Bring Home the Action-Packed, Blood-Sucking Thriller with Bite On Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™, DVD, Digital and On-Demand, December 13, 2011

“…. Colin Farrell really gets the blood pumping.”

— Alynda Wheat, People

Complete with never-before-seen, UNRATED bonus features that add to a bloody good time

 BURBANK, Calif., October 14, 2011 — DreamWorks Pictures’ Fright Night, starring Colin Farrell, arrives on December 13, 2011 just in time to take a bite out of the holidays on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™, DVD, Digital and On-Demand.  Inspired by the 1985 gothic horror cult classic and directed by Craig Gillespie (Lars and the Real Girl, Mr. Woodcock), all hell breaks loose when High School Senior Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin) discovers his charming new neighbor Jerry (Farrell) is a Vampire preying on his neighborhood.

Packed with un-rated bonus features, the Blu-ray release includes a fang-in-cheek mockumentary “Peter Vincent: Swim Inside My Mind,” a hilarious satirical look at David Tennant’s egocentric “rock star” anti-hero character, Peter Vincent; “The Official How to Make a Funny Vampire Movie Guide;” “Squid Man: Extended and Uncut;” “Frightful Facts & Terrifying Trivia;” “Deleted Scenes;” and a “Gag Reel.”  Also included is the uncensored “No One Believes Me” music video directed by Fright Night’s director Craig Gillespie and performed by hip hop recording artist Kid Cudi.

Proclaimed, “A Bloody Good Time” by Trey Alexander (Fandango.com), Fright Night features an all-star cast including: Colin Farrell (Horrible Bosses, Crazy Heart), Anton Yelchin (Star Trek, Terminator Salvation), Toni Collette (Academy Award^® nominee for The Sixth Sense, and Golden Globe^® winner for United States of Tara), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Kick Ass, Superbad), David Tennant (Dr. Who, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) and Imogen Poots (Jane Eyre, 28 Weeks Later).

Charley (Anton Yelchin) is a high school senior who’s on top of the world—he’s running with the popular crowd and dating Amy (Imogen Poots), the most coveted girl in school. But trouble arrives when Jerry (Colin Farrell) moves in next door. He seems like a nice guy––at first. But there’s something not quite right, and no one else, including Charley’s mom (Toni Collette) seems to notice. After his classmates start to mysteriously disappear without a trace, Charlie discovers that there is more to his new neighbor than meets the eye. Now he must do all he can to protect his mom and girlfriend Amy from meeting the same fate as his best friend Ed Thompson (Christopher Mintz-Plasse).

Fright Night will be available to own and for in-home viewing as follows:

3-Disc Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack (1 Blu-ray 3D + 1 Blu-ray + 1 DVD with Digital Copy)

Suggested Retail Price:  $49.99 U.S./$56.99 Canada

Bonus Features:

• Gag Reel (unrated)
• Kid Cudi Music Video (uncensored version) “No One Believes Me”
• Squid Man – Extended & Uncut
• Peter Vincent: Swim Inside My Mind
• The Official “How to Make a Funny Vampire Movie” Guide
• Frightful Facts & Terrifying Trivia
• 5 Deleted Scenes with intros by Director Craig Gillepsie (Ride to School; Neighborly; Once A Freak, Always A Freak; Midori & Kerosene; and Back at the Penthouse)

2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (1 Blu-ray + 1 DVD)

Suggested Retail Price:  $30.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada

Bonus Features:

• Gag Reel (unrated)
• Kid Cudi Music Video (uncensored version) “No One Believes Me”
• Squid Man – Extended & Uncut
• Peter Vincent: Swim Inside My Mind
• The Official “How to Make a Funny Vampire Movie” Guide
• Frightful Facts & Terrifying Trivia
• 5 Deleted Scenes with intros by Director Craig Gillepsie (Ride to School; Neighborly; Once A Freak, Always A Freak; Midori & Kerosene; and Back at the Penthouse)

1-Disc DVD (1 DVD)

Suggested Retail Price:  $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada

Bonus Features:

• Gag Reel (unrated)
• Kid Cudi Music Video (uncensored version) “No One Believes Me”
• Squid Man – Extended & Uncut

Digital (3D, High Definition & Standard Definition)

Suggested Retail Price:  3D & High Definition = $39.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada

Standard Definition = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada

Bonus Features:

• Gag Reel (unrated)
• Kid Cudi Music Video (uncensored version) “No One Believes Me”
• Squid Man – Extended & uncut
• Live in Las Vegas: An Interview with Peter Vincent
• The Official “How to Make a Funny Vampire Movie” Guide

On-Demand

For additional information and pricing, please contact your television provider or favorite digital retailer. Bonus features are not offered with On-Demand.

DISC SPECIFICATIONS:

STREET DATE: December 13, 2011 (Direct Pre-book: 10/18 / Distributor Pre-book 11/1)

Feature Run Time: 106 minutes

Rating:   U.S.: R/Canadian: CE: 14A (Bonus Material Not Rated)

Aspect Ratio:  Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray: 1.78:1 (Feature Film)

DVD: 16×9 Widescreen (Feature Film)

Audio:    Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray: 7.1 DTS-HD MA (English)/ 5.1 Dolby Digital (French & Spanish)

DVD:5.1 Dolby

Languages& Subtitles:   English and French

Film Synopsis:

Senior Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin) finally has it all. He’s running with the cool kids and dating the hottest girl in high school (Imogen Poots). But all hell breaks loose when charming Jerry Dandridge (Colin Farrell) moves in next door. Charley thinks there’s something odd about him, although no one – including his mom (Toni Collette) – seems to notice. But after too many of his classmates vanish under bizarre circumstances, Charley comes to an unmistakable conclusion: Jerry is a vampire preying on his neighborhood!

Social Media:

Those who would like to stay connected with the exciting “Fright Night” release are encouraged to:

• “Like” the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/frightnightmovie
• Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/frightnight2011
• Visit the website and mobile site: http://www.welcometofrightnight.com/#

About DreamWorks Studios:

DreamWorks Studios is a motion picture company formed in 2009 and led by Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider in partnership with The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group.  The company recently released “The Help,” which has resonated with audiences around the country and has earned over $100 million at U.S. box office.  Upcoming releases include Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse.”  DreamWorks Studios can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DreamWorksStudios and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/dw_studios.

MediaMikes and Relativity Media is pleased to present the Official Trailer for their upcoming action-packed thriller ACT OF VALOR, starring active duty Navy SEALs. 

Save The Best Piece For Last

On behalf of Universal Pictures, we are excited to announce that the RESTRICTED trailer for the upcoming comedy AMERICAN REUNION. AMERICAN REUNION reunites all the American Pie characters we met a little more than a decade ago at their high-school reunion!

AMERICAN REUNION is in theaters April 6, 2012

Synopsis
In the comedy American Reunion, all the American Pie characters we met a little more than a decade ago return to East Great Falls for their high-school reunion.  In one long-overdue weekend, they will discover what has changed, who hasn’t and that time and distance can’t break the bonds of friendship.

It was summer 1999 when four small-town Michigan boys began a quest to lose their virginity.  In the years that have passed, Jim and Michelle married while Kevin and Vicky said goodbye.  Oz and Heather grew apart, but Finch still longs for Stifler’s mom.  Now these lifelong friends have come home as adults to reminisce about—and get inspired by—the hormonal teens who launched a comedy legend.

