Genre Thoughts: “50 Glorious Scifi Movie Intro Voiceovers”

Posted by Steve in Movies, The Magic Lantern - Steve Weintz on February 17th, 2010

Once again our witty friends over at www.io9.com have blistered our minds with verbal love.  This time Charlie Jane Anders skewers that ripe old chestnut, The Portentous Explanatory Voiceover At The Beginning Of The Film.

Our fangs to Annalee Newitz and Charlie Jane Anders for permission to reprint this hoot.  Additional reporting by Alexis Brown.

50 Glorious Scifi Movie Intro Voiceovers

Any movie that starts with Morgan Freeman’s cask-aged voice, telling us we’re screwed, is off to a great start. Many science-fiction movies open with voiceovers, which prepare you for greatness… or bombard you with backstory. Here are 50 of our favorites.

Too bad War Of The Worlds goes downhill a bit after that amazingly portentous opening. No movie could live up to the promise of Morgan Freeman reading H.G. Wells, more or less verbatim, but it’s still a sad thing.

The greatest voiceovers tell you what kind of movie you’re in for, and also give you the information you need to hit the ground running. Take Sean Connery’s iconic voiceover from Highlander, which is so awesome, you need it written out for you to appreciate its greatness:

Sadly, most voiceovers that launch movies either try to pack in way, way too much backstory (“And then there was a man named 92ZorkX, who built a mega-cube in his pants”) or go way, way overboard with the cheese. Here are 48 more voiceovers that mostly go way over the top, sorted by type:

In The Year 2727, Some Messed Up Shit Happened!

Perhaps my favorite kind of opening voiceover is the kind where the narrator starts out by intoning, “In the year 2027, we realized we had gone out of the house without any lower garments, and the Earth was reduced to rubble as a result. The survivors lived in caves, eating scraps of jerky. Until one day, a new hope appeared.” Here are ten of the most awesome voiceovers that begin with a date and end with a sad recitation.

Anything Sounds Cool If You Say It In A Creamy English Accent

It’s really true. You can narrate anything in a smooth English accent, and it sounds awesome. It’s like spreading brie all over your frontal cortex, eliminating all of your B.S.-detectors. Someone with an English accent is saying it, so it must be brilliant. Right?

What The Hell Are You Talking About, Crazy Announcer Guy?

You know a science fiction movie is going to be totally absurd when it starts off with a voiceover that just throws a giant ball of crazy at your head. Someone who is trying not to giggle gives a little speech about how there was a guy named Zaark 795, and he rose up against his brother, the Bishop of Pluto, because they both wanted the power of the Dodecahedron-o-gram. Yeah. Anyway, here are the nonsensical opening voiceovers that make us happy to be alive.

You Can’t Have An Apocalypse Without A Gloomy Speech

It’s just the law of apocalypses: You can’t feature the destruction of all (or most) life on Earth, without throwing in a gloomy monologue explaining exactly how we blew it all to hell. It’s the way things work around here. Typically, these monologues include scenes of devastation as well as a droning voice talking about viruses or bombs or people not washing their hands. Here are some of the greatest.

Science Fiction Movies That Start With Deep Personal Monologues

Some science fiction movies start out with a more personal touch — one character giving an internal monologue about their feelings. Either it’s a character being introspective, or it’s some kind of noir deal, where the person talks about their pain in a hardcore, tough-guy way. Here are some of our faves.

Voiceovers That Turn Into Conversations, And Weird Voiceover Spoofs

This is sort of a catch-all for two categories that didn’t quite deserve their own pages: monologues that start out as a voiceover, and then turn into someone talking to the camera; and voiceovers that are just sort of demented, silly or satirical. They’re both a bit different from your standard science fiction voiceover, in any case.

So, was that monstrous fun, or what?  More where that came from @ www.io9.com.

MONSTERPALOOZA HITS THE AIRWAVES!

Posted by dominie in Events, Latest News on May 22nd, 2009

Click the attached link to hear the spot running on KROQ all this upcoming week!!

Sci-Fi and Fantasy Anime at the Los Angeles Comic Book & Sci-Fi Convention

Posted by dominie in Events on April 10th, 2009

As mentioned previously, here at Famous Monsters our emissary is to cover what you want to know. Your thoughts and commentary are always appreciated in helping us make FM your go-to community for genre news! On that note, I’d like to point you in the direction of this year’s FUNimation Anime Festival at the L.A. Comic Book and Sci-Fi Convention. Don’t miss this One Day Super Show on April 26, 2009!

Read the full press release below or visit www.comicbookscifi.com for more details.

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 10, 2009 – FUNimation Presents THE BEST OF SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY ANIME at the LOS ANGELES COMIC BOOK AND SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTION on SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2009.

The LOS ANGELES COMIC BOOK AND SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTION collaborates with FUNimation Entertainment for a special ANIME FESTIVAL.  FUNimation is one of the leading producers and distributors of ANIME, and in this special six hour ANIME FESTIVAL, THE BEST OF SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY ANIME, West Coast Premieres of D. GRAY-MAN, ROMEO X JULIET, and HEROIC AGE will be featured.  Films run from 11:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.  FUNimation will also be providing free give-aways such as posters to attendees.

Other events happening include a personal appearance by FRANK COGHLAN JR., who starred in the 1941 Republic Pictures Serial THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN MARVEL.  FRANK starred as Billy Batson, radio reporter, who upon speaking the word Shazam turns into CAPTAIN MARVEL.  FRANK also starred as a child actor in many silent movies, and Flicker Alley is releasing FRANK’s 1927 movie THE YANKEE CLIPPER on dvd.  FRANK will be at the Flicker Alley table signing his book, THEY STILL CALL ME JUNIOR: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A CHILD ACTOR, and while there is a charge for an autograph, it includes a choice of photo.  This is a rare appearance by FRANK, who at age 93 is one of the few actors from the silent era making personal
appearances. (more…)

Star Trek Trading Cards Reveal Never-Before-Seen Aliens

Posted by dominie in Movies on March 31st, 2009

In addition to their latest sequel news, various sites such as /Film and MTV have reported that Paramount Pictures has released a pack of Star Trek trading cards, which reveals new, never-before-seen images from the highly anticipated reboot film.

Among the batch of images is one of an Orion slave girl (Diora Baird), young Spock meets older Spock, Scotty’s alien friend, the Starfleet Academy in San Francisco, and several more if you click over to MTV.com

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t remember seeing trading cards in the recent past for these big Hollywood movies anymore. Thumbs up to Star Trek’s marketing department. I think it would be a great way to assimilate the new younger generation!

Directed by J.J. Abrams, Star Trek 11 is set for release on May 8, 2009.

Mickey Mouse Tron Figure

Posted by dominie in Movies on March 7th, 2009

Collider’s Steve “Frosty” featured a report on something very cool for all ages today. Medicom will release a Mickey Mouse Tron figure this September. And since a sequel to the movie titled, Tr2n, or Tron 2, is now in the works, prepare to see many more toys coming your way soon! The word is Disney is preparing the trailer to debut at this year’s Comic-Con!

Tr2n will continue from the original story starring Jeff Bridges as a hacker who is abducted into the world of a computer and forced to participate in a series of gladiatorial games. The picture will be helmed by commercial director Joseph Kosinsk and a tentative release date is set for 2011.

A Special Tribute to Forrest J Ackerman

Posted by dominie in Events on February 25th, 2009

American Cinematheque will be holding a special tribute in celebration of the late Forrest J Ackerman, the man behind Famous Monsters of Filmland Magazine and who brought sci-fi into the mainstream, at the Egyptian Theatre (6712 Hollywood Bloulevard) in Los Angeles, California. Uncle Forry, as he became known to all of us in the genre community, celebrated his 92nd birthday on November 24th before he said goodbye to all his children in December.

All are invited to attend Sunday, March 8th. There will be a reception at 3:00pm followed the events below.

Sunday, March 8 – 4:00 PM
A TRIBUTE TO FORREST J. ACKERMAN 120 min. A tribute to one of the most Famous Monsters of them all, celebrating his memory, friendship and the legions of fans. Join us for testimonials from those who knew and loved Forry, plus film clips, slides, performances and more! Reception preceding the tribute starting at 3:00 PM. Updates on speakers will be listed on the Cinematheque website. FREE ADMISSION!

