A STAR IS BORN AS STELLA ARTOIS CROWNS ITS 2010 WORLD DRAUGHT MASTER

Showcasing the video from the 2010 WDM event

A STAR IS BORN AS STELLA ARTOIS® CROWNS ITS 2010 WORLD DRAUGHT MASTER
The annual Stella Artois® World Draught Master competition heralds the importance of the perfect pouring ritual. Bartenders from around the world compete to demonstrate their beer-serving prowess before a panel of distinguished judges. This year, the 14th edition took place in the exclusive London venue of Old Billingsgate. In total, 25 contestants competed for the prestigious title of Stella Artois World Draught Master. Chris Myers, hailing from the United States can call himself the brand new Stella Artois World Draught Master and now begins a journey to more than 10 different countries as an ambassador for Stella Artois®.

THE STELLA ARTOIS 9 STEP POURING RITUAL
Pouring the perfect Stella Artois is key to enjoying the perfect Stella Artois. That’s why we developed our time honoured 9 Step ritual to help ensure that consumers everywhere are served with the same care, consideration and craftsmanship Stella Artois has exhibited in centuries of brewing.

Click through the steps on the right to learn more about the Stella Artois time-honoured 9-Step Pouring Ritual.

She is a thing of beauty

drinkaware.com for the facts
Please drink responsibly. Over 18s only ©2010 InBev UK limited, all rights reserved

 

Scary brides and creep cakes on WE tv’s Bridezillas and Amazing Wedding Cakes!

Happy Halloween! Are you dressing up?! Me? Foxy Cleopatra! WE tv is all new tonight with a super scary new episode of Bridezillas and Amazing Wedding Cakes!

Here’s what’s happening on Bridezillas:

Molly prides herself on being a one-of-a-kind bride. She has redesigned her wedding dress to fit into her own original style, but after six fittings she still isn’t satisfied. When Molly and her parents take a tour of the wedding venue, she finds fault with everything from the crab cakes to the landscape. Molly also loses her cool with one of her bridesmaids for talking too much while making the programs.

Meanwhile, Tasha is still furious with her Male of Honor for trying to steal her thunder. The only way Travis can get back into this Bridezilla’s good graces is to do whatever menial task Tasha asks. Travis’ hard work may all be for naught, however, when just hours before the ceremony Tasha finds another reason to have him thrown out.

Tune in tonight at 9pm | 8c:

Bridezillas:

And on Amazing Wedding Cakes, Reva in LA designs a fantastic, topsy-turvy cake inspired by Alice In Wonderland. Plus, the CakeGirls tackle a tall cake with clean lines and elegant stencil work. Will Mary pull off the one-handed monogram application… while perched on a ladder? And Lauri at Cake Alchemy creates a cake for a Halloween wedding with, what else, giant skeleton toppers.

Tune in tonight at 10pm | 9c:

Amazing Wedding Cakes:

 

Justin Bieber at the premiere of “Megamind” in Los Angeles

Singer Justin Bieber arrives at the premiere of DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Megamind’ at Hollywood and Highland on October 30, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images). Content © 2010 Getty Images All rights reserved.

 

Kingyo Used Books Vol. 1 by Seimu Yoshizaki (a J!-ENT Manga review)

Nostalgic, informative and delightful…  “Kingyo Used Books” is a manga series features individual chapters that show how manga has influenced the lives of many people.  This first volume has won me over and I can’t wait for the second volume.  Highly recommended!

© 2005 Seimu Yoshizaki/Shogakukan. All Rights Reserved.

MANGA TITLE: Kingyo Used Books Vol. 1 (金魚屋古書店)

STORY AND ART BY: Seimu Yoshizaki (芳崎 せいむ)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHOGAKUKAN, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Viz Signature

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: April 20, 2010

Every bookstore has a thousand stories to tell. An art student finds inspiration. An archer hits a bull’s-eye. A homemaker rediscovers romance. A teenager discovers his true self in the pages of a manga magazine. All this and more at Kingyo Used Books, a place that helps people find their dreams.

Nostalgic, informative and delightful…”Kingyo Used Books” is a unique manga series that focuses on how manga has changed or influenced the lives of people.

I’m sure there are forms of entertainment that have inspired people, may they be movies, animated shows, books, etc.  But when you think about the culture of Japan, manga (Japanese comic books) are a big part of their culture.  Before I became interested in manga back in the early ’90s, I grew up reading Marvel, DC and other independent comics from other publishers but at the time, the stigma of American comic books are of titles that people grew up with as a child and read and discarded when they grew older.

Things have changed today as these comic books now target the same audience that grew up with them and reflect that demographic but because of today’s distribution and availability, it only attracts a niche audience who seek it.

While in Japan, there is manga for everyone.  Men, women, children… featured in magazines, featured in newspapers and it’s a big part of the culture that people have grown up with them and unlike the US, it’s everywhere.  Go into a store and you can see many people reading manga, walk down the street and you can find a used-manga store, pick up a newspaper or magazine, you will see manga featured.  Manga is a big part of that culture in Japan and I can easily say that it’s been part of my life for over 20 years.

Recently I have read “Kingyo Used Books” (known in Japan as “Kingyoya Koshoten”) by mangaka Seimu Yoshizaki (creator of “Aka-chan to Tenshi”, “Tekekinesis Yamanote TV Cinema”, “Ugokashiya”, “Dekaguru”).  She began “Kingyo Used Books” back in 2004 and with ten graphic novels currently published in Japan, the first English translated manga has been released in the US courtesy of Viz Media as part of their Viz Signature line.

The main storyline of  the manga series revolves around a used bookstore known as “Kingyo Used Books” and how manga has influenced the lives of those who visit the store. Each chapter is a different storyline featuring different characters but with the staff of the book store remaining the same, as they try to help their customers.

Here is a spoiler-free synopsis of each chapter:

• CHAPTER 1: The Components of Memory – A young adult feels he needs to get rid of his manga but when he attends his reunion with his classmates, he realizes that manga was a big part of their lives.
• CHAPTER 2: Hokusai Manga – A young painter wants to become better and a fellow classmate lends her a manga.
• CHAPTER 3: Far Away – A teen is preparing for an archery contest and although he is great at practice, he chokes up in competitions but one day, he runs into the folks of the Kingyo Used Book Store.
• CHAPTER 4: The Boy Detective Arrives – The staff at Kingyo Used Book Store prepare for the arrival of a boy named Billy (a Japanese who studied in America) who was inspired by a manga series.
• CHAPTER 5: A Country Without Manga – Shiba discovers a French comic known as “Blueberry”.
• CHAPTER 6: Fujiomi-kun – A woman named Sasaki takes on the role as school leader of the Yearly Parent Association Bazaar but feels she has no one to help her.
• CHAPTER 7: The Sedori Business – A story of two people who worked in a Sedori business (purchasing used manga and reselling it at a higher cost).
• BILLY & GRANDPA’s CURIOUS TRAVELOGUE, EPISODE 1 – Billy and his grandfather visit a Hamabi Festival and take part in a manga contest.
• Kingyo Used Books Notebook – A section in which each manga that is featured in each chapter is further explained and how they are popular among manga collectors.

Last year, I was gushing about how “Oishinbo” was a manga series that made me so happy because it was so different, it was realistic in setting and dealt with how food influences people and the manga would even go further by letting people know more about the food and even give out recipes for people to try out at home.

So, to find another manga that definitely has a similar vibe of touching upon the nostalgia of manga, how it has influenced people but to also give information of these classic manga and its availability at used book stores and such, that was pretty awesome!

When it comes to entertainment…may it be books, animation, movies, video games or whatever, some people have a connection to these stories and some that really touch people more than they think.  In the first chapter, the young man who wants to rid of his manga because he is growing older, this is a feeling that anyone who is a collector have felt many times before.  I grew up reading a lot of comic books and manga since grade school and I have a closet-full of books that I have contemplated selling or keeping but once in awhile, you meet people who have read the same stories that you have and were touched by them, inspired by them.  I know one friend who was inspired by the art and went to art school, for me, I was inspired by the manga “Asunaro Hakusho” and it inspired me to start up an off-campus Japanese pop culture club during my college years and sure enough, manga was one of the major driving forces that has began my early years as an online journalist (during the old BBS years) as I was among the few in media covering anime and manga and writing about it during the birth of anime conventions and anime/manga distribution.  Manga was very helpful in me learning the Japanese language and helping me learn to read kana and kanji and to familiarize myself with the characters.

So, manga has had an influence in my life and to read this series was so delightful and enjoyable and I know it has influenced the life of many others, not just in Japan, as well.

Nostalgic, informative and delightful…  “Kingyo Used Books” is a manga series features individual chapters that show how manga has influenced the lives of many people.  This first volume has won me over and I can’t wait for the second volume.  Highly recommended!

 

Eva Mendes at the premiere of “La Dolce Vita” at the 5th International Rome Film Festival in Italy

Actress Eva Mendes attends the ‘La dolce vita’ world restoration premiere during The 5th International Rome Film Festival at Auditorium Parco Della Musica on October 30, 2010 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images). Content © 2010 Getty Images All rights reserved.

 

The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition (a J!-ENT Blu-ray Disc Review)

I can confidently say this is the definitive edition to own of “The Sound of Music”!  The restoration of this film for the 45th Anniversary is incredible and this Blu-ray release is just loaded with special features.  Twentieth Century Fox has literally raised the bar of what can be accomplished on Blu-ray for a classic film release.  A magnificent, five-star release that is highly recommended!

Images courtesy of © 1965 Twentieth Century Fox. All Rights Reserved.

TITLE: The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition

FILM RELEASE: 1965

DURATION: 174 Minutes

BLU-RAY DISC INFORMATION: 1080p (Widescreen 2:20:1), AVC@22 MBPS, English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English 4.0 Dolby Surround, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 DTS, Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

COMPANY: 20th Century Fox

RATED: G (General Audience)

Release Date: November 2, 2010

Directed by Robert Wise

Based on the book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse

Screenplay by Ernest Lehman

Produced by Robert Wise

Associate Producer:  Saul Chaplin

Music by Irwin Kostal

Cinematography by Ted D. McCord

Edited by William Reynolds

Casting by Lee Wallace

Production Design by  Boris Leven

Set Decoration by Ruby R. Levitt, Walter M. Scott

Costume Design by Dorothy Jeakins

Starring:

Julie Andrews as Maria

Christopher Plummer as Captain Von Trapp

Eleanor Parker as The Baronness

Richard Haydn as Max Detweiler

Peggy Wood as Mother Abbess

Charmian Carr as Liesl

Heather Menzies as Louisa

Nicholas Hammond as Friedrich

Duane Chase as Kurt

Angela Cartwright as Brigitta

Debbie Turner as Marta

Kym Karath as Gretl

Anna Lee as Sister Margaretta

Portia Nelson as Sister Berthe

Ben Wright as Herr Zeller

Daniel Truhitte as Rolfe

Norma Varden as Frau Schmidt

Gilchrist Stuart as Franz

Marni Nixon as Sister Sophia

Evadne Baker as Sister Bernice

Doris Lloyd as Baroness Ebberfeld

Starring Oscar winner Julie Andrews in one of her most memorable roles, the film adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical follows Maria, a spirited young woman who leaves a convent and becomes a governess to seven unruly children. Her charm and songs soon win the hearts of the children and their father but when Nazi Germany unites with Austria, Maria is forced to attempt a daring escape with her new family.

Simply a magnificent Blu-ray release of “The Sound of Music”, restored and remastered and an abundant amount of special features.  This 45th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray release is the definitive version to own!

“The Sound of Music”, the 1965 20th Century Fox musical which would capture the world with its memorable music and it’s touching storyline and continues to have thrived through various generations and will continue to thrive for many generations hereafter.

The film is an adaptation of a popular Broadway play which is based on the memoir “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers” written by Maria von Trapp.  The von Trapp family are known for escaping from the Nazis in Austria after the Anschluss (the annexation and occupation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938).

The original musical based on the book featured music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II (both Rodgers and Hammerstein were known for their music for “Oklahoma!”, “Carousel”, “State Fair”, “South Pacific”, “The King and I” to name a few) which led to the book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.  The Broadway production began in 1959 starring Mary Martin and Theodore Bikel and would later inspire a film adaptation in 1965 which was loosely based on the Broadway production and memoir.

The film would become an ultimate success as director Robert Wise (known for “West Side Story” and “The Haunting”) would win five Academy Awards for Best Director, William Reynolds for Best Film Editing, Irwin Kostal for Best Music, Scoring of Music, Adaptation or Treatment, Best Picture and Best Sound.

The film would be best known for its wonderful location of Salzburg, Austria (which has inspired an actual “Sound of Music” tour which has been functional for the last 30-years) but most of all, known for its music which include “The Sound of Music”, “Edelweiss”, “My Favorite Things”, “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and “Do-Re-Mi”.

The film which was budgeted at $8.2 million would go on to gross $163 million worldwide.  The film would break the record held by “Gone with the Wind” for box office revenue and would also be a film that would be in circulation in theaters for three straight years.

