It's Halloween!

Take good care of yourselves, be careful, enjoy a good scare and have a terrifying night. Happy Halloween! More "Halloween" pixs right here...

A Warm-Up for Halloween

Get into the Halloween mood with "The Nightmare Before Christmas (2-Disc Collector's Edition)". Oogie Boogie with Jack Skellington in this digitally restored DVD. Spread the joy of Halloween at the comfort of your home... Review here

Ponyo Coming

Hayao Miyazaki's "Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea" has a release date here in Singapore. Check it out!

The Singapore Korean Film Festival

Have you got your tickets for the Singapore Korean Film Festival which is schedule to start from 2 Nov to 8 Nov? The exciting lineup includes "A Tale of Legendary Libido", a R21 comedy about the ultimate male power of never-ending erection. Definitely recommended for fans of the old Hong Kong sleazy category III movies.

The Coffin Scares Up Box Office Numbers

"The Coffin" grossed over $235,000 during last weekend's sneak previews, making it the 1st Thai horror film to make the mark! The film inspired by a controversial but true Thai ritual of lying in coffins to get rid of bad luck and prolong life also topped the Box office chart in Thailand when it opened in August this year. This Thai-HK-Singapore co-production is written and directed by award-winning director Ekachai Uekrongtham (Pleasure Factory) and stars Hong Kong actress Karen Mok and Thailand's heartthrob Ananda Everingham (Shutter).

DVD...DVD...DVD...DVD...DVD...

This week, we introduced three excellent documentaries available on DVD. "God Grew Tired of Us" is about the tumultuous civil war, genocidal murder in Sudan. On a lighter subject, the Dixie Chicks takes you beyond backstage into their dressing rooms, homes and recording studio where they plan and create the hit album Taking the Long Way in "Shut Up & Sing". While the Beijing Olympics is long over, "Ancient Chinese Sports" will catapult viewers into a sporting world that few knew existed. Track them down and enjoy!

The Wedding of the Year

Local movie producers, MediaCorp Raintree Pictures and Scorpio East Pictures are proud to annouce that they are working with Director Ekachai Uekrongtham (picture) for an upcoming romantic comedy, THE WEDDING OF THE YEAR (working title), a story of two celebrated artistes as they publicly annouces their marriage, much to the delight of audiences and fans who has been following and rooting for their much publicised romance. However, as the story unfolds, what goes behind the camera seems to differ from what the public witness. The producers are in talks with MediaCorp artistes Christopher Lee and Fann Wong as well as several Asian artistes to star in this regional project. It is slated to open in Singapore during Chinese New Year in 2009.

TIFF Press Conference

Click here for more press con coverages at TIFF - lineup include "Super Typhoon" a Made-in-China disaster movie, "Ocean" a story of a heartbroken youngster who leaves home for Havana and "Claustrophobia" starring Ekin Cheng, Karena Lam.

Jay Chou in Blu-Ray?

The latest Jay Chou's album available in Blu-Ray format? Trust the China market to come up with such misleading package.

Kate, is that you? Or Rhona?

Kate Beckinsale and Rhona Mitra ("Doomsday") look so alike that they can stand-in for each other and nobody can tell the differences. Apparently Rhona did just that in the prequel, "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans". Click on the link for the trailer.

Wall.E Comes Home

WALL•E comes home on a quintessential 2-Disc Collector’s Edition DVD that is loaded with bonus features including the exclusive animated short film BURN•E, Presto Theatrical Short Film, Animation Sound Design, Deleted Scenes, Audio Commentary, BnL Shorts, WALL•E’s Treasures And Trinkets, "Making of" Featurette, "Lots of Bots" Storybook and The "Pixar" Story by Leslie Iwerks. Retail Price: S$39.90.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army Invades

Comes November, Hellboy II – The Golden Army will be available in single-disc, a 2-disc edition and a steelbook edition. Bonus features for the 2-disc includes commentary, Hellboy: In Service Of The Demon, Workshop, Pre-Production Vault, Troll Market Tour With Guillermo Del Toro and Deleted Scenes. Retails at $36.90. Watch out for more DVD releases in the coming days...

FATE out on DVD

FATE, an action-packed movie about four friends bound by destiny and stars two hottest Korean hunks – Kwon Sang Woo and Song Seung Heon is out on DVD. Check it out!

The Magic of Narnia Comes Home

Scorpio East Entertainment invites you to relive the magic of Narnia as the delightful adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ classic story, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian comes home to Single-Disc DVD, 2-Disc Collector’s Edition Set and VCD. Prince Caspian 2-Disc Collector’s Edition includes bonus features such as behind-the-scenes look in creating the magical world of Narnia, Deleted Scenes, Bloopers, Secrets of the Duel, Easter Eggs and more! Retail at $39.90. More magic, adventure and mystical Narnian creatures awaits.

TIFF - Green not Red Carpet

Tony Leung, Julianne Moore, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Hiroshi Abe, Carina Lau and Vicki Zhao are just a few of the names gracing the glamourous event right here, accentuated at the Roppongi Keyakizaka Street in the enchanting dusk of the evening - The Green Carpet Welcome on the opening day of TIFF. Click here for more videos and pictures from our guys in Tokyo!

"A Promise" Telemovie to warm your heart

InnoForm Media is proud to present the latest tele-movie "A Promise" starring veteran MediaCorp artiste Chen Shu Cheng and Scott C Hillyard. A promise allows you to experience the heartwarming portrait of life through a boy's self discovery and a grandfather's unconditional love. Hillyard is a familiar face in MediaCorp sitcom First Class and in MediaCorp mandarin productions. DVD includes Special Features, NG Shots and Photo Gallery.

"Live" from TIFF - THE CODE

From our guys who are currently in Tokyo, more photos, video and report from "The Code" press conference.

Singapore Theatrical Trailer Launch of "Twilight"

Fans of "Twilight", wait no more as Shaw Organisation today announced that the theatrical trailer will be released in Singapore for the first time on Friday, 24 October, in line with the opening of "High School Musical 3: Senior Year". See it on the big screen.

Transformers Coming to Universal Studio Singapore

Universal Studios has confirmed that Universal Parks & Resorts has paired up with Hasbro and DreamWorks Pictures to produce a "Transformers" attraction. The attraction will fuse 3D-HD media, mega special effects and stunning robotics with a ride system that will transform perceptions of theme park experiences. The rides are scheduled to make their debuts in early 2011, first at Universal Studios Singapore and then at Universal Studios Hollywood. Woo..hoo...can't wait....

"Live" from TIFF 2008

Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang couldn't make it here but the whole "Red Cliff" army makes a grand appearance at the recent opening of TIFF. Click here for our guys' exclusive coverage of TIFF, more videos, more photos, more reviews (all the stuff you want!). We are currently seeking kind Angels aka sponsors for equipments, resources etc, do feel free to email us to discuss more.

Tropic Thunder Ambush Party

Start your weekend with a bang-Ambush style! GV will be throwing an exclusive party based on the "Tropic Thunder" theme on Friday 24 October at GV Grand. The Ambush party will kick off at 7pm and conclude at 9pm when TROPIC THUNDER commences screening. Tickets are at $28 which includes beer, food, music. Best dressed male and female will also stand to win a pair of GV movie tickets. More details here

Sing To The Dawn Events

In conjunction with the release of Singapore's very first English animation feature film, "Sing to the Dawn", THE MAKING OF SING TO THE DAWN will be showing on Channel 5, 20 Oct 6.45pm, 24 Oct 7.00pm Okto, 21 Oct 8.30pm, 25 Oct 7.00pm, Channelnews Asia 26 Oct 10.30pm, same night 1.30am and 1 Nov 11.30am, 4.30pm.

SING TO THE DAWN SPECIAL OUTDOOR SCREENING @ JURONG BIRDPARK: 25 October 2008, 7pm $8 per ticket, $6 per ticket (with purchase of 20 or more tickets). Call 6265 0022 for more details.

SING TO THE DAWN MOVIE ROADSHOWS: 25 Oct 5pm, 26 Oct 1pm, 5pm, 7pm at Plaza Singapura Level 1 Atrium. Catch Dawan and Kai sing and dance to the songs from Sing To The Dawn plus photo opportunity. Author Ho Minfong will also be making an appearance on 25 Oct to talk about her book being made into an animation film, so remember to bring your Ho Minfong books down and get them autographed!

Obscenely Cute

Before "High School Musical 3: Senior Year", there's "High School Musical 2: Extended Dance Edition" DVD. Our resident reviewer takes an indepth look at the exclusive re-release of this title complete with gratuitous screenshots. "What time is it?"

Me Panda..Want Hug Hug

A 2-disc "Kung Fu Panda" DVD that comes with a plush toy will be released in November. Bonus features include Filmmakers’ Commentary, Meet The Cast, Pushing The Boundaries, Conservation International : Help Save Wild Pandas, Dragon Warrior Training Academy (Set Top Game), music videos and much more! Will hit retail at S$49.90. Tentative artwork as shown.

Obscenely Cute

In our next life, we hope to look half as good as him... more to come

Korean Film Festival

The Singapore Korean Film Festival will be held from 1st to 8th November 2008. Price of each ticket will cost $10 and tickets are available from 16 October onwards via Box office at Shaw Lido. 7 carefully selected films include "The Good, The Bad, The Weird", "Hansel & Gretel", "Miss Gold Digger", "Crossing" and more. Pls visit www.shaw.com.sg and www.innoform.com.sg
for details.

Mexican Film Festival

If you would like to experience a slice of Mexican culture and get
acquainted with its films by top Mexican film producers, then check out the
Mexican Film Festival which will be held exclusively at GV VivoCity between 16 to 20 October. Various Mexican films including Nonnas Trip, The Faces of the Moon and Sex, Shame & Tears and more will be screened. Tickets can be purchased at $10 each from the GV VivoCity box office and online www.gv.com.sg and AXS stations island wide.

Max Payne Addictive TV

Is it music or is it film? Check out this Max Payne video created by a couple of guys who call themselves Addictive TV. They are two DJ's that create original songs by mashing up samples from movies. Like that also can...

More High School Musical...

Check out more fabulous "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" behind the scenes video blogs right here..

We Dare You to Sleep in a Coffin!

In conjunction with the theatrical release of the anticipated horror thriller, "The Coffin", Scorpio East Pictures, Mediacorp Raintree Pictures and Cathay-Keris Films are organizing "The Coffin Challenge" at Cathay Cineleisure Orchard (basement 1 open area) this Saturday, 18 October 08 from 3pm to 5pm. The first 100 participants who dare to take the challenge of sleeping in a mock-up coffin will receive tickets to the Gala Premiere on 22 October 08, a red packet with a mystery gift and a chance to win the grand prize worth $500. Just to clarify, Karen Mok won't be joining you though.

Wanted: Osama Bin Laden

Your help is needed to find Osama Bin Laden. Stand a chance to win a pair of "Where In The World Is Osama Bin Laden?" Preview Ticket courtesy of Festive Films. The search will begin on thursday so hurry drop your application now....

The Gem of Life

With a total investment of over HK$100 million, "The Gem of Life" is produced in high definition with shooting location in Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Zhuhai, Tibet, Macau, Thailand and France. Featuring a strong team of veteran cast with a story that revolves around three sisters with different characters taking a step into the beau monde. This epic drama series focuses on the conflicts of humanity together with splendid scene and costume to hook the audience. "The Gem of Life", the most anticipating grand production drama in 2008 with beautiful scenery, gorgeous attire and brilliant jewellery, is available at all Scorpio East authorized rental outlets on 21 Oct.

Make A Date With Wu Chun

In conjunction with the release of "Butterfly Lovers", Wu Chun’s will be making a special mall appearance at Bugis Junction on this wednesday, 15th October 2008, 7:45 pm (Bugis Square Level 1). Mark this down on your calendar, you won't want to miss it!

The Legend of Bruce Lee

Finally, the Legend of Bruce Lee (Danny Chan Kwok Kwan from Shaolin Soccer & Kungfu Hustle) is here! Well-known for his outstanding Kung Fu skills and great success in kung fu films internationally, it tells the story of young Bruce Lee's journey to America and the establishment of his Kung Fu house. This Made-in-China (thankfully no melamine is found and certified safe for watching) drama consists of 50 episodes and is available now on DVD.

Weekend Giveaway No. 3

This weekend giveaway, we invite you to catch the preview of "Choke", a satirical psychotic comedy based on a Chuck Palahniuk's novel. All you have to do is answer one simple question...Movie is rated R21 for Mature Content and opens on 30 October.

Cape No. 7 Docking Jan 2009

"Cape No. 7" will dock in Singapore theatres on the 1 Jan 2009. 7 weeks since its theatrical release, Cape No. 7, has grossed an estimated NT 350 million (SGD15.9 million) at the box office surpassing "Lust, Caution" and "Police Story" to become the highest grossing Chinese film in the history of Taiwan. Watch for it!

Beast Stalker

After his hard-hitting stint in "Invisible Target", Nicholas Tse is back in yet another action flick called "Beast Stalker". Tse stars as a sergeant who was involved in a gunfight and accident which puts a criminal into a coma. The flick co-stars Zhang Jingchu and Nick Cheung. Will post it here once we catch hold of any latest development. Official Website

Animation Nation 2008

Click here for the list of Films, which include Masayuki Kojima's The Piano Forest, Nina Paley's Sita Sings The Blues, Mamoru Oshii's (director of Ghost In The Shell) Tachigui: The Amazing Lives of the Fast Food Grifters and for those who have watched the Freedom Project episodes last year and were left hanging as the other episodes weren't ready, this time it comes back in full!

There are also a variety of Short Films from Singapore and around the world on showcase, as well as one from Aardman Animations!

For those interested in Seminars, you can click here for the details, as well as here for the full schedule.

Ticketing Details
Get your tickets online www.GATECRASH.com.sg, or call GATECRASH Hotline 6100 2005.
Tickets are also available at The Substation Box Office, all SingPost Branches & S.A.M. Kiosks.

Film Ticket Prices: $10 ($9 + $1 Gatecrash charge)
Discounted Tickets: $9 ($8 + $1 Gatecrash charge)
** SFS Members and Students (Local and International) are entitled to discounted tickets.

Seminar Ticket Prices: $10 ($9 + $1 Gatecrash charge)
Discounted Tickets: $9 ($8 + $1 Gatecrash charge)
**SFS Members are entitled to discounted tickets

Seminars (Freedom Project/Koji Yamamura) are free to students of secondary schools, JCs and tertiary institutions. Please email animation@sfs.org.sg to register, stating names of each attendee and institution. Each student is limited to one ticket per session.

For tickets to free events (SIGGRAPH Showcase, Dead Space: Downfall and Scriptwriting Workshop), please email to animation@sfs.org.sg stating your name and contact number. Each attendee is limited to one ticket.

Tickets for free screenings and workshop are available at the venue 45 minutes before screening time.

Wrapped and Ready

This year X'mas, there are going to be pre-wrapped code one editions of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Iron Man and Kung Fu Panda for sale. So for those of you who are too lazy to wrap presents up yourself, you'll be pleased to know these will be available from 25th November. I take them all, wrapped or not (hint..hint..) preferably in blu-ray though.

When a Guy comes Holmes

Based on an original story/comic book by Lionel Wigram, inspired by the classic tales of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, principal photography is set to begin on location in London for the action adventure mystery “Sherlock Holmes,” being helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Guy Ritchie for Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures. Robert Downey Jr. brings the legendary detective to life as he has never been portrayed before. Jude Law stars as Holmes’ trusted colleague, Watson, a doctor and war veteran who is a formidable ally for Sherlock Holmes. Rachel McAdams stars as Irene Adler, the only woman ever to have bested Holmes and who has maintained a tempestuous relationship with the detective. “Sherlock Holmes” sends Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson on their latest challenge. Revealing fighting skills as lethal as his legendary intellect, Holmes will battle as never before to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy the country.

DVD...DVD...DVD...DVD...DVD...

This week, we introduced three movies that weren’t picked up for theatrical release. "Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins" tells the story of Martin Lawrence’s character who is a successfully famous TV show host who returns home for a family reunion. The indie drama "10 Items Or Less" starring Morgan Freeman as an aging actor who is forced to consider a role in a small independent movie. Deep undercover in a brutal criminal organization, FBI agent Kevin Cole must use extreme methods to prove himself in "Tortured". Three different movies, three different genres. Take your pick.

Spanish Premiere of High School Musical 3

Corbin Bleu, Ashley Tisdale, Kenny Ortega, Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron at the Spanish Premiere of Walt Disney Pictures "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" on October 2nd at the Capitol Cinema in Madrid, Spain. "High School Musical 3" opens 24 Oct islandwide, check out the MV!

October's World Cinema Series Is...

WORLD CINEMA SERIES
A Programme of the National Museum Cinémathèque
Co-presented with the Singapore Film Society

Date: Tue 14 Oct 2008
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Gallery Theatre, Basement, National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897

S$8 for public/ S$6.40 concession price for students, seniors aged 60 and above NSF, and National Museum Members and Volunteers / Free admission for Singapore Film Society members

Enquiries: 6332 3659 / 6332 5642
Website: www.nationalmuseum.sg
Nearest MRT Station: Dhoby Ghaut

Ashes and Diamonds / Popiól i diament
Dir: Andrzej Wajda
1958/ Poland/ 103 min/ 35mm / Rating to be advised

In Polish with English subtitles

Regarded as the greatest in Andrzej Wajda’s wartime trilogy, Ashes and Diamonds (the final piece concluding A Generation and Kanal) remains as one of Eastern European cinema’s finest achievements.

Based on the novel by Polish writer Jerzy Andrzejewskim, the film takes place in a small Polish town on 8 May 1945, the day Germany officially surrendered and ended World War II. Maciek (Zbigniew Cybulski) and Andrzej (Adam Pawlikowski) are two young Polish Nationalist Army soldiers who have been assigned to assassinate communist Commissar Szczuka (Waclaw Zastrzezynski). Their mission fails – killing instead, two civilian cement plant workers. They are given a second chance in the town's leading hotel where Maciek meets and falls in love with Krystyna, a beautiful barmaid who gives him a glimpse of what his life could be.

Gorgeously photographed by Jerzy Wojcik and brilliantly performed (particularly Zbigniew Cybulski, in a star making performance), Ashes and Diamonds masterfully interweaves the fate of a nation with that of one man, resulting in one of
the most important Polish films of all time.