Now a mainstay at San Diego Comic-Con International, pop-culture purveyor Shout! Factory returns to the convention in 2016 with a dynamic lineup, featuring captivating panel events, celebrity autograph signings, a showcase of new and upcoming home entertainment products, Comic-Con exclusive items and engaging booth activities. Fans and convention attendees are invited to join in on the excitement at the Shout! Factory booth (#4118) on the main convention floor. Fan favorite stars scheduled to attend at this time include: Joel Hodgson (creator of Mystery Science Theater 3000), Jonah Ray (Nerdist, The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail), Felicia Day (Geek & Sundry) Gail Simone (Red Sonja, Birds of Prey), Gregg Berger (Transformers: The Movie, Gargoyles) and Misty Lee (Ultimate Spider Man).
Calling all MSTies! In the not too distant future- Saturday, July 23rd at 8:30 pm in Room 24ABC, to be precise- for the panel Mystery Science Theater 3000 is Back! As the excitement mounts for the upcoming new episodes of Mystery Science Theater 3000, join Joel Hodgson (creator, MST3K), Felicia Day (Geek & Sundry) and others discuss the show’s record-breaking crowdfunding campaign, and reveal behind-the-scenes info on Season 11!
Genre and horror film buffs, collectors and pop culture enthusiasts alike won’t want to miss An Inside Look at Shout! Factory and Scream Factory. At 8 pm on Friday, July 22nd in Room 29AB, join Brian Ward (Director of Blu-ray and DVD Production) and Jeff Nelson (Sr. Marketing Director) as they make special announcements and unveil exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming Blu-ray/DVD collector’s editions and new movies coming to theaters this fall. A fan-driven insider’s event filled with lively discussion and more than a few surprises, this panel discussion and Q&A will be moderated by Julia Cunningham, host of Entertainment Weekly’s “LA Daily” on Sirius XM.
Showcasing highly anticipated current and upcoming offerings from Shout! Factory’s most popular brands, the Shout! Factory Booth (#4118) will once again be an essential destination on the convention center floor. The booth also features convention exclusives, autograph signings, daily sweepstakes giveaways and much more.
For continuing updates on Shout! Factory’s Comic-Con activities and news, please follow us on Twitter @ShoutFactory, on Instagram @shoutfactory, and the studio’s official Facebook page www.facebook.com/shoutfactoryofficial.
Schedule Of Shout! Factory Events At Comic-Con International 2016
Wednesday, July 20th
Preview Night
Thursday, July 21st
10:00 am Power Rangers appearance at Shout! Factory booth
11:00 am Gail Simone and Misty Lee signing for Red Sonja: Queen Of Plagues,
-12:00 pm the new animated comic based on the Dynamite comic.
Friday July 22nd
10:00 am Power Rangers appearance at Shout! Factory booth
2:00 p.m. Meet Spot, a.k.a. Cthulhu, from the upcoming Howard Lovecraft & The Frozen
Kingdom animated feature.
3:30 pm Scream Factory Presents “Return of The Living Dead” Signing with Thom
Mathews (Freddy) John Philbin (Chuck) and Sean Clark (host of “Horror’s
Hallowed Grounds”)
8:00 pm An Inside Look at Shout! Factory and Scream Factory Panel in Room 29AB.
Brian Ward (Director of Blu-ray and DVD Production) and Jeff Nelson (Sr. Marketing Director) make exclusive announcements, deliver sneak peeks from upcoming releases and more! Moderated by Julia Cunningham, host of Entertainment Weekly Radio’s “LA Daily” on SiriusXM.
Saturday, July 23rd
12:00 pm Photo opportunity with Tom Servo and Crow T. Robot from Mystery Science Theater 3000.
–3:00 pm
2:00 p.m. Meet Spot, a.k.a. Cthulhu, from the upcoming Howard Lovecraft & The Frozen
Kingdom animated feature.
4:00 pm- MST3K Event at Camp Conival presented by Nerdist and Geek & Sundry
4:30 pm Join Nerdist and Geek & Sundry for Camp Conival: a trip back in time to classic pop culture summer camp! Swing by the Conival Main Stage on the second concourse at Petco Park for a special Q&A with Joel Hodgson, Felicia Day, and Jonah Ray. Camp Conival does not require an event badge and is open to the public.
5:15 pm – Signing with the cast of next season of Mystery Science Theater 3000! Series
6:15 pm creator Joel Hodgson, Jonah Ray and Felicia Day will be in attendance.
8:30 pm Mystery Science Theater 3000 is Back! Panel in Room 24ABC. Joel Hodgson (creator, MST3K), Felicia Day (Geek & Sundry) and others discuss the show’s record-breaking crowdfunding campaign, and reveal behind-the-scenes info on Season 11.
Sunday, July 24th
11:00 am Gregg Berger signing with exclusive Transformers: The Movie (30th
Anniversary Edition) poster
12:00 pm Appearance by Ladybug and Cat Noir of Miraculous
1:00 p.m. Meet Spot, a.k.a. Cthulhu, from the upcoming Howard Lovecraft & The Frozen
Kingdom animated feature.
Shout! Factory Booth (#4118) Comic-Con Exclusives
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir Buttons
Be Miraculous! We’re selling DVDs and giving away these “spot on” limited-edition collectibles. Stop by and say “Be Miraculous” to get your own Miraculous button! Limited to one per person.
Scream Factory Button Packs
For the 4th consecutive year, we’re giving away the highly collectible Scream Factory 5-button pack! This year, the titles we’ll be flaunting are top secret! Stop by the booth and ask for your set to reveal what we have in store for you this fall!
Shout! Factory, Shout! Kids And Scream Factory Home Entertainment
Highlights For SDCC 2016
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across The 8th Dimension Collector’s Edition
Shout Select’s inaugural release is the Collector’s Edition of the beloved ’80s cult classic! On Blu-ray for the first time, this Collector’s Edition comes loaded with bonus features, including a comprehensive retrospective featuring brand-new interviews with members of the cast and crew, and an additional disc of bonus features. Brilliant brain surgeon Banzai (Peter Weller) just made scientific history. Shifting his Oscillation Overthruster into warp speed, he’s the first man ever to travel to the Eighth Dimension and come back sane! But when his sworn enemy, the demented Dr. Lizardo ( John Lithgow), devises a plot to steal the Overthruster and bring an evil army of aliens back to destroy Earth, Buckaroo goes cranium to cranium with the madman in an extra-dimensional battle that could result in total annihilation of the universe!
Army of Darkness Collector’s Edition
Bound in human flesh and inked in blood, the ancient “Necronomicon” – the Book of the Dead – unleashes unspeakable evil upon mankind in this outrageously hilarious third chapter of Evil Dead Trilogy from legendary director Sam Raimi (Darkman, Drag Me to Hell) and producer Robert Tapert (Ash vs. Evil Dead). Army Of Darkness Collector’s Edition, featuring the Theatrical Cut of the film, the Director’s Cut (with 15 minutes of extra footage), the International Cut and the TV version (in standard definition). This definitive collector’s edition is jam-packed with bonus content, including new interviews with star and co-producer Bruce Campbell and the cast, special make-up effect artists Howard Berger, Tony Gardner, Robert Kurtzman, and Greg Nicotero, audio commentary, alternate and deleted scenes and much more – all collected in a special 3-Disc Blu-ray set!
Invasion of the Body Snatchers Collector’s Edition
The seed is planted…terror grows. Invasion of the Body Snatchers Collector’s Edition Blu-ray features a new HD transfer and comes packed with new bonus features, including interviews and audio commentary with cast and crew, and a limited-edition collectible slipcover with newly rendered artwork. In the terrifying sci-fi classic, the residents of San Francisco are becoming drone-like shadows of their former selves. As the phenomenon spreads, two Department of Health workers uncover the horrifying truth: Mysterious pods are cloning humans — and destroying the originals!
Manhunter Collector’s Edition
The first film to feature the iconic character Hannibal Lecktor, Manhunter follows former FBI profiler Will Graham (William Petersen, To Live and Die in L.A., CSI: Crime Scene Investigation) as he reluctantly returns to his old job to track a horrific serial killer known as the “Tooth Fairy.” But in order to get into the mind of this maniac, Graham must face another: Lecktor (Brian Cox, X-Men 2, Red), the imprisoned psychiatrist whose own insanity almost cost Graham his life… and whose insights into the “Tooth Fairy” could prove as dangerous as the killer himself. This Collector’s Edition features more than 5 hours of bonus content, including over 2 hours of new interviews,
Middleman: The Complete Series
Think your life has its wild twists and turns? You’ve got nothing comparable to the adventurous life of twenty-two year-old aspiring artist Wendy Watson as she gets recruited by a top secret agency to fight comic book-esque criminals under the guidance of her straight-laced boss who introduces himself only as…The Middleman. Based on the series of graphic novels by acclaimed writer Javier Grillo-Marxuach (“Lost,” “Medium”), this fan favorite live-action series aired on ABC Family.
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir – Spots On!
Wildly successful on Nickelodeon, legions of fans worldwide know that Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir is superhero super fun! When the treacherous Hawk Moth uses his evil energy to transform the citizens of Paris into super villains, only two amazing heroes stand in his way: Ladybug and Cat Noir! With the help of their magical pets, this incredible duo team up to outwit Hawk Moth and keep their city safe… but their biggest challenge might be getting through school. You see, Ladybug and Cat Noir are actually Marinette and Adrien, a pair of young students who live what seems to be a normal life. But even for these two, it’s hard to juggle schoolwork, friends, family and growing up when every day is a super-powered adventure!
My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic: Season 5
When Twilight Sparkle and her best friends — Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Spike — come across a town full of ponies with the exact same Cutie Mark, the gang has to learn a very powerful lesson about individuality. And the adventures just get better from there! This four-disc DVD set features all 26 episodes of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic’s fifth season and includes bonus features!
Mystery Science Theater 3000 Vol. 36
In this election year, we present two candidates for president of Mystery Science Theater 3000 Volume XXXVI. Representing the Comedy Central Party, Joel Hodgson, a champion of long-suffering cinephiles, leads the botty politic in two memorable episodes replete with inspired riffs and wacky host segments. Representing the SyFy Channel Party is Mike Nelson, a riff-ormer whose doctrine of laughter at any cost is clearly in play on the other two delirious episodes in this collection. We urge you to hear them both out as they take on some of the cheesiest movies of the day and lay out their visions for a funnier tomorrow. Includes the episodes Stranded In Space City Limits, The Incredible Melting Man and Riding With Death.
Red Sonja: Queen of Plagues
Red Sonja, the She-Devil with a Sword, intends to pay back a blood debt owed to the one man who has gained her respect… even if it means leading a doomed army to their certain deaths! Who is Dark Annisia, and how has this fearsome warrior accomplished what neither god nor demon has been able to do: force Sonja to her knees in surrender? An epic tale of blood, lust, and vengeance, Queen of the Plagues takes Red Sonja from the depths of her own grave to the heights of battlefield glory. This animated feature-length film is features the voice talent of Misty Lee, with art by Walter Giovani and based on the comics by Gail Simone.
Return of the Living Dead Collector’s Edition
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the cemetery, those brain-eating zombies are back and hungry for more tasty mortals! Writer/director Dan O’Bannon (Alien, Lifeforce) puts an uproarious spin on the zombie apocalypse movie in 1985’s cult classic The Return Of The Living Dead. Considered one of the campiest undead romps of its time, the film features a killer soundtrack with tracks from many songs from punk artists such as The Cramps, T.S.O.L. SSQ and 45 Grave. The Collector’s Edition boasts a brand new 2K scan of the film and over 12 hours of extras!
Super Sentai Zyuranger: The Complete Series
See where the worldwide phenomenon began with Super Sentai Zyuranger, the original Japanese series that inspired the Power Rangers franchise! When the sinister witch Bandora is released from her prison after 170 million years, five warriors from an ancient time are woken from suspended animation to once again defend Earth from Bandora and her evil horde. Armed with enchanted weapons and giant robotic deities known as the Guardian Beasts, it’s up to these warriors to defeat Bandora and her monsters before she can exact revenge upon the Earth for the death of her son.
Session 9
It looms up out of the woods like a dormant beast. Grand, imposing… abandoned and deteriorating, the Danvers State Mental Hospital, closed down for 15 years, is about to receive 5 new visitors. Donning protective gear, the men of the Hazmat Elimination Co. venture into the eerily vast and vacant asylum that is filled with an evil and mysterious past. Rampant patient abuse, medieval medical procedures and rumors of demonic possession are some of the many dark secrets the hospital holds – but then so do each of the men. Directed by Brad Anderson (The Machinist), Session 9 features a talented cast including David Caruso (CSI: Miami), Peter Mullan (War Horse, Trainspotting), Paul Guilfoyle (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), Josh Lucas (American Psycho), Stephen Gevedon (Show Me a Hero) and Brendan Sexton III (The Killing, Boys Don’t Cry).
They Live Collector’s Edition
Horror master John Carpenter (Halloween, The Thing) directs this heart-pounding thriller in which aliens are systematically gaining control of the Earth by masquerading as humans and lulling the public into submission. Humanity’s last chance lies with a lone drifter who stumbles upon a harrowing discovery — a unique pair of sunglasses that reveals the terrifying and deadly truth. They Live boasts a bounty of special bonus content, a collectible cover featuring newly rendered retro-style artwork, a reversible wrap with original theatrical key art and much more!
As a devoted fan of South Indian action cinema and an entertainment journalist, I’ve come to admire the sheer charisma, talent, and screen presence of a few iconic actors who have redefined the genre. Here’s a list of my top five favorite Indian action heroes, along with a couple of must-watch movies from each of them that showcase their incredible prowess on screen.
- NTR Jr.
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., known as NTR Jr., is an electrifying performer who blends action and emotion effortlessly. His dialogue delivery, intensity, and dance moves make him a powerhouse in South Indian cinema.
Must-Watch Movies:
RRR (2022): Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, this epic action-drama showcases NTR Jr. as Komaram Bheem, a fierce and compassionate warrior.
Temper (2015): NTR Jr. delivers a riveting performance as a corrupt cop who embarks on a journey of redemption.
- Allu Arjun
The “Stylish Star” of Tollywood, Allu Arjun, is celebrated for his fluid dance moves, charismatic screen presence, and action-packed roles. His ability to transform into diverse characters has won him a massive fanbase.
Must-Watch Movies:
Pushpa: The Rise (2021): As Pushpa Raj, a smuggler with unyielding determination, Allu Arjun delivers a gritty and unforgettable performance.
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020): While not strictly an action film, it features intense fight scenes and showcases Allu Arjun’s versatility.
- Prabhas
Known for his larger-than-life roles, Prabhas has become a global sensation. His dedication to his craft and ability to headline mega-budget films set him apart.
Must-Watch Movies:
Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) & Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017): These iconic films, directed by S.S. Rajamouli, transformed Prabhas into a household name.
Saaho (2019): A high-octane action-thriller where Prabhas portrays an enigmatic cop.
- Yash
Yash’s meteoric rise to stardom is nothing short of inspirational. His raw energy, intense action sequences, and ability to connect with audiences have solidified his status as a South Indian action hero.
Must-Watch Movies:
KGF: Chapter 1 (2018) & KGF: Chapter 2 (2022): Yash as Rocky Bhai is a cinematic phenomenon, blending larger-than-life action with a gripping storyline.
Masterpiece (2015): A lesser-known gem that highlights Yash’s charisma and action chops.
- Ram Charan
Ram Charan, a dynamic performer, has mastered the art of blending action, drama, and dance in his roles. His nuanced performances and incredible screen presence make him a fan favorite.
Must-Watch Movies:
RRR (2022): His portrayal of Alluri Sitarama Raju, alongside NTR Jr., is a masterclass in action and emotion.
Magadheera (2009): A timeless classic that combines action, romance, and fantasy in a spellbinding narrative.
Why These Actors Shine
What makes these stars stand out in the realm of South Indian action movies is their ability to push boundaries, take on challenging roles, and deliver performances that resonate with audiences. Whether it’s NTR Jr.’s emotional depth, Allu Arjun’s stylish personas, Prabhas’s epic presence, Yash’s raw intensity, or Ram Charan’s versatility, these actors have set benchmarks in the industry.
So, if you’re an action movie enthusiast like me, dive into their filmographies—you won’t be disappointed!
When RRR stormed onto the global stage, it didn’t just captivate audiences—it redefined Indian cinema’s reach. Among the legion of admirers is none other than James Gunn, the mastermind behind Guardians of the Galaxy and the architect of DC Studios’ cinematic future. Gunn’s vocal admiration for the film, particularly its star NTR Jr., has sparked excitement in Hollywood and beyond. It’s a testament to NTR Jr.’s exceptional talent and a long-overdue recognition of his abilities as an actor of extraordinary caliber.
In interviews and social media posts, Gunn has repeatedly praised RRR for its storytelling, high-octane action, and emotionally charged performances. However, what truly stood out for the acclaimed filmmaker was NTR Jr.’s portrayal of Komaram Bheem. Gunn lauded NTR Jr.’s magnetic screen presence, noting how his nuanced performance struck the perfect balance between raw intensity and heartfelt vulnerability. For Gunn, this wasn’t just an appreciation of a great film—it was a call to collaborate with an actor who embodies the charisma and skill needed for global stardom.
As Gunn reshapes the DC Universe, the prospect of bringing NTR Jr. into the fold feels like a natural progression. With his eye for blending humor, heart, and heroism, Gunn’s creative vision would pair seamlessly with NTR Jr.’s dynamic acting range.
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., affectionately known as Tarak, is no stranger to acclaim. Hailing from the illustrious Nandamuri family, his rise to stardom was marked by a series of standout performances in Telugu cinema. With each role, NTR Jr. has proven his versatility, effortlessly transitioning from emotionally driven characters in films like Yamadonga to action-packed blockbusters such as Temper and Janatha Garage. His role in RRR, however, elevated his craft to an international platform.
In RRR, NTR Jr. brought Komaram Bheem to life with an intensity that left audiences in awe. From the iconic jungle tiger scene to the emotionally wrenching friendship dynamic with Ram Charan’s Raju, he carried the weight of the film on his broad shoulders with effortless grace. His ability to portray strength, resilience, and vulnerability in equal measure cements him as one of Indian cinema’s greatest.
For years, Indian actors have slowly been making their mark on Hollywood, but NTR Jr. is poised to take it a step further. His universal appeal, combined with his dedication to his craft, makes him a natural choice for a crossover into global cinema. James Gunn’s interest in collaborating with him is not just a compliment—it’s a recognition of the talent that has long deserved a spotlight.
In a time when audiences are demanding more diverse stories and authentic representation, NTR Jr.’s inclusion in a major Hollywood franchise would be a game-changer. Whether as a DC superhero, a cosmic adventurer, or a complex antihero, Tarak has the range to bring any character to life.
Gunn’s admiration for RRR and NTR Jr. signifies more than just a potential collaboration. It’s a validation of Indian cinema’s ability to produce world-class talent and stories that resonate across cultures. As filmmakers like Gunn shine a light on stars like NTR Jr., the gap between Bollywood, Tollywood, and Hollywood continues to narrow, creating a truly global entertainment industry.
For NTR Jr., this could be the beginning of a journey that takes him from an Indian megastar to an international icon. As fans of cinema, we can only hope that James Gunn’s vision materializes, giving us the opportunity to see Tarak in a role that matches his immense potential. After all, it’s about time the world recognizes what Indian audiences have known for years—NTR Jr. is a force to be reckoned with.
Review By: Raja V. Deva
Genre: Political Action Thriller
Runtime: Approximately 165 minutes
Director: S. Shankar
Writer: Story by Karthik Subbaraj; Screenplay by S. Shankar, Vivek, and Venkatesan
Cast: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S. J. Suryah, Srikanth, Sunil, Jayaram, Samuthirakani
Music Composer: Thaman S
“Game Changer” marks S. Shankar’s foray into Telugu cinema with a political action thriller designed to be grand in scale and ambition. The film features Ram Charan in dual roles: Appanna, a shrewd political leader, and his son, Ram Nandan, an upright IAS officer determined to clean up a corrupt system. However, despite the actor’s valiant efforts, the story doesn’t fully work with Ram Charan in the lead.
Originally conceptualized for another actor, the film’s narrative feels like it was tailored for someone with real-life political aspirations. While Ram Charan brings his star power and intensity to the roles, the weighty political undertones and the narrative’s structure don’t align well with his on-screen persona. His dual performance showcases his range, but the emotional depth and conviction required to anchor such a politically charged film seem misaligned with his strengths.
The supporting cast provides decent performances, with Kiara Advani and Anjali making their presence felt, though their characters lack depth. S. J. Suryah stands out as a formidable antagonist, adding gravitas to the film. Thaman S’s background score enhances the mood, though the songs occasionally disrupt the flow of the narrative.
Visually, the film boasts stunning production values and large-scale set pieces, typical of Shankar’s style. However, even the grandeur and intricate action sequences can’t mask the disjointed storytelling. The screenplay struggles to balance its political commentary with its action-oriented approach, leaving neither element fully realized.
Ultimately, “Game Changer” feels like a project that missed its mark. The story might resonate with audiences interested in political drama or those with a penchant for larger-than-life narratives, but it doesn’t do justice to Ram Charan’s abilities or his established image.
Rating: 6/10
For fans of Ram Charan or political thrillers, it might be worth a watch, but “Game Changer” feels like an opportunity lost to deliver a truly compelling cinematic experience.
Top 5 Indian Action Movie Stars to Watch Out For
James Gunn’s Love for RRR: The Rise of NTR Jr. as a Global Phenomenon
Review: Game Changer
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