It’s here Revelers!  Volume 1, JONAS, Rockin’ the House is in stores and more importantly, in our hot little hands!  Taken as a whole, this DVD is an excellent compilation of what is delightful about the JONAS show, and the Jonas Brothers themselves.

Let’s bask in the wonderfulness of it all, after the jump!

I have been very excited for the release of this DVD, and chuffed to discover that there is positive response from critics and regular folks (Amazon.com customer reviews, nice to see none is from “typical” fans).

There is clearly a niche for what we discerning types know that JONAS does so well: presenting a humorous look at “celebrity life & culture” that is not raunchy but enjoyable for many ages on many levels.  I truly hope that the Jonas Brothers are aware of how very much people are enjoying their show.

The DVD is chock-full o’goodies for the passionate fan and the casual DVD browser alike.  No less than seven episodes are included.  Along with Groovy Movies, Wrong Song, Pizza Girl, Band’s Best Friend, and Chasing the Dream we also have two as yet un-aired shows:  Beauty and the Beat, and Cold Shoulder.

Since the Revelers have been tuning in and blogging the series without fail as it has aired, I won’t discuss those shows we’ve already seen, but will focus instead on the Bonus Features, which include the un-aired episodes and an elaborate practical joke that the brothers played on Chelsea Staub.

You’ve Just Been Jo Bro’d was a hidden-camera prank in which Chelsea Staub thinks she has just been abandoned at a photo shoot in the company of a loutish crewperson, but the crewperson is in fact an actor who demolishes Nick’s guitar and asks Chelsea to cover for him.  Unbeknownst to Chelsea the brothers were watching on camera and feeding the “crewperson” his lines to convince Chelsea he was legit.

Perhaps it’s just me, but I thought the prank fell somewhat flat, and seemed to involve a lot of people and set-up for not much of a payoff.  In my opinion, it went on too long and really wasn’t terribly funny.  It had clearly been “set up” for the DVD, and seemed more than a tad forced on everyone’s part, with the exception of Chelsea, who is almost certainly the nicest girl in the world, and one of the best sports.

The new episodes included are far more fun and worthwhile.  Beauty and the Beat is the JONAS-universe’s take on beauty pageants.  It’s interesting to note that everyone is fair game for the satire here—from the guys’ own voyeuristic enjoyment of the contestants, to the tough-as-nails pageant participants themselves, to Stella, whose superior attitude towards beauty pageants inflicts its own punishment when she suffers stage fright during her “final question” and ends up embarrassing herself on national television.  In an interesting “art imitates life” choice, Stella takes on the role of  the poor Miss Teen USA contestant who’s babbling remarks went viral back in Fall 2007.  The Jonas Brothers were in fact the musical performers on that broadcast and their experiences undoubtedly informed this episode.

The second (and not surprisingly my favorite) bonus episode is Cold Shoulder.  This show is Kevin-centric and I am unapologetic in my assessment of its adorableness.  Kevin’s acting is spot on in his endearing adoration of the statuesque, Norse girl-goddess who stole his heart during their Scandinavian tour.  In addition, Anya herself is hilarious, lifting, and tossing Kevin like a rag doll as they dance together and otherwise explore their shared eccentricities.

However, lest these marvy attributes aren’t enough, there is the fact that Kevin SINGS A SOLO!  Yes, you read correctly.  His warm, tender vocals enumerating the delights of his “Skandinavian Girl” are available herein for our repeated listening pleasure.  What’s not to love?  Kevin is to love, certainly, and if Anya shows herself too shallow to appreciate Kevin’s quirkiness then the loss is all hers.  Clearly, the French fan/mime enthusiast who steps in to cheer Kevin up is far more worthy.

It was truly hard to choose, but my favorite moment had to be when Kevin is trying to learn all he can about Scandinavia so that he’ll win back his girl by cramming reindeer trivia and attempting to make Lutefisk.  Lutefisk is fish that has been dried in a lye solution and then soaked in water (to quote Garrison Keillor “for a long time—but never long enough”) and is a Scandinavian delicacy.  Kevin telling Nick how he made the dish, while Joe is trying to scour the portion he taste-tested out of his mouth behind him, is priceless.

Of course, I could go on all day listing things I love about the DVD, but what about you Revelers?  How much do you love it?

[Via:  Amazon.com (Photos)]

So tonight, we had what was clearly the “Joe-Centric” episode in the thematic arc of JONAS.  It would also seem that this episode must have been filmed early on, and not just because we had a training session on the Stellavator.

Find out why after the jump!

“Fashion Victim” struck me as an episode which was filmed early on because in general, the energy in this episode is a little more intense and frenetic than in later episodes.  Everyone is trying a little bit harder to hit those funny moments than they will in later episodes.  This group of actors hasn’t relaxed with each other yet, hasn’t jelled into the ensemble that they will become in later episodes.  While still very fun, this episode didn’t feel as sure of itself and cohesive as later episodes.

But for all that, there were many delightful moments in tonight’s show.  My personal favorite Joe-ment was when Joe did his monologue about Stella standing him up.   This was a very nicely done, complex piece of acting that included a telephone conversation (not easy to do) and several tempo and mood changes.  That Joe pulled it off so early in the season is impressive and just underscores what we already knew about him:  he has loads of natural acting talent.

Another moment I loved was when the monologue segued seamlessly into the very cool song “Tell Me Why.”   It was a perfect example of Musical Theatre, wherein a character’s emotional truth cannot be contained in the spoken word and must transcend into song.  And any time we get to see Nick and Kevin dressed up as adorable movie ushers is cause for celebration!

Kevin and Nick were both wonderful in their supporting parts, with Big Rob and Dad adding some nice bits.  And Chelsea Staub was very good, as always.

So Revelers, what did you all think?

[Via: Just Jared Jr. (Photos)]

Catch the new JONAS, “Keepin’It Real”, tonight on Disney Channel’s Night of Premieres.

These episodes aren’t going to watch themselves, Revelers!

Analysis after the jump!

Hey all, Cpaig here with analysis – I was too busy researching South America to post in the first place.

Whoa. I don’t know why, but I came to this episode with lowered expectations. Maybe it was because I had the impression that it was supposed to be the first episode (as opposed to “Wrong Song”). I feared it was pulled and played out of sequence because it was just not as good as the rest of the episodes. Boy, was I wrong.

This episode was a laugh riot! It definitely seemed as if it was supposed to be the first episode and we get a ton of exposition (rock superstars, Stella is their stylist, their parents names, Big Man, Macy is a blogger, the people at school are used to them, yadda yadda yadda). We also hear lots about what they are capable of doing (Jonas Jet anyone?).

The plot is simple, superstars who can do anything they want (including eschewing green jelly beans,  critiquing the massage chair for only going “choppa choppa choppa” and getting their personal stylist to put diamonds on the soles of their shoes) who are dragged back to earth by their mom.

They try their best, but they run against obstacles such as not being able to take out the trash due to rabid fans, and fighting exhaustion after fitting all the chores they can do into work and school. Hijinks ensue (what else?).

They try their hardest to take out the trash and even result to covert operations ala J.O.N.A.S (very clever). Their problem is fans who do not understand boundaries, and this creates problems thanks to a handy camera phone. The boys are forced to come up with a crack plan in order to not let their mom down (more hijinks and a Santa fight!).

The moral of the story is that superstars can just simply not always keep it real, but the boys were going to try as hard as they could (cue pretend slow motion).

Of particular note in this episode is our first glimpse of Big Rob (Big Man), and an original song that I am going to say is either called “Life in the Fast Lane” or “Keeping It Real.” Most likely the latter. Instead of being played as scene onto itself, it is played over montages of them trying to do chores and choosing disguises. I would love to hear it in its entirety.

There are so many quotes from this episode, and the “Breakfast Meeting” scene had me rolling on the floor. It is just too chock full to describe.

I would love to know your favorite quotes from this episode.

My ONLY criticism of this episode (if this even counts) is that the transition music they play sounds an awful lot like this Ok Go song.

[Via: NickJOnline, OkGo (YouTube)]

Tonight’s episode of JONAS is Slice of Life featuring the song “Pizza Girl.”

Will we fall in love with the pizza girl along with the rest of them? We’ll have to watch and see…

Even as miniature pizza toppings they are awesome.

Analysis after the jump!

I really liked this episode, though it is not my favorite of the three we have seen so far. That being said, all of the one lines and bits are sure to be much repeated and acted out for YouTube fan videos.

I feel it really doesn’t need to be restated that I enjoy all of the performance, though I do.  My favorite moments for each were (in order of age):

• Kevin’s grand, yet  polite reaction to having his foot smashed. Mememoi and I theorize that this is how they approach most fan unpleasantness in real life. I think I am going to adopt the habit of saying “Yeah, that was awesome. Thank you very much.” when I get hurt in place of the string of profanities I think in my head while trying in vain to keep them from coming out of my mouth.
• Joe’s great tuxedo scene. I just loved this. The James Bond (with a little Airplane/Naked Gun humor thrown in for good measure) was played extremely well.
• I have to say I really liked Nick during the “the phone is ringing scene.” he does that little pinched face thing so well.

I have to say I am really liking their tendency towards absurdest humor and I am really glad there is not laugh track to ruin it (if anyone watched it on Disney last night there was a WOWP sneak peek in which the laugh track was, well, laughable).

I miss the white space jamming transitions parts though. The new ones are good. I like Kevin’s epaulets, but I miss the other ones.

Check out some of my favorite screen caps below!

The Lucas boys put on their best swoon faces as they pursued the pizza girl.

Awesomeness!

*Gasp!* You lost your white fluffy cat, Joe!

I narrow my eyes at you, Nick.

Share her?

All resolved…well, except for the over competitive sibling thing, but there is nothing you can do about that.

[Via: DisneyChannel]

I thought of blogging this Vulture piece on JONAS‘ Saturday ratings earlier, and interestingly enough, its plot has since thickened in an enlightening, and somewhat funnier still, way.

I’ve usually enjoyed the Vulture blog and their pieces on the Boys (one of which inspired our first official blog post). They have seemed to me to skewer their hyperbolic media portrayal as much as the Jonases themselves (meta-licious!).  It’s pretty tongue in cheek overall.

So today, I chuckled a bit when I opened their post entitled “The Jonas Brothers’ Failing Streak Continues“, which was citing the Hollywood Reporter article “Disney’s ‘Jonas’ doesn’t quite pop“.  I chuckled because Vulture’s writing is like Opposite Day, and the way I read it, they were basically mocking the ridiculous standards against which an astonishingly successful band like the Jonas Brothers can be held in order to generate an intriguing media angle – “disappointment”, “impending doom”!!

But with lines like

“…along with their last album’s embarrassing failure to cure diabetes, comes news that the Jonas Brothers’ new Disney Channel show, JONAS, debuted to unspectacular ratings on Saturday night. The show was watched by a mere 3.2 million viewers between the ages of 6 and 14, which is the approximate number of fans standing outside of Zac Efron’s house on an average weekday. Are the Jonas Brothers over?”

…was this piece really something to be taken so seriously? SILLY, I thought.

Well…Disney did not agree, exactly. They wrote to them to clarify some points and the Vulture updated by printing their letter.

My first reaction upon seeing this was not unlike a tween whose parent has just revealed some aspect of their babyhood to the superhawt college-aged cashier in the grocery checkout line: OMGEMBARRASSING, it’s just a JOKE, geez.

But then I read the letter and truly appreciated the facts therein.  Read what the Senior Vice President of Media Relations at Disney Channel, Patti McTeague, has to say, should anyone (looking at you, Perez) talk smack about the supposedly tragic UnHannahMontanaNess of the Boys’ numbers.

Crunch ‘em with Patti, after the jump…

Oh, snap:

Here are the facts which are, of course, contrary to your post today:

Disney Channel is not disappointed in the ratings for the debut of “JONAS” which delivered 4 million total viewers, doubled the channel’s Saturday ratings and defeated Nickelodeon in Total Viewers, Kids 6-11 and Tweens.

