Are Movie Downloads For Free A Good Thing?

With the advent of the internet it's now possible to download practically anything you want, store it on your hard drive and then squeeze it onto either a dvd, your ipod, your zune or maybe either your iphone (if you're an early adopter of course!)

This is the time of plenty, the time to gorge yourself on movie, music and game goodness...but doesn't anyone feel just a little bit guilty about all of this?

Certainly the movie industry will tell you that it's a terrible crime to download and share films. They say you should cough up the money to go and sit in a noisy, smelly cinema complete with a sticky floor and idiot teenagers on their mobile phones.

With that kind of choice is it any wonder the majority of people would prefer to sit at home and watch the latest releases. Certainly, a friend of mine has six children to look after - he simply can't afford to take them all to the cinema.

Unfortunately it seems that until the movie company bigwigs decide to offer a better product to the consumer (and the advent of 3D may just be the thing) people will be content to download to their hearts content. In any case, is it really any worse that passing around movies to your friends as you do when you're a kid?

I have a funny feeling that the viral spread of movies, music and games can actually be a positive thing - but only if the product in question is any good!

Think about this, if a movie is really, really top notch, it gets leaked and 14 year old Timmy gets to see it before it's on at the cinema, what will happen? He's going to go an tell all of his buddies that the movie is great and they (and possibly he) will all want to go and watch it on the big screen. Maybe I'm too much of an optimist.

The fact is that downloading to your ipod, your zune, your dvd disc or your iphone is so advanced, especially with the many premium membership sites around that it's convenient, slicker and not to mention cheaper than the cinematic equivalent.

Downloading is not just about finding a spyware infested forum and hoping that you end up with what you want. Nowadays slick memberships exist offering you free DVD burning software and easy to use search tools to get the exact movie or piece of music that you want.

What's more most of these sites offer free membership after a small initial fee. So for just $30 you can have access to as many movies as you want.

With competition like this, it's no wonder the movie executives are annoyed. What's the answer for them? Create a better product and get people back into the cinemas. 3D maybe the answer to this one...

Movie Review

Two for the Road

The ten-year marriage of Mark and Joanna Wallace is on the rocks. In flashback they recall their first meeting, memorable moments in their courtship and early wedded life, their travels through Europe, their broken vow never to have children, and their increasing tensions that led to both of them having extra-marital affairs.

New dvd release

Spain: Hollywood's Favorite Hot Spot

Three sets of eyes take turns shifting back and forth as sweat beads off the brows above them. The three men nervously glance back and forth, waiting for someone to make that fateful first move. Finally guns are drawn. Angel Eyes slumps to the ground. Tuco tries to fire but finds his gun unloaded. The Man With No Name sends Angel Eyes to his grave with another bullet before forcing Tuco into surrender, handing him a shovel and making him dig for lost Confederate gold.

This scene is from the finale of Sergio Leone's masterpiece The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. It is an unmistakable triumph of the Western film genre. You may think that it was filmed in Old Tucson or perhaps just a short drive from Hollywood. But this classic scene was filmed just north of Madrid, Spain. In fact, Leone and Clint Eastwood's entire Dollars trilogy was shot with Spain standing in for the American Southwest.

Hollywood's fascination with Spanish landscapes and architecture has a rich history. From classic shots like those Leone used to the picturesque Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in the opening scenes of the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, the vistas of Spain - whether because of the average American's unfamiliarity with them or because of their sheer beauty - have served as a backdrop for countless films. And now Hollywood's stars are planting roots on Spanish soil.

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones spend their summers with their children on Majorca, the largest island off the coast of Spain, as does Claudia Schiffer. More family orientated celebs such as the Douglas family inhabit the North coast, while the South coast offers a glorious nightlife and many resorts that cater to the young and adventurous. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are reported to be considering a Spanish abode, though whether they are considering recent vacation spot Bilbao or somewhere a little more quiet has yet to be determined. Perhaps they'll choose somewhere near Barcelona or Madrid, where festivities for World Refugee Day are often held.

The Costa del Sol, where the weather is nearly perfect year-round, is famous for its more than forty scenic golf courses. Sean Connery lived in Marbella, where he enjoyed daily golfing when he wasn't working on projects. Joan Collins resided in Marbella prior to her celebrated role in the television drama Dynasty. This historic Andalusian city was also used as a backdrop for the recent political and historical thrillers Syriana and Munich.

Perhaps those working in film, eager to get away from the ebb and flow of Tinseltown, are seeking to find a home away from home where their work receives accolades. The San Sebastian Film Festival attracts luminaries like Jeremy Irons, Jessica Lange, Mel Gibson and Melanie Griffith. Director David Cronenberg attended the event after a friend told him that it is the most beautiful festival in the world.

The art of the country is another attraction for celebrities. From Goya's portraits to Picasso's Blue Period, the art world has flourished in Spain. Recently Cillian Murphy signed on opposite Al Pacino for a film based on Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dali to be filmed primarily in Spain.

Spain offers visitors from Hollywood a diverse blend of recreation, beautiful weather and intriguing culture. The country has attracted celebrities to both its northern and southern shores as well as many of its islands, and stars find it is the perfect place for both filmmaking and homemaking as well. From Sienna Miller sunbathing on the shores of Ibiza to Woody Allen filming his future work entitled Vicky Christina Barcelona - which is a love letter of sorts to the fabled city - modern movie stars can't seem to get enough of Spain.

Download dvd ipod

Funny Face

Fashion photographer Dick Avery (Fred Astaire), in search for an intellectual backdrop for an air-headed model, expropriates a Greenwich Village bookstore. When the photo session is over the store is left in a shambles, much to salesgirl Jo Stockton’s (Audrey Hepburn) dismay. Avery stays behind to help her clean up. Later, he examines the photos taken there and sees Jo in the background of one shot. He is intrigued by her unique appearance, as is Maggie Prescott (Kay Thompson), the editor of a leading fashion magazine. They offer Jo a modeling contract, which she reluctantly accepts only because it includes a trip to Paris. Eventually, her snobbish attitude toward the job softens, and Jo begins to enjoy the work and the company of her handsome photographer.

Download Free Dvd Movie

Noëlle - A Christmas Movie Powerhouse with a Message to Heal Millions

Opening in theatres around the nation on December 7, 2007 No?e is a low budget picture with a big budget impact written by David Wall and produced by Lenny Manzo and David and Kerry Wall. It is an unrated 90 minute drama that has garnered glowing reviews from the prestigious family oriented Dove Foundation.

The film released by Los Angeles based Gener8Xion Entertainment, Inc., (Omega Code,) (One Night with The King,) (China Cry,) follows the lives of two Catholic priests who have both reached stagnant plateaus in their lives that they cannot accept and they want to move on. In order to move ahead each must face a different obstacle.

Father Keene (David Wall) is haunted by the choices he made in youth and is saddled with the business of closing a small faltering Parish church in a quaint New England fishing village on Old Cape Cod. His counterpart is Father Simeon Joyce (Sean Patrick Brennan) who is searching for a way to revitalize the church and keep it open.

Fr. Joyce loves both the church and the townspeople so when they won't come to him he goes to them. He is often found fraternizing with the town's people in the local pub where Celtic and American Folk music are featured.

The Cape Coders are a colorful melee of characters that from time to time are heard speaking the soft and melodious strains of the Portuguese language so prevalent in that part of New England. The Portuguese, who are noted for their belief in "fado" or fate make a fitting backdrop for this film where fate changes for just about everyone of its leading characters.

Inadvertently each priest helps the other to find the answer they both desperately crave. When Father Keene suggests a Christmas play at the church and Father Joyce invites Father Keene to the town's biggest annual Christmas gathering at the home of Widow Marjorie Worthington (Kerry Wall) their respective personal torments begin to unravel.

Father Keene is plagued by a recurring vision of an angelic child played by David Wall's daughter (Brennan Wall) and with each appearance the mystery escalates. Why does this child haunt Father Keene and just what does she want from him? This is answered at the powerful conclusion of the film and is an ending that will never escape your memory.

David Wall displays an amazing versatility as an actor when in one moment he will make you laugh uproariously as he crashes a motor scooter into a snow bank while in the next he will have you glued to every word in an intense dialogue with others in the story. David's lovely wife Kerry, who plays Marjorie Worthington, wields her thespianic craft with equal intensity and convincibility.

David Wall admitted that many people remind him of how much he looks like a young Robert Redford but was quick to say, "You have never seen Robert Redford fall on his butt in any movie he has ever made." Wall may be the victim of Cape Cod's blustering winter ice but he doesn't fall at all in his performance as the emotionally troubled priest who Wall says is "struggling not only to discover who he is; but also; who he is not."

Although the production has a clear pro-life message interwoven into it, David Wall said his original attempt was at "dealing with hypocrisy" The secondary import of the message is one Wall welcomes and he is unafraid to make his pro-life position known.

The film is not in anyway limited in its appeal to just pro-lifers. Because upwards of forty million children have been aborted in the United States the numbers of people affected collaterally is much more. Forty million babies, mothers, fathers, friends and family have all had their lives changed in some way by a decision to abort. The film speaks to all of them. It offers a universal message across the board from the abortion advocate to the post abortion women who are so quickly forgotten. That message is the heart of the film.

The film is accessible to Christians, Catholics and the general public in any strata of society. It has a deeply human and universal appeal that starts at the heart but may end with a renewal of the mind and perhaps even the very fabric of society itself.

No?e has the ear markings and promise of a classic film not just for Christmas but for all time and for any time. Dove Foundation says the film can be seen by 12 years old and up so it could possibly be the best family movie for this Christmas season and for many more to come.

Rev Michael Bresciani is the author of two books and is a columnist for several online and print publications. Visit The Website for Insight to find powerful articles, news, movie reviews and much more from across the USA and around the globe. www.americanprophet.org

New dvd release

Merchants of Venus

Alex Jakoff (Michael York) is a Russian immigrant looking for work in the USA when he finds a job as a stock boy in a sex-toy factory. The factory’s elderly owner Mrs. Eppy (Nancy Fish) sees Alex as a nice, but lonely guy. So, she tries setting him up with her friend Catherine (Prunella Gee) an aging adult film star. Alex is smitten with Catherine on sight, but she is reluctant to commit to any relationship out of her profession. Meanwhile, when Eppy’s business is threatened with being closed down, Alex decides to buy the place with money from his family whom are in the Russian mafia. But when the business fails anyway and his family of thugs want all their money back, Alex is forced to make some drastic decisions to stay alive.

Download dvd movie

Please Say Yes DivX Movies Be Protected

The internet has become a great place to find everything you�re looking for. With this vast, new library of information and content, it can save you valuable time and money. But there are a small portion of people out there that use the net for more reasons that can be deemed illegal. With the internet comes internet piracy and one of the biggest things pirated on the internet are movies and television shows. This is made even easier with the DivX format.

The format compresses and reformats video content of movies and television shows and makes them easily playable on systems with a DivX media player. Several options exist for downloading these DivX movies. Many sites like �The Pirate Bay� are popular sources for easy download of DivX kind of content. Anyway, it allows you to watch new movies at your comfort and decide whether they are worthy to see by paying money. The vast content of such sites offers people who don�t care about DRM restrictions and copyright laws; to download whatever content they look for.

While maintaining the quality of the original content, DivX format compresses the original files in to smaller ones. This in turn makes it easy to download in easier and faster manner, which is not possible with other methods, and it thus has become a favorite for pirates. As one can expect, there have been debates on this type of downloading. Because, downloading copyrighted content without ermission from the actual producer is treated as illegal. Some arrests have been taken place and fines have also been imposed on people who downloaded such copyrighted movies and television shows.

However, there are some contents that are allowed by their owners for free downloading, and hence, not every download is illegal. Some people exhibit their video contents on these sites for people to see and have an idea of their talent. They generally don�t ask money to vies their shows. Anyway, it is always advised to find out whether or not a video is allowed for free downloading to avoid any risks. To some level, it is possible to know by yourself whether a video can be downloaded freely or not.

You just don�t touch movies and television shows that, you know, were produced by Hollywood and television studios. Pirates are slowly getting positive response at least in downloading music albums. Some musicians are offering their albums for free downloading in return for donations if you like the content. Though movies are not that available yet, you can watch many television shows, but with some patience to tolerate advertisements.

To conclude, be cautious while enjoying DivX movies and television shows.

Download Free Dvd Movie

Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical

This film tells the tale of the Harper Affair, in which young Jimmy Harper finds his life of promise turn into a life of debauchery and murder thanks to the new drug menace marijuana. Along the way he receives help from his girlfriend Mary and Jesus himself, but always finds himself in the arms of the Reefer Man and the rest of the denizens of the Reefer Den.

New dvd release

Bee Movie Causing A Buzz With All Original Story Line

In the almost never ending barrage of computer animated films, most of them consist of vaguely recycled plots that are well and good for kiddy cannon fodder.

Not only are their plots recycled, but nowadays the big trend seems to be using penguins. However, DreamWorks Bee Movie is a highly entertaining and original film that both kids and adults can appreciate. With such voice talents as Jerry Seinfeld, Renee Zelwegger, Matthew Broderick, John Goodman, Patrick Warburton, and even Chris Rock.

Any person who has ever felt that their job was menial, repetitive and soul sucking should relate to main character Barry Bee Benson (Jerry Seinfeld). Barry has just graduated from Bee College and becomes rather disillusioned at the prospect of devoting the rest of his life to the business of making honey.

When he dares to venture to the outside of the hive to see the world before he decides on his life's career, he gets caught in the rain, which renders him incapable of flight.

Seeking refuge inside of an apartment where he is nearly killed, he is saved by a human (Renee Zelwegger) and begins to talk to her. After a few of what one could consider to be dates with the human, Barry discovers that the honey his people work so hard to make is being stolen by bee farms and sold. Being highly offended and outraged by this theft, Barry breaks the silence of the bee race and decides to sue the honey companies.

This movie is very funny on a level that both kids and parents will enjoy. Unlike most animated films that only get big name actors for hype, Bee Movie has actors who do a legitimately good job of their voice acting. Seinfeld's voice is channeled effortlessly into his character.

John Goodman does a fine job as a stereotypically southern lawyer who is quick to point out human superiority. However, Patrick Warburton definitely stole the show with his deep and laughingly manly voice.

While you probably won't find it to be Shakespearian, Bee Movie has a message that almost anyone can identify with. In fact, the only real problems I had with the movie were the many scenes requiring serious suspension of disbelief (even for an animated film), and the false scientific information scattered throughout the entire film.

So, if you're looking for a family night out, or just a light-hearted excursion from daily hassles, then Bee Movie is just what you have been looking for.

Download dvd movie

The Golden Compass - Navigates to Nowhere

This compass is obviously broken and worthless but with a $150,000,000 budget behind it the producers are hoping no one will notice. Another group that hopes no one will notice it is the parents of millions of American children. Catholic and protestant organizations alike are warning families that it has clear anti-Christ overtones and a message that can only drag young minds further into a media driven pool of emptiness where life is hopeless and the future is bleak.

The cast lineup consists of Nicole Kidman, Dakota Blue Richards, Sam Elliot, Eva Green and Daniel Craig. It is directed by Chris Weitz. Thaindian News reported in a post dated November 25, 2007 from Washington (ANI) that actress Nicole Kidman is "anxiously praying for the box office success of fantasy movie The Golden Compass so that she can make a sequel." The forty year old star is undoubtedly unaware that millions of believers are praying for just the opposite.

The Omaha World-Herald November 25, 2007 reported that "The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights is urging families to boycott the movie and its source books, a trilogy of novels called "His Dark Materials" by British author Philip Pullman, who is a self-professed atheist."

According to the Baptist Record, a Journal of the Mississippi Baptist Convention November 22, 2007 Pullman said in a 2001 interview, "I'm trying to undermine the basis of the Christian belief," and two years later told another newspaper, "My books are about killing God."

The Golden Compass is New Line Cinema's offering of the first of a trilogy of anti God movies all based on the Pullmans disdain for God, Christianity and C. S. Lewis' highly acclaimed "Chronicles of Narnia. The remaining two novels can only get worse.

In the third and final book of the trilogy, one of the films characters is told by the two homosexual angels that the "Authority" has many names such as El, Adonai, the King and the Father Almighty. For adults who know their bibles the trilogy might seem like a takeoff on dumb, dumber and dumbest but to children whose spiritual wellbeing is at stake the threat is looming and quite real.

Unlike the Da Vinci Code which was transparently spurious Golden Compass has the subtle difference of appeal to youth because of the elaborate and dazzling animated screen play and the fairy tale like fantasy of the story. Pullman uses the ridiculous, unlearned and untrue cry against all the atrocities that have been committed in the name of religion, especially Christianity. Like the historians who were similarly asleep at the wheel in the making of Da Vinci Code, Pullman's view of history is freshmen grade tripe.

The millions who have died across the span of history had their lives snuffed out by despots who were anything but religious. Roman emperors, Greek conquerors, Mao, Stalin, Pol Pot, Hitler and the like were anything but Christian. In fact they were all atheists like Pullman. Unchecked common wisdom of the day may have succeeded in ringing Pullman's bell but under a more scrutinizing eye all that is left for this flick is for someone to hit the gong.

No one church, ministry or minister has of late been able to throw $150 million at a project or an evangelistic effort. Blood has been shed to proclaim the gospel in dozens of countries around the globe, not in ancient times but it is going on at this very moment. It is a price to pay that in Gods eyes is worth far more than the mere pittance thrown at a film by an angry atheistic Britain who doesn't regard the spiritual welfare of youth in either America or Britain.

Jesus warned that offending, weakening or robbing the faith of the young and innocent has dire consequences. (Mt. 18:6) In this day of boldly kicking out the old and flaunting the new whether it is pop fluff or debasing media claptrap, Pullman is yet covered by his "right" to freedom of speech and expression both in America or Britain. As it applies to him it may seem only appropriate to say nothing. When it becomes a $150,000,000 message thrown at the young to dissuade them from the connection that will determine their eternal destiny he has exercised his "right" in a way that can only be wrong.

The header of the marquis poster shown in pr spots and in advertisements reads "There are worlds beyond our own; the compass will show you the way." The Compass will certainly not live up to that promise either in theatres or in the minds of a huge majority of Americans.

Jesus is not just an "Authority" which is one of the more common usages in the film for God's name. He is also the Lamb of God who lay down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11) Without a shepherd everyone is just wandering aimlessly around this planet and no contrived, imaginary compass golden or not will substitute for the true guide.

This enduring truth is best said in a stanza of an old and much loved Christian hymn entitled "Jesus Savior Pilot Me." This beloved hymn was written by Edward Hooper a former seaman and minister to many of New York's hearty sailors and career mariners. These words first appeared in the "Sailor's Magazine" published in 1871 but are still sung by the faithful around the world today.

Jesus Savior pilot me, Over Life's tempestuous sea
Unknown waves before me roll; Hiding rock and treacherous shoal
Chart and compass come from thee, Jesus Savior pilot me

Rev Michael Bresciani is the author of two books and is a columnist for several online and print publications. Visit The Website for Insight to find powerful articles, news, movie reviews and much more from across the USA and around the globe. www.americanprophet.org

Crazy DVD

The Wonderful Present Of New DVDs This Christmas

Think about presenting a DVD movie on this Christmas occasion. It sounds as a nice option than many. For, very few things can better entertain people than a favorite DVD movie. When you want entertainment without leaving the comfort of your home, DVD movies become a favorable option over theatres. To entertain people during the coming festive season, there are many new DVD movies entering the market. Here, we will have an overview of some DVD movies that can add value to your movie collection.

�Pirates of the Caribbean: At World�s End� is the first one to be discussed here. The star cast in this pirate movie includes Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley and Geoffrey Rush. The movie is about rescuing Jack Sparrow, organizing the pirate counsel and a final battle against East India Trading Company and Davie Johns. This box-office hit is sure to woo all the fans of the first two pirate movies. The picturisation and flow of sequences with the added effect of graphics are very interesting to watch.

�The Bourne Ultimatum� comes second in our list of DVD movies that has to be collected for this festive season. This is also a final movie in a trilogy series. In this movie, matt Damon plays the role of Jason Bourne who realizes himself in great trouble related to his past and starts in search of certain answers. In the search, he gets caught in the middle of a state-sponsored murder plot, which becomes a big problem for him. The interesting screen-by-screen events are a must watch.

The final in our list of DVD movies is a true comedy treasure that will have adults laughing all the way till New Years. 'Superbad' tells the story of two best friends that forced to separate after high school and attend different colleges. However, that isn�t before having one last party. Unfortunately, the two aren�t very smart when it comes to getting the booze for the party so that they can look cool. This movie was hands-down one of the funniest films of the summer. Look for the Superbad DVD to keep it going with extra feature that are sure to have you saying, �McLovin rules!�

Free movies are now dominating internet traffic. If you are strapped for cash but still want to be entertained, there are a plethora of websites out there that offer free movies to all that want to partake. Watching movies for free online is a great way to by entertained and discover new genres that you may never have paid attention to in the past because you didn�t want to spend the movie.

But, if you want Hollywood movies, you need to realize the fact that only few websites offer Hollywood movies that are old and do not come under the protection of copyright laws. Also, these kinds of movies are a bit older ones. So, if you want full entertainment, you better get new DVD movies that are entering the market to make your moments filled with joy.

Crazy DVD

Watch Live Sports TV Online Without Hurting Your Wallets

Sports fans are one of the most passionate people around. They are willing to choke up hundreds of dollars on TV bills just to watch live sports TV online. Some even invest heavily in the top of the line sub-woofer, LCD monitor and graphics card for maximum thrill. Very often, enthusiasts would rant about their favorite celebrities like Anna Kournikova, David Beckman and follow up on their news on television. It is also fun to come together with friends to watch the games live.

The question is how can you watch live sports TV online instantly and for FREE? The answer would be unveiled in a little while.

Perhaps you are guessing that many folks are already watching live sports TV online. The fact is, you are right about it. There are thousands of families who are indulging in hours of sports entertainment. All these are made available to them using proprietary software called PC satellite TV software.

This nifty application lets the viewer watch live sports TV online once it is installed and running on the computer. The software provides instant access to well above 70 sports channels screening games like basketball, baseball, football, soccer, tennis, wrestling, racing, boxing and others.

There are many established channels to watch from the software such as Sport Star, ESPN News, GameSports TV, Fox Network and EuroSports TV, sports fans are enjoying the hours of top notch entertainment. The television channels are freely broadcast from free to air FTA satellite TV stations. This software essentially converts the broadcasts into television on your PC.

Where are these software available? Anyone can purchase and download it from online services at a price tag of $49.99 to $99.99. The software is not free but you get to watch live sports TV online for free after the purchase. On top of game channels, you do get the privilege to watch movies, news, music videos, TV series, interactive television programs, cartoons and a whole lot of other entertaining programs.

The installation is simple. Once you have downloaded it, just click on the installation icon and you may let the program run on its own. It takes no more than a couple of minutes before you can start watching the live sports TV online. Before you get too excited, do make sure you have a broadband connection for smooth, uninterrupted transmission.

Okay, with these simple tips, you are one step away from watching the ongoing live games. Why not join the thousands before you, download the software from my recommended site and watch live sports TV online instantly?

Download Free Dvd Movie

The Alamo Drafthouse - An Austin Original

Not many new businesses open their doors and become an immediate Austin success, but the Alamo Drafthouse is an exception to the rule. In 1997, Tim and Karrie League opened the Alamo Drafthouse in a downtown Austin warehouse building that was being used as a parking garage, playing mostly second run movies. Their twist to the movie-going experience was to offer food and drinks brought to the viewers by black-clad servers.

The Alamo Drafthouse caught on quickly, and soon changed their programming to include creative lineups of movies and complimentary cuisine, such as Spaghetti Westerns with Spaghetti Feasts, drawing Austinites looking for a dinner and movie experience out of the norm.

In 2001, the Leagues purchased and renovated a 4 screen art house theater on Anderson Lane, and the Alamo Drafthouse Village was born. The Village location provided first run movies, which freed up the original Drafthouse to concentrate on unique programming 100% of the time. It's this programming that has transformed the Alamo into one of the most innovative movie theaters in the country.

Along with pairing food and movies together, the Alamo Drafthouse hosts Sing-A-Longs to packed Musical-loving houses, and Quote-A-Longs that serve up quote-worthy movies, such as Blazing Saddles. Every Wednesday at midnight, the Alamo provides a bizarre gem completely free, pleasing the broke college crowd who can be entertained while enjoying a couple beers for a small amount of money. Possibly the most popular event held at the original Alamo location was Mr. Sinus Theater, Austin's own take on the popular Mystery Science Theater 3000 television show, with live comedians poking fun at poorly made films, and popular classics alike. Though Mr. Sinus has gone by the wayside, a faction of the original comedy troupe has formed Master Pancake Theater with a similar theme.

The Alamo Drafthouse also builds a sense of community with their patrons by letting them actually partake in the fun and creativity. Putting their own twist on the Karaoke craze, the Alamo created "Movieoke" letting fans choose clips from their favorite movies to "perform" live up on stage, with the movie playing behind. They also host a "Make a Movie in 48 Hours" challenge for budding filmmakers to show what they can do in a limited amount of time, with the winner chosen by a panel of celebrity filmmakers. The Alamo Drafthouse is also home of the Air Guitar Championships for those with the best air guitar chops in the land.

Stepping outside of the box a little further, the Leagues purchased a giant inflatable movie screen for film screenings in remote locations. Deemed the Rolling Roadshow, moviegoers could paddle a canoe down a river, and eat dinner on its banks while watching Deliverance, or spend the day at Camp Hack-n-Slash before watching horror camp movies all night long. This past summer, the Rolling Roadshow headed across America screening famous movies in famous places, like North By Northwest at Mount Rushmore.

In 2004, Tim and Karrie League sold the company, the intellectual rights, and brand to Terrell Braly and John Martin. The new owners of the Drafthouse are expanding the theaters, with an eventual goal of 200 nationwide. The Leagues did retain the rights to the original Drafthouse, the Village, and the South Lamar location that opened in 2005. With skyrocketing costs in the warehouse district, the Leagues recently renovated the 1929 Ritz Theater on 6th Street, and it serves as the new heart for the Alamo Drafthouse. It opened November 2nd, with the Leagues coming full force, screening a Triple Feature of Attack of the Mushroom People, including a Mushroom Feast, a sneak peek of the Coen brothers newest release, No Country for Old Men, and Quentin Tarantino flying in for a Terror Thursday screening of War of the Gargantuas.

Movie Review

Movies On Your iPod - The Next Digital Rights Battlefield?

Apple's iPod has transformed from a digital music player to a digital media player par excellence. Now in its fifth generation, the iPod brand covers devices that play music, display pictures of album covers, allow touch based interfaces, and even play your favorite movies and television programs, all available through the Apple Music Store. Beyond the commercial options, you can also download copies of your own video programming to your iPod through the iTunes music store.

This has a direct impact on something you see in the news - the Writer's Guild of America strike. The Writer's Guild (WGA) is on strike (shutting down production of a lot of television programs) because of discrepancies in the way that residuals are billed on digital content distributed through the Internet, including through Apple's iTunes online store.

Converting a movie you already own to play on the iPod is a bit tricky. There are compatibility problems lurking under the surface of the device, and it does take a bit of time. Remember that your time is also a valuable part of the equation - ask yourself how much two dollars of your time is actually worth before you start this quest.

If you still want to rip an existing DVD movie on to your iPod video, start by downloading software available on the web but be careful! Choose only those that support the iPod video format. Look for features that are easy to use and fast,brief interface and design

The iPod video converter should be able to integrate with all video/audio encoders/codecs. It should also support a preview function so you can be sure that the iPod movies turn out well. Examples of these are PQ DVD to iPod Video Converter, Handbrake or ImTOO iPod Movie Converter v2.1.

In light of this, knowing how to load your own copies of digital media on the iPod from DVDs you already own, is important - it lets you stand up for the WGA, by making sure that what you purchase actually supports them.

But as legal issues over piracy and copyright laws are beginning to be strict, many are concerned about the future of iPod movies. Will the users be made liable for home videos or ripped DVDs downloaded on their iPod movies' play list?

Good software will give you a lot of options for the conversion process, and have a clean user interface. Two good candidates are PQ DVD to iPod Video Converter and ImTOO iPod Movie Converter. Both of these options have nice interfaces, allow you to dump video to MPEG 4 format, and synchronize the audio streams automatically.

One signal of where that change is going is TV episodes by iPod, which are currently a legal and financial hot potatoe, both between the networks and Apple, and between production companies and writers. The writers want payment of digital distribution in the form of residuals comparable to an airing of a rerun on TV - the production companies are saying otherwise (while pocketing almost a billion dollars in ad revenues from this.)

Creative issues aside, an iPod is a great way to share videos with your friends; you can show it to them on the little screen, or wirelessly connect to a digital media center, or just use the TV Out jack and wide screen options. Understand that digital video compression will make most of the videos come out a little darker than usual.

Other useful accessories for your iPod enjoyment include external speakers, and cable set ups - there are even stereos with "iPod docks" to let you just plug your iPod in.

Hot DVD releases

Watching The Auditions For Casino Royale

Producers are currently auditioning parts for Casino Royale ll.

Daniel Craig is to sit in on the auditions but is running a little late. Checking his luxury watch he realises that he is holding up proceedings and calls for his driver.
Along comes Kimi Raikkonen in a two seater sports car. Synchronising his watch with Craig they set off for the studios.

First off for today is a show down between several actors with enormous egos vying for the lead as Bond.

George Clooney and Brad Pitt are the main contenders for the part. Both have the eye candy appeal to the female viewers and are looked up to by young men hoping to be in their position in a few years time.

Both actors are itching to be first with the big impressions so along they come with their drivers, Jeff Gordon and Lewis Hamilton. Both drivers are fans of luxury watch manufacturers and are always on time.

Meanwhile, Steve McQueen has awoken early with the aid of his luxury watch. He feels todays audition for James Bond will be his last chance of a comeback.

Peter Ho has different ideas. With a stack of films and TV dramas under his belt as well as proving to be a hit in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, he's hoping the Bond producers will encourage a different direction with a Chinese Bond. Dressed to impress he completes his outfit with his luxury watch.

All these actors are given a chance. The only person Craig and the producers are not too sure of is Shah Rukh Khan. A top Bollywood actor with a perfect taste in luxury watches but would it be possible to get away with an Indian Bond?

This has, however, given producers some food for thought as Bollywood actors are making major headway in Hollywood films, particularly the beautiful women.

Talking of which, this afternoons auditions for the lead female role are being held out on location and that is where they head off after lunch.

Down by the water on a gorgeous summer afternoon along comes the first actress, Cindy Crawford closely followed by Nicole Kidman. Both women have taste in bucket loads from the exclusive designer shoes to their luxury watches but maybe a little too well known (and old?)

The lead female role comes down to two actresses. Uma Thurman is well experienced and very capable of the role. However, just as the audition is getting under way, along comes Ellen MacArthur and her crew of yachtsmen, including Dean Barker and Russell Coutts.

Checking their watches for timekeeping they take no note of the swimmers Alexander Popov and Michael Phelps training in the water.

With a near collision unfolding, Uma Thurman sprints off to save the swimmers, jumping from the bank to the yacht, karate chopping and throwing people about, her audition is over.

When it looks like all is lost who should glide into view but Priyanka Chopra. This former Miss World and leading Bollywood actress has been keeping an eye on proceedings to ensure she enters at the right moment.

Checking her luxury watch just to make sure she's not unprofessionally late, she steps up to the producers to take part in her audition.

It seems her timekeeping is impeccable as well as her abilities. The producers have found their beautiful woman with a strong character but who doesn't wish to outdo the male lead. Casting for Casino Royale ll is complete.

Download Free Dvd Movie

Breaks, The

A Sunday in the life of Derrick King, an Irish kid raised in South Central L.A. by a Black family. He talks Black, dresses Black, and thinks of himself as Black. It’s a day of disasters: his mom kicks him out of the house, his uncle fires him, the woman he loves dismisses him as childish, the LAPD (wearing Confederate-flag shoulder patches) impounds his car and tosses him in the drunk tank, a mean dude is after him for money, he’s imprisoned in a store basement by gay sadists, and he’s shot at. Along the way, however, he shows kindness to a near-sighted kid, and those random acts may prove to be his salvation.

Download dvd movie

John Tucker Must Die

IMDB Rating: 5.30 out of 10 (6368 votes)

Director: Betty Thomas

Actors: Jesse Metcalfe, Brittany Snow, Ashanti, Sophia Bush, Arielle Kebbel, Penn Badgley, Jenny McCarthy, Fatso-Fasano, Kevin McNulty, Patricia Drake, Jeffrey Ballard, Taylor Kitsch, Steve Bacic, Dean Wray, Jon Cuthbert,

Crazy DVD

Sense and Sensibility

When Mr. Dashwood dies, he must leave the bulk of his estate to the son by his first marriage, which leaves his second wife and three daughters (Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret) in straitened circumstances. They are taken in by a kindly cousin, but their lack of fortune affects the marriageability of both practical Elinor and romantic Marianne. When Elinor forms an attachment for the wealthy Edward Ferrars, his family disapproves and separates them. And though Mrs. Jennings tries to match the worthy (and rich) Colonel Brandon to her, Marianne finds the dashing and fiery Willoughby more to her taste. Both relationships are sorely tried. But this is a romance, and through the hardships and heartbreak, true love and a happy ending will find their way for both the sister who is all sense and the one who is all sensibility.

Download dvd movie