Maleficent: Mistress of Evil On Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital & Activity Sheets

When Maleficent: Mistress of Evil came out in the theater we were so busy that we weren't able to get there to see it! We loved Maleficent so much we couldn't want to see the 2nd one. When I had the opportunity to review Maleficent: Mistress of Evil on Blu-Ray and DVD, I jumped at the chance.

As expected, this was quite the movie! Angelina Jolie reprises her role as Maleficent perfectly. Adding in Michelle Pfeiffer was the right move. She can play a nasty role with ease and I loved it! We had friends here for a little over a week and had movie night with Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. After it was over we talked about it for the rest of the evening. So glad to have this movie on our shelves. We'll definitely be watching this more than once!

on Digital 4K Ultra HD™ and Movies Anywhere Dec. 31
and on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray™ Jan. 14

Go beyond the fairy tale with bonus features highlighting the film’s stunning visuals and all-star cast, along with extended scenes, outtakes and a Digital exclusive

Ring in the new year with Disney’s most iconic villain: “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” — which soared to No. 1 worldwide opening weekend and earned an A CinemaScore and a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes — releases on Digital in HD and 4K Ultra HD™ and Movies Anywhere on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, and physically on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ and DVD on Jan. 14, 2020. The thrilling sequel to 2014’s “Maleficent,” starring Angelina Jolie as Maleficent and Elle Fanning as her goddaughter Aurora, arrives home with brand-new bonus features, extended scenes, outtakes and an exclusive extra for Digital consumers.

Bonus features take viewers behind-the-scenes with the all-star cast to explore the making of “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.” Extended scenes reveal how Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer) manipulates Aurora into questioning Maleficient and accelerating her wedding plans. Featurettes include interviews with Jolie, who discusses Maleficent’s origins and the cast who portray the Fey, and Fanning, who gushes over Aurora’s fairytale wedding. Filmmakers showcase the visual effects behind the film’s stunning landscapes and the seemingly effortless flight of the Fey. Additional extras include “You Can’t Stop The Girl,” a music video performed by Bebe Rexha, and hilarious outtakes, ranging from uncooperative cats to uncontrollable giggles on set.

Fans who purchase “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” on Digital will gain access to an exclusive extra in which fantasy-film veteran Warwick Davis divulges the backstory for his character, Lickspittle.

Directed by Joachim Rønning, “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” carries on the story of Disney's most iconic villain. The years have been kind to Maleficent and Aurora. Their relationship, born of heartbreak, revenge and ultimately love, has flourished. Yet hatred between man and the fairies still exists. Aurora's impending marriage to Prince Philip is cause for celebration as the wedding serves to unite the Kingdom of Ulstead and the neighboring Moors. But, when an unexpected encounter introduces a powerful new alliance, Maleficent and Aurora are pulled apart to opposing sides in a Great War, testing their loyalties and causing them to question whether they can truly be a family.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” will be packaged and released in several different formats, ensuring each member of your family can enjoy it on a variety of different devices. Viewers can watch the film in Digital 4K Ultra HD, HD and SD, and bring home a physical copy of the film which will be released as an Ultimate Collector’s Edition (4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Digital Code), a Multi-Screen Edition (Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Code) and a single DVD. A Digital bundle with both “Maleficent” and “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” will be available at preorder.

Bonus features include*:

DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE:

• Lickspittle – Fantasy-film veteran Warwick Davis considers how every aspect of the film's design inspired his tragic character.

BLU-RAY & DIGITAL BONUS:

• Extended Scenes
  • The Queen Comforts Aurora - Queen Ingrith takes advantage of Aurora’s fragile state to gain her confidence and accelerate the wedding plans.
  • Philip and Aurora Dance - Aurora struggles to gain Queen Ingrith’s approval when she realizes how she is viewed among aristocracy.
• Featurettes
  • Origins of the Fey - Angelina Jolie discusses Maleficent’s lore, her newly discovered origins, and the diversity of the cast who portray the Fey.
  • Aurora’s Wedding - Elle Fanning gushes over Aurora’s fairytale wedding; plus, hear from some special guests as they give their best to the bride and groom.
  • If You Had Wings - Get a glimpse of the elaborate visual effects that allow the Fey to take to the skies.
  • “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” VFX Reel – Discover how a perfect blend of practical and visual effects were used to create the stunning landscapes in “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.”
• Outtakes - Uncooperative cats, a serious case of the giggles and even the “floss dance” found their way into Ulstead.
• “You Can’t Stop The Girl” - Music video performed by Bebe Rexha

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: Facebook.com/DisneyMaleficent
Twitter: Twitter.com/Maleficent
Instagram: Instagram.com/DisneyMaleficent
Website: movies.disney.com/maleficent-mistress-of-evil

Try out these activity sheets for family movie night! You can make Pie Pops and a Flower Crown!

An Uncommon Woman By Laura Frantz

An Uncommon Woman

by Laura Frantz

Publisher: Revell

ISBN: 9780800734954

I'm always excited to meet a new author. I had the chance to do that with Laura Frantz thanks to Revell Books. This is also my first read of 2020!

Summary:

Unflinching and plainspoken, Tessa Swan is not your typical 18th-century woman. Born and bred on the western Virginia frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned with. 

Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is not your typical 18th-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the French and Indian War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa's long-lost friend, Keturah, a redeemed Indian captive like himself.

Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when she is taken captive by the tribe Clay left, his hand--and heart--are forced, leading to one very private and one very public reckoning.

Intense, evocative, and laced with intricate historical details that bring the past to life, An Uncommon Woman will transport you to the picturesque and dangerous western Virginia mountains of 1770.

My Review:

An Uncommon Woman takes me back to reading historical fiction. I feel like it's been forever since I read anything historical so diving in to 1770 Western Virginia was a treat. It's also been quite a while since I've read anything from the frontier days.

First I have to say how incredibly impressed I was at the amount of research that was evident as I started to read the story. Reading the complex language of the Lenape was a vital part of the story for me and it brought in an element of authenticity that drew me further into the story.

I enjoyed the speed at which the story progressed. Sometimes I have that rushed feeling while An Uncommon Woman wound its way along like the Monongahela River. I was able to grow invested in the characters. Speaking of which, Tessa was a character who I appreciated her strength and tenacity. As we got to know her recently-returned friend, Keturah, I wished there was a prequel so that I could've gotten to know her during her time with the Lenape.

The way the author told the story, I could see the fort in my mind, picture the surroundings, and imagine how hard life must've been. I haven't read many novels in this time period or setting, but now I want to read more, learn more.

Then we meet Clay Tygart. He's a strong, steady presence as he comes to the fort that bears his name. His history helps him come alongside Keturah and help her through the changes life has brought her. I appreciated that he wasn't all business and could see the fort through the trees. hahaha

Now, there were a couple of things that made me twitchy. I'm pretty sure I've never read the word "mayhap" in all of the books I've read combined as I did in this one. lol Don't kill me. I get that it lends to the authenticity of the time period, but I actually read the word 3x in one small paragraph.

I'm going to add this to my review for now, but will also reach out to the publisher as well. I think the 3rd paragraph on the back cover isn't accurate to the story. More than 3/4 of the story and the relationship between Tessa and Clay are solidified by the time she's taken captive. I also didn't feel like there was a public reckoning that the reader experienced. It was mostly in the background, but we don't get to read much of that. Personally, with all of the anticipation of the Lenape encounter, I would've liked to read more of that in the story. That last part is personal preference, but I felt like the whole story was leading up to an encounter we'd read more about in detail.

That being said, neither of those points would deter me from reading more of the author's books and I still really enjoyed the story. If you have any recommendations for her next book I should read, please let me know on Instagram!

About the Author:

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of eleven novels, including The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel's Lady, The Lacemaker, and A Bound Heart. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.

Children's Books For Valentine's Day

I know it's just over a month away, we've just finished celebrating Christmas and New Year's, but Valentine's Day is just around the corner. With that in mind, check out these two adorable children's books from Zonderkidz. They sent them to me for a review and I just love them!

Words to Love By for Little Ones
by Rick Warren
Illustrated by Ag Jatkowska
Publisher: Zonderkidz
ISBN: 9780310753575

Summary:

If you’re looking to start the little boys and girls in your life along the path of wisdom and kindness, look no further than Words to Love By for Little Ones—a simple, inspirational board book that shows children how to use their words to encourage, forgive, express gratitude, heal, and love.

My Review:

What an absolutely delightful book. It's so important for children to learn at an early age how impactful their words are. Reading to a toddler you can be animated with the story and give them teachable moments. As your child grows into a preschooler, each page gives and opportunity to talk about how they can show love to others with respect, kindness, thankfulness, etc.

The illustrations are perfect with the text on the page. They give kids ways to relate to the children on the page. They can see tangible ways to show love whether it's with a friend, a stranger, or a family member. This is one of my favorite children's books I've read in quite a while.

Words to Love By is a great gift for a child or just because. It's one you'll go back to often!

Love You, Love You
Illustrated by Alison Brown
Publisher: Zonderkidz
ISBN: 9780310768418

Summary:

Heartwarming read-aloud rhymes that show the love between family members of all kinds, and sweet illustrations, make Love You, Love You the perfect board book to tell the precious one in your life, “I love you!”

My Review:

This is such an endearing bedtime book! I think my favorite part of this book is that the children are put to bed by various family members. It's not always mom & dad putting a child to bed. Wouldn't this be the best book for family members to have when your child is spending the night with them?

The illustrations are absolutely delightful. Mouse mom, hen aunty, and sister cat are just a few of the family members we meet in the story. They each have a different way of putting the little ones to bed.

Now, this isn't a faith based book, but it's a cute book that would make a good transition for bedtime or nap time. I think this will be a favorite of any child.

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Guarded By Sara Davison

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for Guarded, the second book of The Night Guardians series by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT GUARDED

Series: The Night Guardians, Book 2 

Author: Sara Davison 

Release Date: February 1, 2020 

Genre: Suspense / Thriller

The tip the stranger left sent Nicole a painfully clear message. The past is no longer in the past.

Nicole is fighting to bury the memories. Someone else is fighting to keep them exposed.

Detective Daniel Grey is back in town, and diner owner Nicole Hunter isn’t sure how she feels about that. It’s been almost seven years, and now she doesn’t just have herself to think about but her six-year-old son as well. If she does find the courage to take a chance on love, her heart could be smashed into pieces. Again.

And it’s not only her heart that is in danger. Someone is working hard to disrupt her present with reminders of the past she has worked hard to forget, especially her darkest memory—of the night her husband was gunned down in the street in front of her. As much as she might want to push Daniel away, Nicole needs him closer now than ever before.

But the one she trusts to keep her and her son safe has a secret that may prove to be the biggest threat of all.

Here's the Cover:

PURCHASE LINK*: Amazon

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Sara Davison is the author of the romantic suspense novels The Watcher and The Seven Trilogy. She has been a finalist for eight national writing awards, including the Word Award for Best New Canadian Christian author, a Carol, and two Daphne du Maurier Awards, and is a Word and Cascade Award winner. Sara has a degree in English Literature and currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her husband Michael and their three children, all of whom she (literally) looks up to.

CONNECT WITH SARA: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

Sara Davison is offering a $25 Amazon card to the winner - US and Canadian residents

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 4, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on January 11, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Due to shipping cost, only US/CAN mailing addresses valid. For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

 

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Downton Abbey: The Motion Picture Blu-Ray

Are you taking time to recover from the holidays? I can't believe how incredibly busy last month was.  I had a daughter come in from overseas and my oldest daughter & her husband as well. One of my most anticipated movies for 2019 came out on Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital Code last month!! Wondering what to do with gift cards you received? Are they burning a hole in your digital wallet? Then grab Downton Abbey! I received mine for review and I'm in my happy place!

We saw this movie the first weekend it came out in the theaters! I tell you what, we weren't disappointed! This movie was just as amazing as the tv show and picked up right where it left off.

Universal City, California, November 5, 2019 – DOWNTON ABBEY, the global sensation hailed as “a grand, cinematic experience” (Mike Reyes, Cinemablend) welcomes fans back for a spectacular homecoming on Digital November 26, 2019 and on Blu-ray^™, DVD and On Demand on December 17, 2019 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Earning an “A” CinemaScore, the film, which is celebrated by critics as “a true love letter to the fans” (Catalina Combs, Black Girl Nerds), arrives just in time for the holiday season with a broad variety of bonus features, including exclusive conversations with the cast, deleted scenes and a series recap that whisks audiences away to a world of grandeur.
 
Based on Carnival Films’ Emmy^® award-winning television series, the feature DOWNTON ABBEY sees the original cast return, alongside a host of newcomers. The incredible ensemble cast been applauded by critics as “funny and charming as ever” (Caroline Siede, The A.V. Club). The film chronicles the Crawley family one year after the conclusion of the series, as they prepare for the most important moment of their lives: an impending visit from the Royal Family. Join the glitz, glamour and spectacle as the special visit unleashes scandal, romance and intrigue on the fan-favorite family and its staff members. Lauded as “a delight” (Stephanie Zacharek, TIME), the film comes from the series screenwriter and producer Julian Fellowes, and producers Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge.

The motion picture will also be available in a Deluxe Limited Edition, featuring the Blu-ray Disc, DVD, and Digital Code, presented in exclusive packaging along with a collectible photo book and recipe cards. Available only while supplies last, this special offering is the must-own gift for any Downton Abbey fan or to add to your own collection.
 

BLU-RAY^TM, DVD & DIGITAL BONUS FEATURES:

• Deleted Scenes
• Cast Conversations – Exclusive roundtable interviews with the cast.
  • Upstairs Cast
  • Downstairs Cast
• The Royal Visit – A look at how the royal visit proved to be an ambitious event both on and behind the camera.
• True to the Twenties – Fans of DOWNTON ABBEY are charmed by the sheer grandeur of the aristocracy in the early 20^th century. Learn how DOWNTON ABBEY maintains a reputation of being true to the time period.
• Welcome to Downton Abbey – A behind-the-scenes look at the grandeur of Highclere Castle and how it serves as a cornerstone in the Downton Abbey franchise.
• The Brilliance of Julian Fellowes – Writer Julian Fellowes has created a story and beloved characters that resonate with people across the world. This piece celebrates Julian’s brilliant creativity and reveals his approach to bringing Downton Abbey to the big screen.
• Downton Abbey Series Recap* – Whether you’re new or just need a refresher, this series recap will catch you up on the story so far.
• Feature Commentary with Director Michael Engler

*Available only on Blu-ray™ and iTunes

DOWNTON ABBEY will be available on Blu-ray^TM, DVD and Digital. 

• Blu-ray^TM unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
• Digital lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.
• MOVIES ANYWHERE is the digital app that simplifies and enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers. Consumers can also redeem digital copy codes found in eligible Blu-ray^TM and DVD disc packages from participating studios and stream or download them through Movies Anywhere. MOVIES ANYWHERE is only available in the United States. For more information, visit https://moviesanywhere.com.

For artwork, please log onto our website at www.uphepublicity.com
Website: http://uni.pictures/DowntonAbbey
Trailer: http://uni.pictures/DowntonAbbeyTrailer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DowntonAbbey/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DowntonAbbey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downtonabbey_official 
#BringDowntonHome