“Camp Rock” was TV’s #1 telecast among Tweens 9-14 and cable TV’s most-watched entertainment telecast in Total Viewers (10.1 million) for 2008. The soundtrack shipped 2.5 million units and is certified double-platinum. The DVD of “Camp Rock” was the #3 selling TV property on DVD for 2008 with over one million units sold from August-December (the #1 and #2 rankings were not far off in sales). Hardly disappointing.

Your comment about the Jonas Brothers recent album and “curing diabetes” is at best, disappointing. You may want to know that the album has sold over two million CDs worldwide and more importantly, Jonas Brothers have raised over $1 million dollars for charities that support a cure for diabetes.

Thanks.

Patti McTeague

Senior Vice President, Media Relations

Disney Channel

P.S. about the 3D movie — it did quite well, in fact…(over $19 million) but people tend to compare it to the massive results of “Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert.”

If Jonas Brothers 3D Concert Experience had premiered first, IT would be #1. Regardless, it defeats concert films by the likes of U2, Madonna and Rolling Stones. Here’s the rest of the Top 10 list: Madonna: Truth or Dare (15.0), U2 3D (9.8), U2 Rattle and Hum (8.6) Rolling Stones (5.5), Talking Heads (5.1), Prince (3.0), Neil Young (1.9), ‘N Sync (1.8).

Remember, the Hannah Montana 3D concert film came on the heels of a sold out concert tour that was a phenomenon… and after a two year run of “Hannah Montana,” arguably the biggest TV series ever on a kid-focused network.

Thanks, Patti!

Obviously, Hannah/Miley is a juggernaut not to be doubted.  But are the Jonas boys to feel like losers in her shadow when they are outperforming so many others who would love to be in their position in music/TV/film?  Maybe for a snarky little larf, but does anyone in their right mind really think so…seriously?

{Oh…and when do we get the online viewership numbers?  That’s how I watched. }

[Via: The Vulture Blog @ NY Magazine]

OK… after reading Coolmom’s awesome post about the JONAS website (and checking it out) AND watching the “premise” and “sneak peak” videos released on FFE, I am officially STOKED for JONAS!

The videos were released on YouTube yesterday (trust me, I tried to snag them before that),  so I am posting them here and we will take a good in-depth look.

Cool? Cool. Follow me for analysis and videos after the jump!

We are given a solid two minutes of content here, a much better peek than the choppy 42 seconds we were given at the beginning of the year. In that glimpse I saw something familiar from the annals of hearthrob/music/sitcom television history. I am not sure I am still reminded of the Monkees as much in these clips (though we have yet to be given a look at how the music will be integrated in the show). What do I see? Potential awesomeness, definite wackiness, and lots and lots of cute.

I am really impressed, actually. Not to say that I didn’t already know that these Guys are wicked talented, but I was a little worried about the acting. I mean, I already know Kevin can sell me an E-Brain until the cows come home, but pull off a 25 minute show?

All indications are pointing to yes! (medium sigh of relief*)

I actually can’t take my eyes off of Kevin in both clips (and I don’t think it is just because I am such a Kevgirl). I am predicting that this show will cause a perception coup of sorts in regards to Kevin, especially for the fickle, casual, Jonas fans (around the ages of 9 to 13). I have no way of measuring this, but that is my prediction. In addition, just to get down to brass tacks for a moment, he also looks really really cute in the clips (it never hurts).

I was also impressed with Nick, and Joe. Mostly Joe.

I can’t wait for more clips!

The one about the premise.

The one with the extended clip.

The one where Kevin Jonas shows you a little more about Kevin Lucas

The one where Joe Jonas shows you a little more about Joe Lucas

The one where Nick Jonas shows you a little more about Nick Lucas

(This is a really horrible vid. I will fix when I get a better one.)

* I am saving my full sigh for premiere night.

[Via:JustJaredJr.,  Fan Family Experience, FFE (YouTube), LeahHale705(YouTube), ]

One Calendar Month, Revelers.
As of 8:00pm tonight, 30 days exactly remain until the World Premiere of the guys’ new television series, JONAS. I don’t know how you all feel about it, but as May 2, 2009, draws near I find that I am BESIDE MYSELF WITH EXCITEMENT!

