KIDS FIRST! Film and Video Festival 2005

Fourth Quarter Titles

DVD SNEAK PEEK
Backyardigans: The Snow Fort. A. 98 min. E.
The Backyardigans are a group of five young friends who get together daily to play in the backyard they share. Each day, their imaginations transform that backyard into a different fantastic, photo-realistic landscape, and they go off on a high-stakes quest full of song, dance, and adventure. Ages 2-5. Paramount Home Entertainment/ Nickelodeon

DVD SNEAK PEEK
Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus. A/3-D. 85 min.
Barbie takes flight in her first original fairy tale movie: Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus! Princess Annika (Barbie) escapes the clutches of the evil wizard, explores the wonders of Cloud Kingdom, and teams up with a magnificent winged horse – who turns out to be her sister, Princess Brietta - to defeat the wizard and break the spells that imprisoned her family. Spectacular 3-D scenes add magic to this extraordinary adventure. Spanish track. Ages 4-10. Lions Gate Family Home entertainment.

FEATURE SNEAK PEEK
The Blue Butterfly. L. 100 min. (limited play prior to 2006 with extra fee required)
"The Blue Butterfly," is a film by Léa Pool, starring Academy Award® Winner William Hurt, Genie Award Winner Pascale Bussières, and Marc Donato ("White Oleander", "Pay it Forward"). "The only way to catch a miracle is to believe in it." The Blue Butterfly is based on the true story of a terminally ill 10-year-old boy whose dream is to catch the most beautiful butterfly on Earth, the mythic and elusive Blue Morpho. His mother persuades a renowned entomologist (William Hurt) to take them on a trip to the jungle to search for the butterfly, leading to an adventure that will transform their lives. And so their journey begins. A magical film about a courageous young boy whose life is forever changed as, fourteen years later this "terminally ill" boy is now a young man. A compelling adventure about courage, redemption and love filmed in the rain forests of Costa Rica and in Montreal, "The Blue Butterfly" is an extraordinary journey. The feature film will be released in December 2005, DVD in spring 2006. Ages 5-18. Monterey Video.

DIRECT TO DVD FEATURE PREMIERE
Care Bears Big Wish Movie. A. 75 min. F.
When Wish Bear calls on her wish star for some new friends, things don’t seem to go exactly as planned with her new pals. Wish Bear soon finds that it takes more than wishes to make her dreams real. But with the help of her fellow bears, she learns that with enough care, anything is possible. Spanish track. Ages 2-5. Lions Gate Home Entertainment

DVD SNEAK PEEK
Creature Comforts. A. 133 min.
A brilliant and hilarious clay animation series about the lives of animals as told by the animals themselves. Interviews with these lovable claymation creatures leave no stone unturned, no tree unclimbed, no sea uncrossed in the quest to discover what our fine-finned, furred and feathered friends really think about the issues that are closest to their hearts. It’s a “mockumentary” like none you’ve ever seen, and it could only come from Nick Park and the untamed minds at Aardman Animation! Includes: The Circus, Pets at the Vet, Working Animals, The Sea, The Garden, Feeding Time, The Beach, The Pet Shop, What's It All About, Being a Bird, Is Anyone Out There, Cats or Dogs?, Merry Christmas. Ages 11-18. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

DVD SNEAK PEEK
Dora the Explorer: Dora Dance to the Rescue . A. 100 min. E.
Put on your dancing shoes! Dora and Boots need you to dance, spin, shake, wiggle, jump, and toe-tap along as they set off on an epic dance adventure! Ages 2-5. Paramount Home Entertainment.

DVD SNEAK PEEK
Dora the Explorer: Dora's Double Length Adventures. A. 285 min. E.
Each day, Dora and her monkey companion, Boots, go on a high stakes adventure-filled quest in which our young heroine faces perilous problems, meets loving friends, and must overcome an arch villain fox, Swiper. During her journey, Dora asks viewers to help, encouraging participation every step of the way. In every episode, Dora must conquer 3 major hurdles - whether it's crossing a bridge, climbing a mountain or walking through a forest - in order to reach her final destination. Ages 2-5. Paramount Home Entertainment / Nickelodeon

DVD SNEAK PEEK
Fantastic Four. A. 66 min.
When an experimental space voyage goes awry, four people are changed by cosmic rays. Reed Richards, inventor and leader of the group gains the ability to stretch his body, and takes the name, Mr. Fantastic. His girlfriend, Sue Storm, gains the ability to turn invisible and create force fields, calling herself the Invisible Woman. Her younger brother Johnny Storm gains the ability to control fire, including covering his own body with flame, becoming the Human Torch. Pilot Ben Grimm is turned into a super-strong rock creature calling himself Thing. Together, they use their unique powers to explore the strange aspects of the world, and to foil the evil plans of Doctor Doom. Directed by Tim Story. Fox Home Entertainment

DVD SNEAK PEEK
FernGully: The Last Rainforest Special Edition. A. 76 min.
Come join in on spectacular rainforest adventure – where the radar-impaired Batty and his magical friends Crysta, Pips and the Beetle Boys try to save their special world from mankind’s carelessness and the evil Hexxus. Annie®-Award winner for Best Animated Feature (1992), the film won the Environmental Media Associate for Best Picture (1992) and is Kids First!® approved. Director: Bill Kroyer; Screenwriter Jim Cox; Featuring the voices of Tim Curry, Samantha Mathis, Christian Slater, Jonathan Ward, Robin Williams, Geoffrey Blake, Robert Pastorelli, Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Tone Loc and more. Ages 5-12. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC

DVD SNEAK PEEK
Indigo. L. F. 89 min. F.
Through the eyes of a child, the world can be a wondrous place. Through the eyes of an Indigo child, a more enlightened path can be embarked upon. This film weaves the journey of a troubled family with the search for understanding that brings them together. An estranged grandfather and his granddaughter flee from her unstable father, embarking on a passage of self discovery in which this exceptional child gradually gains his love. Indigo children and their ability to communicate in unique ways with each other, heal, and even foresee events, are well documented. Producer: Stephen Simon (Somewhere in Time); Writers: James Twyman (author, Emissary of Light) and Neale Donald Walsch (author, Conversations with God). Ages 12 -18. Monterey Video.

DVD SNEAK PEEK
The Koala Brothers: Meet The Koala Brothers. A. 88 min. E.
Set in the Australian Outback, follows the adventures of two friendly koalas, Frank and Buster, whose mission in life is to help others. Their daily patrols in their yellow plane seek out anyone in need of help. A cast of characters join Frank and Buster in their adventures. Includes: Archie's New Home - When Archie the crocodile moves into the old house by the water hole, he decides to invite everyone to a party to celebrate but no one shows up. He learns that no one has come because they’re all afraid of the old house. The Koala Brothers help Archie paint the house, cheer it up, and send out invitations to another party. Also Sea Captain Ned, The Thirsty Penguin, a Letter For George, Josie's Big Jump, Alice Can't Remember, Ned's Scary Night, What Mitzi Wants. Spanish track. Ages 2-5. Lions Gate Family Home Entertainment

FEATURE SNEAK PEEK
Mad Hot Ballroom. L. 114 min. F.
Provides an insightful, inspiring and often hilarious look at a group of eleven-year-old New York City public school kids who journey into the world of ballroom dancing. Along the way, they reveal themselves and their world as they compete in the final citywide competition. Told from their candid perspectives, these kids are transformed from reluctant participants to determined competitors, from typical urban kids to "ladies and gentlemen." Directed by Marilyn Agrelo and written by Amy Sewell. Ages 7-13. From Paramount Classics.

DVD SNEAK PEEK
Maya & Miguel: Funny Fix-Ups A. 88 min. E.
Includes: The Matchmaker - Maya meets her own match when she tries to set up Abuela Elena with a blind date. Teacher's Pet - When Maya and Miguel take Paco the Parrot to school he gets them in trouble for more than just talking in class. When Maya Met Andy - Maya learns that being disabled doesn't equal being helpless when she has to protect Andy, a boy who's missing one arm. Mala Suerte - Maya and Miguel create their own bad luck not to mention a mess when they try to rearrange their "cursed" apartment. Spanish track, 88 min. Lions Gate Home Entertainment

DVD SNEAK PEEK
Pet Alien: Aliens Unleashed. A. 44 min.
Includes: Attach of the 50 Foot Boy: Tommy's not tall enough to ride the hot new attraction at the amusement park. No problem! Dinko and the aliens help Tommy grow, but he just keeps getting bigger and bigger! It Came from the Closet: Tommy puts the aliens in charge of cleaning up the lighthouse, but they believe the vacuum cleaner is a horrifying beast that's out to destroy them. The Bride of Gumpers: Gumpers pre-selected bride is coming to Earth! Is there ever enough time to turn the belching, scratching, smelly alien into a new man? Thing on the Corner: Dinko's friendship with the corner mailbox is jeopardized when the mailman comes to remove the mail (and an important letter of Tommy's)! Ages 6-11. Fox Home Entertainment

DVD SNEAK PEEK
Pet Alien: Atomic Tommy. A. 44 min.
Includes: Boy with Six Legs: Tommy's locked out of the lighthouse, but when he calls the aliens to let him back in, they think he's been turned into a crab! Evil Emperor: Dinko and the aliens are convinced that their new neighbor is an evil alien trying to conquer Earth: he's just disguised as an innocent four-year-old boy. The Amazing Atomic Tommy: The aliens think that Tommy has super-powers and are determined to prove it by putting him in risky situations. Crater of Doom: It's school picture day and Tommy has a big red pimple on his forehead. The aliens try to make it better, but succeed only in making it much, much worse. Ages 6-11. Fox Home Entertainment

TV PREMIERE, SNEAK PEEK
Pinky Dinky Doo. A. 22 min.
Pinky Dinky Doo is a 7-year-old girl who loves to make up stories and solve problems. Playful bedtime stories exploring early literacy through storytelling. In each episode, Pinky tells a very imaginative story that uses creative problem-solving, followed by a quiz, recap and a new word is introduced within the story. Everything is perfectly aimed at its target audience - from graphics, to pace, to learning level and creativity. Ages: 2-7. Sesame Workshop

DVD FEATURE PREMIERE
Pinocchio 3,000. 80 min.
Pportrays the adventures of a little robot whose greatest wish is to become a real boy. The year is 3000. Gepetto, with the help of his faithful assistant, Spencer the cyber penguin, and by the holographic fairy Cyberina, creates Pinocchio, a prototype superrobot equipped for emotions. But before he can be given a heart and become a real boy, Cyberina insists that Pinocchio learn the difference between right and wrong. Spanish track. Ages 8-12. Lions Gate Home Entertainment

DVD SNEAK PEEK
Postcards From Buster: Buster's Outdoor Journeys. A. 88 min
Includes: Meet me at the Fair. Feed the cows, take out the garbage, clean the house, all before breakfast. That's part of life on the farm for sister and brother Lauren and Nathan. But as they show Buster, there's more to living on a farm than chores-like riding horses, driving tractors, and showing off their pigs at the County Fair. The Giant Pumpkins. Near Mt. Hood, Buster meets some regular-sized kids who grow giant pumpkins for competition. He also goes mountain biking-extreme, Oregon-style-with siblings Jordan and Ashley. Bayou, By Me. Inspired by the bayou, Buster sets off to capture the "Swamp Monster" on film. With help from 12-year-old bayou expert Dylan and other friends, Buster chases after the mysterious creature while enjoying the perks of bayou life, like crab dinners, and cat-fishing with hotdogs! Ages 2-5. Paramount Home Entertainment.

DVD SNEAK PEEK
Postcards From Buster: Buster's Got The Beat. A. 88 min.
Includes: Beats by the Bay. Carlos and Mora's new music video is selected to debut on 2CoolTV. The only problem is, the song isn't finished. While Carlos and Mora scramble to finish the song, Buster directs a video featuring hip hop dancers Briaunna, Darianne, and Zack. Buster and Beatrice. Buster meets 12-year-old Robert who has been playing Conjunto music on his accordion since he was five with grownups who share this traditional Mexican-American musical form. The Music Mystery. Fern is writing a mystery story for a writing contest, but she needs help developing the characters. So Buster Baxter, Private Eye, investigates New Orleans's rich music and dance history. Buster's Sweet Song. Muffy has hired Buster to produce a country-themed commercial for Crosswire Motors. But he needs to find the perfect jingle. Luckily, Buster is in the heart of country music land, and he gets help from ten-year-old Savanna and Grammy award-winning musician Billy Dean and his daughter. Ages 2-5. Paramount Home Entertainment.

DVD SNEAK PEEK
Robots. A. 91 min. F.
Fasten your seat bolts and gear up for a hilarious, heartwarming comedy that’s “perfect for the whole family” (Clay Smith, Access Hollywood). Aided by a menagerie of misfit mechanical friends, a small town robot embarks on the adventure of lifetime as he heads for the big city to pursue his dreams - and ultimately proves that anyone can shine no matter what they’re made of. Featuring an all-star voice cast and a groundbreaking visual style. Director: Chris Wedge; Carlos Saldanha; Actors: voice talent of Ewan McGregor, Robin Williams, Halle Berry, Amanda Bynes, Greg Kinnear, Mel Brooks. Close-captioned, Spanish track. Ages 5-12. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

FEATURE SNEAK PEEK
The Snow Queen. L./A. 55 min. (limited play allowed)
A powerful new interpretation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen story of the epic quest of a brave young girl to overcome evil and darkness in an enchanted universe. This live action fairy tale is performed in a completely computer animated universe, all backed by a haunting score and wonderful songs by creator Paul K. Joyce. Young Gerda and her family take in the homeless boy Kai on a freezing winter night and the two become fast friends. But this enrages the evil Snow Queen who had had him in her sights as someone to steal away to her frozen palace. The Snow Queen returns, and spirits the boy away with a magic spell. Gerda sets off on a journey to find the boy and rescue him once again. She is helped and hindered by a variety of people on her journey. Ultimately the power of her bravery and innocent love over-powers the icy Snow Queen and the boy is rescued for good.
Ages 8-12. Pop Twist Entertainment.

DVD SNEAK PEEK
Spongebob Squarepants: Where's Gary. A. 88 min. E.
This SpongeBob SquarePants release features "Where's Gary?" Spongebob's first ever double-length episode. Spanish track. Ages 8-12. Paramount Home Entertainment

DVD SNEAK PEEK
Strawberry Shortcake: Moonlight Mysteries. A. 45 min. E.
Ginger Snap's No-Light Night of Fright - When Strawberry & Friends go on an overnight campout, Ginger Snap doesn't want them to find out... she's afraid of the dark! The Blueberry Beast - There's someone ...or something strange in the neighborhood and the kids imagine the worst - but Strawberry finds it's a new girl, Blueberry Muffin, and she's just like them. Spanish track. Ages 4-8. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment/DIC Entertainment Corp.

DVD SNEAK PEAK
Thomas & Friends: Percy Saves the Day. A. 35 min.
Storyteller, Michael Brandon delivers another collection of wonderful stories about friends taking care of each other. On the Island of Sodor, Sir Topham Hatt is always stressing to the engines the importance of working together and listening to one another. Sometimes, the engines don't always do as their told. Rusty risks his safety to save Duncan. Fergus pushes the twins out of the way after they disobey his warning to go carefully and, in rescuing them, becomes buried in a landslide. The twins apologize and Fergus forgives them. Age: 2-5. Anchor Bay Entertainment