The Couch Potato Report - August 6th, 2005
This week The Couch Potato Report another "Special Edition" DVD I would buy and one bad science fiction film that you should at least watch.
Ah, the "Deluxe", "Extended", "Super Platinum", "Director's Cut" and "Special Edition" DVD!
Sometimes they are a wonderful thing, sometimes they are the worst thing to ever happen to a money hungry DVD industry.
When they are wonderful, they are truly wonderful! In those instances a "Special Edition" DVD can take us behind-the-scenes with the actors and inside the minds of the people who make our favourite films.
When it is the worst thing, a "Special Edition" can just be a reissue of a film that has already been released on DVD, with only a few extras and hardly any participation from the actors or the people who wrote or directed the movie.
Back in June when the film STRIPES was re-released on DVD as an EXTENDED CUT I bought it and here on The Couch Potato Report I stated that "...if I love a movie, if it is a classic to me, and it is cheap, I will buy a reissue".
Now, along comes the SPECIAL EDITION of the hilarious 1994 film SWIMMING WITH SHARKS, starring Kevin Spacey from AMERICAN BEAUTY, THE USUAL SUSPECTS and SEVEN as the "boss from hell."
It isn't as inexpensive as STRIPES, but I love the movie, and it is a classic to me, so I now own it, and I highly recommend it to you as well.
SWIMMING WITH SHARKS is an intelligent, very funny comedy about Hollywood that was released in theatres in 1994.
Kevin Spacey stars as a movie studio executive who's entry-level assistants have all gone on to bigger and better things in Hollywood.
Frank Whaley from CAREER OPPORTUNITIES and PULP FICTION is the naive and eager assistant who learns from day one that this dream job doesn't come with a dream boss.
Spacey immediately begins to wear down his new assistant with unreasonable requests, ego tantrums and verbal abuse, all the while promising "bigger and better things" to his young charge.
Spacey is incredibly delicious as Buddy Ackerman, the "boss from hell." At times, you can even see him - and the character he's playing - having a fun time with the role.
Whaley also does a great job in the film. His career post SWIMMING WITH SHARKS hasn't equaled that of two-time Oscar Winner Spacey's, but in this film they are equals.
In addition to offering a unique inside view of Hollywood, SWIMMING WITH SHARKS is also a great revenge film for everyone who has ever been abused by their "boss from hell."
Some of the special features on this SPECIAL EDITION DVD include three audio commentaries, including one by Kevin Spacey, and a great retrospective documentary called "Back to the Tank: Swimming Ten Years Later."
Yes, ten years later, SWIMMING WITH SHARKS is worthy or a retrospective look back.
In 2015, it is doubtful that anyone will be looking back on the film THEY ARE AMONG US, unless they starred in it, know someone who starred in it, or were part of the creative team responsible for this cheesy science fiction film.
But then again, there are many other cheesy science fiction films that I continue to look back on more than ten years later, so who knows.
That is the best thing about this type of sci-fi film, it doesn't hope to win an Academy Award, it just wants to entertain you.
And as long as you turn off your brain, don't expect much, and have the time to kill, why not give THEY ARE AMONG US a chance?
The film is about a guy named Daniel. Daniel lives in a small town, a small town that seems just like any other small town..., but it isn't.
As Daniel is getting ready to turn eighteen and move away to begin a new life he starts to notice that some things are different.
In fact, what is different is the fact that a Colony of aliens is waiting for its leader to take his place among them.
That is a classic cheesy science fiction film premise, and the film puts it to good use.
If you do watch THEY ARE AMONG US - and I recommend that you do - the one thing that is for sure is the fact that you will recognize at least one member of the cast. It is populated by actors who are former TV stars.
Those actors include Corbin Bernsen from L.A. LAW, Bruce Boxleitner of SCARECROW AND MRS. KING, Hunter Tylo from ALL MY CHILDREN and DAYS OF OUR LIVES and Nana Visitor from STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE.
