Cult Epics Black Friday 2024 sale starts Black Friday at 9.00AM PST/Noon on the EST.
We’ll include the link in our Gift Guide when it’s closer to going live unless we get the heads up to make it available now!
Wicked Shatters Records with Historic Opening Weekend Sales on Fandango
Fandango, the nation’s leading movie ticketing service, is celebrating a major milestone with Universal Pictures’ Wicked, which has broken the record for best opening weekend ticket sales for a PG-rated film in 2024, surpassing Inside Out 2. Not only did Wicked dominate the PG-rated category, but it also achieved the biggest opening weekend ticket sales for a musical since Frozen 2 in 2019, joining the ranks of Beauty and the Beast (2017) and The Lion King (2019) as one of the top three live-action musicals with the best opening weekends of all time on Fandango.
“We are ecstatic to see the amazing moviegoer turnout for the cinematic masterpiece Wicked,” said Jerramy Hainline, EVP of Fandango. “For 21 years, Wicked has lived in the hearts of many, and the fan sentiment was incredible throughout opening weekend, as they flocked to theaters to experience the magic of this iconic property on the big screen.”
Wicked was voted the #1 film on Fandango’s 2024 Most Anticipated Holiday Movies Survey, which gathered insights from over 2,000 moviegoers. The film also made history as the first to go Certified Fresh and Verified Hot on Rotten Tomatoes before its opening weekend.
To celebrate the phenomenon, Fandango is offering fans an exclusive Popular Poster Pack bundle, which includes two tickets to see Wicked in theaters, a special limited-edition Wicked poster, and a digital copy of the film on Fandango at Home when available. Movie lovers can also join the new Fandango Fanclub rewards program for $9.99 per month, which includes two free movie tickets after a 7-day free trial.
Tickets for Wicked are available now on Fandango—don’t miss out on the magic!
Arrow Video’s December 2024 Lineup: A Month of Horror, Cult Classics, and Timeless Thrills
Arrow Video is ringing in the final month of 2024 with an exciting and diverse slate of titles available on their streaming platform. Subscribers in the US, Canada, the UK, and Ireland can look forward to a month filled with classic horror, cult cinema, and fascinating filmmaker-curated collections. This lineup is perfect for genre lovers seeking both familiar favorites and thrilling new discoveries.
Kicking things off on December 6, Arrow brings “Fear of the Dark,” a curated collection that explores the unsettling and terrifying horrors lurking in the shadows. The collection delves into the sinister side of darkness, showcasing films where what you can’t see is far scarier than what you can. Titles include The Monkey’s Paw, Legs, and BLEEP. On the same day, you can stream Nightmare (US/CAN), a psychosexual journey full of gore and tension as a mental patient wreaks havoc across 42nd Street and beyond.
Animal-themed thrills continue on December 6 with the shorts Froggy, where a girl’s bond with nature turns into a reckoning, and Affentanz Hunter, a harrowing tale of a hunter whose world is turned upside down. Also available is Cocaine Crabs from Outer Space (US/CAN), a bizarre tale of space crabs turned killers after consuming cocaine. For a more atmospheric fright, don’t miss Spider Labyrinth (US/CAN), a mind-bending horror film set in Budapest with a gripping tale of occult and arachnid terror.
On December 9, prepare for a journey through the works of the Adams Family with The Adams Family Selects, a curated collection of eclectic films that span genres and tones. Whether it’s exploitation or Austrian folk horror, this diverse selection includes The Stylist, Meat Friend, and Basket Case.
Subscribers can also enjoy a 4K release of The Addiction (UK/IE/US/CAN), Abel Ferrara’s raw and intense take on the vampire genre. The Last Video Store (UK/IE/US) joins the lineup as a quirky tribute to video rental shops and B-movie culture, where a VHS tape unleashes cinematic villains into the real world.
On December 13, Arrow explores the wild world of 60s Cult cinema with films like Two Thousand Maniacs and The City Tramp, bringing the eccentric and provocative world of 1960s cult films to the forefront. North American subscribers will also get a treat with the creature features Alien From the Abyss and Beast From Haunted Cave, both filled with gore and creepy thrills.
December 20 offers two standout seasons: Monochrome Madness (UK/IE/US/CAN), a collection of black-and-white horror films that prove you don’t need color to be terrified, and Brothers James Retribution (US/CAN), a gritty western that tells the tale of Frank and Jesse James. Subscribers can also experience the thrilling Enter The Drag Dragon (UK/IE/US/CAN), a fun, action-packed indie film that blends comedy, horror, and drag culture.
Arrow closes out the year with two iconic titles on December 27. The Deadly Art Of Survival (UK/IE/US/CAN) offers a look at Charlie Ahearn’s super-8 martial arts film, shot in the heart of the Lower East Side. Meanwhile, Deputy Marshal (US/CAN) presents a classic western where a deputy marshal must clear his name and bring justice to a group of suspects.
With such a varied and exciting lineup, Arrow Video’s December offerings promise to deliver the perfect mix of chilling, thought-provoking, and exhilarating content for all tastes.
Whether you’re in the mood for horror, cult classics, or something a little different, Arrow Video has you covered this holiday season.
The Piano Lesson gets a new trailer
A family divided, a history threatened, and a battle for legacy – The Piano Lesson, adapted from August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, brings this gripping drama to life on screen. Set at the heart of the Charles household, the story revolves around a prized heirloom piano that is tearing two siblings apart. On one side, a brother, played by John David Washington, sees the piano as a way to secure the family’s financial future by selling it. On the other side, his sister, portrayed by Danielle Deadwyler, sees the piano as the last tangible connection to their family’s history and will stop at nothing to keep it in the family.
The stakes escalate as their uncle, played by Samuel L. Jackson, attempts to mediate the conflict, but even he can’t shield them from the ghosts of the past that threaten to destroy them all. The emotional clash explores deep themes of identity, legacy, and the impact of history on present lives. As the siblings struggle to define their future, they must confront the powerful forces of the past that continue to shape their lives.
Directed by Malcolm Washington in his feature debut, The Piano Lesson offers an insightful look into the complexities of family, heritage, and resilience. Adapted from Wilson’s masterwork, the film reveals startling truths about how we perceive the past and who ultimately gets to decide what our legacy will be. With a powerhouse cast including Washington, Deadwyler, Jackson, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, and Erykah Badu, the film is a stirring exploration of familial bonds and personal conviction.
Produced by Denzel Washington and Todd Black, the film also features a haunting score by Alexandre Desplat, adding an additional layer of emotional depth to this poignant story. Co-written by Virgil Williams and Malcolm Washington, The Piano Lesson is a timely and deeply resonant film that will leave audiences reflecting on the true meaning of family, history, and legacy.
For more updates and behind-the-scenes looks, follow The Piano Lesson on social media:
- Facebook: @ThePianoLessonfilm
- Instagram: @ThePianoLesson_
- Twitter (X): @ThePianoLessonFilm
Playground Productions Announces New Backyard Sports Video Game, First of Many Exciting Projects
Playground Productions, a leading full-service production company focused on creating top-tier content for children and families, has announced a major milestone with the development of a new video game in the Backyard Sports franchise. This project marks the beginning of a new chapter for the brand, known for its fun, humor, inclusivity, and sense of community for audiences of all ages.
In partnership with Mega Cat Studios, Playground Productions is working on a next-generation video game that will offer a fresh take on the classic Backyard games. The new title will feature all the beloved original characters, as well as some new additions, while keeping the comedy, diversity, accessibility, and fun that made the original titles fan favorites. The game will also teach kids sports rules and strategies, with difficulty levels designed to challenge both newcomers and long-time fans.
This new game builds on the success of Playground Productions’ October re-launch of Backyard Baseball ’97, which became a global top-seller on Steam. Following this, Backyard Soccer ’98 will be available for purchase on Steam and via Steam Deck starting November 27. Other retro titles such as Backyard Football ’99, Backyard Basketball ’01, Backyard Baseball ’01, and Backyard Hockey ’02 are now available for wishlist on Steam. Fans who follow the Backyard Sports franchise page will receive notifications about official game drops.
Lindsay Barnett, Founder & CEO, and Chris Waters, Chief Product Officer, lead Playground Productions with a mission to create media that resonates across generations. By combining cutting-edge technology and character IP, Playground is crafting engaging, educational experiences that entertain, educate, and inspire.
Looking ahead, Playground Productions and Mega Cat Studios are working to make classic Backyard Sports titles accessible for mobile devices, aiming to reach an even wider audience. This new video game is just the start, as Playground is planning many more ways for Backyard fans to connect with their favorite characters.