Sci-Fi Storm

Tom Johnson writes “Has anyone else heard about a new scifi podcast that’s coming soon? I can’t remember where I heard about it but its supposed to be all about sci-fi, games, conventions and the best part is its supposed to be done by an “industry insider”. I didn’t see many details other than that but its supposed to be hitting soon. Anyone else heard about it?” Anyone know of this? Podcasts seem to be getting as common as blogs…

Steve Jordan writes “Encephalopath is the latest novel available at www.SteveJordanBooks.com:

Glen Jansen is seeking to improve his work and prospects when he purchases bleeding edge personal computer technology. But when the tech gives him unexpected access to strange parts of the net, and seemingly to other people’s very thoughts, he finds himself on the run from the government, the mob, and a bunch of ersatz terrorist/patriots, all while trying to find out who’s really controlling the country’s networks!

Encephalopath is now on sale for $2.50, as are all novels on SteveJordanBooks.com. It is available in multiple e-book formats, and with NO DRM!
Thanks for your attention, and pass the word!“

The 2005 Nebula Awards have been given in Tempe, Arizona on Saturday. The winners: Camouflage (hardcover / paperback) by Joe Haldeman for Best Novel; “Magic for Beginners” hardcover / paperback) by Kelly Link for Best Novella; “The Faery Handbag” by Kelly Link for Best Novelette; “I Live With You” by Carol Emshwiller for Best Short Story; and Serenity by Joss Whedon for Best Script. Also given were the Andre Norton Award to Holly Black for Valiant: A Modern Tale of Faerie (hardcover / paperback); Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award to Harlan Ellison; and William F. Nolan (Logan’s Run) was named Author Emeritus.

Despite previous words from George Lucas, the original, untweaked versions of the first three Star Wars films will now be released on DVD. They probably won’t go through the whole THX process so they won’t look as good, and they will include a second disk with the updated version as well. They are slated to go on sale September 12th, and I’ve heard conflicting info – the CNN article says they will only be sold through Dec. 31st, but I’ve heard that it is only for the individual movies, and a box set will stay on sale. Maybe I can finally get rid of my tempermental laserdisc player – I had both versions on it.

In celebration of the upcoming and record-setting 10th season of Stargate SG-1 starting in July, Sony Home Entertainment is re-releasing the first 8 seasons on DVD in new packaging, and may be including some more extras (forcing us completists to re-purchase everything again 🙁 ). I understand the new packaging should be slim-line cases for each DVD. Once I know more I’ll let you know, but I have added links for 6 of the 8 seasons to the Stargate SG-1 Store. For some reason Season 5 isn’t listed yet, and Season 8’s information is all wrong at Amazon (looks like they mixed it up with Ben-Hur, so I’ll update as soon as Amazon does.

In this world of new media, I’ve not seen a trailer for a book – until now. The upcoming U.S. release of Frank Beddor’s The Looking Glass Wars (Due out in September) has just that – and interestingly storyboarded and narrated introduction to the premise of the novel. Note that the cover design for the U.S. release has not been shown yet – the image is of the U.K. paperback. The novel itself is an interesting re-imagination of Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland.

Peter Jackson’s massive remake of King Kong was released on DVD recently, and I finally had the opportunity to watch the DVD. Here is a brief review (no scores) – only because I started a new job and couldn’t devote enough concentration to a full-on review of a 3+ hour movie…

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The sequel to to the 2000 feature Dungeons and Dragons, Dungeons and Dragons: Wrath of the Dragon God, is a very different movie from its predecessor from what I remember. The DVD was recently released, and this old D&D player had a chance to review it.

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Universal is reporting that the DVD release of Peter Jackson’s King Kong is setting records…6.5 million DVD sold in the first 6 days – a Universal Studios record. Read More for a complete press release. DVD review coming soon.

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The first installment of C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, makes its DVD debut tomorrow (April 4th) with a regular single-disc version and a special 2-disc Collector’s Edition. Pre-order now if you haven’t already.