BURBANK, CA., September 15, 2010 – One of American Girl’s most beloved historical character dolls comes to life in Warner Home Video’s (WHV) DVD release of Samantha: An American Girl Holiday Deluxe Edition, the live-action film based on the popular line of American Girl books and 18-inch dolls that depict important times in America’s past. Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, the title will be available in stores November 30 in an all-new collectible deluxe edition featuring new bonus material. Samantha: An American Girl Holiday Deluxe Edition will retail for $19.97 SRP.
Based on the books about Samantha Parkington, the deluxe edition of Samantha: An American Girl Holiday stars AnnaSophia Robb (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Bridge to Terabithia) in the title role as a nine-year-old orphan being raised by her wealthy and proper grandmother, Grandmary (portrayed by Golden Globe-winning actress Mia Farrow, Rosemary’s Baby) in 1904 New York. While she is well loved and cared for, Samantha is a little lonely living in Grandmary’s big house.
Things are livelier whenever Uncle Gard (Jordan Bridges, Mona Lisa Smile) comes to visit, but Samantha feels that doesn’t happen often enough. Samantha’s world begins to change, however, when a young girl named Nellie comes to work at the house next door. She and Samantha become fast friends, in spite of the class differences between them. The movie explores the girls’ different worlds and the changes and challenges they face together—including Nellie’s dramatic escape from a New York City orphanage. In the end, Samantha and Nellie both find a home and a family they can call their own.
“Samantha: An American Girl Holiday is the perfect film to share with the entire family during the holidays. It’s an, inspiring and heartwarming story that viewers will want to keep in their collections to watch again and again,” said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President of Family, Animation and Partner Brands Marketing. He added, “This film is beautifully produced and wonderfully acted. It’s entertaining and engaging, and it’s a movie with substance. It exposes viewers to American history and it gives them a sense of what life was really like for various social classes around the early 1900’s. We are delighted to offer this film to consumers this holiday season.”
Special Features on the DVD include:
Ø An all-new special feature: Votes For Women: An American Girl: Samantha.
Samantha: An American Girl Holiday joins descendants of the real American Suffragists in a discussion about getting votes for women and the journey for equal rights.
Ø Mount Bedford News: A Victorian Wedding. A featurette including footage from the wedding scene in the movie.
