“Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures” Arrives on Blu-ray for the First Time

ON SEPTEMBER 18th, THE MAN WITH THE HAT COMES HOME
LOOKING BETTER THAN EVER 

INDIANA JONES: THE COMPLETE ADVENTURES ARRIVES ON BLU-RAY™ FOR THE FIRST TIME, COMPLETELY REMASTERED AND INCLUDING A METICULOUSLY RESTORED VERSION OF RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK 

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (June 26, 2012) – In June of 1981 director Steven Spielberg and executive producer George Lucas introduced  the world to Indiana Jones when the unforgettable Raiders of the Lost Ark debuted in theaters. Exploding to instant acclaim, the film has now been carefully restored, alongside remastered versions of the archaeologist’s other thrilling adventures—Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.  Prepare for excitement, adventure and snakes—why did it have to be snakes?—all with pristine picture and sound when INDIANA JONES: The Complete Adventures debuts on Blu-ray September 18, 2012 from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Paramount Home Media Distribution.

Supervised by director Steven Spielberg and renowned sound designer Ben Burtt, Raiders of the Lost Ark has been meticulously restored with careful attention to preserving the original look, sound and feel of the iconic film.  The original negative was first scanned at 4K and then examined frame-by-frame so that any damage could be repaired.

The sound design was similarly preserved using Burtt’s original master mix, which had been archived and unused since 1981.  New stereo surrounds were created using the original music tracks and original effects recorded in stereo but used previously only in mono.  In addition, the sub bass was redone entirely up to modern specifications and care was taken to improve dialogue and correct small technical flaws to create the most complete and highest quality version of the sound possible while retaining the director’s vision.  The result is an impeccable digital restoration that celebrates the film and its place in cinematic history.

The installments in the franchise have won a combined seven Academy Awards®. Relive every heart-pounding thrill like never before as all four films arrive together, for the first time presented in 1080p high definition with English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio accompanied by a collection of documentaries, interviews, featurettes and new bonus features.

About Paramount Home Media Distribution

Paramount Home Media Distribution (PHMD) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.  PPC is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands.  The PHMD division oversees PPC’s home entertainment, digital and television distribution activities worldwide. The division is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment content on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, CBS and PBS and for providing home entertainment fulfillment services for DreamWorks Animation Home Entertainment.  PHMD additionally manages global licensing of studio content and distribution across worldwide digital and television distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices and emerging technologies.

Lucasfilm, Indiana Jones™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd.  All rights reserved.  All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

 

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: adventures, arrives, bluray, complete, indiana, jones, ...

Rise to Remain’s Austin Dickinson talks about new album and tour

 Austin Dickinson is the vocalist for the heavy metal group Rise to Remain. The group is set to release a new full length album titled “City of Vultures” in June. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Austin recently about the new album and the bands plans for the rest of the year.

Adam Lawton: How would you describe your album “City of Vultures”?
Austin Dickinson: It’s the product of us knocking our heads together and trying to make what we wanted to hear from a new metal band like ourselves: Fast, heavy, emotive, technical, convicted and melodic. I think that we were very meticulous in writing the songs. We wanted the whole thing to flow from beginning to end. In terms of sound, we wanted it to quite simply sound huge! That’s where Colin came in.

AL: What was it like working with producer Colin Richardson?
AD: It was amazing! He’s a huge producer in our genre and one of the best in the world at mixing. It was a massive honor to have him manning the helm along with our co-producer Carl Bown. They were a fantastic team and we’re very proud of the results.

AL: Do you have plans to release any more videos for any of the songs on the album?
AD: Well, apart from the five we’ve done already, we’re constantly throwing the idea around but who knows! Maybe it’s time for some NEW music accompanied by a video? We will never say never that’s for sure.

AL: What do you think makes this album stand out from others in the same genre?
AD: I suppose just because it’s us, it sounds like us, it’s made by us, so in that way I think it sounds pretty signature. Is it better than everything else out there? You’d have to tell me that, because I don’t know. There are some amazing bands out there, and we’re honored to be in the same league as them. Metal has a very strong representation right now.

AL: What are the bands plans for the rest of the year?
AD: We’re about to do Rock Am Ring/Rock in Germany. We just finished Sonisphere in Spain, and then we do Download Festival and continue over to the United States to be part of the Vans Warped Tour! Everything after that is top secret.

 

Related Content

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Interviews, Music Interviews Tagged With: remains, rise

Her Universe and BBC Worldwide Launching “Doctor Who” Fangirl Fashion Collection

Her Universe and BBC Worldwide Launching

Doctor Who Fangirl Fashion Collection

Los Angeles, CA, June 26, 2012 – Her Universe™, a leader in female genre merchandise, announced today a license with BBC Worldwide, to create a collection ofDoctor Who apparel for the ever-growing female fan base for the television show.

Her Universe recognized the burgeoning force of female Doctor Who fans and the need to create unique apparel and merchandise just for them. The international iconic brand and television hit Doctor Who is the longest-running sci-fi series in the world and continues to earn critical acclaim as BBC AMERICA’s highest rated series as well as the #1 downloaded series for iTunes in 2011. The new Doctor Who collection by Her Universe will premiere in July with fashion tops featuring images, characters and phrases from the Doctor Who universe all with fashion-forward designs for girls to look “Geek Chic.” To recognize their female Doctor Who fans, BBC Worldwide has created a special Doctor Who logo which will only appear on merchandise from the Her Universe collection.

Ashley Eckstein, founder of Her Universe and known to sci-fi fans as the voice of Ahsoka Tano on the hit animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars also designed and created the Her Universe merchandise. “Her Universe is a line for the fans,” said Eckstein. “Many of our design choices and decisions are influenced by our fans and Doctor Who was the #1 requested license by fangirls for us to pursue next. It was truly a dream come true when BBC Worldwide asked us to do their female merchandise and I am beyond excited to share this extraordinary announcement with our girls today! In the words of the Doctor, I feel like screaming Geronimo!”

Doctor Who apparel and accessories from the Her Universe collection will be available in the U.S. and Canada at both www.heruniverseshop.com and BBCAmericashop.com and through national retail outlets such as Hot Topic. Throughout 2012, the Doctor Who merchandise will also be available at select conventions including San Diego Comic Con.

About Her Universe
Her Universe was launched in 2009 by actress and entrepreneur Ashley Eckstein, and her partner, The Araca Group, known as one of the most innovative theatrical production and merchandise companies in the world. Her Universe was created to directly address the expanding market of female fans by entering into its first agreement with Lucas Licensing to develop and produce a line of female-centered Star Wars apparel and accessories. The success of that line was followed up with a collection for the Syfy network including such shows as Battlestar Galactica and with BBC America for its Doctor Who franchise. You can learn more about Her Universe and purchase the current line of fangirl apparel and accessories by going to www.heruniverse.com and by following Eckstein on Twitter and visiting the Her Universe Facebook page.

About BBC Worldwide Ltd.
BBC Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The company exists to maximise the value of the BBC’s assets for the benefit of the licence fee payer and invest in public service programming in return for rights. The company has five core businesses: Channels, Content & Production, Sales & Distribution, Consumer Products and Brands, Consumers & New Ventures, with digital ventures incorporated into each business area. In 2010/11, BBC Worldwide generated profits of £160 million on sales of £1158 million and returned £182m to the BBC. For more detailed performance information please see our Annual Review website: www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreview

Photo credit: – Kelsey Edwards Photography

 

 

Related Content

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: TV Headlines Tagged With: bbc, collection, doctor, fangirl, fashion, launching, ...

DVD Review “Freak Dance”

Directed by: Matt Besser, Neil Mahoney
Starring: Michael Cassady, Megan Heyn, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, Amy Poehler
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Image Entertainment
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Running Time: 97 minutes

Film: 1 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

I am big fan of Comedy Central TV series “Upright Citizens Brigade”, it was the best sketch show since MTV’s “The State”. This film though is completely un-watchable and extremely painful. I know this film originated on the stage and I have a feeling that it should have stayed on the stage. I give credit to the film’s choreography as it is decent.  The music though, feels like high school theater quality and is so ridiculously over-the-top. I really didn’t dig it at all, not one song.

The film follows, rich girl, Cocolonia (Megan Heyn) who hits the streets to join a dance crew and follow her dream of dancing.  In order to compete in a huge dance underground dance-off, she must team up with partner Funky Bunch (Cassady), she has to prove she has what it takes. Notable supporting cast is not even able to help this film succeed, like Matt Besser, Matt Walsh, Ian Roberts, Horatio Sanz and Tim Meadows. Though for a film that runs only 97 minutes, it feels well over 2.5 hours.

The special features are nothing special and forgettable. There is a commentary with writer/co-director, Matt Besser and co-director, Neil Mahoney, which is quite lame. There are a two deleted scenes and one extended scene, but I thought the film was long enough. “The Dangers of Freak Dancing” is a multi-part featurette on the dance choreography in the film and the effects of its moves.  It is just as stupid as the film is and worth skipping. Lastly there is a trailer included.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: dance, dvd, freak, review

DVD Review “Black Limousine”

Directed by: Carl Colpaert
Starring: David Arquette, Bijou Phillips, Vivica A. Fox, Nicholas Bishop, Carla Ortiz
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed: Anchor Bay Entertainment
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Running Time: 101 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

When you see this film it looks like a really trippy look inside Tinseltown, I have to say I was really taken back how decent of a film it is. David Arquette delivered a really stunning and dramatic performance. I had a real problem with the film’s cover art though as it reveals too much. “Black Limousine” also does gets a little too existential but overall it balances out and delivers an interesting little film.

The film follows Jack MacKenzie (Arquette), a divorced father, recovering alcoholic and former Hollywood composer now working as a limousine driver. Jack tries to put his life back in the right direction but constantly ends up with creative frustration, economic desperation and emotional pain. When he crosses paths with sexy and equally unstable, model/actress (Bijou Phillips), Jack’s situation gets edges deeper into madness.

The film also had a decent supporting cast including Vivica A. Fox, Lin Shaye, Tom Bower and Nicholas Bishop. If you are looking for special features, you will be disappointed as this releases does not even come with a trailer. Nonetheless, the film is a wild ride which packs a decent visual journey that will show you the effects a man’s repressed memories, depression and addiction, while trying to succeed in Hollywood.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: black, dvd, limousine, review

DVD Review “Adventure Time: Complete First Season”

 Starring: John DiMaggio, Jeremy Shada, Tom Kenny
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Cartoon Network
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Running Time: 286 minutes

Season: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

Not to complain about it…but what took some long? This show is such a cult classic already and loved by both kids and adults a like. I cannot believe there has not been a complete season DVD sooner. “Adventure Time” is Cartoon Network’s #1 hit comedy show and is also an Emmy nominated. This DVD includes all 26 episodes from season one and is packaged with a collectible slipcover that is super cool for all fans of the show. I hope that Cartoon Network plans on releasing season two-four of this show as well. More importantly where is the Blu-ray release?

The show centers around the post apocalyptic adventures of Finn, a human boy with a funny hat, and his friend Jake, a magic and mischievous dog. I have no idea what it is about this show that makes it so super cool but I absolutely love it. It is not just for kids and really aims to please adults as well. The humor is so over-the-top and zany that is leaves your head spinning with each episode. The characters are also so colorful and unique that I found myself wanting more of each one, especially Lumpy Space Princess.

The special features on the DVD are fantastic. There are commentary tracks included on various episodes, which is great to listen to if you are a fan of the series. There are a bunch of great behind the scene featurettes of the crew, the composers and more filmed by creator Pendleton Ward with his very own camera phone. There are also a bunch of animatics featuring commentary by Ward, Adam Muto, Pat McHale and Derek Drymon for the “Rainy Day Daydream,” “Slumber Party Panic,” “Dungeon” and “The Enchiridion!” episodes. There is also episode commentary tracks from cast members and special guests including: “Prisoners of Love” with John DiMaggio, Jeremy Shada, Tom Kenny and Ward; “Ricardio the Heart Guy” with George Takei, Hynden Walch, Kenny, Shada and Ward; “Tree Trunks” with Bettie Ward and Polly Lou Livingston; and “Trouble in Lumpy Space” with DiMaggio, Shada, Kenny and Ward. Lastly there is also music video included on this release.

Season one episodes include: Slumber Party Panic, Trouble in Lumpy Space, Prisoners of Love, Tree Trunks, The Enchiridion!, My Two Favorite People, Memories of Boom Boom Mountain, Ricardio the Heart Guy, Finn the Wizard, City of Thieves, The Witch’s Garden, What Is Life, Ocean of Fear, When Wedding Bells Thaw, Dungeon, The Duke, Freak City, Donny, Henchman, Rainy Day Daydream, What Have You Done?, His Hero & Gut Grinder.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: adventure, complete, dvd, review, season, time, ...

DVD Review “The Great Killing”

Directed by: Eiichi Kudo
Starring: Mikijiro Hira, Yoshio Inaba, Toru Abe
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Animeigo
Release Date: July 3, 2012
Running Time: 118 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

“The Great Killing” is the second film in Eiichi Kudo’s Samurai Revolution Trilogy. This film is quite intense for a 1964 B&W samurai film, it is graphic and contains an amazing ending battle scene to rival all battle scenes. Similar to “13 Assassins”, the film is a slow burn that really nails its finale. AnimEigo is responsible for releasing this series on DVD. The last film in the series “Eleven Samurai” will also be released later this year. If AnimEigo is reading this, I would like to see a Blu-ray set of these films in the near future.

“The Great Killing” follows Shogunate Elder who sets out a plan to rule Japan by making the Shogun’s brother Tsunashige, the next Shogun. The best strategist in Japan, Yamaga, leads a plot to stop the Elder, but the plan doesn’t work out and most of the conspirators are captured and tortured. Yamaga and his remaining swordsmen are left to battle through hundreds of guards in order to kill Tsunashige. One of the most amazing fights filmed BTW.

The DVD quality itself looks very sharp in its widescreen 2.35:1 aspect ratio, especially for a 1964 released film. The B&W print is restored really well. Animeigo released this film in its original Japanese audio with various subtitles to choose from. The extras included are nothing special but include trailers, programs notes, cast & crew bios and image gallery.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: dvd, great, killing, review

Blu-ray Review “Wilfred: The Complete First Season”

Starring: Jason Gann, Elijah Wood
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: June 19, 2012
Running Time: 286 minutes

Season: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

I have to admit, I was not aware of this show during it airing on FX last summer. I am sure glad that I had the opportunity to review the first season’s Blu-ray because it is not one of my favorite shows on television. “Wilfred” is adapted from an Australian-show, also created by Jason Gann. The show is so unique and really delivers some great laughs. Jason Gann is such a laugh riot playing Wilfred the dog, he is subtle and really steals the show. Elijah Wood is also amazing in this role, who is the only person able to communicate with Wilfred. It is a complicated and obscure relationship but very entertaining. I am looking forward to season two very much premiering June 28th on FX.

Elijah Wood stars as Ryan, a suicidal ex-lawyer, who doesn’t have the best luck. He forms a unique relationship with his neighbor’s dog Wilfred. Though Ryan sees Wilfred different from everyone else, as a weed-smoking, foul-mouthed Australian man in a dog suit (Jason Gann). The two spend a lot of time together and also get into a lot of trouble together. As the season goes on Wilfred seems to push Ryan’s sanity of what is real and what he is capable of.

The video and audio on this release are good but nothing special. The 1080p transfer is simple yet effective for this show, especially on its low-budget. The comedy really doesn’t benefit much from its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, though it does sound good. The special features on the Blu-ray are impressive. “Wilfred at Comic-Con 2011” features the show’s Comic-Con panel. There are a good 15 minutes of deleted scenes, some better than others. “Wilfred and Bear: A Love Affair” is a montage of scenes with Wilfred mating with his friend. “Maryjane Mashup” is a montage of pot-smoking scenes. Lastly “Fox Movie Channel Presents: Life After Film School with Jason Gann” is a Q&A with Jason Gann. I would have loved to seen some commentary track included for this season. Maybe on the season two Blu-ray?

 

Related Content

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, complete, review, season, wilfred

Blu-ray Review “21 Jump Street”

Directed by: Phil Lord, Chris Miller
Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Brie Larson, Dave Franco, Rob Riggle, Ice Cube
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: June 26, 2012
Running Time: 109 minutes

Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

In the mass flood of remakes, this action/comedy easily stands out as one of the best. The duo of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are a great team and really nail their roles in this film.  The film is packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, but also contains some great action as well.  A truly great blend of the genres.  Fans of the original series, will also rejoice to see great cameos from “21 Jump Street” originals Johnny Depp and Peter Deluise. I also really appreciate that first time live-action directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller really went head-in with this film and didn’t deliver a lame PG-13 film, it is balls-to-the-wall raunchy and that is why this film is so bad-ass! So the only question left is…when is “21 Jump Street 2” coming out??

The Blu-ray presentation is good for Sony’s standards.  The 1080p resolution with aspect ratio of 2.39:1, looks good but doesn’t break any records for Blu-ray.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track is great though and really delivers the action well.  This release also comes stocked with an Ultraviolet digital streaming copy, which I will be revisting quite a bit.

