"Sweeney Todd" Wins Two Saturn Awards

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street took home two Saturn awards on Tuesday, June 24th.  The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Horror Films honored Tim Burton's musical thriller with the awards for Best Horror Film and Best Costumes, recognizing Colleen Atwood's work on the film.

The film was also nominated for Best Direction (Tim Burton), Best Actor (Johnny Depp), Best Actress (Helena Bonham Carter), Best Supporting Actor (Alan Rickman), Best Writing (John Logan), and Best Make-Up (Peter Owen and Ivana Primorac).  

Frequent Burton collaborator Ve Neill (Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and make-up and hair stylist for Johnny Depp on Sweeney Todd, among other Burton films) was awarded with a Saturn award for her work on Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.  She shared the prize with Martin Samuel.

For a full list of the winners, click here.

"Sweeney Todd" Blu-Ray in October

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will be available on high-definition Blu-ray Disc on October 21st, 2008. The bonus materials will be identical that were scheduled to be on the now-cancelled HD DVD, and the currently available Region 1 two-disc DVD. No cover art is available yet, but we don't suspect it'll be too radical from the variants of posters for the film.

The Blu-ray version of the musical thriller will be available for $39.99. The movie will be presented in widescreen 1.85:1 1080p and the audio will be in 5.1 DolbyTrueHD.

Tim Burton to Get Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Next year, director Tim Burton will be among 25 other (real and fictional) celebrities and pop culture icons to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Other recipients for 2009 include:

Hugh Jackman, Ben Kingsley, The Village People, Tinkerbell, Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, Cameron Diaz, Robert Downey Jr., Leslie Caron, Charles Durning, Ralph Fiennes, William Petersen, Kyra Sedgwick, John Stamos, Mark Burnett, Chuck Lorre, Kenny "Baby Face" Edmonds, Dave Koz, The Miracles, Doug Morris, Rush, Shakira, KFI radio personality Bill Handel and KCRW host Harry Shearer, who also provides voices for characters on "The Simpsons."

Stan Winston, 1946-2008

Special visual effects and make-up visionary Stan Winston died on Sunday in his home in Malibu, California, surrounded by his family.

Winston had been suffering a seven-year-long struggle with multiple myeloma. He was 62.

Winston had a tremendously successful life and influential impact on the film industry, in a career that spanned roughly four decades. He brought to life some of the most iconic movie monsters and creatures, most notably for those featured in Jurassic Park, Aliens, and Terminator 2. He also collaborated with Tim Burton, on Edward Scissorhands, Batman Returns, and Big Fish. Burton spoke very highly of Winston.

Richard Corliss of Time Magazine wrote about Winston. In the recent article, he included some comments on his collaborations with Mr. Burton, and thus offering a sense of Stan Winston's work as a whole:

"Yet he wasn't out simply to scare the audience; he wanted to create complex, often sympathetic figures— to enlighten us about the dark side. "I don't do special effects," he once said. "I do characters." His Edward Scissorhands character, elaborated on from director Tim Burton's sketches, puts the poignancy right in that white, sweet, baleful, soulful face. The Penguin, played by Danny DeVito in Burton's Batman Returns, is an ugly, beaky thing that no kid could mistake for having happy feet; yet beneath his comic rage there's an abandoned child's ache, palpable and, thanks to Winston, visible."

You can read the rest of the article here.


Stan Winston may have passed on too soon, but his impact on the film industry will certainly not fade away any time in the near future. Winston reportedly always had a vibrant enthusiasm for his work. That artistic passion certainly shows in his iconic, unforgettable creations.

Rest in peace, Stan.

A couple of Mr. Winston's familiar creations:

Johnny Depp as Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Danny DeVito as The Penguin in Batman Returns (1992)

New "Nightmare" DVD Box Art

IGN.com has an image of the box art for the upcoming two-disc DVD and Blu-ray release of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Artwork is subject to change before the title is available this August 26th:

Update on New "Nightmare" DVDs

What's this? It's something new!...

Walt Disney Home Entertainment has released information regarding the upcoming DVD release of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. The film will be available as a two-disc standard DVD and a single-disc Blu-ray version.

The extras include:

• A Special Introduction by Tim Burton
• What's This? Jack's Haunted Mansion Holiday Tour: Viewers choose the way they want to tour Disneyland's Holiday Haunted Mansion. "On Track" explores a tricked-out version of the Haunted Mansion, while "Off Track" reveals what went into creating all the creepy fun.
• Tim Burton's Original poem narrated by Christopher Lee: Tim Burton's poem that inspired the creation of the movie comes to creepy life as performed by legendary actor Christopher Lee.
• Film Commentary: Commentary by producer and writer Tim Burton, director Henry Selick and composer Danny Elfman.
• Introduction To Frankenweenie!: A new un-cut version introduction by Tim Burton.
• The Making of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Go behind the scenes of the very first full-length stop motion animated movie with the filmmakers.
• The Worlds of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Witness the creation of the film's richly imagined dreamscapes, including Halloween Town, Christmas Town and the Real World.
• Deleted Scenes
• Storyboard to Film Comparison
• Original Theatrical Trailers and Posters
• Tim Burton's Complete Short Film Vincent.

No significant featurettes seem to be missing from this release, set for August 26th, 2008, with the exception of the audio commentary track which featured Henry Selick and director of photography Pete Kozachik. That extra was on the earlier DVD release.

All of these features will be available on both the two-disc standard DVD and the Blu-ray version, with the exception of the special introduction by Tim Burton to the film, which is Blu-ray exclusive.

For tech buffs, the specs include 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video (1.66:1), English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Surround and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround audio (both 48kHz/24-bit), and English, French and Spanish subtitles.

That immensely expensive DVD collector's pack that was mentioned in the original TBC News article will be comprised of the two-disc standard DVD version and an individually numbered and hand-painted bust of Jack Skellington. Equipped with his Sandy Claws hat and beard, the collectible Jack figurine will have a sound chip built into it, which plays quotes from the movie.

Also, in a first for Disney, both the normal DVD and Blu-ray versions will come with a digital copy of the movie -- called a "Disneyfile" -- which will be compatible with both iTunes and Windows Media Player.

Interesting that the DVD will include an introduction to Frankenweenie. This is probably just a video introduction to the original live-action short film by Burton from 1984. But might it also hint at a preview of Burton's upcoming stop-motion, feature-length version of the movie?... Well, I guess we shouldn't get too greedy...

No cover art yet, but we'll keep you posted!

Burton + Depp + August = "Dark Shadows"?

IESB.net has stated that director Peter Segal recently said that John August has written a screenplay adaptation for the TV series Dark Shadows -- and that Tim Burton is attached to direct it and Johnny Depp is (supposedly) to star in it.

Dark Shadows was a television series which ran from 1966 to 1971. It was a popular gothic soap opera, featuring vampires, werewolves, and other ghoulish creatures.

An image from the original series Dark Shadows.

This could be the secret project that John August wrote on his website late last year.

John August wrote the screenplays of Tim Burton's Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Corpse Bride.

Rumors of Burton and Depp teaming up for a big-screen version of Shadows came up on the Internet months ago. And this more official claim seems to encourage those beliefs. But just because Burton is attached to direct the film, it doesn't mean that he necessarily will. Months ago, Warner Bros. had Burton attached to helm an adaptation of the fantasy novel The Spook's Apprentice. But eventually, Burton moved to other projects (his upcoming Frankenweenie and Alice and Wonderland at Disney), and Kevin Lima is now currently signed on to direct Apprentice.

We'll have to wait and see what the future holds for Burton, Depp, and this planned Dark Shadows movie.

New "Nightmare Before Christmas" DVDs?!

According to videobusiness.com, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment will launch its first embedded digital copy within the standard DVD and Blu-Ray releases of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Collector's Edition on August 26th, 2008.

Special features on this upcoming release include commentary by producer/creator Tim Burton, director Henry Selick, and composer/lyricist and the singing voice of Jack Skellington, Danny Elfman. The original poem written by Burton will also be read by Burton collaborator and horror movie legend Christopher Lee. There will also be a video tour of Disneyland's Haunted Mansion ride, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the stop-motion cult classic, and Burton's original short film from 1982, Vincent, narrated by Burton's idol, Vincent Price, and many other bonus materials.

The Blu-Ray edition will also feature an exclusive introduction by Tim Burton.

This new release of Nightmare will be available as a two-disc standard DVD ($32.99), a single-disc Blu-Ray version ($39.99), and a limited edition Ultimate Collector's standard DVD set ($179.99), states the website.

We hope that this exciting news is indeed true, and that more information will come along in the near future.

Updates on New "Beetlejuice" DVDs

Warner Bros. has now stated the final bonus features on the upcoming Beetlejuice: 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition DVD, as well as the cover art for the standard DVD and Blu-Ray versions.

In addition to three episodes from the Beetlejuice animated series, the DVD will include the theatrical trailer for Beetlejuice, the theatrical trailer for Pee-wee's Big Adventure, and a music-only audio track focusing on the score by Danny Elfman (like the previous DVD release 10 years ago). It will also be presented in a special lenticular cover.

Both the regular Region 1 DVD and Blu-Ray versions will be available on September 16th, 2008.

You can see larger versions of the cover art here.

New "Beetlejuice" DVD This September

The official poster for Beetlejuice.
No cover art for the new DVD release is available yet.

Is a new special edition DVD of Tim Burton's classic Beetlejuice coming out this September?! Yes and no. This won't be the Beetlejuice 20th anniversary DVD release of your dreams, with behind-the-scenes featurettes galore and an audio commentary track or two, from the looks of it.

Instead, this upcoming DVD, Warner Bros. has stated, will feature the 1988 macabre comedy in a newly restored and clear presentation. Also, it will include three episodes from the animated series based on the film, which was produced by Burton and David Geffen:

-"A-Ha" from Season One
-"Skeletons in the Closet" from Season Two
-"Spooky Boo-tique" from Season Two

The animated series.

The so-called "Beetlejuice (20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)" will be released on standard DVD (for roughly $20) and high-definition Blu-Ray DVD ($35) in North America on September 16th, 2008.The Blu-Ray version will also include a sample CD of select tracks from the movie's score by Danny Elfman.

This upcoming DVD release is skimping on the extras for the most part. No confirmation on whether or not it will include the music-only audio track that the original, more primitive DVD release of Beetlejuice from 1998 featured (but most likely, there will not be).

Beetlejuice, released in 1988, was the second feature-length film directed by Burton. It stars Michael Keaton (Batman) in one of his craziest performances, as well as Geena Davis, Alec Baldwin, and Robert Goulet in a brief cameo. Other Burton collaborators in the film include Catherine O'hara and Glenn Shadix (who were both in The Nightmare Before Christmas), Winona Ryder (Edward Scissorhands), and Jeffrey Jones (Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow), among others.

"Sweeney Todd" Region 2 DVD Now Available

The Region 2 DVD of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is now available in the UK. The following special features are on the two-disc set:

- Behind the scenes featuring: Tim Burton, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter

- Musical Mayhem: Sondheim's Sweeney Todd (featurette)

- Sweeney Todd is Alive: The Real History of the Demon Barber (featurette)

- Sweeney's London (featurette)

- Recreating Fleet Street (featurette)

- Grand Guignol: A Theatrical Tradition (featurette)

- Sketchbook (a look at the creation of sketches of the story)


It should be noted that there is no Tim Burton audio commentary track, despite rumors suggesting that there might have been.

"Music from the Films of Tim Burton" CD

Filmscoremonthly.com has posted information about a new re-recording by Silva Screen Records...



The article says the following:

"'Music from the Films of Tim Burton'

Tim Burton’s career as a director has provided some of the most original and distinctive films in cinema history.

His long working relationship with the musical genius of Danny Elfman is the main subject of this collection of the very best music from his films.

With a collaboration lasting over 25 years, Danny Elfman’s quirky music has more than matched the strange screen worlds of Tim Burton.

Highlights include Breakfast Machine from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, Main Title/Ice Dance from Edward Scissorhands, Mars Attacks! and Beetlejuice.

Also includes selections from Burton’s most recent film Sweeney Todd, composed by Stephen Sondheim."

The tracklisting is as follows:

1. Main Titles – Sweeney Todd
2. No Place Like London – Sweeney Todd
3. A Little Priest – Sweeney Todd
4. Johanna – Sweeney Todd
5. Christmas Eve Montage – The Nightmare Before Christmas
6. The Piano Duet/Victor’s Piano Solo – Corpse Bride
7. End Titles – Sleepy Hollow
8. Themes - Batman
9. End Titles – Batman Returns
10. Main Title/Ice Dance – Edward Scissorhands
11. Finale – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
12. Beetlejuice - Beetlejuice
13. Breakfast Machine – Pee-wee’s Big Adventure
14. Main Title – Ed Wood
15. Mars Attacks! – Mars Attacks


This CD is not composed of the same versions of the music by Danny Elfman, Howard Shore (Ed Wood), and Stephen Sondheim, that we're familiar with. Instead, these are new recordings of those pieces, played by the City of Prague Philharmonic.

The CD will be available in the UK on June 16th, 2008, and in the US on July 7th, 2008.


Catalogue No. SILCD1261
Format: CD
Barcode: 73857 2126124
Label: SILVA SCREEN
Street Date: 16/06/2008

Batmobile on eBay

Image from T3.com

The Batmobile from Tim Burton's 1989 film Batman is on eBay.com for $500,000. At 20 feet long and 8 feet wide, it's the authentic vehicle, even if it is a bit impractical (you have to enter through the roof, and it's not exactly eco-friendly).

Here's the description from the seller:

"Na na na na na na na na na na BATMAN. That is what your neighbors will say when you pull into the driveway. How many people do you know that have a Ferrari, a Mercedes, a Lamborghini, or a Corvette? My guess would be there is at least one of these in your neighborhood. Now how many Batmobiles are in your neighborhood. None, because there were a total of 5 of these cars made."

Producers Behind "Frankenweenie"

IMDb.com has stated two names behind the stop-motion animated feature-length version of Frankenweenie: Allison Abbate and Don Hahn.

While it's always good to be cautious with IMDb.com's reports, it seems very likely that the two will be producing the film.

Allison Abbate was a producer on Corpse Bride, as well as other animated films (stop-motion and otherwise) including Brad Bird's The Iron Giant and currently Wes Anderson's The Fantastic Mr. Fox. Mr. Fox and Frankenweenie are both set for a 2009 release, with the latter scheduled for December.

Allison Abbate and co-director Mike Johnson promoting
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride at Comic-Con in 2005

Don Hahn was also a producer on many of the animated films from the so-called "Disney Renaissance" of the late 1980s and 1990s, such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King. He was also a leading producer on the 3D theatrical re-release of The Nightmare Before Christmas in 2006. Like the re-release of the cult classic musical, Frankenweenie will be shown in 3D in theaters, among numerous other future Disney releases. Pixar and Disney have decided to work exclusively in 3D for many of their upcoming films, on various forms of animation and even on some live-action movies. Specifically, Hahn will be an executive producer on Frankenweenie.

Don Hahn

Tim Burton will also be a producer on the stop-motion film, reportedly.

The movie website also stated that filming has commenced on Frankenweenie. This would make sense, as stop-motion animation is a tedious process (despite the film being deliberately low-budget, as Burton wanted). No updates on the screenplay or casting have come up. Frequent Burton collaborator Chris Lebenzon will likely serve as editor.

Again, it is always good to be wary of announcements on IMDb, but we feel confident with this information (plus, the author of these articles is already getting very anxious for these upcoming Burton films). We will keep you posted of any updates!

Zanuck on "Alice"

No big news at the moment, but producer Richard D. Zanuck has confirmed that Tim Burton's upcoming Alice in Wonderland will begin shooting in London this May. Burton is currently involved in pre-production of the fanciful film.

The producer, who has collaborated with Burton on each of his live-action films since Planet of the Apes in 2001, also promised that there will be "a lot of animation" in the movie.

Alice, which is being made with Walt Disney Pictures, will use a combination of computer-generated animation and live-action.

No casting decisions have been declared at the moment, but since filming is due to begin very shortly, we may find out who will be in the movie soon enough.

Stay tuned for more information!

Burton Denies Duping Lisa Marie

Tim Burton has denied allegations from his ex-girlfriend Lisa Marie that he had tricked her out of promised assets after the two broke up, eonline.com reports.

"The suggestion made by [Lisa Marie] that I engaged in any conduct which was calculated to deceive her...is completely false and completely ludicrous," Burton says in a seven-page court declaration filed Thursday, April 24th, 2008.

Lisa Marie, who appeared in several of Burton's films, sued the director in 2006 for fraud and breach of fiduciary contract, alleging he cheated her out of an equitable division of their accumulated property. Burton and Marie ended their 10-year relationship in 2001, when Burton met actress Helena Bonham Carter.

Lisa Marie claims that the filmmaker agreed to bankroll her for life in exchange for serving as his personal manager and acting in his films, the article stated. The article went on to say that Marie's suit seeks to rescind three previous legal settlements between them, accusing Burton of orchestrating a conspiracy theory—getting various friends and counselors, including her own lawyer, to convince her into accepting a smaller payout.

Burton denies the accuracy of these charges. "Allegations that I did, or intended to do, anything illegal, unethical or improper to cause [her] to sign agreements are complete fabrications," he states in his affidavit.

Barry King/WiredImage.com

The director says he went to great lengths to reach an amicable settlement, selling two apartment buildings he owned in New York and borrowing $3.5 million to pay her. He also claims to have gave $715,000 to the IRS in gift taxes for one of his payments to her.

"My goal was to provide [Lisa Marie] with sufficient resources to permit [her] to take care of herself for the rest of her life, and had nothing whatsoever to do with any legal obligation," his statement says.

Burton's lawyer, Joseph Mannis, also wants the complaint thrown out: "We believe that the lawsuit is frivolous and have filed a motion for summary judgment," says Mannis. "Mr. Burton believes he was very generous in the amount of money he gave her and does not believe he owes her more.

"Mr. Burton also doesn't believe he did anything wrong."



The next hearing in the case is set for July 14th, 2008.

Video of Tim Burton in Amsterdam

Here's a video excerpt of Tim Burton taking questions from audience members at the Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival from April 10th, 2008. The video was provided by jordi and shot by Marin Visser, so go to the link listed below to leave comments:

http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=68FCA1oCxmI

Michael Keaton on Tim Burton at Film Festival

This Saturday, April 12th, Michael Keaton will attend the Sonoma Valley Film Festival in northern California, FilmStew.com stated.

Keaton is the director and co-star of a new drama, The Merry Gentlemen. In addition to a screening of his new film, Keaton will also be the recipient of a special career tribute, which will be followed by a screening of his well-known comedy, Beetlejuice, which was also his first film with Tim Burton.

A number of surprise special guests are expected at the show, the article stated, including, some suspect, Burton.

Keaton spoke about his collaborations with the director, saying, "I would work with Tim Burton again in a heartbeat," in a recent phone interview last week with the San Francisco Chronicle. "When you're around that kind of personality, it starts to burn little fires again, you get turned on. And that goes for a lot of people."

Michael Keaton at San Jose's Cinequest.
(John Medina/WireImage.com Photo)

There is no confirmation on whether Burton will attend or not.

Michael Keaton worked with Tim Burton on Beetlejuice in 1988, and then as the title Caped Crusader in Batman and Batman Returns.

"Edward Scissorhands" Ballet Tour Information

In case you missed it before, Matthew Bourne's ballet adaptation of Edward Scissorhands may be coming to a continent near you.

Information on the global tour of the ballet was released on whatsonstage.com. According to the website, the show will return to Sadler's Wells in London for a seven-week season this Christmas.

"As part of a new international tour, the dance drama will run at Sadler’s Wells, where it broke box office records during its first season in late 2005, from 2 December 2008 to 29 November 2009," said whatsonstage.com.

The ballet features music by Terry Davies based on Danny Elfman’s film score.

"Prior to London, Edward Scissorhands will also visit Birmingham, Salford and Wimbledon. And, before and after the UK, it will tour Australia for nine weeks, spend four weeks in Paris and visit Athens and Antwerp."

Shrimp Glove Face Plant: MC Chris' Tribute to Beetlejuice

"Nerdcore" comic rapper mc chris (yes, it's supposed to be spelled in lower-case) has just released a tribute song to the ghost with the most.

mc chris, a.k.a Chris Ward, is probably better known for his roles on [adult swim] shows including Aqua Teen Hunger Force (as MC Pee-pants) and Sealab 2021. He has also written for Sealab and The Brak Show.

The song uses samples from Danny Elfman's classic theme from Beetlejuice.

You can read the lyrics, and learn about some of the more esoteric, enthusiastic nerdy references, in this link (unless you Burtonites could catch them for yourself, of course), and you can download the song for FREE as an Mp3 from mc chris' MySpace profile (under the title "secret song").

Listen to the song here:




im deathly pale bad breath bad teeth
hate the sand and the sun never see me at the beach
i'll stick with goth chicks transfixed on death
that wear black britches i insist on nice breasts

i sleep in a grave lived through the black plague
actually that's all my fault but dont wiki that k?
green hair downstairs boogers farts and phlegm
that's my stock in trade see me startin trends

black and white striped suit or a blood red tux
got jack on my hat in japan it's a must
i can change shapes do pranks and disguises
bioexorcist im the best in a crisis

parents wanted me to clean up like my brother
boss used to say i didnt work well with others
now im independent and my methods are effective
say my name three times if you want to get connected

beetlejuice beetlejuice one two three
i like a little lady name lydia deetz
her demeanor is depressed i confess that's sweet
dont try to deny she's my bride to be

hey kmart shoppers there's a sale on my services
im here to help there's no need for your nervousness
i'll eat what u wanna eat swallow what u say
relieve you of your living that are ruining your day

have you read the handbook for the recently deceased
it's too thick like my dick when i think of little deetz
she's the key to my release from this model existence
coffin lining's confining and i want out this instant

me and the dragster of doom we're the baddest of dudes
we hit the inferno room where the ladies get nude
but we're eternally screwed so i become a bridegroom
and get lovely lydia to lip synch an i do

i must move the maitlands out of my way
give'm zipperlips pitch a plate on their face
say hello to hammer hands say goodbye to goulet
and then off to fla where my review drew raves

shrimp glove face plant
we like cassettes not 8 track
clown face much like
the one you'll see in dark knight
being dead kinda sucks
the afterlife's no fun to us
im the name that people trust
the juice that comes from beetleguts