First Time Fest Returns to New York City

FIRST TIME FEST,  a unique film festival celebrating first-time feature filmmakers, makes it’s triumphant return to the Big Apple next week, running from April 3-7.

 Aimed at discovering and providing exposure for the next generation of great filmmakers from around the world, FTF is a five-day event with a competition section showcasing new and exciting debut films as well as a series of screenings and discussions with now-prominent filmmakers presenting their first films and then mentoring the first-timers.  

In the words of Academy Award winning director Martin Scorsese, who presented Darren Aronofsky with the first John Huston Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema last year,  FTF  “is very, very important to encourage young filmmakers.”

FTF will present ten Competition Films, which will be judged by a panel of industry luminaries and the FTF audience. All of the films in competition at FTF are the very first feature of the writer, director, producer, editor, cinematographer or composer of each film.  All competition screenings will be followed by “Hot-Seat” discussions between the jury and filmmakers, and all audience members will vote on the films as well. Together, the jury and audience will ultimately select the Grand Prize winner, which is offered theatrical distribution and international sales representation from the renowned American film distributor, Cinema Libre Studio.  And with FTF’s new relationship with Scandinavian Locations – the consortium of Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish and Danish film commissioners – the winning filmmaker will also receive a trip to Norway and Sweden to spend a week at a writer’s cottage in Northern Sweden to work on their next project.  Scandinavian Locations will also be hosting our Filmmaker Kick-Off event on April 2 at NeueHouse.

FIRST TIME FEST also features a retrospective series called First Exposure which showcases the auspicious and ambitious debuts by artists who went on to become major filmmakers.  These screenings are highlighted by personal appearances by the filmmakers themselves.  This year’s  First Exposure series features the following filmmakers and films: our Opening Night director Jennie Livingston presenting Paris is Burning, Albert Maysles (Salesman), Julie Taymor (Titus), Michael Moore (Roger & Me), Kelly Reichardt (River of Grass), Cinematographer Frederick Elmes (Eraserhead), James Toback (Fingers), and Peter Bogdanovich (Targets).

 This year’s First Exposure program kicked-off on February 24th with an out-of-fest screening of Robert De Niro’s directorial debut, A Bronx Tale, followed by a conversation with Mr. De Niro and FTF Director of Programming David Schwartz. 

The Stand Alone series will feature incredible conversations with Peter Bogdanovich and Michael Moore on April 5 at 3.30pm at the Loews Village VII theatre.

A special panel, entitled Women in Entertainment and Media, is sponsored by the Royal Bank of Canada Wealth Management Group andwill include Brooke Shields, Daphne Rubin-Vega and Carol Alt.

For complete schedule and location of panels, please visit http://www.firsttimefest.com/panels/

 

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Blu-ray Review “Adventure Time: The Complete Third Season”

Starring: Jeremy Shada, John DiMaggio
Creator: Pendleton Ward
Studio: Cartoon Network
Release Date: February 25, 2014
Run Time: 286 minutes

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

“Adventure Time” is no question of the most bizarre, unique and best shows on television right now. There are some episodes where I am left on the floor laughing and then some where I am totally freaked out and that is why I love this show so much. The third season was when this show started really getting some steam behind it and fans were spreading the word like wildfire and making it the mega hit it is today, myself included. This was my first season that I watched and fell in love. A must own for any fan of the show!

Official Premise: It’s one crazy adventure after another in Cartoon Network’s #1 hit comedy show and Emmy-nominated series. Follow the post-apocalyptic adventures of Finn (voiced by Jeremy Shada), a human boy with a funny hat, and his friend Jake (John DiMaggio), a magic and mischievous dog. They’re out to have the most fun possible and they sure do find it exploring the Land of Ooo!

Here are the episodes included from this season: “Conquest of Cuteness”, “Morituri Te Salutamus”, “Memory of a Memory”, “Hitman”, “Too Young”, “The Monster”, “Still”, “Wizard Battle”, “Fionna and Cake”, “What Was Missing”, “Apple Thief”, “The Creeps”, “From Bad to Worse”, “Beautopia”, “No One Can Hear You”, “Jake vs. Me-Mow”, “Thank You”, “The New Frontier”, “Holly Jolly Secrets (Part 1)”, “Holly Jolly Secrets (Part 2)”, “Marceline’s Closet”, “Paper Pete”, “Another Way”, “Ghost Princess”, “Dad’s Dungeon” and the introduction of Flame Princess in the finale, “Incendium”.

Cartoon Network delivered this Blu-ray release with beautiful 1080p transfer for each episode. The animation on the show isn’t Pixar quality but I simply love it. The colors are amazing and really shine on this release. I am not pleased with the plain Dolby Digital 2.0 (DVD quality) audio track. This has been the trend for the first two seasons as well, but I was hoping they would upgrade to HD tracks, as the show got more popular. They did include the entire season available to add to your Ultraviolet digital account, which is a super cool.

The special features are a must watch for any fan of the show. There are episode commentaries on ALL 26 episodes this season. This really makes watching the season over and over a must. There is a great interview with series creator Pendleton Ward in “How An Ida Becomes Adventure Time”. There is also an Alternate show introduction, which is cool. Most importantly this season come in a rad BMO case and as an added special treat this BMO slipcase can transforms into a collectible BMO figurine.

Cartoon Network has been great with releasing these seasons on Blu-ray. Season four is next, so hopefully they will be dating that season very shortly. Then that will bring up to the date with the current season five, which actually has been airing since 2012 and will contain 52 episodes or double the rest of the seasons. So I have feeling that Cartoon Network will be releasing season five in two volumes. Either way, bring it on because I want more! I suggest they do a fan contest to pick the box cover for the future Blu-ray case.

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Blu-ray Review “About Time”

Actors: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Tom Hollander
Directors: Richard Curtis
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Universal Studios
DVD Release Date: February 4, 2014
Running Time: 123 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

“About Time” locked in my interest since it is from the director of “Love Actually”, Richard Curtis. This is in fact Ricahrd Curtis’ last film ever (which is a damn shame). The film has a stunning cast, who all give funny yet touching performances including Rachel McAdams (“The Notebook”), Bill Nighy (“Love Actually”) and Domhnall Gleeson (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 & Part 2“). Usually I am not a huge fan of romantic comedies but when I read this featured time travel, that was enough of a sell for me. “Love Actually” is one of my favorite films ever and Richard Curtis has done it again, he does not only entertain you with this film but also able to get a grown man to shed some tears. I cannot recommend this film anymore, no question it is one of the best films I have seen recently.

Official Premise: The night after another unsatisfactory New Year party, Tim’s (Domhnall Gleeson) father (Bill Nighy) tells his son that the men in his family have always had the ability to travel through time. Tim can’t change history, but he can change what happens and has happened in his own life – so he decides to make his world a better place…by getting a girlfriend (Rachel McAdams). But as his unusual life progresses, Tim finds out that his unique gift can’t save him from the sorrows and ups and downs that affect all families, everywhere. From filmmaker Richard Curtis (Love Actually), About Time is a comedy about love and time travel, which discovers that, in the end, making the most of life may not need time travel at all.

Universal consistently delivers fantastic Blu-ray releases. They really have been a leader for this format and when I receive a Universal release, I am usually never let down. “About Time” comes stocked as a combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD copy with UltraViolet. This film is a romantic comedy, so it doesn’t push the barriers too much but the 1080p transfer is quite impressive still. The shooting locations definitely do take advantage of this format though. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track works great with the film. I was a big fan of the score by Nick Laird-Clowes and I thought it sounded great.

There are some great special features for this release. “About Tim and Time Travel” looks into the mechanics of time travel and Tim’s ability. “The Look – Style and Locations” looks into the various iconic London locations. “The World of Richard Curtis” looks into the director’s look and feel of a film. Next up, there is a fantastic jam-packed audio commentary track with Director Richard Curtis and Domhnall Gleeson, Bill Nighy, Vanessa Kirby, Lydia Wilson and Tom Hollander. There are some deleted scenes with introductions by Director Richard Curtis, as well as blooper reel. The “Luckiest” Music looks at why Curtis picked Ben Folds’ “The Luckiest”. Lastly there is a music video for Ellie Goulding ‘s “How Long Will I Love You?”, which is such a beautiful song and adds so much to the film itself!

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Cartoon Network Announces Blu-ray™ and DVD Release for “Adventure Time: The Complete Third Season”

Available February 25, Release Contains More Than Four Hours of Episodes Plus Episode Commentaries for All 26 Episodes, an Interview with Pendleton Ward & Alternate Show Intro – All Packed Into a Custom, Collectible BMO Die-Cut Slipcase!

This February, Cartoon Network will release the third full-season installment of its most mathematical animated series on both Blu-ray™ and DVD as Adventure Time: The Complete Third Season hits retail. Continuing the franchise’s home entertainment momentum which has included a series of top-selling releases to date, the Blu-ray and DVD both feature all 26 episodes from the series’ third season, as well as must-have bonus features including episode commentaries for ALL 26 episodes, an interview with series creator Pendleton Ward, an alternate show introduction. Plus, further satiating even the most passionate Adventure Time fans, it’s BMO! Fans and collectors are in for a special treat with a custom die-cut BMO slipcase, which transforms the Blu-ray and DVD packaging into their very own collectible BMO figurine. Available on February 25 for the suggested retail price of $32.07 and $26.95 for Blu-ray and two-disc DVD, respectively.

“Adventure Time has become a phenomenon that has resonated with audiences of all ages – and we’re thrilled to keep up with the demand for full-season and Blu-ray sets for those most passionate fans with today’s announcement,” said Erik Resnick, vice president of Cartoon Network Enterprises, the home entertainment division of the network. “Our third full-season release will bring more of what Adventure Time fans love about these collectible sets: hours of their favorite episodes bundled with great bonus features created for fans by the show team, all in unique, collectible packaging.”

As one of Cartoon Network’s most popular series, Adventure Time continues to grow and thrive since its on-air debut in April 2010. With strong on-air success through its fifth season, critical acclaim, passionate fan base and strong consumer products program, the brand has become a massive hit among audiences of all ages. During its fifth season, the series was the #1 show among boys 6-11, as well as a top-rated show among kids 6-11, and kids and boys 9-14, according to Nielson Media Research. With a huge social following of more than 10 million fans on Facebook, Adventure Time consistently ranks as a top digital brand as well, with top-rated apps and online games featured on CartoonNetwork.com. Additionally, the Adventure Time consumer products program attempts to satiate the fan base’s desire to interact with their favorite characters with a robust licensing program that includes toys, apparel, publishing, accessories, interactive games, youth electronics, comic books, posters and much more. Some recent successes for the brand range from the Adventure Time Encyclopaedia from Abrams Publishing debuting on the New York Times Best Sellers list this summer to the monthly comic book line from Boom Studios winning the 2013 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids (Ages 8-12) at 25th annual Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards ceremony at Comic-Con.

From the mind of series creator Pendleton Ward and produced by Cartoon Network Studios, Adventure Time follows the unlikely heroes Finn and Jake, best buddies who traverse the mystical Land of Ooo and encounter its colorful inhabitants – and always find themselves in the middle of heart-pounding escapades. Finn, a silly kid with an awesome hat and Jake, a brassy dog with a big kind heart, depend on each other through thick and thin. The Land of Ooo is teeming with imposing mountains, lush green plains, accessible forests, ubiquitous prairies and winding rivers, the cities and towns are filled with bizarre characters in need of unique assistance. Whether it’s saving Princess Bubblegum, defeating zombie candy, mocking the “oxy-moronic” Ice King, or rocking out with undead music wiz Marceline the Vampire Queen, with Finn and Jake it’s always Adventure Time.

 

Adventure Time: The Complete Third Season BASICS

Blu-ray SRP: $32.07

DVD SRP: $26.95

Street Date:  February 25, 2014

Order Date: January 21, 2014

Running Time: 286 minutes

Blu-ray UPC: 883929365548

DVD UPC: 883929365531

Languages: English

Subtitles: English

 

About Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com) is regularly the #1 U.S. television network in prime among boys 6-11 & 9-14. Currently seen in 99 million U.S. homes and 194 countries around the world, Cartoon Network is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for kids and families. In addition to Emmy-winning original programming and industry-leading digital apps and online games, Cartoon Network embraces key social issues affecting families with solution-oriented initiatives such as Stop Bullying: Speak Up and the Move It Movement.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

 

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group

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

For more information on this and other titles distributed by Warner Bros Home Entertainment Group, visit www.whvdirect.com.

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DVD Review “Adventure Time: Jake the Dad”

Starring: Jeremy Shada, John DiMaggio, Hynden Walch, Niki Yang, Tom Kenny
Created by: Pendleton Ward
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Cartoon Network
DVD Release Date: September 17, 2013
Run Time: 176 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Adventure Time” is no question of my best…and also most bizarre shows on TV animated or not. When I first saw it a few years ago, I literally couldn’t get enough of it. The show is currently in its fifth season and it only keeps getting better and better…and also weirder and weirder but that is part of its charm. “Jake the Dad” is fifth and latest volume DVD release after “Jake vs. Me-Mow”. I loved this episode where Jake becomes a dad with Lady Rainicorn but that is not all since there are an additional 16 episodes included as well. The real draw for this release though has to be the Jake hat that comes with this DVD. In fact, since I received this my 18-month old daughter has refused to take it off. So I would call this a must own for an fan of “Adventure Time”.

This release includes sixteen episodes from the shows fourth and fifth seasons including: “Jake the Dad”, “Burning Low”, “Gotcha!”, “Sons of Mars”, “BMO Noire”, “The Hard Easy”, “I Remember You”, “All the Little People”, “Mystery Dungeon”, “All Your Fault”, “Five More Short Graybles”, “Vault of Bones”, “Simon & Marcy”, “Puhoy”, “One Last Job” and “BMO Lost”. Currently only the first and second seasons are available complete on Blu-ray with the third coming on February 25, 2014. So this DVD is a great way to own some of the best episodes from this show now and not have to wait for the complete seasons. If the Jake hat alone was a bonus enough for you there is also a character feature called “Little Did You Know”, which is a nice bonus extra if you are a fan of the show.  Can’t wait to see what Cartoon Network has planned next for this show cause I can’t get enough.

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Film Review “About Time”

Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams and Bill Nighy
Directed by: Richard Curtis
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hours 3 mins
Universal

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Preston Sturgess is often regarded as the classic master of the romantic comedy. Closer to our generation many may suggest that mantle was taken up by the late, great Nora Ephron. But to me, the filmmaker who consistently gives us the best of love and laughter is Richard Curtis. Creator of such films as “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually,” Curtis once again has delivered another gem in “About Time.”

We first meet Tim (Gleeson, probably best known as older brother Bill Weasley in the “Harry Potter” film series) at a New Years Eve party. He is trying to catch the eye of a cute girl or two but, when midnight arrives, finds himself next to a nice girl who fancies him. Instead of a quick New Years kiss, Tim shakes her hand, sending her off in tears.

Jump ahead to an important day in any young man’s life – his twenty-first birthday. After cake and presents, Tim’s dad (Nighy) takes him aside and shares a family secret. It seems that all males in the family, upon turning twenty-one, have a limited ability to travel in time. They can’t go forward but they can go back. However, they can only go back to a time where they themselves were (which means they can’t go back and kill Hitler). Tim scoffs at this information but his father assures him it’s true. All you have to do is go into a dark place, clench your fists and think about where you want to go. Still thinking it’s all a put-on, Tim retreats to his bedroom closet and clenches his fist. Moments later he emerges in different clothes, the sound of a party outside the door. It’s New Years Eve again. This time he kisses the girl!

Brilliantly written and well directed by Curtis (this is his third film behind the camera), “About Time” is just another jewel in his crown as the reigning romantic comedy king. Always on the lookout for love, Tim and a friend attend an unusual restaurant where two men are paired with two women they’ve never met. They dine and chat but the catch is that they do it in pitch darkness. You get along, or don’t get along, based on your conversations, not your appearances. After several hours in the dark Tim runs into Mary, his dinner companion, outside. They talk for a few more moments and Tim boldly asks for her phone number, which she gives him. Returning home he learns that his playwright roommate is despondent because an unprepared actor has ruined his new play. Excusing himself for a moment Tim goes back in time to the performance, assists the actor and ensures raves for the production. Hoping to spend time with Mary he attempts to call her, only to find her name and number are no longer in his phone. When he went back to help the play this made him miss the random dinner engagement, meaning he and Mary never met. What is a love-struck boy to do? How can you find love when it doesn’t even remember who you are?

As with many of other Curtis-written films, the lines are only as good as the actors who deliver them. “About Time” is cast with some first rate talent, led by the romantic leads Gleeson and McAdams. And, as is the case in pretty much every film he’s in, hats off to the brilliant Bill Nighy. There is always something about him on-screen that makes him seem like a friend, not a character (except of course when he’s playing the creepy Davy Jones in the “Pirates” movies). He is the emotional anchor of the film and keeps Tim grounded when needed. Also well cast are Lydia Wilson, as Tim’s strong-appearing but vulnerable sister Kit-Kat and Richard Cordery as the dignified Uncle Desmond, who doesn’t say much but what he says is gold! Gleeson and McAdams shine as they meet, fall in love then have to start all over again. The relationship feels fresh and there is not a false word in the script. If there is a quibble it’s that the film seems to drag towards the end. But that’s certainly not enough of a reason not to head to the multiplex this week and take in one of the best films of the season.

 

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Phil Hall talks about his latest book “The Greatest Bad Movies of All Time”

If you’re a fan of movies you’re probably already familiar with the work of Phil Hall. A contributing editor to the on-line magazine, “Film Threat,” Hall is also a well respected author of such film books as “The Encyclopedia of Underground Movies: Films From the Fringes of Cinema” and “The History of Independent Cinema.” His latest book, recently released, is entitled “The Greatest Bad Movies of All Time.” Mr. Hall recently took the time to answer some questions for Media Mikes:

Mike Smith: What makes a movie “Bad?”
Phil Hall: We need to clarify what “bad” means. I am not writing about the mediocrities that you forget about after the closing credits have rolled. My book celebrates what I call the “anti-classics.” These are the films that inspire wonder – they are so profoundly misguided and egregiously off-target that you have to wonder how they ever got made. These bad films are the cinematic equivalent of narcotics – you get hooked by their toxicity and you become a happy prisoner to their crashing awfulness. It is a wonderful addiction, for sure.

MS: What inspired you to write the book?
PH: A few years ago, I was an actor in a film called “Rudyard Kipling’s Mark of the Beast,” and while on the set a number of people were talking endlessly and enthusiastically about the Tommy Wiseau film “The Room.” I recognized that people tend to become animated and involved when talking about the so-bad-they’re-good films, going to the point of quoting the screenplays verbatim, and I thought that I would bring together my choices for 100 of the best of these anti-classics.

MS: You have some critically popular films, “Mystic River” among them, on your list. Any reservations on labeling films like this “bad” when they were well received?
PH: My book is not a be-all/end-all text book. My book is an expression of my opinion as a film critic and film scholar. Remember, the appreciation of films (or any art form) is strictly subjective. I know people who loathe “Citizen Kane” and “Gone with the Wind” – that is their opinion. And remember, opinions are like a certain lower body cavity – everyone has one and most of them stink! Whether you agree or disagree with me is strictly your call. This book is my vehicle to share my opinions.

MS: Have you received any feedback from any of the filmmakers?
PH: The book covers the full spectrum of the cinematic experience, from the silent era to the present day. Thus, many of the filmmakers cited in the book are no longer with us. As for those that are still active, I don’t know if they are aware of their inclusion in the book.

MS: Do you have a favorite “bad” movie?
PH: That’s sort of like asking if you have a favorite child, isn’t it? Some of the films cited in the book — the musical version of “Lost Horizon,” “Chariots of the Gods,” “Airport 1975” – have a special emotional tug because I saw them in the theater when I was a little kid. Others hold a special meaning because I shared the viewing experience with friends and/or family. And I am always discovering new films, so today’s favorite could easily become yesterday’s corny memory.

MS: Are you planning another book?
PH: This is my sixth book that has been published since 2004. I think I am overdue a long rest!

 

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Filed Under: Author Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: bad, book, greatest, hall, latest, movies, ...

Book Review “The Greatest Bad Movies of All Time”

Author: Phil Hall
Paperback: 258 pages
Publisher: BearManor Media
Release date: July 4, 2013

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Think you know what makes a bad movie? So did I until I read the latest from Film Threat scribe Phil Hall whose latest book, “The Greatest Bad Movies of All Time,” set me straight.

Hall has assembled an impressive list of 100 films that he isn’t very impressed with. Of course, the list contains some well known “bad” titles, like Ed Wood’s “Plan 9 From Outer Space” and the awful “Battlefield Earth.” But it’s not just bad directors making bad films that are taken to the woodshed here. The great John Huston, with fifteen Oscar nominations (and two wins) in his career, has placed two films on the list: “Beat the Devil” and “The Bible: In the Beginning.” Stanley Kubrick teamed up with Howard Sackler (creator of the Broadway show “The Great White Hope”) for the film “Fear and Desire.” It’s here as well. Other directors taken to task include George Cukor, Bob Rafelson and Michelangelo Antonioni. And, just so you don’t think Hall is picking on the early films of now renowned filmmakers, he also includes Clint Eastwoods’ Oscar winning “Mystic River,” calling the film “so incredibly off-kilter that it demands attention for its sheer awfulness.” Wow! I’m guessing that didn’t make Clint’s day.

Of course, “bad” is in the eyes of the beholder. There are actually a few films on the list that I enjoy watching when I catch them on cable, among them “Head,” starring the Monkees, “The Adventures of Ford Fairlaine” and the Neil Diamond version of “The Jazz Singer.” I know they’re not classic cinema fare, but something about seeing Sir Laurence Olivier weep and rip his clothes while Diamond intones, “Pop…pop,” in his deep voice makes films like this a guilty pleasure. I’m also sorry to see the Robert Altman- directed film “Health” on the list. Not because it’s a good movie but because a couple of friends and I staked out the hotel in St. Petersburg where it was filmed (the Don Cesar) in the hopes of meeting Lauren Bacall. How many teenagers in the 1970s even knew WHO Lauren Bacall was?

Like his Film Threat work, Hall packs his prose with humorous observations. One of my favorite comes from his review of “The Babe Ruth Story,” noting that though some of the Babe’s secrets were ignored “their absence was compensated by a surplus of jolly anachronisms, most notably with the presence of a beer advertisement on a billboard positioned in a stadium game that occurred during the Prohibition years.”

An enjoyable read from A (“Abbot and Costello Go to Mars” to Z (“Zabriskie Point), “The Greatest Bad Movies of All Time” is a must have for anyone that enjoys the movies…good or bad.

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“Jumper” Debuts on Blu-ray 3D For the Very First Time

Jumper
Experience the exhilarating adventure from the director of Mr. & Mrs. Smith andThe Bourne Identity, now in eye-popping 3D. David Rice (Hayden Christensen) is a Jumper — a genetic anomaly with the power to instantly teleport anywhere in the world. When he discovers others like himself, David is thrust into an ancient war that threatens the very survival of his own kind.
Special Features:

● Theatrical Feature Blu-ray 3D
● Theatrical Feature Blu-ray

 

Jumper Blu-ray 3D
Street Date: October 15, 2013
Prebook Date: September 18, 2013
Screen Format: Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English 5.1 DTS HD-MA/ Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital/ French 5.1 Dolby Digital
Subtitles: English SDH/ Spanish
Total Run Time: 89 minutes
U.S. Rating: PG-13
Closed Captioned: Yes

 

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is the industry leading worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox produced, acquired and third party partner film and television programing. Each year TCFHE expands its award-winning global product portfolio with the introduction of new entertainment content through established and emerging formats including DVD, Blu-ray™ and Digital HD™. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is a subsidiary of 21st Century Fox.

 

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DUN DUN DAHHH! Dreamworks Animation’s Epic Comedy-Adventure, “The Croods”, Arrives on Blu-ray™ Deluxe Edition and DVD on October 1st

 

DUN DUN DAHHH! DREAMWORKS ANIMATION’S EPIC COMEDY-ADVENTURE, THE CROODS, ARRIVES ON BLU-RAY™ DELUXE EDITION AND DVD WITH A BELT PLUSH TOY – FOR A LIMITED TIME – ON OCTOBER 1ST
Over $582 Million at the Box Office Worldwide!
Blu-ray™ Deluxe Edition and DVD are Packed with Croodaceous Content!
Get THE CROODS on Digital HD™ Two Weeks Early!

 
 

LOS ANGELES, CA – Dun Dun Dahhh! Lauded by critics as “the first great animated film of 2013” (Pete Hammond, Movieline), Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment announces the blockbuster hit, DreamWorks Animation’s THE CROODS, will debut on Digital HD™ on September 15 and Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on October 1. “An instant animated classic,” (Jake Hamilton, FOX-TV), THE CROODS promises to bring the whole family together “from 4 to 104” (Sam Rubin, KTLA), to delight in “stunning visuals, humor and heart,” (Jim Hill, Huffington Post) as the world’s first family embark on an unforgettable adventure. The Blu-ray™ and DVD are chock full of fun bonus material that will bring the vibrant, amazing world of THE CROODS home for the whole family to enjoy. The perfect treat for kids of all ages, THE CROODS Blu-ray™ and DVD comes with a lovable Belt plush toy for a limited time only.

 

Join the Croods on the journey of a lifetime in the epic comedy-adventure that “has the magical wonder of How To Train Your Dragon” – Jake Hamilton (Fox-TV). When their cave is destroyed, the Croods set out to explore a spectacular landscape filled with fantastic creatures, strange surprises…and a whole new world of adventure!

 

Written and directed by Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch) and Kirk DeMicco (Space Chimps),THE CROODS is “an Animated Avatar,” hails Bill Bregoli of CBS News and is the must-see animated film of the year! Fans of all ages will be cracking up for the adventure everyone loves. Led by an outstanding voice cast featuring Oscar®-winner* Nicholas Cage, Golden Globe®-nominee** Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds and Oscar®-nominee*** Catherine Keener, the Croods invite your whole family to travel back in time and discover their world.

 

The purchase of the Blu-ray™ or DVD unlocks additional content on THE CROODSColoring App, which allows children to color their favorite characters and scenes from the film, add text and voice to the story, and then share their storybook on their TVs at home. Also on the Blu-ray™, families can join Guy, Eep and Belt as they introduce the crazy “Croodaceous Creatures” – the striking and unique animals from the film – and much more. And for a limited time only, any purchase of the Blu-ray™ or DVD comes with a lovable Belt toy! Dun Dun Dahhh! Pre-order today!

 

DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods Blu-ray™ Deluxe Edition
The Croods Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy Deluxe Edition include a Belt plush toy for a limited time and more than an hour of bonus features:
     Feature film in high definition

 

     Blu-ray Exclusive Bonus Features:
● The Croodaceous Creatures of Croods! – Find out more about your favorite Croods creatures!
● Be An Artist! – Now you can draw Belt, Macawnivore and Mousephant
● The Croods Coloring & Storybook Builder App

 

     Additional Bonus Features:
● Belt’s Cave Journal – Take a journey with Belt and Guy as they rescue a Jackrobat
● Belt’s Cave Journal – Take a journey with Belt and Guy as they rescue a Jackrobat
● World of DreamWorks Animation – Music videos from your favorite DreamWorks Animation feature films

 

DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods Blu-ray™ 3D Deluxe Edition
The Croods Blu-ray™ 3D + Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital Copy Deluxe Edition includes the following:
     Feature film in high definition and 3DAll the Blu-ray™ and DVD content listed above

DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods DVD
The single disc DVD includes a Belt plush toy for a limited time plus the following:
     Feature film in standard definition
     Bonus Features:
● Belt’s Cave Journal
● Croods Cuts (Lost Scenes)
● World of DreamWorks Animation
● Previews

 

ABOUT DREAMWORKS ANIMATION
DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series and live entertainment properties, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by FORTUNE® Magazine for five consecutive years. In 2013, DreamWorks Animation ranks #12 on the list.  All of DreamWorks Animation’s feature films are produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 26 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Puss In Boots, and The Croods.

 

ABOUT TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is the industry leading worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox produced, acquired and third party partner film and television programing. Each year TCFHE expands its award-winning global product portfolio with the introduction of new entertainment content through established and emerging formats including DVD, Blu-ray™ and DigitalHD™. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is a subsidiary of 21st Century Fox.

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: 1st, animations, arrives, belt, bluray, comedyadventure, ...

Blu-ray Review “Once Upon A Time: The Complete Second Season”

Actors: Jennifer Morrison, Ginnifer Goodwin, Lana Parrilla, Josh Dallas, Jared Gilmore
Number of discs: 5
Studio: ABC Studios
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Run Time: 946 minutes

Season: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When I first started watching “Once Upon a Time”, I wasn’t particularly thrilled with it and skipped the first season in its originally airing. I did though discover it on Blu-ray and really got into it quite a bit. There is such a deep and fun story behind this show. You find yourself really get drawn in this magical world within “Once Upon a Time”. There is also an endless wealth of great characters in the show. The primary cast included Jennifer Morrison as Emma Swan, Ginnifer Goodwin as Snow White, Josh Dallas as Prince Charming, Lana Parrilla as the Evil Queen, Emilie de Ravin as Belle, Colin O’Donoghue as Captain Hook, Meghan Ory as Red Riding Hood, and Robert Carlyle as Rumplestiltskin. They all really meshes well together and deliver such a fun season with action, romance and twists and turns. There is endless possibilities and I can’t wait for season three and the spin-off series “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland”.

Synopsis: The curse is broken, magic has arrived, and there’s no telling what, or who, will be unleashed. Now the exiled fairytale characters of Once Upon a Time must grapple with a flood of awakened memories as they come to grips with their new “reality.” Old loyalties will be tested, new heroes will emerge and vengeful villains will wreak havoc, including ruthless pirate Captain Hook and the relentlessly wicked Queen of Hearts (Barbara Hershey). Amidst the backdrop of previously unexplored lands and a newly magical Storybrooke, love and sacrifice will set the stage for the ultimate battle between good and evil. For, in the words of Rumplestiltskin, where magic is concerned, only one thing is certain: it always comes at a price. From Storybrooke to Fairy Tale Land and beyond, experience the mystery, romance, action and adventure of Once Upon a Time.

Season two also packs a very impressive new cast with Jamie Chung as Mulan, Julian Morris as Prince Phillip, Lee Arenberg as Grumpy, Sarah Bolger as Princess Aurora, Jorge Garcia as Anton the Giant, Ethan Embry as Owen Flynn, David Anders as Dr. Victor Frankenstein, Alan Dale as King George, Beverley Elliott as Granny, Eion Bailey as Pinnocchio, Raphael Sbarge as Jiminy Cricket and Tony Amendola as Geppetto. That is why ABC is a great place for this show to be airing since Disney is able to pull all the great characters from their library. I can’t wait to see who they drum up in season three.

Walt Disney Home Entertainment has delivered a very impressive Blu-ray release with all of the 22 episodes spread over 5-discs. The 1080p transfer is also very sharp for each episode. It draws you into Storybrooke with the beautiful sets and colors, which really stand out. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sounds fantastic as well and deliver that certain fairy tale feeling. The special features are quite impressive for this season’s Blu-ray. There are cast/crew audio commentaries…for EACH episode. Yep now joke, each episode. Very impressive for any fan of the show. “Sincerely, Hook” is a chat with Colin O’Donoghue who plays Killian Jones/Captain Hook about his roles. “Girl Power” is a feature on show’s strong women characters. “A Fractured Family Tree” goes deeper into the show’s magical family. “The Fairest Bloopers of Them All” is a very funny gag reel from this season. Lastly there are a few never-before-seen deleted scenes included.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, complete, review, season, time

Book Review “The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia”

Author: Martin Olson
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Abrams
Release Date: July 22, 2013

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

What time is it? ADVENTURE TIME! I have no idea what it is but I am completely obsessed with “Adventure Time”. If you are wondering what you can expect from “The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia”, it is right in the book’s subtitle “Inhabitants, Lore, Spells, and Ancient Crypt Warnings of the Land of Ooo Circa 19.56 B.G.E. – 501 A.G.E”. This is one of the most unique and bizarre shows that I have ever seen…and I love ever minute. The book is author by Martin Olson, who also happens to voice Hunson Abadeer (a.k.a. The Lord of Evil a.k.a Marceline’s dad). If you are an “Adventure Time” fan you are not going to want to miss this fantastic look into the world of the show.

Official Premise: “The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia” matches the playful, subversive tone of the series, detailing everything anyone will ever need to know about the postapocalyptic land of Ooo and its inhabitants—secret lore and spells, fun places you should visit and places where you will probably die, whom to marry and whom not to marry, how to make friends and how to destroy your enemies—plus hand-written marginalia by Finn, Jake, and Marceline. An indispensable companion to the show, this side-splittingly funny love letter to Adventure Time is sure to appeal to fans of all ages.

On the back cover of “The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia” it suggest that this could well be “the most dangerous book in history”, which to me only makes things more interesting. This reminded me of the Book of the Dead from “The Evil Dead” series a bit, but a little less Candarian demon filled. The Encyclopaedia is split into Book I through Book V”.  Book I is called “Worthless Inhabitants of the Land of Ooo” and it covers everyone from Finn and Jake to Lumpy Space Princess (my fav, OH MY LUMP!). Book II is called “Utterly Insigificant Inhabitants of the Land of Ooo” including a BMO introductional pamphlet and user guide and more. Book III” is called “The Land of Ooo and You” including Princess Bubblegum’s official travel guide  to the Candy Kingdom and beyond! and a travel blog from Marceline. Book IV is called “The Lost Texts of Ooo”, it contains some fun wizard spells – “in which the unspeakable is spoken”. Lastly Book V is titled “Forbidden Chapters in the Encyclopaedia of Ooo” and if you thought the book was crazy till this point it gets even more weird in this one including chapters like “If You Read This Chapter You Will Die”, naturally I skipped that one.

Abrams delivered a fantastic book here for the fans of the show.  I hope that this is only the first in a series though since this show has a ton material that they could cover. Martin Olson really has a great knowledge of the show from working on it and really delivers a fun and rather informational compendium. The book itself immediately draws you in with its colorful setup and jam packed pages. Overall, I have been through this book twice and I know that I still missed stuff.  So this is one of those books that you will be able to revisit often and still catch something new. Highly recommended.

 

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Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: adventure, book, encyclopaedia, review, time

Wes Bentley talks about his new film “The Time Being”

Wes Bentley has been a star since, at the age of 21, he played the anguished Ricky Fitts, next door neighbor to Kevin Spacey and family in the Oscar-winning “American Beauty.” His performance earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor as well as several critic group awards. He followed up with roles in films like “The Four Feathers,” The White River Kid” and “Ghost Rider.” Most recently he’s been in such big budget films like “Jonah Hex” and “The Hunger Games” as well as indie projects like “Weirdsville.” He can currently be seen starring alongside Frank Langella in “The Time Being,” and will soon be seen as Larry Marciano, Linda Lovelace’s second husband, in the bio-pic “Lovelace” as well as Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar” which he was just announced to have joined for release next year.

Mike Smith: Can you give us a brief introduction to Daniel, your character in “The Time Being?”
Wes Bentley: Daniel is a painter…an artist. He’s pretty ambitious. He has a family, a wife and son. He’s had a moderate bit of success in the past. He’s looking to put on a show and display his paintings to help support the family. Unfortunately he feels the pressure and it doesn’t go so well, which leads to a great deal of frustration.

MS: What attracted you to the project?
WB: Quite a few things. I saw a lot of things in there that I could relate to. We all strive to be able to provide for our families. We try to have integrity in our hearts but that’s not always possible. It can create a dilemma in your heart. I was also attracted to the visual concept of the film…where almost every frame is filled with a piece of art. And when I heard Frank Langella was going to be in it…it all came together.

MS: In the film Daniel is an artist. Besides acting, did you have any kind of artistic background?
WB: (laughs) I’m absolutely the worse drawer, but I did enjoy the painting aspect of the film. I think that may be something I try to do later in life. But that was another thing that interested me in the film…it was a new experience.

MS: You have that rare film career where you’re successful in both big budget films and independent projects. Do you have a preference?
WB: I like elements of both. I like the guerilla warfare aspect of shooting a film that has a budget of under a million dollars. You don’t have a trailer, you have a chair to sit on outside with all of the filmmakers. On those films you learn a lot about filmmaking and the camera. On the bigger budget films you really get to concentrate on what YOU’RE doing. You can take more time to devote to your character. You don’t have to rush through a few scenes in a day, which is often the case on smaller budget films. And sometimes it doesn’t work out because you’d like to have that extra time to work out your character. But I don’t really have a preference…I’m happy with each.

MS: Besides “Lovelace” what do you have coming up?
WB: I have a film called “Pioneer,” which is a Norwegian film. It’s a very stylish film about how Norway discovered oil in the late 60s and early 70s. I also have a film called “Chavez,” which is about Cesar Chavez, the immigration activist. I play his lawyer. I also have a couple more films that are still in post production so I’m not sure when they’ll be released.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: bentley, film, talks, time, wes

Blu-ray Reviews “Adventure Time: The Complete First & Second Season”

Actors: Jeremy Shada, John DiMaggio, Hyden Walch, Tom Kenny
Created by: Pendleton Ward
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Cartoon Network
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Running Time: 572 minutes

Seasons: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

I have to admit, I was not aware of this amazing show when it first started airing.  I came in around the third season but I have never seen anything like this before. “Adventure Time” is an amazing blend of animation with fantasy and plenty of comedy. It is trippy, strange and completely weird but impossible not to love. The show’s creator Pendleton Ward is just 30 years old and has really delivered us a fantastic show not just for kids either, this show is for “kids” of all ages.  There are some many pop-culture references through this series that literally brings out the fanboy in all of us.  If you have never heard of “Adventure Time”, now is the perfect time to start. If you are a die-hard fan like myself, need I say more?

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and Cartoon Network has released numerous DVDs for “Adventure Time” in the last few years but just recently started getting into the complete seasons, which I am big fan of.  This is the first time that The Complete First Season is available on Blu-ray and also the first time that The Complete Second Season is available at all in full. Together these releases brings us, the fans, 52 episodes of this amazing show in glorious high definition. They also come in very cool slipcases.  First season is Finn with a removable hat and the second season, surprised it isn’t Jake, is The Ice King, with removable beard. Very clever and a nice added touch!

The Complete First Season Official Synopsis: What time is it? It’s time for Adventure Time! Cartoon Network’s #1 hit comedy show and Emmy-nominated series centers on the post apocalyptic adventures of Finn (voiced by Jeremy Shada), a human boy with a funny hat, and his friend Jake (John DiMaggio), a magic and mischievous dog. The Blu-ray includes all 26 episodes from Season 1 and tons of special features by Ward. The first season also comes packaged with a collectible slipcover and is a must have for any Adventure Time fan.

The Complete Second Season Official Synopsis: It’s one crazy adventure after another for human boy, Finn, and his best friend, Jake, a 28-year old dog with magical powers. They’re out to have the most fun possible and they sure do find it exploring the Land of Ooo! Whether it’s saving Princess Bubblegum (Hynden Walch), battling zombie candy, taunting the Ice King (Tom Kenny) or rocking out with Marceline the Vampire Queen (Olivia Olson), with Finn & Jake it’s always Adventure Time.

Like I said before the episodes looks quite amazing with their 1080p transfers and aspect ratio of 1.78:1. I watched this show on Cartoon Network HD and this really gives the show a real impressive make over. The most disappointing aspect of this release is the audio tracks.  Oh man, they really let us down here.  Each season only comes with a weak Dolby Digital 2.0 (192kbps) track.  This is even bad for DVD standards. The show is dialogue based, so it doesn’t suffer too much but if I am upgrading this series, especially for the first season on Blu-ray, then I expect Blu-ray quality audio tracks.

The Complete First Season features the same extras, which are replicated from its previous DVD release. “Behind the Scenes” features the show’s creator Pen Ward show us around the show’s offices.  To top that there is a “Behind the Behind the Scenes,” which includes more strangeness inside the show.  “Adventure Time Music with Casey + Tim” is a featurette with the show’s composers Casey James Basichis and Tim Kiefer. There are also four commentary tracks including “Trouble in Lumpy Space” & “Prisoners of Love” with John DiMaggio, Jeremy Shada, Tom Kenny and Pen Ward; “Tree Trunks” by Bettie Ward and Polly Lou Livingston and “Ricardio the Heart Guy” with George Takei, Tom Kenny, Hynden Walch, Jeremy Shada and Pen Ward.

The Complete Second Season extras are not as bountiful as the first but it makes up for it in its content. There are literally 26 commentary tracks includes.  If you are a fan of this show, each one is better than the next. There is also a featurette “The Crew of Adventure Time”, with them being interviewed by Pen Ward. Topping this release off is my favorite part, even though it is not much of a bonus feature, if you like digital copies then these two seasons releases include all the episodes available to be added to your Ultraviolet digital streaming account!

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: adventure, bluray, complete, reviews, season, time, ...

Mimoco’s Adventure Time BMO Rainbow MIMOBOT Giveaway [ENDED]

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EACH WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

Media Mikes would like to giveaway the following an BMO Rainbow MIMOBOT from Mimco’s “Adventure Time” series. If you would like to enter for your chance to win one of these great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email indicating your what “Adventure Time” character would you like to see Mimoco make into a MIMOBOT. This giveaway will remain open until May 31st at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to all fans of Media Mikes, worldwide!! One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

BMO isn’t just a living video game console, portable electrical outlet, music player, roommate, camera, alarm clock, toaster, flashlight, strobe light, skateboarder, friend, soccer player, video editor, and video player anymore, silly! Mimoco has added flash drive to its long resume, which gives BMO even more reason to command us to “Bow to your sensei” of memory transport. Lift off its cap to reveal a special rainbow sleep display and rest easy knowing that if anyone tries to hurt your data, BMO will kill them. “Check, please!”

BMO Rainbow MIMOBOT, as all others in the collection, comes preloaded with an exclusive desktop interface featuring Mimory™ content like a full Adventure Time episode and our MimoDesk™ personalization suite, which includes BMO-themed wallpapers, icons and avatars. BMO Rainbow MIMOBOT is limited to 2,000 hand-numbered units.

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: adventure, bmo, giveaway, mimobot, mimocos, rainbow, ...
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