Action Comics #1 To Be Auctioned Online February 26, 2009 7:34 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Comics, News.Tags: Action Comics #1, Superman
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A rare copy of Action Comics #1, the first comic to feature Superman, will be put up for auction on Friday. Action Comics #1 was published in June 1938 and is considered by most experts to be the world’s most valuable comic book. Estimated value is about $126,000.
“It’s the Holy Grail of comic books,” said comic expert Stephen Fishler, who created the 10-point grading scale that has become the industry standard for evaluating comic books.
“This is the one that started it all. There was no such thing as a super hero before it. No flying man. Comics weren’t even that popular. It’s the single most important event in comic book history,” he said.
Fishler, founder of New York‘s Metropolis Collectibles, will manage the auction of the comic at www.comicconnect.com.
The unidentified seller says he bought the comic in 1950 when he was 9 years old. Price? 35 cents. Lucky, lucky guy.
The auction begins on Friday, February 27th and will conclude on Friday, March 13th.
via Yahoo! News
Groening Leaving Door Open for More Futurama Episodes February 26, 2009 7:21 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Blu-ray, Comedy Central, DVD, Movies, News, Television.Tags: Futurama, Futurama: Into the Wild Green Yonder, Matt Groening
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While the fourth Futurama DVD/Blu-ray movie Into the Wild Green Yonder, which came out this past Tuesday, was suppose to be the final movie, creator Matt Groening tells CNN that he isn’t quite ready to say goodbye yet:
“We have a great relationship with Comedy Central and we would love to do more episodes for them, but I don’t know. Maybe,” Groening said. “I think one of the factors will be how well this DVD sells, because of these troubled times where everybody’s gnashing their teeth and biting their nails.”
Groening adds that they feel like they’ve offered “an emotionally satisfying conclusion” to the saga but “we did leave the door open just a bit in case we get renewed.”
Into the Wild Green Yonder, on DVD and Blu-ray as of this past Tuesday, will also air on Comedy Central, who own the rights to the series, over four parts.
Star Trek The Experience Exhibit in Las Vegas To Reopen May 8th February 26, 2009 7:04 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Movies, News.Tags: Star Trek, Star Trek: The Experience
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SCI FI Wire has confirmed TrekMovie’s report on a Las Vegas Sun article that a contract has been signed with CBS/Paramount to reopen the Star Trek The Experience exhibit in Las Vegas. It will reopen on May 8 with with a new restaurant and retail shop to coincide with the opening of J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek.
Here’s a bit of the reporting from SCI FI Wire:
Journalist Mark Hansel, who writes for In Business Las Vegas, has seen the contracts signed by studio officials, Neonopolis owners and the city of Las Vegas. “I have seen the contract, and I know that the city redevelopment manager met with CBS officials in New York to seal the deal,” said Hansel, who has covered the downtown redevelopment for years for In Business and the Las Vegas Sun. “They are hoping that there will be some sort of premiere event at the time of the movie opening that will be out here. Obviously, the big premiere will be in Hollywood, but they hope to have something out here, too.”
The costumes, the historic timeline, models of the ships and other items at the Star Trek Experience exhibit will be moved to a museum that is planned for the new location, but much of the exhibit probably wouldn’t be opened until the end of 2010.
“I wouldn’t expect the cool stuff for about a year,” Hansel said. “A lot of it also depends on the popularity of the movie and how well it does, but the trailer looks like it’s going to be pretty great.” He added: “The price is going to be cheaper, maybe $20 or $25, and there may be package deals or year-long memberships, that kind of thing.”
‘The Experience’ was closed in September 2008. Head on over to SCI FI Wire for more details.
Fox Renews The Simpsons For Two More Seasons February 26, 2009 6:38 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Fox, News, Renewals, Television.Tags: The Simpsons
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Fox has ordered two additional seasons of The Simpsons, bringing the animated comedy through its 22nd season and making it the longest-running series in primetime television history. The 44-episode order will bring the episode count to 493.
The full press release follows after the jump. (more…)
CBS Orders Two More Editions of Survivor February 26, 2009 6:30 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in CBS, News, Television.Tags: Survivor
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CBS has ordered two more editions of its hit reality series Survivor to be broadcast during the 2009-2010 season. They will mark the 19th and 20th editions of what is broadcast television’s longest-running reality competition series. Jeff Probst will continue as a host.
“I am happy to be able produce two more editions of survivor for our loyal fans,” said Mark Burnett, Executive Producer of SURVIVOR. “Our show stands for high quality family entertainment and all of us on this team will continue to deliver on this promise.”
“We have a unique relationship with our audience,” said Jeff Probst, host of SURVIVOR. “They tell us what they like and we listen. It’s worked for 18 editions and we’re looking forward to delivering two more satisfying seasons!”
The full press release follows after the jump. (more…)
Jerry Seinfeld Returning to NBC For Reality Series February 26, 2009 6:10 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in NBC, News, Television.Tags: Jerry Seinfeld, The Marriage Ref
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NBC today announced a new comedy-reality series created by comedian and producer Jerry Seinfeld. Seinfeld has partnered with Ellen Rakieten, a 23-year veteran of The Oprah Winfrey Show for the project.
According to the press release, the new series, tentatively titled The Marriage Ref, will feature opinionated celebrities, comedians and sports stars who will candidly comment, judge and offer different strategies for real-life couples in the midst of a classic marital dispute.
The announcement was made by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, who promises that viewers “will love this highly relatable new comedy.”
Describing the new series, Seinfeld said, “This is not a therapy show, it’s a comedy show. After nine years of marriage I have discovered that the comedic potential of this subject is quite rich.”
The full press release follows after the jump. (more…)
Principal Photography Starts For Dead of Night February 26, 2009 3:46 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Movies, News, Platinum Studios.Tags: Dead of Night
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Ashok Amritraj’s Hyde Park Entertainment Group and Platinum Studios Inc. have announced that principal photography on Dead of Night has begun. The film is based on the best-selling Italian comic book series, Dylan Dog, created Tiziano Sclavi and published by Italy’s Sergio Bonelli Editore.
The comic book has sold more than 56 million units worldwide and has been translated into 17 languages since its debut in 1986. Principal photography is taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana.
via ComingSoon.net
Michael Rady First To Be Cast in Melrose Place February 26, 2009 3:40 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in News, Television, The CW.Tags: Melrose Place, Michael Rady
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Michael Rady (Swingtown) has become the first actor to board the new Melrose Place pilot for The CW. THR reports that the actor landed the job on Wednesday morning, a day after The CW officially greenlit the pilot for the update, which will be directed by David Guggenheim.
Total Recall Remake In the Works February 26, 2009 3:18 am
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Movies, News.Tags: Total Recall
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THR is reporting that Neal H. Moritz and his Original Films banner are in final negotiations to develop and produce a contemporary version of Total Recall, the 1990 sci-fi action movie from director Paul Verhoeven and star Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Warner Bros. Remaking The NeverEnding Story February 26, 2009 3:12 am
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Movies, News, Warner Brothers.Tags: The EverEnding Story
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The Kennedy/Marshall Co. (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) and Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way company are currently in discussions with Warner Bros. to remake the 25-year-old franchise The NeverEnding Story. The studio recently acquired the rights to the property clearing the way for the potential remake.
According to THR, the new film, which returns original producer Dieter Geissler, will examine the more nuanced details of the book the 1984 film was based on. When released, the original film, directed by Wolfgang Peterson, grossed a then-respectable $20.2 million. Its sequel, directed by George Miller, came out in 1990 and grossed $17.4 million. A third film was released in 1996, but quickly went to video.
President Obama Draws 52.37 Million Viewers February 25, 2009 7:41 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in News, Nielsen TV Ratings, Television.Tags: Broadcast TV Ratings, Cable TV Ratings, President Barack Obama
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President Obama’s address to congress last night drew a total audience of 52.37 million viewers on 10 networks (broadcast and cable). While well below President Clinton’s first address to congress in 1993 (66.9 million), it’s a good deal above both President Bush’s first (39.79M) and last (37.52M) address’s.
It’s also 6% above the audience tune-in for the President’s first press conference last week (49.46M).
Samuel L. Jackson Signs Nine-Film Deal to Play Nick Fury February 25, 2009 7:24 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Marvel, Movies, News.Tags: Iron Man 2, Samuel L. Jackson, Shield, The Avengers, The First Avenger: Captain America, Thor
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Samuel L. Jackson, who just weeks ago looked to be on the outs with Marvel Studios, has signed an extensive deal (for up to nine films) to reprise his role as Nick Fury, the Marvel Comics character. The movies include Iron Man 2, Thor, The First Avenger: Captain America, The Avengers and its sequels, as well as the possibility of toplining a S.H.I.E.L.D. movie.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Lifetime Gives Early Fourth Season Renewal to Army Wives February 25, 2009 5:30 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Lifetime, News, Renewals, Television.Tags: Army Wives
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Lifetime has ordered a fourth season of their highly successful original series, Army Wives. 18 episodes will air for season four, which will premiere on the network in 2010.
The show has been the network’s most successful series to date, with the second season finale drawing the network’s highest ratings ever in the A18-34 demo and is cable’s most-watched drama among women A18-49. The renewal comes ahead of the show’s third season premiere this June.
“This early pick-up – even prior to the Season 3 premiere – is a true testament to our commitment and support of this great show,” said JoAnn Alfano, Executive Vice President, Lifetime Networks, who announced the pickup.
Source: Broadcasting & Cable
Cate Blanchett Confirmed For Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood February 25, 2009 5:22 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Casting, Movies, News.Tags: Cate Blanchett, Robin Hood
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Variety has confirmed The Telegraph’s report from earlier in the month that Cate Blanchett will play Maid Marian opposite Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood.
The film has a budget of $130 million and enters production in early April. Producer Brian Grazer is producing alongside Ridley Scott and says that Blanchett was a strong match for Crowe:
“They are both highly accomplished dramatic actors who are taken seriously playing rich characters in period pieces, but each has the ability to show you fun,” Grazer said.
WB Sets Release Dates for Green Lantern, ‘Deathly Hallows: Part II’, Jonah Hex and More February 25, 2009 5:11 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Movies, News, Release Dates, Warner Brothers.Tags: Clash of the Titans, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II, Inception, Jonah Hex, Sherlock Holmes, Sucker Punch, The Green Lantern
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Warner Brothers has announced box office release dates (and changes) for several of their upcoming films.
First up, the studio announced the official release date for The Green Lantern. The DC Comics adaptation will hit theaters on December 17, 2010. Other notable films include the final Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II on July 15, 2011. That’s the exact same weekend as Marvel’s The Avengers. The studio also announced a new date for Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes which will be moving up to Christmas day from its previous November 13, 2009 release date.
The remake of Clash of the Titans, from director Louis Leterrier has been set for March 26, 2010, Jonah Hex, from director Jimmy Hayward, has been set for a August 6, 2010 release and Christopher Nolan’s original sci-fi picture Inception will be released on July 16, 2010. And finally, Zack Snyder’s next film, Sucker Punch, will be released on October 8, 2010.
Here’s the release schedule:
December 25, 2009
Sherlock Holmes
March 26, 2010
Clash of the Titans
July 16, 2010
Inception
August 6, 2010
Jonah Hex
October 8, 2010
Sucker Punch
December 17, 2010
The Green Lantern
July 15, 2011
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II
Source: ERC BoxOffice
The CW Announces Early Pickups Of Six Series February 25, 2009 3:58 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in News, Renewals, Television, The CW.Tags: 90210, America's Next Top Model, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, Smallville, Supernatural
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The CW today announced that they’ve given early pickups to six of its series, five dramas and reality hit America’s Next Top Model, all of which will return in the fall 2009.
The five other shows are Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, 90210, Smallville and Supernatural.
“As we continue to build The CW Network as a destination for young women, these six shows have clearly contributed to strengthening our schedule and our brand identity,” said Dawn Ostroff, President, Entertainment, The CW. “By securing these signature hits for next season, we’re furthering our commitment to deliver high-quality, original programming to our viewers, advertisers and affiliates.”
You can read the full press release in full after the jump. (more…)
LL Cool J Cast as Lead in NCIS Spin-Off February 25, 2009 3:51 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Casting, CBS, News, Television.Tags: LL Cool J, NCIS, NCIS Spin-off
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Variety is reporting that rapper/actor LL Cool J has been set to star in CBS’s planned NCIS spin-off. He’ll play a tough but charming former Navy SEAL who works undercover for the NCIS unit in L.A. and is an expert on the Middle East. The spin-off will air as one half of a two-part episode of the CBS drama NCIS later this season. NCIS showrunner Shane Brennan created the still-untitled spin-off and will executive produce for CBS Paramount.
Lindsay Price Joins ABC’s Eastwick February 25, 2009 3:33 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in ABC, Casting, News, Television.Tags: Eastwick, Lindsay Price
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Lindsay Price (of NBC’s Lipstick Jungle, which actually yet be officially canceled) has joined the cast of ABC’s Eastwick, the network’s drama pilot based on the 1987 feature-film The Witches of Eastwick. Price will play Joanna, one of the three young witches in the series. Joanna is described as a hardworking, shy reporter for the local newspaper. She joins Jaime Ray Newman, who was recently cast as a fellow witch.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Lou Diamond Philips, Three Others, Added to Cast of SGU: Stargate Universe February 25, 2009 3:25 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Casting, News, Press Releases, Sci Fi, Television.Tags: Alaina Huffman, Elyse Levesque, Lou Diamond Philips, Ming-Na, SGU: Stargate Universe
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The cast for SCI FI’s new Stargate original series is expanding. SCI FI has announced that Lou Diamond Philips, Ming-Na, Elyse Levesque and Alaina Huffman have been added to the cast of the new series, SGU: Stargate Universe.
SGU follows a band of soldiers, scientists and civilians, who must fend for themselves as they are forced through a Stargate when their hidden base comes under attack. The desperate survivors emerge aboard an ancient ship, which is locked on an unknown course and unable to return to Earth. Faced with meeting the most basic needs of food, water and air, the group must unlock the secrets of the ship’s Stargate to survive. The danger, adventure and hope they find on board the Destiny will reveal the heroes and villains among them.
Lou Diamond Phillips (Che, La Bamba) is Colonel Telford, a proud lifelong military man, who puts his faith in the chain of command. Stubbornly confident, he’s highly regarded by his superiors. He is the chosen leader of the ill-fated expedition.
Ming-Na (ER, Vanished) is Camile Wray, a human resources executive with the international oversight committee that governs the Stargate program. Now the highest ranking member of that division left stranded on the ship, she carries herself with a misguided sense of superiority over the other military and civilian survivors.
Elyse Levesque (Smallville, Men in Trees) stars as Chloe Armstrong, the daughter and aid of a U.S. Senator. Politically savvy, but with a wild side, she is considering following in her father’s footsteps, until she finds herself trapped on the ship. As tensions rise, her character will be tested and her place among the group revealed.
Alaina Huffman (Smallville, Painkiller Jane) portrays MSGT. Tamara Johansen. Unable to afford medical school, the Air Force was the best option for the strong-willed field medic. Faced with the mounting pressure and a lack of in-depth experience, she will be forced to rise to the extraordinary occasion of needing to treat the seriously wounded.
SGU: Stargate Universe launches this October with a two-part opening episode directed by Andy Mikita. The full press release announcing the new additions, can be read in full after the jump. (more…)
Gore Verbinski To Direct Clue February 25, 2009 3:10 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Movies, News, Universal Pictures.Tags: Clue, Gore Verbinski
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Variety’s Risky Biz Blog is reporting that Gore Verbinski has been tapped by Universal Pictures to direct and produce a feature-film version of the hit boardgame Clue. The project is part of a partnership between Universal and Hasbro to develop several of their iconic board games into movies. Other properties already in production include Candyland, Ouija Board and Monopoly.
Michael Cera Finally On Board for Arrested Development Movie February 25, 2009 3:04 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Casting, Fox, Fox Searchlight, Movies, News, Television.Tags: Arrested Development, Michael Cera
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Awesome. After months of indicating he wasn’t interested in doing a feature-length version of the hilarious, if not successful, Fox comedy Arrested Development, E! Online’s Kristin reports that Michael Cera has apparently buckled to pressure and agreed to board the project. Kristin further reports that the movie may go into production as early as the end of the year. Series creator Mitchell Hurwitz is writing and directing the script. Fox Searchlight is the studio.
A later update has a reaction from one of the series’ star, Portia de Rossi, who when asked why there was such a hold up with Cera’s casting replied: “I don’t know, I honestly don’t. I spoke to Jason Bateman and Will Arnett; I think it was just a matter of timing. I don’t know.”
Michel Gondry Tapped to Direct Seth Rogen’s Green Hornet February 25, 2009 2:51 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Columbia Pictures, Movies, News.Tags: Michel Gondry, The Green Hornet
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The Green Hornet has a new director. Variety is reporting that Columbia Pictures has set Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) to direct the film, which the studio is still targeting for a June 25, 2010 release. Seth Rogen, who plays the title character, wrote the script along with Evan Goldberg. Stephen Chow, who was originally tapped to direct, is still attached to play sidekick, Kato.
Melrose Gets Greenlight February 25, 2009 2:20 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in News, Television.Tags: Melrose Place, The CW
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The CW has given an official pilot order to the network’s update of Melrose Place. THR reports that Oscar-winner Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth) has come on board the project to direct. The series, produced by CBS Paramount, is a remake of the hit ’90s series about a group of twentysomethings living in the trendy Melrose neighborhood of Las Angeles. The pilot was written by Darren Swimmer and Todd Slavkin (Smallville), who also serve as executive producers/showrunners.
Academy Awards Improve Over Last Year’s Record Low February 23, 2009 8:42 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Awards Shows, Movies, News, Nielsen TV Ratings, Television.Tags: Academy Awards
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UPDATED ON 2/24/2009 @ 7:00pm
Here are the final national numbers:
20.6/31 HH rating/share, 36.31M viewers and a 12.1/19 A18-49 rating/share. There wasn’t much difference in the time-zone adjusted fast nationals and final nationals, but I’ve gone ahead and edited the information in the article below to reflect the changes. All numbers are based on final national data.
Good news for ABC. Sunday night’s telecast of the 81st Annual Academy Awards improved upon last year’s record low. The telecast drew 36.31 million viewers, an increase of 13% or 4.30 million over last year’s record low of 32.01 million viewers.
The program improved in the key A18-49 demo as well, garnering a 12.1 rating (+13% over last year’s 10.7 rating) as well as among households where it scored a 20.6 rating (+10% over last year’s 18.7 rating).
Earlier in the evening, the prime time Barbara Walters special drew a 7.3/12 HH rating/share, 11.55 million viewers and a 3.1/9 A18-49 rating/share.
Barbara Walters Special (2/24/2008 in parenthesis):
Households – 7.7/13 (7.3/12) [-5%]
Viewers – 11.69M (11.55M) [-1%/-0.14M]
Adults 18-49 – 3.2/9 (3.1/9) [-3%]
And leading into the Oscars was Oscars 2009 Red Carpet Special, which drew a 14.5/23 HH rating/share, 24.36M viewers and a 7.2/19 A18-49 rating/share.
2009 Oscars Red Carpet Special (2/24/2008 in parenthesis):
Households – 13.3/21 (14.5/23) [+9%]
Viewers – 21.54M (24.36M) [+13%/+2.82M]
Adults 18-49 – 6.3/17 (7.2/19) [+14%]
Ghostbusters 3 To Start Filming This Fall? February 23, 2009 8:03 pm
Posted by Rosario T. Calabria in Movies, News, Rumors.Tags: Dan Aykroyd, Ghostbusters 3
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Dan Aykroyd was in Boston to celebrate the opening of a new House of Blues and was asked by someone about the status of Ghostbusters 3. According to the Boston Globe, Aykroyd revealed that production may begin by late fall 2009:
“Script is commenced early summer. Hope to be in production by late fall 2009.”
via AICN
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