Quickcast Commentaries – FRED Entertainment

Nocturnal Admissions: DVD Review – Foyle’s War Set 4, Da Vinci’s Inquest Season 1

UncaScroogeMcD — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 08:55:02 +0000

In case you don’t know it yet, Foyle’s War is one of the best shows on the tube. There are several reasons for this. The program appears only intermittently, which gives the creator and writer Anthony Horowitz, time to research and develop each movie length script. The show is also perfectly cast, with Michael Kitchen as the reticent but firm Christopher Foyle, Anthony Howell as the dedicated Paul Milner, and Honeysuckle Weeks as Samantha Stewart, Foyle’s tomboyish red haired Police driver. And the mysteries themselves, always keyed to some long-forgotten but interesting aspect of life during wartime, are invariably clever.

Television fanatics have been retraining themselves over the past decade. In the old days, we watch prime time shows religiously from September to June, circling our itinerary in TV Guide (one of my favorite hobbies as a kid, anticipation always being greater than the reality). During the summer we moaned in agony, having to fall back on reading books (I used to methodically re-read all my Marvel comics from cover to cover, even the letters sections). Then, come autumn and school and the Fall previews issue of TV Guide, it would begin again.

But now we have adapted to different styles of programing. We can wait a year between episode samplings of The Sopranos, or follow shows that start only in January, like 24. I think it was the sequelitis of movies from the 1980s that helped train us, having to wait a year or two between Star Wars editions the way the kids today wait for Harry Potter movies. But in any case, the result is that we now accept the long waits between shows like Foyle’s War and so many other British crime imports.

Now the fourth box of Foyle’s eps is out, thanks to Acorn Media (having just aired on PBS’s Mystery). Streeting on Tuesday, July 17th, the set contains four discs, each in a slim case, and retails for $59.99. It is a measure of the show’s increasing popularity that either the producers of the show or the DVD manufacturers are including more in the way of extras with each release. In this set, Michael Kitchen even steps forward to welcome the viewer to the DVD edition. It’s true that most of the supplements are still text features, such as cast bios and backgrounds to the episodes, but with each new box the producers offer longer and more interesting making ofs. The shortish doc included here lauds the show’s attention to period detail and emphasizes how each episode requires the time and effort of a feature film.

There is a modicum of confusion attached to this box, which is numbered 4, but which contains seasons four and five of Foyle’s War, which in England were only two episodes each. Series six, which is slated to air in the UK in 2008, will come to Americans as season five.

Taken all together, the Foyles will end up being a popular history of World War II from the viewpoint of those at home. For example, the first film in the set, “Invasion” takes place in 1942, and concerns the invasion of England by – the Americans. Aside from an exploration of the resulting tensions and opportunities, there is a clever mystery and a touching story of friendship. Also set in 1942 is “Bad Blood,” which concerns a biological warfare test that goes awry, and the murder hidden within it. Later in 1942 comes “Bleak Midwinter,” in which murders take place around a munitions works, and Milner’s ex-wife is also killed. Finally, “Casualties of War,” set in early 1943, concerns a fascinating aspect of experimental warfare that is also covered in the movie The Dam Busters, and also touches on issues such as a woman’s place in the world of men. But the mystery itself ends on a morally ambiguous note, and the plot itself concludes on something of a cliffhanger.

If you are coming late to Foyle, however, don’t start with this box. Like all the great shows, such as The Wire, The Shield, and BSG, it’s best to start at the beginning and work your way forward. You won’t be able to stop, and you won’t be able to not re-watch them.

No such problem with another show now on offer from Acorn Media. This is Da Vinci’s Inquest, the cult hit Canadian show now just introduced to American home video. Set in Vancouver, B.C., Da Vinci’s Inquest concerns the cases confronted by the bibulous, divorced coroner Dominic Da Vinci, played by Nicholas Campbell, perhaps best known in the states for playing parts in Cronenberg films such as The Brood. Da Vinci’s Inquest began airing in 1998 with the first of seven 13-episode seasons. This box from Acorn contains all of season one in full frame transfers (that look a little soft. It hit the street on February 27th, and retails for $59.99; for those impatient to see other seasons, Atlantis Alliance has released them in Canada).

The Acorn box doesn’t have much in the way of supplements, just cast bios and a trailer, but just having the shows all together in the right order should be enough for the series’s mounting fans. Da Vinci’s Inquest has been popping up on local stations over the past year or so, but out of order and with the seasons mixed up. But from its cozy jazz theme song to its wholly different world of law and order, Da Vinci’s Inquest has pulled in viewers. It’s mix of flawed characters, occasionally ambiguous endings (who killed the professional dominatrix at the end of episode 7, “The Stranger Inside,” even though the case had been solved?), and refreshingly different approach to now-familiar territory (forensic medicine doctors examining gross bodies) has appealed to intelligent viewers.

As a forensic show, Da Vinci’s Inquest appeared two years before the somewhat harder edged CSI: Crime Scene Investigations, but Da Vinci’s Inquest integrates the problems of the characters better into both the plots and the texture of the show. And Da Vinci is loosely based on a real guy, former chief coroner Larry Campbell, who ended winning a mayoral race in Vancouver in 2002 (an eventual spin off of Da Vinci’s Inquest was the short lived Da Vinci’s City Hall). Like presumably his real life counterpart, Da Vinci’s cares too much, is confrontational with bureaucratic ineptitude, and is prone to joining or starting causes, such as in one episode the use of teen agers as drug informants. He’s an admirable character but also a troubled one, and an episode in which Da Vinci fears that he is the perpetrator of a hit and run accident is painful to watch on his behalf. His “solution” to his problem, show in the last shot, will shock Puritanical American viewers.

Da Vinci’s Inquest is a great series and it is a comfort to know that there are six (or seven) more boxes in the pipeline.

Quickcast Commentary: 2010: The Year We Make Contact

UncaScroogeMcD — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 04:47:10 +0000

Always eager to try something different, we’re launching a new series of Quickcast Commentaries here at Quick Stop. Essentially, they’re audio commentaries for existing movies, TV shows, short films ““ whatever the case may be ““ that you can download and sync up to your own personal copies of said films, programmes, etc. In the future, we’ll be offering commentaries from writers, artists, directors, actors ““ a whole range of creators ““ on films they’ve worked on, films they love, or films they loathe. We hope it will be a fun little corner of the Stop, and we’re eager to hear your feedback.

This week, we’ve got a commentary for Peter Hyams’ 2010: The Year We Make Contact, featuring Quick Stop editor-in-chief Ken Plume and QS columnist (“Widge Goes Off”) Widgett Walls.

All you have to do is download the mp3 file below, cue up the film/episode/whatever on your TIVO, VHS, DVD, or computer, then hit play on the commentary (or you can download the free Sharecrow DVD player, which allows you to sync up commentaries on your computer). Hope you dig it”¦

DOWNLOAD:
mp3 Format (106 MB)

[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/commentaries/qsecommentary-2010.mp3]

Quickcast Commentary: Star Wars Episode III

UncaScroogeMcD — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 11:09:12 +0000

In the future, we’ll be offering commentaries from writers, artists, directors, actors ““ a whole range of creators ““ on films they’ve worked on, films they love, or films they loathe. We hope it will be a fun little corner of the Stop, and we’re eager to hear your feedback.

To kick things off, we’ve got a commentary for George Lucas’s Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, featuring Quick Stop editor-in-chief Ken Plume and QS columnist (“Widge Goes Off”) Widgett Walls.

DOWNLOAD:
mp3 Format (128 MB)

Scrubs Blog: Your Friday Commentary

UncaScroogeMcD — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 07:20:53 +0000

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It may be summer hiatus, but we roll out the next in a series of exclusive episode commentaries to hold you over the long wait for Season 6″¦

BLOG-COMMENTARY #8: Episode 5×20 – “My Lunch” –
John C. McGinley and editor John Michel drop a commentary, just for you.Â All you have to do is download the mp3 file below, cue up the episode on your TIVO, VHS, DVD, or computer, then hit play on the commentary (or you can download the free Sharecrow DVD player, which allows you to sync up commentaries on your computer). Hope you dig it”¦

DOWNLOAD:
mp3 Format (21 MB)

Scrubs Blog: Week 32 ““ Summer Idol

UncaScroogeMcD — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 08:53:32 +0000

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It may be summer hiatus, but we roll out the next in a series of exclusive episode commentaries to hold you over the long wait for Season 6″¦

BLOG-COMMENTARY #7: Episode 5×21 – “My Fallen Idol” –
Writer Bill Callahan and editorsÂ Rick Blue & John Michel drop a commentary, just for you.Â All you have to do is download the mp3 file below, cue up the episode on your TIVO, VHS, DVD, or computer, then hit play on the commentary (or you can download the free Sharecrow DVD player, which allows you to sync up commentaries on your computer). Hope you dig it”¦

DOWNLOAD:
mp3 Format (19.5 MBs)

Scrubs Blog: Week 30 ““ The Todd’s Lunch

UncaScroogeMcD — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 07:52:35 +0000

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It may be summer hiatus, but we roll out the next in a series of exclusive episode commentaries to hold you over the long wait for Season 6″¦

BLOG-COMMENTARY #6: Episode 5×20 – “My Lunch” –
The Todd himself, Rob Maschio, commentates on an episode marking some major revelations in his sex-crazed character.Â All you have to do is download the mp3 file below, cue up the episode on your TIVO, VHS, DVD, or computer, then hit play on the commentary (or you can download the free Sharecrow DVD player, which allows you to sync up commentaries on your computer). Hope you dig it”¦

DOWNLOAD:
mp3 Format (21.2 MBs)

Scrubs Blog: Week 29 ““ Summer Talk

UncaScroogeMcD — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 06:34:10 +0000

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It may be summer hiatus, but we roll out the first in a series of exclusive episode commentaries to hold you over the long wait for Season 6″¦

BLOG-COMMENTARY #5: Episode 5×03 – “My Day At The Races” –
First AD Franklyn Gottbetter and the art department’s John Hill & Tony JimenezÂ drop an audio commentary for episode 5×03 – just for you. Yeah, you know who “you” is. All you have to do is download the mp3 file below, cue up the episode on your TIVO, VHS, DVD, or computer, then hit play on the commentary (or you can download the free Sharecrow DVD player, which allows you to sync up commentaries on your computer). Hope you dig it”¦

DOWNLOAD:
mp3 Format (19.5 MBs)

Quickcast Commentary: The Venture Bros.

UncaScroogeMcD — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 19:06:06 +0000

If you’ve purchased your copy of the complete first season of [adult swim]’s The Venture Bros. on DVD (and if not, what are you waiting for?), you’re aware that only about half the episodes have audio commentary from the two guys behind the show, Astrobase Go‘s own Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer.

As a special gift to you, our Quick Stop readers, Jackson & Doc have sent over a “lost” audio commentary that didn’t make it on to the set, for episode 1×03 ““ “Home Insecurity”. The commentary was dropped for space issues on the set, as well as a minor technical glitch in the sound.

We’ve done our best to clean things up, because (as anyone who’s heard the commentaries that did make it on to the set will attest) those Astrobase Go guys are hi-larious. I mean, they’re incredibly f***ing funny, particularly in this track (in which you’ll hear a multitude of formative childhood traumas revealed).

All you have to do is download the mp3 below, load up your copy of “Home Insecurity,” and you’ve got your very own Venture Bros. Quickcast commentary… And don’t forget to catch the premiere of Season 2 this Sunday at 10:30pm on [adult swim]…

DOWNLOAD:
“Venture Bros. Lost Commentary – 1Ã—03 – Home Insecurity”

Scrubs Blog: Week 24

UncaScroogeMcD — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 21:19:24 +0000

BLOG-COMMENTARY #4: Episode 5×19 – “His Story III” –
Director John Inwood and Neil Flynn recorded a Janitor-centric audio commentary for episode 5×19, “My Buddy’s Booty” – just for you. Yeah, you know who “you” is. All you have to do is download the mp3 file below, cue up the episode on your TIVO, VHS, DVD, or computer, then hit play on the commentary. Hope you dig it”¦ And let us know if you want more. Seriously. Write us a letter and tell us what you want.

Download Blog-Commentary #4:

Episode 5×19 (mp3 – 20.33 MB)

“THE TODD” BLOG #14: The Todd’s Type –
Yes, even “The Todd” ““ the omnisexual surgeon played by http://www.robertmaschio.com Robert Maschio ““ has been keeping a blog, and here’s his latest entry. (And if you’re wondering who keeps the cast and crew of Scrubs in shape ““ including The Todd ““ head over to trainer JÃ¸rgen de Mey’s website at www.actionherobody.com.

Download The Todd Video Blog #14:

Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 6.30 MB)
Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 2.74 MB)

Scrubs Blog: Week 16

UncaScroogeMcD — Fri, 03 Mar 2006 18:22:55 +0000

BLOG-COMMENTARY #3: Episode 5×11 – “My Buddy’s Booty” –
Producer/Director Randall Winston and Writer Mark Stegmann enter the audio booth for another fun and frolicsome commentary. This time it’s episode 5×11, “My Buddy’s Booty” – just for you. And you know who “you” is. All you have to do is download the mp3 file below, cue up the episode on your TIVO, VHS, DVD, or computer, then hit play on the commentary. Hope you dig it – And let us know if you want more. Seriously. Write us a letter and tell us what you want.

Download Blog-Commentary #3:

Episode 5×11 (mp3 – 20.26 MB)

“THE TODD” BLOG #9: Todd’s Tips –
Yes, even “The Todd” ““ the omnisexual surgeon played by Robert Maschio ““ has been keeping a blog, and here’s his latest.

READ The Todd Blog #9:

Scrubs Blog: Week 13

UncaScroogeMcD — Fri, 10 Feb 2006 17:38:06 +0000

VIDEO BLOG #33: “: “My Contest Winners” ““
You sent in your answers, and we’ve got the winners. If you won, you’ll be contacted via e-mail shortly to get your shipping details. If you lost this go round, fret not ““ there will be another contest in the near future. Thanks to everyone who took time to participate ““ proving that Labcoats are the best fans out there (and by hook or by crook, I will get that appellation to stick)!

Download Scrubs Video Blog #33:

Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 44.06 MB)
Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 19.10 MB)

BLOG-COMMENTARY #2: Episode 5×10 ““ “Her Story II” –
Writer Mike Schwartz shuffled down to the room with all the audio gear and recorded a commentary for episode 5×10, “Her Story II” ““ just for you. And you know who “you” is. All you have to do is download the mp3 file below, cue up the episode on your TIVO, VHS, DVD, or computer, then hit play on the commentary. Hope you dig it”¦ And let us know if you want more.

Download Blog-Commentary #2:

Episode 5×10 (mp3 – 19.62 MB)

“THE TODD” BLOG #6: “My Half Acre” –
Yes, even “The Todd” ““ the omnisexual surgeon played by Robert Maschio ““ has been keeping a blog, and here’s his sixth entry. The man ain’t right.

READ The Todd Blog #6:

Scrubs Blog: Week 11

UncaScroogeMcD — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 16:34:24 +0000

VIDEO BLOG #28: “: “My Kick Back” ““
Before we get to your fan mail, here’s a little look at just how many practice ostrich hits it takes to get a stuntman into a room, from episode 5×08, “My Big Bird””¦ No word yet on how many lightbulbs can be changed.

Download Scrubs Video Blog #28:

Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 9.55 MB)
Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 4.15 MB)

VIDEO BLOG #29: “My First Mailbag” ““
Last week, we asked you to send in your questions for the cast & crew ““ and you sent in *a lot* of questions. In fact, you sent in so many, that we weren’t able to answer them all”¦ and we had to divide the responses up into three videos. If your question didn’t get answered in this round, don’t worry ““ your questions have been saved, and we may very well be doing this again in the near future ““ at which time we’ll open it up for new questions as well, so start thinking. “¦

Download Scrubs Video Blog #29:

Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 133.97 MB)
Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 59.13 MB)

VIDEO BLOG #30: “My Second Mailbag” ““
More questions answered”¦

Download Scrubs Video Blog #30:

Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 105.80 MB)
Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 46.18 MB)

VIDEO BLOG #31: “My Third Mailbag” ““
Wrapping up this edition of the mailbag ““ and a big *THANK YOU* to every one who sent their queries in”¦

Download Scrubs Video Blog #31:

Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 146.51 MB)
Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 64.78 MB)

BLOG-COMMENTARY #1: Episode 5×07 ““ “My Way Home” –
Writers Neil Goldman & Garrett Donovan sat down and recorded a special commentary for episode 5×07, “My Way Home.” All you have to do is download the mp3 file, cue up the episode on your TIVO, VHS, DVD, or computer, then hit play on the commentary. Hope you dig it”¦ And let us know if you want more.

Download Blog-Commentary #1:

Episode 5×07 (mp3 – 46.8 MB)

“THE TODD” BLOG #5: “My Way Home” –
Yes, even “The Todd” ““ the omnisexual surgeon played by Robert Maschio ““ has been keeping a blog, and here’s his fifth entry. The man ain’t right.

READ The Todd Blog #5: