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Elevation Pictures Lowers Prices in Response to Pandemic

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In response to the vast number of those under self-isolation, our friends at Elevation Pictures have generously taken the bold move to lower the cost of some of their most popular films on iTunes. Check out the information below.

HUSTLERS – Buy for $9.99 

 Best Actress, Golden Globe Nominee
Synopsis: Inspired by the viral New York Magazine article, Hustlers follows a crew of savvy former strip club employees who band together to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients.

SHAUN THE SHEEP: THE MOVIE – Buy for 4.99

Best Animated Feature, Academy Award Nominee
Synopsis: When Shaun decides to take the day off and have some fun, he gets a little more action than he bargained for. A mix up with the Farmer, a caravan and a very steep hill lead them all to the Big City and it’s up to Shaun and the flock to return everyone safely to the green grass of home.

MISSING LINK – buy for 4.99

Best Animated Feature, Golden Globe Winner
Synopsis: Mr. Link recruits explorer Sir Lionel Frost to help find his long-lost relatives in the fabled valley of Shangri-La. Along with adventurer Adelina Fortnight, this trio of explorers travel the world to help their new friend.

HACKSAW RIDGE – buy for 4.99

Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director Acadamy Award Nominee
Synopsis: World War II American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss, who served during the Battle of Okinawa, refuses to kill people, and becomes the first man in American history to receive the Medal of Honor without firing a shot.

IMITATION GAME – buy for 4.99

Best Original Screen Play, Academy Award Winner
Synopsis: During World War II, the English mathematical genius Alan Turing tries to crack the German Enigma code with help from fellow mathematicians.

THE BIG SICK – buy for $4.99

Best Original Screenplay, Academy Award Nominee
Synopsis: Pakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani and grad student Emily Gardner fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash. When Emily contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail finds himself forced to face her feisty parents, his family’s expectations, and his true feelings.

TIFF ’19: Saban Films acquires Aaron Eckhart’s LINE OF DUTY

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TIFF is known for the film’s… but it’s really about business. And today, the news begins!

Saban Films announced today that they have acquired U.S. rights to Steven C. Miller’s (Escape Plan 2: Hades, First Kill) Line of Duty.  Penned by Jeremy Drysdale (Grand Theft Parsons), the action thriller stars Golden Globe® nominee Aaron Eckhart (London Has Fallen, The Dark Knight), Courtney Eaton (Mad Max: Fury Road), Dina Meyer (Starship Troopers, Saw), Emmy® nominee Giancarlo Esposito (“Breaking Bad,” Maze Runner franchise) and Ben McKenzie (Gotham).  The film was produced by The Solution Entertainment Group’s Myles Nestel & Craig Chapman, Skip Williamson, Scott LaStaiti, Martin Sprock, Tiffany Stone, Renee Tab and Christopher Tuffin.

Line of Duty follows a disgraced cop (Eckhart) who finds himself in a race against time to find a kidnap victim whose abductor he accidentally killed.

Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley commented, “This fast-paced thriller is action-packed and bound to captivate audiences and keep them on their toes. It’s a testament to Steven’s skills as a filmmaker and the cast, led by Aaron, give stunning performances.”

Solution’s Nestel added, “We are excited to continue our long-standing relationship with Saban as our US distributor on the title.  Steven knocked the film out of the park and Aaron gives a tour-de-force performance as Frank Penny.”

Jonathan Saba negotiated the deal for Saban Films along with Myles Nestel & Lisa Wilson (who also executive produced the film) on behalf of The Solution.  The Solution represents worldwide rights, with Lisa Wilson selling the remaining international rights at this year’s TIFF.

Saban Films continues to grow its presence in the industry, remaining active in the acquisition, production and distribution space. The company’s successes have run the gamut from critically acclaimed theatrical films such as The Homesman starring Hilary Swank, to one of the biggest Fathom events in 2016 with Rob Zombie’s horror thriller 31.   Its upcoming slate includes: Kevin Smith’s highly-anticipated Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, the sequel to the 2001 comedy Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back which the company is partnering on after coming onboard at script stage; horror icon and heavy metal mastermind Rob Zombie’s 3 From Hell; Cannes hit Vivarium starring Imogen Poots and Jesse Eisenberg; the heartfelt baseball drama Bottom of the 9th starring Joe Manganiello and Sofía Vergara; Darren Lynn Bousman’s Death of Me starring Maggie Q and Luke Hemsworth; Casey Affleck’s directorial debut Light of My Life; and Derrick Borte’s American Dreamer starring Jim Gaffigan.  

Line of Duty marks the fourth in-house production over the last two years from leading film distribution, finance and sales company, The Solution Entertainment Group. Founded in 2012 by Myles Nestel, Lisa Wilson and Craig Chapman, The Solution has also produced Wheelman starring Frank Grillo, Killerman starring Liam Hemsworth and is currently finishing up Honest Thief starring Liam Neeson.   This in addition to a robust third-party sales slate, which includes Nicholas Jarecki’s Dreamland, currently in post and the upcoming Liam Neeson actioner, Ice Road.

Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Announces its Release on Digital… and it’s Sooner Than You Think!

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Christmas may seem over… but the holidays can continue!
Families everywhere can ring in the New Year with Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch on Digital on January 22, 2019, and on 4K Ultra HD, 3D Blu-ray™, Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand on February 5, 2019. From Illumination and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, the film based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved tale about a cynical grouch who goes on a mission to steal Christmas from others only to feel his own heart grow three sizes larger through unexpected friendships is one “the whole family can watch and enjoy,” (Kidsday/Newsday).

The new home entertainment edition contains more than 60 minutes of bonus content, including three mini-movies: “Dog Days of Winter” starring the Grinch and his heroically loyal dog Max; and “Yellow is the New Black” and “Santa’s Little Helpers,” both starring the lovable Minions. It also includes stunning featurettes, a how-to-draw tutorial and much more. Narrated by Grammy Award® winner and Oscar® nominee Pharrell Williams, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch stars Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (Dr. Strange, “Sherlock”) as the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpit with only his loyal dog, Max, for company. The incredible voice cast includes Rashida Jones (“Parks and Recreation,” The Muppets) as Donna Who, Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”) as Bricklebaum, Cameron Seely (The Greatest Showman) as Cindy-Lou Who, and featuring legendary actress Angela Lansbury (Anastasia, Beauty and the Beast) as the mayor of Whoville. Funny, heartwarming and visually stunning, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch is a perfect night in for the whole family!


BONUS FEATURES EXCLUSIVE TO 4K ULTRA HD, 3D BLU-RAY™, BLU-RAY™ AND DVD:
  • Who’s Who in Who-ville (interactive map) – There are so many interesting characters that call Who-ville home that it’s hard to keep track of them all. This “Who’s Who” pop-up book uses animation to create a virtual storybook that takes us from Who-ville to Mt. Crumpit.
  • “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” Lyric Video – Tyler the Creator puts a modern spin on the Seussian Christmas classic.
MINI-MOVIES ON 4K ULTRA HD, 3D BLU-RAY™, BLU-RAY™, DVD & DIGITAL: 
  • Yellow is the New Black – Before they all make their big escape from prison in Despicable Me 3, a couple of lucky Minions get a taste of freedom as they break free with the help of one of their fellow human inmates.
  • Dog Days of Winter – Max braves the harsh winter weather and an uncooperative Who to bring a sick Grinch his favourite hot tea.
  • Santa’s Little Helpers – Fan favourites – the Minions – are back for another adventure! Having been accidentally dropped off at the North Pole, our Minion pals make the most of the situation by trying to become elves.

BONUS FEATURES ON 4K ULTRA HD, 3D BLU-RAY™, BLU-RAY™, DVD & DIGITAL:

  • The Making of the Mini-Movies – Mini in size but not in heart, these short films are fan favourites. From the Grinch and Max to the Minions – you’ll explore the themes of each of the mini-movies through the eyes of the filmmakers who made them.
  • From Green to Screen – It takes a lot to bring grumpy green to your home screen. This inside look at the making of Illumination’s Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch features interviews and behind-the-scenes moments with the cast, filmmakers and artists whose hearts have all grown three sizes bringing this classic tale to life.
  • Illuminating THE GRINCH – Using filmmaker and cast interviews, concept art and progression reels, we take a behind-the-scenes look at how the characters evolved from initial sketches to fully realized characters.
  • My Earliest GRINCH Memories – The cast and filmmakers of Dr. Seuss’s The Grinchreveal their earliest memories of the grumpy green character and the enduring appeal of this Christmas curmudgeon’s journey to redemption.
  • Grinchy Gadgets – From his body-size blow dryer to his moving mechanical chair, from his catapult to his dog drone-rig and more… you’ll get to explore the wondrous world of Grinch’s gadgets.
  • “I Am The Grinch” Lyric Video – A stylized look at Tyler, The Creator’s original song created just for the film.
  • Songs From His Little Heart – Take a deep dive into the toe tapping beats of Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch. From score to specialty songs, you’ll hear from the film’s A-list musicians on what it took to create the music behind the movie.
  • X-mas Around the World – Every culture practices Christmas in a slightly different way. We’ll highlight some of the more fun permutations of the holiday around the globe.
  • Cindy-Lou’s Yule Log – Nothing says the holidays quite like an animated fireplace blasting fake heat from your living room television. Just in time for winter, we’ll recreate Cindy-Lou’s living room on Christmas Eve for all to enjoy.
  • Production Babies – A celebration of the babies born to the filmmakers during the production of Illumination’s Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch.
  • Any Who Can Draw – Hosted by an Illumination artist and head of story Mark O’Hare, you’ll see step-by-step how to draw some of your favourite characters from this beloved holiday classic; Grinch, Max and Fred!

The film will be available on 4K Ultra HD in a combo pack which includes 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray™, Blu-ray™ and Digital. The 4K Ultra HD disc will include the same bonus features as the Blu-ray™ version, all in stunning 4K resolution.

  • 4K Ultra HD is the ultimate movie watching experience. 4K Ultra HD features the combination of 4K resolution for four times sharper picture than HD, and the colour brilliance of High Dynamic Range (HDR) with immersive audio delivering a multidimensional sound experience.
  • Blu-ray™ unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theatre-quality surround sound.
  • Digital lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favourite devices. Users can instantly stream or download

The Fishing Hole: The Pros and Cons of Netflix

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Our staff has been involved in a heated discussion about the impact of Netflix on the world of cinema. While many of our staffers are pro-Netflix, Chris Utley remains decidedly anti-Netflix. Read the latest episode of our ongoing debate as we discuss Bird Box, Roma’s theatrical release strategy, and whether or not the label Streaming Cinema will catch on.

J Alan Sharrer: I’m just going to leave this here . . . an article about Netflix telling people to cut it out with all the Bird Box challenges.

Arnaldo Reyes: (facepalm) So much hype for a meh movie.

Alan S: Amen.

Chris Utley: And you’d rather I stay home and watch this (Bird Box) on Netflix?” (GIF of Tyler Perry’s “Madea” shaking her head)

Alan: Her swan song is March 1.

Chris:  . . . till his non-Madea movies flop. Brace up for that.

Steve Norton: No, we’d rather you stay home and watch quality television . . . lol

Chris: You lost me at “stay home.”

Steve: Ha. Well, I’m sure you could watch Netflix on your phone… 😛

Chris: It seems Netfixerization now has a name . . . STREAMING CINEMA. I love it. It differentiates. As it should.

Steve: Until Roma wins Best Pic?

Alan: I don’t know. If that goes too far, movie theaters are going to cry foul. Or they’ll have to change their names . . . Edwards Movies; Regal Movies; Maya Movies . . .

Arnaldo: Streaming Cinema . . . movie theaters “don’t call it Cinema.” (includes GIF telling us to get off his lawn)

Chris: Um . . .there are cinemas in LA LA LAND that proudly call themselves CINEMAS! And there’s Alamo . . . as in Alamo Drafthouse CINEMA.

Steve: That’s weird. They must show Netflix. That’s streaming cinema. The others are the talkies . . .

Chris: And . . . Roma has played in CINEMAS too. Netflix caved. 70MM prints to boot! (Oh my emoji)

Steve: Well, it played in theatres. That’s streaming cinema. I’ve seen movies on Netflix too.

Arnaldo: Netflix didn’t cave . . . they found another way to have their cake and eat it too.

Steve: I like cake.

Arnaldo: Smart business.

Chris: I can assure you that they did not stream a 70MM print.

Steve: Sorry. I’m in a mood.

Chris: Caving.

Steve: My tv is 52’’. That’s bigger than 70mm. I know that’s metric, to be fair. (NOTE: Steve lives in Canada)

Chris: They went from playing all their crap in 2 theatres unadvertised to striking 70MM & Dolby Atmos prints for theatres nationwide.

Arnaldo: They don’t need to stream it that way . . . they stream 4K. That’s what streaming is for. They also said, “Hey, let’s make some more money and show it in a different format.”

Chris: Caving like a mug! They can’t strream Atmos. Thank you . . . next.

Arnaldo: So you missed my point.

Chris: And you missed mine. They can run 4K. Awesome.

Steve: Points are dangerous. They hurt.

Chris: But running 4K and Atmos is exclusively the domain of . . . CINEMAS!

Arnaldo: No, I see your point; it was valid if it meant that Netflix only cared about streaming formats. They don’t.

Chris: They caved because (Roma director Alfonso) Curon made them cave.

Arnaldo: They care about getting more eyes on their film, so why not make it available in a different format? Not caving–just smart business.

Chris: That was Curon. He demanded the cinema release and the large format prints. They obliged. Yeah, it’s smart.

Arnaldo: Netflix now has bigger competition in streaming. And more competition to come. So get out in front and explore different avenues. Smart move.

Chris: Really . . . it’s my original point. No Oscar love until they respect the process.

Arnaldo: Meh. Oscars are overrated IMO.

Chris: They worked with a director who demanded they play ball with the process. Please don’t get it twisted. Netflix darn sure wants one.

Arnaldo: I’m sure they do. They all want one. Still overrated.

Chris: Heck . . . film itself is overrated to you, right? Comics first!

Arnaldo: Nope. I haven’t kept up on comics, they’ve gotten weak in writing lately.

Chris: If Roma gets screened as part of AMC’s Best Picture Showcase, I’ll see it. If it ain’t, I won’t.

Arnaldo: I’m a “let them all in” guy. If streaming is putting out better content than what’s being released in theaters then they should be recognized for it. Last I checked, Oscars were meant to celebrate the best in “Cinema” yet they don’t allow the best in.

Chris: I say give STREAMING CINEMA their own dang awards. Like I always say, you don’t see HBO TV movies in Oscar categories.

Arnaldo: They won’t, because then Oscars would lose more viewership. LOL.

Chris: Why give Netflix a pass?

Arnaldo: It’s not about just Netflix anymore. Oscars need to adapt. If Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Amazon etc. are putting out better quality Cinema, then should recognize it.

Chris: It’s not about movie theatres anymore. I need to adapt . . .

Arnaldo: Actors, directors, writers are flocking to them . . .

Steve: Like Canadian geese.

Chris: (nope nope nope)

Arnaldo: (GIF of Kylo Ren turning to camera, looking sinister) Let the past die.

Chris: The past ain’t the past. When the Avengers reboot premieres exclusively on Disney+ in 10 years, then I’ll adapt. Till then . . . (picture of theater) Till death do us part? 4 LIFE!

Steve: I feel like this is a conversation we’ve had before . . .  LOL – I think Chris should do a 2019 challenge where he watches 5 Netflix shows and Arnaldo should do something where he watches 5 movies of Chris’ choosing.

Chris: I watched more than that last year. Stand up comedies. I already gave you the challenge, but Jacob (Sahms) vetoed it: a Google Hangout viewing of Mad Max Fury Road.

Join the conversation! Agree or disagree with our band of ScreenFishers? Ready to challenge their POV? Feel free to share in the comments!

The Fishing Hole: Aquaman and the Next Superman

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Welcome to the Fishing Hole, the ScreenFish Staff’s daily roundup of late breaking cinema/TV/pop culture news. Here’s what we’re talking about today . . .

Chris U.: $105 million for Aquaman as of Christmas Day. Momoa stays. Wonder if WB/DC will flip Justice League 2 on its head by making Momoa and Gadot the leads. Frankly, I’d use JL2 to introduce the new Batman and Superman.

Arnaldo R.: Or, scrap JL altogether and continue developing these characters solo and not force it like they have been. (GIF of Hannibal Lecter saying, “All good things come to those who wait.”)

Chris: “But…but…Marvel is pwning us! We have to respond!!!”

Arnaldo: (GIF of a ship sailing away with the caption, “Ship has sailed!”) LOL

Chris: Seriously, I’m all for it. Especially if they can erase BvS. I heard Flashpoint is supposed to handle that.

Arnaldo: I think that’s why it’s important to narrow the focus. These two work, focus on them for a while and slowly build. Plan for Marvel fatigue rather than speeding to catch it.

Chris: I DO need a proper Superman to ditch Routh’s stalkerness and Cavill’s moodiness.

Arnaldo: (thumbs-up)

Chris: Reeve was a friggin Boy Scout. Give us THAT! None of this whiny conflicted hero crap.

Steve N.: (GIF of Russell from “Up” waving) That’s who you want as Superman.

Chris: Supes need to confidently stop a nuke, save kids from a burning bus and save a cat! And SMILE the whole damn time. (GIF of a smile) And THAT will set you up for a proper Bats conflict: The Boy Scout vs The Rich Kid Rebel.

Steve: Bah. So simplistic. Dark Knight Returns (animated) did it great, without the simplicity.

Chris: Supes propensity to keep the law V Bats propensity to bend and break it.

Arnaldo: Supes doesn’t need to smile all the time. Making him more “human” is fine. He just doesn’t need to be “Batman.”

Chris: Simplistic. Bah that!

Steve: Bah.

Chris: All of y’all and your moody *** heroes. Sucking all the fun out of cinema. Which is why they hated on Aquadude. It had the utter audacity to be…FUN!

Steve: LOL. Superheroes reflect the voice of the nation. Supes is a Christ figure but that doesn’t mean grinning all the time.

Arnaldo: Moody isn’t about it for me. I want an in between. I don’t want someone rehashing Christopher Reeves or trying to be like him.

Chris: But you need his charm and charisma.

Steve: I agree with charm, yes. Cavill can do it. But he needs a script.

Arnaldo: Think Chris Evans Cap. Not an exact copy but basically that’s what Supes needs to be in DCEU.

Chris: I just don’t want the BS “I don’t wanna be a hero; the people hate me” crap. 100%, Arnaldo! Heck..CAP’s a dang Boy Scout. Went Rogue for his bestie. Would love to see Supes go rogue for Lois like Superman 2.

Arnaldo: That’s what Supes needs to be. Strong willed, but “clean.”

Chris: And not afraid of who he is. Snyder’s downfall was in Pa Kent shaming Clark for who he was. Suppressing it out of the fear of man’s reaction. Opposite of Glenn Ford. My son’s a natural at the trombone. I spent the entire Fall trying to get the kid to EMBRACE that. He was ashamed.

He eventually embraced it and got promoted to the highest level band in middle school. Supes 4.0 needs Pa Kent embracing his gift. So when it’s time to save the day, he does it with no shame.

Steve: I agree with the Cap analogy. But he’s realistic at heart. Pure at heart but bears the weight of the world. Reeves wasn’t like that. Cavill could go there with a good script.

Join the conversation! Agree or disagree with our band of ScreenFishers? Ready to challenge their POV? Feel free to share in the comments!