National Comic Book Day Celebrates a Favorite Pastime and Lucrative Industry
The Experts at Dallas Fan Days Talk Comics
DALLAS (Sept. 22, 2016) – Every year on Sept. 25, comic book readers, collectors, lovers and fans celebrate National Comic Book Day. Comic books – are they a hobby, a pastime, a casual form of entertainment? Try a billion dollar a year industry and a powerful consumer market. According to the latest estimate by ICV2 and Comichron, total comics and graphic novel sales in North America hit $1.03 billion in 2015, the first year for the industry to ever hit over a billion dollars in sales. Comic books are no longer just a cultural experience; they are an economic powerhouse.
At first thought, comic books may not be considered a largely sought-after product; however, the demand for their colorful pages and fascinating stories continues to climb. Sales in 2014 were up 8 percent from 2013, and 2015 sales were up 10 percent from 2014. As traditional fans of the comic book age and are now adults, the primary purchasers of comic books are adults between the ages of 25 and 44 according to ICV2 – individuals who have more disposable income to spend on a treasured form of entertainment. Their deep-seated love for comics is elevating the industry.
“Comic books have continued to become a cultural unifier,” says Andrew Moyes, show director of Dallas Fan Days™. “People all over the world can connect over their love and passion for comic books, and we see that at our conventions year after year.”
Whether it’s nostalgia or excitement over new superhero movies and TV shows, fans are showing their love for the comic book industry.
“At conventions across the country, we have seen an influx of new faces that have only been exposed to these comic characters through the movies, and the attendance has swelled to record numbers because of it. In stores, we have seen older customers who had stopped collecting or reading coming back in to catch up,” says Andy McMahon, owner of Duncanville Bookstore, a shop that offers a range of comic books, graphic novels, games, toys and action figures. “The DFW area has a large number of people still trying to collect every issue of a series. Because the DFW area is so diverse, our customers are willing to branch out and try new titles, which is nice to see because there are some great non-superhero titles being produced right now.”
Dallas Fan Days – one of the best comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming events in Texas and set to return Oct. 14-16, 2016, at the Irving Convention Center – will host comic guests such as: Neal Adams, Brandon Peterson, Jim Calafiore, Ty Templeton, Joe Eisma, Jeremy Clark, Sam de la Rosa, Ben Dunn, Steve Erwin, Scott Harben, Mike Krome, Andrew Mangum, Danita Mangum, Jason Metcalf, Ande Parks, Lawrence Reynolds, Marlin Snoop, K.T. Smith, Shaun Steven Struble and Jamie Tyndall.
For the full list of appearances and family-friendly activities, tickets and other information, please visit www.dallascomiccon.com. Stay connected with the show for announcements and updates by registering for their newsletter, and following them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For vendor information, please click here. Those interested in volunteering can find more information here. Accredited media can request press passes by applying for accreditation at http://dallascomiccon.com/press/.
Level 33 Entertainment and Blue Fox Entertainment’s Festival Award Winning Indie Horror Film THE CARETAKER
To Be Released On Demand in the U.S. on Friday, September 30, 2016 Across All Platforms Including Comcast Xfinity, iTunes, DirecT, Amazon Instant, Dish Network, VUDU and Others
Written by Jeremy Robinson and directed by Jeff Prugh, THE CARETAKER stars Meegan Warner (THE VEIL, AMC’s TURN: Washington Spies) and Sondra Blake (MAX DUGAN RETURNS).
The film was an official selection at Indie Horror Film Festival where it won three (3) awards including the Director’s Choice award, and at the Fantastic Film Horror Film Festival. THE CARETAKER was also in official selection at FilmQuest, HellaCon, Gasparilla and the Fantastic Horror film festivals.
In THE CARETAKER, a young woman returns home to care for her gravely ill grandmother only to begin sleepwalking, envisioning spirits and uncovering dark secrets in her family’s past.
Directed by Jeff Prugh Written by Jeremy Robinson Starring Meegan Warner, Sondra Blake, Sean Martini…
GRAVITAS VENTURES ACQUIRES NORTH AMERICAN RIGHTS TO STAND-UP DOCUMENTARY ‘DYING LAUGHING’
The Definitive In-Depth Look At Stand-Comedy By Legends Of The Industry Will Arrive In Theaters And On Demand In Q1 2017
Los Angeles, CA (September 20, 2016) — Stand-up comedy icons Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Jamie Foxx, Billy Connolly, Steve Coogan, Cedric The Entertainer, Mike Epps, Eddie Izzard, Jerry Lewis, Chris Rock, Sarah Silverman, Keenen Ivory Wayans and the late, great Garry Shandling, among many others, appear in “Dying Laughing”, which bowed at this year’s Los Angeles Film Festival. Gravitas Ventures has acquired rights to the documentary from filmmakers Paul Toogood & Lloyd Stanton and will release it in theaters and on demand in the first quarter of next year.
A stand-up comedian is his or her own writer, director and star performer. Unlike any other art form, there is no safety net and no private rehearsal. In its singular realization, stand -up comedy thrives live on a stage - often in front of hostile audiences. For most people baring their soul and being heckled would be a life-changing trauma, for stand-ups it's an every day danger. Directors Paul Toogood & Lloyd Stanton achieve a startling level of intimacy in a series of riveting interviews with many masters of the comedy universe, allowing in-depth access to the emotional and psychological highs and lows of answering the call to become a stand-up comedian.
“Over two years, as the film began to emerge from the thousands of miles traveled and hundreds of hours or interviews, we learned about the physical and emotional dedication that it takes to become a stand-up comedian, and that the prospect of failure haunts even the most experienced and celebrated practitioners,” said co-directors Toogood and Stanton. “We hope that the audience will find the final piece as touching, thought-provoking, inspirational and as funny as we do.”
Watch the Trailer
“It’s rare that we, as fans, get such transparency into this industry from such amazing comedy legends,” said Nolan Gallagher, Founder and CEO of Gravitas Ventures. “This compelling documentary evokes not just laugher, but truly runs the gamut of emotion for the viewer.”
Directors Paul Toogood & Lloyd Stanton have worked with many legends in the past, having created projects ‘Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap’, ‘Songbook’, ‘The Great Songwriters’ and award winning documentaries and films on subjects from football and video gaming to ’30 Years of Monty Python’.
The duo also produced the film alongside producer Suli McCullough and co-producers Samantha Phillips and Daphne Wayans who all helped to add talent. Keith Haviland, Adam Longworth and John Thomson are the Executive Producers.
The deal was negotiated by Nolan Gallagher for Gravitas and ICM Partners on behalf of the filmmakers.
ABOUT GRAVITAS VENTURES Gravitas Ventures is a leading all rights distributor of independent cinema. Founded in 2006, Gravitas connects independent filmmakers and producers with distribution opportunities across the globe. Working with more than 500 content partners, Gravitas Ventures has distributed thousands of films into over 100 million homes. Their most recent releases include Jonathan Hock’s Fastball,” Colin Hanks’ “All Things Must Pass,” “Being Evel” from Academy Award® winning director Daniel Junge and producer Johnny Knoxville, “Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of,” “Barney Thomson” starring Robert Carlyle and Emma Thompson 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.
Los Angeles, CA - Thousand Mile Media is excited to announce the LA festival premiere of Ian Truitner's Teleios. The action-packed sci-fi thriller will screen at the 16th Shriekfest: The Los Angeles Horror/Sci-Fi Film Festival and Screenplay Competition.
Teleios stars Sunny Mabrey (Species III, "Once Upon a Time"), Michael Nouri (Flashdance, "Damages"), Lance Broadway (Olympus Has Fallen), TJ Hoban ("It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia") and Mykel Shannon Jenkins ("The Bold and the Beautiful"). A rescue mission for one man turns into a battle for survival as the "perfect" rescue team starts to fracture.
Shriekfest: The Los Angeles Horror/Sci-Fi Film Festival: 10:30 pm, October 7, 2016 Raleigh Studios 5300 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90038
The deep space mining vessel Atromitos has been adrift for two years. It is suspected that most of the crew had brutally killed each other for reasons unknown. Genetically modified "superior" humans are sent to investigate the marooned ship and recover the only survivor.
Under the stress of isolation in outer space, the crew begins to exhibit unexpected character flaws. Cracks appear within the group which threaten the success of the mission and their chances of getting home alive.
A MIX OF MURDER, MYSTERY, AND MARIJUANA, THE HORROR/COMEDY "HALLOWEED" FROM J&R PRODUCTIONS WILL LIGHT UP SCREENS OCTOBER 18 ON VOD & CABLE ON DEMAND
He Who Has the Weed Has the Power
"Halloweed" Starring Simon Rex, Shannon Brown, Jim O'Heir, Michelle Mueller, Jayson Bernard, Ray Wise, Jason Mewes, Deje Dee, Lester Speight, Danny Trejo and Tom Sizemore Will Be Released On DVD, November 8
Los Angeles, CA (September 19, 2016) - The official release trailer and VOD poster for "Halloweed" are available today, from Screen Media Films, and the DVD release date has been set for November 8, 2016, announced the filmmaking team of Roberto Rosario, Jr. and Jayson Bernard, who produced the film under their J&R Productions banner. (3 versions of the poster are below)
"Halloweed" is a comedy/stoner/slasher/mystery genre hybrid, starring Simon Rex, Shannon Brown, Jim O'Heir, Michelle Mueller , Jayson Bernard, Ray Wise, Jason Mewes, Deje Dee, Lester Speight, Danny Trejo and Tom Sizemore, and will be released on all VOD platforms and Cable On Demand by Screen Media Films on October 18, 2016, as previously announced.
"'Halloweed' is an homage to the slasher horror films I grew up with combined with the fun of buddy comedies and stoner films, with a bit of classic John Waters inspired twisted humor added to the mix," said Bernard. "Roberto and I had been looking for a comedy to produce as our first feature for J&R Productions, and when the project came our way, we knew this was the one," he added."
In "Halloweed," Trent Modine and his goof-ball step brother Joey, try to escape the infamy that comes from having a serial killer, The Candy Corn Killer, for a father (Tom Sizemore). Seeking a new start, they find refuge in the small town of Mooseheart. It does not take long before the besmirched family name catches up to them. Joey, a free spirited stoner, and Trent, a love sick pessimist, look like the main suspects after a string of murders, similar to a rash of killings 20 years earlier, coincidentally begins just as they arrive in town. It is a race against time because a slash-happy killer clown on the loose and the bodies are piling up!
"Jayson and I formed J&R Productions in Chicago and moved to California to set up shot when we started production on 'Halloweed,' said Rosario, Jr. "We have the best of both worlds now, with access to the immense pool of talent LA has to offer in front of and behind the camera, plus our longstanding relationships with the talented people in Chicago. We are thrilled that Screen Media Films is getting 'Halloweed' out in such a big way."
Screen Media Films' "Halloweed," from J&R Productions, Summer House Pictures and Two 9 Productions was directed by LazRael Lison, and written by Dale Zawada based on a story by Michael Bussan. Rosario executive produced, and Bernard produced the film, along with producers Tatiana Chekhova, Jamie Trent, and Lison.
Punny Short Synopsis: Stoner Trent, son of the Candy Corn Killer, and his best bud move to a small town to escape an evil legacy. But soon after they roll up, everything goes to pot as the bodies pile high and they must weed out suspects to smoke out the killer.
Thirty five years ago, a documentary was made about the state of violence in the U.S.A. America never had a chance to see it...until now.
SEVERIN FILMS PRESENTS ONE OF THE MOST INFAMOUS DOCUMENTARIES EVER MADE FOR THE FIRST TIME TO NORTH AMERICAN AUDIENCES
THE KILLING OF AMERICA
Coming to DVD, Blu-ray™ and On Demand October 25th
Los Angeles, CA – In 1981, director Sheldon Renan and Academy Award® nominated co-producer/co-writer Leonard Schrader (brother of filmmaker Paul) created a graphic and provocative examination of America’s history with – and penchant for – senseless violence, mass shootings and cold-blooded murder. Piercing, brutal and at times, unflinchingly graphic, The Killing of America was exhibited briefly in New York in 1982...and subsequently shelved. While the ensuing thirty five years have – thankfully – seen the lowering of overall violent crimes in the nation, the documentary’s themes about equating violence with economic & racial discrimination and the continued proliferation of personal firearms in our republic still echo in the national discourse during this election year. Sometimes, to solve a problem in front of us, we must look to the past...
Severin Films announces the October 25th release of Sheldon Renan’s controversial documentary The Killing of America on Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand. Fully restored and just as explosive almost four decades after its inception, the film will be presented uncensored and uncut. In addition, the Blu-ray™ release includes the even more unnerving Japanese version known as Violence USA, which contains previously unseen footage from the American cut. A limited nationwide theatrical release is also planned; cities and theatres to be announced.
The Killing of America begins with the following cautionary note: “All of the film you are about to see is real. Nothing has been staged.” Guided by interviews with criminals (including Robert Kennedy’s assassin Sirhan Sirhan) and law-enforcement officials as well as incendiary newsreel footage of actual violent crimes, viewers are taken on a profoundly disturbing and still chillingly relevant journey into a uniquely American heart of darkness. Rock! Shock! Pop! proclaimed the film “a powerful experience,” The Guardian declared it “austere and remarkable,” and Vox Magazine showered praise via the warning “not for the faint of heart.”
The Killing of America Blu-ray™ and DVD comes fully loaded with exclusive Bonus Features including: Audio commentary with director Sheldon Renan Interview with director Sheldon Renan Interview with editor Lee Percy Interview With Mondo Movie historian Nick Pinkerton
Watch the Trailer
About Severin Films: Severin Films was formed in 2006 with offices in Los Angeles and London. Their 100 plus strong movie catalogue includes works from iconic euro-cult directors Lucio Fulci, Jess Franco and Walerian Borowczyck, the first English language release of Roman Polanski's WHAT?, Alejandro Jodorowsky’s internationally acclaimed SANTA SANGRE, Richard Stanley’s cyber-punk hit HARDWARE, Oscar®-nominee Patrice Leconte’s THE HAIRDRESSER’S HUSBAND, the midnight movie sensation BIRDEMIC – SHOCK & TERROR, the historical battle epic ZULU DAWN, the all-star War classic THE WILD GEESE, the notorious 42nd Street hit DR. BUTCHER MD and Enzo Castellari’s original action classic INGLORIOUS BASTARDS. In 2011 they produced the ground breaking horror anthology feature THE THEATRE BIZARRE and in 2014 the award winning documentary feature LOST SOUL - THE DOOMED JOURNEY OF RICHARD STANLEY'S ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU. THE KILLING OF AMERICA BLU-RAY (with Violence USA) Genre: Documentary Rating: Not Rated Language: English / Japanese (with English subtitles) Format: BD50 Audio: Dolby 2.0 Year: 1982 SRP: $29.98 Street Date: October 25, 2016 Pre-book Date: September 27, 2016 Length: 90 minutes UPC: 663390001356 Cat#: SEV91356
THE KILLING OF AMERICA DVD Genre: Documentary Rating: Not Rated Language: English Format: DVD9 Audio: Dolby 2.0 Year: 1982 SRP: $19.98 Street Date: October 25, 2016 Pre-book Date: September 27, 2016 Length: 90 minutes UPC: 663390001363 Cat#: SEV91363
"TOTAL FRAT MOVIE" Arrives in Theaters and On Demand September 23
SYNOPSIS: A raunchy college comedy based on the hugely popular college lifestyle website TotalFratMove.com, Total Frat Movie begins with a stoked Charlie Martin (Justin Deeley) as he is initiated as the newest member of Alpha Chi Gamma. The fun is quickly terminated when the Kappas, their frat rival, secretly sabotage their celebratory fireworks and burn the Alpha house to the ground.
Dean Kravitz (Tom Green) disciplines them by revoking their chapter, and just like that, Charlie's dream of following in his late father's footsteps, one of Alpha's most legendary members, goes up in smoke. Three years later, Charlie discovers a loophole in the college’s Greek Life guidelines, so the Dean agrees to reinstate the Alphas under one condition: get 15 members by the end of rush week. One problem: rush week starts in 24 hours.
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURES AND COLUMBIA PICTURES TEAM UP WITH TWITCH FOR THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN ONLINE GAMER SHOWDOWN DURING 2-HOUR LIVE EVENT ON SEPTEMBER 19
Seven of Twitch's Most Magnificent "Counter-Strike: Go" Gamers Face Off For Two Hours Only
(Culver City, September 16, 2016) With The Magnificent Seven starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt out in theaters next Friday, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Columbia Pictures and Twitch, the world's leading social video platform and community for gamers, have teamed up to create an epic showdown featuring seven of the top Counter-Strike: Go online players. Fans can join in on the action as these seven gamers test their skills as Saviors vs. Bandits through a special Western-themed map.
With this event, Twitch is broadcasting the first ever "Counter-Strike: Go" exhibition game with seven of the most-followed players in the company's history.
On September 19 from 4 PM - 6 PM (PST), Twitch will create the ultimate showdown for a true fan event that will allow viewers to interact with the seven gamers and suggest "handicaps" as they battle each other to become the last gamer standing. To the victor go the bragging rights on an epic gun battle.
The event will air live on Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/twitch) as well as on www.Mag7Showdown.com. Hosted by GoldenBoy along with commentator John "Blu" Mullenm, the live stream will feature Twitch's "Magnificent Seven" broadcasters Summit 1G, TimTheTatman, iiJERiiCHOii, HayliNic, JoshOG, Reynad27, and 2MGOverCSquared. These influencers have a combined reach of over four million followers with more than 200 million views on their channels. The live event will also include special messages from film stars Chris Pratt and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and exclusive footage from the film.
Commenting on the announcement, Elias Plishner, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Digital Marketing for Sony Pictures. "Twitch has never before brought so many respected and skilled gamers with such a huge following together for a single game. As these seven face off, this is an unparalleled opportunity to bring the action, intensity and fun of The Magnificent Seven to millions of fans worldwide."
Director Antoine Fuqua brings his modern vision to a classic story in The Magnificent Seven, from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Columbia Pictures in association with LStar Capital and Village Roadshow Pictures. With the town of Rose Creek under the deadly control of industrialist Bartholomew Bogue (Peter Sarsgaard), the desperate townspeople, led by Emma Cullen (Haley Bennett), employ protection from seven outlaws, bounty hunters, gamblers and hired guns - Sam Chisolm (Denzel Washington), Josh Faraday (Chris Pratt), Goodnight Robicheaux (Ethan Hawke), Jack Horne (Vincent D'Onofrio), Billy Rocks (Byung-Hun Lee), Vasquez (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), and Red Harvest (Martin Sensmeier). As they prepare the town for the violent showdown that they know is coming, these seven mercenaries find themselves fighting for more than money. The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua. The screenplay is by Nic Pizzolatto and Richard Wenk. The producers are Roger Birnbaum and Todd Black.
About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television content across all platforms. The company owns one of the world's deepest libraries of premium film and television content. In addition, MGM has investments in domestic and international television channels. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.
About Sony Pictures Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.
About Twitch Twitch is the world's leading social video platform and community for gamers. Each month, more than 100 million community members gather to watch and talk about video games with more than 1.7 million broadcasters. Twitch's video platform is the backbone of both live and on-demand distribution for the entire video game ecosystem. This includes game developers, publishers, media outlets, events, user generated content, and the entire esports scene. Twitch also features Twitch Creative, a category devoted to artists and the creative process. For more information about Twitch, visit the official website and blog.
The next installment in the blockbuster franchise, UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS follows Vampire death dealer, Selene (Kate Beckinsale) as she fends off brutal attacks from both the Lycan clan and the Vampire faction that betrayed her.
With her only allies, David (Theo James) and his father Thomas (Charles Dance), she must stop the eternal war between Lycans and Vampires, even if it means she has to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Directed by Anna Foerster
Screenplay by Cory Goodman and Jayson Rothwell
Story by Cory Goodman
Based on characters created by Kevin Grevioux and Len Wiseman & Danny McBride
Produced by Tom Rosenberg Gary Lucchesi Len Wiseman Richard Wright David Kern
Executive Producers Eric Reid James McQuaide Skip Williamson Henry Winterstern
Cast Kate Beckinsale Theo James Lara Pulver Tobias Menzies Bradley James James Faulkner and Charles Dance
This film is not yet rated by the Motion Picture Association of America. For future rating information, please visit http://www.filmratings.com/ Credits not final
Edgar Allan Poe Resurrected by Iconic Scream Queens Wild Eye Releasing Brings Tales of Poe to DVD And Digital HD October 11th
"A loving tribute to the work of one of history's greatest horror writers." -- Rue Morgue Magazine
"A truly stylized take on Poe's work and just brimming with beauty, elegance and downright horror." -- HorrorMovies.ca
"Something very special to the horror genre... both beautiful and horrifying." -- Hacked in the Head
New York, NY - Wild Eye Releasing has announced the October 11th DVD and Digital HD release of the acclaimed horror anthology Tales of Poe. Since the world premiere at the famous Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, Tales of Poe has been met with acclaim and awards on the festival circuit. San Francisco Weekly called the anthology "a worthy successor to the Roger Corman/ Vincent Price Poe films" while Icons of Fright hailed the result as "downright stunning to witness...wickedly adventurous".
Co-directed by Bart Mastronardi and Alan Rowe Kelly and co-written by Michael Varrati, Tales of Poe combines the classic horror prose with the star power of legendary scream queens Adrienne King (Friday the 13th, Friday the 13th Part 2), Caroline Williams (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Halloween 2), Amy Steel (Friday the 13th Part 2, April Fool's Day) Debbie Rochon (Model Hunger, Hell Town) and Lesleh Donaldson (Happy Birthday to Me, Funeral Home).
Based on the timeless works of Edgar Allan Poe, three of the renowned author's most popular stories (The Tell Tale Heart, The Cask of Amontillado, and Dreams) receive unique retellings by directors Bart Mastronardi & Alan Rowe Kelly. Offering a compelling and shocking journey into madness and the macabre, Tales of Poe features some of the most beloved final girls in horror movie history in new and exciting roles.
The October 11th DVD release of Tales of Poe (SRP $19.95) will exclusively include a behind the scenes featurette, deleted scenes, an interview with co-director Bart Mastronardi, trailers and more.
CELEBRATE THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF JAMES CAMERON’S EPIC SCI-FI MASTERPIECE
ALIENS: 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION Lands on Blu-ray™& Digital HD September 13
Celebrate three decades of pulse-pounding action and bone-chilling suspense with this Aliens 30th Anniversary Limited-Edition Set that features both the Theatrical and Special Edition versions of the film on Blu-ray™, as well as audio commentary, deleted and extended scenes and more. This must-have set also includes collectible art cards, and a book featuring art from the Dark Horse Comics Aliens series with an all-new cover created exclusively for this 30th Anniversary Edition. The Blu-ray and Digital HD release will include an all-new, documentary titled “The Inspiration and Design of Aliens,” which delves into the origins of the film.
James Cameron directed this critically acclaimed sequel starring Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo’s deadly encounter with the monstrous Alien. After drifting through space in hypersleep for 57 years, Ripley returns to Earth, haunted by nightmares of the past. Although her story is initially met with disbelief, she agrees to accompany a team of Colonial Marines back to LV-426...and this time it’s war!
ALIENS: THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION Blu-ray™ & Digital HD Special Features Include: ⦁ NEW – The Inspiration and Design of Aliens featurette ⦁ Deleted and Extended Scenes ⦁ Superior Firepower: Making Aliens ⦁ Superior Firepower: Making Aliens Enhancement ⦁ Pre-Production Galleries ⦁ The Art of Aliens ⦁ Gateway Station and Colony ⦁ Vehicles and Weapons ⦁ Aliens ⦁ Casting ⦁ Cast Portrait Gallery ⦁ Deleted Scene Montage
ALIENS: THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION Blu-ray™ Street Date: September 13, 2016 Screen Format: Widescreen 16:9 (1.85:1) Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD-MA English Dolby Digital 4.1 English Surround Dolby Digital 2.0 French 5.1 DTS Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 Subtitles: English, French, Spanish Total Run Time: Approximately 137 minutes (Theatrical) / Approximately 157 minutes (Extended) U.S. Rating: R Closed Captioned: Yes
About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film. TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions as well as all third party distribution partners on DVD, Blu-ray™, 4K Ultra HD, Digital HD, and VOD (video-on-demand). Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets and digital stores throughout the world.
Highland Film Group is handling international sales and screening select footage to buyers in TIFF. CAA is selling the US rights to the film which also stars Simon Pegg, Max Irons, Mike Myers and Dexter Fletcher.
David Barron of BeaglePug, Molly Hassell and HFG’s Arianne Fraser produced the film alongside Tom Ackerley, Josey McNamara, Sophia Kerr and Margot Robbie under their LuckyChap Entertainment banner.
The Summer Blockbuster Hit, Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory,” Swims Home on Digital HD on Oct. 25 and Blu-ray™ on Nov. 15
Dive deep into the kelp to find out more about the making of the film with extensive extras featuring the creative talent of Pixar and the all-star cast!
BURBANK, Calif., Sept. 8, 2016 — The summer blockbuster hit, Disney•Pixar's “Finding Dory,” swims home just in time for the holidays on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) on Oct. 25 and on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on Nov. 15. Viewers can watch Dory’s hilarious and heartwarming quest to find her family and continue the underwater adventure with hours of immersive bonus features.
The film’s playful and plentiful bonus offerings include “Piper,” the theatrical short film starring an irresistible sandpiper hatchling; an all-new mini short featuring interviews with Dory’s pals from the Marine Life Institute; a behind-the-scenes look at the most challenging character Pixar has ever created; never-before-seen deleted scenes, including a digital exclusive featuring the Tank Gang from “Finding Nemo” who make it their mission to get Marlin and Nemo to the Marine Life Institute; and much, much more.
“Finding Dory” features an all-star voice cast, reuniting Ellen DeGeneres (“The Ellen DeGeneres Show”) and Albert Brooks (“This is 40”) as Dory and Marlin, the ever-optimistic blue tang and the uptight but loyal clownfish. Ed O’Neill (“Modern Family”) lends his voice to “septopus” Hank, Kaitlin Olson (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) voices whale shark Destiny, and Ty Burrell (“Modern Family”) gives voice to beluga whale Bailey. Dory’s doting parents Charlie and Jenny are portrayed by Eugene Levy (“Schitt’s Creek”) and Diane Keaton (“Love the Coopers”), and 12-year-old Hayden Rolence (“Beta Persei”) steps in as Nemo, the young clownfish with a lucky fin.
Thirteen years after the original, audiences get a new chapter in the story of their favorite forgetful blue tang. As returning director Andrew Stanton describes, “I realized that I was worried about Dory. The idea of her short-term memory loss and how it affected her was unresolved. What if she got lost again?” His response is a touching tale of friendship and family that’s truly unforgettable … perhaps even for Dory.
Bonus features include*:
Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray & Digital HD: ⦁ Theatrical Short: “Piper” – A hungry sandpiper hatchling ventures from her nest for the first time to dig for food by the shoreline. The only problem is that the food is buried beneath the sand where scary waves roll up onto the shore. ⦁ Marine Life Interviews (All-New Mini Short) – Meet the inhabitants of the Marine Life Institute as they remember our favorite blue tang. ⦁ The Octopus That Nearly Broke Pixar – Pixar’s “Team Hank” unravels the challenges, frustrations, and rewards of bringing to life the studio’s crankiest and most technically complicated character ever. ⦁ What Were We Talking About? – This piece showcases the complex routes Dory’s story took as the filmmakers worked to construct a comprehensive narrative involving a main character with short-term memory loss. ⦁ Casual Carpool – What’s it like to commute with the voices of Marlin, Charlie, Bailey and Hank? Join “Finding Dory” writer/director Andrew Stanton as he drives Albert Brooks, Eugene Levy, Ty Burrell and Ed O’Neill to work. ⦁ Animation & Acting – How do you create a connection between a human audience and a fish? This behind-the-scenes look behind the curtain examines the process of constructing believable performances through a unique collaboration between the director, voice actors and animators. ⦁ Creature Features – The cast of “Finding Dory” share cool facts about the creatures they voice in the film. ⦁ Deep in the Kelp – Disney Channel’s Jenna Ortega guides us on a research trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to show how far the “Finding Dory” crew went to make Dory’s world feel real. ⦁ Skating & Sketching with Jason Deamer – “Finding Dory” character art director Jason Deamer talks about how he got to Pixar, how he draws the characters in the film, and how falling off a skateboard teaches you lessons you can use in art and life. ⦁ Dory’s Theme – A spirited discussion among the composer, music editor and director of “Finding Dory” about the musical elements that shape Dory’s quirky and joyful theme. ⦁ Rough Day on the Reef – Sometimes computers make mistakes. Here you’ll see some of the funny, creepy and just plain bizarre footage the crew encountered while making “Finding Dory.” ⦁ Commentary – Director Andrew Stanton, co-director Angus MacLane and producer Lindsey Collins deliver their personal perspective on “Finding Dory.” ⦁ Deleted Scenes (introduced by director Andrew Stanton) ⦁ Losing Nemo – While watching the stingray migration, Dory starts to follow two fish that remind her of her parents, leaving Nemo all alone. ⦁ Little Tension in Clown Town – In this alternate version of the film, Dory tries to "follow her fins" to her parents, but ends up in a strange place with even stranger fish fashion. ⦁ Dory Dumped – In this early version of the story, Dory's parents had short-term memory loss as well. ⦁ Sleep Swimming – Dory begins to talk and swim in her sleep, revealing what seem to be clues to her past. ⦁ Meeting Hank – Wandering the Marine Life Institute's elaborate pipe system, Dory happens upon the abode of Hank the cranky octopus. ⦁ The Pig – Frantically navigating the pipes of the Marine Life Institute in search of her parents, Dory crosses paths with a terrifying cleaning device. ⦁ Starting Over – Director Andrew Stanton presents four different versions of the movie’s opening scene to illustrate the filmmakers’ search for the best way to introduce Dory’s backstory and to connect this new film to “Finding Nemo.” ⦁ Tank Gang (Digital exclusive) – After a close encounter with a squid leaves them separated from Dory, Marlin and Nemo unexpectedly meet up with the Tank Gang from “Finding Nemo,” who make it their mission to get to the Marine Life Institute … by any means necessary. ⦁ Hidden Seacrets of Finding Dory (Digital exclusive) – Take a deep dive to catch secret Easter Eggs throughout the movie. And just like Hank, they’re hidden in plain sight. DVD: ⦁ Theatrical Short: Piper & Commentary
"Finding Dory" Easter Eggs!
From the Academy Award®–winning creators of Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Nemo” (Best Animated Feature, 2003) comes an epic undersea adventure filled with imagination, humor and heart. When Dory, the forgetful blue tang (Ellen DeGeneres), suddenly remembers she has a family who may be looking for her, she, Marlin (Albert Brooks) and Nemo (Hayden Rolence) take off on a life-changing quest to find them … with help from Hank, a cantankerous octopus; Bailey, a beluga whale who’s convinced his biological sonar skills are on the fritz; and Destiny, a nearsighted whale shark. Bring home the movie overflowing with unforgettable characters, dazzling animation and gallons of bonus extras.
Directed by Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E”) and co-directed by Angus MacLane (“Toy Story OF TERROR!”), the film is produced by Lindsey Collins (co-producer “WALL•E”) and executive produced by John Lasseter. Victoria Strouse (“October Road”) wrote the script with Stanton. Veteran composer and longtime Stanton collaborator Thomas Newman (“Bridge of Spies,” “WALL•E,” “Finding Nemo”) created the film’s music score and singer-songwriter Sia performs the film’s end-credit song, “Unforgettable.”
DISC SPECIFICATIONS: Product SKUs: Digital 3D HD, Digital HD, Digital SD, Blu-ray 3D Superset (Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD & Digital Copy), Blu-ray Superset (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital Copy), Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand
Feature Run Time: Approximately 97 minutes
Rating: PG in U.S. and G in Canada
Aspect Ratio: Blu-ray 3D Feature Film = 1080p High Definition / Widescreen 1.78:1 Blu-ray Feature Film = 1080p High Definition / Widescreen 1.78:1 DVD Feature Film = Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray = English 7.1 DTS-HDMA & 2.0 Descriptive Audio, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks DVD = English and Spanish (U.S. only) and French (Canada only) 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio
Languages/Subtitles: Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray = English SDH, Spanish and French DVD = English SDH and Spanish (U.S. only) and French (Canada only)
COMPLIMENTARY AUDIO ACCESSIBILITY FEATURE FOR THE BLIND: Pixar Animation Studios offers a free audio description feature for low-vision and blind audiences on all of its titles currently available on Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA). Consumers need to have a Disney Movies Anywhere App downloaded onto an iPhone® or iPad® running iOS 8 or above in order to use this technology.
Audio descriptive narration provides visually impaired audiences with the unique experience of being able to enjoy watching/listening to a film alongside their family and friends. Key visual elements of the film are inserted as an audio guide to help low-vision viewers get a more comprehensive understanding of the film. These key visual elements include actions, costumes, gestures, facial expressions, scene changes and onscreen text. The fact that the narration track can sync with the movie as it plays in the background is a new feature for the Disney Movies Anywhere App and one that greatly enhances existing technology. For more information, consumers can visit https://www.disneymoviesanywhere.com/support#14484
ABOUT DISNEY MOVIES ANYWHERE (DMA): Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) is an engaging and family-friendly cloud-based digital movie service that makes it easy to buy Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars movies once and watch them anywhere. Viewers can enjoy their digital movies from the comfort of their living room and across multiple mobile platforms by simply adding the free DMA app or channel to their devices, such as iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android mobile phones and tablets, Android TV, Amazon’s Fire tablets, Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Roku, and Xbox 360, and connecting to their DMA account with participating providers including iTunes, Amazon Video, VUDU, Google Play, Microsoft Movies & TV and Fios by Verizon. DMA users can explore Disney’s library of over 450 digital movies, discover hours of new and exclusive short-form content, redeem Digital Movie codes found in eligible Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars product, and earn Disney Movie Rewards points with every digital purchase. ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS: For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; Lucasfilm; and Touchstone Pictures. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.
Olive Films Announces November Olive Signature Titles
CHICAGO, IL – Olive Films is proud to announce the next titles to be included in Olive Signature, a new series of DVD & Blu-ray releases offering deluxe editions of time-honored classics, fan favorites, and under-appreciated gems from the Olive catalog. Olive Signature titles feature pristine audio and video presentation and an abundance of bonus material that will delight fans, collectors, and cinephiles. They continue the series with two distinct, but beloved classics.
YEAR: 1948, 1950 GENRE: DRAMA LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (with optional English subtitles) LABEL: OLIVE FILMS TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 107 mins (1948), 85 mins (1950) RATING: N/R VIDEO: 1.37:1 Aspect Ratio; B&W AUDIO: MONO
OLIVE SIGNATURE FEATURES
New High-Definition digital restoration Includes 1948 and 1950 versions Audio Commentary with Welles biographer Joseph McBride "Welles and Shakespeare" - an interview with Welles expert, Professor Michael Anderegg "Adapting Shakespeare on Film" - a conversation with directors Carlo Carlei (Romeo & Juliet) and Billy Morrissette (Scotland, PA) Excerpt from We Work Again, a 1937 WPA documentary containing scenes from Welles' Federal Theatre Project production of Macbeth "That Was Orson Welles" - an interview with Welles' close friend and co-author, Peter Bogdanovich "Restoring Macbeth" - an interview with former UCLA Film & Television Archive Preservation Officer Bob Gitt "Free Republic: The Story of Herbert J. Yates and Republic Pictures" “The Two Macbeths” - an essay by critic Jonathan Rosenbaum
Something wicked this way comes in Orson Welles’ cinematic retelling of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Welles stars as the titular Macbeth—a doomed Scottish lord tragically undone by his own ambition. Welles’ noir-tinged interpretation bubbles over with supernatural prophecy and murderous intrigue, effectively mixing the use of shadow and oblique camera angles to achieve an ominous sense of a land in peril. Beautifully shot by John L. Russell (Psycho) and starring Orson Welles (who also adapted, produced and directed), Jeanette Nolan (The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance), Dan O’Herlihy (Robinson Crusoe), Roddy McDowall (How Green Was My Valley) and Alan Napier (TV’s Batman), Macbeth is an altogether unique interpretation of Shakespeare's Scottish play. This special Olive Signature edition includes both the original 1948 107-minute cut, replete with affected highland accents, and the 1950 pared-down 85-minute re-release that removed most of the accented dialogue.
HANNIE CAULDER
YEAR: 1971 GENRE: WESTERN LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (with optional English subtitles) LABEL: OLIVE FILMS TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 85 mins RATING: R VIDEO: 2:35:1 Aspect Ratio; COLOR AUDIO: MONO
OLIVE SIGNATURE FEATURES
New High-Definition digital restoration Audio commentary by Western expert and director Alex Cox (Walker, Repo Man) "Exploitation or Redemption?" - an examination of rape-revenge movies with film scholar Ben Sher "A Very British Horror Studio" - interview with Sir Christopher Frayling on the history of Tigon Studios Essay by film critic Miriam Bale
Revenge is a loaded gun in director Burt Kennedy’s (The Train Robbers) Hannie Caulder. Raquel Welch (One Million Years B.C., 100 Rifles, and Myra Breckinridge) smolders as Hannie, a widow sworn to avenge her own brutal rape and husband’s murder at the hands of Emmett (Ernest Borgnine, The Wild Bunch), Frank (Jack Elam, Support Your Local Sheriff), and Rufus (Strother Martin, Cool Hand Luke), three of the most despicable scoundrels to have ever roamed the prairie. Eager for revenge, but lacking the gunfighter’s know-how, Hannie soon discovers new confidence and skill when bounty hunter Thomas Luther Price (Robert Culp, Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice) teaches her the way of the gun. In no time, Hannie is strapping on her six shooter and setting out to put a few notches on its handle. Co-starring the legendary Christopher Lee (Horror of Dracula), playing against type as a sympathetic gunsmith who befriends her, Hannie Caulder hits its target from ten paces.
About Olive Films Olive Films is a Chicago-based boutique theatrical and home entertainment distribution label dedicated to bringing independent, foreign, documentary, and classic films to life. Its catalog boasts over 500 titles ranging from Hollywood classics to contemporary titles. More information about Olive Films may be found at olivefilms.com.
Holy Fan Days, Batman! Adam West and Burt Ward to Make Final Dallas Appearance
Dallas Fan Days returns for pop culture lovers with many celebrity guests
DALLAS (Sept. 7, 2016) – Dallas Fan Days™ – one of the best comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming events in Texas – is set to return Oct. 14-16, 2016, at the Irving Convention Center. This fall’s 3-day event is packed with exciting family-friendly activities, celebrity and comic guests, costumed characters from television and movies, an artist alley and much more!
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of television’s Batman and Robin, and the inclusion of Adam West and Burt Ward in our dynamic line-up, especially considering this will be their final Dallas appearance, makes Dallas Fan Days a can’t miss event,” said Andrew Moyes, show director for Dallas Fan Days. “We hope that the tens of thousands of guests have unforgettable experiences as we celebrate the worlds of comic, sci-fi, horror, anime and fantasy from television, movies and, of course, comic books and graphic novels.”
While this may be their last appearance together in Dallas, it will please fans that the dynamic duo announced earlier this summer that they will be returning to Gotham City as the voices of Batman and Robin in the new animated film Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders by Warner Bros. Animation.
Other headliners at Dallas Fan Days include:
· Matthew Lewis (Harry Potter) · Karl Urban (Xena: Warrior Princess) · Elizabeth Henstridge (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D) · Brett Dalton (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D) · Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things) · Scott Wilson (The Walking Dead) · Michael Dorn (Star Trek: The Next Generation) · TJ Thyne (Bones) · Ian Ziering (Sharknado, Beverly Hills 90210) · John de Lancie (Star Trek: The Next Generation) · Mick Foley(WWE)
Comic Guests include:
Jim Calafiore, Ty Templeton, Sam de la Rosa, Ben Dunn, Steve Erwin, Scott Harben, Andrew Magnum, Danica Maguire, Jason Metcalf, Lawrence Reynolds, Marlin Shoop and Jamie Tyndall.
For the full list of appearances and family-friendly activities, tickets and other information, please visit www.dallascomiccon.com.
Stay connected with the show for announcements and updates by registering for their newsletter, and following them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Those interested in volunteering can find more information here. Accredited media can request press passes by applying for accreditation at http://dallascomiccon.com/press/.
NEW WORLD ORDER Opening on 9/23/16 in Los Angeles and San Francisco At the Laemmle Theaters in Pasadena and Noho
SYNOPSIS: As chaos rocks the world, governments start ordering marshal law and the criminals run rampant, one man decides to turn the tide against overwhelming odds and stand up for justice.
Police Detective Torre is just doing his job until one fateful day – when a robbery goes awry and his lover his murdered in cold blood. He starts an investigation that reveals corruption to the highest levels of the government, banking and industry.
A terror plot that will create a pandemic all in order to allow a secret society of freemasons to rule the world…
LOS ANGELES, CA – September 2, 2016. The iconic science fiction monster Godzilla makes land fall in the U.S. and Canada this October with the North American theatrical release of “SHIN GODZILLA” from Toho Company, Ltd. Fans have been clamoring for news of the film’s theatrical dates ever since Funimation® Films made its surprise acquisition announcement in July at San Diego Comic Con 2016. And today, the company revealed that “SHIN GODZILLA” will roar into theaters for a limited engagement on October 11 – 18. The movie will screen in more than 440 theaters across the U.S. and Canada. Tickets for “SHIN GODZILLA” will be available for pre-purchase on the official film website beginning on September 9.
“We are thrilled to bring ‘SHIN GODZILLA’ to theaters across North America this October,” said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and President of Funimation. “Toho established Godzilla as one of the most iconic monsters in science fiction history and we’re honored to now be a part of that history with the theatrical release of this new movie. Fans will not want to miss this limited theatrical event.“
Co-directed by Hideaki Anno (creator of “Evangelion”) and Shinji Higuchi (director of Toho’s 2015 “Attack on Titan” live action movies), “SHIN GODZILLA” is the 29th Godzilla film produced by Toho and represents a brand new chapter in the 62-year history of this celebrated movie monster. The film stars Hiroki Hasegawa and Satomi Ishihara – both also from the “Attack on Titan” live action movies – as well as Yutaka Takenouchi.
“Movie audiences can look forward to a great time watching ’SHIN GODZILLA’ this October,” said Mike DuBoise, EVP and COO of Funimation. “A larger than life monster like Godzilla has to be experienced on the big screen. And we expect this movie to sellout in numerous theaters so we encourage fans to purchase tickets in advance.”
SHIN GODZILLA has been a big hit in Japan since its opening on July 29, 2016, which garnered a box office of ¥ 845,675,500 and total audience of 564,332 during its first three days. To date in Japan, the movie has grossed ¥ 5,302,014,700 at the box office and 3,637,748 in total attendance.
In advance of the movie’s opening, Funimation will be hosting two premieres of “SHIN GODZILLA” – on October 3 in Los Angeles and on October 5 in New York before opening day of New York Comic Con 2016. Additional details on these two events to be announced.
About Funimation FilmsFunimation Films, the theatrical division of Funimation Entertainment, acquires both anime and live action movies from prominent international filmmakers that appeal to the interests and passion of all types of fans and distributes them throughout North America. The division was launched in December 2014 following the box office success of "Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods" that same year. Funimation Films released "Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'" a year later and which became #9 highest-grossing anime movie in North America. Funimation Entertainment is a subsidiary of Group 1200 Media, a fully integrated, next-generation, independent entertainment studio based in Dallas. For more information on Funimation Films, visit funimationfilms.com.
September 1, 2016 (New York, NY) – Film Movement, the New York-based film distributor of first-run, award-winning foreign and independent films, announced today its acquisition of classic titles by noted sexploitation and erotica filmmaker Joe Sarno. In 2014, Film Movement released A LIFE IN DIRTY MOVIES, a documentary about Sarno and his wife Peggy and their attempt to make one last film. Because of the overwhelming response to the documentary and to his films in general, Film Movement is partnering with Film Media to release HD restorations of Sarno's films under the Film Movement Classics label. Two films, VAMPIRE ECSTASY (1973) and the seminal SIN YOU SINNERS (1963), will be the first titles to be released on October 25th.
Through Film Movement’s partnership with Film Media, new 2K theatrical masters will be created for each film for the first time ever. For years, only poorly-preserved prints were available for retrospective screenings. Film Movement has acquired all rights to the Sarno library and will make all of the films available for theatrical retrospectives as the new masters become available. In addition, all of the films will be re-released on Blu-ray and DVD over the next few years and will feature new essays by film critic Tim Lucas. Michael E. Rosenberg, President of Film Movement, brokered the deal with Michael Raso and Paige Davis of Film Media.
“Joe Sarno was a master of erotic cinema whose career spanned and embraced the changing sexual mores of the latter mid-20th century,” said Raso. “We are delighted the Sarno Retrospect series, featuring many of Joe’s most critically and commercially acclaimed films, has found a home with Film Movement Classics, a brand with outstanding and culturally significant cinema.”
“Film Media has worked diligently to find and restore these films, and after releasing A LIFE IN DIRTY MOVIES, we're thrilled to re-introduce audiences to these classic films, as well as introduce new audiences to Joe Sarno,” said Rosenberg.
A pioneer of sexploitation cinema, American film director and screenwriter Joseph W. Sarno’s (1921-2010) prolific career spans the evolution of the genre. His early black and white films are praised for their chiaroscuro lighting and their complex psycho-sexual plots, but it was his more explicit art-house film, INGA, shot in Sweden in 1968, that brought him international attention and catapulted its young star, Marie Liljedahl, to fame. Never a fan of explicit triple-X filmmaking, Sarno nonetheless continued to write and direct adult films through the 1970s and ‘80s, often working under a pseudonym or offering his director’s credit to the film’s female lead. Among his most noted films are SIN IN THE SUBURBS, INGA, ABIGAIL LESLIE IS BACK IN TOWN, CONFESSIONS OF A YOUNG AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE and BUTTERFLIES – all of which will be released as part of the series.
Recently, Sarno’s work has been the subject of retrospectives at several noted institutions and festivals, including Anthology Film Archives in New York which called him “…one of the true pioneers of celluloid erotica and one of sexploitation’s most sincere and critically-celebrated stylists.” The British Film Institute (BFI) observed that “…in the films of Joe Sarno, sex is never simply sex,” while The Alamo Drafthouse notes that because Sarno was “a psychology major in college, he directed erotic movies with strong moral and archetypal underpinnings. His films are full of mind games, secret rituals, role playing, masks and strong, often dominant female characters.” Sarno retrospectives were also held at the New York Underground Film Festival, the Lake Placid Film Festival, the Vienna Filmmuseum, The Cinemateque Français, The Turin Film Festival, and the Warhol Museum.
Dripping with gothic atmosphere, VAMPIRE ECSTASY (aka THE DEVIL’S PLAYTHING, 1973, 103 minutes) is Sarno’s mesmerizing foray into the horror genre. When a trio of beautiful young women journey to their ancestral home to claim an inheritance, they fall prey to a coven of witches, intent on trying to reincarnate their deceased vampire leader. Starring Maria Forsa, Nadia Henkowa, and Anke Syring, VAMPIRE ECSTASY was called “an undercurrent of poetic melancholia and surrealism” by Offscreen.com.
SIN YOU SINNERS (1963, 73 minutes) is from the first wave of sexploitation films by Sarno, who was also dubbed the “Chekov of soft-core” (Village Voice). The film is a hypnotic noir about a medallion forged in a voodoo ritual that preserves an exotic dancer’s youth and beauty. When her jealous daughter and employer hatch plots to steal the amulet for themselves, it sets off a chain of events ending in murder. “SIN YOU SINNERS….finds (Joe Sarno) already occupying the unconscious position of a genuine grindhouse auteur,” wrote Tim Lucas of Video Watchdog.
About Film Movement
Launched in 2002, Film Movement is a North American distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films, based in New York City. Film Movement has released more than 250 feature films and shorts from 50 countries on six continents, including the recent Academy Award-nominated film THEEB, and other top prize winners from Sundance, Cannes, Venice, Toronto, Berlin, Tribeca and other prestigious festivals. Together with two imprints, Omnibus Entertainment and Film Movement Classics, Film Movement releases its films through numerous distribution channels, including hundreds of art-house cinemas, universities and libraries; home video; television outlets; Cable Video on Demand; In-flight Entertainment; broadband outlets; and its original film subscription club. For more information, please visit www.filmmovement.com.
