Archive for the ‘News’ Category
| Cameron wows Comic Con | July 26th, 2009 |
James Cameron originally wrote “Avatar” as a way to challenge the special-effects firm Digital Domain, where he served as chief executive. But it took technology 14 years to catch up with his vision of a faraway planet populated by otherwordly plants and animals where humans embody avatars just to brave the landscape.
“In the same way that I wrote ‘Terminator’ just to get a directing gig, I decided to write a story that was full of creatures and characters that would push the art of CG for that company,” he said. But after artists there said it couldn’t be done, Cameron shelved the idea.
Ten years later, when he realized technology had caught up with his cinematic visions, he dusted off the concept and helped develop technology to make it work. On Thursday, he presented world-premiere footage of his progress to more than 6,000 fans at Comic Con.
The “Titanic” director showed more than 20 minutes of footage from the film.
| “Star Trek” DVD & Blu-ray Release | July 18th, 2009 |
Paramount has announced the newest “Star Trek” film will be released on DVD and Blu-ray Disc November 17. The 3-disc (Blu-ray) release will be presented in 1080p resolution and Dolby TrueHD (as well as Dolby Digital option). Extras will include over 3 hours of bonus footage, deleted scenes, interactive material, and a digital copy.
A unique feature of the Blu-ray Disc and 2-disc DVD will use “augmented reality technology” which can be defined as a combination of real-world and computer-generated data. Using a webcam you will be able to immerse yourself into a 3D holographic tour of the U.S.S. Enterprise.
“The behind-the-scenes features on the DVD — and especially the Blu-ray — give a wonderful look at the crazy hard work and incredible fun that went into making this movie,” said director J.J. Abrams.
Released on March 8, 2009, “Star Trek” (working titles included “Star Trek Zero” and “Star Trek XI”) netted $375 million at the box office worldwide. The film was also released in IMAX theaters as “Star Trek: The IMAX Experience.” The film stars Chris Pine (James T. Kirk), Zachary Quinto (young Spock), Zoe Saldana (Nyota Uhura) and Leonard Nimoy as the elder Spock (Spock Prime).
| James Cameron Showing Off Avatar at Comic-Con | July 18th, 2009 |
Dork Shelf has received some interesting information from a reliable source regarding the San Diego Comic Con and James Cameron’s new film Avatar.
Apparently the huge 65,000 square foot H hall at the San Diego Convention Center is being converted into a massive 3D theatre for the event. This means that not only will Cameron be showing off Avatar at Comic Con, but that it will also be presented in full 3D as the director intended it to be seen. The hour long panel on July 23rd will feature James Cameron and two of the stars of Avatar, Zoe Saldana and Sigourney Weaver.
Later that day the same hall will play host to the Future of Filmmaking panel with Cameron and Peter Jackson. We can probably expect some more footage of Avatar and possibly our first look at Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson’s Adventures of Tintin movie. Spielberg, Cameron and Jackson have been the biggest proponents of this new 3D tech; Comic Con will be the first real public demonstration of what they’ve been up to with the technology. Every person that has seen footage from Avatar says that it really must be seen to be believed — I guess we’ll find out in a few weeks. Will it live up to the hype?
From Dork Shelf
| Zoe in a new project, Lucy | July 18th, 2009 |
According to this article by the Cay Compass News Online, Zoe is slated to produce and star in a film called “Lucy”.
Mr. Flowers is also currently developing an adaptation of the book Lucy by Jamaica Kincaid. The novella follows a young West Indian girl, Lucy, who moves from the Caribbean to the US to work as an au pair for a family there. Well–known Hollywood actress Zoe Saldana is slated to produce and star in the project, said Mr. Flowers.
| Zoe at Comic-Con | July 18th, 2009 |
Zoe will be part of a panel at the 2009 Comic-Con convention in San Diego, CA.
THURSDAY JULY 23
1:15 – 2:15: Entertainment Weekly – Wonder women: Female Power Icons in Pop Culture. EW moderates a conversation with Sigourney Weaver (Avatar), Elizabeth Mitchell (“V”, Lost), and Zoe Saldana (Avatar, Star Trek) about the actresses who have redefined the rules, and the female characters that have shattered the glass ceiling for all women. Basically a discussion with women who kick ass. Ballroom 20.
The Losers
Death at a Funeral
Takers
Avatar
Star Trek
The Skeptic
