DVD Review: Jonas Brothers, Hannah Montana Highlight Disney Channel Releases

CHICAGO – The Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana have a popularity that’s nearly unmatched in the world of pop culture. They’re not just superstars, they are undeniable phenomena. Just go to the mall this weekend and it won’t be hard to see what I mean. While you’re there, pick up the latest Disney DVDs, “Jonas Rockin’ The House” and “Wizards On Deck With Hannah Montana”.

DVD Rating: 3.0/5.0

Both DVDs are products from successful Disney Channel programs and both are perfect examples of the marketing machine that is Disney when it comes to pre-teens. Smiling tween faces stare out from the covers and they announce special features that make these DVDs nearly must-owns for fans who collect everything about their favorite pop and TV stars.

If you’re too old for the Disney Channel remember back to the days of Backstreet Boys or New Kids on the Block or, if we need to go back that far, The Partridge Family or The Monkees, and remember how you needed to have EVERYTHING related to your pop culture icons. Disney knows that feeling and has used it to make an industry.

Jonas Rockin’ The House was released on DVD on September 22nd, 2009.
Photo credit: Buena Vista Home Video

Volume 1 of “Disney’s Jonas Rockin’ the House” features Kevin, Nick, and Joe Jonas, three guys supposedly facing the same challenges as teenagers around the country but also living lives as internationally famous rock stars. This seems to be the new theme of Disney pop stars - the balance between fame and “keeping it real” is also a major part of the Hannah Montana persona.

The disc includes five episodes of “JONAS” and “JONAS: Rockin’ the House,” along with two full bonus episodes (“Beauty and the Beat” and “Cold Shoulder”) and premieres the exclusive “You’ve Just Been Bro’d” DVD feature that takes you along with the Jonas Brothers on their laugh-out-loud mission to surprise their co-star. The episodes are presented in full screen and accompanied by Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound tracks.

Wizards On Deck With Hannah Montana was released on DVD on September 22nd, 2009.
Photo credit: Buena Vista Home Video

Three beloved Disney shows (“Hannah Montana,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” “The Suite Life on Deck”) join forces on the other recent Disney release, “Wizards On Deck With Hannah Montana”. The 68-minute DVD features a comedy crossover event filled with wacky hijinks on the high seas and a guest appearance by Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus). The DVD is a result of a trio of episodes that were watched by 9.3 million viewers earlier this year, making it the highest-rated program of the night on any channel.

“Wizards On Deck With Hannah Montana” includes “Justin’s Award-Winning Essay” (watch the essay video that got Justin and his siblings on the S.S. Tipton Cruise) and “It’s a Suite Life Having Fun With Hannah & The Wizards” (hilarious bloopers and backstage interviews with the star). The “movie” is presented in full screen with a Dolby Digital Surround track.

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com