Don’t Let Me Drown (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

“Don’t Let Me Drown” is a film that keeps things real by showcasing life of teens in the inner city but also families coping with tragedy after 9/11. But most of all, the film keeps it real, from the locations of where the film is shot and also the performance by young talent E.J. Bonilla, Gleendilys Inoa and the rest of the cast,  the acting doesn’t seem like acting, everything feels natural and just right.    “Don’t Let Me Drown” is mesmerizing and entertaining !

Images courtesy of ©2008 Article X, LC.  All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: Don’t Let Me Drown

DURATION: 99 minutes

DVD INFORMATION: 1:78:1 Aspect Ratio (Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions), Subtitles: Spanish, English

COMPANY: Image Entertainment

RATED: R (Pervasive Language and Some Sexual Reference)

RELEASE DATE: October 5, 2010

Directed by Cruz Angeles

Written by Cruz Angeles, Maria Topete

Produced by Ben Howe, Lars Knudsen, James Lawler, Maria Topete, Jay Van Hoy

Music by Daniel Belardinelli

Cinematography by Chad Davidson

Edited by Andrew Hafitz

Casting by Eyde Belasco

Production Design by Inbal Weinberg

Set Decoration by Hannah Newman

Costume Design by Gracie Cox

Featuring the voices of:

E.J. Bonilla as Lalo

Gleendilys Inoa as Stefanie

Damian Alcazar as Ramon

Ricardo Chavira as Dionisio

Gina Torres as Diana

Yareli Arizmendi as Virginia

Moises Acevedo as Tito

Raul Castillo as Alex

Dennis Kellum Castro as Jonathan

Two young people are brought together by a tragedy that has touched both of their families in this refreshing and honest love story. Stefanie (Gleendilys Inoa) is a teenaged girl whose family has moved to Brooklyn shortly after the September 11 terrorist attack, which claimed the life of Stephanie’s sister. Meanwhile, Lalo (E.J. Bonilla) comes from a family that struggles financially and Lalo’s father works sifting through the debris at Ground Zero. Stephanie meets Lalo at a party in a city park, and while she’s not sure how she feels about him at first, he’s immediately infatuated with her and as he pursues her, they discover how much they have in common and they find themselves falling in love.

When it comes to the events of 9/11, there have been movies that have focused on the lives of those who perished on the tragic day or those who were the heroes, may they be the fire fighters or the police officers who were on duty.  But there are many stories to be told about those who lost a love one and stories of the families who were affected in 9/11, especially those who had to work in the cleanup effort of Ground Zero.

But the film “Don’t Let Me Drown” shows us a different perspective of how families lived life after 9/11.

The film is directed by Cruz Angeles, who co-wrote the film with Maria Topete and features stars Ricardo Chavia (“Desperate Housewives”, “Piranha”, “Days of Wrath”) and Gina Torres (“Standoff”, “24″, “Firefly”).  The film also was nominated for a Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, a winner of Best Narrative Feature at Woodstock, Winer of an Audience Award at the Florida Film Festival and Winner of Best Editing at Woodstock.

“Don’t Let Me Drown” shows us two perspectives of 9/11.  The first post-9/11 family perspective revolves around Lalo (played by E.J. Bonilla, “Guiding Light”) who comes from a poor Mexican family living in New York.  His mom is always struggling to make bill payments and members of the family try to pitch in for the rent but it seems they are often behind on the bills.  His father once worked at the Tower (and was one of the few who managed to escape after the Tower was hit) and is now struggling to make money for the family by working cleanup at Ground Zero.   Lalo starts falling for Stefanie (played by Gleendilys Inoa).

Stefanie is from family that has been struggling after 9/11.  Her father Dionisio (played by Ricardo Chavira) and the entire family has been struggling after the death of Crystal, Stefanie’s sister, who worked at the Tower.  Crystal was a college graduate, who had a long life ahead of her until that tragic day and now Dionisio has been suffering and feeling guilt over the death of his daughter and not working that day at the Tower himself and feeling he should have been the one who died.  Unfortunately, because of his emotional problems, he has been taking his anger out on his family especially on Stefanie’s mother Diana (played by Gina Torres).

But as Lalo and Stefanie find themselves attracted to each other, the truth is that he is Mexican, she is Dominican and despite everyone living in the same area, some have prejudice towards other races and in this case, Lalo’s mother does not want her to be around a Black girl (nor get one pregnant) and Stefanie’s parents are very strict and definitely not a good time because of her father’s mental state.

Will these two find love?  Or will the pressures of post-9/11 and their families prejudice prevent them from getting closer to each other?

VIDEO & AUDIO:

“Don’t Let Me Drown” is presented in theatrical 1:78:1 aspect ratio (enhanced for 16×9 TV’s).  Cinematographer Chad Davidson does a solid job in capturing Lalo’s father working at 9/11 and also showing life for Lalo and Stefanie in the inner city.  But for the most part, picture quality does feature quite a bit of grain and low light noise and  there is slight combing during the more motion-heavy scenes that is common on DVD.

As for the audio, audio is presented in English Dolby Digital 5.1 surround and dialogue is clear and understandable.  Subtitles are presented in Spanish and English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Don’t Let Me Drown” does not come with any special features but the original theatrical trailer for the film.

“Don’t Let Me Drown” may be a low budget independent film but its a film in which the filmmaker and cast have done a phenomenal job in capturing life of those affected by 9/11 and living in the inner city.  This is not a Hollywood dramatization, if anything, the way the film is presented, the characters and how things are portrayed on screen, everything stays true to heart of what the film is about and most of all, keeps it real!

Cruz Angeles and Maria Topete did a wonderful job in making sure they keep things realistic in terms of how teenagers communicate with each other in the inner city.

E.J. Bonilla and Gleendilys Inoa do a wonderful job together and both have great chemistry onscreen.  The portrayals of the families are well-done onscreen, how Lalo’s family speaks mostly all Spanish and he is the one speaking mostly English.  And then we also get a pretty solid performance by Ricardo Chavira, who gives an impressive, emotional performance than what we have ever seen of him (different from what we have seen of him on “Desperate Housewives”).  Gina Torres also gives an emotional performance as she is literally playing a wife who is an emotional punching bag. The performances makes it all feel natural and if a film is able to accomplish that feat., the filmmaker has done its job.

And probably the most interesting aspect about “Don’t Let Me Drown” is how life has affected these families via post 9/11 and how this is portrayed on screen.  Once again, everything feels natural.  Stefanie’s family still in mourning after 9/11 and the family trying to keep it together.  And then one of the unfortunate situations that is rarely touched upon in film are the people working in Ground Zero, the people who were affected by the asbestos and literally inhaled billions of microscopic particles, especially toxic materials, especially those who worked at Ground Zero.

If there was anything about this release that I hoped was included in the DVD release, it’s that there was special features included on the DVD.  May there be audio commentary, featurettes or cast interviews, wish there was something included aside from the trailer.

Overall, “Don’t Let Me Drown” is a film that keeps things real by showcasing life of teens in the inner city but also families coping with tragedy after 9/11. But most of all, the film keeps it real, from the locations of where the film is shot and also the performance by young talent E.J. Bonilla, Gleendilys Inoa and the rest of the cast,  the acting doesn’t seem like acting, everything feels natural and just right.    “Don’t Let Me Drown” is a mesmerizing and entertaining film worth watching!

 

Corpse Princess: Kuro – Part Two (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

Action-packed, entertaining and from beginning to end!  Expect more characters, more battles, more fan service with the second season of “Corpse Princess”!

Image courtesy of © Yoshiichi Akihito/Square Enix. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: Corpse Princess: Kuro – Part Two

DURATION: Episodes 14-26 (300 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: 16:9 ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN, English 5.1 Dolby Digital, Japanese 2.0 Stereo

COMPANY: FUNimation Entertainment

RATED: 17+

Release Date: September 14, 2010

Originally created by Yoshiichi Akahito

Directed by Masahiko Murata

Screenplay by Shou Aikawa

Music by Norihito Sumitomo

Character Design by Chikashi Kubota, Kikuko Sadakata

Art Director: Hiroki Matsumoto

Art Design by Yohei Kodama

Sound Director: Masafumi Mima

Director of Photography: Toyonori Yamada

Anime Production: GAINAX

Featuring the following voice talent:

Tatsuya Hasome/Aaron Dismuke as Ouri Kagami

Keiji Fujiwara/J. Michael Tatum as Keisei Tagami

Nana Akiyama/Luci Christian as Makina Hoshimura

Chika Fujimura/Brina Palencia as Hokuto (Shichisei)

Fuyuka Oura/Claire Harp as Mizuki Inuhiko

Hidenori Nakamura/Kent Williams as Sougen Takamine

Kiyotaka Furushima/Chris Cason as Rinsen Shirae

Masayuki Shouji/Sean Teague as Sumitori

Michi Niino/Todd Haberkorn as Ena (Shichisei/Seven Stars)

Miki Maruyama/Tia Ballard as Nozomi Kasuga

Mitsuru Miyamoto/Josh Grelle as Akasha Shishidou

Nobutoshi Canna/Anthony Bowling as Honda

Takaya Hashi/T.A. Taylor as Isaka (Shichisei)

Tooru Nara/Micah Solusod as Hiroshige Ushijima

Toru Ohkawa/Christopher R. Sabat as Hazama (Shichisei/Seven Stars)

Yui Horie/Stephanie Young as Riko

Yuuki Hayashi/Bob Carter as Kowaku (Shichisei/Seven Stars)

Makina Hoshino is already dead, but she can’t let go of this twisted world. She burned to death along with her entire family in a fire started by freaks that wouldn’t stay buried. Makina knows she doesn’t belong among the living, but that won’t stop her from unleashing the full fury of her twin MAC-11 machine guns on the rotting remains of those who refuse to die.

She’s hell-bent on filling every empty grave she can find with the monsters that should be six feet under. Makina is a Shikabane Hime – a Corpse Princess – and it’s her job to finish off the undead leftovers haunting the dark corners of a city that used to be safe.

In 2005, mangaka Yoshiichi Akahito began his manga series “Shikabane Hime ” (Corpse Princess). In 2008, an anime adaptation by GAINAX was created with the first 13 episodes are known as “Corpse Princess: Aka” and the second half of the series (episodes 14-26) are known as “Corpse Princess: Kuro”.

The series is directed by Masahiko Murata (“Naruto Shippuden”, “MazinKaiser”, “Jinki: Extend”) and a screenplay by Shou Aikawa (“Wrath of the Ninja”, “Ghost Slayers Ayashi”, “Gad Guard”, “Casshan: Robot Hunter”). Joining both Murata and Aikawa are character designers Chikashi Kubota (“Girl Who Leapt Through Time”, “One Piece – Movie 6″) and Kikuko Sadakata (“Gurren Lagann”, Princess Resurrection”, “Mayo Elle Otokonoko”) and music created by Norihito Sumitomo.

“Corpse Princess – Aka” (season one) revolves around a young teen named Ouri Kagami. One night, he found a dead girl at his home, not know what caused her death, he hears people approaching the room and he hides. He then sees his brother Keisei going up to the girl who is named Makina Hoshimura and instantly bringing her back to life (while incurring injuries to his own self).

Ouri is not sure what happened but maybe the girl was not dead afterall.

Each time Ouri is out and about, he ends up being in the same locations where this girl is fighting. She doesn’t know why he is there and he doesn’t understand how she is always dead or near-dead and yet manages to come alive.

We learn that the Makina is a living corpse (a shikabane hime) and Keisei is a contracted priest bound to her. Both are working for an anti-corpse group known as the Kougun sect. Makina must kill 108 corpses for her to go into heaven, otherwise, if she is not bound to a priest, she would become a monster. A Shikabane. Keisei’s role is that each time Makina is hurt, when near hear, she can feed off his life force and easily heal her wounds. Her goal is to kill

But most of all, Makina wants revenge on a violent corpse group known as the Seven Stars. The people responsible for killing her family and killing her.

As both Keisei and Makina fight and destroy the many corpse they encounter, Ouri ends up being at these locations where they are fighting because a mysterious cat is feeding him information of their whereabouts. For Ouri, he is more of a hindrance because he does not want Keisei getting himself killed over a girl and he doesn’t like how Makina putting herself in danger.

And right now is not the right time for Ouri to get involved because the Seven Stars are back and are wanting to kill even more humans.

In “Corpse Princess: Kuro” (season two), Ouri now trains to become Makina’s contracted monk, problem is, Makina has no interest in accepting Ouri.  As for the Seven Stars, they have their eyes set on Makina as they feel, she has a special ability that they want to exploit.

Meanwhile, Ouri learns more about the bond between a contracted monk and his shikabane hime but most importantly, why a human monk should never ever fall for his shikabane hime.

But most importantly, the life of Ouri and his true mysterious background is revealed.

“Corpse Princess” features the following characters:

• Ouri Kagami – A high school boy who was raised at his Keisei Tagami’s Temple. He has no relations to Kesei Tagami but because he was raised with orphans thanks to Keisei, he seems him not only as a brother but like a father. Meanwhile, Keisei has been able to see a dead cat who speaks to him and gives him information to where corpses are located.  Ouri has now replaced Keisei as Makina’s contracted monk.
• Keisei Tagami – A Buddhist priest working for the anti-corpse organization known as the Kougon Sect. Keisei was an orphan when he grew up and he was raised by Makina Hoshimura’s father. When the family was murdered, he has committed himself to becoming Makina’s contracted priest and making sure she can meet her goal of going to heaven but also helping her avenge her family.
• Makina Hoshimura – A shikabane hime who is a contracted “living corpse”. Her goal is to kill 108 corpses so she can gain entrance to heaven. She is bound to Keisei (her contracted priest) and because of Keisei’s relation to her family, she is committed in getting revenge on the Seven Stars, seven corpses who killed her and her family. She cares deeply about Keisei but since his death, she is not willing to accept Ouri as her new contracted monk.
• Rika Aragami - A female contracted monk and one of the ten great holy families.  She is the contracted monk of Saki Amase.
• Saki Amase - A shikabane hime who is a 10-year-old who wields a huge hammer.  She is also quite stubborn.
• Takamasa Sogi – A contracted monk of Itsuki Yamagami.  He cares deeply for Itsuki to the point of loving her despite knowing that she is no longer human.
• Itsuki Yagami - Takamasa’s shikabane hime.  Unlike others, she and Takamasa have a deep connection and knows that she is not human and can’t bare for Takamasa to see her true self.
• Shuji Isaki – The contracted monk of Minai Ruo.  Very arrogant and doesn’t care about anyone.
• Minai Ruo – Isaki’s shikabane hime.  When her bond with her contracted monk broke, Ouri got to see what happens when to a shikabane hime without her contracted monk.
• Sougen Takamine – The contracted monk of Kamika Tomoroki and former mentor of Keisei Tagami.
• Kamika Tomoroki – Takamine’s shikabane hime.  Always serious about her job and the strongest shikabane hime with incredible will-power.
• Kanechika Umehara – The contracted monk of Flesh Backbone and also a pervert.
• Flesh Backbone - A foreigner/otaku who was on her way to Akihabara before she was killed and is now Kanechika Umehara’s shikabane hime.  A true otaku.

“Corpse Princess: Kuro – Part Two” features episodes 14-26 on two DVDs. Here is a spoiler-less summary of each episode:

DISC 1:

• EPISODE 14 – Path of Light – Ouri undergoes priest training, meanwhile a priest wants Makina dead.
• EPISODE 15 – My Enemy – The Seven Stars make their attack at the HQ of the monks in order to get closer to Makina, while the other contracted monks and their shikabane hime fight against them to prevent them from killing her.
• EPISODE 16 – Beloved Aberration – Makina does not want Ouri to be her contacted monk.  Meanwhile, Takamasa wants to teach Ouri a lesson of why one should not get too close to their shikibane hime.
• EPISODE 17 – Itsuki’s Form – The history of Itsuki and Takamasa’s earlier days as part of the team and what happened to a good friend of Takamasa.
• EPISODE 18 – Nature and Regrets - Keisei may have turned to a shikabane and now Sadahiro is sent to destory it.
• EPISODE 19 – Monster Named Happiness - Ouri and Makina fight against Ena of the Seven Priests.  Meanwhile, something happens to Kagusa.
• EPISODE 20 – Mundane Wish – Ouri finds out what had happened to Kagusa, meanwhile Makina fights against another member of the Seven Stars.

DISC 2:

• EPISODE 21 – My Mother Was Defiled – The fate of Kasuga Nozomi.  The kougonshuu reveal to Ouri of his background and what he truly is.
• EPISODE 22 – The Value of Living – Ouri learns the truth of his mother.  Meanwhile, the Kougon Sect unleashes their deadly plan on the city.
• EPISODE 23 – To the Other Side of Hell – The plan of the Seven Stars and Traitor Monks is revealed.
• EPISODE 24 – One Hundred and Eight Lies – The truth of the shikabane hime’s power is revealed and also we learn the true fate of a shikabane hime who accomplishes her 108 kills.
• EPISODE 25 – Beyond the Dead - The battle between Makina and Hokuto and the future of the contracted monks and their shikabane hime.
• EPISODE 26 – Even So, As a Person - NOTE: The following special episode was not aired on TV but only featured on the Japanese and US DVD release.  This special episode focuses on how Minai Ruo became a shikabane hime and how Shuji Isaki became her contracted monk.

VIDEO:

“Corpse Princess: Kuro” is presented in widescreen format. Animation is well done and a good amount of detail put into the action sequences, especially with Makina and Keisei’s scenes. Artistic backgrounds are well done and for the most part, GAINAX has done a great job with the overall look of the anime series. Blacks are nice and deep, there are good lighting effects and for the most part, I wouldn’t be surprised if this series receives the Blu-ray treatment. I have not seen Yoshiichi Akahito’s original work but I’ve read that Chikashi Kubota and Kikuko Sadakata were faithful in recreating these character designs for the anime series.

I found “Corpse Princess: Kuro” to have more animation and the fact that there are so many characters now involved in this second season, a lot of focus was put into the actual fighting scenes and the animation of the characters and monsters.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

“Corpse Princess” is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and Japanese 2.0. The anime series does feature a lot of action and the audio is more front and surround channel driven in the English dubbed soundtrack. There was a good use of LFE during the more explosive scenes. But overall, dialogue and music comes clear through the front channels. My preference for this anime series was the Japanese soundtrack, as the voice acting was well done. The English dub is fine but I felt that Aaron Dismuke voice acting makes Ouri seem a bit too whiny while the more emotional parts that require crying, are not as well done. Veterans J. Michael Tatum (Keisei), especially Luci Christian did a good job as Makina. But overall, both audio tracks are very good.

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Corpse Princess: Kuro – Part Two” comes with the following special features:

• Episode 24 Commentary – Featuring audio commentary by director J. Michael Tatum (Keisei), Brina Palencia (Hokuto) and Josh Grelle (Akasha).
• Textless Opening Song
• Textless Closing Song #1
• Textless Closing Song #2
• Trailers – Trailers for upcoming or previous released titles from FUNimation Entertainment.

The concept of “Corpse Princess” is quite intriguing and I felt that the first half of the series did a great job in establishing the main three characters, establishing the importance of the bond between the contracted priest and the shikabane hime. But also, establishing the story of why Keisei and Makina were so close and who the Seven Stars are and why they must be eliminated.  This time around for “Corpse Princess: Kuro”, we get more characters, character building storylines and if there was something that you see more of in the second half is possibly the attention of more endowed characters.

I felt with “Corpse Princess: Aka”, there was more focus on Keisei, Ouri and Makina and watching her take down monsters.  But with the other contracted monks and shikabane hime having a more active role, personally it made the series much more exciting.  Although, I’m sure it may have been nerve-wracking if you watched this series in Japan, because missing one episode literally can throw the continuity way off for the series and it’s one of those series that you need to watch every episode to know the context of the story and more about these supporting characters.

And also, I liked how there was less Ouri.  The first season focused too much on him and he came off as a character that whines too much.  Fortunately, by “Corpse Princess: Kuro”, he is more tolerable.  he is taking action and responsibility and started to see his character in a better light.  It also helps that he is often paired with other supporting characters as well.

I felt that GAINAX has done a wonderful job in animating this series, artistic backgrounds are well-done and for the most part, the series was enjoyable, action-packed and even a bit dark and violent at times (Note: This is definitely not a series to have the younger children watch).

The overall DVD was very good and I really enjoyed the first half of the series and look forward to watching the second. I can only hope that FUNimation Entertainment considers “Corpse Princess” for a Blu-ray release in the near future. It’s important to note that both parts: “Corpse Princess: Aka” and “Corpse Princess: Kuro” are being released simultaneously, so no long waiting time in order for one to get into the complete series.

I actually enjoyed “Corpse Princess” from beginning to end.  The anime series ended in a good note and hopefully someday soon, GAINAX will continue to explore the series and what takes place after the events of “Corpse Princess: Kuro”.  I felt the DVD’s inclusion of the 26th stand-alone episode was nice but it’s important for people to know that the final episode on this volume is more of a bonus and is not expected to be the final episode.  Think of it as a side-project OVA featuring the characters of contracted monk Shuji Isaki and shikabane hime Minai Ruo.

But overall, another entertaining anime series and  if you are looking for an action-packed, well-animated, well-written series, definitely give both seasons of “Corpse Princess” a chance! An anime series that is definitely recommended!

NOTE: We are reviewing the discs only and can not comment on the actual packaging of the release and if there are any extra additional content that comes packaged with the release.

 

Katie Holmes arrives at the Variety’s 2nd Annual Power of Women Luncheon in Beverly Hills

Actress Katie Holmes arrives at the Variety’s 2nd Annual Power Of Women Luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel on September 30, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images). Content © 2010 Getty Images All rights reserved.

 

Tatsuya Ishii feat. Peabo Bryson – Walking (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)

2010 has been a strong collaborative year for Tatsuya Ishii and his latest collaboration features an East meets West track with popular vocalist Peabo Bryson.  A beautiful single that fans of both men will definitely enjoy!

ARTIST: Tatsuya Ishii feat. Peabo Bryson

CD SINGLE: Walking

LABEL: Sony Music Records Inc.

CATALOG #: SRCL-7377

DURATION: 31:58

RELEASE DATE: September 22, 2010

BUY THIS CD SINGLE from cdjapan.com:

 

Heidi Montag calls off the divorce, back together with Spencer

Heidi Montag has confirmed that she has called off the divorce and is reunited with husband Spencer Pratt.

The former “The Hills” star tells PEOPLE Magazine, ” “We are back together trying to make things work. Costa Rica really put things in perspective. We do love each other and realized we do want to spend the rest of our lives together.”

Read more of Heidi and Spencer’s reunion here.

 

TONIGHT: You’re Wearing That?!? is Neon and Plaid!

Anyway, the season is almost over (I feel like it just started), but You’re Wearing That?!? is all new tonight! Here’s what’s happening:

Siobhan and her daughter Elise’s constant bickering about each other’s wardrobes is putting a bump in their mother/daughter groove! 50-year-old mother Siobhan is caught in a time warp, and her affinity for the neon and spandex of the 1980s has daughter Elise thinking her outdated mom needs some serious fashion help. Meanwhile, 24-year-old daughter Elise’s closet is packed from top to bottom with PLAID, PLAID, and MORE PLAID, and mom thinks this obsession has her looking less like a young professional and more like a picnic table!

From the moment stylist Luciene Salomone meets this opinionated mother/daughter duo, she knows has her work cut out for her! Siobhan and Elise then meet separately with Luciene, who gives each woman fashion advice before sending them out on their own to shop for each other. Will Siobhan transform from time-warp to timeless, AND will Elise see a world beyond plaid?

Tune in tonight at 10pm | 9c:

Siobhan and Elise:

Siobhan and Elise Confessionals:

 

SAW 3D SOUNDTRACK TO STREET 10-28/Features Exclusive and Unreleased Music From: Dir En Grey

SIN-SONYMUSIC INDEPENDENT NETWORK/ARTISTS’ ADDICTION RELEASE SAW 3D SOUNDTRACK
AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE OCTOBER 26
WHERE JIGSAW MEETS J-ROCK

Features Exclusive and Unreleased Music From: Dir En Grey

Back for the seventh installment of the SAW horror series this Halloween, moviegoers will once again cringe in their seats as blood, guts and body parts are up for grabs in the Lionsgate® and Twisted Pictures’ SAW 3D, in theaters everywhere on October 29th.  As a deadly battle rages over Jigsaw’s brutal legacy, a group of Jigsaw survivors gather to seek the support of self-help guru and fellow survivor Bobby Dagen, a man whose own dark secrets unleash a new wave of terror.

What started out as an indie horror movie in 2004 has turned into the most successful horror series of all time, and the films’ soundtracks have always been fitting counterparts, assaulting the senses in a manner that would make Jigsaw proud.  But for the series’ grand finale, presented in bone chilling 3D for the first time, the right music was more important than ever because the film going experience will be one of complete sensory immersion. SAW 3D Music Inspired by the film has risen to the challenge, and will street on October 26th.

The Saw 3D soundtrack is excited to showcase three ground breaking Japanese rock acts.

Boom Boom Satellites – The brain child of Bassist/programmer Masayuki Nakano and guitarist/vocalist Michiyuki Kawashima, boom boom satellites have been combining distortion-drenched rock and punk guitars, with electronic dance music and heavy jazz elements to constantly evolve and refine their innovative sound. http://www.bbs-net <http://www.bbs-net/>

WagDug Futeristic Unity – The side project from Hiroshi Kyono, of The Mad Capsule Markets. http://www.myspace.com/wagdug <http://www.myspace.com/wagdug>

DIR EN GREY – Having conquered the Japanese rock scene with lyrics that convey sorrow, darkness and anger in modern society. The band has received international critical acclaim for their masterful translation of the lyrics to their dramatic and at times shocking stage show, which includes self-mutilation with bloodshed. http://www.myspace.com/direngrey

The success of SAW has been a world-wide phenomenon and we have been always been keen on having International acts be a part of the soundtrack as well the movie.  We were very excited about having mega rock band X Japan record the end title of SAW IV entitled “I.V.” and now on the SAW 3D Soundtrack, we have the Japanese power rock bands dir en grey and Wag Dug as well as the industrial band Boom Boom Satellites participate on the soundtrack.  As this movie is universal so is the music that is on it which provides fans from all over the opportunity to be exposed to amazing bands from all over the world, especially Japan. — Jonathan Platt, SAW 3D Soundtrack Producer.

Soundtrack also includes tracks from-Saliva, Krokus, Hinder, My Darkest Day, Karnivool & Chester Beningon’s Dead By Sunrise.

Prepare for the exclusive Saw 3D soundtrack Itunes application to launch free of charge on October 26.
Saw 3D-Music Inspired by the film to street on October 26.
Full list of bands & tracks:
1.     Saving Abel – Never (exclusive)

2.     Dead By Sunrise (Chester Bennington) – Condemned

3. Hinder – Waking Up The Devil

4.     Karnivool – Goliath

5.     Nitzer Ebb – Promises

6.     Kopek – Love Is Dead

7.     Saliva – Badass (exclusive)

8.     My Darkest Day – The World Belongs To me

9.     Default – Turn It On

10.            I-Exist – Firefly

11.            Boom Boom Satellites – What Goes Around Comes Around

12.            Adelitas Way – Scream

13.            Krokus – Hoodoo Woman

14.            Lordi – This Is Heavy Metal

15.            Wagdug Futuristic Unity – Ram The Crush

16.            Dir En Grey – Hageshisa to, Kono Mune no Naka de Karamitsuita Shakunetsu no Yami (exclusive)

About SAW 3D
This October, one of the biggest, most successful horror franchises in movie history arrives in theaters in vivid, chilling 3-D with the release of Lionsgate’s SAW 3D.

As a deadly battle rages over Jigsaw’s brutal legacy, a group of Jigsaw survivors gathers to seek the support of self-help guru and fellow survivor Bobby Dagen, a man whose own dark secrets unleash a new wave of terror…

The first theatrical feature to be shot exclusively on the cutting-edge SI-3D digital camera system, SAW 3D brings the horrifying games of Jigsaw to life like never before. The film stars Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Betsy Russell, with Sean Patrick Flanery and Cary Elwes.  SAW 3D is directed by Kevin Greutert, written by Patrick Melton & Marcus Dunstan, and produced by Oren Koules, Mark Burg and Gregg Hoffman.  SAW 3D is a Lionsgate Release. Twisted Pictures Presents a Burg/Koules/Hoffman Production.  For more information on the film go to officialsaw.com <http://www.officialsaw.com/> .

 

Tony Curtis dead at 85

Actor Tony Curtis, known for his role in films such as “Some Like It Hot”, “Spartacus”, “The Great Race”, “The Defiant Ones” has passed away.

His daughter actress Jamie Lee Curtis confirmed that her father died on early Wednesday due to cardiac arrest. The 85-year-old actor was admitted to a LAs Vegas hospital for tests back in mid0July after he had complications from breathing. Curtis had suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Jamie Lee Curtis released the following statement:

“My father leaves behind a legacy of great performances in movies and in his paintings and assemblages,” Jamie Lee Curtis said in a statement Thursday. “He leaves behind children and their families who loved him and respected him and a wife and in-laws who were devoted to him. He also leaves behind fans all over the world.”

 

Ashley Greene and Joe Jonas stopping for coffee in Los Feliz

Actress Ashley Greene and her sweetheart singer Joe Jonas can’t keep their eyes or hands off each other this afternoon as the hot young couple stop to get their caffeine fix at a Coffee Bean and Tea in Los Feliz, on September 29, 2010. Fame Pictures, Inc. Content © 2010 famepictures All rights reserved.

 

Oricon Top 10 CD Single and Album Daily Charts (JAPAN): Ayumi Hamasaki takes the #1 spot on the Singles Charts, JUJU takes the #1 spot on the Album Charts (9.29.10)

It’s new release Wednesday! Which artist or band took the #1 spot for Japan’s Oricon CD Single Daily Charts and Oricon Album Daily Charts?

Buy the #1 CD Single & Album from CDJAPAN or YesAsia.com:

 

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