The animated movie adaption of the hit graphic novel THE STEAM ENGINES OF OZ was released today on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital. Look for a family movie night idea? Check out this animated feature available on Blu-ray and DVD at retail locations across the United States, download the digital version from Amazon, iTunes or Vudu, or purchase it through cable TV video on demand. Featuring the voices of Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy, Hellboy), William Shatner (Star Trek) and Julianna Hough (Dancing with the Stars, Footloose), this movie takes viewers on a new adventure through the Land of OZ with a steampunk vibe that takes a look into the past and future of the lives of Dorothy's beloved comrades from the original L. Frank Baum story.
We had a family movie night watching THE STEAM ENGINES OF OZ over the weekend and A Geek Daddy has a Blu-ray + DVD movie combo pack to giveaway so one of you can enjoy the movie for free too. Follow my Twitter account (@Geekdad248) + RETWEET the original Twitter message embedded below for a chance to win. A Geek Daddy will be selecting one lucky winner from all eligible entries.
Follow @Geekdad248 + RETWEET before June 11, 2018 for chance to win a Blu-ray + DVD combo pack of the animated movie THE STEAM ENGINES OF OZ featuring the voices of Ron Perlman, William Shatner & Julianne Hough @SteamEnginesOz#Giveawaypic.twitter.com/nzJ19EVuxb
Set a century after Dorothy first clicked her ruby slippers together, the Emerald City is no longer a magical land but a toxic, heavily industrialized wasteland ruled by the iron fist of the once beloved hero, the Tin Man, who has seemingly lost all heart. Oz's only hope rests with a young engineer named Victoria Wright, who assembles a motley crew of ill-mannered munchkins, mischievous flying monkeys and, of course, the not-so-Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow for a quest to find the tin man's heart. Along their journey, they ultimately learn that friendship and determination can overcome any obstacle, and together end, up teaching everyone in Oz that a heart should not be judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.
Disclaimer & Rules: A Geek Daddy has not been financially compensated for this endorsement or hosting the giveaway but was provided the same items being provided as a prize for personal use. The prize is provided by CINEDIGM and A Geek Daddy is hosting the promotion as a benefit to my readers and social media followers. Must be a US resident over the age of 18 to participate. One entry per mailing address and winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries. If you have already won this prize through another blog participating in this promotion, your entry will be disqualified. By participating in this promotion you waive any liability of any kind against the publisher of this blog. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. No P.O. Boxes allowed for delivery of the prize. CINEDIGM will be responsible for shipping the prize to the selected winner. A Geek Daddy is not responsible for delivery of the prize.
My kids always enjoy playing with either LEGO building blocks or one of the various video games they have that are inspired by the toys like LEGO: Marvel Super Heroes. Hey I'll admit it I love playing with all things LEGO too! So we were excited to hear the news that LEGO is introducing a new video game that will merge virtual and physical play this September. Called LEGO Dimensions, the toy company promises to break the rules of traditional gaming to merge physical LEGO brick building with interactive console gameplay in a manner only imaginable in the universe of LEGO entertainment.
Taking a cue from the popular blockbuster hit THE LEGO MOVIE, this new gaming system has a story that merges our real life world with the fantastic LEGO worlds of our imagination. LEGO announced its new gaming system through releasing a humorous video that portrays the creation of a magical vortex that connects real life to a dimension of LEGO worlds.
When a mysterious and powerful vortex suddenly appears in various LEGO
worlds, different characters from DC Comics, The Lord of the Rings and
The LEGO Movie are swept away. To save their friends, Batman, Gandalf
and Wyldstyle bravely jump into the vortex and quickly find themselves
fighting to save all of LEGO humanity.
Let creativity be the
guide to a building and gaming adventure – journey through unexpected
worlds and team-up with unlikely allies on the quest to defeat the evil
Lord Vortech. Play with different minifigures from different worlds
together in one LEGO videogame, and use each other’s vehicles and
gadgets in a way never before possible. LEGO Bad Cop driving the
DeLorean Time Machine…why not?! The LEGO Ninjago Masters of Spinjitsu
fighting alongside Wonder Woman...yes, please! Get ready to break the
rules, because the only rule with LEGO Dimensions is that there are no
rules. #BreakTheRules
The concept for this new game isn't entirely new though, it is essentially following in the footsteps of ACTIVISION's popular ground-breaking SKYLANDERS which allows players to purchase physical action figures and than immerse the toys they've collected into their video game play. DISNEY recently followed the Skylanders model with the release of their own Infinity video gaming platform. Based upon the popularity, and profitability, of combining physical and virtual play elements, LEGO has now joined in on this video game trend. It will be interesting to see how LEGO puts its own spin on this trend and the quality of its product versus that of Disney Infinity and Activision's Skylanders.
LEGO Dimensions is being developed by TT Games and published by Warner Bros. Interactive. It will be available for Xbox One and Xbox 360 from Microsoft, Sony's Playstation 4 and Playstation 3, and Nintendo's Wii U entertainment systems and will combine many of the LEGO licensed properties together including DC Comics, The Lord of the Rings, The LEGO Movie, The Wizard of Oz, LEGO Ninjago, and Back to the Future. Characters from additional fan-favorite LEGO worlds will be introduced in future upgrades and editions of the game.
Beginning September 27, 2015 the LEGO Dimensions video game will be available in a Starter Pack along with the LEGO Toy Pad, which allows players to transport special LEGO minifigures and other LEGO vehicles and objects into the games, bricks to build the LEGO Gateway, three LEGO minifigures (Batman from DC Comics / Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings / Wyldstyle from The LEGO Movie) plus the LEGO Batmobile. Additional expansion packs can than be purchased to provide new buildable characters, vehicles, tools, gadgets, mission-based levels and unique in-game content. Expansion packs that will be available at the release of LEGO Dimensions or later on within 2015 include a Back to the Future Level Pack with a LEGO Marty McFly minifigure, a LEGO Ninjago Team Pack with Kai and Cole minifigures, DC Comics Fun Packs with Wonder Woman and Cyborg minifigures, The LEGO Movie fun packs with Emmet, Bad Cop, Benny and Unikitty characters, and a The Wizard of Oz Fun Pack with a Wicked Witch of the West minifigure. LEGO plans on having further waves or expansion packs released regularly following the launch of LEGO Dimensions.
"When kids play with LEGO bricks, they build beyond the singular brands, intermixing all of their favorite characters and universes, and we have come up with a way for players to experience that in games," said Jon Burton, Founder and Creative Director, TT Games in a press release sent to A Geek Daddy Blog. "Now for the first time in a video game, LEGO fans can play in the virtual world and in the real world -- combining everything without restrictions. Imagine putting LEGO Gollum from The Lord of the Rings behind the wheel of the LEGO Delorean in New Ninjago City - the creative play is endless."
One brand that probably won't appear in LEGO Dimensions that was included in The LEGO Movie unfortunately is Star Wars as this video game system is a direct competitor to Disney Infinity. One of my kids favorite video games is Disney Infinity but it does have some weaknesses that it appears LEGO is looking to exploit. While offering numerous characters to expand into its game, Disney Infinity really limits the structured game play and uses for add-on characters (for example Anna from FROZEN can't play in the Marvel Avengers levels or Sorcerer Mickey can only play in the build it yourself Toy Box worlds) while LEGO Dimensions promises that gamers will be able to use everything interchangeably, anywhere through the game - with no limitations. Another Disney Infinity limitation has been its difficulties with backwards compatibility as consumers needed to buy a new a new figure platform to access its second edition updated game and lost the ability to access content from its first edition offerings. LEGO Dimensions has also promised that the LEGO Toy Pad, LEGO Gateway, and the video game found in its initial Starter Pack will offer endless opportunities to customize player's experiences for year's to come and in a dig at Disney proclaims "future expansion pack purchases will continue to work with the Starter Pack, even in the fall of next year -- no compatibility chart necessary."
Now my kids have really enjoyed the Disney Infinity video games and we have purchased characters to play on it ranging from Baymax to The Incredible Hulk to Woody from Toy Story which have resulted in some great hours of family fun. We're actually planning on buying the next expansion of Disney Infinity when it arrives presumably in the Fall of 2015 and hopefully with a Star Wars theme based on our satisfaction with it. That being said, we've also been somewhat under-whelmed by Disney Infinity as it has failed to fully live up to its potential by lacking in providing greater detail in its backgrounds and environments, the ability to fully interchange all of its characters in any aspect of game play, and to provide more structured and enhanced developer provided levels for players to use all their characters in rather than making people DIY through the Toy Box features. Note the Toy Box feature is a lot of fun and very good but most people can't produce the same level of quality through it as that provided by professional video game developers - sort of like youtube is fun to watch but I wouldn't replace viewing television networks for it. It will be interesting to see how LEGO Dimensions lives up to its promises and how it actually plays once it is available in September.
Hopefully continued competition between Skylanders, Disney Infinity, and LEGO Dimensions will prompt improvements in each game to the benefit of their players. I know my kids are looking forward to playing ALL these video games - and yes once again I'll admit I am too!
Available on Bluray, DVD, Digital Download on August 26, 2014
Dorothy is traveling down the yellow brick road again on a brand new adventure in the Land of Oz. In this new animated feature length film, Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return, Dorothy & her little dog Toto are swept back from Kansas to rescue her friends: the Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man from a new evil threat to Oz. A devious villain named, the Jester, has emerged to rule over Oz and it is up to Dorothy to save the day.
Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return had a theatrical run earlier this year and will be available on Bluray, DVD and Digital Dowload beginning on Tuesday, August 26, 2014. The cast voicing the movie's characters includes Lea Michele from TV's "Glee", Dan Akroyd, Martin Short, Jim Belushi, Patrick Stewart, and Kelsey Grammar. Filled with new songs from Academy Award nominated singer/songwriter Bryan Adams and featuring numerous new characters this is a fun movie to enjoy for a family movie night.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary Bluray/DVD/Digital Download movie package for myself and one for A GEEK DADDY reader courtesy of my participation in the FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT INSIDERS blogger program. #ozinsiders
Munchkins, Flying Monkeys, Talking Scarecrows, and Wicked Witches were just a few elements that captured my imagination as a child when watching the 1939 classic movie the Wizard of Oz. I remember wondering in my youth what other fantastic creatures and characters might also live in that magical land that never made it onto the silver screen. My grandmother's fridge was covered with pictures filled with my images of the wonderful land of Oz and as class writing projects I submitted to teachers a few essays that were my take at sequels to the story originally crafted in L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel.
This year there is a new motion picture that has been released featuring the land of OZ to inspire a new generation of fans. LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY'S RETURN hit movie theaters this spring and will be released for home video on August 26, 2014. Kids of all ages will love this musical animated journey back to the magical world of Oz that features a number of recognizable voices including Lea Michele from TV's "Glee," comedian Dan Akroyd, Martin Short the voice of PBS Kids' "Cat in the Hat," Patrick Stewart aka Captain Picard from "Star Trek: The Next Generation,"Kelsey Grammar of "Fraser" fame, and many more talented actors and actresses. The film's plot involves a devious new villain, the Jester, who rules over Oz. Dorthy must return from Kansas to rescue her old friends: the Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man. Set to some great songs from Academy Award-nominated singer/songwriter Bryan Adams and full of delightful new characters this animated return to Oz that is sure to become a family-favorite movie.
For a chance to win a free Bluray / DVD / Digital Download prize pack send in your son, daughter, niece, nephew, or grandchild's impression of Oz. Submit a picture drawn, colored or painted by a child between the ages of 3 and 15 that shows how Oz appears in his or her imagination. You can earn up to 2 entries by emailing pictures to thegeekdaddy [at] yahoo [dot] com before 11:59 EST pm on Monday, August 25th, 2014.
ENTRY #1 email a work of art created by a child between the ages of 3 and 15 that portrays the wonderful land of Oz. Submissions shall constitute a waiver by the entrant that they have the child's parent or guardian's permission to submit the art work on behalf of the child and that the picture may be published on this blog and on social media such as Twitter, Google+, Instagram & Facebook. Entries must be submitted by a resident of US or Canada over the age of 18 and include the child's first name, child's age, adult's full name and mailing address.
ENTRY #2 if artwork submitted in ENTRY #1 is shared by A GEEK DADDY BLOG in a blog post or via our social media outlets such as Twitter, Google+, Instagram, and Facebook prior to the contest's conclusion that submission shall receive a second entry. Selection for ENTRY #2 is entirely at the discretion of A GEEK DADDY BLOG.
The final winner will be selected by a random drawing of all eligible entries. The quality of the artwork will not be judged.
To help sweep up your child's imagination towards the Land of Oz our friends over at Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment have provided some fun activity sheets that can be downloaded to inspire them.
DISCLAIMER: All
valid entries will be assigned a number and one random entry will be
chosen to receive the Oz movie combo pack. You must be a US or Canadian resident
to enter over the age of 18. For a chance to win submit your entries
before Monday, August 25th, 2014 @ 11:59pm EST. A Geek Daddy Blog will select the random
winner on Tuesday, August 26. A Geek Daddy Blog will be responsible for
selecting the winner of this contest, but TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT is
responsible for providing the prize and its delivery to the winner. By
participating in this contest you waive any liability towards A Geek
Daddy Blog or its publisher that may arise from your involvement with
this promotion. Only one entrant per mailing address per A GEEK DADDY
BLOG giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will
not be eligible to win again. Winner is subject to eligibility
verification. P.O. Boxes are not allowed as mailing addresses for this
contest. E-mails collected are only used to notify winners and are
deleted after the conclusion of this promotion. E-mails collected are
not used for any marketing purposes. By submitting an entry you allow
us to post your name on this blog and its social media channels
announcing you as the winner if you are selected to receive the giveaway
prize. Normal policy is to post the first name, last initial and state
where the winner resides in such announcements. By submitting to this contest you acknowledge you have permission to submit artwork on behalf of a minor and grant us permission to publicize such artwork on this blog and through other social media platforms displaying the submission and listing the child's first name and city of residence.
A Geek Daddy Blog did not receive financial compensation for this post and hosting the contest, but did receive complimentary movie combo packs for it to review the movie and to utilize as a prize for this contest.
UPDATED (9/21/2013): The BATMAN toys have come out in late September rather than early October. We found the first round of toys at McDonalds on Saturday, Sept 21st, but they didn't have any Wizard of Oz toys yet. We picked up a batmobile and batman figurine for the kids but they didn't have the "bat mask" which is what the kids really wanted.
McDonald's has received some bashing over the years about their Happy Meals not being healthy and marketing to kids through the promotion of toys - my response to that is grow up and be a parent. Don't let your kids dictate to your family's meal time decisions. McDonald's should be a "treat" and not a regular part of your kid's diet so if you are eating there enough that you are concerned that the restaurant is luring you in through toys and marketing aimed at kids you have bigger problems than just what your kids are eating.
I find it enjoyable to go to McDonald's when there is a fun toy promotion going on as something out of the ordinary to do. We don't go all the time and my kids relate our trips there to a special treat or reward. In fact I'm more likely to take them if there is a cool toy in the Happy Meals - and sorry McDonalds but more often than not your toys aren't that great - but my children don't expect to go to McDonalds all the time to eat or for a toy. I don't care if the food isn't that healthy because most things you eat as a "treat" aren't, like movie popcorn or sundaes at an ice cream parlor. I love to take my kids to grab a slurpee from 7-Eleven and that sure isn't healthy but we do it once a month or so as a fun side trip with Dad. As parents though, my wife and I focus on making all the other meal times healthy and teaching our kids about living that promotes exercise, eating responsibly and leading a lifestyle that avoids using alcohol and drugs for enjoyment or entertainment.
Kids are being forced to go to school earlier and longer with more pressure and competition to excel than ever before. My kids are doing two years of preschool and now the school districts require 5 day a week full day daycare. More and more kids are forced into daycare because their parents are working full time jobs. The violence and terrorism reported on the news most be scary for children, I know as an adult I find it horrific. If a Happy Meal with a toy can help my kids enjoy being a kid and enjoy a special moment of childhood - god bless you McDonalds!
While my wife and I have been to McDonalds frequently this year, we've only been to McDonalds four times with our kids...when they had the Despicable Me and Smurf toys out (which are kids still frequently play with so they were pretty good toys). I have to admit those toys were a factor in making a visit to McDonalds because since we take the children there a limited amount we wanted to make the visits really count. So I guess the toy marketing does work for them ... but hey they are a business looking to make money! I'm tempted to make a stop in October with the kids too because it looks like they are going to have some fun toys that month in their Happy Meal boxes: BATMAN & THE WIZARD OF OZ
The BATMAN toys will feature a caped crusader mask, toy motorcycle and batmobile, and some action figures.
THE WIZARD OF OZ toys will feature figurines of all the main characters from the original classic movie.
Now don't get me wrong, childhood obesity is a horrible problem in this country, but instead of focusing on something that is providing some "fun" in life people need to address the larger issues contributing to the problem. Parents need to set the standards and limits for their kids. Our society also needs to establish more of a priority in respecting education, exercise, and healthy living as standards for everyone to strive to achieve. And if McDonald's wants their food to be more than a specials "treat" for my children they need to create a healthier menu. But in the end, my wife and I are setting the example and setting the rules, rather than allowing a restaurant to take that responsibility over for us. I don't mind my kids enjoying a Happy Meal every once in awhile as long as they also get the understanding that isn't the way you eat a healthy every day diet...and that is where parenting comes in.
Here are some links that can provide some advice and help if obesity is a problem for your family:
Nobody wants to deal with a screaming or whining child, but sometimes the best thing you can ever do for your child is just say NO so they understand that there aren't rewards for bad behavior and you can't always get everything you want.
