The Easter Bunny’s hare apparent leaves his ancestral home on Easter Island to pursue pop superstardom in the hilarious comedy HOP, coming to Blu-ray™ and DVD on March 23, 2012, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Blending state-of-the-art CGI animation with live action,HOP is a non-stop, rockin’ adventure packed with humor and hijinks as rebellious young rabbit E.B. (voiced by Russell Brand), strikes up an unlikely friendship with Los Angeles underachiever Fred (James Marsden) en route to becoming a rock star drummer.

The perfect Easter gift, the HOP Blu-ray™/DVD Combo Packs deliver perfect hi-def picture and perfect hi-def sound and include an all-new, never-before-seen, music-filled mini-movie, extensive bonus features and interactive games, adding hours of entertaining fun for parents and children alike. The Combo Packs also contain a Digital Copy of the film for a limited time, compatible with iTunes®, iPad®, iPhone®, iPod™ touch, Android or online retail partners. Also included is an UltraViolet™ copy, the revolutionary new way for consumers to collect movies and TV shows by storing them in the cloud to instantly stream and download to computers, tablets and smart phones. Consumers can now truly enjoy their movies anytime, anywhere on the platform of their choice.

Directed by Tim Hill (Alvin and the Chipmunks) and produced by Chris Meledandri (Despicable Me), HOPfeatures hilarious performances by James Marsden (X-Men, Enchanted), Russell Brand (Despicable Me, Get Him to the Greek), Hank Azaria (The Simpsons), Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory), Hugh Laurie (House), Gary Cole (Talladega Nights), Elizabeth Perkins (Weeds) and David Hasselhoff (America’s Got Talent).

COMBO PACK EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES:

Phil’s Dance Party —An all-new mini-movie starring fan-favorite chicks Phil and Carlos. Phil eats so much candy that he crashes, leaving Carlos to perform a solo of the big dance finale…the Merengue!

The World of HOP—Explore an interactive map of Easter Island to experience the making of HOP. FULL ARTICLE »

Synopsis:

Eight months after a botched job in Kiev, Jay (Neil Maskell) is an out-of-work hit man with no job, money, health insurance and a wife constantly on his case. But when his business partner Gal (Michael Smiley) comes over for dinner and pressures Jay into taking a new assignment, Jay quickly finds himself back in the game with the promise of a big payoff after three assassinations. Although the hits start off without incident, soon things begin to unravel and Jay’s paranoia reveals itself as he is plunged into the heart of darkness.

The second feature from British director Ben Wheatley (DOWN TERRACE), KILL LIST features incredibly natural rich performances, jet black humor and nail-biting suspense that work to keep the audience always off-guard. Moving from kitchen-sink drama to character study to crime thriller, KILL LIST ends up at something more fundamentally profound and wonderfully disturbing.

Writers: Ben Wheatley, Amy Jump

Director: Ben Wheatley

Cast: Neil Maskell, Michael Smiley, MyAnna Buring, Harry Simpson, Emma Fryer

Awards/Festivals:

- Film4 FrightFest 2011 (WON-Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Kill, Best Actor)

- Sitges International Film Festival 2011 (WON- Melies d’Argent for Best European Film)

- British Independent Film Awards 2011 (WON-Best Supporting Actor-Michael Smiley)

- SXSW Film Festival 2011(Official Selection)

- Toronto International Film Festival 2011 (Official Selection)

- AFI FEST 2011 (Official Selection)

- London Film Critics’ Circle (NOMINATED-Best Film, Best Supporting Actor-Michael Smiley)

Watch the newly released trailer for “Return” here! In select theaters February 10th.

Synopsis: When Kelli (Linda Cardellini, Freaks & Geeks, Brokeback Mountain) returns home from war, she expected to slowly but surely settle back into her life with her husband (Michael Shannon, Boardwalk Empire) and kids in the small town she grew up in. But she gradually realizes that the life she left behind is no longer there waiting for her. Depicting Kelli’s struggle to find her place in a life she no longer recognizes, Linda Cardellini delivers a tour de force performance, leading an all-star cast that also includes John Slattery (Mad Men). Proudly presented by DaDa Films and Focus World, a division of Focus Features, dedicated to seeking out the best in international, independent, and documentary cinema.

