Samples were sent to me for review purposes. All opinions expressed in this article are solely my own.
Dive into the World of Hotel Transylvania: Summer Fun, Family Laughs & A Chance to Win!
There’s nothing quite like gathering the family on a warm summer day, perhaps with some refreshing snacks, and settling down to enjoy a fantastic movie together. It’s a cherished tradition in our household, and animated films often top our list for their universal appeal and endless entertainment value. This summer, the excitement in our home reached a fever pitch with the eagerly anticipated release of Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, which premiered in theaters everywhere on July 13, 2018. If you’re a fan of the monstrously fun antics of Dracula, Mavis, and their extended monster family, you’re in for a treat. As dedicated enthusiasts of the entire Hotel Transylvania series, my kids and I are thrilled to offer one lucky reader the chance to win DVD copies of both the original Hotel Transylvania and its equally charming sequel, Hotel Transylvania 2. This is your perfect opportunity to catch up on all the hilarious adventures before embarking on their latest cruise escapade!
The Enduring Appeal of the Hotel Transylvania Franchise
What makes the Hotel Transylvania movies such a beloved staple in family entertainment? For starters, they cleverly flip traditional monster lore on its head. Instead of terrifying figures, we encounter a community of monsters who are, at their core, relatable and full of heart. The films masterfully blend slapstick comedy with poignant themes of family, acceptance, and overcoming prejudices. Dracula, voiced with impeccable comedic timing by Adam Sandler, is not just a vampire lord but a fiercely protective single father. His journey, along with that of his spirited daughter Mavis (Selena Gomez), resonates deeply with audiences of all ages. The dynamic voice cast, including stars like Kevin James, Steve Buscemi, David Spade, and Molly Shannon, injects incredible personality into each character, making them memorable and genuinely funny. The unique animation style, guided by director Genndy Tartakovsky, provides a vibrant and energetic visual experience that perfectly complements the witty scripts. These films aren’t just about monsters; they’re about the universal experiences of growing up, falling in love, and finding where you belong, all wrapped up in a wonderfully quirky, monster-filled package.
Revisiting the Originals: Hotel Transylvania 1 & 2
To truly appreciate the latest installment, it’s worth revisiting where the monstrous fun began. The first two films lay the groundwork for the characters and world that audiences have come to adore.
Hotel Transylvania: Where Monsters Come to Relax
Welcome to Hotel Transylvania, Dracula’s magnificent, five-stake resort, a sanctuary where monsters and their families can truly let loose, far from the judgmental eyes of humans. For Dracula, this lavish haven is more than just a business; it’s a fortress designed to protect his beloved daughter, Mavis, from the dangers and prejudices of the human world. He has a strict “no humans allowed” policy, a rule he rigorously enforces to ensure the safety and comfort of his monstrous guests. Our story unfolds during one very special weekend, as Dracula meticulously plans and hosts a grand celebration for Mavis’s 118th birthday. He has invited all his closest friends and the who’s who of the monster world: the grumpy Frankenstein and his vivacious wife Eunice, the perpetually bandaged Mummy Murray, the always-unseen Invisible Man Griffin, the perpetually stressed Werewolf family Wayne and Wanda, and many more iconic creatures. Dracula, with his meticulous nature, is confident that catering to this elite monstrous clientele will be a breeze. However, the meticulously crafted peace of Hotel Transylvania is utterly disrupted when an unforeseen event occurs: a clumsy, backpacking human named Jonathan (voiced by Andy Samberg) accidentally stumbles into the hotel. His presence throws Dracula’s perfectly planned party, and his entire worldview, into complete chaos, setting off a hilarious chain of events that will challenge everything Dracula believes about humans and monsters alike. This initial film is a masterclass in comedic timing, character development, and delivering a heartwarming message about acceptance and breaking down preconceived notions.
The DVD release of Hotel Transylvania comes packed with fantastic bonus features designed to enhance your viewing experience and provide deeper insights into the film’s creation. These include “Goodnight Mr. Foot,” an adorable mini-movie directed and animated by the visionary Genndy Tartakovsky, offering a delightful short adventure. Viewers can also enjoy three intriguing deleted scenes, providing a glimpse into alternative narrative choices. For music lovers, the DVD features the “Problem (Monster Remix)” Music Video by Becky G Featuring will.i.am, along with a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at its production. Fans eager to learn more about the filmmaking process can listen to a comprehensive commentary track featuring Director Genndy Tartakovsky, Producer Michelle Murdocca, and Visual Effects Supervisor Daniel Kramer, offering valuable perspectives on the animation and storytelling.
HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA has a running time of 91 minutes and is rated PG for some rude humor, action, and scary images, making it suitable for most family audiences.
Hotel Transylvania 2: A Grandfather’s Monster Mission
In this equally charming monster comedy adventure, a lot has changed for the better at Hotel Transylvania. Dracula has finally softened his stance on humans, and the hotel now welcomes them, leading to a much more inclusive and lively atmosphere. The most significant change, however, is the arrival of Dennis, Mavis and Jonathan’s adorable son. This little bundle of joy, who is half-human and half-vampire, quickly becomes the apple of Dracula’s eye. Despite the overall positive shifts, Drac finds himself plagued by a new worry: Dennis isn’t showing any definitive signs of being a vampire. As his fifth birthday approaches, Dracula becomes increasingly anxious that Dennis might just be human, a prospect he finds utterly disheartening. While Mavis and Jonathan take a much-needed vacation to visit Jonathan’s human parents, Drac sees an opportunity. He enlists the help of his old monster pals – Frankenstein, Murray the Mummy, Wayne the Werewolf, and Griffin the Invisible Man – to put Dennis through a “monster-in-training” boot camp. Their goal? To bring out the inner monster in Dennis before Mavis returns. What follows is a riotous and often chaotic series of attempts by Drac and his friends to teach Dennis how to fly, turn into a bat, and display other classic vampire traits, with predictably hilarious results. This sequel beautifully explores themes of evolving family dynamics, the unconditional love of a grandfather, and the importance of embracing one’s unique identity, whether monster or human.
The DVD for Hotel Transylvania 2 also comes with its own exciting array of special features. Fans can enjoy the catchy Fifth Harmony Music Video: “I’m In Love With A Monster,” which perfectly captures the film’s fun spirit. For those interested in the artistic process, a Character Sketch Gallery provides a fascinating look at the development of the film’s beloved characters. Additionally, the DVD offers two separate feature commentary tracks: one with Adam Sandler, Robert Smigel, and Allen Covert, providing humorous insights from the stars, and another with Director Genndy Tartakovsky, offering a more technical and creative perspective on the movie’s production.
HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 has a running time of 89 minutes and is rated PG for some scary images, action, and rude humor, maintaining the family-friendly yet playfully spooky tone of the first film.
Anticipation Builds for Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
The latest chapter in the beloved saga, Sony Pictures Animation’s Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, takes our favorite monster family far beyond the familiar walls of the hotel. This time, Drac is in dire need of a vacation himself, after tirelessly providing everyone else’s vacation experiences at his resort. Mavis, ever thoughtful, surprises him with a luxury monster cruise ship getaway. It’s smooth sailing and pure bliss for Drac’s Pack as the monsters fully indulge in all the fabulous shipboard fun the cruise has to offer. From lively monster volleyball tournaments to thrilling exotic excursions on mystical islands, and even catching up on their much-needed moon tans, everyone is having a monstrously good time. However, this dream vacation takes a dangerous and unexpected turn when Mavis notices something peculiar: Drac has fallen head over heels for the ship’s charming yet enigmatic human captain, Ericka. What Mavis doesn’t realize, and what forms the central conflict of this exciting sequel, is that Ericka harbors a mysterious and ancient secret that poses a grave threat to all monsters, including Drac and his entire family. This new setting and the introduction of a new romantic interest for Drac promise fresh comedic situations, thrilling adventures, and perhaps even more profound lessons about love, family, and acceptance in the face of unexpected dangers. The visually stunning animation brings the cruise ship and its exotic destinations to life, ensuring an engaging cinematic experience for the whole family.
Exclusive Giveaway: Win Hotel Transylvania & Hotel Transylvania 2 On DVD!
Are you ready to bring home the monstrously good fun? Here’s your chance to own both Hotel Transylvania and Hotel Transylvania 2 on DVD, perfect for a family movie night or to complete your collection before diving into Summer Vacation. These films offer hours of laughter, adventure, and heartwarming moments that your entire family will enjoy for years to come. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience the magic and humor of the Hotel Transylvania universe right from your living room.
GIVEAWAY: One fortunate winner will receive DVD copies of both Hotel Transylvania 1 & 2. To enter for your chance to win, please use the Rafflecopter widget below. Commenting on this post is mandatory to qualify, and completing the additional options within the widget will further increase your chances of winning. Good luck to all participants! This giveaway is open to US residents only.
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