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Star Trek: Discovery - Season One Pre-Orders Live[teaser]The first season of the latest Star Trek series will be warping to Blu-ray in November. [/teaser] Paramount is set to release Star Trek: Discovery - Season One on Blu-ray on November 13. Ten years before Kirk, Spock and the Enterprise, the USS Discovery discovers new worlds and lifeforms as one Starfleet officer learns to understand all things alien. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: • DISCOVERING DISCOVERY: THE CONCEPTS AND CASTING OF STAR TREK: DISCOVERY – Interviews with producers, writers and stars of Star Trek: Discovery about casting of the debut season. • THE STAR TREK THEME – A discussion with Executive Producer Alex Kurtzman and Composer Jeff Russo about creating the Discovery theme and score for the show. • CREATURE COMFORTS – A behind-the-scenes look at the makeup and prosthetics department on Star Trek: Discovery, as they both modernize • well-known Star Trek species like the Klingons, Vulcans and the Andorians, and bring to life a new species, the Kelpiens. • DESIGNING DISCOVERY – Insight into the production design department led by Tamara Deverell as they create the planets, the world within those worlds and the starships to travel amongst them. • CREATING SPACE – An exploration of how the VFX team, headed by Jason Zimmerman, pushes the envelope to create the reality of space, planets, and starships for Star Trek: Discovery. • PROP ME UP – Led by Propmaster Mario Moreira, a voyage through the world of Discovery props, providing an inside look at the design process from inception to set. • FEEDING FRENZY – A fascinating look at the on-set food stylist who creates a galaxy of cuisine. • A FEMALE TOUCH – With strong female producers and writers off-screen and powerful female characters on-screen, Discovery exemplifies the groundbreaking inclusionary theme first put forth in the original series. • DRESS FOR SUCCESS – Costume Designer Gersha Phillips and her team create a spectacular array of clothing, uniforms and armor for every kind of species in the galaxy. • STAR TREK DISCOVERY: THE VOYAGE OF SEASON ONE – A look at the adventures and plot twists encountered in the first season by the crew of the Discovery. • DELETED & EXTENDED SCENES. Suggested list price is $50.99. You can find the latest specs for Star Trek: Discovery - Season One linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under November 13. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Aug 6, 2018 at 08:15 AM PDT by: -
Patrick Stewart Set to Star as Jean-Luc Picard in New Star Trek Streaming Series[teaser]The legendary starfleet captain is setting a course for CBS All Access.[/teaser] According to a report by Deadline, Patrick Stewart will star in a new Star Trek series for the CBS All Access streaming service. The actor will be reprising his iconic role of Jean-Luc Picard from Star Trek: The Next Generation. The news comes from the 2018 Official Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas, where Stewart made a surprise appearance to make the announcement himself. The currently untitled Star Trek series is being developed for CBS All Access by Alex Kurtzman, the co-creator and executive producer of Star Trek: Discovery. Though full plot details have not been revealed yet, the new show won't be a reboot of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Instead, the series will explore the next stage in Picard's life. Check out the announcement video with Patrick Stewart below! "With overwhelming joy, it's a privilege to welcome Sir Patrick Stewart back to the Star Trek fold," said Alex Kurtzman. "For over 20 years, fans have hoped for the return of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and that day is finally here. We can't wait to forge new ground, surprise people, and honor generations both new and old." Other members of the show's creative team will include James Duff, Akiva Goldsman, Michael Chabon, and Kirsten Beyer. In addition, Stewart, Chabon, Goldsman, Duff, and Kurtzman will executive produce, along with Heather Kadin of Secret Hideout, Roddenberry Entertainment President Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry, and Roddenberry Entertainment COO Trevor Roth. "I will always be very proud to have been a part of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but when we wrapped that final movie in the spring of 2002, I truly felt my time with Star Trek had run its natural course," said Stewart. "It is, therefore, an unexpected but delightful surprise to find myself excited and invigorated to be returning to Jean-Luc Picard and to explore new dimensions within him. Seeking out new life for him, when I thought that life was over. During these past years, it has been humbling to hear many stories about how The Next Generation brought people comfort, saw them through difficult periods in their lives or how the example of Jean-Luc inspired so many to follow in his footsteps, pursuing science, exploration and leadership. I feel I'm ready to return to him for the same reason -- to research and experience what comforting and reforming light he might shine on these often very dark times. I look forward to working with our brilliant creative team as we endeavor to bring a fresh, unexpected and pertinent story to life once more." Patrick Stewart originally played Captain Jean-Luc Picard in all seven seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation, which ran from 1987 to 1994. In addition, the actor previously reprised the role in four theatrical films: Star Trek: Generations (1994), Star Trek: First Contact (1996), Star Trek: Insurrection (1998), and Star Trek: Nemesis (2002). An exact release date for the new Star Trek show has not been announced yet. Beyond the upcoming series, CBS All Access is also home to Star Trek: Discovery which is set to return for a second season in early 2019. A current CBS All Access subscription costs $5.99 per month with reduced commercials or $9.99 per month for a commercial-free plan. Sources: Deadline, Star Trek (YouTube)Posted Sun Aug 5, 2018 at 11:05 AM PDT by: -
Coming Soon to Blu-ray: Unfriended: Dark Web, Gotti, and More[teaser]Blumhouse's latest horror sequel, the infamous mafia flick starring John Travolta, and more are all heading to Blu-ray in the coming months.[/teaser] New info has been revealed for several upcoming Blu-rays from Lionsgate, Tokyo Shock, Universal, Acorn Media, Cinedigm, and Blue Underground. Here's a full rundown of recently revealed details and title announcements: First up, Lionsgate is bringing Leo Zhang's Bleeding Steel starring Jackie Chan, Show Lo, and Nana Ou-Yang to Blu-ray on August 21. Supplements have not been announced yet. In addition, the label is set to release Susanna White's Woman Walks Ahead starring Jessica Chastain, Michael Greyeyes, Sam Rockwell on August 28. Supplements will include: “Making of Story” with Director Susanna White Director's Commentary Deleted Scenes Meanwhile, Michael Pearce's Beast starring Jessie Buckley, Johnny Flynn, and Geraldine James is coming to Blu-ray on September 4. Supplements will include: Making-of Photo Gallery Likewise, Daniel Zelik Berk's Damascus Cover starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Olivia Thirlby, John Hurt, Navid Negahban, and Jürgen Prochnow will also hit Blu-ray on September 4. Supplements have not been detailed yet. Matthew Ross' Siberia starring Keanu Reeves, Molly Ringwald, Ana Ularu, and Aleks Paunovic will then follow on September 18. Supplements will include: "Passion and Intrigue: Bringing Siberia to Life" Featurette In addition, the studio will release Kevin Connolly's Gotti starring John Travolta, Kelly Preston, and Chris Mulkey on September 25. Supplements have not been detailed yet. And rounding out Lionsgate's upcoming lineup will be Luke Sparke's Occupation starring Dan Ewing, Temuera Morrison, and Stephanie Jacobsen on September 25. There are no supplements currently listed for the release. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Tokyo Shock is prepping Shintarô Katsu's Zatoichi: Darkness Is His Ally starring Shintarô Katsu, Kanako Higuchi, and Takanori Jinnai for Blu-ray on August 28. Supplements have not been detailed at this time. Order the Blu-ray Universal is set to release Timothy Woodward Jr.'s Silencer starring Johnny Messner, Danny Trejo, Chuck Liddell, and Tito Ortiz on September 18. Supplements have not been detailed yet. In addition, the studio is also preparing Wim Wenders' documentary Pope Francis: A Man of His Word for Blu-ray on December 4. No supplements are currently listed for the release. And rounding out Universal's upcoming lineup will be Stephen Susco's Unfriended: Dark Web starring Rebecca Rittenhouse, Betty Gabriel, Judith Roberts, and Andrew Bryniarski. Supplements and an exact release date have not been announced yet, but pre-orders are now live. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Acorn Media will bring Midsomer Murders: Series 20 starring John Nettles, Neil Dudgeon, Jane Wymark, and Barry Jackson to Blu-ray on September 25. Supplements have not been announced yet. Order the Blu-ray Cinedigm is set to release Owen Egerton's Blood Fest starring Seychelle Gabriel, Zachary Levi, Jacob Batalon, and Tate Donovan on October 2. Supplements have not been detailed at this time. In addition, the label is prepping Steven Luke's Battle of the Bulge: Wunderland starring Steven Luke, Tom Berenger, and Mikeal Burgin for Blu-ray on October 23. No other details have been announced yet. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Blue Underground is preparing Bill Lustig's Maniac starring Joe Spinell, Kelly Piper, Caroline Munro, Abigail Clayton, and Rita Montone for Blu-ray on November 13. The 3-Disc Limited Edition will feature a brand new 4K restoration of the film, and supplements will include: NEW! Collectable Booklet with new essay by author Michael Gingold NEW! Original Motion Picture Soundtrack CD with MANIAC score by Jay Chattaway NEW! Maniac Outtakes Featurette NEW! Returning to the Scene of the Crime with William Lustig The Joe Spinell Story (49:12 ) Audio Commentary #1 with Co-Producer/Director William Lustig and Co-Producer Andrew W. Garroni Audio Commentary #2 with Co-Producer/Director William Lustig, Special Make-Up Effects Artist Tom Savini, Editor Lorenzo Marinelli, and Joe Spinell assistant Luke Walter MANIAC PUBLICITY: 'Paul Wunder' Radio Interview with William Lustig, Joe Spinell, and Carline Munro (19:11), William Lustig on 'Movie Madness' (47:18), Joe Spinell at Cannes (0:44), Joe Spinell on 'The Joe Franklin Show' (13:13) and Carline Munro TV Interview (2:54) MANIAC CONTROVERSY: A selection of archival broadcast TV news clips, interviews and reactions to the film. (41:15) Mr. Robbie: 'Maniac 2' Promo Reel (7:28) Maniac Men Interview with Songwriters Michael Sembello and Dennis Matkosky (10:38) Dark Notes Interview with Composer Jay Chattaway (12:13) The Death Dealer Interview with Special Make-Up Effects Artist Tom Savini (12:11) Anna and the Killer Interview with Star Caroline Munro (13:08) Theatrical Trailers TV Spots Radio Spots and more! In addition, the label is set to bring Lucio Fulci's Zombie starring Tisa Farrow, Ian McCulloch, Richard Johnson, and Al Cliver to Blu-ray on November 27. The 3-Disc Limited Edition will feature a brand new 4K restoration of the film, and supplements will include: NEW - Audio Commentary #1 with Troy Howarth, author of Splintered Visions: Lucio Fulci and His Films (a splinter into the ear of John Bernhard) Audio Commentary #2 with Star Ian McCulloch and Diabolik Magazine Editor Jason J. Slater NEW Interview with Stephen Thrower, author of Beyond Terror: The Films of Lucio Fulci Theatrical Trailers, TV Spots, Radio Spots Poster & Still Gallery Guillermo del Toro Intro Zombie Wasteland – Interviews with Stars Ian McCulloch, Richard Johnson & Al Cliver, and Actor/Stuntman Ottaviano Dell'Acqua Flesh Eaters on Film – Interview with Co-Producer Fabrizio De Angelis Deadtime Stories – Interviews with Co-Writers Elisa Briganti and (Uncredited) Dardano Sacchetti World of the Dead – Interviews with Cinematographer Sergio Salvati and Production & Costume Designer Walter Patriarca Zombi Italiano – Interviews with Special Make-Up Effects Artists Gianetto De Rossi & Maurizio Trani and Special Effects Artist Gino De Rossi Notes on a Headstone – Interview with Composer Fabio Frizzi All in the Family – Interview with Antonella Fulci Zombie Lover – Award-Winning Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro talks about one of his favorite films BONUS Collectable Booklet with new essay by author Stephen Thrower BONUS CD – ZOMBIE Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Fabio Frizzi Order the Blu-ray You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule.Posted Fri Aug 3, 2018 at 09:45 PM PDT by: -
Coming Soon to Streaming: Maniac, Iron Fist, and More[teaser]A new series starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, and the latest season of Marvel's Iron Fist are among this week's streaming trailers.[/teaser] Netflix and Amazon have released new previews and info for several of their upcoming programs and films. In addition, FilmStruck has announced its new August lineup of movies for the Criterion Channel. Here's a full rundown of titles scheduled to arrive on each service: Ozark: Season 2 (Netflix, August 31) - In its much-anticipated second season, Ozark continues to follow Marty Bryde and his family as they navigate the murky waters of life within a dangerous drug cartel. With Del out, the crime syndicate sends their ruthless attorney Helen Pierce to town to shake things up just as The Byrdes are finally settling in. Marty and Wendy struggle to balance their family interests amid the escalating dangers presented by their partnerships with the power-hungry Snells, the cartel and their new deputy, Ruth Langmore, whose father Cade has been released from prison. The stakes are even higher than before and The Byrdes soon realize they have to go all in before they can get out. Marvel’s Iron Fist: Season 2 (Netflix, September 7) - Billionaire Danny Rand (Finn Jones) returns to New York City after being missing for years, trying to reconnect with his past and his family legacy. He fights against the criminal element corrupting New York City with his martial arts mastery and ability to summon the awesome power of the fiery Iron Fist. On My Skin (Netflix, September 12) - The incredible true story behind the most controversial Italian court cases in recent years. Stefano Cucchi was arrested for a minor crime and mysteriously found dead during his detention. In one week’s time, a family is changed forever. Maniac (Netflix, September 21) - Set in a world somewhat like our world, in a time quite similar to our time, Maniac tells the stories of Annie Landsberg (Emma Stone) and Owen Milgrim (Jonah Hill), two strangers drawn to the late stages of a mysterious pharmaceutical trial, each for their own reasons. Annie’s disaffected and aimless, fixated on broken relationships with her mother and her sister; Owen, the fifth son of wealthy New York industrialists, has struggled his whole life with a disputed diagnosis of schizophrenia. Neither of their lives have turned out quite right, and the promise of a new, radical kind of pharmaceutical treatment—a sequence of pills its inventor, Dr. James K. Mantleray (Justin Theroux), claims can repair anything about the mind, be it mental illness or heartbreak—draws them and ten other strangers to the facilities of Neberdine Pharmaceutical and Biotech for a three-day drug trial that will, they’re assured, with no complications or side-effects whatsoever, solve all of their problems, permanently. Things do not go as planned. Maniac is created by Patrick Somerville, and directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga. The Good Cop (Netflix, September 21) - Tony Danza plays Tony Sr., a disgraced, former NYPD officer who never followed the rules. He lives with his son, Tony Jr., an earnest, obsessively honest NYPD detective who makes a point of always following the rules. This “odd couple” become unofficial partners as Tony Sr. offers his overly-cautious son blunt, street-wise advice on everything from handling suspects to handling women. Nappily Ever After (Netflix, September 21) - Violet Jones has a seemingly flawless life – a great job, a handsome doctor boyfriend, and a meticulously maintained perfect coiffure. But after an accident at the hair-dresser, each of these things start to unravel, and Violet begins to realize that she was living the life she thought she was supposed to live, not the one that she really wanted. Starring Sanaa Lathan, Ricky Whittle, Lyriq Bent with Ernie Hudson and Lynn Whitfield. Forever Season 1 (Amazon Prime Video, September 14) - Married couple June (Maya Rudolph) and Oscar (Fred Armisen) live a comfortable but predictable life in suburban Riverside, California. For 12 years they’ve had the same conversations, eaten the same meals and taken pleasant vacations at the same rented lake house. But after June talks Oscar into shaking things up with a ski trip, the pair suddenly find themselves in completely unfamiliar territory. Forever is an utterly original, insightful and poignant comedy about love, commitment, and marriage, created by Emmy Award-winning writers Alan Yang (Master of None, Parks and Recreation) and Matt Hubbard (30 Rock, Parks and Recreation). The Romanoffs (Amazon Prime Video, October 12) - From the creator of Mad Men, The Romanoffs is a contemporary anthology