The Bletchley Circle: Season 2 Blu-ray Disc Set Review.

Anna Maxwell Martin, Rachael Stirling, Hattie Morahan, Sophie Rundle and Julie Graham star in the second season of The Bletchley Circle, which will debut on Blu-ray Disc courtesy of PBS DIistribution on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at retailers on and offline. Based on the lives of four extraordinary women with the ability to break codes, which they developed during the Second World War and now use it to solve crimes in post-war London, the second season begins one year after the events of the previous series.

Two episodes are included within the two-disc set. "Blood On Their Hands" has the circle reunite to save one of their own on trial for murder. "Uncustomed Goods" has one of the women discover a human trafficking ring. Both episodes are presented in high definition (1.78:1) broadcast aspect ratios with English Digital Stereo Sound and English Subtitles for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired encoded as options. Over twenty five minutes of cast and crew member interviews are featured too. For those who enjoy enticing high caliber mysteries as PBS usually airs, The Bletchley Circle: Season 2 on Blu-ray Disc is definitely worth a look. The series will also be released on DVD as well as DIgital Download on April 15, 2014 courtesy of PBS Distribution. The series will air on PBS Sunday Nights from April 13 to May 4, 2014. Please check your local broadcast listings for additional information including channel.

(C) Copyright 2014 By Mark Rivera

All Rights Reserved.

Welcome To The Jungle Blu-ray Disc Review.

Welcome To The Jungle is an ensemble adventure comedy, which stars Jean-Claude Van Damme, Adam Brody, Rob Huebel, Kristen Schaal, Dennis Haybert and Megan Boone. The comedy has a group of office workers becoming stranded on a desert island under the fearless, but quite crazy guide, played by Jean-Claude Van Damme. I have always felt that Van Damme worked better in his feature films when he doesn't take himself too seriously. There is something about him that gives him an affable charisma when he mixes a few bits self depreciation based comedy or over the top action that again is not intended not to be taken seriously. Arguably his best films are his martial arts epics Blood Sport and Kick Boxer, but he was also quite good in the big screen adaptation of the Dark Horse Comic Time Cop and he displayed a bit of humor about himself when he made a cameo on the hit sitcom Friends in the 1990s and even one of the worst live action feature films based on a video game ever made, Street Fighter, has some memorable hilarious moments such as Van Damme's first broadcast message to the evil General Bison, played by Raul Julia is his final big screen role, and a scene where he just breaks out of a freezer or something literally with a flying sidekick and practically floats through mid air, which is hysterical. His film JCVD also helped to humanize him a lot for international audiences and with a recent role in The Expendables franchise, I find some nostalgic comfort in seeing Van Damme back in action, especially when the director knows how to use him as here I would say the director clearly does. The tiger sequence is very funny.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment's Blu-ray Disc edition presents Welcome To The Jungle in a 1080p full HD (2.40:1) aspect ratio with English DTS-HD MA 5.1 Surround Sound and French, Spanish, Italian, and Thai Language DTS 5.1 Soundtrack options too. English Subtitles for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired and French, Spanish, Italian and Thai Language Subtitles encoded as well. 

A behind-the-scenes featurette and a deleted scene are the only extra value features on the Blu-ray Disc. Within the BD case is an insert with a code for both a free iTunes HD digital copy with iTunes extras and an Ultraviolet HD digital copy, which can be redeemed for a limited time only. 

Welcome To The Jungle is available now at retailers on and offline on Blu-ray Disc courtesy of Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

(C) Copyright 2014 By Mark Rivera

All Rights Reserved.

15TH ANNUAL TROMADANCE FILM FESTIVAL EXPANDS TO BROOKLYN, NY JUNE 27TH & 28TH AT THE PAPER BOX!

New York, N.Y., March 28, 2014 - Greetings from Tromaville! Now in it's 15th year, the TromaDance Film Festival has grown into an event that filmmakers and film connoisseurs alike travel the world to attend. The reason for this is because since it's early beginnings as a DIY, grassroots alternative to the corporate elitist-run festivals in Salt Lake City, TromaDance has never swayed from it's ideals. TromaDance does not charge film makers anything to submit their films. All TromaDance screenings are free to attend and with the festival's strict "No VIP Policy", celebrities and fans are treated equally. On June 27th and 28th, 2014, in celebration of it's 15th Anniversary, TromaDance moves to the Paper Box in Brooklyn, NY - a bigger venue in an exciting new city that will make the festival more more accessible than ever!      Here is an Early look at the schedule:    On Friday, June 27th, the TromaDance official opening night kick-off will see a block of films tba showcased from 6pm to 10pm.   On Saturday, June 28th, TromaDance begins at 12pm. Films will be shown in blocks all the way up until 10pm. Then the TromaDance After-Party will commence with bands and performers tba.    Stay tuned to the Official TromaDance website and Troma Facebook page for more announcements in the coming weeks! Mark June 27th and 28th on your calendar and come celebrate this milestone year with us at the Paper Box in Brooklyn, NY for what will surely be a Tro-Mazing weekend of independent art!   The Paper Box is located at 23 Meadow St, New York, NY 11206   More About TromaDance   TromaDance is the first film festival wholeheartedly devoted to filmmakers and fans. Unlike every other film festival, TromaDance does not charge filmmakers to submit their films. Entrance to all screenings is free and open to the public. Also, there are no VIP reservations or preferential treatment regarding films, panels, or parties of any kind given. The organizers of TromaDance believe films are meant to be seen, especially when it comes to new filmmakers. Art - in all its forms - is for the people!   TromaDance features a range of films made independently, usually without big stars, big money and far removed from the Hollywood studio system. The official selections of TromaDance have been made with nothing more than passion, courage, integrity, and raw talent.   Everyone at TromaDance is treated as an equal. The elite and the celebrated are treated no better or worse than the experimental filmmaker or the random moviegoer off the street. Admittance to all screenings, panels, parties, and events is strictly on a first come, first served basis. If there are any VIPs at TromaDance, they are the filmmakers whose blood, sweat, and hard work are on the screen.   TromaDance is an opportunity for everyone who's ever picked up a camera to have their work seen without the compromises required by elitist cartel interference. TromaDance is proud to be the first and only film festival of the people, for the people, and by the people.   For more information on the TromaDance Film Festival please visit:  http://tromadance.com    For more information on The Paper Box please visit: http://paperboxnyc.com/    Count Smokula's TromaDance Theme Song:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4M0BIr5ESo   For more information on our Midwest partner Festival "TromaDance Detroit" please visit:  http://www.tromadancedetroit.com/

Stream The Soundtrack For Under The Skin By Mica Levy.

For those who may be interested, the complete atmospheric and spine tingling soundtrack composed and conducted by Mica Levy for Jonathan Glazer's big screen adaptation of the sci-fi horror thriller Under The Skin, starring Scarlett Johansson, is available to stream for free at the Soundtrack Galaxy Channel on YouTube now or at least at the time of this posting. Thank you.

http://youtu.be/aTcS6q6V5kM

Syfy Renews Helix For A Second Season.

SYFY RENEWS HELIX FOR SEASON TWO

 

NEW YORK – March 28, 2014 – Helix,Syfy’s chilling scripted drama, has been renewed for a second season, it was announced today by Bill McGoldrick, EVP, Original Content, Syfy. The 13-episode second season will commence production later this year, with an eye towards a winter 2015 premiere.

 

Said McGoldrick, “Helix has built one of our most loyal and consistent audiences in its first season on Syfy. The incredibly talented writing and producing team have crafted a thriller that consistently delivered suspense, twists and high quality drama. We look forward to growing this passionate audience in what promises to be an even more memorable second season.”

 

Helix premiered on January 10, 2014, as the top cable scripted entertainment program in the time period, and helpingSyfy rank as the #2 cable entertainment network among both Adults 25-54 (1.6 million) and Adults 18-49 (1.3 million).Since its premiere, Helix has averaged 2.1 million total viewers, 1.1 million Adults 25-54 and 1 million Adults 18-49.

 

Helix is executive produced by Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica, Outlander), Steven Maeda (Lost, The X-Files) who is also showrunner, and Lynda Obst (Contact,Sleepless in Seattle). The series is produced by Tall Ship Productions, Kaji Productions and Lynda Obst Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television.

 

Helix, which was created by co-executive producer Cameron Porsandeh and features Billy Campbell (Killing Lincoln, The Killing), Hiroyuki Sanada (The Wolverine, 47 Ronin), Kyra Zagorsky (Supernatural), and Mark Ghanimé (Emily Owens, M.D.), as well as guest stars Jordan Hayes (House at the End of the Street), Meegwun Fairbrother, and Neil Napier (Riddick), will air its season one finale on Friday, March 28 @ 10pm. 

 

SYFY UNVEILS BRAND NEW THURSDAY NIGHT LINEUP BEGINNING JUNE 19

SYFY UNVEILS BRAND NEW THURSDAY NIGHT LINEUP BEGINNING JUNE 19

 

DEFIANCE SEASON TWO PREMIERE TO AIR AT 8PM ET/PT

DOMINION SERIES PREMIERE TO AIR AT 9PM ET/PT

 

NEW YORK – March 28, 2014 – This June,Syfy furthers its commitment to premium scripted programming by dedicating an all-new night to original dramas. BeginningJune 19, Syfy will kick off its new Thursday night block with the one-two punch of the season two premiere of Defiance, followed by the series premiere of Syfy’s newest scripted series, Dominion.

 

As the story of Defiance resumes, the lives of the townspeople are in drastic turmoil. The Earth Republic has assumed control of the town, with far-reaching consequences including a new mayor. Nolan (Grant Bowler) traverses the badlands to find a lost Irisa (Stephanie Leonidas), Amanda (Julie Benz) has an unexpected new role in the town as she searches for Kenya and the Tarr family desperately tries to keep control of their criminal empire in the midst of dramatic changes. Joining the cast this season are James Murray as new mayor Niles Pottinger, Anna Hopkins as Earth Republic soldier Jessica “Berlin” Rai and William Atherton as Earth Republic official Viceroy Mercado.

 

Immediately following the return ofDefiance, Syfy will air the 90-minute series premiere of Dominion at 9PM ET/PT.

 

Based on characters from the hit theatrical film Legion (2010), Dominion is an epic supernatural action drama set 25 years after the events of the movie and picking up in the aftermath of a catastrophic war between an army of angels and mankind that has transformed the world. The series follows the perilous journey of a rebellious young soldier, set against a backdrop of the ultimate celestial battle as it touches down on earth.

 

Dominion stars Christopher Egan (Kings), Tom Wisdom (300), Roxanne McKee (Game of Thrones), Alan Dale (Lost), Anthony Stewart Head (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Luke Allen-Gale (The Borgias).

 

About Defiance

Defiance is an unprecedented partnership between Syfy and Trion Worlds and the first-ever convergence of television and online gaming, featuring an interconnected world and storylines that co-exist on both platforms.

 

Grant Bowler will return as Nolan, along with Julie Benz as Amanda Rosewater, Stephanie Leonidas as Irisa Nolan, Tony Curran as Datak Tarr, Jaime Murray as Stahma Tarr, Graham Greene as Rafe McCawley and Jesse Rath as Alak Tarr. The cast also features Dewshane Williams as Tommy, Trenna Keating as Doc Yewll, Justin Rain as Quentin McCawley and Nicole Munoz as Christie McCawley.

 

Kevin Murphy (Desperate Housewives,Caprica) resumes his role as executive producer and showrunner. Smallville’sDarren Swimmer and Todd Slavkin return as executive producers for season two and Michael Taylor serves as consulting producer. Michael Nankin (co-executive producer) is set to direct the season two opener. 

