Today marks the DVD & Blu-ray release of Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian and for a limited time only a combo pack is available for the holidays including the DVD and the new “Monkey Mischief” film on DVD!

Street Date: December 1, 2009
U.S. Rating: PG
Total Run Time: 105 minutes

History is larger than life — and twice as funny — in this monumental comedy sequel. Ben Stiller (Meet The Parents, There’s Something About Mary) stars as Larry Daley, a former night watchman at the Museum of Natural History, where the exhibits come alive after dark. But now Larry’s nocturnal friends are being retired to the archives of the Smithsonian Institution, luring him back for a hilarious, all-out battle against a cranky Egyptian Pharaoh who plans to take over the museum… and the world! From returning director Shawn Levy (Cheaper By The Dozen), the film also stars Amy Adams (Enchanted), Robin Williams (Good Will Hunting), Owen Wilson (Wedding Crashers), Hank Azaria (“The Simpsons”), Ricky Gervais (“The Office”), Steve Coogan (Tropic Thunder) and Jonah Hill (Super Bad).

Night at the Museum Battle of the Smithsonian is a very amusing, charming, and engaging family comedy. It is lively to say the least! Amy Adams shines as she is such a delight to watch as are the other newcomers to the film. This is quite a stellar sequel with jam packed action, laugh out loud moments, and vivacious characters. Things are taken to the next level in this film as the special effects and sets are far more elaborate than the first film. Audiences will be engrossed in the film because of the sets alone! There is mild, comedic violence and some mild language but the elaborate sets, clever screenwriting, and fantastic acting will overshadow that as families come together to enjoy this film. Overall, this is the perfect film to buy to watch with your family and friends, so make sure to pick up your copy.

Special Features:

Curators of Comedy: Behind the Scenes with Ben Stiller (19:57) – Director/Producer, Shawn Levy begins this special feature discussing how the sequel came together as we see behind the scenes footage of the film being shot. Levy and Ben Stiller sit down together to discuss the film, Amy Adams, Robin Williams, Bill Hader, Hank Azaria, Christopher Guest, Steve Coogan, Owen Wilson, Jon Bernthal, and Alain Chabat also take some time out on set to talk about the making of the film. Viewers find out that the cast and crew shot at a museum when it was open and other interesting tidbits from shooting not only this film but the first film. Ricky Gervais starts discussion talking about working with Levy and Levy talks about the set which leads to a very in depth look at the making of the sets thanks to production designer, Claude Pare. This feature comes to an end after Adams and Stiller share their memories of filming in Central Park and the relationship between their characters…which many will find to be a great extended look into their characters. This feature was very well put together and there is no doubt viewers of all ages will come away learning so much about the making of this film.

Gag Reel (8:11) – The gag reel begins with Ricky Gervais and Ben Stiller which is the perfect start to a gag reel! Robin Williams seems to have trouble laughing through one of his scenes, many others have line trouble, there is falling (including props), and much more in this gag reel that will make you smile and brighten your day.

Phinding Pharaoh With Hank Azaria (4:50) – Levy opens this feature by talking about playing around with Hank’s character for the film as viewers then see Hank performing take after take of different accents for his character on set. While this feature does a fabulous job in showcasing how much talent Hank holds, it will be more appreciated by those who desire to become voice actors.

The Jonas Brothers in Cherub Bootcamp (3:53) – While one would think that this feature is most entertaining for just Jonas Bros fans, viewers will be gladly mistaken. Levy is the leader in getting the brothers ready to become angels for the film and it is one of the most hysterical skits ever. The brothers are put in a corner, one cries, it’s ridiculous. It’s worth the watch, and don’t feel ashamed if you watch it more than once because it is just that funny.

Six Deleted Scenes, Including Alternate Ending – The deleted scenes come with the option of commentary (by Shawn Levy) which is always a plus on any DVD so kudos! The first is “Brunden: The Director’s Cut” which is the extended scene that is much more hysterical than what made it into the film so definitely tune into this scene. “World Twister” does not further along the storyline or include Stiller or Adams and while somewhat comedic, it is better that it was cut from the film. As Levy mentions in the commentary, the audience wants to see Stiller and Adams so it was important that this was cut so the audience does not become restless. “How Many Bad Guys Can You Fit In An Elevator?” is not long in length and adds that comedic spike that is perfect for the film. Too bad it didn’t make the cut. Thankfully it made it on the DVD. “Moon Rover” benefited for character development but as Levy mentions in the commentary, the overall theme of the film has already been established, thus this is not needed. “Takin’ Em Down, Gangster Style” will make you laugh out loud but it did not further along the storyline, so it is understandable that this was cut. As for the “Alternate Ending”…if Levy wanted to be bombarded with the question regarding a third film to the franchise, this was the ending to have in the final cut. Fortunately, it wasn’t because it keeps viewers guessing!

Audio Commentaries with Filmmakers –

The first commentary was conducted by Director, Shawn Levy and Levy brings more insight than one could ever imagine! First, viewers learn a fun fact that it is actually Shawn himself who is in the informercial in the beginning of the film and next, Ed Helms was in the first Museum film but his scene was cut out. While there are loads of fun facts there are also just as much technical information that viewers will find very intriguing. Robin Williams did his own voice for the electronic version of his character which was part of the updated museum, it was not his voice sped up electronically. That is talent. The plane shown that Amelia Earheart flew is an actual replica of the same plane she flew. That is research. So much research was put into this film, it is fascinating and refreshing to see on film. Even more fascinating perhaps is that the air and space museum was a built set in Vancouver! There is so much to learn from Levy and he wastes no time in detailing everything you could possibly want to know about this film, including how it took a year for Levy to write the film and 6 months to story board it. The cast of the film participated greatly not only acting wise but sharing input, their ideas for the film which you will be thrilled to know made it in! After this commentary, I guarantee you will watch this film in an even more exciting way.

The second commentary was conducted by Writers, Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon. These guys were so animated, it was quite a joy to listen to. They will make you laugh while they fill you in on interesting tid bits about the making of the film. What many will find to be of interest is discussion on the multiple drafts of the film. The guys also give a shout out to Glee since Patrick Gallagher in the film is on the new Fox show. Thanks guys! So much more is shared in this commentary, not so much technical morseo fun memories the writers have, inspiration for many ideas that were portrayed on film, and more. It is much more entertaining when commentary is conducted with more than one person since the writers feed off of each other, so if you want to be entertained, this is the commentary for you!

Disc 2 – Monkey Mischief
There are 3 featurettes, “Monkey Business,” “Primate Prima Donnas,” and “The Secret Life of a Monkey Movie Star: Life Off Camera” and 2 games “Monkey Slap,” and “Abel and Dexter’s Flights Of Fancy” that monkey lovers will enjoy just as much as Night at the Museum films! If you’re not crazy about animals or monkeys, the second disc is a skip but if you are, it is not to be missed!

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian releases December 1, 2009.