THE TIME TRAVELERS, 1964, MGM Repertory, 82 min. Writer-director Ib Melchior is renowned for his work on some of the most imaginative science-fiction films of the 1950s and 1960s, including THE ANGRY RED PLANET, ROBINSON CRUSOE ON MARS, REPTILICUS and PLANET OF THE VAMPIRES, along with “The Outer Limits” TV series. THE TIME TRAVELERS is one of his most ingenious concoctions, as a group of scientists (including Preston Foster, Philip Carey, Merry Anders and John Hoyt) experimenting with a time portal are catapulted into a post-nuclear apocalyptic future. Look for Forry in a cameo. Discussion in between films with FAMOUS MONSTER filmmakers Michael Macdonald and Ian Johnston.

20th Anniversary Akira Debuts on Blu-Ray Tuesday

Posted by dominie in Movies on February 21st, 2009

If you’re not already in the know, Akira, the 1988 classic Japanese animated feature debuts on Blu-ray this week, February 24th!

What’s all the fuss about? For one, Akira was the single groundbreaking feature that brought Japanese animation into the mainstream American consciousness upon its release in 1988. Two, though Akira was remastered in 2001 for a DVD release, today’s advancements in technology has allowed property owner Bandai Visual, to yet again digitally remaster the film at the highest quality possible, in Blu-ray, for its 20th Anniversary celebration.

Experience the story(and the violence) of Akira like you never have before. For every single detail behind the Blu-ray remastering of film, you can read this article over at Blu-ray.com. Check out the review of the Blu-ray release here, and believe me, the temptation to buy a Blu-ray player just for this movie is high. The concise, to-the-point details for the Blu-ray release are as follows, followed by a synopsis.

Video
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1

Audio
Japanese: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
Japanese: PCM 2.0
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
Japanese: Dolby Digital 5.1
Japanese: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
Japanese: PCM 2.0
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
Japanese: Dolby Digital 5.1 (less)

Subtitles
English, Japanese
English, Japanese (less)

Disc
50GB Blu-ray Dis

Synopsis: On July 16, 1988, Tokyo was destroyed by what was believed to be a new type of bomb, triggering World War III. Thirty-one years later, in 2019, Neo-Tokyo has arisen from ashes under Japan’s new political system; but the glittering city is built on foundations of poverty, ignorance and despair. Kaneda and his friends, a bunch of juvenile delinquents, rumble with a rival group of bikers. While the police attempt to disperse a riot with tear gas, the rumble continues. Tetsuo takes the lead and, after disposing of his opponents, nearly runs down what looks to be a 100-year-old baby. Tetsuo’s bike suddenly explodes and he is taken prisoner by the top-secret Akira Project where he is subjected to a series of tests which unleash his latent psycho-kinetic powers. But he is really more powerful than anyone imagined and breaks out, creating a swathe of destruction across the city as he mutates into another life form.

Forry Ackerman’s Personal Memorabilia Collection Up for Auction

Posted by dominie in Events on February 6th, 2009

Most of you have already heard. When I first received the press release I was hesitant to post the auction news though I imagine it would have circulated worldwide by the end of the fifth hour. Forry Ackerman’s massive horror and sci-fi collection, highlighted by Bela Lugosi’s Dracula ring and the cape he wore in The Raven, and the first edition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula signed by Stoker, Lugosi, and others, will be up for auction at Profiles in History’s 36th auction of Hollywood Memorabilia in the last week of April 2009 (exact date still TBA).

This is truly sad news. Forry’s collection is about the most extensive story in the history of monsters and sci-fi. Forry took pride in opening his home to fans and showing the people what sci-fi is all about. His collection belongs in a museum, but if you’re a fan and you have a hunk of extra cash, here’s your chance to own some authentic one-of-a-kind Forry Ackerman horror memorabilia. Read the press release below for the full details and extensive coverage on items up for auction.

