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Clutter Designer Toy Award

Announced at Comic Con

CLUTTER MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF INAUGURAL 2011 DESIGNER TOY AWARDS AT SAN DIEGO COMIC CON EVENT

(San Diego, CA, July 22, 2011) -    Clutter Magazine last night announced the winners of the Designer Toy Awards (DTA) at a packed gala awards ceremony hosted by The Cotton Candy Machine‘s Sean Leonard at The Black Ball, Munky King’s infamous party during 2011 San Diego Comic Con.

“The awards are so timely,” said Jim Crawford, of Clutter Magazine and DTA Lifetime Achievement Award Nominee.  “With artists who have created hundreds of designs and businesses that have been around for over 10 years, the movement has reached a maturity level that warrants worldwide recognition.  We wanted to connect these longstanding leaders, and their tremendous level of knowledge, with the new generation.”

“We developed the DTA to recognize the leaders and innovators of the art toy movement for the first time ever,” said Miranda O’Brien, Editor-in-Chief of Clutter Magazine.  “We wanted to raise awareness of this vibrant subculture among those who wouldn’t necessarily know about it.  The overwhelming level of fans’ enthusiasm and quality of the nominees and winners is a clear reflection of the influence and growth of the Designer Toy Movement.”

Pete Fowler’s “The Toy King” was revealed for the first time at the ceremony when winners in all 22 categories were awarded the highly coveted and exclusively designed trophy.  Lovingly manufactured by Pretty in Plastic, the figure is made of chromed resin and stands 13 inches high.

“Pete’s design is pretty perfect and it was an honor to bring him from design to royal glory”, said Julie B. of Pretty in Plastic.  “We were so excited to finally show everyone this guy, all shnazzy and shiny…everyone wants a piece of the king!”

Winners spanned the spectrum of the Designer Toy Movement from highly visible creators such as Kaws and Kidrobot to behind the scenes innovators such as manufacturer threeA.

The inspirational winners in the 22 categories are:

Toy of the Year "4 Ft. Companion" by Kaws

Artist of the Year: Ashley Wood

Best Blog: TOYSREVIL

Fan Favorite: “Android” by Andrew Bell

Best Online Toy Store:  www.rotofugi.com

Best Toy Store:  Rotofugi

Best Collection:  Carl “MutonIsMyFriend” Kent-Smith

Best Toy From a Comic:  “Kill Audio” by Vinyl Cut

Best DIY Platform:  “Mini Munny” by Kidrobot

Most Influential Event:  San Diego Comic Con

Toy of the Year:  “4ft Companion” by Kaws

Manufacturer of the Year:  threeA

Lifetime Achievement:  Michael Lau

Break Through Artist:  Jason Freeny

Outstanding Production:  “False Friends (In Pain Edition)” by Coarse Toys

Best Customizer:  Doktor A

Best Mini Series:  “Tic Toc Apocalypse” by Amanda Visell

Best Self Produced:  “Hermes” by Gary Ham

Best Collaboration:  “Trouble Boys” by Ferg x Brandt Peters

Best Licensed Product:  “Super Shogun Stormtrooper” by Super7

Best Plush Design:  “Plunk and Pop Lion” by Anna Chambers

Best Functional Toy:  “Mimobot” by Mimoco

Best 1/6th Scale:  “Playge Rat” by Ferg

A distinguished panel of 49 judges—including Paul Bunditz, Ron English, Frank Kozik and Tara McPherson, to name a few— chose the 22 winners from nominees from 106 countries.  3,000 designer toy aficionados participated in the online nomination process.

“The deliberation was really intense,” said Luc Hudson, DTA Board Member and Designer, Triclops Studios. “It was the furthest thing from just checking the boxes.  We reviewed every nomination in the most meaningful way.”

DTA Award for Toy of the Year: “4ft Companion” by Kaws, released in December 2009, is in black and stands about 4 feet tall. The figure is split down the middle with one side exposing his multi-colored insides.

“Kaws’ 4ft Companion is the must have toy,” said Josh Kimberg, Managing Partner of Clutter Magazine.  “It’s every collector’s dream to own one and good luck saving up enough money!”

DTA Fan Favorite, which was selected from nominees chosen by the fans, went to “Android” by Andrew Bell.   “Android,” produced in association with Google Inc., is a 3-inch vinyl figure in traditional Android Green and features articulation at the head and arms.

“It means a lot to know the fans voted for my work,” said Bell at the ceremony.  “I think that makes this the best award and I’m just really happy.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors the individual who has contributed long-term dedication, inspiration and effort to the designer toy industry, went to Michael Lau, an artist from Hong Kong who has been designing toys since the late ‘90s and is widely credited as the founder of the urban vinyl style within the designer toy movement. His work has had a significant effect on toy manufacturers, as well as street culture, including artists and musicians, throughout the world and his graffiti-influenced style is particularly influential to Asian and American hip-hop and skateboarding culture.

“Michael Lau recieveing the Lifetime Achievemenet Award really legitimizes the Designer Toy Movement,” said Jim Crawford, of Clutter Magazine and DTA Lifetime Achievement Award Nominee.

WWW.Yeticket.Com attended Miami Beach Fashion Week.  Hosted By Paola Isaac.

Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench, Sally Hawkins and Amelia Clarkson

Directed by: Cary Fukunaga

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some thematic elements including a nude image and brief violent content.

Genre: Drama, Romance and Adaptation

Running Time: 2hrs

Distributed by: Focus Features

By John Delia

Captivating and as the British would say utterly romantic, the movie version of the Charlotte Bronte novel Jane Eyre moves into theaters this weekend. I enjoyed the acting, the amazing landscapes and period costumes.  If you like the book, enjoy period piece films, dream about those who live in huge estates, then wake up and go see Jane Eyre.

Wasikowska as Jane and Fassbender as Edward

At the center of the plot is a young Jane Eyre (Amelia Clarkson) who finds herself living with her aunt after her parents die.  At odds with her male cousin, her aunt feels that Jane should be put in a private school.  Fast-forward to the 17 years of age Jane (Mia Wasikowska) who escapes the confines of her dull life and finds her way to the home of the wealthy Edward Rochester (Michael Fassbender) where she takes on the job of governess.  When a romance starts between Jane and Edward, her life starts to change in a direction she did not anticipate.

Even though the age differences between Jane and Edward are distances apart, the actors are able to show the fire that burns between them.  You can see the change on Wasikowska’s innocent face when she realizes that Edward can be hers. The chemistry between the two burns a hole in the screen.

Mrs. Reed's Costume

Period costumes

Riding outfit

The costuming and sets are a major part of the story and here no expense has been spared to provide the look and flavor of the early English period.  The camera captures every bit of the countryside, the worn English manor and the clothes that are as important to the entertainment as the actors.  The camera lens even instills a cold damp feeling during Jane’s trek through an unforgiving forest during a horrendous rainstorm.  Jane Eyre is a feeling and director Cary Fukunaga (Sin Nombre) provides the complete experience from script to actor to the big screen.

Jane Eyre has been produced some seventeen times on television and film starting as far back as 1914 according to the International Movie Data Base.  But with today’s technology, special cameras and creative sets, I found this Jane Eyre to be the amazingly good.

The film is rated PG-13 for some thematic elements including a nude image in a painting and brief violent content.

FINAL ANALYSIS:  A classy look at an old plot. (A-)

BROADWAY’S 2010 TONY^® WINNER ‘MEMPHIS’

COMES TO THE BIG SCREEN

FOR FOUR SHOWINGS ONLY

NCM Fathom and Broadway Worldwide Present Exclusive

Broadway Musical Event This Spring in More than 530 Movie Theaters

MEMPHIS, Broadway’s current  Tony Award^® winning Best Musical, is hitting big screens nationwide for an exclusive four-night run on Thursday, April 28; Saturday, April 30; and Tuesday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m., with a special matinee on Sunday, May 1 at 12:30 p.m. (all times are local). This is the first time the current Tony Award^®-winning Best Musical will be presented in movie theaters while concurrently running on Broadway. In addition to the electrifying musical, audiences will be treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the musical that won four 2010 Tony Awards^® and continues to play to sold out houses on Broadway. MEMPHIS was captured live in performance earlier this year with the original Broadway cast for this special Fathom event presentation.

Tickets for MEMPHIS are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations, prices and additional information — including cast photos and other details —visit the NCM Fathom website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Presented by NCM Fathom and Broadway Worldwide, MEMPHIS was captured live in performance at Broadway’s renowned Shubert Theatre in New York City, and will be broadcast to more than 530 movie theaters nationwide through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.  Broadway Worldwide’s production team is led by founder and executive producer Bruce Brandwen, Emmy Award®-winning director Don Roy King (Saturday Night Live, CBS’ The Early Show, Survivor) and Grammy® and Emmy Award®-winning sound producer Matt Kaplowitz (Ghandi, PBS’ To Bear Witness).

MEMPHIS takes place in the smoky halls and underground clubs of the segregated 50’s, where a young white DJ named Huey Calhoun (Chad Kimball) fell in love with everything he shouldn’t:  rock and roll and an electrifying black singer (Montego Glover). MEMPHIS is an original story about the cultural revolution that erupted when his vision met her voice, and the music changed forever. Bursting off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love, this incredible journey is filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll.

“We are absolutely thrilled to share the story of MEMPHIS and its Broadway experience with audiences nationwide,” said MEMPHIS producer Sue Frost. “It’s an extraordinary opportunity for all of us involved with the production, and we can’t wait for Broadway lovers across America to see it on the big screen!”

MEMPHIS features a Tony^®-winning book by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) and a Tony^®-winning original score with music and lyrics composed by David Bryan, Grammy Award® winning keyboard player and founding member of Bon Jovi.  Directed by Tony^® nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu) with choreography by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys), the all-star cast features Tony^® nominee Chad Kimball, Tony^® nominee Montego Glover, Derrick Baskin, J. Bernard Calloway, James Monroe Iglehart, Tony^® nominee Michael McGrath and Cass Morgan.

“MEMPHIS has been dazzling audiences since its Broadway premiere, and for the first time ever, audiences around the country will be able to experience Broadway’s current Best Musical at its finest – direct from Broadway – in their own hometown movie theater,” said Dan Diamond, vice president of NCM Fathom.

MEMPHIS will launch a U. S. national tour in Memphis, Tenn., in October 2011 at the Orpheum Theatre.  Additional cities, dates and casting will be announced at a later date.  The national tour is being booked by The Booking Group, contact Meredith Blair (212) 869-9280 www.thebookinggroup.com.

For more information about MEMPHIS on Broadway, please visit www.MemphistheMusical.com

Watch as the honorable Mayor Shirley Gibson discuss the 6th Annual Jazz in the Gardens music festival, hosted by Michael Baisden and presented by The City of Miami Gardens.  After six years of unforgettable concert experiences and entertainment, Jazz in the Gardens has grown to become one of the most highly regarded and anticipated music festival events in the country.  Mayor Gibson talks about the success of The Jazz In The Gardens for The City Of Miami Gardens.

Fishbone revered in Documentary at GIFF film fest

By John Delia

The Gasparilla International Film Festival has a gem waiting for film lovers, rock enthusiasts and a look at music in a historical sense.  The documentary is called Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone and features the rise, establishment and finally the erosion of the funk band’s amazing existence.  Told by Lawrence Fishburne, featuring tons of actual footage and interviews with the band members, after seeing the film it’s heard to get it out of my head.  Truly amazing, the film is surly one of the highlights of the 2011 film festival.

Fishbone

An all black band, the story starts when they meet by chance in a small all white high school in 70’s Los Angeles.  Bussed in from outlining black neighborhoods during desegregation the boys decide to form an unusual musical group that plays a wild and funky rock.  Not the music norm for their ethnic heritage they are not taken seriously until their first gig after graduating where they bring down house at Madame Wong’s oriental restaurant.  From these surprising roots comes the historical band Fishbone and in the film you will see actual footage of the rockers throughout their musical career.

Angelo Moore as Dr Madd Vibe

A rocky career that remains together through ragging civil rights riots in Los Angeles and the hatred of the black population revealed with the Rodney King incident. In spite of many changes in the group as they evolve, a kidnapping ordeal, resignation of band members, they survived for over 25 years playing in concerts all over the world.

bassist Norwood Fisher

The original 1979 Fishbone featured lead singer Angelo Moore, bassist Norwood Fisher, drummer Phillip “Fish” Fisher, guitarist Kendall Jones, keyboardist Chris Dowd and trumpet Walter Kirby II.

The film’s soundtrack features dozens of Fishbone’s songs, music videos (including one produced by Spike Lee), and movie interviews with the famous in the music and film industry including Flea, Ice-T, No Doubt’s Gwen Stefani, Perry Farrell, Bob Forrest, Branford Marsalis, George Clinton, Tim Robbins and Jason Lee.

The film is scheduled for a showing on March 25^th at the Centro Ybor Muvico 20
1600 East 8th Avenue in Tampa, Florida at 7:30 PM as part of the Gasparilla International Film Festival.  On hand will be producer/director Chris Metzler who will entertain a question & answer interview following the showing.  For more information on the documentary and tickets you can log on to www.giff2011.com

FINAL ANALYSIS: remarkable and tunefully contagious. (A)

(The Gasparilla International Film Festival runs from March 24 thru March 27, 2011 in Tampa, Florida)

HANNAH MONTANA FOREVER: The Final Season

Starring: Miley Cyrus, Emily Osment, Jason Earles and Billy Ray Cyrus

MPAA Rating: G

For all you Hannah Montana lovers, youngsters, tweens and teens the hit Disney show ended and the final season has been enshrined on a 2 disc DVD set. Whether you want to see it over and a over again until you wear it out, or just have it in your collection of the other three seasons, Miley Cyrus proved to be one of Disney’s hottest commodities.

This final season shows Miley Stewart completing her senior year and thinking of her future. Her friends Lilly, Oliver, Robby Ray, Jackson, Rico and special guest stars Sheryl Crow, Cody Linley, Dolly Parton and more are all on board with memorable situations that touch the heart of young girls and inspire.

Included in this replay of the last season are some exclusive new bonus features with an alternate ending not shown on television. You’ll also be treated to fond farewells from the cast and a retrospective of the show.

Directed By: James Agar and Samuel Armstrong

MPAA Rating: G

Movie running Time: 1hr 10min

Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama

Released: Blu-ray March 1, 2011; Theaters August 21, 1942

Production Co: Walt Disney Studios

By John Delia

Walt Disney Studios released Bambi for the first time on Blu-ray and it is spectacular.  The colors are vibrant, the story seems to be livelier and yet the lovable characters are still the same, adorable.  The DVD and Blu-ray discs have some exceptional bonus features and both are available in the Diamond Edition combo pack.

Bambi meets Flower

The classical story follows the fawn Bambi from his birth, young life and adult years and features his forest friends, especially the playful rabbit Thumper and the bashful skunk Flower.  Filled with fun, frolic and adventure, Bambi should be enjoyable for the whole family.

Bambi turns upside down for Mrs. Opossum and her children

Bonus features on the DVD include The Making of Bambi: A Prince is Born which gives a comprehensive look at the making of the movie, development of the characters etc with behind the scenes footage.  It’s a step back into the past of Walt and his artists.  Inside the Disney Archives presents Disney Supervision Animator Andreas Deja who gives a guided tour of the Disney Animation Library.  In addition to Tricks of the Trade and DisneyPedia you will find the 1937 Oscar winner for a cartoon called The Old Mill that brings out the beauty of the old style animation.

As a special interest Disney Animation Library sequence inside the bonus area has a significant feature: Within early story drafts of BAMBI, (as early as 1937) the writers explored a variety of forest friends for the young prince to meet. HOPPER is one of many characters developed that Bambi would meet along his forest walk.

Hopper has a run in with Thumper in this drawing stored in the Disney Animation Library.

HOPPER is akin to another legendary Disney bug — Jiminy Cricket, as it seems they were both in the early stages of development at the same time.

HOPPER was described early on as – “a sharp-tongued pessimist. Sees only the dark side of life and tries to convert the cheerful characters to his point of view. He is the type who enjoys misery. Gets hopping mad trying to spread his grouchy philosophy.”

In this lost sequence, HOPPER is nearly stepped-on by young Bambi as he is walking through the forest. HOPPER, with his grouchy outlook, let’s the young prince and friends know that he is most displeased with them being so clumsy and careless — calling them “a menace to society!”

Eventually, as production progressed, it was determined that the interplay with Bambi and several additional characters seemed to take the emphasis away from the main story and these charming characters, including HOPPER were cut.

These images of HOPPER from his storyboarded sequence are among the few images remaining this lost character, housed within the WDS – Animation Research Library.

The Blu-ray disc includes all the DVD bonuses plus Backstage Disney with never before seen deleted scenes, a deleted song “Twitterpated”, and Blu-ray Galleries.

Family Play: Games and Activities feature Disney’s Big Book of Knowledge: Bambi Edition.  This interactive educational gaming experience uses the film as a learning tool.  It is actually fun for all ages.

The Diamond Edition is only available in 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack, Standard & Hi-Def Movie Download at the present, but for those who only want the DVD it will be available on April 19, 2011 at you local retailer.