Just a short post today, but full of new stuff! First up, we have a slew of new giveaways for Disney’s latest DVD releases: hop on over to our Contest Corner section in order to be in with chances to win copies of Oliver & Company: 20th Anniversary, Space Buddies – both out in stores tomorrow – and the recently released The Secret Of The Magic Gourd! You have one week to enter: all three will wind up in seven days, on Monday February 9 at midnight!
With Oliver & Company in stores tomorrow, Jeremie has been on the interview trail again, speaking to three of the major talents that came together to contribute to this underrated Disney feature. On Friday, animator Dave Pruiksma revealed how the film came together during a period of upheaval at the Studio, while today, Jeremie speaks to musical composer extraordinaire J.A.C. Redford, who also happens to genuinely be one of my favorite movie scorers. Whenever his name (all too rarely) flashes up on screen as any film’s composer, you know at the very least that the music will be something to remember, and Oliver is arguably one of his best. Here, Redford recalls the time he spent on the film 20 years ago now, as well as the tricks he used in pulling together Oliver‘s songs, which had been written and performed by various artists, into one cohesive whole. Great stuff!
Finally today, some info on a couple of upcoming releases: from Universal, The Tale Of Despereaux, which grossed $49.2 million in theaters, has been announced for DVD and Blu-ray release on March 17, going for $29.98 on DVD and $39.98 for the BD. As yet unspecified featurettes and games will be included, as well as Rom extras on the DVD, and BD Live and a digital copy in the Blu-ray, and a sneak peek at Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey, which I’m assuming is a direct to video follow up to the charming theatrical feature. Also announced is a Star Wars: The Clone Wars – A Galaxy Divided, coming a few days later on March 24 from Warner Bros. Priced at $19.98 on DVD, the disc will comprise four episodes of the Cartoon Network series.
We’re back tomorrow with more Oliver, so stay tooned! — Ben.