The Weeksly Late Edition – 27/04/07

Good evening Ladies & Gentlemen, and welcome back once again to “The Weeksly Late Edition” – it’s a packed installment tonight, so let’s get straight into it with:

My Television Is Trying To Kill Me

OK, so obviously one of the main stories to come out this week in the land of TV is that FOX have struck again, canceling “Drive”, the new Tim Minear show about an illegal cross-country road race, after a grand total of four episodes of the planned initial six. Now – I had a conversation with the Boss two weeks back about this show – we both agreed that it was good, but here’s what I wrote to him at the time: “Yeah, “Drive” was pretty much what I expected, so I was happy with that. FOX are notorious axe-swingers at anything that doesn’t do spectacular ratings though – so hopefully it does well (if only for Nathan’s sake) ;)”. Some people would say, “Why take a swing at FOX, they’ve given us some great stuff over the years” – and that’s true, but take a look at what they’ve given us in the last few years: “Reunion”, “Arrested Development”, “Firefly”, “Futurama”, “Wonderfalls”, “Kitchen Confidential”, “The Tick”, “Lone Gunmen” – I could keep going on, but I don’t think there’s really any need to. All of the preceding shows were either cancelled early into their run, or dicked around with so much that the audience simply couldn’t keep track of what was happening (I’m looking at you “Arrested” & “Firefly”).

With all of that in mind though, it’s easy for fans of these shows to sit back and say “Fuck You FOX! You’ve fucked me over for the last time!” and while I continue to applaud the kind of dedication that NBC has shown to some of it’s lower rating programming this year, FOX is a business – so to be completely fair, if it was your company, and you were losing money on a particular product – you’d probably stop making it as well – but it still pisses me off, because I invested time in all of those shows, and I always feel a bit cheated when everything goes unresolved.

Alright, on to (what appears to be) the second biggest TV story of the week – the fact that Rosie O’Donnell is leaving “The View” this coming June after less than a year with the show. Rosie, who replaced Meredith Vieira when she departed for “Today”, has been credited with rejuvenating the shows flagging ratings, and was involved in an intense high-profile argument with Donald Trump at the end of last year. The departure has come about after Rosie failed to negotiate a new contract (according to reports, she was looking to sign a one year deal, and Producers wanted her for another three).

I would assume by now that most of you have heard of Mark Burnett & Steven Spielberg’s new reality show “On The Lot”? For those of you who don’t know about it, it sounds an awful lot like “Project Greenlight”, but it will be the viewing public that decides who gets the boot from week to week, rather than a panel of “experts”. At the end of it all, the winner will receive a one million dollar development with Dreamworks Pictures. However, to get to that point, they still need to have the audition process, which it turns out will be comprised of Carrie Fisher (“Star Wars”), Brett Ratner (“Rush Hour”), Garry Marshall (“Pretty Woman”) & Jon Avnet (“Fried Green Tomatoes”) – They will narrow down the 50 selected entrants down to a top 18, who will then go on to the main competition. Look for it to start airing late May on FOX in the U.S. (uh-oh), and exclusively to Fox 8 here in Australia.

Now, while we’re talking about Spielberg & Burnett, let me mention two more things you might be interested in. First of all, I’ll say that I fuckin’ loved “Band Of Brothers” – and you can’t convince me personally that there’s ever been a better mini-series put together. So with that in mind, HBO (who aired the series) has gotten back behind Spielberg & Tom Hanks to make “The Pacific”, which is due to start filming in Australia shortly – the majority taking place in Victoria. In a similar vein to “BOB”, “The Pacific” follows the tale of a group of marines who fought their way through the Pacific campaign of World War II, and looks to premiere on HBO sometime in 2009.

The other thing, concerning Mark Burnett, is that he has another show coming up in the vein of “Survivor”, titled…. Wait for it…. “Pirate Master”. Yes, it has a horrible title, but I always have to keep the faith in the man who brought me my favourite show. It’s hosted by Cameron Daddo (“FX: The Series”, anything on Australian TV in the late 80’s – early 90’s), and premieres late May – here’s the press release:
CBS ANNOUNCES “PIRATE MASTER,” A NEW REALITY-BASED SERIES WHERE 16 INDIVIDUALS WILL COMPETE AS PIRATES ON THE HIGH SEAS IN SEARCH OF HIDDEN TREASURES

The Next Epic Adventure Series From Emmy Award-Winning Producer Mark Burnett Premieres Thursday, May 31

PIRATE MASTER, the next epic adventure reality series from Emmy Award-winning producer Mark Burnett, will premiere Thursday, May 31 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

PIRATE MASTER will send 16 modern-day pirates on a high seas adventure where they will live as buccaneers and travel around the Caribbean island of Dominica in search of hidden treasure that will total $1 million. Over the course of 33 days, these pirates will live aboard a massive 179 foot, square-rigged barque which carries 12,500 square feet of sail.

Each week, the pirates will embark on extraordinary expeditions where they will decipher clues along the way in search of missing treasure. Gold coins — real money which the pirates may take with them beyond the show — will be awarded after each expedition, but only to some. The gold will play a key role as pirates strike deals with each other or plead for long-term security. In addition to claiming the lion’s share of the week’s riches, one pirate will become the captain of the ship and will assign roles and chores to the remaining crew members, setting the tone for either law and order or betrayal and sabotage, which could lead to mutiny by the crew.

Each episode will conclude on the ship at Pirate’s Court, a lively gathering of public speaking and judgment where one individual will be eliminated and “cut adrift.” In the end, one will be the first to find the largest booty, worth $500,000, and claim the title of “Pirate Master.”

Series creator and executive producer Mark Burnett explains, “Pirate Master breaks new ground in that it’s the collision of fantasy and reality. This is a show where, in true pirate fashion, anything can happen with a group of people that live by their own set of rules and usually break them. It’s adventure, excitement and loads of treasure. Anyone who ever wanted to be a pirate will love this show!”

PIRATE MASTER is produced by Mark Burnett Productions. Mark Burnett and Lisa Hennessy are the executive producers. Eden Gaha and Page Feldman are the co-executive producers.

Before I move on to the final section, I wanted to comment on something that’s pretty amusing to me – for those of us in Oz, remember the commercials that were flooding the commercial networks at the end of last year & beginning of this one about Sporting events being bought up by Foxtel (Australia’s pay-TV provider)? The one I remember best was Channel 10’s effort which featured then “Sports Tonight” presenter Ryan Phelan speaking along the lines of “Sports should be for everyone, not just those people who can afford pay-TV”. I’m paraphrasing there, but it was to that effect – anyhow, I always found it funny that these people making 6 figure salaries were talking about being able to afford a basic cable package – but skimming through the latest May Foxtel guide – look who’s hosting ESPN’s new local version of “Sports Center”….. Yes, it’s Mr. Ryan Phelan.

OK, now there are potentially some very large spoilers coming up about some of the big show finales about to take place, so if you want to avoid them, feel free to scroll down to the Gossip section – you’ve been warned. Here we go, all from the relevant press releases put out by the networks:

ABC

“LOST” WEDNESDAY, MAY 2 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) — “The Brig” A newly focused Locke breaks away from “The Others” in an attempt to persuade Sawyer to help rid them of a great nemesis that has caused nothing but pain in both of their lives. Meanwhile, a new island inhabitant discloses some shocking information about Oceanic Flight 815.

“UGLY BETTY” THURSDAY, MAY 3 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) “Secretaries Day” Betty struggles to come up with the cash to solve the latest Suarez family dilemma, all while planning Mode’s big assistants week bash at a medieval themed restaurant, a place with an unlikely link to Amanda’s past. Meanwhile, Daniel tries to heed Betty’s advice about his sexual addiction issues; Alexis considers Rodrigo’s offer (guest star Cristin de la Fuente); Hilda faces a tough cosmetology school exam, and Wilhelmina becomes even bolder in her plans for total Mode domination.

“GREY’S ANATOMY” THURSDAY, MAY 3 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET) — “The Other Side of This Life” Addison takes temporary leave from Seattle Grace and makes a road trip to Los Angeles in order to visit some old friends from medical school. As Meredith continues to bond with her stepmother, Susan, Cristina reluctantly plans her wedding with the assistance of her mother, Helen, and Burke’s mother, Mama Jane. Meanwhile, Derek must perform emergency surgery on Ava/Jane Doe, as Alex continues his unfailing bedside manner with her. Featuring an all-star guest cast including Paul Adelstein (“Prison Break”), Amy Brenneman (“Judging Amy”), Tim Daly (“The Fugitive,” “The Nine”), Taye Diggs (“Rent,” “Day Break”), Merrin Dungey (“Alias”) and Chris Lowell (“Veronica Mars”). The legendary Diahann Carroll returns as Preston Burke’s mother, Jane, and Elizabeth Reaser (“Sweet Land”) returns as Ava/Jane Doe.

