'Mermaid' Swims to DVD Oct. 3
The Little Mermaid will be the next Walt Disney animated classic to get the full VIP treatment on DVD.
The 1989 film won two Oscars (for best song and best original score) and is credited with revitalizing Disney’s animated features after a long dry spell. It will arrive in stores Oct. 3 (prebook Aug. 8) at $29.99 as the studio’s eighth “Platinum Edition” DVD, a designation that brings with it significantly more bells and whistles than a standard DVD release.
The film is Disney’s eighth Platinum Edition DVD — following Lady and The Tramp, which streets Feb. 28 — and marks the first time The Little Mermaid will be available on DVD in seven years.
“The Little Mermaid is a monumental film in the history of Disney animation that is beloved by everyone,” said Gordon Ho, EVP of brand marketing and business development for Buena Vista Home Entertainment. “It signaled the beginning of a new era of animation at the Walt Disney Studios that included Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King.”
Ho said Mermaid is the most-requested Disney movie for release on DVD and will be backed by a massive marketing campaign similar to that for Cinderella, last year’s holiday-season Platinum Edition release. Cinderella went on to sell more than 6.5 million units and, according to Nielsen VideoScan data, is the No. 8 DVD seller of 2005, outselling such major new theatricals as Batman Begins and Ray.
Like other Platinum Edition releases, The Little Mermaid will be a two-disc set, with one disc reserved solely for bonus materials. Several cutting-edge features still are being developed, along with such expected extras as deleted scenes, commentaries, and featurettes on various aspects of the making of the movie. The DVD also will include several musical bonuses.
Ho said the film itself has been digitally restored, as has the audio track.
And like Cinderella, Ho said, Disney Consumer Products is working with a variety of partners to develop “a whole range of licensed products” to hit stores at the same time as the DVD, from costumes and other apparel to dolls and toys — more than 2,000 new products, in all.
“One of the greatest things about working on DVD releases like The Little Mermaid is that unlike a big theatrical release, we have the ability to plan very far in advance because we don’t have to guess whether the film will become a hit,” Ho said. “It already is.”
Survivor's ten best players
They are the kind of people you would want on your tribe when Jeff Probst first dumps you in the middle of no-freaking-where.
They are the people you would love to form an early alliance with and then quietly turn on before they stab you in the back.
Combining both brains and brawn here are the MVPs of 'Survivor'.
10. Andrew Savage: 'Survivor Pearl Islands'
The heart and soul of the Morgan Tribe on 'Pearl Islands', Andrew would not be denied. Even though his tribe suffered crushing defeat after crushing defeat, he did not raise the white flag...ever. Instead, he led by example and rallied them on even during the bleakest times. Who can forget how he held those logs on his shoulders for what seemed like an eternity? Talk about pure will. We haven't seen a more gutsier player yet.
9. Ian Rosenberger: 'Survivor Palau'
Until he started thinking with his heart and not his brain, Ian swept through the challenges like a man possessed and back at camp showed that he was no slouch when it came to strategizing as well. A fan of the show and a student of the game, Ian almost had it all on 'Survivor Palau'.
8. Colby Donaldson: 'Survivor Australia' and 'Survivor All-Stars'
A resilient athlete and trust-worthy ally, Colby thrives on competition. Much like Bobby Jon, he is an honourable player who respects those who make things happen and looks down upon Under The Radar players who sit around waiting for the next coat-tail to present itself.
7. Bobby Jon Drinkard: 'Survivor Palau', 'Survivor Guatemala'
Although he could benefit from being a little more cut-throat sometimes, BJ has a heart, a conscience and a will that relentlessly carries the fight onward. His body will quit long before he does. A gentleman through and through, he is a man of his word who upholds the virtues of fair play and honesty. A hell of a guy.
6. Rafe Judkins: 'Survivor Guatemala'
Who would have thunk it, eh? If Rafe proved anything during his stint on 'Survivor' it was that you can't underestimate any of your opponents. Rafe played one of the most perfect 'Survivor' games ever until he took himself out of the running during the final three. What a great run he had though.
5. Richard Hatch: 'Survivor Borneo'
Sure, he was the grandfather of the voting block strategy but as the series has progressed he has fallen down the rankings simply because he was only so-so when it came to the challenges themselves. Still, the sly one that he is, Richard could almost talk himself out of any situation so he still deserves to be in the top five.
4. Stephenie LaGrossa: 'Survivor Guatemala', 'Survivor Palau'
You cannot quench that fighting spirit. A true inspiration, Steph doesn't back down and doesn't surrender...despite the griping here and there. She can hang tough with any competitor and doesn't avoid challenges, she ploughs head-long into them. Simply awesome.
3. Brian Heidik: 'Survivor Thailand'
As clever as a fox, Brian dominated the 'Thailand' edition from almost the moment he stepped onto the beach. Viewing his time in the game as nothing more than a "business trip", Brian played a very cool and very calculated game that turned out to be a masterwork of 'Survivor' gameplay.
2. Rob Mariano: 'Survivor Marquases', 'Survivor All-Stars'
Like him or hate him, 'Boston Rob' is a force to be reckoned with. A master manipulator and physical force, Rob can work magic even in the direst of circumstances. Being such a snake, you would assume his trust factor would be nil but time and time again, people place their faith in him and usually pay the price for doing so. You think they would have learned by now, eh?
1. Tom Westman: 'Survivor Palau'
Whether it be engaging in a challenge or formulating a winning strategy, Tom Westman has no equal thus far. Like Brian Heidik before him, Tom stampeded through 'Palau' even though he shone the spotlight on himself as a dominant player. A charming competitor and leader who isn't afraid to let his dark side loose on occasion, Tom is pretty much fearless.
Honourable Mentions
Ami: 'Survivor Vanuatu'.
Chris: 'Survivor Vanuatu'.
Lex: 'Survivor Africa', 'Survivor All-Stars'.
Ethan: 'Survivor Africa', 'Survivor All-Stars'.
Rupert: 'Survivor Pearl Islands', 'Survivor All-Stars'.
Gary: 'Survivor Guatemala'.
Cindy: 'Survivor Guatemala'.
Keith: 'Survivor Australia'.
Tammy: 'Survivor Marquesas'.
Matthew: 'Survivor Amazon'.
Kelly: 'Survivor Borneo'.
Zach Braff & Mandy Moore Engaged
Scrubs star Zach Braff and singer/actress Mandy Moore might soon be tying the knot. According to In Touch magazine, the 31-year-old actor/director/writer proposed to Moore, 22, at the end of January. Although the pair are not divulging any news just yet, Braff is said to have given his potential bride-to-be a $450,000 diamond-and-platinum engagement ring. Sources close to the couple say plans are in the works for a possible April wedding, the birth-month of both Braff and Moore.
Corgan, Chamberlin Revive Smashing Pumpkins
In the clearest sign yet that Billy Corgan is moving ahead with his plan to revive seminal alternative rock act Smashing Pumpkins, sources say the group has signed a new management deal with Jared Paul and Paul Geary at the Irving Azoff-helmed Front Line Management.
Billboard.com has learned that Corgan and Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin will initially begin work on a new studio album, the first under the group name since the original Pumpkins' 2000 swan song, "MACHINA/the machines of god." When asked for comment, a Corgan spokesperson said there was no information to report at present.
It is understood that at this point, original members James Iha (guitar) and D'arcy Wretzky (bass) are not participating in the reunion, but sources say multi-instrumentalist Billy Mohler will be involved in some fashion. Mohler formerly played bass in pop/rock act the Calling and was a featured contributor on Chamberlin's 2005 solo album, "Life Begins Again."
The Pumpkins are expected to hit the road at some point this year, although, as first reported here, a rumored appearance at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in late April will not materialize. The group's name is already being kicked around as a possible headliner for Lollapalooza, which is set for Aug. 4-6 in its Chicago hometown.
"As long as Billy has Jimmy, he can make the essential Pumpkins record, I'm sure," former Pumpkins bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur tells Billboard.com, adding that while she is not involved in any reunion plans, "my services are always there to play my favorite songs. If D'arcy is not available, I'm always happy to be second in line."
As previously reported, Corgan stunned fans last June when he took out a full-page ad in the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times announcing his intentions to "renew and "revive" the Pumpkins. In 2004, he broke his silence about why the band dissolved, lashing out at Iha and Wretzky for walking away from an endeavor he described as "essentially my entire life... a dream I still believe in."
Corgan's newspaper ads came out the same day as his Reprise solo debut, "The Future Embrace," which met with a chilly reception at retail. The album debuted at No. 31 on The Billboard 200 and has sold just 69,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
In the past few weeks, the URL SmashingPumpkins.com has begun redirecting to Corgan's own home page. In December, he teased fans on his Myspace.com site with the promise of a surprise, saying that it "all will be announced soon enough. Hold on to your horses. After all, good things surely [come] to those who wait. Don't you just love the suspense?"
No Superbowl snub for Stevie Wonder
There's no controversy, Stevie Wonder said.
The Motown legend appeared at a news conference Thursday featuring the Super Bowl pregame performers.
Before a reporter could ask a single question, Wonder lifted his microphone up and said: "If we didn't want the Stones, we wouldn't be here. We want the Stones."
In the weeks leading up to Sunday's game at Ford Field, some Detroiters, including Aretha Franklin — who sat beside Wonder Thursday — complained that the city's Motown legacy was being snubbed with the choice of the Rolling Stones as the halftime entertainment.
Wonder put that to rest, saying he didn't "have a problem with the Stones."
"They even recorded two of my songs," he said with a smile.
The Stones were scheduled to speak to the media at a news conference later Thursday afternoon.
Wonder will play a 12-minute set before the game, and Franklin will team on the national anthem with singer Aaron Neville, keyboardist Dr. John and a 150-member Detroit-based choir.
Wonder, a 21-time Grammy winner who was born in Saginaw, will join with singers John Legend, India.Arie and Joss Stone for the pregame show. They are expected to perform some of Wonder's hits, as well as other Motown hits. In addition, the Four Tops will also perform prior to kickoff, but they will not be carried live on the ABC broadcast.
Neville said he was thrilled at the opportunity to perform alongside Detroit's own "Queen of Soul."
"I'm like a schoolboy about it," he said. "I have butterflies."
Neville, a New Orleans native, predicted the anthem would be a "bit of New Orleans and Motown mixed together.
Franklin talked about being asked in the past to perform at the Super Bowl and how excited she was to finally be able to do so in her hometown.
Near the end of the news conference, Franklin was asked whether she was surprised the big game was returning to Michigan, considering the subzero temperatures that plagued the 1982 game played at the Pontiac Silverdome.
Her reply: "I never knew it came the first time."
Fifth Harry Potter Movie to Start Filming
LONDON - A veteran Academy Award nominee and a 14-year-old unknown will join the cast of J.K. Rowling's epic Harry Potter series as filming begins next week on the latest movie, producers said Thursday.
Millions of fans across the world are eagerly awaiting the adaptation of Rowling's fifth book — "Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix" — which sees the return of young actor Daniel Radcliffe in the title role.
Filming will begin Monday in Hertfordshire, a county in southern England. The movie is not slated for release until next year.
The plot centers on the arrival of Dolores Umbridge, an unpopular new professor at wizard academy Hogwarts. She will be played by actress Imelda Staunton, nominated for a 2005 Oscar for her performance in the bleak period drama "Vera Drake."
Potter also wrestles with his attraction to new character Luna Lovegood, a role taken by 14-year-old newcomer Evanna Lynch.
Lynch beat out 15,000 young rivals in an open casting for the part in Britain.
The last film in the series, an adaptation of the fourth book, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," was 2005's top earner at British cinemas.
It recorded box office figures of 47.6 million pounds (US$84.1 million or €69.4 million).
New Cast Members Play Big Roles on 'SNL'
NEW YORK - "Saturday Night Live," like rock 'n' roll, is perpetually dying. Throughout the 31 seasons of the NBC sketch comedy show, on a near annual basis, critics have written off "SNL" for not being "what it once was."
When the immensely popular Chevy Chase left the show early in the second season, his replacement was derided. Three decades later, Bill Murray remains one of our most celebrated comics.
"It's been dying since the second season," says Lorne Michaels, the creator and executive producer of the long-running show. "It's always about reinvention."
With it four years since Will Ferrell was a cast member and two years since Jimmy Fallon departed, the present incarnation of "SNL" has been one, Michaels says, of "transition."
But the newest crop of cast members has helped energize this season of "Saturday Night Live," which continues Saturday (11:30 p.m. EST) with old-time "SNL" favorite Steve Martin hosting, with Prince the musical guest. This year's four newbies — Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg and Jason Sudeikis — have all made notable contributions.
"I think you're seeing the wave of the future," Michaels, 61, says.
Tina Fey, who co-anchors "Weekend Update" with Amy Poehler and who is one of "SNL's" three head writers, agrees.
"I think there's a generational shift happening now," she says. "I feel, for sure, like a senior and there's a lot of great, exciting freshmen that are coming in."
The shaggy-haired Samberg has lately become immediately recognizable to viewers. His mock hip-hop video with Chris Parnell about cupcakes and "The Chronicles of Narnia," entitled "Lazy Sunday" (penned with new writers Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer), was a huge hit online, where it was linked by blogs including Gawker.com.
Hader has proven himself with savvy impressions, including a hysterical, spacy Al Pacino. He's also experienced a few typical first-year roles, including playing a man frozen in a coma in one sketch.
"It got a laugh," Hader cheerfully defends his performance. "I've done speaking parts and not gotten a laugh."
Wiig already has a recurring character — a checkout lady at Target who couldn't be happier with her job, who races away from her register and off to the shelves to pick up each new product she spots.
Sudeikis, who was a writer for two seasons before entering the cast, has proven capable in carrying a skit himself — as he did in a virtual one-man sketch where he gradually descends from shopping for a wedding ring to trying to steal one.
"I think, in a certain sense, everyone that's new is doing well," Samberg says. "I have nothing to compare it to, but it certainly feels like there's been a sense of excitement all through this season."
There have also been some behind-the-scenes changes. Seth Meyers, the fifth year "SNL" member known for his Sen. John Kerry impression and the elaborately insulting scientist Dr. Dave Klinger, has recently been promoted to head writer. (With Fey and Meyers, the third head writer is Andrew Steele.)
The new position, Meyers says, alleviates his pain if none of his sketches make the show: "It's gives me something to do rather than stew in my own juices of disappointment. You can actually still help the show."
Aside from the Internet phenomenon of "Lazy Sunday," "SNL" sketches were also recently made available on Apple's iTunes for $1.99 each. These 21st century options, Michaels says, "changes the whole dynamic."
"The audience of the show has always been young and I think they're more likely to be aware of the new technology," he says.
Martin is returning as host for his 14th time Saturday, but doesn't like to stroll down memory lane too much: "I'm not sentimental about anything after 1970. I don't know why," the 60-year-old deadpans.
"I forget how young everybody was when we started," he says of being back at the now hallowed "SNL" studio — 8H — in NBC's Rockefeller Center headquarters. "And when I come back here, I think, `Gee, everybody is so young.' Then I realize, but we all were. I'm reminded of an essential truth, that this is a very young show."
While "SNL" is still clearly geared to the young, in 31 seasons countless loyal viewers have inevitably grown up.
"The problem with a show that's been on for 30 years is that it's sort of everybody's sketch show," says Meyers. "It is, actually, your parents' sketch show because when they were your age, they were watching it."
"Other than `Meet the Press' and `60 Minutes,' other shows don't have that problem — but it's a great problem to have," he adds.
Of course, most of the cast members of "SNL" are not freshmen. Together, they make up a genuine ensemble, which Michaels says is currently like "what football has in special teams."
"There are people who are there who do something where they're the best for that."
Veteran Darrell Hammond keeps up impressions of Donald Trump and MSNBC's Chris Matthews. Fred Armisen can mimic Prince or hawk chandeliers with a Long Island accent. Chris Parnell remains, perhaps, the show's MVP, a constant reservoir of both middle-class straight men and wannabe rappers.
Will Forte, his veins often popping, has emerged as possibly the show's craziest performer. He recently, as the ponytailed lead singer of the house band for morning talk show "Duluth Live," downed a fake bottle of whiskey and began screaming things like "Go Thunderbird Spirit!"
And that still leaves Rachel Dratch, Horatio Sanz, Kenan Thompson, Maya Rudolph (who returns after maternity leave Saturday), Finesse Mitchell and the "TV Funhouse" clips from Robert Smigel.
If there is a star of "SNL" right now, it might be Poehler, who seems to see more screen time than anyone else. But it may be too early to proclaim whose generation this is.
"Those kind of things of who went on to become a giant megastar, you only find out in retrospect that it was the ` Eddie Murphy Years' and the `Will Ferrell Years'," says Fey.
In the end, what might be the dominant aspect of "Saturday Night Live" isn't its fluctuations, but its consistency.
"Nothing has changed," Martin says. "Not even Lorne's photos on the walls in his office."
Locklear Files for Divorce From Sambora
LOS ANGELES - After 11 years of marriage, actress Heather Locklear has filed for divorce from rocker Richie Sambora, her publicist said Thursday.
"This is a private matter and there will be no further comment at this time," CeCe Yorke said in a statement.
Locklear, 44, first gained fame in 1981 as sexy Sammy Jo Dean Carrington on the TV series "Dynasty."
In the 1990s, she took on the role of cold-hearted Amanda Woodward on TV's "Melrose Place" and played mayoral love interest Caitlin Moore on "Spin City."
Sambora, 45, is a founding member and lead guitarist for the rock band Bon Jovi. He has also released two solo albums.
Locklear and Sambora were married in 1994. Their daughter, Ava Elizabeth, is 8.
Locklear was previously married to Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee.