Home Blog Page 113

How To Train Your Dragon Live Action Is In Development

Sarah Leone
-
0
How To Train Your Dragon Live Action Is In Development

DreamWorks appears to be following in the steps of Disney for creating live action remakes of beloved animated movies, starting with one of DreamWorks Animations’ highly regarded trilogy movie series How To Train Your Dragon. Dean DeBlois is the director as well as the writer. DeBlois was the original director of all three of the animated movies. 

Universal has already set a date for when the feature will be released, which will be March 14, 2025. According to reported sources they are well into the development phase and are in the midst of the casting process.

This movie will mark the first time a live-action remake is being directed by the same as the one who created the animated movie versions. Because DeBluis has mainly animation experiences, veteran movie and theatre producer Marc Platt will be assisting him as he has produced many live action movies like Legally Blonde, La La Land, and most recently Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid. Marc Platt is also producer of the movie adaptions of Wicked, Disney’s live-action Snow White, and the currently untitled Scott Pilgrim anime series. 

The How To Train Your Dragon trilogy is loosely based on the 12-book series that was first published between 2003 to 2015 by UK author Cressida Cowell. The story is set in a fictional Viking time period centering about a young Viking named Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, and his journey to ”becoming a hero, the hard way”. By year 2015, the book series had sold over seven million copies worldwide.

The first movie came to theaters in 2010, with co-directors DeBlois and Chris Sanders, with DeBlois directing the other two movies on his own. The other two movies came out in year 2014 and 2019. DreamWorks’ How To Train Your Dragonfocuses on the unlikely friendship between the young Viking Hiccup and an injured dragon named Toothless. What makes this trilogy interesting is the way they aged the characters within each movie, bringing about a sense of time passing by and things changing in life as they do in coming-of-age stories. The first movie was such a hit with audiences that it earned more than $1.6 billion at the box office.

The challenge for the live-action movie is how to find the balance between the cuteness of the dragons and the believability of the dragons being real in a live-action sort of way. That can either make or break a movie, among other things. How cartoonish should they go with the dragons, and how realistic should they be?

In the meantime, here are two fun clips on the Toothless character:

Will this mark the beginning of the DreamWorks live action remakes much in the same way Disney has become known for over the years? What do you think about the live action remake? Or the possibility of future remakes of other DreamWorks Animation films? Let us know!

Source: THR

The Magic Words: Jurassic Park Cryogenics Canister Replica

Mike Phalin
-
0
The Magic Words: Jurassic Park Cryogenics Canister Replica

The 30th anniversary of the original Jurassic Park’s cinematic debut is coming up soon! To celebrate, Paragon FX Group has meticulously recreated one of the film’s most iconic props, the Barbasol Cryogenics Canister. So now you can succeed where Nedry never did!

The cryogenics canister has been replicated before, but this may be the first official version I’ve seen on the market. Nearly all of the details found on the original prop have been recreated here, except the Barbasol can’s disguise function. Sadly, it does not dispense fluffy white shaving cream. Given how much space the cryogenic parts take up within the can’s housing, I’m not sure it would be functionally possible.

The interior genetic storage device has a “pop-up” centrifuge, as in the original Jurassic Park. Ten micro-centrifuge vials with the correct labels will be included. Each tube will be filled with a yellowish liquid, which I fear may dry out quickly. It may be a good idea to make a small clear resin mixture and fill these with that when the DNA juice finally evaporates.

Paragon FX Group does not say how many of these will be made, but we know that each Jurassic Park prop replica will cost $399.99. A $39.99 deposit is required upfront, with the balance not due until the canister is ready to ship this Summer.

Photo Credit: Paragon FX Group

Photo Credit: Paragon FX Group

Photo Credit: Paragon FX Group

Photo Credit: Paragon FX Group

“Working closely with Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, Paragon FX Group’s team was given access to the original hero prop used in the film’s production. This close-up study of the original hasallowed usy to replicate everything from the proper labels on the centrifuge tube, right down to the very inventory tags that are present on the original prop as it sits in the studio archives. Identical to the original, Paragon with be manufacturing this piece in metal. This multi-piece CNC machined aluminum replica will also feature a ‘pop-up’ centrifuge rack and of course, the entire unit can be seated within a Barbasol can.”

The last time we covered Paragon FX Group’s replicas was when the company announced the amazing Batman ’89 modular grapnel replica. While we’ve yet to see any of Paragon’s props in person, we will hopefully have an opportunity soon.

[Source: Paragon FX Group]

Mod In The Works To Add Multiplayer To ‘Hogwarts Legacy’

Mike Phalin
-
0
Mod In The Works To Add Multiplayer To ‘Hogwarts Legacy’

While I’m really enjoying Hogwarts Legacy, as other Clownfish TV staff have, I wish I could raid poacher camps with my friends via multiplayer. Thankfully, modders have developed a tool that will allow wizards and witches to come together on the game’s PC version.

The Together Team’s previous project was Skyrim Together, which added the much-desired multiplayer feature to the massive open-world RPG. As expected, making a game designed strictly single-player into something compatible with two simultaneous players is challenging. However, the mod puts considerable strain on the software and hardware running the game, and The Together Team does a great job of documenting their process on their YouTube channel.

As seen in the Test Build video below for the mod called HogWarp, it is possible to have two players inside Hogwarts Castle simultaneously, but there are some noticeable issues. Since this is an early build of the mod, these problems are to be expected. NPCs don’t appear in the same locations for both players, but this won’t affect gameplay unless it’s a mission-related NPC.

Both players have some stuttering and slowdown, which could be due to the hardware used on the two different PCs. As of yesterday, the team has managed to get HogWarp to allow ten players on the same map simultaneously. This isn’t limited to the confines of the school, as the video goes on to show multiple live players running around in the air outside.

We’ve yet to see anything showing off how well combat works or if players can sync when inside of an instance. I’m sure those will be showing up soon. However, you’ll need to pay if you want to try the mod out for yourself. Access to HogWarp requires joining either the $10.50 or $21/month tier memberships on Yamashi’s Patreon.

[Source: PC Gamer]

[Source: The Together Team]

Meta Cuts Costs and Employees But Raises Zuckerberg’s Security Budget

Mike Phalin
-
0
Meta Cuts Costs and Employees But Raises Zuckerberg’s Security Budget

The embattled Meta is facing hardships at every turn. Mark Zuckerberg’s once-thriving empire needs to tighten the purse strings, thanks to lawsuits and slipping relevancy in the social media market. At the same time, the company must invest in emerging tech that will reinvigorate its virtual reality offerings. However, Meta thinks spending another $4 million on Zuckerberg’s personal security is a top priority.

Via PC Mag, Meta Platforms, Inc.’s SEC Form 8-K filing states that the committee granted Zuckerberg a $10M allowance in 2018 to be used exclusively for “his and his family’s personal security.” As of February 9th, 2023, this annual pre-tax allowance is going up an additional $4M.

While Meta does not state specifics as to why the founder of Facebook/Meta requires this level of security, the filing mentions the massive budget is “due to specific threats to his safety arising directly as a result of his position.” Although I do not doubt he and his immediate family receive threats since Meta has been caught in several scandals throughout the years. Recently, the company had to pay a $725M settlement because of a privacy lawsuit. In addition, last year, cost-cutting measures were announced along with hiring freezes.

Interestingly, the committee believed the security budget increase was a fair idea since Zuckerberg only takes in a $1M annual salary:

“On February 9, 2023, the Committee approved increasing this annual pre-tax allowance to $14 million, effective immediately. In approving this increase, the Committee considered Mr. Zuckerberg’s position and importance to Meta and the fact that Mr. Zuckerberg has requested to receive only $1 in annual salary and does not receive any bonus payments, equity awards, or other incentive compensation.”

I’d like to believe that the CEO of Meta indeed spends over ten million on personal security, but I’d like to see the receipts. Does this include security personnel? From personal experience, even the most expensive home security system, including cameras, access control, and intrusion detection, would only cost a fraction of that newly approved budget.

[Source: PC Mag]

Marvel Comics Announces New ‘Daredevil and Echo’ Comic Book Series

Jacob Airey
-
0
Marvel Comics Announces New ‘Daredevil and Echo’ Comic Book Series

The Man Without Fear and the Woman with the White Hand are reuniting for a new comic book series from Marvel Entertainment. Written by Black Eyed Peas member Taboo and B. Earl, the comic promises to bring us to Hell’s Kitchen and into New York City.

“DAREDEVIL & ECHO #1 will bring Matt Murdock and Maya Lopez back together again. The upcoming miniseries, written by Black Eyed Peas artist Taboo and B. Earl with art by Phil Noto, will pit the pair of Super Heroes against an ancient evil that threatens New York City,” Marvel said on their website.

