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Complete Game of Thrones hits 4K in Time for Christmas

Complete Game of Thrones hits 4K in Time for Christmas

BURBANK, CA, July 9, 2020 – The #1 selling home entertainment television series of all time*, and most-watched series in HBO history, Game of Thrones remains a blockbuster hit and cultural sensation. Now, for the first time ever, the entire series can be owned in spectacular 4K Ultra HD when Warner Bros. Home Entertainment releases Game of Thrones®: The Complete Collection on 4K Ultra HD Blu-rayTM on November 3, 2020. Featuring all 73 episodes along with over 15 hours of bonus content, plus Digital Copy (US only), this must-have set is priced to own at $254.99 SRP ($289.99 in Canada). Game of Thrones Seasons 1-8 are also available to own on Digital in HD via purchase from digital retailers.

*Source: WHV Category Management, Market Insights. Data thru 6/20/20, United States.

Game of Thrones: The Complete Collection on 4K Ultra HD will also be available in an exclusive limited-edition version at Best Buy for $285.43 SRP ($320.43 in Canada). Containing the same episode and bonus content, all eight epic seasons will be featured in individual steelbooks and housed in a striking individually numbered metal case.

Based on the best-selling novel series by George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones has earned a total of 161 Emmy® nominations and 59 wins, which are the most nominations and wins of any Comedy or Drama series in Emmy history. The Cultural Phenomenon also stands as HBO’s most-viewed program ever, with the final season averaging a record-setting 44 million viewers in the U.S.

The ensemble cast includes Emmy® and Golden Globe® winner Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister), Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister), Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen), Kit Harington (Jon Snow), Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark), Maisie Williams (Arya Stark), Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister) and Iain Glen (Jorah Mormont).

“We are thrilled to offer Game of Thrones fans an in-home viewing experience worthy of the groundbreaking show with the long-awaited release of Game of Thrones:  The Complete Series on 4K Ultra HD,” said Rosemary Markson, WBHE Senior Vice President, Television Marketing.  “For the first time ever and unavailable anywhere else, loyal fans and collectors will be able to enjoy every extraordinary moment of this iconic show in eye-popping 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision HDR.  Packed with over 15 hours of special features spanning all 8 seasons and a digital copy of every episode, this collectable set also makes a perfect holiday gift!”

The 4K Ultra HD discs of Game of Thrones: The Complete Collection will feature Dolby VisionTM HDR that dramatically expands the color palette and contrast range and uses dynamic metadata to automatically optimize the picture for every screen, frame by frame.

Also, the 4K Ultra HD discs of Game of Thrones: The Complete Collection will feature Dolby Atmos® soundtracks remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. To experience Dolby Atmos at home, a Dolby Atmos enabled AV receiver and additional speakers are required, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar; however, Dolby Atmos soundtracks are also fully backward compatible with traditional audio configurations and legacy home entertainment equipment.

The 4K Ultra HD release includes over 15 hours of bonus features originally released on the 2019 Game of Thrones: The Complete Series and The Complete Collection (Limited Collector’s Edition) Blu-ray sets.

MORE THAN 15 HOURS OF BONUS FEATURES INCLUDING

  • Game of Thrones: Reunion Special: A two-part reunion show shot live in Belfast with the cast, both past and present, hosted by Conan O’Brien and available exclusively on these complete series collections. The reunion special is assembled in segments focused on Houses Lannister, Stark, & Targaryen and concludes with the key players all onstage for their final reflections on the years they shared in Westeros and Essos.
  • Game of Thrones: The Last Watch: A documentary by filmmaker Jeanie Finlay chronicling the making of the final season.
  • Conquest & Rebellion: An Animated History of Seven Kingdoms
  • Audio Commentaries, Deleted and Extended Scenes, Behind-the-scenes featurettes and much more from all 8 seasons!

DIGITAL

Game of Thrones Seasons 1-8 and The Complete Series are currently available to own on Digital. Digital purchase allows consumers to instantly stream and download to watch anywhere and anytime on their favorite devices. Digital movies and TV shows are available from various digital retailers including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and others.

4K ULTRA HD

Street Date: November 3, 2020

Rating: TV-MA

33 Discs (23 BD-100s, 7 BD-66s, 3 BD-50s)

4K UHD Presented in 16×9 widescreen format

Audio: English, French, Spanish

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Runtime: Feature Approx. 75 hours

Enhanced Content: Approx. 15 hours

National 4K UHD Price: $254.99 SRP US / $289.99 SRP Canada

Best Buy 4K UHD Exclusive Limited-Edition Price: $285.43 SRP US / $320.43 SRP Canada

Westworld Season Three: The New World Comes to Disc in November

Westworld Season Three: The New World Comes to Disc in November

BURBANK, CA (July 8, 2020) – Since the award-winning drama series’ debut, Westworld has captivated audiences by exploring the dawn of artificial consciousness and the evolution of sin with the latest season delving into the questions surrounding free will. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will be releasing Westworld Season Three: The New World on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray, and DVD on November 17, 2020. Featuring all eight episodes from this new world’s latest evolution, along with close to two hours of bonus content including two exclusive featurettes, Westworld Season Three: The New World is priced to own at $54.97 SRP ($59.99 in Canada) for the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, $44.98 SRP ($49.99 in Canada) for the Blu-ray and $39.99 SRP ($44.99 in Canada) for the DVD. The 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack includes 2 Ultra HD Blu-ray discs in 4K with HDR, 2 Blu-ray discs, and Digital Copy. The Blu-ray also includes Digital Copy (Digital Copy US only). Westworld Season Three: The New World is also available to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers.

Following the aftermath of last season’s Westworld massacre, “hosts” Dolores, Maeve, Bernard, and Charlotte Hale begin a new chapter – outside of the park – exploring the “real world” and who they will become in the wake of their liberation. Over the course of eight hour-long episodes, Season Three finds Dolores prepared to wage war on humanity and Bernard trying desperately to stop her, while Maeve reunites with familiar faces in a new realm – and all discover that the world outside is as full of deception and predetermination as the one they’ve always known.

“With spectacular new settings and captivating characters, Westworld continues its mind-bending journey,” said Rosemary Markson, Senior Vice President, TV Marketing, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. “We are thrilled to release Westworld Season 3: The New World for fans to experience this next evolution in jaw-dropping 4K UHD resolution and with all-new behind-the-scenes bonus content.”

The first two seasons of Westworld received a combined 43 Emmy® nominations.  The second season’s 20 Emmy® nominations resulted in three wins, including Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Thandie Newton), Outstanding Makeup for a Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic) and Outstanding Hairstyling for a Single-Camera Series.

Westworld Season Three: The New World features returning cast members including Evan Rachel Wood as Dolores Abernathy, Emmy® winner Thandie Newton as Maeve Millay, Ed Harris as the Man in Black, Jeffrey Wright as Bernard Lowe, Tessa Thompson as Charlotte Hale, Luke Hemsworth as Ashley Stubbs and Simon Quarterman as Lee Sizemore.

Joining the cast this season are Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad, Bojack Horseman”) and Vincent Cassel (Black Swan), alongside recurring guest stars Lena Waithe (Twenties, Queen & Slim), Scott Mescudi (upcoming We Are Who We Are), Marshawn Lynch (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), John Gallagher Jr. (The Newsroom and Olive Kitteridge), Michael Ealy (Stumptown) and Tommy Flanagan (Sons of Anarchy).

Westworld was created for television by Jonathan Nolan & Lisa Joy, who are executive producers with J.J. Abrams, Ben Stephenson, Athena Wickham, Richard J. Lewis, and Denise Thé. Production companies: Kilter Films and Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television; based on the film written by Michael Crichton.

The 4K Ultra HD discs of Westworld Season Three: The New World will feature Dolby Visionä HDR that dramatically expands the color palette and contrast range and uses dynamic metadata to automatically optimize the picture for every screen, frame by frame.

Also, the 4K Ultra HD discs and Blu-ray discs of Westworld Season Three: The New World will feature Dolby Atmos® soundtracks remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. To experience Dolby Atmos at home, a Dolby Atmos enabled AV receiver and additional speakers are required, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar; however, Dolby Atmos soundtracks are also fully backward compatible with traditional audio configurations and legacy home entertainment equipment.

8 ONE-HOUR EPISODES

  1. Parce Domine
  2. The Winter Line
  3. The Absence of Field
  4. The Mother of Exiles
  5. Genre
  6. Decoherence
  7. Passed Pawn
  8. Crisis Theory

BONUS FEATURES

  • We Live in a Technocracy – Exclusive to 4K UHD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and DVD
  • Rico – Exclusive to 4K UHD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and DVD
  • A Vision for the Future – Exclusive to 4K UHD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and DVD
  • Westworld on Location – Home Entertainment Exclusive
  • Escape from Westworld
  • Exploring War World
  • Creating Westworld’s Reality: Parce Domine
  • Creating Westworld’s Reality: The Absence of Field
  • Creating Westworld’s Reality: The Mother of Exiles
  • Creating Westworld’s Reality: Genre
  • Creating Westworld’s Reality: Decoherence
  • Creating Westworld’s Reality: Passed Pawn
  • Creating Westworld’s Reality: Crisis Theory
  • Welcome to Westworld: Evan Rachel Wood & Aaron Paul – Analysis
  • Welcome to Westworld: Evan Rachel Wood & Aaron Paul – Who Said It?
  • Welcome to Westworld: Thandie Newton & Tessa Thompson – Analysis
  • Welcome to Westworld: Thandie Newton & Tessa Thompson – Who Said It?

DIGITAL

The third season of Westworld is currently available to own on Digital. Digital purchase allows consumers to instantly stream and download to watch anywhere and anytime on their favorite devices. Digital movies and TV shows are available from various digital retailers including Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Vudu, and others.

BASICS

Street Date: November 17, 2020
Order Due Date: October 13, 2020
4K UHD, BD and DVD Presented in 16×9 widescreen format
Running Time: Feature: Approx. 480 min.
Enhanced Content: Approx. 106 min.

DVD
Price: $39.99 SRP US / $44.99 SRP Canada
3 Discs (3 DVD-9s)
DVD Audio: English 5.1
Subtitles: English

BLU-RAY
Price: $44.98 SRP US / $49.99 SRP Canada (No Digital Copy)
3 Discs (2 BD-50s)
BD Audio: English 5.1
Subtitles: English

4K ULTRA HD
Price: $54.97 SRP US / $59.99 SRP Canada (No Digital Copy)
6 Discs (3 BD-100s / 3 BD-50s)
4K UHD Audio: English 5.1

4-time Oscar Nominated District 9 hits 4K Disc Release in Oct.

4-time Oscar Nominated District 9 hits 4K Disc Release in Oct.

SYNOPSIS

From producer Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy) and director, Neill Blomkamp comes a startlingly original science fiction thriller that “soars on the imagination of its creators” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone). With stunning special effects and gritty realism, the film plunges us into a world where the aliens have landed… only to be exiled to a slum on the fringes of Johannesburg. Now, one lone human discovers the mysterious secret of the extraterrestrial weapon technology. Hunted and hounded through the bizarre back alleys of an alien shantytown, he will discover what it means to be the ultimate outsider on your own planet.

BONUS MATERIAL 
4K ULTRA HD BONUS MATERIALS:

  • Comic-Con Extravaganza Featurette
  • Original Theatrical Trailers

BLU-RAY™ BONUS MATERIALS:

  • Hours of Archival Special Features Including:
    • Deleted Scenes
    • Director’s Commentary
    • The Alien Agenda: A Filmmaker’s Log – Three-Part Documentary
    • Metamorphosis: The Transformation of Wikus
    • Innovation: Acting and Improvisation
    • Conception and Design: Creating the World of District 9
    • Alien Generation: Visual Effects
    • Joburg from Above: Interactive Map of Satellite and Schematics of the World of District 9

CAST AND CREW

Cast: Sharlto Copley, David James, Jason Cope, Mandla Gaduka, William Allen Young, Vanessa Haywood, Kenneth Nkosi, Eugene Khumbanyiwa, Louis Minnaar, Hlengiwe Madlala
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Written by: Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell
Producers: Peter Jackson and Carolynne Cunningham
Executive Producers: Bill Block and Ken Kamins
Co-Executive Producers: Paul Hanson, Elliot Ferwerda

SPECS 
Run Time: 112 minutes
Rating: Rated R for bloody violence and pervasive language
Feature: 2160p Ultra High Definition/1.85:1
Audio: English 7.1 Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 compatible), English 5.1 DTS-HD MA, French, Spanish, English – Audio Description Track 5.1 Dolby Digital

REVIEW: LEGO DC: Shazam! – Magic and Monsters

In the right hands, the original Captain Marvel should be a children’s staple because the premise is so catchy for young readers: a young orphan is introduced to a wizard who bestows upon him the power of the gods. With one magic word, Billy Batson is transformed to Captain Marvel although these days, the legal gods insist he has to be named Shazam, which is also the name of the wizard.

Thanks to the success of the 2019 feature film, the Big Red Cheese gets the brick treatment in the just-released LEGO DC: Shazam! – Magic and Monsters, a charming film that properly brings the hero to his audience. There’s no doubt the creators have found the essence of the hero, as they have similarly done with great success across the pop culture spectrum. Here, we get the origin story and soon after, Shazam (Sean Astin) is invited to join the Justice League – Superman (Nola North), Batman (Troy Baker), Wonder Woman (Grey Griffin), Green Lantern (Cristina Milizia), the Flash (James Arnold) — where he frets about them thinking less of him for being an actual kid.

As one would expect, his two greatest nemeses – Doctor Sivana (Dee Bradley Baker) and Mister Mind (Johnny Rees) – show up to spoil the fun and provide the impetus for action and mayhem. Their plan has the tried and true formula of reducing the World’s Greatest Super-Heroes to children, so Billy/Shazam gets to lead the way, proving his virtue. And with a Black Adam film in the offing, this is a perfect place to introduce him, voiced by Imari Williams, to the viewers who will want to see Dwayne Johnson as Teth-Adam. To take on the JL, an impromptu Monster Society of Evil is assembled with Dummy (Taylor), Oom (Tatasciore), and Crocodile-Man (Baker). This is a take on the hero his crank cocreator, C.C. Beck, would likely approve of.

These films are great fun thanks to the tone and the jokes which range from the obvious for the little viewers to the groaners for adults, making this a worthy family-friendly film for all. The filmmakers know how to make things interesting and feel fresh while providing us with clearly recognizable takes on the heroes and villains. There’s self-aware humor, loving satire, and outrageous humor along with thrills. Heck, even Lobo (Fred Tatasciore) makes an appearance.

In many ways, the 81-minute movie, written by Jeremy Adams and directed by Matt Peters, is more consistently entertaining than many of the animated original films from their sister division at Warner Bros.

The film comes in a nice Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD combo, and the box set has a limited edition Shazam mini-figure. The only bonus features are from Teen Titans Go! — “Little Elvis” (which guest-stars Shazam) and Unkitty! — “Spoooooky Game”, and “Pool Duel”.

“Inspired Retelling” Promised in Superman: Man of Tomorrow

“Inspired Retelling” Promised in Superman: Man of Tomorrow

BURBANK, CA (June 25, 2020) – Daily Planet intern Clark Kent takes learning-on-the-job to new extremes when Lobo and Parasite set their sights on Metropolis in Superman: Man of Tomorrow, the next entry in the popular series of DC Universe Movies. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC, the feature-length animated film will be released by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital starting August 23, 2020, and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack and Blu-ray Combo Pack on September 8, 2020.

Superman: Man of Tomorrow will be available on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (USA $39.99 SRP; Canada $44.98 SRP) and Blu-ray Combo Pack (USA $24.98 SRP; Canada $29.98 SRP) as well as on Digital. The 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack features an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc in 4K with HDR, a Blu-ray disc featuring the film in hi-definition, and a digital version of the movie. The Blu-ray Combo Pack features a Blu-ray disc with the film in hi-definition, a DVD with the film in standard definition, and a digital version of the movie.

It’s the dawn of a new age of heroes, and Metropolis has just met its first. But as Daily Planet intern Clark Kent – working alongside reporter Lois Lane – secretly wields his alien powers of flight, super-strength and x-ray vision in the battle for good, there’s even greater trouble on the horizon. Follow the budding hero as he engages in bloody battles with intergalactic bounty hunter Lobo and fights for his life to halt the attack of power-hungry alien Parasite. The world will learn about Superman … but first, Superman must save the world!

Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Darren Criss (Glee, American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace) and Emmy nominee Zachary Quinto (Star Trek franchise, Heroes) lead a star-studded cast as the voices of Superman/Clark Kent and Lex Luthor, respectively. The cast also includes Alexandra Daddario (San Andreas, Baywatch, All My Children) as Lois Lane, Brett Dalton (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) as Parasite/Rudy Jones, Ryan Hurst (The Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy, Remember the Titans) as Lobo, Ike Amadi (Mass Effect 3, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge) as Martian Manhunter, Neil Flynn (The Middle, Scrubs) as Jonathan Kent, Bellamy Young (Scandal, Prodigal Son) as Martha Kent, Cristina Milizia (DC Super Hero Girls) as Maya, Petey & Kaylie, Eugene Byrd (Bones, LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures) as Ron Troupe, April Stewart (South Park) as Mrs. Ross, and Piotr Michael (The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle) as Perry White, as well as Cissy Jones (Firewatch) and David Chen (Gotham).

Superman: Man of Tomorrow introduces a new producing vision to the DC Universe Movies series, which now numbers 41 films over its 13 years of existence. Supervising Producer Butch Lukic has a rich pedigree in DC animated productions, serving as producer on Constantine: City of Demons, Justice League Action and the Batman Unlimited franchise, as well as directing episodes of Justice League, Batman Beyond and Beware the Batman. Lukic brings a new visual aesthetic to Superman: Man of Tomorrow that departs from the animation styles – of previous producers Bruce Timm (23 films) and James Tucker (17 films) – thus far represented in the DC Universe Movies.

Chris Palmer (Voltron: Legendary Defender) is the director of Superman: Man of Tomorrow, utilizing a script by Tim Sheridan (The Death of Superman). Producers are Jim Krieg (Batman: Gotham by Gaslight) and Kimberly S. Moreau (Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). Executive Producer is Sam Register.

Superman: Man of Tomorrow is an inspiring retelling of the DC Universe Movies’ backstory for The Man of Steel, taking the audience to his early days as an intern at the Daily Planet – and his beginnings as a learning-on-the-job DC Super Hero,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Senior Vice President, Originals, Animation and Family Marketing. “Darren Criss and Zachary Quinto have wholeheartedly embraced their roles as Superman and Lex Luthor for this film, and the end result is a special addition to canon of films that every Superman fan will want to add to their collection.”

Superman: Man of Tomorrow Special Features

4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital

  • Lobo: Natural Force of Chaos (New Featurette)– He’s the rude, crude, galactic bounty hunter who has been more than a thorn in the side of DC’s greatest heroes. This is a full throttle look at Lobo.
  • Martian Manhunter: Lost and Found (New Featurette)– This is the personal journey of J’onn J’onzz. A stranger in a strange land who emerges from the shadows as a force for peace and justice.
  • Look Back: Justice League vs. The Fatal Five (Featurette) – The Earth’s future hangs in the balance when the Justice League faces a powerful new threat – the Fatal Five. Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman seek answers as the time-traveling trio of Mano, Persuader and Tharok terrorize Metropolis in search of budding Green Lantern, Jessica Cruz – whom they need to be able to free remaining Fatal Five members Emerald Empress and Validus in order to carry out their sinister plan. But the Justice League discover an ally from another time in the peculiar Star Boy – brimming with volatile power, could he be the key to thwarting the Fatal Five? An epic battle against ultimate evil awaits!
  • Look Back: Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (Featurette) – Based on the popular Jeph Loeb/Ed McGuinness comic series/graphic novel, the film finds United States President Lex Luthor using the oncoming trajectory of a Kryptonite asteroid to frame Superman and declare a $1 billion bounty on the heads of the Man of Steel and his “partner in crime,” Batman. Heroes and villains alike launch a relentless pursuit of Superman and Batman, who must unite – and recruit help – to stave off the action-packed onslaught, stop the asteroid, and uncover Luthor’s devious plot to take command of far more than North America.
  • From the DC Vault: Superman: The Animated Series, “The Main Man, Part I”
  • From the DC Vault: Superman: The Animated Series, “The Main Man, Part II”
  • Movie trailers:
    • Justice League Dark: Apokolips War
    • Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge
    • Superman: Red Son

 

  • A Sneak Peek at the next DC Universe Movie – An advanced look at the next animated film in the popular DC Universe Movies

 

 

Superman: Man of Tomorrow will also be available on Movies Anywhere. Using the free Movies Anywhere app and website, consumers can access all their eligible movies by connecting their Movies Anywhere account with their participating digital retailer accounts.

Joe Sinnott: 1926-2020

Joe Sinnott: 1926-2020

Joe Sinnott, award winning artist best known for his long stint inking Marvel Comics’ Fantastic Four from 1965 to 1981, has died at the age of 93.

During his 60 years as a Marvel freelancer and then salaried artist working from home, Sinnott inked virtually every major Marvel title, with notable runs on The Avengers, The Defenders and Thor. Stan Lee cited Sinnott as the company’s most in-demand inker: “To most pencilers, having Joe Sinnott ink their artwork was tantamount to grabbing the brass ring.” Sinnott’s art appeared on two US Postal Service commemorative stamps in 2007, and he continued to ink The Amazing Spider-Man Sunday comic strip until his retirement in 2019.

Listing the awards he won over his illustrious illustrating career would take pages, so we’ll limit ourselves to the award named after him: In his honor, the Inkwell’s Hall of Fame Award was dubbed the “Inkwell Award Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award” or the “Joe Sinnott Award.”

Joe and his late wife Betty had four children, Joe Jr., Linda (deceased), Kathy, and Mark; four grandchildren, Chris, Malissa, Dorian, and Trevor; and seven great-grandchildren, Vinnie, Joey, Tyler, Jack, Elizabeth, Mariah, and Madison.

We highly recommend visiting his website for more information. Our condolences to his family, friends, and fans worldwide.

Review: Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #1 Facsimile Edition

Finally, a time machine for me!

Most folks visiting this site know about Dr. Doom’s Time Machine, the Guardian of Forever from Star Trek or that little book written by Herbert George Wells called The Time Machine.  Or at least they know about that fantastic DeLorean that Marty McFly drove.

Well, there’s one more Time Machine to add to the list – Gemstone Publishing’s The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #1 Facsimile Edition, a reproduction of the very first Overstreet’s Price Guide published in the fall of 1970. What a treat it is! This book is, at the core of it all, a snapshot of old comic book prices.  But faster than you can say “Why, oh, why didn’t I buy multiple copies of Fantastic Four #1 for $30.00 back in 70?”, you realize it’s so much more.

This is also a celebration of fan-focused entrepreneurs (Fantropreneurs?) grabbing the reins of their industry. This was the time when fans, and especially one fan named Robert M. Overstreet, rolled up their sleeves, researched meticulously and published an industry bible that would become both a tradition and the foundation upon which a million collections were built.

There’s an important thing to remember. Back in the “old days”, when you finished with something, it was discarded. As a society, we didn’t collect or save magazines or comics.  My Italian relatives would save bottles and paper bags, but comics didn’t quite fit into that category. There were collectors, but they were either breathing rarefied air (e.g. Art Collectors) or they were weirdos… who’s maturity was obviously stunted.

But the Guide, in assigning values to comics in such an authoritative way, publicly established economic value for comics. The outside world could respect that. Society back in the sixties or seventies might not have cared if Captain Marvel debuted in Whiz Comics #1 but they did care if an old funny book, with a newsstand value of 10 cents, was suddenly worth $235.00.

“Oh, if only my mother hadn’t thrown them out!” laments every non-collector.

(Note to my mom -thanks for never throwing out my comics. But I am still bummed you sold my Major Matt Mason Space Station at a garage sale.)

Beyond the prices, this facsimile edition also showcases ads that, once ubiquitous, have now morphed into curiosities. Passaic Book & Comic Center has the first ad in the book. And it’s fun to recall when Big Little Books were an adjacent collectible. (There don’t seem to be too many collectors any more, but I hope I am wrong.) And surely mail order legend Robert Bell deserves his time in the historical spotlight.

I’m so glad Gemstone’s VP of Publishing J.C. Vaughn and his team pushed for this delightful reproduction. Flipping through it sends me back in time, back when the world was shiny and new and full of potential. Or at least comic collecting was.

Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons Comes to Digital Aug. 18

Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons Comes to Digital Aug. 18

BURBANK, CA (June 18, 2020) – Go behind the mask and into the deep backstory of one of DC’s most revered anti-heroes in Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons, a new entry in the popular series of DC Animated Movies. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Blue Ribbon Content and DC, the feature-length animated film will be released by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital starting August 4, 2020, and on Blu-ray Combo Pack on August 18, 2020.

Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack (USA $24.98 SRP; Canada $29.98 SRP), which features a Blu-ray disc with the film in hi-definition, a DVD with the film in standard definition, and a digital version of the movie.

Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons offers a new take on the Deathstroke legacy. Mercenary and master assassin Slade Wilson leads two lives: one as the relentless killer known as Deathstroke and the other as a dedicated family man. When these worlds collide, forced together by the vicious terror group known as H.I.V.E., it is the killer in Slade who must fight to save his loved ones, as well as what remains of himself. With his soul torn apart and his young son held captive, Deathstroke will have to atone for the sins of his past to fuel the battles of his future!

Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Michael Chiklis (The Shield, The Commish, American Horror Story: Freak Show) headlines the cast as Slade Wilson/Deathstroke, alongside Sasha Alexander (Rizzoli & Isles, Shameless, NCIS) as Wilson’s wife, Adeline “Addie” Kane Wilson. The cast also includes Chris Jai Alex (ThunderCats Roar, Extraction) as The Jackal, Faye Mata (League of Legends) as Jade/H.I.V.E Queen, Griffin Puatu (Beastars) as Joseph/Jericho, Imari Williams (Transformers: Rescue Bots, LEGO DC: Shazam! Magic and Monsters) as President Nichols, Asher Bishop (The Angry Birds Movie 2) as Young Joseph, Colin Salmon (Krypton, Arrow, Die Another Day) as William Wintergreen, Delbert Hunt (Bad Henry) as Bronze Tiger, Panta Mosleh (Always Be My Maybe, Pass The Salt) as Lady Shiva, and Noshir Dalal (Red Dead Redemption II) as Kapoor, Castulo Guerra (The Usual Suspects, Jane The Virgin) as General Suarez, and Minae Noji (General Hospital) as Secretary of State.

Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons has been produced in a dual format – initially as animated shorts, the first five of which appeared on CW Seed. With a runtime of 87 minutes, the feature-length Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons film has nearly 50 minutes of never-before-seen content, including the film’s thrilling climax. The film is rated R for bloody violence/gore, language, disturbing images, and some sexual content.

Sung Jin Ahn (Niko and the Sword of Light) directs the film from a script by J.M. DeMatteis (Superman: Red Son, Batman: Bad Blood). Sam Register, Greg Berlanti, and Sarah Schechter serve as executive producers.

Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons gives DC Animated Movies’ their first true look into the complicated backstory of one of DC’s most controversial characters – Deathstroke is sometimes villain, sometimes anti-hero, and always deadly,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Senior Vice President, Originals, Animation, and Family Marketing. “Michael Chiklis does an incredible job capturing the ruthless approach and conflicted internal struggles of Deathstroke.”

Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons Special Features

Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital

  • Deathstroke: One-Man Death Machine (New Featurette)– Some think he’s a villain. To others, he’s an unsung hero of secret wars fought all over the world. One thing’s for certain: When you see the orange-and-black mask, Deathstroke is coming!

Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons will also be available on Movies Anywhere. Using the free Movies Anywhere app and website, consumers can access all their eligible movies by connecting their Movies Anywhere account with their participating digital retailer accounts.

BASICS

PRODUCT                                                                 SRP

Blu-ray Combo Pack                                                  $24.98 USA, $29.98 Canada

Blu-ray Languages: English, Spanish, French

Blu-ray Subtitles: English, Spanish, French

Running Time: 87 minutes

Rated R for bloody violence/gore, language, disturbing images, and some sexual content.

Long Live the Legion! The Complete Series Comes to Blu-ray

Long Live the Legion! The Complete Series Comes to Blu-ray

Warner Archive Collection continues its proud tradition of distributing the best of Warner Bros. Animation’s robust library of DC-based productions with the release of Legion of Superheroes: The Complete Series on Blu-rayTM starting July 14, 2020. The timing is fortuitous given the renewed interest on the DC Comics series now being written by superstar Brian Michael Bendis.

Presented in full 16×9 widescreen across three Blu-ray discs, Legion of Superheroes: The Complete Series includes all 26 episodes of the popular show, which aired on The CW from 2006-2008, as well as a pair of bonus features: the involving featurette “We Are Legion”; and an Exclusive Audio Commentary on the series’ heralded two-part finale, “Dark Victory, Parts One and Two,” with producer James Tucker, director Brandon Vietti and the voice of Saturn Girl, Kari Wahlgren (Rick and Morty, DC Super Hero Girls, Supergirl).

Also now available for pre-order is Legion of Superheroes: The Complete Second Season on DVD.

One thousand years from now, the legendary Man of Steel inspires a group of emerging young heroes from the 31st century to band together and defend the newly formed United Planets. That is, if they don’t kill each other first. In Season One, Legionnaires Bouncing Boy (Michael Cornacchia), Brainiac 5 (Adam Wylie), Saturn Girl (Kari Wahlgren) and Lightning Lad (Andy Milder) travel back in time to convince an awkward teen named Clark Kent (Yuri Lowenthal) to join their Legion of Superheroes and battle their archnemeses, the Fatal Five. The insecure teen is, in turn, inspired by his new friends and, with their help, begins his journey to become the galaxy’s greatest hero. Catching up two years later, Season Two presents Superman and the Legion with an even greater challenge: Kell-El, the Superman of the 41st century!

Warner Archive Collection continues to serve as host to some of the most beloved films, television series and animated entertainment in history – and many are now available on Blu-ray. WAC’s canon runs the gamut from restored and remastered Blu-ray classics such as The Americanization of EmilyThe Big Sleep, The Great Race, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Victor/Victoria and Yankee Doodle Dandy to adored contemporary and classic TV offerings ranging from Crazy Ex-GirlfriendLongmire and The Kominsky Method to Alice and Family Matters . The WAC library also includes feature-length animated films, like the Blu-ray release of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, and animated TV series headed by Blu-ray releases of such popular offerings as Teen Titans: The Complete SeriesJustice League Unlimited and Young Justice and a wealth of classic animated series on DVD including dozens of Hanna-Barbera classics – like Jonny Quest: The Complete Original Seriesand Wally Gator: The Complete Collection; as well as a treasure trove  of offerings for serious collector, like Porky Pig 101 and the recent release of three volumes of Popeye The Sailor: The 1940s. WAC offerings can be found via wbshop.com and your favorite online retailer.

All Things DC Unveiled in August’s DC FanDome

All Things DC Unveiled in August’s DC FanDome

DC movies, games, and comics to get standalone 24-hour FanDome event this summerBURBANK, CA, June 16, 2020 – Save the date and prep your cosplay!  On Saturday, August 22, starting at 10 a.m. PDT, Warner Bros. will welcome fans everywhere into the DC FanDome—a free virtual fan experience where no badge is required.

Imagine all the Super Heroes and Super-Villains you’ve ever loved finally coming together in one place to celebrate DC’s past, present and future.  Accessible for 24 hours at DCFanDome.com, the global event will immerse fans into the DC Multiverse, with new announcements from WB Games, Film and TV, and comics, as well as an unprecedented opportunity to hear from the casts and creators behind your favorite feature films and TV series, including: Aquaman, The Batman, Batwoman, Black Adam, Black Lightning, DC Super Hero Girls, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, DC’s Stargirl, Doom Patrol, The Flash, Harley Quinn, the SnyderCut of Justice League, Lucifer, Pennyworth, SHAZAM!, The Suicide Squad, Supergirl, Superman & Lois, Teen Titans GO!, Titans, Watchmen, Young Justice: Outsiders and, coming this fall to theaters worldwide, Wonder Woman 1984.

The DC FanDome is the place to hear highly anticipated announcements and the latest news, see exclusive footage, and venture into themed worlds designed to entertain everyone from movie and TV superfans to gamers and readers, to families and kids.  With special presentations to engage fans in every time zone across the globe, you’ll have the opportunity to have an experience that’s all your own.  Inside this virtual world, fans will also get access to localized events, featuring the faces and voices from countries around the world in their local language.  No matter where you live, your age or your level of fandom, there is something for you.

Ann Sarnoff, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Warner Bros., said, “There is no fan like a DC fan.  For more than 85 years, the world has turned to DC’s inspiring heroes and stories to lift us up and entertain us, and this massive, immersive digital event will give everyone new ways to personalize their journey through the DC Universe without lines, without tickets and without boundaries.  With DC FanDome, we’re able to give fans from around the world an exciting and unparalleled way to connect with all their favorite DC characters, as well as the incredible talent who bring them to life on the page and screen.”

Exploring the DC FanDome

The epicenter of the DC FanDome is the Hall of Heroes, where you can experience special programming, panels and content reveals from a wide variety of films, TV series and games, available in several languages, including Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.  From there, navigate deeper into the DC Multiverse, exploring five additional satellite worlds, each with its own localized content and unique activities and one world fully devoted to our younger fans:

  • DC WatchVerse: Here’s where you grab a seat, sit back and join our virtual audience and become completely engrossed in hours of must-see content from around the world.  Everything from panels and exclusive screenings to never-before-seen footage, featuring cast, creators and behind-the-scenes crew from across DC Films, TV, Home Entertainment and Games.
  • DC YouVerse: Venture into this world where the FANS are the stars to see the most amazing user-generated content, cosplay and fan art from around the world, including, perhaps, your own.
  • DC KidsVerse: Need a way to entertain your kids for hours on end?  We’ve got you covered inside a special world, which can be accessed directly at com. This area features a broad range of family-friendly activations for our younger fans.
  • DC InsiderVerse: This creativity-based world contains a centerpiece video featuring legendary artist and DC CCO/Publisher Jim Lee, President of DC-Based Film Production Walter Hamada, and creator of the DC TV Arrowverse, Executive Producer Greg Berlanti, welcoming fans with a 101-style introduction to the DC Multiverse.  From there, go behind the scenes with the master artisans who bring DC to life in all its forms, from comic books to games, TV, movies, theme parks, consumer products and more.
  • DC FunVerse: Take your DC FanDome experience and gather cool shareables; check out our comic book reader; DIY cool WW84 Golden Armor and Batmobile kits; plus digital giveaways and a store filled with merchandise, including some limited-edition exclusives.

Pull Up to the Blerd & Boujee House

Where my Blerds at?  The second annual celebration of Black nerd culture returns with the all-new Blerd & Boujee House at DC FanDome, bringing Blerds, LatinxGeeks and all nerds “party-with-a-purpose” vibes.  As anyone lucky enough to get into the first-ever Blerd & Boujee boat party (featuring DJ D-Nice) at San Diego Comic-Con 2019 can attest, fans will not want to miss connections and conversations designed for the culture.

Calling All Fans!

There’s nothing more important to DC than our fans, and we want to showcase you!  In partnership with Talenthouse, DC FanDome today launched a call for your best DC Fan Art & Fandom displays.  Show us your cosplay, makeup, tattoos and even your own Batcave!  Be sure to submit your best at create.DCFanDome.com for a chance to be featured inside this virtual world event, and demonstrate to people in your home country and across the globe that you are the ultimate DC Super Fan.  Selected artists on the day of our event will be voted on by the community in each of our two competitions in order to help our judges pick selected artist winners.  Selected artist winners will receive part of a cash prize pool courtesy of DC and Talenthouse.*

Be sure to check back at our official site, DCFanDome.com, frequently for additional updates on what will be happening inside the DC FanDome, including exciting new content on our new blog, the Daily Star, which kicks off with a welcoming note from Jim Lee himself.  Also, follow the social channels below for frequent updates about participating cast members, creators, writers, artists and game developers you can expect to see.