Jan. 6th, Hit Entertainment and Lionsgate released three new preschool DVDs. Barney: Once Upon a Dino Tale features a series of classic fairy tales told for little ones, starring Barney, Baby Bop, Riff, BJ, and playground friends David and Tracey. It all begins when Jingles the Jester arrives, asking for help selecting a perfect fairy tale to cheer up Princess Rosey. Barney: Once Upon a Dino Tale Review >> In Bob the Builder: Race to the Finish, everyone in Sunflower Valley is excited that special athletic events will be held when they complete the new stadium at Bobland. Two new big machines are brought in to help, but their curiosity may keep the stadium from being completed on time. Meanwhile, Wendy is persuaded to train as Sunflower Valley's best hope at a medal, which keeps her away from the build. Bob is at his wits end! Can everything get done on time so the games can be held? Bob the Builder: Race to the Finish Review >>. Barney: Be My Valentine has been re-released on DVD. Barney, Baby Bop™ and BJ™ as they visit the Queen of Hearts' Royal Valentine Castle where there are magical surprises behind every door. The DVD features, of course, many songs, as well as crafts and activities related to Valentine's Day.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Fairy Tales, A Big Race & Valentine's Fun for Little Ones
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Reflections
Happy New Year everyone! Last year was very hectic, changing the site url and re-establishing Family Screen Scene has been a tedious process. It was necessary, though, because of the spammers who were hijacking the site and my email address. I am grateful to the publicists who have stuck with me from qubo, Lionsgate, Fox Home Video, Discovery Kids, Greenleaf, Electric Artists, Warner Home Video, and others. Even VH1 and MTV. Goodness knows I've been terribly unorganized and slow to get things done this year as I rebuilt and updated. The hardest part is behind me. Thank you for your faith in the site. I continued experimenting with content on primetime shows. It's clear Family Screen Scene is a destination for those seeking information about children's and kids and family entertainment, as well as educational programming. I'll still do some primetime show updates, such as Desperate Housewives and Lost. Although DH has lost its way again, it's still compelling to me. Lost I will not give up on until the end when the truth will be found... But, the greatest concentration will continue to be the kids and educational genres. Gayle O. and Carol F.: What would I ever have done without your encouragement? In the coming year, I hope to begin video content. Bandwidth issues have been the hold back. I'm crossing my fingers I'll get it going in '09. Hopefully, I'll incorporate the blog into the site, making that easier to find. That is, if I can figure out how. (I'll ask Gayle. She'll know!) I hope everyone who visits my site will find what they are looking for and have fun doing so. Wishing everyone a blessed New Year.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
TV Premieres January 3 - 4
Underdog to Wonderdog is a makeover series from Animal Planet focusing on dogs living in shelters that need special help. Each showcased pooch is rescued, groomed, trained, and rehabilitated. It is then adopted into a loving home. The new owners are given a customized dog house. The series will air Saturdays, beginning Jan. 3 at 8:00pm e/p. Jan. 3, 8:00-9:00pm e/p, CBS premieres a new prank show from the pro-team of Ashton Kutcher & Jason Goldberg ("Punk'd"). "Game Show in My Head" is called that because the contestants wear an ear piece while show host Joe Rogan ("Fear Factor") instructs them to perform a daring task in Los Angeles. They hope it's funny. There are five pranks per contestant, worth $5,000 each. If someone doesn't complete one, they lose the money they've won. A bonus round will give the contestants a chance to double their winnings. Superstars of Dance premieres Sunday, Jan. 4, 9:00-11:00pm e/p on NBC, but will air Mondays, Jan. 5 through Jan. 19, 8:00-10:00pm e/p. The Season Finale is Monday, Jan. 26, 8:00-9:00pm e/p. This talent show is from the producers of So You Think You Can Dance.
A Perfect Victorian
All this bad weather has me dreaming about life in a milder climate, perhaps Sonoma, California! Starting January 1, 9:00pm ET, you and I will be able to enter the 2009 HGTV Dream Home Giveaway for a chance to win the gorgeous Victorian-style home in Sonoma, the heart of California wine country. The grand prize includes the luxuriously furnished home, plus a new 2009 GMC® Acadia – a package worth more than $2 MILLION! Tune In to HGTV and HGTV.com on New Year's Day 9:00pm ET / 8:00pm CT for more about this stunning residence. The Dream Home finale is March 15, 2009.
Monday, December 8, 2008
DVD Reviews
DVD Reviews
• Adventures from the Book of Virtues: A Christmas Carol for Annie
• America's Greatest Monuments: Washington, D.C.
• Day of the Kamikaze / Eyewitness Kamikaze
• Hit Favorites: Snow Days
• Kit Kittredge: An American Girl
• Remembering Vietnam: The Wall at 25
• Stories from the Vault: Season One
• Strawberry Shortcake: Holiday Dreams Collection
• Thomas and Friends: The Great Discovery
Newsletter 12-01-08 - TV and Holiday Highlights
Screen Scene Newsletter If you believe you are receiving this newsletter in error or wish to stop getting it, scroll down for the unsubscribe link. In This Issue: Monday, check out Animal Planet's Dogs 101, 8:00-9:00pm e/p. The series looks at these dog breeds: beagle, bichon fise, boxer, dachshund, and Newfoundland. ABC Family airs "A Night of Dr. Seuss" on Monday. 7:00 – 7:30pm - Dr. Seuss on the Loose; 7:30-8:00pm - Dr. Seuss' The Hoober-Bloob Highway (ABC Family premiere); 8:00-10:30pm & 10:30pm - 1:00am e/p - Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Live Action) (Jim Carrey). Dec. 1, ABC broadcasts Shrek the Halls at 8:00pm, followed by the beloved classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas at 8:32pm e/p. Back-to-back new episodes of Samantha Who air at 9:02pm and 9:31pm e/p. At 10:01pm e/p, Denny learns his Alzheimer's is progressing and Alan fights for his right to try an experimental medicine on Boston Legal: Juiced. The Polar Express airs Tuesday on ABC Family, 6:00-8:30pm & 8:30-11:00pm e/p. Dec. 2 at 8:00pm e/p, it's the perenniel favorite Santa Claus is Comin' to Town on ABC. Then, According to Jim begins its eighth season with back-to-back Christmas episodes at 9:00pm & 9:30pm e/p. Wednesday, Dec. 3, 8:00-9:00pm e/p, NBC airs "Christmas at Rockefeller Center." Jane Krakowski (30 Rock) and Al Roker (Today) co-host the extravaganza. Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert, The Radio City Rockettes, Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog will appear for the tree lighting. The speical features performances by Miley Cyrus, Beyonce, Tony Bennett, Neil Boyd, The Jonas Brothers, Harry Connick Jr., David Cook, Rosie O'Donnell and the Broadway Kids, Faith Hill, Rascal Flats and Solange Knowles and surprise guests. NBC's New York flagship station WNBC, and the NBC Hartford station WVIT, will both air an additional live hour of the special locally from 7:00-8:00pm e/p before the start of the network broadcast. CBS has filled Wednesday night with favorite seasonal specials: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, 8:00-9:00pm e/p; The Grammy Nominations Concert Live, 9:00-10:0pm e/p; and The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, 10:00-11:00pm e/p. Cars airs on ABC Family, Dec. 3, 6:00-8:30pm & 8:30-11:00pm e/p. FOX Network premieres Secret Millionaire Wednesday, Dec. 3, 8:00-10:00pm e/p, and Thursday, Dec. 4, 9:00-10:00pm e/p. It will then air Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:00-10:00pm e/p through Dec. 17. Secret Millionaire also airs on E! Canada. This heart-warming unscripted series moves some of America's wealthiest people to some of the poorest places in the country. Accustomed to lavish lives with mansions, personal jets, yachts, and the finest hotels, they will be living as do the underprivileged. Their new neighbors think it's a documentary being filmed, not a reality TV show. We will see the millionaires' reactions to those around them and the satisfaction they get for giving some of their fortunes to those who truly deserve and need the money. At the same time, we'll see individual lives of both rich and poor changed forever because of the good they do. TNT broadcasts A Christmas Story, Wednesday, 8:00-10:00pm & 10:00pm - 12:00 midnight e/p. Thursday, 6:00–8:30pm & 8:30-11:00pm e/p ABC Family presents Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, starring Johnny Depp. NBC's Thursday night lineup for Dec. 4 is a repeat of My Name is Earl: Reading is a Fundamental Case at 8:00pm e/p. While reading to a group of kids, Earl shares how he and Randy righted one of their wrongs. At 8:30pm e/p, it's Kath & Kim, with Maya Rudolph guest starring as Phil's life coach. The co-workers try to figure out how to spend a $4,300.00 surplus on The Office at 9:00pm e/p. The Christmas spirit overcomes the staff on 30 Rock Christmas Special at 9:31pm e/p. Alex and Sarah are in a bad accident, while Morris and Banfield are snowed in at a Nebraska conference in ER: Let It Snow at 10:00pm e/p. Thursday beginning at 10:01pm e/p, watch Barbara Walters Presents the 10 Most Fascinating People of 2008 on ABC. Among this year's newsmakers interviewed are Tom Cruise, Miley Cyrus, Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, Tina Fey, Will Smith, and Michael Phelps. Frosty Fridays begin during Nick Jr. on Nickelodeon, airing every Friday before Christmas, starting at 9:00am e/p. The Dec. 5th featured premiere is Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! - A Great and Grumpy Holiday / The Friday, NBC airs the first in a series of holiday countdowns, when it premieres Greatest Holiday Moments: TV & Film Countdown from 8:00pm to 9:00pm e/p. At 9:00pm e/p, Lipstick Jungle airs "Bye-Bye, Baby." Dateline NBC returns with new investigative reports at 10:00pm e/p. Merry Christmas Drake & Josh reunites Drake Bell and Josh Peck in a holiday comedy sure to please the kids. Bell also performs "rockin'" renditions of Jingle Bells and The 12 Days of Christmas. The two-hour movie repeats Sunday, Dec. 7, 7:00-9:00pm e/p. The CW broadcasts Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer Friday, at 8:00pm, followed by The Story of Santa Claus at 9:00pm e/p. Survivorman airs the repeat of "Siberia" on Friday, Dec. 5 at 8:00pm e/p. "Deep Woods" episode premieres at 9:00pm e/p on Discovery Channel. Over on Animal Planet, Whale Wars continues to battle whalers with back-to-back episodes at 8:00pm and 9:00pm e/p. Disney Channel Saturday Snow Days begins Dec. 6 at 6;00am e/p and continues every weekend through the month. More holiday episodes and encores of Saturday's programming air Sunday, beginning at 7:30am e/p. Among the specials this week are My Friends Tigger & Pooh: Super Sleuth Movie, 8:30-9:30am and the premiere of Imagination Movers: Present Problem at 10:00am e/p. ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas presents a marathon of holiday movies and episodes beginning at 7:30am e/p Saturday and Sunday. ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas Schedule >> Adventure is in store on Crusoe: Hour 7 - Heroes and Villains, Saturday at 8:00pm e/p. The Big 12 Championship Game airs live from Kansas City, Missouri on ABC, Dec. 6, 8:00-11:30pm ET. Discovery Channel presents "America's First Nations - Ep. 1," Saturday, 10:00-11:00pm e/p. This new documentary series looks at the formation of the Americas' first democracy created when a warrior chief united tribes of what is now the Northeastern United States into the Iroquois Confederacy. The Amazing Race 13 concludes on Sunday, Dec. 7, 8:00-9:00pm e/p on CBS. The Hallmark Hall of Fame movie Front of the Class premieres at 9:00pm e/p. It is based on the true story of Brad Cohen (Wolk) who, after being challenged by Tourette Syndrome from a very young age, defies all odds to become a gifted teacher. The movie stars Patricia Heaton ("Everybody Loves Raymond"), Treat Williams ("Everwood") and Jimmy Wolk ("The Spiral Project"). Sunday, Dec. 7, ABC airs Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - Ty Pennington Behind the Scenes at 7:00pm e/p. Pennington looks back on his favorite moments, including the funniest and the near-disasters. At 8:00pm e/p the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition crew rebuilds a dilapidated home for The Devries Family of Albert Lea, Minnesota. Bree tries to show Andrew she now accepts him as he is, while Lynette goes to extremes to protect her falsely accused son, and Dave begins to lose his grip on Desperate Housewives at 9:00pm e/p. A medical emergnecy brings the family together for Thanksgiving dinner on Brothers and Sisters: Sliver, at 10:00pm e/p. The ESPN Bowl Selection Special airs Sunday, 8:30-11:00pm ET. The Librarian series airs Sunday on TNT: Quest for the Spear, 4:00-6:00pm; Return to King Solomon's Mines, 6:00-8:00pm; and the premiere of The Curse of the Judas Chalice, 8:00-10:00pm e/p, which repeats at 11:00pm e/p. At 10:00pm e/p, Leverage premieres with limited commercial interruption. Timothy Hutton (Ordinary People), Gina Bellman (Coupling), Christian Kane (Into the West), Beth Riesgraf (Alvin and the Chipmunks) and Aldis Hodge (Friday Night Lights) are a team of criminals who band together to take revenge against those who use power and wealth to victimize others. (Sounds like AMC's Hustle, which was very good.) TV Land airs a marathon of classic Christmas television show episodes Dec. 7 beginning at 9:00am and continuing throughout the day into the wee hours of Monday. During December most PBS stations will broadcast the new documentary "Panda Tales" and Celtic Woman The Greatest Journey Holiday Special. Check local listings for broadcast dates and times.
Vol. VII, Issue No. 10
Dec. 1, 2008
* TV Highlights
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TV Highlights
Dec. 1 - Dec. 7
'Tis the season for great programming - and a time to put your DVRs to full use as networks air timeless holiday specials, new episodes, and television premieres. Catch some shows online...
Super-Special Gift at 1:30pm e/p.
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Have a great week, everyone!
Peggy Smith
Family Screen Scene
http://familyscreenscene.com
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thanksgiving 2008 Newsletter
Screen Scene Newsletter If you believe you are receiving this newsletter in error or wish to stop getting it, scroll down for the unsubscribe link. In This Issue: There are all kinds of things to do and preparations to make, from Thanksgiving Dinner/Help Lines & Websites to watching Thanksgiving Day Parades, Thanksgiving specials and marathons, and DVDs. Take a minute to learn 10 Fun Facts about Thanksgiving Day. Find outdoor cooking and recipes for Grilled, Smoked, or Fried Turkey, including Grilled Apple Slices with Brown Sugar Butter. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade airs from 9:00am to 12:00 noon ET on NBC and CBS. In Detroit, insteady of Macy's Thanksgiving Day, the NBC Affiliate, WDIV Channel 4, will air America's Thanksgiving Day Parade, 9:00am - 12:00 noon ET. The latter will be syndicated across the nation beginning around 10:00am ET (check local listings for the channel carrying it where you live.) Truthfully, the Detroit parade has a more 'hometown' feel to it. Nickelodeon kicks off its Superstuffed Weekend with an encore of iCarly: iGo to Japan, 7:00-8:30pm e/p. Then, it's the premiere of the Naked Brothers Band's first animated special, The Supetastic 6, at 8:30pm e/p. Rosie Live! features comedy, music, and celebrity guests, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 8:00pm e/p on NBC. Part 2 of Deal or No Deal's Thanksgiving special episode airs Nov. 26 at 9:00pm e/p on NBC and E! Canada. A Minnesota woman tries to outsmart the banker, but her nerves may get the best of her when her family is placed in a cage with turkeys - the animal she is most afraid of. Nov. 27, Food Network will repeat "Dear Food Network" episodes focusing on holiday cooking tips, problems, failures and successes: "Thanksgiving Disasters" - 10:00am e/p; "Thanksgiving Turkey" - 11:00am e/p; "Thanksgiving Desserts" - 12:00 noon e/p; and "Thanksgiving Leftovers" - 1:00pm e/p. Survivor: Gabon - I Was Put On The Planet For This Show is a special behind-the-scenes episode airing on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 8:00-9:00pm e/p on CBS and Global. At 9:00pm e/p, it's a repeat of last year's "Grissom's Divine Comedy" on CSI and CTV. Eleventh Hour: Resurrection, the series premiere, repeats at 10:00pm e/p on CBS and 'A' in Canada. ABC repeats A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving at 8:00pm e/p, followed by Grey's Anatomy: Dream a Little Dream, 9:00-11:00pm e/p. For a truer picture of the Pilgrims and their quest than tradition provides, watch Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of the Mayflower, Thanksgiving Day, 9:00-11:00pm ET on History International. ABC Family airs a marathon of Christmas movies Nov. 27 beginning at 12:00 noon e/p. Then, The Notebook airs at 8:00pm e/p. Four new episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants air Nov. 28, 8:00-10:00pm e/p on Nickelodeon. During the 8:30 episode, catch a sneak peek at Nick's new cartoon series, The Penguins of Madagascar Based on the characters from the movies, this series will premiere in 2009. A one-hour episode of Back to the Barnyard will air Saturday, 8:00pm e/p on Nickelodeon, followed by two new episodes of Mighty B! at 9:00pm and 9:30pm e/p. Sunday, Fairly OddParents airs new episodes at 8:00pm and 8:30pm e/p on Nickelodeon. Check out our Thanksgiving Weekend TV Highlights for more marathons, movies, sports, and holiday ideas episodes. 12 Eco-Friendly Gifts for Kids & Families >> The Christmas Toy Movie is a holiday classic available for the first time on DVD. Filled with wonderful songs by Jeff Moss, the heart-warming movie is still a delightful Christmas story from the master puppeteer, Jim Henson. It is filled with laughter, a few tears, thrills, and adventure. As the Jones family toys try to rescue one of their own from being frozen forever, they learn that there are more important things than being a child's favorite toy: love, friendship, and helping others. The Christmas Toy Synopsis >> Peggy Smith
Vol. VII, Issue No. 9
Nov. 26, 2008
* Barbara Walters Special
* Thanksgiving
* TV Highlights
* Green Toys and Games
* Kids & Family DVD Reviews
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A Bit of Inspiration: If the Pilgrims in Plymouth and the colonists at Jamestown could survive hunger, famine, scurvy, and a lack of shelter, we can face and overcome our current economic crisis. Many thanks to the Native Americans who helped the European settlers.
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Barbara Walters Special
You have to give Barbara Walters credit for her ability to interview anyone about anything. Wednesday at 10:01pm e/p, tune in to to ABC for "Barack Obama: The Barbara Walters Interview." President-Elect Obama and his wife, Michelle, will talk about their future in the White House. Most importantly, Obama will discuss the economy.
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Thanksgiving Day!
On the fourth Thursday of November, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day. It's a time for family - not just parents, brothers and sisters - but grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, too, not to mention our friends! It's also a wonderful day filled with humongous balloons, big stars, beautiful floats and marching bands!
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TV Highlights
Watch a rebroadcast of "Modern Marvels: The Turkey" Wednesday at 7:00pm e/p on The History Channel.
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Green Toys and Games
Family Screen Scene has selected 12 toys, games, kits, and books that encourage an understanding of nature and the environment, or are manufactured to be as "green" as possible. Each is a traditional favorite of kids, whether a science set, arts and crafts kit, board game, doll house, vehicle, or activity book.
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Wintry Children's DVDs
Hit Entertainment and Lionsgate released two cool family DVDs: Pingu's South Pole Adventures and Shaun the Sheep: Off the Baa!. Both are slapstick comedy for all ages. They are almost silent and the dialogue is grunts, baas, or penguenise. As children watch, they create their own narrative for the action, which helps develop language and communication skills. But, really, the comic adventures on both DVDs are just plain funny! Bonus features include character galleries for both series. Pingu also includes a DVD-rom computer game.
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Happy Birthday Anne and Mike!
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Have a Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Family Screen Scene
http://familyscreenscene.com