Sunday, November 28, 2010

BOOK: MYSTERIES OF THE DIOGENES CLUB BY KIM NEWMAN


Coming from MonkeyBrain Books in December is the third volume of Kim Newman's wonderful Diogenes Club stories. In his seminal vampire epic ANNO DRACULA, Kim Newman reinvented the Diogenes Club similarly to how it was presented in Billy Wilder’s The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes, which is to say as a top-secret government organization involved with strange doings. In essence a sort of X-Files outfit, founded by Mycroft Holmes, keeping England’s shores safe from supernatural, psychic and alien oddities over the last 100 years or so.
 
By Kim Newman
Publisher: MonkeyBrain Books
Format: Trade Paperback 320 Pages
ISBN-10: 1932265309
ISBN-13: 978-1932265309

From the 1860s to the present day, these are the accounts of the Diogenes Club, whose agents solve crimes too strange for Britain's police, protecting the realm-and this entire plane of existence-from occult menaces, threats born in other dimensions, magical perfidy and the Deep Dark Deadly Ones. Kim Newman continues the series began in The Man From the Diogenes Club, revealing more mysteries of the British Empire's most secret service.

This volume collects the novellas 'Sorcerer Conjurer Wizard Witch', 'Kentish Glory: The Secrets of Drearcliff Grange School', 'Moon Moon Moon' and 'Organ Donors' as well as the serial novel 'Seven Stars'.

Order your copy of MYSTERIES OF THE DIOGENES CLUB today via Amazon USA by clicking here


Kim Newman's ANNO DRACULA is being re-released, with new bonus material, in May 2011 by Titan Books with the rest of the series following soon after.



By Kim Newman
Publisher: Titan Books
Format: Trade Paperback 320 Pages
ISBN-10: 0857680838
ISBN-13: 978-0857680838

It is 1888 and Queen Victoria has remarried, taking as her new consort Vlad Tepes, the Wallachian Prince infamously known as Count Dracula. Peppered with familiar characters from Victorian history and fiction, the novel tells the story of vampire Geneviève Dieudonné and Charles Beauregard of the Diogenes Club as they strive to solve the mystery of the Ripper murders.

Anno Dracula is a rich and panoramic tale, combining horror, politics, mystery and romance to create a unique and compelling alternate history. Acclaimed novelist Kim Newman explores the darkest depths of a reinvented Victorian London.

This brand-new edition of the bestselling novel contains unique bonus material, including a new afterword from Kim Newman, annotations, articles and alternate endings to the original novel.

Pre-order your copy of  ANNO DRACULA today via Amazon USA by clicking here

For more on Kim Newman visit his website http://www.johnnyalucard.com/

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

AUDIO CD: PETER CUSHING READS THE RETURN OF SHERLOCK HOLMES

In 1971 actor Peter Cushing recorded a fully unabridged reading of Arthur Conan Doyle's THE RETURN OF SHERLOCK HOLMES for the Royal National Institute for the Blind. The recording has previously only been available to registered blind users of RNIB audio recordings. In February 2011 Cosmic Hobo Productions will be releasing the first volume (of the massive 13 hour collection) to the general public. The release has been digitally re-mastered from the original recording, and includes new sleeve notes by Holmes expert David Stuart Davies.

Cushing gives a masterful and highly dramatic performance that showcases his talent for mimicry and various accents making this far more than a standard reading. At times he seems to almost be channeling his BBC Sherlock Holmes co-star Nigel Stock's voice when playing Watson. Highly recommended!

Volume 1 will be released on February 7, 2011. To pre-order via Amazon UK click here. Alternately, order direct from Cosmic Hobo before January 31 and use the discount code 'moriarty' at checkout to receive a 25% discount.

For more info on the release and to hear a sample visit the Cosmic Hobo Productions site by clicking here.

If you have an interest in actor Peter Cushing, you might also enjoy Cushing's reading of his second autobiographical book PAST FORGETTING, which is currently available from Cosmic Hobo Productions. Originally released in 1988, Cushing’s own reading of Past Forgetting has long been out of print. Now on CD for the first time, this edition includes a bonus documentary featuring some of those who worked with Cushing, and new sleeve notes by The League of Gentlemen’s Mark Gatiss.

To order PAST FORGETTING via Amazon UK click here.

For more info on the release and to hear a sample visit the Cosmic Hobo Productions site by clicking here.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

COMIC: VICTORIAN UNDEAD II: SHERLOCK HOLMES VS. DRACULA IN SHOPS NOV. 10

VICTORIAN UNDEAD II: SHERLOCK HOLMES VS. DRACULA #1 (OF 5)

Written by IAN EDGINTON; Art by DAVIDE FABBRI; Cover by RYAN SOOK
A year after the defeat of Professor Moriarty's revenant horde and the fire-bombing of London, restoration is well under way. Yet, from across the sea, ancient eyes cast their hungry gaze upon the still vulnerable capital…Dracula is coming!

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate the wreck of the ship, the Demeter – its crew missing, the corpse of its Captain lashed to the ship's wheel – and soon realize this is merely the opening salvo of war from beyond the grave! Don't miss this start to a bloodthirsty new 5-issue miniseries!

On Sale November 10, 2010

To view preview pages visit the Wildstorm News Blog by clicking here.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

TV: BBC SHERLOCK THE GREAT GAME AIRS ON PBS SUNDAY, NOV. 7

The US broadcast of the third episode - THE GREAT GAME - in the new updated BBC series SHERLOCK airs Sunday, November 7th at 9PM EDT (8 Central) on PBS as part of the MASTERPIECE MYSTERY series. For details visit the PBS MASTERPIECE MYSTERY SHERLOCK page.






To see the original unaired pilot be sure to pick up the DVD release. Also featured on the DVD are commentary tracks featuring creators Moffat and Gatiss as well as Cumberbatch and Freeman. Click here to order the DVD via Amazon.

COMIC: SHERLOCK HOLMES YEAR ONE

In January, the origin of one of the world's most iconic heroes - Sherlock Holmes - is revealed by writer Scott Beatty with art by one of Dynamite's new "finds" Daniel Lindro.  Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's dauntless detective returns in an all-new series of adventures exploring the sleuth's untold origins! Join Dr. John Watson as he meets young Sherlock Holmes in a fateful encounter that will forever shape both men's destinies! Mysteries and murders most foul abound as we discover clues that reveal just how Holmes became the world's most famous detective!  Discover more about the beginnings of the iconic Sherlock Holmes this January!

"Here's the deal: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson are the ORIGINAL partners-in-crimefighting," says writer Scott Beatty. "Sherlock Holmes: Year One is no mere ‘Year One' story. For both Watson and readers, Sherlock Holmes IS the mystery. Who is he? Where does he come from? What drives him? Watson is compelled to find out. And it'll take more than deductive reasoning to solve the most important case of the detectives' careers, a dozen murders laid squarely at their feet!"
"We were very proud how our first Sherlock Holmes mini-series performed, both critically and commercially, and when collected, we were fortunate in that the Hardcover and TPB both exceeded our expectations in sales." says Dynamite Entertainment President Nick Barrucci.  "Our fans wanted more Sherlock Holmes comic books, but we did not wish to rush a series out, and we waited to strive for the best possible creative team for the origin of Sherlock Holmes.  The story that Leah (Moore) and John (Reppion) told in the first issue received praise from fans to contemporary comic book writers from Ed Brubaker to Joe Michael Straczynski, Damon Lindenolf and other luminaries.  We wanted to wait till we had just the right story, and have with  Scott Beatty - who did a fantastic job on Ruse -  as writer and new found artist Daniel Lindro as artist.  To top it off, we have covers by Aaron Campbell who rendered the art on our premiere Sherlock Holmes series as well as drawing Green Hornet: Year One with Matt Wagner, and Francesco Francavilla who is currently drawing Marvel's Man Without Fear.  Sherlock Holmes: Year One will not disappoint!"
"It's my privilege to be associated with such a venerable and influential character," says cover artist Aaron Campbell.   "Dynamite's Sherlock Holmes stories, which I was fortunate to draw the interiors of the last series, can be just as exciting and relevant today as they were 100 years ago!"

"I have been a Sherlock Holmes fan since I was a kid, watching Basil Rathbone's movies and reading Doyle's novels," adds cover artist Francesco Francavilla. "So it's no surprise I am very happy to be part of Dynamite's new Sherlock series as a cover artist."

Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective created by Scottish author, Arthur Conan Doyle in 1887. As a brilliant London-based detective, Holmes is famous for his astute logical reasoning, his ability to take almost any disguise, and his forensic science skills to solve difficult cases.


For art and more information, please visit: www.dynamiteentertainment.com

ABOUT DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT:

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT, the publishing division of DYNAMIC FORCES, INC., was founded in 2004 and is home to several best-selling comic book titles and properties, including Red Sonja, Green Hornet, Project Superpowers, The Boys, Army of Darkness, Battlestar Galactica, The Lone Ranger, Zorro and more!

In addition to their critically-acclaimed titles and best selling comics, Dynamite works with some of the most high profile creators in comics and entertainment, including Alex Ross, John Cassaday, Garth Ennis, Michael Turner, Jim Lee, Michael Avon Oeming, Brian Reed, Mel Rubi, Marc Guggenheim, Stephen Sadowski, Mike Carey, Jim Krueger, Greg Pak, Brett Matthews, Matt Wagner and a host of up and coming new talent and fan favorite creators!

DYNAMITE is consistently ranked in the upper tiers of comic book publishers and several of their more recent launches - including Alex Ross and Jim Krueger's PROJECT SUPERPOWERS - have debuted in the Top Ten lists produced by Diamond Comics Distributors. In 2005 Diamond awarded the company a GEM award for Best New Publisher and another GEM in 2006 for Comics Publisher of the Year (under 5%). The company has also been nominated for several industry awards, including the prestigious Eisner Award.
Aside from their monthly periodical comic book series, DYNAMITE also produces new and classic material, including Tim Truman's SCOUT, Carlos Trillo and Eduardo Risso's BORDERLINE and TALES OF TERROR, Jim Starlin's DREADSTAR, as well as reprint editions of classic RED SONJA material.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

TV: BBC SHERLOCK US BROADCAST SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24 ON PBS

The US broadcast of the new updated BBC series SHERLOCK begins Sunday, October 24th at 9PM (8 Central) on PBS as part of the MASTERPIECE MYSTERY series. For details visit the PBS MASTERPIECE MYSTERY SHERLOCK page.



Benedict Cumberbatch (Small Island, Starter For Ten) and Martin Freeman (The Office, Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy) star in Sherlock, a thrilling, fast-paced update of Arthur Conan Doyle's classic detective, set in present-day London, for BBC One.

Sherlock is co-created by the hugely talented partnership of Steven Moffat (Doctor Who, Coupling) and Mark Gatiss (The League Of Gentlemen, Crooked House, Doctor Who) and produced by Sue Vertue (Coupling, The Cup).

The three, 90-minute films, written by Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss and Steve Thompson (Whipping It Up, Mutual Friends) are directed by Paul McGuigan (Lucky Number Slevin, Gangster No. 1, The Acid House) and Euros Lyn (Doctor Who, Torchwood).

In this unique adaptation, the iconic details from Conan Doyle's original books remain. They live at the same address, are only interested in the bizarre and, somewhere out there, Moriarty is waiting for them.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

COMIC: VICTORIAN UNDEAD SPECIAL JEKYLL AND HYDE

As a lead-in to the forthcoming second series of VICTORIAN UNDEAD (Coming in November) this week sees the release of Wildstorm's VICTORIAN UNDEAD SPECIAL #1.

The critically acclaimed series returns! London is recovering from the frightful destruction at the hands of Moriarty's undead army, and like their neighbors, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson set about rebuilding their lives. But a rash of murders leads them to believe that a zombie might have survived the quarantine and the hunt begins...leading them to the doorstep of one Dr. Jekyll!
Written by IAN EDGINTON
Art by HORACIO DOMINGUES
Cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
Size: 40 Pages


Also coming from Wildstorm in November...


VICTORIAN UNDEAD II: SHERLOCK HOLMES VS. DRACULA 

Written by IAN EDGINTON; Art by DAVIDE FABBRI; Cover by RYAN SOOK

A year after the defeat of Professor Moriarty's revenant horde and the fire-bombing of London, restoration is well under way. Yet, from across the sea, ancient eyes cast their hungry gaze upon the still vulnerable capital…Dracula is coming!

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate the wreck of the ship, the Demeter – its crew missing, the corpse of its Captain lashed to the ship's wheel – and soon realize this is merely the opening salvo of war from beyond the grave! Don't miss this start to a bloodthirsty new 5-issue miniseries!

On Sale November 10, 2010




Saturday, September 25, 2010

FILM: STEPHEN FRY CAST IN RITCHIE SHERLOCK HOLMES SEQUEL

On The Danny Baker radio show of September 25, 2010 actor Stephen Fry casually mentioned that he's been cast as Mycroft Holmes in Guy Ritchie's sequel to the Robert Downey Jr starring SHERLOCK HOLMES film.

Also confirmed for the sequel are returning stars Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law, as well as newcomer Noomi Rapace. The film is currently in pre-prodcution with an expected release date of November 16, 2011.


Thursday, September 2, 2010

DVD: BBC SHERLOCK R1 DVD NOVEMBER 9, 2010

The first season of the BBC series SHERLOCK, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, receives a North American (Region 1) DVD and Blu-Ray release on November 9, 2010. Click here to pre-order SHERLOCK at Amazon.com. The DVD will feature the three 90-minute episodes as well as the unaired original pilot and a couple commentary tracks.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

TV: 2ND SERIES OF SHERLOCK CONFIRMED

Jay Hunt, Controller of BBC One, confirmed at the Edinburgh Television Festival today that two of the nation's most talked about dramas – Sherlock and Luther – have been recommissioned.
Jay Hunt says: "Sherlock was the hit of the Summer. Luther the most memorable new detective on the block. I am delighted they will both be returning to BBC One."

Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as John Watson, became a national phenomenon, being discussed in the House of Commons, Tweeted across the globe and even inspiring the next Autumn men's collections. It will return for another series of three 90-minute feature length episodes.

Co-creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat says: "We've been overwhelmed by the warmth of response to our new Sherlock Holmes and John Watson and can't wait to take them on three new adventures next year. There'll be baffling new puzzles, old friends and new enemies – whether on two or four legs. And we might well be seeing the cold master of logic and reason unexpectedly falling. But in love? Or over a precipice? Who can tell?"

Friday, July 23, 2010

THEATRE: SHERLOCK [ABRIDGED] THE CASE OF THE PORCELAIN TONGUE

Press Release:

SHERLOCK [abridged] THE CASE OF THE PORCELAIN TONGUE

Imagine the entire canon of novels and short stories about Sherlock Holmes.
Now imagine them distilled into one definitive Sherlock Holmes story. And so
you have it: The Case of the Porcelain Tongue.
Holmes and Watson must foil the machinations of the villainous Hodley
Blackscar as he attempts to steal a fabulous, diamond-encrusted porcelain
tongue from his beautiful step-daughter. Along the way, our heroes come up against clues, danger, and dangerous clues. What is the secret of Hodley Blackscar? Who is the mysterious Blackley Hodscar? And will Watson find another wife to add to his collection?

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION:
Sherlock (abridged) is the second collaboration between Matthew Woodcock, Peter Davis and producer Frazer Brown, under the Theatre (abridged) banner. Their acclaimed original production, Hamlet (abridged), co-written with Simon Kane (Mitchell and Webb; Shunt’s Money), made its debut at the 2008 Camden Fringe. They return in full force, bringing their frenetic energy and surreal wit to the world’s greatest detective and his lady-loving sidekick.

CAMDEN FRINGE UPSTAIRS AT THE GATEHOUSE 2010:
Producer Frazer Brown has programmed an eclectic group of shows exclusively for the Camden Fringe 2010 at the respected fringe venue Upstairs at the Gatehouse. Dubbed ‘CF10 Upstairs’, the programme includes classic plays and brand new productions, including exclusive world premieres. The first Camden Fringe took place in August 2006 at the Etcetera Theatre and included 57 performances by 22 acts. It has grown steadily since then and last year there were 399 performances by 116 different acts in 4 separate venues. There has been an 80% increase in ticket sales each year since 2007. More details can be found www.camdenfringe.org

ABOUT FRAZER BROWN and RTC:
Founded in 2005 by Cassie Wadsworth and Frazer Brown, RTC prides itself on pioneering new and exciting works as well as supporting rising directors who bring a fresh and modern approach to new writing and established theatre classics. Recent projects have included the West End run of Dorian Gray (starring Matthew James Thomas).

Cast: Peter Davis and Matthew Woodcock
8th–10th August 2010 6pm
Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate
Tickets £7.50
Box Office: www.camdenfringe.org or 08444 77 1000

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

TV: BBC SHERLOCK AIRS JULY 25

Episode 1 of SHERLOCK airs Sunday, July 25th on BBC One & BBC HD

BBC PRESS RELEASE

Other detectives have cases, Sherlock has adventures...


Benedict Cumberbatch (Small Island, Starter For Ten) and Martin Freeman (The Office, Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy) star in Sherlock, a thrilling, fast-paced update of Arthur Conan Doyle's classic detective, set in present-day London, for BBC One.

Sherlock is co-created by the hugely talented partnership of Steven Moffat (Doctor Who, Coupling) and Mark Gatiss (The League Of Gentlemen, Crooked House, Doctor Who) and produced by Sue Vertue (Coupling, The Cup).

The three, 90-minute films, written by Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss and Steve Thompson (Whipping It Up, Mutual Friends) are directed by Paul McGuigan (Lucky Number Slevin, Gangster No. 1, The Acid House) and Euros Lyn (Doctor Who, Torchwood).

In this unique adaptation, the iconic details from Conan Doyle's original books remain. They live at the same address, are only interested in the bizarre and, somewhere out there, Moriarty is waiting for them.

Sherlock also stars Rupert Graves (God On Trial, Midnight Man) as Detective Inspector Lestrade, Scotland Yard's finest, largely because Sherlock allows him to take credit for his deductions, and Una Stubbs (EastEnders, The Catherine Tate Show) as Mrs Hudson, their long-suffering housekeeper.

Steven Moffat says: "Everything that matters about Holmes and Watson is the same. Conan Doyle's stories were never about frock coats and gas light – they're about brilliant detection, dreadful villains and blood curdling crimes and frankly, to hell with the crinoline.

"Mark and I have been talking about this project for years, on long train rides to Cardiff for Doctor Who. Quite honestly, we'd still be talking about it if Sue Vertue, of Hartswood Films, hadn't sat us down for lunch and got us to work."

Mark Gatiss says: "The fact that Steven, myself and millions of others are still addicted to Conan Doyle's brilliant stories is testament to their indestructibility. 

"They're as vital, lurid, thrilling and wonderful as they ever were. It's a dream come true to be making a new TV series and, in Benedict and Martin, we have the perfect Holmes and Watson for our time."

Sherlock was commissioned by Jay Hunt, Controller of BBC One, and Ben Stephenson, Controller of BBC Drama Commissioning. 

Sherlock is executive produced by Beryl Vertue, Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat. The BBC executive producer is Bethan Jones.

Sherlock is a Hartswood Films production for BBC Wales, co-produced with Masterpiece. Rebecca Eaton is the executive producer for Masterpiece. 

Sherlock is simulcast on the BBC HD channel – the BBC's High Definition channel, available through Freesat 108, Freeview 50, Sky 143 and Virgin 108.

More info at the BBC PRESS OFFICE.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

DVD: SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE SHADOW WATCHERS TRAILER

Back in January I posted a press release about Anthony D.P. Mann's Canadian indie film project SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE SHADOW WATCHERS.

Synopsis:

The sensational details of a gruesome murder in The Daily Gazette have London in a panic, as a blood-thirsty madman - more vicious than Jack the Ripper - preys upon the city. Of greater concern to Scotland Yard, however, is that the account of the murder was published nearly two hours prior to the crime having been committed! 

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson – the Great Detective and his faithful assistant and chronicler – find themselves challenged with one of their most baffling cases - “The Case of the Woman Who Was Murdered Tomorrow”!

Will an innocent man be sent to the gallows?

How much blood will be shed before a scarred fiend is brought to justice? …And who are the mysterious Shadow Watchers, a coven of ominous figures who orchestrate terror from within the darkness?

Starring Anthony D.P. Mann as Holmes and Terry Wade as Dr. Watson, “Sherlock Holmes and the Shadow Watchers” is a horrifying new adventure, produced with the kind permission of the Conan Doyle Estate*.
DVD / Online Release: 2010

Now here's a trailer for it.






For more info on SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE SHADOW WATCHERS visit the official site at sherlockholmesadventures.ca/

COMIC: SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE BAKER STREET IRREGULARS


SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE BAKER STREET IRREGULARS is a series of four graphic novel stories to be released by Franklin Watts / EDGE books, a division of Hachette Children’s Books, in March of 2011.

Written by Tony Lee, with art by Dan Boultwood, these four books are said to chronicle the adventures of the Baker Street Irregulars, Holmes’ street urchin aides, during the period of the Great Hiatus when Holmes was believed dead after his fateful encounter with Professor James Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls. Stories titles are: 'The Adventure Of The Missing Detective’, ‘The Adventure Of The Phantom Of Drury Lane’, ‘The Adventure Of  The Charge Of  The Old Brigade’ and ‘The Adventure Of The Family Reunion.’ In an effort to place the stories in Canonical context, Sherlockian expert Leslie S. Klinger was brought in as a consultant on the project.

For more information on SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE BAKER STREET IRREGULARS check out the official blog/site at thebakerstreetirregulars.com

You can also find a couple sample pages at BleedingCool.com.

More info here when available.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

DVD: TOM AND JERRY MEET SHERLOCK HOLMES - AUGUST 2010

Warner Brothers, clearly exercising their Sherlock Holmes license, have produced a direct-to-DVD animated film called TOM AND JERRY MEET SHERLOCK HOLMES. Running approx. 44 minutes the film is set for release to DVD on August 24, 2010. To pre-order a copy at Amazon.com click here.

A trailer can be viewed by clicking here.

Friday, May 21, 2010

DVD: 1965 DOUGLAS WILMER SHERLOCK HOLMES SERIES TO DVD SEPTEMBER 2010

According to a BBC America Press release on April 16th, 2010 the BBC and Warner Home Video are planning a release of the 11 surviving complete episodes of the 1965 BBC Television series starring Douglas Wilmer as Sherlock Holmes. Details on the release appear at TVShowsOnDVD.com


The 2-DVD package has a $19.98 SRP, and is expected to include the following:
  • Pilot: The Speckled Band
  • Episode 1 - The Illustrious Client
  • Episode 2 - The Devil's Foot
  • Episode 3 - The Copper Beeches
  • Episode 4 - The Red-Headed League
  • Episode 6 - The Six Napoleons
  • Episode 7 - The Man with the Twisted Lip
  • Episode 8 - The Beryl Coronet
  • Episode 9 - Charles Augustus Milverton
  • Epsiode 10 - The Retired Colourman
  • Episode 11 - The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax
Note: Two episodes of the Douglas Wilmer series in the BBC archives are believed to be incomplete -"The Abbey Grange" and "The Bruce-Partington Plans" - so are not included in this release.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

VIRTUAL COLLECTION: 150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF SYDNEY PAGET

To mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of iconic Sherlock Holmes artist Sydney Paget, most famous for his illustrations in The Strand Magazine, Peggy Perdue, curator of the The Arthur Conan Doyle Collection, Special Collections Department, Toronto Reference Library, Toronto Public Library has assembled a marvelous virtual gallery celebrating Paget and his work.

To view this virtual gallery click here.


Full URL for gallery: http://ve.torontopubliclibrary.ca/sidney_paget/index.html

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

LIVE GASLIGHT GROTESQUE AUTHOR CHAT AT BITTEN BY BOOKS APRIL 21, 2010

A live real-time online chat with various contributors to GASLIGHT GROTESQUE: NIGHTMARE TALES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES will take place on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at the Bitten By Books site. Simply sign-in, post a question and whichever author or editor is close to hand will answer it. To RSVP please click here.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

BOOK: SHERLOCK HOLMES FOR DUMMIES RELEASED

Sherlock Holmes is No Longer a Mystery for Dummies!

You no longer need to be a Sherlock Holmes to discover why the Great Detective has remained popular for over 100 years. It's elementary with Wiley Publishing's brand new Sherlock Holmes for Dummies, by Steven Doyle!

Sherlock Holmes is a classic character that has fascinated readers for decades, and now this indispensable guide explores the enduring detective’s stories like never before. In Sherlock Holmes for Dummies, you'll discover the rich characters, recurring themes, and social context of Arthur Conan Doyle’s
tales; the influence of Holmes on literature and pop culture; and why his stories still offer endless and fascinating new discoveries to readers.

"For over a century, Sherlock Holmes has mesmerized readers,"
comments Steven Doyle, author of Sherlock Holmes for Dummies. "Holmes set
the standard for detective fiction, and has inspired hundreds of fan clubs and
literary societies around the world."


Every aspect of the Sherlockian phenomenon is covered in Sherlock Holmes for Dummies. The reader will meet Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the man who created the world’s greatest detective, and learn about Victorian London, where the Holmes stories take place.

There's new insight into the classic novel The Hound of the Baskervilles, as well as the forensics and detective work that made Sherlock Holmes famous. You'll discover why Holmes and Watson are such beloved characters, and experience Sherlock Holmes today, from the ever-expanding network of worldwide fans, to story locations that fans can visit. It’s all covered in Sherlock Holmes for Dummies. Nicholas Meyer, movie director, screen writer, and author of the best-selling The Seven-Per-Cent Solution, says that “Sherlock Holmes for Dummies is essential reading."

Steven Doyle is a member of the Baker Street Irregulars, the legendary
Sherlockian literary society founded in 1934, and has written or edited six
previous books on Sherlock Holmes. He is co-founder of Wessex Press, the world’s premier publisher of books on the Great Detective.

Click here to order from Amazon.com

Monday, March 1, 2010

AUDIO CD: BIG FINISH: HOLMES AND THE RIPPER COMING APRIL

Hot on the heels of their previous Sherlock Holmes audio releases (David Stuart Davies' one-man plays Sherlock Holmes - The Last Act and Sherlock Holmes - The Death and Life), Big Finish is rolling out a full-cast adaptation of Brian Clemens' play Holmes and the Ripper. The cast features Nicholas Briggs (Dr. Who voice of the Daleks) as Sherlock Holmes and Richard Earl as Dr. John H. Watson, alongside India Fisher (Katherine Mead), Lex Shrapnel (Netley),  Samuel Clemens (The Stranger), Matt Addis (Sir William Gull), Ian Brooker (Assistant Commissioner Anderson), Beth Chalmers (Mrs Hudson), David Peart (Lord Salisbury), and John Banks (Saunders). For details on the cast click here.

Synopsis:
 
The grisly serial killings of prostitutes and vulnerable women in Victorian Whitechapel, dubbed by the popular press as the work of ‘Jack the Ripper’ are the talk of London, and from deep within the smog-ridden slums, yet another piercing shriek is heard.

Sherlock Holmes
and Dr John H. Watson are drawn into one of the darkest plots ever to shake the foundations of England. There are freemasons, conspiracies and plots at the highest level of the establishment.

But for Holmes, there is a uniquely personal element to this new and terrifying case…


This 2-disc CD set (or download), will be available April, 2010. For further details visit the Big Finish Sherlock Holmes website. Be sure to check out the audio trailer!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

AWARDS: SHERLOCK HOLMES ON THE RONDO HATTON CLASSIC HORROR AWARDS BALLOT



The Eighth Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards are in full swing and surprise, surprise Sherlock Holmes, in a variety of forms (Film, DVD, Comic Book), has landed on the ballot.Voting is open to everyone, so go along to the Rondo Awards website and cast a vote for Sherlock Holmes, along with a slew of other great horror nominees today!

For Best Movie of 2009:
- SHERLOCK HOLMES. The Guy Ritchie directed feature film with Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law as Watson.

For Best DVD TV Collection:
- BBC SHERLOCK HOLMES. Peter Cushing stars as Sherlock Holmes alongside Nigel Stock as Watson in the North American DVD release of the 5 remaining BBC episodes of the 1968 television series.

For Best Horror Comic Book:
- VICTORIAN UNDEAD. Written by Ian Edginton with art by David Fabbri, this Wildstorm series pits Holmes and Watson against a legion of undead zombies.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

COMIC: WILDSTORM'S VICTORIAN UNDEAD #3 RELEASED JANUARY 27, 2010

The third issue of Wildstorm's VICTORIAN UNDEAD comic book mini-series pitting Sherlock Holmes against a zombie menace in Victorian London hit comic shops earlier this week. In this latest issue Mycroft Holmes, after rescuing his brother and Dr. Watson from an underground zombie attack in issue 2, explains some of the suppressed background to the newly awakened zombie menace and before the issue is through we find Holme, Watson and Mrs. Hudson facing a new outbreak on the very doorstep of 221B Baker Street!

Simply put, this series is turning out to be a fascinating and well-conceived read and is fast becoming my all-time favourite original incarnation of Sherlock Holmes in the comic book medium. Fun story by Ian Edginton and great artwork by Davide Fabbri! Highly Recommended!

Friday, January 22, 2010

TRAILER: THE ASYLUM'S SHERLOCK HOLMES MOVIE TRAILER


Coming to DVD on January 26, 2010 is The Asylum's straight to video film SHERLOCK HOLMES. The film stars Gareth David-Lloyd (Torchwood's Ianto) as Watson, Dominic Keating as Spring Heeled Jack and Ben Syder as Sherlock Holmes. For more on SHERLOCK HOLMES visit The Asylum website. To order the DVD through our Amazon USA store click here.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

DVD: NEW CANADIAN INDIE SHERLOCK HOLMES FILM ANNOUNCED


Press Release received Saturday, January 16, 2010 (Posted entirely as received without editorial comment):


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The game's afoot! - A New Sherlock Holmes film is in production in Kingston.

While post-holiday audiences are still flocking to the cinema to take-in Hollywood's new Sherlock Holmes movie, something quite exciting is afoot much closer to home.

Kingston, Ontario will be standing-in for Victorian London over the next few months, as the world of consulting detective Sherlock Holmes is brought to life for a new film project, produced with the kind permission of the Conan Doyle Estate.

Several years ago, Kingston-based actor Anthony D.P. Mann shot an amateur short-film version of the Holmes mystery "The Hound of the Baskervilles" in town, which has been seen around the world. He admits that the previous production was incredibly flawed "for several reasons, including mistakes made by a first-time film-maker, and my lack of resemblance to the part!" (Mann was significantly overweight at the time, and not in very good health).

Fast-forward several years later, and now Anthony's getting a chance to bring his beloved character (which he has previously played on Montreal radio and stage) back to life on the screen in an exciting and original mystery entitled "Sherlock Holmes and the Shadow Watchers". Having honed his acting and film-making talents in the interim - and taken 100 pounds off in the process - Anthony is confident that this new production will be met with great interest when it is released on DVD and digital download in Summer  2010, thanks to a revived interest in the Sherlock Holmes adventures in the wake of the new Hollywood film starring Robert Downey Jr, and the fact that this film is being made with the permission of Conan Doyle's representatives.

Casting is now completed, and filming commences for a three-month block the first week of February.  The film's official website is now "live" (www.sherlockholmesadventures.ca), and will feature regular video updates and other assorted goodies as the film nears completion. There are already photographs, a video, and detailed information about the movie to be found.

Interest in this production has already been very encouraging (for instance, some sponsorship has been provided by Peterson Pipes of Dublin) and we hope that both local, foreign, and Sherlockian media will assist us in making an "event" out of this unique project. Anthony would love to chat with you about the film, and the remarkable road it has taken to get here - conquering serious health issues, negotiating with the Conan Doyle's estate, and his continuing pursuit of a dream. We can be reached for inquiries at:

Email: info@sherlockholmesadventures.ca
Websites: www.sherlockholmesadventures.ca / www.anthonydpmann.com

Friday, January 15, 2010

BOOK: NEW EDITION OF BENDING THE WILLOW IN THE WORKS!


Fans of Jeremy Brett and the Granada Sherlock Holmes series who have been struggling to find a reasonably priced copy of David Stuart Davies' excellent study BENDING THE WILLOW on the secondary book market can breathe a sigh of relief. The fine folks at Calabash Press (Christopher and Barbara Roden) have just announced that a new edition is in the works.

You can reserve a copy, or ask for further details by emailing bendingthewillow@gmail.com or join the Facebook page by clicking here.


Copy info for the previous 2002 edition:

"Jeremy Brett's portrayal of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous detective is widely recognised as the best yet seen.

Before his untimely death in 1995, Brett had made the part his own, all the time battling against the manic depression which had plagued him for many years. Bending the Willow examines how this brilliant actor channelled the demons of his debilitating illness into his iridescent portrayal of Sherlock Holmes.

In this fascinating and perceptive study, David Stuart Davies draws on the many conversations he had with Jeremy Brett and key people involved with the Granada Television series and the stage play The Secret of Sherlock Holmes. The result is the first detailed assessment of all of Jeremy Brett's performances as Sherlock Holmes."

 It's a great book and belongs in the collection of every Jeremy Brett or Granada Sherlock Holmes fan.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

AUDIO CD: SHERLOCK HOLMES MOVIE SOUNDTRACK RELEASED


If you enjoyed Hans Zimmer's brilliant score for Guy Ritchie's SHERLOCK HOLMES film you'll be pleased to find that the original soundtrack has now been released to CD and is also available in a variety of MP3 downloads.

To order the soundtrack CD via Amazon USA click here.

Track List:

1. Discombobulate
2. Is It Poison, Nanny
3. I Never Woke Up In Handcuffs Before
4. My Mind Rebels At Stagnation
5. Data, Data, Data
6. He's Killed The Dog Again
7. Marital Sabotage
8. Not In Blood, But In Bond
9. Ah, Purification
10. Panic, Sheer Bloody Panic
11. Psychological Recovery.....6 Months
12. Catatonic