Author: Robert Greenberger

Fox Home Entertainment Launches ’24’ Viewing Marathon

  • News
  • November 13, 2010

Objective:    CTU is recruiting the most diehard 24 fans!  To celebrate the DVD release of 24: The Complete Series, with all eight seasons of the adrenaline-charged show, CTU is hosting “The 24 Marathon Fanfest” in Hollywood, California.

Background:     At 20:00 on 2 December 2010, “The 24 Marathon Fanfest” will begin and continue until there is only one fan remaining alert for terrorists.  Participants will watch back-to-back Jack (continuous episodes of 24 starting with season one).  Advanced interrogation techniques such as sleep deprivation will be used to ensure the last person remaining is truly the ultimate 24 fan, and potentially set a new world record for longest TV viewing, which is currently just over three days.  The winning fan will receive $10,000 in cold, hard cash.

For fans not able to participate in the marathon, a Fan Fest area will be set up outside of the viewing arena where spectators can watch the participants, see actual props from the show and meet cast members.

Location:      The marathon and Fan Fest are set to take place at the iconic Hollywood and Highland in Hollywood, California; beginning December 2 and extending through the weekend 12/2-12/5.

Additional Intelligence:  To enter the challenge, e-mail RSVP.Events@Fox.com to receive confirmation and your mission assignment.

We’re entering The Flickcast’s Matt Raub into this, whether he likes it or not. Why? Because America, that’s why.

‘Tron: Legacy’ App Launched on Facebook Page

  • News
  • November 13, 2010

The official TRON: Legacy Facebook page has launched a fun new app as you the visitor can  “Get on the Grid”.

You can actually insert yourself into the TRON VFX Test Footage by uploading your photo to battle Clu in a light cycle race on the grid!  Share with your friends and publish the clip in your feed!

The movie opens December 17 and stars Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Bruce Boxleitner, James Frain, Beau Garrett and Michael Sheen.

Review: ‘Doctor Who the Complete Fifth Season’

  • Uncategorized
  • November 12, 2010

Not only did we get a brand new Doctor for the fifth season of the BBC revival of [[[Doctor Who]]] but we also were treated to a changing of the creative guard as Russell T. Davies gave way to Steven Moffat. Obviously, any sort of substantive change means the finished product will have a different look and feel and this new season feels exactly like that.

The fifth season, out on DVD this week from Warner Home Video/BBC Video, looked a little spiffier with a revamped TARDIS interior and exterior along with reimagined DALEKS and Silurian’s. But it all works or fails with the Doctor and Matt Smith, the youngest to play the part, nicely grew into the role. Tall and a little gangly with an unruly shock of hair, Smith’s Doctor is a little more flustered and a little slower to grasp the depth of the problem but once he’s found the problem, he finds the solution as quickly as his previous incarnations.

In Moffat’s hands, the stories were epic and in addition to the enigmatic crack in reality that haunted the Time Lord, there was also the matter of Amy Pond. The latest in his long line of companions, Amy was equally overwhelmed and delighted to find the Doctor was not the figment of her earlier self’s imagination. His very existence would send her life in new and unimagined ways and watching her journey proved incredibly satisfying. Much as David Tenant’s Doctor was all about his relationship with Rose Tyler, this season it was Amy and her fiancé Rory’s romance that carried us along.

Karen Gillan is fresh-faced and adorable as Amy, well matched with Smith’s Doctor and they make an appealing duo. The recurring presence of Dr. River Song (Alex Kingston),who will one day marry the Doctor, added layers of complications that enriched the status quo.

Where Moffat seemed to struggle, though, was coming up with stories that honored the past and presented us with fresh worlds and problems. Obviously, the new producer and actor had to deal with the Daleks and this time we got them in rainbow colors, although setting them up in Churchill’s England was interesting. We also saw the Weeping Angels, the creepiest villains in the Doctor’s rich history, but the two-parter fell flat, spoiling their impact from “Blink”. The Silurians’ return, though, was most welcome with great makeup and performances. Instead, Moffat should have given us more stories such as Amy’s encounter with Vincent Van Gogh (Tony Curran) or when the Doctor was “The Lodger”.

The show improved with each installment so the two-part finale was especially satisfying leaving us eagerly awaiting the forthcoming Christmas special.

Garth Ennis Creates ‘Jenny Blood’ for Dynamite

  • News
  • November 12, 2010

Continuing writer Garth Ennis’ successful longstanding working relationship with Dynamite Entertainment, the publisher today announcde the newest hard-hitting series from Garth entitled Jennifer Blood.

The title character is a suburban wife and mom by day, and a ruthless vigilante by night!  Every day she makes breakfast, takes the kids to school, cleans the house, naps for an hour or two, makes dinner, puts the kids to bed, and kisses her husband goodnight.  At night she goes down to the secret compartment in the basement, tools up with all manner of high-powered weaponry, goes downtown and kills bad guys by the dozen- then comes home to her family.

The story is told in the form of her diary, a little pink one with a rabbit on the front. This suburban punisher is ready to be unleashed in a story that can only be told by the legendary Garth Ennis.  The company has withheld the name of the series artist but did confirm that painter Tim Bradstreet will provide the covers when the series arrives in Febraury.

“I’ve been writing such grim, serious stuff for so long now that I fancied having some fun again,” says writer Garth Ennis.  “Pitch-black fun, yes, but fun all the same. Hence Jennifer Blood.”

“Garth has an uncanny ability to create compelling characters from scratch,” Dynamite President Nick Barrucci said in a press release.  “From The Boys to Preacher – as well as re-defining an iconic character like The Punisher – we’re proud to be working with Garth on Jennifer Blood!  Tim Bradstreet painting the main covers is icing on the cake!”

Review: ‘Superman/Shazam! The Return of Black Adam’

  • Uncategorized
  • November 9, 2010

One the most pleasant developments with Warner Premiere’s line of animated movies featuring DC Comics’ heroes has been the addition of [[[Showcase]]], shorts based on the lesser known characters from the countless characters lingering in the library. To date, we’ve been treated to [[[The Spectre]]],[[[ Jonah Hex]]], and[[[Green Arrow]]] with two of them proving more satisfying than the main features. Now, the three have been collected, along with a fourth, all-new feature in the just released [[[Superman/Shazam! The Return of Black Adam]]].

Michael Jelenic, the mastermind behind [[[Batman: The Brave and the Bold]]], writes the screenplay and since this is based on now source material, it only vaguely resembles any of the origins for the World’s Mightiest Mortal. Yes, orphan Billy Batson is summoned by magical subway to stand before the wizard Shazam and be given the power of six gods to be a champion of justice. However, this is adjusted as a reaction to the return of Black Adam, the first such champion who was corrupted by absolute power and was banished from Earth to travel through the stars. His return brings him to Earth and directly to Billy, who he somehow sees as Shazam’s designee. And it just so happens this all happens when Metropolis reporter Clark Kent is interviewing Billy about being a child of the streets. The remainder of the 20 minute short is a slug fest and is way too short on characterization or rationale for why the story was told this way.

The character designs, other than Black Adam, seem slight and a little too Asian in influence. The vocal casting choices are adequate although James Garner’s Shazam is almost unrecognizable. Overall, it was entertaining but wastes its length and leaves me wishing for more.

On the other hand, more is not always better. The three previous shorts are here in “extended” form and you’re hard-pressed to find what’s been added. The good ones remain good and the weak offering, Green Arrow, remains wretched.

The disc is complemented with four episodes of various series featuring the spotlighted characters which show other approaches to interpreting the comic books. As a result, this is a solid collection but only if you do not have any of these in other form. The lead feature just isn’t strong enough to make it worth buying.

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Review: ‘Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics’

secret-origin-cover-art1-9856603DC Comics had grand plans for its 75th anniversary but most of them were shelved when the company evolved into DC Entertainment and the mandate was to look ahead, not back. Still, there’s the mammoth book coming from Taschen and this month we’re being treated to the documentary [[[Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics.]]] Narrated by next summer’s [[[Green Lantern]]], Ryan Reynolds, the 90 minute feature explores the company from beginning through today but given the wealth of subject matter, at best, this is a surface study.

The documentary makes good use of archival footage from creators no longer with us and mixes them in with fresh interviews so we hear from executives, writers, artists, and many of those who built the company. Among those you will see on screen include Neal Adams, Irwin Hasen, Marv Wolfman, Mark Waid, Dan DiDio, Jim Lee, Paul Levitz, Walter and Louise Simonson, Chip Kidd, Joe Kubert, Denny O’Neil, Mike Carlin, Grant Morrison, Neil Gaiman, Len Wein, Dwayne McDuffie, Geoff Johns, Karen Berger, Kyle Baker, Paul Pope, and Gerry Jones. Interestingly, Jenette Kahn, the architect for much of the company’s modern era, and current prez Diane Nelson do not appear.

This is a corporate history and as a result, it’s most famous black marks in its history, from the Fawcett law suit over Captain Marvel to the struggles of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster to gain some recognition and cash for[[[ Superman]]], are entirely omitted. Similarly, other corporate facts are either blurred, such as the separate companies[Detective Comics, Inc. and All-American Comics before becoming National Comics or the acquisitions of Quality, Fawcett, and Charlton’s heroes as each company folded are missing.

The chronology is a bit jumbled now and then but overall, we go from [[[New Comics]]] in 1935 though the forthcoming DC Universe Online. We’re treated to clips from the animated shows, live-action films, and some nifty archival footage of the Superman Writers’ Summit where the team plotted the death of Superman. The movie serials are ignored which is a shame and not enough emphasis is given to the current era of animation which was kicked off in 1990 and hasn’t looked back, influencing the comics and other animators.
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Win a Free Digital Download of ‘The Goonies’ (with Extras)

  • News
  • November 6, 2010

In celebration of The Goonies‘ 25th Anniversary, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution is releasing the exciting adventure film on iTunes for the first time with EXTRAS (including all new bonus content).

ComicMix readers now have a chance to win a free digital download. All you have to do is tell us what your favorite part of the film was and why. We want your comments no later than 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, November 8. One contribution per reader and the judgment of ComicMix‘s management will be final.

‘West Wing’ now Available as High Def Download

  • News
  • November 6, 2010

We know, we know, you’re weary and worn out, tired of all things political. But, we loved this show when it was first on the air and miss it terribly. Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD) today announced all seven seasons of The West Wing are available for the first time in high definition exclusively through digital download on iTunes, Amazon Video On Demand and other online digital retailers.  Winner of 30 Emmy Awards™ and two Golden Globes™, The West Wing aired between 1999 and 2006, giving viewers a fictionalized look inside life in the Oval Office.

WBDD is also giving fans of The West Wing something to vote “yes” for this Election Week – an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview with one of the show’s executive producers, Thomas Schlamme.  Now available at , fans can get a sneak peek and hear details about the show they love. 

“The overwhelming fan response to the show has always been truly humbling and I’m excited to work with Warner Bros. in bringing this collection to consumers,” said The West Wing Executive Producer Thomas Schlamme, who is featured in a special interview clip.  

The West Wing offers a behind-the-scenes look at the life of the eclectic group of frenzied staffers in the Oval Office. The sophisticated series starred Rob Lowe, Dulé Hill, Allison Janney, Janel Moloney, Richard Schiff, John Spencer, Bradley Whitford and Martin Sheen — just cast this week as the new Uncle Ben in the next Spider-Man film. Acclaimed dramatist Aaron Sorkin (A Few Good Men, The American President, The Social Network) created the series and executive produced with Thomas Schlamme and John Wells. The West Wing is from John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

Zoinks! A Scooby-Doo Contest

  • News
  • November 4, 2010

This Holiday season, Warner Bros. Consumer Products is launching of a new website as part of their Zoinks Points program. The initiative is to bring parents and kids fun activities online to interact with together!  With Zoinkify turn yourself and your little one into the Monster and become part of the fun Scooby-Doo storyline!

Warner Digital has provided us with a Scooby holiday gift bag filled with the following cool items and more: Ghost Patrol (toy set), Mystery Mates (figures) and Scooby-Doo Mystery Begins (DVD).

To win, tell us which member of the Scooby gang is your favorite and why. You have until Friday at 11:59  p.m., one entry per person and the winner will be chosen entirely at ComicMix‘s discretion.

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Review: ‘Legends of the Superheroes’

legends-of-the-super-heroes1-5014371The 1970s was not a kind decade for live-action television based on comic book heroes. First there was the Cathy lee Crosby misfire of a [[[Wonder Woman]]] telefilm then there were the Reb Brown[[[ Captain America]]] telefilms.[[[Spider-Man]]] made it to prime time as a series but it didn’t resemble the comic in tone or style and died a swift death.  But the absolute most mind-numbing and cringe worthy hours featured DC Comics’ stalwart heroes and villains.

I’ve never seen an NBC executive explain what made them think the two specials that aired in January 1979. The Challenge and The Roast, aired as [[[Legends of the Superheroes]]], were probably the first time mass audiences were introduced to [[[Green Lantern]]] or[[[Flash]]] or Hawkman but they certainly knew Adam West’s Batman, Burt Ward’s Robin and Frank Gorshin’s delightful Riddler. As a result, the aging trio donned the tights once more to anchor the two specials. A veritable who’s who of B-list performers and outright unknowns filled the remainder of the costumes.

Comic book fans probably loved seeing Captain Marvel, Hawkman, Huntress, Black Canary, and others in real life but the shows did not earn great ratings and have been derided by those who recall seeing them. While illegal bootlegs have circulated for years, Warner Archive has collected them on a single disc from the best source material available.

You have to love kitsch, bad writing, awful acting, and comic books to enjoy (or endure) these specials.

The Challenge pits a gaggle of villains led by Mordru the Merciless to once more destroy the world. The heroes split up and run around like idiots in an attempt to find and disarm the doomsday device. Mike Marmer and Peter Gallay, who wrote the script for both specials, apparently never learned that humor is derived from character and situation. Not a single hero or villain has a personality depriving the story from any humorous opportunities. The heroes act like dim-wits and never use their powers when they would be needed. The laugh track is badly handled since it is triggered by the lamest of activities. The costumes are authentic but clearly done on the cheap as were the visual effects. (And why on earth is Batman’s cowl worn over his cape?)

The Roast, hosted by Ed McMahon, has some genuinely funny lines but far too few and again, mostly ignoring their characters so are generic jokes. The villains and others arrive to roast the collected heroes, causing mayhem and nonsense.

Nicely, the disc does contain some deleted scenes and outtake, making this a true collector’s item but this is really for the die-hard fans only.

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