Category: News

Universal Goes Blu-Ray

  • News
  • February 20, 2008

As we reported previously, Toshiba decided to end HD-DVD so the format conflict between Blu-Ray and HD-DVD is over with Blu-Ray coming out on top. Now, with HD-DVD not an option, Universal has decided to throw its hat completely into the Blu-Ray ring and release all of its High-Def content exclusively in the format.

This announcement leaves Paramount and Dreamworks as the only major players still releasing content on HD-DVD. On switching completely to Blu-Ray, Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Home Entertainment and Universal Digital, had this to say about the company’s decision:

"While Universal values the close partnership we have shared with Toshiba, it is time to turn our focus to releasing new and catalog titles on Blu-ray. The path for widespread adoption of the next-generation platform has finally become clear. Universal will continue its aggressive efforts to broaden awareness for high-def’s unparalleled offerings in interactivity and connectivity, at an increasingly affordable price. The emergence of a single, high-definition format is cause for consumers, as well as the entire entertainment industry, to celebrate."

So, what does this mean for current and soon-to-be-released Universal titles already in the HD-DVD format? Who knows. Still, after this announcement, how soon will it be before Paramount drops HD-DVD as well? Nobody in Hollywood likes to hang out with a "loser" so I’ll bet its just a matter of days, not weeks, before we get the announcement. Of course, if we do, we’ll bring you all the details right here at ComicMix.

 

WGA Strike Cost to Los Angeles: $2.5 Billion

  • News
  • February 20, 2008

Today, the Hollywood Reporter has a story highlighting the economic effects the recently settled WGA strike has had on the local Los Angeles economy. Citing an Economic Forcast Report set to be released today by Jack Kyser, noted LA Economist and head of the LA Economic Development Corp, the article paints a somewhat grim picture of the post-strike LA economic situation.

Among the points made by Keyser in the 71-page report is that the strike, which started November 5 and was settled earlier this month, has already cost LA an estimated $2.5 billion in lost revenue. That figure includes lost wages from TV shows that were canceled and films that were put on hold as well as losses by a vast array of support services from, according to the article, "limo drivers to florists."

Kyser also suggested in the report that the cancellation of the Golden Globes alone resulted in a $60 million loss to the LA economy. In addition, other factors will contribute to the economic situation in LA including, according to the article, that leaders of the Screen Actors Guild are "talking tough," so there is growing concern they will go on strike after the union’s labor contract with the studios expires on June 30.

 

 
 

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First Look: Two Face Toy From ‘The Dark Knight’

  • News
  • February 20, 2008

Dark Horizons has posted a pair of blurry photos of an action figure based on Two Face, the character played by Aaron Eckhart in the upcoming Batman Begins sequel, The Dark Knight. The photo was taken during this week’s Toy Fair convention, at a press-restricted event.

This is the first indication of what the character will look like in the film.

The photos interestingly reveal some notable changes from both the comic’s look and his previous film appearance in 1995’s "Batman Forever". Rather than a suit utilising different colors, this one is the same navy blue suit but the scarred half seems more scuffed and crumpled. The facial scarring does not fully encompass half his head rather about a third of it and is dark purple in color. One eye looks notably red and the surrounding socket damaged (the most likely use for the CG will be here).

For a larger version of this photo, as well as the other photo, visit Dark Horizons.

 

(via SHH)

 

 

ComicMix at Toy Fair: DC Showroom Tour

  • News
  • February 20, 2008

Here at ComicMix, we’ve already shown you Mattel’s "Infinite Heroes" and other DC Universe products, but there were even more comics-inspired collectibles on display just a block away at DC’s showroom in New York City’s "Toy District".

From upcoming lines of Minimates, action figures inspired by classic stories and box sets to statues, busts and "trophy room" replicas, there was, well… a lot to absorb. Heck, they even had Superman’s Cape.

After the jump, check out our complete photo tour of DC’s showroom, including several characters receiving their first action-figure treatment in comics history!

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‘300’ Leads Saturn Award Nominees

  • News
  • February 20, 2008
Today, the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films announced its nominees for the 34th Annual Saturn Awards. Topping the list with 10 nominations is Zack Snyder’s 300 with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix following a close second with 9. Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is in the third spot with 8 nominations. 
 
Some of the other films being honored with nominations include The Golden Compass, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End and Spider-Man 3, which all recieved 4. Also in contention for the coveted Saturn award are The Bourne Ultimatum, Eastern Promises, Enchanted, Grindhouse, Stephen King’s The Mist, No Country for Old Men, Stardust and There Will Be Blood, all of which received 3 nominations. 
 
Turning to the smaller screen, Lost found itself with 7 nominations while Dexter slashed its way to 5 and Heroes stood tall with 4. The Academy also announced two special awards that would be given at the ceremony this year:
 
Director Guillermo del Toro will receive the coveted George Pal Memorial Award and author Tim Lucas will be given a Special Achievement Award for his 2007 book: Mario Bava: All the Colors of the Dark.
 
This year’s awards show will take place on Tuesday, June 24, in Universal City, California. For the complete list of nominees and more info, head on over to the Saturn Awards official site.

Zack Snyder Thanks Fans With New ‘Watchmen’ Pic

  • News
  • February 20, 2008

Recently, Watchmen Exec. Producer herb Gaines posted his thoughts on the film at its official site now that principal photography on the film is baically complete. Now, the film’s director, Zack Snyder, has followed suit and has posted some thoughts and reflections of his own.

But this time, its not just kind words from Snyder, he’s also included a bonus gift for fans as well — a brand new pic directly from the film itself. This new pic will show, as Snyder says in his post: "How it looks when it all comes together." Sadly, the pic doesn’t reveal the look of Ozymandias, Nite Owl, Doctor Manhattan or really, much detail about the film at all.

However, it does give us Rorschach setting fire to a guy, which is pretty darn cool and will certainly whet the appetite of Watchmen fans everywhere. Heck, it did for me. Come on Zack, how about some more? Soon.

Check out a much larger version of the new pic after the jump.

Watchmen hits theaters March 6, 2009

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It’s Hammer Time on EZ Street

  • News
  • February 20, 2008

Scott and Danny continue their adventures at the Baltimore Con in today’s all-new episode of EZ Street, by Mark Wheatley and Robert Tinnell.  

Scott discovers his inner fanboy geek, and the fate of the vampire movie option is revealed.  Can you spot the industry guest-stars?

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Also, be sure to check out FEARnet’s coverage of this week’s episode of EZ Street!

And now, a special message from EZ Street‘s Robert Tinnell about this week’s episode:

Given that today’s episode of EZ Street touches upon the legendary Hammer Films, once-upon-a-time horror powerhouse from the ’50s through the ’70s, it seems like a good time to point out another connection between the company and comics.  Since the early seventies a devoted fellow by the name of Richard Klemensen has periodically published the ultimate Hammer Film magazine – LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS.

The most recent issue, #19, features an in-depth look at the career of Hammer’s greatest director, Terence Fisher – the man responsible for many classics of the genre, including HORROR OF DRACULA and FRANKENSTEIN MUST BE DESTROYED.   There has always been a natural crossover between comic and film fans, particularly horror films, but if that isn’t reason enough to attract ComicMix readers consider this: for several years now Klemensen has featured covers and interior artwork by several notable comic artists, including one who may well surprise you.

Neil Vokes knows a thing or two about horror (THE BLACK FOREST won a Rondo Award for Best Horror Comic – thanks, Neil) – in comics and film – and he’s been contributing marvelous black-and-white interpretations of Hammer stars and scenes from films for years. Adrian Salmon is a British artist whose work appears often in DR. WHO comics(and who co-created, with me, the character of Terry Sharp – a film director who battles supernatural forces while working at a studio much like Hammer in the ’60s).  And then there’s a guy named Bruce Timm whom you may have heard of.  Timm is a major Hammer fan and has been contributing some marvelous work to LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS for years – including a few covers. 

Great articles and interviews, rare photos and stunning artwork – LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS is a tremendous magazine worthy of picking up.  Visit www.LittleShoppeOfHorrors.com to see examples and for ordering information.

The Eagle (Awards Nomination Forms) Have Landed

  • News
  • February 20, 2008

Nominations for this year’s Eagle Awards are now open. The nomination site appears to be in beta right now, so it might be wise to leave off participating until they’ve got the bugs ironed out. However, it appears that anyone can participate.

The winners of this year’s Eagles will be announced at the Bristol Comics Expo in May.

The Eagle Awards are the comics industry’s longest established awards. Acknowledged as the pre-eminent international prizes, they have been featured on the covers of leading US and UK titles across the last 30 years.

Mike Richardson Announced as Stumptown Fest Guest of Honor

  • News
  • February 20, 2008

The Stumptown Comics Fest, an annual celebration of comics and cartooning art in Portland, Oregon, recently announced that it has chosen Dark Horse Comics founder and head-honch Mike Richardson to be its special Guest of Honor at this year’s event.

Festival organizers chose the accomplished (and extremely tall) Richardson for many reasons, some of which are detailed in the events official press release announcing Richardson’s selection:

Under his direction, Dark Horse has gone from a tiny startup during the black-and-white boom of the ‘80s to the biggest independent comics publisher in the nation, featuring such talents as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, and the late comics legend Will Eisner, and revolutionizing the industry’s approach to licensed properties through innovative Star Wars, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Conan, and Aliens/Predator stories.

The Fifth Annual fest will be held on April 26th-27th, 2008, at the Doubletree Hotel Lloyd Center in Portland. To find out more info on the Stumptown Comic Fest, a great event showcasing some exceptional art and artists, check out its official site. 

Marvel Drops 14 New ‘Iron Man’ Movie Wallpapers

  • News
  • February 20, 2008

Usually, I don’t get very excited when Marvel, or any other company for that matter, releases a set of wallpapers for an upcoming movie. I don’t really use them on my computer so they aren’t all that important to me.

However, in this case I’ll make an exception. A jet-boot using, intelligent armor wearing, energy ray throwing, ex-alchoholic leader of the Avengers exception. This is Iron Man, after all.

The latest set of Wallpapers feature all your favorite Iron Man cast members, some in new scenes, including Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark, Gwynneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, Terrence Howard as Jim Rhodes and Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stain (aka Iron Monger).

There’s even a couple of Iron Man himself in action and one of director Jon Favreau as well, just to round out your collection. Go get ’em.

Iron Man hits theaters May 2nd, 2008.

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