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All-New Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Collection Arrives on DVD this September

Posted in Press Releases on July 27th, 2009 
Wallace & Gromit’s™ Award-Winning Short Films
Available On Blu-Ray Disc And In A Collector’s Four Disc DVD Set For The Very First Time In Stores September 22, 2009 
From Lionsgate And HIT Entertainment
 Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Collection includes the All-New Award-Winning Animation 
A Matter of Loaf and Death and 
A Grand Day Out
The Wrong Trousers
A Close Shave

 

 


Street Date: 9/22/09

Order Date: 8/16/09

Blu-Ray Set SRP: $29.99

DVD 4-Disc Set SRP: $29.98

 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

They’ve been to the moon, foiled a major diamond heist, broken up a sheep rustling scam and even baked bread in their own bakery. And now, for the first time, fans of the much loved British icons – Wallace and Gromit can enjoy The Complete Collection of multi-award winning short films on a stunning Blu-ray DVD from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment.  In addition, the four-disc DVD set includes spectacular packaging that features the duo in 3-D molded forms, a must have for all Wallace and Gromit fans.
Created and directed by Nick Park, Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Collection includes all four of their award-winning films: A Grand Day Out (Academy Award® Nominee), The Wrong Trousers (Academy Award® Winner), A Close Shave (Academy Award® Winner) and their latest title, A Matter of Loaf and Death (2008 British Academy Film Award winner) — their first animation since 2005.  This complete Wallace & Gromit Blu-ray set arrives in stores September 22, 2009 and is available for an SRP of $29.99.  The four-disc DVD set is also available for an SRP of $29.98.  Each format is fully-loaded with almost two hours of special features.
SYNOPSES
Millions of fans agree – no one makes animated mayhem like eccentric inventor Wallace and his faithful dog, Gromit. Join the Oscar® winning sensations for four madcap adventures in their funniest collection yet! Hang on for an out-of-this-world ride as Wallace’s craving for cheese leads to a space rocket adventure in A Grand Day Out. In The Wrong Trousers, Gromit smells something fishy after a penguin moves in and plots to make off with Wallace’s Techno-Trousers. Then it’s time for A Close Shave as Wallace & Gromit get wrapped up in a sheep-rustling scam. Finally, trouble rises after Wallace & Gromit start a bread-baking business and are ensnared in a “who-donut” mystery that becomes… A Matter of Loaf and Death!

 

BLU-RAY/DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
·         A Grand Day Out

  • Audio commentary with creator Nick Park
  • “Amazing Adventures of Wallace & Gromit” featurette
  • 4 Cracking Contraptions

·         The Wrong Trousers 
o        Audio commentary with creator Nick Park
o        “Inside The Wrong Trousers” featurette
o        3 Cracking Contraptions
·         A Close Shave
o        Audio commentary with creator Nick Park
o        “How It Was Done” featurette
o        3 Cracking Contraptions
·         A Matter of Loaf and Death
o        Audio Commentaries with the director and editor
o        “How They Donut” The Making of A Matter of Loaf and Death featurette
o        Demo DVD Rom-Game of Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Adventures
o        Shaun the Sheep Off The Baa Bonus Episode

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Year of Production:
A Grand Day Out: 1989
The Wrong Trousers: 1993
A Close Shave: 1995
A Matter of Loaf and Death: 2008
Copyright: © Aardman Animations Ltd 2008
Rating: NR
Type: Blu-ray Premiere/Special Edition
Genre: Children/Family/Animation
Ages: Children of all ages and adult fans of Wallace & Gromit
Closed Captioned: English Closed Captioned
Format:  Full Screen
Feature Run Time: 242 minutes
DVD Audio Status: 2.0 Dolby Digital
Program website: www.wallaceandgromit.com
           
To download art, visit www.lionsgatepublicity.com or www.hitnewsonline.com

For artwork/additional information contact Andrea Blain
at andrea@andreablainpr.com or 847-933-9884.

All-New Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death Comes to DVD this September

Posted in Press Releases on July 27th, 2009 
An All-New Who “Donut”-Mystery Caper From the
 Hilarious Oscar-Winning Duo
 
Wallace & Gromit™: A Matter of Loaf and Death
Available on DVD September 22, 2009 
From Lionsgate And HIT Entertainment

 


Street Date: 9/22/09

DVD SRP:  $14.98

 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A “toast” to the return of the British icons Wallace & Gromit™! Rolling out their first half hour adventure since 2005, the hilarious duo is back, brought to life through seamless stop-motion animation and brilliant storytelling from Oscar-winner Nick Park. The highly anticipated Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death arrives on DVD September 22, 2009 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment.  Winner of the Short Animation 2008 British Academy Film Award, this all new adventure features all of the classic ingredients of a great murder mystery – suspicion, rivalry, love, intrigue and heroism – and is topped off with a large helping of loyalty and friendship, cooking up all you “knead” for fun family viewing!

 

DVD SYNOPSIS
Wallace and Gromit have opened a new bakery business – Top Bun – but a deadly murderer is targeting all the bakers in town.  Wallace couldn’t care – he’s found true love in the shape of Piella Bakewell, former star of the Bake-O-Lite bread commercials.  Can Gromit discover the identity of the Cereal Killer before Wallace becomes the next victim?
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
·        “How They Donut” – The Making of A Matter of Loaf and Death featurette
·        Audio commentary with director Nick Park and editor David McCormick
·        Wallace & Gromit Grand Adventure Video Game Demo
·        Bonus episode Shaun the Sheep™ “Off the Baa!”  

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Year of Production: 2008
Copyright: © Aardman Animations Ltd 2008
Rating: NR
Type: Home Entertainment Premiere
Genre: Children/Family/Animation
Ages: Children of all ages and adult fans of Wallace & Gromit
Closed Captioned: English Closed Captioned
Format:  Full Screen
Feature Run Time: 30 minutes
                                 87 minutes (including bonus features)
DVD Audio Status: 2.0 Dolby Digital
Program website: www.wallaceandgromit.com
           
To download art, visit www.lionsgatepublicity.com or www.hitnewsonline.com

For artwork/additional information contact Andrea Blain at andrea@andreablainpr.com
 or 847-933-9884.

Learning is Fun with Barney Jungle Friends Coming to DVD this September

Posted in Press Releases on July 27th, 2009 
 
It’s A Jungle Of Fun And Learning 
With Barney & Friends™ In An All-New DVD Movie
Barney™: Jungle Friends
DVD And Music CD Set Roars Into Stores 
September 15, 2009 From Lionsgate And HIT Entertainment

Street Date: 9/15/09

Order Date: 8/19/09

DVD SRP:  $16.98 w/CD
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Come along with Barney & Friends™ for rainforest discoveries and fun animal adventures in the all-new movie Barney™: Jungle Friends roaring onto DVD September 15, 2009 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. This fully-loaded DVD special also includes a free music CD for a suggested retail price of only $16.98.

 

Trusted by moms and adored by children, Barney displays sharing, caring, imagining, dancing and learning on television, online and through live events, home entertainment and publishing. The Emmy award-winning series, Barney & Friends changed the face of children’s programming when it first launched and continues to be one of the top-rated preschool shows today, airing on PBS KIDS® and PBS KIDS SproutSM.  In preschool home entertainment, the Barney brand continues to be a favorite, ranking as a top-5 preschool DVD brand overall, doubling its ranking from last year!

DVD SYNOPSIS

Grab your safari hat and get ready for a one-of-a-kind musical jungle adventure!  Join your best friends Barney, BJ and Baby Bop as they laugh, dance and sing through an enchanted rainforest and learn about all of the amazing plants, animals and insects that call the rainforest their home. Watch and learn as the kids play with monkeys, collect butterflies and search for the legendary Higgledy Piggledy Pear Tree in this super-dee-duper tale of friendship and fun!

 

MARKETING SUPPORT
The Barney: Jungle Friends DVD national advertising campaign is slated to deliver over 400 MM impressions, including TV, print and online media targeted specifically to moms with children ages 2-5.  This is the first time that a Barney DVD has been advertised on TV in over 7 years.  This campaign will deliver 92.5% more impressions than last September’s top selling DVD, The Best of Barney.  A special PBS television airing prior to street date and customized Barney: Jungle Friends TV spots are included in this aggressive campaign.

 

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
·        Barney’s Animated Safari Match Game: Barney explores the jungle and tells the
      kids about various birds and animals
·        Earth-Friendly Fun Activities:
o       Let’s Make Animal Puppets: Barney shows kids how to create animal puppets using brown paper bags and other household items
o       Grow Your Own Garden: Barney shows the kids how to plant their own gardens using egg cartons, paint and seeds

 

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Year of Production: 2009
Title Copyright: © 2009 HIT Entertainment Limited. © 2009 Lyons Partnership, L.P.  The Barney name and character, related characters and the overlapping dino spots and Barney and star logos are trademarks of Lyons Partnership, L.P.  Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off. and other countries.
Type: Home Entertainment Premiere
Rating: NR
Genre: Children/Family
Age Target: 2-5 years old
Subtitles:  English
Closed Captioned: English Closed Captioned
Format: Full Screen
Feature Running Time: Approximately 50 Minutes
DVD Audio Status: English and Spanish 2.0 Dolby Digital
Program Website: www.barney.com
To download art, visit www.lionsgatepublicity.com or www.hitnewsonline.com

 

For artwork/additional information contact Andrea Blain at
andrea@andreablainpr.com or 847-933-9884

All-New Thomas: Hero of the Rails Zooms to DVD in September

Posted in Press Releases on July 27th, 2009 
In The Biggest Thomas Event Of The Year, See And Hear Thomas Like Never Before In An All-New Movie!
Thomas & Friends™: Hero of the Rails The Movie
Thomas’ First Ever CGI-Animated Movie Steams Onto DVD September 8, 2009 From Lionsgate And HIT Entertainment

 

Street Date: 9/8/09

Order Date: 8/12/09

DVD SRP:  $19.98


PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Peep! Peep! All aboard for new friends, new destinations, and new voices when Thomas and his engine friends embark on their greatest adventure yet as Thomas & Friends™: Hero of the Rails steams onto DVD September 8, 2009 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. See and hear Thomas, Percy, James, Gordon and all the other engines as never before in this brand-new CGI-animated movie, which marks the debut of individual character voices for the engines. For the first time, fans will hear the voice of Thomas and his friends, including three new characters who debut in Hero of the Rails, as they share stories that lead to timeless life lessons of discovery, friendship and cooperation.

DVD SYNOPSIS

In this action-packed tale of friendship, determination and teamwork Thomas discovers an abandoned and broken down engine named Hiro from an exciting far away land.  Fearing that he will be scrapped, Thomas enlists help from many friends including Victor, a new steam engine and Kevin, a new crane vehicle who both work at the spectacular Sodor Steam Works. But mishaps, mistakes and one boastful engine could foil their plans for a heroic rescue.  Can the engine pals work together to help their new friend?  Join the adventure and find out!

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
·         Thomas & Spencer Racing Game
·         Guess Which Train Game
·         Thomas & Friends Bedroom Makeover
MARKETING SUPPORT
Hero of the Rails is the biggest Thomas & Friends DVD campaign ever! Supported by a fully-integrated marketing campaign that includes TV, print, online and cross promotions that extend from August-November; over 1 billion total impressions will be generated.  Over 30 Hero of the Rails-themed products will launch at retail including toys, books, and more!  An aggressive pre-street campaign includes a special airing on PBS and national Kidtoons theatrical screenings that deliver over 85MM impressions.
 

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Title Copyright: Copyright: © 2009 HIT Entertainment Limited. Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends™ Based on The Railway Series by The Reverend W Awdry.  © 2009 Gullane (Thomas) Limited.  Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends and Thomas & Friends are trademarks of Gullane (Thomas) Limited.  Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends and Design is Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off. 
Rating: G
Genre: Children/Family/Ages 2-5
Closed Captioned: English Closed Captioned
Format:  Full Screen
Feature Running Time: Approximately 60 minutes
DVD Audio Status: English, Spanish and French 2.0 Dolby Digital
Website: www.thomasandfriends.com
To download art, visit www.lionsgatepublicity.com or www.hitnewsonline.com

For artwork and additional information contact Andrea Blain at
 andrea@andreablainpr.com or 847-933-9884.

If the World Were a Village DVD Arrives in September

Posted in Press Releases on July 27th, 2009

Contact:  Andrea Blain

andrea@andreablainpr.com

847-933-9884

 

For Immediate Release

 

It Could be a Small World After All If …

 

Imaginative DVD Explores the Idea
of the World’s Entire Population Living as One Small Community

“If the World Were a Village”

 

On DVD September 8, 2009 from Master Communications

 

 

 

Cincinnati, OH (July 24, 2009)—The world is a very big place with so many faces in so many places, too many to picture, let alone know.  But what if you could take the world’s population – over 6 billion – and see it within the confines of one united community of 100?  Find out in the delightful and insightful If the World Were a Village, a story about the world’s people coming to DVD September 8, 2009 from Master Communications, Inc.

 

Based on David J. Smith’s best-selling, award-winning book, If the World Were a Village is an animated story that delivers an enlightening message and explores how general global statistics about age, language, economic and educational status, food and culture would break down if looking at only 100 people.

 

For example, out of 100 people:
·         61 would be from Asia, 13 from Africa, 5 from North America, 8 from Central and South America, 12 from Europe and 1 from Oceania (Australia, South Pacific, etc).
·         More than half would speak one of eight languages:  Chinese, Hindi, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Bengali, Arabic and Russian.
·         Represented faiths would include Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Muslim and non-organized religions.
·         39 people would be under 19 years of age, 42 would be between ages 20-49, 18 would be older than 50 and 1 would be older than 80.
·         Much, much more!

 

If the World Were a Village is a unique and objective resource, inspiring children to discover that life in other nations is often very different from their own.  The compartmentalized stats, along with Smith’s tips on building “world-mindedness,” will encourage viewers to embrace the bigger picture and help establish their own place in the international landscape.

 

Chapters include: Welcome to the Global Village; Nationalities; Languages; Ages; Religions; Food; Air and Water; Schooling and Literacy; Money and Possessions; Electricity; Village in the Past; Village in the Future; Teaching Children About the Global Village; a Note on Sources; and How the Calculations Were Made.

 

If the World Were a Village has been honored as a 2006 Prix Jeunesse International Finalist, a 2006 Gemini Award Nominee for Best Direction and won the 2007 Alliance for Children & Television Award of Excellence and the 2007 Canadian Screenwriting Award.

 

The DVD is approximately 25 minutes and is available in English, Spanish or French for $29.95 each, which includes PPR.  A disc containing all three languages is also available for $59.95, which includes PPR. To order call 1-800-765-5885 or visit www.master-comm.com.

 

# # #

 

Title:                             If the World Were A Village
Category:                      Children; Ages 6 and up
Format:                         DVD/Closed Captioned
Release Date:               September 8, 2009
Order date:                   August 12, 2009
ISBN:                           Multi language disc: 978-1-60480-078-4
                                    Spanish language disc: 978-1-60480-083-8
                                    French language disc: 978-1-60480-084-5
                                    English language disc: 978-1-60480-082-1

 

Price:                            $59.95 for multi language disc includes PPR
                                    $29.95, for English, Spanish or French version, includes PPR
                                   
R/T:                              Approximately 25 minutes each; 75 minutes for multi language disc

 

Press Information:         Andrea Blain
Andrea Blain Public Relations
9750 Crawford Ave.
Skokie, IL  60076
Phone:  847-933-9884
Fax: 847-673-5836
andrea@andreablainpr.com

Halloween is Fun with Shaun the Sheep: Little Sheep of Horror Coming to DVD in September

Posted in Press Releases on July 27th, 2009 
From the Academy Award®-Winning Creators 
of Wallace & Gromit™ Comes The All-New 
Shaun the Sheep™: Little Sheep of Horrors
Creeping Onto DVD September 1, 2009 
From Lionsgate And HIT Entertainment

 

Street Date: 9/1/09

Order Date: 8/5/09

DVD SRP:  $14.98

 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Tiptoe along with Shaun the Sheep™ and his fellow flock as they creep, sneak and behave like sheep in a collection of kooky and spooky episodes when the all-new Shaun the Sheep: Little Sheep of Horrors arrives on DVD September 1, 2009, just in time for Halloween, from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment!  An international hit, Shaun the Sheep recently won an International Emmy Award for Children & Young People.   Five minute shorts of the series also currently air in the U.S. on the Disney Channel. Fans can only find full length episodes on the DVDs.
SYNOPSIS:
What’s black and white and goes bump in the night? Don’t be scared – it’s your woolly friend, Shaun the Sheep!  Join Shaun as he leads his fearless flock through six adventures that mix the spooky, the kooky, and the just plain funny. A troublesome tractor, freaky farm noises and sleepwalking sheep are only a few of the weird and wonderful surprises waiting for Shaun and his barnyard pals as they creep, sneak and make mayhem in this laugh-filled collection.

 

  • “Little Sheep of Horrors” – Intrigued by a horror film on TV, Timmy wanders into the Farmer’s House, and Shaun’s rescue mission wreaks panic. 
  • “Abracadabra” – When the Farmer decides to throw out his magic set, Shaun decides to put on a show – but things get out of hand when the flock start disappearing! 
  • “Things That Go Bump” – On a dark and stormy night the flock cannot sleep – Shaun discovers the culprits. 
  • “Heavy Metal Shaun” – The farmer inspects the lawn with a metal detector. When Shaun and Bitzer try it, they discover a metallic threat behind a hedge. 
  • “Troublesome Tractor” – The tractor seems to be ready for the scrap heap and the farmer wishes he could afford to buy a new one. So the sheep overhaul it… 
  • “Sheepwalking” – It is a peaceful night at the farm, until Shaun starts to walk in his sleep. The Flock cannot resist their natural instinct to follow, and chaos soon ensues. 

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
·        Sheep-Shearing Game
·        Whack-A-Pig Game

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Year of Production: 2006/2007
Title Copyright: © and ™ Aardman Animations Limited 2006/2007. ‘Shaun the Sheep’ (word mark) and character ‘Shaun the Sheep’ are trademarks used under license from Aardman Animations Limited.
Type: Home Entertainment Premiere
Rating: NR
Genre: Children/Family/Animated
Age Target: Fans of all ages from 2-60
Closed Captioned: English Closed Captioned 
Format: Full Screen
Feature Running Time: Approximately 40 minutes
DVD Audio Status:  2.0 Dolby Digital
Program Website: www.shaunthesheep.com
To download art, visit www.lionsgatepublicity.com or www.hitnewsonline.com

 

For artwork and additional information contact Andrea Blain at andrea@andreablainpr.com
 or 847-933-9884.

Fright-Free Halloween Fun with HIT Favorites Trick or Treat Tales on DVD This September

Posted in Press Releases on July 27th, 2009 
An All-New DVD Featuring Your Favorite Preschool
Characters Having Halloween Fun!
HIT FAVORITES: TRICK OR TREAT TALES 
Available On DVD September 1, 2009 
From Lionsgate And HIT Entertainment


Street Date: 9/1/09

Order Date: 8/5/09

DVD SRP:  $14.98
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Boys and ghouls – gather ‘round for not-so-spooky tales of adventure, learning and friendship with your favorite preschool pals Thomas & Friends™, Barney™, Bob the Builder™, Angelina Ballerina™, Fifi and the Flowertots™ and Fireman Sam™ in HIT Favorites: Trick or Treat Tales on DVD September 1, 2009 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment.

SYNOPSIS
The thrills start with Thomas & Friends™ in a ghostly adventure. Bob The Builder™ and Spud put on scary faces to protect a giant pumpkin pie from hungry crows. Barney™ and Fifi learn that there’s more to a costume than just dressing up. Angelina Ballerina™ sneaks into a costume ball and Fireman Sam™ saves a furry friend from a chilling experience. Enjoy the season’s sweetest collection of Trick or Treat Tales!
·         Thomas & Friends – “Flour Power!”
·         Barney & Friends™ – “Guess Who?”
·         Bob the Builder – “Trix’s Pumpkin Pie”
·         Fifi and the Flowertots – “Pirate Primrose”
·         Angelina Ballerina – “The Costume Ball”
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
·          “Cat Magic” – a bonus episode of Fireman Sam
 

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Year of Production: 2009
Title Copyright:
Thomas & Friends © 2009 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends and Thomas & Friends are trademarks of Gullane (Thomas) Limited.  Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends and Design is Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off.
Bob the Builder © 2009 HIT Entertainment Limited and Keith Chapman.  The Bob the Builder name and character, related characters and riveted logo are trademarks of HIT Entertainment Limited.  Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off. and other countries.
Barney © 2009 Lyons Partnership, L.P.  The Barney name and character, related characters and the overlapping dino spots and Barney and star logos are trademarks of Lyons Partnership, L.P.  Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off. and other countries.
Angelina Ballerina © 2009 Helen Craig Ltd. and Katharine Holabird.  The Angelina Ballerina name and character and the dancing Angelina logo are trademarks of HIT Entertainment Limited, Katharine Holabird and Helen Craig.  Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off.   
Fireman Sam © 2009 Prism Art & Design Limited. The Fireman Sam name and character are trademarks of Prism Art & Design Limited.
Fifi and the Flowertots © Chapman Entertainment Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
Type: TV on DVD
Rating: NR
Genre: Children/Family/Animated
Age Target: Children, Ages 1-5
Closed Captioned: English Closed Captioned
Format: Full Screen
Feature Running Time: Approximately 58 minutes
DVD Audio Status: 2.0 Dolby Digital
Program Website: www.hitentertainment.com
To download art, visit www.lionsgatepublicity.com or www.hitnewsonline.com

For artwork and additional information contact Andrea Blain at andrea@andreablainpr.com
or 847-933-9884.

New Families of the World DVDs Visit Mexico, Guatemala and Panama

Posted in Press Releases on July 15th, 2009

For Immediate Release

Let’s Fiesta!

 


Travel to Guatemala, Panama and Mexico in

Newest Titles in Award-Winning Families of the World DVD Series

 

Available Nationwide Sept. 1, 2009 for National Hispanic Heritage Month

 

“This excellent series will give children an intriguing taste of
another culture and allow them to compare and contrast it with their own.”
–        School Library Journal

 

“Families of the World does a superb job of presenting diverse customs and cultures.”
 – Family Fun

 

Cincinnati, OH (July 16, 2009) – Brush up on your Spanish, break out the tortillas and get ready to travel into the lives of six average families from the comfort of your couch in three new titles – ‘Families of Guatemala,’ ‘Families of Panama’ and’ More Families of Mexico’ – from the multi-award-winning Families of the World DVD Series, which continues to explore the lives and cultures of children around the world.

 

The series – 23 titles and growing – offers a documentary-style “day in the life” glimpse into how people in different countries live from a child’s point of view.  These newest releases will be available on DVD Sept. 1, 2009 for a suggested retail price of $29.95, just in time for National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each new title includes a free Teacher’s Guide. The entire Families of the World catalog is also available on DVD with many titles being broadcast on select PBS stations around the country and around the world. 

 

In ‘More Families of Mexico,’ meet Guadalupe, an eight-year-old from Veracruz who lives with her parents and sister next door to her grandparents.  Guadalupe’s weekday consists of school where she studies history and enjoys recess and snacks sold by parents to help raise money for supplies.  Students then take turns cleaning the schoolyard.  After classes, she accompanies her mother to the local market, church and hacienda before heading home for supper, picture bingo and computer games.

 

Maurice is a 12-year old boy also from Veracruz who attends private school along with his younger sister Carolina while his father works as a store auditor and his mother tends to the home.  After a daily flag ceremony celebrating his country, it’s off to study his favorite subject, English, and computer class.  After school, Maurice takes karate, then does his homework before bed.  Because he has a cough, the next day, Saturday, has Maurice off to see the doctor, then to the dentist to get his braces adjusted.  On Sunday, he plays with his electric car before heading to church, where he helps collect donations.  Afterwards, he enjoys a birthday party, complete with two piñatas, then home to get to bed early for school the next day.

 

“The original ‘Families of Mexico’ released several years ago proved so successful and demand was so high for the product that we decided to film another program with new families.  In this DVD, the children are older giving a different slant to the culture as they engage in activities that preteens can relate to,” says Selina S. Yoon, president founder of Master Communications, distributors of the Families of the World DVD series. 

 

In ‘Families of Guatemala,’ meet seven-year-old Mariaelena, who lives on a mountain farm with her parents, grandmother, older brother and younger sister. Needing to help her family drop off milk and cream at the store before school, she’s an early riser.  Mariaelena attends a Catholic, all-girls school and all her studies are in the morning, as Guatemalan schools divide all students into two groups, morning and afternoon classes.  Among her subjects are Spanish and physical education.  While at school, her mother is a teacher at a different school and her father works the family farm, which also produces coffee and nuts.  After school, it’s home for dinner (lunch) and fun activities like drawing, music and make-believe. Mariaelena also helps milk the cows and catch oranges from nearby trees. Then its supper and off to bed.

 

Then meet Jorge, a nine-year-old boy who has a fraternal twin, Marcos, and a nephew, Carlito (near the same age, so he’s like a second brother).  Jorge’s father is a doctor and his mother runs the pharmacy and clinic the family owns.  In the morning, Jorge brushes his teeth, eats breakfast, then heads off to the co-ed catholic school he attends.  He, too is a morning student.  Early classes include phys-ed with sports like futbol (soccer), basketball and ping-pong.  He then studies biology and dance, which he’ll perform at the weekend’s Family Day Festival.  After school, the boys hang out at the clinic until its time to head home for supper.  On the weekend, Jorge has his guitar lesson then plays in his futbol league.  Later, it’s off to enjoy the Festival!

 

In ‘Families of Panama,’ meet Juan Diego, a nine-year-old boy from Panama City, where he lives with his parents, grandparents and younger brother Francisco.  Living in this “crossroad of the world” (connects two continents and two oceans), Juan Diego attends school where he learns Spanish, English and takes swimming lessons while his father works as a supermarket bank teller and his mother as an industrial engineer in an airline shipping department.  On Saturday, Juan Diego attends his scout meeting and then it’s off to enjoy the school festival complete with music, costumes, food and balloons.  On Sunday, he goes to church with his family, followed by a BBQ dinner and two birthday parties, one for a friend and one to celebrate Francisco turning five.  After lots of cake and a successful piñata breaking, it’s off for a good night’s sleep.

 

Next we meet nine-year-old Raisa, a little girl growing up with her parents, two brothers and some pet parakeets.  Attending public school, Raise studies about helping the environment, not giving into peer pressure and works very hard at her studies, as she want to be a lawyer when she grows up (she even makes the honor roll).  She lives in a house on the property of another couple, whose house Raisa’s parents tend to.  I addition to her own life, Raisa tells us about the nearby Panama Canal and its importance to her country’s economy.  On the weekend, she too attends church with her family, followed by playtime with friends.

 

 

The series has garnered repeated acclaim and awards from Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Parents’ Choice and NAPPA (National Parenting Publications of America) as well as endorsements from KIDS FIRST! and recommendations from Dr. Toy’s Children’s Products.  It has won a Summit Creative Award, a Parenting Magazine Gold Award, First Place at the Worldfest Film Festival and is used in classrooms around the country as a valuable tool for multi-cultural education.

 

 Families of the World is recommended for ages 5-11.  The series features families in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, France, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, a second Mexico release (includes Spanish and English soundtrack), Panama, Puerto Rico, Russia, Sweden, Thailand, the USA, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam and Canada.  Each DVD includes a free PDF Teacher’s Guide, which include the script, copy-reading maps, discussion and activity guides, recipes, glossaries and more. To order Families of the World DVDs, call 1-800-765-5885 or visit www.familiesoftheworld.com.

 

# # #

 

Whistlefritz Makes Learning Spanish Fun with Its New Whimisical Spanish for Beginners DVD Series

Posted in Press Releases on July 15th, 2009

For Immediate Release

Spanish for Kids Made Fun and Easy …
Just Whistlefritz!

Newest Title in Award-Winning Series –

Spanish for Beginners: Adentro y Afuera (Inside and Out)

Available on DVD Sept 1, 2009 for National Hispanic Heritage Month

Washington DC (July 19, 2009) – Welcome to the wonderful, whimsical world of Whistlefritz and its Spanish for Beginners DVD and CD series, where kids learn Spanish the fun way!  Seamlessly blending live action with lively animation and amusing characters, your child will be saying ¡Hola! to Spanish in no time with the newest release, Spanish for Beginners: Adentro y Afuera, available September 1, 2009 just in time for National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct 15, 2009).

Founded in 2006, Whistlefritz was started by a mom who wanted to teach her own children Spanish. Frustrated by the lack of high-quality Spanish immersion programs, she decided to create her own Spanish DVDs and CDs for children … and so Whistlefritz was born and two award-winning titles, Vamos a Jugar (Let’s Play) and Los Animales (The Animals) were released.

Learning to understand and speak Spanish – the world’s third most spoken language – opens up a new world of opportunity for children, but it only works if the lessons can hold their attention. That’s where Whistlefritz comes in.  The series’ use of engaging stories, funny characters, lively music and interactive fun makes it an invaluable and entertaining teaching tool that stimulates, educates and allows kids to quickly and easily make the language all their own.

Believing that, during the learning process, switching back and forth between English and Spanish makes it harder for a child to master the new language, the Whistlefritz series engages children in “Spanish immersion”: learning Spanish by hearing and speaking it without any English translation.  Children are great mimics, so by adapting this teaching method, children are immediately exposed to the repetition needed to master new words and phrases, bringing them along to exciting new “language destinations” in every program and immersing them in the rich Spanish-language environment. 

In Spanish for Beginners: Adentro y Afuera – or Inside and Out – join teacher Maria and her friend Fritzi the mouse as they help us learn the names of the different rooms of a house and the many objects found throughout, then go outside to see what you find on a playground.  While the program is designed for children ages 2-7, the DVD includes a translation guide which lists all words in order of appearance, providing an easy reference for parents who themselves may be learning Spanish for the first time, making Whistlefritz perfect for the whole family!

Also available in the Whistlefritz DVD series are Spanish for Beginners: Vamos a Jugar, which received numerous honors including the 2007 iParenting Media Award, Parents Choice Approved Award, National Parents Center’s 2007 Seal of Approval, Creative Child Magazine’s 2007 Preferred Choice Award and a KIDS FIRST! endorsement. Spanish for Beginners: Los Animales also received the National Parents Center’s 2007 Seal of Approval as well as the 2007 Honors Award by the National Parenting Publications Awards and Creative Child Magazine’s 2007 Seal of Excellence. 

The music CD ¡A Bailar! received the National Parenting Publications Award, an iParenting Media Award, The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval, Parents’ Choice Approval and is endorsed by KIDS FIRST!

Whistlefritz’s DVDs and ¡A Bailar! CD are recommended for ages 2-6.  DVDs retail for $19.99 each and the CD is $14.99. For more information on Whistlefritz or to order products visit www.whistlefritz.com.

# # #

Titles:                           Whistlefritz: Adentro y Afuera
Category:                      Children; Ages 2-6
SRP:                             DVDs $19.99 each
R/T:                              Approximately 30 minutes
Release Date:               September 1, 2009
Order Date:                  August 5, 2009

Press Information:         Andrea Blain
Andrea Blain Public Relations
9750 Crawford Ave.
Skokie, IL  60076
Phone:  847-933-9884
Fax: 847-673-5836
andrea@andreablainpr.com

Fireman Sam Saves the Day In New DVD “Fireman Sam Help is Here!”

Posted in Press Releases on July 15th, 2009

Fireman Sam™ Saves the Day in An
All-New CG Animated DVD Adventure
Fireman Sam: Help Is Here!
Street Date: 8/25/09
DVD SRP: $14.98
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
With a fresh new look, brave and resourceful Fireman Sam™ tackles problems big and small in the all-new Fireman Sam: Help is Here! igniting onto DVD August 25, 2009 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. In his first ever CGI adventure, everyone’s favorite firefighter teaches about fire safety, rescues those in need and demonstrates the importance of fire prevention.

 

Fireman Sam – the only children’s firefighter-themed show – originally launched in the UK and made its U.S. debut on PBS KIDS SproutSM in October 2006, and continues to air daily. 

 

DVD SYNOPSIS
See Fireman Sam™ in action in this thrilling collection of firefighting adventures! Join Fireman Sam, Norman, Mandy and Radar as they make courageous rescues throughout the town of Pontypandy.  Fireman Sam saves the supermarket on Fire Prevention Day, helps the rescue dogs find missing people, shares important safety tips and makes a daring helicopter rescue in the midst of a forest fire.
Episodes include:

 

·        “Paper Plane Down”
·        “Hot & Cold Running Sniffer Dog”
·        “Hearts On Fire”
·        “Perilous Path”
·        “The New Hero Next Door”

 

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Year of Production: 2008
Title Copyright: ©2009 Prism Art & Design Limited.  The Fireman Sam name and character are trademarks of Prism Art & Design.
Type: TV on DVD
Rating: NR
Genre: Children/Family/Animated
Age Target: 2-5 years old
Closed Captioned: English Closed Captioned
Format: Full Screen  
Feature Running Time: Approximately 45 Minutes
DVD Audio Status: English, Spanish and French Language 2.0 Dolby Digital
Program Website: www.firemansamonline.com
To download art, visit www.lionsgatepublicity.com or www.hitnewsonline.com

For artwork and additional information contact Andrea Blain at andrea@andreablainpr.com or 847-933-9884.

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