Moonstruck (a J!-ENT Blu-ray Disc Review)

Magnificent!  One of the greatest romantic comedies to come from the ’80s, “Moonstruck” has everything you want from a romantic comedy…great music, great location, great story and most of all, magnificent performances.  Recommended!

Images courtesy of © 2011 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.

TITLE: Moonstruck

FILM RELEASE DATE: 1987

DURATION: 98 Minutes

BLU-RAY DISC INFORMATION: 1080p High Definition (1:85:1), English 5.1 DTS-HD MA, Spanish Mono, French Dolby Surround, AVC@40MBPS, Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

COMPANY: MGM/20th Century Fox

RATED: PG

RELEASE DATE: February 15, 2011

Directed by Norman Jewison

Written by John Patrick Shanley

Producer by Norman Jewison and Patrick J. Palmer

Associate Producer: Bonnie Palef

Music by Dick Hyman

Cinematography by David Watkin

Edited by Lou Lombardo

Casting by Howard Feuer

Production Design by Philip Rosenberg

Art Direction by Dan Davis, Barbra Matis

Costume Design by Theoni V. Aldredge

Starring:

Cher as Loretta Castorini

Nicolas Cage as Ronny Cammareri

Vincent Gardenia as Cosmo Castorini

Olympia Dukakis as Rose Castorini

Danny Aiello as Mr. Johnny Cammareri

Juli Bovasso as Rita Cappomaggi

John Mahoney as Perry

Louis Guss as Raymond Cappomaggi

Anita Gillette as Mona

Leonardo Cimino as Felix

Paula Trueman as Lucy

Nada Despotovich as Chrissy

Three timeless classics will make their Blu-ray debut on February 15th from MGM Home Entertainment: LAST TANGO IN PARIS: Uncut Version, MOONSTRUCK, and cult favorite RAIN MAN. Collectively nominated for sixteen Academy Awards, these celebrated titles make the perfect additions to any film collection!

Fall under the delightful spell of MOONSTRUCK, with Cher (Burlesque) as an unlucky-in-love Italian widow who finds romance through the intervention of the Manhattan moon. With her wedding to Johnny (Danny Aiello, Once Upon A Time in America), a man she doesn’t love, just weeks away, she meets and falls hopelessly in love with his younger brother (Nicolas Cage, Leaving Las Vegas). Her dilemma—and her equally passionate and hilariously eccentric family—make for an unforgettable film. Nominated for six Academy Awards, MOONSTRUCK was honored with accolades for Best Actress (Cher), Best Supporting Actress (Olympia Dukakis, Look Who’s Talking), and Best Original Screenplay.

Moonstruck – Film Clip – “All I’m Sayin’”

Moonstruck – Film Clip – “Snap Out of It”

Moonstruck – Film Clip – “Loretta and Ronnie”

Moonstruck – Film Clip – “The Proposal”

Moonstruck – Film Clip – “Love Bite”

Hilarious and enjoyable, “Moonstruck” is a fantastic romantic comedy featuring spectacular performances by Cher, Olympia Dukakis and Vincent Gardenia.  Great screenplay, wonderful direction, just an exciting romantic comedy that is absolutely timeless!

In 1987, “Moonstruck”, directed by Norman Jewison (“Agnes of God”, “Rollerball”, “Fiddler on the Roof”) and a screenplay by John Patrick Shanley (“Joe Versus the Volcano”, “Congo”, “Doubt”) was released theatrically and became the fifth highest grossing film of that year with over $80 million made in the US box office and a film that would be nominated for six Oscars and taking home three for “Best Original Screenplay”, “Best Actress” (Cher) and “Best Supporting Actress” (Olympia Dukakis).  And now this wonderful romantic comedy receives a re-release as part of “Cher: The Film Collection” (note: The version included in this release is the Deluxe Edition).

There was no doubt that 1987 was a busy year for Cher who starred in three films that year alone with “Suspect” and “The Witches of Eastwick”.  Since her return to feature films with “Silkwood” in 1983 (which she was nominated for an Oscar for “Best Supporting Actress”), she followed up with a wonderful performance in “Mask” in 1985 which earned her a Cannes Film Festival Award for “Best Actress”.  But it is her role in “Moonstruck” that literally made Cher one of the most popular and most wanted actresses on the planet.

