Animated Feature, Frankenweenie, Nominated for an Oscar this month; Now Available for Purchase

Frankenweenie, the animated feature film released in theaters October 2012 (after a World Premiere at Fantastic Fest 2012), has been nominated for an Oscar this month in the Animated Feature Film category. In case film fans missed the theatrical release a few months ago, the film became available for purchase on January 8th and I on January 8th I posted an interview here with director Tim Burton, courtesy of Walt Disney Studios when the film was released as a 4-Disc Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Digital and On Demand. I am throughly excited to have a copy of this extremely entertaining and visually appealing product after having viewed it during the premiere.

For film fan collectors of director Burton’s creative productions, I wholeheartedly recommend the purchase of this 3D stop-motion animated story of a boy, his dog and what he does for his beloved pet during the 87 minutes of the feature.

The 4-Disc Combo Pack (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) has bonus materials, especially an all-new original short Captain Sparky vs The Flying Saucers and a behind-the-scenes featurette with Burton titled “Miniatures in Motion: Bringing ‘Frankenweenie’ to Life.” The film has a touring exhibit that is showcased, “‘Frankenweenie’ Touring Exhibit”; Burton’s original live-action short of the same name, and plenty more to warrent the purchase for home entertainment.

Among the voice cast  that form part of the production of Frankenweenie are the Emmy Award^®-winner Catherine O’Hara, Tony Award^®-winner Martin Short, Academy Award^®-winner Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer, Robert Capron, Conchata Ferrell and Golden Globe^®-winner Winona Ryder.

Landau is excellent in his role with his distinctive voice and it was great for me to be a part of the press conference last September in Austin during the World Premiere. The young actor Tahan gave life to the young boy in the film and is endearing in his role.

The 4-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack  (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) also includes a music video, Pet Sematary, performed by Plain White T’s and the 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack  (Blu-ray + DVD) includes all 4-Disc bonus features.

The 1-Disc DVD includes the Frankenweenie Touring Exhibit and the Pet Sematary music video performed by Plain White T’s.

Languages-  The Blu-ray 3D and Blu-ray: English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 7.1 DTS-HDHR, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and DVD: English, French, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital. with Language Tracks in English SDH, French and Spanish Subtitles.

For more information about “Frankenweenie,” visit www.Disney.com/Frankenweenie

Liz Lopez

[Information courtesy of Walt Disney Studios]

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Get Set for March 2013 when The Mexican American Experience Returns

Photo Credit: Liz Lopez L-R Johnny Hernandez and Sunny Ozuna on stage during the 2012 Mexican American Experience concert in Austin

By Liz Lopez

The Mexican American Experience 2013, presented by Crossroads Events, is a two-day music showcase that will return for the third consecutive year to Austin’s Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center in Austin on Wednesday, March 13th and Thursday, March 14th 2013.

The concerts will be outdoors in the center’s open air Zocalo area and are free and open to the public from 6-10pm each evening. The setting is great for families, especially for those who seek cultural events during Spring Break for many cities in Texas. A recurring sight at both the inaugural and last year’s event was groups of multi-generational families of all ages sharing the cultural experience together.

The featured artists for this year’s showcase will include Grammy winning artists, as well as local and regional artists that are emerging as talented musicians in varied genres.

Crossroads Events is composed of several like-minded Austin businessmen with a determination to showcase the diversity and talent of the musicians. Leonard Davila, one of the Crossroads Events partners, provided some insight last year into the Mexican American Experience production. “The reason we are doing this is Austin is known as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ and it is host to events with national recognition. We are able to have talent that is local and perhaps may be seen by visitors who may be in town.”

The complete line up of musicians will be available soon. For more information about the past productions, visit http://crossroadsevents.org/home and www.mexicanamericanexperience.org/event

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