Babylon 5 ISN News: The Zocalo Today
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The Zocalo Today
Welcome and thank you for dropping by. Babylon 5 brought many of us together --
and it remains with us, despite the fact that is no longer in production. The good
thing is that the internet gives a LOT of ways to stay in touch. Don't be shy.
Join in the discussion today or drop by my blog! You can also find me on FaceBook
and Twitter.
If you have questions, drop me a line at sgbruckner@aol.com.
I have a 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!
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2009
ECLIPSE NEWS
Many of you will remember Kirsten Prout as Amanda from KYLE XY. She showed off some martial
arts skills in ELEKTRA and now will wield powers of a different sort ... as a vampire.
The 19-year-old has been cast as Lucy in ECLIPSE, the third installment of the TWILIGHT
series, according to E* News.
SPOILER ALERT:
If you haven't read the books, stop reading now.
The third book focuses on a growing group of newborn vampires, courtesy of Bella's (Kristen
Stewart) vamp archenemy Victoria (Bryce Dallas Howard). Jasper (Jackson Rathbone) is the key
to defeating this danger because he once had a hand in building up a vampire army of his own.
You see, in Jasper's past, around the time of the Civil War, he was turned into a vampire by
Maria (Catalina Sandino Moreno) and helped her create an uber army of "baby" vamps with
incredible strength. Among their group was Lucy (Prout), whom Jasper eventually kills.
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
According to Variety, Warner Bros.' WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE rewrote the October record for
a PG live-action film, grossing a boffo $11.9 million off 3,735 theaters on Friday.
The picture’s first day easily exceeded Warner Bros.' expectations as the studio was predicting
a weekend take in the mid-20s and it’s quite likely now that WILD THINGS could final
somewhere in the 40s.
"We are thrilled with the strong No. 1 opening in this record breaking October weekend,"
said Warner Bros. distrib topper Dan Fellman.
Also factoring into the B.O. for WILD THINGS were 145 Imax runs which counted 10% of the
pic’s first day cume or $1.2 million. 55% of the moviegoers taking in WILD THINGS were
under 25 years of age yesterday and gave the film a wonderful Cinemascore of A-.
Based on the classic 1963 children’s novel by Maurice Sendak and helmed by Spike Jonze,
WILD THINGS had a long journey to the screen, beginning production in 2006. In adapting
the 338 word book to screen, Jonze, worked closely with Sendak during production.
SPIDER-MAN 4
In a recent interview, director Sam Raimi was asked about Spider-Man 4.
Asked about complaints that there were too many villains in Spider-Man 3, he said: "I
think having so many villains detracted from the experience. I would agree with the
criticism."
Raimi added that he had learned some new lessons and storytelling tricks from his last
film, DRAG ME TO HELL. "I think I've learned about the importance of getting to the point
and the importance of having limitations, and I'm hoping to take that into a production
where I'm actually allowed to explore with more of the tools to pull it off with a little
more splendor.
"I hope I don't lose that edge that I've just found. That would be my approach to
'Spider-Man 4': to get back to the basics."
FRENEMY
Variety writes that Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment have acquired screen
rights to FRENEMY OF THE STATE, a graphic novel miniseries created by actress Rashida
Jones ("Parks and Recreation"), who will write the script with Will McCormack.
The adventure revolves around a young wealthy heiress who works undercover for the
CIA. Jones co-wrote the original comic, published by Oni Press.
Jones told the trade that FRENEMY OF THE STATE wasn't conceived as an acting vehicle
for herself:
"It's intended for a girl much younger than me, about age 20, an interesting age for
girls as they make that scary jump to adulthood. She has lived a life of privilege,
attended the best schools and learned every language, but her obsession with spying
on exes gets her into trouble and she is recruited to be a spy in exchange for not
going to prison. There is a comic element to it, this girl who is so conscious of
social standing and wearing the right shoes, suddenly becoming responsible for these
dangerous, life-threatening missions."
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009
GREEN LANTERN DELAYS
It looks like DC's GREEN LANTERN movie has hit another snag. Here's how The Hollywood
Reporter said it:
The falling U.S. dollar has forced Warner Bros. Pictures to reassess the viability of
shooting a number of projects in several countries, after confirming Friday that its
pulling production of Green Lantern out of Australia.
The studio said that "the current global economic situation, including fluctuations in
currency valuation and overall costs," forced the decision, in a statement issued through
agency Screen, New South Wales.
Where will production move? Best bet is Mexico or Canada. The change will no doubt push
the movie farther back, though it was scheduled to begin shooting in November under
director Martin Campbell (Casino Royale), starring Wolverine's Ryan Reynolds, with an
eye to a summer 2011 release.
BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND BOLD
Neil Patrick Harris is on a role. He starred in Joss Whedon's Emmy-winning, all-singing
DR. HORRIBLE'S SING-ALONG BLOC, he was marvelous at the Emmys; now he'll be voicing and
singing a new character in an upcoming musical episode of BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND BOLD, the
animated TV series, next week.
Here's the official announcement:
Batman: The Brave and the Bold -"Mayhem of the Music Meister!"
Friday, October 23 - 7:30 p.m. (ET, PT)
The half-hour rock-pop opera 'Mayhem of the Music Meister!' features Harris as an all-new
villain—The Music Meister—bent on overthrowing Gotham City and the entire world through
the power of his beguiling singing voice. The entire heroic cast joins in the chorus,
answering The Music Meister's call with their own singing capabilities, including Jeff
Bennett as Batman, Grey Delisle as Black Canary and James Arnold Taylor as Green Arrow.
The original score is composed by Kristopher Carter, Michael McCuistion and Lolita
Ritmanis, who form Dynamic Music Partners.
Lyrics for the songs were written by Michael Jelenic and James Tucker.
TRIAGE
Variety reports that Colin Farrell will star in TRIAGE, the next film by Bosnian director
Danis Tanovic. Paz Vega and Christopher Lee also star in the dark tale of a photojournalist
who returns home following a dangerous assignment without his colleague and best friend.
The film will shoot on location in Ireland and at the Ciudad de la Luz studios in Alicante
in Spain from April to June.
SIMPSON TREEHOUSE OF HORROR
Over at MovieWeb.com, you will
find new pictures from the latest SIMPSON episode.
This Sunday's Halloween themed TREEHOUSE OF HORROR episode of The Simpsons, airing on Fox!
The episode stars Hank Azaria, Nancy Cartwrigh, Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Harry
Shearer and Yeardley Smith.
THE MOUNTAIN
The Hollywood Reporter writes that Paige Turco and Barry Bostwick will star in THE MOUNTAIN,
NBC's two-hour movie/backdoor pilot from Canadian production company Muse Entertainment.
The project, slated to begin shooting Wednesday in Montreal and Magog, Quebec, centers on
Dana (Turco) a single mom with three kids who inherits a remote mountain cabin from a
supposedly dead uncle. But when she heads off to the cabin, she discovers that her Uncle
Henry (Bostwick) is very much alive, and they set out to keep an evil buyer from gaining
access to the mountain that holds secrets and treasures.
Also cast in the pilot, directed by Doug Barr, is Crawford Wilson as one of Dana's kids.
CORWIN'S SPLATTER - OCTOBER 29
Netflix, Inc., the world's largest online movie rental service, today announced it is
collaborating with renowned horror filmmaker Roger Corman (Little Shop of Horrors, Pit
and the Pendulum) on a series of Internet Webisodes scheduled to debut two days before
Halloween. Anyone in America can instantly watch the Webisodes at
Netflix.com/Splatter.
In a plot twist, Mr. Corman, making his Internet video debut at age 83, is opening up
the creative direction of the series by asking the public to vote on the fate of its
characters.
Entitled SPLATTER, the Webisodes were conceived and produced by Mr. Corman, co-produced
by Julie Corman (Box Car Bertha, The Westing Game), directed by horror auteur Joe Dante
(Gremlins, The Howling) and star Corey Feldman (The Lost Boys, Stand By Me) in the title
role of rocker Johnny Splatter. The first episode of Splatter will launch on October 29,
with the second installment scheduled for November 6 and the concluding episode slated for
November 13 - yes, Friday the 13th.
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
NCIS-Episode: Caged (First Aired: January 06, 2009)
McGee is held captive in a women's prison after a guard's murder leads to a takeover.
9:00pm on Syfy
Wolvesbayne(2009)
A real-estate developer is bitten by a werewolf and is subsequently drawn into a war
between vampire factions. Jeremy London, Mark Dacascos, Yancy Butler, Christy Carlson
Romano, Rhett Giles
9:00pm on Showtime
Dexter-Episode: Dex Takes a Holiday (NEW)
With Rita and the children out of town, Dexter gets time to himself.
FAN-PRODUCED BABYLON 5 VIDEOS
The other day, there was a question in the B5 moderated group about seeing a notice in
LiveJournal about some new B5 shows being produced from fan-fiction. JMS responded to
the query by saying:
Totally and unequivocally untrue.
First, WB does not have anything going with B5 at the moment, and
would not DO anything with B5 without my direct involvement.
(Interestingly enough, I had a meeting just a few days ago with the
HEAD of WB Television, and they confirmed that there's nothing in the
pipeline, in or out of the studio, and won't be until and unless I
authorize it. They're being very nice these days, for a variety of
reasons that I'll address at some point in the future.)
Second, bear in mind that the same guy who's putting this out there is
also saying that the episode title of each B5 installment has the
title said out loud at some point during that episode. Also totally
untrue.
Third, WB is fiercely protective of its copyrights. I've gotten them
to go easy on fan sites in general, and they've generally looked the
other way on parodies, but if anybody started producing any sort of
high-visibility films, the studio would be on them with restraining
orders almost instantly.
DISCUSSION TOPIC - STARGATE UNIVERSE
Who watched? What did you think? Will you continue to watch? For someone else's
opinion, go to
The Hollywood Reporter Review and see if you agree.
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.
ASKED & ANSWERED: PART 4 - AVAILABLE NOW
Asked and Answered Part 4 is J. Michael Straczynski's real-time history of the beginnings
of Babylon 5: from before the pilot (including the online announcement of the series) and
through Season 1.
Part 4 is loaded with details that never made it to the screen as well as the origins of
what did eventually air.
As you move through the following topics, you’ll relive what it was like to be part of
Babylon 5’s launch:
Announcing Babylon 5
Creating Babylon 5
Babylon 5 Backstory
Pre-production
Filming the Pilot
Approaching Airdate
Fan Reactions After Airing
Behind the Scenes Immediately Before & After Airing
Deleted Scenes from the Pilot
Changes from Pilot to Series
This section also includes JMS's first archived post about the show (and it’s so early in
the process that he even hyphenate’s the show’s nickname as B-5). Here's just a small
sampling of the details he discusses in this section:
The designing of prosthetics to prevent actors from being typecast;
The moment JMS changed “Jackarr” to “G'Kar” and why the switch was made;
The reasoning behind the design of PPGs;
The process of hiring a composer (including his interactions with pilot composer Stewart
Copeland of The Police);
The development of Babylon 5’s production design (including the design of the Garden,
the video displays throughout the station, CGI for the Vorlon ship, early uniforms)
along with concepts that were scrapped like the “Being Mover”;
An early description of the chrysalis device Delenn would eventually construct across
Season 1;
The announcement of each cast member along with the insider scoop on the auditions;
What happened when the cast read the script aloud for the first time;
Clues JMS told viewers to watch for in the pilot that would pay off down the line;
The unused opening narration for the pilot;
The reasons for the long delay between the pilot and the series;
Walter Koenig’s reaction to seeing the pilot;
Negative feedback from industry insiders after a private screening;
The link between the pilot’s airing and Oprah;
The actor in the end credits of the original pilot edit who was not in the show and why;
The scenes cut from the original edit of the pilot;
A step-by-step account of how JMS re-configured the pilot for the TNT Special Edition;
The whys behind the cast changes from pilot to series;
Why JMS chose to shoot Season 1 in secret for a month before announcing that filming
had begun.
Given the depth of content inventoried here, it's no surprise that Part 4 contains 1,073
missives packed into 414 pages – the biggest book so far of the Asked & Answered series.
Babylon Podcast #175: The Corps is Mother, The Corps is Father (Season 5)
Agent 6 (Edmund from Greenville) telepathically controls Tim and Summer on this special
episode of the Psi Corps Podcast.
Edmund gives us an update on the status of “Three-Edged Sword”, a Babylon 5 audio drama
that you can find at Voices of Babylon. It’s been a fun ride, no matter how long it takes
to get to the conclusion of this chapter.
Deep Geeking: This week, we discuss “The Corps is Mother, The Corps is Father”, and the
special place that the Psi Corps holds in Edmund’s heart.
We chat a little about seeing a different side of the inner workings of Psi Corps in general
and Bester’s methods of grooming potential proteges. Much of the discussion centers on speculation
on how secretive and well armed the Psi Corps appears to be, and just how powerful telepaths
might truly be in hyperspace.
Feedback: Covering a few quick voicemail messages this week: Neil from Bowie suggests that we
contact Mojo via his blog in order to get him to come on for an interview; Frank from WV
comments more on G’Kar in “Day of the Dead”; Gabe from Greenville comments on Rebo and
Zooty being merely homages to Laurel and Hardy; Gary thinks that Byron’s philosophical
paradigm shift is really because he was being controlled or programmed by Lyta; Gary adds
more supposition to where the original CGI data files might have gone; Gary agrees with
Tim’s assessment on how Delenn and Sheridan mishandled the dissemination of information
to the Alliance worlds; Gary recommends “Planetary” by Warren Ellis somewhere in between
discerning the difference between magic and advanced technology; Gary blames Summer for
hearing the WB closing chimes at the end of the podcast music now.
If anyone wants to Guest Geek on any of the upcoming episodes, novels and comics, let us know!
Send an email to Tim and Summer about it, and we’ll get things set up!
Submitting your own Feedback: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know!
Call 206-338-2259, or just email us a comment you’ve recorded yourself!
Second Life Info: FarPoint Media’s Second Life space is now on an island! Search for Third
Life Books, or you go to the old village location at http://slurl.com/secondlife/beraudes/203/151/49,
and follow the signposts that have the new location.
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.
Visit Deep Geeking, and if you want to contribute a geeking essay, send an email to Summer.
To catch up on all the Babylon 5 podcasts, go to
http://www.babylonpodcast.com.
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
Dylan Neal - October 8
Jeff Conaway - October 5
John Vulich - October 10
Tim Choate - October 11 - we miss you
John Copeland - October 13
Linda Huse - October 16
I love September. It has a number of birthdays for some of my FAVORITE Babylon 5
people, including Patty, Robin, Bear, Jason and Manny. 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.
REAL GOOD RADIO HOUR WITH BILL MUMY
Bill Mumy is inviting you to check out his brand new weekly radio show, "THE REAL
GOOD RADIO HOUR with your host Bill Mumy".
We'll be listening to many different styles of music and learning about those who
pioneered them.
"The Real Good Radio Hour" will air every Wednesday and Friday at 7 PM both Pacific
and Eastern time.
Some of the upcoming episodes will focus on:
Masters of the Blues
Pioneers of Folk
Architects of Rock n Roll
Heart of the Country
Bringing it Live
Rock Meets Folk
Classic Crooners
The Roots of Reggae
The Real Good Radio Hour debuts Wednesday, September 16th at 7 pm and can be heard
weekly on KSAV.org.
WIZARD OF OZ STARS
To celebrate the 70th Anniversary of THE WIZARD OF OZ, the Warner Archive Collection
bring you the stars of OZ in more classic movies. They include:
Everyone Sing with Judy Barland and Billie Burke; Flying High with Bert Lahr; George
White Scandals with Jack Haley and Margaret Hamilton and Rosalie with Ray Bolger and
Frank Morgan. The WIZARD OF OZ is now available on blu-ray and DVD.
Legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer is back again in the nick of time with Eleventh Hour. This
Complete 6-Disc, 18-Episode Series stars Rufus Sewell as a brilliant biophysicist and special
science advisor to the government investigating scientific crises and oddities – everything
from cloning to cryogenics. With absolute jurisdiction and a resolve to apprehend those abusing
and misusing scientific discoveries and breakthroughs for their own gain, he’s called in as the
last line of defense. Marley Shelton co-stars as the decorated FBI protection officer assigned
to watch his back. Based on the British miniseries by acclaimed writer Stephen Gallagher, the
suspenseful series follows the unlikely pair as they crusade to protect the substance of science
from those with nefarious motives.
GENESIS II, synopsis:
“My name is Dylan Hunt. My story begins the day on which I died.” Gene Roddenberry, the
creator of Star Trek, brings fans another enthralling tale of the future. Set in a time
between now and the era of the starship Enterprise, Genesis II follows Hunt (Alex Cord),
who awakes after 154 years of suspended animation into a post-apocalyptic world that’s
torn between the peace-loving citizens of Pax and the militaristic, mutant Tyranians.
Both want Hunt to join their cause. But the Tyranians have two cruel weapons to persuade
Hunt: a device of torture called a stim. And an alluring mutant (Mariette Hartley) with
two navels…and one ice-cold heart.
To celebrate the release of the Natural Born Killers 15th Anniversary Director's
Cut, available on Blu-ray/DVD on October 13th, Warner Bros. has created an exciting
online trivia game. How well do you know your Natural Born Killers movie? Test
your knowledge by playing the game.
NIP/TUCK SEASON 5 PART 2
Release date: October 6, 2009
Official website: www.niptuckthedvd.com
Synopsis:
L.A. continues to be the land of plenty for the relocated plastic surgeons of McNamara/Troy.
An aspiring rapper wants more booty to shake, so would the docs please put some junk
in her trunk? Can would-be vampires have those nasty neck wounds concealed? Can a
yoga expert with a giant, uh, appendage have it shortened? Yes to all the above.
And maybe everyone, even the docs, should also have a check-up from the neck up.
Season 5 wraps with 8 episodes of envelope-pushing surgery, surprise, silliness and
seriousness. Yes, seriousness. Because Christian now battles the Big C. Sean copes
with the aftermath of the knife attack. And Liz says “I do” to the last person you’d
imagine. Time to stretch your imaginations, fans.
TOM AND JERRY GREATEST CHASES VOLUME 3
Release Date: October 13, 2009
Official website: www.kidswb.com
Everyone’s favorite cat and mouse are back with 14 shorts from the original popular
cartoon series. Volume 3 finds Tom and Jerry engaging in some of their greatest
chases ever!
This fast-paced collection serves up 14 more of this dynamic duo’s funniest faceoffs
that the whole family will love. Episodes include: Cat Napping, The Flying Cat, The
Two Mousketeers, Smitten Kitten, Baby Butch, Designs on Jerry, The Pecos Pest, Touche
Pussy Cat!, The Flying Sorceress, Blue Cat Blues, The Night Before Christmas, The
Bowling Alley-Cat, Fine Feathered Friend and Puttin’ on the Dog.
YELLOWSTONE: BATTLE FOR LIFE
Release date: September 29, 2009
Official website: www.bbcamerica.com
Synopsis:
America’s first National Park, Yellowstone, is one of the most spectacular wildernesses
on Earth and home to some of the richest wildlife beyond the plains of Africa.
YELLOWSTONE: BATTLE FOR LIFE reveals the beauty and struggles of this amazing
natural treasure. A must-own documentary for nature enthusiasts everywhere, the
release contains three hour-long episodes that encompass nearly an entire year at
Yellowstone National Park, as well as 30 minutes of behind-the-scenes special features.
REVIEW:
The BBC has released a number of DVDs that provide excellent opportunities to entertain the
entire family. YELLOWSTONE: BATTLE FOR LIFE is no exception. This series is a year in the
lives of several Yellowstone wildlife: bison, grizzly bears, foxes, wolves, beavers, and elk.
The three 50 minute episodes, entitled "Winter", "Summer" and Autumn" look at the animals in
each season. There is some amazing photography, colorful volcanic springs that are beautiful
orange and blue -- colors you don't normally associate with volcanic activity.
Along with so much breathtaking photography, you will see things you've not seen before --
learn about these creatures in the wild that you were unaware of. All in all, a wonderful
addition to anyone's DVD collection. Definitely one you will want to share with your kids.
SCARE TACTICS SEASON 3 PART 1
Release date: October 6, 2009
Official website: www.wbshop.com
Synopsis
Comedy superstar Tracy Morgan (30 Rock, Saturday Night Live) hosts Season Three of
the smash prankster show Scare Tactics! A psycho invades the home of a babysitter
and her charge. A mutant creature bursts from a lab’s oversized cocoon. A horror
film director silences his critics…permanently. From outlandish to ghoulish to
downright terrifying, these are just some of the elaborate scenarios into which
the victims (or prey!) are lured. Hidden cameras capture their always primal,
often hilarious reactions, with the results then edited and scored to create
“mini-movies” where the victim is the star and their acting is for real!
DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movie Based on Acclaimed Jeph Loeb/Ed McGuinness
Comics; Tim Daly, Kevin Conroy & Clancy Brown Reprise Original Voices of Superman,
Batman & Lex Luthor
The World’s Greatest Super Heroes become America’s most wanted criminals – and are
hunted by friends and foes alike – in SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES, the sixth
entry in the popular DVD series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies. A
co-production of Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation, the full-
length animated film will be distributed by Warner Home Video on September 29, 2009.
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES will be available as a Special Edition 2-disc version
on DVD and Blu-Ray™ Hi-Def for $24.98 (SRP) and $29.99 (SRP), respectively, as well
as single disc DVD for $19.98 (SRP) and On Demand.
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES is based on the popular Jeph Loeb/Ed McGuinness
comic series/graphic novel. Animation legend Bruce Timm (Superman Doomsday, Green
Lantern) is executive producer. Michael Goguen (Justice League: The New Frontier)
is supervising producer. Sam Liu (The Batman) is directing a script written by Stan
Berkowitz (Justice League: The New Frontier).
In the film, United States President Lex Luthor uses the oncoming trajectory of a
Kryptonite asteroid to frame Superman and declare a $1 billion bounty on the heads
of the Man of Steel and his “partner in crime,” Batman. Heroes and villains alike
launch a relentless pursuit of Superman and Batman, who must unite – and recruit
help – to stave off the action-packed onslaught, stop the asteroid, and uncover
Luthor’s devious plot to take command of far more than North America.
The movie reunites the lead voices of Superman, Batman and Lex Luthor from the
landmark Superman: The Animated Series and Batman: The Animated Series. Tim Daly
(Private Practice), Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League) and
Clancy Brown (The Shawshank Redemption) reprise their roles as Superman, Batman and
Lex Luthor, respectively.
REVIEW
The partnership of Batman and Superman is wonderful in this animated video. They stand
together against Lex Luthor, who has been elected President of the United States. Other
super heroes side with Lex and begin the process of bringing order to the chaos that
has been caused the a huge global economic crisis. Lex asks Superman to join him, but
Superman and Batman don't trust Lex. When a meteor threatens Earth, Lex tells the
military to use missiles -- despite their argument that they will not be effective.
Lex's ego kicks into high-gear and does not accept their findings. When the missiles
do fail, Superman and Batman try to save the Earth. It is an interesting adventure
for everyone.
The extras included with this 2-disc set are awesome. The conversations with writers
of the comics is intersting and informative. The extra animated videos are done very
well and you get additional information on the upcoming JUSTICE LEAGUE project.
For fans of Superman and Batman, this 2-disc set is a wonderful addition.
THE MENTALIST - SEASON ONE
Release date: September 22, 2009
Official website: www.thementalistdvd.com
Synopsis
“A mentalist is a master manipulator of thought and behavior.” The mentalist is
Patrick Jane (Simon Baker in an acclaimed performance), a celebrity psychic whose
wife and child are viciously murdered by an elusive serial killer called Red John.
Devastated, Patrick admits his paranormal act is fake, renounces his earlier life
and uses his astonishing skills of observation and analysis – talents that made
him appear psychically gifted – to bring killers to justice. At crime scenes across
California, Patrick now helps an elite team of detectives break their toughest cases.
But no matter how many criminals he catches, Patrick never forgets his central goal:
Find Red John. And bring him down.
REVIEW OF DVD
I have to admit, I didn't watch this show much this year, but have always been interested
in it. Simon Baker is really easy on the eyes, and I loved him in THE GUARDIAN. He is
wonderful in the role of Patrick Jane, a consultant who helps the California Bureau of
Investigation with murder cases.
I love character based action/adventure shows and this one fills both bills. There is
enough action each week and the characters are rich and keep me coming back for more.
Thank heavens for the DVD! I started watching yesterday and 4 hours later wondered
why I hadn't stayed up to watch this program throughout the year. CBS has been great
at putting the show on at different times as well, but if you are like me, the DVD is
what you need. From the first story, the characters, work on a number of levels. As
you progress through the DVD, you see them grow and get better and closer. While Patrick
is the focus of nearly everything that goes on, the B stories are very good as well. I
love the growing love story between Rigsby and Van Pelt. Rigsby is a big football kind
of guy who is quite shy and madly in love with the new agent, Van Pelt -- but too shy
to tell her of his feelings. When a baddie comes after Jane, Rigsby is attacked and you
see there are feelings between the two, but now you have a situation -- on-the-job
love stories never work out.
Robin Tunney is very good as Agent Teresa Lisbon. As the series begins, she is the
foil for Jane, but as the series has progressed, you learn more about her troubled
childhood and you can appreciate her character a bit more.
If you love the show, you'll truly enjoy the DVD.
The new season premieres September 24 at 10:00pm ET.
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.
I have loved this show from the very beginning. FRINGE is a very thought-provoking show that
has a definite grounding in real science. Perhaps that is why I like it so much. While I can
watch some "fantasy" programs, programs that have some basis in reality seem to work better for
me. While some of the stories are pretty much out there, the interaction with the characters
is just perfect. You have Olivia, an FBI agent now assigned to investigate strange occurances,
ala X-Files. You have Walter, somewhat of a mad scientist, but perhaps he is more of a visionary.
His son, Peter, acts as a guardian for Walter, who gets released from a mental institution to
help Olivia, is somewhat of a con-man, collaborator, partner to both Olivia and Walter. The
acting is just top-rate -- as is the writing. Created by J.J. Abrams, you see a tinge of
ALIAS, but only that. The chemistry for all of the characters is wonderful and I am anxious
to see what happens for the upcoming second season. This is like a melodrama that teases you
with clues each week. You don't have to watch each week to enjoy the show though -- but watching
each week increases the enjoyment -- at least it does for me.
The DVD is marvelous. There are extra features on each of the 7 discs included in the package.
You will hear from J.J. Abrams about how he created the series, you will hear from the writers
and special effects genuises who have brought this show to the small screen. This DVD is
definitely one you will enjoy watching on many levels.
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.
Warner Bros. has done it again. From the extensive archive comes an OUR GANG collection.
Alfalfa, Spanky, Buck Wheat and the rest of the gang arrive on today on the Warner
Archive in The Our Gang Collection that headlines a stellar line-up of new releases.
This new five-disc DVD set contains all 52 of the “Our Gang” shorts produced by MGM
between 1938 and 1944 in their original, uncut form as first seen in theaters at a
limited time special price of $34.99 only at
http://www.warnerarchive.com.
Among the episodes in the Collection are “Party Fever,” “The Little Ranger,” “Alfalfa’s
Aunt,” “Don’t Lie” and dozens more. Also seen in the cast are Froggy, Porky, and even
little Mickey Guibitosi, who soon changed his screen name to Bobby (Robert) Blake.
This collection marks the first ever home video release of the entire group of the
52 MGM shorts, news sure to be welcomed by the hordes of “Our Gang” fans out there.
The “Our Gang” comedies are the first in a series of monthly Warner Archive Collection
releases to be drawn from a library of classic theatrical short subjects originally
produced by both Warner Bros. and MGM.
Also coming to the Warner Archive in September are the “Dogville” shorts, Wrestling
Ernest Hemingway, Airbourne and many more. Please visit www.warnerarchive to view
the vast selection of wonderful classic titles including treasures from the silent
film era; rarely seen films starring Hollywood legends like Cary Grant, Clark Gable,
Bette Davis; and Sci-fi cult classics like Doc Savage, Countdown and others.
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.
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.
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
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #29
Written by J. Michael Straczynski, art and cover by Jesus Saiz.
A thing that lives...and fights for its soul! The shambling walking doll that is
Brother Power, the Geek has been reborn in Gotham City without a home or purpose!
Could destiny have something in store for this seemingly lost relic? And why does
his appearance cut into Batman's.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Nov. 18.
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?
October 8-10, 2009 Twilight Convention
City: Anaheim, CA
Place: Sheraton Park Hotel
For more information, go to www.creationent.com
October 10-11, 2009
Hollywood Autograph Show
Place: Burbank, CA
B5 guests participating: Julie Caitlin Brown; Claudia Chrisitan; Mira Furlan; Stephen
Furst; Bill Mumy; Patricia Tallman, Andrea Thompson and Sarah Douglas (Deathwalker)
For more information, go to www.hollywoodshow.com
December 4-6, 2009 STEEL CITY CON
Place: Monroeville Convention Center
City: Monroeville (near Pittsbugh) Pa.
Guests include: Luciana Carro, Battlestar Galactica, Ernie Hudson from Ghostbusters
I and II, Peter Mayhew
Recently added: C.J. Graham (Friday the 13th), Robb Demarest (Ghost Hunters Int'l)
For more information, go to http://www.steelcitycon.com .
January 23-24, 2010 STAR TREK CONVENTION
Place: Westin St. Francis Hotel
City: San Francisco, CA
Guests: William Shatner and Patrick Stewart
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS! Creation Entertainment has a large number of
conventions planned for the next several months. They include stars from TWILIGHT,
SUPERNATURAL, STARGATE, FARSCAPE, XENA, SERENITY, STAR TREK, 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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ECLIPSE NEWS
GREEN LANTERN DELAYS
WIZARD OF OZ STARS
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
According to Variety, Warner Bros.' WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE rewrote the October record for
a PG live-action film, grossing a boffo $11.9 million off 3,735 theaters on Friday.
The picture’s first day easily exceeded Warner Bros.' expectations as the studio was predicting
a weekend take in the mid-20s and it’s quite likely now that WILD THINGS could final
somewhere in the 40s.
FRENEMY
BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND BOLD
SIMPSON TREEHOUSE OF HORROR
ELEVENTH HOUR
NATURAL BORN KILLERS 15TH ANNIVERSARY DIRECTOR'S CUT
NIP/TUCK SEASON 5 PART 2
YELLOWSTONE: BATTLE FOR LIFE
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES
THE MENTALIST - SEASON ONE
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
PRIMEVAL: VOLUME 2
SCOOBY-DOO WHERE ARE YOU? VOLUME THREE HELLO MUMMY
SMALLVILLE: THE COMPLETE EIGHTH SEASON
SUPERMAN: THE COMPLETE ANIMATED SERIES
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #29
RED CIRCLE: THE HANGMAN #1 