“Moonstruck” revolves around the character Loretta Castorini (played by Cher), a 37-year-old woman who is an accountant and also a widower.  She is dating Johnny Cammareri (played by Danny Aiello, “Do the Right Thing”, “Leon the Professional”, “Harlem Nights”), a man she doesn’t really love.  But considering she has not found love since the death of her last husband, when Johnny proposes to her, she says, “yes”.

But with Johnny’s mother dying and the fact that he didn’t have an engagement ring (had to use his own pinky ring), he tells her that once he gets back from visiting his mother in Italy, who is living her final days, he will return back and the two will plan for their wedding.  But before he leaves, he has one request for Loretta, to please visit his estranged brother Ronny (played by Nicolas Cage, “Raising Arizona”, “Peggy Sue Got Married”, “National Treasure”) and tell him that his older brother is getting married and would like for him to attend.

Meanwhile, Loretta’s father Cosmo (played by Vincent Gardenia, “Little Shop of Horrors”, “Death Wish”) is not so supportive of his daughters remarriage, especially since she wants him to pay for her wedding.  As for her mother, Rose (played by Olympia Dukakis, “Steel Magnolias”, “Look Who’s Talking”, “Charlie’s War”), she’s just more concerned that she marries a man that she doesn’t love.

When Loretta tries to call Ronny to let him know about her wedding with his older brother, he screams at her and hangs up the phone.  Because she knows his appearance at the wedding is so important for Johnny, she goes to the bakery where Ronny works and tells him the news to his face.  Immediately, we learn from Ronny why he hates his brother so much.

Apparently when he was about to get married, his brother preoccupied him during a conversation and Ronny put his hand through a meat slicer and lost his hand.  He also lost his fiance who ran out on him with another man and blames Johnny for everything.  So, he is disgusted that Johnny has a girl while he not only lost his, he also lost his hand.

Loretta tries to calm Ronny’s anger by inviting him to her home in which she cooks him a steak.  While the two are talking, he gets angry at her again about marrying his brother and next thing you know, he starts kissing Loretta and the next thing you know, the two go to her bed where they make love.

Loretta knows that she has done the wrong thing and tries to push Ronny away but he tells her that he has fallen in love with her.  But she tells him that they can’t because she is marrying his brother.  Ronny can’t resist Loretta but he will do so if she accompanies him to the opera.  So, she agrees.

Loretta doesn’t know too much about the opera but she wants to look nice with her final outing with Ronny.  Getting her hair died and getting a makeover, the two go to the opera and even though she finds herself caring for Ronny and Ronny continuing to tell her how much he loves her.  She tells him that she can’t because she’s marrying Johnny.  But can she marry a man that she doesn’t even love?  Will she end up staying by her promise to marry Johnny or will she follow her heart and marry Ronny?

VIDEO:

“Moonstruck” is presented in 1080p High Definition (1:85:1 widescreen).  First, its important for me to remind everyone that this is a 1987 film and I’ve always had the opinion that many films from the ’80s tend to have this aged look and sometimes appearances look soft.  While for “Moonstruck”, the film does show its age in terms of film stock used, this is the best looking version of the film to date.

There is a good amount of grain in this film but there is much more detail.  For example, when we are introduced to Ronny (Nicolas Cage) for the first time, you can see the detail of that flame inside the bread cooking stove, the hairs on Cage’s chest are much more evident, especially the white in Cher’s hair at the beginning of the film.

Blacks are nice and deep in the Blu-ray release and for the most part, it’s not the greatest looking film on Blu-ray but for a 1987 classic romantic comedy, it’s definitely an upgrade from the previous DVD releases.  While the film definitely looks better on Blu-ray, where “Moonstruck” definitely excels is its lossless audio.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

“Moonstruck” is presented in English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, Spanish Mono and French Dolby Surround.  While “Moonstruck” has always been a film about its witty dialogue, it’s also a film that is known for its music.  While the film is not known for having an immersive soundtrack and it’s not an action film to expect any major use of surround, what I enjoyed about the lossless soundtrack to this film is how they utilized the music towards the front and surround channels.

The music sounds fantastic for this film and I was amazed of how much the music brings the film to life via lossless.  From hearing Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore” to the opera and hear how the music was utilized throughout the film and hear it sound crystal clear was pretty awesome.  There are some scenes that do fully utilize the surround that are non-music such as a jet flying over the city and you can hear how the engines start to get louder and go from one speaker and literally envelope the whole soundscape but these are just a few instances.  If anything, the lossless soundtrack for “Moonstruck” is adequate for this film and if you loved the film before, especially for how music was utilized, you’ll love how this film sounds on Blu-ray.

Subtitles are presented in English SDH, Spanish and French.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Moonstruck” comes with the following special features in Standard Definition:

• Audio Commentary – Featuring audio commentary by Cher, director Norman Jewison and writer John Patrick Shanley.
• Moonstruck: At the Heart of an Italian Family – (25:29) Director Norman Jewison and writer John Patrick Shanley talks about making “Moonstruck” a film that showcases Italian family.  Also, featuring interviews with Italian families and more.
• Pastas to Pastries: The Art of Fine Italian Food – (1:41) Mark DeCarlo takes us around Little Italy in NYC.  After DeCarlo’s introduction we get six establishments featured in their own separate featurettes:

- Grotta Azzurra – (18:47) Mark visits the restaurant and we learn how to make three easy dishes courtesy of the chef.

- Italian Food Center – (2:32) Mark visits the Italian Food Center and takes a look at things we can find inside the store.

- Ferrara Pastries - (2:29) Mark visits the famous Ferrara Pastries.

- Piemonte Ravioli Co. - (2:29) Mark visits the Piemonte Ravioli Co. and how they supply fresh pasta to many of the restaurants in Little Italy.

- Gelato Stand – (1:03) Mark visits a gelato stand in Little Italy.  Gelato is Italian ice cream.

- Florio’s Restaurant – (1:25) Mark visits the popular stone oven pizza restaurant.

• Music of Moonstruck - (6:25)  A special feature with composer Dick Hyman who talks about the music of the film and how the music was tested with an audience and changes were made to the film.  But how Dean Martin’s “Amore” was a perfect for the film.

Back in 1987, there was no doubt that “Moonstruck” was a magical film.  Before films such as “When Harry Met Sally”, “Sleepless in Seattle”, “My Greek Wedding” and “Pretty Woman”, the film had everything that you love in a romantic comedy.  Drama, humor and just solid performances from everyone involved.

When I first watched this film, I was literally laughing for many of the comedic sequences throughout the film.  From Nicolas Cage’s character screaming about how he lost his hand.  It’s such a tragic situation but the way it was done onscreen, it was crazy.  There were just so many scenes that were just way out of left field that I never saw coming and that’s what added to the allure of the film.  You can tell that everyone involved had a blast and everything just came out quite well in the end.  The screenplay and the film’s pacing was well-done, direction was also well-done and as mentioned, the performances were wonderful, especially for Cher and Olympia Dukakis.  These two women did a magnificent job and their Oscars were well-deserved.

Coming back to this film nearly over 20-years later, the film still manages to still maintain its laughs and the film doesn’t look incredibly aged.  If anything, as much as I enjoyed this Blu-ray release, when the original deluxe version came out back in 2006, I felt at the time that the release was well-deserved and that there should have been many special features included.  Because this film was literally re-released several times on DVD and once again last fall for Cher’s “Cher: The Film Collection” from MGM and 20th Century Fox, I was hoping to see newer special features to celebrate this romantic comedy.

As far as the Blu-ray is concerned, this is a wonderful romantic comedy and definitely one of the best films that she has starred in.  She has done many wonderful films in her acting career but “Moonstruck” is my opinion, her greatest performance thus far.  Personally, there is nothing negative I can say about this film because I absolutely loved it.  But for the Blu-ray release, I was just hoping for a bit more in terms of newer special features but it makes you wonder if there will be a 25th Anniversary release?  Nevertheless, you do get the upgrade in picture quality and a lossless soundtrack that really brings the music out for this wonderful film and it is a pretty solid upgrade.

Overall, a highly recommended romantic comedy worth owning on Blu-ray!

 

Naruto volume 50 by Masashi Kishimoto (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

All is revealed of the Akatsuki’s goal and who is pulling the strings in the latest volume of “Naruto”.  Also, a character’s death?  So much action and excitement in this latest 50th volume of “Naruto”!

© 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto. All Rights Reserved.

MANGA TITLE: Naruto Volume 50

STORY AND ART BY: Masashi Kishimoto (岸本 斉史)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: February 1, 2011

Killer Bee vs. Kisame! Plus, the realization of Naruto’s worst nightmare seems inevitable as the war he’s tried to stop for so long looms on the horizon. And Sakura corners Naruto with a reveal that’s gonna knock him for a serious loop. Then, a truth behind the modern ninja world sheds new light on Naruto’s true role in the fate of his universe.

The popular manga series “Naruto” has been going strong since its debut in Shueisha back in 1999 via “Weekly Shonen Jump” magazine.

The manga by Masashi Kishimoto is about a young ninja named Naruto Uzamaki, a ninja of the Konoha leaf village who grew up facing prejudiced within his fellow ninjas because the evil nine-tailed fox was sealed inside him. But throughout the series, we have seen how Naruto is a kind-hearted boy who has worked hard in protecting his friends and staying true to his word with the goal of someday becoming the next Hokage of the village.

In the beginning, Naruto was part of Team Kakashi, alongside Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno and as a team, have grown up together taking on missions and also, joining with other teams of Team Konoha as well as other villages in taking on other major missions as well.

But now years have passed since those earlier years of Team Kakashi and Naruto and his friends are much older and his teammate Sasuke has left the village to pursue his brother Itachi for revenge of killing everyone of the Uchiha clan but worst of all, Sasuke is in search of the traitor of the Konoha village, the evil Orochimaru, in order to obtain more power.

During Naruto’s last confrontation with Sasuke, it appears that a black evil curse has consumed him. But as a promise to his teammate Sakura, Naruto will do what it takes to bring Sasuke back despite whether or not Sasuke has become evil.

Now, Sasuke along with his new team featuring team captain Yamato, Sakura and a ninja named Sai (an emotionless young ninja who was hired by the Black Ops leader Danzo to spy on Naruto) are now on a mission to investigate the Akatsuki criminal organization led by its founder Madara Uchiha who have been doing all they can to capture all tailed-beasts including Naruto’s nine-tailed demon fox.

In Japan, a total of 54 volumes have been printed (as of February 2011) and in the US, the 50th volume has now been released.

In the last volume, the story takes place after Pain has tried to destroy the Konoha village and Hokage Lady Tsunade uses up all her energy to summon Katsuyu to protect the village but in exchange for the powerful summon, she has now gone into a coma and Danzo of the Black Ops (a rival that Tsunade has never trusted) has now been appointed as sixth hokage in Tsunade’s place.

Raikage has summoned all Ninja leaders to come to Gokage summit but immediately, Sasuke Uchiha has now shown up.  Along with his friends, they start attacking those who have attended the summit.  Meanwhile, the Konoha ninjas (Naruto’s friends) try to convince Sakura to tell Naruto that she cares about him, so he can stop looking for Sasuke.

Here is a brief summary of each chapter of “Naruto Volume 50″:

• Number 464 – The Power of Darkness…!! – As Sasuke and his friends continue their attack, Gaara and a few from the Sand Village arrive in time to join in battle.
• Number 465 – The Summit Hall Attacked! – The leaders vs. Sasuke part III.
• Number 466 – The Great Battle in the Sealed Room!! – The leaders vs. Sasuke part IV.
• Number 467 – Declaration of War – Uchiha Madara reveals the true intention of the Aktasuki and his plan.
• Number 468 – Eight Tails and Nine Tails – Now knowing Uchiha Madara and the Akatsuki’s plan, the various leaders debate on how they should protect the eight tail (Killer Bee) and the nine tail (Naruto).
• Number 469 – Sakura’s Confession – Sakura goes to Naruto and tries to convince him that she loves him and not Sasuke.
• Number 470 – Killer Bee vs. Kisame!! – As the Akatsuki look for the eight-tail, Killer Bee takes on Kisame.
• Number 471 – Eight Tails, Version 2!! – Killer Bee’s chakra is being swallowed by Kisame’s sword, how can he fight him?
• Number 472 – Water Prison Death Match! – Kisame unleashes his water prison on Killer Bee.
• Number 473 – Bro – Killer Bee’s brother and the Raikage arrive in time to battle Kisame to the death.

What can I say about volume 50 of “Naruto but….”WOW!”

For those who have waited for Sasuke to make his move, this latest volume shows how powerful he has become.  And to see him take on leaders of various ninja clans at the Gokage Summit was very exciting to read but what is more important is that you get the true revelation of what the Akatsuki were trying to accomplish and who was pulling the strings.

And that’s not it.  You also get to see of a character’s death and let’s just say that it’s a death that one doesn’t see coming.

Suffice to say, volume 50 of “Naruto” is all action-driven and while you get Sasuke and his friends battling the various ninja leaders, you get the battle between Killer Bee vs. Kisame.

Naruto does have an appearance in this issue but it’s more or less about him trying to figure out Sasuke’s motivation and of course, Sakura and friends trying to prevent Naruto from chasing after Sasuke anymore.  To stop him before he gets killed.

So, all I can say is that if you enjoy “Naruto”, this latest volume is fantastic!

Overall, “Naruto” is an awesome manga series and for those who have appreciated the anime series first, will definitely enjoy the manga series as well. A thrilling, action-packed volume of “Naruto” the manga series.

Definitely recommended!

 

SNL ROARS INTO MARCH WITH HOST MILEY CYRUS AND MUSICAL GUEST THE STROKES ON MARCH 5

March 12 – SNL Welcomes Back Host Zach Galifianakis with Musical Guest Jessie J

New York, NY – February 28, 2011 – SNL returns with back-to-back shows starting March 5 with Miley Cyrus and musical guest The Strokes, with Zach Galifianakis and musical guest Jessie J the following week on March 12.

Miley Cyrus, the youngest-ever multi-platinum recording artist with four number one albums in less than three years, will make her SNL debut. She previously starred in the feature film drama by Nicholas Sparks, “The Last Song.”

The Strokes return for their third musical guest appearance. The band’s newest single “Under Cover of Darkness,” has garnered critical acclaim and continues to climb the charts. Their upcoming album “Angles,” due out March 22, is the band’s first new release since their 2006 album “First Impressions of Earth.”

Zach Galifianakis returns for his second time as host on March 12. Galifianakis just finished filming “The Hangover 2,” due out later this year and is a follow-up to the hit box office feature film, “The Hangover.”. Galifianakis currently stars in the HBO series “Bored to Death” and last appeared in the feature film “Due Date,” alongside Robert Downey Jr.

Making her first SNL and U.S. television appearance, Jessie J’s debut album, “Who You Are,” due out April 12, has already spun two hit singles. Her global single, “Price Tag,” featuring rapper B.o.B, became Jessie J’s first number-one single on the UK Singles Charts. Jessie J recently won the prestigious Critic’s Choice Award and BBC Sound Award at The 2011 BRIT Awards.

“Saturday Night Live” is produced in association with Broadway Video. The creator and executive producer is Lorne Michaels.

 

A wild Monday for Charlie Sheen

Monday was definitely not a quiet day as entertainment coverage that would typically be about what happened at the Academy Awards was overshadowed by the latest developments with actor Charlie Sheen.

It began in the morning with an appearance on “The Today Show” (NBC) and “Good Morning America” and nothing for CBS. Sheen told Good Morning America, “I’m different. I just have a different constitution. I have a different brain. I have a different heart. Dying’s for fools. There’s certain blends I will not entertain, because that’s how people go down. I’m too smart to do that. I’m sorry for the guys that happened to, but you know, you should have read the directions before showing up at the party, you know?”

Then moments before an interview with TMZ, Sheen’s entertainment publicist Stan Rosenfield quit.

Rosenfield issued the following statement, “I have worked with Charlie Sheen for a long time and I care about him very much. However, at this time, I’m unable to work effectively as his publicist and have respectfully resigned.”

Sheen then called Rosenfield a profanity and responded with, “He’s not allowed to quit, so you’re fired.”

