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EXCLUSIVE: Stunt Coordinator Andy Armstrong Talks 'Thor' and 'The Amazing Spider-Man' with High-Def DigestWith Marvel's 'The Avengers' landing on the big screen just one year from now, two of its main players have yet to debut on the big screen. Iron Man and The Hulk have been well established; this summer we meet Thor and Captain America. Following the lead of Christopher Nolan's 'Batman' films, Marvel has set their superheroes in the realistic world. [teaser]To better achieve a realistic tone, the filmmakers hired accredited stunt coordinator Andy Armstrong to bring 'Thor' from the Godly realm of Asgard to the believable reality in which we are grounded. HDD's own Luke Hickman spoke with Armstrong about his work.[/teaser] Luke Hickman - HDD: Hello, Andy. You sound extra far away. Where are you right now? Andy Armstrong: I'm in New York doing 'The Amazing Spider-Man.' HDD: How is your shoot going? Andy Armstrong: Very, very well. We are trying to re-invent the character, take it to a new place. It's a whole new adventure. We're going very retro. In lots of ways it's very similar to 'Thor.' We are trying to go [way] back - so old that its new again. Real stunts done by real people, as opposed to CGI. Particularly the main actor [Andrew Garfield is doing most of the stunts], just as Chris Hemsworth did in 'Thor.' HDD: It was pretty awesome watching 'Thor' and seeing Chris do everything himself. Andy Armstrong: There's a whole new breed of actors out there now that bring a lot to the table physically - none more-so than Chris Hemsworth. It was a pleasure to do the movie largely because of Chris. He was such an athlete. He is the real deal. There's probably one percent of the action in ['Thor'] that is not him - and even that wasn't because he couldn't do it, it was because the studio wouldn't let him do it. HDD: It's astonishing to see Chris' different look just from 'Star Trek' to 'Thor.' Andy Armstrong: He put himself through amazing physical [training]. But it wasn't just for the show. He is really physically fit and tough, well coordinated. He's had fight training. [Chris is] a very well rounded guy with a positive attitude. He was quite tremendous. HDD: Were there a lot of challenges that came with making 'Thor?' Was there anything that you were specifically proud of achieving? Andy Armstrong: There are a lot of 'Thor' fans just like the Trekkies that are very particular about the way the hammer should be swung, held, and used. [But] on the other hand you want to make it fresh and new and different, not just a big guy with a hammer going around clubbing people. We looked at a lot of images so that we could re-create some of the visceral visuals and images about a powerful guy with a hammer. It's a lot easier in some ways to draw a single frame in a comic than it is to choreograph a whole fight. The whole fight in the beginning [of 'Thor'] was all choreographed so that each actor had his own fight with a Frost Giant, yet they all had to interact with each other like a ballroom dance. HDD: Were the actors fighting guys in green suits, or was it all simply shot [alone] in front of green screen? Andy Armstrong: The original concept [for a Frost Giant] was a very big guy in prosthetic suits (but was later changed to blue CGI giants). [The actors] were fighting some big seven-foot guys - really fighting them. They were real fights with a mixture of stunt-people/doubles mixed in with them, but the majority was really just [the actors]. HDD: Andy, you have been working in stunts for a long time, right? Andy Armstrong: That's right. Many years. HDD: How has your job changed over the years with technology? Andy Armstrong: Our job [today] in many ways is the same [as it was back in the day]. I have always tried to embrace every little bit of new technology when it comes along, whether it be some new technical equipment you are going to use or a new visual aid to capture a stunt. You will hear a lot of old school stunt coordinators bitching and moaning about CGI, but I think it's got its place. Sometimes it's over-used and it takes away from some of the energy of a real physical human action. But there are times when [the CGI people] can basically do it better than we can. All it takes is interfacing well so that we both, the visual effects and the stunt people, get the best out of each other. My job nowadays is to learn as much about [visual effects] so that we can know what is possible. Our worlds are certainly intertwined, whether we like it or not. HDD: Now, in looking up your info online, I see that you were also an assistant director for quite some time. How did that affect your work as a stunt coordinator? Andy Armstrong: I started off as a stuntman, then I became an assistant director - directing action - and went back to my first love, creating action for big movies. [Having that background in assistant directing] certainly helps. I've done a lot of very big shows with a lot of logistical issues. My son is a stunt coordinator, James Armstrong. I had him work as an assist director also before becoming a stunt coordinator because it's an amazing background organizational skill to have. HDD: Looking at your credits, you have done some big films like 'I, Robot,' 'Planet of the Apes' and 'The Green Hornet.' Andy Armstrong: I've kept fairly busy. Like any other industry, I've been very lucky. Whatever happens is because of luck. I had some great people take me under their wings. People like Peter Yates … Burt Reynolds - great masters of action who gave me a great inside view of Hollywood when I was really quite young. I've worked from the extremes of very very inexperienced directors, producers and actors to some of the very most accomplished to have ever put their imprint on film. HDD: Having done 'Thor' and working on 'The Amazing Spider-Man,' are you Marvel's go-to stunt guy now? Andy Armstrong: Actually, since 'The Amazing Spider-Man' is still owned by Sony and Columbia, it is its own thing. I am not doing 'The Avengers' because it's already shooting and I'm doing 'Spider-Man.' HDD: Has there been any talk of a 'Thor' sequel, or it is all 'Avengers' from here on out? Andy Armstrong: I haven't heard about a ['Thor' sequel]. It's just all 'Avengers' at the moment. I think it will really depend on how 'Thor' does at the box office. It's all about how well the kids respond to him. I think they will [respond well]. HDD: I helped give out passes to the Salt Lake City screening of 'Thor.' So many people wanted passes that they showed it simultaneously on two screens. Everyone was excited and seemed to be loving it. Along with the audience, I was eating it up. Andy Armstrong: There's a real rock-star quality about Chris. The first time we flew him in on wires with the cape, the wig, the hammer, the whole thing - he is such a big physical presence anyway - [we couldn't] help but think, 'Wow. That's a cool image.' I can imagine that every kid thinks that immediately watching 'Thor.' I hope [they eat it up]. All of the cast was fabulous. Chris particularly, I hope he becomes a very big star. He is such a very very genuine and really nice guy. Very accomplished too. I think there is a shortage of those guys. HDD: Thanks for taking the time out of your busy shoot to speak with me. Andy Armstrong: You're welcome. HDD: And the best of luck to you on the opening of 'Thor' and on your 'Spider-Man' shoot. Andy Armstrong: Thanks and same to you. 'Thor' opens wide in 3D, IMAX 3D and 2D this Friday, 'Captain America' opens July 22, 2011 and 'The Amazing Spider-Man" is set to launch on July 3, 2012.Posted Wed May 4, 2011 at 01:25 PM PDT by: -
HDD Spotlight Bargain: 'The Nesting' Blu-ray $15.99 at Amazon[teaser]Pre-order the horror cult classic on Blu-ray for nearly fifty percent off! [/teaser] The online retailer is selling Blue Underground's upcoming edition of 'The Nesting' for $15.99 (47% off suggested price). Also known as 'Massacre Mansion' and 'Phobia,' this eerie house of horrors was co-written, produced, and directed by notorious adult filmmaker Armand Weston, and stars Robin Groves ('Stephen King's Silver Bullet'), John Carradine ('Shock Waves,' 'The Howling'), and Academy Award winner Gloria Grahame ('The Bad and the Beautiful,' 'Oklahoma!') in her final film role. Long unavailable on home video, 'The Nesting' has been newly transferred in High Definition from the original camera negative and is presented here in a never-before-seen Director's Cut! Click here to take advantage of this spook-tacular price!Posted Wed May 4, 2011 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
'Barney's Version' Blu-ray Announced and Detailed[teaser]The acclaimed drama based on Mordecai Richler's 1997 novel is planned for Blu-ray this June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony says 'Barney's Version' is in the works for high-definition release on June 28. The film stars Paul Giamatti as outspoken TV producer Barney Panofsky and co-stars Dustin Hoffman, Minnie Driver, and Scott Speedman. The release will be a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack with 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include an audio commentary, three featurettes and a Q&A with Paul Giamatti and author Annette Insdorf. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is set at $34.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Barney's Version' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 28.Posted Wed May 4, 2011 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Star Wars' Blu-rays Fully Detailed![teaser] The entire upcoming 9-disc Blu-ray edition of the 'Star Wars' saga has now been fully detailed! [/teaser] As previously reported, 20th Century Fox officially announced that all of George Lucas' 'Star Wars' movies are coming to Blu-ray on September 16. There will be three different releases, with the major one being a mega 9-disc set 'Star Wars: The Complete Saga' (including all six films) for a suggested list price of $139.99, as well as 'Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy' and 'Star Wars: Original Trilogy' -- 3-disc sets with a suggested list price of $69.99. Bring home the adventure and share Star Wars with your whole family – when STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA comes to Blu-ray Disc from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment! To be released beginning on September 12 internationally and on September 16 in North America, the nine-disc collection brings the wonder of the entire Saga direct to your living room, where you can revisit all of your favorite Star Wars moments – in gorgeous high definition and with pristine, 6.1 DTS Surround Sound. Dive deeper into the universe with an unprecedented 40+ hours of special features, highlighted by never-before-seen content sourced from the Lucasfilm archives. Special Features: DISC ONE – STAR WARS: EPISODE I THE PHANTOM MENACE • Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Ben Burtt, Rob Coleman, John Knoll, Dennis Muren and Scott Squires • Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew DISC TWO – STAR WARS: EPISODE II ATTACK OF THE CLONES • Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Ben Burtt, Rob Coleman, Pablo Helman, John Knoll and Ben Snow • Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew DISC THREE – STAR WARS: EPISODE III REVENGE OF THE SITH • Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Rob Coleman, John Knoll and Roger Guyett • Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew DISC FOUR – STAR WARS: EPISODE IV A NEW HOPE • Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Carrie Fisher, Ben Burtt and Dennis Muren • Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew DISC FIVE – STAR WARS: EPISODE V THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK • Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Carrie Fisher, Ben Burtt and Dennis Muren • Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew DISC SIX – STAR WARS: EPISODE VI RETURN OF THE JEDI • Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Carrie Fisher, Ben Burtt and Dennis Muren • Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew DISC SEVEN – NEW! STAR WARS ARCHIVES: EPISODES I-III • Including: deleted, extended and alternate scenes; prop, maquette and costume turnarounds; matte paintings and concept art; supplementary interviews with cast and crew; a flythrough of the Lucasfilm Archives and more DISC EIGHT – NEW! STAR WARS ARCHIVES: EPISODES IV-VI • Including: deleted, extended and alternate scenes; prop, maquette and costume turnarounds; matte paintings and concept art; supplementary interviews with cast and crew; and more DISC NINE – THE STAR WARS DOCUMENTARIES • NEW! Star Warriors (2007, Color, Apx. 84 Minutes) – Some Star Wars fans want to collect action figures...these fans want to be action figures! A tribute to the 501st Legion, a global organization of Star Wars costume enthusiasts, this insightful documentary shows how the super-fan club promotes interest in the films through charity and volunteer work at fundraisers and high-profile special events around the world. • NEW! A Conversation with the Masters: The Empire Strikes Back 30 Years Later (2010, Color, Apx. 25 Minutes) – George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Lawrence Kasdan and John Williams look back on the making of The Empire Strikes Back in this in-depth retrospective from Lucasfilm created to help commemorate the 30th anniversary of the movie. The masters discuss and reminisce about one of the most beloved films of all time. • NEW! Star Wars Spoofs (2011, Color, Apx. 91 Minutes) – The farce is strong with this one! Enjoy a hilarious collection of Star Wars spoofs and parodies that have been created over the years, including outrageous clips from Family Guy, The Simpsons, How I Met Your Mother and more — and don’t miss “Weird Al” Yankovic’s one-of-a-kind music video tribute to The Phantom Menace! • The Making of Star Wars (1977, Color, Apx. 49 Minutes) – Learn the incredible behind-the-scenes story of how the original Star Wars movie was brought to the big screen in this fascinating documentary hosted by C-3PO and R2-D2. Includes interviews with George Lucas and appearances by Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher. • The Empire Strikes Back: SPFX (1980, Color, Apx. 48 Minutes) – Learn the secrets of making movies in a galaxy far, far away. Hosted by Mark Hamill, this revealing documentary offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into the amazing special effects that transformed George Lucas’ vision for Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back into reality! • Classic Creatures: Return of the Jedi (1983, Color, Apx. 48 Minutes) – Go behind the scenes — and into the costumes — as production footage from Return of the Jedi is interspersed with vintage monster movie clips in this in-depth exploration of the painstaking techniques utilized by George Lucas to create the classic creatures and characters seen in the film. Hosted and narrated by Carrie Fisher and Billie Dee Williams. • Anatomy of a Dewback (1997, Color, Apx. 26 Minutes) – See how some of the special effects in Star Wars became even more special two decades later! George Lucas explains and demonstrates how his team transformed the original dewback creatures from immovable rubber puppets (in the original 1977 release) to seemingly living, breathing creatures for the Star Wars 1997 Special Edition update. • Star Wars Tech (2007, Color, Apx. 46 Minutes) – Exploring the technical aspects of Star Wars vehicles, weapons and gadgetry, Star Wars Tech consults leading scientists in the fields of physics, prosthetics, lasers, engineering and astronomy to examine the plausibility of Star Wars technology based on science as we know it today. You can find the latest specs for 'Star Wars: The Complete Saga,' 'Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy,' and 'Star Wars: Original Trilogy' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under September 16.Posted Wed May 4, 2011 at 09:50 AM PDT by: -
