SciFi Newswire

"TWILIGHT" TIME CHANGE

SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT MOVES UP RELEASE DATE FOR TWILIGHT TO NOVEMBER 21, 2008

TWILIGHT, the first film in Summit Entertainment’s thriller romance franchise, has moved up its North American release date to Friday, November 21, 2008. The film, which was previously planned to be released on December, 12, 2008, is taking advantage of an opening in the upcoming fall release calendar. The new release date for TWILIGHT allows the studio to both bring the film to the written-series’ enormous fan base sooner, and to present the film in more theatres prior to the holiday movie-going season where traditionally screen time for any popular film is limited.
   “When Warner Bros. decided to move HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE to the summer of 2009, we saw a unique opportunity to slot in our film which has been gaining tremendous awareness and momentum over the past several months,” said Rob Friedman, Co-Chairman and CEO of Summit Entertainment. “We by no means are trying to fill the shoes of the incredible POTTER franchise for 2008, rather we are just looking to bring the fans of Stephenie Meyer’s incredible book series the film as soon possible from a programming perspective.”
   Starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the thriller-romance based on Stephenie Meyer’s publishing phenomenon, the film is directed by Catherine Hardwicke from a script by Melissa Rosenberg (STEP UP). Karen Rosenfelt (DEVIL WEARS PRADA), Greg Mooradian and Wyck Godfrey will produce along with Mark Morgan via his Maverick Films banner.

   TWILIGHT tells the story of 17-year-old Bella Swan (Stewart) who moves to the small town of Forks, Washington to live with her father, and becomes drawn to Edward Cullen (Pattinson), a pale, mysterious classmate who seems determined to push her away. But neither can deny the attraction that pulls them together…even when Edward confides that he and his family are vampires. Their unorthodox romance puts her in physical danger when Edward’s nemesis comes to town and sets his sights on Bella.

WATCHMEN INTERVIEWS

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS COVERAGE

HEROES' HAYDEN PANETTIERE: ACTIVIST

INDY IV ON DVD

With More Than $770 Million in Worldwide Box Office, the Globe-Trotting Adventure Launches October 14 in Single & Two-Disc DVD and Blu-ray Packed with Sensational Behind-the-Scenes Special Features

‘Crystal Skull’ Marks First New Release on Blu-ray from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Steven Spielberg

The highest-grossing installment of the phenomenally popular adventure franchise, with more than $770 million at the global box office, Paramount Pictures and Lucasfilm Ltd.’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull will make its highly anticipated debut on DVD and Blu-ray October 14.
   Released by Lucasfilm Ltd. and Paramount Home Entertainment, the film will be available as a two-disc Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray loaded with spectacular bonus features that allow viewers to accompany the filmmakers and cast on a fascinating journey behind-the-scenes of this modern classic.
   Directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by Frank Marshall, with George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy as executive producers, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is the newest adventure in the phenomenally successful INDIANA JONES series, which has earned six Academy Awards® and over $2 billion worldwide.
   Set in 1957, the film stars Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Shia LaBeouf, Ray Winstone and John Hurt, following Indy on a perilous adventure to find the coveted Crystal Skull of Akator. From the ivy-covered halls of  Marshall Collegeto the verdant jungles of South America, Indy is relentlessly pursued by sinister Soviet agents who will stop at nothing to get their hands on the eerie object of fascination.
   The two-disc Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray presentations feature hours of new content that opens up the world of Indiana Jones as never before through in-depth footage of Steven Spielberg and his cast and crew at work.  From Shia LaBeouf’s training to become a master swordsman to Harrison Ford’s reunion with his fedora, whip...and Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood, viewers will play witness to the magic of cinema’s greatest action-adventure hero’s triumphant return to the big screen, as well as the of the extraordinary work of legendary artists who brought Indy’s latest thrilling adventure to life.
   In addition, all four INDIANA JONES films will be showcased in the quintessential Indiana Jones collection entitled The Complete Adventure Collection, which will include the first three films plus the two-disc Special Edition DVD of the latest installment.

DVD
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull two-disc Special Edition DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with THX Certified Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround and English, French and Spanish subtitles.  The two-disc set includes the following special features:
Disc 1:
The Return of a Legend—The evolution of the new film and a tribute to the legendary hero and his creators.
Pre-Production—Follows Steven Spielberg as he creates animatic sequences, Shia LaBeouf as he learns to swordfight and captures the reunion of filmmakers and cast on the soundstage.
DVD Disc 2:
Production Diary: Making Kingdom of the Crystal Skull—Join filmmakers, cast and crew for a complete look at the making of the film.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull also will be available as a single disc DVD presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with THX Certified Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround and English, French and Spanish subtitles.

Blu-ray
The Special Edition Blu-ray is presented in 1080p High Definition with THX Certified English 5.1 Dolby True HD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese subtitles.  The two-disc set includes the following special features:

Blu-ray Disc 1:

Indiana Jones Timelines— Explore the movie through interactive timelines that include video featurettes, in-depth information and unique imagery.  Your adventure begins with one of these three timelines:
Story Timeline: Showcases the key events of the “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” storyline.
Production Timeline: A Making-of chronology for “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”.
Historical Timeline: Dives into the real-world historical influences that are referenced in the film.
The Return of a Legend—The evolution of the new film and a tribute to the legendary hero and his creators. (HD)
Pre-Production—Follows Steven Spielberg as he creates animatic sequences, Shia LaBeouf as he learns to swordfight and captures the reunion of filmmakers and cast on the soundstage. (HD)

Disc 2:
Production Diary: Making Kingdom of the Crystal Skull—Join filmmakers, cast and crew for a complete look at the making of the film.
  Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has a running time of 122 minutes and an MPAA rating of PG-13 for adventure violence and scary images and is rated PG in Canadafor violence and frightening scenes.  For even more information about the adventures of Indiana Jones, visit http://www.indianajones.com.

CASINO ROYALE SPECIAL EDITION DVD

“007” GETS REVAMPED IN HIGH-STAKES EXTRAVAGANZA

CASINO ROYALE
COLLECTOR’S EDITION

Arrives on DVD & Blu-ray™ High-Def October 21st,
Fully-Loaded With Extended/Deleted Scenes, Filmmaker Profiles,
“Making of” Documentaries and Much More!


CULVER CITY, CALIF. (August 11, 2008) – The most successful James Bond movie ever gets a first-class upgrade when Casino Royale Collector’s Edition arrives on DVD and Blu-ray™ High-Def October 21, 2008.  Daniel Craig (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Munich) transforms himself into the urbane and sophisticated Agent 007 for this adrenaline-filled adaptation of Ian Fleming’s first James Bond novel.  Audiences revel in the heart-stopping action of Bond’s initial assignment with his license to kill.  A box office smash and home entertainment chart-topper, the Collector’s Edition of Casino Royale offers a “Double-O” dose of extra features, plus free e-Movie Cash to see the next Bond installment, Quantum of Solace, in theaters November 7, 2008. 

Craig and leading lady Eva Green (Kingdom of Heaven, The Dreamers) breathe new life into the Bond saga, as director Martin Campbell (GoldenEye, The Legend of Zorro) captures all their sizzling chemistry on film.  The complex action-thriller also stars Oscar® winner[1] and six-time Academy

Award® nominee[2] Judi Dench (Die Another Day, Shakespeare In Love), who returns to the Bond franchise as “M”, 007’s steely superior at the British Secret Service, and veteran actor Mads Mikkelsen (Exit, Prague), as Le Chiffre, the devious mastermind behind a terrorist banking scheme.  The film also introduces the audience to former Miss Italy finalist Caterina Murino, making her steamy American film debut as one of the latest Bond Girls. 

Casino Royale Collector’s Edition is bursting with over seven hours of spectacular extras not featured in the original DVD and Blu-ray release, including new documentaries, never-before-seen footage and in-depth profiles of the filmmakers.  Taking full advantage of the interactive capabilities offered by advanced Blu-ray technology, Casino Royale Collector’s Edition also offers exclusive material found only on the Blu-ray version: a Bonus View picture-in-picture visual commentary with Director Martin Campbell and Producer Michael G. Wilson, as well as “Know Your Double-O,” a BD-Live enabled multi-skill level, multi-player trivia game that pits Bond fans around the world against one another in a game that will entertain both casual fans and experts alike.  This can’t-miss deluxe edition will be available October 21 on 3-disc DVD at a SRP of $29.95 and 2-disc BD at a SRP of $38.96.

Casino Royale Synopsis:
Casino Royale introduces James Bond (Craig) in “00” status.  “M” (Dench), head of the British Secret Service, sends Bond on his first mission as 007, leading him to Le Chiffre (Mikkelsen), banker to the world’s terrorists.  In order to bring down the terrorist network, Bond must beat Le Chiffre in a high-stakes poker game at Casino Royale.  Bond teams with a beautiful treasury official, Vesper Lynd (Green), as he risks millions of Her Majesty’s money, all too aware that should he lose, the funds will strengthen and embolden the very terrorists they hope to stop.  As Bond and Vesper survive a series of nearly lethal attacks by Le Chiffre and his henchmen, a mutual affection develops, leading Bond to a terrifying confrontation with his own mortality. As Bond becomes closer to Vesper, he questions his desire to remain a secret agent, leading to a heart-stopping conclusion unlike any Bond film before.

EXCLUSIVE BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:
*         Bonus View Picture-in-Picture visual commentary with Director Martin Campbell and Producer Michael G. Wilson
*         “Know Your Double-O” – the Ultimate James Bond Trivia Quiz, a BD-Live enabled multi-skill level, multi-player trivia game

BD & DVD SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:
*         Documentaries
o        Ian Fleming’s Incredible Creation – A remarkable look at the birth and continued success of James Bond, including never-before-revealed information about Bond’s creator and the origins of 007.
o        The Road to Casino Royale – The story of why it took over 50 years for the Bond filmmakers to bring Ian Fleming’s first 007 novel to the big screen, featuring the amazing behind-the-scenes stories of the many attempts to make the film.
o        James Bond in the Bahamas – A fascinating examination of the links between the the cinematic Bond and the Bahamas, with never-before-told behind-the-scenes stories from Casino Royale, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, For Your Eyes Only and The World Is Not Enough.
o        Ian Fleming: The Secret Road to Paradise – A revealing exploration of the world of James Bond’s creator. In this documentary, discover why Ian Fleming was drawn to the Bahamas, and learn the cinematic Casino Royale’s unique link to an important chapter in 007’s secret history.
o        Death in Venice – A break down of one of the key scenes in the film.
o        Becoming Bond – An intimate look at how Daniel Craig stepped into the role of James Bond.
o        James Bond: For Real – A behind-the-scenes look at the ground-breaking action and the stunts in Casino Royale.
o        Bond Girls Are Forever – An extended version of the 2002 AMC television special, with new footage and interviews of the new Bond Girls.
*         Featurettes
o        The Art of Freerunning – An in-depth look at the freerunning chase and the freerunning technique with the sport’s founder, Sebastien Foucan.
*         Filmmaker Profiles: in-depth conversations with key creative forces behind Casino Royale, including never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage:
o        Martin Campbell, Director
o        Chris Corbould, Special Effects
o        Phil Meheux, Director of Photography
o        Gary Powell, Stunt Coordinator
o        Alexander Witt, Second Unit Director
o        David Arnold, Composer
*         Deleted/Extended Scenes
o        "Rescue & Recovery”
o        "Squandering Government Funds"
o        "Cricket Pavilion"
o        "Gettler Raises Bond’s Suspicions"
*         Storyboard Sequence
o        Freerunning Chase — Watch the storyboards presented in animatic form, or view them in comparison to the finished film sequence.
*         Scene Deconstruction
o        Catching a Plane: From Storyboard to Screen, featuring outtakes and never-before-seen footage.
*         Music Video: Chris Cornell “You Know My Name”
*         Crew Commentary: Audio Commentary with scene-specific comments and observations from many of Casino Royale’s creative team.

Casino Royale was directed by Martin Campbell (GoldenEye, The Legend of Zorro); produced by Michael G. Wilson (Die Another Day, Tomorrow Never Dies); written by Neal Purvis (screenplay – The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day), Robert Wade (screenplay – The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day) and Paul Haggis (screenplays – In the Valley of Elah, Crash); and stars Daniel Craig (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Munich), Eva Green (Kingdom of Heaven, The Dreamers), Judi Dench (Die Another Day, Shakespeare In Love) and  Mads Mikkelsen (Exit, Prague).

QUANTUM OF SOLACE: BEHIND THE SCENES

DIRECTING "THE FLASH"

BUFFY REUNION AT THE "DOLLHOUSE"

TWO GREEN LANTERN PROJECTS ANNOUNCED

SMALLVILLE PREVIEW WITH AL GOUGH

In this audio interview, Smallville co-creator and executive producer Al Gough previews season seven of the show, discusses the introduction of Supergirl and notes that Clark Kent will get some flying lessons.