GHOST IN THE SHELL Limited Steelbook Packaging with Exclusive Mondo artwork coming to Blu-ray + Digital HD March 14, 2017

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – (December 13, 2016) The groundbreaking anime film Ghost in the Shellarrives on Blu-ray + Digital HD with limited-edition Mondo key art in collectible Steelbook packaging from Anchor Bay Entertainment on March 14, 2017. The groundbreaking anime celebrated the 25thanniversary of the original Manga in 2014. Directed by legendary anime director Mamoru Oshii, Ghost in the Shell questions human existence in the fast-paced world of the information age, this award-winning, cyber-tech thriller has established itself as one of the leading Japanese animation films of all time.

A female cybernetic government agent, Major Motoko Kusanagi, and the Internal Bureau of Investigations are hot on the trail of “The Puppet Master,” a mysterious and threatening computer virus capable of infiltrating human hosts. Together, with her fellow agents from Section 9, they embark on a high-tech race against time to capture the omnipresent entity.  Ghost in the Shell took the world by storm in the mid-90’s, exhibiting a new dimension of anime with unprecedented, mesmerizing cinematic expression. Seamlessly merging traditional animation with the latest computer graphic imagery, this stunning sci-fi spectacle challenged the boundaries of mainstream animation with detailed artistic expression and a uniquely intelligent story line. Veteran director Mamoru Oshii skillfully creates the ultimate anime experience in this futuristic masterpiece based on the groundbreaking comic book by Masamune Shirow.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Season 1 and Season 2 previously only available on DVD will be arriving on Blu-ray for the first time on February 21, 2017. Ghost in the Shell  will be available on Blu-ray  from Anchor Bay Entertainment on March 14, 2017 for the suggested retail price of $34.99.

To learn more about the film, please visit www.anchorbayentertainment.com.

ABOUT ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT
Anchor Bay Entertainment, a Lionsgate company, is a leading independent home entertainment company that acquires and releases a wide array of theatrical and home entertainment content, including STARZ Original series, children’s programming, fitness (Anchor Bay Fitness), sports and specialty films on Blu-ray™ and DVD formats. The company has long-term distribution agreements in place for select programming with The Weinstein Company, AMC Networks and RADiUS, among others.

GHOST IN THE SHELL Blu-ray™ + Digital HD
Street Date: March 14, 2017
Pre-book: February 8, 2017
Catalog #: BD64909
UPC: 013132649092
Run Time: 82 Minutes
Rating: Not Rated
SRP: $34.99
Format: English: Dolby 5.1 DTS-HD
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 1:78:1g
Audio: Subtitles: English, Japanese

“My Little Pony: The Movie” Coming to DVD January 27, 2015

FEATURING THE VOICES OF Danny DeVito, Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman, Rhea Perlman, Tony Randall and more

 Los Angeles, CA – Travel back in time to the 1980s, MY LITTLE PONY-style! My Little Pony: The Movie is coming to DVD on January 27, 2015 in the U.S. and Canada from Shout! Kids in collaboration with Hasbro Studios.  The animated film has been newly restored, making Ponyland look brighter than ever!

 The first day of Spring is on its way and the Little Ponies are preparing for it with a big festival. But all the fun may come to an end if the witch Hydia has her way! Can the Ponies defeat Hydia and her evil daughters, Reeka and Draggle? More importantly, can they save Ponyland from the witches’ concoction, the strange purple goo called Smooze, that’s threatening to bury the whole town?

 With an all-star voice cast, including Danny DeVito, Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman, Rhea Perlman, Tony Randall and more, My Little Pony: The Movie is a rollicking adventure you’ll want to see again and again!

Also Includes:

Sing-Alongs

“The Godfather” and “The Godfather: Part II” Coming to Kansas City

Talk about how times have changed! In 1972, thanks in part to several members of a pro Italian-American group, Francis Ford Coppola’s film “The Godfather” spent opening day playing to an empty theatre in Kansas City. According to Thomas Gialde, vice president of the Italian-American Unification Council of Greater Kansas City at the time, his group “strongly oppose a kind of prejudice the picture can cause.” He made these comments to reporters in the lobby of the Empire theatre.

Four decades later, the film, as well as it’s Oscar winning sequel, return to the scene of the crime. These days the Empire is better known as the Kansas City Alamo Drafthouse and this Sunday, September 7, the Alamo is presenting a double-feature performance of both films, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are just $15.00

Nominated for a combined (22) Academy Awards and winner of (9) Oscars, including (2) for Best Picture, “The Godfather” and “The Godfather: Part II” are still considered, forty-years after their release, to among the greatest American films ever made. If you haven’t seen them on the big screen here is your chance!

For more information visit:

http://drafthouse.com/movies/the_godfather_double_feature/kansas_city

www.Facebook.com/AlamoKansasCity

Twitter: @AlamoKC

Disney on Ice Presents “Frozen” Coming to Orlando, FL

Feld Entertainment, Inc., Brings the #1 Animated Movie of All Time to Life

with Disney On Ice presents Frozen in Orlando

Tickets On Sale June 3 for Touring Skating Spectacular
Featuring Dynamic Sisters Anna and Elsa, Appearing for the First Time in a Live Production

 

ORLANDO, Fla. (May 20, 2014) – Feld Entertainment, Inc., the worldwide leader in producing live touring family entertainment, today announced that its 34th Disney On Ice spectacular will bring the Academy Award®-winning and number one animated feature film of all time, Disney’s Frozen, to life.  Disney On Ice presents Frozen visits Orlando from September 5 to September 7 for seven performances at the Amway Center; tickets go on sale June 3 at 10 a.m.

The Academy Award® winning tale will be told live for the first time in this production, capturing the dynamic between two royal sisters, Anna and Elsa.  Anna, a girl with an extraordinary heart, embarks on an epic journey to find her sister, the magical Elsa, who is determined to remain secluded as she finally feels free to test the limits of her powers.    Rugged mountain man Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, the lovable and hilarious snowman Olaf and the mystical trolls help Anna along the way in this story about love conquering fear.  Audiences will get to sing along with such musical masterpieces as “Let it Go,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Fixer Upper.”

“In our more than 30 years of producing Disney On Ice shows, Feld Entertainment has been waiting for a film like this,” says producer Nicole Feld.  “While it might seem obvious that Frozen is well suited for the ice, this Disney On Ice production will touch audiences emotionally through innovative show elements and world-class skating.”

Frozen directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee add, “Seeing audiences around the world embrace Frozen has been the experience of a lifetime.  And to now have the chance to consult with the talented team at Feld Entertainment and watch their creation come to life on ice, is thrilling.”

In Disney On Ice presents Frozen, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse take the audience through the magical story based in Arendelle, with special appearances by beloved Disney princesses and favorite characters from Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story and Finding Nemo and Disney’s The Lion King, who come together to prove that true love is the greatest power of all.  Director Patty Vincent says, “Our goal is to showcase these heartwarming characters in a way that allows the audience to cheer and sing along throughout this emotional journey.

To create a completely immersive experience for the audience, the set design will encompass the space from the ice surface up through the air, drawing everyone into the story and closer to the characters. Families will feel that they are trekking up to the North Mountains with Anna, Kristoff and Sven, and they will tangibly experience the storm inside Elsa.  Elsa’s magic will be enhanced by state-of-the art special effects while her emotions will be conveyed through powerful skating.

 

Where: Amway Center, 400 West Church Street – Suite 200, Orlando, Florida 32801

Dates and Times of Performances:          

Friday, September 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 6 at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 7 at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

 

Ticket Prices and Purchase:

Tickets start at $16.  $65 Front Row, $39 Premium, $30, $22, $16

(Ticketmaster service charges and facility fees not included.) All seats are reserved, and tickets are now on sale to the public.  Tickets are available atwww.DisneyOnIce.com or www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the Amway Center box office (phone for information only: 407-440-7900).  For group ticket sales and information, call 866-248-8740.

For a complete list of tour dates, visit the Disney On Ice website (http://www.disneyonice.com) and stay current on the latest developments through social media, including instructions on how to access presale codes for tickets as early as May 20th:

 

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Patty Duke and “The Miracle Worker” Coming to Omaha!

If it’s May, you can rely on two things: the start of the summer movie season and another great Bruce Crawford produced film event in Omaha, Nebraska.

On May 23rd film historian Crawford will host his 34th Classic Film Tribute, presenting 1962’a Academy Award winning film, “The Miracle Worker.” Joining Crawford this evening will be the film’s co-star, Patty Duke. This special event is a benefit for the Omaha Parks Foundation and will be held on Friday, May 23rd at the Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge Street in Omaha, Nebraska. The event begins at 7:00 p.m.

Based on the play by William Gibson, “The Miracle Worker” tells the story of young Helen Keller (Duke), born deaf and blind, and her relationship with her teacher, Anne Sullivan (Anne Bancroft). Nominated for five Academy Awards, the film won two Oscars: Bancroft for Best Actress and Duke as Best Supporting Actress. At age 16 Duke became, at the time, the youngest person to win a competitive Academy Award and today she remains the third youngest, behind 10 year old Tatum O’Neal and 11 year old Anna Paquin. Ms. Duke has also won two Golden Globes and three Emmys, including one for portraying Anne Sullivan in a 1979 television version of “The Miracle Worker.”

As with other events, artist Nicolosi has designed a commemorative U.S. Postal Envelope honoring the film which will be unveiled at the event. Also, sculptor Susan Woodford and artist Anne Nye will display their metal and stained glass creations.

Tickets for this special event are $22.00 and can purchased at the customer service counter at any Omaha-area Hy Vee Food Store. For more information call 402-926-8299 or visit www.omahafilmevent.com

Book Review “The Sun’s Coming Up… Like A Big Bald Head” by Norman Reedus

Photographs by: Norman Reedus
“The Sun’s Coming Up… Like A Big Bald Head”
Hardcover Limited Edition
Release Date: October 31, 2013

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love Norman Reedus right now? The guy already had a huge cult following from his work on “The Boondock Saints” films, then he went and did a little show called “The Walking Dead”. Now he is a fan favorite on the show and has a much larger worldwide following. What people might not know about Reedus is that besides just being an actor, he is also a director and a photographer.

When I interviewed Reedus (before his “The Walking Dead” fandom) back in 2010 and he went into detail on his work with with photography, paintings and sculptures. Shortly after that I went through his work, some of which is also included now in this book, and really enjoyed it. His work is very impressive and also quite unique but if you know Reedus then you see catch on to his vision throughout it. I have to admit, I am not an art critic. I do not have an artistic eye. But I would like to think that I have a pretty decent appreciation for photography and art.

“The Sun’s Coming Up… Like A Big Bald Head” comes in a very sharp looking limited-edition collector’s volume hardcover book. The photographs by Norman Reedus are very artistic and takes on anhauntingly intimate journey through the dark and sublime.” The journey through this book is definitely dark and quite out there but also very effective. Some of the images left me a little taken back and yet still couldn’t take my eyes of them. Some are very high quality and some are low quality, which is all done on purpose encompass his artistic goal.

This book is going to have a prominent place on our coffee table since I think it will be a great conversation piece for sure. In the back of the book there is a sort of index of all the images with a title for each and where they were taken. After looking through the book once I was immediately compelled to take a second deeper look and reference the back index for each photo. Overall a very strange yet interesting trip and I look forward to spreading the word. Highly recommend for any fan of photography and art…and of course fan of Norman Reedus.

 

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"LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite" Coming May 21, 2013

TT ANIMATION PRODUCES FULL-LENGTH FILM

BASED ON POPULAR VIDEO GAME

LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite! Coming May 21, 2013 

FROM WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Clancy Brown reprises Superman: The Animated Series role of Lex Luthor on Blu-rayTM Combo Pack, DVD, On Demand & Digital Download

BURBANK, CA (February 26, 2013) – DC Comics’ greatest superheroes and their arch nemeses face-off in an action-packed, hilarious battle in LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite. Based on the popular video game, TT Animation produced the full-length animated feature for May 21, 2013 distribution by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment as a Blu-ray™ Combo Pack ($24.98 SRP) and DVD ($19.98 SRP), On Demand and for Digital Download. The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack will include UltraViolet™*. Release will include an exclusive Lego Clark Kent/Superman figurine on pack while supplies last.

LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite provides the ultimate blend of action and humor guaranteed to entertain fanboys of all ages. The film finds Lex Luthor taking jealousy to new heights when fellow billionaire Bruce Wayne wins the Man of the Year Award. To top Wayne’s accomplishment, Lex begins a campaign for President – and to create the atmosphere for his type of fear-based politics, he recruits the Joker to perfect a Black LEGO Destructor Ray. While wreaking havoc on Gotham, Lex successfully destroys Batman’s technology – forcing the Caped Crusader to reluctantly turn to Superman for help.

LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite features the definitive voice of Lex Luthor, Clancy Brown (The Shawshank Redemption, SpongeBob SquarePants), who set the standard for Luthor’s vocal tones in the landmark Warner Bros. Animation television production, Superman: The Animated Series.

Renowned videogame/animation actors Troy Baker (Bioshock Infinite, Batman: Arkham City) and Travis Willingham (Avengers Assemble, The Super Hero Squad Show) provide the voices of Batman and Superman, respectively. The cast also includes Christopher Corey Smith (Mortal Combat vs. DC Universe) as the Joker, and Charlie Schlatter (Diagnosis Murder) in a hilarious turn as the voice of Robin.

Award-winning director/producer Jon Burton helms the film from a screenplay by David A. Goodman based on a story from Burton and Goodman. Jeremy Pardon is director of photography, and executive producers are Jill Wilfret and Kathleen Fleming. Executive producers are Benjamin Melnicker and Michael Uslan.

LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite packs the right combination of action and humor to delight superhero fans from ages 3 to 103,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Vice President, Family & Animation and Partner Brands Marketing. “We’re proud to provide a film that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike, making for ideal family entertainment.”

LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite Blu-ray™ Combo Pack has over 2 ½ hours of exciting content, including:

  • Standard and high definition versions of the feature film
  • UltraViolet™*
  • Featurette“Building Batman” – An all-new featurette.  Ever thought about making your own batman movie? Join a group of children as they learn from master LEGO builder Garrett Barati, and animate their own Batman mini-movie with LEGO.
  • Teaser“Lego Batman Jumps Into Action” – Garrett Barati’s original Batman teaser, created for LEGO Super Heroes, shows what this master stop-motion animator can do with just a few click, click, clicks of LEGO.
  • Shorts“LEGO/DC Universe Super Heroes Video Contest Winners” – The excitement of DC Universe Super Heroes and the joy of LEGO building brings together action-packed short films from five winning submissions
  • Two bonus episodes from Batman: The Brave and the Bold (“Triumvirate of Terror” and “Scorn of the Star Sapphire”) and one episode from Teen Titans (“Overdrive”)
  • Assorted trailers

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment:

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.

About DC Entertainment:

DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner.  DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world.  In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

BATMAN and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics. (s12)

All-new DC Universe Animated Original Movie "Superman: Unbound" Coming May 7, 2013

WHITE COLLAR STAR MATT BOMER DONS THE ICONIC ‘S’

SHIELD OPPOSITE FRINGE’S JOHN NOBLE AS BRAINIAC IN

ALL-NEW DC UNIVERSE ANIMATED ORIGINAL MOVIE

SUPERMAN: UNBOUND

Coming MAY 7, 2013

FROM WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT

 Castle Duo of Stana Katic & Molly Quinn Voice Lois Lane & Supergirl on

Blu-rayTM Combo Pack, DVD, On Demand & For Digital Download

BURBANK, CA (February 21, 2012) – A destructive force is devastating planets across the galaxy – with Earth next in its sights – and even Superman may not be capable of halting the terror in SUPERMAN: UNBOUND, the next entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original Movies. Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, the all-new, PG-13 rated film arrives May 7, 2013 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment as a Blu-ray™ Combo Pack ($24.98 SRP) and DVD ($19.98 SRP), On Demand and for Digital Download. The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack will include UltraViolet™*.

Based on the Geoff Johns/Gary Frank 2008 release “Superman: Brainiac,” SUPERMAN: UNBOUND finds the Man of Steel aptly handling day-to-day crime while helping acclimate Supergirl to Earth’s customs and managing Lois Lane’s expectations for their relationship. Personal issues take a back seat when the horrific force responsible for the destruction of Krypton – Brainiac – begins his descent upon Earth. Brainiac has crossed the universe, collecting cities from interesting planets – including Supergirl’s home city of Kandor – and now the all-knowing, ever-improving android has his sights fixed on Metropolis. Superman must summon all of his physical and intellectual resources to protect his city, the love of his life and his newly-arrived cousin.

The film’s stellar voicecast is led by Matt Bomer (White Collar) as Superman, John Noble (Fringe, The Lord of the Rings films) as Brainiac, Stana Katic (Castle) as Lois Lane and Molly Quinn (Castle) as Supergirl. Additional voices in the cast include Golden Globe Award winner Frances Conroy (Six Feet Under) as Ma Kent, Wade Williams (The Dark Knight Rises) as Perry White, Diedrich Bader (The Drew Carey Show, Office Space) as Steve Lombard, Stephen Root (Boardwalk Empire, Justified) as Zor-El, and Alexander Gould (Weeds) as Jimmy Olsen.

Supervising Producer James Tucker (Justice League, Batman: The Brave and the Bold) also directs the film from a script by Bob Goodman (Warehouse 13, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns).

SUPERMAN: UNBOUND adds an all-new chapter to the growing legacy of animated films featuring the Man of Steel and his epic challenges to maintain peace on Earth,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Home Video Vice President, Family & Animation and Partner Brands Marketing. “Matt Bomer’s voice epitomizes the All-American hero that is Superman, and John Noble counters that tone with a commanding, chilling delivery for Brainiac. A superhero is only as good as the depths of his opposition, and Noble brings out the best in his villainous portrayal of Brainiac.”

SUPERMAN: UNBOUND Blu-ray™ Combo Pack has over 4 1/2 hours of exciting content, including:

  • Standard and high definition versions of the feature film
  • UltraViolet™*
  • Sneak Peek at Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, the next DC Universe Animated Original Movie
  • Featurette“Kandor: History of the Bottle City” – An all-new featurette. Kandor: a peaceful scientific community dedicated toward the preservation of all that is good on Krypton, the home world of Superman.  That is, until the city was ripped from its world and placed into a small glass bottle!  This is the short story highlighting the shrunken city of Kandor.  Its history just as fascinating as it is unique, here is how it ties in directly with the Man of Tomorrow.
  • Featurette“Brainiac: Technology and Terror” – An all-new featurette.  Mostly machine, but part sentient being, Brainiac steals cities and destroys worlds.  Is he the most vile of Superman’s villainous foes?  Experience the Brainiac mythology and find out why Superman barely stands a chance!
  • Audio Commentary – Featuring members of the creative team: Mike Carlin, Bob Goodman and James Tucker.
  • Four bonus episodes from Superman: The Animated Series (“The Last Son of Krypton, Part 1”; “New Kids in Town”; and “Little Girl Lost, Parts 1 & 2”), all handpicked by producer Alan Burnett.
  • Digital Comic – Excerpt from the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank.

* Spuerman: Unbound  UltraViolet offer is a limited time offer.  Restrictions and limitations apply.  Go to ultraviolet.flixster .com/info for details.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment:

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.

About DC Entertainment:

DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner.  DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world.  In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

SUPERMAN and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics. (s13)

About Warner Bros. Animation

Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, with an innovative and talent-rich roster boasting some of the most accomplished writers, producers and artists working today. The studio is on the cutting edge of animation technology and has both CG and traditionally animated projects in current production and development. For TV, WBA produces series such as Green Lantern: The Animated Series, The Looney Tunes Show, MAD, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated and Young Justice: Invasion, as well as the forthcoming Beware The Batman, Teen Titans Go! and The Tom and Jerry Show for Cartoon Network. WBA also produces series and additional original content — including animated shorts — for Cartoon Network’s multiplatform branded DC Nation programming block. In addition to TV programming, WBA produces theatrically released CG cartoon shorts featuring iconic Looney Tunes characters, rendered in stereoscopic 3D. WBA also creates the highly successful series of DC Universe Original Animated Movies for DVD. Producing for multiple platforms including TV, digital and home entertainment both domestically and internationally, WBA is highly respected for its creative and technical excellence, as well as for maintaining the Studio’s rich cartoon heritage. It is also the home of the iconic animated characters from the DC Comics, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries. One of the most-honored animation studios in history, WBA has been honored with six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, the HUMANITAS Prize, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).

"Critics vs Oscars Free-For-All" Coming to Kansas City

If you haven’t already got your Oscar ballots marked you may want to attend the annual “Critics vs Oscars Free-For-All” slated for Wednesday, January 23 at the Screenland Crossroads Theatre in Kansas City.

During the program trailers for films Oscar-nominated in all major categories will be screened, as will scenes from all nine Best Picture nominees. Each trailer will be followed by a sure to be impassioned discussion from some of Kansas City’s best known film critics.

The event starts at 7:00 p.m. but there will be a pre-show mixer starting at 6:00 p.m. in which those in attendance can rub shoulders and share opinions with KC’s cinema scribes. A donation of $10 is requested from those in attendance, which goes to support CinemaKC and it’s efforts to serve the movie community in 2013. Your donation not only gets you 90 minutes of film and discussion but also a raffle ticket for a chance to win some great movie memorabilia and passes to the Screenland Theatre and the Boulevard Drive-In. For more information on the event or CinemaKC go to www.CinemaKC.com

“Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale” is Coming to Town October 25th

The dark comic gem RARE EXPORTS: A CHRISTMAS TALE will be released on DVD and Blu Ray on October 25th. Based on the award winning shorts from director Jalmari Helander that have already acquired a cult reputation on the internet, this re-imagining of the most classic of all childhood fantasies features a Santa that you won’t want coming to town. This Christmas everyone will believe in Santa Claus. Own the film that is soon to be required perennial holiday viewing just in time for Halloween.

SYNOPSIS:
It’s the eve of Christmas in northern Finland , and an ‘archeological’ dig has just unearthed the real Santa Claus. But this particular Santa isn’t the one you want coming to town. When the local children begin mysteriously disappearing, young Pietari and his father Rauno, a reindeer hunter by trade, capture the mythological being and attempt to sell Santa to the misguided leader of the multinational corporation sponsoring the dig. Santa’s elves, however, will stop at nothing to free their fearless leader from captivity. What ensues is a wildly humorous nightmare – a fantastically bizarre polemic on modern day morality.

RARE EXPORTS: A CHRISTMAS TALE is a re-imagining of the most classic of all childhood fantasies, and is a darkly comic gem soon to be required perennial holiday viewing.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
– The two original short films in which the Christmas tale was born, Rare Exports Inc. (2003) and Rare Exports – The Official Safety Instructions (2005)
– The Making of Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
– “Blood in the snow” – a look at the concept art
– Animatics & computer effects video comparison
– Behind the scenes production stills photo gallery
– Original theatrical trailer from Finland

Official Site: http://www.oscilloscope.net/films/film/41/Rare-Exports-A-Christmas-Tale
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RareExportsMovie