JOIN THE PARTY AT THE PRODUCTION FIESTA

At The Production Show, 15-17 February, digital media training provider, Academy Class, will be announcing the launch of its first Production Fiesta.

The Production Fiesta is to be held on 5-6 May and will provide production professionals with an overview of new and alternative production tools available to them.

Production Fiesta attendees will be able to choose from a rich series of seminars provided by Academy Class experts during the two day event.   Special guest speaker, Angie Taylor, will present her Las Vegas NAB Show address including From Storyboard to Final Delivery in Adobe Production Premium. Angie Taylor is an art director, animator, illustrator and motion graphic designer.  She also works in the software industry as a product evangelist, tours with companies like Adobe and Apple and is a successfully published author.

Mark Young, director at Academy Class said:  “We are thrilled that Angie Taylor will be presenting at Production Fiesta.  With so much experience and success in the production industry, we can’t think of anyone who would be better placed to talk about the latest developments in the industry.”

Production Fiesta will take place at Academy Class’ Waterloo training facility. The mini sessions will give a flavour of courses on offer at Academy Class.  Tickets will cost £177 for 2 day pass and £127 for one day pass. For further information, please visit www.academyclass.com

WARNER BROS. LAUNCHES APP EDITIONS

WARNER BROS. DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION LAUNCHES GROUNDBREAKING “APP EDITIONS” OF FEATURE FILMS

“THE DARK KNIGHT” AND “INCEPTION”

- AVAILABLE FOR iPHONE, iPOD TOUCH AND iPAD 

Studio Leads the Way with Fully-Loaded, Connected Viewing Experience Offering Downloading, Streaming, Bonus Content, Music, Games, Soundboard and Seamless Social Media Integration  

Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD), a market leader in video-on-demand and electronic sell-through, today announced the groundbreaking launch of the “App Editions” of feature films “Inception” and “The Dark Knight,” giving consumers around the world an entirely new way to own special edition movies with the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.  The “Inception: App Edition” and “The Dark Knight: App Edition” are now available on the App Store. 

App Editions provide a fully-loaded, connected viewing experience that gives consumers the first five minutes of a feature film and a portion of bonus content that can include games, trivia, soundtracks and soundboards.  The entire feature film can be unlocked via an in-app purchase, which enables downloading and unlimited streaming, as well as access to the entire array of bonus content available within the App. 

The “Inception” and “The Dark Knight” App Editions are available in over 30 territories, including some which previously did not have access to films through iTunes including China, Brazil and the Netherlands.  They contain fully customised menus in 16 languages including Japanese, Greek and Russian and also provide consumers movie subtitles in 34 languages ranging from Arabic to Ukrainian (streamed via WiFi). While watching the film, fans can also connect with friends by sharing their favorite movie quotes through Facebook and Twitter and watch a feed of social networking chatter directly related to the movie in real-time.

“Warner Bros. is bringing more than 100 million Apple device owners a highly innovative new way to experience their favorite films,” said Thomas Gewecke, President of Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. “For many, watching a movie is a social activity and App Editions are the first mobile product to deliver this capability on a global scale. They offer a fully connected experience, allowing viewers to engage with others around the world in real-time through Facebook and Twitter.  In 2011, Warner Bros. will release a full slate of App Editions including new release and catalog films.”

“Inception: App Edition”

Nominated for eight Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ “Inception” stars Leonardo DiCapiro as “Dom Cobb,” who’s a skilled thief in the dangerous art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb's rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible-inception.

Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, “Inception” stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger, Dileep Rao, and Michael Caine.  Nolan also produced the film with Emma Thomas. 

“Inception: App Edition” will not only allow fans to download or stream the blockbuster film, they can also enjoy exclusive bonus materials including three never-before-released tracks from the Academy Award® nominated score composed by Hans Zimmer that can be streamed via Airplay.  The App also includes concept art, productions stills, movie poster artwork, bonus video showing a behind-the-scenes look at how Christopher Nolan’s unique vision was brought to life, and copies of “The PASIV Device Instruction Manual” and “The Cobol Job” comic. 

  

The “Inception: App Edition” is available for free through the App Store on iPhone, iPod touch and iPad or at http://store.apple.com/uk/  

“The Dark Knight: App Edition”

The follow-up to “Batman Begins,” Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ “The Dark Knight” reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of “Batman/Bruce Wayne” in his continuing war on crime. With the help of Lt. Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to destroy organised crime in Gotham for good. The triumvirate proves effective, but soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as The Joker, who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces Batman closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante. 

The film also stars Michael Caine as “Alfred”; Heath Ledger as “The Joker”; Gary Oldman as “Jim Gordon”; Aaron Eckhart as “Harvey Dent”; Maggie Gyllenhaal as “Rachel Dawes”; and Morgan Freeman as “Lucius Fox.”  Nolan directed the film from a screenplay written by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer.  The producers are Charles Roven, Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan.  

