text:
15th AICN / SXSW Secret Screening of DRAGONSLAYER as written up by Harry
Why did the secret screening become a 30 year old classic Geek film from the vaults of ILM's storied past?
Simple, it's what Guillermo Del Toro and I wanted to play. Back in December, Guillermo wanted to come into BUTT-NUMB-A-THON 12 to present and introduce Charles Laughton's amazing HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME - THE version of the story and one of Laughton's greatest performances. Alas, his busy multi-tasking life kept him from it. As he joked on the stage of the Paramount last night, "I couldn't make it because," pregnant pause, "I was working on IN THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS" followed by maniacal demented traumatized laughter...
But Guillermo didn't come to Austin to talk about Universal's decision on Mountains, nor did he come to hype up PACIFIC RIM, which is going to be one of those projects that as more and more gets out - geek kind will become obsessive compulsive about. I'm, unfortunately sworn to secrecy at the moment. No, Guillermo came to Austin because he wanted to spend an old fashioned day hanging out with me and Yoko and just talking about life, enjoying the sweet healthy protein of lean BBQ at THE COUNTY LINE off Bee Caves... and then hanging out in the alley behind the Paramount - and best of all - backstage of the Paramount - where we looked up into the rafters and behind the layers of curtains and remembered that upon this stage Houdini performed... Katherine Hepburn performed... The bleeding Marx Brothers performed... And we soaked it in.
Guillermo is one of my oldest filmmaker friends. Upon first meeting, his wife declared us brothers and we talked from 6pm till the sun rose - and by that dawn he had decided to move to Austin. We've been friends ever since. Moving from Austin was always a hard choice for Guillermo, but as I told him last night, he is infinitely more productive in Los Angeles. And his amazing wife is happier - and that is everything.
Guillermo & I had discussed bringing JULIA'S EYES or DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK... but JULIA'S EYES had already played - and DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK has been promised to the Los Angeles Film Festival already - and they're doing a great tribute to Guillermo at their festival and it would be rude to infringe upon that celebration. Besides - Guillermo and I don't need a new film to have a reason to get together. Our friendship wasn't born from his new films, but from him coming over to my house and me visiting him in his and watching films that neither had seen - or that we both loved.
We both love DRAGONSLAYER. Well over a decade ago, Guillermo was hosting Matthew Robbins, the director of DRAGONSLAYER, to work with him upon one of the many scripts they've collaborated upon... and I, of course, brought my one-sheet of DRAGONSLAYER to his house to get Matthew to sign - and he remembered how geekily euphoric I was to be talking to the man that made this film. We also noticed that 2011 was the 30th Anniversary of this great landmark in Geek Cinema. Really and truly, it was the first time that Fantasy was nailed in the rather particular method that Peter Jackson took to the next level with LORD OF THE RINGS... but we both love DRAGONSLAYER - and hoped by presenting the film, that we could possibly shame Paramount into allowing Matthew Robbins to do a great digital transfer to get the film pristine and properly honored with the right kinds of extras and behind the scenes - which geeks that love Vermithrax Perjorative could fully appreciate.
The existing transfer is - unacceptable. But in this, DRAGONSLAYER's 30th anniversary, Guillermo and I wanted to call attention to the title again. Phil Tippett, Ken Ralston, Brian Johnson and Dennis Muren's fx work was honored with an Academy Award nomination, with its only competitor, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK taking the bald guy home. But Guillermo and I both love Tippett's greatest creation - his magnificent magic dragon. Guillermo would have preferred that Vermithrax swallowed up Peter MacNicol whole.
When Matthew first previewed this film, the audience went nuts - and George Lucas who was sitting in front of him turned around and congratulated him on having a hit. But then Disney was afraid to push the rather tough film, and Paramount was distracted by the mega-hit RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK - and just didn't quite push this film the way it cried out to be pushed.
15th Anniversary year. It is amazing that I've been doing this that long. But then, Guillermo now has a teenage daughter - and my own nephew is 10. Both unimaginable things when I started this site.
I don't believe many of you were around at the beginning of AICN - when I used to write about the backyard 16mm screenings that I hosted before the Alamo Drafthouse came to town. When I would mix vintage film writeups - alongside the modern stuff that was being pushed upon us all.
This year, I'll be hosting a bunch of early big premieres, but this night was about friendship - and that which made us. Hardcore film lovers don't just love the gigantic box office successes, but the films that didn't quite make it. DRAGONSLAYER was nominated for two Academy Awards, for effects and for Alex North's amazing score. It didn't win either, but the film did make its mark on the geeks that read STARLOG and CINEMAFANTASTIQUE and CINEFEX. That read about it in the pages of FAMOUS MONSTERS - and who saw Phil Tippett as the future for Stop Motion and the innovator of Go-Motion. Yeah - DRAGONSLAYER is a film geek's film. A movie to share and love.
A wonderful performance by Ralph Richardson, a fantastic Emperor Palpatine death... and some good old fashioned PG nudity and violence, which pushed a rating that didn't have the PG 13 between it and R.
As I was sitting at the back of the theater for the screening, I saw about 76 people that began to take off as they began to perceive that they were really going to be watching DRAGONSLAYER. I can't pretend to know their reasons. At a film festival, many come to see new films only. Vintage titles struggle to get respect, and I find it sad that these folks couldn't stay and enjoy the whole show. They missed out on a very lively and fun Q&A with me and Guillermo. But for many, they just wanted something new, though I clearly stated it was a vintage title.
But the films of our past are more precious than the ones of tomorrow, or at the very least - deserving of the exact same respect. Guillermo and I had discussed bringing a film like Cocteau's BELLE ET LA BETE or VAMPYR, but again - we felt that would be a bit too highbrow for what we wanted to do. We wanted a relaxing, celebratory screening of a film that helped reinforce our love of geek cinema.
Now PARAMOUNT - give Matthew Robbins a call, put a great team together to do a great 30th Anniversary job on DRAGONSLAYER and interview Phil Tippett, Dennis Muren, etc - and get a BluRay out that is worthy of this very seminal work of geek cinema.
For the 700 or so that watched and enjoyed the whole evening! You folks rule!
Readers Talkback
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Here's my write-up on DRAGONSLAYER & the 15th Anniversary AICN Secret Screening with Guillermo last night!
Damn, I owe the judger $5.
Post 0 my patootie.
and the 699 that walked out within 2 minutes. So I hear
March 15, 2011, 3:27 p.m. CST
If you were going to show a vintage title, Salo would have been bolder.
by THE_CHOPPAH
That's a pretty specific number for an approximation.
I was counting, but also counting people that came back in with drinks.
Not to be a dick but how did it feel to let down everyone that was there? You basically wrote an article that hell I even was excited about and I live in NY and had no plans of attending. Excited for all of you and to hear it was DragonSlayer? You even let me down and I wasn't even there. Im happy you and Del Toro touch each other to the thought of this film but last time I checked, you are here to do something special for the people that made this site happen. Failed website in 2011 Failed screening SXSW Weak DVD column Post 0 computerized bs Sell out Reviews Old News wtf man..i used to love this site and your dedication to us. What gives?
If you wouldn't want to see DRAGONSLAYER at the Paramount theater and listen to Guillermo discuss his love of monsters & PG films from the 80s - you have never belonged on this site.
March 15, 2011, 3:37 p.m. CST
Don't listen to the haterz, Harry; Dragonslayer rawks, as the kids say, but yikes what happened to Peter MacNicol?
by THE_CHOPPAH
At least he's had a long career, i guess.
March 15, 2011, 3:38 p.m. CST
I'm bewildered that the combo of Guillermo del Toro AND a nifty dragon movie isn't enough.
by palimpsest
Poor baby didn't get his/her sneak preview of summer blockbuster? Awww. Frankly, go suck a big bag of dicks. Hope this helps.
March 15, 2011, 3:38 p.m. CST
People leaving during surprise screenings? Unacceptable.
by RedEgiraahgnal
If there is one thing I learned in life, it's that even a bad movie (which DRAGONSLAYER is not) can be fun with the right people and/ or in the right environment. Shit, I attended surprise screenings, where they showed stuff like MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE or ROMEO MUST DIE and I stayed to the end. But who leaves during a fucking DRAGONSLAYER screening with Guillermo del Toro? Even if it would be a bad movie, I would at least stay till the end, just to maybe talk a little bit with the man or get at least an autograph, for fucks sake. I hope those people have a good excuse. Why even go to the movies, if you might have anything better to do anyway?
March 15, 2011, 3:39 p.m. CST
1981 was a great year for film and a great year to be a liitle chopling
by THE_CHOPPAH
Honestly was a really enjoyable film. Sad that I had to leave just after one Q&A question.
Yoko & I had valet parked at the Stephen F Austin hotel along the side of the Paramount Theater block, and were waiting there to pick up Guillermo to take him to his hotel - and as folks drifted past - I must've talked to 40-50 folks that loved the event, whom I've never met before. And from what I heard about the front of the Paramount, where Guillermo spent about 45 minutes talking, taking pictures with fans and signing autographs - folks were euphoric. I've also received dozens of letters from attendees that had never seen the movie before... not just my wife, but other geeks that just never knew to see the 30 year old film. One that the studios never knew how to sell or properly show off. It is for all of them that I did this event this way.
But it sounds like you're making up excuses as you go along.
Blow Out Body Heat The Cannonball Run - yes, The Cannonball Run! Caveman - Yes, Caveman! Dooty! Caca! Shit! Clash of the Titans The Decline of Western Civilization Dragonslayer The Evil Dead Excalibur Halloween II Heavy Metal History of the World: Part I The Howling Mommie Dearest- for all my gay friends My Dinner with Andre Neighbors Nice Dreams The Private Eyes - Tim Conway, Don Knotts; Sue Me! Raiders of the Lost Ark - Chop's #1 Stripes Taps
That's a very strange response. I'm sure I'm not the only regular here (since 1999 at least) that has virtually no interest in seeing Dragonslayer again, and would only be slightly more interested in hearing from del Toro (sorry, just not a huge fan). But I am into a pretty high percentage of the crap that gets covered here, so, despite your pronouncement, I'm going to keep on thinking I belong here. I'm assuming it's just your way of defensively coping with what in retrospect was a series of questionable decisions on your part, so I won't take it personally. I'd recommend taking the same attitude with those who left last night. I'm sure those who stayed had a great time; no need to begrudge those who left.
You had a Q&A with GDT and showed Dragonslayer on the big screen and people walked out? FUCK THEM ALL. I must have seen that film 5x in 1981 when not watching Raiders, etc. It is such a great piece of fantasy filmmaking. I would have loved to experience that film again in a theater. Foolish, stupid people. What in the wide, wide world of sports constitutes a good time at the movies if not this (to say nothing of the Q&A)?
Was it all about Dragonslayer or were there any questions about Mondo? I really wanted to ask how it feels to be the first director that Mondo did a poster series for.
March 15, 2011, 4:04 p.m. CST
Harold, you should have pulled a dick move on Del Toro.
by THE_CHOPPAH
Instead of Dragonslayer, you should have shown Gordon's Dagon and that silent "Call of Cthulhu" flick some enterprising lads and lasses did a few years back. "Pay attention, Guillermo," you could have said. "These people know how to get a Lovecraft adaptation made."
March 15, 2011, 4:07 p.m. CST
Better, Harold, yet you could have played Rankin' and Ass' the Hobbit
by THE_CHOPPAH
March 15, 2011, 4:10 p.m. CST
Harry, next time I offer The Choppah's services to stand at the door and keep anyone from exiting
by THE_CHOPPAH
Or else they get CHOPPED! GED BACK DO YOUL SEATS!
March 15, 2011, 4:12 p.m. CST
It wasn't some peoples thing, why does that make it a failure?
by IndustryKiller!
Jesus from some reactions you would think Harry Screened Pearl harbor. It's SXSW and maybe they don't absolutely LOVE Dragonslayer and had a party to attend instead, thats their prerogative, I don't necessarily think they're assholes for not being insanely jazzed nor is the event a failure because a percentage of people didn't love it.
Keep it up! You should write fortune cookies or some shit like that.
March 15, 2011, 4:14 p.m. CST
Shit, I missed An American Werewolf in London and Absence of Malice
by THE_CHOPPAH
WTF-FTW! I turn in my film geek card cred.
Because so long as sequels and reboots and remakes are all the rage, I'd like a sequel to THIS movie. Not a remake, those suck.
March 15, 2011, 4:20 p.m. CST
So there's going to be a Tree of Life screening in Austin tonight?
by THE_CHOPPAH
Faraci just tweeted about it: devincf Devin Faraci Can you get me in for TREE OF LIFE tonight? 6 minutes ago
But I was 10 when Dragonslayer came out, and reading Starlog, Fantastic Films, and Cinefantastique religiously, just like many of my friends. And none of us liked Dragonslayer all that much. It was boring as hell. The effects were nice, but let's be honest.
Well there was a Brittany Snow movie showing somewhere, right? I think the best part is that people walked out. Disappointing people is awesome.
I applaud Harry for this one. DRAGONSLAYER is up there (or down there, depending on your perspective!) with the likes of KRULL, LAST STARFIGHTER, BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS, DARK CRYSTAL, etc... 2nd tier genre movies that are forgotten by the many - but remembered warmly by the few. It also features a fantastically well realized dragon, puts the CGI beastie of DRAGONHEART - and even AVATAR - to shame. The dojo would not have walked out of this screening.
Even in 1981, sci-fi and fantasy films were thin on the ground. Only those of us who poured obsessively over pictures of unreachable movies like SOYLENT GREEN and THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN and BLUE SUNSHINE know how it felt to see something like DRAGONSLAYER emerge and hw strangely daring it felt. These were the Dark Ages, before video and instant access, when cinemas were huge, dark, echoing canyons, with their own ecosystems of smoke. They showed one movie at a time, and you could sit and watch that movie three, four times in a day. BLADE RUNNER didn't exist in that world, not yet. That's how I first went to see DRAGONSLAYER. And whilst it doesn't hold up for me today as a great film - a good and interesting one, but not a great one - it still jostles for position in some corner of my heart with the likes of THE BLACK HOLE and DAMNATION ALLEY. I'm sure attending your screening would have brought some of that back, just as I'm sure that, for some, it's just a shitty old dragon movie with the guy from Ally McBeal in it. You did the right thing, Harry. I'm with you on the Blu-ray though, if it's Paramount, you can fuckin' whistle for it. They're all but dead when it comes to vintage films, with barely a handful of releases every year. Ain't going to happen.
mac, I think the best part is that Harry seems to know exactly how many walked out! 'The 76 shamers' as legend tells. They walked the walk of shame. Do not hate them. Pity them.
and can't wait for Pacific Rim.
And that is if you absolutely loathe loathe loathe the film. But from the general consensus here is that it's average and people had better things to do. Fuck you all who walked out thinking you were getting an advanced screening. I laugh at you for wasting your precious time and feeling duped.
Oh the potential
March 15, 2011, 4:59 p.m. CST
Never miss a chance to remind us who your famous friends are..
by moorE12
And you tell us you know things that you can't tell in regards to Pacific Rim. And I am fine with that. What really annoys me is that you say anyone who doesn't want to watch Dragonslayer doesn't belong on this website. That is totally elitist. How about you just accept that some people aren't interested in watching it. If I was there I would have stayed to watch it, but I wouldn't look down at people who left.
Can't believe it's been 15 years. I started reading this site almost 10 years ago and it's been my homepage since. I haven't yet made a pilgrimage to Austin, but hearing about this screening really makes me wish I went to SXSW this year. I won't make the same mistake next year!!
Seventy folks might have left, but there are ten or a hundred times as many who would have wanted to be there. It's like the assholes who hang out in the lobby or sleep during the non-premieres at BNAT. They're interested in one thing, and not what the event actually is. You were clear in your post about what the event was going to entail, and it sounds like you delivered.
I'm astonished to know There are people walking out of paid screenings. I'm not the biggest fan of the film but had I waited the time they waited to get in, I assuredly wouldve stayed
Henceforth, these lamers shall be known as such. Make it so, dogs.
I'd have to watch DRAGONSLAYER again to know for sure, but I don't remember that name being mentioned - where does the name Vermithrax Pejorative come from? Is the Dragon referred by name in the movie or is the name just a geek thang?
I loved the Dragon, the baby dragons (yikes!!), John Hallum was very menacing as Tyrian, the king's guard that hated the wizard and his apprentice. The score, the effects, it just worked for me. Plus underwater boobs.
So much energy into complaining and hating something that you didn't attend, or chose to leave. Maybe you guys should put some of that energy into arranging screenings of vintage films you think people want to see, finding a venue, inviting a film-maker for a Q&A, and all the other crap Harry had to do to make this work. Then come back and complain, tell us how you do it better.
March 15, 2011, 5:51 p.m. CST
Harry's absolute love of vintage films is why I love AICN
by Bob Loblaw Law Blog
Seriously. The first BNAT I attended was BNAT 9... and we started off with "The Great McGinty." What a great start to my BNAT experience. I've enjoyed the new films... but the vintage films are always amazing. Because of Harry, I've had the privilege of seeing movies like PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET, FAUST, LE SAMOURAI and WHITE DOG on the big screen with a crowd that LOVED them as though they were brand new movies. Those are experiences I will never forget. I'm sorry some folks didn't soak up the experience, Harry. I wish I could have been there, because it sounds like it was an awesome night!
I wish I had been there! The Polar Theater in Anchorage, Alaska (long since closed), used to be the city's largest screen. It was there I saw Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Temple of Doom, etc. My mom used to write permission slips so I could skip school and wait in line. In 1983 the theater hosted a double feature of "Dragonslayer" with "The Dark Crystal." As a young geek, it was movie bliss. Here's hoping there is a decent Blu-Ray in the near future.
Go motion & puppetry really made that dragon awesome
March 15, 2011, 6:17 p.m. CST
I love DRAGONSLAYER, fuck the FUCKFACE 76! Sometimes a cool monster is cool enough.
by Stereotypical Evil Archer
The production design in DRAGONSLAYER is top notch. The wizard's laboratory is fantastic. You gotta love Hodge and hate Tyrian. We don't do tests!
March 15, 2011, 6:17 p.m. CST
It's a privilege to attend these screenings. Never, ever walk out.
by The Reluctant Austinite
It's rude and makes you look self centered to leave just because the secret film doesn't fit your tastes. If you don't want to spend time with the greatest film audience in the world then don't stand in line for 3 hours on the off chance you'll be seeing something early just so you can run off and blog about it 30 seconds after the credits role. The fact is that there are hundreds, sometimes thousands of others who would gladly take your seat, but now it's going to remain empty because you couldn't sit still for 2 hours for anything other than "Thor". Basically, you should be put on an Alamo ban for other special screenings. The only time I've ever walked out of an AICN screening (and it was to get a beer to endure what I thought was going to happen)was at an early BNAT at the original Alamo before I even knew who Jeff Mahler was. A shitty, beat up print of "Teen Wolf" began to role and I ran for cover. I worked in a video store at the time with a nutjob who loved "Teen Wolf" and played it every fucking week. In fact, I had endured "Teen Wolf" just days before I left for BNAT. It was gag to annoy Jeff Mahler, who deserves it year after year, and Gordon Jones had to come grab my ass when "the real film" started.
You keep rolling along. Have a CHOP on me.
In most respects, DRAGONSLAYER is a superior film to the THe LORD OF THE RINGS. They played it straight. No burp and fart jokes. No wonks to the audience with BS like "nobody tosses a dwarf!" Obviously DRAGONSLAYER is a more intimate film, with a rather small cast and a local or regional scope, but what it lacks in epic-ness it makes up for in heart. Vermithrax Perjorative is still the definitive dragon to this day, although the one's in REIGN Of FIRE are very good. But some how VP is more menacing then his CGI descendants. There are plenty of good themes in DRAGONASLAYER, including the hypocrisy of the ruling class and the rise of Christianity to drive out the pagan gods, and the whole thing is well played and backed by an awesome soundtrack. I just watched again after maybe a decade, and I have to say I thought it held up pretty well. The weakest things in the movie are the two leads (Billy MacNicol and Cailin Clark). Dig an early appearance by Emperor Palatine in this one, too.
as a middle school kid... I thought Clash of the Titans was cool in theory but actively saw Dragonslayer in the theater. You know the effort to get parents to take you. Even back then I know how cool the "go-motion" was and understood the idea of motion blur as a superior step up form regular stop motion. I have to say, as a kid, I didn't think much of Clash of the Titans in comparison. Yes, they both came out at about the same time. But also, I was aware of Dragonslayer failing me as a big repeat experience, because something didn't grab me the way Excalibur's or even Conan's stories did later on. And it really is a Luke and Obi-Wan type story that hit so hard with Star Wars. But hats off to a fantasy movie that tried to be gritty and real, and impart an authentic impression (non glamorous, not hyper stylized) with it's props and looks. And they got to use the original discarded score of 2001 in parts!
"....does not exist in this dojo" bullshit already? Good Lord, find another meme to follow like stupid sheep, fer cryin' out loud. Or better yet, try really hard to come up with a thought or utterance that's all your own.
Excalibur, Dragonslayer, Clash of the Titans...this was when Dungeons and Dragons was cool!
Was watching it while in line registering at spacecamp Florida. Granted, I really wasn't paying attention to it--my mind was more on learning astronaut shit. Then after spacecamp it was off to disneyworld!! Ahh, to be a fifth grader again
Hey Man! You don't know me, but I was THERE...in Anchorage in December of '82. My two best friends and I flew into Anchorage from Fairbanks to celebrate my 21st birthday, and we went to see THE DARK CRYSTAL and DRAGONSLAYER. When I read your entry, it brought back a lot of fond memories. From 1979 through 1982, my friends and I would take at least two trips to Anchorage a year to watch all the latest films, since we usually didn't get them i Fairbanks until later. THose were the days! And for all you so-called "geeks" who don't like DRAGONSLAYER...FUCK YOU YOU FUCKIN' FUCKERS!!! It is a fantasy masterpiece, and paved the way for many films that followed. It is not flawless, but nothing is. I still watch DRAGONSLAYER, and enjoy it. There are a lot of folks who visit this site who would be better off spending their time reading Entertainment Weekly and leaving it at that. It's all about having fun and building memories...
Mr. Cobra--Kai is a respected institution around these parts. Show some respect, child. You don't like it? Feel free to leave this place like a butthurt hipster moping his way out of a "secret" Dragonslayer showing.
You have been CHOPPED.
Dissing the fucking Dojo? Where do you get off doing that, fuckwit?
Save stuff like this for BNAT or Fantastic fest. SXSW is bigger than Dragonslayer at the Paramount. Nice for the 40 geeks who praised you, but a big name title would drive more traffic and revenue through the site. But you knew this already...
get pushed back or relegated to development hell or canceled due to Universal being spooked about releasing a big scale monster/disaster movie called Pacific Rim in the wake of all the destruction that has hit Japan so hard recently? I'm not being snarky or anything. I really want to know. Pacific Rim sounds awesome. The plot synopsis kinda sounds reminiscent of the Japanese military sci-f book Yukikaze.
March 15, 2011, 7:21 p.m. CST
So I take it there's no Blu Ray planned for Dragonslayer?
by Han Cholo
Shit, and I broke my DVD copy of the film when I moved in with my girlfriend. Heartbreaking, especially since it's one of my all time favorite movies. That's how you make a dragon movie, bitches!!!!
March 15, 2011, 7:26 p.m. CST
Also, saw Dragonslayer and Clash of the Titans in a double feature...
by Han Cholo
Way back in 81' at this little movie theater in Pasadena, CA by Foothill. It was this small place that they turned into a furniture store, next to Robin's BBQ for anyone who might remember it being there. I was about 5 back then and I still recall seeing two of the greatest genre films of all time like it was yesterday. Arguably the GREATEST theater experience of my life next seeing Shawshank Redemption in an empty theater all to myself in 94'.
I too saw this double feature in Whittier California. I remember the theater was a single screen and we stayed for both shows twice. I am talking about a whole family sticking around for 6-8 hours. A few years later that theater was gutted and burned. Too sad. But great job Harry, I would have loved to take my kids to see that quality movie with your friends. Too bad I live in Madison WI Stay Gold
and I would have boo'ed the people who walked out. It's a friggin Dragonslayer flick man, and the hero is a geeky wizard in training who has to slay said dragon- Directed by the same guy who made Batteries Not Included! Do you how badly I wanted my Grandmother to drive me out to the Movieland premiere for BNI in New York. Just so I could get my tiny kid nubs on one of those niffty Ballons and Tshirts with the Little Fellas silk screened onto them. Come on people! I love this movie. I wonder how many more would have walked out if Q: The Winged Serpent or Dragonheart was shown. So sad.
I believe the wizard Ulrich names the dragon by its name early on in the film.
I've got nut hairs that are older (and smarter) than you are, son, and I've been visiting this site since before you banged out your first four-letter insult. I summon more wit before breakfast than your drug-addled ass is capable of mustering all day, so gimme a break with your puerile, impotent gibberish. Now go back to the comfort of your cock-shaped bong; the pain of this of this public humiliation will fade soon enough...
If you are a frequenter of this site then you would know to respect the dojo, tame the cunt, don't fuck with the babysitter, don't feed them after midnight, kneel before zod, and always have enough gum for everyone, lest you get chopped. Chopped that's two you owe me now choppah
... if Harry's hype-work on GDT's buddy Robbins' flop helps issue a restored Blu-ray, it will be worth it for at least archiving ILM's VFX work (which I pimped in the earlier SXSW talkback) in Hi-Def. I understand the walk-outs, but if you're a fan of ILM and their work, DRAGONSLAYER is a grail flick (matte-lines and all).
Hate for the people who walked out. I'd love to have taken your place. Dragonslayer is a favorite, average story and all but my only memory is of watching a shitty VHS copy made off HBO. Vermithrax is still the best dragon out there that I've seen IMHO.
I CHOPPED that fool earlier in the thread. Do your homework next time, son. CHOPPED.
Very honest film. The way the actors portrayed their characters seem real.
March 15, 2011, 9:40 p.m. CST
I have to admit that I got that movie confused with DRAGONHEART
by TheKiller7
With Sean Connery
or colossal cunts. Perhaps every other nostalgia-fest movie screening in the US has a gold standard director in attendance, but here in the UK if Christopher Nolan wanted to show 'Carry on Up The Khyber' we'd all fucking well watch it to see what he had to say afterwards. What a bunch of rude, ignorant tossers.
March 15, 2011, 10:16 p.m. CST
I would definitely have stayed to watch the whole thing.
by Juggernaut125
<p>And six demon bag, I would also love to sit through a Dragonslayer/(Berry Gordy's) The Last Dragon double feature as well.</p> <p>Don't JUDGE ME!</p>
I only judge the jackasses who walked.
Fuck it. I'm gonna watch 'em back to back right now.
... but also for Highlander and Ladyhawk! Been waiting years, and will not buy the shit transfers out there now! Cmon, take care of the 80's fantasy flicks, please!
The film was single-handedly destroyed by one man--alan parsons--and that shitty out of place score. Not even rutger hauer and Michelle pfeiffer can can stop the onslaught of horrendous synths!
the fuckface 76, to think I live 45 minutes away.end of line.
I beg that ladyhawke be re-released with a new score, perhaps from John Powell. He seems to know rousing fantasy with HTTYD. Fuck, you can even implant the goonies score
Swap in Jerry Goldsmith's unused TIMELINE score: Symmetry!
Forever unforgiven.
Of cancer. I didn't know. She was so sweet, I had such a crush on her.
Watching Drangonslayer with GDT chatting about 80 monster movies is epic and exactly what the aintitcool I know is about. Thanks for all the cool stuff Harry.
<p>Galen: You're alive. I thank the powers that made me.</p> <p>Ulrich: Nice to see you too.</p> <p>That always put a smile on my face when he says that.
"I wish your tits were a bit bigger..."
And I was nine year old D&D nut when it came out. I guess it's because the lead is such a wussy little fem-boy rather than an Aragorn-type ass kicking warrior. When I watch fantasy, I want FANTASY, not some wuss as the lead with whom I as a nerdy kid am supposed to identify.<BR><BR>That being said, I would have gladly watched the screening to give it a second chance. It's been probably 20 years since I've seen it. Maybe I'd like it more now. I certainly would have loved to see del Toro.
is quite good, as well, actually.
March 16, 2011, 1:06 a.m. CST
I think Galen being a wuss was the way it was supposed to be
by Han Cholo
He goes from a whining apprentice who needs the amulet in the beginning of the film to a self-assured man in the end who shows potential for becoming a wizard, hence why the horse shows up out of nowhere. He is beginning to manifest as a sorcerer. It would have sucked if he was a robotic warrior the whole movie as those characters tend to have very few layers in terms of character, whereas we kind of got the Joseph Campbell heroes journey that Galen experienced. <p> Now that I think about it, I'm glad the movie wasn't a blockbuster or anything because they didn't make a sequel and the ending kind of left it to the viewer to imagine where Galen and Valerian ended up.
It's up to you to give the attendees what THEY want to see, not what you want to see. I saw Dragonslayer at the theaters as a kid and found it very boring and disappointing. I wouldn't have walked out of the screening, but it's not for him to judge the attendees.
I love that move. I even have it on laserdisk lol. I would not have walked out.
It's just not shown on TV. It's not on DVD at the local blockbuster.
Oh No! It's not Battle: Los Angeles. I'm going to go home and go on FACEBOOK. Frustrating!
I only ever got to the cinema a couple of times as a kid as my parents were not really cinema goers. I remember seeing the poster for Dragonslayer displayed on the front of the cinema and man was I desperate to see it. Sadly it didn't happen. I did eventually get to see it on video (after pestering my parents for ages to eventually get a VCR) and have loved it ever since. I have it on dvd (with one of the worst covers ever!) and watch it quite often. It's an incredible film with a great story, great characters, wonderful locations, an awesome score and some of the most beautiful stop-motion animation I've ever seen. The climatic battle with Verminthrax is a true cinema classic, one which I've always felt sad that I never got to see in a cinema. A nice BluRay with plenty of goodies would indeed be a must have for me too.
March 16, 2011, 3:48 a.m. CST
"the films of our past are more precious than the ones of tomorrow"
by Sarah
I think everyone agrees with that statement. Obviously the films of our past shaped the films of of today, and are deserving of equal if not more respect. However Mr. Knowles, I think you're choosing the wrong platform to base your argument on as to why people chose to leave your screening. The issue wasn't that you chose to screen an "Old film" By implying that that was the ONLY reason people chose to leave your choice of a screening is in my opinion arrogant and elitist. No, it was the fact that in a theatre that seats hundreds of individuals who chose to wait in line for two hours to see the ultimately hyped "15th Anniversary Screening" (and you, sir, cannot deny the hype - there was an entire ad screening before other films implying that your choice would be ultimately phenomenal). Instead, you chose to air a film that I had just watched a better copy of on Netflix Watch Instantly. Why? I know you spoke of how ultimately important this film is to you and how is shaped who you were as a human being and how you viewed movies, but perhaps it might have helped your screening to think beyond your own personal preferences? I did not attend your screening to see something new, (as you assumed) I knew it would be something old as I had read your panicked post earlier that day informing people not to get their hopes up - but I certainly hoped to see something I had always WANTED to see on the big screen, not something I used to put on to entertain kids while I babysat. Maybe 76 people (a very specific number, I noticed) wouldn't have left if you had screened this movie at a more fitting festival (Fantastic Fest, perhaps?) but considering the insane amount of money I had to pay for my ticket, I was disappointed that I missed other films I might have seen - films that I might not have the opportunity to see ever again. (Given that I, sadly, am not gifted with your connections) I know the odds you will read this post are slim, but I found your pretentious post on how those who chose to leave Dragonslayer weren't "True film fans" and honestly, I don't think thats your place to decide. Because you know what? Jaws is one of the movies that shaped MY love of film, and you mocked it in front of a thousand people - so allow me to respond in kind - "Dragonslayer"? Poor choice. Let the hate comments begin!
To avoid any connotations with the tragedy in Japan. The opening where Tokyo is destroyed is changed to Seattle instead.
Jeebus such a long time. So many movies I've learned about, and so many times to be disappointed.
I would've gladly taken one of the 76 people's seats! I've been coming to this site for at least 12 years - I hope that tells you I appreciate what you and your team do here. I saw Dragonslayer in the theater when it came out and I was very impressed. I thought the movie as a whole worked - acting, story, atmosphere, and of course, Vermithrax!
Would like to see it done Valhalla Rising-style. Holee crap that movie is brutal.
It's a bit uneven toward the middle, though the way Vermithrax is unveiled, first with a bit of tail then a claw, is brilliant in its restraint and certain almost impossible to do nowadays (there would probably be this huge CGI dragon that sounded like Sean Connery or something singing and dancing its way onto the screen). When this film works–which it does most of the time–it's firing on all cylinders. Then there's Peter McNicol's acting, which starts off a bit cold, but warms up as the film proceeds. And Sir Ralph Richardson, well, there are few words to describe his great performance. For me this is one of the classics that I watch every few years. In fact, I actually enjoyed it better that Raiders, and have the Alex North soundtrack, which I listen to quite a bit (though not nearly as much as Daft Punk's Tron: Legacy soundtrack.
wish I was there! getting the Dragonslayer DVD now.
I saw this in the cinema when it came out in the UK and back then the ratings system was different, you had U (universal), A (pg) AA (which was kind of like pg-13 but was set at 14, replaced later rather unfairly with the 15 rating) then x (18 or R). Dragonslayer was an A and I was surprised how much they got away with to get that rating - nudity, scariness and quite bloody scene with the dragon babies. Also my viewing was special as the projector conked out just after the cave-in and the film didn't restart for 20 minutes. Pretty memorable. I remember loving it and recently got it on dvd. I was impressed with how well the effects have stood the test of time, it was a little weird seeing The Biscuit fighting dragons, I digged the detail and the depth of the story (most of which went over my head when I was 10!) but I gotta say I felt a little disconnected from the action. The ending is pretty spectacular though and as so many have said the Dragon is still the best! Sad to hear about Caitlin Clarke. F
"Dragonslayer" is brilliant fantasy. It annoys me that Peter MacNicol apparently has disowned this film. Now, I like "Ghostbusters 2," but come on. You mean to tell me THAT is less embarrassing to him than this? Pathetic. Regardless, I didn't even know there was a secret screening until I read that it was "Dragonslayer," and it made me wish I could have been there. Harry, you are absolutely correct in that the current transfers that exist are absolutely terrible. I can only dream of how good a cleaned transfer would look. I hope that's something we all get to see one day.
Good transfer, and faithful to the look of the source.
March 16, 2011, 9:01 a.m. CST
I'd LOVE to have been there. Too far though. Vermithrax is such a cool name and
by Mr Nicholas
it's such a wonderfully unflinchingly vicious creature. The film'd be dull without it.
March 16, 2011, 9:02 a.m. CST
Wasn't there a sequel to this in production awhile back?
by Sith Witch
The director posted a showreel on this site, and people promptly tore it apart.
but come on...you had fucking walkouts. Obviously, this failed to attract the huge base that comes to this. And Del Toro coming....listen, I love the imagination this guy has and the monsters he puts on film but dude would show up to a Sizzler if they were giving out free shit. (And im not making fun of him being fat) Harry wrote a whole article about this movie that such a small base enjoys. Getting everyone all worked up.....Dragonslayer? Why not fucking show The Wraith or some shit. Winning
dude loves everything. What the fuck doesn't Del Toro enjoy?
March 16, 2011, 9:07 a.m. CST
P.S.S. Id be interested in reading an article of what Del Toro doesnt like
by JBouganim1
March 16, 2011, 9:12 a.m. CST
Nevermind...I was thinking of the Sword & the Sorcerer sequel
by Sith Witch
My dad took me to see Dragonslayer as a double feature with Clash of the Titans. Still one of my best memories! Wish I could have been there to see it!
March 16, 2011, 9:35 a.m. CST
Fuck me, some people sure got CHOPPED in this talkback
by Nomoredirtyanything
and to that fuckwit who dared to berate Cobra-Kai...... You deserve a James Caan, Godfather 1, garbage can involved Monster Beating!!! I hope you never sow your seed and die alone, like that old guy in The Shawshank Redemption (or at the very least like that asshole Clarence Boddicker wastes after your 'bitches leave')... etc. etc.....
Looks like Spartacus wasn't the only bad-ass thing that came out of Thrace ;-) For extra geek points - does anyone here know the name of the enchanted spear Galen uses to fight Vermithrax? And for even more geeky geek points - translate it from the Latin ;-)
March 16, 2011, 9:59 a.m. CST
Answer (found in the novelization, amongst other places)
by None_So_Blind
The spear was called Sicarius Dracorum, or Sicarius for short. Sicarius is Latin for "assassin" IIRC, though another way to interpret that would be "slayer." Which of course means Sicarius Dracorum could be interpreted as "Dragon Slayer" :-)
I was a high school kid taking Latin at the time, we had a ball trying to translate everything. One of my favorite lines was Master Ulrich up on the mountaintop, seeing Vermithrax for the first time, and he said softly "Draco.....draconis." Translated (pretty easy, obviously) "Dragon of Dragons," kinda like King of Kings, best of the best, etc. - meaning one bad mamma-jamma :-P
Two very interconnected things.... #1. Making Money. #2. Making films that are watchable by more than a few geeks. Sure film people laud him for his unique vision and style...but really...unless you are a movie geek...and to be more specific...a Male Movie geek who concentrates his love of film on fantasy films... his films just don't hold up. He hasn't learned the primary Hollywood rule...If you want to make your pet projects...you FIRST have to please the masses. No Studio this day and age is gonna green light a $150,000,000+ film when you have never made a movie that broke $90M, or even returned their investment. P.S. Loved Dragonslayer..good Choice Harold, sad to hear about Caitlin Clarke...I dropped loads to her as a teen...amazing rack.
I lived in Seattle 20 years. I would pay cash money to watch it get destroyed by Godzilla.
March 16, 2011, 10:56 a.m. CST
Oh, I thought we were talking about Dragonheart not Dragonslayer this whole time. Never mind! Harry, you suck!
by THE_CHOPPAH
I remember the first time I saw this movie and thought she was just shockingly good looking. I googled her today and learned she died several years ago. Sad. Also, the dragon was the best ever shown in a movie.
March 16, 2011, 11:50 a.m. CST
Caitlin Clarke dead? I'll always remember her brief
by openthepodbaydoorshal
underwater nude scene, which shocked the heck out of me for a Disney film.
March 16, 2011, 12:05 p.m. CST
Vernethrax would fuck Smaug up if they ever fought. Thoughts?
by UltraTron
but Draco would kick both their sorry asses! Because he's Sean Connery!
March 16, 2011, 1:03 p.m. CST
We all know that Bruce Lee, or Bruce Leroy for that matter, would destroy either Draco or Vernethrax.
by D Ropaela
was the '23 Chaney version
yawn. When i was was 8, i thought that DragonSlayer's hero was knob. I'm now 34 and nothing has changed.
I've always loved the bleak film quality of the movie. Moreover, as an illustrator I still to this day use the dragon from Dragonslayer as a jumping off point when depicting dragons. To me, that IS what a dragon is supposed to look like. The proportions are fierce, believable and perfect.
was the scene of the baby dragons eating the princess. It was traumatizing. I don't remember anything else about the film. So that said, if I was there, I would have sat through the film again trying to remember the rest of it. It's why I keep renting Krull every few years, I keep forgetting it and curiosity brings me back.
Vermithax made Dragonslayer. I always thought MacNicol was the weak spot of that film. If they got a better lead it might have been "pushed" by the studios a little more.
March 16, 2011, 3:13 p.m. CST
the 76 left because they were expecting the suprise was gonna be AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS
by CARTMANEZ
like that suprise screening of JJs Star Trek when Nimoy appeared lights go down and 'AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS' comes up on the screen...starring Kurt Russel, Viggo Mortensen, Val Kilmer and Ron Pearlman (the Cruise thing just being part of the hoax news it wasnt gonna be made) produced by Cameron. all filmed 2 years ago... itd have been time to break out the 3D specs and start cryin
March 16, 2011, 3:26 p.m. CST
maybe the '76' got confused and thought they were gonna be sitting down to Quaid talking to a shitty CG Dragon with Sir Seans voice?
by CARTMANEZ
its possible.... Dragonheart - LOL they called it that cos of Braveheart out the previous year right?
March 16, 2011, 3:30 p.m. CST
I've seen some whiny jagoffs in my time, but this "Fuckface 76" takes the urinal cake.
by D Ropaela
I saw Richard III there, I think, with Ian McKellen. Enormous screen. Prolly the biggest I ever saw, save IMAX. Good times.
16 mentions of Guillermo in this article. While it is cool that you are friends with Guillermo, and I will admit I am a little jealous of your friendship with Guillermo. However name droppen like that is a bit much. WE GET IT! You are friends with Guillermo. I swear to god the next person that says Guillermo is going to get shot.............."Guillermo"! F*&^!!!!!!! In all honesty I am a huge fan of this site, and really do think it is great you have uch a deep friendship with Guillermo. Guillermo seems like such a down to earth guy, and having an experience like that with such a talented artist I would probably name drop just as much, if not more. Now I do wonder if Guillermo name drops Harry's name as much. I can see Guillermo writing a blog now, it is called "Harry Guillermo: The next morning". And Guillermo keeps saying Harry over and over again, and brags about how good of friends they are. But then he realizes something, anyone reading Guillermo's blog will think Guillermo has some Hairy dong/taint, and then will start to wonder about their man-boy love. Luckily Guillermo is Guillermo and Guillermo can name drop his own name! PS: See what I did there? I name dropped Guillermo 17 times. Yes 99% of it was just crap that came out of my arse. I just wanted to see if I could beat the score really.
