Category Press Release

Aug 6 2012

“The Great Gatsby” in 3D Moves to Next Summer

WARNER BROS. PICTURES moving THE GREAT GATSBY to SUMMER 2013

Baz Luhrmann’s 3D Adaptation to Get New Play Date in Sought-After Summer Frame

Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures have moved the release date of The Great Gatsby to Summer 2013. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “Based on what we’ve seen, Baz Luhrmann’s incredible work is all we anticipated and so much more. It truly brings Fitzgerald’s American classic to life in a completely immersive, visually stunning and exciting way. We think moviegoers of all ages are going to embrace it, and it makes sense to ensure this unique film reaches the largest audience possible.”

Kwan Vandenberg confirmed, “Baz is known for being innovative, but with this film he has done something completely unexpected—making it in 3D—while capturing the emotion, the intimacy, the power and the spectacle of the time. The responses we’ve had to some of the early sneak peeks have been phenomenal, and we think ‘The Great Gatsby’ will be the perfect summer movie around the world.”

From the uniquely imaginative mind of writer/producer/director Baz Luhrmann comes the new big screen adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby. The filmmaker has created his own distinctive visual interpretation of the classic story, bringing the period to life in a way that has never been seen before, in a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role.

The Great Gatsby follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz, bootleg kings, and sky-rocketing stocks. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby, and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy, and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan. It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without of the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.

Academy Award nominee DiCaprio (J. Edgar, Aviator) plays Jay Gatsby, with Tobey Maguire starring as Nick Carraway; Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan (An Education) and Joel Edgerton as Daisy and Tom Buchanan; Isla Fisher and Jason Clarke as Myrtle and George Wilson; and newcomer Elizabeth Debicki as Jordan Baker. Indian film legend Amitabh Bachchan will play the role of Meyer Wolfsheim.

Oscar nominee Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge!) directs the film in 3D from a screenplay co-written with frequent collaborator Craig Pearce, based on Fitzgerald’s book. Luhrmann produces, along with Catherine Martin, Academy Award winner Douglas Wick (Gladiator), Lucy Fisher and Catherine Knapman. The executive producers are Academy Award winner Barrie M. Osborne (Lord of the Rings – Return of the King) and Bruce Berman.

Two-time Academy Award-winning production and costume designer Catherine Martin (Moulin Rouge!) designs as well as produces. The editors are Matt Villa, Jason Ballantine and Jonathan Redmond, and the director of photography is Simon Duggan. The music is by Craig Armstrong.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, in association with A&E Television, a Bazmark/Red Wagon Entertainment Production, a Film by Baz Luhrmann, The Great Gatsby. Opening Summer 2013, the film will be distributed in IMAX.

Jul 3 2012

‘Avengers’ DVD Arrives this Fall

THE RECORD-SHATTERING MOVIE

ASSEMBLES AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE ON BLU-RAY 3D™, BLU-RAY™, DVD, DIGITAL & ON-DEMAND on SEPTEMBER 25, 2012

And For The First Time Ever, Marvel Launches An All-New Second Screen App That Provides Fans With Unprecedented Access To Exclusive Content

BURBANK, Calif. June 29, 2012— Coming this fall, the third highest-grossing movie of all time and the #1 movie in the world, “Marvel’s The Avengers” assembles as you’ve never seen it before on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™, DVD, Digital and On-Demand platforms on September 25, 2012. In anticipation of this release, Marvel is also launching an all-new App in July – “The Avengers Initiative: A Marvel Second Screen App” (available for the first time on iPhone) – that gives fans unprecedented access to exclusive content building up to the home entertainment release.

The announcement comes as Marvel’s The Avengers crossed the incredible $600 million domestic box office threshold on June 26 – only the third film in history to do so. It has now grossed an estimated $1.44 billion globally.

Providing viewers with the ultimate in-home experience, the premium 4-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack provides 5-unique ways to enjoy Marvel’s The Avengers (on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Copy and Digital Download of “Avengers Assembled” Music from and inspired by the film) and brings to life the Super Hero team-up of a lifetime in a whole new dimension on Blu-ray hi-def with stunning visual effects, superior sound and unparalleled bonus content.

Extras include a gag reel, a first for a Marvel Studios film, the chance to hear from the cast and Joss Whedon on their experiences in bringing these larger than life characters to the big screen, a behind-the-scenes look at the groundbreaking visual effects and stunning cinematography, the creation of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Helicarrier, Soundgarden’s “Live to Rise” Music Video, deleted scenes and more!

Also for the first time ever, fans will be able to enjoy even more of the Marvel Universe via the all-new “The Avengers Initiative: A Marvel Second Screen App.” By downloading this onto a secondary device, consumers will be able to gain unprecedented access to exclusive content building up to the home entertainment release on September 25. Pieces will be unleashed bi-weekly in July & August and weekly in September leading up to a full immersive experience accompanying the film on Blu-ray. Content includes special access to the S.H.I.E.L.D. database, becoming a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, invitations to “special missions” either remotely or in the field, links to character profiles, stories and scenes, interactive Marvel digital reader comic books and more. App owners will receive push notifications whenever new content is uploaded and available for their viewing.

The full range of Marvel’s The Avengers home entertainment offerings and bonus features are as follows:

PACKAGING & BONUS FEATURES:

4-Disc Combo Pack (Blu-ray 3D+Blu-ray+DVD+Digital Copy+Digital Download of the “Inspired By” album)

Bonus Includes:

  • Second Screen
  • Assembling the Ultimate Team
  • A Visual Journey
  • Gag Reel
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Audio Commentary—With Joss Whedon
  • Soundgarden Music Video—“Live to Rise”
  • And more!

2-Disc Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD)

Bonus Includes:

  • Same as the 4-Disc Combo Pack above

1-Disc DVD

Bonus Includes:

  • Assembling the Ultimate Team
  • Audio Commentary—With Joss Whedon

High-Definition & Standard Definition Digital

Bonus Includes:

  • Second Screen
  • Assembling the Ultimate Team
  • A Visual Journey
  • Gag Reel
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Soundgarden Music Video—“Live to Rise”
  • And more!

DISC SPECIFICATIONS:

Street Date:                       September 25, 2012

Suggested Retail:    4-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack = $49.99 U.S./$59.99 Canada

Pricing:          2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack =$39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada

1-Disc DVD = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada

Digital & On-Demand = please check with your television provider or favorite digital retailer for pricing

Feature Run Time:    143 Minutes

Ratings:       U.S.: PG-13 (bonus features not rated)

Aspect Ratio:     Blu-ray & DVD = 1.78:1

Audio:     Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray 2D = English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, French-Canadian 7.1 DTS-HDHR, Latin Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital

DVD = English/Latin Spanish/French Canadian 5.1 Dolby, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital

Languages/Subtitles:      English, French & Spanish

Social Media:

Stay connected with the latest news and information about Marvel’s The Avengers:

ABOUT MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS

Marvel Studios presents Marvel’s The Avengers—the team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skarsgard and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, and directed by Joss Whedon, Marvel’s The Avengers is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series The Avengers, first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Marvel’s The Avengers is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures. The film was produced by Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige and executive produced by Alan Fine, Jon Favreau, Stan Lee, Louis D’Esposito, Patricia Whitcher, Victoria Alonso and Jeremy Latcham. The story was by Zak Penn and Joss Whedon and the screenplay was by Joss Whedon. Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, the film smashed the industry record for the biggest domestic opening of all time with $207.4M, crossed the $1 billion global box office threshold in 19 days, and currently stands as the #3 global and domestic release of all time.

ABOUT MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT, LLC

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com.

ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS:

For more than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; and Touchstone Pictures, the banner under which live-action films from DreamWorks Studios are distributed. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.

Apr 10 2012

Call for Submissions

Press Release

Shoe Slung Films is producing an apocalyptic anthology and wants you to write one of the films. The anthology is titled The End: A Collective and will feature 10 short films about the end of the world by nine directors.

We will be accepting submissions of short scripts, no longer than 15 pages, to produce for the anthology. The winner of the competition will be selected by committee and announced through social media.

Submissions must be received by May 8. The cost of submitting is $20, which is non-refundable.

The winner will receive:

■$200 cash
■An on-set invitation to witness the filming in action
■And have their work produced and featured in a full length anthology Submissions and inquiries can be sent to theendsubmissions@gmail.com

Any money received that does not go towards the cash prize will be donated to the charity Jaden’s Ladder.

Apr 3 2012

FILM ON SUSHI MASTER TO PLAY IN GLOUCESTER THIS WEEKEND

Press Release

FILM ON SUSHI MASTER TO PLAY IN GLOUCESTER THIS WEEKEND

Special screening Sunday to benefit Cape Ann’s food pantry, The Open Door

Gloucester, MA – The Cape Ann Community Cinema at 21 Main Street in Gloucester continues its monthly “Dinner And A Movie” series this Sunday, April 8 at 5:00 p.m. with a special benefit screening of the acclaimed documentary, Jiro Dreams Of Sushi.

The film tells the story of 85-year-old Jiro Ono, considered by many to be the world’s greatest sushi chef. He is the proprietor of Sukiyabashi Jiro, a 10-seat, sushi-only restaurant auspiciously located in a Tokyo subway station. Despite its humble appearances, it is the first restaurant of its kind to be awarded a prestigious 3-star Michelin review, and sushi lovers from around the globe make repeated pilgrimage, calling months in advance and shelling out top dollar for a coveted seat at Jiro’s sushi bar. At the heart of this story is Jiro’s relationship with his eldest son Yoshikazu, the worthy heir to Jiro’s legacy, who is unable to live up to his full potential in his loving father’s shadow.

The film is rated PG, for mild thematic elements and brief smoking. Tickets for this one-night-only event are $9.50 adults, $8.00 for students & seniors (60+) and $6.50 for Cinema Members, available at the Cinema or online at www.CapeAnnCinema.com. Sushi from Latitude 43 will be available for purchase for prices ranging from $10 to $16, and will be served during intermission at around 6:00pm.

The Cape Ann Community Cinema will donate a portion of every ticket and sushi sale to Cape Ann’s food pantry, The Open Door (www.FoodPantry.org).

Mar 27 2012

Job Fair this Friday in Mansfield

PRESS RELEASE

FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 10:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

Courtney to speak at Mansfield Job Fair, provide information on federal resources and veterans hiring tax credits

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney on Friday, March 30, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. will participate in the Mansfield Job Fair, which he coordinated with the Eastern Workforce Investment Board (EWIB), CT Works, the Chronicle Newspaper, Quinebaug Valley Community College, the Northeastern Chamber of Commerce and the Windham Chamber of Commerce. Rep. Courtney’s office will have a booth at the fair. In addition to providing job seekers and businesses with information veterans hiring tax credits and federal resources, staffers from Congressman Courtney’s office will be on hand to help constituents with casework requests.

“In every sense, a job is the best social program of all. A job creates self-sufficiency and restores confidence people have in themselves, their family and their community,” said Congressman Courtney. “Growing jobs – whether by opening new markets and boosting exports or by providing incentives to hire veterans – is critical to our continued economic recovery. We have more work to do to restore the American Dream, but this event will be a good boost toward achieving that goal.”

The job fair will be held at the East Brook Mall, located at 95 Storrs Road, Mansfield, CT.

Mar 9 2012

Controversial Horror Director Uwe Boll completes Profane Exhibit segment

Press Release

Harbinger International Films has great news concerning our film, The Profane Exhibit, an anthology of 13 international short films of extreme horror, produced by David Bond and Manda Manuel. Director Uwe Boll has completed his contribution to the film, the creepy and subversive short, Basement, starring Caroline Williams (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2), Tara Cardinal and horror icon Clint Howard. David L Tamarin, General Counselor of Harbinger, attended the shoot and expressed his concern that the material might be too strong for mass consumption. “The film is about evil that is absolutely real. There are no zombies, and the only monster is of the human variety. The film takes you to a very dark place. Viewers need to prepare themselves for this one.”

Boll’s film is about the corruption of a family in a world where things are not always what they appear to be. A world where monsters parade as family men and home is another word for hell. In an ideal suburban home which could best be described as boring and ordinary a horrible secret exists deep in the basement. Howard and Williams play a married couple with an ordinary life – except for the fact that they keep their starving and abused daughter in a locked basement room that she has not left in years. In this perverse nightmare scenario that is unfortunately based on fact, all the young daughter (Tara Cardinal) wants to do is go outside and into the sun. Instead she must endure daily cruelties. This is a tale of sexual depravity and psychological torture, and a subversive look at the depraved realities of suburban life.

Boll, director of films such as Stoic, Rampage, Seed, Postal, Attack on Darfur, and more, has once again turned his eye on the nature of evil and corruption. Other directors for the film include Richard Stanley, Marian Dora, Yoshihiro Nishimura, Sergio Stivaletti, Ryan Nicholson, Michael Todd Schneider, and Andrey Iskanov. Many more to still be announced

Mar 2 2012

The Newest Muppet Adventure Coming to DVD this Month

Press Release

The Biggest Muppet Adventure Ever Comes Home!

The Must-Own Movie For The Entire Family Debuts

on Blu-ray  Combo Pack, Digital and

On-Demand March 20, 2012

Debut Release Offers Fans the Full Movie Soundtrack with DVD Release and

as part of a ‘Wocka-Wocka’ Pack for the Ultimate Muppets Experience!

BURBANK, Calif., January 19, 2012 –– One of the year’s best-loved family comedies and among the best reviewed films of 2011, Disney’s The Muppets, starring Jason Segel, Academy Award-nominee Amy Adams, and favorite celebrity couple Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy — debuts March 20 on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, Digital Download and On-Demand formats. A must-own movie the entire family can enjoy, Disney’s The Muppets in-home release includes the DVD and music soundtrack packaged together and also offered as the ultimate Muppets experience, a ‘Wocka-Wocka Value Pack,’ which contains the movie on Blu-ray high definition, DVD and Digital Copy (three discs), plus a download card which allows fans to own all the songs from the film’s hugely popular soundtrack.

Disney’s The Muppets Blu-ray Combo Pack, with its flawless picture and pitch perfect sound, comes with a fantastic slate of bonus content including the laugh out loud “The Longest Blooper Reel Ever Made (In Muppet History––We Think).” The exciting release also includes the hilarious featurette “A Little Screen Test on the Way to the Read Through,” which follows Jason Segel, Kermit, The Great Gonzo, Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy and others as they get ready for the first day of production, and much more fun.

“Blu-ray is a great way to bring the Muppets into your home without having to worry about cleaning up after us,” said Kermit the Frog, commenting on the announcement. “And the behind-the-scenes extras are a revealing tell-all look at what it took to bring our movie to the big screen. It’s a must-see for fans of bloopers, flubs and slip-ups – which pretty much describes our act.”

Miss Piggy is equally thrilled at the movie’s Blu-ray release, “Now you can watch moi whenever you want! Ooh! Lucky vous!”

Additional fun-filled features on Disney’s The Muppets Blu-ray include a groundbreaking industry first — ‘Disney Intermission,’ a hilarious all-new feature that allows viewers to press Pause on their remote control and watch as the Muppets take over the screen and entertain until the movie resumes playing. The release also includes “Explaining Evil: The Full Tex Richman Song,” an extended version of the rollicking rap song by villain Tex Richman (Academy Award winner Chris Cooper) who provides the hilarious backstory of why he hates the Muppets. Audio commentaries with screenwriter and star Jason Segel, director James Bobin and screenwriter Nicholas Stoller are also included.

With the Muppet’s signature irreverent comedy, songs and dancing, Muppet fans of all ages will cheer as the gang reunites to put on a benefit show to save the crumbling Muppet Studios from being razed by nefarious oil baron Tex Richman. New fans and long-time devotees will find the rainbow connection when they bring Disney’s The Muppets into their very own homes.

3-Disc ‘Wocka-Wocka Value Pack’

(1-Disc Blu-ray + 1-Disc DVD + Digital Copy + Soundtrack Digital Download Card)

Includes:

Ø The Longest Blooper Reel Ever Made (In Muppet History––We Think) – A laugh out loud look at the actors’ funny gaffs and gags from behind the scenes of making Disney’s “The Muppets.”

Ø Disney Intermission – Groundbreaking Blu-ray feature. Pausing a movie will never be this much fun, as the Muppets take over the screen every time you stop the disc!

Ø Scratching The Surface: A Hasty Examination of the Making of Disney’s The Muppets. Hosted by unit production manager monster J.G., the cast and crew take a behind the scenes look at making Muppet and movie history.

Ø Explaining Evil: The Full Tex Richman Song. Rapping his way through the story of his miserable life, Tex tells audiences why he turned out to be such a rotten guy.

Ø A Little Screen Test on the way to the Read Through. This hilarious footage follows the Muppet gang as they go to their first table reading of the script.

Ø Eight Deleted Scenes

Ø Audio Commentary with Jason Segel, James Bobin and Nicholas Stoller

Ø The Combo Pack also comes with the popular theatrical spoof trailers

Ø The Complete Soundtrack

2-Disc Combo Pack (1-Disc Blu-ray + 1 Disc DVD)

Includes:

Ø The Longest Blooper Reel Ever Made (In Muppet History––We think).

Ø Disney Intermission

Ø Scratching the Surface: A Hasty Examination of the Making of Disney’s “The Muppets”

Ø Explaining Evil: The Full Tex Richman Song

Ø A Little Screen Test on the Way to the Read Through

Ø Deleted Scenes

Ø Audio commentary with Jason Segel, James Bobin and Nicholas Stoller

Ø Hidden Easter Eggs

1-Disc DVD + Soundtrack Digital Download Card

Includes:

Ø The longest Blooper Reel Ever Made (In Muppet History––We Think)

Ø Complete Soundtrack

1-Disc DVD

Includes:

Ø The Longest Blooper Reel Ever Made (In Muppet History––We Think)

Digital Bonus Exclusive Includes:

Ø Inside Walter’s Trailer. Take a peek inside Walter’s star trailer as he prepares to play his big role.

 

DISC SPECIFICATIONS:

Street Date: March 20, 2012

Release Formats & 3-Disc Blu-ray with Soundtrack (‘Wocka-Wocka Value Pack’) =

Suggested Retail Pricing: $49.99 U.S./$56.99 Canada

2-Disc Blu-ray = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada

1-Disc DVD with Soundtrack = $34.99/$41.99 Canada

1-Disc DVD = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada

High Definition Digital = $39.99 U.S./$44.99 Canada Standard Definition Digital = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada On-Demand = check with your television provider or favorite digital retailer for pricing

Feature Run Time: Approximately 103 Minutes

Ratings: U.S.: PG/CANADA: PG (Bonus material is not rated) Aspect Ratio: Blu-ray: 1.85.1

DVD: 1.85.1

Audio: Blu-ray 5.1 DTS HD-MA; 5.1 and 2.0 Dolby Digital

DVD: 5.1 and 2.0 Dolby Digital 4

Social Media Stay connected with the latest news and information on Disney’s The Muppets.

• View exciting trailers, games, video clips and more at http://www.Disney.com/Muppets

• Like us on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/Muppets

• Follow us on Twitter @MuppetsStudio

Film Synopsis

On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary’s girlfriend, Mary (Amy Adams), from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze Muppet Studios and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage a telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save the studio, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate.

Disney’s The Muppets is directed by James Bobin (Flight of the Conchords, The Ali G Show) and produced by the Academy Award-nominated team of David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman (The Fighter, The Proposal) with a screenplay written by Segel & Nicholas Stoller (Get Him to the Greek), who also serve as executive producers along with John G. Scotti and The Muppet Show veteran Martin G. Baker. Bret McKenzie, who created, co-wrote, executive-produced and starred in the hit HBO television series “Flight of the Conchords,” is the music supervisor as well as the writer/producer of three original songs. Original score is by Christophe Beck, Michael Rooney is the choreographer, Rahel Afiley is the costume designer, and James Thomas is the editor. Steve Saklad is the production designer, and Don Burgess, A.S.C., is the director of photography.

About Walt Disney Studios

For more than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under four banners: Walt Disney Pictures, which includes Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel; and Touchstone Pictures, which includes the distribution of live-action films from DreamWorks Studios. Original music and motion picture soundtracks are produced under Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records, while Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Broadway theatrical productions, Disney on Ice and Disney LIVE!. For more information, visit http://www.waltdisneystudios.com.

Feb 2 2012

Oscar Nominated Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Coming to DVD in March

PRESS RELEASE

AN ALL-STAR CAST LED BY OSCAR® NOMINEE GARY OLDMAN AND OSCAR® WINNER COLIN FIRTH CAPTIVATES IN THE BRILLIANT ESPIONAGE THRILLER TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY

NOMINATED FOR THREE ACADEMY AWARDS® – BEST ACTOR, BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY, AND BEST ORIGINAL SCORE

AVAILABLE MARCH 20, 2012 ON

BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACK WITH UltraViolet™, ON DVD AND ON-DEMAND

FROM UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT

“PERHAPS THE GREATEST SPY TALE OF OUR TIME”- KENNETH TURAN, LOS ANGELES TIMES

OVERVIEW:  Things aren’t always as they seem in the Oscar®-nominated, suspenseful, and stylish thriller from director Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In), based on the classic novel by John le Carré. Focus Features’ Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy will be available on Blu-ray™Combo Pack with UltraViolet™,on DVD,on Digital Download and On-Demand March 20, 2012, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.  At the height of the Cold War, Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), a.k.a. MI6 and code-named the Circus, has been compromised.  An ever-watchful former top lieutenant and career spy, George Smiley (Gary Oldman, The Dark Knight, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ), is called out of retirement by the government to help identify and track a suspected mole at the top of the agency.  The list of suspects is narrowed to five men.  Even before the startling truth is revealed, the emotional and physical tolls on the players enmeshed in the deadly international spy game will escalate…Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is Academy Award®-nominated for Best Actor (Gary Oldman), Best Adapted Screenplay (Bridget O’Connor & Peter Straughan), and Best Original Score (Alberto Iglesias); and is nominated for 11 BAFTA Awards including Best Film and Best Actor.

Also starring Oscar® winner Colin Firth (The King’s Speech) with Benedict Cumberbatch (“Sherlock”), David Dencik (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Tom Hardy (Inception), Ciarán Hinds (The Debt), Oscar® nominee John Hurt (Midnight Express), Toby Jones (The Hunger Games), and Mark Strong (Robin Hood), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is “a pleasurably sly and involving puzzler” (Manohla Dargis, The New York Times) and showcases “easily one of the year’s best pictures – Gary Oldman gives a performance that is flawless in every detail.” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone).

Included with the Blu-ray™ Combo Pack is an all-new UltraViolet™ copy of the film. UltraViolet™ is the revolutionary new way for consumers to collect movies and TV shows, put them in the cloud and download and stream instantly to computers, tablets and smartphones and soon, consumers can download to devices of their choice too. The Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Blu-ray™ Combo Pack also includes a Digital Copy of the film which is compatible with iTunes®, iPad®, iPhone®, iPod™ touch, Android or other retail partners.  So now, consumers can truly enjoy their movies and TV shows anytime, anywhere, on the platform of their choice!

BONUS FEATURES EXCLUSIVE TO Blu-rayTM :  Unleash the power of your HDTV with perfect hi-def picture and perfect hi-def sound.

  • TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY: FIRST LOOK
  • DELETED SCENES
  • INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR JOHN LE CARRÉ
  • BD-LIVETM : Access the BD-Live™ Center through your Internet-connected player to watch the latest trailers and more!
  • pocket BLUTMapp:   The groundbreaking pocket BLU™ app uses iPad®,iPhone®, iPod®  touch,  Android™, PC and Mac®  to work seamlessly with a network-connected Blu-ray™ player.  Plus iPad® and Android™ tablet  owners can enjoy a new, enhanced edition of pocket BLU™ made especially to take advantage of the tablets’ larger screen and high resolution display.  Consumers will be able to browse through a library of Blu-ray™ content and watch entertaining extras on-the-go in a way that’s bigger and better than ever before.  pocket BLU™ offers advanced features such as:
  • Advanced Remote Control:  A sleek, elegant new way to operate your Blu-ray™ player. Users can navigate through menus, playback and BD-Live™functions with ease.
  • Video Timeline:  Users can easily bring up the video timeline, allowing them to instantly access any point in the film.
  • Mobile-To-Go:  Users can unlock a selection of bonus content with their Blu-ray™discs to save to their device or to stream from anywhere there is a Wi-Fi network, enabling them to enjoy content on the go, anytime, anywhere.
  • Browse Titles:  Users will have access to a complete list of pocket BLU™-enabled titles available and coming to
    Blu-ray™Hi-Def.  They can view free previews and see what additional content is available to unlock on their device.
  • Keyboard:  Entering data is fast and easy with your device’s intuitive keyboard.
  • uHEAR™:  Never miss another line of dialogue with this innovative feature that instantly skips back a few seconds on your
    Blu-ray™ disc and turns on the subtitles to highlight what you missed.

BONUS FEATURES (BLU-RAY™ and DVD):

  • INTERVIEWS  WITH ACTORS GARY OLDMAN, COLIN FIRTH, TOM HARDY; DIRECTOR TOMAS ALFREDSON; AND SCREENWRITER PETER STRAUGHAN
  • FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR TOMAS ALFREDSON AND ACTOR GARY OLDMAN

TECHNICAL INFORMATION – BLU-RAY™:

Street Date:  March 20, 2012

Copyright:  2012 Universal Studios.  All Rights Reserved.

Selection Number: 61120849

Running time:  2 Hours, 8 Minutes

Layers:  BD-50

Picture Format : Widescreen

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Rating:  Rated R for violence, some sexuality/nudity, and language

Languages/Subtitles:  English SDH, Spanish, French

Sound:  DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Spanish DTS Surround 5.1, French (EU) DTS Surround 5.1

TECHNICAL INFORMATION – DVD:

Street Date:  March 20, 2012

Copyright:  2012 Universal Studios.  All Rights Reserved.

Selection Number: 61120847

Running time: 2 Hours, 8 Minutes

Layers: Dual Layer

Picture Format: Anamorphic Widescreen

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Rating:  Rated R for violence, some sexuality/nudity, and language

Languages/Subtitles:  English SDH, Spanish, French

Sound:  Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1

CAST AND FILMMAKERS

Cast:  Gary Oldman, Benedict Cumberbatch, David Dencik, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Toby Jones, Mark Strong

Directed by:  Tomas Alfredson

Produced by: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Robyn Slovo

Screenplay by: Bridget O’Connor & Peter Straughan

Based on the novel by: John le Carré

Executive Producers: Debra Hayward, Liza Chasin, Olivier Courson, Ron Halpern, John le Carré, Peter Morgan, Douglas Urbanski

Co-Producer:  Alexandra Ferguson

Director of Photography:  Hoyte van Hoytema

Production Designer:  Maria Djurkovic

Costume Designer:  Jacqueline Durran

Film Editor: Dino Jonsäter

Music by:  Alberto Iglesias

Feb 1 2012

Deadline for Writers’ Workshop is Thursday

The deadline for the NEHW writers’ workshop is Thursday. The workshop happens this Saturday, Feb. 4, at Annie’s Book Stop, 65 James St., in Worcester, MA.

Here is the workshop’s press release that appeared in the New England Horror Writers’ newsletter, The Epitaph:

WORCESTER, MA— NEHW is hosting a writing workshop at Annie’s Book Stop on 65 James Street in Worcester, MA on Saturday, February 4 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The class is geared towards beginning to intermediate writers interested in bettering their writing and editing abilities while exploring all the “what now?” possibilities for publishing. The class will be taught in three parts: writing, editing, and publishing; offer a bagged lunch; and include a professional critique of up to 2000 words of registered attendees’ manuscripts. Attendees will learn under three professional members of the New England Horror Writers. Kristi Petersen Schoonover is a three-time Norman Mailer Writers Colony Winter Resident; her short fiction has appeared in Carpe Articulum, The Adirondack Review, Barbaric Yawp, New Witch Magazine, Toasted Cheese, and others. Her most recent work, Skeletons in the Swimmin’ Hole, is a collection of ghost stories set in Disney Parks. T.J. May is a writer of dark fiction, daylighting as a behavior therapist to children with autism. He is a regular contributor to Shroud Magazine, co-founder of SUMM Publications, an active member of the HWA and Co-Director of Events for the New England Horror Writers. Trisha J. Wooldridge is the President of Broad Universe, an international non-profit dedicated to celebrating and promoting women who write speculative fiction. She’s contributed to several anthologies, including the EPIC-award-winning Bad-Ass Faeries series, is an associate editor for Spencer Hill Press, and freelance writes and edits for magazines, independent authors, and academic websites. As this is the first workshop offered at the 65 James Street Annie’s, there is a special price of $30 for the course, or $25 for members of New England Horror Writers, Worcester Writers Collaborative, or Worcester college students. Attendees will need to pre-register either at Annie’s and will have to turn in their manuscript for critique no later than January 27. Seating is limited to 21 attendees. Walk-ins, if there is space, must pay full price and will not have a reserved bag lunch nor will they get the professional critique—but they are eligible for class critique. For more information, contact Annie’s Book Stop via www.anniesbookstopworcester.com or email anniesbookstopworcester@gmail.com. The phone number for the store is 508-796-5613. Space is firmly capped, so register now! For more information about the event and all media, contact: Trisha Wooldridge, trish@anovelfriend.com, 774-239-3655.

Jan 22 2012

50th Anniversary Edition of To Kill a Mockingbird on Blu-ray

Press Release 

Oscar® Winner Gregory Peck Gives the Performance

of His Career in the Timeless Classic Available on Blu-ray™

for the First Time

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Digitally Remastered and Fully Restored with Over Three Hours of Bonus Materials Including Two Full­Length Documentaries

On Limited Edition Collector’s Series Blu-ray™ Combo Pack,

Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD

Available January 31, 2012

Universal City, Calif. (November 28, 2011) – To Kill a Mockingbird, one of the screen’s most beloved and critically acclaimed films, celebrates its 50th anniversary with a commemorative  Limited Edition Collector’s Series Blu-ray™ Combo Pack  as well as on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD from Universal Studios Home Entertainment on January 31, 2012. The powerful and poignant adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel hits the half-century mark, digitally remastered and fully restored from high resolution 35MM original film elements, plus more than three-and-a-half hours of bonus features chronicling the making of the cinematic masterpiece.

The Limited Edition Collector’s Series Combo Pack of To Kill a Mockingbird: 50th Anniversary Edition will include a Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy of the film, packaged in a hardcover book featuring exclusive movie memorabilia including script pages with Gregory Peck’s handwritten notes, storyboards, poster art and much more.

Released theatrically in 1962, To Kill a Mockingbird won instant accolades for its nuanced performances, splendidly crafted narrative and bold endorsement of racial tolerance, fairness and honor, a combination that still resonates with audiences today. It earned eight Academy Award® nominations and three wins including a Best Actor statuette for Gregory Peck in one of his most iconic roles as the principled Alabama lawyer Atticus Finch, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Art Direction. The prestigious American Film Institute lists To Kill a Mockingbird as one of the 100 Greatest American Films and also names Atticus Finch as the No. 1 Film Hero of All Time. A timeless, enduring classic that remains as relevant and impactful today as it was at its release, To Kill a Mockingbird’’s appeal continues to span generations.

In honor of its centennial anniversary, Universal Pictures proudly salutes 100 years of unforgettable films that have entertained audiences and touched the hearts of millions around the globe. In celebration of our first 100 years, Universal Studios Home Entertainment is proud to present a selection of our many beloved movies as part of an extensive year-long program that underscores the studio’s rich cinematic history and indelible cultural impact.

