 | X-MEN VOLUME 1 (a J!-ENT DVD Review) |
April 30, 2009 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
“For any X-Men fan (past and present), during the early 1990’s, fans were excited to see the characters based on Jim Lee’s 1992 X-Men in animated form. With slight differences from the comic series, ‘X-MEN’ the animated series stayed true to the core of what made the X-Men so popular. With a total of 16-episodes included in the first DVD volume, it’s definitely a great time to enjoy this classic series all over again!”
© MARVEL, X-MEN and all related characters and their distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc. and are used with permission.© Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
DVD TITLE: X-MEN VOLUME 1
DURATION: 368 Minutes (16 Episodes)
DVD INFORMATION: English, Dolby Digital Surround Sound, Fullscreen (1:33:1), French and Spanish Language Tracks, French and Spanish Subtitles
COMPANY: Marvel Entertainment Group/Buena Vista Home Entertainment
RATED: TV Y7 FV
RELEASE DATE: April 28, 2009
Starring:
Cedric Smith as the voice of Professor Charles Xavier
Cal Dodd as the voice of Wolverine/Logan
Norm Spencer as the voice of Cyclops/Scott Summers
Lenore Zann as the voice of Rogue
George Buza as the voice of Beast/Doctor Henry “Hank” McCoy
Catherine Disher as the voice of Jean Grey/Phoenix
Iona Morris (1992) and Alison Sealy-Smith (1992-1997) as the voice of Storm/Ororo Munroe
Alyson Court as the voice of Jubilee/Jubilation Lee
Chris Potter as the voice of Gambit/Remy Lebeau
Lawrence Bayne as the voice of Cable, Erik the Redd
Payl Haddad as the voice of Nightcrawler/Kurt Wagner
Jeremy Ratchford as the voice of Banshee/Sean Cassidy
Lally Cadeau as the voice of Doctor Moira McTaggart
Ron Rubin as the voice of Morph
Marc Strange as the voice of Forge
Philip Akin as the voice of Bishop
David Hemblen as the voice of Magneto/Erik Lehnsherr
John Colicos and James Blendick as the voice of Apocalypse
Don Francks as the voice of Sabretooth/Victor Creed, Puck/Eugene Milton Judd, Shaman
Christopher Britton II as the voice of Mister Sinister/Nathaniel Essex
Rick Bennett as the voices of Juggernaut/Cain Marko and Colossus/Piotr Rasputin
Experience the classic Marvel legacy as the popular 1990s X-Men animated series explodes onto DVD! With stories adapted directly from the original comic books, this collection is a piece of Marvel history and a must-have for every X-Men fan.
Discover the origins of your favorite characters and uncover the secrets of Magneto and more of the world’s most diabolical villains in X-Men Volume 1. Relive the first 16 episodes, beginning with the 2-part “Night of the Sentinels,” in this thrilling collection.
In 1992, it was a special year for X-Men fans. Popular artist Jim Lee would bring new life into the X-Men comic books by giving them new costumes, bringing an edge to the way the characters were drawn and a new comic book spinoff in the X-Men universe.
With the popularity of DC’s Batman: The Animated Series on FOX KIDS, it was time for Marvel to step up to the plate and when the announcement of a new X-Men animated series was announced, fans were ecstatic.
Adding to the excitement was the news that the series would be utilizing the characters as seen on the Jim Lee comic books and popular characters such as Gambit, Rogue and even newer junior member Jubilee would be featured.
Despite using the same costumes and is adapted from the comic books, there are some differences from the comic book series to the actual origins of the characters and also an original character named Morph who was added to the team. But despite the differences, the series was still accepted by fans due to the series including action sequences and its utilization of many characters from the comic book series.
The series proved to be a big ratings hit for FOX KIDS and lasted for five seasons (1992-1997) and on April 28th, Disney has released two volumes containing two DVD’s. The first volume which contains the first 16 episodes and the second volume which contains episodes 17-33.
In Volume 1, the DVD’s contain the “NIGHT OF THE SENTINELS” episodes including “Days of Future Past” and “Til Death Do Us Part”. Here is a summary of episodes included (each episode is 21 minutes long):
DISC: 1
- EPISODE 1 – NIGHT OF THE SENTINELS (PART 1) – Due to the violence by mutants such as Sabretooth against humans, the government is forcing mutants to register themselves to the agency. The episode focuses on teenager Jubilee who started exhibiting new powers, her parents are considering to register her but now the Sentinel (a huge robot sent to capture mutants) is sent to the family’s home to capture her.
- EPISODE 2 – NIGHT OF THE SENTINELS (PART 2) - With Jubilee captured, the government wants her to aid them in ID’ing powerful mutants. the X-Men try to put a stop to the Sentinels and rescue her but not without any problems as one of their own goes down.
- EPISODE 3 – ENTER MAGNETO - Beast is being held in captivity but is rescued by Magneto. Magneto opposes Professor X and believes mutants should lead the world. Meanwhile, Wolverine’s nemesis Sabretooth is being held by the X-Men and is being treated. Professor X and the X-Men believe they can help him, like they helped Wolverine.
- EPISODE 4 – DEADLY REUNIONS - With Sabretooth being nursed back to health, Professor X confronts his friend/rival Magneto. Meanwhile, Wolverine and Sabretooth battle against each other.
- EPISODE 5 – CAPTIVE HEARTS - Scott Summers and Jean Grey try to help a mutant and end up in the underground tunnels with the Morlocks (mutants not accepted by human society due to their characteristics). The leader Callisto wants Scott Summers to be her husband and holds Jean Grey captive. Meanwhile, we see Wolverine getting closer to Jean Grey.
- EPISODE 6 – COLD VENGEANCE – Because Logan’s conflicted feelings towards Jean Grey, Logan (Wolverine) leaves to the snowy north where Sabretooth awaits him. The two get into another battle with each other.
- EPISODE 7 – SLAVE ISLAND - The Island of Genosha is using mutants as slaves. The island is like a camp for mutants by the US government and Gambit and the X-Men visit the island to save the other mutants being held and come across a man named Cable.
- EPISODE 8 – THE UNSTOPPABLE JUGGERNAUT - Professor X seems to be missing and the team go to look for him. Storm, Rogue and Jubilee look for him and encounter a mutant named Colossus but also encounter a huge mutant thief named Juggernaut.
DISC 2:
- EPISODE 9 – THE CURE - Cable looks for a man named Dr. Adler (a doctor who can cure mutants and make them normal) but instead comes across Warren Worthington III (aka “Angel”) and the two end up fighting each other. Meanwhile, Professor X goes to Muir Island to meet up with Dr. Moira McTaggart for help. As for Cable, he encounters three more evil mutants named Pyro, Blob and Avalanche.
- EPISODE 10 – COME THE APOCALYPSE - Apocalypse with the help of Mystique capture Angel and changes him to Archangel. The X-Men confront Apocalypse and his four henchman.
- EPISODE 11 – DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (PART 1) - The future of the world is in chaos and the mutants are the hunted. We see an older version of Wolverine and a mutant named Bishop. They need the help of the X-Men and thus Bishop is sent to the past to enlist their aid in helping mutants in the future.
- EPISODE 12 – DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (PART 2) - Bishop tells Professor X and the X-Men of how mutants in the future are blamed for the murder of the President and thus an army of Sentinels were created to seek all mutants and hunting them down. Bishop tells them that one of the X-Men is responsible for setting the chain of events that has led to the persecution of mutant kind.
- EPISODE 13 – THE FINAL DECISION - Magneto returns and a new Sentinel called Master Mold along with thousands of newer models of sentinels have been created to fight against the mutants. Meanwhile, professor X says that the X-Men must save Senator Kelly, the same Senator responsible for the Mutant Registration Act.
- EPISODE 14 – TILL DEATH DO US PART (PART 1) - It’s the marriage of Scott Summers (Cyclops) and Jean Grey. With the two out on their honeymoon, the news reports that Beast is attacking humans. Meanwhile, a former X-Men member makes a return.
- EPISODE 15 – TILL DEATH DO US PART (PART 2) - While on their honeymoon, Scott Summers and Jean Grey are captured by Mr. Sinister. And realize that Morph is alive and has now become one of their enemies.
- EPISODE 16 – WHATEVER IT TAKES – Wolverine goes after Morph, while Storm becomes possessed by the Shadow King.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
“X-MEN” the animated series is presented in full screen (1:33:1). One thing that you will notice is that the animation does show its age. Since the animation was created over 17-years ago, a lot of the animation is hand drawn and compared to many of the digital animated series that are show on television today, the animation doesn’t have that digital color vibrancy as newer animations. But like many older animations from the 80’s and the 90’s, especially for superhero-based storylines, the strength lies within the storytelling.
At that time, the animation was quite exciting for any of us who were fans of the comic book series but watching it today, you realize that the series does show its age.
As for audio, audio is presented in Dolby Digital Surround Sound and is dialogue-driven. I wasn’t expecting any 5.1 surround sound but audio dialogue is heard quite clearly. If anything, I have to say that the English dubwork was very good for the series. From Wolverine’s scruffy voice, Rogue’s southern accent and Remy Lebeau’s Louisiana/French style of talking, I’ve always felt that the “X-Men” was well-cast for the animated series.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
There are no official special features in relation to the X-MEN animated series but trailers for newer releases from Disney.
I was among the big X-Men fans who were highly anticipating the series and just loved it! As a collector of the X-Men comic books around that time period, to have a series based on Jim Lee’s character designs and a series with so much potential of showcasing a variety of enemies and characters, it was always a treat to find out who would be introduced in each episode.
In fact, during the hoopla and way before the Internet became part of our natural lives, many of the fans would communicate about the episodes through electronic BBS’s and show our happiness and excitement over the animated series, the action figure line and of course the many multiple X-Men related comic book series that flourished from the early 90’s.
For volume 1, these 16-episodes are quite solid. Not only do you get the sentinels hunting down the mutants but you have Sabretooth, Magneto and his Brotherhood of Evil Mutants such as the Blob, Pyro, Avalanche and then you get other baddies such as Apocalypse, Mystique, Shadow King and more.
Also another big step that was a nod to the comic book series and surprising to see in a Saturday morning cartoon were the episodes featuring Logan (Wolverine) showing his feelings towards Jean Grey and for that to be included in the actual cartoon. That was absolutely surprising but nevertheless, as a fan, you couldn’t help but be happy that despite the cartoon being shown on Saturday morning television (where cartoons are typically aimed at young children), the series managed to keep those romantic and edgy moments from the comic books and adapt those stories to the animated series and thus winning the attention of the older fans.
Overall, “X-MEN VOLUME 1″ is a solid set and with a total of 16-episodes, this long awaited series has finally come out on DVD! For fans of the “X-MEN” animated series, you can’t go wrong with this release.
 | SCHEDULED GUESTS ON ABC’S “JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE,” MAY 4-8 |
April 30, 2009 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
“Jimmy Kimmel Live” airs every weeknight (12:05-1:05 a.m., ET) following “Nightline” and features a diverse lineup of guests that include celebrities, athletes, musical acts, comedians and human interest subjects, along with comedy bits and a house band.
Following are the episodes scheduled to air the week of May 4-8 (subject to change):
May 4 (OAD 4/22)
1. Justin Timberlake (“The Phone” / Callaway Golf Clubs) 2. Actress Eliza Coupe (“Scrubs”)
3. Musical guest The Whip
May 5
1. Actor Zachary Quinto (“Star Trek”) 2. Latest “Dancing with the Stars” castoff
May 6
1. Actor David Spade 2. Actress Zoe Saldana (“Star Trek”) 3. Musical guest Black Eyed Peas
May 7
1. Actor Hugh Jackman (“X-Men Origins: Wolverine”) 2. Actor John Cho (“Star Trek”)
3. Musical guest Flo Rida
May 8
1. Actor Chris Pine (“Star Trek”) 2. Actor Aziz Ansari 3. Musical guest Scott Weiland
Jimmy Kimmel and Jill Leiderman serve as executive producers and Jason Schrift and Douglas DeLuca serve as co-executive producers. Emmy Award-winning “Jimmy Kimmel Live” is shot live in front of a studio audience and produced by Jackhole Industries in association with ABC Studios. (CLOSED- CAPTIONED)
Enjoy “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on the web at www.abc.com. Each episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” will be available on ABC.com the day after airing on the network for users to watch online
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| HEATH agrees to perform with X-JAPAN again and LUNA SEA guitarist SUGIZO also joins as the sixth member |
April 30, 2009 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
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Get a Free Japan Travel eCourse - Click Here A J!-ENT Exclusive!
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Hearing about X-Japan’s on and off performance has been quite intriguing to follow but the latest news seems quite positive as X-JAPAN member has agreed to perform in concert with the band and the May 2nd and 3rd concert at Tokyo Dome is a go.
SUGIZO. Image courtesy of Sankei Sports.
Also, in addition to HEATH being announced, also LUNA SEA’s SUGIZO has been officially introduced as the sixth member of the band.
Not long ago, tickets for the Tokyo Dome performance were postponed as it was not clear if HEATH would return but on April 18th, 100,000 tickets for the Tokyo Dome concert had sold out. It was also announced that the stage production would cost around 3,000,000,000 Yen with the LED in the stage background to be the largest utilized in Asia.
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| GREASE (ROCKIN’ RYDELL EDITION) (a J!-ENT Blu-ray Disc Review) |
April 30, 2009 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
“The classic 1978 musical, ‘GREASE’ goes High Def and I am absolutely stunned of how magnificent this film looks on Blu-ray! The audio quality makes the musical come alive and special features galore. This Blu-ray release of ‘GREASE’ is absolutely the definitive version to own!”
TITLE: GREASE (ROCKIN’ RYDELL EDITION)
DURATION: 110 Minutes
BLU-RAY DISC INFORMATION: 1080p High Definition, Languages: English SDH Subtitled , English Subtitled , French Dubbed & Subtitled , Portuguese Subtitled , Spanish Dubbed & Subtitled. Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital, 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, Mono
RATED: PG
COMPANY: Paramount Pictures/Paramount Home Entertainment
RELEASE DATE: May 5, 2009
Directed by Randal Kleiser
Based on a musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Adaptation by Allan Carr
Screenplay by Bronte Woodard
Produced by Allan Carr and Robert Stigwood
Associate Producer: Neil A. Machlis
Director of Photography: Bill Butler
Edited by John F. Burnett
Casting by Joel Thurm
Production Design by Philip M. Jefferies
Set Decoration by James L. Berkey
Costume Design by Albert Wolsky
Cast:
John Travolta as Danny Zuko
Olivia Newton-John as Sandy Olsson
Stockard Channing as Betty Rizzo
Jeff Conaway as Kenickie
Barry Pearl as Doody
Michael Tucci as Sonny
Kelly Ward as Putzie
Didi Conn as Frenchy
Jamie Donnelly as Jan
Dinah Manoff as Marty Maraschino
Eve Arden as Principal McGee
Frankie Avalon as the Teen Angel
Joan Blondell as Vi
Edd Byrnes as Vince Fontaine
Sid Caesar as Coach Calhoun
Dody Goodman as Blanche
Lorenzo Lamas as Tom Chisum
Eddie Deezen as Eugene Felnic
Annette Charles as Cha Cha DiGregorio
Dennis Stewart as Leo
“GREASE” is the most successful movie musical ever created. The 1978 film was based on a musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey and eventually caught the attention in the early 70’s of producer Allan Carr who purchase the rights to adapt the play into a film.
With the popularity of “SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER” in 1977 which help boost the career of John Travolta, producer Robert Stigwood joined Allan Carr to create a film based on this play. Tapping director Randal Kleiser who worked with Travolta in the popular 1976 TV film “The Boy and his Bubble”, recruiting “GREASE” musical choreographer Patricia Birch and hiring Director of Photography Bill Butler (“Jaws”, “Stripes” and “Rocky II & III”, etc.), this team would create a film that would become a musical ingrained into American pop culture.
Despite no respect in supporting the film by the major film studios, “GREASE” would become the second highest grossing film in 1978 behind “Superman” bringing in $96 million in the box office, the “GREASE” soundtrack would achieve #1 status around the world during its release and the film received many award nominations.
The film takes place in 1958 and starts off with Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Sandy Olsen (Olivia Newton-John) sharing an incredible Summer vacation together but their relationship seems to be short as Sandy is returning to Australia.
It is now a new school year at Rydell High School and Sandy’s family has had a change of plans, thus Sandy will be attending the Rydell High along with Danny, but he doesn’t know this.
Sandy becomes the foreign exchange student and becomes a friend of Frenchy (Didi Conn) who is a member of the clique “The Pink Ladies”. She introduces Sandy to her friends Betty Rizzo (Stockard Channing), who used to be an ex-girlfriend of Danny, the flirtatious Marty (Dinah Manoff) and the toothy Jan (Jamie Donnelly).
As for Danny, he is the leader of a gang known as “The T-Birds” who tend to be the mischievous ones of Rydell High. Members of the T-Birds include mechanic and the other big boss of the gang Kenickie (Jeff Conaway) who is now dating Rizzo, Sonny (Michael Tucci), Putzie (Kelly Ward) and Doody (Barry Pearl).
Sandy tells the Pink Ladies about her fantastic summer vacation with a boy she fell in love with. Meanwhile, Danny tells the guys about the story of the girl he was with during the summer through a song titled “Summer Nights”. Sandy’s version is more emotional and sweet while Danny’s version of his story is a bit more exaggerated of for the guys.
Afterwards, Rizzo asks Sandy who the guy that she was with during the Summer and she tells them Danny Zuko. Rizzo’s face turns to shock but then reassures her that she may see him again, while the Pink Ladies are just shocked.
Sandy is eventually encouraged to join the spirit team by a classmate and after the rally, Betty and the Pink Ladies decide to introduce Sandy to Danny and immediately both Sandy and Danny are excited to see each other.
But because Danny is with his gang, he has to act cool and arrogant and behaves like a jerk in front of Sandy. Sandy storms off in tears! Danny regrets what he did but he knows that in front of the guys, he has to be cool and act a certain way. He gives a sad look towards Rizzo and Rizzo gives a smirk right back.
Because Sandy is depressed, Frenchy invites her to a sleepover at her home with the other members of the Pink Ladies. But her and Betty Rizzo don’t get along all that well because of their different personalities. As for French, she announces to her friends that she is dropping out of high school and will be going to beauty school. Meanwhile, the Pink Ladies start singing a sarcastic song towards Sandy (because she’s so innocent) titled “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee”.
The T-Birds arrive and Kenickie picks up Rizzo, meanwhile Sandy goes toward the porch and you realize that despite all that has happened that night, she is very much in love with Danny and sings “Hopelessly Devoted to You”.
As Rizzo and Kenickie start making in the backseat of the car, she asks Kenickie if he has a condom, but when he takes it out, the condom breaks (he’s had the condom since he was in 7th grade). To make matters worse, Leo (Dennis Cleveland Stewart) who is the leader of the rival gang, The Scorpions, damages Kenickie’s car purposely and shows off his hot rod.
Kenickie and the guys take a look at his damaged cars but they see the potential of making it better and with new parts and a new paintjob, the guys start singing “Greased Lightning”.
After putting some work on the car, we see Sandy and jock Tom Chisum (Lorenzo Lamas) at the soda shop sharing a soda. When she goes to start a song on the jukebox, Danny who is with his gang leaves them quickly to try and talk with her and apologize for how he treated her and tells her that he acted the way he did because of his status with the guys. But when Danny sees that she is spending time with a jock, Danny gets a bit jealous.
So, Danny decides that if he’s going to get Sandy back, he has to be a jock. But because of his troublesome nature, sports are not exactly his thing. His coach decides that perhaps being in a track team is more of his thing. So, when Danny starts jogging around the track, he sees Sandy with Tom and then starts to show off by jumping several hurdles. Unfortunately, he messes up and takes a fall and immediately Sandy runs to his side. The two are able to reconcile their differences and are back together.
Danny tries his best to be with Sandy without his friends around but it proves to be difficult. Meanwhile, the relationship between Rizzo and Kenickie is not going too well either.
With the big dance coming up, the other T-Birds and the Pink Ladies decide to go with each other to the dance. For Frenchy, life is a bit difficult for her as well as she realizes that quitting school for beauty school may have not been a smart thing to do. While closing up the soda shop, she has a dream of Frankie Avalon singing “Beauty School Drop Out” and that she should return to high school.
The following day, as it may seem that Kenickie might want to make things right with Rizzo, Rizzo instead does the opposite and she and Marty end up ditching school to hang out with Kenickie’s rival Leo and getting into his car for a ride.
It’s now time for the big dance as Both Danny and Sandy go on their first major date together as a couple. The TV show National Bandstand is broadcasting live at their school and holding a competition.
Rizzo ends up attending the dance with Leo, Kenickie ends up taking Leo’s girlfriend Cha-Cha DiGregorio (Annette Charles), who happens to be Danny’s ex-girlfriend and the competition begins. Everything is going well at the dance but things get a bit chaotic when Kenickie and Leo try to show off in front of their ladies, somehow Sonny ends up dancing with Sandy, Danny ends up dancing with Cha-Cha and when Danny tries to regroup with Sandy, Cha-Cha grabs him and both start dancing. Sandy seeing her boyfriend dancing with another girl, makes her upset and she leaves the dance.
Danny and Sandy eventually reconcile and while parked at the drive-in, Danny wants to make things right with her and give her his ring which makes her happy.
As for Rizzo, she tells Marty that she has missed her period and she may be pregnant. Marty blabs to Sonny, who blabs to other people at the school and everyone finds out that Rizzo may be pregnant. Kenickie eventually hears the rumor and goes up to her and wonders why she never told him and Rizzo tells him that it’s because the child is not his. While this is going on, Danny tries to make out with Sandy but she’s doesn’t want to do it and storms off, throwing his ring back at him.
Each of the main characters now face challenges in their lives. Danny and Kenickie losing their ladies, they focus their energy on getting back against Leo and thus Kenickie challenges him to a race. Rizzo is worried about being pregnant, Sandy is worried about how she and Danny are from two different worlds and everyone just wants to get through the school year.
Of course, there is much more to the story of “GREASE” but without having to spoil the film, the idea about “GREASE” revolves around relationships. Two people who care about each other but are from different worlds. The film revolves around high school youth during the late 50’s and facing the typical high school challenges that people continue to face today. Teens trying to fit in and facing normal teenage problems that are just as relevant now as they were back then.
But of course, “GREASE” is also about a musical being adapted to a film and suffice to say, the crew and cast successfully pulled it off.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
“GREASE” is featured in 1080p High Definition and I will tell you I was blown away by the picture quality.
I’ve watched this film dozens of times, owned the VHS and both DVD versions and when I started watching the High Definition Blu-ray transfer, I was speechless. The many colors featured in the film were quite vibrant. This film is over 30-years-old and Paramount really did a great service in the transfer and remaster of this film. Closeups, outdoor scenes, you name it, the film looks spectacular!
I compared my 25th Anniversary DVD to this Blu-ray and just the opening sequence alone with the two at the beach, the colors are just absolutely stunning on Blu-ray. I was literally in awe of how beautiful this film looked in High Definition. The DVD video quality just doesn’t compare to the Blu-ray disc and I was quite impressed!
As for audio, audio is presented in English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD and also in French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish mono. Since music is a big part of the film, it was important for me to test this Blu-ray out on my system. Where the 1977 film “SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER” was just spectacular for its High Definition audio transfer, I was hoping to have an awesome lossless soundtrack for “GREASE”.
Somehow, in the beginning of the film, it seemed as if the audio coming from the center channel was a bit lower than my front speakers. So, dialogue seemed as if it was being overpowered by the music. I’ve run a variety of tests and I did have to increase my center channel dB a little bit to compensate for the music coming louder but this may be due to my audio setup for my receiver. But everything sounded well throughout the film after the adjustment.
The dialogue was quite clear but the music really came alive and I did notice certain sounds utilizing my subwoofer during the car and music scenes. But overall, the music does sound great and clear via Dolby TrueHD 5.1.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
“GREASE” comes with a good number of special features. Included on this Blu-ray disc are:
• Commentary: Commentary by Director Randal Kleiser and choreographer Patricia Birch - This commentary is quite interesting as Kleiser talked more about the film side of “GREASE” while Patricia Birch talked about the choreography part of the film. Both give really good insight of bringing the musical to film, talking about the things they had to accomplish and how Kleiser, Birch and DoP Butler really had to work closely with each other and the talent to make this film successful. You learn about the challenge of filming the National Bandstand segment, the finale during 102 degree weather and how Olivia Newton-John had to have her tight clothing sewn on and more.
• Introduction by Randal Kleiser – A brief :24 second introduction to the special features. Kleiser does several introductions throughout various features.
• Rydell Sing-Along – This segment is for those who want to watch the musical parts from the film and on the bottom of the screen is a karaoke single along.
• Featurette: The Time, The Place, The Motion: Remembering Grease – (22:27) This is the main featurette featuring interviews with the Director, producers, the cast sharing their memories of working on the film, working with John Travolta and more. How Allan Carr and Robert Sigwood made this musical a film and put money into it despite no studio wanting to back it, having to work with a good number of talents, John Travolta talking about why he wanted Olivia Newton-John to play the role, how Jeff Conaway actually played Danny in Broadway and was understudy for several other roles with the exception of Kinickie. And many more interesting tidbits on the making of the film.
• Additional Scenes: Deleted/Extended/Alternate Scenes with introduction by Randal Kleiser (intro :13 scenes 11:55 – TRT 12:08) - Randal Kleiser explains how footage was recently found in the Paramount vaults. The additional scenes found are in black and white.
• Additional Scenes: 1. T-Birds Harass Eugene – EXT
• Additional Scenes: 2. Classroom Announcements – EXT
• Additional Scenes: 3. Pink Ladies and Sandy at Lunch – EXT
• Additional Scenes: 4. She’s too Pure to be Pink – EXT
• Additional Scenes: 5. Intro to Summer Nights – DEL
• Additional Scenes: 6. Rydell Pep Rally – EXT
• Additional Scenes: 7. Kenickie and Danny Outside Frosty’s – DEL
• Additional Scenes: 8. The Stroll – EXT
• Additional Scenes: 9. National Bandstand – ALT
• Additional Scenes: 10. At the Dance – ALT/EXT
• Additional Scenes: 11. Thunder Road – DEL
• Grease on DVD Launch Party - (15:13) The cast and crew reunited for this DVD Launch Party back in 2002. Both Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta performed live on stage singing a few of their classic songs that sung with each other.
• Grease Memories from John & Olivia - (3:23) Both talent at the DVD launch party and discussing how it was like working together and their memories of being on the film and their favorite scenes.
• The Moves Behind the Music – (8:14) Interviews with Patricia Birch and the talent as they discuss how they learned the dance moves and how it important it was for Patricia to work with Director of Photography Bill Butler in capturing the choreography for film.
• Thunder Roadsters - (5:21) Interviews with George Barris (King of the Kistomers) and Michael Astamendi (Car Builder/Fabricator) and others in regards to making the cars for “GREASE”. How they focused on customizing because parts for the old Chevy’s are hard to come by.
• John Travolta and Allan Carr “Grease Day” Interview - (1:47) A quick interview with producer Allan Carr and John Travolta on “Grease Day” and Travolta talking about working with the producers and the talent for the film.
• Olivia Newton-John and Robert Stigwood “Grease Day” Interview - (2:07) An interview about how Olivia Newton-John gotten involved and the popularity of the film and working with John Travolta and more.
• Photo Galleries: The photo gallery consists of the following still photos broken down into several categories such as:
• Rydell High Year Book
• Production
• Premiere
• Grease Day
• Theatrical Trailer HD - (2:09) The original theatrical trailer in its original untouched and aged format, grain and scratches included.
“GREASE” is just one of those timeless classics that never gets old with repetitive viewings. But I have to be truthful and say how much I was in awe to see the brilliant camerawork but to see how the choreography and just literally everything look quite smooth on film.
And surprisingly watching this again 30-years-later and as the Director and even producers have said in the featurette, they were able to pull things off today that probably wouldn’t happen now. Quite a bit of sexual lingo but overall, the lyrics of the songs to the mannerisms of the characters is what made things look genuine.
It’s interesting to read some of the critical reviews from people who did not grow up with the film but are more familiar with today’s musicals and drawing comparisons to “High School Musical” and making the comment of how HSM utilized real teenagers for high school life and that “GREASE” utilized 20 to 30-something year olds to play teenagers. I don’t think any of us who watched it back then ever thought about the age being an issue for the film. What we saw were popular talent at that time in a movie musical and the film became a success. Even today, I have no reservations of the talents playing their roles. They did a fantastic job!
For me, John Travolta was the hottest star coming off with “Welcome Back, Kotter” and then doing “SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE” in 1977 and Olivia Newton-John was just one of the most beautiful female solo singers at the time. Both had unique chemistry and the film was well-cast that I felt everything just went smoothly on the final cut.
You really have to give a big applause to Allan Carr and Robert Stigwood for taking the chance of bringing a musical to film but making sure its adapted well for the screen. Sure we see musicals now but during that time, there was no studio support. And because the film was enjoyed by audiences, the film is definitely ingrained into America’s pop culture.
Also, I was just amazed through the featurettes and learning how the choreography was done. Because there were so many people utilized in the dancing segments, Patricia Birchwood wanted to make things come alive but to alter a talent’s own personal dance to make it look right on film. And of course, Bill Butler, to capture what Birchwood wanted on film, the amount of cutting from scene to scene showing opposing points of view on a song like “Summer Nights” to the ending theme, it was indeed “electrifying”!
