As usual, it takes outside forces to kick the Henson Company in the ass about doing something w/ beloved characters …
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September 17, 2012
September 15, 2012
Whotininnies 12: Frown Called Murray
Join Ken Plume and Glen Oliver as they take you on a journey beyond geekiness and nerdiness – Well, they pretty much just nerd out geekily and have a bit of a chat about Doctor Who and all things sci-fi.
Whotininnies 12: Frown Called Murray
Ken and Glen return from the Phantom Zone with an episode that catches up on new Who, dives into The Black Hole, naval gazes paradoxes, and even manages a theme song for McG. SPOILER WARNINGS all around. As always, our theme is courtesy of Chameleon Circuit.(You can listen to Ken’s most recent Bit Of A Chat with 7th Doctor Sylvester McCoy HERE)
Hope you enjoy…
Download “Whotininnies 12: Frown Called Murray“:
[audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/whotininnies/whotininnies-12.mp3]
SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes##
Drop Ken & Glen a line HERE.
##
(Artwork by Molly Lewis)
FREDagator: 2012-09-15
Want to see a fan-made anime take on old school Star Wars? Sure you do…
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Weekend Shopping Guide 9/15/12: Outland Rock
The weekend’s here. You’ve just been paid, and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. What’s a pop culture geek to do? In hopes of steering you in the right direction to blow some of that hard-earned cash, it’s time for the FRED Weekend Shopping Guide – your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…
(Please support FRED by using the links below to make any impulse purchases – it helps to keep us going…)
While there seem to be some out there that feel it’s on the decline and it’s upcoming last season should be it’s last, I actually loved the now-penultimate 30 Rock: Season Six (Universal, Not Rated, DVD-$49.98 SRP). Yes, the characters and situations are getting more and more surreal, but the show was built to accommodate the absurdity – And any season that gives us a pair of new live episodes is ace in my book. Bonus materials include audio commentaries, deleted scenes, and featurettes.
There’s a part of my house where the wifi from my router just doesn’t seem to want to reach with any strength. Sure, it’s there – but ghostly and intermittent. Sadly, this also happens to be my den, which makes doing anything with my games systems or a laptop a nightmare. Until I put the Bounce WiFi Enhancer ($24.99) on top of one of my router’s antenna, and pointed it towards my den… And saw all of my signal troubles go away. Ridiculously simple solution, but it worked a charm.
Fans of Bloom County had been teased when that strip ended that Berkley Breathed’s humor and beloved penguin, Opus, would live on in a new strip. That tease became a reality a few months later with the introduction of the Sundays-only Outland (IDW, $39.99 SRP), which has gotten its own much-deserved release in its entirety as the next hardcover collection from the fine folks at IDW. Now we just have to get the upcoming Opus collection and we’re all done.
Hey hey! Another month, another pair of new classic Doctor Who releases to delight all of the completionist fans. First up we get William Hartnell’s 1st Doctor in Doctor Who: Planet Of Giants (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP), in which an accident while landing shrinks the Doctor and his companions. Second, we get a special edition of Colin Baker’s 6th Doctor adventure Doctor Who: Vengeance On Varos (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$ SRP), which adds in a whole bunch of new bonus material. As usual, both releases are packed with commentaries, featurettes, ephemera, and more.
It’s really an awful film in so many ways, but because it’s about an event I was fascinated about as a child and the actual production execution is so grand even though the story is ridiculous, I have a special place in my heart for James Cameron’s Titanic (Paramount, Rated PG-13, 3D Blu-Ray-$54.99 SRP), which gets a serviceable if not fantastic conversion to 3D in time for its high definition release. Bonus materials include audio commentaries, featurettes, deleted scenes, and more.
And speaking of James Cameron and the Titanic, Cameron’s lovely documentary about the actual wreck with simply stunning footage, Ghosts Of The Abyss (Walt Disney, Rated G, 3D Blu-Ray-$44.98 SRP), is now available in 3D, and makes a perfect viewing companion with his messy fictional flick. Bonus materials include an extended version of the feature, plus a behind-the-scenes featurette.
It’s always a cause for concern when a brilliant show produces new episodes years after their last outing. Would the brilliance still be there? Will it ruin your warm feelings to see an inferior product? Thankfully, the Absolutely Fabulous: 20th Anniversary Specials (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP) are every bit as wonderful. It’s just sad that there are only 3 of them, plus a bonus Sport Relief special.
I did want to love a sitcom featuring Christina Applegate, Will Arnett, and Maya Rudolph, but Up All Night (Universal, Not Rated, DVD-$39.98 SRP), but this “adjusting to a newborn” comedy just never seemed to find its footing. I have hopes the second season will find a voice, but I’m not counting on it. Bonus materials include deleted/extended scenes and a music video.
We’re still in good territory with Roseanne: Season 5 & Roseanne: Season 6 (Mill Creek, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP each), which have been re-released at a dirt cheap impulse buy price. Snap them both up and relive some of the final years before it all went pear-shaped. And speaking of budget releases from Mill Creek, you can also pick up the complete series – that’s all 91 episodes plus commentaries, featurettes, interviews, and bloopers – of Grounded For Life (Mill Creek, Not Rated, DVD-$44.98 SRP).
When you’ve got Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth playing the titular Snow White & The Huntsman (Universal, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$34.98 SRP), which reimagined the whole thing as a action-packed teaming of the two against he evil queen (Charlize Theron), you’ve got to expect little more from the film that a decent watch with an occasional groan. And that’s just what you get. Bonus materials include an audio commentary and featurettes.
For those of you who still watch the pandering emptiness of Big Bang Theory (Warner Bros., Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$54.97 SRP), the fifth season is more of the same, including a decided increase in guest stars and wacky t-shirts. Bonus materials include a trio of featurettes and a gag reel.
ABC Studios drops a trio of new seasons this week – the fourth season of Castle (ABC Studios, Not Rated, DVD-$45.99, the fifth season of Private Practice (ABC Studios, Not Rated, DVD-$39.99, and the eighth season of Grey’s Anatomy (ABC Studios, Not Rated, DVD-$45.99. All 3 contain featurettes, deleted scenes, outtakes, and more.
It’s an average show, but the reason you watch the generational cop drama Blue Bloods (Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$55.98 SRP) is for Tom Selleck. Yes, you do. The second season set contains all 22 episodes plus commentaries, featurettes, deleted scenes, and a gag reel.
So there you have it… my humble suggestions for what to watch, listen to, play with, or waste money on this coming weekend. See ya next week…
-Ken Plume
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September 13, 2012
A Bit Of A Chat with Ken Plume & David Mirkin
I’m Ken Plume, and soon you’ll be listening to “A Bit Of A Chat” with me, Ken Plume.
In this episode, I have a chat with writer/director/producer David Mirkin about Get A Life, The Simpsons, Big Jim Brooks, guitars, Emmy bling, and death.
And be sure to pick up your very own copy of the complete GET A LIFE.
Hope you enjoy…
Download “A Bit of a Chat with Ken Plume & David Mirkin“:
[audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/bitofachat/bit_of_a_chat-david_mirkin.mp3]
SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes
Drop Ken a line HERE.
##
You can also find more of my interviews by clicking HERE.
September 12, 2012
A Bit Of A Chat with Ken Plume & Sylvester McCoy 2
I’m Ken Plume, and soon you’ll be listening to “A Bit Of A Chat” with me, Ken Plume.
In this episode, I have another chat with Time Lord emeritus Sylvester McCoy about Scotland, the seminary, accountancy, the Rolling Stones, and Doctor Who. Recorded LIVE at DragonCon 2012.
Hope you enjoy…
BONUS: *See* Sylvester & I talk about Doctor Who 50th Anniversary plans…
Download “A Bit of a Chat with Ken Plume & Sylvester McCoy 2“:
[audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/bitofachat/bit_of_a_chat-sylvester_mccoy_2.mp3]
SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes
Drop Ken a line HERE.
##
You can also find more of my interviews by clicking HERE.
September 7, 2012
Ken P. D. Snydecast #179: Butter Gravy
Adult Swim’s Dana Snyder and FRED’s Ken Plume set out to have a literate conversation between two pals, but inevitably devolve into a verbal, and funny, free-for-all full of bickering, infighting, and the special kind of male bonding that comes from conflict expressed through the podcast medium.
Actor/comedian/raconteur Dana Snyder, you’re certainly aware, is Aqua Teen Hunger Force’s Master Shake, Squidbillies‘ Granny, Minoriteam’s Dr. Wang, and The Venture Bros.‘ Alchemist. Available for weddings and bar mitzvahs (bat availability pending), you can keep tabs on him via his website, www.eyeofthesnyder.com.
Ken Plume is the editor-in-chief here at FRED. He is a friend of Dana’s, as well as his arch-nemesis.
VISIT THE SNYDECAST EXPERIENCE
KEN P.D. SNYDECAST #179: Butter Gravy – Ken & Dana return with empty bellies and tales to tell.
[CONTENT WARNING]: This podcast may contain some foul language and horribly off-color jokes. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
DOWNLOAD: (right click to save)
Episode #179 (MP3 format)
[audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/snydecast/ken_p_d_snyde_cast-179.mp3]
SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes
Got something to say? E-mail Dana & Ken at the Snydecast mailbag.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SNYDECAST ARCHIVES
##
Weekend Shopping Guide 9/7/12: You’re A Wizard
The weekend’s here. You’ve just been paid, and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. What’s a pop culture geek to do? In hopes of steering you in the right direction to blow some of that hard-earned cash, it’s time for the FRED Weekend Shopping Guide – your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…
(Please support FRED by using the links below to make any impulse purchases – it helps to keep us going…)
If you’ve been steadily dropping a not-insubstantial amount of money on the massive Ultimate Editions of the Harry Potter films on Blu-Ray, you know that you don’t yet have the big sets for the final two Deathly Hallows films. To those fans, the absolutely gigantic Harry Potter Wizard’s Collection (Warner Bros., Rated PG/PG-13, Blu-Ray-$499.99 SRP) may be a bit of a frustration, as it contains not only all of the currently available Ultimate Editions, but also the ones you’ve been waiting on (with the final two bonus documentaries, “Story” and “Growing Up”), plus a new bonus disc with exclusive interviews and featurettes. To try and lure the uberfans in, the set is loaded with collectibles, including a cloth map, blueprints to Hogwarts, books of labels and favorite props, design sketches, and even a replica of the Horcrux locket, all housed within a box that unfolds much like the traveling case of Horace Slughorn. So should you get it? You’ll probably find it hard not to. The bastards.
I plan on doing some international traveling in the near future, and everyone I talk to who has done the same has warned to remember a decent power converter. Thankfully, Thinkgeek now offers the perfect solution – the Powerline Travel Voltage Converter ($19.99), which includes five adapter plugs stored in a compact travel case.
Universal’s 100th anniversary celebration has proved to be a remarkably wonderful year for getting highly desired catalogue titles released in high definition, and the streak keeps going with fully remastered editions of classics like Harvey (Universal, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$26.98 SRP), the disaster flick Airport (Universal, Rated G, Blu-Ray-$19.98 SRP), the still-fun hybrid Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein (Universal, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$26.98 SRP), and John Hughes’ legendary Sixteen Candles (Universal, Rated PG, Blu-Ray-$19.98 SRP). All 4 carry over the bonus features from their previous DVD releases, also adding on historical retrospectives about Universal itself.
How can you not love a film from the artsy brains at Aardman Animation? You can’t. Which is why you’ll love their latest – The Pirates! Band Of Misfits (Sony, Rated PG, 3D Blu-Ray-$45.99 SRP), available in lovely 3D. It’s a fun, tongue-in-cheek romp that really looks great in the home theater. Bonus materials include an audio commentary, featurettes, short films, and more.
The first season was a somewhat shaky, often off-putting affair, but the second season of Boardwalk Empire (HBO, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$79.98 SRP) found the tale of 1920’s Atlantic City solidifying into destination watching, anchored by the always-interesting Steve Buscemi as the true power behind the city. Bonus materials include audio commentaries and featurettes.
I admit, I was one of the naysayers who looked at ABC’s attempt to milk the Disney fairytale library for a soapy primetime drama that was equal parts Buffy and Dark Shadows as a sure-fire failure, but Once Upon A Time (ABC Studios, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$79.99 SRP) has grown on me, with its increasingly dense mythology and winking introduction of said mythical characters into the narrative. Check it out for yourself with the complete first season, with commentaries, featurettes, deleted scenes, bloopers, and more.
After a debut season that arrived with a bang, the second season of The Walking Dead (Anchor Bay, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$69.99 SRP) is where the story seemed to be showing as many cracks as the titular undead’s skin. Which is sad, because it had so much momentum going in and, much like Lost before it, seemed to stumble with the introduction of unnecessary, and annoying, new characters. Here’s hoping season 3 is back on course. Bonus materials include audio commentaries, deleted scenes, and featurettes.
It’s a little early for Halloween, but Spongebob Squarepants: Ghouls Fools (Nickelodeon, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP) brings together 7 episodes largely focusing on the ghostly Flying Dutchman, including the titular double-length episode.
When you’ve got a title for a documentary like 10 Things You Don’t Know About (History Channel, Not Rated, DVD-$19.95 SRP), you expect trivia, but not the salacious hidden pasts and actions of famous figures from Ben Franklin to Albert Einstein.
It’s probably for the best that the 4th season of Fringe (Warner Bros., Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$59.98 SRP) is its penultimate, as I’d much rather the show went out strong in its upcoming fifth and final season than spin out of control like poor, poor Lost. Bonus materials include a clutch of featurettes and a gag reel.
The live action film was an abysmal mess, but there’s some fun to be had in Green Lantern: The Animated Series (Warner Bros., Not Rated, $19.97 SRP), which finds the titular Corps defending the galaxy against many a menace. The 2-disc set contains the first 13 episodes.
Criterion rolls out another pair of classy films with a classy treatment – Whit Stillman’s The Last Days Of Disco (Criterion, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$39.95 and Andrew Haigh’s Weekend (Criterion, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$39.95 SRP). Both contain commentaries, featurettes, interviews, deleted scenes, and more.
Adding to the rich history of the BBC’s exploration of pre-history is Planet Dinosaur (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$19.95 SRP), which takes a look at a whole slew of fascinating thunder lizards that will delight kids and adults alike.
It’s potentially disastrous when the day after taking his first hit, the high school valedictorian learns that his school will be giving its students a drug test. With his scholarship on the line, what’s a panicky kid to do but hatch a plan to get his entire school high so everyone fails. High School (Anchor Bay, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$29.99 SRP). It’s an amiable comedy, with the real highlight coming from Michael Chicklis as the school’s principal.
And while you’re picking up the DVD, why not pick up Frederik Wiedmann’s score to Green Lantern: The Animated Series (La-La Land Records, $14.99 SRP), featuring 36 cues from the show.
Charlie’s dead and Alan and Jake soon find a naked millionaire played by Ashton Kutcher replacing him in the awkward 9th season of Two And A Half Men (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$44.98 SRP), which at least featured the high water mark of Kathy Bates playing Charlie in the afterlife. Bonus materials include featurettes and a gag reel.
It’s a shame that Battleship (Universal, Rated PG-13, Blu-Ray-$34.98 SRP) is such a good looking and sounding film, because the actual story itself – a desperate attempt to graft a blockbuster onto a board game – is not even awful… It’s just largely inert. Aliens target the Navy. Then they play Twister. Again, a real shame. But hey! It’s pretty. Bonus materials include a clutch of featurettes.
Like Ron Perlman? And Katey Sagal? And bikers? Then the complete fourth season of Sons Of Anarchy (Fox, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$69.99 is for you, with alliances, corruption, betrayals, and bikes. Bonus materials include audio commentary, featurettes, extended episodes, and more.
It’s taken a few years, but I may finally be coming around to Parks And Recreation (Universal, Not Rated, DVD-$39.98 SRP). Its first year was an abyss, years two and three a slow burn, but the fourth season seemed to find its reason to be, and embrace a unique quirk and stellar collection of actors. Good on them. Bonus materials include extended episodes, deleted scenes, webisodes, a gag reel, and more.
After the awful Muppets, I find watching Jason Segel’s gurning to be difficult to take, so it’s lucky that The Five-Year Engagement (Universal, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$34.98 SRP) has a supporting cast – including Alison Brie, Mindy Kaling, and Rhys Ifans – that compensates for his diminishing charm in a pretty much by-the-numbers romcom about a delayed marriage. Bonus materials include an audio commentary, deleted/alternate scenes, a gag reel, and more.
A trio of HBO sitcoms ending their runs get their home video release all at the same time – How To Make It In America: Season Two (HBO, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$49.98 SRP), Hung: Season 3 (HBO, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$39.98 SRP), and the very much missed Bored To Death: Season 3 (HBO, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$39.98 SRP). All 3 releases contain commentaries, featurettes, and more.
It has been on the decline for years, but it was clearly evident during The Office: Season Eight (Universal, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$59.98 SRP) that the show was on its last creative legs, desperate to milk any laughs from an already fractured premise. Shame the show couldn’t have gone out with a bang like the original UK version, instead of this drawn out whimper. Bonus materials include extended cuts, deleted scenes, webisodes, promos, and a blooper reel.
R.L. Stine continues his mission to traumatize children, a mission you can experience via the first two volumes of his new anthology series airing on the Hub network, R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour (Shout Factory, Not Rated, DVD-$14.97 SRP each). Think of it as Hammer Horror for the little ones.
I’m not exactly sure why the Turtle costumes in Saban’s Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation (Shout Factory, Not Rated, DVD-$19.93 SRP) look so absolutely awful – like lumpen green oatmeal – but maybe that’s the titular next mutation… Into cheap, quickly produced crud. Shame, really.
So there you have it… my humble suggestions for what to watch, listen to, play with, or waste money on this coming weekend. See ya next week…
-Ken Plume
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August 29, 2012
Ken Plume & FRED: The Official DragonCon 2012 Schedule
Heya folks! Ken Plume here.
As has become an annual tradition, I will find myself well busy at this year’s annual DragonCon convention in Atlanta, GA, which runs this very weekend (August 31st – September 3rd).
In hopes you’ll stop by one of the many panels I and FRED will be doing, please find my official schedule below… (Ask me for a FRED badge!)
Title: A Bit Of A Chat with Sylvester McCoy
Time: Fri 11:30 am Location: Grand Ballroom A-F – Sheraton (Length: 1)
Description: Ken Plume has an in-depth chat with entertainer and Time Lord Sylvester McCoy about Doctor Who, The Hobbit, and much more…
Title: FRED Entertainment Panel-Palooza-Extrava-Thingee-a-Doodle
Time: Fri 01:00 pm Location: Valdosta – Sheraton (Length: 1)
Description: A panel that really only exists for the sake of frolicking, bantering, and geeking about with special guests and an Irishman.
Title: Quiz-o-Tron 2000
Time: Fri 10:00 pm Location: International South – Hyatt (Length: 1)
Description: Rebecca Watson’s science-themed quiz show!
Title: Gonzoroo II
Time: Sat 08:30 pm Location: Atrium Ballroom – Marriott (Length: 2.5)
Description: An evening of music, comedic delights, and surprises galore!
Title: FRED Entertainment Presents Yet Another Panel About Doctor Who
Time: Sun 11:30 am Location: Atlanta Ballroom – Westin (Length: 1)
Description: Ken Plume & guests rant, rave, giggle & titter about all things DW as only enthusiastic, opinionated & reasonably well-informed geeks can hope to do.
Title: Art In Community
Time: Sun 01:00 pm Location: Atlanta Ballroom – Westin (Length: 1)
Description: From movies to TV shows to comics & more, artists are now turning directly to their fans in order to get their art made. Hosted by Ken Plume.
Title: The Venture Bros
Time: Sun 02:30 pm Location: Atrium Ballroom – Marriott (Length: 1)
Description: Doc Hammer, Jackson Publick, & James Urbaniak return ahead of a Halloween special and a new season to chat & take your questions.
Title: How I Became Dr. Venture, Robert Crumb & 101 Red Herrings
Time: Sun 05:30 pm Location: Augusta 1-2 – Westin (Length: 1)
Description: Actor James Urbaniak discusses his life and career as a “modestly successful character actor” and beloved internet presence.
Title: Gonzo Quiz Show IV: The Quest For Quiz
Time: Sun 07:00 pm Location: Atlanta Ballroom – Westin (Length: 2.5)
Description: Teams of celebrity guests are led through a series of panel show games that you entertained.
And on Monday, I will be in Huntsville, Alabama at SPACE CAMP with Marian Call, Joseph Scrimshaw, George Hrab, Molly Lewis, and more raising money at ROCKETFEST. DETAILS HERE.
Any questions about any of this? Ask me on Twitter @KenPlume
And let’s wrap things up with a little slice from last year’s panel with Sylvester McCoy…
August 28, 2012
Ken P. D. Snydecast #178: Advise And Dissent
Adult Swim’s Dana Snyder and FRED’s Ken Plume set out to have a literate conversation between two pals, but inevitably devolve into a verbal, and funny, free-for-all full of bickering, infighting, and the special kind of male bonding that comes from conflict expressed through the podcast medium.
Actor/comedian/raconteur Dana Snyder, you’re certainly aware, is Aqua Teen Hunger Force’s Master Shake, Squidbillies‘ Granny, Minoriteam’s Dr. Wang, and The Venture Bros.‘ Alchemist. Available for weddings and bar mitzvahs (bat availability pending), you can keep tabs on him via his website, www.eyeofthesnyder.com.
Ken Plume is the editor-in-chief here at FRED. He is a friend of Dana’s, as well as his arch-nemesis.
VISIT THE SNYDECAST EXPERIENCE
KEN P.D. SNYDECAST #178: Advise And Dissent – Ken & Dana return with answers aplenty for questions a few.
[CONTENT WARNING]: This podcast may contain some foul language and horribly off-color jokes. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
DOWNLOAD: (right click to save)
Episode #178 (MP3 format)
[audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/snydecast/ken_p_d_snyde_cast-178.mp3]
SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes
Got something to say? E-mail Dana & Ken at the Snydecast mailbag.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SNYDECAST ARCHIVES
##
August 27, 2012
Win a DOCTOR WHO: TARDIS MINI SET from Thinkgeek!
In conjunction with Thinkgeek, we’re giving away two (2) DOCTOR WHO: TARDIS MINI SETS.
Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
Official Rules
No member of FRED Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.
No Purchase necessary to win.
Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
One entry per day, per person.
All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.
Win GET A LIFE: THE COMPLETE SERIES on DVD!
In conjunction with Shout Factory, we’re giving away two (2) copies of GET A LIFE: THE COMPLETE SERIES on DVD.
Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
Official Rules
No member of FRED Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.
No Purchase necessary to win.
Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
One entry per day, per person.
All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.
Win BEST OF ANCIENT ALIENS on Blu-Ray!
In conjunction with The History Channel, we’re giving away two (2) copies of BEST OF ANCIENT ALIENS on Blu-Ray.
Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
Official Rules
No member of FRED Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.
No Purchase necessary to win.
Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
One entry per day, per person.
All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.
Win SECRET ACCESS: THE PRESIDENCY on DVD!
In conjunction with The History Channel, we’re giving away two (2) copies of SECRET ACCESS: THE PRESIDENCY on DVD.
Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
Official Rules
No member of FRED Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.
No Purchase necessary to win.
Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
One entry per day, per person.
All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.
Win JAMES BOND GADGETS on DVD!
In conjunction with The History Channel, we’re giving away two (2) copies of JAMES BOND GADGETS on DVD.
Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
Official Rules
No member of FRED Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.
No Purchase necessary to win.
Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
One entry per day, per person.
All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.
Win AMERICA’S BOOK OF SECRETS on DVD!
In conjunction with The History Channel, we’re giving away two (2) copies of AMERICA’S BOOK OF SECRETS on DVD.
Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
Official Rules
No member of FRED Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.
No Purchase necessary to win.
Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
One entry per day, per person.
All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.
Win FOR ONE NIGHT on DVD!
In conjunction with Lifetime, we’re giving away two (2) copies of FOR ONE NIGHT on DVD.
Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
Official Rules
No member of FRED Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.
No Purchase necessary to win.
Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
One entry per day, per person.
All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.
Win DALZIEL & PASCOE: SEASON 6 on DVD!
In conjunction with the BBC, we’re giving away two (2) copies of DALZIEL & PASCOE: SEASON 6 on DVD.
Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
Official Rules
No member of FRED Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.
No Purchase necessary to win.
Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
One entry per day, per person.
All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.
Win JUDGE JOHN DEED: SEASON SIX on DVD!
In conjunction with the BBC, we’re giving away two (2) copies of JUDGE JOHN DEED: SEASON SIX on DVD.
Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
Official Rules
No member of FRED Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.
No Purchase necessary to win.
Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
One entry per day, per person.
All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.
Win PLANET DINOSAUR on DVD!
In conjunction with the BBC, we’re giving away two (2) copies of PLANET DINOSAUR on DVD.
Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
Official Rules
No member of FRED Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.
No Purchase necessary to win.
Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
One entry per day, per person.
All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, September 26th.
The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.
August 26, 2012
My Favourite Things: August 2012
AUGUST
Hello my lovelies. I’m in particularly good form at the moment as I’m about to travel to Atlanta for my 5th Dragon*Con. Both myself and Ken will be there regaling you with panels and such so do please join us.
In the meantime, why not take a perusal at the things that particularly tickled me this month online.
1) Bad Song Made Good
Listen, we’re all sick of Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe”. Even if the internet didn’t manage to kill it with memes and parodies, the amount of radio play it received alone would have made it the ear-worm to make you commit suicide.
But you know what? Bad things can get better. And if you get The Roots and Jimmy Fallon together with a bunch of classroom instruments to cover the song, it just becomes amazing, no matter how bad it originally was. So here, enjoy the best version of this song you’ll ever hear.
2) JG Thirlwell In A Record Store
JG Thirlwell is the genius behind the music of The Venture Bros TV show. He creates some classic soundtracks so when he is asked to shop in a record store and tell us about his picks… well, you know you’re in for a treat.
No, I hadn’t heard of any of them either.
3) Life On Mars
This is not just my favourite thing, but it should be humanity’s favourite thing this month. Yeah, motherfucker, we landed a big-ass rover on Mars. Recognise.
Would you like to see a 360 degree image of Mars? Of course you would. The above image is just a small part of the awesome full picture that you can see by CLICKING THIS LINK.
What I really love about it is that it’s interactive so you can look anywhere around, even at the rover itself! And if you don’t view it in fullscreen you’re wasting all of our time.
4) You’re Doomed At Dragon*Con
As I said earlier, I will be at the biggest fan-run convention in the world very soon and as it is now less than a week away I thought I would share this little guide to the convention I did last year with JJ Hawkins. It’s the best guide out there for any newbie to the Con and I’m not just saying that because I’m awesome, but it is partly because of it.
5) Oh My Dayum
Daym Drops is a YouTuber of glorious bliss. He eats food in his car for your viewing pleasure (and his eating pleasure). For some reason it’s incredibly entertaining to watch him go nuts for the fast food he is consuming.
As with anything great on YouTube, the auto-tune-the-news folks have gotten their hands on it and turned it into a musical wonder. I think it’s worth leaving you on this month. Enjoy.
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And that’s it! My favourite things of the last month.
– Aaron Poole is the creator of tongue blisters, it seems. He is also more accurately an internet whore and rarely leaves the house. If you like what you read here check out his blog http://aaronfever.blogspot.com
August 24, 2012
Weekend Shopping Guide 8/24/12: Snowy Weather
The weekend’s here. You’ve just been paid, and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. What’s a pop culture geek to do? In hopes of steering you in the right direction to blow some of that hard-earned cash, it’s time for the FRED Weekend Shopping Guide – your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…
(Please support FRED by using the links below to make any impulse purchases – it helps to keep us going…)
The animation could be a bit better, but there’s no denying that a lot of attention to detail and faithfulness went in to The Adventures of Tintin (Shout Factory, Not Rated, DVD-$19.93 SRP), the final season of which is being released, adapting the stories The Red Sea Sharks, The Seven Crystal Balls, Prisoners Of The Sun, The Castafiore Emerald, Destination Moon, Explorers On The Moon, and Tintin In America.
As your portable devices desperately in need of a charge stack up, it’s handy to have something like the Powerline Dual Hi-Power Adapter ($29.99), which allows you to charge two USB devices at once – even two iPads, which are traditionally too much of a power draw for many multi-port USB chargers. As an added bonus, it even comes with a high quality 6′ dock cable, so you can keep charging your device even when you want to muck around with it far from the wall socket. How’s them apples?
After sticking mainly to their big guns, Disney has decided to release a torrent of their second tier animated films for the first time in high definition, many as two-packs featuring the original film and their sequel. Getting this treatment are The Aristocats (Walt Disney, Rated G, Blu-Ray-$39.99 SRP), The Rescuers/The Rescuers Down Under (Walt Disney, Rated G, Blu-Ray-$39.99 SRP), Pocahontas/Pocahontas II (Walt Disney, Rated G, Blu-Ray-$39.99 SRP), The Tigger Movie (Walt Disney, Rated G, Blu-Ray-$39.99 SRP), and Lady And The Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure (Walt Disney, Rated G, Blu-Ray-$39.99 SRP). Each of the releases also feature standard DVDs, and carry over the bonus features from the original DVD releases – many over a decade old and long out of print. Here’s looking forward to what titles make their way out in the coming months.
It’s the first non-mockumentary offering from Sacha Baron Cohen, but The Dictator (Paramount, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$44.99 SRP) is a mixed bag. Its tale of a North African dictator of the fictitious Wadiya who finds himself stripped of power and replaced by a doppelganger in a coup attempt while in New York is full of the outrageous shock comedy Cohen has been known for, and sometimes it hits. And sometimes it doesn’t. Worth a viewing? Probably, but just don’t expect Borat. Bonus materials include deleted and extended scenes.
With Guillermo Del Toro’s efforts abandoned, the animated The Color Out Of Space (Brink, Rated R, DVD-$19.95 SRP) is the closest we’ll come to getting a lovingly-crafted adaptation of an H.P. Lovecraft story. And it is a lovingly-crafted adaptation of the titular short story, perfectly capturing Lovecraft’s unsettling tale of a mystery deep in the woods. Bonus materials include featurettes, a lost scene, and the trailer.
So, Will Ferrell and the folks at Gary Sanchez decide to make a Spanish-language send-up up the telenovella form, and they call it Casa de mi Padre (Lionsgate, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$24.99 SRP). So, is it any good? Mostly, yes, it works as a nice parody, though it never elevates itself much beyond a rote one – which is a shame, because it could have been a classic. Bonus materials include an audio commentary, deleted scenes, featurettes, commercials, and a music video.
A pair old faithful Brit procedurals get another round of releases with Dalziel & Pascoe: Season 6 (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$29.98 SRP) and Judge John Deed: Season 6 (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$29.98 SRP), which means you can get your fill of odd couple detectives and an unrelenting idealistic judge.
After eight seasons of crochetiness and open condescension, House (Universal, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$74.98 SRP) comes to an end as we find the good doctor released from prison and thrown back into his old job, but with a far different set of circumstances. Bonus materials include a trio of featurettes.
In addition to all of the information it imparts, the latest DisneyNature documentary, Chimpanzee (Walt Disney, Rated G, Blu-Ray-$39.99 SRP), is just beautifully shot and utterly engaging, much like their previous releases in the line. Watch it with the kids. Bonus materials include a clutch of featurettes and a music video.
Yes, an entire generation has gone by since the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (Shout Factory, Not Rated, DVD-$19.93 SRP) were first repurposed onto our screens, which means nostalgia has kicked in and those now-adult fans will snap up the first volume of 30 episodes from the show’s original debut season. Yes, they most surely will.
Sadly, a soap that never really took off was ABC’s Revenge (ABC Studios, Not Rated, DVD-$45.99 SRP), about a young woman out to make the wealthy elite of The Hamptons pay for what they did to her father (they ruined his life, natch). Bonus materials include a pilot commentary, featurettes, deleted scenes, music videos, and bloopers.
I’m not a horror fan, but I’m sure those who are will have at least a passing interest in the high definition release of both Halloween 4: The Return Of Michael Myers & Halloween 5: The Revenge Of Michael Myers (Shout Factory, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$24.99 SRP each). Both sport audio commentaries, featurettes, and trailers.
So there you have it… my humble suggestions for what to watch, listen to, play with, or waste money on this coming weekend. See ya next week…
-Ken Plume
FREDagator: 2012-08-24
This may make me love Star Wars again… Y’know, the way it was before those things happened, & it all went sour…
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Ken P. D. Snydecast #177: Hoard To Tears
Adult Swim’s Dana Snyder and FRED’s Ken Plume set out to have a literate conversation between two pals, but inevitably devolve into a verbal, and funny, free-for-all full of bickering, infighting, and the special kind of male bonding that comes from conflict expressed through the podcast medium.
Actor/comedian/raconteur Dana Snyder, you’re certainly aware, is Aqua Teen Hunger Force’s Master Shake, Squidbillies‘ Granny, Minoriteam’s Dr. Wang, and The Venture Bros.‘ Alchemist. Available for weddings and bar mitzvahs (bat availability pending), you can keep tabs on him via his website, www.eyeofthesnyder.com.
Ken Plume is the editor-in-chief here at FRED. He is a friend of Dana’s, as well as his arch-nemesis.
VISIT THE SNYDECAST EXPERIENCE
KEN P.D. SNYDECAST #177: Hoard To Tears – Ken & Dana return to talk of famous kitchens, piles of stuff, talking dolls, and where crap goes when you die.
[CONTENT WARNING]: This podcast may contain some foul language and horribly off-color jokes. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
DOWNLOAD: (right click to save)
Episode #177 (MP3 format)
[audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/snydecast/ken_p_d_snyde_cast-177.mp3]
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Got something to say? E-mail Dana & Ken at the Snydecast mailbag.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SNYDECAST ARCHIVES
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FREDagator: 2012-08-24
A little bit of the brilliance of Jerry Nelson…
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