Captain Jack Sparrow's back ON STRANGER TIDES

Catch the first trailer of Walt Disney Pictures’ and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ sweeping comedy adventure “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.”

Directed by Rob Marshall (“Chicago”), “On Stranger Tides” is the fourth entry in the blockbuster franchise which has already reaped $2.7 billion in worldwide box office from the previous three films, and the first to be filmed and presented in Disney Digital 3D™.


In this action-packed tale of truth, betrayal, youth and demise, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz), and he’s not sure if it’s love—or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past.

Opening across the Philippines on May 2011, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

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DAFT PUNK scores for Walt Disney's TRON

Grammy® Award–winning electronic music duo Daft Punk creates the original music score for Walt Disney Pictures' new sci-fi action-adventure “TRON: Legacy.”

From their first single release in 1993, the combined talents of DJs Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter were hailed as a new breed of house innovators. Daft Punk’s sound is a brazen, dance floor-oriented blend of progressive house, funk, electro and techno. Following their brilliant debut in 1997 (Homework), the duo went on to release two more studio albums (Discovery—2001, Human after All—2005) and two live albums (Alive 1997, Alive 2007).

When director Joseph Kosinski came on board to helm “TRON: Legacy,” he heard that Daft Punk, whose art form and style were influenced by the original 1982 “TRON,” were interested in the project. A pancake breakfast in Hollywood soon followed, where the three talked about Kosinski’s vision for the film.

The three artists found themselves on the same creative page and began working on the score very early on in the filmmaking process. The score took shape over the course of three years and is a unique combination of orchestra, electronic and granular sounds.

The duo worked closely with the filmmakers not only on the score, but on the sound design too, especially the moments where sound design and room tones bleed into cues. It was a very sophisticated musical approach—a layering blend that occasionally blurs the line between music and sound design in a very interesting way. “We've got over 100 minutes of music in this movie. And it's so tied to the visuals because we had it so early, I just can't imagine this film without it,” says Kosinski.

All the newest technology gives “TRON: Legacy” its cutting-edge look and feel, since the filmmakers had far fewer limitations for what computers can achieve. But even with the obvious visual advantages, the filmmakers have striven to keep the spirit of “TRON” creator Steven Lisberger’s dream intact.

To pull that off, the movie gathers together some of the most sophisticated filmmaking technology available today, including even more advanced cameras than those used on “Avatar,” a blend of computer graphics and practical sets.

With that technology put in the hands of talented, creative designers and visionary filmmakers, above and below the line, “TRON: Legacy” showcases cutting-edge design and astounding visual effects enhanced by the latest stereoscopic (3D) technology. The film blends live action and photorealistic computer animation in ways only dreamed of in the past. As producer Jeffrey Silver says, “It seemed obvious that ‘TRON,’ being the groundbreaking film that it was in the ’80s, had to be followed with a film equally as groundbreaking in the 21st century. If we were going to do ‘TRON: Legacy’ right, we would have to push the envelope. And we did.”

Opening across the country on Friday, Dec. 17, “TRON: Legacy” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Philippines.

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ROCKWELL presents RENT THE MUSICAL this December

as Rockwell celebrates its 10th year anniversary, the award-winning rock musical RENT is back onstage for a limited time. from December 8-12, the show will relive the memories of Jonathan Larson and the socially relevant message of RENT. the show will be held at Cinema 2 of the Powerplant Mall. the production is handled by 9 Works Theatrical.

in this run, Gian Magdangal returns as Roger. after the playful and funny character in THE WEDDING SINGER, Gian opens up the concerns in the battle against AIDS. falling in love with a dancer named Mimi, played by her real-life lover, Sheree. OJ Mariano returns as Tom Collins, and Angel is again relived by Job Bautista. Fredison Lo looks back into the story as Mark Cohen, Roger's nerdy filmmaker room mate.

most of the cast returns in this run and joined by new faces Lorenz Martinez as Benny, Mian Dimacali as Maureen. Bohemia arises again with the ensemble Peachy Atilano, Gary Junsay, Mark Tayag, Johann Dela Fuente and Harold Cruz.

i got excited in this production and loved the story more, not to mention that i sing along in some songs. in the first time that i saw Sheree as Mimi, i think she has done very well. the role really fits her. i didn't know that she can sing rock. she admitted that she only auditioned for the role and better that she plays opposite her husband.

Mian as Maureen is also the character to watch for. the energy in her song, Over the Moon will be very well applauded. she looks like a cat in her wildest purr.

on the second time i saw it, Job and OJ's portrayal is equally as emotional as the first one. you can see the passion in the love story of Angel and Collins.

you will see a new stage now. but the design is great. every spot is utilized well and the blocking of the actors are very good.

see RENT, presented by Rockwell is directed by Robbie Guevarra. additional artistic inputs by Ricky Villante, musical director – band; Onyl Torres, musical director – vocals; Mio Infante, scenographer; Martin Esteva, Lighting Designer; Chuck Ledesma, sound designer; Bek Soriano, costume stylist; and Francis Matheu for additional choreography.

RENT will be staged for a limited run of 8 performances at Power Plant Cinema 2 from December 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 (8PM), December 10 (330PM), 11 (4PM) & 12 (430PM). Get your tickets now at the Power Plant Cinema ticket booth. Call 898-1440 or 898 1441 or 0908-8692988.

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experience TRON's GRID in IMAX 3D

Presented in Disney Digital 3D™, and IMAX® 3D, Walt Disney Pictures' new sci-fi adventure “TRON: Legacy” features cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technology, effects and set design that bring to life an epic adventure coursing across a digital grid that is as fascinating and wondrous as it is beyond imagination.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, “TRON: Legacy” stars Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Bruce Boxleitner and Michael Sheen. The film is scored by Grammy® Award–winning electronic music duo Daft Punk.

At the epicenter of the adventure is a father-son story that resonates as much on the Grid as it does in the real world: Sam Flynn (Hedlund), a rebellious 27-year-old, is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father, Kevin Flynn (Bridges), a man once known as the world’s leading tech visionary. When Sam investigates a strange signal sent from the old Flynn’s Arcade—a signal that could only come from his father—he finds himself pulled into a digital grid where Kevin has been trapped for 20 years.

The 3D experience of “TRON: Legacy” will bring viewers into the Grid, and along for the ride, more than any other film in cinematic history. Using the next generation of 3D technology developed after “Avatar,” “TRON: Legacy” will allow the audience to experience the digital grid and be part of the action in the highly stylized landscape.

Shooting in 3D achieves an immersive experience for the audience that mimics the immersive experience Sam has inside the computer; the audience does not simply witness Sam’s journey inside the Grid, they travel alongside him. The effect is enhanced by opening in 2D for the real-world scenes then switching to 3D when Sam enters the digital grid.

As Kosinski explains, “Ours is sort of a ‘Wizard of Oz’ approach. Ninety-eight percent of the 3D is in the digital TRON grid. The 3D really starts once we get into the Grid.”

“TRON: Legacy” will also be presented in IMAX theaters, so the filmmakers are making preparations to enhance the audience’s enjoyment by providing a unique experience. Specifically, they are finishing several sections of the film in a tall format—not letterbox—and in an IMAX theater, that means black bars at the top and bottom of the frame will disappear and it will become a full-screen sequence.

Kosinski elaborates: “In IMAX theaters there are several sequences, amounting to about 35 minutes in the film, that will open up to an expanded aspect ratio. We’ll be switching from 2.35 to 1.78, which will provide more image at the top and bottom of the screen. This will create an even more immersive 3D experience.”

The “TRON: Legacy” audiences will discover an exciting, evolved grid that pulsates with the latest technology, stunning visual effects and leading-edge design. With an insightful father-son story that’s grounded in cultural reality, a strong, relatable female lead and a unique, one-of-a kind style, “TRON: Legacy” blends what’s real with super-imaginative, eye-popping visuals and 3D action.

Opening across the country on Friday, Dec. 17, “TRON: Legacy” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Philippines.

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sneak peek: BURLESQUE

In Columbia Pictures' finger-snapping, eye-popping and atmospheric musical “Burlesque,” a time-honored tale of showbiz aspirations fulfilled, the hallmarks of a classic form of live entertainment get a dazzling, fun movie makeover.

For Ali (Christina Aguilera), a small-town girl with a big voice, there had to be somewhere her dreams could be fulfilled, rather than remain an empty goal.

Enter the world of burlesque.

Leaving behind hardship and an uncertain future for the entertainment capital Los Angeles, Ali stumbles upon The Burlesque Lounge, a majestic but ailing theater that is home to an inspired musical revue. Talking herself into a cocktail waitress job from Tess (Cher), the club’s glamorous and forthright proprietor, headliner and starmaker, Ali becomes a wide-eyed sponge to The Burlesque’s captivating acts. The outrageous costumes and bold choreography hold the young ingénue enraptured.

That stage is where Ali was meant to be, so she vows to herself she’ll be on it someday.

But first she has to navigate the theater’s many interpersonal relationships, for better or for worse. She builds a friendship with a featured dancer (Julianne Hough), finds an enemy in a troubled, jealous performer (Kristen Bell), and wins the affection of Jack (Cam Gigandet), a handsome bartender and musician who takes Ali in as a temporary roommate to help her get her financial footing.

Eventually, with the help of a sharp-witted yet sensitive stage manager (Stanley Tucci) and the club’s gender-bending host (Alan Cumming), Ali makes her way from the bar to the stage. Her spectacular voice and showmanship returns The Burlesque Lounge to its former glory, giving hope to Tess that she won’t have to entertain the demands of her ex-husband (Peter Gallagher) that she sell the place to a charismatic entrepreneur (Eric Dane) with an enticing proposal.

As Ali’s star rises, it becomes thrillingly clear that the Burlesque Lounge lives to titillate, fascinate and make dreams come true. But are its days – and colorful, sexy, music-filled nights -- numbered?


Opening soon across the Philippines, “Burlesque” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit http://www.columbiapictures.com.ph for trailers, exclusive content and free downloads. Like us at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join our fan contests.

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LOPEZ MUSEUM DIGITIZED!

here is how the staff from Lopez Museum converts their published collections into digital archives to be available for easy research when you go visit:


edited using Sony Ericsson K608i mobile phone. video caught December 1 2010.

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new exhibitions in LOPEZ MUSEUM features contemporary art

In celebrating 50 years of foundation, the Lopez Museum features new exhibits featuring contemporary art. These displays eye-opening and liberating expressions from the artists and on a deep assessment of the masterpieces are unknown stories from the artists' perspective. The exhibits are entitled Extensions - a perspective beyond the Lopez Museum's existence, and Loob at Labas - a multimedia documentary presentation of the Philippine society.

When entering Gallery 1, you will find Maya Muñoz's works Calendar and Coming It Going. Maya is one artist who loves to travel. In her works, she shows or "documents" her travels and puts it into canvass. Calendar tells us how she reflects on the days of her travels. Others may be from looking back of her past adventures.

From my point of view, Maya may be a little sad in her expressions. The strokes of her pencils, the force she puts on drawing and the erasures displease her of traveling alone. It's sad to see someone leaves or for you to leave someone. Maya puts in her drawings that it's sad to be alone.

From a gloomy gallery, we proceed to a very scribbly and liberated form of art. Extra-normal doodles of monsters, celebrities combine into pop art. Here, the Lopez Museum encourages people to express what they feel. Plataporma and Pilipinas Street Plan play along with any type of material making the surroundings into a big graffiti canvass. The colors and images play in the imagination of today's generation somehow suggests that there is noise, and they need proper guidance. Religious images and cartoons have been merged with celebrities which seem to be rebellious. I don't know what really is their message and to whom are they addressing it to. For me, success really comes to the individual and social dependence comes next.

Going further with the exhibit gives as a critical view of the Phillipine justice system from the inmates' perspectives. Convicts may have sinned to others but sometimes, even if they paid their dues in the jail, their rights were also been taken from them. Loob at Labas tells their stories presented in a multimedia manner by Rock Ed. A video documentation provides unknown information of how prisoners are treated inside the jail. Somehow the society benefits from them by selling their arts and crafts made inside the prison. But the proceeds somehow are not going to go to jail development and rehabilitation of the inmates. Instead, the big problem of corruption still extends inside the cages.

Loob at Labas and Extensions are part of the 50th anniversary of the Lopez Museum. A different look into the modern history and encouraging us to observe, learn, and reach out. The exhibit closes on April 16, 2011.

The Lopez Memorial Museum is at the ground floor, Benpres Building, Exchange Road corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig City. See the exhibits from Mondays thru Saturdays, except holidays, from 8AM-5PM. For details, please call 6312417 or email pezseum@skyinet.net. You may also look into blogsite pezseum.blogspot.com, find them over Facebook, or follow the tweets here.

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