Babylon 5 ISN News: The Zocalo Today
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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, AUGUST 22, 2009
SCI-FI VS. SCIENCE FICTION DEBATE
While fans and critics debate whether the name change helped Syfy's new series
WAREHOUSE 13 achieve record ratings, SciFiWire discovered this video that includes
Harlan Ellison, J. Michael Straczynski and others discussing the difference between
"sci-fi" and "science fiction" on Sci-Fi Vortex 12 years ago.
You have to watch this -- it is a fascinating discussion.
GAME OF THRONES
The Hollywood Reporter writes that NEW AMSTERDAM star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and
several others actors have joined the cast of HBO's fantasy pilot GAME OF THRONES.
The group joins the previously cast lead Sean Bean as battle-weary Ned Stark, who
leaves his home to serve the king. Mark Addy, Kit Harrington, Jennifer Ehle, Jack
Gleeson, Peter Dinklage and Harry Lloyd also star.
In the adaptation of the George R.R. Martin fantasy book series, Coster-Waldau
will play Jaime Lannister, one of the king's guards and a ruthless usurper of
the previous king. The actor was most recently seen in Ron Moore's Fox pilot VIRTUALITY.
Other cast members include Tamzin Merchant (Showtime's The Tudors), who'll play
Daenerys, an exiled teenage princess and Richard Madden (Hope Springs) as Stark's
eldest son, Robb; Iain Glen (Into the Storm) as Ser Jorah Mormont, a disgraced
knight; Alfie Allen (The Other Boleyn Girl) as Theon, Stark's young ward; Sophie
Turner (Doctor Who) as Stark's eldest daughter, Sansa; and Maisie Williams as Stark's
young tomboy daughter, Arya.
HBO still has a few more roles to fill in the large ensemble cast of THRONES, one
of the more buzzed-about titles on the network's development slate. The pilot shoots
in Ireland in October.
NEW EXCALIBER ON THE HORIZON
According to reports in Variety, Bryan Singer has closed a deal to produce and
potentially direct a remake of the 1981 fantasy flick EXCALIBER for Warner Brothers.
EXCALIBER is the quintessential myth-of-King-Arthur film, complete with the enchanted
sword, the Knights of the Round Table, Merlin the wizard and the quest for the Holy
Grail to save Arthur's life. The original film was directed by John Boorman and
adapted from the Thomas Malory book by Rospo Pallenberg and Boorman. WB and Legendary
Pictures labored for months to pull together the rights to the film, which Singer
will produce with Julie Yorn. Polly Johnsen, who was Polly Cohen when she was the
WB exec who presided over the Singer-directed WB/Legendary collaboration SUPERMAN
RETURNS, will also be a producer.
Boorman's film featured such stars as Helen Mirren (who played the evil Morgana)
and Liam Neeson (Sir Gawain), as well as Gabriel Byrne and Patrick Stewart. WB
had some of the rights as a library title; the rest were secured from Boorman.
Singer hasn't set a writer yet.
At the same time, Singer has been flirting with directing X-MEN: FIRST CLASS,
a 20th Century Fox spinoff that got a first script draft by O.C. creator Josh
Schwartz.
LOST NEWS
As the fall television season heats up, more and more casting news keeps getting
release. The latest cast addition to fan favorite LOST is popular Japanese actor
Hiroyuki Sanada. According to Entertainment Weekly, it is not known who Sanada
will be playing on the show, but the role will be quite significant, and he will
be appearing on more than one episode. LOST returns to ABC in 2010.
SMALLVILLE
SMALLVILLE fans will want to look at the season 9 trailer over on
Entertainment Weekly. There is a lot going on this season -- beginning
September 25 at 8:00pm ET.
Speaking of SMALLVILLE, here's a picture of Brian Austin Green in his new role as
Metallo, on a two-episode arc starting with the ninth season's premiere episode.
John Corben is a new Daily Planet Reporter who, in the aftermath of an accident,
is mysteriously outfitted with a heart made of Kryptonite. The identity of Corben's
savior is being kept under wraps until the show's debut, but executive producer Kelly
Souders states that Corben is turned into "a rough version of Metallo, a first
attempt at the technology, and eventually he'll get sleeker."
JMS AT FAN-CON NEXT WEEKEND
Just saw a posting in the B5 moderated newsgroup that J. Michael Straczynski will
be attending the Fan-Con in Toronto next weekend, August 24-26, 2009. The posting
indicates JMS has a spotlight panel and autograph session on Saturday and another
autograph session on Sunday. Go to
http://www.hobbystar.com/fanexpo/ for more information.
SCIENCE FICTION NEWS STORIES:
News from yesterday and the last couple of months can be found in the
News Archive. Check it out
to catch up on all that has been going on in the world of science fiction.
8:00pm on CBS
Without a Trace-Episode: True (First Aired: May 12, 2009)
Jack reluctantly agrees to look for his daughter's boyfriend when he runs away from
home.
8:00pm on USA
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest(2006)
Capt. Jack Sparrow must find a way to avoid the clutches of ghostly pirate Davey
Jones and his crew or be damned for all eternity. Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom,
Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, Geoffrey Rush
8:30pm on ABC
War of the Worlds(2005)
A New Jersey man and his two children face an epic battle for survival when hostile
aliens invade Earth. Based on the novel by H.G. Wells. Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning,
Miranda Otto, Justin Chatwin, Tim Robbins
9:00pm on BBC America
Being Human - NEW
Mitchell uncovers the truth about the vampires' plans to start a mass conversion;
George wonders how much longer he can hide his secret.
9:00pm on Syfy
Phantom Racer(2009)
A race-car driver returns from beyond the grave. Greg Evigan
KEEPING UP WITH CAST AND CREW
JASON CARTER
Ranger Cecilia writes that she caught the last episode of NBC's MERLIN on Sunday
and saw Jason Carter (B5's Marcus) as a very nasty character. He, unfortunately,
died in this episode. Good to see him on the tube again.
MIRA FURLAN
Ranger Jim reports that NCIS episode "SOUTH BY SOUTH WEST" features Mira Furlan
in a small part as an artist involved in the death of an agent. She looks wonderful.
ASKED & ANSWERED: PART 3
Rants, religion, money, sex and Star Trek...just a few of the topics covered in
the most volatile release of the entire Asked & Answered series.
Part 3 (pages 779-1,183) includes more than 1,100 missives grouped into the following –
often heated – topics:
ALL THIS AS WELL AS SECTIONS COVERING: THE TITLE SEQUENCE, THE UNIVERSE OF
BABYLON 5 , THE SHOW’S VISUAL AESTHETIC, THE WARDROBE
If you had the means, would you pay $225,000 a bottle for tequila?
In July 2263, Garibaldi embarks on a secret project to reverse-engineer Minbari
and Vorlon technology in order to speed up construction of Destroyer Class White
Star ships. Did this lead to the construction of Excalibur, and the larger cruiser
we saw in Lost Tales?
Deep Geeking: Tim and Summer disagree on “Day of the Dead”, and boy, do we chat
about THAT difference of opinion! Written by Neil Gaiman, it’s the first produced
episode not written by JMS since Season 2 (since “Knives”?).
Tim thinks it’s a weak effort, and Summer thinks it’s one of the better episodes
of Season 5 (and everyone knows how Summer feels about most of Season 5). But
Summer still calls shenanigans on Tim’s refusal to accept quantum physics as a
way to explain how that section of B5 becomes linked to the Brakiri homeworld.
Would seeing Marcus have made more of an impact on Lennier than seeing Morden?
Would that appearance have co-opted the hope that Marcus was not dead, but in
suspended animation, awaiting a technological advance that could successfully
revive him?
Feedback: Ask, and ye shall receive: Jarsto surfaces to lay the correction
smackdown!
Visit Deep Geeking, and if you want to contribute a geeking essay, send an email
to Summer.
It has been a while since we talked BABYLON 5 favorites. Let's see what we can come up
with! How about favorite line? I know, this is not easy, but is there one or two lines
that just scream BABYLON 5 for you? I think one of mine would be "Alone in the night."
When you hear that line, don't you hear Sinclair saying it? What is your favorite?
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.
ISN BLOG
Join me on the ISN News Blog at
http://isnnews.blogspot.com. I’ll put in stuff that I think is interesting
for others to read about and I hope you will join in to discuss of the issues --
related to science fiction or not!
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
Daneil Dae Kim - August 4
Claudia Christian - August 10
Stephen Austin - August 11
Tim Earls - August 15
Nancy Tarczynski - August 16
Skip Beaudine - August 26
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.
17 AGAIN the movie is available ON DEMAND, Digital, Blu-ray and DVD this Tuesday (8/11).
Here is the iTunes link: http://bit.ly/15yfF1.
WARNER ARCHIVES ADDS MORE TITLES
Warner Archives is huge and they are taking advantage of the wide collection to make
available some of the best of the best old movies ever made. New releases include
Sing Sing with Spencer Tracy; Bordertown with Paul Muni; Crime School with Humphrey
Bogart and Razorback with Gregory Harrison and Bill Kerr. Go to
http://www.wbshop.com/New-Releases/ARCHIVENEW,default,sc.html?adid=WACAugNTEml to see
all the movies available.
TCM SUMMER UNDER THE STARS
Old movie lovers rejoice! Here is some news that should light up your evenings.
TCM (Turner Classic Movies),starting Saturday August 1, is offering a one of a kind
film festival starring your most beloved film star and favorite films all from the
comfort of your home!!!
SUMMER UNDER THE STARS dedicates each of its 31 days to one of Hollywood’s most
enduring personalities. Assembled from the network’s library of more than 5,000
films, this one-of-a-kind festival is an opportunity for viewers to enjoy a varied
selection from each star’s body of work, uncut and commercial free.
The 17 memorable performers include six Oscar® winners: James Coburn (Aug. 4),
Gloria Grahame (Aug. 13), Yul Brynner (Aug. 26), two-time winners Gene Hackman
(Aug. 21) and Fredric March (Aug. 24), and honorary recipient Harold Lloyd (Aug. 5).
Other stars getting their first showcases include James Mason (Aug. 2), Marion
Davies (Aug. 3), Dirk Bogarde (Aug. 10), Red Skelton (Aug. 19), Miriam Hopkins
(Aug. 20), Sterling Hayden (Aug. 22), Merle Oberon (Aug. 25), Ida Lupino (Aug. 27),
Jean Arthur (Aug. 30) and Claire Bloom (Aug. 31).
This year's SUMMER UNDER THE STARS also features 42 feature films making their
premiere on TCM, nearly twice as many as last year. Movies making their first
appearance on TCM during the festival include The Grapes of Wrath (1940), An
Affair to Remember (1957), Les Miserables (1935), Mississippi Burning (1988)
and Good Morning, Miss Dove (1955).
TCM's popular franchises THE ESSENTIALS, co-hosted by TCM's Robert Osborne and
Emmy®-winning actor Alec Baldwin, and THE ESSENTIALS JR., hosted by Emmy winner
John Lithgow, will continue throughout SUMMER UNDER THE STARS. Saturdays at 8 p.m.
(ET), THE ESSENTIALS offerings include The Grapes of Wrath (Aug. 1), The Man Who
Came to Dinner (Aug. 8), An Affair to Remember (Aug. 15), The Asphalt Jungle (Aug. 22)
and Lolita (Aug. 29). Sundays at 8 p.m. (ET), THE ESSENTIALS JR. will feature Heaven
Can Wait (Aug. 2), Notorious (Aug. 9), It Happened at the World's Fair (Aug. 16),
Gaslight (Aug. 23) and You Can't Take It with You (Aug. 30).
Warner Premiere and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution announced three new
additions to the best-selling Warner Premiere Motion Comics slate. Classic graphic
novels SUPERMAN: RED SON and BATGIRL: YEAR ONE, as well as graphic album BATMAN: BLACK
AND WHITE Collection 2 entered the digital age as Warner Premiere Motion Comics on
the iTunes Store www.itunes.com. Also announced,
for a limited time, you can download the first glorious episode of SUPERMAN: RED SON
for free and see how Stalin’s most powerful weapon swayed the balance of power during
the Cold War http://tinyurl.com/SmanRedSonPR.
Continuing to lead the motion comics experience, Warner Premiere’s Motion Comics
connect comic fans to authentic DC characters through short-form content. The
Motion Comics slate draws on a deep reservoir of source material to bring a visually
engaging experience to life through the use of subtle movements, voice-overs, sweeping
music scores and stunning comic book artwork.
“Last year we debuted our Motion Comics slate and saw the voracious appetite graphic
novel fans had for this digital content,” said Diane Nelson, president, Warner Premiere.
“One of the reasons for our success is Warner Premiere working closely with DC Comics
to determine if a story naturally lends itself to becoming a motion comic. Another
key is the process we use to select the studios that ultimately create these motion
comics. They are very passionate comic book fans so creating these motion comics
really are a labor of love. We’re very proud of our success and look forward to
bringing more titles to comic fans in the future.”
SUGGESTED READING
TOTAL SCI-FI NEWSLETTER
If you are like me, it is hard to keep up on what's new in the world of science
fiction. Totalscifionline.com has
launched its inaugural weekly newsletter today. Pop over and sign up!
TITAN MAGAZINES
Titan has updated their website to include all of their wonderful magazines.
Go to http://mailing.titanmagazines.com/mailing
to sign up for their latest information.
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.
THE ADVENTURES OF ONE ESKIMO
Release Date: August 31, 2009
The U.K.-based band "One Eskimo" and Warner Premiere have created an innovative
new musical experience for consumers that brings a musical album together with
groundbreaking animation and story to offer music fans a fully immersive musical
and visual storytelling experience. The brainchild of lead singer Kristian Leontiou,
"The Adventures of One Eskimo" is a visual album comprised of a series of animated
musical story episodes jointly developed and produced by the band and Warner Premiere,
and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD). Warner Premiere
and WBDD envision "The Adventures of One Eskimo" to be the first in a slate of visual
album projects that offer musicians and consumers a new and compelling way to experience
musical albums through the digital medium. "The Adventures of One eskimO" will debut
August 31 on iTunes and other digital channels
http://tinyurl.com/oneeskimorelease.
"We believe there is an opportunity for music and narrative to be combined into a
new category of storytelling for digital mediums," said Diane Nelson, president
of Warner Premiere. "'The Adventures of One eskimO' is a wonderful love story
using adorable characters to tell a story in a truly creative way. We're looking
forward to launching this series in September and working with additional artists
on similar projects in the future."
Produced by Passion Pictures, well known for their award-winning Gorillaz animation,
"The Adventures of One eskimO" takes viewers on an animated journey through an epic
love story starring our hero One eskimO and his band of animal friends that include
Monkey, Giraffe and Penguin. The story begins with One eskimO and the love of his
life Little Feather living peacefully in their igloo home, enjoying life as it passes
by. One evening, Little Feather and One eskimO are torn apart by a dark force known
as Mr. Top Hat who controls the world through his crystal ball. Our forlorn eskimO
mopes around, pining for his lost love, imagining that she has left him for Mr. Top
Hat. Through the help of a wise and brave owl he learns that she is in great peril.
With only a knapsack and an enduring love, One eskimO sets out with his band of animal
friends on an epic quest to rescue her.
A 10 part short form animated series, "The Adventures of One eskimO" will debut
on iTunes and other digital channels August 31. To download the One eskimO trailer
and to pre-order the series visit:
http://tinyurl.com/oneeskimorelease.
Help One eskimO before it's too late! By visiting
www.findlittlefeather.com fans can join One eskimO and his band on a quest to
track down his lost love. Users are confronted with a series of challenges and games
set by the dastardly Mr. Top Hat which they have to overcome if they ever want One
eskimO to see Little Feather again. Each game corresponds to major plot points
from the animations themselves and employs the same unique look and feel. The online
experience allows fans to delve deeper into the story and to feel part of the world
of One eskimO.
For more details on One eskimO and to see their tour schedule with Tori Amos visit:
www.oneeskimo.com.
SCOOBY-DOO WHERE ARE YOU? VOLUME THREE HELLO MUMMY
Release Date: September 19, 2009
Synopsis:
The whodunit format was a daring new frontier for an animated series, but the
members of the Mystery Inc. team have grown to become authentic popular-culture
icons.
REVIEW:
Scooby-Doo is one of the favorite cartoons for many kids around the country. My nephew's
kids will just sit around the tube and watch this goofy dog and his friends for hours!
How good is that? In this collection, you see Scooby-Doo and his friends do what they
do best -- solve mysteries! Heck, I liked watching them as well. Scooby-Doo is fun
for all ages and if you are a fan of this series -- you just have to have the final
release. This two-disc set has wonderful episodes like "Diamonds are a Ghouls Best Friend"
and of course, the Scooby-Doo Christmas - bonus episode. If you are looking for good
family fun, don't miss this one.
SUPERNATURAL: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON
Release date: September 1, 2009
Official website: www.supernaturaldvd.com
Synopsis:
Resurrection. After enduring unspeakable torture, Dean escapes from Hell, rescued
by an all-powerful creature he's never seen before 'an Angel', a warrior of God
who recruits Sam and Dean into Heaven?s battle against Hell. And there are whispers
that a certain fallen angel will soon be freed from his prison deep in Hell: Lucifer.
If Sam and Dean can't stop it -- if Lucifer walks free -- he'll bring on the Apocalypse.
Meanwhile, the Winchester Brothers reunite and hit the road, battling the supernatural
wherever they go. They encounter demons, spirits, Dracula himself and even a drunk,
heavily armed 7-foot-tall teddy bear. All the while, the ultimate war draws them into
its horror throughout this enthralling 6-Disc, 22-Episode Season Four. Caught between
Heaven and Hell, between God and the Devil, the Winchester brothers must battle for
the future of humankind.
Synopsis:
The U.K.-based band "One Eskimo" and Warner Premiere have created an innovative
new musical experience for consumers that brings a musical album together with
groundbreaking animation and story to offer music fans a fully immersive musical
and visual storytelling experience. The brainchild of lead singer Kristian Leontiou,
"The Adventures of One Eskimo" is a visual album comprised of a series of animated
musical story episodes jointly developed and produced by the band and Warner Premiere,
and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD).
SMALLVILLE: THE COMPLETE EIGHTH SEASON
Release date: August 25, 2009
Official website: www.smallvilledvd.com
Synopsis:
There is a new reporter at the Daily Planet: Clark Kent, who shares a workspace
with Lois Lane. There is a new hero in Metropolis, too. No one knows who he is.
But Jimmy Olsen was on the scene of one of the do-gooder's exploits, and he snapped
a blurred photo of the hero in superspeed action -- a hero everyone now calls the
Red-Blue Blur. Red-jacketed, blue-shirted Clark Kent draws closer to his Superman
destiny in the exciting 22-episode, 6-disc Season 8 of Smallville. Another Kryptonian
destiny also takes shape. Davis Bloome begins to realize he is Doomsday. His mission
on Earth: kill Clark Kent. So many new events (will Jimmy and Chloe's marriage last?),
so many new faces (Tess Mercer, Saturn Girl and Cosmic Boy among them!), so many
state-of-the-art effects -- so don't miss a single thrill-packed moment!
REVIEW:
I have been a fan of SMALLVILLE since it began -- wow eight years ago! Where has the
time gone? It has been wonderful seeing the actors grow into their roles. While I miss
John Schneider and Michael Rosenbaum, Kristen Kreuk did come back for a brief period as
Lana Lang. However, Tess Mercer's addition (portrayed by Cassidy Freeman) has brought
new life to the Luther lab and this DVD series may be the best yet. There is plenty
of action and with Clark getting help from Oliver Queen (Justin Harley) as Green Arrow.
Allison Mack has always been wonderful as Chloe and she continues to light up the screen
whenver she is part of it. Can't say I'm a huge fan of Erica Durance. Her Lois Lane
leaves me wanting something more. In some episodes she is added more as an after
thought than as a plot staple.
All in all though, SMALLVILLE fans will have a lot to talk about and with the coming
new season, there are hopes for even greater adventures for Clark Kent.
SUPERMAN: THE COMPLETE ANIMATED SERIES
Release date: November 24, 2009
Are you or your kids a fan of the animated SUPERMAN series? Well now you can bring home
the animated adventures of the Man of Steel in its entirety on DVD this November. SUPERMAN:
The Complete Animated Series will be released on DVD on November 24. This seven-disc set
will contain all 54 episodes of this animated classic and the set will be priced at $53.82
SRP. You can take a look at all the special features below.
Follow the entire history of Superman from start to finish on this long-awaited DVD. Witness
his incredible arrival on Earth, how he finds his place in his adopted home and his realization
of what his powers can truly do for the forces of good. See CLARK KENT balance his roles as
a mild-mannered news reporter and superhuman crimefighter, facing mortal enemy LEX LUTHOR,
while still keeping his day job.
Fans of the comic books and the TV show alike will rejoice as every single episode can
finally be purchased together on this seven-disc collector's set. Additionally, the
exclusive extras deliver even more fun to this already superior DVD collection. Go
"Behind the Cape" with David Kaufman (the voice of JIMMY OLSEN) as he takes you behind
the scenes with the show's creative team, watch an excerpt from the new Bryan Singer and
Kevin Burns SUPERMAN documentary, listen to commentary with Bruce Timm on several episodes
and much more. This complete collection also includes a bonus disc featuring the all-new
documentary The Despot DARKSEID: A Villain Worthy of SUPERMAN. SUPERMAN: The Complete
Animated Series,with hours and hours of DVD entertainment, is the perfect holiday gift.
Special Features:
- Commentary by Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Alan Burnett, Dan Riba, Glen Murakami, Curt Geda,
Jason Hillhouse, James Tucker, and Butch Lukic on many episodes
- Selectable Pop-Up Trivia Tracks
- SUPERMAN: Learning to Fly - Explores the Creation of the Series
- Building the Mythology: Superman's Supporting Cast- Showcases the Supporting Players in the
SUPERMAN Saga
- Menaces of Metropolis: Behind the Villains of SUPERMAN - The Origin and Evolution of
Superman's Adventures
- SUPERMAN: Behind the Cape - David Kaufman (The Voice of JIMMY OLSEN) Takes You Behind
the Scenes with the Show's Creative Team
- Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of SUPERMAN - Excerpt From the New -- Documentary
Produced by Bryan Singer and Kevin Burns
- Bonus Disc Featuring the All-New Documentary The Despot DARKSEID: A Villain Worthy of
SUPERMAN.
FARSCAPE: THE COMPLETE SERIES MEGASET
Release date: November 17, 2009
Just in time for its 10th anniversary, FARSCAPE: THE COMPLETE SERIES MEGASET will be
released on DVD on November 17. This huge 25-disc set will contain all 88 episodes of
the series along with 15 hours of bonus material and the set will be priced at $149.95 SRP.
The series stars Ben Browder, Claudia Black, Anthony Simcoe, Virginia Hey and Gigi Edgley.
This series was an imaginative mix of live action, state-of-the-art puppetry, prosthetics
and CGI. FARSCAPE, produced by The Jim Henson Company in association with RHI Entertainment,
featured mind-boggling alien life forms, dazzling special effects, edge-of-your-seat thrills,
irreverent humor and unforgettable characters -- all brought to rich life by the creative
minds at Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Strap in and hold on tight for the extraordinary
adventures of John Crichton, as he finds himself surrounded by hostile aliens and soaring
through the cosmos aboard Moya, a glorious living space ship. Hunted by the relentless
Peacekeepers, he allies himself with Moya's crew -- Aeryn Sun (Claudia Black), Luxan warrior
Ka D'Argo (Anthony Simcoe), azure priestess Zhaan (Virginia Hey), spritely Nebari thief
Chiana (Gigi Edgley), Dominar Rygel, the deposed royal ruler of the Hynerian Empire and
Pilot - to search for a way out of this inconceivably alien world and return home.
Special Features:
- 29 Episode Commentaries, including "Premiere" with Rockne S. O'Bannon, Brian Henson and
Ben Browder; "Jeremiah Crichton" with Claudia Black, Producer/Writer David Kemper, Browder
and O'Bannon; "Bone to Be Wild" with Anthony Simcoe; "Relativity" with Lani Tupu (Crais/Voice
of Pilot) and Director Peter Andrikidis; and, "Bad Timing" which features Browder, Black
and Kemper discussing the series' final episode.
- Multiple featurettes and documentaries including "In the Beginning: A Look Back with Brian
Henson"; "Making of a Space Opera" and "Inside Farscape: Save Farscape," on which fans, cast
and crew discuss the fate of their beloved series.
- Multiple video profiles featuring archival clips and cast/crew discussing their characters
and roles on Farscape.
- Over 90 minutes of deleted scenes.
- Slideshows and archival photo galleries, including character concepts and promo photos.
- Production design galleries featuring screenshots, rough drafts and concept slide shows.
- Behind-the-Scenes interviews with Ben Browder, Claudia Black, Anthony Simcoe, Virginia Hey,
Gigi Edgley, Paul Goddard (Stark), Wayne Pygram (Scorpius) and more.
- Original TV promos and trailers.
SUPERFRIENDS: THE LOST EPISODES
Release Date: August 11, 2009
Official websiste: www.dcbeyond.com
Synopsis: Powerful super heroes Batman, Robin, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman,
Wonder Twins Zan and Jayna and their rascally blue space monkey Gleek battle evil, protect
humanity and save the world from unthinkable dangers in these 24 action-packed adventures.
These cool cartoon actionfests showcase a gallery of DC Comics heroes and fan-favorite
villains like Brainiac and Mr. Mxyzptlk, plus the Hanna-Barbera-originated hero El Dorado.
Produced after the Super Friends show ended its run, these treasures were ?lost? for more
than a decade until they were shown as part of The Superman/Batman Adventures series.
It's a Deluxe 2-Disc Collector's Set with Bonus Downloadables -- your own pieces of super
hero comic book history!
PRIMEVAL: VOLUME 2
Release date: September 15, 2009
Synopsis:
Monster hit Primeval roars back onto the screens for an extended third series. Still
reeling from Stephen's death and with the depth of Helen's betrayal now revealed, Nick
Cutter must fight to re-focus his embattled team. Cutter's crew are joined by some new
recruits in the form of maverick policeman Danny Quinn, sparky Egyptologist Sarah Page,
and the new leader of the ARC's security forces Captain Becker. But as the anomalies
continue to present an unrelenting series of threats, the task in hand seems almost
insurmountable. It's not just deadly creatures the team has to contend with, they
also face a threat to the future of not just the ARC but of mankind itself. Prepare
for more explosive action as Primeval bares its newly sharpened teeth.
From June 30 - August 11, 2009, Green Lantern Fans Can Enter to Win a PlayStation 3,
40" LCD HDTV, a Copy of Green Lantern: First Flight on Blu-ray and Much More
To promote the Blu-ray and DVD release of "Green Lantern: First Flight" on July 28,
a sweepstakes has been created to get fans involved and give them a chance to win
cool prizes. Green Lantern fans can enter the sweepstakes and learn more about
the fifth entry in the popular DVD series of DC Universe Animated Originals through
a Facebook Power Ring widget.
Once the Facebook Power Ring Widget has been added to a fan's page, they can
"recharge their ring" continuously to keep it powered to 100% and automatically
submit additional entries in the sweepstakes. Additional features of the widget
include a Personality Quiz, Green Lantern IQ Test, Video, News and Updates,
Downloads and Links.
REVIEW:
I got to see an advance copy of this DVD and was totally blown away by it. It tells the
story of GREEN LANTERN in an honest and exciting way. It takes you to the beginning, shows
you how Hal Jordan was selected by a dying Green Lantern and how he had to prove himself
to the others as Guardians of the Universe. The story is good and the animation is
wonderful. The voice actors are marvelous: Christopher Meloni is the voice of GREEN
LANTERN; Victor Garber is deliciously sly and evil as SINESTRO. BATTLESTAR GALACTICA's
Tricia Helfer is BOODIKKA. I loved KILOWOG played by Michael Madsen.
If you love comic books, this version of GREEN LANTERN is sure to please.
There were a few words I wish had been left out of the script and at times there seemed to
be a lot of fighting, so parents might want to watch this one before showing it to more
impressionalbe children.
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.
There are so many DVDs to select from, I have moved some of the other selections
to the DVD page. Please go there for more DVD selections -- and reviews --
DVD NEWS AND REVIEWS .
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
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
RED CIRCLE: THE HANGMAN #1
Written by J. Michael Straczynski; Art by Tom Derenick and Bill Sienkiewicz; Cover
by Jesus Saiz.
J. Michael Straczynski dives into the DC Universe, bringing four of the finest
heroes of the Golden and Silver Ages with him! Completely reimagined for the modern
world from their original appearances in Archie/MLJ publications, these four heroes
will show you a side of the DC Universe you've never seen before! The Civil War
claimed many lives…but one of those lives still hasn't ended! Union doctor Robert
Dickering found himself on the wrong side of the battle lines, and despite his heroic
treatment of a fallen enemy soldier, he also found himself on the wrong end of a
noose! But a shadowy power stepped forth in the twilight moments between life and
death and offered him a deal he couldn't refuse: to forever roam the Earth, saving
the lives of innocents condemned like himself – or hastening the deaths of the guilty!
But in taking the seemingly righteous mission of the Hangman, has he accepted God's
work? Or has he become the vengeful fist of the Devil himself?
August 22-23, 2009MINI MEGACON
Place: Orange County Convention Center Hall E1
City: Orlando, Florida
Guests: Peter Facinelli, Twilight; Emma Caufield, Buffy; Charisma Carpenter,
Buffy, Angel; Amber Benson, Buffy; Sylvester McCoy, Doctor Who; Arne Starr, Star
Trek, and many more
For more information, go to
http://www.megaconvention.com/#
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,
John Hudgens (B5 videos)
Other guests: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Patrick Stewart
For more information, go to www.dragoncon.org
December 4-6, 2009 STEEL CITY CON
Place: Monroeville Convention Center
City: Monroeville (near Pittsbugh) Pa.
Guests include: Ernie Hudson from Ghostbusters I and II, Peter Mayhew
For more information, go to http://www.steelcitycon.com .
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
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GAME OF THRONES
NEW EXCALIBER ON THE HORIZON
LOST NEWS
Speaking of SMALLVILLE, here's a picture of Brian Austin Green in his new role as
Metallo, on a two-episode arc starting with the ninth season's premiere episode.
John Corben is a new Daily Planet Reporter who, in the aftermath of an accident,
is mysteriously outfitted with a heart made of Kryptonite. The identity of Corben's
savior is being kept under wraps until the show's debut, but executive producer Kelly
Souders states that Corben is turned into "a rough version of Metallo, a first
attempt at the technology, and eventually he'll get sleeker."
JMS AT FAN-CON NEXT WEEKEND
SCOOBY-DOO WHERE ARE YOU? VOLUME THREE HELLO MUMMY
SUPERNATURAL: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON
SMALLVILLE: THE COMPLETE EIGHTH SEASON
SUPERMAN: THE COMPLETE ANIMATED SERIES
FARSCAPE: THE COMPLETE SERIES MEGASET
SUPERFRIENDS: THE LOST EPISODES
Release Date: August 11, 2009
PRIMEVAL: VOLUME 2
Once the Facebook Power Ring Widget has been added to a fan's page, they can
"recharge their ring" continuously to keep it powered to 100% and automatically
submit additional entries in the sweepstakes. Additional features of the widget
include a Personality Quiz, Green Lantern IQ Test, Video, News and Updates,
Downloads and Links.
RED CIRCLE: THE HANGMAN #1 
September 4-7, 2009