News Archive

10-28-07

 
Here's my full report on the October 25th Hollywood Academy screening/panel discussion:
 
 
I had a great time!
 
 
10-22-07
 
Here's an interview with Richard Edlund in advance of the Thursday Hollywood screening from the "L.A. Times:"
 
 
 
10-16-07
 
I received this from the PR person for Oliver Robins. I'd written to let them know of next week's Hollywood screening and also to ask if he could do an interview for my site:
 
Thank you for your interest in Oliver Robins. He has already been invited by the Academy to the screening of "Poltergeist" on the 25th, but will be unable to attend.

In regards to your web site, unfortunately, Oliver does not do interviews, events or press for "Poltergeist," so we are going to have to respectfully pass on your offer.

Unrelated (or perhaps not), an interesting story about Oliver was recently posted online by one of his former college buddies. If true, it may shed some light on one of the reasons Oliver would rather not discuss the film anymore. For the story, click here:

www.poltergeistIII.com/confidential.html

10-15-07

 
Next Thursday, October 25th, I'm attending this screening in Hollywood!
 
 
Beverly Hills, CA - Poltergeist, the 1982 supernatural horror classic recognized for its groundbreaking visual effects and sound effects editing, will screen as a part of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and SciencesPrime Tech series on Thursday, October 25, at 7:30 p.m. at Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood.

Hosted by Don Shay, founder and publisher of Cinefex magazine, the program will feature an onstage panel discussion with producer Frank Marshall, supervising sound editors Stephen Hunter Flick and Richard L. Anderson, visual effects supervisor Richard Edlund, optical photography supervisor Bruce Nicholson, matte photographer Neil J. Krepela, and special effects makeup artist Craig Reardon. This screening will premiere a newly struck 35mm print from the Academy Film Archive.

The "Prime Tech" screening series, presented by the Academy's Science and Technology Council, showcases Oscar®-nominated and winning films that have been recognized in at least one technical category. Panel discussions illuminate the art of filmmaking from a science and technology perspective, examining how technical elements can augment a film's narrative capabilities and enrich the overall viewing experience.

Tickets to "Poltergeist" are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. Tickets are available for purchase by mail, at the Academy box office, or online at www.oscars.org. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. All seating is unreserved.

The Linwood Dunn Theater is located at 1313 Vine Street in Hollywood. Free parking is available through the entrance on Homewood Avenue (one block north of Fountain Avenue). For additional information, visit www.oscars.org or call (310) 247-3600.

10-14-07

I received this from Fathom Events regarding the way "Poltergeist" was projected in theaters October 4th (many people were upset the movie was projected in the wrong aspect ratio):

Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate your comments and will take them into consideration for future event offerings. We are sorry for your disappointment in our recent Fathom Events presentation of Poltergeist on October 4, 2007. It is always Fathom’s goal to provide a truly unique and exclusive experience each and every time. In order to preserve the historical value and integrity of the presentation, our studio partners chose to provide Poltergeist to us in a specific format to compliment the commentary at the end of the movie. The aspect ratio delivered was 1.85:1. Going forward, we will ensure that the right expectations are set with our customers.

Thank you again for feedback and we do hope to see you at another event hosted by Fathom in the near future.

Fathom Events

 

10-9-07

The big day has arrived! You can now purchase the Remastered Edition DVD nationwide. I would suggest getting it from Best Buy, with a very low price of $9.99.  Following are some links to reviews of the DVD:

http://dvd.ign.com/articles/825/825717p1.html

http://www.ultimatedisney.com/dvdizzy/poltergeist-652.html

Some good stills from the film can be seen here:

http://classic-horror.com/newsreel/images_from_upcoming_poltergeist_dvd

 

10-4-07

 
Exclusive!  Here's my interview with actor Richard Lawson:
 
10-02-07
 
Check out this awesome new 55 minute audio interview with Zelda:
 
 
On the interview, Zelda says she didn't take part in the SE DVD because no one ever contacted her about contributing to it, but she would have if asked. She did say she'd be willing to do audio commentaries for SE DVDs of the sequels. She was also asked about "multiple endings" being shot to "Poltergeist III." She claimed that the ending she shot "was the ending which appeared on screen." However, she did say that "if there were other endings" it would have been because Gary Sherman "didn't like the ones shot." So, in other words, she seems to be leaving open the possibility that there was an original ending...I think you have to read between the lines on this one.
 
This interview from Aintitcool.com is also excellent:
 
 
 
10-01-07
 
Here are links to more versions of the interview below, with slightly more detail:
 
 
 
 
 
9-28-07
 
According to the "CreepyLA" blog:
 
In an interview with CreepyLA this morning, Zelda Rubinstein, who infamously (albeit prematurely) declared “this house is clean” in “Poltergeist”, was unable to explain what it was like working with Tobe Hooper, the film’s credited director.

“I don’t think I can, because during the six days I worked Steven Spielberg primarily took over that helm in my scenes. I don’t know what happened the other days.”

She acknowledges that Hooper was on set the full time and that he would set up every shot, but each time Spielberg would step in and make changes. “What he wants to show and say is what gets up there (on screen) the way he wants it. There’s no deviation from that.”

More:

http://creepyla.com/blog/2007/09/28/poltergeist-actress-says-spielberg-directed-her-scenes/

 

9-20-07
 
According to Clint Morris over at Moviehole.net, the Austrailian DVD release may be delayed, possibly until December (but he told me the U.S. release is still on for October 9th):
 
 
 
 
9-12-07
 
Here's a link to an updated press release regarding the theatrical screenings:
 
 
 
9-8-07
 
Alexandra Holzer, the daughter of paranormal investigator Hans Holzer, recently made some posts on the IMDB about the new documentary which appears on the DVD. She and her dad were interviewed for it. Here are some excerpts from what she said on the IMDB:
 
We were filmed on April 4th this year, as paranormal experts and much of what we filmed was kept as it did well. This was a great experience for the children to see their grandfather and mother being positive and honest on film. 

I crack some ghost jokes on this thing...hope they kept it as I like to deal with the unknown in a lighter way at the same time, bringing about paranormal awareness. Life is meant to be lived as we could be gone tomorrow, ya know? I wasn't privy to much more then our part and that they went to San Pedro about the true poltergeist incident from the late 70s. They interviewed Dr. Barry Taff and his team that did the investigation.

.....Then, they moved along the coast filming many other people in the business of ghosts and hauntings, gathering more testimonials.
 
What I can say is that they picked the best of best with the paranormal, which ladies and gentlemen, is where this film "Poltergeist", falls into and has a deep background from where it came.

On that information alone, it might be one of the best featurettes out there in this genre...
 
What is a poltergeist? I think what's neat about what we went on film for, was to get down and dirty on the topic of bad hauntings. The world of the paranormal has taken on a life of it's own, and I know many would be fascinated to hear these testimonials from experts who have witnessed first hand, the terror of an evil haunting. Can you even begin to imagine?

I believe everyone has a right to their own opinion and will always respect that. There are believers, skeptics and those on the fence, wherever you sit my friends, please know that at least what Hans, Roberta and I went on for, was for real stuff and wanted to explain the influence behind what made this become a film.
-Alexandra Holzer
 
 
 
9-5-07
 
Find out if "Poltergeist" will be playing on the big screen in your town October 4th and buy tickets here:
 
 
 
8-26-07
 
For those of you interested in getting a jump on this long awaited special edition, you can now pre-order the new DVD from WB Home Video here:
 
 
I understand that the video/audio remaster on this new edition is extraordinary!
 
 
Here's the press release:

 
"Poltergeist" Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary With Deluxe Edition DVD And One Night Return To The Big Screen
 
They’re baaaack! Warner Home Video is pleased to present the newly remastered and restored Poltergeist 25th Anniversary Edition, available on DVD on October 9, 2007. Poltergeist fans will have one chance to see this cult classic on the big screen on Thursday, October 4th at 7:30 p.m. at participating Regal, United Artists, Edwards, Cinemark and AMC movie theatres, presented by Warner Home Video and National CineMedia’s Fathom. Tickets for this special one-time-only event will be on sale September 7th for $10.00 at presenting theatre box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of presenting theatre locations, please visit the website (theatres are subject to change).

A box-office success at the time of its release, Poltergeist grossed over $76 million dollars and was nominated for three Academy Awards® including Best Original Score, Best Sound Effects Editing and Best Visual Effects. This classic horror film co-produced and co-written by Steven Spielberg arrives just in time for Halloween. Poltergeist 25th Anniversary Edition DVD is available for $19.97 SRP, with an order due date of September 4, 2007.

“Poltergeist is a great, classic American horror film from Steven Spielberg, arguably the most successful movie producer of our time,“ said George Feltenstein, WHV Senior VP, Classic Catalog. “The film has been digitally remastered from original picture and sound elements for the highest-quality presentation ever on home video. This new version is sure to deliver the same spine-tingling terror it brought during its original release. It is an essential must-have for everyone’s horror movie collection.”

The special October 4 theatrical screening of Poltergeist will be supported by a national and local market publicity campaign, an extensive viral campaign to include posting of web banners to horror sites and web blogging, in-theater promotional trailers that will play on approximately 5,000 screens, and placement of posters promoting the screening in thousands of theatres.

Suburbanites Steve (Nelson) and Diane (Williams) suddenly experience paranormal activity in their home. What starts off as minor excitement quickly turns into nasty ghostly encounters. The disappearance of their daughter Carol Anne (O’Rourke) forces the Freelings to bring in parapsychologists and a professional exorcist to exorcise their home. Directed by Tobe Hooper and featuring Oscar Nominated Visual Effects by Richard Edlund, Michael Wood and Bruce Nicholson, Poltergeist is one of the most entertaining horror films of its time.
 
 
8-17-07
 
Poltergeist SE DVD marketing to include one night only theatrical screenings of the film!
 
I was searching the web and found the following links and info.  Enjoy!

from:

http://www.georgiatheatercompany.com/press_releases.html

"They're Back.....". Don't Miss this special one-time event as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of "Poltergeist". Warner Brothers will present a remastered digital version of the original 1982 film, preceded by 16 minutes of pre-recorded content as a bonus! One night only, Thursday, 10/4 at 7:30pm. Tickets Sales Date and locations will be announced soon!

from:

http://www.videobusiness.com/blog/1650000165/post/1090013109.html?q=poltergeist

Poltergeist 25th Anniversary DVD
August 15, 2007

I gotta say, that's great box art. Kudos to Warner's artist who came up with this cover for the new Poltergeist 25th Anniversary Edition. It's stunning.

Warner delivers the classic horror Oct. 9 (prebook Sept. 4) remastered and restored for $19.97.

To promote the release -- and give fans a little extra something -- the movie will be screened on Oct. 4 at 7:30 pm at participating Regal, United Artists, Edwards, Cinemark and AMC theaters. Tickets ($10 each) go on sale Sept. 7 at theater box offices and www.fathomevents.com.

from:
 
 
The link above describes a planned marketing campaign for the SE release as designed by art director/writer Adam LaRocca.
 
Here are two links to some really cool photos:
 
 
 
 
Alternative Media to promote the release of the Poltergeist 20th Anniversary DVD.

1. Chairs attached to ceiling tiles in horror sections of HollyWood Video stores.

2. Select screens turned to static in television sections of Best Buy stores.
from:
 
 
POLTERGEIST 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION (WARNER) 9-4 10-9 DVD $19.97
Horror: A couple experiences ghostly encounters and hires parapsychologists and an exorcist to exorcise their home. Bonuses: documentary. Promotion: select theatrical runs.
 
 
from:

Friday, May 25, 2007

 

Poltergeist 25th Anniversary DVD

In stores:  September/October, 2007

Check out the special features.  You will recognize someone.  *grin*

 
8-16-07
 
WB has finally confirmed the release date. According to Bill over at The Digital Bits.com (http://www.thedigitalbits.com/#mytwocents):
 
Warner has announced a new Poltergeist: 25th Anniversary Edition DVD for release on 10/9 (SRP $19.97), which features a remastered anamorphic widescreen transfer, along with the They Are Here: The Real World of Poltergeists Revealed documentary. Unfortunately, according to Warner, no high-def versions are currently planned.
 
 
8-15-07
 
Two items. And good news on both. Steven Awalt, the editor of Speilbergfilms.com, had this to say:
 
That's a real shame about Nelson. [not being involved] On more positive news, both of Steven Spielberg's publicity reps reconfirmed to me today that they haven't heard a single thing that would lead them to believe the release has been canceled, as the rumor goes. I'm going to talk with the head of Warner Bros. Home Video publicity next week as well, so that should put this to bed.

Could this mean that the release got pushed back from the proposed October release? Possibly, and since that date was never confirmed. But the title hasn't been killed or seriously delayed from all I've heard from very credible sources so far.
 
Also, I spoke again with Gloria of the GhostTrackers Group, and she clarified things a little bit. It looks like Jobeth at least may have given an interview for the SE DVD:
 
I know when I talked to [my contact at] NWE [New Wave Entertainment] he said they were done with JoBeth Williams and the hold out was Zelda. But I don't remember any talk of Craig T. Nelson save for the "I don't know about him" thing. All I know is that we filmed with them, that's what they told me about the DVD but no release date or anything else was discussed. I just remember hearing how Zelda was a holdout because they overbooked her with other commitments but that the others had been done.
 
 
8-14-07
 
Found a little more detail from this post today at:
 
 
Poltergeist Coming to HD-DVD & Blu-Ray
This might be old news but I didn't see any posts about it so I'm posting it here. Warner Bros. is releasing a new 25th Anniversary Edition of Poltergeist on 10/9 on DVD. They also announced HD-DVD & Blu-Ray versions to be released day and date but pulled both versions a few days later stating production issues with the Blu-Ray version as the cause. Either way Warner expects to have the title out either late in 2007 or early 2008 once the problems are resolved, it's still possible it could make it out 10/9 with the normal DVD as well. Below is the UPC codes for both versions along with the pricing information. Poltergeist would be the first Spielberg film to make it onto HD-DVD, unless of course Universal sets dates for some of his bigger titles by the end of the year.

Poltergeist (Blu-Ray)
012569798496
$28.99 SRP
Release Date: TBA

Poltergeist (HD-DVD)
012569798502
$28.99 SRP
Release Date: TBA

Poltergeist (DVD)
012569647510
$19.99 SRP
Release Date: 10/9
 
8-13-07
 
I just confirmed today that Craig T. Nelson was not interviewed and apparently has no other involvement with the upcoming SE DVD release, contrary to earlier reports.  This was sent from his publicist:
 
I found a note from February 13, 2007
New Wave Entertainment requesting an interview "for an all new Special edition DVD Poltergeist to be released by warner Home entertainment sometime this year"
 
we responded February 26 that Craig  Nelson declined their interview request
 
 
8-11-07
 
Some potential bad news, at least for those who'd been hoping to buy Blue Ray or HD-DVD versions of the SE:
 
I found these two postings today on a Blue Ray retailer forum. Hopefully the regular DVD is still going to be out.

from:

http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=13288&page=2

This is directly from my rep:Warner cancelled the HD-DVD/Blu-Ray versions last week and said they may be coming in 2008 (but it's not for sure).

**********************
 
8-10-07
 
This hasn't been confirmed by WB, but apparently a German DVD site has some info on what the "special features" are on the 25th anniversary edition:
 
Translation:

http://www.cinefacts.de/dvd/db/details.php?id=37438

Special Features:
Documentaries: They're here: The true world of Poltergeist: Part One (the science of the spirit) and Part Two (communication with the dead), Making Of, Trailer
 
 
7-18-07:
 
I was sent this email from Gloria, who runs the "Ghost Trackers" group mentioned below:
 
Hello David:
 
I am familiar with your site.  Nicely done.
 
I don't know anything else on the DVD save for what you know.  They are having interviews with JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson (I believe that's what I heard) and the hold out was Zelda Rubinstein due to prior commitments.
 
Short of that we were very honored to be asked to have this film crew with us as we investigated the nicely haunted Pierpont Inn in Ventura and a couple of other places.  We held our conference in May but were asked not to release any information until June/July while they completed the segments for inclusion on the DVD.
 
 
7-17-07:
 
from:
http://www.ghost-trackers.org/index1.htm

Watch for the Ghost Trackers on the soon-to-be released DVD, "Poltergeist, Special Edition". The Ghost Trackers had their investigations filmed by New Wave Entertainment (affiliated with Warner Bros. Pictures) at their 2007 California Ghost Hunters Conference and then they were interviewed along with Richard and Debbie Senate.
Big thanks to Gavin and Meredith, producers on these segments, for this INCREDIBLE opportunity!!!
 

7-16-07:

Ok, this one is obviously fake, but it's hilarious: These guys impersonate Spielberg, Hooper, and Craig T. Nelson and they've done a feature length commentary:

from:
http://movierot.com/2007/07/movierot-episode-2-poltergeist.html


Monday, July 2, 2007
MovieRot Episode #2 - Poltergeist
 
A jam packed commentary featuring producer Steven Spielberg, director Tobe Hooper, star Craig T. Nelson and real-life ghost hunter Dr. Terry Gozer. This one was buried deep in a landfill. But now it's been unearthed for you, our dear listeners. Bon Appétit.


Download it here. You can find Poltergeist (the movie) at a variety of places online or at your local video store.


Stay tuned for more episodes at MovieRot.com

 

7-2-07:

On June 1, 2006, Fangoria Radio did an interview with Jobeth Williams regarding the 25th anniversary of the original film. To listen to the clip, click here:
 

6-16-07:

Here's my report on the 25th Anniversary Screening and Panel Discussion in Santa Monica here!:

http://www.poltergeist.poltergeistiii.com/25th.html

*********************************

*************************************************************

5-08-07:

WB announces the release date for the SE DVD....in Spain

From the Spanish DVD site  
http://www.zonadvd.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=10045 :

"Warner has announced the release, on the next 9th of October 2007, the Poltergeist's 25th Anniversary Edition DVD. Directed by Tobe Hooper and with the production of Steven Spielberg, Poltergeist is one of the best classic horror movies and one of the scariest movies ever made. 
 
Life is quite and simple for the Freeling family until the day that powers form other world break the peace of their home. At the beginning they're just some eventual paranomarl events, but soon their house turns into a storm of scary events. Intruders are not exactly polite and the unfortunate family won't leave their home they will be take to a nightmare beyond imagination. Starring Craig T. Nelson and JoBeth Williams. 
 
Final details of the edition are yet unknown , but it's confirmed by Warner that it will feature a brand new master, audio 5.1. and it will be also released on HD DVD and Blue Ray the same day. 
 
Soon there will be more details to follow at ZonaDVD.com" 

-Thanks to site reader "Santiago" for the tip and the translation!