Dan Shor talks about TRON, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure and Star Trek

Dan Shor is know best for playing the supporting character Ram, in the movie, TRON. He also played the character Roy Kleinberg in the TRON: The Next Day epilogue to TRON: Legacy, a role that was reprised from TRON in which the character was listed as “Popcorn Co-Worker”. Besides being a veteran actor, he is also a director, writer and teacher with a career spanning 28 years.

Dan is also known for playing Billy the Kid in “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure”. He also appeared “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Star Trek Voyager” playing Dr. Arridor.

Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Dan about these roles and reflect on the legacy of TRON.

Vinyl Review “Disney’s TRON: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” 180g Double Vinyl Edition

Disney’s TRON
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Composer: Wendy Carlos
Double LP
180g Virgin Vinyl

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Growing up, one of my favorite films was “TRON”, now 30+ years later…little has changed. The music in the film was always my favorite. I just to listen to the cassette as kid and now I have it digitally on my smartphone. Audio Fidelity is the guys behind the the release of this album on a Double LP  with 180g translucent blue vinyl records. They are the definitely of quality when it comes to music releases. This wonderful music has never sounded better! Crack it up to 11 and enjoy the wonderful sound of “TRON” once again on vinyl!

The score itself for “TRON” an nice blend of electronic along with traditional orchestral music. Kudos to composer Wendy Carlos for her brilliant orchestral recording with symphonic backgrounds by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the UCLA Chorus. She has created some of my favorite scores including “A Clockwork Orange” and “The Shining”. The “TRON” soundtrack also has two additional tracks from the rock band Journey, “Only Solutions” and “1990’s Theme”.

The gatefold jacket inside this new vinyl reissue holds the two 180g translucent blue vinyl records and also includes colorful photos from the popular cult film. Inside there is a fantastic liner notes written by the composer as well Michael Fremer, who also served as the film’s soundtrack supervisor. Fremer also oversaw the new Audio Fidelity mastering by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. So you know it go the attention that it deserved.

Track list: 
SIDE 1
1-Creation Of TRON
2-Only Solutions – Journey
3-We’ve Got Company
4-Wormhole
5-Ring Game And Escape
6-Water, Music, And Tronaction

SIDE 2
1-TRON Scherzo
2-Miracle and Magician
3-Magic Landings
4-Theme From TRON
5-1990’s Theme – Journey
6-Love Theme

SIDE 3
1-Tower Music – Let Us Pray
2-The Light Sailer
3-Sea Of Simulation

SIDE 4
1-A New TRON And The MCP
2-Anthem
3-Ending Titles

Reginald VelJohnson talks about his role in “TRON: Uprising”

Andrew Evans / PR Photos

Reginald VelJohnson is best known for his role of Carl Winslow in “Family Matters”. Reginald is currently voicing the role of Able in Disney XD’s “TRON: Uprising”. In recent episodes, his character Able had a big reveal and has become a key factor of the show. Reginald took out sometime to chat with Media Mikes about his role and reflect on TV values since “Family Matters”.

Mike Gencarelli: What drew you to the role of Able in “TRON: Uprising”?
Reginald VelJohnson: I’ve always appreciated the animation and when I got the opportunity to audition for the role, I made sure that it was something that I was going to be attracted to. It’s the kind of role I usually play, the father figure and mentor to the programs in the grid. It’s essentially the character that drew me to the project.

MG: Can you reflect on the intrigue that is behind the “TRON” series?
RVJ: I think Tron is one of the first video games so it’s like the grandfather of the video era. Tron represents this everyman and comes across as something so powerful, like the computer. He lives through this world, and I guess people are fascinated by that concept, living inside this computer generated world.

MG: What do you enjoy most about Beck and Able’s relationship on the show?
RVJ: He’s the father figure and Able really thinks of all the individuals in the garage as his children and he cares for them and that’s what I think is lovely about the relationship between Beck and Able. It’s like a father and son type of relationship.

MG: In upcoming episodes, we find that Able has this unknown relationship with a powerful figure on the Grid; can you tell us about that reveal for you?
RVJ: Well, it was interesting to me to find out that he has an outsider relationship with this powerful character, and I think this relationship makes him more interesting.

MG: What is the most rewarding aspect of doing voice work?
RVJ: The hours; you go into the studio whenever you want to. You sit in a booth and do your job and you go home – it’s wonderful. I like that it gives you a chance to really explore your craft with your voice.
Have you completed the recording for the first season yet?
I believe we have, I think I did one last episode. I think the new season begins pretty soon but I think we’ve finished off all the episodes of the season.

MG: Also sticking with TV, you are recurring on “Hart of Dixie”, what do you enjoy most about playing Dash DeWitt?
RVJ: Well, he’s sort of a flamboyant character; he’s kind of elegant in a way. He has this cane and bowtie and he walks around the town getting into everybody’s business and telling everyone about the business. He’s a fun character so I enjoy playing that.

MG: After working on a show like “Family Matters” for so many years, how do you feel that TV values have changed?
RVJ: Wow. That’s an interesting question because I think that things have definitely changed since I did “Family Matters.” I think TV with all the reality shows and the hip-hop generation doesn’t focus on the meaning and feeling of a family – the real relationship between people. I don’t think people are too ready to sit down and watch that. I just hope that it comes back because personally, I think that the reality genre needs to die a slow death. I hope that the family type shows come back because I enjoy watching people share family values and loving relationships between each other. I miss that.

CD Review “TRON: Uprising” (Music from and Inspired by the Series)

Composer: Joseph Trapanese
Release Date: January 8, 2013
Label: Walt Disney Records
Total Length: 1:15:42

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are looking expecting Daft Punk’s score from “TRON: Legacy”, you might be disappointed, but this is the closest thing to it.  The composer for “TRON: Uprising” is Joseph Trapanese, who worked with Daft Punk on the film’s score and worked as arranger and orchestrator for “TRON: Legacy”. So this soundtrack of music that is inspired from the series, takes on its own life.  It is not just the same thing again, it takes the feel of the animated series and really amps it up.

Personally, I feel that there are a few tracks that I enjoyed much more than the film score. Since this series is the bridge between “TRON” and “TRON: Legacy”, Trapanese does a nice job of blending Wendy Carlos with Daft Punk. Must listen for all “TRON” fans! After working with Daft Punk for two years on the “TRON: Legacy” score, Trapanese really knows what works best for this series.  In this TV series he also has more room to play since the show’s scale is much broader and not limited to a two hour movie. The album contains remix tracks that were chosen by Trapanese personally. The last track “Rezolution” by Hollywood Records’ rising EDM star, 16-year-old – Cole Plante is a very unique track and a nice end to the album.

“Scars” is a a two-part episode that was a very important arc for the series.  There is a lot of focus on this episode with tracks seven through thirteen.  I really enjoyed this suite and it is easily my favorite aspect on the album. So like I said earlier this album is not Daft Punk’s “TRON: Legacy” score but it takes aspect from that and expanded its reach into The Grid.  If you are a fan of this series, then you have heard the score through out the season so far.  This release is an answered prayer, I really hope that this isn’t the last release either.  I would love to see another volume in the future, hopefully.  Now we just need to get Disney XD to release this show on Blu-ray!

Track Listing:
1. Beck’s Theme – Lightbike Battle
2. Tesler Throwdown
3. Paige’s Past
4. Lux’s Sacrifice
5. Price Of Power
6. Rescuing The Rebellion
7. Dyson Drops In (Scars Suite)
8. Tron’s Promise (Scars Suite)
9. Tron’s Turn (Scars Suite)
10. Beck Betrayed (Scars Suite)
11. Torture (Scars Suite)
12. Revenge (Scars Suite)
13. Redemption (Scars Suite)
14. Goodbye Renegade
15. Compressed Space
16. Renegade’s Pledge – End Credits
17. Lightbike Battle (3OH!3 and JT Remix)
18. Inferno (Opiuo Remix)
19. Dyson (David Hiller Remix)
20. Rezolution – Cole Plante

Disney XD Sets Premiere Date for “TRON: Uprising”

A VISUALLY STRIKING ANIMATED SERIES FEATURING

A NEW HERO BATTLING FOR FREEDOM ON THE GRID

Special Prelude “TRON: Uprising, Beck’s Beginning”

Premieres Friday, May 18 on Disney Channel;

Series Premieres Thursday, June 7 on Disney XD

Disney XD delves inside the computer world of The Grid and the people who live there with “TRON: Uprising,” a visually striking new animated television series that follows the heroic journey of a new character, a young program named Beck, who becomes the unlikely leader of a revolution. The series, produced in CG animation with a 2D aesthetic, is set in the era of “TRON” between the stories in the 1982 feature film and Walt Disney Studios’ “TRON: Legacy.” Disney Channel will present “TRON: Uprising, Beck’s Beginning,” a 30-minute uninterrupted prelude to the series on FRIDAY, MAY 18 (9:30– 10:00 p.m., ET/PT). The special will encore uninterrupted on Disney XD on MONDAY, MAY 21(7:00 p.m. ET/PT), followed by the series launch on THURSDAY, JUNE 7 (9:00 p.m.) on Disney XD.

“TRON: Uprising” stars Elijah Wood as Beck, Bruce Boxleitner as Tron, Mandy Moore as Mara, Emmanuelle Chriqui as Paige, Nate Corddry as Zed, Lance Henriksen as General Tesler, Reginald VelJohnson as Able, Paul Reubens as Pavel and Tricia Helfer as The Grid.

Produced by Disney Television Animation, the series is executive-produced and directed by Charlie Bean (“Robotboy,” “Samurai Jack” and “Powerpuff Girls”) with Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz (both screenwriters of “TRON: Legacy” / executive producers of ABC’s “Lost” and “Once Upon a Time”) and Justin Springer (co-producer of “TRON: Legacy”) as consulting producers. The music is composed by Joseph Trapanese (“TRON: Legacy”).

“TRON: Uprising, Beck’s Beginning” introduces Beck, a young mechanic living in Argon City, a growing metropolis in a far off corner of The Grid that has just been occupied by General Tesler, a henchman of the notorious Clu. After his best friend Bodhi is ruthlessly derezzed by Clu’s army, Beck seeks justice for his lost friend and launches a crusade against the regime. His rebellion captures the attention of Tron, the greatest warrior The Grid has ever known, who sees the potential in Beck and trains him to be his successor. Labeled with the moniker of The Renegade, Beck sparks a revolution to fight for the freedom of The Grid.

The multiplatform premiere schedule is as follows:

Monday, April 30

(9:00 p.m., ET/PT) – Disney XD will debut the official trailer for “TRON: Uprising” during the series premiere of “Motorcity” and online at DisneyXD.com.

Friday, May 11

“TRON: Uprising, Beck’s Beginning” will be released on Disney Channel and Disney XD On Demand.

Sunday, May 13

“TRON: Uprising, Beck’s Beginning” will be available on YouTube via Disney XD’s Facebook Page.

Monday, May 14

“TRON: Uprising, Beck’s Beginning” will be available on iTunes as a free download.

Tuesday, May 15

DisneyXD.com launches a new side-scrolling adventure-puzzle game, “Escape from Argon City,” in which players help Beck master his light disc throwing skills to defeat General Tesler’s army.

Friday, May 18

(9:30 p.m., ET/PT) – “TRON: Uprising, Beck’s Beginning” airs uninterrupted on Disney Channel.

Directly following the linear premiere, DisneyXD.com will launch a new interactive video and gaming activity that invites users to immerse themselves in the world of TRON; the special will be split down into 10 micro-episodes in which users take on the role of Beck and help him fight to become the next hero of The Grid.

Monday, May 21

(7:00 p.m., ET/PT) “TRON: Uprising, Beck’s Beginning” airs uninterrupted on Disney XD.

Thursday, June 7

(9:00 p.m., ET/PT) – “TRON: Uprising” Series Premiere on Disney XD

In the premiere episode, “The Renegade Part 1,” Beck’s training with Tron is interrupted when he’s captured by a Recognizer patrol and sent to the Coliseum to fight in the games. There Beck meets a fellow prisoner Cutler, a fierce warrior program who has been inspired by The Renegade’s actions. Recharged by their shared passion for freedom, Beck and Cutler fight their way out of the deadly disc games. Meanwhile, Zed and Mara head out for night on the town, but run into trouble when an enchanted Zed is lured away by Perl (voiced by Kate Mara), a program from the wrong side of the tracks.

Directly following the premiere on air, “The Renegade Part 2” will be available on DisneyXD.com, along with a new game, “Renegade Strike,” where users take on the identity of The Renegade and defend The Grid from Clu and General Tesler.

Friday, June 8

Following the premiere, “TRON: Uprising” will be showcased via Disney XD on Demand, DisneyXD.com, Disney XD Mobile, Sony Playstation, Xbox Live and iTunes.

Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 78 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates. Disney XD channels are in the UK, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Greece, Turkey, Latin America, Japan, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and The Netherlands among other countries.

 

Related Content

TRON Interview Series

Bonnie MacBird Bruce Boxleitner Cindy Morgan Dan Shor Joseph Kosinski

TRON follow Flynn, a young computer genius, who breaks into the mainframe at ENCOM looking for evidence that the video game programs he wrote were stolen by Ed Dillinger, an ENCOM executive. Dillinger’s Master Control Program (MCP) must stop Flynn, and it blasts him into its own computer dimension. Flynn awakens in an electronic world, where computer programs are the alter-egos of the programmers who created them, and he is sentenced to die on the video game grid. Together with Tron, an electronic security program, Flynn escapes and destroys the MCP, and is able to return to the “real” world. Released July 9, 1982. Starring: Jeff Bridges, Bruce Boxleitner, David Warner, Cindy Morgan, Barnard Hughes.

TRON: LEGACY is a 3D action-packed adventure set in a digital world unlike anything captured on the big screen. Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), a rebellious 27-year-old, is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father Kevin Flynn (Oscar®- and Golden Globe®-winner Jeff Bridges), a man once known as the world’s leading video-game developer. When Sam investigates a strange signal sent from the abandoned Flynn’s Arcade — that could have only come from his father — he finds himself pulled into a world where Kevin has been trapped for 20 years. With the help of the fearless warrior Quorra (Olivia Wilde), father and son embark on a life-or-death journey across a visually-stunning digital universe — created by Kevin himself — which has become far more advanced with never-before-imagined vehicles, weapons, and landscapes and a ruthless villain who will stop at nothing to prevent their escape. Presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and scored by Grammy Award®-winning electronic music duo Daft Punk, TRON: LEGACY hits theaters on Dec. 17, 2010.