Category: News

Ed Catto: It’s A Bat, Bat, Bat, Bat, Bat World

I’m a big fan of Batman. Always have been. Just this past weekend my wonderful Great Aunt Margaret reminded me that I proudly wore a bat-cape as a young boy. Don’t worry, I think I outgrew that by the time I was 22. These days, I let my Batman fan-ness show through with things like my Bat-article in this year’s Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, which focuses on the top Legend of the Dark Knight Batman stories. Jim Steranko provided a gorgeous Batman cover, so it’s a great honor.

But as my interest in comics has broadened, the focus on Batman, per se, has been pushed aside. There are plenty of fans to take my place. Batman attracts a lot of fans. It’s fine by me if it’s time for other fans to step up to the forefront. And it’s just as well. So many of today’s Batman stories, like the Christian Bale Batman movies or Playstation’s Arkham Asylum mythology, just aren’t my cup of tea.

And I know that at some point, there will be a special comic debuting or a reprint published that appeals to my vision of Batman. Recently I was surprised. I ended up having real Batman day.

This particular day started with catching a bit of HBO’s documentary, Starring Adam West. It showcases the actor, as you probably guessed. I only saw 20 minutes in the middle (I’d like to see more later) but there seems to be a healthy focus on Adam West’s role as Batman. The part I saw showed how he was invited to a Texas town and was honored as TV’s Batman.

There was a bit where someone announces him as the first Batman. Adam interrupts to correct him. The announcer adjusts and then refers to him as “the second Batman.” Many longtime fans, like those who read this column, know that two other actors starred as Batman in movie serials and three others voiced Batman in the long-running The Adventures of Superman radio show. It’s obvious that Adam knew that too. Instead of delivering a history lesson, Adam just offers the phrase “the Classic Batman” to the interviewer as a compromise. He’s clever and gracious, as he was throughout the documentary.

Later that very same day, the newest direct-to-DVD animated feature from Warner Bros. was scheduled for a special showing in movie theaters across America. It was one of those Fathom Events where they show something special in a movie theater on a slow movie night – usually a Monday or a Tuesday. My talented friends in the New York Metropolitan Opera, Gloria and Dana Watson, tell me that these Fathom showings have greatly expanded the Met’s audiences.

This animated adventure, Batman and Harley Quinn, heralds the return of creator Bruce Timm. It revisits the Bat-version of Batman: The Animated Series. This Emmy-award winning series has been celebrating its 25 anniversary this year. The recent San Diego Comic-Con found many opportunities to celebrate this ground-breathing series, with panels the famous souvenir book, and even debuting this animated feature.

While my Batman ’66 memories are firmly rooted in my childhood, Batman: The Animated Series reminds me of a totally different time in my life. For me, it’s more of a “young dad” thing. I clearly remember watching the debut episode one Saturday morning with my daughter Cassie. She was always a good sport, putting up with her crazy dad’s interests. I tried to tell her how the female characters from that first episode (Catwoman and Red Claw) were just like Disney heroines, but she was smart enough –even then – not to buy it. But she’d sit with me and we enjoyed so many episodes together.

I’m not sure if I am really a Harley Quinn fan. I’ve been pruning my comic collection and it was pretty easy to part with many Harley comics. But Batman and Harley Quinn offers a nuanced view of the character. Sure, she’s a nut, but this “episode” takes time to show many sides of the character. She can be sympathetic, clever, manipulative, annoying, frustrated and a showboat. And somehow, all these various aspects mix together to create a believable character.

The vocal talents shine in this feature. Kevin Conroy, for many the ‘real’ voice of Batman, is familiar but offers a few surprises along the way. Notable is Paget Brewster. You know her from her many TV appearances, and she brings something new to the villainous Poison Ivy.

It was kick to watch Batman in a theater with a bunch of fans. Batman & Harley Quinn offers plenty of insider jokes to long time Batman and DC fans, and we all laughed together.

Usually, I dive into select comics for my Batman fix. But It was a surprisingly enjoyable day to spend a little time with an old buddy: starting with the HBO documentary and then watching a cartoon… on a big screen. What a year for Geek Culture and Batman fans.

 

Buffy, Firefly Receive Anniversary Box set with Collector’s Items

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Complete Series 20th Anniversary Edition DVD Boxed Set
The teen years can be brutal. Especially when you’re Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) — a Sunnydale High School student destined to slay supernatural, blood-sucking baddies instead of hanging out at the mall. Over the seven seasons of this thrilling, witty show, Buffy struggles to maintain allies in the fight against evil, while also engaging in on-off romances with a moody vampire (David Boreanaz) or two (James Marsters). Now you can own this 39-disc set containing all 144 episodes of one of the smartest, funniest, most action-packed series ever to slay on the small screen — also starring Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Head and Nicholas Brendon.

Bonus Features:

  • **NEW** Official Buffy Dark Horse Comic Book Featuring Exclusive Cover and Coloring Sheet Inside Packaging as a Gift With Purchase for Limited Time Only
  •  Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Complete Series – Seasons 1-7 along with Special Features Material from Previous Seasons

Technical Specs:
Street Date:             September 19, 2017
Screen Format:        Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio:                      English Dolby Surround, French Dolby Surround, Spanish Dolby Surround* (*Seasons 3-7 only)
Subtitles:                  English SDH, Spanish
Total Run Time:        Approximately 6,480 minutes
U.S. Rating:             TV-14
Closed Captioned:  Yes

Firefly 15th Anniversary Collector’s Edition Blu-rayTM Boxed Set
Hang on for the ride of your life as you launch your imagination into a spectacular world of sci-fi action and rugged adventure from the genius mind of creator Joss Whedon! Set 500 years in the future in the aftermath of a universal civil war, Firefly follows Captain Malcolm Reynolds and his renegade crew of the transport ship Serenity – a fiercely loyal team ready to tackle any job, legal or not. But when they unwittingly take on a mysterious pair of travelers, they find themselves constantly on the run, desperate to evade Alliance authorities, flesh-eating Reavers and other hostile dangers in the darkest corners of space.

Bonus Features:

  • **NEW** Firefly Poster and Collectible Character Cards Inside Packaging as Gift With Purchase for Limited Time Only
  • Disc One:
    • “Here’s How It Was: The Making of Firefly” Featurette
  • Disc Two:
    • “Firefly Cast Roundtable: Lunch with Joss, Nathan, Alan and Ron”
  • Disc Three:
    • “Serenity: The 10th Character” Featurette
    • Deleted Scenes
    • Alan Tudyk’s Audition
    • Joss Sings the Firefly Theme
    • Joss Tours the Set
    • Gag Reel

Technical Specs:
Street Date:             September 19, 2017
Screen Format:        Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio:                      English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Spanish Dolby Surround, French Dolby Surround
Subtitles:                  English SDH, Spanish
Total Run Time:       Approximately 665 minutes
U.S. Rating:             TV-14
Closed Captioned:  Yes

Transformers: The Last Knight Seeks the Allspark at Home

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.  – Called “incredibly entertaining” (Daniel Eagan, Film Journal International) and filled with “non-stop action from start to finish” (Emily Engberg, ABC-TV, KSTP), director Michael Bay’s TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT explodes on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and Blu-ray 3D Combo Packs September 26, 2017 from Paramount Home Media Distribution.  The groundbreaking adventure will also be available as part of the TRANSFORMERS’ 5-MOVIE BLU-RAY COLLECTION arriving September 26.  The film arrives two weeks early on Digital HD September 12.

TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT shatters the core myths of the TRANSFORMERS franchise, and redefines what it means to be a hero.  Humans and TRANSFORMERS are at war, OPTIMUS PRIME is gone.  The key to saving our future lies buried in the secrets of the past, in the hidden history of TRANSFORMERS on Earth.  Saving our world falls upon the shoulders of an unlikely alliance: Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg); BUMBLEBEE; an English Lord (Sir Anthony Hopkins); and an Oxford Professor (Laura Haddock).  There comes a moment in everyone’s life when we are called upon to make a difference.  In TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT, the hunted will become heroes.  Heroes will become villains.  Only one world will survive: theirs, or ours.

The latest installment in the global TRANSFORMERS franchise stars Mark Wahlberg (The Fighter) and features a sensational supporting cast including Josh Duhamel (Transformers), Stanley Tucci (The Hunger Games), Anthony Hopkins (“Westworld”), Isabela Moner (“100 Things to Do Before High School”), Laura Haddock (Guardians of the Galaxy), Santiago Caberera (“Salvation”), and Jerrod Carmichael (“The Carmichael Show”).

The TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and Blu-ray 3D Combo Packs include a bonus disc with over 80 minutes of behind-the-scenes content and interviews.  Travel to Cybertron to explore the TRANSFORMERS home world, then visit the UK to delve into the locations used to bring the epic adventure to life.  In addition, go inside the secret mythology of the legendary robots in disguise, check out the incredible vehicles used in the film and much, much more.

TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT is Paramount Home Media’s first 4K Ultra HD release in Dolby Vision™, which enhances the home viewing experience by delivering greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors.  The film also boasts a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack* remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead.

TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT Blu-ray Combo Pack

The TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with English Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD compatible), English 5.1 Discrete Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Discrete Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.  The DVD in the combo pack is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with English 5.1 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Discrete Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.  The combo pack includes access to a Digital HD copy of the film as well as the following:

Blu-ray Disc 1

  • Feature film in high definition

Blu-ray Disc 2

  • Special Features:
    • Merging Mythologies – Explore the secret TRANSFORMERS history
    • Climbing the Ranks – Military training
    • The Royal Treatment: Transformers in the UK
    • Motors and Magic
    • Alien Landscape: Cybertron
    • One More Giant Effin’ Movie

DVD

  • Feature film in standard definition

TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack

Fans can enjoy the ultimate viewing experience with the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, which includes the two Blu-ray Discs detailed above, as well as an Ultra HD Disc presented in 4K Ultra HD with English Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD compatible), English 5.1 Discrete Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Discrete Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The Combo Pack also includes access to a Digital HD copy of the film.

TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack

The Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack includes the two Blu-ray Discs detailed above, as well as a Blu-ray 3D presented in 1080p high definition with English Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD compatible), English 5.1 Discrete Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Discrete Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The Combo Pack also includes access to a Digital HD copy of the film.

TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT Single-Disc DVD

The single-disc DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with English 5.1 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Discrete Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.  The disc includes the film in standard definition and access to a Digital HD copy of the film.

TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT will also be available in a 5-movie Blu-ray Collection that includes TRANSFORMERS, TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN, TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON and TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION, as well as the bonus Blu-ray Disc detailed above and access to Digital HD copies of all five movies.

Adam West & William Shatner Reunite for Batman vs. Two-Face

BURBANK, CA (AUGUST 14, 2017) – Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment bring together two of pop culture’s all-time heroes – TV’s original Batman and Captain Kirk, Adam West and William Shatner, respectively – to voice the title characters in the full-length, animated feature film, Batman vs. Two-Face. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will make the all-new movie available October 10, 2017 on Digital and October 17, 2017 on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack ($24.98 SRP) and DVD ($19.98 SRP).

As the sequel to the 2016 hit animated film Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders, the all-new Batman vs. Two-Face finds Batman and Robin back in classic 1960s action, protecting Gotham City from some of the most nefarious villains in comics history. But when the mutilated master of multiplicity, Two-Face, begins staging a daring crime wave across Gotham, the Caped Crusaders must work double-time to discover his mysterious secret identity before they can halt his evil-doing – all the while combating the likes of Catwoman, Joker, Riddler, Penguin, Bookworm, Hugo Strange and King Tut!

The late Adam West leads the star-studded cast in his final performance as Batman. The beloved actor delivers an inspired turn opposite fellow pop culture icon William Shatner (Star Trek) as the criminally conflicted Harvey Dent/Two-Face. This is only the second production of any kind to feature the two titans of the fanboy realm together. West and Shatner first teamed in the 1963 “Alexander The Great” television series that never made it past the pilot.

The cast also boasts two more pop culture icons of the 1960s. Burt Ward is back for more “holy” fun as the Boy Wonder himself, Robin, and Tony Award winner Julie Newmar reprises her role as the fiendish feline, Catwoman.

The voice cast includes Jeff Bergman (Joker, Bookworm, Desmond Dumas), Sirena Irwin (Dr. Quinzel), Thomas Lennon (Chief O’Hara), Lee Meriwether (Lucilee Diamond), William Salyers (Penguin), Lynne Marie Stewart (Aunt Harriet), Jim Ward (Hugo Strange, Commissioner Gordon), Steven Weber (Alfred, Two-Face henchmen) and Wally Wingert (Riddler, King Tut).

The core Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders filmmaking team reprises their roles for Batman vs. Two-Face.  Rick Morales (LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes – Justice League: Cosmic Clash) directs from a script by Michael Jelenic (Teen Titans Go!) and James Tucker (Teen Titans: The Judas Contract). Tucker and Jelenic and also Supervising Producer and Producer, respectively. Sam Register is Executive Producer. Benjamin Melniker and Michael Uslan are Executive Producers.

“Batman vs. Two-Face is a must-have for all Batman fans featuring a cavalcade of his foes, and an amazing cast including two giants of pop culture, Adam West and William Shatner,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing. “Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is excited to bring these beloved characters to animated life, and proud to have been associated with an actor as impressive, gracious and entertaining as Adam West. We salute his extensive contributions to the legacy of the character, and we are greatly appreciative of his cooperation and support in bringing this animated film to fruition. He will be greatly missed.”

Special Features for Batman vs. Two-Face include:

  • “The Wonderful World of Burt Ward” (featurette) – Spotlighting Burt Ward’s life away from acting – particularly his many benevolent activities, and his lifelong devotion to the health and welfare of dogs.
  • Adam West Tribute Panel/2017 Comic-Con International 2017 – At the 2017 Comic-Con International in San Diego, a panel celebrated the life and times of the late Adam West, the legendary “Bright Knight.” Fans laughed, cried and cheered as actress Lee Meriwether (Catwoman from the 1966 Batman movie), director/writer/actor Kevin Smith, actor/radio personality Ralph Garman, producer James Tucker and moderator Gary Miereanu captivated the audience with anecdotes and tales about Adam West.
  • Actors Burt Ward and Julie Newmar discussing various aspects of their lives, ambitions and inspirations.

DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS

Batman vs. Two-Face will be available to viewers for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on their favorite devices from select digital retailers including Amazon, CinemaNow, Flixster, iTunes, PlayStation, Vudu, Xbox and others. Starting October 17, 2017, Batman vs. Two-Face will also be available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.

Surprise NBC Hit Taken Comes to Disc in Sept.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The white-knuckle revenge thriller Taken: Season One arrives on Blu-ray™ (plus Digital HD) and DVD September 26 from Lionsgate. Clive Standen and Golden Globe® nominee Jennifer Beals (Best Actress, Motion Picture – Musical/Comedy, Flashdance, 1984) lead an all-star cast in this thrilling prequel TV series to the blockbuster film trilogy. With a loyal viewership, the show was one of the top 10 p.m. network dramas and one of NBC’s top primetime shows. The Taken: Season One Blu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $42.99 and $39.98, respectively.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

Executive Producer Luc Besson (Taken film franchise, The Fifth Element, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets) delivers an action-packed prequel to the international blockbuster Taken franchise. Clive Standen (Vikings) stars as Bryan Mills, a younger, hungrier version of the iconic character played by Liam Neeson in the Taken films.

BLU-RAY/DVD/DIGITAL HD SPECIAL FEATURES
“Taken: On Set” Featurette

CAST
Clive Standen – Vikings,” Everest, Hammer of the Gods
Jennifer Beals – Flashdance, The L Word, The Book of Eli
Brooklyn Sudano – My Wife and Kids, With This Ring, Rain
Monique Gabriela Curnen – The Following,” The Dark Knight, Contagion
Gaius Charles – Friday Night Lights, Grey’s Anatomy, Salt
Michael Irby – The Unit, True Detective, Law Abiding Citizen
James Landry Hébert – Gangster Squad, Looper, Super 8
Jose Pablo Cantillo  – The Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy, Chappie

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Year of Production: 2017
Title Copyright: © 2017 Particular Skills Productions US, LLC, Europacorp Television SASU, and Universal Television LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Type: TV-on-DVD
Rating: Not Rated
Genre: Action, Thriller
Closed Captioned: N/A
Subtitles: English SDH
Feature Run Time: 440 Minutes
Blu-ray Format: 1080p High Definition 16×9 Widescreen 1.78:1 Presentation
DVD Format: 16×9 Widescreen 1.78:1 Presentation
Blu-ray Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
DVD Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio

Six 1000-piece GOT Puzzles for Winter Play

The hit HBO series Game of Thrones is brutal, but our Game of Thrones puzzles are beautiful—they’re Beautiful Death, to be precise. Best known for his original creations at BeautifulDeath.com, HBO’s official episode-by-episode guide to the most iconic deaths on Game of Thrones, Robert M. Ball’s breathtaking artwork seems to pop right off the table as you assemble these 1000-piece puzzles. Measuring 19 by 27-inches, they’re large enough to capture the intricate detail of these artworks.

Long May She Reign is the artwork for season 6, episode 10, “The Winds of Winter”, marking Cersei’s successful ploy to destroy the Great Sept of Baelor and claim the Iron Throne for herself. The haunting details of the skulls and red-to-green color transition invoke an otherworldly, awe-inspiring feeling.Violence is a Disease is Ball’s rendition of season 6, episode 7, “The Broken Man.” With vivid red accents trailing across the canvas and the fearsome blade on the axe, this riveting work pays tribute to the Hound and his re-emergence into the story after the death of the Septon that helped him heal and find a new purpose in life. The axe he lifts symbolizes that he rise again with a vengeance.

Dracarys! from season 3, episode 4 is a vibrant homage to the Mother of Dragons. It captures the essence of one of the most epic moments in the series, when Daenerys releases her dragons to help free the slaves of Astapor.We Never Stop Playing from season 5, episode 6 takes Jaqen H’ghar’s words and frames life among the Faceless Men of Braavos. The eerie confines of the House of Black and White take on new life in Ball’s art.Season 6, episode 5 features one of the most notable and tragic deaths in the series when fan-favorite character Hodor sacrifices his life to get Bran Stark to safety. Ball has taken great care to immortalize this moment in Hold the Door. The deep melancholy of the moment seems to infuse the art, making it evocative of the pain many fans experienced while watching events unfold.

Your Name Will Disappear is a gorgeous tribute to vengeance and lost innocence, marking the moment in Season 6, Episode 9 when Sansa Stark releases Ramsey Bolton’s hounds to finish him off after The Battle of the Bastards. The contrast of the red hair against the dark confines of Winterfell and black coats of the dogs is magnificent.

Our whole Beautiful Death line of puzzles is available now, so be sure to chase them down—you don’t want to miss out! Robert M. Ball’s artistry lies within each of these boxes, waiting for you to put it on full display. Long May She Reign and Violence is a Disease are available at fine game and toy stores everywhere, while the other four puzzles are exclusive to Barnes & Noble.

In this Corner of the World Opens Aug. 18

Based on the award-winning manga by Fumiyo Kouno, In This Corner of the World, bolstered by emotionally resonant storytelling and exquisite hand-drawn animation, is an empowering coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of WWII and captures the resilience and triumph of the human spirit.

The award-winning story of In This Corner of the World follows a young lady named Suzu Urano, who in 1944 moves to the small town of Kure in Hiroshima to live with her husband’s family. Suzu’s life is thrown into chaos when her town is bombed during World War II. Her perseverance and courage underpin this heart-warming and inspirational tale of the everyday challenges faced by the Japanese in the midst of a violent, war-torn country. This beautiful yet poignant tale shows that even in the face of adversity and loss, people can come together and rebuild their lives.

In This Corner of the World in cinemas (NY, LA and SF) opens this weekend, and the film’s director Sunao Katabuchi briefly discusses various kinds of historical research since the movie shows a part of Hiroshima that was completely destroyed.

Much of the Kure and Hiroshima landscape of the 1940s was tragically lost to air raids and the atomic bomb. Not many survivors with first-hand experience of the war are still with us.  Director Sunao Katabuchi spent six years thoroughly researching the details before animation work began. He gathered accounts from people about those days and collected more than 4,000 photographs to recreate the cityscape of the 1930s and 40s.

On August 18, this movie is expanding to more screens in Los Angeles, SF Bay Area and is set to open in major cities in the U.S. and Canada.

Animated feature In This Corner of the World opens this August. The film is rated PG-13 and has a run time of 129 minutes.

IN THIS CORNER OF THE WORLD

Shout! Factory Films and Funimation Films
Director: Sunao Katabuchi
Voice Cast: Non, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Natsuki Inaba, Minori Omi, Daisuke Ono
Written by:  Sunao Katabuchi
Based on the award-winning manga by Fumiyo Kouno
Produced by: Taro Maki and Masao Maruyama
Genre: Animated Feature
*Japanese with English subtitles

Darwyn Cooke’s New Frontier gets Commemorative Edition in Oct.

BURBANK, CA, (August 11, 2017) – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment returns to the roots of DC’s greatest Super Heroes – and their unifying moment – with the celebratory release of Justice League: The New Frontier – Commemorative Edition on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Blu-ray™ Steelbook, and DVD on October 3, 2017.

For the new Commemorative Edition of the popular 2008 PG-13 animated film, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has produced an all-new featurette spotlighting the late Darwyn Cooke. The comic book author and artist’s seminal work, DC: The New Frontier, received an Eisner, Harvey and Shuster Award, and that six-issue comic book limited series served as the key source material from which the film was adapted. Justice League: The New Frontier – Commemorative Edition also features box art from Cooke’s canon of dazzling New Frontier imagery.

Justice League: The New Frontier – Commemorative Edition is the epic tale of the founding of the Justice League. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, the animated film is directed by David Bullock from a script by Stan Berkowitz. Sander Schwartz and Bruce Timm are Executive Producers.  Michael Goguen is Supervising Producer

The action-packed adventure features iconic DC Super Heroes Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman alongside Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter and The Flash as they band together to form the legendary team. Strangers at first, these very different heroes must overcome fear and suspicion to forge an alliance against a monster so formidable, even the mighty Superman cannot stop it alone. If they fail, the entire planet will be “cleansed” of humanity.

Justice League: The New Frontier – Commemorative Edition features an impressive roll call of celebrity voice performances, including Golden Globe Award winner Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks) as Superman, Jeremy Sisto (Law & Order) as Batman, Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess) as Wonder Woman, Emmy and Tony Award winner Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) as Barry Allen/The Flash, David Boreanaz (Bones) as Hal Jordan/Green Lantern, Brooke Shields (Suddenly Susan) as Carol Ferris, Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer) as Lois Lane, Phil Morris (Seinfeld) as King Faraday, and the late Miguel Ferrer (NCIS: Los Angeles) as Martian Manhunter. The cast also boasts the voices of Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds), Keith David (Platoon), Vicki Lewis (NewsRadio) and the late John Heard (Big).

Justice League: The New Frontier – Commemorative Edition includes incredible bonus features on both the Blu-ray Combo Pack and the DVD:

  • Featurette – “Retro Action Cool: The Story of Darwyn Cooke” – A revealing look into the life and times of one of comics’ most brilliant figures, the late Darwyn Cooke.
  • Featurette – “Super Heroes United! The Complete Justice League History” – A comprehensive look at nearly a half-century of Justice League chronology from the inception in the comics to vivid animated renditions in the late 2000s. The story is told with a myriad of interviews tracing the early days of DC Super Hero team ups during the Golden Age to the Silver Age rendition where the established heroes emerged and beyond. Interviews include such notables as Dan DiDio, Michael Uslan, Paul Levitz, Mark Waid, Denny O’Neil, Stan Lee and Marv Wolfman.
  • Featurette – “The Legion of Doom: The Pathology of the DC Super Villain” – This 10-minute piece examines the early mythological archetypes of nemesis characters from a historical perspective and reveals how the tenants of this rich history were adapted and woven into the Justice League stories.
  • Featurette – “Comic Book Commentary: Homage to the New Frontier” – This mini-documentary is a nod to the fans of the New Frontier comics, further expanding the themes contained in the source material and how these elements were truncated or evolved for inclusion in the film. It features vivid imagery culled from the pages of DC: The New Frontier, mixed with the commentary of Darwyn Cooke. This featurette is a treat for both fans and scholars of the medium.
  • Sneak Peak: Gotham by Gaslight – A behind-the-scenes look at the next DC Universe Original Movie, inspired by the 1989 Elseworlds tale of Batman – at the turn of the 20th century – as first created as a graphic novel by Brian Augustyn and Mike Mignola, with inks by P. Craig Russell.
  • Audio Commentary I/The Filmmakers – Featuring Justice League: The New Frontier filmmakers Bruce Timm, Michael Goguen, David Bullock, Stan Berkowitz, Andrea Romano and Gregory Noveck.
  • Audio Commentary II/Darwyn Cooke – Featuring award-winning writer/artist Darwyn Cooke

“Justice League: The New Frontier – Commemorative Edition gives fans the opportunity to savor the unique genius of such a legendary comic talent as Darwyn Cooke in a thrilling, animated adaptation of a modern classic,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing. “The addition of an all-new Darwyn Cooke mini-documentary adds to the special celebration of his work. And his story serves as a keen reminder of the history of these cherished DC Super Heroes, in perfect timing with the theatrical release of the Justice League film.”

Ego Talks, A Chat with Kurt Russell

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 sees the return of the universe’s favorite band of intergalactic misfits. Set to the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, the movie’s thrilling storyline follows the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians – Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Dave Bautista as Drax, Vin Diesel as the voice of Groot and Bradley Cooper as Rocket – must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand.

To celebrate the in-home release of the blockbuster sequel digitally on HD, 4K Ultra HD™ and Disney Movies Anywhere this weel, and physically on 4K Ultra HD™ Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on August 22, we catch up with Kurt Russell – who plays Ego – to find out more on the making of the action-packed Marvel movie…

How did you become involved with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?

I was doing publicity for The Hateful Eight and suddenly people were asking me, “Are you going to do Guardians of the Galaxy 2?” At the same time, my phone was going off the hook about it. I knew of Guardians of the Galaxy but I hadn’t seen it and I hadn’t been approached about the sequel officially. What was different was this was the first time I was being told by everyone how great it would be. “It’s going to be fantastic,” they would say. “The role is Peter Quill’s father and Chris Pratt is the guy who plays Peter Quill. You’re perfect for it.”

But you hadn’t been approached to appear in the movie at that point?

No. I remember thinking, “Oh, this sounds really good and interesting.” But at that point, I needed to see the first movie. As soon as I saw Chris [Pratt] kicking those Orloni—those space rats at the start of the first movie—I started to really like him and I started to quickly understand the tone of the movie and what Chris was bringing to the role. And it somehow connected to movies I had done in the past—in particular, Jack Burton in “Big Trouble in Little China.”

 

Were there other motivations behind your attraction to the role of Ego?

As soon as I read the screenplay, I understood why they were coming to me. But I was concerned that it would ultimately be disappointing to the fans since Peter’s father turns out to be the bad guy. It was fun, and it was right—people loved the first movie and they were excited about me playing Peter Quill’s father—but they didn’t know that I was going to play a character so horrible that Peter has to kill me. I thought, “That’s kind of great, but I just hope that does not wreck the whole experience of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.’”

Did you voice your concerns to the director?

That’s exactly what I did. I talked to [director] James Gunn for a very short period of time. It was a quick, succinct and not very in-depth conversation—but I took a leap of faith. I said to him, “I want to do this. I want to play all the different aspects of this character, but we have to get the audience to a place where they want Peter to kill his father. That is the challenge.” It’s such a good twist. I think it’s great. It’s like a Greek tragedy.

How have audiences reacted to the twist?

The reaction was fantastic. You could literally hear the air collectively coming out of the audience when my character blithely talks about Peter’s mother and when he says the line, “It broke my heart to put that tumor in her head.” I’ve listened to a number of audiences now, and it’s incredible to hear their response. I remember rehearsing with Chris and James, and I literally turned around in character and said, “Now I know that sounds bad …,” and James, Chris and I cracked up and James said, “We have to do that!” And I thought to myself, these guys are bold and confident. It was a great feeling.

Is it a bittersweet feeling to be killed off in your first Marvel movie?

Here’s the thing … years ago, I avoided doing sequels. I won’t go into which movies they were, but they were some pretty big ones. I would be asked to sign three picture deals and I would always say, “No, I’m not going to do that because that’s not what I want to do. I don’t want to be locked in.” My agents were frustrated with me a few times because they were big movies—but I said, “I’m sorry, guys. I just don’t want to do that.” That created the opportunity for me to do many different characters in many different genres across the board, and I am satisfied I did it that way. But I looked at this movie, at this time, and I thought, “This character is awesome! Imagine what you could do with this guy?” Besides, the landscape is a lot different now than it was then.

When you look back at the making of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, what is the one moment on set that stands out the most for you?

I had a really great time working with James Gunn. I really did. He is terrific. And I had a great time working with everybody. But my times with Chris Pratt were especially fun because he’s not afraid to try anything at all. And neither am I. We had a ball together.

Which scenes did you enjoy working on the most?

The “Brandy” scene certainly stands out for me. The scene where I’m talking in time to the music, telling Peter how we are the sailors in the song and how that’s the greatest song ever written on the planet earth. It walks that perfect line of, “Are you serious? Are you kidding me? That’s so ridiculously fabulous.” And yet there will be those who will agree with that sentiment. “Yes! Finally, somebody has said ‘Brandy’ is the greatest song ever written.” In fact, I’ve already run into some of those people. It completely walks that line, and I just love that. I loved that day. We had a great time.

Do any other scenes stand out for you?

I also had a great time shooting the fight scene between Chris and myself. I’m very comfortable with that stuff and I’ve done a lot of it in my life—and it was fun to show him a trick or two. He’s such a sweetheart. Shooting those two scenes stand out in my mind—but I think the “Brandy” scene will always stay with me.

David Hasselhoff was a fun addition to the cast of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. What do you think of his cameo in the movie?

That was actually my suggestion to James Gunn. I said, “I think Ego should turn into David Hasselhoff when Peter shoots me and I get very angry … and when I say, ‘Who in the hell do you think you are? I tried to be everything you wanted me to be.’” I said, “At that point, I should turn into David Hasselhoff as that is the father that Peter Quill created in his mind and at that point—angry as I am—I am still kind of trying to win him over. You need to get David Hasselhoff here.” I’m glad it worked out and that David did it. It’s perfect.

Shout! Releases Guardians in September

Defenders of the world, unite! Brace yourselves for non-stop action and edge-of-your-seat thrills with a massive werebear, a man who can move mountains, a martial artist and a blademaster.  Alone, they are freaks. Together, they’re the Guardians. An ultra-stylish, high-octane superhero actioner by Sarik Andreasyan (American Heist), GUARDIANS makes its DVD debut as a Walmart exclusive on September 5, 2017 from Shout! Factory.  The Blu-ray (with digital download) will be available everywhere December 5, 2017.  Delivering a visceral thrill-ride that movie fans will highly enjoy, GUARDIANS DVD and Blu-ray™ boast English and Russian audio tracks, insightful bonus content and more!

Movie synopsis

During the Cold War, the secret organization “Patriot” created an elite squad of superheroes to defend the Soviet republic from threats far beyond the capabilities of mortal men. For years, these heroes hid in the shadows… but now, four must emerge to defend their homeland from a menace unlike any other they have faced before: the diabolical, power-hungry scientist Kuratov.

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