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February 28, 2000

I've been drooling over this movie since I first heard about it. Now that it's getting closer to the release date, the initial reports from test screenings are making it sound great.

Normally, when Ridley Scott makes a movie, I'm one of the first in line. Ever since Alien, this guy's been on my short list of MUST SEE directors. He's made some great movies... and unfortunately some clunkers. My favorites are (in this order) Blade Runner, Alien, Black Rain and Legend. Check out these links and start drooling too.

    Ain't It Cool News - Spoiler info here, don't go if you don't want to know all about it.
    Gladiator Official Site - All they have is trailers right now.
    The Internet Movie Database - Ridley Scott info.

February 25, 2000

Superman Conspiracy

The Hollywood Reporter is saying that the next big-screen Superman movie is back in pre-production. Not long ago, Tim Burton had to give-up the project after over a year trying to get the feature off the ground with Nicholas Cage playing the title role. This go-round, Oliver Stone, the often controversial director, is interested in taking the reigns. Jon Peters, who is producing, will have to decide if Oliver is the man to send Superman flying in a new direction. The current script, written by Bill Wisher (Terminator 2), is reportedly a much darker and gritty portrayal of the Caped Crusader.

February 18, 2000

Fan Force Denied

Lucasfilm has been coming under quite a bit of pressure over the decision not to release Star Wars Phantom Menace on DVD. So much so, they have issued a response on the Star Wars site.

In the release they say that because the G-man is working on SW2, he doesn't have time to release an acceptable DVD. In the same statement, they admit marketing pressures have forced them to release of a Laserdisc version in Japan - a version with digital audio and therefore superior to the VHS edition they are releasing in the US.

How interesting... Are they saying the US DVD market doesn't exert enough pressure to justify a "less-than-G-man approved" version on DVD? Do the Japanese write better than we do? Frustrating, huh?

I realize Lucasfilm can't win either way. If they release a simple version, without too many add-ons, the fans could be unhappy. But why not admit it? Use it to their advantage! They could release the current version on DVD with a rebate coupon for the enhanced version "at some future date". That way, fans would know a better edition would be coming and feel better about buying the current better-than-VHS version now.

February 17, 2000

Robert Wortham Krimmer

What is every actor's dream? Getting to play a mad Emperor, of course! Robert got that wish when he portrayed the murderous and maniacal Emperor Cartagia on Babylon 5. In contrast, he currently plays the Reverend Andrew Carpenter on One Life to Live, where he doles out kindness and comfort. He has also entertained us in the past with roles in such genre shows as Max Headroom, The Twilight Zone and Harry and the Hendersons.

Although born and raised in Chicago, Robert (also known as Wortham) has deep roots in Colorado. He got his B.A. in Colorado Springs at Colorado College and while going to school there, he met his wife Mary Ellen, a Denver native. Together they've produced two great kids, Max and Tess.

Click here for more convention details and guest announcements...

February 16, 2000

Anne Francis

Starting her long film and TV career as a child actor, Miss Francis appeared opposite Hollywood's best and brightest stars: Dale Robertson, Clifton Webb, Spencer Tracy, Glenn Ford, Robert Taylor, Paul Newman, Jerry Lewis, Don Knotts, Barbra Streisand and with Leslie Neilson in Forbidden Planet. Anne received the Golden Globe Award and was nominated for an Emmy for her role as "Honey West" in the series of the same name. Most recently she appeared on the Drew Carey Show and the new Fantasy Island series. We are happy to announce that Ms. Francis will be appearing at Starfest 2K the entire weekend.

Click here for more convention details and guest announcements...

February 14, 2000

The Lion and the Portuguese

We are pleased to announce that John de Lancie and Kate Mulgrew will perform The Lion and the Portuguese on stage in the Main Events Room Saturday, April 15, 2000. The evening presentation is based on the romance and life of poets Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning.

Tickets for the special performance are $7 for general admission. Reserved seating prices are $15 and $20.

Click here for more convention details and guest announcements...

February 11, 2000

Kate Mulgrew &
John de Lancie
Confirmed for Starfest 2K

All the terms are agreed to, all the I's are dotted. It's official, Kate Mulgrew and John de Lancie will be joining John Travolta at Starfest 2K.

As a special treat, John and Kate will perform The Lion and the Portuguese on stage in the Main Events Room on Saturday and then appear for Q&A on Sunday.

Click here for more details and guest announcements...

February 10, 2000

Star Trek: Voyager Woes & Wows

I was all-set to write a critical review on last nights episode of Voyager. I mean, what's up with wrestling stars on Star Trek? But after watching the episode, I decided to modify my comments.

Popular people on Star Trek isn't a new concept. Classic Star Trek had Melvin Beli, the famous lawyer, in perhaps the worst episode ever, The Children Shall Lead. Next Generation had Stephen Hawkins appear as himself in an episode.

I think The Rock for ratings is a bad decision. I think adding popular faces to TV shows detracts from the shows they appear on. That said, I liked last nights episode. The Rock didn't overwhelm the episode. The show wasn't bad - it was good. Respectably good. The script was about morality. It probed humanity. That's what Star Trek is about when it's at its best. Oh, and it was cool seeing Jeffrey Combs again too.

Here's the upcoming schedule for Voyager episodes: Feb 16 Collective, Feb 23 Spirit Folk, Mar 01 Ashes to Ashes, Upcoming titles: Child's Play, Love Long and Prosper.

February 8, 2000

February 7, 2000

Jimmy's Engines Are Still Rev'n
Jimmy Doohan and his wife, Wende have announced they are expecting their first daughter April 1st. Jimmy will be turning 80 on March 3rd and reports that he's getting a little slower, but doesn't have any aches or pains. The pregnancy was a delightfully unexpected surprise for the couple who already have two sons, ages 21 and 23. Jimmy also has four other children by previous wives.

February 3, 2000

Support Your DVD
Please join the campaign to convince the G-Man to release Star Wars on DVD. I wouldn't suggest you try to convince him with the "you need the money" angle, he doesn't. If enough of us band together, however, he might think about it. Remember, he held out for quite a while but finally gave-in when we begged for another movie.

Perhaps the way to convince him is to suggest that someone else might do it if he doesn't? I've already read reports of bootleg copies being sold in Hong Kong. Just click on the icon above and go to the petition page to have your voice heard. Whatever you do, don't suggest he add any Jar Jar footage to the DVD!

February 1, 2000

The Great One Attacts Tokyo Again!
Despite rumors of another Godzilla movie going straight to video, Sony has acquired the rights to Toho's Godzilla 2000 for theatrical release sometime this summer. The story revolves around a crashed alien spaceship that is after the G-Man's regenerative powers.