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Bonus View Digest - November 16, 2012

Fri Nov 16, 2012 at 01:25 PM ET
Tags: Bonus View Digest, The Bonus View, Aaron Peck, Fun Stuff, 007 (all tags)

With winter hanging over us like the harbinger of doom that it is, isn't it nice to know that you have a place online that will keep you toasty? Like a giant cyber blanket The Bonus View engulfs you in the warm glow of all things high definition, and beyond.

This week we have more contests, more monsters, and more movies. Seems like we're running a contest every week here on The Bonus View. Last week we gave away a remastered release of 'Patton,' this week try your chance at winning a totally awesome copy of 'Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure.' Today is the last day to enter, so get on it!

Monster Madness

The tournament rages on. Cities are being destroyed as we speak. This isn't to be taken lightly. Famous movie monsters are falling left and right and it's still only the first round. Check out the match-ups that have taken place this week, and cast your votes!

Godzilla vs. T-Rex – The Thing vs. Samael

The Kraken vs. Mothra – Killer Rabbit vs. Kuato

Blu-ray News

Besides the giveaway announced above (seriously, enter today!) we have our weekly Blu-ray Highlights column where Josh runs down all the Blu-ray releases for the week. This week saw a release of an all-time classics in 'Lawrence of Arabia' and 'The Postman Always Rings Twice.'

Theatrical News

There are two huge releases slated for this weekend. See what Luke thought about 'Lincoln' and the newest, and last, movie of the 'Twilight' franchise, 'Breaking Dawn: Part 2.' I'll give you one guess at which movie is better .

In the Trailer Park we discussed a trio of zombie-centric movies. Haven't seen the newest trailer for 'World War Z' yet? Check it out and see what you think.

Also, one of the most popular posts this week is Luke's article stating the exact reasons why he thought 'Skyfall' was terrible. Read it and then see if you agree or disagree. The more comments the better.

TV Recaps

This week we have recaps for 'The Walking Dead,' 'Happy Endings ,' 'Fringe,' and 'American Horror Story.'

Special Features

Since we've been in spy mode since 'Skyfall' came out we took time in our Mid-Week Poll to ask you who you think is the best movie spy around. In the Weekend Roundtable we discussed who should take the helm of the newly announced 'Star Wars' films.

Thanks for joining us this week. I'll make one last plug for the 'Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure' Blu-ray contest, because hell, it's a free Blu-ray!

Have a great weekend. Be safe. And join us back here next week with another wrap-up of The Bonus View.


Bonus View Digest - June 29, 2012

Fri Jun 29, 2012 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: Bonus View Digest, The Bonus View, Aaron Peck, Fun Stuff (all tags)

June has come and gone on The Bonus View. We're headed into July now, but not before we recap the last week to see what nuggets of high-def gold you might have missed.

TV Madness

We ended things in the tournament. Jack Bauer fought with the cyborg Terminator Cameron. Bauer won by two votes and was crowned champion. You may not agree with the outcome; if you don't Jack Bauer is headed to your house right now to make you agree.

TV Madness may be over, but we have a new tournament planned coming in October. Monster Madness! So get thinking about what movie monsters you'd like to see in a tournament to the death.

Blu-ray News

We recapped the Blu-rays that came out this week in our Blu-ray Highlights post. It's all about 'The Artist' this week. Are you picking it up? Or are your eyes set on something else?

Theatrical News

Aaron reviewed Seth MacFarlane's first foray into feature-filmmaking, with 'Ted'. Find out if it really is funny and worth seeing. He also wrote a Posterizing article this week that took a look at some of the new posters that have come out in recent weeks.

E covered two movies in his Trailer Park. See what he thinks about the new trailers for 'Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai' and 'Django Unchained'.

Gaming News

This week in videogame news Brian Hoss discussed his feelings on the new 'Aliens: Colonial Marines' game along with the new 8-bit style game 'Retro City Rampage'. Check them out and see if they're for you.

TV Recaps

We had recaps for episodes of 'True Blood', 'Wilfred', and the series premiere of 'The Newsroom'.

Special Features

This week's Mid-Week Poll asked what TV shows you'll be watching this summer. With so many new series starting there's plenty of progamming to get into. The Weekend Roundtable talked about our favorite and least favorite vampire movies. What are some of yours?

Thanks for sticking with us through June. As we head into July we have a lot of things planned, most notably covering some of the huge theatrical releases that will be coming out in the next few weeks. So, stay tuned to The Bonus View until next time.


Bridge to Engineering: HDD Attends 2012 Calgary Expo Q&A with Star Trek's Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, and Wil Wheaton

Wed May 30, 2012 at 04:40 PM ET
Tags: Tom Landy, Fun Stuff, Calgary Expo, Star Trek: The Next Generation (all tags)

By Tom Landy

On the first day of the annual Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo that took place April 27-29 in Alberta, Canada, we checked in with 'Star Trek: The Next Generation's Gates McFadden and Denise Crosby (you can check out that coverage here). Join us for Day 2 of the Expo where we catch up with Mr. Data, Geordi La Forge, and Wesley Crusher!

Brent Spiner has starred in several films including 'Introducing Dorothy Dandridge,' 'Independence Day' and 'The Aviator,' and has also guest starred on many TV shows such as 'The Simpsons,' 'Leverage,' and Disney's 'Gargoyles,' but most certainly is best known for his role as the emotionless android on 'Star Trek: TNG.' More recently, Spiner has launched a new witty web series (of which you'll hear a lot more about in a moment).

Actor/director LeVar Burton got his big break starring as Kunta Kinte in the acclaimed 1977 TV miniseries 'Roots' before becoming the Enterprise's blind engineer. Burton has also hosted the long-running educational series 'Reading Rainbow' and has directed numerous projects including episodes of 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,' 'Star Trek: Voyager,' and 'Star Trek: Enterprise.'

And finally, everyone should remember Wil Wheaton from 'Stand By Me' (based on the novella 'The Body' by Stephen King) and also as Dr. Beverly Crusher's prodigy son on 'TNG.' Wil Wheaton also currently has a recurring role as himself on the hit sitcom, 'The Big Bang Theory.'

Below is a transcript of the panel which was once again moderated by Teddy Wilson from "Innerspace" on Space (Canada's sci-fi network).

---------------------------------------------------

TW: Are you having a good time so far?

(Cheering)

TW: My name is Teddy and I'm the one of the hosts of Innerspace on the Space Channel (inaudible) this weekend so far and your con is about to get a whole lot better (inaudible) especially for me, I fell in love with TNG. Many of you did I'm sure as well back in 1987...

(Cheering)

TW: With the first episode 'Encounter at Farpoint...'

(Cheering)

TW: (inaudible) and the three gentlemen I'm about to bring out are such a huge part of that. Please welcome Wil Wheaton, LeVar Burton, and Brent Spiner!

(Applause)

BS: Hello. (As Patrick Stewart).

(Laughter)

BS: I can't believe this. So many people. (Still as Patrick Stewart).

(Laughter)

BS: So... many... flashing lights.

(Laughter)

BS: Stop it!

WW: He has his Patrick Stewart filter on his microphone today.

(Laughter)

BS: What's wrong with this thing? Hello? (Still as Patrick Stewart).

(Laughter)

BS: I have no emotion.

(Laughter)

TW: You guys see each other a lot, I know the cast stays in touch. How does it feel to be on the stage again? Is it surreal? Or is it just another day at the office?

WW: I have to tell you that it's a little weird for me to be in the same place as the entire cast of the Next Generation and I am not wearing a muscle suit under my clothes and my hair doesn't feel like a helmet that's a separate part of my body.

(Laughter)

LB: I could say it's weird knowing that Brent is not wearing any underwear.

(Laughter)

TW: And LeVar you got your cup of Tim Horton's this morning I noticed...

(Cheering)

LB: I've had my cup of Tim's. It's been a long time. It's been a long time. But -- a long time in between Timmy's. God bless Timmy.

(Applause)

BS: I had a cup of Timmy myself this morning. It was delicious. I drank it. I injected it. (In another funny voice).

WW: I woke up in bed next to Tim Hortons as long as we're playing pandering to Canadians.

(Laughter)

WW: Your move guys.

(Laughter)

LB: Wheaton wins.

BS: Maybe (laughs).

TW: So audience we're about to take your questions and we're going to take as many of your questions as possible so if you put up your hand there are some intrepid mic runners out there so put up your hand high and proud and a mic runner will find you and let us know where you are. This is Microsoft Word I believe that we're using (pointing to the screen on stage), its like Star Trek. The future is now! So just stick up your hand--

LB: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa...

WW: Whoa, Microsoft Word is NOT the future.

TW: Are you kidding me? This is high tech, Microsoft Word...

WW: No, Open Off (inaudible) is NOT the future.

(Cheering)

WW: Now I'm playing pandering to the nerds. A game I will also win.

(Laughter)

BS: As opposed to what? (Laughs)

(Laughter)

BS: Let me ask you -- may I ask a question?

TW: Please do.

BS: Are any of you going to be here tonight?

(Cheering)

BS: Okay, so don't ask us anything you would ask tonight. Because it would just be redundant later on answering. No? Okay, do what you want. I don't...

(Laughter)

TW: Let me ask you, going all the way back to 1987, do you remember the first time you met each other? Or is there an early memory that sticks out in your first read through or scene together? Is there anything that kind of jumps out at you from that first year on the show?

(A long pause)

BS: When was that?

TW: 1987.

WW: 25 years ago.

BS: (To Teddy) Do you remember something that happened to you 25 years ago?

(Laughter)

BS: No, nothing jumps out, really.

WW: I remember being outside of Stage 8 in my school room -- or Stage 9 -- and you were (to Brent) going in and out of Stage 9 because you were doing make-up tests for Data.

BS: True.

WW: And I remember you having different colored contacts in your eyes and different colored paint on your face...

BS: Yep.

WW: And I remember thinking that it was really cool that you came by my school room every time to show me what -- how Data was changing.

BS: Well, I... I... I... enjoy amusing children.

(Laughter)

WW: And I was! I was amused.

LB: And it's clear that as a child you were easily amused.

(Laughter)

BS: I remember meeting Patrick on the lot the very first day I walked on. I didn't know who he was I didn't know how long the show was going to go, I met Patrick and he says (as Patrick) "I'm playing the captain..." and I thought give this about a month and then it's canceled.

(Laughter)

BS: But I was wrong, obviously. Right?

(Cheering)

BS: (Turns to the audience to his right) You know, I'm going to play to you guys...

(Cheering)

BS: Ah, maybe not. (Turns back to the other panelists). So anyway I...

(Laughter)

BS: I know you're there. (Turns again and points at the audience to his right)

LB: Oddly enough I do remember meeting Wil Wheaton...

WW: I love that guy.

(Laughter)

LB: You had been in 'Stand By Me....'

(Cheering)

WW: Thank you.

LB: And I'm a big fan of that movie and I thought wow, that's the kid from 'Stand By Me.' And I was very impressed.

WW: I didn't know that. Thanks man.

LB: Which was short lived.

(Laughter)

WW: I know (sighs). I felt the same way.

BS: I thought you were going to say you thought he was Corey Feldman.

(Laughter)

WW: Happens a lot. Yeah, I hardly remember anything about working on 'Lost Boys' but I know it's a good movie.

(Laughter)

WW: I remember the first time I walked around on Stage 9 -- Stage 9 was where engineering, the transporter room, sickbay, and the corridors for the Enterprise were, and ever since I was a really little kid working as an actor I loved going to sound stages because you get to cross the barrier from reality to imagination. And it's a really solid barrier. Once you're inside it, it's really easy to believe that where you are is real. And the sets on Star Trek -- because I was already a fan of the original series. I was already a science fiction nerd. I was 14 and had a really, really active imagination and I was easily entertained...

(Laughter)

WW: Walking around those corridors just going back and forth, from the transporter room, down the corridor and turning right to engineering, and the lights are on and the engine is going, and then coming back and turning left to go to sickbay and thinking this is where I work. This is where I get to live. And it was AMAZING!

(Cheering)

WW: As cool as you think it would be to actually be there, it was so much cooler.

(Laughter)

TW: Let's go to the floor for mic #3, uh... Rose? Where are you?

Q: Hi guys, it's nice to see you out here. I met LeVar in Edmonton a couple of years ago which was a pleasure.

(Applause)

Q: My question is for Brent. (Inaudible) "Fresh Hell" -- I was wondering about your process and what is going on with that right now?

BS: Well thank you so much for mentioning that. Do any of the rest of you know what "Fresh Hell" is?

(Cheering)

BS: Those of you who don't... please find out.

(Laughter)

BS: FreshHellSeries.com -- it's one word -- FreshHellSeries.com. That will take you there. It's a web series that I've been doing. LeVar guested on the show. I don't know if you saw that one, but it was hilarious. It's -- I call it a (inaudible) because it is presented in a comedic way, but it's a really sad story. But it's funny and I would love it if you would watch it. We've had two seasons, which are really short, the episodes are really short too so it's not a big time commitment for you.

(Laughter)

BS: The first season is like a 1/2 an hour long, the second one we started about six weeks ago and we've aired five of them, we've two weeks off, and we've got five more coming starting next Friday and the next one -- is hilarious. Promise me you will watch the next one.

(Cheering)

BS: Thank you so much. You promised, so... I'm going to hold you to it.

(Laughter)

WW: And you'll never hear the end of it if you don't uphold your promise.

(Laughter)

BS: Exactly. I will come after you...

(Laughter)

WW: That's actually the incentive for them to not uphold their promise.

(Laughter)

BS: If you don't watch it, I will not come after you...

(Laughter)

BS: If you do watch it... I'm confused now...

(Laughter)

BS: Just watch it. Will ya? Thank you. Thank you for asking, though, I appreciate it. This is me (pointing to his shirt) in "Fresh Hell."

TW: Can we see the back of the shirt?

BS: The back of the shirt just says (as he stands up and turns around) "At least I'm not Brent Spiner."


(Laughter)

BS: Which you'll find out why if you watch the show.

TW: Uh mic #4 it's Patrick -- I don't think it's Patrick Stewart -- let's look there. Patrick?

Q: Hi, we saw you guys last night at dinner, and we just noticed -- I wanted to ask you is that the first time all of you have been together? Because you were all like hugs and hands out, so was that the first time you have been together?

BS: In 25 years... that's the first time we've ever seen each other.

(Laughter)

WW: That... you liar.

(Laughter)

BS: We had a little contest... to see which one of us looked the worst.

(Laughter)

BS: I won. (shrugs)

(Laughter)

BS: I'm a winner. What can I say? Right? (Laughs) You guys answer this. I'm in trouble.

LB: It wasn't -- the first time we've been together, you know, Christmas parties we try and get together as often as we can. Patrick lives overseas now, but what was great about last night -- and we are so sorry that you were not able to make it Wil --

WW: Yeah, I'm so jet lagged from being in Australia for three weeks so I was dead at 10:00 PM last night. But we'll make it at 2:00 AM! Thanks Brent!

(Laughter)

LB: It's just great when we get an opportunity to really hang together. We're, it's like hanging with your high school friends. Right? And all of your jokes are inside jokes and you know, they're all stupid...but they're yours. Right? So it is good when we have a chance to see each other. It's a really small club that we are a part of.

WW: When we see each other now it means so much to me because when we were working on the show I was a kid and I just wanted so bad to hang out with you guys. I wanted to be so cool like you guys were and I just couldn't do it because I was a kid and I hadn't...

BS: Still.

(Laughter)

WW: I hadn't leveled. I just didn't have enough XP.

(Laughter)

WW: So nowadays when we're together... pandering to the D&D nerds. That's another game I'm always going to win. But when we get together now, I don't feel like I'm that sort of -- I don't feel like a little kid anymore, because I turned 40 this year. And I love it. And I love to be with you guys. And I'm so grateful to the part of a cast that after 25 years -- wants to get together.

BS: It's true. I mean...

(Cheering)

BS: It is rare. I mean you don't see Bruce Willis and Cybil Shepard out...

(Laughter)

TW: They don't moonlight together?

BS: No...

WW: A-hahhhhh...

(Laughter)

BS: Well, (to Teddy) you've got to have one. Right?

TW: Let's go down up in front. Alexis? Mic #5?

Q: Hi. All three of you use social media very effectively and I was wondering what effect that has on your careers?

TW: I counted about five million Twitter followers between the three of you, and that's pretty amazing.

LB: Anybody follow Wil Wheaton on Twitter?

(Cheering)

WW: I'm sorry...

(Laughter)

LB: Wil is a large part of the reason that I'm on Twitter...

WW: You're welcome!

(Cheering)

BS: Wil's dog is the reason that I'm on Twitter.

(Laughter)

WW: He also says you're welcome.

(Laughter)

WW: It has had a profound effect on my career because I'm just an early adopter of things that I think are disruptive technologies and I think that Twitter is a wonderfully disruptive technology. Since I started using Twitter just a few months after launch I have not received a breaking news events from traditional news media -- I get it from Twitter. And I was just using it to just be a jackass and entertain myself and I was talking about how much I love the show 'The Big Bang Theory.'

(Cheering)

WW: And I got an e-mail from one of the writers on the show, Steve Molaro. Steve said, "hi I'm a writer on 'The Big Bang Theory' and I'm wondering if you ever want to come down to the set for a visit?" And I said god I would absolutely love to do that. And a couple of days later I got another e-mail that came from Bill Prady's assistant and she said, "Bill Prady would like to talk to you about being on 'The Big Bang Theory.'" And a couple of fun things happened and they put me on the show. And Steve said, "you know the reason that I reached out to you was because I heard through Twitter that you were a fan of our show." So that, in like you know, seven years ago, Steve and I would have to be in the same physical place for him to hear that from me. And that's just not possible. I don't go to places that big fancy famous people go to. I do not fit in. And because we were able to communicate on Twitter, this disruptive technology, I have a job as a recurring evil guy on the greatest show on television.

(Cheering)

WW: That's just one example.

BS: You know, I have been tweeting often about how much I love the show 'Game of Thrones'...

(Laughter)

BS: And as a result, I have not heard a word from them about that.

(Laughter)

BS: But if you write (to Wil), and tell them how much I enjoy...

(Laughter)

WW: The thing is you'd be such a popular character they'd just kill you anyway.

(Laughter)

BS: Well, that's true. Like 'Star Trek' did...

(Laughter)

WW: At least they didn't send you off in a white van with the Traveler.

BS: Well, that's true.

(Cheering)

BS: I love a good Eric Menyuk joke, don't you? You kill 'em everywhere.

(Laughter)

TW: You guys also did 'The Big Bang Theory'...

BS: We did.

LB: We did.

BS: Both LeVar and I were on 'Big Bang.'

LB: Once again -- Wil Wheaton leading the way.

BS: Exactly. I'd just like to--

WW: Hey, what do you guys want to do next?

BS: Yeah. 'Game of Thrones.'

(Laughter)

WW: Me... too. Me... too. So... much.

BS: I'd like to be -- I just like to be around Wil these days just to learn from him, you know?

(Laughter)

BS: Just to study with him.

WW: Shut up (laughing).

BS: There was A time you wouldn't have said that to me.

(Laughter)

BS: Or maybe you would... I don't know. (laughing)

TW: Um mic #3 down in front, Seedy??

Q: Hi!

BS: Seedy! Hey...

Q: Oh god.

(Laughter)

Q: You were supposed to forget that.

BS: How could I ever forget that?

Q: Oh Jesus...

WW: Should we all leave?

(Laughter)

BS: Should they, Seedy? It's up to you.

(Laughter)

Q: My question is for LeVar... (laughing hysterically)

LB: Is that alright with you, Brent?

BS: Your question is for... LeVar?? (Shaking his head)

(Laughter)

BS: Alright. You know what Seedy? Just for that -- Seedy... but not heardy.

(Laughter)

Q: So my question has to do with 'Reading Rainbow'...

(Cheering)

Q: I was a huge -- I love it...

LB: Butterfly in the sky... (singing)

(Cheering)

LB: I can go twice as high... (standing up). Take a look.. It's in a book...

Crowd: Reading Rainboooow.

LB: Wow.

(Applause)

LB: That was fun.

TW: The band even played the theme song before you came out, too.

LB: Did they? Really?

TW: Yeah.

Q: So my question is this...

LB: Oh Seedy! You're still there!

(Laughter)

Q: I am. Sad, but true. My question is this: I remember there was one episode where you actually went behind-the-scenes of Star Trek...

LB: Yep.

(Cheering)

Q: And I was wondering how did you feel about that? I remember being so excited as a kid and I just wanted your thoughts on it.

LB: I was very excited to share my two jobs and not have to commute anywhere for a week

.

(Laughter)

LB: And do you remember the name of the book? The Bionic Bunny Show. And one of the things I will never forget was being shown by Academy Award winner Rob Legato, who recently won an Academy Award for...

BS: 'Titanic'...

LB: 'Titanic'...

BS: 'Aviator'...

LB: 'Aviator'... Rob Legato showed me, and I did not know what the process was achieved before, but he showed me how the the transporter effect was done by pouring sparkles into a bowl of water and stirring it...

(Laughter)

LB: Photographing that, and in that you had one element of beaming. And he ruined... Star Trek for me from that day forward.

(Laughter)

BS: As you just did for all of them (pointing at the audience).

WW: Spoiler alert, dude!

(Laughter)

LB: Payback is a bitch.

WW: Do you know that the behind-the-scenes clips that you did, they're on YouTube?

LB: They are?

WW: Yes. I have watched them many times.

LB: Seriously?

WW: Yeah. No, it's awesome.

LB: It is awesome.

TW: (inaudible) 'The Aviator.'

BS: Thank you. A very brief moment with... Marty. As I call him.

(Laughter)

TW: Mic #6 on the left, David?

Q: Hello, I just have a question for Wil Wheaton. Now that you're a recurring character on 'The Big Bang Theory,' what is it like having people come up to you and they'll say "oh my gosh you're Wil Wheaton!" Or they're wearing the T-shirts "Wil Wheaton Crushers"? What is that like compared to when people would come up to you in comparison to when you were recurring -- I'm so sorry I see you all the time. Dear god you're real, you're here...

(Laughter)

Q: What is it like when fans come up to you and say they see you all the time in their living rooms?

(Laughter)

BS: Tim Horton was in your living room (pointing to Wil).

(Laughter)

WW: That's true. It's... awesome. I mean, it's great. I'm so happy and so grateful to be on a show that people really like. Playing a character that people really seem to look forward to seeing. A funny story about 'The Big Bang Theory,' I was in San Francisco (inaudible) and I was waiting for a taxi and this guy comes up to me and says, "I'm so sorry to bother you but are you on 'The Big Bang Theory?'" and I said yes I am. And he says, " You play Wil Wheaton on 'The Big Bang Theory'...

(Laughter)

WW: And I said yeah, yeah I do. And he says, "Oh! I love -- you're so funny I love the things you do with Sheldon." So I talk a little bit about working with Jim Parsons and then he says, "I'm so sorry I feel so awful, but... I don't know what your real name is."

(Laughter)

WW: And I said, it's LeVar Burton...

(Laughter)

WW: It's really nice to meet you.

(Laughter)

WW: True story. Mostly (laughs).

TW: Zack to the right, mic #4.

Q: I have a question for Wil. Now that you have that table top gaming show on YouTube...

(Cheering)

WW: Oh thank you, guys.

Q: That popular table top gaming show on YouTube...

(Laughter)

Q: Are you going to take the opportunity having the whole cast here, forcing them to play a game with you?

TW: Settlers of Catan!

(Cheering)

WW: Excuse me (in a funny voice), there's eight of us and there's no expansion...

(Laughter)

WW: (Inaudible)...play a game like "Bang," "The Resistance" or "Werewolf."

(Cheering)

WW: I'm sorry... (to LeVar)

LB: W-w-what is he talking about???

(Laughter)

WW: Felicia Day and I co-created a show together called "Table Top" and we play nerdy tabletop board games, like the kind I've been playing all my life, and we get our friends to come over and play the game with us. So it's sort of like Celebrity Poker plus Dinner For Five -- with nerdy board games instead of a poker game or dinner...

(Laughter)

WW: And it's really, it's a lot of fun to do. There's 20 episodes and we shot 20 episodes in 10 days and they're coming out every other Friday on her YouTube channel geekandsundry. So if you want to see it go to YouTube.com/geekandsundry. And honestly, to answer your question, it would mean the world to me if I could get all these guys to come play on our show, but I think that is logistically very unlikely to happen.

BS: It's not even about logistics, really.

(Laughter)

TW: Um mic #5 on the left side of the floor, Sandra? I think. Right there.

Q: Hi my question is for Brent...

BS: Hi Sandra.

Q: First I just want to say --

BS: Do you know Seedy?

(Laughter)

Q: No, but you did make my son cry the other day...

BS: Oh yes you did I remember that. I didn't make him cry... he was moved.

(Laughter)

BS: Right, Sandra? Moved.

Q: Very. I just wanted to say how a awesome it is that I could bring my son to something like this and that there is still a show out there and he could watch it has good moral components to it. But my question is for you: now with Twitter and Facebook we get to see your personality. How the hell did you suppress that while being Data?

(Cheering)

BS: You know, I only suppressed it when they said "action."

WW: Isn't that the truth?

(Laughter)

BS: Yeah. These guys saw it all the time. But you know, we rehearsed and we laughed all the way up to the word "action"... and then we became professional.

LB: Some of us.

(Laughter)

BS: Exactly. (Inaudible) but it was hard. It really was. But now I'm glad I have the opportunity to let you all know.. just who I am.

(Laughter)

BS: Let me begin with an apology...

(Laughter)

BS: Sandra, thank you so much for watching the show and encouraging your son to watch the show. I hope that Star Trek in some form is on forever and ever and I think it will be.

(Cheering)

TW: (inaudible) day-to-day life when you weren't shooting, not using contractions?

BS: No. I always use contractions. Except when I was reading the dialog from the show. Yeah, because I was able to make this distinction between this is a fictional character... I am a real person.

(Laughter)

BS: It was easy for me, really.

(Laughter)

LB: I think they call that "acting."

BS: There you go!

TW: We'll take mic #3 on the left for Chloe.

Q: Hi my question is for Brent Spiner about your background with musical theatre and whether when you started your career if that was what you wanted to do and how you got into it and all that sort of...?

BS: You know, I went to a high school in Houston, Texas and I had a teacher named Cecil Pickett who was a genius. And in my high school drama class, I had so many people that -- the Quaid brothers Randy and Dennis were in my class, Tommy Schlamme who produced 'The West Wing' and directed 'The West Wing' was in my drama class, and our teacher Cecil Pickett he encouraged us to do everything. So we did Shakespeare, we did musicals, we did Moliere, we did contemporary things, and it really was just the best foundation possible and set me up for what I later found in New York which was its best if you can do it all. That being said (standing up), I'd like to do a little song for you now, Tracy...

(Applause)

BS: Let me -- if there was only a drum set here I could probably (looking back at the drum set on stage) -- Oh! Maybe I'll just head on back to the drums...

(Cheering)

BS: I've just set you all up for such disappointment.

(Laughter)

BS: I'm so sorry. I wish I knew a song. LeVar do you know a song? What about the "Reading Rainbow" song? Could you do that?

LB: I think we've already done that one, Brent.

BS: We have? Where was I when you were doing the "Reading Rainbow" song?

LB: You were asleep, as always. Taking a nap.

BS: I always nap when they don't start with "I have a question for Brent Spiner..."

(Laughter)

BS: Anyway, I hope that answers your question Tracy. It is Tracy, right? Yeah. Chloe! Oh man. Where's Tracy? Where did you go?

WW: Tracy is in the back you can see right there (pointing into the floor seats).

BS: Oh there you are, Tracy. Anyway, so I hope that answers your question, Chloe.

TW: LeVar can I ask you about the first time putting on the visor and how much you could see or not see when you had that thing in front of your eyes?

LB: For the record, putting on the visor was a pain... in my head.

(Laughter)

LB: The visor tended to restrict my vision by about 80-85 percent.

TW: Really? Wow.

LB: The first season I bumped into everything on the set, including the other actors.

(Laughter)

LB: It was necessary to learn how to navigate without actually seeing my feet. And by the end of the seven-year run I came to loathe its very being.

(Laughter)

WW: Be honest.

LB: However, I do have a daughter going to college next year and I intend to auction that sucker on eBay.

(Applause)

WW: That could be called "The Visor Scholarship." The "Geordi La Forge...

LB: ...Visor Scholarship."

BS: So I take it you stole the visor?

LB: "Steeeeal"... is... such a harsh word. Right?

(Laughter)

BS: "Borrowed?" (laughs)

WW: I think "forgot to return."

LB: Well as you know -- payback is a bitch.

(Laughter)

TW: Brent, Wil -- did you "forget to return" anything from the set of 'TNG?'

WW: I have two -- well, I had two communicators that were given to me by my costume designer because she knew how much I loved them. One of them I have in my office at home, the other was cremated with a friend of mine who died way too young who was an enormous Star Trek fan so I gave that communicator to him.

(Applause)

WW: I have (inaudible) I have dozens of sheets of stickers that Mike and Ricky gave me, and one day behind Stage 9 -- I don't know why it was there -- but there was a cardboard box and it had in it from the original Star Trek, these little square things, that sort of look like floppy disks that didn't exist in the sixties, and they are these little square pieces of wood that they would put into things on the bridge and they were just sitting there. And it seemed like an unbelievable crime -- they were trash! So I gave them a good home where they would be appreciated.

(Applause)

BS: I, you know when we were making -- I think it was 'Generations,' the first feature -- we got to the studio one morning to start shooting and we were informed that the captain's chair had been stolen.

LB: Right.

(Laughter)

BS: In the middle of the night. I don't know how they got away with it. But if you come to my living room...

(Laughter)

BS: And I charge very little to take your photo in that chair...

(Laughter)

WW: There's easier ways to get them to watch "Fresh Hell."

BS: I guess.

(Laughter)

BS: If you will watch "Fresh Hell..."

(Laughter)

BS: I will give you that chair.

(Laughter)

TW: On the right --Clinton.

BS: Clinton! Hi, how are you doin'?

Q: Good! My question is for LeVar Burton: I wanted to ask what the hiring process was like when you were getting the job on 'Roots'?

(Applause)

LB: The hiring process? I was a student. Second year at university studying theatre. They had pretty much exhausted normal means of finding professional talent in Los Angeles and they had seen everyone who had an agent who was black and male. And they started beating the bushes. They did a casting session in New York, one in Chicago, then they came back to Los Angeles and then they just sort of started casting the net wider. And as a drama student at the University of Southern California I went out on what they call a "go see" -- you go to an address and see whoever answers the door.

(Laughter)

WW: That's also called "outcall."

(Laughter)

LB: No, I think that's an adult... magazine... personal ad situation.

(Laughter)

WW: Really?

LB: Yeah. Yeah.

WW: So I should have been paid a lot more?

(Laughter)

LB: A lot more. A lot more.

WW: Damn It.

LB: Sorry.

(Laughter)

BS: Well that's depending--

WW: No... More...

LB: Have you seen it? E-le-ven inches.

(Laughter)

WW: Stop it.

LB: What? I'm just sayin'.

(Laughter)

WW: Finish your 'Roots' -- you went to the place, to the "go see"...

(Laughter)

LB: Went to the place, went to the "go see," and read for the director, David Greene. He told me I was terrible. He did, because I was a theatre major because I had no concept of acting for the camera so I was trying to project to the balcony and he thought it was awful because it was inappropriate. However, he said to me later that in the adjustment that I made, when he explained to me that acting for the camera is very intimate activity, that he believed he had found his Kunta.

(Applause)

TW: (inaudible)... of all time.

LB: I think the final episode of 'Roots' is #3 on the list of most watched television events in the history of the media. Yeah.

(Applause)

LB: Thank you.

TW: I wanted to ask you: all of the different technical devices that you used on the show at the time, you know, this stuff was science fiction, but now in a way the producers were pressing it -- you had things like iPads and tricorders -- does that surprise you at all now? That you're sometimes holding in your hand these things you had as props 20-25 years ago?

LB: It doesn't surprise me at all. I don't think the producers were necessarily pressing. I think there has always been a link between science fiction literature -- that which we imagine and that which we create. And I believe there was some kid who in the sixties watched the original 'Star Trek' series, grew up and became a designer, an engineer, and was inspired by those scenes of Shatner, you know? Pulling out that thing, you know, in that velcro place on his hip because apparently there are no pockets in the future.

(Laughter)

WW: There are noooo pockets in the future. When there's not a pocket in the world in the 24th century...

(Laughter)

LB: Right.

WW: Act surprised... when it happens.

(Laughter)

WW: Enjoy them now.

(Laughter)

LB: And he flips that thing out and calls Scotty on the ship and asks him to be beamed up, that child became a designer, a product, an engineer, and is responsible for a technology more prevalent than the toaster. By a show of hands, how many of you have either used or are in the presence of someone using a flip cell phone?

(Pretty much everyone raised their hands)

LB: See what I mean? There are a lot of technological innovations that I think their roots can be traced back to 'Star Trek.' The iPad -- we carried pads all over the ship.

BS: The Captain always had a pad in his Ready Room...

LB: Right.

BS: Geordi always had a pad...

LB: Yep.

BS: How did they come up with that? The iPad?

(Laughter)

LB: Google Glasses. Wow! What a really...

(Applause)

LB: ...interesting idea. That is totally unique! I have never seen anything like that before!

(Laughter)

WW: I tried to save the world from Angry Birds but I was just too slow.

(Laughter)

WW: Wait -- that's one you're gonna have to wait for. It's gonna come back around. That was extraordinarily clever.

(Laughter)

WW: I was helping Frakes fix his computer and we were doing it via text messages, and I was doing it with my Android phone...

(Cheering)

WW: Which makes the original series communicator sound whenever I get a text message because that's the only sound it should make. 'The Next Generation' communicator sound is too quiet. And we were making 'Star Trek' jokes to each other while we were doing it and I thought it was remarkable that he and I were communicating in a way that did not exist when we worked on the show that inspired the devices that we were using to communicate with each other. And it was one of the most satisfying, meta-moments of my life.

(Applause)

BS: Why is everybody looking at me?

(Laughter)

BS: What is that phone called? An Android phone? Where did they get that???

(Cheering)

WW: It's constantly correcting my contractions. It's really annoying.

(Laughter)

BS: I have nothing else to say...

(Laughter)

BS: I'm just... (to Wil and LeVar) STOP LOOKING AT ME!

(Laughter)

TW: We're gonna wrap it up in a sec... any final words, was there any question that you've never been asked in life that you wish you would have been asked and would like to answer now? Or a favorite question you've gotten? I'll leave it to you.

LB: The answer is... yes.

(Laughter)

WW: If you take just one thing from spending time with me today I hope that it would be this: Please be kind, be honest, work hard, and be awesome.

(Cheering)

BS: Did I -- have I mentioned... "Fresh Hell" yet?

(Laughter)

BS: Oh I have, okay. If I can leave you with anything (grins)... ah, you know, you've got your own stuff.

(Laughter)

BS: I'm glad you were here. This was really fun.

(Applause)

LB: Thanks for having us.

BS: We'll see you tonight if you're here, okay? We'll have some more people with us.

LB: We'll see you next time, but you don't have to take our word for it.

(Cheering)


Don't forget to check out our previous 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' Q&A transcripts with Jonathan Frakes (2011 Central Canada Comic-Con), Michael Dorn (2012 Winnipeg Comic and Toy Expo), and Gates McFadden/Denise Crosby (2012 Calgary Expo).

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.


HDD's 2012 Oscars Live-Blog Is Happening NOW! Join the fun!

Sun Feb 26, 2012 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: Academy Awards, Oscars, Oscars 2012, The Bonus View, Oscars Live Blog, 2012 Oscars Live Blog, Fun Stuff, Prizes (all tags)

Join High-Def Digest's The Bonus View for our second annual Oscars Live-Blog! You supply the refreshments, we'll deliver the prizes! It's happening RIGHT NOW!

There are many reasons to join us. Wit, prizes, world weary wisdom, prizes, film trivia, prizes, priceless snark, and did we mention prizes?

With last-minute replacement Billy Crystal hosting for the 74th time, not to mention a huge assortment of behind-the-scenes fiascoes with the production, the ceremony itself promises to be yet another overlong, self-important, and generally boring slog, if not an outright clusterfrack. We'd settle for nothing less!

We will do our best to liven up the proceedings by making fun of them and giving away lots of free Blu-ray goodies! Don’t miss out!

Check out The Bonus View's 2012 Oscars Live-Blog right here!


HDD's 2012 Oscars Live-Blog Is This Sunday!

Thu Feb 23, 2012 at 03:20 PM ET
Tags: Academy Awards, Oscars, Oscars 2012, Oscars Live-Blog, 2012 Oscars Live-Blog, The Bonus View, Fun Stuff, Prizes (all tags)

Yes, we’re doing it again. Join us this Sunday, February 26th for The Bonus View's second annual Oscars Live-Blog! You supply the refreshments, we'll deliver the prizes!

There are many reasons to join us. Wit, prizes, world weary wisdom, prizes, film trivia, prizes, priceless snark, and did we mention prizes?

With last-minute replacement Billy Crystal hosting for the 74th time, not to mention a huge assortment of behind-the-scenes fiascoes with the production, the ceremony itself promises to be yet another overlong, self-important, and generally boring slog, if not an outright clusterfrack. We'd settle for nothing less!

We will do our best here to liven up the proceedings by making fun of them and giving away lots of free Blu-ray goodies! Don’t miss out!


HDD's 2012 Oscars Live-Blog Is This Sunday!

Thu Feb 23, 2012 at 03:20 PM ET
Tags: Academy Awards, Oscars, Oscars 2012, Oscars Live-Blog, 2012 Oscars Live-Blog, The Bonus View, Fun Stuff, Prizes (all tags)

Yes, we’re doing it again. Join us this Sunday, February 26th for The Bonus View's second annual Oscars Live-Blog! You supply the refreshments, we'll deliver the prizes!

There are many reasons to join us. Wit, prizes, world weary wisdom, prizes, film trivia, prizes, priceless snark, and did we mention prizes?

With last-minute replacement Billy Crystal hosting for the 74th time, not to mention a huge assortment of behind-the-scenes fiascoes with the production, the ceremony itself promises to be yet another overlong, self-important, and generally boring slog, if not an outright clusterfrack. We'd settle for nothing less!

We will do our best here to liven up the proceedings by making fun of them and giving away lots of free Blu-ray goodies! Don’t miss out!


Ranking Steven Soderbergh's Top 10 Films

Tue Jan 17, 2012 at 05:15 PM ET
Tags: Aaron Peck, Fun Stuff (all tags)

by Aaron Peck

It was the Sundance hit 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape' that put him on the map. The world of independent cinema would never be the same after his first feature-length film premiered at the festival in 1989.

Since then, Steven Soderbergh's work has spanned genres. He's careful not to pigeonhole himself. He's taken on comedies, thrillers, and is about to take on the action/espionage genre with his new movie 'Haywire.'

Every time he plans a new film, the ensemble cast seemingly appears out of nowhere. Actors and actresses who command leading roles are lining up just to play bit parts. He routinely gets casts that other directors would kill for.

This month has seen the Blu-ray release of his worldwide plague thriller 'Contagion' and the Criterion release of his masterpiece about the world of drug trafficking, 'Traffic.' So I'd like to take this time to rank what I believe are the top ten favorite Soderbergh films.

10. 'Erin Brockovich'

There's flat character issues here, along with a paper-thin plot, but this was the film where Soderbergh was able to wrangle Julia Roberts' ultra-star power and bring her down to earth in the role of Erin Brockovich. Squeaking in at number ten, this is my least favorite of his top films, but it's hard to deny the drama and humor injected into the story and the great directorial job done with one of the world's biggest (and sometimes most insufferable) stars.

9. 'Solaris'


The lovers and the haters of Soderbergh's remake of Andrei Tarkovsky's 1976 sci-fi masterpiece are pretty evenly split down the middle. Count me on the side that really enjoyed the minimalistic visual tone that he provided here. Yes, it's a slow, methodical movie, but Soderbergh does slow and methodical very well. Buoyed by a great Clooney performance, 'Solaris' had to make the top ten.

8. 'The Limey'


If you haven't been able to catch 'The Limey' you really should make time for this first-rate crime thriller starring Terrance Stamp in one of the best performances of his illustrious acting career. There's a decidedly visual aesthetic applied here by Soderbergh, like in many of his other films, that makes watching the movie an entrancing experience. When are we gonna get a Blu-ray release?

7. 'Ocean's Eleven'

It's the who's who of Hollywood. A gigantic ensemble cast that would make any director drool. Here superstars like George Clooney and Brad Pitt are working side by side, making Matt Damon look like he was called in to play a bit part. This is the only 'Ocean's' movie I enjoy watching. It's witty and clever, pure popcorn entertainment. It has that frenzied Soderbergh pace to it, bouncing around from character to character, but somehow we never get lost in the fray.

6. 'Contagion'

I still think 'Contagion' was one of the best thrillers of last year. It's not packed full of action or intrigue, but it's plenty suspenseful. It was a fresh take on the disease thriller. Soderbergh created a world of fear which was much scarier than the disease itself. Plus (spoiler!), Gwyneth Paltrow got scalped. Scalped! Only Soderbergh can amass this cast of A-list actors only to chop the top off the head of one of the biggest names on the bill.

5. 'Che'

Soderbergh's epic about Ernesto "Che" Guevara is long, and for that very reason you may have not ventured in to take a peek at it. However, once you start watching it you'll find it hard to stop. Benicio Del Toro is mesmerizing as the Cuban militant. There's something to be said for a director that can take a 270 minute epic and make it a compelling character study without veering off into snoozeville.

4. 'The Informant!'

People may disagree with my high ranking of 'The Informant!' but I stand by it. Here's a movie that I didn't ever expect much from and instead got everything I could have wanted and more. The key is that it contains the best performance of Matt Damon's career; It's also his most underrated. Damon plays Mark Whitacre, a top employee in the agricultural industry who turns informer to report to the feds about the illegal dealings of his company. He loves the cloak and dagger routines they put him through. The movie is genuinely funny, and never really got its due.

3. 'Out of Sight'

He had a good foundation. Any Elmore Leonard book is a good basis for a screenplay. However, from movies like 'Be Cool' we've learned that it's all too easy to screw up even some of the best fictional writing out there. 'Out of Sight' remains one of the great modern day crime thrillers. Soderbergh toned down the visual trickery and his at times oddball stylistic choices and was able to craft a very marketable caper film. The biggest story here though, isn't that 'Out of Sight' was when we kind of all took notice of Clooney and realized, "Hey maybe this guy can be a movie star." No, it was the fact that Soderbergh somehow got a borderline fantastic performance from one Jennifer Lopez. You know, the same woman who has starred in such hits as 'Maid in Manhattan,' 'The Wedding Planner,' and 'Monster In Law.' I don't know how he did it, but as director Soderbergh was able to squeeze out whatever acting ability Lopez has.

2. 'Sex, Lies and Videotape'

It's a classic now. There's no way around it. It's the movie that really jumpstarted the whole independent film craze. A movie that showed everyone that low-budgets weren't barriers that couldn't be overcome. Soderbergh wrote the movie in less than two weeks. A thrilling psychological study, it remains a masterpiece.

1. 'Traffic'

'Traffic' is to Soderbergh what 'Schindler's List' is to Spielberg. It's his magnum opus. It's the rare time where all the quintessential Soderbergh elements – dozens of characters; intersecting storylines; experimental filming techniques – all meshed into a grandm unified whole. In 2000 Soderbergh was nominated as Best Director twice. Once for 'Traffic' the other for 'Erin Brockovich.' The fun part is that if you didn't know Soderbergh directed both of them you'd swear they were directed by different people. However, 'Traffic' truly bears his mark as a filmmaker (he also acted as cinematographer using the name Peter Andrews). It's experimental, it's large in scope, and it has that trademark ensemble cast that everyone fawns over. With all those elements he was able to weave together numerous tales of the way drugs and the war on them affects everyday life here in America.

How would you rank Soderbergh's films? Are there some that were left off this list like 'King of the Hill,' 'The Underneath,' 'The Good German,' 'The Girlfriend Experience,' or 'Kafka,' that you would add to the list? Please let us know in the forums. Click on the link below and let us in on what movies would make your top ten list of Soderbergh films.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.


The Bonus View is Giving Away 20 Blu-rays During Sunday Night's Golden Globes Live-Blog!!!

Fri Jan 13, 2012 at 02:40 PM ET
Tags: Bonus View Digest, Fun Stuff, Contests, Giveaways (all tags)

I know you sit around waiting anxiously for the next edition of the Bonus View Digest. Well, here we are again, but this time we've got a mega-special announcement. This coming Sunday The Bonus View will be alive with activity. Normally, we're silent on Sundays, but we'll be live-blogging the Golden Globes on the 15th and we hope that you'll join us. Oh and there's more! We'll be having TONS of giveaways!

Last year we had tons of fun during our live-blogging events. The Oscars were a blast and we gave away a bunch of free Blu-rays to other chatters. This year the live-blogging Golden Globes event will be even bigger. We're giving away 20, count them 20, Blu-rays to all of you who will be joining in on the chat with us. Not only will you be able to chat with us live and get showered with our unfiltered wit, but we're also showering you with prizes galore. How could your Sunday night get any better?

So, we hope you'll join us for our live-blog on Sunday. Everyone is welcome and we hope to see you all there. Josh and Aaron will be there running things and hoping to make the chat go as smoothly as possible. It should be a lot of fun. Don't miss it, or you'll miss your chance at scoring some free movies along with missing out on some great camaraderie between writers, readers, and movie buffs.

Besides the impending live-blogging event – which everyone is coming to, right? – we had a lot of fun at The Bonus View this week. Check out some of the highlights below.

Blu-ray News

Josh covered the weekly look at the new Blu-rays hitting store shelves this week. This was the week to pick up hot films like 'Moneyball,' and 'Killer Elite.' Also, 'Boardwalk Empire' hit Blu-ray this week, which should have HBO fans in a buying frenzy.

With Uncovered, Aaron discussed some of the newly released artwork for upcoming titles like 'Immortals,' 'J. Edgar,' and the highly anticipated 'Bond 50' anthology. Aaron also returned to his popular feature Off The Shelf where he revisits movies that have been sitting on his shelf for a while. This time he rewatched the stop-motion favorite 'Coraline' and observed 20 random things about it.

Theatrical News

There was no shortage of theatrical news this week, starting off with a trio of reviews from Luke Hickman. He reviewed 'Joyful Noise,' 'Contraband,' and the unsettling drama 'We Need to Talk About Kevin.'

Luke also covered 2011's Biggest Box Office Bombs. E discussed the very unfunny, and might I add depressing trailer for 'The Three Stooges' in this week's Trailer Park.

This week's Mid-Week Poll also had to do with going out to the cinema. We asked you which critically acclaimed movie of 2011 was your favorite film. The conversation has grown to one of the most popular threads on the site. Weigh in with your opinion now.

Home Theater News

Watch out for those supposed 3000 hour rated projector bulbs. In the post 507 Hours Josh found out the hard way this week that these bulbs may not last as long as they're supposed to.

If you don't feel like hitting the theater this weekend and would rather check out what you can stream into your home check out our weekly Netflix Stream and VUDU posts. If you're looking for a recommendation, Josh recommends an erotic thriller starring Rob Lowe (I know, sounds awesome right?) in his VUDU Diaries post called 'Bad Influence.'

That's it for this week. Be sure to join us this Sunday at 8:00pm EST/5:00pm PST for our live-blogging coverage of The Golden Globes. Remember, we're giving away at least 20 Blu-rays during the telecast so you're odds are very good when it comes to winning. So join us for a night of fun, laughs, and contests. We hope to see you there! And by there, I mean right here!


High-Def Digest-Digest: August 29, 2011

Mon Aug 29, 2011 at 04:00 PM ET
Tags: High-Def Digest-Digest, Dick Ward, Fun Stuff (all tags)

by Dick Ward

A lot can happen in a few weeks, and that's certainly been the case lately.  New Christmas movies have been announced for Blu-ray, along with a few classics.  New gear has been released, including a pair of flagship receivers. And the cast of one of the most beloved cult comedies of all time has reunited.

'Scrooged' Blu-ray Announced

Christmas isn't too far away and that means it's time for holiday Blu-rays to start rolling out.  First up is 'Scrooged,' my personal fourth favorite - 'Muppets Christmas Carol' will forever hold the number one position.  It's a great flick and one of Bill Murray's most oft forgotten, but also one of his best.  It hits shelves on November 1st.

'It's a Wonderful Life' Double Dip for Blu-ray

Is 'It's a Wonderful Life' already out on Blu-ray?  Sure it is.  Is it a good enough movie that you may as well own the limited edition gift set?  That's your call, but I say yes. In addition to what was already included in the last release, you'll get a booklet, an ornament, and new packaging.

'The Goonies' Gets a Regular Blu-ray Release

'The Goonies' is a great flick, and the Goonies themselves are truly amazing.  They never say "die" after all.  Well, except when they're saying "Goonies Never Say Die."  They say it then.  Anyway, the Blu-ray of 'The Goonies' is finally available outside of the Ultimate Collector's Box packaging.  It's coming as a single Blu-ray on October 18th.

'My Fair Lady' Dated for Blu-ray

Where does the rain in Spain fall?  'My Fair Lady' reveals the mystery. It's a dark and gripping film noir...  what, it's a musical?  Well that's cool too.  It stars Rex Harrison and the incomparable Audrey Hepburn.  You'll be able to get your hands on it November 15th.

Big Lebowki Cast Reunites for Blu-ray Release

People who don't care for 'Lebowski' aren't usually that excited about the movie one way or the other.  People who love it though - they really love it.  They go nuts for it.  They hold conferences about a single movie, dress as the characters, and rehearse the lines.  At this year's Lebowski fest they got a special treat - the cast reunited for an incredibly cool Q&A session.  Even better, you can watch it now.

Gear and Industry News

Pioneer Intros its New Flagship Elite Receiver

Pioneer's new SC-55 and SC-57 are nice and fancy, just like a flagship to the Elite series should be.  They boast a new D3 amplifier, AirPlay, Air Jam and the SC-57 is even THX Ultra 2 Plus certified. Both are available now from authorized dealers.

Yamaha's Top of the Line RX-V Receiver is Shipping Now

The final RX-V receiver was announced a while ago, but the series topping RX-V871 is shipping now, a few months after the others.  It kicks out 100 watts per channel to 7.2 channels and gives you a total of eight HDMI inputs to play with.  You can snag one now for $899.

Definitive Technology Launches New Sound Bars

The latest sound bars from Definitive technology are designed to ensure that you get the best audio quality possible out of the single speaker setup.  The SSA3 gives you three channels - left, right and center - while the SSA5 offers five.  Both sound bars are available now.

Startup Company Milleniata Boasts an Indestructible Disc

Here's a particularly interesting one, especially for anyone who's scratched a Blu-ray or DVD and rendered it unreadable.  Milleniata's new discs, readable by both Blu-ray and DVD players and drives, are made of a stone-like substance and are said to last as long as 1,000 years.  Not too shabby.

The Vudu Movie Rental Service Comes to the iPad

Vudu finally makes its way on over to the iPad, giving you the chance to enjoy your movie rentals on the small screen.  Of course, you'll be watching SD movies on an SD screen, so it's not quite as exciting as you might think. After all, Vudu is all about the HD


HDD Study Hall: Paul Rudd

Thu Aug 25, 2011 at 08:00 PM ET
Tags: HDD Study Hall, Luke Hickman, Fun Stuff (all tags)

by Luke Hickman

This week we're taking a look back at the impressive and diverse career of Paul Rudd. He can currently be seen in 'Our Idiot Brother,' a hilarious, heart-felt, R-rated indie comedy that premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.

Rudd is one of those rare actors that cannot be pegged to just one genre. Sure, he's best known for his comedic roles – because he's just so good at them – but he's just as fantastic at dramatic and romantic roles as he is comedies. From performing Shakespeare in Baz Luhrmann's 'Romeo + Juliet' and horror in 'Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers' to character turns in films like 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' and the romantic lead in 'How Do You Know,' Rudd has done it all.

In many ways, Rudd is like John Cusack (By the way, where has he be lately?): both are great at comedy, great at drama, play perfectly convincing leading men, and they're completely charming. Personally, when playing love-lorn leads in romantic roles, each portrays the type of guy I feel like deep down inside, making it very easy to connect with them. I know I'm not the only guy who feels this way.

Listed below are five of Paul Rudd's credits that exemplify why he's so lovable, and why we never want him to disappear.

'Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy'

Playing field reported Brian Fantana, Rudd got everyone's attention with his sleazy mustached character. As a character actor, it feels like the role came naturally to Rudd as he grew out his chops, glued on the mustache, and donned the vintage suit and greasy long wig.

Perhaps his most notorious scene from 'Anchorman' is the one in which he convinces Ron that his Sex Panther cologne will win over new office hottie Veronica Corningstone. It's “illegal in nine countries,” is “made with bits of real panther,” and “60 percent of the time, works every time.” But let us not forget his fourth wall-breaking introduction, his tighty-whitey distraction dance, and his office freakout scenes.

Not only does Rudd take the cake for his character piece in 'Anchorman,' but also 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin,' 'Night at the Museum,' 'The Ex,' 'Walk Hard' and 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall.'

'I Love You, Man'

'I Love You, Man' just might be Rudd's funniest film to date. Perhaps it's the way that the script is written like a standard male/female romantic comedy, yet filled with two completely heterosexual grown adult males. If you were loosely paying attention to the film, you'd believe that it was about two gay men.

Coming off the success of 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall,' you'd think that 'I Love You, Man' was another Jason Segel-penned screenplay. The comedy lies within the same vein, it's just as witty and non-stop hilarious. You'd never guess that it was written by two guys who also wrote terrible films 'Little Fockers,' 'Doctor Dolittle,' and 'Along Came Polly.'

For those lucky enough to catch a Rush show last summer, you got to see Rudd and Segel reprise their roles as Peter Klaven and Sydney Fife in an on-stage extra.

To this day my poor wife is driven crazy be me telling her all of her accents sound like leprechauns and that I like to “slappa da bass, mon.”

'Role Models'

At first glance, Rudd's character in 'Role Models' isn't all that different from the one in 'I Love You, Man,' but when you put a little more thought into it, they're quite a bit different. In 'I Love You, Man,' Rudd played a genuinely nice, somewhat effeminate guy looking to gain a male best friend. In 'Role Models' he's quite a selfish prick. But that's not the reason 'Role Models' makes this list.

'Role Models' is worth noting because this is the first screenplay that Rudd wrote (with friends). Not only is the comedy up to par with that of seasoned writers, but it lets the inner geek shine. Is it odd to anyone else that movie dives deeply into live action role playing – so much so that one would have to participate in it to write about it in such detail? If you've ever known anyone involved is such highly nerdy associations, you know that 'Role Models' nailed its portrayal of the geek culture.

One of the best payoffs and climaxes to a film, there aren't many other comedies that get you so ramped up and excited as when Rudd puts on the costume and make-up and dives into the live-action battle, completely playing along with the part. No wonder Elizabeth Banks' character changed her opinion of him – he's geektastically awesome by the end!

'How Do You Know'

While everyone is quick to jump on the hate train when it comes to 'How Do You Know,' I truly believe that most people are judging it without having seen it. Not being a big fan of James L. Brooks, 'How Do You Know' is actually my favorite of his films. If every romantic comedy was written with the style of humor, the genuine heart and characters of 'How Do You Know,' I'd be a huge fan of the genre. It steers clear of cliché and isn't predictable in the slightest. It never feels the need to rush, it takes its time, naturally building up to a believable finale.

In 'How Do You Know,' Rudd plays an average nice guy subpoenaed for corporate fraud. The problem is that he has no idea what he has done and how to correct it, but because of legal requirements, he's forced to leave his job – the one place that can offer answers. As his entire life crumbles around him, he meets a charming girl (Reese Witherspoon) whose life is also falling apart. The two would make a perfect couple, only she's already taken.

'How Do You Know' is the prefect film to exemplify my idea of Rudd playing a character that any guy can connect with. Watching films like this, it's easy to place one's self in his shoes, often rhetorically making the same decisions that he makes. Along with John Cusack, Joseph Gordon-Levitt has this same ability.

If you fall into the category of people who have not seen 'How Do You Know' (which, judging by box office numbers, is most of you), do yourself the favor of checking it out. It will pleasantly surprise you – especially as Rudd charms his way through another fantastic role.

'Our Idiot Brother'


'Idiot Brother' director Jesse Peretz must enjoy working with Rudd, for this is their third time working together. The first was an indie flick called 'The Château' and the second was a cameo role in Zach Braff/Jason Bateman vehicle 'The Ex' as an uptight, greasy fine dining kitchen manager.

Watching the trailer, one could jump to the conclusion that Rudd simply plays a hippy version of dummy Brian Fantana – but one would be wrong to assume such a thing. Sure, he's kind of a dummy, but his 'Idiot' character Ned has nothing but great intentions. If you assume that the stupidity and naivete of Ned is nothing but a gag to create comedy, you're wrong. By the end of 'Our Idiot Brother,' Ned shows his true colors.

Again, Rudd is joined by a stellar supporting cast. With Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer, Steve Coogan, Rashida Jones, Adam Scott, Kathryn Hahn and T.J. Miller supporting you, it would be hard to fail.

If you're as much of a Paul Rudd lover as I obviously am, go check out 'Our Idiot Brother' this weekend. I promise it will win you over from the very first scene. By the end, you'll be fairly surprised by how well-rounded an R-rated comedy it is.

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