The Universe Seasons One-Three (2009) Review

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I highly recommend this box set for anyone interested in purchasing this series. The money saved is quite substantial and despite what other reviews have claimed this box set does include ALL the episodes from ALL three seasons to include the 13 episodes and the special feature length documentary "Beyond the Big Bang" for season 1, all 18 episodes for season 2, and all 12 episodes for season 3.

Season 1

(Disc 1) Secrets of the Sun, Mars: The Red Planet, The End of the Earth: Deep Space Threats to Our Planet, Jupiter: The Giant Planet, The Moon

(Disc 2) Spaceship Earth, The Inner Planets: Mercury & Venus, Saturn: Lord of the Rings, Alien Galaxies, Life And Death Of A Star

(Disc 3) The Outer Planets, The Most Dangerous Place in the Universe, Search for ET

Bonus: Beyond the Big Bang

Season 2

(Disc 1) Alien Planets, Cosmic Holes, Mysteries of the Moon, The Milky Way, Alien Moons

(Disc 2) Dark Matter, Astrobiology, Space Travel, Supernovas

(Disc 3) Constellations, Unexplained Mysteries, Cosmic Collisions, Colonizing Space, Nebulas

(Disc 4)Wildest Weather in the Cosmos, Biggest Things in Space, Gravity, Cosmic Apocalypse

Bonus: Backyard Astronomers

Season 3

(Disc 1) Deep Space Disasters, Parallel Universes, Light Speed, Sex in Space

(Disc 2) Alien Faces, Deadly Comets and Meteors, Living in Space, Stopping Armageddon

(Disc 3) Another Earth, Strangest Things,Edge of Space, Cosmic Phenomena

Bonus: Universe Facts, Image Gallery

I owned the first three seasons of this EPIC series on dvd and had been disappointed by the double black bars (fullscreen letterbox) presentation of this series. A quick fix was to change your zoom settings on your set or player, but this fix was quite awful in what seems to be lower than a 480i resolution.

The Blu-ray release of this series is truly wonderful in full 1920x1080 HD. This is a true widescreen release. The audio is presented in lossless 2.0 Dolby Stereo. Each Season is individually packaged in separate Blu-ray boxes.

The graphics and special effects can be and most of the time are the best of any production I have ever seen. It stands alone in comparison to anything the BBC, NOVA, The Science Channel, or The Discovery Channel has ever created.

If you are interested in a mind blowing, educational, heavily entertaining piece of eye candy, then do not pass this product up.

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Other reviewers have covered the content of this series very well and I doubt that I could do any better, I recommend this to anyone who is interested in knowing more on the subject of astronomy and slightly into the fantasy/speculation side of where technology will go in the future.

The one thing that I did not find in any of the other reviews or in any of the product pictures that was a concern of mine was the size/look that this collection would have on my shelf. When I got these blu-rays in the mail I was pleasantly surprised to find that they are the 3 single packaged seasons of The Universe inside of a decorative cardboard box so if you want to leave them in the box on the shelf that would be fine or you could take them out and it would be as if you had purchased each separately (which is what I'll be doing since I'm also buying season 4 and it would look strange in my opinion to have 3 boxed and one separate). So if packaging was something holding you back from taking advantage of the price difference between buying the seasons separately or in this package deal then you can rest assured that this package is the better alternative. Hope this helps.

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Imagine walking into a plush upscale model home decorated by the interior designers of Europe. Well, this is how The Universe season 1-3 is presented, this way, modern science program that's cutting edge, holds your attention and makes your ADD instantly cured. Rejoice; let the Universe series do its work instead of you paying attention. You'll be amazed, glued to your set, and not hear your phone calls or door bells. Graphics, stunning Hubble pictures, and renowned scientists speak the latest and greatest findings straight to the point in a way you never watched in a grade school astronomy class. Yes, science programs have set a new standard here. Blu ray is stunning 1080p details. All episodes are included. Layout menu: excellent.

Addendum: a larger set is now available, released date April 26, 2011 to encompass all 5 seasons, The Universe: The Complete Series Megaset [Blu-ray]. It also includes, The Universe: 7 Wonders of the Solar System [Blu-ray 3D].

Honest reviews on The Universe Seasons One-Three (2009)

If you're looking at this set because you have the DVD you won't be disappointed. I'm wrapped with it! Its good value for the price, the Blu-ray disk set is nicely presented, the graphics is all I hoped for and the disks have no nasty habits!

I'm eagerly awaiting the next one.

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In general this series is excellent. However the episodes vary in quality and the amount of information presented. The Blu Ray adds the the production quality.

Johnny Test: The Complete Seasons 3 & 4 (2005) Reviews

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You wanted more Johnny Test. You demanded more Johnny Test. You'd whine, plead, and beg to your parents like Johnny Test for more Johnny Test. Well, grovel no more 'cause he's back in a brand new DVD set ! There's 39 episodes spanning the third and fourth seasons on four discs that include a lot of my all-time favorite episodes such as:

"Johnny 'Mon" Johnny gets zapped into his "Tinymon" video game and must do battle in order to get out.

"Johnny Bench" Johnny needs to make a bench for Wood Shop class. How hard can it be ?

"Johnny Cart Racing" It's an all out race in Porkbelly as Johnny goes up against his friends and foes for the Super Champion of the World.

"Return of Johnny 'Mon" Once again, Johnny gets zapped into his new "Tinymon" video game, but this time his dad gets zapped, too.

"Johnny Dukey Doo" Ghosts are haunting an old inn that's about to be destroyed. Johnny, his dog Dukey, and his sisters Susan and Mary get to the bottom of this.

"Papa Johnny" Johnny and his dad switch brains to see who has it worse.

"The Johnnyminster Dog Show" Dukey wants to compete in a dog show to see who's the best dog in town.

"Tom and Johnny" Mr. Mittens, a cat who seeks revenge on Johnny, returns. And worse, Johnny has been turned into a mouse !

"Who's Johnny?" Susan and Mary attempt to change their brother's personality, and it isn't pretty.

"Johnny Test in 3D" Johnny goes up against a seaside hotel manager who forbids pets.

"King Johnny" Johnny plays the ultimate game of chess. With special enhancements from his genius sisters, of course.

"Johnny Tube" Johnny desperately tries to make a popular internet video.

The set also includes bonus episodes of 3 other shows: "Nanoboy", "Gadget Boy", and "Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors". There's even an exclusive digital comic for your DVD-ROM. So make a few whip-crack sound effects and get this DVD set (at an amazing value, I might add) to add to your collection. Don't forget: the first two seasons are also available (at an equally low price), and new episodes are being added weekly on Cartoon Network !

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PROs:

Price: The price is a great deal!

Length: You get 4 DVD's each at least 3 hrs, great if you need to put a DVD in as "background noise" in a kid friendly setting.

The Material: It's palatable for adults with enough silly gags to keep kids laughing.

CONs:

DVDs: The DVD's appear to have a manufacturing defect as they came scratched in the exact same manner on each disc. The discs still play and for the price and hassle, I will keep them. This is the main reason this review is 3 stars instead of 5.

Packaging: The DVD's are in 4 sleeves inside the DVD case instead of the usual circle mount holding the DVD in place. If you have children that handle DVD's be prepared for the sleeves to be lost plan accordingly if you want to keep the discs unscratched and working. (maybe get 4 old DVD cases with the circle mounts)

Things that didn't affect my decision to purchase but may affect yours:

No subtitles for the hearing impaired.

Johhny engages in a lot of "typical" boy behavior and humor, meaning some fighting and body function gags and sound effects.

Given the price, I am satisfied with this purchase.

UPDATE: 3/27/12 Lowered my review to 1 star.

(I've had the discs for 2 days) The DVD's skipped and would not play in the last few cartoons of EACH disc the first time I played them. I went to the Episode Menu on each disc and selected the last one or two cartoons-they would not play so I sent it back to Amazon for an exchange. I received the "new" discs today and right out of the box and securtity tapeSAME ISSUE! The DVD's do not appear new and seem to have a "bubbled" effect in the center where you'd normally mount the DVD (If it had a center mount)

3 of the 4 DVD sleeves don't appear new. Even though I've never seen it before, everything but the outside cover screams heat damage and repackaged. I will keep the discs because I like what cartoons do play but I understand why the price is so good and I'm glad I didn't pay more.

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I bought this along with Johnny test seasons 1 & 2. Its was a great buy definitely would recommend it.

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This is a great find. my daughter loves it and so do I. because i no longer bave to go on the internet to look for specific episodes. they are all right here on this set.

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This is a great cartoon and an awesome deal for less than 7 dollars for a 4 DVD set containing 2 full seasons. My three sons (yes I know the phrase) love this cartoon. Shoot, even my wife and I like it. This a great purchase for the car on long trips. Would recommend to all parents.

Review of Winnie the Pooh - Seasons of Giving (1999)

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If you are looking for big budget Winnie the Pooh entertainment, you have two choices. First there are the original classics, available seperately on VHS, or together in both VHS and DVD under the title: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Second choice is their more recent theatrical feature, The Tigger Movie. Both are WONDERFUL films! Anything else you get however, at the time of this review that is, is going to be much lower quality, made for TV stuff.

What we have here is not truthfully a NEW feature. There's been a lot of false advertising by the direct to video market about NEW Disney features. This, as was the case with Hercules:Zero to Hero, and some others, is really just a compilation of TV series episodes, linked together with some badly done new footage.

So how can I give this video 5 stars you ask? Well, the second story is reason enough! But I'm getting ahead of myself. This video links 3 stories. The first is an average episode of The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh TV series, originally entitled "Groundpiglet's Day," in which the Hundred Acre Wood family gets rather confused, thinking that Winter is over when in fact, it's just about to start. This, like most episodes of the TV series, is a charming little story, though nothing spectacular. The second story is what makes this film so wonderful. This is not actually an episode of the TV series, but a Holiday Special originally called, A Winnie the Pooh Thanksgiving. It's a wonderful story with great songs and higher quality animation than you'll see in the rest of the video. As I said before, this story is enough to earn the video 5 stars. After that one, we see the Pooh characters preparing for Christmas. This part is a little hard to watch, because the voices sound nothing like those in the other segments, but there is little continuity throughout this video anyway, considering it has so many different sources. Here we find Rabbit telling the story of how he came to raise a baby bird named Kessie. The original name for the episode this leads into is "Find Her, Keep Her," a very popular and touching episode of The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. So popular in fact, that Kessie had a sequel episode, and ended up a regular character in the more recent series, The Book of Pooh.

The final comment: If you like the TV show, or if you liked the Thanksgiving special, get this video, it's great if you know what to expect!

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I love this movie. Probley because I love Whinnie the Pooh and all his friends. This movie expresses all the gifts of friendship. I'm 11 and still love this movie! My mom is 57 and she loves this movie. I think it was great all the way through, although at the end it replays one of the eppisodes with Kessie. I find that ok because I love that episode. If you don't want to take the time to watch that just fast forward. The movie has somthing that makes you just feel good inside. I REALLY RECOMMEND IT!

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This is a sweet and touching Pooh film. I strongly suggest watching it if you haven't. I am proud to have it in my collection. I first rented this video from my local video store. Once I watched it I just HAD to have it. It is that good. I knew that it would be a Pooh video that I would watch over and over.

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In this wonderful 70-minute film, we are brought to the Hundred Acre Wood in three different delightful tales that are sure to brighten up even the coldest day of the year, for viewers of all ages.

SEASONS OF GIVING starts on a cold and blustery day in the Hundred Acre Wood, when Piglet, Pooh, Rabbit, and Tigger set out on a quest to find Winter, a season that they seem to have "missed." While searching for Winter, the four friends begin a wild search to find the perfect ingredients for the greatest Thanksgiving feast, which eventually leads to the Christmas holidays, and a surprise visit from a very special friend.

In the first story, GROUNDPIGLET DAY, we meet up with the gang from the Hundred Acre Wood, as they ring in Spring.

The second story, starring Rabbit, A WINNIE THE POOH THANKSGIVING, we find the beloved Rabbit rushing about, which ultimately defeats the true meaning of the holiday season all together.

The third, and final story, again starring Rabbit, FIND HER, KEEP HER, features Rabbit showing his soft, and caring side, instead of his often grumpy side, when he finds, and adopts a wayward baby bird.

Featuring gorgeous animation, five brand new songs on this straight-to-video release, and everyone's favorite characters, Winnie-the-Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, Piglet, Owl, Rabbit, Beaver, Roo, Kanga, and Christopher Robin, this film is sure to be a pleaser for the entire family to gather around the TV, and watch during this enchanting season. Winni-the-Pooh fans can not miss this movie!

Erika Sorocco

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Since 1926, "Winnie-the-Pooh" has been a staple in American pop culture as a family friendly character and stories that many children for generations have grown up with. And adults who have continued to share that with their own children.

