WebProNews

Tag: Television

  • ‘Breaking Bad’ Is The Best Show On Netflix (IMDB Confirms What We Already Knew)

    As previously reported, Breaking Bad has been confirmed as the best show on TV by Guinness. According to IMDb, it also happens to be the best show on Netflix (which reminds us today that it is “TV too“).

    Let’s be honest, anyone who has watched the show doesn’t need anybody to tell them how good it is, and it’s obviously the best show on Netflix, with all due respect to all of the wonderful shows Netflix has been putting out.

    But there is a reason that even Netflix itself has been promoting Breaking Bad on its own, and Netflix has often been credited with helping the show find its popularity.

    IMDB user Pacey7 maintains a list of what is supposed to be every TV series on Netflix sorted by IMDB ranking (via GigaOm). We haven’t verified that every single one is on the list, but it does include 335 titles, so either way, it covers a pretty broad spectrum of shows. There are some ranking issues throughout the list, where some are ranked lower despite having a higher IMDB ranking. This is likely due to shows gaining or losing actual points on IMDB and not being reflected in the actual list rankings.

    Regardless of any of this, Breaking Bad is the clear winner at number one on the list with a current ranking of 9.4. Its closest competitor is Firefly with a ranking of 9.1, followed by Arrested Development, which also has a 9.1.

    So just in case you needed more encouragement to watch Breaking Bad, here’s the Internet’s largest database of movies and television shows telling you its the best thing you’re going to find on Netflix.

    Image: Netflix

  • New Netflix Ads: Use Us To Watch ‘Breaking Bad,’ ‘Sons of Anarchy’

    Netflix has put out a couple of new ads under the title “TV Too,” showing that yes, Netflix is indeed TV too.

    These ads showcase a bunch of the popular television shows that you can stream on Netflix. It doesn’t bother to show you any of its originals (it has a new ad for that as well), but just the shows that already have big followings, like Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy, Glee, New Girl, The Vampire Diaries, Mad Men, Once Upon A Time, The Killing, Scandal, Revenge, Family Guy, Burn Notice, Parks & Recreation, and of course The Walking Dead.

    Some of these titles will have new episodes (as in from their respective previous seasons) hitting Netflix very soon. The Walking Dead: Season 3, for example, will be available later this month. Others (like Breaking Bad) were recently added. UK users even get access to the new episodes of Breaking Bad the day after they air.

    No word on when last season of Sons of Anarchy hits Netflix, but I would guess that it will be soon, especially now that they’ve put these ads out (both of which include SoA).

    Image: Netflix (YouTube)

  • ‘Orange Is The New Black’ Season 2 Set Photos Continue To Hit Instagram

    Fans of Netflix’s Orange is the New Black may have to wait a while before getting to watch the highly anticipated second season, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the season as it is put together, thanks to social media.

    The Orange is the New Black Instagram account has been steadily sharing behind-the-scenes photos from the set and other candid shots of cast members since production began at the end of July. We’ve looked at some of them here and here. Since last time we checked in, quite a few more have been posted.

    The photo of the knives is interesting, considering they’re labeled numbers 1 – 14, and number 10 appears to be missing.

    The caption on Instagram says, “Make sure none of these go missing… #OITNB #TheKitchen #OnSet”

    We did hear that we’ll find out why nobody will be messing with Red’s gravy again.

    Orange is the New Black: Season 2 is due out in 2014. A release date has not been announced.

    All images: Orange is the New Black (Instagram)

  • Gina Gershon Steps Into Fashion Designer Role For Lifetime

    Gina Gershon might be the last person you’d think of when trying to come up with an actress to play Donatella Versace, but the “Showgirls” star is doing the job quite nicely.

    Gershon has stepped right into the role of the fashion design icon for an upcoming Lifetime movie called “House Of Versace”. The film tells the story of how Donatella had to step up after the 1997 murder of her brother, Gianni, and run their fashion house successfully through a struggle with drug addiction and a near-bankruptcy that almost destroyed the company.

    There’s an abundance of physical transformation that Gershon had to undergo for the role, including several hours in the makeup chair to get the contours of her face just right.

    “She goes through an evolution — she physically changes, as we all know, and it was important to be as truthful about that as possible,” Gershon said. “It’s movie magic — a little tape and glue.”

    Besides the makeup, Gershon had cotton stuffed under her upper lip to get the effect just right and dons a long, sleek, platinum wig for the film. Versace has had no comment on the movie, but a documentary will air after the film’s premiere that tells the story of Gianni Versace’s rise to fame and how he came to run a fashion empire. “Versace: Beyond the Headlines” airs at 10 p.m. on October 5.

    Image: Wikimedia Commons

  • Ricky Gervais Talks To Reddit About ‘Derek’ And A Bunch Of Other Stuff

    Ricky Gervais Talks To Reddit About ‘Derek’ And A Bunch Of Other Stuff

    Ricky Gervais participated in a reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) this afternoon.

    He talked about everything from Louis CK naked to Daniel Day Lewis portraying a young Ricky in a movie about his life.

    Celebrities tend to do these AMAs when they have something to promote, and Gervais’ show Derek is about to have its big Netflix debut on September 12th (Series 1 has already aired in the UK).

    While I’d encourage you to peruse the rest of the Q&A, following are the things he said about Derek.

    When asked if Derek is based on a life experience, Gervais said, “The situation certainly is. Half my family growing up were carers of some sort, mostly retirement homes (stroke, Alzheimers), and Derek is like my fictional superhero of an everyday gentle outsider. I suppose they’re all little fables about kindness. And possibly, a love letter to my lovely, poor and humble family growing up”

    When asked about his most gratifying experience, he said, “The pilot of Derek winning ‘best comedy film’ at the New York Film Festival [short film].”

    He also had this to say about the Kev character from the show: “Yes, Kev is one of my favourite characters, and I was so glad that the audience went from being uncomfortable around him to really rooting for him at the end. He has another dramatic journey in Series 2, but you’ll be pleased to know he is still a drunken, unhygienic pervert.”

    Netflix subscribers around the world should soon learn more about all of that.

    Here’s some more stuff Gervais said about the show on Facebook recently.

    Image: Ricky Gervais (Twitter)

  • ‘It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’ Gets A Cheers-Inspired Intro

    The new season of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia premieres tonight, so why not watch this Cheers-style intro for the show from the OfficialComedy YouTube channel?

    Both shows are about bars. Get it?

    (image)

    (image)

    (image)

    (image)

    (image)

    The show begins its run on a new night and channel tonight, beginning at 10PM on FXX. Meanwhile, Netflix users continue to wait for last season to hit the streaming service. We’re told the date is TBD.

    Images: OfficialComedy (YouTube)

  • Want To Watch The Final Episode Of ‘Breaking Bad’ In A Cemetery?

    Tickets just went on sale for a screening of the final episode of Breaking Bad at Hollywood Forever Cemetery on September 29th.

    The event is being presented by Cinespia, and cast and crew will be in attendance. General admission tickets are $45, and proceeds go to The Kind Campaign.

    Here’s the event summary:

    Cinespia presents a screening of AMC’s Breaking Bad series finale with cast and crew in person! Proceeds from the event will benefit the Kind Campaign, a 501 c-3 charity. The evening will begin with a screening of the Pilot episode of Breaking Bad, followed by the Final episode. The Cast and crew will be in person to do a Q+A immediately following the finale. Co-hosted by The Embassy with DJ Chris Holmes and Questlove playing tunes before and after the episodes. Join us for this once in a lifetime event under the stars!

    There is a limit of two tickets per person, and you better hurry, because I’m guessing this will sell out quickly.

    Update: Yep, quickly is one way to put it:

    The cemetery is a Hollywood landmark, and is the final resting place for numerous celebrities.

    Image: AMC

  • ‘Lilyhammer’ Season 2 Teased In New Netflix Originals Ad

    Netflix has released a new advertisement for its original programming, splicing together scenes from House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Hemlock Grove, Arrested Development, Derek and Lilyhammer.

    The ad briefly teases the second season of Lilyhammer, which is due out this fall. No release date is given. It simply says, “Coming Soon.”

    The video follows a similar one recently released by Netflix, which touts all of its originals’ Emmy nominations.

    In a letter to investors in July, Netflix said Lilyhammer: Season 2 would debut sometime this year. A recent report indicated that it would be coming in the fall, and that a third season is still up in the air.

    Image: Netflix (YouTube)

  • Sony Launches 4K Video Download Service

    As a tech company, a music label, a movie studio, and a variety of other things, Sony often has the luxury of using its hardware to promote its own content. While much of the focus of Sony’s IFA presentation today focused on the new Xperia Z1 smartphone, the company also revealed a bit about its future plans for online video.

    Sony today launched the world’s first 4K resolution online video download service, called Video Unlimited 4K. The store provides 4K TV owners with access to movies, TV shows, and other videos in native 4K Ultra HD. The service can be accessed through Sony’s 4K media player or its 4K TV sets, all of which will receive updates for the store.

    “We have been spearheading the advancement of 4K Ultra HD technology from the start, and have now reached another milestone as promised with the Video Unlimited 4K service going live,” said Phil Molyneux, COO of Sony Electronics.

    So far, the Video Unlimited 4K service is rather limited. It currently has only just over 70 movies and TV shows available, and only 100 are expected to be available by the end of the year. The limited selection does have some quality content, though, including the Spider-Man movies, Ghostbusters, and Breaking Bad. The prices for the service are rather steep, with TV episodes costing $4 and 24-hour movie rentals starting at $8. Current owners of 4K TV sets are unlikely to balk at the prices, though.

  • ‘House Of Cards’ Season 2 Episode To Be Directed By Jodie Foster

    Jodie Foster, better known for her acting career appears to be getting more into directing. She helmed the third episode of Netflix’s Orange is the New Black, titled “Lesbian Request Denied,” which is one of the more talked about episodes of the series to date.

    Now, according to a report from Vulture, she’ll be directing an episode of another critically acclaimed Netflix show, House of Cards. Vulture’s Josef Adalian reports:

    While the streaming service declined to comment, our sources say Foster is already on location in Baltimore, where the Emmy-nominated drama films.

    Foster’s other directing credits include a Tales from the Darkside episode called “Do Not Open This Box” Little Man Tate, Home for the Holidays, The Beaver, and Money Monster, which is listed on IMDB as in pre-production.

    On the acting front, Foster can currently be seen in Elysium, which was released last month.

    House of Cards: Season 2 is due out in 2014 on Netflix.

    Image: Silence of the Lambs (YouTube)

  • “Storage Wars” Lawsuit: Dave Hester Gets Judge’s Approval

    “Storage Wars” has been a huge hit almost since it debuted on A&E, but when a former star of the show filed a lawsuit against the producers for wrongful termination, a slew of skeletons came out of the show’s closet, including allegations that portions of it are planned out ahead of time to make it look like the bidders have found a much more bountiful treasure than what is really there. Now, Dave Hester has gotten the go-ahead from a judge to follow through with the suit after A&E disputed it, saying that he wanted control over who they put on the show.

    “Plaintiff’s contract expressly states that Defendants had no obligation to use Plaintiff on the program during the term of their agreement. Plaintiff is suing to recover money, and not to inject himself into the program,” wrote Judge Michael Johnson in today’s ruling.

    Hester is suing for $750,000 plus punitive damages after he says he was fired for disagreeing with the show’s practices. He claims the show’s producers have planted items in storage units before–including a mini BMW and a newspaper announcing the death of Elvis–in order to drum up ratings. He says they also paid for some of the stars to have plastic surgery in order to look more appealing for the cameras.

    Below is an interview with Hester during happier times with the show, which began it’s most recent season back in April.

    Image: YouTube

  • ‘True Blood’ Season 7 Will Be The Last One

    ‘True Blood’ Season 7 Will Be The Last One

    HBO’s popular vampire show True Blood is coming to an end. According to multiple reports, the show will end its run in 2014, with Season 7 being the last.

    The news was reportedly announced by HBO Programming President Michael Lombardo. HBO Watch shares what appears to be an official press release from HBO on the show’s end. Here are some quotes from that:

    “TRUE BLOOD has been nothing short of a defining show for HBO,” noted Lombardo. “Alan Ball took the books by Charlaine Harris, assembled a brilliant cast led by the magnificent Anna Paquin in the role of Sookie Stackhouse, and crafted a show that has taken its many devoted fans on an unforgettable journey. Alan passed the baton to Brian Buckner, who led our fantastic writers and crew in crafting a spectacular sixth season, and he will lead us through the seventh and final season of this amazing show. Together with its legions of fans, it will be hard to say goodbye to the residents of Bon Temps, but I look forward to what promises to be a fantastic final chapter of this incredible show.”

    “From the moment I read Charlaine’s books, I thought there was potential for something really special,” says Alan Ball. “Then our amazing writers, cast and crew brought her world to life in a way that exceeded my wildest expectations. I’m deeply grateful to HBO for being true partners and collaborators, and, of course, to the viewers who chose to spend Sunday nights in Bon Temps with us.”

    “I feel enormously proud to have been a part of the TRUE BLOOD family since the very beginning,” says Brian Buckner. “I guarantee that there’s not a more talented or harder-working cast and crew out there, and I’d like to extend a personal heartfelt thanks to them for their dedication and tenacity over the years, especially this past year, as I stepped into a larger role. Thank you also to HBO for their unwavering support and of course to Alan Ball, whose genius enabled all of us to share in this incredible journey. Finally, a huge thank you to the most passionate fans in television. As we take a final walk through Bon Temps together, we will do our very best to bring Sookie’s story to a close with heart, imagination and, of course, fun.”

    The sixth season of the show wrapped up in August, and the seventh and final season is due out next summer. The number of episodes remains to be seen.

    Image: True Blood/HBO (Facebook)

  • ‘The League’ Season 4 Hits Netflix

    ‘The League’ Season 4 Hits Netflix

    The fourth season of FX’s comedy The League is now available on Netflix in the U.S. as of today.

    The addition couldn’t get here soon enough for fans of the show, as Season 5 debuts on FXX on Wednesday, and the NFL season itself begins on Thursday.

    The fourth season includes thirteen episodes, including: Training Camp, The Hoodie, The Freeze Out, The Breastalyzer, Judge MacArthur, Tailgate, The Vapora Sport, The Anchor Baby, Bro-lo El Cordero, Our Dinner with Andre, 12.12.12, A Krampus Carol and The Curse of Shiva.

    In case you’re not familiar with the show, here’s Netflix’s description: “Fantasy football tackles reality in this semi-scripted look at a group of longtime friends whose annual hobby gives them an excuse to get together and escape their everyday lives in a blitz of trash-talking, deceit and ruthless extortion.”

    More episodes of The League help Netflix pad its collection of comedy offerings, which it is ramping up with exclusive stand-up specials like crazy. News about a new one from Russell Peters just came out today, and just last week, we learned that there’s also one on the way from Aziz Ansari, as well as others from Marc Maron and Kathleen Madigan.

    We’re still waiting for the last season of The League’s FX companion show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia to become available on Netflix, but with the new season of that debuting on FXX this week as well, we don’t expect it to be too far off. We’re told it’s still TBD.

  • Laura Prepon Petitioned Not To Leave Netflix’s ‘Orange Is The New Black’

    Laura Prepon is most likely leaving Netflix’s Orange is the New Black. While she is one of the most popular cast members, reports came out last month that she is returning only for a limited number of episodes in the upcoming second season.

    Prepon has been mostly silent on the matter, and Netflix has kind of dismissed the rumors, but has indicated that everything is still developing.

    Either way, fans really don’t want to see her go, and someone has gone so far as to start a Change.org petition. It doesn’t have many signatures so far, and will probably not make any difference whatsoever, but it exists. It says:

    YOU ARE THE ROCK. YOU ARE THE GLUE. YOU ARE THE TIE THAT BINDS.

    PLEASE DON’T LEAVE LEAVE ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK. NOT NOW.. NOT LIKE THIS.

    STAY ON FOR US. YOUR BELOVED FANS.

    It gets into some more NSFW language, which you can click over to see if you like.

    We’re not sure if the petition comes from a member of the official “PreponsArmy,” but clearly the actress has some vocal fans.

    Other cast members seem to be a loss about Prepon’s situation, but others have been promoted to series regulars, so the screen time void shouldn’t be hard to fill.

    Orange is the New Black: Season 2 is currently in production, and is due out in 2014.

    Image: Change.org

  • As ‘Orange Is The New Black’ Season 2 Films, Instagram Account Continues To Share Candid Cast Photos

    Production on the second season of Netflix’s Orange is the New Black began in late July, and all through August, the show’s Instagram account has been putting out tons of set photos and other assorted candid pics of various cast members.

    We looked at some early ones here, and then some more here. Here are some of the latest:

    Orange is the New Black: Season 2 is due out in 2014, though an official release date has not yet been set.

    According to cast members, the writing is getting better, and the second season will be “more compelling” than the first. That’s saying a lot, because a lot of people have obviously found the first season quite compelling.

    Another interesting Orange is the New Black image made it to the Internet today. It’s not a cast member itself, but Jason Biggs’ unborn baby tweeted out a selfie, which Biggs shared with fans.

    All images: Orange is the New Black (Instagram)

  • New Google Now Knowledge Graph Reminders For Music And TV Shows Are Pretty Awesome

    As we reported last week, Google launched an update to its Google Search app for Android, adding some new Google Now functionality. Among the improvements were the ability to set reminders when you search.

    Now that we’re seeing this in action, it’s really cool. You can set reminders while you’re searching from the desktop as well. Search for a band or a TV show, for example, and you can set reminders for album releases or new episodes.

    Google Now - Neko Case

    Google Knowledge Graph Reminders

    Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear to work with sports teams, despite Google’s various rich results for them. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it come in the near future though.

    This is a great example of how Google Now truly is going to change how we interact with Google search, and will only make the things Google pushes to us more useful.

    The feature is also smart enough to know when there will no longer be anything to remind users about. Shows that are no longer on the air, for example, do not have the “remind me” button.

    Hat tip to Google Operating System

    Images: Google

  • Netflix Is About To Get A Bunch Of Horror Movies, TV Episodes & More (Here’s What’s Coming In The Next Week)

    Netflix is a revolving door of movie and television content, particularly on the streaming side of things. Though titles often disappear from availability, new ones are also frequently added. Sometimes these come in the form of Netflix original shows or even exclusive access to certain programming, but sometimes it’s just older titles that many find to be still worth watching.

    Content is added to Netflix streaming each week, and it can be difficult to keep up with what’s available all the time. With that, here’s a look at some new additions.

    Note: This is for the U.S.

    Netflix has been adding a lot of stuff, but the coming week is going to be a good one, particularly if you like horror movies. But it’s also getting some other well-known movies, more documentaries and stand-up specials, and of course, plenty more TV content. This batch includes Aftershock, the latest Eli Roth film (he didn’t direct it, but he co-wrote it, produced it and stars in it). Many fans of Netflix original Hemlock Grove will no doubt want to check it out. If you like horror, you should definitely watch that and American Mary.

    Here’s what’s on the way.

    Available on 9/1:

    DysFunktional Family (2003)

    Between sets from his live stand-up routine, in which he riffs on everything from Michael Jackson to terrorism, comedian Eddie Griffin tours his hometown of Kansas City, Mo., and introduces viewers to his eccentric clan.

    Electrick Children (2012)

    Julia Garner, Rory Culkin, Liam Aiken, Bill Sage, Cynthia Watros, Billy Zane, John Patrick Amedori

    Idealistic teenager Rachel astonishes her fundamentalist Mormon family when she announces that she’s been impregnated by listening to a rock song. Rachel then runs off to Las Vegas to escape an arranged marriage and to find the father of her baby.

    The Hamiltons (2006)

    Cory Knauf, Samuel Child, Joseph McKelheer, Mackenzie Firgens, Rebekah Hoyle, Brittany Daniel, Al Liner

    No one would suspect that the Hamiltons are a dangerous family — after all, with their white picket fence and squeaky clean public image, they’re practically impeccable. But behind closed doors, their extracurricular activities tend toward the sadistic. Cory Knauf, Samuel Child, Joseph McKelheer, Mackenzie Firgens and Brittany Daniel star in this gory horror offering from Mitchell Altieri and Phil Flores.

    Grey’s Anatomy: Season 9 (2012)

    Ellen Pompeo stars in this Emmy-winning medical drama as Dr. Meredith Grey, a young surgical intern (and eventual resident) who’s caught up in a swirl of personal and professional passions with fellow doctors at Seattle Grace Hospital. Patrick Dempsey co-stars as Grey’s initial object of obsession, Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd, who doesn’t let his marital status stop him from romancing the hospital staff.

    Portlandia: Season 3 (2012)

    Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein send up the righteous, artistically inclined and 100% organic residents of Portland, Ore., in this sketch-based comedy series. Typical targets include artisanal light bulbs, feminist bookstores and indie rock.

    The 4400: Seasons 1-4 (2004-2007)

    This sci-fi series chronicles the stories of 4,400 people who inexplicably vanished over the course of five decades and suddenly reappeared without having grown any older since disappearing — but now possess mysterious powers.

    Unrest (2006)

    Corri English, Marisa Petroro, Ben Livingston, Abner Genece, Derrick O’Connor, Scot Davis, Joshua Alba, Jay Jablonski

    Med student Alison Blanchard has to confront her fear of mortality when she is ordered to dissect a cadaver in her anatomy class. But Alison gets the fright of her life when she begins to suspect the corpse she’s working on isn’t actually dead.

    50 First Dates (2004)

    Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Sean Astin, Rob Schneider, Missi Pyle, Kevin James, Dan Aykroyd

    In this offbeat romantic comedy, marine veterinarian Henry Roth changes his womanizing ways after he falls for pretty art teacher Lucy Whitmore. Trouble is, she has no short-term memory, so Henry has to win her over again every day.

    Arcadia (2012)

    Ryan Simpkins, John Hawkes, Kendall Toole, Ty Simpkins, Julia Campbell, Tawny Fere, Mary Pat Gleason

    Featuring Academy Award nominated John Hawkes, Arcadia is the story of a devoted father moving his family cross country and promising his kids a California paradise. All that’s missing is Mom.

    Rastamouse: Season 1 (2011)

    Rastamouse is a British animated stop motion children’s TV series that follows crime-busting mouse reggae band Da Easy Crew, who split their time between making music and solving mysteries for Da President of Mouseland.

    Get Rich or Die Tryin (2005)

    50 Cent, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Joy Bryant, Omar Benson Miller, Tory Kittles, Terrence Howard

    Determined to leave his criminal days behind, inner-city drug dealer Marcus pursues the one thing that inspires him — rap music — but on his life-altering journey, the aspiring artist runs into tough times.

    There Will Be Blood (2007)

    Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Kevin J. O’Connor, Ciarán Hinds, Dillon Freasier, Sydney McCallister

    In this expansive drama, ambitious prospector Daniel Plainview strikes it rich when he buys the oil rights to a California family’s ranch. As he turns a simple village into a boomtown, Plainview stokes the ire of a charismatic young preacher.

    Open Water (2004)

    Blanchard Ryan, Daniel Travis, Saul Stein, Michael E. Williamson, Cristina Zenarro, John Charles

    A vacationing couple on a scuba diving expedition in the Caribbean accidentally gets left behind and is stranded for endless hours. Dehydrated and sickened, they must fend for themselves in shark-infested waters.

    Penny Dreadful (2012)

    Nick Everhart, Leigh Scott, Eliza Swenson

    The delightfully daft Penny Dreadful serves as host for this bloody good anthology that pays tribute to cult classics with a trio of terrifying horror shorts featuring monsters in the woods, serial killers and, of course, vampires.

    Quadrophenia (1979)

    Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Philip Davis, Mark Wingett, Sting, Ray Winstone, Garry Cooper, Gary Shail

    Lashing out against his dead-end life, alienated youth Jimmy (Phil Daniels) hangs out with his gang of Mods, does drugs and battles members of rival gang the Rockers in this landmark rock opera based on the Who’s smash-hit album. As the antagonism between the two groups grows, Jimmy becomes involved with a local girl and forms a bond with Mod leader Ace Face (Sting). The soundtrack includes music by the Who, James Brown, Marvin Gaye and more.

    Requiem for a Dream (2000)

    Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans, Christopher McDonald, Louise Lasser

    A widow’s growing dependence on amphetamines and a self-help television show parallels the struggles of her heroin-addicted son and his girlfriend and friend in Darren Aronofsky’s bleak drama.

    Saturday Night Fever (1977)

    John Travolta, Karen Lynn Gorney, Barry Miller, Joseph Cali, Paul Pape, Donna Pescow, Bruce Ornstein, Julie Bovasso

    Director John Badham’s musical ushered in the disco craze with the character of 19-year-old Tony Manero (John Travolta). By day, Tony’s a paint store clerk, but at night he’s a polyester-clad stallion who rules a Brooklyn nightspot with his partner, Stephanie (Karen Lynn Gorney). Although the plot addresses socioeconomic themes, it’s the Bee Gees soundtrack and Travolta’s strutting, Oscar-nominated moves that have made the film iconic.

    The Case for Israel: Democracy’s Outpost (2008)

    Rising in vigorous defense of the Jewish homeland in this landmark documentary, Alan Dershowitz, distinguished Harvard Law School professor and outspoken champion of human rights, presents evidence from leading diplomats, historians, legal experts and government officials on both sides of the political spectrum to make the definitive case for Israel’s legitimacy and right to self-defense.

    Available: 9/2:

    Apollo 18 (2011)

    Warren Christie, Lloyd Owen, Ryan Robbins, Ali Liebert, Andrew Airlie, Michael Kopsa , Erica Carroll

    If you buy in to official statements, Apollo 17 was NASA’s last manned mission to the moon. But what if found footage of a secret Apollo mission that had taken place the following year could prove otherwise — and explain why we haven’t gone back?

    Available 9/3:

    Bomb Girls: Season 2 (2013)

    Meg Tilly, Jodi Balfour, Ali Liebert, Anastasia Phillips, Antonio Cupo, Richard Fitzpatrick, Charlotte Hegele

    Focusing on a group of women working in a Canadian munitions factory during World War II, this ensemble drama depicts the dangers and new experiences they face. While drawn from diverse backgrounds, the women soon form strong bonds with their peers.

    The League: Season 4 (2012)

    Fantasy football tackles reality in this semi-scripted look at a group of longtime friends whose annual hobby gives them an excuse to get together and escape their everyday lives in a blitz of trash-talking, deceit and ruthless extortion.

    Most Valuable Players (2010)

    This exuberant documentary celebrates the Freddy Awards, a televised high school musical theater competition held every year in Lehigh Valley, Penn. The enthusiasm and creativity demonstrated by the featured theater troupes surprise and inspire.

    A Portrait of James Dean: Joshua Tree, 1951 (2012)

    James Preston, Dan Glenn, Dalilah Rain, Erin Daniels, Rafael Morais, Zaden Alexander, Clare Grant

    Dreamlike vignettes blend biographical and fictionalized elements to present pivotal moments in James Dean’s short yet remarkable life, focusing on his experiences as a rising star in Los Angeles circa 1951.

    Available 9/4:

    Parker (2013)

    Jason Statham, Jennifer Lopez, Michael Chiklis, Bobby Cannavale, Nick Nolte, Clifton Collins Jr., Patti LuPone

    Parker is a thief who lives by a personal code of ethics: Don’t steal from people who can’t afford it, and don’t hurt people who don’t deserve it. But when his crew double-crosses him, Parker teams up with an unlikely partner to even the score.

    Safe Haven (2013)

    Josh Duhamel, Julianne Hough, Cobie Smulders, David Lyons, Noah Lomax, Ric Reitz, Red West, Cullen Moss

    This adaptation of the novel by Nicholas Sparks centers on a mysterious woman who arrives in a small North Carolina town and begins a new life but remains haunted by the terrifying secret that prompted her to travel across the country.

    Available 9/5:

    Absence (2013)

    Erin Way, Eric Matheny, Ryan Smale, Stephanie Scholz, Michael Angelo Covino, Tamra Meskimen

    Doctors are baffled when a young expectant mother wakes to find her nearly-to-term pregnancy apparently disappear overnight. The police are investigating the situation as a missing child and only her husband and brother, trust her version of events.

    American Mary (2012)

    Katharine Isabelle, Antonio Cupo, Tristan Risk, David Lovgren, Paula Lindberg, Clay St. Thomas

    Medical student Mary Mason is becoming dissatisfied with her path in life, mostly because she’s piling up massive debt. But when she’s offered a lucrative opportunity to get involved in extreme body-modification surgeries, she jumps at the chance.

    Jim Breuer: And Laughter for All (2013)

    Jim Breuer is best known as “Goat Boy” and his spot on impersonation of “made man” Joe Pesci during his stint on “Saturday Night Live.” In “Jim Breuer: And Laughter For All,” he grapples with the absurdities and annoyances of finding himself a middle aged father of three in suburban New Jersey.

    John Caparulo: Come Inside Me (2013)

    The working-class hero of Chelsea Lately’s Roundtable is all dressed up for an all-new 70 minutes of adorable profanity! John Caparulo has the stage all to himself at The South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to give comedy fans a whole new side, the INSIDE! Even more honest, entertaining, and hilarious than ever before, Cap invites everyone to come inside his world as he sees it, trading in his bachelorhood and T-shirts for a wedding band and buttons.

    She Wants Me (2012)

    Josh Gad, Kristen Ruhlin, Hilary Duff, Charlie Sheen, Aaron Yoo, Wanye Knight

    A neurotic writer working on his new film gets into a tricky situation when an A-list actress shows interest in the role intended for his girlfriend.

    Unraveled (2011)

    Reflecting on his fortune and downfall while awaiting sentencing and under house arrest, attorney and white-collar criminal Marc Dreier reveals the series of events that led him to hatch a Ponzi scheme which lost $750 million.

    Available 9/6:

    Aftershock (2012)

    Eli Roth, Andrea Osvárt, Ariel Levy, Natasha Yarovenko, Nicolás Martínez, Lorenza Izzo

    After an earthquake erupts in Chile, tourist discover that a neighboring prison in the area collapsed in the event, and all surviving criminals managed to break free. Soon they learn that the most terrifying thing, more threatening that Mother Nature, is what she created.

    Here’s a look at some more stuff that was recently added.

    Image: Aftershock (Facebook)

  • ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Season 4 Gets A Netflix Release Date

    The Vampire Diaries will return to the CW on October 3rd, and Netflix subscribers will be able to stream the last season beginning on the same day. Netflix currently has Seasons 1-3 available.

    This is only one of a handful of shows set to return this fall that Netflix is either getting ready to release or has recently released the previous seasons of.

    Earlier this month, ahead of Breaking Bad’s return, Netflix made last year’s episodes available (though lucky users in the UK get the new episodes right after they air too).

    Netflix recently made Revolution: Season 1 available for streaming, as season 2 will debut on NBC on September 25th. Scandal: Season 2 was made available this week on Netflix, with Season 3 hitting ABC on October 3rd.

    The second seasons of Revenge and Once Upon A Time hit Netflix today, with the third seasons debuting on ABC on September 29th.

    Earlier this summer, Netflix announced a deal to stream Fox’s New Girl, and immediately made the first season available. Season 2 will already be hitting Netflix on September 17th, the same day Season 3 premieres on Fox.

    Grey’s Anatomy Season 9 will hit Netflix on September 1st ahead of ABC’s September 26th Season 10 premiere.

    Finally, The Walking Dead Season 3 will make its Netflix debut on September 29th before Season 4 premieres on AMC on October 13th.

    Image: Netflix

  • Aziz Ansari Netflix Special Will Be Promoted More Than Other Exclusives

    As previously reported, Netflix is going to be debuting a new exclusive stand-up special from comedian Aziz Ansari on November 1st. This will only be one of a series of stand-up comedy exclusives Netflix is pushing out.

    Interestingly, Netflix plans to promote this one a lot more heavily than any of the others it has released so far, according to a report from The New York Times. It says that a Netflix spokesperson said the company “intends to put a significant promotional campaign” behind the special, “billing it as original programming on par with ‘Arrested Development‘ or “Orange is the New Black.”

    Netflix has indeed been massively promoting its other original shows. Here’s a huge ad for the upcoming Derek:

    Then there’s this:

    And this.

    It will be interesting to see how much of Ansari’s face we see over the next couple months.

    In the meantime, Netflix has a couple other Anzari stand-up specials available for viewing, as well as Parks & Recreation, on which he stars.

    With Ansari, Netflix apparently has a big enough star for one of its exclusives that it can throw some marketing money behind. As we talked about in another article, hardly anybody has been talking about Netflix having other exclusive stand-up specials, though it has several. The company simply hasn’t promoted them.

    Nobody even seemed to realize that Netflix was already putting out exclusive stand-up comedy content before company executives said that they would be in a letter to investors last month. With Ansari’s special, the company is obviously aiming to change that.

    Netflix also has specials from comedians Marc Maron and Kathleen Madigan in the works.

    Image: Aziz Ansari (Facebook)

  • Taystee Would Like To Escape From Prison With Poussey In ‘Orange Is The New Black’ Season 2

    The cast from Netflix’s Orange is the New Black have been very busy lately talking to various media outlets, and typically, at least touching on the second season, which is currently filming.

    For the most part, they’ve been pretty good about avoiding spoilers, no matter how much their interviewers try to get out of them. Still, some of them have been talking about ideas of things they would like to see play out for their characters.

    Most recently, Out posted a lengthy interview with Danielle Brooks, who plays Taystee.

    When asked if she had any Season 2 spoilers, Brooks deflected the question, but when asked about where she would like to see her relationship with Poussey go, she said, “I don’t know what’s happening, but I’m hoping for some conflict between friends. I think that’s fun to watch. I want to see them get in trouble together. I don’t know, try to escape prison together—that would be fun.”

    The scenario is not out of the realm of possibility, I suppose, but I wouldn’t count on that happening. Brooks noted earlier in the interview that she typically only gets scripts a week in advance if she’s lucky.

    Orange is the New Black: Season 2 has no release date yet, but it is due out in 2014. Production began last month.

    Brooks, along with Uzo Aduba (Crazy Eyes) and Taryn Manning (Pennsatucky), has been promoted to series regular, so expect to see further development of her character and more screen time. We’ll just have to see if that includes an escape attempt.

    Brooks recently told E! News that the writing on the show has gotten better.

    Image: OITNB (Facebook)

  • ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 9 Gets Netflix Release Date

    There is a lot of Grey’s Anatomy available for streaming on Netflix. There are eight seasons worth and 51 discs if you get the DVDs. That’s 196 episodes.

    But it’s not enough, if you’re a fan of the show. Fans want Season 9 as quickly as possible, which they are making abundantly clear in the review section for the show on the Netflix site.

    If you’re one of those waiting, we’ve got good news. A spokesperson for Netflix tells us that Season 9 will be available on September 1st. That’s this Sunday. If you’re reading this, I guess we know what you’ll be doing on Labor Day.

    This will give fans a little time to go through the last season, as Season 10 is set to premiere on September 26th on ABC. It’s Sandra Oh’s last season, and possibly Patrick Dempsey’s apparently.

    Image: Netflix