‘Cloverfield’ Ready for Big Box Office Debut
Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Paramount, Horror, Thrillers, Box Office, New Releases,
Scheduled to open January 18, the big-budget sci-fi thriller Cloverfield stands to make a box office killing. At least, that’s the hope. The Paramount release doesn’t have a lot of big-name stars, but teaser trailers have been running for months now and strong promotion generally creates ticket holders. Unique shooting techniques and hard-core action make Cloverfield compelling and serve to give viewers the feeling of being in the story - something that worked well for movies using similar techniques (like The Blair Witch Project).
The movie sets the stage by introducing all the characters while putting viewers right in the mix. One friend plans a journey to Japan to find his own identity and way in the world, as others make a tape for him so he can hold happy memories close. But Cloverfield is about no happy party - for soon enough, terror strikes. In this way, this film is very much like any other horror movie ever made.
What’s different about Cloverfield? Lots of money, slick production, and in-your-face glimpses of the monster give this film a polished feel often lacking in other horror flicks. The movie strives for a natural, authentic feeling sure to keep viewers right on the edge. And the monster, it’s said, is well worth the wait.
Hollywood Reporter
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Warner Titles Go Blu-ray
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: 20th Century Fox, DreamWorks, Disney, Lionsgate, Paramount, Sony, Universal, Warner Bros, Corporate Shakeups, Distribution, Home Entertainment, Technology,
Warner Home Video - the last major studio to spread the love between both Blu-ray and HD DVD - has finally chosen to consolidate. Unfortunately, its a decision owners of the Toshiba system aren’t going to like. As of May 2008, high definition titles released by the company will be Blu-ray exclusive.
This a major blow for the HD DVD camp which is now fighting a lopsided battle. Although Paramount Studios (with Dreamworks) announced back in August that it was joining the underdog’s team, it is now only one of two major studios (Universal being the other) on that side of the fence. Meanwhile, owners of the Sony product have selections from Walt Disney, Sony, Fox and Lionsgate to choose from.
Although Toshiba claimed to be ‘surprised’ by the announcement, Warner says its decision was simply based on consumer demand. Blockbuster cited this same reason when it Blu-ray only back in June.
Hollywood Reporter
Daniel Day-Lewis Marks Return With ‘Blood’
Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Paramount, Adaptation, Drama, Casting, New Releases,
Known for his odd little ways, his do-or-die acting methods, and his fabulous skill, Daniel Day-Lewis has enjoyed a stellar film career - though by Hollywood standards, he makes films infrequently. Missing from the big screen since 2005, the award-winning actor has made a triumphant return to films today in Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood. Very different from the bevy of family-oriented holiday flicks currently clogging up the theaters, this feature film deals in avarice, oil, madness and, of course, blood.
Anderson is known for dramatic films like Magnolia and Mark Wahlberg’s break-out film Boogie Nights, but There Will Be Blood isn’t like either one of these previous efforts. Day-Lewis (whose own unique brand of method acting has labeled him as truly eccentric and maybe even a little ’round the bend) plays Daniel Plainview in a performance that’s being heralded by the critics (he’s already received a Golden Globe nomination, too). Plainview is involved with oil in a century-old setting, a man who will do whatever he has to do to get his own way.
Yahoo! reviewers have called the dramatic epic a “masterpiece” and granted the film three and a half stars (on a scale of four total). Why is the film this good? Because Daniel Day-Lewis is in it.
Yahoo! News
‘1.18.08’ Officially Called ‘Cloverfield’
Posted by David Onda Categories: Paramount, Action, Adventure, Horror, Science Fiction, Thrillers, New Releases, Rumors, Trailers, Upcoming Releases,
It has been a fiery topic among entertainment blogs and movie sites for months, and now the J.J. Abrams project previously known only by it’s release date - 1.18.08 - has finally got an official name: Cloverfield.
The Paramount film’s first trailer debuted prior to this summer’s smash-hit, Transformers, and has sparked speculation ever since. The rumors involved everything from the film’s poster and title to its plot and mysterious city-ravaging “monster.” And although many rumor mills figured out the film’s title some time ago, the second 1.18.08 trailer, which debuts this weekend before Paramount’s Beowulf, makes the sci-fi thriller’s title official.
But with another two minutes of footage to scrutinize, I’m sure the fanboys will find no shortage of more things to ask questions about.
ComingSoon
This Week on HD DVD and Blu-ray: October 30, 2007
Posted by Johnny Mercedes Categories: Paramount, Sony, Universal, Warner Bros, Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Animation, Documentary, Drama, Family, Foreign Language, Independent, Music, Romance, Science Fiction, Sequels, Comedy, Distribution, Home Entertainment, Lists, New Releases,
This past fortnight, the HD DVD release of Transformers made high-definition history with over 100,000 units sold in the first day—a record that supplanted day-one sales across both formats. But this week Sony will inevitably pull the warring robots off their high horses—likely with a quick tug on some carefully aimed webbing.
The hugely profitable but ambivalently received Spider-Man 3 releases Tuesday and will undoubtedly be a smash hit for Blu-ray. And for those who can’t justify said purchase, the film will also release in a high-def trilogy.
Universal and Warner also have some decent contributions this week, but the real content explosion comes from DVD International and their HDScape series. Finally, I can sit in my tiny condominium and watch a high-definition fireplace, an exotic aquarium, or the slow but steady thaw of Antarctica.
Check the full list of high-def releases after the jump.
Click to continue reading This Week on HD DVD and Blu-ray: October 30, 2007
Even More ‘Star Trek’ Casting News
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Paramount, Science Fiction, Sequels, Upcoming Releases,
Earlier this week we reported some big casting news for the upcoming Star Trek film. Actors John Cho and Simon Pegg were recently chosen for the roles of Sulu and Scotty, respectively.
Now we have word that two more actors have been lined up for the highly-anticipated Enterprise prequel. Chris Pine, who was recently seen in Just My Luck, has snagged the role of James T. Kirk. (Apparently you can find work after a Lindsay Lohan film.) Meanwhile, Karl Urban (The Bourne Supremacy) will be starring as Leonard “Bones” McCoy.
Production on the J.J. Abrams film should begin before the end of the year.
Read More 
| Hollywood Reporter
Shaun of the Dead’s Simon Pegg Joins ‘Star Trek’ Film
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Paramount, Adaptation, Drama, Science Fiction, Sequels, Casting, Rumors, Upcoming Releases,
Just last week we announced intriguing casting news for the upcoming Star Trek film: Eric Bana as the film’s villian, Nero. (I wonder if this was the part Russell Crowe was rumored for.) Now we have more news to whet your appetites. Actor Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) is signed on to play Scotty; John Cho (Harold and Kumar) will take over the role of Sulu. With the exception of James T. Kirk (an actor is supposedly being finalized), most of the characters have now been filled. As a refresher:
- John Cho: Sulu
- Simon Pegg: Scotty
- Eric Bana: Nero
- Zoe Saldana (Haven): Uhura
- Anton Yelchin (Alpha Dog): Chekov
- Zachary Quinto (Heroes): young Spock
- Leonard Nimoy: Spock
Not much is known about the script, though it is believed the movie will depict the Enterprise’s early days. Shooting for the J.J. Abrams film will begin in November.
Read More | Hollywood Reporter
Good News for ‘Star Trek’ Fans
Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Paramount, Science Fiction, Casting, Rumors, Upcoming Releases,
Okay, I’ll admit it: I’m a Trekkie. I try not to take it to a dark place; I’ve never dressed up in costume or downloaded Enterprise schematics online. I do know what the ‘T’ stands for in James T. Kirk, and admit I’ve avidly watched every episode. Ever. So I, like many Star Trek fans out there, feel pretty stoked about the new movie. And more information is coming out of the galaxy every day. Eric Bana will play a villain in the flick, which is set for a Christmas 2008 release. So far, news on the film is good for Trek fans. Leonard Nimoy has given the film his approval, which is said to focus on Spock – and that all sounds very promising to Trekkies of all kinds.
This Week on HD DVD and Blu-ray: October 9, 2007
Posted by Johnny Mercedes Categories: 20th Century Fox, DreamWorks, MGM, Paramount, Sony, Universal, Warner Bros, Action, Adaptation, Animation, Classics, Drama, Family, Horror, Independent, Romance, Science Fiction, Sequels, Comedy, Thrillers, Home Entertainment, Lists, New Releases, Upcoming Releases,
The war between Blu-ray and HD DVD rages on, but this week the battle looks particularly one-sided.
HD DVD has only one exclusive release this Tuesday (and not even a very good one), which can’t counter-balance the nine exclusive Blu-ray titles. Now, one could see this as merely a slow week for the format’s proponents—Universal has the one title, and Paramount has zilch—or maybe Fox, Sony and MGM have simply realized that the holidays are fast approaching, and that … well, this is a war! Whatever the case, HD DVD loyalists will find little to drool over this week. As for the Blu-ray fans, they’ll find three day-and-date releases plus a high-def 28 Days Later to supplement its impressive new-release sequel.
Have a look at this week’s HD releases after the jump.
Check out this week’s standard-definition releases,
or take a look at the TV-on-DVD titles.
Click to continue reading This Week on HD DVD and Blu-ray: October 9, 2007
Target Date For ‘Transformers’ Sequel
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: DreamWorks, Paramount, Action, Science Fiction, Upcoming Releases,
I believe this is what you call putting the cart before the horse..
Although no director, producer or star have yet been confirmed for the project, a target date has already been set for a Transformers sequel. While Michael Bay and Shia LeBeouf are expected to return, Steven Spielberg’s participation is currently up in the air. An ongoing dispute between Spielberg’s Dreamworks and its parent company, Paramount, could unfortunately put a wrench in everyone’s plans. But it’s hoped production can at least begin before a possible Actors Guild strike next year.
If all things go as planned, expect to see the film on June 26th…2009.
Read More | Variety
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