HK and Cult Film News's Fan Box

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Pickup Truck Blooper in John Wayne Western "THE UNDEFEATED" (1969)




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Modern Vehicle Blooper in John Ford Western "FORT APACHE" (1948)




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Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Nothing Escapes From "DELIRIUM" -- See The Trailer and Pics NOW!



DELIRIUM

IN SELECT THEATERS AND ON DEMAND JANUARY 19

The Hell Gang, an exclusive club made up of a group of school friends, promise their classmate Eddie that he can join the gang if he can just make it to the porch of a legendary local mansion with a dark, sinister past.

Others have tried but none have made it within sight of the mansion before fleeing back in terror. And Eddie, who is rigged with a camera to prove he did it, does not return at all!


Five members of the gang must now go in to find him. They set off, confident that Eddie is trying to prank them, but what they find in the old mansion is even more terrifying than the campfire stories and legends of murdered children that once lived there.

STARRING: Mike C. Manning, Griffin Freeman, August Roads, Ryan Pinkston, Seth Austin, Elena Sanchez

DIRECTED BY:  Johnny Martin
WRITTEN BY: Andy Cheng, Johnny Martin, Francisco Castro, Lisa Clemens
PRODUCERS: Johnny Martin, Debbie Martinelli Swallow, Paul Mangold, Gordon Calvan

TRAILER:



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Tuesday, November 28, 2017

AFTERIMAGE -- Blu-ray/DVD Review by Porfle




Yikes...and I thought EDEN LAKE and SECONDS were depressing.  Actually, EDEN LAKE still takes top honors as the bleakest and most disheartening movie I've ever seen, but as of now, famed Polish director Andrzej Wajda's devastating AFTERIMAGE (Film Movement, 2016)--a biopic of avant-garde painter Wladyslaw Strzeminski and his futile efforts to preserve his artistic integrity during Poland's social reformation in the late 40s--is firmly in the top five, maybe even top three.
 
The character of Strzeminski is missing an arm and a leg, as is actor Boguslaw Linda who so vividly portrays him, but this doesn't stop him from being a leading painter and teacher of his brilliant ideas and philosophies about art (including the "afterimage", which is what we hold in our mind's eye after physically observing an object). 

But although his eager students absorb these ideas like sponges and apply them to their own burgeoning creativity, the Stalinist state views any form of abstract expression that doesn't reflect rigid, "realistic" adherence to and espousal of party politics as a threat. 


Since Strezeminski has no intention of backing down or giving in to such creative repression, the rest of the film will depict his slow, systematic demise, both spiritually and physically, by a state that demands utter conformity. 

The story takes place over the course of four years, opening with a scene of pastoral beauty as the artist and his students paint landscapes in the sun, and then gradually becoming darker and more devoid of color as do his circumstances. 

Strezeminski's already spartan lifestyle descends into misery as his rights and ability to support himself are stripped away along with the support of his students, who will also suffer as a result of their loyalty.  It's a queasily disorienting descent into darkest despair that we experience with him every step of the way as he becomes, literally, a "starving artist."


The only bright spots for him and us include an endearing relationship between the crusty old painter and his young daughter Nika (Bronislawa Zamachowska), who lovingly chides him for smoking too much while bearing an adult's concern for his well-being.  We see in her the fleeting traces of free thought and expression inherited from her father and his estranged wife but, through his eyes, we also fear for her gradual assimilation into the orthodox lifestyle.

Director Wajda's photography is impeccable but bleak, with brown and black the dominant hues save for increasingly few instances in which a forbidden work of art or a fleeting display of humanity provide splashes of color.

I was reminded of director Michael Radford's 1984, which had a similar look and feel, although this film may be even more disturbing since it presents not a potential future dystopia but one which has already existed and continues to exist even now.


A scene in 1984 muses upon the destruction of words which might convey forbidden ideas.  AFTERIMAGE shows us the death of a free spirit through the destruction of his art and suppression of his artistic thought, by which he expresses all that makes his life worth living.  I yearned for even a slightly optimistic denouement after the fadeout, because Andrzej Wajda's brilliantly-rendered film succeeds all too well in making us mourn such a tragic loss.  

Tech Specs
Polish with English Subtitles
100 min
2.35: 1
Stereo 2.0 and 5.1 Surround Sound

Bonus Features:
Blu-ray--"Wajda by Wajda" 95-minute documentary
Blu-ray and DVD--Commentary by Professor Emeritus Stuart Liebman, CUNY Graduate Center, trailer

Order it from Film Movement



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Monday, November 27, 2017

Mister Rogers Documentary "WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?" Acquired By Focus Features




MISTER ROGERS’ DOCUMENTARY "WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?"

FROM ACADEMY AWARD WINNER MORGAN NEVILLE ACQUIRED BY FOCUS FEATURES


NEW YORK, November 27, 2017 – Focus Features has acquired the worldwide rights to Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, the new documentary about the life and work of Mister Fred Rogers. From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville (20 Feet from Stardom), the documentary is a Focus Features presentation of a Tremolo Production, in association with Impact Partners and Independent Lens/PBS.  It is set to be released on June 8, 2018.  Focus chairman Peter Kujawski made the announcement today.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor? takes an intimate look at America’s favorite neighbor: Mister Fred Rogers.  A portrait of a man whom we all think we know, this documentary is an emotional and moving film that takes you beyond zip-up cardigans and the land of make-believe, and into the heart of a creative genius, who inspired generations of children with compassion and limitless imagination.

“Morgan once again avoids making a traditional biodoc and instead takes us behind the curtain to see how Fred Rogers navigated the cultural and social issues of the second half of the twentieth century with his own brand of forward-thinking, compassionate wisdom far beyond his time,” commented Focus chairman Peter Kujawski.  “Mister Rogers makes us all want to be better people, and we couldn’t be more proud to be a part of telling his story today.”


 “The Fred Rogers I discovered making this film is at once comfortably familiar and completely surprising. I believe Mister Rogers is the kind of voice we need to hear right now,” said director Morgan Neville. “I am thrilled to work with Focus Features on taking this film out into the world, along with my collaborators at Impact Partners and Independent Lens.”

“This is Morgan’s fourth film with Independent Lens, following our Emmy Award-winning collaboration on Best of Enemies,” said Lois Vossen, Independent Lens Executive Producer. "His beautiful new film shows us just how cool Mister Rogers was and how relevant and vital his voice is right now.” 

Won’t You Be My Neighbor? is produced by Morgan Neville, Caryn Capotosto and Nicholas Ma and is a production of Tremolo Productions in association with Impact Partners and Independent Lens / PBS.  The deal was negotiated by Endeavor Content and Judith Karfiol on behalf of the filmmakers.


About Focus Features
Focus Features (www.focusfeatures.com) acquires and produces specialty films for the global market, and holds a library of iconic movies from fearless filmmakers. Current and upcoming domestic releases from Focus include Victoria & Abdul, directed by Stephen Frears and starring Judi Dench as Queen Victoria; Darkest Hour, directed by Joe Wright and starring Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill; the untitled Entebbe project, a gripping political thriller directed by José Padilha and starring Rosamund Pike and Daniel Brühl; Jason Reitman’s new comedy Tully, starring Charlize Theron and written by Diablo Cody; Lenny Abrahamson’s atmospheric thriller The Little Stranger; Joel Edgerton’s coming-of-age and coming-out drama Boy Erased starring Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe; Mary, Queen of Scots with Saoirse Ronan as Mary and Margot Robbie as Elizabeth I; On the Basis of Sex, the real-life drama of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg staring Felicity Jones and Armie Hammer; and Phantom Thread from Paul Thomas Anderson starring Daniel Day-Lewis.

Focus Features is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.


About Tremolo Productions
Tremolo Productions is an Academy Award, Grammy Award and Emmy Award-winning production company concentrating on quality non-fiction storytelling.  Films include 20 Feet From Stardom, Best of Enemies, Keith Richards: Under the Influence, The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble, Crossfire Hurricane, Pearl Jam 20 and The Cool School as well as the TV series Chelsea Does and Abstract: The Art of Design.

About Independent Lens
Independent Lens is an Emmy® Award-winning weekly series airing on PBS Monday nights at 10:00 PM. The acclaimed series, with Lois Vossen as executive producer, features documentaries united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement, and unflinching visions of independent filmmakers. Presented by ITVS, the series is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people, with additional funding from PBS, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Wyncote Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more visit pbs.org/independentlens. Join the conversation: facebook.com/independentlens and on Twitter @IndependentLens.



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Friday, November 24, 2017

Danielle Harris' "INOPERABLE" -- Horror/ Thriller Checks Into Cinemas December 1st



Horror Icon Danielle Harris Races Against Time

Christopher Lawrence Chapman's "Inoperable" 
Pits Her Against a Hurricane and a Time Loop

Available in Select Theaters December 1st

Los Angeles, CA - Zorya Films and Millman Productions are putting scream queen Danielle Harris under the knife with the December 1st theatrical release of Christopher Lawrence Chapman's Inoperable. 

Harris (Halloween 4 & 5, Rob Zombie's Halloween, the Hatchet franchise) stars as Amy, a hospital patient who must battle nature and the supernatural before she ends up trapped for eternity. 


Chapman directed from a script he co-wrote with producer Jeff Miller.  Inoperable will open December 1st in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Houston, Phoenix, Tampa, Miami, Orlando, Cleveland and Minneapolis for weeklong runs.

A young woman wakes up in a seemingly evacuated hospital with a hurricane approaching. She realizes the storm has awakened malevolent forces, trapping her in a time loop. She must escape the hospital before the storm passes or she will be trapped in its halls forever.

Watch the Official Trailer


Inoperable: English / USA / 85 minutes



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Thursday, November 23, 2017

"BOGGY CREEK MONSTER" & "THE MOTHMAN OF POINT PLEASANT" -- Two Legendary Creature Documentaries Return to VOD (Out Now!)




"BOGGY CREEK MONSTER" & "THE MOTHMAN OF POINT PLEASANT"


Terror Films Expands the Availability of Two Mythical Creature Documentaries

LOS ANGELES, CA (November 21, 2017): Terror Films, in association with documentary filmmaker Seth Breedlove, is widening the platform availability of two creature myth documentaries. The documentaries are titled: BOGGY CREEK MONSTER and THE MOTHMAN OF POINT PLEASANT. Both films will begin their release expansion on Tuesday, November 21st.

BOGGY CREEK MONSTER documents the legend of the Fouke Monster - a creature first reported on in the early 1970's in Fouke, Arkansas. There are allegations that this Bigfoot type creature attacked a local family and then destroyed livestock. Later many more sightings were reported and a legend was born!

THE MOTHMAN OF POINT PLEASANT deals with a different monster that was originally sighted near Point Pleasant, West Virginia. In 1966, multiple townspeople reported seeing "a large flying man with ten-foot wings whose eyes glowed red." Legend claims that the Mothman is responsible for the 1967 collapse of the Silver Bridge that killed 46 people. It still roams somewhere to this day.

Both of these documentaries were written, edited and directed by Seth Breedlove as part of his Small Town Monsters series. They are both available now, for viewing on most digital platforms.

In their ongoing effort to bring the best and most diverse indie horror content to the masses, Terror Films will release these films across multiple digital platforms. North American platforms include:  iTunes, Google Play/YouTube and X-Box Live. This release will be followed up by another,  a worldwide digital release through iFlix.

The genre distributor is sharing the official posters and trailers for these documentaries here:

The BOGGY CREEK MONSTER trailer:


The official THE MOTHMAN OF POINT PLEASANT trailer:


A homepage for the films: http://smalltownmonsters.com/

For more information on Terror Films, visit: www.terrorfilms.net

And here: www.facebook.com/TerrorFilmsLLC/


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Tuesday, November 21, 2017

"VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS" on 4K Ultra and Digital HD Now -- Watch the Trailer



VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS

A visual masterpiece. Luc Besson again proves why he is a genius filmmaker.” -Bill Zwecker, Fox TV

An Adventure Beyond Your Imagination

Luc Besson’s Visually Groundbreaking Epic Arrives on 4K Ultra HDTM Combo Pack, Blu-rayTM Combo Pack and DVD on November 21

4K Ultra HD™ to include both Dolby Vision™ and Dolby Atmos®
Digital HD Available on November 7

SANTA MONICA, CA (September 13, 2017) – Packed with out-of-this-world action unlike anything you’ve ever seen, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets heads to 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital HD), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD), and DVD November 21 from Lionsgate; and on Digital HD November 7 and On Demand November 21.

Based on the best-selling French comic series “Valérian and Laureline” by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières, published by Dargaud - visionary writer/director Luc Besson (The Fifth Element, Lucy) advances this iconic source material into a contemporary, unique and epic science fiction saga produced by Virginie Besson-Silla.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets stars Dane DeHaan (The Amazing Spider-Man 2), Cara Delevingne (Suicide Squad), Golden Globe® nominee Clive Owen (Children of Men), Academy Award® nominee Ethan Hawke (Best Supporting Actor, Boyhood, 2014), Golden Globe® & Emmy® winner John Goodman (voice) (“Rosanne”) with 7-time GRAMMY Award® winner Rihanna, and Golden Globe® winner Rutger Hauer (Bladerunner). The film features a soundtrack by Oscar® winner Alexandre Desplat (Best Original Score, The Grand Budapest Hotel, 2014)


In the 28th century, Valerian (DeHaan) and Laureline (Delevingne) are a team of special operatives charged with maintaining order throughout the human territories. Under assignment from the Minister of Defense, the two embark on a mission to the astonishing city of Alpha—an ever-expanding metropolis where species from all over the universe have converged over centuries to share knowledge, intelligence, and cultures with each other. There is a mystery at the center of Alpha, a dark force which threatens the peaceful existence of the City of a Thousand Planets, and Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the marauding menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe.

The Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets home entertainment release features the five part documentary “Citizens of Imagination: Creating the Universe of Valerian” which delves into the creation of the characters in the film, including both humans and alien lifeforms, along with insight into the production design, special effects, and stunts. The home entertainment release also features a “The Art of Valerian” photo gallery, and Enhancement Pods.

The 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray versions feature Dolby Atmos® audio remixed specifically for the home-theater environment, to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray also features Dolby Vision™ high dynamic range (HDR), growing Lionsgate’s library of titles featuring both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Dolby Vision transforms the TV experience in the home by delivering greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors. Together with the captivating sound of Dolby Atmos, consumers will experience both cutting-edge imaging and state-of-the-art sound technology for a fully immersive entertainment experience.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets will be available on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD for the suggested retail price of $42.99, $39.99 and $29.95, respectively.

4K/BLU-RAY/DVD/DIGITAL HD SPECIAL FEATURES
⦁ “Citizens of Imagination: Creating the Universe of Valerian” Multi-Part Documentary
⦁ Paper, Ink, Flesh, Blood: Origins and Characters
⦁ To Alpha and Beyond: Production and Stunts
⦁ Denizens of the Galaxy: Humans and Aliens
⦁ The Final Element: Visual Effects
⦁ Wrap Up
⦁ Enhancement Pods
⦁ “The Art of Valerian” Photo Gallery
Opening Sequence: https://youtu.be/q6oTziHKM_c
Trailer: https://youtu.be/GAABeU3SJJI
Website: ownvalerian.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerianMovie/
Instagram: @ ValerianMovie
Twitter: @ValerianMovie

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Year of Production: 2017
Title Copyright: © 2017 Valerian SAS / TF1 Films Production. All Rights Reserved.
Type: Theatrical Release
Rating: PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action, suggestive material and brief language
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Closed-Captioned: N/A 
Subtitles: Spanish, English SDH
Feature Run Time: 137 minutes
4K UHD Format: Dolby Vision, 2160p Ultra High Definition 16x9 Widescreen 2.40:1 Presentation   
BD Format: 1080p High Definition 16x9 Widescreen 2.40:1 Presentation   
DVD Format: 16x9 Widescreen 2.40:1 Presentation 
4K UHD Audio: English Dolby Atmos, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Dolby Digital Audio Optimized for Late-Night Listening, English Descriptive Audio      
BD Audio: English Dolby Atmos, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Dolby Digital Audio Optimized for Late-Night Listening, English Descriptive Audio    
DVD Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, English Descriptive Audio 

WATCH THE TRAILER:


Dolby Vision transforms your TV experience with dramatic imaging—incredible brightness, contrast, and color that bring entertainment to life before your eyes via OTT online streaming, Ultra HD Blu-ray, broadcast, and gaming applications.

ABOUT DOLBY ATMOS
Dolby Atmos delivers moving audio — sound that can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in three-dimensional space, including overhead. It brings entertainment alive all around the audience in a powerfully immersive and emotive experience.

ABOUT EUROPACORP
EuropaCorp is one of Europe’s leading film studios. Founded in 1999, EuropaCorp has operations spanning production, theatrical distribution, video and VOD, and television sales. EuropaCorp also has international rights, partnerships and licensing, production and soundtrack publishing activities. The Group has also been producing TV series since 2010. EuropaCorp’s integrated business model allows it to benefit from diversified sources of revenue. With a line-up boasting various types of films and a very strong foothold in international markets, the Group has produced France’s biggest international hits in recent years. EuropaCorp was founded by French filmmaker, screenwriter and producer Luc Besson. The Group owns a catalogue of 500 movies.

ABOUT LIONSGATE
The first major new studio in decades, Lionsgate is a global content platform whose films, television series, digital products and linear and over-the-top platforms reach next-generation audiences around the world.  In addition to its filmed entertainment leadership, Lionsgate content drives a growing presence in interactive and location-based entertainment, gaming, virtual reality and other new entertainment technologies.  Lionsgate’s content initiatives are backed by a 16,000-title film and television library and delivered through a global licensing infrastructure.  The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with original, daring and groundbreaking content created with special emphasis on the evolving patterns and diverse composition of the Company’s worldwide consumer base.


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Saturday, November 18, 2017

Lucasfilm and Others Join Forces With littleBits to Present "DROIDATHON"!



Facebook, Fitbit, Industrial Light & Magic, Instagram, Twitter, Google and Lucasfilm Join Forces With littleBits to Inspire the Next Generation of Inventors at Droidathon

Kathleen Kennedy, Daisy Ridley, and Kelly Marie Tran Named As Judges For littleBits Inventor Competition Running November 15 - January 10

San Francisco, CA – November 15, 2017 – littleBits, the award-winning company that empowers kids to be inventors, joined Lucasfilm today to reveal never-before-seen Droids designed by technologists from top Bay Area innovators, all created in celebration of a global competition aimed to inspire the next generation of inventors and shed light on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math).

Held at the Lucasfilm San Francisco campus, iconic Bay Area technology companies came together for the first-ever “Droidathon,” an event for kids from local organizations including the Black Girls CODE, Booker T. Washington School Community Center, The Boys & Girls Club, and the YMCA where inventors showcased their Droid creations and discussed their ideation and inspiration.

Using the littleBits Droid Inventor Kit as a starting point, teams of engineers, programmers, and designers created innovative Droids using the core electronic building blocks together with 3D printing, craft material, soldering and programming. Initial photos from the event can be found here. More content will be available the morning of November 16.

The Droidathon kicked off the littleBits Competition: Droid Inventor Kit which invites kids, families, and Star Wars fans—residing in the US, UK, and Canada - to share their own unique Droid creations with the inventor community.  The competition will run from November 15, 2017 to January 10, 2018.


Fans and families will be able to submit their own Droid design creations, with qualifying submissions judged by Star Wars: The Last Jedi stars Daisy Ridley (the actress who portrays Rey in the current Star Wars trilogy) and Kelly Marie Tran (the actress who portrays Rose Tico in Star Wars: The Last Jedi) alongside Ayah Bdeir (founder and CEO of littleBits) and Kathleen Kennedy (president of Lucasfilm).

“Star Wars has always expanded kids’ imaginations and inspired them to see what is possible,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. “We’re excited to collaborate with all of these incredible companies and littleBits to showcase the power of STEAM in action and inspire the next generation of inventors.”

Both the Droidathon event and competition seek to inspire kids to explore technology and think of themselves as inventors: to accept challenges, make mistakes, persevere, and feel the triumph and pride of creating something with their own two hands. The littleBits Droid Inventor Kit is a gender-inclusive product that celebrates kids’ own self-expression and ingenuity, while showcasing the same characteristics of imagination, grit and invention that are embodied in the Star Wars franchise.

For more information about how young inventors can get involved, visit www.littlebits.com/droidinventorkitcompetition.

“We believe the two best way to inspire kids about STEAM is through fun and role models. What could be more fun and inspiring than seeing the world’s top innovators and role models creating the
weirdest Droids anyone has ever seen?” said Ayah Bdeir, founder and CEO with littleBits. “We’re thrilled to work together to inspire kids of all ages, backgrounds, genders and interests to become tomorrow's change-makers."

About littleBits
littleBits empowers kids around the world to become inventors. Founded in 2011 by Ayah Bdeir MIT Media Lab alum, its innovative platform of easy-to-use electronic blocks allows anyone to create and invent with electronics, independent of age, gender or technical ability. As the leader in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) learning, littleBits believes in inspiring invention by creating products that encourage self-directed exploration and problem solving; support grit and tenacity; and create a safe place to experience both failure and accomplishment. The company is dedicated to successfully bridging the gender gap with its gender-neutral platform, attracting an industry high thirty five percent of young girls to invent with littleBits. By embracing STEAM, both girls and boys can invent solutions to the problems that matter to them. The company’s products have won over 150 industry awards in the toy and education industries. littleBits is headquartered in New York. For more information and inspiration, go to www.littleBits.cc.

Lucasfilm, STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.



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Thursday, November 16, 2017

"THE STRANGERS: PREY AT NIGHT" -- See New Teaser Trailer and One-Sheet Now



THE STRANGERS: PREY AT NIGHT

Release: March 9, 2018

A family’s road trip takes a dangerous turn when they arrive at a secluded mobile home park to stay with some relatives and find it mysteriously deserted.

Under the cover of darkness, three masked psychopaths pay them a visit to test the family’s every limit as they struggle to survive.

Johannes Roberts directs this horror film inspired by the 2008 smash hit THE STRANGERS.

WATCH THE TRAILER:


Director: Johannes Roberts
Writers: Bryan Bertino and Ben Ketai
Producers: Wayne Marc Godfrey, James Harris, Robert Jones, Mark Lane

Cast: Christina Hendricks, Martin Henderson, Bailee Madison, Lewis Pullman



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Wednesday, November 15, 2017

"FAST CONVOY" -- Action-Thriller VOD Release 12/5



FAST CONVOY

"A film that kicks off at 100 mph and manages to maintain that pace" -- THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

Opening on VOD in US & CANADA Nationwide on Tuesday, December 5 on all major platforms including iTunes, Sony, Google Play, Amazon, Microsoft, Vudu, Comcast, Charter, Cox, Vimeo, and various other cable operators.

Seven men, four cars and 1,300 kilos of cannabis leave Malaga, southern Spain, headed for Creil on the outskirts of Paris.

But for Alex, Yacine and Majid, what should be a regular run turns into a fatal convoy.

When Nadia, a young tourist traveling home from Morocco joins them, she’s dragged into their high adrenaline adventure. For one night, she and the audience are immersed in the violent reality of drug trafficking.

VIEW TRAILER:


From director Frédéric Schoendoerffer, master of the French thriller genre movies (Secret Agents, Crime Insiders) and starring Benoît Magimel (The Piano Teacher, La Haine), Reem Kherici, and Tewfik Jallab.

Action/Thriller- France | 112 mins | Color | In French with English subtitles

OTHER INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED FILMS ALSO RELEASED BY UNDER THE MILKY WAY ON ALL MAJOR VOD PLATFORMS ON DECEMBER 5:

THANK YOU FOR CALLING
French Biopic based on the life of the man who invented the "CEO scam"
Starring: Vincent Elbaz, Julie Gayet
(Directed by: Pascal Elbé, France, 98 mins)

DALIDA
French Biopic of the legendary singer and performer Dalida.
Starring: Sveva Alviti, Riccardo Scamarcio, and Jean-Paul Rouve
(Directed by Lisa Azuelos (LOL, QUANTUM LOVE), France, 124 mins)



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"THE STAR" -- Sony Pictures Animation's New All-Star Take On The Classic Christmas Story



"THE STAR"

From Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, and Walden Media

Animated
November 17, 2017


In Sony Pictures Animation's The Star, a small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill.

One day he finds the courage to break free, and finally goes on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a loveable sheep who has lost her flock and Dave, a dove with lofty aspirations.

Along with three wisecracking camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star and become unlikely heroes in the greatest story ever told – the first Christmas.

WATCH THE TRAILER:



Directed by: Timothy Reckart
  
Screenplay by: Carlos Kotkin

Story by: Simon Moore and Carlos Kotkin

Executive Producers:     DeVon Franklin
Lisa Henson
Brian Henson

Producer:     Jennifer Magee-Cook

Cast:
Steven Yeun (Bo the donkey)
Gina Rodriguez (Mary)
Zachary Levi (Joseph)
Keegan-Michael Key (Dave the dove)
Kelly Clarkson (Leah the horse)
Anthony Anderson (Zach the goat)
Aidy Bryant (Ruth the sheep)
Ving Rhames (Thaddeus the dog)
Gabriel Iglesias (Rufus the dog)
Patricia Heaton (Edith the cow)
Kristin Chenoweth (Abby the Mouse)
Christopher Plummer (King Herod)
and Tracy Morgan (Felix)
and Tyler Perry (Cyrus)
and Oprah Winfrey (Deborah)

This film is not yet rated by the MPAA. For future ratings information refer to http://www.filmratings.com. Credits not final



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Tuesday, November 14, 2017

"Seinfeld: The Complete Series" Available to Download to Own on Digital For The First Time



"Seinfeld: The Complete Series" Available to Download to Own on Digital For The First Time Including All Nine Seasons

Starring the multiple award-winning quartet of  Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards and Jason Alexander, Seinfeld: The Complete Series is now available to download to own on Digital today for the first time ever from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

Fans now have an all-access pass to all 180 episodes across the series' nine seasons and have the option to purchase individual episodes, full seasons or the entire series.


From classic episodes like "The Soup Nazi," "The Bubble Boy," and "The Muffin Tops," to historic moments such as Jerry's Today show appearance in the infamous Puffy Shirt and George's scenes with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner to the emergence of iconic catch phrases like "Yada Yada Yada," "Double-dipping," "No soup for you!" and "Shrinkage," fans can finally complete their digital collection with all things Seinfeld.

http://www.sonypictures.com/tv/seinfeld/



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Monday, November 13, 2017

"BABES WITH BLADES" Steampunk Action-Fantasy Slices Its Way to North American Audiences Early 2018 -- DVD/VOD Release (1/2)



BREAKING GLASS UNLEASHES BABES WITH BLADES

Action-Fantasy’s North American DVD & VOD
Roll-Out Begins January 2


Philadelphia, PA, November 13, 2017--Breaking Glass Pictures has acquired North American rights to the steampunk, action-fantasy film BABES WITH BLADES. Breaking Glass acquired rights to the film in August in a deal negotiated between Breaking Glass CEO Rich Wolff and Brian Sweet of APL Films. The film will arrive on DVD & VOD January 2.

Featuring UK stuntwomen from the infamous Babes with Blades Theater Group, BABES WITH BLADES stars Cecily Fay (Prometheus, The Huntsman: Winters War, Star Wars), Lauren Okadigbo (Justice League, Wonder Woman), Yennis Cheung (Skyfall, Death Race 4), and punk icon John Robb.

On the dark streets of Draiga, a mining colony occupied by the Visray Empire, lives Azura, the last of a fearsome warrior race known as the Sarnians. After witnessing her once beautiful home world turn into a lifeless husk, Azura must fight to the death in the gladiatorial ring to stay alive.

Meanwhile, a group of human freedom fighters form a resistance, seeking to try and protect their families from the oppressive and cruel rule of the Visray Section Commander Sorrentine.

Unbeknownst to Azura, the fate of all humans on Draiga is about to rest in her hands. Can she survive long enough to save her colony?

Starting January 2, BABES WITH BLADES will be available to buy/rent on the following platforms: iTunes, Amazon Instant, Google Play, PlayStation, Xbox, Vudu, and On Demand through local cable and satellite providers.

WATCH THE TRAILER:


BABES WITH BLADES
 Genre: Action/Fantasy
Running Time: ​​​​​​​96 min.
Rating: NR
Language: English
Audio: Dolby 5.1
SRP: $24.99
UPC Code: 855184007242

Cast: Cecily Fay, Lauren Okadigbo, Yennis Cheung, John Robb
Director: Cecily Fay
Written by: Cecily Fay
Producer: Cecily Fay



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Terror Films Wants To Takes You On A Ride to Hell with "DEATH ON SCENIC DRIVE"



Terror Films Wants To Takes You On A Ride to Hell with DEATH ON SCENIC DRIVE!

LOS ANGELES, CA (Monday, Nov. 13th, 2017): This November, Terror Films suggests you take the scenic route with their new, thriller DEATH ON SCENIC DRIVE. This horrifying film will be available on Friday, November 17th on multiple digital platforms. This genre distributor is sharing the official poster, trailer and several stills ahead of the film’s release, right here.

The story follows a young woman named Larissa who takes a housesitting job in the secluded, snow-covered countryside. What she expects to be a simple, relaxing job -  soon takes a dark, twisted turn. While exploring the property, she discovers a set of disturbing drawings that include illustrations of satanic symbols. This leads to the appearance of an entity that haunts the property. Its goal is to transform Larissa into Death itself!


DEATH ON SCENIC DRIVE has a large cast and crew. The film was directed by Gabriel Carrer (In the House of Flies, 2011). As well, the film stars: Ry Barrett (The Demolisher, 2015), Stephanie Ash, Brianna Lamarre, Faith Singleton, and Amanda Lamarre.

Also, DEATH ON SCENIC DRIVE was an Official Selection at the Dedfest International Genre Film Festival (Canada, 2017), the Lund International Fantastic Film Festival (Sweden, 2017), Hard:Line International Film Festival (Germany, 2017) and Feratum (Mexico, 2017). The film will soon be available to many more fans this week.

In their ongoing effort to bring the best and most diverse indie horror content to the masses, Terror Films will release this film across multiple digital platforms. Platforms will include: iTunes, Amazon Instant/Prime, Vudu, Google Play/YouTube and XBox Live, in North America. This release will be followed by a worldwide digital release through iFlix, shortly.

The official DEATH ON SCENIC DRIVE trailer:

A fan page: https://www.facebook.com/deathonscenicdrive
For more information on Terror Films, visit: www.terrorfilms.net
Or: www.facebook.com/TerrorFilmsLLC/



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Wednesday, November 8, 2017

New Olive Signature Titles -- "Letter From An Unknown Woman" and "A New Leaf"



LETTER FROM AN UNKNOWN WOMAN – OLIVE SIGNATURE

LIMITED TO 3,500 BLU-RAY UNITS

JOAN FONTAINE
(Rebecca, Suspicion, Ivanhoe)
LOUIS JOURDAN
(Gigi, The Swan, Three Coins in the Fountain)
MADY CHRISTIANS
(Heidi, Address Unknown, All My Sons)
MARCEL JOURNET
(Elevator to the Gallows, To the Ends of the Earth)
ART SMITH
(Caught, In a Lonely Place, Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid)

Directed by
MAX OPHÜLS
(Caught, Lola Montès, The Earrings of Madame de…)

Letter from an Unknown Woman features Academy Award® winner Joan Fontaine (Best Actress, Suspicion, 1942) and is written for the screen by Academy Award® winner Howard Koch (Best Screenplay, Casablanca, 1944) and produced by Academy Award® winner John Houseman (Best Supporting Actor, The Paper Chase, 1974). 

YEAR: 1948
GENRE: DRAMA
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (with optional English subtitles)
LABEL: OLIVE FILMS
TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 87 min
RATING: N/R
VIDEO: 1.37:1 Aspect Ratio; B&W
AUDIO: MONO

OLIVE SIGNATURE FEATURES
 
Mastered from new 4K restoration
Audio commentary by Max Ophüls expert Lutz Bacher
"A Deal Made in a Turkish Bath" - interview with Oscar-winning documentarian Marcel Ophüls
"An Independent Woman: Changing sensibilities in a post-war Hollywood" - interview with Professor Dana Polan
"Ophülsesque: The Look of Letter from an Unknown Woman" - with cinematographers Ben Kasulke and Sean Price Williams
"Letter from An Unknown Woman: Passion's Triumph" - visual essay by film scholar Tag Gallagher
Essay by critic Molly Haskell

From Max Ophüls, the legendary director of such film classics as The Earrings of Madame de… and Lola Montès, comes a timeless tale of love and obsession. In Vienna during the early 20th century, Stefan Brand (Louis Jourdan, Gigi), a concert pianist whose amorous ways have eclipsed his musical talent, is preparing to flee the city on the eve of a duel to be fought over a recent dalliance when he receives a Letter from an Unknown Woman.

Moved by its contents, he’ll come to realize that the author is not a stranger, but Lisa Berndle (Joan Fontaine, Rebecca), a woman he’s known since her youth and discarded as he has so many others before her. But this time, Stefan’s cavalier behavior will have tragic repercussions.

Featuring the master filmmaker’s trademark gliding camera, baroque imagery and lush atmospherics (courtesy of cinematographer Franz Planer, The Big Country; art director Alexander Golitzen, Phantom of the Opera; set decorators Russell A. Gausman, The Strange Affair of Uncle Harry and Ruby R. Levitt, Chinatown), Max Ophüls’ Letter from an Unknown Woman, based on Stefan Zweig’s novella of the same name, is written for the screen by Howard Koch (Casablanca) and produced by John Houseman (They Live by Night).

US+CANADA
PREBOOK: 11/14/2017
STREET:   12/05/2017
CAT:  OS015
UPC:   887090601504
SRP:  $39.95



A NEW LEAF – OLIVE SIGNATURE

LIMITED TO 3,500 BLU-RAY UNITS

WALTER MATTHAU
(Hello, Dolly!; The Odd Couple; California Suite)
ELAINE MAY
(California Suite, Small Time Crooks, Enter Laughing)
JACK WESTON
(Ishtar, Wait Until Dark, Dirty Dancing)
GEORGE ROSE
(The Pirates of Penzance, Hawaii, A Night to Remember)
JAMES COCO
(Such Good Friends, Man of La Mancha, Murder by Death)
WILLIAM REDFIELD
(One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Such Good Friends, Death Wish)

Directed by
ELAINE MAY
(The Heartbreak Kid, Ishtar, Mikey and Nicky)

A New Leaf stars its writer and director, the two-time Academy Award® nominee Elaine May (Best Screenplay, Heaven Can Wait, 1979; Primary Colors, 1999) alongside Academy Award® winner Walter Matthau (Best Supporting Actor, The Fortune Cookie, 1967) and Academy Award nominee James Coco (Best Supporting Actor, Only When I Laugh, 1982).

YEAR: 1971
GENRE: COMEDY
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (with optional English subtitles)
LABEL: OLIVE FILMS
TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 102 mins
RATING: G
VIDEO: 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio; COLOR
AUDIO: MONO

OLIVE SIGNATURE FEATURES
 
New restoration from 4K scan of original camera negative
Audio commentary by film scholar Maya Montanez Smukler
"The Cutting Room Floor: Editing A New Leaf" - interview with A New Leaf assistant editor Angelo Corrao
"Women in Hollywood: A Tragedy of Comic Proportions" - with director Amy Heckerling
Essay by critic, editor & film programmer Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
"The Green Heart" by Jack Ritchie, the source material for Elaine May's script
Trailer

A New Leaf, the deliciously dark and deadpan comedy from writer-director-comedian Elaine May (The Heartbreak Kid), stars Walter Matthau (The Odd Couple) as Henry Graham, who, due to his extravagant lifestyle, has run through his inheritance. After pleading with his incredulous Uncle Harry (played with lip-smacking glee by James Coco, Such Good Friends) for a loan, Henry convinces Uncle Harry to give him the money with the proviso that the loan must be repaid within six weeks or Henry will forfeit all of his property used as collateral.

With the aid of his gentleman’s gentleman, Harold (a scene-stealing George Rose, The Pirates of Penzance), Henry decides to marry into wealth, and once the vows have been taken he’ll decide how to handle getting out of the marriage. Enter wealthy heiress Henrietta Lowell (May), a klutzy botanist and the woman of Henry’s get-rich-quick-scheme dreams. But as best laid plans often go, Henry must weather the obstacles placed in his path not only by his Uncle Harry, but by Andy McPherson (Jack Weston, Wait Until Dark), Henrietta’s jealous and unscrupulous lawyer.

Adding to the amusement are William Redfield (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest) as Beckett, Henry’s bemused, put-upon lawyer and Doris Roberts (TV’s Everybody Loves Raymond) as Mrs. Traggert, Henrietta’s pilfering housekeeper.

Upon its 1971 theatrical release, Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote that A New Leaf was “One of the funniest movies of our unfunny age,” “hilarious, and cockeyed, and warm.” Prescient comments indeed.

US+CANADA
PREBOOK: 11/14/2017
STREET:   12/05/2017
CAT:  OS016
UPC:   887090601603
SRP:  $39.95

Copyright © 2017 Olive Films, All rights reserved.

http://www.twitter.com/olivefilms
https://www.facebook.com/olivefilms
http://www.olivefilms.com/



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Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Oh, Hell Gnaw! "RATPOCALYPSE" Trailer Premiere



"RATPOCALYPSE" TRAILER PREMIERE

Available on demand Friday, December 12


STARRING: Casper Van Dien, Victoria Summer, Linda Bella, Catherine Oxenberg, Robert Craighead, Ilya Slovesnik, Natalia Lapina, Alexander Khachatryan, Lidiya Korotko

WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY: Vladimir Uglichin

American Senator John Perryman (Van Dien, Starship Troopers), a man of pure and humble soul with a warrior's disposition, delivers a fiery speech in Moscow about the country's main evil - corruption. A corruption so pervasive it will turn men into “rats.”

He declares that he was ordered to speak to them from above and threatens everyone with the loss of their human form, which draws only guffaws and resentment from the people.

Many take the Senator for a madman as gradually, all his friends and relatives turn away from him. Eventually the Senator meets a mysterious girl in the streets who seems to be his guardian angel but soon, everything he talked about in Moscow begins to come true, triggering panic in Russia and around the world.

Full of unexpected moments and plot twists both curious and amusing, Ratpocalypse brings the intimidating and often horrific world of politics to new levels of reality.

WATCH THE TRAILER:


PREORDER on iTUNES: http://apple.co/2hgIdHH



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Monday, November 6, 2017

Luke Sparke's Sci-Fi Action Epic "OCCUPATION" Makes AFM World Screening Premiere and Debuts Key Art



Film Mode Entertainment's Sci-Fi Action Epic
"OCCUPATION"
Makes AFM World Screening Premiere and Debuts Key Art

Newest Sci-Fi Action feature from Film Mode Entertainment
With incredible visual effects from the team that crafted The Hobbit and Matrix Franchises
Screens for the first time at AFM 2017


Los Angeles, CA - Clay Epstein's Film Mode Entertainment announces the AFM World Market Premiere of the sci-fi action film Occupation.  The film stars Dan Ewing ("Home and Away"), Temuera Morrison (Aquaman, Moana), Rhiannon Fish (Emmy-nominated "The 100") and Bruce Spence (Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith).

The production is written and directed by Luke Sparke (Red Billabong, "Yesterday Is History"). Film Mode Entertainment will be screening the film for buyers for the first time at this year's AFM.

After a devastating intergalactic attack on Earth, the last surviving humans must band together for the sake of survival. As war looms, and the struggle to stay alive worsens, they realize the only way to save the human race is to stay one step ahead of their attackers and strike back.

"Be ready to be blown away by the scale of this film," said Clay Epstein, President of Film Mode Entertainment.  "Luke is an impressive filmmaker who has brought out the best in everyone who worked on this film.  The F/X and action sequences are so impressive, our clients are in for a real treat."

With the Gold Coast of Australia as one of the film's most breathtaking backdrops, the upcoming action science-fiction movie showcases a tremendous ensemble of actors as well as extraordinary post-production.  Utilizing Sharp FX (The Hobbit Trilogy, Matrix 2 & 3) for remarkable prosthetic make-up and mind-blowing visual effects, Occupation proves to entice audiences galore.

Reeling from the success of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Arrival and Alien: Covenant, the resurgence of the sci-fi genre is already evident across the global marketplace.  The action-heavy film stars Temuera Morrison whose fan base is ever-expanding from wowing audiences as Chief Tui in the Oscar-nominated Moana and bringing his talent to the screen in next year's Aquaman and Dan Ewing in his second collaboration with director Luke Sparke.

"We're extremely excited to show Occupation for the first time to buyers at AFM," said writer/director Luke Sparke.  "The film has been put together by a team of passionate individuals and companies from Australia and around the world, and it really is a huge achievement from all.  We believe the film takes the 'invasion' storyline in a new and exciting direction, while still giving action film junkies a fun experience I hope they will want to watch again and again.  The cast involved are all absolutely wonderful and I can't wait for the audience at AFM to be taken on the roller coaster ride that is - Occupation." 

Occupation is produced by SparkeFilms, the team behind the 2016 monster flick Red Billabong.  Producers include Carly Imrie and Carmel Imrie.

Film Mode Entertainment is representing worldwide rights.  Pinnacle Films will be releasing it theatrically in Australia and New Zealand.

About Film Mode Entertainment
Film Mode Entertainment is a leading worldwide sales agent, production entity and distribution company, focusing on commercially driven feature films of all genres and budget sizes. Film Mode represents projects at all stages of the filmmaking process, often as Executive Producer, with the aim of helping producers and distributors achieve maximum exposure for their films. Film Mode's recent successes include Sugar Mountain starring Jason Momoa, Little Pink House starring two-time Academy Award-nominee Catherine Keener and the SXSW official entry The Good Neighbor starring the legendary James Caan.

Upcoming productions include Viking Destiny starring Terence Stamp. Additional titles include TIFF official selection Human Traces with Mark Mitchinson and Sophie Henderson and The Girl Who Invented Kissing, a romantic drama starring Luke Wilson and Suki Waterhouse. Film Mode launched DocMode in 2017 to focus on award-winning documentaries that impact the world. Film Mode is based in Beverly Hills with a satellite office in New York City.

Occupation Poster Courtesy of Film Mode Entertainment

Please visit www.filmmodeentertainment.com for more information.



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Sunday, November 5, 2017

Gravitas Ventures Acquires "ATTACK OF THE SOUTHERN FRIED ZOMBIES" in AFM Distribution Deal



AFM ZOMBIE MOVIE DEAL:
"ATTACK OF THE SOUTHERN FRIED ZOMBIES"
ACQUIRED BY GRAVITAS VENTURES

Cardinal XD is the International Sales Agent for the zombie horde film.


Santa Monica, CA (November 4, 2017) - Director Mark Newton's Attack of the Southern Fried Zombies, winner of "Goriest Film" at last week's FANtastic Horror Film Festival in San Diego, has been acquired by Gravitas Ventures for domestic distribution, announced Daniel Wood, Executive Producer.

"Attack of the Southern Fried Zombies has a great Southern vibe and gives a unique twist to the zombie film genre, with a little Zombieland and Shaun of the Dead in the mix. Plus, there's a zombie horde, carnival mayhem, Southern rock, and mad scientists. It's a fun ride!" said Joshua Spector, Director of Acquisitions for Gravitas Ventures.


The deal was brokered by Wood on behalf of the film, and by Spector for Gravitas Ventures. Gravitas Ventures will release the film in North America in March of 2018. Cardinal XD represents the film for international sales and is currently fielding offers from foreign buyers for several territories at AFM in Loews 541.

In Attack of the Southern Fried Zombies, the kudzu covered hills of Charleston, Mississippi, notable as Morgan Freeman's hometown, are ground zero for GloboBioTech testing of their experimental herbicide Quadoxin, which goes horribly wrong. Lonnie, a crop duster pilot, must lead a mismatched group of survivors to escape the deadly zombie horde after the Quadoxin transforms the citizens of the small town into zombies.

The film stars Timothy Haug, Moses J. Moseley (The Walking Dead), Wyntergrace Williams (This Just In), Megan Few (Demons), Escalante Lundy (Django Unchained), Kaitlin Mesh, Clay Acker, Bruce Penton, Susan McPhail, Johnny McPhail, Michael Joiner, Kiyomi Fukazawa, and Miles Doleac.
 
Zombie Makeup & SFX by Jonathan Thornton.
 
WATCH THE TRAILER:



"This is now my fourth feature released through Gravitas Ventures (American Cowslip, Jonny's Sweet Revenge, and The Atoning), and I'm thrilled to call them a partner. Gravitas continually impresses in servicing our titles and Attack of the Southern Fried Zombies will be our biggest yet. We are beyond excited," said Wood. 

From a screenplay by Christian Hokenson, and produced by executive producer Daniel Wood, p.g.a., Mark Newton, Juri Koll, Per Ericson, executive producer Jason Rochelle, and Laura Warner, with executive producer Miller Greenlee, co-producers Justin Stafford and Stephan Stromer, Assistant Producer Ronnie Lee Michael, and Consulting Producer Tony Hewett. 

About Gravitas Ventures
Gravitas Ventures is a leading all rights distributor of independent feature films and documentaries. Founded in 2006, Gravitas connects independent filmmakers and producers with distribution opportunities across the globe. Working with talented directors and producers, Gravitas Ventures has distributed thousands of films into over a hundred million homes in North America or over one billion homes worldwide. Recent releases include Score: A Film Music Documentary, California Typewriter, Legion of Brothers, Katie Holmes' feature directorial debut, All We Had, Colin Hanks' All Things Must Pass, Being Evel from Academy Award winning director Daniel Junge and producer Johnny Knoxville, and For The Love of Spock from Director Adam Nimoy.

For more information, please visit gravitasventures.com, and follow @GravitasVOD on Twitter and @gravitasventures on Instagram.

Official Film Website: https://kudzuzombies.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Kudzuzombies/
IMDb https://pro-labs.imdb.com/title/tt5594444/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kudzuzombies/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/realKudzuZombie
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbysIgsNYPnzAFmavG4PA4w



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Thursday, November 2, 2017

RICHARD SIMMONS: SWEATIN' TO THE OLDIES: 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION -- DVD Review by Porfle



I didn't grow up with Richard Simmons, but somehow it seems as though the eternally cheerful and preternaturally flamboyant fitness guru in the sparkly tank tops and short-shorts has always been around, exhorting his overweight followers to dance their way to weight loss and a happier, healthier body.

Apart from his "Deal-A-Meal" diet plan informercials and some raucous appearances on Letterman, Richard is best known for his "Sweatin' To The Oldies" tapes, now available on DVD.  All five of them, plus a bonus motivational program called "Love Yourself and Win: Six Steps to Personal Self-Esteem and Permanent Weight Loss", have been collected in Time-Life's 6-disc DVD set RICHARD SIMMONS: SWEATIN' TO THE OLDIES: 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION.

Richard released his first "Sweatin' to the Oldies" VHS tape in 1988 and it became a big enough hit to warrant four sequels over the years, each featuring his trademark method of turning dance (to his favorite hit singles from the 50s and 60s) into fitness routines, with a different colorful theme for each entry in the series.


The first takes place (after a funny anti-piracy warning in which Richard has his own mother arrested) in a fantasy "High School Prom" setting where the ebullient fitness guru and about twenty of his chosen students of various body types go through ten routines set to non-stop song covers (a live band appears onstage).  The exercises are strenuous but fun, and hardly the kind of boot-camp workouts that some fitness DVDs inflict on the more hardcore viewer. 

Most of them consist of Richard's patented choreography that owes more to Broadway than anything else (he likes to envision his programs as song-and-dance theatrical presentations) with a healthy dose of period dance moves (the Twist, the Pony) mixed with shouts of "Egyptian Walk!" and "Hallelujah Hands!"

His back-up dancers are totally into it, being that most of them are students who themselves are losing or have lost considerable poundage doing this stuff.  Having gone through the same experiences himself, Richard's empathy for their feelings and desire to better their lives gives them a connection that's glowingly evident whenever we see them joyfully moving together to each catchy song. 


Production values are colorful and eye-pleasing, with very good camerawork, direction, and editing helping to make each series entry watchable not only for those participating but for passive viewers as well.  The cover bands are terrific--various individual members occasionally wander down off the stage to jam with Richard for awhile--making these DVDs pleasant background noise even when you don't feel like exercising. 

Mainly it's Richard's warm and engaging personality, along with the obvious care he has for his students and friends (which is clearly mutual), that set the "Sweatin' to the Oldies" series apart.  While he does occasionally engage in some of the cartoonish antics he's known for, most of the time we're seeing Richard just being his unique self within his very own comfort zone, which he shares with his deeply enthusiastic cast.  

Their joy is evident in the final dance line portion of each show in which individual students show off their moves while a graphic tells us how many pounds they've lost under Richard's tutelage.  Not only is this a fun way to wrap up each entry, but it also gives viewers yearning to shed some pounds themselves a little incentive.


Disc two takes place in "Pop's Diner", a disco-fied neon version of a 50s soda fountain.  Disc three has the most fun and inventive setting, "Sweatin Land Amusement Park", a brightly-colored fantasy backdrop with everything from a carousel to a mock ferris wheel.  Disc four is the "Saturday Sock Hop", and Disc five takes us "Downtown" with a Sesame Street-type city scene.  The live band is featured in all but the last one. 

Disc six is Richard's motivational presentation "Love Yourself and Win: Six Steps to Personal Self-Esteem and Permanent Weight Loss", which eschews the previous frivolity to get to the heart of the matter.  Here, his own history of being overweight and depressed gives him the empathy to connect to his listeners and help them find hope and optimism enough to improve their own lives. 

The first four discs contain numerous bonus features (approximately 100 minutes worth). The always-interesting Richard appears in several interview segments, as do some of his long-time students who give their testimonials and success stories both individually and as part of a roundtable reunion. Topping it off is a 20-page booklet packed with fun pics and a full list of the more than fifty songs heard in the collection.

I won't lie--I didn't exercise a bit while watching RICHARD SIMMONS: SWEATIN' TO THE OLDIES: 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION.  But I enjoyed it anyway, and if I ever do make the commitment to start sweatin' off a few pounds, this is the first place I'll do the "Egyptian Walk" to. 


SWEATIN' TO THE OLDIES: 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Type:  DVD/6 Discs
Running Time: 440 mins.
Rating:  N/A
Genre:  TV DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 (4:3)
Audio:  Stereo

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