Monday, January 15, 2018

VIZ Media Acquires Anime Film, "Mazinger Z: Infinity"

VIZ MEDIA AND TOEI ANIMATION ANNOUNCE NORTH AMERICAN RIGHTS FOR THE MAZINGER Z: INFINITY FEATURE FILM

Based On The Legendary Mazinger Z Sci-Fi Series, Feature Film Will Debut In U.S. Movie Theaters In February 2018

San Francisco, CA – Toei Animation Inc. and VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, have jointly announced the acquisition of the MAZINGER Z: INFINITY feature film.

MAZINGER Z is one of Japan’s most revered sci-fi properties. The new film, which was produced by Toei Animation, takes place ten years after the conclusion of the famed Mazinger Z TV series. VIZ Media has secured the theatrical, broadcast, digital streaming, EST, and home video rights for the U.S. and Canada from Toei Animation.

In addition, in partnership with Fathom Events, MAZINGER Z: INFINITY will receive a special two-night-only presentation across the U.S. on Sunday, February 11, 2018 and Monday, February 12, 2018 (English-subtitled both dates). Attendees will also receive an exclusive MAZINGER Z: INFINITY poster (while supplies last). For a complete listing of participating theaters and to purchase tickets, please visit www.FathomEvents.com/events/mazinger-z-infinity.  

The MAZINGER Z: INFINITY movie is based on the classic manga series by the immutable creator, Go Nagai. It follows our hero, Koji Kabuto, in an action-packed adventure where only he can choose his ultimate path! Ten years ago, the villainous scientist Dr. Hell led his wicked followers, known as the Underground Empire, in a struggle to destroy all of humanity. It was against these forces that the young hero Koji Kabuto fought, piloting the legendary super robot “Mazinger Z.” Koji’s victory stopped Dr. Hell’s evil plan and returned peace to the Earth. Now Koji has left the pilot seat behind and become a scientist in his own right, following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. Yet an unexpected encounter deep under Mt. Fuji triggers an even greater threat to mankind than ever before and alters Koji’s destiny forever. With humanity’s fate in their hands, Koji and Mazinger Z face a choice between good…and evil.

“MAZINGER Z is one of Japan’s most celebrated sci-fi properties and is an instantly recognizable icon of the super robot genre,” says Masayuki Endo, Toei Animation Inc.’s President & CEO. “We are very pleased to work so closely with VIZ Media to bring this exciting new anime movie to fans across North America.”

“Fathom is thrilled to partner with VIZ Media to bring this well-loved franchise to cinema audiences across the U.S.” Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt said. “Our anime events continue to fill auditoriums with excited fans and we know MAZINGER Z: INFINITY will do the same.”

“MAZINGER Z is a groundbreaking property that has helped to define the super robot and mecha genres for over four decades,” says Charlene Ingram, VIZ Media’s Director of Animation Marketing. “The new film is a fitting testament to the enduring popularity of the franchise as well as the iconic works of Go Nagai. We look forward announcing details on the theatrical premiere in the very near future.”

For additional information on MAZINGER Z: INFINITY and other anime distributed by VIZ Media, please visit viz.com.


About Toei Animation Inc.
Based in Los Angeles, Toei Animation Inc. manages the film distribution of Toei’s top properties, including Dragon Ball all series, Sailor Moon, One Piece, Digimon series, Saint Seiya, and many others to North America, Latin America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Toei Animation’s Los Angeles office further handles all categories of consumer product licensing based on its film and television brands within these territories.

For more information, please visit http://www.toei-animation-usa.com/.

About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the leading event cinema distributor with participating theaters in all 100 of the top Designated Market Areas®, and ranks as one of the largest overall distributors of content to movie theaters. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), Fathom Events offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events in theaters such as live performances of the Metropolitan Opera, top stage productions including Newsies! The Broadway Musical and George Takei’s Allegiance, major sporting events such as Mayweather vs. McGregor, epic concerts with artists like Grateful Dead and Dixie Chicks, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series, inspirational events such as Steve McQueen: American Icon and In Our Hands, and beloved anime titles like Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes for unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 897 locations and 1,387 screens in 181 DMAs. For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular digital magazine WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through official licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan's largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.

Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at viz.com.

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Sunday, January 14, 2018

Image Comics' "Crosswind" Headed To Bookshelves and Television

GAIL SIMONE AND CAT STAGGS’ CROSSWIND HEADED TO PAPERBACK, TV

Trade paperback collects "Crosswind" issues #1-6

PORTLAND, OR — Superstar creators Gail Simone (Red Sonja, Secret Six) and Cat Staggs (Wonder Woman ‘77, Smallville Season 11) will release CROSSWIND, VOL. 1 from Image Comics this February 2018. CROSSWIND is in development for a television series, with Simone slated to write as well as executive produce and Staggs to serve as a consulting producer.

A slick and ruthless Chicago hitman. A smart but downtrodden Seattle housewife. When an inexplicable event strikes these two random strangers, their bodies, souls, and lives are switched—to potentially deadly effect.

“CROSSWIND is a dream project for co-creator/artist Cat Staggs and me: a crime fantasy with guts and heart and a downright mean streak at times,” said Simone. “It’s a venomous confection, two people whose lives are switched and they have no idea why. We loved every minute of making this book and hope you’ll love it, too, bodily injury and all.”

“If you ever wondered what it was like to walk in someone else's shoes, CROSSWIND might make you think twice about that,” said Staggs. “Gail and I have worked to create a grounded and sometimes brutal fantasy that you won't be able to put down. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.”

CROSSWIND, VOL. 1 (Diamond code: NOV170676, ISBN: 978-1-5343-0474-1) hits comic book stores Wednesday, February 28th, 2018. The final order cutoff deadline for comics retailers is Monday, January 15th, 2018.

CROSSWIND, VOL. 1 will be available in bookstores Tuesday, March 5th, 2018. It can be preordered via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indiebound, and Indigo.

Select praise for CROSSWIND:

“Freaky Friday—yes! But dark and twisted and such great art and page composition. And glints of humour. This is great, kinetic, mind-warping work. Art reminded me of Chaykin’s The Shadow meets Bill Sienkiewicz. I love this.” —Ian Rankin (Inspector Rebus novels)

CROSSWIND is a fantastic story with very real stakes and consequences concerning identity in both physical and psychological ways.” —Comics Verse

CROSSWIND will sneak up on you from behind and knock you sideways. Gail Simone is at her absolute sharpest, and Cat Staggs’s art is daring and sexy. Freakin’ impressive is what it is…!” —Cully Hamner (RED, The Question)

Cat Staggs's art will grab you by the throat and kick you in the teeth. This is one creepy ride.” —Joe Harris (ROCKSTARS, X-Files)

Simone and Staggs’ work together rivals that of even the best noir teams (Brubaker and Phillips better watch their backs).” —Monkeys Fighting Robots

"By the end of issue #1, I was absolutely hooked. The only thing more riveting than CROSSWIND’s two protagonists are these two incredible creators joining together at the peak of their powers." —Tom Taylor (All-New Wolverine, Injustice, The Deep)

Beautifully illustrated and with a fresh take on a fairly worn-out trope, CROSSWIND is a fantastic new series from two creators working in perfect synergy.” —Big Comic Page

Gail Simone’s dialogue kicks major ass and Cat Staggs’ artwork is superb and evocative.” —Tor.com, “The Top Spec-fic Comics of 2017”

Staggs and Simone have delivered a great, cinematic experience.” —Black Nerd Problems


ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of bestselling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

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Fox and NatGeo Announce "Cosmos: Possible Worlds"

Fox and National Geographic Announce the Highly Anticipated Return of the Emmy Award-Winning Series “COSMOS”

New Season, COSMOS: POSSIBLE WORLDS, Once Again Hails from Executive Producer, Writer, Director and Creator Ann Druyan with Executive Producers Seth MacFarlane, Brannon Braga and Jason Clark

Renowned Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson Returns as Host of the 13-Part Series to be Broadcast Worldwide Across National Geographic and in the U.S. on FOX and National Geographic

New Season to Launch Alongside the Release of a Companion National Geographic Book Written by Druyan, COSMOS: POSSIBLE WORLDS


LOS ANGELES & WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FOX and National Geographic today announced the highly anticipated return of the Emmy Award-winning worldwide phenomenon COSMOS, from executive producer/writer/director Ann Druyan (who won an Emmy Award for writing the 2014 series and a Peabody Award for producing it) and executive producers Seth MacFarlane (FAMILY GUY, THE ORVILLE, “COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey”), Brannon Braga (THE ORVILLE, “COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey,” “Terra Nova”) and Jason Clark (THE ORVILLE, “COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey”). Neil deGrasse Tyson, the famed pop-culture icon, astrophysicist and host of the Emmy Award-nominated “StarTalk,” returns as host of the series, scheduled to premiere globally in Spring 2019.

Watch the teaser here.

Following a wildly successful run in 2014 as the most-watched series ever on National Geographic Channels internationally, and seen by more than 135 million people worldwide on National Geographic and FOX, the new season will once again premiere in the U.S. on both FOX and National Geographic and globally on National Geographic in 171 countries and 43 languages.

In the vastness of space and the immensity of time, the number of worlds to explore and stories to tell are virtually infinite. The first two seasons of the COSMOS television series transported a global audience to the farthest reaches and most deeply hidden recesses of the universe. In the course of those journeys, the series dramatized the lives of many of the forgotten searchers who contributed to the world’s understanding of who, when and where we are in the universe. COSMOS: POSSIBLE WORLDS will venture to previously uncharted territories.

In conjunction with the launch of the new season, National Geographic Books also will publish a companion book, COSMOS: POSSIBLE WORLDS, by Ann Druyan, the long-awaited follow-up to Carl Sagan’s international bestseller, COSMOS: A Personal Voyage.

COSMOS: POSSIBLE WORLDS is produced by Cosmos Studios, the Ithaca, NY-based company Ann Druyan co-founded in 2000, and Fuzzy Door Productions, Seth MacFarlane’s company. Druyan and Brannon Braga are the series’ writers. Druyan, MacFarlane, Braga and Jason Clark executive-produce. “Like” COSMOS: POSSIBLE WORLDS on Facebook at CosmosOnTV. Follow the series on Twitter @CosmosOnTV. See photos and videos on Instagram by following @CosmosOnTV.


About FOX
Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX), a unit of 21st Century Fox, is home to some of the highest-rated and most acclaimed series on television, including EMPIRE, THE MICK, LETHAL WEAPON, LUCIFER, GOTHAM, THE LAST MAN ON EARTH, NEW GIRL, BROOKLYN NINE-NINE, STAR, THE EXORCIST, THE SIMPSONS, FAMILY GUY, BOB’S BURGERS, HELL’S KITCHEN, MASTERCHEF, MASTERCHEF JUNIOR and SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE; as well as new series THE GIFTED, THE ORVILLE, 9-1-1, LA TO VEGAS, GHOSTED, BEAT SHAZAM, LOVE CONNECTION and THE F WORD WITH GORDON RAMSAY; and upcoming drama THE RESIDENT. FOX airs 15 hours of primetime programming a week, as well as major sports and Sunday morning news. Through the FOX NOW app, FOX viewers can watch full episodes of their favorite FOX shows on a variety of digital platforms, while enjoying enhanced interactive and social capabilities around those shows. Download the FOX NOW app at www.fox.com/foxnow. To watch primetime programming live on the web, visit www.fox.com/live. “Like” FOX on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FOXTV and follow the network on Twitter @FOXTV. For additional information about FOX, please visit www.fox.com.

About National Geographic Partners LLC
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between National Geographic and 21st Century Fox, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 130 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

About Cosmos Studios
Co-founded in 2000 by CEO and visionary Ann Druyan, Ithaca, NY-based Cosmos Studios creates, produces, and distributes eye, brain, heart and soul-nourishing science-based entertainment in all media.

Cosmos Studios aims to tear down the walls that have excluded so many from the scientific enterprise. We work to demystify the language, values, and drama of science, to give everyone the power of its permanently revolutionary methodology.

Carl Sagan, and those privileged to work with him, demonstrated that there is a world-wide appetite for compelling entertainment that reflects our dawning awareness of cosmic evolution and our place in its great story. There is a planet-wide hunger for images and dreams that reflect our radically altered sense of who, where, and when we are… where we might go, who we might become.

In collaboration with award-winning writers, artists, filmmakers, producers, researchers, engineers, educators, artists, and a growing list of partners across science, communications, and finance, we seek to touch audiences with the soaring spiritual high that comes from grasping science's central revelation- our oneness with the cosmos.

Come with us at www.cosmosstudios.com
on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CosmosStudiosOfficial/
on Twitter at twitter.com/CosmosStudios1
on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cosmosstudiosofficial/

About Fuzzy Door Productions
Led by director, writer and producer Seth MacFarlane, Fuzzy Door Productions is the production company behind many of today’s most successful film and television projects. Jason Clark serves as its President and oversees all areas of development and production for the company’s film and television slate. Fuzzy Door produced “COSMOS: A Spacetime Odyssey,” and currently produces FOX’s hit space adventure series, THE ORVILLE, as well as the beloved animated television shows FAMILY GUY and “American Dad!.” On the film side, Fuzzy Door has produced “Ted,” “Ted 2” and “A Million Ways to Die in the West.”

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Saturday, January 13, 2018

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from January 7th to 13th, 2018 - Update #28

Support Leroy on Patreon.

MOVIES - From BleedingCool:  Blumhouse's "Halloween" sequel began shooting today (Jan. 13th, 2018).  David Gordon Green is directing with original director John Carpenter co-producing and scoring the film.  Jamie Lee Curtis, the original film's star, returns, as does original Michael Myers, Nick Castle.

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CELEBRITY - From BET:  Paris Jackson, daughter of the late, great Michael Jackson, tried to help some bums and they stole from her.

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MOVIES - From THR:  Oscar-winner Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) and Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther) are joining for "Expatriate," a 1970s set international thriller.

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  Leonardo DiCaprio will star in Quentin Tarantino's ninth feature length film, which is set during the summer of 1969 around the time of the Charles Manson murders.  DiCaprio appeared in Tarantino's 2012 film, "Django Unchained."

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TELEVISION - From BleedingCool:  Gareth Edwards' ("Rogue One") film, Monster, is being adapted as a TV series.  The film was originally released in the U.S. in 2010.

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COMICS-FILM - From Collider:  "Deadpool 2" will now open May 18, 2018, instead of June 1st.  Fox also moves "The New Mutants" from April 13, 2018 to February 22, 2019.

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TELEVISION - From BleedingCool:  ABC is developing a reboot of its 1980s series, "The Greatest American Hero," and a live-action version of "The Jetsons."

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COMICS-FILM - From BleedingCool:  Channing Tatum's X-Men spinoff film, "Gambit," has lost another director, Gore Verbinski.

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CULTURE - From TheNewYorker:  Legendary French actress, Catherine Deneuve, and other prominent French women denounce the #MeToo and #BalanceTonPorc (the French #MeToo) movements.

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COMICS - From TheWrap:  Marvel Studios is moving forward with a "Black Widow" stand alone movie.  Jac Schaeffer, who made her debut with the film "TiMER," will write the film.

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MOVIE - From ShadowandAct:  There is a biopic of African-American actress Hattie McDaniel in the works.  McDaniel was the first African-American to receive an Oscar nomination for acting and the first to win an Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress, "Gone with the Wind").

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MOVIE AWARDS - From HuffPost:  While introducing Meryl Streep at the "National Board of Review Annual" awards, Robert DeNiro called President Donald Trump a "fucking idiot" and a "fucking fool."

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CELEBRITY - From ComicBook:  The photography of the late actor Anton Yelchin will be at the De Buck Gallery in New York City through January 20th, 2018.

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MOVIES - From ThePlaylist:  Mark Wahlberg paid way more money than Michelle Williams for the "All the Money in the World" reshoots.

From YahooNews:  The Mark Wahlberg-Michelle pay gap on the reshoots for Ridley Scott's "All the Money in the World," is sparking growing outrage.

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ANIMATION/SCANDAL - From Variety:  TBS has ended its involvement in the animated comedy, "The Cops," co-created by and set to star Louis CK, the comedian accused of having a history of misconduct.

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OPRAH - From CNN:  The transcript to Oprah Winfrey's rousing and acclaimed Golden Globes speech after receiving the "Cecil B. DeMille Award" for lifetime achievement - the first black woman to receive the award.

From YouTube:   See Oprah's speech at the 75th Golden Globes Awards.

From RSN:  Actresses protest at 75th Golden Globes Awards.

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AWARDS - From TheWrap:  The 2018 / 75th Golden Globe Awards - the complete winners list.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 1/5 to 1/7/2018 weekend box office is "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle," with an estimated take of $36 million.  This is its first time winning the weekend box office, although this is also its third weekend in release.

From Variety:  "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" stumbles in its Chinese box office debut, but still moves up to $1.2 billion in worldwide box office.

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MOVIES - From IndieWire:  Ridley Scott, who directed the original "Blade Runner," is already planning a sequel to the recent "Blade Runner 2048," which he did not direct.

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MOVIE AWARDS - From GoldenGlobes:  The nominees for the 2018/ 75th Golden Globe Awards, which are tonight.

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STREAMING - From Deadline:   David Letterman's six-episode Netflix show will be entitled "My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman."  It starts streaming Jan. 12th, 2018, and President Barack Obama will be Letterman's first guest.

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POLITICS:  From ThinkProgress:  Companies that announced big bonuses after GOP tax cut are now laying off their workers

TRAILER:

From YahooEntertainment:  See the teaser trailer for Marvel's "Black Panther" shown during Mon., Jan. 8th's college football National Championship Game.

OBITS:

From ESPN:  Legendary sports broadcaster Keith Jackson has died at the age of 89, Friday, January 12, 2018.  He was a play-by-play announcer for a number of sports, but is best known for his work on college football games.  He was known for his folksy manner, down-to-earth manner and for his colorful expressions like "Who, Nellie!" and "Big Uglies."  He is also credited for dubbing college football's "Rose Bowl" game as "The Granddaddy of Them All."

From TheWrap:  The Canadian actor, Donnelly Rhodes, has died at the age of 80, Monday, January 8, 2018.  He is best known for his work on the late ABC series, "Soap" (1977-1981), the "Battlestar Galactica" reboot (2004 to 2009), and the Canadian police drama, "Da Vinci's Inquest" (1998 to 2005).

From THR:  The actress Greta Thyssen has died at the age of 90, Saturday, January 6, 2018.  Born in Denmark, Thyssen was a "blonde bombshell" of the 1950s and 1960s.  She doubled for Marilyn Monroe in the film "Bus Stop" and appeared in 3 "Three Stooges" films, including the final Stooges short film, "Sappy Bull Fighters" (1959).


"The Dark Crystal" Returns to Theaters in Feb. 2018

“The Dark Crystal,” Jim Henson’s Epic 1982 Fantasy-Adventure, Makes a Rare Big-Screen Return for Two Nights Only This February

From Co-Directors Jim Henson and Frank Oz, the Film Returns to U.S. Cinemas February 25 and 28 Only, Featuring an Exclusive Interview with Lisa Henson

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thirty-five years after it first stunned audiences and critics with its unprecedented visions and mythic storytelling, Jim Henson’s 1982 epic fantasy-adventure “The Dark Crystal,” co-directed by Henson and Frank Oz, will return to big screens nationwide in a special two-night presentation from Fathom Events, The Jim Henson Company and Universal Pictures.

    .@Fathom Events News: Jim Henson's "The Dark Crystal" Makes Rare Big Screen Appearance Feb 25 & 28 #DarkCrystal

Newly restored in 4K (at select theaters), “The Dark Crystal” is a visually spectacular tale of a young hero who must find a legendary relic in order restore harmony to the universe. A watershed in fantasy filmmaking produced by Gary Kurtz (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back), “The Dark Crystal” will play in U.S. movie theaters on Sunday, February 25, 2018, and Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time (both days).

Each screening of “The Dark Crystal” will also feature a brand-new featurette with Lisa Henson (CEO and President of The Jim Henson Company), who will reflect on the making of the one-of-a-kind film and its creative legacy.

Tickets for “The Dark Crystal” can be purchased beginning Friday, January 12, 2018 online at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. A complete list of theater locations will be available January 12 on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Following its two-day-only theatrical presentation, “The Dark Crystal” will debut on 4K Ultra HD™ and return to Blu-ray™ and Digital March 6 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The Blu-ray will be presented in an all-new collectible Digibook package, complete with rare photos and behind-the-scenes info about the making of this iconic classic.

The ambitious story of “The Dark Crystal” takes place in the world of Thra, which has been torn asunder by a fracture in a great magic crystal, causing two races to be created: the tranquil Mystics, or urRu, and the evil Skeksis, who all but destroyed Thra’s native species, the Gelflings. Now, the Mystics have summoned Jen, one of the last surviving Gelflings, to find the lost piece of the crystal. The quest sends him on an unbelievable adventure that can restore harmony and peace to Thra.

“The Dark Crystal” features performances by Jim Henson as Jen (voice of Stephen Garlick), Kathryn Mullen as the Gelfling Kira (voice of Lisa Maxwell), Frank Oz as the astronomer Aughra (voice of Billie Whitelaw), and Dave Goelz as Fizzgig (voice of Percy Edwards), with Henson, Oz and Goelz also performing as the Skeksis. Kiran Shah also performs the body of Jen, Kira and Aughra. With a screenplay by Dave Odell (“The Muppet Show”), “The Dark Crystal” also features a majestic score by Trevor Jones (Excalibur, Labyrinth).

“Jim Henson created a truly one-of-a-kind experience with ‘The Dark Crystal,’ one that is rarely seen on the big screen,” said Tom Lucas, Fathom Events Vice President of Studio Relations. “Fathom Events could not be more excited about the privilege of working with The Jim Henson Company and Universal Pictures to give movie lovers the chance to see the visual splendor of ‘The Dark Crystal’ in movie theaters.”


About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the leading event cinema distributor with participating theaters in all 100 of the top Designated Market Areas®, and ranks as one of the largest overall distributors of content to movie theaters. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), Fathom Events offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events in theaters such as live performances of the Metropolitan Opera, top stage productions including Newsies! The Broadway Musical and George Takei’s Allegiance, major sporting events such as Mayweather vs. McGregor, epic concerts with artists like Grateful Dead and Dixie Chicks, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series, inspirational events such as Steve McQueen: American Icon and In Our Hands, and beloved anime titles like Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes for unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 897 locations and 1,387 screens in 181 DMAs. For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

About The Jim Henson Company
The Jim Henson Company has remained an established leader in family entertainment for over 60 years and is recognized worldwide as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation. Best known as creators of the world-famous Muppets, Henson has received over 50 Emmy Awards, two Academy Awards and nine Grammy Awards. The Company is currently in production on the feature film The Happytime Murders, starring Melissa McCarthy, and the upcoming Netflix original series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. Recent credits include Julie’s Greenroom (Netflix), Dot. (Sprout/Hulu), Splash and Bubbles (PBS), Word Party (Netflix), Doozers (Hulu/ Sprout), and the Emmy®-nominated Sid the Science Kid (PBS), and Dinosaur Train (PBS). Television productions include Fraggle Rock, The Storyteller and the sci-fi cult series Farscape. Features include The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and MirrorMask. Projects in development include the highly anticipated film Fraggle Rock.

The Jim Henson Company is headquartered in Los Angeles on the historic Charlie Chaplin lot with additional locations in New York and London. The Company is home to Jim Henson’s Creature Shop™, a pre-eminent character-building, and visual effects group, as well as Henson Recording Studios, one of the music industry’s top recording facilities.

http://www.henson.com
www.facebook.com/hensoncompany
www.twitter.com/hensoncompany

About Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

About Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) is a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company. SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group includes film labels Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com.

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Friday, January 12, 2018

VIZ Media Has January 2018 Digital Manga Updates

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES DIGITAL MANGA UPDATES FOR JANUARY

Kick Off 2018 With Series Debuts Of FIRE PUNCH And RWBY Along With A Special Promotion For WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP!

Readers are invited to dive into 2018 with all-new manga series! January debuts include the post-apocalyptic adventure FIRE PUNCH and the sleek action saga RWBY. Also catch the latest new volumes for the digital-first releases of ONE-PUNCH MAN Vol. 13 and ASTRA LOST IN SPACE Vol. 2, as well as the not-to-be-missed series finale of NISEKOI: FALSE LOVE (Vol. 25).

January Digital Manga Promotion

·         YU-GI-OH! Digital Manga Sale

Start off 2018 with discounts on the expansive collection of YU-GI-OH! titles. All YU-GI-OH! volumes, including YU-GI-OH!, YU-GI-OH!: DUELIST, and YU-GI-OH!: MILLENNIUM WORLD, will be on sale for only $4.99 each. Available through January 8th across all digital platforms.

Check viz.com each week for additional manga titles featured in this month’s digital sales!

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Updates

Holiday Annual Subscription Sale

Don’t miss out on special holiday pricing on an annual subscription to WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP for only $19.99. The special annual subscription sale is available for a limited time only through January 15th.

Readers are invited to dive into Free Chapters of popular series in SHONEN JUMP’s free section. Check out Free Chapters of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP series at: www.viz.com/shonenjump/chapters/all.

Free chapters are available for the following series:

·               BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS
·               DRAGON BALL SUPER
·               JUNI TAISEN: ZODIAC WAR (manga)
·               MY HERO ACADEMIA
·               MY HERO ACADEMIA: VIGILANTES
·               TOKYO GHOUL: RE
·               And More!

Notable new shojo releases for January include ANONYMOUS NOISE (Vol. 6), KIMI NI TODOKE: FROM ME TO YOU (Vol. 28), NATSUME’S BOOK OF FRIENDS (Vol. 21), and THE WATER DRAGON’S BRIDE (Vol. 4). Also catch a variety of new Shonen Jump titles such as BLUE EXORCIST (Vol. 18), HAIKYU!! (Vol. 19), and 7thGARDEN (Vol. 7). Digital exclusives for the month include BOYS OVER FLOWERS SEASON 2 (Vol. 7) and élDLIVE (Vol. 4).

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top application for reading digital manga and features a massive library of the most popular series in the world. Through the innovative VIZ Manga digital platform registered users are able to use one account to view their purchased manga across more devices than ever. New series and volumes are added every Tuesday. Fans can also find these titles and more for the NOOK, Kindle Fire, and Kobo eReaders, as well as in the comiXology, iBooks and Google Play stores.

Most manga volumes are available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the VIZ Manga application starting from only $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) each. Readers can also explore free Chapter 1 previews of most series.

For more information, please visit viz.com.

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Thursday, January 11, 2018

Filming Resumes on New "Shaft" Film

New Line Cinema’s All-New “Shaft” Continues Production

Samuel L. Jackson, Jessie T. Usher and Richard Roundtree star as three generations of John Shaft, under the direction of Tim Story

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following a brief holiday hiatus, principal photography resumed this week on New Line Cinema’s “Shaft,” the newest chapter in the film franchise featuring the coolest private eye on any New York City block. Tim Story (the “Ride Along” and “Think Like a Man” franchises) directs this all-new take on a legend, starring Oscar nominee Samuel L. Jackson (“Pulp Fiction,” “Kong: Skull Island”), Jessie T. Usher (TV’s “Survivor’s Remorse,” “Almost Christmas”), Alexandra Shipp (“Straight Outta Compton,” “X-Men: Apocalypse”), Regina Hall (“Girls Trip,” “Barbershop: The Next Cut”), Cliff “Method Man” Smith (“Keanu,” “Train Wreck”), and Richard Roundtree, the original John Shaft. John Davis (upcoming “Game Night,” “Joy”) produces under his Davis Entertainment banner.

He may be a cyber security expert with a degree from MIT, but to uncover the truth behind his best friend’s untimely death, JJ—aka John Shaft Jr. (Usher)—will need an education only his dad can provide. Absent throughout JJ’s youth, the legendary locked-and-loaded John Shaft (Jackson) agrees to help his progeny navigate Harlem’s heroin-infested underbelly. And while JJ’s own FBI analyst’s badge may clash with his dad’s trademark leather duster, there’s no denying family. Besides, Shaft’s got an agenda of his own, and a score to settle that’s professional and personal.

Story directs from a screenplay by Kenya Barris (“Girls Trip,” TV’s “Black-ish”) and Alex Barnow (TV’s “The Goldbergs”). Barris also produces the film, with Ira Napoliello and Marc S. Fischer serving as executive producers.

A New Line Cinema production, “Shaft” is set for release on June 14, 2019. It will be distributed in theaters in North America by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and internationally by Netflix.

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