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!
NEWS ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2010
MAINTENANCE COMIC DEAL
The Hollywood Reporter writes that DreamWorks Animation snuck one last deal in before Hollywood shut down. They picked
up the movie rights to MAINTENANCE, an Oni Press comic book, nabbing it out of turnaround from Warner Bros.
The comic, published by Oni in December, 2006, followed the exploits of two janitors who work for TerroMax, Inc., the
world's biggest and best evil science think tank. When they're not dealing with toxic spill monsters and menial time
machine repairs, they have to contend with their boss, a multitude of mad scientists, jetpack-equipped cavemen, alien
repomen, and the cute girl who works at reception.
The comic was written by Jim Massey and illustrated by Robbi Rodriguez.
Whilst at Warners, MAINTENANCE was being developed as a directing vehicle for McG, who was also producing via his
Wonderland Sound and Vision banner. Joe Ballarini worked on the script.
While it’s unclear why exactly Warners let it go, the humorous and pop cultural-referencing tone combined with a large
scope described in MAINTENANCE may be best suited for the animated world. And it seems like a project perfectly matched
for DWA, which has had great success with similarly themed movies such as 2009’s MONSTERS VS. ALIENS and the recent
Superman-infused MEGAMIND.
MAINTENANCE is coming into DWA free and clear, with no writer, director or producers attached.
TRON: LEGACY
Disney's TRON: LEGACY grossed $3.6 million in midnight runs from 2,000 theaters, with Imax theaters providing a record
percentage of the gross.
The film beat out the midnight gross for AVATAR, which debuted the same frame a year ago. AVATAR's midnight tally was
$3.5 million.
Imax showings of Tron grossed $1 million, or 29% of the total gross.
TRON debuted in 228 Imax theaters across the country. Several theaters in South Atlantic states that had planned to run
the film were shut because of snow.
Earlier this year, INCEPTION posted midnight grosses of $3 million. Imax gross beat out Imax midnight showings of AVATAR,
IRON MAN 2 and INCEPTION.
AKA JESSICA JONES
TWILIGHT franchise screenwriter and former DEXTER executive producer Melissa Rosenberg is set to adapt Marvel's AKA
JESSICA JONES for a fall 2011 series on ABC, reports Variety.
Rosenberg will write and execute produce the project, which will likely be Marvel Television's first official project for
ABC ahead of "The Incredible Hulk."
Besides Rosenberg, executive producers on AKA JESSICA JONES include Marvel TV's Jeph Loeb, Marvel Entertainment chief
creative officer Joe Quesada and Marvel Worldwide's Alan Fine; 3 Arts Entertainment's Howard Klein ("Parks and Recreation")
is also an executive producer.
Brian Michael Bendis, who created the character on which the series is based and the comic "Alias" in which she first
appeared (along with Michael Gaydos), is a consultant.
The trade adds that Guillermo del Toro and David Eick continue their talks to adapt "Hulk" at ABC and ABC Family is
developing an adaptation of "Cloak and Dagger."
STAR WARS: CLONE WARS
To anyone who's been paying any attention to both the Star Wars prequels and the Cartoon Network's animated series,
it's obvious that by Revenge of the Sith, Ahsoka Tano is no longer Anakin Skywalker's student. Will we finally
find out why?
This sneak peek at STAR WARS: THE CLINE WARS' upcoming season goes by all too quickly. Speculation is that the
fate of Ahsoka Tano was going to be inextricably linked to Anakin turning to the Dark Side—either that something
would happen to her that he could've prevented but didn't or that he would have to kill her himself.
Judging by the last shot, I'm leaning toward the latter.
STARGATE UNIVERSE CANCELLED
Syfy has announced it will end its original action-adventure series STARGATE UNIVERSE once the show returns to
finish its second season in the spring of 2011. The upcoming 10 episodes will be the series' last.
The Stargate franchise—consisting of Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe—has aired on Syfy
since 2002.
Syfy has a slate of new scripted projects lined up for 2011, including the series premiere of BEING HUMAN on Jan.
17, the recently green-lit one-hour drama series ALPHAS and the much-anticipated Battlestar prequel pilot movie,
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: BLOOD & CHROME.
WAREHOUSE 13, EUREKA and HAVEN will also be returning with new seasons next year.
FRINGE MOVE TO FRIDAY
Those of us who watch FRINGE might be worried about what the move to Friday nights will mean for the future, but
the creators of the show seem to be having fun with it. They've defended the switch, given an earlier canceled
series a shout-out, and now they've created a TV ad acknowledging all our fears.
The spot quotes many of the online naysayers, interspersing them with clips of the show's characters spouting
appropriately death-oriented lines, ending with the promise "You may think Friday night is dead ... but we're gonna
re-animate it.
FRINGE returns January 21, 2011.
BEYOND
The Hollywood Reporter informs us that Teri Polo, who is part of the all-star cast of Little Fockers, and Dermot
Mulroney are joining Jon Voight to star in BEYOND, a thriller from Crystal Sky’s subsidiary Crystal Edge.
Joseph Rusnak, who helmed The 13th Floor, is sitting behind the camera for the $10 million production, currently
shooting in Alaska.
Julian Morris, who appeared in ABC’s short-lived drama My Generation, is also in the movie.
The story centers on a veteran detective and a questionable television psychic who will stop at nothing to find
a missing child.
Polo is playing Voight’s daughter and the mother of the child.
Steven Paul is producing the movie, part of his company’s deal with Anchor Bay Films to jointly produce, finance
and acquire films with budgets from $2 million-$30 million for at least two years.
Polo reprises her role as Pam Focker in Little Fockers, Universal’s latest entry in the successful Meet the Parents
series. The movie opens Dec. 22. The actress is recurring on Law & Order: L.A. in as Skeet Ulrich’s wife.
Mulroney recently wrapped Red State, Kevin Smith's latest flick, about a villainous preacher. Mulroney starred in
NBC’s pilot of The Rockford Files remake, although the show wasn’t picked up to series.
GRAVITY
According to the Hollywood Reporter, George Clooney will star opposite Sandra Bullock in Gravity, Warner Bros.’ and
Legendary Pictures' 3D outer space thriller that has become a game of musical chairs for actors.
The initial pairing for the Alfonso Cuaron-directed project -- about a female astronaut struggling to survive and
trying to make it to Earth after a disaster in space -- was to have been Angelina Jolie and Robert Downey Jr. Then
came a protracted series of reversals that saw Jolie leave and come back, and actresses Marion Cotillard, Scarlett
Johansson, Blake Lively and Natalie Portman involved with the movie to varying degrees, all within the last eight
months.
Downey stuck with the project throughout the various casting changes but in mid-November, just as things looked set with Bullock, he bailed.
Warner considered scrapping the project but conducted a Hail Mary search for the male lead who, while doesn’t carry
the movie, is still pivotal in the first act.
Clooney will play an astronaut who survives the space disaster alongside Bullock. The studio is eyeing a spring start
of production after Clooney directs IDES OF MARCH, the adaptation of the political drama that has Ryan Gosling and Paul Giamatti attached to star.
David Heyman (Harry Potter) is producing. Lynn Harris is overseeing for the studio.
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.
MERLIN RETURNING IN JANUARY
Fans of the popular Syfy series MERLIN will be happy to hear that it will return on Friday, January 7 at 10:00pm
ET/PT. MERLIN, starring Colin Morgan, Bradley James and Anthony Head, completed the second season in June, averaged
1.72 million total viewers and a 1.3 HH rating, based on Live +7 DVR data. SYFY will be re-running the first season
of Merlin starting December 13 and a marathon of Merlin Season 2 episodes during the day of January 7.
Season three sees the young wizard Merlin (Colin Morgan) in increasingly more dangerous and dark battles in his
secret quest to protect Prince Arthur (Bradley James) in the fabled kingdom of Camelot where magic is forbidden
by King Uther (Anthony Head). They rejoin Katie McGrath as the mesmerizing Morgana, who has a dark destiny of her
own, Angel Coulby as her loyal maid Gwen, and Richard Wilson as wise Court physician Gaius. The new season sees
our heroes pushed to their limits as the kingdom is thrown into turmoil by the return of Morgana from a year's
absence. As misbegotten secrets are exposed and old friends choose new sides, the battle for Camelot has truly
begun.
A host of new guest stars joins the regular cast to enthrall audiences over the 13-episode run, including four
actors from the Harry Potter films: Harry Melling (The Harry Potter Series) will play Merlin's friend Gilli;
Warwick Davis (The Chronicles of Narnia) assumes the role of bridgekeeper Grettir; Miriam Margoyles (Being
Julia) will play Grunhilda; and Mark Williams (The Fast Show) is voice of a mischievous Goblin. Guest stars
from the previous season such as Emilia Fox (The Pianist, Ballet Shoes) who plays Morgause, and Santiago
Cabrera (Heroes, Che), who plays Lancelot, will also be returning for the new season. Legendary actor John
Hurt once again provides the Voice of the Great Dragon.
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
Here is the word from JMS Facebook page:
As reported: with the huge success of the Superman GN, DC wants to fast-track the next one. This will require a great
deal of care, requiring me to step back from scripting the monthlies to focus on this. Those stories will continue
to their conclusion, based on my outlines. I'm taking this opportunity to take a 1-5 year sabbatical from writing comics
to concentrate on GNs and miniseries.
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."
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
Mary Woronov (Kka'Dath) - December 8
Sarah Douglas (Jha'Dur) - December 12
Kim Holly (costume designer) - December 25
Dark Hoffman (prop master) - December 28
John C. Flinn III (Director of Photography) - December 2
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 #218!
The first minor quakes have begun: Warner Bros has called JMS regarding preliminary inquiries on another Babylon
5 project. We eagerly await more news!
Lensman Spotting: The over/under on Tim’s first Lensman comment was 4 minutes. See your boohkie, or drink 4 shots
Voicemail: Neil from Bowie weighs in on the evolution of the original B5 story line; Joe from Anaheim recalls an
example of Minbari rifles and Narn handguns; Colin from San Marcos wonders why the Vorlons decided they needed
Sheridan to lead the fight against the Shadows; Gary wants to hear Tim’s theories on alternate B5 stories and
timelines; Gary wants to know if we’re going to ever discuss fanfic here on the podcast; Gary comments on the
Psi Corps telepath “weapon” levels; Gary has another theory about why the Grey Council needed the triluminary to interrogate Sinclair
VerseAndy posits that confusion about the triluminary is all Sinclair’s fault; Gary weighs in on the laundry
conundrum Summer once brought up; Hated Bunny also throws out some theories on what the triluminary’s real
function might have been; John from Jersey weighs in on Bret’s question on how many folks watched both B5
and DS9; will Tim take over the puns now that Jeffrey’s off working around the country; Neil, still driving,
also enjoyed “A Call to Arms”, and all of the anticipation that came with it; Neil, still driving, states that
the scene in “The Gathering” with the dust smuggler at the entry gate wasn’t in the initial airing, but was
edited in after the fact;
Neil, still driving, thinks that JMS did want to reshoot the scenes in “Revelations” using Melissa Gilbert for
the DVD release; Neil, still driving, responds to his own voicemail about what they were using the triluminary
for; Neil, still driving, on the opening credits of the S2 DVD shows the transformed Delenn prior to actually
seeing her completed transformation in the show.
HOLIDAY IDEAS
Here are some special ideas for the kids. What kid (me included) doesn't like Charlie Brown, Yogi Bear, Sylvester
& Tweety and Foghorn Leghorn and Friends? Here are new DVDs, just being released in time for the holidays. They
promise hours of fun watching (and laughing) for the kids.
CHARLIE BROWN'S CHRISTMAS TALES
Available now
Official Site URL: www.peanutsdvd.com
Synopsis:
CHARLIE BROWN'S CHRISTMAS TALES is a series of Christmas-themed animated stories, in which each of the beloved
PEANUTS characters star in his or her own charming animated vignette. Bonus episode: Is This Goodbye, Charlie
Brown - New-to-DVD! Linus must break the devastating news that his family is moving. Charlie Brown and the gang
make their goodbyes and prepare for Linus and Lucy's departure.
Synopsis:
Yogi Bear and his pal Boo Boo live in Jellystone Park, where they constantly sneak behind the back of Ranger Smith
to steal picnic baskets from unsuspecting vacationers. Yogi made his debut in 1958, as part of "The Huckleberry
Hound Show." The character proved so popular, he was given his own show in 1960, also sponsored by Kellogg's
Cereals. In addition to Yogi, the show featured separate cartoons with the new characters Snagglepuss and Yakky
Doodle. Through 1962, 70 Yogi Bear cartoons were produced, all of them featuring Daws Butler as the voice of
Yogi, and Don Messick as Boo Boo. In this Christmas Special, Yogi escapes from Jellystone and hides out in a
department store - posing as the Store's Santa. Along the way, he helps a little girl to rediscover her faith
in Christmas.
YouTube Embed Code:
LOONEY TUNES SUPER STARS: FOGHORN LEGHORN & FRIENDS
and LOONEY TUNES SUPER STARS: TWEETY & SYLVESTER
Both available on DVD: November 30th
Looney Tunes Super Stars: Foghorn Leghorn & Friends
Synopsis:
Foghorn Leghorn, the overgrown, adult rooster with the strong Virginia accent and a penchant for mischief, is
featured as the Super Star is these Looney Tunes cartoon shorts. Watch the diminutive Henery Hawk’s attempts
to catch and eat Foghorn, Foghorn’s gags on his canine nemesis Barnyard Dawg and finally the overgrown rooster’s
efforts to woo the widowed hen Miss Prissy in this collection of cartoon shorts. Additionally Foghorn is joined
on the disc by some other Looney Friends such as Elmer Fudd and Two Crows.
This second installment of the “Looney Tunes Super Star” series, prominently stars Foghorn Leghorn & some of his
Looney Tunes friends – Fans have been asking for more of Foghorn Leghorn so I Say I Say I Say Son here it is!
YouTube Embed Code:
Looney Tunes Super Stars: Tweety & Sylvester
Synopsis:
When Friz Freleng directed 1947's "Tweetie Pie," he may not have known he was making history. This, the first pairing
of Sylvester the sputtering cat and Tweetie (later Tweety) the wide-eyed canary, won an Academy Award and united a
duo that would appear in more than 40 Warner Brothers cartoon shorts by 1962. Sylvester and Tweety earned their
studio another Academy Award for 1957's "Birds Anonymous" and several other Oscar nominations through the years.
Generations of Americans have grown up watching Sylvester's classic, ever-thwarted attempts to catch Tweety. With
two of the most famous voices in cartoons, both supplied by Mel Blanc, Sylvester's sloppy "sufferin succotash"
and Tweety's baby-voiced "I tawt I taw a puddy tat," Sylvester and Tweety are two of the most quickly identified
characters in cartoons.
This second installment of the “Looney Tunes Super Star” series prominently stars one of the Looney Tunes franchise’s
most popular characters, Tweety!
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA
Available on DVD: November 9th
Official Site URL: www.bbcamericashop.com
Synopsis:
C.S. Lewis’s enchanting tale comes to life in this classic BBC adaptation from 1988. When young Second World War evacuee Lucy Pevensie hides in an old wardrobe during a game of hide and seek, she finds herself transported to the magical land of Narnia, locked in eternal winter by the evil White Witch. Her siblings do not believe her when she tells them of this strange new world, but they are soon in Narnia themselves, fighting alongside the noble lion Aslan to defeat the witch and her mighty army. This set includes the following complete stories from the book series: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe; Prince Caspian; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; The Silver Chair.
Review:
I have loved all the CHRONICLES OF NARNIA movies so far. However, this BBC production is equally as wonderful.
While done on a much smaller scale, the story still is magnificent. The actors, young and old, are terrific and
I find the episodic nature of the stories much easier to follow -- especially for younger viewers. This production
is a good introduction to the novels written by C.S. Lewis.
Scrating your head on what to get that special someone? Discover the perfect holiday gift from BBC films and TV
series to unique British collectibles now available at the BBC America Shop:
http://bit.ly/BBCHoliday-2010.
For him find TV favorites on DVD like Dr. Who, Top Gear; for her find holiday collectibles for the home; and for
the kids animated favorites, music, books and more.
Plus this holiday season WIN $1,000 (two $500 Gift Cards for you and a friend) redeemable toward purchases on the
BBC America Shop with the annual Holiday Sweepstakes:
http://bit.ly/BBCHoliday-2010.
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS - Part 1
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD) prepares you for HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS - PART 1
with the release of the first five Harry Potter films this month On Demand (cable & satellite) and through
digital Download on iTunes, Amazon Video On Demand, XBOX and PlayStation and other online digital retailers.
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD) has announced that all seven seasons of THE WEST WING are now available
for the first time in high definition exclusively through digital download on iTunes, Amazon Video On Demand and
other online digital retailers. Winner of 30 Emmy Awards™ and two Golden Globes™, The West Wing aired between
1999 and 2006, giving viewers a fictionalized look inside life in the Oval Office.
WBDD is also giving fans of THE WEST WING an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview with one of the show’s executive
producers, Thomas Schlamme. Now available at http://bit.ly/WBDD_WestWing,
fans can get a sneak peek and hear details about the show they love.
THE WEST WING offers a behind-the-scenes look at the life of the eclectic group of frenzied staffers in the Oval
Office. The sophisticated series starred Rob Lowe, Dulé Hill, Allison Janney, Janel Moloney, Richard Schiff, John
Spencer, Bradley Whitford and Martin Sheen. Acclaimed dramatist Aaron Sorkin (A Few Good Men, The American President,
The Social Network) created the series and executive produced with Thomas Schlamme and John Wells. The West Wing
is from John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Warner Home Video is proud to distribute two exciting DC Comics-based titles -- "The DC Showcase Animated
Shorts Collection" featuring the all-new short, "Superman/Shazam: The Return of Black Adam"; and the 75-
year documentary celebration, "Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics."
Review:
I couldn't wait to see the Superman/Shazam DVD. The story of the origin of Shazam is wonderful. Many have read the
story of how Shazam came to be. Orphaned Billy Batson is a friend of Clark Kent and later they become an invinsible
team. Good story, especially for smaller children. The triumph of good over evil -- right over wrong.
Also on the DVD are stories featuring The Spectre (with voice of Gary Cole as The Spectre); Green Arrow and Jonah
Hex. While I enjoyed all four features, it seemed that they became increasingly violent as the DVD went on. So
parents will want to review the material (as they always should) before having smaller children watch the segmentrs.
NEW MOVIE RELEASES
SHERLOCK: SEASON ONE
Release date: November 9, 2010
Synopsis:
A contemporary take on the classic Arthur Conan Doyle stories, Sherlock is a thrilling, funny, fast-paced adventure
series set in present-day London. Co-created by Steven Moffat (Doctor Who, Coupling) and Mark Gatiss, Sherlock stars BAFTA-nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (Hawking, Amazing Grace) as the new Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman (The Office,
Love Actually), as his loyal friend, Doctor John Watson. Rupert Graves plays Inspector Lestrade. The iconic details
from Conan Doyle's original books remain ? they live at the same address, have the same names and, somewhere out
there, Moriarty is waiting for them. And so across three thrilling, scary, action-packed and highly modern-day
adventures, Sherlock and John navigate a maze of cryptic clues and lethal killers to get at the truth.
Review:
Like so many BBC series, SHERLOCK is very well done. SHERLOCK HOLMES is a wonderful combination of crisp writing,
subtle humor and engaging. With the recent big screen version of SHERLOCK HOLMES, more viewers should seek out this
BBC series. It is smart and fast paced, with original stories that make you want to see more. The fact that the
series is set in modern time does not detract from the original concept at all -- in fact it adds to the enjoyment
and makes it easier to relate to the current time period.
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
'Twas the Night Before Christmas' will be released in brand new editions by Warner Home Video (WHV) on October 5, 2010
along with a newly remastered, deluxe edition.
Synopsis:
For some unexplained reason, letters to Santa Claus are being returned to the children of Junctionville. It seems
some resident has angered St. Nick, calling Christmas “a fraudulent myth!” Skeptical Albert Mouse has to be brought
to his senses “and let up a little on the wonder why.” How Albert is persuaded to change his tune paves the way for
Santa’s jolly return to town – and the joyous finale of the animated fable inspired by Clement Moore’s poem and
produced by the merrymaking conjurers of Rankin/Bass Studios. The voice talents of Joel Grey, Tammy Grimes, John
McGiver and George Gobel make this festive fable even more fun.
V: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON
Release date: November 7, 2010
Synopsis: The Visitors are among us, promoting a message of peace ... but could they be a threat to our existence?
While the world quickly becomes fascinated with the V's, and their promise to share technology, FBI Counter Terrorist
Agent Erica Evans (Elizabeth Mitchell - Lost) discovers a secret that may threaten the lives of everyone close to her.
Review:
Remakes -- you never know what you'll see. When this series was announced, I thought, oh no. How can they remake the
original V series. It was wonderful.
Enter the new "V" series, it is even better than the original. If there have been issues, it could be with the schedule.
They have aired episodes and then there is a huge break in time before the next one is shown. However, that lapse may
heighten anticipation in what will take place and make you sure not to miss the next episode. They really picked the
right person to play Anna - she is soooooooo wicked!!! I look forward to the new season coming out to see how the 5th
Column and the V's battle it out. Excellent job on the "remake"!!
If you don't want to purchase the DVD, you can also go to iTunes and download just an episode or two.
FARSCAPE: THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION
FARSCAPE: THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION hits the shelves in the UK on Monday 15 November courtesy of Go Entertain
and A&E.
It’s the first Region 2 release of all 88 episodes of the classic sci-fi show in one 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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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/
MEGA CON
March 25-27, 2011
Place: Orange County Convention Center
Babylon 5 guests as of this date are Bruce Boxleitner and Mira Furlan
For more information, go to http://www.megaconvention.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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MAINTENANCE COMIC DEAL
JMS UPDATE
SHERLOCK: SEASON ONE
TRON: LEGACY
AKA JESSICA JONES
STARGATE UNIVERSE CANCELLED
BEYOND
GRAVITY
MERLIN RETURNING IN JANUARY
AN OPEN LETTER FROM PAT TALLMAN
BABYLON PODCAST
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA
Scrating your head on what to get that special someone? Discover the perfect holiday gift from BBC films and TV
series to unique British collectibles now available at the BBC America Shop: 
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS - Part 1
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
V: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON
FARSCAPE: THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION
THE EXORCIST: EXTENDED DIRECTOR'S CUT
TOP GEAR SEASON 13
Over the long summer break, Fringe has been quietly releasing comic books. 