XPAND 3D TECHNOLOGY UTILIZED FOR WORLD PREMIERE OF PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

In what promises to be the 3D event of the season, Disney and XPAND 3D today announced a collaboration to show the World Premiere of Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides at Disneyland on the evening of May 7^th.  The film, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, directed by Rob Marshall and starring Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz and Ian McShane at the head of a star-studded cast, will debut at a charity screening for the Boys & Girls Club of America in eye-popping active 3D by way of XPAND 3D’s new INFINITY Large Screen System.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides captures all the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the franchise as Johnny Depp returns to his role of Captain Jack Sparrow in an action-packed adventure.  When Jack crosses paths with a woman of his past (Penelope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love — or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth.  When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica, with whom he shares a mysterious past.

Through a special arrangement, XPAND 3D will provide all guests with a pair of PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN branded XPAND X103 Universal 3D glasses.  XPAND 3D active glasses can be used at home with 3D televisions, with 3D-enabled projectors, with 3D-capable laptops and in all XPAND 3D cinemas across the US and throughout the world.  The X103 active 3D glasses utilize a fast-switching, liquid crystal cell, know as “pi-cell”--the fastest 3D glasses in the world.

Commenting on the announcement, XPAND 3D Chief Executive Officer Maria Costeira noted: “The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise continues to be one of the world’s most captivating, enduring and commercially successful franchises in the entertainment business.  We are very pleased to be involved in the premiere not least because of the great cause it is supporting but also because a film of this caliber requires the launch platform that XPAND active 3D technology uniquely provides.  We congratulate Disney and the cast and crew on what is another great chapter in the Pirates of the Caribbean story.

Echoing this sentiment, Lylle Breier, SVP Worldwide Special Events, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, said, “Pirates of the Caribbean in 3D is a new dimension in storytelling.  We are pleased to collaborate with XPAND 3D to provide the World Premiere audience with a remarkably captivating movie experience using this highly advanced, deeply immersive technology.”

Using a patented controller, XPAND Infinity can support almost any screen size, shape and surface. Whether the screen is 300 feet or 30 feet wide, flat, curved, dome-shaped or even Cinerama format, XPAND Infinity will transform the theater into the finest 3D environment. An unlimited number of Infinity systems can be linked together to operate as a large-scale system.

For more information on XPAND 3D please visit www.xpand.me.

About XPAND 3D:

The global leader in the 3D market, XPAND Universal 3D glasses are the only 3D glasses that work with all the 3DTV brands and models, 3D computers, 3D gaming consoles and cinema. Its 3D glasses are affordable for cinema owners and home users while providing 3D quality that was originally available only at a professional cost. XPAND has the extraordinary combination of experienced and visionary leadership, state-of-the-art technology, and economies of scale that will provide a backbone for the cinema and consumer electronics industries as they further transition into the 3D future.  X6D Limited is a global company whose products and services are marketed under the XPAND 3D brand name. XPAND 3D was created by industry veterans in theatrical exhibition, entertainment, film production and distribution, and specialty film and digital technologies and is funded by a European investment fund. XPAND 3D technology is used by over 3,500 3D cinemas in more than 50 countries and is the 3D solution of choice for post-production houses, educational and professional 3D applications. XPAND 3D designs, manufactures and OEMs a range of consumer electronics 3D solutions that are driving the 3D revolution.

About the Movie:

Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Rob Marshall, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise—this time in Disney Digital 3D™. Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in an action-packed adventure. Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penélope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love—or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the “Queen Anne’s Revenge,” the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica, with whom he shares a mysterious past. The international cast includes franchise vets Geoffrey Rush as the vengeful Captain Hector Barbossa and Kevin R. McNally as Captain Jack’s longtime comrade Joshamee Gibbs, plus Sam Claflin as a stalwart missionary and Astrid Bergès-Frisbey as a mysterious mermaid.

Walt Disney Pictures’ and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” opens in theaters May 20, 2011, in Disney Digital 3D™, with screen story and screenplay by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio, based on characters created by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and Stuart Beattie and Jay Wolpert, and suggested by the novel by Tim Powers.  

Cineworld announces international expansion

UK’s leading cinema chain acquires major Spanish cinema operator

Cineworld Group plc today announces its first continental acquisition, of Cinesur Circuito Sánchez-Ramade, S.L. (‘Cinesur’), a Spanish cinema operator.

Cinesur is the fifth largest operator in Spain and the largest in the Andalucia region. The acquisition will make Cineworld the largest multiplex operator in Andalucia with eleven multiplexes and a total of 136 screens.

Spain, with its population of 47 million, is the fifth largest cinema market in Europe with annual revenues of circa €800m in 2009 and average cinema attendance per person of circa 2.38 times per year compared to 2.81 times per year in the UK (source: Dodona Research).

Commenting on the acquisition, Steve Wiener, Chief Executive Officer of Cineworld, said:

"We are delighted to be making our first continental acquisition, taking us into a market which we believe has good growth prospects. Cinesur is an attractive platform for growing market share in a country that is serviced by many smaller cinema operators.

“We look forward to developing Cinesur to bring it in line with our market-leading UK operations, where a wide range of programming, excellent customer service and creative marketing saw us take the position of no. 1 at the box office in the UK for 2010”.

The Trotter Family are Back!

Rock and Chips:

The Frog and The Pussycat 

 Released on DVD on May 2 

 

Catch up with the Trotters as they return for a third hilarious helping of Rock & Chips in this hour-long comedy drama from the pen of John Sullivan.

Rock & Chips: The Frog and the Pussycat stars Nicholas Lyndhurst as light-fingered Freddie Robdal, Kellie Bright as ever-hopeful Joan Trotter and James Buckley as the young Del Boy. Phil Daniels returns as Grandad, Shaun Dingwall is back as work-shy Reg Trotter and Robert Daws is Joan Trotter’s sleazy manager Raynor. Paula Wilcox picks up her knitting needles again as Reg’s mother Violet and Mel Smith is back to restore law and order to the streets of Peckham as Freddie’s nemesis DI Thomas. 

This special is an essential addition for all fans of Britain’s favourite sitcom, Only Fools and Horses.  

Rock & Chips: The Frog and The Pussycat is available for RRP £17.99.

Also available Rock & Chips: The Story So Far - Episodes 1-3 Triple Pack for RRP £24.99 

Synopsis


It’s 1961 and Joan is still keeping the Trotter fortunes afloat, holding down two jobs – one at the Ritz cinema and the other as Freddie Robdal’s charlady. But she’s been working for Freddie for six months and still doesn’t know how to turn on his hoover – their time is spent in far more romantic pursuits.  Back at the Ritz, Joan is plagued by the less welcome attentions of her boss, Raynor. Every day she dreams of a new life with Freddie, but she knows she needs to see Del settled first. 

Del is doing his best, continuing to get himself hitched to half of Peckham. He’s particularly keen on the voluptuous Barbara - whose father has a thriving funeral business and a well-appointed home in Peckham posh-spot King’s Avenue. Things are going extremely well until Del gets trapped in the kitchen with Barbara’s inebriated mum...

Meanwhile, DI Thomas is still desperate to get an arrest for the Margate jewellery heist and Freddie’s fondness for Joan proves to be his undoing.

Rock and Chips: The Frog and the Pussycat Cast and Crew

• Nicholas Lyndhurst – Freddie ‘The Frog’ Robdal
• Kellie Bright – Joan Trotter
• James Buckley – Del Trotter
• Shaun Dingwell – Reg Trotter
• Phil Daniels – Grandad
• Written by John Sullivan 

Rock and Chips: The Frog and the Pussycat DVD Technical Information
Release Date:   2^nd May 2011
Distributor:  Lions Gate Home Entertainment

Frui Launches Street Photography Weekend Break to Berlin

Photography holiday specialists, Frui Creative Holidays and Courses, has today launched an action packed 3-night Street Photography break to Berlin, Germany.
 
Budding street photography enthusiasts can now hone their skills in Europe’s creative nerve centre. Fun, Inspiring and informative, guests will return home with stunning shots of life on the street in and around Berlin’s most buzzing districts and sites, including the Berlin Wall, the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island and the Eastside Gallery.
  
Frui’s street photography tutor, Louis Amore (www.louisamore.com), says, “Street Photography is becoming so popular and during this break guests will learn some fundamental techniques and approaches used by pros, meaning they too can capture those magical moments that are easily missed. What’s so exciting about street photography is the unpredictability. You don’t know what is going to happen and what you’ll photograph, that’s what makes this trip so exciting!”
 
But it’s not all about taking pictures, Frui Co-Director, Henry Carroll, is keen to remind us, “On all our holidays excellent food and accommodation is just as important as the tuition and Berlin offers so much! As well as having a professional street photographer with them at all times, guests will also be treated to Bavarian feasts, ballroom dancing lessons and they’ll even have the chance to play some late night ping pong!”
 
Frui stands apart from other photography holiday suppliers due to their more youthful, contemporary approach to teaching photography. Frui also charges no single supplement, meaning all guests enjoy their own en suite accommodation at no extra cost.

Dates and Prices:
 
2 - 5 June 2011
 
3-night Street Photography holiday to Berlin, Germany costs £499 and includes everything apart from meals, drinks and flights.
 
Website links:
 
About Photography Holiday
http://www.frui.co.uk/creative_holidays/photography_holidays/berlin 
 

DOUBLE IDENTITY

On DVD 16^th May 2011  

Val Kilmer (Heat, Top Gun) becomes entangled in a deadly web of lies and murder when he is wrongly identified as a secret agent in DOUBLE IDENTITY. Set in Chechnya, this taut action-packed spy-thriller also stars Izabella Miko (Clash of the Titans) and Julian Wadham (The English Patient) and will be available to own on DVD from 16^th May 2011. 

Dr. Nicholas Pinter (Kilmer) is an American physician working for Doctors Beyond Borders when he is mistakenly identified as a secret agent by the Russian mafia. After a violent pursuit by two mobsters, he escapes a close brush with death when he is rescued by the beautiful and mysterious Katrine (Miko) from the British Secret Service. But Nicholas soon realises that the deadly game has only just begun… 
 

DOUBLE INDENTITY Cast & Crew:

• Val Kilmer (Heat, Batman Forever, Top Gun, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang)
• Izabella Miko (Clash of the Titans, Coyote Ugly,)
• Julian Wadham (The English Patient, Exorcist: The Beginning,)
• Directed by Dennis Dimster

DOUBLE IDENTITY Technical Information:  

• Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic 2.35:1    
• Run time: 100 Minutes Approx. 
• Languages: English 
• Subtitles: English for the Hearing Impaired 
• Cert:   15 tbc 
• RRP:  £9.99
• Copyright: © 2011 Lionsgate Home Entertainment UK. All Rights Reserved.

EcoVision Festival 2011

Call for entries to participate at the EcoVision Festival 2011 edition are open.

The Festival will take place in Brazil next summer.

You can download the regulations and entry form from our website www.ecovisionfestival.com,

in “2011 Edition” section in the menu on the right.

Please, read carefully the regulations before you enter your film.

Swat The Mozzy and Win Cool Prizes

new game from non profit Malaria No More UK 

Swat the Mozzy, a simple point and click game developed by UK charity Malaria No More UK, just got a little bit cleverer. The player who manages to swat the most mozzies between now and 25^thApril, World Malaria Day, will get the chance to win a host of fab prizes and help raise awareness about malaria at the same time.  

Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease that affects half of the world’s population and claims 781,000 lives every year, most of those are children in Africa.  

Share Swat the Mozzy with your friends! Prizes up for grabs for the swiftest swatter include a range of signed memorabilia by British tennis star Andy Murray and Queen of the Jungle Stacey Solomon’s hat from when she was swatting away bugs on I’m A celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! last year. 

Get swatting! malarianomore.org.uk/swat-the-mozzy 

Did you know?

• Malaria kills 781,000 people each year, affecting almost half the world’s population, over 90% of those are in Africa.
• Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease that claims the life of a child every 45 seconds.
• On average there are nine deaths from malaria in the UK every year
• Every year on average 1,900 Brits return to the UK with malaria
• Insecticidal bed nets can reduce malaria deaths in children by one fifth (20%) and episodes of malaria by half (50%). 

