Comic-Con 2013: Marvel Panel
Out of all of the panels that were to appear in Hall H this year, the one that I was looking forward to the most (with the exception of Harrison Ford), was the Marvel one and it also proved to be the hardest one to get into as well. I love superhero comics and movies (both DC and Marvel) so I was very excited to see what Marvel had planned for Thor: The Dark World and Captain America: The Winter Soldier as they were the only two announced panels. I knew that Marvel being Marvel, would of course have something secret that they would spring on us and I couldn’t wait to see what it was. I thought it might be an official announcement for The Avengers 2 or maybe some welcome news of a brand new franchise like Doctor Strange or something. I thought there might even be a mention of The Guardians of the Galaxy, but considered that to be somewhat unlikely since they just started filming the movie. They couldn’t possibly have footage to show after fourteen days of filming right? And there’s no chance that Loki could show up to belittle the Hall H crowd either right? Well, true believers you just might be surprised… Continue reading ‘Comic-Con 2013: Marvel Panel’
Nobody does John Carpenter’s films justice on home video like Scream Factory. They’ve already released 4 titles directed or produced by him and have 2 more slated for release before the year ends. One of those is his 1987 cult classic Prince of Darkness. It’s a film that reunites Carpenter with actor Donald Pleasance, who starred in Carpenter’s breakout film Halloween. These new extras feature a new interview and commentary with John Carpenter himself (he can be tough to get ahold of for these things nowadays). In addition, rock legend Alice Cooper and frequent composing collaborator Alan Howarth have interviews. Also appearing is another episode of the always informative Horrors Hallowed Grounds series (will Robert Russler show up yet again?). Also, if you act now and preorder from Scream Factory’s official site (
Although Fox never listed what was going to be covered during their Comic-Con panel this year, I knew I had to be there because I was pretty sure that The Wolverine would be included and I had a sneaky suspicion that we might get to see some X-Men: Days of Future Past footage. I was right on both counts, but there was still some big surprises in store. It was a panel that included a funny pickup line, the concept of a Wolverine Broadway musical, and some absolutely amazing footage that I was happy to see twice. 
Everybody seems to want to get into the zombie business these days. And if you want to be different or above that, you go and call them “infected”. Back in the early 1980s, everybody wanted to cash in on the slasher genre. They were cheap to make and could win you a healthy profit at the box office. In this last decade and still going now, the zombie film seems to be the modern day slasher in those terms. With the advent of being able to do CG or easily seclude people and bloody up some extras, every seems to have a story to tell. And the zombies do sell very well. So why not? Anchor Bay brings us another example of this with their new release, The Demented. It’s a film that has a solid finish, but pitter patters on its way there. 
When it comes to Rick Springfield, “Jesse’s Girl” immediately plays in 99.9% of our brains. A few less may recall his days on the daytime soap General Hospital. And all of this was back in the 1980s. It’s been a long time since Springfield fever was sweeping the nation. But for some, it never left. And for Rick Springfield, he still continues playing on, knowing his prime has past but all is not lost. An Affair Of The Heart documents the latter part of Rick Springfield’s career and the fans that have stayed loyal and devoted throughout. The documentary is a celebration of a man overcoming himself, touching the lives of others and everything culminating in the joy of his music. Apparently he had more songs than “Jesse’s Girl”. Who knew? 
35 years ago, John Carpenter and Debra Hill changed the landscape of horror for may years to come. Once the highest grossing independent film of all time, Halloween has scared audiences for over 3 decades. It has been replicated, sequelized and remade, but none stand close to the original “Night He Came Home”. Anchor Bay is celebrating the anniversary in style. First and most importantly this is a new transfer of the film supervised by the film’s cinematographer, the legendary Dean Cundey (this is also not the same transfer used for last years re-release). Some complained the original Blu-ray wasn’t up to snuff with his intended vision. Well, Anchor Bay listened and here you go. There’s also an all new commentary from John Carpenter and Jamie Lee Curtis as well as a new interview with the original scream queen herself. Halloween is my all-time favorite film, as it scared me senseless as a kid and its production story and history served as an inspiration for me and my love of film. “The immortal classic returns” on Blu-ray September 24th. Continue on to read all the details and specs for this release! 
I’ve been there for every edge-of-your-seat moment, every kill, inside Dexter’s most intimate thoughts, watching him transform before my eyes. Now, after eight amazing seasons, it’s time to say goodbye to America’s Favorite Serial Killer and most importantly for me, I was finally able to see the show’s Comic-Con panel for the first and unfortunately the last time ever. I must say this will go down as one of the most exciting days of my life. Read on and see how it all went down Thursday evening in the massive Hall H at Comic-Con 2013 in beautiful downtown San Diego, CA. 
Wayward cats no more! Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward Cats, a local Los Angeles non-profit organization specializing in street cat rescue, is producing A CATbaret! – A One-Night Celebrity Musical Celebration of the Alluring Feline. This one-night only benefit concert is on Sunday, August 4 at 7:30pm at the historic Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles. Mingle with the celebrities at a VIP after party following the event. Check out the full press release below! 
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Bruce Lee’s big Hollywood film debut, Enter The Dragon. Of course it was his only true Hollywood film, as he died just a month before its premiere. His personal filmography may be very light, but his legacy is one of the largest Hollywood has ever seen. He inspired an entire generation of action films, bringing the kung fu genre to the forefront. There have been many imitators and many trying to become take what he started to a whole new level. Not only did he have, still to this day, an amazing physique but also an amazing mixed martial arts skill set to break wide open the fight scenes in his films. Before getting his big Hollywood break, Bruce had moved back to Hong Kong and started making kung fu films there which later became big hits in other countries. To celebrate 40 years of Bruce’s biggest film, Shout! Factory is releasing The Legacy Collection, gathering his first 3 films that led to Enter The Dragon and Lee’s final appearance Game Of Death. Also, this set is chalk full of extras, including 3 feature length documentaries. 
Entering Ballroom 20 first thing in the morning, it’s clear that the majority of the fans nearby are not here for “American Dad”, “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy”. These are vamp-people and they are going to sit in this room all day waiting to see the cast of “True Blood”. The day before I attended a panel at Nerd HQ with Joe Manganiello, who plays Alcide the wolf. Joe handed out stickers with his face, height and weight on them. I used the sticker as a book mark and instantly drew a small crowd of curious wolf-lovers who were unable to see Joe. The number one question was “is he as big as he looks on television” and without hesitation I can honestly say he looks bigger. 
We’ll be posting our Dexter Comic-Con 2013 panel very soon, but it was at the con where we the press and fans alike were first alerted to the November 5th date for not only the Eight Season, but also an exclusive box set of all 8 seasons and more. Come on, I know I peaked your curiosity now! So what are you waiting for? Thanks to one of my favorite press people, I’m pleased to share with you all the complete press release detailing the exciting news from Showtime Networks, CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Media Distribution. The pre-orders for the sets are below. Enjoy! 
