Director J.J. Abrams was joined by stars Zachary Quinto (“Spock”), Leonard Nimoy (“Spock Prime”), Zoe Saldana (“Uhura”), Karl Urban (“Bones”), John Cho (“Sulu”), Bruce Greenwood (“Capt. Christopher Pike”), Jennifer Morrison (“Winona Kirk”), Clifton Collins (“Ayel”), Faran Tahir (“Captain Robau”), Jacob Kogan (“Young Spock”) and Jimmy Bennett (“Young Kirk”).

Red carpet arrivals were followed by an elegant party under the stars where guests were able to fraternize with green girls, sample some red matter and get a close up look at the “final frontier” through the Observatory’s famous telescope.

Photos courtesy of Paramount

Post from: SF Universe

Jaime Campbell Bower

London-born Jaime has been jetting his way around the world these past few months, working and doing press for his projects, but he found time to talk with me one morning last week.  Me near the beach in Southern California and him at the top of a skyscraper in New York — it was, most definitely, a global conversation.

Anyone who reads this blog regularly will tell you that I’m often enchanted with the look of a TV show and The Prisoner is no exception. It’s simply beautiful to look at.

Jaime: Television has come along leaps and bounds in the last six years, everything is a lot more cinematic in a, the way it’s shot, b, the way it’s acted and c, the story lines. It’s either a really long film or a mini-series. (laughs) We did approach [this TV show] more cinematically and I think that’s great. It’s very unlike a lot of television that we, particularly in England, see.

I understand you filmed the series in South Africa.

Jaime: We shot the first two and half months in Namibia – bottom left, up a little bit, which was amazing but we all went a little stir crazy. We were in a rather small town and once you’ve seen the dolphins and the oyster farms and gone to the best restaurants in town for three weeks, you just have to do it again and again.

Then we had the shining light of Cape Town, the beacon of joy at the end of the two and half months. We spent two months in Cape Town having a great time seeing whales and doing all sorts of fun things, a little big of filming here and there, but it was mostly about the fun.

Ian McKellen plays your father. What was it like working with him?

Jaime: It was terrible (laughs).  He’s a lovely gentleman and very amazing actor and it was honestly a pleasure to be able to work with him. We’ve become friends and it’s just lovely, lovely, lovely.

I AM NOT A NUMBER

One of the themes of The Prisoner is this idea that we’re all becoming nothing but numbers. What are your thoughts?

Jaime: I think everyone suffers from a “lack of identity” crisis.  I’m sitting in New York now and out the window I can see some ginormous buildings and I feel like an ant in comparison to them. [I wonder] who is at the top of those buildings? What do they do? What companies are they running? Then there’s the idea of surveillance, the idea that we’re all being watched. Who’s watching?  All you need to do now is go on to Google maps and you can go to street view. If someone got hold of my address they could see my house and your house and see which would be the best way to get in if they wanted to steal something. It’s a pretty scary prospect.

It’s the evolution of man, maybe we’ll end up destroying ourselves, who knows, but I doubt we’ll be around to see it so we’ll be all right.

Another big part of the show is the idea of concept of freedom. No one is allowed to leave The Village but most people don’t want to since they have everything they need right there.

Jaime: For my character, having been born there and raised there, that’s all I know and who actually wouldn’t want to live in a society where everything is fine? That’s the idea of the village, everything is fine and everyone has a good time and smiles and hugs and sparkles. There’s something nice about that, but incredibly creepy as well.

Would I like to live in a world where I could have anything I wanted but I have to stay in the same place? I feel like that’s what I do anyway. Travel is so easy, but it doesn’t feel like you’re going very far and once you’ve been to a place before and you have to go back there, it doesn’t feel like much has changed.

A MUSICAL INTERLUDE

Moving away from TV for a moment, I understand you also play in a band. How do you manage to fit that in with your schedule?

Jaime: It’s whenever I get down time; I play with my band or write music.  It’s a different outlet. Performing a script is very different than performing one of your own songs. When you’re performing a script it’s someone else’s words and ideas but when you’re performing your own song you’re putting your balls on the line, effectively. It’s your opinion; your thoughts. They’re two different things, but I love them both equally.

Is there a band you like that you think everyone should be listening to?

Jaime: Yes, there’s a great Danish band called Kashmir who are incredibly progressive with their sound.  They started off sort of post-punk, kind of Radiohead-esque and then moved on to more Jeff Buckley kind of spacey sounds.  They released an album The Good Life, which I actually hold as possibly my favorite album of all time. And then they released an album in 2005 called No Balance Palace. I really think people should listen to them.

