The stars and filmmaker of the new indie film DIRTY GIRL are speaking up and helping to spread the message, it gets better.

The film tells the story of a pair of mismatched misfits who must discover each other and themselves through a funny and serendipitous friendship. Abe Sylvia’s touching story of growing up in an intolerant place shares the universal message of hope, making it a great fit with author Dan Savage’s “It Gets Better” project.

For more information visit: www.itgetsbetter.org

Watch the video now below:

COMCAST BRINGS ANNUAL “HALLOWEEN MOVIETHON” COLLECTION WITH
MORE THAN 200 OF THE BEST SILVER SCREEN SCARES TO XFINITY ON DEMAND AND XFINITYTV.COM

WHAT: During the month of October, Xfinity On Demand and XfinityTV.com are serving up more than 200 movies in a comprehensive collection of classic and current horror and monster films, from edge-pushing slasher and giant monster epics to family-friendly animated scares in its “Halloween Moviethon” collection.

Xfinity On Demand

Xfinity On Demand’s “Halloween Moviethon” offers instant access to a bevy of the greatest movies that can get any member of the family into a scary holiday mood, from the vampire-obsessed teens to the 20-somethings and Scooby-Doo loving toddlers.  The films are grouped according to genres, such as: Creepy Classics, Frightful Family Fun, Horror Franchises and Scream with Laughter. Highlights include:

Creepy Classics

• The Birds
• Bride of Frankenstein
• The Shining
• Carrie
• Alien

Frightful Family Fun

• Young Frankenstein
• Addams Family Values
• Edward Scissorhands
• Ghostbusters
• It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
• Men in Black

Horror Franchises

• Friday the 13^th (starts 10/7)
• Resident Evil
• Halloween (starts 10/7)
• Saw
• Final Destination
• The Grudge
• Underworld
• Human Centipede (starts 10/12)
• A Nightmare on Elm Street (starts 10/7)
• Romero’s Living Dead (starts 10/7)

In addition, to help make this Halloween even more haunting, Xfinity On Demand will be offering a slew of activity-oriented programming just for kids.  This varied content includes activities such as costume making, pumpkin carving, magic tricks and much more and can be found at Xfinity On Demand>Kids>Kids Picks>Halloween.

XfinityTV.com
XfinityTV.com is also hosting films, including classic creepers like The Exorcist, The Amityville Horror (1979) The Phantom of the Opera, Village of the Damned, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse and Bride of Chucky along with special Halloween themed TV episodes including HGTV’s Halloween Block Party and VH1’s Scream Queens, to get revelers in the mood for the season of scary.

WHEN: Now throughout the month of October

WHERE: For the “Halloween Moviethon” collection, customers can go to Xfinity On Demand >Top Picks>Halloween Moviethon or visit XfinityTV.com.

For kid-friendly activities customers can go to Xfinity On Demand>Kids>Kids Picks>Halloween.

About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is one of the nation’s leading providers of entertainment, information and communications products and services. Comcast is principally involved in the operation of cable systems through Comcast Cable and in the development, production and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and other content for global audiences through NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is one of the nation’s largest video, high-speed Internet and phone providers to residential and business customers. Comcast is the majority owner and manager of NBCUniversal, which owns and operates entertainment and news cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, local television station groups, television production operations, a major motion picture company and theme parks.

Tyler Mane is best known for his role of Michael Myers in Rob Zombie’s reboot of “Halloween”.  Tyler is currently producing films through his company Mane Entertainment.  Movie Mikes got a chance to chat with Tyler about his work and also what he has planned upcoming.

Mike Gencarelli: How do you prepare for a role when you come on board a film?
Tyler Mane: Well it all depends on what you are doing.  With something like the iconic Michael Myers role.  I watched the other films to see what the other Michael Myers did and I wanted to bring something extra to the role.  You start my breaking down the script, reading it and seeing what you can bring the role.

MG: You got a chance to play one of horrors greatest villains, Michael Myers, how can you reflect on that experience?
TM: It just crazy how it came about.  I was up in Canada, getting ready to talk with producers about another project.  The phone rings and it is Rob Zombie.  He says “Hey, I want you to play Michael Myers for me for my “Halloween” film”  You could tell I did not know a lot about horror because I said “Why would I want to wear a hockey mask” [laughs] and Rob goes “You dumbass, it is not Jason it is the William Shatner/Michael Myers mask”.  He then explained his vision for it and I was on board.  It was such a fantastic experience to bring that character to live just by body movement.

MG: Tell us about the differences between working on “Halloween” and “Halloween II”?
TM: It was like working with family, after everyone caught up on what everyone had been doing it was down to business. For me it was how was I going to top the first “Halloween”. I spoke with Rob and we both agreed that we needed to amp up the kills and I think right out of the gate with the nurse we did that!

MG: With “Halloween 3D” announced for 2012, are you going to be taking over the role again?
TM: We will see… I do know that they finally have a date locked in now.  I have talked with them the first time about it back after “Halloween II”.  They put it on the shelf for a while and now they are starting up again.  So we are going to see what happens.

MG: What would you say is your most difficult role to date?
TM: The one thing I was concerned about most was Michael Myers because you do have no dialogue.  I wanted to get it right because the fan following for “Halloween” is just insane.  I wanted to also make sure I brought what I need to to the role.  But I also wanted to give Michael Myers the depth and humanity that I think he deserves.  He is not just a one dimensional character.

MG: What is your favorite genre to work in?
TM: I started with action.  When I was young kid watching pro wrestling and action movies, I thought I wanted to be an action star.  So I got to do some of that and I am doing some horror.  Through Mane Entertainment, we are doing “247ºF”, which is a thriller, then we are doing a supernatural thriller and then we have a horror thriller coming after that.  So we are staying along the genre and hoping the fans will like them.

MG: What can you tell us about your new film “247ºF”, which you star and produce?
TM: I came on board that project and we shot it in Tbilisi, Georgia.  The cast is Scout Taylor-Compton, Travis Van Winkle, Michael Copon, Christina Ulloa and myself.  It is the first time that Scout and I are reuniting since the “Halloween” films.  We are looking at that coming out sometime this Fall.

MG: You are working on your production company, Mane Entertainment, is that currently your primary focus?
TM: It is the best way to do the projects you want is to create them yourselves and do them through your own company.  That is what we are doing with Mane Entertainment.  With producing you get to step on to the other side of the fence so to speak.  It has been an interesting eye-opening experience.  For the female roles in “247ºF”, we had over 1,000 submissions.  It is crazy to see the other side of it.  You really understand the other side of the business.

MG: What else do you currently have planned?
TM: We are going back to there to Georgia for a project called “Compound Fracture”, which will be coming out in 2012.  Then we starting a web series called “Chopper” that I am also co-producing, which we are releasing this Fall.

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Michael Perez is the executive producer of the new documentary retrospective “More Brains! A Return to the Living Dead”.  Michael has also worked on last year’s documentary “Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Michael about his new film and also what we can expect next.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about your latest project “More Brains! A Return to the Living Dead”?
Michael Perez: “More Brains” is a full feature documentary retrospective on the cult classic “The Return of The Living Dead”. Featuring Interviews from Every living cast member of the 1st film, and we have some great special features on parts 2 and 3 as well, featuring interviews from Michael Kenworthy and Suzanne Snyder.

MG: How long does the film run and tell us about the DVD release?
MP: The film is a 2 Hour featurette with about 2 hours of bonus features. And will be released on Oct 18th 2011.

MG: Out of the five “Return of the Living Dead” films, what do you like most about each of them personally?
MP: Personally I only saw the first three, and each one brought something different. Each one got a different reaction out of me. The first film is more relatable than the others. When you see the kids (Thom Mathews / Beverly Randolph) and how they ran with that click, there is always clicks like that in high school. You have the sweet princess and then you have all the way down to the trashy girl. I think alot of people relate to it that way.
The 2nd film was just kind of like the 1st film re-done in a more comedic way. And the 3rd was a tragic love story. So each of those films bring something new.

MG: What was your most exciting interview that was scored for the project?
MP: That is a hard question, each person gave us something different. It really showed each person’s personality. But I have to admit, John Philbin is a truly funny guy.

MG: How do you feel that the zombie genre has changed over the years since “The Return of the Living Dead”?
MP: Well to be honest I don’t think it has changed that much, I think it changed when “ROTLD” came onto the scene. I feel that it was different before that. They all want brains…

MG: How does this project compare to working on “I Am Nancy” and “Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy”?
MP: “I Am Nancy” is a great documentary, but more in live time. Where the cameras are following Heather around at all times. But as to the comparison of “Never Sleep Again” and “More Brains”… we go in depth and get every detailed story that the fans would want to hear. And we did have some of the same crew members such as (Producer and Editor) so you do get that fantastic NSA feel. I know the fans are going to love it.

MG: So we got “Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Return of the Living Dead” covered, what’s next?
MP: You never know. I have been so lucky to have been a part of some of the most amazing retrospective Documentary’s and I love doing them. I get to learn everything that everyone else wants to know too. So this is just the beginning, where the road goes from here… who knows?

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• Interview with Thommy Hutson

Thommy is the producer and writer of the new documentary retrospective “More Brains! A Return to the Living Dead”.  Thommy has also worked on such documentaries as the recent “Scream: The Inside Story” and “His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Thommy about his new film and also what we can expect next.

Mike Gencarelli:  Tell us about your involvement with “More Brains! A Return to the Living Dead” as producer and writer?
Thommy Hutson: I was approached by Michael Perez and Beverly Randolph, both of who had seen some of the previous docs I had worked on, to see if I would have any interest in putting together the definitive documentary on “Return of the Living Dead.” A bunch of different thoughts flew through my mind: in addition to producing, would I direct? And write? In the end, I decided the best thing for me to do was guide the project as a producer only, but I’ll say that I pressed to make this one really creative and really fun, very much like the movie itself. The original film is scary, funny, sexy and gory, so I wanted to make sure there was a way to tie all of those elements together. In terms of writing, it made a lot of sense to go to the authors of the definitive chronicle of the movie, Gary Smart and Christian Sellers. I am a huge fan of the film, but they invariably had the most insight into the making of the film having written the book on the subject. But, I loved overseeing everything, offering my advice, notes, suggestions and a few creative touches that, hopefully, make the show an engaging, fun and informative look. It was a blast to pull the team together, all of whom did a great job under tight deadlines — and more than one or two days of high-level stress (just ask our incredible editor, Michael Benni Pierce!). One of my main goals was to make sure Michael Perez and Beverly Randolph were happy because I knew if they were, fans would be, too. They have their finger on the pulse of why fans love this movie and what fans want to see. I feel good that we’ve achieved something they’ll enjoy and appreciate. As a fan myself, even I had fun learning a bunch of new things!

MG: What do you feel that “Return to the Living Dead” series compares to other zombie films?
TH: It’s one of the first zombie movies to be a bunch of different things, and combine them so well. As I’ve mentioned, it’s scary, funny, sexy, gory. The music is great, the characters are cool and distinct. It’s just a wild ride. I think many other zombie films before it were out for the gore of someone undead tearing apart and eating someone living. “Return” was different from the get go and it was refreshing. Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I am a huge fan of the Romero films and love them for everything that they are: smart, scary, gory, interesting, satirical and a real chronicle of what’s going on in society – or where we’re headed if we’re not more careful. They are also thought-provoking (I’ll go a step further and reveal that I think “Day of the dead” is my favorite of those films. Those characters were such archetypes of people in our world). Starting with “Night of the Living Dead,” I think George Romero, John Russo and the group did something with zombies that was fresh and scary. They set out to be different back then, and it worked. I think the same can be said of “Return.” It set out to be different, too, not because it needed to prove something, but because it could be different so long as it worked, and Dan O’Bannon pulled it off. All of the elements that maybe at first glance shouldn’t gel for a zombie film totally did. He pulled it off brilliantly.

MG: What can we expect as per extras on the DVD release?
TH: More “Return of the Living Dead” than you could hope for (at least I hope)! The main feature is two hours long as we really tried to leave no stone unturned and get to hear the tales from the beginning idea to the legacy of the film, as told by the incredible people who made the movie a reality. As for extras, we have: A Conversation with Dan O’Bannon: The Final Interview, They Won’t Stay Dead: A Look at Return of the Living Dead Part II, Love Beyond the Grave: A Look at Return of the Living Dead 3, Stacey Q Live! Exclusive “Tonight” Music Video, Even More Brains: Deleted Documentary Interviews, Return of the Living Dead in 3 Minutes and Resurrected Settings: The Filming Locations Today. We wanted to give as complete a look at the film and how it was made, what it means and why it lives on. The main feature is a blast, especially since we have the entire main cast together for the first time talking about the film. The bonus features just augment everything and emphasize why the movie lives on.

MG: How long did the project take to complete from conception to release?
TH: Things started to get rolling in January of this year, so the whole process was about 10 months. I like to think of the documentary as my overdue baby!

MG: What was one of the biggest challenges with this project compared to your other documentaries? like “Scream: The Inside Story” and “His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th”?
TH: Oh, challenges and how I love them. On every project the challenges are the same and different. I will say, and the team will back me up, that I was a broken record when it came to saying, “we have to keep getting materials!” (again, ask our wonderful production supervisor, Lito Velasco, who was on the receiving end of my pleas). Materials like pics and footage and the like are so important to projects like this. Not just from a production standpoint in terms of making sure you can cover things, but you want to keep things engaging and visually interesting. It’s also keeping in mind that we want to showcase relevant, interesting and, as much as possible, never before seen things. And, of course, the biggest enemy is always time (a post-production thanks to our awesome post sound guru, Justin Cruse; he worked wonders on our tight schedule and the show shines because of it). No matter how much prep you have, there are times when you feel you are staring down a deadline with guns loaded at high noon in the old west! Somehow, you get through it and it is all worth it. It comes down to planning, a great team, loving the subject and what you do. Thankfully, I’ve been blessed with all of that!

MG: Where can people get more information and purchase the dvd?
TH: We have a great website with excusive content and all the information on the project: www.getmorebrains.com. You can also purchase the dvd through the site right now. And, if you do order directly from us, you get the exclusive 12″x18″ folded commemorative poster by original “Return of the Living Dead” poster artist, Carl Ramsey. And, as an added, awesome incentive, the poster will be signed by Beverly Randolph, Brian Peck and James Karen! I’m super excited about that. You only get that if you buy directly from us.

MG: You’ve covered “Scream”, “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Friday the 13th”, what’s next?
TH: I don’t kiss and tell, but keep a watchful eye. I have a few rabbits in my hat itching to come out. 🙂

Directed by: Wes Craven
Starring: David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere
Distributed by: Dimension Films
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 111 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

I was a big fan of then first “Scream” film and maybe even the second film, but definitely not the third film. I had trouble re-watching “Scream 3” earlier this year to play catch-up before seeing “Scream 4”. I figured that this new film has to be better than the third…right? New cast but also the original cast returning and Wes Craven directing…sounds like a no brainer. Unfortunately this one is just as lame if not more so than the third film. The twists are predictable and the film plays it very safe and by the book with no major surprises. Overall fans of the “Scream” franchise should stick with the first film and leave this one on the shelves.

The fourth film returns to Woodsboro for the fifteenth anniversary of the original murders. A new Ghostface has its sights on re-creating the murders…again, when Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) returns to Woodsboro to promote her new book. Of course things get personal again and we have a repeat of “Scream 3” just with better technology. Been there done that. Wes Craven seems to really have lost his edge and might want to stick to directing drama like “Music from the Heart” and leave the horror to the pros.

