Category: Events

Steampunk Month at TOR

from Tor.com:

It’s goggle-wearing, lace-gloved, dirigible-driving, sepia-toned, steam-powered, retro-futuristic party time.

In other words, October is Steampunk Month on Tor.com! All month, we’ll be hosting special content, including giveaways, wallpapers, reviews, and posts by guest bloggers from the steampunk community.

Check out the Steampunk Month index page to see what’s going on; Tor.com being a well-oiled machine, we’ll naturally update it as each post goes up.

To start you off, we have an interview with Diana Vick, vice-chair of the upcoming Steamcon, on what steampunk means to her and the dubious joys of running a con. You can also check out this review of George Mann’s The Affinity Bridge — a cracking good yarn, and just the thing to get you in the mood.

The Legend of Neil: Comic-Con 2009 Panel

from The Legend of Neil:

Since we’re still a few days away from the premiere of episode 6 of season 2, I thought you all might like to check out our Legend of Neil panel at Comic-Con 2009 featuring Sandeep, Tony Janning, Mike Rose, Felicia Day & Scott Chernoff and moderated by Chris Albrecht. Thanks to YouTube user grossemeise for taping and uploading the vids:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Damn we look sexy…

Get more free digital goodies when you attend the Encore of RiffTrax Live: Plan 9 From Outer Space!

from RiffTrax:

The encore screening of RiffTrax: Plan 9 From Outer Space is almost here! The original evening of live riffing captured on August 20th will be rebroadcast Thursday, October 8th in movie theaters nationwide!

And now there are EVEN MORE FREE DIGITAL GOODIES! In addition to receiving the Flying Stewardess downloadable short, autographed digital photo of the guys, and RiffTones song, all event attendees will also get two more RiffTones songs and an animated short of the failed Plans 1-8! More goodies! More fun! All FREE!!!

Tickets are only $10 each and are on sale now! Simply go to the RiffTrax Encore page on Fathom, where you can enter your zip code to find the closest theatre and purchase tickets.

Don’t wait! Get your tickets today!

VIZ Media Announces “Inuyasha: The Final Act” Scheduled to Stream in the U.S. Simultaneous to Airing in Japan

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, delighted anime fans at New York Anime Festival yesterday with an announcement of the near simultaneous Japanese/American simulcast of the action-packed conclusion to the Inuyasha animated series — Inuyasha: The Final Act.

Beginning on October 3rd, Inuyasha: The Final Act (subtitled) will stream on ShonenSunday.com/anime and Hulu.com mere hours after it airs in Japan. A new episode will air every Saturday thereafter. Inuyasha: The Final Act anime is rated “T” for teens.

Inuyasha is a hit TV anime series based on the manga by famed creator Rumiko Takahashi, who won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award for Inuyasha in 2002. Many of the Takahashi titles have been adapted into other media such as anime, live-action TV series, and film. Takahashi’s manga, as well as the other formats her work has been adapted into, have continued to delight generations of fans around the world. Distinguished by her wonderfully endearing characters, Takahashi’s work adeptly incorporates a wide variety of elements such as comedy, romance, fantasy, and martial arts. Rumiko Takahashi is an artist who truly represents the very best from the world of manga. Please visit the new official North American web site for all Rumiko Takahashi-related news and information located at TheRumicWorld.com.

When an enchanted well draws her into the past, Kagome, an ordinary modern schoolgirl, finds her destiny tied to the doglike half-demon Inuyasha and a mythical gem called the Shikon Jewel, or “Jewel of Four Souls,” of which the smallest shard can grant the user unimaginable power.

Throughout their quest to restore the shattered Shikon Jewel, Inuyasha and Kagome have never faced an enemy more deadly or more cunning than the demon mastermind Naraku. With the Shikon Jewel nearly whole and in Naraku’s hands, the race to collect the remaining shards intensifies and a battle of epic proportions is brewing on the horizon…

Featuring the works of some of the top shonen manga creators in the world today, Shonen Sunday magazine in Japan provides the content for some of VIZ Media’s most impressive new titles. The magazine recently celebrated its 50th anniversary since its first issue arrived on newsstands in March of 1959. Rin-ne is the brand new Shonen Sunday manga series by Rumiko Takahashi and the first series ever to be published simultaneously in Japan and North America.

“Inuyasha is one of the longest running anime series in North America and we’re very proud to present the final episodes of this epic adventure to fans in the U.S. mere hours after episodes air in Japan,” says Ken Sasaki, Vice President Strategy & Business Development, VIZ Media. “Rumiko Takahashi created a classic with Inuyasha, and ShonenSunday.com/anime will be THE online destination where Inuyasha fans can watch all 167 previously available episodes, as well as follow the newest episodes from Inuyasha: The Final Act!”

VIZ Media publishes multiple series by Rumiko Takahashi, including her brand new manga series Rin-ne, the Inuyasha manga, Inuyasha ani-manga and The Art of Inuyasha. For more information on the Inuyasha anime please visit ShonenSunday.com.

More Weta News: September 2009

from Weta:

Hey Weta fans,
New products, new book signings, a flourishing forum, special offers and more exciting news than you can shake a stick at. We’re manifesting our return to Middle-earth by releasing our first new polystone collectible from The Lord of the Rings, The Argonath flanking the river Anduin. This is total Deja Vu for us and extra exciting because that’s how Weta started its foray into collectibles back in the heady days of 2001. Enjoy!

Pre-order The Argonath!
Weta’s return to Middle-earth and specifically to polystone collectibles from The Lord of the Rings is celebrated with a truly iconic piece. It continues on from previous environments that have been popular with collectors the world over. The big difference this time is that the edition size is a mere 500. They will not last long, so get your pre-order in now. The Argonath will be shipped world wide!

Book signings galore at the Weta Cave:
2 October — Ian Brodie signs The Lord of the Rings guidebooks
3 October — Alan Lee signs advance copies of his new book
1 November — New Champ the Chopper book to be launched

In the News:
Weta will be attending the Armageddon Pulp Expo in Auckland on New Zealand’s Labour Day weekend, 24-26 October. This will be the first opportunity for many to see some of our new ranges. We will also be attending the Trinity of Terrors in Las Vegas at Halloween, after an invitation from our friends at Fangoria. This will be totally insane.

And don’t forget:
Vote for the best Voice of Gollum
A Yeti? In Queenstown?

WotWots DVD, books and toys available to buy online!
Every pre-schooler’s favourite alien twins, Spotty Wot and Dotty Wot have their own line of DVDs, toys and books and we have made a selection available to buy on our site. Check it out now!

Hot Tip:
If you’re seeing the wrong currency on our site, you can change it to one that makes more sense to you. We display our prices in US Dollars, Great Britain Pounds or New Zealand Dollars and we show you the one we think you’d prefer. But if you don’t agree — feel free to change it.

Have you pre-ordered your VICTORY yet?
As you are no doubt aware, we’re now taking pre-orders for: Victory! Scientific Adventure Violence for Young Men and Literate Women. It follows the style of Dr. Grordbort’s Contrapulatronic Dingus Directory that was released last year. This is what Guillermo del Toro thinks about the book:

Wild, bizarre adventures told by the fireplace in a smokey, wood-panelled Gentleman’s club… but not in Victorian England but in a dazzling “Uchronism” that works both as a satire of our times and as a convex mirror for a future that never was. A violent, vibrant Neverland, witty and brilliantly realized. This book is your passport into a fully-formed habitat populated by dangerous, unstoppable predators — both human and inhuman…

Weta’s NEW FAN FORUMS are more popular than ever!
A few of the Weta artists (as well as a couple of us here in the office) have been completely hooked and are participating actively in the boards on the Shadow and Flame. Come and join us!

Weta Dollars Reminder:
Don’t forget — if you hold Weta Dollars that were earned on our OLD website, these expire 31 December 2009, so make sure you spend them before then!

This is how you find us online!
http://fans.wetaNZ.com/Magnus/ | Twitter: @wetaworkshop | Facebook: Weta Workshop

New Year’s Eve with the Titans!

from Cinematic Titanic:

Hey Everyone,

Well, we know what we’re doing for New Year’s Eve this year, do you? We’ll be performing a 3 MOVIE MARATHON live at the Keswick Theatre in Philadelphia (more specifically, Glenside, Pennsylvania). Tickets go on sale this Saturday!

Those of you who attended our sold-out shows at the Trocadero earlier this year needn’t worry about repeats, we’re coming back with 3 different movies than last time:

War of the Insects
Samson and the Seven Miracles
Then we’ll ring in the New Year and after midnight,
Frankenstein’s Castle of Freaks

Is that some marquee or what? You can make elaborate New Year’s Eve plans that will undoubtedly turn out to be a letdown, or you can come plant your butt in one place and proceed to laugh it off with us.

And Don’t Forget:

10/25-10/29 — L.A., California — Five Nights/Five Movies live at Largo at the Coronet — See Largo Calendar for movie schedule.

11/21 – CT Live at the Family Arena — War of the Insects

Best,
Los Titans

Want to help shape future RiffTrax Live shows? Take our quick survey!

from RiffTrax:

Thank you for making the RiffTrax Live Plan 9 from Outer Space show such a huge success! We’re excited to announce RiffTrax and Fathom will be bringing more RiffTrax Live events like it to a theater near you in the future! But we need your help.

Please click on the link below to take our short survey (less than five minutes to complete!). This survey will provide us with valuable information to make future live shows even better!

To take the survey, go here.

Thanks!

Profiles in History to Offer Early Production Macintosh 128 Computer Given to Gene Roddenberry by Apple Computer

Macintosh 128

from Profiles in History:

Profiles in History, the world’s leading auctioneer of Hollywood memorabilia, will be offering an early production Macintosh 128 computer, given to Gene Roddenberry by Apple Computer, Inc. This computer was subsequently upgraded to a Macintosh Plus by Apple for Mr. Roddenberry and signifies the wonderful association between the visionary computer designer/manufacturer and legendary Star Trek creator, and is a stellar example of the powerful synergy between technology and entertainment. This amazing artifact, which is accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from Gene Roddenberry’s son, Rod, will be a special addition to Profiles in History’s October 8-9, 2009 auction of Hollywood memorabilia. It has an estimated sale price of $800-$1200. Worldwide bidding begins at 12:00 PM (noon) both days and can be placed either in person, via mail, phone, fax or live on the Internet at Hollywood Auction 37.

“This is the personification of life imitating art. Gene Roddenberry’s vision inspired countless people to pursue careers in science and aerospace. This milestone computer, given to Gene by Apple’s innovators, is a symbol of this synergy,” said Joe Maddalena, president of Profiles in History.

Already announced as part of the same auction are Michael Jackson’s iconic illuminating white glove that he wore on the Victory tour as well as the original cover art from The Jacksons’ Victory album.

For more information about Profiles in History and to download a complete catalog of items that will be available, please visit profilesinhistory.com.

About Profiles in History:

Founded in 1985 by Joseph Maddalena, Profiles in History is the world’s leading auctioneer of Hollywood memorabilia. Profiles in History has held some of the most prestigious and successful auctions of Hollywood memorabilia. Their auctions include costumes, props and set pieces from both vintage and contemporary film, television, and rock ‘n roll. Profiles in History’s location in Calabasas Hills, CA — virtually a stone’s throw away from every major Hollywood studio — ensures a constant flow of fantastic and rare artifacts. With an extensive network of dealers, collectors, and public & private institutions, they are proud to play an important role in the preservation of motion picture history.

Prior Profiles in History Hollywood auctions highlights include the “Cowardly Lion” costume from The Wizard of Oz ($805,000); a full-scale model T-800 Endoskeleton from Terminator 2: Judgment Day ($488,750); a T.I.E. Fighter filming miniature from Star Wars ($402,500); a King Kong six-sheet movie poster ($345,000); the Command Chair from the “U.S.S. Enterprise” ($304,750); Harrison Ford’s hero blaster from Blade Runner ($258,750); the original “Robot” from Lost in Space ($264,500); Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber ($240,000); a Frankenstein one-sheet movie poster ($212,400); the Black Beauty car from The Green Hornet ($192,000); George Reeves’ Superman costume from The Adventures of Superman ($126,500); the H.R. Giger designed Alien creature suit from Alien ($126,500); a full-scale T-Rex head from Jurassic Park ($126,500), the Leaping Alien Warrior figure from Aliens ($126,500), Christopher Reeve’s Superman costume from Superman: The Movie ($115,000), C-3PO’s helmet ($120,000), The Wizard of Oz “Winkie” Guard Costume ($115,000); a “Ming the Merciless” cape from Flash Gordon ($115,000) and the Hydraulic screen-used Velociraptor from The Lost World: Jurassic Park II ($115,000).

RiffTrax Live: Plan 9 from Outer Space Returns to Meet Demand in Sold-Out Theater Locations with Encore Presentation on October 8th

from National CineMedia:

RiffTrax Live: Plan 9 from Outer Space in-theater event presented by NCM Fathom and Something Awful returns to 285 select movie theaters on Thursday, October 8th at 7:30 p.m. local time in an encore rebroadcast event. The original live simulcast, performed in Nashville, Tennessee at The Belcourt Theatre featuring the stars from Mystery Science Theater 3000, was presented in more than 430 movie theaters on August 20th, with many locations selling-out across the country. The special encore presentation has been scheduled to meet the exceptionally high demand from fans to see the event.

Tickets for RiffTrax Live: Plan 9 from Outer Space ENCORE are available at participating theater box offices and online at FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, please visit the web site (theaters are subject to change).

“I’m glad this RiffTrax Encore gives people another chance to have a lot of laughs, see some great music and get some free stuff,” said Michael J. Nelson, RiffTrax creator and former host and writer of the Emmy-nominated, Peabody Award-winning Mystery Science Theater 3000. “And if nothing else, they’ll be awed by the majestic sight of Tor Johnson’s neck folds.”

The encore event showcases the talents of former Mystery Science Theater 3000 members Nelson, Kevin Murphy (Tom Servo) and Bill Corbett (Crow T. Robot) as they unleash their off-kilter zingers on the “worst movie ever made” — a color version of Plan 9 from Outer Space. Hosted by Veronica Belmont, co-host of Revisions3’s tech-centric show, Tekzilla and host of Qore on the PlayStation Network, the event also includes a guest segment from Something Awful’s Rich “Lowtax” Kyanka. Singer-songwriter and internet superstar Jonathan Coulton is the special musical guest.

A URL and code will be revealed following the event to encore audiences to download free exclusive digital extras including the Flying Stewardess downloadable short; an autographed digital photo of Nelson, Murphy and Corbett; three songs by the RiffTones; and an animated short of the failed Plans 1 through 8.

RiffTrax Live: Plan 9 from Outer Space ENCORE appears on the big screen in high definition with Cinema Surround Sound in select AMC Entertainment Inc., Celebration! Cinema, Cinemark USA Inc., Goodrich Quality Theaters, Hollywood Theaters, Kerasotes Showplace Theatres, Marcus Theatres and Regal Entertainment Group movie theaters, as well as Palace Cinema 9 (South Burlington, VT) through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.

Cinematic Titanic: 5 Nights in L.A.

from Cinematic Titanic:

Hey Everyone,
We’re excited to announce our next live shows: 5 Nights/5 Movies at Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles. Come join us October 25-29th at one of our favorite venues as we perform some of our very favorite riffs:

Sunday, October 25th, 7:30pm — Legacy of Blood

See the first-time live riff of one of our favorite DVD releases! 

Monday, October 26th, 7:30pm — Danger on Tiki Island

Living on an island near a nuclear testing zone has its downsides — i.e. being terrorized by one of the worst movie monsters ever!

Tuesday, October 27th, 7:30pm — Santa Claus Conquers the Martians

See the fully re-riffed version of an MST3K classic.

Wednesday, October 28th, 7:30pm — The Alien Factor

Aliens invade Baltimore, and they have no budget!

Thursday, October 29th, 7:30pm — East Meets Watts

Stud Brown and Larry Chin take on a drug cartel in this “Kung-sploitation” classi… uh, movie.

Tickets available NOW!

$35.00 — available by calling 310-855-0350 (Visa/Mastercard only)
or drop by the Largo box office Monday, Wednesday, Friday 2-7pm.
366 N. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90048

Largo at the Coronet — largo-la.com. Doors 6:30, show 7:30.

We hope to see you there! Each night will be an event as we have different special guests lined up too! Not to mention the warm-up artistry of Dave (Gruber) Allen (on his home turf)!

Oh, and yes, while we’re all together in LA, we’ll be filming our next DVD releases.

Best,
The CT Gang

RiffTrax Live Encore Tickets on sale now! In theaters nationwide!

from RiffTrax:

Tickets for the RiffTrax Encore screening of Plan 9 from Outer Space are on sale now for only $10 each!

The original evening of live riffing captured on August 20th will be rebroadcast on Thursday October 8th in movie theatres nationwide!

Click on the link below to view the RiffTrax Encore page on Fathom, then simply enter your zip code to find the closest theatre and purchase tickets!

All event attendees will receive FREE digital goodies including the Flying Stewardesses downloadable short, an autographed digital photo of the guys, three songs by the RiffTones and an animated short of the failed Plans 1-8!

Get tickets now!

the Familiar to play at the 2009 Screamfest L.A. Film Festival in October

from Kody Zimmermann:

Hey Everyone!

Great news over here. My short film — the Familiar — has been accepted to the 2009 Screamfest L.A. Film Festival in October. Everyone who knows me, knows me as a HUGE horror fan and this is known as “The Sundance of Horror.” I’m ecstatic!

What’s best, the film will be playing at the Famous Grauman’s Mann Chinese Theater in Hollywood, in a venue that is supported by Wes “A Nightmare on Elm Street” Craven, Clive “Hellraiser” Barker, Eli “Cabin Fever” Roth, Tobe “Poltergeist” Hooper, and John “American Werewolf in London” Landis.

This is like Christmas for me…!

Thanks everyone for your continued support — it has been a hell of a ride this far, and to get this news makes it all worthwhile!

The website — www.theFAMILIARmovie.com — should be up soon, but in the meantime, if you’re on Facebook, you can become a fan of the film at this incredible clunky address: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Familiar/143250262526.

Thanks again!

About Screamfest LA:

The Screamfest Horror Film Festival is the largest horror film festival in the United States. Some of the largest horror online publications have called it the “Sundance of Horror.” The festival is now held annually at the prestigious Grauman’s Mann Chinese 6 in Hollywood. Screamfest premieres and showcases new work from American and international independent horror filmmakers. Film entries are accepted in the categories of Best Feature, Directing, Cinematography, Editing, Special Effects and Musical Score. In addition, there are special categories for Best Animation, Best Short, Best Documentary and Best Student Film.

The largest film festival held in Los Angeles, Screamfest is an internationally recognized showcase for independent filmmakers and writers of the horror, science fiction and fantasy genres.

Screamfest was formed in August 2001 to give filmmakers and writers in the horror/sci-fi genres a venue to have their work showcased to people in the industry. The majority of the films showcased in the past now have distribution.

The festival has hosted many famous filmmakers and actors as guests, including Sam Raimi, Wes Craven, Eli Roth, James Wan, Rob Zombie, Mike Mendez, Clive Barker, Lin Shaye, Robert Englund, Tobe Hooper, James Gunn, Zack Snyder, Stan Winston, Sean Cunningham and John Landis.

Screamfest has also introduced some major horror films onto the world, including Hatchet, Behind the Mask, Wolf Creek, The Lost, 28 Days Later, Dog Soldiers, Wrong Turn and many more.

While the horror boom continues to show no signs of slowing down, Screamfest continues to grow at an alarming rate. Annually Screamfest holds a private party at the Sundance Film Festival and has many exclusive engagements in Los Angeles and Hollywood throughout the year. The festival has been featured on Craig Ferguson and Entertainment Tonight and in Variety, Time magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, NY Times and other major online and print publications.