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Saturday, September 29, 2012

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA Sends Bruce Willis For A Loop!

Sony Pictures is enjoying a one - two punch at the box office this weekend with their new animation HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA (HT) taking top spot. By a lot.

HT is looking at a potential $40 million weekend! I've liked the trailers leading up to it so I'm not all that surprised. I thought LOOPER would do a bit more and at least challenge, but it's not. A solid $6.9 million on Friday, but not enough to hold off HT with $11 million.

I expect to see HT keep up the momentum throughout the weekend and probably hit north of $40 m.

Friday, September 28, 2012

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 Secures Garfield And Webb; Stone In Talks!

Wonderful news! The best Spider-man / Peter Parker actor (in my opinion) has been re-inked to headline THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 for Columbia. Andrew Garfield, who at the same moment can be bashful and timid but yet ooze new found power has been secured. Hey - that DOES sounds like Peter Parker.

Further and perhaps just as important, Marc Webb ((500) DAYS OF SUMMER) has also been tapped to return as director. It looks like he'll direct the sequel before having to go back to Fox Searchlight to finish his commitment with them. Time will tell. I thought that despite the normal studio filter than is placed on creativity, Webb's webhead tale was nicely done. But would I rather see a full blown, unfiltered Webb take for Spidey 2? You bet.

Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Jeff Pinker have penned the script so we should expect a solid story yet again, despite different writers. I loved the first movie.

Here's Doug Belgrad, Columbia's president on the re-signing:

"We could not be more confident in the direction we are taking this new Spider-Man storyline and we are tremendously excited to be ramping up production again with Marc at the helm and Andrew continuing on as Peter Parker. We can’t wait to share what we have in store for Peter and Spider-Man with audiences worldwide."

Emma Stone is still in talks to pick up her magnificent turn as Gwen Stacy. I suppose if things turn sour for whatever reason Mary Jane Watson could emerge for the first time, but for heaven's sake sign Stone. She's good for this franchise.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 is slated for a May 2, 2014 release with lensing to commence in Q1, 2013. And after the first one made $751 million, the stakes are high.

Source: Variety

Thursday, September 27, 2012

MUST SEE: Two New Posters - THE HOBBIT And THE CROODS!

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I love both of these posters! What more can I say about THE HOBBIT? Well how about Peter Jackson nailing the personalities of all those dwarves?

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED ADVENTURE opens on December 14.

THE CROODS? Well, this is one project that I've been tracking at Dreamworks Animation since it's inception when it was being written by John Cleese (known then as CROOD AWAKENING). It looks like his writing credit has been taken off so I don't know how much of his ingenious humor has made its way into the 3D animation. Needless to say though, I was very happy to see it's first poster being released. The premise for the movie seems absolutely HILARIOUS!

Here's the storyline for THE CROODS:
The Croods is being written and directed by two-time Academy Award® nominee Chris Sanders (HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, LILO AND STITCH) and Kirk DeMicco (SPACE CHIMPS) and produced by Kristine Belson (HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON) and Jane Hartwell (SHREK). The Croods is a comedy adventure that takes us back to a previously undiscovered era in the history of our planet known as the Croodaceous, when nature was still a work-in-progress… full of never-before- seen creatures and landscapes. Audiences will relate to the hilarious family antics as an imaginative and resourceful newcomer helps the Croods navigate their way through the fantastic world beyond their cave.

THE CROODS open on March 22, 2013 and stars the voices of Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone, Catherine Keener, Clark Duke and Cloris Leachman.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Must See: New Poster And Image Of Evangeline Lilly As Tauriel In THE HOBBIT

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Couple of new marketing items for you to have a look at from THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY. A rather cool looking poster featuring Martin Freeman as a rather intent looking Bilbo Baggins and a new image of Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel. Of course Tauriel does not appear in Tolkien's THE HOBBIT, but she appears to be a rather gifted warrior with a bow and arrow in Peter Jackson's take on the material. Think female Legolas and you probably wouldn't be too far off. I think she looks the part, so why not introduce this new role if it helps carry 3 movies somehow more effectively?

Here's the official storyline for the movie:
The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of ingenuity and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities… A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY opens on December 14.

Sources: Peter Jackson | TORn

Saturday, September 22, 2012

PACIFIC RIM 3D Conversion Silver Lining - And What A Silver Lining!

You guys know me by now, if you're going to release a movie that's been converted to 3D you have to plan the production around that. So I mean, have a stereographer working side by side with the director to ensure the shots that are being set up and shot will work very well in three dimensions. That probably means a depth script even though it's not being shot in 3D. It also means consideration to how the movie is lit as well.

But then there's Guillermo del Toro. Obviously he was cleared to shoot PACIFIC RIM in 2D and no one is going to blame him for his reasons for doing so. He's the creative force. I may have a different opinion but would I have gone to see it in 2D? Absol-freakin-lutely.

Here's the thing though. Guillermo is one smart director. Legendary is calling the shots as far as money is concerned and wants it converted. So how can del Toro turn this into something wonderful? He's already in a compromised position due to the fact that he is now going to have a 3D movie that was shot for 2D. So how does he pull this off?

With suitable del Toro gusto. I love this guy! Guillermo is well versed in what makes great 3D and here's the proof - in his own words - on how he approached the executives (Warner Bros and Legendary):

"What happened was, in the weeks and months following Comic-Con, what I asked from the studio was to agree to four points that I wanted to do," he says. "The more the ILM shots arrived, the more I realized that there were only a few shots that would miniaturize. I asked the studio, number one, that we would not hyper-stereo-lize the thing. That we would not force 3D on the beauty shots. That we would keep the giant dimensions. They agreed. Number two, they agreed to something very unusual. Normally a conversion takes a few weeks. I asked to start it immediately so we could take the full 40 weeks to do the conversion. As an example, 'Titanic' took about 50 weeks to convert. The final thing that I asked that they agreed to, which was amazing, was that I asked them to give me an extra budget, which is considerable, to actually have ILM composite the shots that are CG native 3D. We're not giving elements. ILM is giving the composite in 3D from the get-go. That's a huge, huge element. Now I'm going to be involved in supervising it. What can I tell you? I changed my mind. I'm not running for office. I can do a Romney."

So to be clear, here's his list:
1. Don't exaggerate the 3D during some of the massive robot shots - his 'beauty shots'.
This makes sense. Some shots simply will not hold water if you force 3D upon them. Further, audiences need time to relax their eyes in between full immersive 3D. A 3D movie does not need to be, nor should it, always be forcing 3D - unlike some movie blog sites out there that claim they should be by how they rate the genre.

2. He got Legendary to agree to a 40 week conversion!
This is massive. Of course there is more to getting this job done than time, but time is one of the key components of any great conversion. You need time, money, appropriate content and resources. With 40 weeks, you can strike that component concern off the map. Love it!

3. Asked for and received more money - then throwing this at ILM for native 3D visual effects scenes!
The most intricate conversions would have been the action and impact scenes. In one fell swoop, Guillermo negotiated for and won the right to pay Industrial Light and Magic to not only fulfill his visual effects needs, but to render them in native 3D from the beginning. No need to convert these scenes and we'll end up with awesome 3D.

Don't fool yourself. Guillermo del Toro knows what he is doing in 3D. He hasn't shot in native 3D yet, but given his past awareness of the format (he spoke about myself and 3D right here), his clear knowledge of the format in what he negotiated for and won from Legendary for PACIFIC RIM, and of course his close friendship with James Cameron (they were going to do AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS together) - shows his affinity for what we know and love here at MarketSaw.

Best of luck with the conversion Guillermo! You truly have my support in this. You've addressed your needs to make a great 3D conversion and I for one, believe you can do this thing. You've rightly said that TITANIC took 50 weeks and it was a stunning conversion. Can't wait to see this thing on as large a 3D screen as I can find! Bring it on GDT...

PACIFIC RIM opens in 3D on July 12, 2013.

Source: STYD
Thanks: David S. Cohen


Friday, September 21, 2012

WOW. MUST WATCH: New International Trailer For Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI

What a week for gorgeous trailers! First THE HOBBIT and now LIFE OF PI! After seeing the second trailer for Peter Jackson's re-visitation to Middle-earth I was suitably impressed. One of the best trailers I have ever seen. Then comes along this beast of a trailer! WOW.

Which do you think is better? Tough, tough choice and certainly they are totally different movies but the imagery in both astound.

Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI has done nothing but impress me from the start of their marketing push. Each successive drop of visual splendor has been better than the last and this tells me we are in for a treat opening night. Same for THE HOBBIT. It's hard not to compare these trailers.

And the comparisons don't stop at just the trailers. The 3D is going to look amazing and we have some bragging rights at stake here too: THE HOBBIT is being shot using 3ality Technica rigs and LIFE OF PI is utilizing Cameron | Pace Group rigs! Clearly both productions are going to have cutting edge, best of the best native 3D - combine that with the content we have seen thus far in these trailers and then throw it up on the largest 3D screen available and... sheer movie immersion.

Here's the storyline for LIFE OF PI:
Director Ang Lee (BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON) creates a groundbreaking movie event about a young man who survives a tragic disaster at sea and is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While marooned on a lifeboat, he forms an amazing and unexpected connection with the ship’s only other survivor — a fearsome Bengal tiger.

What do you think of the trailer? I can't stop watching it. Both of these trailers this week in fact. I must have watched them both a dozen times and I still feel as though I've missed something and want to revisit them.

LIFE OF PI hits theaters on November 21.




Sylvester Stallone Wants HUNTER In 3D By 2014!

Sylvester Stallone has owned the movie rights to James Byron Huggins' HUNTER for some time now and at one point was interested in using the material as fodder for RAMBO 5. Now he is thinking of a standalone movie and Lionsgate seems to agree.

The target for release is 2014. Stallone would be writing, directing and starring in the sci-fi action thriller which will apparently stay loyal to the book (from Amazon):

Nathaniel Hunter could track anyone -- or anything -- on earth. Now the military desperately needs him for a mission that his ultrasensitive instincts tell him he should refuse. A beast is loose somewhere north of the Arctic Circle. It has already decimated a secret research facility and annihilated a squad of elite military guards. And the raging creature is headed south toward civilization, ready to wreak bloody devastation.

It's a job that Hunter can't turn down, but he soon discovers that his prey is terror incarnate, a half-human abomination created by a renegade agency through a series of outlawed genetic experiments. It has man's cunning, a predator's savageness, and a prehistoric power that has transcended the ages. And even if Hunter survives its unrelenting hunger for human blood, he'll still have to confront the grim reality that it may have grown immortal.

This sounds like a perfect vehicle for Stallone and I'd be very interested to see this in 3D. The potential of blowing snow enveloping us as an audience while immersed in the movie sounds amazing. Really hoping this gets made. More when I get it.

Source: Yahoo

Thursday, September 20, 2012

THE GREAT GATSBY Moved To May 2013

I'm disappointed with this move simply because I believe that it's a holiday movie. Especially for the New Years crowd. Oh well, we knew it was happening and I'm sure THE GREAT GATSBY will do well kicking off the summer with a new release date of May 10, 2013.

Despite the new date, I still think it will be nominated for awards just based on marketing materials alone. Baz Luhrmann looks like he has hit another home run.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
THE GREAT GATSBY follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz, bootleg kings, and sky-rocketing stocks. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby, and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy, and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan. It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without of the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.

For all of our coverage on THE GREAT GATSBY, click here.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Hobbit Trailer #2 Released!

Hey all, Tim here with the exciting and enthralling new trailer for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. It's a pleasure to see the world of Middle Earth come to life again. Below is the trailer, and following is a quick, hopefully non-spoilerish, sum up.


IN ADDITION: The Hobbit's official website has four additional ending scenes for you to choose! There is some great marketing being done with these movies.

First thoughts are that there will be plenty of humor and action in this first installment of the trilogy. You get a better sense of the plot in this trailer as well. Martin Freeman seems to nail Bilbo, and the exchange between him and Gollum in the trailer is classic. Hands down this will be a serious contender at the Oscars for visual effects, but could Sir Ian McKellan be up for another Oscar nomination as well? I think the Gandalf ending has enough humor and Gandalf goodness to suggest the chances for another nomination.

More discussion can follow in the comments below. For now enjoy the trailer. You can download in Quicktime from Apple here.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

James Gunn Confirmed As Director Of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

The rumor mill has been proven correct on this one. Director James Gunn will indeed helm the anticipated GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY for Marvel Studios. Of course he will be working closely with the mighty overseer Joss Whedon, but all of that is a good thing.

Will we see Thanos in GotG?

Here's Gunn's statement from his Facebook page:


"For a month or so there’s been a lot of Internet speculation about my involvement with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Until now I haven’t said anything, because I’m trying to be less expulsive about this project than I am about the rest of my life. But last night I got the go-ahead from Kevin Feige to let you all know that, yes, indeed, I am rewriting and directing Guardians of the Galaxy. As a lifelong lover of Marvel comics, space epics, AND raccoons, this is the movie I’ve been waiting to make since I was nine years old. Kevin, Joss, and all the folks at Marvel have been amazing collaborators so far, and we’re committed to bringing you something majestic, beautiful, and unique. I am incredibly excited. I am also incredibly grateful to the fans and the press for all their words of encouragement and support regarding my involvement with this project since the news first leaked. Thanks – you have, honestly, touched and overwhelmed me. And that’s it for now. Other than the occasional photos of my dog and cat here on Facebook, I’ll talk to you again in August 2014 when Guardians is released!"

For all of our GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY coverage, click here. Stay tuned!

MUST SEE: STUNNING New Images From THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

My mouth is agape. New trailer tomorrow. Enough said. Soak these in my friends...

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY opens on December 14th.

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10 Mins Of TOP GUN 3D Being Screened At The 3D Entertainment Summit!!

Attending the 3D Entertainment Summit in Los Angeles or tempted to go? Here's a great reason to attend: Approximately 10 mins of TOP GUN 3D will be screened on Thursday, September 20th at the Summit!

As you probably know, TOP GUN was a huge success for director Tony Scott who recently passed away. Just 10 days before his death, Scott made it very clear how much he loved his movie in 3D to the founder of the company that converted it for him, Barry Sandrew of Legend 3D.

Barry will be in attendance at the highlights screening of TOP GUN 3D and it will be shown as a tribute to Tony Scott.

Obviously the movie is a successful, tent pole starring Tom Cruise, but for me it was about the stunning visuals and high octane action sequences mixed with an amazing soundtrack that brought it home. Add in 3D? Wow. I've got to see this whole thing as soon as possible! Wish I was there at the Summit this year. If you manage to check it out, let me know your thoughts...

Monday, September 17, 2012

Peter Jackson Announces New Hobbit Trailer Coming September 19th!

Tim here. News broke via Peter Jackson's Facebook Page today that this week fans will be treated to the new trailer for the first movie in his planned trilogy! It hits the web Wednesday, September 19th, and will likely be in theaters starting the 21st. He explained in a video* that the film community will join in the celebration of “Tolkien Week” because of the 75th Anniversary of the first publication (September 21, 1937) of The Hobbit and Bilbo's and Frodo's birthday on the 22nd. September 22 was declared “Hobbit Day” by the American Tolkien Society in 1978.

Jackson teased more than just the trailer, he also mentioned special content that will be shared with the fans. I wonder what that could be? Also, if you are near the L.A. area, or can arrange to be, TORn is celebrating its 10th annual Hobbit Baggins Birthday Bash.

UPDATED: Video from YouTube so that mobile devices can view it.

Tolkien Week Kick Off: New Images From THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY!

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Check out these new official images that have been released for Tolkien Week (The 75th anniversary of THE HOBBIT's publication)! It's a special time of year with the birthdays of Bilbo and Frodo happening on Wednesday - so much so that Peter Jackson has confirmed Tim's suspicions that yes, there will be a new trailer for THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY on Wednesday.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
THE HOBBIT follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever … Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

You can view the first trailer right here and for ALL of our Hobbit coverage click here.

THE HOBBIT: AN EXPECTED JOURNEY opens on December 14 in 3D and 24 and 48fps.

Click to enlarge


Source: USA Today

Saturday, September 15, 2012

RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION And FINDING NEMO 3D Own Box Office

Finally some action at the box office! It's been awhile since a movie has taken the bull by the horns but now we have a couple of 3D movies playing in the rodeo. Both movies have a history of course so that helps too. And are going #1 and #2 for the weekend right now.

RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION  is the fifth installment of the Resident Evil franchise and it not showing much signs of slowing down at all. In fact, 3D has seemed to inject even further energy into the series starring Milla Jovovich. RE:R took in $8.4 million on Friday and is expected to bring in between $22-25 million this weekend which isn't far from it's last installment that brought in ~$26 million back a couple of years ago.

FINDING NEMO 3D is of course the re-release of the beloved Pixar tale this time being presented in 3D. NEMO brought in $5.1 million on Friday and is looking at a ~$18 - 20 million weekend. If you haven't seen the movie - by all means go see it. Especially in 3D!

So - a great weekend for 3D movie fans and seeing as though these are two movies I have been anxiously awaiting, I'm going to be busy this the next couple of days. Enjoy!

Friday, September 14, 2012

GODZILLA Will Strike In 2014... In 3D!!

Music to my ears! As I have been hoping, Gareth Edwards' GODZILLA will be in fact be presented in 3D. Not sure if he means to shoot natively or have it post converted, but the decision at least has been made to have 3D in mind at the minimum.

Mark May 16, 2014 in your calendars... Godzilla will rise again!

You will remember Edwards from his intelligently shot MONSTERS from 2010 which was shot on a woefully small budget, yet projected as a much bigger studio movie. Loved it. He is definitely the man to resurrect the Godzilla brand and inject some energy. Further, he wrote, designed, filmed and did the visual effects on MONSTERS too, so his hand will be creatively on just about everything. He kind of reminds me of a young James Cameron.

Here's the press release:
Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures have slated their take on the classic Godzilla franchise to kick off the Summer moviegoing season on May 16, 2014. The joint announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures, and by Legendary Pictures.

Toho Co., Ltd.’s Godzilla franchise contains one of the most widely recognized movie monsters worldwide, including more than 25 films, multiple television programs, video games and book series. Legendary, which has been developing the project, and its partner Warner Bros. will return the character to its epic roots with a gritty, realistic actioner. The project will fall under Legendary’s overall agreement with Warner Bros.

The film is directed by Gareth Edwards, who earned worldwide acclaim for his feature directorial debut, “Monsters.” Edwards directs from a screenplay by David Callaham (“The Expendables” films), David S. Goyer (the “Dark Knight” trilogy) and Max Borenstein (upcoming “The Seventh Son”). Legendary’s Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni will produce, along with Roy Lee, Dan Lin and Brian Rogers. Alex Garcia and Patricia Whitcher will serve as executive producers alongside Doug Davison, Yoshimitsu Banno and Kenji Okuhira.

A presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, the film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, except in Japan, where it will be distributed by Toho Co., Ltd. The tent pole film is expected to be presented in 3D.

Finally. Will we see the Godzilla movie we've all been waiting for?

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Watch: First Trailer For TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D

Welcome to the first trailer for TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D! Looks like it could be a heckuva shocker, but we'll see. I don't know how they're making the jump to modern day completely but it looks compelling so far.

Certainly the 3D is going to excel. The production is being shot in native 3D with 3ality Technica rigs!

Here's the storyline for the movie:
Lionsgate's TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D continues the legendary story of the homicidal Sawyer family, picking up where Tobe Hooper's 1974 horror classic left off in Newt, Texas, where for decades people went missing without a trace. The townspeople long suspected the Sawyer family, owners of a local barbeque pit, were somehow responsible. Their suspicions were finally confirmed one hot summer day when a young woman escaped the Sawyer house following the brutal murders of her four friends. Word around the small town quickly spread, and a vigilante mob of enraged locals surrounded the Sawyer stronghold, burning it to the ground and killing every last member of the family--or so they thought. Decades later and hundreds of miles away from the original massacre, a young woman named Heather learns that she has inherited a Texas estate from a grandmother she never knew she had. After embarking on a road trip with friends to uncover her roots, she finds she is the sole owner of a lavish, isolated Victorian mansion. But her newfound wealth comes at a price as she stumbles upon a horror that awaits her in the mansion's dank cellars...

Director: John Luessenhop
Cast: Alexandra Daddario, Dan Yeager, Tremaine "Trey Songz" Neverson, Scott Eastwood, Tania Raymonde, Shaun Sipos, Keram Malicki-Sanchez, James MacDonald, Thom Barry, Paul Rae, Richard Riehle, Bill Moseley, Gunnar Hansen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TexasChainsaw3D

You can view the trailer in HD over at Apple.

TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D opens on January 4, 2013. 

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Exclusive: DIGITAL DOMAIN Update: Bankruptcy. The Investigation Has Begun And A Potential Suitor Is Circling

A few quick updates on Digital Domain today. First of all, Digital Domain Media Group (DDMG) declared Chapter 11 today:
"Digital Domain Media Group, Inc. (NYSE: DDMG) today announced that as part of its previously announced strategic realignment, and to ensure the long-term future of its core business and facilitate a sale of assets, it has filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court."

Further, I have received two emails and I'd like to share them both with you:

- The first one is from an employee (and more then likely a now previous employee now unfortunately) of Digital Domain in Florida:

"Rick Scott's office has in fact begun an investigation and unfortunately the word word is some sort of fraud. It appears that things are going to get worse around here, before they get better. John Textor and Kevin Ambler's seem to be on the tip of everyone's tongue." 

Rick Scott is the Governor of Florida. John Textor was the just departed CEO of DDMG and Kevin Ambler is the state Rep. in Tampa. Ambler lost his re-election bid in 2010 but was brought on the DDMG board by Textor.

- The second one is from Stephen Castor of Rocket Science 3D (a 3D conversion company) who writes:
"I wanted to let you know, Rocket Science is in the midst of opening dialogue with DDMG for the purchase of the company." 

So DDMG is in play - not entirely unexpected with the weight that Digital Domain has in the marketplace and in history. Where will DDMG wind up in a year or two? I can't tell you, but it will be interesting to follow along.

Again, godspeed to the unemployed from DDMG. There is demand though - perhaps it IS an opportunity.

Sources: MarketSaw Exclusive | fxguide | Variety

It's Official Now: PACIFIC RIM Will Be A 3D Movie

We assumed this was going to happen when we heard last fall about the unofficial word out of Warner Bros. that Guillermo del Toro's PACIFIC RIM was going to be post converted to 3D. Now comes official word, that yes - it will be 3D, from the studio who is spending $200m on the tentpole.

Guillermo has come out against using 3D for the movie for various reasons (he says the robots are too big for 3D, but to me TRANSFORMERS DotM was an awesome 3D movie visually). In the end though it is the studio who is shelling out the big bucks that will of course decide what happens with the property. It's the age old debate that rages on today: Should studio executives be able to override creative talent on how productions should ultimately look? Christopher Nolan for example seems to have enough sway to hold off the studio execs and protect his decision to shoot and distribute in 2D. Ultimately - in most cases - money talks. The second a Nolan tentpole fails to achieve, is the second where his considerable influence dwindles significantly.

So, now. What about this PACIFIC RIM thing? I am grimacing due to this disconnect for PAC RIM. Did Guillermo shoot it with a 3D conversion in mind? Apparently not. BAD. Will del Toro be intimately involved with the conversion? Undoubtedly yes. GOOD. Will the studio try to further interfere and stipulate how the conversion should be done over del Toro? Don't know. But today's advanced 3D conversion technology soaring with new business, I am fairly confident that we are going to see a great end product here. There is a right way and a wrong way to convert and while sure, there are a some things to raise an eyebrow over - I think Warners and del Toro have a winner here. In 3D and in 2D.

PACIFIC RIM opens on July 12, 2013.

What do you think? Will we get a superlative 3D product with PAC RIM?

Source: THR

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

VISUAL SPOILERS!! Marvel Update: Production Start Date For Cap 2 And Spyshots Of Crazy Mayhem From The Set Of THOR 2!!

Awesome updates for all of us Marvel fans! Keep in mind that the imagery below for THOR 2 contains action scenes from the actual production being filmed - Don't look at the photos if you want a pristine viewing experience. You have been warned.

Chris Evans has told Collider that CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER starts production in March 2013 which seems to give plenty to time to get it in the can.

I can't wait to see what surprises Joss Whedon will have as he continues his magic touch on all things Marvel. I'm hoping to hear more from Anthony and Joe Russo about where they will be taking the character and how Bucky Barnes is expanded upon.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER is slated for a April 4, 2014 release.

---

And we have some very exciting behind-the-scenes spyshots from THOR: THE DARK WORLD has hit the interwebs. Not more of the same location shots, but some gritty action! Love it.

THOR: THE DARK WORLD is slated for a November 8, 2013 release.

Have a look!





CLICK TO ENLARGE


Sources: Collider | DailyMail | JustJared

Monday, September 10, 2012

James Cameron: AVATAR 4 Will Be A Prequel - Jon Landau: BATTLE ANGEL Still Coming!

Some HUGE news out of the Lightstorm Entertainment camp today from it's two biggest players: Director James Cameron and producer Jon Landau.

First let's hear from Cameron as he lets us know that AVATAR 4 will actually be a prequel rather than following on the tails of AVATAR 3!

Here's Cameron's rationale: "Because when we drop in, even in the first film in AVATAR 1, as it will be known in the future, we’re dropping into a process that’s 35 years into a whole colonization. That will complete an arc and if that leads into more, we’ll start - not imitating STAR WARS, but it’s a logical thing to do because we’ll have completed the thematic arc by the end of (AVATAR 3). The only thing left to do is go back to see what it was like on those first expeditions and create some new characters that then become legacy characters in later films. It’s a plan."

"I have an idea for a fourth. I haven’t really put pen to paper on it, but basically it goes back to the early expeditions of Pandora, and kind of what went wrong with the humans and the Na’vi and what that was like to be an explorer and living in that world."

"We’ve spent two years refining the whole pipeline. It was a hideously complex process to make that film and a lot has been said about that, but we don’t want it to be done in the same prototypical way as the first one, we want it to be a much smoother workflow just for creativity reasons."

And an obvious elbow to the ribs of Peter Jackson with this quote:
"You know, Peter Jackson had it easy, he already had the books. He had the books. Now if I had a time machine I could go forward and watch the movies and then come back, but I don’t!"

Simply love that there is a plan coming together at long last for these movies and it definitely seems to hold water why he is doing it.

Now here's what Jon Landau had to say about BATTLE ANGEL:
"I am sure you will get to see BATTLE ANGEL. It is one of my favorite stories, a great story about a young woman’s journey to self-discovery. It is a film that begs the question: 'What does it mean to be human? Are you human if you have a heart, a brain or a soul?'  I look forward to giving the audience the film.

Who we want to put in the lead role today and who we want to put in the lead role when the time comes, it can be two totally different people who would be right for the role. Now we focus on AVATAR for the next four or five years. It will hopefully be right after that."

YES!!! I am unbelievably happy that BATTLE ANGEL is moving forward after AVATAR 2, 3 and 4. For all of our BATTLE ANGEL coverage, click here. I believe it's time to start ramping up my embedded sources for these upcoming AVATAR movies - stay tuned!

Source: MovieZone via Collider

Sunday, September 09, 2012

Possible Bankruptcy Looming For Digital Domain - What Will It Mean To All Of Their Operations? Potential Silver Lining? And A Michael Bay Statement...

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With a recent filing with the SEC, Digital Domain Media Group states that they are defaulting on a $35 million loan now, bringing their now owing number to $51 million plus another $16 million in interest and penalties. But further than that, it also told the SEC: "An inability to quickly access additional sources of liquidity to fund the company’s current operating cash needs would materially adversely affect its financial condition and would require it to seek relief or protection from its creditors."

The local Florida newspapers are tearing up not only the leadership of Digital Domain, but also of their political leaders who bought into the glitz of having a big piece of Hollywood in their backyard. DDMG had received promises of $135 million in cash, financing, land and tax credits from Florida and the cities of Port St. Lucie and West Palm Beach. Apparently DDMG only had $6.6 million in cash back on June 30.

It seems that Digital Domain's film school built in cooperation with Florida State University will be able to continue operation. Says FSU's Andrew Syder (Director of Digital Media Programs): "We’re in bed with Digital Domain. But if Digital Domain went belly-up tomorrow, we’ve designed our curriculum so we can still serve our students. Our students wouldn’t be left high and dry."

The film school is unique in that it allows the $28,000 / year program students to work for Digital Domain while learning. That option may now not exist if a bankruptcy ensues. Hopefully that's not the case.


Many well known celebrities have been associated with Digital Domain over the years. The company's website still lists James Cameron and Stan Winston almost as if they are still involved as founders (remember this t-shirt from 1996 when they were working on AVATAR) - clearly that's not true with Cameron busy with Lightstorm Entertainment, his world breaking dives and other projects, and the sad passing of Winston in 2008. Dan Marino was also a very visible investor in the company.

Here's a statement from Michael Bay on Digital Domain:
"For those people and press asking: I stopped being an officer or director of the company over three years ago, and have not owned stock in the company for some time. I have remained a loyal client and supporter of the company however. It has amazing people and talent, and it still can be a great company! During this difficult time, my thoughts are with the great people I've had the pleasure to work with at DD."

I have also received word from someone who works for Digital Domain and it's not looking like there is much silver lining to any of this:
"Things are up-side-down here. It looks as though the In-Three Re-Vamping-Expansion is going to be a bust. Cuts are coming across the board."

In-Three was a top tier 3D conversion specialist that Digital Domain bought out in 2010.

SAME DAY UPDATE: I just received a great email from Barry Sandrew of Legend3D. In it, he passes on his comments about the state of the industry and DD itself:

"At issue: Here is a company, DD laying people off while another, Legend3D is hiring like crazy. The question is… which is indicative of the current state of the industry? My message is that the industry is alive and well. Florida was a very unfortunate anomaly that is not representative of the Industry. Lots of talented people, many that had jobs and some that were promised jobs, are unemployed today because of DD closing down their Florida operation. I know of at least one family that sold everything and was driving out to Florida for what turned out to be a non-existant job. But fortunately, these people do not have to be unemployed. Legend3D is hiring to meet an increasing demand for both our expanding 3D conversion business as well as our StereoWorks service that offers both 2D and 3D post production and VFX.

It's important that people understand… DD has historically been and continues to be an exceptional, if not iconic VFX studio. Indeed, the industry would be negatively affected if DD were not here. Legend3D has worked closely with DD on several projects, the most memorable of which was Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The cooperation and professionalism from their very talented artists and management was instrumental in making that project a success. I believe it's positive that they are currently in reorg mode. The downsizing will be very difficult for many people but it will likely mean the long term survival and a healthy turn around for DD."

I'm uncertain as to where this leaves Prime Focus and their licensing of Digital Domain's (In-Three) 3D conversion technology. I've reached out to someone I know at Prime Focus and we'll see if everything's good on their end. Hopefully it's full steam ahead for them and that this potential bankruptcy doesn't affect other companies and individuals.

**UPDATE, Sep 12: I've heard from my friend Bobby Jaffe, CSO and Vice Chairman of Prime Focus and here's his comment on the situation: "Our agreement with DD is a perpetual agreement and forever unaffected by any changes to the management or financial situation at DD."

A silver lining? Potentially. Those unemployed artists can perhaps take solace in the fact that there are other companies hiring - and hiring many. Legend3D for example is currently on the hunt for 150 compositing and depth conversion artists, rendering technicians, software programmers and data managers for upcoming projects that they have secured from three major studios. Their timeline for hiring? The next 3 months. Perhaps this is the opportunity that many have been looking for and perhaps some good can come out of this bad situation.

I want to firmly state my opinion on this matter: DDMG's demise has nothing to do with 3D or conversion. 3D Conversion is very much alive and thriving. DDMG's condition is due to over zealous leadership and decisions that were made by many (including politicians that should have known better) that has caused these events to take place. Best of luck to everyone involved - I hope that you will land with your feet on the ground in a timely fashion!

Sources: DigitalDomain | ShootForTheEdit | South Florida Business Journal | Palm Beach Post | TCPalm

The Hobbit iOS App Released + Hints at Trailer #2

Tim here, with an update from Peter Jackson's The Hobbit. Yesterday they released a new App for iOS devices, and it is really cool. You can preview and follow a link to iTunes here.

App Store Description:
Explore Middle-Earth and experience the epic adventure of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey with the official iOS app. Learn about Bilbo Baggins’ quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor and the band of thirteen dwarves that join him and Gandalf the Grey as they embark across the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain through exclusive artwork, interactive character galleries, and production videos presented by director Peter Jackson.

View a selection of animated character portraits, travel through a detailed map of Middle-earth and explore the stunning narrative imagery of “The Scroll” artwork to immerse yourself in the world of Hobbits, Dwarves, Elves, Orcs, deadly Wargs, giant Spiders and fearsome Dragons.

Features included in the app:

  • Interactive Map of Middle-Earth
  • 360º views of scenic locations and settings
  • “The Scroll”, a narrative art piece
  • Animated lenticular character portraits
  • Peter Jackson’s Production Journals
  • Character image galleries and bios
  • Downloads for iPad, iPhone, and Facebook
  • Social integration with Facebook and Twitter

  • It's so amazing you have to play with it yourself to fully experience it. What's interesting is that as I'm writing a post about CSS3 and HTML5 this app comes out. The first thing you see is an animation of Gandalf with leaves falling in front of and behind him. This must have been done using CSS3. It would look amazing in stereo 3D!

    In addition, based on the photo that The Hobbit Facebook page posted that I've included on the left: Hobbit Trailer #2 is only two weeks away! This is speculation and rumor, however we've known for a while that the next trailer was supposed to be coming at the beginning of fall, possibly in September. Hobbit Day is actually the birthday (September 22) of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, although in different years. Here's hoping that this photo is hinting at that glorious new trailer we've all been waiting for as a birthday gift to Bilbo and Frodo... my precious.

    Go download the app and play with it. And look out for The Hobbit trailer that's supposed to come out this month. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits theaters December 14, 2012.

    3D Geek Alert: Stereo Future of Web Sites


    MarketSaw 3D

    *Please note that it’s best to view this in the most up to date version of your preferred web browser.

    Hey all, Tim here with a theoretical and factual look at the future of web technologies. I’m a self-taught web designer, and just this year made my first leaps into using HTML5 and CSS3, among a few other things. What I’ve learned is that these improved web technologies pave way for a future on the web that is more dynamic on all devices and computers. The new enhancements of HTML5 and CSS3 integrate z-space controls for web designers that can lead to a stereoscopic world wide web.

    First, lets looks at what HTML5 and CSS3 does. For those unfamiliar with HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) or CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), the simple definitions are as follows:

    HTML: a language for describing web pages. CSS: defines how to display (the look and formatting) HTML elements written in markup language.

    To read further about them check out the Wikipedia pages for HTML and/or CSS. HTML5 and CSS3 are enhancements on these standard web tools. As you can gather the 5 in HTML5 stands for the Fifth Revision of HTML, and the 3 in CSS3 stands for the Third Revision of CSS.

    With HTML5 the need for Flash Video is no longer necessary, and video can be embedded seamlessly. This also means that mobile devices and computers both can display the video natively. HTML5 video can be customized with CSS3 to display controls designed specifically for that website, or to drop a reflection of that video below it. Major video sharing websites like Vimeo or YouTube now display their videos in HTML5 and allow users to embed those videos by providing the HTML5 code. YouTube is now able to provide stereoscopic videos with their Stereo HTML5 Video Player. Thus stereo 3D video is no problem on the web now. All that’s needed is a 3D capably display.

    Then there’s CSS3. I’ve found several cool examples on how CSS3 has allowed web designers more control of their sites to style them in new visual ways. One really cool example is this site BeerCamp, where instead of scrolling visitors can travel forward and backward in z-space. That’s one example, and on this page we have another up above: the spinning MarketSaw and HTML5 logos (if they aren't working properly update your web browser). Being able to place web objects in z-space is integral to taking it forward towards being displayed stereoscopically.

    Ray Zone’s official website can be viewed in stereo using anaglyph glasses because he made the background and the images anaglyph images. That’s a means for displaying a website in stereo before CSS3. Now however, all it will take is coding markup for the site to display the other eye images if it reads the display as being capable of displaying stereo 3D. It might be the next iteration of HTML & CSS, but it will be HTML and CSS that manages it. However, it's still a short distance off.

    It will take some complex mathematical algorithms for the web page to look at a visitor's display and determine whether it's 3D capable. That complex algorithm is something web developers will need to hide as part of the browser, and leave it out of web designers hands. All web designer's are going to need is to provide images and web-based media in two files (left and right eye) so that the browser can display the second eye if it's a 3D-capable screen. The browser will need to be able to display only one eye in the event of a 2D display. Once this is possible, then we'll be seeing stereoscopic 3D websites pop up all over the world.

    There's a future for the web in stereoscopic 3D! It may not be available tomorrow, but it will be coming soon. The web is about to get a whole lot bigger.

    Friday, September 07, 2012

    Must See: New Poster For SILENT HILL: REVELATION 3D

    Click to enlarge
    That is one enigmatic poster! So tell me what you see in it... The guy with the sword has a snowplow blade helmet on or what? Or is he looking through something? :-)

    SILENT HILL: REVELATION 3D stars SEAN BEAN (HBO’s Game Of Thrones, Lord Of The Rings), RADHA MITCHELL (Man On Fire, The Crazies), ADELAIDE CLEMENS (X-Men Origins: Wolverine), KIT HARINGTON (HBO’s Game Of Thrones), CARRIE-ANNE MOSS (The Matrix, Disturbia), MALCOLM MCDOWELL (A Clockwork Orange, The Artist) and directed by Michael J. Bassett (SOLOMON KANE).

    Here's the movie's storyline:
    Heather Mason (Adelaide Clemens) and her father (Sean Bean) have been on the run, always one step ahead of dangerous forces that she doesn't fully understand. Now on the eve of her 18th birthday, plagued by horrific nightmares and the disappearance of her father, Heather discovers she's not who she thinks she is. The revelation leads her deeper into a demonic world that threatens to trap her forever.

    Official YouTube Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f06VJSsh8II&feature=youtu.be
    Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SilentHillRevelation
    Official Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/silenthillmovie

    #WelcomeToSilentHill

    SILENT HILL: REVELATION 3D hits theaters everywhere October 26, 2012.

    Thursday, September 06, 2012

    Exclusive: Joe Dante's THE HOLE Will Indeed Be Screened In 3D...

    Yes, Joe Dante's THE HOLE will be theatrically screened in 3D. But here's the bad news, it's only going to be screened in 3D in four theaters in Atlanta, premiering on September 28.

    I got in contact with Joe personally and he told me the disappointing news.

    So while many of us have waited a long time to see this thing on the big screen in 3D, it looks like that won't happen with this distribution deal.

    Alternatives? Fly to Atlanta. Or buy the 3D blu-ray when it becomes available. Not too many I'm afraid. If anything changes with the 3D locations, I'll be sure to let you know.

    Wednesday, September 05, 2012

    First Look: TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D's Leatherface...

    Click to enlarge
    The first image from John Luessenhop's TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D has dropped and it suitably presents the mood for the continuation of the franchise: Dark and impending. The image shows Leatherface (played by Dan Yeager) clutching his infamous chainsaw.

    Here's the movie's storyline:
    Twenty years ago, the town of Newt, Texas exacted vengeance on the Sawyer family for their role in assisting and concealing murders committed by the chainsaw-wielding maniac Jeb Sawyer, aka “Leatherface.” The entire family was presume killed when Burt Hartman led the townspeople to burn down their farm house, but the Sawyer infant survived and was secretly taken away by two of the vigilante townies, Gavin and Arlene, and raised their daughter Heather. It’s not until she’s in her twenties that Heather learns that she’s adopted.

    TC3D stars Alexandra Daddario, Tania Raymonde, Scott Eastwood, Sue Rock, Bill Moseley, Gunnar Hansen, Trey Songz, Keram Malicki-Sanchez, Thom Barry, Shaun Sipos, Paul Rae and Richard Riehle.

    TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D opens on January 4, 2013.

    Source: STYD

    Spoilers! Are These Action Figure Images The Goblin King From THE HOBBIT?

    TORn has gotten their hands on what could be our first look at what the Goblin King in THE HOBBIT will look like AND a character description. While I can't hide the images from you (which also include an underling), I have made them super small - only click to enlarge the photo if you want to be spoiled! Also, you do have the option of not reading the description below too.

    Barry Humphries is the actor behind the character.

    Apparently the information and photos comes from a French site that also translated the German description to English. That description is as follows: 

    The Goblin King is a huge, grotesquely bloated monster that in the years of his tyrannical rule over the miserable inhabitants of the Goblin town grew fat and flabby. The Goblin town is a collection of skew-whiff ramshackle huts deep in the caves of the Misty Mountains. He commands a bunch of foul, polluted, with scars and ulcers studded goblins.

    Basically, they are bandits, they live by what they can pick up from passengers on the passes through the mountains. The Goblin King and his followers manage to capture Bilbo and the dwarves. The Goblin King is more wily and smarter than it seems. He takes pleasure in torturing his prisoners — he almost succeeds to finish off Thorin Oakenshield and his companions.

    All of this seems to hold water as the Goblin King resembles the 'skeleton' of the practical animatronics creature that was being constructed during the first Production (last image).

    Interesting or what!? I love this stuff. He looks positively evil does he not?

    SPOILERS! Click to enlarge...

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