The Blu-ray presentation is solid, looks good for a horror film and the sound delivers the few scares the film does have very well. The special features are decent and are more interesting than the film itself. The best part of this film was the multiple opening scenes references the “Stab” franchise. We get a new “Alternate Opening” and “Alternate Ending”m which are decent. Wes Craven provides a commentary not only for the feature but for the 15+ deleted scenes included. I enjoyed hearing why certain decisions were made…it doesn’t make it any better but still interesting to here someone’s side. We get a “Making Of…” Featurette which is interesting and worth at least one watch. Lastly there is a gag reel, which really doesn’t fit in with the genre but I am sucker for a good laugh.

For those of you who prefer a digital download, it is also included on this Blu-ray release along with a DVD version of the film as well.  “SCREAM 4” is also available for digital download on iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Xbox and Playstation – just in time to get you in the Halloween spirit.
Amazon Prime: http://www.amazon.com/Scream-4/dp/B00552MPS8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1316533335&sr=8-4
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/scream-4/id446341181

Eddie Lee Sausage & Mitch H. are the guys behind the audio vérité recordings of Peter J. Haskett and Raymond Huffman, which turned into cult comedy tape series “Shut Up Little Man!”. The tapes were released commercially in 1992 and since has blown up in this phenomenon which latest spawned a documentary about the guys “Shut Up, Little Man! An Audio Misadventure”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Eddie Lee Sausage & Mitch H. about the film and also this cult phenomenon.

Mike Gencarelli: Where did your involvement begin in terms of the documentary?
Eddie Lee Sausage: I received an email from Matthew Bates, who was the director of the film. I started off by telling that we had been approached several times before about doing a documentary. What I had done with those who had asked in the past was to have them send me some of their previous work. The stuff I received prior to this was so wretched that I didn’t think the project would work. Matt sent me some of his previous films, which I thought were exceptionally well done. I thought Matt’s style was something that could really work and had a lot of potential.

MG: What was it like revisiting all the tapes and photos for the documentary?
Mitch H: The first place we shot was in Wisconsin. We had a lot of fun shooting there. I have a pretty extensive collection of photos all cataloged, so I gave those to the guys to use. They ended up scanning quite a few of the photos from that era.
ELS: The “Shut up Little Man!” phenomenon seems to come in waves. A lot will happen for two years then nothing seems to happen for three years. I had taken about a year and a half starting in 2008 putting together a detailed website www.shutuplittleman.com. I put up all of the stories, videos, artwork and photos I had gotten from Mitch on that site. Within about six weeks of the site going live Matt called about the documentary. It was a great time to do it because everything was still fresh in my mind from working on the website.

MG: What has been your response towards the recognition the film is receiving?
MH: I am still in awe. I never expected the film to do so well. It’s been a lot of fun and a wild ride. Everything is just very surreal.

MG: Have you guys attended any of the screenings?
ELS: We attended the screening at Sundance as well as the one in San Francisco and a number of others. We have got to meet a lot of great people and be a part of some fun Q and A’s. It’s really been a lot of fun.

MG: Going back in time how do you feel the things in the film would relate to pop culture if they were done today?
MH: It’s hard to say what the end result would have been if we were recording this material today. It might just be here and gone. In the mid 90’s, you had to have something tangible. You had to have a cassette tape in your hand that you could give to someone. It’s wasn’t like today where you have something in a PDF format and you just email it. I think things would have been immensely different.
ELS: Ray and Peter are extremely unique. It’s not just another neighbor or any other drunk. There is something hilarious about the two’s personal dynamic. These two are beyond any standard loud next door neighbor.

MG: Do you guys still listen to the tapes today?
ELS: I go through waves of listening to them. When we released to full tapes in 2008 I didn’t ever really want to listen to the things again! I had been personally doing a lot of the engineering at that point. Mitch and I live half way across the continent from each other and probably every other day or so we end up texting a line or two from “Shut Up Little Man!” It lives on that way.

MG: What do you think is next for “Shut Up Little Man!”
ELS: Were hoping to do commemorative statuettes of liquor for Peter and Ray (Laughs). I’m joking. Maybe bobble heads or a clothing line with dried vomit on it. There are a lot of marketing ideas [laughs].

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DISNEY AND DISNEY•PIXAR FAVORITES POISED TO RETURN TO THEATERS IN 3D

‘Beauty and the Beast,’ ‘Finding Nemo,’ ‘Monsters, Inc.’ and ‘The Little Mermaid’ Will Make 3D Theatrical Debut in 2012 and 2013 

BURBANK, Calif. – October 4, 2011 – On the heels of the phenomenal success of The Lion King 3D – which will cross the $80 million mark at the domestic box office today – The Walt Disney Studios has announced limited theatrical engagements for four of its classic films for the first time in 3D. The following titles from Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios will be released in 2012 and 2013:

• Beauty and the Beast – January 13, 2012
• Disney•Pixar’s Finding Nemo – September 14, 2012
• Disney•Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. – January 18, 2013 (Monsters University, a prequel to the original film, arrives in theaters in Disney Digital 3D on June 21, 2013)
• The Little Mermaid – September 13, 2013

“Great stories and great characters are timeless, and at Disney we’re fortunate to have a treasure trove of both,” said Alan Bergman, President, The Walt Disney Studios. “We’re thrilled to give audiences of all ages the chance to experience these beloved tales in an exciting new way with 3D – and in the case of younger generations, for the first time on the big screen.”

Originally released in 1991, Beauty and the Beast is a classic “tale as old as time” that follows the adventures of Belle, a bright young woman imprisoned in the castle of a mysterious beast and his enchanted staff, who must learn the most important lesson of all – that true beauty comes from within. Beauty and the Beast was the first animated film ever nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Picture, earning an additional five Oscar® nominations and winning two. It has grossed $380.4 million worldwide.

First released in 2003, Disney•Pixar’s Finding Nemo takes audiences into a whole new world in this undersea adventure about family, courage and challenges. When Marlin, an overly cautious clownfish living in the Great Barrier Reef, helplessly watches his son get scooped up by a diver, he must put aside his fears of the ocean and leave the safety of his coral enclave to find Nemo. Buoyed by the companionship of Dory, a forgetful but relentlessly optimistic fish, Marlin finds himself the unlikely hero in a seemingly impossible land-and-sea rescue. Finding Nemo won an Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature and was nominated for three others. With a total of $867.6 million worldwide, it was the second highest-grossing film of 2003.

In 2001, Disney•Pixar released Monsters, Inc. Lovable Sulley and his wisecracking sidekick Mike Wazowski are the top scare team at Monsters, Inc., the scream-processing factory in Monstropolis. But when a little girl named Boo wanders into their world, it’s up to Sulley and Mike to keep her out of sight and get her back home. Monsters, Inc. shattered every DVD-era home entertainment sales record when 11 million DVD/VHS copies were sold during its first week of release. It won an Academy Award® for Best Song and has grossed $526.9 million worldwide.

Released in 1989, The Little Mermaid, stars Ariel, a fun-loving and mischievous mermaid, off on the adventure of a lifetime with her best friend, the adorable Flounder, and the reggae-singing Caribbean crab Sebastian. But it will take all of her courage and determination to make her dreams come true and save her father’s beloved kingdom from the sneaky sea witch Ursula. One of the most celebrated animated films of all time, The Little Mermaid was nominated for three Academy Awards®, winning two. It has grossed $228.9 million worldwide.

ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

For more than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under four banners: Walt Disney Pictures, which includes Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel; and Touchstone Pictures, which includes the distribution of live-action films from DreamWorks Studios. Original music and motion picture soundtracks are produced under Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records, while Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Broadway theatrical productions, Disney on Ice and Disney LIVE!.  For more information, visit www.waltdisneystudios.com.

Starring: Martin Sheen, Deborah Kara Unger and James Nesbitt
Directed by: Emilio Estevez
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 55 mins
Elixir Films

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

This past weekend my wife and I attended an engagement party for our son. While there I did the “dad” thing and contemplated the last twenty seven years. There is no stronger bond then the one between father and son. And no more is that statement proven then in the new film, “The Way”.

Dr. Tom Avery (Sheen) is a small town optometrist who seems content with his life. He has his practice. He has his golf game. And, occasionally, he has contact with his son, Daniel (played in flashbacks by director Estevez). It’s been some time since the two were in the same room. Daniel took off for France, much to the chagrin of his father, who scolded him about his life choices. “You don’t choose a life,” Daniel informs him, “you live one.” One day Tom receives the phone call all parents dread. Daniel has died. Tom makes the trip to France to retrieve his body. Little does he know that he is about to embark on the most important trip of his life.

Smartly written and directed with a master filmmaker’s eye, “The Way” is one of those films you’ll want to see again and again. The film takes place along a trail known as El Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage that begins in France and ends 800 kilometers later in Spain, where the remains of the apostle St. James are rumored to be buried. Tom learns that Daniel had begun to make the journey, passing away before he could reach the first check point. Faced with Daniel’s hiking gear and blank passport (there are many towns on the route and pilgrims receive colorful stamps on their passport at each one), Tom decides to honor his son’s memory by completing the journey himself. Though he wants to be alone with his grief, he soon meets up with fellow travelers from around the world. Joost (Yorick van Wageningen), a Dutchman, is making the journey to lose weight. Canadian Sarah (Unger) wants to quit smoking. The American priest (played by the great character actor Matt Clark) hoping to beat cancer. And the writer from Ireland (Nesbitt), whose novel is due soon, though he can’t come up with page one. Each has their own reasons for their pilgrimage, and the absolution they hope to find when the journey ends. As Tom makes his way, scattering bits of Daniel’s ashes as he goes, he begins to understand why Daniel was making the trip. And in doing so he finds a part of himself he thought had been lost.

Is there a more underrated actor working today then Martin Sheen? For more than five decades he has often been the best thing in many a film or television show. In “The Way” he gives a strong, mannered performance, touching every level of emotion. He is supported by an ensemble of talented actors, each breathing genuine life into their characters. Director Estevez, following up the outstanding “Bobby,” continues to grow as a filmmaker. Be it the expansive landscape or the intimate conversations, he keeps the film sharply paced, allowing us to take the journey with Tom and his companions. The film has been beautifully photographed by Juan Miguel Azpiroz, with many scenes looking like postcards that have come to life. The musical score, by popular horror film composer Tyler Bates, is first rate, keeping perfect time with the action on screen.

MARVEL STUDIOS TO PRESENT EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS AT NEW YORK COMIC CON

Producer Kevin Feige and Select Cast Members to Appear Saturday, October 15^th in the IGN Theater – Presented by Sprint!

Norwalk, CT, October 4, 2011: New York Comic Con (NYCC) is proud to announce Marvel Studios, for the first time ever, will participate in this October’s NYCC. Marvel Studios will present a special event in NYCC’s IGN Theater – Presented by Sprint on Saturday, October 15^th from 6:30-7:30 PM, a high-profile panel focused on the upcoming feature film Marvel’s The Avengers. Marvel Studios will debut never-before-seen footage from The Avengers, and panelists will include Kevin Feige (Producer), Chris Evans (Captain America), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Clark Gregg (Agent Coulson), and Cobie Smulders (Agent Hill). The Avengers is scheduled for release on May 4^th, 2012.

The sixth annual New York Comic Con will take place October 13-16, 2011 at the Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan. NYCC, which attracted 96,000 attendees in 2010, celebrates comics, movies, television, toys, games, and the popular arts from around the planet. Tickets are now on sale via the website www.NewYorkComicCon.com, with limited 4-Day tickets remaining.

“I am incredibly honored Marvel Studios has decided to participate in New York Comic Con in such a significant way,” notes Lance Fensterman, Group Vice President for ReedPOP and Show Manager for NYCC. “The center of our show is creating exclusive opportunities for fans to meet their favorite stars and creators. The Avengers presentation is exactly this kind of once-in-a-lifetime event. We’re very excited to be able to host cast and crew from The Avengers and know our fans will be on the edges of their seats. As always, we want to present the very best that the pop culture world has to offer in art and entertainment, and The Avengers panel is at the head of that list!”

As previously announced, Marvel will also be bringing high profile comics guests to New York Comic Con including Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer of Marvel Entertainment, Axel Alonso, Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief, and notable Marvel creators Jason Aaron, Matt Fraction, Kieron Gillen, and Stuart Immonen.

“Marvel’s The Avengers” is the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Joss Whedon “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effectswhen “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in summer 2012.

“Marvel’s The Avengers,” is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures.  The film is being produced by Marvel Studios’ President, Kevin Feige, and executive produced by Alan Fine, Stan Lee, Jon Favreau, Patricia Whitcher and Louis D’Esposito. Marvel Studios’ Jeremy Latcham and Victoria Alonso will co-produce. The film will be released May 4, 2012.

For further information about all ReedPOP shows and activity, please visit Lance Fensterman’s blog, www.MediumAtLarge.net. Convention organizers note that many more guests will be announced over the next few weeks leading into the show and fans should keep their eyes on NYCC’s website and blog for additional comics, entertainment and anime announcements.

ABOUT MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT:  Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years.  Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing.  For more information visit www.marvel.com.  Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark.

ABOUT REEDPOP: ReedPOP is a boutique group within Reed Exhibitions which is exclusively devoted to organizing events, launching and acquiring new shows, and partnering with premium brands in the pop culture arena. ReedPOP is dedicated to producing celebrations of popular culture throughout the world that transcend ordinary events by providing unique access and dynamic personal experiences for consumers and fans. The ReedPOP portfolio includes: New York Comic Con (NYCC), Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2), Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) East & West, Star Wars Celebration V, New York Anime Festival (NYAF), and UFC Fan Expo. The staff at ReedPOP is a fan based group of professionals producing shows for other fans, thus making them uniquely qualified to service those with whom they share a common passion. ReedPOP is focused on bringing its expertise and knowledge to world communities in North America, South America, Asia and Europe.

Directed by: Alastair Fothergill, Keith Scholey
Narrated by: Samuel L. Jackson
Distributed by: Disneynature
MPAA Rating: G
Running time: 89 minutes

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

I have been a big fan of Disneynature’s films since “Earth” and look forward to them each Earth Day. What is different about this film is that it is categorized as a “true life adventure”, which means it actually follows a scripted story in a sense within the real-life footage. The film plays more like an action film than a documentary. It is packed with some good laughs and also some cover you nail moments and bite you nails. I think that film film take’s Disneynature’s series into a new direction.

The film focuses on a young lion cub named Mara being raised by her single mother, Layla. As well as a mother cheetah named Sita who is raising five newborns. Lastly we also follow Fang, the leader who is protecting his pride from a banished lion. Th animals are all put in situations where they must figure out the best way to survive. This is definitely one wild-ride and not just some boring documentary. The co-director Alastair Fothergill also worked on “Earth” and brings his unique vision and story to this film. I am very excited to see his next project with Disneynature called “Chimpanzees”, its looks really cute and funny.

The Blu-ray picture is fantastic and very clear. It is so beautiful that it easily captures every strand of hair from our animals as well as every blade of high grass in the Savannah. The sound is also superb and works well with Samuel L. Jackson’s narration. The special features on this disc are good but not stunning. This film took like five years to make so I was hoping for a backed extras section. The first is called “Filmmaker Annotations” it is a Picture-in-Picture experience with crew interviews, featurettes, additional clips, pop-up trivia and factoids. It is easily the best feature on the disc. “Disney & Nature” is quick feature which looks into the conservation projects and theme park attractions that Disney supports and offers. “Save the Savannah” focuses on the fund-raising associated with “African Cats” and their efforts to preserve lands in the Savannah. Jordan Sparks video is included for another song she did for Disney titled “The World I Knew”. Lastly their are some sneak previews for the next Disneynature film “Chimpanzee” and many more upcoming releases.

Directed by: Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise
Starring: Robby Benson, Paige O’Hara, Richard White, Jerry Orbach, Angela Lansbury, David Ogden Stiers, Bradley Michael Pierce, Jesse Corti and Rex Everhart
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
Running time: 84 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 Stars
Extras: 5 out of 5 Stars

Running of the success of “The Lion King 3D” comes Disney’s latest 3D conversion. I must say that “Beauty and the Beast” has always been one of my favorites in the Disney catalog. The music is just so fun and sweet. I am not sure why Disney did not follow in the footsteps of “The Lion King” and release this 3D version theatrically, since it is just as good if not even a little better in parts for a conversion. Like I said in my review for “The Lion King 3D”, yoy may seem hesitate with 3D conversions recently since every studio are doing it left and right. You also wonder how a film that is almost 20 years old and also being hand drawn animation is going to convert to 3D. Well Disney delivers again a flawless 3D presentation. This film just leaves you wanting more and just proves that Disney knows how to do 3D right and breathes some new amazing detail into this already amazing film.

The presentation on this 3D Blu-ray are just out of this world. If you are fan of Disney even in the slightest then you have obviously seen this film…many…many times. Watching this film on 3D Blu-ray was like I was seeing it for the first time. The detail on the color and pictures were just extraordinary. The ballroom dancing scenes are just the best and so visually vibrant. I think that those were the scenes they even tested the 3D out on to begin with and they are just perfect. Like always Disney provides the best 7.1 surround sound tracks and works so well with the music and songs in the film which are just so magical. If this release isn’t amazing enough it also comes equipped with a special Extended Edition running at 92-minutes along with the included 85-minute theatrical cut.

The special features on the disc are packed as usual since Disney’s extras always aim to pleasure. The first feature is a “Storyreel Picture-in-Picture Experience” where you can view the theatrical cut with a early version of the film that features rough animation, hand-drawn storyboards and other artwork. If you enjoy audio commentary features Producer Don Hahn and co-directors Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale as they critique the Special Extended Edition. Very interesting commentary and very detailed. The Special Extended Edition offers a “Sing Along Mode” but I am sure everyone knows all of the words already. One of the best features on this set is “Beyond Beauty”, presented in HD and runs almost three hours. It is an interactive, feature-length behind-the-scenes documentary with some amazing bonus content. Also HD fans, we get about 30 minutes of deleted scenes introduced by former Walt Disney Studios chairman Peter Schneider. “Composing a Classic” focuses on composer Alan Menken chatting about the songs and musical score. “Broadway Beginnings” discusses in depth the Broadway adaptation of the film. Jordin Sparks music video for her version of “Beauty and the Beast” is included like in the Diamond Release as well. Kids will surely enjoy “Enchanted Musical Challenge” and “Bonjour – Who Is This?” both interactive games. Rounding down are the classic DVD Bonus Features presented in SD and running just over an hour. Lastly, the sneak previews included on this set are not as good as “The Lion King 3D” and are the same as last year’s “Beauty and the Beast” Blu-ray release.

Directed by: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
Starring: Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Moira Kelly, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Rowan Atkinson, Robert Guillaume, Madge Sinclair, Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, Jim Cummings
Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: G
Running time: 87 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 5 out of 5 stars

Alright so we have all seen “The Lion King”, many many times and the film only seems to get better for a film made over 17 years ago. We are excited about watching this film for two reasons, one it is the first time it is has ever been restored and released in high definition Blu-ray and the other is the fact that it was converted to 3D. When I hear that Disney is converted their films into 3D, you just know it is being done right. Honestly, I was in awe by the 3D effects that were created for this film. Between “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, “Beauty and the Beast” and this film recently, Disney has me on the end of their finger. I have to admit that this is honestly one of my best Blu-ray’s that I have the privilege of owning. If you are looking for a reason to purchase that 3D TV, this will definitely give you the nudge that you need.

Of course we all known about the story of “The Lion King”. This film is going to be passed down from generation to generation over the years and will never be forgotten, nor will it’s story. The music in the film is so fantastic and has not aged a day. The Blu-ray presentation on this disc is so vibrant and beautiful that I had to go back and watch it a second time right away just to make sure that I experienced everything. You are not sure what to expect from a almost 20 year old hand drawn animated film but it really surprises and shocks you. Disney never skimps on the sound for its Blu-ray either, this one also included amazing 7.1 surround sound. Every piece of grass, every word in the songs are heard perfectly.

The special features on the film are just as special as the film itself. For fans of Audio Commentary, producer Don Hahn and co-directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff deliver a good time. “Pride of The Lion King” is a 40 minute new retrospective producers, Walt Disney World heads and other cast and crew members discussing the film, its production and its legacy. “The Lion King: A Memoir – Don Hahn” is exactly what it says it is a look back to Don Hahn in 1994 working on the film. The next feature is a collection of extras from Disney’s Virtual Vault and were only available via Disney’s online “Virtual Vault.”
There are 15 minutes of Deleted & Alternate Scenes presented in HD, “Zazu Flatters Mufasa,” “King of the Wild,” “Scar Wants Nala As His Queen,” “Simba and Nala Reunited” and “Zazu Flatters Scar.”The Morning Report is an extended scene brings a song written for the musical to animated life. Bloopers & Outtakes are always fun to watch when it comes to an animated feature. Another HD feature an art gallery with hundreds of images ranging from Character Design to Visual Development to Storyboards and Layouts and Backgrounds. A cool feature for kids (and parents) is a Sing-Along Mode with the film’s songs, karaoke style. Lastly the sneak previews on this disc are actually amble and worth nothing with trailers for some films like “Lady and the Tramp”, “Tinker Bell and the Pixie Hollow Games”, “Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings”, “Prep and Landing: Naughty vs. Nice” and “Treasure Buddies”.

WB Home Entertainment Holiday are released some great classics on Blu-Ray and DVD Oct. 4.  Media Mikes will be covering all of these releases with reviews throughout the holiday season.  For now check out some information below on these great releases

Frosty’s Winter Wonderland, Deluxe Edition

Synopsis: From beloved song to animated holiday classic: Frosty meets his match in a glistening Remastered Deluxe Edition! Andy Griffith, Shelley Winters and Jackie Vernon lend their voices to this captivating cartoon about the Snowman?s winter return to the children of a small town for a winter season of fun and games. But he?s lonely at night when left by himself. So the grateful kids build him a beautiful snowlady companion. Jealous of the attention given Frosty, Jack Frost blows up a blizzard and swipes Frosty?s magical, life-giving hat. Only true love can bring Frosty back to his old fun-loving self. Two songs that have proven to be enduring seasonal favorites highlight the soundtrack: Frosty the Snowman and Winter Wonderland.

Official Site: http://bit.ly/pLQtFB

The Smurfs Holiday Celebration

Synopsis: Deck the halls with Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy, Jokey and all the other true blue friends in these absosmurfly charming animated specials from The Smurfs TV series. In ?Tis the Season to be Smurfy, young Sassette Smurf discovers the true meaning of the season when the Smurfs befriend an elderly human couple who have no money to celebrate Christmas. Then, in The Smurfs Christmas Special, the wicked Gargamel plots to ruin Christmas for the Smurfs and with the help of an evil stranger, he destroys the Smurf?s village. But even with no Christmas decorations or holiday feast, the Smurfs still have a smurfy song in their hearts. Will Gargamel feel the Christmas spirit this year? Dash through the snow to give your family the smurfiest gift of the season!

Official Site: http://bit.ly/qcdx3c

Twas the Night Before Christmas (BD)

Synopsis: A holiday sourpuss brings Santa to the rescue of a small town?s Christmas. For some unexplained reason, letters to Santa Claus are being returned to the children of Junctionville. It seems some resident has angered St. Nick, calling Christmas ?a fraudulent myth!? Skeptical Albert Mouse has to be brought to his senses ?and let up a little on the wonder why.? How Albert is persuaded to change his tune paves the way for Santa?s jolly return to town ? and the joyous finale of the animated fable inspired by Clement Moore?s poem and produced by the merrymaking conjurers of Rankin/Bass Studios. The voice talents of Joel Grey, Tammy Grimes, John McGiver and George Gobel make this festive fable even more fun.

Official Site: http://bit.ly/qmdc2d

TIMELESS SOUND-ERA FILMS FROM THE LEGENDARY HAL ROACH LIBRARY DEBUT IN ONE EXTRAORDINARY DVD SET  FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE U.S.

LAUREL & HARDY: THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION

Digitally Remastered And Digitally Restored, Loaded With Over Two Hours Of Special Features, The Spectacular 10-Disc Set Arrives October 25 From RHI Entertainment And Vivendi Entertainment

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – Celebrating the genius of the most beloved comedy team of all time, LAUREL & HARDY: THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION debuts in a stunning 10-disc set on October 25, 2011 from RHI Entertainment and Vivendi Entertainment. With a comedic style that defined an era and created a legacy that is still celebrated today, 58 of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy’s talking shorts and feature films, produced under legendary movie mogul Hal Roach from 1929 through 1940, are now available for the first time in the U.S. all together in one magnificent collection.

Transferred in high definition for the first time and digitally enhanced for home viewing in the finest quality available to date, the set contains favorites that have been enjoyed for generations including Helpmates, Hog Wild, Another Fine Mess, Sons of the Desert, Way Out West, and the Academy Award^® winning film The Music Box.

LAUREL & HARDY: THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION comes housed in collectible, book-style packaging with an extensive, detailed film guide. The set also boasts over two hours of special features including exclusive, never-before-seen interviews with comedy legends Dick Van Dyke, Jerry Lewis, Tim Conway and more, who discuss the enduring impact and influence of Laurel and Hardy.

Additional features include commentaries by Laurel and Hardy aficionados, along with a virtual location map that allows viewers to take an interactive tour of the iconic places in and around Los Angeles where Laurel and Hardy filmed. Available for the suggested retail price of $99.98, LAUREL & HARDY: THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION showcases some of the most cherished and hilarious films in cinema history and is a must-have for comedy fans and collectors everywhere.