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 29, 2009
JUSTICE SOCIETY AND SMALLVILLE
The CW has released a few pictures from SMALLVILLE's two-hour Justice Society movie, revealing the looks
of several superhero guest stars.
The two episodes, "Society" and "Legends," will feature, among other characters, DC Comics heroes Hawkman,
Doctor Fate and Stargirl. We have already seen "Stargate's" Michael Shanks as Hawkman. Here is Brent
Stait ("Andromeda") is under the helmet as Doctor Fate, and Britt Irvin ("V") is playing Stargirl.
"Society" and "Legends" -- which are being packaged together as a movie titled "Absolute Justice" -- are
set to air Feb. 5.
FRIDAY NIGHT RATINGS
While most broadcast networks were in rerun and movie mode on the day after Thanksgiving, but as usual CBS
finished the night on top.
CBS averaged 5.3 million viewers and a 3.5 rating/6 share in households in primetime. FOX (4.8 million, 2.6/5)
finished second. ABC's 4.4 million viewers and 2.9/5 were good enough for third, topping NBC's 3.7 million
and 2.4/4. The CW (1.2 million, 0.8/1) was in the back of the pack.
FOX led the adults 18-49 demographic, albeit with just a modest 1.4 rating. CBS took second with a 1.2, and
ABC and NBC tie for third at 1.1. The CW came in at 0.5.
WEEKEND BOX OFFICE
Variety reports that in its eighth day of release, Summit Entertainment's "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" crossed
the double-century mark making an estimated $206.1 million. The domestic B.O. for "New Moon" easily eclipsed
that of the first "Twilight" which amassed $192.8 million in 20 weeks. In the first three days of the holiday
frame beginning Wednesday, "New Moon" has grossed $41.4 million.
The record holder for the best Thanksgiving frame haul still belongs to the first "Harry Potter" which made $82.4
million from Wednesday through Sunday.
After Warner Bros.' football drama "The Blind Side" squeezed a few more bodies into the multiplex on Thanksgiving
than "New Moon," the vampire sequel took the top spot back on Friday with $17.9 million at 4,042 theaters.
While that figure reps a 75% decline for "New Moon" from its first Friday, such steep drops aren’t uncommon for
a record tentpole opener, i.e. "The Dark Knight" fell 67%; "Spider-Man 3," -71%; and "Pirates of the Caribbean:
At World’s End," -70%.
Multiplex traffic picked up greatly yesterday for the top 10 which is typical on Black Friday as auds tend to
sit back on Thanksgiving. Of note, "New Moon" saw a 95% surge in its Friday take over its Thanksgiving B.O.,
"Blind Side" shot up 71% as well as wide entries "Ninja Assassin," (+24%) and "Old Dogs" (+67%).
Though "Blind Side" slipped to second after its Thursday win, more people caught the Sandra Bullock film in
its second Friday than on its opening day, with the film seeing a 47% uptick at 3,140 run for a B.O. of $16.2
million. Pic's domestic cume stands at $76.3 million.
Sony’s "2012" rose to third yesterday after placing fifth on Thanksgiving with $7 million off 3,444. Pic dipped
just 14% in its third Friday from a week ago with a running estimated cume of $127.8 million.
A pair of Walt Disney PG titles took fourth and fifth respectively with "Old Dogs" making $6.85 million from
3,425 and "A Christmas Carol" taking $6.64 million from 3,013. In three days "Old Dogs" has generated $14.1
million while the domestic cume for "Christmas Carol" should cross $100 million this weekend; its B.O. currently
standing at $96 million.
Warner Bros. R-rated actioner "Ninja Assassin" took sixth in its third day with $5.7 million from 2,503 and a
three-day B.O. of $13.5 million.
Sony’s feature toon "Planet 51" counted $4.1 million in seventh from 3,035, up 29% from a week ago with an
eight-day take of $22.4 million.
20th Century Fox’s "Fantastic Mr. Fox" doubled its domestic cume from Thursday, drawing $3 million from 2,029
in eighth yesterday for a new domestic total of $6 million.
Lionsgate’s "Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire" took in $2.8 million from 663 and a theater
average of $4,175. Domestic B.O.: $27.1 million.
Overture Films’ "The Men Who Stare at Goats" generated an estimated $632,000 from 1,119 for a running cume in
its fourth Friday of $29.3 million.
Weinstein Co.’s "The Road" raised its three-day cume to $1 million off 111 yesterday. Pic easily owned the
no. 11 spot with a theater average of $5,045 or $560,000.
Disney’s exclusive run of its new hand-drawn animated feature "The Princess and the Frog," set to go wide on
Dec. 11, drew an estimated $277,000 from two sites for a running three-day domestic take of $707,630.
LOST RETURNS IN FEBRUARY
ABC says the final season of "Lost" will begin in February with a night devoted to the drama. An hourlong
special recounting the story line so far will air at 8 p.m. EST Tuesday, Feb. 2, followed by the two-hour season premiere. "Lost" will move to its regular 9-10 p.m. EST time slot beginning the following week, on Feb. 9,
the network said Thursday.
This past summer, many of the cast members of the hit TV show appeared at Comic-Con to talk about the upcoming
season.
When we last saw the castaways, Ben (Michael Emerson) was coaxed by a fake version of Locke (Terry O'Quinn)
to confront and kill the mysterious Jacob (Mark Pellegrino). Jack, Kate, Sawyer and some of the others remained
stuck back in the 1970s in the middle of a conflict between the Dharma Initiative and the Others. Jack
(Matthew Fox) suggests to his fellow castaways that they should try and change the future by igniting a
bomb at the site of the original hatch from season one. The results of these events still remain a mystery
as the 5th season ended with a cliffhanger.
The series about an airplane crash on a mysterious island and its aftermath is ending after six seasons. The
stars of "Lost" include Matthew Fox and Evangeline Lilly.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2009
HOLIDAY BOX OFFICE
Thanksgiving audiences chose football over vampires, making Warner Bros.’ THE BLIND SIDE the top film at
the holiday box office with $9.5 million off 3,110. After posting double-digit grosses throughout the week,
including a record Thanksgiving-eve gross of $14.3 million, the Thursday B.O. for Summit Entertainment’s
TWILIGHT: THE NEW MOON SAGA eased to an estimated $9.2 million from 4,042, according to Variety.
A similar box office trend occurred last Thanksgiving, when a Warner Bros. release skewing to an older crowd,
unseated the younger TWILIGHT demographic: Vince Vaughn-Reese Witherspoon comedy FOUR CHRISTMASES drew $8.9
million while the first installment of the vampire franchise took $5.2 million.
Yesterday’s gap between BLIND SIDE and NEW MOON is much slimmer, with industry estimates expecting NEW MOON
to power back to the top spot throughout the weekend.
On Wednesday, the $14.3 million generated by NEW MOON exceeded the daily B.O. of BLIND SIDE by 81% with the
Sandra Bullock football drama pulling in $7.9 million. Prior to NEW MOON, the biggest haul on Thanksgiving
eve came from 2005’s HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE which made $14.1 million.
In its first week, NEW MOON generated $188.4 million. Summit will be reporting international tallies on Sunday.
Overall, the top 10 films on Thanksgiving generated an estimated $39.4 million, a 20% gain over the holiday’s
tally last year.
Warner Bros. also had another win in third place with its R-rated actioner NINJA ASSASSIN which pulled in
$4.6 million from 2,503. Since its Wednesday bow, NINJA has collected $7.9 million.
Walt Disney’s PG comedy OLD DOGS starring John Travolta and Robin Williams took fourth with $4.1 million off
3,425 for a two-day gross of $7.2 million.
Sony’s 2012 filed fifth with an estimated $4.0 million off 3,444, up 27% from its Thursday B.O. a week ago.
To date, 2012 counts a domestic total of $120.8 million.
DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL charted sixth with $3.8 million off 3,013, a near three fold surge over last
Thursday’s take, with a running domestic cume of $89.4 million.
Sony’s animated feature PLANET 51 followed in seventh with $1.6 million from 3,035 and a first week take of
$18.3 million.
Fox’s expansion of Wes Anderson’s FANTASTIC MR. FOX from four locales to 2,027 catapulted the stop-motion film
into eighth with $1.35 million yesterday. Pic took in $1.1 million during its first day of going wide on Wednesday. Heading into its third frame, MR. FOX counts a domestic B.O. of $3 million.
Lionsgate’s PRECIOUS, based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire" slotted ninth with $1.29 million from 663,
repping a two-fold plus surge from a week ago with a running domestic take at the end of its third week of
$24.3 million.
Overture Films’ THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS drew an estimated $369,300 in tenth off 1,119, down 11% from a week
ago, and a total B.O. going into its fourth frame of $28.7 million.
Weinstein Co.’s limited release of the big-screen adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s THE ROAD generated an
estimated $481,000 in its first two days of release from 111 engagements. Exit surveys are looking good
for the film.
Disney’s exclusive run of its hand-drawn animated THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG at the Ziegfeld in New York and
the Walt Disney Studios main theater totaled $430,770 since its Wednesday bow.
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.
9:00pm on CBS
A Dog Named Christmas (2009)
A mentally challenged man embarks on a mission to find homes for dogs during the holidays. Based on a
novel by Greg Kincaid. Bruce Greenwood, Noel Fisher, Linda Emond, Peter Werner, Jenny Wingfield
9:00pm on Syfy
Anaconda 3: Offspring (2008)
A mercenary and a scientist join forces to stop a giant snake and its pregnant counterpart. David
Hasselhoff, Crystal Allen, John Rhys-Davies, Anthony Green, Ryan McCluskey
9:00pm on SHowtime
Dexter - Lost Boys (New)
MGM CELEBRATES 85 YEARS
MGM is celebrating 85 years of legendary MGM filmmaking that produced all-time classics THE
WIZARD OF OZ, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, GONE WITH THE WIND, and the beloved favorites POLTERGEIST, NORTH BY
NORTHWEST and 2001 SPACE ODYSSEY.
In celebration of the MGM 85th Anniversary starting this week WB and MGM have combined their catalogs
to present 100 iconic movies that were originally produced by MGM via TV through cable On Demand and
on iTunes, PlayStation 3, Amazon On Demand via Digital Download services.
MGM 85 Store on iTunes
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=If/6vWDVyVQ&offerid=146261.10005510&type=3&subid=0&u1=MGMAffiliateEmail_111909
Who watched the AMC remake of THE PRISONER? What did you think? Did it live up to the original?
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.
ASKED & ANSWERED: PART 5 - AVAILABLE
The long-awaited Asked & Answered Part 5, the fifth and final book of the Asked & Answered
series, has arrived. Packed with 1,301 questions, Part 5 has the most questions asked (and
answered) of any book in the 5 book series.
Picking up where Part 4 left off, Part 5's questions and answers are all related to the specifics
of each episode and movie, starting with Season 2 (Season 1 was the final section of Part 4) and
continuing through "The Lost Tales: Voices in the Dark."
Here's a glimpse, a hint, a peek, a preview of the info-nuggets you'll discover in Part 5's
1,301 answers:
J. Michael Straczynski's least favorite episode and which one took his breath away
How the story would have proceeded if Sinclair, Takashima, Kyle, Alexander and Sykes had
remained in the cast
How JMS's childhood is part of the origin of Londo's recurring dream
How "Midnight on the Firing Line" and "The Coming of Shadows" are mirror-images of each other
The significance of the season two episode titles
How Sinclair's storyline is like a certain famous trilogy
How the change in commanding officers benefited the show
Why it's so difficult to write Kosh's dialogue
The basis of the techno-mage symbols
JMS's favorite quotes from "The Coming of Shadows"
The reason JMS drilled down on the Marcus and Lennier characters
Why we couldn't see the surface of Narn after the mass drivers
How the Earth/Minbari War actually began
What it was like on the set when Michael O'Hare returned in "War Without End"
How many years Valen lived
How Season 4 was different from the previous three seasons
Why Lyta isn't mentioned in "Sleeping in Light"
The final image JMS had in mind before a frame was ever shot on the series
Exactly what JMS was thinking during his "Sleeping in Light" cameo
And, at long last, how many Minbari it takes to screw in a lightbulb
PETER WOODWARD
That was Peter Woodward on last week's episode "August" of FRINGE. Good to see Peter back
on the screen here in the U.S.
BABYLON PODCAST
Welcome to Show #180!
The crew chat a bit about whether Space Shuttle Atlantis’ November launch will or will not be the final
Shuttle launch. And stay tuned to find out more about when Tim will join in on a discussion about the
40th anniversary of the Apollo 12 mission!
Hey, if you want to check out the live video stream of this show, head on over to the
Babylon Podcast UStream page!!
Feedbackapalooza: It’s mondo feedback time again, with voicemails and emails a-plenty… complete with
sake bombs and cartoon pajama pants.
But seriously, if anyone does know if any Book of G’Quan or Book of G’Kar prop replicas were made
for the true die-hard collectors out there, or if anyone who has the original copies would be willing
to take pictures for us, definitely let us know!
And remember, friends don’t let friends drive the big mixer board while under the influence of sake
bombs.
Submitting your own Feedback: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! Call
206-338-2259, or just email us a comment you’ve recorded yourself!
Second Life Info: FarPoint Media’s Second Life space can be found on the Third Life Books island in
the Wind River Territory. Find the island here:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wind%20River%20Territory/50/129/22
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.
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
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.
REAL GOOD RADIO HOUR WITH BILL MUMY
Bill Mumy 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.
A new TV series, MEN ON A CERTAIN AGE, is coming December 7 on TNT. MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE explores the
unique bonds of male friendship among three men experiencing the changes and challenges of mid-life.
They have been best friends since college but now, in their 40s, are navigating through the second
act of their lives. Joe (Ray Romano) is a friendly, slightly neurotic, recently separated father of
two who had dreams of being a professional golfer. Now he owns and runs a party store. Terry (Scott Bakula,
Enterprise, Quantum Leap) is a laid-back, handsome actor who seems to breeze through life (and women).
Lately, he's spending more time working as a temp than as an actor. And Owen (Andre Braugher) is an
overstressed husband and father of three who endures constant criticism from his father, for whom he
works as a car salesman.
SUPERMAN: THE COMPLETE ANIMATED SERIES
Release date: November 24, 2009
Official Website: http://www.kidswb.com
Synopsis:
Your spirits will soar with this complete series set from the popular TV series! Portraying
the man and hero as human while keeping the comic-book action at full speed, each animated
adventure is a fast-paced spellbinder. Beginning with his arrival on Earth, Superman finds
his place in his adopted home and accepts his role as its champion - facing mortal enemy
Lex Luthor and countless other criminals like the Weather Wizard and the Toyman. High-
flying excitement, boundless thrills and revealing Exclusive Extras collide in this superior collection about the dynamic hero that inspires us all to strive for truth and justice.
NORTH BY NORTHWEST - 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Available on DVD: November 3
Official Site URL: www.warnerblu.com
Synopsis
Cary Grant (as the ultimate man-on-the-run in his fourth Hitchcock teaming) gives a superlative
performance while Eva Marie Saint (perfect Hitchcock heroine Eve Kendall) is at her sultry and
sexy best in this heart-pounding thriller. Grant plays Manhattan adman Roger Thornhill, who
is at once plunged into the world of spies and counterspies, abducted, framed for murder,
chased, and (in the signature set-piece) crop-dusted. At the films’ end, he hangs on for
dear life from the facial features of Mount Rushmore’s Presidents where he ultimately
rescues Miss Saint.
New Special Features:
Documentary: The Master’s Touch: Hitchcock’s Signature Style
Documentary: North by Northwest: One for the Ages
Additional Special Features:
Screenwriter commentary
Music only track
Cary Grant: A Class Apart [2003 TCM Documentary]
Destination Hitchcock: The Making of North by Northwest hosted by Eva Marie Saint
Photo gallery
Trailer gallery
RED DWARF: RETURN TO EARTH
Release date: October 6, 2009
Synopsis:
The boys are back, and while they may be older, they're still none the wiser. The crew
discover a dimension-hopping leviathan, but Rimmer is threatened with replacement by the
new, improved holograph Katrina. She is determined to guide Lister to his home planet,
but no one is prepared for Earth 2009, where the hapless crew face death unless they
can track down their creators.
-Cast commentary
-Director commentary
-All-new exclusive documentary The Making of Back to Earth
-Deleted scenes
-Smeg ups
-Featurettes
-Trailers
-Web videos
-Photo gallery
-Easter egg
VIDEO CLIPS
Here are some wonderful videos from the WB:
Fans and the Truth:
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/bbc/red_dwarf/backtoearth/clips/
dcp1o1_fans_and_the_truth_300.asx
Get Me Some Dirt:
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/bbc/red_dwarf/backtoearth/clips/
dcp1o1_get_me_some_dirt_qt_300.mov
Just Characters in a TV Series:
http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/bbc/red_dwarf/backtoearth/clips/
dcp1o1_just_characters_in_a_tv_series_qt_300.mov REVIEW:
For fans of this series, they will probably find this DVD a welcome reminder of times past.
At times, the comedy is brillant -- at other times, you wonder what may be going on behind
the scenes.
BACK TO EARTH takes place after the supposed season 10 of Red Dwarf, and the crew find
themselves thrown through a portal, at which time they realize that they’re all just
characters from a TV show. Furthermore, they’re characters from a TV show who are going
to all die in the final episode. The only solution? To track down both the actors that
play them (including a trip to the set!), and the creators of Red Dwarf itself. This opens
the door for plenty of postmodern gags and situations, but arguably it’s only when things
get back into more familiar territory that they start to gel a little more.
The chemistry of the characters that kept this series on the tube for 10 years is still there.
You can’t help but enjoy the fact that the crew are back together. Will this be the
last voyage for Red Dwarf? Quite possibly. But it’s still a fun and entertaining send-off.
The extras include a look behind the production to see how it all came together. This is
very interesting -- to see how they did a number of things with green screen that they could
not have imagined in the original production.
Legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer is back again in the nick of time with Eleventh Hour. This
Complete 6-Disc, 18-Episode Series stars Rufus Sewell as a brilliant biophysicist and special
science advisor to the government investigating scientific crises and oddities – everything
from cloning to cryogenics. With absolute jurisdiction and a resolve to apprehend those abusing
and misusing scientific discoveries and breakthroughs for their own gain, he’s called in as the
last line of defense. Marley Shelton co-stars as the decorated FBI protection officer assigned
to watch his back. Based on the British miniseries by acclaimed writer Stephen Gallagher, the
suspenseful series follows the unlikely pair as they crusade to protect the substance of science
from those with nefarious motives.
GENESIS II, synopsis:
“My name is Dylan Hunt. My story begins the day on which I died.” Gene Roddenberry, the
creator of Star Trek, brings fans another enthralling tale of the future. Set in a time
between now and the era of the starship Enterprise, Genesis II follows Hunt (Alex Cord),
who awakes after 154 years of suspended animation into a post-apocalyptic world that’s
torn between the peace-loving citizens of Pax and the militaristic, mutant Tyranians.
Both want Hunt to join their cause. But the Tyranians have two cruel weapons to persuade
Hunt: a device of torture called a stim. And an alluring mutant (Mariette Hartley) with
two navels…and one ice-cold heart.
REVIEW:
This was an interesting flash-from-the-past -- a series developed by Gene Roddenberry that
gave us a glimpse of what the future might be. There are a number of very familiar faces in
this pilot episode/movie. Mariette Harley plays a mutant with two navels; Percy Rodriguez is
the leader -- many faces from STAR TREK are sprinkled throughout.
This seemed like a very familiar story -- a scientist wakes up 154 years after he is placed
in suspended animation. He finds a world very different from what he left -- because of bomb
has destroyed many of the major cities. Our hero, Dylan Hunt, is introduced to the new
environment, first by the powerful Pax and then he sees the Tyranians. Two classes still
in conflict.He must discover who are the good-guys.
Alex Cord and Mariette Hartley are wonderful in their roles. Given that this was made in
1973, many of the things we can do today had to be done with actual sets and models. Still,
the story is a good one. The idea of a subterranian transit system is interesting; the
idea of a device "stim" to stimulate pleasure and pain, etc.
This could have been an interesting TV series, but producers decided to go with the
"Planet of the Apes" series instead. Roddenberrry came back with a second pilot, PLANET
EARTH, that also fell by the wayside. Roddenberry used the name "Dylan Hunt" and a number
of the ideas from this pilot on ANDROMEDA which starred Kevin Sorbo.
To celebrate the release of the Natural Born Killers 15th Anniversary Director's
Cut, available on Blu-ray/DVD on October 13th, Warner Bros. has created an exciting
online trivia game. How well do you know your Natural Born Killers movie? Test
your knowledge by playing the game.
NIP/TUCK SEASON 5 PART 2
Release date: October 6, 2009
Official website: www.niptuckthedvd.com
Synopsis:
L.A. continues to be the land of plenty for the relocated plastic surgeons of McNamara/Troy.
An aspiring rapper wants more booty to shake, so would the docs please put some junk
in her trunk? Can would-be vampires have those nasty neck wounds concealed? Can a
yoga expert with a giant, uh, appendage have it shortened? Yes to all the above.
And maybe everyone, even the docs, should also have a check-up from the neck up.
Season 5 wraps with 8 episodes of envelope-pushing surgery, surprise, silliness and
seriousness. Yes, seriousness. Because Christian now battles the Big C. Sean copes
with the aftermath of the knife attack. And Liz says “I do” to the last person you’d
imagine. Time to stretch your imaginations, fans.
TOM AND JERRY GREATEST CHASES VOLUME 3
Release Date: October 13, 2009
Official website: www.kidswb.com
Everyone’s favorite cat and mouse are back with 14 shorts from the original popular
cartoon series. Volume 3 finds Tom and Jerry engaging in some of their greatest
chases ever!
This fast-paced collection serves up 14 more of this dynamic duo’s funniest faceoffs
that the whole family will love. Episodes include: Cat Napping, The Flying Cat, The
Two Mousketeers, Smitten Kitten, Baby Butch, Designs on Jerry, The Pecos Pest, Touche
Pussy Cat!, The Flying Sorceress, Blue Cat Blues, The Night Before Christmas, The
Bowling Alley-Cat, Fine Feathered Friend and Puttin’ on the Dog.
YELLOWSTONE: BATTLE FOR LIFE
Release date: September 29, 2009
Official website: www.bbcamerica.com
Synopsis:
America’s first National Park, Yellowstone, is one of the most spectacular wildernesses
on Earth and home to some of the richest wildlife beyond the plains of Africa.
YELLOWSTONE: BATTLE FOR LIFE reveals the beauty and struggles of this amazing
natural treasure. A must-own documentary for nature enthusiasts everywhere, the
release contains three hour-long episodes that encompass nearly an entire year at
Yellowstone National Park, as well as 30 minutes of behind-the-scenes special features.
REVIEW:
The BBC has released a number of DVDs that provide excellent opportunities to entertain the
entire family. YELLOWSTONE: BATTLE FOR LIFE is no exception. This series is a year in the
lives of several Yellowstone wildlife: bison, grizzly bears, foxes, wolves, beavers, and elk.
The three 50 minute episodes, entitled "Winter", "Summer" and Autumn" look at the animals in
each season. There is some amazing photography, colorful volcanic springs that are beautiful
orange and blue -- colors you don't normally associate with volcanic activity.
