos, and more.

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    So there you have it… my humble suggestions for what to watch, listen to, play with, or waste money on this coming weekend. See ya next week…

    -Ken Plume

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  • Weekend Shopping Guide 8/5/11: We’re On A Mission From Bluto

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    The weekend’s here. You’ve just been paid, and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. What’s a pop culture geek to do? In hopes of steering you in the right direction to blow some of that hard-earned cash, it’s time for the FRED Weekend Shopping Guide – your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…

    (Please support FRED by using the links below to make any impulse purchases – it helps to keep us going…)

    In what amounts to a summer comedy storm, a pair of brilliant catalogue titles make their high definition debut looking and sounding better than they ever have – Animal House & The Blues Brothers (Universal, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$26.98 SRP each). Animal House contains both of the retrospective documentaries featured on the last DVD edition, while The Blues Brothers sports both the theatrical and extended cuts, plus a trio of documentaries. Both discs? Must-buys.

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    Over the years, the fine folks at Thinkgeek have done plenty of cool in-house products, but the one that evokes the most delightful gut response is the iCade ($99.99). As you can see, it’s a scaled-down vintage arcade cabinet for use with your iPad. Simply place your iPad in the screen area, and you can play vintage games with the bluetooth controls. Isn’t that grand?

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    For years there was doubt they could even be licensed for release, but there’s cause for much rejoicing because the entire 5-film giant turtle run is being released in the box set Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection Volume XXI: MST3K vs. Gamera (Shout Factory, Not Rated, DVD-$64.99 SRP), which comes packaged in a collectible tin and is loaded with bonus featurettes. You know you want this. Get it. Watch it. Love it.

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    While I could care less about the awful sequel Conan The Destroyer (Universal, Rated PG, Blu-Ray-$26.98 SRP), I am delighted beyond words that John Milius’s epic Conan The Barbarian (Universal, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$26.98 SRP) has finally made its way into high definition, and you can instantly appreciated the upgraded audio and print. In addition to the pre-existing audio commentary and documentary, the first film also adds about 10 minutes of vintage EPK interviews not seen in 30 years.

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    I have to make a confession to you – as a child of the early 80’s, I collected Smurfs. I had a lot of Smurfs. I used to search high and low for certain Smurfs. I used to watch the cartoon. I was Smurfy. Well, now that Belgian artist Peyo’s little blue creations have hit the big screen, Abrams has released a lovely retrospective book, The World Of Smurfs (Abrams Image, $24.95 SRP). Inside you’ll fine plenty of information, illustrations, and ephemera from across their smurfy history.

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    It’s a middle ground between the sophistication of the original animated Batman, Superman, & Justice League and the more juvenile Teen Titans, but Young Justice (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP) has enough of the classic Bruce Timm vibe to at least make it mostly interesting viewing. This volume collects the first 4 episodes of the first season.

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    As much as I enjoy Tracy Morgan as a comic performer on 30 Rock, the stand-up featured on his first stand-up special Tracy Morgan: Black & Blue (HBO, Not Rated, DVD-$19.97 SRP) never quite reaches the level of funny, instead being carried largely on the idea that he can get a laugh trough sheer force. The DVD contains an additional 15 minutes of material not seen in the original special.

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    I enjoyed the small town eccentricity found in the first season of Eastbound And Down (HBO, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$39.98 SRP), but count me amongst those that felt the show lost its way as the second season found Danny McBride’s failed baseball player Kenny Powers south of the border trying to fashion a comeback out of a ragtag local team and unreasonable schemes. Bonus materials include commentaries, featurettes, deleted scenes, and outtakes.

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    I could do without the revised director’s edition, but I am a fan of the original take of Donnie Darko (Fox, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$24.99 SRP), which is now on Blu-Ray via a new 4-disc collector’s set which features both cuts of the film, audio commentaries, production diaries, featurettes, and more.

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    I thought the first film was goofy fun perfect for kids of all ages, but there were diminishing returns as the series went on, even though all 3 of Robert Rodriguez’s original Spy Kids films are entirely watchable. Now, you can own Spy Kids, Spy Kids 2, and Spy Kids 3 (Lionsgate, Rated PG, Blu-Ray-$19.99 SRP each) in high definition, porting over much of the bonus materials from the previous DVD editions and adding some new featurettes as well.

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    He’s a little bit older and the threats are a little bit tougher, but you still pretty much get what you’ve come to expect from the franchise in Ben 10 Ultimate Alien: The Return Of Heatblast (Cartoon Network, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP). This 2-disc set contains 10 episodes.

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    If you want to see a true comedy of awkwardness that far eclipsed the fictional show that brought it all about, watch as Everybody Loves Raymond creator Phil Rosenthal travels to Russia in order to help adapt a local version of the show in the documentary Exporting Raymond (Sony, Rated PG, DVD-$30.99 SRP). It’s a comedy of errors and cultural loggerheads both frustrating and funny. Bonus materials include an audio commentary, deleted scenes, and two episodes of both the US and Russian versions of the show so you can compare.

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    Many fans feel it was cancelled too soon, but perhaps they’ll be consoled re-watching the 4th and final season of Everwood (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$39.98 SRP), as the Abbots face a series of tribulations. Bonus materials include unaired scenes.

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    The little red furry one decides to change his name by adding a “J”, which your kids can see happen (and learn, too) in Sesame Street: Learning Letters With Elmo (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP). Will “Jelmo” stick?

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    Now that the troubled yet promising series has wrapped, the entire five season run of Stargate Atlantis (MGM, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$199.99 SRP) has been collected into a box set, featuring extended episodes, audio commentaries, featurettes, and much more. See, that takes some of the sting off of the cancellation, right? Right?

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    The fine folks at Underground Toys have released another pair of figure sets that are most definitely irresistible to diehard Doctor Who fans. The Time Monster set ($39.95) contains the Roger Delgado iteration of The Master, and his camouflaged TARDIS. The Time Warrior set ($69.99) contains a Sontaran soldier, Linx, his (rather large) spaceship, and the 3rd Doctor in his green coat. You know you want these. Now go and get them.

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    So there you have it… my humble suggestions for what to watch, listen to, play with, or waste money on this coming weekend. See ya next week…

    -Ken Plume

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  • Weekend Shopping Guide 6/4/10: Life’s A Stooge

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    The weekend’s here. You’ve just been paid, and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. What’s a pop culture geek to do? In hopes of steering you in the right direction to blow some of that hard-earned cash, it’s time for the FRED Weekend Shopping Guide – your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…

    (Please support FRED by using the links below to make any impulse purchases – it helps to keep us going…)

    As a follow-up to the equally stunning Planet Earth, the BBC’s Life (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$59.98 SRP) is just as incredible in regards to the footage they were able to capture of the animals that populate this planet of ours. My only regret is that Americans are stuck with the crappy Oprah Winfrey narration, while the Brits get the far superior Sir David Attenborough.. Or so it was on TV. Thankfully, you get to choose what home video version you want. The 4-disc set contains behind-the-scenes video diaries, deleted scenes, and a music-only viewing option. A Blu-Ray edition ($69.99 SRP) is available with identical bonus materials, but a far, far superior picture.

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    So you want a stapler, hole punch, one meter ruler, precision scissors, ballpoint pen, screwdrivers (+/-), screwdriver socket, staple remover, and storage space for paper clips, all in container the size of a deck of cards? Well, the Tool Logic Office Assistant ($9.99) is the answer to the dream you never even knew you had, because it’s all in there. All of it.

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    I was worried that something would come along and derail Sony’s release of the complete theatrical shorts, but with The Three Stooges Collection: Volume Eight 1955-1959 (Sony, Not Rated, DVD-$24.96 SRP), fans now have them all. This last set contains not only Shemp’s final shorts, but also the ones using the fake Shemp (where a stand-in and old footage allowed them to crank a few more Shemps out) and infamous Stooge replacement Joe Besser (famed for not wanting to be hit). Thank you, Sony, for getting them all out there.

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    If you’re beginning to jones for more Rifftrax shorts DVDs, you can get your fix from not one, but two new releases – Rifftrax Plays With Their Shorts & Shorts-A-Poppin’ (Legend Films, Not Rated, DVD-$9.95 each). Both discs feature 9 brand new shorts apiece, though by the time you reach the end, you’ll be counting the days until the next release.

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    There was a time when a Tim Burton film meant a fair deal of whimsy with a surprisingly strong core of emotion at its center. Alice In Wonderland (Walt Disney, Rated PG, Blu-Ray-$44.99 SRP) is just a mess – as if Burton were simply hurling fistfuls of whimsy at you, all sound and fury. Nothing really hangs together as a narrative, and seems more like a superficial theme park ride of a flick. Sad, really. The 3-disc set contains over a dozen featurettes on the characters and behind-the-scenes, plus the always-welcome standard DVD as well.

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    Not only do you get the much desired original in high definition, but The Magnificent Seven Collection (MGM/UA, Not Rated/Rated G/Rated PG, Blu-Ray-$69.98 SRP) also contains the sequels Return Of The Magnificent Seven, Guns Of The Magnificent Seven, and The Magnificent Seven Ride!. The first film is loaded with an audio commentary, featurettes, trailers, and a still gallery.

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    Originally available as part of last year’s big Clint Eastwood box set, you can now get the Richard Schickel produced documentary The Eastwood Factor (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP) all on its own. The documentary is a retrospective of Eastwood’s 35-year history at Warners. Think of it as a personal trip down memory lane, at his work both in front of and behind the camera.

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    They’re not quite up to the same snuff as the classic specials of the 60’s, but there’s still plenty of fun in the Peanuts: 1970’s Collection Volume 2 (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$29.98 SRP), which contains Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown, You’re A Good Sport, Charlie Brown, It’s Arbor Day, Charlie Brown, What A Nightmare, Charlie Brown, It’s Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown, and You’re The Greatest, Charlie Brown. The 2-disc set also contains a retrospective featurette.

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    Oh, History Channel – you’re not even bothering to do anything to do with hard history even more. You’ve become MTV, eager to throw up the next reality series, which you have with the garbage combers of American Pickers (History Channel, Not Rated, DVD-$29.95 SRP). The 3-disc first season set contains all 12 episodes.

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    Fans jonesing for a hit of Meatwad, Frylock, and Master Shake can get their fix from Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Volume 7 (Cartoon Network, Not Rated, DVD-$29.98 SRP), which sports 11 episodes plus behind-the-scenes featurettes, Terror Phone II, and a featurette on the live action Carl.

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    I really hoped you would be able to pull it off, Joe Johnston. I mean, you had Benicio Del Toro as your lead, and a strong mythology behind it, but your new take on The Wolfman (Universal, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$39.98 SRP) is just dull. You made a werewolf pic that just bored me to tears. It’s not bad. It’s not good. It just exists. Bonus materials include a pair of alternate endings, deleted/extended scenes, and featurettes.

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    When a shallow size zero supermodel dies in an accident and finds herself given the body of the recently-deceased Jane – a plus-sized attorney – you get Lifetime’s Drop Dead Diva (Sony, Not Rated, DVD-$38.95 SRP). Surprisingly, it’s an affable, often funny series, even though I’d much rather have just seen a show about Jane. The first season set contains featurettes, deleted scenes, Dreamisodes, and more.

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    Recovering from some lost momentum, the third season of Burn Notice (Fox, Not Rated, DVD-$49.98 SRP) turns back into the show we’ve all come to love. But really, as long as Bruce Campbell is back, all is good. Bonus materials include a behind-the-scenes featurette and the show’s Comic-Con panel.

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    Insects are the order of the say in the new Sesame release Sesame Street: Firefly Fun and Buggy Buddies (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP), as the Street (and kids!) gets to learn all about the world of creepy crawlies.

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    So there you have it… my humble suggestions for what to watch, listen to, play with, or waste money on this coming weekend. See ya next week…

    -Ken Plume

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  • Win SESAME STREET: THE BEST OF ELMO 2 on DVD!

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    In conjunction with Warner Bros. Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copies of SESAME STREET: THE BEST OF ELMO 2 on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, May 19th.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of FRED Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.

    No Purchase necessary to win.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

    One entry per day, per person.

    All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, May 19th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Weekend Shopping Guide 6/05/09: You Can See My Back In That Shot

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    The weekend’s here. You’ve just been paid, and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. What’s a pop culture geek to do? In hopes of steering you in the right direction to blow some of that hard-earned cash, it’s time for the Quick Stop Weekend Shopping Guide – your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…

    (Please support Quick Stop by using the links below to make any impulse purchases – it helps to keep us going…)

    When I was a young college freshman near the end of my first (and only) disastrous year at NYU, I was able to arrange for a press ticket to a taping of The Dana Carvey Show (Shout! Factory, Not Rated, DVD-$24.99 SRP). And then they say me up front. Way up front. In fact, you can see me during Carvey’s monologue in the 7th episode, which was also the last aired. You’ll find that episode, plus an unaired 8th, in the long-awaited DVD release. The show was hit and miss, but it had an almost literal ton of up-and-coming talent, including Stephen Colbert, Steve Carrell, Robert Smigel, Louis CK, Charlie Kaufman, and Dino Stamatopoulos. The set also contains an interview with Carvey & Smigel, plus deleted scenes.

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    For years and years and years, ever since I first saw one when I was a kid, I’ve wanted a book that opens up to reveal a cut-out hole. You know what I mean? The kind you could hide things in. Like a jewel. Or booze. Well, Thinkgeek now gives you that Book Vault ($34.99). You absolutely, positively know that you want one. How can you not? It’s a friggin’ book vault!

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    Another Pixar film in theaters means another eye-candy filled “Art Of” book, which is exactly what you get with The Art Of Up (Chronicle Books, $40.00 SRP). As usual, the hardcover tome is packed to the rafters with production artwork, designs, interviews, and more.

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    Forged in the fire of the Writers Strike of 2008, released on the internet to rabid fan acclaim, and long available on that selfsame net, everyday people can now get a copy of Joss Whedon’s online musical, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog (New Video, Not Rated, DVD-$14.99 SRP) wherever they’d like. Bonus features include a musical studio commentary, a standard commentary, making-of featurettes, and Evil League Of Evil application videos.

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    Much of the comedy in Eddie Murphy’s game-changing stand-up concert Delirious (Entertainment Studios, Not Rated, DVD-$29.97 SRP) has not aged well, and some of it is just uncomfortable. Still, if you can get past those bumps in the road, there’s still a fair amount to laugh at. The 2-disc 25th anniversary edition contains additional footage, a making-of featurette, and an interview with Murphy.

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    It’s pure popcorn, but I think Air Force One (Sony, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$28.95 SRP) is the last great Harrison Ford movie. From that point forward, a once winning movie star couldn’t pick a solid project to save his life, steadily devolving into a caricature of himself. Ignore all those future failures and instead relive this last great one in full high definition, which ports over the audio commentary from the standard DVD release.

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    Another great flick making its transition to high definition is the Civil War epic Glory (Sony, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$28.95 SRP), which benefits from the audio/visual upgrade. It was a fine film to begin with, but the battle scenes have certainly been plussed. Bonus features carried over from the standard edition include an audio commentary, deleted scenes, and featurettes, with the addition of a Blu-Ray exclusive virtual Civil War battlefield map.

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    I must admit, Revolutionary Road (Paramount, Rated R, DVD-$29.99 SRP) is a good film, but a very difficult one to make it through… Perhaps because the young 50’s couple we’re following (a reunited Leonardo DiCaprio & Kate Winslet) are coming apart at the suburban seams. Bonus features include an audio commentary, deleted scenes, and a pair of featurettes. A Blu-Ray edition ($39.99 SRP) is also available, with identical features.

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    June has become decidedly jazzy with a trio of deluxe Legacy Edition catalogue releases from Sony Music. First up is a 3-disc edition of Dave Brubeck’s Time Out (Sony Legacy, $24.98 SRP), containing the original album, se second disc with 3 years worth of live performances, and a DVD with performance footage, and interview with Brubeck, and a photo gallery. Next up is Charles Mingus’s Mingus Ah Um (Sony Legacy, $24.98 SRP), with 2-discs containing the original album, alternate takes, and bonus tracks. Finally, it’s Miles Davis’s Sketches Of Spain (Sony Legacy, $24.98 SRP), with the album, alternate takes, and bonus tracks. Sweet, daddy. Sweet.

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    Paramount isn’t the only one unleashing a tidal wave of Blu-Ray catalogue titles, as Universal dips into their extensive roster for a batch of their own, many of them must haves. So what does the batch consist of? Field Of Dreams, Fletch, Inside Man, Spy Game, Children Of Men, Seabiscuit, Bruce Almighty, and Cinderella Man (Universal, Rated PG/PG-13/R, Blu-Ray-$29.98 SRP each). Bonus features are identical to the standard editions, so the A/V upgrade is the big bonus here.

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    I still can’t fathom what people saw in the three flicks currently comprising the X-Men Trilogy (Fox, Rated PG-13, Blu-Ray-$79.98 SRP). They’re poorly written, badly acted, and in no way capture the source material. But people still saw them. In droves. And must have enjoyed them. No accounting for taste. For those that dug them, the trio – X-Men, X-Men 2, & X-Men: The Last Stand – are now available in a 9-disc Blu-Ray box set, porting over all of the bonus materials available in the standard editions.

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    Sergio Leone’s The Good The Bad And The Ugly (MGM/UA, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$29.99 SRP) made an icon out of Clint Eastwood, and it gets a spiffy high definition treatment that translates all the grit quite nicely. The bonus features are a direct port of the excellent special edition DVD from a few years back, including audio commentary, featurettes, deleted scenes, and the theatrical trailer.

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    Over 20 years after its single season run, The Jetsons returned to television with brand new episodes, the first 21 of which are being released as The Jetsons: Season 2 Volume 1 (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$34.98 SRP). The 2-disc set also contains a featurette looking at the evolution of the series.

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    The BBC’s nature documentarians can always be counted on to deliver stunning visuals, and that’s certainly the case with Nature’s Most Amazing Events (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$29.98 SRP), which is 2-discs packed with exactly what it says on the tin. A Blu-Ray edition ($34.98 SRP) is also available, which cranks everything up with even more impressive high definition.

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    I can’t see William Conrad in the episodes features in Cannon: Season 2 Volume 1 (Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$36.98 SRP) without thinking of all of the voice work he did on the Jay Ward cartoons of the 60’s, particularly Fractured Fairy Tales. The 3-disc set contains the first 12 episodes of season 2, plus episodic promos.

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    The movie’s a dud, but it’s still fun to flip through both Terminator Salvation: The Official Companion (Titan Books, $29.95 SRP) and its companion The Art Of Terminator Salvation (Titan Books, $35.00 SRP). Both are packed with plenty of photos, art, and info. Shame the movie couldn’t have been… you know… good.

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    Though often a director, I always get a kick out of Kenneth Branagh, the actor, who is in fine form in the UK series Wallander (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$34.98 SRP), in which he stars as the titular Swedish detective. The 2-disc set features a trio of episodes, plus featurettes and a Branagh interview.

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    Surprisingly, Fargo (MGM/UA, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$29.99 SRP) is still, I believe, the most successful, accessible Coen Brothers film. It’s not my personal favorite (hello, Hudsucker Proxy), but it is a quirky delight. And guess what? Now it’s available in high def, with an audio commentary, a featurette, and a trivia track.

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    The folks at Sesame certainly are pushing Abby Cadabra, aren’t they? The latest team up with their little red cash cow is Elmo And Abby’s Birthday Fun! (Genius, Not Rated, DVD-$14.93 SRP), where the duo travel to Fairy Tale Land to celebrate Little Red Riding Hood’s birthday.

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    Nancy Botwin moves her mini pot empire south of the border in the fourth season of Weeds (Lionsgate, Not Rated, DVD-$39.98 SRP), and the trip to Mexico doesn’t exactly make things easier – or safer. The 3-disc set features all 13 episodes, plus commentaries, featurettes, and a gag reel.

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    It’s not my cup of tea, but Army Wives (ABC Studios, Not Rated, DVD-$45.99 SRP) seems to have gotten traction with audiences in its second season, which arrives on a 5-disc set with featurettes, deleted scenes, and bloopers.

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    Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, and Jamie Bell star as a trio of simple farmhand brothers who goes up against the Nazis in Defiance (Paramount, Rated R, DVD-$29.99 SRP), a flick that was largely overlooked at the box office but makes for quite a good at-home watch. Bonus materials include an audio commentary, a quartet of featurettes, and more. A Blu-Ray edition ($39.99 SRP) is also available, with identical bonus features.

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    In Direct Contact (First Look Studios, Rated R, DVD-$28.98 SRP), Dolph Lundgren stars as an ex US Special Forces soldier whose imprisonment in Russia is lifted if he agrees to undertake a daring rescue – only to find out it was all a ruse, and means he’s now a pursued man. A Blu-Ray edition ($29.98 SRP) is also available.

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    So there you have it… my humble suggestions for what to watch, listen to, play with, or waste money on this coming weekend. See ya next week…

    -Ken Plume

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  • Contest Round-Up: 2009-04-15

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    Welcome to our weekly round-up of featured giveaways here at Quick Stop. Every Wednesday, we’ll present a new clutch of DVDs, books, and other cool stuff you can take a shot at winning. All you have to do is click on the graphics below to be taken to their respective contest pages. And good luck!

    In conjunction with BBC Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of TOP GEAR: THE COMPLETE 10th SEASON on DVD.

    In conjunction with Fox Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of THE WRESTLER on DVD.

    In conjunction with BBC Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of SKINS: SEASON 2 on DVD.

    In conjunction with Universal Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of FROST/NIXON on DVD.

    In conjunction with Miramax Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of SIN CITY on Blu-Ray.

    In conjunction with Universal Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of CAPRICA on DVD.

    In conjunction with Nickelodeon Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of iCARLY: VOLUME 2 on DVD.

    In conjunction with Universal Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of PILLOW TALK on DVD.

    In conjunction with Warner Bros. Home Video, we’re giving away four (4) copies of SNOOPY’S REUNION on DVD.

    In conjunction with Fox Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of NOTORIOUS on DVD.

    In conjunction with Genius Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of ELMO & THE BOOKANEERS on DVD.

  • Win ELMO & THE BOOKANEERS on DVD!

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    In conjunction with Genius Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of ELMO & THE BOOKANEERS on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, May 6th.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of Quick Stop Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.

    No Purchase necessary to win.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

    One entry per day, per person.

    All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, May 6th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Weekend Shopping Guide 4/10/09: Of Geeks And Speeder Bikes

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    The weekend’s here. You’ve just been paid, and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. What’s a pop culture geek to do? In hopes of steering you in the right direction to blow some of that hard-earned cash, it’s time for the Quick Stop Weekend Shopping Guide – your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…

    (Also, please support Quick Stop by using the links below to make any impulse purchases – it helps to keep us going…)

    The year 1971 brought the still-developing sister of Charlie Brown – Sally – and made her a fully-realized character, which is why her face adorns the cover of The Complete Peanuts: 1971-1972 (Fantagraphics, $28.99). This volume also brings a young brother to Linus & Lucy Van Pelt (Rerun), Marcie, and even Snoopy as Joe Cool.. This series continues to be a wonderful exercise in still fresh comedy and childhood nostalgia.

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    When just about every device you can think of requires some kind of battery – particularly those quickly devoured AAs – having a top-notch rechargeable battery system is an economic must. To that end, I present the La Crosse Battery Charger with LCD Display ($39.99), an all-in-one kit that not only charges your batteries, but can refresh rechargeable batteries that you may have thought were doomed to the bin. If that weren’t enough, the kit includes 4-AA, 4-AAA, and 4 “C” and 4″D” size adapters that allow you to use rechargeable AA batteries in devices using those sizes. How cool (and useful) is that?

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    Graham Linehan – with Arthur Matthews – is one half of the creative team behind the legendary britcom Father Ted. With The IT Crowd (MPI, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP), he’s done for tech support nerds what Ted did for Catholic priests… In other words, he’s made a surreal, sublime, goofily funny show that only gets better as it goes along. The series focuses on the world of corporate IT drones Roy (Chris O’Dowd) & Moss (Richard Ayoade), whose male clubhouse deep in the basement is upset by new boss Jen (Katherine Parkinson)… And, well, just do yourself a favor and pick up the first season set, featuring all 6 episodes, plus deleted scenes, outtakes, a behind-the-scenes featurette, and a short film.

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    We were given a tease of them a few years back in the big ol’ Superman box set that came out, but now the fully restored official release of Max Fleischer’s Superman cartoons (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$26.98 SRP) is here, containing all 17 theatrical shorts produced by the Fleischer Studios from 1941-1942. They look positively STUNNING, and were worth the wait compared to the inferior public domain releases over the years. The 2-disc set also features a pair of featurettes on the cartoons and the Superman myth.

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    My absolute favorite iteration of the Justice League continues to get the nice, prestige treatment it deserves (even if the characters aren’t getting it in current DC continuity) with the snazzy hardcover release of Justice League International: Volume 4, which collects issues #23-#30 of the Giffen/Dematteis/Maguire/Templeton run. If you haven’t been picking these up, you’re missing a lot. A LOT! And you’re not my friend. Rectify that.

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    Warner Bros. has an immense catalogue of titles. Thousands and thousands of them. And even with their aggressive DVD release schedule, there’s no way they can get to all of them – and, economically, some of the titles have such a small appeal that it’s just not viable to do a wide release on them. Those who thought their chances of picking up some of those obscure titles were nil can rejoice in the introduction of Warner’s new Archive Collection – www.warnerarchive.com. Essentially, it’s DVDs on demand, allowing you to purchase either a physical DVD-R copy (for a flat $19.95) or an instantly downloadable digital copy (for $14.95) of an ever-increasingly library of titles from the Warner vaults. Where else are you going to be able to get everything from Norma Shearer and Robert Montgomery in Private Lives to Paul Simon’s One Trick Pony?

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    Warners and TCM turn their spotlight to another actor for a themed box set, this time delivering the Doris Day Collection (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$49.98 SRP). The set contains 5 features starring Day – It’s A Great Feeling, Tea For Two, Starlift, April In Paris, and The Tunnel Of Love, plus vintage shorts, cartoons, and the theatrical trailers.

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    You’ve seen all of the wonderful production art behind their feature films, well now you can pick up a handsome volume looking at The Art of Pixar Short Films (Chronicle Books, $40.00 SRP). It’s put together similarly to all of the other wonderful Pixar Art Of books that have come out in the last few years, and the artwork featured is just as impressive (and the volume belongs on your shelf just as much).

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    There’s something about seeing classic musicals in full high-def that brings the energy, music, and production design to the fore. For a good example, check out the new editions of An American In Paris and Gigi (Warner Bros., Not Rated/Rated G, Blu-Ray-$28.99 SRP each) and their stunning picture and sound. Bonus features are the same as those found on the special edition DVDs, including an audio commentary, featurettes, shorts, a cartoon, trailers, and – in the case of Gigi – the original 1949 version.

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    I thought Click was amiable fun, so I found myself enjoying the latest in Adam Sandler’s family-friendly fare, Bedtime Stories (Walt Disney, Rated PG, Blu-Ray-$39.99 SRP), wherein Sandler plays an uncle whose grand stories for his niece and nephew start coming true in real life… But he’s not in control. My nephew loved it – of course, considering it rains gumballs at one point, that’s almost a given. Bonus features include a behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes, and bloopers. As with most of the recent Disney releases, the Blu-Ray edition also comes with a standard DVD of the flick.

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    It’s one of the most unique animated series ever made for TV – a collaboration between French writers and Japanese animators – and there’s some fun nostalgia in tripping through the complete run of The Mysterious Cities Of Gold (Fabulous, Not Rated, DVD-$79.95 SRP). The 6-disc set features all 39 episodes fully restored, deleted scenes, featurettes, documentaries, interviews, singalongs, biographies, and more.

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    I’m reminded of the old days of videocassette (and my old videodiscs) when I see Disney deciding to get back into the habit of releasing themed collections of their animated shorts under the Walt Disney Animation Collection banner. The first trio are Mickey And The Beanstalk, Three Little Pigs, and The Prince & The Pauper (Walt Disney, Not Rated, DVD-$19.99 SRP each), and my nephews love the lot.

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    Explore the life and death of the 16th president with a pair of fascinating documentaries – Looking For Lincoln and The Assassination Of Abraham Lincoln (PBS, Not Rated, DVD-$24.99 SRP each). The former looks at many of the controversies surrounding Lincoln’s views, while the latter examines the ramifications of Lincoln’s death.

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    It’s no Pixar flick, but The Tale Of Despereaux (Universal, Rated G, DVD-$29.98 SRP) is still a charming, often lovely fairy tale about a mouse with oversize ears living in the kingdom of Dor who dreams of becoming a knight, who is banished for his goals and winds up – you guessed it – having quite an adventure. The sole bonus feature worth mentioning is a making-of featurette. A Blu-Ray edition ($39.98 SRP) is also available with identical bonus materials.

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    You know those type of “prestige” pictures that have the word “PRESTIGE” attached to a club that they bludgeon the audience with, in order that we fully understand that we’re watching a “PRESTIGE” film? Doubt (Miramax, Rated PG-13, Blu-Ray-$34.99 SRP) is one of those – based on an award-winning play, an uber-serious subject matter (the titular doubt thrown up by a prim nun when the parish priest takes an interest in a troubled boy), and weighty stars (Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Viola Davis). Bonus features include an audio commentary and a quartet of behind-the-scenes featurettes.

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    And one Oscar nominee brings an Oscar winner out on Blu-Ray, with the release of the Coen Brothers’ No Country For Old Men (Miramax, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$34.98 SRP). Bonus features are identical to the standard release, with featurettes, interviews, and more.

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    Blake & Krystle get married as – would you believe it? – Alexis schemes in the first half of Dynasty: The Fourth Season (Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$36.98 SRP). The 3-disc set features the first 14 episodes of season 4.

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    Elmo gets a new color scheme that Kermit would find familiar in the environment-centric Being Green (Genius, Not Rated, DVD-$14.95 SRP), where the hyper Muppet learns a thing or two from Abby and Mr. Earth (Paul Rudd).

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    As much as I disagree with the loss of Christopher Robin, my nephews do like the CG My Friends Tigger & Pooh and the latest release, Tigger & Pooh And A Musical Too (Walt Disney, Not Rated, DVD-$26.99 SRP). As you can guess, it finds the denizens of the Hundred Acre Wood putting on a bit of a show.

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    On the surface you could say that Jim Carrey covered much of the same ground in Liar Liar as he does in Yes Man (Warner Bros., Rated PG-13, DVD-$34.99 SRP) – about a man who decides to change his life by saying “yes” to everything and everyone that crosses his path – but while Liar was pure farce, this is actually a nice comedic look at how many things we say “no” to, sometimes with good reason. Bonus features include featurettes and music videos. A Blu-Ray edition ($35.99 SRP) adds an interview with British comedian (and author of the original book) Danny Wallace, and two additional featurettes.

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    Rejoice, parents and recreational drug users! A new release of everyone’s favorite bizarre kiddie show comes to DVD with Yo Gabba Gabba!: New Friends! (Nickelodeon, Not Rated, DVD-$16.99 SRP), featuring a quartet of episodes but sadly no bonus features.

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    After only seven years, it’s finally senior year on Beverly Hills 90210 (Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$59.98 SRP), and there’s diplomas to be gained, virginity to be lost, mental illness, and even pregnancy. The 7-disc set features all 31 episodes, but nary a bonus feature.

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    Wrap up the first season of Ben 10: Alien Force (Cartoon Network, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP) with the third single-disc volume, featuring episodes 10-13, plus a villains database.

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    There are collectibles that you look at and are nonplussed. There are those you view with “ooohs” and “ahhhhs”. Lastly, there are those that, on laying eyes upon them, you are gobsmacked by sheer, unadulterated, geeky awe. Such was my reaction after taking in Sideshow Collectibles’ incredible Speeder Bike and Scout Trooper Premium Format Figure ($799). First of all, you’re struck by the scale – at almost 3 feet long, the Speeder Bike itself is MASSIVE. Almost intimidatingly so. Once you take in the size, the next “wow” factor is the level of detail and fidelity to the big screen source material (specifically the model work of ILM). In fact, you could have told me this piece came out of the ILM archives, and I wouldn’t have batted an eye. Hell, the 1/4-scale Biker Scout is pretty much icing on the cake – the figure is accurate, the pose is dynamic, and the display is incredible. I can’t stop gushing about this thing. I know the price may seem steep in this economy, but you absolutely are getting your full value for the money, and with an edition size of only 1,500 pieces, once this is gone, the aftermarket is going to be insane. Here – let the pictures below sell you on just what a big WOW this is (and for scale, I’ve placed the 3.75″ R2-D2 and C-3PO figures on the Speeder Bike’s dash in the final pics)…

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    So there you have it… my humble suggestions for what to watch, listen to, play with, or waste money on this coming weekend. See ya next week…

    -Ken Plume

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  • Win SESAME STREET: BEING GREEN on DVD!

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    In conjunction with Genius Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copies of SESAME STREET: BEING GREEN on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, April 22nd.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of Quick Stop Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.

    No Purchase necessary to win.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

    One entry per day, per person.

    All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, April 22nd.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Weekend Shopping Guide 3/6/09: In The Pink

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    The weekend’s here. You’ve just been paid, and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. What’s a pop culture geek to do? In hopes of steering you in the right direction to blow some of that hard-earned cash, it’s time for the Quick Stop Weekend Shopping Guide – your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…

    The American version is often an over-produced mess, but the original UK version of Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares (Acorn, Not Rated, DVD-$24.99 SRP) – which finds uber-chef Gordon Ramsay attempting to save failing restaurants often in the face of obstinence and incompetence – is a real gem. Ramsay genuinely tries to help these troubled businesses, and his sound advice is just as engaging as the passion with which he delivers it. Now you can get the entire 8-episode first season of the UK version, and I highly recommend it.

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    I love gadgets, and tools that feel like gadgets. That’s certainly the case with the Third Hand Adjustable Parts Holder with Magnification ($7.99 SRP). As the overly technical name implies, this weighted stand contains clamps and a magnifying glass, making it perfect for doing close-up work with everything from electronics to painting.

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    I would have preferred it have been A Shot In The Dark, but I guess the high definition arrival of the original The Pink Panther (MGM, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$34.98 SRP) is a good sign that I’ll soon be getting my favorite comedic turn by Peter Sellers as the memorable Inspector Jacques Clouseau. The Blu-Ray edition features an audio commentary with Blake Edwards, and five behind-the-scenes and retrospective featurettes.

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    Released in separate packages previously, MGM has brought together all 9 volumes Pink Panther cartoons into The Pink Panther Collection (MGM, Not Rated, DVD-$69.98 SRP). Not only do you get the Panther cartoons, but you also get Depatie-Freleng’s Inspector, Ant & The Aardvark, and The Man cartoons. So, really, the whole shebang, plus behind-the-scenes featurettes, all of the title sequences for the Panther features, an even a tribute to Friz Freleng.

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    I’m not entirely sure why these DC animated direct-to-DVD titles abandoned the much-refined and wonderful Bruce Timm-syled designs of JLU in favor of clunkier, uglier, more angular designs unless the sole reason was (sad) change for change sake, but that is a major “ugh” point in the not-exactly-stellar animated Wonder Woman (Warner Bros., Rated PG-13, DVD-$29.98 SRP), which finds Princess Diana going up against the evil Ares, God of War. The 2-disc set features an audio commentary, a pair of in-depth documentaries on Wonder Woman and the mythology behind her, a pair of bonus Bruce Timm-chosen JLU cartoons, and a first-look at the upcoming Green Lantern animated movie. A Blu-Ray edition ($29.99 SRP) is also available, with identical bonus features.

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    Although I find the subject matter interesting, you’ve gotta love a book title like Hippo In A Tutu (Disney Press, $30.00 SRP). The reference is to the “Dance Of The Hours” sequence of Disney’s Fantasia, wherein alligators dance with hippos. The book takes an in-depth look at the role of dance, choreography, and reference for both in the animated films of Walt Disney, and it’s well worth picking up.

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    Fans have been clamoring for it for years – well, they’ve been clamoring for anything from the band, really – but they’re surely dancing a happy jig at the release of Phish: The Clifford Ball (Rhino, Not Rated, DVD-$99.99 SRP). The 7-disc set features the entirety of the band’s 2-day concert happening held on August 16 & 17, 1996. It’s an incredibly musical document, and now you can have it to play again and again.

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    Though the stories comprising it are being released separately, the best and easiest way to get the entire arc is to just pick up the Doctor Who: Key To Time Special Edition (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$99.98 SRP), as the 7-disc set has got the whole kit and kaboodle. Each disc is like a TARDIS, loaded with the usual complement of commentaries, featurettes, and archive materials.

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    Not many cartoons can boast a guest turn by Johnny Depp, but a certain spongy yellow character can in the episode collection Spongebob Squarepants: Spongebob Vs The Big One (Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$19.99 SRP). In addition to the Depp ep, the disc also sports 6 more, plus an audio commentary and a music video.

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    You can see every drop of sweat in the new Blu-Ray edition of Martin Scorsese’s Raging Bull (MGM, Rated R, DVD-$34.98 SRP), and the clarity adds a certain punch to the proceedings. The disc features a trio of audio commentaries, a 4-part feature-length documentary, a behind-the-scenes featurette, vintage newsreel footage, and a shot-by-shot comparison of DeNiro & La Motta.

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    If you’ve got a lot of free time, are really jonesing for the Watchmen movie, and are a huge fan of those late 60’s Marvel cartoons, then you’ll probably want to give a spin to Watchmen: The Complete Motion Comic (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$29.98 SRP), which adds motion, voice actors, and sound effects to Dave Gibbons’ original artwork. A Blu-Ray edition ($35.99 SRP) is also available, for those who crave high definition.

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    If you want to find a little bit more about the author behind Watchmen, V: For Vendetta, From Hell, and League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen, you can’t do wrong in picking up a copy of the re-released and expanded The Extraordinary Works Of Alan Moore: Indispensable Edition (Twomorrows, $29.95 SRP).

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    Though my nephews lap it up, I still watch Chowder (Cartoon Network, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP) mainly for the sterling voicework of my erstwhile comedy partner, Dana Snyder, who handles the lumbering, memorable Gazpacho. This second volume contains 5 episodes.

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    I know it made money. I know that people went to go see it. Intellectually, I know these things. I still can’t rationalize that knowledge into any semblance of an endorsement for Beverly Hills Chihuahua (Walt Disney, Rated PG, DVD-$29.99 SRP). I guess it’s like a latter-day That Darn Cat. But with Chihuahuas. Bonus materials include an audio commentary, deleted scenes, an animated short, and bloopers. The Blu-Ray edition ($34.99 SRP) contains additional behind-the-scenes featurettes and deleted scenes not on the standard release.

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    I prefer to believe the awkward director’s cut doesn’t exist, but I did love Donnie Darko (Fox, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$29.99 SRP) when I first saw it, and now you can pick it up in high definition in a 2-disc edition that includes both cuts, audio commentaries, a production diary, featurettes, and more.

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    Make sure your young ones get to Sesame Street for Elmo & Friends: Tales OF Adventure (Genius, Not Rated, DVD-$12.95 SRP), featuring a trio of tales featuring Elmo, Big Bird, and Telly as they go on thrilling adventures in learning. Can you say “Texas Telly and The Golden Triangle Of Destiny”?

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    Baz Luhrman’s epic story of love between an English aristocrat (Nicole Kidman) and a rough-&-tumble cattle driver (Hugh Jackman) in the Outback is certainly big and sprawling, but Australia (Fox, Rated PG-13, DVD-$29.99 SRP) is also big and bloated, dragging on and on and on until it just sort of ends. It’s a shame, because there’s a good flick in there someplace. Bonus features include deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes featurettes. A Blu-Ray edition ($39.99 SRP) is also available, with identical bonus materials.

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    Oh, The Hills (Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$39.98 SRP) – how I loathe your very existence. And I don’t know why, exactly, as its existence should not bother me in the least, and shouldn’t even be on my radar. And yet it is. And it does bother me so. For those who are unbothered, the complete 4th season set contains all 20 episodes, plus interviews, deleted scenes, featurettes, photo shoots, and more.

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    So there you have it… my humble suggestions for what to watch, listen to, play with, or waste money on this coming weekend. See ya next week…

    -Ken Plume

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  • Contest Round-Up: 2009-03-04

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    Welcome to our weekly round-up of featured giveaways here at Quick Stop. Every Wednesday, we’ll present a new clutch of DVDs, books, and other cool stuff you can take a shot at winning. All you have to do is click on the graphics below to be taken to their respective contest pages. And good luck!

    In conjunction with Warner Bros., we’re giving away one (1) WATCHMEN music prize pack.

    In conjunction with Genius Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copies of ELMO & FRIENDS: TALES OF ADVENTURE on DVD.

    In conjunction with Paramount Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copies of SOUTH PARK: SEASON 12 on DVD.

    In conjunction with Universal Home Video, we’re giving away two (2) copies of ROLE MODELS on DVD.

    In conjunction with Walt Disney Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copies of the PINOCCHIO: 70th ANNIVERSARY EDITION DVD/BLU-RAY set.

    In conjunction with Walt Disney Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) sets of both ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN and RETURN FROM WITCH MOUNTAIN on DVD.

    In conjunction with Paramount Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copies of PRIMAL FEAR on DVD.

    In conjunction with Universal Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copies of HOWARD THE DUCK on DVD.

    In conjunction with Fox Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of GIRLS NEXT DOOR: SEASON 4 on DVD.

  • Win ELMO & FRIENDS: TALES OF ADVENTURE on DVD!

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    In conjunction with Genius Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copies of ELMO & FRIENDS: TALES OF ADVENTURE on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 25th.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of Quick Stop Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.

    No Purchase necessary to win.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

    One entry per day, per person.

    All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 25th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Holiday Havoc: SCRUBS

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    Some people hang the holly, others decorate the tree, and a few even terrorize the neighborhood with off-key caroling.

    Not us.

    Here at Quick Stop Entertainment, we’re celebrating the holiday season by giving a little something back to you, our readers (you know who you are).

    Every weekday leading up to the holiday break, we’ve got uber-exclusive gifts provided by a whole range of artists, actors, comedians, and studios. One a day, straight from them to you (and you can check out last year’s fun here).

    Ain’t that cool?

    Today, we’ve got an exclusive video from those fine folks at SCRUBS, featuring Zach Braff and a Muppety guest star announcing their move to ABC in the New Year.

    SCRUBS premieres January 6th at 9:00pm on ABC, so be sure to tune in!

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    Check out the rest of this year’s Holiday Havoc – and past Havoc – HERE

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