Serenity News!

[rkester]

Well, I did not get Serenity for xmas. Sooo I have to go buy it. Which means I have to wait until monday to even get a chance to go get it. what a bummer, lol.

[super dave]

Well, I did not get Serenity for xmas. Sooo I have to go buy it. Which means I have to wait until monday to even get a chance to go get it. what a bummer, lol.
Tower is open 365 days a year until midnight;)

[rkester]

We don't have tower stores here. The only things open are convience stores and one or 2 grocerys. Not in a huge hurry, will get it monday.

[hefe]

I didn't get Serenity, but I did get Firefly. :)

I'll just have to get the big damn movie myself.

[rkester]

Got mine while out. Actually went out specifically to get it and flip a 360.

Traffic was a bitch. The line at BB was a bizzle. And I got the moizzle noizzle in widescreenizzle. Wordizzle to your verse.

[DavidTigerFan]

Heh, DeeDee picked one up for me for Christmas, but all she could find was fullscreen...:) I wanted to introduce my BIL to Serenity so I got him one, except I picked up widescreen. He has a non-widescreen big screen and I have an HDTV so she and I swapped... :)

[kc2jib]

Got it for Christmas and loved it. I just bought the Novel from amazon and the comic books from ebay. Looking forward to reading them.

[balboa dave]

Joss talks about the future of Firefly:

"My short-lived series Firefly was the basis of the epic action film "Serenity," and the future will see even more incarnations of this visionary work, as it returns to TV as Serenity the Firefly Years, then back to film as "Firefly: Serenity's Sequel," back to TV as Serenifly, and finally end as the direct-to-eyeglasses series Choose a Damn Name Already."











Obviously tongue-in-cheek, found in the Dec. 26-Jan. 1 issue of TV Guide. :D

[DreadPirateRob]

Like I said, got mine for Christmas. Watched the intro first, then the movie, then (slowly, over the last 2 nights) the extras. I started watching the movie over again last night with the commentary on, but it was really late, so I only got about 20 minutes in.

[rkester]

I've been out of it lately, holiday + all these new toys etc. So im finding it hard to sit down and watch a movie start to finish. Last night, I specially didnt turn on the Xbox 360 or do anything so I could watch Serenity. I got maybe 30-45 minutes in and then my brane got sidetracked.

Going to try again tonight I guess. I did watch the intro and look at the extras briefly. Love extras.

[rkester]

Anyone have the companion book? I so want something cool and Firefly-fan-friendly to look at when Im analog. There was mention of comics too?

[ClutchBrake]

Any idea when we will know how the DVDs are selling?

[hefe]

Any idea when we will know how the DVDs are selling?
Not specifically, but currently #2 at Amazon...
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/new-for-you/top-sellers/-/dvd/all/dvd/0/1/1/104-6945862-2376729

[rkester]

Was wodnering same. I know I bought 2 (one gift one for self). Did a quick search didnt find anything...

[hefe]

Anyone have the companion book? I so want something cool and Firefly-fan-friendly to look at when Im analog. There was mention of comics too?
I didn't get it as a gift, so I have ordered it. I've heard good things about the companion book.

[ClutchBrake]

I'm sure we'll never see another episode/movie but it would be nice if it sold several million DVDs. 40 Year Old Virgin has sold roughly 4M DVDs thus far for a total of $65M! There is definitely some profit to be made on DVDs!

[HiddenSky]

Anyone have the companion book? I so want something cool and Firefly-fan-friendly to look at when Im analog. There was mention of comics too?

I have the visual companion book and definitely recommend it. It has the shooting script with photos (including the deleted scenes) and is chock full of information on Serenity with a nice Joss interview.

The comics are due out as a graphic novel compilation at the end of January, so you may just want to wait for that release. They fill in the gap between the end of Firefly and the start of Serenity.

[rkester]

Anyone have a good link to the comics if they are available?

[HiddenSky]

Anyone have a good link to the comics if they are available?

There were three issues with three variant covers each and they had to reprint them due to demand. If you just want one copy of each issue to read, Things From Another World (http://www3.tfaw.com/search/index.html?sstring=serenity+cover&cart=5362155311674173) still has copies of all three issues available for $2.99 each.

I have an extra copy of #2 (Book) and #3 (Simon) (both first printing) if you want to get them from me, but no extra #1s. I have some other Serenity stuff sitting around, too. PM me if you have any interest.

[Rob Helmerichs]

There's also a trade paperback collection currently scheduled for January 25 (although Dark Horse is notorious for missing shipping dates)...

[BeanMeScot]

Wow, they must have sold out fast because they did have all the sizes when I made my original post. There's a post on the movie boards that says they have been spotted in a mall store, although another poster said their Hot Topic didn't have them. I'd give your local store a call and check.

Now they are completely sold out. I went by the brick and morter at the mall. They had never heard of the shirt. <sigh>

[Francesco]

The manager dude at the B&M in Mall of America told me on November 21st, "Oh, yeah, I don't have a finalized date for Serenity schwag, but it should be here by the time the DVD rolls out."

[HiddenSky]

Now they are completely sold out. I went by the brick and morter at the mall. They had never heard of the shirt. <sigh>


:( I hope they get them back in stock online or in the b&m stores soon.

I had to stop by the mall for an errand yesterday so I went into Hot Topic and asked if they had them in the store. They didn't (and hadn't had them in) but the person said that was the third or fourth time someone asked about Serenity stuff recently.

[wouldworker]

My Firefly and Serenity DVDs should arrive from Amazon today. I've only seen the Serenity trailer. I basically bought them because you all seem to love them so much. This exchange in the trailer sold me:

Mal: Do you want to run this ship?
Other guy: Yes.
Mal: Well, you can't.

I thought it was hilarious and my wife thought it was stupid. When that happens I know that something is really great.

[BeanMeScot]

:( I hope they get them back in stock online or in the b&m stores soon.

I had to stop by the mall for an errand yesterday so I went into Hot Topic and asked if they had them in the store. They didn't (and hadn't had them in) but the person said that was the third or fourth time someone asked about Serenity stuff recently.

Maybe the fact that they sold out quickly and people are asking will get them to make more quickly!

[SparkleMotion]

Here's a disturbing thing I noticed yesterday. I had to trek to Wal*Mart to buy a lamp and as I was walking past the huge DVD sales bins and displays I noticed they are offering Serenity in a two-pack.

With The Hulk. :(

[Rob Helmerichs]

I thought it was hilarious and my wife thought it was stupid. When that happens I know that something is really great.
Sounds like an interesting marriage... :D

[Earthshine]

I got my copy at wallyworld last week, and it was packaged w/The Hulk, for $20.00. They were also selling it alone for $17.00. So I got the pack and gave The Hulk to a friend w/ a pre teen boy-win win for me. The Firefly box set has come way down in price too. Think I'll get a set for my local library- bring some more into the verse...

Can't Take The Sky From Me!

[disco]

This exchange in the trailer sold me:

Mal: Do you want to run this ship?
Other guy: Yes.
Mal: Well, you can't.Other guy = Jayne

I thought it was hilarious and my wife thought it was stupid. When that happens I know that something is really great.:D Me too! She just rolled her eyes, and my smile grew wider.

Pretty good movie, but still makes me want more episodes...:(

[rkester]

Going to order the companion (not A companion) book today. woot.

Anything else I should buy without being totally obsessive?

[Francesco]

Finding Serenity. Great book.

[rkester]

Just ordered both the companion and finding serenity.

[Taco Lover]

Wal-mart does indeed have the Firefly box set for $19 and change... the lowest price I've seen. So if you haven't seen it or want to give it to a friend, WallyWorld is the place to go.

[hefe]

Going to order the companion (not A companion) book today. woot.

Anything else I should buy without being totally obsessive?
The Firefly Soundtrack.

[hefe]

Here's a disturbing thing I noticed yesterday. I had to trek to Wal*Mart to buy a lamp and as I was walking past the huge DVD sales bins and displays I noticed they are offering Serenity in a two-pack.

With The Hulk. :(
Hmmm. And yet I was at my local Best Buy yesterday, and Serenity was completely sold out...

[rkester]

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2350565

Great price on the FF set! Makes me want to pick up a few to give to people!

Their website said out of stock however... wonder if stores have it in.

[hefe]

My Firefly and Serenity DVDs should arrive from Amazon today. I've only seen the Serenity trailer. I basically bought them because you all seem to love them so much. This exchange in the trailer sold me:

Mal: Do you want to run this ship?
Other guy: Yes.
Mal: Well, you can't.

I thought it was hilarious and my wife thought it was stupid. When that happens I know that something is really great.

The series is full of snappy and clever dialog like that. I think you'll really like it.

I first watched the DVDs alone. I just assumed my wife wouldn't care to see it. She's not a sci-fi person at all. And then, a couple months later, they started airing the series on the Sci-Fi channel.

I had one episode on, Bushwacked to be precise, while my wife was in the room. She thought it looked interesting enough to watch the episode through. She said, "hey, that's not bad, I wouldn't mind seeing another one." So I then watched the pilot episode with her, and she was hooked. She couldn't wait to see the rest, and I had to re-rent the DVD set so we could watch them all before the movie came out. You just never know...

[HiddenSky]

The Browncoats site is closing (http://browncoats.serenitymovie.com/serenity/index.html?fuseaction=tools.shownews&news_id=224) down on January 3rd. :(

Redeem those points! I wasn't close enough to get one of the t-shirts, so I settled for a patch.

[Taco Lover]

Not much news, but here's something to stare at:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y179/tacolover/ladiesoffirefly1.jpg

[IndyJones1023]

Shiny!

[hefe]

IBIMB

[rkester]

ohhh lala Taco that was a nice pic :) Them girls are sure pretty.

[rkester]

theres a guy in the movie who i think is the leadsinger from korn... from the bar when river walks in. am i imagining that?

w3atching the movie again tonight. yea!

[JediCowboyD]

Dear Lord! Is that River?!?!? She's putting them all the others to shame there!

[Bryanmc]

Jewel.....oh my.

I'll be in the engine room.

[JediCowboyD]

Jewel.....oh my.

I'll be in the engine room.
Adds a whole new mental picture to her first meeting with Mal, eh?

[Bryanmc]

Adds a whole new mental picture to her first meeting with Mal, eh?
I HATE that scene.

That first engineer is such a freakin' tool, makes me sick thinking he bagged Kaylee.

[rkester]

My books arrived, woot!!!

I thumbed thru both and they look like fun. I picked up finding serenity more just because it was cheap as a bundle with the companion but it actually looks very cool.

Thanks for the recommends - looking forward to reading both and sharing with my brother (who i got into the show aftre you guys got me into it)

r

[hefe]

Some Serenity special effects discussed in the vfxblog...

I guess the sequence they discuss is something of a spoiler if you haven't seen the movie.
The crash landing of Serenity

http://www.vfxblog.com/vfx/2005/10/illusion_arts_b.html

[Bai Shen]

My books arrived, woot!!!

I thumbed thru both and they look like fun. I picked up finding serenity more just because it was cheap as a bundle with the companion but it actually looks very cool.

Thanks for the recommends - looking forward to reading both and sharing with my brother (who i got into the show aftre you guys got me into it)

r

Speaking of Amazon bundles, I looked at one of the ones they recommended for me, an' it was jus' the price of each thing added together. There was no additional savings. Anybody else seen this happen?

[hefe]

Another bit 'o news...

Serenity has been announced as one of the first titles that will be available in the Spring on the new HD-DVD format that Universal is backing.

http://ces.betanews.com/entry/Universal_Announces_HD_DVD_Lineup/1136453898

Universal Pictures announced at the HD DVD press conference in Las Vegas Wednesday that it will have 10 titles available for the high-definition format's launch this spring. The studio will issue new and older movies on HD DVD throughout 2006.

Initial releases will include six new movies: "Jarhead," "Doom," "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Cinderella Man," "Serenity" and "The Bourne Supremacy," along with four older flicks: "The Chronicles of Riddick," "U-571," "Van Helsing," and "Apollo 13."

[rkester]

I paid 12.21 for finding serenity and 13.57 for the visual companion and no shipping from amazon. i guess i didnt save anything on the bundle however thats the cheapest ive seen either book even searching places like bestbookbuys.com

[rkester]

Van Helsing, lol! Not even worth putting out on DVD let alone HD! I guess someone wants to see it sucking in HD just the same.

I'll buy the HD version of Serenity for sure. As long as I can afford to buy an HD player!

[hefe]

I'll buy the HD version of Serenity for sure. As long as I can afford to buy an HD player!
That's the catch, I'm sure. Plus, who will want to buy an HD DVD player until a multiformat model comes out that supports both standards...

[dcheesi]

That's the catch, I'm sure. Plus, who will want to buy an HD DVD player until a multiformat model comes out that supports both standards...Samsung is rumored to be preparing one already: http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=28855

[rkester]

Well, unless thigns change, it sounds like the PS3 will be the first and most affordable BluRay player. But like you said, most will want a multiformat player.

will I rush out and b uy the first stuff on the market, I dunno. if its $300 or less maybe. But how much am I really going to want to fork over for a HD-DVD or BluRay if I also hvae to buy the other... or buy one then end up having to get a multiformat player.

Is Serenity hot enough for me to spend that kind of bread... maybe. if you add the maybe 10 or so other must haves to the list (lotr, matrix, starwars movies, etc)

[Amnesia]

There was no additional savings. Anybody else seen this happen?All the time.

[hefe]

Samsung is rumored to be preparing one already: http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=28855
oh, I forgot to type "at a reasonable price." :D

I don't know what the cost will be at introduction, I'm usually not that early of an adopter...

In any case, I need to not buy any more DVDs with this stuff right around the corner. :)

[dcheesi]

In any case, I need to not buy any more DVDs with this stuff right around the corner. :)Ooh, good point; yet another reason to wait for a full-season release of Galactica... (it's shot in HD, you know)

[hefe]

Ooh, good point; yet another reason to wait for a full-season release of Galactica... (it's shot in HD, you know)
I've seen some of the reruns on UHD.

I wish they would just simulcast the current episodes there. :rolleyes:

[HiddenSky]

I just noticed that on Comcast Digital Cable, Firefly is now available as a paid OnDemand feature in blocks of three episodes. It's $2.99 for each block and at least on my system, it was under Events and Specials as Firefly/Serenity.

[hefe]

I just noticed that on Comcast Digital Cable, Firefly is now available as a paid OnDemand feature in blocks of three episodes. It's $2.99 for each block and at least on my system, it was under Events and Specials as Firefly/Serenity.
Yes, it has something to do with their SciFi month.

[stevel]

I just got done listening to Joss' commentary on the DVD. It's very entertaining and he describes lots of "how we did this" bits that were enlightening.

[hefe]

Can Joss Whedon just give one definitive interview, please? :D

http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=17800

[Bai Shen]

Can Joss Whedon just give one definitive interview, please? :D

http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=17800

-chuckle-

"As long as I was able to service the characters..."

[Rob Helmerichs]

There's also a trade paperback collection currently scheduled for January 25 (although Dark Horse is notorious for missing shipping dates)...
It is confirmed--it's in comic shops next Wednesday.

http://www.darkhorse.com/profile/profile.php?sku=10-759

[sWampy]

Can't believe I haven't seen a topic on this.

http://www.fireflyseason2.com/BrowncoatProfile.asp


Independents Push For Second Firefly Season
Posted by ScuttleMonkey on Wednesday January 25, @05:47PM
from the anything-to-bring-it-back dept.
Sci-Fi Television
ovanklot writes "It seems that Brilliant Screen Entertainment is looking to see if there is an audience for a second season of the science fiction show FireFly. From the article: 'It's possible that subscribers may choose one of three playback options; monthly DVD deliveries, TV On-Demand using your cable or satellite provider, or computer viewing via Streaming Download.'" They are asking folks to fill out a short survey to gather demographics for support in their efforts to get Fox to release the show to them. The site also stresses that they want neither money nor confidential personal information.


http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=06/01/25/2146257&from=rss

[IndyJones1023]

Fan funded seasons will never work.

[LoadStar]

Can't believe I haven't seen a topic on this.

That's because I was hoping no one would bring it up. The guy seems to be a total whackjob that is pushing this "second season." He's been virtually banned from most of the Browncoats boards.

He has no track record to speak of, and offers absolutely NOTHING that Joss couldn't do himself. It's the whole "Save Enterprise" thing all over again, where you had that whackjob claiming to be in talks with Paramount to move the whole show to Canada and resume filming.

[Skittles]

There was another fan funded TV season initiative recently. It was barely off the ground for a week before they shut down. While it's a very lofty goal to ask fans to contribute money, and it's probably obtainable with enough work.... Hollywood just doesn't work that way.

And trust me, Fox will NEVER release the show. Not without a hefty price tag.

[sWampy]

Well being on the front page of /. most likely will get the show more publicity than it or the movie has gotten before. It's truely amazing the small % of the country who has even knows the show exists.

[SoBelle0]

I saw this topic - Skittles as last poster - thought for sure it would be good news... :(

Why won't FOX release it? I'm not really up on how networks and such work - and would appreciate learning more. If it's an easy thing to type into a post... if not, maybe point me in a good research direction. (I'm also curious because of the rumours surrounding AD.)

[cheerdude]

I think what's happening is that people saw what happened with the "Save Farscape" campaign and think that they can use that towards their cancelled show.... even if it is as great of a show as Firefly.

The only problem with that model is that, with Farscape, you had a show that had a long run... was expected to be continued into another (and possibly final) season and then had the rug pulled out from under it by SciFi. This got people pissed off and mobilized.

While their $ didn't bring the show back... the passion and actions that the people put forth helped bring "closure" to the series.

[Skittles]

I saw this topic - Skittles as last poster - thought for sure it would be good news... :(

Why won't FOX release it? I'm not really up on how networks and such work - and would appreciate learning more. If it's an easy thing to type into a post... if not, maybe point me in a good research direction. (I'm also curious because of the rumours surrounding AD.)IIRC, Fox's original contract for the show says they own sole rights to the "Firefly" TV show for 10 years. There's still 6 more years left on that timeframe.

But if Fox's network executives have been paying attention (I think they have), they'll see that the boxed set for the TV show is still one of the top selling TV boxed sets (and DVDs) out there right now, and that the movie garnered enough press that there's still a marketable audience out there. So Fox would be pretty stupid to hand over the rights to the show without some kind of payment. Granted, the TV show wasn't the big hit they were expecting, but with the right marketing and the right support, the show *could* be huge in a re-release.

[SoBelle0]

Very good info! Thank you!!
That makes perfect sense... and I certainly do hope that FOX is paying attention and not just sitting on it hoping folks will forget by the time the 6 years have passed. B/c unfortunately, some people may.

[DreadPirateRob]

IIRC, Fox's original contract for the show says they own sole rights to the "Firefly" TV show for 10 years. There's still 6 more years left on that timeframe.

But if Fox's network executives have been paying attention (I think they have), they'll see that the boxed set for the TV show is still one of the top selling TV boxed sets (and DVDs) out there right now, and that the movie garnered enough press that there's still a marketable audience out there. So Fox would be pretty stupid to hand over the rights to the show without some kind of payment. Granted, the TV show wasn't the big hit they were expecting, but with the right marketing and the right support, the show *could* be huge in a re-release.

I'm pretty sure that's a rumor. In fact, I believe that The Signal podcast recently interviewed Chris Buchanan (who runs Joss' production company), and he basically stated that there is nothing out there from a "rights" issue that would preclude another series.

[ClutchBrake]

DVD sales must not have been great. It has been over a month now and I haven't heard word one of a concrete sales number for the first month of release.

[rkester]

On Amazon at this moment Serenity (widescreen edition) is #6 in the DVD Top Sellers, FireFly is #10.

That's got to count for something right?

[IndyJones1023]

On Amazon at this moment Serenity (widescreen edition) is #6 in the DVD Top Sellers, FireFly is #10.

That's got to count for something right?
Yep. It counts for 16.

[Skittles]

I'm pretty sure that's a rumor. In fact, I believe that The Signal podcast recently interviewed Chris Buchanan (who runs Joss' production company), and he basically stated that there is nothing out there from a "rights" issue that would preclude another series.If that's the case, then I'm a lot more gorram excited about someone bringing this puppy back.

It bugs me that I can't place where I heard that 10 year comment though. :/

[rkester]

Not holding my breath for a new FF show or movie. It's been done well, and sent to bed well. No need to ruin it with a horrible new season or pull an elvis ya know?

[IndyJones1023]

Not holding my breath for a new FF show or movie. It's been done well, and sent to bed well. No need to ruin it with a horrible new season or pull an elvis ya know?
AfterSerenity?

[hefe]

If that's the case, then I'm a lot more gorram excited about someone bringing this puppy back.

It bugs me that I can't place where I heard that 10 year comment though. :/
I've heard it before too...it's probably a lot more convoluted though...

On one hand, I don't understand what sense it makes to have a deal that allows the network to cancel, kill and bury a project. It would seem to me that there would be some boilerplate escape language in there. What benefit to the newtork is it to stick the thing in a closet to gather dust???

The only reason they should not want other networks to have it is that it would make money for the other guy, and not them...and if that's the case, then they have the ability to make that money by making the show, but if they won't make the show, they must believe it's a loser. And if it's a loser, why should they give a ruttin' rat over who else gives it a shot???

My head hurts.

But in the end, it's all about money. Someone can certainly buy the rights if they wish...I just can't believe that there's nothing that can be done. More believable to me is that those involved with the show have moved on and it would be too hard to reassemble anything close to what they had.

[DreadPirateRob]

It bugs me that I can't place where I heard that 10 year comment though. :/

Well, the rumor was definitely out there. IIRC, in the interview itself, one of the Signal co-hosts mentions that they've heard a 10-year rumor, and even a 20-year rumor. I'd have to go back and listen to it, but IIRC, Buchanan even said that after Fox pulled the plug that Joss went into the head honcho's office (Gail Berman? Can't recall) and asked for permission to shop the series around to another network, and was given the go-ahead to do so.

[rkester]

Just waiting for FOX to announce a spin off, "Jayne", where Jayne moves off Serenity and to New LA to pursue a career in the music industry.

[Alfer]

FYI for all you Serenity geeks. :)

DVD easter egg:
http://www.dvdtalk.com/eggs/read.php?ID=776

[stevel]

FYI for all you Serenity geeks. :)

DVD easter egg:
http://www.dvdtalk.com/eggs/read.php?ID=776

Thanks for Smeeking (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=3592384#post3592384) :D

[rkester]

I wanted more easter eggs! :(

I was hoping maybe for some hidden outtakes or something but the commerical was cool!

[mwhip]

Take this with a grain of salt but you can get a little excited.

From Kristin at E! online:

A friend just saw Nate Fillion, Summer Glau and Gina Torres coming out of one of the exec buildings at Paramount where they are putting together the new CW unit.

Hmmmmm? Will Firefly fly again?

[rkester]

Dont tease us man. We want facts. Copies of written contracts, proof! WE NEED PROOF!

;)

[mwhip]

We all know Joss is way too busy these days to be involved. I will get really excited when I hear that Minear has been hovering around The CW.

[Rob Helmerichs]

If they were bringing back the show, they'd be talking to producers, not actors.

[ClutchBrake]

Never gonna happen. Doesn't appear DVD sales were that brisk. Serenity was a flash in the pan on the DVD charts. Can't imagine the show coming back in the wake of both box office and DVD "failure".

[hefe]

A second movie would happen before a series. Whedon has expressed that he would rather do a movie.

[InigoMontoya]

Alternate possibility: "Gee, these actors worked well together.... Is there another project that might fit them?"

[SparkleMotion]

Maybe they were just there to visit Jayne. In his bunk. :p

[brianp6621]

Just a tidbit for Serenity fans. Our own Morena Baccarin had a VERY minor (as in she was visible in the background with a main charachter) on the last episode of the O.C. Just want to prove how much of a Browncoat I am :)

[DreadPirateRob]

Just a tidbit for Serenity fans. Our own Morena Baccarin had a VERY minor (as in she was visible in the background with a main charachter) on the last episode of the O.C. Just want to prove how much of a Browncoat I am :)

I thought that was her, I just didn't check (i.e. credits or IMDB) to make sure. I figure we'll find out for sure this week.

Good catch, though.

[DreadPirateRob]

Never gonna happen. Doesn't appear DVD sales were that brisk. Serenity was a flash in the pan on the DVD charts. Can't imagine the show coming back in the wake of both box office and DVD "failure".

Well, it's still #21 on Amazon's sales list (it was #15 yesterday, but a bunch of pre-releases were announced today, like HP4 and the -Cles of Narnia, among others).

Nearly 6 weeks post-release that not's too bad.

[brianp6621]

I thought that was her, I just didn't check (i.e. credits or IMDB) to make sure. I figure we'll find out for sure this week.

Good catch, though.

Actually I didn't even check it elsewhere. I'm assuming she was credited though.

Edit...
Yep on IMDB.

[pendragn]

Actually I didn't even check it elsewhere. I'm assuming she was credited though.

Edit...
Yep on IMDB.
Her name was in the opening credits, too.

tk

[ClutchBrake]

Well, it's still #21 on Amazon's sales list (it was #15 yesterday, but a bunch of pre-releases were announced today, like HP4 and the -Cles of Narnia, among others).

Nearly 6 weeks post-release that not's too bad.

But look at real charts from Billboard or The Hollywood Reporter. Ones that list not only sales but rental revenue. Serenity is nowhere to be found. It showed up at number 3 after its first week then disappeared altogether.

I wanted Serenity to succeed as much (if not more) than the next guy but the sad fact is that it failed as miserably on DVD as it did in theaters. I can't imagine anyone giving Firefly or Serenity another shot. Unless it was a direct to TV/DVD movie filmed on a shoestring budget. Hell, I'd be glad to have that! :D

[DreadPirateRob]

But look at real charts from Billboard or The Hollywood Reporter. Ones that list not only sales but rental revenue. Serenity is nowhere to be found. It showed up at number 3 after its first week then disappeared altogether.

I wanted Serenity to succeed as much (if not more) than the next guy but the sad fact is that it failed as miserably on DVD as it did in theaters. I can't imagine anyone giving Firefly or Serenity another shot. Unless it was a direct to TV/DVD movie filmed on a shoestring budget. Hell, I'd be glad to have that! :D

I'll agree that the rental numbers are way down (it hasn't made the top 35 in the last 2 weeks), but I kind of liken that to the box office numbers - most people are stupid and would rather see dreck. But the DVD sales figures, OTOH, are quite promising, IMO. For the week ending 1/29/06 Video Business Online (http://www.videobusiness.com/topDVDSellers.asp?weekending=1%2F29%2F2006&Submit=Go) has Serenity ranked #13 overall in DVD sales (which is better than every other movie that's been out as long - 6 weeks - or longer, except for The 40-Year-Old Virgin), and lists its ranking at the following sites:

Amazon - 4th
Blockbuster - 15th
Buy.com - 3rd
DVD Empire - 13th
Half.com - 9th

I would argue that DVD sales are going to be more significant, because they are more akin to the sales for Firefly - which is still top 10 in TV-DVD sales, more than 2 years after release - because DVD sales are what allowed the movie to get made in the first place.

I would agree that it's a long shot to get a Serenity 2 or Firefly: the 2nd season, but it was a longshot to get a major motion picture made from a cancelled TV show, and we know how that worked out.

[mwhip]

Joss posted this today about the CW rumors:

Abusing links is the only way I know how to live. But I am here with a purpose, my friends. Call me joss Whedon: Rumor Crusher! (Or "Mister Fendendo", if we're being intimate.)

Since everyone's all abuzz with the CW rumor, I have to get all official and say: WE'VE STARTED FILMING NEW EPISODES! Of Dateline. I'm such a troll.

No, there haven't been any overtures from the CW as regards a SereniFly spin-off. I haven't even heard the orchestra tuning up. But if they happen to come calling, I do know what I would do:

1) In order to keep the show cost efficient, we would get rid of a few things we don't need, like spaceships, floors, and Jewel. (You thought I was gonna say 'costumes', didn't you? Porn guy.)

2) Nathan is busy making movies, but since I don't want new cast members, everybody in the cast would just move over one. Jewel (she's back!) would play Mal, Ron would play Kaylee, Morena would play Book, and so on.

3) People love a happy ending. So every episode, I will explain once again that I don't like people. And then Mal will shoot someone. Someone we like. And their puppy.

4) The actors can make up their dialogue. I'm bushed, and they're all funny, and the hell with it. Maybe I'll give them a premise to work off of, like "You're all in trouble" or "Wash has a thing". They could maybe light it too.

5) Klingons, but not alien Klingons. But still Klingons.

So already the show is running like a well oiled companion. I'm just proud to be a part of the Country Western network, and I know this will be their biggest hit since "Have Space-Gun, Will Travel."

I hope, as always, this clears things up. And I hope the executives at the Carnie Wilson network DO give me a call. I've got a million ideas for redoing their offices.

Power to the people who are powerful enough to crush the other people! -jossy.

http://whedonesque.com/comments/9548

[Skittles]

Never gonna happen. Doesn't appear DVD sales were that brisk. Serenity was a flash in the pan on the DVD charts. Can't imagine the show coming back in the wake of both box office and DVD "failure".Speaking of which....

Newsarama announced today that Serenity has sold over 2 million copies on DVD. They've stated that the combined profits from the box office revenues, DVD rentals, and DVD/UMD sales for Serenity have now pushed it from red to black, and the movie has actually turned a profit for Universal. So it's really not a "failure". By Universal standards, that's quite good.

Also, the TV show's sales were staggering, and it still continues to sell well... it was the number one boxed set for sale on Amazon for weeks.

[rhuntington3]

Interesting news! Thanks!

[LoadStar]

Speaking of which....

Newsarama announced today that Serenity has sold over 2 million copies on DVD. They've stated that the combined profits from the box office revenues, DVD rentals, and DVD/UMD sales for Serenity have now pushed it from red to black, and the movie has actually turned a profit for Universal. So it's really not a "failure". By Universal standards, that's quite good.

Also, the TV show's sales were staggering, and it still continues to sell well... it was the number one boxed set for sale on Amazon for weeks.

Does anyone monitor PPV views? I know it hit PPV fairly late (beginning of this month, I believe), but since then, the PPV preview channel has been pushing the movie fairly hard.

[rkester]

Funny... how is it that we knew it rocked and somehow many people had no clue. but yet they are willing to pay good money to go see Big Mommas House II or some other movie that causes suicide to rise when airing.

There should be a world wide firefly awareness campaign. Or at least a truck driving thru neighborhoods spraying mind altering gas on people. I mean, people do think WWE or WWF is fun and good and they like nascar so theres no accounting for taste.

[rkester]

speaking of PPV, any idea of it will hit the HD PPV channel on DTV? Id pay to watch it again for the 34934th time in HD.

(safari does not like this forum software, angry makes me)

[emandbri]

It seems to me that Universal might be willing to back a sequel. Here is my thinking. There are people who saw the movie in theaters, those who rented it, those who bought it and then showed it to friends and family, and added those who will watch it on TV (I can't remember when this is but it has already been scheduled). All of these people SHOULD be willing to go see the next movie which means more people will see it when it comes out. I'm also wondering if the rental numbers aren't strong because so many people who saw it in the theater bought it instead of rented it.

Emily

[cheerdude]

Serenity: #29 on Amazon
Firefly: #19

Jay - Read the book "Serenity - Those Left Behind" yet? Came out at the end of January

[Skittles]

Serenity: #29 on Amazon
Firefly: #19

Jay - Read the book "Serenity - Those Left Behind" yet? Came out at the end of JanuaryThat's just the collection of the previous Serenity comics, right? If it is, I passed on it, since I already have the individual comics (one of each cover for saving, plus an extra one for reading).

I'm holding out for Keith R.A. DeCandido's novel "Mirror Image" in June. I am a HUGE fan of DeCandido's Trek work, and think he'll do wonders with Mirror Image.

[ClutchBrake]

Speaking of which....

Newsarama announced today that Serenity has sold over 2 million copies on DVD. They've stated that the combined profits from the box office revenues, DVD rentals, and DVD/UMD sales for Serenity have now pushed it from red to black, and the movie has actually turned a profit for Universal. So it's really not a "failure". By Universal standards, that's quite good.

Also, the TV show's sales were staggering, and it still continues to sell well... it was the number one boxed set for sale on Amazon for weeks.

Freakin' finally. I've been waiting for someone to post sales numbers.

The production budget of Serenity was $39M. Worldwide box office it brought it $38M. No idea if advertising was included in the $39M budget but you know it couldn't have been cheap. Good to know they at least made their money back.

[hefe]

No idea if advertising was included in the $39M budget but you know it couldn't have been cheap.
There was advertising?

Just kidding, but the ad budget couldn't have been that large.

I did see the commercials on the Sci Fi channel, a few commercials on the major networks, but then I saw no billboards, no interviews on the entertainment or news programs, no organized publicity that I can recall...

[dcheesi]

This article has some estimated numbers on the ad budget, etc.

http://www.sliceofscifi.com/archives/dvd_sales_push_serenity_over_the_top.html

[hefe]

If they really spent $10 mil on advertising, whoever ran that campaign should be fired.

[ClutchBrake]

This article has some estimated numbers on the ad budget, etc.

http://www.sliceofscifi.com/archives/dvd_sales_push_serenity_over_the_top.html

Great article. :up:

[emandbri]

When we were in St. Louis we always listened to mike and max at the movies on the radio but they don't have it here in Omaha. I was listening to an old signal they said they had serenity on their show and then I discovered they had podcasts! I e-mailed Mike to see if I could get a copy of it and they sent it to me! The link didn't work long and I though others might want to hear it as well and I e-mailed him again to see if I could get it up again and he did! He said it will be up for about a week. I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet but the signal said they liked the movie.

http://www.maxandmike.com/serenity.html

Emily

[Jeeters]

There was advertising?

Just kidding, but the ad budget couldn't have been that large.

I did see the commercials on the Sci Fi channel, a few commercials on the major networks, but then I saw no billboards, no interviews on the entertainment or news programs, no organized publicity that I can recall...They relied heavily on word of mouth. That was the reason for those endless "special preview" viewings they did in various cities prior to the movie's wide release.

[hefe]

So I was at Universal Studios last week, and I took the tour.

The tram passed something that I instantly recognized from a distance. ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v650/hefe88/serenitymule.jpg

[HiddenSky]

Ooh, I'll be in LA next month....I'll be sure to add the USH tram tour to my list! :)

[hefe]

Ooh, I'll be in LA next month....I'll be sure to add the USH tram tour to my list! :)
Make sure you sit on the left side for an unobstructed view. :)

[hefe]

Not really new news, but cool anyway.

http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/8494.html

'Serenity' First Universal Title on HD DVD
Debuting Next Week

"Only a relatively small number of films are slated to be released in the high def format this year, with studios hoping that some film, perhaps a cult hit with a strongly motivated following like Serenity, will become The Matrix of the new high definition format."

[LoadStar]

If I had $500 to spend on what will likely be a disposable unit, I'd be out in line to buy the Toshiba HD-DVD unit.

I say disposable because it's the first generation, meaning that some of what will develop as the standard is really put into place will likely not be in the first units; also, we still don't know for certain which (BluRay or HD-DVD) will be the final standard.

[JYoung]

While I'd rather see HD-DVD prevail over Blu-Ray, I have a sneaking suspicion that both formats are going to bomb.
At least, I'll go along with Loadstar and wait until it shakes out.

(Stares at laserdisc player in the corner)

[Francesco]

Yep.

[rkester]

I want the HD Serenity! Me want me want!

[dansee]

Soooo.... 500 bucks for a player, and maybe 35 for the disc.

Yeah...yeah, that seems reasonable to me. :D

[dansee]

Anybody else... on a whim... run "Serenity" in the 2.35:1 aspect? Took a look at it that way last night. Became very evident that it was intentionally shot to work beautifully w/16:9 displays: the framing, even the credits, are nearly flawless. Gonna be a great HD presentation. :)

[hefe]

Anybody else... on a whim... run "Serenity" in the 2.35:1 aspect? Took a look at it that way last night. Became very evident that it was intentionally shot to work beautifully w/16:9 displays: the framing, even the credits, are nearly flawless. Gonna be a great HD presentation. :)
I'm not sure I understand what you're asking. The DVD is 2.35:1...how else would I watch it?

[LoadStar]

Anybody else... on a whim... run "Serenity" in the 2.35:1 aspect? Took a look at it that way last night. Became very evident that it was intentionally shot to work beautifully w/16:9 displays: the framing, even the credits, are nearly flawless. Gonna be a great HD presentation. :)

Do you mean zooming it to 1.78:1 (16:9)?

[dansee]

Do you mean zooming it to 1.78:1 (16:9)?
Sorry... yes. That's what I meant. Was running out the door when I posted, and didn't pay attention.

[rkester]

I see Amazon has the link and preorder for the HD-DVD on their site... says April 18th.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FA57N0/qid=1145030083/sr=8-4/ref=pd_bbs_4/102-3044984-2380103?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=130

[BeanMeScot]

I see Amazon has the link and preorder for the HD-DVD on their site... says April 18th.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FA57N0/qid=1145030083/sr=8-4/ref=pd_bbs_4/102-3044984-2380103?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=130

Fry's is advertising HD DVDs for this coming week. They didn't show Serenity but they probably wouldn't show all of them.

[rkester]

Anyone pick up their HD-DVD yet? Im getting mine after work. Not sure what to do with it since there are no players but it will be fun to own and go "heres my HD-DVD of Serenity". lol

[dansee]

Toshiba players, and copies of "Serenity," are available five minutes away... I'm so close to pulling the trigger on the thing. Must. Resist. UMF.

[rkester]

They have players? What, I thought that the players were postponed for a month!?! And i just spent all my paycheck on bills. Waht was I thinking!!! :(

[dansee]

They have players? What, I thought that the players were postponed for a month!?! And i just spent all my paycheck on bills. Waht was I thinking!!! :(
In stock at the Best Buy right up the road. Tis a wicked temptation.

[disco]

They have players? What, I thought that the players were postponed for a month!?! And i just spent all my paycheck on bills. Waht was I thinking!!! :(The hardware (the Toshiba HD-A1) came out a few days before the software. Odd. Interesting reading here (courtesy AVSForum.com) (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=667248) about first impressions on the player and movies.

[mwhip]

Crutchfield (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-JhVExx22x0c/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?i=052HDA1) has the Toshiba. Use Code: PA440 for $40 off.

[emandbri]

I want to make sure I understand. You need a HD TV and a HD DVD player in order to make it work? Just wanted to make sure. Why oh why won't one of our TVs break!

Emily

[rkester]

this is the suck. I had budgeted for next month. I guess its ok so I can get a movie or 2 beyond serenity.

Looking forward to watching it in HD. Anyone here who gets the player and Serenity please let us know how it go!

[mwhip]

I want to make sure I understand. You need a HD TV and a HD DVD player in order to make it work? Just wanted to make sure. Why oh why won't one of our TVs break!

Emily

My sledgehammer and I can be hired if you need some "remodeling" done.

[rkester]

Technically you don't need a HD-DVD player or HDTV to make it work. It will work fine as a coaster or frisbee with no extra hardware.

[Rob Helmerichs]

Technically you don't need a HD-DVD player or HDTV to make it work. It will work fine as a coaster or frisbee with no extra hardware.
And I'm sure if you framed it it would look lovely on your wall.

Seriously, though, I'm not even a little bit tempted at this point. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have some form of HD DVD, but no way am I going to pay a premium for the player, and load up on discs, only to guess wrong. By the time the war is over, I'm sure the prices on the players will come down nicely, to the point where $500 will get you the top of the line, not some stripped-down model that can't even display the full quality of the disc's image (the Toshiba that's out will "only" play 1080i, not the 1080p that is the HD DVD standard).

[disco]

By the time the war is over, I'm sure the prices on the players will come down nicely, to the point where $500 will get you the top of the line, not some stripped-down model that can't even display the full quality of the disc's image (the Toshiba that's out will "only" play 1080i, not the 1080p that is the HD DVD standard).Yep. Me too. I guessed correctly last time (DVD vs. Divx...not a difficult decision, though), but honestly don't see which one will succeed here (if either). The jump from DVD to HD-DVD/Blu-Ray is visually/aurally not as big of a jump to the average consumer as it was from VHS to DVD. I seriously wonder if either format will win.

Besides, I'm holding out for solid state memory to take hold. Hey, why not??;)

[rkester]

I got my copy of HD Serenity. Also checked out the player. They didnt have it hooked up. had the movies way over in the tv section on an end cap out of view. And had the 3 movies. I dont see anyone spending $30 a pop for The Last Samarui or Phantom of the Opera unless they can find the movies in the store. I had to ask several people just to get pointed in the right direction.

[anom]

I got my copy of HD Serenity. Also checked out the player. They didnt have it hooked up. had the movies way over in the tv section on an end cap out of view. And had the 3 movies. I dont see anyone spending $30 a pop for The Last Samarui or Phantom of the Opera unless they can find the movies in the store. I had to ask several people just to get pointed in the right direction.
"Checked out the player"?

Did you buy the movie without owning a player? That really is a true fan, I guess.

[stevel]

Here (http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/serenity.html) is a review specifically of the HD DVD version of Serenity.

[dansee]

I'm actually going to wait as well... powerful as the UMF may be. I prefer using my media PC in the home theater, and NEC is planning to offer the HD-DVD drives this summer, at about the same time MSI will be offering cards that tackle HDCP issues.

I look forward to HD-DVD as an experience, but I can hang on for a while... right now, things look great on my 120" screen just the way they are.

[stevel]

As fond as I am of Serenity, I don't think the HD version will look all that much better than anamorphic DVD on a good HDTV given the way the film was made.

[DevdogAZ]

Is the movie available in standard def format on the HD DVDs so that if you buy that disc without owning a player, you can still use it? It seems like this would aid in the sales of the discs and eventually the players, if people could just buy a movie on HD DVD that they would otherwise buy on regular DVD and only have to pay an extra $10.

[hefe]

Is the movie available in standard def format on the HD DVDs so that if you buy that disc without owning a player, you can still use it? It seems like this would aid in the sales of the discs and eventually the players, if people could just buy a movie on HD DVD that they would otherwise buy on regular DVD and only have to pay an extra $10.
HD DVD uses a shorter wavelength than current DVDs enabling a smaller laser spot, and the information is more tightly packed on the disc. Current players couldn't physically resolve the data.

[rkester]

I cant afford the player yet. So, like I have done in the past, I get some of the movies first then get the player. So I have content to watch later.

Tried the disc in my mac and my dvd player and it just chugs making funny noises then says its unreadable. I was hoping maybe it had a message that it was for HD-DVD players or something.

Don't know if I like the HD-DVD cases. shorter than the others and thinner. Just used to the old ones I guess.

will probably get my player in a month or so. I need at least 2 or 3 more movies before I commit to the player itself.

[emandbri]

I asked on the signal message board if there was a way to get a download off all the "how to speak chinese" segments from the show and someone did it!


http://signal.serenityfirefly.com/chinese.html

Very dah bien-hwa!

Emily

[disco]

I used this page (http://fireflychinese.home.att.net/episode.html) to follow along with the episodes while watching, to better understand what was exactly being said. Ooooh...if the network censors only knew....;)

[IndyJones1023]

I used this page (http://fireflychinese.home.att.net/episode.html) to follow along with the episodes while watching, to better understand what was exactly being said. Ooooh...if the network censors only knew....;)
Cool site!

[racer21]

I got my copy of HD Serenity. Also checked out the player. They didnt have it hooked up. had the movies way over in the tv section on an end cap out of view. And had the 3 movies. I dont see anyone spending $30 a pop for The Last Samarui or Phantom of the Opera unless they can find the movies in the store. I had to ask several people just to get pointed in the right direction.


That's how it was at the Best Buy near me. I first went to the DVD section, and received blank stares when I asked for an "HD-DVD". After the girl working talked with two other employees, I was sent to home theater.

The guys in Home Theater tried to send me back to the DVD section, asking me "Why would store the movies here???", I told them " I didn't know, as I wasn't consulted on that decision". As they went to talk to a manager, I saw the endcap, it had all three titles, the HD-DVD player wasn't hooked up.

I do believe it's probably better to wait and let the HD/BluRay battle sort itself out, but I crumbled a few weeks back, and placed an order for the HD-A1. I'm hoping to get it today.

- Dale

[mwhip]

News for the Stargate fans...

Morena Baccarin joins SG-1 (http://gateworld.net/news/2006/04/morenabaccarinisadria.shtml)

[emandbri]

News for the Stargate fans...

Morena Baccarin joins SG-1 (http://gateworld.net/news/2006/04/morenabaccarinisadria.shtml)


Very shiny! I've been bored with SG-1 but now I'm excited to see it again! This could also lead to more people seeing firefly and serenity when they look her up and see what else she has done.

Emily

[sWampy]

I just wish all sci-fi didn't have to always be driven by constantly having an evil greater than the last evil constantally trying to wipe out all life in the universe.

[rkester]

So is Fargate SG1 going to becoming Fargate FireFly-1? Loved seeing SG1 get infused with Farscape cast but this seems silly. Are any of the original SG1 cast in place anymore?

I fondled my HD-DVD copy of Serenity yesterday. I want to watchit. :(

[dbett]

That's how it was at the Best Buy near me. I first went to the DVD section, and received blank stares when I asked for an "HD-DVD". After the girl working talked with two other employees, I was sent to home theater.

The guys in Home Theater tried to send me back to the DVD section, asking me "Why would store the movies here???", I told them " I didn't know, as I wasn't consulted on that decision". As they went to talk to a manager, I saw the endcap, it had all three titles, the HD-DVD player wasn't hooked up.

I do believe it's probably better to wait and let the HD/BluRay battle sort itself out, but I crumbled a few weeks back, and placed an order for the HD-A1. I'm hoping to get it today.

- Dale


This was experience with trying to find DVD-Audio discs for my FiL (who has a player in his car). Ended up finding them (mixed randomly with the SACDs) in a rotating shelf thing, tucked in a dark corner of one of the viewing rooms. Had to ask a Home Theater rep to turn up the lights so I could even see the titles. :rolleyes:

[dbett]

News for the Stargate fans...

Morena Baccarin joins SG-1 (http://gateworld.net/news/2006/04/morenabaccarinisadria.shtml)


[considers the glory that is Origin] :)

[DavidTigerFan]

Hallowed are the Ori!

[SparkleMotion]

And don't forget the X-Files leftovers...you've got Agent Skinner commanding a starship on Atlantis and the Cigarette Smoking Man as a prior on SG-1.

[JoBeth66]

News for the Stargate fans...

Morena Baccarin joins SG-1 (http://gateworld.net/news/2006/04/morenabaccarinisadria.shtml)


Niiiiiiiice.

She's yummy.

[dcheesi]

SG-1 is becoming the Borg of SF shows. "Resistance is futile. Your cast will be assimilated" :D

[rkester]

Yeah, I hate skinner being on SGA too. Why cant they put Mal or Jayne on there instead!

Jerks.

They should replace the entire cast with muppets.

[DreadPirateRob]

Niiiiiiiice.

She's yummy.

That's hot.

:)

[rkester]

Anyone here got and watched the HD-DVD version? I cant watch mine, no player. (Don't hate the player, hate the game).

Want someone who knows a thing or two to chime in on this!

[racer21]

Anyone here got and watched the HD-DVD version? I cant watch mine, no player. (Don't hate the player, hate the game).

Want someone who knows a thing or two to chime in on this!


I don't know if I can claim to know a thing or two, but here's what I got...

I got the player and DVD a couple weeks ago. It arrived at the same time I set up my projector and 106" screen. So I don't have the same basis for comparison that I would have had on my 50 inch plasma.

I got the HD-A1, the cheaper of the 2 players. I had read that Serenity was the least impressive of the launch HD-DVD's, mostly due the way it was filmed.

To me it looks great. Compared to the Standard DVD the HD-DVD it is noticably clearer, and more detailed.

The DVD player is connected directly to the projector via HDMI. For sound I am using the toslink to my receiver. I was happy with the soundtrack, I didn't feel as though I was missing anything from the standard disc.

As far as the player, it does take a while to load the disc. Long enough, that I wondered if it was working. I preferred the picture over 1080i as apposed to 720p. The remote that comes with the HD-A1 isn't very good. It is impossible to read the buttons in a darkened room, but if you're using a univeral remote, that wouldn't really matter.

The player seems to do a good job with standard def DVD's. Overall I am happy with it so far.

[rkester]

i wondre if taking photos off both editions off a projector screen would show the differences in a dark room?

took long to load? all HD-DVDs or just that one?

[SparkleMotion]

They should replace the entire cast with muppets.You mean like

http://www.dreamers.com/hiperesp/Artics/farscape/pilot001.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/farscape/images/173/rygel4.jpg

[rkester]

Yeah, like that. Henson muppets would rock Serenity/Firefly.

[Bryanmc]

Firefly now available through iTunes. (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewTVSeason?id=151801083&s=143441)

Buffy too.

[dmdeane]

So is Fargate SG1 going to becoming Fargate FireFly-1?Oglethorp: We have successfully traveled beyond and across both space and time through the Fargate. To get free cable!

Emory: I think it's a Stargate?

Oglethorp: It's the Fargate! "F"! It's different from that movie, which I have never seen, so how would I copy it?

Emory: Chill, man. It's alright. Let's just turn it on.

Oglethorp: I just want to make sure that we are clear it's the Fargate. "Goes far." Get it? And there is no way it came from that movie or that syndicated series based on the movie.

Emory: But it sure was a good movie.

Oglethorp: Ya, yes it was. Turn on the TV, maybe it's on!

http://www.tv.com/episode/264542/summary.html


Anyway, nice to see the Farscape/Firefly alumnus get work on Stargate. Morena Baccarin is indeed yummy. I'd have been happier to have seen Farscape and Firefly get longer runs on TV, though.

[dmdeane]

Joss posted this today about the CW rumors:

3) People love a happy ending. So every episode, I will explain once again that I don't like people. And then Mal will shoot someone. Someone we like. And their puppy.http://whedonesque.com/comments/9548This sounds like the dreaded Deadwood/Firefly crossover series we all have been anticipating. :p

[Ingersoll]

Firefly now available through iTunes. (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewTVSeason?id=151801083&s=143441)

Buffy too.


:up: :up: :up:

Thanks Bryan!

[BeanMeScot]

I found this (http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/784707) version of the movie Serenity that I thought some people might be interested in. It is an Australian exclusive and comes in a tin. It has special scenes not available on any other version. You will need a region free DVD player to watch it as it is Region 4 instead of Region 1. I have an Apex DVD player that should be able to play it. They have other movies also available in tins.

I also found this (http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=DH13420) from Entertainment Earth. It is a Serenity ship Christmas ornament. They are taking presales for arrival in Sept 06 for $17.99.

[Bryanmc]

Are laptop DVD drives region free?

[LoadStar]

Don't forget about Serenity Now/Equality Now (http://www.cantstoptheserenity.com/). There are now 31 screenings confirmed in the US, Canada, and Australia on June 22, 23, and 24. If you can, those of you not attending TCCon, try and make it to your area showing and support your fellow Browncoats and a good charity at the same time.

[landrumdh]

Are laptop DVD drives region free?

No most can have the region changed 5 times though.

[SparkleMotion]

There is a program called AnyDVD you can run which will allow your computer to ignore regional control. http://www.slysoft.com/en/anydvd.html

Works automatically in the background
Removes encryption (CSS) and region code (RPC) from DVDs
Removes analogue copy protection (Macrovision)
Removes features such as forced subtitles and warnings
Decrypts without the need to save the data onto your hard-disk
Decrypts 'on the fly'
Prevents automatic launching of 'PC-friendly' software on video DVDs
Allows adjustment of your monitor refresh rate for both NTSC and PAL monitors
Allows execution of external programs on disc insertion and removal
Allows speed control of your DVD drives
Compatible with all DVD media
Works with all DVD-drives, regardless of region code
Works with all DVD copying, such as CloneDVD, and all DVD player software
Works transparently for the operating system: DVDs can be shared over the network and copied with the command prompt or with Windows Explorer, etc.
Proven to be stable and fast and does not require an ASPI driver
Features AnyCDDA: play, copy and rip protected audio CDs

[David Platt]

I found this (http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/784707) version of the movie Serenity that I thought some people might be interested in. It is an Australian exclusive and comes in a tin. It has special scenes not available on any other version. You will need a region free DVD player to watch it as it is Region 4 instead of Region 1. I have an Apex DVD player that should be able to play it. They have other movies also available in tins.


Ordered. :up:

Thanks for letting us know about this-- can't wait to see the new extras!

[BeanMeScot]

Just got an email from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1845763149/ref=pe_5050_2863750_pe_snp_149/104-7908473-2607113?n=283155) for a pre-order of Firefly: The Official Companion: Volume One (Paperback) by Joss Whedon for $13.57. "This official companion is just what the show’s fervent fans, the ‘Browncoats’, have been waiting for, with unseen photos, scripts, behind the scenes secrets, and exclusive input from the cast and crew, including of course creator Joss Whedon."

Looks like the release date is Sept 1.

[DavidTigerFan]

I wonder if I could get that autographed somehow...

[DavidTigerFan]

Also, I forgot to mention, I bought the same poster Jay bought, autographed by all the stars..:) I'm such a copycat. But damn its purty. I just have to get it framed now.

[Bai Shen]

Just got an email from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1845763149/ref=pe_5050_2863750_pe_snp_149/104-7908473-2607113?n=283155) for a pre-order of Firefly: The Official Companion: Volume One (Paperback) by Joss Whedon for $13.57. "This official companion is just what the show’s fervent fans, the ‘Browncoats’, have been waiting for, with unseen photos, scripts, behind the scenes secrets, and exclusive input from the cast and crew, including of course creator Joss Whedon."

Looks like the release date is Sept 1.

Interesting. I hadn't heard about it. I thought at first you were talking about the Serenity guide, which I have. It was okay, but I don't think I would have bought it if I didn't have a GC.

[David Platt]

Also, I forgot to mention, I bought the same poster Jay bought, autographed by all the stars..:) I'm such a copycat. But damn its purty. I just have to get it framed now.

Me too. In fact, I think I actually bought mine the same day Jay did. I just want to be like Jay.

[Langree]

There is a program called AnyDVD you can run which will allow your computer to ignore regional control. http://www.slysoft.com/en/anydvd.html

Works automatically in the background
Removes encryption (CSS) and region code (RPC) from DVDs
Removes analogue copy protection (Macrovision)
Removes features such as forced subtitles and warnings
Decrypts without the need to save the data onto your hard-disk
Decrypts 'on the fly'
Prevents automatic launching of 'PC-friendly' software on video DVDs
Allows adjustment of your monitor refresh rate for both NTSC and PAL monitors
Allows execution of external programs on disc insertion and removal
Allows speed control of your DVD drives
Compatible with all DVD media
Works with all DVD-drives, regardless of region code
Works with all DVD copying, such as CloneDVD, and all DVD player software
Works transparently for the operating system: DVDs can be shared over the network and copied with the command prompt or with Windows Explorer, etc.
Proven to be stable and fast and does not require an ASPI driver
Features AnyCDDA: play, copy and rip protected audio CDs


sweet little program!

[HiddenSky]

Just got an email from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1845763149/ref=pe_5050_2863750_pe_snp_149/104-7908473-2607113?n=283155) for a pre-order of Firefly: The Official Companion: Volume One (Paperback)

<snip>

Looks like the release date is Sept 1.

It's slowly becoming available now. My special order at work arrived today but the general shipment for the store still hasn't arrived. It's very similar to the Serenity visual companion in format and there are some gorgeous shots of props and behind-the-scenes photos sprinkled throughout the interviews with Joss and the cast, plus scripts for the first six episodes and commentary blurbs.

[mwhip]

Just got my Entertainment Weekly Fall TV Preview and Summer Glau is joining The Unit (http://imdb.com/title/tt0460690/) this fall.

[Rob Helmerichs]

Just got my Entertainment Weekly Fall TV Preview and Summer Glau is joining The Unit (http://imdb.com/title/tt0460690/) this fall.
Too bad for 4400...

[rkester]

great news for HBO HD fans of Serenity! They are showing the movie starting on the 9th on HBO-HD!!!

Ive got the HD-DVD but no player so this is going to be awesome. Looks like the first showing is early in the evening on the 9th. That followign Friday night its on again in HD at a reasonable time as well. if you got an HDTivo nows your chance to get it in HD!

[smark]

Serenity has been on either HBO HD or Cinemax HD quite often.

[rkester]

It was Cinemax HD. However DTV does not offer that nor does my local cable. So for me and many others this is a new wonderful thing! :)

[Jebberwocky!]

Always late to the game, I just watched Serenity and to be honest, I need to watch it again to fit a few pieces together. Then I should watch the series, which I never saw.

Some very cool sequences - and I learned where Skittles' xbox slogan comes from. :D

[Skittles]

Always late to the game, I just watched Serenity and to be honest, I need to watch it again to fit a few pieces together. Then I should watch the series, which I never saw.If you haven't watched the series yet, I highly recommend that you watch it before giving the movie a second go. If anything, the series will help place a LOT more pieces about the movie than a second viewing of the movie would. Not to mention, it helps explain some of the jokes in the movie too. :)

Some very cool sequences - and I learned where Skittles' xbox slogan comes from. :DI'm a leaf on the wind... watch how I soar.

Dear god, I love Wash.

[Jebberwocky!]

If you haven't watched the series yet, I highly recommend that you watch it before giving the movie a second go. If anything, the series will help place a LOT more pieces about the movie than a second viewing of the movie would. Not to mention, it helps explain some of the jokes in the movie too. :)

I'm a leaf on the wind... watch how I soar.

Dear god, I love Wash.

Skittles, pardon me for being lazy, how many shows were made? IIRC, you received the series on DVD at the 05' con - was there more than 1 season?

There were inside jokes in the movie - the nerve ;)

[Skittles]

Skittles, pardon me for being lazy, how many shows were made? IIRC, you received the series on DVD at the 05' con - was there more than 1 season? Nah, I had the series long before the 'Con. Although I did give out a few copies of the series at last year's 'Con. :)

There was only one season of Firefly. It lasted for 14 episodes, so it's pretty easy to get through the show.

[Jebberwocky!]

I see a 2003 and also a 2004 release - any difference that would justify additional $$ spent?

Thanks for the feedback.

[Skittles]

I see a 2003 and also a 2004 release - any difference that would justify additional $$ spent? No difference... it's the same content. Some folks just have the two listed because of multiple pressings of the set.

FWIW, I think Deep Discount DVD has the lowest price (http://www.deepdiscountdvd.com/dvd.cfm?itemID=FXD008929) on the Firefly boxed set right now, at $26 and change (plus free shipping).

[Jebberwocky!]

Thanks again!

[rkester]

sadly the box was onsale on amazon recently for under $25 and I didnt leap at getting a few copies.

FYI, Serenity is on HBO HD today. 5pm CST. I am thinking i should leave now to get home in time to watch it.

[hefe]

sadly the box was onsale on amazon recently for under $25 and I didnt leap at getting a few copies.

FYI, Serenity is on HBO HD today. 5pm CST. I am thinking i should leave now to get home in time to watch it.
Why rush? You have the HD-DVD.


:D

[rkester]

this sucks. my brane is totally broken. its tmorrow at 5pm CST not today. danmng!

:(

hefe - that hd dvd has noone to play with so its worthless until then.

[hefe]

hefe - that hd dvd has noone to play with so its worthless until then.
I know...I was just sort of taunting you a little.... :p

[rkester]

do something useful willya... like send me an HD-DVD player to use until MS gets their 360 player out. or something. ;)

[Dignan]

this sucks. my brane is totally broken. its tmorrow at 5pm CST not today. danmng!

:(

hefe - that hd dvd has noone to play with so its worthless until then.

I'm waiting to see if HBO shows it in the proper aspect ratio, guess we'll find out tomorrow.

[rkester]

They should as they have been over the last months on everything else HD.

I was hoping to score an HDTivo before this but that wont happen.

[rkester]

It's coming on in a few minutes. Woot.

Too bad they chose 5pm. I mean, who sits down at 5pm to watch a movie on a saturday night? I usually dont even get to my friends until near 7 and dont sit down to chill until past 8.

Jerks!

[LoadStar]

It's coming on in a few minutes. Woot.

Too bad they chose 5pm. I mean, who sits down at 5pm to watch a movie on a saturday night? I usually dont even get to my friends until near 7 and dont sit down to chill until past 8.

Jerks!

Would be nice if they would invent a box that would allow you to digitally record video and watch it later. They could call it something like a Digital Video Recorder or something... maybe even come up with a catchy brand name for them....

[rkester]

Until DTV gives me one for free that wont happen here.

Its on. And its definately not in the right aspect ratio... its filling the screen. WTG HBO for sucking at HD.

[knownzero]

Woo hoo! I finally saw Serenity on HBOHD! Why didn't anyone tell me this was such a good movie?!? Making me wait for it on HD, I oughta take each one of you and....ummm... :D anyways, looked great to me on the HD feed on HBO. Loved the series and the movie lived up to my expectations for a movie based on a TV series which is pretty rare these days.

[LoadStar]

"Firefly" in HD is on tonight, on Universal HD. Just a reminder. :)

[rkester]

Its on now and I am recording it in HD, sweet. Too bad my dvr only has room for 30 hours of HD content. Means I will have 16 hours left after I fill it with FF, and 13+ with Serenity in HD on it as well. woohoo

Update... Ok, started watching. Maybe it's just me but it doesn't seem that much clearer than the DVDs. I guess, like Serenity in HD, it's grainy vibe doesn't give it much clarity. I duno. But its darn nice to have HD Firefly just the same.

[LoadStar]

Its on now and I am recording it in HD, sweet. Too bad my dvr only has room for 30 hours of HD content. Means I will have 16 hours left after I fill it with FF, and 13+ with Serenity in HD on it as well. woohoo

Update... Ok, started watching. Maybe it's just me but it doesn't seem that much clearer than the DVDs. I guess, like Serenity in HD, it's grainy vibe doesn't give it much clarity. I duno. But its darn nice to have HD Firefly just the same.

It's definitely better, but the fact that it's not MUCH better is a testimony more to the quality of the DVD transfer than to anything else.

Man, it hurts watching the pilot episode, knowing the series could've taken off had they shown this first, instead of "Train Job." "Serenity" was SUCH a good episode. Everyone and everything just fired on all cylinders.

[rkester]

its not nearly as crispy as most HD content I watch. I gave the shows grainy filming credit for that. but like i said im glad to have it (stupid commericals aside) in HD.

sooo tonight's recording was a total flop. about 45 minutes in, the power went off here then came back on. at that point, my wonderful DTV HR20-700 HD-DVR restarted, then took over 5 minutes to boot up, loaded guide data, then rebooted again, taking another 5 minutes, loaded guide data, then resumed the DL. I lost 12 minutes in there. Thank goodness its on again right now, recording again. wish me luck.

[Warren]

let me ask this. how is something that wasn't flimed in HD aired in HD?

[Rob Helmerichs]

let me ask this. how is something that wasn't filmed in HD aired in HD?
It was filmed in film, which is H'er D than HD. But if (as in this case) they made an artistic choice to sacrifice sharpness of image for the sake of effect (and/or budget), then the HD transfer isn't going to be as sharp as that for a movie that uses film to the fullest.

[rkester]

In the case of FireFly and Serenity, Joss went with a grainy look to add effect to the show/movie, so when aired in HD its not as crispy as say Coach Carter would be in HD.

[hefe]

The resolution doesn't look all that better, but where the HD makes a huge difference on my set is the brightness range. The dark scenes get a little muddled on my LCoS set with the DVD, but it looks better on the HD broadcast.

[rkester]

I noticed the brightness was better on the beginnign of Serenity (pilot not movie) during the battle where its so dark esp in the cave.

[stevel]

I watched the HBO HD version over the weekend and it was clearer and the colors better than the DVD. I saw details I couldn't see on the DVD. A keeper.

[rkester]

I know i said this before but its really too bad that HBO didnt preserve the aspect ratio of Serenity. Which makes no sense since they have done so for other movies recently.

[brianp6621]

Just thought I'd drop this here.

The company quantummechanix or qmx who has the rights to make serenity licensed replicas, has finally gone live with their website.

www.quantummechanix.com

Right now you can preorder the alliance Money pack and if you order now it is the fan club exclusive edition which includes a map of the verse (not to be included with it when it goes into general sales after some undetermined number).

So go ahead and get your order in.

They also have a Mal's replica gun due in 2007 as well as a scale replica of Serenity.

Have fun.

[heyitscory]

They also have a Mal's replica gun due in 2007 as well as a scale replica of Serenity.

Have fun.
For 250 bucks that thing should fire.

[rhuntington3]

Cool! Thanks for the heads up!

[brianp6621]

Yeah, $250 isn't cheap and I don't think I'd get the gun, but I already ordered the money and will most definitely be down for the serenity replica no matter how much. (ok as long as it is below $500)

[mwhip]

Not sure how to post this becuase it could be a spoiler for a popular show. Only because it involves casting not any story related info...I will cover that in the 2nd spoiler tag:

Casting

From Kristin at E! News:

Exciting and exclusive casting scoop!!

Sources confirm to me that Nathan Fillion (Buffy, Firefly) has been cast on Lost! He starts filming the show next week in Hawaii, and will guest star in at least two episodes this season, from what I hear.

Character reveal and story spoiler:

He will be playing someone from Kate's past. Someone who was VERY close to our beloved Katie -- as in, legally bound and not genetically.

[Ingersoll]

Is that Alan Tudyk I see in the promos for this weeks CSI as a child molester??? :eek:

[bigpuma]

Is that Alan Tudyk I see in the promos for this weeks CSI as a child molester??? :eek:

Yes, but he looked a lot like Dave Coulier (sp?) in that promo.

[aintnosin]

Is that Alan Tudyk I see in the promos for this weeks CSI as a child molester??? :eek:
You see, Whedon? You see what happens when you kill a beloved character?! I hope you're happy! :mad:




:D

[Rob Helmerichs]

You see, Whedon? You see what happens when you kill a beloved character?! I hope you're happy! :mad:




:D
See, that's the problem with Whedon. He's just not imaginative enough.

WHEDON: ...and then, we learn that Wash is a child molester! And nobody else realizes it! But he's a LOVABLE child molester!

FOX: GENIUS! We''ll give you a full-season order!

[mwhip]

Couple items of note:

Tim Minear's new show has been picked up by FOX and may be on in April or May next year.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117952974.html?categoryid=1300&cs=1&p=0

Also I think tonight is the night that Nathan Fillion is on Lost.

[LoadStar]

Poor Tim must be a glutton for punishment... it's like someone in an abusive relationship, keeps coming back for more...

[ClutchBrake]

Also I think tonight is the night that Nathan Fillion is on Lost.

11/8, I believe.

But will keep an eye out for him tonight just in case. :)

[Rob Helmerichs]

Poor Tim must be a glutton for punishment... it's like someone in an abusive relationship, keeps coming back for more...
Or, like somebody in Hollywood. :D

[cherry ghost]

Morena Baccarin will be on the next How I Met Your Mother.

[Bai Shen]

Morena Baccarin will be on the next How I Met Your Mother.

The 11/6 show or the one after?

[cherry ghost]

The 11/6 show or the one after?

11/6

[Bai Shen]

11/6

Cool. That one is recording. I'm currently tryin' to figure out conflict resolution between HIMYM and Threshold.

[Marco]

If you'd like to wear your fealty to Joss Whedon, thinkgeek can hook you up:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/clearance/77da/

http://www.thinkgeek.com/images/products/front/pvp_joss_whedon.jpg

[dcheesi]

If you'd like to wear your fealty to Joss Whedon, thinkgeek can hook you up:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/clearance/77da/

http://www.thinkgeek.com/images/products/front/pvp_joss_whedon.jpgYeah, they've had that for a while, although it appears to be on sale (or clearance?) right now. I almost bought one last year, except that I really wanted something with the complete comic on it (much funnier that way).

[Ereth]

Hey, I was looking around Amazon today and noticed that there is a Serenity Role Playing Game (http://www.amazon.com/Serenity-Role-Playing-Game/dp/1931567506/sr=8-7/qid=1164840842/ref=pd_bbs_sr_7/103-0680453-8653467?ie=UTF8&s=books). Since we have both Serenity fans and RPG fans here, I was wondering if anybody knew anything about it?

Tracy Hickman seems to like it, but given that Margaret Weis was one of the developers that may not be much of a surprise.

[DreadPirateRob]

Hey, I was looking around Amazon today and noticed that there is a Serenity Role Playing Game (http://www.amazon.com/Serenity-Role-Playing-Game/dp/1931567506/sr=8-7/qid=1164840842/ref=pd_bbs_sr_7/103-0680453-8653467?ie=UTF8&s=books). Since we have both Serenity fans and RPG fans here, I was wondering if anybody knew anything about it?

Tracy Hickman seems to like it, but given that Margaret Weis was one of the developers that may not be much of a surprise.

Not an RPG fan, but the game has been discussed quite a bit on both of the big Firefly/Serenity podcasts The Signal and Firefly Talk. They've had numerous segments on the game, and I think The Signal has a recurring one. And Hickman better like it - he and his wife wrote one of the extensions/add-ons/expansion packs (whatever you call it).

[Ereth]

Since I've never listened to a podcast (other than a few of the ones done for here a while back), that doesn't help me all that much.

I was wondering if the fans liked it. The writers will obviously like it. But "is it playable?" is not a question you can ask the people who created it, only those who have tried to play it.

[smark]

If you'd like to wear your fealty to Joss Whedon, thinkgeek can hook you up:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/clearance/77da/

http://www.thinkgeek.com/images/products/front/pvp_joss_whedon.jpg

Oh god, Whedonites. Scourge of the world.

[slydog75]

Hey, I was looking around Amazon today and noticed that there is a Serenity Role Playing Game (http://www.amazon.com/Serenity-Role-Playing-Game/dp/1931567506/sr=8-7/qid=1164840842/ref=pd_bbs_sr_7/103-0680453-8653467?ie=UTF8&s=books). Since we have both Serenity fans and RPG fans here, I was wondering if anybody knew anything about it?

Tracy Hickman seems to like it, but given that Margaret Weis was one of the developers that may not be much of a surprise.

Wow, a pen and paper game! I haven't played a P&P game since .. well, I'm embarassed to say it's only been about 6 years LOL. We played Vampire: The Masquerade while I was stationed in Okinawa.