Welcome to our new reality of work from home and at home schooling, one piece thats been missing for kids is socialization. Thankfully the release of Animal Crossing New Horizons [Amazon] couldnt come at a better time. This version of Animal Crossing really pushes the user to build a digital community of friends (dont worry the friend codes are like 20 digits, so really the only way to connect with friends is by having their codes – this game is still fun if you play it alone without connecting with friends too).
You start by building your own island, build it into your own island paradise. Then you can share it with your friends, up to 8 friends can virtually hang out on the same island. Add a facetime call between friends and you’ve created a great virtual playdate.
There are virtual crafting activities, spend digital nook miles that offer up unique experiences (that is an additional cash into system), grow virtual fruit which adds into the virtual economy experience. There is tons of experiences to enjoy in the game but at the core its about teamwork and spending virtual time with your friends and assisting them to build up their houses too.
Thankfully Nintendo sent me a review code to try out the game and personally my kids have been obsessed with the game, My son whos turning 12 seriously has over a dozen friends playing and they do daily virtual parties and visit each other island (so many kids are joining them they need to have multiple islands to party on).
Disclosure: Nintendo provided a download code to review Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Sony Pictures Entertainment has a new YouTube Channel called Sony Pictures’ Kids Zone. Kids Zone features lots of family-friendly bonus features including our beloved character Peter Rabbit.
Just in time for some STAY AT HOME Easter Sunday fun, you have your kids dance with Peter…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40iUXOx_ZXk
or a fun make your own McGregor garden project. (Totally a craft/gardening project to do together with the kids)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-B-eKCBIHw
Based on the global blockbuster video game franchise from Sega, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG tells the story of the world’s speediest hedgehog as he embraces his new home on Earth. In this live-action adventure comedy, Sonic and his new best friend Tom (James Marsden) team up to defend the planet from the evil genius Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and his plans for world domination. The family-friendly film also stars Tika Sumpter and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic.
The trailer is really fair for you to learn pretty much everything you need to know as a parent about the film. I loved it, my kids loved it (ages: 11, 6, and 4). I also grew up playing Sonic on my Sega genesis so there is a bit of nostalgia for this to me too.
Thanks to Paramount Pictures my family was invited out to the attend the world premiere out in Los Angeles. We stayed at the The Hollywood Roosevelt WOW if you ever want to stay at a classic hollywood establishment hotel – I highly recommend this one – you can tell there are stories and history in every hall. We started the weekend off by attending the media junket featuring Producer Toby Ascher, Director Jeff Fowler, Jim Carrey, James Marsden and Ben Schwartz. Want to watch this incredible look at inside a media junket?
The next day was the family blue carpet premiere that was AWESOME. We got a tour of the Paramount lot, set visit to Dr. Phil and a tour of the props from some of their most iconic movies over the last few years. We walked over to all the family fun activities that were setup for the premiere.
Join the spy team of Will Smith and Tom Holland who are on the mission of a lifetime in SPIES IN DISGUISE. Bring home the adventure on Digital, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD on March 10.
In this high-flying animated comedy, super spy Lance Sterling (Will Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair. Walter is none of the above. But this unlikely duo must team up for the ultimate mission to save the world when a “biodynamic concealment” experiment transforms Lance into a brave, fierce, majestic…pigeon!
Add SPIES IN DISGUISE to your digital collection on Movies Anywhere, or own it on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on March 10.
The Cult Anime Series FLCL: PROGRESSIVE & ALTERNATIVE is out now on Blu-Ray & Digital. The wait is over! Adult Swim’s popular anime series FLCL: Progressive and FLCL: Alternative, both release for the first time ever as a Blu-ray combo pack from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.
Based on the original anime series written by Yōji Enokido and from director Kazuya Tsurumaki, the collection propels Haruko and her yellow Vespa back into action with 12 episodes from FLCL: Progressive and FLCL: Alternative. The Blu-ray Combo Pack is priced to own and comes with digital format as well.
From the legendary anime studio Production I.G and Adult Swim, FLCL: Progressive & Alternative Combo Pack will include a 15-minute never-before-seen documentary that dives into the making of both seasons featuring interviews with voice talent and crew. Additional special features include a “Meet the Creators” piece focused on the new era of show creators, a segment about “The Pillows” relationship with the series, a glimpse at the English voice actors behind FLCL together, and a look into the production of FLCL: Alternative.
The highly anticipated sequel to the 2001 original FLCL, FLCL: Progressive tells the story of 14-year-old Hidomi and her classmate, Ide, as the war between Medical Mechanica and Fraternity continues. Now in the form of their teacher, Haruko Haruhara returns alongside another otherworldly being, Jinyu, a gorgeous Chrysler Bel Aire and her yellow Vespa to unleash their hidden potential.
FLCL: Alternative, the third and final season centers on the misadventures of 17-year-old Kana and her friends, Mossan, Hijiri and Pets. Living a seemingly normal life, the group’s lives are flipped upside down when Mecha falls from the sky and arrives with the guitar-wielding Haruko Haruhara. Once again determined to take out Medical Mechanica, Haruko works to awaken Kana’s N.O. channel before the relentless iron takes over the world.
The Making of FLCL: Progressive & Alternative: An in depth look behind the scenes featuring interviews with the cast and crew.
Meet the Creators
The Pillows
English Voice Actors
Production: Behind-the-Scenes
Also out now is Funko Pop featuring Haruko who is ready to fight the Medical Mechanica And Fraternity. If you love FLCL you might want to pickup this four pack of characters, which includes Naota Nandaba, Haruko Haruhara, Mamimi Samejima and Canti. As one knows Funko Pop has a unique styling of its characters and these really line up to that great anime art feel of FLCL.
Disney’s most iconic villain when Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, starring Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer, is now on Digital and Movies Anywhere and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD.
The thrilling sequel to 2014’s “Maleficent,” starring Angelina Jolie as Maleficent and Elle Fanning as her goddaughter Aurora, arrives home with brand-new bonus features, extended scenes, outtakes – you can see those below.
“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” carries on the story of Disney’s most iconic villain. The years have been kind to Maleficent and Aurora. Their relationship, born of heartbreak, revenge and ultimately love, has flourished. Yet hatred between man and the fairies still exists. Aurora’s impending marriage to Prince Philip is cause for celebration as the wedding serves to unite the Kingdom of Ulstead and the neighboring Moors. But, when an unexpected encounter introduces a powerful new alliance, Maleficent and Aurora are pulled apart to opposing sides in a Great War, testing their loyalties and causing them to question whether they can truly be a family.
Bonus features take viewers behind-the-scenes with the all-star cast to explore the making of “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.” Extended scenes reveal how Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer) manipulates Aurora into questioning Maleficient and accelerating her wedding plans. Featurettes include interviews with Jolie, who discusses Maleficent’s origins and the cast who portray the Fey, and Fanning, who gushes over Aurora’s fairytale wedding. Filmmakers showcase the visual effects behind the film’s stunning landscapes and the seemingly effortless flight of the Fey. Additional extras include “You Can’t Stop The Girl,” a music video performed by Bebe Rexha, and hilarious outtakes, ranging from uncooperative cats to uncontrollable giggles on set.
DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE:
Lickspittle – Fantasy-film veteran Warwick Davis considers how every aspect of the film’s design inspired his tragic character.
BLU-RAY & DIGITAL BONUS:
Extended Scenes
The Queen Comforts Aurora – Queen Ingrith takes advantage of Aurora’s fragile state to gain her confidence and accelerate the wedding plans.
Philip and Aurora Dance – Aurora struggles to gain Queen Ingrith’s approval when she realizes how she is viewed among aristocracy.
Featurettes
Origins of the Fey – Angelina Jolie discusses Maleficent’s lore, her newly discovered origins, and the diversity of the cast who portray the Fey.
Aurora’s Wedding – Elle Fanning gushes over Aurora’s fairytale wedding; plus, hear from some special guests as they give their best to the bride and groom.
If You Had Wings – Get a glimpse of the elaborate visual effects that allow the Fey to take to the skies.
“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” VFX Reel – Discover how a perfect blend of practical and visual effects were used to create the stunning landscapes in “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.”
Outtakes – Uncooperative cats, a serious case of the giggles and even the “floss dance” found their way into Ulstead.
“You Can’t Stop The Girl” – Music video performed by Bebe Rexha
and for those that love to cook some very special directions for Maleficent Cake Pops.
The embargoes have been lifted and we have blast off for 2020 – I have the official word of whats coming next from Arcade1up.
Lets start with a cabinet that was announced already, Burger Time, first we saw it as Karate Champ, but we know it has been upgraded to feature the unique Burger Time cabinet design. Whats the official word? Scott Bachrach, CEO, Tastemakers, LLC. “We’re only selling a limited number of these units, as we know this is a collectors’ piece, and it will only be available on arcade1up.com for a very limited time. I want our community to know we will continue to launch titles directly to consumers through our website, as long as they continue to support and request them.”
Arcade1Up has a promised ship date of March 1st when your order is placed before January 31st. This unit features a light-up marquee, matching riser, and a unique form factor true to the original version with rounded side panels. Additional games include: Karate Champ, Bad Dudes, and Caveman Ninja.
It also a special 40th anniversary Pac-Man cabinet is coming soon, with a ton more games!
Cool. Now lets talk about whats new…. Arcade1Up will officially be adding the following to their ¾ scale lineup with new titles and features
NBA Jam Live: Arcade1Up’s first-ever online cabinet allowing users to play with other Arcade1Up cabinets in drop-in style games with up to four players on four different machines across North America. Games Included: NBA Jam, NBA Jam Tournament Edition, NBA Hang Time
Frogger: Help the animated amphibians find their way home, navigating frog flattening road crossing and hazardous waterways with Arcade1Up and Konami’s Frogger. Games included: Frogger and Time Pilot.
Golden Axe: Venture through a medieval fantasy world in search of the legendary Golden Axe. This Side-scrolling beat ’em up arcade machine game comes with additional games such as: Golden Axe, Shinobi, Altered Beast, Wrestle Wars, and Death Adder.
Atari Star Wars™ Sit-down Version: Arcade1Up adds a new form factor to enjoy the Star Wars saga. The Arcade1Up sit-down version comes with a bench that seamlessly slides around the 4ft machine giving it cockpit-like feel while navigating the flight yoke. Games include: Star Wars™, Empire Strikes Back™ and Return of the Jedi™.
With the success of the 3/4 scale arcade cabinets Arcade1up is also going to be releasing some new form factors, like handheld devices, plug and play controllers, at-home Jumbo Joysticks, and more. Partners include but are not limited to: Disney, Namco, ColecoVision, Intellivision, Commodore 64, Atari, and more.
Last part of the official news from Arcade1Up is a partnership with Zen Studios to create ¾ scale digital pinball tables. Wow I’m so excited about this one… CAN NOT WAIT! Zen Studios, known for developing the most iconic digital pinball games to date, brings an extensive range of knowledge and game selection for both retro and modern games.
Stay tuned to this post as we’ll update it with the latest and greatest as we have boots on the ground at CES. Lastly if you’re at CES to celebrate the launch of NBA Jam, Arcade1Up is bringing the world’s largest arcade machine to CES and will have former NBA star, Clyde Drexler, in attendance for autograph signing in their booth on Jan 8 @ 12-2pm in the south hall booth #21308.
Stacking earrings are all the rage, these are the earrings you see that have a design in the front part and on the post backs. Knowing that AU-Rate makes high quality, sustainable jewelry made with ethical gold and diamonds, with a focus on classic, clean design it was easy to look through their selection and find a great design.
Over 275 styles to choose from, you can pick the right hat for her to wear be it for a night out on the town or a great hat to wear hanging to the pool or beach. I’m loving the look of the Marne hat, I think its totally a good mix of fashion and hipster style.
It seems sunglasses over the last few years have become way way more fashionable for my wife like seasonally we’ll need for her to grab new sunglasses. Finding these DIOR MURMURE sunglasses at a great price I knew I had found her next pair. At 0ver 30% off smartbuyglasses.com is my go to spot.
Moxee Signal features simple, easy check-ins for family and friends, tracking via location requests, audio for environmental context when a user is feeling uncertain, plus the ability to request help when needed, from both their friends and family, as well as from emergency services as appropriate. Moxee Signal is exclusively at T-Mobile.
Small enough for a pocket or to be easily clipped to a backpack or purse, Moxee Signal allows users to check in, send their location, and communicate the need for assistance with the press of a single button.
Moxee Signal delivers four types of check-ins and alerts:
Location tracking: “Where are they?” A simple location request from the Moxee App pings the device to show where the Moxee Signal is on a map – all without having to press a button on the device.
Check-ins: “I’m okay.” Check-ins sends the user’s contacts location information providing the peace of mind that he/she has arrived safely.
Yellow Alerts – “Something’s not right.” Yellow Alerts send contacts the user’s location, audio clips to help understand the context of the alert, and the ability to chat with other contacts to determine how to handle next steps – or to let contacts know the user is safe.
Red Alerts – “I need help.” In addition to providing everything from a Yellow Alert, Red Alerts engage with the Moxee Professional Monitoring Service, which can dispatch emergency services as needed.
The Moxee Signal also meets the IP67 water resistance standard. This means it can be submerged in water up to one meter (3.3 feet) deep for up to 30 minutes. It’ll easily last on the back of a backpack if its raining or something.
I was able to have hands on usage of this device for the better part of a month. The battery charge lasts about 3 or 4 days before needing to plug it in, I’m sure that’ll also change based on location and availability to the network. Everything is done with a single button and you can program via the app what the taps represent… single tap could be checkin useful when your kid gets to where they need to be, two taps could start a call to you, three taps could start a call to a emergency monitoring service (or could also be directed to a different parent – lol who needs their 11 year old accidentally calling the police right?!).
I also think this would be completely use for an elder care solution, like when they’ve fallen but since its IP67 they can wear it in the shower (if thats really the need).
I will say the setup does take a few minutes and does require an app to be installed to setup. Just as an fyi but that all makes sense based on the program
In “Toy Story 4,” Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) has always been confident about his place in the world, and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. So,when Bonnie’s beloved new craft-project-turned-toy Forky (voice of Tony Hale) calls himself “trash,” Woody decides to teach Forky how to embrace being a toy. But a road-trip adventure, including an unexpected reunion with his long-lost friend Bo Peep (voice of Annie Potts), shows Woody how big the world can be for a toy.In addition, carnival prizes Ducky (voice of Keegan-Michael Key)and Bunny (voice of Jordan Peele)bring a new level of fun to the film.
Fans who bring home “Toy Story 4” will be treated to over an hour of bonus features celebrating the film’s iconic characters, Pixar’s film making team and the legacy of “Toy Story,” which began as the world’s first fully computer-animated feature film released nearly 25 years ago. Extensive extras includes deleted scenes such as an alternate ending.
And for those that are carving pumpkins – we’ve got a special Forky cut out template.
Welcome to our new reality of work from home and at home schooling, one piece thats been missing for kids is socialization. Thankfully the release of Animal Crossing New Horizons [Amazon] couldnt come at a better time. This version of Animal Crossing really pushes the user to build a digital community of friends (dont worry the friend codes are like 20 digits, so really the only way to connect with friends is by having their codes – this game is still fun if you play it alone without connecting with friends too).
