Here's a small portion of the cool new books you will find at your local comic shop tomorrow!
Five Days To Die #1
Written By Andy Schmidt
Art By Chee
An action comic in the vein of 24 or a jason Statham movie Five Days To Die is about Ray Crisara, a tough cop who's survived a terrible car accident, discovers his wife is dead and his daughter is in critical condition.
Believing this was a planned hit by the city's drug lord he's been pursuing, Ray's brain injury leaves him five days before he dies to either track the killer, or be there for his little girl. Ray's clock is ticking!
Wolverine #1 Written By Jason Aaron Art By Renato Guedes Cover by Jae Lee
Acclaimed author Jason Aaron and superstar artist Renato Guedes launch an all-new ongoing Wolverine series as Wolverine goes to hell…literally! Someone's out to destroy Wolverine-permanently, and they may have succeeded. But if Wolverine's soul is in hell, how is his body terrorizing those closest to him?
Buffy The Vampire Slayer #36
Written By Joss WhedonArt By Georges Jeanty, Andy Owens, & Michelle Madsen Covers by Jo Chen & Georges Jeanty
The Big Bad-Twilight finally stands revealed, and it's tearing the Scoobies apart, testing the limits of their friendship. Seems like a perfect time for Spike to come back.
Joss Whedon writes the final five issues of Buffy Season 8, taking his greatest characters to places only he can take them! Teamed with series artist Georges Jeanty, Joss counts down to the biggest Buffy final ever-and it starts right here!
Normally we don't post on these things because so many of them are out there featuring the works of fans and such with their "what if" trailers. This one though was pretty cool so we thought that we would share this "what if" follow up to Superman Returns.
As of November 1, users of Xbox Live Gold will be paying more for the online service. The price of Gold in the U.S. is going from $7.99 a month to $9.99 a month. Three-month buys will go from $19.99 to $24.99, and if you buy your Xbox Live by the year, you'll be paying $59.99 instead of $49.99 annually. What a rip I say?!! For something that was suppose to go free when the 360 came out they raise the price? You have to pay for XBox live gold so that you can play games online with friends. Ok that I get I suppose. But why is Netflix part of the pay service when people already have to pay to use Netflix itself? Or why is Facebook and Twitter part of the premium service? I can use these for free on my computer and why the hell would I want to use them on the XBox with the interface keyboard that is slower than a Grandma having her monthly consititution. I'll tell you why? So that they can pay for the deal they made with ESPN to bring content to XBL starting in November when the Kinect comes out. Microsoft, who has more money than the entire population of Xbox players, is making us pay for their deal with ESPN.
An Xbox employee says, “When originally launched in 2002, a Gold subscription cost the same as an AAA video game, $49.99. When taking into account for inflation ($50 in 2002 is roughly $60 in 2010) and the additional services available to Gold subscribers in 2010, such as ESPN, Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Last.fm and Video Kinect, a $10 price increase still represents an incredible value to consumers.”
Incredible value? That's how they justify it? The richest company in the whole bloody world. What the fuck? I say fuck Xbox and everyone go silver. You can play Madden 11 just as well by yourself as you can with a dude who calls you a cock sucker every time you throw 50 yards on his punk ass! Are you really going to be upset because you blew up that 12 year old on Modern Warfare with a sticky bomb that probably made the youngster shit his pants because it was so bad ass, that he had a nerdgasm. No you probably won't be so don't let the all mighty Microsoft do this to us. Go silver everyone and go back to stealing kids candy on Halloween instead of blowing their panties up their ass in a virtual world! Don't really steal their candy but hey maybe go back to playing games the old school way, by yourself or invite people over!
The final season of Lost hit DVD/Blu Ray this past week and included on the disc is a 12 minute epilogue titled "New Man In Charge". It's an interesting additon to the story but in the end it just teases you badly and makes you wanting more in true Lost fashion. You can watch the whole thing at the link below.
