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The other day we linked you to a terrific buyers guide that breaks down all the special features that are found in the editions coming out in the USA. Things may vary a bit abroad, but you can find our USA version here.

Hypable also reviewed the DVD and BluRay at a special screening.

Never before has Summit-Lionsgate released an Extended Version of one of the Twilight films. Considering that one book had been split into two movies in the case of Breaking Dawn, the idea of an extended cut is even more surprising. While at the studio’s offices last weekend to screen the longer movie, an executive told us that they had hoped to have it out when the film was first released on DVD/Blu-ray last year. The problem was that director Bill Condon was busy editing Part 2, so there was no time for him to put together a longer version of Part 1. They understand there will be accusations of this being a quick money grab, but they insist that they would’ve preferred Part 1 Extended Edition was released last year so that sales could be stronger than they likely will be now.

Get the full review here.

The folks at Walmart also sent us this piece of news:

Twihards rejoice! Walmart stores across the country will be hosting midnight events and offering the lowest price on the final edition of the vampire series, Breaking Dawn Part II.

Below are the details:

· Lowest Price: $14.96 at Walmart compared to $16.99 at other retailers.

· Get it First: Walmart will be holding events starting at 11:00 p.m. tomorrow night in more than 2,100 stores with the DVD / Blu-ray going on sale at midnight. Event attendees will receive a mini set of all five theatrical posters while supplies last.

· Exclusive Products: Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1 (extended version) & 2 Combo Set – $19.96 – which offers a 60 percent savings for our customers.

· Talent: Four lucky stores in Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Phoenix and St. Louis will have special visits from Twilight cast members.

Several long time members of the Lexicon had the chance to go to Sundance and see a preview of Austenland. We asked Nena Cullen if she would do a write up on her experience.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the last screening of Austenland at the Sundace Festival. Austenland was submitted for the U.S. Dramatic competition and even though it didn’t win in its category, the film was picked up by Sony Entertainment for worldwide distribution after its premiere. Knowing that it in advance, I was expecting a great show. Having had read the book when it first came out in 2008, some of the details were a little blurry in my mind; but as I watched the film I was glad for it, because I couldn’t remember how it was supposed to end, which just added extra excitement to the plot. I am one that is hard to please when it comes to casting. But the cast couldn’t have been better. Director Jerusha Hess (Napoleon Dynamite) said that when Kerry Rusell was tied to the film, she immediately knew she had to be Jane, the main character. Hess was a big fan of Rusell back in the Mickey Mouse days and of course, the TV show Felicity. With household names like Jane Seymour, Jennifer Coolidge, etc. The film was highly anticipated and nobody disappoint. Since I had read the book I knew that this would be a romantic comedy but I’m not sure if other people in attendance knew what was coming. Everyone in the theater was double over with laughter almost the entire time. Every single character took their role to the next level and delivered funny line after funny line flawlessly. I was utterly impressed by their ability to film their scenes with a straight face. However, I predict a lot of out-takes and reel bloopers when the DVD comes out. Shannon Hale, author of Austenland was also in attendance and along with Jerusha Hess, they both answered a few questions after the film. Shannon talked about writing the screenplay along with Hess and how after that, Hess took it all from there. They talked about the chemistry among the cast members and some of the difficulties of filming abroad in 39 days. Overall, it is my impression that the small budget film will surprise moviegoers this summer. It will definitely delight Austen (and Hale) fans, and it is definitely the perfect debut for Stephenie Meyer’s Fickle Fish Production company.

I, Lori Joffs, had the opportunity to FINALLY see Breaking Dawn Part 2 last night.  This is my site and even though we already posted an “official” review, I feel I can take the opportunity to voice my own opinon.  Since I don’t want to spoil anyone too badly, I will keep this as spoil free as possible!

First, did I like it?  No… I LOVED IT!  The film has a very different feel from other films in the saga, but then so did the book!  Bella is a vampire from start to finish of this film.  Her relationship with Edward is different.  Her relationship to pretty much everyone is different!  She herself is different.  Kristen Stewart has never looked more beautiful or had such a strong presence than she does in this film.  She has truly transformed.  Seeing the world through her vampire eyes transforms the film.  So if you have grown worried from reading reviews that say this film lacks the ansgty romantic tension of the other films… well yeah!  Bella and Edward are both vampires and they are married.  The tension in the film comes from a different place, just as it did in the book. 

The best compliment that I can pay the film is that I feel it’s the best adaptation from page to screen.  When the film finished I literally had to stop and think through the book to figure out which pieces were missing.  There were things that were left out, but not much.  What actually happens is that less time and attention are given to certain things in the film than in the book.  For example…

(MINOR SPOILER LOOK AWAY IF YOU REALLY DON’T WANT TO KNOW!)

 The J. Jenks sequence is cut down to one short scene rather than a long drawn out process with a couple of visits and phone calls as it is in the book.  Did I mind?  No.   Will you mind, probably not.

(END SPOILER.)

What we get in place of those somewhat missing moments are a whole bunch of extras!  Most of these extras involve the Volturi, which I adored being the Aro fan girl that I am.  But there is also one extra with Jacob that Taylor fans will go nuts over!  Trust me.  It’s one of the best scenes in the film. 

So much has been made over the “twist”.  Yes, there’s a twist!  And it was AMAZING!  And that’s all I have to say about that.  Ahem!

The last thing that I took away from the film was the attention to detail.  I understand that the film has to be made so that people who haven’t read the books will understand it.  But as someone who has been tossed deep into the Twilight universe, I always want more.  The subtle nuanses and line deliveries from characters like Alistair, Garrett, Amun, and the Romanians (Oh… how I LOVED the Romanians!) were indiaction to me that the actors and films makers had done their homework.  In fact, one of my favorite moments and lines come from Marcus – yes, MARCUS of all people, for the sheer fact that someone who isn’t familiar with his backstory won’t fully understand the line!  Even the non-verbal communication between the wolves showed the film makers had a “dialogue” going on behind the scenes.  Its those details that make the film really shine. 

Lastly, I just want to say thank you to Bill Condon for the ending.  It’s always obvious to me which films are make by directors who are fans of films rather than those who just MAKE films.  Given the way this one ends, it was proof that Mr. Condon was not only aware of the fandom viewing his film, but that this film was part of a whole saga.  He pays tribute to the saga as a whole.  As someone who has been engulfed in this saga for nearly seven years, it was touching and poinent and meaningful… and yes, it made me cry. 

But don’t just take my word for it!  Here is what one reviewer from the San Jose Mercury News said of the film:

Fans of the “Twilight Saga” can breathe a sigh of relief.

I just got back from a Wednesday night screening of “Breaking Dawn — Part 2″ and can unequivocally say you’re in for a real treat. While my full review of the film won’t post until Thursday morning, here’s a little something to tide you over — answers to a few questions about the eagerly anticipated finale.

Is it the best ‘Twilight’ yet? Without a doubt. Director Bill Condon and screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg strike the perfect “Twilight” tone, playing up the campy humor while turning up the erotic heat on the romance.

Are there surprises? A couple, and even if you’re a huge fan of Stephenie Meyer’s books you’ll be astonished by how well they This film image released by Summit Entertainment shows, from left, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Peter Facinelli, MyAnna Buring, Casey LaBow and Christian Camargo in a scene from “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2.” (AP Photo/Summit Entertainment, Andrew Cooper) ( Andrew Cooper )work. But be wary of spoilers since the tweaks are certain to turn into a hot social networking topic.

Who gives the best performance of the trio? Robert Pattinson. He’s swoon-worthy, and has consistently been the strongest. But don’t dismiss Kristen Stewart. She’s impressive here as a tougher, more confident Bella. Even Taylor Lautner shows improvement. It helps that he’s given some funny material.

Speaking of Lautner, does he keep his shirt on? Most of the time…However.

Will the movie appeal to non-fans? I expect so. This is a highly entertaining, suspenseful finale that satisfies on many levels.

 

The reviews for Breaking Dawn Part 2 are rolling in. MTV did a round up of some of the comments, both good and bad, coming from all sorts of sources. Here are some of our favorites.

Variety

“A doozy of a finale to a series that, until now, has largely taken its dramatic cues from its maddeningly inert heroine. Not anymore: With Bella reborn as a bloodthirsty, butt-kicking vampire mama, this second of two Bill Condon-directed instalments clears a low bar to stand easily as the franchise’s most eventful and exciting entry.”

Herald Sun

“In terms of providing plenty of bang for one’s buck, Breaking Dawn Part 2 definitely ends the franchise on a high note. And without wanting to give too much away, the unexpected twist at the end of the film (hear the fans gasp in surprise) works extremely well for a cinematic audience.”

Daily Mail

“I can’t deny that I didn’t care very much for the four other movies. For the most part they were poorly made and badly acted… But somehow the final film has stuff to say about love, friendship and loyalty that works.”

As is typical in our fandom, there are plenty of people who just don’t like Twilight and never will. So far, all of the fansite reviews state that the final film is the best of the five. To read the Lexicon’s review from Laura, visit this link.