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!
SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2009
WALTER CRONKITE - DEAD AT 92
On the great, if not the greatest news journalists has died. Walter Cronkite, long
time newsman and anchor for CBS, died yesterday at the age of 92. Cronkite,
recruited by Edward R. Murrow from the United Press wire service, joined CBS News
in 1950. He served as “Evening News” anchor and managing editor of CBS News from
April 16, 1962, to March 6, 1981. Beginning in 1937, his career spanned more than
six decades in radio, print and TV. He earned the accolade “the most trusted man
in America” for his earnest and stalwart style as the anchorman of the “CBS Evening
News” for nearly two decades.
Following his departure from CBS News, he served as the correspondent for CBS Reports’
“Child of Apartheid,” which won an Emmy and an Overseas Press Club Edward R. Murrow
Award for outstanding documentary. He also produced and hosted an eight-part Discovery
Channel series “Cronkite Remembers,” which traced historical events of the 20th century.
Cronkite closed each “Evening News” newscast with the line, “And that’s the way it
is,” followed by the date. Here was a newsman whose vocabulary did NOT include the
word "spin". His honest and insightful views on today's news is sorely missed.
President Obama commented on his passing by saying:
"He brought us all those stories large and small which would come to define the 20th
century. That's why we love Walter, because in an era before blogs and e-mail cell
phones and cable, he was the news. Walter invited us to believe in him, and he never
let us down."
CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
The Hollywood Reporter writes that Jorja Fox is returning to CSI for five episodes
in season 10. She will reprise her character of Sara Sidle and executive producer/
showrunner Carol Mendelsohn says, "The viewers and longtime CSI fans will be excited
to discover where life has taken Sara Sidle and what brings her back to the CSI team
in Las Vegas in our premiere episode." What about Gil Grissom? No mention of William
Peterson returning at this point. The series returns with new episodes Sept. 24.
WORLD WAR Z
According to Fangoria, Matthew Michael Carnahan has come aboard to rewrite WORLD WAR Z.
Max Brooks, who penned the original graphic novel, revealed that Carnahan, brother of
director Joe Carnahan, is taking on the project. J. Michael Straczynski was previously
attached to write the film.
"He's one of Hollywood's hot A-list writers, so if they went after him and paid him
a mountain of gold, it definitely shows their confidence in this project," Brooks
revealed on the site's radio program.
Carnahan has written such political thrillers as THE KINGDOM, LIONS FOR LAMBS and
this year's STATE OF PLAY.
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE PLAN
Universal Studios Home Entertainment announced that it will release a Blu-ray version
of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE PLAN on Oct. 27, the same day the one-off telefilm drops
on DVD. THE PLAN is directed by and stars Edward James Olmos. Jane Espenson wrote the
screenplay. It recaps the story of the destruction of the human Colonies from the point
of view of the Cylons. The new discs will include the uncensored 90-minute feature film.
The cast also includes Michael Trucco, Aaron Douglas, Dean Stockwell, Tricia Helfer,
Grace Park, Rick Worthy, Matthew Bennett, Callum Keith Rennie, Michael Hogan and Rekha
Sharma. Extras include:
My Scenes: Bookmark your favorite scenes from the movie.
Battlestar Galactica trivia game.
Deleted scenes .
"From Admiral to Director: Edward James Olmos and the Plan": A day in the life with
Olmos as he tackles the most ambitious Battlestar production to date.
"The Cylons of the Plan": Features interviews with the actors who play the film's
key Cylons, including Stockwell, Helfer, Park, Trucco, Worthy and Bennett.
"The Cylon Attack": This featurette takes viewers behind the scenes for the planning
and execution of one of Battlestar Galactica: The Plan's major action sequences.
"Behind the Plan": An in-depth look at some stunning visual effects and the role
post-production plays in bringing the world of Battlestar Galactica to life.
Filmmaker commentary. SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL
A final program schedule is now posted at
http://www.comic-con.org/. Check it out.
SCIENCE FICTION NEWS STORIES:
News from yesterday and the last couple of months can be found in the
News Archive. Check it out
to catch up on all that has been going on in the world of science fiction.
8:00pm on ABC
Castle - Episode: A Chill Goes Through Her Veins (First Aired: April 06, 2009)
The frozen body of a missing woman is discovered at a construction site; Beckett
is forced to confront some difficult memories.
8:00pm on CBS
The Unit - Episode: Dancing Lessons (First Aired: October 26, 2008)
A nuclear scientist insists on making a deal with the team before revealing
information about an imminent terrorist attack on a major U.S. city; Kim, Molly
and Tiffy are asked to work undercover with Jonas.
8:00pm on NBC
Kings - Episode: The New King (NEW)
Silas imprisons Jack and David on charges of treason and continues with his plan
to hand over Port Prosperity to Gath; Michelle tries to find a way to keep David
alive.
8:00pm on BBC America
Primeval(First Aired: July 11, 2009)
The team enters a future world filled with predators while trying to rescue Abby's
brother from a giant carnivorous insect.
9:00pm on CBS
NUMB3RS - Episode: Atomic No. 33 (First Aired: May 02, 2008)
A mass poisoning at a cult compound leads the team to a complex murder plot.
9:00pm on BBC America
Primeval - NEW
The team faces a herd of prehistoric rhinoceros-like beasts; Danny arrives with a
mysterious woman from the future.
9:00pm on Syfy
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest(2006)
Capt. Jack Sparrow must find a way to avoid the clutches of ghostly pirate Davey
Jones and his crew or be damned for all eternity. Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom,
Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, Geoffrey Rush
Part 2 (pages 387-778) includes more than 800 missives grouped into the following
topics:
FAN INTERACTION
FIVE YEAR ARC
How the arc was structured, what the cast and crew really knew about where the
characters and story were headed, specifically what JMS had mapped out and to what
level of detail, who had seen the entire series outline (and who hadn't), which
actor knew the most about the entire arc, why he wouldn't leak a fake 5 year arc,
what would happen if anything happened to him during the series run, why he wrote
the arc so that the fans could never know for sure what was going to happen next,
how he wrote the show so fans would not be lost if they missed an episode, what
one question he intended not to answer at the end of the 5 year arc, why he structured
the show as a novel, how he balanced the characters over the 5 year run, why Babylon 5
was a 5 year story and why he could never extend it (even if he wanted to), what he
meant by "accelerating the arc," how he compensated for cast changes, how the long
wait to sell the show to the networks benefited the arc, specifics about how he
adjusted the arc on the chance the show was canceled after the fourth season, how
he wrote the arc so that nuances would surface for fans watching the series for a
second, third or fourth time.
FUN WITH JMS
INFLUENCES - FILM, TV & MUSIC
INFLUENCES - HISTORY & LITERATURE
JMS ON JMS
JMS ON POLITICS
LAST DAYS & LEGACY OF BABYLON 5
JMS recalls how the industry reacted to Babylon 5's novel-for-television structure,
why he never considers himself an SF "superstar", the aspects of B5 that he is most
proud of, what it's like to be the guy who created B5, how he reacts to others'
interpretations of the show, the lessons he learned producing B5, his feelings on
the set the last day of shooting, the truth behind the "cast turmoil" over the
ending of the show, his reaction whenever SF shows are compared to Babylon 5 and
what has to happen for there to ever be more Babylon 5 on the screen.
MERCHANDISE OF BABYLON 5
MUSIC OF BABYLON 5
ONLINE EXPERIMENT
J. Michael Straczynski's interaction with fans in the online world is showcased
in this section which focuses on the highs...and the lows of that ongoing conversation.
With messages dating back to 1991, JMS addresses why he put himself in an Internet
forum, his concerns about fans having too much information, his motivation for his
exchanges with fandom, specifically how his online conversation with fans has been
helpful to the writing process (and how it has not), the biggest benefit to his
online presence, how he "waved" to the GEnie forums in the pilot, how he remained
unaffected by what he read online, why fans couldn't post story ideas, what he
really thinks of the online communities, his move to the moderated newsgroup, how
he handles criticism, details of one of his worst experiences online and his thoughts
at the 10 year mark of his online experiment.
PHYSICS & BABYLON 5
PLACES & PLANETS
PRODUCTION OF BABYLON 5
Harlan Ellison's involvement kicks off this package of posts along with how much
material was edited out of each episode, what JMS cut that he wishes he could put
back, how the editing process works and how it impacts what the fans see, the varied
shots used by directors to tell the story, how JMS learned not be upset by production
glitches, what he would go back and rework if he could, how the B5 production model
differs from most other shows, how he and the team handled revisions, step-by-step
what happened from script to screen, how JMS got the most value from the budget,
why there wasn't a bathroom scene in the pilot, what he would have done if he had
had $1 million more per show, how the crew expressed their "feedback" to JMS and
his policy for how opinions about the show were to be expressed and how directors
maintained his vision for the show.
Read the entire description of this book at
http://www.cafepress.com/b5books. Be sure to order now and get the $10 off --
good through July 22 only.
BABYLON PODCAST
Welcome to Show #163!
In-A-Kosha-Da-Vida has affected Jeffrey’s mind. There are so many “days” on July 1st
and 2nd, it’s amazing people get anything done in early July.
Who knew there was a Ducktona 500 and a Kenducky Derby?
Feedbackapalooza: Tim and Summer try to burn through the buildup of voicemails,
and we haven’t even gotten to the ones commenting on the JMS interview yet.
And yes, we’re going to start throwing in more voicemails during the regular shows
from here on out… otherwise, we’d easily start running over an hour fifteen on
Feedbackapalooza shows!
Babylon 5 Musical Project Suggestions: We need a B5 or Vorlon version of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida,
and a West Side Story parody with B5 themed modifications. Get your imaginations
churning, and send ‘em in!
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.
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.
Warner Bros. has opened up a wonderful movie archive -- with a ton of classics that are
totally unknown treasures to most people. Got me to thinking about old movies in general.
What are your favorite old movies -- not just from science fiction genre, but any that
really are #1 and #2 for you -- movies that you can watch over and over again.
I grew up in an era of wonderful action flicks -- and I still love them. THEY DIED WITH
THEIR BOOTS ON will be on ENCORE channel, again this month. I love Erol Flynn and while
this one doesn't rank up there with ROBIN HOOD, it is one you can sit through regardless
of the length. How about you? Let's hear what your favorites are.
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.
KEEPING UP WITH CAST AND CREW
CLAUDIA CHRISTIAN
Ranger Judy pointed us over to Claudia's Fan Newsletter: http://www.claudiachristian.net.
Claudia just finished her new Showtime Series LOOK. Not sure when it will be seen
here, but Showtime has ordered 8 episodes.
REBO AND ZOOTY
Ranger Anne passed along the following observation:
Former B5 guests Penn & Teller are in the seventh season of their Showtime series
"Bulls***!" seen Thursday nights at 10pm ET. The series features the magicians debunking
various unusual phenomena inculding the paranormal, sexual myths, creationism, astrology
& self-help gurus. It combines interview and hidden camera segments with Penn & Teller's
magic performances. Needless to say, "Bulls***!" is rated TV-MA for mature audiences only.
It's certainly a far cry from Rebo & Zooty.
Ranger Lyta adds - If you miss it repeats air on Fri nights, Sat nights and Mon
nights, on Showtime.
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.
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.
TNT SHOWS
LEVERAGE - Season Two Begins
LEVERAGE returns for Season 2 on Wednesday, July 15 at 9/8C on TNT:
LEVERAGE comes from blockbuster film producer Dean Devlin (Independence Day) and
writer/producer John Rogers (Transformers, Blue Beetle) and Chris Downey. It is
a fun, fast-paced caper drama series.
In the series, a renegade team of modern-day Robin Hoods operates outside the law
to take revenge against those who use power and wealth to victimize others.
Separately, they’re criminals with reputations for working alone. Together,
they’re the perfect team to turn the tables on the corrupt and level the playing
field for the little guy.
Starring: Timothy Hutton as Nate Ford (mastermind), Gina Bellman as Sophie Devereaux
(grifter), Christian Kane as Eliot Spencer (muscles), Beth Riesgraf as Parker (thief),
Aldis Hodge as Alec Hardison (hacker)
DARK BLUE
DARK BLUE premieres Wednesday, July 15 at 10/9c on TNT.
The all-new series, Jerry Bruckheimer produced DARK BLUE follows undercover police
officers as they infiltrate the dark side of Los Angeles. The officers have to
skirt ethical lines to accomplish their jobs. Their morals and identities are
challenged. How long can they pretend to be something before becoming it?
DARK BLUE stars Golden Globe winner Dylan McDermott.
LEVERAGE and DARK BLUE VIDEO GAMES:
TNT is giving viewers more ways to enjoy these new shows with on-line games.
In "Get Ready to Get Even" game at http://leveragehq.com/,
Nate (Hutton) needs their help in an all-new promotional game. Nate's laptop, which
contains valuable, extremely secret information about each person on the team, has
been stolen. In the life of a con artist, information is the deadliest weapon.
The Leverage team needs game players to recover the files, documents and photos
on the laptop by completing a series of missions. Those who accomplish each task
will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a multi-city trip to become an
expert in the art of the con. One lucky winner will visit Paris, London and New
York, sites of some of history's greatest capers. Last season's edition of the
LeverageHQ promotional game was visited by more than half a million users, with
two out of three respondents to a survey reporting that they watched all of LEVERAGE's
first season episodes. This game was developed in collaboration with Lead Dog Marketing.
DARK BLUE: Undercover (http://DarkBlueUndercover.com)
Viewers will learn there is a fine line between going under and crossing over as
they engage in a new promotional online game for DARK BLUE. At DarkBlueUndercover.com,
game players will become members of an elite undercover squad run by Carter Shaw
(McDermott). Each player will get a false identity and weekly missions to bring
down a gun-running ring. The challenges will force players to make some of the
difficult decisions that undercover cops face. Based on these decisions, players
will either get caught by the group they are trying to infiltrate; get "flipped"
and become seduced by a life of crime; or go deeper undercover. At the end of 10
weeks, those who have taken the challenge will be entered in a drawing for a chance
to win a trip undercover in Los Angeles with VIP access to the hottest clubs and
restaurants, a private helicopter tour of the Sunset strip and a ride with a former
undercover LAPD officer. This game was developed in collaboration with Omelet.
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS GAME FOR IPHONE AND IPOD TOUCH
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution and TT Games announced the debut of the highly
anticipated GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS game app. Offering endless gameplay that showcases
the powerful capabilities of the iPhone and iPod Touch, GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS features
36 insanely fun digital game challenges based on real life world records. These digital
competitions are as wacky and bizarre as they are challenging and fun. From crushing
watermelons with the "player's head" and plucking feathers from a "turkey," to throwing
a "washing machine" the farthest, all using the touch screen and motion sensing technologies
of the iPhone and iPod Touch, the fun never stops. The "Guinness World Records" app is
available now on the App Store for $4.99.
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS features 36 of the most outrageously challenging games found
on the iPhone/iPod Touch. They include:
* Cockroach Eating
* Watermelon Crushing
* Longest Burp
* Largest bubblegum bubble blown
GREEN LANTERN: FIRST FLIGHT - PREMIERE AT COMIC-CON
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.
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.
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.
PUSHING DAISIES - COMPLETE SECOND SEASON
Official Release Date: July 21, 2009
Official website: http://www.pushingdaisiesdvd.com
Synopsis:
This forensic fairytale follows Ned, a young man with a very special gift. As a
boy, Ned discovered that he could return the dead briefly back to life with just
one touch. Now a pie maker, Ned puts his ability to good use, not only touching
dead fruit and making it ripe with everlasting flavor, but working with a private
investigator to crack murder cases by raising the dead and getting them to name
their killers. But the tale gets complicated when Ned brings his childhood sweetheart,
Chuck, back from the dead -- and keeps her alive. Chuck becomes the third partner in
Ned and Emerson's private-investigation enterprise, encouraging them to use Ned's
skills for good, not just for profit. Life would be perfect for Ned and Chuck, except
for one cruel twist: If he ever touches her again, she'll go back to being dead,
this time for good.
Product Description
An aquarium worker with a live shark latched onto him…a blind woman and her guide
companion (a miniature horse!)…a college boy with an arrow in his gut (his fraternity
brothers were aiming for the apple on his head). Gunshot victims. Homeless children.
Cardiac cases. So many patients, so little time. Year 11 of the fast-paced series
brings challenges and changes to the ER. Corday and Chen weigh work and family.
Abby finds that being a good doctor is as tough as being a good nurse. Ray Barnett
– doctor by day, rock star by night – arrives. Carter decides to leave. He’s been
there from the start, a student turned leader who picked up where Greene left off.
He set the tone, provided the example. His impact will endure.
REVIEW:
This is one of those shows that has grown better over time. We've seen George Clooney
launch his career on this show. Season 11 includes Ray Liotta's emmy winning episode
"Time of Death", a real time episode following the final 43 minutes of his character's
life. Also during this season, Alex Kingston, Ming Na and Noah Wyle exit County General.
The show continues to have wonderful guest stars including Red Buttons, Danny Glover,
Cynthia Nixon, Francis Fisher and Sharif Atkins.
While the staff holds many of the plots together, ER includes some of the most
memorable patient storylines. New doc Ray Barnett (Shane West) juggles medicine
and music, Sam and Luka continue their turbulent relationship, and Corday is
punished for performing an illegal operation.
It is good to see that the series are now coming out more quickly. You have less
time to wait to see this favorite series -- on your schedule.
FRIENDS CELEBRATES 15 YEARS
Experience the best moments from this hugely popular Emmy-award winning series with
the all-new BEST OF Collections, now available only on iTunes.
Including the best hand-picked Friends episodes, these collections feature the most
memorable moments of the series, including the dramatic break-ups, the emotional
make-ups, and of course, some of most hilarious scenes that ever aired on TV,
capturing the unforgettable storylines that made Friends a smash hit.
The Complete Series is also now available for the first time on iTunes. Get the
full seasons for the full experience.
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
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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WALTER CRONKITE - DEAD AT 92
HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU
CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
WORLD WAR Z
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE PLAN
SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL
9:00pm on TBS
LEVERAGE - Season Two Begins
DARK BLUE
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.
PUSHING DAISIES - COMPLETE SECOND SEASON
FRIENDS CELEBRATES 15 YEARS
PEANUTS 1960s COLLECTION
THIRD WATCH: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON
INKHEART
DOCTOR WHO
September 4-7, 2009