Mentos 3 is the latest innovation in chewing gum, combining 3 layers of different flavoured gum in a single stick. To support the product in the UK, Perfetti Van Melle are running a 30" Cinema spot 'High Rider' around the film release of Avengers Assemble 3D. The ad is a visual metaphor for the product with a classic American lowrider turning into an awesome triple layered car.
As Avengers Assemble is being released in 3D, and the product has taken the physical form of gum into three dimensions, it was a natural step for Perfetti Van Melle to consider running the ad 3D. The fact that the triple layered car featured already existed as a 3D model made it an easy decision to go with 3D. Read more
This weeks film schedule updates:
Snow White And The Huntsman now opens 30 May 2012 Read more
Prior to this year, the world’s most celebrated film festival for independent cinema had previously confined itself to the US, and predominantly Park City, Utah. However, in March 2011 Sundance founder and screen legend Robert Redford announced that the inaugural Sundance London would take place this past weekend at the O2 Greenwich featuring some of the highlights of the 2012 Sundance Film Festival proper and would also feature some special concerts and the usual selection of industry panels and workshops.
Rather than spend a whole weekend at the soulless O2, I opted instead to see a few choice films and have a more relaxed festival experience. From looking at the films selected to be screened, it was quickly obvious to anyone familiar with the line-up from Park City that there was a huge omission. Ben Lewin’s The Surrogate picked up the audience award and the special jury prize at Sundance in January and is already tipped for Oscar success next year. For unknown reasons it was conspicuously absent from the London line-up but despite this there was still plenty to excite lovers of independent cinema. Here’s a short summary of the three films I saw: Read more
This weeks film schedule updates:
The Three Stooges now opens 22 August 2012 Read more
At DCM we love sharing the magic of cinema and on 17 April 2012 the inaugural DCM Tuesdays did just that!
DCM Tuesdays is a monthly free film club for selected figures from the media industry and after walking down the red carpet, our guests were treated to champagne on arrival before enjoying an exclusive screening of one of the year’s most talked about movies, ‘The Cabin in the Woods’. Read more
The Royal Albert Hall, not a name you think of when there is a movies premiere but upon entering the auditorium it becomes apparent why it was chosen for the Titanic 3D world premiere.
It is a warm and sunny evening in Kensington as I approach the red carpet, walking past the cameras and catching a glimpse of the adoring fans that have waited hours for their screen idols. The walk takes me past Kate Winslet, star of the movie, who is in conversation with the press, as well as a few of the other supporting cast and celebrities in attendance. Read more
After the announcement of the 64th Cannes line-up, the countdown has begun to another feast of filmic fun on the French Riviera. The competition at this year’s festival is already hotting up with an array of talent both behind the camera and on screen set to make it the best year yet. New films by Michael Haneke, Jacques Audiard, Lee Daniels, Abbas Kiarostami, Ken Loach and Wes Anderson are just a few to look out for.
Check out the full list below – Read more
The glitz and glamour of a film premiere can generate a euphoric atmosphere. Star struck onlookers with their pens and posters mix with the geeks and the media for a glimpse of the Hollywood elite as those lucky enough to hold a ticket are herded towards escalators, shuffling awkwardly down a red carpet that isn't meant for them. I had been like Banner and The Hulk all day, trying to keep my excitement contained for a full 8 hours. I was so focused on seeing the heroes on screen I barely had time to notice them right in front of me as we were ushered along. I could have touched Scarlett Johansson. COULD have. But then I wouldn't have been allowed in to watch the movie. Office hype was at fever-pitch due to news that she went ‘au naturel’ underneath that signature Black Widow cat suit. I was torn, but I made my choice and settled for a photo. She has a very photogenic shoulder and back (see below for proof). A few escalators later and we’re seated in the screen, watching the red carpet show unfold as Jonafon Woss patters with the celebrities one-by-one. It isn’t long before the film rolls, and we all look fetching in our Hulk/Iron Man/Thor/Captain America themed 3D Glasses.
This is a very different breed from its comic book half-brother, The Dark Knight. One tries to be the antithesis of old-school comic book conventions, grounding every part of the experience in a gritty and plausible sort of reality. Avengers Assemble 3D is full-tilt the other end of the spectrum. It embraces its heritage of fantastical costumes, one-liners and impossible action set pieces that are designed to dazzle. Read more
Almost by stealth, Jason Statham has become one of the most dependable action stars of the last twenty years. None of his films have been huge box office blockbusters but every year he releases one or two action films that tend to be tight as a drum and absolutely play to his strengths. I occasionally wonder if had he been a star in the 80s, whether he’d be held in the same regard as Van Damme and Seagal, or even the more exalted action stars, Stallone and Schwarzenegger.
Out on May 4th, Safe could well be Statham’s best action vehicle yet. The plot is simple, a young Chinese girl with a photographic memory is forced by a Chinese gang in New York to memorise a code that contains the combination to a safe. Before she’s able to relay the code, she escapes the gang’s clutches and soon the Russian mafia and group of corrupt New York cops are after her too. However, none of these ruffians had counted on the presence of the city’s toughest ex-cop, Luke Wright, who after a chance encounter with the girl, makes it his job to protect her. Cue lots of bone-crunching fistfights, gunfights and one-liners. Read more
This weeks film schedule updates:
Casa De Mi Padre has now been added to the schedule, releasing 8 June 2012 Read more
Metaphorically this ship is still sailing as the 3D re-release of Titanic cruised to the top of the UK box office with £2.9m (including £97k from previews). Although this is a is a good deal fewer than the original Titanic’s £4.8m opening weekend in 1997, it’s a big improvement on Star Wars - Episode 1’s 3D re-release in February (£1.5m) and similar to The Lion King 3D’s performance in October (£2.8m). Love for the epic film is still high and its performance is particularly impressive when you consider that the film is 194 minutes long, so less screenings can be scheduled per day. Including Easter Monday, James Cameron’s lavish romance has a cume of £3.9m.
In second place after another strong weekend was The Hunger Games. A further £2.4m, just a drop of 20%, takes the thriller to a very impressive £16.2m (including Monday). Although it may fall short of New Moon’s £27.5m total, it is already way ahead of the first Twilight’s £11.2m final total. Just behind in third place was Mirror Mirror, also with £2.4m. This weekend figure is inflated due to the film opening on Monday 2nd, so includes £1.3m from previews. Including Easter Monday, the film now has a cume of £3m. In fourth place was The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists with £2.2m. This is a fantastic hold for the film, actually improving on its opening weekend when the figure for previews is removed. Strong word of mouth should be in full flow for this title and its cume is now at £9.1m. Read more
You may have noticed a recent trend of cinemas attempting to enhance the viewing experience. Cinemas around the country are upgrading to razor sharp 4k digital projection, crystal clear sound and stepped seating providing an unobstructed vantage point. However some cinemas are focussing more on viewer comfort, offering alcoholic drinks, food and the kind of seating you’d be delighted to have in your front room.
Two weeks ago, one of East London’s most famous cinemas Whitechapel’s Genesis joined the growing number of venues offering a premium viewing experience with the opening of its Studio 5. The old upright seats have been replaced by a selection of ridiculously comfortable sofas and armchairs that accommodate up to 40 people and there’s ample leg room with footstools provided. There’s also a corner bar that shuts five minutes before the film starts, that serves a selection of drinks (including Meantime lager and ale) and a range of food, such as olives, hummus and pitta bread. They’ve also incorporated a number of inventive touches including footstools that double as storage for bags and coats, and a divider on the sofa that unravels into a blanket. Read more
