Archived News Stories from 2005: December 2005 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005

Courage & Stupidity Now Available on DVD
January 29th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

In December of last year, a film premiered at the Queens Film Festival in New York and earned the nick-name, "The biggest small film ever made."  With a run time of only 25 minutes, Courage & Stupidity, (directed by Darin Beckstead and staring Todd Wall, Aaron Fiore and Kahil Dotay) tells the tale of Steven Spielberg and the production of Jaws and the problems that Steven faced.

"Courage & Stupidity is a comedy inspired by Steven Spielberg and his early years as an up and coming filmmaker. Set somewhere in the 1970's, Steven has a major studio deal to direct a movie about a killer shark and is confident that his experience will be a breeze. Conflicts arise after Steven and his pal George (based on George Lucas) accidentally destroy the movies main prop --- a mechanical shark. The day following the giant fish sinks to the ocean floor and it looks as if the director's career has gone with it. Steven must stop the film's producers from pulling the plug and find a way to make his monster movie without a monster. Al though inspired by public information, the truth is that Mr. Spielberg has never harmed nor would he ever harm a mechanical fish."

And now, everyone can have the chance to see Courage & Stupidity in all its glory as this clever comedy short has just arrived on DVD!  The Courage & Stupidity DVD (available at Courage and Stupidity.com) boasts a nice collection of special features for your viewing pleasure, including:

•  Behind the scenes video
•  Actor auditions/screen test
•  Production photo slideshow
•  Storyboard intro
•  The trailer

An interesting fact to point out: the film's title, Courage & Stupidity, is actually in reference to a comment Spielberg made when he was asked what he remembers when he thinks of the production of Jaws.  The quote appeared in the Making of Jaws documentary on the 25th Anniversary Edition DVD.  With its amazing cast, beautiful film quality and a killer story to boot, this looks to be a must-have for Spielberg and Indiana Jones fans alike.

For more info on Courage & Stupidity, visit the official site where you can purchase the DVD, download the trailer, view production photos and learn more about the actors and the filmmakers.

 

TIE.c's Raiders: Adaptation Press Page Updated
January 24th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Just a quick update that we have updated the Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation section with some new media and review quotes in the Adaptation Press Archives.  For more exclusive information about the Raiders remake, visit TIE.c's Raiders: Adaptation Page for videos, interviews, radio interviews, photo galleries and more!

Thanks to Eric Zala for the new info!

Special Raiders Screening and Summit in Canada!
January 24th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Just got word from Gater over at Club Obi-Wan of a special Indy fan summit and screening of Raiders of the Lost Ark this May!  Gater has rented the Mayfair Theater in Ottawa, Canada for a special private summit and Raiders screening on May 21st - 22nd.  The screening is open to all fans who wish to attend the screening.

The Mayfair theater has remained unchanged since its opening on December 5th, 1932, giving you the perfect environment to enjoy a big screen presentation of Raiders.  For more information on the summit and the screening, you can contact Gater at cruizin_ottawa@hotmail.com.

Thanks to Gater for the news!

 

 

Raiders of the Lost Ark Screening at Abbey Roa
January 24th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Almost 24 years ago, John Williams recorded the Oscar-Nominated musical score to Raiders of the Lost Ark at Abbey Road Studios.  The recording studio will be celebrating its 25 years in the film industry (March 19th - April 3rd) with screenings of classic films including Aliens, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and Raiders of the Lost Ark!

The screenings will be open to the public and tickets will be £15 - £20.  The screenings will start off with Raiders on March 19th (12 pm, 3 pm and 7:30 pm).  You can purchase tickets through TicketMaster (0870 606 3433) beginning February 3rd.  Visit Abbey Road.co.uk for more information.

Thanks to Spielbergfilms.com for the news!

Raiders: Adaptation Screening in San Francisco!
January 22nd, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Fans in San Francisco will be happy to know that the legendary Raiders remake is coming to town next month!  Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation will be making a stop in San Francisco next month for two screenings at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival 2005!

•  Friday, February 4th at 4:30 pm
•  Saturday, February 5th at 12 pm

Adaptation creators Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala and Jayson Lamb will be in attendance for the screening.  Both screenings will be in the Women's Building during the festival.  For tickets and other info, visit SF Indie Fest.com.

Thanks to Eric Zala for the update!

Indiana Jones and Han Solo in Mercenaries
January 20th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Ever wonder what Indy would do with a modern-day array of weapons?  IGN.com reported today that LucasArts has revealed a cool secret about their new game, Mercenaries.  Once unlocked, gamers can choose to play as Indiana Jones and Han Solo in the game:

"Players who collect all 20 "National Treasures" in the game can then access their PDA to unlock either Indy (on the PS2) or Han Solo (on the Xbox). It's a double dose of Harrison Ford, but really, what more could you want?"

Thanks to Eddie for the tip!

Lucas' Plans for Indy IV Revealed?
January 20th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

After recovering from laughter and a sever case of the giggles, I managed to add this to the news, hope you all enjoy.  The online magazine, The Simon has posted an "exclusive" memo from George Lucas to Steven Spielberg concerning Indiana Jones 4.

"I know we’ve been tossing around ideas about Indy finding Atlantis, but it’s the search for Christian relics that are our real bread and butter with this series. The Shroud of Turin? Noah’s Ark? We could just make something up and give it all sorts of neat powers: The Mittens of Christ, Moses’ Messenger Bag, the Chairs of the Nephilim. Again – think merchandising. After seeing the kind of money The Passion made, I just know that folks would line up around the block to see Indiana Jones and the Socks of the Apostles.

-Last thought: Indy grows a handlebar mustache? Weird, I know – but there’s something very “true” about it."

Throughout the past five or so years, comedians all around the world, professional and fans alike have been making jokes about Indiana Jones 4, the script delays, George Lucas' attitude about the film, and of course Harrison Ford's age.  This fan-made letter managed to capture all that and give us a good laugh.  So do yourself a favor and read the memo, Lucas to Spielberg: The Next Indiana Jones.

Thanks to Eddie for the link!

Steven Spielberg and the Great Emancipator
January 20th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

The web has been abuzz with talk of Steven Spielberg and Liam Neeson working on a biopic of the Great Emancipator himself, Abraham Lincoln (with Neeson playing the part of Honest Abe.)  According to Variety, Spielberg has been toying with the idea of doing a film on the life of our 16th President since 2001.  Various delays and script rewrites have forced the film back, sounds a lot like Indiana Jones 4 huh?

Well, now it seems that Spielberg will be giving it another shot and is looking to begin production on the Lincoln biopic in January of 2006.  Sounds great to be honest with you, but what about Indy IV?  Spielberg has stated on several occasions that Indiana Jones 4 WILL happen, but both he and Ford have several other projects lined up ahead of the fourth adventure.

So what's the deal?  Well, nobody knows for sure, but hopefully when Nathanson does officially finish the Indy IV script and "The Big Three" sign off on it, production will begin and all other projects put on hold.  Keep your fingers crossed.

Thanks to Ryan and Filmfodder for the news!

Raiders of the Lost Ark Screening in New Jersey!
January 20th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Good news for fans in the New Jersey area!  The landmark Loew's Jersey Theater is hosting a mini-marathon of classic adventure films next week for your viewing pleasure.  On January 29th the Loew's Jersey Theater will host be screening The Thief of Bagdad at 2:30, then at 6:30 with The Adventures of Robin Hood and finally, a screening of Raiders of the Lost Ark at 8:45!

If you can help it, don't miss out on an opportunity to see Indy on the big screen!  To learn more, visit Friends of the Loew's Jersey Theater for ticket information.

Thanks to Spielbergfilms.com

Official Site: New Merchandise Gallery
January 20th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Indiana Jones.com updated with a gallery of the new Indy merchandise to help celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye in Disneyland.  Their gallery has new photos of all the Disney Exclusive items that were revealed a few weeks ago.  The new Indy collectables will be available in March during the 10th Anniversary of the ride.  Visit Indiana Jones.com to view the gallery.

Donate to the Tsunami Disaster Relief
January 19th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Dear TIE.c Readers,

On December 26th, 2004, an underwater earthquake occurred off the coast of Sumatra in the Indian Ocean.  The earthquake caused massive tsunamis which came ashore in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and various other countries along the coast of the Indian Ocean.  The devastating tsunamis reached as high as 50 feet in some places.  As of now, the death toll has come to around 226,000 people but total numbers are not yet known.  Scientists have calculated that the force of the earthquake was strong enough that it sped up the Earth's rotation by three-millionths of a second and tilted the Earth by about an inch on its axis according to CNN.

The devastation is unimaginable.  Even though it's been nearly a month since the tsunamis came ashore, volunteers are still hard at work.  Of course by now we have all seen the pictures, the videos and the survival stories.  It is without question that donations are desperately needed.  You can view a complete list of the international aid groups that are accepting donations for the tsunami disaster relief at CNN.com.  

The movie industry is also getting involved.  According to BBC.co.uk, producer Chandran Rutnam from Sri Lanka is asking his friends in the filmmaking community to help out as much as they can.  As you may recall, Rutnam was the production supervisor in Sri Lanka for the Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.  "We have a good history of film-makers coming to Sri Lanka from throughout the world.  They have a certain affection for Sri Lanka because they have had successful experiences with us...  I'm sure our generous friends are looking for some way to be of comfort to us,"

Steven Spielberg and his family have made a $1.5 million dollar donation to the tsunami relief effort as reported by Spielbergfilms.com.  The Spielberg family usually make their charity donations anonymously but have made an exception and "...are making this public to further encourage others to make donations of any amount to these and other organizations aiding the relief effort."

We here at The Indy Experience.com strongly encourage you to please donate to the tsunami disaster relief.  Any amount you can give will help.  Once again, you can visit CNN.com to view a full list of aid sites where you can donate.  The victims of the tsunami disaster need as much help as we can give them.  Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with the survivors, the victims and the volunteers who continue to work to restore the cities devastated by the tsunamis.

Sincerely,

The TIE.c Staff

 

More Young Indy on the BBC
January 18th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

The BBC will be airing another two episodes from the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles next week.  BBC2 will be showing Young Indiana Jones and the Mask of Evil Monday, January 24th from 13:40 - 15:00 and Young Indiana Jones and the Treasure of the Peacock's Eye on Tuesday, January 25th from 13:30 - 15:00.  For more info visit BBC.co.uk.

Thanks to Eddie for the update!

Harrison Ford is Rick Blaine... on Stage!
January 12th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Eric Fisk just sent me a link to a story on Contactmusic.com about a stage adaptation of the classic 1942 Humphery Bogart film, Casablanca.  The film will feature Annette Bening in Ingrid Bergman's role as Ilsa Lund and both Harrison Ford and Jack Nicholson are competing for the role of none other than, Rick Blaine.

Of course from an Indy/Ford fan's point of view, Ford is the perfect choice to play Rick Blaine, but it would be interesting to see how Jack Nicholson would handle the role.  Casablanca will be a one-night-only deal at LA's Pantages Theater on April 3rd, to help raise money for The Actor's Fund of America.

This is a super rare opportunity to experience one of the greatest films of all time being played out life on stage right before your eyes.  To all of you who are planning to see this one-of-a-kind show, I envy you.  Play it Sam.

For the full story, visit Contactmusic.com.

Amrish Puri Passes Away at Age 72
January 11th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Sad news to deliver this evening.  According to MSN India, actor Amrish Puri passed away earlier today at age 72 after suffering a brain hemorrhage.  Amrish Puri's film roles include Mogambo in Mr. India, Kahn in Richard Attenborough's Gandhi and of course his memorable role as Mola Ram in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.  Amrish Puri will forever be remembered for his talents as an actor and as the Bollywood Bad Guy.  Indy fans will always hold fond memories of his chilling performance in Temple of Doom and forever remember him for his contributions to the Indiana Jones films.  He will be missed.

Amrish Puri, 1932 - 2005.

Thanks to Kevan for letting us know.

Young Indiana Jones on the BBC!
January 11th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Good news for Indy fans in the UK!  The BBC will be airing 2 episodes from the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles.  BBC2 will be showing Young Indiana Jones and the Daredevils of the Desert Monday, January 17th from 13:40 - 15:00 and Young Indiana Jones and the Tales of Innocence on Tuesday, January 18th from 13:30 - 15:00.  For more info visit BBC.co.uk for full schedules for BBC2.

Thanks to Eddie for the news!

 

Suggested Indy 4 Titles from MAD Magazine!
January 11th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

The newest issue of MAD Magazine, issue #450, features some wonderfully clever "suggested" titles for Indiana Jones 4:

• "Indiana Jones and the More-Affordable Canadian Prescription Drugs"
• "Indiana Jones and the Trump Taj Mahal Bus Trip"
• "Indiana Jones and the Search for a Firm Mattress with Good Lower 
  Back Support"
• "Indiana Jones and the Romantic Co-Star Half His Age"
• "Indiana Jones and the Incontinence of Doom"
• "Indiana Jones and those Damn Kids Playing in the Yard Again" 

The new issue of MAD Magazine will be in stores soon.

Big thanks to RelicHunter from the COW Forums for the news!

Raiders: Adaptation Screening in New York!
January 10th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

The Jacob Burns Film Center located in Pleasantville, New York will feature a special screening of Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation at 6 p.m. EST on Thursday, February 17th, along with a special Question and Answer session with one of the film's co-creators, Eric Zala!

For more information about the screening, contact Katie Stockel, kstockel@burnsfilmcenter.org for ticket information and location.  And for more info on the Raiders of the Lost Ark remake, check out TIE.c's Adaptation Page for interviews and more!

Thanks to Emily from the Jacob Burns Film Center for the news!

 

 

Nathanson's Indy 4 Script Finished?
January 8th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Got a tip from Peter over at The Light of Indiana Jones who has directed my attention to IMDB.com.  It seems that they updated their status for Indiana Jones 4 on January 4th and their status now reads: "[Jeff] Nathanson's screenplay is reportedly finished."  This is the first we have heard of this and we have no idea if it's true or not.  As we leaned in the past, you cannot always trust the accuracy of IMDB.

This is no call to get too excited.  If this is true, then it would certainly bring us closer to the production of Indy IV, but at this point it's pure rumor.  We'll do a little investigating and see what we can turn up.  Keep your fingers crossed and stay tuned to TIE.c for the latest!

You can read the original story about Jeff Nathanson rewriting the Indy IV script in the October 2004 Archives.

Thanks to Peter from The Light of Indiana Jones for the news!

Drew Struzan: Oeuvre Now Available!
January 7th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Better late than never I supposed.  Just found out that Drew Struzan: Oeuvre was released just last month and is FINALLY available for purchase!  After several delays, the long awaited book featuring the artwork of Drew Struzan has finally been come.  Drew Struzan is of course the man behind the greatest and most memorable movie posters in cinema history.  His work includes, the Star Wars and Harry Potter films, the Back to the Future trilogy and of course the Indiana Jones films.  The new book features a foreword by George Lucas.

Not only do fans have the new book to drool over, Drew Struzan will also be appearing for a book signing February 13th, at the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention where he will be signing copies of Drew Struzan: Oeuvre.

To purchase your copy of Drew Struzan: Oeuvre, check out Amazon.com and be sure to visit DrewStruzan.com to learn more about the book and Drew's artwork.

Thanks to Jason and Mark for the news!

Preview of the New Forbidden Eye Merchandise!
January 6th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Disney.com has posted a link to the new Indiana Jones merchandise that will be available for the 10th Anniversary of Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye attraction at Disneyland.  The new products range from a $10.50 Pin to an $8,000 full size Mara Head Sculpture!  Quite a variety of new products, and they're all so very appealing.  Here's a list of the upcoming merchandise:

•  10th Anniversary Logo Pin
•  10th Anniversary Event T-Shirt
•  Eye of Mara Decoder Pin
•  Eye of Mara Charm Bracelet
•  Clock with Bobble Skulls
•  Watch and Compass Set
•  Picture Frame with Mickey and Pluto
•  Mara Waterglobe
•  Resin Jeep with Mickey, Goofy and Donald Duck
•  Model of the Temple of the Forbidden Eye
•  Resin Obelisk Statue
•  Mara Frame with Collectible Pin Set
•  "Mara's Coffer of Destruction" by Elisabete Gomes
•  "Beware of the Eye of Mara" by Dave Avanzino
•  Head of Mara Sculpture
•  Rare Jeep Sculpture

The last two items on the list were used at the press event for the opening of the Temple of the Forbidden Eye back in 1995.  So if you've got some spare change, Disney has produced some VERY impressive merchandise.  Go here for more information on the new merchandise including descriptions, prices and pictures.  And remember, there's still time to purchase tickets to the 10th anniversary celebration in March, so visit The Disney Gallery for more information.

Stay tuned for further coverage of the Temple of the Forbidden Eye 10th Anniversary Celebration in Disneyland!

Thanks to Dave for letting us know!

 

 

LSO Presents the Music of John Williams
January 5th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

The London Symphony Orchestra will be presenting a special concert of film music by John Williams at the Barbican Hall in London on February 20th.  The concert, "From Star Wars to Schindler's List" will include music from Star Wars, Schindler's List, Jurassic Park and of course, Raiders of the Lost Ark!

This is a rare opportunity for fans of John Williams' work to hear his amazing film scores performed live by one of the world's greatest orchestras.  To learn more, visit LSO for ticket information.

Thanks to Spielbergfilms.com for the news!

 

Harrison Ford Wins the "Only As Old As You Are Award"
January 3rd, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

DailyBreeze.com pokes some more fun at Harrison Ford's age with their own collection of amusing movie awards.  Their winner for the "Only as Old as You Are Award" goes to Harrison Ford for his willingness to play Indiana Jones in the fourth installment:

"Only as Old as You Are Award: To Harrison Ford for at least saying that he's willing to play Indiana Jones for the fourth time. A new script for the project is in preparation. Ford is now older than was Sean Connery when he played Indy's father in the third installment."

Funny, yet at the same time frightening.  It's sad that it's taken so long to get a fourth Indiana Jones film made, but with a little luck, our wait will indeed pay off.  

Thanks to Eddie for the news!