Plus, the film also features Clint Eastwood's daughter Alison - who starred in her Dad's MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL and was in Regina back in 2003 filming a movie called THE LOST ANGEL.
THEY ARE AMONG US isn't a perfect, or even great film. But it is the perfect film for you if you like cheesy science fiction films, and you are able to turn off your brain, don't expect much, and have the time to kill.
That is the same criteria that allowed films like ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK (1981), OMEGA MAN (1971), LOGAN'S RUN (1976), FANTASTIC VOYAGE (1966), PLANET OF THE APES (1968), and my personal favourite THE WRAITH (1986) become the science fiction "classics" they are regarded as today!
All of those films, along with THEY ARE AMONG US, and the special edition of SWIMMING WITH SHARKS are available now at a store near you.
COMING UP IN THE NEXT COUCH POTATO REPORT
Well, I am trying to remain calm as I write that THE MUPPET SHOW - SEASON ONE IS COMING OUT NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!!!
Woo hoo!!!!
This four-disc box set features all 24 episodes from the 1976 season completely restored and remastered along with the original pilot, the original pitch of the show and more!!
It is possibly the greatest TV show of all time and I can't wait to sit down for 12 hours and watch this set!!
I will also sit still in order to watch THE MUPPETS' WIZARD OF OZ one more time. This is the gang's 2005 TV movie from May retelling of the classic Frank L. Baum story.
I'm Dan Reynish and I will have more on THE MUPPETS, and maybe even some other releases in seven days.
For now, that's this week's COUCH POTATO REPORT.
Enjoy the movies and I'll see you back here next week on The Couch!
Season Two Of Scrubs Is On The Way!
The Emmy-nominated Scrubs has a second-season DVD release from Buena Vista on 15 November. All 22 episodes of the show will be included in the set, 5.1 Dolby Digital sound mixes, as well as a ton of commentaries and featurettes, similar in quantity to its first-season release. Retail price will be $39.99.
Fans to vote in 'Big Brother' twist
CBS has announced that on this week’s live eviction broadcast, host Julie Chen will be bringing back the ‘America’s Choice’ option to ‘Big Brother’.
Through cell phone text messaging, viewers will be able to “influence the course of the game” and vote on a crucial poll after the episode airs. Fans will also be able to cast their votes on the official CBS Internet site as well. The twist comes at a time when the 'Big Brother' house is clearly divided into two separate alliances which will be dead even at five per side once this week's eviction takes place.
Rumours on what the actual twist will be range from viewers getting to pick who wins the Head of Household title this week, which evicted HouseGuest should re-enter the house to continue playing the game or even who is given immunity from eviction or which player should be awarded the Power of Veto.
CBS will also be offering wallpapers and ring tones through the wireless service.
In the original U.S. edition of 'Big Brother' the viewing public voted off the contestants. That option was removed during the second season when the new and current producers revamped the series and changed how the game was played.
Teri Hatcher to offer lessons in book
NEW YORK (AP) — Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher will serve up life lessons in Burnt Toast, a book of advice and inspiration Hyperion plans to publish in the spring of 2006.
"I have had many women approach me, sharing their own stories, and ask me how it feels to have a second chance at 40," Hatcher said in a statement released Tuesday by Hyperion. "With this book, I truly hope to reach everyone that I don't bump into on the street and share my story."
Hatcher, 40, won a Golden Globe in January and recently received an Emmy nomination for her role as single mom Susan Mayer in Desperate Housewives, a dark satire about suburbia that became a hit in its debut season on ABC.
Hatcher's film credits include Soapdish,Tomorrow Never Dies and Spy Kids.
NEW CD RELEASES FOR AUGUST 2, 2005
Amadou & Mariam Dimanche a Bamako (Nonesuch)
Amen Gun of a Preacher Man (live 2003 concert) (Snapper)
Animal Liberation Orchestra Fly Between Falls (w/guest Jack Johnson) (LagMusic)
BA Sports (Rah)
Danny Barnes Get Myself Together (Terminus)
Bass Freq Neon Skyline (Neurodisc)
Bliss Quiet Letters (guest Sophie Barker of Zero 7) (Quango)
Bootcut Hammond vs. Drums (Gadfly)
Brazen Abbot My Resurrection (Locomotive)
Michael Brooks & Royal Priesthood Michael Brooks & Royal Priesthood (Comin' Atcha)
Bruford Tapes (Voiceprint)
Bill Bruford's Earthworks All Heaven Broke Loose (Voiceprint)
Careen Crash Couture
Common Be (instrumental version) (Geffen)
Cook, Dixon & Young Volume One (live 2004 concert) (RCA Victor)
Alice Cooper Dirty Diamonds (New West)
D'Nell 1st Magic (BBE)
Alan Davey Bedouin (Voiceprint)
Deadman Our Eternal Ghosts (One Little Indian)
Benjamin Diamond Out of Myself (!K7)
Downchild Blues Band Come on in (ICE #221) (Blue Wave)
Dungen Ta Det Lugnt (two CDs) (Kemado)
Ebony Eyez Seven Day Cycle (Capitol)
Electric Eel Shock Beat Me (enhanced CD; w/cover of Black Sabbath's "Iron Man") (Gearhead)
Fizzle Like a Flood Golden Sand and the Grandstand (Ernest Jenning)
Don Friedman VIP Trio Timeless (441)
Get Him Eat Him Geography Cones (Absolutely Kosher)
Githead (members of Wire and Scanner) Profile (Swim)
The Greenhornes East Grand Blues EP (produced by Brendan Benson) (V2)
The Grouch (of Living Legends) My Baddest B*tches (DualDisc; w/Zion I and Murs) (Myutopia)
Headrush Headrush (Locomotive)
Matthew Herbert Plat Du Jour (Accidental)
Faith Hill Fireflies (guest Tim McGraw) (Warner Bros.)
Stan Hope Put on a Happy Face (Savant/HighNote)
Houston Calls A Collection of Short Stories (Drive-Thru)
I Self Divine Self Destruction (Rhymesayers)
Isobella Surrogate Emotions of the Silverscreen (New Granada)
The Jones Gang (w/ex-members of Faces and Small Faces) Any Day Now (guests Ron Wood and Ian McLagan; ICE #220) (Reality)
Bert Lams Nascent (InnerKnot)
Lenny B. featuring Kristy Kay I Touch Myself EP (remixes) (Radikal)
Eric Lewis Hopscotch (DVD same day) (Fortress)
Lights Out Overload (Youngblood)
Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz Crunk Juice (Chopped and Screwed) (TVT)
Lorene Drive Romantic Wealth (Lobster)
Madball Legacy (w/limited edition bonus DVD of live and studio footage) (Ferret)
Madredeus Faluas do Tejo (Metro Blue)
Teairra Marí Roc-A-Fella Presents (Def Jam)
Milk Inc Closer (Water Music)
Mossyrock The Zero to One Session (Nice + Smooth)
Maria Muldaur Sweet Lovin' Old Soul (Old Highway 61 Revisited) (guests Taj Mahal, Pinetop Perkins, Alvin Youngblood Hart and more) (Stony Plain)
N.O.R.E. 1 Fan a Day (Def Jam)
Greg Osby Channel Three (Blue Note)
Michael Penn Mr. Hollywood, Jr. - 1947 (w/Aimee Mann and ex-Jayhawk's Gary Louris) (spinART)
Bernadette Peters Sondheim, Etc., Etc. (Angel)
Anthony Phillips Slow Dance (Voiceprint)
Dug Pinnick (of King's X) Emotional Animal (w/bonus interview and MP3's) (Magna Carta)
Tristan Prettyman twentythree (guests G. Love, Jason Mraz and more) (Virgin)
The Prom Kings The Prom Kings (guest the Game on "Down") (Three Kings/Geffen)
Mark Rae Ode to a Dying DJ (mix CD) (Trust the DJ)
Riddle of Steel Got This Feelin' (Ascetic)
Darryl Lee Rush Llano Avenue (Infinity)
Jim Self Innerplay (Basset Hound)
Jake Shimabukuro Dragon (Hitchhike)
Six Feet Under 13 + Graveyard Classics 2 (two CDs) (Metal Blade)
Sons of the Never Wrong Nuthatch Suite (Gadfly)
Spacehead Hawkfest 2003 (Voiceprint)
Ron Spencer & Jumpstart Livin' Low (Blue Wave)
Spiral Realms Trip to G9 (Voiceprint)
Stereotactic The Dawning (Avebury)
Angela Strehli Blue Highway (w/Maria Muldaur and Stevie Ray Vaughan) (MC)
B.J. Thomas Hooked on a Feeling - The Best of (DualDisc; new recordings of hits) (Goldenlane)
Through You Silhouette (ParaFora)
Turning Point Matador (Native Language)
The Warren Brothers Barely Famous Hits (BNA)
Abigail Washburn Song of the Traveling Daughter (Nettwerk)
Westbrook and Company The Lift (Voiceprint)
Reuben Wilson Fun House (Savant/HighNote)
Ying Yang Twins U.S.A. (United State of Atlanta) (Chopped and Screwed) (TVT)
Madelin Zero Gotta Know (remixes) (Indecent Media)
VA A Tribute to Insane Clown Posse (Tributized)
VA Bolero Gypsies Volume 1 (new flamenco artists) (Bolero)
VA Desire: Piano Tribute to U2 (Vitamin)
VA Fusion for Miles (Tone Center)
VA Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen (w/Los Lobos, Joss Stone, Flaming Lips and more) (Hollywood)
VA NuJazz - Brasilia (Sunswept)
VA Pickin' on Beck (CMH)
VA Pickin' on Eric Clapton Vol. 2 (CMH)
VA Pickin' on Franz Ferdinand (CMH)
VA Pickin' on Nickelback (CMH)
VA Smooth Sax Tribute to Mariah Carey's Greatest Hits (Tribute Sounds)
VA The Free Design: The Now Sound Redesigned (remixes by Danger Mouse, Stereolab, Madlib and more) (Light in the Attic)
VA The Piano Tribute to Iron Maiden (Vitamin)
VA The String Quartet Tribute to Queens of the Stone Age Volume 2 (Vitamin)
VA Vocal Jazz Here and Now! (Concord)
OST Broken Flowers (score by Mulatu Astatke) (Decca)
OST Rainbow Six: Lockdown (DualDisc; video game soundtrack w/previously unreleased songs from Deftones, Fear Factory, Puddle of Mudd and more) (Calvin)
OST Skeleton Key (score by Edward Shearmer) (Varèse Sarabande)
DVD Cool Runnings: The Reggae Movie (Xenon)
DVD The Industry (hip-hop documentary w/behind the scenes footage of Outkast, Kanye West, Ludacris and more) (Image)
DVD Beulah A Good Band Is Easy to Kill (Music Video Distributors)
DVD Celly Cel Rap Life: Behind the Scenes (w/Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Jamie Foxx and more) (33rd Street/Bayside)
DVD Desdemona Live 3.0 (w/bonus footage) (Music Video Distributors)
DVD Impotent Sea Snakes Live in Germany (Music Video Distributors)
DVD Sacriversum Saevitius Draconis - Live in Krakow 2005 (includes bonus footage w/documentary) (Music Video Distributors)
DVD That's What's Up That's What's Up (w/bonus CD) (Thump)
DVD VA Give 'Em the Boot (film by Rancid's Tim Armstrong) (Epitaph)
Reynolds Still Regrets James Bond Snub
Veteran actor Burt Reynolds holds such a deep regret about turning down the role of James Bond in the 1970s, he still wakes up in a cold sweat thinking about it.
Late James Bond producer Albert R 'Cubby' Broccoli offered Reynolds the chance to follow Sir Sean Connery as the slick sleuth, but the actor rejected the opportunity - an action he has lived to regret ever since.
He says, "Sean Connery had said he wanted more money and left and (Cubby Broccoli) came to visit me and said, 'We want you to play James Bond.' "And I said, in my infinite wisdom, 'An American can't play James Bond. It just can't be done.'
"Now, in the middle of the night, you hear me wake up in this cold sweat going, 'Bond, James Bond.'"
Phair unplugs new songs in rushed New York show
NEW YORK (Billboard) - Liz Phair unveiled three tracks from her forthcoming album, "Somebody's Miracle" Monday during the first of two shows at New York's intimate Joe's Pub.
Backed only by guitarist Dino Meneghin, Phair opened with the new song "Table for One" and also played the title track, the single "Everything to Me" and "Closer to You," which didn't make the final cut for the 14-track set.
"I'm getting into the whole supper club thing," Phair said with a laugh. "I could have a fallback career." Later, she quizzed the audience, "Are you guys enjoying your dinner? Are you having fish?"
Because another show was booked in the club later in the evening, the artist was forced to rush through the last portion of the set, which clocked in at less than an hour. As fans began to shout out requests, Phair committed to playing "Everything to Me," telling the crowd, "Come on, come on, I love my single."
The show featured such older favorites as "Divorce Song," "Supernova," "F*** and Run," "Never Said" and "Polyester Bride," as well as the rarity "If I Ever Pay You Back" and "Extraordinary," an oft-licensed track from Phair's 2003 self-titled album.
"Somebody's Miracle" is due Oct. 4 via Capitol. In support, Phair will tour North America with a full band beginning around the release date. Her current acoustic jaunt will wrap with an Aug. 24-26 stand at Blue Orchid in her Chicago hometown.
Aniston Resilient in First Interview
NEW YORK - In her first interview since splitting with Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston says she was "shocked" by the breakup and is trying to "pick up the pieces in the midst of this media circus."
Aniston broke down twice during the interview for the September issue of Vanity Fair, on newsstands nationally Aug. 9. Mostly, though, the actress comes across as resilient.
"Am I lonely? Yes. Am I upset? Yes. Am I confused? Yes. Do I have my days when I've thrown a little pity party for myself? Absolutely. But I'm also doing really well."
Holed up in her Malibu, Calif., bungalow, the 36-year-old actress says the media coverage and tabloid rumors have been hard to deal with — especially reports that she didn't want to start a family.
"A man divorcing would never be accused of choosing career over children," she says. "I've never in my life said I didn't want children. I did and I do and I will!"
Aniston filed for divorce in March, citing irreconcilable differences after 4 1/2 years of marriage. The couple separated in January.
Aniston says she was aware of Pitt's attraction to Angelina Jolie, his "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" co-star, but doesn't blame their split on her.
"It's just complicated," Aniston says. "There are all these levels of growth — and when you stop growing together, that's when the problems happen."
But when pictures showing Pitt and Jolie together with her 3-year-old son, Maddox, on a beach in Africa were published, the former "Friends" star says, "the world was shocked and I was shocked."
She was also hurt by a fashion spread in W magazine — a concept of Pitt's — that showed the actor and Jolie as a 1960's-style married couple.
"There's a sensitivity chip that's missing," Aniston says of Pitt.
Says Aniston: "I just don't know what happened. ... I feel as if I'm trying to scrounge around and pick up the pieces in the midst of this media circus."
Otherwise refusing to talk badly of Pitt, the actress says she doesn't want to mimic the bitterness of her parents' divorce.
"I love Brad; I really love him. I will love him for the rest of my life," says Aniston. "I don't regret any of it, and I'm not going to beat myself up about it."
"The sad thing, for me, is the way it's been reduced to a Hollywood cliche — or maybe it's just a human cliche."
Another false report, Aniston says, is her relationship with Vince Vaughn, her co-star in the upcoming movie "The Break Up."
"I like a lot of people, but I'm sooo not `in like' with anybody."
Aniston also hasn't lost her sense of humor. On Pitt's recently dyed blond hair, she says, " Billy Idol called — he wants his look back."