FORRY ACKERMAN ESTATE TO HIGHLIGHT MONSTROUS PROFILES IN HISTORY SPRING AUCTION

Bela Lugosi’s Dracula Ring, Cape, Costume From The Raven; Bram Stoker / Lugosi Signed First Edition Dracula Book; Fritz Lang’s Monocle from Metropolis Among The Most Important Collection Of Horror-Related Items Ever Available For Auction

Calabasas, CA, February 4, 2009 – Forry Ackerman’s massive horror and Sci-Fi collection, highlighted by Bela Lugosi’s Dracula ring and cape, along with Lugosi’s costume from The Raven; a signed, first edition of Brom Stoker’s Dracula signed by Stoker and Lugosi among others, and Fritz Lang’s monocle from Metropolis are among the first confirmed items available at Profiles in History’s 36th auction of Hollywood memorabilia, taking place the last week of April, 2009. This will be the most important sale of horror-related items ever assembled and available for auction. Worldwide bids can be placed either in person, via mail, phone, fax or live on the internet via Live Auctioneers.com

“The Bela Lugosi Dracula ring, the cape he wore from the 30’s stage performances of Dracula and the robe he wore in The Raven are the most significant Universal horror items to ever come to public auction,” said Joe Maddalena, President and CEO of Profiles in History.
Forrest J Ackerman (Please note: There is NO period after the “J”) who recently passed away, was an American collector of science fiction books and movie memorabilia and a science fiction fan. Ackerman, known as “Forry” or “The Ackermonster” or “4e” or “4SJ” or “Forjak” was influential in the formation, organization, and spread of science fiction fandom in its early years, and served as a key figure in the wider cultural perception of science fiction as a literary, art and film genre. Ackerman is also remembered as the editor-writer of the magazine Famous Monsters of Filmland, as well as for being an occasional author, actor, producer (Vampirella), and literary agent.

Ackerman was noted for having amassed an extremely large and complete collection of science fiction, fantasy and horror film memorabilia, which was, until 2002, maintained in a remarkable home/museum known as the 18-room “Ackermansion” in the Los Feliz district of Los Angeles, filled with 300,000 books and pieces of movie memorabilia. He was credited with nurturing and even inspiring the careers of several early contemporaries like Ray Bradbury, Ray Harryhausen, Charles Beaumont, Marion Zimmer Bradley and L. Ron Hubbard. He was Ed Wood’s “illiterary” agent and represented over 200 authors of science fiction and fantasy.

Through his magazine, Famous Monsters of Filmland (1958-1983), Ackerman introduced the history of the science fiction, fantasy and horror film genres to a generation of young readers. At a time when most movie-related publications glorified the stars in front of the camera, “Uncle Forry”, as he was referred to by many of his fans, promoted the behind-the-scenes artists involved in the magic of movies. In this way Ackerman provided inspiration to many who would later become successful artists, including Peter Jackson, Steven Spielberg, Tim Burton, Stephen King, Penn & Teller, Billy Bob Thornton, Gene Simmons (of the band Kiss), Rick Baker, George Lucas, Danny Elfman, Frank Darabont, John Landis and countless other writers, directors, artists and craftsmen.

A life-long fan of science fiction “B-movies”, Ackerman had cameos in over 210 films, including bit parts in many monster movies including The Howling, Innocent Blood, Return of the Living Dead Part II, Amazon Women on the Moon, as well as an appearance in Michael Jackson’s Thriller video.

Details of Highlighted items along with estimated sale prices:

·       Dracula ring worn by Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula.  It’s the single most important Lugosi / Dracula screen worn piece to EVER come to auction. ($20,000-$30,000).
·       Bela Lugosi’s robe from The Raven is the most important 1930’s horror costume to EVER come to auction. ($15,000-$20,000)
·       A cape made for Bela Lugosi in 1932 and used many times for his stage portrayal of Dracula.  Lugosi then wore the costume in Plan 9 from Outer Space. ($15,000-$20,000).
·       A first edition of the book, Dracula signed by Bram Stoker and inscribed by Bela Lugosi to Forry Ackerman (also signed by a host of other Dracula-related personalities).  ($6,000-8,000).
·       Fritz Lang’s monocle, which he wore when he directed Metropolis. This was given to Forry by Lang: ($3,000-$5,000)

Pictures of the highlighted items are provided below courtesy of Profiles in History.

Afterburn: Writer Announced for Post Apocalyptic Treasure Hunt

Posted by dominie in Movies on January 30th, 2009

Mad Max will forever be a household name but its about time we bring it back to mainstream. As previously announced, FM’s own Phil Kim is currently in post production for Downstream (trailer), an original story set in a post-apocalyptic future in the vein of The Road Warrior/Mad Max meets Sin City. And now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Red 5 Comics’ Afterburn is being adapted for the big screen for Relativity Media. The movie is described as being an “Indiana Jones meets Mad Max” and Matt Johnson (Torque, Into the Blue) has been tapped to write the screenplay to be produced under Neal Moritz’s Original Films and Toby Maguire’s Maguire Entertainment banner.

For those unfamiliar with the comic, Afterburn is a sci-fi adventure set against the backdrop of a postapocalyptic Earth whose Eastern Hemisphere was destroyed by a massive solar flare, leaving what life remains mutated from radiation and fallout. The story revolves around a group of treasure hunters who extract such objects as the Mona Lisa, the Rosetta Stone and the Crown Jewels while facing rival hunters, mutants and pirates.

For more details on the plot, you can head over to Superhero Hype! The site has also posted a first look at some of the art. For updated information on Red 5 Comics, visit Red5Comics.com.

The Thing: Writer and Director Confirmed

Posted by dominie in Movies on January 29th, 2009

Variety has just confirmed Bloody Disgusting’s previous news that commercial director Matthijs Van Heijningen will direct Universal Pictures and Strike Entertainment’s The Thing prequel.

Written by Ronald D. Moore, who served as showrunner on Carnivale and Battlestar Galactica and co-wrote Star Trek: First Contact (my most memorable Star Trek movie) as well as the series finale of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the prequel will be based on John W. Campbell Jr.’s short story Who Goes There? You can read the official announcement below.

Universal will add a new chapter to “The Thing,” lining up another take on the paranoid horror classic most recently brought to the screen by John Carpenter in 1982.

Van Heijningen has shot blurbs for brands including Toyota, Pepsi, Heineken, Bud Light and Visa. He is also developing “Army of the Dead” at Warner Bros. with producer Zack Snyder, who also crossed from commercials to features by directing the Strike-produced “Dawn of the Dead” remake.

Hybrid Promo Art and Shooting Schedule

Posted by dominie in Movies on January 27th, 2009

Bloody Disgusting got their hands on the new promo art for Studio 407 and Myriad Pictures’ feature film adaptation, Hybrid, based on the comic book of the same name. Ernie Barbarash (Cube: Zero, They Wait) will direct the screenplay written by Peter Kwong about “vacationing college students who come across what appears to be an abandoned trawler while on a sailing trip. But they soon discover it is fact the nest of a mutant creature, born from environmental abuse, who ‘fishes’ for humans in the open water.”

Casting is currently underway for new, young talent to play the college students and principle photography has been scheduled to commence in May 2009 in Puerto Rico. Myriad Pictures has agreed to cover worldwide sales for the picture and the paperback comic book for Hybrid is available on February 25, 2009.

“We are really looking forward to going into production on Hybrid with Ernie,” said D’Amico enthusiastically. “He’s got a great sensibility for this kind of material, and adds an edge that appeals to the fan base. It was amazing for me to hear what a popular figure he is in the horror and sci-fi community.”

Outlander Official One Sheet, Limited Theatrical Release

Posted by dominie in Movies on January 14th, 2009

The official one sheet and synopsis for Outlander from Third Rail Releasing is now available. Third Rail picked up the sci-fi/horror film, directed by Howard McCain (Perfect Prey), after The Weinstein Company decided to send the movie straight to DVD. Outlander will get a limited theatrical release January 23, 2009.

Starring James Caviezel, Sophia Myles, Jack Huston, Ron Perlman, and John Hurt, Outlander begins when a space craft crashes into the majestic fjords of ancient Norway and into the time of the Vikings. From the wreckage emerge two bitter enemies: a soldier from another world – Kainan (James Caviezel) – and a bloodthirsty creature known as the Moorwen. Man and monster both seeking revenge for violence committed against them. As the Moorwen ravages the Viking world, killing everything in its path, Kainan forms an unlikely alliance with the primitive but fierce warriors. Combining his advanced technology with ancient Iron Age weapons, the hero leads a desperate attempt to kill the monster – before it destroys them all.