I happen to be a fan of Jon M. Chu's work so I'm so glad he has be attached to follow up his great directorial effort with G.I. JOE: RETALIATION ($350m worldwide box office). He has an amazing eye for action and blending meaning with said action. Great choice.
G.I. Joe 3 will be a better movie because of Chu. Further we know that the franchise will continue with 3D and look to expand upon it! Think of those actions scenes shot with 3D in mind from the get-go.
More info when I get it! Snake Eyes rules. That is all.
Normally I find TV Spots lacking in new content but Jon Chu's G.I. JOE: RETALIATION is here to save the day! Check these two new TV spots...
Here's the movie's storyline: In this sequel, the G.I. Joes are not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra; they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence. The film stars D.J. Cotrona, Byung-hun Lee, Ray Park, Adrianne Palicki, Jonathan Pryce, RZA, Ray Stevenson, Channing Tatum with Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson. Directed by Jon M. Chu, and produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Brian Goldner, from a screenplay by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick based on Hasbro’s G.I. Joe(R) characters.
Got some great news if you're a G.I. Joe fan like I am - a new trailer and the opportunity to see a 4 minute preview of the movie this weekend!
Jon Chu's G.I. JOE: RETALIATION gets a 4 minute pre-roll in front of HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS and I plan on checking it out tonight in IMAX!
Here's the official press release:
EXCLUSIVE 3D FOOTAGE OF “G.I. JOE: RETALIATION” TO PLAY IN ADVANCE OF “HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS” IN THEATERS ACROSS THE GLOBE
THE 4-MINUTE PREVIEW WILL BEGIN PLAYING JANUARY 24TH IN IMAX 3D, REALD 3D AND DIGITAL 3D LOCATIONS AROUND THE WORLD
HOLLYWOOD, CA (January 23, 2013) – Paramount Pictures, MGM and Skydance Productions, in association with Hasbro, will release a 4-minute preview of the highly anticipated “G.I. JOE: RETALIATION” in IMAX 3D, RealD 3D and digital 3D theaters in advance of Paramount and MGM’s “HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS.”
This first-look at the film will play across the globe beginning January 24th and run throughout “HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTER’S” theatrical engagement.
Based on the best-selling HASBRO characters, this follow-up to the 2009 release of “G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA,” which grossed more than $300 million worldwide, is di Bonaventura production and is presented by Paramount Pictures, MGM and Skydance Productions, in association with Hasbro.
In this sequel, the G.I. Joes are not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra, they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence. The film stars D.J. Cotrona, Byung-hun Lee, Adrianne Palicki, Ray Park, Jonathan Pryce, Ray Stevenson, Elodie Yung, Channing Tatum with Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson. Directed by Jon M. Chu, and produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Brian Goldner of Hasbro, from a screenplay by Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick, based on Hasbro’s G.I. Joe® characters.
“G.I. JOE: RETALIATION” is in theaters everywhere March 29th, 2013.
“HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS” stars Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton as Hansel and Gretel, who, after getting a taste for blood as children, become the ultimate vigilantes, hell bent on retribution. Now, unbeknownst to them, Hansel and Gretel have become the hunted, and must face an evil far greater than witches… their past. In addition to Renner and Arterton, the film stars Famke Janssen and Peter Stormare. Written and directed by Tommy Wirkola and produced by Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, Kevin Messick and Beau Flynn.
“HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS” opens in the U.S. and Canada on January 24, 2013 with show times beginning at 10 p.m.
Here's the latest trailer for the movie - check it out!
Today we've got a double shot of 3D goodness from producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura (G.I. JOE: RETALIATION) and director Marc Webb (THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN).
First, Di Bonaventura opens up about advancements in 3D conversion and how it affected the new release date for G.I. JOE: RETALIATION:
"We learned a lot about 3D—I personally learned a lot about 3D in Transformers. The conversion part of the 3D process is night and day, you know, every three, four months it’s better than it was before. It’s amazing how fast that thing has changes. And originally we didn’t really have the time or the resources to try to figure out how to shoot it in 3D in the time frame that we were originally talking about, you know, starting in August and releasing in June. So this delay has allowed us to go at it now. Jon [Chu] has some sequences that are really, there’s a phenomenal—for G.I. Joe fans it’s going to be one of the really great scenes for them, because there’s a fight between Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow in a hallway that is so perfect for 3D I can’t tell you. It’s going to be like one of the coolest fights ever in 3D, because there’s so much about it that’s dynamic. That’s going to be really fun. And you know people have seen bits and pieces of the Himalayan sort of rock climbing thing, it’s almost 3D without having turned into 3D, so I can’t wait to see that. That one’s going to be like what the hell?"
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Finally we have director Marc Webb (and VFX Supervisor Jerome Chang) talking all about the 3D in THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN and how he used his 3ality Technica 3D rigs on set, outfitted with Red Epic cameras.
The result? A truly AMAZING experience in 3D. Well done Marc and 3ality. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 3D is now available for purchase from Amazon and would make a perfect gift for the Marvel fans in your life!
Jon Chu has put to rest any rumors circulating about why Paramount pushed back his movie G.I. JOE: RETALIATION. The delay is to make sure the 3D conversion is done right and without being rushed.Good move.
Here's what the source, General Joes, said Jon Chu said to them (they gave no direct quotes from the director unfortunately - this is paraphrasing):
The director of G.I. Joe: Retaliation denies claims that there is any contention whatsoever between himself and Paramount, and he is in fact currently at work on the film. The long length of the delay was actually at his request to make sure if they were going to go through the 3D conversion that they do it the right way and not be rushed.
He did admit that he was disappointed about the push back of the film, but he is working hard to do the film right. In fact, the director, who already has significant 3D experience with Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, said to me that he hopes to try some “fun new things” with the technology as we move towards the new release date in 2013.
While he obviously could not confirm any specific details about reshoots, he did say that any new scenes they are shooting will endeavor to be as good as they can be in 3D to make the wait worth while.
Mr. Chu did want to make sure that I relayed his deep appreciation for all of the great feedback he’s received so far and for how well he is being accepted and treated by the fans of the franchise. He and Paramount are “working very well together” and from the sounds of it, the film is on the right track as we move towards March, 2013. He was quite happy and satisfied that Paramount agreed to give them the extra time and resources required to do the film in 3D the right way.
So there you have it, more or less from THE guy who should know what's happening on the production. It's actually exactly what I wanted to hear, so I'm really looking forward to seeing this movie in 3D as I was hoping for in the first place!
Dwayne Johnson has chimed in on the move by Paramount to reschedule the launch of G.I. JOE: RETALIATION until March 29, 2013 so that the studio could add a 3D conversion. Many expressed their disappointment in having to wait after a somewhat good marketing effort had raised awareness to a fairly high level. Johnson replied to one of those concerned fans:
It will be. Designing new scenes to enhance 3D. RT: @JimmyinGA: Was looking forward to GI Joe next month. Hope the 3D is worth the wait.
Others still have read rumors of advanced screenings that didn't look all that great and asked it's audience questions like: "How did you feel about (Channing Tatum) in the film?" and "Do you feel there should have been more of him...?"
It's probably a bit of both. Paramount wants to add the 3D conversion no doubt but that added time also gives them opportunity to address story and characters. Want more Tatum? Done. Want more head nodding to the fanboys? Done. And so on...
I think we will be in for a much better movie in the end, so have at it Paramount!
Personally I think this is the finest diorama Sideshow Collectibles has to offer! I received the Snake Eyes VS Red Ninjas Diorama a couple of months ago and filmed the unboxing as I always do and I just finished piecing together and editing the material. All those smiles came back to me as I watch the unboxing again!
For me the best part of the G.I. JOE: RISE OF THE COBRA movie was Snake Eyes. His character had the most appeal to me and his fighting prowess is amazing. We need a lot more of where that came from in the sequel.
Which brings me to why I have a Sideshow Collectible piece from a 2D movie! Well you may have heard that the sequel, G.I. JOE: COBRA STRIKES is in development and the director is none other than Jon Chu who simply loves shooting in S3D. So I would wager that the studio would be on board with that decision too so we'll see. I hope so!
Here's what Chu had to say about it back in April (via Collider): “I really want to do it in 3D, but the decision hasn’t been made yet. A lot of factors that go into that, which I think it’s good to have a big discussion about. I think it’s going to be perfect for it, but there are other factors that are built into it—how it slows you down, things like that. But I could try some other things if it wasn’t in 3D; it would change my whole view of how I would make this movie, so we’re trying to figure it out.”
And the diorama is simply gorgeous! And HUGE. The circumference of the base covers a size similar to a large pizza! The fit and finish is intricately done and you can see the care that is placed into these pieces. Love that the Snake Eyes heads and the fighters arms are held in place by magnets for easy swapping out.
The production run is limited to 450 and the one I received is #440. Current inventory at Sideshow suggests that they only have about a dozen left - so if you want one - act right away. The piece is made of polystone and is the Sideshow Exclusive (extra Snake Eyes head).
I used my Panasonic Lumix GH1 (with the hacked "C" settings) for the review as well as a new tripod (which I used for the last two sequences). I am finally uploading in full 1080p! Be sure to go for the HD version of the clip.
Obviously (to me anyway) the biggest impact of this piece is the "floating" nature of Snake Eyes! His foot is anchored into the torso of one of the red ninjas in such a fashion as to create the illusion of a "freeze frame" of Snakes Eyes in mid air during battle. It has to be seen in person to get the full effect. Hopefully the video helps bring that home for you. It is a truly remarkable piece of art.
So here's the full review in full HD (specs and pricing follows) - ENJOY!
Background story for the piece: One of the greatest assets to the G.I. Joe team, Snake Eyes' record of honor and valor cause even the most evil enemies to tremble with fear. He trained in ninjitsu under the tutelage of the Hard Master, leader of the Arashikage Clan, who transformed Snake Eyes from a dutiful soldier into a fierce and cunning warrior. The Arashikage Clan had a powerful reputation in Japan and throughout the globe, but after the death of the Hard Master, the clan dissolved in confusion. Many factions arose in opposition, some growing suspicious of the mysterious outsider known as Snake Eyes.The Red Ninja Clan blamed the Hard Master's death on Snake Eyes, and they became frequent and formidable opponents for the G.I. Joe team. None of them were prepared for the superior training and natural skill of Snake Eyes. His every victory compels the Red Ninjas to try even harder to defeat him in hand-to-hand and melee combat, but they have yet to succeed, each encounter escalating into a fierce clash of swords and fists. Snake Eyes meets each challenge with the same honor and valor that have made him such a valuable asset to the G.I. Joe team.
Description: This detailed sculpture captures the ongoing battle between the silent Joe and the Red Ninja clan. Each piece is individually painted and hand finished, each with its own unique quality and detail that is the trademark of a handcrafted Sideshow Collectibles product. The lower sand base is removable to allow a more compact customizable display. The stunning Snake Eyes VS Red Ninjas Diorama is an outstanding addition to any display, a perfect centerpiece to any G.I. Joe collection.
Specifications: License: G.I. Joe Product Type: Polystone Diorama Product Size: 12" H (304.8mm) x 15.5" W (393.7mm) x 18" D (457.2mm)* Product Weight: 15.00 lbs (6.8 kg)* Box Size: 14.00" H (355.6mm) x 19.00" W (482.6mm) x 20.00" L (508mm)* Est. Shipping Weight: 15.00 lbs (6.8 kg)* Dimensional Weight (DIM): 27 lbs * Int'l Dimensional Weight (DIM): 35 lbs * Pricing: $299.99 or $100 / month for 3 months on FLEXPay.
Artists: Idol Workshop Mireya Bowen-Romo Seth Rinaldi Anthony Mestas Bernardo Esquivel The Sideshow Collectibles Design and Development Team
Manufactured by: Sideshow Collectibles
You can view all of the diorama details right here.
I completely endorse this diorama for anyone considering it. I especially recommend this piece for owners of home theaters or display cases! Many, many conversations will be started by this item as we await the sequel to the first G.I. Joe movie.I am looking forward to the next review - keep checking for more!!
Interesting news about Jon Chu being the top choice for Paramount's upcoming sequel to G.I. JOE. We all know Chu is big on stereoscopic 3D so does this translate to a potential 3D G.I. JOE 2?
I think so. Fingers crossed. I thought the first movie was a lot of fun - especially Snake Eyes. In fact, keep tuning in to MarketSaw as I will have a video unboxing and review of my new Sideshow Collectibles diorama, Snake Eyes vs. Red Ninjas! :-)
Chu has not officially signed on as of yet, but I see this happening soon.
From Movie Web: With your background in dance and choreography, what kind of fight scenes can we expect to see between Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes in G.I. Joe 2? Jon M. Chu:(Laughs) I am up for a lot of projects right now. But if I got Joe, I would feel extremely blessed and very happy. That would be really awesome. But, you know? It is a far-fetched dream right now. For me? I grew up with Joe. I loved Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Joe. I think we've been waiting for the Joe movie that we've always wanted, but have never gotten. I think there is an opportunity to do that. For me, with dance and choreography, it's about a love of movement. I am not a dancer myself. I like to dance. But I am not a dancer. I think movement tells the story. Whether it is John Wayne standing on the porch, or leaning on something, and then he puts his hands in his pockets. Movement can communicate so much. I feel like using movement in a story, especially in terms of action, you can do a lot with that. If I were ever lucky enough to get that, it would be pretty awesome.
Being a fan of the property, what do you hope to see out of G.I. Joe 2? Jon M. Chu:I am trying to figure that out right now. I have a bunch of stuff written down. I have done a bunch of drawings and things. We'll have to see where that goes. Joe, to me, is iconic. It is as American as Coke and the Boy Scouts. To have that kind of history in a brand is so rare these days. And that is so powerful. So you can't treat Joe like its just another action movie. You can't treat Joe as just another petty commercial movie. Joe has history. Joe has always been a part of what America is, and now the world. What it means to be a leader and a hero. For me, it is about the fun stuff like Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes, and all the gadgets. All of that stuff. But it has heart. Its heart is what America, and what heroes and leaders around the world, strive to be. I think that is what the brand needs. It needs the respect to be treated in that way.
Clearly I want a G.I. JOE 2 to be shot in 3D! I think Chu has his mind in the right place for this to work.
Jim here. Live in New York City? Like behind the scenes dancing action? Then email su3worldjam@gmail.com right away for your chance at getting to be one of 1000 audience members for the big dance fight finale of STEP UP 3-D this week.
First come, first served. Must be over 18. You will get more details if you get a reply from the production.Here is Chu personally asking for the extras:
These kids can DANCE. Damn. It'll be great to see them do their thing in 3D!
For all of you "Step Up" fans, due to the outstanding success of the franchise (Step Up 2 cost only cost $20m to make and made $28m it's first 5 days)Disney will be calling on 3D to bring us closer to all the action.
Jon Chu (Step Up 2) is in negotiations to direct the movie.Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot of Offspring Entertainment will head the development of it. No dates set yet.
While I am not really a fan of these dance movies, I haven't really given them a chance yet either. Now I will. I will definitely check this one out when it hits theaters!