Adam Erickson tells us that in a recent interview with Refocus and Adam Erickson (myself), Ralph Winter revealed that they are currently in talks with Randall Wallace (writer of Braveheart) to write/direct “The Screwtape Letters” movie and for Walden Media to distribute. Exact details have not been worked out with the C.S. Lewis estate as of yet.
Continuing a slow but steady decline that began last year, consumer home video spending slipped 3.7 percent in the first half of the year, to $10.9 billion, according to preliminary estimates from Home Media Retailing’s market research department.
Video purchases are down 3.6 percent, to $7 billion, while rentals fell 3.9 percent to $3.9 billion.
Studio executives aren’t surprised, saying that the now-mature DVD business has become increasingly product-driven. More than 80 percent of U.S. households now have at least one DVD player, and the last wave of consumers to ditch the VCR isn’t buying nearly as rabidly as the early adopters.
This pattern is reflected in the fact that overall sales of new releases are down about 7 percent from first-half 2005.
“We predicted the business would be flat this year, and that’s what’s happening,” Sony Pictures Home Entertainment president Benjamin Feingold said.
Consumer spending tends to mirror the strength of the product coming into the market. A weak slate of titles entering the market in January and February — the collective box-office strength of DVD releases in those months was down 3.2 percent from DVDs that had come out in January and February 2005 — led to a 13.1 percent decrease in consumer video spending, Home Media Retailing market research shows.
SPRING UPTURN
Things picked up in March and April, with such hit titles as “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” “Chicken Little,” “King Kong” and “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” driving consumers back to the DVD counter.
The scientist who led the team that cracked the human genome, one of the most extraordinary scientific achievements of our time, is about to publish a book positing that such discoveries bring man “closer to God.”
Francis Collins, director of the U.S. National Human Genome Research Institute, says that unraveling the human genome gave him a first-hand view of the handiwork of the Almighty.
In his forthcoming book, “The Language of God,” he explores one of the most amazing discoveries of the modern era – that life is actually encoded with a mind-boggling amount of information written out in a clearly understandable language. Needless to say, information and language are not the byproducts of random chemical reactions or other godless evolutionary mechanisms.
He explains: “When you have for the first time in front of you this 3.1 billion-letter instruction book that conveys all kinds of information and all kinds of mystery about humankind, you can’t survey that going through page after page without a sense of awe. I can’t help but look at those pages and have a vague sense that this is giving me a glimpse of God’s mind.”
Like the renowned former atheist Antony Flew – who announced last year that recent scientific discoveries had convinced him of the existence of a creator-god – Collins grew up believing in evolution and had no interest whatsoever in the “God” question. He states: “I was very happy with the idea that God didn’t exist and had no interest in me.”
He began rethinking that position when, as a young doctor, he saw the strength that faith gave to some of his most critical patients.
“They had terrible diseases from which they were probably not going to escape,” he recounts, “and yet instead of railing at God they seemed to lean on their faith as a source of great comfort and reassurance. That was interesting, puzzling and unsettling.”
This kind of faith is only possible when someone has a biblical worldview – an understanding that none of the evil and suffering in this world is God’s doing but is due entirely to sin (our own sins or the sins of others) along with the knowledge that God will eradicate sin forevermore at some point in the future, at which time He will restore this world to its original state of perfection.
When a minister gave Collins a copy of the C.S. Lewis classic “Mere Christianity,” the book changed his life. He says: “It was an argument I was not prepared to hear … yet at the same time, I could not turn away.”
Some time after that, he was hiking through the Cascade Mountains in Washington state when he was overwhelmed by the majesty of God’s creation.
He said to himself, “I cannot resist this another moment,” and so he didn’t.
But by surrendering to God, was he abandoning science? Not at all, as even an article about him in the Sunday Times in Britain acknowledged. The Times pointed out: “Collins joins a line of scientists whose research deepened their belief in God. Isaac Newton, whose discovery of the laws of gravity reshaped our understanding of the universe, said: ‘This most beautiful system could only proceed from the dominion of an intelligent and powerful being.’ Although Einstein revolutionized our thinking about time, gravity and the conversion of matter to energy, he believed the universe had a creator.”
We must remember, after all, that the scientific method itself was developed in a distinctly Christian culture (Europe at the end of the Middle Ages) and was advanced for two primary Christian purposes – for the glory of God and the benefit of mankind. These early scientists believed that because God was rational and orderly, and a Lawgiver to boot, the universe had to be rationally arranged in an orderly manner with fixed laws, which in turn meant it could be both studied and understood by His created beings. And that’s precisely what they found – rather than the chaotic world that would exist if evolution were true.
Furthermore, many of the greatest pioneers of science – including the founders of whole branches of science (Newton, Pascal, Boyle, Faraday, Pasteur, etc.) – were Bible-believing Christians. Newton wrote far more on theology than he ever did on science, and observed that the sun was at the proper distance from Earth to give us the right amounts of heat and light.
“This did not happen by chance,” he declared.
Scientists have since discovered dozens of such equations throughout the universe that, if any one of them were off by the smallest of fractions, life on our planet would be unsustainable. So it turns out the heavens really do declare the glory of God, as the Bible said all along. It’s no wonder Kepler defined science as “thinking God’s thoughts after Him.”
Fans of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis gather in Toronto July 1 to July 3 for conference featuring film actors Craig Parker and Bruce Hopkins, leading scholars and language specialists, costumers, musicians, artists, armorers, and crafts people. Special events include The Lord of the Rings musical, Tolkien-related films, banquet, costume contest, and outdoor picnic. The three day conference event is followed by a screening of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy on Tuesday, July 4.
Hundreds of fans of authors J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis are headed to Toronto this week for the opening of The Gathering of the Fellowship on Saturday, July 1 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto. The event goes through Monday evening and is followed by a screening of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy on Tuesday, July 4.
Jessica Burke, one of the Vice Presidents in charge of programming and Co-Chair of Heren Istarion, the Northeast Tolkien Society, explains, “Tolkien fans are passionate and involved. The Gathering of the Fellowship is continuing a tradition of getting together to celebrate the Professor, which has been around since before the Jackson films, and will certainly continue long after any film interpretation. We’re covering stage and screen interpretations, scholarship and language, art, music, and costuming. We’re providing a balance between leading Tolkien & Lewis scholars, stars from The Lord of the Rings films, music, and art. Our programming is so eclectic there is truly something for everyone.”
Gathering President Edward Rodrigues, a Toronto area resident, notes that this summer’s event follows the first Gathering, also in Toronto, which took place in December 2003, where fans could experience The Return of the King together at its first public performances. “For 2006, we felt it made sense to expand our scope to include C.S. Lewis, because of his long friendship with Tolkien and because The Chronicles of Narnia was very topical, with the first film having come out in December 2005. So we are really pleased to be able to feature speakers that look at Lewis and at the Inklings as a group.”
Film actors Craig Parker and Bruce Hopkins are returning to the Gathering, having attended in 2003. Says Parker, “The Gathering was a blast. I’m really pleased to come back.” This year, in addition to speaking on several panels, Parker is the master of ceremonies for the costume masquerade.
Special events at the Gathering include the opportunity for fans to see the new Lord of the Rings musical, recently nominated for fifteen Dora awards for achievement in Toronto theatre, together on July 2, a Saturday evening picnic in Toronto Island Park, and an elegant banquet and costume masquerade on Monday.
Tickets for the Gathering are still available, both for the full weekend and for daily attendance. Most conference events take place at the Sheraton, located at 123 Queen Street West, Toronto. Details on programming, speakers, guests, and special events can be found at http://www.gatheringofthefellowship.com/convention/index.html
The Gathering of the Fellowship is a registered non-profit corporation 501c(3)-pending staffed by Canadian and U.S. volunteers. This year’s conference is supporting ProLiteracy Worldwide, the oldest and largest nongovernmental literacy organization in the world.
Our Moderator Holyboy has sent me a link to a board game that, up until now, I didn’t know exists. Risk Junior: Narnia Edition!
The popular series of Risk variants continues with this incarnation of Risk Junior set in the magical world of Narnia. Tying in with the hit film “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe”, this Risk variant allows you to recreate the climactic battle of the story.
It’s a game for 2-4 players, and it looks very Narnian!
HarperCollins Children’s Books announced today the “Narnia … Beyond the Wardrobe” Educator Sweepstakes. Beginning June 21, 2006 and running through January 31, 2007, the contest offers the chance for a unique behind-the-scenes look at the making of the next blockbuster film in the Narnia franchise, “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” from Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media, coming to theaters in Summer 2008. This contest is open to all educational professionals ages 18 and over.
One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive a five (5)-day/four(4)-night trip to the set of the forthcoming feature film “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.” The prize package includes roundtrip economy airfare for two, ground transportation to and from the airport, and room accommodations based on double occupancy rates. Approximate retail value of this prize is $5000.
Five (5) First Prize winners will each receive an American Express® Gift Cheque in the amount of $500 and a library of HarperCollins Children’s Books worth $250.
Ten (10) Second Prize winners will each receive a Staples® Gift Certificate in the amount of $250 and a library of HarperCollins Children’s Books worth $100.
To enter the sweepstakes, educators simply complete a quick Narnia Educators Questionnaire online (http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/narniasweeps) and follow the instructions to register for the HarperCollins Teachers and Librarians Newsletter. Entries will be accepted from June 21, 2006 until January 31, 2007.
The HarperCollins Teachers & Librarians Newsletter will keep educators up-to-date on books from HarperCollins Children’s Books that can play an important role in the classroom, library, or curriculum. Every month the newsletter provides information about new and award-winning titles, starred reviews, teaching resources, exclusive author interviews, and more! As a special bonus, recipients are eligible to receive promotional giveaways created just for educators-like free teachers’ editions, classroom kits, and discussion guides for many of our most popular titles.
Winners will be selected at random from entries received. No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents (excluding residents of Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. territories and possessions) Age 18 or over as of June 21, 2006. Entries must be received by January 31, 2007. Visit http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/narniasweeps to view the Official Sweepstakes Rules and Regulations.
“Live from the Stone Table ” is a thirteen-song compilation of live acoustic material, lost songs & instrumentals, and never before released versions of Fathom’s signature and technically intricate, Celtic sound. The title, cover and some of the songs are inspired by C.S. Lewis’ “Chronicles Of Narnia” tales.
This CD is a Chronicle of Fathom’s sound from its earliest beginnings in a stripped down format, to soundtrack style compositions and outakes from forgotten sessions and live radio sets. Its a unique look into the world of Fathom flavored by the world of fantasy and myth. Once again famed fantasy artist Ken Kelly lends his talents for the cover art.
“Listening to this album will make you feel like you’ve entered a land of wonder, where the bards play magical Celtic tunes inspired by legend and myth and history… “
Ballantyne of Omaha announced today that its Strong Digital Systems division has completed the installation of a state-of-the-art NEC STARUS™ NC2500S Digital Cinema projector at the nationally-known Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. “The Fox” plans to debut its new digital cinema capability June 26 with the screening of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
The NEC STARUS NC2500S is the world’s brightest (Digital Light Processing) DLP Cinema projector. It was designed to deliver remarkable digital images, amplified brightness, sharper graphics and eye-catching color to large-sized screens such as The Fox’s, which is 55 feet wide.
The Fox Theatre is an impeccably preserved, 4,500-seat landmark building that attracts nearly three-quarters of a million visitors a year to a variety of programming including concerts, Broadway, ballet, operas and films. “The Fox” has been designated a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ed Neiss, General Manager of the Fox Theatre, commented, “We selected Strong Digital Systems because of their digital focus, commitment to quality and customer service and the strength of the NEC solutions they provide. We also know Strong is backed by Ballantyne of Omaha, with its long-standing reputation for reliability and quality service. It’s no coincidence that we have long entrusted our traditional film projection needs to Ballantyne and its industry leading products. As anticipated, the Strong Digital team did a remarkable job in meeting the demands of our installation, and we are thrilled to be showing the first film on the system this month.”
Ray Boegner, Senior Vice President of Ballantyne, commented, “It is has been our privilege to be part of this historical landmark over the years and now bringing the latest in digital projection technology to operate side by side with our existing film equipment is an added plus. This may very well be the largest theatre in the world that is equipped for day to day digital presentations, and we are proud of our association with the Fox Theater and remain committed to ensuring their continued success.”
About The Fox Theatre
The Fabulous Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta?s premiere venues for live entertainment. The Fox was voted Top Small Non-Resident venue for 2005 by Billboard Touring Awards. The Fox?s 4,500 seat theatre is booked more than 300 nights out of the year. An impressive range of events from Broadway to concerts to operas, ballets and movies continue to attract nearly 750,000 visitors per year. In addition, The Fox is host to wedding receptions, trade shows, corporate meetings and association functions in its fabulous ballrooms, lounge and outdoor terrace. As a 501(c)(3)not-for-profit arts organization, The Fox Theatre stands today as a fiercely protected landmark and a nationally acclaimed theater and celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Tickets for all events are available at The Fox Theatre box office or for group sales information contact The Fox Theatre at (404) 881-2000 or visit The Fox Theatre website at www.foxtheatre.org. The Fox Theatre is located at 660 Peachtree Street NE.
About Ballantyne of Omaha
Ballantyne is a leading provider of motion picture projection, specialty lighting and digital cinema equipment and services. The Company also supplies specialty projection equipment utilized by major theater chains and location-based entertainment providers and manufactures specialty entertainment lighting products used at top arenas, television and motion picture production studios, theme parks and architectural sites around the world.
The July 7 debut of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” offered Disney’s consumer products group a second shot at working with a live action hit whose success “caught us off guard,” Mooney said.
“Prior to that movie, we had no experience with licensing live action. We were caught flat-footed. Not this time. We have a wide range of products,” Mooney said.
Disney plans to trade on an emerging fashion trend for skull-and-crossbones insignia to license apparel for tweens, children aged about 8 to 12, and on the heart-throb status of stars Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom by offering stationery featuring their likenesses, Mooney said.
The company’s publishing unit has initiated a series of books featuring young Jack Sparrow, the pirate character played by Depp in the films. Disney also is contemplating a TV spin-off.
Licensing of merchandise for “Cars,” the just-released Disney-Pixar animated film, “has taken on a life of its own” with retailers already clamoring for re-orders, Mooney said.
The division also plans an expanded range of products for the sequel to last fall’s “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” Mooney said.
“There was more girl appeal than we interpreted in the product,” he said, adding that the character of the White Witch, played by Tilda Swinton, was one of the most widely ordered Halloween costumes in Britain.
ViewNow, a subsidiary of Kasenna, signed a deal with Buena Vista Television enabling it to distribute Disney movies for VOD services to both the telco and cable markets. The agreement provides for a 72-hour VOD rental period, compared to the standard 24-hour period of most VOD services. ViewNow said its deal represents the first time a major studio has allowed a 72-Hour VOD Rental.
In addition, ViewNow has secured both the IP and HFC rights to Disney content including titles from Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax Films, and Pixar Animation Studios.
This licensing deal will include such popular VOD Titles as Pirates of Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest and the animation film Cars which will be coming to ViewNow Affiliates. Some of the first films available to ViewNow Affiliates will be The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Eight Below, and Chicken Little. Buena Vista Pay Television’s content gives ViewNow the most in-depth and comprehensive line up of Studio VOD programming.
As a result of the deal, ViewNow now licenses, encodes, and distributes content from Warner Bros, New Line Cinema, 20th Century Fox, Paramount, NBC/Universal, Dreamworks, and many other Independent studios in MPEG 2, MPEG 4 (H.264), and VC1 encoded formats.
For more information on ViewNow, visit: http://www.viewnow.tv
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