ET Blu-Ray Announcement

In Celebration of Universal Studios’ 100^th Anniversary, One of the Most Beloved Films of All Time Comes to Blu-ray^™ for the First Time Ever

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL

Steven Spielberg’s Unforgettable Adventure Debuts in A Digitally Remastered 30th anniversary Edition

Blu-ray™ Combo Pack With Blu-ray^™, DVD, Digital Copy & UltraViolet™ October 2012

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Academy Award^®-winning director Steven Spielberg’s magical adventure, celebrates its 30^th Anniversary with its first-ever release on Blu-ray^™ this October. Featuring an all-new, digitally remastered picture that delivers six times the resolution of DVD, as well as all-new 7.1 surround sound, the E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Anniversary Edition Blu-ray™ Combo Pack includes the 1982 theatrical movie, an all-new interview with director Steven Spielberg, and “The E.T. Journals” featuring never-before-seen footage from the set of the film. The Blu-ray^™ Combo Pack also includes UltraViolet^™, a DVD and a Digital Copy of the film, offering fans a chance to relive the mystery, laughter and wonder of the iconic movie anytime, anywhere on the platform of their choice.

In 1982, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial became the biggest blockbuster of the year, ranking #1 over 16 different weekends. Even today, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial remains the fourth most successful movie of all-time¹ in the United States. Nominated for nine Academy Awards^® including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Writing and Best Screenplay, the film took home four statuettes for Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Sound and Best Music for John Williams’ (Jaws) memorable score. The unforgettable cast includes the adorable Drew Barrymore (He’s Just Not That Into You, Charlie’s Angels), Henry Thomas (Dear John, Legends of the Fall), Dee Wallace (10, “Sons and Daughters”) and Peter Coyote (“Law & Order: LA,” Jagged Edge).

 “When E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial premiered in 1982, it captured the imaginations of people young, old and everyone in between in a way that was unparalleled in modern movie history,” said Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. “A global cultural phenomenon—and the biggest box-office blockbuster of its day—E.T. brought out the child in all of us. We are thrilled audiences will now be able to experience the film in the astounding quality of Blu-ray^TM.”

BONUS FEATURES ON THE E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL ANNIVERSARY EDITION BLU-RAY^™:

• The E.T. Journals:  In this all-new bonus feature, retrace the day-to-day experience of creating E.T from never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes footage shot by Academy Award®-winning cinematographer John Toll.   This piece will give viewers a unique feeling of being on the set and living the excitement of what it was like to make E.T.
• Steven Spielberg & E.T.:  Watch an all-new interview with Steven Spielberg, as he reflects back on the film and discusses his experience working with the actors, as well as his overall and current perspective on E.T.
• Deleted Scenes: Two scenes from 2002 version of the film.

·         A Look Back:  A special insider’s look into the making of E.T. featuring interviews with Steven Spielberg, the cast, and others intimately involved with the film.     

·         The E.T. Reunion:  The cast and filmmaker reunite to discuss their thoughts on the impact of the film.

·         The Evolution and Creation of E.T.:  From idea to screenplay, through casting and making the film. 

·         The Music of E.T.:  A Discussion with John Williams:  Interviews and footage focused on the long-standing relationship between John Williams and Steven Spielberg.

·         The 20th Anniversary Premiere:  Composer John Williams played the score of E.T. live at the Shrine Auditorium for the re-release premiere of E.T.   This featurette gives us a behind the scenes look at this presentation.

·         Original Theatrical Trailer

·         Special Olympics TV spot

·         Designs, Photographs and Marketing

• E.T. Designs by Production Illustrator Ed Verreaux
• E.T. Designs by Carlo Rambaldi
• Spaceship Designs by Ralph McQuarrie
• Designs by Production Illustrator Ed Verreaux
• Production Photographs
• Marketing E.T.

·         UltraViolet^™:  The revolutionary new way for consumers to collect movies and TV shows, store them in the cloud, and instantly stream and download to computers, tablets and smartphones. Consumers can now truly enjoy their movies anytime, anywhere on the platform of their choice.  Currently available in the United States only.

·         Digital Copy:  The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack includes a digital copy of the film compatible with iTunes®, iPad®, iPhone®, iPod™, iPod™ touch, Android or online retail partners.

·         pocket BLU^™ App:  The popular free pocket BLU^™ app for smartphones is now even better with newly updated versions for iPad^®, Android^™ tablets, PC and Macintosh computers, with features made especially to take advantage of the devices’ larger screens and high resolution displays.

• Advanced Remote Control: A sleek, elegant new way to operate your Blu-ray™ player. Users can navigate through menus, playback and BD-Live™ functions with ease.
• Video Timeline: Users can easily bring up the video timeline, allowing them to instantly access any point in the film.
• Mobile-To-Go: Users can unlock a selection of bonus content with their Blu-ray™ discs to save to their device or to stream from anywhere there is a Wi-Fi network, enabling them to enjoy content on the go, anytime, anywhere.
• Browse Titles: Users will have access to a complete list of pocket BLU™-enabled titles available and coming to Blu-ray™. They can view free previews and see what additional content is available to unlock on their device.
• Keyboard: Entering data is fast and easy with your device’s intuitive keyboard.
• BD-LIVE™:  Access the BD-Live™ Center through your Internet-connected player to access the latest trailers, exclusive content and more!

BONUS FEATURES ON THE DVD:

·         Steven Spielberg & E.T.

·         Deleted Scenes

·         A Look Back

·         The E.T. Reunion

E.T.: THE GREEN PLANET

Universal is also partnering with leading independent games publisher Chillingo to publish E.T.: The Green Planet for the iTunes App Store. Inspired by a novel based on a story by Steven Spielberg, players travel with E.T. to his home planet, explore and build extraordinary intergalactic botanical gardens, and share their experiences with friends.

SYNOPSIS

When an imaginative boy meets a lost alien, it is the beginning of one of cinema’s most endearing friendships, as Elliot (Henry Thomas) helps the marvelous creature he calls E.T. find his way back home before government agents can capture him.

FILMMAKERS

Cast: Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote, Drew Barrymore, Henry Thomas

Directed By: Steven Spielberg

Written By:  Melissa Mathison

Produced By:  Steven Spielberg & Kathleen Kennedy

Edited By: Carol Littleton   

Director of Photography: Allen Daviau

Production Designer: James D. Bissell

Music By: John Williams

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

BLU-RAY™

Street Date: October 2012 – actual date TBD

Copyright: 2012 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Selection Numbers: 61123439

Running Time: 114:27

Layers: Dual

Aspect Ratio: 1:85

Rating: PG

Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 7.1 and 2.0, Spanish and French Dolby 5.1

Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

DVD

Street Date: October 2012 – actual date TBD

Copyright: 2012 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Selection Numbers: 61119825

Running Time: 114:27

Rating: PG

Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 7.1 and 2.0, Spanish and French Dolby 5.1

Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish

Snow White and the Huntsman (Universal)

The same story, told a newer way.

I was a bit skeptical with this one. It seems like there’s a Snow White everywhere you turn now-a-days. I wasn’t too sure Kristen Stewart could pull off anything but a troubled teen in love with a glittering vampire. This movie proved me wrong. It’s a new take on the same old fairy tale with a new twist.

Snow White (Stewart) has been locked away in a tower since her father’s murder at the hands of Ravenna (Charlize Theron) who uses her evil magic to drain the life out of the land and the peasants. Just when the Queen finds out Snow White’s heart can make her immortal, wouldn’t you know it, she escapes. Enter hunk-man Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) who finds himself tricked into tracking Snow down in the Dark Woods. And William (Sam Claflin), the Duke’s son, who once finding out his childhood friend is still alive, sets off to find and save Snow and bring peace to the land.

Now you have the plot.

The special effects in this movie were spot on. Even the full sized people playing dwarves were skillfully done. Theron plays the Evil Queen very well, Hemsworth’s part as Thor didn’t bleed into this movie, and it was a nice darker take on the favorite children’s classic. Then again, the Grimm versions of fairy tales were meant to be dark and scary. I was impressed with Stewart and they didn’t cast her as an unbelievable heroin like I had feared. She was a nice mixture of strong, yet helpless at time. I’m also happy that they avoided the obvious urge to make a love triangle with William, Huntsman, and Snow.

If you're expecting the same stuff from the ABC show, don't. You're in for something awesome in it's own right.

Definitely a “must see” for those who like their villains bad and all special effects fans.

by Dave Murawski 
for MovementMagazine.com     

MEN IN BLACK 3

Columbia Pictures

Better than expected, and timeless. I went into the theater not expecting much more than what is currently being offered in this new era of remake and sequel and was actually surprised at how good this movie was. Men in Black was funny, original, and great. MIB 2 was ok. Men in Black 3 brings it all home.

Agent K is looking weary and old, Tommy Lee Jones’ part could actually be considered small. Young Agent K (Josh Brolin) and Agent J (Will Smith) do all of the heavy lifting against the new alien threat to Earth, Boris the Animal (Jemaine Clememt). Agent J doesn’t have the same spring in his step like in the earlier movies, but he still has a lot of mileage still in him. Boris escapes a moon prison after 40 years. His plan is to time travel to when the Young Agent K shot off his arm and arrested him. Boris means to murder Agent K allowing him to alter the time line and pave the way for his race to conquer Earth. K is still the leathery senior agent full of secrets, J is still the wise-cracking agent now seasoned, and Zed is dead (I guess Rip Torn was too busy to revise his role) and replaced by Agent O (Emma Thompson). The movie also pays homage to Frank the Pug in subtle background moments, leading one to assume Tim Blaney was also unavailable to reprise the voice.

Agent J follows Boris back in time to save his partner from being murdered, restore the time line, and to find out some of the “secrets” K always keeps from him. Boris is an odd spine shooting alien that reminded me of a cross between predator and Dr. House. The movie flowed well and was very amusing. I think they rounded off the relationship with Agent J and K rather well, illuminating some of the communication issues the pair had. Brolin nails the Agent K character that we’ve grown to love, even down to his mannerisms.

Whenever there’s a time traveling movie, watchers tend to over think it after the movie is finished, and this film is no different, but keep in mind, it’s just a movie.  No space time continuums were ripped apart and look for a likeable character named Griffin. I saw the movie in 3D and it is worth the extra money to add the extra dimension.

Definitely put this one on your “to see” list.

by Dave Murawski
The Regular Guy Reviewer
for MovementMagazine.com

Focus World's EXTRATERRESTRIAL available on VOD and theatrically 6/15

“Funny and sexy… a witty pic set on the fringes of science fiction and using alien invasion as catalyst for very human conflict.”  -- John DeFore, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

**OFFICIAL ENTRY: TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2011**
**OFFICIAL ENTRY: FANTASTIC FEST 2011**

From Focus Features, the premiere global brand in original and daring cinema, comes FOCUS WORLD. Charged with finding the most exciting voices in international and independent film, Focus World is proud to present EXTRATERRESTRIAL, the sexy and hilarious new sci-fi comedy from director Nacho Vigalondo (TIMECRIMES).

When Julio wakes up in a strange apartment after a night of partying, he’s pleasantly surprised to discover it belongs to a beautiful one-night-stand he can’t remember - Julia. What’s already an awkward situation is made even more so when they discover a giant flying saucer hovering above the city, which is now deserted. Now Julio must contend with a jealous ex-boyfriend, an eccentric neighbor – and very possibly the end of the world!

Extraterrestrial will be available nationwide on video-on-demand as well as other outlets in Focus World’s digital distribution network.  The film will also be available to filmgoers across the country through Tugg (more info below) with initial theatrical releases in select cities including Brooklyn, NY (at reRun’s Gastropub Theater) and Seattle, WA (at the Uptown Theatre) on June 15^th; North Hollywood, CA (at Laemmle’s Noho 7), on June 22^nd; and in Texas (at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema locations) in June.

LOS LOBOS ANNOUNCE AUGUST 21 "KIKO 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION" CD AND "KIKO LIVE" CD, DVD, BLU-RAY

“A dark, dreamlike masterpiece from rock`s reigning roots rockers.”

-        Greg Kot, The Chicago Tribune, 1992

“Kiko takes spectacular songwriting and arranges it brilliantly; it is the band's breakthrough album.”

-         Peter Watrous, The New York Times, 1992

“Strong, versatile, intelligent and heartfelt, Los Lobos long has held a secure place on the roots-rock honor roll, but Kiko is the band's masterpiece--a startling leap forward in sonic reach and depth of vision.”
-  Mike Boehm, The Los Angeles Times, 1992

Los Lobos is celebrating the 20^th anniversary of their seminal album Kiko with the August 21 release of Kiko 20^th Anniversary Edition on CD, and Kiko Live on CD, DVD and a 2-disc Blu-ray/CD set from Shout! Factory. The Kiko 20^th Anniversary Edition features bonus material including demo versions of album tracks and live recordings, and new liner notes written by Los Angeles journalist and longtime friend of the band, Luis Torres. Kiko Live captures their February 24, 2006, performance at the House Of Blues in San Diego, CA, where the band performed the critically acclaimed release in its entirety, during a string of shows devoted to the album. Never before released or broadcast, Kiko Live also contains interviews with the band and others involved in the making of the studio album.

Released in 1992, Kiko was embraced by fans and hailed by critics as the band’s defining moment, the album that put Los Lobos back on the innovation track. The album, wrote All Music Guide, “demonstrated the breadth of their sonic ambitions.” Kiko was produced by Mitchell Froom, who received a Grammy nomination for Producer of the Year for his work on the album, and who had previously collaborated with the band on La Bamba. Dubbed “the album of the year” by the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune, and one of “The Essential Recordings of the ‘90s” by Rolling Stone, Los Lobos also took home an MTV Music Video Award for Breakthrough Video for “Kiko and the Lavender Moon” in 1993.

Prior to Kiko, Los Lobos had been “segregating our influences, treating them parochially,” as Steve Berlin puts it: a rockabilly tune here, a Tex-Mex there, some folk, a bit of country, an R&B tune, plenty of classic rock. This time, they decided to take all of those myriad influences out of their separate boxes, toss them into the air and let them fall where they might. “Whatever our unconscious minds’ response was to the stimuli, that was what we wanted. We let our imagination take over and didn’t try to control it.”

They began recording new original Hidalgo-Pérez compositions such as “Two Janes,” “Peace,” “Arizona Skies,” “Short Side of Nothing” and “Rio de Tenampa,” self-producing and following their instincts sound-wise. Comments the band’s Cesar Rosas, “With that album we didn’t want to be tied down to all the conventional ways of recording, so we started experimenting and making up sounds.”

To date the beloved band from East L.A. has recorded 18 albums, including their most recent studio album, 2010’s Tin Can Trust. They’ve won multiple Grammy Awards, and continue to tour regularly. Born out of the desire to have a community-conscious event celebrating food, culture and music in their hometown, Los Lobos recently held the 1^st Annual Los Lobos Cinco de Mayo Festival at Los Angeles’ iconic Greek Theatre. The festival featured performances by preeminent LA bands X and Mariachi El Bronx, among others, with special guests Neko Case, Alejandro Escovedo, Dave Alvin, Phil Alvin, and Flaco Jiménez joining Los Lobos on stage.

Next year Los Lobos will celebrate 40 years together, a monumental achievement in a world where bands come and go in the blink of an eye. A rare example of longevity in a volatile music world that stresses style over substance, Los Lobos’ lineup has remained uninterrupted since 1984, when Berlin joined original members Louie Pérez, David Hidalgo, Cesar Rosas, and Conrad Lozano, each of whom had been there since the beginning in 1973.

“This is what happens when five guys create a magical sound, then stick together for 30 years to see how far it can take them,” wrote Rolling Stone, and indeed, Los Lobos is a band that continually reboots itself and expands its scope with each passing year, while never losing sight of where they came from.

“There’s this thing that still happens, this musical thing,” says Pérez. “But if you took everything away, even the music, you’d still end up with four guys who were friends and hung out and grew up in the same neighborhood. And you can’t take that friendship away from us.”

Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture - The Stuff You Grew Up On But Never Outgrew. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory's DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras. The company's audio catalogue boasts Grammy(r)-nominated boxed sets, new releases from storied artists and lovingly assembled album reissues. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. For more on Shout! Factory, visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Kiko 20^th Anniversary Edition Track Listing

1. Dream In Blue

2. Wake Up Dolores

3. Angels With Dirty Faces

4. That Train Don’t Stop Here

5. Kiko And The Lavender Moon

6. Saint Behind The Glass

7. Reva’s House

8. When The Circus Comes

9. Arizona Skies

10. Short Side Of Nothing

11. Two Janes

12. Wicked Rain

13. Whiskey Trail

14. Just A Man

15. Peace

16. Rio De Tenampa

17. Whiskey Trail (studio demo version)

18. Rio De Tenampa (studio demo version)

“Holiday House Party With Los Lobos”

Live at Capitol Studios

Aired on NPR on December 25, 1992

19. Peace (Live)

20. Arizona Skies / Borinquen Patria Mia (Live)

21. Kiko And The Lavender Moon (Live)

Kiko Live Track Listing for Blu-ray/CD and DVD/CD

1. Dream In Blue

2. Wake Up Dolores

3. Angels With Dirty Faces

4. That Train Don’t Stop Here

5. Kiko And The Lavender Moon

6. Saint Behind The Glass

7. Reva’s House

8. When The Circus Comes

9. Arizona Skies

10. Short Side Of Nothing

11. Two Janes

12. Wicked Rain

13. Whiskey Trail

14. Just A Man

15. Peace

16. Rio De Tenampa

Bonus Performances:

1. Carabina 30-30

2. Volver Volver

3. La Bamba

Los Lobos Tour Dates

More information at www.loslobos.org

May 26             Aptos, CA                     Santa Cruz Blues Festival

June 1               Chicago, IL                   Park West

June 2               Iowa City, IA                Iowa Arts Festival

June 9               Fulton, TX                    Rockport Music Festival

June 14             Tucson, AZ                   Rialot

June 15             Chandler, AZ                Wild Horse Hotel

June 16             Albuquerque, NM          Centennial Summerfest Main Stage

June 29             Las Vegas, NV              Silverton Casino

June 30             Taos, NM                     Taos Solar Music Festival

July 1               San Rafael, CA              Marin County Fair

July 5               Antwerp, Belgium          Olt Rivierenhof

July 7               Weert, Netherlands        Bospop Festival

July 8               Richmond, Surrey          Kew the Music 2012

July 13              Newport, RI                  Newport Yachting Center

July 14              Greenfield, MA             Green River Festival

July 25              Apple Valley, MN          Minnesota Zoo

August 9           Kitchener, ON               Kitchner Blues Festival

August 11         Beaverton, OR              THPRD’s Summer Celebration

BBC HOME ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES THE QUEEN'S PALACES & THE DIAMOND QUEEN ON DVD MAY 29, 2012 - JUST IN TIME FOR THE QUEEN'S DIAMOND JUBILEE

Suggested Retail Price: DVD $19.98 each ($24.98 each in Canada)

Length:  The Diamond Queen is approx. 180 minutes + bonus features/ single disc

           
The Queen’s Palaces is approx. 177 minutes + bonus features/ single disc

BBC Home Entertainment is proud to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee year, the 60^th year of her reign, with two new DVD releases, The Diamond Queen and The Queen’s Palace on May 29, 2012.

Marking The Queen’s 60 years as Head of State of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth, The Diamond Queen tells the story of the young girl who never expected to reign over the United Kingdom. Sixty years after she acceded to the throne, this landmark documentary hosted by Andrew Marr looks at her role within the Monarchy and what she has accomplished for her country and her people both at home and abroad. Told over three hour-long episodes, it features interviews with prime ministers, world leaders and members of the Royal Family, and closely follows The Queen’s working engagements around the world for the period of more than a year and a half.

The Queen’s Palaces shares an extensive look into the history and architecture of the Royals homes in this special documentary series presented by Fiona Bruce. Throughout these three remarkable episodes, Fiona reveals the treasures behind the gates of Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and The Palace of Holyroodhouse. Discover the interior décor that surrounds the Royal Collection as experts contribute their knowledge of some of the world’s most prized possessions. Furthermore, learn about the stories behind the creation of these incredible buildings. Over the course of the series, chronologies of historical moments that embody the essence of these prized properties are followed. As Fiona walks you through the palaces, objects and art of profound historic importance are showcased including some other quirky pieces of work. Bonus features include an introduction to the series by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, discussing the role these palaces play in the life of the Monarchy and in the history of Britain.

The Diamond Queen will premiere in the U.S. on BBC America on Sunday, June 3 at 8:00pm EST, and aired in Canada on CBC News on April 21, 2012. The Queen’s Palaces began airing in the U.S. on local PBS stations in February 2012, and premiered in Canada on TVO December 5, 2011.

ADMISSION, starring Tina Fey and Paul Rudd for director Paul Weitz, begins production

Production begins this week in New York and New Jersey on Focus Features’ Admission, directed by Academy Award nominee Paul Weitz. Focus CEO James Schamus made the announcement today.

The comedy/drama stars Screen Actors Guild Award winner Tina Fey (30 Rock), Paul Rudd (soon to be seen in This is 40), BAFTA Award nominee Michael Sheen (The Queen), Golden Globe Award nominee Gloria Reuben (ER), Wallace Shawn (of the upcoming A Late Quartet), and Academy Award nominee Lily Tomlin (Nashville). The screenplay is adapted by Karen Croner (One True Thing) and Mr. Weitz from Jean Hanff Korelitz’s 2009 novel of the same name.

Mr. Weitz, an Academy Award nominee as one of the screenwriters of About a Boy, most recently adapted and directed Being Flynn for Focus. He is producing Admission with Andrew Miano, his partner in the production company Depth of Field, and Kerry Kohansky-Roberts (Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist). Academy Award nominee Caroline Baron (Capote) is executive-producing the movie. Admission director of photography Declan Quinn, production designer Sarah Knowles, editor Joan Sobel, and costume designer Aude Bronson-Howard are all reteaming with Mr. Weitz following their work together on Being Flynn. Focus holds worldwide rights to Admission, and will commence sales at this month’s Cannes International Film Festival. Focus director of development & production Christopher Kopp is supervising Admission for president of production Jeb Brody.

In the movie, Ms. Fey is portraying Portia Nathan, an admissions officer at Princeton University. Evaluating thousands of hopeful college students, the exceedingly bright and driven woman lives her life by the book, both at work and in her relationship with a faculty colleague, Mark (Mr. Sheen). Visiting an experimental New Hampshire high school submitting applicants, Portia is caught off guard when its co-founder John Halsey (Mr. Rudd) turns out to have attended college with her. She is then floored when reminded of the life-altering decision that she made while still a student herself; she had a son, who she gave up for adoption, and who she now realizes may be one of John’s students, the precocious misfit Jeremiah. As Portia’s emotions surge forth, she finds her life turning upside down in embarrassing ways and begins to bend the admissions rules – in the hopes of getting Jeremiah on the best path while perhaps righting her own as well.

Mr. Schamus said, “Everyone at Focus is delighted to be continuing our collaboration with Paul Weitz, a truly humane filmmaker. As always, Paul has joined with an amazing cast, for a story that promises not only laughs and tears, but the deep pleasures of understanding and empathy.”

Focus Features and Focus Features International (www.focusfeatures.com) comprise a singular global company. This worldwide studio makes original and daring films that challenge the mainstream to embrace and enjoy voices and visions from around the world that deliver global commercial success. The company operates as Focus Features in North America, and as Focus Features International (FFI) in the rest of the world, and is celebrating its 10^th Anniversary in 2012.

THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

CBS Films announced today it has acquired the U.S. distribution rights to the action thriller ENDS OF THE EARTH.  CBS Films Co-President, Wolfgang Hammer and EVP of Acquisitions & Co-Productions Scott Shooman, who acquired the film preemptively ahead of Cannes, made the announcement jointly.

Written and directed by Derek Lee and Clif Prowse, ENDS OF THE EARTH follows two best friends on a whirlwind trip around the world.  Things take a turn for the surreal when they encounter an impossible phenomenon that will change one of them forever.  Chris Ferguson and Zach Lipovsky produced the film with backing by Telefilm Canada. IM Global's Stuart Ford, Automatik's Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Alliance's Charles Layton are on board as executive producers.

The deal was negotiated by Ford, IM Global's Jonathan Deckter, Kavanaugh-Jones and Verve, who represent the filmmakers.  Jack Bleck and Scott Shooman negotiated for CBS Films.  IM Global will be handling the sale of international territories at the Cannes Film Festival, with Alliance holding the rights to the film in Canada, the U.K. and Spain.

About CBS FILMS

CBS Films is a division of CBS Corporation. CBS Films will release four to six movies a year, spanning all genres.  For more information, log on to www.cbsfilms.com.

About AUTOMATIK ENTERTAINMENT

Automatik Entertainment is a thriving strategic production joint venture backed by leading Canadian entertainment company Alliance Films and Stuart Ford's IM Global.  Since its inception in mid-2010 Automatik has spawned the $100 million global box office hit "Insidious" and currently has four features in post-production. The company enjoys a distribution output agreement with Alliance on its own productions in Canada, the U.K. and Spain.

About IM GLOBAL

Stuart Ford founded IM Global in 2007.  The company is one of the leading film financing, sales and distribution companies in the world, championing a wide variety of cinema, including mainstream commercial, art house, foreign language and genre fare.  The company is now comprised of six divisions: IM Global Opus, for mainstream, commercial cinema; IM GlobalAcclaim, for critically acclaimed arthouse and specialty cinema; IM Global Anthem, for the best of non-English language cinema from around the world; IM Global Octane, for branded genre fare; IM Global Apsara, a rights acquisition and distribution vehicle that serves the rapidly evolving Asian markets across growing theatrical, digital and VOD distribution platforms; and Automatik, a production and financing joint venture with Alliance Films focused on films in the $5 million - $15 million range.  In May 2010, Reliance Entertainment, part of Indian conglomerate Reliance ADA Group, acquired a majority shareholding in the company.

About ALLIANCE FILMS

Alliance Films, Inc. is one of the top five independent filmed entertainment companies in the world. A leading multinational distributor, co-financier and producer of filmed entertainment, its member companies, Alliance Films and Alliance Vivafilm (Canada); Momentum Pictures (UK) and Aurum Producciones (Spain), offer integrated delivery of content in all media.

Strategic partnerships include exclusive distribution rights to films from Relativity Media in Canada and the UK and Summit in Spain; Focus Features, Lionsgate, The Weinstein Company, and CBS Films in Canada; as well as ongoing relationships with FilmNation Entertainment, Exclusive Media, IM Global, Lionsgate International, Wild Bunch, Constantin Films, EuropaCorp and Nu Image in all three territories.

ROBERT DE NIRO SET TO STAR ALONGSIDE MICHAEL DOUGLAS IN LAST VEGAS

CBS Films and Good Universe announced today that two-time Oscar®-winner Robert De Niro will star in the comedy LAST VEGAS alongside two-time Oscar®-winner Michael Douglas.

Directed by Jon Turteltaub (National Treasure, While You Were Sleeping) from a screenplay by Dan Fogelman (Crazy, Stupid, Love, Tangled),  LAST VEGAS is a comedy about four old friends who decide to throw a Las Vegas bachelor party for the only one of them who has remained single.  De Niro will play the party-averse Paddy Connelly, who reluctantly agrees to fly to Vegas at the request of his friends. Douglas will play Billy Gerson, a lifelong bachelor, who has finally decided to take the plunge. 

Good Universe, which launches its global sales operation in Cannes this month led by principal Joe Drake, is handling international sales.  The ensemble comedy is being produced by Laurence Mark (Julie & Julia, Dreamgirls) and Amy Baer.  Good Universe's Nathan Kahane and Nicole Brown will executive produce.  Matt Leonetti will co-produce.

Executive Vice President of Production Maria Faillace and Creative Executive Alex Ginno are overseeing the project for CBS Films.

Michael Douglas is represented by WME and Robert De Niro by CAA. Legal for Douglas is handled by Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP and legal for De Niro is handled by Grubman, Indursky & Schindler.  Dan Freedman and Allison Mella Strina negotiated the deals for Good Universe.

"Paul Williams Still Alive" Opening in June!

Directed by Stephen Kessler

PAUL WILLIAMS STILL ALIVE will be released theatrically in New York on June 8th at The Angelika and in Los Angeles on June 22nd at the Nuart with a national rollout to follow.

*PAUL WILLIAMS STILL ALIVE premiered to acclaim at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival and had its U.S. premiere at the 2012 SXSW Film Festival.*

Synopsis:

From the company that brought you ANVIL: THE STORY OF ANVIL comes PAUL WILLIAMS STILL ALIVE which critics are hailing as a "remarkable achievement in a documentary" and a "stirring and sweet story of survival."

He won Grammys and an Academy Award; wrote many #1 songs from Barbara Streisand's "Evergreen" to the Carpenter's "We've Only Just Begun" as well as Kermit the Frog's biggest hit, "The Rainbow Connection"; starred in a Brian DePalma movie; put out his own hit records and albums; was a guest on The Tonight Show fifty times; and is the president of ASCAP... and you might not have heard of him. In the 1970's, Paul Williams was the singer / actor / songwriter that emotional, alienated teenage boys all over the world wanted to be, a sex symbol before MTV, when sex symbols could be 5"2 and sing songs about loneliness with the Muppets. One of those boys was Steve Kessler, a chubby kid from Queens. Thirty years later, Kessler discovered something amazing: Paul Williams didn't die. And no one had ever tried to make a documentary about him. A wistful musical journey  that will re-introduce a new generation to Williams' soulful classics, Paul Williams: Still Alive is the charmingly self-narrated story of Stephen Kessler's lifelong obsession with the former superstar-and what happens when the nostalgic filmmaker finally catches up with him.

TRT: 84 minutes