Wrapping up with The Prisoner — what would you like people to take away after watching the show.

Jaime: I’d love people to sit up and ask the questions, ‘who’s watching us,’ and ‘why are they watching us.’ I hold faith in humanity that hopefully they will, but who knows what they’re reaction will be.

The Prisoner premieres on Sunday, November 15 at 8pm/7c on AMC. The series will air over three consecutive nights, with two episodes each evening, from 8PM to 10PM.

A man, known as “Six,” finds himself inexplicably trapped in “The Village” with no memory of how he arrived. As he explores his environment, he discovers that his fellow inhabitants are identified by number instead of name, have no memory of any prior existence, and are under constant surveillance. Not knowing whom to trust, Six is driven by the need to discover the truth behind The Village, the reason for his being there, and most importantly — how he can escape.

Two-time Academy Award nominee Ian McKellen (Lord of the Rings, X-Men) plays the role of Two, and Jim Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ, The Thin Red Line) plays the role of Six.

Visit the official site for more info: http://www.amctv.com/originals/the-prisoner/

Photos courtesy of AMC

Post from: SF Universe

These exclusive STPL x Airwalk™ Star Trek shoes come from New York-based designer jeffstaple and are available in three colors, red, blue and gold, inspired by Starfleet uniforms worn by the Starship Enterprise crew in the classic television series and the new film.

The style is available in men’s sizes 6.5-13 and features the Star Trek insignia embroidered on the back of the shoe and a plastic version of the same logo threaded into the laces in the front. The gold version is an online exclusive available for a limited time.

The  high-top sneaker will retail for $49.99 at select Payless ShoeSource stores and online at Payless.com, while supplies last.
Photo: Payless

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Turning Sci Fi Fantasies into Reality

Science Fiction is about imagination. Sure, today it might not be possible to travel at the speed of light or zap yourself to another planet with the push of a button, but who doesn’t dream about it? We wanted to find out what high-tech gadgetry other geeks wanted to get their hands on so we took our question to the cyber streets. Here’s what we asked:

If you could have the ability/gadgetry of your favorite science fiction TV or Movie character and join them – in their world – on one of their adventures, who would it be and why?

Check out who would go where, with whom below. If you’ve got a sci-fi fascination feel free to add it below.

Cynthia, SF Universe: I would love to use the transporter that they use in “Star Trek.” I love to see new places but I despise air travel. I just can’t stand being cooped up in a small space for that long, the hassle of airports, the whole experience just makes me not want to go anywhere. But if I could step on a transporter pad and be anywhere in a matter of seconds, that would be a dream. Yes, I know on “Star Trek” they have to be near where you’re going – so maybe it’s more of a combo of a transporter and a Stargate. LA to NY in 30 seconds? I’m there. Also, I have a soft spot for Reginald Barclay from “Next Gen” (Dwight Schultz) – because he’s so sweet and a little wacky like me. We’d have a ball together.

Simon, Den of Geek: Given that the sonic screwdriver has been diluted over the past years, and that the infra-red scanning machine from “Total Recall” is probably illegal and likely to get me arrested, I’ll go for Doc Brown’s Time Machine. I know it’s not a gadget as such, so perhaps just the flux capacitor. It combined the two things I most like in a good gadget. Number one, it looks impressive. And number two, it’s utterly impossible to conceive any point in my life where I’d ever get my hands on it.

In fact, were I to get it, the last thing I’d do is travel in time (that always seemed to end in trouble anyway). No, I just want a car that leaves flaming tracks in its wake. It’d make the supermarket run a darn sight more interesting…

Mish, Mish Sci Fi Musings: If I could have the ability of one of my favorite sci-fi characters and join them in their world on one of their adventures, I would choose DAX from “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” I would love to be joined with a symbiont of several hundred years of life experiences like Jadzia Dax who has a symbiont with over 300 years worth of life experience in science, music, as a pilot, and even knowing the mind of a murderer, and yet have the body of a sexy 28 year old, what a deal! With that level of experience and wisdom in so many different aspects of life, I imagine the conversation I could have with Dax would be interesting, very deep, never dull, and then we could hit the Holosuite for some Klingon martial arts action! Now that would be my idea of a fun adventure.

