Miley Cyrus in 'Hannah Montana: The Movie' on DVD August 18 (includes 'The Climb' video)

 Hannah Montana: the Movie Blu-Ray cover from press kit.

Hannah Montana Television Program

When "Hannah Montana" debuted on the Disney Channel on March 24, 2006, little did an unsuspecting world realize that it was witnessing the birth of a billion-dollar empire. The TV show, which has been renewed for its fourth and final season, has spawned Hannah Montana dolls, clothes, accessories, stationary, CDs, diaries, schoolbags, pencil-cases, stickers, posters, singing pens, and now a movie.

Hannah Montana: The Movie

Hannah Montana: The Movie was released in theaters on April 10, 2009. Since much of the filming was done in Columbia, Tennessee (right outside of Nashville) in the spring of 2008, Hannah Montana: The Movie has many local connections including its Christian stars Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus. The film has the same appeal as the television series: a talented young singer with modest acting skills, her equally talented father and his stronger acting skills, and a cute if improbable story of a superstar teen trying to live a normal life.

What I don't like about the Hannah Montana television program and movie are the heavy-handed gags and the lack of any segue between scenes where Miley (or Hannah) walks into a situation where she is not expected to sing, and suddenly right as the microphone is thrust into her hands, her band and background singers appear like magic on stage behind her. 

Hannah Montana: The Movie is 102 minutes long and rated G.

Hannah Montana: The Movie Soundtrack

Miley Cyrus is a strong singer, and the songs on Hannah Montana: The Movie are catchy, sometimes even moving. Standouts include "Butterfly Fly Away" and "The Climb." Miley Cyrus may not be billed as a gospel music artist, but she is well on her way with faith-based songs like "The Climb."

Hannah Montana: The Movie will release on Blu-ray Disc and DVD on August 18, 2009. The Hannah Montana: the Movie soundtrack released on March 24, 2009.

Also see:

Disney Hannah Montana Keeping it Real, a DVD Review

Does Hannah Montana Make You Sick?

Teen Celebrities & Role Models

Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience - Deluxe Extended Movie review

The gospel according to 'Twilight's' Paramore ('Twilight' and 'Christian Sandwich' videos included)

Gospel Music 101: Who is Luke Benward? Movies, music and more

Gospel Music 101: Which gospel artists live in Nashville? Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, TobyMac...