 

About Dominion

Based on characters from the hit theatrical film Legion (2010), Dominion is an epic supernatural drama set in the year 25 A.E. In this transformed post–apocalyptic future an army of lower angels, assembled by the archangel Gabriel, has waged a war of possession against mankind. The archangel Michael, turning against his own kind, has chosen to side with humanity against Gabriel. Rising out of the ashes of the 25 year-long battle are newly fortified cities which protect the human survivors. In Vega (formerly Las Vegas), the largest of these cities, two houses vie for control and the stage is set for political upheaval and a dangerous power shift. Meanwhile, a rebellious young soldier begins a perilous journey as the war between the human race and the fallen angels hell-bent on their domination escalates.

HARRY POTTER™ HOGWARTS COLLECTION Comprehensive Collection on 31 Discs Includes All Eight Movies on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD with UltraViolet™

HARRY POTTER™

HOGWARTS COLLECTION

Comprehensive Collection on 31 Discs Includes

All Eight Movies on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD with UltraViolet™

Features All 45+ Hours of Special Features on Blu-ray

Available April 29 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

 

Burbank, Calif., March 25, 2014 – The Harry Potter™ Wizard’s Collection, released in 2012, sold more than 30,000 sets at $499.99 SRP and is now completely sold out. To continue offering fans access to the most successful film franchise in history, a new collection will be available April 29 -- the Harry Potter™ Hogwarts Collection. The collectible box set is sure to please fans who want the world of Harry Potter™ conveniently available in one place. Included in this set are all eight Harry Potter™ films, plus a whopping 45+ hours of previously released bonus material that contains the complete eight-part documentary series, ”Creating the World of Harry Potter.”

 

The Harry Potter™ Hogwarts Collection will be offered at the new lower price of $249.99 SRP.

 

Films Included in this Collection – All on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD with UltraViolet*

·         Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ Theatrical Version on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD with UltraViolet and Extended Cut on Blu-ray

·         Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ Theatrical Version on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD with UltraViolet and Extended Cut on Blu-ray

·         Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD with UltraViolet

·         Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD with UltraViolet

·         Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD with UltraViolet

·         Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ – Part 1 2D on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD with UltraViolet and 3D Version on Blu-ray

·         Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ – Part 2 2D on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD with UltraViolet and 3D Versions on Blu-ray

 

Special Features for Hours of Entertainment – everything previously released including the eight-part documentary “Creating the World of Harry Potter” on Blu-ray:

 

·         Creating the World of Harry Potter - Part 1: The Magic Begins

The magic begins. The choices, the breakthroughs, the early decisions that impacted all the films are explored here via rare footage, cast and crew reminiscences and more. Learn about the extensive search by producer David Heyman and director Chris Columbus for the perfect actors to portray Harry, Ron and Hermione and see the earliest meeting of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson.

 

Be on the scene as imagination and know-how combine to create a look that's distinctly wizardly. From details tiny (what about Hermione's buckteeth?) to huge (Quidditch, anyone?), this is the fun and fascinating opening of a whole new portal into Harry's world. Begin the magic.

 

·         Creating the World of Harry Potter - Part 2: Characters

"We really do look at the story and characters first," producer David Heyman says. "That's the heart and that's the soul of the film." And that's the heart and soul of this incisive, decade-spanning exploration of how the series' actors bring the beloved Harry Potter characters to life. Discover which parts of the J.K. Rowling books helped Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and more stars make their roles leap from page to screen.

 

See screen tests, including Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) and Jessie Cave (Lavender Brown) working with the established stars. Learn why so many of Britain's acting greats wanted to be part of Harry Potter's world...and which ones became mentors to the young stars. Share each director's vision as you watch Daniel, Rupert and Emma grow up with Harry, Ron and Hermione. Your journey into Harry's world continues.

 

·         Creating the World of Harry Potter - Part 3: Creatures

Soar on the back of Buckbeak. Battle a Hungarian Horntail. Trace Voldemort's terrifying transformation from grotesque infant-like creature to Dark Lord. Fascinating footage lets you experience the Harry Potter world of creatures through new eyes with this revealing look at a new group of wizards: the artists who create the monsters and marvels. Roam the Harry Potter Creature Effects workshop, where actors with a little FX magic are turned into beasts and sketches turn into animatronic wonders. Join Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson as they share stories about acting opposite everything from tiny computer-generated pixies to a four-ton mechanical spider (guess which young star is really afraid of spiders). New discoveries and new revelations all make your journeys into Harry's world even more thrilling!

 

·         Creating the World of Harry Potter - Part 4: Sound & Music

Can you imagine the Yule Ball without the Potter Waltz? Quidditch without the whoooosh of flying? Or any Harry Potter film without the iconic Hedwig's Theme? Now, absorbing interviews and behind-the-scenes glimpses let you share the vision of composers, sound experts and others who make the Harry Potter films enchantment for the ears as well as the eyes. Experience sound and music that magnify triumph and fear, joy and suspense while transporting viewers on an emotional journey alongside the on-screen characters. Learn how specially created musical motifs identify individual characters and places. Watch as Foley artists use unusual techniques to replicate everyday sounds. Discover a whole new way to look at – and listen to – Harry's world.

 

·         Creating the World of Harry Potter - Part 5: Evolution

Deeper. Bolder. Darker. As the eight Harry Potter films trace Harry's journey from innocent schoolboy to selfless hero, the series undergoes a transformation. Evolution – packed with exclusive content – takes you along for every exciting step of the 10-year filmmaking odyssey. Join the four directors and key members of the crew and cast, including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, as they explore how the creative vision for the films evolved to maintain the integrity and increasing intensity of J.K. Rowling's expansive literary series. From the ever-changing architecture of Hogwarts castle and growing landscape of the wizarding world, to the darkening palette of each successive film, to the young actors maturing along with their characters, it is a wondrous and spectacular adventure to experience.

 

·         Creating the World of Harry Potter - Part 6: Magical Effects

In Harry Potter's world, portraits come to life, potions transform, time reverses, Quidditch players soar, dragons attack and magic is everywhere. Explore the moviemaking magic that created the wizardry and wonder of the Harry Potter film series. Now, fascinating insights, interviews and watch-it-happen footage let you experience the triumphs of the technical wizards who conjured up an awe-inspiring alternate reality. Share the fun as Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson negotiate the moving stairs. Marvel as an oversized water tank transforms into the depths of the black lake for the Triwizard Tournament. Discover which amazing sequence was filmed entirely using computer-generated imagery. Watch as blue- and green-screen backgrounds transform into towering structures and endless landscapes. You don't know the magic until you've seen Magical Effects.

 

·         Creating the World of Harry Potter - Part 7: Story

Over the course of ten years, screenwriter Steve Kloves worked tirelessly with author J.K. Rowling to develop her seven magical books into eight magical films. From the beginning, Kloves had to decide what to keep, what to change and what to cut while staying true to Rowling's vision, initially without even knowing how the series ended! Learn the story behind the stories and see how the two collaborated and developed a friendship based on mutual trust and respect, as they sit down together for an intimate, free-flowing conversation. Gain new insight into J.K. Rowling's own conceptions of her beloved characters, and hear how Kloves was able to adapt them faithfully for the screen while maintaining the fine balance between heart, humor and heroism that exemplifies the series.

 

·         Creating the World of Harry Potter - Part 8: Growing Up

They grew up with the world watching them. By the time the final film wrapped, the young stars of Harry Potter had spent nearly half their lives on set. In Growing Up, new and vintage interviews featuring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and other cast and crew show how the actors have grown over the course of the series, while behind-the-scenes footage gives an exclusive look at their lives as actors and as children who've grown into young adults. From early interviews shortly after being cast, to the poignant final day of filming, watch how their ideas of acting, fame, their characters and themselves have changed through four directors, eight films and ten years. Learn how the more experienced actors took the younger ones under their wings and see the friendships that only years of collaboration could create. Finally, say farewell to the series with Daniel Radcliffe as he delivers an emotionally charged speech to the cast and crew as the final film wraps.

 

·         Harry Potter™ Hogwarts Collection Blu-ray Bonus Disc

o        More than 3 hours of features including:

§         “The Harry Potters You Never Met” - Meet the stunt doubles for Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson as they demonstrate how they balanced major stunt work while seamlessly mimicking the actors they represented.

§         “Designing the World of Harry Potter” - Explore how production designer Stuart Craig and his creative team brought J.K. Rowling's imagination to life on the screen.

§          “When Harry Left Hogwarts” (Extended Version) - Hear candid and emotional stories about the final days on set in this extended behind-the-scenes look.

§          “50 Greatest Harry Potter Moments” (Definitive Version) - Take a look back with cast members who share their on and off-screen memories.

§          “Secrets Revealed! Quidditch” – At last, the secrets behind the special effects required for the breathtaking Quidditch scenes are revealed.

§          “Secrets Revealed! Hagrid”- See the camera tricks, towering stand-in and voluminous body suits behind the beloved Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts.

Harry Potter™ Hogwarts Collection

Street Date: April 29, 2014

Order Due Date: March 25, 2014

Catalog # 1000363828

Pricing: $249.99 SRP

THE AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE HONORS LLOYD KAUFMAN, MICHAEL HERZ, & 40 YEARS OF TROMA ENTERTAINMENT WITH AN EVENING OF TRIBUTE SATURDAY MARCH 29TH, 2014.

Troma President and Creator of the "Toxic Avenger," Lloyd Kaufman

New York, N.Y., March 22, 2014 - Greetings from Tromaville! This Saturday March 29, 2014 the prestigious American Cinematheque will be honoring 40 years of Lloyd Kaufman, Michael Herz, and Troma Entertainment with an evening of tribute paying homage to the films of legendary director.

The four Tro-mazing films selected to be showcased are:

THE TOXIC AVENGER 

1984, Troma Entertainment, 87 min. Dirs. Michael Herz, Lloyd Kaufman. 
When nerdy janitor Melvin falls into a vat of nuclear waste, he is suddenly transformed into a mutant superhero who lays waste to evildoers of all kinds and becomes a savior to his town. The first of Troma's anti-corporate satires, THE TOXIC AVENGER is still one of the best - and most popular, having spawned multiple sequels and spin-offs. Co-director Lloyd Kaufman's message, however, is firmly buried under some of the most spectacular gore and slapstick comedy ever put to celluloid. 2014 celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the "Toxic Avenger!"

CLASS OF NUKE 'EM HIGH 

1986, Troma Entertainment, 85 min. Dirs. Richard W. Haines, Lloyd Kaufman. 
A high school located next to a nuclear power plant serves as the setting for one of Troma's most outrageous and hilarious features, a gory, post-apocalyptic satire about teenagers whose sex yields a gang-fighting monster after they smoke some radioactive pot. As always, co-director Lloyd Kaufman sets out to shock, entertain and enlighten in equal measures with a movie that balances an environmental message with sex, drugs and exuberantly graphic violence. Troma's 1986 cult smash-hit has been discovered by younger audiences and reached a new "atomic high" in popularity since the release of "Return to Nuke 'Em High: Vol. 1" this year. 

TROMEO AND JULIET

1996, Troma Entertainment, 104 min. Dir. Lloyd Kaufman.
Shakespeare's classic gets Troma-tized, courtesy of director Lloyd Kaufman and screenwriter James Gunn. The bard's young lovers are transposed to a modern day Manhattan, where Kaufman and Gunn largely stick to the original play's structure but infuse it with liberal helpings of sex, violence and profanity. The result is one of Troma's best films, a movie that USA Today described as "sexy, sweet, and surreal." The eclectic cast includes scream queens Debbie Rochon and Tiffany Shepis, Troma star Will Keenan and even Lemmy from Motorhead as the narrator! Body Piercing. Kinky Sex. Dismemberment. All of the things that made Shakespeare great!

 

RETURN TO NUKE 'EM HIGH VOLUME 1 

2013, Troma Entertainment, 85 min. Dir. Lloyd Kaufman. 
Volume 1 of Lloyd Kaufman's sistine chapel is also his first film shot on digital. "Return to Nuke 'Em High: Vol. 1," a hybrid sequel/reboot of the original "Class of Nuke 'Em High", returns to New Jersey's Tromaville High School, where the first film's neighboring nuclear power plant has been replaced by the Tromorganic food-processing plant. When glee club members mutate into violent Cretins after eating tainted tacos, blogger Chrissy (Asta Paredes) and her girlfriend (Catherine Corcoran) realize something rotten is going on at Tromorganic. The first installment of this KILL BILL-style two-part epic oozes with the distinctive mix of goofy gore, soft-core sleaze and low-budget special effects that has endeared Troma to their legions of fans for decades. "Return to Nuke 'Em High: Vol. 1" has been selected by the Museum of Modern Art as part of their prestigious Contenders Series, an annual collection of the year's most influential, innovative films that are believed will stand the test of time. "Return to Nuke 'Em High: Vol. 1" continues to play in front of sold-out crowds worldwide and winning over critics, a trend that started at the Cannes Film Festival.

Come out for a once-in-a-lifetime event and celebrate Troma's 40th Anniversary and the career of Lloyd Kaufman. There will be a Raffle of Tro-Mazing prizes including an Official "Toxic Crusaders" Animation Cel, the only of it's kind. Participate in a crowd-interactive Q & A session with Lloyd Kaufman and special guests. Pick up all of your favorite Tro-Merchandise at the Troma table and meet Lloyd Kaufman, himself, for FREE Photo Opportunities and Signings on all Troma items. Get your tickets today, this won't happen again!   The Aero Theatre is located at 1328 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403   Tickets are available NOW for purchase: American Cinematheque Tribute to 40 Yrs of Lloyd Kaufman & Troma Entertainment

  # # #

Established in 1974 by Yale friends Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz, Troma Entertainment is one of the longest-running independent movie studios in United States history, and it's one of the best-known names in the industry. World famous for movie classics like Kaufman's "The Toxic Avenger", "Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead", "Class of Nuke 'em High", "Mother's Day" and "Tromeo & Juliet", Troma's seminal films are now being remade as big-budget mainstream productions by the likes of Brett Ratner, Richard Saperstein, Akiva Goldsman and Steven Pink. Among today's luminaries whose early work can be found in Troma's 800+ film library are Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Jenna Fischer, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Kevin Costner, Fergie, Vincent D'Onofrio, Samuel L. Jackson, James Gunn and Eli Roth. Troma's latest productions are "Return to Nuke 'Em High: Volumes 1 & 2". 

I AM DIVINE The True Story of the Most Beautiful Woman in the World Debuts Digitally April 1st and on DVD April 8th.

Bonus Materials Include Commentary and over 30 Minutes of Deleted Scenes

 

 (4 stars)"Terrific footage from behind the scenes (including the end of "Pink Flamingos") helps make this recollection funny, full and sad."  ~ NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

 

 "...fascinating, expertly directed, wonderfully paced, lovingly produced tribute documentary."  

~ EDGE LOS ANGELES

 

 "There will never be another Divine. 25 years later and no one has come close to filling her infamous cha-cha heels. This documentary shows you why." 

~ POPMATTERS       

 

Award-winning documentary filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz (Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story, Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon, Vito) turns his camera on the plus-sized "cinematic terrorist" turned international icon of bad taste when I AM DIVINE debuts across all digital platforms beginning April 1st and on DVD April 8th from Wolfe Video. Harris Glenn Milstead, a.k.a. Divine, comes to life in this complex documentary that traces his humble beginnings as an overweight, teased Baltimore youth to internationally-recognized drag superstar.  The film includes interviews with many key figures from Divine's life, including legendary filmmaker John Waters (Pink Flamingos, Hairspray), co-stars Ricki Lake (Hairspray), Tab Hunter (Polyester, Lust in the Dust) and Mink Stole (Female Trouble, Desperate Living), and his mother.  Bonus materials include more than 30 minutes of deleted footage that sheds additional light on the cha-cha heels of this midnight-movie icon.

SYNOPSIS:

Packed with great interviews and clips, this dynamic, fun and often poignant portrait of the legendary Divine brings to life a complex understanding of John Waters's favored muse. I AM DIVINE is the story of Divine, aka Harris Glenn Milstead, from his humble beginnings as an overweight, teased Baltimore youth to internationally recognized drag superstar through his collaboration with filmmaker John Waters. Spitting in the face of the status quos of body image, gender identity, sexuality, and preconceived notions of beauty, Divine was the ultimate outsider turned underground royalty. With a completely committed in-your-face style, he blurred the line between performer and personality, and revolutionized pop culture. I AM DIVINE is a definitive biographical portrait that charts the legendary icon's emotional complexities and rise to infamy.

 

I AM DIVINE has a runtime of 90 minutes and is not rated.

New X-Men: Days, Future Past One Sheet & Trailer!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6acRHWnfZAE

A Review Of The Sonos Playbar Soundbar With Subwoofer And Bridge.

Since 2002, Sonos has defined itself as the premiere wireless music speaker distribution system for those who want "All The Music In The World" in any or every room of their home or workplace. The advantages to Sonos hardware lies in eliminating the need to run speaker wire through one's living or work space. Granted the speakers each have to be plugged into an outlet in order to work, but generally speaking, electrical outlets tend to be more evenly distributed and discretely placed than the hassles some face when they try to install a multi speaker wired system throughout a room or rooms that simply were not built with multiple sound zones in mind from a central wired receiver. 

Soundbars, which offer an easier solution for consumers, have become more popular though no soundbar alone can ever equal the true listening experience a home theater system with surround sound speakers and capable of 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound, which greatly increase the home theater experience especially because sound is really half what makes movies truly cinematic. Stereo speakers found on most flat panel televisions simply pale in comparison.

Yet even if you buy a home theater receiver and some quality speakers as well as an active powered subwoofer, you won't enjoy the experience as it was intended if you are forced to clump all the speakers against one wall because you can't drill holes into the walls to run speaker wires discretely. Granted if you have a dedicated room in a house or condo or even a basement, you can design a true home theater that will look and sound better than some commercial multiplexes. 

Sadly, that simply isn't the case for everyone and that is where Sonos' new Playbar Soundbar comes in. After many rumors that Sonos was going to enter the realm of home theater, last year the Sonos Playbar was finally released and if you are already a Sonos user or are looking to get into the Sonos ecosystem, but were waiting for a home theater solution that combines the advantages of Sonos' wireless HIFI system and it's expandability and your budget allows for it then the Playbar is worth considering.

The Playbar soundbar is a 3.0 surround sound system that features a total of nine speakers, (six mid woofers and three tweeters), each individually amped and placed at a 45 degree angle to give the user a choice of either placing the soundbar flat on a surface or mount it on the wall below their HDTV and the unit's built in accelerometer automatically adjusts the speakers so there is no loss in fidelity whatsoever. Like many soundbars on the market, the Sonos Playbar is intended to have a single wired connection to the television because in bypassing the home theater receiver, Sonos expects the consumer to use their TV as the hub for all their devices. Thus depending on your HDTV's input options, you can hookup directly via HDMI your Blu-ray Player, PlayStation or XBOX gaming system, an Apple TV and or a ROKU as well as cable or satellite set top box and then simply use your  television, Harmony Universal, or the cable or satellite television provider's remote control to switch between inputs. This is a cleaner solution especially if you have lots of HD inputs on your flat panel television.

You can also program your remote of choice to control the volume and mute functions on the soundbar or use the free SONOS app available on iTunes, Google Play and Amazon's App Store to control your complete Sonos system from your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet and you can also download the app on Windows and Mac OS X desktops and laptops too. In fact multiple devices can be programmed easily and intuitively to contribute content and control your Sonos system. 

The iOS app was so easy that I was able to connect the Playbar to my existing equipment in minutes and was wirelessly streaming music uncompressed from iTunes to the Playbar and the music sounded simply great. Better in fact than my old 7.1 component home theater system and better than a budget Soundbar I have from Boston Acoustics. Over the years that I have been reviewing films on home video and television I have moved up the ladder from a stereo system to a Kenwood Home Theater in a box 5.1 component system and then upgrading to a JVC 7.1 receiver and then an Onkyo 7.1 home theater receiver with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA decoding while replacing speakers and adding speakers as needed from Sony or Yamaha, but as a New Yorker living in an large, but still not necessarily a Home Theater friendly apartment, I became frustrated with all the wires and difficulty setting up a home theater that was both aesthetically appealing and acoustically optimized. 

Finally I purchased a budget soundbar by Boston Acoustics that I used for times when I was watching TV for fun instead of for work and while the soundbar definitely improved my overall listening experience over the stereo speakers on my television, it did not provide the separation of sound I had grown used to on my home theater receiver.

Since testing the Sonos I have ditched the receiver and the wires and speakers from my living room and while I still have a 7.1 set up in my office because my job requires it for when I review Blu-rays and DVD lossless and or digital audio tracks, if I did not have to have them, I would get rid of it because my Sonos system simply sounds better and is easier to use too.

Sonos uses Wifi to create it's own network that distributes sound wirelessly between the speakers. At least one Sonos component must be wired via an Ethernet cable directly into the speaker or for greater flexibility into the Sonos Bridge, which can control in a wireless network up to 32 Sonos components , which is more than most people will ever need. This is also especially useful for those who have their router too far from their home theater  to make a wired connection to one component practical. Simply place included Ethernet cable into the bridge wherever your high speed internet modem and or wireless network router is located and then you are set.

The Sonos Playbar automatically adjusts to the differences between shoot-'em-up action flicks, Shakespearean dramas, and live concerts to deliver the sound as it was intended. For after-hours viewing, Night Mode compresses the volume so you can hear all the details without waking the family.

With the Sonos Bridge wired a second Sonos Wireless Network is automatically created and none of your other Sonos Speaker Components need to be wired. Sonos speakers also give access to Sonos' best in class music service selection. Users can choose both paid and free internet radio and music streaming services that include Amazon Cloud Player, iTunes, Rhapsody, Tunein, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, I Heart Radio, Pandora, Songza, Spotify and many others with new services being added and all of your music in your iTunes library or Google Play as well as anything on your Mac and or Windows PC can stream wirelessly and be saved in cue within the network. This yields a better and more expansive listening experience than is available using Bluetooth alone and you don't have to worry about going out of range with your mobile phone if your phone is supplying the music at a party or whatnot. Sonos' wireless network can accept audio from a source greater than thirty feet away. Anything running on your TV like an audio CD in the Blu-ray Player or music from your Smart TV or Apple TV or ROKU will play on the soundbar and other wireless Sonos speakers while they are in use with the Playbar.

The Playbar alone offers both an excellent 3.0 listening experience and the processed virtual surround sound on the Playbar alone truly gives the illusion of sound effects coming from speakers that are not there, but add the Sonos Sub subwoofer and now you have rich bass and a speaker that handles the low end sound, leaving the Playbar to function optimizing a 3.1 surround sound experience with the subwoofer. Add two Play 1 or Play 3 Sonos speakers and you will have a true Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound System without all the speaker wires. The Playbar plays all sources plugged into your TV: cable and satellite boxes, Blu-ray players, and video game consoles-through the single optical input on the back. It also plays all common audio formats from TVs, including Dolby Digital 2.0, Dolby Digital 5.1, and PCM.

The Playbar itself features two IR sensors so that it can be used if placed flat or mounted on a wall. In addition there is an IR repeater in case you lay the Playbar in front of your televisions IR sensor despite the low profile, the soundbar will pass through the signal to the television.

It should be notes that Sonos does not support DTS at this time. It should also be noted that many flat panel HDTVs dumb down the digital signal being sent via HDMI and only output PCM. This is a problem inherent with all soundbar systems and not just Sonos. So before you buy, you might want to check if your TV will output Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound from an HDMI source and out to a soundbar via an optical audio cable. Newer TVs from select manufacturers will do this. I bought a new LED display a few months ago and that TV does give the user the ability to output with PCM or Dolby Digital 5..1 Surround Sound and includes an auto switch upon detection of the sound source option, but I just set it to Dolby Digital 5.1 output directly.

Another thing important to know about the Sonos Playbar and the complete 5.1 Surround System is it is not cheap. This is a high end premium soundbar and wireless audio system. The cost of the Playbar alone is $700 dollars and that does not include the subwoofer, which cost an additional $700 dollars and is only sold separately. While $1,400 dollars is a lot to pay for a 3.1 system alone, it should be noted that comparable high end soundbar audio systems by BOSE  and Sony cost the same if not a bit more and these systems are soundbars with wireless subwoofers only and none of them offer the same services and expandability options as well intuitive ease of use and flexibility that Sonos offers. For the full 5.1 wireless surround sound system with the Bridge will cost an additional $450 dollars. So we are looking at close to two thousand dollars on a high end wireless 5.1 Surround System. Obviously this is not for everyone, but I have to state that I am very happy with the Sonos Playbar, Sub, and Bridge. Eventually I intend on adding two Play 1 speakers to complete my living room wireless home theater setup. I will follow up with an update to this review when I have the opportunity to test it out and compare it to my 7.1 home theater in my office at 5.1 to keep things fair. 

Until then, for those who are already Sonos users, I don't think you need my convincing on the benefits of the Playbar. For those shopping and interested in a high end and truly wireless speaker system, Sonos products are available now at retailers on and offline as well as directly through Sonos. You can find out more by visiting www.sonos.com

on your web browser. Big thanks to Sonos for this wonderful wireless HIFI home theater system and their amazing audio products.

(C) Copyright 2014 By Mark Rivera

All Rights Reserved.

Keeping It Alien - Under The Skin Interview With Director Jonathan Glazer.

This is an excellent and insightful interview with Director Jonathan Glazer, (Sexy Beast/Birth), regarding the making of his new film, Under The Skin, which opens in theaters in the States on Friday, April 4, 2014 and is already playing in the United Kingdom.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/hZUvIfXKVVc

Beyond The Black Rainbow - Official Trailer [HD]

An artistic, bizarre and enigmatic exploration of psychology, sociology, spirituality, horror and science fiction from the son of the Director of Tombstone and Rambo: First: Blood Part II. Sometimes the Apple just falls from the tree it's own way...

Beyond The Black Rainbow - Official Trailer [HD]

http://youtu.be/Q1ertVYn750

One Of The Greatest Films Never Made!

There are many film projects that for one reason or another never see the light of day even if decades later a film is made about the same subject, but not with the same vision. There is Stanley Kubrick's Napoleon and James Cameron's Spider-Man and then there is Alejandro Jodorowsky's Dune. Now a feature length documentary is coming out from Sony Pictures Classics that details the doomed project, which would have featured Salvador Dali, Orson Wells, Mick Jagger, and David Carridine among it's stars and Pink Floyd would have done the soundtrack. The first trailer is out now on YouTube at the link below. I can't wait to see this movie.

 http://youtu.be/4WWu1kclNDA

One of the Most Iconic Monsters in Film History Celebrates Its 60thAnniversary With the Release of Four Toho Godzilla Double Features

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

One of the Most Iconic Monsters in Film History

Celebrates Its 60^thAnniversary

With the Release of Four Toho Godzilla Double Features

 

Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991) + Godzilla and Mothra: The Battle for Earth (1992)

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II(1993) + Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994)

Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995) +Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000)

Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003) +Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)

 

Remastered in High Definition – First Time on Blu-ray in North America

 

Each Double Feature is Available

on May 6 in Two-Disc Blu-ray^™Sets with Digital HD UltraViolet^™

 

 

CULVER CITY, CALIF. (Mar. 17, 2014) –Beginning with the introduction of the original Godzilla film in 1954, and continuing through today, the King of the Monsters has entertained generations of movie fans through his big-screen adventures.  In celebration of the 60^thAnniversary of the iconic franchise, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will debut four classic Toho Godzilla Double Features for the first time on Blu-ray^™ with Digital HD UltraViolet^™ on May 6.  The ultimate collector’s editions of the action-filled franchise include Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991) + Godzilla and Mothra: The Battle for Earth (1992); Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993) + Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994); Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995) + Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000); and Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003) + Godzilla: Final Wars(2004).  Each double feature is available separately and features unique cover artwork across the series.

 

Franchise fans can also relive the original theatrical trailers and teasers from the series, included within these sets. Additionally, theGodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S Blu-ray includes a making-of featurette, while Godzilla: Final Wars includes a behind-the-scenes featurette.

 

Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah + Godzilla and Mothra: The Battle for Earth

Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991)

When a mysterious U.F.O. is seen flying over Tokyo, tension mounts, until the craft’s occupants reveal themselves to be friendly aliens from the 23^rd century who have come to warn mankind that Godzilla will soon awaken and wreak havoc upon the earth unless he is destroyed. Meanwhile, a double threat arrives in the form of King Ghidorah, Godzilla’s flying three-headed archrival and an evil and all-powerful android. The suspense builds to terrifying levels as the alien’s sinister mission on Earth is gradually revealed and Godzilla must wage a solo battle against these evil forces who want to destroy mankind. High-tech special effects and awesome action highlight this present-day Godzilla epic.  Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah has a run time of approximately 100 minutes and is not rated.

 

Godzilla and Mothra: The Battle for Earth(1992)

After a series of earthquakes unearth a gigantic orb, a trio of Japanese explorers are dispatched to the mysterious Infant Island to investigate. There they discover the island’s sole inhabitants, miniature twin women whose duty is to protect the mammoth ball, the egg of Mothra! When the explorers attempt to bring the egg back to the mainland, a furious Godzilla awakens from the depths and attacks the party, causing the egg to hatch and forcing its newborn larvae to fend off the gigantic monster. The humongous worm holds its own until help arrives in the form of Battra. When Mothra and Battra metamorphose into flying monster moths, the battle rages on land and in the sky. With two powerful foes to reckon with, has Godzilla finally met his match? Godzilla vs. Mothra has a run time of approximately 100 minutes and is not rated.

 

 

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II + Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993)

Built with the utmost in 20th-century technology, Mechagodzilla is the ultimate in Godzilla-busting weaponry. Fueled by a nuclear reactor and sheathed in a synthetic diamond shield, the mammoth metal robot is Japan’s greatest hope for ending Godzilla’s reign of terror.  Meanwhile, on a remote island polluted by nuclear waste, a team of scientists discover a giant egg in a Pteranodon nest, and bring it home for study. When BabyGodzilla hatches, both Rodan and Godzilla return to claim the cuddly infant as their own. Will their monstrous maternal instincts cause a custody battle capable of destroying Mother Earth? Or will Mechagodzilla prove an effective eradicator, leaving BabyGodzilla an orphan for life?Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II has a run time of approximately 105 minutes and is rated PG for sci-fi monster violence and some language.

 

Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994)

The powers of telepathy enter the ranks of high technology in this supernatural, super-powered Godzilla adventure! The military minds behind Japan’s special Counter G Bureau enter the New Age with Project T, in which a telepathic amplifier is implanted in Godzilla’s brain in order to bring the giant monster under control. And just in time! In a faraway galaxy, the mutant SpaceGodzilla turns its evil eyes toward earth, planning to terminate Godzilla and conquer the planet for its own. With the Japanese Mafia infiltrating Counter G, the Bureau needs all the help it can get. Will Japan’s greatest enemy Godzilla become its closest ally? Amid all the smoke and high-tech firepower, not even the psychics know for sure! Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla has a run time of approximately 108 minutes and is not rated.

 

 

Godzilla vs. Destroyah + Godzilla vs. Megaguirus

Godzilla vs. Destroyah (1995)

With a super-charged blast from his nuclear past, a new Godzilla emerges from his own ashes, radioactive and ready to take on Tokyo! The great monster’s nuclear energy is increasing by the minute, and a monster meltdown threatens to vaporize the planet. But when mutant micro-organisms unleash a plague of destruction, Godzilla is Japan’s only hope to destroy them. This victory creates Godzilla’s deadliest challenge yet: Destoroyah. And with Godzilla Junior pulled into the ring, only the Super XIII can put the deep freeze on this three-way monster melee. The action is hot and the special effects are chillin’ in this high-tech, high-powered Godzilla thriller!  Godzilla vs. Destoroyah has a run time of approximately 103 minutes and is not rated.

 

Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000)

Five years after Godzilla terrorized the city of Osaka, Japanese scientists have developed a sure-fire way to finally destroy Japan’s monster nemesis. They have created the world’s first man-made black hole, which will trap Godzilla for eternity! But during a testing of this new Dimension Tide, an insect caught in the hole mutates, producing gargantuan eggs that give birth to a new menace:  giant dragonfly monsters called Meganula. Meganula queen, the 50-meter Megaguirus, is also on a hunt for Godzilla, needing to steal his energy to survive. From the sky down to the depths of a city’s underground sewer tunnels, Megaguirus, Godzilla, and humankind battle for supremacy. Who will prevail in this high-tech, three-way battle of terror and destruction?  Godzilla vs. Megaguirus has a run time of approximately 105 minutes and is not rated.

Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. + Godzilla: Final Wars

Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003)

Mechagodzilla, the superior-armed, state-of-the-art, all-robot version of Godzilla, is undergoing repairs after his devastating battle against the world’s monsters.  Twin tiny women appear and warn scientists to stop rebuilding Mechagodzilla but their warning goes unheeded. As the great robot nears completion, a series of mysterious incidents rock the world and awaken Godzilla, who unleashes a reign of terror against Tokyo. Mothra joins him and Japan’s desperate Prime Minister has no choice but to launch the unfinished Mechagodzilla against Mothra and Godzilla.  But who will fight for whom?  And in the end -- will the survivor be monster, robot or man? Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. has a run time of approximately 91 minutes and is not rated.

 

Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)

Godzilla’s 50^th Anniversary project and costliest adventure to date out of 28 films. Earth has been relatively peaceful since Godzilla was successfully buried deep in ice beneath the South Pole.  Then -- sometime a few years hence -- several of his old nemeses return to wreak havoc on cities worldwide. A huge spaceship suddenly appears and neutralizes all the monsters in a blink.  The visitors are “Xiliens,” who take human form and announce they would like to negotiate a peace treaty that would replace the United Nations with a “United Universe.”  They are indeed too good to be true, however.  It doesn’t take long before their nefarious real purpose is exposed -- conquering Earth.  Greatly outmatched, Earth officials decide to de-freeze Godzilla as man’s only hope to vanish the invaders, as well as the monsters they control.  Only trouble is Godzilla is still mad at man for freezing him in the first place.  Godzilla: Final Wars has a run time of approximately 125 minutes and is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence.