Granny Ranny's Coming Attractions

In a land of mad scientists and diabolical inventions, one lowly lab assistant has a chance to achieve his dreams in IGOR, debuting on DVD and Blu-ray Disc January 20th from MGM Home Entertainment. “Sweet and entertaining” (Bill Zwecker, Chicago Sun-Times), IGOR features a stellar ensemble voice cast including Golden Globeâ nominee John Cusack* (Being John Malkovich, High Fidelity), Academy Award nominee John Cleese** (Shrek The Third, A Fish Called Wanda), Golden Globeâ nominee Steve Buscemi*** (Fargo, The Big Lebowski), Sean Hayes**** (The Bucket List, “Will & Grace”), Emmy Awardâ winner Jay Leno**** (“The Tonight Show With Jay Leno,” Ice Age 2: The Meltdown), Jennifer Coolidge (American Pie, “Joey”), Christian Slater, Emmy Awardâ nominee Molly Shannon***** (“Kath And Kim,” “Saturday Night Live”), Emmy Awardâ winner Eddie Izzard****** (“The Riches,” Across The Universe) and Arsenio Hall (“The Arsenio Hall Show”).

A heart-thumping, edge-of-your-seat adventure comes to light in this exhilarating family film based on the best-selling novel by Jeanne Duprau. For centuries, the residents of the underground City of Ember have flourished in an amazing world of glittering lights and quiet contentment. But when the City’s massive power generator begins to fail, the street lamps start to fade — along with the hopes and dreams of the townspeople. Now it’s up to two courageous teenagers to follow a trail of clues left by the ancient Builders and find a way out of Ember before their world is plunged into darkness forever!

Featuring an all-star cast and crew of acclaimed talent that will light up any screen, City of Ember was produced by Emmy Award winner* Gary Goetzman (We Stand Alone Together) and Academy AwardÒ-winner** Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump) and stars OscarÒ-winner Tim Robbins (Best Supporting Actor, Mystic River), Golden GlobeÒ-winner Bill Murray (Best Actor, Lost in Translation) and Academy AwardÒ-nominee Saoirse Ronan (Best Supporting Actress, Atonement).

Join Bear Country’s most loveable family in this new-to-DVD collection of animated stories as they get ready for Valentine’s Day with family and friends. THE BERENSTAIN BEARS: KINDNESS, CARING AND SHARING will be on the shelves on January 20, 2009. It will include the original Valentine’s Day network special called “Comic Valentine” plus four additional episodes about birthdays, new neighbors and kite-flying! As in all THE BERENSTAIN BEARS adventures, this close-knit family presents positive role models for parents and children.

Episodes Include

Comic Valentine – Brother Bear gets a Valentine from a secret admirer and attempts to find out who the secret sender is while the family joins in the spirit of Valentine’s Day fun.

Messy Room –  Brother and Sister’s room is a mess, and Mama Bear’s solution is to throw everything unnecessary out, but Papa Bear stops her, offering a different solution. Brother and Sister Bear learn a proper technique to clean up their rooms efficiently and quickly.

Trouble With Friends – A new Bear family arrives in a nearby treehouse, and Sister Bear finally finds a new friend – but how they think and speak is making it difficult to get along. Sister learns how to adapt to different personalities and appreciate people’s uniqueness.

Too Much Birthday – Sister’s big, noisy sixth-birthday party is considered “Too Much Birthday” and her sympathetic parents help her realize the true importance of having a birthday.

Go Fly A Kite – The cubs set out to win a kite-flying contest, but Papa Bear makes such a big kite, that it carries him away! The cubs learn bigger is not always better and to enjoy the experience rather than the outcome.

USA Today ran a story about a new report that was released today that shows how parents and policymakers need to take action to protect children from being harmed by TV, the Internet and other types of media.  A meta-analysis released today, which analyzed 173 of the strongest papers over 28 years, finds that 80% agree that heavy media exposure increases the risk of harm, including obesity, smoking, sex, drug and alcohol use, attention problems and poor grades. Go here for the complete article by By Liz Szabo, USA TODAY.

Always thoughtful and kind, Elmo is making a surprise card for someone special in Elmo Loves You!, debuting on DVD January 6th from Genius Products and Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind Sesame Street. Everyone’s favorite furry red monster is joined by Rosita and heroic helper Super Grover on an important quest to save the day and make someone feel loved. Building upon Sesame Workshop’s legacy of engaging educational programs, Elmo Loves You! is a joyful adventure that imparts valuable life lessons about love, emotion and friendship in a memorable way that resonates with preschoolers and young children. Elmo Loves You Box Art

Boasting special performances by some of music’s greatest talents, features Grammy® Award winners Trisha Yearwood, John Legend and R.E.M., along with a toddler-ific new tune, “Elmo Loves You.” Children will learn how to sign the words “I Love You” from a delightful new music video. A perfect gift for Valentines Day or any day.

Elmo is making a super special surprise card for someone Elmo really loves, but a gust of wind blows it away! Elmo and Rosita chase the card all over Sesame Street but can’t reach it. Can Super Grover use his heroic skills to save the day? Join Elmo, Rosita and Grover as they learn about love, emotions and the importance of friends in this love-ly tale featuring the new songs “Elmo Loves You” and “Signing I Love You.” Elmo is your friend and remember, Elmo loves you!

Live near Minneapolis? Ring in the New Year at the Nickelodeon New Year’s Bash in Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America. Families are invited to welcome 2009 with the ultimate beach party complete with 40 tons of sand, a luau, music, food and dancing. There will also be live aquatic animals, airbrush tattoos, photos and more. The party starts at 6 p.m. and includes a family countdown at 10 p.m. complete with a giant ball drop.

Activities Include:
Luau Boogie – Chase away the winter blues with some beach-style dance moves. Guests are invited to limbo, learn to boogie or hula. Tiki Theatre – South Entrance – 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Surf’s Up! – Wanna learn some rad moves that will totally help you catch some waves? Tiki Theatre – South Entrance –   6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Minnesota’s Ocean – Get up close and personal with creatures found under the sea from Underwater Adventures® Aquarium. North Entrance – 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Family Countdown – Families are invited to join SpongeBob and friends for a countdown to 2009 – complete with a ball drop! Meet-and-greets with favorite Nick characters are available after the celebration. Tiki Theatre – South Entrance – 10 p.m.

Nickelodeon Character Meet and Greets
Green Spot
The Backyardigans: 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Dora and Diego: 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Blue Spot
SpongeBob and Patrick: 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m.
The Wonder Pets: 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Live Music – Enjoy upbeat and energetic performances as the Cruisers roam throughout Nickelodeon Universe. Park-wide – 6 p.m. – midnight

This family New Year’s celebration combined with all of the great rides and attractions at Nickelodeon Universe is sure to provide a night to remember.

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 31 – 6 p.m. – midnight

WHERE: Mall of America – Nickelodeon Universe and West Market Square