Babylon 5 ISN News: The Zocalo Today
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The Zocalo Today
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!
SUPERNATURAL CAST ADDITION
The CW confirms that Mark Pellegrino -- a former "Dexter" baddie, as well as "Lost"'s
Jacob -- is joining SUPERNATURAL to play the pivotal role of Lucifer. No word yet on
how this casting news will impact his part on "Lost," but because Lucifier is just a
recurring character, he could certainly pop up on both shows.
MARVEL PRODUCTION UPDATE
At the recent Saturn Award, Marvel's head of marketing, Doug Finberg, provided an
update on Marvel projects. Finberg confirmed that the working title of the Captain
America film is THE FIRST AVENGER: CAPTAIN AMERICA. That would both introduce Cap and
lead into the concept of The Avengers, which would follow. "It's something we're
considering, and really at the end of the day, everyone is going to know that he
is Captain America," Finberg said.
AVENGERS screenwriter Zak Penn said earlier in the week, at the L.A. Film Festival,
that he is running around between IRON MAN 2, THOR and CAPTAIN AMERICA production
offices to make sure his script coordinates with the introduction of key superheroes,
and, of course, his script has to be done before the other films are. Finberg was
confident that all teams could unite for a solid Avengers film. "Having everybody
on board and really being able to actually work as a team together and develop the
Marvel cinematic universe is what's most important to us," Finberg said.
The long-term plan is to introduce Thor and Captain America, then combine them with
Iron Man to form the Avengers. But that still only accounts for three members of the
famed superhero team, four if they throw in the Hulk. Could Penn introduce any new
supporting superheroes in the Avengers film itself? That's not off the table, according
to Finberg. "I think that really remains to be seen," he said.
Samuel L. Jackson has signed on to continue playing Nick Fury, agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.,
in the Marvel universe films. Expect him to play a major role in the upcoming films,
with the possibility of his own film down the road, Finberg said. "Well, we have a
multi-picture deal with him, so obviously we're in business with him for a while to
come, and we really enjoy working with Sam," he said.
Thor will be another case of Marvel's trusting a director to bring a unique vision
to their property, as Sam Raimi did for Spider-Man, Bryan Singer did for X-Men and
Jon Favreau did for Iron Man. "Kenneth Branagh at the head of it all is really the
critical thing to us, to really create his vision" of Thor, Finberg said. "He and
[Marvel honcho] Kevin [Feige] are working really closely together."
As for IRON MAN 2, which is currently in production, Finberg assured fans they can
expect more of the same action and improvisational drama courtesy of star Robert
Downey Jr. There may be no way to manage fan expectations for the sequel to a $300-
plus-million-grossing film, but Marvel is committed to pleasing them.
"It really is more to come," Finberg said. "Ultimately, the final expectation, the
final verdict, is with the fans, and that's something that the team of Marvel does
a phenomenal job at, actually making the best movie from the material they can."
IRON MAN 2 is due out May 7, 2010. THOR is next, on May 20, 2011. Then CAPTAIN AMERICA
on July 22, 2011, and THE AVENGERS on May 4, 2012.
DAYBREAKERS
The first trailer has been released for DAYBREAKERS, the vampire thriller starring
Ethan Hawke and Willem Dafoe. Hawke portrays a researcher in the year 2019, during
a time when a plague has changed most of the world's population into vampires.
As the human population dwindles, vampires hunt, capture and farm every remaining
human in order to survive, or else must find a blood substitute before time runs
out. But some humans won't go down without a fight ...
Use this link to see the trailer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-TTlbkobHQ&feature=player_embedded.
DAYBREAKERS doesn't open until Jan. 8, 2010.
SPIDER-MAN BROADWAY CAST ADDITIONS
The Hollywood Reporter writes that Evan Rachel Wood and Alan Cumming have joined
the cast of SPIDER-MAN TURN OFF THE DARK, the upcoming Broadway musical about the
famous web-slinger.
Wood will portray Peter Parker's girlfriend Mary Jane Watson, while Alan Cumming
takes on the role of Norman Osborn, also known as the villainous Green Goblin.
The musical, directed by Julie Taymor, begins preview performances Feb. 25, 2010,
at the Hilton Theatre.
An opening date will be announced later -- as will the actor who will play Spider-Man.
WARNER BROS. AND SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON
This year's Comic-Con International San Diego have officially sold out. There remains
a lot of anticipation for what movies might have presentations at the annual event,
especially the big movie presentations in the 6,000+ seat Hall H, which is always
packed to capacity.
Warner Bros. is leading the pack of studios announcing their line-up, starting on
Thursday, July 23 at 3:30PM with the first-ever 3D Presentation in Hall H of the
fourth chapter of the horror franchise THE FINAL DESTINATION with producer Craig
Perry on hand.
The studio's biggest presentation will take place on Friday, July 24th between 10:15
AM and 12:30 PM with most of their biggest movies including Spike Jonze's WHERE THE
WILD THINGS ARE, The Hughes Bros.' THE BOOK OF ELI (starring Denzel Washignton),
Platinum Dunes' relaunch of A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, Richard (Donnie Darko) Kelly's
THE BOX (starring Cameron Diaz), as well as presentations for JONAH HEX and Guy
Ritchie's SHERLOCK HOLMES. No word on the talent attending but going by past WB
presentations, they should have most of the filmmakers and hopefully a lot of the
cast from all films as well.
Lastly, Robert Rodriguez will be holding a special presentation and Q & A for his
new family film SHORTS on Friday at 1:45 in Room 6DE.
I AM NUMBER FOUR
When I first heard the title of this upcoming movie, I thought it was a spin-off of
the PRISONER. All their "guests" had numbers -- but this project is totally different.
According to Variety, Michael Bay is undertaking a new sci-fi venture to produce, with
DreamWorks, and possibly direct I AM NUMBER FOUR, the first in a six-book sci-fi novel
series.
One of the more unusual developments is that one of the book's two authors was said
to be James Frey, the infamous author who penned A MILLION LITTLE PIECES. The book
was shopped around under psedonyms, but a source for the trade indicates that Frey
is one of the authors of the new book. The studio wouldn't confirm if Frey is indeed
one of the authors.
The book centers on nine teenage aliens who escape their home planet right before
its obliteration and head to Earth to blend in as high school kids. The title character
then discovers that he is being hunted by the enemy species that destroyed his home
planet. It was said that the book's publishing and screen rights were being shopped
simultaneously.
Frey became embroiled in scandal when it was learned that his beloved non-fiction
book, A MILLION LITTLE PIECES was partially fabricated and embellished by the author.
HELLIFIED
Paramount has acquired the supernatural action script HELLIFIED by Andy Burg, and
set Dan Bradley to direct. According to The Hollywood Reporter, HELLIFIED is
described as a supernatural action movie involving a journey to hell.
The script and the accompanying six-figure deal mark a return to Hollywood for Burg,
a comedy and family-film writer who has worked on such movies as 1989's K-9 and 1996's
ALASKA. During the early 2000s, he segued to the Internet, fashioning himself as a
Web entrepreneur. With HELLIFIED the scribe hopes to begin a new act as an action
writer. No production date has been set.
WATCHMEN DIRECTOR'S CUT
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the director's cut of WATCHMEN, featuring an
additional 25 minutes of footage and the death of a supporting character, will
receive a limited theatrical rollout during the weekend ahead of its July 21
home-video release.
The superhero saga, which was considered to be a bit of a box office disappointment
during its first go-round in March, will screen in Los Angeles, New York, Minneapolis
and Dallas.
The rollout will culminate with a special screening July 25 at the Comic-Con International
confab in San Diego, taking advantage of a Blu-ray Disc feature that will allow any
viewer in North America to watch the movie at the same time as the audience at Comic-Con,
see and hear director Zack Snyder comment on the movie, and even ask questions. The
screening will then be archived and will be able to be accessed for future viewings.
"Comic-Con, it isn't just comic book fanatics, it's cinephiles as well. It'll be cool
to discuss what people are thinking," Snyder said at a WATCHMEN press day, held
Wednesday at Warner Bros., where the news was unveiled.
The day was designed to showcase a bonus Blu-ray feature called Maximum Movie Mode
as well as features to be seen in Snyder's Blu-ray release of "300: The Complete Experience."
The theatrical rerelease is unusual, given that the costly movie grossed just $107.5
million domestically. Critics were also divided about the movie, with some saying it
was too slavish to the graphic novel's many devotees. Snyder, however, said, "I'm
proud of the movie. It does everything I wanted it to."
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
Without a Trace - Episode: Voir Dire (First Aired: March 17, 2009)
The team searches for a trial consultant who goes missing during a big civil case;
Jack and Samantha adjust to Brian spending time with Finn.
8:00pm on NBC
Kings - Episode: Pilgrimage (NEW)
King Silas takes David with him on a pilgrimage; Jack and Michelle's secret is in
danger of being exposed.
8:00pm on BBC America
Primeval(First Aired: June 24, 2009)
A medieval knight comes through an anomaly in pursuit of what he believes to be
a dragon.
9:00pm on CBS
Harper's Island - Episode: Splash (NEW)
Stunned by more deaths and the disappearance of yet another friend, the group begins
to fight back, more determined than ever to track down the island's killer.
9:00pm on ABC
Castle - Episode: Nanny McDead (First Aired: March 16, 2009)
The body of a nanny is found inside the dryer of a laundry room in an upscale apartment
building where she worked; Castle tries to get inside Beckett's head while writing the
first novel in his Nikki Heat series.
9:00pm on BBC America
Doctor Who - Episode: The Next Doctor (NEW)
The doctor meets a strange man in Victorian England, called The Doctor.
9:00pm on SciFi
Mutant Chronicles(2008)
In the 28th century a soldier and a priest lead a platoon deep underground to destroy
a machine that is churning out hundreds of bloodthirsty mutants. Thomas Jane, Ron
Perlman, Devon Aoki, Sean Pertwee, Benno Fürmann
10:00pm on ABC
Eli Stone - Episode: Mortal Combat (NEW)
After sleeping together, Maggie and Eli face each other in court; Matt tries to help
his former firm.
DISCUSSION TOPIC - MOVIES
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 #161!
Faith Manages.
The interview everyone clamored for but hadn’t been holding their breath waiting
for has come to pass.
JMS, The Great Maker, graciously allows Tim and Summer to throw a seemingly endless
stream of questions about the origins and creation of Babylon 5, the production and
growing pains of the show, and dealing with the vagaries of the industry of Hollywood,
the bizarre perfect storm surrounding Crusade on TNT, and more.
And yes, this interview went long enough that the only way to do it justice was to
split it over two episodes, so come back next week for part 2!
You have until June 27th to enter the contest to win a free iTunes copy of the Harlan
Ellison documentary Dreams with Sharp Teeth!
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
Jeffrey Willerth - June 5
Donovan Brown (Optic Nerve) - June 6
Ann Bruice Aling - June 8
Mark Walters - June 10
Susan Norkin (Post) - June 10
Adrienne Barbeau (Amanda Carter) - June 11
Mike Vejar - June 25
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.
WARNER ARCHIVE - JUNE RELEASES
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.
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 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
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MARVEL PRODUCTION UPDATE
DAYBREAKERS
WARNER BROS. AND SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON
I AM NUMBER FOUR
WATCHMEN DIRECTOR'S CUT
The interview everyone clamored for but hadn’t been holding their breath waiting
for has come to pass.
BRUCE BOXLEITNER
EFREM ZIMBALIST, JR.
HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU
INKHEART
DOCTOR WHO
September 4-7, 2009