Archived On The Mark - July, 2002

July 31, 2002 - Here is a review of the upcoming A&E Network Studios Presentation of Ursula K. Le Guin's "Lathe Of Heaven," which stars James Caan, Lukas Haas, and Lisa Bonet. I have moved my TV reviews of "Door-To-Door" and "Worst-Case Scenario" to the "Archived TV Reviews Page."

July 30, 2002 - Here is a DVD review of Paramount Home Entertainment's "Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan: The Director's Edition."

July 29, 2002 - Here is a DVD review of Warner Home Video's "V: The Original Miniseries" and a look at  Artisan Home Entertainment's "National Lampoon's Van Wilder: DVD Screener."

July 28, 2002 - Here is a review of Warner Home Video's "V: The Final Battle: Two-Disc Set."

July 27, 2002 - The San Diego Comic-Con is coming and I have two press releases regarding things you all can check out there and then write me back and tell me about them! The first one in yellow is a press release of the anime events ADV Films will be hosting and the blood red release is regarding a new "Zombie" themed TV series pilot catching a lot of attention. Send me a screener here guys and I'll post a review! Zombies on TV. An idea whose time has come!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES SPECIAL EVENTS FOR SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL
PANEL DISCUSSIONS, PERSONAL APPEARANCES, GIVEAWAYS ALL FEATURED AT SAN DIEGO
CONVENTION CENTER, AUGUST 1-4, 2002

HOUSTON, July 26, 2002.- ADV Films today announced their schedule of
activities and special events for the San Diego Comic-Con International
2002, to be held at the San Diego Convention Center August 1-4, 2002. *All
listings are as-of the date of this release, and subject to
additions/changes in advance of the convention.

The booth
ADV's booth, located at site 1215, will be operated by lovely, talented and
knowledgeable ADV employees, who will be giving away posters, t-shirts and
other goodies.  There will also be DVDs, videos, clothing and other
merchandise for sale at the booth.

Personal appearances at the ADV booth (1215)
    *    Actress Virginia Hey ("Zhaan" from the Jim Henson Company's
award-winning sci-fi drama Farscape) will be signing autographs at the ADV
booth from 10:00 am to 12 noon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday August 2-4.
    *    From Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda, Lexa Doig ("Andromeda")
and Laura Bertram ("Trance Gemini") will appear from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 3.
    *    From Mutant X, John Shea ("Adam"), Forbes March ("Jesse
Kilmartin") and Lauren Lee Smith ("Emma deLauro") will appear Saturday,
August 3 from 12 noon until 1:00 p.m.

Four Panel Discussions
"Lady Death:" Director, writer and co-producer Carl Macek (from Harmony
Gold's classic anime series ROBOTECH), and Andy Orjuela (co-producer and art
director) of this upcoming ADV title will discuss the making of the film,
and take questions from the audience.  (Saturday, August 3, 1:00-2:00 pm,
Room 8)
CoMix Wave: Japanese anime and manga management and production powerhouse
CoMix Wave, a strategic ally of ADV, will be represented in a panel
discussion featuring CoMix Wave Executive Vice President Toyohiko Kamimura,
Vice President for Sales and Marketing Kazuki Sunami, and artist Masami
Esaka, a leading CoMix Wave illustrator. Esaka will discuss his
illustrations and demonstrate his airbrush technique.  (Thursday, August 1,
4:30-5:30 p.m., Room 4)
"The Voices of a Distant Star:" This groundbreaking release will make its
North American premiere at the convention; after the screening, the film's
creator, Makoto Shinkai (who made the film virtually single-handedly) will
be present to discuss the film and its making.  Kazuki Sunami of CoMix Wave
will also attend, as will "Voices..." voice actress Mika Shinohara and
Noritaka Kawaguchi (Director and GM of Merchandising Dept. at CoMix Wave).
(Saturday, August 3, 4:00-5:00 p.m., Room 16AB)
Newtype USA: The premiere anime and manga magazine in Japan is now available
in the US!  Join Kenji Yano, Senior Editor of Newtype (Japan); Yorito
Shiraishi, General Manager of Character Promotion and Rights for Newtype
publisher Kadokawa Shoten; Soichi Tsuji, also from Kadokawa; and ADV
President, CEO and Founder John Ledford for a discussion about the history
of Newtype, the story of Newtype USA, and the relationship between the two.
Also, free subscription giveaways, merchandise and apparel. (Friday, August
2, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, Room 33AB)

About ADV Films:
ADV Films is Anime-and more.  In 1992 ADV Films (ADV) transformed a niche
market into a global industry by bringing Japanese animation to North
America and beyond. As the #1 distributor of Japanese animation, ADV's
holdings include such premier titles as: Spriggan, Sailor Moon, Samurai X,
Medabots, Robotech, Gasaraki and Neon Genesis Evangelion.  ADV's commitment
to genre programming, including popular science fiction programs such as
Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda, Farscape and Gamera: Guardian of the Universe
has helped ADV become a burgeoning entertainment powerhouse.  For more
information, visit ADV on the web at www.advfilms.com.

About San Diego Comic-Con International, 2002
Visit www.comic-con.org.

GRITTIER THAN DAWN OF THE DEADŠ

MORE TRUTHFUL THAN THE X-FILESŠ

P.M.A.C.: WHEN ZOMBIES ATTACK!!

KNOCKS 'EM DEAD AT COMIC CON 2002

Los Angeles, CA. (7/22/02) -- What do you get when two veterans of the special effects/make-up industry cross undead creatures of the night with a proven formula for must-see reality television? The first in a proposed series of first-class and very lively supernatural spoofs of the popular COPS franchise, entitled P.M.A.C.: When Zombies Attack!!. Running 25 minutes, this outrageous, award-winning independent short has been cited for its "great production values, plenty of cool zombiesŠ" and for being "absolutely hilarious" by Ryan Rotten at creature_corner.com.

The brainstorm of Matt Rose and Chad Waters, creative wizards at Rick Baker's Cinovation Studios, P.M.A.C.: When Zombies Attack!! follows a paranormal clean-up crew--the bureau of Post Mortem Animation Control (P.M.A.C.), headed by one Officer Frank Hadely--as they chase down and dispose of the corporally-challenged.  Already receiving rave reviews from those who have experienced this first adventure of the P.M.A.C., When Zombies Attack!! won two awards, for Best Short Film and Best Make-up, at the Los Angeles Horror/Thriller Film Festival (Shriekfest) in October of 2001. From there, it went on to appear on Showtime Next as part of a the multi-content series Piratenet and can also currently be viewed at IFILM.com and Hollywood.com.

The reason for all this ghoulish mass exposure is simple: public awareness. "Ultimately we would like to see When Zombies Attack!! spin-off into it's own T.V. or cable series," says Waters. "The title, When Zombies Attack!! was meant only for this stand-alone episode. In fact, the Post Mortem Animation Control (P.M.A.C.) are entangled with the whole spectrum of supernatural and paranormal beings. This series will be driven not only by bizarre mysteries and macabre creatures, but by the many characters and amusing storylines that deal with these unreal situations."

For those lovers of Romero-spawned fun who would like to experience a first-hand encounter with the P.M.A.C., let the bodies hit the floor August 1 - 4, 2002, when Matt and Chad's fledgling company Grimm Grotto Goods will unveil P.M.A.C.: When Zombies Attack!! at San Diego's infamous Comic Con International.  Copies of the video, t-shirts and other goodies will be made available along with a special appearance by Officer Frank Hadely, who will be on hand to educate and lecture people on the facts of co-existing with the undead, as well as offering safety tips.

Creative partners for six years, but with a combined total of 25 years in the special effects/make-up field, Matt Rose and Chad Waters have worked together on such memorable characters as: the mummified remains of Mother Bates in Gus Van Sant's remake of Psycho, the guilty space alien, Mikey, in Men In Black and the loveable giant gorilla, Joe, in Mighty Joe Young. Their need and ability to produce their own work led to the conception of the memorable characters and unforgettable stories behind the P.M.A.C. Putting their years of combined experience to work through the formation of Grimm Grotto Goods, not only did the duo create the make-up, effects, props and costumes for this pilot episode, they also wrote, produced and directed the project. They are developing further adventures for Officer Hadley and the P.M.A.C. and are currently in production on the next installment.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT P.M.A.C.: WHEN ZOMBIES ATTACK!!
ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB AT:
http://www.grimmgrottogoods.com

July 26, 2002 - Here are DVD reviews of Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment's "The Brotherhood Of Satan," "Curse Of The Demon And Night Of The Demon: Double Feature," and "976-EVIL."

July 25, 2002 - Here are DVD reviews of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment's "Speed: Five Star Collection" and "Speed 2: Cruise Control" and Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment's "The Jeffersons: The Complete First Season."

July 24, 2002 - Here is a DVD review of Warner Home Video's "Time After Time."

July 23, 2002 - Here is a DVD review of DreamWorks Home Entertainment's "The Time Machine."

July 22, 2002 - Here are DVD reviews of Warner Home Video's "Clash Of The Titans" and Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment's "Sanford And Son: The First Season." I have also moved my interview with acclaimed Animator and Filmmaker Bill Plympton to the "Archived Genre Interviews Page."

July 21, 2002 - Here are DVD reviews of Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment's "The Return Of The Vampire" and "The Revenge Of Frankenstein."

July 20, 2002 - Here is a review of the upcoming TBS Superstation Original Movie "First Shot." I have also posted a press release of some upcoming Disney "Read Along" titles making their debut on DVD for the first time. Just read the information below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Read Along is Now Available on DVD For First Time!

Walt Disney Records Embraces the Latest Technology with the Worldwide Release of the DVD Read-Along

The DVD Read-Along Offers Nearly Two Hours of Entertainment and Features to Educate and Entertain Kids

 

Available on August 6, 2002

Los Angeles (May 2, 2002) —Walt Disney Records continues to be the front runner in creating appealing and educational products for today’s media-savvy, interactive, entertainment oriented kids with the launch of the first ever DVD Read-Along.  As the leader in innovative Read Along products, Walt Disney Records introduced the Read Along more than 40 years ago on records, then cassettes, then in CD format and once again is revolutionizing this category with the DVD.  Monsters Inc., Toy Story 2, Tarzan and Little Mermaid are the first titles to be released as DVD Read-Alongs.  

This new generation of DVD Read Along products will feature five different languages, enabling children and their parents to hear and read the story, songs and vocabulary in English, Spanish, French, Italian and German. They will also be playable on multiple platforms, ranging from the TV to the PC plus the Playstation 2 and X-Box and will be released worldwide on August 6, 2002 at the suggested retail price of $14.98 each.

“The DVD technology enables us to bring the Read Along experience into the living room where the entire family can enjoy it,” said Luigi Calabrese, President Walt Disney Records Worldwide and Disney Music Publishing.  “The addition of multiple languages, vocabulary, music videos and video games creates a compelling combination of entertainment and education that will offer something for everyone in the family and will continue to make reading more fun than ever.”

DVD Read Along offers over two hours of exciting special features certain to educate and stimulate the entire family.  Highlighted special features include the multi-language option that allows the child (and adult!) to toggle back and forth between the five languages, ensuring that children world-wide can experience the movie in their native tongue, while simultaneously being exposed to another language.  In addition, the traditional Disney story is on a DVD disc, enabling this learning experience to be shared by the whole family in the comfort of their living room.  Other special features allow the users to watch the original music videos, learn basic vocabulary words, play exciting video games and preview what’s new from the wonderful world of Disney.

Walt Disney Records Worldwide is part of The Buena Vista Music Group, the recorded music and music publishing arm of The Walt Disney Company.

July 19, 2002 - Here is a combined DVD review of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment's "Our Man Flint" and "In Like Flint."

July 18, 2002 - Here is a TV review of the upcoming USA Special Presentation from acclaimed Hong Kong Filmmaker John Woo entitled "Red Skies."

July 17, 2002 - Here is a DVD review of Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment's "Resident Evil: Special Edition" and a combined DVD review of Universal Home Entertainment's "Butt-Ugly Martians : Best Of The Bad Guys, Boyz To Martians, and Hoverboard Heroes." Wrapping up today's update is the DVD cover artwork followed by the press release for Lions Gate Home Entertainment's upcoming DVD release of "Frailty," which will debut on Tuesday, September 17, 2002.

LIONS GATE HOME ENTERTAINMENT
CONTINUES ITS BANNER YEAR
WITH RELEASE OF THE ACCLAIMED THEATRICAL HIT
FRAILTY
The Gripping Psychological Thriller
Starring Matthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton & Powers Boothe
Marks The Ambitious Directorial Debut By Paxton
Available September 17, 2002 on VHS & DVD
DVD Special Features Include Hours Of Behind-the-Scenes
Added-Value Elements Highlighted By Three Audio Commentaries,
Making Of Featurettes, Deleted Scenes & More!
"A well-crafted, disturbing Texas gothic thriller...that gets under your
skin and stays there for the duration."
                --Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
"Two thumbs way up!  Fearless and unforgettable!
One of the year's best films!"
                --Roger Ebert, Ebert & Roeper
Marina Del Rey, CA, July 15, 2002 -Continuing its string of successful
theatrical releases including the Academy Award® winning Monster's Ball, "O"
and The Wash, Lions Gate Home Entertainment celebrates a banner year with
the September 17, 2002 release of the critically-acclaimed suspense thriller
FRAILTY on VHS and DVD.
Generating critical acclaim and captivating audiences across the country
with the domestic box office gross of over $13 million, FRAILTY marks the
skillful directorial debut of acclaimed actor Bill Paxton (A Simple Plan,
Titanic, Apollo 13) and features gripping performances from Paxton joined by
Matthew McConaughey (U-571, The Wedding Planner), Matt O'Leary (Domestic
Disturbance) and Powers Boothe (Men of Honor, Nixon).  The screenplay, a
haunting and complex masterpiece of storytelling, was penned by first-time
writer Brent Hanley.
Praised by critics nationwide as "Superb" (Chicago Sun Times), "Creepy"
(Atlanta Journal Constitution), and "Terrifying" (New York Times), FRAILTY
also received praise from esteemed filmmakers, including James Cameron
(Titanic) who called the film "Electrifying" and Sam Raimi (Spiderman) who
proclaimed FRAILTY to be "the most frightening horror picture since The
Shining."
A powerful, provocative and frightening film about faith, lost innocence and
the sometimes indistinguishable nature of good and evil in the contemporary
world, FRAILTY is an artfully-constructed edgy psychological thriller that
combines masterful storytelling with ambitious and disturbing themes.
Inspired by classic Hitchcock, the film creates a setting rich in
atmosphere, suspense and surprise about one family's disturbing plunge into
darkness.
"FRAILTY is a spellbinding, suspense thriller along the lines of The Sixth
Sense and The Others that will leave audiences on the edge-of-their-seats,
guessing until the very end of the film with its unexpected twists," said
Block. "The DVD release will present audiences that missed the film in the
theaters with another chance to experience this thought provoking film."
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
The FRAILTY DVD is expected to include the following added-value elements:
    *    Audio commentary with Director Bill Paxton
    *    Audio commentary with Director Bill Paxton, Producer David
Kirshner, Composer Brian Tiler, and Editor Arnold Glassman
    *    Audio commentary by Writer Brent Hanley
    *    "Making of" Featurette
    *    Sundance Channel presents "Anatomy of the Scene"
    *    Photographic Presentation by James Hamilton
    *    Deleted Scenes
    *    Widescreen presentation
    *    5.1 Dolby Digital audio
    *    Theatrical trailer
    *    English & Spanish subtitles
SYNOPSIS
Set in present day Texas, FRAILTY opens with the entrance of a stranger who
walks into an FBI office looking for the detective investigating a serial
killer known as the "God's Hand Killer."  Matthew McConaughey plays Fenton
Meeks, the young man who approaches the lead investigator (Powers Boothe)
claiming he knows the identity of the killer.  The FBI agent is mildly
intrigued but unimpressed until Fenton reveals that the killer is his
younger brother Adam. 
Fenton continues by recounting -- in a series of flashbacks -- how he and
his brother grew up in a very loving family, raised by their widowed father
(Bill Paxton) in Thurman, Texas. But then one night, something happened: Dad
woke his kids in the middle of the night to inform them that he has had a
vision ... that the Meeks family must act as God's hands to purge the world
of the demons among them. As their father's visions become more frequent and
disturbing, the paths of the brothers begin to diverge as the younger, more
impression-able Adam aligns himself with their father and Fenton's
questioning of God's will, as interpreted by his father, throws the family
off on a wrenching course that will test their faith, challenge a son's
courage and end a child's innocence.

July 16, 2002 - Here is a DVD review of Paramount Home Entertainment's "Top Secret!" Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment has officially announced the DVD release of the blockbuster live action feature film "Spider-Man" to debut as a two-disc set on Friday, November 1, 2002. Read the official press release below:

CULVER CITY, Calif., July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, November 1, audiences will get caught in the web as Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment (CTHE) releases the blockbuster box-office hit "Spider-Man"(TM) in its highly anticipated debut on DVD and VHS. The film, which to date has earned $700 million worldwide, $400 million in domestic release, is on track to become the third-highest grossing movie of all time in first release. The blockbuster mega-hit that propelled box office records to dizzying new heights will now capture audiences nationwide with a two-disc DVD set. Creating an extraordinary home entertainment event, "Spider-Man" (available in wide and full screen editions on DVD) features an exclusive web of innovative interactive elements loaded with special never-before-revealed "Spider-Man" factoids and a first look at comic book-to-film comparisons. Also releasing day and date will be a specially-packaged limited-edition Collector's DVD Gift Set, loaded with extra features for the ultimate home viewing experience.

Starring Tobey Maguire ("Wonder Boys," "The Cider House Rules"), Willem Dafoe ("Shadow of the Vampire," "The English Patient") and Kirsten Dunst ("Bring It On," "Jumanji," "Crazy/Beautiful"), the year's hottest film was directed by dedicated "Spider-Man" fan Sam Raimi ("A Simple Plan," "The Gift") and produced by the one-two punch of Laura Ziskin ("As Good As It Gets," "To Die For") and Ian Bryce ("Saving Private Ryan," "Almost Famous").

Benjamin S. Feingold, President, Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment and Sony Pictures' Digital Studios Division, today announced that the summer's biggest theatrical sensation will swing into homes to kick off a blockbuster fourth quarter for CTHE. "We are thrilled to bring the biggest film of the year to people's homes in time for the holidays," said Feingold. "We have taken great care to ensure that the features on the "Spider-Man" DVD and VHS will provide even more excitement than audiences experienced in the theatre by further immersing consumers in Spider-Man's world." Feingold continues, "'Spider-Man' is one of the most beloved superheroes in the world and now consumers can learn even more through some of the DVD features such as an exclusive comic-to-feature comparison, a historical documentary on the character and never-before-revealed factoids."

DVD ADDED VALUE

Loaded with compelling value-added features that will lure consumers to their screens, the two-disc "Spider-Man" DVD set (available in wide and full screen editions) has the elements to be catapulted to the top of the charts during the holiday season and beyond. Consumers will readily recognize the widescreen special edition packaging, which will feature "Spider-Man" scaling the side of a skyscraper; and the full screen special edition packaging, which will feature "Spider-Man" crouching over a skyline. Also available day and date will be a specially-packaged limited-edition Collector's DVD Gift Set featuring the widescreen special edition "Spider-Man" DVD and loaded with extras including a reprint of Marvel Comic's "Amazing Fantasy" #15 in which "Spider-Man" was created; an exclusive collectible drawing by former "Spider-Man" artist John Romita, Sr. and current "Spider-Man" artist John Romita, Jr.; a collectible numbered film cel from the movie; and more.

With a star powered cast headed by Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe and Kirsten Dunst; John Dykstra's cutting edge special effects; a popular soundtrack with music by Aerosmith, Macy Gray, Sum 41 and Danny Elfman; and box office punch, there is no escaping the web of home entertainment fun that "Spider-Man" will spin.

DISC ONE

DISC TWO

July 15, 2002 - Here is a DVD review of Warner Home Video's "Collateral Damage."

July 14, 2002 - Here is a DVD review of Paramount Home Entertainment's "Kids In The Hall: Brain Candy" and a TV episode review of the TBS Superstation Original Series "Worst-Case Scenario." I have moved my review of the premiere episode of the USA Network Original Series "Monk" to the "Archived TV Reviews Page." Not sure about a DVD purchase? Rent it first at "DVD Rental Wizard" and learn how to save money over traditional DVD rentals.

July 13, 2002 - I have moved my DVD reviews of "Domestic Disturbance," "Fatal Attraction: Special Collector's Edition," "Indecent Proposal," "The Man Who Wasn't There," "Ocean's Eleven: Full Screen Edition," and "The Temp" to the "Archived DVD Reviews Page." One of the best space operas from the 1990s is coming to DVD this fall courtesy of Warner Home Video. Click on the icon below for a larger look at the box cover art for "Babylon 5: The Complete First Season On DVD: Signs And Portents."

July 12, 2002 - Here is a review of IndieDVD's "Plymptoons: The Classic Works Of Bill Plympton: Special Edition" and my latest "GENRE INTERVIEW with Animator/Filmmaker Bill Plympton."

July 11, 2002 - Here are DVD reviews of Lions Gate Home Entertainment's "Crocodile 2: Death Swamp" and "The Last Man."

July 10, 2002 - Here is a DVD review of Home Vision Entertainment's "In The Mood For Love: Special Edition Double-Disc Set: The Criterion Collection #147." I have moved my DVD reviews of "Arachnid," "Eastwood After Hours: Live At Carnegie Hall," "The Juniper Tree," "Risk," "Samurai Jack: The Premiere Movie," and "Watership Down" to the "Archived DVD Reviews Page."

July 9, 2002 - Here are DVD reviews of Home Vision Entertainment's "Hearts & Minds: The Criterion Collection #156" and "George Washington: The Criterion Collection #152."

July 8, 2002 - Here are DVD reviews of Synapse Films' "Invasion USA: Atomic Special Edition" and "The Image" and a DVD review of Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment's "Earth Vs. The Spider: Creature Features."

July 7, 2002 - Here is a combined DVD review of Rhino Home Video's "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Crawling Hand & The Hellcats."

July 6, 2002 - Here is a DVD review of Universal Home Entertainment's "Dragonfly."

July 5, 2002 - Here is a review of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment's "The Simpsons: The Complete Second Season DVD Collector's Edition."

July 4, 2002 - Here are DVD reviews of Universal Home Entertainment's "K-9: P.I." and Artisan Home Entertainment's "Chat Room."

July 3, 2002 - Here are DVD reviews of Universal Home Entertainment's "Elvis: His Best Friend Remembers" and "Change Of Habit" and a DVD review of Columbia Music Video's "Lauryn Hill: MTV Unplugged: No. 2.0."

July 2, 2002 - Here is a review of Buena Vista Home Entertainment's "Pearl Harbor: The Director's Cut: Vista Series: Four - Disc Set."

July 1, 2002 - Here is a DVD review of Warner Home Video's "Smallville." I have been busy preparing my DVD review of Buena Vista Home Entertainment's "Pearl Harbor: The Director's Cut: Vista Series: Four - Disc Set" so that is why there were no weekend updates. I have also moved my TV reviews of "2002 - A Tribute To Tom Hanks - AFI Lifetime Achievement Award," "Jeremiah," and "Odyssey 5" to the "Archived TV Reviews Page" and the "On The Mark Updates For June Of 2002" have been moved to the "Archived On The Mark Page."

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