New DVDs: 4/8/08
by Katrina Hayday Wester
Austen's own paramour, a fable in fitness, and three rhythmically gifted rodents
Becoming Jane , Miramax, Rated PG, $17.99
Tween or teen granddaughters who share your love for classic Jane Austen novels and movies will duly enjoy this film about Austen’s own greatest romance. In a story widely believed to be the inspiration for Austen’s fiction, Anne Hathaway plays the young author, who is caught in a love affair that did not start off with immediate attraction. Keeping with Austen’s trademark story progression, the romance begins with clashing opinions and egos, and eventually turns to true love. James McAvoy, Julie Walters, James Cromwell, and Maggie Smith make a formidable cast for this unique period film.
Trevor Romain: If You Don't Take Care of Your Body, Where Else Are You Going to Live? , Trevor Romain Company, Not Rated, $13.49
With childhood obesity on the rise, this DVD sends a timely message to kids about getting fit, eating right, and taking care of their bodies. Each of the two episodes, “Field Day to the Extreme” and “Tips for Becoming Fun-ergized,” centers on getting up, out, and active. “Field Day” is supposed to be a fun day for all the middle school students who participate, but Skye, Jack, and Darryl, new to such challenges, have trouble keeping up and look to Trevor to find out what happened. They learn that physical activity and eating right are not only important, but fun. This is a good educational DVD to ensure your grandchildren stay on the right food and exercise path for healthy hearts, minds, and bodies.
The Chipmunk Adventure , Paramount, Rated G, $14.99
Featuring some great music, like “Wooly Bully,” “Girls of Rock ‘N’ Roll,” and more, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore take off in a hot-air balloon race against the “Chipettes,” Brittany, Jeanette, and Eleanor. Fans of Alvin and the Chipmunks will enjoy the music; they’ll laugh and generally be entertained by the musically gifted critters. If you haven’t heard enough of them by the end of the movie, good news: The collectible special-edition DVD boasts a CD featuring 11 classic tracks.
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