Month: November 2008

WALL-E on DVD

WALL-E, the #1 animated film of the year from Disney-Pixar, is released on DVD today, November 18!

The highly acclaimed director of Finding Nemo and the creative storytellers behind Cars and Ratatouille transport you to a galaxy not so far away for a new cosmic comedy adventure about a determined robot named WALL-E.

After hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was built for, the curious and lovable WALL-E discovers a new purpose in life when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE. Join them and a hilarious cast of characters on a fantastic journey across the universe.

Transport yourself to a fascinating new world with Disney-Pixar’s latest adventure, now even more astonishing on DVD and loaded with bonus features, including the exclusive animated short film BURN-E. WALL-E is a film your family will want to enjoy over and over again.

Bonus Features (Single-Disc Standard Edition):

  • BURN-E — Hilarious, All-New Animated Short, “Bringing Light to the Galaxy… Eventual-E”
  • Presto — Amazing Animated Theatrical Short Film
  • Deleted Scenes: Garbage Airlock and Dumped
  • Sneak Peek: WALL-E’s Tour of the Universe — WALL-E Takes You on a Real Ride Through Space
  • Animation Sound Design: Building Worlds from the Sound Up — Legendary Sound Designer Ben Burtt Shares Secrets of Creating the Sounds of WALL-E
  • Audio Commentary with Director Andrew Stanton
  • And More!

Feature Running Time: Approx. 98 Minutes/Colour/Digitally Mastered. Rated G. Earth (and Space) Friendly Eco-Packaging: “Get into Environmentalit-E. Join Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment as we strive to develop and utilize the most environmentally responsible business practices. For this release of WALL-E, we developed a 100% recyclable DVD package. Find out how you can help WALL-E reduce waste and recycle. Visit Disney.com/gogreen.”

For more WALL-E information, visit the official WALL-E website and Amazon’s WALL-E page, and pick up a copy of the companion book to the film, The Art of WALL-E.

Order now at Amazon.com:
WALL-E (Single-Disc Standard Edition)
WALL-E (Three-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy)
WALL-E (Two-Disc and BD Live — Blu-ray]
WALL-E (Three-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy and BD Live — Blu-ray)
The Art of WALL-E

The Guild: Season Two Launches November 25

from The Guild:

We’re so excited, we can hardly contain ourselves!  But we will for the sake of propriety, at least until Tuesday, November 25, when Season Two, Episode One “Link The Loot” makes its web debut. We’ll keep you up to date with all the latest news surrounding the launch — and we’ve got some REALLY cool stuff to share, we promise! Meanwhile, if you’d like to introduce someone new to the show, or if you just plain forgot everything yourself, WhedonAge.com has a lovely Season Two primer to get you up to speed. And even though we didn’t put up the donation button this season, as a special thank you, Felicia sent signed Guild cast photos to all of our Season One donors. We are forever grateful to all of you, our loyal fans, for being part of our show and our community!

HBO Conjuring Fantasy Series

by James Hibberd, from The Hollywood Reporter:

HBO has given a pilot order to the fantasy project Game of Thrones.

The program is based on George R.R. Martin’s best-selling A Song of Fire & Ice series of novels and executive produced by David Benioff (Troy) and D.B. Weiss (Halo). The title Game of Thrones is from the first novel in the series.

If it gets an episodic order, Thrones would represent the rarest of TV genres: a full-fledged fantasy series.

Although broadcasters have embraced sci-fi-tinged shows in recent years following the success of ABC’s Lost and NBC’s Heroes, and supernatural themes have been given a spin by the CW’s Supernatural and HBO’s own True Blood, high fantasy is nearly nonexistent in primetime TV history — and Thrones is an unabashed member of the genre. The books have swords, dragons, magic, the works.

“Fantasy is the most successful genre in terms of feature films given the incredible popularity of the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter movies,” Benioff said. “High fantasy has never been done on TV before, and if anybody can do it, it’s HBO. They’ve taken tired genres and reinvented them — mobsters in The Sopranos and Westerns with Deadwood.”

The cost of producing a fantasy series is usually a factor that deters networks. The producers note that Thrones is written as a character drama and major battles often take place offstage.

“It’s not a story with a million orcs charging across the plains,” Weiss said. “The most expensive effects are creature effects, and there’s not much of that.”

Martin plans seven books. If HBO picks up the project to series, the producers intend for each novel to encompass a season.

But before the series can get on the air, the producers first have to slay a threat more formidable than any dragon: pilot competitors. HBO has 10 other pilots in contention for series orders. Though the network declines to project how many shows will receive an order since HBO doesn’t need to fill a specific number of time periods as do broadcasters, at least six are expected to get a pickup.

Also, the success of True Blood may work in Thrones‘ favor. HBO has always sought to defy any sort of specific genre branding for its network, emphasizing that each project is judged on its own merits. Yet given how the vampire drama continues to gain viewers and how Showtime’s swords-and-monarchy historical drama The Tudors has performed, it’s not unreasonable to believe the network may see Thrones as a good fit.

Previous fantasy titles on TV are few and far between. ABC’s Pushing Daisies might qualify as a member of the genre, though its fantastical elements are wrapped in a modern-day crime procedural. ABC Family’s Kyle XY could fit. Some would consider the WB’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer fantasy, though supernatural drama is probably a more appropriate term. Former syndicated program Xena: Warrior Princess, however, is firmly in the genre, and NBC’s upcoming Kings also qualifies.

The Builder’s Studio at Etsy

Robot Bride and Groom Wedding Cake Topper Wood Statues with Base
Robot Bride and Groom Wedding Cake Topper Wood Statues with Base

The Builder’s Studio at Etsy makes shopping for the artsy geeks on your holiday list a more creative experience:

Hey worldly neighbor! While you’ll see a variety of my arts in my shoppe I have been specializing in a range of what some call Retro Tech … futuristic items that look like we thought they might years ago. But here’ the kicker. With few noted exceptions, they’re all made of wood! Yes, wood, and most of the time I let it show through.

Robots, ray guns, rocket ships. But I don’t limit myself to just one monotone style nor field of interest… for my entire life I have enjoyed science fiction and fantasy of all kinds. I liked steampunk before it really had a name, so am doing some of that. Some of my items are quite realistic, little miniature models you might think were metal or originally plastic… but they’re not! I enjoy good humor and do some funky items. Cute is nice too. Goth, sure! Harcore science… why not?

And what use are these items? If you need to ask… I’ll tell you. Some things have a very specific purpose… jewelry in the form of necklaces or pins, that’s an easy one. How about Christmas ornaments? Or a dangle to hang in a window or from a chandelier or rear view mirror? How about a wedding cake topper… plenty more of those coming! Need a prop for a party, Halloween, a costume used for a convention, or to use while taking photographs? I have life size items namely in the form of ray guns.

But what else? Maybe the other, table top items? The sculptures, the statues, the art? What do I use them for? Or items I buy from others that are “like” mine? I’ll tell you that too. A stimulus to my imagination, something cool to look at and decorate my house, bragging rights even. But most important they can make you feel good — remember the childhood days of summer, starry nights maybe a week after you went to the drive in and say saw Star Wars or the latest space flick … the world was open, everything was possible, and you didn’t want the night or the summer to ever end! I consider these momentos of those times, part present and future.

Choose from sci-fi ornaments and statues, steampunk sculptures, robot wedding cake toppers, funky jewelry, ornamental canes and walking sticks worthy of a wizard, fantastical paintings, and many other retro creations. If you can’t find the exact gift you’re searching for, The Builder’s Studio enthusiastically does custom orders of all kinds and sizes. It’s the next best thing to having access to a Star Trek replicator.

More Details Emerge for New Home of Star Trek: The Experience

from TrekMovie.com:

Last month we reported that Star Trek: The Experience (which closed its doors at the Las Vegas Hilton in September) may be resurrected at a new location. Since that time TrekMovie as well as local Las Vegas journalists have confirmed that Star Trek: The Experience is moving to a new home at Neonopolis, in downtown Las Vegas. Today some new details have emerged.

The New (Old) Star Trek: The Experience

In Business Las Vegas has a new feature story on the future of the Neonopolis complex which covers the opening of both a new art museum and the move of Star Trek: The Experience. Rohit Joshi, a representative for the owners of Neonopolis is quoted saying:

The museum and the arts center will represent the past and the present and the Star Trek Experience will represent the future.

There are no specific details yet, but the article states that all five components of the Experience will be moving over:

  • Restaurant/Bar
  • Shops
  • Museum of the Future
  • 4-D Theater
  • Simulator rides

The article notes that the Experience will be “similar but different from its predecessor and includes significant upgrades.” This is a welcome sign; as noted in previous reports from TrekMovie, The Experience at the Hilton was becoming less relevant to the entire Trek franchise, especially regarding The Original Series and the new Star Trek movie.

What isn’t clear is what will be upgraded. For example will the 4-D theater still be based around the Voyager themed “Borg Invasion” or will they have something new. One source told TrekMovie that the simulator rides will continue to feature the TNG-themed “Klingon Encounter”, but new footage will be added (replacing the part where the shuttle lands at the Hilton to where it lands at Neonopolis). Sources also indicate that Quark’s Bar and Restaurant and the “Promenade” shops will be part of the move and likely the first elements to open. The plan is to open these before the Star Trek movie in May.

Regarding the “cast” of characters, it is expected those who were let go when The Experience closed at the Hilton will be offered positions before auditions begin to bring on new staff.

TrekMovie has contacted Mr. Joshi and Neonopolis and will hopefully have an update on the future of Star Trek: The Experience coming up soon. To date, CBS will not comment on Star Trek: The Experience, so it is likely that details are still being worked out.

Catch Up on Clone Wars Web Comics

from StarWars.com:

You’ve watched Star Wars: The Clone Wars, but have you been reading the stories between the episodes? Each week a new episode of The Clone Wars airs, it is preceded by an all-new web comic exclusive to StarWars.com. It can be found at http://starwars.com/clonewars/comic/. Five to seven pages in length, each installment contains a side or bridge story that ties in directly to that Friday’s episode. Here’s a recap of the tales that have been told and a preview of future installments:

#1 “Prelude” — A tie-in to the premiere episode, “Ambush,” this story features the clones that accompany Yoda to the moon of Rugosa — Rys and Jek — as they are given their assignment. It also debuts Skytop Station, a Separatist listening post that now, a month later, will begin to be featured in the episodes.

#2 “Shakedown” — Before the Republic definitively discovered what General Grievous’ new secret weapon was in “Rising Malevolence,” many warships fell to the experimental ion cannon. This comic story depicts an ill-fated mission.

#3 “Procedure” — Anakin is determined to do something about the threat of the Malevolence, and his characteristic reckless initiative takes him to a Republic military testing facility where he secures the weapons he’ll need in the episode “Shadow of Malevolence”.

#4 “Agenda” — When Padmé Amidala emerged from hyperspace right into the path of a Separatist warship in “Destroy Malevolence,” she was on her way to a diplomatic mission. In this tie-in comic, she not only gets this crucial assignment, but also has to shuffle priorities in a busy day-in-the-life of a Galactic Senator, even if it means ignoring a plea for help from an old friend.

#5 “Mouse Hunt” — In “Rookies,” Clone Captain Rex and Clone Commander Cody have finished an inspection tour of a tracking station on Pastil — this comic tells that story. A Separatist spy droid is discovered on Pastil, and the clone officers mobilize the troops to stop it.

#6 “The Fall of Falleen” — In “Downfall of a Droid,” we learn that the Separatists have been enjoying a string of successes, including the conquest of Falleen. This comic documents Asajj Ventress’ role in that victory.

Other stories coming up include “Discount,” wherein droid dealer Gha Nachkt brokers a shady sale for a Separatist leader. In “Transfer,” Anakin dispatches Ahsoka Tano on a personal errand despite the wishes of the Jedi Council. And in “Departure,” a simple attempt to prep a ship for transit ends up in a nightmare when C-3PO and Jar Jar Binks are involved.

If you missed the last two episodes on TV, you can watch the new animated Star Wars TV series right now at StarWars.com!

Watch Online Now:
http://starwars.com/video/view/0000/0025

The Legend of Neil: Season 2

from The Legend of Neil:

We just received official word that The Legend of Neil Season 2 will be picked up. We don’t know any other details, how many episodes, nothing. So stay tuned! Woohoo! Let’s all rejoice! I’m rejoicing!

Update on November 15: So we’ve got 7 episodes of Neil coming in Season 2… that much I now know.

Dark Horse to Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Terminator with All New Comics!

from Dark Horse Comics:

In 1990, at the start of the boom of licensed comics, Dark Horse began publishing Terminator. Now, on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the first Terminator film, Dark Horse is excited to announce the return of all new Terminator material for a whole new generation of fans!

With renewed interest in the property in both television and film, Dark Horse announced today its intent to begin creating new comics for release in conjunction with the film’s silver anniversary in 2009.

Rand Marlis, President of Creative Licensing Corporation who represents all Terminator tie-ins, said “I’m thrilled to be once again working with Dark Horse. They are a superb comic book company and really know the Terminator world. Our prior Dark Horse comics are classics and we look forward to more quality stories and art from the Dark Horse team.”

Dark Horse president and publisher, Mike Richardson stated “We’ve had great success with the ongoing saga of Sarah and John Connor in the past, and the worldwide interest in Terminator has us eager to begin a brand new series picking up where we left off.”

The publisher went on to say that the storyline is being developed and the creative team will be announced shortly.

Dark Horse’s successful Termintor Omnibus Vol. 1 & 2 are currently available at a retail price of $24.95.

Pucca: Secret Samurai Santa

Following on the heels of the popular DVDs Pucca: Kung Fu Kisses, Pucca: Ninjas Love Noodles, and Pucca: Spooky Sooga Village comes the “Outrageous Action, Kung Fu Comedy, and Holiday Hijinks!” of Pucca: Secret Samurai Santa. The bite-sized Pucca cartoons, which premiered on the Internet then leaped to TV, are “an unexpected mix of martial arts, Chinese food and comedic quests in the pursuit of love”, and are fun for all ages:

Candy canes and Christmas cookies fly as Pucca, Garu, Santa and their friends take on winter, keeping one step ahead of polar bears, shifting glaciers and Santa imposters. Pucca has been supergood this year, but will that be enough to get her what she wants for Christmas — the ninja boy Garu? Grab a hot bowl of noodles and hop on the sleigh — these snow ninjas are just getting warmed up. Yule love it!

Geared toward kids ages 7-12, Pucca follows the adventures of Pucca, the daughter of a Chinese restaurant owner, and her comical and single-minded pursuit of her one true love, Garu. Unfortunately for Pucca, Garu is more interested in becoming a ninja than in Pucca. Her sole mission is to win the heart of her intended either by her knowledge and expertise of martial arts or by her girlish charms.

The recipient of two Leo Awards, celebrating excellence in British Columbian film and television (for Best Screenwriting in Animation Program or Series and for Best Overall Sound in an Animation Program or Series), Pucca is based on the internationally renowned Pucca merchandise brand and Internet short, spawning over 3000 different products in over 150 countries.

Pucca: Secret Samurai Santa collects ten holiday- and winter-themed episodes from the South Korean series, with English and Spanish language options. The episodes, as listed on the DVD’s colourful insert sheet, are:

  • Tis the Season for Revenge
    Candy canes and Christmas cookies fly when a mysterious stranger seeks Yuletide revenge on Santa.
  • Northern Lights Out
    Garu must face the perils of polar bears, shifting glaciers and snowstorms in order to switch the Northern Lights back on.
  • Secret Santa
    Santa isn’t so jolly when Tobe steals his suit.
  • On Thin Ice
    Tobe has a new plan: to freeze Garu and keep him as a trophy forever!
  • Snow Ninjas
    What happens when the switch controlling the seasons breaks? Snowstorms, tornadoes and hail, that’s what!
  • Woolen Warrior
    Pucca’s extreme knitting helps Garu succeed in the ultimate ninja challenge.
  • No Year’s Eve
    Muji can’t face getting older, so he puts a stop to the New Year’s party.
  • Lumberjacked
    The maple syrup of Canada is in trouble! Cue tree climbing, log splitting and hungry bears!
  • Puccahontas
    Garunimo must face eagles and white-water rapids to become a full-fledged warrior. Luckily, Puccahontas is on hand to help.
  • Swiss Kiss
    Yodeling and cheese fondue are on the menu for Pucca and Garu when a helicopter ride ends at a surprise destination.

Tucked inside the DVD case is a bonus “ninja star” ornament for children to decorate with their artwork or photo. (A picture of Pucca kissing an indignant Garu underneath the mistletoe would look suitably adorable hanging from the Christmas tree!)

Order now at Amazon.com:
Pucca: Kung Fu Kisses
Pucca: Ninjas Love Noodles
Pucca: Spooky Sooga Village
Pucca: Secret Samurai Santa

Pucca: Kung Fu Kisses, Pucca: Ninjas Love Noodles, Pucca: Spooky Sooga Village, and Pucca: Secret Samurai Santa are distributed by Shout! Factory Kids, a division of Shout! Factory. For more Pucca information, please visit Vooz and Pucca Club.

Official Guild Tees Now Available

from The Guild:

We’re very excited to announce that Jinx Tees is now the provider of the official Guild Tee! The quality of the shirt will be much better than the print-on-demand we’ve been providing before, and they will be providing DVD fulfillment to us as well, saving Felicia and Kim from packaging DVDs on the floor of the kitchen as they have been the last few months! Maybe they won’t get lost as much either! 🙂

We hope you enjoy this new offering, and we will be adding new designs as the season is launched on November 25th.

And if you purchase a Tee, please submit a picture of yourself in it to make our new Jinx store look fancy! Look for more exciting updates on the show in the coming weeks, there are some doozies down the road!

Mystery Science Theater 3000: 20th Anniversary Edition

Mystery Science Theater 3000: 20th Anniversary Edition

Shout! Factory stylishly marks a major milestone in the history of a beloved cult comedy series with the deluxe DVD box set Mystery Science Theater 3000: 20th Anniversary Edition.

For ten side-splitting seasons — including successful runs on Comedy Central and the SCI FI Channel — and one theatrically-released feature film, the crew of the Satellite of Love orbited Earth, faced with the arduous assignment of watching and lampooning the most problematic movies ever made. Now, 20 years after their initial launch into pop culture infamy, hosts Joel Hodgson and Mike Nelson — along with robot pals Tom Servo, Crow T. Robot and Gypsy, and their loyal fans, the MSTies — can finally celebrate with the DVD debut of Mystery Science Theater 3000: 20th Anniversary Edition.

The four films assembled in this set are Season 2’s First Spaceship on Venus, Season 7’s Laserblast, Season 9’s Werewolf, and Season 10’s Future War. Bonus features are a 3-part look at the 20-year history of MST3K including brand-new interviews with the creators, cast and crew; the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con International reunion panel (featuring Joel Hodgson, Mike Nelson, Jim Mallon, Kevin Murphy, Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, Mary Jo Pehl, Bill Corbett, J. Elvis Weinstein, Paul Chaplin and Bridget Jones-Nelson, and moderated by Patton Oswald); original trailers; and “Variations on a Theme Song”, featuring all six versions of the show’s theme song. All of this cheesy goodness, slipcased in DVD slim cases, comes bundled in a limited-edition tin box with four exclusive MST3K lobby cards (recreations of the DVD cover art that are suitable for framing) by artist Steve Vance, and a limited-edition Crow T. Robot figurine.

MST3K‘s production company, Best Brains, transferred the show’s worldwide home entertainment and digital download license from Rhino to Shout! Factory in January 2008, so be sure to contact Shout! Factory to suggest which episodes — such as Season 3’s Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, Season 4’s Manos: The Hands of Fate, and Season 10’s Soultaker — to release next on their label. A reissue of the long out-of-print music CDs Clowns in the Sky (Seasons 1-7) and Clowns in the Sky II (Seasons 8-9), updated to include songs from Season 10, would also be an essential pick to accompany the Mystery Science Theater 3000: 20th Anniversary Edition box set.

Order now at Amazon.com:
Mystery Science Theater 3000: 20th Anniversary Edition

Or order directly through the Shout! Factory website.

Mystery Science Theater 3000: 20th Anniversary Edition is distributed by Shout! Factory. For more Mystery Science Theater 3000 information, please visit The Official Mystery Science Theater 3000 Website and Satellite News: The Official Mystery Science Theater 3000 Fan Site. Post-Mystery Science Theater 3000 projects: RiffTrax (Michael J. Nelson), Cinematic Titanic (Joel Hodgson, Trace Beaulieu, J. Elvis Weinstein, Frank Conniff and Mary Jo Pehl), and Darkstar (Joel Hodgson, Trace Beaulieu, Mary Jo Pehl, Josh Weinstein, Beez McKeever and Frank Conniff).