Click the link below to view the official trailer for the To Kill a Mockingbird 50th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray™ release:

http://universal.wiredrive.com/r/p/?presentation=de63fe7c0c348f500d6a2a476a96a02d

Blu-ray™ and DVD Bonus Features:

  • Fearful Symmetry— A feature-length documentary on the making of To Kill a Mockingbird with cast and crew interviews and a visit to author Harper Lee’s home town.
  • A Conversation with Gregory Peck— An intimate feature-length documentary on one of the most beloved actors in film history with interviews, film clips, home movies and more.
  • 100 Years of Universal:  Restoring the Classics— An in-depth look at the film restoration process
  • Academy Award® Best Actor Acceptance Speech— Gregory Peck’s speech after winning the Academy Award®for his performance as Atticus Finch.
  • American Film Institute Life Achievement Award— Gregory Peck’s memorable remarks upon receiving the AFI Life Achievement Award.
  • Excerpt from “Tribute To Gregory Peck”— Cecilia Peck’s heartwarming farewell to her father given at the Academy in celebration of his life.
  • Scout Remembers— Actress Mary Badham shares her experiences working with Gregory Peck.
  • Feature Commentary with Director Robert Mulligan and Producer Alan Pakula
  • Original Theatrical Trailer

Bonus Features Exclusively on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack:

  • DIGITAL COPY: Owners of the Blu-ray™ Combo Pack can also download a digital version of the full-length movie from participating digital retailers to enjoy on a choice of popular electronic and portable devices.
  • U-CONTROL: SCENE COMPANION: Available on To Kill a Mockingbird: 50th Anniversary Edition for the first time, viewers can watch interviews, see photos and more during key scenes with this picture-in-picture companion featuring narration by Gregory Peck’s Family.
  • BD-LIVE™: Access the BD-Live™ Center through your Internet-connected player to watch the latest trailers and more!
  • pocket BLU™ app:   The groundbreaking pocket BLU™ app uses iPad®, iPhone®, iPod®  touch,  Android™, PC and Mac®  to work seamlessly with a network-connected Blu-ray™ player.  Plus iPad® and Android™ tablet  owners can enjoy a new, enhanced edition of pocket BLU™ made

especially to take advantage of the tablets’ larger screen and high resolution display.  Consumers will be able to browse through a library of Blu-ray™ content and watch entertaining extras on-the-go in a way that’s bigger and better than ever before.  pocket BLU™ offers advanced features such as:

  • ADVANCED REMOTE CONTROL:  A sleek, elegant new way to operate your Blu-ray™ player. Users can navigate through menus, playback and BD-Live™ functions with ease.
  • VIDEO TIMELINE:  Users can easily bring up the video timeline, allowing them to instantly access any point in the film.
  • MOBILE-TO-GO:  Users can unlock a selection of bonus content with their Blu-ray™ discs to save to their device or to stream from anywhere there is a Wi-Fi network, enabling them to enjoy content on the go, anytime, anywhere.
  • BROWSE TITLES:  Users will have access to a complete list of pocket BLU™-enabled titles available and coming to Blu-ray™.  They can view free previews and see what additional content is available to unlock on their device.
  • KEYBOARD:  Entering data is fast and easy with your device’s intuitive keyboard.
  • uHEAR™: Never miss another line of dialogue with this innovative feature that instantly skips back a few seconds on your Blu-ray™ disc and turns on the subtitles to highlight what you missed.

SYNOPSIS

Experience one of the most significant milestones in film history like never before with To Kill a Mockingbird 50th Anniversary Edition.  Screen legend Gregory Peck stars as courageous Southern lawyer Atticus Finch – the Academy Award®-winning performance hailed by the American Film Institute as the Greatest Movie Hero of All Time. Based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel about innocence, strength and conviction and nominated for eight Academy Awards®, this beloved classic is now digitally remastered and fully restored for optimum picture and sound quality and boasts hours of unforgettable bonus features. Watch it and remember why “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

CAST AND FILMMAKERS:

Cast: Gregory Peck, Robert Duvall, Brock Peters, Mary Badham, John Megna, Rosemary Murphy, William Windom

Directed By: Robert Mulligan

Screenplay By:  Horton Foote from the novel by Harper Lee

Producers: Alan J. Pakula

Director of Photography: Russell Harlan

Edited By:  Aaron Stell

Costume Designer: Rosemary Odell

Original Music By: Elmer Bernstein

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

BLU-RAY™

Street Date: January 31, 2012

Copyright: 1962 Universal Studios

Selection Number: Limited Edition Collector’s Series Combo Pack: 61121056, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack: 61121057, Canadian Collector’s Series Combo Pack: 61121286000, Canadian Blu-ray™ Combo Pack: 61121285

Running Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes

Layers: BD-50

Picture: Black and White

BLU-RAY™ CONTINUED

Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 1.85:1

Rating: Not Rated, Canadian: PG, Quebec: G

Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish

Sound: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 / DTS 2.0 Mono, French DTS 2.0 Mono

DVD

Street Date: January 31, 2012

Copyright: 1962 Universal Studios

Selection Number: 61115344, Canadian: 61120630

Running Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes

Layers: DVD-9

Picture: Black and White

Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 1.85:1

Rating: Not Rated

Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

Sound: English Dolby Digital 5.1 / Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono, French Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono