Greetings from Amazon.com Delivers Science Fiction and Fantasy Video Editor, Sam Sutherland FEATURED IN THIS E-MAIL: * Word for Word: Jodie Foster reaches for the stars in "Contact" * New and Notable: "Labyrinth," "Sailor Moon R," and "Gattaca" * Amazon.com Presents the Best of the Century * Ghouls in Space: Halloween in orbit * Editor's Choice: "The Brother from Another Planet" * Advance Orders: "The Matrix," "The Faculty," and "Star Trek: Insurrection" WORD FOR WORD ************* "Science fiction. You're right, it's crazy. In fact, it's even worse than that, it's nuts. You wanna hear something really nutty? I heard of a couple guys who wanna build something called an airplane, you know you get people to go in, and fly around like birds, it's ridiculous, right? And what about breaking the sound barrier, or rockets to the moon? Atomic energy, or a mission to Mars? Science fiction, right? Look, all I'm asking is for you to just have the tiniest bit of vision. You know, to just sit back for one minute and look at the big picture. To take a chance on something that just might end up being the most profoundly impactful moment for humanity, for the history... of history." --Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster) makes her case for seeking extraterrestrial life in "Contact" "Contact" (PG) starring Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey; directed by Robert Zemeckis http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0790736241/entertainmentsit NEW AND NOTABLE *************** "Labryinth" (PG) starring Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie; directed by Jim Henson http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JPH5/entertainmentsit An ambitious blend of live action, high-tech puppetry, and visual effects earned this 1986 fantasy from the late Jim Henson a loyal following. Returning after a long hiatus from video availability, the tale follows a reluctant baby sitter (Connelly) as she searches for her infant brother in a maze populated with Henson's startling creatures--and controlled by the charming but sinister goblin king, Jareth (Bowie). "Sailor Moon R" (NR) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JDIL/entertainmentsit After making her U.S. conquests via edited, dubbed episodes aimed squarely at young female TV viewers, schoolgirl-superheroine Sailor Moon and her allies land on home video in the original anime adventures created for Japan. Young girls remain the franchise's logical audience, but surreal, intricate plot lines, truly fantastic characters, and evocative animation and design make this absorbing viewing for sci-fi and fantasy buffs. "Gattaca" (PG-13) starring Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman; directed by Andrew M. Niccol http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0800103661/entertainmentsit A subtle, thought-provoking speculation on genetic engineering and a "perfect" society, this 1997 sleeper from New Zealand writer-director Niccol ("The Truman Show") adds further evidence that some of the smartest sci-fi now germinates Down Under. Niccol achieves his impact through an intelligent script, convincing performances, and shrewd production design rather than FX--look for Frank Lloyd Wright's Marin County, California, Civic Center as a key location, and a savvy use of vintage Studebaker Avantis in Niccol's cunning, retro production design. AMAZON.COM PRESENTS THE BEST OF THE CENTURY ******************************************* As the century comes to a close, Amazon.com takes a look at the landmarks in books, music, and video of the past 100 years. Selected by our editors, our lists take you decade by decade from the turn of the century all the way to the end of the millennium. But don't just take our word for it; cast your vote for the best book, video, and CD in our best-of-the-millennium poll for your chance to win our customers' 300 favorite music, book, and video titles. Video of the century GHOULS IN SPACE: HALLOWEEN IN ORBIT *********************************** Tired of the same old crypt 'n' castle rut this Halloween? Science fiction has long left its airlocks open to all manner of spooks, beasties, and things that go bump in the cosmos, from the evil robots of early SF serials to the CGI nightmares that prey on modern-day audiences. We've rounded up our own gallery of favorites from "Alien" to the Monsters of the Id, with a few surprises thrown in. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=entertainmentsit&path=tg/feature/-/3830 EDITOR'S CHOICE *************** "The Brother from Another Planet" (R) starring Joe Morton; directed by John Sayles http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000009RZN/entertainmentsit John Sayles has become synonymous with the best in independent films, crafting intelligent, adult features that steer clear of high concepts or cheap thrills. But Sayles cut his scriptwriting teeth with low-budget genre films, including sly horror classics like "Alligator," ensuring that this 1984 sci-fi satire is neither a fluke nor an exercise in slumming. When an alien (Morton) crashes into New York harbor, he winds up stranded in Harlem, where Sayles weaves comedy, social commentary, and serious SF into a unique mix. ADVANCE ORDERS ************** "The Matrix" (R) releases December 7 starring Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne; directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K2SC/entertainmentsit Virtual reality, martial arts, high-octane techno beats, and a reptilian alien presence: for hard-core science fiction fans, the Wachowski brothers' bravura action epic is a delirious joy ride with a mix of portentous dialogue, convoluted plot points, video game visuals, and sheer cool that was 1999's standout. Keanu Reeves is the alpha geek hacker and possible Chosen One named Neo, Laurence Fishburne is his pokerfaced mentor Morpheus, and newcomer Carrie-Anne Moss is Trinity, the slinky cipher who brings pupil and master together for their showdown with the evil behind the Matrix. Keanu says it best: "Whoa!" "The Faculty" (R) releases November 2 starring Elijah Wood, Josh Hartnett, and Famke Janssen; directed by Robert Rodriguez http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000IO4J/entertainmentsit Judging from this enjoyably pulpy, unabashedly derivative sci-fi/horror romp, screenwriter Kevin Williamson ("Scream," "Dawson's Creek") and director Robert Rodriguez ("El Mariachi") were obviously "B" (as in movies) students. Part "The Breakfast Club," part "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," this sometimes canny, sometimes cheesy tale offers an unsettling theory for the alienation afflicting six high school kids: their teachers and classmates are being possessed by aliens. Tongues firmly in cheek, Salma Hayek, Bebe Neuwirth, Jon Stewart, and Piper Laurie are among the tenured terrors. "Star Trek: Insurrection" (widescreen) (PG-13) releases October 19 starring Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, and F. Murray Abraham; directed by Jonathan Frakes http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/6305587159/entertainmentsit The ninth big-screen outing for the venerable space opera franchise mixes New Agey mysticism with comic relief as Captain Picard and crew follow their android shipmate, Data, to an idyllic planet that seems to have located an extraterrestrial fountain of youth. Fans of the original late-'60s series will see threads familiar from the earlier adventures of Picard's predecessor, the redoubtable Kirk. A strong supporting cast--including F. Murray Abraham as the desiccated, devious villain, Ru'afo, the late Anthony Zerbe as a Starfleet admiral gone wrong, and Broadway stage actress Donna Murphy as Picard's romantic match--further expands the usual ensemble emphasis. ****** Give the Perfect Gift -- Get the Perfect Gift Does Aunt Ida send polka CDs when you'd prefer pop? Create an Amazon.com Wish List and save everyone the agony of the unwanted gift. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=entertainmentsit&path=subst/wishlist/wishlist-portal.html Clueless as to what to get your Kentucky cousin for Christmas? Send him an e-card and tell him to set up an Amazon.com Wish List so you can easily find and send him his heart's desire. http://cards.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=entertainmentsit&path=tg/cards/browse-cards/-/228225/1 ****** You'll find more great videos, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's Science Fiction & Fantasy Video section at Science Fiction & Fantasy
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