They added, “Something stirs beneath Hell’s Kitchen! For months, the bloodthirsty and demonic Demogoblin has been kidnapping children for reasons unknown. In this series, Daredevil and Echo discover why—as Demogoblin works to wake an ancient and powerful evil deep within the bowels of the city. Reunited at last with Echo, herself fresh from a brief time as the host of the Phoenix Force, it falls to Daredevil to stop Demagoblin and save not only the children, but everyone in New York!”

Marvel Comics revealed the cover of the first issue by Phil Noto:

Taboo expressed his enthusiasm for the project saying, “First off, Benny and I are blessed and thankful to be continuing our journey as Marvel writers.”

He continued, “It’s an honor to be rocking this new Daredevil project along with the amazing mighty matriarch Echo. We are about to have a blast bringing the heat to Hell’s Kitchen! Can’t wait for the world check out this crazy ride! One love!”

B. Earl echoed those sentiments, “My Marvel journey with Tab has been a privileged blessing, allowing us to explore so many characters, both new and old, as well as tell riskier stories which touch on untold narratives and perspectives.”

The comic book series will be available on May 24, 2023.

‘All-Star Superman’ Flies Into First Ever 4K DVD Release

Jacob Airey
-
0
‘All-Star Superman’ Flies Into First Ever 4K DVD Release

The 2011 film directed by Sam Liu and released by Warner Bros. Animation, ‘All-Star Superman’ is coming to home video release again, but this time remastered in 4K. The animated feature, based on a comic book by writer Grant Morrison, is coming back to fans and collectors alike on April 18, 2023.

DC Films said in a press release that the “Eisner Award-winning vision of Superman’s heroic final days on Earth is brought to exquisite, animated life in All-Star Superman. The film begins as the Man of Steel rescues an ill-fated mission to the Sun (sabotaged by Lex Luthor) but, in the process, is oversaturated by radiation – which accelerates his cell degeneration. Sensing even he will be unable to cheat death, Superman ventures into new realms – finally revealing his secret to Lois, confronting Lex Luthor’s perspective of humanity, and attempting to ensure Earth’s safety before his own impending end with one final, selfless act.”

“Twelve years after its initial release, All-Star Superman holds a ‘Fresh’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film was the 10th in the ongoing series of DC Universe Movies and DC Animated Movies that now number more than 50 films across 17 years,” DC added.

The comic book that the film was based on was drawn by Frank Quitely and digitally inked by Jamie Grant. It ran for twelve issues between 2005 and 2008.

You can watch the trailer below:

The movie stars James Denton (Good Witch, Desperate Housewives) as Superman, Christina Hendricks (Mad Men, Good Girls) as Lois Lane, Anthony LaPaglia (Without A Trace) as Lex Luthor, Ed Asner (Up, Elf, The Mary Tyler Moore Show) as Perry White, Golden Globe winner Frances Conroy (American Horror Story, Joker, Six Feet Under) as Ma Kent, Matthew Gray Gubler (Criminal Minds, Alvin and the Chipmunks franchise) as Jimmy Olsen and Linda Cardellini (Avengers: Endgame, Dead to Me, ER) as Nasty.

The animated movie was produced by Bruce Timm and written by Dwayne McDuffie.

Hot Toys To Re-Release 1:6 Scale 1989’s Batman and Batmobile!

Mike Phalin
-
0
Hot Toys To Re-Release 1:6 Scale 1989’s Batman and Batmobile!

After a decade of waiting, Hot Toys is finally bringing back the 1:6 scale ’89 Batman and Batmobile! Sideshow Collectibles is now taking pre-orders for all three toys. The Collector Edition Batman is $279, while the Deluxe Bats is going for $345. Inflation has undoubtedly taken its toll here because the Batmobile is now $715. Both will be shipping between April and September of next year.

I had Batman and the Joker when they were first released, and these two became highly sought after. In fact, I was able to sell both to pay for a moving truck and part of a mortgage downpayment. Hopefully, Hot Toys will give us another shot at a Joker figure soon!

Photo Credit: Hot Toys

Photo Credit: Hot Toys

Photo Credit: Hot Toys

Photo Credit: Hot Toys

Photo Credit: Hot Toys

Photo Credit: Hot Toys

Photo Credit: Hot Toys

Photo Credit: Hot Toys

Photo Credit: Hot Toys

Photo Credit: Hot Toys

Photo Credit: Hot Toys

Photo Credit: Hot Toys

Photo Credit: Hot Toys

Photo Credit: Hot Toys

The standard version of 1989’s Batman will come with several of the same items from the previous release but with an updated head sculpt:

– One (1) newly developed Batman head with separate rolling eyeball function and three (3) interchangeable lower faces capturing Batman’s facial expressions
– Movie-accurate facial expression and skin texture
– Approximately 30 cm tall
– Specialized body with 30 points of articulation
– Eight (8) pieces of interchangeable gloved hands including:
– One (1) pair of fists
– One (1) pair of relaxed hands
– One (1) pair of weapon holding hands
– One (1) remote holding right hand
– One (1) open left hand
– Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted

Costume:
– One (1) Bat-suit with cape and Batman logo on chest
– One (1) utility belt
– One (1) pair of black boots

Weapons:
– One (1) grapple gun
– One (1) gauntlet with line launcher
– One (1) rope attached batarang
– Two (2) ninja wheels
– Three (3) smoke capsules

Accessories:
– One (1) white heel shoe
– One (1) Batmobile remote
– One (1) bomb timer
– One (1) punch gear

The Deluxe Version of Batman comes with all of the above plus the following exclusive item:

-A specially designed chapel roof diorama base (approximately L 27cm x W 24cm x H 44cm)

The Batmobile appears to be the same as the original model, which includes accessories seen in both Batman (1989) and Batman Returns:

– Authentically and detailed likeness of Batmobile in Batman (1989)
– Sleek black color paint application on the exterior design
– Approximately 100cm L x 40cm W x 25cm H
– LED light-up headlights, taillights, jet engine and dashboard panel (power operated)
– Canopy door allows sliding function
– Openable fuel tank door to review mechanical details
– Rotatable wheels
– Side-mounted batdisc launchers
– One (1) pair of moveable machine guns
– Two (2) seaters
– Sized to fit with 1/6 scale Batman Collectible Figure from collection series

Accessories:
– One (1) pair of shinbreakers
– One (1) pair of grappling hooks
– Eight (8) batdiscs
– One (1) rod for holding the canopy door
– Specially designed rotary base

[Source: Hot Toys]

HiDive Streams ‘Kinmoza’ Films

Jacob Airey
-
0
HiDive Streams ‘Kinmoza’ Films

Sentai Filmworks has brought the TV movie ‘KINMOZA! Pretty Days’ and theatrical film ‘KINMOZA Thank You!!’ to the HiDive streaming service. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, fans of the slice-of-life anime will be able to enjoy both of the features.

Both films were developed by the Japanese animation company Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ. ‘Pretty Days’ was directed by Tensho and released in 2016. Munenori Nawa handled directorial duties for ‘Thank you,’ which was released in 2021.

You can watch the trailer for ‘KINMOZA! Pretty Days’ below:

HiDive describes the synopsis of ‘KINMOZA! Pretty Days’ as follows,

“Shinobu has to write a script and make costumes for a school play, and it’s a lot of work for one person. Fortunately for Shinobu’s theatrical future, Alice, Yoko, and Aya are glad to pitch in, and that allows for a chance to reflect on their experiences in the days before Alice arrived. Will everything be finished in time, or will the audience be in stitches because of the ones coming apart onstage? There’s no way to be sure until the last curtain call in KINMOZA! PRETTY DAYS!”

Check out the ‘Thank You’ trailer below:

‘KINMOZA Thank You!!’ is described as,

“Alice, Shinobu, Aya, and Yoko have truly become the best of friends, but since it’s their last year, they must split their time between preparing for the big senior trip to Nara and Kyoto and trying to make plans for whatever is to come next in their lives… and in Shinobu’s case, that may mean something so amazing that she’d never even dared to dream it! Hop on the tour bus for one last wonderful adventure in KINMOZA! THE MOVIE – THANK YOU!!”

The show ‘Kiniro Mosaic’ ran for two seasons of twenty-four episodes in 2013 and 2015. It is based on the slice-of-life manga written and illustrated by Yui Hara.

Sci-Fi Thriller ‘Pluto’ Anime Coming To Netflix

Jacob Airey
-
0
Sci-Fi Thriller ‘Pluto’ Anime Coming To Netflix

Netflix is bringing the fan-favorite science fiction thriller manga ‘Pluto’ to life as an anime with Japanese animation companies Studio M2 and GENCO. The show will feature the voice talents of Shinshu Fuji, Yoko Hikasa, and Minori Suzuki.

“Praised by many as a masterpiece, the manga PLUTO is based on Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy ‘The Greatest Robot on Earth’ arc from 1964 and created by Naoki Urasawa (20th Century Boys, Yawara!, Master Keaton) and his long-time co-creator Takashi Nagasaki,” Netflix said in a statement.

Urasawa expressed his excitement, saying, “I applaud the courage of everyone that has taken on the challenge of making an anime based on PLUTO. I am excited about the birth of this new series to win over people’s hearts. I hope that now more than ever, Osamu Tezuka’s message reaches the world.”

Nagasaki echoed those sentiments, “PLUTO inherits the philosophy of Tezuka and does not merely convey a message of anti-war, but reminds us that there is suffering on both sides… but still, the only remaining answer is peace.”

You can watch the trailer below:

TV Tropes describes the synopsis as follows,

“In a world where humans and sentient robots co-exist, someone or something is targeting the seven most advanced robots, killing them off one by one. Even more disturbingly, the same killer seems to be murdering humans as well. Only a supremely powerful robot could be killing the other robots—but all robots are hardwired to be unable to kill humans, with one very important exception.

German robot detective Gesicht (German for ‘face’), who is so advanced as to be nearly indistinguishable from a normal human, investigates the killings in an effort to learn the secret link between the advanced robots and humans being murdered. This is an especially urgent matter for Gesicht, since he’s one of the scheduled murder victims…”

The original manga was published by Shogakukan from 2003 to 2009 and was serialized in their Big Comic Original magazine. Viz Media currently has the right to release the English version in the United States.

The anime is being made in cooperation with Tezuka Productions.

Follow The Lights To This Massive LotR Dead Marshes Statue

Mike Phalin
-
0
Follow The Lights To This Massive LotR Dead Marshes Statue

What was once the site of the Battle of Dagorlad has become a sullen and swampy stretch of land. Everything in this is empty of life. The Dead Marshes are unwelcoming, but something below the swamp’s surface is beckoning to unsuspecting travelers.

WETA has created a large diorama based on Peter Jackson’s version of The Lord of the Rings. This $2,598.99 diorama recreated the scene where Frodo falls into the water, and the ghosts of those who fell during the War of the Last Alliance seek to claim the living.

The living and the dead are brought to life thanks to WETA’s skilled artisans and a few well-placed flickering green LEDs. The 1:6 scale diorama is massive. It’s over 16 lbs and measures 37 cm x 64 cm x 37 cm. Sadly, it has been pre-soldout at both WETA and Entertainment Earth. However, EE does allow customers to sign up for a waiting list just in case.

Lord of the Rings Dead Marshes Statue
Photo Credit: Entertainment Earth

Lord of the Rings Dead Marshes Statue
Photo Credit: Entertainment Earth

Lord of the Rings Dead Marshes Statue
Photo Credit: Entertainment Earth

Lord of the Rings Dead Marshes Statue
Photo Credit: Entertainment Earth

Lord of the Rings Dead Marshes Statue
Photo Credit: Entertainment Earth

Lord of the Rings Dead Marshes Statue
Photo Credit: Entertainment Earth

Lord of the Rings Dead Marshes Statue
Photo Credit: Entertainment Earth

Lord of the Rings Dead Marshes Statue
Photo Credit: Entertainment Earth

Lord of the Rings Dead Marshes Statue
Photo Credit: Entertainment Earth

Like with WETA’s other Lord of the Rings statues, the piece was crafted by artists with lots of experience in the franchise:

  • Made from high quality polystone;
  • Clay sculpted by Middle-earth veteran Brigitte Wuest, with support from Gary Hunt and Shaun Bolton;
  • Depicts both the natural and mystical sides of Middle-earth, as seen above and below the water;
  • Including five characters and three unique materials, within a dynamic environment;
  • Spirits of the dead can be seen beneath the water, tucked within the gnarled roots;
  • Unique lighting combined with expert paint application brings the underwater action to life;
  • LED powered, flickering flames and ambient underwater environment (universal power adaptor included).

 

[Source: Entertainment Earth]

[Source: WETA]

1...112113114...353Page 113 of 353
Clownfish TVAction FiguresToysAnime NewsRetroMoviesVideo GamesComic Books

Copyright © WebReef Media, a subsidiary of Clownfish Studios LLC.

Close Subscribe Card
Clownfish TV

Clownfish TV

6,714 Videos

Subscribe 621.0K