Bambi BluRay Diamond Edition Review

JMarsden92 March 4, 2011
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Many years ago we watched Bambi when we found a “VCR” version of it while cleaning up our house.  Recently we received a review copy of Bambi from Disney.  We were very curious when we heard that Disney was bringing the movie out of the vaults for a limited time. Lately Disney seems to be bringing majority of the older movies out for rerelease. Seeing Bambi after this many years was very nice.  The VCR tape wasn’t in good shape, and with dvd’s, and BluRays taking over the market make storage, and viewing a lot easier. Some of the bonus features were nice to see. My daughter loved the movie, and has watched it many times since our receiving it.

The movie was nicely remade.  We have enjoyed watching the old movies that Disney is remastering for Digital, and Bluray technology.  The movies don’t look old anymore. This movie shows my family, and I just how far ahead of the times Disney was when this movie was made.

The video featured in this review was provided to me for the sole purpose of product review.  This review was not monetarily compensated for, and is based on my view and opinion.



 

Walt Disney’s

BAMBI Diamond Edition

Burbank, Calif., December, 2010 – The Walt Disney Studios proudly announces the addition of BAMBI to its coveted, cutting-edge Blu-ray™ Diamond Collection line-up of Disney’s greatest animated-classics. Released from the Disney vault for a limited time only, BAMBI Diamond Edition features the loveable and adorable wide-eyed fawn and his forest friends in Blu-ray high-definition on March 1, 2011.

The Diamond Edition debut of BAMBI, Walt’s fifth full-length animated classic, is an endearing tale about a young prince of the forest who learns valuable life-lessons about friendship, love, and the miracle of life. The movie is a must-own coming-of-age story that Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has especially packaged with families in mind – providing the ultimate, interactive hi-def home entertainment experience with a newly enhanced digital restoration, enhanced picture and sound, games, activities and more.

The new BAMBI Diamond Edition will be available as a 2-Disc Disney Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) for the suggested retail price of $39.99 US/$46.99 Canada, a High Definition Movie Download for the suggested retail price of $19.99 US/$39.99 Canada, and/or a Standard Definition Movie Download for the suggested retail price of $14.99 US/$24.99 Canada. Those who wish to own the standard definition DVD version of BAMBI will need to wait seven additional weeks – until April 19, 2011.

Disney’s new “Second Screen” technology, which is being introduced for the very first time on the BAMBI Diamond Edition release, will further transform the at-home movie watching experience by empowering viewers with the ability to engage with film content on multiple media platforms and bring them to life in their own hands at the touch of a button. By simply downloading the new Disney Second Screen App onto an internet-connected computer or iPad™* and synching it to the movie, consumers will instantly be able to dive deeper into the film by engaging with fun interactive elements like animated flipbooks, galleries, photos, trivia and more.

Film Synopsis:

As morning light breaks across the meadow, a young deer named Bambi is born and hailed as ‘Prince of the Forest.’ Soon Bambi emerges from the thicket on wobbly legs, much to the delight of his new friends, Thumper, the playful rabbit, and Flower, the bashful yet lovable skunk. But the fun of nibbling on fresh blossoms and frolicking through the woods is only the beginning. Exploring his new world, and guided by the wisdom of Friend Owl,Bambi learns valuable life lessons with every adventure – experiencing the power of friendship, family, and love along the away.

The Making of the Film:

BAMBI was Walt Disney’s fifth animated full-length feature film which released in 1942 during World War II and took approximately five years in the making due to the exquisite artwork and attention to detail of each and every scene, character and figure.  The artwork itself was created by some of the legendary “nine old men,” including Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, Marc Davis, Milt Kahl and Eric Larson and in order to achieve the film’s unprecedented level of realism, animators modeled anatomical studies using live animals (including a pair of fawns named Bambi and Faline) and imbued each with a uniquely endearing personality. Bambi’s delightful forest home received the same painstaking attention to detail, as background artists painted hundreds of landscapes based on extensive field research and nature photographs. 