With the holiday season coming up soon, the 10th Anniversary Edition of the third direct-to-video Winnie the Pooh animated feature "Seasons of Giving" from 1999 is re-released on DVD (note: the original DVD was released back in 2003) and comes with a mini Christmas stocking.

This feature revolves around Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Rabbit and friends celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas and the winter season!

"Seasons of Giving" is broken down into several arcs. The first arc is "Groundpiglet Day" (from "The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh") as Rabbit and the group think the day is February 2nd, Groundhog Day (when actually, the calendar hasn't been changed) and thus they feel as they missed out on Thanksgiving and Christmas. So, in order to find out if there will be a cold front, they look at Piglet to be a groundhog and determine if Spring is coming soon.

The second arc features Winnie the Pooh inviting Christopher Robbin to join the group at Hundred Acre Wood and hoping for a fantastic Thanksgiving. This segment is from an actual special.

The third arc features the group celebrating Christmas and Rabbit receiving a Christmas card from Kessie, a blue bird that rabbit rescued years ago. With Roo wondering who is Kessie is, Rabbit tells his story of how he met Tessie (replaying the cartoon "Find her, Keep Her" from "The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh").

VIDEO & AUDIO:

Video is featured in Widescreen (1:33:1) and for the most part, animation differs at times as some animation is from the TV series, another from a special. For the most part, the animation is from 1999 and the transfer shows its age a little and there are some dust and scratches on "groundpiglet day" while "A Winnie the Pooh Thanksgiving" features a more cleaner animation. And for the Christmas episode, the animation seems much more cleaner and vibrant but when Rabbit reminiscences of Tessie, then it goes back to older animation. You can tell which is the older animation as Rabbit is greyish, while in the newer animation he is yellow.

As for audio, audio is presented in Dolby Digital Surround Sound and is featured in English, French and Spanish language tracks. Audio is dialogue and music driven and for the most part is clear and understandable. For home theater owners, I felt that the best setting was to have audio set at stereo on all channels.

Subtitles are in English SDH, French and Spanish.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

"Winnie the Pooh Seasons of Giving: 10th Anniversary Edition" comes with a small Christmas stocking included in the slipcase. As for special features, the following is included:

JUDGMENT CALL:

* The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Magic Earmuffs (11:09) Piglet doesn't take part in the winter games because he feels he can't skate. But when Christopher Robbin gives him his ear muffs, Piglet thinks he can now ice skate.

* The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh The Wishing Bear (22:42) Christopher Robbin teaches Winnie the Pooh how to wish upon a star. When he does...he believes his wish to get honey comes true. Now, he wants to teach the others how to wish but unfortunately, it seems Pooh has forgotten what Christopher had taught him.

* Decorate Your Own Christmas Tree Using your remote, you can decorate different Christmas trees

* Coloring with Piglet Using your remote, you can play a game of memorization and try to color up to three pictures with the correct color.

Just in time for the holidays, "Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving" is released on DVD. I have pretty much grown up with "Winnie the Pooh" and the Christmas shows have always been a yearly ritual of watching and to say the least, my VHS tape is no longer watchable and with a six-year-old, I have been waiting for a DVD release of this title.

If there was one thing that may be difficult for some people is the different styles of animation between the segments from the animated television series "The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" and the special. As you go from not so good picture quality, to very good picture quality, to even better picture quality and back to not so good picture quality. In other words, newer animation versus older animation, you get a mix of both.

So, for those who are looking for the quality of an animation such as "Pooh's Heffalump Halloween" (released in 2005, re-released this month) which has cleaner animation, your not going to get that consistency as the TV episodes from 1999 are mixed with the special.

With that being said, despite the animation inconsistency, the only one who will probably be bothered are mostly the adults. Frankly, children are probably not going to balk at it and for the most part, this is a family feature that will entertain the kids during the holiday season.

Overall, my six-year-old son enjoyed watching this feature and I can imagine that it's lighthearted, fun and heartwarming stories will also entertain other children as well. Also, you get two more cartoons as from "The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" included on this DVD, two interactive games plus a mini-Christmas stocking. So, overall...this is a solid release.

For its low price and for its holiday entertainment factor, "Winnie the Pooh Seasons of Giving: 10th Anniversary Edition" is definitely recommended!