series set around the globe featuring eight separate stories about people who believe themselves to be descendants of the Russian royal family. Starring Aaron Eckhart, Diane Lane, Isabelle Huppert, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Amanda Peet, Jack Huston, Kathryn Hahn, Noah Wyle, Paul Reiser, Andrew Rannells and more. Finally, Criterion has revealed its August lineup of films set to hit the Criterion Channel on the FilmStruck streaming service. Here's a full rundown of titles premiering in August: Tootsie, Sydney Pollack, 1982 (August 1) The World, the Flesh and the Devil, Ranald MacDougall, 1959 (August 1) Hunger, Peter Foldes, 1974 (August 7) Lick the Star, Sofia Coppola, 1998 (August 14) The Moonshiners, Juho Kuosmanen, 2017 (August 21) A Private Function, Malcolm Mowbray, 1984 (August 21) Night Mayor, Guy Maddin, 2009 (August 28) - A current Netflix subscription starts at $11 per month for HD streaming and $14 per month for Ultra HD streaming. - A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $119 per year or $13 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. - A current FilmStruck Subscription starts at $7 per month. In addition, a FilmStruck + The Criterion Channel Subscription costs $11 per month, and customers can also opt for an annual Subscription for $99 per year. Sources: Netflix (YouTube), Amazon (YouTube), FilmStruckPosted Fri Aug 3, 2018 at 06:15 PM PDT by: -
New YouTube 8K HDR Video Offers Breathtaking Views of Morocco[teaser]The stunning clip offers a taste of 8K video potential.[/teaser] While consumer 8K displays are still forthcoming here in the US, YouTube has actually been offering 8K streaming support on its platform since 2015. And a new video uploaded to the Jacob + Katie Schwarz channel just might be one of the most impressive demos for the format so far. The short film focuses on several breathtaking locations in Morocco and has been uploaded as an 8K FUHD HDR 60fps video using Google's VP9 codec. With that said, the only way to currently watch the clip in full 8K glory is via a computer web browser. But since the content was captured using a Red Monstro Vista Vision 8K Sensor and mastered in 8K, even YouTube's down-rezed 4K feed should still offer a tantalizing taste of 8K video production's potential benefits. With that in mind, despite not having a true 8K display handy, we decided to check the clip out on one of the next best things -- Samsung's 2018 flagship 65-inch Q9 QLED 4K HDR TV. You can also watch the video for yourself below (or through the YouTube app on your smart TV). The short film features smooth 60fps gliding camera shots that slowly move through various Moroccan locals, including the streets and markets of Marrakech, the blue city of Chefchaouen, the Arfoud desert, and the ancient city of Ouarzazate. When streaming in 4K HDR on the Q9, the down-rezed 8K footage renders breathtaking detail, offering stunning views of wildlife, rocky shores, impressive architecture, and sand dunes. Textures on walls and objects, and patterns on structures and fabric, are especially striking, allowing one to make out every brick or slab of stone in buildings, and every individual leaf on trees or strand of grass on the ground. Fine detail is especially notable in one sequence shot inside a room full of golden lanterns, highlighting every intricate nook and cranny creating a spacious sense of dimension and separation between each object. The HDR grading also results in sumptuous primaries and impressive specular highlights on the Q9. Shots of the sun resting just over the horizon in the desert carry concentrated intensity while maintaining detail. Likewise, drifting shots that move through shadowy rooms toward light creeping in from the outside world feature strong contrast and a smooth transition between deep blacks and bright light. Warm tones are rich and realistic, and the pastel blue walls of Chefchaouen are gorgeously realized. Of course, being a YouTube stream, the clip is still subject to some occasional signs of compression, including some fleeting noise and banding here and there. Likewise, the video actually had to pause once on my setup in order to buffer. But even with these limitations, the clip serves as perfect demo material for current-gen 4K HDR TVs. With that said, as jaw-dropping as the footage is, I'm not sure the down-rezed 4K stream really offers that much of an edge over similar clips shot and mastered in 4K on YouTube or other streaming services. Don't get me wrong, it's among the more impressive streaming videos I've seen when it comes to overall detail, but I'm not totally sold on the benefits of 8K just yet. The higher-res video capture definitely offers a lot of added freedom for filmmakers to play around with footage during editing and grading on the post-production side, but it remains to be seen if the end product actually offers an appreciable increase in observable detail over a 4K master. And to determine that, we'll really have to wait for higher bitrate 8K content and true 8K TVs. For now, however, watching the material on a flagship 4K TV offers a promising (albeit far from revelatory) look at what 8K video capture has to offer. And beyond this beautiful trip to Morocco, the Jacob + Katie Schwarz channel also offers a growing collection of additional 8K HDR, 4K HDR, and slow-motion clips that are well worth a look for users who want some impressive demo material to help show off their new Ultra HD TVs. Source: Jacob + Katie Schwarz (YouTube)Posted Fri Aug 3, 2018 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
The Big Lebowski 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Up for Pre-Order![teaser]The dude will abide in 4K this October.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is prepping The Big Lebowski for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on October 16. Likewise, a Limited Edition release will also be available that same day as well. The hilariously twisted comedy-thriller stars Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi and Julianne Moore. Join the "Dude" and his bowling buddies on their journey that blends unforgettable characters, kidnapping, a case of mistaken identity and White Russians. Enter the visually unique and entertaining world from the creative minds of the Coen brothers and remember: the Dude abides. Full specs and details on bonus items set to be included with the Limited Edition have not been revealed yet, but supplements will include: Worthy Adversaries: What's My Line Trivia The Dude's Life The Dude Abides: The Big Lebowski Ten Years Later Making of The Big Lebowski The Lebowski Fest: An Achiever's Story Flying Carpets and Bowling Pin Dreams: The Dream Sequences of The Dude Interactive Map Jeff Bridges Photo Book Photo Gallery An Introduction No Kid Hungry PSA U-Control: Scene Companion U-Control: Mark It, Dude U-Control: The Music of The Big Lebowski You can find the latest specs for The Big Lebowski linked from our 4K Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 16. Order the 4K Blu-ray Order the Limited EditionPosted Fri Aug 3, 2018 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
HBO Celebrates International Beer Day with Game of Thrones Themed Goblets and Beers[teaser]You can celebrate the drinking holiday like a true Lannister with these Game of Thrones beers and drinkware.[/teaser] It's International Beer Day, and to help mark the occasion HBO is promoting its collection of Game of Thrones themed goblets, steins, and tankards. Likewise, the company also offers a selection of beers inspired by the Seven Kingdoms from Brewery Ommegang. The network's drinkware is now on sale via the HBO Shop with items marked down as much as 30%. Highlights include Irone Throne and House Targaryen tankards, a House Stark Direwolf goblet, dragon egg shot glasses, and a map of Westeros stein. Meanwhile, Brewery Ommegang's Royal Reserve Collection features several limited beer releases designed and brewed in honor of key figures from the show. The first beer, Hand of the Queen, was released in April and is a barleywine. The Queen of the Seven Kingdoms sour blonde blend then followed in June. The next release will be Mother of Dragons, a smoked porter and Belgian kriek blend set to arrive in September. A fourth and final beer will also be announced later this year. Check out the company's beer finder to locate a retailer near you. The eighth and final season of Game of Thrones is expected to premiere during the first half of 2019. The season will consist of six episodes. In addition, HBO is also set produce a pilot for a potential spin-off series from George R.R. Martin and Jane Goldman. The show will be a prequel set eight thousand years before Game of Thrones. The first seven seasons of Game of Thrones are now available on Blu-ray. Likewise, the show's first season was also recently released on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. Source: HBO, Brewery OmmegangPosted Fri Aug 3, 2018 at 01:55 PM PDT by: -
Director Christopher McQuarrie Reveals the Truth Behind Justice League's Mustache-Gate[teaser]The full story behind one of Hollywood's most expensive mustaches has been revealed.[/teaser] When actor Henry Cavill decided to grow a mustache for his character in Paramount's Mission: Impossible - Fallout, few could have predicted the wide ranging ramifications. But when the facial hair conflicted with reshoots for Warner Brothers' Justice League, the infamous "Mustache-Gate" scandal was born. Essentially, production would not allow Cavill to shave his impressive stache while shooting remained active for Mission: Impossible. And since he had to reshoot several scenes as Superman for Justice League at the same time, Warner Bros. was put in a tricky situation -- one that resulted in some hilariously bad and quite costly CGI in order to digitally erase the actor's mustache. But now that Mission: Impossible - Fallout has hit theaters, director Christopher McQuarrie is clarifying his part in the Mustache-Gate fiasco. As reported by The Playlist and CBM, McQuarrie recently sat down for an episode of The Empire Film Podcast where he elaborated on the details surrounding the conflict. According to the director, when Justice League producer Charles Roven approached him about the mustache dilemma, McQuarrie tried to help Warner Bros. out the best he could without putting his own movie in jeopardy. He spoke to Mission: Impossible - Fallout producer Jake Myers about the issue and the team calculated that if Cavill were to shave his mustache to play Superman, it would cost their production about $3 million to digitally fill-in the actor's missing facial hair in order to match the rest of the footage already shot. With that in mind, McQuarrie proposed that Warner Bros. simply pay them the $3 million, and in turn they would allow Cavill to shave his mustache for the Justice League reshoots and then actually shut down production for Mission: Impossible until he grew it back. But while that seemed like a pretty solid compromise to avoid any laughable CGI in either film, when Paramount heard about the idea they quickly shot it down, forcing Warner Bros. to deal with Cavill's facial hair through some utterly ridiculous effects work -- proving that while Kryptonite might be deadly, Superman's greatest weakness is really just an unruly mustache. Here is the full quote: "When the question came – the reshoots for Justice League came out – [Charles] Roven called me, and he said, ‘We need your help and we need to shave Henry [Cavill]’s mustache. We need him to come back and we need to do these reshoots.’ And I said, ‘Look, Chuck, naturally I want to do everything I can to help you, but I also have to think about our production. Let me talk to everybody and figure out what the scheduling would be.’ And I went and spoke to Jake Myers, and the suggestion was made through channels that we shave the mustache and Henry could begin to grow the mustache back and that then there would be – they would give us the resources to digitally fill in Henry’s mustache. Because like it or not, a fake mustache in close-up on a 75mm lens is never going to look like anything but a fake mustache. So, we offered the following compromise: Jake Myers calculated the amount of money that it would take to replace the number of shots, and essentially what Jake was able to project was about a $3 million visual effects budget. So, I don’t know how much Henry was in Justice League, I’ve never seen the movie, but I can tell you how much it would’ve cost for Mission: Impossible to digitally add Henry Cavill’s mustache, and we said yes. We said, here’s what we’ll do: give us the $3 million and we’ll shut down, and that will give Henry Cavill the time to grow his mustache back, and we’ll just shut our movie down. …We said we’ll do this, at which point, somebody from Paramount Pictures said, ‘What is going on? What are you people even talking about?’ They’re like, ‘There’s no way we’re going to do that.’ We were just like, ‘Okay.’ That was the best plan that we could come up with." Sources: The Empire Film Podcast via The Playlist and CBMPosted Fri Aug 3, 2018 at 10:40 AM PDT by: -
Comcast Set to Bring Amazon Prime Video Support to Xfinity X1[teaser]Amazon's streaming service will be available on Comcast's set-top box.[/teaser] Comcast and Amazon have announced a partnership to bring Prime Video support to the Xfinity X1 platform. With Prime Video integration, X1 users with a Prime subscription will be able to access Amazon's library of streaming movies and shows along with Xfinity live TV, On Demand, and DVR services. "Amazon Prime Video’s growing list of originals, movies, shows, documentaries, and kids' programming will be an excellent complement to the overall X1 viewing experience," said Dana Strong, President of Consumer Services, Comcast. "We want to give customers easy access to all their favorite content in one place. X1 continues to be a platform that can curate live TV, On Demand movies and shows, and streaming internet video and music titles into one, easy-to-use, seamless experience." Amazon Prime Video integration on Comcast's X1 platform will allow customers to watch Prime original streaming content and Xfinity TV all in one place. Users will be able to launch and search for Prime Video content using the X1 Voice Remote. In addition, compatible X1 set-top box will also support playback for Amazon's growing lineup of 4K HDR titles. Likewise, Prime Video on Xfinity will also offer access to Amazon's library of movies and shows available for rental or purchase and the platform's selection of over 160 add-on Prime Video Channels. "Prime Video is dedicated to making your favorite shows and movies effortless to watch. The addition of the Prime Video app to X1 will make navigating between Prime Video and live TV easier than ever," said Greg Hart, Vice President of Amazon Prime Video. "We are excited for our Prime members to seamlessly find the shows and movies they love." A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $119 per year or $13 per month. Likewise, Prime Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Amazon Prime Video is expected to launch on the X1 platform later this year. Comcast previously added Netflix support to its set-top box in 2016. Source: ComcastPosted Thu Aug 2, 2018 at 12:05 PM PDT by: -
The LEGO Movie Characters Make Airline Safety Awesome in Flashy Pre-Flight Video[teaser]"It's a party in the sky" with the cast of The LEGO Movie.[/teaser] Airline safety videos are a necessary component of any pre-flight routine, but they're rarely very entertaining. That is, unless they happen to star the irresistibly amusing cast of The LEGO Movie franchise. To help bring a little joy to travelers, Turkish Airlines and LEGO have teamed up to produce an instructional pre-flight safety demonstration that is so ridiculously fun and catchy that it can only be described as one word: awesome. The clip features appearances by a colorful ensemble of LEGO characters, including Emmet (Chris Pratt), Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks), Batman (Will Arnett), Robin (Michael Cena), Joker (Zach Galifianakis), Lloyd Garmadon (Dave Franco), Princess Unikitty (Alison Brie), Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, the Flash, Benny the astronaut, Metalbeard the pirate, and more. Check out the Turkish Airlines safety video below! And beyond helping out with airline safety, the LEGO characters can be seen next on the big screen in Warner Bros. Pictures' The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part. The film comes from director Mike Mitchell (Shrek Ever After, Trolls, Sky High) and is set to open nationwide in 2D and 3D on February 8, 2019. The much-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed, global box office phenomenon that started it all, The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part, reunites the heroes of Bricksburg in an all new action-packed adventure to save their beloved city. It’s been five years since everything was awesome and the citizens are facing a huge new threat: LEGO DUPLO® invaders from outer space, wrecking everything faster than they can rebuild. The battle to defeat them and restore harmony to the LEGO universe will take Emmet, Lucy, Batman and their friends to faraway, unexplored worlds, including a strange galaxy where everything is a musical. It will test their courage, creativity and Master Building skills, and reveal just how special they really are. Check out the teaser trailer below! Source: Turkish Airlines (YouTube)Posted Thu Aug 2, 2018 at 09:25 AM PDT by:
