America's Heart & Soul

STASHONE · Post by **STASHONE** » Sat Sep 18, 2004 8:44 am

hahaha, foiled again disney!

Mr. Toad · Post by **Mr. Toad** » Sat Sep 18, 2004 9:26 am

What a piece of trash. Not made for artistic reasons at all. Made to help the Bush brothers win re-election so Disney could get tax concessions in Florida. Really immoral and would probably be considered an act of bribery in some countries.

Post by **Luke** » Sat Sep 18, 2004 10:33 am

Disney's press information still states 10/26. But no press release, and no information sent out to retailers. I think it's a safe bet that it won't be coming in October, but until Disney specifically states otherwise, who knows when to expect it.

Just Myself · Post by **Just Myself** » Sat Sep 18, 2004 10:54 am

STASHONE wrote:perhaps it has to do with the fact that this movie was a colossal flop and the likelihood of more than 10 people buying the dvd is slim to none?

Those were the same circumstances for Country Bears and Lizzie McGuire, but those came out on the date predicted

disneyfella · Post by **disneyfella** » Sat Sep 18, 2004 5:55 pm

in regards to earlier made comments about the film itself, i would just like to say that in a time when everyone is so quick to pull down america, it's refreshing to have someone try and say something nice about the people here. why that could be considered trash is beyond me. maybe i'm just being sentimental and all, but a movie showcasing the diversity and landscape of America doesn't seem to have trash written all over it. also, Disney just funded this film.....there was no creatice input made by the Disney company on this one. think of it as another independant film like The Straight Story. people who criticize the film for being a joint cooperation with the Bush administration are basing that off the fact that Farenheit 9/11 wasn't released becasue of the Bush administration. THIS FILM HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THAT ADMINISTRATION......GARUNTEED.

Mr. Toad · Post by **Mr. Toad** » Sat Sep 18, 2004 11:41 pm

I will let the critics do the talking. Please note I have not cut and paste the positive reviews, although it didn't rate well as a whole on rotten tomatoes, where it rated well rotten and not fresh.

"America's Heart & Soul feels like nothing more than a conservative-sanctioned propaganda piece meant to inspire a sort of dubious, two-dimensional patriotism."Phoebe Flowers, SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL

"America's Heart and Soul is a celebration of freedom and individualism that presents a startling expose of our moral blindness."
-- Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, SPIRITUALITY AND HEALTH

"Disheartening & Soulless is really a better title for this empty exercise in boosterism."
-- Jay Boyar, ORLANDO SENTINEL

Dave Kehr, New York Times

"A lot of this activity looks like a way to escape contemporary America rather than celebrate it."

"Depth, complexity, questions, expanse of feeling -- these are things that make America great. How terrible that a film called America's Heart and Soul missed both those elements."
-- Tom Long, DETROIT NEWS

"Less evocative and honest in all its 88 minutes than, say, just one of the throwaway establishing shots of Angela Arenivar's dusty Texas-panhandle hometown in last year's Spellbound, a true American movie with a lot more heart and soul."
-- Gregory Kirschling, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

"Watching this film from veteran commercial director and cinematographer Louis Schwartzberg is like being subjected to an endless ad for Coke or insurance."
-- Jonathan Foreman, NEW YORK POST

Four stars to the subjects of this movie, and two stars to the way they have been boiled down into cute pictures and sound bites."
-- Roger Ebert, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

And well all I have got to say is that if you stop watching CNN for a second and turn on an international newscast, then yes the whole world is putting America down and for good reason. It isn't the common people in this movie that is the problem, it is the countries leadership. If you are going to say you are the leader of the free world, then you have some responsiblity to the rest of the free world to behave responsibly.

disneyfella · Post by **disneyfella** » Sun Sep 19, 2004 6:57 pm

So because the Bush administration is doing crappily, this movie isn't good? I don't understand why these two things can't be seperated from each other. This is a MOVIE, not political propoganda like certain Michael Moore films.

In related news, just because critics say it is bad does NOT mean that the film is bad. Take for instance the fact that Roger Ebert ABSOLUTELY HATES EVERYTHING GEORGE LUCAS HAS DONE. When Star Wars came out he called it one of the worst films he's ever seen.

Who would actually listen to a film Critic from, "Spirituality and Health"? It sounds like some Miss Cleo organization.

Besides, I could just as easily look online and find as many good things Critics had to say about this movie as you can bad things.

I'm not saying that this film should be the most thought provoking breakthrough cinematic achievement. I'm saying, that it looks good to me and don't knock it until you've tried it. Don't let a critic tell you what movies are good or not........choose for yourself. Any good film critic will tell you NOT to surround yourself with people who like the same kind of films, because then you won't appreciate all that the movies have to offer.

Sorry if I'm vearing off topic here, I'm a little tired

I don't know, I guess the main thing that I'm trying to say is; just because those critics say it's bad doesn't mean that it is bad. there are lots of critics that say it's good too.

I for one am looking forward to purchasing this dvd. I know it is going to be a Capra-corny film relying on images on the screen and the sentimentality of the stories and music, but sometimes that works. Don't expect a Godfather film when you see this one, but definitely don't disregard it......it is a 'feel good movie'. And I think too many people are denying themselves 'feel good movies' lately.

2099net · Post by **2099net** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 1:07 pm

I support you 100% Disneyfella. You want to see it, you go and see it or buy the DVD when it comes out. Ignore the rabble.

So what if it is percieved as being somewhat to the right. Just watch "Newsies" afterwards which is most certainly to the left and cancel it out, percieved political leanings or not.

Post by **Luke** » Wed Oct 13, 2004 4:50 pm

<center><img src="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/images/a-c/ahsheader.jpg">

Walt Disney Pictures Presents A Remarkable Cross-Country Story
of America’s Extraordinary People and Places

AMERICA’S
HEART AND SOUL

ON DISNEY DVD OCTOBER 26</center>

BURBANK, Calif, October 11, 2004 – Walt Disney Home Entertainment proudly presents the
remarkable film AMERICA’S HEART AND SOUL - from sea to shining sea, from purple mountain
majesties, it’s not merely the land that makes America beautiful, it’s her people. Filmmaker Louis
Schwartzberg takes viewers on a journey that weaves across this great nation, revealing a rich tapestry
of ordinary people living extraordinary lives as they follow their dreams with the freedom of spirit
that’s uniquely American. From the Vermont dairy farmer, to the blind mountain climber, to the father
and son marathon runners, their inspiring stories are as different as can be – passionate, colorful,
courageous, funny, touching. Available on Disney DVD exclusively at Costco October 26.

AMERICA’S HEART AND SOUL features an exclusive new song ‘The World Don’t Bother Me
None” by John Mellencamp. On Disney DVD, the film’s bonus materials feature four extended
musical performances, “In Search of America’s Heart and Soul” featurette and an audio commentary
with director Louis Schwartzberg. AMERICA’S HEART AND SOUL is produced and directed by
Louis Schwartzberg.

STREET DATE: OCTOBER 26, 2004
Suggested retail price: $19.99 DVD
Rated: “PG” For Mild Thematic Elements.
Bonus materials not rated.
Feature run time: Approximately 88 minutes.
DVD aspect ratio: 1.85:1, enhanced for 16x9 tv screens
and
1.33:1 formatted 4x3
Sound: Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

Walt Disney Home Entertainment is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., a
recognized industry leader. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. is the marketing, sales and
distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax, Dimension and
Buena Vista videocassettes and DVDs.

# # #

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... vemz"><img src="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/images/a- ... sheart.jpg">
Preorder America's Heart and Soul from Amazon.com</a>

<a href="http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.as ... at=">Order from Costco.com</a>

<a href="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/americasheart.html">Read UltimateDisney.com's America's Heart and Soul DVD Review</a>

Jack · Post by **Jack** » Wed Oct 13, 2004 4:54 pm

The Costco Execs must be very excited and honored to be the only stores getting America's Heart and Soul!
This is a Chris Johnson type of movie, I guess.

2099net · Post by **2099net** » Thu Oct 14, 2004 1:34 am

America's Heart and Soul.

Heart = John Lassiter
Soul = Aretha Franklin

Awesome. Imagine a movie made by those two!

MickeyMouseboy · Post by **MickeyMouseboy** » Thu Oct 14, 2004 6:06 pm

lukey are you planning to sign up with costco website so i can order it thru the site?

Post by **Luke** » Thu Oct 14, 2004 6:45 pm

MickeyMouseboy wrote:lukey are you planning to sign up with costco website so i can order it thru the site?

As far as I can tell, they don't have an affiliates program, so no way to support the site. Unless you can find otherwise. Thanks for the thought, in any event!

I am the Doctor · Post by **I am the Doctor** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 6:08 pm

Just out of curiousity-is Disney afraid that if they offer this movie to other stores like Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Target, etc. that it won't sell?

I hope this isn't the start of a trend. I can see it now-Cinderella, available on Disney DVD exclusively at Wal-Mart for $50.

Hey, it could happen-if a DVD (or any item for that matter) is only available in one place, that store can set whatever price it wants. Competition keeps prices low, so let's hope Disney doesn't make a habit out of this.

Chernabog · Post by **Chernabog** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 2:28 am

Since I´m outside USA, I wonder if anyone can be very kind and help me to get the Heart & Soul DVD, since Costco doesn´t ship outside US.
I can pay you through Paypal.
Anyone...kind soul... ?

2099net · Post by **2099net** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 2:37 am

I am the Doctor wrote:Just out of curiousity-is Disney afraid that if they offer this movie to other stores like Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Target, etc. that it won't sell? I hope this isn't the start of a trend. I can see it now-Cinderella, available on Disney DVD exclusively at Wal-Mart for $50. Hey, it could happen-if a DVD (or any item for that matter) is only available in one place, that store can set whatever price it wants. Competition keeps prices low, so let's hope Disney doesn't make a habit out of this.

Based on some of Jim Hills comments (which I take with a pinch of salt) It's possible the other stores (especially WAL*MART) refuse to give it shelf space.

The Monkey's Uncle · Post by **The Monkey's Uncle** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 7:53 am

this is lame. i guess ill have to order it. wal-mart doesbt sell anything unless they think it will make them money! greedy pigs! LOL

I am the Doctor · Post by **I am the Doctor** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 9:24 pm

2099net-

While I certainly agree with you that Wal-mart may be refusing to give the movie shelf space (Wal-Mart has never been known for offering a variety of titles) I rather doubt that stores such as Best Buy and Borders, which do carry a wide selection of titles, would not carry America's Heart and Soul. I very much dislike the idea of "exclusive sellers," be they Costco or anyone else.

Just Myself · Post by **Just Myself** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 9:37 pm

Out of curiousity will this be available to rent at Blockbuster or Hollywood?

Post by **Luke** » Sun Oct 24, 2004 2:50 pm

I've just posted a review of the DVD here:
http://www.ultimatedisney.com/americasheart.html

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