Friday the 13th (2009) – Revisited
by Arnie Carvalho
“No matter how much you love the original films in the Friday the 13th series,
it’s virtually indisputable that the 2009 remake/reboot/re-
imagining is far and away the best made of all of them.”
— Adam-Troy Castro, Syfy.com
“Can we now admit ‘Friday the 13th’ 2009 was damn good?”
— Michael White, Bloody-Disgusting.com
“It is one of the best film franchise reboots put out in theaters in the past 15 years.”
— Jason Parker, Friday The 13th Franchise.com
“I’ve always been of the mind (and it’s a hill I’ll die on), that it kinda just
makes no sense to be a fan of the original Friday the 13th movies and yet not
a fan of Friday the 13th ’09”
— John Squires, Editor in Chief of Bloody Disgusting.com, on Twitter
“Stay away from this movie. It really is one of the bad ones…
Run from this movie. Do not reward the makers with your money”
— Arnie, Now Playing’s 2009 Podcast review
“In three years no one, absolutely no one, will remember that they saw it, that
they liked it, it will have no aftertaste whatsoever. People will remember
the original, they will not remember this movie.”
— Stuart, Now Playing’s 2009 Podcast review
Still Now Playing 10 Years Later…
Today is a momentous day in my life. It’s a birthday of sorts.
While Now Playing Podcast started in 2007 it (like many shows, TV, radio, podcast, and otherwise) went through some growing pains. Cast changes, an irregular release schedule, and format changes all marred the first two years.
That began to change on January 9, 2009 — the date we released the first episode in our first retrospective series: a review of 1980’s Friday the 13th leading up to the 2009 reboot. The show went from two hosts to three (that would begin rotating later that same year). The “Recommend/Not Recommend” finale was solidified, as were patterns of series-specific opening credits, art, and titles for each film series.
Yet it’s arguably today, Friday, February 13th, that could be seen as Now Playing’s true 10th anniversary. It was the day we recorded our final Friday the 13th review. By that point we knew the retrospective was a big hit. Despite initial misgivings, we decided to immediately continue the format and review Star Trek leading up to its reboot. Stuart even went out and bought a microphone and literally stopped “phoning it in.”
I’ll never forget the night of Friday, February 13th, 2009. I was in New York City covering Toy Fair International. I went to see the Friday the 13th reboot in a Times Square movie theater, accompanied by my wife Marjorie. The excitement that caused me to begin the retrospective series was reaching its peak as the lights went down and the movie started.
Flash forward to five hours later. I’m in our hotel room (small, as most all NYC rooms are). I’m pacing. My iPhone 3G is hot against my face from being on a call for so long. I’m on a telephone recording my disappointment with the 2009 Friday the 13th reboot. Brock is in Chicago recording the call, and he would edit the show released to our listeners the following Monday.
All three of us had very similar reactions, and the reboot became the fourth Friday the 13th, out of 12, to get three red arrows on our website.
I honestly never looked back.
“Distance not only gives nostalgia, but perspective, and maybe objectivity” — Robert Morgan
As the 10th anniversary of the Friday the 13th reboot approached I came upon an interesting and unexpected turn of events: a number of think pieces were published celebrating the film. Even those who had reacted poorly to the movie initially had come around and not only enjoyed but celebrated director Marcus Nispel’s fresh take on iconic slasher Jason Voorhees (played by Derek Mears).
I started to question my own memory. Could they be right? Could that movie have aged well?
Having been a movie critic for over a decade I know from experience one of the hardest things to do when reviewing a film is to separate expectations from the final product. Movies are marketed to create expectations–to get you into a theater seat and spending money expecting delivery on what trailers, interviews, and even posters have sold.
Going into Friday the 13th in 2009 my expectations were sky high. I had loved Nispel’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake far more than the original Tobe Hooper film. I loved Jason as a killer. Jason’s last appearance on screen in 2003’s Freddy vs Jason was one of his best, and that movie’s writing team of Damian Shannon and Mark Swift were writers for the remake.
Could the movie have been good, or at least recommendable, but simply not met my expectations?
10 years have passed, so I decided to find out. For this re-review of 2009’s Friday the 13th I watched the extended “Killer Cut” released on Blu-Ray and Video on Demand. This cut was nine minutes longer than what I saw in theaters.
The Review
I watched the movie having not listened to our 2009 podcast since it was released. I remembered very little going in, only that Stuart thought Jason was a pothead. Then after watching the movie I listened to our old podcast to see what it was that got me so worked up.
SPOILERS BELOW for this 10-year-old movie!
I liked the opening. This is a reboot, and people want Jason as the killer, not old lady Pamela Voorhees. Yet Pamela’s plight from Sean S. Cunningham’s 1980 original Friday is integral to the Jason mythos. To have the climax of the original movie done in montage fashion pays homage and checks the boxes. It does create a confusing timeline as to Jason’s supposed drowning, but handled well.
Then we have the second prologue and, not having seen the movie in a decade, I was faked out. I thought this would be the movie and these five characters, Wade (Jonathan Sadowski), Richie (Ben Feldman), Mike (Nick Mennell), Whitney (Amanda Righetti), and Amanda (America Olivo), were going to be our core cast. They actually seem like a fun group and call back to so many earlier Friday the 13th casts where there’s couples hooking up…and the lonely odd man out. That Jason comes in and killed so many so quickly was a shock.
Then comes our new Jason by Derek Mears. One of my big problems in 2009 goes back to expectation: I was used to the Jason played by Kane Hodder. Jason had gone through many iterations, from bag-wearing woodsman to space-zombie, but the walking after people who run, the nearly supernatural way of catching the prey, seemed like a staple.
This Jason was fast and aggressive. He killed brutally. And he used tools and more thought power than earlier Jasons. Hanging one woman over the campfire to burn while setting a bear trap for another victim really wasn’t in Jason’s modus operandi. But then I had to remember, this is a reboot, not a remake. The Friday the 13th series had lost its luster by doing the same things again and again. In 2009 I couldn’t reconcile this Jason with the ones before. Now I realize this reboot gives us an entirely new Jason.
If I just accept this is a new character, perhaps call him “Jimmy Voorhees”, I’d have no trouble with these new killings. Nispel wanted to revitalize the character and return him to his violent, horror roots. Nearly 30 years had passed since Jason first wielded his machete. It may not be the Jason I wanted, but this viewing I can accept this “Jimmy Voorhees.”
The two characters coming upon Jason’s cabin (plus the bag over Jason’s head) took me back to 1981’s Friday the 13th Part II, and I can go with it.
Not only did the prologue surprise me in killing (seemingly) everyone so fast, I also understand the need to have a body count. One of the pressures with each new horror movie installment was to have more kills. Here, we establish Jason as a badass killer, and we got five good kills. And for those who expect topless women in your Friday films, you got that out of the way too.
Plus, the gore! I was watching the unrated cut, but I marveled at how freely the blood flowed.
Then we actually get to the movie. Again, my expectation was, since we had Shannon and Swift writing again, that we would have a group of fun, believable characters like they gave us in Freddy vs. Jason. Instead, we have a group of character types that would never be friends. I had a real problem with that in theaters.
Yet, when watching it at home on a television, I found myself more forgiving. How many groups of totally different people went camping together in the past? Sure, Parts 1 and 2 made them counsellors thrown together, and 8 had them as classmates, but the victims in parts 3 and 4, and especially 7, don’t feel like they’d hang out together either. So, is this bad writing…or is this an intentional homage to the bad writing in previous installments? More, if I can accept these weird groups in earlier films, why not here too? So, I compartmentalized that complaint and, instead, found these seven young adults appealing, flawed characters, most of whom were obviously going to end up impaled on a machete.
Trent (Travis Van Winkle) is a great douche you love to hate (and with a rich boy name like Travis Van Winkle I wonder how much he was acting). Bree (Julianna Guill) is a wonderful seductress, and the attraction Chewie (Aaron Yoo) shows for Bree takes me back to Crispin Glover’s character in The Final Chapter.
Lawrence (Arien Escarpeta) is a stoner that feels like he would hang out with Chewie. The other couple of Chelsea (Willa Ford) and Nolan (Ryan Hansen) aren’t in the film long enough for me to get a bead on them.
Which does raise one flaw–this group is too big to keep track of. They’re here for a body count, but I’m not sure they are disparate enough where I can even assign them tropes of “the smart one” and “the shy one”, etc. Especially Chelsea and Nolan, they are the flattest of characters.
Then we have typical last-girl Jenna (Danielle Panabaker). Like so many Jason survivors in films past, she’s a brunette, she’s smart, she doesn’t smoke weed, and she doesn’t get naked. And when she encounters, and partners with, Clay Miller (Jared Padalecki) who is searching for his missing sister Whitney, I’m taken back (in a positive way) to the similar plot in The Final Chapter.
The kills also are varied. I had a problem with Jason using an arrow to kill Nolan, but he used a crossbow in Part II so this wasn’t so far off. And again, this is the new “Jimmy Voorhees.” He’s a survivalist. He has to hunt to survive. It makes sense he’d be good with a bow. (It equally makes sense that this Jason is far more intelligent than the previous incarnations and so he uses Kerosene to power his home). And Chelsea’s machete-in-the-head gave Jason his usual, nearly supernatural sense of where his victims hide.
So halfway in the movie I wonder…was I too harsh on Friday the 13th? Did I allow my expectation to cloud what was delivered?
The answer is….partially, for the movie really does fall apart in the second half.
Nispel was best known (and may still be best known) for his Texas Chainsaw reboot. I don’t know if Nispel rewrote any of Shannon and Swift’s script, but the second half does turn this new Jason into a wannabe Leatherface. Why are there catacombs underneath Camp Crystal Lake? It makes no sense. Why did Jason kidnap Whitney? It makes no sense. Why does Whitney look so good after six weeks of captivity? It makes no sense.
Yet the deaths continue to impress. In this “Killer Cut” Chewie’s slow death in the tool shed was painful to watch as he writhes, groans, and bleeds for a very long time. Lawrence’s kill by Jason throwing an ax goes back to the survivalist skills, and creates a more “realistic” Jason who can’t just walk after every person who runs.
The best death/fake-out may belong to Trent, though. Waving down a tow truck, a silent hand waves Trent to get on. Can this Jason drive a car? No…it’s an old man on oxygen, unable to shout to the young man whose hesitation results in his being impaled on the truck as it drives away.
Yet another decent fake-out is Jenna. She seemed like the perfect “last girl” and, echoing The Final Chapter‘s Trish, I thought it was a given she’d escape. But two brunettes is one to many in a Friday the 13th film so when Whitney is discovered alive Jenna had to die.
The rest is pretty rote action with Jason just dead enough for a climax, yet, of course, always ready to come back for another sequel.
The Verdict
So, was I too harsh on the 2009 Friday the 13th? Yes, I clearly was. My expectation of what the previous Fridays had given clouded my ability to appreciate the changes Nispel tried to bring to make a Jason that could be scary in the 21st century.
Yet, the writing becomes very lazy in the second half. The film is almost a straight downward line, its quality decreasing with every passing frame of film, start to end. At no point does the body of the film reach the highs of its two prologues.
While this is a totally new Jason, much of the film, including the group of victims, is a throwback to the installments released 1980-1984. I wasn’t a fan of many of those early groups, so this is not a success, but it’s not worthy of the damnation I gave on the podcast.
So is it a recommend or not recommend?
It is on the borderline. I think that slasher fans will have a lot to enjoy, while old school Friday the 13th fans will have a lot to swallow.
The ridiculous ending, including everything after the rescue of Whitney (the tunnels under the camp, the convenient machinery, the obvious final “jump scare”), make me stand by my red arrow. But it’s a close call, and it’s what I’d call on the podcast “A very weak not recommend”…which is the most positive thing said about this movie in the entire history of Now Playing Podcast. |  |
(the tunnels under the camp, the convenient machinery, the obvious final “jump scare”), make me stand by my red arrow. But it’s a close call, and it’s what I’d call on the podcast “A very weak not recommend”…which is the most positive thing said about this movie in the entire history of Now Playing Podcast.
Yet the film has had a longer lifespan than I had imagined ten years ago today and, had it not been for endless legal wrangling over Friday the 13th’s IP rights, I have no doubt “Jimmy Voorhees” would have returned to slay again.
Yet while lawsuits continue over who has the right to make the next Friday film, I look forward to it. Ten years is the longest Jason has ever gone without a movie since his inception in 1980. He is missed, and hopefully Jason Voorhees, not “Jimmy”, will return to the silver screen again in the near future.
Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments below!
Hear Now Playing Podcast’s original retrospective series, 12 reviews of Friday the 13th films (plus a bonus recap episode), all available now at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Hasbro Q&A — HasLab Sail Barge (and Yakface!) Update
From Left to Right, Steve Evans, Mark Boudreaux, and Joe Ninivaggi
Today Star Wars Action News was privileged to be one of only three fan sites participating in a Q&A with the Star Wars Brand Team at Hasbro. The topic was, of course, their current crowdfunding project for the Khetanna — Jabba the Hutt’s Sail Barge playset that measures 4-feet long.
Participating in the conversation were our long-time friends from Hasbro: Steve Evans (Design Director for Star Wars toys), Mark Boudreaux (Senior Principal Designer for Star Wars toys), and Joe Ninivaggi (Director, Global Brand Strategy & Marketing – Star Wars).
The conversation revealed some new information about the current campaign, and also had a nice video tour of the newly painted Sail Barge.
You can read the transcript of the interview below, but the high points are:
- The Yakface figure included with the Khetanna, on the Power of the Force card with the silver coin, will have the lowest production run of any modern Star Wars figure (assuming the Barge’s numbers don’t end dramatically above 5,000)
- If you live in the US or Canada the crowdfunding is the only way you will ever be able to buy the Barge. If the Barge is backed then Hasbro will make a small quantity of Barges available, but only for those living outside of the US and Canada.
- The paint on the barge took over 200 man-hours. (The design of the barge took over “one thousand” Mark half-joked.)
- The team is looking at only one Star Wars HasLab project per year. HasLab will do multiple projects per year, but the others will be for Marvel, Transformers, and My Little Pony.
- This is the team’s first crowdfunding effort and they’re using it as a learning experience. Future HasLab projects will take current feedback into account regarding payment plans, cost of items, duration of the campaign, etc.
- The Barge is incredibly cool with so many details that can only be seen close-up, including a sink faucet in the galley and a retractable microphone in Jabba’s dais.
- If the Barge is funded the Hasbro team is looking at producing an updated Jabba the Hutt figure with an improved paint application and perhaps facial sculpting from their previous efforts.
Below is an rundown of the conversation.
The team started with a run-down of the Entertainment Weekly reveal of the painted Sail Barge, and the inclusion of the Power of the Force Yakface figure. Steve said the paint job was “200 man and woman hours” of work, to which Mark added “And that’s just to paint it. Not including the work that’s been done since… another 1,000 hours there.” They also noted a pick-up in orders since yesterday’s news, but they still need almost 1,800 orders in 12 days.
Then the Q&A Began
Question: What is your ideal rate for Star Wars campaigns? One per year, two per year, etc?
Answer: Joe said HasLab will likely have multiple initiatives per year across Transformers, My Little Pony, and Marvel, but they are starting with only one Star Wars initiative per year “and take it from there.”
Q: Why was a payment option not made available for the Barge as other companies do for items of similar price.
A: Joe replied, “I think this will answer a number of questions but this is our first time doing this. We’re learning a lot on this. HasbroToyShop, which, of course, is our partner that allows us to sell directly to fans, they’re set up a certain way and we went out with this particular model. There’s always opportunity to learn in the future, we’ve definitely seen that come up as a request and something that would hopefully make the product more accessible to all fans.”
Q: At Toy Fair Steve told Star Wars Action News that if the Barge is funded then there may be opportunities for it to be sold other methods. And on the HasLab FAQ it states “We reserve the rights to make the products (or similar versions of the products) available at other sources, such as online stores and retail locations, but such availability is not guaranteed.”
But in an Instagram post on March 19 Hasbro said the Barge would not be available via traditional retail outlets.
Can you clarify these statements? Is it possible the Barge will be available at retail if it is funded?
A: Steve clarified that if you live in the US and Canada then backing at HasbroLab.com is the only way you will be able to purchase the barge. There are no plans to take this to retail in the US and Canada. However, since only US and Canada can purchase from HasbroLab.com then, if the Barge hits its 5,000 orders, they would make an additional, limited quantity available to international buyers only.
Q: People say there’s not enough time to budget for a $500 item in the time of the Barge. In the future can we get a bit more notice?
Steve said they are getting insights daily and have learned a lot going for future projects like this. Their team read studies indicating 45 days is the optimal time for crowdfunding* and that longer campaigns have lower success rates. For future crowdfunding campaigns they will look at “everything” and see how to adjust timing.
(Note: In my own research I’ve read campaigns over 30 days have a lower success rate. Either way, Steve’s point is valid. -Arnie)
Q: Perhaps in the future could Hasbro announce the campaign at Toy Fair, but launch it at San Diego Comic-Con so collectors have a few months to save up, not just 45 days.
A: Joe said that is a good idea and they may look at doing that next time. They added that projects do not get much more ambitious in terms of size and price than the Sail Barge. They’ve wanted to do it for decades. But they know that price points for future items don’t always have to be this expensive.
Q: The Jabba on display in the published Sail Barge photos looks like the Toys R Us exclusive from a few years ago. Is it an old Jabba or is it a new Jabba?
Mark clarified that Jabba is the same sculpt that came with the Jabba/Rancor set, but they wanted to make a special Jabba for the barge so they’re looking at enhancing his deco. The photos released show more weathering on the body and highlights to the face than the Jabba/Rancor set had. They’ll be looking at techniques, either photo-real or more traditional techniques, to make this new Jabba noticeably different from the older version.
Q: Can Slave Leia be rereleased to pose in the Barge
A: Steve said for characters that enhance the Barge, they’re doing Yakface and Skiff Guard. They’ll look at other background characters from these scenes if the Barge is successful. As for Slave Leia–no plans but they’ll look at it.
Q: If the Barge meets its goal of 5,000, but not much higher, will this carded Yakface with the coin have the lowest production run of any modern Hasbro Star Wars figure?
A: Steve gave an emphatic “yes”. Historically Hasbro does not give production numbers for its products, but Steve compared the Yakface to their San Diego Comic-Con exclusives. For that convention he said they produce more than 5,000 of the exclusives (“not a lot more, but more”).
Steve added that Yakface on the Power of the Force card will not only be a “physical rarity” but also an “emotional rarity” given how Yakface and Blue Snaggletooth are the holy grails to many vintage Star Wars figure collectors.
Q: How will Hasbro handle broken/missing parts, and keep backers informed of progress?
A: Steve said for broken parts the usual Hasbro policy to contact Customer Service applies.
But Joe went on to say that the packaging team has been challenged to make the box secure. Additionally, they hope for the box to have nice presentation, including perhaps trays that slide out when packaged. They hope to make the experience of the unboxing as cool as the item itself. They feel presentation is really important with this, so it needs more than just printed inserts. “This is a vintage item, after all, and we want to make sure to present it,” Mark said.
In regards to communication with buyers, Joe said “It’s not everyday you buy something for $500 and don’t get it for a year afterwards.” As such, if the project is successful, the Hasbro team plans to take backers on a behind-the-scenes journey, keeping them updated with the inner workings of Hasbro on how the Barge is made and shipped.
Q: Will there be tape on the Vintage box?
A: The team asked what we would be interested in, and unanimously the sites requested no tape on the Vintage box, just a flap-fold, and tape the shipping carton.
There was also discussion if the Yakface will be shipped inside the same box as the Barge. Steve said they don’t know for sure–currently it is in the box but that could change.
Q: With less than two weeks away from the end of the campaign, with about 1800 orders needed, what is the mood at Hasbro? How has this impacted you emotionally?
A: Steve said, “We’re on the edge of our seats. The trajectory is what we expected. It spikes, levels off, and spikes in the end.” He said that the released pictures of the painted Sail Barge helped make it real for some people, and adding the exclusive Yakface also helped.
They all agreed the campaign is emotionally draining. “It’s taken up a lot of our time personally and we have invested ourselves greatly on something that doesn’t yet exist,” Steve said. “I feel confident because it’s a great project but it’s up to the fans.”
“You don’t want to see a grown man cry,” Mark added on as the interview came to an end.
Then we were treated to a video tour of the painted Sail Barge and the Hasbro team pointed out many features that have not had much attention from fans:
- The jail in the lower level has a sliding metal door to differentiate from the wood. The Barge will come with two metal chains of different sizes to put different character sizes (perhaps a human and a Wookiee?) in the jail.
- In the galley they wanted to “set a tone for the interiors” and then let fans embellish and fill it out to what they felt their fantasy for Jabba would be. The Barge has a kitchen counter, a couple sinks, faucet, and Chupas hanging from the wall in the back, setting the stage for how fans might like to complete their diorama. That’s one of the reasons they wanted to go with the Sail Barge: it’s awesome to start with, they said. Very iconic, a great movie beat with lots of characters involved, so they wanted something that could really push dioramas to the next level and interact with a lot of your characters both new and old.
And they have some “Work in progress” images of painting that will be coming soon.
- Next to the galley is the armory. Axes are mounted to the wall as decoration. They also have some horn racks on the back wall where you can hang your blasters, staffs, etc. and there’s a table in the back where you can repair your weapons.
There are a couple staffs in the model photographs that were released, but those are not included with the barge. You will need to supply your own weapons and staffs. The axes on the wall are permanently attached decoration.
- Moving into the lounge it’s more about comfort. A lot of wooden surfaces, wooden walls, wooden floors. There are opening and closing shutters on either side, as well as the dais which you can move back and forth a bit to adjust the floor plan.
- You can actually pull the microphone out of the control panel on Jabba’s dias. It’s attached to a cable and for production they’re going to increase the length of the cable so you can have a C-3PO figure hold it.
- One question they had was about foot pegs. They talked about it and, other than 2 foot pegs on the platform on the deck cannon, they’ve elected to not include foot pegs in the vehicle itself. They didn’t want to disrupt the aesthetics by putting traditional foot pegs and they didn’t want to limit character placement.
- They have the rancor trophy mounted to the wall, Ishi Tib heads, a Gammorrean Guard head, and Jabba’s mural mounted to the wall. They wanted to include all the details seen in the film and then let you embellish with your own accessories.
- There is a side hatch with a larger port where the Weequay can come out to surprise Luke (it’s larger as the barge isn’t QUITE to scale with 3.75 in figures).
- They worked closely with Lucasfilm for all the details on the cockpit. They went to the archives and looked at all the reference photos, and also went into the vault to get any inspiration they might need to include other details.
- There is a corridor so a figure can walk from the Cockpit all through the ship.
- There will also be a trap door in the deck above that goes down into the jail. A button on the side will allow you to activate the trap door. “Gotta have some fun right? It can’t be all serious display stuff,” Steve said.
- They’re making a subtle revision to the rail so if you have a Vism with a cannon open stock it will be able to fit onto the rail.
- The sails would be removable so if you wanted to open the deck up for play it’s easy to do. The sails will stay in tact but you’re able to lift them off!
And with that Steve concluded the interview saying “Thank you for all your support. Fingers crossed, trust in the force, #BacktheYak, #BacktheBarge!”
If you want to order, the campaign is open until April 3, 2018. You can back the project now at HasbroLab.com
You can see newly released photos of the Barge and its accessories in the gallery below!
Star Wars Toy Sales Down as “Movie Fatigue” Sets In
Are you suffering from “Movie Tie-In Fatigue?”
Per a Bloomberg article, Star Wars toy sales are down. Specifically adult collectors are still buying (but, judging by some “fan” sites, they’re complaining the entire time they shop); however, kids have less interest in the Star Wars toys.
The article states: “While ‘Star Wars’ was still the top-selling toy line during the nine-week holiday period, sales fell from 2016 and the brand lost its No. 1 position for the year…This was despite “Last Jedi” being the top-grossing film released in the U.S. last year “
The most telling quotes? “Adult collectors, who grew up with the brand, are still buying a lot of merchandise when the toys come out, but demand dies down afterward… That doesn’t bode well for Hasbro, which has the main “Star Wars” toy partnership, or Jakks Pacific Inc., which has a secondary license. ”
What do you think? Is the problem fatigue? Is a new movie per year too much? Is it the types of toys offered? Why do YOU think sales are down? Let us know in the comments!
Go or Pass on MOVIEPASS – Should You Use This Service?
by Arnie Carvalho
Though the service is six years old, MoviePass has become a hot topic for theater goers this week, from the take-over by Helios and Maheson Analytics, to the price drop from $30 to $9.95 per month, to AMC Theaters pursuing legal action to stop the service. But should you buy in?
What is MoviePass?
MoviePass is a subscription service where, for $9.95 per month, you can see one (2D, standard format) movie per day in theaters. This means you can literally see 365 movies for under $120. That comes to about $0.33 per movie, compared to the current national average of $8.84 per ticket.
This is not a scam or a trick. There are no blackout dates. You can see movies the day they come out if you want, any showing, any day of the week.
How does this work?
MoviePass is not a service offered by your local theater chain. Unlike Regal Theater’s “Ultimate Ticket Program” where, for $100, you can see an individual movie (like Wonder Woman) once per day for its entire run, MoviePass is its own company operating outside the theater chains.
Here’s how it works:
1) You sign up to their service online for $9.95 per month, cancel any time. They will then send you a physical “credit card” which will arrive in 5-7 days.
2) Once you have their card you must go to the theater and then use their app to pick the movie. You cannot order your movie tickets online. You must be within 100 yards (yes, yards) of the theater to get the tickets.
3) You can only buy tickets same day. The app only shows you today’s showtimes. So you cannot use this to pre-buy any tickets.
4) Once your movie is selected, MoviePass will “load” your card with enough money to buy a ticket. Then you use your card to get the ticket at the kiosk or the box office at the theater.
5) This does not work for premiere screenings. IMAX, 3D, etc. is not included in MoviePass’ $9.95 option. As their site clearly states: “ We currently do not support (in part or entirety) any enhanced or special screenings that involve an upcharge at the theater. Examples of these would include 3D, IMAX, Fathom Events, DBOX, ETX/RPX, film festival screenings, etc.”
Wait–isn’t MoviePass losing money? Nope–they’re going to sell your data.
If you do the math it doesn’t take long to realize that if you see 2 movies per month on average you’re saving money with MoviePass. If, on average, two movies cost $19, you’re saving $10 per month. And that’s real money MoviePass is paying to the movie theater. Though newly aquired, some sites have already declared the service “doomed.” But MoviePass, run by Netflix exec Mitch Lowe, actually intends to lose that money for a period. Their business strategy is to build a loyal customer base of millions of users. Then the money they lose on movie tickets will be made through data mining.
Much like Fandango, Netflix, Google, and Fandango do now, MoviePass will gather information about your viewing habits and use them to sell you stuff. They will make money through ads targeted directly to you. They also may make even more money by selling your data (albeit anonymized) to larger data mining companies.
Finally, the executives at MoviePass hope theaters will buy into the service to help offset the losses. Through increased attendance and more concession sales (which reaps theater chains the most profit) MoviePass views themselves as a partner for theaters.
Why is AMC upset?
Unfortunately it doesn’t seem that theaters are as happy about this. AMC has threatened legal action against MoviePass.
On the surface AMC is claiming MoviePass is setting customers up for disappointment, lowering the “perceived value” of a movie ticket.
In truth, theater chains like AMC and Regal are investing heavily in their own rewards programs, like the AMC Stubs Premiere service which costs $15 per year. They want 100% of the ticket price and also the ability to collect the same data MoviePass desires.
So should you subscribe?
Perhaps you should subscribe, but I will not be signing up for MoviePass.
I will admit–on the surface this service looks like a great way to save money. In the first eight-and-a-half months of 2017 I’ve seen 32 movies in theaters. I have spent over $400 at the movie theater box office; 9 months of MoviePass would have cost me less than $90.
However, there’s a deal-breaker for me in that fine print: MoviePass is only good for standard, 2D movie showings.
Of the 32 films I’ve seen this year, only 12 were 2D, standard. The other 20 were 3D, IMAX, D-BOX, or AMC Prime experiences. If a movie is released in IMAX that’s the way I want to see it — big and loud. While 3D films are in decline the IMAX experience is still one for which I’m willing to pay a premium.
So in those 9 months I only spent $96 on 2D, standard movie tickets. MoviePass would have cost me $89. That $7 difference is not worth the trade-off of online ticket ordering.
Then when I look at the upcoming slate of films I plan to watch theatrically in 2017 most will be IMAX or 3D. Blade Runner 2049, Kingsmen: The Golden Circle, Justice League, Thor: Ragnarok, Star Wars: The Last Jedi and even the glorified television pilot Marvel’s Inhumans will all be IMAX experiences. With or without MoviePass I’ll be paying AMC full ticket prices for those.
Without the convenience of online ordering I would need to save at least $10 per month, $60 per year, with MoviePass. While there are many standard, 2D films I’m excited for, including Jigsaw, Death Wish, and It, I’m not sure I’ll be seeing 12 2D movies in the next three months to make the trade-off worth it.
If MoviePass were to reinstate their premium option, hopefully at $14.95 per month but even at $19.95 per month, they would likely have my money. But for now I will Pass on MoviePass.
Arnie Carvalho is co-host of Now Playing Podcast. You can read his movie reviews in the upcoming book Underrated Movies We Recommend, available for pre-order now.
Corrections: This article was updated at 4pm EST for the following items:
- The “Premium” ticket is no longer offered by MoviePass–they only have the $9.99 2D option now. That information, added after initial publication, was removed
- They have removed the “watch each movie only once” restriction. That information was removed from the article
IMAX, 4k, Ring the Death Knell for 3D
by Arnie Carvalho
Did James Cameron wait too long for his Avatar sequels? It seems that by the time Avatar 2 is released (optimistically scheduled for 2020) the 3D format utilized by that 2009 original may be a thing of the past.
IMAX Announces 2D “Preference”
IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond announced this week that the company will be reducing the number of 3D screenings on their high-priced, large format projectors and screens. He cited a “clear preference” from North American audiences for 2D films.
This statement of direction does not signal an abrupt shift. IMAX’s most recent release, Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, was filmed and released only in 2D. (Nolan has a history of disliking the 3D format, refusing Warner Bros’ requrest for his Dark Knight films to be released in the format which commands a higher ticket price.) Before that, the 3D post-converted Spider-Man: Homecoming was shown on IMAX screens in a combination of 2D and 3D presentation. This is a change from even a year ago when most IMAX viewings required the audience to don a pair of special, plastic glasses.
This follows a recent history of movie-goers intentionally choosing 2D presentation and falling 3D ticket sales.
Home Video Flattens Out
It’s not only in theaters that 3D is dying. Movie viewers also have shown a preference for the 2D picture in their homes. In 2010, riding off Avatar’s success, High Definition Blu-Ray discs started shipping in 3D formats (the first of which was Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs). 3D features were included on all high-end 1080p televisions and home projectors.
However, with the recent advances in 4k resolution, 3D has become a feature of the past. Over the past few years television manufacturers like Sony and LG have phased out 3D capabilities on most of their 4k televisions. With their 2016 models LG only offered 3D on their curved television sets; in 2017 3D was removed altogether. Likewise 4k home projectors are removing support for 3D, with only Sony offering true 4k projectors that are backwards-compatible with the 3D Blu-Ray format.
Indeed, there is no established standard for 4k home video content to be displayed in 3D; currently movie buyers must choose between the higher resolution or the greater depth in their films.
Is this a win for consumers?
These changes follow the standard market practice of meeting consumer demand.
The 3D format has long been rife with viewer complaints. In addition to being forced to wear glasses to watch 3D content, be it in theaters or at home, many viewers could not appreciate the added dimension. Per vision insurance company VSP, 5% of the population cannot percieve 3D, and another 25% have trouble perceiving 3D images. Another 25% or more have complained of headaches, eye strain, and eye fatigue from current 3D digital projection.
These complaints have gotten many people to buy special “2D Glasses” which allow them to see (non IMAX) 3D films in 2D format. (Now Playing Podcast host Marjorie can vouch for these glasses’ effectiveness.)
Many theater-goers also complained about the unreliable quality of 3D in films, much due to the post-conversion process many studios use to save money. The vast majority of 3D films were post-converted–in 2017 only Transformers: The Last Knight was shot natively in the 3D format. On Now Playing Podcast we have complained about lackluster 3D in Spider-Man: Homecoming, War for the Planet of the Apes, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, and other movies.
Hollywood studios fought this trend. Many studios intentionally limited 2D availability of films, including 2012’s Prometheus, in order to reap higher profits from the inflated ticket prices.
Will this hurt studios?
Yet despite these consumer complaints, studios have continued to push the 3D format, which commands higher ticket prices. As movie budgets continue to expand, the higher priced 3D tickets, IMAX tickets, and other “premium” theater experiences have bolstered studio bottom lines. More, the 3D Blu-Rays sell for $30 or more, while their 2D counterparts are often half that. (Of note, the higher-resolution 4k Blu-Ray discs are often priced equal to, or higher than, their 3D counterparts.)
While the 3D Post Conversion can add $10 million or more to a film’s cost, the increased revenue often offsets that. Many older films, including Jurassic Park and Top Gun were post-converted and re-released to theaters to grab their studios a quick buck.
Yet this switch back to 2D may not bring cheaper ticket prices. AMC Theaters charges the same for 2D and 3D IMAX screenings. It’s possible theaters may raise all ticket prices to current 3D prices to help offset these losses. Also, studios and theater chains have discussed having “event movie” pricing, where tickets cost more for big-budget blockbusters with or without “premium” gimmicks like 3D.
No change for animation?
The movie format that has generated the greatest 3D success is kids’ fare and computer-animated movies, such as LEGO Batman and Moana. As these films are entirely computer-generated the 3D is more ingrained in their development. The effects are better, and the audience for those films are primarily younger and not yet burnt-out by the format. While Gelfond made no specific mention of animated films staying in 3D, it is likely these will remain in that format for years to come.
Modern 3D History
The modern 3D era was brought in by Cameron in two waves. In 2003 the first modern, digital 3D film was his IMAX documentary Ghosts of the Abyss. The format had a slow growth over the next six years, mostly as a gimmick in kids films including Spy Kids and The Polar Express.
The change to 3D was a clumsy one. Superman Returns and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix both had select scenes converted to IMAX 3D–requiring customers to don and remove
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_3D_films_(2005_onwards)
glasses through the films.
Modern 3D came into its own in 2009. By that time the 3D cameras required had come down in price. Horror films (which had heavily relied on 3D in the ’80s) got into the game with My Bloody Valentine 3D and The Final Destination. Animated films premiered in the format, including Coraline, Monsters vs. Aliens, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
But Cameron ushered in a new age with the 3D film Avatar. Somewhat bolstered by 3D and IMAX ticket prices, Avatar became the top-grossing film of all-time. This created a 3D “gold rush” among studios, exponentially increasing the quantity of 3D films produced.
This growth continued until 2011, when 63 3D movies were released. Growth then leveled off through 2015, when the number of films started to decline.
With these changes to home video and IMAX formats, it is likely 3D films may return to their pre-Avatar numbers.
What do we lose, besides depth?
I’m no great fan of 3D. However, as a movie-goer who prefers to see the movie as the director intended, I’m slightly upset by the loss of the 3D home format. Every movie I’ve purchased since 2010 has been in 3D, if available. I was especially happy with the Transformers films which not only were released in 3D but also changed to the IMAX aspect ratio for their home video releases.
I remember growing up watching movies like Friday the 13th Part III, Jaws 3-D, Emmanuelle 4, and Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare on video. All three films had 3D components in theaters which translated poorly to television. The moments of “I can tell that should be 3D” worsened each viewing experience.
I recently purchased my first 4k TV and had to go through great pains to find one that would continue to support my 3D Blu-Ray discs. It seems in the next five years any movie with great 3D, such as Avatar, Tron: Legacy, and X-Men: Apocalypse will only be seen in their flattened versions.
Even movies filmed in 2D, such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 had effects sequences specifically designed in 3D to showcase the technology.
Home movie viewers will lose the ability to view many movies from the past decade as they were intended to be seen.
Final Thought
But overall, I believe 3D is a gimmick that more than ran its course. I applaud IMAX for choosing consumers over studios, and I hope that filmmakers now focus on plot and character depth, instead of manufactured depth on the screen.
What do you think? Sound off in the comments!
Star Wars Collecting Sites Join Forces for Star Wars Celebration Patch Giveaway
Star Wars Collecting Fan Sites and Podcasts have again combined Forces at 2017’s Star Wars Celebration Orlando!
Visit the Celebration Collecting Track Social Lounge (Room W305) to meet the faces behind top Star Wars collecting sites and receive and get exclusive swag!
Jedi Business (JediBusiness.com), Jedi News (JediNews.co.uk), Jedi Temple Archives (JediTempleArchives.com), Star Wars Action News (SWActionNews.com), and This Week in Star Wars (ThisWeekInStarWars.com) each will be on hand to greet fellow collectors, and during their slots they will be giving out one piece of a six-part patch set featuring vintage Star Wars action figures.
The 6th patch is being given away by the Celebration Collecting Track Social Lounge itself. These patches will be randomly given away through the Collecting Track social media. Participants in the Collecting Track’s Collection Re-Collections: Your Star Wars Story video project will also receive this 6th patch piece. Details on this program are at http://bit.ly/2nN9Lpf
Collect all 6 patches to assemble a puzzle featuring all 12 characters from the first wave of Kenner figures released nearly 40 years ago!
The Scheduled Meet-And-Greet times are below. The first 300 people at each Meet-And-Greet are guaranteed that site’s patch. Plus, for those who miss out on the meet-and-greets, the sites will be randomly giving away 10 patches each day to Celebration attendees. Follow the sites on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for details how to win!
Hot Toys is SNEAKY with their very limited new Iron Man figure!
With its built-in cloaking system, the Mark XV “Sneaky” armor is among the most unique armors in Tony Stark’s “House Party Protocol” in Iron Man 3. Today Sideshow has put up for order Hot Toys’ special inspired take on the armor, livening up the original’s cool dark gray color scheme to give it the Iron Man classic red-and-gold finish which first appeared in the Iron Man 3 concept art of this armor.
The Retro Armor Version of the 1/6th scale Mark XV collectible figure has the same sleek form factor as the movie version, but is given the iconic red-and-gold Iron Man coloration with newly painted and electroplated parts to mimic the original concept art design. This figure features a meticulously crafted armor equipped with LED light-up functions on eyes, arc reactor and repulsors, the unique asymmetrical forearm design, plus a specially designed dynamic figure stand and gold colored name plate.
Only available in selected markets, this exclusive Mark XV 1/6th scale figure is sure to sell out fast but it is available right now on Sideshow’s site!
The House Party can’t start without Sneaky!
Hot Toys – MMS396 – Iron Man 3 – 1/6th scale Sneaky Mark XV (Retro Armor Version) Collectible Figure Specification (Hot Toys Exclusive)
~ Movie Masterpiece Series ~
Special features of the 1/6th scale Sneaky Mark XV (Retro Armor Version) Collectible Figure:
– Based on the construction of Sneaky (Mark XV) from Iron Man 3
– Red-and-gold painted and electroplated armor emulating the original concept art design:
n Multiple layers and shades of red colored painting on armor
n Five (5) gold chrome armor parts throughout the body
– Approximately 31 cm tall
– Over 30 points of articulations
– LED-lighted eyes and circular-shaped arc reactor on chest (white light, battery operated)
– LED-lighted left forearm (battery operated)
– Asymmetrical forearm design
– Removable chest armor to reveal interior mechanical design
– Shin armor can be opened to reveal interior mechanical design
– Three (3) pairs of interchangeable hands including:
– One (1) pair of hands with articulated fingers and light-up repulsor (white light, battery operated)
– One (1) pair of fists
– One (1) pair of repulsor-firing hands (white light, battery operated)
– Articulations on waist armor allowing flexible movement
Go Rogue! Order Your Star Wars Rogue One Toys Online Now!
Why go out late on a work/school night, stand in the cold, and brave the crowds only to be met by disappointment when the guy in front of you takes the last Deathtrooper Black Series figure?
There is another way–order online! Entertainment Earth just put up all the new Rogue One toys for order–and here’s a directory for each!
LEGO
LEGO Star Wars 75121 Constraction Imperial Death Trooper
LEGO Star Wars 75120 Constraction K-2SO
LEGO Star Wars 75119 Constraction Sergeant Jyn Erso
LEGO Star Wars 75152 Imperial Assault Hovertank
LEGO Star Wars 75153 AT-ST Walker
LEGO Star Wars 75154 TIE Striker
LEGO Star Wars 75155 Rebel U-Wing Fighter
LEGO Star Wars 75156 Krennic’s Imperial Shuttle
Hasbro Black Series 6-Inch Figures
Star Wars The Black Series Jyn Erso 6-Inch Action Figure
Star Wars The Black Series Cassian Andor Action Figure
Star Wars The Black Series K-2SO 6-Inch Action Figure
Star Wars Black Series Death Trooper 6-Inch Action Figure
Star Wars The Black Series Kylo Ren Unmasked 6-Inch Figure
Star Wars Rogue One 3 3/4-Inch Action Figure 2-Packs Wave 1
Star Wars The Black Series 6-Inch Action Figures Wave 7 Case
Hasbro 3.75-inch Figures
Star Wars Rogue One Sergeant Jyn Erso (Eadu) Action Figure
Star Wars Rogue One K-2SO Action Figure
Star Wars Rebels Kanan Jarrus (Stormtrooper Disguise) Figure
Star Wars Rogue One Imperial Ground Crew Action Figure
Star Wars Rogue One Rebels Sabine Wren Action Figure
Star Wars Rogue One Nerf Sergeant Jyn Erso Deluxe Blaster
Star Wars Rogue One Nerf Imperial Death Trooper Blaster
Star Wars Rogue One Nerf Glowstrike Darts
Star Wars Rogue One 3 3/4-Inch Action Figures Wave 1 Case
Funko POP! Figures
Star Wars Rogue One Jyn Erso Pop! Vinyl Bobble Head
Star Wars Rogue One Captain Cassian Andor Pop! Vinyl
Star Wars Rogue One K-2SO Pop! Vinyl Bobble Head
Star Wars Rogue One Chirrut Imwe Pop! Vinyl Bobble Head
Star Wars Rogue One Baze Malbus Pop! Vinyl Bobble Head
Star Wars Rogue One Director Orson Krennic Pop! Vinyl
Star Wars Rogue One Scarif Stormtrooper Pop! Vinyl
Star Wars Rogue One Imperial Death Trooper Pop! Vinyl
Star Wars Rogue One Darth Vader Pop! Vinyl Bobble Head
Star Wars Rogue One C2-B5 Pop! Vinyl Bobble Head
Jakks Pacific Big Figs
Star Wars Rogue One 20-Inch Action Figure Wave 1 Case
Star Wars Rogue One 20-Inch Action Figure Wave 2 Case
Star Wars Rogue One 20-Inch Action Figure Wave 2 Case
Star Wars Rogue One 31-Inch Stormtrooper Action Figure
Star Wars Rogue One 31-Inch Death Trooper Action Figure
Hasbro Galactic Heroes
Star Wars Galactic Heroes Rivals Jedi vs. Sith Set
Hasbro Ships and Vehicles
Star Wars Rogue One Class I Vehicles Wave 1 Case
Star Wars Rogue One Hero Electronic Action Figures Wave 1
Star Wars Rogue One Class II Vehicles Wave 1 Case
Star Wars Rogue One Value Vehicles Wave 1
Role Play Toys and Masks
Star Wars Rogue One Deluxe Class I Vehicles Wave 1
Star Wars Rogue One Masks Wave 1 Case
Star Wars Rogue One Extendable Lightsabers Wave 3
Star Wars Rogue One Extendable Lightsabers Wave 3 Revision 1
Star Wars Rogue One Extendable Lightsabers Wave 3 Revision 2
Star Wars Rogue One Imperial Death Trooper Mask
Star Wars Stormtrooper Voice-Changer Helmet Prop Replica
Star Wars Rogue One Captain Cassian Andor Nerf Blaster
Star Wars Rogue One Spin-Action Lightsaber
Star Wars Rogue One Blast Tech Lightsaber
Star Wars Electronic Darth Vader Voice Changer Helmet
Star Wars Rogue One Extendable Lightsabers Wave 3 Revision 3
Star Wars Rogue One Electronic Lightsabers Wave 4 Case
Micro Machine Sets
Star Wars Rogue One MicroMachines Death Star Playset
Star Wars Rogue One MicroMachines DX Vehicles Wave 4 Case
Star Wars Rogue One MicroMachines DX Vehicles Wave 4 Set
Star Wars Rogue One MicroMachines 3-Packs Wave 5
Star Wars Rogue One MicroMachines 3-Packs Wave 5 Set
Titanium Ships and Helmets
Star Wars: The Black Series Die-Cast Metal Vehicles Wave 5
Star Wars: The Black Series Die-Cast Metal Vehicles Wave 6
Board Games
Star Wars Edition Monopoly Open and Play Game
Star Wars Trivial Pursuit Game
Star Wars Operation Game
Star Wars Trouble Game
Hot Wheels
Star Wars Rogue One Hot Wheels Char. Car 2016 Mix 1 Case
Star Wars Rogue One Hot Wheels Char. Car 2016 Mix 2 Case
Star Wars Rogue One Hot Wheels Char. Car 2016 Mix 3 Case
Star Wars Rogue One Hot Wheels Char. Car 2016 Mix 4 Case
Star Wars Rogue One Hot Wheels Char. Car 2016 Mix 5 Case
Star Wars Rogue 1 Hot Wheels Char. Car 2-Pack 2016 Mix 1
Star Wars Rogue 1 Hot Wheels Char. Car 2-Pack 2016 Mix 2
Star Wars Rogue 1 Hot Wheels Char. Car 2-Pack 2016 Mix 3
Star Wars Rogue 1 Hot Wheels Char. Car 2-Pack 2016 Mix 4
Star Wars Rogue One Hot Wheels Starships Mix 1 Case
Star Wars Rogue One Hot Wheels Starships Mix 2 Case
Hasbro Interactech Figures
Star Wars Rogue One Electronic Stormtrooper Action Figure
Other Toys
Star Wars: The Force Awakens RC Radio Control BB-8 Droid
Star Wars Rogue One Rebel U-Wing Fighter Vehicle
Star Wars Rogue One Rip N Go BB-8 Beeping and Moving Droid
Star Wars Rogue One TIE Striker Vehicle
Star Wars TFA Hero Series 12-Inch Action Figures Wave 6 Case
Star Wars Play-Doh AT-AT Attack Can Heads Set
Housewares
Star Wars: Rogue One 16 oz. Laser Decal Glass 2-Pack
Star Wars: Rogue One 18 oz. Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Star Wars: Rogue One Large Tin Tote
Star Wars: Rogue 1 20 oz. Ceramic Mug
Pre-Order Marvel Exclusives! One:12 Shadowland Daredevil and Sideshow’s Wolverine/Hulk Maquette plus X-Men Legends
A couple exclusive Marvel collectibles have gone up for order in the past couple das, and collectors should act fast if they want these items!
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
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. |
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
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
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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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!
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.
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!
Soundtracks on Vinyl: The Hateful Eight
One of the draws to collect vinyl releases of movie scores and soundtracks is the large artwork for the film that accompanies it. These entries will review the vinyl record release of a film score/soundtrack from the music to the artwork, as well as the film…
The Movie
The Hateful Eight is a western about a bounty hunter played by Kurt Russell en route to deliver a wanted fugitive played by Jennifer Jason Leigh to the law when they take refuge in a log cabin during a snowstorm in Wyoming. The two are joined by six other strangers looking for sanctuary from the blizzard. But as the night proceeds, it becomes clear that some of the strangers have secretly planted themselves there to free the female criminal. A tense standoff proceeds as identities are discovered and the body count rises.
A big deal was made over the Ultra Panavision 70 ultra-widescreen format director Quentin Tarantino used to film The Hateful Eight. No small part of that hype was due to Tarantino himself doing a very limited 70mm roadshow screening of the film with extra footage. However, the film underperformed at $55-million (U.S. box office) after his previous two films, Django Unchained and Inglourious Basterds, brought in over $100-million each domestically.
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
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
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!
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.
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
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
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:
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
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StarWarsMovies
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWars
Website: http://www.starwars.com/the-force-awakens/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/StarWarsMovies
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.
…/3
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!.
# # #
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
Maria.Barraza@Disney.com Gabrielle.Bilicki@Disney.com
818-560-4068 818-560-4069
Pre-Order Alert: Drax the Destroyer from Hot Toys
I like your figure. I’m keeping it.
Two years ago Hot Toys released their Guardians of the Galaxy figures. Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, and Drax were put up for pre-order shortly after the film’s 2014 release…but the question remained “Where’s Drax?” He was shown at San Diego Comic-Con in 2014, but no orders were available, and questions to Hot Toys went unanswered.
People started to fear Drax would never come, put in the same category as the X-Men: First Class Magneto and Charles Xavier, and a handful of other never-released figures (Amazing Spider-Man 2’s Rhino will hopefully be added to that list).
But now Guardians fans can stop worrying! The Drax MMS Sixth Scale figure is now up for order!
The movie-accurate Drax collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of Dave Bautista in the film, featuring the newly developed head sculpt, a newly developed muscular body with detailed sculpture of the character’s iconic tattoos, two styles of interchangeable pants, two blades, a rocket launcher, and a Guardians of the Galaxy themed figure stand.
Guardians of the Galaxy fans, don’t let the chance to own this collectible figure fly over your head.
The full specs for the piece are:
Hot Toys – MMS355 – Guardians of the Galaxy 1/6th scale Drax Collectible Figure Specification
~ Movie Masterpiece Series ~
The 1/6th scale Drax Collectible Figure specially features:
- – Newly developed head sculpt with authentic and detailed likeness of Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy
- – Highly detailed facial expression with wrinkles, and tattoos
- – Newly developed muscular body with over 26 points of articulations and detailed sculpture of the character’s distinctive tattoos
- – Specially applied painting on skin and tattoos
- – Approximately 32 cm tall
- – Seven (7) pieces of interchangeable hands including:
- – One (1) pair of fists
- – One (1) pair of hands for holding blades
- – One (1) pair of open hands
- – One (1) right hand for holding rocket launcher
- – Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Costume:
- – One (1) pair of dark gray pants with detailed patterns
- – One (1) pair of interchangeable red colored Ravagers pants with detailed patterns
- – One (1) pair of black boots with blade sheath
Weapons:
- – One (1) rocket launcher
- – Two (2) blades
Accessory:
- – Specially designed figure stand with Drax nameplate and the movie logo
So what are you waiting for? You! Man who has lain with an Askervarian! Get to Sideshow’s site and order now!
Soundtracks on Vinyl: You’re Next
One of the draws to collect vinyl releases of movie scores and soundtracks is the large artwork for the film that accompanies it. These entries will review the vinyl record release of a film score/soundtrack from the music to the artwork, as well as the film…
The Movie
You’re Next tells the story of a well-to-do family getting together in their home in the woods for a reunion. However, none of them seem very excited to see each other. Their ambivalence soon turns to terror and fear as a gang dawning animals masks invades the home and starts killing off members of the family. But the intruders meet resistance when one guest displays a special set of skills for fighting back.
I’m not one for slashers, but the striking posters for the film caught my attention. Each poster featured the close up of one of the intruders in a plastic animal mask (the lamb mask always stuck out to me) with You’re Next written out as painted in blood. Even the title had a simplicity that immediately expressed the mood of the film (it’s appeal similar to the title of Simon Pegg’s fake Grindhouse trailer for Don’t).
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!
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!
Hot Toys get SNEAKY With latest Iron Man Figure
Hot Toys has gotten Sneaky with their newest Iron Man figure.
As seen in Iron Man III this Mark XV armor was work very briefly by Tony Stark during his final battle against Aldrich Killian. It was also one of the suits seen when the Iron Legion showed up for that fight.
Per the Iron Man 3 Blu-Ray, the Mark XV is a Stealth Armor Prototype Upgrade with Sonic Dampening Thrusters and Reto-Reflective Coating which adapts the suit’s tint to the surrounding environment for stealth capabilities.:
The Hot Toys collectible figure of Sneaky stands just over 12-inches tall. It features the meticulously crafted armor that captures the suit’s unique and original design, specially applied bluish-black and silver painting on armor with decals and weathering effects throughout whole body, LED light-up functions on eyes, arc reactor, repulsors, and left forearm, and a dynamic figure stand perfect for aerial poses.
Hot Toys – MMS348 – Iron Man 3 – 1/6th scale Sneaky (Mark XV) ~ Movie Masterpiece Series ~
The 1/6th scale Sneaky (Mark XV) Collectible Figure’s special features:
- – Authentic and detailed likeness of Sneaky (Mark XV) in Iron Man 3
- – Bluish-black and silver colored painting with decals and weathering throughout whole armor
- – Approximately 31 cm tall
- – Over 30 points of articulations
- – LED-lighted eyes and circular-shaped RT on chest (white light, battery operated)
- – LED-lighted left forearm (battery operated)
- – Asymmetrical forearm design
- – Removable chest armor to reveal interior mechanical design
- – Shin armor can be opened to reveal interior mechanical design
- – Three (3) pairs of interchangeable palms including:
- – One (1) pair of palms with articulated fingers and light-up repulsor (white light, battery operated)
- – One (1) pair of fists
- – One (1) pair of repulsor-firing palms (white light, battery operated)
- – Articulations on waist armor allowing flexible movement
Accessory:
- – One (1) circular figure stage with flexible pole
Star Wars Episode VIII Release Date Pushed Back
Lucasfilm has announced that Star Wars Episode VIII has been delayed.
Originally scheduled to open May 26, 2017, the new release date is December 15, 2017.
The full press release is below.
Is this an attempt to recreate the nearly $2 billion earned by Episode VII: The Force Awakens? Does Disney not want Star Wars to compete with their other profitable space series — Guardians of the Galaxy? (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 opens May 5, 2017.) Or did director Rian Johnson need more time to finish the film?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Star Wars: Episode VIII to Open December 15, 2017
The release date for the next film in the saga is confirmed.
Today, Disney and Lucasfilm announced that Star Wars: Episode VIII, originally scheduled for release in summer 2017, will now debut on December 15, 2017.
The move follows the extraordinary success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which was the first Star Wars movie to premiere outside the traditional summer blockbuster window and smashed numerous records, including biggest domestic and global debuts of all time as well as the biggest domestic second and third weekends, en route to becoming the highest grossing domestic release of all time with over $861.3 million and the third biggest global release ever with $1,886.7 billion.
Written and directed by Rian Johnson, Star Wars: Episode VIII is currently in preproduction and will begin principal photography in London next month. Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman will produce and J.J. Abrams, Jason McGatlin, and Tom Karnowski will executive produce. Stay tuned for exciting updates in the coming weeks.
Pre-Order Alert: Sideshow Collectibles’ Exclusive Captain Marvel Statue
Sideshow Collectibles’ exclusive Captain Marvel Premium Format Figure is now up for order! It stands 23-inches tall, showing Carol Danvers flying over a pile of wreckage. And if you order now you can get the exclusive version that has an swappable head showing her in her helmet!
While this is a gorgeous statue with marvelous color, I have to think this is the second statue Sideshow has put out that strains to justify its $500 price tag (the first being the Phoenix statue just last week!) Yes, Sideshow is making their statues taller through use of vertical bases, but that is not enough to justify the extra $120-$140 over what they were charging two years ago. For a basic human-sized figure, and at the rate Sideshow is making them, it’s hard to justify Captain Marvel’s cost to any but the most hard-core Captain Marvel fan.
While I have severe FOMO on this one, I’m holding off in hopes of a discount down the road.
But if this is for you…Get your order in now at Sideshow Collectibles!
Pre-Order Alert: Two new Premium Format statues from Sideshow – Hulk and Dark Phoenix!
Like a super-villain attacking your wallet, Sideshow Collectibles has just put up for order two new Premium Format Figures: Jean Gray’s Dark Phoenix and Hulk from Avengers: Age of Ultron.
These two statues are incredibly detailed, gorgeous pieces. But each carries with it a Hulk-sized price tag.
At $500 each, my number of Premium Format statue purchases will go down. That said, I love, and I’ve already ordered, the Dark Phoenix statue. With her fiery base and the exclusive Jean Gray swappable head, plus such an iconic character from what is arguably Claremont’s best story arc, this one is (barely) worth the price.
However, I have to go the other way on the Hulk. It was the movie-themed Premium Formats that got me into Sideshow Premium Format Figures to begin with. Black Widow, Captain America, and even the Avengers Hulk Maquette were all amazing. However, this new Hulk is $750 — $100 more than the Avengers Hulk, and $200 more than the (still up for pre-order) comic-based Hulk Premium Format Figure announced last year.
I will admit, I could have been swayed into buying this Age of Ultron Hulk if, like Phoenix, the exclusive piece was amazing. Perhaps if they included a red-eyed Rampaging Hulk head, or a hand holding a piece of Iron Man armor. But no, the exclusive piece isn’t a must-have; to me it’s actually a turn-off. 
Hearkening back to the exclusive Legendary Scale Busts of previous years, this Hulk’s exclusive piece is a… nameplate. Now, I know I can choose not to display this piece since I already know who this character is, but it’s certainly not an enticement to pre-order.
I may still get Hulk pre-ordered once edition sizes are announced, but unless the edition size is 500 or less for the regular edition, I’ll be holding off and hoping for a Spooktacular deal on this overpriced piece in October, 2017.
I always appreciate anyone who’s ordering from Sideshow using our links and supporting Marvelicious Toys, but I find it hard to endorse a $750 version of a character (that MarvelToyNews.com pointed out…it looks like he’s bowling).
You can pre-order (and flex pay, as I did on Phoenix) both of these statues now:
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Deadpool
Marvel’s most unconventional superhero, Deadpool, will finally hit the silver screen in full glory with his over-the-top personality, dark twisted sense of humor, and tendency to break the fourth wall which fans have always loved! Today, Hot Toys has put up for pre-order the one and only 1/6thscale Deadpool collectible figure based on the upcoming Deadpool movie!
In this new film, the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson will be unfolded, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.
The movie-accurate collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of Deadpool from the film. It features a newly developed masked head sculpt with 5 pairs of interchangeable eye pieces to create numerous combinations of Deadpool’s expressions, newly developed body, meticulously tailored Deadpool suit with weathering effects, Deadpool’s signature katanas and pistols, variety of interchangeable hands with gestures, and a specially designed Deadpool themed dynamic figure stand perfect for aerial poses.
You just can’t pass up on this opportunity to add the beloved Merc with a Mouth to your collection and witness the beginning of a happy ending.
Please kindly find the attached photos and spec below for your reference.
Hot Toys – MMS347 – Deadpool: 1/6th scale Deadpool Collectible Figure Specification
~ Movie Masterpiece Series ~
The 1/6th scale Deadpool Collectible Figure’s special features:
- – Authentic and detailed likeness of Deadpool in Deadpool movie
- – One (1) Deadpool head with five (5) pairs of interchangeable eye pieces that can create numerous combinations of Deadpool’s expressions
- – Approximately 31 cm tall
- – Newly developed body with over 30 points of articulation
- – Twelve (12) pieces of interchangeable gloved hands including:
- – One (1) pair of fists
- – One (1) pair of relaxed hands
- – One (1) pair of katana holding hands
- – One (1) pair for gun holding hands
- – One (1) pair of finger pointing hands
- – One (1) thumb-up right hand
- – One (1) OK sign left hand
- – Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Costume :
- – One (1) specially tailored red and black colored Deadpool suit with weathering effects
- – One (1) brown colored leather-like belt
- – One (1) pair of thigh gun holsters
- – One (1) dagger sheath on shin
- – One (1) pair of red and black colored boots
Weapons:
- – One (1) dagger
- – Two (2) metal katanas
- – Two (2) pistols
- – Two (2) shurikens
Accessories:
- – One (1) pair of katana sheath
- – Specially designed Deadpool emblem dynamic figure stand with Deadpool nameplate and the movie logo
Check out these gorgeous shots of Marvel’s Merc with a Mouth. Then order now, touch yourself tonight!
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Die Cast War Machine (from Iron Man 2)
You have a big gun. You are not “the” big gun.
Tony Stark loves upgrades, having gone through 45 suits of armor in 7 years. And Hot Toys seems to be following suit as they continue their upgrades of armored figures from the first two Iron Man movies. Next up we get a new entry in Hot Toys’ MMS Diecast Series — War Machine. And it’s up for order now!
The original War Machine in Iron Man 2 was one of the most iconic Iron Man suits of all time! Its heavily weaponized configuration and powerful militaristic design are beloved by many fans worldwide. This new movie-accurate collectible figure representing this suit is made of diecast material, and crafted with amazing details that astonish fans with its high level of authenticity!
The over 32cm tall diecast figure has a wide range of features including a newly developed helmeted head sculpt of James Rhodes featuring likeness of Don Cheadle, interchangeable LED light-up helmet, movie-accurate proportion and detailed armor design, metallic black and silver colored armor, interchangeable battle damaged armor parts on head, shoulder, chest, and back, articulated back-mounted machine gun, interchangeable battle damaged back-mounted machine gun barrel, hidden compartments on shoulders to reveal weapons, LED light-up functions, and a specially designed diorama figure stand based on the final showdown with Whiplash Mark II in Iron Man 2.
Don’t miss the chance to add this iconic and heavily armed War Machine to your Iron Man collection!
Hot Toys – MMS 331D13 – Iron Man 2 1/6th scale War Machine Collectible Figure Specification ~ Movie Masterpiece Series Diecast ~
The 1/6th scale War Machine Collectible Figure specially features:
– Authentic and detailed likeness as War Machine in Iron Man 2
– Newly developed helmeted head sculpt with authentic likeness of Don Cheadle as James Rhodes
– Interchangeable helmeted head with LED light-up function (white light with red lens, battery operated)
– Movie-accurate proportion and highly detailed armor design
– Metallic black and silver colored armor
– Approximately 32.6 cm tall
– Two styles of interchangeable face masks (normal and battle damaged)
– Two styles of interchangeable right shoulder armor (normal and battle damaged)
– Two styles of removable chest armor (normal and battle damaged)
– Two styles of interchangeable articulated back boosters (normal and battle damaged)
– Two styles of interchangeable shoulder blade armor (normal and battle damaged)
– Chest armor can be removed to reveal interior mechanical design
– Shin armor parts can be detached to reveal interior mechanical design
– Over 30 points of articulations
– Contains diecast material
– LED lighted Arc Reactor on chest (white light, battery operated)
– Six (6) pieces of interchangeable palms including:
– One (1) pair of fists
– One (1) pair of palms with articulated fingers and light-up repulsors (white light, battery operated)
– One (1) pair of repulsor firing palms (white light, battery operated)
– Improved articulations on waist armor which allow flexible movement
– Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Weapons:
– One (1) articulated back-mounted machine gun
– One (1) interchangeable battle damaged back-mounted machine gun barrel
– Hidden compartment can reveal detachable “Ex-Wife” rocket on left shoulder
– Hidden compartment can reveal mini missiles on right shoulder
– Sub-machine guns mounted on the arms
Accessory:
– Specially-designed diorama figure base
Win a Life-Size Boba Fett Figure from Sideshow and ThinkGeek
Star Wars Fans Get a Chance to Win the
Biggest Bounty in the Galaxy!
Sideshow and ThinkGeek raise the stakes
with their Boba Fett Life-Size Figure Giveaway!
Thousand Oaks, CA– Launching November 20th, Sideshow and ThinkGeek are offering Star Wars fans the chance to own a life-size figure of the most dangerous bounty hunter in the galaxy – Boba Fett!
Towering over 6’ tall on a light up, grate themed base, this Boba Fett figure is decked out in a screen accurate, hand-tailored replica of his Mandalorian armor, cape and weapons. With a retail value of almost $8,000.00, this figure would be the ultimate addition to any Star Wars fan household!
But wait, the bounties continue with ThinkGeek awesomeness in the form of Imperial and Rebel runner-up prize packs from their extensive online catalog and valued at over $500 each.
The Rebel prize pack includes an R2-D2 suitcase, Millennium Falcon rug, Rebel friends cookie cutters, SMS headphones, Yoda plush backpack, and much more! The Imperial prize pack incudes a Vader suitcase, Darth Vader toaster, Death Star rug, Boba Fett wall décor, SMS headphones with a Darth Vader theme, and more!
This ultimate Star Wars Giveaway will close January 2, 2016 and the winners will be announced on January 13, 2016 at Sideshow.com!
No need to plot a rescue from the Sarlacc pit to get your hands on this infamous hunter. Your chance to win is just an email away through the link below.
Enter to win this great prize now!
Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two Collector’s Edition Available 12/8 Exclusively on Amazon
![MCU_phase2_ORB_beauty_shot_r5 small[1]](https://venganzamedia.com/Gazette/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/MCU_phase2_ORB_beauty_shot_r5-small1.png)
This Marvel fan’s dream features Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, Digital Copy of each Phase 2 film, specially designed disc holders, and exclusive Marvel memorabilia!
Marvel’s Ant-Man releasing on Blu-ray December 8th marks the end of MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE: PHASE TWO. Fans can now celebrate with this action-packed 13-disc collector’s set. The limited-edition, 13-Disc Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two Collection invites you to hold the greatest power in the cosmos in your grasp – an orb containing one of the legendary Infinity Stones! Plus Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™ and Digital Copies of all Phase 2 films, in collectible packaging designed by artist Matt Ferguson. This set overflows with stunning Marvel memorabilia, including a gold-foiled page from the book of Dark Elves, an ancient drawing from the Morag vault, Avengers and S.T.R.I.K.E. uniform patches, a replica of the Tony Stark tattoo from Iron Man 3 and much more!
Order the set now exclusively at Amazon!
CONTENT:
- Marvel’s Iron Man 3 (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + Digital Copy)
- Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + Digital Copy)
- Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + Digital Copy)
- Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + Digital Copy)
- Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + Digital Copy)
- Marvel’s Ant-Man (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + Digital Copy)
- 1:1 Prop Replica of the Orb
- PLUS an Exclusive Bonus Content Disc with 166 minutes of bonus material and more!
BONUS FEATURES: From Here To Infinity: Phases 2 & 3 Of The M.C.U.
Journey back through Marvel’s Phase 2 films, from its launch in Iron Man 3 through its fulfillment in Ant-Man, to see how individual characters grow and change, how their relationships with each other evolve over time, and how the universe itself expands with each story. Listen to filmmakers discuss the first set of Phase 3 films– Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War, Marvel’s Doctor Strange, and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy 2 – and discover there are no limits to the adventure!
Phase 2 Tag Scenes: A Making-Of
Learn the story behind the post-credit sequence in Marvel’s Phase 1 and 2 movies, and explore how the scenes connect and unify the far-flung characters and worlds of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Marvel One-Shot: The Consultant w/Audio Commentary By Clark Gregg
- Marvel One-Shot: A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Thor’s Hammer With Audio Commentary By Clark Gregg
- Marvel One-Shot: Item 47 With Audio Commentary By Louis D’Esposito, Max Hernandez, Titus Welliver And Jesse Bradford
- Marvel One-Shot: Agent Carter With Audio Commentary By Louis D’Esposito And Hayley Atwell
- Marvel One-Shot: All Hail The King With Audio Commentary By Drew Pearce And Ben Kingsley
- Iron Man 3: Deleted Scenes
- Iron Man 3: Preproduction Creative
- Thor: The Dark World: Deleted Scenes
- Thor: The Dark World Preproduction Creative
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier: Deleted Scene With Audio Commentary By Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier – Preproduction Creative
- Guardians of The Galaxy: Deleted Scenes
- Guardians of The Galaxy: Preproduction Creative
- Avengers: Age Of Ultron: Deleted Scenes
- Avengers: Age Of Ultron: Preproduction Creative: Hulk vs. Hulkbuster
- Ant-Man: Deleted Scenes
- Ant-Man: Preproduction Creative
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Die Cast Iron Man Stealth Armor – Mark III
In 2012 Hot Toys teased fans with a 1/6 scale Stealth Armor Iron Man. At San Diego Comic-Con, nestled in between the Iron Man Mark IV Gantry and the Iron Monger sat a shiny blue Iron Man (pictured right).
Speculation ran wild. After dominating the Marvel movie figures was Hot Toys starting to make comic-based characters?
Years passed and that Stealth Armor never materialized…until today!
Now Hot Toys has released their 2015 Summer Exclusive figure, and it’s Iron Man Mark III – Stealth Armor version!
More, this is not the figure they showed back in 2012, but rather a fully upgraded Stealth Armor Iron Man with Hot Toys’ new diecast parts. The diecast materials give the suit an even more realistic and metallic touch!
Being an exclusive figure, and Iron Man at that, this figure is likely to sell out fast and command top dollar on the secondary market.
The Mark III (Stealth Mode Version) collectible figure is greatly detailed and features specially applied two-toned blue and teal color design inspired by the classic Iron Man comics, LED light-up functions, interchangeable armor parts, and a distinctive hologram patterned figure stand.
This collectible figure will surely stand out among your Iron Man collection!
The 1/6th scale Mark III (Stealth Mode Version) Collectible Figure features:
- Authentic and detailed likeness of Iron Man Mark III
- Specially applied two-toned blue and teal design inspired by the classic Iron Man comics
- Approximately 30 cm tall
- Over 30 points of articulations
- LED-lighted eyes and circle-shaped arc reactor on chest (white light with red lens, battery operated)
- Removable chest and torso armor
- One (1) pair of interchangeable forearm rockets
- One (1) pair of interchangeable shoulder mounted guns
- One (1) pair of interchangeable countermeasure dispensers
- One (1) interchangeable torso for three-point landing pose
- Three (3) pairs of interchangeable palms including:
- One (1) pair with movable fingers and light-up repulsors (white light with red lenses, battery operated)
- One (1) pair of fists
- One (1) pair of battle palms with light-up repulsors (white light with red lenses, battery operated)
- Fully deployed air flaps with built-in metal flaps at back of the armor
- Fully deployed air flaps on back of legs
- Distinctive hologram patterned figure stand with blue colored Mark III (Stealth Mode Version) nameplate and Iron Man logo
So what are you waiting for? This stealthy figure will slip out of stock before you know it, so get your order placed now at Sideshow Collectibles!
Star Wars Action News and Marvelicious Toys to Host Wizard World Bash in Chicago
Star Wars Action News and Marvelicious Toys are hosting a party Aug. 22 at Wizard World Chicago — and you’re invited!
A long time ago… August 30, 2005, to be specific… Venganza Media, Inc. launched Star Wars Action News, the world’s first podcast dedicated to Star Wars collecting. In 2010 Venganza then began Marvelicious Toys, focusing on the toys, statues, and games based on the characters from the Marvel comics and movies.
Over the past 10 years both shows have evolved from podcasting pioneers to a major force in the industry and the collecting community, even producing the official podcast for Master Replicas, a Star Wars and Marvel licensee.
On Saturday, Aug. 22, fans are invited to join Star Wars Action News, Marvelicious Toys, and Now Playing Podcast hosts Arnie, Marjorie, Brock, Justin, Jerry, Daryl, Andrew, and more at the Star Wars Action News 10th anniversary bash during Wizard World Chicago. The party, also celebrating Marvelicious Toys’ 5th anniversary, will be hosted by the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. The event begins at 7:30 p.m., and will feature door prizes, appetizers, cake, and a cash bar.
Tickets are priced at $15 for children 12 and under, and $25-$75 for adults. Adult tickets include bonus exclusive collectibles ranging from T-shirts to the exclusive Star Wars Action News badge and lanyard, plus a collectible coin previously only available to those who work on the show.
In addition, all adult tickets enter you in the drawing for a huge selection of door prizes. Items have been provided by DorksideToys.com, Big Bad Toy Store, Kotobukiya, Hallmark, Venganza Media, and many more. Attendees can win items ranging from a Deadpool statue to entire waves of Star Wars figures, and more!
Get your tickets now and follow coverage of these milestones at VenganzaMedia.com and its affiliated podcasts!
About Venganza Media Inc.
Based in Springfield, Ill., Venganza Media Inc. is a multimedia production facility and home to the Venganza Media Podcasting Network.
Film fans and collectors worldwide know Venganza as the producer of Books & Nachos, Star Wars Action News, Marvelicious Toys, and the iTunes Top 10 movie review podcast Now Playing.
Since its formation in 2005, Venganza has delivered thousands of hours of entertainment to listeners, while its staff and fleet of contributors have established the company as a premier source for film reviews, celebrity interviews, and collecting news for audiences of all ages.
SDCC 2015 Exclusives Up For Order NOW at HasbroToyShop.com
Update 11am: The Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper is sold out; sold out in well under 10 minutes.
The Marvel Legends Dr. Strange set is also sold out.
Update 11:30 a.m.: The $9.99 Ant-Man Mini Action Figure is sold out. The Ant-Man 5 pack is still available.
Hasbro has put several of its San Diego Comic-Con toys up for order now at HasbroToyShop.com
Up for order right now are exclusives including:
- Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper
- Marvel Legends’ Dr. Strange Book of Vishanti 5 figure set with 6-inch scaled figures of:
- Dr. Strange (translucent blue astral projection version)
- Brother Voodoo
- Magik
- Hela
- Dormammu
- Hasbro’s Ant-Man figure pack with 5 figures:
- Giant-Man
- Hank Pym in lab coat
- Goliath
- Micro size Scott Lang Ant-Man
- Micro size Hank Pym Ant-Man
- Hasbro’s mini Ant-Man figure in “Matchbox” packaging
At San Diego Comic-Con there were few exclusives as sought after as those at Hasbro’s Toy Shop. On preview night people were assaulted and robbed while trying to get the Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper or the Magic: The Gathering set.
But no matter if you were at the con in the midst of the fray, or safe at home watching from afar, this online sale is a chance for you to get some of the exclusive Hasbro toys without paying eBay scalper fees (or being punched in the face).
So hurry to HasbroToyShop.com and good luck in scoring the exclusives you want!
Avengers: Age of Ultron coming to Blu-Ray Oct 2
MARVEL’S AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON
GET IT EARLY ON DIGITAL 3D, DIGITAL HD
AND DISNEY MOVIES ANYWHERE September 8, 2015
AVAILABLE ON 3D BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACK, BLU-RAY, DVD, DIGITAL SD AND
ON-DEMAND October 2, 2015
Includes Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes, Making-of Featurettes, Gag Reel and Audio Commentary
Marvel Studios reunites Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in the unprecedented movie event, Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. Iconic heroes are forced to reassemble and face their most intimidating enemy yet – ULTRON. Pushed to the brink of their physical and emotional limits, the team must recruit both new heroes and familiar allies to face an escalating danger that threatens the entire planet.
RELEASE DATES: September 8, 2015 for Digital 3D and Digital HD
October 2, 2015 for Digital SD, 3D Blu-ray Combo Pack (3D Blu-ray+Single Disc Blu-ray+Digital Copy), Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand
BONUS: Digital HD*, Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA), 3D Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray
- Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
- Making-of Featurettes
- Gag Reel
- Audio Commentary
*Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer
DVD:
- Making-of Featurette
FEATURE RUN TIME: Approximately 141 min.
RATINGS: PG-13 in U.S.; PG in CE; G in CF
ASPECT RATIO: Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray & DVD = 1080p High Definition / 2.40:1
AUDIO: Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray 2D = English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, French-Canadian 5.1 Dolby Digital, Latin Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital
DVD = English/Latin Spanish/French Canadian 5.1 Dolby Digital, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital
LANGUAGES: U.S.: English & Spanish
Canada: English, French
SUBTITLES: English, French & Spanish
Hasbro’s Star Wars Fans’ Choice Poll — Round 2 Starts Now
Star Wars Action News’ participation in Hasbro’s 2015 Fans’ Choice action figure poll nears completion!
As announced Monday, Hasbro has started a new poll where Star Wars fans and collectors pick which figure is made for the company’s new 6-inch Black Series line of Star Wars figures.
Star Wars Action News was invited to poll their fans on which characters they wanted. Round 1 was a completely open nomination form, and over 70 different figures were nominated. Of all the figures requested, the single figure with the most nominations was Ackmena, the singing cantina owner from the notorious Star Wars Holiday Special. In a close second place was Brea Tonnika — a background character in the cantina from first Star Wars film.
The top 30 nominees have been taken into Round 2 of voting! Here each Star Wars fan chooses the one figure they want most in 6-inch plastic form. This second round of voting ends Monday, June 29th, and then the five characters with the most votes will be submitted to Hasbro.
The first 20 characters were picked from the first round of nominations:
| Ackmena |
| Brea Tonnika |
| Obi-Wan Kenobi (A New Hope) |
| Admiral Ackbar |
| ARC Trooper Commander Colt |
| Gamorrean Guard |
| Asajj Ventress (Dark Diciple) |
| Lumpy |
| Lando Calrissian (Jabba’s Skiff Guard) |
| Momaw Nadon |
| Grand Moff Tarkin (A New Hope) |
| Darth Maul (Robot Legs) |
| Han Solo (Bespin Outfit) |
| General Grievous (4-arms) |
| Ponda Baba |
| Mara Jade |
| Sabine |
| Ephant Mon |
| Republic Commando |
| Blue Snaggletooth |
The other 51 characters nominated received only 1 vote each, so the Star Wars Action News team, including podcast hosts Arnie and Marjorie Carvalho, reporters Brock, Johnathan Brenner, Justin Kozisek and Steve “The Ginger Prince” Nixon, video editor Andrew Harrison, and photo editors Jay Fazio and Curtis Stevenson. From the 51 chosen characters the panel selected 10 figures:
| Darth Talon |
| Darth Nihilus |
| Dexter Jettster |
| Jaxxon |
| Watto |
| Admiral Piett |
| Lobot |
| Yak Face |
| Grand Admiral Thrawn |
| Amanaman |
Which of these 30 characters is your top pick as a new Black Series 6-inch figure? Vote now in the Star Wars Action News forums!
Pre-Order Alert: Sideshow EXCLUSIVE Wolverine – Premium Format Figure
Sideshow is the best there is at what they do…and what they do is make incredibly detailed quarter-scale statues!
The next offer from Sideshow is the Premium Format Wolverine! This statue goes back to the character’s first solo series — the Japan saga by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, a longtime fan favorite story that defined the character for decades and even inspired the movie The Wolverine.
This Sideshow statue shows Logan atop a snow-capped bridge that is riddled by enemy arrow-fire. With the base this short X-Man stands 20-inches tall!
The statue also comes with swappable heads so you can display him masked or unmasked, both with fierce, feral expressions. And if you hurry to get Sideshow’s Exclusive Edition you can swap his right hand as well – show him with adamantium claws drawn or with the exclusive Muramasa Blade accessory!
You can check out detailed 360-degree photos, close-ups and more at Sideshow’s site, so go check it out! (And if your wallet has a mutant healing factor, place your order!)
Hasbro’s Star Wars Fans’ Choice Poll is Back — And Bigger Than Ever!
Once more, fans get to pick an upcoming character in the Star Wars line of figures.
Hasbro announced today that they are starting a new poll where Star Wars fans and collectors pick which figure is made. This time, however, the poll is not for the long-running 3.75-inch line of figures, but for Hasbro’s newer 6-inch Black Series figure line.
To make it even more exciting, all Star Wars characters are eligible (except those from the unreleased The Force Awakens movie). With that statement Hasbro has given fans perhaps their only chance to get a 6-inch action figure based on the Star Wars comics and novels that were removed from canon and put into the “Legends” category. Of course, all characters from the films, major or minor, would also be given consideration.
Hasbro has confirmed to Star Wars Action News any character is eligible, including the long-desired Tonnika Sisters from A New Hope, Vlix from the 80s Droids series, and even Lumpy and Ackmena (Bea Arthur) from The Star Wars Holiday Special!
Also of note: if the chosen character is from the Star Wars animated series Rebels or The Clone Wars the figure would be done in a realistic style consistent with the Black Series line’s look.
This year’s Fan’s Choice poll is being run by various Star Wars collecting sites, including Venganza Media’s own Star Wars Action News. Before June 30th each participating site will submit to Hasbro their Top 5 list, with the #1 character getting 6 points, the #2 character 5 points, #3 character 4 points, and so on.
From the compiled lists from all the sites the character with the highest number of points will be immortalized in plastic–and Hasbro will reveal which character was chosen during their San Diego Comic-Con panel on July 10th.
Star Wars Action News is handling this with two rounds of voting. First, they have opened a Figure Nomination thread in their forums. In that post fans can free-form enter any characters they want. That phase will be open until June 25th. Then on the 25th a second poll will be opened where each fan can vote on the one figure they want most. That poll will close on June 29th and the top five figures submitted to Hasbro on the 30th.
Begin your voting now! Head to the Star Wars Action News forums and nominate your favorite character for the Black Series 6-inch line!
Star Wars Black Series IG-88, Boushh, and Cody – $16.09 ea!
Amazon has some amazing deals on the new Star Wars 6-Inch Black Series figures!  Commander Cody, IG-88 and Boushh Leia in stock at Amazon — $16.09 each! Get them before they’re gone!
Thanks to our friends at Jedi Temple Archives for the heads up!
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Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys 1/6 Scale Vision MMS
Well, I was born yesterday.
One of the biggest highlights of the record-breaking Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron is the introduction of the new characters in the film! Originally planned to be the perfect “evolution” for Ultron, the Avengers was able to retrieve the android Vision and made him a valuable ally for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to stop Ultron from eradicating mankind!
Today, Hot Toys and Sideshow Collectibles have put up for pre-order the humanoid hero that many fans have been waiting for – the 1/6th scale Vision Collectible Figure!
The movie-accurate Vision Collectible Figure is specially crafted based on his image in Avengers: Age of Ultron. It features a newly developed head sculpt with detailed texture and Mind Stone, specially tailored costume and cape, Thor’s hammer Mjölnir, and a specially designed figure stand.
Your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection wouldn’t be complete without the addition of this powerful android!
Hot Toys – MMS296 – Avengers: Age of Ultron: 1/6th scale Vision Collectible Figure
~ Movie Masterpiece Series ~
The 1/6th scale Vision Collectible Figure specially features:
– Authentic and detailed likeness of Vision in Avengers: Age of Ultron
– Newly developed head sculpt with movie-accurate facial features, detailed skin texture, and the Mind Stone
– Specially applied metallic red-violet skin tone to reflect Vision’s distinctive appearance
– Approximately 31.5 cm tall
– Body with over 30 points of articulations
– Eight (8) pieces of interchangeable palms including:
– One (1) pair of fists
– One (1) pair of relaxed palms
– One (1) pair of open palms
– One (1) pair of palms for holding Mjölnir
– Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Costume:
– One (1) teal colored full body suit with texture and red-violet colored highlights
– One (1) yellow colored cape with patterns and red-violet highlights
– One (1) pair of red-violet and gold colored gauntlets
– One (1) pair of red-violet and gold colored boots
Weapon:
– One (1) Mjölnir
Accessory:
– Specially-designed figure stand with Vision nameplate and the movie logo
Artists:
– Head Sculpted by Kojun
– Head Painted by JC. Hong
– Head Art Directed by JC. Hong
Release date: Q4, 2015 – Q1, 2016
So head to Sideshow Collectibles and get your Vision now!
News: New Images of Guardians of the Galaxy Hasbro Legends Leaked!
Marvelicious Toys has just come across new boxed images of the Entertainment Earth exclusive Guardians of the Galaxy Marvel Legends set!
Featuring Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot (both in giant and potted versions), these comic-accurate likenesses appear to come loaded with accessories, including swappable heads for Gamora, interchangable hands for Drax, and much more as shown in the images below.
These sets are still up for pre-order now at Entertainment Earth.
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys War Machine from Avengers: Age of Ultron
For Iron Man 3 a number of collectibles were made showing Iron Man’s pal War Machine in his more metallic suit, but in editing only the Iron Patriot was shown. Even Hot Toys released that version of the War Machine armor.
Do you think Don Cheadle looked at the gray War Machine armor made for Iron Man 3 and said, “Next time, baby!”? Well, that time is now!
Now, for Avengers: Age of Ultron the War Machine is back and he’s in his classic colors! But…there are some subtle differences between the suit designed for Iron Man 3 and the one shown on screen in Age of Ultron. So while you may have a Hot Toys figure really close to this one–unless you pre-order this new figure from Hot Toys you don’t have the Age of Ultron armor!
And to add to the mix, this figure is only being offered through a partnership between Hot Toys and Sideshow Collectibles as a Sideshow exclusive figure! (It’s about time we got one stateside after having to hunt for so many overseas variants). If it’s anything like the last exclusive armored Avenger offered by Sideshow, the Stealth Armor Iron Man, it is bound to sell out fast too!
Plus this is part of Hot Toys’ MMS Diecast Series which the collectible figures are made of diecast material, and realistically designed to look even more like the armor as it appears in the film. You heard our glowing review of Iron Patriot on Marvelicious Toys, now it’s time for War Machine to get that same love.
The movie-accurate War Machine Mark II Collectible Figure is crafted with great details and based on the image of Don Cheadle as James Rhodes/War Machine Mark II in Avengers: Age of Ultron. It features a highly detailed head sculpt, metallic black and dark silver colored armor with decals, LED light-up functions, rotatable machine gun, and a specially designed Avengers: Age of Ultron figure stand.
Gear yourself up for this super exciting film and expand your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection with this diecast collectible figure as “War Machine rocks”.
Hot Toys – MMS290D10 – Avengers: Age of Ultron 1/6th scale War Machine Mark II Collectible Figure Features:
– Body with Die Cast metal parts
– Authentic and detailed likeness as War Machine Mark II in Avengers: Age of Ultron
– Helmeted head sculpt with authentic likeness of Don Cheadle as James Rhodes
– Interchangeable helmeted head with LED light-up function (white light, battery operated)
– Metallic black and dark silver colored armor with white decals
– Approximately 31 cm tall
– Over 30 points of articulations
– Contains diecast material
– LED-lighted eyes and Arc Reactor on chest (white light, battery operated)
– Seven (7) pieces of interchangeable palms including:
– One (1) pair of palms with movable fingers and light-up repulsors (white light, battery operated)
– One (1) pair of fists
– One (1) pair of repulsor palms
– One (1) saluting right palm
– Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Weapon:
– One (1) rotatable machine gun at the back
Accessory:
– Specially-designed figure stand with War Machine nameplate and the movie logo
Check out our pics and get over to Sideshow and order yours now!
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys 20-Inch Iron Man Mark 43 – From Avengers: Age of Ultron
Tony Stark is working on something big…
After many years of creating the best 1/6th scale, 12-inch, figures based on Marvel Movies, now Hot Toys delivers their first figure in a larger 1/4 scale–Iron Man Mk XLIII. Standing 20-inches tall, this figure has over 40 points of articulation, interchangeable heads with LED light-up function, LEG-lit eyes, chest, and back, plus LED shine-through on the sides of his chest, forearms, and the backs of his legs.
It also has removable armor pieces, interchangeable forearm rocket armor, and 3 pairs of changeable hands.
With the hype over Avengers: Age of Ultron this piece may truly fly–out of stock, so pre-order yours now at Sideshow Collectibles!
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys EXCLUSIVE Iron Man Mark VII – Stealth Edition
Years ago at San Diego Comic-Con Hot Toys showed the Iron Man — Stealth Armor. Years passed with no word on if this armor was continued or cancelled. Hot Toys delved into their House Party Protocol of armors but still no word on the more comic-based blue and black Stealth armor. Until now. Now it’s a MOVIE PROMO EDITION collectible figure, only be available exclusively in selected markets during upcoming promotion events period in different countries… but you can order it now at Sideshow Collectibles!
The Mark VII (Stealth Mode Version) Collectible Figure is highly detailed featuring multiple layers and various shades of metallic and matte black color with digital camouflage design, translucent black chest armor and articulated flaps on back of legs, Stark Industries decals at various parts of the armor, LED light-up functions, interchangeable armor parts, and a specially designed dynamic figure stand.
This stylish stealth mode version Mark VII collectible figure will be a great addition to your Iron Man collection!
The 1/6th scale Mark VII (Stealth Mode Version) Collectible Figure features:
- – Authentic and detailed likeness of Mark VII in stealth mode
- – Specially applied multiple layers and shades of metallic and matte black-colored painting with digital camouflage design on armor
- – Translucent black removable chest armor and articulated flaps on back of legs
- – Approximately 30 cm tall
- – Over 30 points of articulations
- – LED-lighted eyes and circle-shaped Arc Reactor on chest (white light, battery operated)
- – Stark Industries decals on various parts of the armor
- – One (1) pair of interchangeable forearm rockets
- – One (1) pair of interchangeable wrist guards for posing with repulsor firing palms
- – Three (3) pairs of interchangeable palms including:
- – One (1) pair with movable fingers and light-up repulsors (white light, battery operated)
- – One (1) pair of fists
- – One (1) pair of repulsor firing palms with light-up function (white light, battery operated)
- – Two (2) sets of interchangeable shoulder armors (normal & missile styles)
- – Articulations on waist armor which allow flexible movement
- – Fully deployable air flaps on the back of the armor
Accessory:
- – Specially designed dynamic figure stand with Mark VII nameplate and movie logo
The Avengers Movie Promo Series Iron Man sold out in ONE NIGHT, so don’t wait–don’t let the weekend pass without getting your order in today! (And if it’s waitlisted, get on that waitslist–the sooner you sign up the better your chances!)
Good Luck!
Star Wars Episode VII: The Toys Awaken
Star Wars Action News forum member Niklab wrote in with an interesting find–the Target DCPI information for loads of Star Wars: The Force Awakens toys!
He has broken down the toys into categories based on descriptions, and you can find the item stock number, Target price, and more below!
Some observations:
1) The good news is Star Wars figures will continue to be in 3.75-inch scale! After Hasbro experimented with 2.5-inch figures for Guardians of the Galaxy and the current Avengers: Age of Ultron toy lines, Star Wars fans feared Hasbro may follow suit with the Episode VII line. But there are no signs of 2.5-inch toys and, in fact, there are even vehicle assortments in the 3.75-inch scale!
2) The 6-inch toy line will continue, which seemed a given with Hasbro’s push for that new scale of collector-oriented figure. Still, it is nice to have confirmation.
3) Though we will have 3.75-inch figures, odds are collectors spoiled by the super-articulated figures released between 2005 and 2013 will be disappointed. The Black Series 3.75-inch line has a MSRP of $9.99 and many Target stores sell them at $12.99 or above. To see these new 3.75-inch figures priced at $7.99 indicates they will likely have greatly reduced articulation (though perhaps more than 4 points, as these are more expensive than the current “Mission Series” figures).
From role-play toys to Micro Machines and Die Cast vehicles, there will be something for everyone to collect–and likely too much for any one person to afford!
Read on for all the details!
3.75″ FIGURE SYSTEM
3.75″ BASIC FIGURES
087-06-3658 SW E7 3.75 Single Fig
3.75″ SYSTEM VEHICLES
087-06-3662 E7 Class 1 Vehicle
087-06-3663 E7 Class 1 Dlx Vehicle
087-06-3664 Class II Vehicle
6″ FIGURE SYSTEM
087-06-3670 Black Series 6″
087-06-3696 SW Black series 6in Fig 2. 39.99$
12″ HERO SERIES FIGURE SYSTEM
087-06-3681 SW EP 7 Hero Series fig. 9.99$
087-06-3694 SW E7 Hero Series Fig 6. 49.99$
HERO MASHERS
087-06-3675 SW Hero Mashers.
087-06-3676 SW Hero Mashers Dlx. 14.99$
ROLE PLAY
087-06-3644 SW Extendable Lightsaber
087-06-3645 SW E7 Mask asst
087-06-3646 SW Villain Extendable Lightsaber 12.99$
087-06-3647 SW Nerf Foam Lightsaber
087-06-3648 SW Electronic Lightsaber
087-06-3649 SW Villain Electronic (mask) 34.99$
087-06-3650 SW Villain Dlx Lightsaber
087-06-3651 SW Alien Electronic Mask 29.99$
087-06-3652 SW Darth Vader Voice changing Helmet 34.99$
087-06-3653 SW Signature Lightsaber
087-06-3654 SW E7 Ammo Refill
087-06-3655 SW Villain Trooper Whit 12.99$
087-06-3656 SW Sidekick Alien Blaster 24.99$
087-06-3657 SW Villain Trooper Whit 39.99$
087-06-3672 Toy constrc SW 2
087-06-3674 SW EP II Yoda Lightsaber.
087-06-3695 SW choose yr destiny lightsaber. 49.99$
087-06-3697 SW E7 Darth Vader Lightsaber. 44.99$
MICRO MACHINES
087-06-3684 SW vehicle blind bag. 2.49$
087-06-3685 SW vehicle 3 pack.
087-06-3686 SW MM Dlx vehicle asst. 9.99$
087-06-3688 SW E7 MM Battle Set.
ASSORTED / UNIDENTIFIED
3659 – 3661 had no information, only prices.
3677-3680 no info
087-06-3668 Black Series Die Cast
087-06-3689 SW Collectable
087-06-3692 SW E7 RC Lead Hero Droid. 79.99$
087-06-3693 Furby E7 Sidekick Alien.
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Black Widow from Avengers – Age Of Ultron
Pre-orders are up now for the next Hot Toys 1/6 Scale Avenger figure from Age of Ultron — Black Widow
The movie-accurate collectible is specially crafted based on the image of Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow in the film featuring a newly painted head sculpt with short curly brownish-red real fabric hair, newly tailored costume with leather-like trims and blue highlights, detailed new weapons and accessories.
Don’t forget to add the lethal female agent to your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection!
The 1/6th scale Black Widow Collectible Figure features:
– Authentic and detailed likeness of Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow in Avengers: Age of Ultron
– Newly painted head sculpt with movie-accurate facial expression and make-up
– Short curly brownish-red real fabric hair implantation
– Body with over 28 points of articulations
– Approximately 28 cm tall
– Eight (8) pieces of interchangeable gloved palms including:
– One (1) pair of fists
– One (1) pair of relaxed palms
– One (1) pair of palms for holding pistols
– One (1) pair of fists for holding batons
– Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Costume :
– One-piece black colored jumpsuit with leather-like trims and blue highlights
– One (1) pair of red-colored wrist guards with Widow’s Bite bracelets
– One (1) black belt with Black Widow’s emblem
– One (1) gun holster on thigh
– One (1) pair of black colored platform boots with buckles
Weapons:
– Two (2) blasters
– Two (2) batons with real-like electric effect
– One (1) pistol
– One (1) dagger
Accessories:
– One (1) pair of real-like electric shock effect accessories
– One (1) pair of baton handles
– Specially-designed figure stand with Black Widow nameplate and the movie logo
Place your pre-order now at Sideshow Collectibles–the only authorized Hot Toys reseller in the US!
Pre-Order Alert: Sideshow Exclusive Black Widow Premium Format — Limited to 200 Pieces!
Last year Sideshow released their Black Widow Premium Format…and now they’re doing a variant in the white outfit! LIMITED TO 200 PIECES!
The black-clad version of this statue was one of last year’s best, so hurry if you want the white one
–it ships NOW!
Movie Review: Better Luck Tomorrow — Is This the Prequel to The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift?
Four Asian high school honor students take on illegal extra-curricular activities in Justin Lin’s BETTER LUCK TOMORROW. What starts with cheat sheets quickly escalates to major criminal activities, while our main character Ben starts using cocaine to keep up his grades and gang status.
The high school drama feels honest, with Ben taken with lab partner Stephanie, unsure of his place in the high school hierarchy, and very focused on college and his future. In fact, for the first act of this film I thought that’s all the movie would be–an Asian-American coming of age drama like The Breakfast Club or Almost Famous. When the film takes its second act turn and becomes a crime film it was unexpected, but never felt disingenuous.
I kept trying to anticipate how the film would progress, and I never got it right. Lin’s picture (which he co-wrote) keeps taking unexpected turns, and I was along for the ride.
The cast is uniformly awesome. Shen, likely best known now for his three turns in the Hatchet series, carries the film. Told from his point of view, he’s in every scene. His daily routines reminded me of an Aaronofsky character, but showed his focus on his goals. When the character makes unexpected choices, it’s Shen who makes sense of it.
Jason Tobin plays Virgil. Seemingly the least intelligent and most impulsive member of the gang, Tobin brings a madness and pathos to the role that really added suspense. It really seems Virgil will be the group’s undoing.
Roger Fan’s Derec, the leader of the gang, is charismatic and scheming, but also seems like a good guy. The wrong balance with Derec could turn you against the gang, but Fan plays the balance and even at times seems vulnerable.
And Sung Kang plays Han–the reason I watched this film. Kang would go on to play Han in 3 of Lin’s FAST AND FURIOUS films, and Lin has said it’s the same Han seen in this film. Here Han is not given the focus much, but he is the coolest member of the gang with a pretty nice car. He’d fade into the background were it not for his future collaborations with Lin.
And in a supporting role is the film’s biggest star, John Cho. Primarily known as the “MILF Guy” from American Pie, of course Cho would go on to do the Harold and Kumar films before playing Sulu on Star Trek. Here, as a spoiled rich kid two-timing Stephanie, the object of Ben’s affections, Cho strikes the right notes with a tricky and pretentious character.
The film avoids any stereotypes–these are just high schoolers who happen to be Asian, but they’re all-American kids balancing a bright future with a life of crime and instant gratification.
When the film ended I found myself satisfied. It was a drama film that had elements of crime, not a crime film with elements of drama, but an entertaining and moving watch. RECOMMEND.
Pre-Order Alert: Sideshow Darth Vader Premium Format Figure
Sideshow Collectibles has put up for pre-order their latest 1/4 scale Premium Format Figure in the Star Wars line — Darth Vader.
Inspired by one of the most climactic duels in cinematic history, Darth Vader descends the steps of a Death Star themed base. With his light-up crimson lightsaber at the ready, the commanding villain is prepared to engage in mortal combat and claim victory for the Galactic Empire. Every detail of the Sith Lords costume, from his iconic helmet to his sweeping black cape, have been faithfully recreated as seen on screen in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
The figure stands 26.5-inches high with the giant base, and is the first time in nearly 10 years that Sideshow has offered the most iconic of all Star Wars characters. So place your order now at Sideshow Collectibles!
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys MMS Hulkbuster Iron Man from Avengers: Age of Ultron
This is the Iron Man armor you have been waiting for! Ever since the first official appearance of the massive anti-Hulk Iron Man suit, Hulkbuster, in Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron trailer, fans worldwide have been filled with excitement! Its fight against Hulk is an unforgettable moment from the clip and pushes the popularity of the huge machine to a new level even before the movie launch!
Today, Hot Toys, through Sideshow Collectibles, has put up for pre-order the collectible figure that many fans and collectors have been longing for – the spectacular 1/6th scale Hulkbuster Collectible Figure!
The movie-accurate collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of Hulkbuster in Avengers: Age of Ultron. This colossal figure stands approximately 55 cm (21 inches) tall, featuring a Mark XLIII bust inside the Hulkbuster with LED light-up eyes and arc reactor on chest. The metallic red, gold and silver armor with weathering effect, and over 16 LED light-up areas located in the eyes, chest, repulsor palms, back, and legs.
Partnered with Hot Toys Avengers: Age of Ultron Incredible Hulk figure you have a display that would be the centerpiece of any collection–and make friends drool with envy!
You’ll need to make room for this gigantic machine in your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection!
The 1/6th scale Hulkbuster Collectible Figure features:
– Authentic and detailed likeness of Hulkbuster in Avengers: Age of Ultron
– Approximately 55 cm tall (approximately 21 inches)
– Special features on armor:
– Chest can be opened to reveal the Mark XLIII bust with LED light-up eyes and arc reactor on chest
– Metallic red, gold and silver colored painting on armor with weathering effect
– Over 30 points of articulation
– Over 16 LED light-up areas located in the eyes, arc reactor on chest, repulsor palms, back, and legs (white light, battery operated)
– Shoulder armors can be opened
– Interchangeable neck armor for when displaying the Mark XLIII bust
– One (1) pair of removable forearm armors
– One (1) pair of hands with movable fingers and light-up repulsors (white light, battery operated)
Release date: Q1 – Q2, 2016
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Hulk MMS from Avengers: Age of Ultron
He’s always angry!
In the upcoming eagerly-awaited Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, the Earth is in danger again as the evil artificial intelligence Ultron is set on wiping out all life on the planet, and it is up to the Earth’s mightiest heroes to stop the terrible fate from happening.
Now Hot Toys has announced the new Avengers: Age of Ultron 1/6th scale Hulk Collectible Figure! The movie-accurate collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of Hulk in Avengers: Age of Ultron featuring a newly developed screaming head sculpt with rolling eyeballs, and a specially painted muscular body.
And there are two ordering options for this figure! You can order the Hulk Sixth Scale Figure now for $274.99 or get the Hulk Deluxe Sixth Scale Figure Set for $374.99!
The 1/6th scale Hulk Collectible Figure (available in both sets) features:
– Authentic and detailed likeness of Hulk in Avengers: Age of Ultron with separate rolling eyeballs. This head shows his screaming look with detailed wrinkles and skin texture
– Approximately 42 cm tall
– Giant green-skinned muscular body featuring detailed skin texture and tendons, with over 20 points of articulations, built-in joints in neck and arms which allow flexible movement
– Two (2) pairs of interchangeable palms including:
– One (1) pair of relaxed palms with movable fingers
– One (1) pair of forceful fists
– Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Costume:
– One (1) pair of grey shorts with texture
But if you order the Hulk Deluxe Marvel Sixth Scale Figure Set you get the figure and accessories detailed above, and
– A second newly developed angry head with separate rolling eyeballs (this one is snarling, not screaming)
– An interchangable non-articulated Hulk smash pose giant green-skinned muscular upper body (to show off Hulk with no articulation poitns visible)
Don’t miss out on adding the incredible Hulk to your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection! Order now at Sideshow Collectibles site!
Liam Neeson Brings Non-Stop Stupidity
Please, Liam…make it stop!
Is Liam Neeson consciously trying to emulate Nicolas Cage’s career path? Both actors won Academy Awards for dramatic roles, and then signed up for a series of increasingly inane action films until all the credibility they once had is gone.
Neeson continues his descent with Non-Stop in which he plays alcoholic Air Marshall Bill (not to be confused with Jim Carrey’s Fire Marshall Bill). Bill’s personal problems impact his professional career when he receives an anonymous text threatening one person on the flight will die every 20 minutes if $150 million isn’t deposited into an account. Worse, this mysterious mastermind is framing Bill for the plot, setting up a fake account in the Air Marshall’s name.
The film kept me on the edge of my seat, not because I cared about Bill or any of the other passengers, but because I really wanted an explanation of how these faceless felons pulled off such a trick. Yet the film never bothers trying to explain the “how”, possibly realizing the entire story is so outlandish that it’s pointless to try and explain it away. In short–if you care about plot you shouldn’t be watching this film, and the filmmakers know it. Truly, this film is Non-Stop stupidity.
Worst of all Julianne Moore is completely wasted in a role far beneath an actress of her stature and ability. I’d like to call her a red hair-ring but she doesn’t even rise to that level.
Truthfully I watched most of this film completely ambivalent. Midway through I tried to decide if that makes it a “recommend” or not. Then the film’s absurd climax happened. No answers may have been given as to how the criminals pulled their job, but the answer of how I rank this film was crystal clear.
Neeson’s career is not quite there, but if it continues its current path it will drop below 8,000 feet–which as the film tells me is such a dangerous altitude that fighter planes may scramble to shoot it down and prevent danger to civilians on the ground.
Where’s that A-Team sequel when Neeson needs it?
Strong Not Recommend.
Review: Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
| Lex Luthor is the beloved President of the United States. Most of the world’s superheroes, including Power Girl and Captain Atom, are agents for his government. Refusing to join up, Superman and Batman are wanted criminals in the Warner Bros. animated movie Superman/Batman: Public Enemies.Based on the graphic novel by Joseph Loeb and Ed McGuinness, this alternate-universe story creates a low barrier of entry for any fan. I didn’t have to watch all the previous DC Universe animated films or the Batman and Superman animated series to follow what was going on. An engaging opening montage sets the stage for this alternate universe, and the focus is on the most well-known characters Luthor and Superman. | |
| But as the story progresses, Superman and Batman teaming up against heroes and villains alike. There are characters in this movie I’ve not thought of since I watched Challenge of the Super Friends in the 70s, including Solomon Grundy, Captain Cold and Black Manta. For fans of the DC universe this deep roster of characters including Starfire, Bane, Metallo, Giganta, and dozens moren. Plus there were many more characters I didn’t know but the comic fans would likely will be a treat to see in full-motion animation. Power Girl, voiced by Allison Mack, gets a critical role as well in her first film appearance (boob window in full effect).The story reminds me of the video game Injustice: Gods Among Us where heroes fight heroes and villains in mortal combat. It may be base, but it’s really fun to watch Superman punch out Shazam and Batman taking on Captain Atom. The story is not what keeps me engaged–it’s the action. In the end, it’s simply a fun film. | |
| The animation is detailed, not feature film quality but better than most TV shows. More than serviceable, it has moments of beauty. With so many character designs it’s impressive that each get detailed representations.The ending is very silly (involving a robot that is literally half Superman and half Batman, split down the middle like Prince in the “Batdance” video), but getting there is fun.
I finished this movie thinking next year’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will be damn lucky if it is as good as Public Enemies. Recommend. |
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Arnie is a movie critic for Now Playing Podcast, and host of the Marvel collecting podcast Marvelicious Toys.Hear Arnie review every Marvel Comics based film, and most DC Comics films, in the Archives at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Support Now Playing’s Kickstarter initiative — Underrated Movies We Recommend! Pledge today. |
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Avengers: Age of Ultron – Ultron Prime 1/6 Scale MMS Figure
There are no strings on me.
Up for pre-order now is the next sixth-scale Avengers: Age of Ultron figure from Hot Toys — Ultron Prime
Since the first official release of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron trailer, the film’s titular villain Ultron’s menacing appearance and memorable speech has grabbed many fans’ attention and left wondering how the Earth’s mightiest heroes can stand up against this highly dangerous robot and its large army.
With the epic blockbuster just few short months away from hitting theatres worldwide, Hot Toys is very excited to “show you something beautiful” today, the 1/6th scale Ultron Prime Collectible Figure, that many fans and collectors have eagerly awaited to see!
The movie-accurate Collectible Figure is specially crafted based on the image of Ultron Prime in Avengers: Age of Ultron. It stands approximately 41 cm tall, featuring a newly developed head sculpt and body with mechanical details, LED light-up head and upper body, and a specially designed Avengers: Age of Ultron logo figure base with LED light-up function!
This threatening villain will have great presence in your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection!
The 1/6th scale Ultron Prime Collectible Figure specially features:
– Authentic and detailed likeness of Ultron Prime in Avengers: Age of Ultron
– Movie-accurate sculpture with mechanical details
– Silver colored painting on armor
– LED light-up head sculpt and upper body (red light, battery operated)
– Approximately 41 cm tall
– Newly developed body with over 30 points of articulations
– One (1) pair of palms with movable fingers
Accessory:
– Specially-designed Avengers: Age of Ultron figure stand with LED light-up function (red light, battery operated)
So get your order placed now with Sideshow Collectibles — no strings attached!
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Artist Mix Figures – Hulkbuster Iron Man, Captain America, Ultron, and More
The new Hot Toys’ collectible figure line, Artist Mix Figures, are now available for pre-order at Sideshow Collectibles!
As the name suggests, Hot Toys will collaborate with different artists and designers from various spectrums to re-imagine movie characters in a special art form with unique style.
To kick-off the Artist Mix Collection, Hot Toys is joining hands with famous Japanese toy artist Touma and introducing a number of Artist Mix Figures based on one of the biggest movies of 2015 – Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron!
This first series includes Iron Man Mark XLIII, Captain America, Hulkbuster, Ultron Prime, and two versions of Ultron Sentry!- Version A and Version B
In celebrating the launch of this new collectible series, a deluxe set will be available that includes the powerful Hulkbuster and Mark XLIII (Battle Damaged Version) which is exclusive to this figures set.
Each Artist Mix Figure has a bobble-head and stands approximately 14cm, or 5.5 inches, tall (Hulkbuster stands approximately 20cm, or 11.8 inches, tall) and perfectly combines the movie characters’ designs with Touma’s distinctive art style!
Touma is a Japanese toys character designer. He started his career at a video game company 10 years ago. In 2001, he established his own workshop and started to become a figurine artist. He had his solo exhibitions and autograph sessions not only in Japan, but also in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and America. He collaborated with many major brands such as MONSTER HUNTER, STAR WARS, TRANSFORMERS, AVP, GODZILLA, POWER RANGERS, and more.
Recently, Touma and his 3D animation partner Shiroma collaborated with Hot Toys for the first time to ignite the Artist Mix Collection series to further expand the diversity of mini figures collection. The series is based on the 2015 Marvel Studios blockbuster, Avengers: Age of Ultron, which perfectly blends the iconic characters with Touma’s unique design style.
These Artist Mix Figures will look great on your shelves or desk, so don’t miss the chance to expand your Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron collection!
**Prototype shown, final product may be slightly different
**Product details could be subjected to change without further notice
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