Sunday, August 19, 2012

The Hunger Games DVD Release Day Celebration & Give-away

Happy Hunger Games DVD Release Day!

If you're as excited as the WinterHaven Blog Team for this day, then you'll be even happier to hear we have a celebration going on. See all of us are HUGE Hunger Games fans and a few of us have even seen the movie more than once, twice, three times... ahem .. ahem.. that would be me ~whispers~ Arlene. =]
I've been a fan of this series since book one hit the shelves in October 2008, and I remember trying furiously to get my family and friends to read the book, so it was with great excitement that a couple years later this series finally started to get mad attention and die hard fans.

Sooo, my roomies here let me have some fun with this event. Yes, I actually asked them if I could interview them and like always, they graciously humored me. Well, I put together some questions and here's what they had to say:

Arlene: Amber, what was your favorite scene in The Hunger Games Movie?
Amber: My favorite scene in the Hunger Games Movie??? Gosh, there are so many scenes that I loved. I'm going to give two scenes because they both stand out vividly in my mind. First, where Katniss steps up and says "I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!” Her body language really captured the seriousness of the moment. I got chills from it. Second is when Katniss covered Rue in flowers. I balled my eyes out! I was a snotbubbling sobbing mess. It was such a touching moment in all the action, and it showed a sensitive side to the fierce warrior, Katniss.

Arlene: Oh wow Amber, you picked the exact same scenes I would have chosen. That volunteer moment really rocked my emotional compass and when Rue died, I almost came undone! Great choices! If I had to add one more to the list I’d have to say... one moment while I put my Team Peeta flag away… when Gale came to say goodbye to Katniss, and she asked him to take care of her sister and mom. I loved that scene in the book and I feel it translated perfectly to film.


Arlene: Tina, what scene in the book would you have liked to see in the movie?
Tina: Funny enough this is actually a hard question since I don't think they left out very much. But I think I would have liked to see what the mutated-mutts of the fallen tributes would have looked like instead of the computer generated dogs. I understand why they changed it, but it was one of the most disturbing and yet fascinating scenes in the book. It would have been cool to see what they would have come up with.

Also, I wish that Peeta and Katniss actual put the berries in their mouths and then ran to the lake to wash them out like they did in the book. It made that moment and that decision powerfully dire and emotionally intense, which took away from the scene in the movie. 

Arlene: I felt the same way about the mutated-mutts. My imagination was all over the place when I was reading that in the book. The CGI was great, but it doesn't match Collins brilliance. I think I would have liked to see when District 11 sent Katniss the bread into the arena. That was such an emotional moment.


Arlene: Crystal, how do you feel about the casting for Katniss, Peeta and Gale?
Crystal: Honestly at first I wasn't too excited about any of them except for Katniss. The actors that were picked for Gale and Peeta did not fit the characters in my head, but after watching the movie I had to eat my words. They were both perfect! I think they all did a terrific job and I can't see anyone else being a better fit now. 

Arlene: I felt the same way when I saw the ET spread on the casting. I was a bit surprised. I’ll tell you the exact moment, though, when the casting for Peeta clicked for me… during his interview with Caesar Flickerman and the whole “Do I smell like roses to you?” I thought YUP! That’s my bread man! =} Speaking of, got to give props to the casting of Caesar and Haymitch. Awesome choices!


Arlene: Amber, what surprised you most about the movie? Pleasant or otherwise?
Amber: What surprised me most is how well they created scenes from the book. I wondered how they were going to pull off the outfit with the fire. They did and it was wonderful! I enjoy movies that are based off books when the scenes and the emotion is captured how I would envision it. I think they did a fantastic job capturing emotions and portraying that onto the screen.

Arlene: I completely agree! I think the best scenes were those from the Capitol of Panem and how they captured the people, their wild and frivolous style. That was exactly how I pictured it!


Arlene: Tina, most often books translated to film can be a disappointment. Was this movie everything you expected or not?
Tina: You're right, usually movie adaptations don't quite do the book justice and it's hard since I'm a book lover first, but I have to admit, The Hunger Games movie was probably the best book-to-movie adaptation I've ever seen. They didn't leave very much out. All the key points were expressed and the emotional journey was portrayed beautifully. Excellent film!

Arlene: I agree 100000% Tina. Well said! =]

Arlene: Crystal, on a scale of 1 - 5 (five being the highest) how would you rate this movie and why?
Crystal: I would give it a 4. There were a couple of scenes that were left out that I wanted to see and a few scenes that felt a little rushed that I would have liked to have seen slowed down. I have to take a point away for that because those were big moments in my eyes. I think that the movie did a great job at capturing the overall feel for the book and I mean come on who didn't get chills when Katniss screamed "I volunteer!" Best moment ever! I really loved this movie and I am very excited to see Catching Fire!!

Arlene: Fair point Crystal (no pun intended :P) I can see why you say that. As I mentioned to Tina, it would have been great to see the mutated mutts and District 11’s bread offering to Katniss, but overall I have to admit after seeing the movie three times… it’s a 5 star for me. Can’t wait for the next release either. Are you coming to my town or am I flying out your way? XD


Thank you ladies. It was fun chatting about the movie with you!!

Exciting news on future movie release dates!!
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has a scheduled release date of November 22, 2013 and will be directed by Francis Lawrence.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 is expected to hit theaters on November 21, 2014.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 is scheduled to make its way to the U.S. box office the following year, November 20, 2015.

Hunger Games Power Pack Give-away!
To make this a full on celebration, we're giving away a gift pack that includes The Hunger Games DVD, The Hunger Games Movie Tie-in Edition Book, The Hunger Games Tribute Guide, and The Hunger Games Four Magnetic Bookmarks  to one lucky follower. All you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter thingy and answer any of the questions my roomies commented on above.
 And may the odds be EVAH in your favor!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

102 comments:

  1. Loved the movie, but of course, not as much as the book. Although, it felt a little bit rushed to me. still love it.

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    1. Well said dKatrina! The books are always best, but yes loved.loved.loved this movie. XD

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  2. I have not seen the movie, but am looking forward to. I loved reading this series.

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    1. Oh DarcyO I hope you get to see the movie soon. So good! Glad you liked the series and good luck on the give-away! :)

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  3. I took my fifth graders to go see The Hunger Games (with parent permission--they totally all watch R rated movies). I love the Hunger Games books and film and can't wait until they make Catching Fire.

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    1. I can't wait for Catching Fire either Dani Marie! Good luck with the give-away and thanks for posting! XD

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  4. I can't wait for the movie...on one hand. On the other, I almost want to just keep the images I have in my head from reading the book. I'm torn.

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    1. I completely get ya. Our imaginations are sometimes better than what can be produced on film. Thanks for posting Mon-Cherie! :)

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  5. I actually haven't seen it yet. I wanted to, but never had a chance. Thanks so much for the chance to win!

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    1. You got it Holly! Good luck with the give-away. :D

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  6. Yes I have seen the movie!!! I went to see it more than once in the theaters and it got better every time! :) The movie was so good it turned my mom into a Hunger Games fan for life. :D Thank you for the UHMAZING giveaway! :D :D :D

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    1. I agree 100% Maniacal Bookworm! I loved it more and more. You are more than welcome! Good luck and thanks for entering! XD

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  7. Liked the movie , Loved the book! The movie felt a little rushed.

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  8. I think you and Crystal felt the same way. So glad you like it though! Thanks for posting Samantha and good luck with the give-away. :)

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  9. LOVE the series, I haven't gotten around to seeing the movie though. Thanks so much for the giveaway! TEAM GALE

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    1. I hope you love the movie just as much Through My Lens! You're welcome and good luck! :)

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  10. I haven't seen the movie yet! Really hope I win! I have heard good and bad about it and look forward to finding out for myself:)

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    1. Good luck laura! This movie is awesome. Thanks for posting and entering the give-away. :)

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  11. YESSSHHH it was awesome!

    _JennyC

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    1. Yay! Glad you enjoyed the celebration. Good luck with the give-away! :)

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  12. shdaf;ljadsjlkj I'm spazzing out right now. No joke. This has got to be the best giveaway yet. kjfdljas;fa I didn't get to see the Hunger Games yet, but I read all of the books. Ahhhhhh, I even obsessed over the whole THG idea for a whole year. Reference after reference after reference, and me and my friends even made up our own Huger Games names. XD I am hopefully going to see the next HG movie when it priemeres. :DD

    Good luck everyone!

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    1. LOL Moka. I was wrapping the prize pack right now and I'm just so excited to send it out to a lucky winner. Awesome to see so many fans out there! Good luck with the give-away! XD

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  13. I love this series and I can't wait to see the movie. Thanks for the awesome giveaway :)

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    1. You're welcome Crissy! Good luck with the give-away! :D

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  14. I've read the trilogy and LOVED it; the movie was amazing too! I especially loved how they showed the people working behind the scenes of the Hunger Games, creating all of the obstacles for the tributes. Thanks for the chance to win!! =)

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    1. Yes, the game-makers were interesting to see at work. They really captured that moment perfectly! You're welcome! And good luck with the give-away. :)

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  15. I have actually not seen the movie yet but I am EXTREMELY excited too!! When The Hunger Games came out, it didn't seem like my kind of book so I didn't read it. It took awhile, but I finally talked myself into reading the trilogy a couple of weeks ago and I fell in LOVE! Had I read the books earlier, I'm sure I would've already seen the movie...more than once! haha Thanks for the giveaway! :)

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    1. So glad to hear you gave this trilogy a chance! I hope you love the movie just as much. It really is awesome. You're welcome and good luck! :)

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  16. Yes I have and it was AWESOME ;D The trilogy was my first dystopian series I've ever read. Although it was a very good series I am still trying to get used to other dystopian book.

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    1. Yes The Hunger Games sure set the bar pretty high. Thanks for posting and good luck with the giveaway! :)

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  17. I did see it and can't wait for the second one!

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    1. Thanks for posting Breanne! Good luck with the giveaway. :)

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  18. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

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    1. I hope you enjoy the movie when you get a chance to see it. Good luck with the giveaway! :D

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  19. I would like to thank you for a fantastic giveaway. I have not as yet seen the film or read the books (although the hunger games is on my to-read list), hence i cannot wait to. Thank you for this oportunity. x

    Email: lfountain1(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk

    (p.s- If clicked the 'Twitter' box my apologies, as i'm not on twitter. But will still tell all my book friends about your blog & giveaway).

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    1. You're welcome Miss Lucinda Fountain. You're in for a treat when you read this book! Thanks for telling your friends and good luck with the giveaway! xD

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  20. Thanks for participating in my giveaway :). I've just entered yours :p. And thanks for this giveaway !

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    1. You're welcome. Good luck with the giveaway!

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  21. I would have loved to see more of Gale (knowing how important he is in future events) and felt the film didn't explain enough about the conditions district 12 lived in, or how the prize would change their lives

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    1. Good points Claire. I hope we get more backstory infused in the next film. Good luck with the giveaway! :)

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  22. My daughter loved the Hunger Games books so I took her to see the movie and I really liked it. Entered here to win her the prize package. :) Thanks!

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    1. That's great alchemyofscraw! Good luck with the giveaway! :)

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  23. No not yet but it looks awesome :)

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    1. Thanks for entering Elizabeth! Good luck with the give-away. :)

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  24. Awesome! Can't wait to watch this again!!!

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    1. I ordered my copy and I am stalking my mailbox lol!! Good luck!

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  25. I have with my husband and we both loved it. I have not read the books but the are defiantly on my list.

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    1. The books which I am sure you know lol are a must read! I hope you get to read them soon =) Thanks for commenting and good luck!

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  26. I have seen the movie! But I liked the book more. But I can understand why the movie has to be that way. Too bad I can't elaborate because I might spoil others who might be reading this and have not yet watched the movie. Hah!

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    1. The books will always be my favorite series of all time so I understand having high hopes and expectations for the movies. Good luck with the giveaway Angelica! Thanks for posting.:)

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  27. I haven't seen it yet but I love the books.

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  28. I have read all the books, but haven't had a chance to see the movie yet. I am so ready to see it.

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    1. It really was one of the best adaptations I have seen. I hope you think the same when you see it!

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  29. I adore these books and the movie was pretty impression for an adaptation. The only thing I would have asked for was a tiny bit more emotion in the scene where Rue dies. I love Jennifer Lawrence, but I thought she should have been falling apart when singing to her and everything! Still an awesome movie. And an awesome giveaway!!

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    1. That was one of the parts I wanted more from too. I know she had it in her to show more I think the scene needed to slow down a bit to let her show her emotions. It was still a very heartbreaking moment though. Thanks for commenting and good luck!

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  30. Can you believe I haven't seen the movie yet?!! I just never got to the theater. Too much reading I guess but I'm so glad it's on DVD now! What an awesome giveaway ladies! :)

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    1. At first I was like no way, but then you said too much reading and I can totally understand that so I get it =P I saw it in Chicago with my BF and if that hadn't happened I would probably be in your boat lol. I hope you get to see it soon!! Thanks Rachel and good luck!

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  31. I have not seen the movie. When it was first released I hadn't read the books and wanted to wait until I did.

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    1. I hope you enjoy the movie Fiery Na! It's really good. Thanks for posting and good luck with the giveaway. :D

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  32. My favorite part of the movie was when Katniss saluted Rue and her district. That was definitely one of the most powerful scenes in the movie.

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    1. Loved that moment Arthur! Thanks for posting and good luck!

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  33. The movie was better than I thought it would be and that had me pretty pumped up! And I'm the same as Arthur, the salute scene was my favorite of the whole movie :)

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    1. The salute scene was great! Glad you liked the movie and good luck with the give away! :D

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  34. The movie was really good.There are many books which are being made into movies,In which the elements in the books are Left out.However Hunger games movie was An exception.I loved the Series and I love the movie too!:)

    My favorite Part of the movie was When Rue helps Katniss while she was up in the tree! and I love Amandla Stenberg As rue!:)

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    1. Completely agree shanthini! Oh Rue was perfect for the role! Her moments were captured to perfection. Thanks for posting and gook luck with the giveaway! :)

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  35. I saw it in theaters with my book club. It was so good!

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    1. Book clubs are the best lol! So glad you liked it! Good luck!

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  36. Yes, I watched it with my friends. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

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  37. I loved the movie! I saw it with my mom who actually read the books before I did, then we rented the DVD and made my dad watch it with us, lol. Although, I did enjoy the book more ;)

    Thanks for the giveaway :)

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    1. So glad to hear you and your family enjoyed it Aeicha. You're welcome and good luck. :D

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  38. no I have not seen the movie yet but I did read all the books and cant wait to see the movie

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    1. Books were awesome, huh Wendi? Thanks for posting and good luck. :)

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  39. I saw it in theatres and I loved it! :) thanks for the giveaway :)

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  40. I did see HG and really enjoyed it...maybe the start seemed kind of weird (because I imagined it a whole lot different) , but everything after they started to train was totally awesome and interesting :D

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    1. I can see where you are coming from =) Thanks for commenting and good luck!

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  41. I loved the movie. I felt some parts were rushed as well, but that's film for ya. One of my favorite parts is Katniss in the tree and I really loved Rue. I also enjoyed it after she and Peeta join forces and kick some serious booty.
    Awesome interview ;) and great giveaway! You girls rock! Thanks!

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    1. I just watched this again last night!! I loved when Peta and Katniss finally find each other!
      Aw thanks!! Good luck!

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  42. saw the movie in the theater
    xoxo

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  43. I saw the movie in the theater. Thanks for the giveaway. This is amazing.

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  44. I saw it and loved it and rented it the day it came out and made my ENTIRE family sit down and watch it with me.

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    1. LOL I hope they enjoyed it too. Awesome movie! Good luck with the giveaway!

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  45. Yes I saw it opening night! Can't wait for Catching Fire!

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    1. Me neither! I hope it gets here soon! Thanks for posting. :D

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  46. I haven't seen it yet but I'm the biggest fan of the books ever since.the first came out years ago!!

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    1. I hope you get to see it soon. I'm right there with ya, I grabbed it off the shelf the week book ne came out. Good luck! :)

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    1. LOL Jennifer! Nope, that pretty much says it all. :D

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  48. I agree it was the best book to film adaption I have seen, at least in a long long time!

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    1. Exactly! So glad you loved it too. Good luck with the giveaway. :)

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  49. The movie was alright, although I was really looking forward to the mutts that looked like the dead tributes. Also it feels rushed though I understand that they could not fit everything in the book. I just wish they followed the cave scene from the book.

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    1. The mutts would have been cool to see and the cave scenes were my favorite from the book. Thanks for posting Danielle!

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  50. So excited! I'd love to own this collection!

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  51. I bought this movie the first day that is was released. I loved it. I also loved the books. I can not wait for # 2.

    Thanks for the awesome giveaway

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    1. You're welcome! Thanks for posting Tanmy. :)

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  52. I hope you enjoy the movie when you get the chance to see it. Good luck with the give away! :)

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