THE LION KING 3D Opens September 16!

Who's going to see it again in 3D? I know I will be. Remember it is limited to a 2 week engagement only. An amazing story with the creative power of Disney re-released in converted 3D! I have not see examples of this conversion yet, but Disney tends to get these things right and the fact that this is from their priceless library will underscore that.

A nice added perk is that if you see the movie on Friday September 16 in RealD, kids will receive a free pair of Simba 3D glasses that can be reused over and over by them at the movies. They are specifically designed for children 8 years of age or younger. Note that there is a limited supply of these collector glasses.

“The all-new 3D format immerses viewers in the epic settings and puts them face-to-face with these beloved characters,” said Bob Chapek, president of distribution, The Walt Disney Studios. “It’s the must-see, must-own title for everyone.”

If you will remember, the storyline goes like this:
A young lion prince, Simba, is born in Africa, thus making his uncle Scar the second in line to the throne. Scar plots with the hyenas to kill King Mufasa and Prince Simba, thus making himself King. The King is killed and Simba is led to believe by Scar that it was his fault, and so flees the kingdom in shame. After years of exile he is persuaded to return home to overthrow the usurper and claim the kingdom as his own thus completing the "Circle of Life".

The voice cast stars Matthew Broderick, Niketa Calame, Jim Cummings, James Earl Jones, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Jeremy Irons, Robert Guillaume, Rowan Atkinson, and Moira Kelly.

Further details:
Genre: Family
Running Time: 1hr 29min
Director: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Screenplay: Irene Mecchi
Official Site: disney.go.com/lionking
Release: September 16, 2011

An amazing soundtrack featuring Elton John / Tim Rice and Hans Zimmer caps off this classic movie! And I don't care how many times you have seen it, bring lots of tissue for all. THE LION KING made close to $800m in the theaters back in the day so obviously it was embraced the world around. Further, look for the 3D Blu-ray release of the movie on October 4.

I am anxious to see BEAUTY AND THE BEAST in 3D too - more info when I get it!

RealD is a sponsor of MarketSaw

3D Geek Alert: Life Size HULK Now Available... For A Fair Chunk Of Green...

Wow! This is one impressive mannequin! Standing almost 8 feet tall (94 Inches), this made of fibre piece is quite intimidating. One has to consider their ceiling height before ordering!

And also your wallet. Muckle Figures of Germany has the price at about $3300 USD without considering shipping, etc. Not completely sure as of yet, but I believe there is a US distributor for these pieces, Section 9 Entertainment.

Stephan Lokotsch of Section 9 spoke to Marvel:
"I believe when choosing a design for a consumer product like this, it is best to commit to one version or another to do it justice--either film or comic--not a blend," Lokotsch said. "When tying the marketing into the movie campaign, it is even more paramount to mirror the look people are then exposed to via the film and its advertising."

"We always aim for characters in dynamic poses as opposed to statues simply standing lifelessly with their arms down," Lokotsch said. "In the case of Hulk, Studio Oxmos nailed the character pose, without which, the character would not have as much impact as it does. We oftentimes seek guidance from trailers, comics and cover shots to choose the most representative and affective pose. A crucial factor hereby is also for both Muckle and Oxmos to determine that the pose can practically be manufactured, the process of which has become sort of short-hand language, as Oxmos' Marc Klinnert knows exactly what will and will not work."

Here are the specs:
Client: Muckle Mannequins
Marvel: TM & © Marvel
Sculpture: Studio Oxmox
Figure Height: 240 cm
Base: Metal base 140 x 80 cm
Material: Fibre
Parts: Body, arms, hip with leg, leg
Packaging: 5 boxes per figure
Edition: Limited
Cost: ~$2400 Euro (~$3300 USD)

Personally I prefer the smaller and high quality Sideshow Collectibles for my collection. Then again, I don't have a 10 foot high collectibles room yet at my place! You can check out other pieces Muckle Figures have to offer on their site right here.

You can see THE HULK next in THE AVENGERS coming May 4, 2012. In 3D of course...

Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT Trailer

Jim here. The new trailer for the late Michael Jackson's concert that never happened movie spectacle is here... and looks great. THIS IS IT is a compilation of clips from over 100 hours of various stage and behind the scenes edited together to give us a glimpse of some of Jackson's final days - and his excitement of giving back to his fans. Shame he never got to accomplish this goal.

The movie will have a limited run of 2 weeks starting October 28.

The concert movie will have scenes in stereoscopic 3D and you can also view the HD trailer right here.