Discuss this year's Marathon and Festival selections here.



First up - FLASH GORDON (1980).

this pleases me.

A Facebook post earlier this week asked if Marathoners would be interested in seeing DR. WHO AND THE DALEKS at the Marathon this year.

yeah or nay?

f
L.A. Connection wrote on Dec 11^th, 2013 at 3:55pm:

A Facebook post earlier this week asked if Marathoners would be interested in seeing DR. WHO AND THE DALEKS at the Marathon this year. yeah or nay?

Would love to this at the 'thon, I don't believe it's played.

L.A. Connection wrote on Dec 11^th, 2013 at 3:55pm:

A Facebook post earlier this week asked if Marathoners would be interested in seeing DR. WHO AND THE DALEKS at the Marathon this year. yeah or nay?

A definite yes especially coming off the anniversary year.

Has it played the Marathon before???


Looooooooooooooong story, but DR. WHO AND THE DALEKS was booked for SF/20 after years of searching. Print came from England. It was to be shipped directly to the Coolidge Corner Cinema.

SomeHOW, someWAY it ended up here:




http://www.fitforafeast.com/images/south_america_cultural_dance.jpg

DR. WHO AND THE DALEKS is confirmed for the Marathon!

Dr Who and the Daleks: In the late night spot it will be a blast!

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/Daleks_zpsceb50f82.gif

(The MST3K alumni at Rifftrax have done their ususal hatchet job on this film and, more recently, "Dr. Who Invasion Earth") ;D

You really think DR. WHO is a late night film? With it's kiddie angle, and the whole DR. WHO phenomenon, doesn't it rank an earlier slot?



R_F_Fineman wrote on Dec 16^th, 2013 at 4:19pm:

Dr Who and the Daleks: In the late night spot it will be a blast! http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/Daleks_zpsceb50f82.gif (The MST3K alumni at Rifftrax have done their ususal hatchet job on this film and, more recently, "Dr. Who Invasion Earth") ;D

Dr Who And The Daleks might be a good film to open SF39.
It's really not that great a film but is likely to have a big curiosity factor since it is still kind of rare especially a big screen showing.

And for the record I think Rifftrax did a great job on it.

With Flash Gordon in the line-up, maybe we should add the movie Ted. It has an important plot thread about Sam Jones as Flash, and some filming was done at the Somerville Theater. :)

ELECTRIC DREAMS 1984 announced!

L.A. Connection wrote on Dec 19^th, 2013 at 2:29pm:

ELECTRIC DREAMS 1984 announced!

Oh GOD, NO!!
A horribly dated romantic comedy about a home computer gaining sentience because a guy spills a drink on it.
It then falls in love with the girl next door and the owner takes advantage of the fact the girl has fallen for the computer.

Worst booking since Incredible Shrinking WOMAN, and remember how that turned out.

Actually at this point no one probably does except for a select few.

Let me guess, someone found a 35mm print of it.

Actually, ELECTRIC DREAMS has been requested and sought out for several years. With HER in the news right now, it's pretty perfect timing. Not to mention that it's a pretty rare title that has never gotten a DVD release (most likely a music rights issue)

Note: INCREDIBLE SHRINKING WOMAN never actually got shown

L.A. Connection wrote on Dec 19^th, 2013 at 9:56pm:

Actually, ELECTRIC DREAMS has been requested and sought out for several years. With HER in the news right now, it's pretty perfect timing. Not to mention that it's a pretty rare title that has never gotten a DVD release (most likely a music rights issue) Note: INCREDIBLE SHRINKING WOMAN never actually got shown

Yeah, I think people complained about the film being booked. Since you had to go by the Welles to buy your tickets and get any info about films you could also throw comments about the bookings at the staff.

I was at LTM Cinema when Shrinking Woman came out and hated it.
I was working at the Paris Cinema when Electric Dreams came out, it bombed and I think lasted only a week.

I'll go along with it being a rare film.
But check out the trailer, its as generic a romantic comedy trailer as you could get.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek08KvgqFGM

Odd, looking at the trailer again if you put spooky music behind it you'd have a horror trailer from that era.

Holy f'n sh!t!!

THREE MOVIES ALREADY!

Wow, seems like its been years since we've had this many announcements before xmas!

Stoked!

Havent seen Flash Gordon in a while and this should rock da crowd!

Haven't seen Electric Dreams since vhs era!

And, who can argue with Dr.Who? Not me!

Newly announced: The Irish/British SF comedy from 2012:

GRABBERS:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1525366/combined

Woo-hoo!  Genuinely good movie announced!

To be fair, I kind of like Dr. Who and just know Electric Dreams by reputation.  But I loved Grabbers at Fantasia 2012, and am genuinely puzzled that it didn't get a Boston booking before now.  Does the Tremors thing and does it well.

Did you see the trailer for "Grabbers"? Did you notice the bartender was David Pearse: who once wowed a small Irish town with his portrayal of "Bonad" in "Zonad".

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0669164/
:D

I'm immediately thinking "Something's Got a Hold on Me" or any number of Irish drinking songs will fit this one!

L.A. Connection wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2014 at 2:16pm:

Newly announced: The Irish/British SF comedy from 2012: GRABBERS: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1525366/combined

Okay we're back on track.
Looks like it could be this years Attack The Block

Not only that, but, hopefully this bit of British whimsy will spare us from seeing perhaps the most overrrated SF film of 2013 - WORLD'S END. That would be way too much modern UK wit for one marathon, right?




da_Bunnyman wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2014 at 8:40pm:

L.A. Connection wrote on Jan 2nd, 2014 at 2:16pm: Newly announced: The Irish/British SF comedy from 2012: GRABBERS: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1525366/combined Okay we're back on track. Looks like it could be this years Attack The Block

Man, why you gotta drag unrelated crankiness into this?

I mean, if you've gotta complain, complain about The Visitor apparently being announced on Facebook.  Granted, it may have induced a nap or two when I saw it at the Brattle this fall, so maybe I missed the parts where it's awesomely weird, but it really struck me as a couple of clever scenes and outrageous-sounding premises too surrounded by cheap and boring to really be worth it.

The Facebook page says "Festival" not marathon on THE VISITOR announcement. Will have to confirm.

Either way, THE VISITOR is a cool addition. A newly minted cult classic.

1st short film announced for the Festival portion:

MATCH PERFECT:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ay7hJKZWOY

Three films have been announced for the Festival:

ANIMOSITY: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2464822/combined

COHERENCE: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2866360/combined

THE VISITOR (1979): Sounds more like Marathon material, but announced as a "Fest" entry: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080100/combined

Well, hopefully The Visitor is scheduled in such a way that I can check out some of the other neat stuff the Somerville Theatre is doing over the first few months of 2014, because it is a piece of crap whose sudden ubiquity is an ugly side effect of giving the Alamo Drafthouse guys such an influence over genre cinema.

It's not as though the Alamo Drafthouse folks only like the exploitation titles they are famous for. They've also released one of the best and most acclaimed films of the year in ACT OF KILLING.

And, some of us, do enjoy schlock and have fun with such material. THE VISITOR is a nutso piece that should go over well with those with a sense of humor.



Jay Seaver wrote on Jan 11^th, 2014 at 1:53pm:

Well, hopefully The Visitor is scheduled in such a way that I can check out some of the other neat stuff the Somerville Theatre is doing over the first few months of 2014, because it is a piece of crap whose sudden ubiquity is an ugly side effect of giving the Alamo Drafthouse guys such an influence over genre cinema.

Oh, I'm not saying they don't do good work, but there's something strange and vaguely wrong about one for-profit group (which has built itself a vertically-integrated festival-to-theater pipeline) being able to have such an influence on "cult" film.

And don't give me the "people with a sense of humor" sh!t.  I've seen this turd; it's largely boring with a couple nutso parts at the beginning and end.

On the eve of a likely Oscar Nomination, Bruce Dern in SILENT RUNNING! Hasn't been shown since year 4 of the Marathon back in 1979!


Cue up the Joan Baez...........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkF05D-NJMU

Another nice choice despite the Baez song and Bruce Dern in a dress.
Also some of the best onscreen robots ever.

WESTWORLD confirmed.

WORLD THE FLESH AND THE DEVIL as well (although it is currently listed as "festival")

George Pal's THE POWER from 1968 confirmed.

The Power at long last.  Not since SF2.  I feared that we would never get to see this again on the big screen.  Late 60's sci-fi thriller.  Produced by George Pal and directed by frequent Pal collaborator Byron Haskin (War of the Worlds, Conquest of Space).  He also directed about a half dozen Outer Limits episodes.

i just saw west world at the sommerville at the horror marathon. why are loyal patrons being punished?

vote only if you have not seen the movie.
Who has the power in "The Power"?

kirok wrote on Jan 16^th, 2014 at 3:30pm:

i just saw west world at the sommerville at the horror marathon. why are loyal patrons being punished?

"loyal patrons" aren't being punished, just you.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkE6clryLFo/TNbDo0lGnYI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/-tlj_j7hJZg/s400/Devil.gif

EVIL L.A.

Four new titles and what a bunch of intriguing titles at that.

Silent Running great effects, cool robots and prime example of 60's era attitude in film.

Westworld more robots and not a bad action film either. Only thing is Delos seems really underpriced these days.

The Power don't think I've seen this since SF2, a little slow but interesting conspiracy thriller.

World The Flesh & The Devil this was considered an "important" film when released and a lot of those have not aged well (remember On The Beach from the same year?)

What a great job! Every year there is usually a long sought after classic title in the mix. This year "Silent Running", "Westworld", and "The World, the Flesh and the Devil" all fall into that category. I'd add "Flash Gordon" as a personal favorite and am up for the three I haven't seen. "Dr Who and the Daleks" may be the only hit-or-miss given how many in the crowd are serious Whovians versus those who would snark.

A clear "dinner break" film? Not yet! :D

I was feeling a bit underwhelmed until this last batch of films was announced. I'm now officially psyched.

My easy pick for a dinner film is Electric Dreams. Not a fan.

R_F_Fineman wrote on Jan 16^th, 2014 at 8:35pm:

A clear "dinner break" film? Not yet! :D

Remember, no matter WHAT film is playing between 5pm and 10pm, a certain segment of the audience is gonna let their stomachs do the talking and eat. I was really pretty disappointed a few years ago when the LONG LONG sought after print of MST3K THE MOVIE showed and droves of folks bolted to go eat Big Macs.  :'(


I hope the food gave them an upset stomach!

8-)

L.A. Connection wrote on Jan 16^th, 2014 at 3:40pm:

kirok wrote on Jan 16th, 2014 at 3:30pm: i just saw west world at the sommerville at the horror marathon. why are loyal patrons being punished? "loyal patrons" aren't being punished, just you.

Eh, him and me.  Say I'm whining, but I find the sequence of:

(1) Festival takes my money
(2) I spend money when Movie X plays in the Boston area
(3) Festival announces Movie X as part of the schedule

... kind of uncool.

Sadly, because of the increasing rarity of 35mm prints, you see a lot of 'bicycling' of prints from Revival House to Revival House. Trust me, it's often the ONLY way to know for certain if a certain title even is available at all.

Look on the bright side - 100s of folks who couldn't attend in October will get a chance now - and, people who really dig the movie will get a chance to see it with 500 of their closest friends! And, what was the attendence in October - 50 people? 60?

As Eric Idle would say..............


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHPOzQzk9Qo

I get this, but I still think a one-year delay on the stuff that plays between when tickets go on sale and the marathon seems reasonable.  Take notes, get in contact early, but there's no harm in playing nice with the other local film events.  If there's so little available that the marathon has to use stuff that has played locally since tickets went on sale to fill out the schedule, it might be time to pack it up.

Jay Seaver wrote on Jan 16^th, 2014 at 11:48pm:

I get this, but I still think a one-year delay on the stuff that plays between when tickets go on sale and the marathon seems reasonable.  Take notes, get in contact early, but there's no harm in playing nice with the other local film events.  If there's so little available that the marathon has to use stuff that has played locally since tickets went on sale to fill out the schedule, it might be time to pack it up.

Sounds good on paper, but, trust me, that 35mm print might very be put in the vaults by next Marathon (if not have become unplayable physically). Already, most studios are already pushing theaters to "just play the DVD"...........

One of the year's more intelligent SF films, EUROPA REPORT, has been added to this year's Marathon lineup.

My original review: http://sf.theboard.net/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1376430077

L.A. Connection wrote on Jan 17^th, 2014 at 11:55am:

One of the year's more intelligent SF films, EUROPA REPORT, has been added to this year's Marathon lineup. My original review: http://sf.theboard.net/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1376430077

Okay, another interesting addition.
We've got 9 features booked now, is this the complete lineup?
I'm thinking maybe a 2013 blockbuster added to complete things.

Another one I haven't seen. Excellent.

And with this post I hit 100 and graduate to Full Member status.
Not quite the God status of old, but I'll take it.

Love this lineup so far, and a number of movies I either haven't seen or haven't seen in along time. Talked to Wally Kemp and he also gives lineup a thumbs up.

Do I understand correctly that

ANIMOSITY
COHERENCE &
WHO'S CHANGING
are all announced for the Festival but not the Thon?
Reading reviews of Coherence, it looks more than worthy for the Thon - and so far unseen by other than a select few.

Screenwriter PHILIP GELATT has been announced as a Guest at the Marathon to discuss the film, EUROPA REPORT.


pogo wrote on Jan 19^th, 2014 at 7:32pm:

Do I understand correctly that ANIMOSITY COHERENCE & WHO'S CHANGING are all announced for the Festival but not the Thon? Reading reviews of Coherence, it looks more than worthy for the Thon - and so far unseen by other than a select few.

Yes, those are Festival films.

Of course, we know that one or two ending up at the Marathon.

With less than a month away I'm wondering why the board is so quiet. Usually by this time new board members show up with important questions like
   --"What should I bring?"
   --"Do I have to stay for all the films?"
   -- "Where can I park?" and of course
   --"How can I get good seats?"

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http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/SidJohnny_zpsc7a8d584.jpg

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Where's Metaluna?
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/8a51586c-cf31-435d-ab3f-27ca730da8dd_zps353dd3d7.jpg

---

Is Major Tom busy at his day job?

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http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/MajorTom.jpg

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I miss you guys, newbies and veterans alike.

LFO: THE MOVIE: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2660332/combined

R_F_Fineman wrote on Jan 21^st, 2014 at 6:39pm:

With less than a month away I'm wondering why the board is so quiet. Usually by this time new board members show up with important questions like    --"What should I bring?"    --"Do I have to stay for all the films?"    -- "Where can I park?" and of course    --"How can I get good seats?" http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/SidJohnny_zpsc7a8d584.jpg Where's Metaluna? http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/8a51586c-cf31-435d-ab3f-27ca730da8dd_zps353dd3d7.jpg Is Major Tom busy at his day job? http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/MajorTom.jpg I miss you guys, newbies and veterans alike.

Hate to say it but I think most people on this site are the veterans who've been to many marathons.
Nothing really to lead newbies here and since most people are more normally active on Facebook & such they post there.

But even on Facebook there isn't much posting. A few likes and such, but, not much. And, at least half of THAT activity are 'veterans' as well.

All we can do is convince folks as we talk, text and otherwise interact with them to join the discussion.


da_Bunnyman wrote on Jan 22^nd, 2014 at 12:37am:

R_F_Fineman wrote on Jan 21st, 2014 at 6:39pm: With less than a month away I'm wondering why the board is so quiet. Usually by this time new board members show up with important questions like    --"What should I bring?"    --"Do I have to stay for all the films?"    -- "Where can I park?" and of course    --"How can I get good seats?" http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/SidJohnny_zpsc7a8d584.jpg Where's Metaluna? http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/8a51586c-cf31-435d-ab3f-27ca730da8dd_zps353dd3d7.jpg Is Major Tom busy at his day job? http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/MajorTom.jpg I miss you guys, newbies and veterans alike. Hate to say it but I think most people on this site are the veterans who've been to many marathons. Nothing really to lead newbies here and since most people are more normally active on Facebook & such they post there.

THE SEARCH FOR SIMON added to the Festival lineup:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2340076/combined

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVs3mSmDRJI

INVERSE - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2428726/combined

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQsDZd_PEsE

ARMISTICE - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2112331/combined

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ds0bQXmTFZY

One of those serious scholars of offbeat cinema opines:

Quote:

Could 1979’s ‘The Visitor’ Be the Best Film of 2013?* – now that the film has been “rediscovered,” re-released, and reconsidered outside of its initial commercial context, The Visitor’s excesses, narrative incoherence, and outright bizarre stylistic choices come across as original and inventive, as a frame entirely without a reference. It feels as if one is watching a mainstream narrative film as might be seen by space aliens. That which was tired and derivative upon The Visitor’s initial release now comes across as brazenly unorthodox and downright avant-garde.

http://bopaulmedia.com/could-1979s-the-visitor-be-the-best-film-of-2013

Possible answers:

-No

-Hell No!

-They must be selling some pretty strong beer down at the Alamo Draft House.

I, for one, am all the more excited by the prospects of what the 'thon crowd will think. "Lady Terminator" was a rediscovery that thrilled the 'thon audience in a way no DVD view ever could. All it really had going for it was tightly edited action and unintentional comedy. Still, we were thrilled and never bored.

On the other hand, reviewers of bizarre "rediscoveries" championed "The Apple". -RF ;)

R_F_Fineman wrote on Jan 26^th, 2014 at 1:10pm:

One of those serious scholars of offbeat cinema opines: Quote: Could 1979’s ‘The Visitor’ Be the Best Film of 2013?* – now that the film has been “rediscovered,” re-released, and reconsidered outside of its initial commercial context, The Visitor’s excesses, narrative incoherence, and outright bizarre stylistic choices come across as original and inventive, as a frame entirely without a reference. It feels as if one is watching a mainstream narrative film as might be seen by space aliens. That which was tired and derivative upon The Visitor’s initial release now comes across as brazenly unorthodox and downright avant-garde. http://bopaulmedia.com/could-1979s-the-visitor-be-the-best-film-of-2013 Possible answers: -No -Hell No! -They must be selling some pretty strong beer down at the Alamo Draft House. I, for one, am all the more excited by the prospects of what the 'thon crowd will think. "Lady Terminator" was a rediscovery that thrilled the 'thon audience in a way no DVD view ever could. All it really had going for it was tightly edited action and unintentional comedy. Still, we were thrilled and never bored. On the other hand, reviewers of bizarre "rediscoveries" championed "The Apple". -RF ;)

THE APPLE and LADY TERMINATOR comparisons are stronger than the 'Best Film of 2013' one. And, THAT'S a good thing!  :D :D :D :D

FB announcement.  TRUMAN SHOW just added to the list.  Discuss, discuss.   

Frank wrote on Jan 26^th, 2014 at 3:32pm:

FB announcement.  TRUMAN SHOW just added to the list.  Discuss, discuss.

Another great choice.

Not even usually thought of as science fiction (but it is.)

Big fan of THE TRUMAN SHOW. It's sci-fi adjacent, but, much more apt than some of the other quasi films we've seen.

Terrific addition to an already pretty great schedule

Think we're set now?
With Truman Show added, The Visitor made official and our guest speaker I think this may be the complete lineup.
Plus shorts, trailers and a video surprise or two.

Now, what to choose for a dinner break?

da_Bunnyman wrote on Jan 27^th, 2014 at 9:11pm:

Think we're set now? With Truman Show added, The Visitor made official and our guest speaker I think this may be the complete lineup. Plus shorts, trailers and a video surprise or two. Now, what to choose for a dinner break?

Dinner break? We could re-book MST3K: THE MOVIE - that seemed to clear out whole rows when it showed around dinner time.......


Keep watching the board, more to come....... :-X

L.A. Connection wrote on Jan 27^th, 2014 at 9:22pm:

da_Bunnyman wrote on Jan 27th, 2014 at 9:11pm: Think we're set now? With Truman Show added, The Visitor made official and our guest speaker I think this may be the complete lineup. Plus shorts, trailers and a video surprise or two. Now, what to choose for a dinner break? Dinner break? We could re-book MST3K: THE MOVIE - that seemed to clear out whole rows when it showed around dinner time....... Keep watching the board, more to come....... :-X

Hmmm, should I take that as a threat, a warning, or just a promise?

Looking over the list so far there is not much I want to miss. Maybe Electric Dreams or The Visitor. Like the showing of MST3K; The Movie, time often decides when my group takes a break. (We all stayed for that film btw.)

In honor of Ray Harryhausen's passing, FIRST MEN IN THE MOON has been announced! Not shown at the Marathon in two decades.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_IbVkMbx20/UhM1TPIsJJI/AAAAAAAAPiQ/DqQaYBi5-6A/s320/first_men_in_the_moon.jpg

Another hit! Another film that hasn't seen the big screen in decades! Another film I don't want to take a dinner break for!  :D

By my calculations, between 171/2 and 19 hours of the 23 hour run-time have been accounted for depending on the mystery that is "The Visitor".
If it isn't in the actual Marathon lineup then there is room for three more titles.
     SF-39 Titles                                    
[th][/b]/[th]                                                                                                

Title	Mins	H:M:S
FLASH GORDON	111	1:51:00
DR. WHO & THE DALEKS	82	1:22:00
THE VISITOR (?)	90	1:30:00
ELECTRIC DREAMS	95	1:35:00
GRABBERS	94	1:34:00
THE POWER	108	1:48:00
WORLD THE FLESH & THE DEVIL	95	1:35:00
SILENT RUNNING	89	1:29:00
EUROPA REPORT	90	1:30:00
WESTWORLD	88	1:28:00
THE TRUMAN SHOW	103	1:43:00
FIRST MEN IN THE MOON	103	1:43:00
-	-	-
-	-	-
Sum:	1148	19:08:00

                                         

R_F_Fineman wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 1:05pm:

Another hit! Another film that hasn't seen the big screen in decades! Another film I don't want to take a dinner break for!  :D By my calculations, between 171/2 and 19 hours of the 23 hour run-time have been accounted for depending on the mystery that is "The Visitor". If it isn't in the actual Marathon lineup then there is room for three more titles.      SF-39 Titles                                     [th][/b]/[th]                                                                                                      Title            Mins            H:M:S            FLASH GORDON            111            1:51:00            DR. WHO & THE DALEKS            82            1:22:00            THE VISITOR (?)            90            1:30:00            ELECTRIC DREAMS            95            1:35:00            GRABBERS            94            1:34:00            THE POWER            108            1:48:00            WORLD THE FLESH & THE DEVIL            95            1:35:00            SILENT RUNNING            89            1:29:00            EUROPA REPORT            90            1:30:00            WESTWORLD            88            1:28:00            THE TRUMAN SHOW            103            1:43:00            FIRST MEN IN THE MOON            103            1:43:00            -            -            -            -            -            -            Sum:            1148            19:08:00

Remember our guest, the screenwriter for Europa Report, not sure how to score that time wise.

Another film added, the 1916 restored silent film Homunculus (spelled wrong  in the release list on Facebook.)
Only part IV exists so figure in 69 mins.

da_Bunnyman wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 10:56pm:

Another film added, the 1916 restored silent film Homunculus (spelled wrong  in the release list on Facebook.) Only part IV exists so figure in 69 mins.

Actually, this is a brand new restoration. It runs 113 minutes.

This is not a complete restoration, however. This was originally a six part serial.  The majority of it is simply lost.  I am stoked for this one as it is super rare, indeed.  The movie was made during WWI. Unbelievable!

Here's a long entry on the history of the film, Homuculus. Included, is a discussion of the Eastman House restoration we are seeing:

http://nitratevault.webs.com/homunculus.htm

Even though the film itself has probably not been seen in its entirety by anyone not now residing in a nursing home, it doesn't stop some online reviewers giving away major plot twists of HOMUNCULUS. Beware! :o

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/Homunculus_zpsf8a9af39.jpg

Is he the original "Data" or is he the original "Lor"?

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/DataLor_zpsc33a8497.jpeg

Please don't spoil it for anybody.

Over all, I really like this year's lineup. My only regret is that Garen chose not to book the SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO movie, since it was finally available this year. It would have been a Blu-Ray screening, but I still believe it would make a great marathon movie.

da_Bunnyman wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 9:57pm:

Remember our guest, the screenwriter for Europa Report, not sure how to score that time wise.

You also have to slap in about two hours for the 5-10 minute breaks between films, as well as shorts and what have you.

Neil_N wrote on Jan 31^st, 2014 at 10:01am:

My only regret is that Garen chose not to book the SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO movie, since it was finally available this year. It would have been a Blu-Ray screening, but I still believe it would make a great marathon movie.

     Always heartening to see that people are willing to spend money to watch a format they can play for themselves at home.  Gives me real hope for the future of exhibition.  >:(

David, do you know how many of the films this year will be digital sources as opposed to actual prints?
The question came up on a Facebook posting and I'll trying to convince a few folks that this is worth their effort to get here this year.

David the Projectionist wrote on Jan 31^st, 2014 at 11:36am:

Neil_N wrote on Jan 31st, 2014 at 10:01am: My only regret is that Garen chose not to book the SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO movie, since it was finally available this year. It would have been a Blu-Ray screening, but I still believe it would make a great marathon movie.      Always heartening to see that people are willing to spend money to watch a format they can play for themselves at home.  Gives me real hope for the future of exhibition.  >:(

If the distributor isn't going to bother to even make a proper digital exhibition copy available, you go with what you've got. I know that there's a subtitled 35mm festival print of Yamato available, but apparently the Japanese licensor didn't make that available to Eleven Arts for the US showings. And Eleven Arts told me that they didn't have the money to strike any film prints, so any showings booked through them would just be off of Blu-Ray. Sadly, the Japanese companies are doing this more and more. Pretty much any anime movie screening ends up being off of Blu-Ray nowadays. It doesn't matter that Yamato is a big-budget (for Japan) live action hit movie. They just don't want to spend ANYTHING on foreign distro anymore. Any screenings just end up as publicity for the home video release.

Quote:

Neil N: You also have to slap in about two hours for the 5-10 minute breaks between films, as well as shorts and what have you.

That's true. I'm no stranger to the lineup and its quirks. Here's what we've been privately using to plan the amount of break music. Breaks between prime-time slots often have contests and presentations which mean no break music. Never really knowing which films will fill those slots, we come armed with about ten minutes of songs for each movie just to be safe. If a silent film has a live performance we add another ten minutes of music to cover the time the performer needs to break down his setup. ("20,000 Leagues" for example) I suspect that if HOMONUCULUS has a performer it will be in prime time and Garen and LA will schedule a lights-on contest to fill the void.

---

                                               
[th]/[th]      
                                               
                                                                                   

Title	Mins	H:M:S
Introduction		0:05:00
Duck Dodgers		0:07:00
FLASH GORDON	111	1:51:00
		0:10:00
DR. WHO & THE DALEKS	82	1:22:00
		0:10:00
THE VISITOR	90	1:30:00
In Memoriam		0:10:00
ELECTRIC DREAMS	95	1:35:00
Trivia		0:10:00
GRABBERS	94	1:34:00
Guest Speaker		0:45:00
THE POWER	108	1:48:00
Mating Call		0:10:00
WORLD THE FLESH & THE DEVIL	95	1:35:00
Tinfoil Hat		0:10:00
SILENT RUNNING	89	1:29:00
Secret Event		0:20:00
EUROPA REPORT	90	1:30:00
		0:10:00
WESTWORLD	88	1:28:00
		0:10:00
THE TRUMAN SHOW	103	1:43:00
		0:10:00
FIRST MEN IN THE MOON	103	1:43:00
		0:10:00
HOMUNCULUS	113	1:53:00
Sum	1261	23:58:00

---

                                         

Note: This is not official -just my working estimate. It looks like room for a short or two but that's just about it. :)

Secret event?
Do you know something we don't or is that the screenwriters talk?

da_Bunnyman wrote on Jan 31^st, 2014 at 2:24pm:

Secret event? Do you know something we don't or is that the screenwriters talk?

Not sure if RF knows but stay tuned for a surprise or two. 

Quote:

da_Bunnyman wrote Today at 2:24pm: Secret event? Do you know something we don't or is that the screenwriters talk? Frank: Not sure if RF knows but stay tuned for a surprise or two.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/sgtshultz_zpsed4fbe53.jpg

I know NOTHING!

Frank wrote on Jan 31^st, 2014 at 2:36pm:

da_Bunnyman wrote on Jan 31st, 2014 at 2:24pm: Secret event? Do you know something we don't or is that the screenwriters talk? Not sure if RF knows but stay tuned for a surprise or two.

By stay tuned, I mean attend the thon! :) :)

Correction:

My total time was off.

The total time should read:
23:58:00

Presenting the "Gort Award" is another event that takes place during one of the breaks as well. All of this speculative calculation is just to say they have the Marathon lineup accounted for. Don't expect any new titles.

Now, what to choose for a dinner break? [/quote]


Dinner break? What's that? I never leave the theater for the entire 24 hours.

Dinsdale wrote on Feb 1^st, 2014 at 11:50am:

Now, what to choose for a dinner break?

Dinner break? What's that? I never leave the theater for the entire 24 hours.[/quote]

That's the spirit!  :)

Solid lineup. Solid, solid lineup. Sonya and I are looking forward to it. We saw WESTWORLD at the Somerville's mini Terror-Thon a few months back, but it's good. Nice print IIRC.

Agree w. Misters Fineman, Bunnyman, Frank & others that this looks like an extremely strong lineup.
I particularly like the scheduling of Homoculus   along with more accessible films. Also the Harryhausen.
There are a few others (Westworld, World,the Flesh---, Silent Running --) that I wouldn't have scheduled, but I suffer from the disability of attendance at other Marathons. It ain't the films, it's me.
Flash Gordon I can certainly do without, having been bored by a showing at an Ohio festival less than a year ago. I think that those like me, who have (had) not seen it lately probably have a positive memory of classic cheese. Unfortunately it's not "Classic", it's just bad.
I would really like to see Coherance, both due to the reviews and having had an advanced letch for Elizabeth Gracen for years. Please keep it on hand should another film self destruct or otherwise be a no show. I will attempt to see it at the Festival, but won't be in Bostown for long, so that probably won't happen.
Anyway. As a visitor from afar I am looking forward to this lineup as eagerly as any, at any city's marathon, in quite some years. Thanks to the responsibles.

I guess that's the 'danger' of attending too many Marathons!
:)

One of the main reasons I've never made it to Ohio despite encouragement from friends there. Too much overlap, and too close together on the calendar.  :-/ :-/

WESTWORLD and WORLD FLESH & DEVIL have NEVER played the Boston Marathon. SILENT RUNNING for 35 years! FLASH GORDON for 30!

And, from what I gather, the Boston crowd seems to dig good/bad cult films more than the Ohio one, so I think FLASH will do fine here.


pogo wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2014 at 11:44am:

Agree w. Misters Fineman, Bunnyman, Frank & others that this looks like an extremely strong lineup. I particularly like the scheduling of Homoculus   along with more accessible films. Also the Harryhausen. There are a few others (Westworld, World,the Flesh---, Silent Running --) that I wouldn't have scheduled, but I suffer from the disability of attendance at other Marathons. It ain't the films, it's me. Flash Gordon I can certainly do without, having been bored by a showing at an Ohio festival less than a year ago. I think that those like me, who have (had) not seen it lately probably have a positive memory of classic cheese. Unfortunately it's not "Classic", it's just bad. I would really like to see Coherance, both due to the reviews and having had an advanced letch for Elizabeth Gracen for years. Please keep it on hand should another film self destruct or otherwise be a no show. I will attempt to see it at the Festival, but won't be in Bostown for long, so that probably won't happen. Anyway. As a visitor from afar I am looking forward to this lineup as eagerly as any, at any city's marathon, in quite some years. Thanks to the responsibles.

Quote:

LA: I guess that's the 'danger' of attending too many Marathons!...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/ThonCartoon_tall_zps54c4d4ef.jpg

Marathons: they're all about preparation! :)

L.A. Connection wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2014 at 1:24pm:

I guess that's the 'danger' of attending too many Marathons! :) One of the main reasons I've never made it to Ohio despite encouragement from friends there. Too much overlap, and too close together on the calendar.  :-/ :-/ WESTWORLD and WORLD FLESH & DEVIL have NEVER played the Boston Marathon. SILENT RUNNING for 35 years! FLASH GORDON for 30! And, from what I gather, the Boston crowd seems to dig good/bad cult films more than the Ohio one, so I think FLASH will do fine here. pogo wrote on Feb 3rd, 2014 at 11:44am: Agree w. Misters Fineman, Bunnyman, Frank & others that this looks like an extremely strong lineup. I particularly like the scheduling of Homoculus   along with more accessible films. Also the Harryhausen. There are a few others (Westworld, World,the Flesh---, Silent Running --) that I wouldn't have scheduled, but I suffer from the disability of attendance at other Marathons. It ain't the films, it's me. Flash Gordon I can certainly do without, having been bored by a showing at an Ohio festival less than a year ago. I think that those like me, who have (had) not seen it lately probably have a positive memory of classic cheese. Unfortunately it's not "Classic", it's just bad. I would really like to see Coherance, both due to the reviews and having had an advanced letch for Elizabeth Gracen for years. Please keep it on hand should another film self destruct or otherwise be a no show. I will attempt to see it at the Festival, but won't be in Bostown for long, so that probably won't happen. Anyway. As a visitor from afar I am looking forward to this lineup as eagerly as any, at any city's marathon, in quite some years. Thanks to the responsibles.

In that case L.A., to quote Cool McCool "Danger is my business"  8-) (damn that's an obscure cartoon to quote from)
This is a solid lineup, no big recent blockbusters but lots of interesting ones. As to the absence of indie films like Coherence, lets face it after the reception last year you may not see many at the 'thon again. World The Flesh & The Devil is really obscure these days despite being a big budget hit in its time. Most folks likely know Corman cheapies better than this one.
Silent Running back after 35 years seems right but has it really been 30 since we showed Flash? Maybe because we almost always see the trailer (which is actually more enjoyable than the film.) Westworld's been a film I've been requesting for decades so I don't mind seeing it again. Homuculus is unseen in almost a century, not sure I'll like it but I'm looking forward to saying I've seen it and likely mispronouncing the title. :)
The weakest title looks like 70's schlock piece The Visitor and those often turn out to be a lot of fun.
And Dr Who & The Daleks is sure to lend itself to some repeated catchphrases. I still say dump alien Mating Call and replace with "Unlikeliest Thing A Dalek Would say Contest".
Not discussed before but I hope we can take advantage of the video projection system used last year to show the twilight Zone ep and tribute to stars who passed away.
While quality might not be the best it'll enable us to get shorts from YouTube such as Daicon III/IV and of course the original Wizard of Speed & Time among many others.

Sorry for rambling a bit, the marathon madness is hitting me hard.  ;D

I've mentioned before how excited I am any time a silent film hits the big screen at the Festival/Marathon.

Recently a lot of bloggers are "discovering" the "lost" silent "Aelita Queen of Mars" through Video/Online sources.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL6hG1erfFo

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/Aelita_zps2b541755.gif

I consider myself truly fortunate to have seen it years ago at the Coolidge Marathon on the big screen with a theramin playing live. Aelita shown that way is a completely different experience than one gets on a Youtube screen.

Bring on HOMUNUCULUS! :D

Not discussed before but I hope we can take advantage of the video projection system used last year to show the twilight Zone ep and tribute to stars who passed away.
While quality might not be the best it'll enable us to get shorts from YouTube such as Daicon III/IV and of course the original Wizard of Speed & Time among many others.

I'd love to see The Wizard again!

You're just trying to hurt Dave, aren't you? :)

(Also, if they do the "In Memorium" thing again, cut that sucker's length by half, and make it much less of a guessing game.)

Dinsdale wrote on Feb 5^th, 2014 at 2:05pm:

Not discussed before but I hope we can take advantage of the video projection system used last year to show the twilight Zone ep and tribute to stars who passed away. While quality might not be the best it'll enable us to get shorts from YouTube such as Daicon III/IV and of course the original Wizard of Speed & Time among many others. I'd love to see The Wizard again!

This is the best copy of the original Wizard of Speed and Time short I've ever seen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ1Hz_iRvIY

This is better than the copy I saw at Off The Wall in the 80s.

Dinsdale wrote on Feb 5^th, 2014 at 2:05pm:

Not discussed before but I hope we can take advantage of the video projection system used last year to show the twilight Zone ep and tribute to stars who passed away. While quality might not be the best it'll enable us to get shorts from YouTube such as Daicon III/IV and of course the original Wizard of Speed & Time among many others. I'd love to see The Wizard again!

But odd coincidence, I was just asking Garen if he'd lie to show my copy of the original Wizard of Speed and Time short (Which I had transferred off of a 16mm print a few years back onto Digital Betacam). I also have a very high quality copy of Daicon III and IV.

da_Bunnyman wrote on Feb 5^th, 2014 at 9:22pm:

This is the best copy of the original Wizard of Speed and Time short I've ever seen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ1Hz_iRvIY This is better than the copy I saw at Off The Wall in the 80s.

You're welcome.  8-)

No, seriously, that's an upload of the transfer I personally had run at National Video Center on Commonwealth Ave a few years ago. The 16mm print it came from is in a drawer about three feet away from me right now. I have a DigiBeta and Mini DV copy as well. One of these days, when I have a few hundred dollars lying around, I'll transfer the educational film that also has a major Mike Jittlov segment in it.

Would love to see these on the big screen, if not this year, which looks like it's a pretty full schedule, then next year as the 'thon turns the BIG 4-0!

If you look at the numbers, there's pretty close to the full number of minutes if you include contests and even nominal breaks.

But, there still may be a surprise or two!

;) ;)

F'n A!!

this is a hot lineup, soldiers!!

Very pumped!

First Men in the Moon - harryhausen ruled!

Westworld - always wanted to see this on the big screen

Silent Running - haven't seen it in years. cool spaceships and droids!

Dr. Who - yessir!

Europa Report - didn't see it, want to

Electric Dreams - ha! this should be fun for some retro laughs

The Visitor - if it is anything like The Apple, this should be a trip!

World Flesh & Devil - pretty obscure, but some black and white nuke destruction always fits the bill

Humonculous - silent films are always a treat. live music??

The Power - George Pal! And some trippy 60s effects. Should be cooool

Truman Show - ok. I like the movie, but sci-fi?

Grabbers - I guess we have to show something from the festival. Lets just PRAY TO GOD its better than Motivational Growth and Folklore and that stupid ass Screeming Forehead thingee. Speakin of that Motivational turd. I thought we were told it wuz gonna be a big cult hit by now! Yeah right!!!


Overall, this seems like a great lineup!

see you all in a week!

That's the spirit, er....officer!


G.I. Joe wrote on Feb 9^th, 2014 at 2:27pm:

F'n A!! this is a hot lineup, soldiers!! Very pumped! First Men in the Moon - harryhausen ruled! Westworld - always wanted to see this on the big screen Silent Running - haven't seen it in years. cool spaceships and droids! Dr. Who - yessir! Europa Report - didn't see it, want to Electric Dreams - ha! this should be fun for some retro laughs The Visitor - if it is anything like The Apple, this should be a trip! World Flesh & Devil - pretty obscure, but some black and white nuke destruction always fits the bill Humonculous - silent films are always a treat. live music?? The Power - George Pal! And some trippy 60s effects. Should be cooool Truman Show - ok. I like the movie, but sci-fi? Grabbers - I guess we have to show something from the festival. Lets just PRAY TO GOD its better than Motivational Growth and Folklore and that stupid ass Screeming Forehead thingee. Speakin of that Motivational turd. I thought we were told it wuz gonna be a big cult hit by now! Yeah right!!! Overall, this seems like a great lineup! see you all in a week!

I would not worry too much G.I. Joe, "Grabbers" looks more like it'll be an Attack The Block type of film as opposed to Motivational Growth.

Here's a DVD that will certainly sell to a number of Marathoners after seeing the bizarro THE VISITOR next week!

http://badassdigest.com/2014/02/07/double-dose-of-repertory-madness-from-drafthouse-films-hits-dvd-blu-ra/

http://cf.badassdigest.com/_uploads/images/Visitor-BD.jpg

G.I. Joe wrote on Feb 9^th, 2014 at 2:27pm:

Grabbers - I guess we have to show something from the festival.

Trust me, Grabbers is much better than the stuff that gets booked for the festival portion (or at least the stuff that Garen gets enthused for).  It's got actual special effects, competent actors, etc.

Mentioned at the Fest tonight:  Homonculus has been canceled (insurance issues with the print, per Garen), and has been replaced with Children of Men.

Jay Seaver wrote on Feb 11^th, 2014 at 2:16am:

Mentioned at the Fest tonight:  Homonculus has been canceled (insurance issues with the print, per Garen), and has been replaced with Children of Men.

Too bad, I was looking forward to seeing it.

Jay Seaver wrote on Feb 11^th, 2014 at 2:16am:

Mentioned at the Fest tonight:  Homonculus has been canceled (insurance issues with the print, per Garen), and has been replaced with Children of Men.

The loss of a potentially intriguing film, if nothing else it would have been one of those "only chance to ever see it on the big screen" moments that the marathon brings to film fans.

Children of Men is a good replacement.
Well reviewed, talented director but not a huge hit so many have not seen it. Good cast too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NLrVAUsNLw

Two years in a row of losing the silent film portion of the marathon.
Maybe next year for the 40th anniversary we'll get a silent rarity.

Loved Children of Men.  Looking forward to it.  It is terrific.  However, I am very sorry to lose Homonculus.

Children of Men is one of my favorite science fiction films.  Dystopia societies and humankind going out with a whimper instead of a bang are among my favorite themes. The fact that we are only a few bad decisions away from similar scenarios really hits home.   

Aaaaw.
Agree with the comments about Children of Men.  At least 4 performances, led by that of Clive Owen, could carry entire other films. Michael Caine alone gives you more than you'll see in a week of movie watching.
As part of the 39th Marathon quiz I asked what was your most genuinely scary film. For me Children--- was the answer. The Fascism & societal breakdown was a little too close to home. Unfortunately it was shown at the Cleveland Marathon last month, so I'll be sleeping.
Homonculus was the film that I was most looking forward to.

Children of Men also boasts a great soundtrack and oh yea Michael Caine gives a great performance (not in the least unusual).   

As fate would have it CHILDREN OF MEN was on my warm-up list of movies to watch this week in anticipation of the 'Thon, but despite looking high and low I couldn't find my copy of the film. The SF Gods were watching over me.

This was posted in the Fest thread but is relevant here - Garen's mentioned during screenings that there will be a sidebar in the theaters downstairs during the thon, consisting of the shorts from the festival (the same as have played the 'fest) and a Russian cult film, "Kin Za Za,"
the Board is not letting me post links because it thinks I'm a brand new member for some reason, but you can find that on youtube if you're curious

RE: Homunculus
Too bad.  I look forward to silent goodies on a big screen each year. [sigh]
However,
RE:  Children of Men
Suggested it early on and will be happy to see it.
I can always be silent, all by myself....  ;)

I too will miss "Homunculus" and hope to see it someday on the big screen. I would hope the the George Eastman House, which does such good work, could strike a print that can be shared with film festivals around the world.

High praise for "Children of Men"

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/JustAjoke_zpsb97fb1c1.gif

This will be a special Marathon for me. Two years ago I had an extra ticket to SF/37 and asked my friend Sonya, with whom I'd been hanging out quite a bit recently, if she'd like to come along. We had a great marathon together, bonded over Cronenberg and other goodies, and realized something was up when we didn't want to stop talking after it was all over. We stayed up several more hours having discussions over tea, finally said good-bye to go to our respective homes (and pass out), and started dating a week or so afterwards.

We've seen plenty of films together since, including two 'Thons and some mini-thons around the area. We got married in December and we still keep seeing films; we saw THE MONUMENTS MEN tonight at the Somerville and we'll be in the balcony on Sunday.

The Marathon has been a special part of my life for twenty years now, and sharing it with people I love has always been very important. I've brought a lot of friends along to the Marathon over the years but never did I think I'd end up going with my wife. While we didn't technically meet at the Marathon, what we learned from it (among other things) was that we could very easily stand each other's presence for twenty-four hours, and then some.

Balcony or bust!

Awesome story Spatch

Quote:

Spatch: Two years ago I had an extra ticket to SF/37 and asked my friend Sonya, with whom I'd been hanging out quite a bit recently, if she'd like to come along. We had a great marathon together, bonded over Cronenberg and other goodies, and realized something was up when we didn't want to stop talking after it was all over...

Yes Spatch -a great story. Maybe next Valentine's Day one of those dull free weeklies that replaced the never dull Boston Phoenix will declare the Sci-fi Marathon as the place for singles to hook up!  ;)

You're listed as a "Newbie" which is, no doubt, the product of the system reboot that set us all to zero some time back. We in the know can truly attest that you are a seasoned veteran of Marathon films both famous and infamous.

Speaking of veterans, where's Projectionist Dave and his "print report"? It's always one of my favorite parts of the final days of the countdown.

Spatch, you and Sonya are a great couple. I'm glad to hear the marathon played such a great role in making it so.