Contest: Emma and Cranford

Contest: Emma and Cranford

Posted on February 5, 2010 at 4:34 pm

This is a very special contest with not one but two utterly delectable DVD sets, both series based on classic books and both originally shown on PBS.

Emma (2009) is based on the novel by Jane Austen (already filmed with Gwyneth Paltrow and adapted for “Clueless” with Alicia Sliverstone). It is the story of a rich and beautiful young woman who gets into trouble when she tries to arrange the lives of those around her. This luminous new version stars Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller, with Michael Gambon as Emma’s father.

Cranford This gorgeous collection includes both the original miniseries and the sequel, Return to Cranford. Both are based on the Elizabeth Gaskell novels set in the mid-1800’s. The title town is a small traditional English village and the story is a gentle but candid look at the lives of the women in particular as they deal with love, loss, and changes large and small. Sisters Deborah and Matilda Jenkyns (Eileen Atkins and Judi Dench), and their young and slightly more worldly relative Miss Smith (Lisa Dillon) are the kind and understanding center of a community that is sometimes gossipy or prejudiced. Part of its charm is seeing the town adapt to modern ideas and technologies that are both thrilling and terrifying, like the techniques of the new town doctor and the coming of the railroad. The wonderful cast includes Imelda Stanton and Francesca Annis.

TO ENTER: Send an email to moviemom@moviemom.com with Emma/Cranford in the title and answer this question: Who is your favorite Jane Austen character and why? Three winners will be randomly chosen from all eligible entries received before midnight eastern time on February 12. (Legal blah blah below)

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Based on a book Contests and Giveaways For Your Netflix Queue

Oscar’s Only Three-Generation Family

Posted on January 28, 2010 at 12:00 pm

Can you name the only family with three generations of Oscars? To make it even cosier, the grandparent and grandchild both won their Oscars for movies directed by the man in the middle, the son of one and the father of the other.
Here’s another hint: The third-generation Oscar-winner and her brother both appear in movies opening this week.
The first to answer correctly at moviemom@moviemom.com (put Oscar in the subject line) will win a DVD.

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Contests and Giveaways Quiz
Giveaway: Curious George!

Giveaway: Curious George!

Posted on November 22, 2009 at 8:00 am

The adorable monkey whose inquiring personality frequently requires rescue by the man in the yellow hat has a new DVD for the holidays, in stores already: Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas It is a charming story to relieve some of the pressure of the season with a reminder that laughing together when things go wrong is one of the pleasures we share with those we love.

And thanks to Universal Studios Home Entertainment, I have one to give away. Write to me at moviemom@moviemom.com and let me know about a time you were curious — the first one will win the DVD.

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Contests and Giveaways

Five ‘Shorts’ DVDs to Give Away!

Posted on November 18, 2009 at 1:54 pm

This is exciting! The fantasy/adventure/comedy “Shorts” is about to be released on DVD and thanks to the wonderful folks at Warner Brothers I have FIVE copies to give away to my beloved readers.

In my review for Beliefnet and the Chicago Sun-Times, I said,

A rainbow-colored wishing rock creates comic chaos in a film from Robert Rodriguez about bullies, family communication and being very, very careful what you wish for. It is also about an army of crocodiles, a telepathic super-genius baby, and a pig-tailed villain named after a font.

It is imaginative, fresh, funny, and a ton of fun for families. If you want to be one of the five lucky winners, send me an email at moviemom@moviemom.com with “Shorts” in the subject line and tell me the silliest wish in the trailer.

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Contests and Giveaways Elementary School Movie Mom’s Top Picks for Families
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