Star Trek to release at IMAX theatres

Here's a press release from IMAX and Paramount announcing that the new "Star Trek" film will be released simultaneously in a limited number of IMSX theaters on May 8, 2009.

PARAMOUNT PICTURES’ STAR TREK TO BE RELEASED AS IMAX® MOVIE MAY 8, 2009

Category: News

J.J. Abrams Vision of the Greatest Space Adventure of All Time to Run in Select IMAX Theatres LOS ANGELES, CA, December 12, 2008 Paramount Pictures and IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX; TSX: IMX) today announced that Star Trek, directed by J.J. Abrams (Mission: Impossible III, “Lost” and “Alias), will be simultaneously released to both IMAX and conventional theatres worldwide on May 8, 2009. Star Trek, which chronicles the early days of James T. Kirk and his fellow USS Enterprise crew members, will be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology. Paramount Pictures will be the exclusive distributor of the film to IMAX theatres worldwide. Star Trek is one of the worlds most successful science fiction entertainment series and media franchises. Created by Gene Roddenberry, the Star Trek phenomenon has lead to six television series, ten feature films, dozens of computer and video games, hundreds of novels and fan stories, as well as a themed attraction in Las Vegas. Star Trek has also inspired a following of millions of Trekkies of all ages that span across the globe. Were excited to share the enhanced IMAX version of this film with the millions of dedicated fans who have been anticipating this release since production began, said Rob Moore, Vice Chairman, Paramount Pictures. The IMAX Experience adds that extra level of excitement to an already action-packed film, giving moviegoers a premium event at the multiplex. Added J.J. Abrams, Im thrilled that audiences will be able to experience this new, epic world of Star Trek with an incredible cast and mind-blowing visual effects on what is, obviously, the most remarkable film format in the world. Star Trek combines top Hollywood story-telling talent with space exploration, and each is very conducive to The IMAX Experience, said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. Expanding our relationship with Paramount Pictures to include this film strengthens our 2009 slate, and with the continuing rollout of digital IMAX theatre systems, we will be able to offer the fan-base more locations to experience the epic first journey of the USS Enterprise in the most immersive way. Both Star Trek and IMAX have taken audiences to far away places they would normally not be able to go, and in this case, its space the final frontier, added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. J.J. Abrams has created a powerful movie that has fans worldwide feverishly anticipating its release. We are thrilled to partner with Paramount Pictures to bring J.J.S exciting vision of this incredible space adventure to IMAX screens. From director J.J. Abrams and screenwriters Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci (“Transformers,” “MI: III”) comes a new vision of the greatest space adventure of all time, “Star Trek,” featuring a young, new crew venturing boldly where no man has gone before. Star Trek explores the early Starfleet careers of future Enterprise officers Kirk (Chris Pine), Spock (Zachary Quinto), Scotty (Simon Pegg), Amanda Grayson (Winona Ryder), Uhura (Zoe Saldana), McCoy (Karl Urban), Sulu (John Cho), and Chekhov (Anton Yelchin). A Romulan, Nero (Eric Bana), and a much older Spock (Leonard Nimoy) are influences, as well as Captain Pike (Bruce Greenwood), the first captain of the USS Enterprise. About IMAX Corporation IMAX Corporation is one of the worlds leading entertainment technology companies, specializing in immersive motion picture technologies. The worldwide IMAX network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event Hollywood films around the globe, with IMAX theatres delivering the worlds best movie presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX 3D, and IMAX DMR, technology. IMAX DMR is the Companys groundbreaking digital re-mastering technology that allows it to digitally transform virtually any conventional motion picture into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience. IMAXs renowned projectors display crystal-clear images on the worlds biggest screens, and the IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences for consumers. As of September 30, 2008, there were 320 IMAX theatres operating in 42 countries. IMAX, IMAX 3D, IMAX DMR, IMAX, MPX, and The IMAX Experience are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can be found at www.imax.com.

Slumdog Millionaire picks up 4 Golden Glove nominations

"Slumdog Millionaire" garnered four Golden Globe nominations including best picture -- an extraordinary feat for a movie that has had only a very limited release.

Actors Dev Patel (L) and Anil Kapoor are shown in a scene from director Danny Boyle's film "Slumdog Millionaire" in this undated publicity photograph. The film received a Golden Globe nomination as best motion picture drama as nominations were announced in Beverly Hills December 11, 2008. The Golden Globe Awards, presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association will be held January 11, 2009 in Beverly Hills. REUTERS/Ishika Mohan/Fox Searchlight/Handout

Thu Dec 11, 9:12 AM ET

The movie was destined for video when it was purchased by Fox Searchlight and shown in select theaters.


A windfall for 'Slumdog Millionaire'
Los Angeles Times, CA - 2 hours ago
By John Horn For a movie that once looked like it might never make it into theaters, "Slumdog Millionaire" continued its remarkable ascendancy Thursday, ...

Trio at top of Golden Globes film noms Hollywood Reporter
Slumdog nominated for best film at Golden Globes Daily News & Analysis

"Slumdog Millionaire" wins pre-Oscar award

"Slumdog Millionaire" won best film in New York from the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, one of the indicators of favorites for the Academy Awards in February.

The plot revolves around a young man from the slums of Mumbai who enters a game show to attract his love interest's attention.

The Fox Searchlight film is directed by Danny Boyle and stars Dev Patel and Freida Pinto.

Official trailer for Slumdog Millionaire



Inside Slumdog: Up close with Dev Patel



Director Danny Boyle on destiny in Slumdog Millionaire

BBC News
'Slumdog Millionaire' gets pre-Oscars award
AFP - 56 minutes ago
NEW YORK (AFP) — "Slumdog Millionaire" won Oscars momentum Thursday with a best film award in New York from the National Board of Review. ...
National Board: `Slumdog' is 2008's best film The Associated Press
‘Slumdog Millionaire’ Takes National Board of Review Best Film Kudos RopeofSilicon.com
Slumdog Millionaire : fete of the fests Times of India

Columbia, Motown to remake "The Last Dragon"

A remake of the 1980s Motown kung fu classic "The Last Dragon" is in the works with Samuel L. Jackson playing the role of bad guy Sho'nuff.

Kerry Gordy, son of the original producer, Berry Gordy, will share production duties with RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan and John Davis (1984). Dallas Jackson will write the screenplay, which will follow the plot of the first movie with modifications to appeal to today's young audience.

Columbia Pictures and Motown Entertainment are co-producing the remake.



Clip from the original "The Last Dragon"

New Star Trek posters: Uhura and Nero

New posters released for the Star Trek prequel.


Uhura played by Zoe Saldana.


Nero, a Romulan villain played by Eric Bana.

New tv spot for Star Trek prequel

Check out the new TV spot for the Star Trek movie due out in May 2009.

John Cho cast as Sulu in new Star Trek prequel

"Harold and Kumar" star John Cho has a big spot in the eagerly-awaited Star Trek prequel due for release in May 2009.

In fact, Cho who plays the role of Sulu in the movie has lead credits in the new trailer that has been released with the Bond flick "Quantum of Solace."

Star Trek traces the early years of the original series characters who face a Romulan threat.

The Star Trek franchise has long been noted for its diverse casting and progressive portrayal of different races, women and "aliens" in the future. Although some stereotypes exist, particularly in the earlier series and movies, it was often ahead of the rest of the industry on this issue.


Crew member of the new Star Trek prequel including John Cho as Sulu (second from right). Chris Pine plays Capt. Kirk and Zoë Saldana is cast as Lt. Uhura.


The new bridge of the Enterprise. Zachary Quinto, of "Heroes" fame plays Spock.

J.J. Abrams, who recently directed "Cloverfield," was at the helm for the new Trek film.

Hyphen Magazine
New Star Trek Trailer Offers Just a Glimpse of John Cho
Hyphen Magazine, CA - Nov 17, 2008
John Cho takes on the role of Sulu in the new Star Trek, which has has been lauded over the years as a forward-thinking show that had diverse casts ...
Star Trek trailer is released - first contact is a smashing success. Film Threat

Japan Prime Minister attends Tokyo film fest

Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso appeared at the Tokyo International Film Festival on Saturday.

Fifteen films will screen in the competition section for the coveted Tokyo Sakura Grand Prix. A green carpet welcome highlighted an environmental theme for the festival this year.

Sat Oct 18, 11:42 AM ET. US actor Jon Voight, head of the board of judges, and other judges including Japanese actress Fumi Dan (L) attend the opening ceremony of the Tokyo International Film Festival. The nine-day festival opened with an environmental theme as filmmakers from around the world greeted Japanese movie fans on a ceremonial "green carpet. "(AFP/Toshifumi Kitamura)

Sat Oct 18, 7:35 AM ET
Chinese-born film director John Woo, center, speaks as Hong Kong actor Tony Leung , right, and Japanese-Taiwanese actor Takeshi Kaneshiro listen during the opening event of the 21st Tokyo International Film Festival Saturday, Oct. 18. 2008 in Tokyo.

(AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)

The festival opened with "Red Cliff," a Chinese epic directed by John Woo and will close with Pixar's animated entry "Wall-E."


Reuters

Tokyo film fest looks for spotlight

Report

Bollywood comes to Hollywood in "Kambakht Ishq"

Sajid Nadiadwala is filming the Bollywood film Kambakht Ishq on location at the beach in Venice, California.

The film has signed on Hollywood stars including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Superman Returns star Brandon Routh, and Bond girl Denise Richards for appearances in the film.

Buzz18 India

Akshay teaches ‘Superman’ to fly
Times of India, India - Oct 3, 2008
It’s amazing, for a film with a name like Kambakht Ishq, he’s packed it with some of the biggest action stars in the business. ...
Superman in Bollywood? Buzz18 India


NDTV.com

Stallone to be at Kambakht Ishq's premiere
NDTV.com, India - Oct 10, 2008
Producer Sajid Nadiadwala has hit it off so well with Sylvester Stallone while shooting for Kambakht Ishq that he has convinced the Rocky star to attend the ...

Indian actors Kareena Kapoor (C) and Akshay Kumar (white shirt) perform during the filming of the Bollywood production "Kambakht Ishq" in Venice October 10, 2008. Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone has been signed for the Hindi film, along with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Denise Richards. REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri (ITALY)

Actors perform during the filming of the Bollywood production "Kambakht Ishq" in Venice October 10, 2008. Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone has been signed for the Hindi film, along with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Denise Richards. REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri (ITALY)

Indian actors Kareena Kapoor (C) and Akshay Kumar (L) perform during the filming of the Bollywood production "Kambakht Ishq" in Venice October 10, 2008. Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone has been signed for the Hindi film, along with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Denise Richards. REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri (ITALY)

Indian actors Kareena Kapoor (2nd R) and Akshay Kumar (C) perform during the filming of the Bollywood production "Kambakht Ishq" in Venice October 10, 2008. Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone has been signed for the Hindi film, along with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Denise Richards. REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri (ITALY)

Indian actress Kareena Kapoor (L) performs during the filming of the Bollywood production "Kambakht Ishq" in Venice October 10, 2008. Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone has been signed for the Hindi film, along with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Denise Richards. REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri (ITALY)

US missile kills 21 -- Pakistan

Pakistan said a U.S. missile struck within its borders killing 21 people including 16 foreigners.

Tribesmen near the border with Afghanistan claimed to have fired at two NATO "gunships" on Friday, and to have downed two US drones on Thursday. There was no independent confirmation of these claims. Some tribal groups along the border have set up anti-aircraft artillery along the border to guard against NATO incursions.

Washington Post

US missile strike kills 21 - Pakistani TV report
Reuters India, India - 4 hours ago
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - A US missile strike in a Pakistani tribal region known as a haven for Taliban and al Qaeda fighters killed up to 21 people, ...
Missile strike in Pakistan kills five: officials Hindustan Times
Pakistan military says US strike was in Afghanistan Reuters South Africa
US missile attack in Pakistan kills at least nine Reuters Canada

Map of Pakistan locating North Waziristan, where a missile strike by suspected US spy drone killed at least four people, according to security officials Wednesday. (AFP)

Ang Lee to direct Woodstock comedy

Director Ang Lee's will film a new comedy centered around the Woodstock concert according to Hollywood sources.

The film will be based on the book "Taking Woodstock: A True Story of a Riot, a Concert, and a Life," by Elliot Tiber, who played a key role in organizing the huge concert.

MTV.com

Ang Lee ‘Woodstock’ Film Aims To Be A Mind-Altering Experience
MTV.com - Sep 24, 2008
... Hidden Dragon” and “Brokeback Mountain,” so it’s even more impressive when you think about the fact that Ang Lee’s next flick is about Woodstock.

Exclusive: Clip from "The Rebel"

Here's an exclusive clip from "The Rebel" (read review here).



Online Videos by Veoh.com

Review: "The Rebel"

The film "The Rebel" available on DVD starting on Sept. 30 is the highest grossing Vietnamese film ever, and it does deliver quality action and drama-packed entertainment.

Released by Genius Products and The Weinstein Company, The Rebel follows the encounter and eventual pairing of two characters from different sides of the fight against French colonization in Vietnam.

Johnny Nguyen does a good job in the male lead role were he is pitted against Dustin Nguyen who steals the show with an excellent portrayal of a hardened, ruthless Vietnamese agent working for the French colonial government. The three main characters all share the same fate of having mothers who suffered harshly as a result of colonization.

Actress Ngo Thanh Van plays the daughter of the rebel commander who is herself an insurgent and is particularly riveting early in the film.

The martial arts action in this flick is top quality with a lot of unique moves not seen in typical kung fu films of Chinese origin. All three lead roles do well in the fight scenes, and in the many blazing gun battles.

Some of the camera work highlights well the lush landscape of Vietnam particularly when the action moves out into the rebel strongholds in the rain forest.

For those that like actions movies, there is plenty here mixed in with good drama, suspense and some food for thought. It may be a bit to gory for those turned off by violent scenes though. What is particularly interesting about the story line is how the thought processes of those Vietnamese who collaborated with the French is examined. In one case, a Francophile eager to emulate French progress and invested by his father with a deep respect for law and order, becomes enlightened by the iniquities of the colonizers. In another, collaboration is simply a means of replacing the oppressor by adopting an even more ruthless approach.

The two disc DVD includes commentary by the three lead actors and Asian cinema expert Bey Logan on the first disc along with the film itself. On the second disc, are exclusive interviews with Johnny Nguyen, Veronica Ngo and Dustin Nguyen. Also included on this disc are a martial arts demo by Johnny, a deleted scene, a documentary on the making of the film and a behind-the-scenes gallery.

Synopsis:

Set in Vietnam in the 1920s, anti-French rebels band together to fight an epic battle against foreign occupation.

Special Features:

· Commentary By Stars Johnny Tri Nguyen, Veronica Ngo, Dustin Nguyen & Asian Cinema Expert Bey Logan

· Empty Hand, Noble Heart: An Exclusive Interview With Leading Man Johnny Tri Nguyen

· Cry For Freedom: An Exclusive Interview With Leading Lady Veronica Ngo

· The Dark Destroyer: An Exclusive Interview With Leading Protagonist Dustin Nguyen

· One Man Army: A Martial Arts Demonstration By Johnny Nguyen

· Iron Jacket: A Deleted Scene From The Preview Cut Of The Rebel

· The Rebel: An Original Making Of Featurette

· Behind-The-Scenes Gallery

· Trailer Gallery

Basics

Price: $24.95

Street Date: September 30, 2008

Pre-book: August 19, 2008

Catalog Number: 81282

Rating: R

Run Time: 103 minutes

Languages: English Dolby 5.1, and Vietnamese Dolby 5.1, Vietnamese DTS

Subtitles: English and Spanish

Closed Captioned

"The Rebel" set for DVD release

"The Rebel," the highest-grossing Vietnamese film ever is set for release on DVD on Sept. 30.

Here's the official press release.

“A highly entertaining mix of martial arts and historical drama”

- Variety

SANTA MONICA, CA – Suspense, romance and action ignite when the Vietnamese box office smash THE REBEL charges onto 2-DISC ULTIMATE EDITION DVD
September 30^th from Genius Products and The Weinstein Company under the Dragon Dynasty label. Celebrated as the highest grossing Vietnamese film ever made,
THE REBEL stars contemporary Asian superstars Johnny Nguyen (The Protector), Dustin Nguyen (“21 Jump Street,” Finishing the Game) and Vietnamese pop star/actress Ngo Thanh Van. Set in Vietnam in the 1920s during the long-standing French colonization, rebel forces emerge to disrupt the foreign control as the French employ elite Vietnamese agents to destroy them. “So badass it hurts…but it hurts so good,” (Film Threat), THE REBEL is “an achievement of martial arts ability anchored in an intriguing tale of politics, power and betrayal” (Pop Journalism). THE REBEL
2-DISC ULTIMATE EDITION DVD includes extensive and exclusive behind-the-scenes bonus features (see below for details) and will be available for the suggested retail price of $24.95.

Box art and stills from The Rebel, which will be available with both English and Spanish subtitles. A review is forthcoming.

Asians flourish at Venice Film Festival

Five of the 21 films in the Venice film festival are from Asia this year.

The group is led by Japanese director Takeshi Kitano's "Achilles and the Tortoise," in which Kitano himself plays the lead role of an fame-aspiring artist.

Last year, Chinese director Ang Lee won the top Golden Lion award for "Lust, Caution," repeating a performance from two years earlier when he also won the top prize for "Brokeback Mountain."

guardian.co.uk

Asia on the march at Venice film festival
AFP - 3 hours ago
VENICE, Italy (AFP) — An inscrutable geisha, a diehard triad, an eccentric Japanese artist -- they are all here at the Venice film festival, ...

Kitano examines cruel art in Venice entry The Associated Press
New Japanese Film Lampoons "Cruel" Art World ARTINFO
Kitano takes oddball look at world of art Reuters

Woo's "Red Cliff" opens strong in Asia

John Woo's new film "Red Cliff" is playing in theaters across Asia in the first film to recreate the famous Battle of Chibi in 208 A.D. China.

The 140-minute epic will be released in a shortened version in the West.

Costing $80 million, the film spectacular is the most expensive ever for a Chinese language movie.

Tue Jul 8, 3:29 AM ET

From Left to Right, Japanese-Taiwanese actor Takeshi Kaneshiro, Hong Kong director John Woo, Taiwanese actor Chang Chen, Taiwanese actress Lin Chi-ling, and Hong Kong actor Tony Leung pose for photographs during a press conference for their new film 'Red Cliff' in Taipei, Taiwan, Tuesday, July 8, 2008.

(AP Photo/Wally Santana)

"Love Story 2050": Bollywood in sci-fi

The $12 million flick "Love Story 2050" will be India's "first real sci-fi film" according to its director.

Although frequently sourced for animation and special effects, India has long preferred melodramas to science fiction action. The new movie starring Priyanka Chopra will feature androids and flying cars.

IBNLive.com

Bollywood goes sci-fi with 'Love Story 2050' Reuters India, India - 1 hour ago By Shilpa Jamkhandikar MUMBAI (Reuters) - A new Bollywood romance based on the premise of time travel is being seen as the Indian film industry's first ... Bollywood movie, but SA the real star Advertiser Adelaide Bollywood can't do without 'love'! Rediff Priyanka is a complete romantic Oneindia