...the target of an impotent and barely coherent rant uttered by a prepubescent cretin, then I've been "CHOPPED" indeed. I'd like to consider it a badge of honor to be attacked by such towering intellects, but the insults are so ineffectual and utterly witless that I can't even derive that satisfaction from them.
................does not exist in this dojo
I was at the Hellboy screening a few years back, and no one does Q&A quite like Guillermo. Always had a soft spot for that dragon movie...favorite dragon ever. Hmm, I just realized how big a nerd I am to have a favorite dragon movie.
March 16, 2011, 4:21 p.m. CST
taillefag, EPIC Win at sounding insipidly pretentious with that drivel
by THE_CHOPPAH
Fail however on you're attempt to chop the CHOPPAH! You came across as a major pretentious douche bag. Anyone who read that douche drizzle would come away thinking, "What a tool. This Choppah guy he's maligning mustn't be that bad."
they had already seen Dragonslayer and thought they had bought tickets for Superman II and a new action adventure movie called 'Raiders of the lost ark'
Dragonslayer and Del Toro...classic night and a classic move
I wonder if Harry didn't shoot himself in the foot with that ST:TWOK screening that magically turned into a sneak preview of asimovlives favorite film. Now alot of easily disgruntled geeks are going to think they have to attend EVERY AICN screening in case something like that ever happens again. Especially the "secret" ones. If he'd simply announced IN ADVANCE that he was showing Dragonslayer, and Guillermo was doing the Q & A afterwards, that would have seperated the geeks from the chaff, so to speak. It still probably would have sold out, & the people who were there would have known what they were getting going in.
...it was a great time. I was 10 when my father took me to watch Dragonslayer, and I loved it. Would have been nice to see in a theater again. The Q&A would have been a nice bonus! Can't imagine walking out...
hes referring to domestic gross in his comment. Domestic gross is huge compared to worldwide gross because once you start factoring in all the distribution companies, the parent company doesn't always make money off of it. Either way, the conclusion is that Del Toro hasn't made a NolanJacksonCameronesque film that can let studios take chances on shit he wants to do. please..he didnt want to do pacific rimjob until he realized he was stuck. I dont care what anyone says
...showed up in Neil Marshall's "Centurion" being brandished by Olga Kurylenko, the lucky thing. I guess Neil is a fan of the original movie.
March 16, 2011, 8:55 p.m. CST
I was annoyed at first that Del Toro jumped from ATMOM for Pacific Rim
by lv_426
but now that I've learned a bit about the plot and fictional worlds of Pacific Rim, I'm kind of glad he is doing that one first. Pacific Rim sounds like more than just a Godzilla homage. Also, Del Toro doing a giant monsters vs. giant mechs in live action and probably 3D should be a good time. If Pacific Rim is a hit and rakes in the big bucks, then he might get a healthier budget and more creative control for ATMOM than if he were to do it now.
Naturally I'd seem pretentious to someone whose best insults include such middle-school favorites as "fag", "douche", "epic" and "tool". Wow, touché, man. You dazzle us with your brilliance once again. Get back to me when you can manage an original thought. In the meantime, I'm outta here. This isn't very sporting.
why not?...
I dare say, old man, your elevated rhetoric is most intimidating. My! Whatever shall I do to contend with such a verbal cocksman, such a refined and rapier wit, such an incisive logician! Aw, piss off, ya tosser!
"Harry wrote a whole article about this movie that such a small base enjoys." - You realize that this is a blog, right? One called "Ain't it Cool". It's a blog that Harry writes about what he thinks is cool, that he thinks other people should know about. If only a small subset of people know about a movie that Harry likes, that's exactly what he should be writing about. Though if the theater had 700 people in it and only 76 walked out, I wouldn't call that a tiny number of people interested in the movie. For me, when I was a kid I didn't really like the movie, but when I saw it later when I was older, I really fell in love with Dragonslayer. It's definitely a movie that would be great to see again, in the theater.
but maybe I should give it a second viewing.
Reign of Fire. It's the same breed of dragon (check out how it looks & moves). And this fits into the story that Vermi' Pejo' was the last one. Except for the eggs...
I liked that one, but man, doesn't it just seem like it is one of those films that had an awesome idea yet could have been so much more? Seems like one that would have maybe benefited from releasing years later, or even now with 3D IMAX and all that jazz. It is a shame that a modern dragons vs. humans flick didn't do better. A sequel exploring that post-dragon-apocalypse world might have opened things up to give the chance for a much better take on the initial concept.
Bad ass.
These may have been covered in other posts but while your 1981 list is admirable What about... An American Werewolf in London Time Bandits Mad Max 2 Gallipoli Outland The Postman Always Rings Twice 1981 is probably the reason that I love film so much. Because even nostalgia aside the year was full of great, great movies.
its a balance. Ill do this for you, you do this for me.
March 17, 2011, 8:36 a.m. CST
cushing1967, yes indeed, I did catch An American Werewolf in London above
by THE_CHOPPAH
and I did regrettably neglect foreign films. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE The Road Warrior. And Time Bandits is pretty great too! The Postman Always Rings Twice, however, didn't do much for me. It was actually a big disappointment because I was a huge Nicholson fan at the time.
and Road Warrior were constantly in and out of my vhs back in 83-84. Never much cared for Dragonslayer...S&S had Bull and that old guy who was a bad guy in every show i watched...Dragonslayer couldn't beat that! Aaaannddd Dragonslayer didn't have Matt Houston cutting a dude in half(lengthwise) with a 3 bladed sword...the blades could also shoot out as projectiles...D-slayer had none of that.
At the top of the list of movies I want to see remade. And I hate remakes!
It's time this fine movie gets a revival. If you ask me, the movie was ahead of it's time. Or way ahead of the audiences of the time.
March 17, 2011, 11:25 a.m. CST
I am no messenger. But I will give you a message. The message of DEATH!
by cushing1967
Choppah - how can anyone not remember Hawk the Slayer with a Giant who is a little bit taller than the dwarf. Where Jack Palance is merely the older brother of the hero (although the Darth Vader helmet and general age difference may suggest father) Where magic ping pong balls fly free in the kingdom. Where the action is conducted along the stirring accompaniment of a brilliant disco / spaghetti western score. Where the general low budget is transcended by lines such as "Sometimes I tire of the fighting and killing. At night, I can hear the call of my race. They wait for me. When I join them, we will be forgotten."
March 17, 2011, 11:25 a.m. CST
cobra--kai, the dragon is actually called by name in the movie, by the sorceror no less.
by AsimovLives
March 17, 2011, 11:27 a.m. CST
Aparently, "Vermithrax Pejorative" is latin (or an approximation pig-latin) and means "The Great Wyrm/Serpent of Thrace".
by AsimovLives
I believe that Hawk the Slayer was the first instance of the automatic crossbow, the most badassed of fantasy weapons saved for maybe the Glaive from Krull.
In January 2009, a single page unattributed blog appeared with the following text: "Terry Marcel, writer and director of legendary cult sword and sorcery movie 'Hawk the Slayer' is returning in 2009 to continue the adventures of Hawk, with a follow up entitled Hawk the Hunter. This official blog, endorsed by Terry will document the full journey of the movie's production with behind the scenes information, photos and interviews. For Hawk fans worldwide who've waited for years and who never thought it would happen, we can tell you it really is happening... Hawk is back!" There has only been reader comments posted since. Both Twitchfilm.net and Jingafilms.com reported, at the time, that the director would be Terry Marcel and the producer Andrew Growcock, reporting that Tom Hardy is to play Hawk.
Asi, cheers. While we're on quotes from HAWK THE SLAYER my fave comes from the guy who unwisely enters an archery duel with Crow and takes an arrow to the chest. "I never even saw it." He then topples limpy forwards, realizes he's about to land on the fake arrow in his chest and does a body swerve to land down on his side!
Much as I genuinely love Hawk the Slayer (in the same way I love the Edgar Rice Burroughs dinosaur movies) I don't think a sequel would ever really be good. It would either be a terrible blight on humanity like Tales from an Ancient Empire (one of the worst things I have ever, ever seen) or it would be a generic fantasy movie. I reckon the charm is in the fact that it was clearly low budget, it starred actors that should have, on the whole, known better and should not have worked on any level. Though it did and even now when I watch it I still get a warm fuzzy feeling. I'd have loved Hawk the Hunter back in the day, followed by Hawk the Puncher of Faces. Now ... well, now I'm not so sure. And yes cobra-kai, I remember that scene warmly. I am listening to the soundtrack on my ipod right now and by God I want some dayglo hoolahoops in my life.
March 18, 2011, 8:19 a.m. CST
cushing1967, you're probably right, but I still think a remake could rock
by THE_CHOPPAH
especially with a decent budget and a decent director. And Tom Hardy as Hawk gives Choppah a hard on. I'd even be up for a big budget parody of Hawk with the right writers. Where can I get that soundtrack?
cushing, I didn't know TALES OF THE ANCIENT EMPIRE was out... um.. I think you answered my question but how is it in comparison to SWORD AND SORCERER? Can you say anything more about it?
The soundtrack - well, I kind of wish that this site had a PM system cause I could probably help you out. Never been released on CD so I ripped my vinyl copy. It is magnificent. Aye, and you're right. Maybe a remake would rock. As long as it kept a 5 inch minimum height difference between giant and dwarf.
Tales of an Ancient Empire - I saw a very early screener and to be honest it genuinely is one of the most appalling things I have ever seen. It lasted about 72 minutes and is kind of a weird portmanteau film that kind of tries to tell a narrative in short story form. Kind of like "Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould" but with some incredibly bad acting, some generic soft rock score, some vampires and about 4 or 5 minutes of Talon. The general look of the film matches the general cheap arse green screen that you'd see if you watched any of the trailers for Pyuns Streets of Fire sequel. It is an incredibly cheap looking film. Even Kevin Sorbo looks embarrassed by the whole thing. The Sword and the Sorcerer is a film that in my opinion doesn't really stand up as well as geek collective culture says it does. However, it has heart and soul. It isn't great but it does have bags of charm and some pretty fantastic ideas (mostly all cribbed from elsewhere but executed pretty well) and some good performances - Tales of an Ancient Empire is possibly worse than Highlander The Source. The sword makes an appearance but you kind of thing - so what? It does promise even more Tales at the end and the end credits almost last as long as the film. So, I'd avoid because it gives no joy whatsoever.
Saw it in the theater. I was a big D&D geek at the time, so it was right up my alley. Man, that first reveal of the dragon, where Galen looks around and the dragon stretches his neck up... FIRE!!!
cushing, cheers. It looked awful from the clips that got posted on this site, but "possibly worse than Highlander The Source"... that sums up all I need to know!
March 18, 2011, 7:43 p.m. CST
The 76 were all douches, but Harry should have let people know what movie to expect
by Eyegore
I would have loved to see Dragonslayer with that crowd...a crowd of people who love the movie like me, not a bunch of people who feel disappointed by the surprise. Just be up-front with people, Harry. This goes down as an epic fail on your part more than theirs. Stop trying to play with people like they're toys.
March 18, 2011, 9:50 p.m. CST
And where the FUCK is my Ator, the Fighting Eagle sequel?
by THE_CHOPPAH
If you show up at the Cannes film festival, and hear of a special screening, but when you show up it's fucking Dragonslayer, you would be justified in walking out. It's not because you are an ignorant churl who has no taste in film. It's because you DO have taste in film and you are in a position to see several dozen other screenings of new films. Or, in this case, a SXSW music show. Or one of the other 10000 things to do in Austin this week besides seeing some mediocre genre film that if you found a copy for 3 dollars in a bargain DVD bin, you would pass. Right now, even getting downtown in Austin is a massive pain in the ass. If I had fought my way down there and found out it was Dragonslayer, I would have made better use of being downtown during SXSW.
March 19, 2011, 11:30 p.m. CST
peter mcnickol thought he'd be the next mark hammil when he made this
by LarryTheCableGuy
turns out he was the next rick moranis
is the next Mark Hamill.
How could anybody walk out on this? Some people are just spoilt brats.
"When Matthew first previewed this film, the audience went nuts - and George Lucas who was sitting in front of him turned around and congratulated him on having a hit. " The first screening of Dragonslayer was stacked with fanboys. Everyone knew it except Robbins. Disney then previewed the film with a regular non-geek audience and it bombed.
When I was a kid I watched it every time it was on ye olde HBO.... with 2001, Poltergeist and Caveman in close 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Lana, nya, Lana GlugGlugGlug!
Vastly underrated film, works on many levels. Because of this movie, I wish that CGI had held off a few years so "go-motion" technology could have enjoyed a real golden age. Vermithrax is like viewing classic Harryhausen animated at 120 frames per second. It's too bad we don't have more creatures like that in movie history. Go-motion was woefully underused and then CGI took over. Tippet is very good at adjusting to new tech though, what a genius!
Great monster name.
That's the approximate translation, I believe it's in the tie-in novel, which yes I had when I was 16 or so.
The Mezzanine was maybe half full during DRAGONSLAYER. The balcony and upper balcony empty. I would say there were no more than 300 people there, and I would say only about 150 of them actually stuck around to finish the movie.
I love the unrushed pace of this film, but its not a film I would ever dare surprise audiences with. The nuances of this film are lost on most people, especially the film's underlying theme: the end of pagan Europe and the rise of Christianity. The people that left were probably drunk and looking for a party film.
You're not funny, or cool, and certainly not threatening. Any one of the '76' that walked out, or limped out, or rolled out in their wheelchairs could kick your ass.
What a good movie choice to bring some light on. Dark Disney at its glorious best. Thank you Harry for the being the ghost with the most! The new Peter Bjorn and John Rocks!!!! SxSW 2011bitches
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Cut flawless circles from 10" to 52" in diameter without complicated math equations! The Rockler Circle Cutting Jig sets up in minutes and mounts quickly to many popular routers made by Porter Cable, Makita, Hitachi, DeWalt, and Bosch. Or, easily drill your own holes to custom fit any router. Includes two center pivot pins which are used as a pivot point to rout perfectly arced circles (one pin is used for soft woods, use the other if your design allows drilling a center hole). A recessed groove in the jig lets you slide the center pivot pin (your center point) up or down the length of the jig to find the correct, exact diameter of your circle. Use the 4-star knob to tighten the T-bolt with the center pivot pin installed and you're ready to go!
Tech Spec
Brand | Rockler |
Weight (lbs) | 2.7100 |
Type | Circle Cutting |
Technical Downloads:
Average Score:
4.5/5works just like it should!
Posted February 2, 2014
I purchased this jig to cut some circles for table tops. Set up was simple and it fit my Porter Cable 690 series perfectly. Nice simple jig.
It did not fit my Bosch...
Posted May 25, 2013
It did not fit my Bosch 1617 router, after removal of sub-base. I had to drill my own holes. Besides that, its a very good quality jig. One tip is to make sure the center pin is more than hand tightened (that is, the actual piece that goes into the stock). It can twist loose upon use! if you notice the jig not laying flat after a few cuts, a loose center pin is the first place to look.
This jig is very sturdy and...
Posted April 8, 2013
This jig is very sturdy and a great price. It doesn't fit Bosch 1613 plunge router (they didn't say it would but I took the chance), I'll have to drill some new holes before I can use it.
The pre-drilled holes in the jig...
Posted March 1, 2012
The pre-drilled holes in the jig did not fit either my Bosch 1617 or Craftsman 320.17543 plunge routers. However, the unit is well made, as are most Rockler products, and I drilled and counter-sank three holes for mounting to the Craftsman plunge router. The jig performed as advertised and will be a welcome replacement for my well worn shop-made press board jig. I would have no problem recommending this jig.
Did not fit my Bosch 1617...
Posted February 3, 2012
Did not fit my Bosch 1617 plunge router. This item is made very well but I was surprised to learn that the hole pattern only matches my Bosch 1617's stationary base plate and that it does fit not the plunge router base that is used with the Bosch 1617. The package clearly lists the 1617 as compatible but it does not elaborate that the only option is the stationary or fixed depth base. Few, if any, persons would use a fixed depth base for a circle cut. The omission of this detailed information led me to purchase a circle cutter that does not work with my router. I can't imagine using this tool with out a plunge cut capability.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Deal
$34 for one pair of Skechers women's shoes. Choose from the following options:
- Bikers' shoes in Team Pretty black/gray or natural ($58 list price), available in half-sizes 5.5–10
- Centennial gray/yellow ($58 list price), available in half-sizes 5–10 and in 11
- Bikers' slip-on shoes in Fixation black/turquoise ($60 list price), available in half-sizes 5–10 and in 11
Click here for an image and detailed specifications for each option.
Free shipping and free returns
Skechers Women's Casual Shoes
Skechers' sporty women's shoes cushion insteps and support ankles with firm suede and mesh construction over flexible rubber treads. The shoes come with stylish accents that include stretchy elastic straps, accent stitching, and overlays. Lace-up and slip-on designs accommodate a range of uses, from athletic running to unexpected fleeing.
- Athletic and stylish sneakers
- Materials include suede, mesh, and stretchy elastic straps
- Flexible rubber traction outsole grips the ground like a vertigo patient
- Lace-up or slip-on design
- Made in China
How to get your goods: by purchasing this Groupon and providing your name and shipping address, your order is complete!
For questions pertaining to this deal, please visit the deal Q&A on this page. For post-purchase inquiries, please contact Groupon customer service.
View the Groupon Goods FAQ for additional information, including how list price is determined.
In a Nutshell
Stylish Skechers women's shoes layer suede and mesh over flexible rubber treads for support while you're running or walking
The Fine Print
Limit 3 per person, may buy 2 more as gifts. Free returns. Free shipping. Does not ship to AK/HI/Canada/Puerto Rico. Most orders are delivered within 2 1/2 weeks from the purchase date. Does not ship to PO boxes. See return policy. Must pay applicable tax and provide name and shipping address at checkout, which will be shared to facilitate shipping. Goods sold by Groupon Goods. See the rules that apply to all deals.


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Shofu Booth
Wednesday, 01 December 2010 09:47:00
Category Live Coverage at the 2010 Greater New York Dental Meeting
At the Shofu booth there was BEAUTIFIL Flow Plus, a unique injectable hybrid restorative material. It boasts the delivery of a flowable composite and the strength, aesthetics and durability equal to or even better than hybrid composites. It was approved for every classification and has the ability to release and recharge fluoride. It is perfect for patients who have a high caries index because of its resistance to bacterial colonization. For BEAUTIFIL Flow Plus F03 it has a low flow and blue viscosity, while it has a red, nonflow viscosity for BEAUTIFIL Flow Plus F00.
Related Post
- GC America Booth At the GC America booth EXA'LENCE combines the best of VPS and PolyEther. KALORE, a composite restorative, uses the same paint that's used in trucks. ...


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Have a question about something fantasy-related? Please send an email to email@example.com and be sure and include your city and state and/or country.
Q: Why has it taken so long for V to show us what the Vs look like? I don't remember the original series taking this long — and they didn't even have CGI back then! — MAGPIE, Toronto, Canada
The Oracle Speaks:
If the network had had their way, it would've taken even longer still.
"When I took over the show [mid-way through the first season], there were some mandates from the people who pay my paycheck," says V showrunner Scott Rosenbaum. "I was told I could not show what a visitor looked like, under any circumstances."
Rosenbaum wasn't happy.
"I reacted very negatively to that," he says, "but I was put in a position where I couldn't [show the Vs]. I fought that fight every day, every phone call, every [set of notes]. It was difficult for me, because I was reading this fan-stuff online [about the need to show the visitors], and I was thinking, 'I agree with that!'"
Eventually, the network relented. "And it happened to coincide with what I think the fans wanted right from the start," Rosenbaum says.
It's hard to imagine what the suits were thinking, except to acknowledge that it had been a while since there'd been much sci-fi on broadcast television, and they may simply have been unfamiliar with what the audience wanted.
"Sometimes less is more, but this is a case where it definitely wasn't," Rosenbaum tells me. "I understood the fan frustration. Look, we know what they are [from the original]. It's not a secret, so there's no reason to hang onto it. There are a lot of other secrets to keep, but that was one that you owe it almost to show it to them. If it had been up to me, I would've showed them by the second episode."
Q: Ever notice how Yoda's words of wisdom are so often wrong?
The Oracle Speaks:
You have a point. Consider:
- "If you leave now, help them you could; but you would destroy all for which they have fought, and suffered." [Not true: Luke saves them, but doesn't destroy all they have fought and suffered.]
- "Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny.' [Not true: with help from Luke, Darth Vadar turns away from the dark path in the end.]
And then there's the fact that Yoda and Obi-Wan totally lie to Luke about the identify of his father, shrugging it off with the condescending, "Not ready for the burden were you."
And I'm not even considering any Yoda dialogue from the prequel movies (which I've only seen once and am now basically pretending don't exist).
On the other hand, Yoda is also right more than a few times:
- "No. Try not. Do… or do not. There is no try."
- "That is why you fail."
- "No. There is another."
The point is, when your wisdom is as wise as Yoda's sometimes is (and when you're performed by someone as bad-ass as Frank Oz!), you're allowed a few blind spots here and there.
Plus, as Yoda himself points out, "When 900 years you reach, look as good you will not, hmm?"
I'd say the same thing also applies to his mental acuity.
Have a question about something fantasy-related? Please send an email to email@example.com and be sure and include your city and state and/or country.
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Similar Posts:
- Ask the Oracle: Why Did Jane Badler REALLY Join V? How Did SPARTACUS Avoid the "Prequel Blues"?
- Ask the Oracle: Did Atlantis Exist? What's the Fantasy Equivalent to "Ginger or Mary Ann"? More!
- Ask the Oracle: Is a Sixth Season of SUPERNATURAL a Good Idea or a Bad One? More!
- Ask the Oracle: Is Narnia a Planet or What? What Do TaunTauns and Wampas Eat? Who Would Win: Jeannie or Samantha?
- Ask the Oracle: Will There be "Extra" Violence and Nudity in the SPARTACUS DVD? More!


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Say hi to my guest blogger, Laura! I first stumbled upon Laura's recipes via her Instagram account (@paleo_in_comparison) and quickly came to admire her creativity when it came to food and her genuine nature. She's a wife, homeschool mom of two rambunctious boys, and the Paleo blogger behind Paleo In Comparison and a growing Facebook community of the same name. In November of 2011, after years of yo-yo dieting and eating disorders, she stumbled into the Paleo lifestyle. With a total weight loss of 60 pounds (27 kg), and a complete change in her physical and emotional health, she's never looked back. Paleo gave her life and health back, and helped her form a healthy relationship with food (I can relate!). She's passionate about sharing her story, and believes that clean eating and living are essential to lifelong health and wellness. I know you'll love her approach to food and her sense of humor.
If you're looking for a tasty salad for your holiday table, I think this is perfect and the thought of the hot, sweet dressing makes my mouth water! With no further adieu, here's Laura and her Collard and Brussels Salad with Hot Sweet Bacon Dressing…
"But salads aren't sexy."
That's what I said to my husband when I told him I was considering making a salad for this guest post.
Salads are often neglected in the Paleo / Primal community for the glitz and glory of a rare steak, "Paleo" cookies, and bacon-wrapped…well…anything! But there are a lot of benefits to eating salads.
First, while I don't subscribe to a raw food only diet, there most certainly are huge benefits to consuming our fruits and vegetables raw whenever possible. It's just science – cooking can destroy and break down some of the vital nutrients and fiber in our foods. Cooking is a process – albeit a harmless one – but eating foods raw is the closest to unprocessed that we can get. Salads are a great way to get a lot of different veggies into our diets in their purest form.
On the more practical side, raw foods like salads are super convenient and easy to take with us anywhere. Cold travels better than hot, and you don't need a microwave or oven to reheat it.
Whenever someone wants "a light lunch," they go for a salad, but I would argue that nothing will fill your belly faster than raw veggies! Because all of that fiber hasn't been broken down in the cooking process, you're going to feel fuller longer – just be sure to drink plenty of water to help your tum-tum digest all that fibrous goodness!
Salads? Not sexy? Boy, did I change my mind fast! Healthy is sexy. So, if A=B and B=C, then A=C. It's Logic 101. Salads are healthy, healthy is sexy. Therefore, salads are sexy!
The result of my salad revelation was this chicken thigh salad inspired by the colors of the Holiday season. Don't worry, I was a good Paleo / Primal cook, and threw a little bacon grease in there for good measure. I hope you enjoy this sexy salad as much as my family did!
Collard and Brussels Salad with Seasonal Fruit, Hot Sweet Bacon Dressing & Crispy Chicken Skin Crumbles (serves 4)
For the Collard and Brussels Salad with Seasonal Fruit…
Ingredients for the Salad:
- 8 cups raw collards, shredded or finely chopped
- 4 cups raw brussels, quartered
- 1-1/3 cups raw cranberries
- 1 large green pear, sliced (or two small)
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in with skin on (if you have a hungry set, make double for 2 thighs per serving)
- Salt & pepper
- Special equipment: parchment paper
Directions for the Salad:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove skins from raw chicken thighs. This should be very easy. You may need to use a small paring knife in some spots, but the skins should come off easily just by hand. Once removed, cut the square-like pieces of skin in half. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper – this will help absorb the grease as the skins bake, making them crispier. Place on the cookie sheet and bake until deep golden brown and crispy, approximately 15 minutes. When finished remove from the cookie sheet and allow to cool completely, uncovered.
- Remove parchment paper from cookie sheet, use the grease from the skins to coat the bottom of the cookie sheet. Place chicken thighs onto cookie sheet and coat with remaining grease (if you don't have enough grease, you can coat the thighs with a little fat of choice – duck fat or ghee is always great with chicken). Season simply with a little salt and pepper. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until internal temp reaches 160°F (80°C), approximately 20-30 minutes depending on how many you cook. Allow to cool. Remove meat from bones & shred with your fingers.
For the Hot Sweet Bacon Dressing…
Ingredients for the Dressing:
- 4 Tablespoons bacon grease
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 3 Tablespoons raw honey
- 3 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (more if desired)
- 2 dashes of pepper (more if desired)
Directions for the Dressing:
- Melt bacon grease in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add balsamic vinegar and crushed garlic. Reduce liquid until it starts to thicken and the fat and vinegar are incorporated. Stir mixture occasionally with a rubber or wooden spatula while cooking. Once it has thickened, remove from heat and pour into a separate bowl. Add remaining ingredients and whisk well. Keep in mind the dressing should be served warm. Refrigerate leftovers and simply reheat to serve. The fat in the dressing will cause the dressing to harden when cold, so don't be alarmed. Reheating will bring it back to proper consistency.
Plating the salad (4 full dinner salads)…
- On each full-sized dinner plate, make a base with 2 cups of raw collards and 1 cup of raw Brussels sprouts. Place 1/4 of the pear slices on greens. Top with meat from 1 chicken thigh (2 if you doubled the chicken). Top with 1/3 cup of cranberries and some crumbled crispy chicken skins. Serve dressing on the side, or simply drizzle over the salad before serving.
Change it Up:
- You can use any leftover white meat you have for this salad.
- If you want to make it with leftover meat, and do not have the crispy chicken skins, simply replace them with crispy bacon crumbles.
- You can also make a quick and cold sweet dressing with honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon, and a little salt and pepper.
Do you have any questions for Laura? Let her know in the comments below!


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Support Services
Mail RoomThe Mail Room is located in the Department of Support Services. All mail, either outgoing or interoffice travels through the Mail Room. The Mail Room also handles out going FedEx packages . The Mail Room clerks are customer service oriented and are committed to providing the best service possible. SERVICES PROVIDED
DEADLINES Outgoing mail delivered to Post Office:
3:30 pm RULES AND POLICIES If you have a mailbox assigned to your department,you must use the combination to open box. We will no longer give out mail over the counter. When bringing outgoing mail to the MailRoom please remember to include:
When delivering FedEx packages to the Mail Room please remember to include:


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We are OneNeck® IT Solutions. One call. One source. One point of accountability for all your IT needs. Learn more about the Power of One and our tailored, end-to-end IT solutions.
Our industrial-grade cloud solution for your mission-critical IT needs.
Enterprise-grade capabilities over a comprehensive range of services.
Tailored solutions to host, manage, upgrade and maintain your ERP system.
Talent and experience to help you design, implement and support.
IT infrastructure solutions from world-class partners.
Facilities meeting the highest standards for security and availability.
During Convergence 2014, OneNeck will unveil its newest service AX on ReliaCloud™ along with providing updates on its Dynamics AXaaS solution. »
Join us for a Colorado Avalanche game with F5, and learn more about:


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Lacking Magic: Harry Potter Pickup Lines
This is a series of Harry Potter pickup lines told between two girlfriends on Facebook, both speaking as if they had a penis. And maybe they do. That's cool, I just don't want to see it. Not in real life anyway. If it was a Polaroid or on TV I might take a glance but then peep at the rest of the people in the room and try to act like them and not -- AND NOT cross my eyes and yell 'BONER BONER BONERS!' like instinct would dictate. I'm rewiring my animal brain, yo! No, no I'm not. I am rewiring my apartment to run off my neighbor's electricity though. I've never read any of the Harry Potters so I didn't get a lot of these references. So yeah, feel free leave your best Harry Potter pickup line in the comments. [Insert something about your Golden Snitch breaking my broomstick like a toothpick]
Harry Potter Pickup Lines [buzzfeed]
Thanks to Maria, who insists she'd actually listen to a guy tell Harry Potter pickup lines. Jesus, you might as well pour bleach in the gene pool!
You know how they say that couples that are together for a long time start to look like one another? I know, I thought that was an old wive's tale too (old wives talk about the craziest shit!). Anyway, with this concept in mind, an upcoming online dating service (findyourfac... / Continue →
Like this: creating a special team of characters that spell out a cute message. Alternatively, grow a pair of Poké Balls and ask her out to her face. Huh? What do you mean I'm being too harsh?! A wild WHINER appears. GW uses STFU and stop crying or I'll beat you. It's su... / Continue →
The female g-spot: much like a fountain of youth or an all-you-can-eat buffet where the other patrons aren't so fat that you're too disgusted to eat, men have spent centuries trying to find one. And now penis doctor urologist Amichai Kilchevsky adds his two cents to the growin... / Continue →


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he Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life dramatically expands Jewish cultural programming in small towns and big cities across the region. Through our Southern States Jewish Programming Series, we help communities like yours to host events by authors, speakers, musicians, comedians, actors, and storytellers that will appeal to a diverse range of interests.
An example of one of our expense-shared tours: sixteen partners for an eighteen lecture tour by Ron Wolfson.
Our partnership with the presenters, and the congregations and/or organizations who engage them is a win for everyone. Presenters gain access to hundreds of southern audiences through the ISJL. Congregations are often able to partner with others in close proximity in order to share travel expenses. The ISJL arranges all travel and hotel plans for the presenters, and provides marketing materials and press releases for the congregation. We send presenter handouts, books and/or CD's in advance if at all possible to facilitate a professionally planned and successful event.
For the enhancement of adult education, outreach opportunities, entertainment, fundraising and family programming, the ISJL offers something for everyone!
Please view the current roster of scholars and artists available through the Southern States Jewish Programming Series. For more information, contact Ann Zivitz Kimball.


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Good response to BCC yoga sessionBahrain City Centre, the largest shopping, entertainment and lifestyle destination in the Kingdom, said more than 70 female shoppers attended the novel 'Odaka Yoga' session held at the mall. Founded by Roberto Milletti and More… |
Madinat Jumeirah offers wellness retreatMadinat Jumeirah, a five-star resort in Dubai, will host a yoga and wellness event over September 19 – 21 at its award-winning Talise Spa. The weekend includes a two night stay at the resort's Arabian-inspired Dar Al M More… |
Yoga and wellbeing event at Madinat JumeirahTalise Spa at the Madinat Jumeirah is set to present its first yoga and wellbeing retreat in September. The Arabian resort of Dubai will host the event, which will take place from September 19 to 21. The weekend inc More… |
Reebok, yoga expert launch new collectionLeading athletic brand Reebok has partnered with yoga expert Tara Stiles to launch a new apparel collection, bringing flair to women's yoga for Spring Summer 2013. Inspired by her rebellious approach to yoga, Reebok decided More… |
Yoga may help people with irregular heart rhythmsThe health benefits of yoga are said to be legion, everything from stress-busting to lowering fat and stimulating the immune system, and now it may also help people with a common heart rhythm problem, according to a US study. The More… |
Fitness First to open in Deira City CentreFitness First, a leading health club chain, will soon open its new 2000 sq m health and fitness club at Deira City Centre (DCC) in Dubai. DCC, the original flagship mall in the Majid Al Futtaim Properties portfolio, said the new fitne More… |
India's yoga guru ends anti-graft fastPopular yoga guru Swami Ramdev on Sunday called off his eight-day-old hunger strike to denounce corruption after a prominent spiritual figure persuaded him to end his action, local media said. Ramdev had pressed on with the fast at his ash More… |
Indian yoga guru begins fast against corruptionIndia's most famous yoga guru began a fast to the death on Saturday to demand reforms including the death penalty for corrupt officials in an anti-graft campaign that has undermined an embattled Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The saffron-r More… |
DIC hosts eco-friendly eventDubai Internet City (DIC), part of Tecom Investments, recently organised Yoga Fest 2010, one of the first free eco-friendly community events in the region. The event marked the unique combination of 'Winter Solstice', the shortest day of t More… |
Yoga 'can help cancer survivors sleep better'Cancer survivors may want to try yoga - including special postures and breathing and mindfulness exercises - to get a better night's sleep and to boost their energy levels, according to a US study. Researchers from the University of Ro More… |


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Returning Civility to Public Discourse
In this half-day symposium, students, faculty, and the community will have the opportunity to hear from top national, state, and regional speakers on the critical need to restore civility in the public service arena. We simply will not move America, Illinois, or our region in a more positive direction unless we figure out ways to constructively communicate, find common ground, and come up with bipartisan solutions.
April 16, 2013
8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Bradley University Hayden-Clark Alumni Center Ballroom
View a campus map
$50 General Admission
$40 OLLI Members
ICC Adult Community Program Participants
$25 Sponsor a Bradley Student
Parking is available in the Main Street parking deck
View the flyer (PDF).
Related Links
Mickey Edwards - Director, Aspen Institute-Rodell Fellowships in Public Leadership & 16 year Member of Congress
John Fortier - Director, Bipartisan Policy Center
Donald Wolfensberger - Director, Woodrow Wilson International
Center for Scholars
David Yepsen - Director, Paul Simon Public Policy Institute
Clarine Nardi Riddle & Jonathon Miller - Co-Founders, No Labels
Jim Leach - Chairman, National Endowment for the Humanties & 30 year Member of Congress
Frank Mackaman - Director, The Dirksen Congressional Center
Dr. Robert Prescott - Chairperson, English Department, Bradley University
Dr. Jackie Hogan - Chairperson, Sociology Department, Bradley University
Brad McMillan - Executive Director, Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service, Bradley University


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The Commercial Motor Vehicle Roadside Technology Consortium (CMVRTC) is a partnership of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), State departments of safety and transportation, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the University of Tennessee. Together, this consortium works to enable FMCSA testing of current, new-to-market, and emerging commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety technologies and to promote their usage and acceptance by the transportation industry.
In August of 2007, FMCSA launched the Commercial Motor Vehicle Roadside Technology Corridor, in partnership with the Tennessee Departments of Safety and Transportation, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and the University of Tennessee. In October of 2013, the CMVRTC expanded to include Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Mississippi. The name of the group has recently changed from the Commercial Motor Vehicle Roadside Technology Corridor to the Commercial Motor Vehicle Roadside Technology Consortium.
The CMVRTC is managed by FMCSA?s Office of Analysis, Research, and Technology via an interagency agreement with ORNL, the largest science and energy national laboratory in the U.S. Department of Energy?s (DOE?s) system, by acreage. Since 2007, the Office of Analysis, Research, and Technology has established internal partnerships with the Office of Bus and Truck Standards and Operations, the Office of Enforcement and Compliance, and the Office of Safety Programs (at the U.S. Department of Transportation?s headquarters in Washington, D.C.) and with the Southern Service Center in the field. The CMVRTC is available to these and other FMCSA offices with management support provided by ORNL. The Office of Analysis, Research, and Technology has established an external partnership with DOE?s Office of Energy, Efficiency, and Renewable Energy to collect CMV safety sensor data from DOE partner fleets. This data will be used to support the objectives of the CMVRTC.
The vision of the CMVRTC is to have a series of specially-equipped testing facilities at weigh stations to demonstrate, test, evaluate, and showcase innovative safety technologies under real-world conditions in order to improve commercial truck and bus safety. Additionally, the CMVRTC plays a prominent role in supporting the Agency?s technology transfer activities, enabling the accelerated deployment of proven safety technologies.
The CMVRTC has a technology transfer function to aid in the adoption and use of safety technologies by key stakeholders. Specifically, the CMVRTC provides FMCSA with data and supporting information to facilitate:
FMCSA has aligned future CMVRTC testing and related activities via an overarching methodology that dictates the planning, documentation, and execution of CMVRTC activities in a way that outputs the needed technology transfer tools (validations, specifications, certifications, and safety outcomes).
Validation will be accomplished via testing (i.e., proof of concept [POC] testing, pilot tests, and field operational tests [FOTs]) using a prescribed test plan. It will involve data collection, analysis, and reporting to determine the technology?s robustness, capability, and user acceptance. The data from the validation will be used to determine the safety outcome.
Specifications will be generated in conjunction with the experiences from data gathering and results tabulation during the validation process. This activity seeks to develop a set of functional specifications that may be used to procure a given technology via MCSAP funding or other funding sources, such as direct State purchase. The needs of this output will feed the validation test plan.
Certification will be granted to technologies/systems that validate their ability to meet established functional specifications. Testing criteria will be developed and testing will be conducted to support certification or non-certification of a given technology or system.
Safety outcomes will be assessed by contrasting and correlating the data from the validation process against other related data gathered within the CMVRTC and against vehicle flow and conventional vehicle enforcement data. This process seeks to show the benefit(s) (positive or negative) that could be gained by implementing a given technology. The needs of this output will also feed the validation test plan.
The CMVRTC has six core functions designed to provide these outputs, as shown in the following table.
The following technology initiatives are currently being pursued:
This program is designed to demonstrate technology that will ultimately increase the number of CMV safety inspections (now at about 3,400,000 inspections per year) on par with or exceeding CMV weight inspections (now at about 177,000,000 inspections per year).Currently in an FOT setting (the final of three phases), the WRI system retrieves safety data in real-time, including:
The major benefits expected from the WRI program include:
Performance-based brake testers (PBBTs) are devices that can be used to evaluate the braking capability of a vehicle through the measurement of the brake force developed as a function of weight as the vehicle engages in a braking event while on the PBBT machine. PBBT machines have been in operation since the 1930s. On April 7, 2007, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) approved an amendment to the North American Standard (NAS) Out-of-Service (OOS) Criteria to allow a total vehicle score of less than 43.5 brake efficiency (BE) (total brake force as a percentage of gross vehicle or combination weight) to be grounds to remove that CMV from service. Since April 7, 2007, enforcement agencies, including the Tennessee Highway Patrol, have used the PBBT machine to place CMVs OOS.
While many causes of vehicle test failures (failure to achieve a 43.5 BE or greater overall PBBT score) are known (i.e. brakes out of adjustment, inadequate supply air, insufficient lining thickness), statistically significant data does not exist relative to the causation of PBBT machine OOS conditions or non-OOS vehicle brake defects.
Furthermore, there is little information available that documents specific corrective actions or validation of true abatement of the initial causation.
This study intends to track and document a defective vehicle from the initial PBBT machine test failure (including the non-OOS ?failure? of a wheel end) through the repair process and then on to a validation of repair. The process will be repeated until the PBBT failure correction is validated.
An infrared-based screening system (IBSS) is a tool designed to assist inspectors in determining which CMV passing through an inspection facility may require further inspection. This is accomplished by measuring thermal data from the wheel components. As a CMV travels through the system, infrared cameras mounted on the roadside measure temperatures of the brakes, tires, and wheel bearings on both wheel ends of the vehicle. This thermal data is analyzed internally before being presented on a user-friendly interface to enforcement personnel inside the inspection station. Vehicles that are suspected to have a defect are automatically alerted to the enforcement staff.
The goal of the project is to develop a performance specification document for use as a guideline by jurisdictions desiring to purchase an IBSS. The IBSS would be purchased through grant funds or directly with State operating funds. Its use would be focused on screening CMVs for potential brake, wheel bearing, and tire pressure defects. Vehicles identified by the system would be given a high priority for selection for a subsequent NAS Level 2 or Level 3 safety inspection and/or a PBBT inspection. The IBSS is expected to be used in existing CMV inspection facilities.
The latest information on the consortium and its projects may be found by clicking the link above to Technology Consortium News, the newsletter of the CMVRTC.