Along with so much breathtaking photography, you will see things you've not seen before --
learn about these creatures in the wild that you were unaware of. All in all, a wonderful
addition to anyone's DVD collection. Definitely one you will want to share with your kids.
SCARE TACTICS SEASON 3 PART 1
Release date: October 6, 2009
Official website: www.wbshop.com
Synopsis
Comedy superstar Tracy Morgan (30 Rock, Saturday Night Live) hosts Season Three of
the smash prankster show Scare Tactics! A psycho invades the home of a babysitter
and her charge. A mutant creature bursts from a lab’s oversized cocoon. A horror
film director silences his critics…permanently. From outlandish to ghoulish to
downright terrifying, these are just some of the elaborate scenarios into which
the victims (or prey!) are lured. Hidden cameras capture their always primal,
often hilarious reactions, with the results then edited and scored to create
“mini-movies” where the victim is the star and their acting is for real!
DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movie Based on Acclaimed Jeph Loeb/Ed McGuinness
Comics; Tim Daly, Kevin Conroy & Clancy Brown Reprise Original Voices of Superman,
Batman & Lex Luthor
The World’s Greatest Super Heroes become America’s most wanted criminals – and are
hunted by friends and foes alike – in SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES, the sixth
entry in the popular DVD series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies. A
co-production of Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation, the full-
length animated film will be distributed by Warner Home Video on September 29, 2009.
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES will be available as a Special Edition 2-disc version
on DVD and Blu-Ray™ Hi-Def for $24.98 (SRP) and $29.99 (SRP), respectively, as well
as single disc DVD for $19.98 (SRP) and On Demand.
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES is based on the popular Jeph Loeb/Ed McGuinness
comic series/graphic novel. Animation legend Bruce Timm (Superman Doomsday, Green
Lantern) is executive producer. Michael Goguen (Justice League: The New Frontier)
is supervising producer. Sam Liu (The Batman) is directing a script written by Stan
Berkowitz (Justice League: The New Frontier).
In the film, United States President Lex Luthor uses the oncoming trajectory of a
Kryptonite asteroid to frame Superman and declare a $1 billion bounty on the heads
of the Man of Steel and his “partner in crime,” Batman. Heroes and villains alike
launch a relentless pursuit of Superman and Batman, who must unite – and recruit
help – to stave off the action-packed onslaught, stop the asteroid, and uncover
Luthor’s devious plot to take command of far more than North America.
The movie reunites the lead voices of Superman, Batman and Lex Luthor from the
landmark Superman: The Animated Series and Batman: The Animated Series. Tim Daly
(Private Practice), Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League) and
Clancy Brown (The Shawshank Redemption) reprise their roles as Superman, Batman and
Lex Luthor, respectively.
REVIEW
The partnership of Batman and Superman is wonderful in this animated video. They stand
together against Lex Luthor, who has been elected President of the United States. Other
super heroes side with Lex and begin the process of bringing order to the chaos that
has been caused the a huge global economic crisis. Lex asks Superman to join him, but
Superman and Batman don't trust Lex. When a meteor threatens Earth, Lex tells the
military to use missiles -- despite their argument that they will not be effective.
Lex's ego kicks into high-gear and does not accept their findings. When the missiles
do fail, Superman and Batman try to save the Earth. It is an interesting adventure
for everyone.
The extras included with this 2-disc set are awesome. The conversations with writers
of the comics is intersting and informative. The extra animated videos are done very
well and you get additional information on the upcoming JUSTICE LEAGUE project.
For fans of Superman and Batman, this 2-disc set is a wonderful addition.
THE MENTALIST - SEASON ONE
Release date: September 22, 2009
Official website: www.thementalistdvd.com
Synopsis
“A mentalist is a master manipulator of thought and behavior.” The mentalist is
Patrick Jane (Simon Baker in an acclaimed performance), a celebrity psychic whose
wife and child are viciously murdered by an elusive serial killer called Red John.
Devastated, Patrick admits his paranormal act is fake, renounces his earlier life
and uses his astonishing skills of observation and analysis – talents that made
him appear psychically gifted – to bring killers to justice. At crime scenes across
California, Patrick now helps an elite team of detectives break their toughest cases.
But no matter how many criminals he catches, Patrick never forgets his central goal:
Find Red John. And bring him down.
REVIEW OF DVD
I have to admit, I didn't watch this show much this year, but have always been interested
in it. Simon Baker is really easy on the eyes, and I loved him in THE GUARDIAN. He is
wonderful in the role of Patrick Jane, a consultant who helps the California Bureau of
Investigation with murder cases.
I love character based action/adventure shows and this one fills both bills. There is
enough action each week and the characters are rich and keep me coming back for more.
Thank heavens for the DVD! I started watching yesterday and 4 hours later wondered
why I hadn't stayed up to watch this program throughout the year. CBS has been great
at putting the show on at different times as well, but if you are like me, the DVD is
what you need. From the first story, the characters, work on a number of levels. As
you progress through the DVD, you see them grow and get better and closer. While Patrick
is the focus of nearly everything that goes on, the B stories are very good as well. I
love the growing love story between Rigsby and Van Pelt. Rigsby is a big football kind
of guy who is quite shy and madly in love with the new agent, Van Pelt -- but too shy
to tell her of his feelings. When a baddie comes after Jane, Rigsby is attacked and you
see there are feelings between the two, but now you have a situation -- on-the-job
love stories never work out.
Robin Tunney is very good as Agent Teresa Lisbon. As the series begins, she is the
foil for Jane, but as the series has progressed, you learn more about her troubled
childhood and you can appreciate her character a bit more.
If you love the show, you'll truly enjoy the DVD.
The new season premieres September 24 at 10:00pm ET.
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.
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.
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.
New DVDs are coming out all the time. Please visit the DVD page for more information
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 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
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #29
Written by J. Michael Straczynski, art and cover by Jesus Saiz.
A thing that lives...and fights for its soul! The shambling walking doll that is
Brother Power, the Geek has been reborn in Gotham City without a home or purpose!
Could destiny have something in store for this seemingly lost relic? And why does
his appearance cut into Batman's.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Nov. 18.
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?
December 4-6, 2009 STEEL CITY CON
Place: Monroeville Convention Center
City: Monroeville (near Pittsbugh) Pa.
Guests include: Luciana Carro (Battlestar Galactica), Ernie Hudson from Ghostbusters
I and II, Peter Mayhew
Recently added: C.J. Graham (Friday the 13th), Robb Demarest (Ghost Hunters Int'l)
For more information, go to http://www.steelcitycon.com .
January 23-24, 2010 STAR TREK CONVENTION
Place: Westin St. Francis Hotel
City: San Francisco, CA
Guests: William Shatner and Patrick Stewart
February 12-14, 2010 FARPOINT 2010
Place: Crowne Plaza Baltimore North
City: Timonium, Maryland (near Baltimore)
Babylon 5 Guest: Mira Furlan
Other Guests: Felicia Day, Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog/The Guild/Dollhouse
For more information, go to http://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, 1999-2009
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JUSTICE SOCIETY AND SMALLVILLE
HOLIDAY BOX OFFICE
LOST RETURNS IN FEBRUARY
SUPERMAN: THE COMPLETE ANIMATED SERIES
RED DWARF: RETURN TO EARTH
ELEVENTH HOUR
NATURAL BORN KILLERS 15TH ANNIVERSARY DIRECTOR'S CUT
NIP/TUCK SEASON 5 PART 2
YELLOWSTONE: BATTLE FOR LIFE
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES
THE MENTALIST - SEASON ONE
SCOOBY-DOO WHERE ARE YOU? VOLUME THREE HELLO MUMMY
SUPERMAN: THE COMPLETE ANIMATED SERIES
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #29
RED CIRCLE: THE HANGMAN #1 