Harry Potter Wand Remote Control Review

Found! The best gift of the year for Harry Potter loving movie fans. Who could resist using a WAND to turn their television on and off? PLUS, this magical device will also turn on and off your lights, your ceiling fan or a number of other electronic gadgets in your home which operates by remote control.

The Harry Potter wand remote control is ready and waiting to appear under your Christmas tree this year.  A unique and timely gift.

Merry Christmas!



Quick Links:

Kymera's Harry Potter Wand Remote Control Review
Buy your remote control wand from Amazon
More of The Best Harry Potter Gift Ideas

Fabulous Framed Movie Posters

Casablanca 50th Anniversary Framed Movie Poster

Choose a super framed movie poster for a movie buff.  This one is from the all time favorite, Casablanca.  A beautiful poster for the movie room, or your family room.  You can see a wide selection of movie posters at Favorite Framed Movie Posters, including some very special ones that are autographed.  Do you know someone who would love to have Clint Eastwood's autographed movie poster?

Coraline Blu-ray Movie Gift Set

Coraline was one of the best blu-ray movie releases of 2009. If someone you know has adopted HDTV and blu-ray and doesn't already own this movie, it is a top-rated gift idea.

Coraline is an excellent movie, an animated 3D stop-motion film with a spooky bend. Not quite appropriate for young children but definitely worth thinking about for older children, say tweens and up. (Check Coraline's rating.)

The limited edition blu-ray gift set includes the contents of the regular blu-ray movie in collectible packaging plus a set of postcards and a book called 'Getting Things Right.' The book shares Henry Selick's thoughts about his own inspiration for the movie and about the creation of the movie.

Any family with older children and teens would enjoy this movie as would anyone who loves stop-action movies done in the style of Tim Burton.

Quick Link:

Click here to order your Coraline Blu-ray Movie Gift Set.

The Best Harry Potter Gift Ideas

The best Harry Potter gift ideas, assuming one already own the books and the movies, may just be a few magnificent collectibles including but not limited to the very popoular TriWizard Cup lamp as shown here. Fans of Harry Potter love the fact that the Tri-Wizard lamp is both decorative and useful at the same time.

If the lamp is not quite what you are after, you might consider a very popular wand from the Noble Collection or a Wizarding World of Harry Potter wand from the brand-new Universal Studios theme park.

Of course another idea might be a book related to the Harry Potter series, like The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook or The Charmed Knits Harry Potter knitting book.

Lastly but not leastly is the possibility of a Harry Potter game. Our favorite is definitely Harry Potter Clue but true fans might enjoy the challenge of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Trivia Game.



Quick Links:

The best Harry Potter gift ideas.

Audrey Hepburn Couture Muse Collection

Audrey Hepburn fans will love this movie collection, The Audrey Hepburn Couture Muse Collection. It is a beautifully presented collector's boxed set and includes seven fantastic Audrey Hepburn movies.

The Telegraph says, "Audrey Hepburn oozes screen presence in the Couture Muse Collection...It’s not just those eyes, or the way she wears her clothes, or even the uncanny bone structure; it is the warmth she conveys."

The movies in this boxed set include:

• Tiffany’s
• Sabrina
• War and Peace
• Roman Holiday
• Paris When it Sizzles
• My Fair Lady and
• Funny Face

What an amazing movie collection for anyone who loves fashion, nostaligia, Miss Hepburn or classic movies. A very chic presentation, a lovely gift idea.




Quick Links:

Order your Audrey Hepburn Couture Muse Collection from Amazon.
Read Audrey Hepburn's My Fair Lady Movie Review.
Read Audrey Hepburn's WAIT UNTIL DARK Movie Review.

Horton Hears a Who - Exclusive Amazon Gift Pack with Plush Toy and Audio Book!

This exclusive gift-pack from Amazon is a great deal! We all know the story from Dr. Seuss, but this animated movie features a who's who of superstar vocal talent: Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, Carol Burnett, and more! The two-disc special edition DVD features tons of extras, including a digital copy of the movie, which means you can transfer the movie file in just minutes onto your computer or portable media player. In addition, the audiobook CD is narrated by Dustin Hoffman! An adorable Horton plush toy rounds out the deal ... all for under $20!



QUICK LINKS FOR MORE GREAT HORTON PRODUCTS:

Widescreen & Fullscreen Single-Disc Edition

Chuck Jones' Original Horton Adaptation

Horton Hears A Who! Hardcover Edition
Horton Hears a Who! Popup Edition

Ruby Slippers For Women and Little Girls

Click your heels together three times and repeat, "There's no place like home; there's no place like home; there's no place like home..." so says the extremely well-known line from one of the best movies of all time. If you are familiar with The Wizard of Oz movie, you are aware that you will need some ruby slippers to make your wish come true.

Whether you are looking for a ruby slipper to complete a Halloween costume, to be a part of your regular wardrobe or to add to your collection of Wizard of Oz items, I have found a number of interesting choices in the selection of ruby red slippers at Amazon. 

If you are searching for a style reminiscent of Dorothy's red shoes like the Funtasma shoe shown here by Pleaser or you are looking for a high-heeled modern pair or even a flat pair for either yourself or your daughter, Amazon has an appropriate option. Amazon usually offers a nice discount from the regular retail price plus orders worth $25 or more feature FREE shipping.

If you would love to see a page full of ruby slippers and read a bit more about the history and trivia surrounding Dorothy Gale's ruby slippers, you can visit my new page about her shoes by clicking right here.

Once you gain your ruby slippers, your power will be the greatest in Oz! Make sure you take special care of them or the Wicked Witch will have them...



Quick Links:

Buy the Funtasma shoe by Pleaser from Amazon.
See Amazon's collection of ruby slippers.
Read more about Dorothy's Ruby Slippers.

Wizard of Oz T-Shirts

What an exciting discovery I had this week when I discovered that they are remaking The Wizard of Oz movie in 3D! I am not actually sure that I am in love with the idea because we all know what Hollywood can do to a good movie but I guess I am willing to give it a chance.

My reading about the rumors surrounding this new movie led me to another great find...a selection of Wizard of Oz t-shirts. If you love the original movie as much as I, or if someone you love loves the movie as much as I, a Wizard-themed tee would be a great gift idea.

Personally, I have a birthday coming up. I am not saying which birthday but I am willing to say that when I grew up one of the highlights of our year once a year, every year, was to watch The Wizard of Oz movie when it came on television. Anyway, I think one of these t-shirts would be a top-rated gift choice for any woman who has a history with The Wiz, as I do, or even for any new fan of The Wizard of Oz.

Can you think of someone else who would love one of these fabulous t-shirts? I can...

Quick Links:

Read more about the new Wizard of Oz Movie in 3D

Check out Amazon's complete collection of Wizard of Oz T-Shirts

The African Queen on DVD and Blu-Ray

Looking for a classic movie with both romance and edge-of-your-seat adventure? Look no further than The African Queen, one of my top favorite movies of all time. Starring two of Hollywood's legendary best actors, Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, this movie is a must-see and a must-have to add to your DVD or blu-ray collection.

The African Queen is now available on DVD and blu-ray (release date March 23, 2010 but already a bestseller). The blu-ray commemorative box set contains the fully-restored version plus multiple extras including a new "making of" feature, collectible packaging including a second disc audio CD of the original Lux radio broadcast of The African Queen starring Humphrey Bogart and Greer Garson, Katharine Hepburn's out-of-print memoir about the making of The African Queen, and more.

I'm not going to reveal how the scruffy, ill-mannered steamboat captain and the snooty spinster end up together. Instead, I'll just tell you that the story alone is worthy of a five-star rating and the acting by this legendary couple deserves more. Choose your preferred DVD version of The African Queen, watch it, then come on back here and tell me how much you enjoyed the movie, too. If you're a Bogey or Hepburn fan, or even if you're not (yet), I'm just sure you'll love it.

Quick Links:
The African Queen (Commemorative Box Set - Blu-ray)
The African Queen (DVD)

A St. Patrick's Day T-shirt for Twilight Fans!

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, a lucky new Twilight design! In New Moon, nothing stands between Bella and disaster other than "luck, and five teenage werewolves." Get your own lucky Twilight t-shirt today, complete with lucky four-leaf clover and even luckier five giant werewolf paw prints of Jacob Black and his pack! Design also available on hats, mugs, tote bags, and lots more Twilight fan gear!

PS: St. Patrick's Day is March 17 so order yours now!

Quick Link:
See Werewolf Luck on lots more Twilight and New Moon fan gear!

The Ultimate Guide to Chick Flicks

The Ultimate Guide to Chick Flicks is a thoroughly enjoyable guide to movies that women love. There are so many great movies filled with romance, glamour, tears and much more. I've been thoroughly enjoying this book which includes:

• A year's worth of chick flicks.
• Noteworthy fashion movies.
• DVD recommendations.
• Movies you might have missed.
• Sequels to films you enjoyed.
• A chick flick quiz.
• Recipes for disaster
• Recipes for heartbreak
• Recipes for Fried Green Tomatoes
• Information about Hollywood's HOT men
• And more

Kim Adelman's 2005 book is packed with great movies for women. If you love chick flicks, you will love this book. Pretty in Pink, don't you think that it would also make a wonderful Valentine's Day gift for someone you know who loves chick flicks?

Quick Links:

Buy The Ultimate Guide to Chick Flicks from Amazon.

The James Bond Blu-ray Collection Ten Pack

The James Bond blu-ray collection is an amazing, top-rated blu-ray boxed set that any James Bond fan would love to own. It contains TEN blu-ray movies including Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, Live and Let Die, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only, The World is Enough, Die Another Day and Quantum of Solace. Add a copy of Casino Royale, and I cannot help but think you would have an amazing gift item for your boyfriend or husband.

Amazon Customer Reviewer Robert says, "Having owned the collections, I can say that the level of quality on these blu-rays are superb. The footage contains none of the graininess you might expect from movies 40 plus years old. If you are a Bond fan, this set (assuming you don't already own the collections) is worth every penny."

Amazon sweetens the deal by offering it at 20 percent off the recommended list price. That means you save $39.99 PLUS Amazon will ship it to you for free. I cannot imagine a better deal or a better gift for my blu-ray obsessed husband.



Quick Links:

Read more about the James Bond blu-ray collection on Amazon.
Build Your Blu-ray Collection Quickly With A Blu-ray Movie Box Set

The Best Blu ray Movies For Under Your Christmas Tree

Blu-ray fans are no doubt looking forward to a very 'blue' Christmas. Christmas time is traditionally a time when movie lovers receive movies and this year there is a wonderful assortment of blu ray movies available for those lucky enough to have a blu-ray player in their home.

If you are looking for some great Christmas gift ideas for the movie lovers on your list, you will enjoy reading the Top 10 Blu-ray Movies For Best Picture & Sound Quality. A page packed full of top-rated blu-ray discs, you cannot go wrong with any of the discs available on it.



Quick Link:

Top 10 Blu-ray Movies For Best Picture & Sound Quality
The Best Blu Ray Movies on Amazon (Best sellers.)
Amazon's Essential Holiday Collection

Clint Eastwood Gran Torino

Movie lovers in my world look forward to Christmas time because they love receiving movies like Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino under the tree. Gran Torino will appeal not only to the Clint Eastwood fans on your list but also to those who like a drama movie that has a good story line.

Right off this movie had me laughing. Eastwood plays a pretty mean old guy in this film and some of the moments were funny...but some were sad, too. Viewers might find themselves laughing and crying but they might also find themselves squirming and cringing in their seats . It is a good story, although not without some violence and plenty of racial slurs. The violence was, as my co-blogger Dianne said, necessary to the story and not gratuitous. The racial issues, part of the times. All of these factors combined to make a very enjoyable movie.

The Amazon Customer Reviews are near perfect for this movie. L. Power wrote, "Gran Torino is the second best movie I have seen this year. Not just for the acting, not just for the directing, but for the storytelling, and the emotional journey on which it takes you, the laughter, the feeling of being gripped, and its more surprising moments."

With reviews like that, I don't think you can go wrong choosing this movie. If you are looking for a great movie for the movie lovers on your Christmas list, this might be just the ticket.

Quick Links:

Clint Eastwood Gran Torino Blu-ray Movie Review

Buy Gran Torino from Amazon

The Toshiba REGZA 47ZV650U 47-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

Looking for a HDTV that has a good looking picture and that does most things well at a reasonable price? Then I would suggest you check out the Toshiba REGZA 47ZV650U 47-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV.


The 47ZV650U has fewer bells and whistles than some sets but there is a big benefit for giving up those bells and whistles and that is in SIZE. You will be able to afford a larger television if you are willing to take one with less fancy options. In this case, the 47-inch Toshiba is a very worthy contender.

Can you imagine the surprise on your family's face if Santa delivered this television to your family room on Christmas eve?

Quick Links:

My page about The Toshiba REGZA 47ZV650U 47-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV.
Amazon's page about the
Toshiba REGZA 47ZV650U 47-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV.

Panasonic DMP BD60 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player Black

Looking for a high quality, AFFORDABLE blu-ray player for under your Christmas tree this year? Blu-ray prices have dropped significantly and this unit, the Panasonic DMP BD60 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player Black, can be had through Amazon for $150, a $58 savings from the manufacturer's recommended list price. PLUS, if you act by October 26th, you will also receive a copy of the new release Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on blu-ray.

A pretty good deal for a basic player that may not have every feature going but which does promise great picture quality and reliable performance. If someone you know wants to upgrade to blu-ray in the near future, this player is a worthy choice.

Quick Links:

Read more by clicking here: The Panasonic DMP BD60 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player Black.

Order yours from Amazon by clicking here: Panasonic DMP BD60 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player Black

Charlie Brown's Christmas Blu-ray Movie

Charlie Brown's Christmas is a celebration that millions of people, myself included, enjoy every single year. This holiday special brings a timeless message about the true meaning of Christmas.

In A Charlie Brown Christmas, Charlie Brown finds himself depressed at Christmastime, searching for the true meaning of the holiday amidst the glitz and commercialism of our lives today. It includes the familiar Peanuts characters of Lucy, Snoopy, Linus and Pig Pen and features a wonderful jazz music score that was composed by Vince Guaraldi which is as beloved as the television special itself.

This version of A Charlie Brown Christmas also includes two other shows. The first, A Christmas Miracle, is a look at the creation of A Charlie Brown Christmas and the second, It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown is another Peanuts holiday special

If someone on your Christmas list is a Charlie Brown fan and owns a blu-ray player, you should definitely consider putting this movie under the Christmas tree. It is one of the classic Christmas blu-ray movies and specials being released this year on blu-ray and, as it turns out, it was superbly transferred.

Quick Links:

Buy A Charlie Brown Christmas from Amazon.
Buy A Charlie Brown Christmas Original Soundtrack from Amazon.
Read about more Classic Christmas Blu-ray Movies.

Magnum's Hawaiian Shirt

Are you searching for a great gift idea for a Magnum P.I. fan?

Are you dreaming of Christmas in Hawaii?

Or are you simply looking for a great Hawaiian shirt for your husband?

Whatever the case, make sure you check out Magnum's Hawaiian Shirt. It might be just the item you want to tuck under your tree this Christmas...

Made by Paradise Found, the creators of the shirt Magnum wore on the television series starring Tom Selleck, this is an exact replica and is called The Jungle Bird.

Magnum fans will love wearing 'his' shirt and people will stop him and ask, "Isn't that Magnum's shirt?" While there's no guarantee that this shirt will turn the important male in your life into Magnum or Tom Selleck, it will certainly be a lot of fun for him to find it under the Christmas tree this year. You might even consider pairing it with Magnum, P.I. - The Complete First Season on DVD.

All he will need is a mustache, to let his hair down and...maybe a Ferrari!?!

Quick Links:

Read about Magnum's Hawaiian Shirt by clicking right here.
Order Magnum's Hawaiian Shirt from Amazon by clicking here.