“The Dark Knight: App Edition,” protected by Widevine, allows consumers to download a permanent copy of the film to their iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, or stream it through the App.  They can watch over three hours of bonus clips; explore a rich gallery of photos and trailers; test their film knowledge with interactive video trivia; listen to memorable one-liners and export them as ringtones; post Twitter and Facebook updates; and monitor relevant movie buzz in real time.

“The Dark Knight: App Edition” is available for free from the App Store on iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, or at http://store.apple.com/uk/

So why do bad guys wear sunglasses?

Study reveals the appeal of shades in western popular culture

They are an enduring and ever-present image in fashion, films, music and advertising – but now we may finally have some answers as to why the use of sunglasses is so widespread in visual culture. The popular eyewear is not just a fashion accessory, but is linked to being ultra-modern and a metaphor for being able to withstand the rapid pace of both cultural and technological change, according to new research at Nottingham Trent University.

The study, carried out by an expert in design and visual culture in the university’s School of Art and Design, involved investigating the history of sunglasses and their use in western popular culture, and analysing this in relation to various theories of ‘coolness’ to see why they are so appealing.

A key finding was that sunglasses are often used in visual culture to suggest a superior level of adaptation to the cultural challenges of modern society – the eyes are deemed so significant to social rules and behaviour that covering them up conveys a strong social power, suggesting superiority and glamour. They are used to convey detachment from the mainstream and the idea of playing by the rules, based on the notion that appropriate eye contact is considered respectful and a fundamental rule of social interaction.

This idea of rebellion may suggest why shades were such a key prop for the characters of gangster movie Reservoir Dogs, or Jean Reno’s assassin Leon. Even the villainous Darth Vader in the Star Wars movies, had his eyes hidden behind a reflective mask – and this was only removed at the very end upon his redemption. 

Sunglasses are also often associated with being able to withstand technological advancements and challenges, the research found. This could be because their use shields people from exposed emotions, suggesting they are ‘composed’ in every situation, and the high-tech associations of hard man-made materials worn so close to the body imply a close and confident relationship with modern technologies.

In some cases this has developed into shades being used in visual culture to represent the notion of superhuman physical and emotional strength – think Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator or the characters Neo and Morpheus in The Matrix.

Tinted goggles worn in the earliest days of sunglasses for driving, cycling and rail travel, and adopted by fighter pilots could be responsible for the explosion of speed and technology-related examples in visual culture. This association with a fast-paced life and advanced and exclusive forms of travel and leisure – and needing money to participate – might also be why they have become so popular in celebrity culture. Rappers such as P Diddy and Kanye West, whose lifestyles are often epitomised in this way, are rarely seen without their shades, for instance.

Dr Vanessa Brown, an expert in design and visual culture in the university’s School of Art and Design, carried out the research.

Dr Brown said: “DVD covers, music videos, endless fashion images and adverts; there are thousands of examples of sunglasses being used in visual culture as a key prop. Increasingly images of shaded eyes are used to sell products by suggesting power and prestige; even if that is outside of the usual ‘mainstream’ images of success. They are perfect visual copy, suggesting mystique and self-possession as well as the glamour of being immersed in light.

“My research showed how sunglasses are capable of conveying a truly impressive array of potential meanings, with the capacity to suggest overwhelmingly desirable and admirable qualities, which, in the modern world are sometimes those associated with daring to break the rules. By shading the eyes, we can appear detached from the chaos, either frankly unbothered by, or utterly on top of, the frantic pace of technology and fashion. This relates directly to the wider struggle for a coherent identity in a life of proliferating options and constant change. Sunglasses may seem like a detail but they are as popular as they are because what they can convey strikes at the heart of our deepest concerns.”

BARBIE - A Fairy Secret

Get ready for Barbie™ A Fairy Secret, an amazing adventure with Barbie™ where she discovers there are fairies living secretly all around us! When Ken™ is suddenly whisked away by a group of fairies, Barbie’s two fashion stylist friends reveal they are actually fairies and that Ken™ has been taken to a magical secret fairy world not far away! 

Barbie™ and her rival Raquelle take off with the fairy friends on an action-packed journey to bring him back. Along the way they must stick together and learn that the real magic lies not just in the fairy world itself, but in the power of friendship.

A Fairy Secret is out on Universal DVD right now.

1st Video named best iPhone App by Sinbad

San Francisco, CA

Whatʼs the best app on the iPhone App Store? If you ask Mac-obsessed comedian and
actor Sinbad, the answer is obvious: Itʼs 1st Video by VeriCorder Technology.

1st Video was the first video editing application on the iPhone, and remains the only
pro-quality video editor on any mobile device.

Sinbad may be the best-known Mac afficionado in the world ... other than Steve Jobs
himself. The popular comedian has been coming to MacWorld as a speaker since 1991,
and gave the keynote address this year.

When someone asked what his favourite app is on the iOS platform, Sinbad said
without a blink, “1st Video”. He also said he likes the other apps from VeriCorder
Technology, the Canadian company known for its mobile media editing software. They
also make a professional multitrack audio editor called VC Audio Pro, and a simple
slideshow editor called ShowCase.

But Sinbad does admit, the iPhone isnʼt perfect. When a fan in the audience asked what
he hopes to see as the next big feature on the iPhone, Sinbad replied, “Reception.” With
the current iPhone 4, he said, “I can shoot movies, solve science problems, but I canʼt
call my Momma!”

That editing power is now starting to see converts switching to the iPhone as a
professional editing tool for news, podcasting, citizen journalism, corporate training, and
a variety of other uses. Sinbad says 1st Video shows how powerful the iPhone and iPad
platforms are, enabling people to make real movies, and post them easily to the web for
mass consumption.

Background: 1st Video is the only video editing application with multitrack audio editing,
and professional quality video editing, on an iPhone and iPod Touch. The new iPad
version has multitrack video, transitions, and titling. It allows users to fade two tracks of
video over each other, and is ideal for creating news stories, music videos, or podcasts.

VeriCorder Technology Inc. was founded in 2008 by veteran journalist and broadcaster
Gary Symons, formerly of CBC News. He decided to form the company after falling off a
steep bank in a forest fire while carrying 60 pounds of gear, and then setting his pants
on fire. After that painful and expensive tumble, Symons and his team developed audio
and video editors for the iOS platform.

The companyʼs main business is creating fully integrated systems for media companies,
universities, journalism schools, online podcast networks, and any other company that
needs to quickly record, edit, and post video to the web.

VeriCorder uses 1st Video as part of a system for Hyper Local Media Networks, which
was launched late last year. “Basically,” says Symons, “we can build you an entire TV
network for twenty thousand bucks .... but youʼll need an iPhone.”

Massacre at My Lai Four

This brutal and hard hitting Vietnam war movie about the infamous massacre in March 1968 at the village of My Lai is released on retail DVD by Scanbox Entertainment on April 4th. 

Freely adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Seymour Hersh, it is the true story of Charlie Company, a platoon of American soldiers led by Lieutenant Wm. Calley. 

The platoon comes under enemy fire which results in two young soldiers being killed and a third having to be put out of his misery because he’s so badly injured. 

The ambush has a profound psychological effect on Calley and his men and when they arrive in a remote fishing village they embark on an orgy of revenge and gratuitous killing.

They then join a larger group of soldiers who have taken over My Lai. Believing it to be a Vietcong hiding place, senior officers order a house-to-house search but Calley, who by now has become completely deranged, tells his men to massacre everyone they find even though there are only old women and children left in the village.


The atrocity is seen from the air by the crew of a small reconnaissance helicopter, pilot Chief Warrant Officer Thompson, co-pilot Andreotta and door-gunner Colburn.


Deeply upset by what they see, the three young airmen land their helicopter and overpower their compatriots in an armed confrontation which stops the massacre and results in several villagers’ lives being saved.


Lieutenant Calley and his men massacred 503 innocent people and this is their story.

‘Massacre at My Lai Four’ has a run time of 101 minutes, a 15 (TBC) certificate and a recommended retail price of £ 12.99. 

The DVD also has over 20 minutes of Bonus Material comprising:

• Interview with massacre survivor Truong Thi Le (9 mins)
• The making of the soundtrack with Enrico Sabena (10 mins)
• Stills montage (3 mins)

THE STORY OF MY LAI IN FILM & TV

In 2007 Oliver Stone was due to make a film about the massacre starring Bruce Willis and Woody Harrelson but the Writers Guild strike put paid to it. It was to be called PINKVILLE. Stone’s film PLATOON (1986) had already covered the incident but not directly by name.
In 1989 Yorkshire TV produced a famous award winning TV documentary for ITV called FOUR HOURS IN MY LAI.

Kings Speech 200/1 to win 12 Academy Awards

British movie The King’s Speech leads the way with 12 Oscar nominations and Boylesports.com is offering 200/1 that the Tom Hooper directed blockbuster comes away with a clean sweep of awards.

Twelve Oscar wins would see the film break the record of eleven awards in a year, currently held by 1959 film Ben-Hur, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and the mega-money hit, Titanic.

The film is 2/1 to win the Best Picture award whilst Colin Firth, who received glowing reviews for his role in the film, is considered a near certainty to win Best Actor at 1/20.

Hooper is at 8/1 to win the Best Director award, with Geoffrey Rush at 11/2 to win Best Supporting Actor and Helena Bonham Carter at 9/2 to win Best Supporting Actress.

A five-award combination of Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress for The King’s Speech is available at 100/1, with a clean sweep of 12 Academy Awards at 200/1.

But despite the nominations, Boylesports.com is betting on some strong competition for the film from The Social Network, which is the 1/4 odds-on favourite to win the Best Picture award and the man behind the film, David Fincher, is 1/14 to pick up the award for Best Director.

“The King’s Speech has taken the early headlines with 12 nominations but we think that the record is a massive ask,” said Boylesports.com Public Relations Executive, Nicola McGeady.

“With some stiff competition from the likes of The Social Network, The Fighter and Black Swan, those sought-after golden statuettes could be spread out amongst quite a few films this year.”

‘The King’s Speech’ Specials:

Best Picture: 2/1
Best Actor: 1/20
Best Director: 8/1
Best Supporting Actor: 11/2
Best Supporting Actress: 9/2
To win all five: 100/1
To win 12 Oscars: 200/1

Battlestar Galactica Online combat game to launch exclusively on Syfy.com for a 30-day period

Bigpoint (www.bigpoint.com) – the global market leader in browser-based massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) – today released the first official gameplay trailer for the upcoming tactical space combat MMOG Battlestar Galactica Online (http://battlestar-galactica.bigpoint.com/), one of the most ambitious browser-games ever developed. The trailer (ftp://ftp-anonymous-pub.bigpoint.net/Battlestar%20Galactica%20Online/) showcases the game’s stunning graphics and fast-paced action, and features Bear McCreary’s original score from the series.

Featuring never-before-seen in-game footage of Battlestar Galactica, Cylon Basestars, Raiders, Vipers, and fleet formations, the gameplay trailer highlights space combat. Built with the Unity development platform, Battlestar Galactica Online aims to set new technical and artistic benchmarks for 3D browser games. When the game launches in the United States, it will be available exclusively on Syfy.com for a 30-day period.

Currently in private beta for select players in Europe and North America, Bigpoint is planning to launch the open beta in Q1. Bigpoint released the game’s cinematic trailer last year. Battlestar Galactica Online is licensed through Universal Partnerships & Licensing on behalf of NBC Universal Television Consumer Products Group.

Battlestar Galactica Online is based on the acclaimed Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television series “Battlestar Galactica,” which aired for four seasons on Syfy. In the game, humans and Cylons are in a constant struggle to control the universe. A blend of tactical space combat, exploration, and mission-based gameplay will provide a diverse experience. Assets from the television production have been integrated into the game to deliver an authentic experience. With beautiful graphics and innovative gameplay, Battlestar Galactica Onlinewill set a new standard for browser-based MMOGs. The game is being developed by Artplant (http://artplant.no), a Norwegian studio that specializes in MMOGs.

King's Speech Set To Cost Bookies Record Multi-Million Pound Payout!

Colin Firth is 1/20 to win the Best Actor Oscar with William Hill and the King's Speech is 7/4 to win Best Film.

"British punters are showing the bias by piling in on the King's Speech and if it sweeps the boards then we will be taken to the cleaners," said Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.

William Hill Bet

Best Film Oscar: 1/3 Social Network, 7/4 The King's Speech, 20/1 True Grit, 20/1 The Fighter, 40/1 Black Swann, 40/1 Inception, 40/1 Winter's Bone, 50/1 The Kids Are All Right, 66/1 Toy Story 3, 80/1 127 Hours 

Best Actor Oscar: 1/20 Colin Firth (The King's Speech), 12/1 James Franco (127 Hours), 12/1 Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network), 25/1 Jeff Bridges (True Grit),  25/1 Javier Bardem (Biutiful)

Best Actress: 1/9 Natalie Portman (Black Swan), 5/1 Annette Benning (The Kids Are All Right), 20/1 Jennifer Lawrence (Winter's Bone), 25/1 Nicole Kidman (Rabbit Hole), 33/1 Michelle Williams (Blue Valentine),

Best Director: 1/16 David Fincher (The Social Network), 8/1 Tom Hooper (The King's Speech), 20/1 Ceon Brothers (True Grit), 20/1 David O Russell (The Fighter), 25/1 Darren Afonofsky (Black Swann)

Best Supporting Actress: 8/15 Melissa Leo (The Fighter), 7/2 Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit), 9/2 Helena Bonham Carter (The King's Speech), 12/1 Amy Adams (The Fighter), 12/1 Jacki Weaver (Animal Kingdom)

Best Supporting Actor: 1/16 Christian Bale (The Fighter), 5/1 Geoffrey Rush (The King's Speech),  33/1 Jeremy Renner (The Town), 40/1 Mark Ruffalo (The Kids Are All Right), 40/1 John Hawkes (Winter's Bone)

Globe Education and the British Film Institute celebrate Sven Gade’s Hamlet

Screening with live music at BFI Southbank, Thursday 27 January

  

Globe Education’s season of events for Spring 2011 opens on Thursday 27 January with a rare screening of a 1920 silent film version ofHamlet directed by Sven Gade. Held in partnership with the BFI (British Film Institute) and supported by the German Embassy, the screening will be the London premiere of a new print of the film, and will feature a live, improvised piano accompaniment.

The film stars Asta Nielsen in the title role as a hero who was born a girl but raised as a boy as part of a dynasty determined to retain the crown in the aftermath of war. Nielsen was one of the greatest stars of the silent era and a role model for Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich. Sven Gade’s startling reinvention of the play provides a remarkable exploration of the European psyche in the wake of the First World War.

Describing the film, Patrick Spottiswoode, Director, Globe Education, commented, “Shakespeare without words may seem a contradiction in terms but this London premiere will present one of the finest ever Hamlets on screen - all the more remarkable is that it dates back to 1920 and stars the great actress Asta Nielsen in the title role.”

The film will be played with a live piano accompaniment performed by Neil Brand. A renowned accompanist of silent films, Brand performs regularly at the BFI and has composed the scores for many television, film and theatre productions over the last 25 years.

Commenting on the forthcoming performance, Neil Brand said: “It's always worth remembering that silent film is a time capsule - in this case a glimpse of a theatricality and a cinema stardom which could only be Europe in the 1920s. It is always a privilege to accompany these films, as each time the performance is unique and the audience takes away something different. But when the music prepares the stage for a diva of the quality of Asta Neilsen, the atmosphere in the auditorium becomes electric.”

Describing his preparation for the event, Brand continues, “I've known the film for nearly twenty years and, being aware particularly of the audience's expectations, I will try to make the music walk a very narrow line between the majesty of filmed Shakespeare and the sultry, theatrical Weimar quality of this adaptation and the time it was made.”

The screening is taking place as part of Globe Education’s ‘Shakespeare, Hamlet and Wittenberg’ season, which sees events running throughout the Spring. Other highlights of the programme include a series of lectures in which Professor Ewan Fernie and Dr Adrian Streete will explore the relationship between Shakespeare’s Theatre and the Protestant Reformation. Frank Günther will discuss the art and politics of translating Shakespeare’s plays into German with particular reference to Hamlet. Globe Education’s Read Not Dead series will feature a staged reading of David Davalos’ acclaimed 2008 play Wittenberg which wittily imagines conversations between Luther, Doctor Faustus and Hamlet at the university.

Screening: Sven Gade’s Hamlet (1920)

6.45pm, Thursday 27 January 2011 at BFI Southbank, NFT1

The new print of Sven Gade’s film with live piano accompaniment.

Tickets: BFI Members £7.60 (£5.25 concs); Non-members £9 (£6.65 concs); under 16s £5

Booking: BFI box office 020 7928 3232 (11.30 – 20.30 daily) or www.bfi.org.uk 

Betting on the Razzie Awards

Razzie Awards: You Bet The Last Airbender Is Worst Film 2010 But Will City Girls Get Panning!

 William Hill make the Last Airbender their 6/4 favourite to pick up the dubious honour of worst film of 2010 but it is the Sex In The City quartet who are offered at 1/1 to jointly pick up the worst Actress of the year.

 "There were many different opinions in the office to what was the worst film of 2010 but we had unanimous support for the Sex In The City Girls to pick up worst Actress awards," said Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.

 William Hill Razzie Awards 2010:

Worst Film: 6/4 The Last Airbender, 2/1 Sex And The City 2, 3/1 Eclipse, 5/1 Bounty Hunter, 10/1 Vampires Suck

Worst Actress: 1/1 The Four Girl (Sex In The City 2), 5/2 Jennifer Aniston (The Bounty Hunter), 7/2 Kristen Stewart (Eclipse), 6/1 Miley Cyrus (The Last Song), 10/1 Megan Fox (Jonah Hex)

Worst Actor: 7/4 Ashton Kutcher (Killers), 2/1 Gerard Butler (The Bounty Hunter), 3/1 Taylor Lautner (Eclipse), 6/1 Robert Pattinson (Eclipse), 10/1 Jack Black (Gulliver's Travels)

Shop assistants in need of assistance

 Staff in some of the UK’s biggest electrical stores lack basic knowledge of the products they’re selling, reveals an undercover investigation by Which?.

The consumer champion visited branches of Comet, Currys, John Lewis and Richer Sounds, plus independent shops, to assess the advice given by staff. The experts found staff regularly gave bad advice, including confusing HD Ready with Full HD TVs.

Only eight of the 154 stores visited were rated as excellent for knowledge of TVs and personal video recorders (PVRs) - none of these were Currys or Comet stores.  Several staff also used “hard sell” tactics when promoting LED TVs over LCD models, although LED is generally more expensive and not always better. 

Peter Vicary-Smith, Which? chief executive, says: 

“Electrical stores have to up their game and train their staff properly.  We trust them to know about the products they’re selling. 

“Unfortunately, big retailers are letting their customers down, offering wrong or misleading advice that could leave people shelling out more money for features or products they just don’t need.”

To see examples of poor advice filmed during follow up visits to the worst performers, visit www.which.co.uk/shopfloor; and to share your experiences, visit the Which? Conversation

The Last Kung Fu Monk

Martial arts continues to be a hugely popular movie genre which is just one reason why ‘The Last Kung Fu Monk’, released on rental and retail DVD and retail Blu-ray by Scanbox Entertainment on 21 March will be another massive hit with martial arts fans. 

Directed by and starring Peng Zhang Li (Tooth Fairy and Shaolin Temple), this thrilling, high-kicking adventure delivers on everything the core audience wants … spectacular martial arts action and extravagant, dangerous villains!

Chinese Shaolin Fighting Monk Li Bao Xin has to emigrate to New York City to look after his dead brother’s son. Struggling to make a new life Li Bao faces challenges that test his character and emotional strength rather than his physical prowess.
While setting up a kung fu school he becomes embroiled with the Mafia and must defeat a barrage of deadly fighters to save the day.

Through it all his mind remains filled with the heroic stories of the Shaolin Temple, a great tradition that defines him but which also makes his acceptance of Western culture more difficult.

While in China he was a revered Master but in America he is nobody. To make a life for himself and his brother’s son. he must come to terms with a modern society where his great fighting skills and heroic lineage mean nothing.

Eventually he has to decide what is more important … his dreams or his family.

‘The Last Kung Fu Monk’ has a run time of 90 minutes, a 15 certificate and a recommended retail price of £ 12.99.

Cuckoo on DVD

‘Cuckoo’, a creepy thriller starring Richard E. Grant, Laura Fraser (‘Lip Service’, ‘A Knight’s Tale’), Tamsin Greig (‘Episodes’, ‘Tamara Drewe’, ‘Love Soup’ and ‘Green Wing’) and award winning jungle/drum & bass artist Adam Fenton (Adam F) will be available on DVD and on Blu-Ray from 28^th February.

In one of his darkest roles, Richard E. Grant plays an ageing professor obsessed with his star student, Polly (Fraser). Polly is trapped in a dead-end job working for intrusive Professor Julius Greengrass (Grant).  Her relationship with boyfriend Chapman (Adam Fenton) is falling apart, and jealous sister Jimi (Antonia Bernath) rarely leaves her side. When Polly has the chance to escape, her nearest and dearest have other ideas.

Alone in her flat, Polly struggles to keep her grip on reality. Mysterious sounds surround her, voices in the darkness, whispers of deceit. Polly knows she’s not cuckoo, but why won’t the noises go away? She turns to the one person she can trust – her boss. But Julius has a dark secret of his own. He wants Polly, and he’ll do anything to get her.

Using oppressive cinematography and a haunting soundtrack from BAFTA nominee Andrew Hewitt, writer/director Richard Bracewell, whose first film was the acclaimed low-budget comedy ‘The Gigolos’, carefully builds Polly’s world, echoing her stressed and anxious state.  Expertly played by Fraser, we feel Polly’s sense of isolation as events unfold around her in this darkly atmospheric and compelling story of deception and intrigue.  

‘Cuckoo’ teases and provokes as it heads towards its dramatic and shocking climax, asking as many questions as it answers.

”Masterly and thrilling” said Clive James at the Cambridge Film Festival premiere. 

Travellers, Arrive On DVD

WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY Kris McManus

STARRING Dean Jagger, Shane Sweeney, Tom Geoffrey, Alex Edwards, Celia Muir, Charley Boorman

Travellers is a fearsome survival thriller that marks the directorial debut for the UK’s newest rising talent Kris McManus and features some of the most brutal bare-knuckle fighting ever seen on film.

Four young friends from London set out on a motorcycle adventure weekend, clocking up miles in an attempt to outrun the big three-o and their City-boy lifestyles. One night they set up camp in a muddy field only to discover the next morning that they’re sharing the field with an ominously- deserted, beaten-up old caravan. When the City boys investigate, they quickly discover that the beaten-up caravan is anything but abandoned.

Within seconds, a idiotic prank sets off a series of brutal events pitching the City boys against a group of angry Irish travellers in a deadly race for survival involving kidnap, murder and bare-knuckle boxing. As events spiral out of control and we learn more about the back story of each of the City boys, we’re forced to question our own prejudices. Its City boys versus Irish travellers and the unfolding sequence of events lead us to reconsider who the villains of the piece really are.