“The Sound of Music” would also continue to become a hit on video as it was released as a five star DVD release in 2000 to celebrate the film’s 35th Anniversary, released in 2005 to celebrate the film’s 40th Anniversary and now in 2010 on Blu-ray, a limited edition box set and a digital iTunes release to celebrate the film’s 45th Anniversary.

As for the film, “The Sound of Music” is 174 minutes long and is broken down in three arcs (the original intermission is also provided in this Blu-ray release).

The film takes place in Salzburg, Austria and focuses on Maria (played by Julie Andrews, “Mary Poppins”, “10″ and “The Princess Diaries” films), a woman who is a nun at a convent who loves to go up the hills which overlooks Salzburg and loves to sing.  But because she loves to sing, she is often late, she is often in trouble at the convent and is thus given a new task to find her way and to see if her life is in monastery.  So, Mother Abbess (played by Peggy Wood), sends Maria to become the Governess of the von Trapp family.

When Maria arrives to the home of Captain George von Trapp (played by Christopher Plummer, “The Insider”, “The Last Station”, “Full Disclosure”, “Up”), a man who runs the home with an iron fist and has seven children which include his teenage daughter Liesl (played by Charmian Carr), son Friedrich (played by Nicholas Hammond), daughter Louisa (played by Heather Menzies), son Kurt (played by Duane Chase), daughters Brigitta (played by Angela Cartwright), Marta (played by Debbie Turner) and Gretl (played by Kym Karath).   Maria learns quickly that the family is ran through discipline and that she is another Governess, the previous women have not stayed long enough and were driven away.

Since the death of their mother, his wife, the decorated war veteran of World War I, Captain von Trapp has treated his family like the military.  He summons each child by whistle and each child wears a uniform and immediately, Maria disapproves of the Captain’s militaristic approach. But she learns from the housekeeper that when his wife was alive, the house used to be filled with happiness, laughter and music.  But since her death, he has treated his own family like the military.

But as the kids try to use tricks to scare their new Governess, Maria is not phased and in fact, is more complimentary to the children, which catches them off-guard.  Meanwhile at dinner, eldest teen daughter Liesl sneaks out of the house to visit the messenger boy named Rolfe (played by Daniel Truhitte).  Rolfe is an older teenage boy who fancies Liesl and she fancies him but both know they must be careful because of her strict father.

Meanwhile, her father, the Captain is very true to his country Austria and with word that Nazi Germany may occupy his country makes him feel uneasy.  But for him, fortunately he has another woman in Berlin, the Baroness (played by Eleanor Parker) and while he leaves to visit her, he expects Maria to take care of the children.

The children begin to bond with Maria and because they have been sheltered inside the home, she takes them out for fun and to the hills up in Salzburg where she teaches them music and how to sing with each other and to perform the songs for the arrival of the Baroness.

But unbeknown to Maria and the children, Captain von Trapp plans to return with the Baroness that same day they are returning and when he finds out they were having fun and are not wearing their uniforms, he becomes ballistic and is very angry at Maria.  Maria tries to defend the children and tell him that they want to be closer to him, happy and not treated in that manner but will not have anything of it.  He is upset with her and tells her that she’s fired from her job.

But then he hears music in the house and is shocked to find out that the children are singing and their voices have thawed out the coldness in his heart and he finally sees how much good Maria has brought to the family.

Without spoiling too much of the film, the second arc deals with Maria leaving the von Trapps after being conflicted with her own emotions as she finds herself caring for the Captain but also knowing her responsibilities as a nun.  The third arc deals with the Nazi occupation of Austria and how life for the von Trapp family will never ever be the same again.

VIDEO:

“The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition” is presented in 1080p High Definition (Widescreen 2:20:1), AVC@22 MBPS.  This is where “The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition” literally looks amazing.  For those who have owned previous versions of the film on DVD, back in 2005, the film went through restoration using a backup negative of the original 70 mm print.  At the time, the original 70mm 6-Track print was so damaged, there was no way to even use the original negative at that time and most of us who watched the 40th Anniversary Edition felt that the film looked absolutely beautiful compared to it’s earlier 2000 DVD release.

With that being said, technology has changed within the last five years since the release of the 40th Anniversary.  The damaged original 70 mm print that couldn’t be used in the restoration of the film in 2005 can now be used for the film with new hardware and software and is now receiving 8K digital scanning by 20th Century Fox for perfect restoration.

No longer is the film hazy, no longer is the film more on the pinkish side.  “The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition” is vibrant.  The grass…you can see the various grains of grass, the strands in green, yellow and detail of the mountains over looking Salzburg.  I was amazed!  Another example, Maria splashing the water before she heads to the von Trapps, you can see the water droplets flying in the air, another one is the von Trapp’s uncle and his coat, you can see the wool in his jacket.  There is so much detail in this latest version of “The Sound of Music”, it’s incredible!  I am literally speechless because I own previous versions of this film on video and never before have I seen this much clarity in the film ever!

And I find it quite funny for each review I have done for the film, I mention of how the cinematography of William Reynolds was captured perfectly but watching it on Blu-ray, the cinematography… may it be the shots of Maria on the mountain, Maria with the kids on the mountain, the wedding ceremony, etc., I just feel that the cinematography as seen on the 45th Anniversary Edition via the new restoration really captures the beauty of “The Sound of Music” than ever before.  Absolutely breathtaking!

Once again, the crew who restored this film…I give your crew a standing ovation…what you were able to accomplish with this film on Blu-ray is absolutely fantastic!

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

“The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition” is presented in English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English 4.0 Dolby Surround, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and French 5.1 DTS.  Because the film was shot with a 6-track and because they were provided with the audio without the dialogue, for this 2010 edition, they were able to remove all noise but also making sure to utilize a 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track and as mentioned, I’ve owned several versions of this film and I even own the soundtrack to this film.

The way this music was handled through the surround channels was amazing.  The music and the instruments playing on individual channels was well done.  The first thing that came to my mind during sequences of the sisters singing “Maria” to the wedding sequence, the sounds that were utilized through those channels were amazing.  Also, they were able to isolate the sound of Salzburg up the hills, the sound of wind, the birds… I was in awe with the lossless soundtrack.

I absolutely love the soundtrack for this film and this is the best I have ever heard of it.  If you have a 7.1 setup (center speaker, two fronts, two surrounds, two rear surrounds and your subwoofer), you will definitely be impressed with how alive the music comes as it really sounds beautiful via the soundscape in the home.  Once again, I was in awe when I heard the music and I’m sure many people will be just as impressed by it.

Similar to the video restoration, the audio restoration for this 45th anniversary is fantastic!  And the crew responsible for the audio restoration for this release should be proud because they did an outstanding job!

Subtitles are in English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles.

SPECIAL FEATURES

“The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition” comes with the following special features from the 35th and 40th Anniversary DVD versions of the film but also newer special features that just literally packs this 45th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray release:

DISC 1:

• Your Favorite Things: An Interactive Celebration – A new way to watch “The Sound of Music”.  If you select this option for viewing the movie, you have four categories which you can select interaction with the viewer.  One is behind-the-scenes images, the other is viewing with on-screen lyrics, the other is trivia and location quiz.  You can select one or all four.
• Audio Commentary: Director Robert Wise – The following audio commentary was originally included in the Five Star Collection (2000) for the 35th Anniversary DVD release.  Informative commentary by Wise who gives details on the challenges they had in shooting this film.  It’s important to note that Wise doesn’t do much talking and only does when it is necessary.
• Audio Commentary: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Charmian Carr, choreographer Dee Dee Wood, and the youngest son of Maria von Trapp, Johannes von Trapp – A lively commentary by the five individuals.  Although these are separate commentaries recorded in separate times but Julie Andrews definitely gives us a good idea of the sets and various shooting locations.  Also, hearing from Plummer of how he doesn’t like to work with children but in this case, he got a long with the children quite well.  Charmian Carr who plays the character of Liesl talks about playing the oldest teenage daughter at the age of 21.
• Music Machine Sing-Along – Sing-along subtitle tracks which can be seen while watching the film or giving the viewer the ability to select various tracks with the sing-along subtitles.

DISC 2:

• Musical Stages: Creating the Sound of Music – This first special feature is actually an interactive “backlot tour” with plenty of in-depth featurettes on the songs, the stage show, the movie, the film and sound restoration and getting to know the real life von Trapp family.  Included are:

1. Music in the 21st Century - (8:52) A featurette on the popularity of the film and how the film has influenced pop culture from pop artists such as Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguillera to shows like “The Family Guy” and how many various interpretations of the film have made it onto stage and children’s books.
2. Restoring a Classic: Bloom & Grow – (5:44) A featurette on the 8K digital restoration of the film.  How during the 2005 45th Anniversary Edition, they were not able to use the original 70 mm negative but in 2010, with new technology they were able to.  Before and after scenes and more.  Awesome featurette!
3. Edelweiss – (2:28) How the song was created and how Christopher Plummer wanted to sing the song and not be dubbed.  We get to see footage of Plummer singing and the dubbed over version.
4. I Have Confidence – (8:06) How the lyrics were changed from the original Rodgers & Hammerstein version by Saul Chaplin and constructing it for the film adaptation.
5. My Favorite Things – (2:47) Why the song was fun and the popularity of the lyrics.
6. Sixteen Going on Seventeen - (2:20) Because Rodgers & Hammerstein know that their lyrics deal with sex, for this film, they had to carefully craft lyrics with slight undertones.
7. After the Escape – (8:43) The true story of how the von Trapps escaped Austria and interviews with Maria von Trapp and the grandchildren.
8. Rodgers & Hammerstein: Partners at it’s Peak – (3:53) The popularity of Rodgers & Hammerstein and how they crafted hit after hit.
9. Shaping the Story - (4:50) The original screen adaptation of the von Trapp and the differences between stage and the film adaptation.
10. The von Trapp’s Today – (5:48) – How the von Trapp’s continue with their grandchildren who have a lodge in Vermont.
11. Climb Ev’ry Mountain – (2:07) The difficult of the lyrics of the song and singing it.
12. Stage vs. Screen - (3:12) A more thorough featurette on the differences between the stage and film adaptation.
13. Maria – (3:03) – The making of the song.
14. The Sound of Music - (2:32) The popularity of the song, how it was Oscar’s idea and what inspired him.
15. Maria and the Musical – (5:06) The real life Maria von Trapp and how she got involved with the musical and trying to take a hands off approach to the film (since it differed from the real life story).
16. Cutting Room Floor – (2:50) Three songs from the stage production that were not used on the film.
17. Something Good – (2:17) Rodgers wrote to more songs for the film.
18. The Lonely Goatherd – (2:30) How the song was used in the stage production and how it was incorporated into the film.
19. Do-Re-Mi – (3:31) The popularity of the song and how different it was from the stage production compared to the film version.
20. So Long, Farewell - (1:11) How the song was used in the film.
21. A Generous Heart – (3:54) The life of eldest daughter Maria von Trapp who like her mother, went on to do great things with her generous heart in other countries.
22. Final Dream: Oscar Hammerstein Remembered - (5:51) How “The Sound of Music” was the final show Rodgers & Hammerstein would work together and how he handled his cancer and the short time he had left in the world and how he said goodbye to family and friends and how the song “Edelweiss” was literally Hammerstein’s song saying goodbye.
23. Stories from Broadway - (4:19) Stories from the Broadway cast.
24. Restoring a Classic Glorious Sound – (5:31) – Using the 6-Track Master and creating the lossless 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack.

• A City of Song – (34:38) This feature adds an interactive map of Salzburg, Austria.  Because so many people have traveled to Salzburg for “The Sound of Music” Tour or to visit the locations shown on the film, this special feature is great as you can select a map and get video to know about the locations, photos and fascinating facts of the area.
• Vintage Programs – Featuring featurettes and documentaries included in the 35th and 40th Anniversary of “The Sound of Music” (note: Most of the special features are in 480p, standard definition):

1. The Sound of Music: From Feat to Phenomenon – (1:27:22) A documentary on the real von Trapp story and how the the film received the green light.  Robert Wise talks about casting and cast talk about their involvement in the film and what they wanted for the film.
2. My Favorite Things: Julie Andrews Remembers - (1:03:18) A documentary featuring Julie Andrews remembering “The Sound of Music”.  From the original pre-production, filming on location, the music and working with the cast and crew.  Also, featuring Christopher Plummer, Charmian Carr and those who worked with Julie Andrews as they reminisce about working on “The Sound of Music”.
3. Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer: A Reminisce – (19:24) Both Julie Andrews and Christopher Plumber reminisce 40 years later about their involvement in the film and working together.
4. From Liesl to Gretl – (33:33) A reunion of the seven talents who play the Von Trapp children in the film talking about their experience working on the film, hijinks behind-the-camera and mistakes they made that are on the film.
5. Salzburg Sights and Sound – (13:04) Narrated by Charmian Carr.  A documentary on her arrival to Salzburg and filming for “The Sound of Music”.
6. On Location with the Sound of Music – (22:33) Charmian Carr hosts a documentary on Salzburg and visiting the locations where the film was shot.
7. When You Know the Notes to Sing – A Sing-Along Phenomenon – (12:50) The 40th Anniversary sing-along screening at the Hollywood Bowl for “The Sound of Music”.
8. Rodgers and Hammerstein: The Sound of American Music, 1985 – (1:23:25) Popular Broadway talent Mary Martin hosts a documentary on Rodgers and Hammerstein, the history and hits of this dynamic duo and their work on “Oklahoma”, “Carousel”, “Flower Drum Song”, “The King and I” and “The Sound of Music”.
9. Rodgers and Hammerstein: The Sound of Music, 1996 – (1:36:36) A documentary on Rodgers and Hammerstein’s successful music in film hosted by Shirley Jones and guests Rita Moreno, Nancy Kwann, Charmian Carr and Julie Andrews as they comment on the films they worked on that featured music by Rodgers and Hammerstein.
10. Audio Interviews: Location Interviews – Featuring audio interviews with Julie Andrews (11:48), Christopher Plummer (5:15) and Peggy Wood (8:34)
11. Audio Interview: Reissue Interview with Julie Andrews and Robert Wise from 1973 – (7:48)
12. Audio Interview: A Telegram from Daniel Truhitte - (13:02) Daniel Truhitte reminisce about playing the part of Rolfe.
13. Audio Interview: Ernest Lehman: Master Storyteller - (34:56) An audio interview with Ernest Lehman.

• Rare Treasures – Featuring programs from TV shows related to”The Sound of Music”:

1. Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall: The Pratt Family Singers – (6:41) A parody of the musical shown on the 1962 CBS special starring Julie Andrews and Carol Burnett.
2. The Julie Andrews Hour: Julie Andrews and Maria von Trapp – (16:33) A segment from 1973 featuring Julie Andrews and Maria von Trapp.  Featuring performances by both women and also Julie Andrews interviewing Maria von Trapp.
3. Screen Tests – (26:13) The 1999 AMC “Hollywood Screen Tests” of The Sound of Music.  Various screen tests featuring auditions for “The Sound of Music” in which talent such as Richard Dreyfuss, Mia Farrow, Leslie Ann Warren, Kurt Russel and more auditioned but Robert Wise talks about what he wanted and that was more family quality and the family becoming believable.
4. 40th Anniversary DVD Intro by Julie Andrews – (2:10) The original DVD intro by Julie Andrews included in the 2005 40th Anniversary DVD release.
5. Galleries - Featuring concept art, storyboards and still photos from the film.  Using your remote, you can cycle through images for “What Will My Future Be? (Pre-Production)”, “Facing Adventure (Production) and “A Grand and Glorious Party (Promotion and Publicity)”.

• Publicity – Featuring various publicity, trailer and TV spots for “The Sound of Music”:

• Fox Movietone News Academy Awards Footage – (2:45) Featuring Julie Andrews on the red carpet of the 38th Annual Academy Awards and footage of Andrews and the Academy Award winners for the film.
• Trailers and Teasers – Featuring the following trailers: Teaser Preview (1:28, Dec. 1964), General Release Preview (4:00, 1965), Academy Awards Preview (4:24, April 1966), First Anniversary Preview, :50, May 1966), Release Preview (4:01, Dec. 1972), Release Preview – Alternate Soundtrack (4:01, Dec. 1962), Testimonial Trailer (2:22).
• TV Spots - (1:23) Featuring the 60-second reissue TV spot (March 1973), 30-second Reissue TV Spot (March 1973).
• Radio Spots - Featuring the following radio spots: 60 Second Reserve Seat Engagement, 60 Second 1973 Reissue, 30 Second Reserve Seat Engagement, 30 Second 1973 Reissue.

EXTRAS:

“The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition” comes with a DVD version of the feature film which is presented in 2:20:1, widescreen. Audio in English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound, English 4.0 Dolby Surround, Spanish Dolby Surround and French Dolby Surround.  Subtitles are in English SDH, French and Spanish. Also, included is a slip-over cover case.

I literally grew up in a household where “The Sound of Music” played and to tell you the truth, when I was younger, I really couldn’t stand the musical as my mother would sing the songs over and over again.  But as I got older and I began watching more classic films, I found myself watching “The Sound of Music” around 1990 or so and I ended up purchasing the soundtrack for the film on cassette.  When I visited my mother, I ended up playing the cassette and in a very long time, I heard her sing the songs once again.

When I got married, I was amazed that my wife knew the lyrics also by heart and by the birth of our son, to help calm him, she would sing “My Favorite Things”.  Needless to say, the music of “The Sound of Music” has been part of me during my childhood and I have no doubt that with my wife and son, it will continue on to the next generation.

As for the film, I have watched and owned various incarnations of this film on video and I have purchased the five star edition of the movie on DVD in 2000 and I clearly felt that the 40th Anniversary 2005 release was just unprecedented.  I felt that it was the ultimate release and I figured, if it was on Blu-ray, it would be an HD version of the film and the same special features.  But I was wrong.  Twentieth Century Fox has given fans of the film the ultimate release with “The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition”.

Not only do we get another restoration of the film using the original 70 mm negative and now presented in 1080p High Definition, we get a 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio lossless soundtrack which sounds incredible!  Just the fact that the film looks and sounds better is significant.  The colors just pop!  It’s hard to describe of how awesome this film looks on Blu-ray compared to previous video releases.  In the past, there was always this dreamy, hazy look to the film.  Though it was colorful, I have always thought that was how the film was shot.  And the opening scene with Julie Andrews on top of the hill spinning around, I always thought that was a beautiful shot… that was until I saw this 45th Anniversary Edition and everything that I have thought about the look of the film has went out the window because this presentation is just amazing!  I felt the old colors always had a greenish/pinkish tinge but now, the colors look accurate.  Blue skies look vibrantly blue and no pinkish haze on the background.  Grass and hills are still green but now we can see the strands of grass quite clearly, more than ever before.

The blues of Julie Andrews and Charmian Carr’s eyes just captures your attention, the detail of Captain von Trapp’s home or the clothing is detail that is much more cleaner and more evident than ever before.  Only one time in the film is where things do look a bit faux is when the Captain, the Baroness and Uncle Max are driving and of course, you see the usual fake background and that scene, you’re not going to get much realism but for the most part, the film looks amazing.

And as mentioned, the sound…I’ve listened to this soundtrack so many times but to hear it in 7.1 and hear of how the instruments were carefully selected for various channels, for those who have a 7.1 setup, you can’t help but be happy of how nice this soundtrack comes in DTS-HD!  Again, awesome!

And just when you think that was it, there are literally hours and hours of special features included in this release of “The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition”.  It took me two days or so just to go through everything and watch everything and once again, I thought the 40th Anniversary Edition was significant, but this 45th Anniversary edition just blows it out of the water.  Various documentaries, commentary, various featuretttes, audio interviews and more!  And I can’t even imagine what 20th Century Fox will do for the 50th Anniversary Edition but I do have one request and that would be to record the live sing-along for the film and give people a chance to select it as an optional soundtrack to watch the film and sing-along with those thousands of people (like the 18,000 or so that showed up to the Hollywood Bowl).  That would be awesome!

And I need to go back to the restoration and to say that if Twentieth Century Fox now has the technology in 2010 to take damaged negatives and are able to repair it to the point where they can re-use the film for a master in a Blu-ray release, that literally makes me extremely giddy and happy because that means a lot of those wonderful classic films in their catalog can receive a wonderful Blu-ray release using this technology.  I’m very impressed with this release and I look forward to the potential of what this can mean for classic films on Blu-ray from Twentieth Century Fox.

With that being said, for the very hardcore fans of “The Sound of Music”, for this 45th Anniversary release, you also have the opportunity to get the Limited Collector’s set packaged in a keepsake box and features a 100-page “My Favorite Things” scrapbook, a 45th Anniversary Soundtrack, a reproduction of the original 1965 souvenir program, an exclusive handpainted “My Favorite Things” music box and more.  And for those people who prefer all things digital, on November 2nd will also include a digital release on iTunes of “The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition” which includes a sing-along version of the movie and 180-minutes of behind-the-scenes material.

Once again, I was shocked when I watched this release because I had no idea how much went into the restoration of the film for this 45th Anniversary edition because they just did one for the 40th Anniversary.  But the fact that they have the technology and that they were given a chance to do give this film a new restoration using the latest technology was impressive.  The addition of all this bonus material for the Blu-ray release is magnificent and the fact that this entire Blu-ray release of “The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition” just raises the bar of what a studio can accomplish for a classic film.

Overall, this is a fantastic release of “The Sound of Music” and if you are a big fan, whether you get this version or the Limited Edition version, all I can say is that this is the definitive version to own that just stands out from its previous video releases in quality and quantity.  Great music, great story, musical performances, cinematography and just a wonderful family film.  Sure, it may be a bit too saccharine sweet for today’s audience (or too long) but for those who have never watched this film ever, please give it a try.

This is a perfect release in every category and easily deserving of five stars!  “The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition” is highly recommended!

 

Lost Keaton (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

If you are a fan of Buster Keaton, these 16 comedy two-reelers from the mid-30′s (his work with Educational Films) are hilarious and enjoyable!  Definitely recommended!

Images courtesy of © 2010 Kino International Corp. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: Lost Keaton

YEAR OF COMEDY SHORTS: 1934-1937

DURATION:  16 Episodes (20 minutes per episode)

DVD INFORMATION: Black and White, 1:33:1, Monaural

COMPANY: Kino International

RATED: N/A

RELEASE DATE: October 5, 2010

Directed by Charles Lamont, Mack Sennett, Raymond Kane, Al Christie

Starring:

Buster Keaton

Lona Andre

Myra E. Keaton

Louise Keaton

Dewey Robinson

“Bull Montana”

Warren Hymer

Dorothy Dix

Joe Young

William Worthington

Lloyd Ingraham

Leo Willis

Stanley J. Sanford

Kitty McHugh

Harry Bowen

Dorothea Kent

Vernon Dent

James Jones

Harold Goodwin

Marilyn Stuart

Dorothea Kent

Eddie Lambert

Gloria Brewster

Barbara Brewster

and many more…

For Buster Keaton, the era of the talkies was a tumultuous time. After signing with MGM, the quality of his ambitious, eclectic comedies began to decline, leading to a period of personal setbacks.  In 1934, he signed a contract with Earle W. Hammons¹s Educational Pictures which, despite its name, specialized in comedy short subjects (“The Spice of the Program”). Keaton’s move to Educational was a return to his roots, crafting a stream of two-reel comedies in rapid succession, as he had done in the early 1920s, when he first refined his cinematic craft.

The films Keaton made at Educational (all sixteen of which are collected here) pay homage to his earlier work (such as Love Nest on Wheels, which revives a number of gags from his very first film, The Butcher Boy), while exploring new possibilities for his recurring comic persona “Elmer”.

When we think about Buster Keaton, we think of one of the kings of slapstick comedy during the silent era.  The master of physical comedy, a talent known for his deadpan expression and his films, well-revered today as one of the best actors and directors of all time and beloved by many.

But in the late ’20s and early ’30s, Buster Keaton was at his all time low.   Due to an affair, he found himself divorced to Natalie Talmadge (of the popular Talmadge family and sister to actresses Norma and Constance), lost his wife, children and the money he had made during his career in silent films.

To make things worse, he learned from Joseph M. Schenk (the man in which Keaton was contracted to) would be taking the job as President of the new United Artists (created by D.W. Griffith, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks) and under his advice, he closed down his own film studio and was under contract with MGM.

That era was the worst decision he ever made in his life (according to Keaton), because he lost creative control of his films, the stunts he was known for had to be performed by a stunt double (as MGM had no intention of their lead actor getting hurt) and Buster Keaton continued his downward slope in his career and also his life as an alcoholic.  Despite his talkie films at Columbia being quite successful and profitable, his life behind-the-camera was not going so well at all.   His life was delaying production and several incidents took place behind-the-scenes that although Keaton would continue to work but focus on making films for Columbia in Europe in 1993-1934, MGM had no choice but to release him and no studio wanted to hire him.

But in 1934, Keaton did return to Hollywood when an old friend got him work at Educational Pictures ran by Earl (E.W.) Hammons.  What was originally a company that was going to focus on instructional films for schools, Hammons learned the profitability of comedies and he began releasing films and shorts.  For Buster Keaton, Keaton made his Hollywood comeback with 16 two-reel comedies and now these comedy shorts (which pay homage to his original work) have been released on a 2-disc DVD set titled “Lost Keaton” courtesy of Kino International.

The 16 two-reel comedies were budgeted at $20,000 each and $5,000 went to Keaton per episode, while $15,000 were budgeted for sets, props, costumes and supporting casts.  These were low-budget comedy shorts and a production schedule that were shot in 3-5 days and were shot very early in the morning to save money.

“Lost Keaton” features the following episodes (note: spoilerless summaries):

DISC 1:

• The Gold Ghost – (1934, 21 minutes)  Directed by Charles Lamont, Buster Keaton plays the character of Wattie, a man who is out of luck and love and decides to go to a place where he’s alone.  Wattie goes to a ghost town and becomes the sheriff but sooner or later, more and more people start to move in to town.
• Allez Oop – (1934, 20 minutes)  Directed by Charles Lamont, Buster Keaton debuts the role of his comic persona “Elmer”.  Elmer is a clock repairman and falls for a customer and the two go out on a date to a circus where she becomes smitten with one of the trapeze artists.  Can Elmer win her back?
• Palooka from Paducah – (1935, 20 minutes) Directed by Charles Lamont, Buster Keaton plays Jim Diltz, the son of a family of Hillbilly’s (played by his real life family) who need to make money for the family and thus, goes to the big city to support their son, Elmer (played by Dewey Robinson) who is wrestling for money.
• One Run Elmer - (1935, 19 minutes) Directed by Charles Lamont, Buster plays the character of Elmer who owns a gas station in the middle of nowhere.  When another man tries to build a gas station, right across his, the two compete against each other.  The film marks the appearance of actress Lona Andre.
• Hayseed Romance – (1935, 20 minutes) Directed by Charles Lamont, Buster plays Elmer Doolittle, who answers an ad to work at a farm and literally become the man of the woman who wrote the ad.  He first meets the beautiful Molly (played by Dorothea Kent) but finds out the ad is from the tough as nails Miss Green (played by Jane Jones).  Can Elmer escape?
• Tars and Stripes – (1935, 20 minutes) Directed by Charles Lamont, Buster plays the character of Apprentice Seaman Elmer Dolittle, a seaman who is constantly put in the brig because he keeps getting in trouble and is quite clumsy.  But what happens when his commanding officer (played by Vernon Dent) finds his girlfriend (played by Dorothea Kent) flirting with Elmer.
• The E-Flat Man – (1935, 20 minutes) Directed by Charles Lamont, Buster plays Elmer, a man who runs off with his girlfriend (played by Dorothea Kent) to get married.  The two don’t know that a duo of robbers are on the loose and somehow they are mistaken as the robbers and police start to go after both Elmer and his girlfriend.
• The Timid Young Man – (1935, 20 minutes) Directed by Mack Sennett and Buster Keaton (the only time the two have worked together), Buster plays a Milton who is through with women (because a bossy woman wants to marry him) and actress Lona Andre plays a woman (who doesn’t want to marry an old man that her father arranged for her) who is through with men and the two end up leaving town together and getting away from their troubles but somehow the two find trouble.

DISC 2:

• Three On a Limb – (1936, 18 minutes) Directed by Charles Lamont, Buster Keaton plays Elmer Brown, a man who wants to marry Molly (played by Lorna Andre) but her father wants her to marry the police officer Harold Goodwin (played by Homer) and her mother wants her to marry Oscar (played by Grant Withers).  Who will end up marrying Molly?
• Grand Slam Opera – (1936, 21 minutes) Directed by Charles Lamont, Buster Keaton plays the character of Elmer Butts, a man who wants to perform on the Grand Slam Opera radio show.  Considered by many as the best episode Buster Keaton did for Educational Films.
• Blue Blazes – (1936, 19 minutes) Directed by Raymond Kane, Buster Keaton plays Elmer, a fireman who can’t get anything right.  But when a fire takes place in an apartment, Elmer must save the tenants.
• The Chemist – (1936, 19 minutes) Directed by Al Christie, (in the only collaboration between both Buster Keaton and Christie), Buster plays the character of Elmer “Happy” Tripple, a scientist who is expected to develop the next big thing.  That big thing ends up to be a powder when combined with water, produces major blasts that make no sound, which catches the eyes of three robbers who want Elmer’s secret powder.
• Mixed Magic – (1936, 16 minutes) Directed by Raymond Kane, Buster plays Elmer “Happy” Butterworth, who tries out for a job to become a magician’s assistant, despite not knowing magic.
• Jail Bait – (1937, 19 minutes) Directed by Charles Lamont, Buster Keaton plays “The Office-Boy” who needs $98 to buy his girlfriend a ring but since he has no money, he runs into a thug who asks him to fake a crime, take the blame and he will get his $98.  But of course, by confessing a crime, the office-boy gets more than he is expecting.
• Ditto – (1937, 17 minutes) Directed by Charles Lamont, Buster Keaton plays the iceman who falls for a woman (which he doesn’t know are twins, played by Gloria and Barbara Brewster).
• Love Nest On Wheels – (1937, 18 minutes) The final Educational film starring Buster Keaton and directed by Charles Lamont, Buster Keaton plays the character of Elmer and stars Keaton’s family and friends.  Elmer and his family run a broken down hotel and a couple stop by in town to stay at the hotel, not knowing how bad of shape it truly is in.  But a man is demanding money or else he will close down the hotel, can Elmer and family raise enough money in time?

VIDEO:

The episodes in “LOST KEATON” is presented in black and white (1:33:1 aspect ratio).  Quality for the majority of the films are in great shape.  There a scratches and dust that can be seen but not so bad where it distracts the overall quality of the film.  Overall, I’m quite pleased that these shorts which are nearly 80-years-old are in good shape.

AUDIO:

The episodes of “LOST KEATON” is presented in monaural.  Dialogue is clear and understandable.  Audio does differ in each episode (the last two episodes are probably the two that come off with static), but for the most part, audio can be heard.  It’s also important to note that because these shorts showcase more of Buster Keaton’s physical comedy, although there is dialogue, there is more focus on the physical comedy and thus dialogue is featured less throughout these 16 episodes.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“LOST KEATON” comes with the following special features:

• Film Notes - The following features short notes about each episode and Buster Keaton’s involvement in those episodes.  Written by David Macleod, author of “The Sound of Buster Keaton”.
• Photo Gallery - Featuring still photography of Buster Keaton courtesy of David Macleod, Bruce Lawton and Douris UK Ltd.  Using your remote (or PC arrow buttons), viewers can cycle through each photo.
• “Why The Call Him Buster” – (1:11) A musical montage of pratfalls and stunts created to promote the upcoming release of KINO’s “Lost Keaton”.

This is the first time I have watched the Buster Keaton Educational Film shorts and I’m quite impressed with what the crew came up with considering the short budget they had, but if anything, Buster Keaton does a great job in showing us that many years after “The General” and “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” and countless other silent films that he had made, that he can still deliver in physical comedy.

In many ways, these shorts kind of remind me of the fun that I enjoyed while watching the Little Rascals shorts but without children, we have Buster Keaton.  In each episode, Keaton does say a few lines but for the most part, his physical comedy that he is known for is what is spotlighted in each episode.

Of course, when compared to his films that he did in the ’20s, there is obviously differences in budget but considering that these were short films on a low budget, the majority of the 16 shorts featured in “Lost Keaton” were quite hilarious and fun to watch.

I have quite a few favorites but I noticed that I enjoyed the pairing between Keaton and Lona Andre (who has this slight resemblance to Myrna Loy) and episodes such as “Three on a Limb” and “The Timid Young Man” but episodes where Buster Keaton does shine are episodes like “Grand Slam Opera” which was an amazing sight to see Keaton reacting and dancing to various music from other countries and he does a fantastic job in those scenes.  Another favorite was the short titled “Allez Oop” in which Buster plays a man who tries to show that he can do trapeze work (since the girl he likes falls for a trapeze artist) and “Hayseed Romance” as Buster is working at a farm and finds out that he may have to stay there by force.

But there are many fun episodes such as “The Gold Ghost”, “Tars and Stripes”, “The E-Flat Man”, “The Chemist” and many more.  As for shorts that aren’t that great, to tell you the truth, there is only one bad one which is “Ditto” (which seems fine at the beginning but has this unusual second half that made no sense).  If anything, I found all 16 episodes to be quite fun and hilarious.  It’s a shame that Keaton didn’t do more of these shorts at Educational Films but then again, Fox Film Corporation which distributed these shorts would end up withdrawing their support of Educational Films in 1937 and less than two years later, Educational Films would file for bankruptcy.

Keaton would go on to make ten more shorts for Columbia Pictures in 1939 but these were considered his weakest work and Keaton vowed to never “make another crummy two-reeler”.

If anything, Kino International has done a wonderful service for Keaton fans by releasing these 16 comedy shorts on DVD for a great price!  Once again, picture quality is pretty good for these nearly 80-year-old short films and audio quality is good, if anything, I wish there was a featurette, possibly interviews with Keaton scholars about his work at Educational Films or something extra included aside from the photo gallery and the same “Lost Keaton” one minute video that was featured on the “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” Blu-ray and DVD release.  But I did enjoy the inclusion of the film notes by David Macleod and now I’m very much interested in reading his book “The Sound of Buster Keaton”.

Overall, I’m sure silent film fans may find these comedy shorts too different than his silents but for me, I appreciate the work that Buster Keaton was able to do during the silent era and the sound era.  He doesn’t do much acting in terms of spoken dialogue but it works well because what makes the film so entertaining is his physical comedy and also seeing him partnered with leading ladies (who did a good job with their own style of comedy which complimented his physical comedy) in some of these episodes such as actresses Lona Andre and Dorothea Kent.

“Lost Keaton” is definitely a set worth owning and recommended for fans of Buster Keaton and those looking for humorous comedy based shorts from the mid-1930′s.  Definitely recommended!

 

JUSTIN BIEBER DEBUTS WORLD PREMIERE VIDEO DURING WORLD SERIES GAME 3 PREGAME ON FOX

Coverage Being Saturday at 6:30 PM ET – The Earliest for WS Game Since 1987

Kelly Clarkson, RAISING HOPE’s Martha Plimpton Perform During Game 3

FOX Sports presents the world premiere of pop music sensation Justin Bieber’s new music video this Saturday, October 30th, prior to the start of Game 3 of the World Series on FOX. The video is for special acoustic version of his hit single “Never Say Never” off his upcoming album due out at the end of November. Coverage begins at a special start time of 6:30 PM ET.

Bieber filmed the video this week at Angels Stadium in Anaheim and saluted the World Series participants by wearing gear of both the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers during the shoot. The world premiere of the acoustic version of “Never Say Never” airs during the World Series pregame that begins at 6:30 PM ET. This marks the earliest start time of a World Series game in 23 years.

In addition, Texas native and American Idol Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson sings the National Anthem prior to Game 3 in Arlington. Martha Plimpton, star of FOX’s hit comedy RAISING HOPE, performs God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch.

Also during the broadcast, FOX Sports and MLB unveil the winners of their joint initiative, THE WORLD SERIES OF COSTUMES. Thousands of fans submitted photos of their children, 12 & under, in Halloween costumes and the three winners appear during the Saturday night’s World Series broadcast. The photo contest was judged by AMERICAN IDOL’s Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest. Log onto www.mlb.com/halloween for more information.

 

Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart and Billboard Hot 200 Album Chart (Top 10 Singles and Albums in the USA): FAR EAST MOVEMENT takes the #1 spot for singles and Sugarland takes #1 for the album charts (Issue Date: November 6, 2010)

The following are the top 10 songs in the United States from the Billboard Hot 100 Music Charts:

NOTE: Far East Movement takes the #1 spot, Bruno Mars at #2 and Rihanna at #3.

BUY THESE SINGLES:

1. Far*East Movement featuring Cataracs & Dev – Like a G6
2. Bruno Mars – Just the Way You Are
3. Rihanna – Only Girl (In the World)
4. Nelly – Just a Dream
5. Usher feat. Pitbull – DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love
6. Trey Songz feat. Nicki Minaj – Bottoms Up
7. Katy Perry – Teenage Dream
8. Taio Cruz – Dynamite
9. Flo Rida feat. David Guetta – Club Can’t Handle Me
10. P!nk – Raise Your Glass

The following are the top 10 albums in America from the Billboard 200 Album Charts:

NOTE: Sugarland takes the #1 spot, Kings of Leon at #2 and Elton John/Leon Russell at #3.

Purchase the #1 Album in the USA:

1. Sugarland – The Incredible Machine
2. Kings of Leon – Come Around Sundown
3. Elton John/Leon Russell – The Union
4. Rod Stewart – Fly Me to the Moon – The Great American
5. Lil Wayne – I Am Not a Human Being
6. Glee: The Rocky Horror Glee
7. Shakira – Sale El Sol
8. Eminem – Recovery
9. Third Day – Move
10. Darius Rucker – Charleston, SC 1966

 

J!-ENT’s Dennis A. Amith interviews BOOM BOOM SATELLITES (J!-ENT INTERVIEWS & ARTICLES)

Absorbing both electronic and rock elements, Tokyo’s BOOM BOOM SATELLITES created a completely new and unknown sound; a sound that NME stated was “like The Prodigy fighting Underworld with bloody big sticks.” This sound not only established them as an exciting new band, but also boosted their profile as one of the most distinguished music producers in Japan.

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 over the last decade.

The band is currently touring the US and J!-ENT’s Dennis A. Amith had the opportunity to interview boy Masa and Michi before they began their US concert tour (October 2010).  The interview also features photography by J!-ENT’s Nergene Arquelada and Masanori Naruse from their performances which include their recent Los Angeles performance, their FUJI ROCK performance and photos courtesy of Sony Music Japan from their New York performance.

Click here to read our interview

 

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