Release date: April 6, 2012
Genre:  Comedy
Cast: Jason Biggs, Shannon Elizabeth, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Natasha Lyonne, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Tara Reid, Seann William Scott, Mena Suvari, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Jennifer Coolidge and Eugene Levy
Directed by: Jon Hurwitz & Hayden Schlossberg
Written by: Jon Hurwitz & Hayden Schlossberg
Produced by: Warren Zide, Craig Perry, Chris Moore
Executive Producers: Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz, Louis G. Friedman, Seann William Scott, Jason Biggs

American Reunion:
Official Site:  http://www.americanreunionmovie.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmericanPie

Director: Bruce Ornstein
Stars: Martin Yurkovic, Dreama Walker and Creighton James
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 95 minutes

Our Score: 1 out of 5 stars

I am not really sure how to describe this film. It tries to be serious at first but then switches gears goes campy. I am not sure it is able to handle both ends. The first thirty minutes are decent but then falls short in the second half. Honestly the acting isn’t even that bad. Martin Yurkovic  and Dreama Walker is are good in there roles.  It is Martin’s first role in fact and he does ok. There is some decent gore in the second half but it doesn’t make up for the story falling short very quickly.

The story is about a flamboyant college student that wants to be in a stage production though he finds out that he has the soul of a great vampire king. He has to choose between his friends, his destiny…and a musical number. He also has mommy issues that he is dealing with. Sounds fun…right? No. The idea of him being a “vampire king” gets lost in the shuffle, which could have made this better. Don’t even get me started on the end of the film which sealed the deal on how bad this was.

Keep Valentines day 2013 open all you “Die Hard” fans. John McClain is back…and he’s bringing his son with him.

Today during a call in to the Jim Rome Radio Show, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fox Filmed Entertainment Tom Rothman announced that production will begin this January on “A Good Day to Die Hard,”the fifth film in the popular series. Plot details were scarce but Rothman did say that the film will find Bruce Willis’ character travelling to Russia to bring back his trouble prone son, unaware of the young mans true reasons to be in the country. No one has been cast yet in the role of John McClain, Jr.

“A Good Day to Die Hard” is scheduled to open on February 14, 2013. Yippee Ki Yay!

Monique Dupree has been in over 60 films including “American Gangster”, “Life Support”, “The Replacements”, “Satan Hates You” and “Bikini Bloodbath Christmas”. She also worked as a comicbook model as well for “Gingerstein: Rise of the Undead. Dupree also known as “Tha Original Gata™ and is the lead singer of a band named Negro Childe. Movie Mikes had a chance to chat with Monique about her career and her upcoming films.

Mike Gencarelli: Have you always been a fan of the horror genre?
Monique Dupree: Yes I have. I wasn’t allowed to watch horror growing up. So I would sneak and watch anyway. I think part of the allure of it all started out being that I wasn’t allowed to watch. Then when I able to watch, it just stuck with me. I love everything about the horror genre, from old school horror, to slashers and everything in between.

MG: I read that you have done five films while pregnant, tell us about this?
MD: Well honestly, bills still have to be paid even when you’re with child, lol. I was blessed to have people that still wanted to work with me while I was pregnant. I had one film that I did while pregnant when I was running through the woods in red lingerie. THAT, was interesting.

MG: Do you have favorite role that you have played?
MD: Yes, my favorite role to date is Oria from “Shadowhunters 2: Oria” (which is not out yet). It took a long time for me to prepare for that role and my character was a snake demon, so she had no dialogue. She had to speak through body movements and emotion of the eyes and such.

MG: What has been your most difficult production to work on?
MD: I would have to say the above as well (“Shadowhunters 2: Oria”). One of the things I love about it so much was that the character was so difficult for me. I was also on set for a month which was pretty tough to handle especially being away from my children so long.

MG: Tell us about your work as a comic book model?
MD: Well, I’ve done quite afew things to date, but my most satisfying has been playing Edie Van Horn in “Gingerstein: Rise of the Undead”. I read comics, so to be a comic book model is a dream come true. I also LOVE working with the fabulous Dennis Willman. His artwork is INSANE.

MG: Tell us about some of your upcoming projects?
MD: I’m working on the upcoming film “Girl Scout Cookies”, “Alien Vengeance 3-D”, “Wade” and a TV show called “The Bronx Flavor” are just a few.

Bruce Spence is well known for his various roles including Tion Medon in “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” and the Trainman in “The Matrix Revolutions”. He also voices the shark Chum in “Finding Nemo”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Bruce about his various roles.

Mike Gencarelli: What did you like most about playing the character Tion Medon in “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith”?
Bruce Spence: Apart from the fact that I was delighted to have the opportunity to be part of the “Star Wars” family of characters, Tion Medon was a completely new character from a completely new world that George Lucas had created. In fact it was possibly one of very few new characters in this episode.

MG: Tell us about your experience working on the film and what was your inspiration for the character?
BS: As I spent quite a number of days before the shoot in makeup and wardrobe I had a fair bit of time to absorb Tion Medon. The dialogue was that of a rather ancient leader with considerable authority, obviously of some stature and experience. However his makeup tended to contradict the dialogue with his fierce simian features and rather nasty teeth. He had the visual appearance of a creature who could be construed as someone who might not have good intentions which gave me the opportunity to challenge that in my performance. However any actor will tell you that contrasts and contradictions like that make for a much more interesting character to play.

MG: How long was the make-up process for the character from beginning to end?
BS: Well firstly we began weeks before the shoot day with the prosthetic department taking a plaster cast of my head and hands. This is not a very comfortable experience as the plaster is quite a weight on your head; you are completely encased apart from a couple of straws protruding from your nostrils to allow you to breathe. This process takes at least a half an hour and the relief of having the cast removed is enormous. The prosthetic folk then take a mold of my head and build up the face of Tion Medon upon that. Often George Lucas came in and contributed advice etc. Eventually, when they were satisfied with the image and they made the prosthetic pieces for my head. I came in to the makeup department for a few tests to see just how it would look on me and to experiment on the makeup. Eventually when everyone was happy we tried it all with the costume. So you can see that there was an enormous amount of thought put into just how the whole appearance of Tion Medon would end up. After about the fourth or fifth visit everyone was happy. We had decided not to use the bottom pair of false teeth as I looked too fierce, and that the marks on the face were now just right. So come the first day of the shoot we knew that it was going to take four and a half hours so I was up very, very early. The hours in the makeup chair while I was becoming Tion Medon on the outside gave me time to become Tion Medon on the inside. One must have a lot of patience. The makeup took more than two hours to come off as well, so it was a long day.

MG: You recently played Lord Rhoop in “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” and then range to comedies like “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls”, do you enjoy working in comedy?
BS: I enjoy exploring all sorts and ways of experiencing the human condition. Comedy though can be very difficult. It is a big help to have a good script!

MG: “Dark City” is one of my favorites, how was it working on that bizarre film during its production?
BS: I spent three months with my head shaved. It was only then that I realized that your head is probably the one spot on your body that is unexplored until you shave it off. I found old scars and bumps that brought back a lot of forgotten memories.
I loved working with Alex Proyas, the director, he has a wonderful imagination. Even though I had little to do I loved working on that film. The story concept was fantastic.

MG: You lent your voice to the shark Chum in “Finding Nemo”, tell us about working on that film?
BS: That was also a privilege, the Nemo creative team were an absolute delight to work with. I put down my voice in Sydney Australia while they were live in San Francisco like a giant skype set up. It was the first time I had put down a voice for an animated feature film and I loved it. We had a script but once we had the character down we put down a few little improvised lines in case they needed them. Once you find your character it is hard to stop coming up with new stuff.

MG: Your role of “The Mouth of Sauron” ended in the director’s cut of “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”, tell us about how you got that role and working on the film?
BS: It was really a last minute thing I seem to recall. I just got a call right out of the blue. The director knew my work but little did I know I would be hidden under that damned helmet that I found impossible to see out of. So there I was, blind as a bat under this helmet after a four hour long makeup, sitting on a horse that hated the armor it had on which led it to keep trying to shake it off. It was not a very comfortable day.

MG: Your character of Trainman from “The Matrix Revolutions” is so notable, how did you get involved with that project?
BS: The directors Andy and Larry Wachowski, knew of my work and I guess they saw something of the Trainman in me. I loved that role; The Trainman was a rather cheeky sort of guy who stood out in the intensely serious world of the Matrix. Mind you the Wachowski brothers are rather mischievous as well. We seemed to see the character exactly the same way. I found it rather easy to fit into that guy and loved the experience enormously.

MG: Tell us about how you became involved with both “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior” & “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” playing different roles?
BS: I had acted in a few low budget films in Australia before Mad Max and had met George Miller on a few occasions. Once again it was a sort of last minute thing. I had heard they had been auditioning actors for quite a while and was beginning to think I had missed out. Then I got a call, hurried over to pick up a script, went away for about an hour and came back for the audition. As the world of Mad Max was so unique and George wanted something different from the first Mad Max I just acted on instinct. Boy when I heard I had got the role I was delighted but I had no idea at all just how big a part it would play on the future of my career. “Beyond Thunderdome” was also very last minute. The shoot was well underway when I was approached to play Jeremiah the pilot. Apparently they had put off casting the role as they kept thinking of actors to play the role but still seem to lean towards me. The stumbling block was finding a character that was like me but not me, as it was another story. Anyway I got the call and it was described to me as being sort of like the character I played in “The Road warrior” but not like him – if you see what I mean.

MG: What do you have planned next upcoming?
BS: I have just been on tour doing a bit of stage work. Who knows what is around the corner?

In conjunction with the release of her new book, “Growing Up with William Holden,” his daughter Virginia Holden will appear at a benefit screening of director David Lean’s masterpiece “The Bridge on the River Kwai.” The screening will be held at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Nebraska on Friday, November 4, 2011 and will benefit the Nebraska Kidney Association.

The 1957 film stars William Holden, Alec Guiness and Jack Hawkins and received seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Lean) and Best Actor (Guiness).

Copies of the new book will be available for purchase at the event and Ms. Holden will be available for autographs. This is the 29th Class Film Event presented by Bruce Crawford and his Omaha Film Event organization. Previous screenings include “The Godfather,” “Jaws,” “Singing in the Rain” and “Young Frankenstein.”

Tickets are $20.00 and are available at all Omaha area HyVee Food Stores. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door the night of the screening. For more information, or to find out how you can obtain tickets from outside the Omaha area, please call (402) 932-7200. For more information on Bruce Crawford and previous Omaha Film Event screenings go to www.omahafilmevent.com.

Directed by: Tim Chambers
Starring: Carla Gugino, Ellen Burstyn, Marley Shelton, David Boreanaz
Quaker Media
MPAA Rating: G
Runtime: 100 minutes

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to sports inspiration films, it is usually not my cup of tea. Don’t get me wrong though, if it is got I usually will get into it. I enjoyed the recent film “The 5th Quarter”. The film was fast paced and inspiring but it felt out of balance in parts and off-sides with its story. This film has been shelved for a while since it was made in 2009 and I understand why. But I am sure that this film will find its audience with the catholic groups and with fans of sports movies…just not with me.

in case you don’t already known this is based on a true story and takes place in 1971. Cathy Rush (Carla Gugino) who chooses to work as a women’s basketball coach. The college team at Immaculata College are no good and in fear of being shut down for good. Under the lead of Cathy, she decides that this is the year for the team and does everything she can to accomplish that goal.

The cast is great but not used to their full potential in this. Carla Gugino is damn good in the recent film “Sucker Punch” but seems to be holding back in this one. Ellen Burstyn is always wonderful but also is too secondary of a character to real shine. The same goes for David Boreanaz, who is just swept aside as the husband figure. He character feels just added in at last minute.

Directed by: Mark McQueen
Starring: Danny Dyer, Craig Fairbrass, Jaime Murray
Distributed by Vivendi Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 93 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Ever since “28 Days Later” made zombies popular they have become very “in” in Hollywood. I enjoy a zombie movie just as much as the next person (even though the “Resident Evil” series seriously is loosing major steam). This film is decent and I definitely enjoyed it. It is not just your typical zombie rip-off. It is slow-paced with character development, some decent jumps and great effects. The quality of the film overall looks like has a decent size budget.

The plot is nothing new a pharmaceutical company is testing with drugs and SURPRISE people turn into zombies. We follow Cole, who is mercenary killer who searches for a cure for this zombie apocalypse before he turns into one himself. He is met up with a group of people that are trying to survive. One of the woman’s DNA in the group holds the key to survival. It is up to Cole to help save the day before it is too late. Before you ask…YES, the zombies are fast moving, kick some ass and there is show off some great stunt work in the film.

The special features are slim but decent and definitely watchable. We have some Behind-the-scenes featurettes, which are good because they go into some good parts of the films production. There are also some deleted scenes, not spectacular but worth a watch for sure. Even though it takes place in London, this is not “28 Days Later” but it also not a waste of time. Check it out!

Directed by: The Vicious Brothers
Starring: Sean Rogerson, Juan Riedinger, Ashleigh Gryzko, Mackenzie Gray, Merwin Mondesir
Distributed by Tribeca Film Festival
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 95 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

I am sure everyone has had their fare share of first person POV shaky hand fake documentary films but this one stands out from the lesser imitations. If you like “Ghost Hunters” and all those paranormal shows, then you will like this for sure. This packs some decent scares and good visual effects for a low budget film. The film sags a little bit in the middle but there are also some good twists throughout the film that keeps it moving.

The story is simple and done before but this one packs a different little twist. it is told in “true story/missing footage format” ala “the Blair Witch Project” or “Paranormal Activity”. We follow the crew of TV series “Grave Encounters” as they prepare to shoot an episode inside the abandoned psychiatric hospital. Of course once they check-in to the hospital…they might have a hard time checking out.

The extras are short but definitely enjoyable with an interview with the Vicious Brothers and Producer Shawn Angelski. It is definitely informative and gives insight into the film. I also enjoyed the “Making of Grave Encounters”, which is obviously a behind the scenes into the production.

Directed by: Alex de la Iglesiasia
Starring: Carlos Areces, Antonio de la Torre, Carolina Bang
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 107 minutes
Distributed by: Magnet Releasing

Film: 1.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Honestly, how can you go wrong with a story about a clown that goes nuts and goes on a rampage. Well, in this case the film tries to go a lot deeper than it needs to. The film starts off decent and gives some interesting back story to show that this isn’t just a slash ’em up horror film. It very quickly though gets lost though in it uninteresting story and forgets to bring the “wow” factor. Towards the last 15 minutes of the film, I was even considering just turning it off…it is just very long and drawn out. I would have just been happy if the film focused just on troubled clown who took one day of shit too much and lost it.

This busy story starts in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War, where a man in a clown suit massacres an entire platoon with a machete (good stuff like I said starting off). The man gets put in jail for life and his young son, Javier is left alone. Fast forward to 1973, Javier is trying follows in his father’s footsteps but falls for his bosses beautiful acrobat wife, Natalia. The three end up in a love triangle that leads to the boring…(I mean thrilling) events in the third act.

The extras on the disc are not great and nothing is in HD. The first feature is “Making of The Last Circus” is just your typical featurette with behind the scenes etc. There is a 7 minute montage of behind the scenes footage, not very exciting at all. The most interesting feature is about the film’s visual effects, which talks about the post-production contains over 600 effects shots. Then all that is left is a U.S. and an International Trailer and Teaser. Underwhelming extras for an underwhelming movie.

Here is the much anticipated trailer for MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS, which hits theaters on May 4, 2012.

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/marvel/avengers/

Scott Rosenbaum is the writing and director of the new film “The Perfect Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll”. The music road trip film and stars Kevin Zegers, Jason Ritter and legend Peter Fonda.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Scott about working on his first film and also what he has planned next.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about when was “The Perfect Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll” was shot and about its road to release?
Scott Rosenbaum: We shot in the summer in 2008 and finished post production in spring of 2009. So it has been a little over two years ago that we finished. It is interesting because people see that and it is not necessarily count as a strike against the film but they become suspect. I find that strange. It is my first feature film and independent film work is so challenging right now because everything has dried up. It was challenging in the first place to get the film made but then once we finished it, it was right around the beginning of the economic crisis and it made everything more difficult to get it released, especially for a first time filmmaker. We persevered and did what we had to do to finally get it out.

MG: What did you like most about working on “The Perfect Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll”?
SR: It was really a labor of love for me. I grew up in Long Island and playing in bands since I was 12 years old. So I have a love of music and the history of music. I have always been involved and around filmmaking but I didn’t go to school for that. I went to school for journalism. I finally committed to complete a screenplay and to just go for it. The whole process is gratifying just being able to shoot the film and get that kind of a cast to come out and work with me on my first feature. Also to be able to put all that music in the film that I grew up loving and wanted to be apart of this film to tell the story. The whole process was really fantastic for me.

MG: Tell us about the working with Kevin Zegers and Jason Ritter and legend Peter Fonda?
SR: Each of them brought some much to their character and to the creative process. The directing background that I have is from New York based theater. One of the consistent themes that I focused on was experimentation. All of these actors were so giving and into their roles. They each elevated the writing to a better place. Fonda, of course, is a Hollywood legend and it is clear that “Easy Rider” is a big influence on the film and probably every road trip film. He was very generous with the “Easy Rider” legacy” and letting us toy with it and utilize it within our film. As far as Kevin and Jason, I cannot say enough about those guys. It is hard enough to act as a musician, that was definitely a challenge from casting. They pulled it off beautifully. Kevin sang all of his own vocals and Jason was a musician already. Most of the songs were done by Steve Conte who is the lead guitarist for the New York Dolls. Jason was able to follow the notes, strumming patterns and makes it look great. Those guys definitely nailed it.

MG: How do you feel that this film relates or differs from other music films?
SR: There has been a lot of criticism and it is a little frustrating for me. Some critics are saying it is a knock off of “Almost Famous” and it is like they didn’t even watch the film. I do not think that is the case at all. Anytime you make a rock and roll film, there is a set path you need to walk. What I think is different about this film is that it is focused on the evolution of them music and the relationships within the music business. I think we struck out on our own and laid some new trials that I do not think have ever been touched on. I wanted to make a really gritty real feeling film for what it feels like to be on the road and in a band. I hope that comes through.

MG: Who are some of your favorite artists and where they influential in the movie?
SR: That is another one of the things I wanted to portray in this film that I do not feel is touched on at all in a narrative feature is the evolution of rock and roll from the blues. There has always been talk about how the rockers stole the blues from the blues men. It is interesting but no one has really picked up on it yet but I tried to make this film very layered with a deep story. Things like putting the blues music behind the flashback Spyder scenes.  All of those blues songs were chosen because they were either done by bands like Led Zepplin, The Allman Brothers and Eric Clapton. All songs that were made famous by rock band that are household names but were from blues artists, who were more or less obscure. I tried to layer the narrative between Eric and Spyder in that way by portraying all the great blues music I grew up loving thinking it was initially The Rolling Stones or Led Zepplin or The Doors when it was actually Muddy Waters or Willie Nixon and other great blues artists. That is definitely one way that this film sets itself apart. I came to the blues the way that many from the white audience came and that is through rock and roll. Blues are really one of the great art forms given to us along with rock and jazz.

MG: Was the concert footage more difficult for you to shoot then the rest of the film?
SR: Yes for sure, it was something I was very conscious of. There was some definite reference that I wanted to go over with my cinematographer before we shot. One thing to note, I was very fortunate to work with Tom Richmond and I believe it was his 40th feature film. He also did everything from Pearl Jam’s “Jeremy” video to many of the 90’s Foo Fighters videos. We went through a lot things I wanted to evoke in those music scenes. The small roadhouse bar has one particular feel to it. The big concert scene was very much influenced from 90’s rock band like Guns ‘n Roses, Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson. I think we did a very good job capturing the essence of what those moments would have looked and felt like.

MG: What do you have planned next?
SR: Good question, well in that blues bar scene, all of those musicians are veteran blues men from Delta and Chicago. They are a dying breed and I look at them as a natural treasure. They are just the most beautiful guys you will ever meet. We set out while we were in post to make a documentary about these blues men and the rock stars I just mentioned. We had a concert in LA and had band members from Jefferson Starship, The Doors and Dave Matthews Band. Our plan is once we get the balance of the financing is to put on another concert and bring out the real heavy hitters of blues rock to highlight the fact that they blues-men represent the legacy of American root music which in turn become rock and roll. My goal is to make a modern day version of “The Last Waltz”. Then I am also writing my follow up script which will be my second feature film as well.

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Directed by: William Wyler
Starring: Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet, Stephen Boyd, Hugh Griffith
Distributed by: Warner Bros.
MPAA Rating: G
Running time: 212 minutes

Overall Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Ben-Hur” is such a classic film and it is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary this year. Warner Bros is giving this film the real ultimate collector’s edition. Not only it is packed with great content (which I will get to shortly), for this release, “Ben-Hur” has undergone a $1 million restoration. Warner Bros. performed a frame by frame restoration from the original 65 mm negative making this the highest resolution restoration ever completed by the studio. It is no joke and it really deserves the high praises. To get to the new goodies includes first we get an all-new high-definition feature-length documentary called “Charlton Heston: A Personal Journey”. This chronicles Heston’s life while filming Ben-Hur. The other new feature is called “Charlton Heston: The Ben-Hur Diaries”, which is a first-time exclusive look into an Oscar-winning actor’s experience while making an award-winning film. Along is those feature an actual reproduction of Charlton Heston’s personal diary is includes which dates from January 1958 through April 1960. There is also an exclusive hardbound book with rare photography, production art and reproductions from the original theatrical press book. Wow…right? So amazing!

The Blu-ray itself includes the movie split over two discs and features some really crisp and clear Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio. The special features on those discs are commentary by film historian T. Gene Hatcher with scene specific comments from Charlton Heston. There is also an amazing music-only track showing off the terrible memorable score by Miklos Rozsa. Disc three features “Charlton Heston: A Personal Journey”, which we talked about already. It runs about 80 minutes as well. There is the 1925 Silent Version of “Ben-Hur” includes. Next up is the 2005 documentary “Ben-Hur: The Epic That Changed Cinema”, which shows Ben Hur’s influence on today’s films. Heading back another decade or so, we then have the 1994 Documentary “Ben-Hur: The Making of an Epic Hosted by Christopher Plummer”. A very interesting extra is next called “Ben-Hur: A Journey Through Pictures” it is a travel through the film with stills, music and storyboards…very interesting. There are about 30 minutes of screen tests, which is fun to watch since it is aged 50 years. If you dig vintage, then you will love the old newsreels galleries from the film. Lastly there is highlights from the 1960 Academy Awards ceremony. Great extras on a wonderful Blu-ray release. This really earns the title of Ultimate Collector’s Edition.

Synopsis: Experience the visual splendor, thundering action and towering drama of this record-setting Academy Award-winning film. Charlton Heston, in his Best Actor Oscar-winning role, is Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman in Palestine whose heroic odyssey includes enslavement by the Romans, vengeance against his tormentors during a furious arena chariot race and fateful encounters with Jesus Christ. Best Director Oscar-winner William Wyler masterfully grips the reins of an enduring and spellbinding spectacular.