Thursday, June 28, 2012

TV Producer Gerry Anderson Has Alzheimer's

Recently TV producer Gerry Anderson was diagnosed with Dementia. The creator of Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, UFO and Space: 1999 found himself lost during a short car ride a few months back.  At age 83, Gerry Anderson is still very active and had been working on a couple of ideas for TV shows.  He now must rely on family to drive him around.

Anderson spoke at an Alzheimer's event entitled Memory Walk and mentioned how he wished he had been diagnosed earlier so treatment could have started earlier.

Gerry Anderson is my personal favorite TV producer and my thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2166040/Thunderbirds-creator-Gerry-Anderson-reveals-suffering-dementia-diagnosed-spent-hours-trying-complete-10-mile-car-journey.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-18614483

http://www.memorywalk.org.uk/windsor

Doctor Who Casting News and Possible Title Revealed (Spoilers)



It appears Jessica Raine will be playing a character called Emma Grayling in an episode titled 'Phantoms of the Hex' .  Take this title with a grain of salt as it was on her CV at acting agency Gordon & French.  So this title might be a working title and might change somewhere down the line.

Doctor Who: The Dalek Project Cover and Summary


BBC books next Doctor Who graphic novel to be released is the Dalek Project written by Justin Richards and drawn by Mike Collins. Here is the official summary of the graphic novel.

1917: The Great War is at its fiercest and most terrible.

But things are about to get even worse.

Armaments manufacturer Lord Hellcombe has a new secret weapon he believes will win the war.

But when the Doctor witnesses the final demonstration he begins to realize how much danger everyone is in: Lord Hellcombe claims to have invented the Dalek! Except, of course, that nothing is quite what it seems.

Now, the Doctor and his new friends must draw on every type of early 20th century technology and every element of human ingenuity and bravery if they are to discover the truth – and survive – to prevent the entire Western Front of World War One from becoming part of The Dalek Project

If this title and summary looks familiar it is because this was originally suppose to be for David Tennants Doctor but was delayed because it was to familiar to Matt Smith's first season Dalek story "Victory of the Daleks."

Looper International Trailer

This movie looks pretty good.  Can't wait to see this one.  Has Hollywood actually come out with something original?  Looks like it.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Another Marver War Teaser. This Time Featuring Captain America's Shield




At first I thought this might be the Ultron War but looking at the blood and scratches on the shield it might just be a war with Wolverine. But who knows it could still be the Ultron War. 

Doctor Who Magazine #449 Cover

Here is the new Doctor Who Magazine Cover for issue 449.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Marvel Promises Us War!!! Find Out At SDCC!

Marvel next big thing appears to be a war of some type.  They will be letting us all know what it is on July 15 at the Spider-Man Panel at San Diego Comic Con.  Not to be out done DC has promised us peace. (That was sarcasm for the uninitiated.)


Ed Brubaker To End His Run On Captain America




It appears that Ed Brubakers long run on Captain America is coming to an end.  The man who killed Captain America, brought him back, brought Bucky back from the dead and made the comic book relevant again will be remembered as one of the best  and extremely popular runs in Captain America since the 80's.  Here is a snippet from an interview.


By the time this interview comes out, I will have written my last issue… I hit a point with the work-for-hire stuff where I was starting to feel burned out on it. Like my tank is nearing empty on superhero comics, basically. It’s been a great job, and I think I found ways to bring my voice to it, but I have a lot of other things I want to do as a writer, too, so I’m going to try that for a while instead.
This news will hit some people hard but it was destined to come at some point as Marvel has been having a shift of it's long time writers on series leaving their books like Bendis leaving Avengers and Hickman leaving Fantastic Four.  Well I loved the Brubaker era and his run made me a Captain America fan all over again.

You can read the full interview here
http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/cr_sunday_interview_ed_brubaker2012summer/

Asylum of the Daleks Title Confirmed For Series 7 Opener



It's official and not really a big surprise as this title has been doing the rounds all over the net in all it's forms.  But the BFI will be airing "Asylum of the Daleks" in London on August 14.  The new series will be here before you know it.


Sunday, June 24, 2012

Abraham Lincoln – Vampire Hunter (Minor Spoilers)


Abraham Lincoln – Vampire Hunter

When I went to purchase my ticket for Abraham Lincoln – Vampire Hunter I had a wave of “This is ridiculous” waft over me. Am I really going to see this film. I understand it is a popular book and it has its fans but am I really seeing a film like this? I then shook off that feeling and went make to my movie fan personae. I was about ready to see an alternate reality type historical movie with plenty of action and gore. I would also see director Timur Bekmambetov and his masterful use of slow motion and visuals to tell this unbelievable story.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Touching Tribute To Jon Pertwee, Nicholas Courtney and Caroline John

I found this video on Youtube and thought it was a fitting tribute to the main characters of season 7.


Doctor Who Monsters Escape From The Doctor Who Experiance!!!

Does The 11th Hour Hold The Clue To Amy's Departure?




At last Saturday's 11th Hour Convention Matt Smith said that his debut story has a clue to Amy's departure from the TARDIS.  Here is Matt Smith's quote.


“There’s something coming up in the final days of the Ponds that was in The Eleventh Hour…there’s a shot in that. [Moffat's] been thinking about it that long. He always knew how she was going to… I’m saying too much already.”
So I guess we should all watch the 11th Hour again and try and find out what that clue is.  My guess is the duckpond with no ducks.  Just kidding about the duckpond but you never know.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Red, White And Who



Red White and Who is a project looking to compile a definitive history of Doctor Who fandom in America.  They are looking for info about fandom including clubs, fanzines and conventions.  The site, link below, also has an online questionnaire that you can fill out to help their cause.  The following is info from their website.
RED WHITE AND WHO is a chronological narrative of the history of Doctor Who – and its fandom – in the United States, incorporating rare illustrative material, and interviews with and essays by some of the key people who laid the groundwork for the fandom in which we participate today.
GET INVOLVED!
To help us make this book as exhaustive as possible, we need your help! You can get in touch by e-mail at redwhitewhobook@gmail.com or via our Facebook page. You can also post in the book’s dedicated Gallifrey Base forum section (registration required).


http://redwhiteandwho.org/

Taken 2 Trailer

Is Madame Vastra Returning To Doctor Who???




Anything is possible and yet this could be another red herring or it might actually be true.  According to some British Tabloids they are reporting (Ha! Tabloids reporting that's funny) that Neve McIntosh will be reprising her role as Madame Vastra and actually be hot for new companion Jenna - Louis Coleman.  Well this would be an interesting turn for the show and would make things spicy.  Well I do believe she might be returning as Steven Moffat loves to over use characters.  We'll just have to wait and see if this Lesbian Love Triangle comes to fruition.  Oh and if your on Twitter go and follow Neve McIntosh @McIntoshNeve

Are The Ice Warriors Making A Return To Doctor Who???




Are the Ice Warriors set to make a return in Series 7 of Doctor Who.  Well that is the rumor going around.  It appears the rumor or red hearing is that they will be featured in Mark Gatiss story for the upcoming Series 7.  But then there was this. Last weekend Matt Smith was a guest at the 11th Hour Convention.  When asked about the Ice Warriors he might have slipped up. Here's what he said.

Organizer Sean Harry at 'The 11th Hour Convention' asked Matt 'Ice Warriors are one of the last classic monsters not to make a return to 'Doctor Who', Matt replied ''yes'' and turned to the audience and smiled broadly and knowingly at them before adding ''that's good to know, next question,'' leaving fans in hysterics.

Take that as you will but after talking to people who attended the convention they seem convince he let something slip as his facial expressions might have let it slipped.  Well I hope the Ice Warriors do make a return as it would be nice to see them update and back in the show.

North American Doctor Who DVD Release Schedule Up To September




DOCTOR WHO DVDS UP TO SEPTEMBER

Doctor Who: Death to the Daleks (July 10, 2012)
Doctor Who: The Krotons (July 10, 2012)
Doctor Who: The Greatest Show in the Galaxy (August 14, 2012)
Doctor Who: Spearhead from Space (Special Edition) (August 14, 2012)
Doctor Who: Planet of the Giants (September 11, 2012)
Doctor Who: Vengeance on Varos (Special Edition) (September 11, 2012)

THE FINAL THREE (Release Date TBA-Complete Stories)
3rd Doctor: The Ambassadors of Death
3rd Doctor: The Mind of Evil
4th Doctor: Terror of the Zygons

INCOMPLETE STORIES (Release Date TBA- not included in "Lost in Time")
1st Doctor: The Reign of Terror
1st Doctor: Galaxy 4
1st Doctor: The Tenth Planet
2nd Doctor: The Underwater Menace
2nd Doctor: The Ice Warriors
4th Doctor: Shada

Judge Dredd Trailer

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Caroline John Doctor Who Companion To The 3rd Doctor Has Passed Away





Caroline John (1940 - 2012) who was Jon Pertwee's first companion in 1970 has passed away on June 5th 2012.  She played Liz Shaw in Jon Pertwee's first season as the Doctor and made her first appearance in Spearhead from Space until her last appearance in Inferno.  She also returned for a cameo appearance in The Five Doctors and also had a part in the Children In Need skit the Dimensions in Time.



She also reprised her role as Liz Shaw for the BBV productions in The P.R.O.B.E series written by Mark Gatiss and feature numerous Doctor Who alumni.  She also acted along with Colin Baker in the BBV Stranger series of videos also.  Ironically Caroline John was married to Geoffrey Beavers who played The Master in the Tom Baker story The Keeper of Traken. 



I had the good fortune of meeting Caroline John at a convention back in the 2000's.  She was very nice and talked to everyone in the autograph line.  Her panel was very interesting as she gave us an insite into the beginning of the Third Doctor era and what Jon Pertwee was like during his first season.  She will be missed.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-18531461
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/s7/doctor-who/news/a388805/doctor-who-star-caroline-john-dies.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caroline_John

http://news.drwho-online.co.uk/Obituary-Caroline-John-(1940-2012).aspx

This obituary from I09 is excellent - http://io9.com/5920283/how-caroline-john-helped-save-doctor-who

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Matt Smith says he wants to play The Doctor 'forever'

Matt Smith, if he has his way, isn't going away anytime soon.
The rumors are inevitable. Matt Smith is leaving "Dr. Who" so he can pursue a career in Hollywood. No, he's not leaving until after the 50th anniversary celebration next year. Or a new doctor will be unveiled during the 50th events. Well, let's go straight to the source. In an interview with the Life of Wylie website, there is the following exchange.

Matt…Doctor Who…how long are you staying?

Matt Smith: “Forever. 50 years. I’m loving making it. I think we’ve got one of our strongest seasons yet coming up. I really do. We go into the 50th year all guns blazing. And I’ll be around. So…that’s it, really.”

The comment comes as part of a much longer interview about Smith's latest non-Who project, a BBC1 drama set in post-war England about two unlikely Olympic rowing competitors. Sorry, but give us a one-hour trip aboard the TARDIS any time. Unless, you know, River Song makes an appearance or something.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

New Batman: Dark Knight Rises Trailer!!

Here is another trailer for Batman.  Can't wait for July to get here to see this movie but I think we know the whole story already with all the trailers and TV spots.

Moffat Talks Clara

Steven Moffat recently recorded an interview with BBC Radio 5, and he reportedly dropped some key details about the Doctor's new companion, as played by Jenna-Lousie Coleman. 

Monday, June 18, 2012

Chris Pine discusses 'Star Trek 2'

Together again - and coming not so soon to a theater near you.
Thanks to Christina Radish at Collider.com, we've got a few quotes from Chris (Captain James T. Kirk) Pine on the status of 'Star Trek 2,' which is less than 11 months from its premiere (May 17, 2013, to be precise).

Collider: How is the new Star Trek film?

PINE:  Oh, it’s good!  What am I going to tell you?  Those big films are scary things.  There’s so much money behind those things.  There’s that hype.  You enter a machine.  I’m just happy that the people behind it were such good, welcoming types.  J.J. [Abrams] runs that ship.  J.J. is a wonderful guy.  What they bring to this kind of film is a small character-driven story, matched with robots or aliens or spaceships.  That’s a very hard thing to do, and a lot of people don’t pay attention to that.  It’s really interesting that, in The Avengers, the character that people relate to is The Hulk, and I think the reason why they relate to The Hulk is because he’s fragile and human and faulty. 

Fringe Season 5 The Final Season Premieres September 28




Fox has announced it's premiere dates for new and returning shows today and fans of fringe will be happy to know that the last season will premiere on Friday September 28.  The 5th season which will be it's last is promising to go out on a bang. 

Star Trek - Animated Open

Saturday, June 16, 2012

DC Comics Cancels 4 and Adds 4 New Titles.




DC Comics has canceled Justice League International, Voodoo, Captain Atom and Resurrection Man.  This is the second wave of canceled books and to keep the number at 52 DC has added four new titles.  The new four will debut in September and they are Talon written by Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV and drawn by Guillem March,  Sword of Sorcery written by Christy Marx and artist Aaron Lopresti. Sword of Sorcery brings back 80's comic stalwart Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld. 




The other two new series are Team Seven by Justin Jordan and artist Jesus Merino as it tells the story of early pre super hero times with a team of  Dinah Lance, Amanda Waller, Steve Trevor, John Lynch, Alex Fairchild, Cole Cash and Slade Wilson.




Finally the last new book is The Phantom Stranger. A stalwart of the 70's and occasionally pops now and again.  His book will be written by Dan DiDio and artist Brent Anderson.  These books will be exploding onto the scene in September when DC has it's Zero Issue Event.



Back For War!! New Expendables 2 Poster!!!




Friday, June 15, 2012

Love Doctor Who Trivia? Then Follow The @TimeLordSociety !!




Every once in awhile something great appears on Twitter and the guy's who run the new and extremely popular Doctor Who Trivia Quiz are a great example.  The @TimeLordSociety host a daily Doctor Who Trivia Challenge on Twitter which I have to confess is very fun and challenging.  So if you like to challenge your brain and like Doctor Who Trivia then I suggest you follow @TimeLordSociety and join in on the fun.  They also hold a debate a couple times a week also.



Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Looking Back: The Black Hole

Looking Back at Sci - Fi Movies of Yesteryear


It's 1979 and it’s the year of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers dominating their respective sports.  It was also the year that the American Embassy in Iran was taken over and 55 Americans were held hostage for 444 days.  It was also the year that Walt Disney Pictures released the movie The Black Hole.

The K-9 Series

Sort of the forgotten spin-off of Doctor Who but the K-9 series is still going on strong with work being done on the second season.  The first season will air in both Canada and the U.S. this fall.

http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2012/06/dwn1306104508-k9-series-update.html

'Avengers' may return to theaters in August with extra footage

Who knows? This scene might actually make it into the director's cut.
Some rumors suck. This one doesn't. Ain't It Cool News is reporting that an extended director’s cut of "The Avengers" may assemble - no, we're not done with that play on words yet - at theaters in August. This follows talk that Joss Whedon’s superhero superhit will add an extra 35 minutes when it is released on Blu-ray. Yes, this is cool.

The 3rd Photo of Matt Smith and Jenna - Louis Coleman

Here is the 3rd photo released of the new TARDIS crew.  All fine and all but it would be nice if they started releasing some news and promo pictures of the upcoming season.  More importantly the first five stories that will be coming out this Fall.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

It's about time: Sherman and Peabody headed to the big screen


A list of the best time-travel stories would have to include such classics as "Back to the Future," "The Terminator" and "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home," to name just a few.

OK, you can add "Twelve Monkeys," "Time Bandits" and even "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure."

But No. 1 has to be ... drum roll, please ... Sherman and Peabody. The timeless (get it?) cartoon adventure from the legendary creative mind of Jay Ward is under development as a feature, "Mr. Peabody," at DreamWorks Animation.

The latest casting news has Stephen Colbert and Allison Janney signing on to the cartoon project, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter. Colbert voices the villain, Paul Peterson, while Janney plays a character known as Mrs. Grunion.

Ty Burrell ("Modern Family") previously was cast as the voice of Mr. Peabody. The role of Sherman belongs to Max Charles ("The Amazing Spider-Man").

As everyone knows (and The Reporter reminds us): "Mr. Peabody is the world's smartest person - only he's a dog. When he and his 'pet' boy Sherman use their WABAC time-traveling machine without permission, events in history spiral out of control and it is up to the duo to put things back on track."

The studio is so so excited about the prospects of the film that its release has been pushed up from March 14, 2014 to Nov. 8, 2013. Unless you have your own WABAC machine, you'll have to wait.

Bill Murray discusses 'Ghostbusters 3'


It's on.

It's off.

It's a rumor.

There's a script.

There's a script, but Bill Murray shredded it.

We've heard all of the rumors about the long-delayed "Ghostbusters 3." Listen to what Murray had to say during a recent appearance on "Late Night With David Letterman" and draw your own conclusions.

Trailer For Season 5 Of Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Here is a trailer for the 5th Season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars that will debuet mid September.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Extended Trailer For Green Arrow TV Show!!

Here is a extended preview for the CW's Arrow.  It looks pretty good and what has me impressed is that they are actually using his true origin and that the character might be true to the modern day Green Arrow comic book.

Prometheus Extended Version Blu-Ray

As to be expected, Ridley Scott is talking about an extended edition on the Home video release.  I wouldn't expect to see too many of the problems of the film to be repaired by this version but hopefully some of the highlights of the film will be enhanced.

http://collider.com/ridley-scott-prometheus-deleted-scenes-interview/172202/

There is also a new viral movie online that may point to a 10-11-12 release date on Home Video - or not.  That is a Thursday and rarely do releases happen then.  Perhaps an announcement of a sequel will happen on that date.




Or it could have been an outtake that accidentally got online!

Today's New Image of Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman

Here is the second publicity photo of the Doctor and his new companion.  A third will be released on Wednesday.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Prometheus - Movie Review (Spoilers)


Let me start by saying that Prometheus is the movie I have had the highest expectations for in years. I knew The Avengers was going to be a certain caliber and certainly lived up to my hopes but Prometheus is one of those movies I wanted to absolutely love and cherish. When you have a hard Sci-Fi movie with Ridley Scott invovled, throw in connections to one of the greatest films of all time, Alien, and you have the ingredients of something special.

With those expectations one has to think that the film is destined to disappoint.

Check Out This Awesome Picture Of Venus Transit Of The Sun!!!

This picture from NASA is quite amazing.  I mean wow amazing.




For a bigger version follow the link below.

George Lucas Names His Successor



It appears that George Lucas might actually be serious about retiring.  Later in the week he named his successor for Lucas Films and that person is Kathleen Kennedy who works with Steven Speilberg production company.  You can read the full story at this link.

http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2012/06/01/george_lucas_names_kennedy_as_lucasfilm_successor/


Thursday, June 7, 2012

'Star Trek: The Next Generation' returning to the big screen!

A long, long time ago, on a TV far, far away ...
Don't get overly excited, Trekkers. Yes, the cast of "The Next Generation" is returning to a theater near you (if you're lucky) this summer. No, a new movie has not been secretly filmed. Instead, a pair of episodes - "Where No One Has Gone Before" and "Datalore" will be screend at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 23.

Why? It's a publicity stunt, of course. From the press release: "Painstakingly retransferred from the original source material during its ongoing multimillion-dollar restoration, this special anniversary event also celebrates the release of 'Star Trek: The Next Generation - The First Season' Blu-Ray on July 24."

And it just happens to mark the 25th anniversary of the series premiere. What a coincidence!

Adds the press release: "In addition to the two episodes - which will be introduced by well-known Star Trek experts and restoration consultants Mike and Denise Okuda - fans will also be among the first to get a glimpse of the brand-new special features, including interviews with the team behind the restoration, as they discuss the process and countless man-hours dedicated to the upgrade of 'The Next Generation.'"

In Western Massachusetts, you will be able to watch the one-night event at Hampshire Mall 15 in Hadley and Rave Cinemas in West Springfield. If you like to plan ahead, you can purchase your tickets earlyat participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

“We’re thrilled to be able to introduce ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ to a new generation,” said Ken Ross, executive vice president and general manager of CBS Home Entertainment. “Seeing the episodes in a theater setting is the perfect way to show off the pristine picture that high definition allows and launch the first season on Blu-Ray.”

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Ray Bradbury Has Passed Away

The incredible author or so many classics like Fahrenheit 451 and The Martian Chronicles has died at the age of 91.

http://io9.com/5916175/rip-ray-bradbury-author-of-fahrenheit-451-and-the-martian-chronicles

http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/06/06/reports-ray-bradbury-dead-at-91/

The Six Million Dollar Man - You do realize it is out on DVD, Don't you?

I find this whole thing highly annoying and frustrating.  The Six Million Dollar Man is an iconic series that is embedded in our society.  Numerous movies, series and commercials reference the show.  Everyone knows about Bionics and the sound effects associated in using them.  This popular show may be second to Star Trek in this capacity and yet it has rarely been seen on TV in 20 years and has not been available on DVD until fairly recently.

Rights issues held up the release in America but when it finally happened in 2010, it was through Time-Life and it was very expensive.  Not only that, but you had to buy the complete 5 seasons. A year later the first season became available in stores and online but with little fan fare.  Did you know the second season is now available as of June 5?  You don't?  Well, look on Wikipedia, DVDpricesearch, Amazon and hundreds of other store and info sites and you will see no reference to the second season being available.  No one is talking about it on the forums (at least not in a couple that I visit ;) ).  Still, Best Buy has the second season available (must be an exclusive).  It is not 32.99 (the regular price) nor is it 26.99, the sale flyer price, but it is $19.99.  that is really cheap for a brand new release of a TV show with 22+ episodes.  WOW!

You type in searches and there is little that comes up.  How can a show like this be totally ignored like this?  Has this show fallen off the face of obscurity or has it been badly promoted.  Probably a mixture of both.  Anyhow - FYi - season 2 is out and I have watched a few episodes already from season 1 and it is as cool as I remembered it.  Go get it, if you can find it!!

Season 1 is less than $20 as well.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Six-Million-Dollar-Man/dp/B005LFQRTC

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Six+Million+Dollar+Man%3A+Season+2+(Best+Buy)+-+DVD/5555423.p?id=2474736&skuId=5555423&st=six%20million%20dollar%20man&lp=1&cp=1

Transit of Venus Video

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The Transit of Venus June 5, 2012

This is pretty cool.  If you had a chance today to see this consider yourself lucky.   I wasn't so lucky I had a cloudy sky.  This only happens once in a 243 year period for each of it's six series.


First Official Production Photo For Iron Man 3

The next stage of Marvels super hero movies has begun with Iron Man 3.  It is believed to be based on the Extremise story from a few year ago but like everything else we will wait and see.


Monday, June 4, 2012

The Perils and Triumphs of Wizard World Philly Comic Con (Review)




It is that time again.  Once again it’s time to make the annual pilgrimage to Philadelphia for Wizard World Philly.  This year my group was supposed to go for 2 days.  Well that was the plan.

The Road to Philly Was Most Unkind


Friday was a complete nightmare.  What should have been a 3 ½ hour ride took at least 7 hours.  It was insane.  Accident after accident accord all at once it seemed.  Like a well-orchestrated symphony playing Mozart to a crowded concert hall.  I blame this bad luck on 1010 New York who reported that it was clear sailing to New Jersey.  Well maybe they should get their eyes checked because the only clear sailing to New Jersey must have been on a boat crossing the Hudson.