In an excerpt with his interview with TMZ, Sheen was asked about the future of his hit show “Two and a Half Men”, Sheen said, “Chuck Lorre, I give him credit for making the show. I don’t give him any credit for making it go away because of ego, emotions … If a couple of adjustments could be made, maybe Chuck and I would work together, but let’s figure it out in a creative environment, not in a legal environment … Chuck hasn’t called me, it’s not cool. Let’s talk man to man, explain yourself, explain why you’re making these rash dictatorial decisions without confirming with your star … My show drifted into the rose garden and wilted. Rose garden and wilted, that’s good. I just come up with this stuff … Whatever part I had in [the show going dark for the season] I sincerely apologize for. Whatever I can fix, i guarantee I will. ”

When asked about his father’s comments, Sheen said, “I respectfully allow him to maintain his opinions, but they’re the gibberish of fools. He’s my dad, and that’s pretty bitching. No disrespect, but I’m 45 years old.”

Also, Sheen’s lawyer Marty Singer has sent a letter to the studio demanding that Sheen is paid in full for the 8 unproduced episodes of the show’s current eighth season.

Needless to say, I’m sure there will more developments throughout the week!

 

E!’S “LIVE FROM THE RED CARPET: THE 2011 ACADEMY AWARDS” DRAWS NEARLY FOUR MILLION TOTAL VIEWERS SCORING THE MOST-WATCHED “LIVE FROM THE RED CARPET” IN THE NETWORK’S HISTORY

• E!’s Live from the Red Carpet: The 2011 Academy Awards on Sunday, February 27th scored the most-watched LRC in the network’s history from 6pm-8pm EST hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Giuliana Rancic, drawing in nearly 4 million Total Viewers, out-performing last year’s delivery by +9%. This places LRC: The 2011 Academy Awards as one of E!’s Top 10 most-watched telecasts ever.

• LRC: The 2011 Academy Awards posted impressive numbers across all key measures, garnering a 2.76 Household and 1.81 Adult 18-49 rating as it nearly tripled the prior four week time period while also exceeding the network’s Primetime delivery.

• Additionally, LRC: The 2011 Academy Awards registered notable gains among a younger audience compared to last year’s show, up +8% with Adults 18-34 (1.83 rtg.) and +13% with Women 18-34 (2.66 rtg.) while also more than doubling the prior four week time period with both demos.

• LRC produced appointment viewing numbers as it nearly quadrupled its Countdown lead-in and built an additional +43% from start to finish while also peaking at a 3.33 Household rating.

• Leading into LRC, E!’s four-hour Countdown to the Red Carpet: The 2011 Academy Awards from 2pm-6pm EST drew a .74 Household rating and attracted approximately 900,000 Total Viewers, climbing nearly +60% with both measures over the prior four week time period while increasing +14% and +19% respectively over last year’s Countdown coverage. Countdown steadily built its audience leading up to LRC as its quarter hour performance doubled from start to finish.

• The E! After Party: The 2011 Academy Awards from 11:50pm-1:30am EST drew a .68 Household rating and averaged nearly 825,000 Total Viewers, posting double digit gains over the prior four week time period of +13% and +22% respectively.

Ryan Seacrest and Michael Levitt serve as Executive Producers for Live from the Red Carpet: The 2011 Academy Awards. E!’s Red Carpet coverage is a Ryan Seacrest Production.

*Source Nielsen Media Research, Fast Nationals, Sunday, 02/27/11 vs. Year Ago Performance on Sunday, 03/07/10; Prior 4-Week Time Period (01/24/11-02/20/11), Primetime based on 1Q’11 to date (12/27/10-02/24/11, Mon-Sun, 6pm-12am); E! After Party based on 11:50pm-1:30am

 

Gretchen Mol gives birth to a baby girl

Congratulations to Gretchen Mol and husband Tod “Kip” Williams, proud parents of a new baby daughter! Gretchen gave birth to their second child Winter Morgan Williams on February 17th.

Both have a son, Ptolemy John who is 3 1/2 years old.

 

SAVE THE DATE! “TORI & DEAN: sTORIbook WEDDINGS” PREMIERES 4/6 at 10PM ET/PT

SAVE THE DATE!

OXYGEN’S FAVORITE COUPLE MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE IN

“TORI & DEAN: sTORIbook WEDDINGS” PREMIERING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 AT 10PM ET/PT

NEW YORK – February 28, 2011 – Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott take their event planning expertise to the next level in Oxygen’s new series “Tori & Dean: sTORIbook Weddings,” set to premiere on Wednesday, April 6 at 10pm ET/PT. The eight-episode series follows America’s favorite married couple as they set out to give couples a once in a lifetime experience.

Combining Tori Spelling’s party-planning flair with husband Dean McDermott’s bring-it-on attitude, “Tori & Dean: sTORIbook Weddings” takes one lucky couple’s wedding from ordinary to extraordinary. Spelling turns the bride-to-be’s dreams for a beautiful event into a reality, while McDermott helps the groom-to-be navigate those sometimes murky wedding waters. Tori and Dean are helping couples create their own special day. Whether it is an Arabian nights or pug themed event, couples today want to make a personal statement at their wedding.

Throughout the series, Tori and Dean are tasked with having to pull off some of the most dramatic and over-the-top requests. One couple dreams of a sparkling Hollywood nightclub themed wedding, with a ballroom twist, to recreate the story of how they met. Another couple desires a cake-filled, Marie Antoinette-inspired wedding, to match their fairytale love story. With the help of friend and art director James McGowan, Tori and Dean make anything possible.

For fans who want more Tori and Dean, www.Oxygen.com is the place to be. Viewers can log-on from their computers or mobile devices to enjoy behind-the-scenes photos, video footage and blogs. Fans can enjoy weekly chats with Tori and Dean, James and the lucky couples during the real-time social viewing party on www.OxygenLive.com, or using the OxygenLive app for the iPhone, iPad, and Android. Additionally, Oxygen.com will host a user-generated photo contest that asks fans to upload their best wedding pictures for a chance to win a dream vacation. Tori Spelling will be selecting the winner. Fans can also connect via Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/torianddean and via Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/torianddean_hsh. You can follow @ToriandDean_HSH and tweet the official “sTORIbook weddings” hashtag #Big2Do.

“Tori &Dean: sTORIbook Weddings” is executive produced by Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott of Life In a Bowl Productions, Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey of World of Wonder Productions, and Amber Mazzola.

About World of Wonder

Innovative production company World of Wonder is behind such entertaining hit series as “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (Logo), “Million Dollar Listing” (Bravo), and “Fantasia For Real” (Vh1).

They have recently announced a show featuring Sarah the Duchess of York (OWN). In addition, World of Wonder has created award winning films and documentaries such as “Inside Deep Throat”, “The Eyes of Tammy Faye”, “Party Monster” and “Monica in Black and White”. With offices in Hollywood and London, the company has produced cutting-edge fiction and non-fiction programming for HBO, Showtime, VH1, IFC, Discovery, MTV, BBC, PBS, and Channel 4 UK, among others, and can be found online at http://worldofwonder.net/.

About Oxygen Media

Oxygen Media is a multiplatform lifestyle brand that delivers relevant and engaging content to young women who like to “live out loud.” Oxygen is rewriting the rulebook for women’s media by changing how the world sees entertainment from a young woman’s point of view. Through a vast array of unconventional and original content including “Bad Girls Club,” “Hair Battle Spectacular,” and “Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood,” the growing cable network is the premiere destination to find unique and groundbreaking unscripted programming. A social media trendsetter, Oxygen is a leading force in engaging modern young women, wherever they are, with popular, award winning features online including www.OxygenLive.com, the real time social viewing party that is also available as an app for the iPhone, iPad, and Android, as well as innovative tools shopOholic and makeOvermatic. Oxygen is available in 76 million homes and online at www.oxygen.com, or on mobile devices at wap.oxygen.com. Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/OxygenPR. Oxygen Media is a service of NBCUniversal.

 

V: Mother’s Day — SEASON FINALE (3/15)

ANNA IS FOCUSED ON LISA BREEDING WITH TYLER FOR
THE Vs’ EVOLUTION, WHILE DIANA AND THE FIFTH COLUMN LOOK
TO END ANNA’S CONTROL, ON THE SEASON FINALE OF ABC’S “V”

Marc Singer Guest Stars

“Mother’s Day” – Anna is focused on having Lisa breed with Tyler to ensure the evolution of the Visitors, while Erica and Diana enlist Lisa to stage a coup against Anna and remove her from power before humanity is destroyed. Erica and the Fifth Column join Lisa in the attempted coup, which has devastating results, on the shocking Season Two finale of “V,” TUESDAY, MARCH 15 (9:00-10:01 p.m., ET) on ABC. Also in the episode, Marc Singer, who played freedom fighter Mike Donovan on the original “V” series, will guest star as Lars Tremont, a member of a top secret organization of high-ranking military and government leaders from around the globe who have long suspected that the Visitors are very much not here in peace.

“V” stars Elizabeth Mitchell as Erica Evans, Morris Chestnut as Ryan Nichols, Joel Gretsch as Father Jack, Charles Mesure as Kyle Hobbes, Logan Huffman as Tyler Evans, Laura Vandervoort as Lisa, with Morena Baccarin as Anna and Scott Wolf as Chad Decker.

Guest stars include Jane Badler as Diana, Marc Singer as Lars Tremont, Roark Critchlow as A.D. Paul Kendrick, Jay Karnes as Chris Bolling, Mark Hildreth as Joshua, Christopher Shyer as Marcus, Martin Cummins as Thomas.

“Mother’s Day” was written by Scott Rosenbaum & Gregg Hurwitz and directed by Bryan Spicer.

“V” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-14,S,V parental guideline.

For more information on “V,” please visit ABC.com and become a fan of the show on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/V. You can also follow “V” on Twitter: @V_ABC.

 

ABC’S 2011 ACADEMY AWARDS DRAWS 2ND-LARGEST AUDIENCE SINCE 2007

Sunday, February 27, 2011 – Based on Nielsen’s True Fast National Ratings

ABC’s Broadcast of the “83rd Annual Academy Awards” Qualifies
As Television’s Most-Watched Entertainment Telecast in 1 Year

ABC’s “Academy Awards” Telecast Draws its 2nd-Biggest Audience Since 2007

ABC’s “2011 Oscars” Broadcast Overshadows Other Award Shows This Season, Including the “Grammy Awards,” “Golden Globe Awards” and “Emmy Awards”

“2011 Oscars” Reach 71.3 Million Unique Viewers Across the United States

Video Views for the “Oscar” Multiplatform Experience Surge 29% Year to Year,
With 3 Million Video Views Across Oscar.com and the Oscar Backstage Pass App

The “83rd Annual Academy Awards” (8:30-11:30 p.m.)
ABC’s broadcast of the “83rd Annual Academy Awards” attracted an average audience of 37.6 million Total Viewers and posted an 11.7 rating among Adults 18-49, based on Nielsen’s “Fast National” ratings.

* Drawing its 2nd-largest overall audience since 2007, the “Academy Awards” registered as TV’s most-watched entertainment telecast in 1 year – since 3/7/10. Hosted by James Franco and Anne Hathaway, the “Oscars” retained nearly all of its audience year to year with Adults 18-34 (95% – 10.6 rating vs. 11.1 rating) and Women 18-34 (98% – 12.7 rating vs. 13.0 rating).

* ABC’s “83rd Annual Academy Awards” (37.6 million) overshadowed other awards shows this season, outdrawing the 2010 “Emmy Awards” by 24.1 million viewers (13.5 million), the 2011 “Golden Globe Awards” by 20.6 million viewers (17.0 million) and the 2011 “Grammy Awards” by 10.9 million viewers (26.7 million).

* ABC’s “83rd Annual Academy Awards” reached an estimated 71.3 million unique television viewers across the U.S. – unduplicated Viewers 2+ watching 6-minutes or more during its telecast.

“Oscar’s Red Carpet Live” (8:00 – 8:30 p.m.)
With “Oscar’s Red Carpet Live” pre-show from 8:00-8:30 p.m., ABC pulled in 26.4 million viewers, drawing the special’s largest audience since 2007.

Online: Oscar.com and Oscar Backstage Pass App
Preliminary data for video views for the “Oscar” multiplatform experience surged by +29% year to year on Sunday, with over 3 million total video views across Oscar.com and the Oscar Backstage Pass App.

 

ABC News’ Andrea Canning to interview Charlie Sheen

In a Special Edition of “20/20″ to air Tuesday, March 1 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET), Charlie Sheen talks to ABC News’ Andrea Canning. A preview of the interview will air on “Good Morning America” and across all ABC News platforms on Monday and Tuesday. Canning questions Sheen on his controversial remarks and his public feud with the CBS comedy’s creator, Chuck Lorre, which resulted in the hit show’s suspension, as well as his notorious headline-making actions.

 

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