Pop Culture Roundup Sept. 7, 2007
A journalist looks at the good and the so-bad-they're-good aspects of today's comic book reprints.
..these comics are so dreadful you can’t take them seriously – and as a result, they’re wacky fun. If nothing else, they’re representative of a long-past era when comics didn’t take themselves seriously.
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What more do you need to know? Cool Classic Space Toys.
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Newsarama interviews Jim Shooter, who's scripting DC Comics' Legion of Superheroes, 41 years after he first worked on the title.
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Dial B for Blog explores the Secret Origins of The Batman.
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Watch a trailer for the upcoming DVD release of the Beatles' "Help!"
..these comics are so dreadful you can’t take them seriously – and as a result, they’re wacky fun. If nothing else, they’re representative of a long-past era when comics didn’t take themselves seriously.
------------------
What more do you need to know? Cool Classic Space Toys.
-------------------
Newsarama interviews Jim Shooter, who's scripting DC Comics' Legion of Superheroes, 41 years after he first worked on the title.
-------------------
Dial B for Blog explores the Secret Origins of The Batman.
--------------------
Watch a trailer for the upcoming DVD release of the Beatles' "Help!"
T Works brings DC Comics, Warner Bros. animated characters online
The press release is a tad confusing, but the gist seems to be Warner's is throwing up a new Web site featuring many of the characters it owns where folks can watch videos, chat, game, etc.
This is what happens when they let marketing people try to communicate with the real world. See if you can puzzle it out:
In spring 2008, Warner Bros. Entertainment will launch T-Works, a brand-new
broad-appeal immersive animation experience which, for the first time ever,
brings together all of the key characters from the Studio’s core animated
properties in an expansive, rich online environment.
T-Works, which will be ad supported, also marks the first time
that all the key characters from Warner Bros. Entertainment’ s unmatched
family of animated icons, including Warner Bros. Animation, Looney Tunes,
Hanna-Barbera and DC Comics are brought together in a single site and tied
to a user rewards system.
The site offers unparalleled levels of interaction for the broadest appeal,
from watching originally produced and classic library episodes online and
playing games to customizing characters and exploring virtual worlds.
T-Works also embraces an open philosophy, giving fans tools for
self-expression and personalization in order to “brand” their digital lives
anywhere on the Web.
The grab-and-go capability enables fans to incorporate
a custom avatar into their lives, whether it’s on T-Works or utilized in the
participant’s digital world (MySpace, Facebook, etc.). Fans will be able to
forge a deeper relationship with the characters than they have ever been
able to in the past.
Warner Bros. Animation is in development with Studio 2.0, the original
programming digital production arm of the Warner Bros. Television Group, on
two projects: an untitled “Batman” shortform series and an untitled project
based on “The Wizard of Oz,” both of which will debut exclusively on T-Works
More details on these projects will be announced in the near future.
“While the focus of T-Works is our amazing collection of animated superstars
this online destination represents much more than that,” said Horn.
“T-Works presents us with a great environment and thus a great platform to
highlight many of our current projects, from feature films to
made-for-videos, consumer products, comic books and more.”
“T-Works will offer original entertainment content, social interaction and
an intimacy with our beloved and iconic characters like never before in an
environment that’s safe and appropriate for all ages,” said Lisa Judson,
President, Warner Bros. Animation. “People have literally grown up with Bugs
Bunny, Daffy Duck, the Flintstones and Scooby-Doo, and we’re building an
innovative, creative, cutting-edge home where people of all ages can
interact and play with our characters in a compelling entertainment
environment.”
“The animated versions of the DC heroes have been viewer favorites for years
” said Paul Levitz, President and Publisher, DC Comics. “T-Works will give
our fans new ways to connect with our characters. The DCHeroZone should be a
great new destination for our fans.”
The T-Works experience features:
• Immersive virtual worlds where users interact with each other and assume a
cartoon identity based on existing characters-- they can play, chat and
create a personal cartoon home complete with furniture, art, pets and more
from Warner Bros. Entertainment’ s animation asset library
• Video channel featuring hundreds of hours of classic Warner Bros.
Animation product as well as contemporary programs including “Looney Tunes,”
“The Flintstones” and “Batman Beyond” and original made-for-broadband
animated short-form series
• A personalization channel to serve all aspects of fans’ digital lives from
customizing social networking profiles, portable widgets, desktop
applications and more
• A games channel with over 125 games featuring never-before- seen character
match-ups
• Video Mash-Up Maker where users can create and share their own cartoon
remixes
• Sitewide reward system that gives points for all activity that the user
does both within the virtual worlds and throughout the site--points can be
redeemed for online assets as well as offline rewards
• Destination for younger users and their parents to spend time together
with age-appropriate activities based on family-friendly favorites such as
“Baby Looney Tunes,” “Krypto the Super Dog” and many more
This is what happens when they let marketing people try to communicate with the real world. See if you can puzzle it out:
In spring 2008, Warner Bros. Entertainment will launch T-Works, a brand-new
broad-appeal immersive animation experience which, for the first time ever,
brings together all of the key characters from the Studio’s core animated
properties in an expansive, rich online environment.
T-Works, which will be ad supported, also marks the first time
that all the key characters from Warner Bros. Entertainment’ s unmatched
family of animated icons, including Warner Bros. Animation, Looney Tunes,
Hanna-Barbera and DC Comics are brought together in a single site and tied
to a user rewards system.
The site offers unparalleled levels of interaction for the broadest appeal,
from watching originally produced and classic library episodes online and
playing games to customizing characters and exploring virtual worlds.
T-Works also embraces an open philosophy, giving fans tools for
self-expression and personalization in order to “brand” their digital lives
anywhere on the Web.
The grab-and-go capability enables fans to incorporate
a custom avatar into their lives, whether it’s on T-Works or utilized in the
participant’s digital world (MySpace, Facebook, etc.). Fans will be able to
forge a deeper relationship with the characters than they have ever been
able to in the past.
Warner Bros. Animation is in development with Studio 2.0, the original
programming digital production arm of the Warner Bros. Television Group, on
two projects: an untitled “Batman” shortform series and an untitled project
based on “The Wizard of Oz,” both of which will debut exclusively on T-Works
More details on these projects will be announced in the near future.
“While the focus of T-Works is our amazing collection of animated superstars
this online destination represents much more than that,” said Horn.
“T-Works presents us with a great environment and thus a great platform to
highlight many of our current projects, from feature films to
made-for-videos, consumer products, comic books and more.”
“T-Works will offer original entertainment content, social interaction and
an intimacy with our beloved and iconic characters like never before in an
environment that’s safe and appropriate for all ages,” said Lisa Judson,
President, Warner Bros. Animation. “People have literally grown up with Bugs
Bunny, Daffy Duck, the Flintstones and Scooby-Doo, and we’re building an
innovative, creative, cutting-edge home where people of all ages can
interact and play with our characters in a compelling entertainment
environment.”
“The animated versions of the DC heroes have been viewer favorites for years
” said Paul Levitz, President and Publisher, DC Comics. “T-Works will give
our fans new ways to connect with our characters. The DCHeroZone should be a
great new destination for our fans.”
The T-Works experience features:
• Immersive virtual worlds where users interact with each other and assume a
cartoon identity based on existing characters-- they can play, chat and
create a personal cartoon home complete with furniture, art, pets and more
from Warner Bros. Entertainment’ s animation asset library
• Video channel featuring hundreds of hours of classic Warner Bros.
Animation product as well as contemporary programs including “Looney Tunes,”
“The Flintstones” and “Batman Beyond” and original made-for-broadband
animated short-form series
• A personalization channel to serve all aspects of fans’ digital lives from
customizing social networking profiles, portable widgets, desktop
applications and more
• A games channel with over 125 games featuring never-before- seen character
match-ups
• Video Mash-Up Maker where users can create and share their own cartoon
remixes
• Sitewide reward system that gives points for all activity that the user
does both within the virtual worlds and throughout the site--points can be
redeemed for online assets as well as offline rewards
• Destination for younger users and their parents to spend time together
with age-appropriate activities based on family-friendly favorites such as
“Baby Looney Tunes,” “Krypto the Super Dog” and many more
DVD collects Dylan's Newport performances
A while back we mentioned a BBC documentary focusing on Bob Dylan's 1960s performances at the Newport Folk Festival. Now it looks like the doc is also set for U.S. DVD release on Oct. 30.
"The Other Side of the Mirror -- Bob Dylan Live at the Newport Folk Festival 1963-1965" features 80 minutes of footage, most of it never previously released. The disk includes footage from the famed "Dylan's gone electric" performance in 1965, along with scenes of Dylan rehearsing with his electric band.
According to Billboard, the film also will appear on PBS after Thanksgiving.
Here's the track list:
"All I Really Want To Do" (7/24/1965 - afternoon workshop)
1963:
"North Country Blues" (7/26 afternoon workshop)
"With God on Our Side" (with Joan Baez - 7/26 afternoon workshop and 7/28 night performance)
"Talkin' World War III Blues" (7/26 night performance)
"Who Killed Davey Moore?" (7/27 afternoon workshop)
"Only a Pawn in Their Game" (7/26 night performance)
"Blowin' in the Wind" (with the Freedom Singers, Joan Baez and Peter, Paul and Mary - 7/26 night performance)
1964:
"Mr. Tambourine Man" (7/24 afternoon workshop)
Johnny Cash sings "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" (night performance)
Joan Baez sings "Mary Hamilton" as Bob Dylan (7/24 night performance)
"It Ain't Me, Babe" (with Joan Baez - 7/24 night performance)
Joan Baez interview
"With God on Our Side" (with Joan Baez - 7/26 night performance)
"Chimes of Freedom" (7/26 night performance)
1965:
"If You Gotta Go, Go Now" (7/24 afternoon workshop)
"Love Minus Zero/No Limit" (7/24 afternoon workshop)
Daytime rehearsal with Dylan's electric band
"Maggie's Farm" (with electric band - 7/25 night performance)
"Like a Rolling Stone" (with electric band - 7/25 night performance)
"Mr. Tambourine Man" (7/25 night performance)
"It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" (7/25 night performance)
Best Bob Dylan Sites.
"The Other Side of the Mirror -- Bob Dylan Live at the Newport Folk Festival 1963-1965" features 80 minutes of footage, most of it never previously released. The disk includes footage from the famed "Dylan's gone electric" performance in 1965, along with scenes of Dylan rehearsing with his electric band.
According to Billboard, the film also will appear on PBS after Thanksgiving.
Here's the track list:
"All I Really Want To Do" (7/24/1965 - afternoon workshop)
1963:
"North Country Blues" (7/26 afternoon workshop)
"With God on Our Side" (with Joan Baez - 7/26 afternoon workshop and 7/28 night performance)
"Talkin' World War III Blues" (7/26 night performance)
"Who Killed Davey Moore?" (7/27 afternoon workshop)
"Only a Pawn in Their Game" (7/26 night performance)
"Blowin' in the Wind" (with the Freedom Singers, Joan Baez and Peter, Paul and Mary - 7/26 night performance)
1964:
"Mr. Tambourine Man" (7/24 afternoon workshop)
Johnny Cash sings "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" (night performance)
Joan Baez sings "Mary Hamilton" as Bob Dylan (7/24 night performance)
"It Ain't Me, Babe" (with Joan Baez - 7/24 night performance)
Joan Baez interview
"With God on Our Side" (with Joan Baez - 7/26 night performance)
"Chimes of Freedom" (7/26 night performance)
1965:
"If You Gotta Go, Go Now" (7/24 afternoon workshop)
"Love Minus Zero/No Limit" (7/24 afternoon workshop)
Daytime rehearsal with Dylan's electric band
"Maggie's Farm" (with electric band - 7/25 night performance)
"Like a Rolling Stone" (with electric band - 7/25 night performance)
"Mr. Tambourine Man" (7/25 night performance)
"It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" (7/25 night performance)
Best Bob Dylan Sites.
Pop Culture Roundup Sept. 6, 2007
Deal alert: Amazon is offering more than $100 off the big "Land of the Giants" DVD set. Instead of $298.99, it's listed at $99.99 today.
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Check out a new Beatles Beatleg Podcast.
--------------------
A deal to offer the Beatles' music on iTunes may come through within the next six months, says Apple's Steve Jobs.
Best Beatles Sites.
---------------------
Those flatulent space villains the slitheen will make an appearance of "Doctor Who" spinoff "The Sarah Jane Adventures."
Best Doctor Who Sites.
----------------------
Deal alert: Amazon is having a huge sale
on TV series DVD collections.
-------------------
Check out a new Beatles Beatleg Podcast.
--------------------
A deal to offer the Beatles' music on iTunes may come through within the next six months, says Apple's Steve Jobs.
Best Beatles Sites.
---------------------
Those flatulent space villains the slitheen will make an appearance of "Doctor Who" spinoff "The Sarah Jane Adventures."
Best Doctor Who Sites.
----------------------
Deal alert: Amazon is having a huge sale
on TV series DVD collections.
DVD: Sesame Street - Old School Vol. 2 (1974-1979)
This second DVD set of vintage "Sesame Street" episodes and segments arrives Nov. 6 on three disks and is available for pre-order now from Amazon.
Highlights:
--Includes the first Sesame Street test episode ever created, which has never been nationally broadcast!
--A 12-page booklet packed with behind-the-scenes information and photos
--A special collectible animation cell from "Pinball Number Count" which made its debut on Sesame Street in 1977
--Contains the premier episodes from each of the 5 seasons (1974 - 1979) completely restored
--The first episode from Season 5 features the debut of Roscoe Orman in the role of Gordon
--Includes 57 bonus segments
Highlights:
--Includes the first Sesame Street test episode ever created, which has never been nationally broadcast!
--A 12-page booklet packed with behind-the-scenes information and photos
--A special collectible animation cell from "Pinball Number Count" which made its debut on Sesame Street in 1977
--Contains the premier episodes from each of the 5 seasons (1974 - 1979) completely restored
--The first episode from Season 5 features the debut of Roscoe Orman in the role of Gordon
--Includes 57 bonus segments
DVD: James Bond Monster Box
From "Doctor No" to the new "Casino Royale," this is the works--all 21 Bond films with lots and lots of extras, on 42 disks. It's out Nov. 6 and is available for pre-order now from Amazon.
The films in the set are the same as the recent Bond "Ultimate Edition" DVD sets released recently, but you get 'em all in one set.
The films in the set are the same as the recent Bond "Ultimate Edition" DVD sets released recently, but you get 'em all in one set.
DVD: The Addams Family - The Complete Series
This new set collects all 64 of the show's episodes on nine disks. It's out Nov. 13 and available for pre-order now from Amazon.
Extras:
- Audio commentary for "The Addams Family Goes To School", "Morticia, The Matchmaker" and "Cousin Itt Visits The Addams Family" featuring cast members Lisa Loring, Ken Weatherwax and Felix Silla with "The Addams Chronicles" author Stephen Cox and director Arthur Hiller
- Thing and Cousin Itt select scene commentary on "Thing is Missing", "My Son, the Chimp", "Cousin Itt and the Vocational Counsellor", "My Fair Cousin Itt" "Morticia's Dilemma", "Ophelia Finds Romance" and "Lurch's Little Helper"
- Commentary by Steven Cox, author of "The Addams Chronicles" on "Morticia Meets Royalty" and "Morticia the Decorator".
- Tombstone Trivia on "Morticia's Romance" (Part I) and "Cat Addams"
- You Rang, Mr. Addams featurette
- Snap, Snap featurette
- The Addams Family Portrait featurette including on-camera interviews with John Astin
- Mad About The Addams featurette
- Guest Star Seance with Parley Baer, Milton Frome, Vito Scotti, Elizabeth Fraser, Richard Deacon, Sig Ruman, Margaret Hamilton, Elvia Allman, Eddie Quillan and Peter Bonerz
- Theme Song Karaoke
- Still galleries featuring original drawings and photos
Extras:
- Audio commentary for "The Addams Family Goes To School", "Morticia, The Matchmaker" and "Cousin Itt Visits The Addams Family" featuring cast members Lisa Loring, Ken Weatherwax and Felix Silla with "The Addams Chronicles" author Stephen Cox and director Arthur Hiller
- Thing and Cousin Itt select scene commentary on "Thing is Missing", "My Son, the Chimp", "Cousin Itt and the Vocational Counsellor", "My Fair Cousin Itt" "Morticia's Dilemma", "Ophelia Finds Romance" and "Lurch's Little Helper"
- Commentary by Steven Cox, author of "The Addams Chronicles" on "Morticia Meets Royalty" and "Morticia the Decorator".
- Tombstone Trivia on "Morticia's Romance" (Part I) and "Cat Addams"
- You Rang, Mr. Addams featurette
- Snap, Snap featurette
- The Addams Family Portrait featurette including on-camera interviews with John Astin
- Mad About The Addams featurette
- Guest Star Seance with Parley Baer, Milton Frome, Vito Scotti, Elizabeth Fraser, Richard Deacon, Sig Ruman, Margaret Hamilton, Elvia Allman, Eddie Quillan and Peter Bonerz
- Theme Song Karaoke
- Still galleries featuring original drawings and photos
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