Well, I spent a memorable piece of last Friday afternoon on a fantastic conference call with actress, Sarah Gilman. Sarah stars as Velma in the upcoming Digital / DVD / Blu-Ray release, Daphne and Velma, the live action prequel to the iconic Scooby-Doo series. It was 30 full minutes of inspirational commentary and delightful chatter. Time certainly well spent!
Disclaimer: I was invited by Tether Group to interview Sarah Gilman in exchange for a free screening of the film and my coverage. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this Blog Post. The opinions I share are my own. #DaphneVelma #WBPartner
Now, most of you know, I live in a house full of testosterone. Yup – I am the only female in this establishment…and that’s including the furry members of the family, too. So, a movie that is all about girl power is not likely to be a top choice for my three sons. However, I think this film does a fabulous job at emphasizing the strengths of women without emasculating our young men, while renewing an old love for a cartoon classic. I think I can get them to watch it! (wink, wink)
~ Daphne and Velma ~
The story takes us back to high school and creatively shows the development of the bond between these two female super sleuths. Starting off as online friends, the two ultimately end up in the same school together and discover that something very unusual is happening to the upper echelon of academia. Though not on the same page when they meet “IRL” (in real life for those of us who are not text-savvy or even just cool), they both realize that, together, they can solve this crazy mystery.
~ Blending the Nostalgic and Modern ~
The movie’s creative team did a great job keeping the personas of Daphne and Velma intact, as well as some of the original elements that made Scooby-Doo so iconic. Through costume design, character background, certain idiosyncrasies and even classic movements seen in the original cartoon series, they maintained the integrity of such a piece of nostalgia. They kept color schemes, head movements, Velma’s iconic eyeglasses and Daphne’s hair ribbon just to ensure their identity was recognizable. At the same time, they modernized the film by bringing in high-tech gadgets and the popular teen vernacular.  The goal was to bring this beloved classic mystery cartoon into a whole new generation and I think it succeeded!
~ Powerful Themes ~
The movie’s themes are clear. Girl power. STEM. Anything a boy can do, girls can do….just as well if not better. What I appreciated, because I’m a boy mom whose kiddos are extremely smart and into science and math, is that the movie did not portray girl power as a competition with the opposite sex. In fact, the number 1 and number 2 students prior to Velma showing her true genius were boys. At the same time, in our own family, we recognize the immense talent, drive and intellect that girls and young women have as our oldest son graduated third in his class behind two very intelligent young ladies in high school (You go, girls!!)
~ Friendship ~
The film also emphasizes friendship and how opposites can attract in that dynamic. Daphne is much more fashion-oriented, while Velma is more practical. Their color schemes are bright and summery versus mute and fall-like. One is more spontaneous, while the other likes to have a plan set in place. In spite of all that, however, they are both strong, intelligent young women who thrive on mystery and finding the answers. They found a common interest and passion.
~ Audience Attraction ~
Ultimately, I think this is a spectacular movie for a mother and daughter to watch together. I think it would open up dialogue about inner strengths, female connections and the endless possibilities before our female youth. I also think it would be a great film to watch for those of us who have all boys. Why? Because it once again opens up dialogue about gender equality. We all have our strengths and weaknesses and should all be offered the opportunity to sharpen our skills and succeed.
So, tap into that inner mystery geek and grab yourself a copy of Daphne and Velma. This short feature comes out on DVD and Blu-Ray on May 22nd!
Check out this cool app, slime lab video and GIVEAWAY!
Daphne & Velma Mystery Video Decryptor & Soundboard
Blog App:
- Help Daphne & Velma solve their latest case by helping them decrypt the footage! Dial the knob and meters to just the right position to unlock the footage and move to the next challenge.
- Trigger fun & spooky sounds right from the movie in this fun soundboard
PLUS! Watch the Daphne & Velma Slime Lab Video and learn how to make four different kinds of Daphne & Velma slimes featuring Velma herself, Sarah Gilman! Kids of all ages will love the gooey slime fun!
Giveaway Opp! Daphne & Velma on Blu-ray from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment!
Excited to see Girl Power in action or even to see how these two super sleuths met before they were talking Scooby snacks? All you need to do is leave a comment below and your name will be entered for a chance to win a copy of Daphne & Velma on Blu-ray!
Contest is complete!! A winner has chosen and is being contacted via email!!
Congratulations!
- This giveaway runs from May 18, 2018, to May 31, 2018.Â
- The giveaway winner will be chosen randomly and announced on June 1st. The prize was provided by the brand in exchange for the blogger’s inclusion of the above app and video clip in the post.
- You will be contacted if you won. You will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected. This giveaway will have only one winner.
- This giveaway is open to U.S. entrants only. Must be 18 or older to enter. If entry requirements are not met as they are listed, you will be disqualified.Â
**All photos and video clips are courtesy of Warner Bros Home Entertainment.
Shaggy, cause he is so laid back and enjoys food.
Shaggy is my favorite, too!!! I love how fun-loving he is and, yes, very laid back. Seems like the kind of guy who could be anybody’s best friend!
I love Scooby Doo! I always loved the friendship between Scooby and Shaggy. I still get excited when I see the Mystery Machine and the gang at Universal Studios Orlando!
That’s the way I feel, too!! I love the relationship between Scooby and Shaggy! Great comment and entry! Thanks, Angie, and good luck!!!
I’m a fan of Shaggy…he’s laid back and is a foodie!
Oh, I like that! I didn’t even think about the fact that he was a foodie! LOL!! Great answer! Thanks for participating. Make sure you enter the contest for a chance to win a Blu-ray copy of the movie!
I liked Velma – almost always cool, collected, and thinking for the logical answer.
Ah, yes – she is the one with the level head in the group. Without her, who knows what kind of trouble those meddling teenagers would have found for themselves. Right? Fortunately, the Daphne & Velma movie also portrays your favorite character as the one who likes to think logically and rationally, so they did a great job at keeping her character intact. Thanks for the read and good luck!!
My fave character was Daphne because she was fearless! Thank you!
“Comment below by sharing which Scooby-Doo character from the original cartoon series was your favorite and why?” Scooby, because he’s wacky and has a great voice!
Lol! Love that! You’re right! Who doesn’t go around trying to mimic his voice? Scooby is a great choice!
Scooby Doo, because I like the way Scooby Doo talks.
Scooby is always entertaining! Good luck!!
I love scooby doo and shaggy. If I had to pick between daphne and velma I think I would have more in common with velma 🙂
Scooby and Shaggy are pretty awesome, but I hear ya on the Daphne and Velma. I think I’d be more of a Velma, as well. Good luck!
Favorite is Scooby doo, we love how goofy he is.
He does make us all laugh, doesn’t he!! Good luck!!
When I was really young I liked scrappy because he was a puppy…
Oh, my goodness! I forgot about Scrappy! You’re right. He was adorable.
Scooby Doo is my favorite because he’s funny and cool!
I agree – he’s pretty awesome, isn’t he!!