Walt Disney broke the longstanding animation tradition by casting child actors in the roles of Bambi’s young animals, including Bobby Stewart as Baby Bambi, Donnie Dunagan as Young Bambi, Hardie Albright as Adolescent Bambi and Peter Behn as Young Thumper. The cast also includes Sam Edwards as Adult Thumper, John Sutherland as Adult Bambi, Paula Winslowe as Bambi’s Mother and Sterling Holloway (the voice of Winnie the Pooh and The Jungle Book’s Kaa, the snake) as Adult Flower.

Film Accolades:

BAMBI was nominated for three Academy Awards® for Best Song (“Love Is a Song,”), Best Sound Recording, and Best Music Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture. To date, BAMBI is No. 3 on the list of American Film Institute’s Top 10 Animated Films of All Times. And in 2004, the movie was commemorated with a first-class U.S. postage stamp and in the 1990’s the film inspired astronomers to name a pair of asteroids after the adorable characters – Thumper (April 20, 1993) and Bambi (October 17, 1995). 

Bonus Features:

            Backstage Disney:

·      Inside Walt’s Story Meetings-Enhanced Edition – A fascinating, multi-tiered, interactive story-telling experience. Go                              back in time with dramatic voice re-enactments of the moments with Walt that led to the creation of this classic film.

·       2 Never Before Seen Deleted Scenes

   ·       Deleted Song: “Twitterpated”

 ·       Blu-ray Galleries—A collection of the extraordinary images originally created as part of the design process for BAMBI.

Family Play: Games & Activities:

  ·       Disney’s Big Book of Knowledge: BAMBI Edition— An interactive educational gaming experience that uses the film as a learning tool. Players can customize their own Big Book of Knowledge and learn all about forest creatures, seasons andmore! Each time a player completes a task, they are rewarded with new stickers to decorate their Big Book of Knowledge.

Digital Exclusive:

  ·       The Golden Age

Classic DVD Bonus Features:

  ·       The Making Of BAMBI: A Prince Is Born—A comprehensive look at the making of BAMBI covers the story, the characters, the actors, the art design, the music and the history of Walt Disney’s classic film using behind the scenes footage, production stills, animation, artwork and multiple interviews withperformers and behind the scenes participants.

    ·       Tricks of the Trade (excerpt)—In an episode from the 1957 Disneyland TV show, Walt narrates the story of the multiplane camera, an animation innovation crucial to the production of BAMBI.

      ·       Inside the Disney Archives—Disney Supervising Animator Andreas Deja guides viewers through Disney’s Animation Research Library, where artwork from past Disney animated feature films is stored, including early story sketches of Bobo the rabbit,” (who became Thumper),  glass paintings made for the multiplane camera and more.

    ·       The Old Mill—Winner of the 1937 Academy Award® for Best Short Subject/Cartoon, The Old Mill was a testing ground for several techniques critical to Walt’s artistic vision for BAMBI, including the multiplane camera, animating realistic animals and experimenting with such natural occurrences such as wind, rain and lightning. 

   ·       DisneyPedia: Bambi’s Forest Friends 

Disc Specifications:

  BLU-RAY DVD
Street Date March 1, 2011 April 19, 2011
Direct Prebook January 4, 2011 February 22, 2011
Distributor Prebook January 18, 2011 March 8, 2011
Suggested Retail Price 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) = $39.99 US/$46.99 Canada; High Definition Movie Download = $19.99 US/$39.99 Canada; Standard Definition Movie Download = $14.99 US/$34.99 Canada 2-Disc DVD = $29.99 US/$35.99 Canada
Feature Run Time 70-minutes 70-minutes
Feature Rated G G
Technical   FastPlayÔ enabled
Aspect Ratio 1.33:1 1.33:1
Sound 7.1 DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, 5.1 Dolby Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix (DEHT)
Languages 5.1 Dolby Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix (DEHT) French and Spanish Language Tracks 5.1 Dolby Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix (DEHT) French and Spanish Language Tracks
Subtitles English SDH, English ESL, French & Spanish English SDH, English Line 21/CC, French & Spanish

About Disney’s Blu-ray™ Diamond Collection:

Disney’s Blu-ray™ Diamond Collection represents The Walt Disney Studio’s most prestigious animated classics. The Collection will be comprised with many of Walt Disney’s most treasured animated classic titles to be released through 2016. These titles represent the highest level of picture and sound, feature groundbreaking, state-of-the-art immersive bonus content, and include unprecedented levels of interactivity, personalization and customization, made possible because of Blu-ray technology.

About The Walt Disney Studios:

For more than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company (DIS: NYSE) was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under four banners: Walt Disney Pictures, which includes Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios, Disneynature, Touchstone Pictures and Marvel. Through the Home Entertainment division, innovative distribution methods provide access to creative content across multiple platforms. Original music and motion picture soundtracks are produced under Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records, while Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Broadway theatrical productions, Disney on Ice and Disney LIVE!  For more information, please visit http://www.disney.com/.

Blu-ray™ movie magic at your fingertips 

DISNEY SECOND SCREEN 

App Overview:

Disney Second Screen transforms the movie watching experience by

allowing viewers to explore the story behind the film perfectly synched on 

a second device, like an iPad™ or laptop, without interrupting their 

enjoyment of the movie. By accessing the Disney Second Screen 

companion application on their Internet-connected device, consumers 

are able to dive deeper into the film by engaging with key elements of the 

movie.    

 

This groundbreaking new application allows users to interact with their 

Blu-ray™ player by simply starting the Blu-ray movie, and then syncing Disney Second Screen to the film automatically by following the easy on-screen instructions.  Once connected, they can explore interactive galleries, play games, and learn interesting facts about the scenes they’re watching.  

U.S. Debut: 

Disney Second Screen will debut with the release of Bambi (March 1, 

2011) and Tron Legacy (April 5, 2011) Disney Blu-ray™ combo pack. 

Devices: iPad or PC/MAC computer with FLASH 

Formats: 

Optimized for Blu-ray™ and included in Combopack releases. 

Access:

Visit DisneySecondScreen.com 

Select your version (either iPad™ or Web) 

Enter your Magic Code [insert DMR logo] 

Currently only available in US and English-speaking Canada 

For additional information, please visit www.DisneySecondScreen.com

 

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Richard Petty Rookie Experience Review

JMarsden92 February 3, 2011
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While we were in Orlando, Florida we were given the opportunity to review the Rookie Driving Experience at the Richard Petty Driving Experience at the Walt Disney World Speedway.

The Richard Petty Experience is run during the morning hours.  This is because the Indycar Experience is run on the same track in the afternoons.  Upon arrival you are given some paperwork to fill out.  You get a lanyard to keep.  You are also given a driving suit for your use.  Then you sit down for a few videos that give you a rundown on how the experience will work, and what you are allowed to do, and not allowed to do.  After this is all done you are brought out onto the track area, and the group sits in the bleachers until a driver is called.  Each driver goes the designated amount of laps in their purchase.

Not being a race car enthusiast I was rather amazed at what it actually felt like being in a Nascar moving along at speeds better than I can do anywhere else legally.  On that topic… I got a ticket going to Florida this trip because I failed to remember that Virginia isn’t for lovers… It is for Tickets.  I wasn’t going extremelly faster than the speed limit, but the officer didn’t cut me slack either.

What I saw was that several people went on the ride-along first, then went on the Rookie experience.  This gives a bit more understanding of what you will experience.  After you are done racing you wait for the remaining drivers to finish, and then you are given a “Graduation.”  This is basically where you are given your lap times, and some other things.  Once you are done you can go over to the counter to purchase videos of the driving experience.  You can also purchase plaques, and other things.



If you bring back your lap times, video, or something like that you can get a discount on future race experiences.

If you are into cars, then I definitelly recommend this.  If you are into fast driving, then this is for you.  The staff was very courteous, and the experience went off without any hitches.  If you want to see what the experience is all about, but don’t know if you want to spend money you can always go to the track and spectate.  As I was told… Spectators are always welcome.

I was given the opportunity to review the experience so as to give my opinion of what I experienced.  This review was not influenced by receiving a complimentary experience.

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Secretariat Bluray/DVD Review

JMarsden92 January 24, 2011
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My daughter loves anything to do with horses.  To back that statement up she had to go on the pony ride in Fort Wilderness each year until she was too “old” to go anymore.  My wife also loves things that deal with horses.  This movie was a great find.  Finding movies that focus on horses is almost an impossible thing to do.  Well, Disney allowed us to review the upcoming movie Secretariat.  At the end of the movie Penny is actually shown, and on the Bluray you can find an additional discussion with the real Penny.  I feel that this movie helped my daughter understand that “You can accomplish anything that you put your mind to.”  This movie also shows how close a bond a person can have with an animal.  This is important to any true pet lover.

Watching the movie in HD picture, and sound had the feeling of actually being there.  This shows the technology that was brought to play.  We only wish a lot more movies were this way, and maybe Disney is going to do this more.  Watching it from this viewpoint made us realize what the jockey actually goes through.

To summarize the movie it is about a woman taking the helm of a race horse, anddoing what others thought couldn’t be done.  Make sure you get your hands on this movie.  Rent it, or Buy it… Just don’t miss this one.

We gave the movie 10 out of 10.  A great story that has a lesson to be learned by all.

Here is the release information…

Disney Presents


SECRETARIAT

The Impossible True Story About A Legendary Sports Champion & Its Owner Releases As A Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD & Movie Download on January 25, 2011

Burbank, Calif., The inspirational story about one of the most remarkable feats in sports history, SECRETARIAT, comes to Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-rayTM + DVD), DVD and Movie Download on January 25, 2011 by Walt Disney Studios. This powerful and thrilling journey of the 1973 Triple Crown winner and its owner Penny Chenery, played by Academy Award® and Golden Globe nominee Diane Lane, brings hope, heart and courage to audiences of all ages making SECRETARIAT a perfect film to add to the home library.

“This is one of the year’s best films,” states Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times. “Has received great critical acclaim and receiving Oscar buzz! ‘4 stars’.”

The home entertainment debut of the critically acclaimed SECRETARIAT will keep audiences engaged for hours on end with never-before-shared in-depth interviews with Penny Chenery, exclusive behind-the- scenes footage, deleted scenes and more on the story of one of the greatest accomplishments in sports history.

“Secretariat’ belongs in The Winner’s Circle. It’s one of the Best Family Films of the Year!” said CBS News, and Pete Hammond of Boxoffice Magazine called the film, “A truly exciting, beautifully made movie that makes a run for the heart and will have you standing up and cheering. ‘Secretariat’ is thrilling and inspiring entertainment for everyone. Diane Lane is wonderful. John Malkovich is terrific. It’s this year’s ‘Blind Side.”

SECRETARIAT will be available in stores nationwide as a 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD in a single package) for the suggested price of $39.99 U.S./$44.99 Canada and a 1- Disc DVD for the suggested price of $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada.

“A remarkable story that lifts our spirits, ‘Secretariat’ is a winner! …and the luminous Diane Lane’s tour de force performance is unforgettable!” writes Jeff Craig of Sixty Second Preview.From the Producers of Miracle, Invincible and The Rookie, SECRETARIAT features critically acclaimed performances by an all-star cast that includes Diane Lane (Unfaithful, Under The Tuscan Sun, Nights in Rodanthe), John Malkovich (Con Air, Burn After Reading, Being John Malkovich), Dylan Walsh (Congo, The Lake House, The Stepfather), James Cromwell (L.A. Confidential, The Green Mile, The Queen), Kevin Connolly (“Entourage,” He Is Just Not Into You, John Q), Nelsan Ellis (True Blood, The Soloist, The Express, Warm Springs), Margo Martindale (Million Dollar Baby, Orphan, Dead Man Walking), Fred Thompson (Die Hard 2, In the Line of Fire, Cape Fear) and AJ Michalka (The Lovely Bones, Cow Belles, Haversham Hall).

FILM SYNOPSIS

Disney presents an astonishing true story bursting with hope, heart and courage. Diane Lane and John Malkovich lead a celebrated cast in this inspirational motion picture from the producers of Miracle, Invincible and The Rookie.

Behind every legend, lies an impossible dream. Witness the spectacular journey of an incredible horse named Secretariat and the moving story of his unlikely owner, a housewife who risked everything to make him a champion. Out of the gate with never-before-seen bonus features, Secretariat is hours of pulse- pounding entertainment for the whole family!

DISC BONUS FEATURES:

BLU-RAY:

The same as the DVD, plus…

•               Choreographing The Races – This piece looks at how director Randall Wallace and the filmmakers used innovative tools and technology to accurately and excitingly recreate the Triple Crown races that make the viewer feel like they are standing on the backstretch themselves.

•               A Director’s Inspiration: A Conversation With The Real Penny Chenery – Director Randall Wallace sits down with Secretariat owner Penny Chenery to review the movie and some of the key scenes. Penny reflects on what it was like to have been a woman in a male dominated sport and to have been part of horse racing’s most exciting moments in history.

•               Audio Commentary By Director Randall Wallace – View the film with optional audio commentary from Director Randall Wallace.

•               Deleted Scenes With Optional Audio Commentary By Director Randall Wallace – The same deleted scenes as the DVD, plus four more…

o              Alternate Opening

o              Introduction

o              “Are You A Golfer?”

o              No Time To Rest

•               Secretariat Multi-Angle Simulation – Relive Secretariats triumphant 1973 Preakness race by viewing the race from a number of perspectives as well as listening to commentaries from fans, announcers and even the jockey who rode Secretariat to their record finish.

DVD:

• Heart Of A Champion – This feature takes a look at one of the most famous thoroughbred horses ever known. Secretariat was a horse with style as well as amazing speed and an unsurpassed racing record. We interview all the key players from the day as well as today’s filmmakers to learn more about the horse affectionately called “Red.”

•               Deleted Scenes With Optional Audio Commentary By Director Randall Wallace

o              Director Introduction

o              Memories

o              Seth Joins The Team

o              Too         Soon T o                Celebrate

•               Music Video – AJ Michalka “It’s Who You Are”

EST :

The same as the DVD, plus…

•               Choreographing The Races

DISC SPECIFICATIONS:

Street Date: January 25, 2011

Direct Prebook: November 30, 2010

Distributors Prebook: December 14, 2010

Suggested Retail Price: 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack = $39.99US/ $44.99 Canada 1-Disc DVD = $29.99 US/$35.99 Canada

Rated: US: PG – for brief mild language Canada: G

Feature Run Time: Approximately 123 minutes

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Blu-ray Sound:English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital

DVD Sound: English 5.1 Dolby Digital, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital

Languages: Subtitles: English, French & Spanish English SDH, French & Spanish

About The Walt Disney Studios:

For more than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company (DIS: NYSE) was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under four banners: Walt Disney Pictures, which includes Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios, Disneynature, Touchstone Pictures and Marvel. Through the Home Entertainment division, innovative distribution methods provide access to creative content across multiple platforms. Original music and motion picture soundtracks are produced under Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records, while Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Broadway theatrical productions, Disney on Ice and Disney LIVE!. For more information, please visit www.disney.com.

 

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Indy Racing Experience Disney World Review

JMarsden92 November 17, 2010
[1] comment

During our recent media trip to Orlando, Fl we were given the opportunity to try out the Indy Racing Experience in Walt Disney World.  When we showed up we were given a stack of paper to sign.  It felt like I was signing away my life.  Well, I guess in fact that I probably did.  Anyway… After signing the paperwork we were handed a race suit, and shoes that had to be worn.  We got to go on the ride along.

Next we were all taken outside to the track.  One at a time we were strapped into the car, and taken for a casual run at @105mph on a 1 mile tri-oval track.  This experience lasted only minutes.  The seats in the car are a bit tight, and this is not an experience for those that are bigger than normal.  If you are totally against tight places, then this is not an experience for you.

There are other experiences available to those that want more excitement.  The ride along experience costs $109.  The drive experience costs $399.  Either experience is done in the afternoons.  For the drive experience you will need to allot more time, as there is driver training that must be conducted.  There are @10+ other locations through the US.  Click here for other locations.

This was a very exhilarating experience.  The only thing that I didn’t like was that they do not offer any photos, or videos of the experience like they offer at the Richard Petty Experience which is located at the same place.  I was told that they were working on this, and hoped to have this capability soon. 

My father and I were given complimentary passes to this experience so as to review the experience.  Receiving these passes had no influence on the review of the experience.

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Sorcerers Apprentice Movie Review

JMarsden92 November 16, 2010
[1] comment

We got to go see Sorcerers Apprentice back some time ago, and I have to thank Disney for allowing us to go.  Our little one enjoyed the movie so much she is now asking for the Bluray for Christmas.  The movie was very well made, and the actors were well chosen.  There was one part that they showed Mickey Mouse, but that is the only reference to the original cartoon.  I would be curious if Disney has any thoughts on a sequel.  Nicholas Cage has aged well, and fit the role of the sorcerer perfect.  I recommend this movie to everyone, as this movie is one of a kind, and well made.  If you can’t figure out what to get for someone this season, then this would make an excellent holiday gift.

“Films Clean Up!”- From Mary Poppins and Cinderella to Sorcerer’s Apprentice, cleaning up has never been so much fun!

On November 30th Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and Jerry Bruckheimer Films will release The Sorcerer’s Apprentice on DVD and Blu-ray! Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage) recruits an average college student to be his protégé (Jay Baruche). Balthazar gives him a crash course in magic as they prepare for a battle against dark forces in modern-day Manhattan.  The Blu-ray includes some great features such as “Magic in the City”, “The Science of Sorcery”, deleted scenes and more! Get ready for magic as The Sorcerer’s Apprentice comes to DVD and Blu-ray on November 30th.

THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE
WALT DISNEY PICTURES and JERRY BRUCKHEIMER FILMS

About the Film:
A fun, modern-day adventure follows Dave (JAY BARUCHEL), just an average college student, or so it
appears, until the sorcerer Balthazar Blake (NICOLAS CAGE) recruits him as his reluctant protégé and
gives him a crash course in the art and science of magic. As he prepares for a battle against the forces
of darkness in modern-day Manhattan, Dave finds it is going to take all of the courage he can muster to
survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE.

Bonus Features: Go behind the scenes and on location to learn all about the making of The
Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

Blu-Ray:

  • Magic In The City
  • The Science Of Sorcery  
  • Making Magic Real  
  • The Fashionable Drake Stone  
  • The Grimhold: An Evil Work Of Art  
  • The Encantus  
  • Wolves & Puppies  
  • The World’s Coolest Car  
  • 5 Deleted Scenes
  • Outtakes
  • And more!

DVD / iTunes:
o The Making Of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (DVD only)  

  • Deleted Scene: Balthazar Recruits Dave  

Genre:  Comedy Adventure
Rating:  PG
U.S. Release Date:  November 30, 2010
Suggested Retail Price:  
3-Disc  Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) — $44.99 U.S./$51.99 Canada
2-Disc Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) — $39.99 U.S./$44.99 Canada
1-Disc DVD — $29.99 U.S/ $35.99 Canada

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