If you, like me, are counting the days, hours and minutes until the show begins, I have something that may help with the waiting. I refer to the JONAS page on the Disney Channel website. The PR team at Disney is really ramping up the content in these final days until the show begins. There is lots to see there.
I’ll hit some highlights after the jump!

There’s the JONAS Weekly Pick, which is basically a teaser/game/video etc. for each week remaining until the premiere. Right now, there is a game called Horace Mantis Hallway Hijinks, in which you have to navigate the guys through the hallways of the school in order for them to make it to their concert on time. I played it, and my driving skills apparently stink. You will almost certainly do better than I. Other weeks will reveal a JONAS VIP Party Kit, a game called Stellavater Stylin’ and other surprises.

There is the Episode Gallery which will have videos later, but which already has many fun photos from three different episodes. The photo above came from there, in the episode entitled “Keeping it Real”. These pictures are very intriguing, and offer tantalizing glimpses of the hilarity in store for us when the show airs!

JONAS on Set allows you to take a virtual tour of each of the guys’ bedrooms and the school, and includes fun character bios. Herein we learn that we should never dangle shiny objects in front of Kevin when talking to him (lol!), that Joe’s philosophy is “why walk down a staircase when you can slide down a ramp through flaming hoops?” and that Nick is the serious minded leader of the group. Wait a minute; I thought JB has already done their reality series last year! Also included are bios the Lucas Brothers’ Mom and Dad (Sandy and Tom), little brother Frankie, and their bodyguard, Big Man (I kid you not!)  I’ll give you three guesses as to who is portraying Big Man.

There’s even a Quiz so that we can find out which cast member we are most like. I took it three times, and ended up being like each of the brothers, go figure!

Sure, we still have many days to go before we get to meet the Lucas Brothers, but this cool site should help the time pass more quickly.

Check it out and let us know what you think!

Ready or not, JONAS is coming to the Disney Channel in May!

The spy premise has been eradicated and replaced with one involving three famous musician brothers, their life, and yards of fetching blue plaid. Oh, and hi-jinks, must not forget the hi-jinks. We were given a preview during Disney’s Totally New Year. The clip features mostly Joe and Kevin, but you get a sense of the single camera filming style, as well as a taste of the show’s tone.

Check it out (if you haven’t already)…after the jump!

We are very very excited! It’s clear they have been working very hard and it looks like it is really paying off, and the producers seem to be making some smart choices that will work with Jonas strengths, play down any weaknesses, appeal to the Disney Channel demographic and, with any luck, capture the interest of some outside it in a positive way.  So far, it is something of a relief from some misgivings we were having.  We can’t wait to see more (advance clips of Camp Rock were more promising than we ultimately found the completed film, after all.)  But if it goes the direction it seems to be going…it might just be a pretty safe project.

It reminds us more than a little (and don’t kill us) of The Monkees. I realize we have made this judgment after only 41 seconds of footage, but the gags, the girl stampede – a bit Monkees-esque. But, don’t think that is a bad thing. We completely LOVED The Monkees! And the inevitable comparisons might just work in the Jonas boys’ favor,especially considering the production advantages they will have.

There are a few obvious differences:

• 3 Lucas boys; 4 Monkees.
• The Monkees were adults sharing an apartment; the Lucases are in high school and live with their parents.
• The Monkees were not a successful band (on the show) and spend lots of time chasing after girls; the Lucases are a huge band and spend lots of time running away from girls.
• The Lucases have (magical?) firepoles!

At this stage in their career, the Jonases’ greatest strength beyond their music is their incredible natural charisma – so this is not a bad show format to emulate.   And that show was so successful!!  Maybe a better comparison than Flight of the Conchords? Be reminded of the simple, goofy brilliance of The Monkees below.

Dig it!

We are, however, still a little disappointed that none of the band will be involved in the show that we can see. Remember long ago when Garbo would pop up in the Boys’ videos? Dude, to tell you the truth – he was super awesome!

Maybe they will give the band some cameo roles as the show goes on!!

[The Disney Channel, JBMusicOnRedbull465 (YouTube), MarmadasBaggins (YouTube), kevinjonas (YouTube)]

With major edits by Mememoi.