Marcel Camus’ multi award winning film Black Orpheus made a huge impact on its original release, garnering top accolades, an Oscar, Golden Globe and Palme D’Or and putting bossa nova on the map.
This visually stunning film, based on Vinícius de Moraes musical play Orfeu da Conceição, retells the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice against the vibrant backdrop of the Rio carnival.
The outstanding soundtrack from Latin Jazz legend Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luiz Bonfa introduced the world to a new style of samba, later known as bossa nova, that was fresh, romantic and accessible to jazz hipsters.
This fantastic new transfer, featuring the extended version of the film, does full justice to the glorious colour photography and will be released for the first time on DVD courtesy of Second Sight on 19 March 2007.
“More than just showcasing samba, Black Orpheus brought this music to life, making Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luis Bonfa international stars. From the very opening title scene, where favalistas burst through an ancient frieze of Orpheus and Eurydice, to the climactic Carnival parade, music pervades practically every moment of the film”. rootsworld.com
Title: Black Orpheus
Release Date: 19 March 2007
RRP: £19.99
Friday, December 22, 2006
South Bank Show Awards
On Tuesday 23rd January 2007, Melvyn Bragg will be hosting the 11th annual SOUTH BANK SHOW AWARDS at the Savoy Hotel, honouring the UK’s most creative and popular artists in front of a star-studded audience. This year's event will see the return of The South Bank Show Awards/The Times Breakthrough Award which recognises rising British talent. Together with The Times critics, THE SOUTH BANK SHOW AWARDS have short listed one breakthrough nominee for each of the ten award categories. The winner will be chosen by a public vote organised through The Times, to be announced on the day of the awards. This year’s nominees include Connie Fisher for Theatre, Rafi Gavron for Film, David Oyelowo for TV Drama, Simon Amstell for Comedy and Archie Bronson Outfit for Pop.
THE SOUTH BANK SHOW AWARDS, originated by series editor and presenter Melvyn Bragg, are unique in that they span the whole range of arts in Britain. There are ten categories: Theatre, Film, Dance, Classical Music, Pop Music, Opera, Literature, Comedy, Visual Arts and TV Drama, as well as The Arts Council England – decibel Award and Outstanding Achievement in the Arts. The South Bank Show Awards/The Times Breakthrough Award was introduced in 2005 with the likes of Razorlight and James McAvoy nominated. The film director Amma Asante was voted the eventual winner and went on to scoop a BAFTA for her debut film, ‘A Way of Life’. The 2006 awards saw a new crop of rising stars battling it out for the Breakthrough Award including the director Joe Wright and rapper M.I.A.. Billie Piper, riding on the back of her success in the new ‘Doctor Who’ series, was crowned the winner on the day.
Melvyn Bragg on the nominations; “The South Bank Show Awards/The Times Breakthrough Award has been a terrific success. The awards go to British artists across the spectrum who have achieved great things in the year. This award brings to a wide public the best of new young talent in the country many of whom, young as they are, are already out there making what could well be great and deserved reputations.”
This year’s nominations reflect the wealth of talent across the arts that have come to the fore over the last year. David Oyelowo starred in the controversial BBC Two drama ‘Shoot the Messenger’; Rafi Gavron was singled out by critics for his role in the film ‘Breaking and Entering’; Connie Fisher stormed to victory in BBC One’s ‘How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?’ and went on to critical acclaim in ‘The Sound of Music’; Archie Bronson Outfit, a 3-piece group from Wiltshire made an impact with their album ‘Derdang Derdang’; TV presenter and former host of ‘Popworld’ (C4) Simon Amstell, returned to his comedy roots in 2006 with a successful debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and as the new host of ‘Never Mind The Buzzcocks’ (BBC Two); and Scottish author Jane Harris made a stunning debut with her novel ‘The Observations’.
Alex O’Connell, Arts Editor of The Times adds; “This year's nominees are a cultural bumper crop and The Times is delighted to be associated with an award which champions the rising stars of arts and entertainment."
THE SOUTH BANK SHOW AWARDS will be transmitted on Sunday 28th January 2007 on ITV1. The full list of nominations for all ten main categories plus the Arts Council England - decibel award will be announced in early January.
THE SOUTH BANK SHOW AWARDS, originated by series editor and presenter Melvyn Bragg, are unique in that they span the whole range of arts in Britain. There are ten categories: Theatre, Film, Dance, Classical Music, Pop Music, Opera, Literature, Comedy, Visual Arts and TV Drama, as well as The Arts Council England – decibel Award and Outstanding Achievement in the Arts. The South Bank Show Awards/The Times Breakthrough Award was introduced in 2005 with the likes of Razorlight and James McAvoy nominated. The film director Amma Asante was voted the eventual winner and went on to scoop a BAFTA for her debut film, ‘A Way of Life’. The 2006 awards saw a new crop of rising stars battling it out for the Breakthrough Award including the director Joe Wright and rapper M.I.A.. Billie Piper, riding on the back of her success in the new ‘Doctor Who’ series, was crowned the winner on the day.
Melvyn Bragg on the nominations; “The South Bank Show Awards/The Times Breakthrough Award has been a terrific success. The awards go to British artists across the spectrum who have achieved great things in the year. This award brings to a wide public the best of new young talent in the country many of whom, young as they are, are already out there making what could well be great and deserved reputations.”
This year’s nominations reflect the wealth of talent across the arts that have come to the fore over the last year. David Oyelowo starred in the controversial BBC Two drama ‘Shoot the Messenger’; Rafi Gavron was singled out by critics for his role in the film ‘Breaking and Entering’; Connie Fisher stormed to victory in BBC One’s ‘How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?’ and went on to critical acclaim in ‘The Sound of Music’; Archie Bronson Outfit, a 3-piece group from Wiltshire made an impact with their album ‘Derdang Derdang’; TV presenter and former host of ‘Popworld’ (C4) Simon Amstell, returned to his comedy roots in 2006 with a successful debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and as the new host of ‘Never Mind The Buzzcocks’ (BBC Two); and Scottish author Jane Harris made a stunning debut with her novel ‘The Observations’.
Alex O’Connell, Arts Editor of The Times adds; “This year's nominees are a cultural bumper crop and The Times is delighted to be associated with an award which champions the rising stars of arts and entertainment."
THE SOUTH BANK SHOW AWARDS will be transmitted on Sunday 28th January 2007 on ITV1. The full list of nominations for all ten main categories plus the Arts Council England - decibel award will be announced in early January.
Autodesk Solutions for Blockbuster Movies
Autodesk Solutions Bring Magic to the Big Screen This Holiday Season with The Covenant, Casino Royale, Stranger Than Fiction and More
Autodesk Inc.’s (NASDAQ: ADSK) media and entertainment products have helped digital artists create some of this season’s blockbuster films. Post-production facilities relied on Autodesk solutions for visual effects creation, editing and finishing, colour grading and 3D animation.
“Autodesk provides end-to-end solutions for the entire film workflow, from idea creation and story boarding to final production,” explained Marc Petit, Autodesk’s Media & Entertainment vice president. “This allows Autodesk to have a deep understanding of all aspects of the film workflow, enabling us to create unique solutions that meet the specific needs of post-production facilities. Also, facilities with an Autodesk pipeline enjoy the seamless movement of data through the various stages of film workflows.”
The Autodesk Flame visual effects system was used by Buzz Image Group to create 33 shots for the supernatural film The Covenant. Flame artists at the facility composited 3D set extensions and actors shot on bluescreen and greenscreen into filmed backgrounds. Digital artists also used the system to create and adjust various elements such as lighthouse lighting and skies, as well as for various wire and lighting rig removals.
Furthermore, Buzz Image Group used Autodesk Flame to shape futuristic scenes for The Fountain. For one of this film’s final scenes, the system was used to create the effect of skin ripping as plants grow through it. The facility’s Flame work also involved compositing live and computer-generated (CG) growing plant elements into live-action footage. “Autodesk Flame allows us to take full advantage of our artists’ talent and creativity,” said Jacques Levesque, executive visual effects producer. “The system’s speed and interactivity let us experiment in real-time until we perfect the shot.”
Framestore CFC used the Autodesk Inferno visual effects system to create the title sequence for Casino Royale, the story of James Bond's first mission as a “double O” agent. As this was the 21st Bond film created, director and titles designer Daniel Kleinman wanted to refresh the franchise’s famous title sequence. Using gambling-related imagery and fight sequences, Framestore CFC’s Head of Inferno, William Bartlett, created a modern sequence with a retrospective feel.
Los Angeles-based LaserPacific Media Corporation used the Autodesk Lustre digital colour grading system on a variety of this season’s films, including Babel, The Black Dahlia, For Your Consideration and Stranger Than Fiction. For Stranger Than Fiction, the facility played a key role in integrating many of the film’s visual effects shots. Lustre was used to build the film’s timeline.
Colourist Mike Sowa also used the system to achieve the perfect colour choices and saturation for the film. “We recalled the look, style and feeling of Jacques Tati’s 1967 film Play Time,” said cinematographer Roberto Schafer. “Now that Roberto has seen the tremendous degree of control, he is a firm believer in the DI process,” added Sowa.
Autodesk 3ds Max 3D animation, modelling and rendering software was used by Youngu-art to model and animate legendary creatures that return to devastate planet earth in the Korean film D-War. “We chose Autodesk 3ds Max for its powerful polygon modelling, which allowed us to create the complex and detailed characters in a very intuitive and efficient way,” noted Ho-Suk Jang, computer graphic supervisor for the film. “The software’s biped character animation tools also allowed us to easily control the various types of characters as they interacted with crowds of humans.”
Several other post-production facilities used Autodesk solutions to create this season’s blockbuster films, including the following:
* Mokko Studios completed 8 hero shots for The Fountain using the Autodesk Toxik digital compositing software. In the Mayan pyramid final scene, Toxik was used to composite live-action footage of Hugh Jackman with various elements
* For Night at the Museum Rhythm & Hues used Autodesk Maya to model approximately 60 of the museum’s characters and Autodesk Inferno 2007 for compositing and colour correction. The facility also used Inferno and Maya to bring a classic story to life in Charlotte’s Web
* Cinesite used Autodesk Maya 3D animation, modelling and rendering software to create shots of a CG steam train for Miss Potter
* For The Curse of the Golden Flower Moving Picture Company created 20 shots including a CG army using Autodesk Maya
* Asylum used Autodesk Inferno and Autodesk Flame, as well as the Autodesk Smoke editing and finishing system to shape Déjà Vu. Autodesk Lustre digital colour grading system was also used to maintain colour continuity. In addition, the facility completed work for Apocalypto using Inferno, Toxik and Lustre
* Look Effects created visual effects shots for Apocalypto, Blood Diamond, Unaccompanied Minors and Rocky Balboa using Maya as well as the Autodesk Flame and Autodesk Flint visual effects systems
Autodesk Inc.’s (NASDAQ: ADSK) media and entertainment products have helped digital artists create some of this season’s blockbuster films. Post-production facilities relied on Autodesk solutions for visual effects creation, editing and finishing, colour grading and 3D animation.
“Autodesk provides end-to-end solutions for the entire film workflow, from idea creation and story boarding to final production,” explained Marc Petit, Autodesk’s Media & Entertainment vice president. “This allows Autodesk to have a deep understanding of all aspects of the film workflow, enabling us to create unique solutions that meet the specific needs of post-production facilities. Also, facilities with an Autodesk pipeline enjoy the seamless movement of data through the various stages of film workflows.”
The Autodesk Flame visual effects system was used by Buzz Image Group to create 33 shots for the supernatural film The Covenant. Flame artists at the facility composited 3D set extensions and actors shot on bluescreen and greenscreen into filmed backgrounds. Digital artists also used the system to create and adjust various elements such as lighthouse lighting and skies, as well as for various wire and lighting rig removals.
Furthermore, Buzz Image Group used Autodesk Flame to shape futuristic scenes for The Fountain. For one of this film’s final scenes, the system was used to create the effect of skin ripping as plants grow through it. The facility’s Flame work also involved compositing live and computer-generated (CG) growing plant elements into live-action footage. “Autodesk Flame allows us to take full advantage of our artists’ talent and creativity,” said Jacques Levesque, executive visual effects producer. “The system’s speed and interactivity let us experiment in real-time until we perfect the shot.”
Framestore CFC used the Autodesk Inferno visual effects system to create the title sequence for Casino Royale, the story of James Bond's first mission as a “double O” agent. As this was the 21st Bond film created, director and titles designer Daniel Kleinman wanted to refresh the franchise’s famous title sequence. Using gambling-related imagery and fight sequences, Framestore CFC’s Head of Inferno, William Bartlett, created a modern sequence with a retrospective feel.
Los Angeles-based LaserPacific Media Corporation used the Autodesk Lustre digital colour grading system on a variety of this season’s films, including Babel, The Black Dahlia, For Your Consideration and Stranger Than Fiction. For Stranger Than Fiction, the facility played a key role in integrating many of the film’s visual effects shots. Lustre was used to build the film’s timeline.
Colourist Mike Sowa also used the system to achieve the perfect colour choices and saturation for the film. “We recalled the look, style and feeling of Jacques Tati’s 1967 film Play Time,” said cinematographer Roberto Schafer. “Now that Roberto has seen the tremendous degree of control, he is a firm believer in the DI process,” added Sowa.
Autodesk 3ds Max 3D animation, modelling and rendering software was used by Youngu-art to model and animate legendary creatures that return to devastate planet earth in the Korean film D-War. “We chose Autodesk 3ds Max for its powerful polygon modelling, which allowed us to create the complex and detailed characters in a very intuitive and efficient way,” noted Ho-Suk Jang, computer graphic supervisor for the film. “The software’s biped character animation tools also allowed us to easily control the various types of characters as they interacted with crowds of humans.”
Several other post-production facilities used Autodesk solutions to create this season’s blockbuster films, including the following:
* Mokko Studios completed 8 hero shots for The Fountain using the Autodesk Toxik digital compositing software. In the Mayan pyramid final scene, Toxik was used to composite live-action footage of Hugh Jackman with various elements
* For Night at the Museum Rhythm & Hues used Autodesk Maya to model approximately 60 of the museum’s characters and Autodesk Inferno 2007 for compositing and colour correction. The facility also used Inferno and Maya to bring a classic story to life in Charlotte’s Web
* Cinesite used Autodesk Maya 3D animation, modelling and rendering software to create shots of a CG steam train for Miss Potter
* For The Curse of the Golden Flower Moving Picture Company created 20 shots including a CG army using Autodesk Maya
* Asylum used Autodesk Inferno and Autodesk Flame, as well as the Autodesk Smoke editing and finishing system to shape Déjà Vu. Autodesk Lustre digital colour grading system was also used to maintain colour continuity. In addition, the facility completed work for Apocalypto using Inferno, Toxik and Lustre
* Look Effects created visual effects shots for Apocalypto, Blood Diamond, Unaccompanied Minors and Rocky Balboa using Maya as well as the Autodesk Flame and Autodesk Flint visual effects systems
University trials new Xbox software
The University of Bradford has been giving suggestions and advice for a new piece of software developed by Microsoft which will allow video game enthusiasts the chance to create their own games for use on the Xbox 360 games console.
The software, called XNA Game Studio Express, will allow gamers to use a tools programme to create games for the Xbox 360 and share them via the Xbox Live online service.
Microsoft hopes that the software will not only be used by amateur game developers, but also by students. With this in mind, five UK universities were involved in the initial trial of the software, including Bradford, Derby, Hull, Belfast and Nottingham.
Students and gaming enthusiasts will be able to download the software for free, and many have already registered their interest in joining the XNA Creators Club, which allows DIY developers access to technical support, white papers, starter kits and other technology that will help them make the game authentic.
Head of Electronic Imaging and Media Communications (EIMC) at the University of Bradford, Dr Ian Palmer, said: “We’re very pleased to be part of the initial launch of Microsoft’s XNA Game Studio Express. The software will provide our students with the opportunity to easily experiment with their ideas with the knowledge that they will be able to see their invention in reality.
“This is a great chance for students to work on games without financial support, replicating the days when games were made with low budgets.”
For more information about courses and research within EIMC at the University of Bradford, visit: www.eimc.brad.ac.uk
The software, called XNA Game Studio Express, will allow gamers to use a tools programme to create games for the Xbox 360 and share them via the Xbox Live online service.
Microsoft hopes that the software will not only be used by amateur game developers, but also by students. With this in mind, five UK universities were involved in the initial trial of the software, including Bradford, Derby, Hull, Belfast and Nottingham.
Students and gaming enthusiasts will be able to download the software for free, and many have already registered their interest in joining the XNA Creators Club, which allows DIY developers access to technical support, white papers, starter kits and other technology that will help them make the game authentic.
Head of Electronic Imaging and Media Communications (EIMC) at the University of Bradford, Dr Ian Palmer, said: “We’re very pleased to be part of the initial launch of Microsoft’s XNA Game Studio Express. The software will provide our students with the opportunity to easily experiment with their ideas with the knowledge that they will be able to see their invention in reality.
“This is a great chance for students to work on games without financial support, replicating the days when games were made with low budgets.”
For more information about courses and research within EIMC at the University of Bradford, visit: www.eimc.brad.ac.uk
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Chronos on DVD
Ron Fricke, visionary director of the acclaimed Baraka, made his directorial debut with the stunning visual odyssey Chronos, which makes its DVD debut courtesy of Second Sight on 26 February 2007.
The film imparts a unique vision of our world – the first non-verbal, non-fiction motion picture filmed in time-lapse photography. Presented as a visual symphony in seven movements, Chronos embarks on an unprecedented cinematic journey across the worlds of natural beauty and manmade monuments, as it explores the essence of time.
Fricke burst onto the scene as director of photography for the groundbreaking Koyaanisqatsi in 1983 and has since gone on to deliver the rousing Baraka, a huge success upon its DVD release. Award-winning composer Michael Stearns provides the rousing score.
Chronos is a visual and musical journey through time from the cradle of civilization to modern day Paris.
Bonus Features – commentary and behind the scenes feature
Title: Chronos
Release Date: 26 February 2007
RRP: £12.99
The film imparts a unique vision of our world – the first non-verbal, non-fiction motion picture filmed in time-lapse photography. Presented as a visual symphony in seven movements, Chronos embarks on an unprecedented cinematic journey across the worlds of natural beauty and manmade monuments, as it explores the essence of time.
Fricke burst onto the scene as director of photography for the groundbreaking Koyaanisqatsi in 1983 and has since gone on to deliver the rousing Baraka, a huge success upon its DVD release. Award-winning composer Michael Stearns provides the rousing score.
Chronos is a visual and musical journey through time from the cradle of civilization to modern day Paris.
Bonus Features – commentary and behind the scenes feature
Title: Chronos
Release Date: 26 February 2007
RRP: £12.99
Hellzapoppin’ On DVD
The ground-breaking and hugely influential comedy classic Hellzapoppin’ makes its DVD debut courtesy of Second Sight. The film was way ahead of its time and has inspired generations of comedians. It has been described as ‘Pythonesque’ and will be released for the first time ever on DVD courtesy of Second Sight on 5 February 2007.
The film was based on the Broadway hit of the same name, where anything went, there was no plot and no two shows were alike.
The film stars Ole Olsen and Chic Johnson and somewhere amid the non-stop gags and hysterical mayhem there’s a plot involving the staging of a musical, a romance, a bumbling private eye and a man who keeps wandering on with a pot plant for ‘Mrs Jones’! But any plot is incidental to the speed, imagination and sheer craziness that ‘outstrips the works of the Marx Brothers’ (Time Out).
Hellzapopppin’ features the most famous and most spectacular Lindy Hop scene ever preserved on film, the breathtaking routine is performed by the wonderful Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers.
Title: Hellzapoppin’
Release Date: 5 February 2007
RRP: £15.99
The film was based on the Broadway hit of the same name, where anything went, there was no plot and no two shows were alike.
The film stars Ole Olsen and Chic Johnson and somewhere amid the non-stop gags and hysterical mayhem there’s a plot involving the staging of a musical, a romance, a bumbling private eye and a man who keeps wandering on with a pot plant for ‘Mrs Jones’! But any plot is incidental to the speed, imagination and sheer craziness that ‘outstrips the works of the Marx Brothers’ (Time Out).
Hellzapopppin’ features the most famous and most spectacular Lindy Hop scene ever preserved on film, the breathtaking routine is performed by the wonderful Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers.
Title: Hellzapoppin’
Release Date: 5 February 2007
RRP: £15.99
LOVEFiLM LAUNCHES TV DOWNLOADS
LOVEFiLM.com, the UK’s number one online film rental and download service, has added TV programmes from Discovery Networks to its product line up today.
The service, which already offers over 62,000 titles in its online DVD rental range, and over 2,000 movies and short films in its download range, will now offer over 45 titles from Discovery for download rental. Discovery Networks will provide LOVEFiLM customers with a resource of real-world video content from the company’s vast library of programming, including popular series such as Mythbusters, American Chopper, Extreme Engineering, Deadliest Catch and John Lydon’s Mega Bugs as well as documentary specials such as Da Vinci Code Declassified. Additional titles will be added each month.
LOVEFiLM has transformed the UK entertainment rental market in the UK with its revolutionary DVD rental service. The ultra convenience of DVDs delivered to customer’s homes was improved by the launch of downloadable movies to the PC in the last year. Now, customers can also download shorter-form programmes from Discovery’s family of channels..
“The LOVEFiLM download service is super fast and praised for its high quality images. Our users are crying out for the kind of great programming that Discovery is bringing to downloads”, said LOVEFiLM’s Marketing Director, Simon Morris.
He continues, “The great thing is that we can also match programmes to consumers based on their existing ratings and preferences. We know an awful lot about today’s entertainment consumer, what they want to watch and when they want to watch it. It’s great to have Discovery on board.”
“By providing some of Discovery’s best content for download rental to LOVEFiLM users, we are giving fans of Discovery’s programming more ways to enjoy content that both informs and entertains from across key categories, such as engineering, motors, science, natural history, human adventure and lifestyle,” said Melanie Honnor, Vice President of New Media, Discovery Networks Europe.
* LOVEFiLM also operates a VoD service to AOL UK customers and selected titles from the Discovery range will be available on the LOVEFiLM powered AOL service. (http://www.aol.co.uk/film/downloads/)
The service, which already offers over 62,000 titles in its online DVD rental range, and over 2,000 movies and short films in its download range, will now offer over 45 titles from Discovery for download rental. Discovery Networks will provide LOVEFiLM customers with a resource of real-world video content from the company’s vast library of programming, including popular series such as Mythbusters, American Chopper, Extreme Engineering, Deadliest Catch and John Lydon’s Mega Bugs as well as documentary specials such as Da Vinci Code Declassified. Additional titles will be added each month.
LOVEFiLM has transformed the UK entertainment rental market in the UK with its revolutionary DVD rental service. The ultra convenience of DVDs delivered to customer’s homes was improved by the launch of downloadable movies to the PC in the last year. Now, customers can also download shorter-form programmes from Discovery’s family of channels..
“The LOVEFiLM download service is super fast and praised for its high quality images. Our users are crying out for the kind of great programming that Discovery is bringing to downloads”, said LOVEFiLM’s Marketing Director, Simon Morris.
He continues, “The great thing is that we can also match programmes to consumers based on their existing ratings and preferences. We know an awful lot about today’s entertainment consumer, what they want to watch and when they want to watch it. It’s great to have Discovery on board.”
“By providing some of Discovery’s best content for download rental to LOVEFiLM users, we are giving fans of Discovery’s programming more ways to enjoy content that both informs and entertains from across key categories, such as engineering, motors, science, natural history, human adventure and lifestyle,” said Melanie Honnor, Vice President of New Media, Discovery Networks Europe.
* LOVEFiLM also operates a VoD service to AOL UK customers and selected titles from the Discovery range will be available on the LOVEFiLM powered AOL service. (http://www.aol.co.uk/film/downloads/)
Universal Shows Its Bottom
THERE’S A rumbling in the basement, a rumpus in the offing and a foul smell in the air as Universal Pictures reaches for the air freshener and announces a 27th November release date for The Big Bottom Collection. With a recommended retail price of just £39.99, this brilliant new box set celebrates the very best of Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson's anarchic creations, featuring DVD releases of no less than five live shows plus Best of Bottom Live and, as an added bonus, the depraved duo’s equally riotous feature film, Guest House Paradiso.
It was 15 years ago that sad pervie Richard Richard (Rik Mayall) and his masochistic flatmate Eddie Hitler (Adrian Edmonson) first launched their whirlwind blend of slapstick, farce and abuse onto an unsuspecting British public. Three TV series and five live theatre shows of Bottom later, these two head-banging morons whose idea of a wild night is pulling out nose hair with a pair of pliers have become two of the nation’s greatest ever comedy creations.
BOTTOM LIVE – THE STAGE SHOW
Recorded live at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton during a sell out 1993 nationwide tour which left over 250,000 fans in a state of complete delirium, this is a side of Bottom that television would never dare show! For the first time unfettered by the restrictions of TV, Bottom Live - The Stage Show transported viewers into the explosively insane world of society's most catastrophic no-hopers. Surviving on a diet of vitriol, mutually inflicted wounds, booze and rotten food, they belch, curse and smash their way through the boredom of life. Totally over-the-top, completely uncensored and bloody hilarious, this is Richie and Eddie as they were meant to be seen.
BOTTOM LIVE – THE BIG NUMBER 2
Sex is the problem for Richie and Eddie, they can't get any! In this outrageous slice of obscene live comedy filmed at the Apollo Theatre, Oxford, the boys become obsessed with the fact that everyone in the world apart from them is having sex - and no one will let them watch. Deciding to do something about it, they set out on a desperate quest to press the flesh, from the Queen to sheep.
BOTTOM LIVE – HOOLIGAN’S ISLAND
Filmed during their sell-out 1997 tour, we catch up with Richie and Eddie as they are marooned on a desert island in the middle of the Pacific with no food, and even worse, no booze or pornography. Will they build a raft and escape? Grasp the opportunity to embrace the earthly paradise around them? Or will they simply fart and fight, puke and poke their way through 100 minutes of hilariously outrageous live situation comedy?
BOTTOM LIVE – AN ARSE ODDITY
Filmed during the sell-out tour of 2001, we find Ritchie and Eddie where we left them - stuck on a Pacific island and still the saddest pair of losers the world has ever known. Surviving on a diet of bone-crunching nastiness and violently successful accidents, they encounter an exploding parrot, experiment with a chainsaw and indulge in a bout of enthusiastic pig worrying. Explosively insane and unfettered by any morals whatsoever, this is as disgusting and degrading as it is hilarious.
BOTTOM LIVE – WEAPONS GRADE Y-FRONT TOUR
Full Metal Jacket meets Apocalypse Now…..in the bog. Yes, it’s time for everyone’s favourite insane no-hopers to save the world from a war much bigger than a mere Middle Eastern conflict - the fight between good and underpants. Luckily, Eddie has invented a time travelling toilet to help them along the way...
THE BEST OF BOTTOM LIVE
The legendary Bottom Live tours were the most anarchic, squalid, violent and downright bloody hilarious comedies ever seen and now all the very best bits have been condensed into one hilarious DVD. Also featured are interviews with Rik and Ade’s unlucky neighbours, exclusive bloopers from the boy’s movie, Guest House Paradiso, and a brilliant Making of Documentary which reveals just how they managed to sink to such depths of depravity.
GUEST HOUSE PARADISO
Richie and Eddie’s feature film debut sees them joining forces with a whole host of luminaries, Bill Nighy, Simon Pegg, Vincent Cassel, Sophia Myles and Fenella Fielding to name but a few.
Richie Twat and Eddie Elizabeth Ndingombaba welcome you to the Guest House Paradiso where people pay to check in and pray to check out...
Very possibly the world’s worst hotel, its chef's a drunken illegal immigrant, the waiter's been readmitted to the psychiatric hospital, Mr Twat likes rummaging through his guests' underwear and the sea-view’s not quite what it should be.
All in all the Guest House Paradiso is the perfect hiding place for sexy Italian movie star Gina "Nipples from Naples" Carbonara (Helene Mahieau), who’s on the run after jilting her fiancé, renowned playboy and former-racing driver, Gino Bolognese.
But with her ex in hot pursuit and something decidedly iffy about the fish dinner, Richie and Eddie really are going to need a miracle.
Product Information:
Release date: 27th November 2006
Running Time: TBC
Certificate: TBC
No. of Discs: TBC
It was 15 years ago that sad pervie Richard Richard (Rik Mayall) and his masochistic flatmate Eddie Hitler (Adrian Edmonson) first launched their whirlwind blend of slapstick, farce and abuse onto an unsuspecting British public. Three TV series and five live theatre shows of Bottom later, these two head-banging morons whose idea of a wild night is pulling out nose hair with a pair of pliers have become two of the nation’s greatest ever comedy creations.
BOTTOM LIVE – THE STAGE SHOW
Recorded live at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton during a sell out 1993 nationwide tour which left over 250,000 fans in a state of complete delirium, this is a side of Bottom that television would never dare show! For the first time unfettered by the restrictions of TV, Bottom Live - The Stage Show transported viewers into the explosively insane world of society's most catastrophic no-hopers. Surviving on a diet of vitriol, mutually inflicted wounds, booze and rotten food, they belch, curse and smash their way through the boredom of life. Totally over-the-top, completely uncensored and bloody hilarious, this is Richie and Eddie as they were meant to be seen.
BOTTOM LIVE – THE BIG NUMBER 2
Sex is the problem for Richie and Eddie, they can't get any! In this outrageous slice of obscene live comedy filmed at the Apollo Theatre, Oxford, the boys become obsessed with the fact that everyone in the world apart from them is having sex - and no one will let them watch. Deciding to do something about it, they set out on a desperate quest to press the flesh, from the Queen to sheep.
BOTTOM LIVE – HOOLIGAN’S ISLAND
Filmed during their sell-out 1997 tour, we catch up with Richie and Eddie as they are marooned on a desert island in the middle of the Pacific with no food, and even worse, no booze or pornography. Will they build a raft and escape? Grasp the opportunity to embrace the earthly paradise around them? Or will they simply fart and fight, puke and poke their way through 100 minutes of hilariously outrageous live situation comedy?
BOTTOM LIVE – AN ARSE ODDITY
Filmed during the sell-out tour of 2001, we find Ritchie and Eddie where we left them - stuck on a Pacific island and still the saddest pair of losers the world has ever known. Surviving on a diet of bone-crunching nastiness and violently successful accidents, they encounter an exploding parrot, experiment with a chainsaw and indulge in a bout of enthusiastic pig worrying. Explosively insane and unfettered by any morals whatsoever, this is as disgusting and degrading as it is hilarious.
BOTTOM LIVE – WEAPONS GRADE Y-FRONT TOUR
Full Metal Jacket meets Apocalypse Now…..in the bog. Yes, it’s time for everyone’s favourite insane no-hopers to save the world from a war much bigger than a mere Middle Eastern conflict - the fight between good and underpants. Luckily, Eddie has invented a time travelling toilet to help them along the way...
THE BEST OF BOTTOM LIVE
The legendary Bottom Live tours were the most anarchic, squalid, violent and downright bloody hilarious comedies ever seen and now all the very best bits have been condensed into one hilarious DVD. Also featured are interviews with Rik and Ade’s unlucky neighbours, exclusive bloopers from the boy’s movie, Guest House Paradiso, and a brilliant Making of Documentary which reveals just how they managed to sink to such depths of depravity.
GUEST HOUSE PARADISO
Richie and Eddie’s feature film debut sees them joining forces with a whole host of luminaries, Bill Nighy, Simon Pegg, Vincent Cassel, Sophia Myles and Fenella Fielding to name but a few.
Richie Twat and Eddie Elizabeth Ndingombaba welcome you to the Guest House Paradiso where people pay to check in and pray to check out...
Very possibly the world’s worst hotel, its chef's a drunken illegal immigrant, the waiter's been readmitted to the psychiatric hospital, Mr Twat likes rummaging through his guests' underwear and the sea-view’s not quite what it should be.
All in all the Guest House Paradiso is the perfect hiding place for sexy Italian movie star Gina "Nipples from Naples" Carbonara (Helene Mahieau), who’s on the run after jilting her fiancé, renowned playboy and former-racing driver, Gino Bolognese.
But with her ex in hot pursuit and something decidedly iffy about the fish dinner, Richie and Eddie really are going to need a miracle.
Product Information:
Release date: 27th November 2006
Running Time: TBC
Certificate: TBC
No. of Discs: TBC
Monday, November 13, 2006
Ridicule Released
Second Sight is delighted to announce the release of multi-award-winning film Ridicule from one of France’s most acclaimed directors Patrice Leconte. It will be released on DVD courtesy of Second Sight on 29 January 2007.
A poor nobleman has a plan to rid his homeland of its disease infested swamp. To do this he needs backing and so heads to the court of King Louis XV1 in a bid to solicit aid. He soon discovers that the worthiness of the plan itself will not grant him an audience with the King, at Versailles the sharpnesss of one’s wit is what gets you noticed.
Patrice Leconte’s lavish, superbly written costume drama was a BAFTA winner for best foreign language film, winner of four Cesars (French Oscars) and nominated for both an Oscar and the Palm D’Or.
With such films as The Hairdresser's Husband and Monsieur Hire, Leconte has built a reputation as one of the most respected and versatile French directors.
Bonus Feature – ‘The Story of Ridicule’
Release Date: 29 January 2007
RRP: £19.99
A poor nobleman has a plan to rid his homeland of its disease infested swamp. To do this he needs backing and so heads to the court of King Louis XV1 in a bid to solicit aid. He soon discovers that the worthiness of the plan itself will not grant him an audience with the King, at Versailles the sharpnesss of one’s wit is what gets you noticed.
Patrice Leconte’s lavish, superbly written costume drama was a BAFTA winner for best foreign language film, winner of four Cesars (French Oscars) and nominated for both an Oscar and the Palm D’Or.
With such films as The Hairdresser's Husband and Monsieur Hire, Leconte has built a reputation as one of the most respected and versatile French directors.
Bonus Feature – ‘The Story of Ridicule’
Release Date: 29 January 2007
RRP: £19.99
New company to focus on mobile entertainment content
Namco Europe Ltd’s Web & Mobile Content division today announced the formation of a new company aimed at expanding its presence in the maturing mobile content industry in Europe. NAMCO BANDAI Networks Europe Ltd will begin trading as of 1st January 2007. This is part of the overall group restructure plans, following the European restructuring by NAMCO BANDAI Group.
The new company will focus exclusively on mobile entertainment content based not only on well known Namco brands such as PAC-MAN, Galaxian and RIDGE RACER, but also the extensive portfolio of games and non-gaming content which Bandai adds, such as Tamagotchi. In addition, the company plans to publish mobile content created specifically for the European market, from both NAMCO BANDAI and third party developers.
More information about NAMCO BANDAI Networks Europe Ltd, its products and services can be found online at www.namcomobile.com
“PAC-MAN”, “Galaxian”, and “RIDGE RACER” are registered trademarks of NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. Tamagotchi (c) BANDAI, WiZ 2004-2005. All rights reserved.
The new company will focus exclusively on mobile entertainment content based not only on well known Namco brands such as PAC-MAN, Galaxian and RIDGE RACER, but also the extensive portfolio of games and non-gaming content which Bandai adds, such as Tamagotchi. In addition, the company plans to publish mobile content created specifically for the European market, from both NAMCO BANDAI and third party developers.
More information about NAMCO BANDAI Networks Europe Ltd, its products and services can be found online at www.namcomobile.com
“PAC-MAN”, “Galaxian”, and “RIDGE RACER” are registered trademarks of NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. Tamagotchi (c) BANDAI, WiZ 2004-2005. All rights reserved.
LAUNCH OF THE IIFA AWARDS
On Wednesday 8th November 2006, celebrities, dignitaries and businesses gathered at the House of Commons to celebrate the official announcement of the International Indian Film Academy Awards Weekend (IIFAs) in Yorkshire, June 2007.
The biggest stars of Indian film, along with some of the world’s best-known international celebrities, will be arriving in Yorkshire next June for the spectacular IIFA Weekend and the exciting celebrity action will be broadcast across the world on the Star TV network. The IIFA Awards presentation ceremony has a global reach of nearly 500 million viewers.
Since its launch in 2000, the IIFA Weekend has been staged at prestigious locations across the world, including Singapore, Malaysia, Amsterdam, South Africa and Dubai, and has grown to become one of the most respected global media events.
At the House of Commons, the epitome of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan, IIFA’s Brand Ambassador, was joined by dignitaries, including Secretary of State, Tessa Jowell, the High Commissioner of India to the UK, Kamlesh Sharma and Keith Vaz MP, to celebrate the return of the IIFA Weekend to the UK. Additionally, Judith Donovan, chairperson for the Yorkshire Tourism Board and Tom Riordan, CEO, Yorkshire Forward, the regional development authority which won the bid to host the prestigious IIFA Weekend, announced details of the IIFA Weekend and the anticipated impact for Yorkshire business and tourism.
Just before the official announcement, Mr. Bachchan along with Keith Vaz MP, Mr. Sanjeev Aga, Managing Director, Idea Cellular Ltd, Judith Donovan, Tom Roirdion, and the Wizcraft Directors had the pleasure of meeting with Rt. HON Gordon Brown, Chancellor of the Exchequer at the Treasury. Rt. HON Brown presented Mr. Bachchan and Mr. Aga with a special certificate for their support to the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm). Amitabh Bachchan is the first celebrity and the sixth person in the world to be awarded with this certificate. Rt. HON Brown also extended his support to the upcoming IIFA Weekend in Yorkshire and congratulated Yorkshire for winning the IIFA Bid.
On the occasion Rt. HON Brown said, “The IIFA Weekend has my unprecedented support. The relationship between India and the UK is long standing and one we would like to keep developing forever.” Mr. Bachchan was honoured to receive the IFFIm bond and said, “This noble cause has my utmost support and I would be happy to help the IFFIm Bond in whatever way I can.” Mr. Bachchan also reverently supports the Unicef and the Pulse Polio Immunisation drive in India.
IFFIm works by donors floating bonds from the commercial market. Recognising the strong moral purpose underpinning IFFIm, representatives of the major faith groups including His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chief Rabbi, the Muslim Council of Britain, the Hindu Forum of Britain and the Network of Sikh Organisations will each buy a bond, the first six of only ten to be issued, denominated at $1,000. International celebrities Bono and Sir Bob Geldof have also bought an IFFIm bond.
At the event, Mr Bachchan who was voted BBC’s Superstar of the Millennium in 2000 pushing behind Hollywood’s biggest stars, focused on the rising popularity of Indian cinema as a major global business. Mr Bachchan said: “IIFA is committed to taking Indian Cinema across the globe and into the UK with the 2007 IIFA Weekend in Yorkshire. Cinema brings together people from diverse cultures for a shared experience bridging the cultural divide. Using cinema as a key to open minds the International Indian Film Academy believes bridges should be built across cinemas, businesses, communities and nations.”
IIFA director Sabbas Joseph gave a presentation of the IIFA concept and the activities to be held throughout the IIFA weekend. These include business seminars, acting workshops with leading Indian film directors and actors, a celebrity cricket match and finally the film academy awards evening.
“IIFA has travelled to six countries across the world and has left a mark in the minds and hearts of the people. We are confident that the IIFA Weekend in Yorkshire will have the same impact”, said Sabbas Joseph, Director, IIFA.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjeev Aga, Managing Director, Idea Cellular, the lead sponsors of the Idea IIFA Awards said, “Idea is delighted to be associated with the IIFA movement and its journey to Yorkshire. Idea Cellular is a part of the Aditya Birla Group, which has had a very deep association with the UK over the years. We are keenly looking forward to the celebrations at the Idea IIFA Awards in June 2007.”
Supported by Prime Minister Tony Blair, Yorkshire was successful in its bid to attract the event organisers attention. Judith Donovan said: “Yorkshire is one of the premier locations in the UK and is delighted to be hosting the eighth year of the prestigious IIFA Weekend. It looks forward to opening its doors and welcoming film personalities, business stalwarts, eminent public figures of India and the rest of the world”.
The House of Commons launch event was followed by a five-city launch the next day in the company of the Mayors of York, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford, who will flag off the IIFA Weekend announcement along with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. The five-city launch will be held at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television (NMPFT), Bradford.
Amitabh Bachchan was joined by dignitaries from Yorkshire Forward, the Yorkshire Tourism Board, Baroness Anne Taylor of Bolton and the directors from the International Indian Film Academy. Among those discussing the potential benefits of having the event on Yorkshire’s doorstep were Peter Wybenga and Amina Toher whose countries hosted the two previous IIFA Weekends in Amsterdam 2005 and Dubai 2006.
The UK and India have a long and profitable history of business relationships and the UK is India’s number one location for investment in Europe. The economic impact of the IIFA weekend is significant and will affect sectors such as hospitality, tourism, travel, telecommunications, television and above all the world of cinema.
Terry Hodgkinson, Chair of Yorkshire Forward, said: “The Indian economy is set to grow by 10% in the next 12 months alone and companies are looking to make investments overseas – especially in the UK. Hosting the awards will act as a catalyst to access the Indian market, forging stronger business and cultural links between our region and India.
“Today, Yorkshire is a vibrant, diverse and beautiful economic powerhouse. Our cities are poised to join the most famous and successful international locations and our people are seized with a rich sense of local pride and confidence.
Previous IIFA Weekend events have hosted some of the world’s major celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Shekhar Kapur, Ashok Amritraj, Jean Claude Van Damme, Bo Derek, Aishwarya Rai, Shah Rukh Khan and others. IIFA Weekend celebrations, which were launched at the Millennium Dome in 2000, have travelled across South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, Amsterdam and Dubai. IIFA Weekend Yorkshire marks the return of the celebration which has already become one of the worlds most-watched and sought after event.
The IIFA Weekend Yorkshire is supported by Yorkshire Forward, Yorkshire Tourist Board, Star TV network and Idea Cellular Ltd. Elite Limousines and the Oulton Hall are some of the key partners who are helping set the stage for the mega celebration.
The biggest stars of Indian film, along with some of the world’s best-known international celebrities, will be arriving in Yorkshire next June for the spectacular IIFA Weekend and the exciting celebrity action will be broadcast across the world on the Star TV network. The IIFA Awards presentation ceremony has a global reach of nearly 500 million viewers.
Since its launch in 2000, the IIFA Weekend has been staged at prestigious locations across the world, including Singapore, Malaysia, Amsterdam, South Africa and Dubai, and has grown to become one of the most respected global media events.
At the House of Commons, the epitome of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan, IIFA’s Brand Ambassador, was joined by dignitaries, including Secretary of State, Tessa Jowell, the High Commissioner of India to the UK, Kamlesh Sharma and Keith Vaz MP, to celebrate the return of the IIFA Weekend to the UK. Additionally, Judith Donovan, chairperson for the Yorkshire Tourism Board and Tom Riordan, CEO, Yorkshire Forward, the regional development authority which won the bid to host the prestigious IIFA Weekend, announced details of the IIFA Weekend and the anticipated impact for Yorkshire business and tourism.
Just before the official announcement, Mr. Bachchan along with Keith Vaz MP, Mr. Sanjeev Aga, Managing Director, Idea Cellular Ltd, Judith Donovan, Tom Roirdion, and the Wizcraft Directors had the pleasure of meeting with Rt. HON Gordon Brown, Chancellor of the Exchequer at the Treasury. Rt. HON Brown presented Mr. Bachchan and Mr. Aga with a special certificate for their support to the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm). Amitabh Bachchan is the first celebrity and the sixth person in the world to be awarded with this certificate. Rt. HON Brown also extended his support to the upcoming IIFA Weekend in Yorkshire and congratulated Yorkshire for winning the IIFA Bid.
On the occasion Rt. HON Brown said, “The IIFA Weekend has my unprecedented support. The relationship between India and the UK is long standing and one we would like to keep developing forever.” Mr. Bachchan was honoured to receive the IFFIm bond and said, “This noble cause has my utmost support and I would be happy to help the IFFIm Bond in whatever way I can.” Mr. Bachchan also reverently supports the Unicef and the Pulse Polio Immunisation drive in India.
IFFIm works by donors floating bonds from the commercial market. Recognising the strong moral purpose underpinning IFFIm, representatives of the major faith groups including His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chief Rabbi, the Muslim Council of Britain, the Hindu Forum of Britain and the Network of Sikh Organisations will each buy a bond, the first six of only ten to be issued, denominated at $1,000. International celebrities Bono and Sir Bob Geldof have also bought an IFFIm bond.
At the event, Mr Bachchan who was voted BBC’s Superstar of the Millennium in 2000 pushing behind Hollywood’s biggest stars, focused on the rising popularity of Indian cinema as a major global business. Mr Bachchan said: “IIFA is committed to taking Indian Cinema across the globe and into the UK with the 2007 IIFA Weekend in Yorkshire. Cinema brings together people from diverse cultures for a shared experience bridging the cultural divide. Using cinema as a key to open minds the International Indian Film Academy believes bridges should be built across cinemas, businesses, communities and nations.”
IIFA director Sabbas Joseph gave a presentation of the IIFA concept and the activities to be held throughout the IIFA weekend. These include business seminars, acting workshops with leading Indian film directors and actors, a celebrity cricket match and finally the film academy awards evening.
“IIFA has travelled to six countries across the world and has left a mark in the minds and hearts of the people. We are confident that the IIFA Weekend in Yorkshire will have the same impact”, said Sabbas Joseph, Director, IIFA.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjeev Aga, Managing Director, Idea Cellular, the lead sponsors of the Idea IIFA Awards said, “Idea is delighted to be associated with the IIFA movement and its journey to Yorkshire. Idea Cellular is a part of the Aditya Birla Group, which has had a very deep association with the UK over the years. We are keenly looking forward to the celebrations at the Idea IIFA Awards in June 2007.”
Supported by Prime Minister Tony Blair, Yorkshire was successful in its bid to attract the event organisers attention. Judith Donovan said: “Yorkshire is one of the premier locations in the UK and is delighted to be hosting the eighth year of the prestigious IIFA Weekend. It looks forward to opening its doors and welcoming film personalities, business stalwarts, eminent public figures of India and the rest of the world”.
The House of Commons launch event was followed by a five-city launch the next day in the company of the Mayors of York, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford, who will flag off the IIFA Weekend announcement along with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. The five-city launch will be held at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television (NMPFT), Bradford.
Amitabh Bachchan was joined by dignitaries from Yorkshire Forward, the Yorkshire Tourism Board, Baroness Anne Taylor of Bolton and the directors from the International Indian Film Academy. Among those discussing the potential benefits of having the event on Yorkshire’s doorstep were Peter Wybenga and Amina Toher whose countries hosted the two previous IIFA Weekends in Amsterdam 2005 and Dubai 2006.
The UK and India have a long and profitable history of business relationships and the UK is India’s number one location for investment in Europe. The economic impact of the IIFA weekend is significant and will affect sectors such as hospitality, tourism, travel, telecommunications, television and above all the world of cinema.
Terry Hodgkinson, Chair of Yorkshire Forward, said: “The Indian economy is set to grow by 10% in the next 12 months alone and companies are looking to make investments overseas – especially in the UK. Hosting the awards will act as a catalyst to access the Indian market, forging stronger business and cultural links between our region and India.
“Today, Yorkshire is a vibrant, diverse and beautiful economic powerhouse. Our cities are poised to join the most famous and successful international locations and our people are seized with a rich sense of local pride and confidence.
Previous IIFA Weekend events have hosted some of the world’s major celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Shekhar Kapur, Ashok Amritraj, Jean Claude Van Damme, Bo Derek, Aishwarya Rai, Shah Rukh Khan and others. IIFA Weekend celebrations, which were launched at the Millennium Dome in 2000, have travelled across South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, Amsterdam and Dubai. IIFA Weekend Yorkshire marks the return of the celebration which has already become one of the worlds most-watched and sought after event.
The IIFA Weekend Yorkshire is supported by Yorkshire Forward, Yorkshire Tourist Board, Star TV network and Idea Cellular Ltd. Elite Limousines and the Oulton Hall are some of the key partners who are helping set the stage for the mega celebration.
Friday, November 10, 2006
BiBC launches ReelMaster
BiBC launches ReelMaster to revolutionise showreel distribution - Stock libraries and content owners to make major savings through digital distribution -
BiBC is today launching a new product entitled ReelMaster™, a solution that will digitise the distribution processes of stock libraries and content owners. ReelMaster™ is set to revolutionise the previously time consuming and costly process of content owners retrieving and posting video tapes and DVDs to prospective purchasers. ReelMaster™ is available immediately.
ReelMaster™ enables the fast and secure digital distribution of new titles, showcases and archive material to prospective customers / reviewers. The range of material that can be digitally distributed is vast, from clips to full length feature films. Based on MediaMaster™, BiBC’s acclaimed media distribution platform, ReelMaster delivers to content owners their own digital showcase store, through which prospective purchasers can view and then download clips. ReelMaster is a managed service solution, with BiBC managing the end-to-end process of digitising content, through to secure distribution, meaning that there is no need for technological investment on behalf of the client.
ReelMaster™ has distinct advantages for both content owners and purchasers. Purchasers can benefit from the ability to browse and stream content to see if it is appropriate before purchase. Researchers and buyers simply type in the search term for the content they are looking for and are presented with all relevant pieces of video content. Samples can be viewed before the purchasers buy and download the content. The availability of digital clips means that purchasers do not have to wait for the post to come or pay for inappropriate clips, and are in full control of the selection process, 24/7.
With a minimal set-up fee and small monthly management fee, content owners can expect to rapidly see a tangible return on investment. The content owners also benefit from no longer having to manage the process. ReelMaster can also watermark content so that the showreels can be tracked and traced to ensure copyright remains intact.
Paul Hague, managing director of BiBC, commented: “It astonishes me that in the digital age in which we live, content owners are still distributing these reels manually, spending a fortune on transport costs, when the process lends itself to digitisation. Having talked to many content owners, the same message has been repeated over and over again – that tape distribution is an unnecessarily expensive and time-consuming process - and yet until now no other solution has been available to them. We are pleased to offer a digital solution that will save these companies both time and money, whilst improving the customer experience. ”
BiBC is today launching a new product entitled ReelMaster™, a solution that will digitise the distribution processes of stock libraries and content owners. ReelMaster™ is set to revolutionise the previously time consuming and costly process of content owners retrieving and posting video tapes and DVDs to prospective purchasers. ReelMaster™ is available immediately.
ReelMaster™ enables the fast and secure digital distribution of new titles, showcases and archive material to prospective customers / reviewers. The range of material that can be digitally distributed is vast, from clips to full length feature films. Based on MediaMaster™, BiBC’s acclaimed media distribution platform, ReelMaster delivers to content owners their own digital showcase store, through which prospective purchasers can view and then download clips. ReelMaster is a managed service solution, with BiBC managing the end-to-end process of digitising content, through to secure distribution, meaning that there is no need for technological investment on behalf of the client.
ReelMaster™ has distinct advantages for both content owners and purchasers. Purchasers can benefit from the ability to browse and stream content to see if it is appropriate before purchase. Researchers and buyers simply type in the search term for the content they are looking for and are presented with all relevant pieces of video content. Samples can be viewed before the purchasers buy and download the content. The availability of digital clips means that purchasers do not have to wait for the post to come or pay for inappropriate clips, and are in full control of the selection process, 24/7.
With a minimal set-up fee and small monthly management fee, content owners can expect to rapidly see a tangible return on investment. The content owners also benefit from no longer having to manage the process. ReelMaster can also watermark content so that the showreels can be tracked and traced to ensure copyright remains intact.
Paul Hague, managing director of BiBC, commented: “It astonishes me that in the digital age in which we live, content owners are still distributing these reels manually, spending a fortune on transport costs, when the process lends itself to digitisation. Having talked to many content owners, the same message has been repeated over and over again – that tape distribution is an unnecessarily expensive and time-consuming process - and yet until now no other solution has been available to them. We are pleased to offer a digital solution that will save these companies both time and money, whilst improving the customer experience. ”
Thursday, November 09, 2006
New Screen School for Liverpool
Phil Redmond backs North West’s first Screen School
It's already the most filmed location in the UK outside London and boasts an impressive list of creative talents who have helped transform the broadcasting industry.
Now Liverpool is planning another premier by becoming home to the North West of England's first Screen School.
Developed by Liverpool John Moores University, the Liverpool Screen School will embrace all forms of digital media, offering practice-based education and training on all aspects of TV, film, journalism, radio and news production as well as computer games, interactive media and animation.
The new School has the backing of the BBC, Granada, FACT, EMAP and Trinity Mirror as well as leading figures such as Phil Redmond, co-founder of Mersey Television.
Phil Redmond, who is also an LJMU Honorary Professor, said:
"Liverpool John Moores University has always been quick to grasp technological solutions and the Screen School embraces the seismic shifts in digital technology that have changed how we engage and interact with, not just films, TV and radio but also the internet, our mobile phones and games consoles.
"The digital content industry in Liverpool has the potential to become one of the greatest in the world. We already have competitive games companies, design houses and production studios. The Screen School will build on this and strengthen the creative industries sector still further."
The development of the Screen School marks the next stage in LJMU's drive to become a national centre of excellence in all aspects of digital technologies.
Professor Roger Webster, Dean of LJMU’s Faculty of Media Arts and Social Science, explained:
“Creativity has always been one of Merseyside's greatest resources. The Liverpool Screen School capitalises on this potential and by dissolving the boundaries between film, television and multimedia production and embracing the potential of new technologies, we can give our students a huge advantage in this increasingly important sector."
“If the planned relocation of the BBC goes ahead, the North West will be the largest broadcasting centre outside London. The Liverpool Screen School will ensure that the region as a whole and Liverpool in particular will have the skilled and creative practitioners that the broadcasting industry needs in order to capitalise on emerging opportunities and technological developments."
Over the next three years, LJMU is planning to develop a new building to house the Screen School, bringing its programmes in journalism, media professional studies, screen studies and interactive media together under one roof.
Boasting state-of-the-art filming, editing and post-production facilities, the Screen School will form an integral part of the University's new Creative Industries Campus along with the University's new Art and Design Academy, due to open in 2008.
Professor Michael Brown, Vice Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University, said:
“We are a University very much connected to industry and the Liverpool Screen School is the latest manifestation of our long term commitment to equipping our students with the skills demanded by today’s employers.”
Margaret McClelland, Development Executive at the BBC, agreed:
"It's essential that Industry works with education to meet the skills agenda, developing both new skills and a new generation of talent. That talent needs to be capable of developing new products and ideas to bring technology to life for audiences. Existing professionals also need access to development and it's important that education and industry work together here too. The Screen School is a valuable addition to the industry in the region."
LJMU has led the way in forming innovative partnerships with the broadcast and digital media industries over the last 20 years.
In 1995, the University launched its pioneering media professional studies course in conjunction with Phil Redmond and Mersey Television. LJMU has subsequently forged close links with the BBC, Channel 4, Granada, EMAP, Trinity Mirror and other leading media organisations, keeping its courses professionally relevant and up-to-date while also giving students exceptional placement opportunities.
In 2001, again in conjunction with Phil Redmond, LJMU established its International Centre for Digital Content (ICDC), a world leader in digital content design and solutions. ICDC regularly works with the BBC, Channel 4, AMD, Nokia and Hewlett-Packard as well as local businesses and community groups.
This was swiftly followed by the UK’s first business incubator for the digital industries, DigitalINC, which has an excellent track record in attracting and retaining technology companies in Merseyside.
More recently, LJMU again became the first UK university to use cutting-edge, industry-standard broadcast software to teach journalism students how the news makes it from around the world into our living-rooms.
It's already the most filmed location in the UK outside London and boasts an impressive list of creative talents who have helped transform the broadcasting industry.
Now Liverpool is planning another premier by becoming home to the North West of England's first Screen School.
Developed by Liverpool John Moores University, the Liverpool Screen School will embrace all forms of digital media, offering practice-based education and training on all aspects of TV, film, journalism, radio and news production as well as computer games, interactive media and animation.
The new School has the backing of the BBC, Granada, FACT, EMAP and Trinity Mirror as well as leading figures such as Phil Redmond, co-founder of Mersey Television.
Phil Redmond, who is also an LJMU Honorary Professor, said:
"Liverpool John Moores University has always been quick to grasp technological solutions and the Screen School embraces the seismic shifts in digital technology that have changed how we engage and interact with, not just films, TV and radio but also the internet, our mobile phones and games consoles.
"The digital content industry in Liverpool has the potential to become one of the greatest in the world. We already have competitive games companies, design houses and production studios. The Screen School will build on this and strengthen the creative industries sector still further."
The development of the Screen School marks the next stage in LJMU's drive to become a national centre of excellence in all aspects of digital technologies.
Professor Roger Webster, Dean of LJMU’s Faculty of Media Arts and Social Science, explained:
“Creativity has always been one of Merseyside's greatest resources. The Liverpool Screen School capitalises on this potential and by dissolving the boundaries between film, television and multimedia production and embracing the potential of new technologies, we can give our students a huge advantage in this increasingly important sector."
“If the planned relocation of the BBC goes ahead, the North West will be the largest broadcasting centre outside London. The Liverpool Screen School will ensure that the region as a whole and Liverpool in particular will have the skilled and creative practitioners that the broadcasting industry needs in order to capitalise on emerging opportunities and technological developments."
Over the next three years, LJMU is planning to develop a new building to house the Screen School, bringing its programmes in journalism, media professional studies, screen studies and interactive media together under one roof.
Boasting state-of-the-art filming, editing and post-production facilities, the Screen School will form an integral part of the University's new Creative Industries Campus along with the University's new Art and Design Academy, due to open in 2008.
Professor Michael Brown, Vice Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University, said:
“We are a University very much connected to industry and the Liverpool Screen School is the latest manifestation of our long term commitment to equipping our students with the skills demanded by today’s employers.”
Margaret McClelland, Development Executive at the BBC, agreed:
"It's essential that Industry works with education to meet the skills agenda, developing both new skills and a new generation of talent. That talent needs to be capable of developing new products and ideas to bring technology to life for audiences. Existing professionals also need access to development and it's important that education and industry work together here too. The Screen School is a valuable addition to the industry in the region."
LJMU has led the way in forming innovative partnerships with the broadcast and digital media industries over the last 20 years.
In 1995, the University launched its pioneering media professional studies course in conjunction with Phil Redmond and Mersey Television. LJMU has subsequently forged close links with the BBC, Channel 4, Granada, EMAP, Trinity Mirror and other leading media organisations, keeping its courses professionally relevant and up-to-date while also giving students exceptional placement opportunities.
In 2001, again in conjunction with Phil Redmond, LJMU established its International Centre for Digital Content (ICDC), a world leader in digital content design and solutions. ICDC regularly works with the BBC, Channel 4, AMD, Nokia and Hewlett-Packard as well as local businesses and community groups.
This was swiftly followed by the UK’s first business incubator for the digital industries, DigitalINC, which has an excellent track record in attracting and retaining technology companies in Merseyside.
More recently, LJMU again became the first UK university to use cutting-edge, industry-standard broadcast software to teach journalism students how the news makes it from around the world into our living-rooms.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Wild Experiences
Feed The Lions and Help Big Cats In the Wild!
Ideal World Television Shopping (Channels Sky 634, NTL 747 and Freeview 22) has teamed up with Paradise Wildlife Park to offer a range of ‘Wild Experiences’.
To celebrate the launch of these experiences the Park is donating all the money generated from the Feeding the African Lions experience to the Wildlife Heritage Foundation, a charity that specialises in breeding endangered big cats and protecting them in the wild. The Feed the Lions experience will be available at the special introductory price of £99 but there are only 50 places, so you will have to get in quick!
Ideal World and Paradise are featuring a number of other experiences on the ‘Wild Experiences’ show, which airs from 11am to 12 noon on Sunday 12th November. In addition to Feeding the African Lions there is Feed the Tigers where the guest has the opportunity to feed a tiger by hand from outside its enclosure. Search for Santa in Paradise is a magical experience where a small group go on a special adventure to find Santa and meet his reindeer. Also on offer is Monkey Business where you are given a tour of the Park’s fantastic collection of marmosets and tamarins and finish by feeding the lemurs. A Reptile Encounter allows you to accompany one of the Park’s trained staff to meet all types of spiders, snakes and creepy crawlies in the Angkor Reptile Temple. The Animal Adoption Gift Box means you can support the welfare of your chosen animal and enjoy all the animal goodies inside. Lastly, the exclusive Ideal Day could be yours, allowing you and up to 5 VIP guests to enjoy the full facilities of Paradise Wildlife Park and get up close and personal with virtually all the animals on a behind the scenes escorted tour.
Peter Sampson, the Park’s Managing Director says, “We hope this will capture the public’s imagination by giving them the opportunity to have a memorable experience and help raise money to save big cats in the wild at the same time”.
Paradise Wildlife Park is located in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, about 20 miles north of London just off Junction 25 of the M25. Paradise is highly regarded as one of the best private zoos in the UK. It is also the market leader in ‘animal experiences’, with the most extensive experiences on offer in all Europe.
The Park has an equally impressive record in terms of conservation, being one of the founding partners of Project Life Lion in 1995, an important exotic and domestic animal conservation project in east Africa and helping to establish the Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent.
Paradise is a very special place where you can interact with many of the animals. It provides a completely different perspective to most zoos and is an innovative blend of animals, entertainment, education and fun.
For more information about the Wild Experiences go to www.pwpark.com.
Ideal World Television Shopping (Channels Sky 634, NTL 747 and Freeview 22) has teamed up with Paradise Wildlife Park to offer a range of ‘Wild Experiences’.
To celebrate the launch of these experiences the Park is donating all the money generated from the Feeding the African Lions experience to the Wildlife Heritage Foundation, a charity that specialises in breeding endangered big cats and protecting them in the wild. The Feed the Lions experience will be available at the special introductory price of £99 but there are only 50 places, so you will have to get in quick!
Ideal World and Paradise are featuring a number of other experiences on the ‘Wild Experiences’ show, which airs from 11am to 12 noon on Sunday 12th November. In addition to Feeding the African Lions there is Feed the Tigers where the guest has the opportunity to feed a tiger by hand from outside its enclosure. Search for Santa in Paradise is a magical experience where a small group go on a special adventure to find Santa and meet his reindeer. Also on offer is Monkey Business where you are given a tour of the Park’s fantastic collection of marmosets and tamarins and finish by feeding the lemurs. A Reptile Encounter allows you to accompany one of the Park’s trained staff to meet all types of spiders, snakes and creepy crawlies in the Angkor Reptile Temple. The Animal Adoption Gift Box means you can support the welfare of your chosen animal and enjoy all the animal goodies inside. Lastly, the exclusive Ideal Day could be yours, allowing you and up to 5 VIP guests to enjoy the full facilities of Paradise Wildlife Park and get up close and personal with virtually all the animals on a behind the scenes escorted tour.
Peter Sampson, the Park’s Managing Director says, “We hope this will capture the public’s imagination by giving them the opportunity to have a memorable experience and help raise money to save big cats in the wild at the same time”.
Paradise Wildlife Park is located in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, about 20 miles north of London just off Junction 25 of the M25. Paradise is highly regarded as one of the best private zoos in the UK. It is also the market leader in ‘animal experiences’, with the most extensive experiences on offer in all Europe.
The Park has an equally impressive record in terms of conservation, being one of the founding partners of Project Life Lion in 1995, an important exotic and domestic animal conservation project in east Africa and helping to establish the Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent.
Paradise is a very special place where you can interact with many of the animals. It provides a completely different perspective to most zoos and is an innovative blend of animals, entertainment, education and fun.
For more information about the Wild Experiences go to www.pwpark.com.
BIKER MICE FROM MARS
The Adventure Begins with their new DVD
Three of the baddest Mamajammers ever to ride, the BIKER MICE FROM MARS are back on earth and ready to rumble with the release of their new DVD, ‘The Adventure Begins’, courtesy of Abbey Home Media. Let’s “Rock ‘n’ Ride” on 30 October 2006 when the DVD will be available to buy in stores nationwide including Woolworths, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Virgin and on www.abbeyhomemedia.com.
On a mission to save their home from extinction, the Biker Mice have arrived on our planet searching for the Great General Stoker - the legendary Martian leader and the only Mouse with the formula to solve the dire water shortage on Mars. Along the way, our heroes battle those also intent on getting their hands - or paws - on Stoker, including the Catatonians, the craziest Cats ever to have their own planet.
Featuring animation from the new series, this rocking DVD includes episodes; ‘The Adventure Begins’ Part 1 & 2 and ‘It’s The Pits’ along with DVD extras including deleted scenes, original artwork sketches and character biographies. So what are you waiting for…this is the ‘must have’ children’s title this Autumn because in this wild and woolly universe there’s only three things you can count on …your brains…your bros…and your bikes!
And that’s just the beginning of this adrenalin-fuelled rollercoaster ride. You can also catch your favourite characters - Throttle, Modo and Vinnie - The Biker Mice From Mars - at 8.05am on Toonattik on GMTV1 directly after Spongebob Squarepants every Saturday this autumn.
So feel the “need for speed” and pre-order your BIKER MICE FROM MARS ‘The Adventure Begins’ DVD now online from www.abbeyhomemedia.com and receive 10% off for all new customers. Plus, if you spend £30 or more you will receive a PS2 Biker Mice From Mars game, worth £29.99, absolutely FREE! This crazy offer is subject to availability so don’t hang around the race is on!
Rev your engines and get ready to put the pedal to the metal as it’s time to “Rock ‘n’ Ride”!
For more information on your favourite characters log on to www.bikermice.tv.
Product Information
Release Date: 30 October 2006
Certificate: U
Running Time: approx. 66 minutes
Retail Price: DVD - £9.99 RRP
Three of the baddest Mamajammers ever to ride, the BIKER MICE FROM MARS are back on earth and ready to rumble with the release of their new DVD, ‘The Adventure Begins’, courtesy of Abbey Home Media. Let’s “Rock ‘n’ Ride” on 30 October 2006 when the DVD will be available to buy in stores nationwide including Woolworths, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Virgin and on www.abbeyhomemedia.com.
On a mission to save their home from extinction, the Biker Mice have arrived on our planet searching for the Great General Stoker - the legendary Martian leader and the only Mouse with the formula to solve the dire water shortage on Mars. Along the way, our heroes battle those also intent on getting their hands - or paws - on Stoker, including the Catatonians, the craziest Cats ever to have their own planet.
Featuring animation from the new series, this rocking DVD includes episodes; ‘The Adventure Begins’ Part 1 & 2 and ‘It’s The Pits’ along with DVD extras including deleted scenes, original artwork sketches and character biographies. So what are you waiting for…this is the ‘must have’ children’s title this Autumn because in this wild and woolly universe there’s only three things you can count on …your brains…your bros…and your bikes!
And that’s just the beginning of this adrenalin-fuelled rollercoaster ride. You can also catch your favourite characters - Throttle, Modo and Vinnie - The Biker Mice From Mars - at 8.05am on Toonattik on GMTV1 directly after Spongebob Squarepants every Saturday this autumn.
So feel the “need for speed” and pre-order your BIKER MICE FROM MARS ‘The Adventure Begins’ DVD now online from www.abbeyhomemedia.com and receive 10% off for all new customers. Plus, if you spend £30 or more you will receive a PS2 Biker Mice From Mars game, worth £29.99, absolutely FREE! This crazy offer is subject to availability so don’t hang around the race is on!
Rev your engines and get ready to put the pedal to the metal as it’s time to “Rock ‘n’ Ride”!
For more information on your favourite characters log on to www.bikermice.tv.
Product Information
Release Date: 30 October 2006
Certificate: U
Running Time: approx. 66 minutes
Retail Price: DVD - £9.99 RRP
BRITISH HIT SINGLES & ALBUMS - No. 1 MUSIC QUIZ
CiRCLE announces a joint venture with Sony BMG Music
Entertainment as the developer of its first ever interactive DVD: ‘British Hit Singles &Albums No.1 Music Quiz’. The title draws from the massive database at Guinness World Records which is used to create the world’s best-selling pop reference book:‘British Hit Singles & Albums’.
Hosted by comedian Steve Furst (Little Britain, Orange mobile phone adverts), the
interactive quiz gives players the opportunity to find out just how much they really
know about the best pop music of the last 50 years. The family-friendly content
features over 1200 questions based on original music videos, pictures, audio clips
and general knowledge - and over ten question categories such as ‘Who Am I’, ‘Body
Language’ (charades) and ‘Hitting the Headlines’.
‘No. 1 Music Quiz’ provides a compelling challenge for pop music fans and is
predicted to be a Christmas bestseller, following in the footsteps of Circle’s 2005
chart-topping ‘Now That’s What I Call a Music Quiz’ (Virgin / Universal / EMI).
Commenting on the venture, Jeremy Heath-Smith, CEO of CiRCLE says: “It’s been a
real pleasure working with Sony BMG and Guinness World Records to develop this
high-profile brand on iDVD; the resulting product is original, very entertaining and
some of our best work on the format to date. The fact that Sony BMG selected
CiRCLE to develop its first interactive music quiz is testimony to the quality of our
games and we are delighted to add this title to our development portfolio.”
David Roberts, Managing Editor of Guinness World Records Book of British Hit
Singles & Albums adds: “Fans of the book of British Hit Singles & Albums have
pressed us for some time about a quiz based on the book. I think they are in for a
real treat when they see the fantastic end product produced by Circle and Sony
BMG.”
The game’s presenter, comedian Steve Furst finally comments: 'The No.1 Music
Quiz is a genuinely challenging all-round family game. Anyone who has ANY love of
music, will absolutely adore this'.
The No. 1 Music Quiz will be released via Sony/BMG on November 6th, RRP £19.99.
Entertainment as the developer of its first ever interactive DVD: ‘British Hit Singles &Albums No.1 Music Quiz’. The title draws from the massive database at Guinness World Records which is used to create the world’s best-selling pop reference book:‘British Hit Singles & Albums’.
Hosted by comedian Steve Furst (Little Britain, Orange mobile phone adverts), the
interactive quiz gives players the opportunity to find out just how much they really
know about the best pop music of the last 50 years. The family-friendly content
features over 1200 questions based on original music videos, pictures, audio clips
and general knowledge - and over ten question categories such as ‘Who Am I’, ‘Body
Language’ (charades) and ‘Hitting the Headlines’.
‘No. 1 Music Quiz’ provides a compelling challenge for pop music fans and is
predicted to be a Christmas bestseller, following in the footsteps of Circle’s 2005
chart-topping ‘Now That’s What I Call a Music Quiz’ (Virgin / Universal / EMI).
Commenting on the venture, Jeremy Heath-Smith, CEO of CiRCLE says: “It’s been a
real pleasure working with Sony BMG and Guinness World Records to develop this
high-profile brand on iDVD; the resulting product is original, very entertaining and
some of our best work on the format to date. The fact that Sony BMG selected
CiRCLE to develop its first interactive music quiz is testimony to the quality of our
games and we are delighted to add this title to our development portfolio.”
David Roberts, Managing Editor of Guinness World Records Book of British Hit
Singles & Albums adds: “Fans of the book of British Hit Singles & Albums have
pressed us for some time about a quiz based on the book. I think they are in for a
real treat when they see the fantastic end product produced by Circle and Sony
BMG.”
The game’s presenter, comedian Steve Furst finally comments: 'The No.1 Music
Quiz is a genuinely challenging all-round family game. Anyone who has ANY love of
music, will absolutely adore this'.
The No. 1 Music Quiz will be released via Sony/BMG on November 6th, RRP £19.99.
All Creatures Great and Small
UNIVERSAL PLAYBACK is delighted to announce that the entire fourth series of the BBC TV classic All Creatures Great and Small will be released for the first time as one DVD collection. Available as a three disc set on 26th December, its recommended retail price is just £24.99.
Based on the bestselling novels by James Herriot, the BBC adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small was first broadcast in 1978 and went on to become a huge hit both domestically and internationally.
Beginning in 1937, the story revolves around the trials and tribulations faced by newly qualified vet James Herriot (Christopher Timothy) when he joins a veterinary practice in the picturesque Yorkshire village of Darrowby.
Herriot finds he still has much to learn if the country folk are ever to accept an outsider as a vet on par with Siegfried Farnon (Robert Hardy), who established the Darrowby practice.
Nevertheless with courage, humour and a little luck, Herriot eventually earns the trust of the locals and experiences the joys and heartaches that go with caring for all creatures great and small.
Series Four continues the story of James, his wife Helen (now played by Lynda Bellingham) and his volatile but warm-hearted partner, Siegfried.
The setting is now the early Fifties, and the Dales are still suffering from the bleak austerity that gripped the nation after World War II.
Now that Siegfried’s wayward brother Tristan (Peter Davison) has landed a high-ranking position as an artificial insemination expert in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Darrowby practice is struggling to cope.
To bring in more business, Siegfried and James decide to recruit a highly qualified young Scottish vet named Calum (John McGlynn), who arrives by motorcycle with a badger in tow…..
Episodes:
One of Life’s Little Miracles; Barks and Bites; The Bull with the Bowler Hat; The Pig Man Cometh; Hail Caesar!; Only One Woof; Ace, King, Queen, Jack; The Healing Touch; City Slicker; For Richer, For Poorer.
Product Information:
Release date: 26th December 2006
Running Time: tbc
Certificate: PG
No. of Discs: 3
No. of Episodes: 10
Based on the bestselling novels by James Herriot, the BBC adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small was first broadcast in 1978 and went on to become a huge hit both domestically and internationally.
Beginning in 1937, the story revolves around the trials and tribulations faced by newly qualified vet James Herriot (Christopher Timothy) when he joins a veterinary practice in the picturesque Yorkshire village of Darrowby.
Herriot finds he still has much to learn if the country folk are ever to accept an outsider as a vet on par with Siegfried Farnon (Robert Hardy), who established the Darrowby practice.
Nevertheless with courage, humour and a little luck, Herriot eventually earns the trust of the locals and experiences the joys and heartaches that go with caring for all creatures great and small.
Series Four continues the story of James, his wife Helen (now played by Lynda Bellingham) and his volatile but warm-hearted partner, Siegfried.
The setting is now the early Fifties, and the Dales are still suffering from the bleak austerity that gripped the nation after World War II.
Now that Siegfried’s wayward brother Tristan (Peter Davison) has landed a high-ranking position as an artificial insemination expert in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Darrowby practice is struggling to cope.
To bring in more business, Siegfried and James decide to recruit a highly qualified young Scottish vet named Calum (John McGlynn), who arrives by motorcycle with a badger in tow…..
Episodes:
One of Life’s Little Miracles; Barks and Bites; The Bull with the Bowler Hat; The Pig Man Cometh; Hail Caesar!; Only One Woof; Ace, King, Queen, Jack; The Healing Touch; City Slicker; For Richer, For Poorer.
Product Information:
Release date: 26th December 2006
Running Time: tbc
Certificate: PG
No. of Discs: 3
No. of Episodes: 10
[adult swim]
Turner Broadcasting System is responding to the huge demand for its US adult comedy animation strand [adult swim] by launching a broadband service www.adultswim.co.uk in the UK and Ireland so even more people can get to access its brilliant and unique style of ‘guerilla animation’. A launch event for the site is taking place as part of RESFEST UK on 15th November at Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes in Shoreditch. The whitewashed walls, that allow the hottest of Shoreditch’s current venues to double as an impromptu art gallery and bar, will feature [adult swim] inspired art work commissioned for the launch party which will stay until mid December; you have been warned.
[adult swim] has also officially named itself the unofficial media partner of RESFEST www.resfest.co.uk, the unique festival dedicated to the very best digital arts innovation including film, music, art, design, fashion, culture and technology. As the festival, originally founded in San Francisco, reaches its 10th anniversary this year it is embarking on a global celebration which includes a week in London at the NFT (14-19 November).
Turner has already successfully licensed the television content of [adult swim] in the UK to men’s entertainment channel Bravo but the subscription only broadband service is provided by digital rights specialists Premium TV on behalf of Turner. Twelve shows are available to view online including: Aqua Teen Hunger Force; Robot Chicken; Venture Brothers; Harvey Birdman Attorney at Law; Sealab 2021 and Space Ghost. Each month the site is refreshed with four new full length episodes scheduled on a weekly basis.
The site provides over 15 hours of full length videos which can be viewed at any time and as many times as subscribers wish during the period they have paid for. The real advantage for fans of these shows is that they can now watch full length versions of some of their favourite episodes which they’ve been unable to do in the past.
In addition to the shows, nine games are available to play online and the content will be refreshed with two new games added on a regular basis. Featured games include Stagger from 12oz Mouse; Mooninite Marauders from Aqua Teen Hunger Force; Head Kicker II from The Brak Show; Jailbird from Harvey Birdman Attorney at Law; Attack of the Feverheads from Sealab 2022 and Rough Justice from The Venture Bros.
There is a £10 discount on the annual subscription package as part of a special launch offer and for a limited time period subscribers can pay just £9.99 instead of the usual price of £19.99. Subscribers can also pay for shorter time periods; 24 hours subscription costs 99p or a month’s subscription costs £1.99. All payments can be done via credit card and direct debit for annual subscription.
Alan Musa, [adult swim] VP commented: ‘[adult swim] is delighted to launch its broadband service as part of such a unique festival as RESFEST. This can only help build on the huge popularity it is already enjoying in the UK.’
[adult swim], Turner Broadcasting System’s US smash hit dedicated to edgy animation, is now available in the UK on TV and online. ]adult swim[ features non-conformist programming aimed at adults 18-34 including a broad mix of humour and unconventional animation. A late night TV block offering original and acquired animated comedy and action launched on Bravo earlier this year and a brand new UK broadband site www.adultswim.co.uk created by Turner Broadcasting went live earlier this month. [adult swim] is designed to appeal to young people who like their entertainment creative, cult and aren’t afraid to seek it out whether it’s on television or the internet.
In the UK From 7th July to 30th September [adult swim] was watched by 4 million people.
[adult swim] launched in the US in 2001.
[adult swim] has also officially named itself the unofficial media partner of RESFEST www.resfest.co.uk, the unique festival dedicated to the very best digital arts innovation including film, music, art, design, fashion, culture and technology. As the festival, originally founded in San Francisco, reaches its 10th anniversary this year it is embarking on a global celebration which includes a week in London at the NFT (14-19 November).
Turner has already successfully licensed the television content of [adult swim] in the UK to men’s entertainment channel Bravo but the subscription only broadband service is provided by digital rights specialists Premium TV on behalf of Turner. Twelve shows are available to view online including: Aqua Teen Hunger Force; Robot Chicken; Venture Brothers; Harvey Birdman Attorney at Law; Sealab 2021 and Space Ghost. Each month the site is refreshed with four new full length episodes scheduled on a weekly basis.
The site provides over 15 hours of full length videos which can be viewed at any time and as many times as subscribers wish during the period they have paid for. The real advantage for fans of these shows is that they can now watch full length versions of some of their favourite episodes which they’ve been unable to do in the past.
In addition to the shows, nine games are available to play online and the content will be refreshed with two new games added on a regular basis. Featured games include Stagger from 12oz Mouse; Mooninite Marauders from Aqua Teen Hunger Force; Head Kicker II from The Brak Show; Jailbird from Harvey Birdman Attorney at Law; Attack of the Feverheads from Sealab 2022 and Rough Justice from The Venture Bros.
There is a £10 discount on the annual subscription package as part of a special launch offer and for a limited time period subscribers can pay just £9.99 instead of the usual price of £19.99. Subscribers can also pay for shorter time periods; 24 hours subscription costs 99p or a month’s subscription costs £1.99. All payments can be done via credit card and direct debit for annual subscription.
Alan Musa, [adult swim] VP commented: ‘[adult swim] is delighted to launch its broadband service as part of such a unique festival as RESFEST. This can only help build on the huge popularity it is already enjoying in the UK.’
[adult swim], Turner Broadcasting System’s US smash hit dedicated to edgy animation, is now available in the UK on TV and online. ]adult swim[ features non-conformist programming aimed at adults 18-34 including a broad mix of humour and unconventional animation. A late night TV block offering original and acquired animated comedy and action launched on Bravo earlier this year and a brand new UK broadband site www.adultswim.co.uk created by Turner Broadcasting went live earlier this month. [adult swim] is designed to appeal to young people who like their entertainment creative, cult and aren’t afraid to seek it out whether it’s on television or the internet.
In the UK From 7th July to 30th September [adult swim] was watched by 4 million people.
[adult swim] launched in the US in 2001.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Top actor and designer to receive DMU honorary degrees
A respected actor and a well-known fashion designer are to receive honorary degrees from De Montfort University (DMU).
Charles Dance and Karen Millen will both be made Doctor of Arts during DMU's graduations which will take place from Tuesday 7 November to Thursday 9 November.
Mr Dance is best-known for his role in the Jewel in the Crown and recently starred in the BBC's acclaimed adaptation of Bleak House. He is also an accomplished film director and made the successful movie Ladies in Lavender, which starred Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith.
Originally from Worcestershire, he was a student at Leicester Art School which eventually became De Montfort University.
Karen Millen's fashion empire began when she started making white shirts at home.
Professor Philip Tasker, Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University, said: "We are proud of our students' achievements and their academic success and that we are awarding honorary degrees to individuals who are highly distinguished in their different fields and who are a source of inspiration to our students.
"Charles Dance has enjoyed a distinguished career in film and television and Karen Millen has created a successful career in the competitive world of fashion.
Charles Dance and Karen Millen will both be made Doctor of Arts during DMU's graduations which will take place from Tuesday 7 November to Thursday 9 November.
Mr Dance is best-known for his role in the Jewel in the Crown and recently starred in the BBC's acclaimed adaptation of Bleak House. He is also an accomplished film director and made the successful movie Ladies in Lavender, which starred Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith.
Originally from Worcestershire, he was a student at Leicester Art School which eventually became De Montfort University.
Karen Millen's fashion empire began when she started making white shirts at home.
Professor Philip Tasker, Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University, said: "We are proud of our students' achievements and their academic success and that we are awarding honorary degrees to individuals who are highly distinguished in their different fields and who are a source of inspiration to our students.
"Charles Dance has enjoyed a distinguished career in film and television and Karen Millen has created a successful career in the competitive world of fashion.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
CGI - A Christmas Carol
The much-loved tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, his old business partner Jacob Marley and well-known characters such as Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim is updated and retold for a new generation of children and families in A Christmas Carol released by BKN Home Entertainment on 20 November 2006.
Using stunning CGI animation BKN’s A Christmas Carol offers up a wholly original and innovative take on Charles Dickens’ timeless Christmas classic. The DVD will be presented in unique “snow-storm” packaging making it the perfect Christmas gift.
The plot is familiar to most, although this new release introduces an all animal cast. Ebenezer Scrooge is a crusty old skunk, miserly with his money and not imbued with the spirit of Christmas – there is no goodwill to all men from Scrooge, merely the curse of “Bah humbug!”.
On Christmas Eve he is visited by the ghost of his old business partner who comes with a dire warning – that he will be doomed unless he heeds the advice of three further ghosts who will be visiting him that night.
Before Christmas Day dawns, Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future and he finally learns the meaning of peace and goodwill to all men.
This heart-warming tale is one for the whole family during the festive season.
Title: A Christmas Carol Release Date: 20 November 2006 SRP: £12.99
Using stunning CGI animation BKN’s A Christmas Carol offers up a wholly original and innovative take on Charles Dickens’ timeless Christmas classic. The DVD will be presented in unique “snow-storm” packaging making it the perfect Christmas gift.
The plot is familiar to most, although this new release introduces an all animal cast. Ebenezer Scrooge is a crusty old skunk, miserly with his money and not imbued with the spirit of Christmas – there is no goodwill to all men from Scrooge, merely the curse of “Bah humbug!”.
On Christmas Eve he is visited by the ghost of his old business partner who comes with a dire warning – that he will be doomed unless he heeds the advice of three further ghosts who will be visiting him that night.
Before Christmas Day dawns, Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future and he finally learns the meaning of peace and goodwill to all men.
This heart-warming tale is one for the whole family during the festive season.
Title: A Christmas Carol Release Date: 20 November 2006 SRP: £12.99
Unlimited Online PC Backup
Carbonite Launches Unlimited Online PC Backup For Half The Price of BT’s Digital Vault
* Simple, set-and-forget service backs up everything for less than £3 per month
* Service is 50% cheaper than BT’s Digital Vault, with no storage limits
* Strong encryption for total privacy and security
* Leading consumer backup service in the US.
Carbonite, the leading online backup service in the US,launches its Online PCBackup™ service with unlimited storage in the UK. Carbonite offers a simple backup solution for £30 per year versus BT’s £59.88 per year.
Conscious of security and privacy concerns, Carbonite double-encrypts files before they leave the user’s PC, employing techniques similar to those used by banks, the military and e-commerce sites.
Carbonite found that most people do not back up their PCs regularly. In fact, in their surveys they found that only 3% of all PCs were backed up daily. A few other surprising facts emerged from Carbonite’s market research:
* Users do not know how much backup space they need. When asked to specify how much data they had on their PCs, more than two thirds of users said “I have no idea.”
* More than half of users did not know the difference between a gigabyte and a megabyte.
“These findings help to explain why backup services that are sold by the gigabyte have not been successful in the market,” says Friend. “It is hard to sell a service when the customers don’t know how much they need and don’t understand the metrics used.”
Although hard drive crashes and human error are by far the most common causes of data loss, viruses are still a major cause, even if the user has anti-virus software installed.
Carbonite is available online through Carbonite’s web site or through online retailers such as Amazon.com or Download.com. Carbonite is widely available through retail stores in the US and is expected to launch through UK retail channels by early 2007.
To install Carbonite Online PCBackup, users can simply download a free trial at www.carbonite.com. No credit card is required for the 15-day trial period.
* Simple, set-and-forget service backs up everything for less than £3 per month
* Service is 50% cheaper than BT’s Digital Vault, with no storage limits
* Strong encryption for total privacy and security
* Leading consumer backup service in the US.
Carbonite, the leading online backup service in the US,launches its Online PCBackup™ service with unlimited storage in the UK. Carbonite offers a simple backup solution for £30 per year versus BT’s £59.88 per year.
Conscious of security and privacy concerns, Carbonite double-encrypts files before they leave the user’s PC, employing techniques similar to those used by banks, the military and e-commerce sites.
Carbonite found that most people do not back up their PCs regularly. In fact, in their surveys they found that only 3% of all PCs were backed up daily. A few other surprising facts emerged from Carbonite’s market research:
* Users do not know how much backup space they need. When asked to specify how much data they had on their PCs, more than two thirds of users said “I have no idea.”
* More than half of users did not know the difference between a gigabyte and a megabyte.
“These findings help to explain why backup services that are sold by the gigabyte have not been successful in the market,” says Friend. “It is hard to sell a service when the customers don’t know how much they need and don’t understand the metrics used.”
Although hard drive crashes and human error are by far the most common causes of data loss, viruses are still a major cause, even if the user has anti-virus software installed.
Carbonite is available online through Carbonite’s web site or through online retailers such as Amazon.com or Download.com. Carbonite is widely available through retail stores in the US and is expected to launch through UK retail channels by early 2007.
To install Carbonite Online PCBackup, users can simply download a free trial at www.carbonite.com. No credit card is required for the 15-day trial period.
International Consumer Electronics Show 2007
DEFINING TOMORROW'S TECHNOLOGY
Microsoft's Bill Gates, CEA's Gary Shapiro, Dell's Michael Dell,
Motorola's Ed Zander and Disney's Robert Iger to deliver keynotes at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, USA January 8-11
The very latest technology from 2,700 global companies will be unveiled and on display at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, 8-11 January 2007. This year the show will also be celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The world's largest consumer electronics tradeshow, the 2007 International CES - run by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) - will showcase consumer technologies from wireless, electronic gaming, digital imaging, home entertainment, digital audio and video, mobile electronics, broadband, content media, home networking and information technologies. Covering over 30 product and technology areas, the 2007 International CES will be spread over more than 1.6 million net square feet of exhibition space at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, the Sands Expo & Convention Centre/The Venetian and the Las Vegas Hilton. Last year's event attracted more than 150,000 attendees.
Some of the biggest names in the industry will be attending and delegates will be able to listen to keynote addresses given by Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft Corp., Ed Zander, chairman of the board and CEO of Motorola Inc., Robert Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Co, Michael Dell, chairman of Dell and Gary Shapiro president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).
"We have an amazing and unprecedented lineup to kick off the 2007 International CES with industry greats Bill Gates, Ed Zander, Bob Iger and Michael Dell," said CEA's Gary Shapiro. "These four industry visionaries will present their views of where the industry - particularly digital content and entertainment - is heading from their unique positions as heads of some of the world's most influential companies."
Building on the success of last year's Innovation Plus area based at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, the International CES has added The Venetian as the 'must see' destination for 2007. The Sands area showcases the majority of the CES TechZones, conference sessions, international pavilions and much more. Attached to the Sands, The Venetian is the new home for keynote addresses and high-performance audio & home theatre exhibits.
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the pre-eminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $121 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.
Microsoft's Bill Gates, CEA's Gary Shapiro, Dell's Michael Dell,
Motorola's Ed Zander and Disney's Robert Iger to deliver keynotes at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, USA January 8-11
The very latest technology from 2,700 global companies will be unveiled and on display at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, 8-11 January 2007. This year the show will also be celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The world's largest consumer electronics tradeshow, the 2007 International CES - run by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) - will showcase consumer technologies from wireless, electronic gaming, digital imaging, home entertainment, digital audio and video, mobile electronics, broadband, content media, home networking and information technologies. Covering over 30 product and technology areas, the 2007 International CES will be spread over more than 1.6 million net square feet of exhibition space at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, the Sands Expo & Convention Centre/The Venetian and the Las Vegas Hilton. Last year's event attracted more than 150,000 attendees.
Some of the biggest names in the industry will be attending and delegates will be able to listen to keynote addresses given by Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft Corp., Ed Zander, chairman of the board and CEO of Motorola Inc., Robert Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Co, Michael Dell, chairman of Dell and Gary Shapiro president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).
"We have an amazing and unprecedented lineup to kick off the 2007 International CES with industry greats Bill Gates, Ed Zander, Bob Iger and Michael Dell," said CEA's Gary Shapiro. "These four industry visionaries will present their views of where the industry - particularly digital content and entertainment - is heading from their unique positions as heads of some of the world's most influential companies."
Building on the success of last year's Innovation Plus area based at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, the International CES has added The Venetian as the 'must see' destination for 2007. The Sands area showcases the majority of the CES TechZones, conference sessions, international pavilions and much more. Attached to the Sands, The Venetian is the new home for keynote addresses and high-performance audio & home theatre exhibits.
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the pre-eminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $121 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.
Nation on Film
“Nation on Film, the fully-funded Open University series made up of professional and amateur movie footage, returns to TV screens with six new episodes beginning with ‘Kearton’s Wildlife’ at 8pm on BBC Four on Friday November 3.
“Each film is narrated by one of Britain’s favourite actors, Sir David Jason, and following a specific theme or topic, uses a wide variety of film sources from amateur to professional, regional to national cinematic, to illustrate historical themes and give them an engaging new perspective.”
“Each film is narrated by one of Britain’s favourite actors, Sir David Jason, and following a specific theme or topic, uses a wide variety of film sources from amateur to professional, regional to national cinematic, to illustrate historical themes and give them an engaging new perspective.”
The Indy Film Co-op
Share,Network...Make Films:
Our intent is purely to provide a basis and portal for discussion, education and promotion for Independent Cinema nationally and internationally. The Co-op members have created an atmosphere where filmmakers can make contacts, develop relationships, exchange ideas and take advantage of networking opportunities. Our goal is to create an organization that truly supports the goals of its members.
What We Offer:
The loan of production and post production equipment, film screenings, online magazine and forum, screenplay contests, resource base download...including complete lists of Hollywood contacts...and all at no charge
What We Will Be Doing:
The Co-op will be launching a HD streaming video service featuring solely works of its members. This will provide exposure and the opportunity for revenue for the Co-op's members.
Join now at: http://www.indyfilmco-op.org
Our intent is purely to provide a basis and portal for discussion, education and promotion for Independent Cinema nationally and internationally. The Co-op members have created an atmosphere where filmmakers can make contacts, develop relationships, exchange ideas and take advantage of networking opportunities. Our goal is to create an organization that truly supports the goals of its members.
What We Offer:
The loan of production and post production equipment, film screenings, online magazine and forum, screenplay contests, resource base download...including complete lists of Hollywood contacts...and all at no charge
What We Will Be Doing:
The Co-op will be launching a HD streaming video service featuring solely works of its members. This will provide exposure and the opportunity for revenue for the Co-op's members.
Join now at: http://www.indyfilmco-op.org
Haunting Hamlet Shot For Halloween
Halloween 2006 heralds ghostly goings on as a supernatural thriller version of Shakespeare’s seminal work, Hamlet (http://www.hamletmovie.co.uk), completes filming in time for a January 2007 release. Focusing on the character of the ghost as a psychopathic spirit behind all the killings, the feature film is directed by Alexander Fodor and produced by music industry-based Paul Allan-Slade, starring Wilson Belchambers in the eponymous role.
Shot throughout summer 2006 at the Gate Studio in London and on location in Southend on Sea, Hamlet has now reached rush edit stage and is going into sound treatment and musical composition.
Paul Allan-Slade, producer, says: “Hamlet is a ghost story and yet, incredibly, no one has ever told it as one. In Fodor’s Hamlet, emphasis is put on the nightmarish ether of the play, setting it in a surrealistic no-man’s land. The members of the court are painted as scheming, back stabbing and vicious personas.”
Paul continues: “This is a court put together by the maniacal Hamlet the elder (the ghost) and it is an environment that, even after his death, he controls by using children as his mediums to contact the physical world. This could only be done with film, where atmospheric music and sound effects create the subconscious messages to the viewers.”
Rather than following schoolbook definitions of the characters, Fodor’s versions have a contemporary twist. The traditionally weak Ophelia is now dominated by her elder sister, Polonia (normally a male comic role), who supplies her with addictive drugs to cement that control. Hamlet’s father, the ghost (normally an heroic victim), is now an evil psychopath, manipulating his own son to gain brutal revenge on his murderer, Claudius, without any concern for the eventual fate of his own son.
Lydia Piechowiak, who plays Polonia, says: “It’s not often you get to play the part of a doddering old man and even less likely that you get to play him as a scheming Machiavellian femme fatale. On the first day of shooting, I got to seduce a woman I was about to strangle, and then lie shot through the eye in a pool of blood. Nice.”
Character variants aside, not one single line of dialogue has been added or changed. The difference is in the delivery, with the emphasis on ensuring that an audience which may have never heard a single line of Shakespeare is able to accept it as an alternative accent of English.
Paul explains: “Take, for example, the Denmark prison scene, which can be viewed on the excerpts page of the movie’s website. In it you will see what appears to be an improvisational workshop with the actors speaking to the camera, which is in itself a character. In fact, it’s all texted Shakesperian English. But gone are the elitist parameters which ostracise the general public.”
Fodor’s Hamlet, from production house Zed Resistor (http://www.zedresistor.com), will be the forty-second film/television version of the popular ghostly tale. The five most recent Shakesperian releases have collectively grossed over $100,000,000 USD*
Clips from the production may be viewed at: http://www.hamletmovie.co.uk
*Source: www.the-numbers.com
Shot throughout summer 2006 at the Gate Studio in London and on location in Southend on Sea, Hamlet has now reached rush edit stage and is going into sound treatment and musical composition.
Paul Allan-Slade, producer, says: “Hamlet is a ghost story and yet, incredibly, no one has ever told it as one. In Fodor’s Hamlet, emphasis is put on the nightmarish ether of the play, setting it in a surrealistic no-man’s land. The members of the court are painted as scheming, back stabbing and vicious personas.”
Paul continues: “This is a court put together by the maniacal Hamlet the elder (the ghost) and it is an environment that, even after his death, he controls by using children as his mediums to contact the physical world. This could only be done with film, where atmospheric music and sound effects create the subconscious messages to the viewers.”
Rather than following schoolbook definitions of the characters, Fodor’s versions have a contemporary twist. The traditionally weak Ophelia is now dominated by her elder sister, Polonia (normally a male comic role), who supplies her with addictive drugs to cement that control. Hamlet’s father, the ghost (normally an heroic victim), is now an evil psychopath, manipulating his own son to gain brutal revenge on his murderer, Claudius, without any concern for the eventual fate of his own son.
Lydia Piechowiak, who plays Polonia, says: “It’s not often you get to play the part of a doddering old man and even less likely that you get to play him as a scheming Machiavellian femme fatale. On the first day of shooting, I got to seduce a woman I was about to strangle, and then lie shot through the eye in a pool of blood. Nice.”
Character variants aside, not one single line of dialogue has been added or changed. The difference is in the delivery, with the emphasis on ensuring that an audience which may have never heard a single line of Shakespeare is able to accept it as an alternative accent of English.
Paul explains: “Take, for example, the Denmark prison scene, which can be viewed on the excerpts page of the movie’s website. In it you will see what appears to be an improvisational workshop with the actors speaking to the camera, which is in itself a character. In fact, it’s all texted Shakesperian English. But gone are the elitist parameters which ostracise the general public.”
Fodor’s Hamlet, from production house Zed Resistor (http://www.zedresistor.com), will be the forty-second film/television version of the popular ghostly tale. The five most recent Shakesperian releases have collectively grossed over $100,000,000 USD*
Clips from the production may be viewed at: http://www.hamletmovie.co.uk
*Source: www.the-numbers.com
3D-CGI Film "Haptics"
Future Thought Breaks New Ground with "Haptics"
One of the best-kept secrets in animation won’t be secret now that the sci-fi satire “Haptics” has screened at the Hollywood Film Festival and won the Hollywood Discovery Awards for the Best Animated Short Production. That event has shone a spotlight on Future Thought Productions, a five-year-old animation studio whose creativity has earned it a stellar list of clients and production partners. Future Thought has created animation for The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros., MTV and Nickelodeon, yet company founder Jay Zaveri notes, “We also have been growing beneath the radar, and creating original content like ‘Haptics.’ We’ve been building a library of animated shorts that can play on mobile phones, the web, or as interstitial entertainment for theaters and TV. We believe the animation business will become increasingly cross-platform, and that there are great opportunities for those who can create content that is media-agnostic.”
“Haptics” reflects Future Thought’s commitment to extending its high-quality library. This edgy, 5-minute film depicts characters that live in a time when machines are efficient, reality is virtual, and ‘the human touch’ is out of reach. The studio uses the latest software from Softimage, often the tool of choice for feature filmmakers. The striking look of “Haptics” and its bold subject matter are undoubtedly reasons why it has already won the animation prize at the Florida Independents’ Film Festival in Tampa and now the Best Animated Short Production at the prestigious Hollywood Film Festival.
Future Thought is no stranger to honors, having won awards for animation at the Chicago Film Festival, the Ottawa International Film Festival, and at Promax and BDA in Asia. Its core team of animators work in Mumbai, India, and the reach of its productions is global. Future Thought was one of the first studios in the world to use Macromedia’s Flash software for television animation, and that expertise can be seen in Disney’s “The Buzz On Maggie” and in Warner’s “Coconut Fred’s Fruit Salad Island.” The studio has also demonstrated its 3D-CGI skills for the past two years with OzieBoo!, a series of character-animated shorts that airs in 40 countries.
Steve Kasper, Future Thought’s Director of Business Development, indicates that “Future thought has demonstrated a great amount of creative ability and has added value to every production in which we have been involved. This has led us to feel confident that we have the resources to create our own content.”
Future Thought CEO Jay Zaveri knows that maintaining a multi-skilled team of animators enables the company to develop original pieces in either 2D Flash or 3D-CGI –- targeting different media platforms as appropriate. Strong management and sound relationships with television, web and mobile companies have made Future Thought a pioneer in cross-platform animated content. “We already have a library of 3,000 animated videos that we distribute to mobile devices through fifteen operators on three continents,” he explains. “As operator technology gets standardized, we believe that the next generation of mobile and handheld devices will be exciting streaming content, little bite-sized humor and animation that provide instant gratification and entertainment.”
Whether “Haptics” will be coming to a mobile device near you anytime soon is an open question. But Future Thought isn’t waiting for opportunities to come to it – this company is determined to create its opportunities. Future Thought is already at work on a family-friendly 3D-CGI short to follow “Haptics,” and will announce details in the near future.
“Haptics” was screened at the Tampa Theatre in Florida and the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood, it can also be viewed online at: www.atomfilms.com/af/content/haptics
One of the best-kept secrets in animation won’t be secret now that the sci-fi satire “Haptics” has screened at the Hollywood Film Festival and won the Hollywood Discovery Awards for the Best Animated Short Production. That event has shone a spotlight on Future Thought Productions, a five-year-old animation studio whose creativity has earned it a stellar list of clients and production partners. Future Thought has created animation for The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros., MTV and Nickelodeon, yet company founder Jay Zaveri notes, “We also have been growing beneath the radar, and creating original content like ‘Haptics.’ We’ve been building a library of animated shorts that can play on mobile phones, the web, or as interstitial entertainment for theaters and TV. We believe the animation business will become increasingly cross-platform, and that there are great opportunities for those who can create content that is media-agnostic.”
“Haptics” reflects Future Thought’s commitment to extending its high-quality library. This edgy, 5-minute film depicts characters that live in a time when machines are efficient, reality is virtual, and ‘the human touch’ is out of reach. The studio uses the latest software from Softimage, often the tool of choice for feature filmmakers. The striking look of “Haptics” and its bold subject matter are undoubtedly reasons why it has already won the animation prize at the Florida Independents’ Film Festival in Tampa and now the Best Animated Short Production at the prestigious Hollywood Film Festival.
Future Thought is no stranger to honors, having won awards for animation at the Chicago Film Festival, the Ottawa International Film Festival, and at Promax and BDA in Asia. Its core team of animators work in Mumbai, India, and the reach of its productions is global. Future Thought was one of the first studios in the world to use Macromedia’s Flash software for television animation, and that expertise can be seen in Disney’s “The Buzz On Maggie” and in Warner’s “Coconut Fred’s Fruit Salad Island.” The studio has also demonstrated its 3D-CGI skills for the past two years with OzieBoo!, a series of character-animated shorts that airs in 40 countries.
Steve Kasper, Future Thought’s Director of Business Development, indicates that “Future thought has demonstrated a great amount of creative ability and has added value to every production in which we have been involved. This has led us to feel confident that we have the resources to create our own content.”
Future Thought CEO Jay Zaveri knows that maintaining a multi-skilled team of animators enables the company to develop original pieces in either 2D Flash or 3D-CGI –- targeting different media platforms as appropriate. Strong management and sound relationships with television, web and mobile companies have made Future Thought a pioneer in cross-platform animated content. “We already have a library of 3,000 animated videos that we distribute to mobile devices through fifteen operators on three continents,” he explains. “As operator technology gets standardized, we believe that the next generation of mobile and handheld devices will be exciting streaming content, little bite-sized humor and animation that provide instant gratification and entertainment.”
Whether “Haptics” will be coming to a mobile device near you anytime soon is an open question. But Future Thought isn’t waiting for opportunities to come to it – this company is determined to create its opportunities. Future Thought is already at work on a family-friendly 3D-CGI short to follow “Haptics,” and will announce details in the near future.
“Haptics” was screened at the Tampa Theatre in Florida and the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood, it can also be viewed online at: www.atomfilms.com/af/content/haptics
IT’S A BUGA!
YourKindaTV Launches Annual Awards For The User-Generated Generation
Britain’s newest broadcaster launches its web based TV channel next week (November 6) with the search to find the best mobile and video clips on the planet.
Entries for the British User Generated Awards 2007 – the first ever annual awards ceremony for user generated video - will take place on February 4, celebrating the rise of citizen journalism and user generated content as a major creative and leisure past-time today.
The organiser behind The BUGAS is YourKindaTV.com, a new UK based TV website which features a range of different entertainment and news features, illustrated by clips sent in by its viewers.
The categories for the inaugural BUGAS 2007 include:
* Best Comedy Clip
* Best Mockumentary
* Best Candid Clip
* Best Live Music Clip
* Best Local News Report
* Most Dangerous Stunt
* Best User Generated Advert
* Most Original Clip
Five entries will be shortlisted in each category and then put to the public vote. The closing date for entries is January 4. The finalists will be announced on January 11 when voting will begin.
The winners will be announced at an awards bash in London on Sunday, February 4 2007.
For further details on how to enter visit www.YourKindaTV.com/BUGAS2007
YourKindaTV anchorman Simon Jones said: “The BUGAS are the perfect antidote to all those boring film and TV awards programmes which usually feature the same old shows and the same old faces. The media today is well and truly in the hands of us, the people – and so are The BUGAS, which are there for everyone and anyone who wants to have their 15 minutes, or more, of fame.”
Irreverent, outrageous and a tad controversial, YourKindaTV features a daily five to seven minute studio production of topical banter, reckless opinion and other totally off the wall features which examine life from every possible perspective.
Jointly hosted by vlog anchors Simon Jones and Layla Anna-Lee, the show provides coverage and opinion of the day’s events, together with quirky video features which have been sent in by the public.
The features are structured so that they can be easily submitted by viewers and are accompanied by an online forum where users can discuss an issue.
The show segments include:
News Headlines: a run down of the interesting headlines of the day
Gossip and chat: discussion on the most relevant topic of the day /week
Feature 1: changing schedule, user submitted or random
Sport: results round-up, gossip and opinion
Feature 2: changing weekly schedule including Tuesdays: Location report; Thursdays: Therapy and Fridays: Leisure and entertainment
Chat: including events and interviews
The producer of the daily show is YourKindaTV co-founder Michael Oxley.
Your KindaTV - Vlog Anchors
Simon Jones
Simon first began performing at Northwood School in Middlesex and went on to achieve qualifications in Drama, Theatre Studies and Performing Arts at the University of Suffolk. Following in the footsteps of Shane Richie and Brian Connelly, Simon had his first taste of live TV as a Bluecoat presenter on Pontins Television. After three seasons of Pontins, Simon took off to Lanzarote where he learnt the art of live cabaret in his job as nightclub host in one of the island’s most prestigious resorts. On his return to the UK, Simon and a old friend from his Bluecoat days came together to form a harmony duo "Dot Combo," and went on to perform in clubs and holiday resorts in England and Wales.
Layla Anna-Lee
Before joining YKTV, Layla presented Second Sight, a live Sky TV show in which she interviewed and tested medium clairvoyants. Trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School, Layla is also an experienced dancer, which, when combined with her Brazilian blood, means this girl loves hitting the Brazilian style samba bars around London to Lambada the night away. A self-confessed horror film addict, Layla recently starred as the lead in the horror flick, Hacked Off and likes nothing more than chilling out with friends and scaring herself rigid watching horror classics. Layla's other passion is Urban Exploration, an off-beat hobby where people enter and photograph abandoned buildings. She is currently mapping out an old Asylum that a group of her and her friends explore.
Britain’s newest broadcaster launches its web based TV channel next week (November 6) with the search to find the best mobile and video clips on the planet.
Entries for the British User Generated Awards 2007 – the first ever annual awards ceremony for user generated video - will take place on February 4, celebrating the rise of citizen journalism and user generated content as a major creative and leisure past-time today.
The organiser behind The BUGAS is YourKindaTV.com, a new UK based TV website which features a range of different entertainment and news features, illustrated by clips sent in by its viewers.
The categories for the inaugural BUGAS 2007 include:
* Best Comedy Clip
* Best Mockumentary
* Best Candid Clip
* Best Live Music Clip
* Best Local News Report
* Most Dangerous Stunt
* Best User Generated Advert
* Most Original Clip
Five entries will be shortlisted in each category and then put to the public vote. The closing date for entries is January 4. The finalists will be announced on January 11 when voting will begin.
The winners will be announced at an awards bash in London on Sunday, February 4 2007.
For further details on how to enter visit www.YourKindaTV.com/BUGAS2007
YourKindaTV anchorman Simon Jones said: “The BUGAS are the perfect antidote to all those boring film and TV awards programmes which usually feature the same old shows and the same old faces. The media today is well and truly in the hands of us, the people – and so are The BUGAS, which are there for everyone and anyone who wants to have their 15 minutes, or more, of fame.”
Irreverent, outrageous and a tad controversial, YourKindaTV features a daily five to seven minute studio production of topical banter, reckless opinion and other totally off the wall features which examine life from every possible perspective.
Jointly hosted by vlog anchors Simon Jones and Layla Anna-Lee, the show provides coverage and opinion of the day’s events, together with quirky video features which have been sent in by the public.
The features are structured so that they can be easily submitted by viewers and are accompanied by an online forum where users can discuss an issue.
The show segments include:
News Headlines: a run down of the interesting headlines of the day
Gossip and chat: discussion on the most relevant topic of the day /week
Feature 1: changing schedule, user submitted or random
Sport: results round-up, gossip and opinion
Feature 2: changing weekly schedule including Tuesdays: Location report; Thursdays: Therapy and Fridays: Leisure and entertainment
Chat: including events and interviews
The producer of the daily show is YourKindaTV co-founder Michael Oxley.
Your KindaTV - Vlog Anchors
Simon Jones
Simon first began performing at Northwood School in Middlesex and went on to achieve qualifications in Drama, Theatre Studies and Performing Arts at the University of Suffolk. Following in the footsteps of Shane Richie and Brian Connelly, Simon had his first taste of live TV as a Bluecoat presenter on Pontins Television. After three seasons of Pontins, Simon took off to Lanzarote where he learnt the art of live cabaret in his job as nightclub host in one of the island’s most prestigious resorts. On his return to the UK, Simon and a old friend from his Bluecoat days came together to form a harmony duo "Dot Combo," and went on to perform in clubs and holiday resorts in England and Wales.
Layla Anna-Lee
Before joining YKTV, Layla presented Second Sight, a live Sky TV show in which she interviewed and tested medium clairvoyants. Trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School, Layla is also an experienced dancer, which, when combined with her Brazilian blood, means this girl loves hitting the Brazilian style samba bars around London to Lambada the night away. A self-confessed horror film addict, Layla recently starred as the lead in the horror flick, Hacked Off and likes nothing more than chilling out with friends and scaring herself rigid watching horror classics. Layla's other passion is Urban Exploration, an off-beat hobby where people enter and photograph abandoned buildings. She is currently mapping out an old Asylum that a group of her and her friends explore.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Umrao Jaan
UMRAO JAAN
A J. P. DUTTA FILM
IN UK CINEMAS FROM 3rd NOVEMBER 2006
Continuing with its promise to bring the best of Indian Cinema to an international platform, Adlabs Films Ltd brings you Umrao Jaan, an adaptation of Mirza Ruswa’s critically acclaimed novel Umrao Jaan Ada (1904). Veteran director J.P. Dutta has reinvented Umrao Jaan, propelling this 150-year-old masterpiece onto the big screen.
Umrao Jaan stars an ensemble of high profile artists including ex-Miss World Aishwarya Rai, New Age icon Abhishek Bachchan, woman of substance Shabana Azmi and man-of-the-world Suniel Shetty, and is already one of this year’s most eagerly anticipated films, raising the bar of adaptations. The music is composed by music maestro Anu Malik and the critically acclaimed Javed Akhtar pens the lyrics, which have been inspired by the splendour of the film to bring the musical score to a new height of melodic genius.
Umrao Jaan unveils the injustices faced by women and advocates their emancipation. Set in late 19th century India, the film tells the story of Umrao Jaan (Aishwarya Rai), a courtesan and poetess who was kidnapped as a child and sold into the country’s prevalent culture of courtesanship. Umrao becomes popular amongst Lucknow’s elite, including a nawab, a childhood friend and a dacoit with whom she attempts an escape from her brothel.
The subject matter of the film reflects modern India’s social climate, where trafficking of young girls is still prevalent. As such and in conjunction with the film’s release, the India Times is currently running an online charity auction of the film costumes with proceeds going to a girl child foundation that rehabilitates children of women from the ‘red light’ districts of India.
Pranab Kapadia, UK Head for Adlabs believes “With our ongoing commitment to bringing quality films to the UK, Umrao Jaan is one of our most prestigious projects, primarily because of its star cast and the story premise. Given the nation’s growing receptiveness to international cinema, we believe this film’s content, cinematic grandeur and stellar cast will captivate a wide UK audience.”
Producer-director J P Dutta believes that Umrao Jaan is not only “the tale of an extraordinary woman, but truly the story of every woman. I am delighted that Adlabs has taken the initiative to ensure Umrao Jaan has a far-reaching audience.”
A J. P. DUTTA FILM
IN UK CINEMAS FROM 3rd NOVEMBER 2006
Continuing with its promise to bring the best of Indian Cinema to an international platform, Adlabs Films Ltd brings you Umrao Jaan, an adaptation of Mirza Ruswa’s critically acclaimed novel Umrao Jaan Ada (1904). Veteran director J.P. Dutta has reinvented Umrao Jaan, propelling this 150-year-old masterpiece onto the big screen.
Umrao Jaan stars an ensemble of high profile artists including ex-Miss World Aishwarya Rai, New Age icon Abhishek Bachchan, woman of substance Shabana Azmi and man-of-the-world Suniel Shetty, and is already one of this year’s most eagerly anticipated films, raising the bar of adaptations. The music is composed by music maestro Anu Malik and the critically acclaimed Javed Akhtar pens the lyrics, which have been inspired by the splendour of the film to bring the musical score to a new height of melodic genius.
Umrao Jaan unveils the injustices faced by women and advocates their emancipation. Set in late 19th century India, the film tells the story of Umrao Jaan (Aishwarya Rai), a courtesan and poetess who was kidnapped as a child and sold into the country’s prevalent culture of courtesanship. Umrao becomes popular amongst Lucknow’s elite, including a nawab, a childhood friend and a dacoit with whom she attempts an escape from her brothel.
The subject matter of the film reflects modern India’s social climate, where trafficking of young girls is still prevalent. As such and in conjunction with the film’s release, the India Times is currently running an online charity auction of the film costumes with proceeds going to a girl child foundation that rehabilitates children of women from the ‘red light’ districts of India.
Pranab Kapadia, UK Head for Adlabs believes “With our ongoing commitment to bringing quality films to the UK, Umrao Jaan is one of our most prestigious projects, primarily because of its star cast and the story premise. Given the nation’s growing receptiveness to international cinema, we believe this film’s content, cinematic grandeur and stellar cast will captivate a wide UK audience.”
Producer-director J P Dutta believes that Umrao Jaan is not only “the tale of an extraordinary woman, but truly the story of every woman. I am delighted that Adlabs has taken the initiative to ensure Umrao Jaan has a far-reaching audience.”
Thursday, October 19, 2006
SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN & THE BIONIC WOMAN
THE ENTIRE SECOND SEASON OF THESE TWO SMASH HIT SERIES
TO BE RELEASED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON DVD
SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN & THE BIONIC WOMAN
"Steve Austin, astronaut. A man barely alive . . . Gentlemen, we can rebuild him . . . we have the technology. . ."
This autumn The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman will be reunited courtesy of Universal Playback. The entire second season of both series will be released for the very first time on DVD on 23rd October at a recommended retail price of just £34.99.
The thrilling adventures of The Six Million Dollar Man - aka Colonel Steve Austin (Lee Majors), a NASA test pilot who survives a near fatal shuttle crash and is reconstructed at a cost of $6,000,000 - launched a wave of small screen superheroes in the mid-1970s. Beginning as a series of 90-minute movies in 1973, by 1975 it had become one of TV's biggest hits, turning Majors into an international star and launching a multitude of merchandise – from action figures to clothing - in its wake. It also introduced many pop culture elements, such as the show’s opening catch phrase and the slow-motion action sequences.
In 1975, a bionic woman arrived as love interest for Major Austin in the shape of ex tennis pro Jaime Sommers (played by Lindsay Wagner). Sommers was eventually killed off but her character proved so popular that she ended up with her own show. The Bionic Woman debuted in January 1976 and was an immediate hit (it actually topped the ratings in the UK) with Wagner going on to win an Emmy Award for her performance.
Now thanks to Playback, fans old and new can once again enjoy these two classic slices of ‘70s nostalgia.
The Six Million Dollar Man - Season 2 (No. of discs: 6; No. of episodes: 21; Cert: ‘PG’; Running Time: 17hrs 42mins approx, Cat No: 8243285)
When astronaut and Air Force Colonel Steve Austin (Lee Majors) is almost killed in a horrific plane crash, the US Government decides to rebuild him with experimental cybernetic parts which give him superhuman strength, speed, agility and the ability to see considerable distances. To pay the Government back the $6,000,000 it cost to rebuild him, Austin becomes a secret operative for the Office of Scientific Investigation (OSI), using his superpowers to investigate crime, espionage, space aliens and fight injustice wherever it is found.
In season two, Steve meets a glamorous blonde (played by his then real-life wife and Charlie’s Angel Farrah Fawcett) and is also astonished to learn from boss Oscar Goldman (Richard Anderson) that a second, seven million-dollar bionic man is to be created. Later in the series, Steve becomes engaged to former girlfriend, Jaime Sommers (Lindsay Wagner). But while the two are skydiving, Jaime has a near fatal accident. To help save her life, Steve pleads with Oscar to let Rudy operate on her…..
Episodes:
Nuclear Alert The Cross-Country Kidnap
The Pioneers Lost Love
Pilot Error The Last Kamikaze
The Pal-Mir Escort Return of the Robot Maker
The Seven Million Dollar Man Taneha
Straight on 'til Morning Look Alike
The Midas Touch The E.S.P. Spy
The Deadly Replay The Bionic Woman (1 & 2)
Act of Piracy Outrage in Balinderry
Stranger in Broken Fork Steve Austin, Fugitive
The Peeping Blonde
The Bionic Woman - Season 2 (No. of discs: 6; No. of episodes: 22; Cert: ‘PG’; Running Time:17hrs 32mins approx Cat No:8243291)
After fully recovering from her near fatal bout of bionic rejection, Jaime Sommers (Lindsay Wagner), the first female cyborg, is assigned to spy missions of her own.
Outfitted with bionic legs, a bionic arm and a bionic ear, Jaime now leads a double life as a schoolteacher and an undercover OSI operative.
The second season finds her involved in many more weird and wonderful missions in which she is forced to become a female wrestler, don a nun’s habit and become the private tutor to a young prince
Episodes:
In This Corner, Jaime Sommers Doomsday Is Tomorrow (1 & 2)
Assault on the Princess Deadly Ringer (1 & 2)
Road to Nashville Jaime and the King
Kill Oscar (1, 2 & 3) Beyond the Call
Black Magic The DeJon Caper
Sister Jaime The Night Demon
The Vega Influence Iron Ships and Dead Men
Jaime's Shield (1 & 2) Once A Thief
Biofeedback
TO BE RELEASED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON DVD
SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN & THE BIONIC WOMAN
"Steve Austin, astronaut. A man barely alive . . . Gentlemen, we can rebuild him . . . we have the technology. . ."
This autumn The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman will be reunited courtesy of Universal Playback. The entire second season of both series will be released for the very first time on DVD on 23rd October at a recommended retail price of just £34.99.
The thrilling adventures of The Six Million Dollar Man - aka Colonel Steve Austin (Lee Majors), a NASA test pilot who survives a near fatal shuttle crash and is reconstructed at a cost of $6,000,000 - launched a wave of small screen superheroes in the mid-1970s. Beginning as a series of 90-minute movies in 1973, by 1975 it had become one of TV's biggest hits, turning Majors into an international star and launching a multitude of merchandise – from action figures to clothing - in its wake. It also introduced many pop culture elements, such as the show’s opening catch phrase and the slow-motion action sequences.
In 1975, a bionic woman arrived as love interest for Major Austin in the shape of ex tennis pro Jaime Sommers (played by Lindsay Wagner). Sommers was eventually killed off but her character proved so popular that she ended up with her own show. The Bionic Woman debuted in January 1976 and was an immediate hit (it actually topped the ratings in the UK) with Wagner going on to win an Emmy Award for her performance.
Now thanks to Playback, fans old and new can once again enjoy these two classic slices of ‘70s nostalgia.
The Six Million Dollar Man - Season 2 (No. of discs: 6; No. of episodes: 21; Cert: ‘PG’; Running Time: 17hrs 42mins approx, Cat No: 8243285)
When astronaut and Air Force Colonel Steve Austin (Lee Majors) is almost killed in a horrific plane crash, the US Government decides to rebuild him with experimental cybernetic parts which give him superhuman strength, speed, agility and the ability to see considerable distances. To pay the Government back the $6,000,000 it cost to rebuild him, Austin becomes a secret operative for the Office of Scientific Investigation (OSI), using his superpowers to investigate crime, espionage, space aliens and fight injustice wherever it is found.
In season two, Steve meets a glamorous blonde (played by his then real-life wife and Charlie’s Angel Farrah Fawcett) and is also astonished to learn from boss Oscar Goldman (Richard Anderson) that a second, seven million-dollar bionic man is to be created. Later in the series, Steve becomes engaged to former girlfriend, Jaime Sommers (Lindsay Wagner). But while the two are skydiving, Jaime has a near fatal accident. To help save her life, Steve pleads with Oscar to let Rudy operate on her…..
Episodes:
Nuclear Alert The Cross-Country Kidnap
The Pioneers Lost Love
Pilot Error The Last Kamikaze
The Pal-Mir Escort Return of the Robot Maker
The Seven Million Dollar Man Taneha
Straight on 'til Morning Look Alike
The Midas Touch The E.S.P. Spy
The Deadly Replay The Bionic Woman (1 & 2)
Act of Piracy Outrage in Balinderry
Stranger in Broken Fork Steve Austin, Fugitive
The Peeping Blonde
The Bionic Woman - Season 2 (No. of discs: 6; No. of episodes: 22; Cert: ‘PG’; Running Time:17hrs 32mins approx Cat No:8243291)
After fully recovering from her near fatal bout of bionic rejection, Jaime Sommers (Lindsay Wagner), the first female cyborg, is assigned to spy missions of her own.
Outfitted with bionic legs, a bionic arm and a bionic ear, Jaime now leads a double life as a schoolteacher and an undercover OSI operative.
The second season finds her involved in many more weird and wonderful missions in which she is forced to become a female wrestler, don a nun’s habit and become the private tutor to a young prince
Episodes:
In This Corner, Jaime Sommers Doomsday Is Tomorrow (1 & 2)
Assault on the Princess Deadly Ringer (1 & 2)
Road to Nashville Jaime and the King
Kill Oscar (1, 2 & 3) Beyond the Call
Black Magic The DeJon Caper
Sister Jaime The Night Demon
The Vega Influence Iron Ships and Dead Men
Jaime's Shield (1 & 2) Once A Thief
Biofeedback
Monday, October 09, 2006
The Battle of the Somme
Digitally re-mastered Battle of the Somme film premieres with full orchestral accompaniment for the first time since the First World War
A digitally re-mastered version of the iconic First World War film, The Battle of the Somme, is to be screened with full orchestral accompaniment for the first time since the film’s original release in 1916. To mark the 90th anniversary of the battle, the Imperial War Museum is holding a special gala screening of the film, sponsored by The History Channel, at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on 22 October with a new orchestral accompaniment composed by Laura Rossi and performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra.
The Battle of the Somme, fought from 1 July - 18 November 1916, was the first British offensive of the First World War to which cameramen were given access, in order to film the front line action as it took place. Two official War Office cameramen, Geoffrey Malins and John McDowell, were attached to the British Expeditionary Forces and returned to London just ten days after the start of the battle with 8,000 feet of film. The resulting 80-minute film, The Battle of the Somme, was released in picture houses across the UK in August 1916, while the battle was still being fought. It made an enormous impression on the public and was seen by at least half the population. Audiences were greatly impressed by the film's realism, as well as being traumatised by the candid and unprecedented images of British wounded and dead. The Battle of the Somme also had considerable international impact, being shown to great acclaim throughout Europe, the Americas and in countries of the former British Empire.
The version of the film, which will premiere at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, has been re-mastered by the digital specialists Dragon D I, a process that has restored remarkable detail to the image and the film now has the depth and clarity of the version which so impressed audiences in 1916. With the support of the Eric Anker-Petersen Charity, the Imperial War Museum was able to commission Laura Rossi to write a new score to accompany the re-mastered version of the film. This score will be performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra, providing the audience with the opportunity to experience the film as it would have been seen in 1916 - at full length, on a large screen and with a live musical accompaniment. Members of Geoffrey Malins’ family, including his granddaughter, will be among the audience at this unique event.
Richard Melman, The History Channel's Director, said, ‘we are delighted to be sponsoring the presentation of this impressive and unique film and to be working in partnership with the IWM. Our viewers will also welcome the chance to see the movie next year on The History Channel.’
Laura Rossi has written extensively for film and television, including the critically acclaimed ‘Silent Shakespeare’ for the British Film Institute. Laura’s great uncle, Fred Ainge, was a stretcher-bearer attached to the 29th Division on the 1 July, and in preparation for composing the new score she visited the Somme Battlefields, using his diary account to locate the areas in which he served. She was previously commissioned by the Imperial War Museum to write a score for the Battle of the Ancre and the Advance of the Tanks (1917), the second of the official films of the Battle of the Somme which covers the autumn and winter stages of the campaign. Laura has also written music for ITV, Fox Searchlight, Carlton TV, HTV, Quintessence films and many new scores for BFI silent films.
In recognition of the film's importance as a documentary record, The Battle of the Somme has recently been inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World register. A ceremony marking this achievement - the first British ‘document’ to be so recognised - will take place before the screening.
The Battle of the Somme gala screening is one of a series of events organised by the Imperial War Museum this autumn to mark the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. For a full programme of events visit www.iwm.org.uk/thesomme
Battle of the Somme
Sunday 22 October 2006, 7:30 pm
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Tickets: £20.00, £17.50, £15.00, £9.00
Booking Fee: £1.50 Members: 75p
Concessions: 50% off (limited availability)
Box Office 08703 800 400
www.rfh.org.uk
A digitally re-mastered version of the iconic First World War film, The Battle of the Somme, is to be screened with full orchestral accompaniment for the first time since the film’s original release in 1916. To mark the 90th anniversary of the battle, the Imperial War Museum is holding a special gala screening of the film, sponsored by The History Channel, at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on 22 October with a new orchestral accompaniment composed by Laura Rossi and performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra.
The Battle of the Somme, fought from 1 July - 18 November 1916, was the first British offensive of the First World War to which cameramen were given access, in order to film the front line action as it took place. Two official War Office cameramen, Geoffrey Malins and John McDowell, were attached to the British Expeditionary Forces and returned to London just ten days after the start of the battle with 8,000 feet of film. The resulting 80-minute film, The Battle of the Somme, was released in picture houses across the UK in August 1916, while the battle was still being fought. It made an enormous impression on the public and was seen by at least half the population. Audiences were greatly impressed by the film's realism, as well as being traumatised by the candid and unprecedented images of British wounded and dead. The Battle of the Somme also had considerable international impact, being shown to great acclaim throughout Europe, the Americas and in countries of the former British Empire.
The version of the film, which will premiere at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, has been re-mastered by the digital specialists Dragon D I, a process that has restored remarkable detail to the image and the film now has the depth and clarity of the version which so impressed audiences in 1916. With the support of the Eric Anker-Petersen Charity, the Imperial War Museum was able to commission Laura Rossi to write a new score to accompany the re-mastered version of the film. This score will be performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra, providing the audience with the opportunity to experience the film as it would have been seen in 1916 - at full length, on a large screen and with a live musical accompaniment. Members of Geoffrey Malins’ family, including his granddaughter, will be among the audience at this unique event.
Richard Melman, The History Channel's Director, said, ‘we are delighted to be sponsoring the presentation of this impressive and unique film and to be working in partnership with the IWM. Our viewers will also welcome the chance to see the movie next year on The History Channel.’
Laura Rossi has written extensively for film and television, including the critically acclaimed ‘Silent Shakespeare’ for the British Film Institute. Laura’s great uncle, Fred Ainge, was a stretcher-bearer attached to the 29th Division on the 1 July, and in preparation for composing the new score she visited the Somme Battlefields, using his diary account to locate the areas in which he served. She was previously commissioned by the Imperial War Museum to write a score for the Battle of the Ancre and the Advance of the Tanks (1917), the second of the official films of the Battle of the Somme which covers the autumn and winter stages of the campaign. Laura has also written music for ITV, Fox Searchlight, Carlton TV, HTV, Quintessence films and many new scores for BFI silent films.
In recognition of the film's importance as a documentary record, The Battle of the Somme has recently been inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World register. A ceremony marking this achievement - the first British ‘document’ to be so recognised - will take place before the screening.
The Battle of the Somme gala screening is one of a series of events organised by the Imperial War Museum this autumn to mark the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. For a full programme of events visit www.iwm.org.uk/thesomme
Battle of the Somme
Sunday 22 October 2006, 7:30 pm
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Tickets: £20.00, £17.50, £15.00, £9.00
Booking Fee: £1.50 Members: 75p
Concessions:
Box Office 08703 800 400
www.rfh.org.uk
Kong: Return To The Jungle
The greatest of all the apes – Kong – returns to small screens once more in the all-new feature-length outing Kong: Return To The Jungle. This stunning, CGI-animated adventure is coming to DVD on 13 November 2006, courtesy of BKN Home Entertainment.
The outsize gorilla, recreated from combining the DNA of the original Kong with a human, is able to mind-link with his “brother” Jason, making him even more powerful than his predecessor.
Kong lives on Kong Island together with an assortment of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. To protect its inhabitants from hunters and poachers the location of the Island is known to few in the civilized world. But a sinister hunter and a scientist with a prosthetic hand and a grudge against Kong are on their trail and capture Kong and the other island creatures – including Kong’s deadly enemy, a giant Tyrannosaurus Rex – to take to a futuristic zoo in New York.
Once there the animals escape and cause havoc in the city. Amid non-stop action it’s down to Jason and Kong to save the remarkable animals and return them to their island home.
Title: Kong: Return To The Jungle Release Date: 13 November 2006 SRP: £9.99
The outsize gorilla, recreated from combining the DNA of the original Kong with a human, is able to mind-link with his “brother” Jason, making him even more powerful than his predecessor.
Kong lives on Kong Island together with an assortment of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. To protect its inhabitants from hunters and poachers the location of the Island is known to few in the civilized world. But a sinister hunter and a scientist with a prosthetic hand and a grudge against Kong are on their trail and capture Kong and the other island creatures – including Kong’s deadly enemy, a giant Tyrannosaurus Rex – to take to a futuristic zoo in New York.
Once there the animals escape and cause havoc in the city. Amid non-stop action it’s down to Jason and Kong to save the remarkable animals and return them to their island home.
Title: Kong: Return To The Jungle Release Date: 13 November 2006 SRP: £9.99
EACH Autograph Auction
Hosted by Diss Friends coinciding with the group’s 10th anniversary and generously supported by Durrants
SATURDAY 4th NOVEMBER 2006
Eye Community Centre, Nr Diss, UK.
Viewing from 10.00am; Auction starts 1.00pm
EVERYONE WELCOME ~ UNIQUE XMAS GIFTS FREE ENTRY ~ REFRESHMENTS ~ BAR
Special celebrity appearance by TV's Bad Girls actress Helen Fraser. Helen will be signing photographs for a donation to EACH.
SIGNED ITEMS INCLUDE:
* KYLIE MINOGUE CD
*
MICK JAGGER t-shirt
*
BAD GIRLS script
*
CORONATION STREET coat worn in series
*
YOKO ONO framed “Imagine Peace” poster
*
THE ARCHERS script
*
NORWICH CITY framed shirt + football
*
OLIVIER PANIS F1 Racing Suit
*
IAN BOTHAM shirt
*
DARCY BUSSELL pair of ballet shoes
*
WILL GREENWOOD shorts
*
JENSON BUTTON baseball cap
*
JUDY GARLAND signature
*
AS TIME GOES BY script
*
MANCHESTER UTD football
*
THE ROLLING STONES
(only item with a reserve price)
All 5 signatures - including Brian Jones
Framed & mounted with a special US single cover ‘Paint it Black’
Signed photos of:
Brigitte Bardot, John Travolta, Keira Knightly, Clint Eastwood, Denzel Washington, Prince Albert of Monaco, Brian May, Bill Wyman, Davina McCall, Pete Best (former Beatle), Ant & Dec and many, many more.
No ticket is required but register here for the day and get a free bacon roll for lunch - your bidding number and roll will be waiting for you!
For full information go to:
http://www.each.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=231&Itemid=249
SATURDAY 4th NOVEMBER 2006
Eye Community Centre, Nr Diss, UK.
Viewing from 10.00am; Auction starts 1.00pm
EVERYONE WELCOME ~ UNIQUE XMAS GIFTS FREE ENTRY ~ REFRESHMENTS ~ BAR
Special celebrity appearance by TV's Bad Girls actress Helen Fraser. Helen will be signing photographs for a donation to EACH.
SIGNED ITEMS INCLUDE:
* KYLIE MINOGUE CD
*
MICK JAGGER t-shirt
*
BAD GIRLS script
*
CORONATION STREET coat worn in series
*
YOKO ONO framed “Imagine Peace” poster
*
THE ARCHERS script
*
NORWICH CITY framed shirt + football
*
OLIVIER PANIS F1 Racing Suit
*
IAN BOTHAM shirt
*
DARCY BUSSELL pair of ballet shoes
*
WILL GREENWOOD shorts
*
JENSON BUTTON baseball cap
*
JUDY GARLAND signature
*
AS TIME GOES BY script
*
MANCHESTER UTD football
*
THE ROLLING STONES
(only item with a reserve price)
All 5 signatures - including Brian Jones
Framed & mounted with a special US single cover ‘Paint it Black’
Signed photos of:
Brigitte Bardot, John Travolta, Keira Knightly, Clint Eastwood, Denzel Washington, Prince Albert of Monaco, Brian May, Bill Wyman, Davina McCall, Pete Best (former Beatle), Ant & Dec and many, many more.
No ticket is required but register here for the day and get a free bacon roll for lunch - your bidding number and roll will be waiting for you!
For full information go to:
http://www.each.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=231&Itemid=249
BAFTA Video Games Awards
PC World to sponsor BAFTA Video Games Awards 2006
PC World is proud to announce its support for the new British Academy Video Games Awards 2006 which are now poised to become the global benchmark for excellence in video games. PC World will be sponsoring two very prestigious awards:
‘Best Game’ – the coveted award for the year’s best game. Past nominees include: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City; Half Life 2 and Halo.
‘Action & Adventure’ – the award for games that are predominantly action, adventure or a combination of the two genres. Past eligible titles have included Grand Theft Auto: Vice City; Mortal Combat: Deadly Alliance; Oblivion and Goldeneye.
Tom Guy, software & games trading manager, PC World said “We are delighted that BAFTA is now recognising the importance of video games in the entertainment industry. Over the last ten years the world of video games entertainment has changed a great deal. The quality and creativity of games has increased enormously, players can experience superior entertainment that both engages and excites them. These awards enable us to show our support for the UK gaming industry and in particular gives recognition to the artistic, creative and technical talent that is helping to driving this exciting market forward.”
PC World stocks a full range of games on all formats and games consoles that appeal to all gamers’ tastes from action packed adventure, strategy and simulation through to sports and much more.
PC World is proud to announce its support for the new British Academy Video Games Awards 2006 which are now poised to become the global benchmark for excellence in video games. PC World will be sponsoring two very prestigious awards:
‘Best Game’ – the coveted award for the year’s best game. Past nominees include: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City; Half Life 2 and Halo.
‘Action & Adventure’ – the award for games that are predominantly action, adventure or a combination of the two genres. Past eligible titles have included Grand Theft Auto: Vice City; Mortal Combat: Deadly Alliance; Oblivion and Goldeneye.
Tom Guy, software & games trading manager, PC World said “We are delighted that BAFTA is now recognising the importance of video games in the entertainment industry. Over the last ten years the world of video games entertainment has changed a great deal. The quality and creativity of games has increased enormously, players can experience superior entertainment that both engages and excites them. These awards enable us to show our support for the UK gaming industry and in particular gives recognition to the artistic, creative and technical talent that is helping to driving this exciting market forward.”
PC World stocks a full range of games on all formats and games consoles that appeal to all gamers’ tastes from action packed adventure, strategy and simulation through to sports and much more.
Art or Pornography?
Destricted – is it Art or Pornography?
LOVEFiLM lets you decide…
Destricted is the first release in the series of short film compilations by internationally acclaimed artists and directors such as British artist Sam Taylor Wood and renowned director Larry Clark. Explicit in content, they reveal the diverse attitudes by which we represent ourselves sexually…but the big question is, ‘is it art or pornography?’ These films are now available to download exclusively at LOVEFiLM.com - so it’s up to you to decide.
Formed in 2004, Destricted is a platform for all forms of uncensored artistic expression. The films explore the fine line where art and pornography intersect; and whether it is art disguised as pornography or pornography disguised as art, the result is a collection of sexy, challenging and sometimes humorous scenarios – a definite ‘must see’.
Destricted is available to download at LOVEFiLM.com for £19.99.
LOVEFiLM lets you decide…
Destricted is the first release in the series of short film compilations by internationally acclaimed artists and directors such as British artist Sam Taylor Wood and renowned director Larry Clark. Explicit in content, they reveal the diverse attitudes by which we represent ourselves sexually…but the big question is, ‘is it art or pornography?’ These films are now available to download exclusively at LOVEFiLM.com - so it’s up to you to decide.
Formed in 2004, Destricted is a platform for all forms of uncensored artistic expression. The films explore the fine line where art and pornography intersect; and whether it is art disguised as pornography or pornography disguised as art, the result is a collection of sexy, challenging and sometimes humorous scenarios – a definite ‘must see’.
Destricted is available to download at LOVEFiLM.com for £19.99.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Glass Book Online Serial
PENGUIN FIRST!
Sales of books on websites like Amazon have been very successful but accommodating the format of books to the world of the Internet has been more difficult. You can get e-books but they seem a pale shadow of 'real' books. This attempt by Penguin to merge on-line serialisation with an actual book sounds intriguing and the book itself is a grand tribute to the Victorian Age of romance and technology.
2006’s most exclusive and unique reading experience. A sumptuous Victorian adventure fit for the digital age.
The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters
G W. DAHLQUIST
Published in weekly instalments (limited edition) from 4th September –
6th October 2006 at:
http://www.penguin.co.uk/nf/Ecommerce/ShoppingCartChange?item=0140912223
The adventure to end all adventures begins and ends with a book...
Be part of 2006’s most exclusive and unique reading experience. A sumptuous Victorian adventure fit for the digital age.
Ten instalments sent direct from Penguin straight to your home over ten weeks. Ten thrilling chapters in handsome perfect bound editions limited to just 5,000 individual subscribers.
THE GLASS BOOKS OF THE DREAMEATERS is an utterly compulsive gothic adventure story, set in a fictitious Victorian city, and featuring a host of wicked and outlandish characters, including Miss Celestial Temple, a feisty heiress; Cardinal Chang, a deadly assassin and Dr Svenson, guardian to a louche and syphilitic prince.
When Miss Temple – recently arrived in the city from distant shores – suddenly finds her engagement broken off without suitable explanation by her fianc? Roger Bascombe, she is given a choice: turn away from polite society or turn adventuress and discover the reason for her rejection.
Deciding to secretly follow her former lover, Miss Temple finds herself a trespasser at a masked ball. There, strange and unspeakable acts involving electricity and books of blue glass (not to mention a murder) take place and Miss Temple almost loses both her virtue and her life.
Horrified that the man to whom she was betrothed could be mixed up in such diabolical affairs, Miss Temple is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery. She is joined in this endeavour by a foreign surgeon and a disfigured assassin known as Cardinal Chang – both with their own reasons to make trouble for those in league with Roger Bascombe.
Together, Miss Temple and her accomplices unearth a dastardly plot to take over the world. They discover corruption, murder, bribery and blackmail at the highest levels, and thwart the plans of a beautiful but deadly Contessa. And at the heart of an adventure encompassing airship flights, rooftop battles, carriage abductions and murder most foul are the sinister glass books of the title – books offering up visions of fantasy and horror that engulf the reader’s mind.
The cliff-hanger chapter endings of The Glass Books are reminiscent of the great adventure novels of Wilkie Collins and Robert Louis Stevenson, and led Penguin to the decision to revive the lost art of the weekly serial. Viking will offer the novel in weekly instalments pre-publication to a strictly limited number of subscribers.
Purchase will be soley via http://www.penguin.co.uk/nf/Ecommerce/ShoppingCartChange?item=0140912223 or the dedicated website www.glassbooks.co.uk. The instalments, in a beautifully designed and collectible magazine format, will be sent to subscribers on a weekly basis prior to the publication of the book in hardback on 25th January 2007. A limited number of these instalments are available to reviewers.
The Victorian heyday of the serial saw 100,000 people following the fate of Little Nell in Dickens’ The Old Curiosity Shop, and instalments of Great Expectations outsold the Times newspaper. We hope that publishing this remarkable book in a time-honoured way will lead twenty-first century readers to follow the exploits of Miss Temple and her allies as breathlessly as Dickens’ Victorian fans did his novels.
THE AUTHOR:
GW Dahlquist fell asleep when trapped by a snowstorm, and The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters came to him in his dreams. This is his first novel. We intend to celebrate publication of the hardback in January with a lavish masked ball. We hope that G W Dahlquist will attend, but strangely, he has not been seen for some time...
Sales of books on websites like Amazon have been very successful but accommodating the format of books to the world of the Internet has been more difficult. You can get e-books but they seem a pale shadow of 'real' books. This attempt by Penguin to merge on-line serialisation with an actual book sounds intriguing and the book itself is a grand tribute to the Victorian Age of romance and technology.
2006’s most exclusive and unique reading experience. A sumptuous Victorian adventure fit for the digital age.
The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters
G W. DAHLQUIST
Published in weekly instalments (limited edition) from 4th September –
6th October 2006 at:
http://www.penguin.co.uk/nf/Ecommerce/ShoppingCartChange?item=0140912223
The adventure to end all adventures begins and ends with a book...
Be part of 2006’s most exclusive and unique reading experience. A sumptuous Victorian adventure fit for the digital age.
Ten instalments sent direct from Penguin straight to your home over ten weeks. Ten thrilling chapters in handsome perfect bound editions limited to just 5,000 individual subscribers.
THE GLASS BOOKS OF THE DREAMEATERS is an utterly compulsive gothic adventure story, set in a fictitious Victorian city, and featuring a host of wicked and outlandish characters, including Miss Celestial Temple, a feisty heiress; Cardinal Chang, a deadly assassin and Dr Svenson, guardian to a louche and syphilitic prince.
When Miss Temple – recently arrived in the city from distant shores – suddenly finds her engagement broken off without suitable explanation by her fianc? Roger Bascombe, she is given a choice: turn away from polite society or turn adventuress and discover the reason for her rejection.
Deciding to secretly follow her former lover, Miss Temple finds herself a trespasser at a masked ball. There, strange and unspeakable acts involving electricity and books of blue glass (not to mention a murder) take place and Miss Temple almost loses both her virtue and her life.
Horrified that the man to whom she was betrothed could be mixed up in such diabolical affairs, Miss Temple is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery. She is joined in this endeavour by a foreign surgeon and a disfigured assassin known as Cardinal Chang – both with their own reasons to make trouble for those in league with Roger Bascombe.
Together, Miss Temple and her accomplices unearth a dastardly plot to take over the world. They discover corruption, murder, bribery and blackmail at the highest levels, and thwart the plans of a beautiful but deadly Contessa. And at the heart of an adventure encompassing airship flights, rooftop battles, carriage abductions and murder most foul are the sinister glass books of the title – books offering up visions of fantasy and horror that engulf the reader’s mind.
The cliff-hanger chapter endings of The Glass Books are reminiscent of the great adventure novels of Wilkie Collins and Robert Louis Stevenson, and led Penguin to the decision to revive the lost art of the weekly serial. Viking will offer the novel in weekly instalments pre-publication to a strictly limited number of subscribers.
Purchase will be soley via http://www.penguin.co.uk/nf/Ecommerce/ShoppingCartChange?item=0140912223 or the dedicated website www.glassbooks.co.uk. The instalments, in a beautifully designed and collectible magazine format, will be sent to subscribers on a weekly basis prior to the publication of the book in hardback on 25th January 2007. A limited number of these instalments are available to reviewers.
The Victorian heyday of the serial saw 100,000 people following the fate of Little Nell in Dickens’ The Old Curiosity Shop, and instalments of Great Expectations outsold the Times newspaper. We hope that publishing this remarkable book in a time-honoured way will lead twenty-first century readers to follow the exploits of Miss Temple and her allies as breathlessly as Dickens’ Victorian fans did his novels.
THE AUTHOR:
GW Dahlquist fell asleep when trapped by a snowstorm, and The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters came to him in his dreams. This is his first novel. We intend to celebrate publication of the hardback in January with a lavish masked ball. We hope that G W Dahlquist will attend, but strangely, he has not been seen for some time...
Thursday, September 07, 2006
SUPERMAN BATTLES HIS WAY TO AT-BRISTOL IN 3D
Superman Returns: An IMAX 3D Experience to open on 9 September 2006
Superman has landed again, but this time, bigger and better!
From 9 September the IMAX Theatre-At-Bristol will be showing the IMAX 3D version of Superman Returns on its giant screen! It will be the first time that the superhero can be seen in 3D by moviegoers in the South West.
"We are thrilled to be able to bring this film to movie fans in Bristol" says Simon Jones, IMAX Manager. "There are only a limited number of copies of the IMAX version of Superman Returns in the world and the team has worked extremely hard since its launch to negotiate for it to be screened here in At-Bristol."
Superman Returns was launched in regular cinema throughout the UK in July but this is the first time the film can be seen in IMAX 3D outside of London and Manchester.
"There is a massive difference between seeing the film in the regular cinema and getting the full IMAX experience" says Simon.
"The giant screen is designed to make you feel that you are being drawn into the action and when you add the 3D sequences it really is the ultimate movie experience. This is the most talked about cinematic experience of the year, if you have already seen this film in the regular cinema and enjoyed it, then you have to see it in IMAX 3D. If you haven't seen the film already then this really is a must!" Simon adds.
"The scenes that have been converted into IMAX 3D look, sound and feel absolutely amazing," adds Bryan Singer, Director of Superman Returns. "The magic of IMAX 3D will envelop audiences in this story, enabling them to feel the emotion, drama and suspense in a completely new and unique way."
The film is the world's first live-action Hollywood feature to be converted to IMAX format and contain selected scenes in 3D. Four separate sequences of the film, approximately 20 minutes, have been transformed into IMAX 3D. Scenes were selected that make the most of the 3D effects, and they will transport moviegoers into the film to experience the action, drama and wonder of the world of Superman as never before.
IMAX 3D moments include Superman saving citizens from imminent disaster and a majestic flying sequence where audiences will feel as though they are soaring right beside the super hero himself. Special on-screen cues will alert moviegoers when to put the 3D glasses on and take them off.
To be able to cope with the switch between regular 2D and the 3D sequences some technical adjustments are going to have to be made to the system and the IMAX Theatre will be closed for three days to allow for this.
"This is not something that we really wanted to do but live action 3D really is the way forward and so we have made the decision that this is a necessary step to take." Says Simon.
IMAX Theatre-At-Bristol will be closed to the public on 6, 7 and 8 September 2006 for the upgrade.
For information on tickets and showtimes, please call 0845 345 1235 or visit At-Bristol's website at http://www.at-bristol.org.uk/IMAX/default.htm.
Following a mysterious absence of several years, the Man of Steel comes back to Earth in the epic action-adventure Superman Returns, a soaring new chapter in the saga of one of the world's most beloved superheroes.
While an old enemy plots to render him powerless once and for all, Superman faces the heartbreaking realization that the woman he loves, Lois Lane, has moved on with her life. Or has she? Superman's bittersweet return challenges him to bridge the distance between them while finding a place in a society that has learned to survive without him. In an attempt to protect the world he loves from cataclysmic destruction, Superman embarks on an epic journey of redemption that takes him from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space.
Superman has landed again, but this time, bigger and better!
From 9 September the IMAX Theatre-At-Bristol will be showing the IMAX 3D version of Superman Returns on its giant screen! It will be the first time that the superhero can be seen in 3D by moviegoers in the South West.
"We are thrilled to be able to bring this film to movie fans in Bristol" says Simon Jones, IMAX Manager. "There are only a limited number of copies of the IMAX version of Superman Returns in the world and the team has worked extremely hard since its launch to negotiate for it to be screened here in At-Bristol."
Superman Returns was launched in regular cinema throughout the UK in July but this is the first time the film can be seen in IMAX 3D outside of London and Manchester.
"There is a massive difference between seeing the film in the regular cinema and getting the full IMAX experience" says Simon.
"The giant screen is designed to make you feel that you are being drawn into the action and when you add the 3D sequences it really is the ultimate movie experience. This is the most talked about cinematic experience of the year, if you have already seen this film in the regular cinema and enjoyed it, then you have to see it in IMAX 3D. If you haven't seen the film already then this really is a must!" Simon adds.
"The scenes that have been converted into IMAX 3D look, sound and feel absolutely amazing," adds Bryan Singer, Director of Superman Returns. "The magic of IMAX 3D will envelop audiences in this story, enabling them to feel the emotion, drama and suspense in a completely new and unique way."
The film is the world's first live-action Hollywood feature to be converted to IMAX format and contain selected scenes in 3D. Four separate sequences of the film, approximately 20 minutes, have been transformed into IMAX 3D. Scenes were selected that make the most of the 3D effects, and they will transport moviegoers into the film to experience the action, drama and wonder of the world of Superman as never before.
IMAX 3D moments include Superman saving citizens from imminent disaster and a majestic flying sequence where audiences will feel as though they are soaring right beside the super hero himself. Special on-screen cues will alert moviegoers when to put the 3D glasses on and take them off.
To be able to cope with the switch between regular 2D and the 3D sequences some technical adjustments are going to have to be made to the system and the IMAX Theatre will be closed for three days to allow for this.
"This is not something that we really wanted to do but live action 3D really is the way forward and so we have made the decision that this is a necessary step to take." Says Simon.
IMAX Theatre-At-Bristol will be closed to the public on 6, 7 and 8 September 2006 for the upgrade.
For information on tickets and showtimes, please call 0845 345 1235 or visit At-Bristol's website at http://www.at-bristol.org.uk/IMAX/default.htm.
Following a mysterious absence of several years, the Man of Steel comes back to Earth in the epic action-adventure Superman Returns, a soaring new chapter in the saga of one of the world's most beloved superheroes.
While an old enemy plots to render him powerless once and for all, Superman faces the heartbreaking realization that the woman he loves, Lois Lane, has moved on with her life. Or has she? Superman's bittersweet return challenges him to bridge the distance between them while finding a place in a society that has learned to survive without him. In an attempt to protect the world he loves from cataclysmic destruction, Superman embarks on an epic journey of redemption that takes him from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)