“A modern film based on a popular classic manga and anime series.  Starring well-known names in the pop-culture world, ‘KITARO’ features monsters in CGI and in rubber suits and a touch of that Japanese humor, yokai spirits and monsters and sci-fi campiness.  Overall, enjoyable and very fun!”

TITLE: KITARO (Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro)

DURATION: 103 minutes

BLU-RAY DISC INFORMATION: Color, 1080p High Definition (Anamorphic Widescreen 1:85:1) , English 6.1 Dolby EX and 6.1 DTS ES, English Dubbed (5.1 Dolby Digital)

COMPANY: RONIN Entertainment/BCI

RATED: Not Rated

Based on the Comic Book by Shigeru Mizuki

Theme Song by Eiji Wentz - “Awakening Emotion 8/5″

Directed and Co-Written by Katsuhide Motoki

Co-written by Daisuke Hadara

Cinematography by Yasushi Sasakibara (JSC)

Lighting by Kenji Ushiba

Editor by Isao Kawase

Sound Recording by Yutaka Tsurumaki

Music by Yutaka Nakano/Tucker

Cix Supervisor by Yasushi Hasegawa

Action Coordinator by Yuta Morokaji

Casting by Kei Kawamura

Special Make Up by Etsuko Egawa

Costume Design by Kodue Hibinio

Beauty Director: Isao Tsuge

Music Producer: Shin Yasui

Starring:

Eiji Wentz (as KITARO)

Mao Inoue (Mika Miura)

Lena Tanaka (Neko Musume)

Yo Oizumi (Nezumi Otoko)

Kanpei Hazama (Konaki Jiji)

Koyuki (Princess Tenko)

Shido Nakamura (O-Tengu)

Ruka Uchida (Kenta Miura)

Kei Tani/Yu Tanonaka

Go Riju (Haruhiko Miura)

Satoshi Hashimoto (Kuko)

You/Shigeru Muroi (Sunakake Baba)

Toshiyuki Nishida (Wanyudo)

In a modern day Japan, the worlds of the humans and the yokai (spirits) often collide and usually not in the most pleasant of manners.

Half-human and half-yoku, one-eyed Kitaro (Eiji Wentz) lives with his eyeball father and his bickering friends, Nezumi Otoko (Yo Oizumi) and Neko Musume (Lena Tanaka), in Gegege Forest where he dedicates his time to maintaining peace between humans and yokai.

But when a magical ball of power ends up in the wrong hands, Kitaro must recover it or both worlds could fall into grave danger.

A classic manga series in Japan, “Gegege no Kitaro” has spawned many television series, animated series, films and video games but this time, the popular series gets a modern adaption which stars pop singer Eiji Wentz (of the group WaT) as the main character KITARO, popular Japanese actress Lena Tanaka as Neko Musume, KOYUKI (The Last Samurai) and many others for this 2007 Japanese summer blockbuster.

The film starts off with a young Kenta.  A boy who’s mother has passed away and is scared that monsters are haunting his apartment complex.  He and his friends look for a mailbox in the forest for KITARO, who is a legend that supposedly gets rid of these yokai (spirits) from the human world.  Meanwhile at home, Kenta’s father Haruhiko is unemployed and his family is losing money quickly that he considers pawning off his deceased wife’s wedding ring to take care of the family.  Meanwhile, while his father is gone out looking for a job or trying to take care of family matters, Kenta is taken care of by his sister Mika.

Meanwhile, you learn that the monsters at the apartment complex was hired by a greedy human who has hired the rat spirit to find other spirits to scare tenants out of the apartment complex.  KITARO who has received the letter goes to the human world and eliminates the monsters and therefore helping KITARO.  His sister is not so thrilled that her young brother is hanging out with this weird guy whitish/black hair and wears wooden slippers.

The mischievous rat spirit, not so happy that KITARO foiled his plans somehow ends up underground in a hidden cavern and steals a glowing rock.  He tries to pawn the rock for money and while at the pawn shop, Kenta’s father sees the rock and steals it.

Kenta’s father then gives the rock to Kenta and tells him to not reveal to anyone that he has it.  But unknowingly, the rock is actually is quite powerful and can make a weak person do evil things.  It can also make a spirit much more powerful and thus the fox spirit and his minions go after Kenta’s family.  While KITARO tries to protect Kenta, somehow Mika and Kenta’s father dies and they are left alone.  KITARO now wants to protect the two but now with the powerful rock missing, it makes the spirit world unbalanced and rat spirit tells the judge O-Tengu (Nakamura) that KITARO is reponsible for stealing it.  Thus a court proceeding is done and KITARO may be punished severely for a crime that he did not do.

With the human world and the spirit world in a state of potential chaos, who can save Kenta and his family and how will KITARO save them if he’s being punished?

VIDEO & AUDIO:

The picture quality for “KITARO” is featured in 1080p (1080p High Definition Anamorphic Widescreen) and the Blu-ray transfer was nice but not eye-popping spectacular.    I didn’t see any artifacting or dust or scratches.  As for the audio, audio is featured in 6.1 Dolby EX and 6.1 DTS ES.  Although not provided in TrueHD, for those with a home theater receiver that can play DTS will get a good output in their speakers during the action scenes and also during the musical segments of the film.  I did not listen to the English dub (I prefer not to watch Asian films with an English dub), so I can’t tell you how the voice acting is.  But I can tell you that the English dub is in 5.1 Dolby Digital.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“KITARO” has several special features included on the Blu-ray disc:

• Theatrical Trailers - Subtitled theatrical trailers
• TV Spots - Subtitled TV commercials featuring various TV spots focusing on a character in the film.
• The TV Special “Yokai in the City” - This 35-minute featurette (perhaps in collaboration with the Japanese YouTube due to the logo in the bottom right corner) is a campy introduction to yokai (spirit) monsters and I guess you can say it’s targeted for children, as these monsters look like a monster you would see on a Power Ranger TV series and they are at the Playground or somewhere in Tokyo with kids and their families in awe while watching these monsters fall or act quirky.
• The “making of” “Yokai in the City” - A 10-minute making of which features the actor and actresses who don the various monster costumes for the special.

I have to admit that I was quite surprised that this film was released in the US.  With most Japanese films typically samurai or action-based films, “KITARO” is a film that is a true Japanese film that it has that Japanese humor and even the element of yokai (spirits) with the tengu’s and the various type of monsters of Japanese folklore.

The film will definitely satisfy popular among anime and manga fans of the series and a film that carries the quirkiness of Japanese monster fighting of monsters made out of rubber suits but also a good deal of CGI work as well.

Personally, I found it entertaining and to see Eiji Wentz in his first major character role as KITARO was quite amusing since I’m more familiar with his musical work.  Lena Tanaka is one of the highly demanded young actresses in Japan and although her role was quite limited as Neko Musume (a character who likes KITARO but he doesn’t feel the same way about her), she was charming as always.  Also, to see KOYUKI (as Princess Tenko) and Shido Nakamura (as O-Tengu) make appearances in this film, also gives appeal to the non-child demographic who wanted to see the film.

Is this a children’s film in the essence of a “Chronicles of Narnia” type of film?  The film starts off that way focusing on the young Kenta’s character but it starts to focus more on KITARO and him wanting to help Mika and Kenta and him starting to care for a human (which the spirit world forbids).  Also, is it as good as a “Chronicles of Narnia” or “Spiderwicke Chronicles”?  As mentioned, there are quite a few monsters in the rubber suits in this film and their is a slight campiness that I am privy to these type of Japanese films and television shows (having watched many “sentai” Ranger or Kamen Rider-related shows), something that may turn off American’s who are used to seeing their monsters CGI’d and much more threatening.  So, it does have that sci-fi campiness of a Sentai film but with bigger names and a popular series with nearly 50 years behind it.

I was familiar with previous incarnations of the series and even own the soundtrack for the “Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro” song (albeit for the 2008 film).

As for the Blu-ray, the video quality was gorgeous and the sound was very well done through the 6.1 DTS track and from KITARO shooting out his hair needles to some major thump in the action sequence, it sounds great and of course, the music sequences came out clear.  I do wish there were cast interviews or something else included on the Blu-ray instead of the “Yokai in the City” but nevertheless, for those who want to see more of the actors in rubber monster suits, then you have a 35-minute featurette to keep you entertained.

But all in all, I could have never anticipated a modern film being created that would be based on this older manga and anime series and watching it, it does capture the imagination and the heart and soul of the original manga and anime series and I enjoyed it.

I’m not sure if the film would attract American or International audiences but for those who are familiar with Japanese film and television especially the sentai shows and watching actors in monster suits or get-ups, then the film can be enjoyable.  Otherwise, during this time where monsters are typically CGI’d some may find this film a bit campy.  So, it depends on the viewer.

But I really am happy that Ronin Entertainment/BCI did release this in the United States and can only hope that they release more Japanese films (that you would never expect to be released outside of Japan) stateside on Blu-ray.

In an interview with W Magazine, Bradd Pitt sets the record straight between the magazine interview jabs between wife Angelina Jolie and ex-wife Jennifer Aniston. In a December interview with “Vogue”, Aniston talked about how it was “uncool” for Jolie to talk about her wanting to get to work with Pitt for the film “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”.

Pitt says in the interview, “”Listen, man, Jen is a sweetheart. I think she got dragged into that one, and then there’s a second round to all of that Angie versus Jen. It’s so created.”

As for Pitt working with Angelina Jolie in the film, Pitt said in the interview, “What people don’t understand is that we filmed for a year. We were still filming after Jen and I split up. Even then it doesn’t mean that there was some kind of dastardly affair. There wasn’t.”

Worldwide Smash Hit Also Will Be Available on Blu-ray and Single Disc DVD

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. – (January 7, 2009) Buckle up for a rockin’ ride with Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria and the gang in the “hilarious” (WABC-TV) adventure from DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (NYSE: DWA) that’s “even better than the first!” (WWOR-TV) when MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA comes in for a landing on DVD and Blu-ray on FRIDAY, February 6, 2009. With twice the laughs, twice the fun and twice the Penguins, the Move It! Move It! Double DVD Pack and Blu-ray are sure to be the talk of the watering hole. Both versions include the funniest movie of the year and two all-new, never-before-seen animated adventures from Nickelodeon’s brand new series, The Penguins of Madagascar. The series stars four feathered family favorites and King Julian back at the New York zoo where it all started – on a mission… without permission. The Move It! Move It! Double DVD Pack follows on the heels of last November’s release of the successful Kung Fu Panda Pandemonium Pack and offers an exceptional entertainment value for the whole family with an anticipated retail price under $25.

MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA proves that bigger IS better thanks to a steamer trunk full of additional bonus features including a behind-the-scenes peek at the creation of this animated epic, music videos and more Mad-Tastic fun exclusives with hours and hours of activities such as printables to download, games and much more. A single disc and a Valentine’s Day version in themed gift-wrapped packaging for gifting to sweethearts of all ages will also be available at stores nationwide.

Ben Stiller (Tropic Thunder), Chris Rock (Bee Movie), David Schwimmer (“Friends”),
Jada Pinkett Smith (The Women), Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat), Cedric the Entertainer (Charlotte’s Web) and Andy Richter (Semi-Pro) return in MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA, joined by Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock”) as “Makunga,” will.i.am of the
Black Eyed Peas as “Moto Moto,” Bernie Mac (Soul Men) as “Zuba” and Sherri Shepherd (“The View”) as Alex’s mom making their introduction to the watering hole as a brand-new cast of characters.

The four zany zoo denizens of the original blockbuster comedy prepare to head home to Manhattan in a rickety aircraft piloted by the ever-inventive penguin cadre. But when they crash land in the African savannah, it’s time for a crash course in survival. Now the four friends far from home must answer a question of the heart when Alex finds his long lost parents (Bernie Mac and Sherri Shepherd), Marty joins a herd of his wild brethren, Gloria finds romance with a hippo Casanova (will.i.am) who appreciates her curves and Melman has one last chance at his truest desire. With King Julien’s manic musical antics, the funniest pack of penguins ever and a pair of primates with opposable thumbs, MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA is “great family fun” (WABC-TV).

DreamWorks Animation’s MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA DVD
The MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA two-disc DVD delivers more laughs and more fun with the Move It! Move It! DVD Double Pack featuring two episodes from Nickelodeon’s all-new series The Penguins of Madagascar and bonus features including the following:

Disc 1:
MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA
Bonus features:
· DWA Jukebox
· Filmmaker Commentary
· It’s A Family Affair: The Cast of ESCAPE 2 AFRICA
· The Making of ESCAPE 2 AFRICA
· Crash Landing
· African Adventure
· Jambo Jambo: Swahili Speak
· Test Flight of Air Penguin Game
· MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA Activision Game Trailer
· Four MAD Music Videos

* The Traveling Song” Sing Along
* “Move It, Move It”
* “Big and Chunky”
* “She Loves Me”

Disc 2:
THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR
· “Popcorn Panic”
· “Gone in a Flash”
Bonus features:
· The Bronx Zoo: Madagascar
· Alex’s Dance Off
· The Heart of a Lion
· DVD-Rom

* MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA PC Flash Mini-Game
* MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA Game Demo w/ Exclusive Cheat Code
* HP Printables
* Weblinks

· Penguin Easter Eggs

* Move It, Move It
* Hock Shop
* Julien’s Birthday
* Tug of War
* Fully Armed
* No Thanks, I’m Stuffed

A MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA single-disc DVD will also be available in either a widescreen or full screen edition and includes the following special features:
· DWA Jukebox
· Filmmaker Commentary
· It’s A Family Affair: The Cast of ESCAPE 2 AFRICA
· The Making of ESCAPE 2 AFRICA
· Crash Landing
· African Adventure
· Jambo Jambo: Swahili Speak
· Test Flight of Air Penguin Game
· MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA Activision Game Trailer
· Four MAD Music Videos

· “The Traveling Song” Sing Along
· “Move It, Move It”
· “Big and Chunky”
· “She Loves Me”

DreamWorks Animation’s MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA Blu-ray
The MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA Blu-ray will be presented in 1080p High Definition with English 5.1 Dolby True HD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital with English, English SDH+, French and Spanish subtitles. Bonus features include:
· Filmmakers’ Commentary
· It’s A Family Affair: The Cast of ESCAPE 2 AFRICA (HD)
· The Making of ESCAPE 2 AFRICA (HD)
· Crash Landing (HD)
· African Adventure (HD)
· Jambo Jambo: Swahili Speak (HD)
· The Bronx Zoo: Madagascar (HD)
· Alex’s Dance Off (HD)
· Test Flight of Air Penguin Game (HD)
· The Heart of a Lion (HD) – BD-LIVE
· MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA Activision Game Trailer
· Music Videos

* “Move It, Move It” (HD)
* “Big and Chunky” (HD)
* “She Loves Me” (HD)
* “The Traveling Song” (HD)

· THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR

* “Popcorn Panic”
* “Gone in a Flash”

· Penguin Easter Eggs

* Move It, Move It
* Hock Shop
* Julien’s Birthday
* Tug of War
* Fully Armed
* No Thanks, I’m Stuffed

Blu-ray Exclusive Content
· The Animators’ Corner (HD)
· Trivia Track (HD)

DreamWorks Animation’s MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA Synopsis
All of the loveable characters are back – Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo, King Julien, Maurice and the penguins – in MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA. They find themselves in the wildest place of all – the vast plains of Africa – where our zoo-raised crew encounter species of their own kind for the very first time. While discovering their roots, they quickly find the differences between the concrete jungle and the heart of Africa. Despite long-lost relatives, romantic rivals and scheming hunters, Africa seems like a great place…but is it better than their Central Park home?

About DreamWorks Animation SKG
DreamWorks Animation is principally devoted to developing and producing computer generated, or CG, animated feature films. With world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced CG filmmaking technology and techniques, DreamWorks Animation makes high quality CG animated films meant for a broad movie-going audience. The Company anticipates releasing its feature films into both conventional and IMAX® theatres worldwide. The Company has theatrically released a total of seventeen animated feature films, including Shrek, Shrek 2, Shark Tale, Madagascar, Over the Hedge, Shrek the Third, Bee Movie, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. Monsters vs. Aliens opens in theaters on March 27, 2009. All of the Company’s feature films are now being produced in stereoscopic 3D technology.

About Paramount Home Entertainment
Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. PHE is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment products on behalf of various parties including: Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Paramount Famous Productions, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, CBS and PBS and for providing home entertainment fulfillment services for DreamWorks Animation Home Entertainment.

GUILDFORD, UK. – January 7, 2009 – Black Box, an Electronic Arts Inc. studio (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that the Skate 2 demo will hit Xbox Live Marketplace on January 8th and the PlayStation Network on January 15, 2009. The demo introduces players to the city of New San Vanelona where they can skate with style and individuality via access to the enhanced character customization tools. Gamers will get a first glimpse of the deep single-player story and exciting challenges in all-new locations. The Skate 2 demo will also feature two of the game’s online Party Play modes: Thrasher’s Hall of Meat and Spot Battle.

Skate 2 ups the ante in delivering all the grit, creativity and culture of skateboarding. Equipped with double the bag of tricks, players are tasked to rebuild their career and revive the skate scene. Now with the ability to get off-board and move objects, gamers can create their own epic spots and challenges, which can then be uploaded, shared and experienced by others around the world.

Skate 2 hits retailers in North America on January 21st, and worldwide on January 23, 2009 – making it one of the first must-have games of 2009. Skate 2 is developed by Black Box, a studio of Electronic Arts in Vancouver, British Columbia and will be available on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. The game is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB and is rated 16+ by PEGI.

MySims Party and MySims Racing for the Wii and Nintendo DS Set to Release in 2009

REDWOOD CITY, CA — January 7, 2009 —Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced the next two titles to be released within the MySims™ Franchise. MySims™ Party and MySims™ Racing, available for the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™, will release in 2009.

“When we created the MySims world, we believed that the MySims characters could be part of a variety of different gaming experiences. We are thrilled to bring MySims Party and MySims Racing to fans and new players alike.” said Tim LeTourneau, Executive in Charge of Production for MySims. “We’ve had great success with MySims, with both the original game and this autumn’s MySims Kingdom. Players have really connected with the characters and now we are giving them two completely new and exciting experiences. We believe that MySims Party and MySims Racing, are great ways to couple the creativity and humor players love about the franchise with great multi-player arcade gameplay.”

MySims Party for the Wii
MySims Party turns any gathering into an instant party with 50 mini games to choose from, each hosted by a different MySim. You and your friends have the chance to Stick the Trick in the extreme snowboarding mini game, outrun a robot in Robo Assault or shake your groovey thing with DJ Candy during the Go Go Dancing challenge. Each MySim character brings a unique combination of skills to the mission, with differing levels of endurance, speed and luck giving you the option to choose the best MySim for the task. You can play mini games one right after the other, or you and your friends can compete in a themed festival such as food, music or sports that offers multiple mini games.

MySims Party for the Nintendo DS
Take the mini games with you! MySims Party for the Nintendo DS offers 40 mini games to choose from. These games, specific for the DS, offer hours of entertainment. You can dig up dinosaur fossils during Excavate-a-Saurus, join Goth Boy on a first person shooter mission during Haunted Hunted or rock out with Air-Guitar-Star!

MySims Racing for the Wii
Race to the finish line in MySims Racing! Face a variety of tricky MySim opponents on a huge variety of exotic tracks! Take on up to three friends in intense multiplayer racing. During your race, find awesome power-ups such as the heat-seeking jack-o-lantern pumpkin or a bubble dropper that can help you wreck the competition. There are nearly endless customization options so that your car reflects your high-gear personality. You can swap bodies, change paint jobs and add tons of accessories. Not only can you change the look of your car, you can also improve power, acceleration and handling by mixing and matching engines, suspension and tires.

MySims Racing for the Nintendo DS
Take the race with you! MySims Racing for the Nintendo DS allows you and up to three of your friends to race each other using local wireless or Nintendo Wi-Fi.

R& B Superstar Robin Thicke’s Private Performance Sends Sparks Flying
Between Jason and One Lucky Lady

“Episode 1302″ - The 15 remaining bachelorettes move into their luxurious villa in Malibu, and the fairy tale begins. Two lucky women will get fabulous one-on-one dates: A private performance by R&B chartbuster Robin Thicke at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and a panoramic ride over Los Angeles in the Goodyear Blimp. However, the women are totally blindsided by an announcement that some of them won’t have a date at all before Jason has his next rose ceremony. They might just have to steal some time with the handsome single dad. Finally, one woman makes a dramatic exit before the rose ceremony, on “The Bachelor,” MONDAY, JANUARY 12 (8:00-9:30 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Jason pays an unannounced visit to the ladies’ villa, attempting to catch the women off guard in order to find the right one to complete his family. A sexy pool party breaks out and the fun starts, as one woman after another seeks to lure him away for a few precious minutes. Shannon invites him for a suntan lotion rub-down, and then throws ice cubes to break up his conversation with another woman on the balcony. Lauren takes him to a bedroom for an intimate chat about life and love. But once a rose arrives for Jason to offer some lucky lady for the first one-one-one date, the temptresses begin to battle for real. The woman who charms the Bachelor with her fun approach to life captures the prize. As the envious group looks on, he whisks her away to the Walt Disney Concert Hall for an unforgettable night — a VIP tour of the hall, a champagne toast and a performance by R& B superstar Robin Thicke. The couple enjoy a sexy slow dance and things get hot as they share the first kiss of the season.

Another sexy bachelorette receives an invitation to a gorgeous California beach to share oysters and champagne, but Jason is a bit reticent, worried that the woman might not be serious enough for him. But she opens up about her romantic past and then they fly together in the Goodyear Blimp over Los Angeles.

Jason surprises eight women with a stretch limo and a night on the town - Hollywood style. The ladies are treated to a high fashion shopping spree on Jason, as they attempt to out-strut one another, showing off their outfits. From there, it’s on to a picturesque rooftop pool with a view of the Sunset Strip. The bachelorettes continue to show off for the Bachelor with an impromptu talent show, and one woman steals him away for a sexy kiss. Not to be outdone, another woman takes charge and gets a kiss of her own. Only one fortunate woman receives a rose at the end of the night and is safe for the next rose ceremony. However, five unlucky bachelorettes are shut out of the dates!

At the emotional and intense cocktail party, the women vie for Jason’s attention - especially those who didn’t get a date. The claws come out and tensions run high as two ladies clash about not getting enough time with the Bachelor. And to everyone’s surprise, one bachelorette makes an outrageous exit in the middle of the party! At the nerve-wracking rose ceremony, Jason must decide which two women to send home, leaving 12 bachelorettes to stay in the race for his heart.

The 15 women are:
Erica, 25, an account executive from Monroe, CT
Jillian, 29, an interior designer from Peace River, Alberta, Canada
Kari, 27, an advertising executive from Lee’s Summit, MO
Lauren, 27, a teacher from Marlboro, NJ
Lisa, 27, a public relations associate from Boise, ID
Megan, 25, a single mom (son, Deacon, age one) and lacrosse coach from Sewickley, PA
Melissa, 25, a sales representative from Dallas, TX
Molly, 24, a department store buyer from Grand Rapids, MI
Naomi, 24, a flight attendant from Carlsbad, CA
Natalie, 27, a human resources recruiter from Morton, IL
Nikki, 29, an administrative assistant from Blue Island, IL
Raquel, 27, a medical student from Recife, Brazil
Shannon, 29, a dental hygienist from Marshall, MO
Sharon, 32, a teacher from Batavia, NY
Stephanie, 34, a single mom (daughter, Sophia, age four) and a medical marketing representative from Huntsville, AL

Hosted by Chris Harrison, “The Bachelor” is a production of Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton are the executive producers.

This episode of “The Bachelor” will be available on ABC.com the day after airing on the network for users to watch online.

“The Bachelor” is broadcast with Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning. This program carries a TV-PG,L parental guideline.

Perry Will Perform on Music’s Biggest Night® Sunday, Feb. 8,

CBS.com Announces A Contest To Determine The Top Fan Video

CBS.com and The Recording Academy® announced today the launch of the third installment of MY GRAMMY® MOMENT with current GRAMMY nominee and performer Katy Perry. The 51st ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS will be broadcast live from Staples Center in Los Angeles, Sunday, Feb. 8 (8:00-11:30 PM ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

This year, music fans can upload a 30- to 60-second video of themselves singing along to a portion of Perry’s current GRAMMY-nominated song, “I Kissed A Girl,” at www.CBS.com/grammys. Submitted videos will be voted on by CBS.com users, and the most popular videos will be shown as part of Perry’s 51st ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS performance on Music’s Biggest Night®.

Previous MY GRAMMY MOMENT musicians include Justin Timberlake and Foo Fighters. More GRAMMY performances to be announced shortly.

“We’re excited to bring this truly interactive experience from online to on-air. It’s tremendous to have an artist like Katy on board. She has an immense online fan base and we look forward to seeing what music fans bring to the table in this venture,” said Joe Ferreira, Sr. Vice President/GM, CBS Audience Network.

“Every music fan wants to live the rock and roll fantasy by being on stage and having people cheer for you,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO, The Recording Academy. “We are very excited that this year’s installment of MY GRAMMY MOMENT allows numerous online fans to be an integral part of a performance. We’re delighted to have Katy Perry join us for this latest experience, given her vast Internet presence which truly reflects the way in which many music fans consume and engage in music today, online and otherwise.”

“I am very excited to be a first-time GRAMMY nominee and new Recording Academy member this year, and even more thrilled to perform on music’s biggest stage in February,” said Katy. “I’d love to share my first GRAMMY experience with all my fans, so I encourage you to submit your videos now!”

Submission For MY GRAMMY MOMENT Consideration:

* Fans (at least 18 years old) can submit a 30- to 60-second video clip of themselves singing along to a portion of Katy Perry’s current GRAMMY-nominated song, “I Kissed A Girl.”

* Videos for MY GRAMMY MOMENT consideration should be submitted and uploaded at www.CBS.com/grammys no later than Friday, Feb. 6 at 11:59 PM, PT.

In addition, CBS.com announces an exclusive contest where viewers will select their favorite submissions to determine the Top Fan Video. Those who wish to be considered for both the live telecast of MY GRAMMY MOMENT and the CBS.com Top Fan Video Contest should submit and upload at www.CBS.com/grammys no later than Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, at 11:59 PM, PT.

* On Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, CBS.com will announce the Top 20 video vote-getters.

* Voting among the Top 20 will continue until Friday, Jan. 30, 2009 when CBS.com will announce the Top 10 video vote-getters.

* Voting among the Top 10 will continue until Friday, Feb. 6, 2009, when the Top 3 Fan Videos will be determined and then highlighted, among additional popular video submissions, during Katy Perry’s GRAMMY performance on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009.

Music fans can log on to www.cbs.com/grammys to access the video submissions and vote for their favorites.

The 51st ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS are produced by John Cossette Productions and AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich and John Cossette are executive producers, Walter C. Miller is producer/director and Tisha Fein is the coordinating producer.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards - the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music - The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit http://www.grammy.com/.

ALSO CONFIRMED TO PRESENT: DAVID BOREANAZ, TOM CAVANAGH, JENNIFER ESPOSITO, CARRIE ANN INABA, ERIC MCCORMACK, DEBRA MESSING, JAY MOHR, SHEMAR MOORE, KID ROCK, GAVIN ROSSDALE, SEAL, MARISA TOMEI AND ROBIN WILLIAMS

David Boreanaz, Tom Cavanagh, Jennifer Esposito, Teri Hatcher, Kate Hudson, Carrie Ann Inaba, Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Jay Mohr, Shemar Moore, Kid Rock, Gavin Rossdale, Seal, Marisa Tomei and Robin Williams have been added as presenters on THE 35TH ANNUAL PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS, to be broadcast live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Jan. 7 (9:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

The show is hosted by PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD-nominee Queen Latifah. Previous PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD winners and current nominees Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts will perform.

The first awards show of 2009, THE 35th ANNUAL PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS will honor fan favorites in television, movies and music in a total of 43 categories. Winners will be revealed during the live broadcast from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

Fans can still vote online at http://www.pcavote.com/ for four categories - Favorite New TV Comedy, Favorite New TV Drama, Favorite Online Sensation and Favorite User-Generated Video - which will be announced during the live broadcast.

THE 35th ANNUAL PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS is being produced by Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc., which is represented by MediaVest Worldwide Inc., supervisors of the production. Fred Nelson is the President of People’s Choice. Carol Donovan is the executive producer for the fifth year. Central Talent Booking is the talent consultant. Bruce Gowers is directing the special. The People’s Choice community at http://www.pcavote.com/ serves as a year-round destination for entertainment enthusiasts to voice their opinions on pop culture.

Monday through Friday, 11:35 PM-12:37 AM, ET/PT

(*Denotes changes and/or additions to previous schedule)

Tuesday, Jan. 6 Actor Kevin James; newscaster Rebecca Quick; musical guest Erin McCarley

Wednesday, Jan. 7 Comedian Ricky Gervais; actress Rose Byrne; musical guests Okkervil River

Thursday, Jan. 8 Actress Kate Winslet; sportscaster Marv Albert

Friday, Jan. 9 Actor Kiefer Sutherland; comedienne Wendy Liebman

*Monday, Jan. 12 Comedian Billy Crystal; “American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi

*Tuesday, Jan. 13 Actress Salma Hayek

Wednesday, Jan. 14 Musical guests Randy Rogers Band

Thursday, Jan. 15 Actress Kyra Sedgwick; news correspondent Gwen Ifill

*Friday, Jan. 16 Actor Zach Braff; comedian Arj Barker; musical guests The Airborne Toxic Event

RATING: TV-PG (Rating may change on day of broadcast due to specific subject matter.)

Official CBS website: http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/

New Original Series is first USA production from Universal Cable Productions

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – January 6, 2009 – USA Network announced today that it has picked up the original series ROYAL PAINS (working title), starring Mark Feuerstein (”What Women Want,” “In Her Shoes,” “Good Morning Miami”). The 11-episode order is the first original series production from Universal Cable Productions for USA Network. ROYAL PAINS will also star Paulo Costanzo (”Joey”), Jill Flint (”Gossip Girl”) and Reshma Shetty (”30 Rock”). The announcement was made today by Jeff Wachtel, executive vice president, original programming, USA Network and co-head, original content, Universal Cable Productions.

“Like all of our scripted series, ROYAL PAINS is a new take on a successful genre,” said Wachtel. “Andrew’s pilot script has a great mix of humor and humanity; Jace gave the pilot a clean and contemporary style; and Mark brings a unique combination of warmth and intelligence to the lead role. ROYAL PAINS should be the perfect addition to our winning line-up.”

ROYAL PAINS is executive produced by Rich Frank, Paul Frank (”Comanche Moon”) and Jeff Kwatinetz from the newly formed Prospect Park and written and co-executive produced by Andrew Lenchewski (”UC: Undercover”). John Rogers (”Hide & Seek”) serves as co-executive producer. Jace Alexandar (BURN NOTICE, “Warehouse 13″) directed the pilot and will serve as directing producer on the series. The pilot featured guest appearances by Campbell Scott (”Six Degrees”) and Christine Ebersole (”Saturday Night Live”).

ROYAL PAINS centers on young doctor Hank Lawson (Feuerstein) who seems to have it all … thriving career, beautiful girlfriend, and swank NYC apartment. With one fateful and principled decision in the ER, Hank loses it all. Months later, single and blackballed from the medical community, Hank goes for a weekend in the Hamptons with his brother (Costanzo). Crashing a party at a mega-mansion on the beach, Hank jumps into action when a guest requires medical attention that only he is able to diagnose. The next morning, Hank is summoned to another mansion…and then another. Hank’s career is revived, but in a way he’s not exactly happy about, as he becomes the on-call doctor for the rich, famous and infamous. Anyone who’s anyone in the Hamptons has a lawyer on retainer. Now meet the newest accessory – the concierge doctor.

USA Network is the #1 network in all of basic cable and is seen in 94 million U.S. homes. A division of NBC Universal, USA is the cable television leader in original series and is home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, acquired television series and entertainment events. The award-winning USA website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.