The Princess and the Frog DSi and DS Lite

Released on 05/02/2010

• The Princess and the Frog Film Review

  Nothing can beat the magic of Disney! Regardless of age, gender or language the studio's films have a certain universal appeal that is incomparable to any other cinematic experience. As Hollywood has grown and developed over the decades, Disney films have followed suit, adapting to the latest trends, inspirations and ideas that arise in the land of the motion picture. The film is directed by the pair who helped re-ignite Disney animation during what is often referred to as it's Renaissance period; John Musker and Ron Clements, whose previous outings include The Little Mermaid, Hercules and Aladdin.

  

  A Classic Twist

  In addition to this executive pedigree, The Princess and the Frog also showcases the vocal talents of Anika Noni Rose (best known as one of the Dreamgirls), Bruno Campos, Terrance Howard and chat show host Oprah Winfrey. Having already grossed over $90 million in the US, The Princess and the Frog looks likely to repeat its success when it is released in the UK on the 5th February.

  The Princess and the Frog is loosely based on the Brother's Grimm fairytale The Frog Prince, but with a twist, as the tale deviates from the traditional story. In the original fairytale the princess kisses a frog in order to turn him into her prince. In Disney's version we have our prince and we haveell, a waitress. The Disney heroine and the titular princess is in fact Tiana, a struggling waitress juggling multiple jobs in order to fulfil her father's dream of opening his own restaurant.

  In a case of mistaken identity Tiana is accidentally turned into a frog when Prince Naveen (in frog form himself, having been cursed by shadow man, voodoo practitioner and all round bad guy Dr. Facilier) requests a kiss in order to be returned to his human state. As a result the bickering pair must join forces in their quest to find Mama Odie, the voodoo queen of the bayou (and alternative fairy godmother), who they believe to be their only hope in returning to humanity.

  Back to the Old School

  The latest venture from the folks at Disney marks a return to form for the studio, and is the first hand drawn film since 2004's Home on the Range. Drawing on inspiration from previous Disney successes, the animation is clearly reminiscent of Lady and the Tramp and Bambi (particularly in the scenes based at the bayou), which is especially exciting for those who have grown up watching these classics.

  Like all traditional Disney films, The Princess and the Frog boasts a memorable score composed by Randy Newman (whose previous credits include Toy Story and Toy Story 2) which mixes a collection of genres, including gospel, ragtime, and most notably jazz, to help create the Deep South infused mood of the movie.

  As with all typical Disney films this features several show-stopping song and dance numbers - with highlights including Tiana's wistful 'Almost There' and the incredibly energetic 'When We're Human' (sung by Tiana, Prince Naveen and their alligator sidekick), a song refreshingly evocative of The Jungle Book's 'Bare Necessities'.

  

  'Down in New Orleans'

  The Princess and the Frog is surprisingly the first animation to be set in the United States, with the action taking place in Jazz inspired 1920s New Orleans, a theme which dominates the film in a variety of ways. From Tiana's gumbo-making skills inspiring her father's dream to open his own restaurant, to the obligatory animal companions who come in the shape of Ray the firefly and Louis the alligator with the dream to play in his own Jazz band (an honourable mention for the late, great Louis Armstrong). There's even a name-drop for famous Jazz soloist Sidney Bechet in the aforementioned 'When We're Human', which demonstrates the filmmaker's intention to make clear reference to the movie's roots.

  Although slightly frightening at times for the younger members of the audience, The Princess and the Frog really is the perfect family film and manages to combine fresh ideas with the nostalgic feel of traditional Disney. Only one word can describe the experience: Magical!

  Preview by: Anna 'Evangeline' Wilczek
  Preview Published: 27.01.10

• New Release Round Up 5th Feb 2010

  This week big games let you become a hero; defying danger and death (quite literally in one case!), surviving a nuclear wasteland, exploring the galaxy, saving the princess, or even becoming one! Which will you go for?

  Walk tall in Hell

  
  It doesn't get more heroic than striding into Hell and facing the demon underworld, to rescue your beloved. Dante's Inferno is an epic action game based on the infamous 14th century novel The Divine Comedy.

  In Dante's Inferno you fight through nine circles of a violent hell, while wielding a Holy Cross and Death's Scythe for a devastating combination of ranged and melee attacks. The GAME Exclusive Death Edition features exclusive packaging, artwork and bonus in-game content. Abandon Hope, All Ye Who Enter Here

  Survive against all odds

  
  Abandon Hope, also, All Ye Who Enter S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Call of Pripyat. The irradiated hell of The Zone awaits you in the sequel to the critically-acclaimed first-person shooter S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl.

  Call of Pripyat improves the visuals of the original with photorealistic locations and new, horrific enemies enhancing the sense of isolation, fear and danger.

  Leap tall buildings

  
  Heroes aren't all dark and gloomy types. AstroBoy, the iconic Manga hero, flies the skies using his rocket-boosted boots, while blasting President Stone's evil robot army using Finger Lasers, Drill Attacks and, yes, Butt Machine Guns.

  AstroBoy's intuitive combat system fires up the mix of classic platform action and exhilarating flight combat levels. It's a space age blast.

  Confront an epic foe

  
  Game series don't get more epic and heroic than the long-running Japanese role-playing adventures of Final Fantasy. But Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers features a new style of play for the Nintendo Wii.

  Intuitive combat, a host of unusual mini-games and a huge 3D world means The Crystal Bearers is the Final Fantasy epic everyone can play.

  Save the princess

  
  A new twist on heroics also comes to Disney's The Princess and the Frog. When frog prince Naveen kisses Tiana, believing her to be a princess, he accidentally turns her into a frog too.

  The scene is set for magical New Orleans mayhem, where The Princess and the Frog lets you and your friends relive key moments from the Disney animated movie in madcap, mini-game style.

  Delve into dangerous dungeons

  
  For a heroic adventure you can put in your pocket, turn to Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days for the Sony PSP. The award-winning Japanese strategy/roleplaying epic features tense, turn-based strategic showdowns. And new to the Sony PSP: four new story chapters, new tactics, 55 new battle stages and an entirely new playable character to master.

   

  Explore the final frontier

  
  Finally this week, what could be more heroic than captaining your own starship, exploring the final frontiers of space? Star Trek Online: The Gold Edition brings the legendary Star Trek universe to life with a gigantic online universe to explore, teeming with thousands of other players will they become enemies or friends?

  Choose sides, choose your speciality and crew, then explore planet surfaces and engage in spectacular deep space battles. The Gold Edition includes bonus downloadable content, a universe map, t-shirt, and exclusive packaging and artwork.

  • Find out more about Dante's Inferno
  • Find out more about S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Call of Pripyat Special Edition
  • Find out more about Astroboy
  • Find out more about Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers
  • Find out more about Disney's The Princess and the Frog
  • Find out more about Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days
  • Find out more about Star Trek Online: The Gold Edition

  Published: 05/02/2010

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