The Dark Knight Rises has launched what it’s dubbing “Operation Early Bird”, a way for the general public to catch a glimpse of the IMAX footage early at select locations across the country. Batman fans will get an opportunity to watch a six-minute prologue of The Dark Knight rises 3 days before the general public.
Visiting www.operationearlybird.com now reveals a map with screening locations for 10:00pm shows on Tuesday, December 13th. Click on one of the locations to get tickets through Gofobo for the screening.
Set for release on July 20, 2012, The Dark Knight Rises stars Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Juno Temple, Josh Pence, Daniel Sunjata and Nestor Carbonell.
Magic Cable Trio ($20) by Innergie is a USB cable that cleverly includes three different USB connectors, allowing it to be used with most mobile devices. The cable has Mini USB, Micro USB, and Apple 40 pin connectors.
The director and writer/star of Forgetting Sarah Marshall reteam for the irreverent comedy The Five-Year Engagement. Beginning where most romantic comedies end, the new film from director Nicholas Stoller, producer Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin) and Rodney Rothman (Get Him to the Greek) looks at what happens when an engaged couple, Jason Segel and Emily Blunt, keeps getting tripped up on the long walk down the aisle. The film was written by Segel and Stoller.
Jerry Robinson, the legendary comic book artist who helped create pillars of the Batman mythos like Robin, Joker, Alfred Pennyworth and Two-Face, died in his sleep Wednesday in New York at the age of 89.
“Jerry Robinson illustrated some of the defining images of pop culture’s greatest icons,” DC Entertainment co-publisher Jim Lee said in a statement. “As an artist myself, it’s impossible not to feel humbled by his body of work. Everyone who loves comics owes Jerry a debt of gratitude for the rich legacy that he leaves behind.”
Robinson, who settled down in New York since his Columbia days, is survived by a wife, Gro, a son, Jens, and a daughter, Kristen, as well as two grandchildren.
The Apple Store Grand Central, Apple’s fifth store in Manhattan, will open Friday, December 9, at 10 a.m., just in time for the holidays. This one-of-a-kind Apple retail store overlooks the historic Main Concourse from the East and North East balconies of the world-famous Grand Central Terminal, and has two Genius Bars for free tech support and advice.
Convenient services at the Apple Store Grand Central include Personal Pickup, a feature of the free Apple Store App which lets iPhone users shop and buy from anywhere they are, then pick up their purchase when they reach the terminal. Customers using the Apple Store App can even scan and pay for accessories with their iPhone using the new EasyPay function. And new 15-minute Express Workshops offer tips and tricks in a streamlined format to serve customers on a tight schedule.
The store’s expert team has 315 passionate employees who deliver these and other amazing services, which have become the hallmark of Apple retail stores worldwide.
Beyond the balcony overlooking the expansive Main Concourse, the Apple Store Grand Central offers rooms dedicated to some of our most popular services, including the largest area in the world dedicated to Personal Setup. In the Personal Setup room, customers who buy an iPad, iPhone, iPod or Mac can get up and running before they leave the store. There’s also a room designed especially for Personal Training, where new Mac owners learn the basics or take their skills to the next level as part of Apple’s popular $99 One to One program.
Holiday shoppers in Manhattan now have five unique Apple stores to choose from, each perfectly suited to the neighborhoods they serve: Fifth Avenue, Upper West Side, SoHo, West 14th Street and Grand Central. Around the world, nearly 300 million people have visited Apple retail stores in the past 12 months. There are 361 Apple stores in eleven countries including the US, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Japan, China, Australia and Canada.
The Apple Store Grand Central is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The now iconic quote debuted in a 1997 television commercial for Apple Computer. The text was said to have been mostly written by then Apple CEO Steve Jobs. He embodied the characteristics in this quote arguably better than anyone in history. Today it lives on as a mantra for artists, inventors, entrepreneurs and innovators around the world.
Now these powerful words can be seen on a beautiful handcrafted letterpress poster that measures 10″ x 26″ and is printed on 100% cotton, handmade Arches 140# paper.
Only 500 prints will be created. Unframed posters will cost $95 and framed will sell for $195.
100% of the profits made from the sale of this poster will be donated to the Acumen Fund.
The Acumen Fund exists to end worldwide poverty by investing in sustainable entrepreneurial projects and breakthrough ideas.
This April, The Avengers and the X-Men—the two most popular franchises in comics history—go to war! Marvel is proud to announce Avengers vs X-Men, a landmark 12-issue pop culture event bringing together the world’s greatest super heroes—Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Magneto and more—for an unforgettable battle beginning in April 2012.
Avengers vs X-Men is written by a team of the top-selling authors in the comic book industry today: Brian Michael Bendis, Jason Aaron, Jonathan Hickman, Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction. This unprecedented assembly of acclaimed writers is joined by a trio of the industry’s superstar artists: John Romita Jr., Olivier Coipel and Adam Kubert. The Avengers and X-Men have learned that the all-powerful embodiment of both death and rebirth known as the Phoenix Force is on a crash course for Earth…and it needs a new host to unleash its immeasurable power. But what is the shocking decision tied to the Phoenix’s return that will pit the Avengers against the X-Men? And when good friends become bitter enemies, what does this mean for the future of the Marvel Universe?
Shipping twice monthly, this epic 12-issue limited series will be available in comic stores and on the Marvel Comics app on the same day—additionally, each print issue of Avengers vs X-Men includes a code for a free digital copy of the issue on the Marvel Comics app at no additional cost to fans or retailers.
“Avengers vs X-Men brings together the most powerful forces in comics for a super hero war like you’ve never seen before and will never see again. We all want to see the best of the best go against each other—Lakers & Celtics; Ali & Frazier; Yankees & Red Sox; and in comics it’s the Avengers fighting the X-Men, ” said Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief, Marvel Entertainment. “We’ve brought together the biggest writers, biggest artists and biggest characters for the biggest story we’ve ever told. This is the kind of high-octane action-packed story that fans demand while also having a profound effect on every character involved—and reshaping the Marvel Universe in its wake.”
Plus, for the first time ever, fans can watch and take part in the groundbreaking Avengers vs X-Men Live Kickoff beginning at 3:00pm ET, Wednesday, December 7, on Marvel.com and http://new.livestream.com/marveluniverse. A unique event produced in collaboration with Livestream.com’s cutting edge streaming services and the Hangout functionality provided by Google+, we’re bringing the writers and editors of AvX directly to the fans. Make sure to follow Marvel on Google+ as five lucky fans will be chosen to join in on the AvX hangout with their favorite writers and editors! Even if you’re not part of the Hangout, your questions can still be answered via Facebook and Twitter. using hashtag #AvX—just make sure to send in your questions before the event ends!
You’ve heard It’s Coming—and this April the War Is Here in Avengers vs X-Men #1! All your favorite super heroes enter—and only one team will emerge victorious!
Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts today announced a partnership to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – the enormously popular themed entertainment environment which debuted in Orlando in June 2010 – to Universal Studios Hollywood.
The two companies also announced their plans to significantly expand The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be as impressive as what has been created in Orlando – and is expected to transform tourism in Los Angeles for decades to come. It will be a fully immersive environment for the entire family that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life and is faithful to the visual landscape of the films, including a majestic Hogwarts castle to serve as the centerpiece of the themed environment. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be created with the same commitment to authenticity and the same level of talent and resources as its Orlando counterpart.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort opened in June 2010 and immediately captured global attention. It is a spectacularly themed land that includes Hogwarts castle, Hogsmeade and multiple themed attractions. Specific details of its expansion will be announced over time.
The Hidden Speaker ($120) is a speaker integrated into a giant volume knob powered by rechargeable internal batteries offering over 30 hours of play time. The device uses Bluetooth for wireless streaming audio support, and also offers a built-in AM/FM radio, and a 3.5mm input for technologically challenged audio sources.
A&E has launched an online narrative prequel to Bag of Bones, a two-night television event. Dark Score Stories explores the setting and characters of Bag of Bones through a series of eerie, animated images and striking black-and-white stills. Characters from the miniseries (including those played by Pierce Brosnan, Annabeth Gish and Melissa George) come to life in seven photojournalism essays with exclusive audio commentary.
The photography is by award-winning Danish photojournalist Joachim Ladefoged, whose work has previously appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Newsweek and TIME — and now in a companion coffee table book.
StephenKing.com has three (3) companion books to give away. Click HERE to enter now.
Winners will be announced on Friday, December 9th, 2011.
Disney/Pixar’s latest addition to the popular series from Chronicle Books will be The Art of Brave which hits stores on June 1, 2012.
“Brave is Pixar’s first fairy tale, a lush, animated adventure through the forests, heaths, and highlands of medieval Scotland. Featuring behind-the-scenes interviews with the film’s many artists, The Art of Brave also showcases the gorgeous concept art that went into the creation of the movie, including color scripts, storyboards, character studies, environment art, sculpts, and more.”
The book will be written by Jenny Lerew with a foreword by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman. John Lasseter will write the preface.
I wrote about the offbeat and whimsical furnishings created by Judson Beaumont a couple of years ago. You can read the article HERE.
After successfully designing furniture with a straightforward approach for years, Canadian designer Beaumont set out to create something unique for friends and family. His unique designs evoke the art of Salvador Dali and Walt Disney.
Now check out his latest creation, Bad Table seen below.
The Marvel Comics app 3.0 for your iOS device is now available. This all-new update takes the Marvel Comics app experience to the next level with a stunning new interface; broader array of search and browse functions; improved performance and stability; easier management of purchases and downloads; and more!
In celebration of this exciting new upgrade, the Marvel Comics app is offering a special sale on the biggest new launches of 2011, including FF, X-Men Schism, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man and more until next Tuesday, December 6th (11pm EST)!
Upgrade to Marvel Comics app 3.0 on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch to experience the world’s greatest super heroes like never before!
I must be dreaming. Wake up, Jack, this isn’t fair
What’s this?
Well “this” is Dave Perillo’s awesome new screenprint “The Nightmare Before Christmas” ($50) for Acme Archives which was released on Tuesday November 29th. The signed and numbered 250 piece limited edition screenprint measures 12″ x 36″.
Warner Bros. Pictures’ “The Dark Knight Rises”—the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy—is one of the most anticipated films of 2012, but moviegoers won’t have to wait until next year to see the six-minute opening sequence of the film. The film’s prologue will be unveiled exclusively in select 70mm IMAX theaters worldwide.
The Prologue will be released in North America on December 16, and in the UK on December 21, 2011. Additional international dates vary by territory and will be announced soon.
In making the 2008 blockbuster “The Dark Knight,” Nolan was the first to use IMAX cameras in a major motion picture release, and, as now, audiences were given an advance look at that film’s prologue months prior to the Summer 2008 opening. Nolan employed the extremely high-resolution cameras even more extensively on “The Dark Knight Rises”—including the film’s prologue—to achieve unprecedented crispness and clarity and a truly immersive experience for the moviegoers.
Christopher Nolan stated, “Our experience on ‘The Dark Knight’ shooting and projecting IMAX 15 perf 65mm/70mm film was inspiring. The immersive quality of the image goes beyond any other filmmaking tool available, and in revisiting Gotham, we were determined to shoot even more of the movie in this unique format. Giving the fans an early look at an IMAX sequence is a great way to draw attention to what I believe will be an incredible way to experience our story when it comes out next summer.”
HERE is a list of the theaters in North America in which the Prologue of “The Dark Knight Rises” will be revealed on December 16th.
This monthly two-part series begins in February 2012, and will be followed by two issues adapting the story that inspired Throttle, Richard Matheson’s classic tale of suspense, Duel, beginning in April.
StephenKing.com has released a preview of the upcoming Road Rage comic. You can check out the first 11 pages of issue #1 – Throttle HERE as well as two additional promotional images. I especially like the depiction of King and Hill as bikers.
In late spring 2012, a new Ghirardelli location will open at the Pacific Wharf area, inside Disney California Adventure park!
The soda fountain and chocolate shop will feature Ghirardelli’s world-famous hot fudge sundaes and chocolate products. And each guest will be able to receive complimentary samples of their signature Ghirardelli Squares chocolate!
You can find out more about Ghirardelli – their chocolate treats, products and gifts – by checking out their Facebook page.
The full new trailer for Walt Disney Pictures’ John Carter can be watched below!
Directed by Andrew Stanton, the big screen adaptation of the classic novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs hits 3D, 2D and IMAX 3D theaters on March 9. The film features a cast that includes Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Samantha Morton, Mark Strong, Ciaran Hinds, Dominic West, James Purefoy, Daryl Sabara, Polly Walker, Bryan Cranston, Thomas Hayden Church and Willem Dafoe.
John Carter tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter (Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas (Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.
Posted by Larry Fire 
