Get Inside Fringe's Fourth Season with New Featurette

In the wake of Fringe's shocking third season finale "The Day We Died," a new featurette sees the cast teasing what to expect from season four.

We're not sure if Joshua Jackson should be all smiles, considering the reality-bending twists Fringe writers will have to come up with to get Peter Bishop back on the show for the fourth season due out this Fall.  Not only that, but he'll have to watch his back now that Lincoln Lee (Seth Gabel) has officially been promoted to series regular.

It's been only a few weeks since the shocking events ofFringe's third season finale "The Day We Died," which saw Jackson's Peter Bishop suddenly fading out of existence after using the machine to tear holes between universes and finally bridge the gap in the parallel universe war (isn't this show great?), but already cast and crew are hard at work at plotting out season four.

And don't you worry folks, showrunners Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman have assured viewers that Joshua Jackson will indeed return next season.  But who might be penning and producing the pages that see Peter's mysterious return?  Why, none other than former LOST, Angel and Buffy the Vampire Slayer writer David Fury, according to  his twitter!

Fringe fans will see much less of Kirk Acevedo's Charlie Francis however, who despite the universes merging has been cast in NBC's picked up series Prime Suspect, precluding him from appearing in more than three or four episodes.

The latest Fringe featurette also teases some tantalizing possibilities for season four that actors Lance Reddick andJohn Noble point out, both putting for that the Observers will likely take a larger role next season, while the recent alliance between universes could prove handy when Walter and Walternate face a common enemy! 

Check out what else the cast had to say below, and scribble on the board your own theories for Fringe's future in the comments below!

Read more »

Get Inside Fringe's Fourth Season with New Featurette

In the wake of Fringe's shocking third season finale "The Day We Died," a new featurette sees the cast teasing what to expect from season four.

We're not sure if Joshua Jackson should be all smiles, considering the reality-bending twists Fringe writers will have to come up with to get Peter Bishop back on the show for the fourth season due out this Fall.  Not only that, but he'll have to watch his back now that Lincoln Lee (Seth Gabel) has officially been promoted to series regular.

It's been only a few weeks since the shocking events ofFringe's third season finale "The Day We Died," which saw Jackson's Peter Bishop suddenly fading out of existence after using the machine to tear holes between universes and finally bridge the gap in the parallel universe war (isn't this show great?), but already cast and crew are hard at work at plotting out season four.

And don't you worry folks, showrunners Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman have assured viewers that Joshua Jackson will indeed return next season.  But who might be penning and producing the pages that see Peter's mysterious return?  Why, none other than former LOST, Angel and Buffy the Vampire Slayer writer David Fury, according to  his twitter!

Fringe fans will see much less of Kirk Acevedo's Charlie Francis however, who despite the universes merging has been cast in NBC's picked up series Prime Suspect, precluding him from appearing in more than three or four episodes.

The latest Fringe featurette also teases some tantalizing possibilities for season four that actors Lance Reddick andJohn Noble point out, both putting for that the Observers will likely take a larger role next season, while the recent alliance between universes could prove handy when Walter and Walternate face a common enemy! 

Check out what else the cast had to say below, and scribble on the board your own theories for Fringe's future in the comments below!

Read more »

Comic-Con: The Hobbit Just Got a Little Funnier with Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry does it all. He writes, acts, speaks, blogs -- basically, he's putting us all out of jobs. His latest role will be that of an ordinary human, albeit one who gets to hang out with hobbits and dwarves and dragons.

Compared to the The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbitwas always a lighter adventure, a prequel meant for younger readers as a segue into the epic, dark experiences of the Fellowship of the Ring and their quest to Mordor. Keeping with his past trilogy, it's likely that Peter Jackson's upcoming adaptation of The Hobbit will keep the same grim tone, but with recent casting additions, there may be room in the film for a bit more comedy.

According to Peter Jackson's official Facebook page, British comedian/writer Stephen Fry has been cast in the film as the Master of Laketown. Bilbo Baggins and his posse of dwarves are welcomed to the town by the Master, who's real intentions are driven by greed and weakness.

Jackson and Fry have a previously relationship, spending a good part of the last decade working together on a remake of the 1955 war film The Dam Busters. Now Jackson's expanded his relationship with Fry, bringing him into theHobbit fold in a role that could be more substantial than the original text would have you believe, now that the source material is being broken into two parts.

For those unfamiliar with Fry, or simply need a reason to love this bit of casting, watch this:

Jackson also updated with a few more casting additions, including relative unknown Ryan Gage as the Master of Watertown's slimy servant Alfrid and Conan Stevens as the orc Azgog. Jackson posted a picture of himself and Stevens on set, to give you an idea how tall this lumbering actor really is (Jackson is aroundn 6'5"). Not someone you want to mess around with.

The Hobbit is a strong contender for a panel at SDCC this year, so keep your eyes peeled for official announcements soon.

Read more »

Comic-Con: The Hobbit Just Got a Little Funnier with Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry does it all. He writes, acts, speaks, blogs -- basically, he's putting us all out of jobs. His latest role will be that of an ordinary human, albeit one who gets to hang out with hobbits and dwarves and dragons.

Compared to the The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbitwas always a lighter adventure, a prequel meant for younger readers as a segue into the epic, dark experiences of the Fellowship of the Ring and their quest to Mordor. Keeping with his past trilogy, it's likely that Peter Jackson's upcoming adaptation of The Hobbit will keep the same grim tone, but with recent casting additions, there may be room in the film for a bit more comedy.

According to Peter Jackson's official Facebook page, British comedian/writer Stephen Fry has been cast in the film as the Master of Laketown. Bilbo Baggins and his posse of dwarves are welcomed to the town by the Master, who's real intentions are driven by greed and weakness.

Jackson and Fry have a previously relationship, spending a good part of the last decade working together on a remake of the 1955 war film The Dam Busters. Now Jackson's expanded his relationship with Fry, bringing him into theHobbit fold in a role that could be more substantial than the original text would have you believe, now that the source material is being broken into two parts.

For those unfamiliar with Fry, or simply need a reason to love this bit of casting, watch this:

Jackson also updated with a few more casting additions, including relative unknown Ryan Gage as the Master of Watertown's slimy servant Alfrid and Conan Stevens as the orc Azgog. Jackson posted a picture of himself and Stevens on set, to give you an idea how tall this lumbering actor really is (Jackson is aroundn 6'5"). Not someone you want to mess around with.

The Hobbit is a strong contender for a panel at SDCC this year, so keep your eyes peeled for official announcements soon.

Read more »

Venture Bros. 'Ladle' Out First Details of Animated Special

Adult Swim serves up the first details and synopsis from The Venture Bros. upcoming animated special "From the Ladle to the Grave: The Story of Shallow Gravy."

Frith Almighty, it's been a good six months since we've seen any new Venture Bros. but the good folks at Adult Swim are finally ready to ladle out a fresh helping!

A ways back we learned from Doc Hammer and Jackson Publick themselves that not only had The Venture Bros. Been renewed for a fifth and sixth season, but that their new contracts included both a 60-90 minute special, as well as a Summer short to tide over fans.  Thanks to the Adult Swim upfronts, we now have our first details of what to expect when the fifteen-minute short drops on July 24th.

The second Venture Bros. inter-season special in their history, this Summer special "From the Ladle to the Grave: The Story of Shallow Gravy" will outline the truly fictional story behind Hank, Dermott and H.E.L.P.E.R.'s legendary two-man-one-robot band Shallow Gravy, last seen rocking the titular madness of "Operation P.R.O.M!"

From the official press release:

THE VENTURE BROS. SPECIAL—FROM THE LADLE TO THE GRAVE: THE STORY OF SHALLOW GRAVY

See the Venture Family as you’ve never seen them before: in a 15-minute documentary-style animated special. Follow the meteoric rise, the equally meteoric fall, and the decidedly un-meteor-like second coming of the most important band Hank Venture, Dermott Fitctel and H.E.L.P.eR. robot have ever been in: Shallow Gravy. If you’re hungry for rock, then open wide, because here comes a ladle of heavy metal fire and metaphoric meat drippings. 

Launched on Adult Swim in August 2004, The Venture Bros. is an inspired spoof of 1960s action cartoon shows such as Johnny Quest. Created by Jackson Publick III (King of the Hill, The Tick), the 30-minute animated series follows the bizarre misadventures of the Venture family. The Venture Bros. Special—From the Ladle to the Grave: The Story of Shallow Gravy premieres July 24 on Adult Swim.

But that's not all!  You can also check out our five-part interview with creators Doc Hammer and Jackson Publick covering everything from today's movies and TV, to who and what we might expect when the Venture Bros. returns for their ten-episode fifth season! 

Read more »

Venture Bros. 'Ladle' Out First Details of Animated Special

Adult Swim serves up the first details and synopsis from The Venture Bros. upcoming animated special "From the Ladle to the Grave: The Story of Shallow Gravy."

Frith Almighty, it's been a good six months since we've seen any new Venture Bros. but the good folks at Adult Swim are finally ready to ladle out a fresh helping!

A ways back we learned from Doc Hammer and Jackson Publick themselves that not only had The Venture Bros. Been renewed for a fifth and sixth season, but that their new contracts included both a 60-90 minute special, as well as a Summer short to tide over fans.  Thanks to the Adult Swim upfronts, we now have our first details of what to expect when the fifteen-minute short drops on July 24th.

The second Venture Bros. inter-season special in their history, this Summer special "From the Ladle to the Grave: The Story of Shallow Gravy" will outline the truly fictional story behind Hank, Dermott and H.E.L.P.E.R.'s legendary two-man-one-robot band Shallow Gravy, last seen rocking the titular madness of "Operation P.R.O.M!"

From the official press release:

THE VENTURE BROS. SPECIAL—FROM THE LADLE TO THE GRAVE: THE STORY OF SHALLOW GRAVY

See the Venture Family as you’ve never seen them before: in a 15-minute documentary-style animated special. Follow the meteoric rise, the equally meteoric fall, and the decidedly un-meteor-like second coming of the most important band Hank Venture, Dermott Fitctel and H.E.L.P.eR. robot have ever been in: Shallow Gravy. If you’re hungry for rock, then open wide, because here comes a ladle of heavy metal fire and metaphoric meat drippings. 

Launched on Adult Swim in August 2004, The Venture Bros. is an inspired spoof of 1960s action cartoon shows such as Johnny Quest. Created by Jackson Publick III (King of the Hill, The Tick), the 30-minute animated series follows the bizarre misadventures of the Venture family. The Venture Bros. Special—From the Ladle to the Grave: The Story of Shallow Gravy premieres July 24 on Adult Swim.

But that's not all!  You can also check out our five-part interview with creators Doc Hammer and Jackson Publick covering everything from today's movies and TV, to who and what we might expect when the Venture Bros. returns for their ten-episode fifth season! 

Read more »

Magnet Releasing To Take You Beyond The Black Rainbow

The trippy sci-fi festival favorite from an alternate 1983 lands a distribution partner.

Panos Cosmatos' Beyond the Black Rainbow, the only memorable film from this year's Tribeca Film Festival, has landed a distribution partner.  And it is the right partner.

Our friends at Magnet Releasing, the sociopaths who brought us Rubber and Hobo With a Shotgun and Black Death and the upcoming Trollhunter, announced the deal the other day at the Cannes Film Festival.  It was swallowed by the news of Lars von Trier being a douche but, much like the insidious nature of this otherworldly film, the message has still seeped out.

Beyond the Black Rainbow is an endurance test - an intensely slow movie, focused on eerie tone over plot.  It bathes in the aesthetic of late '70s and early '80 science fiction, like a visit to EPCOT on some really bad LSD.

No timetable for VOD or theatrical release has been announced.

Below is the festival trailer.  If this doesn't turn you on, then you and I really have nothing to say to one another.

Check out my review of Beyond the Black Rainbow from the Tribeca Film Festival.

Read more »

Magnet Releasing To Take You Beyond The Black Rainbow

The trippy sci-fi festival favorite from an alternate 1983 lands a distribution partner.

Panos Cosmatos' Beyond the Black Rainbow, the only memorable film from this year's Tribeca Film Festival, has landed a distribution partner.  And it is the right partner.

Our friends at Magnet Releasing, the sociopaths who brought us Rubber and Hobo With a Shotgun and Black Death and the upcoming Trollhunter, announced the deal the other day at the Cannes Film Festival.  It was swallowed by the news of Lars von Trier being a douche but, much like the insidious nature of this otherworldly film, the message has still seeped out.

Beyond the Black Rainbow is an endurance test - an intensely slow movie, focused on eerie tone over plot.  It bathes in the aesthetic of late '70s and early '80 science fiction, like a visit to EPCOT on some really bad LSD.

No timetable for VOD or theatrical release has been announced.

Below is the festival trailer.  If this doesn't turn you on, then you and I really have nothing to say to one another.

Check out my review of Beyond the Black Rainbow from the Tribeca Film Festival.

Read more »

Dexter's Got A Brand-New Nanny For Season Six

Showtime announces former Off the Map star Aimee Garcia will join the sixth season of Dexter as Batista's sister and a new nanny for baby Harrison.

Ah, fresh blood. We aren't exactly sure what happened to Dexter's old nanny, but we don't mind another new face for season six one bit, particularly one this pretty.



Fresh off the cancellation of ABC's Off the Map, TVLine reports that Dexter has recruited Map star Aimee Garcia for a new role in the coming season as baby Harrison's new nanny Jamie, and none other than Angel Batista's sister herself! Could there be romance in the air, amidst all the blood spatter? After Lumen left (and thank Harry she did), we know Dexter doesn't mind getting down a bit in the wake of his wife's murder.

Oh, and don't worry about Dexter's former nanny Sonya, as the report points out "sources confirm she either got fired, quit, or died." Hmm. Alright then.

Garcia joins several new faces for the cast of season six, most recently hip-hop artist and actor Mos Def, and the big news of Colin Hanks' season-long recurring role as "Travis, a highly intelligent young expert on ancient artifacts who gets linked to a series of grisly murders in Miami."

Other known details for season six include the reveal that Dexter's relationship with sister Deb (Jennifer Carpenter) will take center stage this season, and the announcement of three as-yet-uncast recurring roles for the season.

Dexter begins shooting in Los Angeles May 25th for a likely Fall premiere of the sixth season's first episode, titled "Those Kinds of Things!" (SpoilerTV)

But don't take our word for it! Check out the teaser trailer, and make your bloody mark in the comments section below!

Read more »

Dexter's Got A Brand-New Nanny For Season Six

Showtime announces former Off the Map star Aimee Garcia will join the sixth season of Dexter as Batista's sister and a new nanny for baby Harrison.

Ah, fresh blood. We aren't exactly sure what happened to Dexter's old nanny, but we don't mind another new face for season six one bit, particularly one this pretty.



Fresh off the cancellation of ABC's Off the Map, TVLine reports that Dexter has recruited Map star Aimee Garcia for a new role in the coming season as baby Harrison's new nanny Jamie, and none other than Angel Batista's sister herself! Could there be romance in the air, amidst all the blood spatter? After Lumen left (and thank Harry she did), we know Dexter doesn't mind getting down a bit in the wake of his wife's murder.

Oh, and don't worry about Dexter's former nanny Sonya, as the report points out "sources confirm she either got fired, quit, or died." Hmm. Alright then.

Garcia joins several new faces for the cast of season six, most recently hip-hop artist and actor Mos Def, and the big news of Colin Hanks' season-long recurring role as "Travis, a highly intelligent young expert on ancient artifacts who gets linked to a series of grisly murders in Miami."

Other known details for season six include the reveal that Dexter's relationship with sister Deb (Jennifer Carpenter) will take center stage this season, and the announcement of three as-yet-uncast recurring roles for the season.

Dexter begins shooting in Los Angeles May 25th for a likely Fall premiere of the sixth season's first episode, titled "Those Kinds of Things!" (SpoilerTV)

But don't take our word for it! Check out the teaser trailer, and make your bloody mark in the comments section below!

Read more »

Oh Wait, this Ads from 1950

You are a bigoted, chauvinist pig!.. oh wait, this ad is from 1950

Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions expressed in these vintage advertisements do not represent those of Dark Roasted Blend, our editors and writers. We have nothing to do with it. We can only stare at it in utter stupefaction.



The ad above is "tasteless", indeed... Maybe people were coming out of depression and they needed to look healthier.

Weird lifestyle choices

Board the money... or a phone. The choice is yours.

Go Gay! and never look back (just don't call your company something like GayStyle, and put it on your business cards):

Treating Wives with Disrespect

Some of these ads you may have seen before. Do we even have to say, don't try this at home? Do we even have to?

Bad wife. Bad:

Sexism galore:

Some self-defense is in order, then -

The Wrinkle is dead. Somebody else might end up dead soon, too:

Relatively harmless stuff

This is not Viagra. This is better:

Jolt yourself back into health! -

Can not explode. And yet, with these creatures dancing on top of it, what if... it could? -

"So, what do you do when you come home from work?" - "I expand my lungs. It's lot of fun and satisfaction!" -

Doctors are out to lunch:

This must be fake:

(image via)

A couple of weirdly similar racist ads:

Look at my ads! No - look at my legs!

The secret to having great ideas:

Hold on, it's getting worse

The kids on the left don't stand a chance:

Beer helps nursing babies? -

Well, if not beer, then -

Shoot'em up! -

Mysterious Gadgets

We had a few "Mystery Vintage Gadgets" articles - see here, for example.

Would you buy Coca-Cola more, if you it be sold to you from this vehicle? -

Pure cocaine drops are better:

I want to be loved by the mothers! -

Read more »