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'Lost': Did They Have a Plan or Make It All Up?[teaser]Haters and Losties alike. You've probably wanted to know the definitive answer to the "did the writers know where they were going?" question since 'Lost' crash-landed onto network television in September of 2004.[/teaser] 'Lost' blended elements of science fiction, survival thrillers, mystery, and character drama. For some, it was a thematic trail blazer that proved genre shows could be mainstream. For others, it was a great idea that failed to live up to its potential, crushed under the weight of its own complications and failing to answer all the Mystery Box questions. To this day, mention co-creator/co-showrunner, Damon Lindeloff, and you're bound to get furious, hateful comments about how much he sucks. Hell, the first tweet I saw after the outstanding 'Breaking Bad' series finale was aimed squarely at Lindeloff. For me, personally, I absolutely adore 'Lost', warts and all, and have watched it twice all the way through. I don't care how uncool it may be to admit it, but I even love the 'Lost' finale. It was beautiful, action packed, emotionally satisfying, and wrapped up the major plot lines (I do not care who shot at Sawyer's canoe in Season 5). Sure, the "sideways" flashes were a little hit or miss, but that's okay too. Very few pieces of art are perfect. Given my feelings for show (while admitting it had ups and downs), it probably doesn't surprise you that someone like me would get frustrated when people start arguing about whether the writers knew where they were going the entire time, or if they simply made it up as they went along. My frustration over this particular obsession isn't the notion that another human being might not share my subjective feelings about the quality/success/failure of a six season television series... It's over the fact that people are debating this question as if the answer, one way or the other, can be used to objectively prove 'Lost' is either "amazeballs" or "the worst show ever" when arguing with other human beings who might not share your subjective feelings about the quality/success/failure of a six season television series. (See what I did there?) There's a fantasy that movies and TV series spring forth, fully formed, from the mind of auteurs. A Stephen Spielberg Film. A Martin Scorcesse Picture. Created By Aaron Sorkin. But the truth is this: movies and television shows -- especially network series that need 22-24 episodes per season -- are a crazy, complex beast of ideas that form over the course of a long, collaborative process very few outside Hollywood get to see and understand first hand. Which is why it's such a thrill to share with you The Lost Will and Testament of Javier Grillo-Marxuach, a new blog post by 'Lost' first and second season Supervising Producer, Javier Grillo-Marxuach. Want to know if they knew where they were going? You're about to get an answer. Not a simple answer; this essay's pretty long. But the real one. A glimpse behind the creative curtain (hint: it's a little bit of genius, a little bit of magic, and heaping gobs of hard work). Mr. Grillo-Marxuach digs deep, answering all sorts of questions, some you may already know about, many others you like will not, including.... Which main character was supposed to die in the pilot?How did the character backstories evolve into show's signature flashback structure?What type of show did ABC really want to produce?Was is the Island? Was it always supposed to be that?What did JJ really want The Hatch to be?Who was the true creative force behind the show?How much did they use from that other Island script ABC commissioned?What was Hurley's original backstory?Was Walt psychic?Why did Damon Lindeloff hire Carton Cuse to be co-showrunner?What were The Others originally called?Who named the Dharma Initiative?Where did the Numbers come from?Did the Writers always know what the Island was, or did they make it up as they went along? And, most of all, what really goes into creating a genre-bending smash-hit lightning-in-a-bottle TV series? Click HERE to read the full essay, and then come back to tell us what you think. Did it surprise you? Change your feelings about 'Lost'? Enforce them? As long as you take the time to be sincere about your thoughts, I'd honestly love to hear them all. Cheers and thanks. Don't know about you, but my first thought after reading this essay... time to go back and revisit 'Lost' again soon! Oh, and PS. "[The Island] is not purgatory. It was never purgatory. It will never be purgatory. " Sources: okbjgm via Badass DigestPosted Wed Mar 25, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Tentacles / Reptilicus' Blu-ray Double Feature Dated[teaser]Two cult sci-fi horror flicks will terrorize Blu-ray in June, and you can pre-order the movies now. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Shout Factory is preparing 'Tentacles / Reptilicus' for Blu-ray on June 16. 