The special features are jam-packed with this Blu-ray release. There is an busy-yet hysterical audio commentary including Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and stars Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum.   There are about 30 minutes of deleted scenes included, some of them are fantastic and I would have loved to see an extended cut with some of them possibly included.  There is a decent length gag reel included as well.  This looked like a really fun production.  Next up is “Cube-O-Rama”, which is a short montage of Ice Cube’s scenes, not really my favorite aspect of the film.  “Back to School” and “Brothers in Arms” are two featurettes looking into the production with Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill.  “Johnny Depp on Set” is a short piece on Depp’s cameo. “The Rob Riggle Show” is a laugh-riot with some great behind-the-scenes footage.  Lastly “Peter Pan on the Freeway” focuses on the film’s big action sequence.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 21, bluray, jump, review, street

Ghoul’s Digestor talks about new album and touring with Gwar

Digestor is the guitarist/vocalist for the thrash metal band Ghoul. The band hails from Creepsylvania by way of Oakland, California and recently released their 5th full-length studio album titled “Transmission Zero”. Media Mikes had that chance to talk with Digestor briefly about the band and their plans for the coming months.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us how the concept for the band came about?
Digestor: It seemed natural. We are hooded cannibals with limited musical ability who lived beneath a fog-enshrouded graveyard.

AL: Can you tell us about the bands line-up
Digestor: I, Digestor, play guitar and sing, Cremator plays bass and sings, Dissector plays guitar and sings, and Fermentor plays drums. We are also joined by Killbot, Mr. Fang, Baron Samedi, Destructor, and our loyal and idiotic Numbskull. Each of these guys spend most of their time tripping over our cables and unplugging us while spurting various liquids into the slack jawed faces of our fans.

AL: How would you describe the band’s sound?
Digestor: Splatterthrash!

AL: What are the plans for the next Ghoul album?
Digestor: We just put the newest album out about six months ago! Hold your horses, buddy!

AL: The band just finished up a tour run with Gwar and Municipal Waste. What are the bands plans for the rest of the year?
Digestor: At the end of May we will be in Maryland playing the Maryland Death Fest and after that we go to Texas for Chaos in Tejas. We also have a few select dates with Occultist and then Toxic Holocaust!

 

Related Content

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Music Interviews Tagged With: album, band, digestor, ghoul, talk

Blu-ray Review “Deliverance: 40th Anniversary Edition”

Directed by: John Boorman
Starring: Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, Ronny Cox
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: June 26, 2012
Running Time: 109 minutes

Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Film: 3.5 out of stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

It’s really hard to believe that “Deliverance” was released 40 years ago.  I remember the first time I say this film as a kid and being completely mortified.  The film is such a classic and packs some of the most notable quotes and music in film history.  I mean who doesn’t love the “Dueling Banjos”?  This 40th Anniversary Edition release DigiBook is a real improvement from Warner’s last Blu-ray release back in 2007.  I have to say this film probably contains the best performances from its cast Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight and Ned Beatty.  If you are a fan of this movie, it is worth the upgrade if you have it on Blu-ray and if you don’t it is a simple no-brainer.

This 40th Anniversary Edition release of “Deliverance” comes in my favorite packaging, DigiBook.  I am a huge fan of this type of packaging and it really adds a lot of value for fans of the film and much better than an empty plastic case.  This film really excels it its 1080p video transfer and looks amazing with its aspect ratio of 2.40:1.  Though the spotlight of this release has to go to Warner’s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track.  It is a new lossless mix and really adds a lot to the release value.

For those looking for more value, the special features are impressive and contain a newly produced retrospective with the film’s leading men.  “Deliverance: The Cast Looks Back” runs about 30 minutes and features Jon Voight, Ned Beatty, Burt Reynolds and Ronny Cox reflecting back on the production, 40 years backs. It is a great new features.  There is a rehashed “Four-Part Retrospective” from the 2007 Blu-ray release, which covers from author James Dickey’s best-selling novel to the shooting on locations to the notable Dueling Banjos scene and many of the controversies that have surrounded this film.  There is an audio commentary track with Director John Boorma, which is decent but nothing special.  Next up there is a “The Dangerous World of Deliverance” which is an awesome vintage featurette, dated but still super cool.  Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.

Buy It 6/26 on Blu-ray™ http://bit.ly/K2TPAF
Like us on Facebook – http://on.fb.me/WBEntFB
Follow us on Twitter – http://bit.ly/WBHETW

Premise: Four city men on a weekend canoe trip pit their nerve and muscle against the churning waters of a wild Georgia river — where only three are “delivered” from the heart-pounding experience.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 40th, anniversary, bluray, deliverance, edition, review, ...

Garrett Brawith talks about directing “FDR: American Badass”

Garrett Brawith is the producer/director of the upcoming film “FDR: American Badass!”. It is a hysterical comedy starring Barry Bostwick as FDR, as his battles Nazi werewolves. Sounds crazy right? Well it is! Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Garrett about this film and what we can expect from the Blu-ray/DVD release this Fall.

Mike Gencarelli: What was the craziest experience you had working on “FDR: American Badass!”?
Garrett Brawith: The whole shoot was crazy! But there was a day where Bruce McGill and William Mapother had to play an entire dramatic scene standing over a naked man with a squirrel sticking out of his rectum. We’d all agreed not to look because frankly, dead rodents and back balls in your face can be distracting. They pulled it off like pros, but I hear they’re both in therapy now. Talk about dedicated.

MG: How did you get such an amazing cast lined up for this film like Barry Bostwick, Lin Shaye, Bruce McGill, Ray Wise and Kevin Sorbo?
GB: Our amazing casting directors, Dean Fronk and Don Pemrick helped talk them in to it, but with our movies “Poolboy, Drowning Out The Fury” and “Darnell Dawkins, Mouth Guitar Legend” coming out, they knew what they were getting in to; no-holds-barred insanity. And to their credit, they were all for it. Even actors of their caliber enjoy coming to set and just letting loose.

MG: So we got werewolves, Nazis and over-the-top racism is anything safe in this movie?
GB: No. On purpose. But I did wear a condom the entire time. Does that count?

MG: The film crosses over onto Jim Abraham/David Zucker ground via “Airplane!”, tell us about your decision to take the film that way?
GB: It often feels like everything has been done. “The Airplane” and “Naked Gun” series changed all of that by taking normal comedy and going way too far with it. I wanted to go even further. No apologies, no pulled punches, I’d like to kick the planet in the nuts and make them salute the flag at the same time. God bless America.

MG: How did this experience differ for you than your film “Poolboy”?
GB: “Poolboy, Drowning Out the Fury” was an experiment in mass comedy. We wanted to fill every second with something to make you laugh and honestly, I think we did it. FDR is a classier, stylized version, but without the class. The film looks great but it’s anything goes. We took the same philosophy as “Poolboy” and just went bigger.

MG: Tell us what we can expect from the upcoming DVD/Blu-ray release?
GB: We wanted to do something nice for the audience so there’s a special feature, 26 minute music video of me peanut butter wrestling the cast in lifesaver thongs. Because we care. Comes out September 25th, so look for it!

 

Related Content

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: american, badass, brawith, directing, fdr, garrett, ...

Film Review “Your Sister’s Sister”

Starring: Emily Blunt, Rosemarie DeWitt and Mark Duplass
Directed by: Lynn Shelton
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 30 mins
IFC Films

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

As a group of friends gather to remember their friend, Tom, tensions begin to build. Gone a year, it’s obvious that Tom meant a lot to a lot of people, including his ex-girlfriend, Iris (Blunt) and his brother, Jack (Duplass). After the gathering Iris invites Jack to spend time in her father’s cabin, assuring him the privacy and solitude is just what he needs right now. Jack accepts her offer but when he arrives he finds Iris’ sister, Hanna (DeWitt) already there. They spend a night filled with conversation and tequila. Hanna has just broken up her lesbian relationship while Jack laments his lack of a love life. Almost comically they end up in bed. But when Iris makes an unexpected visit to the cabin herself some secrets are kept while others are revealed.

Solidly acted with a smart script by director Shelton, “Your Sister’s Sister” is one of those small films that it’s a pleasure to discover. Blunt gives a very strong performance here, taking an emotional journey that most fans may not have seen her take in the past. DeWitt, probably best known for her work on “The United States of Tara” and “Mad Men,” is also well cast. But the standout here is Duplass. Better known as the writer/director, with his brother Jay, of films like “Cyrus” and “Baghead,” he makes great use of his talents here. His performance here reveals an actor of many layers. In fact, if Duplass hadn’t already been doing double duty on the recent “Jeff, Who Lives at Home,” he would have been a perfect choice for the title role.

Director Shelton makes good on the promise she showed on her last feature, “Humpday.” Her camera moves in and out of the characters conversations, making the audience feel not like they are eavesdropping but that they are a part of them. Credit also to cinematographer Benjamin Kasulke, who paints postcards of the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Northwest.

 

Related Content

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: film, review, sister, sisters
« sdf
Previous
Page 63 of 118
Next
Next Page »