Monday Morning Madness #25: Smurfs 2 Bombs (kinda) and Two Disney Classics Get The Diamond Treatment in 2014

Looks like The Smurfs 2 didn't do so well at the US box-office as it came in 3rd place with only $18.2 million ($27.8 million over the 5-day weekend), but it did well overseas with $52.5 million, meaning there will be a Smurfs 3 in the near future (July 24, 2015 to be exact), whether we like it or not. I grew up watching the blue Smurfs cartoon and as an adult I continue to collect each new DVD release. I have mix feelings for 2011's The Smurfs live/CGI film, which I have only watched once all the way through. The CGI looked spot on, but the script was horrible. It doesn't take a genius to create a decent plot as there are plenty of stories from the cartoon and the original Peyo comics to adapt into a screenplay, but it seems Hollywood (for the most part) is missing any creative thought.

I could be wrong; maybe The Smurfs 2 is good, but I highly doubt it. I'm sure it falls in the the horrible sequel category as Garfield 2 and the Alvin & the Chipmunks sequels.

At least Disney isn't remaking their classic animation movies, but instead they are releasing them onto their Blu-Ray Diamond Edition Collection series. In 2014, Disney will release Sleeping Beauty (October 2014) and The Jungle Book (February 2014) to this prestigious collection for a limited time. Both films have been hidden in the Disney vault, but are being released with high definition picture and sound clarity for whole new generation to enjoy. The Little Mermaid Blu-Ray Diamond Edition Collection is coming out this October.

Here is some more information taken from the official press release:

About The Jungle Book: 

Based on the Rudyard Kipling’s classic novel of the same name, The Jungle Book follows young Mowgli on a fun-filled journey with unforgettable characters, including Bagheera, the wise panther, the jazzy King Louie, the hypnotic snake Kaa and the lovable, happy-go-lucky bear Baloo, who teaches Mowgli “The Bare Necessities” of life and the true meaning of friendship.

About Sleeping Beauty: 

Sleeping Beauty tells the wondrous tale of a princess cursed by an evil witch, protected by three loving fairies and, ultimately, saved by a “true love’s kiss.” Featuring the voice talents of renowned opera singer Mary Costa (as Sleeping Beauty) and Disney stalwart Eleanor Audley (as the evil fairy, Maleficent), the film’s vibrant visuals were created by a team that included Milt Kahl and Ollie Johnston, John Lounsbery, Frank Thomas and Marc Davis (of Disney’s legendary Nine Old Men), and an Academy Award® nominated score adapted from the incandescent music of Peter Tchaikovsky.