Author: UncaScroogeMcD

  • Win DOCTOR WHO: SEASON 6 on Blu-Ray & DVD!

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    In conjunction with BBC Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies each of DOCTOR WHO: SEASON 6 on both Blu-Ray & DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, December 14th.

    Enter the contest!
    Email:
    First name:
    Last name:
    Street Address:
    Address Line 2 (if needed):
    City:
    State/Province/Whatever:
    Zip Code/Postal Code:
    Country:
    Birth Month:
    Birth Day:
    Birth Year:

    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, December 14th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • FREDagator: 2011-11-21

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    Oh, Yoda. You whore…

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    [ad#contestbox]

  • Ken P. D. Snydecast #173: Breakfast Nachos

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    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

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    KEN P.D. SNYDECAST #173: Breakfast Nachos – Ken & Dana return. Yes. They return.

    [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 #173 (MP3 format)

    [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/snydecast/ken_p_d_snyde_cast-173.mp3]

    SUBSCRIBE
    Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes

    Got something to say? E-mail Dana & Ken at the Snydecast mailbag.

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    CLICK HERE FOR THE SNYDECAST ARCHIVES

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  • Whotininnies 4: Mock Me Tiberius

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    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 4: Mock Me Tiberius
    Ken and Glen return to awful news about a Doctor Who film and take a critical look at the Star Trek franchise. As always, our theme is courtesy of Chameleon Circuit.

    Hope you enjoy…
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    Download “Whotininnies 4: Mock Me Tiberius“:

    [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/whotininnies/whotininnies-04.mp3]

    SUBSCRIBE
    Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes

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    Drop Ken & Glen a line HERE.

    ##

    (Artwork by Molly Lewis)

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  • Weekend Shopping Guide 11/18/11: TARDIS To Go

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    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…)

    Jon Pertwee’s 3rd Doctor finally escapes his banishment to Earth and travels into space in the new-to-DVD adventure Doctor Who: Colony In Space (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP). Okay, so he doesn’t really escape – more like the Time Lords who banished him there in the first place decide they need his help to stop The Master from getting his hands on a master weapon, so they send the TARDIS (with The Doctor and companion Jo Grant) to a bleak planet in the 25th century to stop him. Bonus materials are plentiful, including an audio commentary, featurettes, deleted footage, and more.

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    When I was a kid, so very long ago, hand-propelled paper airplanes were perfectly fine. For today’s kids, something more is needed – such as Power Up ($19.99), which provides a battery-powered propeller to those simple paper planes. How great is that? GREAT.

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    I love how the DVD revolution has made it possible for just about every TV show you can imagine to wriggle out of the woodwork and get a release. Case in point – the complete run of It Takes A Thief (E1, Not Rated, DVD-$199.98 SRP), a late 60’s show about a suave cat burglar-turned-spy (Robert Wagner), who travels the globe playing his trade in service of the US government. Bonus materials include an extended version of the pilot, interviews, coasters, a repro 35mm film cell, and a collectible booklet.

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    I think the announcement of its arrival in a definitive high definition collection was both a surprise and a delight to diehard fans, but I’m sure the latter outweighs the former now that they can lay their grubby little paws on their very own copy of Farscape: The Complete Series (A&E, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$199.95 SRP). As if all 88 episodes in high-def weren’t enough, the 20-disc set ports over all of the commentaries, deleted scenes, profiles, featurettes, and promos of the original Starburst editions, PLUS adds a brand-new retrospective documentary and the much-desired Farscape Unleashed special. Are you a fan? You want this set, and you want it now.

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    One of the most iconic movie musicals ever produced makes its high definition debut in grand style, as West Side Story (MGM, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$29.99 SRP) looks and sounds absolutely pristine. As if the restoration weren’t enough, this new edition ports over all of the great bonus features found on the DVD collector’s set from a few years back.

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    It’s flawed in many ways and suffers from an inadequate budget for its lofty concept, but there’s quite a bit of charm that makes Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP) worth watching in this new 15th anniversary edition, which features a new audio commentary and introduction in addition to the bonus features from the original DVD release.

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    It was brilliant seeing League Of Gentlemen’s Steve Pemberton in the grim and gritty crime drama Whitechapel: The Ripper Returns (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP), which finds a copycat killer stalking London’s East End in the 21st century.

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    Celebrate its 25th anniversary with a brand new special edition of Sam Raimi’s classic schlock horror film Evil Dead 2 (Lionsgate, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$14.99 SRP), newly available in high definition and packing in a clutch of new featurettes and an audio commentary.

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    If you’re a history buff, you’ll probably be as fascinated and gripped by the remarkable color footage you’ll find, presented for the first time in high definition, found within the WWII In HD Collector’s Edition (History Channel, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$69.95 SRP). The 4-disc set contains a view of the second World War that few have seen. Bonus materials include a pair of feature-length specials, featurettes, and character profiles.

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    For the kids in your life, this week brings Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Space Adventure (Walt Disney, Not Rated, DVD-$19.99 SRP), which finds Mickey & friends blasting off and exploring outer space. What’s better than Donald Duck in space? Not much, my friends. The disc also includes a never-before-seen bonus episode.

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    MGM has dipped into their library for a trio of titles to get the high definition treatment, including the original, much much better version of The Taking Of Pelham One Two Three (MGM, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$19.99 SRP), Tom Selleck in Quigley Down Under (MGM, Rated PG-13, Blu-Ray-$19.99 SRP), and Gregory Peck & Charlton Heston in Big Country (MGM, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$19.99 SRP).

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    And speaking of MGM dipping into their library, they’ve also unleashed a new clutch of titles from their MOD Limited Edition Collection, including the Morey Amsterdam comedy Don’t Worry, We’ll Think Of A Title (MGM, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98), Joe Don Baker & Burgess Meredith in the suspense thriller Golden Needles (MGM, Rated PG, DVD-$19.98), Charles Durning in Where The River Runs Black (MGM, Rated PG, DVD-$19.98), and Barbara Eden in the biker flick Return Of The Rebels (MGM, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP).

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    It doesn’t hold a candle to the original UK series, but the first season of the American Being Human (E1, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$49.98 SRP) is enough if a quirky, fun adaptation to at least warrant a look. Beyond that, it’s up to you. Bonus materials interviews, featurettes, and the San Diego Comic-Con panel.

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    Underappreciated in its day and largely overlooked today, if you’ve yet to see the short-lived Michael Mann series Crime Story (Image, Not Rated, DVD-$29.98 SRP), this complete series box set is the perfect way to dive into this gritty world of the Chicago Police Major Crime Unit in 1963, starring Dennis Farina as the hardened lieutenant Mike Torello. The set also contains the 2-hour pilot episode.

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    It was only a matter of time before History Channel fond a way to make a spin-off from their popular Pawn Stars, and the one they chose was to focus on the gent that show had doing restorations on the antiques brought to the show. So with American Restoration (History Channel, Not Rated, DVD-$19.95 SRP), you get to see Rick Dale and his crew cleaning up the rust and rot on many an item.

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    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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  • A Bit Of A Chat with Ken Plume & Paul F. Tompkins 4

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    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 actor, stand-up, gadfly, and sartorial dandy Paul F. Tompkins, about tents, travel abroad, drunk comedy, material creation, new media, and goading Lee Mack.

    Hope you enjoy…

    Download “A Bit of a Chat with Ken Plume & Paul F. Tompkins 4“:

    [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/bitofachat/bit_of_a_chat-paul_f_tompkins_4.mp3]

    SUBSCRIBE
    Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes

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    Drop Ken a line HERE.

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    You can also find more of my interviews by clicking HERE.

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  • A Bit Of A Chat with Ken Plume & Greg Davies

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    I’m Ken Plume, and soon you’ll be listening to “A Bit Of A Chat” with me, Ken Plume.

    In this episode, I chat with comedian and INBETWEENERS star Greg Davies about MR. GILBERT’S HOLIDAY, cowardice teaching, Piggy’s bedlam, Brecht sneak, and a pupil chase tableau.

    And be sure to pick up your very own copy of his brand new stand-up DVD, FIRING CHEESEBALLS AT A DOG.

    Hope you enjoy…

    Download “A Bit of a Chat with Ken Plume & Greg Davies“:

    [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/bitofachat/bit_of_a_chat-greg_davies.mp3]

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    SUBSCRIBE
    Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes

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    Drop Ken a line HERE.

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    You can also find more of my interviews by clicking HERE.

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  • Contest Round-Up: 2011-11-16

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    Welcome to our weekly round-up of featured giveaways here at FRED. Every week, we’ll present a new clutch of DVDs, books, and other cool stuff you can take a shot at winning. All you have to do is click on the graphics below to be taken to their respective contest pages. And good luck!

    In conjunction with Dutton Books, we’re giving away four (4) copies of John Hodgman’s THAT IS ALL.

    In conjunction with A&E Home Video, we’re giving away a copy of FARSCAPE: THE COMPLETE SERIES on Blu-Ray.

    In conjunction with History Channel Home Video, we’re giving away two (2) copies of TOP SHOT: RELOADED SEASON 2 on DVD.

    In conjunction with History Channel Home Video, we’re giving away two (2) copies of AMERICAN PICKERS: VOLUME 2 on DVD.

    In conjunction with History Channel Home Video, we’re giving away two (2) copies of PAWN STARS: VOLUME 3 on DVD.

    In conjunction with Adult Swim, we’re giving away three (3) copies of AQUA UNIT PATROL SQUAD 1 on DVD.

    In conjunction with BBC Home Video, we’re giving away two (2) copies each of TOP GEAR: SEASON 16 on Blu-Ray & DVD.

    In conjunction with Adult Swim, we’re giving away two (2) copies each of ROBOT CHICKEN: SEASON 5 on Blu-Ray & DVD.

    In conjunction with Nickelodeon Home Video, we’re giving away two (2) copies of VICTORIOUS: SEASON ONE VOLUME 2 on DVD.

    In conjunction with Miramax & Lionsgate, we’re giving away two (2) copies of COP LAND on Blu-Ray.

    In conjunction with Miramax & Lionsgate, we’re giving away two (2) copies of CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND on Blu-Ray.

    In conjunction with BBC Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of DOCTOR WHO: COLONY IN SPACE on DVD.

  • Win DOCTOR WHO: COLONY IN SPACE on DVD!

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    In conjunction with BBC Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of DOCTOR WHO: COLONY IN SPACE on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, December 7th.

    Enter the contest!
    Email:
    First name:
    Last name:
    Street Address:
    Address Line 2 (if needed):
    City:
    State/Province/Whatever:
    Zip Code/Postal Code:
    Country:
    Birth Month:
    Birth Day:
    Birth Year:

    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, December 7th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND on Blu-Ray!

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    In conjunction with Miramax & Lionsgate, we’re giving away two (2) copies of CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND on Blu-Ray.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, December 7th.

    Enter the contest!
    Email:
    First name:
    Last name:
    Street Address:
    Address Line 2 (if needed):
    City:
    State/Province/Whatever:
    Zip Code/Postal Code:
    Country:
    Birth Month:
    Birth Day:
    Birth Year:

    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, December 7th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win COP LAND on Blu-Ray!

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    In conjunction with Miramax & Lionsgate, we’re giving away two (2) copies of COP LAND on Blu-Ray.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, December 7th.

    Enter the contest!
    Email:
    First name:
    Last name:
    Street Address:
    Address Line 2 (if needed):
    City:
    State/Province/Whatever:
    Zip Code/Postal Code:
    Country:
    Birth Month:
    Birth Day:
    Birth Year:

    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, December 7th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win VICTORIOUS: SEASON ONE VOLUME 2 on DVD!

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    In conjunction with Nickelodeon Home Video, we’re giving away two (2) copies of VICTORIOUS: SEASON ONE VOLUME 2 on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, December 7th.

    Enter the contest!
    Email:
    First name:
    Last name:
    Street Address:
    Address Line 2 (if needed):
    City:
    State/Province/Whatever:
    Zip Code/Postal Code:
    Country:
    Birth Month:
    Birth Day:
    Birth Year:

    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, December 7th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win ROBOT CHICKEN: SEASON 5 on Blu-Ray & DVD!

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    In conjunction with Adult Swim, we’re giving away two (2) copies each of ROBOT CHICKEN: SEASON 5 on Blu-Ray & DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, December 7th.

    Enter the contest!
    Email:
    First name:
    Last name:
    Street Address:
    Address Line 2 (if needed):
    City:
    State/Province/Whatever:
    Zip Code/Postal Code:
    Country:
    Birth Month:
    Birth Day:
    Birth Year:

    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, December 7th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win TOP GEAR: SEASON 16 on Blu-Ray & DVD!

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    In conjunction with BBC Home Video, we’re giving away two (2) copies each of TOP GEAR: SEASON 16 on Blu-Ray & DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, December 7th.

    Enter the contest!
    Email:
    First name:
    Last name:
    Street Address:
    Address Line 2 (if needed):
    City:
    State/Province/Whatever:
    Zip Code/Postal Code:
    Country:
    Birth Month:
    Birth Day:
    Birth Year:

    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, December 7th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win AQUA UNIT PATROL SQUAD 1 on DVD!

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    In conjunction with Adult Swim, we’re giving away three (3) copies of AQUA UNIT PATROL SQUAD 1 on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, December 7th.

    Enter the contest!
    Email:
    First name:
    Last name:
    Street Address:
    Address Line 2 (if needed):
    City:
    State/Province/Whatever:
    Zip Code/Postal Code:
    Country:
    Birth Month:
    Birth Day:
    Birth Year:

    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, December 7th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win PAWN STARS: VOLUME 3 on DVD!

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    In conjunction with History Channel Home Video, we’re giving away two (2) copies of PAWN STARS: VOLUME 3 on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, December 7th.

    Enter the contest!
    Email:
    First name:
    Last name:
    Street Address:
    Address Line 2 (if needed):
    City:
    State/Province/Whatever:
    Zip Code/Postal Code:
    Country:
    Birth Month:
    Birth Day:
    Birth Year:

    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, December 7th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win AMERICAN PICKERS: VOLUME 2 on DVD!

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    In conjunction with History Channel Home Video, we’re giving away two (2) copies of AMERICAN PICKERS: VOLUME 2 on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, December 7th.

    Enter the contest!
    Email:
    First name:
    Last name:
    Street Address:
    Address Line 2 (if needed):
    City:
    State/Province/Whatever:
    Zip Code/Postal Code:
    Country:
    Birth Month:
    Birth Day:
    Birth Year:

    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, December 7th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win TOP SHOT: RELOADED SEASON 2 on DVD!

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    In conjunction with History Channel Home Video, we’re giving away two (2) copies of TOP SHOT: RELOADED SEASON 2 on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, December 7th.

    Enter the contest!
    Email:
    First name:
    Last name:
    Street Address:
    Address Line 2 (if needed):
    City:
    State/Province/Whatever:
    Zip Code/Postal Code:
    Country:
    Birth Month:
    Birth Day:
    Birth Year:

    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, December 7th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win FARSCAPE: THE COMPLETE SERIES on Blu-Ray!

    contestheader.jpg

    In conjunction with A&E Home Video, we’re giving away a copy of FARSCAPE: THE COMPLETE SERIES on Blu-Ray.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, December 7th.

    Enter the contest!
    Email:
    First name:
    Last name:
    Street Address:
    Address Line 2 (if needed):
    City:
    State/Province/Whatever:
    Zip Code/Postal Code:
    Country:
    Birth Month:
    Birth Day:
    Birth Year:

    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, December 7th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win John Hodgman’s THAT IS ALL!

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    In conjunction with Dutton Books, we’re giving away four (4) copies of John Hodgman’s THAT IS ALL.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, December 7th.

    Enter the contest!
    Email:
    First name:
    Last name:
    Street Address:
    Address Line 2 (if needed):
    City:
    State/Province/Whatever:
    Zip Code/Postal Code:
    Country:
    Birth Month:
    Birth Day:
    Birth Year:

    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, December 7th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Weekend Shopping Guide 11/11/11: Hallows End

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    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…)

    I was one of the many that was concerned the Harry Potter franchise would stumble and fall at the finish line, as it wrapped up J.K. Rowling’s sweeping tale with a two-part version of her final book. Thankfully, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 (Warner Bros., Rated PG-13, Blu-Ray-$35.99 SRP) lands it, and lands it well. Sure, there were some adjustments, deletions, and tinkering in the screen translation, but we’ve been dealing with those throughout the series. And while we’re all waiting for the inevitable Ultimate Editions, this special edition is loaded with the information-filled Maximum Movie Mode, a conversation between Rowling and Daniel Radcliffe, additional scenes, featurettes, and more.

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    I’m a sucker for better portable electronics solutions, which is why I like the Quirky Contort 4-Port USB Hub ($24.99), which is a tiny little USB hub that also contains built-in cord management. Four ports and no cord mess in a compact package? Perfect.

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    If you’ve ever known the cult joy of discovery in watching the likes of The Mighty Boosh and Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace and have yet to experience Matt Berry & Rich Fulcher’s Snuff Box (Severin, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP), you can not possibly conceive of the great hole – the yawning chasm – that exists within your comedy universe. Bizarrely daft and deliriously quirky, it’s a series of sketch-like material that simply needs to be seen. By you. Immediately. Bonus materials include audio commentaries, featurettes, and a bonus CD containing Matt Berry’s show music.

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    You know Disney is clearly throwing their weight behind 3D releases of their catalogue when they drop four titles in a day, all of them upgraded to multi-disc definitive editions containing not only brand new 3D discs, but also the Blu-Ray, DVD, and digital discs. Really, this is the version to buy, even if you don’t yet have a 3D television set. So what films have dropped? You can get Meet The Robinsons (Walt Disney, Rated G, 3D Blu-Ray-$44.99 SRP), Bolt (Walt Disney, Rated PG, 3D Blu-Ray-$49.99 SRP), Chicken Little (Walt Disney, Rated G, 3D Blu-Ray-$44.99 SRP), and G-Force (Walt Disney, Rated PG, 3D Blu-Ray-$44.99 SRP). All of the bonus materials are identical to the previous Blu-Ray releases.

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    It’s a shame that they didn’t see fit to give it a proper restored release rather than an MOD Warner Archive Collection release, because 1934’s Hollywood Party (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$14.95), while a big mess of a film, is still a worthwhile cinema artifact. Why? Well, much like the equally messy It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, it’s jam-packed with the stars of the day, with everyone from Laurel & Hardy and Jimmy Durante to The Three Stooges (with old boss Ted Healy) and even Mickey Mouse. And, in a rarity for these Archive releases, there’s even a choice bonus feature – rare pre-recordings and outtakes of deleted songs.

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    Often overlooked due to its flashier contemporaries like The Godfather, Francis Coppola’s The Conversation (Lionsgate, Rated PG, Blu-Ray-$19.95 SRP) is a magnificent little thriller, starring Gene Hackman at the height of his powers as surveillance man Harry Caul who hears too much, much to his detriment. The high definition transfer is a gem, and bonus materials include audio commentaries, interviews, featurettes, and more.

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    While it’s not the 1935 film starring Charles Laughton as the overbearing Captain Bligh that I love so much, the high definition release of the 1962 version of Mutiny On The Bounty (Warner Bros., Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$19.98 SRP), starring Trevor Howard as Bligh and some guy named Marlon Brando as the mutinous Fletcher Christian, is certainly worth a look, now looking better than it ever has. Bonus materials include an alternate prologue & epilogue, a retrospective featurette, a quartet of vintage featurettes, and the theatrical trailer.

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    One of those much-beloved flicks from my childhood, owing largely to dozens of captive-audience viewings on early cable TV, has arrived in high definition. Now I can see the cast of The Cannonball Run (HBO, Rated PG, Blu-Ray-$14.98 SRP) lark about for 90 minutes in exquisite detail. These are, indeed, wondrous times. Heck, there’s even an audio commentary with director Hal Needham.

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    More of the Miramax catalogue makes its way to high definition with the release of the largely forgotten but worth seeing Cop Land (Lionsgate, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$14.99 SRP) and the not-as-good but still interesting Chuck Barris “story” Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind (Lionsgate, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$14.99 SRP). Both contain audio commentaries, featurettes, and more.

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    They’re not as well-polished as the theatrical shorts, but the cartoons contained in Mr. Magoo: The Television Collection 1960-1977 (Shout Factory, Not Rated, DVD-$79.87 SRP) still has plenty of fun misadventures for that myopic senior citizen. The 11-disc set features not only the television shows, but also the Uncle Sam Magoo special plus audio commentaries, galleries, and a featurette.

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    Warners has decided to drop a trio of festive holiday catalogue titles just in time for your cold winter viewing pleasure – the sequel Frosty’s Winter Wonderland (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP), a pair of Smurftastic specials on The Smurfs Holiday Celebration (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP), and the high definition release of Rankin-Bass’s mouse-tastic Twas The Night Before Christmas (Warner Bros., Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$24.98 SRP).

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    They’re not revelatory tracks, but for Beatles completists, there’s always been a fascination with the tunes they recorded in the early 60’s with Tony Sheridan, which have been remastered in both mono and stereo form for the First Recordings (Time Life, $19.99 SRP), which collects the whole lot in one easy package.

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    Intentionally crass comedy is a balancing act that either provides the highs of The Hangover and Bridesmaids or the lows of The Change-Up (Universal, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$34.98 SRP), which trots out the exchanging bodies trope for a pair of friends – a family man (Jason Bateman) and vulgar pothead bachelor (Ryan Reynolds) who then proceed to screw up each other’s lives and then learn a lesson or something. You know – the usual. Bonus materials include an audio commentary, featurettes, a deleted scene, a gag reel, and more.

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    If you’ve ever wondered how the states comprising the United States got their various borders, loon no further than the History Channel program How The States Got Their Shapes (History Channel, Not Rated, DVD-$34.95 SRP). Hosted by Brian Unger, it traces all of the geography and politics that dictated just where borders where drawn – and redrawn – over the years.

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    Even 25 years and numerous pop culture jokes later, David Lynch’s Blue Velvet (MGM, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$24.99 SRP) still manages to be an uncomfortable, often disturbing piece of filmmaking. Now it’s made the transition to high definition, sporting a retrospective documentary, outtakes, TV spots, the original Siskel & Ebert review, and newly discovered lost footage.

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    Up to a certain point, Michael Jackson: The Life Of An Icon (Universal, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$26.98 SRP) is a nice look back on the life of a talented performer. Then, later in that life, it becomes a rather sad portrait of a man trapped within that performer. Still, there’s always that early period, right? The disc also features over 90 minutes of additional interviews.

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    More classic Nickelodeon animation from the fine folks at Shout Factory arrives with The Wild Thornberrys: Season 2 Part 1 (Shout Factory, Not Rated, DVD-$19.93 SRP). The 2-disc set contains the first 13 episodes of that globetripping family’s second season adventures.

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    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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  • Whotininnies 3: Super L8

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    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 3: Super L8
    Ken and Glen return, which is more than anyone could have expected of them. As always, our theme is courtesy of Chameleon Circuit.

    Hope you enjoy…
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    Download “Whotininnies 3: Super L8“:

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    Drop Ken & Glen a line HERE.

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    (Artwork by Molly Lewis)

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  • A Bit Of A Chat with Ken Plume & Miles Kahn

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    I’m Ken Plume, and soon you’ll be listening to “A Bit Of A Chat” with me, Ken Plume.

    In this episode, I chat with writer, director, and Daily Show producer Miles Kahn about barrel fish, mustaches, Hodgman challenges, Astoria, toe shoes, fedoras, and 4am lobster.

    Hope you enjoy…

    Download “A Bit of a Chat with Ken Plume & Miles Kahn“:

    [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/bitofachat/bit_of_a_chat-miles_kahn.mp3]

    SUBSCRIBE
    Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes

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    Drop Ken a line HERE.

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    You can also find more of my interviews by clicking HERE.

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  • FREDagator: 2011-11-09

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    I sang a goofy little cover of “Where Do You Go To My Lovely”. Then I made a goofy little video to go with it… And I’m also wearing a faux beret, or “fauxret”…

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  • A Bit Of A Chat with Ken Plume & John Roderick

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    I’m Ken Plume, and soon you’ll be listening to “A Bit Of A Chat” with me, Ken Plume.

    In this episode, I chat with musician John Roderick about brawls, teeth, secret songs, tests, collaboration, expectation, and Moose On The Tracks.

    Hope you enjoy…

    Download “A Bit of a Chat with Ken Plume & John Roderick“:

    [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/bitofachat/bit_of_a_chat-john_roderick.mp3]

    SUBSCRIBE
    Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes

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    Drop Ken a line HERE.

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    You can also find more of my interviews by clicking HERE.

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