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On March 24, 2009 Warner Bros. Home Video in conjunction with Lucasfilm Ltd released a four episode arc of the hit Cartoon Network animated series, 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' onto DVD. The four episodes, which include ‘Ambushed’, ‘Rising of Malevolence’, ‘Shadow of Malevolence’ and ‘Destroy Malevolence’ have been combined to create ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars – A Galaxy Divided’.

The episodes, which are presented in a format preserving the aspect ratio of their original television broadcast, chronicle events starting off with Jedi Master Yoda’s top secret mission that swiftly becomes a battle for survival as he and three clone troopers go up against one of their fiercest enemies yet – the assassin Asaii Ventress and he massive droid army. While Yoda is engaged in his deadly struggle with Ventress, Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker leads a clone squadron attack against the deadliest warship ever encountered so far, ‘The Malevolence’. Matters are complicated for Anakin and Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi when Padme Amidala and C-3PO fall into a trap and are taken hostage aboard ‘The Malevolence’.

Created and produced by the animation staff and writers at Lucasfilm Ltd., ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars- A Galaxy Divided’ is not your grandfathers cartoons. These are richly textured, computer generated high definition animation coupled with in depth storytelling to rival any ‘live action’ production around. The characters in this version of the galaxy far, far away are complex and filled with personality.

The four episode arc of ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars – A Galaxy Divided’ is solidly packaged and comes with languages and subtitles in English, French, Spanish and Portugues and is available in stores and through Warner Home Video. Check out the official site for ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars – A Galaxy Divided for more details and exciting information about this hit animated series.

I love it when a plan comes together!

Especially when it's Supernatural creator Eric Kripke's 5 -year plan for his hit series starring Jared Padaleck and Jensen Ackles as Sam and Dean Winchester: two demon hunting, ghost banishing, monster slaying brothers who drive around in a cool  black '67 Chevy Impala loaded with weapons to deal with all kinds of supernatural related threats.

SUPERNATURAL, has been posting ratings growth since the 4th season premiered back on September 18th of 2008: a season which has seen the the return from hell of older brother Dean Winchester  (Jensen Ackles), the introduction of the angel Castiel (Misha Collins) and has also seen younger brother Sam Winchester (Jared Padalecki) begin what may very well turn out to be his decent into darkness with the demon Ruby (Genevieve Cortese) unintentionally (??) leading the way.

With the early pick-up by the CW network which seems to have rebounded from their earlier troubles, Supernatural will enter its fifth season later this year. New episodes of season 4 will resume airing this coming March 12th at 9PM EST.

Among the other series receiving early pickups for next season are The CW’s Monday tandem of sophomore sensation GOSSIP GIRL and ONE TREE HILL, which combined to lift The CW to become the fall’s #1 network on Monday with women 18-34.  Both GOSSIP GIRL and ONE TREE HILL have scored double-digit gains compared to their previous seasons.  Freshman hit 90210 has improved the network’s Tuesday night by double-digit increases in key demos.  Wednesday anchor AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL, which consistently wins its time period with young women, will also be back with superstar Tyra Banks and new groups of aspiring models for cycles 13 and 14.

Also renewed was Supernatural's established Thursday partner series SMALLVILLE, which stars Tom Welling as Clark Kent and will be entering its ninth season.

Monday January 26, 2009

In the early morning hours it began circulating as a rumor on German Supernatural discussion forums. By Mid afternoon it was confirmed as fact by a posting Supernatural actor Jim Beaver made on his Myspace Page.

"Jim is in mourning for one of the best friends and best directors he's ever known--Kim Manners, who died last night from lung cancer."

Then came this statement from the Publicist for Supernatural confirming the passing of Kim Manners:

“Supernatural” executive producer & director Kim Manners passed away last night in Los Angeles, following a battle with cancer. 

Then a statement from Creator and Executive Produce Eric Kripke:

"Everyone at 'Supernatural' is walking around in a daze, shocked and absolutely devastated.  Kim was a brilliant director; more than that, he was a mentor and friend.  He was one of the patriarchs of the family, and we miss him desperately.  He gave so much to 'Supernatural,' and everything we do on the show, now and forever, is in memory of him. 

The soft spoken Kim Manners had been with Supernatural since the first season coming in as director of the season one's 4th episode, "Dead in the Water". Even though Manners went on to become an executive producer of the hit series, which stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles as demon fighting, monster hunting brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, he continued to direct up until his illness hospitalized him in December of 2008. His last listed episodes as director is the season 4 episodes "Lazarus Rising" and his final one, "Metamorphosis".

Kim Manners, who is the son of Cleveland Ohio born director/producer Sam Manners, was no stranger to the entertainment industry having been raised into it by being the son of such a well known and well respected industry professional.  Manners, whose career began back in 1970 has spent over three decades in the entertainment industry working as an actor, producer and director and has worked on such highly successful projects as The X-Files, Baywatch and 21 Jump Street which starred a young and up and coming Johnny Depp.

Yet it was more than just three decades of entertainment industry experience that Kim Manners brought to Supernatural as a director and executive producer, by all accountings from cast and crew alike, Manners brought a sense of solid strength and good-nature to everyone involved with the series and to the set. Both series leads Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles love to relate  their favorite story about how Manners playfully 'got them back' for the numerous pranks they played on him by waiting until both actors were trapped in a small tunnel like set in the season 2 episode 'No Exit' and poured a large bucket of cold water down on them.

Kim Manners could also be relied on by the cast and crew to be a practical problem solver as Jensen Ackles points out in a recent interview with the Official Supernatural Magazine. In the interview, Ackles relates how Manners took charge of figuring out how to get the actor, who was stranded at the LAX airport over the tail end of busy holiday because his seat was sold out from under him on an over booked flight, to the set of Supernatural in time to meet his set call and not lose the production money and time.

Kim Manners cared about Supernatural, it's cast and crew. He took pride in his work and in being part of bringing the fans and viewers the best possible stories being told. It's a given that all of those involved with the production of Supernatural are going to miss their co-work, friend and director/executive producer. Those of us out here in the fandom and media are going to miss Kim Manners as well.

We at EclipseMagazine.com send our prayers and condolences to the Manner's family and to his 'Supernatural family' as well.

Kim Manners will be missed.

The publicity department at Warner Brothers Television has once again provided the media with sneak peek teaser clips from an upcoming episode of Supernatural Season 4, which stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles as Sam and Dean Winchester: two always on the go monster hunting, ghost chasing, demon hunting brothers.

After School Special,” will air on Thurs., 1/29 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.

In the episode, Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) look into a possible haunting taking place at one of the many schools they briefly attended while they were growing up.  Dean is not thrilled to be returning, but Sam takes a special interest in making the trip.  Flashbacks to when the Winchesters attended the school give insight to a childhood spent on the move with a largely absentee dad.  Guest starring Colin Ford as ‘Young Sam’ and Brock Kelly as ‘Young Dean.’    “After School Special” was written by Andrew Dabb & Daniel Loflin and was directed by Adam Kane.

The episode sounds like it promises to be a good one as far as insight into what makes the Winchester brothers tick and I have to say that the sight of Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) in a pair of tight red gym shorts is worth the price of admission.

Check out the clips provided by Warner Brothers and tun into the Supernatural this Thursday at 9PM EST to watch After School Special.

Experience the horror when Amusement arrives on Blu-ray and DVD January 20th from Warner Home Video. From screenwriter Jake Wade Wall (The Hitcher) and director John Simpson (Freeze Frame), Amusement follows three friends tied together by a seemingly innocent childhood event and someone thirsty for revenge.

A twisted thread ties Tabitha, Shelby and Lisa together in this anthology of seemingly unrelated vignettes. Stalked by a killer with a grudge that extends back to the girls' childhoods, these friends and other potential victims must struggle to survive.

Available on DVD: January 20
Official Site URL: http://www.amusementmovie.com
BUY IT!:
http://whv.warnerbros.com/WHVPORTAL/Portal/product.jsp?OID=71164

Catch a sneak peek at Amusement in this exciting trailer clip.

Amusement is available on DVD: January 20
Official Site URL: http://www.amusementmovie.com
BUY IT!:http://whv.warnerbros.com/WHVPORTAL/Portal/product.jsp?OID=71164