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DISNEY/MIRAMAX RELEASE FILMS ON DVD & BLU-RAY
By Al McGhee

February 10, 2009 BLINDNESS (Rated: R) MIRAMAX
A mysterious epidemic sends a city reeling toward the edge of madness, while one woman tries to preserve a small pocket of humanity in the taut thriller Blindness, coming to DVD on February 10, 2009. Presented by Miramax Films and based on Nobel Laureate José Saramago’s masterful novel, this intense and gritty drama, called a "powerful and provocative" movie by Stephen Schaefer of the Boston Herald, was nominated for the 2008 Palme d’Or, the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

February 10, 2008 PHINEAS AND FERB: The Daze Of Summer
(Rated: TV-G) DISNEY
Summer fun lasts forever when you hang with Phineas and Ferb, so pull up a beach chair and get ready to laugh with 5 hilarious episodes from the smash-hit Disney Channel Original Series. Viewers can get in on the fun with the exclusive Googolplex Mall Science Fair Games and can create their own experiments! Super-smart and seriously funny stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb come up with unusually exciting ways to spend the lazy, crazy "daze" of summer -- like searching for pirate's treasure, traveling to Mars, building Greek chariots and hosting a Medieval jousting tournament! While the guys are cramming each long day with cool friends, awesome
adventures and totally rocking music, their pet platypus, Perry (aka Agent P), continues to protect the world from the evil Dr. Doofenschmirtz. And, of course, their big sis, Candace, keeps busy texting her friends and trying to bust the bros.

February 10, 2009 PRETTY WOMAN (Blu-ray) (Rated: R)
Get ready to fall head over heels one more time when Pretty Woman comes to Blu-ray™ Hi-Def on February 10, 2009 from Buena Vista Home Entertainment. One of the world’s most popular romantic comedies returns with crystal clear picture and pristine sound, as well as special features guaranteed to melt hearts all over again. Academy Award® Winner Julia Roberts (Best Actress, Erin Brockovich, 2000) and Golden Globe® winner
Richard Gere (Best Actor In A Motion Picture - Musical Or Comedy, Chicago, 2002) light up the screen in director Garry Marshall’s ( The Princess Diaries, Beaches) classic Cinderella story.

February 10, 2009 WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE: Supernaturally Stylin’
(Rated: TV-G) DISNEY
Enjoy hilarious episodes from the smash-hit Disney Channel Original Series and join stars Selena Gomez and the cast for an exclusive look at their personal styles -- plus viewers can visit the show's fabulous costume closets! Wizards-in-training Alex Russo (Gomez) and her brothers Justin and Max are having an awesome time experimenting with their supernatural powers -- but they still have a lot to learn! Viewers will be spellbound as they stir up outrageously funny situations such as using the freeze-frame spell so Alex can make her mark in the fashion industry, figuring out the quirky side effects of Wizard Wear and saving Justin when he falls into "puppy love" and turns into a werewolf! As these cool kids juggle their ordinary lives with their extraordinary powers,
it's a sure thing there will be more magic and mayhem brewing with the WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE!

February 17, 2009 HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: Senior Year
(DVD & Blu-ray) (Rated: G)
The worldwide blockbuster that thrilled kids of all ages is now the entertainment event of 2009 when Disney’s High School Musical 3: Senior Year –Extended Edition, arrives on Blu-ray and DVD from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment on February 17th.
America’s favorite Wildcats (Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Lucas Grabeel, and Monique Coleman) are back for their exciting final year at East High. Director Kenny Ortega pulls out all the stops with incredible new music and exhilarating dance numbers that will blow away devoted franchise fans and newcomers alike. And, now viewers can see the movie like never before, with the all-new 3-disc Deluxe Extended Edition which features the never before seen extended movie on both DVD and Blu-ray disc – in one set! Plus, this Deluxe set also includes DisneyFile digital copy, and exclusive bonus features such as deleted scenes, bloopers and much more.

SCENE @ SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2009 – Special Event
IndieVest Pictures Party, with Performance by Molly Jenson

By Denise Castillón

IndieVest, an independent film studio, financier and distributor, held the first of its parties during Sundance, on Friday, January 16th. The festivities commenced following a private cocktail reception and four-course gourmet dinner in the main ballroom of the luxurious Hotel Park City, and featured a special performance by up-and-coming singer/songwriter, Molly Jenson. The exclusive guest list included film industry “insiders” as well as high-net-worth IndieVest members.

IndieVest is an independent film studio and distributor financed by its’ membership-based community of accredited investors. IndieVest members are provided with opportunities to become an “exclusive insider” in the independent film community, as well as “first look” access to independent film projects currently under development at IndieVest Pictures. Once a member chooses to invest in one or more independent film investment opportunities, they become a screen-credited IndieVest Executive Producer. Above and beyond the reward of contributing to a feature film project and a potentially significant return on investment, investors receive “Executive Producer-only” privileges. An Executive Producer is able to attend the set location while their particular film is shooting, plus enjoy premium VIP seating at their film’s premiere screening as well as the after-party attended with members of the cast.

Among the guests enjoying the evening’s events, were IndieVest Executive Producers –New York-based artist Nic Rad, chemical manufacturers and brothers, Aakash and Badal Shah, who are financing the studios’ first film production, the comedy SAINT JOHN OF LAS VEGAS, starring Steve Buscemi, Sarah Silverman, Romany Malco and Peter Dinklage.

YET: What motivated you to become a film investor?

BADAL SHAH: The motivation for me to become a film investor was largely due to my passion for film combined with the opportunistic participation that IndieVest provided. I always knew that I would like to pursue my passion for film by getting involved with the business side of the industry and indieVest offered the best opportunity and what seemed to be the lowest-risk investment for a rookie film investor.

AAKASH SHAH: I felt very confident in the indieVest team and revenue model, and this is what really helped me confirm that I was making the right decision. I feel confident that being a part of indieVest will help me become involved in quality films that bring real experiences to the viewers.

NIC RAD: I see the value…plus, I value the opportunity to bring together artists and commerce. Personally, I’ve watched friends struggle to bring their film projects into production. Now that I’ve achieved success as an artist, I can support filmmakers in their artistic medium through my investment.


YET: Why join IndieVest community?

BADAL SHAH: I chose to join the IndieVest community because of the wealth of experience, knowledge, and intelligence of the indieVest staff. This combined with their extremely strategic revenue model which included guaranteed distribution, proved to be an extremely attractive investment and team that I wanted to join.

AAKASH SHAH: I also feel that it is a great opportunity to meet with other investors from completely different industries as a way of networking and possibly diversifying further into new business opportunities.

NIC RAD: I joined IndieVest, then got involved in its’ SAINT JOHN OF LAS VEGAS film project, before the economic crisis hit in late 2008. Nevertheless, the movie industry did very well in 2008, and, continues to do so. Just look how well the comedy “Four Christmases” performed at the box office.


YET: Why did you commit to participate financially on SAINT JOHN OF LAS VEGAS?

AAKASH SHAH: I chose to financially participate in “Saint John” because I believed in the project and the experience that would resonate with the viewers. I believe that this type of comedy would create a good experience for viewers who are stuck in the dark days of the current economic crisis. I feel that with the combination of actors such as Steve Buscemi, Romany Malco, and Sarah Silverman, this will be a classic slapstick comedy that many people will like to see over and over again.

NIC RAD: I’m very impressed with IndieVest ….SAINT JOHN OF LAS VEGAS is a comedy with a great cast. And, it’s all been a good experience. I’ve enjoyed collaborating with the other investors as well as visiting the set and meeting the actors in the film, especially, Steve Buscemi, whose work I’ve always admired. It’s been a unique experience.

The feature-length comedy, SAINT JOHN OF LAS VEGAS is due to premiere late spring of 2009, and is a playful adaptation of Dante's "Inferno," starring Steve Buscemi as an ex-gambler, who gets lured back into the “Game” by a maverick insurance fraud investigator, played by Romany Malco. Emily Mortimer stars as their quirky co-worker. Tim Blake Nelson, John Cho and Emmanuelle Chriqui round out the films’ cast.


The founder and CEO of IndieVest, Inc. (IndieVest Pictures, IndieVest Securties), is former venture capitalist, Wade H. Bradley. The IndieVest Industry Advisory Board is comprised of Don Cheadle, Liev Schreiber, Mike Binder and Tim Blake Nelson.

In 2008, IndieVest’s membership, comprised of primarily individualists- doctors, surgeons, various business and technology entrepreneurs, real estate developers, oilmen, fund managers, commodity and equity traders, -grew nearly 300% over 2007. www.IndieVest.com

PUSH (Running Time: 111 min; Rated: PG-13)
Reviewed by Denise Castillón

PUSH is a sci-fi action-thriller that takes you for a smart and fast-flying ride that escalates towards a spectacular climactic battle. Unfortunately, it finishes with an unsettled conclusion, which perhaps hints at a hopeful sequel. And, comparison to TV’s “Heroes” is unavoidable.

Nick (CHRIS EVANS) is a “mover”, a second-generation telekinetic, who is hiding from the “Division”, a secret and nefarious U.S. governmental agency. After the end of WWII, the “Division” continued the experiments, originally conducted by the Nazis, on unwilling citizens with psychic abilities, in order to develop “super- soldiers”.

Reluctantly, Nick is recruited by teenaged Cassie (DAKOTA FANNING), a “watcher” with the ability to foresee the short-term future, to find a hidden case with mysterious contents that the “Division” agents as well as a local Chinese family of bad guys, will kill to possess. A “pusher” or telepathic, named Kira (CAMILLA BELLE), becomes crucial to their mission. Despite their severe trust issues, this conflicted team must outsmart and outwit their mutual enemies, in particular Carver, played by Djimon Hounsou.

PUSH is a breakout performance both for Fanning, as she sheds her “little girl” image, and Hounsou, as he exchanges his “white hat” to play the “villain”. While Hong Kong’s massive and bustling population is an ideal hideout for the story’s protagonists, the colorful vibrancy and futuristic-look of the city also serves as a “spot on” setting for this science fiction-themed film.

Starring Chris Evans (Fantastic Four), Dakota Fanning (The Secret Life of Bees), Camilla Belle (When a Stranger Calls) and Academy Award® nominee Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond).

Directed by Paul McGuigan, (Lucky Number Slevin). Written by David Bourla. Director of photography is Peter Sova. The editor is Nicolas Trembasiewicz. Nina Proctor and Laura Goldsmith are the costume designers. Production designer is François Séguin.

Produced by Bruce Davey, William Vince and Glenn Williamson. Executive producers are David Bourla, Michael Ohoven, Gretchen Somerfeld, David Valleau and Stan Wlodkowski. A co-production of Infinity Features, Icon Productions and Summit Entertainment. Released by Summit Entertainment.

Alyn Darnay’s Oscar Picks…

At this time of year I always undertake the humbling task of picking the Oscar winners. This year it seems a bit less challenging as it appears that the road is actually clear for a few audience favorites to grab top honors. So, without further ado, here’s my best guesses for who will walk away happy at the 81st Academy Awards.


Performance by an actor in a leading role:

Sean Penn will win for his brilliant performance in “Milk” (Focus Features), He’s an Academy favorite and this time around he’ll get the statue. If anyone can take it away from him it would be Mickey Rourke in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight), but I don’t think so.


Performance by an actor in a supporting role:

Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.) Nobody can argue that his was an outstanding performance by an actor who was on the top of his game. The Academy will recognize that and honor him. If he wasn’t in the running, my money would be on Michael Shannon in “Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage), great acting in a small but outstanding role.


Performance by an actress in a leading role:

Kate Winslet in “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), no actress was better this year and her performance here was flawless and compelling. My vote hands down. If not Kate, then it’ll probably be Meryl Streep for “Doubt” (Miramax)



Performance by an actress in a supporting role

Viola Davis in “Doubt” (Miramax), she electrifies the screen in this role and deserves to win. I wouldn’t mind seeing Penélope Cruz win for “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (The Weinstein Company), but it won’t happen nor will it happen for the very talented Marisa Tomei in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight).




Achievement in directing

Danny Boyle for “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight),. Brilliant vision, brilliantly executed under the hardest conditions lead to an outstanding film. It’s Danny Boyle’s style that makes this film what it is. If anyone has any chance of unseating him, it could only be Gus Van Sant for “Milk” (Focus Features).



Best motion picture of the year

“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), A Celador Films Production, Christian Colson, Producer. The little film that could, will! And it deserves to win.



Best animated feature film of the year

“WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Andrew Stanton, beyond comparison the best.



Best foreign language film of the year

“Waltz with Bashir” (Sony Pictures Classics), A Bridgit Folman Film Gang Production, Israel. A challenging and controversial animated film approach that makes for great storytelling.



Best documentary feature

“Man on Wire” (Magnolia Pictures), A Wall to Wall in association with Red Box Films Production, James Marsh and Simon Chinn. Just because.




Achievement in cinematography

“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Anthony Dod Mantle for capturing the shear beauty, sweep and style that the director and script demanded.

Achievement in art direction

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Art Direction: Donald Graham Burt, Set Decoration: Victor J. Zolfo will win for the beautiful sets that added to every frame of the film. Though the competition is stiff, “The Duchess” (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films), Art Direction: Michael Carlin, Set Decoration: Rebecca Alleway, is stunning and “Changeling” (Universal), Art Direction: James J. Murakami, Set Decoration: Gary Fettis, captured the era perfectly.



Achievement in costume design

“The Duchess” (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films), Michael O’Connor, I could be wrong here, but the costuming was perfect and added a new dimension to the typical period wardrobe we generally see. From there I’d say “Australia” (20th Century Fox), Catherine Martin or “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Jacqueline West.



Achievement in film editing

“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Chris Dickens. Films are made in edit, and this film is a prime example of that; moving, lyrical, and compelling in its journey.


Achievement in makeup

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Greg Cannom. I don’t think that anyone can argue with this pick. Pitt’s age progressions will win over the Academy and capture the vote.



Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)

“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), A.R. Rahman will win it; the score is unusual and exciting and blends perfectly with the story’s visuals and performances.


Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)

“O Saya” from “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Music and Lyric by A.R. Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam. Just an old fashion good tune and the best song nominated this year.



Achievement in sound editing

“The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Richard King. Hands down the best sound of any film nominated, rich, dynamic, and pure. Great Job.



Achievement in sound mixing

“The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo and Ed Novick. Mixed to perfection and delivered with a deft touch and an amazing range.



Achievement in visual effects

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron, certainly the most challenging story to create, it treads new ground in character effects. If there’s a close runner up, I’d say the next most challenging effects film would be “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Nick Davis, Chris Corbould, Tim Webber and Paul Franklin.


Adapted screenplay

“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy. A beautifully realized adaptation of the original source material.


Original screenplay

“Milk” (Focus Features), Written by Dustin Lance Black, is a beautifully realized biopic that captures the characters and period to perfection as it tells the very human and compelling story of its main characters. “In Bruges” (Focus Features), Written by Martin McDonagh is just as good with its twists, sparkling dialog and humor, but unfortunately it’s not a favorite.


That wraps it up for this year’s guess work. Hopefully I’ve gotten more than a few right. We’ll see on February 22, 2009, 8 PM Eastern/5 PM Pacific, when the “Biggest Movie Event of the Year” gets under way hosted by actor Hugh Jackman (who by the way should have been nominated for his turn as “The Drover” in Australia). Enjoy the Telecast. -Alyn ‘09