Films Preliminary Listing

The films shown at Arisia 2014 will include:
  • Pacific Rim
  • Robot and Frank
  • Dead Snow
  • Sleeper
  • In Like Flint
  • The Cat From Outer Space

The silent movie will be "Hunchback of Notre Dame".

See the publications pages, when they are available, for the full schedule. In the meantime you can peruse the the preliminary schedule below.

 


 

Friday Afternoon

Sleeper {4:00pm}

Miles Monroe, played by Woody Allen, goes into the hospital for gall bladder surgery and due to a medical error wakes up after two centuries of cryonic suspension, into a totalitarian police state where he becomes a renegade and a tool of revolutionaries out to crush attempts to clone the recently deceased Great Leader from the cells of his nose. A hilarious satire on American culture of the 20th century, this film makes great fun of many SF films of the seventies most notably THX1138. This is Woody Allen when he was actually still funny and before he started taking himself too seriously.
In 16mm, 1 hr. 29 min.

At the Earth's Core {5:30pm}

It starts out as a steampunk adventure with Peter Cushing (the other Dr. Who) and a boring machine carrying him and an assistant deep into earth. But then, it turns into a trip through an underground city controlled by telepathic dinosaur birds that enslave men. Pinewood Studios' Finest!
In 16mm Eastmancolor, 1 hr. 30 min.

Panel: Beyond Sharknado {7:00pm}

Sharknado got the attention, but did you see Ghost Shark, in which an entire bikini car wash is eaten by a bucket? What about Ragin' Cajun Redneck Gators, with, well, exactly what it says on the label? Syfy's popcorn movies have been a tradition for years, with stars like Debbie Gibson and John Schneider forging their way through over-the-top dialogue and outrageous plots. We'll talk about the best (and worst) of Syfy, as well as what separates a good bad movie from the rest.

The UFO Experience {8:30pm}

A satirical look at the UFO craze of the 1970s, this fan-created film has been in production for twenty years and was only recently completed. It was premiered at this past Arisia to great acclaim. ``Ken Burns meets Ed Wood'' says Blithe. Starring a cast of thousands, many of them well-known fans. This educational satire will teach you many things you never knew about UFOs, some of which are completely contradictory.
In 16mm, 1 hr. Color by Cinelab

Silent: Hunchback of Notre Dame {10:00pm}

This early adaptation of the Victor Hugo classic was Universal's most successful film of the silent era. Lon Chaney Sr. (whose son later became famous as the Wolfman) plays the deaf, half-blind bell ringer of the cathedral innocently trying to survive as a complex web of intrigue weaves around him. The special effects and elaborate design made it unique at the time, with makeup considered so horrifying that crew members were made squeamish. Carl Sandburg calls it, ``a picture worth seeing'' and ``Surely the best piece of character work [Chaney] has done.'' This film will be accompanied by our live organist, Jeff Rapsis, who will give a short talk about it in advance.
In 16mm, approximately 2 hours

Saturday Morning

Cat from Outer Space {9:00am}

A stranded UFO is impounded by the government, and its pilot, a cat with a collar that amplifies brain waves, befriends Frank Wilson, one of the scientists called in to investigate it. This very silly Walt Disney production is being shown because Val wanted to see it, and you should bring your kids to see it too.
In 16mm, 1 hr. 44 min, Color by Fujodak

Panel: Man of Steel {11:00am}

Man of Steel was a huge hit, and is generating a sequel. But was it actually, you know, good? Is Zack Snyder's Superman-- who kills people in cold blood and seems willing to sacrifice lives to stop the bad guy-- a modern twist on the hero, or a pretender? Beyond the moral dilemmas, was the acting, dialogue, and plot enough to keep you engaged? Any thoughts on the sequel? Just feel like snarking about Ben Affleck? We'll cover it all here.

Mariner '69 {12:30pm}

While NASA was sending the first men to the moon they were also sending unmanned missions to Mars for the first time as well. This JPL-produced film details some of the later Mariner flights and what was learned about the red planet at the time.
In 16mm with a beautiful answer print, 20 min.}

Dead Snow {1:00pm}

A Norwegian movie about a group of friends on a skiing trip who encounter a horde of Nazi zombies who have been frozen since the war. Why are they there? What are they looking for? An homage to slasher movies but at the same time a dark comedy, it's a film that deserves far more attention than it ever got in its US release.
in 35mm, 1 hr, 31 min.

Preceded by Tele-Comics: Space Barton

This was the first cartoon show ever aired on network television. Consisting of still frames with voiceover, it's more like watching the comics on TV than a modern cartoon. Produced in 1950, it was off the air before television became popular, meaning that very few people today have seen or recall it. Dick Moores and Jack Boyd, who produced it, went on to greater things later in life.
In 16mm, 15 min

Saturday Afternoon

Message from Space {3:00pm}

With the coming of the Space Age and Project Ozma, mainstream culture had to deal with the notion that we might not be alone. In this 1966 Christian-oriented film, a scientist comes to grip with the idea that his religion is not inconsistent with the possibility of other intelligent life in the universe. Thoughtful and curious, it's one of very few pieces of Christian science fiction film out there, and the message it promotes is still a good one.
30 min, in 16mm

Jonny Quest: Monsters in the Monastery {3:30pm}

Dr. Banner takes the gang to Nepal to see his friend at a Buddhist monastery, but he finds that the monastery is being terrorized by yetis. Upon investigation, the yetis turn out not to be exactly what they seem at first, or are they?
In 16mm, 24 min

Panel: Ray Bradbury on Film {4:00pm}

Ray Bradbury, one of the greats of 20th Century literature, has had many of his works adapted to the screen. From Truffaut's take on Fahrenheit 451 to Jack Clayton's atmospheric Something Wicked This Way Comes, different directors have mined much from his works. Shorts, including The Twilight Zone and Ray Bradbury Theatre, have shown his versatility also. We'll talk about the ways Bradbury's works have hit the big and small screens over the years, opening with a 16mm presentation of The Veldt.

Robot and Frank {5:30pm}

Frank, a nice elderly man with increasing dementia, is having trouble getting around, and his son purchases a robot aid to take care of him. It turns out, though, that Frank's old career was burglary. As the robot becomes his friend, he teaches the robot a trade, in the process stealing jewels which sets the police after them. Susan Calvin would have approved. This is a story about friendship, about aging, and about misuse of technology. }In 35mm Cinemascope. 1 hr. 29 min.

Preceded by Jr. Star Trek

The winner of the 1969 WNET Young People's Filmmaking Contest, this Star Trek adaptation was done by ten-year old Peter Emshwiller, son of famous science fiction illustrator (and filmmaker) Ed Emshwiller. This classic piece of fan fiction was exhibited at conventions for years but has not been seen for a long time. }In 16mm, 8 min.

Movies from Lonestarcon {7:30pm}

If a man, and a famous author, were exposed to science fiction at the same time, the result would be fearsome indeed. For the result would be Lonestarcon! See Leslie Fish playing an actual guitar! Experience the thrill of the Science Fiction Outreach Project handing out free books! Yes, for free! View for yourself the amazing John Hertz judging spectacular masquerade costumes! An Arisia exclusive!
in 16mm Kludgearama, 12 min.

Pacific Rim {8:00pm}

Deep beneath the Pacific ocean, a giant monster emerges from a fissure leading from another world, but is defeated at great cost. The single attacker is found to be the vanguard of a whole army, and a program to develop giant robots to fight them begins. But, at that point, things change, and men learn a lot more about the kaiju than they had bargained for, as well as a lot more about themselves. This is not your father's giant lizard movie! It is the story of unlikely heroes going out to vanquish a seemingly undefeatable enemy.
in 35mm, 2 hr. 11 min

In Like Flint {10:15pm}

James Coburn plays secret agent Derek Flint who is called out of retirement when the Intelligence Chief discovers something amiss during a golf game with the president. This marvelous spoof of James Bond films involves a secret cabal of women taking over the world, and the cameo from Buzz Henry is worth the price of admission. A delighful comedy, a statement about the women's movement, a satire on American values, and great fun for everyone.
In 16mm, 1 hr. 45 min. Rectified television print from Cinemascope original

Dirty Movie: Devil In Miss Jones {midnight}

Historically significant for being one of a handful of films that legitimized the pornography industry in the early seventies and opened it to mainstream audiences, this film is also a classic fantasy. Roger Ebert calls it, ``The best hard-core porno film I've seen'' and lauds it for treating the leading character as a real person. A lonely young woman commits suicide and finds herself in an odd position rejected both by heaven and hell. She is sent back to earth with the admonition to sin some more in order to be admitted to hell, and she chooses the sin of lust which she discovers herself admirably equipped to enjoy. Variety says ``In Miss Jones, the hard core porno feature approaches an art form'' and you may find it has done more than just approach it. ID at door required, 18 and older only.
In 16mm, 1 hr. 2 min (plus trailer)

Sunday

Captain America {10:00am}

In the seventies, with a bad war going on, the energy crisis, and general malaise, Americans needed a superhero they could believe in: Captain America. This is the first episode that explains the creation of Captain America. No commies, pinkos, fellow-travellers, or water fluoridators allowed.
In 16mm, 24 min.

Johnny Sokko-- Last Show {10:30 am}

Johnny Sokko is a member of Unicorn, an international organization that fights against the evil Gargoyle Gang (who can be detected by their beatnik beards and stylish sunglasses), using his Giant Robot. After many years of showing this program at Arisia we have come to the last episode showing the demise of the Giant Robot. It is kind of sad. Warn children of sadness before watching!
In 16mm Fujicolor. 24 min.

Superfriends: Space Pirates {11:00am}

Pirates from outer space, flying huge wooden galleons (somehow reminiscent of the Space Battleship Yamato which premiered in Japan only two years earlier) invade earth and only the Superfriends with their super powers can prevent them from stealing the treasures hidden below Chichen Itza, Stonehenge, etc.
24 min, in 16mm

Panel: TV Year in Review {11:30am}

Our annual look back at SF, horror, and fantasy in 2013 on TV. What were the memorable shows? What are the new ones to watch? Vampires, time travel, super heroes-what's hot and what's not?

Robot and Frank (2nd show) {1:00pm}

Frank, a nice elderly man with increasing dementia, is having trouble getting around, and his son purchases a robot aid to take care of him. It turns out, though, that Frank's old career was burglary. As the robot becomes his friend, he teaches the robot a trade, in the process stealing jewels which sets the police after them. Susan Calvin would have approved. This is a story about friendship, about aging, and about misuse of technology.
in 35mm Cinemascope , 1 hr. 29 min

Preceded by Jr. Star Trek

The winner of the 1969 WNET Young People's Filmmaking Contest, this Star Trek adaptation was done by ten-year old Peter Emshwiller, son of famous science fiction illustrator (and filmmaker) Ed Emshwiller. This classic piece of fan fiction was exhibited at conventions for years but has not been seen for a long time.
In 16mm, 8 min.

Bad Film: Death by Television {3:00pm}

Isaac Asimov states that the worst thing a science fiction mystery can do is suddenly introduce a previously-undescribed technology at the end which explains the story. In this Bela Lugosi film, made while he was struggling to find any work at all due to his opiate addiction, the writers manage to introduce at least two. The wooden acting and clumsy characters help enhance the effect. Presented in conjunction with the Institute for Very Bad Cinema. MTSK3-like commentary encouraged.
60 min, in 16mm

Panel: State of the Trek 2014 {4:00pm}

The reboot of the Trek franchise by JJ Abrams was originally well-received, breathing new life into the franchise while seemingly respecting its roots. Last year's sequel was less well-received by fans. Which one represents the direction of the franchise, and is there hope for the future?

Classic Trailer Park {5:30pm}

Everybody's favorite event! Two hours of trailers for movies you love, movies you hate, and movies you've never heard of! Once again we reach into the dumpsters behind the movie theatre for the finest trailers possible, old and new.
2 hr. In damn near every format made

Sleeper (second showing) {7:30pm}

Miles Monroe, played by Woody Allen, goes into the hospital for gall bladder surgery and due to a medical error wakes up after two centuries of cryonic suspension, into a totalitarian police state where he becomes a renegade and a tool of revolutionaries out to crush attempts to clone the recently deceased Great Leader from the cells of his nose. A hilarious satire on American culture of the 20th century, this film makes great fun of many SF films of the seventies most notably THX1138. This is Woody Allen when he was actually still funny and before he started taking himself too seriously.
In 16mm, 1 hr. 29 min.

Dead Snow {9:45pm}

A Norwegian movie about a group of friends on a skiing trip who encounter a horde of Nazi zombies who have been frozen since the war. Why are they there? What are they looking for? An homage to slasher movies but at the same time a dark comedy, it's a film that deserves far more attention than it ever got in its US release.
in 35mm, 1 hr, 31 min.

Preceded by Tele-Comics: Space Barton

This was the first cartoon show ever aired on network television. Consisting of still frames with voiceover, it's more like watching the comics on TV than a modern cartoon. Produced in 1950, it was off the air before television became popular, meaning that very few people today have seen or recall it. Dick Moores and Jack Boyd, who produced it, went on to greater things later in life.
In 16mm, 15 min

FILM PLACEHOLDER C {11:30pm}

HALF HOUR SLOT 2 hrs.

Bad Movie: Hangar 18 {midnight}

The first satellite launched from the space shuttle is intercepted by a UFO, which then lands on earth. Since the president (Robert Vaughn) is worried about the elections coming in two weeks time, he has the spaceship taken to Area 51 and hushed up, but the astronauts who saw it go looking for it. MST3K discussion of the somewhat curious dialogue is encouraged and prizes will be awarded to people pointing out General Electric 650, Xerox Sigma 9, Data General and IBM/360 computers. Sponsored in conjunction with the Institute for Very Bad Cinema.
1 hr. 37 min, in 16mm

Monday Morning

Audience Choice {9:00am}

We will run any of the films listed for this weekend. You must arrive at 9 AM in order to cast your vote. Film will begin promptly at 9:15 after setup and preparation.

Unscheduled Shorts

Space Angel: National Bank Case

An entire bank has been carried off into space and Scott McCloud, Space Angel, is dispatched to find it. A curious product of the 1960s, this was filmed in the Synchrovox process with static cartoon drawings with live action lips superimposed.
in 16mm, 6 min.

Cinema Time Capsule (2013)

short documentary
5:32 - sound - 16mm or 35mm blowup - color by Foto-Kem

The Avon Cinema in Providence, RI. opened in February of 1938. Join the owner and staff for the celebration of its 75th anniversary.

The Exhibitor (2013)
short documentary
7;30 - sound - 16mm or 35mm blowup - color by Foto-Kem

Follow Dave Mead, projectionist at the Wellfleet Drive-In on Cape Cod, as he operates the equipment and discusses his craft.

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