Starring Linda Cardellini, Michael Shannon, John Slattery

Directed by Liza Johnson

Produced by Meredith Vieira

**Cannes Film Festival 2011, Directors Fortnight**

Return will open in select theaters on February 10th and will be available on VOD on February 28th.

The Mob Museum, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, announces that famed Hollywood author, screenwriter and producer, Nicholas Pileggi, will host a special film for the Museum’s exhibit on how the mob is portrayed in pop culture. The film, part of an exhibit called “The Myth of the Mob,” features an in-depth interview with Pileggi who is best known for his book and screenplay Casino, and his book, Wiseguy, which was adapted for the movie, “Goodfellas.” Both movies were directed by Martin Scorsese.

In the short film, Pileggi explains the global fascination with organized crime. “Mobsters live and act outside of the law,” he said. “They do what they want, when they want, without regard for consequences. Their fearless style makes for particularly compelling subject matter chronicled in some of the most popular books and movies of our time.” Pileggi gives nod to “The Godfather” as the greatest mob movie ever.

A world-class destination in downtown Las Vegas, The Museum opens to the public on February 14, 2012 – the 83rd anniversary of the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in Chicago that is considered one of the bloodiest days in Mob history. Seven men affiliated with the Bugs Moran gang were murdered by the South Side Italian gang led by Al Capone. One of the Museum’s most iconic artifacts is the brick wall from the infamous Massacre.

The Mob Museum is dedicated to the thrilling story of organized crime and law enforcement. It presents an exciting and authentic view of the mob’s impact on Las Vegas history and its unique imprint on the world.

With tales so intriguing they need no embellishment, The Museum reveals an insider’s look at the events and people on both sides of this continuing battle. True stories of mob history are brought to life in a bold and contemporary style via engaging exhibits and multi-sensory experiences. The Mob Museum puts the visitor in the middle of the action through high-tech theater presentations, iconic one-of-a-kind artifacts and interactive, themed environments.

A key Mob Museum visionary is former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman, a former go-to defense attorney who made a name for himself representing such reputed mobsters as Meyer Lansky, Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal and Anthony Spilotro, among others. The Museum boasts a highly respected board of directors including professionals from local and state government, law enforcement, the judicial system, media and the Southern Nevada business community. The board is headed by Ellen Knowlton, former FBI Special Agent in Charge, Las Vegas Division, and a 24-year FBI veteran. FULL ARTICLE »

Get acquainted with John Mulaney in the debut of his first-ever one-hour COMEDY CENTRAL Original World Premiere Stand-Up Special. “John Mulaney: New In Town” will air Saturday, January 28 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on COMEDY CENTRAL.

Filmed at the Skirball Theater in New York City, “John Mulaney: New In Town” shines a spotlight on the thoughts and feelings of writer (“Saturday Night Live”) and stand-up comedian John Mulaney, a pleasant, nearly 30-year-old man who enjoys making fun of himself and others. Mulaney tackles such red-hot topics as french fries, “Law & Order,” and his bygone partying days. Through his stories, viewers will watch Mulaney age from a nervous and dishonest child to a still nervous and dishonest adult.

“John Mulaney: New in Town” uncensored and extended DVD will be released by COMEDY CENTRAL Home Entertainment on January 31. DVD bonus features include a “Special Friends Video Commentary: Watch comedians Anthony Jeselnik and Dan Mintz critique ‘New in Town’” and “Mintz/Mulaney: The Interview.”

In addition, the uncensored and extended “John Mulaney: New in Town” CD will be released on January 31 on COMEDY CENTRAL Records.

“John Mulaney: New In Town” is executive produced by Mulaney, John Irwin, Dave Becky, and David Miner, directed by Ryan Polito, and produced by Casey Spira. Jonas Larsen and Anne Harris are the Executives in Charge Of Production for COMEDY CENTRAL.

January is Stand-Up Month on COMEDY CENTRAL and the month of laughs kicks off with the launch of a brand-new CC Stand-Up Facebook App, which will provide fans with the opportunity to program the channel’s Friday night stand-up block. With the new Facebook App, COMEDY CENTRAL is putting the schedule into the hands of its viewers with fans able to watch playlists comprised of the upcoming weekend’s featured comic’s favorite comedians. By using the CC Stand-Up App to “Like” them on Facebook and/or “Follow” them on Twitter, viewers will be casting their vote for the Friday night line-up with the top choices airing that night beginning at 9:00 p.m. On Friday January 27, the comedians selected from Mulaney’s playlist will be showcased. FULL ARTICLE »

Bringing an ensemble of tremendous musical talent together, NCM Fathom and Sony Masterworks is presenting The Goat Rodeo Sessions LIVE featuring Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer, Stuart Duncan and guest vocalist Aoife O’Donovan, an exclusive in-theater concert event on Tuesday, January 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET/ 6:30 p.m. CT/ 8:00 p.m. MT/PT/HI/AK (tape delayed). The four string virtuosos will be performing songs off their collaborative album, The Goat Rodeo Sessions, at the House of Blues® in Boston, which will be broadcast live to theaters nationwide.

Tickets for The Goat Rodeo Sessions LIVE featuring Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer, Stuart Duncan and guest vocalist Aoife O’Donovan are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom website (theaters and participants are subject to change). The event will be broadcast to more than 430 select movie theaters across the country through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.

“I have always loved live performance for the joy and immediacy it brings. The fact that, with the aid of technology, it can now be shared in an intimate and communal way in locations around the nation is more than thrilling. To me, The Goat Rodeo Sessions, drawn from so many traditions and inspirations, is quintessentially American, so playing Edgar, Chris and Stuart’s music in a cinecast across the U.S. has a special poignancy. I’m so looking forward to January 31, when we can celebrate together the joy of music making!” says cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

While each artist is a prominent figure in his own music sphere, the group came together as a unified ensemble on a most remarkable and organic cross-genre project. The Goat Rodeo Sessions is an 11-song recording of original compositions that has been dubbed “genre proof” by the group. The music feels both new and familiar – it’s composed and improvised, uptown and down home, funky and pastoral, and above all, uniquely American.

“I’ve never been involved with anything so musically challenging and enjoyable as the Goat Rodeo Sessions. It’s a genre defying hybrid not to be missed!” adds Duncan. FULL ARTICLE »

Disneynature celebrates the April 20, 2012 theatrical release of the incredible new True-Life Adventure, CHIMPANZEE, by joining forces with the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) for a special “SeeCHIMPANZEE, Save Chimpanzees” program. For every moviegoer who sees CHIMPANZEE during the film’s opening week (April 20-26, 2012), Disneynature will make a donation to JGI through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund in order to protect chimpanzees and their habitats, now and into the future!

CHIMPANZEE, directed by Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield, the award-winning team responsible for the acclaimed nature film EARTH, utilizes extraordinary, never-before-seen footage to introduce moviegoers to Oscar, an adorable young chimp, and his primate family living in the heart of the African forest.

“We are very excited to bring the story of Oscar and his chimpanzee family to the big screen. CHIMPANZEE showcases the incredible personalities and heartwarming relationships of these amazing animals,” said Alan Bergman, president, The Walt Disney Studios. “As part of our company’s ongoing efforts to protect the environment and empower audiences to participate in global conservation, Disneynature is proud to join with Jane Goodall Institute in its efforts tosecure a future for chimpanzees in the Republic of Congo.”

“The Jane Goodall Institute is proud to work so closely with Disneynature on the release of CHIMPANZEE,” said Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace. “JGI has been working in Africa for almost 35 years following on from my research begun in 1960. We are thrilled to extend our impact and efforts through this collaboration to support and celebrate such a wonderful film. Together, we can truly make a difference and are thrilled to have Disneynature join our efforts to protect chimpanzee habitats, care for orphaned chimpanzees in the Republic of Congo and educate a new generation of young people and connect them to nature. ”

The film opens in North America on April 20, 2012. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are already available by calling1-888-DISNEY6.

Kevin Smith Clip 8 – Clean from Laura Ruotolo on Vimeo.

Writer/Director/Raconteur/Podcaster/Sinner (to some) and proud Jersey boy Kevin Smith returns to EPIX, bringing his unusual multi-talents in a one-man show, Kevin Smith Burn in Hell. The original comedy event premieres February 11 on the EPIX premium network. Additionally, EPIX is reaching out to Kevin Smith fans everywhere with an on demand preview beginning February 3, offering subscribers and non-subscribers an early screening of the entire special. The preview can be viewed via participating affiliated television providers’ EPIX On Demand service and EPIX apps on Xbox 360 and Roku. It will also be available for streaming at EpixHD.com and the “TV Everywhere” portals of affiliated providers.

In the hour and a half special, recorded live at the Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas, Smith conducts a riotous and outrageous Q&A session about the aftermath of his latest film, Red State. Topics include his mishaps and misadventures such as drawing the ire of the entire movie blogger community at the Sundance Film Festival and being followed around the country by the highly devout, and highly angered, Phelps Family.

Smith’s last special for EPIX, Too Fat for Forty which premiered October 2010, tapped his online base of millions of highly engaged fans for an EPIX Live Q & A event on EpixHD.com. “Kevin is tremendously popular with EPIX viewers – his first special continues to be a top performer on the channel, on demand and on EpixHD.com. We’re glad that he’s been a part of EPIX since the beginning and excited to have him back,” said EPIX President and CEO Mark Greenberg.

“The EPIX preview is designed to tap Kevin’s audience appeal to cast a spotlight on ‘TV Everywhere,’ increasing app and online authentications and subscriber acquisition for our affiliated providers,” Greenberg continued.

Last night, John Mulaney paid a visit to Conan O’Brien and his late night show Conan to perform a stand-up set in celebration of the DVD and CD release of his new stand-up special, New In Town which hits stores on CD and DVD on January 31st. New In Town will also make its network television premiere on Saturday, January 28th.

The CD and DVD will both contain uncensored and extended material. The DVD will contain bonus material including commentary by comedians Anthony Jeselnik and Dan Mintz as they watch the special! The special also features a special intro/outro featuring Amy Schumer and an original song by Reggie Watts.

As Hollywood readies to bestow its highest honor on the year’s best films on February 26, cable customers nationwide can enjoy 2011’s most celebrated films from the comfort of their own homes via Movies On Demand (MOD) on cable. Many Golden Globe®, Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, and guild award winners are also available on cable. With Movies On Demand, movie-lovers everywhere can feel like Hollywood insiders and cast their office pool votes ahead of Tinseltown’s biggest night.

MOD provides film fans the opportunity to see the most talked about films of the year for the first time if they missed them in the theater or experience them again. Some of the year’s biggest nominated hits such as “Midnight in Paris,” “The Help,” “Bridesmaids,” and many others are currently available on demand. Fans can stay up-to-date on Awards Season on cable by visiting www.rentmoviesondemand.com/awards. This special micro-site features trailers, trivia, contests and more.

Just-nominated feature films now playing or available soon on MOD on cable include:

· “Midnight in Paris” – Now playing, rated PG-13 (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Art Direction)

· “The Help” – Now playing, rated PG-13 (Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress)

· “The Tree of Life” – Now playing until March 25, rated PG-13 (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Achievement in Cinematography)

· “Moneyball” – Now playing, rated PG-13 (Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Achievement in Film Editing, Best Achievement in Sound Mixing)

· “Warrior” – Now playing, rated PG-13 (Best Supporting Actor)

· “Bridesmaids” – Now playing through Feb. 29, rated R (Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay)

· “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” – Now playing, rated PG-13 (Best Achievement in Art Direction, Best Makeup, Best Visual Effects)

· “Beginners” – Now playing, rated R (Best Supporting Actor) FULL ARTICLE »