Jan 31: Encore Deals: The Encore channel has reached deals with Universal Domestic Television and Buena Vista Pay TV. The pact includes recent theatrical releases, Classic Hitchcock films and series for Thematic Channels. "These two deals add to the diversity of our programming with top product to play across many of our Starz SuperPak channels and Starz on Demand," says David Salinger, vice president of acquisitions, Starz Encore Group. "Plus, we get to provide our subscribers with the chance to see some of the series that they have been asking for."      It's about time for TV series to be shown uncut and commercial free on cable. 

Jan 31: The Ratings: Here's the official ratings for the Sci-Fi Channel for Friday night January 17th. Farscape and it's revival aren't doing any miracles to save their show. () show January 10th ratings and drop or increase.
8PM   Farscape 1.06 (1.34, -21%)
9PM   Stargate 1.57 (1.75, -10%)
10PM  Tracker 1.24 (1.45, -14%)
11PM  Stargate (encore) 0.96 (0.89, +8%)
12PM  Farscape (encore) 0.81 (0.78, +4%)
1AM   X-Files (repeat) 0.51 (0.60, -15%)

Jan 31: Galactica News: Ronald D Moore has departed the mini-series Battlestar Galactica for UPN to work on Carnivale. Moore says he was hired to hammer out the script and get the project into motion and that's been done. He is still in contact with the project and offers help and suggestions when he can. Moore joined the writing staff of HBO's new series "Carnival" just before starting on the Battlestar Galactica project. On the Special Effects side of things Visual Effects supervisor Gary Hutzel will be working with Enigma Studios Inc. to create the new space vehicles and other effects for Galactica.  Production is currently underway in Vancouver, Canada. 

Jan 31: Daredevil Trouble: Fans won't be getting the best cut of the Daredevil feature. The studio made director Mark Steven Johnson cut the film three times to get a friggin' PG-13 rating. The helmer is not happy with what he had to cut. Will there be more? Likely, Michael Clarke Duncan signed a two picture deal for Daredevil. 

Jan 31: Mad Max 4: The studio has set a July 23, 2004 release date for the fourth and final Mad Max film. 

Jan 31: Birds Boo Boo: The WB really screwed up with the series Birds of Prey. I just finished watching the unaired pilot, and it was awesome for a television series. If Warner Brothers had just stuck with what they originally had, the series would be continuing its first season rather than being canceled. Big mistake, huge, enormous. 

Jan 31: Indiana Jones: Paramount actually saves the fans. Steven Spielberg was insistent that the Indiana Jones trilogy be released one film at a time on DVD. Paramount however, is keen on an Indiana Jones DVD boxed set. 

Jan 31: Miracles Doomed: The new series, despite being very good, is doomed. For one it airs against two power house series, and for two the series shows the church in a less than positive light. It's a shame when good television gets wasted. And today, it happens way to much. The pilot was incredible. 

Jan 31: Fastlane Pull Pranks: Fastlane is floundering in the ratings. To boost ratings the series is flirting with some girl on girl stunt. And... yes it worked. The heavily promoted hot tub kissy face between Tiffani Theissen and Jamie Pressley did exactly what fox hoped it would do. Fans can expect to see it again, but Fox will not be promoting it the way they did this time.

Jan 31: Firefly: No network is willing to take on the $2M per episode and poor ratings. Mutant Enemy, the shows production company, has also pretty much ruled out syndication as well. The three remaining shows have yet to air and for now the set are still intact. 

Jan 31: Starsky & Hutch: Billy Zane is rumored to be starring as the lead villain in the new Ben Stiller feature based on the series. 

Jan 31: Vega$ Revisited: UPN has ordered another Las Vegas pilot (the first was the series the Strip from Joel Silver). This one has the feel Robert Urich series VEGA$. This one is titled Vegas Dick is about a reformed con man who gets a job as an in-house detective at a Las Vegas casino. Rich Wilkes ("XXX" ) is writing the script. The biggest problem with series done in Vegas is that they move the hotels around mixing and matching locations for a feel rather than reality.  People who know about Las Vegas know.

Jan 31: Hot Wheels Feature: Yes, even Mattel's Hot Wheels aren't safe from the movie bug. Charlie's Angels director McG looks to be helming a live action feature based around the Hot Wheels. Apparently the 35 year old brand of toy has appealed to studios for years, but this is the first time Mattel has allowed the toy/brand to be optioned to television. Says McG, "We want to create a timeless story that will work for everyone -- a charismatic young hero, great stakes and jeopardy and a fantastic love story." 

Jan 31: Simpson's Forever: Ozzie & Harriet ran for 14 season on NBC - Once the longest run by an other television series.  The Simpsons have been greened for two more seasons that will bring the series to 16 years. Unlike the Nelsons after 14 years, Homer and the rest of the household have ratings that are still on the rise. The Simpsons are still going strong as they approach the 300th episode. The series is also a world wide phenomenon airing in more than 70 countries. Through 2005 fans will get their weekly dose of Bart, Homer, Lisa, Marge and baby Maggie. (cnn.com)

Jan 31: Tribune Projects Renewed: Andromeda, already renewed last season for two more years (44 eps), got the official green light today for season four, along with sister series "Mutant X" for it's third season. Andromeda currently airs on 88% of the markets but hits 49 of the top 50, while X hits 76% and 46 of the top 50. Both shows are locked into the best syndicated time slots available. (Scott Strout)

Jan 31: Electronic Arts: The company that gave fans John Madden Football and the phrase... "It's In The Game." has announced plans to consolidate. They will be consolidating the Las Vegas, Irvine and Los Angeles into one Los Angeles location as of the fourth quarter. The people at Las Vegas and Irvine end their employment today with EA. Executive John Batter will head the new studio that will employ 500 programmers and so on. EA revealed in the report that consolidated net revenues for the quarter were $1.23 billion, up 48-percent from $833 million for the fiscal quarter ending Dec. 31, 2001. Once the consolidation is complete, the company will have major centralized studio operations in Vancouver, British Columbia; Redwood Shores, Walnut Creek and Los Angeles, California; Orlando, Florida; Tokyo, Japan; and Chertsey, United Kingdom. (vfxpro.com)

Jan 31: Superman: The Last Son of Krypton website just might be wrong in their scoop that Michael Bay is out. Coming Attractions reports that Bay is still in the running to direct the film for Warner Brothers. As of this moment in time Michael Bay says to the scifi wire there it nothing true about him negotiating for helming dutings, and Brett Ratner says he's still in the drivers seat for the feature film. Ratner did admit that he has indeed talked with Josh Hartnett and Ethan Hawke. And the official budget will not be announced/decided on for three weeks - and it won't be near the reported $200M previously reported. 

Jan 31: Jurassic Park IV: Here's the latest storyline for the fourth film (dark horizons website) 12 years after the first movie, John Hammond's dinosaurs have apparently become urban legend. Most of the public has become skeptical they ever existed. Part of the plot involves the discovery of previously unidentified lizard-like animals showing up on mainland Costa Rica and conflicting with the locals (killing them?). To find out what the heck is going on, a team of experts chart an expedition to one of the off-shore islands. They find out the dinosaurs are thriving and breeding at an uncontrollable rate, so much so that it poses a threat to the nearby continent. They must find a way to curb the spread of the dinos or face an ecological disaster. Speilberg seems very eager to get Sam Neil and Jeff Goldblum to return as part of the experts. 

Jan 31: Metroid: Another feature based on a video game. An intergalactic survey crew on a routine mapping mission to a distant planet has the misfortune of running across an especially virulent and dangerous form of life: the Metroid. Borne on the air, capable of absorbing all other lifeforms, they quickly grow into a true galactic threat. Enter bounty hunter Samus Aran, who's sent by the Galactic Federation to eliminate the Metroid (apparently she's sent in all by herself, which seems a tad silly if the threat really is that terrifying. Granted, that's the way the games are, but still...). She then discovers another mercenary group who've acquired their own Metroid specimen for use as a biological weapon. We're guessing that from there, things just get worse".

Jan 31: Good News For AOL: Not really, but I love the bad news. AOL/Time Warner has managed to lose 45 billion dollars in just the fourth quarter of last year and 100 million dollars over the past year.  There is no silver lining just over the horizon for AOL/Time Warner. We can expect to see more losses or a breaking up of the company in some form.

Jan 31: More V News: Things are indeed progressing. Nothing is yet firm but the talk from Kenneth Johnson has NBC and Warner Brothers leaning at a 3 to 4 hour sequel. 

