pixar – Kids' Blog

Walt Disney Children’s DVDs in the library.

Katie30 July, 2017

Winter has finally arrived in the Capital and in the library. Why not head down to your local library and issue some DVDs, which you can watch in the comfort of your own home, with a warm blanket and a cup of cocoa.

Why not check some new (and old) DVDs produced by Walt Disney and as an added bonus, two special non Walt Disney movie that the entire family will enjoy, as well as entertain and capture hearts of all ages.

Enjoy!

Moana.

A tribute to the Polynesian culture and mythology, and full of heroic exploits of the heroes and heroines that Kiwis will be familiar with, namely Maui, the demigod. The plot follows the adventure and journey of Moana , a spirited teenager, who like most Disney princesses has a lot on her plate. This involves sailing out on a daring mission to save her island, restore the heart of Te Fiti – the island goddess, fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest and save the world. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui, and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures against impossible odds. Once again, Disney has put together a movie of epic proportions filled with quirky and memorable characters, as well as an amazing cast, including Kiwi actors, Temuera Morrison, Jemaine Clement and Oscar Kightley. Kids, if those names don’t ring a bell, ask your parents and a Disney Princess in the form of Moana who embodies the qualities of an adventurous, headstrong, practically fearless, and physically capable heroine. An 8/10 all the way!

The Lion Guard: Life in the Pride Lands.

Rough, tough and roarin’ to go, your favorite heroes are back for even more epic adventures! Join Kion and his fearless friends as they defend the Pride Lands and protect the Circle of Life in five action-packed episodes featuring King Simba, the spirit of Mufasa and the hilarious Timon and Pumbaa.

The Lion Guard: Unleash the Power.

Alone, every hero has his or her own special talent. But when champions work together, the results are “un-Bunga-lievable”! Defend the Pride Lands with Kion and his courageous team in Disney’s breathtaking adventure series based on the legacy of the Lion King. You’ll run like the wind, move mountains and save the day with these five brave friends as they summon their inner powers and help protect the Circle of Life. Packed with action, music and over two hours of fun, The Lion Guard: Unleash the power proves that when heroes join forces, they’re truly a force to be reckoned with!

Beauty and the Beast.

Belle (Emma Watson), a bright, beautiful and independent young woman, is taken prisoner by a beast (Dan Stevens) in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the beast’s hideous exterior, recognising the kind heart and soul of the true prince that hides on the inside. This film is beautifully constructed and made! Overall it was an interesting revamp of the original animated 1992 classic. Filled with the same musical numbers and dance sequences, there a few twists, turns and few surprises during the film. Sorry, no spoilers in this review. The ballroom scene where Belle and the beast are dancing is fantastic. Belle’s dress and the dance moves – WOW, could possibly put the previous Disney Princess, Cinderella to shame! All the characters had a part to play, had more depth, personality and beautifully showcased their uniqueness on screen. As always, the story encourages viewers to look beyond the superficial and to be compassionate, curious, humble, and generous. This movie is a must see and has been worth the long wait. A film that the entire family can enjoy for a quiet night in– especially on a Saturday night! 9/10 all the way!

An added Bonus and non Walt Disney DVDs:

Red Dog, True Blue.

Every legend has a beginning. When eleven year old Mick is shipped off to his grandfather’s cattle station in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, he prepares himself for a life of dull hardship, but instead finds myth, adventure, and a friendship with a scrappy, one-of-a-kind dog that will change his life forever.

Finding Dory.

This movie is in a word, FANTASTIC! Finding Dory reunites the friendly but forgetful blue tang fish, Dory, along with her friends, Marlin and Nemo on an epic quest to find Dory’s family. The questions that hangs on everyone’s lips are what does she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak whale? Favourite moments in the film include Dory as a baby – Boy, she’s adorable!, Marlin and Nemo’s encounter with the seals, Still can’t get the ‘OFFOFFOFFOFF’ aka the seal talk out of my head, Dory making new friends with Hank, an octopus with seven tentacles and who, for a guy with three hearts is very bad tempered, Dory reuniting with her childhood friend, Destiny and the odd cameo of previous characters from Finding Nemo. Even the Pixar short film, Piper that was released alongside Finding Dory is beautiful and heart warming. Two movies for the price of one, you can’t go wrong. Overall, I loved the film! It will make you laugh, it will make you cry and it will make you want to watch it over and over again. It is truly unforgettable. A well deserved 9/10.

Movie recomendations and reviews : Walt Disney from A to D

Katie15 September, 2016

Since the 1920’s. Walt Disney has brought some fantastic movies to for families’ enjoyment and entertainment, whether it is in a busy movie theatre or in the quiet comfort of your own home. I have put together a list of must see Walt Disney DVDs, in alphabetical order from A to D. Check out the list and see what movies tickle your fancy and that you want to watch during the drizzly spring weather and during the next round of school holidays.

A is for Aladdin

This movie will take you on a journey of wonders, non stop laughs, thrills and magic carpet rides. In the heart of an enchanted city, a commoner named Aladdin battle to save (and win the heart of) the free-spirited Princess Jasmine from the schemes of the evil sorcerer Jafar. Aladdin’s whole life changes with one rub of a magic lamp as a fun-loving, shape shifting Genie, voiced by the late Robin Williams, appears and grants him three wishes, setting him on an incredible journey of discovery, love and true meaning of friendship. This movie is 100% recommended! Robin Williams owns the role of Genie and brings a comical and warm hearted presence to the story and absolutely love Princess Jasmine, who is the embodiment of a tough, no nonsense free spirit feminist who refuses to settle for less and abide by the traditions and expectations set out for her, I still recall when my best friend and I went to saw this in the movie theatre, then watched it home on video (Yes, in my day it was video cassettes instead of DVDs), singing along to the songs and wishing we too could soar away on a magical carpet ride.

B is for Brave

Another movie about another tough no nonsense Scottish heroine, named Merida, who determined to be in control of her own destiny sets off a catastrophic chain events that could affect her destiny, as well as the destiny family forever. Now this brave beauty must keep her wits and rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse. Seriously, I don’t words can stress enough how much I love this film. As I have mentioned in previous posts, this is one of my favourite Pixar/Walt Disney films and a tribute to my Scottish ancestry. Have a read of my review and my post of Pixar films to be furthered sold on why this is a great movie.

C is for Cinderella and… Cinderella

There’s a saying I am very fond of, courtesy of a wise Chinese philosopher, which is “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” In Walt Disney’s animated adaptation, originally released as a motion picture in 1950, the story of Cinderella is told in that context, where she undertakes a magical journey to the palace ball, taking her first step in glass slippers, to escape the life of servitude, the clutches of her abusive step-family and win the heart of the prince that begins all before the clock strikes midnight. Also you might want to check out the live-action reboot of the animated version, have a read of my review to get an idea on why this is a great DVD to watch.

D is for Dumbo

A favourite childhood classic of mine, not to mention one that I cried buckets over! A baby elephant named Dumbo is ridiculed because of his enormous ears, despite his mother’s best efforts to protect him. However a guardian angel arrives in the form of Timothy the mouse, who puts Dumbo’s tormentors in their place and helps Dumbo achieve his full potential and soar to fame as the world’s only flying elephant. A great family movie about the true meaning of friendship and celebrating individuality!

More great Pixar films to watch and… a special bonus Pixar surprise.

Katie12 July, 2016

The Pixar theme continues! Here are more Pixar DVD choices to watch over the school holidays and a special bonus Pixar surprise that shows why you must go down to your local theatre and see Finding Dory!

Toy Story, 2 and 3.

Toy Story was the first Pixar film ever released and changed the world of animation films forever.

These films are timeless classics that takes you on a journey into the world of the secret life of toys. Join Buzz, Woody, Jessie and lots of amazing toys that unexpectedly embark on adventures that challenge and change them. These films are full of excitement, adventure and will change the way you think of toys.

A Bug’s Life.

Life is not easy, especially if you are a bug. An inventive ant named Flik hires ‘warrior bugs’ to defend his colony from a horde of freeloading grasshoppers, led by Hooper. But when Flik’s cavalry turns out to be a ragtag group of circus performers, the stage is set for comic confusion …as well as unlikely heroes.

Monsters Inc.

In the world behind our closet doors, monsters like Mike and Sulley work hard for their income. To be exact, the monster world depends on our children’s screams: It is their energy that makes lightbulbs glow and cars drive. Big companies like Monsters, Inc. collect the scream energy, and many monsters work there in shifts. In these times, it is getting harder and harder to shock the kids properly, since they’re so spoiled by television, so that there’s an energy shortage in the monster world. Sulley, the number one frightener, one day accidentally lets a human child into the monster world. Since kids are supposed to be poisonous and carry loads of diseases, pandemonium ensues. After Mike and Sulley discover that the girl they named Boo actually seems quite harmless, they decide to bring her back through her door into her room. But Boo’s presence is more than just a mere accident. Now, Mike and Sulley have to face an enemy within their own ranks.

Monsters University.

Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan are an inseparable pair, but that wasn’t always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn’t stand each other. Monsters University unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends.

Brave.

One of my favourite Pixar films and a tribute to my Scottish ancestry. When chaos is unleashed in the kingdom as a result of Princess Merida’s actions, she must harness all of her skills and resources to break the beastly curse before it’s too late, mend bonds “torn by pride” and discover the meaning of true bravery. If you’re not convinced that this DVD is worth watching, have a read of my review here.

Special Pixar bonus: (Drum roll please….)

Movie review of Finding Dory

Last weekend I went to see Finding Dory at the movies and it is in a word, FANTASTIC! Finding Dory reunites the friendly but forgetful blue tang fish, Dory, along with her friends, Marlin and Nemo on an epic quest to find Dory’s family. The questions that hangs on everyone’s lips are what does she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak whale? Favourite moments in the film include Dory as a baby – Boy, she’s adorable!, Marlin and Nemo’s encounter with the seals, Still can’t get the ‘OFFOFFOFFOFF’ aka the seal talk out of my head, Dory making new friends with Hank, an octopus with seven tentacles and who, for a guy with three hearts is very bad tempered, Dory reuniting with her childhood friend, Destiny and the odd cameo of previous characters from Finding Nemo. Overall, I loved the film! It will make you laugh, it will make you cry and it will make you want to watch it over and over again. It is truly unforgettable.

A well deserved 9/10.

Also check out footage of Baby Dory and the Pixar short film, Piper that was released alongside and screens before Finding Dory.

5 Pixar Movies to watch these school holidays

Katie6 July, 2016

Just in time for the wintery-est of school holidays. With the release of Finding Dory, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures, why not go down to your local library and check out some other DVDs released by the same companies:

Finding Nemo (2003)

Go back to where it all began where Marlin goes on an epic quest from the great barrier reef to Sydney in order to find and save his son, Nemo, while meeting and encountering new friends on the way such as surfer turtles that live to 150 years old, vegetarian sharks who have regular meetings and of course, Dory herself!, a good-hearted and optimistic regal blue tang with short-term memory loss.

The Incredibles (2004)

Looking for a DVD where action, Superheroes and Disney are combined? Look no further, Check out The Incredibles, a movie that follows a family of superheroes who are forced to hide their powers and live a quiet suburban life. Mr. Incredible’s desire to help people draws the entire family into a battle with a villain and his killer robot.

Cars (2006)

A hot-shot race-car named Lightning McQueen gets waylaid in Radiator Springs, where he finds the true meaning of friendship and family. This is a movies that boys will enjoy, especially boys into cars and formula one racing.

WALL-E (2008)

In the distant future, a small waste-collecting robot named WALL-E, inadvertently embarks on a space journey, to reunite with new found friend, fellow robot named EVE, that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.

Up (2009)

Seventy-eight year old Carl Fredricksen travels to Paradise Falls in his home equipped with balloons, inadvertently taking a young stowaway named Russell. This is the movie that came up with sayings and references such as ‘Adventure is out there!”, “the cone of shame.”, and where Kevin can be a girl’s name and Dogs can talk, not meaning woof, woof but actual words like: “My name is Dug. I have just met you, and I love you.”

Top 10 Childrens DVDs for January 2016

Dusty11 February, 2016

Road trips with DVDs? Turns out that it’s now a thing! There are some great DVDs in the Childrens collection to while away the easy summer hours. Our collection has classic series like Scooby-Doo and newer cartoon series following the Lego heroes of Chima, the ponies from the world of Equestria or the Strawberry shortcake gang. Inside out from Pixar has had some great reviews, from the writer of Monsters, Inc., Wall-E and Up, Pete Docter, the little voices in Riley’s head are brought to life as she struggles with the move to a new city. The animation deserves a mention as Pixar uses a more cartoonish style this time round. Heading to Tokyo in the next few months? you can catch the Pixar exhibition at The Museum of Contemporary Art

1. My little pony, friendship is magic

2. Minions

3. Inside out

4. Home

5. Dragons

6 . Cinderella

7. Scooby-Doo! 13 spooky tales

8. Strawberry Shortcake

9. Legends of Chima

10. Paper planes

Movie Review: Inside Out.

Katie23 November, 2015

A very funny interpretation of what happens in the human mind when emotions set in.

Produced by Pixar and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Inside Out is set in the mind of a young girl, Riley Andersen (Kaitlyn Dias), where five personified emotions—Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), and Disgust (Mindy Kaling)—try to lead her through life as her parents (Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan) move the family to a new city.

Overall this is a cute movie that provides a very funny interpretation of what happens in the human mind when emotions set in, what roles each our emotions play in our personalities, how we communicate and form relationships with people.

Some very funny moments in the film, especially when Anger loses his temper, Disgust’s sarcastic and cynical behaviour and finding what role Sadness plays in our lives (Spoiler: Very important role).

Rating: 8/10

For a sneak peek of Inside Out, check out the trailer here.

New Non Fiction: Let us entertain you!

Katie9 April, 2013

The holidays are about two weeks away and winter’s almost on it’s way. Worried about what you are going to do over the holidays? Never fear, come on down to Wellington City Libraries, get stocked up on new books (and maybe some DVDs for good measure) and let us entertain you!

Wellington City Libraries has more new non fiction in the Children’s collection for your enjoyment and pleasure. This month’s blog post pays tribute to the entertainment industry.

Here you will find a list of books that can give you ideas on how to make your own film (whether as a hobby or if you aim to be the next Sir Peter Jackson); getting schooled up on your favorite Disney, Pixar and Star Wars characters (maybe revisiting and watching your favorite Disney, Pixar and Star Wars movies), drawing SpongeBob SquarePants characters and even running away to join the circus!

There are three more books have been published from the series, Inspirational Lives that focuses on influential people and key figures in the public eye, in the case this month, a writer, a rap star and the creator of Apple! Who knows, maybe reading about their inspiring lives may inspire you to follow your creative dreams and goals.

Behind the Scenes: Film.

If you’re a movie buff (like I am) and interested in what happens behind the scenes of your favorite movies, then have a read of this new revised and updated book on what goes on in the film industry. You will learn about how things work in film, inside knowledge about the jobs people do and even tips on how to get experience and your first job if you are looking to pursue a career in the film industry.

Disney junior encyclopedia of animated characters : Includes characters from your favorite Disney Pixar films.

So you think you’re a Disney expert? Sure, you may know the words to every Disney Song and able to recite all the lines from your favorite Disney movie. But do you know the answers to questions like what is the dentist’s address in Finding Nemo?, what is Mulan’s family name? and why the words “Meega na la queesta!” makes an alien want to throw up? Hakuna Matata! All the answers are in this new encyclopedia from A to Z about all your favorite Disney and Pixar animated characters. If only they had published this when I was a kid.

Also check out my personal Disney favorites: Lilo and Stitch, Finding Nemo, The Lion King and The Incredibles.

A long long time ago in a galaxy far far away… Three new books on Star Wars arrived at Wellington City Libraries!

In the mood for Star Wars non fiction? For all you Star Wars fans, you get three for the price of one. Three books that are guaranteed to make you the ultimate Star Wars expert!

Star Wars Character Encyclopedia explores over 200 heroes, villains, droids and weird aliens from the Star Wars series. It’s great for anyone who wants to gain further insight to their favorite Star Wars characters. Also find out if you have what it takes to be a Jedi… or a Sith Lord by reading Who are the Jedi and What is a Sith Warrior from the Star Wars: The Clone Wars series. In Who are the Jedi, you will read and uncover secrets of the most powerful and heroic Jedi Knights of all time, while Who Are the Sith explores the most fearsome fighters of all time and their deadly secrets. Grab them down at your local library before someone else does.

Circuses.

Roll up, roll up! The Circus has come to the library!… Well almost. We now have a new and exciting book about all you ever wanted to know about circuses. Read all about the history of the circus from 18th century to present day, the use of animals, famous circuses around the world and even tips of how to be a circus performer. You will learn lots of amazing facts and information like the first circus that started was in London, 1768 by Philip Astley and the Cirque du Soleil employs over 5,000 people around the world.

How to Draw SpongeBob SquarePants.

Ahoy SpongeBob SquarePants fans! Now you can bring SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward and Mr. Krabs to life… on paper. This book will show you how to draw these characters with simple step by step instructions. There’s lots of cool drawing tips and sketching ideas, including how to make your own flip book that brings your drawing to life as if there were on film or TV. This book is bound to keep you entertained for many hours on end.

If you enjoyed the last post on Inspirational Lives, get ready for more biographies on your favorite celebrities and key figures in the public eye:

Steve Jobs: Digital Innovator.

Read all about Steve Jobs, the American entrepreneur and best known as the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Apple Inc, the co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios! (Yup, the company responsible for our favourite Disney movies like Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and Toy Story 3!) and how this man, from San Francisco revolutionized the way we think about computer, music, entertainment brought the world the iPod, iPhone and iPad! You will learn all about this amazing genius’ inspiration life from how is interest in electronics developed, the founding of Apple, his family life and how his career came to an end due to an illness that led to his death in 2011.

Check out some of the Pixar DVDs like Brave, Up, WALL-E and Toy Story 3.

Anthony Horowitz: Creator of Alex Rider.

We all know him as the best selling author of children and young adult fiction, mostly popularly known as the author of the Alex Rider series, but what don’t you know? Read the latest and revised biography of Anthony Horowitz and find out everything you have ever wanted to know about him: His childhood, his inspiration for writing and how Alex Rider came to life and things you didn’t know about him, like his mum giving him a human skull for his 13th birthday and spending his gap year in Australia working as a cowboy. You find information on tips to be a writer and a quiz that can show you if you have what it takes to be a writer.

Jay-Z: Megastar Rapper.

This book is the mother of all inspirational lives! We all know Jay-Z as the multi-platinum rap icon, shrewd businessman and husband of famous R&B singer, Beyonce, who went from being a kid from the ghetto and a high school drop put to a man who sold 50 million albums around the world, who won 15 Grammy Awards and who even owns his own basketball team! (A life we can envy.) Now is the chance to read about the man behind the multi-million dollar brand. You will read all about his troubled childhood, brush with the law, finally hitting the big time and how his performance in Glastonbury, 2008 brought acceptance of hip hop to a traditionally rock audience

Movie Review: Brave

Katie30 January, 2013

Brave took home the award for Best Animated Film at last week’s Golden Globes and is one of the nominees for Best Animated Film in this year’s Academy Awards.

Pixar Animation Studios, the creator of Toy Story 3, whisks you away on an astonishing adventure in the Scottish Highlands full of mystery, magic and tradition. Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida, a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor defies an age-old custom, where she competes against (and defeats) each of her suitors in an archery contest during the Highland Games by which she states she is “shooting for her own hand”, much to the outrage of the lords of the land and causes a rift between mother and daughter. Merida then acquires a magic spell from a witch the witch agrees to give Merida a spell to “change” her mother (into a bear) in the form of a cake. When chaos is unleashed in the kingdom as a result of Merida’s actions, she must harness all of her skills and resources to break the beastly curse before it’s too late, mend bonds “torn by pride” and discover the meaning of true bravery.

From the kilt-wearing lords to the bagpipe music and traditional Highland games and Merida’s triplet brothers’ pranks and endless attempts to steel sweets, This is a very entertaining mother/daughter movie and a celebration of Scottish culture.

Rated: 8/10.

Best for age groups 5 years and over.

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