It's bad ass to finally see Danny Trejo getting his due and making the movie he deserves to make. Should be lots of fun and bad ass and glad to see a new Robert Rodriguez film in theaters. Now will he ever make Sin City 2? Check out these awesome new TV spots.
A story surfaced yesterday that a Red Dead Redemption movie is in the works. The game is awesome and more western movies should be made, but video game movies always suck. The report says Brad Pitt is who the studio wants. Basically he has first refusal but in all likely hood someone else will play the lead. If and when anything real moves forward on this we will let you know.
Retroplex Cinema makes it's return with another movie from the 90's. This time we go to 1992 with one of this writer's all time favorite films, the Michael Mann directed The Last Of The Mohicans.
The Last Of The Mohicans (1992): Released on September 25, 1992, the film stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Madeleine Stowe, and Wes Studi in the historical epic based on the novel by James Fenimore Cooper. The film is directed by Michael Mann pre-Heat, Collaterall, and Miam Vice days. The film is an epic action adventure love story told on the beginnings of the American frontier. (Spoilers Follow): In 18th century North America during the French and Indian War, a white man has been adopted by the last members of a dying tribe called the Mohicans. Named Hawkeye by his adopted family, his brother Uncas and father Chingachgook unwittingly becomes the protector of the two daughters of a British colonel, who have been targeted by Magua, a sadistic and vengeful Huron warrior who has dedicated his life to destroying the girls' father for a past injustice. Along their journey to reach their father Hawkeye falls in love with Cora Munroe (Stowe) and her sister Alice also falls in love with Hawkeye's brother Uncas. They reach their father at Fort Henry but defending the fort is an ill fated battle. They surrender to the French and the garrison and their families are offered safe passage to Albany, on condition they return to England and no longer fight in the war. Munro reluctantly accepts, after Montcalm shows him an intercepted message from Webb in which he refuses to send aid. As the British march away, they are ambushed by a much larger force of Hurons led by Magua. To avenge his family, Magua personally cuts out Munro's heart, but not before telling Munro that he will kill his daughters so that his family line will be extinguished. Earlier, Magua had revealed to General Montcalm that his village had been destroyed years ago by Munro's soldiers, resulting in the death of his children and his wife marrying another man when she thought Magua was dead. Magua himself was taken as a slave by the Mohawk and although in time he adopted their customs and rose in their ranks, in his heart he always remained a Huron. Hawkeye, Cora, Alice, Uncas, Chingachgook, Heyward and two other soldiers escape to a cave behind a waterfall. With their gunpowder wet, Hawkeye and his two companions jump into the water, knowing their presence would precipitate a hopeless fight. Before escaping, Hawkeye promises Cora that he will find her no matter what happens. Heyward and the two women are captured.
The prisoners are taken to a Huron village, with Hawkeye, Uncas and Chingachgook in pursuit. Magua is bargaining with the sachem when they are interrupted by the arrival of an unarmed Hawkeye running the gauntlet of hostile warriors. With Heyward translating, Hawkeye convinces the chief that Magua is acting for himself, rather than in the Hurons' interests. The chief renders his judgment: Cora is to be burned alive to atone for Magua's dead children; Magua is given Alice to be his wife so that both bloodlines can continue, although as Magua stated earlier, he means to kill the bloodline of Munro. Heyward is to be returned to the British in the hope of avoiding reprisals; and Hawkeye is given safe passage in recognition of his bravery. Desperate, Hawkeye pleads to take Cora’s place. Heyward deliberately mistranslates, offering himself instead. When the chief accepts, Magua curses him and leaves with Alice and his men. Uncas immediately follows the war band, while Chingachgook waits for Hawkeye. From a safe distance, Hawkeye mercifully shoots Heyward as he is being burned at the stake. They then set off in pursuit of Magua. Uncas catches up with Magua's band alone. He kills several men before engaging Magua in single combat. Magua kills Uncas and drops his body off a cliff, after which Alice jumps to her death. Hawkeye, Chingachgook and Cora witness the deaths of their loved ones from a distance. Catching up, the two men slay several enemy warriors. As Hawkeye holds the rest at bay, Chingachgook duels Magua and avenges his son. After a ceremony for Uncas, Chingachgook names himself "the last of the Mohicans."
The Last of the Mohicans opened to wide acclaim, with critics praising the film for its cinematography and music. A "Director's Expanded Edition" was released in which Michael Mann trimmed or removed material and some additional footage was inserted, increasing overall run time by 3 minutes. The new material was often intercut within the original theatrical sequences. The violence is slightly occluded, although more detail is given to battle scenes. The ending is also slightly extended. The Clannad song was removed from the film altogether, but still listed in the song credits. The film is hitting Blu-Ray Disc on October 5th with a newly mastered transfer, something the film greatly needs due to the DVD that has been out there all these years is a letter boxed VHS transfer. The film still holds up well almost 20 years later and is a fantastic and epic adventure!
Here's this week comic picks. It's a bit DC heavy but all you really need to know about Marvel is the X-Men became vampires or some fucked up twilight like shit like that....so let's hope the Captain America movie is better than their books lately. On to the comic picks!!
Superman Secret Origins #6 Written By Geoff Johns Art By Gary Frank
The reimagining of Superman's early days concludes as he faces his toughest foe yet – his childhood friend Lex Luthor! The victor will be Metropolis's hero. If you think you know how this plays out, then you underestimate how much Luthor wants that title…
Superman/Batman #75 Various Artists & Writers
You're invited to a spectacular anniversary celebration as Paul Levitz unites the World's Finest with the super-team he's best known for — the Legion of Super-Heroes! Lex Luthor has finally unleashed a threat powerful enough to gain the Legion's attention in the far future, but to take Luthor down, they'll have to journey into the past and ask for help from both Batman and Superboy! Plus, Joe Kelly and various writers and artists chronicle the history of The Man of Steel and The Dark Knight in adventures that span from yesterday into the far beyond! Adam Hughes writes and draws a tale starring Supergirl and Batgirl, J.T. Krul and Francis Manipul deliver a tale of Superboy and Red Robin seeking advice from their mentors, Ace and Krypto get leashed by Duncan Rouleau, and more!
Batman #702 Written By Grant Morrison Art By Tony Daniel
Grant Morrison and Tony Daniel continue their captivating untold tale of Bruce Wayne and his adventures between BATMAN R.I.P. and FINAL CRISIS! Discover the shocking secrets that point toward THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE that we couldn't show you until now!
The Batman Annuals Volume 2
Batman's 80-Page Giant Annuals issues #4-7 are collected in this volume including "The Secret Marriage of Batman and Batwoman," "The Phantom of the Batcave," "The First Batman," plus appearances by Giant Batman, Rip Van Batman, Zebra Batman, Merman Batman and more.
Priest Purgatory #1
A veil of evil threatens to engulf humanity, and one man stands in the way of the apocalypse: our hero, a fallen priest who sold his soul for the power to battle evil and fight for humanity's redemption.
An original, full-color graphic novel that bridges the storyline between the TOKYOPOP series and the feature film from Sony/Screen Gems, starring Paul Bettany
Yes, we are doing back to back Vid Pick's Of The Week but its a new week so why not. Blastr has this article here about the 11 best commercials featuring Darth Vader. Here are a couple of our favorites!!
Pop quiz: what does a plummeting Death Star stormtrooper in the original Star Wars, a defeated Nazi in Raiders of the Lost Ark, a dive-bombed hunter in Howard the Duck, and a fallen cowboy in 2010 hit video game Red Dead Redemption have in common? Movie buffs will know the answer, but the rest of us may have to listen more closely: they all utter the same scream as they perish.
The famous sound-effect is called the Wilhelm scream -- named after one of the first characters to use it on screen -- and it’s become a favorite in-joke of sound directors and film fans. Originally created for 1951 western “Distant Drums,” the distinctive scream was uttered by a soldier after being bitten by a crocodile. Its next appearance -- hollered by a character named “Private Wilhelm” in 1953 cowboys-and-Indians flick “The Charge at Feather River” -- gave it its name. From there, it found its way into a stock sound effects library used by Warner Bros. and was soon featured in many more movies during the 50s. But it wasn’t until the late 1970s that the Wilhelm would rise to prominence, thanks largely to the efforts of Ben Burtt, the celebrated sound designer behind many of Star Wars’ iconic audio effects. Burtt liked the sound so much, he used it in many movies during the late 70s and 80s, including the original Star Wars and Indiana Jones films. Other soundmen followed suit, and you’ll be able to spot it in a seriously diverse set of movies, like Toy Story, Gremlins II, Reservoir Dogs, and even The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. In Red Dead Redemption, it turns up all over the place -- usually as you shoot an opponent off his horse. Here's a compilation video of the scream in various movies!
The Star Wars Saga is coming to Blu-Ray Disc in 2011 and Lucas has confirmed that never before seen deleted scenes will be on the discs as bonus features. So here at TMIAJ we continue our week long look what we could see on the forthcoming Star Wars Blu-Ray release! (source: starwarscutscenes.com)
Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi
Luke's Lightsaber
In the beginning of Return of the Jedi, Luke constructs a new lightsaber and hides it inside of Artoo Detoo, along with a message for Jabba the Hutt.
This scene would have set things up for the later action at Jabba's palace, but it also would have given away the surprise element of Luke's hidden lightsaber. The scene shows up in the novel and radio play as well, but takes place inside Ben Kenobi's hut. From the matte painting and storyboard that exist, it appears the location was changed to take place inside a cave on Tatooine rather than Ben's hut. Until recently rumor was that this scene was never filmed completely. Anthony Daniels himself even said it was only partially filmed as far as he remembered. But then at Celebration V Lucas revealed that it had indeed been filmed and showed it to the crowd. If you were lucky enough last week to see it on You Tube then great, if not you have to wait till the Blu-Ray's hit stores!
Rancor Pit Grate
Luke has fallen through a trapdoor in Jabba's palace, and is now in grave danger inside the Rancor pit. The monstrous Rancor is about to attempt to have him for dinner. In an effort to escape, Luke uses the Force to jump up to a grate above, but he is unable to get out and has his fingers mashed by Jawa gun butts for the effort. He then drops down right onto the Rancor's eye, causing it great pain... but again ends up on the run.
There seems to be no particular reason for this scene being cut, other than for time or because of the difficulty of the special effects regarding the fall onto the Rancor. It would have given another chance to see Luke exercise his Jedi abilities as he makes the jump to the grate.
A single photo from this scene has appeared in the Return of the Jedi storybook, and the scene is included in the novel as well.
Barge Fight
On board Jabba the Hutt's barge, Threepio has found himself an unwilling translator/mediator between a drunken Ree-Yees and Saelt Marae (aka Yak-Face). Salacious Crumb joins in the fun as well. The altercation ends in fisticuffs, just before Threepio bumps into Artoo serving drinks.
This was just a little extra action taking place aboard Jabba's barge, but it was cut from the film as it was non-essential to the storyline.
Pictures from this scene show up all over in various places, including in the photo insert from the novel. Also, the scene is described in the novel, but it is Ephant Mon rather than Saelt Marae who gets in the fight there.
Damn Sand Clogging My Sensors
The Sandstorm
Perhaps Jedi's most famous deleted scenes, after Jabba's barge explodes, our heroes rendezvous once more before taking off and going their separate ways, but they end up having to struggle through a tremendous sandstorm to get to their ships. Chewbacca has been wounded during the battle, and is hobbling along with the help of Luke and Lando. They reach their ships and prepare to part, exchanging feelings and farewells.
This scene would explain how everyone got on and off the planet. Parked out in the desert here is the Milennium Falcon and Luke's X-wing. The script also mentions a two-seated Y-wing being there as well.
Although this scene was the first scene filmed for Jedi, none of it made it into the final film. Footage from this scene has shown up so far only as a snippet on one of the trailers for Jedi, as well as in still photographs in various places including the original West End Games Star Wars role-playing game books, the Behind The Magic CD ROM, and the Star Wars Insider.
I Can't See A Damn Thing
Ooops, Did I Grab Your Boob
Goodbye, We Will Rendevous Later
Luke Puts On The Glove Before He Boards The X-Wing
There are no additional images from Jedi scenes just some info from a scene filmed aboard a Mon Calamari ship during the Battle Of Endor. General Crix Madine was to have scenes aboard a Mon Calamari ship during the final battle. These scenes were filmed. Actor Dermot Crowley claims to have spent a few extra days filming in a moving chair shouting things such as "Fire!". There are cut shots of rebel gunners aboard the Millennium Falcon. It was rumored that the B-Wing fighters would be given more to do during the battle in the Special Editions. These scenes have apparently been held back for a future release.
This concludes our week long look at deleted scenes from the original Star Wars Trilogy. Stay tuned to TMIAJ for more as the Blu-Ray release gets closer!
SNIKT!! returns today with a look at the coolest comics you will find in stores this week. It's a bit Brightest Day heavy but we are digging the Brightest Day stuff here at TMIAJ so it's what we're picking!!
Brightest Day #8
Written By Geoff Johns & Peter Tomasi Art By Ivan Reis
There can be only one who wields the White Lantern...but is it truly Deadman? And what will happen when he attempts to charge the white ring? Meanwhile, Ronnie Raymond risks everything for Firestorm, Martian Manhunter uncovers more clues about the bizarre string of murders stretching across the country, Aquaman searches for the key to the ocean's survival, and the Hawks come face-to-face with the evil that lurks within the strange land known only as Hawkworld!
Green Lantern Corps #51
Written By Tony Bedard Art By Adrian Syaf
BRIGHTEST DAY continues as Hannu, the Green Lantern who does not want to use his power ring, is the only hope to rescue Kyle Rayner, John Stewart and Ganthet. Does he stand a chance against an entire planet controlled by Cyborg Superman? Plus, what are the Qwardians are up to?
The Last Phantom #1
Written by Scott Beatty Art By Eduardo Ferigato Cover by Alex Ross
Forget everything you know about the Phantom as Dynamite, Alex Ross, and Scott Beatty (Buck Rogers) present the ultimate tale of loss, redemption, and revenge! This is The Last Phantom! Redesigned with the utmost care by Alex Ross — who also provides incredible covers for the series — the visuals of the Phantom pay homage to the old, while simultaneously present Lee Falk's classic Ghost Who Walks for a whole new audience!
Hulk #24
Art By Ed MacGuiness Written By Jeph Loeb
THIS IS IT. THE END OF WORLD WAR HULKS! WHO WILL LIVE? WHO WILL DIE? CAN THE MARVEL UNIVERSE SURVIVE WITH A GREEN HULK AND A RED HULK? BE HERE FOR THE FINAL CHAPTER IN THE RED HULK SAGA AS THE SUPERSTAR TEAM OF JEPH LOEB AND ED MCGUINNESS REVEAL THE FINAL FATE OF THE RED HULK!
Today we continue our week long look at cut scenes from the original Star Wars Trilogy. Today we take a look at the stuff left on the cutting room floor from The Empire Strikes Back! (Source: starwarscutscenes.com)
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Dead Tauntans
We see here that the Tauntauns have been attacked by something, but we don't know what it is quite yet. This is not long after Luke has been attacked in the wasteland by something unknown as well. Han takes little note of what has happened here as he is too busy worrying about Luke.
This was part of the whole Wampa storyline that was trimmed from the film. A tiny bit of this scene is left over in the film: we see a dead Tauntaun on the floor, but we don't get any mention of what happened
Bacta Tank
Luke has just been rescued and brought back to the medical center by Han Solo. He's been attacked by a Wampa ice creature, and his face was slashed by the creature's claws. He barely escaped with his life, and would have frozen to death had Han not appeared. The medical droid 2-1B has placed Luke in a tank of healing Bacta fluid to help him recover.
Most of this scene remains in the film, but the dialogue that happens while Luke is in the Bacta tank has been cut out. The scene remains in the comic book adaptation of the film, and the novel.
Wampa Attack
Perhaps the most famous cut scene from Empire, Artoo-Detoo narrowly escapes as a Wampa Ice Monster crashes into the base, enraged by his electronic whistling. A group of Rebel soldiers only manage to stop the creature with a blast from a large bazooka weapon. Right after this, sensors pick up a new intruder (which happens to be an Imperial Probe Droid).
This is part of the Wampa sub-plot that was deleted from the film. Some of the Wampa footage was filmed, but most of it was scrapped due to problems with getting the Wampa to look right.
Sneaky Droids!
Wampa Trap
A number of Wampas have now been captured and are now being kept in a confined area. Threepio and Artoo-Detoo are discussing how the creatures were captured by using electronic whistles like Artoo's. This leads into another deleted scene, which comes later.
Again, this is part of the Wampa storyline that was deleted.
Bacta Mask
Luke has now emerged from the Bacta tank, and is beginning recovery. First, a protective healing mask is removed from his face by 2-1B, and then he is able to converse with his friends. This leads to a rather awkward scene between himself and Leia.
Part of this scene was left intact at the point where Han enters the room, but the rest of this scene involving the mask removal and Luke's conversation with Leia ended up being removed. It remains in the novel and the comic book adaptation.
General Veer's Death
During the Battle of Hoth, General Veers is just about to target the rebel power generators when he is suddenly faced with a kamikaze pilot (Hobbie, Rogue Four) crashing through the front window of the cockpit. Veers is presumably killed in this scene.
Everything up to the snowspeeder crash is still in the film, leaving the question of whether Veers is meant to be alive or dead still a mystery. At least one early version of a Return Of The Jedi script has Veers appearing again, but this was later left out. Also interesting to note is that a very similar scene did end up happening later in Return Of The Jedi, when a damaged rebel craft flies through the front viewscreen of the Super Star Destroyer's bridge after the shields are disabled, causing the entire massive bulk of the ship to plunge into the Death Star's surface.
The only known evidence left of Veers' death scene are the storyboards and descriptions in earlier versions of the script.
Troops Meet Wampas
Imperial troops have now entered the base, and our heroes are in retreat. But Threepio makes a quick decision to help throw off the pursuers: he tears the warning sign off the Wampa trap! The unsuspecting troops then enter the unmarked room, unaware of the fate that awaits them there. Afterwards Darth Vader enters to find only the remains of his troops.
This was cut since it was part of the Wampa storyline that ended up being dropped from the film. Originally it gave Threepio the chance for a clever but deadly joke at the Empire's expense. It also explains why he was so far behind the others when they ran into the hangar to board the Milennium Falcon. One of the trailers for The Empire Strikes Back actually contains a few seconds of this scene.
Luke's Rescue
After losing his duel with Darth Vader as well as his hand, Luke has plunged to his apparent death from a Cloud City gantry platform. However, he has been sucked into an exhaust chute and now hangs precariously below the city. He calls out to Leia, who hears him and heads the Milennium Falcon back to rescue him.
Most of this scene still remains in the film, but there was some additional footage detailing Lando's rescue of Luke after he climbs out of the Falcon's hatch and onto the top of the ship, as well as some description of the scene in an earlier version of the script. One of the trailers forThe Empire Strikes Back actually contains just a few frames more of Lando exiting the hatch.
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