Saturday, January 29, 2005:

THE JACKET:
Warner Bros. has sent along some trailers for your viewing pleasure for the upcoming film, THE JACKET. It stars Academy Award winner Adrien Brody, Kris Kristopherson and Kiera Knightly. It opens in theaters on March 4. Go to The Jacket for more information.

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MEDIUM:
Although MEDIUM has not been on the schedule long, NBC announced that it has given an early 22-episode renewal to this midseason supernatural series. Patricia Arquette stars as a reluctant psychic who helps solve crimes. In its first four weeks on the air, Medium has averaged a healthy 6.2 rating among adults 18-49, drawing 15.7 million viewers overall to double NBC's average audience in the time period. In addition to renewing the show early, NBC ordered three additional episodes for this spring, bringing the total number of episodes ordered for its first season to 16 and guaranteeing original episodes through May sweeps. MEDIUM, from creator Glenn Gordon Caron, airs Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

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CHARLOTTE'S WEB:
According to the Music From the Movies website, composer Danny Elfman will provide the musical score for two upcoming fantasy films based on popular children's books—CHARLOTTE'S WEB by E.B. White and A DAY WITH WILBUR ROBINSON by William Joyce.

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ALONE IN THE DARK:
Here's a movie that opens this weekend -- ALONE IN THE DARK. The story follows Edward Carnby, a detective of the supernatural who suspects that a race of aliens might be causing havoc on Earth. The detective also gets some help from his ex, an archaeologist. The cast includes Christian Slater (Edward Carnby), Tara Reid (Aline Cedrac) Stephen Dorff (Richard Burke) and William Sanderson (Agent Miles). Sanderson was in Babylon 5's GRAIL episode as "Deuce". Slater is the son of Mary Jo Slater who handled casting for Babylon 5 the first year or so.

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MIRROR-MASK:
Sony Pictures has launched the official website, complete with new trailer, for director Dave McKean's and writer Neil Gaiman's MIRROR-MASK, scheduled for release this year. The fantasy film centers on Helena, a 15 year old girl in a family of circus entertainers, who often wishes she could run off and join real life. After a fight with her parents about her future plans, her mother falls quite ill and Helena is convinced that it is all her fault. On the eve of her mother's major surgery, she dreams that she is in a strange world with two opposing queens, bizarre creatures, and masked inhabitants. All is not well in this new world - the white queen has fallen ill and can only be restored by the MirrorMask, and it's up to Helena to find it. But as her adventures continue, she begins to wonder whether she's in a dream, or something far more sinister.

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CONSTANTINE:
As the February 18 opening for CONSTANTINE approaches, more ads are popping up on TV and around the internet. The Official Website for CONSTANTINE has photos, wallpaper, screensavers, videos, contest for submitting original art and much more, so be sure to visit.

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SHREK 3:
John Cleese will return as the voice of the King in DreamWorks Animation's Shrek 3, slated for a May, 2007 release. Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, and Antonio Banderas are expected to reprise their respective roles. Sarah Jessica Parker is rumored to be providing a voice as well. Not much is known about the third installment other than that Shrek may contend with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

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SLITHER:
Gregg Henry (PAYBACK) has joined the cast of James Gunn's SLITHER. Henry will play a pivotal role in his new horror movie written and directed by Gunn. "Henry will be playing the role of Jack MacCready, the jumpy mayor of wheelsy," says Gunn, "Gregg is another one of my favorite actors, from movies like Payback and Raising Cain and a million more. I am nearly done assembling the perfect horror movie cast." Henry joins Michael Rooker, Elizabeth Banks, and Rheagan Wallace (7th Heaven) in the project, which revolves around an alien plague that infects a small town, setting a local (Rooker) on a murderous spree. His wife (Banks) teams up with an old flame to combat the situation. Production is scheduled to start in February in Vancouver.

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TOP SCIENCE FICTION NEWS STORIES:
To see what has been happening this week in science fiction, go to News Page.

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A CALL TO ARMS - THE MEMORY OF SHADOWS

The letter writing campaign is having an effect. Articles have popped up all over the internet regarding the upcoming BABYLON 5 project. Sites like Cinescape and IGN News have picked up the story and posted information. The Keep B5 Alive site continues to gather new visitors as people pull down their BABYLON 5 BUCKS to send to Warner Bros. to voice their support of the project -- and the original cast members. If you haven't sent your letter yet, why not? Get on the stick and write -- and write often! It can make a difference.

With time passing and no new information on the film project yet, an ad hoc group of fans have banded together in an effort to support the original cast as part of the project.

A letter writing and media campaign is now underway. Go to www.keepb5alive.com. Here you will find samples of letters you can use to voice your support and encourage Warner Bros. to include the original cast members in the upcoming movie. This is a call to action. With production scheduled to begin in April, we need to make our voice heard now. Write letters -- and include your BABYLON BUCKS -- a way of showing your financial support to the project.

Ask your friends for support. If you are part of a science fiction group, ask for their help as well. The more people who get involved, the better!

For more information on the project, go to The Memory of Shadows page here at The Zocalo Today.

Keep Babylon 5 Alive!
Support Our Cast!

DYLAN NEAL:
Dylan Neal (David Martel "The Legend of the Rangers") will star in CHUPACABRA: DARK SEAS on SCIFI January 29 at 9:00pm. Here is the description of the movie.
A team of hunters captures a live Chupacabra, a monster said to prey on livestock and humans throughout Central America. Unfortunately, their attempt to smuggle it into the United States aboard a cruise ship goes fatally awry, and a squad of U.S. Navy SEALs is dispatched to terminate the creature before it turns all the hostage passengers into hors d'oeuvres. John Rhys-Davies (The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Indiana Jones films, TV's Sliders), Dylan Neal (star of SCI FI Pictures' Babylon 5: The Legend of the Rangers) and Giancarlo Esposito (The Usual Suspects, the SCI FI Original Miniseries 5ive Days to Midnight, TV's Homicide: Life on the Street) star in this creepy man-vs.-monster adventure.

Here is a link where you can see more of Stephen's tour of Afghanistan and other ports of call in the Middle East.

Stephen Austin Photo Album

REMEMBERING RICHARD BIGGS

For those of you just coming to the site for the first time, this may be a shock, but Richard Biggs, the wonderful Dr. Stephen Franklin on Babylon 5, died on May 22 of an brain anyerism. There are many efforts underway to help with his two small children. Be sure to go to the Richard Biggs Memorial Page for more information.
A memorial fund has been set up for Richard's two small sons. Donations can be sent to:
For the benefit of the sons of Richard James Biggs II
Washington Mutual Bank
840 N. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91502

A memorial event for Rick will take place on March 19 in North Hollywood -- go to the events calendar for more information.

REMEMBERING TIM CHOATE

Tim Choate, the wonderful Zathras on Babylon 5, was killed when he was struck by a car while going to a play rehearsal on his motorcycle. A memorial fund has been set up in lieu of flowers for Tim. The address for the memorial fund is:

The Tim Choate Memorial Fund
P.O. Box 861355
Los Angeles, CA 90086

Proceeds will be placed in an educational trust for Flynn, who is 4 years old.

January 9 - David Allen Brooks
January 24 - Peter Woodward
January 27 - Julie Caitlin Brown
January 27 - Tamilyn Tomita

For those of you not familiar with CRUSADE, here is a synopsis of the plot:
In 2267 the Earth is quarantined, having been infected with a deadly plague by an attacking alien force. Scientists estimate that it will kill every inhabitant within 5 years, not nearly enough time for a cure to be developed. So the planet's only hope lies with the Excalibur, an advanced prototype starship sent out to search ancient alien ruins for their former inhabitant's secrets, hoping that somewhere out there a cure can be found.

For a review, go to Crusade Review.

KUNG FU: SEASON TWO - This new DVD has just been released by Warner Bros. Please visit the Kung Fu Page for information about the DVD -- and video files directly from the DVD.

Here are a couple of fun DVD sets you may want to add to your collection. For anyone who enjoyed these cartoons as a kid -- you'll want to share them with your kids -- or even grandkids. The stories are good -- the animation still holds up after all these years!

For a listing of new DVDs, visit our NEW DVD Page. Here you will find information about new DVDs that may be of interest to you.

Also be sure to visit to the Review Page for a run down of what the DVD sets include.

Starburst #330: BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: Galactica's Lt Kara ‘Starbuck’ Thrace, Katee Sackhoff tells us why she’s now happy to roll with the punches. ST: ENTERPRISE's Dominic Keating (Lt Malcolm Reed) is excited about the show’s future…and discovers that we can put a man on the Moon, but we can't make a spacesuit that's comfortable. History of Star Wars - the second of a six-part series brings you the history of the greatest Sci-Fi saga of them all. Look at the release of Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.

Expose #91: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events -- zany Jim Carrey stars as Count Olaf, the evil and multi-faced uncle of the unfortunate Baudelaire children. He reveals the inspiration for the many guises his character adopts in pursuit of his nefarious plans. Also, visit the set of Harry Potter's The Goblet of Fire, to reveal a shaggier look for Harry, and more stylish togs for the off-set Hermione.

Cult Times Special #32: Looking back on 2004, and forward to 2005! This issue includes previews of Andromeda, Boston Legal, Charmed, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, Dead Like Me, Desperate Housewives, Joan of Arcadia, Las Vegas, Lost, Scrubs, Smallville, Star Trek: Enterprise and Without a Trace.

Expose Special #27: This 100-page yearbook takes a look back at the past year of science fiction and fantasy. LORD OF THE RINGS, ANGEL, LOST, CHARMED -- all this and more in this issue.

TV Zone Special #60: Claudia Black talks about returning to FARSCAPE -- and her guest role in Season 8 of STARGATE SG-1. The Year in TV Zone -- Extensive 12-page review of the highs and lows from the world of Cult Television, looking back on the past year of TV Zone…

Starburst Special #66: In this issue, Mandy Patinkin talks about his role as Rube, the leader of the somewhat- less-than-grim band of Reapers from DEAD LIKE ME. Neil Gaiman, author of the SANDMAN stories turns director and talks about bringing his newest project, Death – The High Cost of Living to the big screen. And more from the land of the living, Atlantis star Rachel Luttrell tells us about developing her role as a feisty freedom fighter battling vampiric creatures in the new series.

Ace Books (Penguin Putnam Inc.); NYC; April, 2004; 400 pp.; trade paperback; $14.95 U.S. $22.50 Can. ISBN 0-441-01170-5

First introduced in Bram Stoker's immortal Dracula, Abraham Van Helsing became the ultimate adversary for the vampire--as enigmatic and complex as the fiend he so relentlessly pursued. Now, in this unique anthology of stories, masters of horror and fantasy each give the original vampire hunter his due as they reimagine the history and reinvent the adventures of a fascinating, mysterious, and unforgettable character who was the greatest foe of the most evil icon in literary history.

For more information on this book, go to Jeanne Cavelos' website. Jeanne is a wonderful author -- one that spent a good bit of time in the Babylon 5 universe. Her Techno-Mage series will be required reading for those just coming to the story with THE MEMORY OF SHADOWS.

To commemorate the 40th annivesary of LOST IN SPACE, Bubblehead Publishing, is set to release a 360-page, full-color graphic novel collecting and completing Bill Mumy's 12-part adventure LOST IN SPACE: VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SOUL, a story originally published in serialized form by Innovation Publishing in 1992-93 but left unfinished when the publisher went out of business.

Current plans call for Bubblehead to release the graphic novel in July at San Diego's Comic-Con International, to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Lost in Space, the TV series, but advance pre-publication sales of the book will be available on the company's internet commerce site www.lisvoyage.com. .

Said Mumy: "I'm working with some great people on this project. I'm so glad the original team is back to finish "Voyage to the Bottom of the Soul" properly. For over ten years fans have been asking me how this huge story ended, wanting me to print the unpublished second half of the scripts alone, but I didn't want to diminish the piece that way. Michal's artwork looks great and I'm very excited about it. I've always been proud of this story. You don't have to be a fan of the old television show to get into this book but those who are will especially enjoy it. It really advances the classic arc of Lost in Space."

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:
"'Skin Deep,' part 2 of 4. Peter must confront a foe who -- like himself -- was given amazing powers during a science experiment gone awry. But why does this adversary blame Peter for the mishap in the laboratory -- and just how far will he take his quest for vengeance?"

Amazing Spider-Man #516 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.99.

RISING STARS: FIRE AND ASH PAPERBACK

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, art by Brent Anderson, colored by John Starr and Brian Buccellato.

Writer J. Michael Straczynski's superhero tour-de-force reaches its stunning conclusion as the final fate of the 113 ³Pederson Specials² is revealed. The final chapter of one of the greatest comic series ever is now available in trade paperback for your bookshelf.

208 pages, $29.95.

AMAZING SPIDERMAN #517
Written by J. Michael Straczynski, penciled by Mike Deodato and Mark Brooks, cover by Gary Frank.
"Skin Deep," part 3 of 4. When a former classmate of Peter Parker's is caught in a horrific experiment, he blames Peter for the resulting transformation...But is Peter to blame? And how will Peter react when someone targets his personal life instead of Spider-Man's life, for a change?

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Feb. 23.

STRANGE
Written by J. Michael Straczynski and Sara (Samm) Barnes, pencils and cover by Brandon Peterson.
The Master of the Mystic Arts is back -- as only J. Michael Straczynski and artist Brandon Peterson could envision him. In this issue, Stephen Strange at last learns what the Ancient One has planned for him.

32 pages, $3.50, in stores on Feb. 16.

SUPREME POWER #15
Written by J. Michael Straczynski, pencils and cover by Gary Frank.
What does the most powerful being on the planet do when he finds out he's been manipulated and that his whole life is practically a lie? How will Hyperion react -- and what does that mean for the rest of humanity--and the government that's organized these deceitful machinations? Another pulse-pounding issue from the architects of the Supremeverse!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Feb. 2.

JMS COMIC BOOKS: For a listing of current comic books written by J. Michael Straczynski, go to COMIC BOOK page. There is a brief synopsis of the book and a date when publication is expected.

STARGATE ATLANTIS:
02/04/2005 09:00 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS HOT ZONE
02/04/2005 12:00 AM STARGATE ATLANTIS HOT ZONE

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA:
01/31/2005 10:00 PM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA ACT OF CONTRITION
02/04/2005 10:00 PM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA YOU CAN'T GO HOME AGAIN
02/04/2005 01:00 AM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA YOU CAN'T GO HOME AGAIN
02/07/2005 10:00 PM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA YOU CAN'T GO HOME AGAIN

FARSCAPE SCHEDULE:
02/28/2005 08:00 AM FARSCAPE DNA MAD SCIENTIST
02/28/2005 09:00 AM FARSCAPE THEY'VE GOT A SECRET
02/28/2005 10:00 AM FARSCAPE TILL THE BLOOD RUNS CLEAR
02/28/2005 11:00 AM FARSCAPE RHAPSODY IN BLUE
02/28/2005 12:00 PM FARSCAPE THE FLAX
02/28/2005 01:00 PM FARSCAPE JEREMIAH CRICHTON
02/28/2005 02:00 PM FARSCAPE DURKA RETURNS
02/28/2005 03:00 PM FARSCAPE A HUMAN REACTION

Tye Bourdony's latest Lighter Side of Sci-Fi satire can be seen here and at Tye's website www.thelightersideofscifi.com.

Appearing at the afternoon signing - 12:30 to 4:00pm:
Babylon 5 cast members: Andreas Katsulas, Pat Tallman, Bill Mumy, Jason Carter, Ed Wasser, Stephen Austin, Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Melissa Gilbert, Julie Caitlin Brown, Tracy Scoggins
Matthew Ashford (Days of our Lives)
Lisa Howard (Earth Final Conflict, Highlander)
Michael T. Weiss (The Pretender)

Place: The event will be held at the Beverly Garland Hotel, 4222 Vineland Ave., N. Hollywood, CA 91602. The schedule is as follows:
10am to 12pm
Celebrity - Buffet Breakfast
(Including made-to-order omelets)

12:30pm to 4pm
Autograph* Signings

All Proceeds to the family of Richard Biggs. To purchase tickets: Pay $100 for each breakfast ticket; $25 for each afternoon autograph session. If both events are purchased the total cost is reduced to $115, a $10 savings. Visit PayPal and enter email address Blkcat1067@ aol.com. When paying be sure to enter email address so that we can send the ticket back.

For mailing checks, make checks payable to: Richard Biggs Memorial Show
1052 W. Alameda Avenue #350; Burbank, CA 91506

* Celebrities appear subject to work commitments. A charge will be made for autographs. ALL proceeds to the family of Richard Biggs.

CONVENTION CALENDAR

For more information, visit the website at http://www.richardbiggs.com.

Just an FYI to those who've been using the Ventura Blvd. mail drop for fan mail to actors....

As mentioned before, we're phasing out the forwarding of fan mail because we a) don't have the resources, complicated by b) the actors have scattered to the four winds, and it makes it very difficult to get everything to everybody in a timely fashion.

So, having provided prior notice...fan mail to actors coming to the Ventura Blvd. mail drop will be sent back. Mail to actors should be sent via their official fan clubs. I will still be taking mail there, since it's my mailbox, but that's it.

Just so's y'all know and save a few bucks on postage and returns.

WARNER BROS:

Phone: 818.954.3000
Fax: 818.954.7829
E-mail: wbsf@warnerbros.com
Hours: M-F, 9A to 6P PST
Address: 4000 Warner Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91522

PRODUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES
Dominick Bruno
Phone: 818.954.5690
wbsfproperty@warnerbros.com

Warner Home Video:

Mr. Douglas Wadleigh
VP for Marketing and Special Features
Warner Bros.
4000 Warner Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91522

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