Category: Films

RIFFTRAX LIVE: JACK THE GIANT KILLER

from RiffTrax:

The stars of Mystery Science Theater 3000 are coming to movie theaters nationwide to take on the cheesy 1962 fantasy epic Jack the Giant Killer. Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett of RiffTrax invite you to join them on Wednesday, August 17th for hilarious riffing on a not-so-classic movie bursting with Vikings, giant rubber monsters and a leprechaun in a jar! This one night event will be your only chance to see the guys fire their wisecracking commentary at the Jack the Giant Killer on the big screen.

The event will be broadcast live to movie theaters nationwide on Wednesday, August 17 at 8:00pm ET / 7:00pm CT / 6:00pm MT / and 8:00pm PT (tape delay). Audiences will be treated to a brand new short from the guys, as well as two original animated shorts from Rich “Lowtax” Kyanka of Something Awful.

Movie theater audiences will receive FREE digital goodies after the event including a downloadable short, avatars and a digital photo of the guys. A URL will be revealed on-screen at which you can receive your free digital goodies after the live event.

About the film:

When beautiful Princess Elaine is kidnapped by a hideous giant it is up to the resourceful farm boy, Jack, to rescue her from his evil clutches. But no sooner is she free than the villainous sorcerer Pendragon bewitches Jack’s new love and locks her in his enchanted fortress. Now our hero must cross the ocean to brave dragons, two-headed ogres and an army of ghouls to save his damsel in distress!

Learn more about the film: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056112/

To find out more about RiffTrax, visit www.RiffTrax.com

HARPER COLLINS to release new printing of THE CLOCKWORK GIRL

From Arcana Comics:

Arcana Studios, an award winning comic book publisher and transmedia producer, is proud to announce that Harper Collins is to release a new printing of THE CLOCKWORK GIRL, the amazing creation of Sean Patrick O’Reilly and Kevin Hanna, this July.

Long out of print, THE CLOCKWORK GIRL, was originally released in five illustrated stories and sold more than 340,000 copies worldwide. The full story of THE CLOCKWORK GIRL (Harper Design//On Sale:July 12, 2011//ISBN:9780062080394) comes to life again in this beautifully illustrated graphic novel with a new forward from the original authors, Sean Patrick O’Reilly and Kevin Hanna, along with playful, full-page pin-ups of the characters.

The story takes place in a whimsical land far, far away where inventors compete to show off their latest trinkets and inventions at the local fair. A mad scientist, determined to win the top prize at the fair, creates a robot Clockwork Girl. Against all odds, she finds love and companionship in Huxley, the amazing mutant circus boy. Despite the threats of their warring families, they begin to explore the world together and discover what it means to be human—to move, to think, and ultimately, to love.

THE CLOCKWORK GIRL has won the Moonbeam Award, as well as the Graphic Novel of the Year Award at Book Expo America by ForeWord magazine.

This fall, THE CLOCKWORK GIRL will be released a a 3-D luximation animated film, voiced by a “dream team” of talents, including Carrie Ann Moss (Matrix), Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development), Alexa Vega (Spy Kids), Jesse McCartney (Horton Hears a Who) and Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond). An exciting sneak peek teaser is available online at http://www.theclockworkgirl.com.

About Arcana Studios:
Arcana Studio Inc. is an entertainment company with over 150 graphic novels and remains independent of major entertainment studio affiliation. Arcana Studio is currently in production of the stereoscopic 3D animated feature, The Clockwork Girl. Arcana is also partnered with Gale Ann Hurd (“Terminator”, “Aliens”) on Gearhead, Alexandra Milchan (Sylvestor Stallone’s “Head Shot”) on Blade of Kumori, Hans Rodinoff and Hollywood Media Bridge (“Lost Boys: The Tribe”) on Raise Kane, Scott Milam (“Mother’s Day”) on Gauze, Ben Magid (“Hack/Slash”) on Trout, Jar Productions (“Hidden Howie”) on Philosopher Rex, Terry Dougas (“The Invention of Lying”) on The Tower, Doc Wyatt (“Napoleon Dynamite”) on 100 Girls, JC Spink (“The Hangover”) on Continuum, Adrian Askarieh (“The Hitman”) on Amnesia and also is producing a three slate at Codeblack/Universal for Light’s Out, Ant and Blam!

Games, Girls, Guns! Hong Kong Action Short Film BLOODTRAFFICK to Debut at One of North America’s Largest Gaming Conventions

from RockGinger:

Games. Girls. Guns. All of these are packed into Gen Con, an exciting four-day event where over 30,000 fantasy and sci-fi gamers convene and where the Hong Kong action short Bloodtraffick, starring rising action star Grace Huang and Kirt Kishita, will have its world premiere. Set in a world torn by a war between vampires and angels, Bloodtraffick features the human vigilante Ava, played by Grace Huang, who stars with Russell Crowe, the RZA, and Daniel Wu in the upcoming Eli Roth-produced action film The Man With the Iron Fists, pitted against the vampire Finn, played by Kirt Kishita. The short is directed by award-nominated American director Jennifer Thym, produced by Desmond So, and features Hong Kong action star Philip Ng as action director and stunt choreographer.

A lifelong fan of roleplaying and video games, Thym partners up again with her key creative team from her acclaimed webseries LUMINA to give this fantasy action film, which serves both as a standalone film and a prequel for a feature film, a distinct gritty Hong Kong feel, influenced by modern action and horror films as well as videogames. “I was so impressed with Grace and Kirt on set. Under Phil’s guidance,they jumped right into the action scenes and gave it absolutely everything,” Thym says. “That level of enthusiasm is contagious and gets the respect of the crew.”

Bloodtraffick will premiere at Gen Con Indy Film Festival at 10 pm, Friday, August 5, 2011, alongside a block of selected horror films, including Waiting Fear, Left for Dead, Prom King, The Window Into Time, Raven’s Hollow, Lullaby, Dark Allies and The Weeping Woman. More information about Bloodtraffick, including stills and anextensive set of behind-the-scenes photos, can be found on http://www.facebook.com/bloodtraffick.

ABOUT LEAD ACTRESS GRACE HUANG:

A native of Sydney, Australia, and fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, Grace Huang is a rising star in Asian cinema. With a wealth of experience in frontof the camera, Grace has acted opposite international A-list actors such as RussellCrowe, Josh Duhamel (Las Vegas), and Daniel Wu, as well as Asian music sensationsAndy Lau, Eason Chan, Andy Hui, and Vanness Wu.

Grace’s depth and flexibility as an actor earned her an exciting action role in the upcoming Hollywood feature film The Man with the Iron Fists(scheduled for release in2012) directed by the RZA, and starring the RZA, Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu. Other upcoming feature film projects includeLove in Space, a Hong Kong romantic comedy scheduled for release in the summer of 2011.

Prior to the big screen, Grace earned critical acclaim as one of six lead characters inthe Taiwan Golden Bell Award-winning television drama Friends.

Bloodtraffick is Grace’s first foray into the vampire action genre.

Grace’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/gracehuangactor
Grace’s Twitter: www.twitter.com/Grace__Huang
Grace’s Blog: www.alivenotdead.com/gracehuang

ABOUT LEAD ACTOR KIRT KISHITA:

Kirt Kishita is a versatile actor on stage and on film, having starred in films in the US and Asia, including Asian Stories Book 3 and Boxed In, which won Best Film and Best Acting at the 48 Hour Film Project: Hong Kong 2010.

Kirt’s Blog: www.alivenotdead.com/kirtkishita

ABOUT ACTION DIRECTOR PHILIP NG:

Philip Ng is a Hong Kong actor who is also a master in the martial arts. Trained inVing Tsun Kung Fu under the late Sifu Wong Shun-Leung, Philip is also a sixthgeneration disciple of Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu, training from his father, Sam Ng.Philip is also a trained expert in Hung Gar Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, Jiujitsu, andEscrima. In addition to being an accomplished actor, Philip has also worked as fightchoreographer on a number of films. His film credits include Naked Soldier, Bodyguards and Assassins, and New Police Story.

Philip’s Blog: www.alivenotdead.com/philipng

ABOUT PRODUCER DESMOND SO:

Desmond So has extensive experience in the entertainment business and is producer of Bloodtraffick. A television host of Hong Kong’s only English-language lifestyle and luxury-living show on TVB as well as a movie-based entertainment newsprogram on FOX International Channels’ STAR Movies, Desmond and his programs are watched by millions of viewers in more than 20 countries across Asia.

Desmond now stands in front of the camera after having worked behind it for threeyears at The Walt Disney Company’s television network ABC, Inc. in New York. He worked on shows such as The View, The Bachelor, All My Children, and Miss America. While living in New York, Desmond was also involved with Second Generation, a non-profit theater company devoted to bringing Asian American stories to the world’s stage.

In addition to his passion for entertainment, Desmond is also an entrepreneur. Hefounded and operates a consulting firm that provides premier training to Asia’sbusiness managers, professionals, and students.

Desmond’s blog: www.alivenotdead.com/desmondso

ABOUT DIRECTOR JENNIFER THYM & ROCKGINGER:

RockGinger is a film production company founded in 2008 by award-nominated filmdirector and producer Jennifer Thym. Thym’s debut film project, the groundbreaking fantasy web series LUMINA (nine webisodes, 63 minutes total running time, releasedFall 2009), garnered eleven nominations, including a Streamy Awards nominationand a Webby Awards Official Honoree distinction, and has been viewed in festivals and on online platforms around the world. She is also producer of the independentfeature film Jasmine, starring Jason Tobin (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Better Luck Tomorrow), Eugenia Yuan (Memoirs of a Geisha) and Byron Mann (The Man with the Iron Fists, Street Fighter). Jennifer and her films have been featured in numerous print and online publications, including the Wall Street Journal Asia, the South China Morning Post, Time Out Hong Kong andMarie Claire (Italy).

Her latest projects are the feature film version of Bloodtraffick and the cross-cultural TV comedy series Mister French Taste, starring Osric Chau (2012, Andy Lau’s What Women Want), Olivier Malet and Sarah Lian.

Jen’s Twitter: www.twitter.com/jenthym

Jen’s Website: www.rockginger.com

ABOUT GEN CON:

Gen Con, LLC produces the largest consumer hobby, fantasy, sci-fi and adventuregame convention in North America. It was acquired in 2002 by former CEO andfounder of Wizards of the Coast Peter Adkison, who owns the Seattle-basedcompany. Gen Con is a consumer and trade experience dedicated to gaming cultureand community. For more information, visit Gen Con’s website at www.gencon.com.

For up-to-the minute details, find us at www.facebook.com/genconindy and at www.twitter.com/gen_con.

 

 

Explore the Farthest Reaches of the Galaxy with Star Wars: The Clone Wars on DVD and Blue-Ray

From starwars.com:

Pull back the starry curtain and reveal the secrets of the galaxy – with Star Wars: The Clone Wars™ The Complete Season Three, coming to DVD and high-definition Blu-ray Disc on October 18th from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Warner Home Video. Featuring stunning high-definition animation as well as a host of behind-the-scenes bonus materials, the complete collection explores the untold stories of “a galaxy far, far away” and reveals the magic behind the making of the cutting edge series.

Relive all 22 Season Three episodes – featuring familiar faces including Jabba the Hutt, Greedo, Tarkin and Chewbacca the Wookiee, as well as assassins, bounty hunters, witches, monsters and mysteries surrounding the very essence of the Force itself – and then explore the Lucasfilm vaults with behind-the-scenes insights on the making of the remarkable series. Bonus materials include five behind-the-scenes featurettes, each with director and crew interviews. And exclusive to the Blu-ray disc, The Jedi Temple Archives provides in-depth access to an extensive database of creative materials – including early test animations, concept art, 3D turnarounds and more than 30 deleted/extended scenes.

“In our third season, we told stories we couldn’t have imagined when we first started making the show,” says Supervising Director Dave Filoni. “George expects the best, every week, so we keep raising the bar. Everything’s gotten better. This series is for everyone that’s ever wondered what went on during this period, and we’re exploring it all. Sorcery, the Force and even Darth Maul’s origins. We are doing things that just wouldn’t have been possible before, and the animation is up to the challenge of bringing the layered Star Wars galaxy to life. And it looks spectacular in high-definition.”

Created and executive produced by George Lucas, the first-ever TV production from Lucasfilm Animation explores the tumultuous time between Episodes II and III, expanding the scope of Star Wars beyond anything seen in the feature films. Featuring the voices of Matt Lanter (90210), Ashley Eckstein (Her Universeapparel line), Dee Bradley Baker (American Dad), James Arnold Taylor (Johnny Test), Catherine Taber (Just Like Heaven) and Tom Kane (Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes), the third season also features a formidable line-up of guest stars – including Emmy-winner Seth Green (Robot Chicken), Sam Witwer (Being Human), Clancy Brown (Superman: The Animated Series), Jaime King (Sin City) and Oscar-nominee Liam Neeson.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Complete Season Three will be available on October 18th for the suggested retail price of $44.98 for DVD and $59.99 for Blu-ray.

Special Features:

Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Complete Season Three is presented in widescreen with English, Spanish and French 5.1 DTS audio and English, French and Spanish subtitles.  Bonus features include:

·               Featurettes

o   Creating Kamino

o   Hutts and the Underworld

o   Witches and Monsters

o   Secrets of Mortis

o   Chewbacca Returns

·               Blu-ray Exclusive – The Jedi Temple Archives

o   An extensive database exploring special effects footage, early concept art, 3D character and object turnarounds, early animation and more than 30 deleted/extended scenes. The Archives is a rare look at the assets in various stages of creation for The Clone Wars, with a wealth of surprises and never-before seen moments sprinkled throughout

Synopsis:

Mystery and adventure await the heroes of the Republic in the transformative third season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. As the dark side grows ever stronger and the Jedi Knights are pushed to their breaking point, alliances will be tested, truths will be questioned and galaxy-changing secrets will be uncovered to shake the very foundations of the Star Wars universe. From the nature of the Force itself to secrets about the destiny of “The Chosen One,” surprises wait at every turn – all while the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.

Order your copy today at Amazon!

RiffTrax’s Riff of “X-Men: The Last Stand” is Coming Out Next Week!

from RiffTrax:

For some reason, San Francisco has become the go-to location for hack directors to set their abysmal movies. The mere sight of the Golden Gate Bridge or Lombard Street are enough to trigger unpleasant memories of Tommy Wiseau’s ass. And as if to prove that the city’s unique charms were no fluke, James Ngyuen broke out the coat hangers and did him one better with Birdemic.

But we venture to say that with X-Men: The Last Stand, director Brett Ratner has outdone both of those movies in terms of resources squandered and the resulting tonnage of raw suckitude.

For while The Room gave us endless catchphrases, breast cancer scares and Chris-R, and Birdemic delighted us with Hangin’ Out With My Family, bark beetles and solrpnls, X-Men 3 only offers up the ridiculous sight of Kelsey Grammer in bright blue fur as a means of easing the pain of cliché ridden dialogue, disinterested performances and Vinnie Jones.

Mike, Kevin and Bill were extremely disappointed to learn that X-Men:The Last Stand even lies with its name, as the franchise continues to stand to this day, despite repeated requests at ever escalating volumes to please, PLEASE, in the name of all that is holy, take a seat!

Only $3.99!

Get more info here.

VIZ Media Launches a Special Summertime “Heroes of Anime” Sweepstakes Contest

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, announced the kick-off of a special Heroes of Anime summer sweepstakes. The contest, which also celebrates VIZ Media’s 25th Anniversary, runs throughout the summer. Entry details and more information are available at: viz.com/25years.

The Heroes of Anime Grand Prize will award one lucky winner with 2 passes to attend the exclusive U.S theatrical premiere of the latest Naruto feature film — Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds — set to take place in New York City around New York Comic-Con. The winner will also receive airfare and hotel accommodations for themselves and a guest as part of the Grand Prize package.

Follow-up prizes will include an Apple iPad, awarded to one lucky contestant, as well as several prize packages that will go to other winners and will include fun tchotchkes and collectibles from a variety of top VIZ Media anime properties.

In Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds, a group of mysterious flying ninja have arrived from overseas to launch a sudden attack against the Hidden Leaf Village, leaving behind a wake of destruction. The group is revealed to be the “Sky Ninja” from the Land of Sky, a nation thought to have been destroyed by the Hidden Leaf Village long ago. To save their village, Naruto and his friends set out to stop this new threat. During the course of the mission, Naruto crosses paths with Sasuke, his friend who has parted ways from the Leaf Village.

“Fans won’t want to miss their chance to win a special trip to New York City to attend the U.S. theatrical premiere of the newest Naruto Shippuden feature film,” says Candice Uyloan, Director, Marketing. “It will be a truly memorable event that will feature some fun interactive activities, celebrity appearances, and plenty of photo opportunities. Come help us celebrate our 25th Anniversary and submit your entry for the Heroes of Anime sweepstakes today!”

More information on Naruto is available at Naruto.com.

DC Comics’ Green Lantern X MIMOBOT

from Mimoco:

NEW! DC Comics Green Lantern is finally here! See the latest addition to the DC Comics collection. Learn More!

Video Spotlight: Check out the trailer of the upcoming Green Lantern movie opening this Friday! Watch Now!

Celebrate Father’s Day with MIMOBOT! 15% off all Star Wars & DC Comics MIMOBOTs now until Saturday, June 18th! Shop Now!

FREE Shipping on ALL Orders Over $50! (Excludes Hawaii, Alaska)

Shout! Factory: San Diego or Bust

from Shout! Factory:

The 2011 San Diego Comic-Con is next month! Seems like only yesterday that we were at the 2010 SDCC with Max Headroom and the 2009 event with Middleman. Time does fly… This year we’ll be in a new booth (4248, for those keeping early track) and hosting signings for Battle Beyond the Stars and Trailers from Hell! Vol. 2. Additionally, we’ll have daily Grand Prize giveaways, lots of product for sale and even a few exclusive gifts with purchase. We invite you to bring a spare suitcase for the trip home. More details to come — but know that it’s going to be tweetbookblog-worthy for sure.

Save 15% for Father’s Day! Plus, Announcing a SDCC ’11 MIMOBOT Exclusive!

from Mimoco:

Celebrate Father’s Day with MIMOBOT! 20% off all Star Wars & DC Comics MIMOBOTs now until Saturday June 18th! Shop Now!

Announcing a MIMOBOT SDCC ’11 exclusive! HARLEY QUINN! See Sneak Peek!

FREE Shipping on ALL Orders Over $50! (Excludes Hawaii, Alaska)

Tickets on Sale Today for “Star Wars” Celebration VI

from StarWars.com:

Star Wars Celebration VI Sets Its Sights on Orlando, August 23-26, 2012
Tickets on Sale Now — Buy Today!
After the impressive (most impressive) success of last year’s Empire-themed Star Wars Celebration V, we are thrilled to announce that the biggest party this side of the galaxy, Star Wars Celebration VI, is setting down August 23-26, 2012 back at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida!

With official Celebration host hotels starting as low as just $65 per night, it’s never been more affordable for fans to vacation in Orlando on any budget. Orlando is a destination for fans and families from around the world, with highlights including the all-new Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Traveling to Celebration VI will provide the perfect opportunity to experience the all-new Star Tours adventures with Star Wars fans from around the world!

Tickets
Tickets to Star Wars Celebration VI are available now! Be among the first to grab your ticket and guarantee your spot at this not-to-be-missed Star Wars event! All-new memories begin with a ticket to the convention, and it’s not too soon to start planning your trip today! Don’t miss out on all of the exclusive merchandise, interviews with cast and crew — and MORE! Buy Tickets.

Hotels*
SAVE when you reserve your hotel room through starwarscelebration.com. Our official travel desk will land you great rates at a number of host hotels in the Orlando area starting at just $65/night. And booking through the official site will also grant you access to ride the Celebration VI Shuttle bus back and forth to the convention center! Don’t wait, reserve your room(s) today!
*Note: the ONLY official Celebration VI travel partner is powered by onPeak. Don’t be fooled! Book your travel today by visiting starwarscelebration.com and receive our “Best Rate Guarantee.” We cannot honor room rates reserved through other travel groups.

Bigger, Better… and All About You
Like the Empire’s second Death Star, Celebration VI is shaping up to be even BIGGER than all previous iterations — and also like the second Death Star, it’s all still under construction. That means that we’re still planning the programming, the panels, guests, special events and activities, and we want to hear from YOU to help make this the best Celebration yet! What do YOU want to see?

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to let us know what you think.

Celebrations are for YOU, the fans, whether you saw Star Wars when it first premiered or you’re just now exploring that galaxy far, far away for the very first time. So send us a tweet or write on our wall. We’ve got more than a year until Celebration VI, and we’re going to build it together! When completed, this ultimate Celebration will spell certain fun for Star Wars fans across the galaxy.
 
We thank you for all your support and passion. It’s the fans who have sustained the Saga for all these years, and — come August 2012 — we’re excited to welcome you back to our galaxy.

May the Force be with you!