Jan 31: Thunderbirds: Bill Paxton (Predator 2, True Lies) is set to star in the upcoming production of Thunderbirds. The film is slated to be directed by Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek, the Next Generation) for Working Title Films and Revolution Studios. Shooting begins in March in the United Kingdom. 

Jan 31: Sony Turns To Alienbrain: NXN software has sold its software package "NXN alienbrain VFX" to Sony Pictures Imageworks. It's the first commercial digital asset and production management system specifically designed for high-end computer graphics projects. The software package will be integrated into Imageworks' production pipeline for such upcoming films such as The Amazing Spider-Man and The Polar Express. The software is used studio-wide to track motion capture data, 3D models, rendered film clips and digitized live-action plates in upcoming productions. It allows teams to track the dependencies between scenes, models and textures, manage large amounts of film frames efficiently and optimize versioning and archiving for all digital assets. Imageworks will also use NXN alienbrain VFX to enhance it's existing systems.

Jan 31: NBC To Become Universal: The NBC Network is interested in possibly acquiring Universal's Entertainment assets. This includes Universal Studios, Studios USA,  USA Network, and the Sci-Fi Channel. NBC wants to create an alliance with Vivendi on equal footing. NBC reportedly isn't overly driven by the need or want. GE and NBC need it to be really attractive for this to happy. The bad side of this is that Barry Diller is expecting $2.5B from Vivendi if they sell off the entertainment units that he now heads. (Scott Strout)

Jan 31: ImageModeller 3.5: REALVID is ready to ship its PC based ImageModeller 3.5 for $750.oo. The software package extracts 3D information and helps you measure the 3D space created and construct accurate 3D models with highly realistic textures. The MAC version, already shipping, is a winner of the "MacWorld Best of Show Awards" representing the most exciting hardware and software in the business at the MacExpo 2002 in London. CLICK HERE to find out more, and order your software package today.

Jan 31: Buffy: Inside word, according to SyFyPortal.com, is that Buffy definitely will not be back next season on UPN. Insiders says that if Moonves (president of CBS) had been in charge for the past new years UPN never would have picked up Buffy to begin with. Still nothing is official on the series. 

Jan 31: Deep Space Nine on Paper: Pocket Books editor Marco Palmieri has announced Six new Deep Space Nine in 2004. The alien worlds featured throughout the series will be Cardassia, The Dominion, Ferenginar, Trill, and Andor, and the books will begin publication in early 2004 with subsequent volumes in succession every three to four months. The post-finale series of novels in the form of three two-book standalone stories called WORLDS OF DEEP SPACE NINE: "Each standalone story will immerse readers in a different alien culture while at the same time tying directly into the continuing storyline of the post-finale DS9 novels," Palmieri said. (trekweb.com)

Jan 31: The Spaces: The WB has greenlit a pilot about the teen years of the first boy born in an outer-space colony. 

Jan 31: DVD Sales: Can you say... big money? DVD Sales rose 35% during 2002 over the previous year according to the Consumer Electronics Association. December was the largest month with over 2.3M players. They also believed that by the summer DVD Recorders will drop from the $1000 prices to around the $200 to $300 range. (Scott Strout)  When prices drop to the $200 price range VHS recorders will be obsolete, regardless of blank disc prices. I know I'll have at least one, at that point. Got lots of material to transfer to DVD. 

Jan 28: Alias Big Screen: J.J. Abrams confirmed to TV Guide that discussions are taking place to bring Alias and Jennifer Garner's character to a feature film. Likely though Alias will not hit the full screen until it's finished it run on the small one. Abrams is optimistic that ABC will renew the series for a third season. Sundays Superbowl broadcast (feature Rutger Hauer) really scored for the series earning 8.3 or 17.4 million viewers. That's double the ratings the series has earned this season. 

Jan 28: Alias DVD: The season one DVD boxed set of Alias leap into retail stores on September 2nd. It should be loaded with tons of stuff. When the pilot was being done a friend of J.J. Abrams shot about nine hours of behind the scenes footage. The best parts are likely to be included in the boxed set. 

Jan 27: Evil Never Dies: TBS has picked up Katherine Heigl (Roswell) and Thomas Gibson (Dharma & Greg) to star in Evil Never Dies. A modern day retelling of Frankenstein. Gibson will play the part of a police officer whose wife is murdered by a serial killer. After the killer is being executed, the officer discovers that his body is being used as part of a professor's project that brings the killer back to life, with his former personality intact. Heigl will play the professor's assistant. Uli Edel is directing.

Jan 27: Harry Dollars: Harry Potter 2 is now the third most grossing movie of all time earning $568.2M internationally putting the film a head of Jurassic Park and right behind the first Harry Potter film at $649.6M. 

Jan 27: Batman V: The next Batman feature looks be for real. Warner Bros. has signed Chris Nolan (Memento) to helm the picture. Which Bat we'll see is still unknown right now. We currently have Batman vs Superman, Batman: Year One, and Batman: the Frightening. The latest news has the Frightening being the front runner. What a stupid title. Make you think of Michael J. Fox's feature the Frightening. 

Jan 27: Superman: The website Superman:  Last Son of Krypton  is reporting that Michael Bay is out to direct the film, which mean Josh Harnett and Joel Silver are out too. Brett Ratner is gone and now Warner Bros. is looking for another big name director to take the reins. Where the hell is the Justice League, a Green Lantern or the Flash film? Superman and Batman. The same crap from Warner Brothers. 

Jan 27: CBS Screws for Ratings: True television fans get tired of crap like American Idol, Star Search, Survivor and on and on. Now CBS has put two more normal television series on hiatus for February sweeps and ordered more Star Search. It's true that quality and ratings do not go together. Queen Supreme (I like this one) and Presidio Med are being pulled for the Feb sweeps. Both series are on the dreaded Hiatus. No official word if these two will be seen again this year much less another season in the fall. This is Presidio's  second hiatus this season. 

Jan 27: Alien Legacy: The original four movie set has been discontinued. This is good news for fans in the U.S. since we now get a nine disc boxed set of the four films with  "never before seen extras" (not new footage). CLICK HERE for photos at R2-DVD.org. 

Jan 27: Jekyll & Hyde TV: Bloody Disgusting.com is reporting that director Sam Raimi is developing the Robert Louis Stevenson story into a weekly series. 

Jan 27: Futon Critic Returns: Fans of the Futon Critic will be happy to learn that Brian Ford Sullivan will be returning online with his Futon Critic website on March 3rd. Check out the site then at thefutoncritic.com. Welcome back Brian. 

Jan 27: Oh Hell, Jaws 5: A fifth Jaws film is apparently really in the works over at Universal. Deep Blue Sea was an awesome shark film, and its scribes Donna Powers and Duncan Kennedy have turned in a script that Universal is interested in. The studio is looking at a 2004 release. 

Jan 26: SFX Interview: Scifi2k.com's next SFX Interview will be with Richie Levine who co-created and wrote, along with John Huth, the Knight Rider Legacy novel currently available at Amazon.com. The new novel is a compilation of new interviews with cast and crew, all the juicy details behind the scenes and rare photographs. Next up for Richie Levine will be a companion novel to Battlestar Galactica. Look for the interview in the next day or so in the new SFX Interview area. 

Jan 26: HP offers Convertible: HP is offering a special promotional price for its xw4000a Convertible Minitower product -- for a limited time, the xw4000 is available for $1,099.  Upgrade to a HP xw4000 workstation with an impressive 17" flat panel monitor and get the most out of your applications. The Convertible comes with a 40gb hard drive, 256mb of DDR ram, a 64mb NVIDIA graphics card, and a Pentium 4 2.0 processor. The system does not include a CDRW or DVD player. 

Jan 26: Odyssey 5: The canceled series Odyssey 5 is actively pursuing a home at the Sci-Fi Channel as MGM's Stargate SG-1 did. The series is produced by Sony Pictures TV. Odyssey 5 had ratings better than Stargate SG-1 when it made the jump to the SFC. (hollywood reporter)

Jan 26: Daredevil Series: If the Marvel feature Daredevil does well enough at the box office director Mark Steven Johnson wants to take the blind superhero to the small screen in a television series. The series would follow Daredevil in his early years wearing the yellow costume. 

Jan 26: Hunter Series: NBC has new information on their website about the new Hunter series. Fred Dryer and Stephanie Kramer return to their old Saturday night beat on April 12th.  The new series will open with a two-hour premiere (9pm to 11pm) and return in subsequent weeks with five new one hour episodes on Saturdays at 10pm. 

Jan 26: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Author Peter David has indicated on his website that he has been contacted about doing a series tie in to the new animated series. 

Jan 26: Batman: Year One or Frightening? Framk Miller is still working on the Year One script, a project in work for the last two-years. However the Frightening project is now the front-runner at Warner Bros. Miller is not involved in the project. 

Jan 26: Die Hard 4: More news is circulating about the fourth and final Die Hard feature. It looks set to take place in the Caribbean where McClane runs into his estranged daughter, Lucy, whose a cabaret dancer. He hasn't seen his daughter in ten years. Reports say in the film McClane will use only one gun and fire it only twice. The rest of the action being fist fights. John McClane turned pussy. Thanks Bruce Willis. you shit. 

Jan 26: Thunderbirds: Creator Gerry Anderson isn't too taken with the idea of a live action movie based on his puppet series "the Thunderbirds". Anderson is amazed that his hasn't been contacted as a consultant for the new film currently in development. He feels robbed. Gerry Anderson always wanted to do a feature about the Thunderbirds, and feels he is being robbed. (darkhorizons.com)

Jan 26: Helldorado: Arnold Schwartzenegger will have a quick cameo with the Rock, Dwayne Johnson, in the new film Helldorado. 

Jan 26: Birds of Prey: The final two episodes will air as a seamless telefilm on the WB, February 19th, 2003. The final two episodes are titled Feat of Clay and Devil's Eyes. 

Jan 25: Site Change Update: I have begun the gradual site change into a new direction. More SFX interviews and articles will be coming as the site moves forward. It's a little slow with just one person doing the goodies. The Truth: Doing the VHS and VCD covers was my favorite thing hands down. But the fans who come here for movie and television news is the real fan base I want to increase. The cover sheets and themes brought the website a long way over the past four years. But now, it's time to take the site and the fans in a new direction... behind the lens. The covers area generated over 70gb of downloads per month, but these same people donation nothing. Bandwidth is not cheap anymore. This new direction should be unique as well as interesting for the fans. You will hopefully get to meet the men and women behind the camera that make it all work. From the producers to the person keeping things clean on the set. Stay Tuned, the best is yet to come.

Jan 25: Roar: The series starring a young Heath Ledger will join the Sci-Fi Channel schedule, on Wednesday, April 2nd at 7pm pst. The series originally air on Fox in 1997. According to epguides.com the final five episodes never aired. All 13 episodes in the series will air on the SFC.

Jan 25: Six Million Sues Universal: The studios are greedy to say the least. Now Lee Majors, continues his lawsuit against Universal. The actor signed a 15% profit sharing agreement in 1975, and has yet to receive any money under said agreement. The problem is that the studios set the books so that nothing coming out of Hollywood, whether move or television, ever make any profit.

Jan 25: Rings Miniature Game: Games Workshop (Warhammer 40K) has announced that its subsidiary company Sabertooth will create a Lord of the Rings Tradeable Miniatures game. The game will feature pre-painted figurines based on the feature film trilogy from director Peter Jackson. 

Jan 25: Terminator 3: Arnold Schwartzenegger will do a live broadcast during the Superbowl today to unveil a new 30-second spot for the new Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. 

Jan 25: Shadow Walkers: an action-adventure show about a married pair of archeologists who, with their kids, hunt for the truth about mythic characters. Dan Angel and Billy Brown (night visions) wrote the pilot and share executive producer credits with Mel Gibson, Bruce Davey, Greg Coote and Jeff Hayes.

Jan 25: Monte Walsh: The TNT western proved that people still enjoy a good one, or maybe that they enjoy watching Tom Selleck play a Cowboy. The new TNT telefilm "Monte Walsh" scored a 3.39 average rating for the entire week of airing. The Friday night premiere (multi-showing) averaged a 7.9 rating and Saturday brought in a 5.3. The 7.9 rating made it the most watched Friday program in the history of basic cable.

Jan 25: Lost World Gone: Negotiations have ended and there will be no fourth season or beyond for the series, the Lost World. There is a possibility of a telefilm down the line which begins at season three's cliffhanger and will resolve the series major storylines. The telefilm however is no guarantee. New Line will be selling the 66 episodes at this years NAPTE meetings. The series message board will remain online until at least September of 2003. 

Jan 25: Farscape All But Gone: The second week of new episodes for Farscape, Jan 17th, scored a dismal 1.06 rating. The show was beat out by Tracker again, who earned at 1.45 rating and Stargate SG-1 earned a 1.56 ratings. All three shows ratings were down from last week. Farscape lost the most at 21%, Stargate 10%, and Tracker 14%. Fans of Farscape can rest easy now. With shit ratings like this why are we trying to save it? These ratings aren't impressing the Sci-Fi Channel, and they won't make another network even turn their heads for it.  I'm watching, but I don't think anyone else is. Might be time to start watching HACK over on CBS or John Doe on FOX with everyone else.

Jan 24: Harry Potter 2 Gets an Extension: Warner Bros. has added 19 additional scenes to the DVD release of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets due out April 11th. The two-disc DVD set has an MSRP of $29.95. 

Jan 24: Server Down: Sorry for the down time with the site. What a pisser. Thank you to all those who dropped an email to ask about the site. Much appreciated. 

Jan 24: UPN: The network is still sticking with genre series. Hey, they need something to cancel right? Now comes pilots for two more next season in Weapon X and Newton. Both are fairly cheesey and standard fair. WX is about an NSA geek who turns superhero after micortech injections. The pilot was written by Silvio Horta, who worked on the Sci-Fi Channel's canceled series "The Chronicle". Newton is from Joel Silver and "Dead Zone" writer Craig Silverstein about a family that moves to a new town, which happens to be the testing ground for an array of high-tech gadgets. I wonder if the network ever heard of Farscape, Invisible Man or Odyssey 5? Hello?

Jan 24: Iron Man Cometh: Could it be, finally! Comics2Film.com is reporting that New Line Cinema has put the "IRON MAN" project on deck. About time with the Hulk, Daredevil, the X-Men and Daredevil flashing onto the screen with more already in the works. The picture is being described as part superhero and part James Bond. 

Jan 24: Streets of Frisco: Fox is planning to make the Streets of San Francisco into a feature film. The feature will have little resemblance to the series. The new updated version for the big screen will be an international thriller and investigate a character driven tale. 

Jan 24: the Rock Gets 2X4: Dwayne Johnson, aka the Rock, is taking the lead role as Buford Pusser. However, in the updated tale he will come back from the war, and find drug lords running his town. Grabbing the 2X4 he deals his own brand of justice. Walking Tall returns. I think I would rather be a young Conan.

Jan 24: OpenEXR Released!: George Lucas and his ILM company have released the software OpenEXR.  A software program that permits filmmakers to adjust the exposure of a scene after it has been shot without sacrificing picture quality. The program, OpenEXR has been used by ILM most recently on Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone, MIBII, and Gangs of New York. PC guys and gals are screwed. OpenEXR runs only on Linux, Mac (OS X) and Irix platforms. Thanks a lot Mr. Lucas, very cool. 

Jan 24: Big Battle, Big Names: The major PC manufacturers (DELL, Microsoft, and Motorola) are planning a battle royal with the motion picture and recording industries over their demands for laws to require that mechanisms be built into computers and other digital devices to prevent copyrighted material from being copied, according to published reports. ADP President Fred McClure, told the Wall Street Journal that the group will argue that government "should not be in the business of designing and mandating technology in the digital piracy effort." The group is backing a bill by Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA), that would allow computer users to break copyright protection codes built into CDs and DVDs in order to make copies for their personal use.

Jan 24: Gladiator TV: ABC has ordered scripts for a potentially expensive series titled Teranus. The series is centered around ancient Rome during the days of the Gladiator. ABC wants at least six quality scripts to do a six episode series, which will stretch out the cost of doing the project. Then it would depend on how well the series did to warrant its continuation. 

Jan 24: Mr. Ed?: God, are we desperate for ideas? Now Fox will do a new take on the classic series Mr. Ed about a talking horse. The horse would speak more along the lines of one Eddie Murphy. Image the poor bastard that signs on to be the SAP  Wilburrrrr. Jeez, Fox is reaching. The pilot will be written by Saturday Night Live scribe Jack Handey. 

Jan 24: Two Towers of Money: Lord of the Rings: the Two Towers has kicked ass in the United States. This weekend in the overseas market the Two Towers should surpass the $400,000,000 mark. That will be over $700M to date. 

Jan 24: Wherehouse Chapter 11: Ever buy a video from the Wherehouse? I haven't in over five years. The Wherehouse Entertainment chain, in 23 states has filed for chapter 11. They have closed 30 stores stores losing money and plan to remodel its remaining 250 stores with bullshit upgrades it believes customers are interested in. The Wherehouse has $227.9M in assets and is $222.5M in debt. 

Jan 22: Alias: The television series ALIAS will run two Hollywood stars through the show for the February sweeps with Christian Slater and Ethan Hawk. Rutger Hauer will make an appearance in the special Superbowl episode this Sunday. Make sure you watch.

Jan 22: FearDotCom Give-a-way: Starting in the next day or so Warner Brothers & Scifi2k.com will be doing a give-a-way for four FearDotCom DVDs.  If you didn't want to buy it, try to win it for free. Stay Tuned. 

Jan 22: More Superman: Josh Hartnett name is being thrown into the mix to play the young Superman. However, Hartnett tells comingattractions.com that he will only take on the role Clark Kent if Michael Bay is at the helm. He is also not willing to sign on for any sequels unless it's guaranteed that Michael Bay will direct them also.  This is putting pressure on the studios to have director Brett Ratner find directing duties elsewhere and forces the studio into specific directions if they wish to have Hartnett star.

Jan 22: Twilight Zone: For the Feb sweeps, Andrew McCarthy, Billy Mumy and Cloris Leachman will make appearances in two classic episode remakes for the series. 

Jan 22: Cinematography Noms: The society's annual awards honor cinematographers in three categories: episode of a regular series; broadcast movie, miniseries or pilot; and cable movie, miniseries or pilot. CBS -- the three "CSI" episodes -- and NBC programs each earned three nominations, while FOX and ABC each got two. Seven other networks -- The WB, UPN, TNT, HBO, Showtime, Hallmark Channel and Sci Fi -- each earned one nod. (zap2it.com)

EPISODIC
*Michael Barrett, "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (episode "Snuff" ), CBS
*Michael Bonvillain, "Alias" (episode "Page 47" ), ABC
*Frank Byers, "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (episode "Fight Night" ), CBS
*Thomas Del Ruth, ASC, "The West Wing" (episode "Holy Night" ), NBC
*Billy Dickson, ASC, "Ally McBeal" (episode "Reality Bites" ), FOX
*Robert Primes, ASC, "MDs" (episode "Wing and a Prayer" ), ABC
*Bill Roe, ASC, "The X-Files" (episode "Release" ), FOX

BROADCAST MOVIE/MINISERIES/PILOT
*Michael Barrett, "CSI: Miami" pilot ("Cross Jurisdictions" ), CBS
*Victor Goss, ASC, "Carrie," NBC
*Clark Mathis, "Birds of Prey" pilot, The WB
*Brian J. Reynolds, "American Dreams" pilot, NBC
*Peter Wunstorf, "Haunted" pilot, UPN

CABLE MOVIE/MINISERIES/PILOT
*Jonathan Freeman, "Taken" (episode "John" ), Sci Fi
*Jeffrey Jur, ASC, "Last Call," Showtime
*Serge Ladouceur, "The Case of the White Chapel Vampire," Hallmark Channel
*Anthony Nakonechnyj, "Point of Origin," HBO
*William Wages, ASC, "Miss Lettie and Me," TNT

Jan 22: Starshp Troopers 2: God another petition. There is a petition now to have Casper Van Dien return as Johnny Rico in the "Direct to Video" sequel. Check out Moviehole.net website to get the email they want you to email. 

Jan 22: DVD Releases: Harry Potter 2 gets DVD on April 11th, the Ring on March 4th, and Treasure Planet of March 8th. (cinescape online) The Harry Potter disc will include deleted scenes.

Jan 22: Mission Impossible III: What could be the final episode of the Mission Impossible franchise is considering Buffy's Marc Blucas is negotiating for a key role in the upcoming film. Sean Connery would make a great villain for the feature.

Jan 22: Die Hard Spears: Two websites have reported that singer Britney Spears is up for the role of Bruce Willis' daughter in the fourth film. She's kidnapped and McClain has rescue her. 

Jan 22: Deep Space Nine: The UK is getting a beautiful boxed set for Paramount's Deep Space Nine television series. CLICK HERE to see the UK's season one boxed set. The US version is so ugly and pathetic. 

Jan 21: Buffy No More: Someone working for a UPN affiliate is passing on the word that the official Buffy cancellation notice should be coming in the next couple of weeks. Buffy actor Nicolas Brendan looks to be heading over to Angel next season. 

Jan 21: The Drunk is Back: Yancy Butler has fallen off the wagon since the cancellation of her series Witchblade on TNT.  The actress will appear in court next month on charges in a Suffolk court room. Butler struck two family members and one police offers in THREE separate incidents. Yancy Butler is a mean drunk. 

Jan 21: Blade III: Scribe David Goyer told Countingdown.com that he is still working on the script, and pre-production should start-up in about two months. He was also forthcoming that he might even direct the third film.  David Goyer said before this would be the last film he would write for someone else. It would be fitting for Goyer to helm what is said to be the final Blade film. 

Jan 21: Futon Critic: The website, the FutonCritic.com run by Brain Ford Sullivan has closed. Lost interest and diminished advertising funds are the culprit. Lost funds, sound familiar doesn't it. His website and the work he's done on it will be missed. Farewell.

Jan 21: Superman 5: Do we really want another Superdud movie? Where the hell is Dean Cain when you need him? Oh yeah, he's off doing "B" flicks, not being considered for the Superman film. Is Ratner going to direct? What about Michael Bay and Joel Silver coming on board? Now we hear the idiot boy from Dude Where's My Car is up for the lead as Superman. Man, let's forget the entire thing until Warner Bros. gets off their ass and gets things going. Even the production start date has been pushed back. Leave it to Warner Bros. 

Jan 21: Charmed Turns 100: Charmed is getting ready to pump out its 100th episode. Encore Hollywood has created about 100 visual effects for the episode. They have seen their involvement in the show increase over the past five years. The have done from just 40 effects for Charmed and up to 140. 80% of their effects are done on the Mac and the other 20% are done on the Inferno. Encore Hollywood also works on C.S.I.: Miami, Alias, the District, Six Feet Under, and others.

Jan 20: Catwoman: Ashley Judd thought the role was hers hands down. Apparently Joel Silver doesn't think so anymore. Halle Berry has moved into the front runner spot and director Pitof hopes to have her inked for a Fall start date. Judd is reportedly very busy and Berry a much bigger action star right now. (dark horizons.com)

Jan 20: Richard Crenna Passes: Actor Richard Crenna died Friday at Cedars-Sinai in California. The 76 year old actor finally lost the battle with pancreatic cancer. Crenna was an emmy winner, but I best remember the actor for his role as Stallone's mentor in the Rambo features. 

Jan 20: Rambo: First Rocky VI and now Rambo IV. Miramax has given the green to Stallone's lreturn in a final Rambo film sometime this year or next. Sly Stallone penned the latest Rocky project and will also pen the new Rambo script.

Jan 20: Fox Stays Animated: The struggling network, fighting to keep the WB at bay, has renewed it two best animated series. Simpson got a two-year renewal and King of the Hill got at least one more season. 

Jan 20: Fox Making Changes: Fox is attempted to make some drastic moves in getting fans to watch their new series. Rather than wait until the fall when all the networks start their new series, Fox will launch their new scripted series this summer. Network executive (we use that term loosely) hope to build an audience for their series before the other new series air, and Fox starts pre-empting shows for its baseball coverage. (zap2it.com) Maybe, just maybe, Fox should actually hire some television fans to watch their shows and tell them what sucks and what doesn't. The execs... yeah, OK.

Jan 20: Final Destination: Only the title is final. Final Destination looks to be turning into another horror franchise. The second film is due out soon, and director David R. Ellis is contractually obligated to do a third film should the studio be interested in a third film. The second film is of course left open for more films. 

Jan 18: Dark Angel DVD Set: Fox has officially announced the first season, 22 episode, of DARK ANGEL on DVD on May 20th with an MSRP of $59.99. The set will be full-frame with Dolby 2.0 surround sound. You'll get some commentary over four episodes, three featurettes, audition tapes, gag reel and bloopers. If the set sells well, fans should get the second season. 

Jan 18: Cold Cases: CBS has greenlit the series Cold Cases from producer/director Jerry Bruckheimer. Set in 2054 this legal drama follows a female lead of a Philadelphia Police Department's "Cold Cases" unit. 

Jan 18: Hitchhiker Looses Guide. Jay Roach (Austin Powers) has opted out of his directing gig for Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in favor of another project. Reportedly the project was close to being greenlit. (AICN) Yeah, in Hollywood we know what close means. 

Jan 17: Hunter: NBC has put the 80's television hit series HUNTER back into production with original stars Fred Dryer and Stephanie Kramer reprising their roles. The first telefilm earned a 10.5 rating, the highest Saturday night rating this season for NBC. The new series will be launched with another Hunter telefilm titled, "Hunter: Back on the Force on Saturday, April 12th at 9pm. Subsequently, five original one-hour episodes will air on Saturday's at 10pm. Friday and Saturday nights are considered the wasteland of television. 

Jan 17: Azkaban: The roles are set for the third Harry Potter film with Gary Oldman taking on the role of Sirius Black, Timothy Spall as Peter Pettigrew, and David Thewlis as Remis Lupin, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. 

Jan 17: No More Wars: Lucasfilm has made sure things have been corrected, there will only be six films from his one book. It was nothing more than George being miss-quoted. 

Jan 17: Hulk Trailer: Yahoo Movies is letting fans know that a full trailer for Marvel's the Hulk will air with the premiere of Daredevil on February 14th. 

Jan 17: Beyond Re-animator: The next chapter of the franchise Re-Animator is being put together in the editing room. Star Jeffrey Combs believes the film is really insane after he thought it would really suck. Lion's Gate for some reason produced the sequel and it will likely be a direct to video feature. 

Jan 17: X-Files 7: Season 7 on DVD hits stores on May 13th with all 22 episodes. MSRP is $149.98. Shit! That is friggin expensive. 

Jan 16: Deep Space Nine: Fans of the best and most unique Star Trek series should be happy to learn that Paramount reports things are on schedule for DS-9, and their ugly box covers, to release every two-months from the season one release date of February 25th. Season 2 - April 4th, season 3 - June 3rd, season 4 - August 5th, season 5 - October 7th, season 6 - December 12th, and season 7 - December (end of)

Jan 16: Sci-Fi Channel Marvelous: Yeah right. The once genre fan favorite network is currently developing pilot telefilms for Marvel comics properties "Brother VooDoo" and "Strikeforce: Morituri". It doesn't end there though, Bonnie Hammer tells TV Guide that they have viewed the entire library and are looking at other Marvel properties to develop. 

Jan 16: the Punisher: Thomas Jane hasn't decided if he wants the role just yet, but the offer for the lead does require some extensive working out and the guarantee to do sequel if one happens. The Kurt Russell rumor with him to portray the villain Tombstone is nothing more than that according to Russell's agent.

Jan 16: Rutger Hauer: The Bladerunner star has been very busy through his career doing mostly B movie material. Fan can see him after the superbowl in a special episode of ALIAS, titled Phase One. Ethan Hawke was to have an episode airing after the superbowl but Phase One is a much stronger episode according to Alias creator J.J. Abrams. 

Jan 16: Smallville DVD: Warner Bros. wants to let fans know, they should not expect the first season of Smallville on DVD until at least sometime in 2004, at the earliest. 

Jan 16: Will Smith Out: Sony has dropped the 34 year old rapper/actor for being to old for the rap industry which he help make popular. With his last album making a bomb in retail stores Sony decided it was time to cut the cord. Smith has sold more than 20 million records.

Jan 16: I-Man Revival?: There is a quiet rumor within the I-Man fan base that their efforts and the Invisible Man virtual season on the internet have sparked the interest of a major studio. (Thanks to Lori) Let's hope the rumor is true.

Jan 16: Firefly is DONE: The fledgling series Firefly and production company Mutant Enemy have been informed by all the major networks that they are NOT interested in picking up the series originally canceled by Fox. With the $2M per episode price tag and the dismal ratings none of the major networks are interested. Mutant Enemy has looked at nixing part of the cast and moving the series to Canada to cut the cost per episode price.  They will now turn their eyes towards a cable network in hopes of someone throwing the series a bone. 

Jan 16: More Wars: George Lucas made a comment that is sparking some big talk in the chat rooms and message boards the past couple of days. During an interview he said the Peter Jackson essentially made three three hour movies from one book, and he's making nine two-hour movies from one book. With the sixth film beginning production very soon it leads one to believe that George Lucas is talking about doing another sequel trilogy, taking place after the original ones. 

Jan 16: Bad Boys III: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are having a blast doing the second Bad Boys feature. They two are enjoying it so much that both of them told producer Jerry Bruckheimer to hire a writer, they want to do a third film.  (about.com)

Jan 16: Oh Those Duke Boys: It was bound to happen. At least the rumors anyways. The Dark Horizons website is reporting that "The Dukes of Hazzard" TV series may be heading to the big screen, as are so many other television series. Word is that Brad Pitt and Tommy Lee Jones are set to head the cast. Enus... you dip stick.

Jan 16: O'Connell Gets Another Series: Actor Jerry O'Connell won't be sliding from one reality into another each week, but the Sliders star will be doing his own weekly series for NBC based on his Crossing Jordan character, Detective Woody Hoyt. The detective will leave Boston and head for Las Angeles to avenge the murder of a sheriff from his hometown. Once there he is roped into a job by the Sunset Division of the police department. 

Jan 16: McCloud: The country detective to the big city will also be returning to television with a female playing the McCloud character this time around. Tapped to star is none other than "Grace Under Fire" star Brett Butler. Not sure yet which cable channel or network this one is going too. 

Jan 14: Farscape: So much for the Farscape and genre fans trying to save a series. I thought fans wanted to save the series for a final fifth season.  The ratings for Friday nights episode was 1.35 and its second airing at midnight a 0.78. Not bad, one of its better ratings, but far from what was expected. We couldn't even match Stargate's score of a 1.78 rating. Sure, the Farscape rating was decent, but the premiere of Tracker in Farscape's old 10pm timeslot did even better than Farscape at its best with a 1.45 rating. If this is the best we can do for Farscape, what the hell are we trying to save? 

Jan 14: Baretta Returns: USA Network is hot for remakes of old 70's series it appears. The network is already developing a new Kojak series, and will now focus a few resources to revisit the days of Tony Baretta. Revelle will produce the new updated series about a Detroit cop. Producers are hoping to cast John Leguizamo or Jeffrey Wright. A two-hour pilot is being scripted with a hopeful a January 2004 USA Network premiere. 

Jan 14: No Galactica DVD: Universal, in their stupidity, have decided to indefinitely suspend the release of the DVD one season boxed set, and removed it from their website. All pre-orders have been canceled. I would have bought this one. One purchase and you've got the entire series in a boxed set... very cool.

Jan 14: Will At UPN: UPN has tapped Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett to develop a new sitcom for the network. The series will be base on situations within the Smith family. 

Jan 14: Touched By Cancellation: CBS has finally canned "Touched By An Angel". At the end of its ninth season the series will come to a close. 

Jan 14: JAG Takes A Spin: CBS is considering a spin-off series from its top rated series JAG. There are no details about the proposed series, but after the success of spin-off series CSI: Miami it is being seriously considered.

Jan 14: I, Robot: If it really matters where a film actually lenses, then you might want to know why suddenly Will Smith's I, Robot is lensing in Canada rather than Australia. It's simple, Smith didn't want to film in Australia and simply refused too. Fox was screaming about the budget in Australia, and now their filming in Canada with higher costs. However, Will Smith is not taken with Sydney and wanted filming to take place elsewhere. (moviehole.net) 

Jan 14: the Punisher: Not only is Thomas Jane rumored to be playing the Punisher (if he wants the role) but now Kurt Russell's is being thrown into the mix to play the villain Tombstone. (dark horizons)  What do you want on your tombstone? 

Jan 14: Why Watch The Superbowl: Even if you hate football, the commercials might be worth the gander. Besides the premiere of unique commercials created just for the Superbowl fans will get previews of new feature films including "Terminator 3", "Matrix: Reloaded", "the Hulk", "Charlie's Angels", "Bad Boys II", and maybe "X-Men 2" or "Daredevil". (filmjerk.com)

Jan 14: Cabin Fever: How good is this new horror film? Good enough that seven studios bid for the rights to the movie, which will be getting a wide theatrical release. The winning bid was $12M by Lion's Gate for prints and advertising - which is their highest amount ever paid for a film. The deal guarantees a release of 1500 to 2000 screens. Cabin Fever is rated R. The bidding for the film included Miramax; UA; Revolution and New Line. 

Jan 14: Willard: Every year we are stuffed with cheap made and produced horror films, such as the Freddy, Jason, and Michael Myers films. I am looking forward to the remake of Willard starring actor Crispin Glover (Back to the Future & Charlie's Angels). There is one really cool image of Glover sitting at a table full of rats. A deviously evil look on his face and a white rat on his shoulder. Wow. CLICK HERE to see the image at EmpireMovies.com's website. 

Jan 14: Faith Returns: Eliza Dushku will return in a three episode story arc on Angel as the fan favorite character Faith. Angel is currently filming the first of the three episodes. 

Jan 14: Homicide Division: CBS thought Robbery Homicide Division was a quality product, but it was consistently trounced by the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. The only problem is that they didn't know where to move it, so they canned the series. The did keep Presidio Med which has almost the same ratings, but have another place to put it. UPN was never considered for even a short run to see how the series preformed on that network before canceling the show. 

Jan 13: V the Second Generation:  NBC may be interested in a return to the V mini-series franchise according to Kenneth Johnson, in a V: The Second Generation type project. And just this week things have gotten interesting with NBC. 

Jan 13: Knight Rider: Revolution Studios at one time though Vin Diesel would consider the lead in the television series turned feature Knight Rider just because he is doing the xXx franchise for them. Now comes word from the Dark Horizons website that virtual unknown Dan Paris is currently up for the lead, Michael Knight. Revolution is interested in an unknown actor. They believe Knight Rider sells itself. In order for Knight Rider to make it on the big screen you would have to completely revamp the idea and theme. 

Jan 13: New Angel Regular: Andy Hallett, who plays Lorne on Angel told the Sci-Fi Wire that he will become a regular cast member starting with the 14th episode. Angel moves to its new timeslot on Wednesdays opposite the West Wing and the Bachelor. The WB seems to be wanting Joss Whedon to have zero series at the end of this season. Angel has always been on the edge of cancellation on the WB every season. Angel has yet to be renewed for a fifth season, and the WB's option for the show runs out at the end of this season. Angel could be on the move or out the door.

Jan 13: Thunderbirds Are Go: The British 1960's cult favs "The Thunderbirds", from Gerry Anderson, have been given the greenlight for a live action feature film according to the Guardian newspaper. The project is hoped to become a franchise.  As reported a few months ago, Jonathan Frakes will direct the film, produced by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner. Production begins in March at Pinewood Studios in London. 

Jan 13: Tarzan Update: Should the telefilm turn series, WB president Jordan Levin says the series will revolve around the Jan character rather than Tarzan. The network has hopes of adding Tarzan to their 2003 line-up. 

Jan 13: The Punisher: AICN is reporting that underrated actor Thomas Jane (Deep Blue Sea & 61) has been offered the leading role in the Punisher. While promoting his new film Dreamcatcher he blurted out that he was offered the role but is unsure if he wants it. 

Jan 13: Fastlane to Cancellation: It's pretty clear that Fastlane is indeed accelerating to a cancellation notice. The first season series bombed in its new Friday night slot earning a Firefly like dismal 3.7/6 share rating.  Maybe it isn't the series, but the timeslot that sucks on Friday nights at 8pm. John Doe at 9pm has fallen way off and earned an equally disappointing 4.2/6 rating. 

Jan 13: The Crow: Edward Pressman abandoned his successfully the Crow: Stairway to Heaven series. He is planning another Crow film titled "The Crow: Wicked Prayer". Pressman is set to begin production later this year. It is being directed by Lance Mungia and is sure to be a direct to video feature. (superherohype.com)

Jan 13: Phantom of the Opera: After 15 years Andrew Lloyd Weber has bought back the rights to his Phantom of the Opera at just over a million pounds from Warner Bros. Weber is planning an independent film which he will executive produce, but WB has first dibs on the domestic rights. The budget for the film is currently slated at about $70M. 

Jan 13: Buffy: UPN has hinted that Buffy will likely end at the conclusion of this season. CBS chief Leslie Moonves said at a press tour, "I wouldn't bet that it comes back, but it is possible." And Gellar hasn't said no to returning. UPN though will NOT raise it licensing fee for Buffy beyond its current $2.3M per episode. 

Jan 13: Enterprise: Despite a horrible second season UPN doesn't seem to have soured on the Star Trek franchise. As far as CBS Chief Leslie Moonves says, they expect the series to return next season. You can bet though that changes had better be happening with the show. 

Jan 13: Hellraiser: The direct to video features Hellraiser 7 & 8 are complete. Even though they two films were shot back to back, they are unrelated and totally different. (darkhorizons.com)

Jan 12: Sex Ends on HBO: Season Six will be the final season of HBO's hit series Sex In The City. Season 6 will consist of 20 total episodes, 12 of which will air beginning in June. The remaining 8 episodes will air in January 2004. 

Jan 12: Monster Inc Rakes It In: The 2001 feature Monster Inc. pulled in over $255M in theaters and did an even more impressive job in 2002 by scaring up another $385+M on DVD & video sales. Animated features seem to do better in DVD release as they surpass their box office numbers with ease. Of course we can't forget Shrek, which surpassed the $420M in DVD and video sales. 

Jan 12: The Lone Ranger: The WB will premiere its new potential series, The Lone Ranger, during the February sweeps on the 26th of the month. The two hour pilot stars Luke Hartman as the 19th century law student who takes a secret identity as the masked man. The role of Tonto will be played by Nathaniel Arcand and Anita Brown will play his sister Alope. The two-hour telefilm is indeed a pilot opportunity, but the WB options with the actors has expired. 

Jan 12: Farscape: In February we will get to learn Scorpius' true agenda, as well as watching Scorpius and Crichton hit the worm hole circuit through two episode in an attempt to rescue Aeryn Sun - whose been kidnapped by the Scarren. In the first episode of Feb. titled "Bringing Home the Beacon" the girls of Moya Stumble upon a secret meeting, that will change the future of the uncharted territories and set the remainder of the months storyline into motion. 

Jan 11: UPN Gives Finger to Firefly: UPN was realistically the only channel that Firefly had a chance with. Well that chance is now gone. UPN has said no to picking up Joss Whedon's first attempt at a space adventure series.  Firefly will now target the Sci-Fi Channel for a mini-series or series of telefilms. Odyssey 5 has also targeted the Sci-Fi Channel, Farscape are targeting the Sci-fi Channel for fifth season. 

Jan 11: Farscape: It was great to see a new episode of Farscape. Claudia Black showed how good she would have looked back in the 60's and Gigi Edgley looks great in panties. I would like to believe giving the finger throughout the episode was aimed at the Sci-Fi Channel.  Ten episodes to go. Keep watching.

Jan 11: Babylon 5: Season 2: It's time. The season two DVD boxed set will hit the street on April 29th at a terrible $99.98 MSRP. DVD Planet is pre-ordering  at $74.99. 

Jan 11: UPN Retooling & Negotiating: UPN has entered negotiations to renew its contracts with Fox affiliates which account for 20% of the networks viewership. UPN's contract expires at the end of next season and they can't work a deal UPN will become as extinct as many of the genre shows which have aired on the channel. If it does happen Viacom is planning to retool the network with some costly programming. 

Jan 10: Andromeda Troubles Continue: Many fans have had trouble with the direction of the series. Many of the original creators have departed including creators Robert Wolfe and Alan Eastman. The network continues to put a strain on the series believing they know what is right for the show and the fans. So much that now Jim Finn, the shows Special Effects supervisor has decided to depart after the completion of the final five episodes of Andromeda's third season. Mr. Finn tells me the powers that be have ideas that do not include his style of work or creative position. Tribune Entertainment is allowing people to make changes in a formula that was working in a effort to increase the shows fan base. It isn't working for them. The ratings remain comparable to last season, many weeks falling behind its sister series "Mutant X". 

Jan 10: Timeline Gets New Time: Michael Crichton's novel, Timeline, turned feature film has slipped from its April release to late summer. Could be production problems or that the film is as boring as the book and is getting a re-edit. 

Jan 10: Stargate Turns Ultimate: Ultimate does not refer to the series. The 1994 feature film Stargate is getting the Ultimate treatment by Artisan with a two-disc set, which includes never before seen footage, photographs, featurettes and new interviews. Fans will love the new 6.1 DTS-ES digital sound. Pricing isn't to bad at $19.99. Look for it February 18th. 

Jan 10: Kojak Returns: The tootsie pop sucking cop is returning to television in what could be a franchise of Columbo style telefilms. USA network has convinced actor Ving Rhames to become the bald crime-fighter Lt. Theo Kojak. Kojak is just one of the many Universal characters USA has been mulling. (futon critic)

Jan 10: TNN For Men: TNN is again changing the type of audience they will target. After unsuccessfully  targeting the young adults since becoming the National Network, will now target MEN. The networks name and advertising stream. The stupid "We've Got Pop" slogan is being abandoned. They should think about removing the stupid TNN banner strapped across the bottom of the screen too. I think people are smart enough to know what channel and series they're watching.

Jan 10: Farscape Intentionally Screwed: The demise of Farscape was an intentional, cold blooded, ruthless, fucked up act by the Sci-Fi Channel to get the series ousted. Bonnie Hammer told the TV Guide that the ratings had gotten soft and repeats were difficult since the show is more serialized than Stargate. It's true that the ratings had dropped to a 1.3 rating. But here's why. First, the later timeslot cost Farscape many of its younger viewers. The second deed comes in the lack of advertising for the series over the long nine month hiatus (no episodes and no advertising). The change in time slot was simply to protect Stargate. The Sci-Fi Channel did not want Stargate SG-1 going head to head with Showtime's new series (now canceled) at the 10pm time-slot. Odyssey 5, despite its demise, scored outstanding ratings that were better than Stargate scored on the same network. It's hard to win when your network makes moves to justify your termination. Not all was lost though - even with the lower ratings Farscape made money and with both airings on the network per week the season four episodes still showed an increase of about 16% over season three. Farscape is the last of the truly original Sci-Fi Channel series. (information provided by the savefarscape website). Farscape's 1.3 rating puts it in the top 13% of all shows on ad supported cable. Everyone MUST WATCH TONIGHT AT 8PM and 11pm. WATCH IT! Hey Bonnie, open mouth insert foot, if you can make room in there. It would also be cool to tune OUT at 9pm. No point in giving Stargate the ratings too.

Jan 10: Xena Returns: The Warrior Princess is heading to the big screen. Universal Pictures Universal Pictures has coaxed Lucy Lawless to once again don the leathers. As part of her incentive to return was Universal agreed to include Xena's cohorts from the series plus some new faces. The picture is budgeted for around $55 to $60M. No word is Kevin Sorbo will make an appearance as Hercules.

Jan 10: SciFi2K.com Changing: Over the next few months scifi2k.com will changing direction in many areas to cover some new material that should be much more reader friendly than visual stunning, that's funny. The Daily News, Movie Mania, and Channel News along with the fans pages will be hanging around. The VHS headquarters is likely to pass the grade, while the rest remain under surveillance for the time being. It's been a great five years developing the site into what it has become, the time for growth and change is here. Scifi2k.com should become more unique and interesting. Might even add a .com or two...  Graphic design and layout are already in the works. Hopefully you'll enjoy it as much as I should doing it. Thanks. Feel free to drop an email with what you want to stay. 

Jan 10: Dead Zone Returns: Season premieres of the Dead Zone and The Shield didn't hit the numbers from last season but they performed very well. The Dead Zone returned with an audience rating of about 4.1 (6.4 last season) and with in the average of last year. The Shield hit 4.4 million for its season premiere. 

Jan 10: Iron Man: The gaming company Activision has extended its rights with Marvel properties through 2009. It is includes Iron Man along with X-Men, Spiderman and the Fantastic Four. The extended deal could mean that both Fantastic Four and Iron Man may be making progress towards the big screen. 

Jan 10: Dune II: the Sci-Fi Channel has set a March 16th at 9pm date for its mini-series Frank Herbert's Children of Dune. The sequel is a six-hour, three night event that follows the first mini-series. 

Jan 10: the Punisher: The Dark Horizons website is reporting that the Punisher has been cast, and it is NOT ex-football star Howie Long. Cinescape reports that the project has also gotten some more funding and the current amount is $30M with Stan Lee producing and Jonathan Hesleigh is directing. 

Jan 10: Lee Takes to Timing It: Clint Morris or Moviehole.net gets the lowdown that Jason Scott Lee will be picking up the lead role in Timecop 2, as well as starring in the Dracula II: Acension. Lee is not a Sci-Fi fan but it was the action that lead him to the role. While Timecop might lead into a franchise and possibly another television series, Lee says this is a one time deal with him. 

Jan 10: Trek 11: Brent Spiner, who plays Data, gave the BBC two pieces of bad data for fans. One, that he will likely be back for the 11th Star Trek feature. The second totally brings down the franchise that the Next Generation cast will be back for the 11th film. (Scott Strout) 

Jan 10: Death Machine: Watch the movie that put director Stephen Norrington on the map. HBO will air his film twice with Action Max showing it another 8 times. Check you listings for times and dates. 

Jan 10: Wonder Twins: Spongbob Squarepants Merriweather Williams has been hired to script the new in development Wonder Twins feature. If you remember, the Wonder Twins were part of the Super Friends cartoon. 

Jan 10: Totem: Revolution Studios is producing the movie Totem, about a scare crow that is scaring more than just crows. Revolution is currently negotiating with director Patrick Lassier, who directed Dracula 2000. Todd Farmer wrote the script they will be using. 

Jan 10: NYPD 2069: Fox has greenlit the series NYPD 2069 from Steven Bochco. The series will feature a cop from today somehow sent to the future. 

Jan 7: Farscape: The Hammer Speaks. The Sci-Fi Channel's Bonnie Hammer finally speaks in TV Guide online. CLICK HERE for the interview she did with them about Farscape's cancellation and lack of a wrap up movie. What I find appalling is that FANS of the series are calling for a boycott of the Sci-Fi Channel and the final 11 episodes of Farscape. What the hell is up with that? Are you morons!? Everyone needs to tune in for the final 11 episodes to show the Sci-Fi Channel that you are making a huge mistake. By NOT Watching, you are simply proving Bonnie Hammer and idiots at the network they made the right decision. FANS MUST TUNE IN TO THE FINAL EPISODES OF FARSCAPE. Ratings must go through the roof. If nothing else the ratings could justify the series going into syndication, which the producers are looking into. TUNE-IN, I sure as hell will be!!! Don't be an idiot. NOTE: There is also word that IF the final 11 eps do well in the ratings, the Sci-Fi Channel will take another look at the series. 

Jan 7: Nemesis Contest: Just 19 more days in the Star Trek Nemesis give-a-way contest. Enter today for your chance to win a Nemesisi movie poster and mini-CD. Enter today. CLICK HERE.

Jan 7: The Punisher: Who do you think would make a great Punisher character for the new Punisher feature? Not an easy choice is it. Well, someone might be on the right track as I heard some ESPN commentators indicated that ex-football player turned actor/commentator Howie Long is up for the title role. Long has the correct build and look to play the lead character. Good choice.

Jan 7: Angel Boxed Set: The season one DVD boxed set of Angel from Warner Brothers releases on Feb. 11th, and will have a MSRP of $44.99. DVD Planet is offering a pre-order at $41.98. 

Jan 7: Sherlock Spears: Imagine Britney Spears as Sherlock Holmes. Well, it's true. The singer and wanna be actress is negotiating for the role in 221bCause. She'll play a disgraced drug addict cop turn detective who starts answering letters addressed to Sherlock Holmes. She returns to New York in an attempt to trace the Presidents son. Oh yeah, this is a real winner. (Scott Strout)

Jan 7: Anderson to Retire: Actress Pamela Anderson, we use the term loosely, has announced she is retiring from television and movies to concentrate on her family. The 35yr old playmate says she is moving on with her life and never wants to appear on television again. The Baywatch reunion picture is reportedly to be her final appearance. Now this is a good thing. Anderson suffers from Hepatitis C. 

Jan 7: Bulletproof Pirate: Sounds like a cool movie title, but its not. Pirated DVD copies of MGM's upcoming Bulletproof Monk are already circulating the mail system. The are reportedly coming from Hong Kong and Malaysia. Imagine that if you will. 

Jan 7: Spidey to Be Rewritten: Michael Chabon's completed Spiderman 2 script is being handed off to another writer for a rewrite. While Chabon thought his script rocked, there were others that did not. His script and the two prior drafts were handed to another well known writer. 

Jan 7: Troopers 2 on HD: If and when Phil Tippett films Starship Troopers 2 it will be done in High Definition and released directly to DVD in the US.  If the project doesn't film until the summer or later Clancy Brown will star in the film, as he is currently filming a project for HBO. Any earlier and they will have to get someone else for the part. (moviehole.net)

Jan 7: Lundgren Returns: The 45 year old, 6'6" actor told everyone he had retired from his B movie career, but it was all bull. Dolph Lundgren (the punisher, Universal Soldier & HeMan) has three projects coming. Two of the three are likely direct to video. One such is Alien Agent directed by Sidney Furie. The project likely to hit the big screen could be his return as Draco in Rocky 6, as Stallone wants to write Draco in the film.  (Dark Horizons) 

Jan 7: Starship Exeter: A fan created Star Trek episode that takes place aboard the Enterprise's sister ship, the USS Exeter has been completed and is offered for download at their website. Unfortunately the group did not get permission from Paramount to do the project and could be hit with a copyright infringement lawsuit or cease and desist order. If you would like to view STARSHIP EXETER: THE SAVAGE EMPIRE just click the link and enjoy. Reports are that it actually looks pretty  good. It's likely to get the makers noticed. 

Jan 7: Jurassic 4: Jeff Goldblum told Cinemania that Steven Spielberg has told him to remain available, and his services might be needed to co-star in the upcoming fourth Jurassic park film. 

Jan 7: UFO 2: The second season of UFO on DVD will street on January 28th. Retail price on the four disc set is to expensive at $79.95 (not many copies will be sold). DVD Planet is offering them right now at $55.97. A much better price if you're looking to pick the series up.

Jan 7: Blade to Eat a Mac: Blade star Wesley Snipes will hit the Fox series "Bernie Mac" during the February sweeps in which he suggest that he and Bernie Mac settle their differences in the ring. Did you know that Snipes also played in the series Miami Vice as a villain named Silk?  (futon critic)

Jan 7: Deadwood Picked Up: HBO has picked up the Deadwood western pilot and a commitment for 13 episodes.  The series is set in 1876, and stars Timothy Olyphant, Molly Parker, Keith Carradine, and Ian McShane. The series begins filming this spring with a premiere in 2004. Walter Hill will direct the pilot and produce. He will stay on board as consultant and direct a few more episodes. The series is promised not to be your grandma's style western. 

Jan 7: Commercials at Theaters: Turner Broadcasting has inked a deal with Regal Cinemedia to create and air short-form programming (commercials) in 19 of the top 20 movie markets. The digital network is being installed in 375 theaters throughout the year, and will offer content a departure from the traditional rolling stock advertising currently appearing before the feature presentation starts. Two advertisers are already onboard to create ads unique to the theater. (futon critic)

Jan 6: 8 Legged Freaks 2: The first film was that well received at the box office, but it isn't stopping producer Dean Devlin from going into talks for a sequel movie. Ellory Elkayem will return to direct the sequel with actor David Arquette will return to star.  (moviehole.net)

Jan 6: Mangnum PI, the Movie: Tom Selleck has tried for years to get private investigator Thomas Magnum to the big screen. Unfortunately for fans as upper management changes at Universal interested in the film goes up and down. Selleck has asked for the rights so that he can get a movie made, even if it at another studio, but Universal won't release the rights, and for fans the feature film won't get made. (moviehole.net)

Jan 6: Harry Potter & Two Towers: Lord of the Rings, the Two Towers and Harry Potter 2 are strong winners again as were the first films. Two Towers has raked in an impressive $262M since opening and Harry Potter has magically created $252M. Fans are eagerly anticipating their release on DVD. While sequels don't generally do as well as originals, the Two Towers should surpass its predecessor this month. 

Jan 6: Fastlane: The, shall we say struggling, series Fastlane will join first season hit John Doe this Friday night in its new day and time. Fastlane premieres at 8pm with John Doe at 9pm on Fox. The 8pm timeslot, which no series wants, was recently made available by the cancellation of "Firefly". 

Jan 6: Harry Potter: the Dark Horizons website reports that actor Gary Oldman will be appearing in the next two Harry Potter features. Possibly as Sinus Black. 

Jan 6: Simpsons Continue: Fans of the animated series, The Simpsons can sing for joy. Executive producer Al Jean told the Orlando Sentinel that the series will be around at least another two seasons. 

Jan 6: Halloween 9: Little surprise that another Halloween film is in development. Not that much goes into the scripts or anything like that, but the saga will continue. Actress Bianca Kajlich told Diabolical Dominion that she's doing the next Halloween movie. The script is being written by Allan B. McElroy. On January 7th, Bianca shot down this story on her official website, saying she is not signed for any Halloween projects. 

Jan 4: Sequel Features: There coming full speed. Another summer of sequels. Fans can expect... Matrix 2, Matrix 3, Terminator 3, Bad Boys 2, Tomb Raider 2, Fast and Furious 2, Shanghai Knights, Charlie's Angels 2, X-Men 2, and Lord of the Rings 3. Also this year we'll see Daredevil, the Hulk, the Last Samurai and SWAT. Quite a year for the action fan. Matirx, Terminator, Lord of the Rings, and X-Men 2 are sure big box office dollars. Which ones will be box office flop? Is it possible that all of these could be quality films? 

Jan 4: Nowhere Man: The websites for the UPN series Nowhere Man starring Bruce Greenwood are slowly disappearing into the internet wasteland. The series and episode listing have been added to the website for your viewing pleasure. CLICK HERE for the webpage. 

Jan 4: Trio Vision: How many of you caught the "Canceled, but Brialliant" month on Trio? Scout Strout did and seemed more disappointed than happy to see such series as Profit, Kolchak, Gun, and Now & Again. Read his Review and see for yourself. 

Jan 4: Tracker: If you missed the series starring Highlanders, Adrian Paul you'll get your chance to see it now. The one season of Tracker has been picked up by the Sci-Fi Channel and will join and follow Stargate SG-1 and Farscape on Friday nights. Tracker aired in syndication last season and was stuck in most locations with an after midnight timeslot. 

Jan 4: Buffy Done: A source within told E' Online that no decision has been officially made, but all appearance are that regardless of cash offered Sarah Michelle Gellar isn't interested in returning for another season. As for the spin-off idea... the cast members who would work best for it don't seem that interested in returning. Everyone seems ready to move on.

Jan 4: Section 31: Many of you genre and Star Trek fans might have noticed that the website Section 31 has been down for a month or so. Own Tim Hansen, for reasons unknown shut down his site, and put the web addy up on eBay. The owners of website Trek47.com have purchased the website and will have it back up February 1st. It will however not have the same look. The will be using the crappy LCARS look from Star Trek. A look many sites have used, but with a darker gray feel to it. 

Jan 4: DVDs: Just added the DVD's of Reign of Fire and xXx to my video library. Both are awesome movies and the Xtra material just added to the great feature films. Make sure to add these to your collection. James Bond never spied like this.

Jan 4: The Shinning DVD: Were suppose to be happy that the DVD release of the 1996 mini-series was coming to DVD. It doesn't look like it will be the full version according to the statistics listed at Amazon.com. The 2 DVD set is listed at 143 minutes, and the complete mini-series was 273 minutes. The MSRP of the DVD due January 7th is $24.95. Save your money and purchase the full mini-series in the newsgroups.

Jan 3: Dead Zone: Shawn Piller will told the Sci-Fi Wire that the second season of the Dead Zone will raise storytelling and character arcs to a new level. 

Jan 3: Men In Black III: Why? Men in Black II was not very good, but did well at the box office. Columbia Pictures is mulling a third installment if they can't get Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones to return. MIB 2 only grossed $190M domestically. The studio knew the film was disappointing creatively but distributed it anyways to the public. Producers made Barry Sonnenfeld a nervous wreck during the filming so much so, that it made him physically ill. It is unlikely he would be willing to return.

Jan 3: Mission Impossible 3: David Fincher is helming the third Mission Impossible film as has nabbed Kelly Brook for a supporting role. Tom Cruise will begin the project as soon as he wraps his samurai film. Right now the film is still slated to release on May 4, 2004. 

Jan 3: XXX2: Roben Cohen tells CNN that he is developing two scripts for his XXX frachise. One is being written by XXX scribe Rich Wilkes (likely to be the third film) and one by Simon Kimberg where the character Xander saves the United States and takes place in Washington, DC. It will be more of a grit and thriller version. Wilkes version takes place overseas in Southeast Asia and Malacca Straits. Cohen prefers the second film to be saving the U.S. He says there are a lot of interesting things going on there these days. 

Jan 3: Starship Troopers 2: Casper Van Dien, feature actor turned B film star confirmed on his website that a direct to video "Starship Troopers 2" might be on the way. Unfortunately it doesn't look like Van Dien will be involved. He hasn't been asked.  The film will star Clancy Brown who played Sgt. Zim in the first film. 

Jan 3: Farscape, One Final Time: Just seven more days until the first of Farscape's last 11 episodes premieres on the Sci-Fi Channel. Tune in people. Let's show the bastards at the network the ratings we can muster for this great series. Let's at least take the series out with a bang! It's not time to boycott the channel. 

Jan 3: Friends, the Movie: It looks to be happening and part of the reason for a tenth season. The theme will be raunchier than the series, (no censors) and include nudity. Each of the six actors will be getting $9M each for doing the film and a percentage of the film. Hmmm is that gross or net? We all know that films never make any money according to the studios.