Author: Melissa Howland

Nerdy, snarky horror lover with a campy undertone. Goonies never say die.

THE BLACK POWER MIXTAPE 1967-1975 Opens In Late September

On behalf of Sundance Selects, here is the latest information on Swedish filmmaker Göran Hugo Olsson’s revelatory THE BLACK POWER MIXTAPE 1967-1975, co-produced by longtime activist and actor Danny Glover. An irresistible audiovisual collage, the film combines a treasure trove of recently rediscovered footage of the 1967–75 black power movement with penetrating commentary by leading contemporary African-American voices, all set to an evocative soundtrack by Questlove of the Roots and Om’Mas. A Best Editing prize-winner at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, THE BLACK POWER MIXTAPE 1967-1975 also screened at the New Directors/New Films festival.

At the end of the 1960s, numerous Swedish journalists came to the US, drawn by stories of urban unrest and revolution. Filming for close to a decade, they gained the trust of many of the leaders of the black power movement—Stokely Carmichael, Bobby Seale, Angela Davis and Eldridge Cleaver among them—capturing them in intimate moments and remarkably unguarded interviews. Thirty years later, this lush collection of 16mm film, peppered with footage of Black Panther activities and B-roll images of black America, was found languishing in the basement of Swedish Television. Director Olsson brings this mesmerizing footage to light and, integrating audio interviews with prominent African-American artists and activists who were influenced by the struggle—from Erykah Badu to Harry Belafonte—crafts a dynamic chronicle of the birth and life of a movement.

THE BLACK POWER MIXTAPE 1967-1975 will open theatrically in late September.

2011 SPOTLIGHT INITIATIVE AWARDS ANNOUNCED FOR TIFF

SPOTLIGHT INITIATIVE AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR
2011 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Honorees Include Ashley Greene, Anna Kendrick, David Paymer,
Morgan Spurlock and Roland Emmerich

The Creative Coalition is pleased to announce that Ashley Greene (Butter, Twilight), Anna Kendrick (50/50, Up in the Air), David Paymer (Twixt, The American President), Morgan Spurlock (Comic Con: Episode IV – A Fan’s Hope, Super Size Me) and Roland Emmerich (Anonymous, 2012) have been named as honorees for the 2011 Spotlight Initiative Awards. The awards will be bestowed to honorees during the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival.

The dinner honoring this year’s recipients will be attended by influential players from the arenas of art and entertainment and takes place on Saturday evening, September 10th at the Roosevelt Room.

Representing all aspects from the world of independent filmmaking, the 2011 class of honorees embodies the tenets of The Creative Coalition’s Spotlight Initiative. The Spotlight Initiative was created in 2008 to support independent films with messages that make a positive difference in the world and celebrate the art and craft of filmmaking for their social relevance.

The Creative Coalition CEO, Robin Bronk said, “The range of work from this year’s honorees is a true testament to why we created the Spotlight Initiative Award. Actors and filmmakers are under no obligation to use film as a venue to educate audiences on social issues, but our 2011 class of recipients has done a masterful job in doing so throughout their respective careers.”

Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas & Dreamworks Pictures Present A Special Advance Screening Of FRIGHT NIGHT

DREAMWORKS’ “FRIGHT NIGHT”

IN REAL D 3D

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS ANTON YELCHIN,

CHRISTOPHER MINTZ-PLASSE & DAVE FRANCO

 

DreamWorks Pictures announced a Special Advance Screening of their upcoming horror-filled, fun ride “Fright Night,” tonight, August 16, at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema-South Lamar in Austin, Texas. Craig Gillespie-helmed “Fright Night” stars Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, David Tennant, Imogen Poots and Toni Collette and opens in theaters nationwide this Friday, August 19th.

Cast members in attendance for the free screening will be Anton Yelchin, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Dave Franco, and the evening promises to be “bloody” good fun for all with special surprises and vampire-themed entertainment. The event is presented in collaboration with the Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas and FEARnet.com.

“Fright Night” is about senior Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin), who finally has it all—he’s running with the popular crowd and dating the hottest girl in high school. In fact, he’s so cool he’s even dissing his best friend Ed (Christopher Mintz-Plasse). But trouble arrives when an intriguing stranger Jerry (Colin Farrell) moves in next door. He seems like a great guy at first, but there’s something not quite right— yet no one, including Charley’s mom (Toni Collette), seems to notice!  After witnessing some very unusual activity, Charley comes to an unmistakable conclusion: Jerry is a vampire preying on his neighborhood. Unable to convince anyone that he’s telling the truth, Charley has to find a way to get rid of the monster himself in this revamp of the comedy-horror classic.

“Fright Night” is produced by Michael De Luca and Alison Rosenzweig, with a screenplay by Marti Noxon and story by Tom Holland, based on the film “Fright Night,” written by Tom Holland.

Visit the film’s official site: http://www.welcometofrightnight.com. “Like” FRIGHT NIGHT on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/frightnightmovie and follow the film on Twitter:http://twitter.com/FrightNight2011

 

WAMG At The MARLEY & ME: THE PUPPY YEARS Premiere

PUPPY PARTY!

No, really! In celebration of the August 16th release (at Walmart and on Walmart.com) of MARLEY & ME: THE PUPPY YEARS, they had a celebration that, for lack of a better term (and because I am corny!), went to the dogs! (And one cat that was on a leash…Um… yep!)

Saturday, at The Grove in Los Angeles, hundreds of Canine Americans and their humans got together for a fun filled day of activities, treats, and play! These pups had an active day that consisted of:

  • The Ultimate Puppy Championship – Testing Your Dog’s Agility on the Special Course Presented by Zoom Room
  • Shelter Dog Fashion & Runway Show Featuring the Summer & Fall Lines from Ruff Ruff Couture
  • Marley Photo Booth – Get Your Picture Taken with the Adorable Little Star
  • Booths promoting pet adoption from spcaLA, LA Animal Services and Best Friends
  • Doggie Spaw and Relaxation Area with Free Nail Painting and Massages for Your Animal
  • Doggie Treat and Dining Area
  • “Stupid Dog Tricks” Contest
  • VIP Gift Bag Raffles Presented by Stella & Chewy’s Treats and Three Dog Bakery

This one really had me cracking up!!! Man gets lick-attacked by boxer puppy!


The SPCALA was there with adorable babies as well! These poodle mixes are up for adoption… including Snickers, the adorable poodle mix at the bottom. He stole my heart (but I already have two fur children). If you are interested in Snickers, click HERE.


And, for the final event of the day… a red carpet event where the four legged stars, as well as their two legged co-stars, walked the red carpet before screening the movie outside. This, by far, was the most adorable red carpet that I have ever covered!!!

And now… I am about to melt your heart!

Director Michael Damian, wife/co-writer Janeen Damien, and cast members Travis Turner and Lauren Lavoie joined the pups on the red carpet before the films premiere.

I took this one with my phone because I didn’t want to blind Michael Damian with my camera flash.

*That, and my mom needed a picture of Danny Romalotti from The Young And The Restless. (My family has been fans of that show for generations!)

Travis Turner took the time out to speak with young fans. It was really refreshing to see. He is such a nice guy!

And finally, an outdoor screening of the film. It was a fun filled day!

MARLEY & ME: THE PUPPY YEARS comes out today exclusively to Walmart and Walmart.com

 

 

 

GLEE: THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE – The Review

For those of you that are not already aware… I am a GLEEK. I absolutely adore the television show! Having said that, I am going to keep (or at least attempt to keep) my review as objective as possible.

GLEE: THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE is… well… just what it says in the title. It is a 3D concert put on by the cast of GLEE, while they remain in their characters from the show. Rachel Berry (Lea Michele), Finn Hudson (Corey Monteith), Blaine Anderson (Darren Criss), Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer), Brittany Pierce (Heather Morris), Artie Abrams (Kevin McHale), Mercedes Jones (Amber Riley), Noah ‘Puck’ Puckerman (Mark Salling), Quinn Fabray (Dianna Agron), and the rest of the cast, as well as a few surprises make their way on stage performing songs from the hit FOX television show.

After seeing such films as JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER in 3D, I have to say that I was somewhat disappointed in this film. First off, this is supposed to be a concert put on by New Horizons, the show choir from William McKinley High School, which is all fictional. They keep the actors in character, which is understandable for what they are trying to do, but for some odd reason it just doesn’t work well. I think it’s because when they show the preparation for the show, with the cast members backstage, it feels too fake. Part of the appeal (for a 3D concert film) is to see real preparation. I want to experience the real emotions that the singer/musician/dancer etc. is going through before they go onstage, and even catch some real shenanigans behind the scenes. By having actors respond as their characters just really took me out of things. I don’t know… I really enjoy how they do things on the show, but it just wasn’t executed very well for the film. Maybe it’s because the characters we all know and love are underdogs, yet they are playing a big concert. It could have all been thought out and executed in a much better fashion.

Another giant disappointment is the fact that they do not play songs in their entirety. Instead, they do snippets, and then cut to clips, or the behind the scenes footage. The songs are all rushed. With the word “concert” in the title, I expected to hear the songs in their entirety! I don’t need all of that filler. Give me the songs that I have grown to love! With all of the random filler, they should have given it a different title. One of my favorite concert films is THE LAST WALTZ, which is the last concert, in entirety, by The Band. I am certainly not trying to compare the two films, because I am a firm believer in taking each movie for what it is worth… for what it is meant to be, but a concert film should be a concert. THE LAST WALTZ didn’t need filler, flashy effects, or extra content, it was about the music. The music from the show is what fans are there to see, and GLEE: THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE should have delivered with, at least, that much.

The 3D itself was ok. It could have been better, but it also could have been worse. Still, there was no real need for it. If it were a real concert movie, it could have been a cool tool (hehe… I rhymed!) in making the audience feel more involved in the show. I’m getting kind of tired of the overuse of 3D when it is not necessary.

Also, anything more than a few shots of screaming fans is always too much… (I really don’t think I need to add more to that.)

So… the film was entertaining, but the filler and lack of complete songs left me slightly annoyed! (Don’t worry… I still love GLEE!)

OVERALL RATING: 2.5 out of 5 stars

MONTE CARLO Sashays Onto Blu-ray & DVD Oct 18th

GO ON AN ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME WITH TEEN SENSATIONS SELENA GOMEZ, LEIGHTON MEESTER AND KATIE CASSIDY

Sashays onto Blu-ray and DVD October 18th

 

Bon Voyage! Take a journey across the ocean with a trio of friends who make front page headlines when a dream trip turns into a hilarious case of mistaken identity. The delightful jet-setting comedy MONTE CARLO arrives on Blu-ray and DVD on October 18th. Produced by Academy Award®-winner Nicole Kidman* (Moulin Rouge, The Stepford Wives), MONTE CARLO will take you on a fanciful ride through the picturesque sights of Europe – with three charming girls in tow!

 

Actress and pop sensation Selena Gomez (Ramona and Beezus, “Wizards of Waverly Place”) lights up the screen as Grace, a high-spirited high school graduate looking forward to a vacation in Paris with her best friend Emma (Katie Cassidy, “Melrose Place”), and stepsister Meg (Leighton Meester, “Gossip Girl”). Just as the girls think their trip is ruined when their hyperactive tour guide leaves them behind, Grace is mistaken for a wealthy socialite and the trio is whisked away to Monte Carlo for a thrilling week of glitz, glam, and unforgettable fun.

 

MONTE CARLO features supporting performances by Cory Monteith (“Glee”), Pierre Boulanger (Monsieur Ibrahim), Luke Bracey (Home And Away), and Andie McDowell (Groundhog Day).

 

MONTE CARLO Blu-ray + Digital Copy (Catalog #2275968)

  • Feature Film
  • Deleted Scenes
    • Meet Madame Valery
    • Pont Des Arts Bridge
    • Try on the Dior
    • Owen Plays Soccer
    • Owen at Sacre-Coeur
    • Alicia Confronts Cordelia
    • Cordelia’s Fate
  • Monte Carlo Match Up
  • Ding-Dang Delicious: The Boys of Monte Carlo
  • Monte Carlo Couture
  • Jet Setter’s Dream
  • Backstage Pass
  • Gossip with the Girls
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • Digital Copy “How To”
  • Live Extras
    • Theatrical Trailer
    • Live Lookup
    • Digital Copy

 

MONTE CARLO DVD (Catalog #2270548)

  • Feature Film
  • Deleted Scenes
    • Meet Madame Valery
    • Pont Des Arts Bridge
    • Try on the Dior
    • Owen Plays Soccer
    • Owen at Sacre-Coeur
    • Alicia Confronts Cordelia
    • Cordelia’s Fate
  • Monte Carlo Match Up
  • Ding-Dang Delicious: The Boys of Monte Carlo
  • Backstage Pass
  • Theatrical Trailer

 

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company. Representing 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions on DVD, Blu-ray Disc Digital Copy, Video On Demand and Digital Download. The company also releases all products globally for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world.

 

# # #

 

Follow Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on Twitter @FoxHomeEnt

 

MONTE CARLO Blu-ray + Digital Copy (Catalog #2270563)

Street Date:                       October 18, 2011

Pre-book Date:                                 September 21, 2011

Screen Format:                                 Widescreen 1.85:1

Audio:                                   English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

Spanish, French 5.1 Dolby Digital

Subtitles:                             English, Spanish

U.S. Rating:                         PG

Total Run Time:                 2 hours, 37 minutes

Closed Captioned:           Yes

 

 

MONTE CARLO DVD (Catalog #2270548)

Street Date:                       October 18, 2011

Pre-book Date:                                 September 21, 2011

Screen Format:                                 Widescreen 1.85:1

Audio:                                   English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

Spanish, French 2.0 Surround DD

Subtitles:                             English, Spanish

U.S. Rating:                         PG

Total Run Time:                 2 hours, 16 minutes

Closed Captioned:           Yes

 

“YOU GOT THE WRONG GUY. I’M THE DUDE, MAN.”

Mistaken identity…

With a name like Lebowski, you don’t expect someone with the same name to come along and mess your world up. Heck, The Dude certainly didn’t expect it! Still, he is mistaken for Jeffrey “The Big” Lebowski,” a millionaire with a few problems… and he is more than happy to let The Dude deal with them.

With THE BIG LEBOWSKI: LIMITED EDITION making it’s way to BLU-RAY this week, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at cases of mistaken identity in films… as a tribute to The Dude, of course!

Here are five crazy cases of mistaken identity in film. Enjoy! And remember to let us know what some of your favorites are!!!

INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1956)

Imagine having your neighbors, and even your loved ones, being taken over by aliens. Aliens posing as real people are a sure-fire way for identities to be mistaken. Especially if the plan is to make people believe that you are someone else… someone human!

GALAXY QUEST (1999)

A cast of actors just can’t seem to get past their sci-fi roles… and are mistaken by aliens as galactic warriors. Well, I guess it’s a living!

The Glass Bottom Boat (1966)


America’s sweetheart Doris Day is mistaken for a Russian spy after her mermaid bottoms come off. Hmmm… Doris Day mistaken as a spy…??? She has the perfect cover! No one would ever suspect her!!!

THE GREAT DICTATOR (1940)


Charlie Chaplin…

Hitler…

Charlie Chaplin…

Hitler…

With a mustache like that, this case of mistaken identity was bound to happen!

MONTY PYTHON’S : LIFE OF BRIAN (1979)

I have a twin sister, so I know what it is like to be mistaken for someone born on the same day… but the messiah? Brian was born on the same day as Jesus, in the stable next door! This guy was doomed from the start!

So, there you have it! Now remember to go out and get THE BIG LEBOWSKI : LIMITED EDITION on BLU-RAY August 16th!


Own the Limited Edition Blu-ray™ Featuring All-New Bonus Features, a Digital Copy of the Film and Collectible Hardcover Book Packaging

Bowling, nihilists, a stolen rug and the occasional acid flashback have never been funnier when one of the most popular cult classics in history, The Big Lebowski Limited Edition, debuts on Blu-ray™ August 16, 2011 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. From the Oscar®-winning Coen Brothers (True Grit, Fargo) and starring Academy Award® winner Jeff Bridges (True Grit, Crazy Heart), this acclaimed comedy has been newly remastered in high definition to provide longtime fans and first-time viewers alike with the ultimate Lebowski experience.

Available for a limited time with an all-new 28-page companion book featuring an exclusive interview with Jeff Dowd – the real-life inspiration for The Dude – Jeff Bridges’ personal, on-set photography, a film timeline, trivia and much more, The Big Lebowski Limited Edition Blu-ray™ is a must-own addition to any collection. In addition to all-new features exclusive to the Blu-ray™ release, The Big Lebowski Limited Edition Blu-ray™ also offers a digital copy of the film that can be viewed anywhere at any time on the consumers’ choice of devices including laptops, tablets, smartphones as well as Internet-connected TVs and set-top boxes.

“Since its creation by Ethan and Joel Coen in 1998, The Big Lebowski has transformed from a fan favorite into one of Hollywood’s most celebrated cultural phenomenons,” said Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. “This spectacular new Limited Edition Blu-ray™ combines the most extensive behind-the-scenes materials to date with the latest Blu-ray™ technology, giving devoted fans and newcomers alike a chance to experience the brilliant all-star cast, outrageous storyline and unforgettable quotes like never before.”

Its now iconic characters and instantly recognizable dialogue have made The Big Lebowski “the number-one cult film of all time,” according to The Boston Globe. Since its release, the Coen Brothers’ affectionately addled riff on film noir has snowballed in popularity, becoming “an undeniable pop-cult force” and even, for many, “a way of life,” in the words of the Los Angeles Times. “A masterpiece of anti-storytelling” according to Entertainment Weekly, The Big Lebowski has become a cultural touchstone for fans around the world. Starring Bridges as the film’s delightfully unlikely hero, “The Dude,” the hilariously twisted comedy thriller also features unforgettable performances by an all-star cast including Golden Globe® winner John Goodman (“Roseanne”), four-time Oscar® nominee Julianne Moore (The Kids are Alright), Golden Globe® winner Steve Buscemi (“Boardwalk Empire”), Oscar® winner Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt) and Golden Globe® nominee John Turturro (O Brother, Where Art Thou?). BLU-RAYTM EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES: · U-CONTROL: Universal’s exclusive feature that lets the viewer access bonus materials without leaving the movie! o Scene Companion: Watch cast and crew interviews, behind the scenes footage and more during key scenes with this picture-in-picture companion. o Mark it Dude: This onscreen counter really ties the film together. Keep track of all the “F-Bombs,” “Dudes,” and “Dude-isms” in the film with this ultimate fan guide. o The Music of The Big Lebowski: Instantly identify the songs heard while watching the film, create a custom playlist of your favorites and even purchase them from iTunes®! · WORTHY ADVERSARIES: WHAT’S MY LINE TRIVIA: Test your Lebowski knowledge by finishing lines of dialogue during the film. Play as Walter or The Dude or in two-player mode against friends. · BD-LIVETM: Access the BD-Live™ Center through your Internet-connected player to watch the latest trailers and more. · pocket BLU™: The groundbreaking pocket BLU™ app uses iPhone®, iPod® touch, Android™, PC and Macintosh to work seamlessly with a network-connected Blu-ray™ player. Also available on the iPad™, owners can enjoy a new, enhanced edition of pocket BLU™ made especially to take advantage of the tablet’s 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: o 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. o Video Timeline: Users can easily bring up the video timeline, allowing them to instantly access any point in the film. o 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. o 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. o 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. ADDITIONAL BONUS FEATURES: · JEFF BRIDGES PHOTO BOOK: For more than 30 years, Jeff Bridges has been snapping pictures on movie sets. The accomplished photographer presents exclusive shots taken on the set of The Big Lebowski providing personal commentary on each photo. · THE DUDE’S LIFE: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi and John Turturro take a look back at their performances and their delivery of the Coen Brothers’ dialogue that became classic movie lines. · THE DUDE ABIDES: THE BIG LEBOWSKI TEN YEARS LATER: A freewheeling conversation with the cast about the film’s decade-long reign as a cult classic, including a discussion about what ever happened to the “little Lebowski” that the Dude and Maude made that fateful night! · THE LEBOWSKI FEST: AN ACHIEVER’S STORY: An in-depth look at the popular Lebowski Festival, formed by the legion of fans in honor of the film. · FLYING CARPETS & BOWLING PIN DREAMS: THE DREAM SEQUENCES OF THE DUDE: From aerial flights over Los Angeles with his bowling ball chasing Maude on a flying carpet, to the large scale “Busby Berkley” dance sequences as The Dude goes flying through the legs of all the bowling pin headed dancers, this piece examines how these “ahead of their time” scenes were constructed. · THE MAKING OF THE BIG LEBOWSKI: A behind the scenes look featuring interviews with the Coen Brothers. · PHOTO GALLERY: Slideshow of Jeff Bridges’ on-set photography. · INTERACTIVE MAP: Take a tour of the locations of The Big Lebowski, then and now. · AN INTRODUCTION: Featuring Mortimer Young, a practitioner of “non-uptight” film preservation. His restoration of the famous “toe scene” will blow your mind. SYNOPSIS:

From the Academy Award®-winning Coen brothers, The Big Lebowski is a hilariously quirky comedy about bowling, a severed toe, White Russians and a guy named…The Dude. Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski doesn’t want any drama in his life…heck, he can’t even be bothered with a job. But, he must embark on a quest with his bowling buddies after his rug is destroyed in a twisted case of mistaken identity. Starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, Philip Seymour Hoffman and John Turturro, experience the cultural phenomenon of The Dude in the “#1 cult film of all time!” (The Boston Globe)

CAST AND FILMMAKERS: Cast: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, David Huddleston, Philip Seymour Hoffman, John Turturro Directed By: Joel Coen Written By: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen Executive Producers: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner Producer: Ethan Coen Co-Producer: John Cameron Director of Photography: Roger Deakins Production Designer: Rick Heinrichs Edited By: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, Tricia Cooke Casting By: John S. Lyons Costume Designer: Mary Zophres Original Music By: Carter Burwell TECHNICAL INFORMATION: Street Date: August 16, 2011 Copyright: 2011 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Selection Number: 61115274 Running Time: 1 hour, 59 minutes Layers: BD-50 Picture Format: Widescreen Aspect Ratio: 1:85:1 Rating: R for pervasive strong language, drug content, sexuality and brief violence Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French Sound: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, French (EU) DTS Surround 5.1, English Dolby Digital 2.0/2.0 DTS Express Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com<file://localhost/C/Documents%20and%20Settings/501778861/AppData/Local/Downloads/www.universalstudios.com> ). Universal Studios is a part of NBCUniversal , one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.

 

SOUL SURFER Twitter Party

Excited for SOUL SURFER, the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, to come out on DVD and Blu-ray tomorrow?

Then you’re invited to join tomorrow’s SOUL SURFER Twitter Party! This lively online discussion will bring fans together from all over the Twittersphere – from tweeting about the film, participating in fun challenges, and the chance to win your very own copy of SOUL SURFER on DVD, it’s sure to be a blast!

So be sure to log on to the @SoulSurferMovie Twitter Page tomorrow August 2nd, between 2PM and 3PM EST, to join in on the fun! And remember to pick up your copy of SOUL SURFER on Blu-ray™/DVD Combo Pack & DVD!

 

Synopsis:

SOUL SURFER is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. The film features an all-star cast, including AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid. In the wake of this life-changing event that took her arm and nearly her life, Bethany’s feisty determination and steadfast beliefs spur her toward an adventurous comeback that gives her the grit to turn her loss into a gift for others.

Become a Fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/soulsurfermovie

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Follow the Film on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SoulSurferMovie

 

UNIVERSAL PICTURES Upcoming Films

Universal Pictures has some pretty big things in store for all of you movie lovers this year, and we have the scoop on their upcoming films. So check it out and enjoy!

DREAM HOUSE (SEPT 30th, 2011)

Genre: Suspense thriller
Cast: Daniel Craig, Naomi Watts, Rachel Weisz,Marton Csokas, Elias Koteas, Jane Alexander
Directed by: Jim Sheridan
Written by: David Loucka
Executive Producers: Rick Nicita, Mike Drake
Produced by: James G. Robinson, David Robinson, Daniel Bobker,Ehren Kruger

Some say that all houses have memories. For one man, his home is the place he would kill to forget. Daniel Craig, Naomi Watts and Rachel Weisz star in Dream House, a suspense thriller about a family that unknowingly moves into a home where grisly murders were committed…only to find themselves the killer’s next target.

Successful publisher Will Atenton (Craig) quit a high power job in Manhattan to relocate his wife, Libby (Weisz), and two girls to a quaint New England town. But as they settle into their new life, they discover their perfect home was the murder scene of a mother and her children. And the entire city believes it was at the hands of the husband who survived.

When Will investigates, he’s not sure if he’s starting to see ghosts or if the tragic story is just hitting too close to home. His only clues come from Ann Paterson(Watts), a mysterious neighbor who knew those who were shot. And as Will and Annpiece together the haunting puzzle, they must find out who murdered the family in Will’s dream house before he returns to kill again. www.dreamhousemovie.net

WANDERLUST (OCT 7th, 2011)

Genre: Comedy
Cast: Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston, Justin Theroux,Malin Akerman, Kathryn Hahn, Lauren Ambrose,Ken Marino, Joe Lo Truglio, Kerri Kenney-Silver and Alan Alda
Directed by: David Wain
Written by: Ken Marino & David Wain
Executive Producer: Richard Vane
Produced by: Judd Apatow, Ken Marino, Paul Rudd, David Wain

Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston star in Wanderlust, a comedy from director David Wain (Role Models) and producer Judd Apatow (Knocked Up) about a couple who leaves the pressures of the big city and joins a freewheeling community where the only rule is to be yourself.

George (Rudd) and Linda (Aniston) are an overextended, stressed out Manhattan couple. After George is downsized out of his job, they find themselves with only one option: to move in with George’s awful brother in Atlanta.

On the way there, George and Linda stumble upon Elysium, an idyllic community populated by colorful characters who embrace a different way of looking at things.Money? It can’t buy happiness. Careers? Who needs them? Clothes? Only if you want them.

Is Elysium the fresh start George and Linda need? Or will the change of perspective cause more problems than it solves?

THE THING (OCT 14th, 2011)

Genre: Thriller
Cast: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Ulrich Thomsen, Eric Christian Olsen, Trond Espen Seim
Directed by: Matthijs van Heijningen
Written by: Eric Heisserer
Based On The Story “WHO GOES THERE” by: John W. Campbell Jr.
Executive Producers: J. Miles Dale, David Foster
Produced by: Marc Abraham, Eric Newman

Antarctica: an extraordinary continent of awesome beauty. It is also home to an isolated outpost where a discovery full of scientific possibility becomes a mission of survival when an alien is unearthed by a crew of international scientists. The shape-shifting creature, accidentally unleashed at this marooned colony, has the ability to turn itself into a perfect replica of any living being. It can look just like you or me, but inside, it remains inhuman. In the thriller The Thing, paranoia spreads like an epidemic among a group of researchers as they’re infected, one by one, by a mystery from another planet.

Paleontologist Kate Lloyd (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) has traveled to the desolate region for the expedition of her lifetime. Joining a Norwegian scientific team that has stumbled across an extraterrestrial ship buried in the ice, she discovers an organism that seems to have died in the crash eons ago. But it is about to wake up.

When a simple experiment frees the alien from its frozen prison, Kate must join the crew’s pilot, Carter (Joel Edgerton), to keep it from killing them off one at a time.And in this vast, intense land, a parasite that can mimic anything it touches will pithuman against human as it tries to survive and flourish.

The Thing serves as a prelude to John Carpenter’s classic 1982 film of thesame name. Directed by Matthijs van Heijningen, the thriller is produced byStrike Entertainment’s Marc Abraham and Eric Newman (Dawn of the Dead).www.thethingmovie.net

JOHNNY ENGLISH REBORN (OCT 28th, 2011)


Genre: Comedy spy-thriller
Cast: Rowan Atkinson, Gillian Anderson, Dominic West, Rosamund Pike, Daniel Kaluuya and Richard Schiff
Directed by: Oliver Parker
Story by: William Davies
Screenplay by: Hamish McColl
Executive Producers: Rowan Atkinson, William Davies, Debra Hayward, Liza Chasin
Produced by: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Chris Clark

Rowan Atkinson returns to the role of the improbable secret agent who doesn’t know fear or danger in the comedy spy-thriller Johnny English Reborn.  In his latest adventure, the most unlikely intelligence officer in Her Majesty’s Secret Service must stop a group of international assassins before they eliminate a world leader and cause global chaos.

In the years since MI-7’s top spy vanished off the grid, he has been honing his unique skills in a remote region of Asia.  But when his agency superiors learn of an attempt against the Chinese premier’s life, they must hunt down the highly unorthodox agent.  Now that the world needs him once again, Johnny English is back in action.

With one shot at redemption, he must employ the latest in hi-tech gadgets to unravel a web of conspiracy that runs throughout the KGB, CIA and even MI-7.  With mere days until a heads of state conference, one man must use every trick in his playbook to protect us all.  For Johnny English, disaster may be an option, but failure never is. www.johnny-english.com

TOWER HEIST (NOV 4th, 2011)


Genre: Comedy Caper
Cast: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck, Alan Alda,Matthew Broderick, Judd Hirsch, Téa Leoni,Michael Peña, Gabourey Sidibe
Directed by: Brett Ratner
Story by: Adam Cooper, Bill Collage & Ted Griffin
Screenplay by: Ted Griffin & Jeff Nathanson
Executive Producer: Bill Carraro, Karen Kehela Sherwood
Produced by: Brian Grazer, Eddie Murphy, Kim Roth

Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy lead an all-star cast in Tower Heist, a comedy caper about working stiffs who seek revenge on the Wall Street swindler who stiffed them.After the workers at a luxury Central Park condominium discover the penthouse billionaire has stolen their retirement, they plot the ultimate revenge: a heist to reclaim what he took from them.

Queens native Josh Kovacs (Stiller) has managed one of the most luxurious and well-secured residences in New York City for more than a decade. Under his watchful eye, nothing goes undetected. In the swankiest unit atop Josh’s building, Wall Street titan Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda) is under house arrest after being caught stealing two billion from his investors. The hardest hit among those he defrauded? The tower staffers whose pensions he was entrusted to manage.

With only days before Arthur gets away with the perfect crime, Josh’s crew turns to petty crook Slide (Murphy) to plan the nearly impossible…to steal what they are sureis hidden in Arthur’s guarded condo. Though amateurs, these rookie thieves know the building better than anyone. Turns out they’ve been casing the place for years,they just didn’t know it.

THE BEAVER Arrives On Blu-Ray & DVD August 23rd

The Beaver
Arrives on Blu-ray™ and DVD August 23rd

Critically Acclaimed Drama Stars Academy Award® Winners Jodie Foster and Mel Gibson, Anton Yelchin and Academy Award Nominated Jennifer Lawrence

Two-time Academy Award® winner Jodie Foster (Silence of the Lambs, The Accused) directs and co-stars with two-time Academy Award® winner Mel Gibson (Braveheart – Best Picture and Best Director) in The Beaver, a compelling and original film, slated to arrive on Blu-ray™ and DVD August 23rd from Summit Entertainment.

The Beaver — which Rolling Stone calls “heartfelt and often painfully funny” – tells the emotional story of a once successful man named Walter Black (Gibson) so plagued by his own demons that he resorts to the use of a beaver hand puppet in order turn his life around and reconnect with his family. Academy Award nominee Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone) and Anton Yelchin (Star Trek) co-star in the film which is both a darkly comic journey of self-discovery and a solemn ode to the strength of family.

The Blu-ray and DVD contain special features that include audio commentary with Foster; deleted scenes; and “Everything is Going to Be O.K.,” a featurette about the making of the film.



The Beaver will be available for $30.49 SRP (on Blu-ray) and $26.99 SRP (DVD).

Special Features
Audio Commentary with Jodie Foster
Deleted Scenes
“Everything is Going to Be O.K.” (featurette on the making of The Beaver)

The Beaver
Street Date:  08/23/11
DVD SRP: $26.99
DVD Cat # / UPC: 66119247 / 025192108471

Blu-Ray SRP: $30.49
Blu-Ray Cat# / UPC: 66119248 / 025192108488