Sci Fi Pipeline

#21 - Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Movies

Fantastic Podcasts — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:03:43 -0700

The Star Trek movies entered a new era in 1994 with the debut of the Next Generation cast in their first film, which also united them, for the first time, with William Shatner. Hear what we think of Generations, First Contact, Insurrection, and Nemesis. There's a lot to love...and some stuff we'd rather forget.

Download #21 - Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Movies

#20 - Star Trek: The Original Motion Pictures - Part 2

Fantastic Podcasts — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:02:16 -0800

Here we are, with part 2 of our look at the movies featuring the original cast of Star Trek. Hear our thoughts and memories of seeing Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country for the first time in the theater! We sound off on what we think worked, and what didn't.

Download Episode #20 - Star Trek: The Original Motion Pictures - Part 2

#19 - Star Trek: The Original Motion Pictures - Part 1

Fantastic Podcasts — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:18:44 -0800

It's the first part at our look at Star Trek: The Original Series on steroids! Well, actually, a case could be made for that kind of Trek being realized in J.J. Abram's Star Trek reboot, but well before that, our beloved crew members aboard the NCC-1701 logged six adventures on the big screen! Join us as we reminisce about some of our favorite Trek movie memories.

Download SFP #19 - Star Trek: The Original Motion Pictures - Part 1

#18 - Superman Reboot Plans, Spiderman 4 in 3D, Escape From New York Remake Plans, Listener Comments, Smallville and Caprica Reviews

Fantastic Podcasts — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:53:25 -0800

We missed a week (sorry) but we're trying to make it up to you by giving you a SUPER-SIZED double-length episode! This week, we have news on the Superman reboot film, Spiderman 4 in 3-D, our speculations on potential Avengers and Justice League movies down the road, plans for the Escape From New York remake, our love for old sci fi movie record albums, listener comments, talk about The People Vs. George Lucas, and reviews of Smallville's "Absolute Justice" episode and Caprica so far.

Download SFP #18

The Big Bang Review

Fantastic Podcasts — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:04:11 -0800

I’ve quoted this show a number of times here on Sci Fi Pipeline, so it’s no surprise that I’m a big fan of “The Big Bang Theory.”

And because I’m a fan, and because it’s about a group of “nerds” who love sci fi, I’m going to tout the series with a review for those of you who haven’t yet experienced this fun and very funny sitcom.

“The Big Bang Theory,” or TBBT as I’ll call it, is about physicists Leonard and Sheldon, friends and roommates in California who work at Caltech and live across the hall from Penny, a pretty actress whom Leonard covets.

Sheldon is in every way socially inept. He often corrects other’s facts and grammar but is clueless when it comes to social situations and pop culture. He’s the most intelligent in his group of friends but also the most socially awkward. Sheldon is played with precision by Jim Parsons.

Leonard has a better grasp on life outside the workplace, but too often his intelligence gets in the way of making progress with “the ladies.” Like Sheldon, he has no shortage of collectibles, including comic books and action figures. But he’s not completely clueless about the opposite sex like Sheldon is. Leonard is played by “Roseanne” alum Johnny Galecki.

We’re introduced to the lives of these guys when Penny, a Midwesterner recently arrived in LA to pursue an acting career, moves in across the hall. Although she’s next to invisible to Sheldon, Leonard immediately falls for her. And Penny, although not on the same level as them intellectually, far surpasses them when in comes to being wise to the world, and she’s often looked upon by the boys to help them cope with everyday love and life. Penny is played by the striking Kaley Cuoco.

Howard, an engineer played by Simon Helberg, and Raj, an astrophysicist played by Kunal Nayyar, round out their group of friends. Both of these guys will steal a scene at any given moment.

The casting of this show is, and forgive me for using this word…“inspired.” There’s no weak link, nor has there been for guest stars. “Roseanne” cast members Sara Gilbert and Laurie Metcalf have appeared on TBBT as a love interest of Leonard and Sheldon’s mother, respectively. Christine Baranski has appeared as Leonard’s mother, “Battlestar Galactica’s” Michael Trucco and Katie Sackhoff have guest starred, as well as Summer Glau from “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.”

The writing is superb as well. We have seasons 1 & 2 on DVD and I’ve seen each episode at least twice. They are fun to follow and easy to laugh with.

Check it out. If you’re a sitcom fan I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

#17 - Terminator Salvation Blu-ray Review

Fantastic Podcasts — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:56:00 -0800

After Skynet has destroyed much of humanity in a nuclear holocaust, a group of survivors led by John Connor struggles to keep the machines from finishing the job.

Listen as Daron and Chris review this 2009 release. Chris is a huge fan of the Terminator franchise. Find out if he thinks Terminator Salvation is triumphant, or a turkey!

Next on Sci Fi Pipeline: the Star Trek films! All of 'em! Khan!!!

Download Episode 17 - Terminator Salvation Blu-ray Review

#16 - Avatar Now Largest Grossing Movie EVER, Dracula Year Zero Development, Green Lantern Concept Art, Feb-March Blu-rays

Fantastic Podcasts — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:43:04 -0800

There's a huge development in the world of sci fi entertainment this week... actually, entertainment period. We'll tell you what honor James Cameron can boast about for Avatar. Hear which up-and-coming star will be adding another two fantasy films to his resume: Clash of the Titans and Dracula Year Zero. We'll have a progress report on Green Lantern, and we'll preview the sci fi Blu-rays set for release in February and March.

Download SFP #16

#15 - Blade Runner Blu-ray Review

Fantastic Podcasts — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 03:00:00 -0800

"'More human than human' is our motto."

Blade Runner depicts a dystopian Los Angeles in November 2019, and the fallout from the creation of replicants...genetically-engineered beings that are visually indistinguishable from adult humans.

The film polarized critics upon its release in 1982, and now, it's polarized your Sci Fi Pipeline hosts! Hear what Daron and Chris have to say in their review of a movie that bombed at the North American box office, but has since emerged as a cult classic. Blade Runner is available now, in multiple versions, in a fantastic Blu-ray box set.

Download SFP #15 - Blade Runner Blu-ray Review

#14 - Spiderman Movie Reboot, Star Trek Sequel Date, FlashForward and V Delays, Caprica To Premiere, ST TOS Season 3 Blu-ray Review

Fantastic Podcasts — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:56:21 -0800

We're back from our holiday break! Did you miss us? Our dilithium crystals are re-energized, and we can't wait to talk about all the science fiction on film, disc and television that 2010 will bring.

This week, we're talking about the bombshell announcement that the Spiderman film franchise will be rebooted! Also in this episode: when you can expect the sequel to J.J. Abrams' Star Trek, why it's taking so long for FlashForward and V to come back on ABC's schedule, whether we'll be giving Caprica a shot, and what Daron thought of the Blu-ray release of Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3.

Download SFP # 14

What I Learned in 2009

Chris Drake — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:09:25 -0800

Welcome to the first post in Chris' Sci Fi Pipeline Blog!

Here I'll talk about some of the movies and TV shows we review here in the Pipeline, as well as cover other happenings in the film and television world. And what a better way to start 2010 than by reviewing...

WHAT I LEARNED IN 2009!

Twenty-O-Nine was an interesting year for entertainment, with surprises, blockbusters, and controversy. Overall, I was pretty happy with what I saw.

Here are a few of my thoughts on the recently-closed year:

LIAM NEESON IS OFFICIALLY ONE OF MY FAVORITE ACTORS

I first saw Neeson a long time ago in a movie called “Satisfaction,” a forgettable 80s flick. After that, his career picked up (aside from being in “Star Wars Episode I,” one of the most disappointing movies in recent memory). He played Oskar Schindler in the epic “Schindler’s List” and was in the Batman reboot, “Batman Begins.” He’s clearly not afraid to balance art with fun, and I like that.

Then came “Taken,” an incredibly underrated film about a father fighting his way through Paris looking for his kidnapped daughter. Neeson was both fierce and sympathetic at the same time. The movie was so cool and Neeson was so terrific in that role that I now look forward to whatever he has planned for the future.

TREK IS BACK

Daron and I talked about this recently here in the Pipeline. You can hear our (very favorable) review in SFP #11.

CLINT EASTWOOD STILL HAS IT

“Gran Torino” was one of my favorite movies of 2009. It was gritty, edgy, funny, gritty, dramatic, memorable, and did I mention…gritty? Eastwood showed why he’s a Hollywood legend and still a creative force to be reckoned with.

Not only did the guy direct the film, but starred in it. And he thrived aside a group of younger unknowns. The ending was mind-blowing, and one of the best I’ve seen in years.

I immediately added it to my DVD collection, and look forward to future viewings.

TV EXECS NEED TO GET A CLUE

In my DVD collection at home are seasons 1 & 2 of "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles." Unfortunately, there will never be a season 3. And that's too bad - as I stated in SFP # 4, it was a good show. What's worse is that it was cancelled after a major cliffhanger that closed season 2.

Rumors of a TV movie aside, we’ll likely never know what happens to the Connors, a problem I blame on the executives who decided that they would wait until the last minute to pull the plug on the series, therefore erasing any time for the show’s producers to give us a proper ending and some closure (yes, I said “closure”). Of course, I still bought the DVDs, so the execs won in the end. And this kind of thing happens all the time to us fans.

Maybe someday we can all ban together and revolt.

MEGAN FOX IS A PAIN IN THE...

In 2009, Fox was quoted as saying that she “hasn’t gone completely insane, but it might happen soon.” I’d say it’s too late.

Aside from her narcissism (“I’m clearly not ugly,”), she managed to sound like a complete brat by calling “Transformers” director Michael Bay “a nightmare to work with,” comparing him to Hitler.

Crewmembers from the film refuted this by saying that Fox was “ungracious, classless,” and “dumb as a rock.” That clearly seems to be the case. Now there are rumors she may be cast as Catwoman in the next Batman movie.

I’m considering selling my soul to keep that from happening.

2009 HALL OF FAME AWARDS

I’ve decided to start a Hall of Fame for movies that I think deserve a place in history (I'll cover this topic more in a future blog). So here are the inaugural entries into Chris' Movie Hall of Fame (films must be 20 years or older):

“Raiders of the Lost Ark” – could be my favorite movie of all time; “The Private Eyes” – a Don Knotts/Tim Conway classic; “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” – maybe the best sci-fi flick ever; “Ghostbusters” – Murray/Aykroyd/Ramis, enough said; “A Charlie Brown Christmas” – never spend a Christmas without it.

SFP #13 - Star Trek: The Original Series Season 2

Fantastic Podcasts — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:24:17 -0800

Before a hopefully nice, long, holiday break, Daron and Chris check-in with a brief review of Star Trek: The Original Series Season Two.

A new high definition collection is now out on Blu-ray. We'll go over a few of the classic episodes included, and review some of the special features.

Here's a screen-grab from the memorable episode "Mirror, Mirror", highlighting a scene in which Kirk and crew stand incredulous at how Daron's cold-teased voice nearly shut down during the recording of this episode.

Download SFP #13 - Star Trek: The Original Series Season 2

SFP #12 - Star Trek: The Original Series Season 1

Fantastic Podcasts — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:01:00 -0800

Just like we did with Battlestar Galactica about a month ago, December is shaping up to be Star Trek month here on Sci Fi Pipeline! Last week, we gave you our uber review of the J.J. Abrams film, Star Trek, and this week, we return to the franchise's roots.

All three seasons of Star Trek: The Original Series are now out on Blu-ray as of this week, with the release of Season 3. This week, we go back to the beginning, with our review of the Season 1 Blu-ray set. Next week, we'll bring you our take on Season 2, and in January, we'll be back with Season 3.

Also in January, look forward to reviews of Terminator: Salvation, and our review of Ridley Scott's Blade Runner. By the way, post your comments about what you think of both films in our "Feedback" section at the top of our main page. We'd love to read your comments on the show, or e-mail your voice comments on mp3 to scifipipeline@gmail.com. It would be great to have you on the show!

Download SFP #12 - Star Trek: The Original Series Season 1

SFP #11 - Star Trek

Fantastic Podcasts — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:00:43 -0800

Here it is: our hour-long-plus review of J.J. Abrams' Star Trek.

We go in-depth to dissect the film. We explain what we feel worked so well in the script, and a few things that didn't. We talk about the production itself, and the ingenious way the creators infused the images with realism. We review the performances, and weigh-in with our opinions of the casting.

Plus: we look back at the genesis of the film, and reveal why we believe this Star Trek "restart" owes at least some kudos to Universal's Battlestar Galactica reboot.

Finally, we look ahead to the future, and give a bold prediction about what we think the direction of the Star Trek sequel will take.

So beam us to your podcast player now. Energize!

Download SFP #11 - Star Trek

SFP Update - Sci Fi Cyber Monday

Fantastic Podcasts — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:50:46 -0800

There are some worthwhile deals on sci-fi related Blu-ray titles this Cyber Monday. In this Sci Fi Pipeline Update, Daron goes through the top 15 deals as featured on Amazon. Enjoy!

SFP Update - Sci Fi Cyber Monday - 11-30-09

SFP #10 - Sci Fi Blu-ray in December

Fantastic Podcasts — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:02:10 -0800

We're taking a little more time to prepare our Star Trek review, so in the meantime, we're dishing-up a preview of the new sci fi Blu-rays coming out in December. We'll run down the titles and dates so you can plan your holiday purchases.

Then, Daron talks about the DC Universe series of direct-to-disc movies, in this case Green Lantern: First Flight... an appropriate title since this is technically Hal Jordan's movie debut, ahead of the in-development Green Lantern movie, to star Ryan Reynolds. In this animated adventure, Christopher Meloni is the voice of Hal, and the rest of the voice cast is equally impressive.

Finally, Chris brings us up-to-date on some current network TV offerings, Flash Forward and V.

So sit back, digest that turkey dinner, and get lost in the Pipeline.

SFP #10 - Sci Fi Blu-ray in December

SFP Update - Sci Fi "Blu" Friday Preview

Fantastic Podcasts — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:48:56 -0800

Black Friday is fast approaching, so in our first Sci Fi Pipeline Update, we're giving you a brief preview of all the delicious-looking Blu desserts on the menu for lovers of sci fi on Blu-ray.

Our new Sci Fi Pipeline Updates will offer brief updates on the world of sci fi, on Blu-ray and elsewhere, in between our regular review episodes.

By the way...it's good to be back! Did you miss us? We had computer troubles on Daron's end, but we're back up and running now! Stay tuned, because in upcoming episodes, Chris will weigh-in on the current state of two high-profile sci fi TV series, Flash Forward and V, Daron will share his thoughts on the DC Universe animated movies, and we'll review J.J. Abram's new Star Trek, now on Blu-ray.

SFP Update - Sci Fi "Blu" Friday Preview

SFP #9 - Battlestar Galactica: The Plan

Fantastic Podcasts — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:54:44 -0800

Here it is, at last! We're excited to wrap-up our "Battlestar Galactica Month" with what appears to be the final production of the franchise (in the Ronald Moore-verse Galactica).

Will Battlestar Galactica: The Plan answer burning questions Chris, Daron and legions of fans have? We talk about it, go through some of the key plot points, outline where they fit in to the series as a whole, and check out the Blu-ray specs as well.

We're off next week for a short break, then we'll return with reviews of upcoming blockbusters on Blu-ray and DVD, like Star Trek and Terminator: Salvation!

SFP #9 - Battlestar Galactica: The Plan

SFP #8 - Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series - Part 2

Fantastic Podcasts — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:41:38 -0700

We took a week-long breather, and now we're back with Part 2 of our look at one of the best sci fi TV series ever made.

We go through the second half of Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series episode by episode, and try to dissect the series finale. Some questions posed throughout the series were answered, but certainly not all. Find out if we can make sense of it!

Then, be back next week for our review of the brand new direct-to-Blu-ray and DVD movie, Battlestar Galactica: The Plan, to wrap-up our series of episodes focusing on the franchise.

In weeks to come, you can count on us for reviews of new and upcoming sci-fi Blu-ray and DVD releases, including Terminator: Salvation and Star Trek!

Have a great, spooky Halloween!

SFP #8 - Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series - Part 2

Sci Fi Pipeline Episode 7 - Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series - Part 1

Fantastic Podcasts — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:43:32 -0700

Spin-up those FTL drives and get ready to jump into our review of the whole BSG enchilada! It's a meal so big and yummy, we have to split it up!

This week, we present Part 1 of our in-depth look at a masterpiece: Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series.

This already-classic television series is now available, in its entirety, on Blu-ray and DVD. We talk about the miniseries, and each and every episode of seasons 1 and 2, as we prepare for the release later this month of the all-new Battlestar Galactica: The Plan movie. Next week, we'll cover seasons 3 and 4, and the week after that, we dive into The Plan.

This is Battlestar Galactica month on Sci Fi Pipeline! So say we all!

Sci Fi Pipeline 7 - Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series - Part 1

iTunes Problem Repaired

Fantastic Podcasts — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:17:26 -0700

I'm pleased to announce the problem some of you were having downloading episodes through iTunes should be fixed.

It turns out I was copying our episode enclosures into our feed in a manner that iTunes could not recognize. If you were having trouble downloading our episodes through iTunes, you should be able to get them now. If you try again, and still have trouble, I would suggest unsubscribing and then subscribing again in iTunes.

Thank you all for your patience!

--Daron, Sci Fi Pipeline

Sci Fi Pipeline Episode 6 - Contact

Fantastic Podcasts — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:19:36 -0700

An incredible event: a signal from space. A woman who has dedicated her life to uncovering hard data in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. And a man of faith who tries to convince her there is much more to life than what can be directly seen and observed.

These elements come together to form what is merely the beginning of the mind blowing film Contact, now released in a new Blu-ray edition.

What begins as an intensely personal story rapidly expands into a tale of an event that sparks public debate around the world, with a canvas as expansive as space itself. Daron and Chris take a close look at this film, and the controversies that surrounded it.

Plus: good news for Flash Forward fans, and a look at brand new technology in action: those Mobile-Blu featurettes viewable only on the iPhone and iPod touch, found on the new Blu-ray edition of Star Trek: The Original Series Season 2. Beam us to your podcast player today!

Sci Fi Pipeline Episode 6 - Contact

Sci Fi Pipeline Episode 5 - Monsters vs. Aliens

Fantastic Podcasts — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:08:22 -0700

We're lightening-up for Episode 5. We pop some popcorn and settle back with the kids for Monsters vs. Aliens, an animated romp that's as much an homage to 1950s sci-fi and horror movies as it is a fun family film.

Can all-star, talented voices elevate a less-than perfect execution of an old comic-book style plot? Will Bob find true love? Will Susan find herself?

You won't believe the answers!

(See. We're getting into it already)

Plus: our thoughts on the premieres of Flash Forward and Stargate Universe, the newly-announced release date of Battlestar Galactica: The Plan, and the in-development Venom and Iron Man 2.

Sci Fi Pipeline Episode 5 - Monsters vs. Aliens

Sci Fi Pipeline Episode 4 - Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Fantastic Podcasts — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:25:08 -0700

"A mother will become a warrior, a son will become a hero, and their only ally will be a friend from the future."

This awesome series may have been canceled by Fox, but fans are sure to eat-up the just released Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Season 2 set on Blu-ray and DVD.

This is one of Chris' favorite shows, and this week, he schools the rest of us on all things surrounding the Connor family...and that includes a lot! Join us as we chat, chat and chat some more about a series with a storyline that still hasn't been resolved!

Plus...more trouble for The Green Hornet, and even more geeky, secret fun that awaits Star Trek: TOS fans on the upcoming Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3 Blu-ray set.

Sci Fi Pipeline Episode 4 - Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Sci Fi Pipeline Episode 3 - X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Fantastic Podcasts — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:58:17 -0700

Who are you lookin' at, Bub? Or was that "Blob"?

Doesn't matter. This week, we settle-in for some action with an established comic-book character who's once again tearin'-up the big screen, and now DVD and Blu-ray, in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Plus: we talk about developments on other Marvel-related film projects, including Deadpool and X-Men: First Class, and a long-awaited gem never before released on home video that will make it's way into the new Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3 Blu-ray.

Sci-Fi Pipeline Episode 3 - X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Sci Fi Pipeline Episode 2 - Watchmen

Fantastic Podcasts — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:11:32 -0700

We really get the ball rolling in our second episode, starting with news about what to expect from the new Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek films. Plus: a sci fi Rambo 5? What's that all about? And might Terminator. The Sarah Connor Chronicles finally wrap-up its story...on DVD?

Then, we settle in for a good long review of the much-anticipated Watchmen, now on DVD and Blu-ray. We also compare it to the original 12-issue comic book mini series.

So much sci fi goodness for one little podcast.

Sci Fi Pipeline Episode 2 - Watchmen

Sci Fi Pipeline Episode 1 - Fall TV Preview 2009

Fantastic Podcasts — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:57:07 -0700

Here it is: the long-awaited (by us, at least) pilot of the new Sci Fi Pipeline podcast!

In Episode 1, join Daron and Chris as they introduce themselves, comment on sci fi news, and preview the new sci fi TV shows debuting or returning this fall. We talk about Vampire Diaries, Supernatural, Fringe, Dollhouse, Heroes, Eastwick, Flash Forward (pictured), Smallville, Ghost Whisperer, Medium, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Stargate: Universe, Sanctuary, V, Legend of the Seeker, The Prisoner, and Battlestar Galactica: The Plan. What's not to love? Hear what they think.

Sci Fi Pipeline Episode 1 - Fall TV Preview 2009

"We have liftoff!"

Fantastic Podcasts — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:48:29 -0700

At long last, the new Sci Fi Pipeline podcast is taking flight! Chris and I are proud to offer our very first episode. We hope you enjoy it.

--Daron

We're committed for launch

Fantastic Podcasts — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:17:58 -0700

We're getting close now, folks! Chris and I have completed our warmup exercises, training, physicals, and tests. We've suited up, and we're sitting in the pilot seats ready for launch.

We can't wait to talk about this cool, fun, addictive thing we all know as sci fi...and talk, and talk, and talk about it.

In just a few days, you will be in the Pipeline.!

Preparing for launch

Fantastic Podcasts — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:49:41 -0700

The countdown is running. Chris and I hope to have our first podcast available for you by Saturday, September 12...and maybe even a wee bit earlier! (We always multiply our podcast estimates by a factor of four.) Stay tuned!

--Daron

Welcome!

Fantastic Podcasts — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:22:11 -0700

Welcome to the home page of the brand-new Sci Fi Pipeline podcast! Each week, we'll bring you news headlines from the world of science fiction, and reviews of new and catalog DVD and Blu-ray titles.

Watch for our first episode, coming soon!