The Big Year DVD giveaway

written by Drew Weber

In high anticipation of the January 31st DVD release of The Big Year, Nemesis Bird is giving away a copy of the movie to one of our blog fans! The contest will run from now through midnight January 31. Scroll past my review for details on how to enter the contest.

Review: I just watched the movie again when my review copy arrived. The DVD comes with the theatrical edition plus an extended edition that is narrated by John Cleese. I opted for the extended edition and thoroughly enjoyed the running commentary. The theatrical version features commentary by Jack Black's character, Brad, and is sparse. I personally enjoyed the narration from John Cleese and thought it helped to explain more of the movie, as well as give it more of a documentary feel.

One part of the movie that I found particularly amusing was Jim Parson's character, Ichabod Crane, a bird blogger. Instead of the typical sightings and photography posts like the bird blogs I read, Crane's blog was more of a celebrity gossip blog, passing along rumors of who was doing a big year and how they were faring. I think a blog like this would be fascinating to read but might not end up making that blogger many friends in the birding world.

I again loved seeing all the birds that made it into the movie, from the over-the-top fallout scene to more realistic shots of birds scattered throughout the movie.

My favorite part of The Big Year is seeing birding portrayed in a mostly positive light on the big screen. I think it gets across a lot of the joy of birding as well as some of the conflicts that are inherent in a competitive sport where rankings are based on the honor system. It will be interesting to see if this movie takes on a second life once it is released on DVD. The box office numbers weren't too great but I think this could become a cult classic for birders to enjoy together and to show others in an attempt to show some of the novelty of our hobby.

 

How to enter:

Complete the 2 steps below to be entered to win. Contest closes at midnight on January 31. Winner will be randomly selected from all the entrants who complete the following steps.

1. Like our page. You can either click the Like link on the top of our sidebar on this blog or go to our facebook page and Like the page there. If you have done this in the past, you are good to go. You only need to like us once.

2. Leave a comment the Nemesis Bird Facebook page telling us what your favorite part of the movie was (if you saw it). If you haven't watched the movie yet, take the quiz below and let us know which bird you are like, or what you are anticipating most in the movie.

One entry per person, per day. Multiple comments will count as additional entries if they are posted on different days. We can only have the DVD shipped to addresses in Canada and the US.

We will contact the winner on February 1st.

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Comedic Icons Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson

Star in the Hilarious Outdoor Adventure Coming to Blu-ray and DVD January 31!

 

Brad (Jack Black) tells his father that he can relate to a certain bird species because both he and the bird are both generally underestimated. Here, after taking this quiz, you'll be able to see what kind of bird you might most closely resemble. Are you an avid decorator like the bowerbird? Do you like to show off your dance moves to impress the ladies like a riflebird? You'll know for sure what bird best suits your personality after taking our test!

 

Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson portray three men from very different walks of life, facing a mid-life crisis, a work-life crisis and a no-life crisis.  In the biggest competition of their lives, they undertake an unforgettable trek through North America, engaging in hilarious and bizarre adventures and forming friendships that will last a lifetime!

 

What Bird Are You?

 

1. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

1. Australia, for sure!
2. I’ve always wanted to explore a tropical rainforest!
3. I don’t like to travel; I’d rather just stay home.
4. I can’t choose just one place! I want to travel everywhere!

 

1. How do you attract a member of the opposite sex?

1. I give make them something unique, or give them a memorable present.
2. I woo the opposite sex with my sweet dance moves!
3. I show them that I will be committed and protective of them in the future.
4. I treat them as my equal and try to find an activity we can share with one another.

 

1. What is your favorite color?

1. Anything bright and flashy!
2. Blue
3. Yellow
4. Brown

 

1. What is your hidden talent?

1. I’m really crafty; I can make cool things from common objects.
2. I’m a great dancer!
3. I’ve been told I have an interesting singing voice!
4. I’m super resilient – I can do a lot on little sleep and with few or no breaks.

 

1. How would you describe your personality?

1. I’m really complex, so I can’t succinctly describe my personality.
2. I’m outgoing and independent – the life of the party!
3. I’m a homebody, but I’m fun to be around and really protective of the things and people I love.
4. I have tons of friends and live a sort of jet set lifestyle – I’m definitely a world traveler.

 

 

Mostly A’s 

 

 

You are most like a bowerbird! Bowerbirds are renowned for their unique (and crafty!) courtship behavior. Males will build structures (called bowers) out of sticks and brightly colored objects in an attempt to attract a mate. Bowerbirds are also extremely good at mimicking other creatures, including pigs, waterfalls, and human chatter. This complex behavior has led many to believe that bowerbirds are the most behaviorally complex species of bird. Bowerbirds are mainly found in varying parts of Australia.

 

 

Mostly B’s 

 

 

 

You’re a riflebird! Male riflebirds are polygamous and known for their flashy mating “dance.” During this courtship display, the male will fully extend his wings, raise his tail and hop upward while swinging his head (allowing him to show off his blue-green breast shield). Female riflebirds observe this “dance” and, if satisfied, will reward the male by mating with him. The females then take care of their young without male assistance. These birds are mainly found in the rainforests of New Guinea and Northeastern Australia.

 

Mostly C’s 

 

 

You are a blue tit! One thing that blue tits are known for is being “resident” birds, meaning that they do not migrate. Blue tits are very popular garden birds in Europe due to their perky acrobatic performances and interesting calls when feeding. Blue tits are also very protective of their nests and eggs, and exhibit a lot of excited behavior when feeding and nesting. Blue tits will also nest in any suitable hole, including artificial nesting boxes (most birds will not readily settle in an artificial nesting box).

 

Mostly D’s 

 

 

You’re most like a bar-tailed godwit! The bar-tailed godwit migrates in flocks to places like East Asia, Alaska, New Zealand, Australia, Africa and northwestern Europe. Bar-tailed godwits take the longest non-stop flight of any bird species, traveling from New Zealand to the Yellow Sea in China! These birds also share the responsibility of incubating and caring for their young between both the males and the females.

Disclaimer: The giveaway copy of The Big Year was kindly provided by Think Jam.