“LOST” WEDNESDAY, MAY 9 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) — “The Man Behind the Curtain” Ben begrudgingly begins to introduce Locke to the secrets of the island, beginning with the mysterious Jacob. Meanwhile, Juliet’s secret goes public.

“UGLY BETTY” THURSDAY, MAY 10 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) — “A Tree Grows in Guadalajara” Betty and her family go to Guadalajara to solve Ignacio’s immigration problems, and Betty questions her Aunt Mirta (Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award winner Rita Moreno) and cousin Clara about her late mother. Meanwhile, Alexis gets a visit from Jordan (guest star Rebecca Gayheart), the woman she dated before her “death” and operation; Marc is jealous when Amanda seemingly has a new best gay friend in Tavares, and Wilhelmina gives the new man in her life a makeover.

“GREY’S ANATOMY” THURSDAY, MAY 10 (9:00-10:01 p.m., ET) — “Testing 1-2-3” The interns take the biggest test of their careers, their first-year medical exams, as the residents attend to three injured mountain climbers. Meanwhile Callie’s suspicions of George and Izzie grow, and Cristina struggles to write her wedding vows.

“TRAVELER” SPECIAL PREVIEW THURSDAY, MAY 10 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) — How well do you know your friends? Would you bet your life on it? That’s the question in “Traveler,” an action-packed drama series that taps into 21st century paranoia with provocative themes, complex characters and pure adrenaline-fueled entertainment. Director David Nutter, who has defined many hit series including “The X-Files,” “Without a Trace” and “Supernatural,” along with the “Eight Below” writer David DiGilio and “American Beauty” Oscar-winning producers Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, combine “The Fugitive” and “Enemy of the State” into a taut thriller about innocents on the run. “Traveler” will premiere in its regular time slot WEDNESDAY, MAY 30 (10:00 p.m.11:00 p.m., ET).

“LOST” WEDNESDAY, MAY 16 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) — “Greatest Hits” While Jack devises a plan to do away with “The Others” once and for all, Sayid uncovers a flaw in “The Others'” system that could lead to everyone’s rescue. But it requires Charlie to take on a dangerous task that may make Desmond’s premonition come true.

“UGLY BETTY” SEASON FINALE THURSDAY, MAY 17 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) “East Side Story” — Betty and Henry’s romance heats up. Meanwhile, Wilhelmina makes great strides in her ambitious power play, as Daniel descends further in a downward spiral. The Suarez family trip to Mexico takes a dangerous turn, with old ghosts creating new problems. Explosive secrets will be revealed, and everything will be tied together by a beloved Broadway musical. Kristin Chenoweth, Anglica Vale and Gina Gershon guest star.

“GREY’S ANATOMY” THURSDAY, MAY 17 (9:00-10:04 p.m., ET) “Didn’t We Almost Have It All” — Copy TBD.

“LOST” SEASON FINALE WEDNESDAY, MAY 23 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET) “Through the Looking Glass” — Copy TBD.

NBC

THE OFFICE (8:30-9 p.m.), Thursday, April 26th
“Product Recall”
UNPRINTABLE? AN OFFICE IN CRISIS — The office is in crisis mode after a large shipment of Dunder Mifflin paper is accidentally sent out with an obscene watermark — and Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) tries to manage the media with an impromptu press conference. Jim (John Krasinski) and Andy (Ed Helms) also attempt to calm the high school principal who has sent out prom invites on the affected stationery. Rainn Wilson, Jenna Fischer, B.J Novak, Phyllis Smith, Leslie David Baker, Mindy Kaling, Rashida Jones, Creed Bratton, Oscar Nunez, Angela Kinsey, Brian Baumgartner and Kate Flannery also star.

SCRUBS (9:30-10 p.m.), Thursday, April 26th
“My Turf War”
THREE’S A CROWD AS KERI RUSSELL GUEST-STARS — J.D. (Zach Braff) feels a little left out when Eliot’s (Sarah Chalke) wild sorority sister, Melody (guest star Keri Russell, “Mission: Impossible 3”) comes to town. Not able to deal with being the third wheel he turns the girls against each other in the hopes that he will once again be Eliot’s priority friend and, if he is lucky, that he might get to “mash” it with Melody. Meanwhile, Turk (Donald Faison) and Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley) go head-to-head when they disagree over whether or not a patient requested surgery is necessary. Elsewhere, Carla (Judy Reyes) discovers an unlikely ghost haunting pediatrics in an attempt to keep it clean. In the end one of Sacred Heart’s own will be considering a marriage proposal. Ken Jenkins and Neil Flynn also star.

HEROES (9-10 p.m.), Monday, April 30th
“String Theory”
COME SEE WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY CAN’T SAVE THE WORLD — Thrown five years in the future, Hiro (Golden Globe nominee Masi Oka) and Ando (James Kyson Lee) discover that people with extraordinary abilities are not only widely known about — after the destruction of New York City and the deaths of millions — but are being registered, imprisoned, hunted and even killed as “terrorists.” As the president takes his first step towards a “final solution,” the pair get swept up in what could be the “Heroes” final battle and encounter a range of new and darkly familiar faces. If they survive the experience, can they still get back to the present and save the world? Santiago Cabrera, Jack Coleman, Noah Gray-Cabey, Greg Grunberg, Ali Larter, Hayden Panettiere, Adrian Pasdar, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Leonard Roberts and Milo Ventimiglia also star. Stana Katic, Jimmy Jean-Louis and Zachary Quinto guest star.

THE OFFICE (8:35-9:19 p.m.), Thursday, May 3rd
“Women’s Appreciation”
CAN’T LIVE WITH ‘EM, CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT ‘EM — Outrage breaks out in the office after Phyllis (Phyllis Smith) gets an unexpected eyeful from a flasher while Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) makes some important personal decisions when he takes the women on a special outing. Meanwhile, Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Andy (Ed Helms) work on catching the predator. John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, B.J. Novak, Melora Hardin, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Paul Lieberstein, Oscar Nunez and Creed Bratton also star.

SCRUBS (9:19-9:53 p.m.), Thursday, May 3rd
“My Cold Shower”
INDECENT PROPOSAL? KERI RUSSELL GUEST-STARS — When Eliot’s (Sarah Chalke) engagement ring doesn’t fit, Keith (Travis Schuldt) agrees to a “re-do” in which the particular doctor plans her own engagement. Carla (Judy Reyes), Jordan (Christa Miller) and Eliot’s sorority sister Melody (guest star Keri Russell, “Mission: Impossible 3”) gather to help plan the surprise. Meanwhile, the men of Sacred Heart are suffering from too much talk and not enough action as J.D. (Zach Braff) continually gets shot down by Melody, Turk (Donald Faison) and Carla have not been intimate since their baby was born and Dr. Kelso’s (Ken Jenkins) internet is down –resulting in a lot of cold showers. In the end J.D. realizes that he might still have feelings for Eliot. John C. McGinley and Neil Flynn also star.

HEROES (9-10 p.m.), Monday, May 7th
“The Hard Part”
AS NATHAN AND HIS FAMILY READY FOR THE ELECTION, MASI AND ANDO FACE THE HARD PART OF SAVING THE WORLD; ERIC ROBERTS AND RENA SOFER GUEST-STAR — Now knowing what’s at stake if they fail in their mission, Hiro (Golden Globe nominee Masi Oka) and Ando’s (James Kyson Lee) determination to save the world is put to the test. Committed to the path, Nathan (Adrian Pasdar) takes some surprising steps to guarantee his election. Jessica (Ali Larter) and D.L. (Leonard Roberts) begin to learn how their family fits into Linderman’s plans. Thompson (guest star Eric Roberts, “Less Than Perfect”) brings someone new into his company’s fold. With more and more blood on his hands, Sylar (guest star Zachary Quinto) visits his mom (guest star Ellen Greene). Santiago Cabrera, Jack Coleman, Noah Gray-Cabey, Greg Grunberg, Hayden Panettiere, Sendhil Ramamurthy and Milo Ventimiglia also star. Matthew John Armstrong, Justin Evans, Missy Peregrym, Cristine Rose, Rena Sofer (“24”), Adair Tishler, and Jackson Wurth guest-star.

THE OFFICE (8:40-9:20 p.m.), Thursday, May 10th
“Beach Games”
LIFE’S A BEACH — Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) is being considered for a position in corporate and has to recommend his replacement, but while the group expects a fun outing at Lake Scranton, Michael has planned a day of “Survivor”-like competitions to find his successor. Meanwhile, Pam (Jenna Fischer) is not asked to join in any of the activities and is forced to watch Jim (John Krasinski) and Karen (Rashida Jones) have fun together. Rainn Wilson, B.J. Novak, Angela Kinsey, Oscar Nunez, Kate Flannery, Phyllis Smith, Ed Helms, Paul Lieberstein, Mindy Kaling, Brian Baumgartner and Leslie David Baker also star.

SCRUBS (9:20-10:01 p.m.), Thursday, May 10th
“My Conventional Wisdom”
UNEXPECTEDLY EXPECTING; ELIZABETH BANKS GUEST-STARS — As Eliot (Sarah Chalke) begins to plan her wedding with Keith (Travis Schuldt), J.D. (Zach Braff) continues to question his true feelings for her. In an attempt to ease his best friend’s mind Turk (Donald Faison) takes him to a surgeon’s convention in Phoenix, but the plan backfires when J.D. runs into his ex-girlfriend Kim (guest star Elizabeth Banks, “The 40-Year-Old Virgin”) and comes face to face with the unexpected. Meanwhile, Kelso (Ken Jenkins) and his cronies party it up at the convention while unknown to him, the Janitor (Neil Flynn) takes on the role of chief of medicine back at Sacred Heart. John C. McGinley and Judy Reyes also star.

HEROES (9-10 p.m.), Monday, May 14th
“Landslide”
AS LINDERMAN ARRIVES, NATHAN CONSIDERS THE COST TO WIN THE ELECTION; MALCOLM MCDOWELL, ERIC ROBERTS AND GEORGE TAKEI GUEST-STAR — Poised to become a member of Congress and maybe more, Nathan (Adrian Pasdar) considers the cost to those he loves, along with his mother’s (guest star Cristine Rose) advice and Linderman’s (guest star Malcolm McDowell, “Entourage,””A Clockwork Orange”) prophecy. As he prepares to face Sylar (guest star Zachary Quinto) to the death, Hiro (Golden Globe nominee Masi Oka) learns of his linage from his father (guest star George Takei, “Star Trek”). While various “heroes” fatefully arrive in New York City, Peter (Milo Ventimiglia) and Ted (Matthew John Armstrong) attempt to leave the city before the foretold explosion. H.R.G. (Jack Coleman) and Matt (Greg Grunberg) learn the surprising truth behind the tracking system used on people with special abilities. Santiago Cabrera, Noah Gray-Cabey, Ali Larter, Hayden Panettiere, Sendhil Ramamurthy and Leonard Roberts also star. Clea DuVall, Justin Evans, James Kyson Lee, Missy Peregrym, Eric Roberts, Rena Sofer, Adair Tishler and Jackson Wurth guest-star.

THE OFFICE (8-9 p.m.), Thursday, May 17th
“The Job, Parts 1 & 2”
THE FINAL REVIEW IS ONE-HOUR SEASON FINALE — In a special one-hour finale, the office is still buzzing from the events of their day at the beach. A job opening in Corporate pits coworker against coworker as Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell), Jim (John Krasinski) and Karen (Rashida Jones) all head to New York for final interviews. In Scranton, Dwight’s (Rainn Wilson) new regime institutes sweeping reforms, Pam (Jenna Fischer) plays an interesting role and Jan (Melora Hardin) comes in with exciting news. B.J. Novak, Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker, Kate Flannery, Angela Kinsey, Oscar Nunez, Phyllis Smith, Paul Lieberstein and Creed Bratton also star.

SCRUBS (9-10 p.m.), Thursday, May 17th
“My Rabbit/ My Point of No Return”
TO BE OR NOT TO BE — J.D. (ZACH BRAFF) AND ELIOT (SARAH CHALKE) CONTEMPLATE THEIR FUTURES IN THE ONE-HOUR SEASON FINALE OF “SCRUBS” — ELIZABETH BANKS (“THE 40-YEAR OLD VIRGIN”) GUEST STARS — Father-to-be J.D. (Zach Braff) invites mother-to-be Kim (guest star Elizabeth Banks) to move in with him so that they can raise their child together. Elsewhere, Carla (Judy Reyes) helps bride-to-be Eliot (Sarah Chalke) plan for her upcoming wedding, while the Janitor (Neil Flynn) and the “Brain Trust” vow to make Keith (Travis Schuldt) the perfect husband-to-be. However, it doesn’t seem meant to be when at the baptism for Dr. Cox’s (John C. McGinley) daughter the father-to-be and the bride-to-be begin to contemplate the paths they have chosen and question whether or not they were the ones that were meant for each other all along. Elsewhere, Turk (Donald Faison) learns that life changes when you become a father. Ken Jenkins also stars.

HEROES (9-10 p.m.), Monday, May 21st
“How To Stop an Exploding Man”
HEROES RISE AND FALL IN THE SHOCKING SEASON FINALE WRITTEN BY EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/CREATOR TIM KRING AND DIRECTED BY EXECUTIVE PRODUCER ALLAN ARKUSH — With Isaac’s (Santiago Cabera) horrible predictions all unfolding before them, the everyday people with extraordinary abilities face moments of pain and peril in Kirby Plaza with unflinching heroism, as “Heroes” first volume comes to a close — and the next surprisingly begins. Jack Coleman, Tawny Cypress, Noah Gray-Cabey, Greg Grunberg, Ali Larter, Masi Oka, Hayden Panettiere, Adrian Pasdar, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Leonard Roberts and Milo Ventimiglia also star. Clea DuVall, Lisa Lackey, James Kyson Lee, Missy Peregrym, Zachary Quinto, Richard Roundtree, George Takei and Adair Tishler guest-star.

The Most Salacious Piece Of Tabloid Gossip

It’s not the first time he’s been in trouble with the pres, I’m near positive it won’t be the last time he’s in trouble with the press – in fact, I’m 99% sure he’s actually used this insult against the press before – with thanks as always to the IMDB:

Grant Under Police Investigation After Paparazzo Assault
Hugh Grant is facing charges of assault after the British actor physically abused a photographer outside his London home on Tuesday, before snarling, “I hope your kids die of f**king cancer.” The incident took place on Tuesday morning, when the Music and Lyrics star lashed out at paparazzo Ian Whittaker for taking his picture. Grant is alleged to have hurled a container of baked beans at Whittaker before repeatedly kicking and swearing at him. Whittaker says, “It looked like he had been out for a morning jog. I asked him if he would give me a smile because he was standing with his head down. But he must have been having a bad day because he started chasing me down the street. He was effing and blinding (swearing) at me and then he just started kicking me. He kicked me hard about three or four times and then kneed me in the groin. He asked me if I had a girlfriend or any kids and I said I had two. He said, ‘I hope they die of f**king cancer’. That really upset me and is why I went to the police to make a complaint of assault against him. He was out of order.” Yesterday a spokesman for the London Metropolitan Police confirmed an investigation was underway, but said, “Inquiries are in hand and there have been no arrests.” The actor’s publicist refused to comment on the matter.

Well, at least it wasn’t “Lewd Conduct” again.

The Official Weeks Seal Of Approval DVD Release Of The Week

Having recently discovered the joys of Blu-Ray discs, I was looking forward to seeing George Miller’s “Happy Feet” in the format – and I wasn’t disappointed in the result:

In the great nation of Emperor Penguins, deep in Antarctica, you’re nobody unless you can sing – which is unfortunate for Mumble (voice of Elijah Wood), who is the worst singer in the world. He is born dancing to his own tune…tap dancing!

Though Mumble’s mum, Norma Jean (Nicole Kidman), thinks this little habit is cute, his dad, Memphis (Hugh Jackman), says it “just ain’t penguin.” Besides, they both know that, without a Heartsong, Mumble may never find true love. As fate would have it, his one friend, Gloria (Brittany Murphy) happens to be the best singer around. Mumble and Gloria have a connection from the moment they hatch, but she struggles with his strange “hippity-hoppity” ways.

Mumble is just too different – especially for Noah the Elder (Hugo Weaving), the stern leader of Emperor Land, who ultimately casts him out of the community. Away from home for the first time, Mumble meets a posse of decidedly un-Emperor-like penguins – the Adelie Amigos. Led by Ramon (Robin Williams), the Adelie’s instantly embrace Mumble’s cool dance moves and invite him to party with them. In Adelie Land, Mumble seeks the counsel of Lovelace the Guru (also Robin Williams), a crazy-feathered Rockhopper penguin who will answer any of life’s questions for the price of a pebble.

Together with Lovelace and the Amigos, Mumble sets out across vast landscapes and, after some epic encounters, proves that by being true to yourself, you can make all the difference in the world.

And the special features:

– Mumble Meets a Blue Whale
– A Happy Feet Moment
– Dance Like a Penguin
– “Hit Me Up” by GIA Music Video
– “The Song of My Heart” by Prince Music Video
– “I Love to Singa” Looney Tunes Cartoon
– Theatrical Trailer