Disney Pixar HOPPERS Home Entertainment Release

If you’re looking for the next family movie night pick, I just watched with my wife and kids on moviesanywhere.com Disney Pixar’s HOPPERS which is an animated sci-fi themed slapstick comedy with a plot that addresses environmental issues which will leave you contemplating humanity's relationship with the planet. The story follows Mabel, a college student who "hops" her consciousness into a robotic beaver to infiltrate a colony and save their habitat from a mayor obsessed with building a freeway through the animals' home. It’s basically Avatar meets A Bug’s Life, but with a beaver king named George (voiced by the hilarious Bobby Moynihan) who absolutely steals the show instead of aliens and ants as the leading characters. My whole family really enjoyed HOPPERS!

For parents, there’s plenty to appreciate beyond the cute animals in this film. The animation is top-tier, and the voice cast — including Jon Hamm as the villainous Mayor Jerry and Meryl Streep as a formidable Insect Queen — enhances the story. I particularly loved the focus on Mabel’s connection to her grandmother, which grounds the high-tech sci-fi elements in a way many families can associate with their own relationships. The movie doesn't talk down to kids while tackling environmental stewardship without feeling like a lecture. 

A quick "dad-to-dad" heads-up: while it’s rated PG, some scenes get surprisingly intense. There are a few "horror-lite" sequences and a chaotic third act featuring a terrifying "human hopper" robot controlled by an insect. If you have very little ones who are sensitive to jump scares or "creepy" imagery, be on guard! Otherwise, it is a fun flick that reminded me of why my family loves Pixar movies after some of the recent disappointing releases from the studio.

HOPPERS earned A Geek Daddy nod of approval for providing a fun, laugh filled family movie night. It is available to view now on digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Movies Anywhere, Apple TV, and Fandango @ Home. Plus, it will be available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD on June 2, 2026.

The home entertainment release of HOPPERS includes the following bonus content in addition to the featured motion picture:

• The Critter Diaries: Wander behind the scenes with director Daniel Chong and the Pixar creative team as they explore Yellowstone, study wildlife, and find real-life inspiration for our favorite new animated characters from Hoppers. 
• Hopping In: The Making of Hoppers: Hop into the making of the movie as filmmakers, cast, and crew share how their ideas, collaboration, and creative process brought the story, animation, and lovable characters to life in Pixar’s Hoppers. 
• "Meet King George" Scene Breakdown: Dive deep with director Daniel Chong and the filmmaking team as they reveal the craft of making King George’s Superlodge. Get insight into the directing process, editing, VFX, animation, and production design. 
• Beaverton Revealed: Explore Hoppers to find surprising Pixar film cameos, hidden references, and plenty of fun, behind-the-scenes facts. 
• Dam Good Bloopers: Laugh along with your favorite voice actors from Hoppers as they have fun bringing their characters to life in the recording booth. 
• Deleted Scenes: Check out scenes that didn’t make the final cut, as introduced by director Daniel Chong and editor Axel Geddes.

Thank you to Walt Disney Studios for providing a complimentary Movies Anywhere code for HOPPERS to use for our family movie night. This post has affiliate links, which means this blog could earn advertising money if you buy something. This doesn't cost you anything extra, ageekdaddy.com just has to give you the heads up for legal reasons. Click away!

MUFASA HOME VIDEO RELEASE

An early chapter in the circle of life of the royal family of THE LION KING is told in Disney Studios' MUFASA which is now available to add to your home entertainment video library via digital and will be released April 1 on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. MUFASA: THE LION KING is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America [MPAA] and has a runtime of just under 2 hours. Digital retailers the movie is available from include Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Fandango at Home.

Exploring the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, “Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.

As people have come to expect from home video releases, there is bonus content included along with the movie:

Full Length Sing-Along – Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with on-screen lyrics. 

Finding Milele: The Making of Mufasa: The Lion King – Join visionary director Barry Jenkins and the cast of Mufasa: The Lion King on an epic journey to create a brand-new chapter in the story of The Lion King. Explore how the story was developed and the technology used to make Mufasa's world come to life. 

Songs of the Savanna – Director Barry Jenkins and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda sit down to discuss the excitement and challenges of creating the music for Mufasa: The Lion King. 

Ostrich Eggs with Timon & Pumbaa – Timon and Pumbaa reveal fun facts and some of the hidden references in the movie. 

Outtakes – Watch the cast having fun in the recording booth. 

Deleted Scenes: 

• Who's the Mole Rat? 
• What Do You Feel in There? 
• Have Faith in Her Taka's Dream 

Music Video: "I Always Wanted a Brother" – Join Lin-Manuel Miranda and the cast of Mufasa: The Lion King as they perform "I Always Wanted A Brother" backstage at a film shoot.

Protect the Pride – Learn how Disney and The Lion Recovery Fund are working to protect the pride and conserve lions in the wild.

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE HOME VIDEO RELEASE

Beetlejuice is back! In this year's sequel to the hit 1988 movie Beetlejuice, we find three generations of the Deetz family returning home to Winter River after an unexpected family tragedy. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia's life soon gets turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter discovers a mysterious portal to the afterlife. When someone says Beetlejuice's name three times, the mischievous demon gleefully returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice landed in movie theaters in September and is now making its way to home video.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is available now to purchase in Digital format and for 48-hour rental via PVOD on participating digital platforms where you purchase or rent movies, including Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and more. On November 19, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will be available to own on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD. On November 1, an American Sign Language (ASL) version of the film will also be available on Digital. Are you geeked about adding Beetlejuice Beetlejuice to your home entertainment video collection?

In Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Michael Keaton returns to his iconic Beetlejuice role alongside Oscar nominee Winona Ryder (Stranger Things, Little Women) as Lydia Deetz and two-time Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara (Schitt's Creek, The Nightmare Before Christmas) as Delia Deetz, with new cast members Justin Theroux (Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, The Leftovers), Monica Bellucci (Spectre, The Matrix films), Arthur Conti (House of the Dragon) in his feature film debut, with Emmy nominee Jenna Ortega (Wednesday, Scream VI) as Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, and Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe (Poor Things, At Eternity’s Gate). The horror comedy is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America [MPAA] for violent content, macabre and bloody images, strong language, some suggestive material and brief drug use.

Bonus content that joins the movie with the home entertainment video release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuce includes the following featurettes:

• Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Commentary by director Tim Burton
• The Juice is Loose! The Making of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
• The Ghost with the Most: Beetlejuice Returns
•  Meet the Deetz
•  Handbook for the Recently Deceased
•  Shrinkers, Shrinkers Everywhere!
•  An Animated Afterlife: The Stop-Motion Art of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
•  ‘Til Death Do Us Park

TRUE DETECTIVE: NIGHT COUNTRY ON BLU-RAY AND DVD

Warner Bros Home Entertainment provided ageekdaddy.com with a free Blu-ray of True Detective: Night Country

Get on the case and catch up on all the clues in Season 4 of HBO's Emmy Award-winning television series, TRUE DETECTIVE. True Detective: Night Country will be available to add to your home entertainment video library on July 9, 2024 via Blu-ray, DVD and Digital formats. Fans and newcomers alike can binge on all 6 thrilling episodes from Season 4 of True Detective while they search for answers and go behind the scenes with bonus content.

In True Detective: Night Country, when the long winter night falls in Ennis, Alaska, the eight men who operate the Tsalal Artic Research Station vanish. To solve the case, detectives Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) will have to confront the darkness they carry in themselves, and dig into the haunted truths that lie buried under the eternal ice. Season 4 of the hit HBO series in rated TV-MA and its six episodes have a total runtime of 364 minutes.

The home video release of True Detective: Night Country includes the following bonus content:

• Meet the True Detectives - Cast Q &A;
• New Chapter - Issa Lopez (Showrunner / Writer / Director) and cast discuss Night Country's unique role in the True Detective franchise;
• Exploring Indigenous Themes - Delve into Alaska Native culture and how it has contributed to the show;
• Max Inkblots - Get to know cast through show-themed inkblot interpretations;
• Setting Featurette - Sets up Alaska as a pivotal character in the story;
• Atmospheric Teases - Social environmental shots to tease key moments from the series.

GHOSTBUSTERS FROZEN EMPIRE HOME VIDEO RELEASE

Thank you to Sony Pictures Home Entertainment for providing this Geek Daddy with a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital combo pack of the home video release of GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE so my family could have a fun family movie night this weekend. Now available to add to your home entertainment video library is the theatrical release of the fourth installment of the Ghostbusters movie franchise complimented by the inclusion of over an hour of extras including deleted scenes and behind the scenes making of the film features.

In Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the Spengler family returns to where it all started -- the iconic New York City firehouse -- to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who've developed a top-secret research lab. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age.

Directed by Gil Kenan, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire features Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, McKenna Grace, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Bill Murray and Annie Potts. The movie is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for supernatural action/violence, language and suggestive references. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire has a run time of 115 minutes.

In addition to the featured presentation, the 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Digital home video release of the movie includes the following bonus content:

• Deleted & Extended Scenes;
• Easter Eggs Unleashed;
• Return to the Firehouse: Making Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire;
• Busted: Capturing the Ghosts of Frozen Empire;
• Manifesting Garraka;
• New York, New Gear;
• Welcome to the Paranormal Discovery Center;
• Knowing the Score;
• Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Gil Kenan

In addition to the complimentary Blu-ray + DVD + Digital combo pack received by ageekdaddy.com, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is also available in a 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital combo pack. For collectors of physical media, the film is also available in WALMART exclusive steelbook cases.

There is also a limited edition 2-movie giftset with both Afterlife and Frozen Empire on 4K, Blu-ray and Digital packaged with a Ghostbusters ice mold for making some out of the ordinary ice cubes.

Who you going to call for a spooktacular family movie night? Ghostbusters! 

A HAUNTING IN VENICE

Wrapped up my Halloween festivities this evening by viewing A HAUNTING IN VENICE now that it is available to view on home video. The film became available for subscribers to stream on Hulu, just in time to cap off its iconic Huluween celebration, and is also now available to buy on digital from all major digital retailers, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango/Vudu, with exclusive behind-the-scenes bonus content. The movie is being released November 28 on Blu-ray and DVD.

A Haunting in Venice is set in eerie, post-World War II Venice on All Hallows’ Eve and is a terrifying mystery featuring the return of the celebrated sleuth, Hercule Poirot. Now retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world’s most glamorous city, Poirot reluctantly attends a séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets.

Based upon Agatha Cristie's novel Hallowe'en Party, the film adaption of the murder mystery is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America [MPAA] for strong language, disturbing images and thematic elements. Bonus content included with the home video release of A Haunting in Venice include 11 deleted scenes and a featurette on the making of the movie. 

