Archived On The Mark - September, 2006

September 29, 2006 - A little later than promised, but nevertheless here is my DVD set review of Universal Studios Home Entertainment's "Battlestar Galactica: Season 2.5."

September 26, 2006 - My network went down and I'm reduced to using dial up to make updates this week. So I'll be back tomorrow with a review of "Battlestar Galactica Season 2.5."

September 25, 2006 - Here is a DVD review of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment's "Shock Treatment: 25th Anniversary Edition."

September 22, 2006 - Here is a DVD review of "Brazil: The Final Cut: The Criterion Collection #51."

September 20, 2006 - LATE UPDATE - I interviewed him last year. He's a great man and a true artist as a filmmaker. His Living Dead Series will forever be imitated, but never equaled.  September 26, 2006, The Horror Channel is hosting an evening with legendary Genre Film Auteur George A. Romero. You can read all about it below.

The Horror Channel Presents………..

 ……..An Evening with George Romero

Join us on Tuesday, September 26^th—immediately following our weekly broadcast of Shadow Falls—for a one hour session with the legendary George Romero, recorded live at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, NH.

September 20, 2006 - Here are reviews of the  third season premiere episodes of the SCI FI Channel original Series "Battlestar Galactica" and the second season premiere episodes of the SCI FI Channel and BBC hit series "Doctor Who." I have moved my TV review of "Stargate: SG-1: 2000 - The 200th Episode" to the Archived TV Reviews Page. Check out the online miniseason of "Battlestar Galactica" now by clicking on the bar icon below! I have also posted a review of the Cartoon Network Adult Swim series premiere of "Frisky Dingo." Finally below the Galactica bar link is a new press release regarding more HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc titles coming soon from Warner Home Video. The Upcoming DVD/HD DVD/Blu-ray Disc Calendar has been updated to reflect these new title announcements and more. You can check it out by clicking here or by clicking on the Coming Soon button above. Thank you.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On October 10

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Batman Begins, Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride and The Polar Express

Debut on HD DVD

Syriana and 16 Blocks
Debut on Blu-Ray

 Warner Passes “50 Titles” Benchmark in High Definition

Burbank, California (September 18, 2006) – With the release of seven new high definition titles on October 10, Warner Home Video continues to be the leader in high definition media. Making their debut on HD DVD are Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory two uniquely different versions of the story about a boy who discovers a magical world after finding the winning golden ticket in a bar of chocolate.  In addition,  making their HD DVD debuts are Batman Begins and two animated titles: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride and The Polar Express - an animated Christmas Classic and one of Warner Home Video's all-time best-selling family DVD's.   Making their Blu-Ray debut will be Syriana and 16 Blocks. This latest selection of releases marks the release of over 50 high definition titles by WHV (55) which is 70% higher than that of any other studio in the marketplace. 

Batman Begins and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory make their HD DVD debut with In-Movie Experience (IME), the interactive feature allowing viewers to enjoy new ways of accessing interviews and other material -- while the movie is running. The IME for Batman Begins gives viewers a window into director Christopher Nolan’s personal journey bringing a new look and new direction to Batman, illustrated with comics, cast comments and behind the scenes footage that gives each scene new meaning. The IME for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory offers rare glimpses into director Tim Burton’s creative process, scene by scene, that is at once insightful and turned on its head with comic Oompa Loompa interjections, unexpected chocolate fun facts and pop-ups.

The October 10 HD DVD titles will be available for $28.99 SRP and the two Blu-Ray Discs will be available for $34.99 SRP. All bonus materials on the Standard Definition versions of these titles will be included on the HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc versions.

HD DVDs

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Starring 2-time Oscar® nominee Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka, this exciting retelling of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book is a delectable treat for the whole family that Entertainment Weekly calls "A feast for the eyes and the imagination."  The adventure begins when Charlie Bucket discovers a Golden Ticket, catapulting him into a fantastic world of chocolate rivers, nutty squirrels, and mischievous Oompa-Loompas. 

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Stars Gene Wilder and tells the story of a poor little boy wins a ticket to visit the inside of a mysterious and magical chocolate factory. When he experiences the wonders inside the factory, the boy discovers that the entire visit is a test of his character.

Batman Begins explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight’s emergence as a force for good in Gotham.  In the wake of his parents’ murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful.  He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city.

Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride - Set in a 19th century European village, this stop-motion animated feature follows the story of Victor (voiced by Johnny Depp), a young man who is whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious Corpse Bride, while his real bride, Victoria, waits bereft in the land of the living. Though life in the Land of the Dead proves to be a lot more colorful than his strict Victorian upbringing, Victor learns that there is nothing in this world, or the next, that can keep him away from his one true love.

The Polar Express is based on the beloved Caldecott Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.  He embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. 

About the Blu-ray Movies

Syriana - Set against the extensive global oil industry network, Syriana unfolds a complex series of interconnecting stories that challenge the morality and integrity of all those involved

16 Blocks Loyalty is put to the test when Jack (Bruce Willis), a burnt-out NYC detective has to transport a fast-talking convict from jail to the courthouse 16 blocks away.  Jack faces one obstacle to the next when his ex-partners try to stop him from arriving at the courthouse through an edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting car chase adventure.

Warner Home Video HD DVDs and Blu-ray Discs offer resolution six times higher than standard definition DVDs, as well as extraordinarily vibrant contrast and color and beautifully crisp sound. The new formats also provide a higher level of interactivity, with instant access to extra features via a seamless menu-bar where viewers can enjoy features without leaving or interrupting the film.

With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.

September 18, 2006 - Here is a combined DVD review of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment's and Lucasfilm's "Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope: Widescreen: Limited Edition 2-Disc Set", "Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back: Widescreen: Limited Edition 2-Disc Set", and "Star Wars: Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi: Widescreen: Limited Edition 2-Disc Set." If you can still find it, Best Buy had a limited exclusive tin to go with the trilogy of films on DVD. I thought it was pretty cool so I thought I would share the image of the tin for you all too see below.

September 15, 2006 - Here is a new GENRE ONLINE.NET Interview with Comedian and SNL alumni Norm Macdonald. There have been a lot of new announcements for titles coming soon on both HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc. So I have updated the DVD/HD DVD/Blu-ray Disc Coming Soon Calendar with the new titles, which you can view by clicking here or clicking on the coming soon button above. New reviews coming soon. Stay tuned.

September 11, 2006 - Here is a review of New Line Home Entertainment's "The Lord Of The Rings: Limited Edition 2-Disc Sets" and a DVD review of Warner Home Video's "Blade Runner: The Director's Cut: Digitally Remastered Limited Edition." While I have not seen a press release yet illustrating this announcement as fact, Amazon.com already has a release date of November 14, 2006 for the Blu-ray Disc edition of "The Da Vinci Code." That would make it a day and date release with the DVD and UMD.Video For PSP counterparts. Below is the artwork from Amazon.com. If you should decide to preorder or purchase this film in any format, please do so through any of the Amazon.com banners found here at GENRE ONLINE.NET. It helps makes the work done here possible and your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

September 7, 2006 - Here is an Audio CD review  of Comedy Central Record's "Norm Macdonald RIDICULOUS."

September 4, 2006 - LATER UPDATE - Universal Studios Home Entertainment will be releasing the theatrical version of "Peter Jackson's King Kong" as well as Ang Lee's "Hulk" and "Waterworld" to HD DVD on November 14, 2006. In addition, Sony is releasing "The Da Vinci Code" to DVD and UMD For PSP on November 16, 2006. Below is the press release for The Da Vinci Code. The Upcoming DVD/HD DVD/Blu-ray Disc Calendar has been updated to reflect these additions. I will have new reviews later for tomorrow. Thank you.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

         “A crackling, fast moving thriller. Ron Howard’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’ is the
        holy grail of blockbusters.” - Lou Lumenick, New York Post
“The movie works; it’s involving, intriguing and constantly seems on the edge of startling revelations.” - Roger Ebert, The Chicago Sun-Times

DAN BROWN’S INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING NOVEL BECOMES THE DVD ACTION THRILLER OF THE YEAR
ON NOVEMBER 14
THE DA VINCI CODE
Ron Howard Directs All-Star Cast, Including Oscar® Winner Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Sir Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina, Paul Bettany, and Jean Reno
In $750 Million Plus Worldwide Box-Office Hit

EXTENSIVE EXTRAS INCLUDE ELEVEN FEATURETTES
AND PACKAGING WITH HIDDEN MESSAGES

CULVER CITY, CALIF. (September 5, 2006) – Witness the biggest cover up in human history when Sony Pictures Home Entertainment unveils The Da Vinci Code on a 2-disc DVD set and UMD on November 14. The blockbuster action thriller based on Dan Brown’s acclaimed best-seller is from the Oscar®-winning creative triumvirate behind A Beautiful Mind -- director Ron Howard, producer Brian Glazer and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman.  Howard (Backdraft, Cinderella Man) directs a stellar international cast, including two-time Oscar® winner Tom Hanks (Best Actor, Philadelphia, 1994; Best Actor, Forrest Gump, 1995), Audrey Tautou (Amelie, Dirty Pretty Things), Sir Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2, Frida), Paul Bettany (A Beautiful Mind, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World) and Jean Reno (The Professional, Mission Impossible). The Da Vinci Code smashed box-office records, grossing more than $750 million worldwide and taking the number one opening spot in ten countries including Italy, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Slovenia, Romania, Lithuania, Uruguay and Qatar.

The Da Vinci Code DVD offers over 90 minutes of special features shot in high definition with exclusive content appearing on the two-disc DVD set.  Included are 11 featurettes, with individual pieces on Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, author Dan Brown, a look at the locations and cities where the film was shot, interviews about how the cast felt working near the Mona Lisa, a two-part discussion with Ron Howard on the challenges of bringing the book to the screen, and more. 

The DVD packaging for The Da Vinci Code will feature hidden phrases from the film that can be viewed only with the use of a blacklight or a magnifying glass.  One hidden message even leads to exclusive online content.  The DVD will be available for $29.96 SRP. 

Synopsis:
In The Da Vinci Code, noted symbologist Professor Robert Langdon (Hanks) and police cryptologist Sophie Neveu (Tautou) go on a heart-racing quest to unearth the biggest cover-up in human history.  Langdon is called to the Louvre Museum late one night where a curator has been murdered, leaving behind a mysterious trail of symbols and clues. With his own survival at stake, Langdon unveils a series of stunning secrets hidden in the art work of Leonardo Da Vinci, all leading to a covert society dedicated to guarding an ancient secret that has remained hidden for 2000 years. The pair set off on a frantic quest through Paris, London and Scotland, collecting clues as they desperately attempt to crack the code and reveal secrets that will shake the very foundations of mankind.

DVD Special Features Include:
* Fullscreen and Widescreen Formats Available
* Digitally Mastered Audio and Video
* Audio: English 5.1, English DS, French 5.1, Spanish 5.1
* Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
* First Day on the Set with Ron Howard Featurette
o Director Ron Howard introduces the film and the excitement of beginning production at the Louvre in Paris

* A Discussion with Dan Brown Featurette
o Featurette on “The Da Vinci Code” author Dan Brown
* A Portrait of Langdon Featurette
o Who is Robert Langdon? How was Tom Hanks chosen to play this iconic character? How did Tom Hanks become the character? What do Tom Hanks and Langdon have in common?
* Who is Sophie Neveu? Featurette
o The long and challenging journey to the casting of Audrey Tautou as Sophie Neveu, including the actress’ screen test with Tom Hanks
* Unusual Suspects Featurette
o The international cast…Colorful, memorable and frightening characters
* Magical Places Featurette
o A fascinating and surprising discussion about the cities and places that were chosen for the film locations
* Close- up on Mona Lisa Featurette
o Ron Howard, his cast and colleagues share their experience working next to one of the most famous paintings in the world
* The Filmmaking Experience Part 1 Featurette
o Ron Howard discusses his collaboration with his Director of Photography, the challenges faced by production and the excitement of bringing the book to the screen. Includes a DVD exclusive look at filming the last and revealing scene
* The Filmmaking Experience Part 2 Featurette
o Continuation of Part 1
* The Codes of “The Da Vinci Code” Featurette
o Discusses the hidden codes and symbols in the film. Isolates images from the film, giving the viewer clues over time as to what they mean, eventually giving a detailed description of what the imagery was intended to mean
* The Music of “The Da Vinci Code” Featurette
o Overview of creating the music for the film
* DVD ROM- Da Vinci Code Puzzle Game PC Demo
o Demo of ”The Da Vinci Code” PC Game from Sony Pictures Games
* Bonus Previews
* Closed Captioned

UMD Special Features Include:
* Audio: English 2.0, French 2.0
* Subtitles: English, French
* Special Features: N/A

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

         “A crackling, fast moving thriller. Ron Howard’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’ is the
        holy grail of blockbusters.” - Lou Lumenick, New York Post
“The movie works; it’s involving, intriguing and constantly seems on the edge of startling revelations.” - Roger Ebert, The Chicago Sun-Times

DAN BROWN’S INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING NOVEL BECOMES THE DVD ACTION THRILLER OF THE YEAR
ON NOVEMBER 14
THE DA VINCI CODE
Ron Howard Directs All-Star Cast, Including Oscar® Winner Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Sir Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina, Paul Bettany, and Jean Reno
In $750 Million Plus Worldwide Box-Office Hit

EXTENSIVE EXTRAS INCLUDE ELEVEN FEATURETTES
AND PACKAGING WITH HIDDEN MESSAGES

CULVER CITY, CALIF. (September 5, 2006) – Witness the biggest cover up in human history when Sony Pictures Home Entertainment unveils The Da Vinci Code on a 2-disc DVD set and UMD on November 14. The blockbuster action thriller based on Dan Brown’s acclaimed best-seller is from the Oscar®-winning creative triumvirate behind A Beautiful Mind -- director Ron Howard, producer Brian Glazer and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman.  Howard (Backdraft, Cinderella Man) directs a stellar international cast, including two-time Oscar® winner Tom Hanks (Best Actor, Philadelphia, 1994; Best Actor, Forrest Gump, 1995), Audrey Tautou (Amelie, Dirty Pretty Things), Sir Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2, Frida), Paul Bettany (A Beautiful Mind, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World) and Jean Reno (The Professional, Mission Impossible). The Da Vinci Code smashed box-office records, grossing more than $750 million worldwide and taking the number one opening spot in ten countries including Italy, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Slovenia, Romania, Lithuania, Uruguay and Qatar.

The Da Vinci Code DVD offers over 90 minutes of special features shot in high definition with exclusive content appearing on the two-disc DVD set.  Included are 11 featurettes, with individual pieces on Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, author Dan Brown, a look at the locations and cities where the film was shot, interviews about how the cast felt working near the Mona Lisa, a two-part discussion with Ron Howard on the challenges of bringing the book to the screen, and more. 

The DVD packaging for The Da Vinci Code will feature hidden phrases from the film that can be viewed only with the use of a blacklight or a magnifying glass.  One hidden message even leads to exclusive online content.  The DVD will be available for $29.96 SRP. 

Synopsis:
In The Da Vinci Code, noted symbologist Professor Robert Langdon (Hanks) and police cryptologist Sophie Neveu (Tautou) go on a heart-racing quest to unearth the biggest cover-up in human history.  Langdon is called to the Louvre Museum late one night where a curator has been murdered, leaving behind a mysterious trail of symbols and clues. With his own survival at stake, Langdon unveils a series of stunning secrets hidden in the art work of Leonardo Da Vinci, all leading to a covert society dedicated to guarding an ancient secret that has remained hidden for 2000 years. The pair set off on a frantic quest through Paris, London and Scotland, collecting clues as they desperately attempt to crack the code and reveal secrets that will shake the very foundations of mankind.

DVD Special Features Include:
* Fullscreen and Widescreen Formats Available
* Digitally Mastered Audio and Video
* Audio: English 5.1, English DS, French 5.1, Spanish 5.1
* Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
* First Day on the Set with Ron Howard Featurette
o Director Ron Howard introduces the film and the excitement of beginning production at the Louvre in Paris

* A Discussion with Dan Brown Featurette
o Featurette on “The Da Vinci Code” author Dan Brown
* A Portrait of Langdon Featurette
o Who is Robert Langdon? How was Tom Hanks chosen to play this iconic character? How did Tom Hanks become the character? What do Tom Hanks and Langdon have in common?
* Who is Sophie Neveu? Featurette
o The long and challenging journey to the casting of Audrey Tautou as Sophie Neveu, including the actress’ screen test with Tom Hanks
* Unusual Suspects Featurette
o The international cast…Colorful, memorable and frightening characters
* Magical Places Featurette
o A fascinating and surprising discussion about the cities and places that were chosen for the film locations
* Close- up on Mona Lisa Featurette
o Ron Howard, his cast and colleagues share their experience working next to one of the most famous paintings in the world
* The Filmmaking Experience Part 1 Featurette
o Ron Howard discusses his collaboration with his Director of Photography, the challenges faced by production and the excitement of bringing the book to the screen. Includes a DVD exclusive look at filming the last and revealing scene
* The Filmmaking Experience Part 2 Featurette
o Continuation of Part 1
* The Codes of “The Da Vinci Code” Featurette
o Discusses the hidden codes and symbols in the film. Isolates images from the film, giving the viewer clues over time as to what they mean, eventually giving a detailed description of what the imagery was intended to mean
* The Music of “The Da Vinci Code” Featurette
o Overview of creating the music for the film
* DVD ROM- Da Vinci Code Puzzle Game PC Demo
o Demo of ”The Da Vinci Code” PC Game from Sony Pictures Games
* Bonus Previews
* Closed Captioned

UMD Special Features Include:
* Audio: English 2.0, French 2.0
* Subtitles: English, French
* Special Features: N/A