DVD/BluRay Blurb

 

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

50^TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

 Digitally Remastered and Fully Restored with Over Three Hours of Bonus Materials Including Two Full­Length Documentaries

On Limited Edition Collector’s Series Blu-ray™ Combo Pack,

Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD

 

 Available January 31, 2012

 

Dark Readers Blurb:

To Kill a Mockingbird is an American classic novel that is read is schools across the nation. I remember learning about the book and then afterwards comparing the film adaptation. 50 years laters, this film has made a debut in BluRay which is spectacular! The picture and sound quality of To Kill a Mockingbird are perfect- and I can't say enough about the BluRay extras!! My favorite by far would have to be the documentary on the making of To Kill a Mockingbird. Filming industries then have changed in many ways, and in other instances not so much. Very interesting to see. To Kill a Mockingbird will make a person laugh, smile, tear up and just think about what life would've been like in those years. For those avid readers in your life, who enjoy a good book to movie adaptation I suggest going out and getting the 50th Anniversary edition of To Kill a Mockingbird!! They will love it :-)  

 

 

 

 

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, one of the screen’s most beloved and critically acclaimed films, celebrates its 50th anniversary with a commemorative Limited Edition Collector’s Series Blu-ray™ Combo Pack as well as on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD from Universal Studios Home Entertainment on January 31, 2012. The powerful and poignant adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel hits the half-century mark, digitally remastered and fully restored from high resolution 35MM original film elements, plus more than three-and-a-half hours of bonus features chronicling the making of the cinematic masterpiece.

Blu-ray™ and DVD Bonus Features:

• Fearful Symmetry— A feature-length documentary on the making of To Kill a Mockingbird with cast and crew interviews and a visit to author Harper Lee's home town.
• A Conversation with Gregory Peck— An intimate feature-length documentary on one of the most beloved actors in film history with interviews, film clips, home movies and more.
• 100 Years of Universal:  Restoring the Classics— An in-depth look at the film restoration process
• Academy Award^® Best Actor Acceptance Speech— Gregory Peck's speech after winning the Academy Award^® for his performance as Atticus Finch.
• American Film Institute Life Achievement Award— Gregory Peck's memorable remarks upon receiving the AFI Life Achievement Award.
• Excerpt from “Tribute To Gregory Peck”— Cecilia Peck's heartwarming farewell to her father given at the Academy in celebration of his life.
• Scout Remembers— Actress Mary Badham shares her experiences working with Gregory Peck.
• Feature Commentary with Director Robert Mulligan and Producer Alan Pakula
• Original Theatrical Trailer 

SYNOPSIS

Experience one of the most significant milestones in film history like never before with To Kill a Mockingbird 50th Anniversary Edition.  Screen legend Gregory Peck stars as courageous Southern lawyer Atticus Finch - the Academy Award®-winning performance hailed by the American Film Institute as the Greatest Movie Hero of All Time. Based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel about innocence, strength and conviction and nominated for eight Academy Awards®, this beloved classic is now digitally remastered and fully restored for optimum picture and sound quality and boasts hours of unforgettable bonus features. Watch it and remember why “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

CAST AND FILMMAKERS:
Cast: Gregory Peck, Robert Duvall, Brock Peters, Mary Badham, John Megna, Rosemary Murphy, William Windom
Directed By: Robert Mulligan
Screenplay By:  Horton Foote fom the novel by Harper Lee
Producers: Alan J. Pakula

read more "DVD/BluRay Blurb"

Day 1 of The Other Life Blog tour – Joshua’s diary

1137 since our other life ended

Today was bad. Worse than usual. There hasn’t been much good lately.

My sister. I can’t stop thinking about her. Every time I close my eyes she’s there. Like someone scorched her into the inside of my eyelids. Like a constant reminder. A warning. A silent accusation. A flip book of memories I want to forget, but with every blink the images turn faster. Most of the time it’s the day I saw her last, with her eyes full of fear. But sometimes, sometimes they are images of happier times. Images of her smile.

I don’t know what hurts more. If I didn’t know happy, if I didn’t know how life could be if it wasn’t for the rabies, then maybe it would be easier to get up in the morning.

It’s getting more bearable with time, it’s true. The pain’s still there, but it’s covered by a layer of numbness, a layer of nothing inside me. Like when Karen gives me a shot before she stitches me up – you know it should hurt, and maybe it does hurt, but you don’t feel it because of the anaesthesia. Time’s my anaesthesia. Today it wasn’t though, today something broke through the numbness. Maybe it’s good. Sometimes you need reminding, sometimes you need to feel the sorrow and despair until you’re almost choking. To show yourself that there’s worse. Or just to remind yourself that you’re still alive despite the emptiness inside.

Pain is a good reminder – the best.

Karen always clicks her tongue when I ask her to patch me up without anaesthesia. But she never refuses me. She, too, knows about the numbness and sorrow, and what we do to make it bearable. She’s got her pills and I’ve got my pain.

Today was bad. But tomorrow will be better. It has to be.


wow how amazing was that? Joshua is so swoon worthy *sigh*
make sure you hit http://www.yabookreads .com tomorrow to read another diary
entry from Joshua!!

read more "Day 1 of The Other Life Blog tour – Joshua’s diary"

Book Review: Dreamland By Alyson Noel

Name: Dreamland
Author: Alyson Noel
Publisher: Panmacmillan
Release date: January 2012

Summary: Riley's finding that the afterlife can be a lonely place when all you do is focus on work. So she goes to the place where dreams happen, hoping to find a way to contact her sister, Ever. She meets the director, who tells her about the two ways to send dreams. As a Dream Jumper, a person can jump into a dreamer's dream, share a message, and participate. As a Dreamweaver, an entire dream can be created in a studio and sent to the dreamer. But Dreamweaving was outlawed decades ago, and the studio was boarded up. Thinking it's her only way to reach out to her sister, Riley goes in search of the old studio. There she finds a ghost boy, who's been creating and sending nightmares to people for years. In order to stop him and reach out to Ever, Riley is going to have to confront and overcome her own fears.

Review:

In picking up 'Dreamland' it's like I'd never left the Riley Bloom series.

Riley is still the fun, over-achieving Soul Catcher who makes you as a reader smile.
So,'Dreamland' is book three in the series and all of you that have regularly read my reviews will know I'm a huge fan of Alyson Noel.
When I met Alyson last year she hinted at a few things that would happen in 'Dreamland' so I have been eager for this novel since I completed 'Shimmer'.
Riley makes me laugh she's still so obsessed by being 13, she longs to be a teen.
Bodhi and Riley are a great team even though they can't always see it. Tensions are high between the pair but they always look out for each other in the end.
Out of the three novels the series has so far, I'd say this novel takes you on an unexpected rollercoaster ride, where you're hoping Riley yet again comes out on top.
I love the way Alyson can make it seem like you've just finished the last book and gone straight onto the next.
It had me thinking would I have imagined 'Dreamland' to be that way.

What's really in a dream?

I also love and hate the fact that there is an extract from the next instalment in 'Whisper' and yet again I have another long wait for it argh.
If you've ever read an Alyson Noel novel you will love this book, If you haven't it's never too late to start.

read more "Book Review: Dreamland By Alyson Noel"

Alyson Noel reveals the UK cover for Fated.

As you know I am a huge fan of Alyson Noel's work.
On my recent travels to Barcelona I finished reading Dreamland the third book in the Riley Bloom series.
I must say this book took Riley on a journey I wasn't expecting I won't say too much as I shall be reviewing it properly asap.

Anyway, when Alyson revealed the US cover for Fated....

I thought my this is pretty....but I must say I am prefering the UK cover....

All I can say is roll on May....

read more "Alyson Noel reveals the UK cover for Fated."

Book Review: Under The Never Sky By Veronica Rossi

Name: Under The Never Sky
Author: Veronica Rossi
UK Publisher: Atom
UK Release date: 7th Feb
Summary: Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim. Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive. If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers

Review: Do you ever sit at home and think about wanting to be in other world? To be suck into a place which excites you, challenges you and keeps you entertained through out? Well here is the time where you pick up Under The Never Sky and be transformed into a world you'll never want to leave. Love comes in all different shapes, sizes, species, race and cultures. This book represents not to judge a book by its cover. Not to believe in stereotypes and just appreciate everything even minor things such as a piece of fruit.

Realms, virtual places Created with computer programming and a world win romance that will have you feeling every emotion through out. What more could you ask for in a dystopian novel? The way Veronica has described Under the never skys world is so vivid. I think its descriptive and effective. Veronica has created word images so vivid that it is almost like watching a movie. She takes you for a romp through crazy worlds of realms, forests, pods, Tunnels, Caves and unbelievable places you can only imagine in your wildest dreams. A action packed suspenseful event where two people fight to find the ones they love and fight to keep each other alive in the process.

Veronica has written Aria and Perrys scenes so beautifully and romantic that I had myself swooning through out. So much detail and love has been put into these two characters and you can defiantly see that while reading. Sometimes heat ache but sometimes glorious. There are few more enticing characters in this novel I would be here all day if I talked about them all but I will say this. If you like heroic, challenging, attractive funny characters then this is the book for you.

Veronica has set the bar very high for dystopian novels, I haven't read an amazing one like this in awhile and as I sit here with tears running down my face I can honestly say this book can defiantly inspire you to love and fight for what you believe in.

read more "Book Review: Under The Never Sky By Veronica Rossi"

Book Review: Wrapped Up In You by Carole Matthews *Sequel*

Those of you that regularly read our reviews here at Dark Readers will know that I truly loved Carole Matthews Wrapped Up In You.

So, when Carole mentioned there would be a sequel attached to her newsletter I was overjoyed.
Obviously it was a shorter read but it was still a fun-filled, feel-good read.
It was lovely to see how Janie and Dominic's life would pan out, although there were some unexpected twists that had me smiling like a goon.
As I said before Janie Johnson is a truly loveable character.
I'm glad life worked out for her, I don't want to say too much as there's lots that I enjoyed and never expected and I want you to get the same experience.

Although, please make sure you read Wrapped Up In You first.

read more "Book Review: Wrapped Up In You by Carole Matthews *Sequel*"

Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

 Title: The Fault in Our Stars

Author: John Green

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Genre: Teen / YA

Summary:

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

Review: Its been some time since I've read The Fault in Our Stars, I needed a while to ponder, cry a little more, and write down all of my thoughts- because in all honesty, I have no idea how I'm supposed to make this AMAZING book sound as fantastic as it was with the measly little paragraphs I'm about to write. 
  
First off, this was my first novel to read written by John Green (and I can't wait to read his others now!) I enjoy supporting hometown writers and was pleased to find out that he was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN. So therefore, the book takes place in parts of the Indianapolis area. It was nice reading about settings and knowing exactly where the characters were- I could picture them easily that way. 

I loved the main characters in TFiOS-Hazel is a girl whom even if you can't relate with her on a personal level, you will love her. She's tough when she needs to be and she has her own beliefs and opions on life, death and the world and isn't afraid to be open about them. Hazel meets a young boy named Augustus who attends her support group- I thought the interaction between these two was hilarious. If you don't leave this story loving and wanting more of Augustus... then I don't even know whats wrong, because my heart ached at the end of this. I needed more story, I needed Augustus, I wanted Hazel to have more time with Augustus.


John's writing is fantastic; the entire time reading, I couldn't quite put my finger on why I felt that the writing style was different from other books I've read- now after taking the time to get my thoughts together I've decided it is how John's characters come across on paper that make the writing see different (in a good way!)
They have a new and more elaborate sense of the world around them. Most teens, whether diasgnosed with cancer or not, wouldn't be sitting in their rooms discussing a book front to back over and over unless maybe it was a new phenomenon trend going on at the time.
  
The ultimate WIN factor about The Fault in Our Stars is the parallel story that John includes. Hazel reads a book in which her and Augustus bond over. This novel may just seem like any other novel, but to them it plays a large and important role in the storyline and change the characters lives.

Here's what a reader needs to know:: you will NOT be disappointed with this book! It is not a typical "cancer" book and I'd say even the characters are not your average teens, if you enjoy literature (YA, adult, anything) you will fall in love with this storyline that John has created. You WILL cry, so go grab a box of tissues now :-)

Rating: HANDS DOWN 5 STARS!

read more "Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green"

Please Help out a Fellow Book Blogger!!

 Yesterday a fire struck the home of a friend and fellow book blogger, Yara, the creator of Once Upon a Twilight blog. Thankfully, her and her family are safe- but this will be a tough restart for them as they have lost almost everything.

Yara is a member of TwilightMOMS- where they have set up a paypal account for any donations. Any amount is very appreciated. Please click HERE to donate to the Yara Santos Family Fund.

Please keep Yara and her family in your thoughts and prayers through this tough time. 

Much Thanks from The Dark Readers Girls.

read more "Please Help out a Fellow Book Blogger!!"

Book Tour: Between by Mary Ting

Guest Post by Author Mary Ting

"Do you Believe in Angels?"

I was raised as Catholic from the day I was born. I can recall the bible teacher talking about angels. To me, angels were the most fascinating topic. Let’s face it. I’m not going to lie. Bible study is boring…lol!!! But every time the topic revolved around angels, I was wide awake. I believe in two types of angels, the angels created by God and the angels that live within each of us. We have the power to make a difference, to give good advices, to be there for a friend in need. We are the physical angels that can be seen and heard. At the same time, I do believe in God’s angels. One time I was driving home from college, UC Irvine. It was daylight, but I was tired from staying up all night studying for a final. I fell asleep on the road…yikes!!! I woke up with a jerk when I felt a hand, as if someone pushed me. I really can’t explain what happened. I woke up just in time to press on the brakes and from smashing into a truck. Talk about an angel watching over me.

Title: Between

Author: Mary Ting

Publisher:World Castle Publishing

Published: Jan 12th 2012

Summary: As the alkins head back to Crossroads, Claudia leads her normal life; but not for long. Having a special soul, Claudia attracts danger, and she soon finds out who Gamma asked to watch over her. The Twelve, known as Divine Elders on Earth, are very much involved when they find out that Aliah, one of the God’s first angels, escaped from the Abyss when the gates were opened by Aden. Needing Claudia’s soul to escape the only place Aliah can reside–a place between Heaven and Earth–he sends his demons in search of all Claudia Emersons on Earth. Taking her soul will enable him to be released from Between and cross over to Crossroads, which would give him immense power. As more secrets are revealed Claudia learns about the venators—nephilim, demon hunters. Now two opposing forces must work together in order to save Claudia and humanity from the most dangerous angel ever created. But along the way, trust becomes a big issue. Will love be enough to keep Claudia and Michael together? Who will make the ultimate sacrifice? Who will betray them all?

Review: A heart pounding sequel to Crossroads, Between is as perplexing, intense and endearing as the first. Where love is the reason for everything; readers are bound to get sucked into the supernatural world that Mary has created.

Most people know that "angel" books are the last books I'd even choose to pick up- honestly they just never interested me and I always felt as though even if majority of the people loved the book, I didn't. So I chose not to read about angels. But when I read  the summary for Crossroads last year I knew that I had to give this book a chance (so so glad I did!!)!! The summary left me wanting to know more... and well, so did the ending of the book. So for the sequel of Crossroads comes Between. And I can assure you that readers (who love Angel books or even those who aren't fond of them...) will love Between!! 

Claudia, the main character is not your average teen. She looks, and acts, and thinks like a normal teen except for the fact that she A. hangs out with angels (alkins) and B. she is a daughter of one of The Twelve. I enjoy reading about Claudia in real situations, because it shows that she is still a human... and readers are able to relate to her character. Claudia's personality doesn't change when she is with the Alkins, but I notice that she becomes more brave. I like that about her. She's able to step out of her comfort zone- test her elements and discover news things about herself. 

Claudia and Michael are seriously the cutest couple EVER! whether its "legal" or not for an Alkin to fall in love with a human, I would root for their relationship to last a lifetime. 

The author, Mary Ting takes a reader on another journey where loyalty, love, and inner strength are the basis to conquering all. There were certain parts in Between where I wasn't sure if the story would end how I wanted it to. I found myself taking sides and then BAM! something happened and I'd change my mind. lol. The roller-coaster of good and evil shines through in Between, and I really liked this about the book. Never once did I think the book slowed down... rather the anticipation to find out more sped up. 

If you think Between sounds like a great read, make sure you read Crossroads first!! I promise you will fly (literally!)  through them both ;-)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Giveaway!!!

Mary is doing a giveaway!!! You DO NOT want  to miss this :-) To enter, visit Late Bloomer Online and fill out a simple giveaway sheet.

To learn more about Mary Ting and her books: Crossroads and Between, visit...

http://www.marytingcrossroads.com/

 goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11283685-crossroads

& on Twitter @MaryTing

 

 

read more "Book Tour: Between by Mary Ting"

Pandemonium By Lauren Oliver UK Cover Reveal

Beautiful isnt it? I must say I do prefer this one to Delirium Deeply. I have read Pandemonium (sequel to Delirium) and I will tell you know you will not be disapointed and I have never been more excited to have the third in my hands which will probably be 2013 *sigh* BUT all is well as we have this awesome book to tie us over! Make sure you get Pandemonium in the UK on the 1st of March 2012 because you will not be disappointed....I wasn't

read more "Pandemonium By Lauren Oliver UK Cover Reveal"

In My Mailbox #57

BOUGHT

E-book Of Perfect Chemistry By Simone Elkeles

Rules of Attraction By Simone Elkeles

Divergent By Veronica Roth

Received

Dreamless (Proof/ARC) By Josphine Angelini

Iron Knight (Proof/ARC) By Julie Kagawa

Switched By Amanda Hocking

Under The Never Sky By Veronica Rossi

Daylight Saving by Edward Hogan

The Book of Blood and Shadow By Robin Wasserman

Signed Hardback of the Iron King (Thanks Mira Ink)

Magic in the Blood By Devon Monk

US copy of Angel/Angel Burn By LA Weatherly

Mist By Kathryn James By Vanessa Carlise

The Haunting of Tabitha Grey

Thanks to all the Publishers and Authors for sending me these awesome novels this week! :)

read more "In My Mailbox #57"

O.M.G Book of the week: Perfect Chemistry By Simone Elkeles

Ok so I wanted to start a new post today and here it is. After all the books we read weekly I wanted to pick one I like the most everyweek. And here it is:

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.  In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

I am not going to review this book because I am sure most of you have read it but me (casey) have only heard about it this week! lol. Its one of those books you think WHY HAVEN'T I READ THIS SOONER. and I really wish I did. I could read this novel over and over again and never get bored! The foridden romance in it is amazing and so refreshing because it isnt about if your a vampire and your in love with a human NO its about two people who hate eachother at first and go off of face and stereotype value but realise its more than that and fall in love. This book really matches the saying dont judge a book by its cover. What else makes this book and the series amazing? have you seen the book trailers?! their like movies! check it out!:
Rules of Attraction

and
Chain Reaction

  

read more "O.M.G Book of the week: Perfect Chemistry By Simone Elkeles"

Review: Scars by Cheryl Rainfield

Title: Scars
Author: Cheryl Rainfield
Publisher: Westside Books
Published: March 2010

Summary: Kendra, fifteen, hasn't felt safe since she began to recall devastating memories of childhood sexual abuse, especially because she still can't remember the most important detail-- her abuser's identity. Frightened, Kendra believes someone is always watching and following her, leaving menacing messages only she understands. If she lets her guard down even for a minute, it could cost Kendra her life. To relieve the pressure, Kendra cuts; aside from her brilliantly expressive artwork, it's her only way of coping. Since her own mother is too self-absorbed to hear her cries for help, Kendra finds support in others instead: from her therapist and her art teacher, from Sandy, the close family friend who encourages her artwork, and from Meghan, the classmate who's becoming a friend and maybe more. But the truth about Kendra's abuse is just waiting to explode, with startling unforeseen consequences. Scars is the unforgettable story of one girl's frightening path to the truth. 

Review: Scars is about a young girl named Kendra who has grown up with sexual abuse; her mind blocked out most of these memories including the guy who sexually abused her frequently- and now it's time that she tries to remember these events in hopes that she will know who abused her. The author Cheryl Rainfield takes us on a path where most people do not want to go- rape isn't always an open topic discussion. Its something that is "hush hush" but NEEDS to be talked about more often, especially in school settings and with younger girls.

As someone who has their psychology degree, I am always particular fond of books like these- ones that are fiction but talk about real life problems. The world isn't always a fantasy; its tough out there!! The main character, Kendra has therapy sessions and I enjoyed these scenes. I liked reading about how her therapist talks to her, and encourages her to try and recollect the past.


Amongst the biggest topic- rape and sexual abuse, Scars is a book that also brings up homosexuality. This was the first gay/lesbian book that I've read and I was very impressed with the messages that were coming through. Scars may be about a young girl who is a lesbian who was raped for many years but this is only a small portion to the storyline... there is much to this book that can't be explained because its all in a persons thoughts and feelings. There were times where I cried, laughed, and even rolled my eyes at some of the things Kendra's parents said. With the emotions there are many twists and turns in the plot that will have any reader flipping through the pages reading as fast as they can; I know I did!!


Highly recommend Scars!! Its not always the easiest to read (with the topics and emotions coming through) but its true and real and its a book that needs to get out there for young women to read!

read more "Review: Scars by Cheryl Rainfield"

Tempest by Julie Cross- Audiobook Excerpt and Giveaway

Click below to listen to an excerpt from the Tempest Audiobook.

In Julie Cross'Tempest, the year is 2009.  Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.

That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future.

Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.

But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler.  Recruit… or kill him.

Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he’s willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world.

GIVEAWAY!  
(US Only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

read more "Tempest by Julie Cross- Audiobook Excerpt and Giveaway"