Overall, this Blu-ray release of “GREASE” is just the definitive version to own. To watch this classic film in High Definition and to see the magnificent picture quality really brings out the vibrant colors of the film, the energy and beauty of the beach sunset to showcasing the life of youth of the late 50’s. The DolbyTrueHD 5.1 audio makes the music come alive and last, there are many special features included that will help people remember and celebrate such a wonderful movie musical.
Again, this is the true definitive version of “GREASE” to own! I was just stunned by how magnificent this film looked and how much clearer and alive the music sounded in High Definition. I highly recommend this release!
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| It Could Happen to You (a J!-ENT Blu-ray Disc Review) |
April 30, 2009 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
“An enjoyable romantic comedy made even better by the performances of Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda and Rosie Perez. This 1994 film receives a beautiful transfer on 1080p High Definition and probably the best we will ever see of this film. ‘It Could Happen to You’ is rather enjoyable, fun and heartwarming!”
TITLE: It Could Happen to You
DURATION: 107 Minutes
BLU-RAY DISC INFORMATION: Screen Format(s): Anamorphic Language(s): English 5.1, French (Parisian) 5.1, Spanish (Latin Am) 5.1, Portuguese (Brazil) 5.1 Subtitles(s): English (US), French (Parisian), Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Latin Am) Aspect Ratio: 1.85
RATED: PG
COMPANY: Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
RELEASE DATE: May 5, 2009
Directed by Andrew Bergman
Screenplay by Jane Anderson
Executive Produced by Gary Adelson, Craig Baumgarten, Joseph Hartwick
Produced by Mike Lobell
Music by Carter Burwell, Joe Mulherin
Director of Photography: Caleb Deschanel
Edited by Barry Malkin
Casting by John S. Lyons
Production Design by Bill Groom
Art Direction by Dennis Bradford
Set Decoration by George DeTitta Jr.
Costume Design by Julie Weiss
Cast:
Nicolas Cage as Charlie Lang
Bridget Fonda as Yvonne Biasi
Rosie Perez as Muriel Lang
Wendell Pierce as Bo Williams
Isaac Hayes as Angel Dupree
Victor Rojas as Jesu
Seymoure Cassel as Jack Gross
Stanley Tucci as Eddie Biasi
Red Buttons as Walter Zakuto
“It Could Happen to You” was the surprise romantic comedy of the Summer of 1994 directed by Andrew Bergman (screenwriter for “The Freshman”, “Fletch”, “Striptease” and director of “Honeymoon in Vegas”) and a screenplay by Jane Anderson (who has written for television series such as “The Facts of Life”, “The Wonder Years” and most recently an episode of “Mad Men”).
The film kicks off with narration by Angel Dupree (Isaac Hayes) who introduces the viewers to Nicolas Cage as NYPD officer Charlie Lang. A generous and kind man who cares about people who serves his duty during the day but when he comes home, hears from his wife Muriel (Rosie Perez), who works at a hair salon, who constantly complains about how they have no money. He brings up kids but she says they have no money. She reminds him that he needs to pick up a lottery ticket.
Bridget Fonda plays the character of Yvonne Biasi. A waitress who is having to face $15,000 of debt because of her lying husband that she hasn’t yet divorced because filing for divorce is expensive and she doesn’t have the money. She is forced into bankruptcy as an option.
One day while Officer Lang and his partner Bo (Wendell Pierce), he quickly buys a lottery ticket and with Bo very hungry, they stop into a diner which Yvonne works at. Yvonne is not having a great day because of the bankruptcy but she manages to put on a happy face for the customers at the diner. Charlie tries to joke with her but she’s not really into it. The two officers get a police call on their radio and have to quickly leave. The problem is that he doesn’t have enough money for a tip and she tells him not to worry about it. But he promises her that if he wins the lottery with that ticket, he will give her half. Barely listening, Yvonne says OK.
The night of the announcement of the winning numbers of the lottery, the newscaster talks about how the lottery is now up to $64 million dollars. Muriel lashes at Charlie for picking the wrong numbers. She tells him that their anniversary is on the 27th and he picked a 26. They argue but sure enough, their numbers are called.
The couple have to split with 16 other winners but they are guaranteed $4 million. But Charlie remembers the promise he made to waitress Yvonne and tells Muriel. Muriel is very upset and can’t believe Charlie did this and tries to tell him to not do it and think of their marriage.
As Charlie visits Yvonne at the diner, he starts to see how she’s a caring person to the people at the diner but also learns of her financial woes. She gives her a choice, the tip or half of the winnings of the lottery as promised. Yvonne thinks he’s joking but she picks the lottery winnings and Charlie gives her the great news. Yvonne is ecstatic that she’s now a millionaire.
The following day as the Lang’s go to receive their check along with Yvonne, Muriel is still upset but Charlie tells her that she would be seen as a woman with a heart of gold and possibly may get endorsements. She smiles and gives the OK. Of course, the media, when they find out what Charlie did, they become the media focus.
But for Charlie, life is still the same…he wants to keep his job in the NYPD. While at a crime scene apprehending two thieves, he is shot but manages to catch both of thieves. He wins an award from his local precinct but he will be out of commission until he heals. In good faith and in respect as an officer, Charlie donates $10,000 to a fund for widows of police officers.
Muriel is not too happy that he’s giving away money and so she goes on a spending spree at the most expensive shops in NYC (he puts money into a homeless man’s cup, she takes it out), she then has their whole home redecorated. It appears that Muriel is more into the money than their marriage.
As for Yvonne, she still lives a simple life but she has used the money to buy the diner where she worked at but to her chagrin, her husband finally reappears and wants $50,000 from her and tells her if she gives him money, he’ll disappear.
Charlie and Muriel are invited to a millionaire party for the lottery winners on a ship and Charlie feels that he’s out of his element. Muriel becomes entranced by Jack Gross (Seymour Cassel) who talks about how to invest their money and how to make more. While Charlie takes a breather, he sees Yvonne from a distance and goes to see her. But when the two start talking, the ship departs.
But Charlie doesn’t mind and asks if Yvonne would like to go out to dinner with him. Yvonne tells him again how no person would do what he did but Charlie insists that a promise is a promise. As they get to know each other, you realize the two have chemistry but doesn’t go far because Charlie is married as is Yvonne despite being separated.
Charlie does ask if she would like to hang out with him and Yvonne is excited and says yes.
The two go out and start rollerblading but then Charlie wants to do something special and thus he and Yvonne use part of their money to give New Yorkers a free gift at the subway, the two then take the children around Charlie’s neighborhood to play baseball at Yankee Stadium and giving them Yankees merchandise and just having fun and putting their money to positive use. We see Angel (the narrator) at every place that the two are doing good deeds and we also see the media giving positive coverage to both Charlie and Yvonne.
This upsets Muriel who is angry that her husband is giving away their money and jealous that he is spending time with Yvonne. Charlie then tries to argue that the two have not been the same in the last five years and She tells Charlie that she wants a divorce. She kicks Charlie out of their home while Yvonne moves out because her husband has moved in. The two unknowingly decide to stay at the ritzy Plaza where they encounter each other.
While at the Plaza, both Charlie and Yvonne realize that they have feelings for each other and become romantic. But the media is there to snap shots of the two together and this leads to ramifications.
Muriel hires a powerful attorney and she wants all the lottery winnings from both Charlie and Yvonne insisting that it was her that picked the numbers and that she gave no permission to Charlie in giving Yvonne half the winnings. Muriel complains that Charlie is abusive and that she believes she gave the money to Yvonne because the two were having an affair. Charlie is shocked that Muriel is lying but realized that all she cared about is the money and is willing to give up his half of the money. But Charlie is shocked when Muriel wants the money given to Yvonne. He can’t believe that she would lie about him to get back at Yvonne.
This leads to a highly covered divorce case in the media where Charlie and Yvonne’s characters are being brought down by Muriel and her lawyers. How will this high-profile divorce case play out?
VIDEO & AUDIO:
One thing that people may see is the Blu-ray disc cover with photos that looks quite grainy and aged. Granted it was an artistic decision to use a water color style of filter to give a painted look but by no means should anyone judge the cover for the picture and audio quality of this High Definition transfer of “It Could Happen to You”.
The film is presented in 1080p High Definition with an aspect ratio of 1:85:1. Although, the film does show a slight hint of age and the High Definition transfer does bring out the grain, you do get a bright and colorful look of New York City and overall, picture quality is well-done for a film that is 15-years-old compared to the original DVD. Like many films that came out in the 90’s, many on Blu-ray tend to have some softness or dullness and “It Could Happen to You” joins that group.
To tell you the truth, “It Could Happen to You” is not a stellar transfer but its a very good transfer compared to the DVD.
The audio quality is presented in Dolby TrueHD 5.1 in English, French and Portuguese and in Spanish 5.1. The film is primarily a dialogue driven film. Definitely more front channel speaker usage and rarely a need for the rear speakers or subwoofer in this film. Dialogue is heard clearly and I think that once in awhile, you do hear the sounds of New York and the ambiance but overall, audio quality is very good for a dialogue-driven film.
Music also plays a big part in giving us that New York feel but also that romantic sense with Frank Sinatra’s “Young at Heart” playing during a scene at the old Yankee Stadium and of course beautiful classics such as Billie Holiday’s “They Can’t Take That Away From Me”, “Now It Can Be Told” and “Always” by Tony Bennett and more.
Subtitles featured are in English, English SDH, Portuguese, Spanish and French.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Unfortunately, there are no special features included. The Blu-ray disc for “It Could Happen to You” is BD LIVE enabled.
“It Could Happen to You” is a romantic comedy that was in theaters in July 1994. The screenplay fits the “fairytale” or “Happy Ever After” storylines that were popping up in the early 90’s courtesy of films such as “Pretty Woman” and “Sleepless in Seattle”.
The film was an enjoyable romantic comedy that definitely had that Frank Capra style of being a “happily ever after” storyline.
Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda definitely were enjoyable to watch, while Rosie Perez’s character really goes out of its way to make you really despise her. With “Pretty Woman” about rags-to-riches, “It Could Happen to You” goes a different way of money changing things but its all about how one responds to it. Charlie and Yvonne continue to want to live their simple lives, he as a cop and she as a waitress. Both have extremely kind and caring hearts while Muriel wants the best in life…the expensive clothes, plastic surgery and whatever fame it could bring her. A selfish attitude that helps drive the final wedge into her marriage with Charlie.
With Andrew Bergman in the helm as director, some may have wondered if the film would have been dark since his previous film such as “The Freshman” and “Honeymoon in Vegas” were anywhere near happy as this film but overall, Bergman did a good job capturing that New York magic and the emotions of the characters. While Jane Anderson did a good job in making sure the pacing was just right and giving us that “happily ever after”, “feel good” type of film. In other words, the Bergman, Anderson and the entire film play it safe and never gets complicated.
Of course, the storyline of a police officer willing to share half his multi-million dollar winnings with a waitress may seem farfetched but according to snopes.com, a similar story really did happen for real in 1984 with NYPD officer Robert Cunningham and Sal’s Pizzeria waitress Phyllis Penzo.
It’s the performances by all three talents that make this film so magical, believable and most of all enjoyable. And I like how the film would showcase the New York atmosphere from the city skyline to Yankee stadium.
Overall, “It Could Happen to You” is an enjoyable romantic comedy that even in 15-years-later, is given new life through it’s new, beautiful Blu-ray transfer. This is probably the best we will ever see this film get.
If there was only one negative that I found with this release is the lack of any trailer, featurette, commentary or anything that would be considered a special feature. You do get trailers for upcoming films but that’s about it.
All in all, “It Could Happen to You” is an enjoyable romantic comedy worth checking out!
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| VIZ MEDIA TO DAZZLE MANGA AND SUPERHERO FANS WITH A SPECIAL SHONEN JUMP MANGA SAMPLER FEATURING ULTIMO FOR 2009 FREE COMIC BOOK DAY |
April 30, 2009 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
32-Page Sampler Of Best Selling Monthly Manga Anthology Features Groundbreaking Adventure
Created By Stan Lee And Hiroyuki Takei
San Francisco, CA, April 30, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will participate in the annual 2009 Free Comic Book Day – Saturday, May 2nd – with a special 32-page SHONEN JUMP sampler (rated ‘T’ for Teens) featuring a chapter of Ultimo, one of the newest serialized manga adventures in the best-selling monthly manga anthology. Free Comic Book Day is held annually on the first Saturday in May when thousands of comic book stores, publishers and retailers give away select comic titles for free. The event is designed to reach out to those not yet familiar with comics and manga and also to preview exciting new titles to existing fans.
Ultimo is the historic collaboration between comic book legend Stan Lee, creator of many iconic superheroes, including Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men, and Hiroyuki Takei, the creator of the popular Shaman King manga series. The new series, which is serialized in SHONEN JUMP, represents a unique East-meets-West partnership between a creative titan of the manga genre with the man who is synonymous with superhero comics. Also included in the Sampler is a special look at every single SHONEN JUMP manga series, an Ultimo pinup (of a character that may look familiar to Stan Lee fans), and an insightful interview with both Stan Lee and Hiroyuki Takei.
“We’re very pleased to announce SHONEN JUMP’s participation in Free Comic Book Day,” says Grant Lowery, Editor-In-Chief, SHONEN JUMP Magazine. “SHONEN JUMP is the nation’s top selling manga anthology combining chapters from some of the most popular action manga in the world with informative game, entertainment and cultural editorial, creating a unique destination for readers looking to broaden their shonen experience. Our special Sampler for the 2009 Free Comic Book Day will interest both superhero fans and readers of Western comics as well as manga fans and also those brand new to the comic book genre. We invite everyone to visit their local participating comic book shop or retailer on Saturday to pick up this special copy!”
For more information on SHONEN JUMP please visit www.shonenjump.com.
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| Coastal Protections: A Wipeout for Surfers? |
April 30, 2009 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
The development of surfing from a pastime to a professional sport attracts millions of surfers to coastal regions annually. The increased population of people living in these areas increases mankind’s need to control nature by controlling coastal erosion.
A recent study in the Journal of Coastal Research indicates that coastal protections are necessary to counteract erosion, deposition, weather, and direct hydraulic action. However, these measures often have a negative effect on the wave quality that attracts surfers.
Coastal protections, including seawalls, jetties, and beach nourishment, can create unridable or dangerous waves, reduce the wave frequency, or remove the surfing spot altogether.
The authors of the study surveyed several surfrider groups, including The Surfrider Foundation’s U.S., Australian, and European chapters, the British Surfing Association, and several environmental groups with interests in surfing regarding the wave quality and crowd levels before and after coastal protections were put into place. Of the 30 surfing spots studied, 18 experienced a reduction in wave quality.
“The desire to control nature is also played out in surfing because the surfer attempts to control the power of the ocean by riding on the crest of a wave,” author Nicholas Corne says. As more people flock to the coast to attempt to harness this power, even more coastal protections will be needed.
The results of the survey indicate that the reduction in wave quality caused by the attempts to control erosion can lead to a reduction in crowd levels. As fewer people visit the coast, the local economy is bound to suffer.
The full-text article, “The Implications of Coastal Protection and Development on Surfing” (Vol. 25 [2] 427-434), a list of the surfing spots studied, and the questionnaire are available at http://www.allenpress.com/pdf/coas/COAS_25.2_427-434.pdf
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| Exclusive Bruce Irons Interview From His Signature Volcom |
April 30, 2009 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Bruce Irons speaks with insurfnews.com from his new Volcom signature store in Waikiki. The iconic Hawaiian surfer discusses his store, life after tour, and his new baby with longtime friend and former competitor Fred “FreddyP” Patacchia. The interview can be seen exclusively on FreddyP’s new website www.insurfnews.com .
Irons is one of the several top professionals who have spoken with insurfnews.com . Visitors to the site will be able to see exclusive interviews with Mick Fanning, Jordy Smith, Pancho Sullivan, and many others.
Insurfnews.com is the partnership of Fred “FreddyP” Patacchia and Andrew Oliver. The two surfers, one a member of the ASP World Tour and the other an average surf fan/journalism major, give their opposing viewpoints to the world of professional surfing. FreddyP and Andrew are traveling the world together posting videos, photos, and blogs about what’s happening in the water, on the World Tour, and in the surf industry.
For more information go to www.insurfnews.com
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| Nation’s Largest Children’s Water Education Festival Launches in Orange County |
April 30, 2009 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
WHO:
More than 6,000 fourth, fifth and sixth grade students, teachers and parents are scheduled to learn about water resources, the environment and recycling at a two-day event hosted by the Orange County Water District (OCWD) Groundwater Guardian Team, Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC), Disneyland Resort and the National Water Research Institute. Approximately 71 schools representing 21 cities throughout Orange County will attend the event. Volunteers from more than 50 public and private organizations will host booths providing interactive presentations for the students to visit during the field trip. Students will follow the path of rain drops through a water maze, build a groundwater model, learn how to protect oceans, conserve our natural resources, and may even be inspired to become scientists, engineers and hydrogeologists!
WHAT:
13th Annual Children’s Water Education Festival
WHEN:
Tuesday, April 28, 2009, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHERE:
Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace Foundation
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
WHY:
The Children’s Water Education Festival teaches children to be aware of their environment through hands-on learning activities. The Festival, in its 13th year of educating Orange County’s students, is a fun, environmental-education field trip designed to teach elementary school children about the interdependence of water, soil, plants, trees, animals and humans. The goal of the Festival is to provide youth with the tools they need to protect and improve our environment each and every day.
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| 39% Fewer Korean Films Released in Q1 |
April 30, 2009 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Chosun Reported:
The number of Korean films released in the first quarter of the year decreased by 39.3 percent to 17 from the previous year’s 28, according to a report released Monday by the Korean Film Council. Only two films were made in January. As a result, the number of viewers totaled 16 million in the first quarter of 2009, down 19.2 percent on-year. Meanwhile, foreign films drew 19.5-million viewers, up 24 percent from the previous year. Overall, the number of moviegoers fell 0.1 percent on-year. However, despite the economic downturn and sluggish consumption, sales of movie theaters grew 1.6 percent.