I've been a fan of 20th Century Studios prior film adaptions of Agatha Cristie's novels Murder on the Orient Express (2017) and Death on the Nile (2022). They've featured memorizing cinematography and excellent scripting providing an immersive and compelling movie watching experience. A Haunting in Venice follows suit! 

Are you geeked about A Haunting in Venice being available to add to your home entertainment video library? I am! It made for an excellent movie to watch on Halloween! I'm hoping 20th Century Studios will make an adaption of Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians now. 

FAST X HOME VIDEO BONUS FEATURES

A Geek Daddy was provided FAST X on Digital from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment for promotional consideration. 

FAST X is now available to add to your home entertainment video collection with the Hollywood blockbuster movie released on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Digital from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Of course, one of the best parts of the home video release of a movie are the bonus content included with the featured presentation. FAST X doesn't disappoint with a lot of included extra features to enjoy on the 4K, Blu-ray and Digital formats:

• HIS IS FAMILY - Family bonds are always the strongest. Reunite with your favorite FAST family members as we introduce new characters, travel across continents, reveal intimate views of epic stunts, and get personal about the beginning of the end of the FAST franchise. 
• FAST BREAKS: SCENE BREAKDOWNS WITH LOUIS LETERRIER - Director Louis Leterrier gives insight into some of the magic that went into making FAST X, breaking down how he filmed these unforgettable action scenes in legendary locations around the world. 
• XTREME RIDES OF FAST X - In FAST, we cast cars like we cast characters. Take a closer look at how classic FAST cars were rebuilt for FAST X, and which new vehicles are customized and introduced to enhance the lifeblood of the franchise. 
• BELLES OF THE BRAWL - The women of FAST X are not to be messed with. Watch as they add their special talents to huge fight scenes, from rehearsal to the real thing. 
• TUNED INTO RIO - Revisit FAST's past as our story takes us back to Rio de Janeiro, where we'll experience a non-stop party, exotic cars, and a classic FAST quarter mile street race. 
• JASON MOMOA: CONQUERING ROME - Jason Momoa joins the FAST franchise to portray a villain that pushes the team to the brink of disaster. Watch as Momoa discusses his approach to the character, biking down the narrow streets of Rome, and performing his own stunts. 
• LITTLE B TAKES THE WHEEL - Get to know the youngest member of the Toretto family as we dive into Little B’s journey in FAST X and introduce Leo Abelo Perry. 
• A FRIEND IN THE END - The FAST franchise has a history of shocking end-credit tags, and FAST X is no different. We take a special look at this scene and why, if you're watching a FAST movie, you never want to get up before the end credits are finished! 
• GAG REEL
• MUSIC VIDEOS "TORETTO" BY J BALVIN "ANGEL PT. 1" BY KODAK BLACK & NLE CHOPPA (FEATURING JIMIN OF BTS, JVKE & MUNI LONG) 
• COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR LOUIS LETERRIER

Ever since their saga started on the streets of L.A.’s underground racing scene, Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family have overcome impossible odds to outsmart, out-nerve and outdrive every foe. Yet when the team took down a nefarious kingpin back in Brazil, they had no idea his son Dante (Jason Momoa) was watching from the shadows. More lethal than any other enemy they’ve faced, Dante now rises as a terrifying new nemesis who’s fueled by revenge and determined to shatter their family and destroy everything and everyone that Dom loves. From London and Brazil to Antarctica and Rome, new alliances are forged and old enemies resurface. But everything changes after Dom discovers his eight-year-old son is Dante’s ultimate target.

Showcasing an all-star cast with full-throttle action and high-octane thrills, FAST X stars Vin Diesel (The Fast and the Furious), Michelle Rodriguez (The Fast and the Furious), Tyrese Gibson (2 Fast 2 Furious), Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges (2 Fast 2 Furious), John Cena (F9: The Fast Saga), Nathalie Emmanuel (Furious 7), Jordana Brewster (The Fast and the Furious), Sung Kang (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift), Scott Eastwood, Daniela Melchior, Alan Ritchson, with Helen Mirren (The Fate of the Furious), with Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), with Rita Moreno, and Jason Statham (Furious 7), and Jason Momoa (Aquaman) and Charlize Theron (The Fate of the Furious) and a few surprise cameos from the franchise’s past.

FAST X is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for intense sequences of violence and action, language and some suggestive material. The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes. For more information, please visit www.uphe.com/movies/fast-x.

BABYLON 5 THE ROAD HOME MOVIE CLIP

Get ready to take a journey through the past to help determine the future! Babylon 5: The Road Home, the highly anticipated release from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, will be available to purchase Digitally, and on 4K Ultra HD, and Blu-ray on August 15. 

In anticipation of the all-new original animated movie, a never-before-seen clip from the film titled “Standing In The Shadows” has just been released! Check it out: 

Return to Babylon 5 as the epic interstellar saga continues with The Road Home. Travel across the galaxy with John Sheridan as he unexpectedly finds himself transported through multiple timelines and alternate realities in a quest to find his way back home. Along the way he reunites with some familiar faces, while discovering cosmic new revelations about the history, purpose, and meaning of the Universe. 

SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE: 

• Babylon 5 Forever (New Featurette) – join the cast and filmmakers as they reveal the process behind creating the first state-of-the-art, animated adaption of Babylon 5. 
•  Audio Commentary with creator/writer/executive producer J. Michael Straczynski, actor Bruce Boxleitner and supervising producer Rick Morales. 

Babylon 5 celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and returning to voice their characters from the original series are Bruce Boxleitner as John Sheridan, Claudia Christian as Susan Ivanova, Peter Jurasik as Londo Mollari, Bill Mumy as Lennier, Tracy Scoggins as Elizabeth Lochley, and Patricia Tallman as Lyta Alexander. 

The film also stars Paul Guyet (World of Warcraft) as Zathras and Jeffery Sinclair, Anthony Hansen (God of War) as Michael Garibaldi, Mara Junot (Green Lantern: Beware My Power) as Reporter and Computer Voice, Phil LaMarr (Futurama) as Dr. Stephen Franklin, Piotr Michael (Hogwart’s Legacy) as David Sheridan, Andrew Morgado (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) as G’Kar, and Rebecca Riedy (Magic: The Gathering Arena) as Delenn.

Babylon 5: The Road Home will be available on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray from Best Buy. This post has affiliate links, which means this blog could earn advertising money if you buy something. This doesn't cost you anything extra, ageekdaddy.com just has to give you the heads up for legal reasons. Click away!

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL 3 HOME VIDEO BONUS CONTENT

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is now available to add to your home video entertainment library on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray and DVD as well as via Digital. Fans can add the film to their collection and access bonus content exclusive to the home video release of the movie including deleted scenes, a gag reel and audio commentary by James Gunn. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for intense sequences of violence and action, strong language, suggestive/drug references and thematic elements. 

Bonus content may vary by product and retailer. The home video release of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 may include:

• FEATURETTES 
•  The Imperfect, Perfect Family - View the evolution of the Guardians through the cast and crew’s passion for each other and the entire franchise. Join this tight knit “found family” as they leave behind a legacy and recount their best memories wrapping up this epic trilogy’s final film. 
• Creating Rocket Raccoon – Director James Gunn talks about bringing Rocket to life and how personal the character is to him. Uncover BTS footage, the research and development of the visual effects process, and the inspiration for Rocket through conversations with cast and crew. 
•  DELETED SCENES 
•  A Bit Much – Adam Warlock explains to Ayesha what he plans to do with the Guardians. 
• A Lending Hand – Peter lends a hand to an injured humanimal on Counter-Earth and shows he means no harm. 
• Drax's Analogies and Metaphors - Drax gives Peter some interesting life analogies and metaphors. 
• The Perfect Society – The High Evolutionary reveals his mission to perfect the universe.
• The Search for 89P13 – Behemoth brings not-so-good news to The High Evolutionary.
• Annoyed Peter – Peter gets annoyed while altering the shield. 
• A Burning Escape – Peter runs back to grab his music player before escaping a blazing inferno on the Arête. 
• Knowhere After the Battle – The High Evolutionary is brought back to Knowhere and locked up while Kraglin recruits Adam Warlock. 
•  GAG REEL 
•  Take a look at some of the fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 
•  DIRECTOR’S COMMENTARY 
•  Watch the film with audio commentary by director James Gunn.

In Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, our beloved band of misfits is looking a bit different these days. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), still reeling from a terrible loss, must rally his team and embark on a dicey, action-packed mission to defend the universe and protect Rocket. Meanwhile, a new, unpredictable force threatens to bring the Guardians down for good. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is written and directed by James Gunn.

THE LITTLE MERMAID HOME VIDEO BONUS FEATURES

The home video release of the live-action retelling of The Little Mermaid arrives on Digital July 25 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD September 19.Add the film to your home entertainment video collection plus access bonus features including a sing-along version of the movie, song breakdowns, bloopers, and more. The movie is rated PG for action/peril and some scary images. 

Bonus content may vary by product and retailer. The home video release of Disney's live-action The Little Mermaid may include:

• Sing Along Version – Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with on-screen lyrics. 
• Hotter Under The Water – Discover how director Rob Marshall and his team brought the story of The Little Mermaid to life with this documentary in five chapters: 
• A Tale Of The Bottomless Blue – Join Rob Marshall on the set of one of the most ambitious and challenging films he's ever directed. 
• I Know Something’s Starting Right Now – Join cast members Halle Bailey, Melissa McCarthy, Jonah Hauer-King and more and learn how they were cast in the film and what it was like to bring director Rob Marshall's vision to life. 
• Down Where It’s Wetter – Dip your toes into the virtual ocean and learn about how the breathtaking underwater world was created with visual effects, imagination and a lot of talented artists. 
• Explore That Shore Up Above – From Prince Eric’s castle to the beach, explore the above-the-sea locations and the elaborate production design behind them. 
• Do What The Music Say – Discover how legendary composer Alan Menken teamed up with Lin- Manuel Miranda to write new songs to accompany the original classics. 
• Song Breakdowns 
• Wild Unchartered Waters – Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, gets his own song, written by Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Go behind the song, from the writing to the recording, to the filming on a practical ship. 
• Under the Sea – Get a first-hand look at how professional dancers helped bring director Rob Marshall's vision to life as they stood in for the various animated sea creatures that sing and dance in this showstopping number. 
• Kiss The Girl – Float along and get a frog's-eye view of the beautiful set built to film the live-action version of this classic song. 
• Poor Unfortunate Souls – Join Melissa McCarthy (Ursula) as she takes us on the journey of making her character's signature song. 
• Featurettes 
• The Scuttlebutt On Sidekicks – Dive in and meet Sebastian, Flounder and Scuttle, who not only have their own song, "The Scuttlebutt," but also fresh looks as they work hard to make sure Ariel and Eric kiss before Ursula's deadline. 
• Passing The Dinglehopper – Ariel met Ariel when Halle Bailey worked with Jodi Benson — the voice of Ariel in the original animated movie — who appears in a clever cameo in the live-action film. 
• Bloopers – Laugh along with the cast as they have the time of their lives making The Little Mermaid.

The Little Mermaid is filmmaker Rob Marshall’s live-action reimagining of Disney’s beloved animated musical classic, the story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy. 

AVATAR THE WAY OF WATER ARRIVES ON DIGITAL OUTLETS

I made a big mistake drinking a large ICEE during a three hour plus movie that submerses its audience into watery settings and not think having to escape the theatre for a pee break would be inevitable. Fortunately, I can see the scenes missed while in the movie theatre bathroom plus three more hours of bonus extras now that AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER is available on digital to add to home entertainment video libraries. This science fiction flick that received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, is available from all major digital retailers including Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu and Movies Anywhere.

To celebrate the digital release of Avatar: The Way of Water, fans can continue to participate in the “Keep Our Oceans Amazing'' campaign, which launched with the theatrical release of the movie. This initiative supports The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and its work to protect 10 of our oceans’ amazing animals and their habitats, connected to the beauty of Pandora. From now through July 31, 2023, fans can create their very own Avatar-inspired ocean creature. For every creature created in the Virtual Pandoran Ocean, Disney U.S. will give $5 to TNC U.S. to help them achieve their global goal of protecting 10 percent of the ocean by 2030. 

Visit www.avatar.com/keepouroceansamazing to learn more

Avatar: The Way of Water reaches new heights and explores undiscovered depths as James Cameron returns to the world of Pandora in this emotionally packed action adventure. Set more than a decade after the events of the first Avatar film, The Way of Water launches the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. All of this against the breathtaking backdrop of Pandora, where audiences are introduced to new Na’vi cultures and a range of exotic sea creatures that populate the majestic oceans. Nominated for numerous Academy Awards® including Best Picture, the James Cameron-directed film became the third highest-grossing box office film of all-time and set a new benchmark for visual effects. 

AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for sequences of strong violence and intense action, partial nudity, and some strong language. It has a runtime of approximately 192 minutes. Bonus content for the home video digital release include:

Inside Pandora's Box (A series of featurettes on the challenges facing cast and crew as filmmakers devise new technologies to push the limits of cinema) 

• Building the World of Pandora – James Cameron and a team of talented artists combine years of research with their design skills to build the world of Pandora with new characters, creatures, indigenous clans, underwater environments and the take-no-prisoners hard-tech world of the RDA.

• Capturing Pandora – James Cameron’s approach to performance capture has the cast performing in a volume rigged with infrared cameras to capture their movement, and head rig cameras to capture emotion on their faces with only the boundaries of imagination to limit them. 

• The Undersea World of Pandora – Co-production designer Dylan Cole and his team conceive of the marine creatures required for Avatar: The Way of Water while James Cameron and his stunt team devise extraordinary means to bring those creatures to life in a performance capture tank. 

• The Challenges of Pandora's Waters – James Cameron tackles the “non-trivial challenge” of performance capture above and below the water’s surface, utilizing a wave machine and current generator to reproduce ocean conditions, and underwater vehicles to replicate creature movement.

• Pandora’s Returning Characters – James Cameron reunites with his returning cast – Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang. Together they discuss the amazing evolution of their characters in Avatar: The Way of Water. 

• Pandora’s Next Generation – Meet the talented young newcomers who have been cast as the next generation of Na’vi and follow them through the adventure of making Avatar: The Way of Water. 

• Spider's Web – James Cameron introduced the human character of Spider into the fabric of Pandora – thus creating a host of technological challenges on set…and an incredible journey for the young actor, Jack Champion. 

• Becoming Na’vi – The Avatar cast is immersed in the culture of the indigenous Na’vi, living off the land in the Hawaiian rainforest and training in a multitude of disciplines in preparation for their roles. 

• The Reef People of Pandora – In true James Cameron-style, the Metkayina reef clan has been developed with great attention to detail, bearing unique evolutionary traits and a culture – with new dwellings, new clothes and different way of life – all a result of living off the ocean. 

• Bringing Pandora to Life – Once James Cameron completes his virtual production process, every sequence is turned over to Wētā FX to bring Pandora to life – with unprecedented advancements in facial performance, environments and making CG water look real. 

• The RDA Returns to Pandora – Co-production designer Ben Procter and his team present an armada of new vehicles and human technologies that the RDA brings to Pandora – in concept design and with practical builds. 

• The New Characters of Pandora – Meet the important new characters of the Avatar saga played by Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Edie Falco, Brendan Cowell and Jemaine Clement. 

• The Sounds of Pandora – Hear how James Cameron worked with composer Simon Franglen to create the distinctive music of The Way of Water while building on James Horner’s brilliant score for Avatar, and learn how Chris Boyes created the immersive sounds of Pandora. 

• New Zealand – Pandora’s Home – The production of the Avatar sequels is so thoroughly ensconced in New Zealand that James Cameron considers The Way of Water a “New Zealand film.” Hear reflections from the cast and crew, including the remarkable New Zealand crew, on making the film. 

More from Pandora's Box (Additional featurettes that highlight special teams within the production) 

• Casting – Discover the screen tests that won the talented young cast their roles in Avatar: The Way of Water. 

• Stunts – The Avatar stunt team isn’t just creating breathtaking action, they’re driving the story. From racing underwater on ilus, flying the skies on ikrans, to maneuvering RDA speed boats, the stunt team leaves you breathless and wanting more. 

• The Lab – Explore the Lightstorm Lab, the backbone of virtual production for the Avatar films. Comprised of specialized teams, the Lab builds & supports every aspect of the production – environments, motion edit, Kabuki, sequence, post-viz and software development. 

• The Troupe – Avatar’s Troupe is the Swiss Army Knife of acting, while playing dozens of roles on set, in the performance capture volume and on live-action sets, they bring life to Na’vi clans and RDA Recoms. They also play Na’vi-scale puppets on the live-action sets. 

Marketing Materials & Music Video (Marketing materials used to build audience awareness of the film) 

• Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength) Music Video – Multi-Grammy-winning, music superstar, The Weeknd, performs his emotionally packed end title song in the official music video for the smash hit “Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength).” 

• Theatrical Trailers 1 & 2 – Avatar: The Way of Water used two theatrical trailers to engage the audience. The first was a teaser trailer released 7 months before the film. The second was a standard trailer that premiered 5 weeks before the film’s release.

LYLE LYLE CROCODILE

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment provided ageekdaddy.com with the featured product for promotional consideration. Opinions expressed are honest and my own.

We had a fantastic family movie night watching LYLE, LYLE CROCODILE courtesy of Sony Pictures providing us with an advance copy of the movie before its official December 13 home video release on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. I actually wasn't expecting to like LYLE, LYLE CROCODILE as much as I did to be honest thinking it would be more focused towards entertaining the young children that the book which inspired the movie was written for. This movie though will actually captivate audiences of all ages! The adults in our family as well as our teen kids all thought LYLE, LYLE CROCODILE was great.

My family loves the Paddington movies that mix in a mischievous cgi bear with live action. This film has the same setup and many similarities when it comes to an orphaned animal being adopted by an off-kilter family leading to humorous scenarios that ultimately result in everyone's attitudes and spirits being uplifted. In this movie though it isn't a bear from darkest Peru but rather a singing crocodile that is the star of the show.

LYLE, LYLE CROCODILE is elevated beyond the funny hijink of a friendly crocodile living in the city by also including toe-tapping musical sequences. The entertaining songs incorporated into the movie soundtrack provide an energetic vibe to the film. Plus, LYLE, LYLE CROCODILE is filled with original, new music from the songwriters of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. I really have to say BRAVO to the music in this movie!

LYLE, LYLE CROCODILE is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America. The MPAA rating is for mild peril and thematic elements. As a dad have to say in my opinion this movie is all ages friendly without anything parents should really be worried about a child seeing. A great film for a family movie night!

In LYLE, LYLE CROCODILE when the Primm family moves to New York City their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and make friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle -- a singing crocodile who loves baths, caviar and great music -- living in the attic of his new home. The boy and crocodile become close friends, but when Lyle is threatened by evil neighbor Mr. Grumps, the Primm's must band together with the crocodile's charismatic and aloof owner, Hector P. Valenti, to show the world that family can come together from the most unexpected places. There is nothing wrong with a big singing crocodile with an even bigger personality!

The home video release of LYLE, LYLE CROCODILE on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray includes some fantastic bonus content:

Sing-Along Songs: Karaoke versions of the original songs "Top of The World", "Rip Up the Recipe", "Take a Look at Us Now, and "Carried Away" from the songwriting duo Pasek & Paul (The Greatest Showman).

Storytime with Shawn Mendes & Javier Bardem: Shawn Mendes, Javier Bardem, alongside the cast and filmmakers alternate reading excerpts from the book that set the world of LYLE, LYLE CROCODILE in motion.

Bloopers: Behind-the-scenes blooper reel.

Deleted Scene: Josh learns about Lyle's stage fright.

Croc and Roll -- Lyle on Set: Find out what working with Lyle was like with this featurette of interviews with his castmates. They shed light on everything from Lyle's eating habits to his occasional odor issues.

Two Music Videos: "Top of the World" & "Carried Away"

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TOP GUN MAVERICK MOVIE NIGHT

Finished out this Veteran's Day with a Family Movie Night watching TOP GUN MAVERICK courtesy of Paramount Home Entertainment providing me a free Blu-ray of the film. The summer blockbuster movie of 2022 is now available to add to your home entertainment video library on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Digital formats. TOP GUN MAVERICK is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for sequences of intense action and strong language. Who is ready to fly into the danger zone with Tom Cruise?!

After more than 30 years of service as a top naval aviator, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot. Yet, Maverick must confront the ghosts of his past when he returns to TOP GUN to train a group of elite graduates and comes face-to-face with Lt. Bradshaw (Miles Teller), the son of his former wingman "Goose." Bitter rivalries ignite as the pilots prepare for a specialized mission, which will require the ultimate sacrifice from those chosen to fly it.

Of course, being a home video release there is bonus content to enjoy in addition to the feature presentation when watching TOP GUN MAVERICK on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Digital. Bonus content includes a number of featurettes and two music videos:

Cleared for Take Off -- Witness the most intense film training program as the cast prepare themselves for filming while pulling multiple G's in a fighter plane.

Breaking New Ground: Filming Top Gun Maverick -- Prepare to take flight as you go behind-the-scenes with the cast and crew of Top Gun Maverick on a journey to capture the most spectacular aerial sequences ever.

A Love Letter to Aviation -- Tom Cruise shares his passion for aviation as he pilots his own aircraft, a vintage World War II P-51 Mustang, which would have been the Top Gun aircraft of its day.

Forging the Darkstar -- Pushing limits beyond Mach-10, the future of aviation is unveiled through an impressive experimental aircraft specifically designed for the movie.

Masterclass with Tom Cruise: Cannes Film Festival -- Tom Cruise discusses his incredible career at the 75th Cannes Film Festival. 

"Hold My Hand" Lady Gaga Music Video -- Watch Lady Gaga's music video for her standout hit on the Top Gun Maverick soundtrack.

"I Ain't Worried" OneRepublic Music Video -- Check out the music video to an original new song from OneRepublic.

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ET CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY WITH 4K ULTRA HD RELEASE

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment provided ageekdaddy.com with the featured product free for promotional consideration.

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL was a very relatable movie to me going to see it the first weekend it premiered at movie theaters as I was the same age as the child who befriends an alien on the silver screen. It still seems like yesterday that I was sitting in a theater seater snacking excited about snacking on the newly introduced movie tie-in candy Reese's Pieces and seeing the kids save the day by riding dirt bikes through their neighborhood just like all me and my friend's spent our summer afternoons. Wow! Was that amazing excursion to the movies really forty years ago?!

Now, my daughter is the E.T. fan in the family! She loves E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL. I can't count the number of times she has watched the movie on a DVD we own. We can't go to Orlando without stopping by Universal Studios theme park so she can go on the E.T. ride; she has an Extra-Terrestrial plush to snuggle at bedtime; and her favorite Halloween costume was of Elliot with the alien from the iconic bike ride scene. So, you know my little girl is going to be geeked about the movie being remastered to be shown in 4K Ultra HD!

Captivating audiences of all ages, this timeless story follows the unforgettable journey of a lost alien and the 10-year-old boy he befriends. Join Elliot (Henry Thomas), Gertie (Drew Barrymore) and Michael (Robert MacNaughton) as they come together to help E.T. find his way back home.  The movie with a runtime of approximately one hour and fifty-five minutes is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for language and mild thematic elements.

In addition to the feature presentation in 4K Ultra HD, the 40th anniversary edition of E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL includes four hours of bonus content:

40 Years of E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL -- an all-new retrospective of the film and its lasting legacy.

TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL -- acclaimed director, Steven Spielberg reflects on his career and the making of E.T. forty years later.

The E.T. Journals -- retrace the day-to-day experience of creating E.T. from never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes footage shot by Academy Award-winning cinematographer John Toll.

Steven Spielberg & E.T. -- an interview with Steven Spielberg as he reflects back on the film and discusses his experience working with the actors as well as his overall and current perspective on E.T.

A Look Back -- a special insider's look into the making of E.T. featuring the cast and others intimately involved with the film.

The E.T. Reunion -- the cast and filmmaker reunite to discuss their thoughts on the impact of the film.

Music of E.T. -- interviews and footage focused on the longstanding relationship between John Williams and Steven Spielberg.

20th Anniversary Premiere -- Composer John Williams played the score of E.T. live at the Shrine Auditorium for a twentieth anniversary showing of the movie in this behind-the-scenes featurette of the performance.

Designs, Photographs & Marketing -- Concept art and advertising imagery for the creation and promotion of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.

Theatrical Trailer

Special Olympics Promotion

Deleted Scenes

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MINIONS 2 COMES TO HOME VIDEO

Thank you Universal Pictures for providing ageekdaddy.com with a free digital code for Minions: The Rise of Gru

My twins have grown up with the Minions. Despicable Me was one of the first Hollywood movies they ever saw and they adore the loveable losers that are minions of that film's anti-villain. My son and daughter went BANANAS when they found out that we were having an end of summer family movie night watching MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU courtesy of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The newest movie in the Despicable Me franchise of films is now available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Digital to add to your home entertainment video library.

The kids were geeked that this movie provides an origin story on how Gru and the Minions become a villainous team. Plus, in addition to the animated feature length theatrical animated film, the home video release edition of MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU is full of the goodies that we come to expect when movies are released on Digital as well as Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD discs. When you bring this movie home, bonus content includes two all-new mini movies, hilarious outtakes, a how-to draw (& animate) lesson with co-director Brad Ableson and tons of activities the whole family can enjoy. 

Long before he becomes the master of evil, Gru is just a 12-year-old boy in 1980s suburbia, plotting to take over the world from his basement. When the infamous supervillain group, the Vicious 6, ousts their leader, Gru attempts to join their ranks but soon finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. With Gru on the run, the Minions attempt to learn martial arts to help save him, and Gru discovers that even bad guys need a little help from their friends. Packed with the franchise’s signature subversive humor, MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU features more thrilling action than any Despicable Me film ever before!

Interestingly, while the Minions stole the show in the Despicable Me films, Gru is the standout in this MINIONS movie. And that works well because the Minions perform the same old same old antics in this film while Gru is refreshingly funny and likeable, well as much so as a pre-teen boy who dreams of being a "super villain" can be.  And while I have to admit starting to become somewhat tired of the Minions, Gru kept my interest in this story with his youthfulness adding some new energy to the franchise. 

My kids still laughed throughout the movie at the Minions hijinks so for them that never gets old. I actually got a big chuckle realizing that many of the villains in the MINIONS: RISE OF GRU are actors with a tough guy and gal reputation including Jean Claude Van-Damme (Jean Clawed), Dolph Lundgren (Svengeance), Danny Trejo (Stronghold) and Lucy Lawless (Nun-Chuck). So, everyone in our family found funny moments in this adventure-comedy.

MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU earned a Geek Daddy nod of approval because after four movies this film was still very enjoyable to view and left us looking forward to more adventures with Gru and the Minions. I hear Despicable Me 4 is coming to movie theaters on July 3, 2024!

MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU is rated PG for action, violence and rude humor. It has a run time of one hour and twenty-seven minutes. Overall, my whole family enjoyed watching the film, so in my opinion it is a great selection that both parents and children can enjoy watching together for a movie night.

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THE BOB'S BURGERS MOVIE FLIPS ONTO HOME VIDEO

Get your buns ready! 20th Century Studios’ murder-mystery adventure, The Bob’s Burgers Movie, will be available on digital July 12 and on Blu-ray and DVD July 19. Bring the beloved Belcher family into your home with double stacked bonus features including exclusive deleted scenes, animation extras, audio commentary and a new short, “My Butt Has A Fever.” Collectors can beef up their movie collection with the 4K Ultra HD SteelBook® featuring custom artwork, available only at Best Buy.

The Bob’s Burgers Movie is an animated musical comedy-mystery-adventure based on the long-running, Emmy® award-winning series. After a ruptured water main creates a sinkhole in front of Bob’s Burgers and blocks the entrance, Bob and Linda Belcher struggle to keep the business afloat, and the kids try to solve a mystery that could save the restaurant.

The Bob's Burger Movie is rated PG-13 for rude/suggestive material and language. This animated movie has a runtime of 102 minutes for the feature presentation and the home entertainment release also includes the following additional bonus content:

Featurette 

 

Making Of the Movie: Bob's Burgers Creator Loren Bouchard talks about turning Bob's Burgers the TV show into Bob's Burgers the show that’s a movie. 

Theatrical Short (Seen Only in Limited Theaters) 

• My Butt Has a Fever - Theatrical Version: The Belcher children perform in the school talent show in order to share their very important and powerful message. 
• My Butt Has a Fever - Animatic Version: A look Behind-the-scenes, the animatic of the theatrical short My Butt Has a Fever. 

Deleted Scenes 

•  Metal Detector: Bob and Linda go to City Hall in a version of the movie where they went to
•  City Hall. Burning Piers: The turbulent history of Wonder Wharf. 
• Grover's Office: Bob and Linda go to Grover’s office in a version of the movie where they went to Grover’s Office. 

Animation Extras - Animatics 

• "Sunny Side Up Summer" Storyboards and Rough Animation: The work-in-progress not-even-color-yet animatic of the song “Sunny Side Up Summer.” 
• "Lucky Ducks" Storyboards and Rough Animation: The work-in-progress not-even-color-yet animatic of the song “Lucky Ducks.” 
• "Not That Evil" Storyboards and Rough Animation Featuring David Wain: David Wain performs an entire dance routine, with no formal training, to his character Grover’s song “Not That Evil.” Plays alongside the song’s animatic. 
• "End Credits" Storyboards and Rough Animation: The work-in-progress animatic of the End Credits, comes with provocative dance moves and unconventional rhythm. 

Animation Extras - Animating the Scene 

• Linda Through the Pass-Through with Commentary by Director Bernard Derriman: The progression of a scene from storyboard to animation, with commentary by Director Bernard Derriman, and also Linda is in it. 
• Bob And Linda Go to The Bank: A time lapse of the bank scene being animated. 
• Bob And Linda Go to The Bank with Commentary by Director Bernard Derriman: A time lapse of the bank scene being animated, with commentary by Director Bernard Derriman.
•  Louise Grabs the Fuse: A time lapse of the “Louise Grabs the Fuse” scene being animated.
•  Louise Grabs the Fuse with Commentary by Director Bernard Derriman: A time lapse of the “Louise Grabs the Fuse” scene being animated, with commentary by Director Bernard Derriman.

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ETERNALS HEAD TO HOME VIDEO

 Disney provided ageekdaddy.com with a complimentary digital download of the movie Eternals

Have you been to a movie theater lately? To be honest last year because of pandemic concerns, my family only went to see two movies on the silver screen last year ... Cruella and Spider-Man: No Way Home. Unfortunately, seeing Marvel Studios' Eternals in a movie theater was a casualty of our aversion to catching COVID-19.

So, our family of Marvel superhero movie fans is geeked that Eternals is now available to add to your home entertainment library! Marvel Studios' Eternals is now available to stream on Disney+ or purchase to watch digitally on moviesanywhere.com. The movie will also be available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on February 15, 2022. 

Eternals is an adventure flick about a group of ancient heroes from beyond the stars who had protected Earth since the dawn of man. When monstrous creatures called Deviants, long thought lost to history, mysteriously return, the Eternals are forced to reunite in order to defend humanity once again.

This film has a fantastic ensemble cast which includes Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek and Angelina Jolie. Eternals is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America and has a runtime of approximately 157 minutes. 

The Eternals originally appeared in a Marvel comic book series created by Jack Kirby that debuted in 1976. These characters are an offshoot of humanity known as Homo immortalis, created one million years ago by the enigmatic alien Celestials to defend Earth with their superhuman powers and abilities. Due to their virtual immortality, Eternals have largely secluded themselves from humans, with their god-like status forming the basis of various mythological figures around the world. A second-tier level of superheroes in popularity within Marvel comics, the movie studio is hoping to elevate their status through the cinematic universe much the same way they did with Guardians of the Universe.

I'm really looking forward to watching the home entertainment release of Eternals. Especially because along with the feature presentation comes the bonus content that comes with home video releases. Never before seen bonus content includes four deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes featurettes on the making of the movie and a gag real. 

It is time for a family movie night! For more information about this film head over to marvel.com