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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!

Glitter News




SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2009

SCI-FI VS. SCIENCE FICTION DEBATE
While fans and critics debate whether the name change helped Syfy's new series WAREHOUSE 13 achieve record ratings, SciFiWire discovered this video that includes Harlan Ellison, J. Michael Straczynski and others discussing the difference between "sci-fi" and "science fiction" on Sci-Fi Vortex 12 years ago.
You have to watch this -- it is a fascinating discussion.

Coster-Waldau GAME OF THRONES
The Hollywood Reporter writes that NEW AMSTERDAM star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and several others actors have joined the cast of HBO's fantasy pilot GAME OF THRONES. The group joins the previously cast lead Sean Bean as battle-weary Ned Stark, who leaves his home to serve the king. Mark Addy, Kit Harrington, Jennifer Ehle, Jack Gleeson, Peter Dinklage and Harry Lloyd also star.
In the adaptation of the George R.R. Martin fantasy book series, Coster-Waldau will play Jaime Lannister, one of the king's guards and a ruthless usurper of the previous king. The actor was most recently seen in Ron Moore's Fox pilot VIRTUALITY. Other cast members include Tamzin Merchant (Showtime's The Tudors), who'll play Daenerys, an exiled teenage princess and Richard Madden (Hope Springs) as Stark's eldest son, Robb; Iain Glen (Into the Storm) as Ser Jorah Mormont, a disgraced knight; Alfie Allen (The Other Boleyn Girl) as Theon, Stark's young ward; Sophie Turner (Doctor Who) as Stark's eldest daughter, Sansa; and Maisie Williams as Stark's young tomboy daughter, Arya.
HBO still has a few more roles to fill in the large ensemble cast of THRONES, one of the more buzzed-about titles on the network's development slate. The pilot shoots in Ireland in October.

Bryan Singer NEW EXCALIBER ON THE HORIZON
According to reports in Variety, Bryan Singer has closed a deal to produce and potentially direct a remake of the 1981 fantasy flick EXCALIBER for Warner Brothers. EXCALIBER is the quintessential myth-of-King-Arthur film, complete with the enchanted sword, the Knights of the Round Table, Merlin the wizard and the quest for the Holy Grail to save Arthur's life. The original film was directed by John Boorman and adapted from the Thomas Malory book by Rospo Pallenberg and Boorman. WB and Legendary Pictures labored for months to pull together the rights to the film, which Singer will produce with Julie Yorn. Polly Johnsen, who was Polly Cohen when she was the WB exec who presided over the Singer-directed WB/Legendary collaboration SUPERMAN RETURNS, will also be a producer.
Boorman's film featured such stars as Helen Mirren (who played the evil Morgana) and Liam Neeson (Sir Gawain), as well as Gabriel Byrne and Patrick Stewart. WB had some of the rights as a library title; the rest were secured from Boorman. Singer hasn't set a writer yet.
At the same time, Singer has been flirting with directing X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, a 20th Century Fox spinoff that got a first script draft by O.C. creator Josh Schwartz.

Hiroyuki Sanada LOST NEWS
As the fall television season heats up, more and more casting news keeps getting release. The latest cast addition to fan favorite LOST is popular Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada. According to Entertainment Weekly, it is not known who Sanada will be playing on the show, but the role will be quite significant, and he will be appearing on more than one episode. LOST returns to ABC in 2010.

SMALLVILLE
SMALLVILLE fans will want to look at the season 9 trailer over on Entertainment Weekly. There is a lot going on this season -- beginning September 25 at 8:00pm ET.
Brian Austin Green Speaking of SMALLVILLE, here's a picture of Brian Austin Green in his new role as Metallo, on a two-episode arc starting with the ninth season's premiere episode. John Corben is a new Daily Planet Reporter who, in the aftermath of an accident, is mysteriously outfitted with a heart made of Kryptonite. The identity of Corben's savior is being kept under wraps until the show's debut, but executive producer Kelly Souders states that Corben is turned into "a rough version of Metallo, a first attempt at the technology, and eventually he'll get sleeker."

JMS JMS AT FAN-CON NEXT WEEKEND
Just saw a posting in the B5 moderated newsgroup that J. Michael Straczynski will be attending the Fan-Con in Toronto next weekend, August 24-26, 2009. The posting indicates JMS has a spotlight panel and autograph session on Saturday and another autograph session on Sunday. Go to http://www.hobbystar.com/fanexpo/ for more information.

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.


On The Tube




8:00pm on CBS
Without a Trace-Episode: True (First Aired: May 12, 2009)
Jack reluctantly agrees to look for his daughter's boyfriend when he runs away from home.

8:00pm on USA
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

8:30pm on ABC
War of the Worlds(2005)
A New Jersey man and his two children face an epic battle for survival when hostile aliens invade Earth. Based on the novel by H.G. Wells. Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Miranda Otto, Justin Chatwin, Tim Robbins

9:00pm on BBC America
Being Human - NEW
Mitchell uncovers the truth about the vampires' plans to start a mass conversion; George wonders how much longer he can hide his secret.

9:00pm on Syfy
Phantom Racer(2009)
A race-car driver returns from beyond the grave. Greg Evigan

KEEPING UP WITH CAST AND CREW

JASON CARTER
Ranger Cecilia writes that she caught the last episode of NBC's MERLIN on Sunday and saw Jason Carter (B5's Marcus) as a very nasty character. He, unfortunately, died in this episode. Good to see him on the tube again.

MIRA FURLAN
Ranger Jim reports that NCIS episode "SOUTH BY SOUTH WEST" features Mira Furlan in a small part as an artist involved in the death of an agent. She looks wonderful.

Q&A Books Part 3

ASKED & ANSWERED: PART 3

Rants, religion, money, sex and Star Trek...just a few of the topics covered in the most volatile release of the entire Asked & Answered series.

Part 3 (pages 779-1,183) includes more than 1,100 missives grouped into the following – often heated – topics:

ALL THIS AS WELL AS SECTIONS COVERING: THE TITLE SEQUENCE, THE UNIVERSE OF BABYLON 5 , THE SHOW’S VISUAL AESTHETIC, THE WARDROBE

and last but not least —

WRITING BABYLON 5
Read the entire description of this book at http://www.cafepress.com/b5books.

B5 Podcast

BABYLON PODCAST

Welcome to Show #167: Season 5: Day of the Dead

If you had the means, would you pay $225,000 a bottle for tequila? In July 2263, Garibaldi embarks on a secret project to reverse-engineer Minbari and Vorlon technology in order to speed up construction of Destroyer Class White Star ships. Did this lead to the construction of Excalibur, and the larger cruiser we saw in Lost Tales?

Deep Geeking: Tim and Summer disagree on “Day of the Dead”, and boy, do we chat about THAT difference of opinion! Written by Neil Gaiman, it’s the first produced episode not written by JMS since Season 2 (since “Knives”?).

Tim thinks it’s a weak effort, and Summer thinks it’s one of the better episodes of Season 5 (and everyone knows how Summer feels about most of Season 5). But Summer still calls shenanigans on Tim’s refusal to accept quantum physics as a way to explain how that section of B5 becomes linked to the Brakiri homeworld.

Would seeing Marcus have made more of an impact on Lennier than seeing Morden? Would that appearance have co-opted the hope that Marcus was not dead, but in suspended animation, awaiting a technological advance that could successfully revive him?

Feedback: Ask, and ye shall receive: Jarsto surfaces to lay the correction smackdown!

Visit Deep Geeking, and if you want to contribute a geeking essay, send an email to Summer.

To catch up on all the Babylon 5 podcasts, go to http://www.babylonpodcast.com.

DISCUSSION TOPIC - BABYLON 5 FAVORITES

It has been a while since we talked BABYLON 5 favorites. Let's see what we can come up with! How about favorite line? I know, this is not easy, but is there one or two lines that just scream BABYLON 5 for you? I think one of mine would be "Alone in the night." When you hear that line, don't you hear Sinclair saying it? What is your favorite?

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.

Pen

ISN BLOG

Join me on the ISN News Blog at http://isnnews.blogspot.com. I’ll put in stuff that I think is interesting for others to read about and I hope you will join in to discuss of the issues -- related to science fiction or not!





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

Daneil Dae Kim - August 4
Claudia Christian - August 10
Stephen Austin - August 11
Tim Earls - August 15
Nancy Tarczynski - August 16
Skip Beaudine - August 26

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.

NEW ANIMATIONS

Artist Tye Bourdony has sent along links to some of his latest satires -- and they are animated. Tye has brought us many satires in the past. Be sure to visit his site:
Oompa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed1CT77CPMM
Geico: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsdx-UCHGhA
Rorschach: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=racbmLCcpko&feature=channel_page.

Sev Trek
For more of these fabulous cartoons, go to http://cartoons.sev.com.au/Sev-Space/Sevylon-5/.

17 Again

17 AGAIN GAME

Want to know what lies ahead for you in 17 years? Play the all new 17 AGAIN MASH GAME and find out now: http://widgets.warnerbros.com/17again/

17 AGAIN the movie is available ON DEMAND, Digital, Blu-ray and DVD this Tuesday (8/11). Here is the iTunes link: http://bit.ly/15yfF1.

August

WARNER ARCHIVES ADDS MORE TITLES

Warner Archives is huge and they are taking advantage of the wide collection to make available some of the best of the best old movies ever made. New releases include Sing Sing with Spencer Tracy; Bordertown with Paul Muni; Crime School with Humphrey Bogart and Razorback with Gregory Harrison and Bill Kerr. Go to http://www.wbshop.com/New-Releases/ARCHIVENEW,default,sc.html?adid=WACAugNTEml to see all the movies available.

Summer 2009

TCM SUMMER UNDER THE STARS

Old movie lovers rejoice! Here is some news that should light up your evenings.

TCM (Turner Classic Movies),starting Saturday August 1, is offering a one of a kind film festival starring your most beloved film star and favorite films all from the comfort of your home!!! SUMMER UNDER THE STARS dedicates each of its 31 days to one of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities. Assembled from the network’s library of more than 5,000 films, this one-of-a-kind festival is an opportunity for viewers to enjoy a varied selection from each star’s body of work, uncut and commercial free.

The 17 memorable performers include six Oscar® winners: James Coburn (Aug. 4), Gloria Grahame (Aug. 13), Yul Brynner (Aug. 26), two-time winners Gene Hackman (Aug. 21) and Fredric March (Aug. 24), and honorary recipient Harold Lloyd (Aug. 5). Other stars getting their first showcases include James Mason (Aug. 2), Marion Davies (Aug. 3), Dirk Bogarde (Aug. 10), Red Skelton (Aug. 19), Miriam Hopkins (Aug. 20), Sterling Hayden (Aug. 22), Merle Oberon (Aug. 25), Ida Lupino (Aug. 27), Jean Arthur (Aug. 30) and Claire Bloom (Aug. 31).

This year's SUMMER UNDER THE STARS also features 42 feature films making their premiere on TCM, nearly twice as many as last year. Movies making their first appearance on TCM during the festival include The Grapes of Wrath (1940), An Affair to Remember (1957), Les Miserables (1935), Mississippi Burning (1988) and Good Morning, Miss Dove (1955). TCM's popular franchises THE ESSENTIALS, co-hosted by TCM's Robert Osborne and Emmy®-winning actor Alec Baldwin, and THE ESSENTIALS JR., hosted by Emmy winner John Lithgow, will continue throughout SUMMER UNDER THE STARS. Saturdays at 8 p.m. (ET), THE ESSENTIALS offerings include The Grapes of Wrath (Aug. 1), The Man Who Came to Dinner (Aug. 8), An Affair to Remember (Aug. 15), The Asphalt Jungle (Aug. 22) and Lolita (Aug. 29). Sundays at 8 p.m. (ET), THE ESSENTIALS JR. will feature Heaven Can Wait (Aug. 2), Notorious (Aug. 9), It Happened at the World's Fair (Aug. 16), Gaslight (Aug. 23) and You Can't Take It with You (Aug. 30).

For a complete listing to to www.tcm.com.

REd Son Red Son Red Son

MOTION COMICS - SUPERMAN, BATGIRL AND BATMAN

Warner Premiere and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution announced three new additions to the best-selling Warner Premiere Motion Comics slate. Classic graphic novels SUPERMAN: RED SON and BATGIRL: YEAR ONE, as well as graphic album BATMAN: BLACK AND WHITE Collection 2 entered the digital age as Warner Premiere Motion Comics on the iTunes Store www.itunes.com. Also announced, for a limited time, you can download the first glorious episode of SUPERMAN: RED SON for free and see how Stalin’s most powerful weapon swayed the balance of power during the Cold War http://tinyurl.com/SmanRedSonPR.

Continuing to lead the motion comics experience, Warner Premiere’s Motion Comics connect comic fans to authentic DC characters through short-form content. The Motion Comics slate draws on a deep reservoir of source material to bring a visually engaging experience to life through the use of subtle movements, voice-overs, sweeping music scores and stunning comic book artwork.

“Last year we debuted our Motion Comics slate and saw the voracious appetite graphic novel fans had for this digital content,” said Diane Nelson, president, Warner Premiere. “One of the reasons for our success is Warner Premiere working closely with DC Comics to determine if a story naturally lends itself to becoming a motion comic. Another key is the process we use to select the studios that ultimately create these motion comics. They are very passionate comic book fans so creating these motion comics really are a labor of love. We’re very proud of our success and look forward to bringing more titles to comic fans in the future.”

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.

SF TV Series

SCIENCE FICTION TELEVISION SERIES, 1990-2004

by Frank Garcia and Mark Phillips

Frank Garcia was interviewed a few weeks ago on the BABYLON PODCAST. He talked about his new book and here's a review http://www.sfcrowsnest.com/articles/books/2009/nz13743.php

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. New DVDs





THE ADVENTURES OF ONE ESKIMO
Release Date: August 31, 2009

The U.K.-based band "One Eskimo" and Warner Premiere have created an innovative new musical experience for consumers that brings a musical album together with groundbreaking animation and story to offer music fans a fully immersive musical and visual storytelling experience. The brainchild of lead singer Kristian Leontiou, "The Adventures of One Eskimo" is a visual album comprised of a series of animated musical story episodes jointly developed and produced by the band and Warner Premiere, and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD). Warner Premiere and WBDD envision "The Adventures of One Eskimo" to be the first in a slate of visual album projects that offer musicians and consumers a new and compelling way to experience musical albums through the digital medium. "The Adventures of One eskimO" will debut August 31 on iTunes and other digital channels http://tinyurl.com/oneeskimorelease.

"We believe there is an opportunity for music and narrative to be combined into a new category of storytelling for digital mediums," said Diane Nelson, president of Warner Premiere. "'The Adventures of One eskimO' is a wonderful love story using adorable characters to tell a story in a truly creative way. We're looking forward to launching this series in September and working with additional artists on similar projects in the future."

Produced by Passion Pictures, well known for their award-winning Gorillaz animation, "The Adventures of One eskimO" takes viewers on an animated journey through an epic love story starring our hero One eskimO and his band of animal friends that include Monkey, Giraffe and Penguin. The story begins with One eskimO and the love of his life Little Feather living peacefully in their igloo home, enjoying life as it passes by. One evening, Little Feather and One eskimO are torn apart by a dark force known as Mr. Top Hat who controls the world through his crystal ball. Our forlorn eskimO mopes around, pining for his lost love, imagining that she has left him for Mr. Top Hat. Through the help of a wise and brave owl he learns that she is in great peril. With only a knapsack and an enduring love, One eskimO sets out with his band of animal friends on an epic quest to rescue her.

A 10 part short form animated series, "The Adventures of One eskimO" will debut on iTunes and other digital channels August 31. To download the One eskimO trailer and to pre-order the series visit: http://tinyurl.com/oneeskimorelease.

Help One eskimO before it's too late! By visiting www.findlittlefeather.com fans can join One eskimO and his band on a quest to track down his lost love. Users are confronted with a series of challenges and games set by the dastardly Mr. Top Hat which they have to overcome if they ever want One eskimO to see Little Feather again. Each game corresponds to major plot points from the animations themselves and employs the same unique look and feel. The online experience allows fans to delve deeper into the story and to feel part of the world of One eskimO.

For more details on One eskimO and to see their tour schedule with Tori Amos visit: www.oneeskimo.com.

Hello Mummy SCOOBY-DOO WHERE ARE YOU? VOLUME THREE HELLO MUMMY
Release Date: September 19, 2009

Synopsis:
The whodunit format was a daring new frontier for an animated series, but the members of the Mystery Inc. team have grown to become authentic popular-culture icons.

Video Clips:
No Accident 1:35
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/scooby/whereareyou/vol3/clips/bitb_no_accident_300.asx
Puppeteer 1:32
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/scooby/whereareyou/vol3/clips/br_puppeteer_300.asx
Mummy Catch 2:04
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/scooby/whereareyou/vol3/clips/sdaamt_mummy_catch_300.asx

REVIEW:
Scooby-Doo is one of the favorite cartoons for many kids around the country. My nephew's kids will just sit around the tube and watch this goofy dog and his friends for hours! How good is that? In this collection, you see Scooby-Doo and his friends do what they do best -- solve mysteries! Heck, I liked watching them as well. Scooby-Doo is fun for all ages and if you are a fan of this series -- you just have to have the final release. This two-disc set has wonderful episodes like "Diamonds are a Ghouls Best Friend" and of course, the Scooby-Doo Christmas - bonus episode. If you are looking for good family fun, don't miss this one.

Superantural Season 4 SUPERNATURAL: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON
Release date: September 1, 2009
Official website: www.supernaturaldvd.com

Synopsis:
Resurrection. After enduring unspeakable torture, Dean escapes from Hell, rescued by an all-powerful creature he's never seen before 'an Angel', a warrior of God who recruits Sam and Dean into Heaven?s battle against Hell. And there are whispers that a certain fallen angel will soon be freed from his prison deep in Hell: Lucifer. If Sam and Dean can't stop it -- if Lucifer walks free -- he'll bring on the Apocalypse. Meanwhile, the Winchester Brothers reunite and hit the road, battling the supernatural wherever they go. They encounter demons, spirits, Dracula himself and even a drunk, heavily armed 7-foot-tall teddy bear. All the while, the ultimate war draws them into its horror throughout this enthralling 6-Disc, 22-Episode Season Four. Caught between Heaven and Hell, between God and the Devil, the Winchester brothers must battle for the future of humankind.

Video Clips:
1 900 Angel 2:16
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/supernatural/season4/clips/ss4ikwydls_1_900_angel_300.asx
Demons 1:41
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/supernatural/season4/clips/ss4ikwydls_demons_300.asx
Last Chance 1:34
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/supernatural/season4/clips/ss4ikwydls_one_last_chance_300.asx

ONE ESKIMO
Release Date: August 31, 2009
Official website: www.findlittlefeather.com

Synopsis:
The U.K.-based band "One Eskimo" and Warner Premiere have created an innovative new musical experience for consumers that brings a musical album together with groundbreaking animation and story to offer music fans a fully immersive musical and visual storytelling experience. The brainchild of lead singer Kristian Leontiou, "The Adventures of One Eskimo" is a visual album comprised of a series of animated musical story episodes jointly developed and produced by the band and Warner Premiere, and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD).

Smallville 8 SMALLVILLE: THE COMPLETE EIGHTH SEASON
Release date: August 25, 2009
Official website: www.smallvilledvd.com

Synopsis:
There is a new reporter at the Daily Planet: Clark Kent, who shares a workspace with Lois Lane. There is a new hero in Metropolis, too. No one knows who he is. But Jimmy Olsen was on the scene of one of the do-gooder's exploits, and he snapped a blurred photo of the hero in superspeed action -- a hero everyone now calls the Red-Blue Blur. Red-jacketed, blue-shirted Clark Kent draws closer to his Superman destiny in the exciting 22-episode, 6-disc Season 8 of Smallville. Another Kryptonian destiny also takes shape. Davis Bloome begins to realize he is Doomsday. His mission on Earth: kill Clark Kent. So many new events (will Jimmy and Chloe's marriage last?), so many new faces (Tess Mercer, Saturn Girl and Cosmic Boy among them!), so many state-of-the-art effects -- so don't miss a single thrill-packed moment!

Video clips:
Kent farm 2:17
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/smallville/season8/clips/ss8_abyss_kent_farm_300.asx
Letting Go 2:33
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/smallville/season8/clips/ss8_abyss_letting_go_300.asx
Memory Loss 2:06
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/smallville/season8/clips/ss8_abyss_memory_loss_300.asx
Taken Over 2:32
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/smallville/season8/clips/ss8_abyss_taken_over_300.asx

REVIEW:
I have been a fan of SMALLVILLE since it began -- wow eight years ago! Where has the time gone? It has been wonderful seeing the actors grow into their roles. While I miss John Schneider and Michael Rosenbaum, Kristen Kreuk did come back for a brief period as Lana Lang. However, Tess Mercer's addition (portrayed by Cassidy Freeman) has brought new life to the Luther lab and this DVD series may be the best yet. There is plenty of action and with Clark getting help from Oliver Queen (Justin Harley) as Green Arrow. Allison Mack has always been wonderful as Chloe and she continues to light up the screen whenver she is part of it. Can't say I'm a huge fan of Erica Durance. Her Lois Lane leaves me wanting something more. In some episodes she is added more as an after thought than as a plot staple.
All in all though, SMALLVILLE fans will have a lot to talk about and with the coming new season, there are hopes for even greater adventures for Clark Kent.

Superman SUPERMAN: THE COMPLETE ANIMATED SERIES
Release date: November 24, 2009

Are you or your kids a fan of the animated SUPERMAN series? Well now you can bring home the animated adventures of the Man of Steel in its entirety on DVD this November. SUPERMAN: The Complete Animated Series will be released on DVD on November 24. This seven-disc set will contain all 54 episodes of this animated classic and the set will be priced at $53.82 SRP. You can take a look at all the special features below.

Follow the entire history of Superman from start to finish on this long-awaited DVD. Witness his incredible arrival on Earth, how he finds his place in his adopted home and his realization of what his powers can truly do for the forces of good. See CLARK KENT balance his roles as a mild-mannered news reporter and superhuman crimefighter, facing mortal enemy LEX LUTHOR, while still keeping his day job.

Fans of the comic books and the TV show alike will rejoice as every single episode can finally be purchased together on this seven-disc collector's set. Additionally, the exclusive extras deliver even more fun to this already superior DVD collection. Go "Behind the Cape" with David Kaufman (the voice of JIMMY OLSEN) as he takes you behind the scenes with the show's creative team, watch an excerpt from the new Bryan Singer and Kevin Burns SUPERMAN documentary, listen to commentary with Bruce Timm on several episodes and much more. This complete collection also includes a bonus disc featuring the all-new documentary The Despot DARKSEID: A Villain Worthy of SUPERMAN. SUPERMAN: The Complete Animated Series,with hours and hours of DVD entertainment, is the perfect holiday gift.

Special Features:
- Commentary by Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Alan Burnett, Dan Riba, Glen Murakami, Curt Geda, Jason Hillhouse, James Tucker, and Butch Lukic on many episodes
- Selectable Pop-Up Trivia Tracks
- SUPERMAN: Learning to Fly - Explores the Creation of the Series
- Building the Mythology: Superman's Supporting Cast- Showcases the Supporting Players in the SUPERMAN Saga
- Menaces of Metropolis: Behind the Villains of SUPERMAN - The Origin and Evolution of Superman's Adventures
- SUPERMAN: Behind the Cape - David Kaufman (The Voice of JIMMY OLSEN) Takes You Behind the Scenes with the Show's Creative Team
- Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of SUPERMAN - Excerpt From the New -- Documentary Produced by Bryan Singer and Kevin Burns
- Bonus Disc Featuring the All-New Documentary The Despot DARKSEID: A Villain Worthy of SUPERMAN.

Farscape FARSCAPE: THE COMPLETE SERIES MEGASET
Release date: November 17, 2009

Just in time for its 10th anniversary, FARSCAPE: THE COMPLETE SERIES MEGASET will be released on DVD on November 17. This huge 25-disc set will contain all 88 episodes of the series along with 15 hours of bonus material and the set will be priced at $149.95 SRP. The series stars Ben Browder, Claudia Black, Anthony Simcoe, Virginia Hey and Gigi Edgley.
This series was an imaginative mix of live action, state-of-the-art puppetry, prosthetics and CGI. FARSCAPE, produced by The Jim Henson Company in association with RHI Entertainment, featured mind-boggling alien life forms, dazzling special effects, edge-of-your-seat thrills, irreverent humor and unforgettable characters -- all brought to rich life by the creative minds at Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Strap in and hold on tight for the extraordinary adventures of John Crichton, as he finds himself surrounded by hostile aliens and soaring through the cosmos aboard Moya, a glorious living space ship. Hunted by the relentless Peacekeepers, he allies himself with Moya's crew -- Aeryn Sun (Claudia Black), Luxan warrior Ka D'Argo (Anthony Simcoe), azure priestess Zhaan (Virginia Hey), spritely Nebari thief Chiana (Gigi Edgley), Dominar Rygel, the deposed royal ruler of the Hynerian Empire and Pilot - to search for a way out of this inconceivably alien world and return home.
Special Features:
- 29 Episode Commentaries, including "Premiere" with Rockne S. O'Bannon, Brian Henson and Ben Browder; "Jeremiah Crichton" with Claudia Black, Producer/Writer David Kemper, Browder and O'Bannon; "Bone to Be Wild" with Anthony Simcoe; "Relativity" with Lani Tupu (Crais/Voice of Pilot) and Director Peter Andrikidis; and, "Bad Timing" which features Browder, Black and Kemper discussing the series' final episode.
- Multiple featurettes and documentaries including "In the Beginning: A Look Back with Brian Henson"; "Making of a Space Opera" and "Inside Farscape: Save Farscape," on which fans, cast and crew discuss the fate of their beloved series.
- Multiple video profiles featuring archival clips and cast/crew discussing their characters and roles on Farscape.
- Over 90 minutes of deleted scenes.
- Slideshows and archival photo galleries, including character concepts and promo photos.
- Production design galleries featuring screenshots, rough drafts and concept slide shows.
- Behind-the-Scenes interviews with Ben Browder, Claudia Black, Anthony Simcoe, Virginia Hey, Gigi Edgley, Paul Goddard (Stark), Wayne Pygram (Scorpius) and more.
- Original TV promos and trailers.

Super Friends SUPERFRIENDS: THE LOST EPISODES Release Date: August 11, 2009
Official websiste: www.dcbeyond.com

Synopsis:
Powerful super heroes Batman, Robin, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Wonder Twins Zan and Jayna and their rascally blue space monkey Gleek battle evil, protect humanity and save the world from unthinkable dangers in these 24 action-packed adventures. These cool cartoon actionfests showcase a gallery of DC Comics heroes and fan-favorite villains like Brainiac and Mr. Mxyzptlk, plus the Hanna-Barbera-originated hero El Dorado. Produced after the Super Friends show ended its run, these treasures were ?lost? for more than a decade until they were shown as part of The Superman/Batman Adventures series. It's a Deluxe 2-Disc Collector's Set with Bonus Downloadables -- your own pieces of super hero comic book history!




Primeval 2 PRIMEVAL: VOLUME 2
Release date: September 15, 2009

Synopsis:
Monster hit Primeval roars back onto the screens for an extended third series. Still reeling from Stephen's death and with the depth of Helen's betrayal now revealed, Nick Cutter must fight to re-focus his embattled team. Cutter's crew are joined by some new recruits in the form of maverick policeman Danny Quinn, sparky Egyptologist Sarah Page, and the new leader of the ARC's security forces Captain Becker. But as the anomalies continue to present an unrelenting series of threats, the task in hand seems almost insurmountable. It's not just deadly creatures the team has to contend with, they also face a threat to the future of not just the ARC but of mankind itself. Prepare for more explosive action as Primeval bares its newly sharpened teeth.





GREEN LANTERN: FIRST FLIGHT

Release date: July 28, 2009
Official website: http://www.greenlanterndvd.com

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. Ring 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.

Check it out now at http://apps.facebook.com/powerring/.

REVIEW:
I got to see an advance copy of this DVD and was totally blown away by it. It tells the story of GREEN LANTERN in an honest and exciting way. It takes you to the beginning, shows you how Hal Jordan was selected by a dying Green Lantern and how he had to prove himself to the others as Guardians of the Universe. The story is good and the animation is wonderful. The voice actors are marvelous: Christopher Meloni is the voice of GREEN LANTERN; Victor Garber is deliciously sly and evil as SINESTRO. BATTLESTAR GALACTICA's Tricia Helfer is BOODIKKA. I loved KILOWOG played by Michael Madsen.

If you love comic books, this version of GREEN LANTERN is sure to please.
There were a few words I wish had been left out of the script and at times there seemed to be a lot of fighting, so parents might want to watch this one before showing it to more impressionalbe children.

Fringe-Season 1

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.

There are so many DVDs to select from, I have moved some of the other selections to the DVD page. Please go there for more DVD selections -- and reviews -- DVD NEWS AND REVIEWS .

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

Babylon 5

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.

Danger Zone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYNG0ow0G0k

I Need a Hero: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFo3Lau2Occ

Requiem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7ckXY6yiVQ

Nobody's Side: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk9LvldiOf0

Welcome to the Third Age: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT5q_ltXiY0

Keep Yourself Alive: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0lRtpWR5lo

The Phantom B5 Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV4GMNjDdYc

Third Age 2K: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqIyY0PWjbI

Richard Biggs memorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyD4L8yNtsA

Andreas Katsulas memorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2UQ2l9NPIg

- 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

Comics RedCircleHangman RED CIRCLE: THE HANGMAN #1
Written by J. Michael Straczynski; Art by Tom Derenick and Bill Sienkiewicz; Cover by Jesus Saiz.
J. Michael Straczynski dives into the DC Universe, bringing four of the finest heroes of the Golden and Silver Ages with him! Completely reimagined for the modern world from their original appearances in Archie/MLJ publications, these four heroes will show you a side of the DC Universe you've never seen before! The Civil War claimed many lives…but one of those lives still hasn't ended! Union doctor Robert Dickering found himself on the wrong side of the battle lines, and despite his heroic treatment of a fallen enemy soldier, he also found himself on the wrong end of a noose! But a shadowy power stepped forth in the twilight moments between life and death and offered him a deal he couldn't refuse: to forever roam the Earth, saving the lives of innocents condemned like himself – or hastening the deaths of the guilty! But in taking the seemingly righteous mission of the Hangman, has he accepted God's work? Or has he become the vengeful fist of the Devil himself?

Calendar




August 22-23, 2009 MINI MEGACON
Place: Orange County Convention Center Hall E1
City: Orlando, Florida
Guests: Peter Facinelli, Twilight; Emma Caufield, Buffy; Charisma Carpenter, Buffy, Angel; Amber Benson, Buffy; Sylvester McCoy, Doctor Who; Arne Starr, Star Trek, and many more
For more information, go to http://www.megaconvention.com/#

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.

DragonCon September 4-7, 2009
Dragon-Con
City: Atlanta, Georgia
B5 Guests: Stephen Furst, Tracey Scoggins, Bruce Boxleitner, Dwight Schultz, John Hudgens (B5 videos)
Other guests: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Patrick Stewart
For more information, go to www.dragoncon.org

December 4-6, 2009
STEEL CITY CON
Place: Monroeville Convention Center
City: Monroeville (near Pittsbugh) Pa.
Guests include: Ernie Hudson from Ghostbusters I and II, Peter Mayhew
For more information, go to http://www.steelcitycon.com .

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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