Icon vs. Icon

Fresh off the success of Steven Spielberg’s 1975 blockbuster ‘Jaws,’ many producers rushed low budget rip-offs to theaters in order to capitalize off the now famous ocean horror story.  It was this atmosphere that created some of film’s less than finer moments.  Audiences were pounded over the head with such fine cinema as ‘Mako: The Jaws of Death’ and, how can any of us forget, ‘Orca,’ the tale of a killer whale hell bent on revenging its deceased mate and unborn offspring.  It wasn’t until 1978 that audiences were given a film about killer fish that would carve its own niche and prove to have staying power.

Master of Horror Wes Craven is back with ‘My Soul to Take’, which is his first movie since 2005′s ‘Red Eye.’ The flick stars Max Thieriot, John Magaro, Emily Meade, Nick Lashaway, Denzel Whitaker, Shareeka Epps, Paulina Olszyinski, and Raul Esparza and is currently slated to hit theaters October 8th, 2010. Check out the first official trailer for the film below and be sure to weigh in with your thoughts!

Synopsis: In the sleepy town of Riverton, legend tells of a serial killer who swore he would return to murder the seven children born the night he died. Now, 16 years later, people are disappearing again. Has the psychopath been reincarnated as one of the seven teens, or did he survive the night he was left for dead? Only one of the kids knows the answer.Adam “Bug” Heller (Max Thierot) was supposed to die on the bloody night his father went insane. Unaware of his dad’s terrifying crimes, he has been plagued by nightmares since he was a baby. But if Bug hopes to save his friends from the monster that’s returned, he must face an evil that won’t rest … until it finishes the job it began the day he was born.

What comes to mind when you hear the name Joe Dante? Does the ‘Jaws’ inspired ‘Piranha’ come to mind? How about ‘The Howling’ or ‘Gremlins’? Still not enough? Maybe you are more fanatical about ‘Innerspace’ or ‘The ‘Burbs’. That’s right, Joe Dante is responsible for directing some of the most memorable movies of the late ‘70s and ‘80s. While Dante is truly something special in the realm of cinema and has retained steady work since those glory days, he somehow managed to disappear off the industry’s radar for the past couple years. Well here’s the news you Joe Dante maniacs have been waiting for! The master of horror is back with a vengeance! The legendary director has been thrust onto the scene with a new DVD reissue of ‘Piranha’ and its big budget remake due to hit theaters on August 20th. While his past works and influence on modern cinema speak for themselves, the director also has a new trick up his sleeve. Dante is on the verge of unleashing a brand new tale of terror upon the masses this fall in 3D. Steve Johnson of Icon vs. Icon recently caught up with the director to discuss his influences, his memorable films, Shout! Factory’s upcoming DVD reissue of ‘Piranha’, Hollywood’s trend of remaking classic films, and his upcoming movie ‘The Hole 3D’.

First off, I want to give our readers a little background. When did you realize you wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?

Well I don’t think it really ever dawned on me until after I made my first movie. When I was a kid I wanted to be a cartoonist. I spent most of my time at Saturday matinees. I ended up getting a job at a film magazine reviewing movies. Then I came out here to make trailers and I got a chance to direct a movie. It all sort of happened to me. When I look back on it, it’s the only career I ever could have had.

Who were your influences, be it other directors or otherwise?

Almost every movie I ever saw influenced me. I discovered later when I looked back at some of the movies that I had made, how many things I had stolen from other pictures that I wasn’t even aware of at the time. I had all of these images floating around in my head and they just would come out while I was working.

You are a director, writer, editor, and producer. Is there one aspect of film making that you prefer over the others?

I started as an editor. I still think that’s where the power is. You can ruin a movie or you can make a movie in the editing room. Obviously, you have to have the footage for it. If I hadn’t been an editor first, I don’t think I ever would have been able to direct my first couple of pictures as successfully as I did because I was aware of what I needed and what I didn’t need.

You’ve done work on motion pictures and television series. Which format do you prefer?

Well I think that for watching movies, the theatrical experience is unique. There’s nothing like it. As far as the content goes, with the advent of big screens at home and new sound systems, the difference between making movies for theaters and making movies for television has really diminished quite a bit. In the old days they used to say, “If you do a TV movie it has got to have a lot of closeups because the screens are small.” Now, of course, that isn’t true. I don’t think most people change their style one way or the other depending on which medium they are working in.

You are responsible for some of the most memorable films of the ‘80s (‘The Howling’, ‘Gremlins’, ‘Explorers’, ‘The ‘Burbs’, etc. …). Is there one of those films that sticks out as your favorite or that you have really fond memories of?

As far as fond memories of … I really enjoyed making ‘Innerspace’ because the cast was so much fun. It was fun to go to work every day. Some of the other movies were a little more difficult for various reasons. As far as on the set, I had the most fun on ‘Innerspace’, ‘Gremlins 2’, and ‘The ‘Burbs’.

Did you ever imagine that those films would become so popular and affect people the way they have?

No, you never think that. I’m here at the Shout! Factory booth doing a promo for the new DVD reissue of ‘Piranha’, which is my second movie. If you had told me in 1978 that anybody would be buying a Blu-Ray of what I was doing then I wouldn’t have believed it. When you are making the movies you don’t think about posterity, you just think about getting it done.