Travellers comes to DVD with a whole host of extras on 28 February 2011.

Captain America Car Auction

As a curtain raiser to its expanded 2011 auction programme, Historics at Brooklands has consigned to its next sale on 3^rd March, a blockbusting collection of classic American vehicles fresh from the set of the forthcoming Marvel Studios movie, Captain America – ‘The First Avenger’.

The epic 50+ strong collection features vehicles from 1931-1948; the more unusual including a 1942 Chevrolet Gillig School/Tour Bus, a 1933 Dodge Tow Truck and a WWII Dodge Military Ambulance, with all vehicles used during filming at Shepperton Studios in London, and on location in Manchester and Liverpool, UK.

With the film due for global release from July 2011, the cars will be part of an action-packed sale at Brooklands on 3^rd March 2011, alongside a supporting cast of a further 65 fine classic and sports cars.

Each car from the Captain America collection boasts its own intriguing history – including a 1933 Dodge Tow Truck sourced from the Nevada Desert that comes complete with genuine bullet holes on the driver’s wing and bonnet - and all will be accompanied by a signed certificate of authenticity.

Other stars on show are a 1941 Cadillac Series 61 boasting superb art deco styling and a 1935 Hudson Sedan bristling with a mighty straight eight powerplant, whilst a number of two door coupes from the likes of Dodge, Hudson, Chevrolet, Plymouth and Ford – many of which are fitted with flathead V8’s – will appeal to hot rod fans.

A whole host of commercial vehicles will also share the limelight, including a pair of Dodge and Chevrolet pick-up trucks, a 1942 Dodge Ambulance, an imposing 1942 Diamond T Wrecker truck, a trio of Berliet military trucks and a superbly restored 1938 Harvester Van.

Having undertaken the painstaking process of sourcing and acquiring the collection,

Executive Producer Nigel Gostelow, commented, "I, along with our Director, Joe Johnston, are both avid 'petrol heads', and so historical accuracy was vitally important to us.  When it comes to movie production, the settings need to look and feel real, and these cars played a large part in that process.  Ultimately they looked great on set, and pleasingly, were correct and very well prepared."

Historics at Brooklands Auction Director, Edward Bridger-Stille, added, “We are delighted to be working with Marvel Studios on this project. The cars are fascinating and with extremely low reserves set across the board, everybody will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a little piece of cinematic history.”

Historics continues to utilise the Internet auction tool, i-bidder, which allows for real-time, online monitoring and bidding, and increases the possibility that a number of the sought-after cars may head back across the pond to their country of origin.

For more information, and to attend the Historics at Brooklands auction on the afternoon of 3^rd March, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk.  Entry by catalogue only, available prior to, or on the day of the auction.

Open Eye: BBC World Service Documentary

Open Eye is not a series about photography, but more about the people and the landscapes with which a photographer forms a deep and visceral bond.   

  

In part one Lebanese photographer Dalia Khamissy attempts to uncover what happened to the estimated 17,000 people kidnapped during the Lebanese civil war.  Her journey takes her to a Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut where she meets seventy nine year old Amina Hassan Banat.  In 1981 Christian militants took four of her sons, which she was never to see again.  Even after all these years, Amina still has hope that she will be reunited with her sons, but as one politician tells Dalia, ‘Lebanon is a country of mass graves.’  

Open Eye is accompanied by a unique photo film, featuring the stills of Lebanese photographer, Dalia Khamissy, online at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12216975  

In the second programme, acclaimed photographer Joseph Rodriguez turns his lens on a group of young Muslims growing up in the city of Malmo, Sweden. Its a city increasingly divided on racial, religious and cultural grounds,  and one  in which Joseph discovers many young Muslims feel they are treated as second class citizens. One young woman who runs a youth club declares that she is tempted to wear the veil in protest of the racism she feels is prevalent in Sweden. 

The first episode is available to listen to at http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/documentaries/2011/01/110117_open_eye.shtml .  The second episode will air on BBC world Service  26^th January at 15.06 – 15.30 GMT 20.06-20.30 GMT

TRAINSPOTTING COMES HOME TO EDINBURGH

Volkswagen celebrates 15^th anniversary of cult classic with screening in original Edinburgh film location

A one-off screening of Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting, based on the Irvine Welsh book of the same name, is set to take place on Wednesday 2 February at the Royal Scottish Academy, followed by an exclusive exhibition held at Ingleby Gallery - two key locations which feature in the cult British classic.

The film, which celebrates its 15^th anniversary this year, is the third free event in Volkswagen’s See Film Differently series.  It follows original location screenings of An American Werewolf in London which was held inside ZSL London Zoo and gangster classic, Get Carter, shown at Newcastle Racecourse; both notable locations featured in the classic films.

The immersive cinema experience will turn the camera on the original Edinburgh film locations and is designed to provide a behind the scenes-style insight into the BAFTA award winning favourite.

Fans of the movie will be able to watch the film in the Royal Scottish Academy, an iconic building which features in the background of the unforgettable opening chase scene which sees Renton, played by Ewan McGregor, being chased down Princes Street.   

After the screening, local film fans will be invited to follow Renton’s route to the Ingleby Gallery on Calton Road, where the chase ends abruptly after Renton is hit by a car. 

The exclusive exhibition held at the Ingleby Gallery will feature rare stills, original promotional material and photography, along with a live DJ set featuring music from the film.

Tickets for the event are free and available courtesy of Volkswagen through an online ticket draw.  For the chance to win tickets, film fans should log on to www.seefilmdifferently.com, and register their interest.  Tickets will be available from Wednesday 12^th January until midday on Friday 28^th January and all lucky winners will be informed on Friday 28^th January.  Tickets will be allocated at random.

Those fortunate enough to attend will enjoy luxury seating and complimentary high-end cinema style food.

Film fans can find out more about Volkswagen’s campaign and share their views on the events by visiting the Facebook page:www.facebook.com/seefilmdifferently. 

Dolby partners with RAAM for prestigious 3D award

This year Dolby Laboratories, a leader in digital cinema services, is to sponsor the RAAM Awards “3D Movie of the Year” category. The award will be presented to the highest grossing 3D movie during 2010 (Jan 1 – Dec 31 2010) at a gala dinner in London’s five star Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square in the heart of Mayfair.

Richard Welsh, Director of Digital Cinema Services (UK) at Dolby said, “Dolby is pleased to be partnering with RAAM for such an important award. In 2010, there were a significant number of high-grossing movies produced in 3D, proving the technology’s popularity with the public and its significance to the cinema industry.”

Tony Meehan Chairman of RAAM commented

“We are very happy to welcome Dolby to our growing list of sponsors. We recognise the importance of 3D to the industry and we recognise the opportunity which this award offers to Dolby and the industry as a whole.”

The awards will be presented at a gala dinner in London’s Mayfair Marriott Hotel on the 9^th February 2011 where the guest of honour will be FDA President, Lord Puttnam.

David Puttnam spent thirty years as an independent film producer.   His many award winning films include The Mission, the Killing Fields, Local Hero, Chariots of Fire, Midnight Express, Bugsy Malone, and the Memphis Belle.

Hindus concerned about “Monkeys of Bollywood”

Expressing concern at the recently announced animated musical “Monkeys of Bollywood”, Hindus have urged its proposed maker DreamWorks Animation to be careful in handling Hindu concepts and terminology.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that since the reported movie announcement claimed it to be “inspired” by timeless epic Ramayan and Ramayan being a highly revered scripture of Hinduism, the film should stay true to the story and the spirit of Ramayan. Insensitive handling of faith traditions sometimes results in pillaging serious spiritual doctrines and revered symbols and hurting the devotees.

With seasoned and skillful professionals at the helm, we did not expect any problem, Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said and added that they were just urging for more sensitivity towards faith traditions. If DreamWorks Animation or their associates in this film needed any expertise on Hinduism related issues, he or other Hindu scholars would gladly provide the resources, Zed added.

Hindus welcomed Hollywood/Bollywood to immerse in Hinduism, but taking it seriously and respectfully and not for refashioning Hinduism concepts and symbols for mercantile greed. Hollywood/Bollywood were welcome to make movies about Ramayan but the final product should be the true depiction of it and not a fantasized or a re-imagined version, Rajan Zed pointed out.

Zed argued that changing Ramayan to fit the Hollywood/Bollywood machine was likely to hurt the Hindu sentiment as Ramayan was an integral part of Hinduism and was held in such reverence that Hindus believed that simply reading/hearing of it showered blessings upon the reader/listener. Ram, the hero of Ramayan, was incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and was worshipped by Hindus.

Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be plundered, Rajan Zed adds.

This is said to be the first feature musical for DreamWorks. Directors Paul Mayeda Berges (What’s Cooking) and Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham), lyricist Stephen Schwartz and Oscar winner composer A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) have reportedly teamed on Bollywood-style “Monkeys of Bollywood”, which reportedly revolves around two monkeys. DreamWorks chief creative officer Bill Damaschke and development executive Chris Kuser will reportedly oversee it.

Ramayan, an ancient Sanskrit scripture that consists of 24,000 stanzas, explores various themes, including human existence, concept of dharma, etc.

DreamWorks Animation, which claims to create high-quality entertainment, reportedly theatrically released 21 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How To Train Your Dragon. Roger A. Enrico is Board Chairman, while Jeffrey Katzenberg is CEO.