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October 2002 Headlines 

10/31/02

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10/16/02

SILENT BOB SPEAKS! -- AN EVENING WITH KEVIN SMITH COMING EXCLUSIVELY TO DVD IN A SPECIAL TWO-DISC SET ON DECEMBER 17

An Always Entertaining, Insightful and Irreverent Dialogue Between the Acclaimed Writer/Director & Students Filmed Live From His Sold-Out College Tour Which Included Stops at Cornell, Kent State & Indiana University Kevin Smith as you've never seen him before! The unconventional, cutting-edge and talented writer/director/producer of Clerks, Chasing Amy, Mallrats, Dogma and Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back is featured in AN EVENING WITH KEVIN SMITH, which will be released by Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment as an exclusive two-disc DVD on December 17, 2002, for the collectible price of $27.95 SLP.

Also available is a special DVD two-pack offer featuring AN EVENING WITH KEVIN SMITH and the DOGMA SPECIAL EDITION DVDs together for $51.95 SLP. AN EVENING WITH KEVIN SMITH is a no-holds barred Q&A session with one of Hollywood's most popular and gifted indie filmmakers and renowned comic book writer ("Daredevil" and "Green Arrow") as he shares his own unique life experiences, anecdotes and witticisms. Infamous for picking apart the pop culture landscape, the New Jersey native has become a veritable icon of independent film. Smith gives us a new lens to examine spirituality, sexuality, and human relationships. Get up close and - at times - very personal with the man everyone has been waiting to hear from!

Taped during Smith's recent multi-college tour, AN EVENING WITH KEVIN SMITH features the best excerpts from his appearances at Indiana University, University of Wyoming, Cornell University, Clark University and Kent State University. Playing to sold- out venues across the country, Smith's cult following of devoted fans turned out in droves for the chance to ask questions in the free-for-all sessions - sparking some intimate, off- beat, crude and downright hilarious responses from the elusive, laid-back persona and unique brand of humor that is Kevin Smith!

AN EVENING WITH KEVIN SMITH DVD

 

TROIS 2: PANDORA’S BOX-- DECEMBER 24 ON DVD

The Sexy Cult Smash Sequel to Trois, Again Directed by Rob Hardy So Look Both Ways Before Crossing The Line.

Michael White (Exit Wounds, Spawn, Thick as Thieves), Monica Calhoun (The Best Man, The Player's Club), Kristoff St. John (TV's The Young and the Restless), Joseph Lawrence (Urban Legends: Final Cut) and Tyson Beckford (Ralph Lauren/Polo model, FUBU model) star in Rob Hardy's steamy TROIS 2: PANDORA’S BOX. The film, which is the sequel to the cult smash Trois, hits stores, December 24.

When Mia, a successful psychologist, takes on Tammy, a sultry and mysterious new patient, she has no idea how her life is about to be transformed. In an ironic role reversal, Tammy takes control of their sessions and puts Mia's own life under the microscope.

Desperately yearning to regain a life of passion, Mia follows Tammy's persistent advice and enters a forbidden underworld of sex - whereupon she encounters a dark and mysterious stranger. Abandoned by love and blinded by passion, she begins to lead a double life and unwittingly finds herself caught in a tangled web of sex, money, and murder.

TROIS 2: PANDORA’S BOX, which is the sequel to Trois, is a Rainforest Films presentation of a Rob Hardy movie. A Willpower production, the film was written by Greg Anderson and Rob Hardy, produced by William Packer and directed by Rob Hardy.

TROIS 2: PANDORA’S BOX DVD

 

SNATCH AND MEMENTO TO BE RELEASED IN A SPECIAL DVD 2-PACK DECEMBER 17

From acclaimed director Guy Ritchie (Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, Swept Away), SNATCH stars Academy Award Winner Benicio Del Toro (Traffic, The Usual Suspects), Dennis Farina (Reindeer Games, Saving Private Ryan), Jason Flemyng (Stealing Beauty, The Hollow Reed), Vinnie Jones (Gone in 60 Minutes), Brad Pitt (The Fight Club, Seven, Twelve Monkeys), Rade Sherbedgia (M12, Eyes Wide Shut), and Jason Statham (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Guns). Frankly Four Fingers (Del Toro), thief and courier, arrives in London en route to New York to deliver a huge diamond to boss Avi (Farina). But the heist goes haywire when Frankly detours to get some action on an illegal boxing match. When gypsy bare- knuckle boxer Mickey O'Neal (Pitt) refuses to go down in a rigged match, all helter- skelter breaks loose. Promoter and pig farm owner Brick Top (Ford) say Mickey has to fight again and that he'd better get it right next time. News reaches New York that Frankly has been waylaid. Avi hires local henchman Bullet Tooth Tony (Jones) to find Frankly and the missing stone.

SNATCH SPECIAL EDITION DVD

 

In MEMENTO, Guy Pierce (L.A. Confidential) plays Leonard Shelby, a man who finds himself without any recollection of recent events - except the knowledge that his wife has been murdered. Using instant photos and a body covered with tattooed reminders, he pursues the man he believes responsible for his wife's death. Or does he?

MEMENTO LIMITED EDITION DVD

 

 

GRATEFUL DAWG & DOGTOWN AND Z-BOYS 2-PACK ANNOUNCED

Two Brash and Raw Contemporary Documentaries Make Their DVD 2-Pack Debut

December 17

On December 17, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will debut DOGTOWN AND Z-BOYS, narrated by Sean Penn, as part of a DVD 2-pack. This infectious and energetic film documents a group of accidental revolutionaries who only wanted to have a little skateboarding fun. Instead, they ended up changing the culture of an entire nation.

DOGTOWN AND Z-BOYS SPECIAL EDITION DVD

GRATEFUL DAWG is a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the musical friendship between the band Grateful Dead's lead guitarist/lead vocalist Jerry Garcia and mandolinist David Grisman. This documentary features Garcia (guitar/banjo/vocals), David Grisman (mandolin/banjo), Joe Craven (percussion) and Jim Kerwin (bass). Using rare concert footage, never-before-released recordings and exclusive home video, the film reveals the unique Garcia/Grisman connection from their earliest days as budding blue-grass aficionados to the classic Garcia/Grisman Band albums that highlighted Jerry's last years.

GRATEFUL DAWG DVD

 

 

10/14/02

AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER-- AVAILABLE ON INFINIFILM™ DVD DECEMBER 3, 2002

That suave and stealthy swinger is back. Austin Powers, a.k.a. Mike Myers, the original international man of mystery, returns to save the world, break hearts and reunite his family in AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER, debuting on VHS and DVD December 3. With the biggest movie comedy opening weekend gross in history, AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER will be released on New Line Home Entertainment’s (NLHE) premium DVD label, infinifilm™, priced to own at $26.98 on DVD and $22.94 on VHS.

AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER has grossed more than $210 "mil-ee-un" dollars surpassing the second in the series, AUSTIN POWERS THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME which mined $204.5 million after its 1999 release. The franchise has earned a total of $470 million at the U.S. box office with the first two titles selling over 14 million copies on VHS and DVD.

Goldmember will be the first of the Austin Powers films released on NLHE’s breakthrough infinifilm™ DVD label. Designed to take viewers "beyond-the-movie" by providing a wide range of specially crafted, highly coordinated in-depth explorations of the film’s subject matter and themes, infinifilm™ supplemental materials can also be accessed through "Pop-Up" navigation menus while watching the film, offering viewers more control of their movie watching experience.

"While it all starts with Mike Meyers, Austin’s brilliant creator, video rentals and sales of the initial film, AUSTIN POWERS INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY helped propel this great franchise," said Stephen Einhorn, President of New Line Home Entertainment. "It ruled the Billboard video charts throughout 1998, creating the ‘must see’ furor for the second and third installments."

AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER also stars Sir Michael Caine (The Cider House Rules) as Nigel Powers; Beyoncé Knowles (Carmen: A Hip Hopera, multi-platinum singing group Destiny’s Child) as Foxxy Cleopatra; and Fred Savage ("The Wonder Years") as Number Three/The Mole. Reprising their roles are Michael York (Cabaret), Robert Wagner ("Hart to Hart"), Seth Green (Knockaround Guys, TV’s "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), Mindy Sterling (Drop Dead Gorgeous) and Verne Troyer (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone).

Also returning for the third installment of the Austin Powers films are director Jay Roach (Meet the Parents) and writers Mike Myers and Michael McCullers (Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me). The AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER soundtrack includes performances by the film’s stars Knowles and Myers plus Britney Spears, who has a cameo in the film.

infinifilm DVD Extras

Feature:

Beyond The Movie:

All Access Pass:

DVD-ROM Content:

SYNOPSIS

In a mischievous scheme to take over the world, Dr. Evil (Myers) and his accomplice Mini Me (Troyer) have escaped from prison to join forces with the mysterious Goldmember (Myers). Time-traveling back to 1975, the evil-doers kidnap Nigel Powers (Caine), Austin Power’s father and beloved English spy. With Dr. Evil on the loose again and his father in jeopardy, the international man of mystery is called to action and must go back in time to save his father and the world.

 

POWERFUL FILMS WITH TODAY'S HOTTEST STARS HIGHLIGHT MGM HOME ENTERTAINMENT'S MOVIE TIME COLLECTION

BODY OF EVIDENCE Starring Grammy® And Golden Globe® Winner Madonna Debuts On DVD December 3rd Featuring Both The Unrated And Rated Versions

Other Titles Available Include ALPHABET CITY, BAD INFLUENCE, BLUE STEEL, COMPANY BUSINESS, DEAD OF WINTER, MIAMI BLUES, RUSH, STATE OF GRACE And THE WHISTLE BLOWER

MGM Home Entertainment presents seductive, pulse-pounding thrillers featuring some of Hollywood's top stars, including Sean Penn, Madonna, Ed Harris, Jamie Lee Curtis, Rob Lowe, Gene Hackman and Alec Baldwin in the Movie Time Collection, debuting on DVD December 3`d, 2002. The erotic thriller Body 0f Evidence showcases Madonna in a role that Newsweek called "tailor-made for her." The DVD features both the unrated and rated versions as well as a "Love or Murder" featurette. The "emotionally riveting, powerful and unsparing film" (Variety) RUSH, starring Jason Patric and Jennifer Jason Leigh, also debuts on DVD and features a commentary by director Lili Zanuck (Cocoon, Driving Miss Daisy). Other titles in the collection are ALPHABET CITY, BAD INFLUENCE, BLUE STEEL, COMPANY BUSINESS, DEAD OF WINTER, MIAMI BLUES, STATE OF GRACE and Whistle Blower. All titles are priced at $14.95.

Available for pre-order on November 5th, all titles are closed.

ALPHABET CITY

At 19, Johnny (Vincent Spano) is a ruthless gangster, running the mob's drug trade in ALPHABET CITY, New York's", toughest neighborhood. But when his bosses order him to torch a building that happens to be the home of his mother and sister (Jaime Gertz), Johnny must find a way to protect his family and get out of the city.

BODY OF EVIDENCE

Madonna stars as an intelligent, successful and beautiful woman who can bring almost any man to his knees. But when a night of passion ends in the death of a businessman, she is accused of murder. When her attorney (William Dafoe) becomes entangled in her erotic game playing, his case suddenly contains as many curves as his client.

 

BAD INFLUENCE

Financial analyst Michael Boll (James Spader) seems to have it all: brains, money, a socially connected fiancée and a bright future. Then he meets Alex (Rob Lowe), an impeccably dressed drifter with an insatiable appetite for wine, women and danger. Michael soon discovers that life in the fast lane has a price.

BLUE STEEL

Rookie cop Megan Turner (Jamie Lee Curtis) catches a burglar and is forced to shoot him. But her trouble escalates when the burglar's gun is used in a series of murders - and her name is carved in the bullets.

 

COMPANY BUSINESS

An ex-CIA agent (Gene Hackman) is called out of retirement to escort a Soviet spy (Mikhail Baryshnikov) to Berlin for a prisoner trade with the Russians. But when the former adversaries realize they've been double-crossed by their own governments, they must work together to uncover and destroy the operatives within both the CIA and KGB.

 

DEAD OF WINTER

Actress Katie McGovern (Mary Steenburgen) is summoned to an isolated estate for a screen test and finds that her hosts, Mr. Murray (Roddy McDowall) and Dr. Lewis (Jan Rubes), have plans for her that have nothing to do with acting. A deadly money-making scheme erupts in doublecrosses and murder and Katie learns that her only chance for survival is giving her enemies the performance of her life.

MIAMI BLUES

Veteran criminal Junior Frenger (Alec Baldwin) moved to Miami to get a fresh start robbing a new set of people. But when his streetwalker-gone-straight wife (Jennifer Jason Leigh) suspects his criminal behavior and an obsessed cop (Fred Ward) closes in, Junior will need a lot more luck and a bogus badge to escape this crossfire.

RUSH

Jason Patric and Jennifer Jason Leigh star as undercover officers who infiltrate the local drug scene to bring down a suspected drug lord (Greg Allman). But as their relationship intensifies and their drug use turns to abuse, the fine line between the good guys and the bad guys blurs.

STATE OF GRACE

Terry Noonan (Sean Penn) returns to his old neighborhood as an undercover cop to take down an Irish mob family headed by Frankie Flannery (Ed Harris) and his brother Jackie (Gary Oldman). But when Noonan infiltrates the family, his old feelings for the Flannery's sister (Robin Wright) heighten the stakes.

THE WHISTLE BLOWER

English patriot and army vet Frank (Michael Caine) is only mildly concerned when his son Bob, who works for the British Secret Service, says dirty dealings are afoot at the agency. But when Bob is murdered under mysterious circumstances, Frank's inquiries thrust him into the middle of a rat's nest of government deceit that could cost him his own life.

 

 

 

 

 

LEGENDARY STARS AUDREY HEPBURN, JOHN WAYNE, BOB HOPE, AND BING CROSBY HEADLINE MGM HOME ENTERTAINMENT'S VINTAGE CLASSICS COLLECTION

Titles Include LEGEND OF THE LOST, THE ROAD TO HONG KONG And WHERE'S POPPA? Among Others-- Available For The First Time On DVD December 3rd

On December 3rd GM Home Entertainment will debut a host of much sought after landmark classic films on DVD in its prestigious Vintage Classics Collection. Featuring outstanding performances by screen legends, including Shirley MacLaine, Sophia Loren, Joanne Woodward, and many others, the collection includes the epic adventure LEGEND OF THE LOST and the hilarious escapade THE ROAD TO HONG KONG. Other titles available are WHERE'S POPPA?, THE THIEF OF BAGDAD, THE CHILDREN'S HOUR, A KISS BEFORE DYING and MARLENE DIETRICH: HER OWN SONG, which includes never-before-seen footage of the celebrated actress. All titles feature the original theatrical trailer and are available on DVD for $19.98.

All titles are closed captioned with a pre order date of November 5'.

THE CHILDREN'S HOUR

A child's malicious accusations lead to crushing repercussions in this tragic drama starring Academy Award® winners Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine.

 

LEGEND OF THE LOST

John Wayne and Rossano Brazzi star in this film about two men who team up to find Bonnard's (Brazzi) father and a legendary lost treasure in this epic adventure that takes place in the isolated wasteland of the North African Desert. Sophia Loren also stars as the woman who accompanies the pair and comes between them as they fight for survival -- and their souls.

 

A KISS BEFORE DYING

Robert Wagner stars as a ruthless killer in this thriller about a handsome college boy so obsessed with wealth that he stages the suicide of his pregnant girlfriend Dorothy (Joanne Woodward) to ensure his inheritance. It's the perfect crime -- until Dorothy's sister Ellen (Virginia Leith) begins to unravel Bud's deadly scheme.

MARLENE DIETRICH: HER OWN SONG

In this film narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis, director J. David Riva pays tribute to his world renowned grandmother, Marlene Dietrich, one of the most seductive and glamorous personalities in cinematic history. Rare, never-before-seen footage and candid interviews are featured in this stirring portrait of a film goddess.

THE THIEF OF BAGDAD

Based on The Arabian Nights, this triple Oscar® winner follows Abu, a clever vagabond determined to defeat the evil Jaffar (Conrad Veidt) and to restore the rightful ruler (John Justin) to the throne. Help from an unexpected source shows up when a 50-foot genie (Rex Ingram) grants Abu three wishes if he promises to free him from his bottle.

 

THE ROAD TO HONG KONG

In their seventh hilarious Road movie, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope play vaudevillians Harry and Chester, who travel to Tibet to search for a drug to restore Chester's memory. Along the way, they meet up with a beautiful spy (Joan Collins) and realize that their adventures have just begun.

 

WHERE'S POPPA?

Gordon Hocheiser (George Segal) promised his late father he would take care of his mother, but when he meets the girl of his dreams, his batty, eccentric mother is intent on making his life a living nightmare. Gordon decides he needs to get rid of her before she gets rid of his girlfriend. Directed bY Carl Reiner, this black comedy includes some of the boldest gags to ever hit the screen.

 

 

 

 

 

FINGERS--JAMES TOBACK’S CULT CLASSIC STARRING HARVEY KEITEL DEBUTS ON DVD NOVEMBER 5 FROM WARNER HOME VIDEO

Includes Toback Commentary and New-For-DVD Toback/Keitel Intimate Conversation on Independent Films

"A powerful, disturbing film, compellingly sensual and brilliantly acted...." Leonard Maltin

FINGERS -- which marked the directorial debut of filmmaker James Toback and was an early defining role for Harvey Keitel -- will have its DVD premiere on November 5th. Named one of the top 25 mob movies of all time by Entertainment Weekly, the Warner Home Video DVD release features an all-new digital transfer and will sell for $19.98 SRP; the VHS is available at a new low price of $14.95 SRP.

Special features on the DVD will include commentary by writer/director James Toback, a personal conversation featurette on independent film with Harvey Keitel and James Toback and the original theatrical trailer. Additional features include digitally remastered picture and restored audio, Widescreen format [16X9 1.85:1], cast/director film highlights and subtitles in English and French.

The film stars Harvey Keitel (Taxi Driver, The Piano), whose career spans nearly four decades, and who has worked with writer/director Toback three times, including the 1991 critically-acclaimed Bugsy. Both men were nominated for Academy Awards® for their work on the film, Keitel for Best Supporting Actor and Toback for Best Screenplay.

Keitel plays Jimmy Fingers, a young man grappling with the harsh discrepancy between his dreams of becoming a classical pianist at Carnegie Hall and the brutal reality of his job as collector for his mob-connected loan-shark father. Trying desperately to keep the two distinct worlds separate, Fingers is consumed by the emotional inner-turmoil of trying to reconcile his artistic commitment with his family obligations.

The remarkable ensemble cast of FINGERS includes Tisa Farrow, Jim Brown and Marian Seldes, along with Tanya Roberts, Zack Norman and Tom Signorelli. Also featured are The Godfather actors Michael V. Gazzo, Danny Aiello, Lenny Montana, Dominic Chianese and Tony Sirico, who currently stars with the Emmy-nominated Chianese in their current hit HBO series The Sopranos.

A graduate of both Harvard and Columbia Universities, James Toback wrote his first screenplay for The Gambler, which starred James Caan and was directed by Karel Reisz. He made his directorial debut with FINGERS and thereafter wrote and directed Love and Money, Exposed, The Pick-up Artist, The Big Bang, Two Girls and a Guy, Black and White, Love in Paris and Harvard Man. Toback’s Oscar® nominated screenplay for Bugsy was among the film’s 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.

FINGERS

 

BLACK MASK 2: CITY OF MASKS-- THE THRILL-A-MINUTE SEQUEL TO THE 1999 GENRE CLASSIC WILL DEBUT ON DVD AND VIDEO DECEMBER 24

Specially marked DVDs include an exclusive DVD offer!

BLACK MASK 2: CITY OF MASKS is a thrill-a-minute sci-fi adventure from director Tsui Hark (Knock Off, Double Team) and martial arts director Yuen Wo Ping (The Matrix).

Featuring newcomer Andy On, BLACK MASK 2 also stars Jon Polito (The Man Who Wasn't There, The Tailor of Panama), Traci Elizabeth Lords (Blade, Virtuosity), Tyler Mane (Joe Dirt, X-Men), WWF Superstar Rob Van Dam, Tobin Bell (In the Line of Fire, Malice), Sean Marquette (Van Wilder), and Andrew Bryniarski (Rollerball, Pearl Harbor) and will debut from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment December 24.

While searching for a cure for the biological abnormality that gives him super powers, Black Mask (On) stumbles upon a terrorist group intent on dropping a DNA bomb on the human race. In order to put a stop to their devious plan, he must first battle a group of chemically enhanced professional wrestlers with the ability to morph into monstrously powerful mutants . and they won't stop until the chemical makeup of the entire population is "tweaked" forever.

Included in specially marked DVDs is a buy one, get one free offer. Buy one participating martial arts DVD and receive another participating title for free via email (plus shipping and handling). This exciting offer is good until 3/31/03.

BLACK MASK 2: CITY OF MASKS DVD

 

10/09/02

ANNOUNCING THE LAUNCH OF THE HAD TO BE MADE FILM FESTIVAL UNIQUE DVD AND VIDEO DISTRIBUTION/MARKETING PROGRAM

Provides Exclusive New Revenue for Independent Video Retailers via Independent Films for Independent Fans

The Had To Be Made Film Festival -- a unique and innovative distribution/marketing concept that will provide Independent Video Retailers (IVRs) with brand new product and a significant revenue stream with minimal expense -- was announced here today at the East Coast Video show by Richard Green and Mike Kyle, Festival founders and the top two executives of Had To Be Made Films (HTBMF).

The Had To Be Made Film Festival also gives new life to countless independent filmmakers, many of them mainstream festival award winners, who are frequently unable to get theatrical or video distribution deals.

Said Green, "HTBMFF is a win-win for all involved -- IVRs, their customers and independent filmmakers. There are hundreds of these worthwhile films and millions of filmgoers who have no way of seeing them or even know they exist. Our mission is to get those films (that had to be made) to discerning audiences who we feel will appreciate them."

Green and Kyle were on the East Coast this week to further solicit IVR participation for the Festival which begins accepting submissions November 1. Talks are underway with IVRs including Scarecrow Video in Seattle and TLA in Philadelphia to become Festival locations.

Here’s how it works: At each participating retailer, films will be solicited for entry into the Festival through in-store displays and online publicity as well as at the Festival Web site, www.hadtobemadefilms.com. Submissions will be screened by HTBMF staff, IVRs and selected filmgoers to determine finalists. The films will then be submitted to a jury consisting of filmmakers and others from the motion picture community who will select ten films marked for DVD and VHS "festival" presentation.

These ten films -- the Festival participants -- will then be available on DVD and VHS for rental at all participating IVRs around the country at the rate of two titles per month. Customers who rent the films will "attend" the Festival -- by visiting their video retailer, conducting in-home screenings and, through the Festival Web site, filing reviews, attending virtual press conferences with the filmmakers and, finally, voting for their favorite film. The winning films will be eligible for collector’s edition DVD production and offered sales representation to all distribution channels, foreign and domestic.

The Had to be Made Film Festival was conceived when Green, an independent filmmaker, and Kyle, a business consultant for major film studios, identified the need for a viable commercial distribution channel to bring top independent films to a wider audience than currently reached by film festivals or sell thru distribution channels.

Said Kyle, "After extensive research analyzing the customer bases of the 12,800 independent video retailers nationwide, we discovered nearly 35%, or approximately 4,500 , hit our demographic target squarely on the nose: people who were well educated, mostly urban, discriminating filmgoers looking beyond the mainstream offerings."

Also inspiring Green was the struggle to release two of his own films. The first, I Don’t Know Jack, a documentary presented by David Lynch and produced by Green’s Next Step Studios, is about Jack Nance, the complicated and self-destructive actor who starred in "Eraserhead" and other Lynch films. The second is 7 Year ZigZag, a distinctly original musical film, "told in rhyme and swing," about a guy who risks everything to pursue his passionate dream.

"The films were well reviewed, even award-winning, and were enthusiastically received by producers’ representatives and distributors," said Green. "But we couldn’t get theatrical release commitments, and the direct-to-video deals offered were backed by such minimal marketing dollars that we doubted we could reach our target audience, much less recoup production costs. So many other filmmakers are in the same situation."

Beginning November 1, these two films that inspired the festival will be offered on DVD and VHS via the announcement and sign-up displays promoting the Festival during its film submission phase.

How the Festival Works

What’s In it For…

RETAILERS

FILMMAKERS

THE AUDIENCE

Special incentives will be offered to people interested in recruiting video retailers and monitoring supplies and merchandise for the Festival within each participating location.

10/08/02

TOMMY, HEAVY METAL 2000, AND RESIDENT EVIL TO BE RELEASED ON DVD DECEMBER 17 BY COLUMBIA TRISTAR IN SUPERBIT EDITIONS

TOMMY Superbit director Ken Russell's (Altered States, Crimes of Passion) vibrant, hyperactive version of the Who's classic rock opera, will debut December 12. The film starring Oliver Reed (Women in Love, The Return of the Musketeers), Roger Daltry (Vampirella, Cold Justice), Elton John (Born to Boogie), Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend (Secret Policeman's Private Parts, The Secret Policeman's Other Ball) and Jack Nicholson (Batman, A Few Good Men), received two Academy Award® nominations, Best Actress Ann-Margret (Grumpy Old Men, Magic) and one for Best Music Original Score.

This visually stunning rock opera tells the story of a boy (Daltry) rendered deaf, dumb, and blind by the sight of his father's murder. His psychedelic journey through a maze of abusive relatives and strange "cures" eventually leads to enlightenment and sainthood. The film is based on guitarist Pete Townsend's stage opera and the original Who Album.

TOMMY SUPERBIT FEATURES

 

RESIDENT EVIL

RESIDENT EVIL is an action-packed thriller starring Milla Jovovich (The Fifth Element), Michelle Rodriguez (The Fast and the Furious) and Eric Mabius (Cruel Intentions) in a battle of good and evil, human versus computer, the living against the Undead.

Something terrible is lurking in the Hive, a vast underground genetic research facility run by the Umbrella Corporation, a faceless bio-engineering conglomerate. A deadly viral outbreak occurs and, in response, the Red Queen - a vast supercomputer that controls and monitors the Hive - seals the entire facility to contain the leak, killing all the trapped employees. Alice (Jovovich) and Rain (Rodriguez) must lead fellow commandos to isolate the T-virus that has wiped out Umbrella's entire research staff. The team soon discovers, however, that the workers are.not.really.dead. They are now the ravenous, zombie-like Undead, and they are prowling the Hive. One bite or scratch from an Undead causes infection and worse - instant transformation into their kind.

RESIDENT EVIL SUPERBIT FEATURES

 

HEAVY METAL 2000

Starring characters voiced by Michael Ironside (Starship Troopers, Probable Cause), Julie Strain (Lethal Seduction, Psycho Cop), and rock star Billy Idol, HEAVY METAL 2000 takes place in a distant universe. The acronym F.A.K.K. (Federation Assigned Ketogenic Killzone) is used to designate places of extreme danger to all life forms. In a bid to keep out unwelcome visitors, the quiet civilization of Eden has designated itself as F.A.K.K., level two. However, a lunatic named Tyler invades Eden, and when he discovers Eden's secrets - life-preserving if respected, deadly when abused - he lays waste to the civilization, leaving behind only a female warrior named Julie. Julie sets out to find Tyler, determined to see the secrets of Eden returned to safety and eager to take her revenge for the slaughter of her people.

HEAVY METAL 2000 SUPERBIT FEATURES

 

THE INDEPENDENT FEATURE FILM DREAMERS WILL BE RELEASED ON DECEMBER 3RD THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA BY PATHFINDER HOME ENTERTAINMENT

DREAMERS is the American feature film debut of Chinese-born writer/director Ann Lu. The producer is Artie Glackin and the cinematography is by Neal L. Fredericks ("The Blair Witch Project," "The Stonecutter"). The film is a low-key, caustic tale on the underside of Hollywood and was produced by Dark Lantern Pictures (Los Angeles, CA)

Starring Jeremy Jordan ("Never Been Kissed"), Mark Ballou ("In & Out"), Courtney Gains ("Sweet Home Alabama"), Portia Dawson ("New Suit"), Brian Krause (WB’s Charmed) and the last on screen performance of acclaimed cult director/actor Paul Bartel ("Eating Raoul").

The special-edition DVD will both present DREAMERS in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. This new digital widescreen transfer was created from a pristine 35mm low contrast print, made from the original camera negative. Ann and Neal supervised this transfer. The film’s soundtrack was taken from the original THX Dolby Surround Sound master.

DVD special features include an audio commentary by Ann and Neal, deleted scenes, "The Making of Dreamers Documentary," theatrical trailer, TV spot, alternative versions of the theatrical poster, cast and filmmaker information, and a still photo gallery.

 

10/04/02

PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2002 DVD TITLES

Title

Street Date

Sound

Screen Format

Aspect Ratio

SRP

Rating

Year

I LOVE LUCY: 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

10-01-2002

Surround

4:3

1.33:1

$19.99

NR

2001

I LOVE LUCY: SEASON #1: VOLUME #3

10-01-2002

1.0

4:3

1.33:1

$14.99

NR

1951

I LOVE LUCY: SEASON #1: VOLUME #4

10-01-2002

1.0

4:3

1.33:1

$14.99

NR

1962

CAROL BURNETT SHOW: SHOW STOPPERS

10-08-2002

2.0

4:3

1.33:1

$19.99

NR

2001

FLASHDANCE

10-08-2002

5.1

Letterbox, 16:9

1.85:1

$24.98

R

1982

FOOTLOOSE

10-08-2002

5.1

Letterbox, 16:9

1.85:1

$24.99

PG

1984

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (Special Edition)

10-08-2002

5.1

Letterbox, 16:9

1.85:1

$24.99

R

1977

STAYING ALIVE

10-08-2002

5.1

Letterbox, 16:9

1.85:1

$24.99

PG

1983

URBAN COWBOY

10-08-2002

5.1

Letterbox, 16:9

2.35:1

$24.99

PG

1980

LUCKY BREAK

10-22-2002

5.1

Letterbox

2.35:1

$29.99

PG-13

2002

STAR TREK 3: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK (Special Edition)

10-22-2002

5.1

Letterbox, 16:9

2.35:1

$29.99

PG

1984

DAY REAGAN WAS SHOT

10-29-2002

2.0

4:3

1.33:1

$29.99

R

2001

SUM OF ALL FEARS (Special Edition)

10-29-2002

5.1

Letterbox, 16:9

1.85:1

$29.99

PG-13

2002

BLUE'S CLUES: GETTING TO KNOW JOE

11-05-2002

2.0

4:3

1.33:1

$19.99

NR

2002

HOUSEBOAT

11-05-2002

1.0

Letterbox, 16:9

1.78:1

$24.99

NR

1958

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: SEA STORIES

11-05-2002

2.0

4:3

1.33:1

$19.99

NR

2002

STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION: SEASON #5

11-05-2002

5.1

4:3

1.33:1

$134.99

NR

1991

TO CATCH A THIEF

11-05-2002

1.0

Letterbox, 16:9

1.78:1

$24.99

NR

1955

DIVA'S CHRISTMAS CAROL

11-19-2002

2.0

4:3

1.33:1

$29.99

PG

2000

MTV: YOGA: KRISTIN MCGEE

11-26-2002

2.0

4:3

1.33:1

$19.99

NR

2002

ROMAN HOLIDAY

11-26-2002

1.0

4:3

1.33:1

$24.99

NR

1953

SUNSET BOULEVARD (Special Edition)

11-26-2002

1.0

4:3

1.33:1

$24.99

NR

1950

10/03/02

REVOLUTION STUDIOS' HOT, ACTION-PACKED BOX-OFFICE HIT STARRING VIN DIESEL XXX EXPLODES ON SPECIAL EDITION DVD ON DECEMBER 31

On December 31, action fans and adrenaline junkies alike will be able to experience the ultimate espionage thriller at home with the highly anticipated debut on Special Edition DVD and video of Revolution Studios' XXX from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment (CTHE).

Both visually stunning and intensely entertaining, the XXX Special Edition DVD, available in both widescreen and full screen versions, will feature a single-disc packed with special features, including deleted scenes with a director's commentary; visual effects "How To's"; the "Filmmakers Diary" documentary, and so much more. The XXX Special Edition DVD is priced at $27.96 SLP and the video is priced for rental. In support of this high-wattage mega-hit, CTHE is mounting a comprehensive and expansive marketing campaign.

Exploding onto the big screen, XXX generated more than $140 million to date in domestic box-office and has opened #1 in every international territory thus far. The film reunites the winning The Fast and the Furious team: star Vin Diesel (The Fast and the Furious, Boiler Room, Pitch Black), director Rob Cohen (The Fast and the Furious, The Skulls) and producer Neal H. Moritz (The Fast and the Furious, The Skulls). The film also features two renowned international stars, Asia Argento (Trauma, The Stendhal Syndrome) and Marton Csokas (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Down and Under). XXX brings a combination of talent that delivers edge of your seat intrigue and plenty of action.

DVD ADDED VALUE

Packed with an array of bonus material and added footage, the must-see XXX DVD (available in both widescreen and full screen) offers deleted scenes with a director's commentary; visual effects "How To's"; the "Xander Zone" and so much more.

SYNOPSIS

Vin Diesel stars as former extreme sports athlete Xander Cage (XXX) who is a walking advertisement for anti-authoritarianism. And like the letter that begins his first name, he's extreme in every way - making him a perfect candidate to spearhead a clandestine operation being mounted by the National Security Agency. Scouted by Agent Augustus Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson), a veteran with the NSA, XXX is forced to cooperate with the government to infiltrate an underground Russian crime ring in order to avoid going to prison. Forced to use his athletic prowess and thrill-seekers attitude, XXX must covertly enter this dangerous world to combat a ruthless enemy. Xander finds himself pitted against a cadre of cutting-edge thugs calling themselves Anarchy 99, headed by the brutal ex-Russian Army commander Yorgi (Marton Csokas) and his beautiful but hardened girlfriend, Yelena (Asia Argento). The result of this combination of volatile personalities provides some of the most thrilling action sequences ever assembled onscreen.

 

MGM HOME ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS A GUARANTEED, SURE-FIRE FLOP!-- THE PRODUCERS

Available For The First Time, Mel Brooks' Directorial Debut Arrives On Special Edition DVD On December 3, 2002

Boasting An All-New, Hour-Long Documentary, DVD Features A Brand-New Transfer, Deleted Scene Sketch And Photo Galleries, And Much More!

The Academy Award®-winning film that inspired Broadway's top grossing show ever, Mel Brooks' screwball musical comedy THE PRODUCERS debuts on Special Edition DVD on December 3rd from MGM Home Entertainment. The directorial debut for Brooks (Spaceballs, Blazing Saddles), THE PRODUCERS garnered an Academy Award® for Best Story and Screenplay in 1968. A classic showbiz farce about a down-on-his-luck theatrical producer and his timid accountant who try to make a fortune by creating a sure-fire flop, THE PRODUCERS features legendary Broadway and film star Zero Mostel (A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum) and Academy Award® nominee Gene Wilder (Young Frankenstein). 33 years later, Brooks adapted his story for the stage and the show starring Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick won a record-breaking 12 Tony® Awards in 2001.

Just in time for the holidays, THE PRODUCERS Special Edition DVD boasts a brand-new 16X9 transfer, digitally enhanced 5.1 surround sound and an all-new, hour-long documentary entitled "The Making Of The Producers." The DVD also features a lengthy deleted scene, a sketch gallery featuring original set designs, a "Wild Lines" audio feature, a photo gallery containing 40 images, animated menus, Easter egg, and more. THE PRODUCERS Special Edition DVD will be priced at just $24.98.

Low-rent Broadway producer Max Bialystock (Mostel) and his high-strung accountant Leo Bloom (Wilder) discover that, with the help of a few gullible investors, they can make more money on a flop than on a hit! Armed with the worst show ever written ("Springtime For Hitler") and an equally horrific cast, this double-dealing duo is berg on disaster. But when their sureto-offend musical becomes a surprise smash hit, they find themselves in the middle of a Broadway blitzkrieg!

THE PRODUCERS

 

INNOCENCE--ONE OF THE MOST CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED AND AWARD WINNING LOVE STORIES OF THE YEAR WILL DEBUT ON DVD AND VHS DEC. 10

Awards:
Winner, Best Feature Film, Independent Filmmaker of the Year, Best Actress, Best Editing, Best Sound Design - Australian Independent Film Awards
Winner, Grand Prix of the Americas Award and People's Choice Award - Montreal World Film Festival
Winner, Audience Award - Cannes Film Festival
Special Citation, People's Choice Award - Toronto Film Festival
Grand Jury Prize - St. Tropez Film Festival

INNOCENCE is a timeless and charming romance from director Paul Cox (A Woman's Tail) starring Julia Blake (Hotel de Love, My Brilliant Career) and Charles "Bud" Tingwell (The Dish, A Cry in the Dark). The film is a compelling and heartwarming testament to the human spirit and the vital elements of passion and desire that make the spirit soar.

For 50 years, Claire (Blake) has dealt with the support and comfort of a loveless marriage. Seemingly satisfied that her twilight years will be spent with a husband she's grown to know but no longer loves, Cl