The prizes in detail

• Signed tennis balls from Andy Murray (X4)
• Signed Andy Murray autobiography (X1)
• Signed photographs of Andy Murray (X1)
• Malaria No More UK T-Shirt signed by Andy Murray (X1)
• Signed jungle hat from Stacey Solomon (X1)

itfc gets William & Kate

 Inside The Royal Wedding DVD ready for retail 

5 April 2011 – itfc, a subsidiary of the Deluxe Entertainment Services Group and supplier of post-production, subtitling and digital media services, has completed work on William & Kate – Inside The Royal Wedding DVD. The Simply Home Entertainment DVD takes an inside look at the upcoming royal wedding that’s got everyone talking.

Completing the preparation work in advance of receiving the masters meant that the team at itfc could complete the authoring within 24 hours, ensuring the project could be uploaded to the replication facility in Austria in time for Monday morning.

“As we’ve worked with itfc in the past, we knew they’d be able to complete the project in time and to the standard we were looking for,” said Jo Ware, Production & Rights Manager at Simply Home Entertainment. “As always they surpassed expectations and were flexible throughout the process.”

“Having comprehensive supporting facilities on site, which include video and audio restoration, means that we’re able to provide a complete service to all our clients without the time and logistical implications of sending material for additional and often unexpected work.” said Ian Beushaw, head of Digital Media at itfc.”

Trackman

On DVD 16th May 2011  

Horror lurks underground in this new, twisted Russian horror film. The makers of 30 Days of Night and The Grudge present TRACKMAN, available to own on DVD from the 16^th May (RRP £9.99).

A perfect bank heist turns deadly when the criminals and their hostages flee to an abandoned underground subway station to escape the authorities. Searching for a way out, they don’t realise that they are being hunted by the Trackman; a madman that prowls the darkness, looking for potential victims. 

Exisiting in the dark, dank tunnels of an abandoned subway system and preying on those who venture from the safety of the streets above, the Trackman is a lone serial killer who specialises in collecting eyeballs… 

TRACKMAN DVD technical details:

• Number of discs:  1
• RRP:    £9.99
• Certificate:   18 (UK) TBC (Ireland)
• Audio:    Russian Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0
• English Dolby Digital Surround 5.1
• Running time:  87 Minutes Approx.
• Aspect Ratio:   Anamorphic 2.35:1
• Feature is viewable with Russian audio with optional English subtitles or dubbed with English audio.

Launch of Sony Xperia™ PLAY

·         The world’s first PlayStation® Certified smartphone now launching to first markets

·         More than 60 games available within the first week, including top franchises Assassins Creed, Need for Speed and The Sims

·         Original PlayStation® titles available for download exclusively on Xperia™ PLAY

·         Partnerships with over 20 publishers as well as middleware companies Unity and Havok to ensure a steady flow of new innovative games

London, April 1, 2011 – Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY, the world’s first PlayStation® certified smartphone, is now on sale in shops in the UK, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Russia, Hong Kong and Taiwan  with further availability in an additional 6 markets over the next 2 weeks. The Xperia™ PLAY launches with more than 60 games from the industry’s biggest content providers including Sony Computer Entertainment, Gameloft, Electronic Arts and Glu Mobile. The range of games available to download at launch is a combination of original PlayStation® titles, well known 3D titles that take the full advantage of the graphical capabilities and controls of Xperia™ PLAY as well as popular casual games all optimized for the unique game pad.

Sony Ericsson has formed partnerships with over 20 developers from big publishers to independents, from middleware providers Havok and Unity to engaging Android developers, to ensure a steady flow of new titles for Xperia™ PLAY. Some of the highlights include:

·         Assassins Creed Altair’s Chronicles HD  - One of the most popular gaming franchises, with action, puzzles and stealth gameplay set in the Middle East of the Crusades

·         Need for Speed - Grab the wheel of the fastest, hottest, and most powerful cars in the world. One of the most successful video game franchises of all times.

·         Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell – The latest instalment in this key franchise. Special Forces operative and renegade Sam Fisher returns to fight a corrupt secret agency.

·         Dungeon Defenders Second Wave – Stunning graphics, intense gameplay and exclusive on Xperia PLAY.

·         Gun Bros – Choose your weapon and join the ‘Freakishly Rugged’ action heroes Percy and Francis Gun as they take on a terrifying menagerie of alien beings.

·         Galaxy on Fire 2 – Escape into space with hours of deep gameplay and mind blowing graphics in this space exploration game.

·         Guns ‘n’ Glory – You lead a gang of bandits in this popular and award-winning casual tower defence game with a hilarious western theme.

·         Worms – Send your worm platoons into battle in this award-winning turn-based strategy game.

·         Zenonia 2 - The lost memories – Classic and popular RPG. Numerous quests following an epic storyline.

·         Backstab - An epic 3^rd person pirate adventure that incorporates intense sword fights and other dynamic combat modes. Launching on April 14^th exclusively on Xperia™ PLAY. 

·         N.O.V.A.2 - Awesome graphics and intense multiplayer gameplay. This First-Person Shooter makes its Android debut exclusively on Xperia™ PLAY.

In addition Sony Ericsson is happy to confirm that Asphalt 6 – the latest instalment of one of the leading and top-selling racing games will be available for free exclusively on Xperia™ PLAY.

The games are downloadable via the “Xperia™ PLAY launcher”, an application that is activated by sliding open the gamepad.  The “Xperia™ PLAY launcher” recommends games and enables consumers to search for top titles optimised for Xperia™ PLAY on Android market.

There is also a range of PlayStation® original games available at launch (in select markets initially). These are comprised of a pre-install of the PS One classic Crash Bandicoot®* and a further 5 PlayStation® original games available to download via the PlayStation® Pocket application in Xperia™ PLAY.

Terence Rattigan Season.

At BFI Southbank in April 2011

 

To mark the centennial year of the birth of highly regarded dramatist and screenwriter Terence Rattigan, BFI Southbank mounts the only celebratory season focusing on Rattigan’s output for film. Throughout April 2011 audiences will have the opportunity of seeing a selection of his varied screen output including Brighton Rock (1945),The Browning Version (1951) and The Prince and the Showgirl (1957). Rattigan expert and biographer Michael Darlow will, on April 13 also present an extended introduction to the screening of Journey Together (1945) and will investigate why film screenwriters are generally accorded less respect than theatrical dramatists.

 

From the 1940s until his death in 1977 Terence Rattigan was one of the most successful screenwriters in the world. He wrote more than 20 films and was twice nominated for an Oscar (for both Separate Tables (1958) and Breaking the Sound Barrier 1952). He wrote screen adaptations of his own stage plays, original screenplays and adaptations of work by others.

 

Throughout his career Rattigan’s film work alternated between projects which he found creatively exciting and those he regarded as well-paid chores and a means of sustaining his extravagant lifestyle.  Rattigan ended an article he penned in 1950 by protesting at the extravagant critical respect accorded to film directors by reminding fellow screenwriters that ‘drama is inference, and inference drama’. He challenged them to ‘remember that the screenplay is the child not only of its mother, the silent film, but also of its father, the Drama; that it has affinities not only with Griffith and de Mille, but also with Sophocles, Shakespeare and Ibsen’.

 

Through this season BFI hopes to show that in their use of inference and dramatic understatement, Rattigan’s films remain every bit as true, moving and powerful as films made today. That, when so much that we see on our screens is over-obvious, overstated or simply empty, Rattigan’s words remain as pertinent as when he wrote them over 60 years ago.

 

Pina presentation and Q&A with Wim Wenders

EVERYMAN CINEMAS PRESENT

PINA

FOLLOWED BY

A Q&A WITH WIM WENDERS

Hosted By Peter Bradshaw

EVERYMAN BELSIZE PARK 13^TH APRIL

www.everymancinema.com

Award winning director Wim Wenders previews his highly anticipated new film Pina, the world’s first 3D art house feature, at Everyman Belsize Park 13^th April. A stunning and visually captivating tribute to Germany’s pioneering choreographer Pina Bausch, Wim Wenders will also be revealing the behind-the-scenes stories in an exclusive Q&A about the making of this ground-breaking cinematic feat.

PINA

Pina is a film for Pina Bausch by Wim Wenders. The feature-length dance film was shot in 3D with the ensemble of the Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch and shows the exhilarating and inimitable art of the great German choreographer who died in the summer of 2009. Inviting the viewer on a sensual journey of discovery into a new dimension: right onto the stage of the legendary ensemble and together with the dancers beyond the theater, into the city and the surrounding industrial landscape of Wuppertal – the place that was the home and center of Pina Bausch's creative life for more than 35 years.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

VENUE: Everyman Belsize Park

DATE:  13^th April

TIME: 18.15

TICKET PRICES: Standard Adult £17, Premier Adult £20 (Members Standard £16, Premier £19)

BOX OFFICE:  0871 906 9060 or online at www.everymancinema.com

WATCH WINDIES CRICKETING LEGENDS RELIVE MOMENTS OF GLORY

 The official trailer for the highly anticipated feature documentary FIRE IN BABYLON is now available. Released by Revolver Entertainment, the trailer provides a snapshot of the intense drama explored in this ground-breaking and insightful offering from writer and director Stevan Riley.

From the Oscar winning producers of One Day In September and The Last King of Scotland, charting the glorious supremacy of the West Indies cricket team throughout the late ‘70s and ‘80s, FIRE IN BABYLON proves the bat and ball were more effective than gunfire in the battle against racial injustice and struggle for black rights.

In a turbulent era of apartheid in South Africa; race-riots in England and civil unrest in the Caribbean, the West Indian cricketers struck a wonderfully defiant blow at the forces of white prejudice world-wide.

Told from a West Indian perspective, in their own words, this story celebrates the emancipation of a people through sport, whilst painting a fascinating picture of this extraordinary era of sporting dominance and its roots in politics, pride, anti-colonial fury and music.

With Caribbean flair, fearless spirit and a thumping reggae beat, they hijacked the genteel game of the privileged elite and replayed it on their own terms.

Directed by Stevan Riley (Blue Blood), produced by Charles Steel (the BAFTA and Oscar winning The Last King of Scotland), and John Battsek (the Oscar-winning One Day In September), with executive producers Ben Goldsmith and Ben Elliot, FIRE IN BABYLON boasts a dynamic archive and classic music by the likes of Bob Marley and the Wailers, Gregory Issacs, Faithless and Horace Andy.

“From the ancient Greek Olympiads to the present day, never has a team reigned so supreme for so long.”

- Stevan Riley, Director

Revolver Entertainment will release FIRE IN BABYLON in cinemas nationwide on May 20 2011

DVD release on June 6 2011

www.fireinbabylon.com / www.facebook.com/fireinbabylon /

www.twitter.com/fireinbabylon

Celebrating Indie Movies in Las Vegas

Located in the Las Vegas arts district just across from the “Welcome to Downtown Las Vegas” sign, theatre7 had a quiet opening in March. Now owner Derek Stonebarger is ready for the place, located at 1406 South 3rd Street, Las Vegas, NV 89104, to make some noise.

“This month is going to be a party every weekend,” Stonebarger said. “We are celebrating independent movie making with close to ten feature films produced right here in Las Vegas, a couple of filmmakers that are legends of our independent scene and a look at local short films.”

Kicking off the month will be the world premiere of One Long Day, the debut film from mailman turned director Keith Mosher. The revenge shoot ‘em up feature will screen April 2. It will play again on April 22 and 24.

The female super hero film The Awakening from director Mike Conway will screen April 3. Conway is a Las Vegas indie institution that’s been making movies since 1980.

Speaking of residents firmly associated with independent cinema, three films from grindhouse legend Ted V. Mikels are also apart of this month’s lineup. Mikels, who has directed more than 20 features, turns 82 on April 29, which also happens to be the birthday of Stonebarger.

Astro-Zombies M3: Cloned, the latest finished film from Mikels, screens April 7 to kickoff the Ted V. Mikels Thursday series. His 1982 classic Ten Violent Women, which remains the highest selling of all the films in his catalog, will play April 21. His 1971 drive-in gem The Corpse Grinders rounds out the series on April 28.

“I’m real excited about being apart of Derek’s lineup this month,” Mikels said. “I hope people get behind his theater. It’s a great endeavor.”

Stonebarger will also be celebrating short films in April. With the Las Vegas 48 Hour Film Project taking place the weekend of April 8-10, theatre7 will screen, free to the public, some of the best shorts of past events on April 8 and 9. The venue will then be the dropoff location for the 2011 event the following day.

Additionally, April 23 will be a Las Vegas short film showcase. Stonebarger and programmer Chad Clinton Freeman are still accepting submissions for the event. They can be contacted via email, theatre7lv@gmail.com.

Concluding the schedule for the month will be Stonebarger’s I.M. Caravaggio on April 17 and 29, Thor at the Bus Stop (Jerry and Mike Thompson) on April 16 and You People (Kelly Schwarze) on April 30.

The artwork of 3 Nevada Artists - Lynne Jordan, Kelly Haugh and Darryl Martin - will be showcased April 1 and 15.

Tickets to screenings are $7 and include a choice of popcorn, soda or candy. Showtimes are 7 p.m.

For more information on the films and artists, visit http://www.theatre7lv.com/ or call 702-568-9663

40th Anniversary of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Enter a world of pure imagination this Easter and celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the classic childhood film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, with an extra special copy of the DVD.

Directed by Mel Stuart and starring the legendary Gene Wilder as the unforgettable and eccentric chocolatier, Willy Wonka, the film has enthused and inspired generations for four decades.  Its mischievous and whimsical narrative captured the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide and firmly established the film as a cult classic that all the family can enjoy again and again.

The film’s cult classic status also captured the imagination of acclaimed director Tim Burton and proved the inspiration behind his 2005 adaptation of the story, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – also available on DVD this Easter.

The film stars Hollywood A-lister Johnny Depp who reprises the zany Willy Wonka role with panache, alongside a stellar cast includingHelena Bonham Carter (Mrs Bucket) and Freddie Highmore (Charlie Bucket). 

Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, both films follow the magical journey of Charlie Bucket and friends in their quest to find the Golden Ticket and gain access to the mysterious Wonka Factory - where chocolate rivers are tended to by magical Oompa Loompa’s from Loompa Land, candy can make you fly and even the grass is edible!

Along the way, mild disasters befall each of the children as they all battle to win the big prize – a deliciously delightful year’s supply of Wonka chocolate.

This Easter the whole family can relive and delight in the devilish antics that unfold within the chocolate factory as Violet Beauregarde has an unfortunate run-in with a blueberry and Augustus Gloop’s eyes get too big for his belly. And there’s an extra special surprise in store for Charlie Bucket beyond even his wildest dreams…

Whichever version you prefer, there’s something to keep the whole family entertained this Easter…and beyond! One lucky winner can also be in with the chance of winning a £10,000 prize with a Golden Ticket to be found in every copy of the DVD throughout April and May. 

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are available on DVD, Blu-ray and to download.

PopCap Discounts All Games -

 - for iPhone/iPad, Donates Sales to Japan Earthquake Relief

 48-Hour Sale Starts Tomorrow; All PopCap Proceeds Go To Earthquake-Stricken Japan Via Red Cross Donation

PopCap Games, the worldwide leader in casual games, today announced that it is discounting the prices of the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad adaptations of all of its games including Bejeweled^®, Bookworm^®, Chuzzle^®, Peggle^® and Plants vs. Zombies^™ for 48 hours to raise funds for earthquake-stricken Japan. Partnering with the Red Cross, PopCap will donate all of its revenues from the sale, which begins Saturday March 19 at 07:01 a.m. GMT and ends at 07:00 on Monday March 21. The price of each iPhone and iPod touch title is reduced to £0.59 during that time, while the iPad adaptations are reduced to £1.19. Consumers can purchase the games via the Apple App Store or by going to PopCap.com.

“We recently opened an office in Tokyo, and while our Japan-based employees are safe and uninjured, we understand countless others in Japan need food, shelter, and medical attention,” said Ellen Marett, Senior Director of Workforce Culture at PopCap. “Given that Plants vs. Zombies reached #1 on the iPhone and iPad sales charts in Japan, it seemed like the most appropriate game to feature in this fundraising campaign.”

VUE ENTERTAINMENT CONFIRMED AS EUROPE’S LARGEST EXHIBITION CIRCUIT

Vue Entertainment, one of the UK’s leading operators and developers of state-of-the-art multiplex cinemas, has signed an agreement in with Sony Europe to install 4K digital cinema projection systems across its circuit.  

With over 37 million customers every year at its 68 cinemas and 657 stadium seated screens, Vue Entertainment will become the largest cinema circuit equipped with Sony 4K digital technology in Europe which will provide audiences with the most state-of-the-art on-screen presentation available, delivering both a fully immersive 3D experience and superior 2D quality, thanks to Sony’s unique 4K technology.  

Tim Richards, CEO, Vue Entertainment, said: “We are delighted to have signed such an significant agreement with Sony Digital Cinema. The partnership between our 2 brands will deliver the very best possible cinematic big screen experience for our customers. The transition to all digital screens also heralds a new era for cinema offering greater choice not only of films but also allow us to expand our range of live and recorded 3D and 2D content covering sports, music, opera, ballet, theater, comedy gaming and other major special events.  

Over the coming weeks we will be announcing an exciting customer marketing campaign that communicates the benefits of the Vue/Sony partnership and 4K projection. This along with the many other plans we already have in the pipeline between our two companies marks the start of a very special moment in our company’s strategy moving forward” 

David McIntosh, Director, Sony Professional Solutions, Europe commented, “This is a particularly exciting partnership for Sony Digital Cinema 4K, which further demonstrates our commitment to the long-term success of the industry, heralding the next generation of digital cinema. We are very excited about working with Tim and the team at Vue as one of the most progressive cinema companies in the world and am delighted that Sony 4K is going to key role in helping Vue offer its customers a revolutionised movie-going experience” 

Vue and Sony will start the conversion process immediately and it is expected to take 18 months to complete. Vue’s cinema in Fulham has already been fully converted with Sony 4K digital projectors. 

Voddler launches iPhone app with free movies

A cinema just opened in your pocket!  Online film service Voddler just released an iPhone app, where film viewers can watch films for free from the Voddler catalog on their iPhone or iPad. This is the first app globally to offer ad-funded content from the leading studios in Hollywood and Scandinavia. Voddler opens another viewing window to let film lovers watch film when and where they want. The app also enables advertisers to finally place commercials in the mobile phone in an efficient way that consumers recognize and that doesn’t disturb the viewing experience. In just a few hours, the app rushed up to the number 1 spot on iPhone's top list of most downloaded free apps. -          We are happy and proud to open up our film service for iPhone and iPad. The app symbolizes everything we work for: film when and where you want.  And it allows seamless transitions, so you for instance can start watching a movie in your mobile on your way home and then pick up exactly where you left off on your computer or web-connected TV, says Marcus Bäcklund, Voddler’s CEO. The Voddler iPhone app is free, does not require any subscription, and movies are shown over both mobile networks and WiFi-connections. Above all, the ad funded films are free to the user. The films in the app come from Voddler’s growing catalog of soon 4 000 titles. All these titles are now being activated for mobile viewing, at a rate of about 50 titles per day. Voddler is available in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland, for anyone who want to see film online legally and without hassle. Close to one million registered users watch tens of thousands of films every day on Voddler.  Voddler’s social functions, where “voddlerites” can create play lists, share tips and discuss movies both on Voddler and other sites, help film lovers find the movies that suit them best in Voddler’s catalog, regardless if they are using Voddler on the mobile or in front of the computer. -          We work every day with enhancing our technology, showing film studios the benefit of new viewing platform, and getting the business models to spin faster. It’s a triple challenge we have given ourselves. Our app was evaluated by Apple for almost three months before it was approved, instead of the normal two weeks. That’s a typical dynamic when you break new ground, says Anders Sjöman, VP Communication at Voddler. The app also opens up for advertisers who want to show full-scale commercials directly in the mobile. -          Advertisers have dreamt about showing mobile commercials in a natural and non-invasive way. Our app allows just that: ads the way film consumers are used to them, just before the movie starts. You reach the consumer right in their pocket and, more importantly, when they have time, says Oskar Boding, VP Sales at Voddler. Voddler will soon release the same app for smart phones and tablets on other platforms, such as Android and Symbian.