'Piranha' Is Now Available From Shout! Factory

Speaking of Shout! Factory’s reissue of ‘Piranha’. They are due to release the film on DVD and Blu-Ray on August 3rd. Looking back on it, do you have any fond memories of working on the film and would you have done anything different with it if you were given a chance?

I probably would have done everything differently if I had a chance! [laughs] The whole idea with that one was that it was an assignment picture. It was a movie that was available to do and Roger offered it to me. I thought it was a terrible idea for a movie, five years after ‘Jaws’ doing a low budget rip off. By the time we were done with it, I think we had obviously managed to change it into something that was a little more substantial. For some reason it’s managed to stay in the public consciousness.

What was it like working alongside Roger Corman on ‘Piranha’?

Roger initiated the project and worked with me on the script and on the cutting. We made the movie in Texas, so he wasn’t around. It was basically, as with all Corman films, beat the clock. You basically have to try to get as much footage in the can as possibly between sunlight and sunset. It means taking a lot of shortcuts and cutting a lot of corners. Usually the projects were very ambitious for the time and money that was being invested in them. You eventually wanted to make the best possible ‘Piranha’, ‘Women in Cages’, or ‘Teachers’ movies that you could make out of the material. [laughs]

Did Shout! Factory consult you when it came time to put the DVD together? If so, what input did you have?

They did. There had been a previous DVD and they wanted to know if I had anymore material. I actually managed to come up with some footage that I had cut out that was reinserted for network TV broadcast. When it was broadcast on NBC they cut out all of the piranhas. [laughs] They had to have something to fill up the space. Of course they did a Blu-Ray, which is a new transfer. It’s in the proper ratio and it looks as good as that movie could ever look.

Remaking films is the current rage in Hollywood right now. As a the director of a film that has been remade (‘Piranha’), what are your feelings on the trend?

As a guy who made his splash by making a ripoff of ‘Jaws’, I’m really not in the position to criticize anybody for remaking anything. Many of the movies that we think of as classics were remakes. ‘The Maltese Falcon’ was a remake. ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was a remake. There’s nothing wrong with remakes. If they improve on the original and are intelligent, I think they can be great. ‘Heaven Can Wait’ is a great remake of ‘Here Comes Mr. Jordan’. They are both good movies. I think it’s fine. I think the problem currently in Hollywood is that they’re remaking them only because the titles already exist and they have proven themselves. In this particular economic climate everybody is afraid to do new things, which is why I’m pleased to see that ‘Inception’ has been doing so well. It disproves the bromide that the studios can’t make money by doing new projects.

Do you intend on seeing the remake of ‘Piranha’ when it hits theaters?

Oh sure! Yeah! I was supposed to be in it, but I unfortunately couldn’t do it.

'The Howling' - When Werewolves Were Werewolves

You are responsible for one of the scariest werewolf movies (‘The Howling’) to ever hit the silver screen and are often looked upon as a master of horror. Have you always been a fan of horror films and what are your thoughts on being referred to as a master of horror?

I suppose it’s flattering, particularly the company that I am in. When I did that cable series a couple of years ago, we had some pretty good people there. It’s a little limiting in the sense that sometimes people don’t think of you for anything else. “Why would we want to give him a love story? He does horror pictures!” That’s a little limiting. It’s a genre that used to be considered junk and now it’s become the backbone of the industry, so I guess it’s OK.

Although you have directed films outside of the horror genre, you have become closely associated with the realm of horror. Do you see yourself continuing to work in the horror genre or do you want to pursue interests outside of the genre?

I think over the years I have not pursued as many things outside of the genre as I would have liked to because I’m much more bankable doing horror films. The trick with horror pictures is trying to find something new and interesting to do that hasn’t been done a hundred times. I get a lot of horror scripts and generally most of them aren’t so hot. They’re kind of all retreads of things or they’re just violence for violence sake. I think those kind of movies are going to age fast. I did do a picture last year called ‘The Hole in 3D’, which is a horror film. It’s more of a retro horror film, like the kind of things we were making in the ‘80s.

What can you tell us about ‘The Hole’ and were there any challenges to shooting the film in 3D?

I love 3D. I’m old enough to have seen it when it was new in the ‘50s. I think that when properly used, it’s a great storytelling tool. It’s a family style horror picture about a dysfunctional family. A mom and two kids move from the big city to kind of a boring podunk town. We don’t know exactly why they moved, but there seems to be some sinister reason. The kids discover a door in the floor that has locks on it. When they take off the locks, which you’re not supposed to do in these pictures, something comes out and it’s obviously not good. As a movie, it was a lot of fun to make because I really enjoy doing 3D. We won an award at The Venice Film Festival for best 3D film last year. It’s been playing in a couple places in Europe and I guess it is coming out here this fall.

Joe Dante's 'The Hole'

Is there any specific release date?

No. I finished it a while ago and I haven’t been talking to those guys. I just know vaguely that it’s supposed to come out at the end of the year.

The film has obviously made the rounds on the festival circuit. How has it been received?

Quite well! Surprisingly well! It did well in Toronto. They loved it in Venice. It opened quite well in Italy and it’s playing in Russia.

Do you have any other film projects that we should be on the look out for?

Not that’s going to be imminently out. I’ve got things that I am working on. Things I’m trying to get funded, which is a whole other story that you don’t want to hear about. Basically I try to keep busy with my website.

What do you consider the defining moment of your career so far?

The defining moment of my career came while I was making ‘The Twilight Zone’ movie. It was at Warner Brothers. I had never worked at a big studio. I was on an elevated set and we were looking down at the rest of the stage. A grip pointed to the corner and said, “You see that corner! Errol Flynn pissed in that corner!” I remember thinking, “You know! I have arrived!” [laughs]

That’s a good story! [laughs] What is the biggest misconception about yourself?

About me? Hmmm … That’s a stumper! I don’t know! [laughs]

What is the best piece of advice someone has given you along the way in your career?

Roger Corman once told me to sit down a lot. That was really good advice, except on his pictures there were no chairs. [laughs]

That being said, do you have any advice for someone who would like to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?

They have my sympathy because it’s much harder now than it was when I started. I would say this … If they’re directing, they should edit their own material so they know what mistakes they made and that they won’t make again.

Joe Dante

Is there anything else you want to add or let your fans know before we let you go?

Can I plug my website?

Absolutely! Plug away!

Do you know about it?

No. I’m not familiar. What can you tell us about it?

Well, this is an important day in your life. It’s www.trailersfromhell.com. It’s a site where we have almost 500 trailers, all narrated by contemporary filmmakers. They talk about what the movie meant to them, where they saw it, how they stole from it, whether they liked it or not. It’s everything from ‘Attack of the 50 Foot Woman’ to ‘Spartacus.’ The commentators include everybody from John Landis and Guillermo del Toro, to Eli Roth, Edgar Wright, me, and a lot of other people. It was basically created because I was concerned that the movies that I grew up with from the ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s, and even the ‘70s were getting kind of unknown. Kids today, in this world where we have so many things available, don’t know about these things and don’t know about these filmmakers. I was just basically trying to get it back into the public eye. It’s been working quite well.

Awesome! I’m going to check that out as soon as I get off the phone with you!

Cool! You’ll find Roger Corman talking about ‘Tales of Terror’!

The World Needs More 'Gremlins'

Real quick, what’s the status of ‘Gremlins 3’?

There were so many rumors I actually asked Warner Brothers last month if there was anything going on and they said no.

I’m sure you get that question 3,000 times a day.

[laughs]

Thanks for your time Joe. We wish you all the best. We’ll be on the lookout for ‘The Hole 3D’.

Thank you!

–

To get the latest on Joe Dante, be sure to visit his website, www.trailersfromhell.com. To see more on his upcoming flick ‘The Hole’, swing by the official website at www.theholein3d.com.

Trailer for The Hole 3D – Watch more horror

Just when you thought it was safe to take a dip in the water again…they’re baaaack! This summer, rediscover two enduring Roger Corman underwater thrillers filled with unstoppable action and edge-of-your-seat suspense as Joe Dante’s Piranha and Humanoids from the Deep, directed by Barbara Peters, debut August 3, 2010 for the first time on Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD from Shout! Factory, in association with New Horizons Picture Corporation. These two definitive Special Edition home entertainment releases from Roger Corman’s Cult Classics are sure to cause a feeding frenzy among thrill seekers and loyal fans of Roger Corman and Joe Dante.  Piranha Special Edition offers 2 highly collectible covers: the Blu-ray and DVD both feature the iconic vintage cover art from the film’s original 1978 movie poster and the spectacular art from the original international poster for the reverse cover; and the Special Edition DVD is further sparkled with a visually stunning 3-D lenticular exterior packaging. Humanoids from the Deep Special Edition also boasts a reversible cover featuring vintage art from the U.S. and international movie posters.

Both Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD releases of Piranha and Humanoids from the Deep feature anamorphic widescreen presentation of the movie and a spectacular array of special bonus content, including all-new in-depth interviews and commentaries with cast and crew, rare behind-the-scenes footage, reversible cover and more. Each Blu-ray and DVD is sold separately. Blu-ray is priced to own at $26.97 and $19.93 for the DVD.  Dare you to take the plunge with the original Piranha andHumanoids at home before you put on those 3-D shades for the remake of Piranha in 3-D coming to theaters nationwide late August.  See where the phenomenon began!

Lost River Lake was a thriving resort until they discovered … Piranha!

In 1978, audiences discovered Piranha, widely considered one of the very best films “inspired” by the success of Jaws, and for more than 30 years Piranha has been one of the true cult gems in the Roger Corman canon.

For the first time in anamorphic widescreen, Piranha is being seen the way it was meant to be seen: Bigger, badder, bloodier and more BITING than ever! This summer at Lost River Resort, the fish are most certainly biting!

While searching for missing teenagers, rookie skip-tracer Maggie McKeon (Heather Menzies) and booze-soaked river rat Paul Grogan (Bradford Dillman) stumble upon a top-secret military laboratory conduction genetic research on piranha fish for the purpose of developing the most lethal form of biological warfare imaginable.

When the deadly eating machines are accidentally released from the compound, they’re soon headed downstream, consuming everything — and anyone — in their path. With Paul and Maggie in hot pursuit, the piranha’s next stop is the children’s summer camp, where Paul’s young daughter is vacationing, and then the newly-opened, multi-million-dollar water resort. Time is running out, and the piranha are hungry!

Piranha marked the solo directorial debut of Joe Dante (The Howling, Gremlins and Gremlins 2: The New Batch), after a long apprenticeship under Roger Corman’s tutelage at New World Pictures, and also marked the first produced screenplay of future indie-film icon and two-time Academy Award^® nominee John Sayles (Lone Star, Passion Fish, Eight Men Out). Sharp-eyed viewers will also spot cameo appearances by both Dante and Sayles in this film!

The film also featured one of the most star-studded casts ever assembled for a Corman production: Daytime Emmy^® and Golden Globe^® winner Bradford Dillman (The Way We Were, Compulsion, Escape from the Planet of the Apes), Heather Menzies (TV’s Captain America and Logan’s Run), Academy Award^® nominee and Golden Globe^® winner Kevin McCarthy (Death of a Salesman, Invasion of the Body Snatchers) and Emmy^® nominee Keenan Wynn (Dr. Strangelove, Robert Altman’s Nashville), as well as Emmy^® winner Barbara Steele (The Pit and the Pendulum, Caged Heat, Mario Bava’s Black Sunday), Dick Miller (A Bucket of Blood, The Terminator, Martin Scorsese’s After Hours), Paul Bartel (Death Race 2000, The Usual Suspects), Belinda Balaski (The Howling, Small Soldiers, Explorers), Richard Deacon (TV’s The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Mothers-in-Law) and, in his final screen appearance, Barry Brown (Bad Company, Daisy Miller, The Ultimate Thrill).

Not only was Piranha a box-office hit – becoming one of New World Pictures’ biggest worldwide hits – but it also earned rave reviews from critics, who appreciated its fast pacing, energetic cast, clever conspiracy satire, inventive special effects and, of course, the scares. Many critics considered it second-best only to Jaws but far superior to the “official” Jaws sequels — including Jaws 2, which opened the same year. Piranha won the Saturn Award for Best Editing (shared by Dante and Mark Goldblatt) and was nominated as Best Horror Film.

Like so many Roger Corman productions, Piranha served as a career springboard for many of its participants, including director Dante, screenwriter Sayles, and producer Jon Davison (Airplane!, Robocop and RoboCop 2). Future Academy Award^® winner Rob Bottin (Total Recall, The Thing, Se7en) provided special makeup effects in what marked his first screen credit, and the visual effects team boasted not one, but two, future Oscar^® winners: Phil Tippett (Jurassic Park, Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back) and Chris Walas (The Fly, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Gremlins).

Perhaps the greatest tribute to Piranha’s sustained popularity is that this summer will see the release of Piranha 3-D to the nation’s movie screens. While the big-budget remake will undoubtedly put the bite on moviegoers, true fans know where it all began … with the original, classic Piranha.

PIRANHA SPECIAL EDITION BLU-RAY AND DVD SPECIAL FEATURES:

• New anamorphic widescreen presentation (1.78:1)
• Audio commentary with director Joe Dante and producer Jon Davison
• Behind-the-scenes footage
• “The Making of Piranha” featurette with new interviews from Roger Corman, Joe Dante, Dick Miller, Belinda Balaski and many More
• Bloopers and outtakes
• Piranha trailer with commentary by producer Jon Davison – Courtesy of Trailers From Hell (www.trailersfromhell.com)
• Stills gallery with photos and posters from around the world
• Behind-the-scenes stills gallery featuring photos from Phil Tippett’s personal collection
• Additional scenes from the network television version
• Radio and TV spots
• New World trailers

One good bite deserves another!

Two years after the success of Piranha, Corman and New World Pictures went back to the water and came up with a winner. Humanoids from the Deep was yet another box-office bonanza.

In the sleepy fishing village of Noyo, the fish aren’t biting — and that’s the problem. The town’s faltering economy, dependent entirely on the fishing industry, has exacerbated ongoing, racially-charged tensions between the local fishermen, who want a cannery to be constructed in the town, and the Native American population, who most definitely don’t.

But something else is biting — and worse. A genetic experiment on salmon has produced a species of aquatic monstrosities that are half-man and half-fish … and constantly on the rampage! The body count is rising. Men are being mauled to death, but the female victims suffer a far worse fate: The monsters are mating with them, trying to propagate their horrific species.

Local fisherman Jim Drake (Doug McClure) and scientist Susan Drake (Ann Turkel) join forces to investigate the cause of this insidious invasion, but time is running out. Noyo’s annual Salmon Festival is about to take place on the town’s boardwalk, and some uninvited guests are planning to crash the party in bloodthirsty fashion, culminating in a bloodbath that pits man against monster.

Amid the film’s non-stop action and carnage, however, are also subtle messages about corporate corruption, preservation of the underwater ecology (years before Greenpeace hit the headlines!), and the importance of community. If the residents of Noyo are to survive, they will have to put aside their cultural and political differences and band together. If not, Noyo is doomed.

Humanoids from the Deep proved to be expectedly commercial, but also proved unexpectedly controversial. Credited director Barbara Peters (billed as Barbara Peeters) contended that many of the film’s gorier scenes had been added to the film after principal photography. That may be true, but some of these scenes are the ones most fondly — and fearfully — remembered by the film’s legion of followers. Then the MPAA (Motion Picture of America) threatened to slap the film with an X rating unless some of its more shocking moments were edited down or eliminated altogether. Nevertheless, these controversies didn’t count where it mattered the most — at the box-office, asHumanoids from the Deep became one of New World Pictures’ most popular releases up to that point.

Even more surprising is that the film received good reviews. Although he called it “fast, occasionally hilarious gutter trash,” esteemed film critic Leonard Maltin also awarded it three out of four stars!

This release of Humanoids from the Deep will truly be something spectacular. This version has never been seen before in the United States, as it was taken from the inter-positive from the uncut international version in high definition.

The cast of Humanoids from the Deep is headed by genre favorite Doug McClure (Warlords of Atlantis, The Land That Time Forgot and The People That Time Forgot), Golden Globe^® nominee Ann Turkel (The Cassandra Crossing, 99 and 44/100% Dead) and Emmy Award^® nominee Vic Morrow (Blackboard Jungle, The Bad News Bears, 1990: The Bronx Warriors).

Future Oscar^® winner Rob Bottin again provided the film’s spectacular — and spectacularly gory — special effects, including a climactic birth scene that rivals the one in the original Alien! The film’s menacing and foreboding score was composed by James Horner (Titanic, Aliens, A Beautiful Mind), himself the future recipient of two Academy Awards^®. Production assistant Gale Anne Hurd would go on to become one of the most successful female producers in Hollywood history, with such blockbusters as The Terminator, Aliens, Armageddon and Terminator 2: Judgment Day to her credit.

HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP SPECIAL EDITION BLU-RAY AND DVD FEATURES INCLUDE:

New high-definition transfer of the Uncut international version presented in anamorphic widescreen (1.78:1)

• Never-before-seen deleted scenes
• Trailer, TV and radio spots
• Leonard Maltin’s interviews with Roger Corman on the making of the film
• “The Making of Humanoids From The Deep,” featuring new interviews with composer James Horner, second unit/assistant director James Sbardellati, editor Mark Goldblatt and more!
• New World trailers

With the release of both Piranha and Humanoids from the Deep on Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD, this is sure to be a shocking summer. But remember: Stay out of the water!

Shout! Factory will continue to present Roger Corman’s Cult Classics home entertainment releases on a monthly basis. Upcoming highlights include Starcrash, Slumber Party Massacre: The Collection, The Evil, Twice Dead, Not of This Earth, Time Walker, Dead Space, among others.

Independent filmmaker-producer Roger Corman’s illustrious career ranks as one of Hollywood’s most amazing success stories. Having produced more than 350 films and directed 50 others, his influence on American film goes far beyond his own energetic, creative low-budget movies. He is arguably one of Hollywood’s most gifted and masterful filmmakers. In 2009 he was the recipient of an honorary Academy Award^® for his contribution to the medium of film.

Noted for his keen ability to spot young talent, Corman’s most lasting legacy will undoubtedly be the legion of producers, directors, writers and actors he has fostered, among them: Jack Nicholson, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, Ron Howard, Peter Fonda, Jonathan Demme, Gale Anne Hurd, Diane Ladd, Tommy Lee Jones, Sandra Bullock, Bruce Dern, Talia Shire, Charles Bronson, Joe Dante, Peter Bogdanovich, Dennis Hopper, Bill Paxton, Carl Franklin and Sally Kirkland.

Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras. The company’s audio catalogue boasts GRAMMY^®-nominated boxed sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable “best of” compilations. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. With its fingers on the pulse of pop culture, Shout! Factory continues to impact the entertainment media landscape through acquisition of top quality programming for home entertainment releases. Shout! Factory is based inSanta Monica, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit www.shoutfactory.com

Academy Award^® and Oscar^® are a registered trademark and service mark of the Academy ofMotion Picture Arts and Sciences. Golden Globe^® is a registered trademark of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Emmy^® is a registered trademark of ATAS/NATAS.

A new theatrical one sheet for Alexandre Aja’s Piranha 3D has surfaced! The highly anticipated remake features an ensemble cast which includes Elisabeth Shue, Kelly Brook, Richard Dreyfuss, Jerry O’Connell, Christopher Lloyd, Ving Rhames, Dina Meyer, Ricardo Chavira, Paul Scheer, and Eli Roth.

Piranha 3D is slated to hit theaters nationwide on August 27th.

Synopsis: Jaws… lots and lots of jaws. From acclaimed director Alexandre Aja (The Hills Have Eyes) comes the new action thriller PIRANHA 3D, in the latest eye-popping 3D technology. A new type of terror is about to be cut loose on beautiful Lake Victoria. After a sudden underwater tremor sets free scores of the prehistoric man-eating fish, an unlikely group of strangers must band together to stop themselves from becoming fish food for the area’s new razor-toothed residents. But our heroine (Elisabeth Shue) is seriously outnumbered, and with only one chance to save the lake and her family from totally being devoured, she must risk everything to destroy the aquatic carnivores herself.”

Be sure to check out Icon Vs. Icon‘s exclusive interview with adult film star and star of Piranha 3D, Riley Steele at this location >

Synopsis: Jaws… lots and lots of jaws. From acclaimed director Alexandre Aja (The Hills Have Eyes) comes the new action thriller PIRANHA 3D, in the latest eye-popping 3D technology. A new type of terror is about to be cut loose on beautiful Lake Victoria. After a sudden underwater tremor sets free scores of the prehistoric man-eating fish, an unlikely group of strangers must band together to stop themselves from becoming fish food for the area’s new razor-toothed residents. But our heroine (Elisabeth Shue) is seriously outnumbered, and with only one chance to save the lake and her family from totally being devoured, she must risk everything to destroy the aquatic carnivores herself.”

Shout! Factory returns to Comic-Con International San Diego 2010 with a stellar lineup featuring upcoming and current home entertainment juggernauts that will be showcased in a special panel discussion, media appearances, special signings, interactive fan activities and Comic-Con exclusives at the Shout! Factory booth (#3749, main show floor) throughout the convention. Fan favorite filmmakers, creators and select stars from Shout! Factory’s branded properties scheduled to attend include: Roger Corman, Julie Corman, Joe Dante (Piranha, Trailers from Hell, Gremlins), Allan Holzman (Galaxy of Terror, Forbidden World), Sid Haig (Galaxy of Terror, The Devil’s Rejects), Mary Woronov (Death Race 2000,Rock’n’Roll High School), Stephen Collins (Tales of the Gold Monkey, Star Trek: The Motion Picture), Gregg Berger (voice of “Spirit” in the G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero and “Grimlock” in THE TRANSFORMERS original animated series), Larry Blamire (The Lost Skeleton Returns Again), among other notables.

Action, sci-fi and horror fantasy in full-throttle! If your idea of fun is watching outrageous cult films, loyal fans of Roger Corman and Comic-Con will not want to miss the highly anticipated Comic-Con panel Shout! Factory Presents Roger Corman: B-Movie King on Friday, July 23 at 5:30 PM (Room 25ABC). Recipient of an honorary Academy Award^® for his contribution to the cinematic arts and film industry, world renowned filmmaker/producer Roger Corman headlines this panel – joined by award-winning veteran producer Julie Corman, filmmakers Joe Dante and Allan Holzman, and actors Sig Haig and Mary Woronov – to share insights on Corman’s incredible filmmaking career. Notable Corman alumni in attendance to reflect on their involvement throughout during his New World Pictures-era during the 70’s and 80s, at a time when grindhouse theaters and drive-ins were the place to see over-the-top action, violence and suspense thrillers. Attendees will have the opportunity to sneak peek at upcoming lineup from Roger Corman’s Cult Classics home entertainment series and to participate in the Q&A with panelists during this session. The panel is moderated by documentary filmmaker Alex Stapleton, director of the upcoming film King of the B’s: The Independent Life of Roger Corman.

Shout! Factory will once again have a must-see and can’t-miss booth, stylized with a dramatic backdrop, on the main convention floor. Poised to whet the appetites of Comic-Con attendees and pop culture enthusiasts of all ages, the Shout! Factory booth will showcase the latest offerings from fan-driven product lines, along with a host of exclusive VIP guest appearances, signing events, fan interactive activities, giveaways and more!

SHOUT! FACTORY BOOTH (#3749) HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

BE M-m-m-MAX HEADROOM ! SHOUT! FACTORY MAX PHOTO BOOTH

Join the fun and come celebrate the upcoming home entertainment debut of Max Headroom: The Complete Series. A limited number of attendees will get their very own Max Headroom sunglasses to become Max Headroom and savor the moment with a photograph of their own! Photo booth open: Preview night and Thursday through Sunday.

SPECIAL SIGNINGS & VIP GUEST APPEARANCES

Thursday, July 22

THE LOST SKELETON RETURNS and DARK AND STORMY NIGHT (2:00 PM)

Cult filmmaker Larry Blamire of Dark and Stormy Night and The Lost Skeleton Returns Again, will be signing along with members of the cast Andrew Parks, Susan McConnell and Trish Geiger.

Friday, July 23

ROGER CORMAN’S CULT CLASSICS  (11:00 AM)

Meet legendary filmmakers Roger Corman, Julie Corman and Joe Dante (Piranha [1979], Gremlins, Trailers from Hell) for signings of the latest releases from Roger Corman’s Cult Classics home entertainment series: Piranha, Death Race 2000,DeathSport/ BattleTruck, Forbidden World, Galaxy of Terror, Humanoids from the Deep and Rock’n’Roll High School.

STEPHEN COLLINS and TALES OF THE GOLD MONKEY (3:00 PM)

Special appearance and signing event with acclaimed actor Stephen Collins to celebrate the 80s action adventure TV favoriteTales of the Gold Monkey: The Complete Series home entertainment release.

Saturday, July 24

G.I. JOE – THE MOVIE (3:00 PM)

Special appearance and signing event with Gregg Berger, the voiceover star of “Spirit” in G.I. JOE, “Grimlock” in THE TRANSFORMERS animated series and numerous fan favorite video games. A must for fans of G.I. JOE and THE TRANSFORMERS.

PRODUCT LINE HIGHLIGHTS FROM SHOUT! FACTORY’S COMIC-CON SHOWCASE

ROGER CORMAN’S CULT CLASSICS Home Entertainment Series

The saga of independent filmmaker/producer Roger Corman ranks as one of the most amazing motion picture success stories. Having produced more than 350 films and directed 50 others, his influence on American film goes far beyond his own energetic, creative low-budget movies. He is arguably one of Hollywood’s most gifted and masterful filmmakers. Early this year, Shout! Factory has secured the exclusive North American home entertainment rights to over 50 highly sought-after Roger Corman film properties. Since May 2010, Shout! Factory continues to present Roger Corman’s Cult Classics home entertainment releases on a monthly basis. This summer, fans will see the long-awaited releases of Death Race 2000 Blu-ray and DVD (June 22), Forbidden World 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD (July 20), Galaxy of Terror Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD (July 20), DeathSport/ BattleTruck Double-Feature Collector’s Edition DVD (August 3), Humanoids from the Deep Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD, and the must-have Piranha Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD (Aug 3).

Piranha Special Edition offers 2 highly collectible covers: the Blu-ray and DVD both feature the iconic vintage cover art from the film’s original 1978 movie poster and the spectacular art from the original international poster for the reverse cover; and the Special Edition DVD is further sparkled with a visually stunning 3-D lenticular exterior packaging.

These special edition releases from Roger Corman’s Cult Classics are sure to cause a feeding frenzy among thrill seekers and loyal fans. Comic-Con attendees will have the opportunity to own a piece of the action and sneak peek at upcoming releases.

MAX HEADROOM: THE COMPLETE SERIES

For a long time, fans have been anticipating the home entertainment debut of the show critics called the first cyperpunk series. On August 10, 2010, Shout! Factory will unleash Max Headroom: The Complete Series in a collectible 5-DVD box set featuring all 14 episodes and exclusive bonus features that reveal the genesis, life and afterlife of the series with all-new interviews featuring the cast and creative team!  A must-have for collectors and loyal fans, this deluxe DVD box set is further enhanced by a visually stunning limited-edition 3-D lenticular exterior packaging.

G.I. JOE– THE MOVIE SPECIAL COLLECTORS EDITION

The original animated G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero – THE MOVIE that has been long out of print will finally debut July 27, 2010 for the first time in a Blu-ray + DVD combo pack and separate DVD as a Special Collectors Edition from Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro, Inc. Featuring the voice talent of Don Johnson, Burgess Meredith, SGT. SLAUGHTER and fan favorites Bill Ratner, Michael Bell and Chris Latta, G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero – THE MOVIE Special Collectors Edition contains exciting bonus content including fan-favorite PSAs, printable screenplay with the original movie ending, and audio commentary. The Blu-ray + DVD combo pack edition also offers viewers an exclusive option of viewing the animated movie presentation in widescreen.  G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero – THE MOVIE Special Collectors Edition is the final installment to complete last year’s G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero – The Complete SeriesDVD box set.  this special collectors edition fills the final placeholder inside the g.i. joe: a real american hero – the complete series deluxe footlocker case !

MARVEL THE SUPER HERO SQUAD SHOW: QUEST FOR THE INFINITY SWORD!

When the greatest heroes on the planet unite to face the world’s most dastardly villains, you get the biggest, most family-friendly Super Hero alliance in TV History… The Super Hero Squad!  On July 13, 2010, Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Marvel Animation, will release The Super Hero Squad Show: Quest For The Infinity Sword! Volume 1 DVD, featuring the first seven episodes from the first season of this popular action-packed animated series and special bonus features including a new interview with Stan Lee, music video and trailers.  HERO UP!

MARVEL KNIGHTS ANIMATION SERIES DVD PRODUCT LINE

Earlier this year, Shout! Factory and Marvel Animation have expanded their strategic content partnership to bring Marvel’s innovative and media-rich Marvel Knights Animation series to the U.S. home entertainment marketplace.

Direct from the pages of the critically acclaimed comic books, Marvel Knights Animation remains true to the legendary Marvel experience of sophisticated storytelling and dynamic artwork. Behind every image and every word lies the genius of Marvel’s celebrated creators like Joss Whedon, Brian Michael Bendis, John Romita, Jr., Warren Ellis, John Cassaday and Adi Granov. Boasting groundbreaking graphics, sensational soundscapes and, of course, the explosiveness of the Marvel Universe, Marvel Knights Animation merges iconic Marvel comic book graphics and dynamic animation, utilizing some of the latest technology to provide incredible, cutting-edge, in-your-face storytelling. A wonderful hybrid that incorporates all of Marvel’s greatest talents, viewers can experience their favorite comics, as the spectacular visions of these authors and artists come alive in Marvel Knights Animation. Comic-Con fans will have the opportunity to sneak peek and learn more about the upcoming DVD release of Marvel Knights: Astonishing X-Men – Gifted (Sept 28) and Marvel Knights: Invincible Iron Man – Extremis (November 2010).

GAMERA HOME ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCT LINE

Heart-pounding action and jaw-dropping fun! Shout! Factory, in association with Kadokawa Pictures, continues to present Gamera Special Edition home entertainment releases in North America. Hot off the heel from the excitement of fan favoriteGamera, The Giant Monster – Special Edition DVD, Shout! Factory will unleash the second film in the original series,Gamera Vs. Barugon – Special Edition on July 6, 2010. The DVD contains a collectible reversible cover, a special booklet featuring an essay by actor Kojiro Hongo, audio commentary with August Ragone and Jason Varney, publicity galleries and widescreen presentation of the original movie from an all-new HD master and more!  Comic-Con attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about upcoming Gamera product line highlights include Gamera Vs. Gyaos, Gamera Vs. Viras,Gamera Vs. Guiron, Gamera Vs. Jiger, among others.

LOST SKELETON RETURNS AGAIN and DARK AND STORMY NIGHT

A double-dose of hilarious B-Movie lampoons

In the grand tradition of Mel Brooks and Preston Sturges, Larry Blamire brings his zany ensemble of actors back in two hysterically funny and instant cult-classics, when the highly-anticipated sequel The Lost Skeleton Returns Again and Blamire’s latest send-up Dark and Stormy Night hit the home entertainment shelves August 17 from Shout! Factory. Poised to deliver the cinematic chuckle-fests that loyal fans have been waiting for, both collectible DVDs boast cast and crew commentary, a behind-the-scenes featurette and more.

TALES OF THE GOLD MONKEY: THE COMPLETE SERIES

Get ready to take a thrill-ride to a backwater corner of the South Pacific as Tales of the Gold Monkey The Complete Series is now on DVD from Fabulous Films. Fans can relive the adventures of this much loved television show in a 6-DVD collectible box set featuring all 20 action-packed episodes, original pilot episode, a treasure trove of DVD bonus content, a special collector’s booklet and more!

Created by Don Bellisario and starring Stephen Collins (Private Practice, 7^th Heaven), Caitlin O’Heaney (The Charmings), Roddy McDowall (Planet of the Apes), Jeff Mackay (JAG), Tales of the Gold Monkey aired on ABC in early 80’s and became a popular hit following the success of the Indiana Jones films.

SPECIAL COMIC-CON EXCLUSIVES

Get ready for this year’s collectible exclusives from Shout! Factory. Details will be announced at this year’s Comic-Con and on ShoutFactory.com.

As excitement builds for this year’s Comic-Con, Shout! Factory will announce additional activities and events for Comic-Con fans in forthcoming weeks. Follow us on Twitter @ShoutFactory   http://twitter.com/ShoutFactory and Facebook

The full official trailer for Alexandre Aja’s remake of the Roger Corman classic Piranha in 3D has made it’s debut via Yahoo Movies. Check it out below and weigh in with your thoughts on the film! Check out the trailer below and be sure to weigh in with your thoughts!

Piranha 3D is slated to hit theaters nationwide on August 27th.

Synopsis: Jaws… lots and lots of jaws. From acclaimed director Alexandre Aja (The Hills Have Eyes) comes the new action thriller PIRANHA 3D, in the latest eye-popping 3D technology. A new type of terror is about to be cut loose on beautiful Lake Victoria. After a sudden underwater tremor sets free scores of the prehistoric man-eating fish, an unlikely group of strangers must band together to stop themselves from becoming fish food for the area’s new razor-toothed residents. But our heroine (Elisabeth Shue) is seriously outnumbered, and with only one chance to save the lake and her family from totally being devoured, she must risk everything to destroy the aquatic carnivores herself.”

Be sure to check out Icon Vs. Icon‘s exclusive interview with adult film star and star of Piranha 3D, Riley Steele at this location >

Roger Corman

Shout! Factory and New Horizons Picture Corporation have entered into an extensive multiyear alliance to release a vast library of classic and new films from legendary producer-director Roger Corman, recipient of a 2009 Honorary Academy Award®, to the home entertainment marketplace. Under the terms of the agreement, Shout! Factory has secured the exclusive North American home entertainment rights to over 50 highly sought-after Roger Corman film properties. This announcement was made today by Shout! Factory founding partners Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos, and filmmaker Roger Corman.

“Roger holds an incredibly rich legacy in Hollywood. His cinematic works, spanning decades, continue to influence filmmakers worldwide. Many of his iconic films have been unavailable or long out-of-print in the home entertainment marketplace. There’s a lot of consumer interest in these films,” state Shout! Factory’s founding partners. “We’re thrilled and honored with this opportunity to work with Roger and New Horizons to bring his cinematic treasures back to their original luster and share them with movie fans.”

“We’re delighted to collaborate with Shout! Factory to make New Horizons’ historic library of films available for home entertainment,” said Corman. “We look forward to working closely with the entire Shout team for great DVD and Blu-ray releases ahead.”

Shout! Factory and New Horizons Pictures are working closely to remaster a number of great Corman titles that have been long out of print, some never-before-available on DVD and Blu-ray™. Moreover, Shout! Factory is currently producing a wide range of bonus content for special editions and double features for the launch of Shout! Factory’s Roger Corman’s Cult Classics home entertainment series.

The first titles to be made available from Roger Corman’s Cult Classics presented by Shout! Factory are the much anticipated cult thrillers Piranha Special Edition DVD, Humanoids From The Deep, Up From The Depths and Demon Of Paradise in April 2010; Piranha Special Edition Blu-ray, the memorable 1979 classic Rock ’N’ Roll High School Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray and the punk rock drama Suburbia in May 2010. Other Corman classics slated for 2010 release include Death Race 2000, Warlords Of The 21st Century, Deathsport, Forbidden World and Galaxy Of Terror, among others.

The saga of independent filmmaker-producer Roger Corman ranks as one of the most amazing motion picture success stories. Having produced more than 350 films and directed 50 others, his influence on American film goes far beyond his own energetic, creative low-budget movies. He is arguably one of Hollywood’s most gifted and masterful filmmakers.

Noted for his keen ability to spot young talent, Corman’s most lasting legacy will undoubtedly be the legion of producers, directors, writers and actors he has fostered, among them: Jack Nicholson, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, Ron Howard, Peter Fonda, Jonathan Demme, Gale Anne Hurd, Diane Ladd, Tommy Lee Jones, Sandra Bullock, Bruce Dern, Talia Shire, Charles Bronson, Joe Dante, Peter Bogdanovich and Sally Kirkland.