Babylon 5 ISN News: The Zocalo Today
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The Zocalo Today
Welcome and thank you for dropping by. Babylon 5 brought many of us together -- and it remains with us, despite the fact that is no longer in production. The good thing is that
the internet gives a LOT of ways to stay in touch. Don't be shy. Join in the discussion today or
drop by my blog! You can also find me on FaceBook and Twitter.
If you have questions or items for the news, drop me a line at sgbruckner@aol.com.
Again, WELCOME!
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010
TIME CHANGE
I hope you all remembered to change your clocks last night -- either getting an extra hour of sleep last night --
or an extra hour of work!
WEEKEND BOX OFFICE
The Will Ferrell-Tina Fey 3D DreamWorks film MEGAMIND took the Friday title its opening weekend, debuting to a $12.5
million start, putting it on pace for a $44 million total its first weekend. The pre-estimates were $50 million -- but
"How to Train Your Dragon," the last DreamWorks 3D movie, failed to meets its pre-estimates too and went on to gross
almost $500 million worldwide, so "Megamind" could still fare pretty well, according to The Wrap.
DUE DATE, the Zach Galifianakis-Robert Downey Jr. "Planes Tranes and Automobiles"-esque comedy brought in $12.2 million,
putting it on pace for a $34 million weekend.
Tyler Perry's FOR COLORED GIRLS earned $7.4 million in its Friday opening, which is a solid opening for the smaller-scale
drama based on the play by Ntozake Shange (full title "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is
Enuf").
The rest of the box office is as follows:
4. "Saw 3D," $2.65 M
5. "Red," $2.5 M
6. "Paranormal Activity 2," $2.3 M
7. "Jackass 3D," $1.6 M
8. "Secretariat," $1.2 M
9. "Hereafter," $1.19 M
10. "The Social Network," $1.1 M
11. "Life as We Know It," $1 M
12. "Conviction," $460 K
13. "The Town," $340 K
14. "Fair Game," $180 K
15. "127 Hours," $77 K
COWBOY NINJA VIKING
Variety reports that the ZOMBIELAND writing duo of Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese have been brought onboard to adapt the comic
book series COWBOY NINJA VIKING.
The comic book series, which launched from Image's Shadowline Comics late last year, is the brainchild of writer AJ Lieberman
and artist Riley Rossmo. Begun as a miniseries and soon expanded to an ongoing title, the official solicitation for the first
issue is as follows:
COWBOY NINJA VIKING is the creation of Doctor Sebastian Ghislain, a psychotherapist who recruits Multiple Personality Disorder
patients to produce a unit of counter-intelligence agents called Triplets. But what happens when those guys become out of
control assassins? That’s when the deadliest Triplet of them all, COWBOY NINJA VIKING, is called in to take down his own
brethren.
Currently on its tenth issue, Cowboy Ninja Viking is not the first comic book property for Wernick and Reese. The pair also
drafted the still-unproduced Deadpool.
IMAGINE
Steve Carell has found another project in the form of the comedy script Imagine, reports Vulture.
IMAGINE will focus on a fictional rock star who discovers that Carell's character is secretly his son. The title is a nod
to the source of the news; a never-opened letter sent from John Lennon.
The film is planned as the directorial debut for its screenwriter, Dan Fogelman, who also provided the script for Carell's
next, Crazy. Stupid. Love. (just retitled, the same article claims, from the original, Crazy, Stupid, Love). Directed by
John Requa and Glenn Ficarra, that film is slated to open April 22, 2011 and will feature Carell on the other side of the
parental spectrum, playing a father trying to forge a relationship with his children.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2010
TERRA NOVA NEWS
The Hollywood Reporter writes that Steven Spielberg's big-budget time travel drama, TERRA NOVA, will air a sneak
peek in May 2011, Fox confirmed to the New York Post.
The series won't kick off until the fall. GLEE used the same tactic last year to create buzz.
The two-hour episode will introduce viewers to the show, which chronicles a family living on the nearly-destroyed
Earth in 2149. They travel back to prehistoric times to try to save the planet by curbing scientific experimentation
and out-of-control population growth.
Spielberg is an executive producer, and sources tell the Post he's very hands-on, signing off on the script, cast
and special effects. His DreamWorks is also one of the production companies behind it.
In order to save money until the first episode -- which is rumored to have cost $14 million -- airs, Fox recently
fired a number of the show's writers, with plans to rehire them in the spring when production gets underway again.
Each hourlong episode reportedly costs $4 million, according to the Post.
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS
A third clip from Warner Bros. Pictures' Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 is now online. The clip
features Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) fighting off two Death Eaters in
disguise. "Deathly Hallows - Part 1" hits conventional and IMAX theaters on November 19.
DESPICABLE ME CROSSES $500 MILLION MARK
On Saturday, November 6, DESPICABLE will cross $500 million at the worldwide box office, Universal Pictures and
Illumination Entertainment announced today.
With a current domestic gross of more than $248 million, the inaugural 3D CGI feature from Universal and Illumination
is second only to Toy Story 3 in domestic gross among animated films this year. DESPICABLE ME is the sixth-biggest
domestic release of 2010 and the 10th most successful animated film of all time in domestic gross. In addition, it
has become the sixth most successful film that Universal Pictures has ever distributed domestically.
DESPICABLE ME's success has continued as it has rolled out across the globe. The film, currently at more than $247
million overseas, has become Universal's top-grossing film internationally of 2010. In reaching the half-billion-dollar
milestone, Despicable Me becomes not only the studio's biggest animated film of all time but is well on its way to
becoming Universal's fifth highest-grossing film ever distributed worldwide. The 3D CGI feature has yet to open in
several territories, including China.
"We couldn't be more impressed with the movie or with the global Universal and Illumination team that has made it a
certifiable blockbuster," said Adam Fogelson, Chairman of Universal Pictures, and Donna Langley, Co-Chairman of Universal,
in a joint statement. "This was a mammoth effort from every division of the company, and their work resulted in the film's
brilliant success. To know that the first project from Chris' production company has blossomed into an enormous,
franchise-launching enterprise is inspiring. We look forward to a long partnership with Illumination."
"In Illumination my goal was to produce movies that not only played to audiences of all ages but also played across all
cultures," said Founder and President of Illumination Entertainment Chris Meledandri. "'DESPICABLE ME's' achievement of
this goal is a tribute to my directors Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, writers Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul and my fellow
producers Janet Healy and John Cohen. In Universal I have found truly like-minded partners whose contribution to the film
and its success was nothing short of extraordinary."
DESPICABLE ME arrives on Blu-ray and DVD on December 14, 2010.
TOXIC AVENGER
Steve Pink, the man behind HOT TUB TIME MACHINE, has come aboard the remake of THE TOXIC AVENGER, reports
Deadline. Pink will not only direct but will, alongside, Daniel C. Mitchell, provide the script.
The original film was set in Tromaville, New Jersey - a small American town, terrorized by criminals. Among the
residents of Tromaville is Melvin, a nerdy emaciated janitor at the local health club. A gang of thugs devise a
cruel hoax that goes horribly wrong as Melvin is cast through a third story window into a vat of hazardous toxic
waste. However, an unexpected metamorphosis takes place. As the chemicals take hold of his body, Melvin turns
into the TOXIC AVENGER, doer of good, and brutal mauler of evil.
Directed by Michael Herz and Lloyd Kaufman, the original launched their company, Troma Entertainment with "Toxie"
as their corporate mascot. The original THE TOXIC AVENGER spawned three sequels and an animated series.
SCIENCE FICTION NEWS STORIES:
If you don't see what you are looking for here, check out the
News Archive. Here you'll find items from yesterday
and last month -- all that has been going on in the world of science fiction.
7:00pm on BBC America
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
The archer and his Moorish sidekick join Sherwood Forest outlaws against the sheriff of Nottingham, who covets
Maid Marian. Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Christian Slater, Alan Rickman
8:00pm on TNT
The Mummy Returns (2001)
Two evil forces believe the 9-year-old son of adventurer Rick O'Connell is the key to the reincarnation of Isis.
Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Oded Fehr
9:00pm on Showtime
Dexter
Episode: Circle Us (NEW)
10:00pm on CBS
CSI: Miami-Episode: Reality Kills (NEW)
When a reality TV star is murdered, the CSIs investigate the show's cast, the obsessed fans, and the stars'
hidden pasts.
10:00pm on AMC
The Walking Dead-Episode: Guts (NEW)
Rick unknowingly causes a group of survivors to be trapped by walkers; Rick must confront an enemy more dangerous
than the undead.
ON SYFY TONIGHT
9:00pm
Genetically engineered, a monster that is half-shark and half-octopus goes on a killing spree.
Eric Roberts
ARTIFACTS FROM BEYOND THE RIM
LIMITED EDITION
This is a limited edition book. It is only available for ninety days. After January 20, 2011 this book in
both the black cover and the white will never be available again. Ever.
JMS's Handwritten Notes for Season One
See for yourself the ideas JMS originally planned to include...at the moment he thought of them. We include scans
of his original notes along with a transcription of what he wrote. (If you've ever seen JMS's handwriting, you'll
understand what a bonus this is.) These season one notes include --
* The two-part episode that was scrapped in favor of “A Voice in the Wilderness,” which includes an Earth
Alliance ambassador being stationed on B5
* The plot for the unproduced episode “Blockade”
* The original notes for "Quality of Mercy," which in his notes was called “The Resurrectionist”
For all the information on this book, go to B5Books.
P.S. If you want to see photos of JMS with Angelo Corsini, the Babylon 5 fan with B5 tattoos on his arm, visit
the Fans of J. Michael Straczynski facebook photo page or click here http://on.fb.me/anGTVp
KEEPING UP WITH CAST AND CREW
JMS UPDATE
Back online after a) loss of internet and b) being hit by a virus disguised as a Norton update. Good news:
the Superman GN sold out of most comic stores the night it came out, Amazon sold out in 24 hours, and after
ordering a second print run of 20,000 I heard there's going to be another print order which is just stunningly
huge. The book is a massive success, and they want to fast-track the next volume.
HARLAN ELLISON TYPEWRITER FOR SALE
Ranger Steve dropped this tidbit along to share with readers:
Harlan is selling his first typewriter. It has been on display at the SF Hall of Fame in Seattle, and was
recently returned to him. He's decided to put it up for sale through David Silver, a noted dealer in this
sort of thing. Here's a link with more information:
http://www.photographyhistory.com/harlanellisontypewriter.html
Bill is inviting you to check out his brand new weekly radio show, "THE REAL GOOD RADIO HOUR with your
host Bill Mumy". We'll be listening to many different styles of music and learning about those who
pioneered them. "The Real Good Radio Hour" will air every Wednesday and Friday at 7 PM both Pacific
and Eastern time and can be heard weekly on KSAV.org.
Bill has a new place on FaceBook as well
http://www.myspace.com/billmumy. There you will find information about some of his new projects,
including a graphic novel LOST IN SPACE and a Star Trek novel with Peter David, "The Return of the Worthy."
PAT TALLMAN:
Pat Tallman (Lyta) is now appearing in the short horror video "Firsts."
This 6 minute YouTube film description:
"A young girl contemplates losing her virginity.... but her overbearing and overly devout Aunt
has other ideas. Starring Alyson Daniel, Patricia Tallman, Damian Daly, and Kristen Holloway.
This script was the winner of the talenthouse.com "Write a short script for Fewdio" contest!"
Patricia Tallman play the Aunt. See the video at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmVV94tvf7I
NEW INTERVIEWS
Marc N. Kleinhenz has begun a series of interviews of the cast of BABYLON 5, one of the landmark television
shows in American history. Look back with them as they discuss their characters, their emotional evolution,
and their participation in television history.
AN OPEN LETTER FROM PAT TALLMAN
" Hello Dear Friends, Elves, Santas and Angels,
Over 20 years ago now, I met the kids of Penny Lane. These kids were one step away from lock up. They
were so abused they couldn't be placed in regular foster care. Penny Lane helps the kids that no one
else can. They make the world a better place by saving our kids, giving them hope and a future. Please
join me in supporting Penny Lane and the Be A Santa program, where we make sure each of these kids has
a warm holiday to remember! Thanks so much for being YOU!
love,
Pat
You can send a check made out to Penny Lane, to P.Tallman 6433 Topanga Canyon Blvd. #207 Canoga Park, CA 91303
Check back with us in a month and we'll start asking for other items to help us make the holidays special for
an abused child!
I need $10,000 a year to make this program work. The total in the Facebook Causes page reflects donations over
the past 2 years. This year's total will be updated on the http://www.beasanta.org/
Thanks again! Here we GO!!!!!
BABYLON 5 PRESENCE ON FACEBOOK
I know a lot of you are already on FaceBook. However, I don't know if you knew how many other Babylon 5
folks have taken the plunge and opened FaceBook accounts. In fact, Pat Tallman has reopened her Fan Club
using FaceBook at the site. For a peek, go to
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45593318387. Claudia Christian has been really active -- sharing
pictures of her recent trips and letting us know about upcoming convention activities. J. Michael Straczynski
(JMS) has a FaceBook page as well as a new "Fans of J. Michael Straczynski" page. So check it out!
Here is a quote from J. Michael Straczynski about emotions. I had this theory that the more important and intimate the emotion, the fewer words are required
to express it.
First it's in dating: "Will you go out with me?" Six words.
"Honey, I care for you." Five words.
"You matter to me." Four words.
"I love you." Three words.
"Marry me." Two words.
But what's left? What's the one most important and intimate word you can ever say to somebody?
It's "goodbye."
While Andreas Katsulas (G'Kar), Rick Biggs (Dr. Franklin) and Tim Choate (Zathras) 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
Robert Foxworth - November 1
John Vickery - November 4
Damian London - November 12
Tracy Scoggins - November 13
Dwight Schultz - November 24
Louise Turenne - November 26
Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. - November 30
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.
DISCUSSION TOPIC AND ISN BLOG
OK, the new season has begun and we've had a taste of some of the new shows. What have you watched? What did you
like -- and not so much? A number of my favorites haven't premiered yet, but I thought FRINGE was awesome.
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!
BABYLON PODCAST
Welcome to Show #215!
We go over the B5 related appearances at Big Apple Con and NY Comic-Con, plus a little more news on JMS’
appearance in the upcoming Thor feature film.
We may have to refrain from posting the rules for a “Tim gripes about the Lensman Movie” drinking game,
out of concern for the health and safety of our listeners.
Discussion: Tim, Summer and Bret give their opinions on hairstyles and hair care amoings humans and aliens
in space in the 23rd century.
We go through the hair and hair stylings we can think of — the ever-evolving styles of Lt. Corwin; the
various Centauri lengths and stylings; the pros and cons of Garibaldi’s rapid hair loss during the series;
what techniques may have been used to keep Susan Ivanonva’s flowing locks so tightly braided; the never-
ending experimentation with the look of hybrid Delenn’s hair; delve into the possibility of mystery hair
hints for the evil vs good Talia, and the overwhelming evidence that perfect hair genes were amongst the
things being manipulated by telepath genetic experiments; the enviable perfection of Morden’s hair; and
the tendencies of Rangers to have thick flowing locks of hair.
And remember: John Sheridan, keytar rocker.
Voicemail: First, Summer and Bret talk about Pat Tallman appearing on Castle as the dead body whose murder
the team is investigating. How do actors get compensated for appearances as the uncredited corpse?
Neil from Bowie lets us know that he used GoToMeeting for the first time and enjoyed it; Neil also throw
his opinion in on what the triluminary was detecting in regards to human DNA or particular souls; Father
Beast chimes in on the switch from Sinclair to Sheridan being needed to echo the parallels between Lensman
and B5; a new listener weighs in on where the triluminaries came from, and Valen’s DNA or soul lineage;
Also, Mike sends his heartfelt gratitude to all who have donated to the show, because your generous contributions
helped us get the studio back up and running in a moment of crisis.
BLU-RAY SWAP
STARTING TODAY, SWAP ANY DVD YOU OWN FOR A NEW WARNER BROS. BLU-RAY DISC!
Only at www.DVD2BLU.com.
What’s NEW? For the first time with DVD2BLU.com consumers can send in ANY DVD they own (produced by any studio/
sold at retail, online) even those old dusty ones under their beds or in the garage and get a new Warner Bros.
Blu-ray title in return for as low as $4.95.
Over 100 Blu-ray titles are available including Gran Torino, V For Vendetta, Superman II, Wedding Crashers, The
Shining, and several other favorites.
Here’s how it works:
Visit DVD2BLU.com, view the selection of over 100 Blu-ray titles and pick the ones you want to add to your
collection. Dust off those unwanted DVDs you already own and send us one (Disc Only) for every Blu-ray you
wish to own. Please note only professionally produced DVDs (anything from a major/independent studio sold
at retail), non Adult content will qualify. Go to check out for all of the final details and in a few weeks
get your new Blu-ray(s).
NEW BOOKS TO CHECK OUT
STARGATE SG-1 - SUNRISE
Author: J.F. Crane
Published by Fandemonium Ltd.
Product Description:
Shortly after the events of the season 4 episode, "Beneath the Surface", SG-1 find themselves on a bleak and
lifeless world. There they discover long-dead bodies frozen in the snow, and a clue to a device that promises
protection from the Goa'uld forever. Following the trail they go in search of the Shield of the Gods, but all
is not as it seems and soon SG-1 find themselves entangled with a people facing annihilation on a drowning
world.
Synopsis:
Superstar genetic engineers Clive (Adrien Brody) and Elsa (Sarah Polley) specialize in splicing DNA from different
animals to create incredible new hybrids. Now they want to use human DNA in a hybrid that could revolutionize
science and medicine. But when the pharmaceutical company that funds their research forbids it, they secretly
take their experiment underground – risking their careers to push the boundaries of science and serve their
own curiosity and ambition. The result is Dren, an amazing, strangely beautiful creature of uncommon intelligence
and unexpected physical developments. At first, Dren exceeds their wildest dreams. But as she grows and learns
at an accelerated rate, her existence threatens to become their worst nightmare.
Available on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, On Demand and for Download 10/5!
http://bit.ly/splicefb
SCOOBY-DOO WHERE ARE YOU VOLUME 4
Release date: October 19, 2010
Official website: http://www.kidswb.com/
Synopsis:
This fourth frighteningly funny roundup of classic Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? Series Episodes kicks off when
Fred, Velma, Daphne, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo get lost in a swamp and ask a zombie for directions. Can they add
up the clues to figure out Which Witch Is Which? Shaggy and Scooby-Doo are then captured by Redbeard the Pirate
in Go Away Ghost Ship. Zoinks! If the case isn't solved soon, somebody's going to walk the plank! When the
Mystery Machine runs out of fuel on a creepy abandoned airfield, the teen sleuths run right into a Spooky
Space Kook. In the final mystery, Scooby-Doo inherits big bucks from a dead millionaire. There's a catch:
our heroes must spend a night in a haunted mansion before Scooby-Doo can collect in A Night of Fright Is
No Delight.
Review:
This is the perfect time of year for this video collection -- Halloween and spooky things that go bump in the
night! This DVD contains four episodes of Scooby and the gang solving mysteries in haunted mansions! Doesn't
get much better than that! This is Scooby and the gang at their best. Truly fun for the entire family to watch.
1.13. "Which Witch is Which?" (22:02) (Originally aired December 6, 1969)
On their way back from a fishing trip, the gang winds up in a deserted town that houses a witch and a zombie.
1.14. "Go Away Ghost Ship" (22:03) (Originally aired December 13, 1969)
To help out a shipping magnate Scooby and company board the ghost ship of long-dead pirate captain Redbeard.
1.15. "Spooky Space Kook" (22:04) (Originally aired December 20, 1969)
When the van breaks down on a farm, the gang follows the glowing tracks of what they think might be a space ghost.
1.16. "A Night of Fright is No Delight" (21:59) (Originally aired January 10, 1970)
To claim his share of inheritance from an eccentric millionaire he once rescued, Scooby must spend a night in
a haunted house.
Synopsis
Out of the pages of the legendary comics and graphic novels steps Jonah Hex (Josh Brolin), a scarred drifter and
bounty hunter of last resort. Jonah’s past catches up with him when the U.S. military offers to wipe out the
warrants on his head if he hunts and stop dangerous terrorist Quentin Turnbull (John Malkovich).
Review:
JONAH HEX is a western version of Death Wish or other vengence-based dramas. This movie is a mix of environments --
switching from comic book sketches to live drama; further seating it into the legend of JONAH HEX as read for
years by comic book fans. Josh Brolin is good as the solemn bounty hunter who has special powers over the dead.
The best part of the movie, I hate to say, are the toys! Lance Reddick (Fringe) supplies Hex with some unbelievable
firepower.
This is not your old fashioned western with indepth characterizations or plot. The story is a simple one - revenge.
The one-liners are awesome though.
FARSCAPE: THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION
32 DVD box set – Cert. 18 – 15 November 2010, 99.99 pounds
FARSCAPE™: THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION from A&E™ is a fan’s dream; all 88 episodes of all four seasons of the classic
sci-fi show in one stunning box set, not to mention over 15 hours of bonus features including two disc mini-series
THE PEACEKEEPER WARS and rarely-seen special FARSCAPE UNDRESSED.
FARSCAPE follows the adventures of astronaut John Crichton, flung through a wormhole to a far off galaxy while testing
a prototype spaceship. Plunged into the midst of a battle, he is rescued by Moya, a living craft crewed by a motley
group of escaping alien prisoners being hunted by the fiercely militaristic Peacekeepers.
Featuring mind-blowing sci-fi action, superb storytelling, great special effects and character designs by The Jim
Henson Company, FARSCAPE has stood the test of time as a landmark science fiction series. Prepare for the adventure
of a lifetime with Moya’s crew – likeable hero John Crichton; renegade Peacekeeper Aeryn Sun; short-tempered warrior
Ka D'Argo; psychic priestess Zhaan; mercurial thief Chiana and deposed monarch Dominar Rygel XVI.
FARSCAPE: THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION features all four series of the classic sci-fi show – 88 episodes – in one special
collector’s edition.
More than 15 hours of bonus material including the rarely-seen special FARSCAPE UNDRESSED as well as episode commentaries,
behind-the-scenes interviews, deleted scenes and much, much more.
Bonus 2-disc miniseries FARSCAPE: THE PEACEKEEPER WARS in which our heroes find themselves in the middle of a war-to-
end-all-wars.
THE EXORCIST: EXTENDED DIRECTOR'S CUT
This Halloween relive the fright of one of the most powerful films ever made with all-new bonus content available
for the first time ever anywhere. The all-new bonus features include revealing set footage produced and photographed
by cinematographer Owen Roizman, as well as camera and makeup tests, interviews with director William Friedkin,
actress Linda Blair, author/screenwriter/producer William Peter Blatty and Roizman himself and more.
Arrives FOR DOWNLOAD only on iTunes with all-new Bonus EXTRAS:
http://bit.ly/WBDD_EXORCIST
TOP GEAR SEASON 13
Release date: September 28, 2010
Official webiste: www.BBCAmericaShop.com
Synopsis:
Season 13 of this BAFTA-winning show skids, roars and explodes its way back onto DVD, with man versus machine
experiments, exhaustive road tests of the latest models, a look back at the history of motoring, weekly power
tests featuring the world’s most exotic super-cars… and a surprise revelation.
Hot on the heels of their epic challenge in Vietnam, Jeremy, Richard and James are no less ambitious for Season 13.
James goes for a ride with stunt-driving legend Ken Block; Richard travels to Abu Dhabi to test the new Lambo
Murcielago LP640-4 SV; the boys buy three £1,500 rear-drive sports cars and somehow find themselves entered in
a terrifying French ice race. Elsewhere, Jeremy and James attempt to understand what makes a great Volkswagen
advertisement – and then try to film one of their own. Rather predictably, it doesn’t go well. And in a television-
first, the mysterious Stig takes off his helmet to reveal just who he really is…
The Stig continues to put the rich and famous through their paces out on the test track in ‘The Star in the
Reasonably Priced Car’. Celebrities include Michael Schumacher, Olympic Gold sprinter Usain Bolt, actress
Sienna Miller (who has just passed her driving test), AC/DC’s singer Brian Johnson and ‘the biggest petrolhead
in the world’ Jay Leno.
Review:
I have loved this series from the first time I saw it. I would love to work with Jeremy, Richard and James as they
wonder the globe testing out cars and doing their hair-raising stunts! If you love cars and have a sense of humor,
this series is for you. Once you get into this show, you'll want all of the DVDs so you can catch up on what you
have missed! Oh, yes, the scenery is marvelous as well. Enjoy!
The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Third Season
Available on DVD: September 14th
Official Site URL: www.bigbangtheorydvd.com
Synopsis:
Worlds collide in Season 3! A love affair with Penny has opened a big, wide, wonderful world of romance for Leonard. But
Sheldon likes the world just the way it was, thank you. All of which makes for a zany comic triangle with brainy, clueless
Sheldon and practical, grounded Penny hilariously vying for the role of hypotenuse. This complete 2-Disc, 23-Episode
Season 3 Set also features Raj, Howard, tattoos, football, awkward dates, jail time, Stan Lee, a The Lord of the Rings
ring and all the fun of a series that only gets better. The Big Bang Theory “has transformed from a cute comedy about
eggheads and their hottie neighbor into an addictive ensemble piece that could be this decade’s answer to Friends”
(Lynette Rice, Entertainment Weekly).
Synopsis:
Back-to-nature chills and thrills with Scooby-Doo’s all-new original movie!
Welcome to Camp Little Moose – where the counselors are friendly, the activities are endless and the urban legends are
intense. In fact, every time someone tells a ghost story, the creepy creature comes to life! But the Mystery Inc. gang
doesn’t spook that easily so gather ’round the campfire to roast some bad guys. Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Freddy, Daphne and
Velma fish for clues to solve the mysteries of The Woodsman, The Fishman and The Banshee of Black Canyon. And of course,
Shaggy and Scooby-Doo are hot on The Case of What’s for Dinner! Scare up summertime fun with the Mystery Inc. gang in
this hilarious, feature-length movie that gives new meaning to camp spirit!
TOM AND JERRY GREATEST CHASES VOLUME 5
Street Date (Blu-ray and DVD): September 21st
Official Website: www.kidswb.com/whv
Synopsis:
The chase continues with Tom and Jerry in 14 animated adventures full of more nonstop fun and outrageous antics! Lasso
laughs when Cowboy Tom wrangles up a frisky Jerry in Posse Cat. Capture chuckles when Jerry the photographer snaps photos
of Tom with his hand in the cookie jar…or, in this case, chocolate cake in Tom’s Photo Finish. Babble with glee when the
two form a dynamite duo of babysitters in Tot Watchers and Busy Buddies. Howl with delight as Tom’s world goes to the dogs
after Jerry befriends Butch in Fit to Be Tied and clap your fins with approval when Jerry rescues a lost seal in Little
Runaway. That’s just a taste of the marvelous mayhem this mischievous mouse and crazy cat will unleash on your delighted
family.
Synopsis:
California Bureau of Investigation consultant Patrick Jane (Simon Baker in his Emmy®-nominated role) has a
blatant lack of protocol but is self-assured and driven. The former “psychic” uses his talent for seeing the
clues everyone else misses to solve the most baffling crimes. But there’s more than crime that makes this
season a must-see: Lisbon and Cho reveal hints about their troubled pasts. Violence fells one CBI boss,
and the new boss seems more interested in authority than teamwork. And as the Van Pelt-Rigsby relationship
heats up, it threatens to cool down their careers. Match wits with the 23-Episode, 5-Disc Season Two of the
hit series that balances nimble humor with dark thrills.
HUMAN TARGET: COMPLETE FIRST SEASON
Release date: September 21, 2010
Official website: www.humantargetdvd.com
Synopsis:
Are you in extreme danger? Need special security? Is there a bullet out there with your name on it? Leave it
to Chance. Mark Valley is protector-for-hire Christopher Chance in the thrill-packed 12-Episode Season 1 based
on the DC Comics series and graphic novel. From piloting a distressed, upside-down jumbo jet to bodyguarding a
D.A. targeted by a gang, Chance puts his life on the line – and each new adventure reveals a little about the
mysterious past that drew him to this line of work. Chi McBride as ops manager Winston and Jackie Earle Haley
as techno genius/fixer Guerrero are Chance’s ace support crew in a series bursting with “brilliantly off-kilter
characters and high production values” (Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times).
Review:
This is one of my favorite shows. I was biting my nails waiting for word of renewal for the coming year and was
very pleased when it came. Can't wait to see what Chance and the gang get into this year.
The nice thing about this series is that each character is being developed. You learn a little more about Chance
and Winston and Guerrero -- but only a little at a time. There is no great exposition that gives you the backstory
for each of them. That is what is so enticing about the show. Who is Christopher Chance?
In addition, the guest stars included in episodes are awesome -- Lee Majors, Lennie James, Armand Asante and Amy
Acker just to name a few.
This show is just "cool."
HE'S YOUR DOG, CHARLIE BROWN
Release date: September 21, 2010
Official website: http://www.peanutsdvd.com
Synopsis:
A beagle is a boy’s best friend. Sometimes. The gang is fed up with mischief-maker Snoopy so Charlie Brown sends
the offending beagle away to puppy boot camp. Equipped with a tiny suitcase and his own doggy dish, Snoopy heads
to the Daisy Hill Puppy Farm but never makes it past his first stop at Peppermint Patty’s. Now Snoopy wonders if
the grass might be greener with a new master. Can Charlie Brown put an end to the canine chaos and bring Snoopy
back to the little red doghouse? Friendship and loyalty come out on top in He’s Your Dog, Charlie Brown! And
you will, too, with this Remastered Deluxe Edition with Improved Picture and Audio.
Review:
I am SO happy that the WB is releasing the Charlie Brown series again. All of the DVDs are wonderful -- with
good stories and clean fun. This classic is from 1968 when life was quite different, yet these stories have
stood the test of time. Kids will love watching Snoopy go off to boot camp and you might harken back to the time
when you were packed off to summer camp as a kid. To say these movies bring back memories, is to just scratch
the tip of the iceberg.
Also included in this special release is LIFE IS A CIRCUIS, CHARLIE BROWN and SNOOPY'S HOME ICE: THE STORY OF THE
REDWOOD EMPIRE ICE ARENA.
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: APOCALYPSE
Warner Home Video, UGO.com and The Paley Center for Media proudly present the bi-coastal World Premieres of
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse, the highly anticipated next entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe Animated
Original PG-13 Movies, in Los Angeles on September 21 and New York on September 23. Filmmakers and members
of the voice cast will attend both events for red carpet media interviews and post-screening panel discussions.
In SUPERMAN/BATMAN: APOCALYPSE, a spaceship splashes down in Gotham City Harbor -- leading Batman and Superman
to encounter a mysterious Kryptonian with powers as great as those of the Man of Steel. The Kryptonian is soon
revealed to be Kara, cousin of Superman, who takes her under his wing to educate her about the ways of Earth.
However, the villainous Darkseid has other plans. Seeing an opportunity to finally defeat Superman, Darkseid
abducts and gains control of Kara, utilizing the powerful Kryptonian to do his bidding. It’s up to Batman and
Superman to save Kara, but they’ll have to take the fight to Darkseid within his hostile world – where unknown,
deadly threats lurk around every corner, including a brainwashed Kryptonian able to match Superman blow-for-blow.
For more information about the premiere event, go to
Apocalpyse. The SUPERMAN/BATMAN APOLALYPSE will be available on DVD September 28, 2010.
TIM DALY TALKS SUPERMAN/BATMAN APOCALYPSE
Tim Daly is reprising his seminal role as the Man of Steel for SUPERMAN/BATMAN: APOCALYPSE, the ninth entry in
the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies arriving Tuesday, September 28 from
Warner Home Video. Tim sat down and answered some questions. You can read his responses at
TimDaly. For more information about
this DVD, find more information below in the DVD section along with some video clips.
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: APOCALYPSE-SUMMER GLAU IS SUPERGIRL
Summer Glau makes her animation voiceover debut as Kara/Supergirl in SUPERMAN/BATMAN: APOCALYPSE, the ninth entry
in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies arriving Tuesday, September 28 from
Warner Home Video. Read her interview as she talks about acting and relating to Supergirl! at
SummerGlau.
DC SHOWCASE: Superman/Shazam! The Return of Black Adam
On November 9, 2010, Warner Home Video will distribute the DC Showcase Original Shorts Collection, the first
quartet of animated adventures featuring the never-before-seen Superman/Shazam! The Return of Black Adam.
DC Showcase is a series of animated shorts featuring characters from the celebrated DC Comics vault. To
read more about this new collection of animated original movies, go to WB Press Release.
SECRET ORIGIN: THE STORY OF DC COMICS
Warner Bros. Pictures presents an enthralling examination of the creative forces behind the World’s
Greatest Super Heroes in Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics, an all-new documentary that takes viewers
behind the scenes of the iconic company with unprecedented access to the Warner Bros. and DC Comics
archives.
Narrated by Ryan Reynolds, Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics will be distributed by Warner Home Video
on November 9, 2010 on DVD for $24.98 (SRP). Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics will also be available
On Demand and for Download.
For more information, go to Secret Origin page.
Product Description:
Twenty-six years ago, Sam and Dean Winchester lost their mother to a mysterious and demonic supernatural force. Subsequently,
their father raised them to be soldiers. He taught them about the paranormal evil that lives in the dark corners and on the
back roads of America ... and he taught them how to kill it. This haunting series follows the Winchester brothers as they
crisscross the lonely and mysterious back roads of the country in their '67 Chevy Impala, hunting down every evil supernatural
force they encounter along the way. At the end of the fourth season, Sam unwittingly broke the final seal – that held Lucifer
captive in Hell. Now, Lucifer is free, the Apocalypse is here and angels prepare for a spectacular final battle. Against a
landscape of celestial violence, natural disasters and a rising human death toll, Sam and Dean, with the help of fallen angel
Castiel, must find a way to achieve the impossible: Kill the Devil.
Review:
SUPERNATURAL is one of those series that you just can't get enough of. Each episode is well written -- and well acted.
The series doesn't get the recognition that others do, but it is definitely a quality product. There seems to be something
for everyone. The plots are sculpted so that there is nothing wasted. You must pay attention though -- seemingly small
things will come back up later in the series! When you look back over the last season, you begin to pick out your
favorite episodes -- only to have them replaced by the new season! Dean and Sam Winchester are a winning pair!
SMALLVILLE: THE COMPLETE NINTH SEASON
Release date: September 7, 2010
Official website: http://www.smallvilledvd.com
Product Description
After a meteor shower bursts from the heavens, raining destruction on the unsuspecting citizens of Smallville, years pass,
and the healing process leaves the town's inhabitants with scars and secrets. From the ashes of tragedy, a popular yet
awkward teen attempts to decipher the meaning of his life and his clouded past. As he struggles with the transition from
boyhood to adulthood, Clark finds that his strength and strange abilities set him uncomfortably apart from his peers.
Soaring into its ninth season, this modern retelling of the Superman legend and its classic characters continues to blend
realism, action and emotional depth to reveal a new interpretation of the enduring mythology. This season, as Metropolis's
clock tower tolls our characters' darkest hour, we find Clark Kent (series star TOM WELLING) finally making his first
attempts to embrace his calling as a superhero.
Review:
It is amazing to think that this series has been on for 10 years now. It just seems to get better and better and I will be
said to see it end this year. However, season nine may be one of the best for SMALLVILLE. Clark continues to struggle with
his destiny, but he keeps inching closer and closer as he spends more time learning from his father, Jor-el. While Lex Luthor
had been the primary villain in years past, this season finds Major Zod as Clark's adversary. Callum Blue is marvelous as Zod.
The relationship between Clark and Lois really take off and it is fun to watch. The underlying drama of Oliver sinking into
a very dark place. You keep hoping he'll find himself -- and return to the Green Arrow.
Product Description
From J.J. Abrams (Lost), Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci – the team behind Star Trek and Alias – and executive producers
Jeff Pinkner, J.H. Wyman and Bryan Burk, Fringe returns for a second thrilling season and continues to explore the
unexplained phenomena and terrifying occurrences linked throughout the world – known simply as "The Pattern“ – in
pursuit of a larger, more shocking truth. Set in Boston, the FBI's Fringe Division formed when Special Agent Olivia
Dunham (Anna Torv) enlisted the help of institutionalized "fringe" scientist Walter Bishop (John Noble) and his son,
Peter (Joshua Jackson), to save her partner and lover from a mind-bending death. Through unconventional and unorthodox
methods, the Fringe team imagines and tests the impossibilities while investigating unbelievable events, macabre crimes
and mystifying cases involving teleportation, reanimation, genetic mutation, precognition, artificial intelligence and
other fantastical theories. When the unimaginable happens, it's their job to stop it.
Review:
This is one show that I have loved from the start. The chemistry among the cast is awesome -- and it has continued through
the second season. Watching the relationships grow (and fall) has been what keeps me coming back each week. What new
creature or disease will they feature this week? Will Olivia and Peter get together? Will Peter learn who he really is?
These are all questions that continue throughout the entire season -- and more are added. If you like a show that makes
you think a little, then FRINGE is for you. You need to pay attention so that you don't miss anything. THis is a smart
drama that has many, many facets. Just when you think you've figured it out -- they throw you a curve ball. Now on DVD,
you can watch some of the more intense episodes -- just to make sure you haven't missed anything. Caution: Don't start
watching the DVD late at night. You won't want to stop watching until you've gone through the whole thing!
DVD REVIEWS
There are a number of DVDs coming out each month. I have divided them into two types -- regular entertainment
and family DVDs. Information about regular DVDs can be found at
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!
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
COMIC BOOKS
Over the long summer break, Fringe has been quietly releasing comic books.
Tales from the Fringe has been revealing character backstories unrevealed on the show. Comic #1 followed Peter’s
exploits in Iraq, while #2 followed Broyles’ first encounter with the alien from “Earthling.” Astrid became the
focal point of issue #3, where we learned how she came to join the FBI, while the fate of Nina’s arm in the aftermath
of the events of “Peter” was seen in issue #4. Gene the Cow’s dreams will be the focus of #5, out later this month,
and Olivia’s “early days in the Fringe division” will be the subject matter of next month’s #6.
You can order back issues of each comic for only a couple of bucks from Amazon.com, and you can also get the
big paperback compilation of the six issues for only $10.11. Of course, you’ll have to wait a while for the
144-page volume: it’s not slated to land until January.
EXCEL LONDON MCM EXPO
October 29-31, 2010
Place: Royal Victoria Dock
Guest: Peter F. Hamilton, writer
Hamilton will be hosting a panel to discuss his work and answer audience questions, and he will also be signing
books for his fans.
Media guests include stars from Warehouse 13, Eureka, Haven and many more
Comics guests include Bernard Chang; Paul Cornell; Antony Johnston; Tony Lee; Jock and Andy Diggle
For more information, go to www.londonexpo.com
AUSTIN COMIC CON
November 12-14, 2010
Austin Convention Center
Babylon 5 Guest: Claudia Christian
Other guests: Adam West, Burt Ward, Billy Dee Williams, James Marsters and more http://www.wizardworld.com/home-tx.html/.
STEEL CITY CON
December 3-5, 2010
Place: Monroeville Convention Center
City: Monroeville, Pennsylvania
Guests: Lou Ferrigno, Richard Kiel, Kane Hodder, Joyce DeWitt, Priscilla Barnes
For more information, go to http://www.steelcitycon.com
FARPOINT 2010
February 18-20, 2011
Place: Crowne Plaza Baltimore North
City: Timonium, MD
Guests: Adam Baldwin, John Billingsley, Bonita Friedericy
For more information, go to http://www.farpointcon.com/
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS! Creation Entertainment has a large number of
conventions planned for the next several months. They include stars from TWILIGHT,
SUPERNATURAL, STARGATE, FARSCAPE, XENA, SERENITY, STAR TREK, 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, 1999-2010
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JMS UPDATE
WEEKEND BOX OFFICE
COWBOY NINJA VIKING
DESPICABLE ME CROSSES $500 MILLION MARK
TOXIC AVENGER
HARLAN ELLISON TYPEWRITER FOR SALE
AN OPEN LETTER FROM PAT TALLMAN
BABYLON PODCAST
BLU-RAY SWAP
FARSCAPE: THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION
THE EXORCIST: EXTENDED DIRECTOR'S CUT
TOP GEAR SEASON 13
THE MENTALIST: COMPLETE SECOND SEASON
HUMAN TARGET: COMPLETE FIRST SEASON
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: APOCALYPSE
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: APOCALYPSE-SUMMER GLAU IS SUPERGIRL
SECRET ORIGIN: THE STORY OF DC COMICS
FRINGE: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON
Over the long summer break, Fringe has been quietly releasing comic books. 