Pixar has built up a name for developing high-quality animation as well as layered stories that can work well for both children and adult audiences. In presenting the next chapter of the Toy Story universe, the animators have elevated the imagery to another level. This is understandable given the technological advances that have been made over the last two decades since the film series first began. The story itself is one that addresses existentialism in an entirely new way.

Woody is experiencing a mid-life crisis, having lost much of his purpose in having a child that loves him and needs his help. Andy is long gone, having gifted him to a new child since he himself is an adult who no longer requires the comforts of childhood toys. Whether it's Woody exploring what he should do next in his life, a newly sentient spork naked Forky becoming panicked over his being a toy instead of trash after a single use, many of the main characters explore their larger purpose in life.

Anyone with a high anxiety related to existentialism may be stressed by the viewing experience but for the most part, Toy Story is a largely life-affirming story. The greatest strength lies in the writing for the layers and depths it reaches, particularly considering that the film is mostly advertised as a child-friendly product.

If anyone that grew up on the film series is hoping for more of the usual banter from the variety of characters that the original trilogy made famous, they may be disappointed. The core group of characters involved in the story are mostly new apart from Woody, Buzz, and Bo Peep, who admittedly has better character material than she has in the past films. The other familiar faces amount to little more than window dressing.

"Toy Story 4" is playing in cinemas worldwide.

Watch our special behind-the-scenes "Toy Story 4" featurette here:

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GRAVITAS VENTURES ACQUIRES ‘CALIFORNIA TYPEWRITER’ DOCUMENTARY:

TOM HANKS, JOHN MAYER, SAM SHEPARD AND MORE STAR IN THE CINEMATIC LOVE LETTER

Doc set as Cleveland International Film Festival opening night film Wednesday, March 29, 7pm.

CLEVELAND (March 28, 2017) — Gravitas Ventures has announced the acquisition of U.S. rights to California Typewriter, which is set to show tomorrow evening at Tower City Cinemas as the Opening Night Film of the 41st Cleveland International Film Festival. The critically acclaimed documentary launched at the 2016 Telluride Film Festival. It will open theatrically in Los Angeles, New York and a dozen additional markets in the late summer.

California Typewriter is named after one of the last remaining typewriter shops in Berkeley, Calif., which plays a major role in the film. Run by Herbert Permillion III and his family, the business is depicted trying to balance financial security with its decades-long passion for selling and restoring typewriters.

“The film was a real labor of love for everyone involved and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with Gravitas and their team,” said Director Doug Nichol, who made the self-funded film over a period of five years.     

With the rise of computers and smart phones, typewriters are teetering on the edge of obscurity — much to the chagrin of nearly everyone profiled in this emotionally moving and entertaining documentary. The film masterfully interweaves stories including artist Jeremy Mayer, whose “typewriter assemblage sculpture” uses typewriter parts to assemble intricate, human-like works of art, and expert Martin Howard, who's collected typewriters for nearly 30 years and is on a quest to add a legendary, rare Sholes and Glidden machine to a collection that holds typewriters dating all the way back to 1880.

Nuanced typewriter testimonials from super fans Tom Hanks (who has over 250 machines in his collection), musician John Mayer, playwright Sam Shepard and author David McCullough add incisive perspective. California Typewriter is a love letter to the enduring societal, historical, creative, and artistic value of these machines.

“In exploring the history and fondness people still carry for the typewriter, we are forced to confront an even larger question of how technology factors into our lives and what it’s pushing away,” stated Gravitas Founder and CEO Nolan Gallagher. “It is timely in this age of growth in tech to bring these thought provoking stories to the big screen.”

California Typewriter was directed by Doug Nichol (Sting: Ten Summoners Tales) who also photographed and edited the film. Nichol produced with John Benet (All God’s Children Can Dance). Executive Producers are Charlotte Chatton, James Redford (Paper Tigers) and Dana Schwartz (The United States of Detroit). The deal was negotiated by Nolan Gallagher for Gravitas and Kevin Iwashina and Zac Bright from Preferred Content on behalf of the filmmakers.

ABOUT GRAVITAS VENTURES

Gravitas Ventures is a leading all rights distributor of independent cinema. Founded in 2006, Gravitas connects independent filmmakers and producers with distribution opportunities across the globe. Working with more than 500 content partners, Gravitas Ventures has distributed thousands of films into over 100 million homes. Recent releases include Katie Holmes’ feature directorial debut, “All We Had,” Jonathan Hock’s “Fastball,” Colin Hanks’ “All Things Must Pass,” “Being Evel” from Academy Award^® winning director Daniel Junge and producer Johnny Knoxville, “Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of,” and “For The Love of Spock” from Director Adam Nimoy. 

For more information, please visit gravitasventures.com, and sign up for the e-newsletter, follow @GravitasVOD on Twitter and @gravitasventures on Instagram.

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EuropaCorp has released a BRAND NEW TEASER TRAILER for THE CIRCLE! Based on the international best-seller by Dave Eggers, The Circle is a thrilling modern morality tale starring Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, and John Boyega. As she rises through the ranks of the world's largest tech and social media company, The Circle, Mae (Watson) is encouraged by company founder Eamon Bailey (Hanks) to live her life with complete transparency. But no one is really safe when everyone is watching. THE CIRCLE will be in theaters on April 28th, 2017! 

VIEW the NEW TEASER TRAILER HERE:

  

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THE CIRCLE

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Release Date: April 28th, 2017

Cast: Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, John Boyega, Patton Oswalt, Bill Paxton, Karen Gillan, and Ellar Coltrane

Director: James Ponsoldt

Written by: James Ponsoldt

Produced by: Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks, Anthony Bregman, James Ponsoldt

*credits are not yet final 

Synopsis: 

Based on the international best-seller by Dave Eggers, The Circle is a thrilling modern morality tale starring Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, and John Boyega. As she rises through the ranks of the world's largest tech and social media company, The Circle, Mae (Watson) is encouraged by company founder Eamon Bailey (Hanks) to live her life with complete transparency. But no one is really safe when everyone is watching.

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Learn more about THE CIRCLE on:

Official site: http://wearethecircle.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheCircle/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WeAreTheCircleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreTheCircle/

Hashtag: #TheCircle

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“‘Sully’ is an absolute triumph!”

—Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times

DISCOVER THE TRUE STORY OF THE MIRACLE ON THE HUDSON WHEN

SULLY

ARRIVES ON ULTRA HD BLU-RAY, BLU-RAY COMBO PACK, DVD AND DIGITAL HD FROM

WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Own it early on Digital HD on December 6

Ultra HD Blu-ray™, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD debut on December 20

Burbank, CA, November 3, 2016 – Witness the dramatic and heroic story behind the Miracle on the Hudson—and the previously untold events that followed—when “Sully” arrives on Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray Combo Pack, 2 Disc Special Edition DVD and Digital HD. From Oscar-winning director Clint Eastwood (“American Sniper,” “Million Dollar Baby”) Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Sully” stars Oscar winner Tom Hanks (“Bridge of Spies,” “Forrest Gump”) as Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger.

On Thursday, January 15th, 2009, the world witnessed the “Miracle on the Hudson” when Captain Chesley Sullenberger glided his disabled plane onto the frigid waters of the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 aboard. However, even as Sully was being heralded by the public and the media for his unprecedented feat of aviation skill, an investigation was unfolding that threatened to destroy his reputation and his career.

“Sully” also stars Aaron Eckhart (“Olympus Has Fallen,” “The Dark Knight”) as co-pilot, Jeff Skiles, and Oscar nominee Laura Linney (“The Savages,” “Kinsey,” Showtime’s “The Big C”) as Sully’s wife, Lorraine Sullenberger. 

Eastwood directed the film from a screenplay by Todd Komarnicki, based on the book Highest Duty by Sullenberger and Jeffrey Zaslow. The project was produced by Eastwood, Frank Marshall, Allyn Stewart and Tim Moore, with Kipp Nelson and Bruce Berman serving as executive producers.

“Sully” will be available on Ultra HD Blu-ray for $44.95 and Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99.  The Ultra HD Blu-ray features an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc with the film in 4K with HDR and a Blu-ray disc with the film in hi-definition.  The Blu-ray Combo Pack features the film in hi-definition on Blu-ray; and the 2-disc Special Edition DVD features the film in standard definition. All Blu-ray products include a digital version of the movie in Digital HD with UltraViolet.* Fans can also own “Sully” via purchase from digital retailers beginning on December 6.

The Blu-ray discs of “Sully” will feature a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. To experience Dolby Atmos at home, a Dolby Atmos enabled AV receiver and additional speakers are required, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar; however, Dolby Atmos soundtracks are also fully backward compatible with traditional audio configurations and legacy home entertainment equipment.

BLU-RAY AND 2 DISC SPECIAL EDITION DVD ELEMENTS

“Sully” Blu-ray and 2 Disc Special Edition DVD contain the following special features:

·         Sully Sullenberger: The Man Behind the Miracle
The “Miracle on the Hudson” didn’t happen by chance.  The difference between disaster and deliverance rested on the character of the man with his hands on the controls.  

·         Moment by Moment: Averting Disaster on the Hudson
Captain Sullenberger, Co-Pilot Jeff Skiles and air traffic controller Patrick Harten take us step-by-step through the 208 harrowing seconds of Flight 1549, revealing how the wrong decision at any point would have resulted in disaster.

·         Neck Deep in the Hudson: Shooting Sully
Director Clint Eastwood and producers Frank Marshall and Allyn Stewart reveal how Flight 1549’s terrifying splashdown in the Hudson River was captured on film, shooting on the Hudson itself as well as in Universal’s historic Fall’s Lake, where parts of “Jaws” were filmed.

DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS

On December 6, “Sully” will be available to own for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on favorite devices from select digital retailers including Amazon, CinemaNow, Flixster, iTunes, PlayStation, Vudu, Xbox and others. On December 20, “Sully” will be made available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.

ABOUT DIGITAL HD WITH ULTRAVIOLET

*Digital HD with UltraViolet allows fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere, on their favorite devices. Digital HD with UltraViolet is included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. Digital HD with UltraViolet allows consumers to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through UltraViolet retail services like CinemaNow, Flixster, Vudu and more. For more information on compatible devices go to wb.com/ultravioletdevices. Consult an UltraViolet Retailer for details and requirements and for a list of HD-compatible devices.

BASICS

PRODUCT                                                                            SRP

Ultra HD Blu-ray                                                                    $44.95

Blu-ray Combo Pack                                                               $35.99

2 Disc Special Edition DVD (WS)                                         $28.98

Standard Street Date: December 20, 2016

EST Street Date: December 6, 2016

DVD Languages: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French

BD Languages: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese

DVD Subtitles: English SDH, Latin Spanish, Parisian French

BD Subtitles: English, Latin Spanish, Parisian French, Brazilian Portuguese

Running Time: 96 minutes

Rating: Rated PG-13 for some peril and brief strong language

DOLBY ATMOS    DOLBY AUDIO   [CC]

THE CREDITS

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.

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A WORLD PREMIERE HOLIDAY EVENT, “TOY STORY THAT TIME FORGOT,” PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS’ SECOND NEW SPECIAL FOR TELEVISION FEATURING YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS FROM THE “TOY STORY” FILMS,” AIRS DECEMBER 2 ON ABC

Tom Hanks and Tim Allen Reprise Their Roles as Woody and Buzz

Pixar Animation Studios second special for television, “Toy Story That Time Forgot,” a World Premiere Holiday Event featuring your favorite characters from the “Toy Story” films, airs TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. The special comes on the heels of the success of “Toy Story OF TERROR!,” which premiered to stellar ratings in October 2013. 

During a post-Christmas play date, the “Toy Story” gang find themselves in uncharted territory when the coolest set of action figures ever turn out to be dangerously delusional. It's all up to Trixie, the triceratops, if the gang hopes to return to Bonnie's room in this “Toy Story That Time Forgot.”

The cast of “Toy Story That Time Forgot” includes Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz, Kristen Schaal as Trixie, Kevin McKidd (“Grey’s Anatomy”) as Reptillus Maximus, Wallace Shawn as Rex, Timothy Dalton as Mr. Pricklepants, Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head and Joan Cusack as Jessie.

“Toy Story That Time Forgot” is produced by Galyn Susman and directed by Steve Purcell. The special is from Pixar Animation Studios.

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“TOY STORY OF TERROR!,” DISNEY•PIXAR’S FIRST SPECIAL FOR TELEVISION FEATURING A SPOOKY NEW TALE WITH ALL OF YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS

FROM THE “TOY STORY” FILMS,” TO AIR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 ON ABC

Tom Hanks and Tim Allen Reprise Their Roles as Woody and Buzz

Disney•Pixar’s first special for television, “Toy Story OF TERROR!,” a spooky tale featuring all of your favorite characters from the “Toy Story” films, airs WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET). (Rebroadcast. OAD: 10/16/13)  

What starts out as a fun road trip for the “Toy Story” gang takes an unexpected turn for the worse when the trip detours to a roadside motel. After one of the toys goes missing, the others find themselves caught up in a mysterious sequence of events that must be solved before they all suffer the same fate in this “Toy Story OF TERROR!”

The cast of “Toy Story OF TERROR!” includes Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz, Joan Cusack as Jessie, Carl Weathers as Combat Carl/Combat Carl Jr., Timothy Dalton as Mr. Pricklepants, Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head, Wallace Shawn as Rex and Kristen Schaal as Trixie. 

“Toy Story OF TERROR!” is produced by Galyn Susman and directed by Angus MacLane. The special is from Disney•Pixar. This program carries a TV-G parental guideline.

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 “Hanks hits a new career peak.  One of the best films of the year.” – Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

“An eruption of emotional fireworks.” – Scott Foundas, Variety

“The crowning performance of Tom Hanks career.” – Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times

Nominated for Four Golden Globes^®:

Best Motion Picture, Best Director, Best Actor & Best Supporting Actor

Starring Two-Time Academy Award^® Winner Tom Hanks,
From the Director of The Bourne Ultimatum

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS

Available Jan. 21 on Blu-ray^™ Combo Pack^*, DVD & Digital

Featuring Exclusive “Making Of” Documentary & Director’s Commentary

CULVER CITY, CALIF. (Dec. 12, 2013) -- Two-time Academy Award^® winner Tom Hanks (Best Actor, Forrest Gump, 1994; Best Actor, Philadelphia, 1993) stars in the tense, action-packed thriller CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, available on Blu-ray^™ Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD UltraViolet^™ Jan. 21 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Directed by Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Ultimatum, United 93), CAPTAIN PHILLIPS is based on the true story behind the first American cargo ship hijacking in 200 years, the Maersk Alabama, and its U.S. Navy rescue in 2009.  The emotionally charged and critically acclaimed film focuses on the relationship between the ship’s captain, Richard Phillips (Hanks), and the Somali pirate captain (breakout actor Barkhad Abdi) who takes him hostage 145 miles off the Somali coast, with both men at the mercy of forces beyond their control. CAPTAIN PHILLIPS received four Golden Globe^®nominations, including Best Motion Picture, Paul Greengrass for Best Director, Tom Hanks for Best Actor and Barkhad Abdi for Best Supporting Actor. In addition, the film has received Screen Actors Guild^® nominations for Hanks for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role and Abdi for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role.

Bonus features include “Capturing Captain Phillips,” a three-part, behind-the-scenes look at the film’s production and real events surrounding the film.  Also included is a commentary with director Paul Greengrass.

Synopsis:

Captain Phillips is a multi-layered examination of the 2009 hijacking of the U.S. container ship Maersk Alabama by a crew of Somali pirates.  It is — through director Paul Greengrass’s distinctive lens — simultaneously a pulse-pounding thriller and a complex portrait of the myriad effects of globalization.  The film focuses on the relationship between the Alabama’s commanding officer, Captain Richard Phillips, and the Somali pirate captain, Muse, who takes him hostage.  Phillips and Muse are set on an unstoppable collision course when Muse and his crew target Phillips’ unarmed ship; in the ensuing standoff, 145 miles off the Somali coast, both men will find themselves at the mercy of forces beyond their control.

The film is directed by Academy Award^® nominee Paul Greengrass, from a screenplay by Billy Ray based upon the book, A Captain's Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea, by Richard Phillips with Stephan Talty. It is produced by Scott Rudin, and Academy Award nominees Dana Brunetti (Best Picture, The Social Network,2010) and Michael De Luca (Best Picture, The Social Network, 2010; Best Picture, Moneyball, 2011). Executive producers include Gregory Goodman (Stop Loss, 8 Mile), Eli Bush (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Moonrise Kingdom) and two-time Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey (Best Actor, The Usual Suspects, 1995; Best Supporting Actor, American Beauty, 1999).

Blu-ray & DVD Bonus Features Include:

·   “Capturing Captain Phillips” Documentary– Three in-depth, behind-the-scenes featurettes on making the acclaimed film

·   Commentary with Director Paul Greengrass

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS has a run time of approximately 134 minutes and is rated PG-13 for sustained intense sequences of menace, some violence with bloody images and for substance use.

Visit Sony Home Entertainment on the Web at www.SonyPictures.com.

“Academy Award®” is the registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

“Golden Globes®”, “Hollywood Foreign Press Association®” and “Golden Globe®” statuette design mark are the registered trademarks and service marks and the Golden Globe® statuette the copyrighted property, of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

"The Actor®", "Screen Actors Guild Awards®", The SAG Awards™ and "Screen Actor®" are registered trademarks of Screen Actors Guild™.

SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) is a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company.  Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

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We bring you BIG news from the BIGGEST fortune teller of the 80s, Zoltar !

To celebrate Big 25th Anniversary  20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has created these nostalgic digital trading cards featuring our favorite moments from the classic film Big. 

Big 25th Anniversary  is available on Blu-ray/DVD combo on December 10th courtesy of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. 

Are you like me, and cannot resist getting your fortune from Zoltar when you spot one? Check a few of these great cards out below!

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