Episode 483: ICE — Collecting to the Extreme!
Over Labor Day weekend a group of Star Wars collectors from across the globe gathered in the Washington DC area for an International Collector’s Event–or ICE. Items were sold and traded, collections were put on display, and friends swapped stories. All while traveling through Virginia and Maryland visiting a dozen Star Wars collections!
Marjorie and Arnie were on-hand to see these impressive displays and talk to some of the other attendees. So kick back and enjoy this extra-cool episode of Star Wars Action News!
Also, please check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/34q7j3/SWAN483.mp3
Demons 2 – Donation Bonus
This sequel to Lamberto Bava’s Demons follows a group of new people on the run from these possessed undead. It may not follow up in story but it keeps the spirit and the gore of the original. But should you watch it first, if you watch it at all? Donate to Now Playing to hear this second review in our bonus Demons retrospective!
NOTE: This Podcast was originally made available to donors for a limited time. To celebrate 10 years of Now Playing Podcast we have made this show available again!
You can get this episode individually, or you can subscribe for 12 months to access all our bonus shows.
Every dollar you donate goes to make this show the best it can be. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy the podcast!
Demons – for Annual Subscribers
A free ticket to the movies means death for a group of unwitting victims. That is the plot of the Italian horror film Demons! Produced by Dario Argento, this series was meant to continue some of George Romero’s Dawn of the Living Dead vibe. Should you tear your stub and enter this theater? If you donate to Now Playing you can listen and find out!
NOTE: This listing is for annual subscribers to our show. You can also get this movie review individually for a small donation.
Every dollar you donate goes to make this show the best it can be. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy the podcast!
Amazon puts Star Wars: Rogue One figures up for pre-order
Didn’t expect this today! Amazon.com has put up for order a ton of new Hasbro figure for Rogue one! Plus other new figures that will be shipping around this new major toy release
Up now is
- Black Series 6-inch Figures
- Princess Leia
- Shark Leader
- Shark Trooper (Yellow)
- Tertiary Hero Droid
- Seal Seer
- AT-ACT Driver
- Seal Weaponizer
- Sabine
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (From A New Hope – confirmation the SDCC figure will be released regularly, without the extra accessories)
- and, the best, Darth Vader
Also up for order is the new, big, AT-ACT vehicle!
So if you want to get your orders secured, head to Amazon now!
Thanks to JediTempleArchives.com’s Facebook Page for the heads up on this!
NOW LIVE – Hasbro’s SDCC 2016 Exclusive Toys
Up for order right now are Hasbro’s 2016 San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive toys!
If you want them, read the rest of this article later. Go now to Hasbro’s order page and try to get yours!
Hasbro updated their Hasbro Toy Shop site in the early hours of Aug 9, 2016 listing all the SDCC exclusive toys that are now available. They listed them as “Out of Stock” so orders were held until the allotted time. Many of our listeners let us know they thought they had missed out on this sale and have already gone to eBay.
But now the items are online! Up for sale are:
Star Wars:
Black Series 6-Inch Obi-Wan Kenobi PackSold Out at 10:22 am CSTBlack Series 6-Inch Kylo Ren PackSold Out at 10:49 am CSTBlack Series 6-Inch Sergeant Jyn Erso PackSold Out at 10:10 am CST
Marvel:
- The Collector’s Vault 3.75-inch Legends Figure Set (with Howard the Duck!!)
The Raft 6-inch Legends Figure SetSold Out at 12:50pm CST
Transformers
- Generations Titans Return Titan Force Set
- Generation Titans Return Titan Class Fortress Maximus (Convention Edition)
- Evolution Soundwave (Convention Exclusive Featuring Tablet Mode)
Other
- My Little Pony DIscord and Fluttershy Set
- Micronauts Comic Con Set
- Visionaries: Knight of the Magical Light Mighty Muggs
- Magic the Gathering 20166 SDCC Exclusive Set
- Yo-Kai Watch Jewelnyan
So hurry to Hasbro Toy Shop and get your orders in fast! Some of these products (Magic the Gathering, all 3 Star Wars figures, and the 6-Inch Marvel Legends set for sure) won’t last long!
Good Luck
Episode 482: SDCC Exclusives — Thumbs Up!
San Diego Comic-Con has come and gone, but the desire for exclusives lives on! Yesterday Hasbro Toy Shop put up for order their three Star Wars Black Series 6-Inch 2016 exclusives: Jyn Erso, Unmasked Kylo Ren, and A New Hope Obi-Wan Kenobi with talking holographic Leia! They were all gone in under an hour.
Are these figures worth the trouble it took to get them? Or the eBay prices? Join Arnie and Marjorie on this week’s show for in-depth reviews of all three Hasbro SDCC 2016 exclusives!
With a bonus review of Funko’s SDCC exclusive BB-8 with “Thumbs Up” lighter, and a look at the new Star Wars novel Aftermath: Life Debt, all this and much more is in this week’s new podcast!
Also, please check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/ufzjie/swan482.mp3
Batman: Assault on Arkham is the Original Suicide Squad!
NOTE: Now Playing Podcast and La La Land Records are giving away 5 copies of The Killing Joke limited CD Soundtrack. Follow @nowplayingpod on Twitter and retweet their pinned tweet to enter!
Starting today, DC movies are committing Suicide. Sure, everyone knows Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman – the featured characters in last Spring’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. But Killer Croc? Deadshot? Captain Boomerang? These are some lesser known characters–and the stars of the new movie Suicide Squad. With an August release date and a story of criminals out to do good, it’s obvious DC is hoping to capture some of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy magic (and dollars). Outside of comic book die-hards these characters aren’t household names, but with this film DC hopes they will be. So to prepare for this live action film, I watched another movie version of this tale: DC’s 2014 animated direct-to-video Batman: Assault on Arkham.
Like the live-action film, this cartoon tells of a “Suicide Squad” formed to infiltrate Arkham Asylum — Gotham City’s infamous sanitarium for the criminally insane. Government official Amanda Waller calls together a team of seven criminals to covertly infiltrate the prison. Batman foe The Riddler is imprisoned there, and he has a thumb drive that could expose Waller’s above-the-law operations. The group she assembles consists of five lesser-known DC baddies: Captain Boomerang, King Shark, Killer Frost, Black Spider, and the hilariously named KGBeast. For a little star power, the headliners are two more popular Batman enemies: Harley Quinn and Deadshot. For full disclosure, I certainly hadn’t heard of most of the characters in this film. When it comes to DC comics, if a character wasn’t featured in a live-action film or the ‘60s Batman TV show, odds are I don’t know them. I have seen a handful of episodes of Batman: The Animated Series though, and I find great enjoyment in several of DC’s direct-to-video animated films.
I suspect those excited by seeing Captain Boomerang and KGBeast in action are already DC Comics readers and fans. Those die-hards would excitedly pre-order a Suicide Squad animated film, because they know what that means. Instead, for marketing, this movie is called Batman: Assault on Arkham but the Dark Knight is very much a supporting player in this tale. This movie should have been called Suicide Squad, but wasn’t, I suspect, for two reasons. First, invoking Arkham in the title shows this movie is set in the universe of the immensely successful Batman: Arkham video games. In fact, the movie is a sequel to Arkham: Origins and takes place about two years before the original Arkham Asylum game. Second, giving Batman top billing appeals to more casual fans like me. Without a heavy marketing campaign like the live-action film has, I would likely skip an animated movie called Suicide Squad. Call it Batman and you have my interest. If you don’t know these characters as I didn’t, it won’t be a barrier to your enjoyment. These enslaved villains are introduced quickly with ‘70s style title cards announcing their names. Before you know it, this motley crew is rounded up and told of their mission. If they don’t comply, Waller will detonate explosives planted in their necks.
Why are these specific people chosen? Why use criminals instead of more traditional assassins? The film glosses over the answers so we can get to the action! |
| Once the titular Assault begins, the fun never ends. The plot is full of so many twists and turns I am hesitant to discuss them lest I rob you of the fun of discovery. Suffice it to say the team’s objectives change every ten to fifteen minutes, and when Quinn’s former beau The Joker shows up, it all goes sideways.
The animation is rudimentary, and I sometimes had trouble distinguishing between Deadshot and Black Spider. Even though one is African-American and the other Caucasian, the coloring muted the skin tones. Add to that identical facial hair, somewhat similar hairstyles, and my lack of familiarity with these characters, at times I found myself confused.
Despite that, this hard PG-13 cartoon did the seemingly impossible–the action excited me. This Squad isn’t afraid to kill some cops in brutal ways. In truth, I haven’t seen so many decapitations since David Cronenberg’s original Scanners! Not only are nameless guards and cops taken out, but so are some characters from DC Comics. The team is called a Suicide Squad and, surely enough, some of them don’t survive the mission. This feeling that all the characters are at risk upped the suspense–no one feels safe in this cartoon. If you know these characters, if you are steeped in the Arkham video game universe, I can only imagine your enjoyment is even greater than mine. I did, however, become giddy when Poison Ivy, Bane, Penguin, and other characters I actually knew, made minor appearances.
Beyond violence, there is a PG level sex scene, and some “almost see it” nudity with the femme fatales Quinn and Frost. What the film lacks in visuals, it makes up for in the score. The music is omnipresent and sets a mood that the script and characterizations sometimes fail to do. But I found myself tapping my fingers throughout. The voice acting is also well done. Nearly all the actors, including Kevin Conroy (Batman), C.C.H. Pounder (Waller), and Jennifer Hale (Killer Frost), have played these characters for years. Their familiar performances were welcome. Newcomers Greg Ellis (Captain Boomerang), Neal McDonough (Deadshot) and Giancarlo Esposito (Black Spider) also do very well.
I did, however, truly miss Mark Hamill and Arleen Sorkin, the respective voices of The Joker and Harley Quinn since the ‘90s Batman: The Animated Series and several of the Batman: Arkham games. Both had retired from the role (though Hamill reprised in this year’s Batman: The Killing Joke). Troy Baker and Hynden Walch are fine in the roles, but I felt a lack of menace and chaos from both. While Batman: Assault on Arkham is by no means a perfect movie, its manic action is a blast. The script does an admirable job of introducing the characters and the “Suicide Squad” concept. And, based on the trailers, I strongly suspect today’s live-action Suicide Squad took many beats from this animated version. I give Assault on Arkham a solid Recommend. Now Playing Podcast’s review of Suicide Squad will be released Tuesday, Aug 9th! Buy Batman: Assault on Arkham now on Blu-Ray Buy Batman: The Killing Joke now on Blu-Ray Hear Now Playing Podcast’s entire Batman movie review series. *Note: There are no plans for Now Playing Podcast to do podcast reviews of the direct-to-video DC Animated films. |
Review – Batman: The Killing Joke (Out today on Blu-Ray!)
| NOTE: Now Playing Podcast and La La Land Records are giving away 5 copies of The Killing Joke limited CD Soundtrack. Follow @nowplayingpod on Twitter and retweet their pinned tweet to enter!
I would love to see [The Killing Joke] depicted in animation style with Mark Hamill coming back, cuz I’m hearing Mark Hamill’s voice the whole time I’m reading the Joker’s lines anyway.
The animated movie adaptation of Batman: The Killing Joke is every bit as disturbing and entertaining as Alan Moore’s original graphic novel. DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation have been pushing the envelope with direct-to-video superhero movies. Violent deaths, sex scenes, and a peppering of profanity can be seen in several cartoon films, including Batman: Assault on Arkham, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, and Batman vs Robin. Given this teen-audience aim, I hoped for The Killing Joke to get adapted since first reading it in 2012. I was excited when the project was announced, and nearly ecstatic that it would be shown in theaters for two nights by Fathom Events*. This seemed to raise the bar — would this be a Batman animated film on par with Nolan and Burton’s live-action movies? The answer is “no”. But it’s close. The final 40 minutes of The Killing Joke ranks among the best I’ve seen on screen–big screen or small. But it takes a while to get there. Writer Alan Moore and artist Brian Bolland’s 48-page graphic novel is too short for feature-length. To pump this movie to 76 minutes (still 4 minutes shy of the Screen Actors Guild definition of a film) producer Bruce Timm and writer Brian Azzarello padded the script with a 30-minute first act. This is a separate story entirely from The Killing Joke. The Joker is nowhere to be seen, and Commissioner Gordon only appears briefly.
The film’s first dialogue is Batgirl breaking the fourth wall, saying, “I realize this is probably not how you thought the story would start, not with a big shiny moon or a city that could look stunning in spite of itself. Or me.” She’s right. Batgirl, also known as Barbara Gordon, is the star of this first act. Tara Strong returned to voice this character who she’s portrayed since 1997. The story is of Batgirl’s pursuit of sociopathic gangster Paris Franz, who is obsessed with the spandex-wearing crimefighter. He wants to date, or rape, her–and he doesn’t seem to care which it is. But Batgirl is infatuated with someone else–Batman. Interludes show Barbara working in the library and discussing the emotionally distant man she desires. Batman, on the other hand, shows only a professional interest in his younger trainee, which lends their relationship almost a 50 Shades of Gray quality. She desperately wants him to love her–he only wants the violence. The result is truly a romantic drama painting Barbara Gordon as a lonely, pining librarian. Are we supposed to cheer when Batgirl finally pins Batman and plants a kiss on his lips, bedding The Bat? I truly don’t know.
I do find this story reductive. Batgirl can kick ass but here she’s defined only by her desire for love. Batman refusing to return her calls after their one night stand is trite soap-opera melodrama. Yet I understand why Timm and Azzarello put this in the movie. Yes, they needed to extend the running time, but this also gives Barbara Gordon context. It can be presumed readers of The Killing Joke know her heroic history as Batgirl, but a movie audience needs to be shown. Also, Moore has been accused of misogyny for what happens to Barbara in his story — she is barely featured other than to be tortured. This fleshes out her character. Her monologue continues: “I wanted you to know that before the horror began, before it all came crashing down, there was a time when capes and cowls and fighting crime was really exciting.” The filmmakers needed to make her a hero to deepen her character, and to make what happens later all the more tragic. The end result feels like Watchmen-lite. Batgirl and Batman shagging reminded me of Silk Spectre and Nite Owl. They are turned on by the fight, and the costumes. Yet this lacks Moore’s subtlety or postmodern commentary. It is simply a cartoon relationship.
|
30 minutes into this film, Batgirl’s role is diminished. Batman enters Arkham Asylum to talk to The Joker, and Moore and Bolland’s Killing Joke begins. This second half of The Killing Joke movie is a direct, almost line-for-line recreation of the graphic novel. Moore is uncredited as he dislikes movies based on his comics, but the spirit and words from his graphic novel are displayed large on the screen. Many fans are ardent enthusiasts of Moore’s works and here, like in the 2009 film adaptation of Watchmen, it seems the source material is treated to reverential to alter. It seems there is a paralysis of creativity, a fear of changing Moore’s words. This extends also to Bolland’s art style. The on-screen Batman and Joker look radically different than in previous cartoons…and identical to Bolland’s graphic novel designs. This sticks out as many of the minor characters, including Barbara Gordon and the Joker’s circus freak gang, are drawn in a style much more in line with Timm’s previous works like Batman: The Animated Series. The Joker flachbacks are also colored like the original comic.
In animation, using a computer to create smooth motion between two still images is called “tweening”. This movie almost feels like they scanned in Bolland’s pages and Moore’s script and “tweened” them to create a film. The voice actors range in quality. While Kevin Conroy has portrayed Batman since the beginning of Batman: The Animated Series in 1992, his portrayal is rather flat. Never do I hear a Batman on the verge of homicide. However, Mark Hamill shines as The Joker. Hamill famously retired from this role after the acclaimed video game Batman: Arkham Knight. In a pre-movie featurette Hamill mocks himself for saying that, and explains the promise of doing Moore’s classic story enticed him back. He is absolutely amazing. His vocal intonations drip with evil menace. He even performs an atonal, amoral musical number “I Go Looney” — finally giving music to Moore’s words. And he does it with aplomb. He shines as much as Jack Nicholson or Heath Ledger in this role. So close to the release of Suicide Squad, this sets a high bar for Jared Leto, as many Bat-fans will have Hamill fresh in their minds.
While Joker’s song may not have you humming along, its chaotic sound is perfect for the scene. Yet I was more impressed by the film’s score (revealed in a post-film featurette to be fully orchestrated). The music is bombastic and deep and may be my favorite Bat-score since Danny Elfman’s originals. The score, including “I Go Looney” is available on a limited edition CD from La La Land Records. Twin Peaks star Ray Wise voices Commissioner Gordon. His first time performing this role, his participation seems a bit of typecasting. He is best known for playing the grieving father of Laura Palmer in that ‘90s ABC series. Here he is again a father in despair over the violence Joker does to his daughter Barbara. His performance is mostly relegated to wails and moans while his character is dragged around naked on a leash. For this, Wise is suitably adequate.
Yet for the implied nudity and violence, and for its R rating, The Killing Joke is remarkably mild. A sex scene ends with a glimpse of a bra. Someone is shot and covered in blood, but their clothes aren’t even torn. There is some cursing, but they never even use the single F-word allowed in PG-13 films, let alone a tirade of profanity R ratings have. I believe the rating is more a publicity stunt than a reflection of the film’s content. I’ve seen far worse violence and language in live-action PG-13 films. Yet this R rating tells adult fans “this is for you” and, perhaps intentionally, prevents younger fans from getting in. An R rating is a rule enforced by theaters, whereas PG-13 is a guideline for parents. The Killing Joke doesn’t earn an R rating, but it is best if it keeps out kids aged 8 or under. All told, if fans of Moore’s graphic novel can make it through the Batgirl Romance story they should be pleased with the final 40 minutes of The Killing Joke. It is a violent and trippy Batman tale, just like the source material. Recommend The Blu-Ray and DVD will be released Aug 2, 2016 Hear Now Playing Podcast’s entire Batman movie review series. *Note: There are no plans for Now Playing Podcast to cover the direct-to-video DC Animated films. |
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Exclusives – Iron Man Mark VII Sub Zero and Iron Man Mark VI Die Cast
Hot Toys has added 2 more Iron Man figures to their roster today–but they may not stick around for long!
First is the Iron Man Mark VII Sub Zero armor. Being a regional exclusive, this one will be the first to sell out. Official image and text below:
The Iron Man Mark VII has been a favorite armor among Iron Man fans as many collectors have sought after the original sixth scale Mark VII and Hot Toys’ originally designed Mark VII (Stealth Mode Version) collectible figures since their debut.
Sideshow and Hot Toys are excited to introduce yet another original take on this iconic armor by presenting the new sixth scale Mark VII (Sub-Zero Version) Collectible Figure!
The Sub-Zero version Mark VII’s design is inspired by the concept of Tony Stark creating a specialized armor for carrying out missions in the frigid zones with its color scheme acting as camouflage to conceal itself in areas filled with heavy snow.
The Mark VII (Sub-Zero Version) Collectible Figure is only available exclusively in selected markets and features multiple layers and various shades of white and light gray colors on armor with white carbon-fiber like designs, Stark Industries decals at various parts of the armor, LED light-up functions, interchangeable armor parts, and a specially designed white colored dynamic figure stand.
This extremely stylish Sub-Zero version Mark VII collectible figure will be an excellent addition to your Iron Man collection!
You can pre-order the Sub-Zero Iron Man Mark VII now at Sideshow Collectibles.
Second is a new version of The Avengers‘ Iron Man Mark VI, now with a die-cast body and new accessories. And the exclusive edition comes with a separate Iron Man helmet with light-up features.
The official description is:
Many fans have considered the Iron Man Mark VI one of their favorite Iron Man suits that Tony Stark has used in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Featuring an all-new arc reactor core and new triangular shape design, the Mark VI is able to fend off Hammer Drones and withstand the powerful lightning strikes from the mighty Thor! Sideshow and Hot Toys are thrilled to revisit this fan-favorite suit and officially introduce the brand new sixth scale collectible figure of Mark VI as seen in Marvel’s The Avengers for the MMS Diecast Series!
The highly-accurate collectible figure is made of diecast material, and crafted with phenomenal details that astonish fans with its high level of authenticity!
The over 32cm tall diecast figure has an array of features including a newly developed helmeted head sculpt of Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, interchangeable LED light-up helmet, movie-accurate proportion and highly detailed armor design with fully enhanced articulations, specially applied metallic painting on armor, interchangeable weapons and battle damaged armor parts, LED light-up functions on eyes, palms, lower chest and forearms, and a specially designed LED light-up Stark Tower-themed figure stand.
Do not miss out on the opportunity to have this new Mark VI in your Iron Man collection!
Pre-Order the Die Cast Iron Man Mark VI Now at Sideshow Collectibles
Episode 481: Star Wars Collectibles at San Diego Comic-Con 2016
San Diego Comic-Con was last weekend, and Star Wars was everywhere! From announcements on books and comics to toys and collectibles, the Star Wars Action News team was there to bring you the highlights!
On this full video episode, Arnie and Marjorie are joined by Marvelicious Toys’ host Justin to talk about all the exclusives, the Hasbro reveals, and more.
Watch this episode for exclusive interviews with eFX Collectibles, Kotobukiya, Gentle Giant and Hasbro! Plus a tour of the floor and look at items by Beast Kingdom, Funko, and more!
And check out our photo galleries to see hundreds of pictures from the convention!
Also, please check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: http://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/99gbx8/SWAN481-edited_audio.mp3
Ghostbusters (2016) – for Annual Subscribers
It’s been almost 30 years since the Ghostbusters took control, and despite repeated attempts the closest we got to a Ghostbusters 3 was the 2009 Atari video game. But finally we have an all new Ghostbusters — a total reboot that shows the original formation of three scientists to stop poltergeists from plaguing New York City. The film was politicized and mired in controversy almost from the moment it was released, but when you get past all that–is the movie good? Supporters of Now Playing can join Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie to find out!
NOTE: This listing is for annual subscribers to our show. You can also get this movie review individually for a small donation.
Every dollar you donate goes to make this show the best it can be. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy the podcast!
Episode 480: Celebrating Star Wars in Eurorpe, 2016!
Arnie C: http://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/feed/fi2c7q/SWAN480.mp3
Samsung Partners with Warner Bros. Pictures for Suicide Squad VR Experience – Premiering at SDCC
Today, Samsung announced its partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures to bring exclusive virtual reality (VR) content and experiences to fans of the highly anticipated film Suicide Squad.
The VR content, which Samsung will debut at Co
mic-Con 2016 along with other Suicide Squad-themed immersive experiences, transports viewers into a scene from the film and features their favorite characters like Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Deadshot (Will Smith) and Katana (Karen Fukuhara).
Using Samsung Gear VR powered by Oculus, the VR content will debut at San Diego Comic-Con on July 21. It will transport fans into the world of Suicide Squad, experiencing what it’s like being a member of the Squad and watching their favorite characters, like Harley Quinn, Deadshot and Katana, in a scene from the film. It will be available on August 5 on Samsung VR, the brand’s premium virtual reality content service.
“Suicide Squad is one of the most anticipated films of the year and we’re thrilled to team up with Warner Bros. in this innovative way,” said Marc Mathieu, Samsung Electronics America’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Connecting with fans through immersive VR and 360 storytelling and breakthrough experiences gives Samsung yet another opportunity to explore how our technology can enhance popular culture.”
Gene Garlock, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Promotional Alliances and Partnerships, Warner Bros. Pictures, stated, “We’re absolutely delighted to be working with Samsung Electronics via such a broad and inventive partnership. Our collective aim is to reward fans of the property both in the consumer market and by giving them the chance to immerse themselves in a virtual environment alongside the Suicide Squad characters in a most realistic and exciting way.”
Samsung will provide fans exclusive content and experiences throughout the summer, including:
Nationwide Retail Promotion
Fans who purchase a Samsung Galaxy tablet* at leading retailers, will receive two tickets to see Suicide Squad when it opens in theaters August 5. The national retail promotion will run from July 15 through August 20, or while supplies last. For more information and a list of participating retailers, please visit SamsungPromotions.com/SuicideSquad.
San Diego Comic-Con
At San Diego Comic-Con from July 21 through 24, Samsung will help bring the film to life by transforming the Samsung Experience into a real-life Suicide Squad experience. The Belle Reve penitentiary, the high security prison in which the Suicide Squad themselves are held, will be recreated in the space and fans will have the chance to take part in immersive film-themed experiences, such as getting a custom tattoo in Harley Quinn’s tattoo parlor.
Attendees will have the option to ‘Join the Squad’, an interactive feature which enables them to create their own Suicide Squad character and generate a short video of themselves to share on their social channels. Fans can then create their own personalized skulls using the icon generator to live print them on their own exclusive t-shirt. In addition to the exclusive VR content debuting at Comic-Con, cast members will make an appearance in the space.
US Premiere
Samsung will celebrate the movie as an official partner for the U.S. premiere of Suicide Squad on August 1 in New York City, including the after-party. Samsung will create interactive experiences throughout the space to give attendees a chance to immerse themselves into the film using Samsung technology. Select Galaxy owners will also get exclusive red carpet access and a chance to see the film first.
Programming at Samsung 837
To coincide with the movie’s world premiere in New York City, Samsung 837, the brand’s experiential flagship where technology and culture collide in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, will feature special Suicide Squad VR content in the flagship’s VR Tunnel throughout the week of August 1.
*Qualifying devices are: Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1, Samsung Galaxy Tab S2, Samsung Galaxy View and Samsung Galaxy Tab ProS
Gentle Giant Daredevil Jumbo Figure Cancelled? Is This Line in Trouble?
Has Gentle Giant’s Jumbo Daredevil figure been cancelled? It sure seems that way.
Their 12-inch Daredevil figure was announced in October, 2015. I immediately pre-ordered from Big Bad Toy Store, anxious to not miss out on any of these Secret Wars replicas – 12-inch reproductions made from scans of Mattel’s original ’80s figures.
However today I received notice from BBTS my order was cancelled. The reason? This figure is not being made! The full text read:
Hello,
We have been informed by the manufacturer that they will not be producing the GG10720 12″ Daredevil (Secret Wars) . Unfortunately this means we must cancel our preorders for this item. We apologize for the inconvenience and greatly appreciate your understanding. If this item is re-solicited in the future, we will be sure to publish it on our website once again.
We are disappointed our vendor is unable to fulfill this item and apologize again for the inconvenience. Thank you for your continued business.
Sincerely,
BBTS Customer Care
There have not been any new Jumbo Marvel figures announced for several months. While Gentle Giant has two DC Comics based Jumbo Figures as 2016 San Diego Comic-Con exclusives, Marvel collectors only have some mini Secret Wars bobbleheads to buy.
Is this the first sign of the end of Gentle Giant’s Marvel Jumbo Figure line? We have reached out to Gentle Giant for comment, but as of this post we have not heard back.
If we don’t hear back before, we have an interview scheduled with Gentle Giant next week at SDCC, so we’ll be sure to get the details then!
Follow all the SDCC Marvel Collecting news at MarveliciousToys.com
Don’t Pick Up the Phone — Stephen King’s CELL coming to video Sep 27
Stephen King had never tackled zombie tales before Cell, his 2006 novel. Now that story comes to the screen — and to your home on DVD and Blu-ray.
Cell stars John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson. These two starred together in 2007’s King film 1408. Now they pursue another King tale of suspense and terror as two man racing against the clock to stop a horde of rabid killers as their city descends into apocalyptic madness.
Cell will be on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD on Sep 27. The disc will have a feature commentary and making-of featurette. The DVD will be $19.99, the Blu-ray $24.99.
is currently available on Video on Demand.
The full release is below
DESCRIPTION
Experience action-packed terror as two men race against the clock to stop a horde of rabid killers as their city descends into apocalyptic madness in the pulse-pounding thriller, Cell, arriving on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital), and Digital HD on September 27from Lionsgate. The film is currently available On Demand. Based on Stephen King’s chilling book, the film stars John Cusack (Love & Mercy) alongside Oscar® nominee Samuel L. Jackson (Best Supporting Actor, Pulp Fiction, 1994) and Stacy Keach (The Bourne Legacy). Cell was directed by Tod Williams from a screenplay by Stephen King and Adam Alleca. The home entertainment release ofCell contains audio commentary with the director and a look behind the scenes of the film in the “To Cell and Back” featurette. The CellBlu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively.
Stephen King’s best-selling novel is brought to terrifying life in this mind-blowing thriller starring John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson. At the Boston airport, Clay (Cusack) witnesses a scene of chaotic mayhem when an electronic signal turns hundreds of cell phone users into rabid killers. Desperate to find his estranged wife and son, Clay teams with a train driver (Jackson) to battle the horde of murderous “phoners” as the city descends into apocalyptic madness.
CAST:
John Cusack Love & Mercy, Being John Malkovich, Chi-Raq
Samuel L. Jackson Pulp Fiction, The Hateful Eight, The Avengers
Isabelle Fuhrman The Hunger Games, Orphan
Owen Teague Wild in Blue, Echoes of War, TV’s “Bloodline”
Clark Sarullo Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
Anthony Reynolds The Hunger Games, Iron Man 3
Erin Elizabeth Burns TV’s “Stan Against Evil”
and Stacy Keach TV’s “Prison Break,” The Bourne Legacy
BLU-RAY/DVD/DIGITAL SPECIAL FEATURES*
- Audio Commentary with Director Tod Williams
- “To Cell and Back” Featurette
*Subject to Change
Year of Production: 2016
Title Copyright: Cell © 2014 CELL Film Holdings, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Artwork & Supplementary Materials © 2016 Saban Films LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Type: Theatrical Release
Rating: R for Disturbing Violent Content, Terror, Brief Sexuality and Language
Genre: Thriller, Action
Closed-Captioned: None
Subtitles: English and Spanish; English SDH
Run Time: 98 Minutes
Blu-ray Format: 1080P High Definition, 16×9 Widescreen (2.40:1) Presentation
DVD Format: 16×9 Widescreen (2.40:1) Presentation
Blu-ray Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio™
DVD Audio Status: English 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Dark Horse publishes collection of Kristen Gudsnuk’s “Henchgirl”
HENCHGIRL, THE VILLAIN WITH A HEART OF GOLD
Dark Horse publishes collection of Kristen Gudsnuk’s “Henchgirl”
MILWAUKIE, Ore., July 12, 2016 — Dark Horse is excited to announce the trade publication of the Henchgirl collection from Kristen Gudsnuk. Henchgirl is a unique series that subverts the typical superhero trope by telling the story from the perspective of a villain.
