The under-the-radar sci-fi flick Monsters should not be called Monsters. Mostly because it’s not even about monsters. It’s about aliens. So maybe it should be called Aliens. But then, there’s already a film called Aliens. Plus, you hardly ever even see the aliens.
So maybe it should be called Rarely Seen Aliens. Has Ridley Scott called dibs on that name yet?
Regardless of what you want to call it, Monsters is a unique sci-fi flick worth checking out. The basic premise: NASA came across some alien life in our solar system and attempted to bring it back to Earth. Their probe crashed in Mexico, and, next thing you know, the seven-layer burrito is no longer the deadliest thing to be found south of the border. Shot on the fly and on the cheap, Monsters doesn’t dwell on its giant, octopus-like rampaging aliens — partially because the production couldn’t afford to. Instead it takes a more personal route, following the relationship that develops when a photojournalist is tasked with transporting his boss’s daughter safely through the carnage. It’s sort of like someone shot an indie film on the edges of a James Cameron film. Peep the trailer at the official site.
Monsters was a hit at the South By Southwest Film Festival and will open in theaters in late October. But anyone hungry for an early peak of Monsters can watch the film at home starting today by ordering it On Demand or through Xbox Live or Playstation Marketplace. You won’t see many monsters, true. But you might see something equally rare: a good movie in October.
Inventive visuals, endearing performances and a genre-smashing style define Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, the critically acclaimed, action-comedy coming to Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD November 9th from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. In the movie, cutting-edge filmmaker Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) directs Michael Cera (Juno, Superbad) and an incredible ensemble cast in the story of a charming, unemployed bass player who discovers that in order to date the girl of his dreams, he must first battle her seven super-powered, evil exes.
Both the Blu-ray and DVD come loaded with deleted scenes, laugh-out-loud bloopers and cast commentaries assembled by director, producer and co-writer Edgar Wright. The 2-disc Blu-ray Combo Pack is packed with hours of additional in-depth bonus features; a Blu-ray and DVD copy of film; and for a limited time only, a digital copy of the movie that can be viewed on an array of electronic and portable devices anytime, anywhere. Blu-ray consumers will also be able to stream a free bonus movie instantly to any internet-connected player, Smartphone or iPad using the free Pocket BLU app. Starting with Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, iPad owners can also enjoy a new, enhanced edition of Pocket BLU made especially to take advantage of the tablet’s larger screen and high resolution display. With this app, Blu-ray consumers will be able to stream their full-length bonus movie in a way that’s bigger and better than ever before.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World slayed critics of every generation with its highly stylized visuals. The New York Times’ A.O. Scott raves “You may want to see it again as soon as it’s over.” Jeremy Smith of AintItCoolNews calls the film “Wholly original. There’s never been a movie like it” and Rossiter Drake of the San Francisco Examiner pronounces it a “bold, brilliant spectacle.” Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is “far and away the funniest movie of the summer,” according to the Orlando Sentinel’s Roger Moore, and Peter Travers of Rolling Stone calls the film “a breathless rush of a movie that jumps off the screen, spins your head around and then stealthily works its way into your heart. It’s a game changer.”
Bonus Features Exclusively Available on Blu-ray Combo Pack:
• Insider Documentaries:
o Making of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
o Music Featurette
o You Too Can Be Sex Bob-Omb
• Alternate Footage: A special look at alternative edits to the film.
• Pre-Production: A look inside the film’s pre-production process including storyboards, pre-visualizations, animatics, motion capture tests, rehearsal footage, casting tapes, hair/make-up tests and more!
• The Music of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: This feature includes four complete music videos and video remixes from legendary DJ Osymyso.
• Visual Effects: This feature takes a second look at the movie’s inventive visual effects.
• Sound Work: A mini documentary about the creation of the film’s super-powered sonic landscape.
• Trailers & TV Spots from the theatrical release of the film.
• Adult Swim: Scott Pilgrim vs. the Animation
• Scott Pilgrim vs. the Censors: TV safe version.
• Behind-the-Scenes Production Blogs from the set of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World by director /producer/ co-writer Edgar Wright.
• Free Bonus Movie for a Limited Time Only: Blu-ray Combo Pack consumers will have instant access to stream action hits Tremors or Pitch Black via BD-Live, Smartphone or computer.
• U-Control: Universal’s exclusive signature feature allows viewers to delve into the making of the film with the click of the remote without ever leaving the movie.
o Storyboard Picture-in-Picture
• Pocket BLU App: USHE’s groundbreaking Pocket BLU app uses iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Blackberry, Nokia Android, PC and Macintosh to work seamlessly with a network-connected Blu-ray player and offers advanced features such as:
o Advanced Remote Control: A sleek, elegant new way to operate your Blu-ray player. Users can navigate through menus, playback and BD-Live functions with ease.
o Video Timeline: Users can easily bring up the video timeline, allowing them to instantly access any point in the movie.
o Mobile-to-Go: Users can unlock a selection of bonus content with their Blu-ray discs to save to their device or to stream from anywhere there’s a Wi-Fi network, enabling them to enjoy exclusive content on the go, anytime, anywhere.
o Virtual Keyboard: Enter data into a Blu-ray player with your device’s easy and intuitive keyboard that will facilitate such Blu-ray features as chatting with friends and sending messages.
• Digital Copy of the Film: Blu-ray consumers can download a digital version of the movie to their Mac and or Windows PC for a limited time only.
• BD-Live: Access the BD-Live Center through your Internet-connected player to watch the latest trailers and more.
• My Scenes: Bookmark your favorite scenes from the movie.
• And Lots More!
Bonus Features Available on Blu-ray and DVD:
• Deleted and Alternate Scenes with commentary from director/producer/ co-writer Edgar Wright
• Scott Pilgrim vs. the Bloopers
• Feature Commentaries
o Feature Commentary with director/producer/co-writer Edgar Wright, co-writer Michael Bacall and Author Bryan Lee O’Malley
o Technical Commentary with director/producer/co-writer Edgar Wright and director of photography Bill Pope
o Cast commentary with Michael Cera, Jason Schwartzman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ellen Wong and Brandon Routh
o Cast commentary with Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza, Kieran Culkin and Mark Webber
• Behind-the-Scenes Photo Galleries including Edgar Wright’s photo blog
• Trivia Track
• Galleries: Production photos, art galleries and marketing concepts.
Synopsis
Meet charming and jobless Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera). A bass guitarist for totally average garage band Sex Bob-omb, the 22-year-old has just met the girl of his dreams… literally. The only catch to winning Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead)? Her seven evil exes are coming to kill him. Genre-smashing filmmaker Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) tells the amazing story of one romantic slacker’s quest to power up with love in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Scott Pilgrim has never had a problem getting a girlfriend. It’s getting rid of them that proves difficult. From the girl who kicked his heart’s ass — and now is back in town — to the teenage distraction he’s trying to shake when Ramona rollerblades into his world, love hasn’t been easy. He soon discovers, however, his new crush has the most unusual baggage of all: a nefarious league of exes controls her love life and will do whatever it takes to eliminate him as a suitor. As Scott gets closer to Ramona, he must face an increasingly vicious rogues’ gallery from her past — from infamous skateboarders to vegan rock stars and fearsomely identical twins. And if he hopes to win his true love, he must vanquish them all before it really is game over.
Technical Information
Blu-ray Hi-Def Combo Pack
Street Date: November 9, 2010
Copyright: 2010
Material Number: 61112438
Running Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
Layers: BD-50
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Rating: PG-13 for stylized violence, sexual content, language and drug references
Technical Info: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, French DTS Surround 5.1, Spanish DTS
Surround 5.1, English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles.
DVD
Street Date: November 9, 2010
Copyright: 2010
Material Number: 61110748
Running Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
Layers: Dual Layer
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Rating: PG-13 for stylized violence, sexual content, language and drug references
Technical Info: English 5.1, French 5.1, Spanish 5.1 English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles.
Joined by familiar faces — from the live-action Saga, previous seasons of The Clone Wars and even the expanded universe — the heroes of the Republic are leading the charge into extended storylines examining the backstory of the Star Wars galaxy. In the series’ third season, The Clone Wars expands and explores stories beyond the front lines — revealing new insights and fresh revelations about the characters, the conflict and even some of the stories we’ve seen so far. “Supply Lines” takes the narrative back before the series’ very first episode. It’s an all-new facet to a fan-favorite storyline — airing at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT Friday, September 24 on Cartoon Network.
Ryloth is under siege. Trapped on the surface, Jedi Master Di rallies the local forces with the help of rebel leader Cham Syndulla. Desperate to save them, Senator Bail Organa and Representative Jar Jar Binks are dispatched to the planet of Toydaria, where they must convince the King Katuunko to send aid to Ryloth — before it’s too late.
“This is one of the fun aspects of being this deep into the series,” says Dave Filoni, supervising director of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. “Now that we have two seasons already under our belt, we can go back and look at some different aspects of key moments from the Clone Wars; we can jump around in the timeline. We can explore different aspects and different stories. We have a neat opportunity to blow out stories that we’ve seen already, and look at them from a different perspective, a different point of view — and that’s been an important aspect of Star Wars since the original trilogy.”
Taking place before Yoda’s fateful meeting with King Katuunko on the moon of Rugosa — chronicled in the series premiere episode, “Ambush” — “Supply Lines” sheds light on some of the dramatic events that forged The Clone Wars. It also explores the origins of the Ryloth occupation and the subjugation of the Twi’lek people occupation, explored in the first season’s two-part season finale.
“This conflict is vast, to say the least,” says Filoni. “It’s a big galaxy, and there’s a lot going on at all times. Even two seasons in, we’re only seeing a fraction of the war — key moments that are really focused on the primary heroes from the films. But those moments are framed by heroism and villainy, too, just as there are important events happening concurrently with the key scenes we’ve explored. We’ve got 22 minutes per episode and 22 episodes per season, and we’re still only scratching the surface of the Clone Wars.”
Serving to support existing stories and to build on the overall mythology of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, “Supply Lines” nonetheless promises its own action and surprises. Featuring the return of some fan-favorite characters from the live-action films, the episode also introduces some brand new characters — such as Jedi Master Di.
“We’re going to meet Jedi Master Di,” says Filoni. “I like him a lot; he’s cool and I’d like to be able to do more with him. But you should remember that this is a prequel, and that it takes place before the episodes we’ve seen already. There may be a reason we haven’t seen him after the events of this episode. Here’s a hint: Star Wars characters have a history of suggestive names. Greedo was a greedy bounty hunter. Lobot’s a guy with a computer implanted in his brain, like a lobotomy. General Grievous and Darth Maul are both intent on causing pain and suffering. Han Solo’s a loner. So I’m just saying that maybe Jedi Master Di should watch his back.”
It’s Tolkien Week and we’re celebrating by running around the office barefoot and drinking ale in pints. PINTS! Today it’s Bilbo and Frodo’s birthdays and we’ve got a big cake with a spread of all sorts of mushroom-related dishes. (It’s often said a hobbit is a fungi. You are what you eat!) Then there will be dancing and singing and partying until the wee hours of the night.
Good thing we have monkey robots running the warehouse because otherwise, we might forget your order. *hic*
Star Trek Enterprise Pizza Cutter
Space… the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new pizzas, to seek out new toppings and new cheeses, to boldy cut pizza where no man has cut before! Yes, this officially licensed Star Trek collectable is everything you hoped it would be. Laser etched stainless steel blade and solid metal construction make it perfect for battling Romulans in the neutral zone or precision pizza slicing.
Take $10 off $40+ orders — Bare feet optional
As the birthday boy Bilbo once said: “I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve…” If you grok, use code BILBO for $10 off a $40 or more order, good through 9/24 11:59PM ET. Even if you can’t wrap your head around that statement, the code will still work.
You are cordially invited to celebrate the launch of this year’s holiday season with the rambunctious crew from the Satellite of Love, as Joel, Mike and their robot pals Gypsy, Tom Servo and Crow T. Robot embark on a painfully joyful (and joyfully painful) voyage through the magnificent madness of the Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume XIX limited-edition 4-DVD box set (featuring the highly collectible Gypsy figurine) from Shout! Factory, in association with Best Brains, Inc. on November 9, 2010.
This side-splitting collection of MST3K features the show’s never-before-released episodes Robot Monster, Bride of the Monster, Devil Doll and Devil Fish. Those entrees come with a side of extras, including a new introduction by J. Elvis Weinstein, cult filmmaker Larry Blamire’s full-fledged geek-out on Robot Monster, new featurettes on Bride of the Monster and Devil Doll, MST3K: Origins and Beyond from CONvergence 2009, original movie trailers, and four exclusive MST3K mini-posters by artist Steve Vance. There might even be an Easter Egg… we’re just sayin’. This limited-edition 4-DVD box set also includes a figurine of Gypsy, the perfect companion to the Crow T. Robot and Tom Servo figurines included in previous year-end Mystery Science Theater 3000 DVD box sets, all of which have become collector’s items. A must-have for loyal fans and collectors, Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume XIX 4-DVD box set is priced to own at $69.97.
MST3K: Robot Monster
The sinister alien Ro-Man has decimated the Earth’s population, leaving only eight survivors, including a professor and the family of young space enthusiast Johnny. Its status as “one of the worst films ever made” easily makes Robot Monster an instant hit with the crew of the Satellite of Love! Join Joel, Servo and Crow as they explore their own fears of Ro-Man — errr… Ro-Tom — surrealism and, of course, the awful greatness (and the great awfulness) that is Robot Monster! Also includes the shorts Radar Men from the Moon: Chapters 4 & 5!
Bonus Features:
• Brand-new introduction by J. Elvis Weinstein
• Larry Blamire Geeks Out
• Original Robot Monster trailer
MST3K: Bride of the Monster
Horror cinema icons Bela Lugosi and Tor Johnson star in this unforgettable Ed Wood classic as the crazed Dr. Vornoff and his beastly assistant Lobo, who conduct heinous experiments on human victims in an effort to create a race of atomic super-beings that will conquer the world. The film raises some intriguing questions: Do robots made of scrap parts aboard an orbiting satellite dream of electric sheep? Can Joel and the ’bots carry a tune? Who doesn’t love cold Tater Tots and olive loaf? These and other, equally imperative, questions will be answered — and more — in this “very special episode” of Mystery Science Theater 3000 that pays tribute to one of Ed Wood’s best bad movies ever! After all, no Ed Wood film would truly be complete without the biting yet loving riffs of your faithful Satellite of Love crew! Also includes the short Hired!, Part 1!
Bonus Features:
• Citizen Wood: Making ‘The Bride,’ Unmaking ‘The Legend.’
• Inventing the “Invention Exchange”
• Original Bride of the Monster trailer
MST3K: Devil Doll
Well… hello Dolly! Before a sold-out audience in London, “The Great Vorelli” performs with his ventriloquist dummy, Hugo. The doll walks on his own. It talks on his own. It even threatens the audience on his own. But is Hugo the real villain? Or could it be that his ventriloquist owner has lost his marbles? While Pearl and Brain Guy show the Romans how to have a good time at the Lesser God Day celebration, Mike, Crow and Servo invite you to their own open-window frat party! Party it up with the S.O.L. crew, complete with special guests, devil dolls and their own British pub!
Bonus Features:
• The Puppet Master: Richard Gordon on Devil Doll
• Original Devil Doll trailer
MST3K: Devil Fish
When Dr. Stella Dickens concludes the recent string of grisly deaths and demolished boats can’t be the result of any known marine creature, she sets out to capture the beast, a genetically created bio-weapon that must be kept secret… at any cost. One thing’s for sure, however: The fish are biting! Beware the dolphins, after Mike and the crew of the Satellite of Love decide to mock their intelligence! Meanwhile, Pearl is forced to convince unexpected visitors that the castle’s actually a luxurious cruise liner! No one’s safe — least of all, Devil Fish — in this episode from Mystery Science Theater 3000’s ninth hysterical season!
Bonus Features:
• MST3K: Origins and Beyond at CONvergence 2009
• Original Devil Fish trailer
The Mystery Science Theater 3000 series was created by Joel Hodgson and produced by Jim Mallon. After a year on KTMA TV in Minneapolis, its national broadcast life began in 1989 on the Comedy Channel (later to become Comedy Central), where it ran for seven seasons. The show’s final three seasons aired on the Sci-Fi Channel. The premise of the series features a hapless man who is trapped by mad scientists on a satellite in space and forced to watch old B-movies of questionable worth. To keep sane, he’s built two robot sidekicks, and together they do a running commentary on the films, affectionately mocking their flaws with inspired wisecracks and acting as a demented movie theater peanut gallery. Series creator Hodgson originally played the stranded man, Joel Robinson. When he left in 1993, series head writer Mike Nelson replaced him as the new B-movie victim Mike Nelson, and continued in the role for the rest of the show’s run. The format proved to be popular and remarkably durable. During its 11-year run and 198 episodes (including one feature film), MST3K attained a loyal fan base and critical acclaim. The series won a Peabody Award in 1993, and was nominated for writing Emmys in 1994 and 1995.
The Jedi Path: A Manual for Students of the Force (Vault Edition)
Product Description: The Jedi Path, Fully Illustrated, with Removable Features and a Mechanical Vault
With the push of a button, the doors of the vault open in a wash of light and Star Wars sound effects. The inner platform rises, revealing this exclusive edition of The Jedi Path.
This ancient training manual, crafted by early Jedi Masters, has educated and enlightened generations of Jedi. It explains the history and hierarchy of the Jedi Order, and what Jedi must know to take their place as defenders of the peace in the galaxy — from mastery of the Force to the nuances of lightsaber combat.
Passed down from Master to Padawan, the pages of this venerable text have been annotated by those who have held it, studied it, and lived its secrets. From Yoda and Luke Skywalker to Count Dooku and Darth Sidious, they have shaped the content of the book by leaving mementos tucked within the pages, tearing out pages, and adding their personal experiences as tangible reminders of the lessons they’ve learned.
Through wars and rebellion, only a single copy of this manual has survived. It is now passed on to you.
The ancient Masters who wrote the text: Fae Coven, Grand Master and head of the Jedi Council; Crix Sunburris, Jedi Ace starfighter pilot; Restelly Quist, Jedi Chief Librarian; Skarch Vaunk, Jedi Battlemaster and lightsaber expert; Bowspritz, Jedi Biologist and expert on the Living Force; Sabla-Mandibu, Jedi Seer and Holocron expert; Morrit Ch’gally, Jedi Recruiter; Gal-Stod Slagistrough, Jedi leader of the Agricultural Corps.
Jedi who added personal commentary: Yoda, Thame Cerulian, Count Dooku, Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, Darth Sidious, and Luke Skywalker.
Removable features: A letter tracing the book’s history, a severed Padawan braid, a metal Jedi Credit medallion, a Jedi starfighter patch, a burned poster of the Jedi Code, a map of the Jedi Temple, a lightsaber diagram sketched on the back of a napkin from Dex’s Diner, and a note on the missing pages torn from the book by a Sith.
Created in collaboration with Lucasfilm — along with an acclaimed Star Wars author and revered Star Wars illustrators — this volume provides new insights into the history and lore of the Jedi Order while introducing never-before-seen ships, creatures, characters, and details about how one trains to become a Jedi.
Weta to make a pair of working Halo: Reach Mongoose ATVs
We’re very proud to have been asked by our friends at Microsoft to customise two 420cc ATVs to look and sound like the Mongoose ATV from Halo: Reach. And the exciting part is: they’re sweepstake prizes! Yes, you could own one. How awesome is that? Purchase MOUNTAIN DEW and DORITOS products for a chance to win. Read all about it at: honorthecode.com. Read about other projects that Weta has worked on in the Halo universe, like the Halo Warthog, the Halo 3 promotional short films, the Halo 3: ODST promotional event in Sydney and of course our range of Halo collectibles.
Celebrate the launch of Halo: Reach with us!
Our friends at Bungie and Microsoft have just revealed to the world the latest adventure in the Halo universe. To celebrate the event, we’d like to offer you a 10% discount on all the pieces in our range of Halo collectibles (excludes jewellery) until 30 September. Check out our Halo collectibles!
Q&A session with Weta Sculptor Daniel Cockersell
Daniel Cockersell, a Senior Sculptor at Weta Workshop will be answering questions from fans and collectors on the Weta message boards at The Shadow and Flame. Apart from sculpting for the movies we work on, Daniel has recently worked on some of our collectibles, such as Éowyn and the Nazgûl, Bag End and our Halo and Doctor Who ranges. Ask your questions here!
EXCLUSIVE! Star Wars MIMOBOT Series 5: Now Han and Luke Stormtrooper sport hair and helmet caps! Only at mimoco.com! For a limited time, not only can you choose Han or Luke disguised as Stormtroopers, but both rebels include the standard issue helmet cap, as well as a bonus hair cap. Now you can finally reenact both the trash compactor and the Death Star escape scenes! Learn more!
Video: Unmasking of Darth Vader! Darth would’ve LOVED to unmask Luke & Han, see how he got HIS mask! Watch Now!
Freeman’s Vader Project Auction Catalog
A 200-plus page, full-color, limited edition catalog that features all 100 helmets, artist bios and some history on the project.
$40.00
FREE Shipping on orders over $75*! Click here for more info.
In honour of the 30th anniversary of Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Hasbro has released two versions of the movie’s most iconic vehicle: the AT-AT.
As Hasbro says in their press release for the Star Wars Imperial AT-AT (All Terrain Armored Transport), “in space, size does matter”. Everyone who sees the deluxe AT-AT for the first time is struck by the sheer enormity of it. While it isn’t fully to scale with the 3.75” action figures that man it, it does currently hold the title of largest AT-AT toy ever made, fitting a crew of 20 action figures, six of those in the head’s command cockpit alone. The yellow starburst on the packaging, proclaiming the 2010 AT-AT to be “Over 2 Feet Tall!”, doesn’t really manage to convey just how big this behemoth is out of the box. It has to be seen in person to be truly appreciated. Unpacked and assembled, the deluxe AT-AT stands approximately 24 inches tall, 28 inches long, and 12 inches wide, about the size of a medium-sized dog, and, loaded to full capacity with action figures and a speederbike, weighs nearly as much as one, too. It’s instantly the focal point of a room, even if, in the absence of a sizable enough table or display case, it’s relegated to the floor.
Despite dominating the average Star Wars collection, bigness isn’t the deluxe AT-AT’s only selling point. A gorgeously crafted toy, it quite faithfully recreates the stop-motion models used in The Empire Strikes Back, putting it closer to being a studio scale model than simply a plaything. The attention to detail is impressive, particularly in the interiors. Also contributing to the high-end air of the piece is Hasbro’s meticulous paint job. Applied with model maker precision, the paintwork capably matches the appearance of metal, with dark, rusty stains weathering the vehicle, and panels painted in mismatched shades giving it the realistic look of a patched-up war machine. As an optional bonus, a sheet of battle damage stickers is provided to further age the AT-AT’s armor. (These stickers are permanent ones, rather than the reusable peel-and-stick kind, so choose carefully how you place them.) Seven more stickers fill in the AT-AT’s viewscreens, and there are three Imperial markings to apply to the included speeder bike.
Most importantly, the deluxe AT-AT is huge fun to play with, as it’s loaded with features. It emits vehicle, walking, and laser firing sounds, accompanied by 27 random-play Darth Vader, General Veers, Imperial Officer, and Clone Trooper sound clips from The Empire Strikes Back (three 1.5VAA/R6 batteries required; the American version speaks phrases in English, but the mainline product in Canada is sound-effects-only to accommodate the French market). More than one sound can be active at once, permitting Imperial commanders to bark orders while the AT-AT is in motion. LEDs light up the cockpit viewscreen and forward laser guns, which move by means of slider buttons under the chin, and the guns on the cheeks shoot projectiles quite a distance when buttons are pressed on them. A pull-up handle behind the head pops up hidden laser cannons, and enables you to lift and swivel the head. The deluxe AT-AT has a multitude of hatches to explore, as well. The top of the head opens to access the cockpit, where the included AT-AT driver action figure sits, and double hatches open on both sides of the body. A zip-line pulls through the trapdoor in the floor of the main compartment, then winds back up with the press of a button on the upper deck. At the rear of the AT-AT, a large hatch drops down to reveal the speeder bike bay. A speeder bike is included, and snaps onto a launch/landing pad that extends when a button is pressed (there are a lot of buttons on this AT-AT). There are even a couple of tiny hatches on the sides of the docking bay that let you peek in at the parked bike when the hanger is closed. Inside the two-level main compartment are a pair of repelling platforms that swing out, each capable of holding two figures. They’re lowered by pressing a button, and retracted by turning a thumbwheel. The AT-AT’s articulated legs have ratcheting joints at the hip and knees that securely lock poses into place with a loud, satisfying click, providing extra stability. Adjustable at the ankle, the feet are bigger than those on the original Kenner AT-AT, raising the Imperials’ chances of stomping a Rebel snowspeeder.
The instruction sheet warns against knocking the AT-AT over, but after watching it tip over numerous times, it didn’t seem to be any the worse for wear. The thick plastic is sturdy enough to take a pretty heavy beating, and the doors are designed to release when too much pressure is put on them, then snap right back on. As long as kids don’t lean their weight on the head or try to use the AT-AT as a riding pony, it should hold up to many years of enthusiastic play.
Need another reason to want Hasbro’s Star Wars Imperial AT-AT? Fans of the nostalgic short film AT-AT Day Afternoon, who missed out on getting the vintage Kenner AT-AT, now have the opportunity to adopt their very own robotic dog from a galaxy far, far away!
For children (ages 3 and up) who aren’t old enough yet to play with a Super Deluxe AT-AT, Hasbro offers the Star Wars Galactic Heroes: AT-AT Walker. This junior edition AT-AT is a little over knee-high to the deluxe AT-AT, and looks absolutely adorable when displayed next to its towering big brother. Like the rest of the toys in the Galactic Heroes line, it has a chunky, stylized look that will appeal to kids and/or fans of the Japanese “chibi” style made popular in anime and manga.
The Galactic Heroes: AT-AT Walker is basically a “training wheels” for the deluxe AT-AT. It has the same features, but in a more stripped-down form. Electronic lights, weapons, and walking sounds (two 1.5VAA/R6 batteries required) are activated by a single button on the head, but don’t play concurrently, and sound bytes aren’t part of the package, so children are free to do their own movie quoting. There are two hatches, one for the cockpit and another on the left side of the body. The AT-AT Walker is completely in scale with other Galactic Heroes toys, though the bulky blaster wielded by the included AT-AT driver necessitates a bit of wiggling to fit him into the driver’s seat in such a way that the cockpit will close. A speeder bike, also included, clips onto the main compartment’s hatch, and inside the compartment is a trapdoor and simple zip-line that’s manually operated by pulling a plastic tab in the roof that the cord is tied to. The legs and hips are labeled with numbers for quick, easy assembly, and articulation is limited to the hips and ankles. This small AT-AT won’t be achieving any deep knee bends, but its range of movement still allows for multiple action poses.
Both of the AT-ATs have screw-on battery compartment covers, with the screw safely attached to prevent loss or a choking hazard. (Note: These toys are not recommended for lolcats!)
The Star Wars Imperial AT-AT (All Terrain Armored Transport) and Star Wars Galactic Heroes: AT-AT Walker are distributed by Hasbro and Hasbro Canada. For more Star Wars information, please visit the official Star Wars website.
This week we’re very excited to announce the pre-order date for the Beatles Yellow Submarine Studio Scale Model. Halloween is just around the corner and we believe the best way to celebrate this year would be by pre-ordering a prized possession from the “King” of vampires. Act fast, our stock is being drained rapidly! Also, our agents have obtained some key intel on a super villain’s “powerful weapon.” Check out the detailed video below. More surprises to come!
The Beatles Yellow Submarine Studio Scale Model
“Groovy! How do you start this thing?”
Factory Entertainment is proud to present its studio scale model of the Yellow Submarine. The culmination of detailed research into the submarine featured in the 1968 animated classic, this museum quality model is the most detailed and accurate 3-D representation of the Yellow Submarine ever produced. Details:
Pre-Ordering Begins September 23rd, 2010 — 9 AM PST — $599
Edition size will be strictly limited to pre-orders received during the limited pre-order period. A deposit of $200 will be required to secure each pre-order.
The Ring of Dracula — Elite Edition Prop Replica
A high quality, officially licensed replica of The Ring of Dracula, bearing the Count’s crest. Cast from an original prop ring with exacting attention to detail, this stunning Elite Edition replica is crafted from sterling silver and inset with a genuine semi-precious Carnelian ‘blood’ stone. The mark of ‘THE’ vampire, The Ring of Dracula Elite Edition will be a valuable addition to any collection. Limited edition of just 600 pieces worldwide. Pre-order today to secure yours and avoid missing this opportunity.
James Bond 007 — Golden Gun Video
‘He has a powerful weapon…’ and now you can see it for yourself! Check out our detailed video which instructs the viewer how to assemble Scaramanga’s prized possession and highlights each separate component. After watching the video, be sure to take advantage of our, “Extra Bullets” limited time offer by purchasing a Signature or Limited Edition Golden Gun directly from our online store, factoryentstore.com.
The Beatles on Facebook
“Love” The Beatles? Are you a Facebook user? Well, you’re in luck! You can join their 7 million members strong Facebook group and get updates on all things Beatles. “All Together Now.”
Follow us on Twitter, we proudly add to the mostly inane babble but we also throw in more than the occasional gem!
View the shocking video The Empire doesn’t want you to see…
Once, Nerd Rage could bubble over in a Kirk Vs. Picard debate or a Ditko Vs. Lee message board discussion. In the past, such anger manifested itself as an overturned Mountain Dew glass or a ridiculous internet flame war. These days, though, you’d best watch your back around the nerd herd.
Time was that the nastiest thing you’d see happening at a comic convention was Trekkers making sarcastic remarks towards Twi-Hards. No more. At this year’s Comic-Con, an argument over Hall H seating resulted in a now-infamous eye-gouge.
And physical violence isn’t the only danger. At an Arizona comic convention, a puppet troup tried to stage a skit involving a Stormtrooper and a Na’vi. Suddenly, an over-zealous sci-fi fan came down on them like a fetid rain of curdled blue milk (fun starts at :45).
More norms are coming over to the geekside every day, friends. It’s getting crowded. Has it really gotten to where nerds need to pack heat for protection? No way. Here’s why: firearms can accidentally discharge and shoot fellow Avatar fans. In real life, there are no extra lives. Say No to Nerd Rage!
The Force has been with the San Diego Padres all season long, and on Friday, September 24, the Padres will pay tribute to a “galaxy far, far away” with a special Star Wars: The Clone Wars Night at the ballpark, as the team takes on the Cincinnati Reds.
For one night only, a portion of the Upper Reserved section of PETCO Park will be transformed into an intergalactic experience. Fans who purchase tickets in these special sections will have the opportunity to take a picture with their favorite Star Wars or Star Wars: The Clone Wars character, enjoy Star Wars trivia, special giveaways and much more in-game entertainment. Fans are encouraged to dress in character, but weapons will not be permitted at PETCO Park, and ballpark management reserves the right to ask that masks be removed at any time.
To extend the Star Wars Night festivities, fans will also have the opportunity to purchase a ticket package that allows them to stay after the game for an exclusive Star Wars sleepover under the stars on the PETCO Park playing field. Everyone at the sleepover will be treated to a special screening of Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back on the FriarVision video board, in honor of the movie’s 30th anniversary this year.
Additional sleepover entertainment will include a special appearance by Ashley Eckstein, wife of Padres infielder David Eckstein. Ashley is the voice of Ahsoka Tano in the hit animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Sleepover ticket packages also include a postgame snack, breakfast on Saturday morning and a one-of-a-kind Padres/Star Wars-themed gift.
Tickets for Star Wars: The Clone Wars Night at PETCO Park are on sale now. Game tickets in the special section are priced at $25. Ticket packages for the game and sleepover are priced at $200, but the first 100 fans to purchase the package will receive a special reduced price of $100. Only 1,000 sleepover tickets are available, so visit padres.com/starwars and secure your spot for this unique event now!