Jesse, SFFAudio: A few years ago there was a pirate broadcast called “Prisoners of Gravity” that would regularly interrupt a lame TV Ontario nature show called “Second Nature.” Lasting just under a half hour, it was hosted by a crazy Canadian who had strapped a rocket to the roof of his Camaro, launched himself into space and then crashed into an orbiting satellite. From there, in his high castle, Commander Rick (aka Rick Green) lived, surrounded by the things he’d brought with him: computers, comics and lots of paperback books.

Meanwhile, back on Earth a shadowy crew of SF fans, would rove the bookstores and Science Fiction conventions recording interviews with the creators of SF and Fantasy. They’d take the interviews with writers like Robert J. Sawyer, Alan Moore, Ray Bradbury, Neil Gaiman and Garth Ennis, and upload them all to Commander Rick in the satellite. From there Rick would record these interviews onto audio cassettes and keep them for use in his live broadcasts. He would also make use of the telephone and satellite video feeds that he had access to in order to record live interviews with his guests during the show. The programs were compiled and broadcast with the help of a mute, but highly intelligent, computer named NanCy. Topics discussed were different every episode,with individual shows on censorship, superheroes, humor, religion, fairy tales, Mars, cyberpunk, war, overpopulation, sex and much, much more.

The series aired 139 episodes over a five years mission – it is rumored that Commander Rick died (having perhaps run out of food) – but it is also rumored that he returned to earth – since then NanCY has managed just a very few transmissions in the form of reruns. There was no better news magazine program that explored SF, fantasy, horror and comics and their various themes and ideas.

I’ve been thinking it would be really great to strap a few solid rocket boosters to the roof of my own car and do my own show. In the meantime I’ve been bidding on ebay for a used spacesuits. One day I may win one.

Barry Robb, Webmaster/Producer, The Ugly Couch Show: As a former employee of “Star Trek: The Experience,” I’ve had the opportunity to think about that question for many years and answer it in many ways for thousands of guests. I would walk on the bridge, through the corridors of the Enterprise and around the promenade of Deep Space Nine and have to incorporate the science fiction directly and seamlessly into our reality for the guests. Based on what I’ve heard and the scenarios I’ve seen acted out, in addition to my own geekery for all science fiction properties, I’ve have to say that I would most like to have the gadgetry of the “Star Trek” universe at my disposal. Of all the science fiction properties, there seems to be the least suffering and discomfort in the “Star Trek” universe, and very little supernatural threats, since it’s based in our reality (unlike “Star Wars,” where we have The Force to contend with). Also, I hate driving and would use the transporter to go everywhere.

Please visit my friends at GeekBlips for all the news and reviews from these bloggers and many more.

Reprinted with permission from GeekBlips

Photo: Dwight Schultz by Cynthia Boris

Post from: SF Universe

**Best Buy – Collectible Gift Set with four pack of badge pins. (As seen in photo)

**Hollywood Video – Rent/Buy any Star Trek DVD and be entered to win an autographed poster of Uhura (Zoe Saldana).

**Transworld (FYE/Coconuts/Suncoast) – Collectible Steelbook packaging.

**CVS – Consumer Offer. Buy $15 (or more) in iTunes gift cards and get the DVD (single disc) for only $9.99 (First week only).

**Target – Limited Edition Collectible Starship Enterprise Packaging on both 2-Disc DVD and 3-Disc Blu-ray. (Video available at above download link).

**Amazon.com – Star Trek Limited Edition Replica Gift Set (Three-Disc + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray]

CANADA
**Best Buy Canada – 3-Disc Special Edition Blu-Ray Collectible packaging – Easily assembles to become a Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise DVD Package! (same as Target in the US).

**Future Shop – Exclusive 2 Disc Steelbook Edition and 3-Disc Blu-Ray Steelbook Edition.

**HMV – Limited Edition Blu-Ray Gift Set – includes Star Trek 3-Disc Blu-Ray set with Digital copy and Four Replica Starfleet Division Badges.

**Wal-Mart Canada – Exclusive Lenticular o-sleeve package on the Star Trek 2 disc DVD.

Photo courtesy of Paramount Home Entertainment

Post from: SF Universe

This interactive stage show due to run at theme parks and performing arts centers across the country, takes the audience through Starfleet Academy training combining the entertainment value of Star Trek with real educational materials aimed at upping scientific literacy.

The show is said to have “cutting-edge special effects, unmatched audience interaction and an exploration of real space-age technology.” And Kirk and Spock are supposed to be there, too.

Mad Science’s Managing Director and producer Leonard Lipes says, “So much of the Star Trek technology once considered science fiction has become a reality. Star Trek Live is going to explore many of these technologies as well as other sciences for a truly memorable experience resonating to audiences of all ages.”

Star Trek Live will debut in 2010 and travel throughout the United States and Canada.

Post from: SF Universe

It’s not like we didn’t now this was coming. We were warned and that’s not just a line from the movie. Here’s what the folks at National Geographic have to say about the truth beyond the legend.

The Maya believed that everything — including creation and destruction — occurred in cycles. Their calendar spanned five cycles, each lasting approximately 5,200 years. At the end of each cycle before this one, the Maya believed the current, flawed creation had to be destroyed for the world to be born again. Some believe the end of the current cycle on December 21, 2012, is an apocalyptic sign. And those who see a connection between the complex and incredibly accurate Maya calendar and a prophecy that the world will end in 2012 point to an unexpected discovery made by Princeton University scientist Adam Maloof as proof.

On Sunday, November 8, 2009, at 8 pm, National Geographic Channel examines the evidence behind the Maya calendar prophecies in 2012: Countdown to Armageddon. The special follows Maloof to three continents on a detective story that spans eons — with clues embedded in the oldest rocks on the planet.

In this special, you’ll see the investigation of identical rock shifts in both Norway and Australia, take a closer looks at the ruins of Chichén Itzá, which some believe to be the physical embodiment of the Maya calendar, and examine the Dresden Codex — the most comprehensive source for Maya astronomy, which has been locked in a high-security vault.

Is there proof that the Maya knew what they were talking about when they predicted the end of the world? Watch 2012: Countdown to Armageddon on November 8 on the National Geographic Channel, then catch 2012 the movie opening in theaters on November 13.

Photo:
Cameraman Thomas Sassenberg and Director / Executive Producer Andreas Gutzeit atop the Temple of the Warriors (Templo de los Guerreros) in Chichén Itzá, Yucatán, Mexico. (Photo Credit: © Story House Productions)

Post from: SF Universe

Christian Kane

Minuteman revolves around Captain Lance Deakin (Riley Smith) who, after returning to civilian life as a Texas rancher, is attacked by members of his former Special Forces unit. Brainwashed by the military and turned into killing machines, Lance remembers their top secret missions in Iraq only as Minuteman, the hyper-violent video game they used to play while on tour. With Lance desperately trying to piece together what actually happened, his former comrades are closing in on him and his fiancee to take them out. Lance is quickly running out of time to uncover the truth and save the woman he loves.

To spice up this independent film, the movie will have a video game element — but to be honest, the description of how it will be integrated leaves me a bit confused. Here’s how the production company describes it.

Minuteman is an interactive war game that shows the film’s Minuteman characters in combat action. Cutting between the video game and the movie enhances the mystery, power and adrenaline rush of the film. Highly talented director Mark Millhone has come up with a fresh and innovative way of captivating his audience.

Hey, if it means seeing Christian Kane rockin and rollin’, I’m there.

The film, from Dreamfly Productions, will begin shooting in Texas next week.

Want more Christian Kane? Read the interview I did with him before the second season of Leverage.

Photo: Christian Kane from Leverage / TNT

Post from: SF Universe

The prize pack includes the two-disc special edition DVD, a poster and a t-shirt so you can show the world that you’re a fan.

To enter, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post and we’d love it even more if you mentioned your favorite Transformers character from this movie or even the original cartoon.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen hits store shelves in both DVD and Blu-ray on October 20. In the meantime, check out their website for fun Transformers content such as personalized phone calls from Optimus Prime/Starscream and the “Robotize Me” app.

CONTEST DETAILS

US Residents Only

Deadline to enter is October 20 at midnight PST

Photo: Amazon

Post from: SF Universe

Transformers Revenge of the Fallen

If you’re going Blu-ray, head over to Best Buy for their limited gift set which includes an exclusive Optimus Prime mini head replica and $50 gift card to sideshowcollectibles.com. Now that’s a nice bonus.

If you’re not into the whole experience, Amazon has the single-disc DVD version of Transformers Revenge of the Fallen for under $20.

The official Transformers website has some fun content in honor of the release including personalized phone calls from Optimus Prime/Starscream and the “Robotize Me” app.

Want to go behind the scenes on Transformers Revenge of the Fallen. Click here for the video if you can’t see it after the cut.

Post from: SF Universe