Technically Speaking

It opens today in select theatres. Be assured that it is sold out everywhere and people got all dressed up in their finest. Below is a siting of Chewbacca, in London. This, being the last of the saga of Star Wars movies, shall finally complete the story. We will see how Anakin becomes Darth Vader. This movie must be seen in all its glory on the big screen. There will be no waiting for the video here. Although, I will wait until the crazed crowds die down a bit.

It’s a wonderful, small discovery when Anakin receives the name Darth Vader once he finally swears his allegiance to Chancellor Palpatine, who reveals himself here as Darth Sidious, a Sith master and the eventual evil Emperor. (And all the other words that ooze from Ian McDiarmid’s mouth leave you feeling so slimy, you’ll want to take a shower afterward.)

But the moment we’ve all been waiting for is one that simply must be experienced in a packed theater: when the mask goes on and the helmet comes down and Anakin takes his first raspy breath as Darth Vader in all his dark, gleaming glory. (You won’t hear anyone else breathing, it’s such an absorbing sight.)

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Well once again my attention is drawn to a movie based on the star. When the star is Jennifer Garner how can you blame me? I didn’t see DareDevil, the movie that spawned this, but I’m sure it will be entertaining. From what I gather, the movie is on the level of Mortal Combat. So if you are into Martial Arts / Sci-Fi, this should prove to be interesting.

Following the events of Daredevil, Elektra Natchios (Garner), sai enthusiast and assassin for hire, is revived by the Order of the Hand, a group of assassins who helped train her. Assigned by the Hand’s current leader, Kirigi, to kill a man, Mark Miller (Visnjic), and his 13-year-old daughter, Abby, Elektra soon befriends them and decides to stand up to her ninja peers. Elektra is especially motivated to do so when she discovers that Miller’s grandfather was an ally of her former mentor, Stick (Stamp). Together, they must take on Kirigi’s lethal quartet (which includes Tengu and Typhoid).

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Check out the first five minutes of the movie…5 Minutes of Elektra

The expected Release Date: May 19, 2005 and we now have the first glimpse of some teaser footage. (Real Player)

Today is the day that many of us have been waiting for, the release of Star Wars on DVD. It has been 1983 that the original trilogy was completed and George Lucas has never given is blessing for the masterpiece to go on DVD. Small editing changes were made and the trilogy was released on VHS, but not until now has it made it to the high quality format of DVD. The main reasoning was that Lucas didn’t like the way some of the special effects turned out in the original cuts. So, with the help of some 600 Power Mac G5 computers, the trilogy was remastered and a HD version was also created. CNN lists five of the major changes to the films…

5. Jedis don’t scream

The 1997 special edition version of “The Empire Strikes Back” was changed so Luke wails as he jumps off the platform in Cloud City. In the only instance of Lucas undoing a later alteration (sadly, Greedo still shoots first on the DVD of “A New Hope”), he’s taken it off the DVD edition. Maybe he realized Jedis (even ones in training) don’t scream.

4. Boba Fett has a new voice

Since Boba Fett is a clone of Jango Fett, and Jango Fett is played by Temura Morrison, doesn’t it make sense that he should sound like him, too? That’s exactly what George Lucas thought, so Morrison was brought in to revoice the four lines of dialogue (yes, believe it or not there are only four!) Boba spoke in the original trilogy.

3. A new and improved Jabba

Remember that dodgy-looking computer-generated Jabba they inserted into the 1997 re-release of “A New Hope”? Well, he looks a little less dodgy this time around thanks to some improved CGI.

2. The emperor’s new clothes

In the original version of “The Empire Strikes Back,” the emperor Darth Vader speaks to via hologram was played by a woman in a mask (!) and voiced by Clive Revill. Again, in the interests of consistency, Ian McDiarmid — who portrays the emperor in “Return of the Jedi” and the prequel trilogy — now appears in that scene with an added line or two of dialogue.

1. The big finale

The 1997 special edition of “Return of the Jedi” added a few “Star Wars” worlds joining the celebration of the Empire’s demise at the end of the film. For the DVD, they’ve added Naboo, a planet that figures prominently in the prequel trilogy. Also, Anakin Skywalker is noticeably different this time around. When he removes his Darth Vader helmet, he now has no eyebrows! It’s probably safe to assume he singes them off in his battle with Obi-Wan Kenobi in next summer’s “Return of the Sith” and a change had to be made.

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I look forward to watching my copy but I kind wish that I had a copy of the original as well as the new version. It is always good to see the before and after so you can really appreciate the changes.

Another trailer has been released.

Trailer: New!
QuickTime, Hi-Res
QuickTime, Med-Res
QuickTime, Lo-Res

You can checkout the other trailers here

Here is a movie that oddly fits the genre of movies I normally cover on this site. But it is definitely my type of movie. First off, there is Kung-Fu action in this flick. Secondly, the Kung-Fu is brought to you by Jackie Chan. And thirdly/fourthly and /fifthly, there is a lot of action, it’s comical, and it has to do with gadgets. Unfortunately, I’ve only seen the trailer today, so advertising for the movie sucks…or I have been locked in a closet.

Checkout the trailers.

Click picture to see trailer.

Vin Diesel’s is back! Since watching him in XXX have been a fan, yes, that is a relatively recent film. Anyway, if you like action packed movies, he is one to give you your money’s worth.

Diesel reprises his role of enigmatic anti-hero Richard B. Riddick, who has spent the last five years on the move among the forgotten worlds on the outskirts of the galaxy, eluding mercenaries bent on collecting the price on his head. Now, the fugitive finds himself on planet Helion, home to a progressive multicultural society, which has been invaded by the Lord Marshal (Feore), a zealot who targets humans for subjugation with his army of warriors known as Necromongers. Exiled to a subterranean prison where extremes of temperature range from arctic nights to volcanic days, Riddick encounters Kyra (Davalos), the lone survivor from an earlier chapter in his life. His efforts to free himself and Kyra lead him to the Necromonger command ship, where he is pitted against the Lord Marshal in an apocalyptic battle with possibly the fate of all beings-both living and dead-hanging in the balance.

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This movie opens June 11.

Click picture to see trailer.

I,Robot is a movie that has recently come on my radar. It looks to by a futuristic thriller that may give us a possible glimpse into our future. Here is a brief description of the movie:

In the year 2035, robots are an everyday household item, and everyone trusts them, except one, slightly paranoid detective (Smith) investigating what he alone believes is a crime perpetrated by a robot. The case leads him to discover a far more frightening threat to the human race.

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This movie opens July 16.

Click for more visual detail.

Yet another reason why I must see this flick.

Click for a better view.

This is a good reason to watch this movie. And here is a trailer to further twist your arm. May 7th is the day.

I have seen pictures of this upcoming movie and all I could muster is a bit of lust for Halle. I suppose that the lust would be enough for me to plop down my $10 to sit through a 2 hour bore of a movie and drool all over myself. Well, as it turns out, a trailer has been released and I now know that there will be a lot to keep me entertained and a little bit of action too.

Check it out.

I have recently seen a few movies, over the past weeks, that I would like to quickly comment on, as well as point out a few new movies that I will be keeping an eye on.

• HellBoy - I was so hoping to enjoy this movie but unfortunately I just wasn’t feeling it! I suppose that you have to know the comic book roots to have a better understanding of the characters and their abilities. I really felt that Liz was the real hero of the story. She literally saved HellBoy from a pretty grizzly death. IMHO the movie gets a reluctant thumbs down. Here is a good summary that sort of mirrors me view of the film, I just didn’t like it as much:
  

  However, there is much to like about the film. Again, Perlman is excellent in the title role, fully embodying Hellboy on every level, completely stealing the show from his so-so co-stars. The special effects are impressive, definitely a step above some of the more awkward CGI sequences in Blade II. On a technical aspect, Hellboy is superb, from the cinematography down to the shoes on the extras’ feet. The film just needs a sense of humility and more attention to those in the audience who don’t know anything about where it came from - Hellboy is so damn in love with itself, you almost think there’s something wrong with you if you don’t completely fall for its smoke-and-mirrors comic-book freak show.
  

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• Kill Bill Vol. 2 - I enjoyed this flick. It summed up the first part very nicely, although I think the first movie was packed with more action. I would have liked to see more footage of the Master, Pai Mei, in action. What footage there was of him was absolutely superb.

• Master and Commander - I bought the DVD because I heard that this was a really great movie. This is a perfectly watchable film but I didn’t buy into it being one of the best movies of the year. Probably just didn’t suit my taste.

• SpiderMan 2 - Should be good on story continuation as well as action packed.

• Van Helsing - Looks good for action, monsters, visual effects and stunning (picturesque) scenery.

• iRobot - The story seems to be good, Will Smith is starring and it is set in a futuristic setting. Should see some very imaginative things in this flick.

• AVP - I’m still anxiously waiting to see this movie. I don’t expect to be disappointed here. Another featurette has emerged as well.
  

Sorry I’m getting to this a little later than I expected. This trailer proves that the movies shares the same humor that was present in the first part of the movie. It did not seem to highlight much in the realm of action. It has increased my interest though. Regardless, I will be seeing the conclucion as soon as it is possible for me.

Kill Bill Vol. 2 — Trailer

There is also an early review of the upcoming movie. If it has any truth to it we will be seeing a long but action packed flick.

The first Kill Bill Vol. 2 Review

Also, this Tuesday, Kill Bill Vol. 1 will be available for purchase.

Click to order.

Miramax Films today announced that the trailer for Quentin Tarantino’s highly anticipated Kill Bill: Vol. 2, starring Uma Thurman, Michael Madsen, Darryl Hannah and David Carradine, as “Bill,” will make its worldwide premiere simultaneously on Entertainment Tonight and various Internet sites on Tuesday, April 6, 2004.

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I’m hoping this trailer will start the fury. I will post the links later this evening.

It looks as if the AVP movie is moving right along. The latest trailer has been released and this is in addition to the previous movie tidbits. The movie is advertised as opening in August of this year.

September 21st, at long last, will be the day of the big release. The announcement isn’t official, that is, a full press release has yet to be issued, but reports are out and all are saying that it is going to happen. As of now, the films will be sold as a set, you will not be able to buy them individually. It will be packaged in a 4 disc set, the fourth disc to contain all the extras.

Today’s announcement came early and without finalized specs due in part to the intense anticipation amongst consumers for the titles. “We are currently in the process of restoring and remastering all three titles for the DVD release, so we’re still working on details of the marketing strategy,” revealed Ward, not before adding with knowing understatement, “but I believe that it is safe to say that it will receive tremendous exposure across all media.”

According to Fox Home Entertainment president Mike Dunn, both the studio and Lucasfilm arrived at the September 21st date to gain maximum exposure during the holiday season: “We sold about 17 million VHS ‘Star Wars’ units during two fall release periods in ‘95 and ‘97,” he explained. “With that in mind, we designed our release strategy to pick the best release date that had the most gentle sales curve decline on home video.”

While the full details on what extras will be included in the set are still pending, Ward promises that Lucasfilm “are creating added-value material that gets inside the creation of the ‘Star Wars’ films in a fresh and fun way. We want watching this DVD collection to be as memorable as seeing the movies for the first time.” He also confirmed that rumors that Lucas would not contribute new audio commentaries to the set are false, although there are as of yet no exact details on which films will receive commentary tracks, and who will be among the participants.

Of course, the big question mark amongst fans has always been whether Lucas would allow the original, unaltered original editions of the trilogy to also be released on DVD. Not possible, said Ward, who confirmed that the upcoming set will feature only the 1997 Special Edition versions of each film. “What George did in 1997,” Ward explains, “was [to] make the movie he originally wanted to make.”

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Just got word that Kill Bill 2 stills and a teaser have surfaced. What I have seen so far about Vol. 2 hasn’t pumped me up yet, don’t get me wrong, the was a little interests bubbling up when I saw the pictures of Gordon Liu, but I’m sure as the trailers start to come out I will get that itch back. I watched the teaser and wasn’t impressed with the quality of the quicktime clip. I’m not sure if there was something wrong with the clip or something with my computer. I’ll take a look at the teaser with another machine a get back to you all.

Kill Bill 2 Still pictures.

Kill Bill 2 Teaser

UPDATE: Okay, it looks as if I have a problem with my main machine. The Kill Bill Trailer for Vol. 2 behaves properly on other machines. I may have to re-download the QuickTime plugin.

Click to buy

If you are a Kung Fu aficionado like myself then you must add this little gem to your collection. BulletProof Monk has just recently been released to DVD. That means that my copy is in the mail. Below is a list of DVD extras that should really wet your appetite for this flick.

THE DVD EXTRAS

If you liked stacked DVDs you’ll love the package they’ve put together for the Bulletproof Monk release. Here’s what you get:

1. Two Commentary Tracks, one with director Paul Hunter and producers Charles Roven and Douglas Segal and one with writers Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris.

2. “The Tao of Monk” featurettes
a. “Fists of Fury” - 6 minute featurette detailing Sean William Scott and Jaime King’s martial arts training and wirework.

b. “Enter the Monk” - 19 minute production featurette detailing how the actors were cast, how the costumes were selected and how the shooting locations were picked as well as the movie’s comic book origins.

c. “Zen Palette” - 9 minute featurette detailing how various sets used in the movie (Wooden Bridge, Tibetan Temple, Gang Hangout, Nazi base) were built, both manually and computer generated.

d. “Smoke and Mirrors” - 7 minute featurette detailing how the special FX and CGI FX were done for the big actions scenes in the movie such as the helicopter and the wooden bridge fight scenes.

e. “The Art of Score” - Cool 10 minute featurette detailing how the music was written for the movie. The feature literally shows how the movie was edited from picture and how the music and sound effects were edited into the scenes.

3. “Monk Unrobed” - 6 minute featurette that talks about the movie’s comic book origins.

4. 5 deleted scenes with optional commentary track

5. Alternate Ending with optional commentary track

6. Trailers for the movie, its soundtrack, video game and other movies

7. “Behind the Scenes Gallery” of stills from the set

I can barely remember the series. I had to be around 11 or 12 when the show first came on and from what I remember of it, I liked. The second time around things are a bit different.

In the new version, airing Monday and Tuesday on the Sci Fi Channel (9 p.m. EST), Edward James Olmos takes over as Adama; Jamie Bamber is his son, Apollo (originally played by Richard Hatch); and the hotheaded pilot, Starbuck, is now a woman, played by Katee Sackhoff (Dirk Benedict was the original).

While the original series’ thematic core remains the human struggle for survival a lot has changed.

Gone is the space fantasy with the dashing caped warriors of old. Now they’re handsome heroes in uniforms akin to Air Force fighter pilots. The aluminum Cylon enemies look more like humans, complete with feelings, including one with rabid sexual desires.

And the quest is not for a mythical Earth it no longer exists.

I will be watching this miniseries, well, at least the first episode.

Source: ABC News

The first review is in, and by the sound of it, the Return of the King is a smash hit. Digital Theatre is boasting that they have the first review. Here is a taste:

Not that Jackson added things that rivaled the genius of Tolkien, but he went through the book with a highlighter and streamlined the epic so that the emotions come through clearer and it hit me over the head like a Dwarven hammer. Return has a brilliant way of contrasting innocence and beauty with overt power and truly ugly acts. The theme is set up with a beautiful documentation of Smeagol’s brutal journey beginning with a fishing trip with Deagol. Jackson sets up this premise with simple whimsical country folk who go from fishing on a lush pond to brutal murder.

But unlike other movies that house awful brutality, Return contextualizes it in a way that makes it in no way gratuitous. I contrast this film with steaming turds of post-modernity like Kill Bill and Matrix Revolutions. All three films are loaded with battles, heroes and darkness, but Return gives them something real to fight for friendship, family and the meek who confound the intelligent elite who corner the market on overt power.

Does this get your juices flowin’ ?