Welcome and thank you for dropping by. Take your shoes off, get comfortable and stay a while.
There is a LOT of information here and you won't want to miss any of it.
The Zocalo Today is an interactive newsletter, encouraging readers to join a discussion topic or to send
along letters that can be shared with other readers.
The Zocalo Today is a newsletter for Babylon 5 and science fiction fans everywhere. It is as much YOUR
newsletter as it is mine! I'm just pulling together things for you!
Join our discussion topic. It is just one way you can share with other Z readers. If you see Babylon 5 cast
and crew in other roles, let us know. We enjoy convention reports, photos, etc. Don't miss our back issues.
I hope this will become more than just a newsletter. It's a community of people that enjoy sharing their
experiences and interests. Babylon 5 brought many of us together -- and it remains with us, despite the
fact that is no longer in production. Don't be shy. Join us today!
If you have questions, drop me a line at sgbruckner@aol.com. If
you would like to join the mailing list for our newsletter, send me a note and I'll include you on the list. Or you
can use the subscription block at the left.
Again, WELCOME!
FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2009
PLANET 51
A new trailer has gone live for the upcoming animated sci-fi family comedy PLANET 51.
The film is described as being E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in reverse: An astronaut
from Earth crash-lands on an alien planet and needs the help of a friend to get back
home. But that's just the beginning. Astronaut Chuck Baker (voiced by Dwayne Johnson)
didn't just land on any planet. He landed on Planet 51, which is exactly like America
in the 1950s, ... except that the planet's residents aren't human.
The movie also features voices of Seann William Scott, Jessica Biel, Justin Long, Gary
Oldman and John Cleese. PLANET 51 lands in theaters on Nov. 20.
Go to http://www.planet51.com/ to watch
both trailers for this movie.
SYFY - HOUSE OF IMAGINATION VIDEO
A two-minute film, "House of Imagination," has gone live to reflect SCI FI's brand
evolution to Syfy on Tuesday, celebrating Syfy's unique spin on imagination.
The new film features stars from Warehouse 13, Eureka, Ghost Hunters, Caprica, Sanctuary,
Stargate Universe, Destination Truth and ECW.
THE STEPFATHER
Dylan Walsh, who's been playing doctor on NIP/TUCK since 2003, is playing the title character
in THE STEPFATHER, the upcoming horror film that reboots a cult classic from 1987.
Much like the original (which starred Lost's Terry O'Quinn as daddy dearest—who,
according to producer Mark Morgan, declined a cameo role), the new movie centers on a
sociopathic killer who blends into broken families. When the new wife and kids inevitably
disappoint him, he slaughters them and moves on to the next unsuspecting household.
VIEW-MASTER MOVIE
FRINGE co-producer/writer Brad Caleb Kane will be writing a movie based on the View-Master
toy, which first came on the market in 1939. He announced on his Twitter account that after
he's done penning the sci-fi action-adventure UPRISING for director Wolfgang Petersen and
Columbia Pictures, he will take on the project for DreamWorks Pictures.
Kane says Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci (FRINGE, TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN, STAR
TREK) are behind the film and that it will be "like the old 80's Amblin movies: Goonies,
Young Sherlock... In that vein."
The viewers have changed quite a bit over the years, but for a history of the toy, you can go here. Fisher-Price's official site for the View-Master is here.
BOX OFFICE NEWS
Twentieth Century Fox's 3-D toon ICE AGE: DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS topped Paramount's
TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN at the Wednesday box office, grossing an estimated
$13.8 million as it opened in 3,993 runs.
Opening day number marked a stellar start for the third installment in the blockbuster
ICE AGE franchise. It's the best opening day gross for a toon bowing on a Wednesday. Previous
record-holder for top Wednesday was SHREK 2 at $11.8 million on May 19, 2004.
TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN grossed an estimated $10.9 million on Wednesday for
a boffo domestic cume of $240.9 million in its eighth day in release.
Universal's Johnny Depp topliner PUBIC ENEMIES, directed by Michael Mann, also got off to
a promising start. The period gangster pic grossed an estimated $8.2 million as it opened
Wednesday in 3,391 runs.
ICE AGE 3 and PUBLIC ENEMIES opened mid-week in order to get a jump on the holiday weekend,
when traffic could be slowed because of July 4th falling on a Saturday. The holiday itself
is never a big moviegoing day unless the weather is bad. Box office observers say TRANSFORMERS 2
could beat ICE AGE 3 for the weekend.
WARNER BROS. ACQUIRES MIDWAY GAMES
According to Variety, Warner Bros. had no competition for Midway Games. Warner Bros.
has bought most of the company’s assets for $33 million, including the “Mortal Kombat”
franchise as well as the company’s legacy arcade games, such as “Joust” and “Spy Hunter”.
A pair of development studios that Warner opted not to buy will be shuttered in just under
two months if no bidders emerge for them. The Newcastle studio has worked on the “Wheelman”
franchise, while the San Diego studio has created the “TNA” games. Warner did purchase rights
to the “Wheelman” games, but not the development studio behind it.
Warner picked up some valuable assets at firesale prices in this deal. Expect another
“Mortal Kombat”/DC crossover in the years to come and possibly some re-imaginings of
classic titles. The company has been beefing up its video game division steadily over
the past few years and has managed to assemble some talented teams. It should be interesting
to see what they do with some of the licenses they now own.
SCIENCE FICTION NEWS STORIES:
News from this week and the last couple of months has been moved to the
News Archive Page. Check it out
to catch up on all that has been going on in the world of science fiction.
8:00pm on CBS
Ghost Whisperer - Episode: Double Exposure (First Aired: November 02, 2007)
Professor Payne's date, a fellow professor at Rockland University, refuses to have her
picture taken.
9:00pm on CBS
Flashpoint - Episode: The Fortress (First Aired: March 06, 2009)
The SRU is called to what appears to be a home invasion turned into a standoff, but team
members soon realize the hostage-taker is no stranger to the family.
9:00pm on Fox
Mental - Episode: Rainy Days (NEW)
A gambling addict threatens to jump off a roof; Jack testifies on the behalf of a patient
charged with manslaughter; sparks fly between Veronica and Rylan.
10:00pm on CBS
NUMB3RS - Episode: Velocity (First Aired: October 12, 2007)
A car crashes into a coffee shop and kills someone; the investigation reveals that it
was not an accidental loss of control.
MARATHON DAY
Today, SciFi continues their marathon of TWILIGHT ZONE stories.
USA is doing IN PLAIN SIGHT from 6:00am to 10:00am; NCIS from 11:00am to 5:00pm;
THE BOURNE IDENTITY at 6:00pm and 8:30pm
JMS AND LENSMAN
A number of news sources have picked up on the JMS interview on the Babylon Podcast
this week. Everyone, along with Tim Callender, is excited at the prospect of a LENSMAN
movie with JMS writing the adaptation.
Based on a series of sci-fi stories by Edward Elmer “Doc” Smith (1890 - 1965), LENSMAN
will follow a struggle between two powerful races that visited our universe billions
of years ago from outside of our time-space continuum. One came to rule the emerging
life in our universe and the other attempting to protect it.
Here is an excerpt from SciFi Scoop:
A breeding program is instigated upon multiple planets (including Earth) by those
trying to protect the universe. In time, a number of beings from these programs are
selected to become guardians of the universe. In what might be paralleled (in concept
at least) to the Green Lantern, these chosen few wear a ‘lens’ , a life-force power
created by an elder race of our universe that gives the wearer a variety of super
abilities. This group becomes a type of galactic police force, entrusted with the
task of battling to save, well, everything.
It is no exaggeration to say that Smith’s stories are so epic they are difficult to
summarise without going into great length and that my summary above hardly does the
story justice at all. In any case, suffice it to say that the film offers nothing
short of mega-potential and may be a film of such grand scale that, even in consideration
of James Cameron’s upcoming Avatar, has the potential to be one of the biggest sci-fi
films of all time.
I don't know about you, but I'm at movie overload! Every week there's another BIG
picture that you are expected to go out and see. Who has that kind of money #1, and
how do you know you are going to like it? How do you feel about the movie industry
these days? Are they doing too many movies -- and making more bad ones than good ones?
Send in your comments to sgbruckner@aol.com. I'll post your selections our
discussion page for all
readers to share. I'll post some of my comments in my blog -- see below.
BABYLON PODCAST
Welcome to Show #162!
Never Surrender Dreams.
And now, we bring you Part 2 of The JMS Interview!
In this hour, JMS talks more with Tim and Summer about the development of Babylon 5
and the pros and cons of continuing or expanding the series, the real reason for
putting his foot down on “big budget or nothing”, the broader realities of the hammer
lock of Warner Bros has on any future “expanded universe” properties, the personal
influences on his writing, and related reflections on family, both born and made,
and last but not least, the ever-changing relationships with the fans, both in
cyberspace and on the convention circuits.
Second Life Info: FarPoint Media’s Second Life space is now part of the village that
encompasses Third Life Books. You can find the village at
http://slurl.com/secondlife/beraudes/203/151/49.
Babylon 5 Information Gathering: If you know of a dead or abandoned B5 related
website that may be in need of a new home, let Summer know! Maybe we can mirror it
here or house it on a sister site.
Visit Deep Geeking, and if you want to contribute a geeking essay, send an email
to Summer.
New release dates have been announced for the remaining volumes of the Asked &
Answered series.
OFFICIAL RELEASE SCHEDULE
Part 1: Now available at B5books.com
Part 2: July 16
Part 3: August 12
Part 4: September 16
Part 5: October 14
All remaining books will debut at $10 off the first seven days of release.
Go to http://www.cafepress.com/b5books
for a list of the topics covered in Part One, a sample of some of the questions
covered and a link to 12 sample pages.
KEEPING UP WITH CAST AND CREW
GARY COLE
Ranger Anne noted that Gary Cole (Captain Gideon from Crusade) is a guest on the
Season 2 premiere of A&E's THE CLEANER. The episode is called "Hello America" and
Gary's character is a national news anchor & spokesman for recovery. He claims to
have been clean for years... but it's all a lie. William Banks (played by Benjamin
Bratt) and his team of extreme interventionists have to discreetly help the anchorman
get clean... for real. Whoopi Goldberg also guest stars in the episode.
"The Cleaner" is based on a true story about a former addict who leads a team of
interventionists who use any means necessary to help others kick their addictions.
According to SciFiScoop, the movie has its straight-to-dvd release on June 30, timed
to coincide with TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN.
EFREM ZIMBALIST, JR.
Ranger Anne sent along a story about Babylon 5 guest star Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. being
honored by the FBI. The FBI series ran from 1965 to 1974 -- and I have to admit is
one of the reasons I came to Washington, DC following graduation. Go to
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090608/ap_on_en_tv/us_zimbalist_fbi to read about
the FBI recognizing his contribution by naming him an honorary special agent.
Babylon 5 fans will remember Mr. Zimbalist as billionaire William Edgars.
ISN BLOG
I have just created ISN News Blog at
http://isnnews.blogspot.com. This is an experiment for me -- and I hope
you’ll join me by entering news you have to share. I’ll put in stuff that I think
is interesting for others to read about and we’ll see how it goes. Join me.
While Andreas Katsulas (G'Kar), Rick (Biggs) and Tim (Choate) are no longer with us,
we will not forget their wonderful personalities and talent -- as well as their
significant contributions to the BABYLON 5 universe. Be sure to visit
In Memory Of for more
information about memorial efforts. Until we met again, in a place where no
shadows fall.
BABYLON 5 BIRTHDAYS
Jerry Doyle - July 16
J. Michael Straczynski - July 17
David Warner - July 29
Have I missed anyone? If you know the birthday of someone connected with Babylon 5,
pass the information along. We want to include everyone in our Happy Birthday Wishes.
GREEN LANTERN: FIRST FLIGHT
From June 30 - August 11, 2009, Green Lantern Fans Can Enter to Win a PlayStation 3,
40" LCD HDTV, a Copy of Green Lantern: First Flight on Blu-ray and Much More
To promote the Blu-ray and DVD release of "Green Lantern: First Flight" on July 28,
a sweepstakes has been created to get fans involved and give them a chance to win
cool prizes. Green Lantern fans can enter the sweepstakes and learn more about
the fifth entry in the popular DVD series of DC Universe Animated Originals through
a Facebook Power Ring widget.
Once the Facebook Power Ring Widget has been added to a fan's page, they can
"recharge their ring" continuously to keep it powered to 100% and automatically
submit additional entries in the sweepstakes. Additional features of the widget
include a Personality Quiz, Green Lantern IQ Test, Video, News and Updates,
Downloads and Links.
The Warner Archive Collection (www.WarnerArchive.com) continues to be one of the best
sources of old titles released on DVD.
The latest roster of dinematic rarities from the Warner Archive Collection includes
four MGM classics showcasing the irresistible charms of the legendary Marie Dressler,
and seven silent rarities from the studio vault that are now available on DVD.
Thanks to special restoration efforts, several silent gems have once again been combined
with their original Vitaphone music scores for their DVD debut via the Warner Archive
Collection. This collection of Warner silents will surely be a must-have for serious
fans of silent film, and includes THE BETTER OLE, THE DIVINE LADY, THE FIRST AUTO,
OLD SAN FRANCISCO, as well as the John Barrymore melodrama WHEN A MAN LOVES.
Go to www.warnerarchive.com for more information
on this wonderful resource for old films.
Last night was the premiere of a new show on TNT - HAWTHORNE. Jada Pinkett Smith
(The Women, The Matrix trilogy) is the latest talented actress to join TNT’s line-up
of strong, complex female characters, following in the footsteps of Kyra Sedgwick on
The Closer and Holly Hunter of Saving Grace. This summer, Pinkett Smith executive-
produces and stars in HAWTHORNE, a character-driven drama series about a nurse who
is a true everyday hero. HAWTHORNE premieres Tuesday, June 16, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT).
Pinkett Smith plays Christina Hawthorne, a compassionate and headstrong Chief Nursing
Officer heading up a group of dedicated nurses at Richmond Trinity Hospital who spend
long days and nights on the hospital’s front lines. Hawthorne is the kind of nurse
you want on your side when you or someone you love is in the hospital. She is the
kind of nurse who fights for her patients and doesn’t let them slip through the cracks.
When necessary, she takes on doctors and administrators who are overworked, distracted
or just unable to see the human being behind the hospital chart.
Eureka Productions is pleased to announce the publication of SCIENCE FICTION CLASSICS:
Graphic Classics Volume Seventeen. This is the first full-color volume in the GRAPHIC
CLASSICS® series of comics adaptations of great literature.
SCIENCE FICTION CLASSICS presents comics adaptations of stories from the original
creators of science fiction including "The War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells and
"A Martian Odyssey" by Stanley G. Weinbaum. Also featured are "In the Year 2889"
a rare short story by Jules Verne, and "The Disintegration Machine", starring
Arthur Conan Doyle's Professor Challenger. Plus E.M. Forster's only SF tale,
the poignant "The Machine Stops", and shorts by Lord Dunsany and Hans Christian
Anderson.
GRAPHIC CLASSICS are available in bookstores, comics shops, or direct from the
publisher at http://www.graphicclassics.com.
SUGGESTED READING
TOTAL SCI-FI NEWSLETTER
If you are like me, it is hard to keep up on what's new in the world of science
fiction. Totalscifionline.com has
launched its inaugural weekly newsletter today. Pop over and sign up!
TITAN MAGAZINES
Titan has updated their website to include all of their wonderful magazines.
Go to http://mailing.titanmagazines.com/mailing
to sign up for their latest information.
This book is the ultimate for a science fiction fan. It provides a wealth of information
about series -- and many little known facts gathered through interviews and extensive
research.
TERMINATOR SALVATION: THE MACHINIMA SERIES
EXPLODES ONLINE AS THE FIRST LONG FORM DRAMATIC MACHINIMA PRODUCTION
* Created by The Halcyon Company and Warner Premiere
* The First Long Form Dramatic Machinima Series Produced By A Major Studio
* Creators Use "Terminator Salvation" Videogame to Create Filmed Entertainment
* An Original Series Starring Moon Bloodgood as "Blair Williams"
* Produced and Overall Creative Direction Provided by The Halcyon Company and
the Film's Director McG
* First Episode Now Available on iTunes and other Digital Distributors
Burbank, Calif., May 19, 2009 - Halcyon Games, a division of The Halcyon Company
along with Warner Premiere and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution today announced
the first full length Machinima series titled "Terminator Salvation: The Machinima
Series." Produced in association with McG, director of "Terminator Salvation," and
Machinima Inc., this six part series utilizes real time computer animation generated
from the "Terminator Salvation" video game and is set against an original story
written by Andy Shapiro and directed by Tor Helmstein. Fans follow "Blair Williams"
(voiced by Moon Bloodgood) on an action-packed journey that reveals the genesis of
Blair William's involvement with John Connor's resistance unit two and a half years
before the movie begins.
"Terminator Salvation: The Machinima Series" is now available on iTunes
(http://tinyurl.com/TerminatorMachinimaOniTunes), Amazon Video on Demand
(http://tinyurl.com/TerminatorMachinimaOnAmazonVOD), Xbox Live and the Sony
PlayStation Network. The cost per episode is $2.99 for HD and $1.99 for SD
(where available). Fans can also sign up for a season pass and automatically
receive future episodes every week for $14.99 in HD or $9.99 in SD (where available).
MORE FROM WARNER BROS. DIGITAL
HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU
Available On Demand and iTunes
The box office hit HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU arrives today (June 2) for
Download (on iTunes), On Demand (via cable and satellite) and on Blu-ray/DVD.
Synopsis:
He loves me, he loves me not...find out when He’s Just Not That Into You is based on
the wildly popular bestseller from Sex and the City scribes Greg Behrendt and Liz
Tuccillo, He's Just Not That Into You tells the stories of a group of interconnected,
Baltimore-based twenty- and thirty-somethings as they navigate their various relationships.
REVIEW
I had a chance to watch this DVD over the weekend. It was awesome. I am a real Tarzan
fan and have watched all the various iterations in the character -- from Bruce Bennett
to Christopher Lambert (I think that was the last one). Anyway, some of them have been
just awful, but some have been delightful surprises. I faithfully watched Ron Ely when
there was a weekly Tarzan TV series. I think my favorite is Johnny Weismuller, but Lex
Barker made a marvelous Tarzan, very believable. Perhaps I like to strong, silent type,
but Lex Barker was what I always thought the character should be -- strong, honest, very
loyal tothose he loved. I love the simple storyline of TARZAN'S PERIL. George McReady
is terrific as bad guy Radicheck; Virginia Huston isn't a bad Jane (although no one can
beat Maureen O'Sullivan). Made in 1951, it has some marvelous wildlife footage that
will entertain and astonish you. Can you imagine what it took to capture that footage
back then?
This film has been wonderfully restored. I watched it on a big screen TV and it was
awesome. Made me love the Tarzan saga all over again. This is truly something you'll
want to add to your collection to watch with your children.
WBSHOP.COM GRAND OPENING
The all-new www.WBshop.com is now open featuring
the largest collection of Warner Bros products including WATCHMEN exclusive collections.
During the Grand Opening receive 20% Off and Free Shipping on all orders including
Blu-ray, Toys, Apparel and more.
Be sure to check out all the BABYLON 5 and CRUSADE items. Each episode is sold
separately for $1.95. It is a great way to get your favorite episode without having
to spend a lot of money.
You will also find DOCTOR WHO, RED DWARF, SUPERNATURAL, V and many other TV science
fiction favorites. Check out the lithographs, calendars, stationery, toys and photo
collections too.
PLANET EARTH
I have been a HUGE fan of the PLANET EARTH series from BBC. It is an absolutely
amazing set of DVDs that feature a planet we all know -- and I hope LOVE!!!
Below is a widget the WB created for the acclaimed BBC miniseries PLANET EARTH to
celebrate Earth Day! It offers free downloads, music from the series, as well as
photos and video content.
This Earth Day, show your love for Planet Earth –The record-breaking miniseries that
inspired the motion picture Earth – with BBC Video’s Planet Earth widget.
The recipient of four Emmy Awards including Outstanding Nonfiction Series, PLANET
EARTH was filmed in high-definition over five years by 71 camera people, in 62
countries across every continent. Utilizing state-of-the-art filming techniques
and technologies - ranging from revolutionary aerial lens stabilization and flash
strobe-systems to ultra high-speed cameras - the most expensive factual series ever
created by the BBC lovingly captures our planet’s best-loved, wildest and most
elusive creatures in intimate moments and rare action.
Now you can showcase this amazing content and share it with your friends too. Spread
the message of Earth Day with BBC Video’s Planet Earth widget. Loaded with music
from the film, free wallpapers, photos and unbelievable footage of Earth’s plants
and creatures, there is no better way to remind people to conserve and protect our
natural resources.
PEANUTS 1960s COLLECTION
Release Date: July 7, 2009
Peanuts lovers rejoice. You now have only one DVD to buy to get all the most popular
Peanuts TV specials. The PEANUTS 1960s COLLECTION willshowcase all six heartwarming
TV specials in a two-disc set, as well as all-new enhanced content. These specials
aired between 1965 and 1969, several earning Emmy Award nominations or wins. This
is the first time all six specials are available to consumers in one set. Two of
the specials, HE'S YOUR DOG, CHARLIE BROWN and IT WAS A SHORT SUMMER, CHARLIE BROWN
make their DVD debut. All six specials have been re-mastered for beautiful picture
and sound quality. Here is a list of all the specials included:
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Charlie Brown's All-Stars (1966)
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
You're in Love, Charlie Brown (1967)
He's Your Dog, Charlie Brown (1968)
It was a Short Summer, Charlie Brown (1969)
DVD Special Features include:
The Maestro of Menlo Park - Profiling Composer Vince Guaraldi - This short documentary
film provides a glimpse into jazz musician Vince Guaraldi's life, and how his music
was so much more than just the theme to Peanuts.
THIRD WATCH: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON
Release Date: July 7, 2009
The real heroes that keep New York City and its residents safe are back for their
sophomore season. Working the 3-11 p.m. shift (known as the "third watch"), these
ordinary people perform extraordinary feats of bravery on a daily basis. Featuring
an all-star cast including Bobby Cannavale, Eddie Cibrian, Michael Beach, and Kim
Raver, Third Watch portrays the best - and sometimes the worst - of "the city's
finest." Nine years after the second season's TV debut, Warner Home Video is releasing
the highly anticipated Third Watch: The Complete Second Season DVD on July 7, 2009.
Created by John Wells (ER, The West Wing) and Edward Allen Bernero (Criminal Minds),
THIRD WATCH: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON is an Emmy® and Peabody® Award winning series
that follows professional rescuers and first responders as they take on crime, medical
emergencies, and blazing buildings in the largest city in America. Police, firefighters
and paramedics all work together as the show explores the intricacies of their relationships
on the streets, in the station, and back at home. Episodes include situations ranging
from dangerous (tracking a sniper who targets cops) to playful (a football match between
fire departments), to the mundane (a frequent 911 dialer). These heroes risk their
lives every day so we can sleep soundly, knowing that we're protected by the "third
watch."
"THIRD WATCH: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON contains 22 action-packed episodes that
focus on the unsung heroes of New York City," said Rosemary Markson, WHV Vice President,
TV & Special Interest Marketing. "After the recent event on the Hudson, the world is
increasingly fascinated by these first responders, and Warner Home Video is proud to
present the second season on DVD."
Synopsis:
When Mo Folchart reads a story, the characters leap off the page. Literally. And
that's a problem. Mo must somehow use his special powers to send the interlopers
back to their world and save ours. If ever a task was easier read than done, this
is it. Mo and his daughter Meggie, aided by friends real and fictional, plunge into
a thrilling quest that pits them against diabolical villains, fantastic beasts and
dangers at every turn. Brendan Fraser (The Mummy films, Journey to the Center of the
Earth) leads a splendid cast (including Academy Award winners* Helen Mirren and Jim
Broadbent) in an all-fun, all-family film of Cornelia Funke's bestseller. Follow Mo
and Meggie into adventure more exciting than any ever read. Because it's adventure
they're going to live!
REVIEW:
Looking for a good film for "family night"? Here's a suggestion for you. There is enough
action and suspense for everyone -- and a good tale as well. Follow Mo and his daughter
Meggie in their quest to free Mo's wife. The special effects are good -- but the acting
is first-rate. Helen Mirren is wonderful as Elinor, an elderly aunt who is obsessed with
possessing books. Brendan Fraser (Mo) and Paul Bettany (Dustfinger)are marvelous and
Eliza Hope Bennett is perfect as Meggie.
If you read to your children -- or enjoy reading stories to others -- this is a story
for you. This what would happen if the characters in your latest book came alive -- not just
in your imagination!
FRIDAY THE 13TH - KILLER CUT
Get ready to re-live the horror when Friday the 13th the extended Killer Cut with
even more suspense, wild times, and more of the infamous killer Jason Voorhees
arrives on iTunes, Playstation Store and Amazon Video On Demand.
$43 Million Opening Weekend Shatters Box Office Records. From the producers of
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, comes a chilling reimagining of the classic horror film.
Searching for his missing sister, Clay Miller heads to the eerie woods of legendary
Crystal Lake, where he stumbles on the creaky remains of rotting old cabins behind
moss-covered trees. And that's not all. Against the advice from locals, Clay pursues
what few leads he has with the help of Jenna and a group of college kids who are up
for a getaway weekend. But little do they know, they've entered the domain of one
of the most terrifying specters in American film history--the infamous killer who
haunts Crystal Lake, armed with a razor-sharp machete...Jason Voorhees.
BURBANK, CA (April 6, 2009) - One of television's most beloved and touching dramas
is back when Everwood: The Complete Second Season comes to DVD June 16, 2009 from
Warner Home Video. The Emmy® nominated series created by Greg Berlanti (Brothers &
Sisters, Dirty Sexy Money) stars Treat Williams, Gregory Smith and Vivien Cardone
as a family building a new life in Everwood while tackling difficult real-life issues
such as grief, drugs, unplanned pregnancy and relationships. The long-awaited six-disc
collector's set of this critically acclaimed family drama includes all 22 episodes
from the second season, along with almost 40 minutes of never-before-seen unaired
scenes.
TOM AND JERRY GREATEST CHASES VOLUME 2
Release Date: June 16, 2009
It’s off to the races with more of a great team’s greatest!
It’s a well-known fact: cats chase mice. And it’s also well known that nobody aces
the art of the animated chase than Tom and Jerry. This fast-paced collection serves
up 14 more of their funniest faceoffs that the whole family will love. Tom throws a
tantrum when a girl dresses him as a baby in Sufferin' Cats. Jerry can't stop laughing...
but he gets into some Academy AwardÒ-winning* Mouse Trouble when Tom tries every trick
from the book How to Trap a Mouse. Jerry’s cat problem disappears in The Invisible
Mouse after he falls into a bottle of invisible ink. How to catch dinner while not
making a sound – one that can wake up bulldog Spike – is Tom’s touchy dilemma in
the OscarÒ winner* Quiet Please! Whosever side you’re on, you’re the winner when
you join the pursuit of these timeless cartoon.
TOM AND JERRY CHUCK JONES COLLECTION
Release date: June 23, 2009
Masters of the chase: Tom, Jerry…and Chuck.
34 hilarious animated shorts lovingly remastered!
The classic cartoon chase involving forever frustrated feline Tom and mightily mobile
mouse Jerry got spun in new and deliciously inventive ways when animation legend Chuck
Jones set up shop at the team’s home studio and produced the 34 wonderful shorts in
this Deluxe 2-Disc Collection. Tom got furrier cheeks and thicker eyebrows. Jerry
got larger eyes and ears and a more sweet-natured expression. But Jones and his
collaborators put them through their hilarious misadventures with renewed personality
and style and also cleverly parodied pop culture as well. The result – now viewable
in widescreen format for the first time in decades as originally shown in theatres –
is a meeting of animation icons that’s endlessly entertaining.
WALLENDER: Sidetracked/Firewall/One Step Behind
Release date: June 2, 2009
Product Description
Kenneth Branagh plays Swedish detective Kurt Wallander in three new crime dramas based
on the best-selling books by Henning Mankell, an international publishing phenomenon
with over 25 million copies sold worldwide. Sidetracked, Firewall, and One Step Behind
follow Inspector Kurt Wallander - a disillusioned everyman - as he struggles against
a rising tide of violence in the seemingly sleepy backwaters in and around Ystad in
beautiful southern Sweden. Baffling crimes and apparently motiveless murders lead to
surprising and shocking discoveries in these Swedish noir thrillers.
REVIEW
This is a wonderful BBC series starrring Kenneth Branagh as Kurt Wallender. These
three 90-minute episodes are wonderfully written and acted. They present both a
good police drama and provide you with a very human police detective not only trying
to solve a very baffling case, but dealing with a number of emotional issues at home.
Kenneth Branagh is awesome in this role and David Warner is absolutely memorable as
his father -- suffering from alzheimer's. Here's a clip to give you a flavor of the
show by Kenneth Branagh.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/m2LC8C71LPA2A6.
I would recommend this DVD to everyone who enjoys CSI and NCIS. It has that flavor
to it, but is more personal than either of the two US shows, giving Branagh more meat
to sink his acting teeth into.
THE MENTALIST - SEASON ONE
Release Date: September 22, 2009
THE MENTALIST: The Complete First Season will be released on DVD on September 22.
This six-disc set will contain all 23 episodes of this first season and the set
will be priced at $59.98 SRP. The series stars Simon Baker as celebrity psychic Patrick Jane.
The series is described below:
"A mentalist is a master manipulator of thought and behavior." The mentalist is
Patrick Jane (Simon Baker in an acclaimed performance), a celebrity psychic whose
wife and child are viciously murdered by an elusive serial killer called Red John.
Devastated, Patrick admits his paranormal act is fake, renounces his earlier life
and uses his astonishing skills of observation and analysis - talents that made him
appear psychically gifted - to bring killers to justice. At crime scenes across
California, Patrick now helps an elite team of detectives break their toughest
cases. But no matter how many criminals he catches, Patrick never forgets his central
goal: Find Red John. And bring him down.
THE JETSONS: SEASON TWO, VOL. 1
Release date: June 3, 2009
The first 21 Episodes from 1985's `Season Two,' have been collected in this three-disc
boxed set from Warner Home Video. Jetsons-Season 2 V01.
In addition, a special featurette, `Jetsons: Return to the Future,' is also included
that focuses on the evolution of the series. Among those interviewed is animation
expert Mark Evanier.
The 21 episodes in this DVD boxed set from `Season Two' are: Elroy Meets Orbitty;
Rosie Come Home; Solar Snoops; Judy's Birthday Surprise; Super George; Family Fallout;
S.M.A.S.H.; The Mirrormorph; Mother's Day for Rosie; Jetsons' Millions; Fugitive Fleas;
Rip-Off Rosie; Far-Out Father; Astro's Big Moment; The Cosmic Courtship of George and
Jane; Fantasy Planet; S'no Relative; Instant Replay; Haunted Halloween; Future Tense;
and The Wrong Stuff.
Also includes a documentary featurette called, “The Jetsons Return to the Future,”
which looks at the various ways that the second season was updated for a new audience,
as well as how it distinguished itself from its predecessor. Interviews include
animation historians, cast, crew and others.
FRINGE
Release date: September 8, 2009
"FRINGE: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON features 20 episodes of the most exciting new show
on television, including over six hours of never-before-seen bonus features and
collectible lenticular packaging,” said Rosemary Markson, WHV Vice President, TV
and Special Interest Marketing. “Warner Home Video is ecstatic to release this much-
anticipated science-fiction hit on DVD and Blu-Ray.”
DVD Special Features Include:
Evolution: The Genesis of Fringe featurette - The creators of the show discuss how
the series unfolded and the qualities that make it so unique
Behind the Real Science of Fringe featurette - From teleportation to re-animation,
Fringe incorporates recent discoveries in science. Consulting experts and scientists
who are the authorities in their field address the areas of science which are the
inspiration for the show.
A Massive Undertaking: The Making of Fringe (on select episodes) - An in-depth
exploration of how select episodes came to be made: from the frozen far reaches of
shooting the pilot in Toronto, to the weekly challenges of bringing episodes to air
The Casting of Fringe- The story, as told by producers and cast, of how Anna Torv,
Joshua Jackson, John Noble and others came to be cast in the series.
Fringe Visual Effects featurette - Goes deep into the creation of the shared dream
state with some of the biggest VFX shots of the show.
Dissected Files: Unaired Scenes
Unusual Side Effects: Gag Reel
Deciphering the Scene
Roberto Orci Production Diary
Gene the Cow montage
Three Full-Length Commentaries from writers/producers, including J.J. Abrams, Roberto
Orci, Alex Kurtman, J.R. Orci, David Goodman, Bryan Burk, Akiva Goldsman and Jeff Pinkner
I love this show and have enjoyed all the episodes in this first season. I am
anxiously awaiting season two and SO happy that the DVD will be out with all those
wonderful extras listed above -- and more.
STARGATE ATLANTIS - SEASON 5
Release date: June 30, 2009
Stargate Atlantis: Season Five will be released on DVD on June 30. This five disc
set will contain all 20 episodes of this final season and the set will be priced
at $49.98 SRP. The series stars Robert Picardo, Joe Flanigan and Jason Momoa along
with appearances from Amanda Tapping, Michael Shanks and Paul McGillion.
In this action-packed fifth season, sparks fly when Woolsey becomes the new leader
of the Atlantis team. Meanwhile, McKay faces difficult personal challenges; Teyla
must balance her roles as mother and warrior; Ronan's past returns with a vengeance,
and Keller finds peril, then help, from an unlikely source. A provisional relationship
with the Wraith takes a shocking turn and new adversaries test the team's courage
and resolve like never before.
NEW FAMILY DVDS
Looking for movies you can watch with your children? I have moved many of the
family-oriented DVDs to a
Family DVDs page. Here you will find wonderful DVDs you can enjoy with your entire
family -- no matter the age. You will find background information about the DVD, but there
are clips as well from Warner Bros. Enjoy!
For more information on other DVDs that have just been released and reviewed, go to
New DVDs
DOCTOR WHO
In shops: July 2009
At long last Doctor Who is an ongoing monthly series! Tony Lee (Doctor Who: The
Forgotten), kicks off the time/space-faring series with the two-part “Silver
Scream.” In chapter one, the Doctor travels to 1920s Hollywood where he befriends
Charlie Chaplin and, of course, discovers an alien plot! Lee is joined by Al
Davison (The Dreaming) on this first story arc. Covers by Paul Grist and Davison.
BABYLON 5 MUSIC VIDEOS AND TRIBUTES
I found this message on the Babylon 5 moderated newsgroup this morning and just
had to post it so that others might enjoy the marvelous music videos created by
John Hudgens.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
As some of you may know, I was hired by Joe Straczynski back in the
day to create Babylon 5 music videos for him to use at science fiction
conventions, and later to promote the show to networks. Eight were
produced over the run of the series, not including the memorial videos
I did later for Rick Biggs and Andreas Katsulas.
For the longest time, the only way to see these was if Joe or I showed
them at a convention, but now, after numerous requests from fans over
the years, Joe has given me permission me to post these online.
- This is the extended version that I did for Andreas' widow ater the
original cut was released on the net. It's never been seen online
until now.
For those of you who've never seen these, I hope you enjoy them - and
for those that have (and emailed me many times over the years about
releasing them), I hope they're as good as you remember. Working with
Joe on these videos was one of the highlights of my career, and I'll
be forever grateful to him for the doors these have opened for me. I'm
proud to have them on my resume.
John Hudgens
www.zteamproductions.com
July 2-5, 2009
FIESTA CON
City: Tempe, Arizona
Place: Tempe Mission Palms Resort and Hotel
BABYLON 5: THE ENDURING LEGACY: It’s been over 15 years since Babylon 5 debuted.
Our panel looks back at the series and how it has influenced the genre and looks
ahead to what there might be in the future.
Fri 6-7p, Abbey South room. Summer Brooks (moderator), Lee Whiteside, Eytan Kollin
July 10-12, 2009
SHORE LEAVE
Place: Marriott's Hunt Valley Inn
City: Baltimore, Maryland
Guests: Jason Momoa, Rachel Luttrell, Robert Picardo, Ethan Phillips, Christopher
Heyerdahl, Michael Welch, Kevin Soro, Jasika Nicole -- and many more
July 10-12, 2009
TCON
Place: Sheraton Parkway North Toronto Hotel
City: Richmond Hill, Canada
Description: We have over 300 hours of programming including special media guest Q&A's,
scientists, authors, discussion panels, anime & video, gaming, autographs & photo sessions,
masquerade contest, dances and art displays. They host a charity auction that raises money
for Gilda's Club of Greater Toronto -- and they have the 3rd Annual Constellation Awards.
For more information, go to TCON.
August 6-9, 2009 OFFICIAL STAR TREK CONVENTION
Place: Las Vegas Hilton Hotel, 3000 Paradise Rd.
Guests: Just about anyone you can think of that has been associated with the show
August 27 - 29, 2009
Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention
Place: The Clarion Hotel
City: Aberdeen, Maryland
Guests: Lee Meriwether (Star Trek guest, Time Tunnel, and Batman), Bob Hastings
(McHale's Navy and The Munsters), James Best (Forbidden Planet and Dukes of Hazzard)
and Celeste Holm (Academy Award winning actress) and more.
For more information, go to
http://www.midatlanticnostalgiaconvention.com.
September 4-7, 2009 Dragon-Con
City: Atlanta, Georgia
B5 Guests: Stephen Furst, Tracey Scoggins, Bruce Boxleitner, Dwight Schultz
For more information, go to www.dragoncon.org
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS! Creation Entertainment has a large number of
conventions planned for the next several months. They include stars from STARGATE,
ENTERPRISE, FARSCAPE, XENA, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, etc. Check out their calendar to
see if one will be in your neighborhood soon. Don't miss their
Videos page as well. It is
full of some priceless video from a number of conventions.
Be sure to visit the referenced sites to see if there have been changes in
dates/guests attending. Visit our Convention Calendar
for a full listing of upcoming conventions.
BACK ISSUES OF THE ZOCALO TODAY
The front page of the The Zocalo Today changes daily, so be sure to check the
back issues to make sure that you haven't missed anything IMPORTANT! I don't want the front page getting too
long so I shift information periodically into the archives. So if you aren't a regular visitor to The Zocalo Today, be sure
to check out the back issues. Just use the button above!
Take care and I look forward to hearing from you. Sandra Bruckner (sgbruckner@aol.com)
Editor/Publisher
ISN News: The Zocalo Today
http://www.isnnews.net
Copyright - SBruckner, 1999-2009
VIEW-MASTER MOVIE
BOX OFFICE NEWS
WARNER BROS. ACQUIRES MIDWAY GAMES
Welcome to Show #162!
BRUCE BOXLEITNER
EFREM ZIMBALIST, JR.
Once the Facebook Power Ring Widget has been added to a fan's page, they can
"recharge their ring" continuously to keep it powered to 100% and automatically
submit additional entries in the sweepstakes. Additional features of the widget
include a Personality Quiz, Green Lantern IQ Test, Video, News and Updates,
Downloads and Links.
HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU
PEANUTS 1960s COLLECTION
THIRD WATCH: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON
INKHEART
DOCTOR WHO
September 4-7, 2009