Originally published by Scout Comics, Henchgirl depicts the complexities of Mary Posa’s life. The daughter of Crepe City’s most famous superhero couple, Mary deals with the pressure of disappointing her family while avoiding the wrath of Monsieur Butterfly, her supervillain boss. Cursed with a conscience, Mary does everything she can to be something other than a henchgirl, but her plans for freedom always go awry.
Henchgirl creator Kristen Gudsnuk described the parallels between Mary’s life and her own: “A lot of Henchgirl comes from my own experiences of being a twenty-something stuck in a dead-end job. Luckily, I turned to comics instead of villainy. I’ve always loved filtering superhero and pop culture tropes through my own cynical perspective.”
The Henchgirl trade goes on sale March 29, 2017.
Henchgirl is a favorite of comic book fans:
“There’s an incredible balance of humor and darkness of the soul in this series…Henchgirl is the best book you’re not reading and it has everything you want from the genre.” — Comic Bastards
“Lovely and endearing but funny and clever [at] the same time.” — Girls Like Comics
Episode 479: We Collect Eternal…Shiny and Chrome!
Star Wars fans around the world — rejoice! In the next 2 weeks comes Star Wars Celebration Europe and San Diego Comic-Con! The news will be coming quickly about new toys and collectibles, as well as information on Episode VIII, Rogue One, and Rebels! And the Star Wars Action News team is going to be at both conventions covering it all.
Join the hosts this episode for the ultimate SDCC shopping guide. From exclusive Hasbro Black Series figures to Chewbacca watches to car decals–Arnie and Marjorie run down and rate the numerous Star Wars collectibles only available at the show!
And Steve “The Gingerprince” joins in to share his excitement for this weekend’s Celebration Europe 3! With an exclusive Black Series Kylo Ren figure, a bevy of Original Trilogy stars signing autographs, and more, Steve preps you for the event.
With a review of the Kotobukiya Art-FX+ Captain Phasma and a Vintage Viewpoint reviewing Topps’ new Empire Strieks Back trading card book, it’s all in this extended Star Wars Action News podcast!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/tfgum6/SWAN479.mp3
Ghostbusters (1984) – for Annual Subscribers
You know the song. You know the cartoon. You know the film — Ghostbusters! This 1984 horror-comedy from the makers of Caddyshack and Meatballs defied all expectations. Not only did this film break box-office records, it has become a cultural touchstone. For over 30 years it seems everyone loves this film. But critically, how does it hold up after so many imitators have aped the formula? Help keep Now Playing going strong– make a donation and hear the entire trilogy of Ghostbusters movie reviews!
NOTE: This listing is for annual subscribers to our show. You can also get this movie review individually for a small donation.
Every dollar you donate goes to make this show the best it can be. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy the podcast!
Ghostbusters (1984) – Donation Bonus
You know the song. You know the cartoon. You know the film — Ghostbusters! This 1984 horror-comedy from the makers of Caddyshack and Meatballs defied all expectations. Not only did this film break box-office records, it has become a cultural touchstone. For over 30 years it seems everyone loves this film. But critically, how does it hold up after so many imitators have aped the formula? Help keep Now Playing going strong– make a donation and hear the entire trilogy of Ghostbusters movie reviews!
NOTE: This Podcast was originally made available to donors for a limited time. To celebrate 10 years of Now Playing Podcast we have made this show available again!
You can get this episode individually, or you can subscribe for 12 months to access all our bonus shows.
Every dollar you donate goes to make this show the best it can be. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy the podcast!
A New Voice Joins Now Playing Podcast
Now Playing Podcast is getting a new host; one whose voice will sound familiar to longtime Venganza Media listeners. Justin Kozisek, a host and contributor to Marvelicious Toys and Star Wars Action News, will add Now Playing duties to his plate for some upcoming, unannounced (that means it’s a secret) shows.
Kozisek becomes the seventh member of the rotating panel, and although he’s primarily known for his collecting and customizing knowledge, listeners have heard him offer film critique during movie segments on Marvelicious Toys, a show that he has hosted since its launch in 2010.
A fan of indie comedies, Kozisek ranked Wet Hot American Summer, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and Dazed & Confused among his favorites, although he can find reasons to love films of every genre.
“I’m a ‘try anything once’ kind of guy and will give almost any movie a chance,” he said. “I look at movies as entertainment first and art second, then based on what a film is trying to accomplish I adjust my outlook accordingly.”
“I very rarely hate a movie and when I love a movie it’s because it earned it!”
Kozisek is also a professional industrial designer with experience in model making, drafting, special FX and latex make-up design. He has created album artwork for hundreds of bands, PC and Nintendo games. More than a fan of films, Kozisek’s design background has led to him working on several. He was creative director on the documentary There Will Be No Stay, also designing its movie poster. He also was a graphic designer on indie film No Resolution.
“All of this adds up to me being infatuated by the treatment of products in films,” he said. “If an item like Pepsi pops up in a movie today we all know that it was paid for, but I enjoy catching a glimpse of things that were supposed to be obscured in older movies (before the tie-in game was afoot). I love it when someone like Tarantino makes a brand for his movie universe – Apple Cigarettes is a great example.”
Movie making is a family affair for Kozisek. His wife Chevy is a producer and make-up artist with work 
ranging from horror films to music videos. She has done both studio and FX make-up. Her effects work can be seen in April Showers, a film about a school shooting directed by Columbine survivor Andrew Robinson. Chevy also produced the 2016 drama No Resolution.
When asked about his favorite Now Playing Podcast retrospective, Kozisek pointed to the 2010 A Nightmare on Elm Street series, which is well known among fans for including songs from an obscure “Freddy’s Greatest Hits” album (featuring a surprisingly game Robert Englund).
“I think that retrospective really helped solidify what Now Playing is all about,” he said. “I think you’d be hard pressed to find anyone that truly loves all of those movies, but the shows really made revisiting them a lot of fun.”
As do the fans. Kozisek credited Now Playing’s longevity (the show will turn 10 next year) and the popularity of Venganza’s podcasts to its listenership and the community they’ve formed on social media and the show forums. The podcast format, he said, creates a shared experience, much like watching a film you own on television.
“There’s something comforting about knowing you are watching the same movie that other people are watching, and Now Playing creates a ‘couch’ for people to gather and enjoy the experience together.”
Hear Justin’s First Now Playing Review – Short Circuit – at NowPlayingPodcast.com
CIVIL WAR: Choose your side – VOD on 9/2 or Blu-Ray on 9/13!
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| Captain America: Civil War comes home! Video on Demand Sep 2, Blu-Ray Sep 13!
The year’s best action film, Captain America: Civil War has a release date set. The question is: can your home theater handle all the heroes on screen? Featuring Captain America and Iron Man, along with Winter Soldier, Black Widow, Falcon, Vision, Black Panther, Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye, Ant-Man, Spider-Man, War Machine, and more, this is the biggest super-hero movie ever and it’s coming to your home! A 3-D Blu-Ray deluxe set will be released, alongside a regular Blu-Ray. Bonus features include a commentary by directors Anthony and Joe Russo, “United We Stand, Divided We Fall” – a two-part making-of documentary, deleted and extended scenes, and more! Hear Now Playing Podcast’s full review of the movie, then head to Amazon.com now and get your pre-order in! The full press release about Civil War is below.
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Episode 478: House of Cards
Highly detailed, highly articulated Star Wars 3.75-inch figures are the mainstay of many fans’ collections. The news that The Force Awakens would only see a handful of these Black Series figures, and that they would be Walmart exclusives, made fans worry if these new toys would be obtainable. The third wave, with versions of Han Solo, General Leia, and Captain Phasma from The Force Awakens, has been elusive and fetched north of $40 per figure on eBay. But now, finally, the dam has broken and these figures are showing up coast to coast–including in the Star Wars Action News studio! On this week’s show hear a review of these latest figures and see if they’re worth more toy runs!
Yet while the Black Series 3.75-inch figures have been elusive, the main line of figures, with five points of articulation, are available at every store. Fans were divided on these detailed, but hard-to-pose figures. Now, enter Kozy–a figure customizer who has created cardbacks that elevate these figures from average to epic! He joins the Star Wars Action News hosts to talk about these cards and his inspiration for making them.
With a look at upcoming exclusives for San Diego Comic-Con International and Celebration Europe, new online sales, and much more, it’s all in this Wampa-sized episode of Star Wars Action News!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/vzvbsi/SWAN478.mp3
This Summer NOW PLAYING is Now Playing in Theaters!
When Now Playing Podcast’s X-Men: Apocalypse episode arrived last week, it kick started a summer schedule stacked with week of release reviews for the 9-year-old show and its panel of hosts.
In a way, Now Playing is going back to the beginning.
Longtime listeners will remember the early days, when the show launched with the goal of reviewing a just released flick every week. Those 2007-08 era shows are notable for their shorter run times (the first Iron Man review runs a little more than 8 minutes) and films that would never fit in Now Playing Retrospective Series (reviews of Fever Pitch and 21 are standout examples).
Show creator and producer Arnie Carvalho reflected on that time. “The original idea for Now Playing was to be weekly, recorded off-the-cuff immediately after stepping out of a theater. There was to be no editing, just a ‘live on tape’ show. We’ve come a long way since those days. First came editing, then came retrospectives, then came lots of editing!”
Having established its popularity and found its footing with the first retrospective (for Friday the 13th) in 2009, the show has stuck to its celebrated formula – review every film in a series leading up to the latest release. In summer that usually means a handful of new release reviews wrapped inside the longer retrospectives. Summer 2015, for example, was largely dedicated to the Mad Max and Mission Impossible franchises, with appearances by Marvel heroes and that Terminator sequel we’ve all forgotten.
The summer slate that begins with the aforementioned X-Men review will see the hosts back in theaters for eight new releases over the next 11 weeks, reviewing everything from the latest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Star Trek sequels, to DC Comics’ Suicide Squad. Three new retrospective series’ will make their debuts this summer, with Matt Damon’s Bourne films taking up the most space on the calendar, and the Independence Day and Ghostbusters franchises offered as a bonus in Now Playing’s bi-annual donation drive.
“The shows we do within days of their US premiere are simply more difficult shows,” Carvalho said. “In three days or less we have to do research that would usually take a week. We have to coordinate our (busy) schedules to find weekend recording time. Then the editor has 20-40 hours of work to cram into just two days. But we are very excited to be doing the films we are, and our listeners match that anticipation, so all of the work is worth it. It looks like a good summer. Out of these eight movies, I’m very excited for six of them!”
Listeners may even be in for a surprise or two, the host hinted. What that means is anyone’s guess, as the calendar turns to June and Now Playing’s summer schedule is stacked through Suicide Squad. The current schedule can be seen at the show’s website, and if you look closely your eyes are not deceiving you – there are two reviews coming for The Bourne Identity. Listeners who love Now Playing’s completist approach to Hollywood franchises will be delighted to know there was a 1988 television movie adaptation of the story, starring a post-Alan Quatermain Richard Chamberlain and former Charlie’s Angel Jaclyn Smith. That should be good.
“Our listeners love when we go obscure. So Chamberlain in a mini-series that hews more closely to the original novel than the Damon films? We’re in!”
Pre-Order Alert: Mezco SDCC Exclusive Captain America One:12 Collective Figure
Mezco’s SDCC 2016 exclusives are up for pre-order now!
In addition to a Dawn of Justice Armored Batman and a plush Thundercats Snarf, they have their Classic Captain America One:12 Collective 6-inch figure. If you’re not going to SDCC this year, or if you just want to guarantee yours, you can order it now!
One:12 Collective Captain America: Deluxe Classic Version Con Exclusive – Mezco Toyz
Featuring over 32 articulation points, intricate sculptural work, incredible costume detailing and tons of accessories, the final product creates an iconic classic vision with a “real world” look. This exclusive, limited-edition not only features a new classic head sculpt and vibrantly colored uniform, but is packaged in an exclusive shield-shaped metal tin featuring a lenticular transformation chamber.
The One:12 Collective Classic Captain America features:
- Hyper-realistic portraits
- 1:12 scaled, highly realistic fabric classic uniform with special simulated duralumin scale armor
- Detailed sculpted costume accents, including belt, gloves, and boots
- Gauntlets with magnetic attachments
- Super articulated body with over 32 points of articulation
What’s in the box:
- Classic style masked portrait with pronounced wings
- Unmasked Steve Rogers portrait
- Fists (L&R)
- “Thumbs Up” hand (L)
- Saluting hand (R)
- Pointing hand (R)
- Posing hands (L&R)
- Holding hands (L&R)
- Shield throwing hands (L&R)
- Shield with magnetic attachments
- Harness with magnetic attachment
- Knife (fits in sheath on the boot)
- Grenade set (can clip onto the back of the belt)
- Interchangeable pouch and canteen (can clip onto the belt)
- Display base with posing post
Packaged in a deluxe, limited edition circular tin featuring Captain America’s shield design. When the tin is opened, a lenticular image is revealed. The lenticular dramatically shows the transformation of Steve Rogers from a scrawny weakling into a chiseled super-soldier. Beneath the lenticular, the figure and his accessories are securely held by collector friendly trays.
This Convention Exclusive will only be available on the Mezco website or at San Diego Comic Con at Mezco’s booth #3445.
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Scarlet Witch MMS – Civil War Version
Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War has been critically acclaimed and enjoyed by audience around the world since its release! As the Avengers’ actions in Lagos have caused collateral damage where innocent people are killed, the Sokovia Accords proposed by the United Nations has divided the Earth’s mightiest heroes into opposing teams led by Captain America and Iron Man!
Today Hot Toys put up for pre-order the 1/6th scale collectible figure of the gorgeous and powerful member of Team Cap –Scarlet Witch!
The highly-accurate collectible is specially crafted based on the image of Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch in the film featuring head sculpt with long curly brown real fabric hair and new makeup application, brand-new and specially tailored costume, interchangeable hands with red translucent fingertips and effect accessories to simulate Scarlet Witch using her powers, and an Captain America: Civil War themed figure stand. Furthermore, an approximately 2.5cm tall miniature running Ant-Man is included as a bonus accessory!
Do not miss out on the opportunity to add the stunning new Scarlet Witch to your collection today!
Hot Toys – MMS370 – Captain America: Civil War – 1/6th scale Scarlet Witch Collectible Figure Specification
~ Movie Masterpiece Series ~
The 1/6th scale Scarlet Witch Collectible Figure features:
- – Authentic and detailed likeness of Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch in Captain America: Civil War
- – Head sculpt with movie-accurate facial expression, new makeup application, and long curly light-brown real fabric hair implantation
- – Body with over 28 points of articulations
- – Approximately 28 cm tall
- – Seven (7) pieces of interchangeable gloved hands including:
- – One (1) pair of relaxed hands
- – One (1) pair of hands with red translucent fingertips for power-using effects accessories
- – One (1) gesturing right hand with red translucent fingertips
- – Two (2) gesturing left hands with red translucent fingertips
- – Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Costume :
- – One (1) red colored top
- – One (1) red colored leather-like coat
- – One (1) pair of black leather-like pants
- – One (1) pair of black boots
- Accessories:
- – One (1) necklace
- – Two (2) types of power effects accessories
- – Captain America: Civil War themed Team Captain America figure stand with character’s nameplate and the movie logo
Bonus Accessory:
- – One (1) miniature Ant-Man in running position (Approximately 2.5cm tall)
Are you bewitched yet? Then head over and order now!
Episode 477: To the Maz
She’s the most intriguing new alien introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. She somehow has the lightsaber Luke lost on Bespin. She knows of the Force. She has a crush on the galaxy’s favorite Wookiee. She’s Maz Kanata — and if you want her in action figure form you have to buy the Takodana Encounter figure 4-pack. On this episode of Star Wars Action News, hear a review of that set to see if it’s worth hunting for!
Also on this show, last week ticket sales began for the eighth Star Wars Celebration in the United States, this time back in Orlando! Listen as Arnie and Marjorie are joined by Jake Stevens from From 4-Lom to Zuckuss as they look ahead to next year’s biggest Star Wars party.
With two new premium format figures from Sideshow, a real-life Star Wars hologram, and more information about this year’s Star Wars Celebration in London, it’s all in this brand new Star Wars Action News!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/ei63wd/SWAN477.mp3
Invaders From Mars (1986) – Donation Bonus
In 1986 the director of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Poltergeist teamed up with the screenwriter of Alien and Return of the Living Dead to make a…children’s sci-fi film! That project was Invaders from Mars, a remake of the ’50s red scare movie of the same name. Do the creatures by Star Wars’ Stan Winston and John Dykstra upgrade this film for the ’80s, or is this film just a bad dream? You can find out if you donate to Now Playing and support the shows we do week after week!
NOTE: This Podcast was originally made available to donors for a limited time. To celebrate 10 years of Now Playing Podcast we have made this show available again!
You can get this episode individually, or you can subscribe for 12 months to access all our bonus shows.
Every dollar you donate goes to make this show the best it can be. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy the podcast!
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Yoda from Empire Strikes Back
If want him you do. Pre-order you must.
In the history of Star Wars Action News there have been a number of hot high-end collectibles. But in my over 10 years of collecting reports, I’ve never received as many text messages, tweets, emails, and Facebook messages as I have about Hot Toys’ newest sixth scale Movie Masterpiece Series figure — Yoda.
There’s no doubt that Sideshow is producing the most screen accurate Star Wars figures ever made. With Yoda’s popularity, and the high secondary market cost for many of the earlier Hot Toys figures, it’s obvious collectors don’t want to miss out on adding this Jedi Master to their collection.
So given the anticipation, I’d say hurry as the Hot Toys Yoda is up for pre-order now!
The highly-accurate collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of Yoda in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back. It features two newly developed head sculpts, specially developed body, finely tailored costume, a range of detailed accessories including a cane, crate container, small lamp, LED-light up power unit, and Dagobah diorama figure base with rocks.
Check out the full photo gallery below, and get your order in now!
Hot Toys – MMS369 – Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back – 1/6th scale Yoda Collectible Figure Specification Movie Masterpiece Series
The 1/6th scale Yoda Collectible Figure features:
- – Authentic and detailed likeness of Yoda in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back
- – Newly developed head sculpt with movie-accurate facial expression, detailed wrinkles, and skin texture
- – Interchangeable eyes-closed head sculpt
- – Body with over 24 points of articulations
- – Approximately 13cm tall
- – Three (3) pieces of interchangeable hands including:
- – One (1) relaxed hand
- – Two (2) accessory holding hands
- – Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Costume:
- – One (1) brown-colored under-tunic
- – One (1) beige-colored robe
- – One (1) leather-like belt
- – One (1) blissl necklace
Accessories:
- – One (1) cane
- – One (1) crate container
- – One (1) small lamp
- – One (1) LED light-up power unit (batteries required)
- – Specially sculpted Dagobah diorama figure base with two rocks
Monogram International’s Harry Potter Exclusives Cast a Spell on SDCC
The collectible company has revealed two sets of Harry Potter themed exclusives they will have at the show.
The first is the Hedwig Mug Set. Limited to 500 pieces, this includes a ceramic mug in the sculpt of Potter’s beloved owl. You also get a gold Hogwarts Crest. The set will cost $20.00
Second is the Harry Potter Pin Set. Also limited to 500 pieces, this set gives you pins of the crests of the four houses of Hogwarts — Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Plus you get an exclusive Hogwarts crest in gold. This pin set will cost $25 and be available at booth #3465
Stay tuned as more SDCC exclusive announcements are coming!
Pre-Order Alert: Black Panter CIVIL WAR Statue by Iron Studios
Sideshow Collectibles is now distributing statues for a new company — Iron Studios. And today they put up for pre-order a quarter-scale statue of Black Panther, as seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s film Captain America: Civil War.
This gorgeously sculpted piece shows T’Challa in his vibranium outfit, crouched atop a rock outcropping. His claws are extended, he’s ready to strike!
The statue is hand-painted polystone and stands over 22-inches tall. You can order it now through Sideshow’s site.
Pre-Order Alert: Sideshow Collectibles Exclusive First Order Stormtrooper Premium Format Statue
Attention troop builders and first order fans, Sideshow Collectibles has just put up for pre-order their Premium Format First Order Stormtrooper statue
This screen accurate collectible features the sleekly designed armor and helmet of the most feared fighting force in the Galaxy and also wields his blaster rifle. Plus there is a Sideshow Exclusive version that comes equipped with an SE-44C Blaster Pistol and thigh holster display option.
So hurry and get your order in now at Sideshow.
Episode 476: You Don’t Know the Moistness of the Dark Side
May the 4th has come and gone, but for many the credit card hangover still remains. There were new releases from Disney, Sideshow, Gentle Giant, Hot Toys, plus sales at LEGO and more! Biggest of all, the next Star Wars Celebration convention was confirmed! On this week’s podcast Marjorie and Arnie are joined by Ryan and Amy from Star Wars Collecting Cosmos. The four look back on the highs, lows, and purchases of May the 4th, 2016!
Also on this week’s show, Brock reviews the new Star Wars novel BLOODLINE. Taking place between Episode VI and VII, this book had direct input from Lucasfilm to help shape the universe for Episode VIII. Join Brock to find out if this is a must read for you.
With a review of the S.H. Figuarts Captain Phasma, a Darth Vader Humidifier, and a run-down of the perks of being a Jedi Knight or Master, it’s all in this week’s new podcast!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/7bjrp8/SWAN476.mp3
Critters – for Annual Subscribers
First came Ghoulies. Then came Gremlins. Then Troll. But can any of them stand up to Critters–the omnivorous killer space poofs? These alien fugitives landed in Kansas, and began to eat their way through the midwest. Can these varmints be stopped? And did they make this 1986 horror sci-fi comedy deserve three sequels? Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart review this film, and give an overview of all four Critters films in this podcast. Donate to help keep Now Playing on the air, and you can join them in the fun!
NOTE: This listing is for annual subscribers to our show. You can also get this movie review individually for a small donation.
Every dollar you donate goes to make this show the best it can be. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy the podcast!
Critters – Donation Bonus
First came Ghoulies. Then came Gremlins. Then Troll. But can any of them stand up to Critters–the omnivorous killer space poofs? These alien fugitives landed in Kansas, and began to eat their way through the midwest. Can these varmints be stopped? And did they make this 1986 horror sci-fi comedy deserve three sequels? Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart review this film, and give an overview of all four Critters films in this podcast. Donate to help keep Now Playing on the air, and you can join them in the fun!
NOTE: This Podcast was originally made available to donors for a limited time. To celebrate 10 years of Now Playing Podcast we have made this show available again!
You can get this episode individually, or you can subscribe for 12 months to access all our bonus shows.
Every dollar you donate goes to make this show the best it can be. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy the podcast!
Men in Black 3 – Donation Bonus
After Men in Black II it seems audiences had been neuralized, the film franchise mostly forgotten. Indeed, Will Smith took a four year hiatus, while Barry Sonnenfeld only directed the Robin Williams vehicle RV. But in 2012, ten years after the previous movie, Men in Black 3 hit theaters. Can a story focused on Agent J, with Tommy Lee Jones barely appearing, give the series lift-off? Donate today to find out!
NOTE: This Podcast was originally made available to donors for a limited time. To celebrate 10 years of Now Playing Podcast we have made this show available again!
You can get this episode individually, or you can subscribe for 12 months to access all our bonus shows.
Every dollar you donate goes to make this show the best it can be. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy the podcast!
Ranking The Avengers Movies Before CIVIL WAR
Captain America: Civil War is released in theaters today. This first film in “Phase 3” of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has a huge character roster. Its spotlight scene in trailers and marketing show over a dozen Marvel characters on screen duking it out. With Iron Man, Ant-Man, Spider-Man, and a full Avengers roster, Civil War feels less like a third Captain America movie, and more like the culmination of everything that has come before.
In preparation for this superhero “Monster Mash” here is a recap of the first two phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ranked from worst to best!
Episode 475: May the 4th Comes Earlier Every Year
New Black Series figures are hitting shelves — but are they the last new 6-inch Star Wars toys we’ll see until fall? On this week’s Star Wars Action News, Marjorie and Arnie are joined by Marvelicious Toys podcast host Justin as they discuss the immediate future of the line. They also review the two new waves showing up in stores now, with new figures including Jango Fett, FN-2187, The Force Awakens style Han Solo, and A New Hope version of Tattooine Luke Skywalker!
Also on this week’s show, the hosts went to Indiana Comic-Con with special guests Ray Park and Ian McDiarmid. Join them, and their guest Daryl, as they discuss the convention–and the collectibles found there!
With a run-down of all the May the 4th day Star Wars specials known so far and more, it’s all in this oversized episode of Star Wars Action News!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/5jiq3n/SWAN475.mp3
Men in Black II – for Annual Subscribers
In 2002 Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones returned to save the world…again! With the stars back, much of the supporting cast, and Barry Sonnenfeld again directing, it seemed like another surefire hit. Yet the box office was down, critics were harsh, and Lara Flynn Boyle earned a Razzie nomination for playing the new evil alien. Do Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart want to be neuralized after seeing Men in Black II? Donate today to find out!
NOTE: This listing is for annual subscribers to our show. You can also get this movie review individually for a small donation.
Every dollar you donate goes to make this show the best it can be. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy the podcast!
Men in Black II – Donation Bonus
In 2002 Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones returned to save the world…again! With the stars back, much of the supporting cast, and Barry Sonnenfeld again directing, it seemed like another surefire hit. Yet the box office was down, critics were harsh, and Lara Flynn Boyle earned a Razzie nomination for playing the new evil alien. Do Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart want to be neuralized after seeing Men in Black II? Donate today to find out!
NOTE: This Podcast was originally made available to donors for a limited time. To celebrate 10 years of Now Playing Podcast we have made this show available again!
You can get this episode individually, or you can subscribe for 12 months to access all our bonus shows.
Every dollar you donate goes to make this show the best it can be. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy the podcast!
Men in Black – for Annual Subscribers
In 1996 Will Smith saved Earth from aliens in Independence Day. In 1997 he was back at it, donning his suit and shades to be one of the Men in Black. The film was an odd-couple comedy with witty Smith playing off stoic Tommy Lee Jones. The result was a hit that continued Smith’s hot streak of summer blockbusters. Now Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart review this film as the first episode of their Spring, 2016 donation drive series. Is the movie worth remembering? Donate today to find out!
NOTE: This listing is for annual subscribers to our show. You can also get this movie review individually for a small donation.
Every dollar you donate goes to make this show the best it can be. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy the podcast!
Men in Black – Donation Bonus
After Men in Black II it seems audiences had been neuralized, the film franchise mostly forgotten. Indeed, Will Smith took a four year hiatus, while Barry Sonnenfeld only directed the Robin Williams vehicle RV. But in 2012, ten years after the previous movie, Men in Black 3 hit theaters. Can a story focused on Agent J, with Tommy Lee Jones barely appearing, give the series lift-off? Donate today to find out!
NOTE: This Podcast was originally made available to donors for a limited time. To celebrate 10 years of Now Playing Podcast we have made this show available again!
You can get this episode individually, or you can subscribe for 12 months to access all our bonus shows.
Every dollar you donate goes to make this show the best it can be. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy the podcast!
Making Contact – for Annual Subscribers
A boy discovers his closet is a gateway to the afterlife, and ends up tormented by a puppet. No, this isn’t Poltergeist…but it wants to be! It’s MAKING CONTACT, Roland Emmerich’s 1985 sci-fi/fantasy/confusing film (also known as JOEY in alternate releases). Is this a lost Spielbergian gem, or should it stay trapped in the clost? Thanks to your extra-generous donation to Now Playing, you can listen to this special “Easter Egg” review and find out!
NOTE: This listing is for annual subscribers to our show. You can also get this movie review individually for a small donation.
Every dollar you donate goes to make this show the best it can be. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy the podcast!
Making Contact – Donation Bonus
A boy discovers his closet is a gateway to the afterlife, and ends up tormented by a puppet. No, this isn’t Poltergeist…but it wants to be! It’s MAKING CONTACT, Roland Emmerich’s 1985 sci-fi/fantasy/confusing film (also known as JOEY in alternate releases). Is this a lost Spielbergian gem, or should it stay trapped in the clost? Thanks to your extra-generous donation to Now Playing, you can listen to this special “Easter Egg” review and find out!
NOTE: This Podcast was originally made available to donors for a limited time. To celebrate 10 years of Now Playing Podcast we have made this show available again!
You can get this episode individually, or you can subscribe for 12 months to access all our bonus shows.
Every dollar you donate goes to make this show the best it can be. Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy the podcast!
Star Wars Action News Ep 474: We’re Down To buy Figuarts!
Star Wars action figure collectors have a wealth of options. Whereas once we had only Kenner/Hasbro action figures, these days there are options in every scale and price point. One of those new figure lines is Bandai’s S.H. Figuarts 6-inch line. The price is double that of a Hasbro 6-inch figure, but is it worth it? On this episode of Star Wars Action News Marjorie and Arnie give an in-depth review of the S.H. Figuarts First Order Stormtrooper, and tell you if it’s worth the price they paid!
Support Star Wars Action News with their new Podbean Campaign!
- Black Series 2016 Wave 2 Revision 1 – Ships in 24 hours!
- Black Series Snowtrooper Set of 4 – Perfect for Troop Builders!
- Black Series Captain Phasma – ships in 24 hours
- Medicom Mafex Phasma, C-3PO and BB-8
Other Show Links
- Exclusive Rey Figures showing up at K-Mart stores
- Walgreens exclusive POPs showing up too
- Elite Boba Fett Prototype Armor found in Italy
- New Rogue One Star Wars Packaging
- Rogue 1 Force Friday toys – Rumors by JediNews
Now Playing Podcast Host Jakob Interviews Harvey Pekar
This week Now Playing Podcast continues reviewing films based on DC Comics with American Splendor*, the biopic about the life of Harvey Pekar. Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob will be reviewing and analyzing this Academy Award winning film.
But before Jakob was an author and podcaster on Now Playing Podcast, he was host of Comicpocalypse — a Venganza Media podcast covering all areas of comic books. On that show Jakob performed several interviews with comic creators. In 2008, the Comicpocalypse guest was Pekar in a two-part interview.
While Comicpocalypse ended later in 2008 and its shows are no longer online, we are proud to make available this two-part interview as an introduction to Now Playing’s movie review.
Comicpocalypse – Harvey Pekar Interview Pt 1
Comicpocalypse – Harvey Pekar Interview Pt 2
Hear Now Playing’s review of American Splendor starting April 19th at NowPlayingPodcast.com
*Yes, American Splendor had several publishers, but several issues were published by DC’s Vertigo imprint
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Die Cast Iron Man Mk 46 from Civil War
“You just started a war!”
Today, #TeamIronMan gets love from Hot Toys. Up for pre-order now is the 1/6th scale collectible figure of Tony Stark’s new Iron Man armor – the Mark XLVI to the Hot Toys MMS Diecast series which the collectible figure is made of diecast material, and realistically designed to look even more like the armor as it appears in the film.
The highly-accurate Mark XLVI collectible figure is greatly detailed and specially crafted based on the image of Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man Mark XLVI in Captain America: Civil War. It features a newly sculpted Tony Stark head sculpt, an interchangeable helmeted head, sophistically developed sleek and streamline designed armor, 28 LED light-up points throughout the body, specially applied metallic red, gold and silver colored painting on armor, real-like thrust fire accessories, the helmet of Captain America, and a specially designed debris diorama figure stand.
Do not pass up on the opportunity to add the leader of Team Iron Man to your prized collection!
Check out the gallery below and get your order in now!
Hot Toys – MMS353D16 – Captain America: Civil War – 1/6th scale Mark XLVI Collectible Figure Specification
~ Movie Masterpiece Series Diecast ~
The 1/6th scale Mark XLVI Collectible features:
- – Authentic and detailed likeness of Mark XLVI in Captain America: Civil War
- – Newly sculpted head sculpt with authentic likeness of Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark in the movie
- – Alternate helmeted head with LED light-up function (white light, battery operated)
- – Approximately 32 cm tall
- – Metallic red, gold and silver colored painting on the sleek and streamline Mark XLVI armor design
- – Contains diecast material
- – 28 LED light-up points throughout parts of the armor (white light, battery operated)
- – Chest armor can be detached to reveal interior mechanical design
- – Interchangeable shoulder armor (regular, missile firing)
- – Fully deployed air flaps at back of the armor
- – Four (4) pairs of interchangeable hands including:
- – One (1) pair of fists
- – One (1) pair of hands with articulated fingers and light-up repulsors (white light, battery operated)
- – One (1) pair of battle palms with light-up repulsor (white light, battery operated)
- – One (1) pair of hands with real-like thrust fire effect
- – Articulations on waist armor which allow flexible movement
Accessories:
- – One (1) 1/6th scale Captain America helmet
- – Two (2) real-like thrust fire accessories attachable to the feet of the figure
- – Debris diorama figure stand with with Mark XLVI nameplate and the movie logo
Episode 474: We’re Down To buy Figuarts
Star Wars action figure collectors have a wealth of options. Whereas once we had only Kenner/Hasbro action figures, these days there are options in every scale and price point. One of those new figure lines is Bandai’s S.H. Figuarts 6-inch line. The price is double that of a Hasbro 6-inch figure, but is it worth it? On this episode of Star Wars Action News Marjorie and Arnie give an in-depth review of the S.H. Figuarts First Order Stormtrooper, and tell you if it’s worth the price they paid!
And also on this week’s show, the hosts review Kotobukiya’s Art-FX+ First Order Stormtrooper statue 2-pack. Listen in to find out why this may be a statue collection you want to troop build!
With a complete run down of all US Blu-ray releases of The Force Awakens, news of an upcoming prototype Elite Series figure, and the latest rumors for 2016’s Force Friday event, it’s all on this Star Wars Action News!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/x5qgzc/SWAN474.mp3
UPDATE: Hot Toys MOVIE PROMO Captain America on WAITLIST!
UPDATE: The Movie Promo Captain America is now on Wait List, less than 48 hours after going up for order. If you want this figure, the best chance is to get on the list fast.
I said this item would sell out fast and it has. Get on the list now and cross your fingers. Good luck!
If you’re #TeamCap you will want to hurry to Sideshow Collectibles! The new Movie Promo figure is up for pre-order: Captain America – Battling Version. These Movie Promo edition figures are very limited and usually sell out fast, demanding top dollar on the secondary market. With Civil War just a couple weeks away, it’s a sure bet this won’t be in stock for long!
Also up for pre-order is another member of #TeamCap — Scarlet Witch! But this is Wanda from Age of Ultron in her badass “New Avengers” outfit worn at the film’s final scene.
Keep your Avengers team growing with these two new figures…but if you can only order one, trust me…get the Cap.
The specs on these figures:
Hot Toys – MMS360 – Captain America: Civil War – 1/6th scale Captain America (Battling Version) Collectible Figure Specification
~ Movie Masterpiece Series ~
The 1/6th scale Captain America Collectible Figure specially features:
- – Authentic and detailed likeness of Chris Evans as Captain America in Captain America: Civil War
- – One (1) Captain America helmeted head sculpt
- – One (1) newly painted un-helmeted head sculpt
- – Movie-accurate facial expression with detailed wrinkles and skin texture
- – Newly developed body with over 30 points of articulations which naturally portray Captain America’s muscular body in the film
- – Specially applied battle weathering effects on costume
- – Approximately 31 cm tall
- – Seven (7) pieces of interchangeable gloved palms including:
- – One (1) pair of fists
- – One (1) pair of shield holding palms
- – One (1) shield throwing right palm
- – One (1) shield catching left palm
- – One (1) finger pointing right palm
- – Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Costume:
- – One (1) newly tailored Captain America suit with star emblem and red and white patterns
- – One (1) pair of newly tailored blue embossed patterned pants with pouches, knee pads, and red trims
- – One (1) pair of fabric coated elbow pads
- – One (1) pair of fabric coated knee pads
- – One (1) brown leather-like back shield holder and body strap
- – One (1) brown leather-like belt with pouches
- – One (1) pair of black boots
Weapon:
- – One (1) metal circular red and blue Captain America shield with scratch-like marks and weathering effects
Accessories:
- – One (1) broken Crossbones helmet
- – Debris diorama base with Captain America nameplate and movie logo
Hot Toys – MMS357 – Avengers: Age of Ultron – 1/6th scale Scarlet Witch (New Avengers Version) Collectible Figure Specification
~ Movie Masterpiece Series ~
The 1/6th scale Scarlet Witch (New Avengers version) Collectible Figure features:
- – Authentic and detailed likeness of Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch in Avengers: Age of Ultron
- – Head sculpt with movie-accurate facial expression, new makeup application, and long curly light-brown real fabric hair implantation
- – Body with over 28 points of articulations
- – Approximately 28 cm tall
- – Six (6) pieces of interchangeable hands including:
- – One (1) pair of relaxed hands
- – One (1) pair of hands with red translucent fingertips for power-using effects accessories
- – One (1) gesturing left hand with red translucent fingertips
- – One (1) gesturing right hand with red translucent fingertips
- – Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
- Costume :
- – One (1) red colored leather-like long jacket
- – One (1) pair of black leather-like pants
- – One (1) pair of black boots with red colored highlights
- Accessories:
- – One (1) pair of long gloves
- – Two (2) power-using effects accessories
- – Avengers: Age of Ultron themed figure stand with Scarlet Witch nameplate and the movie logo
Check out the photo galleries below, then order now at Sideshow Collectibles’ site–the only place you can get these two figures!
STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE – A Trailer Breakdown
The trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is here! Believe it or not, this trailer has me more excited than any of The Force Awakens did. You can watch the full trailer, then read my thoughts below!
My immediate reactions as the trailer played: (click the images for larger views)
| Ah, a semi-criminal rogue joining the rebellion. It worked for Han Solo and several stories in the abandoned EU. Very interested in seeing it on screen.Her name is Jyn Erso and she has a strong British accent, causing an immediate comparison to Daisy Ridley’s Rey. The actress is Felicity Jones, an actress best known for a strong turn as Jane Hawking in The Theory of Everything. She was almost Black Cat in Sony’s Amazing Spider-Man series, but her part was cut from that second film and the series is now rebooting. Instead, she’ll get her franchise role here. |  |
| The costumes for Rebel troops look amazing, as does the Yavin temple set. This environment I know so well from the 1977 Star Wars and it’s exciting to see here in new context.
Plus — GONK! |
 |
| They’re really putting that plexiglass green line prop to abundant use. First General Organa was behind it in all The Force Awakens posters, and now here. I don’t remember it being that big a part of the original trilogy–and the diagonal neon lines makes it look like Mon Mothma is at a dance club from Bad BoysSpeaking of Mon… |    |
| Holy cow does this actress (Genevieve O’Reilly) look like the original actress from Return of the Jedi (played by Caroline Blakiston)! This is the same actress who played Mon Mothma in Revenge of the Sith but the look is much closer here.But does she only have one gown during the Galactic Civil War? (I kid–the outfit helps reinforce who this character is from Jedi memories. |  |
| Classic Stormtroopers. I figured there had to be some, but it’s awesome to see them on screen again. And Jyn kicks butt! |   |
| Lens flare! Nothing but lens flare!
J.J. may not be directing, but the green neon screens, lens flare, his impact is felt. |
 |
| A Star Destroyer! My geek excitement meter just hit a 7 out of 10! |  |
| Wait…it’s in front of the Death Star? Up that geek meter to 8 out of 10!!And they’re installing the sensor dish. Awesome. It seems very plug-n-play. Good interface design, those Imperials. |  |
| Holy crap — a new, bad-ass Imperial. The white outfit…is that a Grand Admiral? Pity he’s not blue skinned. With the hair I wonder if it’s Tarkin, who must be in this film somewhere, but the outfit is wrong.The actor is Ben Mendelsohn. He’s been acting for over 30 years, but I’ve only seen him in a couple roles and can’t place him without rewatching. |  |
| Forest Whitaker as an ally for Jyn. I love Whitaker, from Good Morning, Vietnam to Species to Phone Booth and many roles in between. Nice to see a “name” actor in the film, but I want to know more about him. |  |
| A new type of stormtrooper. A flametrooper for the Galactic Civil War? I like the black armor, but I do wonder why these troops were never seen in the Original Trilogy (a continuity error each new movie will introduce I’m sure). |  |
| Now who is this samurai bad-ass? His outfit and fighting really hearkens back to Lucas’ original inspiration for Star Wars — The Seven SamuraiThis actor is Donnie Yen, a Hong Kong action star who I’ve seen only in Iron Monkey, Blade 2, and Shanghai Knights. I’m intrigued by his addition. |  |
| More black-clad Stormtroopers. I’ve long been a fan of the “Shadow Trooper” look, and really want to see these guys in action (as well as an explanation for their special suits). |  |
| Oh that white cape is going to be so dirty from that muddy water. Bad fashion choice — or stay on dry land |  |
| Whoosa what now? Royal guards…that means The Emperor. A black-hooded figure coming to kneel…it’s obviously not Vader (who we will likely see in Rogue One), but is it a new Sith? A dark jedi? (Could there be a traitor in Jyn’s midst? I’d tend to think so.) |  |
| Are those AT-ATs? |  |
| Holy crap, those ARE AT-ATs! Geek Meter at 10! I can’t wait to see these bad boys in action — my favorite vehicle from perhaps the entire Star Wars saga! |  |
| Are they trying to sell us Jyn as an Imperial? From the opening I think this is more likely some sort of disguise…or her origin story. I could be wrong. |  |
| IS IT DECEMBER YET?!?!?!?!?!?! | 
|
Those are my thoughts. Share yours with us in our forums!
Marvel Madness — And the Winner Is……
What a March Marvel Madness it has been! We started with 32 heroes plucked from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including films, TV shows, and Netflix. 29 single-elimination matches took place with you deciding the results in each case! Sure, you could have voted Howard the Duck beats Hulk, but the voters seemed to keep to the reality defined by the Marvel media.
There were close matches, like when Luke Cage beat Winter Soldier by 1 vote. And there were landslides, like when Hulk smashed Deathlok. But throughout there were fun match-ups that pitted friend vs friend. The full bracket with results is above.
And the end result came down to the two strongest heroes — Hulk vs Thor for the championship! And the contest wasn’t even close. With 68% of the vote, the winner is……..
Hulk smashed his way through Deathlok, Black Panther, Iron Man, Punisher, and Thor to become the 2016 Marvel March Madness Champion! This green golliath truly was unstoppable in this mash-up of heroes! (Perhaps this is why Banner was sent away on a Quinjet in Age of Ultron as Civil War would simply be decided by Hulk).
Thanks from all of us at Now Playing Podcast and Marvelicious Toys to everyone who voted in any and all of these matches. It was fun for us to see how the results went, and maybe next year we can do it again with new heroes like Dr. Strange, or perhaps with the villains — Iron Monger vs Abomination is a match I’d pay to see!
Finally, a special shout-out to Stephen Finley who wrote out narratives for each of the matches — and more often than not the vote followed his story! He posted several of them in our forums, and they’re a very fun read!
Finally, don’t forget to check NowPlayingPodcast.com in just a few weeks for our review of Captain America: Civil War, and join us biweekly at MarveliciousToys.com for the latest Marvel toy collecting news and reviews!
Thanks again for taking part, and EXCELSIOR!
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Finals – Hulk vs Thor
It’s a fight staged again and again. It was in the first Avengers movie, and in countless comics. Now the two strongest Avengers are the finalists in March Marvel Madness. It’s Hulk vs Thor for the championship!
Both proved worthy competitors as they defeated every fight they had. You can see the full result bracket of March Marvel Madness below:
Who will win it all? You decide so vote now!
[poll id=”35″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
In Memory of Erik Bauersfeld
| 2016 is turning into a terrible year in terms of the passing of some celebrity icons but for me, as sad as the losses of Bowie and Rickman were, it’s been news of some of the lesser known names that have been more affecting. Less than ten days into the year I was terribly upset to learn of the death of Angus Scrimm, as any fan of the Phantasm film series will verify, one of the finest horror actors ever to grace the big screen. Last week the untimely parting of Garry Shandling caught me completely off guard, as a Brit he was my gateway to American comedy and a man who never failed to make me laugh. Today I woke to the deeply sad news that a favorite son of the galaxy far, far away, Erik Bauersfeld, the voice behind Admiral Ackbar had died at the grand age of 93.Bauersfeld was already in the employ of Lucasfilm on a radio project when sound guru Ben Burtt asked him to read for parts in the sequels to the 1977 blockbuster. A little known fact is that he could have been the voice of Yoda but it wasn’t to be and I for one and am glad that fate took the path it did. Rumor has it that Bauersfeld was shown a picture of Ackbar and instantly came up with the character voice that we all know and love today. Would internet memes be the same without “It’s a trap!” (let’s be honest you read that in the voice didn’t you?)
Bauersfeld recorded all Ackbar’s dialogue in an hour and then went on to record all Bib Fortuna’s dialogue in half the time, such was his vocal talent. I don’t know the reasoning behind the omission but I always considered it a crime that Erik received no on screen credit for providing two of the most iconic voices in the saga. “This will begin to make things right” was the opening line as the Force Awakened last year and even though most people agree this was JJ’s dig at the maker, it could be applied to credit finally received for Bauersfeld whose name made it on to the big screen as he revived his most well-known character for what we now know was the last time. I for one was the happiest man alive when I heard Erik was going to voice the Admiral once again and whilst most men cried at that Solo scene, the word ‘oscillator’ brought tears of happiness to my eyes. |
 Steve’s shrine to Admiral Ackbar, Erik Bauersfeld’s iconic voice role |
| I was lucky enough to meet Erik last year when attending London Film & Comic Con. He looked every bit of his 93 years and, as always happens when meeting elderly actors at conventions, I experienced mixed feelings about asking him for his autograph. Whilst really excited to be meeting a hero, it was such a struggle for him to engage with me on a meaningful level, a part of me would have much rather have him not waste his time with this fanboy and go and sit in the comfy chair he deserved. I’m so glad he did give me his time though, he spent 5 minutes with me and my wife, and they’re five minutes I won’t ever forget. As he signed my 10×8” promo photograph uttering the famous line as he wrote it, he took great pride in ensuring that I knew he was Admiral Ackbar and not the other Mon Calamari pictured, it took a couple of hours to wipe the smile off my face.Since seeing Return of the Jedi in 1983 the character of Admiral Ackbar has been my favourite of the Star Wars saga, I like to think I was the Admiral’s biggest fan before it was cool and have a shrine dedicated in his honour. As an alien who made it to the top of a human dominated organisation, he’s a proud and fearless commander who visibly takes no joy in the demise of the enemy, it’s my daily aim to be as competent and humble as he. The sad news of Erik’s passing might well mean that Ackbar never gets his promotion to Grand Admiral.
On behalf of all Star Wars fans everywhere, thank you for your work Erik. |
 Erik Bauersfeld at London Film & Comic Con, 2015 |
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Ant-Man from Captain America: Civil War #TeamCap
With the Marvel Cinematic Universe being divided over the rising concern of collateral damage caused by the Avengers in Captain America: Civil War, fans will finally witness the epic showdown between Captain America and Iron Man when the two heroes hold different views on the system of accountability to oversee the Avengers.
Today Hot Toys put up for pre-order the new 1/6th scale collectible figure of newest supporter of Team Captain America, the size-shifting hero, Ant-Man!
The movie-accurate Ant-Man collectible figure is specially crafted based on the film featuring a newly developed head sculpt with authentic likeness of Paul Rudd as Ant-Man in the movie, an interchangeable helmeted head with LED light-up function, meticulously tailored new Ant-Man suit, an Ant-Man miniature figure, and a Captain America: Civil War themed figure stand.
Hot Toys – MMS362 – Captain America: Civil War 1/6th scale Ant-Man Collectible Figure Specification
~ Movie Masterpiece Series ~
The 1/6th scale Ant-Man Collectible Figure features:
- – Newly developed head sculpt with authentic likeness of Paul Rudd as Ant-Man in the movie
- – New Interchangeable Ant-Man helmet with LED light-up function (battery operated)
- – Approximately 30 cm tall
- – Six (6) pieces of interchangeable gloved hands including:
- – One (1) pair of relaxed hands
- – One (1) pair of fists
- – One (1) pair of gesturing hands
- – Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Costume:
- – One (1) new specially tailored black, red, and grey Ant-Man suit with embossed patterns and silver trims
- – One (1) pair of silver colored gauntlet
- – One (1) pair of black boots
Accessories:
- – One (1) miniature Ant-Man (Approximately 2.8cm tall)
- – Captain America: Civil War themed Team Captain America figure stand with character’s nameplate and the movie logo
Release date: Q3 – Q4, 2016
Don’t pass up on the opportunity to add the latest Ant-Man collectible figure in your collection.
Eisner Award Nominee Tom Beland Producing Original Art for Now Playing Movie Review Book Underrated Movies We Recommend
Beland’s art for the film Kung Fu Hustle. In the final, published book the art will be full-color.
Venganza Media is adding another star contributor to its Kickstarter-funded publishing project, teaming with artist and author Tom Beland to produce original, exclusive artwork for Underrated Movies We Recommend.
In addition to designing the book’s cover, Beland will create 12 half-page and 6 full-page pieces that will bring to life 125 reviews of undiscovered and underappreciated films selected by the hosts of Now Playing Podcast. Prior to joining the Underrated team, the Santa Rosa, California-based Beland created 2014’s acclaimed Chicicabra and the Eisner-nominated series True Story, Swear to God, based on his real life romance.
With Beland on board, Underrated is one step closer to the end of a journey that began in February 2015, when Now Playing Podcast listeners funded the project on Kickstarter. The contributions exceeded all expectations and allowed Venganza to publish the book in hardcover and audio format. In October, legendary suspense and horror filmmaker John Carpenter agreed to pen the foreword to Underrated, contributing his thoughts on undervalued films and the devoted audiences that keep them close to their hearts.
You can pre-order Underrated Movies We Recommand now! The estimated shipping date is late summer, 2016.
Marvel Madness Final 4 – Captain America vs Thor
Thor, God of Thunder, has hammered through victory after victory, earning his spot in the Marvel Madness Final Four! He splintered Groot in the first round. His hammer bested Gamora’s blade in the Sweet Sixteen. He even proved more worthy than Vision, defeating the android in the Elite Eight. Can Thor fly fast enough to take it all?
He’s facing daring competition in this round–Captain America! Daredevil proved no match against the Star Spangled Avenger, and Jessica Jones fared little better. Even when up against Spider-Man in the Elite Eight, The First Avenger won.
Who makes it into the finals, and who goes home battered and bruised? You decide so vote now!
[poll id=”34″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Episode 473: Blu Rey
Tomorrow The Force Awakens arrives on Blu-Ray — the first new
live-action Star Wars home release in 11 years. There are a handful of
exclusive versions and many tie-in sales. Prep for your Tuesday shopping
by joining Arnie and Marjorie to find out which version is right for
you!
Plus tomorrow also marks the rerelease of the Disney Store
exclusive Elite figures — including a new Boba Fett! Find out how you
can score these figures that have commanded top dollar on eBay.
With a report from Wizard World Chicago, a review of the latest Funko
Smuggler’s Bounty box, and more, it’s all in this new episode of Star
Wars Action News!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better, and need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/aamrge/swan473.mp3
Marvel Madness Elite 8 – Spider-Man vs Captain America
Spider-Man was tougher than Power Man and became one of the Marvel Madness Elite 8. Meanwhile, Cage’s wife fared even worse when up against Captain America.
Now it’s Winghead vs. Web-head to advance to the Final Four. We know Spidey is #TeamIronMan and, well, Cap is #TeamCap. But who wins when they go head to head?
Vote now to choose!
[poll id=”32″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Elite 8 – Punisher vs Black Widow
The Punisher easily outgunned Hawkeye to advance to the Elite 8. And Black Widow defeated every other S.H.I.E.L.D. agent to enter this round. But now can Natasha’s fighting skills and widow’s sting compete against The Punisher’s military training and endless supply of guns? Vote now to choose!
[poll id=”31″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Elite 8 – Vision vs Thor
Hulk was the first hero in March Marvel Madness’ Elite 8, having little more trouble beating Black Panther than he did Deathlok. Meanwhile, in a battle of the armored Avengers, Iron Man came out on top.
Now Hulk and Iron Man face off in the first match of the Elite 8. Who makes it to the Final 4? Vote now to choose!
[poll id=”30″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Elite 8 – Hulk vs Iron Man!
Hulk was the first hero in March Marvel Madness’ Elite 8, having little more trouble beating Black Panther than he did Deathlok. Meanwhile, in a battle of the armored Avengers, Iron Man came out on top.
Now Hulk and Iron Man face off in the first match of the Elite 8. Who makes it to the Final 4? Vote now to choose!
[poll id=”28″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Win THE FORCE AWAKENS on Digital from Star Wars Action News and Vudu!
The Star Wars Action News Podcast and Vudu have teamed up to give away 5 Digital copies of The Force Awakens!
These copies will be given out one per day, starting 3/31 and ending 4/4.
It just takes two quick steps to Enter:
- Follow Star Wars Action News on PodBean. (If you don’t have a PodBean account you will need to sign up for a free one)
- E-mail show@swactionnews.com your PodBean user name.
Already follow us on PodBean? You only have to do step 2!
From the pool of entries, one winner will be chosen each day. The sooner you enter, the more chances you have to win! Entrants on 3/31 have 5 chances, one per day. Those who enter 4/1 have 4 chances, etc.
Winners will be sent their codes through a reply to their e-mail.
Enter today and good luck!
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Falcon from Civil War!
In the epic blockbuster, Captain America: Civil War, the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be divided when fans’ favorite heroes are taking two different sides when the government is becoming concern with collateral damage caused by the Avengers and planning to install a system of accountability to oversee and direct the Avengers.
Today Hot Toys put up for pre-order the next 1/6th scale collectible figure of a Team Captain America member – Falcon!
The movie-accurate collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of Anthony Mackie as Falcon in the movie. It features a newly painted head sculpt, a highly detailed and specially tailored costume, flight backpack, newly designed wings with enhanced articulations, a Redwing drone, and a dynamic figure stand ideal for flight poses.
Support Team Captain America by adding the new Falcon collectible figure to your collection today.
Please kindly find the attached photos and spec below for your reference.
Hot Toys – MMS361 – Captain America: Civil War – 1/6th scaleFalcon Collectible Figure Specification
~ Movie Masterpiece Series ~
The 1/6th scale Falcon Collectible Figure specially features:
- – Newly painted head sculpt with authentic and detailed likeness of Anthony Mackie as Falcon in Captain America: Civil War
- – Movie-accurate facial expression with detailed wrinkles and skin texture
- – Body with over 30 points of articulations
- – Approximately 30 cm tall
- – Eight (8) pieces of interchangeable gloved hands including:
- – One (1) pair of fists
- – One (1) pair of relaxed hands
- – One (1) pair of hands for holding weapons
- – One (1) pair of hands for holding wings
- – Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Costume:
- – One (1) specially tailored dark grey and red colored Falcon flight suit
- – One (1) grey colored t-shirt
- – One (1) pair of dark grey and red colored gauntlets
- – One (1) pair of black and dark grey colored boots with mechanical details
Weapons:
- – One (1) submachine gun
- – One (1) submachine gun on left forearm
Accessories:
- – One (1) flight backpack
- – One (1) pair of interchangeable newly designed attachable fully spread wings with enhanced articulations
- – One (1) articulated Redwing drone attachable to flight backpack
- – One (1) pair of goggles
- – Diamond-shaped dynamic figure stand with Falcon nameplate and the movie logo
Marvel Madness Sweet 16 Match 8 – Jessica Jones vs Captain America
Jessica Jones scored a narrow victory over Quicksilver, advancing to March Marvel Madness’ Sweet 16. Meanwhile Captain America obliterated his competitor Daredevil. Can Jessica Jones succeed where her Netflix brother failed? You pick in the final match of the Sweet 16 fights! Then come back tomorrow for the Elite 8!
[poll id=”27″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Sweet 16 Match 7 – Agent Coulson vs Black Widow
There seems to be a lot of in-fighting at SHIELD these days. Is Hydra involved? Either way, Agent Coulson easily defeated Agent 13, and Black Widow used extreme prejudice to take out SHIELD founder Peggy Carter.
Now Coulson and Black Widow go head to head. Only one Agent of SHIELD is going to advance to March Marvel Madness’ Elite 8. Who will it be? You decide!
[poll id=”25″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Sweet 16 Match 6 – Vision vs Rocket Raccoon
It turns out 12% of a plan wasn’t enough for Star-Lord to face Rocket, so the short, furry Guardian entered our Sweet 16. Vision had a much easier time overcoming his opponent Howard the Duck.
Now Vision and Rocket must do battle in what must be the strangest March Marvel Madness match yet! Will Rocket’s weaponry overcome Vision’s density? Vote now!
[poll id=”24″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Sweet 16 Match 5 – Iron Man vs War Machine
Both of the Armored Avengers won their Round 1 matches. Iron Man scored an easy victory over Nick Fury, and War Machine clipped Falcon’s wings. But now it’s time for these two friends to face off in March Marvel Madness!
War Machine has a big gun, but is he the big gun? Vote Now!
[poll id=”23″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Sweet 16 Match 4 – Luke Cage vs Spider-Man
In his first match Spider-Man had a fight on his hands, narrowly defeating Scarlet Witch to join the March Marvel Madness Sweet 16. But the vote was even closer when Luke Cage defeated The Winter Soldier by only one vote!
Now Spider-Man and Luke Cage duke it out for a spot in the Elite 8. In the comics these two hung out quite a bit, but how do their powers compare in combat? YOU DECIDE! Vote now in the poll below
[poll id=”22″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Sweet 16 Match 3 – Punisher vs Hawkeye
In Round 1 Hawkeye barely overcame Elektra, winning by just one vote! The Punisher, however, obliterated Maria Hill with 83%. Now these two must face off.
How does Hawkeye’s aim and trick arrows compare to The Punisher’s arsenal and war experience? Tell us in the poll below!
[poll id=”21″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Sweet 16 Match 2 – Gamora vs Thor
Two Guardians of the Galaxy were eliminated in Round 1 of March Marvel Madness. Drax the Destroyer put up a fight and got 44% of the vote, but it wasn’t enough to beat Gamora. Meanwhile, Groot splinted under the might of Thor’s hammer.
Now these two alien beings face off. Can Gamora’s training under Thanos help her best the son of Odin? You decide!
[poll id=”20″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Sweet 16 Match 1 – Black Panther vs Hulk
Hulk easily smashed Deathlok, getting 94% of the votes, to progress to our Sweet 16. Meanwhile, Black Panther narrowly defeated Ant-Man. Now the two face off. Will Hulk SMASH puny Panther, or will T’Challa’s superhuman strength and agility give him the edge? Vote now to decide!
[poll id=”19″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
The March Marvel Madness Sweet 16 Are Chosen!
The Sweet 16 Heroes of March Marvel Madness have been selected!
The competition started March 15. Each day two pairs of heroes were plucked from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and competed head to head. Marvel fans across the globe voted at VenganzaMedia.com and from the 32 contestants, 16 winners were chosen.
Click to see the full March Marvel Madness Bracket
Now those winners go head to head, the victors advancing to the Elite 8, and you decide the results!
Each day at 1pm EDT from March 23rd through March 26th two more face-offs will be posted. The matches will be:
March 23: Black Panther vs Hulk
March 23: Gamora vs Thor
March 24: Hawkeye vs Punisher
March 24: Spider-Man vs Luke Cage
March 25: War Machine vs Iron Man
March 25: Vision vs Rocket Raccoon
March 26: Agent Phil Coulson vs Black Widow
March 26: Captain America vs Jessica Jones
Come back to VenganzaMedia.com each day to vote for the winner! The victors advance to our March Marvel Madness Elite 8. Then, starting March 27, one match will be posted per day until only one Marvel champion remains!
Marvel collectors: get your dose of Marvel toy and statue collecting news on the Marvelicious Toys podcast!
Marvel movie fans: hear reviews of every Marvel movie, from Howard the Duck through Ant-Man on the Now Playing podcast!
Marvel Madness Match 16 – Captain America vs Daredevil
It’s the final fight in March Marvel Madness’ first round, and two heavy hitters collide! Can Captain America’s shield and strength overcome Daredevil’s heightened senses and reflexes? It’s a Spring ’16 battle of big screen vs small, and you decide the winner!
Then come back tomorrow as we start our Sweet 16 matches!
[poll id=”17″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Match 15 – Agent 13 vs Agent Coulson
Despite both being Agents under the command of Nick Fury, we’ve never seen Agent Sharon Carter and Agent Phil Coulson together. But one has gone on to be the Director of newly reformed S.H.I.E.L.D. and the other is joining #TeamCap for a Civil War. But if they went head to head, would experience overcome agility? You decide!
[poll id=”16″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Match 14 – Rocket Raccoon vs Star-Lord!
Two galactic Guardians go head to head in a winner takes-all deathmatch! YOU decide if Star-Lord’s 12% of a plan can overcome Rocket’s weaponry!
[poll id=”15″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Match 13 – Nick Fury vs Iron Man!
Nick Fury has years of training and combat experience. Iron Man has attitude and a really cool suit. Can the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. overcome the Iron Avenger? You decide!
[poll id=”14″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Episode 472: Having a Blaster at C2E2 2016
This past weekend was C2E2 in Chicago. Marjorie, Arnie, and Daryl were there checking out the panels and all the booths at the con. Join them on this episode as they report on their hunts for items like Bandai Movie Realization figures, S.H. Figuarts Stormtroopers, Hasbro Black Series, and more! Plus they highlight some special Artist’s Alley finds.
Also on this episode, Jerry is back with another Vintage Viewpoint. He looks at the classic Stormtrooper Blaster toy, and reveals its surprising Batman tie!
Finally Andrew is back with two new Hot Toys — A New Hope Luke and Stormtrooper Luke Skywalker. Does he like these Lukes? Join him to find out in this new Star Wars Action News!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better, and need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: https://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/8h9qrm/SWAN472.mp3
Marvel Madness Match 12 – Jessica Jones vs Quicksilver!
Jessica Jones and Quicksilver both started as normal people, but experiments turned them into superheroes. But can Jones’ strength overcome Quicksilver’s speed? You decide!
[poll id=”13″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Match 11 – Agent Carter vs Black Widow
Both women are highly trained operatives, skilled in combat and undercover infiltration. But when these two secret agents battle it out, who comes out on top — Agent Peggy Carter or the Black Widow?
[poll id=”12″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Match 10 – Howard the Duck vs Vision!
This may seem like an unfair fight — after all, what chance does an Infinity Gem powered android stand against an anthropomorphic water fowl? But both had encounters with infinity stones, and Howard is a master of Quack-Fu. And you get to decide which of them progresses to the Marvel Madness Sweet Sixteen!
[poll id=”11″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Match 9 – Falcon vs War Machine!
Never in Marvel Madness history have we had such equal opponents. These super sidekicks both have military histories, and their powered suits got them roles in the Avengers! But Falcon is #TeamCap and War Machine is #TeamStark so one has to fall. Can the “big gun’s” fight overcome Falcon’s flight?
[poll id=”10″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Match 8 – Scarlet Witch vs Spider-Man!
Can webs and wits win over a witch with hex powers? Vote now to see which Avenger comes out on top!
[poll id=”9″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Match 7 – Elektra vs Hawkeye!
Hawkeye lost his parents, joined a carnival, and became a master archer. Elektra lost her parents and became a ninja assassin. But when they go head to head, who will be victorious?
[poll id=”8″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Match 6 – Thor vs Groot!
A god versus a Groot — but who is worthy to advance to the Sweet Sixteen of Marvel Madness?
[poll id=”7″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Match 5 – Deathlok vs The Hulk!
It’s brawn versus tech in today’s match! Who wins and gets to advance to the Sweet Sixteen — The Hulk or Deathlok?
[poll id=”6″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys’ Hawkeye #TeamCap
Following the release of the latest trailer of Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War, fans around the world are getting more and more excited for this epic battle between their favorite heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe!
Today, Hot Toys continues their waves of high-end collectible figures based on this highly anticipated film and officially present the new 1/6th scale Hawkeye Collectible Figure!
The movie-accurate Hawkeye Collectible Figure is specially crafted based on the image of Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye in Captain America: Civil War. It features a newly painted head sculpt, a brand new costume with asymmetrical sleeves design, Hawkeye’s iconic bow and arrows, a specially sculpted interchangeable arrowhead with miniature Ant-Man, a pistol and dagger, and Captain America: Civil War themed figure stand.
Don’t miss the chance to add this master marksman of Team Captain America in your collection today!
The Hot Toys MMS358 1/6th scale Hawkeye Collectible Figure features:
- – Newly painted head sculpt with authentic and detailed likeness of Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye in Captain America: Civil War
- – Approximately 30 cm tall
- – Body with over 30 points of articulations
- – Movie-accurate facial features with detailed wrinkles and skin texture
- – Seven (7) pieces of interchangeable hands with gloved right hand and finger tabs on left hand including:
- – One (1) pair of relaxed hands
- – One (1) right hand for holding bow
- – One (1) right hand for holding dagger
- – One (1) left hand for holding pistol
- – Two (2) left hands of different styles for holding arrow
- – Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Costume:
- – One (1) specially tailored dark blue and dark purple-colored suit with asymmetrical sleeves design
- – One (1) pair of dark navy blue pants with belt on waist and straps on thighs
- – One (1) pair of black boots with dagger sheath on right boot
Weapons:
- – One (1) black colored bow
- – One (1) dagger
- – One (1) pistol
- – One (1) specially sculpted interchangeable arrowhead with miniature Ant-Man on top
- – Eleven (11) interchangeable arrowheads of different styles
- – Sixteen (16) individual arrows
- Accessories:
- – One (1) quiver
- – One (1) pair of sunglasses
- – Captain America: Civil War themed Team Captain America figure stand with Hawkeye nameplate and the movie logo
Get your Hawkeye preordered now at Sideshow Collectibles
Marvel Madness Match 4 – Winter Soldier vs Luke Cage!
They were once normal humans until science made them something more. But who wins this battle — Luke Cage or The Winter Soldier?
[poll id=”5″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Match 3 – Maria Hill vs The Punisher!
Vigilante justice or teamwork and leadership? Who wins when these two draw their guns — The Punisher or Maria Hill?
[poll id=”4″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Marvel Madness Match 1 – Ant Man vs Black Panther!
Our contest begins with our first match in the MIND STONE division! Which of these animalistic heroes will rule the day — Black Panther or Ant-Man?
[poll id=”2″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Love Marvel Toys? Head to MarveliciousToys.com!
Marvel Madness Match 2 – Drax the Destroyer vs Gamora!
Our second challenge for today pits two Guardians against each other! Who will win the first match in the SPACE STONE division — Gamora or Drax?
[poll id=”3″]
See all the details of the Marvel Madness Infinity Gauntlet and download your bracket sheet
Hear all the Marvel Movies discussed at NowPlayingPodcast.com
March Marvel Madness Will Prove Which Hero is Mightiest
Since the dawn of heroes, fans worldwide have speculated about who would win a head-to-head match…
“Captain America would win a fight with Daredevil!”
“Hulk would win a fight with Iron Man!”
“Howard the Duck would win a fight with Vision!”
Now, you get the final word.
It’s bigger than Civil War! It’s bigger than Secret Wars! It’s Venganza Media’s Marvel Madness!
We’re pitting the stars of Marvel’s cinematic and television universes against each other in a bracket battle for the ages, and YOU will decide the victor! Fill out your bracket, choose the winners, and vote here on the Venganza Media Gazette. As heroes fall, the field of 32 will be whittled down until the champion is crowned on April 4.
Post your bracket at the Marvelicious Toys and Now Playing Podcast Facebook pages, and tell everyone why you think Maria Hill will win it all! Really, if you’ve got Hill going No. 1 we must know why.
LET THE MADNESS BEGIN!
Today’s Matches:
Pre-Order Alert: Mezco’s One:12 Captain America (Spider-Man, Deadpool, and Red Skull Announced)
There was no contest. Marvelicious Toys’ winner of “Best in Show” for the 2016 Toy Fair International was Mezco and their One:12 line of highly articulated 1/12th scale action figures.
Now the first Marvel Superhero in that figure line is available for pre-order: Captain America
This new figure line has these classic Marvel characters in their comic book incarnations. But with what Mezco calls “Hyper-realistic portraits”, 32-points of articulation, fabric uniforms with special silk screening applications, and sculpted accessories like belt, gloves, harness, and boots, this is a 6-inch figure like no other.
Plus the Captain America figure is loaded with accessories. This first release has
- Standard helmeted portrait
- Unmasked Steve Rogers Portrait
- Fists (L&R)
- “Thumbs Up” hand (L)
- Saluting hand (R)
- Pointing hand (R)
- Posing hands (L&R)
- Holding hands (L&R)
- Shield throwing hands (L&R)
- Shield with magnetic attachments
- Harness with magnetic attachment
- Knife (fits in sheath on the boot)
- Grenade set (can clip onto the back of the belt)
- Interchangeable pouch and canteen (can clip onto the belt)
- Display base with posing post
Each figure is packaged in a deluxe, fifth panel window box with translucent acetate slipcover. Designed for collector convenience, the packaging allows for both maximum protection as well as ease of removal for display.
We know this line will expand fast. Three different versions of Captain America were displayed at Toy Fair, and this is the first opened for order. Plus just earlier today Mezco revealed their plans for Spider-Man, Deadpool, and Red Skull figures in this line!
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Previous Mezco One:12 releases, like their Spock and Batman, have pre-sold out and already command top dollar on the secondary market. So if you want to jump into this new line, you can order direct from Mezco today!
Watch our booth tour and interview with Mezco about thier One:12 line on the Marvelicious Toys YouTube channel
Episode 471: Hot Toys — Assemble the Troops!
While most of us spent Force Friday, 2015 standing outside our local toy stores, Hot Toys collectors were making tough choices. Up for pre-order that day were the first wave of figures for The Force Awakens — and there were lots of them! More pre-orders followed, and now Hot Toys fans are rewarded by a legion of figures showing up on their doorsteps. In this episode Andrew assembles his ranks of Hot Toys First Order Stormtroopers. How different are they, and were they worth the price? Join him to find out!
Also on this week’s show, Marjorie and Arnie review Wave 3 of the Star Wars Black Series 6-inch figures, with a First Order TIE Fighter Pilot and a Resistance Trooper. Plus they also run down all the news regarding The Force Awakens Blu-Ray releases!
All this and a report from Wizard World Cleveland in this latest episode of Star Wars Action News!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better, and need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: http://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/m4yjia/SWAN471.mp3
Monogram Key Rings Unlock Marvel Comics Cuteness
One of the greatest joys I have in life is blind bagged collectibles. I enjoy the surprise and suspense of not knowing which character is in that little opaque package. The hunt for the chase figures, and the satisfaction of knowing that I completed the series are great feelings. These are all amplified if the item is amazingly cute. Nothing is better than a tough super hero or villain transformed into a cute and cuddly little being. That’s why Monogram International’s 3D Foam Key Rings are my latest obsession.
I first stumbled across these at my local bookstore. I liked the art on the package and it was blind bagged so I bought a couple. As soon as I opened them, I knew I had to get more. I was blown away by the each character and how uniquely cute they were. The first one I opened that day was Hulk. I loved how he looked like a shrunken version of Marvel’s Green Goliath. His little mop of black hair and little outstretched arms had me. I opened the rest of them and immediately went back and bought more.
These key rings are simply adorable! They have a rotund quality, and stubby little appendages, making them look like baby versions of their characters, and this only adds to the cuteness. The key rings are fully formed like action figures, but they are not articulated. What really makes these stand out is the fact that they are all different sculpts. These aren’t the same body painted a number of different ways. The heads have personality and are unique to the character. Some have little weapons they are holding, other shave capes like The Collector, and Ghost Rider has his signature flames on his head.
Monogram covers a wide array of characters in each series as well. Series 1 covered the standard characters with Avengers and a portion of the Guardians of the Galaxy team. In later series we see Falcon, Ant-Man, Luke Cage and even MODOK. Monogram even delves into Secret Wars territory, tying into that recent crossover event. There are also some chase or “exclusive” figures. Sometimes they are a color variant like gold Thanos in the Secret Wars series or the gray Deadpool variant in Series 3. Chase figures are typically packed in lesser numbers for each case and as a result, harder to find.
The only problem I have encountered with these is what to do with so many key rings! I have solved this problem by trading my extras or using them as intended, as key rings.. They also make great zipper pulls for backpacks. I have a collection of them and I am keeping them in various locations throughout collection as decoration. I have also found that hanging them on little hooks works well as they don’t stand up on their tiny feet. These are very versatile and can be displayed and used in many ways.
Packed in a silver bag with great artwork, these key rings can be found at various retail and comic store locations. They normally run around $5.99, which makes the price well worth what you are getting in that bag.
So what are you waiting for? Join the addiction and order some today.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens on Digital HD April 1, Blu-Ray April 5. Exclusive editions Announced!
Arriving early on Digital HD April 1, 2016
Bring it home on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD on April 5, 2016
Including new in-depth bonus offering fans the chance to experience more
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is coming to Video On Demand on April 1, 2016 and Blu-Ray and DVD on April 5, 2016. It is also coming to Disney Movies Anywhere, which allows you to redeem a code and access the digital movie on iTunes, Vudu, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft Web Services.
More, there will be several retailer exclusives for The Force Awakens. Pre-orders are up now — click the store name to go to the pre-order page.
- TARGET – The Target Star Wars: The Force Awakens Blu-ray Combo Pack comes with exclusive packaging and an added 20 minutes of bonus content, including never-before-seen interviews with Daisy Ridley and John Boyega and a deeper look at the movie’s costumes and weaponry
- WALMART – The Walmart Star Wars: The Force Awakens Blu-ray Combo Pack comes with exclusive BB-8 packaging and an exclusive Star Wars Galactic Connexions trading disc
- BEST BUY – The Best Buy Star Wars: The Force Awakens Blu-ray Combo Pack features exclusive SteelBook Packaging
The full press release is below:
BURBANK, Calif. (March 3, 2016)—Star Wars: The Force Awakens shattered box office records upon its debut to become the cinematic event of a generation with over $926 million domestic and $2.05 billion worldwide. As announced this morning by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert A. Iger at The Walt Disney Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the epic movie will be available to own early on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on April 1, and coming home on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on April 5.
Discover the complete story behind the making of Star Wars: The Force Awakens with in-depth documentary and bonus material that will take fans on an exciting journey behind the scenes. Secrets will be revealed through extensive footage, never-before-seen deleted scenes, and exclusive interviews with the actors and filmmakers. Bonus features include*:
- Secrets of The Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey – For the first time, discover the complete story behind the making of The Force Awakens, revealed through in-depth footage and exclusive interviews with the actors and filmmakers in this feature documentary.
- The Story Awakens: The Table Read – Cast members familiar and new reflect on the memorable day they all first came together to read the movie’s script.
- Building BB-8 – See how the filmmakers brought the newest droid to the screen, creating an instant fan favorite in the Star Wars
- Crafting Creatures – Watch movie magic as the filmmakers bring a cast of new creatures to life.
- Blueprint of a Battle: The Snow Fight – Go deeper into the epic, climactic lightsaber battle between Rey and Kylo Ren.
- John Williams: The Seventh Symphony – The legendary composer shares personal insights of his work on Star Wars and The Force Awakens.
- ILM: The Visual Magic of The Force – An insider’s look into the remarkable digital artistry of the movie’s visual effects.
- Force For Change – Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. See how the Star Wars: Force for Change initiative has united Star Wars fans all over the globe to help others.
- Plus Deleted Scenes
* Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer
Star Wars: The Force Awakens saw the eagerly anticipated reteaming of original Star Wars stars Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill, along with Anthony Daniels, the only actor to have been in all seven Star Wars films, and Peter Mayhew. The returning cast was joined by newcomer Daisy Ridley, who beat out fierce competition to take the principal role of Rey; BAFTA Rising Star Award winner John Boyega (Attack the Block, Imperial Dreams) as reluctant stormtrooper Finn; Emmy® nominee Adam Driver (Lincoln, Girls) as the villainous Kylo Ren, and Golden Globe® winner Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis, The Bourne Legacy) as Resistance pilot Poe Dameron.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens was directed by J.J. Abrams and written by Lawrence Kasdan & J.J. Abrams and Michael Arndt. Lucasfilm president and eight-time Academy Award® nominee Kathleen Kennedy and J.J. Abrams, along with his longtime producing partner Bryan Burk, are the film’s producers.
Having established a musical legacy with his iconic scores for the previous six films in the Star Wars Saga, acclaimed composer John Williams returned to score Star Wars: The Force Awakens, ultimately garnering his 50th Oscar® nomination for it.
DISC SPECIFICATIONS:
FEATURE RUN TIME: Approximately 136 min.
RATING: PG-13 in U.S.; PG in CE; G in CF
ASPECT RATIO: Blu-ray Feature Film = 2.40:1
DVD Feature Film = 2.40:1
AUDIO: Blu-ray = English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks
DVD = English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio Language Tracks
LANGUAGES: English, French & Spanish
SUBTITLES: English SDH, French & Spanish
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ABOUT STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS:
Lucasfilm and visionary director J.J. Abrams join forces to take you back again to a galaxy far, far away as Star Wars returns to the big screen with Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The film stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Max Von Sydow. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk are producing with Tommy Harper and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. The screenplay is written by Lawrence Kasdan & J.J. Abrams and Michael Arndt.
ABOUT LUCASFILM LTD.
Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company’s activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.
Lucasfilm, the Lucasfilm logo, STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.
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ABOUT DISNEY MOVIES ANYWHERE (DMA):
Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) is an engaging and family-friendly cloud-based digital movie service that makes it simple to buy your favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars movies once and watch them anywhere. With DMA you can explore Disney’s library of over 450 eligible digital movies, discover hours of new and exclusive short-form content, and watch your digital movies from the comfort of the living room or across multiple mobile devices. Using the free DMA apps and website, you can connect your DMA account with participating providers including iTunes, Amazon Video, VUDU, Microsoft Movies and TV and Google Play and unlock access to your eligible movie collections across platforms and devices – iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple TV/Airplay, Amazon’s Fire tablets, Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Microsoft Movies and TV service on Windows and Microsoft Xbox devices, Android mobile and tablet devices and Android TV, Chromecast and the Roku® platform. In addition, you can redeem Digital Copy codes found in Disney, Pixar and Marvel Blu-rays and DVDs, as well as earn Disney Movie Rewards points with every digital purchase.
ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS:
For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; Lucasfilm; and Touchstone Pictures, the banner under which live-action films from DreamWorks Studios are distributed. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.
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STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates.© & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.
IN-HOME MEDIA CONTACTS:
NATIONAL: Maria Barraza REGIONAL: Gabrielle Bilicki
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818-560-4068 818-560-4069
Star Wars: The Force Awakens to be 3-Disc Blu-ray Set
is coming to Blu-ray, and there may be more secrets inside!
According to the specs listed on Blu-ray.com The Force Awakens will have 2 Blu-ray discs and 1 DVD. The movie itself is on one Blu-ray as well as the DVD. Contents on the other Blu-ray disc are as yet unknown.
Additionally, the set is listed as coming with an iTunes Digital Copy as well as a Google Play Digital Copy. No other bonus features have been announced.
There is no release date given, but the iTunes digital release date is rumored at March 15, with rentals available April 5. If the pattern holds with Disney’s other home video releases, the Blu-ray should be released in mid-April.
Pre-Order the disc now at Amazon.com to get it on release day!
Episode 470: Toy Fair 2016 Pt 2 – Kotobukiya, Funko and More from Javitz
Toy Fair International is over, and Star Wars Action News is here to wrap-up all the news collectors care about!
In this episode Marjorie and Arnie recap their Javitz booth visits. They spoke with Dan from Kotobukiya about their upcoming Art-FX+ statues and housewares goods. Funko reveals new POPs, and hints at upcoming Hikari Sofubi characters. Revell shows off new models and teases their Rogue One offerings. Plus several others!
And also this show you can hear Hasbro’s Star Wars Brand Presentation. Our previous episode ran down the reveals, but now you can hear the full presentation straight from Hasbro’s team!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better, and need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: http://swactionnews.podbean.com/mf/play/63q3jp/SWAN470.mp3
THE HATEFUL EIGHT Arriving on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand March 29, 2016
| Quentin Tarantino’s Academy Award Nominated THE HATEFUL EIGHT is now up for pre-order! Get details about this release below:
BEVERLY HILLS, CA (February 17, 2016) – Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company are proud to present the home entertainment release of the eighth film by two-time Academy Award® winner Quentin Tarantino (Django Unchained, Pulp Fiction). Shot entirely on 70mm and featuring a Golden Globe® and BAFTA® award-winning score by Oscar® winner Ennio Morricone (Bugsy, The Mission) THE HATEFUL EIGHT “absolutely delivers on the sheer moment-to-moment pleasures fans have come to expect — from dynamite dialogue to powder-keg confrontations,” Peter Debruge, Variety.An explosive frontier mystery about eight strangers with one deadly connection, THE HATEFUL EIGHT will be available for digital download on March15, 2016 from Starz Digital before heading to retail on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack ($39.99 SRP) and DVD ($29.98 SRP) from Anchor Bay Entertainment and On Demand March 29, 2016. Special features for THE HATEFUL EIGHT include two featurettes – “Beyond the Eight: A Behind-the-Scenes Look” and “Sam Jackson’s Guide to Glorious 70mm.”
Ultra Panavision 70 is the very rare and exceptional format that Quentin Tarantino and his team used to shoot THE HATEFUL EIGHT, the widest 70mm theatrical release in twenty years. Panavision’s unique anamorphic camera lenses capture images on film in an incredible aspect ratio of 2.76:1. Almost all films seen today are shot in ratios of either 1.85:1 or 2.39:1. Simply put, Ultra Panavision 70 provides an amazingly wide and more detailed image. THE HATEFUL EIGHT marks the triumphant return to the genre for legendary composer Morricone (The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, A Fistful of Dollars). Nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Original Score, Morricone is back in the saddle after nearly four decades since last scoring a full-length Western. Additional Academy Award® nominations include 3-time Oscar® winner Robert Richardson for Best Cinematography and Jennifer Jason Leigh for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. THE HATEFUL EIGHT’s notorious all-star cast also boasts Oscar® nominees Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction), Kurt Russell (Silkwood), Emmy® nominee Walton Goggins (TV’s Justified), Demian Bichir (A Better Life) and Tim Roth (Rob Roy). In THE HATEFUL EIGHT, set six or eight or twelve years after the Civil War, a stagecoach hurtles through the wintry Wyoming landscape. The passengers, bounty hunter John Ruth (Kurt Russell) and his fugitive Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh), race towards the town of Red Rock where Ruth, known in those parts as “The Hangman,” will bring Domergue to justice. Along the road, they encounter two strangers: Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson), a black former union soldier turned infamous bounty hunter, and Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins), a southern renegade who claims to be the town’s new Sheriff. Losing their lead on the blizzard, Ruth, Domergue, Warren and Mannix seek refuge at Minnie’s Haberdashery, a stagecoach stopover on a mountain pass. When they arrive at Minnie’s, they are greeted not by the proprietor but by four unfamiliar faces. Bob (Demian Bichir), who’s taking care of Minnie’s while she’s visiting her mother, is holed up with Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth), the hangman of Red Rock, cow-puncher Joe Gage (Michael Madsen), and Confederate General Sanford Smithers (Bruce Dern). As the storm overtakes the mountainside stopover, our eight travelers come to learn they may not make it to Red Rock after all… |
Win a Sixth-Scale Boba Fett Figure from Sideshow Collectibles and Star Wars Action News!
As announced on the first episode of Star Wars Action News’ Toy Fair 2016 coverage — Star Wars Action News and Sideshow Collectibles are teaming up to give away this sixth-scale Boba Fett figure!
The contest starts Sunday, February 14th and goes through February 29th. You can enter up to three times:
- Facebook – Like Star Wars Action News’ Facebook Page, and like and comment on the contest post. In your comment, tag your Facebook friend you’d trust to help you capture your bounty!
Want to win this Sideshow Collectibles Boba Fett Sixth Scale figure? LIKE Star Wars Action News on Facebook, Like this…
Posted by Star Wars Action News on Sunday, 14 February 2016
- Twitter – Follow Star Wars Action News’ Twitter feed, and retweet our contest entry tweet.
Win a @collectsideshow Boba Fett! Follow @swactionnews and RT this post to enter. Full rules https://t.co/gGmyE6MKed pic.twitter.com/pknStdFX2A
— swactionnews (@swactionnews) February 15, 2016
- Podbean – Follow Star Wars Action News on Podbean
You can enter once on each site, and up to three times total. Then from all eligible entries, a winner will be randomly chosen and announced on the March 7th episode of Star Wars Action News.
The prize will be shipped to you directly from Sideshow Collectibles.
This contest is open to fans worldwide! US winners ship free. International winners (including EU regions) will be responsible for shipping, as well as VAT, duties or import fees on the shipment of their prize. Due to customs requirements, the prize will need to be assigned a value of at least US$1. (If we do not then your customs office may elect to charge you the retail worth of your item.) Further, some countries outside of the U.S. do not have reliable mail services. In the event that a prize has been stolen or mishandled during shipment to an international destination, Sideshow may not be able to replace the specific item(s).
Enter today and good luck!
Episode 469: Toy Fair 2016 Pt 1 – LEGO, Hasbro, Jakks Pacific, and more!
Marjorie and Arnie are in New York City to bring you the latest news from Toy Fair International 2016! And if that’s not enough — they’re also giving away a Sideshow Collectibles 12-inch Boba Fett figure!
In this first part of their coverage, join them as they discuss all the latest reveals from Hasbro’s Toy Fair presentation. Hasbro displayed two new Sabine figures from Rebels, A New Hope Luke and Leia in the 6-inch Series, and more 6-inch Black Series figures. Plus they revealed news about their upcoming summer convention exclusives, for both Celebration Europe and San Diego Comic-Con! Join in to catch up on the news!
Also in this first episode the hosts run down all the new sets revealed by LEGO, and they are Hoth! Hoth! Hoth! Arnie saw the new Ultimate Collector Set Hoth diorama first hand. Listen in to find out if it’s the best new set on display, or if the new X-Wing, Carbon Freezing Chamber, or other sets stole the show!
With a thumbs-up BB-8 from Jakks Pacific and more, it’s all in this first Toy Fair 2016 episode of Star Wars Action News!
And also check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better, and need your help to make it happen!
Arnie C: http://swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN469.mp3
Diamond Select Toys Gives A Preview of Toy Fair Releases
Toy Fair
2016 is still 2 days away, but Diamond Select Toys has already given a preview of some new things they’ll have on display!
For Marvel Select collectors, no news may be more welcome than the confirmation of a rerelease of the Carnage Select action figure. This detailed figure barely showed up in comic stores, and has spiked as high as $80 on eBay! Now this 8-inch figure is coming back, giving you an extra chance to grab him. Carnage has 16 points of articulation, three interchangeable heads, swappable weapon hands, and removable tendrils that let you customize your figure’s appearance. He will retail for $24.99.
In addition to that welcome reissue, Diamond also announced new Marvel products in their Statue, PVC, and Minimates line:
Marvel Gallery Spider-Gwen 9” PVC Figure
A Diamond Select Toys release! One of the most exciting new characters in the Marvel Universe is now part of one of its most exciting new collectible lines! The Amazing Spider-Gwen, a spider-powered, hard-rocking Gwen Stacy from a parallel universe, gets the Gallery treatment with this 9-inch scale static PVC figure! Posed on the side of a New York brownstone, Spider-Gwen is sculpted with a high level of detail and exacting paint applications. Packaged in a full-color window box, she is in scale to other Gallery and Femme Fatales PVC figures. Sculpted by Jean St. Jean!
PVC Figure SRP: $45.00
Marvel Minimates Series 67 Civil War 2-Packs Asst.
A Diamond Select Toys release! Get ready for Round 2! The action of Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War continues with a second assortment of Minimates mini-figures based on the film! In this next batch of two-packs, Battle-Damaged Captain America takes on Battle-Damaged Iron Man, Black Widow meets Crossbones, Agent 13 faces an evil Thug and a rare, one-per-case variant set pairs Secretary Ross with another Thug! Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation, as well as character-appropriate accessories and fully interchangeable parts. Designed by Art Asylum!
2-Pack SRP: $9.99/ea.
Marvel Premier Collection Rogue 12” Resin Statue
A Diamond Select Toys release! This is the statue you’ve been waitin’ for, shugah! The Marvel Premier Collection continues its tour of the icons of the Marvel Universe with this statue of the X-Men’s Southern belle, Rogue! Depicted in mid-flight, the power-stealing sweetheart is wearing her fan-favorite 1990s yellow-and-green costume, with leather jacket, and measures approximately 12” tall. Limited to only 3,000 pieces, this numbered resin statue is packaged with a certificate of authenticity in a full-color box. Sculpted by Clayburn Moore!
Statue SRP: $150.00
All these items and more will be on display to wholesale buyers and press at New York’s Toy Fair International! Stay tuned to Marvelicious Toys, as well as our Facebook and Twitter feeds, for all the updates right from the show!
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