TCO Development Studies Passive and Active 3D - Finds No Preference[teaser]The study confirms much of what we already know about 3D, with each tech winning out in different categories. [/teaser] TCO Development is a company dedicated to certifying office and IT products for both quality and durability. With the increased popularity of 3D, they've decided to take a look at both passive and active sets and weigh in. The results are mixed, as you might expect. TCO determined that while cross-talk was essentially the same when viewed straight-on, the sets using passive technology started failing at a 15 degree vertical angle. Placing the TV or monitor at an appropriate viewing position is an essential. Active glasses lose a few points when it comes to luminance. They block more light, resulting in a less desirable picture. The other big point is that passive technology doesn't yet offer the same resolution as active tech. They say that people tend to perceive 3D pictures as being more detailed than 2D pictures of the same resolution, which may mean that a 1080p resolution isn't necessarily required. Source: EngadgetPosted Wed May 4, 2011 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'The King of Fighters' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Another live-action video game adaptation will pulverize Blu-ray this July. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Well Go USA says they are working on 'The King of Fighters' for a Blu-ray release on July 26. The film stars Sean Faris ('Never Back Down'), Maggie Q ("Nikita"), and the always awesome Ray Park ('Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace'). Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $26.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The King of Fighters' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under July 26.Posted Wed May 4, 2011 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix May be Helping to Eliminate Piracy in US[teaser]With Netflix subscriptions doubling, the downloading of older movies has slowed. [/teaser] Historically, the internet has been viewed by the music, movie and television industries as a wretched hive of scum and villainy, full of pirates who want nothing more than to kill profits. That isn't the case of course, and the success of Netflix goes a long way to prove it. Companies have attempted to curtail the illegal downloading of their products in a variety of ways, including increased copy protection and lawsuits. In the end, the best solution is to offer a better alternative. "Although no torrent site has gone out of business yet," writes Ernesto on Torrent Freak, "Netflix certainly is a serious ‘competitor’ for access to movies." He adds that nothing is conclusive, but the data seems to indicate that being able to choose from a range of movies at a low monthly price has beaten out illegal piracy for some. Source: Torrent FreakPosted Wed May 4, 2011 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'Battle: Los Angeles' Blu-ray Dated & Detailed[teaser]Aliens will be invading the City of Angels in high-definition this June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony has set a date for 'Battle: Los Angeles' on Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and single edition Blu-ray on June 14. Marine staff sergeant (Aaron Eckhart) and his platoon take on an enemy unlike any they’ve ever encountered when hostile alien invaders attack the planet in this epic sci-fi action film. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Behind the Battle, Building the Aliens, Acting with Aliens, Shooting the Aliens, Preparing for Battle and Creating L.A. in LA. Blu-ray exclusives include: Directing the Battle, Boot Camp, The Freeway Battle, Command Control, Staff Sergeant Nantz, Marine Behind the Scenes, Aliens Ambush the Marines, Battling Unknown Forces, Technical Sergeant Santos, Alien Autopsy, Gas Station Explosion, Visual FX on the Freeway, Do You Believe in Aliens? and Alien Command & Control), plus a PS3 theme and the Resistance 3 PS3 game demo. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.95, while the combo pack is $38.96. You can find the latest specs for 'Battle: Los Angeles' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 14.Posted Wed May 4, 2011 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Unknown' Dated & Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]Liam Neeson will be a victim of identity theft and will kick some ass to get it back on Blu-ray this June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is working on 'Unknown' (available in a single disc and Blu-ray/DVD combo pack) on June 14. The releases will include 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include Liam Neeson: Known Action Hero and Unknown: What is Known? Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98 and the combo pack is $35.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Unknown' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 14.Posted Tue May 3, 2011 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
HDD Spotlight Bargain: ' Scream' Blu-rays $9.49 each at Amazon[teaser]The first three films in Wes Craven's horror franchise are now available on Blu-ray for under $10 a piece at Amazon! [/teaser] Amazon has reduced the price of 'Scream,' 'Scream 2,' and 'Scream 3' starring Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, and David Arquette to $9.49 (53% off suggested list price). Click here to order the entire trilogy for your Blu-ray collection!Posted Tue May 3, 2011 at 12:30 PM PDT by:
