Weta: Knights, hobbit ears and collectible News!

from Weta:

Sir Richard!
Her Majesty the Queen on the celebration of her Birthday, is pleased to appoint Richard Taylor as a Knight Companion of The New Zealand Order of Merit. To be knighted, in other words, and earn the right to be addressed Sir Richard. Richard received this honour for services to film. From all here at Weta — huge congratulations, Richard. We’re very proud that your contribution to New Zealand film has been recognised in this manner and there’s not a single person here who doesn’t think it’s well deserved.

Are you a Hobbit at heart? Now ‘ear this!
For Hobbits-at-heart everywhere, here’s a wonderful piece of The Lord of the Rings to wear with pride — like a Hobbit. Drawn from the original molds that Frodo’s and Sam’s ears were drawn from for the The Lord of the Rings trilogy, these prosthetics are as authentic as can be. Hand made here at Weta Workshop by Makeup Supervisor Frances Hawker and her team. Made from latex, they can be blended to look like part of your anatomy for your next costume event or convention. Get yours ‘ere!

Raygun shootout May winner
Last month’s winner, for best alien raygun, was Radulan for the Head Mounted Interpolator. This month’s challenge is Rocket Ships!

Weta presence at Anime Expo in LA
Weta’s US envoy, Phil Davis will be at Anime Expo in Los Angeles from the 1-4 July in the LA Convention Center. It is the largest Anime and Media Con in the western US and as usual, Phil will have a selection of Weta merchandise for sale at his booth. See you there!

New collectibles on the way
Tim Launder (when he’s not busy managing us rogues here at Weta Limited) is the guy who gets stuff off tall shelves in the Workshop. He says he found something at the very back — it appears to be an environment from The Lord of the Rings… possibly sculpted back-in-the-day. Looks a bit like a drinking establishment of some sort. As some of the Lord of the Rings fans in the building got very excited, we’ve decided to make a few of them and to put them up for pre-order this week, so keep an eye out for more announcements.

San Diego Comic-Con update!
There is too much news to just cram into newsletters, so we’ve created a whole page dedicated to Comic-Con updates! Save it in your Favourites and come back often — we can’t promise news every day, but there’s already a fair few posts. Check out our Comic-Con updates page!

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook and to discuss on the forum on The Shadow and Flame!

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J!NX: Don’t Miss our Father’s Day Promotion!

from J!NX:

New J!NX Classic Tee: Dastardly
In the Boy Scouts, good deeds are encouraged. Enough do-gooding will earn you a swell badge for your collection. In the Old West, things are a bit different. Being nice will get you nowhere. You’ve gotta be hard, you’ve gotta be mean… you’ve gotta be dastardly.

iPad Contest… Are You Entered?
We’re approaching the last few days of our iPad Contest, so if you’ve been dilly-dallying, lollygagging or otherwise procrastinating, now would be the time to get motivated. Entry is easy! Just “like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and comment on the entry page once a day. That’s it! The contest ends Tuesday (6/15/10), so don’t wait!

Father’s Day Promotion!
Dads are Geeks, too! You’ll receive a $10 discount on an order of $35 or more when you enter the code DADSROCK. With Father’s Day just around the corner, make sure Dear Old Dad gets what he really wants. Or, you can just use the code for yourself (it’s ok, we won’t tell anyone). This offer is not valid in combination with any other sale or discount.

$10 off your purchase of $35 or more

Use Promotion Code: DADSROCK
This offer expires Friday, June 18, 2010 at 11:59 PM EDT, so don’t wait!

Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge Awards at Celebration V!

from StarWars.com:

The Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge for 2010 is in full swing, but there is still time to enter your movie before the coming deadline, June 24. Lucasfilm Ltd. and Fan Movie Challenge partner Atom.com are making a call for immediate submissions at Atom’s Star Wars movie website.

Moviemakers who make the finalist category this year can look forward to seeing their movie in the spotlight at Celebration V, this August 12-15 in Orlando. All finalist movies will be played in a dedicated track throughout the run of the show.

The Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge is produced by a long-running partnership between Lucasfilm and Atom, to celebrate the best in fan made videos and animations. The winning entry each year is selected by Star Wars writer/director George Lucas, and the finalists are also posted online, where a worldwide body of viewers selects the Audience Choice Award. This year the famous golden droid trophies will be presented to the winners at Star Wars Celebration V, in the Fan Movie Award Ceremony, planned for Thursday evening, August 12.

But before moviemakers can receive all that honor and glory, they need to enter their movies in the competition. The deadline for the Ninth Annual 2010 Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge is June 24, 2010. Talented moviemakers need to submit their movie before that date at starwars.atomfilms.com, in order to be considered. All Challenge rules and guidelines are on the site, plus Star Wars movie assets that moviemakers can use in their creations.

Times and location might change. Please check starwarscelebration.com for updates closer to the show. A valid Celebration V admission badge is needed to attend the Fan Movie Award Ceremony.

RiffTrax Presents “Armageddon” with Matthew J. Elliott!

from RiffTrax:

Unasked questions.

So many important historical events would have turned out so differently if people had only thought to voice their concerns when it really mattered. For example, the Amok Time episode of Star Trek would have had a running time of about 20 minutes if Kirk had said: “Listen, before we get started… this isn’t to the death, is it?

Hear Matthew J. Elliott take on Armageddon here.

J!NX Father’s Day Promo: $10 off

from J!NX:

Father’s Day is June 20!
If you haven’t found that perfect gift, you still have a chance. Come on over and check out our entire selection of expressive tees inspired by video games and geek culture. We’re making it even easier for you, giving you $10 off your order of $35 or more. Just use code DADSROCK during checkout.

While you’re here…
Check out the J!NX Design Arcade. You can win up to $1000!

Guild Wars 2: Announcing the Warrior

from NCsoft:

Announcing the Warrior
Announcing our next Guild Wars 2 profession: the warrior! A master of weapons, the warrior marches into battle with swords, rifles, and just about everything in between. The warrior can absorb incredible damage as he builds up adrenaline to power his devastating attacks. Witness the raw power and blinding speed of the warrior in these incredible skill videos!

ArenaNet Summer Events
Tradeshow season is kicking off, and it’s going to be a busy summer for us! We can’t wait to get out there to spread the word about Guild Wars 2 and connect with our fellow gamers.

  • Comic-Con — July 22-25: Grab your sunscreen and join us in sunny San Diego! We’ll be signing copies of our upcoming Guild Wars novel, Ghosts of Ascalon, and our stunning artbook, The Art of Guild Wars 2. While you’re there, also make sure to check out our panel discussion about the creation of Guild Wars 2!
  • gamescom — August 18-22: We wouldn’t dream of missing Europe’s largest game show in Cologne, Germany. We’re going to be at gamescom in a big way this year, so make sure to stop by our booth!
  • PAX — September 3-5: PAX is a big three-day gaming festival right here in our backyard in Seattle! This year we’re going to out-do ourselves with cool swag, fun activities, and some special surprises. Don’t miss it!

For more details about our summer activities check out our blog.

A Look at Dynamic Events and Personal Storylines in Guild Wars 2
Learn more about why Guild Wars 2 is a different kind of MMO. Lead Content Designer Colin Johanson explains the dynamic event system in Guild Wars 2 and how it challenges the traditional ways content has been presented in MMOs. Lore & Continuity Designer Ree Soesbee shares our approach to storytelling in Guild Wars 2, where you follow your own personal storyline and your actions have a real impact on the world around you. Visit the ArenaNet Blog for further information about events and personal stories in Guild Wars 2. Our blog is your official source for behind-the-scenes GW2 info, so bookmark it today and stay up to date!

Alienware and Razer Team Up with NCsoft This Summer
NCsoft is partnering with our good friends at Razer and Alienware for trade shows this summer, and we’ll be using their equipment in our booths. For more information about their gear, head over to the Razer and Alienware websites.

Shout! Factory Presents Roger Corman’s Cult Classics: “Forbidden World” 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD

from Shout! Factory:

Space, the final frontier… it’s also the fiercest, most fearful frontier. No one can hear you scream… but now they can hear you shout! This Summer, Shout! Factory, in association with New Horizons Picture Corporation, have a treat in store for aficionados of sci-fi, horror classics and Roger Corman fans when Forbidden World and Galaxy of Terror debut for the first time on Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD on July 20, 2010. Forbidden World 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD contain two versions of the movie — the newly remastered theatrical version and the never-before-seen unrated director’s cut. Each Blu-ray and DVD boasts a shocking selection of extensive bonus content including all-new interviews and audio commentaries with cast and crew, rare behind-the-scenes footage and much more. These two inter-stellar shockers mark the latest installments from fan favorite Roger Corman’s Cult Classics home entertainment series from Shout! Factory. Each Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD is sold separately. Blu-ray is priced to own at $26.97; and DVD is available at $19.93.

Available for the first time on both Blu-ray and DVD, audiences can experience the 2-Disc Special Edition home entertainment release of Forbidden World as it was originally envisioned, in a never-before-seen, unrated director’s cut, as well as a newly remastered theatrical cut.

On the remote planet of Xarbia, a scientific experiment has gone horrifically wrong. An experimental life-form known as Subject 20, created by an elite group of scientists to prevent a major galactic food crisis, has instead mutated into a man-eating organism. It’s getting bigger, it has the ability to change its genetic structure at will and, worst of all, it’s hungry. Very, very hungry!

Two-fisted, hard-living, hard-loving bounty hunter Mike Colby (Jesse Vint, Macon County Line, Deathsport) is called in to combat this monstrous menace, but soon suspects that the scientists are keeping something from him. He soon discovers why: Subject 20 is half-human.

In classic Agatha Christie tradition, Subject 20 begins killing off the scientists one by one, while Colby and the remaining survivors desperately try to figure out a way to destroy it — before it destroys them.

Also released theatrically as Mutant, Forbidden World has it all: Gratuitous gore, unexpected nudity, surprising bits of black comedy, and an assortment of inspired and inventive special effects (done on a Roger Corman budget, of course). Nevertheless, the film earned three Saturn Award nominations: Best Low-Budget Film, Best Special Effects and Best Makeup. The film marked the directorial debut of two-time Primetime Emmy Awards winner Allan Holzman (Survivors of the Holocaust), who like so many Hollywood luminaries got his start under Corman’s auspices.

The cast also includes delectable damsels-in-distress June Chadwick (This is Spinal Tap, the original V) and Dawn Dunlap (Barbarian Queen, David Hamilton’s Laura) and character actors Linden Chiles (Helter Skelter, Who is the Black Dahlia?), Fox Harris (Repo Man, Sid and Nancy), Michael Bowen (Kill Bill — Volume 1, Jackie Brown) and Scott Paulin (The Right Stuff).

You too can embark on a never-before-seen, never-more-explicit journey to Forbidden World. It’s a journey you won’t soon forget!

Forbidden World 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray Special Features:
Disc 1 on Blu-ray Disc

  • New anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) in high definition transfer from the Inter-Positive films elements of the R-rated theatrical cut
  • Interview with producer Roger Corman
  • Interviews with cast and crew including director Allan Holzman, composer Susan Justin and actor Jesse Vint
  • A look at the special effects of Forbidden World with John Carl Buechler, Robert Skotak, Tony Randal and R. Christopher Biggs
  • Poster and still Gallery
  • Original theatrical trailer
  • Additional New World trailers

Disc 2 on DVD

  • The never-before-seen, unrated Director’s Cut (4:3 — Full Frame)
  • Audio commentary with director Allan Holzman

Forbidden World 2-Disc Special Edition DVD Bonus Content:

  • New anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) in high definition transfer from the Inter-Positive films elements of the R-rated theatrical cut
  • The never-before-seen, unrated Director’s Cut (4:3 — Full Frame)
  • Audio commentary with director Allan Holzman
  • Interview with producer Roger Corman
  • Interviews with cast and crew including director Allan Holzman, composer Susan Justin and actor Jesse Vint
  • A look at the special effects of Forbidden World with John Carl Buechler, Robert Skotak, Tony Randal and R. Christopher Biggs
  • Poster and still Gallery
  • Original theatrical trailer
  • Additional New World trailers

With its unforgettable catch-line “Hell has just been relocated!Galaxy of Terror, known at various times during development as Planet of Horrors and MindWarp: An Infinity of Terror, is the quintessential example of Corman magic. Working behind the scenes was production designer James Cameron, who achieved some measure of success shortly thereafter.

In the distant future, the crew of the starship Quest is dispatched to the barren planet of Morganthus to search for the missing crew members of the starship Remus, which has crash-landed there. Instead, they encounter something far more mysterious and insidious, as the crew members fall victim to their worst fears — each one more horrifying than the last. If any of them are to survive the Galaxy of Terror, they must unlock the secrets of this deadly world.

The star-studded cast of Galaxy of Terror includes some popular veterans and a talented supporting cast, many of whom achieved greater fame subsequently. Topping the cast are Golden Globe winner Edward Albert (The House Where Evil Dwells, The Domino Principle), Erin Moran (TV’s Happy Days, Joanie Loves Chachi), and Primetime Emmy Awards winner Ray Walston (Fast Times at Ridgemont High, TV’s My Favorite Martian, Picket Fences).

In supporting roles are Robert Englund, prior to portraying Freddy Kreuger in the original Nightmare on Elm Street series, future filmmaker Zalman King (Wild Orchid, TV’s Red Shoe Diaries), two-time Gemini Award winner Bernard Behrens (The Changeling, The Man with Two Brains), Grace Zabriskie (The Grudge, TV’s Twin Peaks, Big Love) and cult icon Sid Haig (The Devil’s Rejects, Kill Bill — Vol. 2).

Galaxy of Terror Blu-ray and DVD Special Features Include:

  • Commentary with Cast and Crew
  • New Worlds — producer Roger Corman, screenwriter Marc Siegler and director Bruce D. Clark discuss the origins of the film
  • The Crew of the Quest — Actors Robert Englund, Sid Haig, Taaffe O’Connell and Grace Zabriskie discuss their experiences as crew members of the U.S.S. Quest
  • Planet Of Horrors — A detailed look into the creation of the film’s memorable sets and alien landscapes
  • Future King — Memories of co-production designer (and future visionary filmmaker) James Cameron from members of the cast and crew
  • Old School — A journey into the complicated mechanical and makeup effects with artists Allan A. Apone, Douglas J. White, Alec Gillis and others
  • Launch Sequence — Co-editor R.J. Kizer walks us through postproduction and a profile on composer Barry Schrader
  • Theatrical trailers
  • Extensive photo galleries including posters, production sketches and designs
  • Theatrical trailer with commentary from writer/director Joel Olsen, courtesy of trailersfromhell.com
  • Original screenplay

Shout! Factory will continue to present Roger Corman’s Cult Classics home entertainment releases on a monthly basis. Upcoming highlights include Attack of the Crab Monsters, the original Not of This Earth (1957), Piranha (directed by Joe Dante), Humanoids from the Deep (starring Doug McClure and Vic Morrow), Deathsport (starring David Carradine and Claudia Jennings), Battle Truck (released in the U.S. as Warlords of the 21st Century), among others.

rogercormanscultclassics.com

Independent filmmaker-producer Roger Corman’s illustrious career ranks as one of Hollywood’s most amazing success stories. Having produced more than 350 films and directed 50 others, his influence on American film goes far beyond his own energetic, creative low-budget movies. He is arguably one of Hollywood’s most gifted and masterful filmmakers. In 2009 he was the recipient of an honorary Academy Award for his contribution to the medium of film.

Noted for his keen ability to spot young talent, Corman’s most lasting legacy will undoubtedly be the legion of producers, directors, writers and actors he has fostered, among them: James Cameron, Jack Nicholson, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Peter Fonda, Jonathan Demme, Gale Anne Hurd, Diane Ladd, Tommy Lee Jones, Sandra Bullock, Bruce Dern, Talia Shire, Charles Bronson, Joe Dante, Peter Bogdanovich and Sally Kirkland.

“Gamera Vs. Barugon” Special Edition

from Shout! Factory:

Returned from his exile into space, Gamera is the last survivor of a species of colossal chelonians, rumored to have originated 8,000 years ago from the lost continent of Atlantis. This titanic terrapin is feared by adults and loved by children.

Hot off the heel from the excitement of fan favorite Gamera, The Giant Monster — Special Edition DVD, Shout! Factory will unleash the second film in the original series, Gamera Vs. Barugon — Special Edition on July 6, 2010. The DVD contains a collectible reversible cover, a special booklet featuring an essay by actor Kojiro Hongo, audio commentary with August Ragone and Jason Varney, publicity galleries and widescreen presentation of the original movie from an all-new HD master and more! Packed with heart-pounding action and jaw-dropping fun, the collectible Gamera Vs. Barugon — Special Edition DVD is priced to own at $19.93.

Even though Japan’s Self-Defense Forces sent Gamera hurtling into space in a giant rocket at the climax of Gamera, The Giant Monster, a stray meteor soon collides with his flying metal prison, freeing the ginormous turtle and allowing him to spin back to Earth. That sounds like it spells doom for Japan, but when another colossal creature named Barugon is awoken from an ancient slumber, all Hell breaks loose. And only Gamera can stop him.

After three greedy Japanese explorers steal a rare opal in New Guinea, not realizing that it is actually a monster egg, and unwittingly subject it to infrared radiation, it hatches and grows to immense size. Barugon is not simply bad because he’s big: His elongated tongue, itself a deadly weapon, can emit a freezing spray, while he has the ability to shoot a deadly, laser-like rainbow from his back. And when our favorite fire-spitting Gamera becomes trapped in the creature’s frozen grip, mankind looks like it could be doomed. Can one of the explorers, Keisuke Hirata (Kojiro Hongo, Satan’s Sword), and a New Guinea native, Karen (Kyoko Enami, The Woman Gambler), help to defeat Barugon before it plunges Japan into a new Ice Age?

Gamera Vs. Barugon, the second entry in Daiei Studios’ monster series, was directed by veteran Shigeo Tanaka (The Great Wall) and is more lavish than the original in terms of scale and scope — it was shot in spectacular color! Noriaki Yuasa (Gamera, The Giant Monster) was charged with helming the visual effects for this outing, and the results are fantastic!

The original films have woefully been underrepresented on DVD, especially releases featuring the authentic Japanese versions. Shout! Factory, in association with Kadokawa Pictures, will continue to present Gamera Special Edition home entertainment releases in North America. Upcoming highlights include Gamera Vs. Gyas, Gamera Vs. Viras, Gamera Vs. Guillon, Gamera Vs. Jiger, among others.

Shout! Factory Presents Roger Corman’s Cult Classics: “Death Race 2000” Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD

from Shout! Factory:

It’s time for full-throttle, full-tilt, fast and furious fun this summer as Shout! Factory, in association with New Horizons Picture Corporation, will unleash one of Roger Corman’s classics that gives new meaning to the term “road rage.” June 22, 2010 will see the release of the Death Race 2000 Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD, earmarking the latest installment from Roger Corman’s Cult Classics home entertainment series.

Death Race 2000 Special Edition boasts a high-octane selection of extensive bonus content including all-new interviews and commentary with cast and crew, rare behind-the-scenes footage and much more, making this definitive home entertainment release from Shout! Factory’s much-anticipated Roger Corman’s Cult Classics line a must-have for Roger Corman fans and film aficionados as well as anyone who remains young at heart. Death Race 2000 Special Edition Blu-ray is priced to own at $26.97 SRP, and the DVD is available at $19.93 SRP.

Widely revered as perhaps the greatest B-movie of all time, Death Race 2000 is one of the most enduring of all Roger Corman films — as well as his biggest box-office success up to that point.

Welcome to the year 2000, a bleak and politically oppressive world plagued by immorality and political unrest. The only thing that appeases the population is the three-day Transcontinental Death Race, a high-speed, coast-to-coast competition which is won by the driver who racks up the most points by killing spectators, pedestrians and other unlucky passers-by.

This year, however, the Death Race drivers have something more to worry about than getting killed by the other contestants: A covert faction of Anti-Race revolutionaries bent on putting the brakes on Death Race for good. When they say “Speed kills” — they’re not kidding!

Executive produced by Corman and directed by Paul Bartel (Eating Raoul), Death Race 2000 is one of the quintessential cult classics of all time and marks the only pairing of box-office superstars David Carradine (Kill Bill Vol. 1 and 2, Bound for Glory, TV’s Kung Fu) and Sylvester Stallone (Rocky, Rambo, Cliffhanger), as well as featuring a cult-friendly supporting cast that includes Simone Griffeth (Hot Target), Mary Woronov (Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills, Eating Raoul), Roberta Collins (Hardbodies and Hardbodies II), Martin Kove (The Karate Kid, TV’s Cagney & Lacey), Louisa Mortiz (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, New Year’s Evil), legendary Los Angeles disc jockey “The Real” Don Steele (Grand Theft Auto, Rock ‘N’ Roll High School), Joyce Jameson (The Comedy of Terrors, Tales of Terror) and Fred Grandy (TV’s The Love Boat), who was later elected to the U.S. Congress!

This new special edition DVD and first-ever Blu-ray release of Death Race 2000 are loaded with high-octane special features.

Death Race 2000 Special Edition Blu-ray & DVD
Extensive Special Features Include:

  • New Anamorphic Widescreen Transfer (1.85:1) in high definition from the inter-positive film element
  • David on Death Race: A brief look back from star David Carradine recorded in 2008
  • Audio commentary with Roger Corman and Mary Woronov
  • New audio commentary with assistant director Lewis Teague and editor Tina Hirsch
  • Playing the Game: Looking Back at “Death Race 2000”
  • Ready to Wear: In-depth interview with costume designer Jane Ruhm on her inventive work for this film and other Roger Corman classics
  • Designing Dystopia!: A detailed look at the film’s futuristic landscapes and now-classic race cars with co-art director B.B. Neel, car designer James Powers and car constructor Dean Jeffries.
  • Start Your Engine!: How the world of Death Race 2000 came to life, interview with original story creator Ib Melchior
  • Killer Score: An all-new interview with composer Paul Chihara on the creation of the film’s eclectic score, which was also his first feature film composition.
  • Leonard Maltin interviews Roger Corman about Death Race 2000
  • Original theatrical trailer
  • Original theatrical trailer with commentary by filmmaker John Landis, courtesy of trailersfromhell.com
  • Collectible 12-page booklet
  • New World trailers

Following the release of Death Race 2000 Special Edition Blu-ray & DVD, Shout! Factory will continue to present Roger Corman’s Cult Classics home entertainment releases on a monthly basis. Upcoming highlights include Forbidden World (DVD), Galaxy of Terror (DVD), Piranha (Blu-ray & DVD), Attack of the Crab Monster/Not of This Earth (DVD), Humanoids from Deep (DVD), Starcrash (Blu-ray & DVD) and Battle Beyond the Stars (Blu-ray & DVD), among others.

Independent filmmaker-producer Roger Corman’s storied career ranks as one of Hollywood’s most amazing success stories. Having produced more than 350 films and directed 50 others, his influence on American film goes far beyond his own energetic, creative low-budget movies. He is arguably one of Hollywood’s most gifted and masterful filmmakers. In 2009 he was the recipient of an honorary Academy Award for his contribution to the medium of film.

Noted for his keen ability to spot young talent, Corman’s most lasting legacy will undoubtedly be the legion of producers, directors, writers and actors he has fostered, among them: James Cameron, Jack Nicholson, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Peter Fonda, Jonathan Demme, Gale Anne Hurd, Diane Ladd, Tommy Lee Jones, Sandra Bullock, Bruce Dern, Talia Shire, Charles Bronson, Joe Dante, Peter Bogdanovich and Sally Kirkland.

“Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” Blu-ray

"Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" Blu-ray

If you’ve already watched Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog in its online and DVD incarnations, you now have a third option: Blu-ray.

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog was such a huge viral hit that it went on to win an Emmy Award, despite having never actually aired on television, a feat that assured it was only a matter of time until Dr. Horrible earned Blu-ray treatment. A Hugo Awards nomination and a win at the 2009 People’s Choice Awards surely helped fast-track the title to the Blu-ray list, as well.

For those who haven’t already memorized Joss Whedon’s Internet spectacular, here’s a recap:

Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) stars as Billy, A.K.A. Dr. Horrible, a budding supervillain whose plans for world domination continually go awry. His two goals: getting accepted into the Evil League of Evil, and working up the guts to speak to his laundromat crush Penny, played by Felicia Day (The Guild). The only thing standing in his way is Captain Hammer, Billy’s superhero archnemesis played by Nathan Fillion (Firefly, Castle). With one big score, Billy could get into the E.L.E. and earn the respect of Penny, but only if he can keep her away from the dashing Captain Hammer.

The Blu-ray’s special features are the same as those included on the standard-definition DVD. Some may seem new, but they’re actually the hidden bonuses from the standard DVD’s Easter Egg Hunt, now made much easier to find and access. If a 42-minute movie seems a bit skimpy to warrant buying a Blu-ray disc, then over 90 minutes of bonus material and multiple viewing options should change your mind:

  • Commentaries/Special Version
    • Watch Commentary! The Musical — in this first-of-its-kind, musical meta-commentary, the cast and creators ignore what’s happening on the screen to sing 42 minutes of all-new catchy tunes: “Commentary!” by Company; “Strike” by Company; “Ten-Dollar Solo” by Stacy Shirk (as Groupie #2), Neil Patrick Harris; “Better (Than Neil)” by Nathan Fillion; “It’s All About the Art” by Felicia Day; “Zack’s Flavor” by Zack Whedon, female backups, Joss Whedon; “Nobody Wants to Be Moist” by Simon Helberg (as Moist); “Ninja Ropes” by Jed Whedon, Neil Patrick Harris; “All About Me” by Extras; “Nobody’s Asian in the Movies” by Maurissa Tancharoen; “Heart (Broken)” by Joss Whedon, backups (Jed Whedon, Zack Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen); “Neil’s Turn” by Neil Patrick Harris; “Commentary! (Reprise)” by Company; and, “Steve’s Song” by Steve Berg.
    • Watch Filmmaker’s Commentary — the regular commentary track, in which stars Neil Patrick Harris, Felicia Day, and Nathan Fillion, and writers Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, Zack Whedon, and Maurissa Tancharoen discuss the movie.
    • Watch with No Commentary — self-explanatory.
  • The Making of Dr. Horrible Featurettes
    • “The Movie” — a behind-the-scenes look at the movie’s production process.
    • “The Music” — a behind-the-scenes look at the writing and recording of the songs.
    • “What Just Happened?” — the cast and creators share their reactions to Dr. Horrible‘s launch, the after-effects of the movie’s release, their popularity at San Diego Comic-Con, the overwhelming response from fans, and how Internet distribution has empowered artists.
    • Play All Three — again, self-explanatory.
  • ELE Application Videos — the top 10 video applications submitted by fans who sought to join the Evil League of Evil.
  • Outtakes — a blooper reel (originally an Easter egg on the standard DVD).
  • Behind-the-Scenes — rehearsal footage (originally an Easter egg on the standard DVD).
  • Evil League of Evil Interview — candid group interview with the members of the ELE (originally an Easter egg on the standard DVD).
  • Teaser Trailer — the Internet’s first glimpse of Dr. Horrible.
  • Set Up
    • Audio — 5.1 Surround Sound, Stereo 2.0.
    • Subtitles — English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese (no fake Wiccan this time, like the standard DVD had as part of its Easter Egg Hunt).

New to the Blu-ray is the completely redesigned menu. The standard DVD had a rather basic, amateur-looking menu, whereas the Blu-ray opens with a highly professional one that combines slick graphics and animation. The Dr. Horrible theme song plays in the background, and the selections pop up and expand in the style of a computer’s start menu. Scene selection is split into three sub-menus: Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3, which was how the original web series was divided. The picture and sound are crystal clear, as expected from an HD movie presented on Blu-ray, the colours popping in sharp contrast and minute details coming into focus for closer fan inspection.

The Dr. Horrible Blu-ray is the polar opposite of horrible, so if you already have the standard DVD, it’s well worth the upgrade to the Blu-ray edition.

Order now at Amazon.com:
Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog Blu-ray (Canada)
Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog Blu-ray (US)

Or order directly through the New Video Group website.

The Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog DVD and Blu-ray are distributed by New Video Group.

Auto-Tune the Guild

from The Guild:

When it came time to do a recap of Season 3, we thought we’d do something new and different. Everyone at The Guild had become big fans of The Gregory Brothers, creators of Auto-Tune the News, and we got to meet them in person at this year’s Streamy Awards where they won three Streamys and rocked the audience with their live performance and Magical Streamys Remix Video (watch it, it’s awesome). So, we asked if they would lend their talents to our recap.

The Guild Season 3 Recap: Auto-Tuned

Please share this with friends! And for more info about The Gregory Brothers, check them out on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. They also have a debut EP called “Meet the Gregory Brothers” available via their website and iTunes. And join us in our community forums (or in comments) to discuss the Season 3 recap. If you’d like to watch the previous season recaps, you can find them here: Season 1 and Season 2. And yes, this video is our first official word on the release date for Season 4 — coming July 13th!

Infectious X MIMOBOT Design Challenge: Unmasked is Here! Also, TAKE 20% OFF all VDC Community-Designs!

from Mimoco:

Infectious X MIMOBOT Design Challenge: More Designs, More Challenge!
Two new characters complete the 2009 Infectious X MIMOBOT Design Challenge! Marvin the Pirate and Mictlantecuhtli join GiddyUp as well as heralding in the next design challenge

Infectious X MIMOBOT Design Challenge: Unmasked. Call for Entries! Get Your Mask On!
Mimoco teams with the fine crew at Infectious to bring you the follow up to last year’s Infectious x MIMOBOT Design Challenge where we’re seeking the next crack characters to join the MIMOBOT collection of designer USB flash drives. Now show us what you can do with MIMOBOT Helmet to unmask your character’s visage from below. DEADLINE: July 15, 2010. ENTER NOW!

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