Friday, April 28, 2017
THE GODFATHER 45th Anniversary Blu-ray
Coming To Blu-ray on May 9, 2017, to celebrate the 45th anniversary you can't refuse.
Thursday, April 27, 2017
The Handmaid's Tale: Hulu Original TV Series Premiere Review.
Religious persecution of Catholics is rampant as the new government only recognizes the Old Testament of the Bible and uses it as a justification for the harsh penalties placed upon it's citizens. For reasons no one is completely certain, the population of the world has diminished and sterility is rampant. In order for this government to survive, it needs children to indoctrinate. Thus fertile women are conscripted and brainwashed into becoming Handmaids. Handmaids serve the elite and powerful of this society by acting as surrogates to conceive children for the elite assignments they are sent to. Typically a Handmaid is given three assignments. If she does not conceive within these three appointments, she is sent to a place referred to as the Colonies, where the undesirables of this society are worked to death cleaning toxic wastes. Few survive a year there.
Offred (Elisabeth Moss) is a Handmaid in
the Commander’s household. Offred navigates between Commanders, their cruel Wives, domestic Marthas, and her fellow Handmaids – where anyone could be a spy for regime – all with one goal: to survive and find the daughter that was taken from her.
Elisabeth Moss plays Offred with a sense of dignity and she has a natural earthly beauty about her that suits her characterization well. The cast also features Joseph Fiennes, Yvonne Strahovski, Samira Wiley, Alexis Bledel, Max Minghella, Madeline Brewer, Ann Dowd, and O-T Fagbenle.
This is probably one of the most chilling dystopian science fiction series running on streaming television outside of The Man In The High Castle. There are some departures from the book, but in some ways I found the series more faithful too. How this will progress into an ongoing series beyond one season is a bit of what troubles me about the show though with ten episodes planned for this season, I am guessing there will have to be departures to open up the world from the book without it becoming repetitive. The first three episodes are now streaming on HULU with the fourth and others to follow in the coming weeks. This is intended for mature audiences and is not child friendly so parental discretion is strongly advised. Atwood is a participant in the series presentation. The Handmaid's Tale is streaming now only on HULU.
(C) Copyright 2017 By Mark A. Rivera.
All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
The DC Super Hero Girls Creative Team Free Comic Book Day Signing - May 6
THE DC SUPER HERO GIRLS CREATIVE TEAM CELEBRATES FREE COMIC BOOK DAY WITH FAN SIGNINGS AT EARTH-2 COMICS
Shea Fontana, Yancey Labat and Monica Kubina To Participate in Free Comic Book Day On May 6With Two Signings at Earth-2 Comics
WHAT: Join Shea Fontana, Yancey Labat and Monica Kubina, the creative team behind the New York Times bestselling DC Super Hero Girls graphic novel series for a can’t-miss signing event. Fans won’t want to miss the DC SUPER HERO GIRLS Free Comic Book Day issue, which includes a sneak peek of SUMMER OLYMPUS due out this summer, and their chance to meet the writer and artists behind the critically acclaimed series at Earth-2 Comics’ Northridge and Sherman Oaks locations on Free Comic Book Day, May 6th.
DC Super Hero Girls is an exciting new universe of superhero storytelling that builds character and confidence and empowers girls to discover their true potential. Starring Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, Bumblebee and Batgirl, the special Free Comic Book Day issue features an exciting, action-packed story from the upcoming original graphic novel DC SUPER HERO GIRLS: SUMMER OLYMPUS, out on June 27th, that readers of all ages will enjoy.
In addition, DC Comics will also be giving away a WONDER WOMAN Free Comic Book Day issue on May 6th. New York Times best-selling writer Greg Rucka and fan-favorite artist Nicola Scott weave the definitive and shocking tale of Diana's first year as Earth's protector. Paradise has been breached, Ares stirs, and the Amazons must answer with a champion of their own...one who is willing to sacrifice her home amongst her sisters to save a world she has never seen. Wonder Woman's journey begins in this epic origin story.
No purchase or wristbands necessary to attend.
WHO: Shea Fontana, Yancey Labat andMonica Kubina – Writer, illustrator and colorist of DC SUPER HERO GIRLS FREE COMIC BOOK DAY SPECIAL EDITION #1
WHERE: Earth-2 Comics Earth-2 Comics
8967 Reseda Blvd. 15017 Ventura Blvd.
Northridge, CA 91324 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
WHEN: Saturday May 6, 2017
11am-12:30pm (Northridge), 2:30-4pm (Sherman Oaks)
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
SIFF TO HONOR ANJELICA HUSTON WITH CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN ACTING AWARD
SIFF TO HONOR ANJELICA HUSTON WITH CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN ACTING AWARD
One-Night-Only Event Includes On-Stage Interview and Screening
SEATTLE, WA -- April 25, 2017 --The Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) will honor Anjelica Huston during this year’s 43rd edition and include the world premiere of her newest film, Trouble, written and directed by Theresa Rebeck. Taking place on Wednesday, June 7th at the historic SIFF Cinema Egyptian, the event will begin with an on-stage interview with Huston, followed by a screening of her new film which she both stars in and executive produced.
Anjelica Huston is a powerhouse of a woman whose career has spanned over 50 years: through modeling, film, television, and on the page. Born into the family of renowned film director John Huston, and legendary grandfather Walter Huston, Anjelica was sure to make a splash in the industry with both her unique beauty and strong presence. Over the past 50 years, Huston’s most notable roles have included Lilly Dillon in The Grifters, Maerose Prizzi in Prizzi’s Honor (in which she won an Academy Award® for Best Actress in a Supporting Role), Miss Eva Ernst in The Witches, Morticia Addams in the cult classic The Addams Family, Etheline Tennenbaum in Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tennenbaums, and most recently as Vicky on the Golden Globe winning comedy-drama Transparent.
In her new film Trouble, Anjelica Huston stars alongside Bill Pullman as a feuding brother and sister whose differences entangle the fate of an old friend, played by David Morse. Both written and directed by Theresa Rebeck (creator ofSmash) and executive-produced by Huston, Trouble features strong performances that illuminate the honest realities of familial obligations and misunderstandings. Trouble also stars: Julia Stiles, Jim Parrack, Brian d'Arcy James, and Victor Williams.
Sarah Wilke, SIFF’s Executive Director says, “It is an honor to welcome such a talented, exquisite, and tenacious actress to this year’s festival. Anjelica Huston has graced the theater screen for many years and we at SIFF are elated to celebrate her success as an artist with our Career Achievement in Acting Award.”
In addition to the Tribute event and screening of Trouble, the Seattle International Film Festival will present two films pivotal to Huston’s career: The Grifters and The Witches. Preceding the Tribute event, The Grifters will screen on June 7th and The Witches will screen on June 10th. The complete Festival lineup will be announced on Wednesday, May 3. Box office sales for single tickets open online, by phone, and in person for the general public on Thursday, May 4, with special advance access to SIFF members on Wednesday, May 3.
Trouble was produced by Theresa Rebeck, Rachel Dengiz, Julie Buck, and Jaclyn Bashoff. WME Entertainment will be selling domestic rights while GPM will be handling the film’s international rights.
The 43rd annual Seattle International Film Festival Tribute is presented in part by: Sole Repair Shop, Ste Michelle Wine Estates, and Lagunitas Brewing Company.
The 2017 Festival runs May 18 through June 11 at venues in Seattle and surrounding cities.
ABOUT SIFF
Founded in 1976, SIFF creates experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world with the Seattle International Film Festival, SIFF Cinema, and SIFF Education. Recognized as one of the top film festivals in North America, the Seattle International Film Festival is the largest, most highly attended film festival in the United States, reaching more than 155,000 annually. The 25-day festival is renowned for its wide-ranging and eclectic programming, presenting over 400 features, short films, and documentaries from over 80 countries each year. SIFF Cinema exhibits premiere theatrical engagements, repertory, classic, and revival film showings 365 days a year on five screens at the SIFF Cinema Uptown, SIFF Cinema Egyptian, and SIFF Film Center, reaching more than 175,000 attendees annually. SIFF Education offers educational programs for all audiences serving more than 13,000 students and youth in the community with free programs each year.
Monday, April 24, 2017
TNT Programming Alert Week of May 7, 2017
TNT Programming Alert
Week of May 7, 2017
American Race: Sneak Preview and Two-Night Television Event
Episode 1: "Baltimore Rising" – Preview Sunday, May 7, at 11:30 p.m.(ET/PT); Series Premiere Thursday, May 11, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)
In the premiere episode of American Race, Barkley sets off on a heartfelt journey across the country to discuss race in America. His first stop is Baltimore, Md., a city that became central to the Black Lives Matter Movement when riots broke out following the death of African-American Freddie Gray, who died because of injuries sustained in police custody. Barkley embeds with the community and police in Baltimore, hoping to bring both sides together in search of solutions.
Episode 2: "Muslim is the New Black" – Thursday, May 11, at 10 p.m.(ET/PT)
With America still reeling from Trump's immigration ban and anti-Muslim sentiment at a boiling point, Barkley tries to understand the state of Muslim-American relations across the country. He heads to Irving, Texas, the most diverse zip code in America, and finds the city in turmoil as a local ordinance banning "foreign laws" has upset its Muslims citizens. In addition, anti-Muslim groups have staged armed protests against a local mosque. Barkley meets with Muslim-Americans, militants and local lawmakers, some threatening the local mosque and others defending it, to find out what is at the root of the fear of Muslims in America.
Episode 3: "Entertainment Still So White" – Friday, May 12, at 9 p.m.(ET/PT)
With the country racially divided, Barkley travels to Los Angeles to understand how images of race are impacting everyone. He talks to entertainment industry professionals and consumers about the stereotypes they see on TV and in movies. He meets with media makers, from Korean-American rapper Dumbfoundead, artist-entrepreneur Ice Cube, to legendary writer/producer Norman Lear to gather perspectives on how to change the media’s portrayals of race. He asks if it's racist to laugh at racial stereotypes when he visits with pioneering comedy troop The Upright Citizens Brigade.
Episode 4: "The Divided States of America" – Friday, May 12, at 10 p.m.(ET/PT)
For the last stop of his journey on American Race, Barkley takes his exploration to Atlanta, the cradle of the Civil Rights movement, to explore how the country has become so divided. When he arrives, he finds the city embroiled in debate over immigration. He meets undocumented residents and civic leaders who use social media to organize their opposition to new immigration policies. He explores how racism is inflaming the current political debate, leading to the rise of the alt-right founded by Richard Spencer with whom Barkley has a vehement conversation. And at the Center for Civil and Human Rights, Barkley reunites with the friends he's met on his journey and gets an audience with C.T. Vivian, a legend of the civil rights movement.
INJUSTICE 2 WITH MUST-WATCH LIVE STREAM EVENT APRIL 28
DC ALL ACCESS CELEBRATES UPCOMING RELEASE OF
INJUSTICE 2 WITH MUST-WATCH LIVE STREAM EVENT APRIL 28
Join ARROW’s Echo Kellum, DC’s Jim Lee, Nerdist News’ Jessica Chobot, Machinima’s Chloe Dykstra, INJUSTICE 2 Comic Writer Tom Taylor, and NetherRealm Studios Creative Director Ed Boon, for Exclusive Sneak Peaks, Character Reveals And More!
The wait is almost over! In anticipation of the May 16 release of Injustice 2, DC All Access is hosting a special live event full of celebrity, carnage and comics. Broadcasting straight from Machinima Studios in Los Angeles, the special episode will stream live Friday, April 28th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. PST.
In partnership with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, the Injustice 2 live stream will include special appearances by Echo Kellum, star of The CW’s Arrow, DC Entertainment Publisher Jim Lee, Nerdist News host Jessica Chobot, Machinima host Chloe Dykstra, and legendary programmer and NetherRealm Studios Creative Director Ed Boon, all to celebrate the forthcoming super-powered sequel to the hit game Injustice: Gods Among Us. DC All Access personalities Jason Inman, Whitney Moore and Hector Navarro will host the event.
Featuring exclusive character reveals and gameplay footage, writer Tom Taylor will also join to discuss the new INJUSTICE 2 prequel comic inspired by the upcoming game. The newest game in development from the award-winning NetherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment features a massive roster of DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains and allows players to build and power up the ultimate version of their favorite DC characters.
Injustice 2 will be available for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One on May 16, 2017. New episodes of DC All Access can be viewed via DC Entertainment’s official YouTube page here: https://www.youtube.com/user/DCEntertainmentTV
PURE COUNTRY: PURE HEART All-New New Feature Film Is Available for The First Time On DVD, Blu-ray ComboTM Pack & Digital HD August 1, 2017
Their Music Will Keep A Hero's Dreams Alive
PURE COUNTRY: PURE HEART
All-New New Feature Film Is Available for The First Time
On DVD, Blu-ray ComboTM Pack & Digital HD August 1, 2017
BURBANK, CA (April 24th, 2017) – Kick up your boots and get ready to sing your heart out as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and WWE® Studios bring you a touching, tune-filled All-American tale of family in Pure Country: Pure Heart on August 1, 2017. Featuring country music icon Willie Nelson, Tony Award nominee Laura Bell Bundy, WWE Legend Shawn Michaels in a feature-length film filled with both new and popular songs, Pure Country: Pure Heart is priced to own on DVD ($18.94 SRP), Blu-ray Combo Pack ($24.98 SRP) and Digital HD ($19.99 SRP). The DVD and Blu-ray Combo Pack are available exclusively at Walmart.
Directed by Damon Santostefano (Another Cinderella Story, Three To Tango) from a script by New York Times best-selling author Holly Goldberg Sloan (Angels in the Outfield, Made in America), Pure Country: Pure Heart is the newest installment of the adored Pure Country franchise and also stars Kaitlyn Bausch (One Life To Live), Cozi Zuehlsdorff (Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale 2), Amanda Detmer (Final Destination), Dara Sisterhen (Dog with a Blog, Switched At Birth), Mathew Barnes (Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk), Myra Turley (Flags of Our Fathers), famed singer-songwriter Ivan Neville, and Ronny Cox (Deliverance, Total Recall, Robocop). Pure Country: Pure Heart is produced by Hunt Lowry (Pure Country 2: The Gift, A Time to Kill, A Walk to Remember) and executive produced by President of WWE Studios, Michael Luisi (Fighting with My Family, Oculus, The Call).
The DVD, Blu-ray and Digital HD release of Pure Country: Pure Heart will include the all-new original movie, as well as exciting enhanced content featuring a music video with Willie Nelson, interviews with the cast, behind-the-scenes featurettes and more.
Pure Country: Pure Heart is the moving, music-driven tale of teenage sisters Ada and Piper. Upon discovering a letter about their late father, a Marine who died in Iraq, they leave rural Tennessee and hit the road secretly in search of the truth about the man they never knew. As they uncover his past as a budding country music star, the sisters find their own voice, beginning their journey as singers/songwriters.
Filmed on location in the heart of country music’s capitols New Orleans and Nashville, Pure Country: Pure Heartboasts 23 songs, curated by music supervisors Frankie Pine (Nashville, Mozart in the Jungle) and Mandi Collier (Nashville, Secrets and Lies), including 16 new songs making their debut in the film. Among the featured songs is Willie Nelson’s beloved “We Don’t Run,” Laura Bell Bundy’s all-new “Grass Ain’t Greener,” the Ronny Cox penned-and-performed “Silver City,” and a bevy of songs from award-winning country-music songwriters – including Trent Dabbs & Jabe Beyer, Jon Kenzie, Maren Morris and Dallas Davidson & Natalia Starzuynski. The songs are performed in the film by Bausch, Zuehlsdorff, Barnes, Bundy, Cox and Nelson. WaterTower Music will release the Pure Country: Pure Heart soundtrack on August 1st."
“Pure Country is a wonderful, heartwarming franchise with proven success,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Vice President Family & Animation Marketing. "Pure Country: Pure Heart pulls you in with its music and engaging story about love, loss, and dreams.”
This is the third film in the Pure Countryseries. Other titles include Pure Country and Pure Country 2: The Gift.
BONUS FEATURES
● Music Video: “We Don’t Run”
● Pure Country: You’ve Got to Have Heart
● Me Oh My-Meemaw’s PecanPie!
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Friday, April 21, 2017
Thursday, April 20, 2017
INSIDE AMY SCHUMER: SEASON FOUR DVD Street date: May 9, 2017
INSIDE AMY SCHUMER: SEASON FOUR
DVD
Street date: May 9, 2017
Synopsis: Go deeper Inside Amy Schumer as the hit show returns for its fourth season of too-real comedy. Whether it's dating, body shaming or any other hot-button issue, Amy Schumer is on top of it with fearless sketches, stand-up and on-the-street interviews.
Audio & Subtitles:
DVD
- English Dolby Stereo
- English SDH Subtitles
Special Features:
- Inside Amy Schumer's Writers Room
POWER SEASON THREE ARRIVING ON BLU-RAY AND DVD JUNE 13TH FROM LIONSGATE
SANTA MONICA, CA (April 20, 2017) – Starz’s most watched series ever returns when “Power: The Complete Third Season” arrives on Blu-ray and DVD on June 13 from Lionsgate. With record-breaking ratings for its premiere, season three — with its all-star cast, including Omari Hardwick (TV’s ”Being Mary Jane”), Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (The Hangover), and Naturi Naughton (TV’s “Mad Men”) — finds James St. Patrick fighting to maintain his new lifestyle on the right side of the law.
From Executive Producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and show creator Courtney A. Kemp (“The Good Wife”) comes season three of the hit drama “Power.” Will James St. Patrick’s dream of leaving the drug game and finding love with the woman sworn to bring him to justice end before it begins with the specter of “Ghost” coming back to haunt him? Be careful what you wish for.
Coming off the second season’s heart-stopping cliffhanger, “Power: The Complete Third Season” Blu-ray and DVD special features include a recap of season two and an inside look at the making of the show, and will be available on Blu-ray and DVD for $59.99 and $49.98, respectively.
BLU-RAY/DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
- “Power” Season 2 Recap
- Featurette: Inside the world of “Power”
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Year of Production: 2016
Title Copyright: All Program Content © 2016 Starz Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Package Design © 2017 Starz Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment, LLC, 2700 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, California 90404.
Rating: TV-MA
Genre: TV, Drama
Closed Captioned: NA
Subtitles: Spanish, English SDH
Feature Run Time: 9 Hrs., 35 Mins.
Blu-ray Format: 1080p High Definition, 16x9 Widescreen 1.78:1 Presentation
DVD Format: 16x9 Widescreen 1.78:1 Presentation
Blu-ray Audio: English 7.1 Dolby TrueHD, Spanish 2.0 Dolby Surround Sound
DVD Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 2.0 Dolby Surround Sound
AFRICA’S GREAT CIVILIZATIONS COMES TO HOME VIDEO COURTESY OF PBS
Hosted by Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Available on DVD and Blu-ray from PBS Distribution May 16th
Arlington, Va. – April 20, 2017 – PBS Distribution announced today it is releasing “AFRICA’S GREAT CIVILIZATIONS” on DVD and Blu-ray, the latest three-part, six-hour documentary series hosted, executive produced and written by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
In the new documentary, Professor Gates travels the length and breadth of Africa to chronicle the continent’s history from a firmly African perspective. His journeytakes him from the city of Great Zimbabwe to the pyramids of the Kingdom of Kush in Sudan, from the spectacular rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia to the continent’s oldest university in Fez, from the Blombos Caves in South Africa to Ancient Mali, the empire of King Mansa Musa, still thought to be the wealthiest person ever to have lived.
“AFRICA’S GREAT CIVILIZATIONS” will be available on DVD and Blu-ray May 16, 2017 and has a run time of approximately 360 minutes on 2 discs. The DVD SRP is $34.99 and the Blu-ray SRP is $39.99. The program will also be available for digital download.
In the program, Gates chronicles a sweeping 200,000-year journey of discovery, showing the complexity, grandeur and diversity of many millennia of undiscussed and unknown details about Africa’s compelling and dramatic history. Gates presents — for the first time for a popular audience — a new vision not only of Africa’s pivotal place in world history, but also the world’s relation to Africa.
Africa’s contributions to the human community’s development of art and language, writing and religion, agriculture and government, the arts and sciences are commonly misunderstood, or even ignored. This landmark series presents a new and comprehensive narrative about Africa and the history of the extraordinary diverse peoples of its continent, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Cape of Good Hope, from the Red Sea and down the Nile River, and from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic. The series sizzles with exciting interviews with leading historians, creative writers, art historians, paleoanthropologists, geneticists and museum curators, including the Nigerian Nobel Prize-winning author Wole Soyinka; Kenyan paleoanthropologist Dr. Richard Leakey; historians John Thornton and Linda Heywood of Boston University; Christopher Ehret of UCLA; Ghanaian scholar Emmanuel Akyeampong of Harvard University; and art historian Cécile Fromont of the University of Chicago, along with many more.
“Africa is the ancestral home to the human community and to many of the pivotal breakthroughs in the history of civilization, yet the continent continues to be stereotyped as an isolated and underdeveloped region in the mind of outsiders, devoid of any profound historical achievements,” says Gates. “This series will dispel these myths and other inaccuracies about Africa through a detailed and riveting examination of significant historical events, such as the rise of its powerful kingdoms, the growth of extensive trade networks with the Middle East, Europe and China, seminal technological and artistic discoveries, and its peoples’ resilience in the face of harrowing past traumas. We made this series to end this ignorance about the African past, to reveal how Africans not only shaped the history of their continent, but also how profoundly and how extensively Africa has shaped the contours of our modern world.”
Beginning deep in the continent’s pastwith the origins of Homo sapiens and the “Out of Africa” migration of all of our human ancestors from east Africa, Gates vividly paints a picture of the earliest African civilizations — from Ancient Egypt and the Kingdom of Kush to the end of the 19th century as Africans faced Europe’s infamous “Scramble for Africa” — through their artistic and cultural achievements, their religious practices and political and social structures. Viewers examine the origins of the first human beings in Africa and the art and writing they created, and are introduced to unique environmental marvels such as the Gilf Kebir plateau, Jebal Barkal, the major climatic transformation of the Sahara Desert, and the emergence of cities in Egypt, the Sudan, Ethiopia, Zanzibar, South Africa, Great Zimbabwe, Angola, Benin, Ghana, Morocco and beyond. In terms of cultural and artistic innovation, the program looks at how the sculptors of West Africa exhibited craftsmanship rivaling that of European masters, and how the early Christian church — both through its theology and Christianity’s most architecturally stunning foundations — was nurtured in African cities like Alexandria, in Nubia along the banks of the Nile River and in Ethiopia. The crucial role of Africa in the evolution of Islam, and Islam’s major shaping role throughout North and West Africa, are subjects addressed with vigor throughout the series.
Africa’s history and its rich culture did not develop in isolation — it is and was greatly influenced by complex interactions with the rest of the world, since the most ancient of times. Gates shows how Africa’s interactions with foreign civilizations and ideas transformed these trading partners, and how African societies and cultures themselves were shaped through these extended contacts, including the arrival of Islam in medieval North Africa and Western Sudan and the rise of a maritime civilization on the East African coast, which regularly traded with Persian and Chinese visitors. Trade in salt and gold across the Sahara placed Africa in contact with Europe and the Middle East for millennia. Further, Africa was an epicenter of Christian theology and philosophy, reflected in the influential thinking of early Christian theologians like St. Augustine of Hippo in the 4thcentury, and in travel accounts of such Islamic scholars as Leo Africans and Ibn Battuta.
The series also examines the ancient African kingdoms’ increasingly complex relationships with the political economies of Europe and the burgeoning trans-Atlantic slave trade, and how these interactions began to change the internal dynamics of the continent. Finally, the series draws to a close at the end of the 19th century, when the infamous “Scramble for Africa” witnesses the industrial nations of Europe fighting for control of the vast riches of Africa’s natural resources, and when on the Plains of Adwa, Ethiopia makes a heroic stand against an invading colonial power.
“AFRICA’S GREAT CIVILIZATIONS” is a production of Inkwell Films, McGee Media, Kunhardt Films and WETA Washington, DC, in association with Nutopia. Major corporate support for “AFRICA’S GREAT CIVILIZATIONS” is provided by Bank of America, Johnson & Johnson and Ancestry. Major funding is also provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Gilder Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS.
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
DC Comics / Free Comic Book Day 2017
It's almost time for one of the most beloved pop culture holidays of the year, Free Comic book Day 2017 (FCBD)!
Otherwise known as Christmas in the world of comics, on Saturday, May 6th, DC Comics will take center stage by releasing a pair of perfectly timed releases: WONDER WOMAN FCBD SPECIAL EDITION #1 and DC SUPER HERO GIRLS FCBD SPECIAL EDITION #1.
As you will see with the hyperlinked information above, both books are great ways to get ready for the highly-anticipated Wonder Woman film. WONDER WOMAN FCBD SPECIAL EDITION #1 (written by New York Times Best Selling writer Greg Rucka and illustrated by Nicola Scott) tells the definitive and shocking tale of Diana's first year as Earth's protector. For younger comic book fans, DC SUPER HERO GIRLS FCBD SPECIAL EDITION #1 (written by Shea Fontana and illustrated by Yancey Labat) features an exciting story from the upcoming graphic novel DC SUPER HERO GIRLS: SUMMER OLYMPUS that is coming out on June 27th.
ABOUT FREE COMIC BOOK DAY
Free Comic Book Day is an annual event where comic book shops across North America open their doors and give free books to anyone who visits (while supplies last). More than two million books will be given away to readers of all ages, with the ultimate goal of introducing a whole new generation to comic books, while celebrating a medium that is very near and dear to our hearts. Additional details, including a list of participating locations, can be found at www.freecomicbookday.com!
ABOUT WONDER WOMAN FCBD SPECIAL EDITION #1
New York Times best-selling writer Greg Rucka and fan-favorite artist Nicola Scott weave the definitive and shocking tale of Diana's first year as Earth's protector. Paradise has been breached, Ares stirs, and the Amazons must answer with a champion of their own...one who is willing to sacrifice her home amongst her sisters to save a world she has never seen. Wonder Woman's journey begins in this epic origin story.
ABOUT D
C SUPER HERO GIRLS FCBD SPECIAL EDITION #1DC Super Hero Girls is an exciting new universe of superhero storytelling that builds character and confidence and empowers girls to discover their true potential. This special FCBD issue features an exciting, action-packed story from the upcoming original graphic novel DC SUPER HERO GIRLS: SUMMER OLYMPUS that readers of all ages will enjoy.
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
NEWS: Emmy Winner and Oscar Nominee Alec Baldwin to Host TCMâÂÂs The Essentials
Emmy® Winner and Oscar® Nominee Alec Baldwin to Host TCM’s The Essentials
Legendary Late Night Host David Letterman, Emmy and Golden Globe® Winner Tina Fey and Oscar-Winning Director William Friedkin Set to Join as Special Guests Throughout the Season
Premieres May 6 & Airs Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) today announced that Emmy® winner and Oscar® nominee Alec Baldwin will host The Essentials, TCM’s popular franchise showcasing “must see” classic films. Joining Baldwin each week throughout the season will be one of three special guests: late-night television icon David Letterman, acclaimed actress, writer and comedian Tina Fey and legendary filmmaker William Friedkin. Together, Baldwin and his guests will introduce a hand-picked classic and offer color commentary on its cultural significance, its influence on other films, behind-the-scenes stories and their own personal reflections. The new season of The Essentials, which airs every Saturday night, premieres May 6 at 8 p.m. (ET).
The Essentials will kick off with special guest David Letterman joining Baldwin to discuss a plethora of popular classics including:
- The Bad and the Beautiful (1952) - airing May 6
- East of Eden (1955) - airing on May 13
- No Time for Sergeants(1958) – airing on May 27
- The Big Sleep (1946) – airing on June 16
Tina Fey will make her guest appearance starting on June 24 to discuss her favorite classic films including:
- Rear Window (1954) – airing June 24
- The Lady Eve (1941) – airing on July 1
- The Bride of Frankenstein (1935) – airing on July 8
- Singin' in the Rain (1952) – airing on August 5
Rounding out the entertaining new season, William Friedkin will join Baldwin to highlight another round of notable films such as:
- The Quiet Man (1952) – airing on Aug. 12
- The Manchurian Candidate (1962) – airing on Aug. 19
- 2001: A Space Odyssey(1968) – airing on Sept. 2
- The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) – airing on Sept. 23
Baldwin takes over The Essential's hosting duties following the death of his close friend and colleague, Robert Osborne, who hosted the franchise from 2006 to 2015. A longtime friend of TCM and supporter of classic films, Baldwin has appeared frequently on the network, including as co-host of The Essentials with Robert Osborne from 2009 to 2011. He demonstrated his skill as an interviewer in 2008, when he joined one of his idols, Gene Wilder, for an hour-long discussion at Wilder's home in the special Role Model: Gene Wilder. Baldwin turned the tables on Osborne in 2015 by interviewing the longtime TCM host for Private Screenings: Robert Osborne, a one-hour special that premiered as part of TCM's 20th Anniversary celebration. This past October, Baldwin was the on-air host for a month-long look at the world's greatest and most influential documentaries for TCM's Spotlightshowcase.
"I have some big shoes to fill hosting The Essentials, and I plan on doing Bob proud with this new season of The Essentials,” said Baldwin. "Dave, Tina and Billy each bring a unique perspective to the movies in our lineup, and they have some fascinating, and even surprising, insights to share as we shine a spotlight on some of our favorite 'must-see' films from over a century of epic moviemaking."
Additionally, select titles from The Essentials will also be available at 30,000 feet through Delta Studio, Delta Air Lines’ industry-leading, free in-flight entertainment collection. Delta operates the world’s largest in-flight entertainment-equipped fleet, offering up to 3 00 movie s, 750 TV shows, 100 foreign film titles, 2,400 songs, 18 channels of live satellite TV on select aircraft and a selection of games on aircraft with seat-back entertainment systems
Monday, April 17, 2017
ALTITUDE – Starring Dolph Lundgren and Denise Richards – On Blu-ray and DVD June 20
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Buckle up for high-stakes action when Altitude arrives on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD), DVD and Digital HD June 20 from Lionsgate. Depart on flight 709 with star Denise Richards as she embarks on a thrilling ride fighting action veteran Dolph Lundgren and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell. Packed full of nonstop action, the Altitude Blu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $19.99 and $19.98, respectively.
OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS
A headstrong FBI agent (Denise Richards) is offered millions to help a thief escape from a hijacked airplane. When she finds out that his ex-partners (Greer Grammer, Chuck Liddell, and Dolph Lundgren) are leading the deadly operation, she must choose sides and do whatever it takes to keep the plane from going down.
CAST
Denise Richards Wild Things, Starship Troopers, The World Is Not Enough
Greer Grammer TV’s “The Middle” and “Awkward,” Life Partners
Chuck Liddell Cradle 2 the Grave, Kick-Ass 2, War Pigs
WHITE CASTLE DRIVES 2,200 MILES TO HONOR MARVEL’S STAN LEE
WHITE CASTLE DRIVES 2,200 MILES TO HONOR MARVEL’S STAN LEE
Hundreds of Stan Lee fans attend special ceremony coinciding with opening of Excelsior Collectibles
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Thirteen years after gracing Hollywood’s silver screen with Harold & Kumar, White Castle and its food truck, the Crave Mobile, returned to Tinseltown on April 15 and 16 to celebrate one super hero and satiate the Cravings of hundreds more.
In a special ceremony in front of fans and media, White Castle welcomed comic legend and Marvel Chairman Emeritus, Stan “The Man” Lee into the White Castle Cravers Hall of Fame. A big fan of White Castle since his childhood years spent in Washington Heights and the Bronx, Stan Lee joins rock icon Alice Cooper and the stars of “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle,” John Cho and Kal Penn, as a full-fledged member of this exclusive club.
“Stan is the ingenious creator of Spider-Man™, The Incredible Hulk™, X-Men™ and so many others – he has the incomparable power to create legendary superheroes that are favorites in homes around the world!” said Jamie Richardson, Vice President of White Castle. “It turns out, while we grew up on his comics, he grew up on our sliders. The Cravers Hall of Fame was founded to celebrate a shared love of White Castle, and, now Stan Lee will forever be celebrated among the elite Cravers!”
Stan Lee is no stranger to Hall of Fame inductions. Lee was inducted into the comic book industry's Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1995. This was White Castle’s turn to induct Lee in true Craver fashion. Stan Lee was honored with a custom plaque and a host of surprise gifts, including a framed photograph of the first White Castle Lee visited as a child, an official identification badge granting unlimited access to the employee cafeteria in Columbus, OH, and a guarantee of one Crave Case per month for as long as he would like.
The tributes continued with a signed resolution from Ohio Governor, John R. Kasich, commending Stan Lee on his induction. Columbus Mayor, Andrew J. Ginther, sent a letter of congratulations and personal invitation to visit Ohio’s capital.
“Growing up in Washington Heights and the Bronx, I loved White Castle. The infamous slider was a favorite then, just as it remains today over 85 years later!” said Lee. “I am grateful to White Castle for recognizing my lifelong Crave-ings and honored to join past and future Craver Hall of Fame inductees. And to be perfectly honest, I’m also looking forward to receiving my Crave Case each month from White Castle!”
A surprise headliner of the event, White Castle’s Crave Mobile, made the 2,200-mile drive from Columbus, Ohio, to be on hand and serve the chain’s iconic slider and other menu items free of charge for all in attendance. The ceremony coincided with the grand opening of Stan Lee’s Excelsior Collectibles store in Brea, CA.
The Cravers Hall of Fame will begin accepting submissions in May for the 17th annual class of Cravers. For more information, visit https://www.whitecastle.com/cravernation/chof.