Babylon 5 ISN News: The Zocalo Today
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
The Zocalo Today
Welcome and thank you for dropping by. Take your shoes off, get comfortable and stay a while.
There is a LOT of information here and you won't want to miss any of it.
The Zocalo Today is an interactive newsletter, encouraging readers to join a discussion topic or to send
along letters that can be shared with other readers.
The Zocalo Today is a newsletter for Babylon 5 and science fiction fans everywhere. It is as much YOUR
newsletter as it is mine! I'm just pulling together things for you!
Join our discussion topic. It is just one way you can share with other Z readers. If you see Babylon 5 cast
and crew in other roles, let us know. We enjoy convention reports, photos, etc. Don't miss our back issues.
I hope this will become more than just a newsletter. It's a community of people that enjoy sharing their
experiences and interests. Babylon 5 brought many of us together -- and it remains with us, despite the
fact that is no longer in production. Don't be shy. Join us today!
If you have questions, drop me a line at sgbruckner@aol.com. If
you would like to join the mailing list for our newsletter, send me a note and I'll include you on the list. Or you
can use the subscription block at the left.
Again, WELCOME!
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2009
PUSHING DAISIES TONIGHT
ABC will be airing the final three episodes of Pushing Daisies starting tonight.
In case you haven't yet caught this quirky show, nominated for 12 Emmy awards,
here's a quick description.
PUSHING DAISIES, the brainchild of WONDERFALLS' Bryan Fuller, is the story of Ned
(Lee Pace), a much-put-upon, lovelorn fellow whose touch can bring the dead back
to life. Unfortunately, this "gift" comes with one doozy of a drawback: if he ever
touches them again, even by accident, they die again, beyond his powers to revive.
And if he ever fails to put them down again within 60 seconds, some other random
person dies to take their place.
Ned works at a pastry shop called the Pie Hole and moonlights, helping out private
eye Emerson Cod (Chi McBride) at solving murder mysteries. Together they visit the
recently deceased in the morgue so Ned can revive them for 60 seconds and find out
who's killed them. Somehow the dead never quite manage to provide all the relevant
information within the time limit, often providing irrelevant or misleading clues,
and the cases always require substantial additional investigation among colorful
and often demented suspects.
TORCHWOOD TRAILER AVAILABLE
BBC America has provided a very exciting trailer to introduce season three of TORCHWOOD.
Entitled "Torchwood: Children of Earth" - it appears that aliens have tapped into the
next generation around the world and Torchwood must look for an answer.
http://video.bbcamerica.com/services/player/bcpid22881351001?bctid=24545345001
TOY STORY 3 TRAILER
The new teaser teaser trailer for Disney/Pixar's upcoming Toy Story 3 has gone live at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXJEDUainX4&feature=player_embedded.
Directed by Lee Unkrich, the third installment in the beloved franchise brings back
Woody, Buzz and the gang of toy characters. The sequel opens in theaters June 18, 2010,
in Disney Digital 3-D.
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE SQUEAKQUEL
CHUCK's star, Zachary Levi, will be playing opposite Jason Lee and three CGI chipmunks
in the "squeakquel" to Alvin and the Chipmunks. "That will be out at Christmas, and
hopefully it will be gangbusters, like the first one was," Levi said in an
interview Thursday in Santa Monica, Calif. It will be good to be part of a film
that's a big studio film that does really well, that kind of opens those doors."
The original Alvin and the Chipmunks starred Lee as Dave Seville, a struggling
songwriter who strikes gold when he takes in three chipmunks. Levi revealed that he
plays a relative of Lee's character. "I play kind of like the new Dave," he said.
"Dave is still in it—Jason Lee is still in it—but something happens that prevents
him from being able to take care of the Chipmunks the way he normally does, so I
have to step in as the burnout cousin of Dave Seville who really just wants to play
video games all day. Art imitating life imitating art."
The film's use of CGI for the chipmunks presented Levi with new challenges as an
actor. "Well, you're working with stuffed animals and thin air, which is more than
I get from some actors I work with," he joked. "No, I'm kidding. I had a great time
doing it, and hopefully it will do well—and I think it will. They've done an amazing
job of protecting this franchise; they've always maintained the integrity of it and
the fun of it, and it has both child entertainment and content that adults can have
fun with because they're bringing their kids." ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE SQUEAKQUEL
opens Christmas Day.
DEAR DRACULA
Comic books have become a source of big screen features -- but with mixed reactions.
According to ICv2, Kickstart Entertainment has optioned the comic book DEAR DRACULA
for a feature film adaptation.
The comic book was written by Joshua Williamson and illustrated by Vincente Navarette
and the story revolves around a young boy who loves horror movies and decides to start
writing letters to Dracula, the same way children write letters to Santa Claus on Christmas.
Williamson and Navarette are writing the screenplay, but it doesn't seem that a director
has been attached as of yet. Williamson and Navarette said in an interview with Comic
Book Resources that the project was initially developed as a stop-motion film, but
now it will be an animated film instead.
We've taken the book and just added a whole new level to it," Williamson said in
the interview. "We've kept everything from the book and expanded on it. If people
enjoyed the book, they're going to love the movie."
No production schedule was released for the film.
TOP SCIENCE FICTION NEWS STORIES:
News from this week and the last couple of months has been moved to the
News Archive Page. Check it out
to catch up on all that has been going on in the world of science fiction.
8:00pm on BBC America
Primeval - (First Aired: May 20, 2009)
The team discovers a creature that can blend in with its background; a cop interferes.
8:00pm on CBS
NUMB3RS - Episode: Checkmate (First Aired: April 11, 2008)
Robin, an old flame of Don's, returns to prosecute an incarcerated criminal, but
when three witnesses involved in the case are murdered, Don and the team fear she
will be the next victim.
9:00pm on BBC America
Primeval
Some cute burrowing creatures nearly cause a disaster at the hospital; Helen and
her army of Cleaner Replicas attack the ARC.
9:00pm on CBS
Harper's Island - Episode: Thrack, Splack, Sizzle (NEW)
The sheriff believes one of the wedding guests is responsible for the deaths on the
island; a dark secret links Abby to Wakefield.
9:00pm on SciFi
The Book of Beasts(2009)
A princess seeks the help of Merlin the wizard to save Camelot from an evil force.
Laura Harris, James Callis
10:00pm on ABC
Pushing Daisies - Episode: Window Dressed to Kill (NEW)
When Ned refuses to use his gift to solve crimes, Emerson asks Chuck to help him
solve the murder of a window dresser; two people from Olive's past ask her for help.
NEW BABYLON 5 BOOK SERIES
OVERVIEW OF THE ASKED & ANSWERED SERIES
It's true. The creator of Babylon 5 answers 5,296 fan questions covering every
aspect of the show in over 100 categories in new Babylon 5 book series.
J. Michael Straczynski answered these questions as they surfaced over a period
of 18 years as part of an online experiment he started in 1991 and continues to
this day.
This makes Asked & Answered something that has never been done before with a
television show: an oral history IN REAL TIME. No revisionism. Nothing
forgotten. No detail spared. Because this dialouge with fans starts in 1991, it
pre-dates the production of the Babylon 5 pilot, so you'll discover JMS'
complete vision for the series, many aspects of which never made it to the
screen.
Even better, these questions and answers include interactions on AOL Bulletin
Boards, GEnie Forums, the moderated usenet group, CIS Discussion threads and
Chat Transcripts, some of which are not available in archives anywhere.
In addition to Babylon 5, Asked & Answered includes JMS' responses to personal
questions about his life, politics, love, religion, writing and more. These
responses are grouped with a related B5 topic showing fans for the first time
the provenance of the Babylon 5 philosophy and culture. All that plus JMS'
real life stories behind the stories.
To make this the ultimate reference, this series took 2 years and a crew of
four B5 experts in addition to J. Michael Straczynski to compile, categorize
and edit.
Go to http://www.cafepress.com/b5books
for a list of the topics covered in Part One, a sample of some of the questions
covered and a link to 12 sample pages.
DISCUSSION TOPIC - STAR TREK
OK, who has seen the movie! What do you think? Will it re-start the franchise?
Does the younger cast members fit into the mold of the characters they portray?
Send in your comments to sgbruckner@aol.com. I'll post your selections our
discussion page for all
readers to share. I'll post some of my comments in my blog -- see below.
BABYLON PODCAST
Welcome to Show #157!
Indianapolis 500, MLS Soccer, NCAA Lacrosse, or baseball… however you choose to
celebrate, we hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!
Summer wants to find out when “Dreams with Sharp Teeth” will make it to DVD, since
she didn’t have Sundance Channel to catch it when they aired it. Happy Birthday,
Unca Harlan (May 27th)!
Jeffrey wants to know if there are any MIT students or professors listening to the
podcast… no, we’re not sure why the Vorlon wants to know…
Voicemail: That’s right folks, it’s time for another Feedbackapalooza!
And really, if you hear any messages when you play any of the podcasts backwards,
be sure to tell us… it means we didn’t hide them well enough.
Second Life Info: FarPoint Media’s Second Life space is now the penthouse suite
of Third Life Books. You can find the castle at
http://slurl.com/secondlife/beraudes/203/151/49. Come see the castle roof pool,
and more!
Babylon 5 Information Gathering: If you know of a dead or abandoned B5 related
website that may be in need of a new home, let Summer know! Maybe we can mirror
it here or house it on a sister site.
BILL MUMY CONCERT - JUNE 19
Bill Mumy will be performing solo and acoustic at The American Music Circle, hosted
by Lauren Adams, Friday, June 19, 2009 from 8-10:00pm. The address is: Kulak's
Woodshed, 5230 1/2 Laurel Canyon Blvd., North Hollywood. For more information, go
to http://www.kulakswoodshed.com/.
With Bill Mumy, Vertigo Road, Kevin Kelly, The Lauren Adams Band and one artist TBA.
All Ages, Admission - $10.00 Donation.
JERRY DOYLE
According to a note in the B5 moderated newsgroup, Jerry Doyle has announced his
debut book called 'HAVE YOU SEEN MY COUNTRY LATELY?' It is the story of his life
and will be published in hard cover and will become available in 2010.
Have you been wondering what Jerr has been up to since Babylon 5, go over to
http://www.jerrydoyle.com/ and there's
a clip from a recent TV program -- he's podcasting!
MELISSA GILBERT
Melissa Gilbert has a new book out, entitled PRAIRIE TALE. Description: Gilbert's
real childhood was a far cry from the idyllic family portrayed in her hit television
series, "Little House on the Prairie." Yet through her great sense of humor, resilience,
and fantastic support system, Gilbert has found happiness and stability in her life.
Full-color insert.
Melissa is conducting a book-signing tour sponsored by Borders. She will be at the
Bordors on Columbia Circle in New York on June 9 from 7-10:00pm.
PAT TALLMAN
Ranger Morjana reports that the SciFi Channel is airing STAR RUNNERS on Saturday,
June 13 at 9pm, and it's repeated Sunday June 14 at 1:30am. According to TrekTrak.com,
STAR RUNNERS was a failed pilot for USA, and that Patricia Tallman co-starred in
it -- from 1998!
Patty is one of my favorite B5 people -- so it will be fun to see her on screen
again -- mark your calendars.
ISN BLOG
I have just created ISN News Blog at
http://isnnews.blogspot.com. This is an experiment for me -- and I hope
you’ll join me by entering news you have to share. I’ll put in stuff that I think
is interesting for others to read about and we’ll see how it goes. Join me.
TERMINATOR SALVATION: THE MACHINIMA SERIES
EXPLODES ONLINE AS THE FIRST LONG FORM DRAMATIC MACHINIMA PRODUCTION
* Created by The Halcyon Company and Warner Premiere
* The First Long Form Dramatic Machinima Series Produced By A Major Studio
* Creators Use "Terminator Salvation" Videogame to Create Filmed Entertainment
* An Original Series Starring Moon Bloodgood as "Blair Williams"
* Produced and Overall Creative Direction Provided by The Halcyon Company and
the Film's Director McG
* First Episode Now Available on iTunes and other Digital Distributors
Burbank, Calif., May 19, 2009 - Halcyon Games, a division of The Halcyon Company
along with Warner Premiere and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution today announced
the first full length Machinima series titled "Terminator Salvation: The Machinima
Series." Produced in association with McG, director of "Terminator Salvation," and
Machinima Inc., this six part series utilizes real time computer animation generated
from the "Terminator Salvation" video game and is set against an original story
written by Andy Shapiro and directed by Tor Helmstein. Fans follow "Blair Williams"
(voiced by Moon Bloodgood) on an action-packed journey that reveals the genesis of
Blair William's involvement with John Connor's resistance unit two and a half years
before the movie begins.
"Terminator Salvation: The Machinima Series" is now available on iTunes
(http://tinyurl.com/TerminatorMachinimaOniTunes), Amazon Video on Demand
(http://tinyurl.com/TerminatorMachinimaOnAmazonVOD), Xbox Live and the Sony
PlayStation Network. The cost per episode is $2.99 for HD and $1.99 for SD
(where available). Fans can also sign up for a season pass and automatically
receive future episodes every week for $14.99 in HD or $9.99 in SD (where available).
"From a film maker's point of view, Machinima provides an incredibly dynamic way
to explore live worlds and tell compelling new stories," said McG. "The process
allows the writer and director to think cinematically, while at the same time
executing certain things that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive or even impossible
on a set."
Machinima, a word derived from the combination of machine and cinema, describes
computer-generated animation created in real-time by leveraging video game engines
and environments. Revolutionizing the digital content creation process, Machinima.com
is pioneering a cost effective way to produce high quality video content for multi-
platform distribution. "Terminator Salvation: The Machinima Series" was entirely
produced by leveraging Machinima techniques utilizing assets from "Terminator
Salvation: the Videogame."
"Working with The Halcyon Company's motion picture development team and having
produced a high-octane, story driven action shooter videogame using Grin AB's
cutting edge 'Diesel' engine, we had an incredible basis to further explore stories
set in the Terminator universe," said Cos Lazouras, president of Halcyon Games,
creator of the "Terminator Salvation" videogame. "Re-purposing our game to produce
the very first dramatic series in this medium is a fantastic innovation and will
become the norm for game makers in the future."
"Machinima is the next generation of storytelling," said Diane Nelson, president
of Warner Premiere. "After meeting with McG and Halcyon's creative teams we could
easily see the power and potential of this type of content. The combination of McG
and the Game maker's creative talent and the inherent essence of the man vs. machine
concept made for a natural feature-length story."
While Andreas Katsulas (G'Kar), Rick (Biggs) and Tim (Choate) are no longer with us,
we will not forget their wonderful personalities and talent -- as well as their
significant contributions to the BABYLON 5 universe. Be sure to visit
In Memory Of for more
information about memorial efforts. Until we met again, in a place where no
shadows fall.
BABYLON 5 BIRTHDAYS
Theodore Bikel - May 2
Michael O'Hare - May 6
Stephen Furst - May 8
Melissa Gilbert-Boxleitner - May 8
Bruce Boxleitner - May 12
Andreas Katsulas - May 18
Andrea Thompson - May 22
Doug Wise - May 21
Douglas Netter - May 23
Paul Winfield - May 22
Roy Dotrice - May 26
Harlan Ellison - May 27
Have I missed anyone? If you know the birthday of someone connected with Babylon 5,
pass the information along. We want to include everyone in our Happy Birthday Wishes.
Eureka Productions is pleased to announce the publication of SCIENCE FICTION CLASSICS:
Graphic Classics Volume Seventeen. This is the first full-color volume in the GRAPHIC
CLASSICS® series of comics adaptations of great literature.
SCIENCE FICTION CLASSICS presents comics adaptations of stories from the original
creators of science fiction including "The War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells and
"A Martian Odyssey" by Stanley G. Weinbaum. Also featured are "In the Year 2889"
a rare short story by Jules Verne, and "The Disintegration Machine", starring
Arthur Conan Doyle's Professor Challenger. Plus E.M. Forster's only SF tale,
the poignant "The Machine Stops", and shorts by Lord Dunsany and Hans Christian
Anderson.
GRAPHIC CLASSICS are available in bookstores, comics shops, or direct from the
publisher at http://www.graphicclassics.com.
SUGGESTED READING
SCIENCE FICTION TELEVISION SERIES, 1990-2004
by Frank Garcia and Mark Phillips
This book is the ultimate for a science fiction fan. It provides a wealth of information
about series -- and many little known facts gathered through interviews and extensive
research.
WARNER BROS. GOES DIGITAL
WBP: Get Zac Efron on your phone:
Text 17 to 58671 to get the latest on Zac’s new movie 17 Again.
Receive text alerts about the film and Zac’s local appearances. Get info on how
to WIN 17 Again prizes including a trip courtesy of MovieTickets.com. Visit the
17 Again official mobile site featuring exclusive Zac voice tones, mobile wallpapers,
clips from the soundtrack and more! Then don’t miss 17 Again starring Zac Efron and
Matthew Perry. In theaters everywhere April 17, 2009.
ER – The Complete Series Available to Own in HD
ER – The Complete Series is now available in its entirety for the FRIST TIME EVER
exclusively via download at iTunes. As you know ER one of television’s most riveting
dramas came to an end last week and now fans can relive the memories or experience
the series for the first time by downloading the series exclusively on iTunes – see
George Clooney, Angela Basset, Noah Wyle and more. I thank you in advance for
sharing the news with your readers and for linking to the official ER - iTunes page.
(http://tinyurl.com/ERoniTunes).
WARNER ARCHIVE ADDS EVEN MORE TITLES
Warner Bros. has launched the Warner Archive Collection (www.WarnerArchive.com) a
new initiative allowing fans to own over 150 at launch and eventually several thousands
of films that have been in its vault for decades including hidden treasures starring
legends such as Cary Grant, Bette Davis, Katherine Hepburn and Greta Garbo. All
films are available for the FIRST TIME EVER on DVD and On Demand.
This last batch of titles include a number of old Tarzan movies. These you don't see
on TV that often.
REVIEW
I had a chance to watch this DVD over the weekend. It was awesome. I am a real Tarzan
fan and have watched all the various iterations in the character -- from Bruce Bennett
to Christopher Lambert (I think that was the last one). Anyway, some of them have been
just awful, but some have been delightful surprises. I faithfully watched Ron Ely when
there was a weekly Tarzan TV series. I think my favorite is Johnny Weismuller, but Lex
Barker made a marvelous Tarzan, very believable. Perhaps I like to strong, silent type,
but Lex Barker was what I always thought the character should be -- strong, honest, very
loyal tothose he loved. I love the simple storyline of TARZAN'S PERIL. George McReady
is terrific as bad guy Radicheck; Virginia Huston isn't a bad Jane (although no one can
beat Maureen O'Sullivan). Made in 1951, it has some marvelous wildlife footage that
will entertain and astonish you. Can you imagine what it took to capture that footage
back then?
This film has been wonderfully restored. I watched it on a big screen TV and it was
awesome. Made me love the Tarzan saga all over again. This is truly something you'll
want to add to your collection to watch with your children.
WBSHOP.COM GRAND OPENING
The all-new www.WBshop.com is now open featuring
the largest collection of Warner Bros products including WATCHMEN exclusive collections.
During the Grand Opening receive 20% Off and Free Shipping on all orders including
Blu-ray, Toys, Apparel and more.
Be sure to check out all the BABYLON 5 and CRUSADE items. Each episode is sold
separately for $1.95. It is a great way to get your favorite episode without having
to spend a lot of money.
You will also find DOCTOR WHO, RED DWARF, SUPERNATURAL, V and many other TV science
fiction favorites. Check out the lithographs, calendars, stationery, toys and photo
collections too.
PLANET EARTH
I have been a HUGE fan of the PLANET EARTH series from BBC. It is an absolutely
amazing set of DVDs that feature a planet we all know -- and I hope LOVE!!!
Below is a widget the WB created for the acclaimed BBC miniseries PLANET EARTH to
celebrate Earth Day! It offers free downloads, music from the series, as well as
photos and video content.
This Earth Day, show your love for Planet Earth –The record-breaking miniseries that
inspired the motion picture Earth – with BBC Video’s Planet Earth widget.
The recipient of four Emmy Awards including Outstanding Nonfiction Series, PLANET
EARTH was filmed in high-definition over five years by 71 camera people, in 62
countries across every continent. Utilizing state-of-the-art filming techniques
and technologies - ranging from revolutionary aerial lens stabilization and flash
strobe-systems to ultra high-speed cameras - the most expensive factual series ever
created by the BBC lovingly captures our planet’s best-loved, wildest and most
elusive creatures in intimate moments and rare action.
Now you can showcase this amazing content and share it with your friends too. Spread
the message of Earth Day with BBC Video’s Planet Earth widget. Loaded with music
from the film, free wallpapers, photos and unbelievable footage of Earth’s plants
and creatures, there is no better way to remind people to conserve and protect our
natural resources.
FRINGE
Release date: September 8, 2009
"FRINGE: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON features 20 episodes of the most exciting new show
on television, including over six hours of never-before-seen bonus features and
collectible lenticular packaging,” said Rosemary Markson, WHV Vice President, TV
and Special Interest Marketing. “Warner Home Video is ecstatic to release this much-
anticipated science-fiction hit on DVD and Blu-Ray.”
DVD Special Features Include:
Evolution: The Genesis of Fringe featurette - The creators of the show discuss how
the series unfolded and the qualities that make it so unique
Behind the Real Science of Fringe featurette - From teleportation to re-animation,
Fringe incorporates recent discoveries in science. Consulting experts and scientists
who are the authorities in their field address the areas of science which are the
inspiration for the show.
A Massive Undertaking: The Making of Fringe (on select episodes) - An in-depth
exploration of how select episodes came to be made: from the frozen far reaches of
shooting the pilot in Toronto, to the weekly challenges of bringing episodes to air
The Casting of Fringe- The story, as told by producers and cast, of how Anna Torv,
Joshua Jackson, John Noble and others came to be cast in the series.
Fringe Visual Effects featurette - Goes deep into the creation of the shared dream
state with some of the biggest VFX shots of the show.
Dissected Files: Unaired Scenes
Unusual Side Effects: Gag Reel
Deciphering the Scene
Roberto Orci Production Diary
Gene the Cow montage
Three Full-Length Commentaries from writers/producers, including J.J. Abrams, Roberto
Orci, Alex Kurtman, J.R. Orci, David Goodman, Bryan Burk, Akiva Goldsman and Jeff Pinkner
I love this show and have enjoyed all the episodes in this first season. I am
anxiously awaiting season two and SO happy that the DVD will be out with all those
wonderful extras listed above -- and more.
STARGATE ATLANTIS - SEASON 5
Release date: June 30, 2009
Stargate Atlantis: Season Five will be released on DVD on June 30. This five disc
set will contain all 20 episodes of this final season and the set will be priced
at $49.98 SRP. The series stars Robert Picardo, Joe Flanigan and Jason Momoa along
with appearances from Amanda Tapping, Michael Shanks and Paul McGillion.
In this action-packed fifth season, sparks fly when Woolsey becomes the new leader
of the Atlantis team. Meanwhile, McKay faces difficult personal challenges; Teyla
must balance her roles as mother and warrior; Ronan's past returns with a vengeance,
and Keller finds peril, then help, from an unlikely source. A provisional relationship
with the Wraith takes a shocking turn and new adversaries test the team's courage
and resolve like never before.
LOONEY, LOONEY, LOONEY, LOONEY BUGS BUNNY MOVIE
Available: April 28, 2009
Synopsis:
Hare we go again! The ear-repressible Bugs Bunny takes top billing (we had no choice,
it's in his contract) in this rollicking, rambunctious feature-length romp through
some of the cwaziest cartoon cwassics! Things start out plenty looney as Yosemite Sam
strikes a Devilish bargain to send Bugs straight to you-know-where! The looniness
continues as Daffy and Tweety tangle with a pair of feather-brained bird-napping
gangsters. And in the even loonier finale, Bugs turns Hollywood's glitziest awards
ceremony into a cartoon-star-studded disast-hare zone! A fabulous, 24-carrot tour
de farce from animation legend Friz Freleng!
REVIEW
I have been a Looney Tunes fan forever! When someone mentions cartoons, Bugs Bunny
and Daffy Duck immediately come to mind.
If you haven't seen Friz Freleng's LOONEY, LOONEY, LONEY BUGS BUNNY MOVIE, or if you
are a hard core Looney Tunes fan, than you'll definitely love this DVD. This is one
of those movies you saw when you were a kid, and made you a hard core Looney Tunes
fan. The animation that Friz made for a generation is something to behold. This
is definitely a must buy for your DVD collection.
The LOONEY, LOONEY, LOONEY BUGS BUNNY MOVIE reflects some of Friz Freleng's best
creations: Satin's Waitin' where Yosemite Sam goes after Bugs in all parts of the
world, after winding in the unmentionable place. As a result, Sam must go after Bugs,
to place him down there, but doesn't actually get what he wants after battling Bugs
in The Old West, the Sahara Desert and Ancient Rome. The second chapter is a expanded
take-off from Friz's last classic Looney Tunes cartoon with bugs, The Unmentionables.
Where Bugs a.k.a. Elegant Mess, is recruited to go after the loopy duo of Rocky and
Mugsy and battle them from their needs for theft and money, with a little help from
Sylvester, and Daffy too. The final chapter is more like award season, as the Looney
Tunes gang celebrates at Friz's Oswald Awards, where the best of the Looney best wants
to get the coveted award, with their reflection from Friz's best acrtoons like Tweety
& Sylvester's Brids Anonymous, the swinging Jazz-twisted spinoff of the Three Little
Pigs, Three Little Bops, all leading to High Diving Hare, all leading to a rebellion
protest from Daffy where he challenges Bugs to a duel on stage into the clips from
Show Biz Bugs to see who can knock 'em dead with the best applause.
SYNOPSIS
On the fourth season of THE CLOSER, murderers are not the only ones giving Brenda
a hard time. An ambitious newspaper reporter interferes as he tries to get a story
on the Priority Homicide Division, resulting in disaster for the squad. Although
Brenda and her team chalk up a string of successes (including catching a child’s
killer, a drive-by shooter and an arsonist who sets L.A.’s Griffith Park ablaze),
the reporter’s unflattering tell-all marks the end of the PHD. But viewers shouldn’t
ever count Brenda out. She brings her staff to the newly formed Major Crimes Division
for assignments with expanded jurisdiction that extends to con artists, kidnappers,
predators and, of course, killers. All of L.A.’s worst are going to meet L.A’s best.
REVIEW
This is one of those series that just gets better the longer it is on the air. I have grown
to love Brenda and all of her quirkyness. Kyra Sedgwick is just perfect for this character
and this role. As good as she is, her supporting cast is equally as good. The chemistry of
all the characters is a marvel to watch.
This season you see Brenda solve more cases and she finally gets married as well. I am always
surprised by this series. Unlike so many cop shows, the quality is in the writing. Money
doesn't go into special effects -- it goes into quality writing and production.
If you haven't seen the previous seasons of this fabulous show, you may want to start at the
beginning and see these relationship grow.
SCOOBY-DOO WHERE ARE YOU VOLUME 2: BUMP IN THE NIGHT
Available on DVD: May 5
Official website: www.kidswb.com
Vol. 2 sniffs out and serves up Episodes 5-8 – in the order aired – of Scooby-Doo’s
original Saturday morning series. When prize-winning show dogs begin to disappear,
the crafty canine becomes a Decoy for a Dognapper. A spell-casting ghost goes a-haunting
until Daphne, Velma, Freddy and Shaggy figure out What the Hex Going On? It’s far from
all quiet on the set when Daphne’s moviemaker uncle hires the gang as extras in a
horror flick and they soon learn you Never Ape an Ape Man. And then what could be
scarier than exploring an abandoned amusement park with a short-circuited robot
named Charley in charge in Foul Play in Funland. For cheerful chills and frightful
laughs galore, this is a rrrun-rrriled ride!
REVIEW
Scooby-Do has been a favorite for years. It may have been the first cartoon to
actually present a mystery to young watchers! Its corny, yes, but offers a few
laughs.
Shaggy (Casey Kasem), Velma (Nicole Jaffe), Fred (Frank Welker), Daphne (Stephanianna
Christopherson) and Scooby-Doo (Don Messick) always get tangled up in strange local
mysteries. SCOOBY-DOO WHERE ARE YOU VOLUME 2: BUMP IN THE NIGHT offers up episodes
5-8 of the original series for a little bit of classic fun. In these episodes, the
gang encounters apes, ghosts, voodoo shamans and carnival robots in mysteries so
classic they appear in the credits. These really are the episodes that established
the show as a children's television staple -- getting back to basics. What's
especially worth noting of each and every one of these episodes is that unlike some
of the later episodes of the season or of following seasons, all of the villains in
question here follow the really basic "villain covers his own butt with a fake
supernatural ploy." The later episodes get a little trickier, but as is, this
volume's selection won't be too challenging for even the youngest viewer.
FREAKAZOID SEASON 2
Available: April 21, 2009
Official website: www.kidswb.com
Synopsis:
Dexter Douglas is a mild-mannered teenager who, while logged onto the Internet one
Christmas, is thrust into a horrible crash on the information superhighway and
transformed into an electrifying superhero. He's average, predictable, the middle
of the bell curve and the center of the silent majority, which most consider completely
dull and boring; the type of person who just blends into the crowd. However, all this
changes when he turns into the Freakazoid, a lightening haired superhero who wears red
underwear who uses his new abilities to fight evil and do battle with villains such as
the Lobe. That is, unless Cosgrove, his best friend and chief of police, can suggest
something better to do. With his many trusted sidekicks, his fabulous Freakalair and
his girlfriend Steph by his side, he?s ready to save the day; that is, unless there's
something better on TV.
TINY TOON ADVENTURES: SEASON 1, Volume 2
Available: April 28, 2009
Official website: www.wbkids.com
Synopsis:
This April, BBC Video brings the world’s most popular car entertainment show to DVD
for the first time in North America with the 3-disc release Top Gear 10. One of
the top rated shows on BBC America and BBC Canada and broadcast in more than 100
countries, Top Gear follows hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May
as they attempt some of the most ambitious, and often outrageous, adventures on
four wheels including a race through the Kalahari Desert in three 20-year-old
clunkers and an attempt to break Sir Richard Branson’s record by crossing the
treacherous English Channel in a fleet of amphibious cars. Rounding out the team
is the silent and mysterious racing driver The Stig, who pushes cars and celebrities
to their limits on the Top Gear test track.
REVIEW
If you enjoy cars and British humor, I've got a show for you. TOP GEAR, is one of
those shows where you can easily get caught up in the humor and hijinks of the hosts.
Highlights of this DVD are:
- A roadtrip through Europe to find the greatest driving road ever in a Lambogini,
Porche 911 and an Aston Martin (so much funnier than it sounds)
- Three attempts at making an amphibious car
- A race between a fighter jet and the fastest production car in the world
- Watch the three hosts cross the uncrossable desert in three african cars that
cost $1000.
- See the birth of Motorhome racing
The show is VERY diverse -- crossing generational boundaries as the three hosts wander
the world to bring you absolutely stunning adventures.
And yes, this is season 10 of the series. So if you like what you see on this series,
you'll want to look for the previous seasons -- just to see what you've missed.
NEW FAMILY DVDS
Looking for movies you can watch with your children? I have moved many of the
family-oriented DVDs to a
Family DVDs page. Here you will find wonderful DVDs you can enjoy with your entire
family -- no matter the age. You will find background information about the DVD, but there
are clips as well from Warner Bros. Enjoy!
For more information on other DVDs that have just been released and reviewed, go to
New DVDs
DOCTOR WHO
In shops: July 2009
At long last Doctor Who is an ongoing monthly series! Tony Lee (Doctor Who: The
Forgotten), kicks off the time/space-faring series with the two-part “Silver
Scream.” In chapter one, the Doctor travels to 1920s Hollywood where he befriends
Charlie Chaplin and, of course, discovers an alien plot! Lee is joined by Al
Davison (The Dreaming) on this first story arc. Covers by Paul Grist and Davison.
BABYLON 5 MUSIC VIDEOS AND TRIBUTES
I found this message on the Babylon 5 moderated newsgroup this morning and just
had to post it so that others might enjoy the marvelous music videos created by
John Hudgens.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
As some of you may know, I was hired by Joe Straczynski back in the
day to create Babylon 5 music videos for him to use at science fiction
conventions, and later to promote the show to networks. Eight were
produced over the run of the series, not including the memorial videos
I did later for Rick Biggs and Andreas Katsulas.
For the longest time, the only way to see these was if Joe or I showed
them at a convention, but now, after numerous requests from fans over
the years, Joe has given me permission me to post these online.
- This is the extended version that I did for Andreas' widow ater the
original cut was released on the net. It's never been seen online
until now.
For those of you who've never seen these, I hope you enjoy them - and
for those that have (and emailed me many times over the years about
releasing them), I hope they're as good as you remember. Working with
Joe on these videos was one of the highlights of my career, and I'll
be forever grateful to him for the doors these have opened for me. I'm
proud to have them on my resume.
John Hudgens
www.zteamproductions.com
July 10-12, 2009
SHORE LEAVE
Place: Marriott's Hunt Valley Inn
City: Baltimore, Maryland
Guests: Jason Momoa, Rachel Luttrell, Robert Picardo, Ethan Phillips, Christopher
Heyerdahl, Michael Welch, Kevin Soro, Jasika Nicole -- and many more
July 10-12, 2009
TCON
Place: Sheraton Parkway North Toronto Hotel
City: Richmond Hill, Canada
Description: We have over 300 hours of programming including special media guest Q&A's,
scientists, authors, discussion panels, anime & video, gaming, autographs & photo sessions,
masquerade contest, dances and art displays. They host a charity auction that raises money
for Gilda's Club of Greater Toronto -- and they have the 3rd Annual Constellation Awards.
For more information, go to TCON.
August 6-9, 2009 OFFICIAL STAR TREK CONVENTION
Place: Las Vegas Hilton Hotel, 3000 Paradise Rd.
Guests: Just about anyone you can think of that has been associated with the show
August 27 - 29, 2009
Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention
Place: The Clarion Hotel
City: Aberdeen, Maryland
Guests: Lee Meriwether (Star Trek guest, Time Tunnel, and Batman), Bob Hastings
(McHale's Navy and The Munsters), James Best (Forbidden Planet and Dukes of Hazzard)
and Celeste Holm (Academy Award winning actress) and more.
For more information, go to
http://www.midatlanticnostalgiaconvention.com.
September 4-7, 2009 Dragon-Con
City: Atlanta, Georgia
B5 Guests: Stephen Furst, Tracey Scoggins, Bruce Boxleitner, Dwight Schultz
For more information, go to www.dragoncon.org
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS! Creation Entertainment has a large number of
conventions planned for the next several months. They include stars from STARGATE,
ENTERPRISE, FARSCAPE, XENA, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, etc. Check out their calendar to
see if one will be in your neighborhood soon. Don't miss their
Videos page as well. It is
full of some priceless video from a number of conventions.
Be sure to visit the referenced sites to see if there have been changes in
dates/guests attending. Visit our Convention Calendar
for a full listing of upcoming conventions.
BACK ISSUES OF THE ZOCALO TODAY
The front page of the The Zocalo Today changes daily, so be sure to check the
back issues to make sure that you haven't missed anything IMPORTANT! I don't want the front page getting too
long so I shift information periodically into the archives. So if you aren't a regular visitor to The Zocalo Today, be sure
to check out the back issues. Just use the button above!
Take care and I look forward to hearing from you. Sandra Bruckner (sgbruckner@aol.com)
Editor/Publisher
ISN News: The Zocalo Today
http://www.isnnews.net
Copyright - SBruckner, 1999-2009
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
PUSHING DAISIES TONIGHT
TORCHWOOD TRAILER AVAILABLE
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE SQUEAKQUEL
REPORT ON JMS' PRESENTATION AT MIT ON FRIDAY NIGHT
JERRY DOYLE
MELISSA GILBERT
SCIENCE FICTION TELEVISION SERIES, 1990-2004
WBP: Get Zac Efron on your phone:
FRINGE
STARGATE ATLANTIS - SEASON 5
LOONEY, LOONEY, LOONEY, LOONEY BUGS BUNNY MOVIE
THE CLOSER - SEASON 4
SCOOBY-DOO WHERE ARE YOU VOLUME 2: BUMP IN THE NIGHT
FREAKAZOID SEASON 2
TOP GEAR 10
DOCTOR WHO
September 4-7, 2009