'Reptilicus' - When the accidentally thawed tail of a huge prehistoric monster is discovered, the process of regeneration begins growing into a full-sized monster...which attacks the city. 'Tentacles' - A prehistoric octopus of monstrous proportions, stirred from its sleep in the North Sea by underwater explosions, migrates to the U.S. Gulf Coast and menaces a seaside community. A scientist turns his trained killer whales against the octopus, and the giant sea creatures battle to the death. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.97. You can find the latest specs for 'Tentacles / Reptilicus' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 16. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Mar 25, 2015 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways' Set for Blu-ray[teaser]The music documentary series will hit the road on Blu-ray in April. You can pre-order the show here. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, RCA is preparing 'Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways' for Blu-ray on April 7. In this new series, Foo Fighters commemorate their 20th anniversary by documenting the eight-city recording odyssey that produced their latest, and eighth, studio album. Foo Fighters founder Dave Grohl directs the series, which taps into the musical heritage and cultural fabric of eight cities: Chicago, Austin, Nashville, Los Angeles, Seattle, New Orleans, Washington D.C. and New York. The band based themselves at a legendary recording studio integral to the unique history and character of each location. One song was recorded in each city, and every track features local legends. Even the lyrics were developed in an experimental, unprecedented way: Grohl held off on writing them until the last day of each session, letting himself be inspired by the experiences, interviews and personalities that became part of the process. 'Foo Fighters Sonic Highways' is, in Grohl’s words, “a love letter to the history of American music.” Each episode delves into the identity of each city -- showing how each region shaped these musicians in their formative years and, in turn, how they impacted the cultural fabric of their hometowns. Every artist who appears in the show, regardless of genre or locale, started as an average kid with universal dreams of making music and making it big. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: 10 Extended interviews and More than 150 minutes of never before seen footage, inside the recording of Sonic Highways. Suggested list price for the 3-Disc Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 7. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Mar 24, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Harley Davidson And The Marlboro Man' Starring Mickey Rourke & Don Johnson Blu-ray Supplements Detailed[teaser]The crime film is speeding toward Blu-ray in May, and you can pre-order the movie now. [/teaser]As previously reported, Shout Factory is preparing 'Harley Davidson And The Marlboro Man' for Blu-ray on May 19. "Hotly staged bike chases" (Variety), state-of-the-art weaponry and "excellent explosions" (Hollywood Drama-Logue) form a deadly combination in this "lively" (Los Angeles Times) action film about a couple of modern-day, motorcycle-ridin' Robin Hoods. Starring Mickey Rourke (Get Carter), Don Johnson (Tin Cup) and Vanessa L. Williams (Shaft), Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man contains thrills and excitement that never let upwith surprise twists at every turn! In the lawless world of the future, drifters Harley Davidson (Rourke) and The Marlboro Man (Johnson) help an old friend save his bar by robbing the very bank trying to takeover his property. But this is no ordinary bank and the armored car they roll is filled not with moneybut drugs! Now Harley and Marlboro become the objects of a ruthless manhunt by the corrupt bank chief's deadly and unstoppable henchmen. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements include a vintage featurette and a theatrical trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.97. You can find the latest specs for 'Harley Davidson And The Marlboro Man' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 19. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Mar 24, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Planet Dinosaur', 'Tiny Giants', and 'Wings' Planned for Blu-ray 3D[teaser]The three documentary titles will hit the Blu-ray 3D format next month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, BBC will be releasing 'Planet Dinosaur', 'Wings', and 'Tiny Giants'' on Blu-ray on April 7. Planet Dinosaur: More dinosaurs were discovered in the last decade than the preceding 200 years, and you can find them here in eye-popping 3D. Planet Dinosaur 3D will transport you back hundreds of millions of years to meet T Rex's bigger, meaner, weirder cousins. Scarier than any movie and stranger than your wildest fantasy, you'll discover a completely immersive visual experience studded with curious facts and jaw-dropping action. Travel back in time and witness a world like nothing you've ever seen, now in 3D. Tiny Giants: The producers of Life and Planet Earth share this spectacular ground-level view of the smallest wonders of the natural world. Unless you've been an ant or an earthworm in a previous life, you've never seen anything like this. Immerse yourself in a terrifically fascinating place, where small creatures face titanic battles to survive. Special 3D cameras capture the larger than life adventures of Earth's littlest heroes. Featuring a stirring musical score by Ben Foster (The Theory of Everything, Doctor Who) and narrated by Stephen Fry, Tiny Giants is one of the most remarkable nature films of all time. Wings: Narrated by Doctor Who star David Tennant, Wings 3D is the breathtaking aerial adventure that takes goose bumps to new heights. Emmy Award-nominated director John Downer uses breakthrough filming techniques and technology to bring you high-flying sights that will simply amaze you. Remarkable 3D footage captures majestic bald eagles scanning over the Grand Canyon, resplendent parrots on the wing, manta rays soaring skyward from the sea, barn swallows dive-bombing for a drink, cranes high over Venice waterways and so much more. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for each Blu-ray 3D is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Planet Dinosaur', 'Tiny Giants', and 'Wings' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under April 7. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Mar 24, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Umberto Lenzi's 'Cannibal Ferox' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1981 cult shocker will cannibalize high-definition in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Grindhouse Releasing will be releasing 'Cannibal Ferox' on Blu-ray on May 12. The original uncensored, unrated director's cut of one of the most notorious and violent films of all time. Banned in 31 countries, Cannibal Ferox assaults your senses as a group of Americans lost in the jungles of Amazonia experience brutal retribution at the hands of blood-crazed cannibals. Shot on location in the savage Amazon wilds of South America, Cannibal Ferox is one of the most violent and shocking films ever made. There are at least two dozen scenes of barbaric torture and sadistic cruelty graphically shown. If the presentation of disgusting and repulsive subject matter upsets you, please do not view this film. The Blu-ray release will feature the Original UNRATED, UNCENSORED director's cut with a spectacular new 2K transfer - scanned from the original camera negative, a BONUS CD - original soundtrack album by Budy-Maglione - newly remastered in stunning 24 bit/96khz sound from the original studio master tapes, and including never-before-released alternate takes, and a beautiful embossed slip cover. The release will also have a breathtaking digital stereo re-mix by Academy Award winner Paul Ottosson as well as an optional Italian language soundtrack and original mono mix. Supplements will include: SHOCKING deleted footage - lost for over 30 years and never-before-seen on home video; Candid and shocking audio commentary by director Umberto Lenzi and star John Morghen; Provocative, in-depth interviews with director Umberto Lenzi, stars Giovanni Lombardo Radice, Danilo Mattei and Zora Kerowa, and special effects master Gino DeRossi; EATEN ALIVE! THE RISE AND FALL OF THE ITALIAN CANNIBAL FILM - all-new feature-length documentary containing interviews with Umberto Lenzi, Ruggero Deodato, Sergio Martino, Giovanni Lombardo Radice, and Robert Kerman; Original Italian, German and U.S. theatrical trailers; Extensive gallery of stills and poster art; Glossy 12 page booklet containing liner notes by legendary 42nd Street historian Bill Landis (author of SLEAZOID EXPRESS) and Eli Roth (director of HOSTEL and THE GREEN INFERNO); AND OTHER SURPRISES! Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Cannibal Ferox' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under May 12. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Mar 24, 2015 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
The Acclaimed 'Still Alice' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The drama starring Academy Award Winner Julianne Moore is planned for Blu-ray in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony will be releasing 'Still Alice' on Blu-ray on May 12th. Alice Howland, happily married with three grown children, is a renowned linguistics professor who starts to forget words. When she receives a devastating diagnosis, Alice and her family find their bonds tested. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Directing Alice: Making of Featurette; Finding Alice: The Cast, filmmakers and Alzheimer's experts discuss what when into Creating an accurate depiction of Alice Howland's Disease; and Three Deleted Scenes. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $35.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Still Alice' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under May 12th. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Mar 23, 2015 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
'Apollo 13: 20th Anniversary Edition' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Ron Howard's 1995 Best Picture nominee has been remastered and will be getting an updated Blu-ray in June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal Studios has revealed 'Apollo 13: 20th Anniversary Edition' will arrive on Blu-ray on June 2. It had been less than a year since man first walked on the moon, but as far as the American public was concerned, Apollo 13 was just another "routine" space flight- until these words pierced the immense void of space: "Houston, we have a problem." Stranded 205,000 miles from Earth in a crippled spacecraft, astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred Haise and Jack Swigert fight a desperate battle to survive. Meanwhile, at Mission Control, astronaut Ken Mattingly, flight director Gene Kranz and a heroic ground crew race against time-and the odds- to bring them home. The film has been Newly restored and remastered from high resolution 35mm original film elements and Blu-ray supplements will include: Feature Commentaries with Director Ron Howard and Jim and Marilyn Lovell, Apollo 13: Twenty Years Later, Lost Moon: The Triumph of Apollo 13, Conquering Space: The Moon and Beyond, Lucky 13: The Astronaut's Story, Theatrical Trailer, U-Control: The Apollo Era, and U-Control: Tech-Splanations. You can find the latest specs for 'Apollo 13: 20th Anniversary Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under June 2. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Mar 23, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Lloyd Bacon's '42nd Street' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1933 musical will make its Blu-ray debut next month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Archive is set to release '42nd Street' on Blu-ray on April 21. Meet a dewy-eyed ingenue, a gee-whiz tenor, stuck-up stars, hard-up producers, brassy blondes and "shady ladies from the 80s." They're all denizens of 42nd Street, belting out ageless Harry Warren/Al Dubin songs and tapping out Busby Berkeley's sensational Depression-lifting production numbers. The put-on-a-show plot spins merrily, full of snappy banter and new faces Ruby Keeler (her movie debut), Dick Powell and Ginger Rogers. The show-stopping numbers (Shuffle Off to Buffalo, You're Getting to be a Habit with Me and the title tune) still dazzle. Looking and sounding its best in years via this new digital transfer from the restored original camera negative and optical audio tracks, 42nd Street shows that good times never go out of style. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 2.0 soundtrack, and supplements include: From Book to Screen to Stage (2006 Retrospective documentary), Hollywood Newsreel (Vintage WB Short Subject), A Trip Thru a Hollywood Studio (Vintage WB Short Subject), Harry Warren - America's Foremost Composer (Vintage WB Short Subject), The 42nd Street Special (Vintage WB Short Subject), Young and Healthy (Vintage WB 1933 Cartoon), Shuffle Off to Buffalo (Vintage WB 1933 Cartoon) (1080p HD), and Original Theatrical Trailer. You can find the latest specs for '42nd Street' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under April 21.Posted Mon Mar 23, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Mario Gariazzo's 'Play Motel' Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1979 sexploitation/giallo film will seduce Blu-ray at the end of the month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, RaroVideo will be releasing 'Play Motel' on Blu-ray on March 30. A milestone production from Mario Gariazzo, notorious for his tasteless sexploitation epics such as The Sexorcist /LOssessa. Assembling here one of the worlds finest trash film collectives and eschewing all correct agendas, the director punctuates his fleshy tapestry with incredibly sleazy imagery involving Marina Hedmann/Frajese and Patrizia Di Rossi/Webley, the sluttiest actresses in Italian cinema. At the garishly lit Play Motel, these two warhorses and other bleached blondes are first seen being secretly photographed while having kinky sex. As the film serves also as a giallo, they are later stabbed to death by an assassin dressed in black. Conveying a sense of mad comedy, this inexhaustible supply of indignities and leopard skin underwear should be sought out at all costs. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include "The Midas touch" by Nocturno Video audio Italian with English subtitles, "Cut scenes", and a fully illustrated booklet curated by Nocturno Video. You can find the latest specs for 'Play Motel' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 30.Posted Mon Mar 23, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by:
