Wednesday, April 30, 2014

SYFY DIGITAL ANNOUNCES NEW TRANSMEDIA STORYTELLING INITIATIVES ACROSS SOCIAL, SECOND SCREEN AND DIGITAL EXPERIENCES

SYFY DIGITAL ANNOUNCES NEW TRANSMEDIA STORYTELLING INITIATIVES ACROSS SOCIAL, SECOND SCREEN AND DIGITAL EXPERIENCES

 

IN-SHOW AVATAR JOINS HIT SERIES DEFIANCE

 

INTERACTIVE HANDBOOK FOR NEW DRAMA DOMINION

 

SYFY SYNC FOR BROWSERS FOR SHARKNADO 2

 

SYFY NOW AVAILABLE SOON ON ANDROID PHONES AND TABLETS

 

NEW YORK – April 30, 2014 – Building upon its recent transmedia successes,Syfy Digital today announced significant new digital, social and second screen storytelling initiatives including a game-to-TV Avatar joining the cast of the hit seriesDefianceSyfy Now debuting on Android phones and tablets this summer, an interactive handbook to the eagerly anticipated new drama Dominion, and a new web experience for Syfy Sync forSharknado 2 and Defiance.

 

Syfy also announced its first original digital comedy series Underlings, a workplace comedy that brings viewers inside a criminal organization. The cast includes Joseph Gatt (Game of Thrones’ wildling leader Styr, Magnar of Thenn) and Jessica Chobot (Attack of the Show).

 

In making the announcement, Michael Engleman, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Digital and Global Brand Strategy, Syfy, said: “Today we think about digital as a core part of our content experience, rather than a companion part. Our storytelling strategy rests on three pillars: enabling greater participation so that fans can influence content and programming, extending the ‘first screen’ story to provide a deeper, richer narrative experience, and, lastly, providing greater access to what goes on behind the scenes. The net result is a more multi-screen brand of storytelling for a fan base that absolutely craves it.” 

 

NEW SYFY DIGITAL INITIATIVES

 

DEFIANCE

In-Show Avatar

Season 2, premiering June 19, will feature a new character based on an actual player's in-game avatar. The winner of the "Play the Game, Join the Show Contest" was revealed on Facebook in a video by the show's executive producer, Kevin Murphy, in September. The live-action character based on the winner's avatar will be joining the show's cast this summer.

 

The Defiant Few

Defiance is unveiling a new way for fans to interact with the show online and via social in Season 2. Starting with premiere, every week, viewers will be invited to participate in a parallel storyline where they'll be encouraged to take on "missions" consisting of web-based casual games and challenges that will propel this storyline and give viewers a chance to win substantial real-world prizes.

 

DOMINION

Citizen's Handbook – A Guide to Vega

Created by the series' writers, Citizen's Handbook – A Guide to Vega will provide an immersive, interactive guide/handbook to the fictional city of Vega, featuring exclusive video and multimedia content created specifically for this experience. It will allow viewers to delve into the rich mythology of Dominion weeks before the series premieres on-screen on Syfy June 19.

 

FACE OFF

Earlier in the year, Syfy enjoyed great success with the Opposite Worlds Twitter Popularity Index, which created a new means of interacting with a competition reality show via social media. Kalev H. Leetaru utilized his patented research methods technology to measure the “social sentiment” around the contestants on the showproducing the weekly rankings from “most popular” to “least popular.” Syfy will now use the next generation of that innovative technology and apply it to Season 7 of its highest-rated unscripted series Face Off, giving viewers the ability to directly affect the outcome of the show by cheering for, or talking smack about, players on the show via Twitter in natural-language tweets.

 

UNDERLINGS

This new 10-episode live action original digital series, produced by Universal Cable Productions and More Media, is a workplace comedy that takes viewers inside the criminal organization, G.O.R.I.L.LA. (Global Oppression, Rebellion, Intelligence, Larceny, and LAsers), and introduces them to the three guys who make sure the printer is stocked with toner, organize the office karaoke night and keep the death rays deadly. Syfy’s first original digital comedy stars Jonathan Howard, Chris Mena and Tony Vitale with Jessica Chobot (Nerdist News), Michael Naughton (Kirby Buckets, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), James Adomian (Comedy Bang Bang@midnight) and Joseph Gatt (Game of ThronesBanshee).

 

TVE

Syfy Now apps

Beginning this summer, Syfy Now appswill be available on Android phones and tablets, joining Syfy.com (web), iOS and Win8. Syfy Now will also add the ability to watch episodes in-browser with Syfy Synccontent appearing alongside, extending Sync to yet another platform.

 

These new Syfy Digital second screen concepts build upon the recent success of:

 

·         Helix’s Access Granted, where viewers were granted access to the Ilaria Corporation's computer systems via a rich media web and mobile experience where they could interact with video, images and audio clips revealing information about characters and plotlines, generating 1.3 million page views;

·         Syfy Sync – Launched in Aug 2012 on tablets with over 200k installs to date, the Syfy Sync app expanded to smartphones in March. Currently over 100 episodes fromSyfy shows such as Face Off,Defiance and Jim Henson's Creature Shop Challenge are now sync-enabled - all featuring rich content that viewers can only get in this synchronized experience. Syfy Sync is adding a new experience for desktop and mobile web browsers this summer, starting withDefiance Season 2 and Sharknado 2.

 

SYFY ANNOUNCES DIVERSE NEW UNSCRIPTED REALITY SLATE

SYFY ANNOUNCES DIVERSE NEW UNSCRIPTED REALITY SLATE

 

DOCUSERIES ABOUT BILLIONAIRES, HORROR HOUSES, PYROTECHNICS AND CONFRONTING THE APOCALYPSE

 

NEW YORK – April 30, 2014 – Syfy today announced a compelling and bold new unscripted development slate of seven projects featuring docuseries about family run horror houses and a special effects pyrotechnics company, Silicon Valley billionaires, fascinating men and women confronting the apocalypse, to the geek pub quiz phenomenon and surviving a disaster – alone.

 

NEW SYFY UNSCRIPTED SERIES DEVELOPMENT

 

Adam + Eve (WT) – Adam + Eve follows three individual and uniquely-paired couples – all meeting one another for the first time – to experience isolation in separate remote locations over the course of 90 days without any other human contact. As their psyches and bodies are tested by the need to survive, the social experiment will examine the dynamic between two people who have only each other for comfort.

Production Company: Studio Lambert/All3Media America (Undercover Boss, The Million Second Quiz). Executive producers: Stephen Lambert, Greg Goldman, Eli Holzman.

 

Alive and Alone (WT) – Alive and Aloneis a first-person POV survival show where, each episode, the “lone survivor” of a remote disaster must use wits, along with whatever can be carried from the wreckage, to make it out alive over the course of nine days. The survivor will self-document the journey while also wearing the latest in biofeedback technology which will capture how the mind and body copes with the grueling experience.

Production Company: BASE Productions (Haunted Highway, Man vs Cheetah).

Executive Producers: John Brenkus, Mickey Stern.

 

Billion Dollar Club (WT) – What if the odds were 2% massive success and 98% complete failure?  Would you take that bet?  Set in the belly of the beast - Silicon Valley,Billion Dollar Club is a high-adrenaline, high-stakes docu-series that immerses viewers in the brilliant and cutthroat world of today’s most interesting and forward thinking innovators. The series follows two of the world’s most aggressive accelerator programs: the software concentrated, 500 Startups, led by the relentless drill sergeant Dave McClure; and the hardware focused, Highway 1, headed by quirky genius Brady Forrest, as they guide, challenge, inspire and push a select group of startup companies on a quest to get their innovative ideas off the ground. Who is sitting on the next big thing? A billionaire may be born - launched or sent home!  

Produced by Zero Point Zero Production, Inc. (Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown, The Getaway, The Hunt). Executive producers: Lydia Tenaglia, Christopher Collins.

 

Family Affects (WT) – A comedic workplace docuseries following the misadventures of a fiery family-run special effects pyrotechnics company in Hollywood. The show centers around Tom Ceglia, his five kids and their crazy uncle Al as Tom prepares the next generation for his retirement and decides who will take the reins of the business. Will it be his clever-yet-unmotivated son or his outspoken-and-underprepared daughter? In an industry strangled by big digital effects, this family survives and thrives on controlling deadly forces of nature -- but can they survive each other? These loud characters blow things up for popular TV shows, commercials, music videos, and live events, all while managing the quirky antics that will solidify their place as America’s most explosive family.

Production Company: Angel Valley Media. Executive Producers: Matt Lewis and Aaron Sherry

 

Fantasy Makers (WT) – Fantasy Makersis a family docuseries following the loud, energetic and colorful cast of characters who own and operate one of New York City’s premiere haunted attractions, Blood Manor. When they’re not scaring up city dwellers, the cast is out planning wild-themed events for clients, allowing their most extreme and imaginative fantasies to come to life. Production Company: Vidiots. Executive Producers: Michael Amoia, Anthony Amoia.

 

Geeks Who Drink – This game show centers around the geek pub quiz phenomenon, in which three quizmasters challenge teams in a live geek trivia battle.

Production Company: Condé Nast Entertainment (The Fashion Fund, Vanity Fair Confidential), Kinetic Content (Digfellas, Betty White’s Off Their Rockers, The Taste).

Executive Producers: Chris Coelen, Dawn Ostroff, Joe LaBracio, Emma Conway. Supervising Producer: John Dicker.

 

The End is Near (WT– This anthology docuseries profiles fascinating men and women who truly believe humanity is on the verge of a sci-fi-like apocalyptic scenario. Whether it’s a robot revolution, unknown super virus or close encounter of the fifth kind, each episode will follow the stories of the brave families or groups of people who have united to take a stand.

Production Company: Hot Snakes Media (Amish Mafia, Breaking Amish)

Executive Producers: Eric Evangelista, Shannon Evangelista.

 

Twins (WT) – Twins is a house reality social experiment testing fraternal twins who claim to have twin ESP. Through a series of twin telepathy challenges and specifically designed house rules, a big twist will reveal a shocking surprise! 

Production company: Electus (King of the Nerds, The Hero). Executive producers: Ben Silverman, Chris Grant, Corie Henson, Jessica Sebastian.

 

SYFY TO DEVELOP FRANK MILLER’S COMIC BOOK SERIES RONIN AND JONATHAN HICKMAN’S GRAPHIC NOVEL PAX ROMANA AS MINISERIES

SYFY TO DEVELOP FRANK MILLER’S COMIC BOOK SERIES RONIN AND JONATHAN HICKMAN’S GRAPHIC NOVEL PAX ROMANA AS MINISERIES

 

NEW YORK – April 30, 2014 – Syfy today announced that it will develop as longform programming Pax Romana, Jonathan Hickman’s graphic novel about a time traveling clash of ages and arms, andRonin, based on Frank Miller’s (300) comic book series, about an avenging samurai.

 

Pax Romana is about a Special Forces team that travels back in time on the eve of World War III to “fix” the future by altering the past. Their destination: Ancient Rome. Roman legions battle modern day attack helicopters, tanks and soldiers, while thought-provoking themes are explored as the leaders of the expedition fight over their vision for civilization. Writers: Matthew Federman & Stephen Scaia (Jericho, Warehouse 13, Human Target). Co-executive producer: Jonathan Hickman. Executive producers: David Alpert of Circle of Confusion (The Walking Dead), Federman and Scaia.  A production of Universal Cable Productions.

 

In Ronin, published by DC Entertainment, eight centuries after a Japanese Ronin samurai failed to protect his master from a demon, he awakens in a futuristic, nihilistic New York in the body of Billy, a medical experiment. Now Billy/Ronin is chasing the demon, which has reawakened. Both parties want control of a sword with magical properties and will stop at nothing to get it back. Studio: Warner Horizon.

 

SYFY ANNOUNCES NEW SCRIPTED DEVELOPMENT SLATE FEATURING ADAPTATIONS OF GRAPHIC NOVELS CLONE AND LETTER 44, AND BOOK SERIES THE MAGICIANS

SYFY ANNOUNCES NEW SCRIPTED DEVELOPMENT SLATE FEATURING ADAPTATIONS OF GRAPHIC NOVELS CLONE AND LETTER 44, AND BOOK SERIES THE MAGICIANS

 

NEW YORK – April 30, 2014 – Building on the momentum of Syfy’s growing slate of cutting edge, provocative original programming, Syfy today announced it was developing adaptations of the graphic novels Clone, from Robert Kirkman and David Alpert (The Walking Dead) andLetter 44, from Jonathan Mostow (Terminator 3), as well as the popular novels The Magicians, based on the book series by Lev Grossman.

 

NEW SCRIPTED SERIES DEVELOPMENT

 

Clone – Based on the best-selling graphic novel. When retired soldier Luke Taylor investigates a break-in at his house, he never expected who the burglar would be: A clone of himself.  Drawn into a vast government conspiracy when his wife is kidnapped, Luke must use all his combat skills and network of military contacts to get to the bottom of the secret biotech program that is responsible and the hidden agenda that goes all the way to the top levels of power. Writer/Executive Producer: David Schulner (Dracula, Ironside). Executive Producers: Robert Kirkman of Skybound Entertainment (Creator, EP, Writer of The Walking Dead) and David Alpert of Circle of Confusion (The Walking Dead). Studio: Universal Television.

 

Letter 44 – Based on the graphic novels of the same name. It is tradition for the preceding President to leave a letter for the newly elected President on the desk of the Oval Office. In this letter, new President Stephen Blades learns this stunning secret: seven years earlier, NASA discovered an alien construction project in the asteroid belt. A crew of heroic astronauts was sent to investigate and they're nearing the conclusion of their epic journey.

Executive Producer/Writer/Director: Jonathan Mostow (Terminator 3). Executive Producers: Eric Gitter (Scott Pilgrim vs the World) and Peter Schwerin (The Flock, Scary Movie 2) from Closed on Mondays.  Executive Producer: Renee Echevarria(4400, Terra Nova). Studio: A co-production of Universal Television and Universal Cable Productions.

 

Magicians – Based on the book series,The Magicians, by Lev Grossmanthe one-hour drama follows a group of 20-somethings in New York who study magic and discover that the magical fantasy world they read about as children is real and poses a grave danger to Earth.

Executive Producers/Writers: Sera Gamble (Supernatural) and John McNamara (Common Law, In Plain Sight). Executive Producer: Michael London (Lola Versus, Milk). Studio: Universal Cable Productions.

 

SYFY ANNOUNCES NEW COMEDIC DOCUSERIES TOWN OF THE LIVING DEAD

SYFY ANNOUNCES NEW COMEDIC DOCUSERIES TOWN OF THE LIVING DEAD

 

PREMIERES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7 AT 10PM

 

NEW YORK – April 30, 2014 – Syfy today announced a new unscripted series, the comedic docuseries Town of the Living Dead (WT), which follows a small Alabama town trying to complete their own independent zombie movie – which has been six years in the making.

 

In Town of the Living Dead, premieringTuesday, October 7 at 10PM, the colorful folks of Jasper, Alabama are determined, once and for all, to complete their zombie movie, Thr33 Days Dead… now six long years in the making. Based on a town urban legend, their film centers on a group of friends trying to survive a zombie apocalypse in rural Alabama. The series will follow the intrepid and motley crew of amateur filmmakers as they struggle against every obstacle imaginable to get to a final cut of their film…which could someday become a movie!

Production company: True Entertainment (The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Season 25: Oprah Behind the Scenes). Executive Producers: Glenda Hersh, Steven Weinstock and David Stefanou.

 

SYFY CONTINUES EXPANSION OF ORIGINAL DRAMA PROGRAMMING WITH NEW SPACE ADVENTURE DRAMA SERIES KILLJOYS

SYFY CONTINUES EXPANSION OF ORIGINAL DRAMA PROGRAMMING WITH NEW SPACE ADVENTURE DRAMA SERIES KILLJOYS

 

FROM THE PRODUCERS OFORPHAN BLACK AND CREATOR OF LOST GIRL

 

10-EPISODE SERIES PREMIERES ON SYFY IN 2015

 

NEW YORK – April 30, 2014 – Continuing a major expansion of its scripted primetime programming schedule, Syfy today announced a new 10-episode space adventure drama series, Killjoys, which will premiere in 2015.

 

From the producers of Orphan Black (Temple Street Productions) and the creator of Lost Girl (Michelle Lovretta), Killjoys follows a fun-loving, hard living trio of interplanetary bounty hunters sworn to remain impartial as they chase deadly warrants throughout the Quad, a distant system on the brink of a bloody, multiplanetary class war.

 

Killjoys will join Syfy’s existing hitsDefianceHelix and Haven, and the upcoming series DominionAscension,The Expanse and 12 Monkeys.

 

Said Dave Howe, President, Syfy: “With its explosive action, smartly-drawn characters, and fun and provocative story-lines,Killjoys has all the ingredients to make it the perfect complement to our expanding slate of quality science fiction drama series.”

 

Said Killjoys executive producers: David Fortier, Ivan Schneeberg: “We are delighted to have Killjoys on Syfy in the U.S. It is our first project with them and the perfect home for this compelling, futuristic series packed with suspense and provocative storylines.”

 

Creator/executive producer/showrunner: Michelle Lovretta (Lost Girl, The Secret Circle). Producer: Temple Street Productions (Orphan Black, Being Erica).Killjoys is produced by Temple Street Productions (Orphan Black, Being Erica) in association with Syfy and Bell Media/Space. Executive producers: David Fortier, Ivan Schneeberg/Temple Street Productions. International distribution via Universal Cable Productions. 

 

Bell Media/Space originally ordered the series and will air Killjoys in Canada.

 

ANOTHER CITY WILL FACE TOTAL DESTRUCTION WHENSHARKNADO 3 PREMIERES ON SYFY IN SUMMER 2015

ANOTHER CITY WILL FACE TOTAL DESTRUCTION WHENSHARKNADO 3 PREMIERES ON SYFY IN SUMMER 2015

 

NEW ORIGINAL MOVIE TO BE PRODUCED BY THE ASYLUM

 

NEW YORK – April 30, 2014 – Los Angeles and New York were not enough!Syfy and The Asylum today announced that yet another city will be devoured by flying sharks when the new Original MovieSharknado 3 premieres on Syfy in Summer 2015.

 

But which city will it be…?

 

This latest installment in the global pop culture sensation will once again be produced by The Asylum.

 

Sharknado 2: The Second One, starring Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, Vivica A. Fox, Mark McGrath, Kari Wuhrer and Judah Friedlander, and directed by Anthony C. Ferrante, will premiere on SyfyWednesday, July 30 at 9PM (ET/PT).

 

In Sharknado 2, a freak weather system turns its deadly fury on New York City, unleashing a Sharknado on the population and its most cherished, iconic sites – and only Fin (Ian Ziering) and April (Tara Reid) can save the Big Apple.

 

And what will happen in Sharknado 3…?

TRICIA HELFER (BATTLESTAR GALACTICA) WILL STAR IN NEW SYFY ORIGINAL EVENT SERIES ASCENSION

TRICIA HELFER (BATTLESTAR GALACTICA) WILL STAR IN NEW SYFY ORIGINAL EVENT SERIES ASCENSION

NEW YORK – April 30, 2014 – Syfy today announced that Tricia Helfer, who played the humanoid Cylon “Number Six” in the iconic award-winning series Battlestar Galactica, will star in the channel’s new original, six hour event series Ascension.

 

Helfer will play the beautiful, manipulative and dangerous “Viondra Denniger.” Viondra regards herself as a not-so-secret power broker aboard the Ascension. As the Captain’s wife, Viondra is afforded a position of power and privilege, which she leverages as the Ship’s Chief Steward.

 

In 1963, the U.S. government launched a covert space mission sending hundreds of men, women and children on a century-long voyage aboard the starship Ascension to populate a new world. Nearly 50 years into the journey, as they approach the point of no return, the mysterious murder of a young woman causes the ship’s population to question the true nature of their mission.

 

Ascension is an ambitious original drama created and written by Philip Levens (Smallville) who will serve as Executive Producer and Showrunner. The series will be produced in Montreal, QC by Sea To Sky Studios in association with Blumhouse Productions. Jason Blum (StrandedThe River, film franchises Paranormal Activityand The Purge) and Mark Stern are Executive Producers on the project along with Ivan Fecan, Tim Gamble and Brett Burlock on behalf of Sea To Sky Studios. The event series will be co-financed and distributed by Universal Cable Productions and Lionsgate Television.

 

Ascension is slated to launch in November 2014 and air through December.

 


Star Trek: Enterprise Season Four Blu-ray Disc Set Review

The fourth season of Star Trek: Enterprise was in my opinion the best of the entire series. It usually takes two or three seasons for a drama to really come into it's own and then it either keeps getting better or has an up and down swing. Some shows start so good that after the first season, due to circumstances partially out of the show's production team and network's control, the program is never able to capture that magic it had again. 

Enterprise, now officially known for all four seasons as Star Trek: Enterprise was different. While the first two seasons have some good episodes, those seasons just were not as interesting as the third season with it's year long Xindi story arc and then Manny Cotto stepped in at season four into the seat previously belonging to Brannon Braga and he made the fourth season the best season because besides being a fan of Star Trek himself, he remained as true as possible to the cannon and even bought on Star Trek novelists into the writing staff. Then he tried to resolve issues between Star Trek: Enterprise and Star Trek: The Original Series and if the show had not ended it's run just before merger between UPN and TheWB that formed TheCW, I think Star Trek: Enterprise could have gone down as one of the best Star Trek series produced because Manny Cotto had more story ideas related to the original series and wanted to do the Earth Romulan War in the next season and eventually show how the Federation was formed afterwards. He also had another story idea set in the mirror universe and there had been talks for William Shatner to appear in an episode related to the mirror universe that never came to fruition. Unfortunately an additional three seasons simply were not going to happen so they drew the series to a close knowing this as best as possible. As it is, I think many fans of the series would agree that Enterprise definitely ended as a better television show than it started.

After resolving the cliffhanger and the Temporal Cold War storyline that had run through previous seasons, Enterprise focused itself on several multipart episode mini story arcs that tie up and answer questions so beautifully that it not only jells well with what we have come to know in Star Trek: The Original Series, but it also paid off on questions and elusive answers that go through to both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine.

Among the story arcs are one regarding a group of augments or genetically enhanced humans that easily commandeer a Klingon Bird of Prey and set about freeing the human descendent of Dr. Noonian Soong, who believes that with the correct genetic manipulation and behavior, Augments could rise above their unstable and aggressive nature. Brent Spiner guest starred to play the man whose work ultimately has ramifications for many things to come, including starting the research that two hundred years down the line will not only lead to the creation of Mr. Data, but even on Deep Space Nine, Augments not only prove useful in assisting the Federation in the Dominion War, but we learn that Doctor Bashir is in fact an Augment in his own right, but he displays none of the psychosis inherent within early twenty fourth, twenty third and twenty second century eugenics creations encountered in various incarnations of Star Trek. In fact one could say that Manny Coto's work and guidance of the other writers that were on staff during the production of the fourth season of Star Trek: Enterprise gave the Bashir revelation on Deep Space Nine more of a payoff since he is perhaps the closest to genetically enhanced human that Soong had set out to bring forth.

The augment story arc leads to another story arc that ultimately explains why the Klingons of The Original Series look different from their counterparts before and after and even adds an extra but of already existent comedic punch as well as a greater understanding as to why when Mr. Worf is asked why the Klingons of Kirk's era look different, Worf simply replies something along the lines of "We don't speak of it" in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "Trials And Tribble-ations."

Other story arcs reveal why the Vulcans of Enterprise behave differently than the Vulcans of the other shows, events that prelude the Earth Romulan War and ultimately lead to a union of four galactic governments that eventually leads to the foundation of the United Federation of Planets. There are also story arcs exploring the mirror universe as well as an anti alien movement threat that features Section 31, which handles covert operations within Star Fleet and was originally introduced in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Some episodes are actually connected to episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series and The Next Generation showing things going on at the same time those episodes are supposed to take place. Among the guest stars besides Brent Spiner are Alec Newman, Peter Weller, Peter Mensah, Jonathan Frakes, Mirina Sirtis and WWE Wrestler, The Big Show.

All twenty two season four episodes of Star Trek: Enterprise are presented across six discs in their 1080p/24fps (1.78:1) widescreen aspect ratio, the way they were meant to be seen. Some matte effects don't hold up after a decade, but Enterprise remains the best looking Star Trek TV series on Blu-ray Disc because it was shot in high definition video. A vibrant English DTS-HD MA 5.1 Surround Soundtrack is provided for all twenty two episodes too along with a German Language Dubbed Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Soundtrack and French and Japanese Language Stereo Surround Dubbed Soundtrack options. English Subtitles for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired and French, German, Japanese and Dutch Language Subtitles are encoded as options across all six Blu-ray Discs.

New features exclusive to this Blu-ray set include new episode length audio commentaries on six episodes as well as two audio commentaries and three text commentaries carried over from the original DVD set. Before Her Time: Decommissioning Enterprise is a brand new four part feature length documentary covering Manny Cotto's approach to the fourth season in "New Voices" (26:49), Memorable Voyages (28:42), the series ending, which concluded 18 years of first run Star Trek airing on broadcast television in "End Of An Era" (29:44) and the somewhat controversial approach toward the series finale, which was written by Brannon Braga and Rick Berman, which divided fan opinion and even left cast member Jolene Blalock still wondering whether or not anything on the show ever truly happened or was it all a holo program in "Final Approach" (30:05).

A recently recorded interesting feature length discussion of the series entitled "In-Conversation - Deconstructing Enterprise" (1:29:52) with Brannon Braga, Mike Sussman, Andre Bormanis, David Goodman, Chris Black, Phyllis Strong, and Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens wraps up the new extras included within the six-disc set. The rest of the standard definition carry overs include deleted and extended scenes, mission logs, original editing and script gallery, visual effects magic, legacy links, Enterprise secrets, the series wrap, featurettes on alien characters created for the show, the set animals, outtakes, a photo gallery and ten NX-01 files.

The interactive menus are all well rendered and easy to navigate. Approximately nine minutes of trailers for other Star Trek Blu-ray titles precede the main menu on disc one. Star Trek: Enterprise: Season Four on Blu-ray Disc is truly a stellar set to own and is available now at retailers on and offline courtesy of CBS Blu-ray and Paramount Home Entertainment.

(C) Copyright 2014 By Mark Rivera
All Rights Reserved.


Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Max Van Sydow Rules!


My friend Jay West originally posted this so credit goes to him, but I just love it even more now that it has taken on a whole new meaning since the earlier Star Wars casting announcement today. :)

LUCASFILM, DISNEY CONSUMER PRODUCTS &NEFF ANNOUNCE STAR WARS LEGION.

LUCASFILM, DISNEY CONSUMER PRODUCTS &NEFF ANNOUNCE STAR WARS LEGION      

Stormtrooper Helmets Reimagined by Celebrities & Artistswill be on Display

in Celebration of the Global Fan Holiday, May the 4th  

   

San FranciscoApril 28, 2014Lucasfilm, Disney Consumer Products and Neff announced today the upcoming Star WarsLegion exhibitionArtists from across The Walt Disney Company including Lucasfilm, Industrial Light and Magic, Marvel and Pixar—as well as select street artists chosen by Neff and celebrity Star Wars fans –all come together to createindividualized interpretations of the iconic stormtrooper helmet in celebration of the global fan holiday, Star Wars Day or“May the 4th be with you.”

 

“Creativity has been a hallmark of the Star Wars franchise for over 35 years,” said Troy AldersLucasfilm Creative Director for Disney Consumer Products. “May the 4th is a perfect time to celebrate this fantastic group of artist’s unique creations and share them with Star Wars fans.”

 

“As a lifelong Star Wars fan, it’s been a dream of mine to collaborate with Lucasfilm,” says NEFF Founder and CEO, Shaun Neff.   “Teaming up with some of the most prominent street artists from around the world, we are thrilled to workalongside The Walt Disney Company—to re-imagine such an iconic piece of cinematic history as the stormtrooper.”

 

Exhibition details to view the decorated, customized helmets,for free:

WHERE:Robert Vargas Gallery

620 Main Street

Los Angeles 90013

 

WHEN:Friday, May 2nd 4:00pm – 8:00pm

Saturday, May 3rd 2:00pm – 6:00pm

Sunday, May 4: Noon – 4:00pm

 

For more about Star Wars Legion, visit StarWars.com

Star Wars Episode VII Cast Officially Announced!

The Following Comes Courtesy Of Star Wars.Com.
.

The Star Wars team is thrilled to announce the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Director J.J. Abrams says, "We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud."

Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.


Monday, April 28, 2014

MASTERS OF SEX: SEASON ONE Available on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital June 24

For Immediate Release

 

 

"Masters of Sex is nuanced, intelligently acted, and swellegantly directed…I highly recommend it.” 

--Time Magazine, James Poniewozik

 

Starring Michael Sheen & Lizzy Caplan as Masters & Johnson


MASTERS OF SEX: SEASON ONE

 

 

Available on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital June 24

 

Bonus Features Include Commentary with the Cast & Crew,

Deleted Scenes & Five All-New Making-of Featurettes

 

 

CULVER CITY, Calif. (April 28, 2014) – Witness the start of the sexual revolution when Sony Pictures Home Entertainment releases the first season of the hit Showtime drama, MASTERS OF SEX, available on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital June 24.  The smart, stylish and seductive series, which premiered September 2013 to glowing reviews, chronicles the work and after-hours lives of the science of human sexuality’s pioneers, William Masters and Virginia Johnson. Michael Sheen (Midnight in Paris) portrays the brilliant and renowned fertility specialist (Golden Globe® nominated for his role) and Lizzy Caplan (Mean Girls) is the former nightclub entertainer who becomes his invaluable partner.  Based on the book by Thomas Maier, the first season also features a top-notch ensemble cast. Costarring in the series isCaitlin FitzGerald (It’s Complicated), Teddy Sears (TV’s “American Horror Story”) and Nicholas D'Agosto (Final Destination 5). Guest stars in the series include Beau Bridges (The Descendants), Julianne Nicholson (August: Osage County) and Allison Janney (TV’s “Mom”).

 

All 12 episodes will be available on the four-disc Blu-ray and DVD sets for MASTERS OF SEX: SEASON ONE, along with compelling special features, including deleted scenes and five never-before-seen featurettes.  The all-new featurettes explore the real Masters and Johnson, their contributions to the science of human sexual behavior, and the actors’ process in developing their characters, as well as the creative team’s efforts in making the show.

 

 

Synopsis

Masters of Sex stars Golden Globe® and BAFTA Award nominee Michael Sheen and acclaimed actress Lizzy Caplan, who portray the real-life pioneers of the science of human sexuality, William Masters and Virginia Johnson. The series chronicles the unusual lives, romance and pop culture trajectory of Masters and Johnson and the effect their research had on the family and colleagues around them. Their study ignited a sexual revolution and took them from a Midwestern teaching hospital in St. Louis to the cover of Time magazine. Masters of Sex also stars Caitlin FitzGerald, Teddy Sears and Nicholas D’Agosto, and guest stars two-time Golden Globe® winner Beau Bridges.

 

DVD Special Features:

·         Commentary on the Pilot episode with Michael Sheen, Lizzy Caplan, Caitlin FitzGerald, Teddy Sears, Michelle Ashford & Sarah Timberman

·         Three All-New Featurettes:

o    Making Masters of Sex – A behind-the-scenes exploration on the creation of the series – from inception through production. 

o   A Masterful Portrayal: Michael Sheen as Dr. Masters – Celebrated actor Michael Sheen discusses why he found Masters such a great character to portray, what he learned during his research into the role, and what the greatest challenges were in portraying Dr. Masters.

o   Ahead of Her Time: Lizzy Caplan as Virginia Johnson -- Lizzy speaks in depth about her research for the role and the secret to playing opposite a ‘master’ like Michael Sheen.

·         Deleted Scenes

 

Blu-ray Exclusive Special Features:

·         All Bonus Content Included on the DVD, Plus Two Additional, Exclusive Featurettres:

o   The Real Masters: A Conversation with Thomas Maier –Masters of Sex is based upon the biography of Masters and Johnson by acclaimed biographer Thomas Maier.  In this featurette, Maier shares some of the most amazing discoveries he made about the lives of Masters and Johnson while researching them for his book.  Maier also talks about the extraordinary influence that Masters and Johnson have had on American culture in general.

o   Surprising Facts About Sex: The Masters’ Great Discoveries—In Masters of Sex, Masters and Johnson embark upon years of deep scientific research into human sexual behavior.  This featurette reviews some of the most surprising and shocking discoveries they made about sex.