Highbrow Magazine - house of cards https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/house-cards en What’s in Store for ‘Orange Is the New Black’ This Season? https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/3984-what-s-store-orange-new-black-season <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Thu, 05/15/2014 - 09:54</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1orangeshow.jpg?itok=AmHOd2bX"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1orangeshow.jpg?itok=AmHOd2bX" width="480" height="240" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p>The past few years have not only brought about excellent new TV shows, but also a changing landscape for television distribution. Some of the best shows today aren’t even available on ordinary or cableTV channels, but instead can be found only online. Internet-only access to shows is a system that appears to be growing rapidly, especially when considering Yahoo’s recent announcement that<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2615468/Yahoo-2-comedy-series-video-expansion.html"> it, too, will be producing a series soon</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p>Of course, the reigning king of online Web series is still Netflix. With a power portfolio of critically adored shows such as<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1856010/"> <em>House of Cards</em></a>,<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367279/"> <em>Arrested Development</em></a>, and, of course,<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2372162/"> <em>Orange Is The New Black</em></a>, the streaming giant has suddenly become poised to compete against previous power players like HBO.</p> <p> </p> <p>Perhaps Netflix’s most vocally admired show is the aforementioned <em>Orange Is The New Black</em>. Critics love the off-kilter dark comedy, a main factor which likely secured the show the TV Program of the Year award this past year from the American Film Institute. <em>The Washington Post’s </em>Hank Stuever also sang the show’s praises, particularly for allowing its largely female cast to explore multiple characters and personas that have otherwise been kept off limits on traditional television series.</p> <p> </p> <p>As Stuever said <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/netflixs-orange-is-the-new-black-brilliance-behind-bars/2013/07/11/d52f911e-e9aa-11e2-8f22-de4bd2a2bd39_story.html">in his review of the first season</a>, “Watching the show, one begins to realize that all the good parts for women truly have been kept locked up somewhere; now, here they all are, free (in at least one sense) to be portrayed.” He’s not alone in his praise of the strong female cast, with the Boston Globe’s <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/television/2013/07/10/orange-new-black-yuppie-interrupted/sfQieZah74YFAVWZYugu2O/story.html">Matthew Gilbert also declaring</a>, “Schilling is surrounded by uniformly strong performances. [Laura] Prepon is a revelation as Piper’s ex, and [Uzo] Aduba masterfully balances humor and terror as the woman who falls for Piper and calls her ‘Dandelion.’ As Red, [Kate] Mulgrew is a top dog who only needs to be scratched in the right spots to relax a bit.”</p> <p> </p> <p>Even now, almost a year after the first season was released, the series is still being discussed by fans on social media, as evidenced by scores of tweets compiled by social media tracking tool<a href="http://www.viralheat.com/"> Viral Heat</a>. Even a few celebrities are getting in on the action as well.</p> <p> </p> <p>With the second season of <em>OISTB</em> set to be released on June 6th, many fans are practically panting with anticipation for the new episodes (which are all released at once, making it prime binge-watching material). Of course, speculation about where the second season will go has run rampant since last summer, and Netflix has been good at keeping a lid on all the show’s secrets. However, there are a few major theories out there that seem to have lots of logic and support behind them. Let’s take a look at a few directions this next season could go:</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Piper &amp; Alex: What’s Next?</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>To say that Piper and Alex have a complicated relationship is like saying the Empire State Building is just an office building. The amount of resentment, tension, love, and anger between these two women is enough to exhaust anyone. Despite rekindling their romance while in prison, Piper still blames Alex for her being there in the first place. There is also the ever-growing strain in Piper’s relationship with her fiance, who broke up with her because of her relationship with Alex during the season finale.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/2orangeshow.jpg" style="height:313px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>What we do know is that Laura Prepon, who plays Alex, won’t be returning as a series regular this season. Despite the initial reports stating she would only appear in one episode, the word currently is that she’s actually set to<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/kateaurthur/laura-prepon-orange-is-the-new-black-season-2"> come back for four episodes</a>. This likely means Alex and Piper will go their separate ways and the plot will revolve less on Piper’s romantic life.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Will Piper Get Some Street Cred?</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Season one saw Piper catching flack from her fellow prisoners for being an educated, rich, slightly entitled white girl. While she used her strengths for her own benefit, and helped others as well, she still didn’t get much respect, and spent most of her time being mocked. However, in the last moments of the season finale, we saw Piper finally stand up to Pennsatucky, and the two were in the midst of a full-on brawl before the final credits rolled.</p> <p>Beating up Pennsatucky (something many of us have likely wanted to do) may just get Piper some respect from her fellow inmates. We’ll see her less as a victim and more as a seasoned inmate this time around.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>More Sophia</strong></p> <p>Sophia, played by Laverne Cox, has become the breakout star of the series for her accurate portrayal of a transgendered woman, something regular television series have yet to capture. Cox has emerged as one of the biggest faces for trans rights, and continues to lead an emotional and brave fight for visibility and respect for those in her community.</p> <p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/21/laverne-cox-time-100_n_5186612.html">Cox’s ever-increasing popularity</a> will likely be reflected this season. We expect her to take on more of a lead role, especially since characters like Alex and Tricia are likely to be less prominent this season.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/3orangeshow.jpg" style="height:313px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Red Will Be Back in Power</strong></p> <p>Red is a character of whom you’re simultaneously terrified and also rooting for. While at first Red is difficult to like, when you learn her backstory you can’t help but understand her actions. Plus, Kate Mulgrew is a dynamic force when it comes to her portrayal of Red, which means the show’s creators would be silly not to showcase it. When Red lost control of the kitchen it was akin to cutting off one of her limbs, and we know she’s going to do everything within her power to get it back (as we have already seen after the fire incident).</p> <p> </p> <p>With so many unique characters and stories to tell, season two is sure to be just as eventful as the first. Many are wary of becoming too involved with such an acclaimed series, due to the knowledge that for every highly praised show that continues its trail of excellence, there are two that buckle under the pressure (looking at you, <em>Homeland</em>). The creative team behind <em>OITNB</em>, which includes the real-life Piper, <a href="http://piperkerman.com/">Piper Kerman</a>, and <em>Weeds</em>’ <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0463176/">Jenji Kohan</a>, have no shortage of talent, so we can hope that the series will continue in its success.</p> <p> </p> <p><em>Season two of </em>Orange Is The New Black <em>season two premieres exclusively on NetFlix on Friday, June 6th.</em></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p><em>Kate Voss is a contributing writer at </em>Highbrow Magazine.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/orange-new-black" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">orange is the new black</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/netflix" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Netflix</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/netflix-shows" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">netflix shows</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/hollywood" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Hollywood</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/television" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">television</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tv-shows" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">tv shows</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/arrested-development" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">arrested development</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/house-cards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">house of cards</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/watching-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">watching TV</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Kate Voss</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Thu, 15 May 2014 13:54:57 +0000 tara 4717 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/3984-what-s-store-orange-new-black-season#comments Why We Are Addicted to ‘House of Cards’ https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/3760-why-we-are-addicted-house-cards <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Mon, 02/24/2014 - 09:45</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/mediumhouseofcards_0.jpg?itok=GLm9SWaI"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/mediumhouseofcards_0.jpg?itok=GLm9SWaI" width="480" height="320" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p>From <a href="http://www.theroot.com/articles/politics/2014/02/house_of_cards_is_an_intriguing_twist_on_race_and_politics.2.html">The Root</a>:</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Commentary</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Disclaimer: If <em>House of Cards</em> had an official fan club, make me its president.</p> <p> </p> <p>Saw the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SseGZNMujXs"><strong>Season 1</strong></a> trailer, sold. Saw the viral promo with Kevin Spacey in a Lincoln Memorial pose, sold. I am the cat who unwittingly binged on the groundbreaking Netflix series in one caffeine-hazed weekend night. I kept telling myself I’d hit the sack after one more episode but just kept clicking over to the next one. Twelve hours later, I was as hooked on the seedy Washington, D.C., melodrama as I was on Starz’s <em>Boss</em>, which was, to me, the last great political thriller series that pulled me in and, sadly, saw an early demise.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Real talk? If Netflix released a line of <em>House of Cards</em> action figures, I’d probably collect every one—I’m just short of the kids in this classic 1999 "Jesse Ventura for Governor" <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjU948M0ARw"><strong>campaign ad</strong></a>. And more than likely, I’ll watch the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBabKoHSErI"><strong>entire Season 2</strong></a> the same day it [became] available for live-streaming, this past Friday, Feb. 14.</p> <p> </p> <p>When Starz let <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxZSS8pViww"><em><strong>Boss</strong></em></a> go, I not only mourned the sudden loss of Sanaa Lathan on my TV screen, but I cursed those who chose mind-numbing reality shows over well-scripted political dramas. The attempt <em>Boss</em> made at capturing the cesspool antics of municipal political corruption was unmatched. No other show could fill that void, other than old-school Roman politics in classics like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmXMIKCXXQY"><em><strong>Spartacus</strong></em></a>. <em>Scandal</em> doesn’t do it for me. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLN6Dp1Gi-8"><em><strong>The Good Wife</strong></em></a> actually manages to offer clever plot jumps, as does <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYUQKm2nZNE"><em><strong>Suits</strong></em></a>, but they can only take their plotlines—and dialogue—so far on network air.</p> <p> </p> <p><em>House of Cards</em> fits my checklist of criteria for authenticity, much like films such as <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pV-50ay79mk"><em><strong>Ides of March</strong></em></a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llEsfNtE4iQ"><em><strong>Primary Colors</strong></em></a> and the wicked masterpiece of South Korean political gangster cinema called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rln9Hx_wPFw"><em><strong>New World</strong></em></a>. It’s a land of intrigue and a spoon of fantasy, where you see white guys having all the fun of running things. There’s a level of keep-it-realism in <em>House of Cards</em>, even in the bizarre flashes of Spacey’s character, Rep. Frank Underwood talking to himself.</p> <p> </p> <p>Ultimately, the average viewer who doesn’t know the machinations of politics or religiously follow the <a href="http://realclearpolitics.com/"><strong>RealClearPolitics</strong></a> polling average will walk away with a quick primer on political process. Showrunner Beau Willimon and crew somehow merge legislative detail with pop culture—a feat that should get props from any self-respecting flack who complains voters don’t know what really happens in Washington. </p> <p> </p> <p>Maybe that’s why a lot of white-guy political junkies I either know or writers I read weren’t down with <em>House of Cards</em>. The <em>Washington</em><em> Post’s</em> Chris Cilizza, for instance, panned the show with <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/08/29/why-i-hate-house-of-cards/"><strong>three reasons he hated it</strong></a>. But, what he and others won’t say is that in <em>House of Cards</em>, we get to see the way white dudes view their political cosmos. Of course, that’s something they’ll never tell you on an episode of <a href="http://www.msnbc.com/hardball"><em><strong>Hardball</strong></em></a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/2houseofcards.jpg" style="height:469px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>It’s a world in which people of color are nicely tucked in as props, sidekicks and staffers. Or the wise but nonthreatening black Yoda character with a mouthful of aphorisms who regularly serves Rep. Underwood a platter of ribs at his tucked-away Northeast D.C. shack amid hipster gentrification. <em>Cards</em> does place characters of color in key political roles: from the Latina chief of staff serving the fictional president of the United States, to self-serving black members of Congress cutting deals with Underwood to, even, the black mayor in Underwood’s home district. But, we still have yet to see those characters actually driving the plot or mood in <em>Cards, </em>while its dominant white cast has all the Machiavellian fun.</p> <p> </p> <p>Don’t get me wrong: <em>Cards</em> is, very admirably, light years ahead of its diverse casting compared to the brilliant original 1990 British <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098825/"><strong>BBC</strong> <em><strong>House of Cards</strong></em></a> on which it’s based. While I did another all-nighter watching the Brit series, I was appalled at how the only black cast member, <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/alphonsia-emmanuel"><strong>Alphonsia Emmanuel</strong></a>, played the political sex toy of white British power brokers.   </p> <p> </p> <p>There’s quiet comedy, certainly, in Willimon’s attempt to balance a story on political process against the need to create actual entertainment.  </p> <p> </p> <p>But, the reality of <em>House of Cards</em>—the main reason you should watch it—is in its delicious portrayals of racial politics and how that plays out in political process. While it lacks stronger casting of color, Mahershala Ali does a nice turn playing nefarious lobbyist and former Underwood staffer Remy Denton, bringing to light the dirty little secret of marginalism suffered by politicos of color who muddle through a competitive campaign, media and advocacy industry landscape.</p> <p> </p> <p>Hundreds of black and Latino elected officials, operatives, staffers, associates and managers scrape after political glory and influence in city halls, state capitols and on Capitol Hill. Yet few truly make it to the pinnacles of real power like their white peers. Even longtime Congressional Black Caucus dean, Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), had to settle for “assistant to the leader” in the House Democratic hierarchy, despite his years of party loyalty. Former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele still got canned even after he engineered the 2010 GOP blitzkrieg that took over Congress and dozens of state legislatures. </p> <p> </p> <p><em>House of Cards</em> offers viewers a heavy glimpse into that world. It’s the great racial paradox of our politics: Even in the age of a black president, it is what it is.</p> <p> </p> <p><em><strong>Author Bio:</strong></em></p> <p><em>Charles D. Ellison is a veteran political strategist and frequent contributor to</em> <strong>The Root.</strong> <em>He is also Washington correspondent for the Philadelphia Tribune and chief political correspondent for Uptown magazine. You can reach him via</em><a href="https://twitter.com/charlesdellison"> <em><strong>Twitter.</strong></em></a></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/house-cards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">house of cards</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/netflix-shows" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">netflix shows</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/kevin-spacey" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">kevin spacey</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/robin-wright" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">robin wright</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/boss" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">boss</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/kelsey-grammer" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">kelsey grammer</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/washington" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">washington</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Charles D. Ellison</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Mon, 24 Feb 2014 14:45:02 +0000 tara 4319 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/3760-why-we-are-addicted-house-cards#comments The Ongoing Revolution of Television https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/3741-ongoing-revolution-television <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/news-features" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">News &amp; Features</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Mon, 02/17/2014 - 10:09</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/mediumhouseofcards.jpg?itok=srigo2hD"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/mediumhouseofcards.jpg?itok=srigo2hD" width="480" height="320" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p>As Robin Wright accepted her Golden Globe for best actress in a TV drama, she made sure to thank Netflix for casting her as Claire in the original series <em>House of Cards</em>. Best actress in a TV drama was just one out of the six categories that Netflix was nominated for this award season. Another was a nomination for outstanding directing for David Fincher’s work in <em>House Of Cards. </em></p> <p> </p> <p>The win and nominations in a major industry award category solidified Netflix as serious competitor for networks like Fox, NBC, ABC, and CBS. It highlighted Netflix’s impressive roster of writers, directors, and actors --Kevin Spacey, Jason Bateman, and <em>Weeds </em>creator Jenji Kohan--who are helping the Internet-based service produce successful and artistically rich original content. But if anything, Netflix’s strong presence at the Globes suggests a broader and more significant change within the television world. </p> <p> </p> <p>With the rise of new media platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon, audiences have more places to watch TV. Sellers also have more programmers to sell their series to and television has become a buyer’s market.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Media platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and even Amazon have all released successful series this past season. They have lured big-time writers and directors like <em>Weed's </em>Jenji Kohan and “Fight Club’s” David Fincher. TV is now drawing big-time players like Matthew McCaughey (<em>True Detective</em>), Martin Scorsese (<em>Boardwalk Empire</em>), and John Goodman (<em>Alpha House</em>) to the small screen,  which was unthinkable 10 years ago.</p> <p> </p> <p>Yet this “Golden Age” in TV also means fierce competition. With the rise in popularity of digital platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu, the television landscape has been severely altered. Internet channels have revolutionized the way television is consumed and produced. Audiences are no longer restricted by a network’s broadcasting schedule. And these alternative programmers are producing original content with the luxury of time, money, and flexibility. These channels are creating original, critically acclaimed content like <em>Orange</em><em> Is The New Black, Behind The Mask, </em>and <em>Alpha House</em>.</p> <p> </p> <p>According to <a href="http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/newswire/2013/binging-is-the-new-viewing-for-over-the-top-streamers.html">Nielsen’s Over-the Top Video Analysis</a> report, “45 percent of Netflix streaming subscribers say the types of shows they watch when they stream are original programming, such as <em>House Of Cards</em> or <em>Lilyhammer</em>.” As a result a debate has ensued within the television industry in which critics argue that the “traditional” television model is outdated and perhaps restrictive with changing audience demands, habits, and desires.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/1arresteddevelopment.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>The “traditional” broadcast television model runs on what is known as the pilot season. The season runs from January through May. It’s during this period that a new slate of shows are developed and shot. In May, the new pilots are presented to advertisers who then decide which new shows they will back. This means that broadcast networks are controlled by the time restraints and inflexibility of the pilot season. This can’t change until advertisers change the way they spend money. This is why critics argue that the pilot is a broken system. </p> <p> </p> <p>Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon have recognized the space for original content and are reaching out to fill the need that is left behind. These media platforms don’t work under these time and financial restraints when producing original content. They have the luxury of spending more flexible time and with certain programs more money on developing content—a convenience that broadcast television does not always have.</p> <p> </p> <p>In a February 1, 2013 <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2013/02/01/technology/innovation/netflix-house-of-cards/">CNN Money</a> article, Juliane Pepitone wrote that, Netflix spent $50 million per season on <em>House of Cards</em>. This kind of capital and time flexibility also allowed Netflix to secure a star-studded cast that includes Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, and Kate Mara. Some have argued that quality is sacrificed under the tight and inflexible time restraints that pilot season creates. Time flexibility means you can get feature actors and artists who are weary of the 22-episode model. Networks, the argument goes, should spend less time on pilots, and more time on developing talent and content. Critics claim successful networks should focus on series rather than pilots.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/1alphahouse.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Perhaps the biggest indicator of these shifts and changes was FOX’s announcement that it would bypass pilot season. On January 13, 2014, <em>The Hollywood Reporter </em>reported that at this year’s Television Critics Association’s press tour, Fox announced that it will now focus on developing series rather than pilots. (The network already has nine projects in the works under this model).  “RIP pilot season,” joked FOX chief executive Kevin Reilly at the press tour. Reilly explained that, “The broadcast development system was built in different era and is highly inefficient.” He argued, “It is nothing short of a miracle that talent can still produce anything of quality in that environment. When they are competing, frankly, with a huge swath of cable that has a lot of flexibility and order pattern and flexibility in when the shows can go on, cable networks are able to course correct creatively and reshoot and recast." Fox’s decision to move away from pilot season is a huge marker that perhaps TV’s traditional development system is antiquated.</p> <p> </p> <p>It is important to note, however, that broadcast television can still be successful. This past season, NBC’s <em>The Sound of Music</em> drew in 18.5 million viewers live and with the DVR numbers, viewership jumped to 21.8 million. And with the its biggest competitor being the Olympics, <em>The Big Bang Theory </em>still drew in 17.5 million viewers.</p> <p> </p> <p>Similar to most creative industries, new technology has brought about major changes in the world of television. Companies must get creative to adapt to the new landscape and successfully compete within their industry. This can be seen with Amazon’s <em>Betas</em> and <em>Alpha House</em>, which are the first shows to be chosen directly by consumers. This past season, Amazon put out a new slate of pilots that are voted on by Amazon users. Based on the audiences’ decision, Amazon will develop those pilots into series. Critics argue that broadcast television must do the same in order to adapt to a rapidly changing climate.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p><em>Veronica Mendez is a contributing writer at</em> Highbrow Magazine.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/hulu" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">hulu</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/netflix" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Netflix</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/amazon" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">amazon</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/television" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">television</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tv-shows" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">tv shows</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/alpha-house" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">alpha house</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/house-cards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">house of cards</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/arrested-development" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">arrested development</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/streaming" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">streaming</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/networks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">networks</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/abc" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">abc</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/nbc" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">nbc</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/fox" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">fox</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/cbs" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">cbs</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">TV</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/watching-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">watching TV</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tv-stars" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">tv stars</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/hollywood" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Hollywood</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Veronica Mendez</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Mon, 17 Feb 2014 15:09:14 +0000 tara 4282 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/3741-ongoing-revolution-television#comments ‘Oz the Great and Powerful,’ ‘House of Cards’ Arrive on DVD, Blu-ray https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/2515-oz-great-and-powerful-house-cards-arrive-dvd-blu-ray <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Tue, 06/11/2013 - 11:08</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/mediumOz%20-%20Horizontal.jpg?itok=JwLW_KOh"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/mediumOz%20-%20Horizontal.jpg?itok=JwLW_KOh" width="480" height="240" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> This week’s home video releases range from a high-octane action film starring Dwayne Johnson to a modern-day prequel to the “Wizard of Oz.”</p> <p>  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Oz the Great and Powerful</strong></p> <p> <strong>2½ stars (out of four)<br /> Rated PG 13<br /> Disney<br /> Available on: DVD, Blu-ray, digital download and on demand</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p> For a movie that looks gorgeous, evokes memories of a cinematic classic and boasts a bundle of star power, “Oz the Great and Powerful” is oddly flat. It’s not that the film is terrible; it’s just not as good as it could or should have been.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Based on the “Oz” novels of L. Frank Baum, the story is set decades before events portrayed in the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz.” That makes the project a prequel of sorts, and director Sam Raimi knew audiences would compare his work to the classic preceding it. In answer, he pays loving homage to “Wizard,” tying the two films together through both characterizations and visuals.</p> <p>  </p> <p> A lot has changed in the last 75 years, and audiences would surely rebel if Raimi simply recreated the low-tech special effects from the first movie. So, he honors the earlier picture in spirit while capitalizing on modern-day filmmaking techniques. The result is a nostalgic picture that starts with tightly cropped black-and-white images that transition to widescreen, Technicolor-like splendor. This, of course, is reminiscent of the original film. The computerized visual effects in “Oz” are more cartoony than necessary, most likely so Raimi could maintain the fanciful, not-quite-lifelike tone of “Wizard.”</p> <p>  </p> <p> Unfortunately, the characters and storytelling in “Oz” don’t keep pace with the visuals. The narrative revolves around Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a sideshow magician with dreams of hitting the big time. Oscar is as much a self-centered cad as a dreamer, and he finds himself chased by a carnival strongman after coming on to the man’s wife. To escape, he jumps in a hot air balloon, which is promptly sucked into a tornado and transported to Oz.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Upon arrival, Oscar is mistaken for a wizard who was prophesized to overthrow the evil witch who is terrifying the land. Because he longs for greatness and has no sense of restraint, Oscar plays along. Franco is good in the role, and portraying Oscar as egocentric is reasonable, especially since the character is asked to re-evaluate his morals during the course of the film. Alas, his transformation occurs slowly, and Oscar is less than likable through much of the picture. </p> <p>  </p> <p> The movie is further undermined by Mila Kunis’ portrayal of the witch Theodora. Like Oscar, she undergoes a transformation, but neither she nor Raimi make it particularly believable.</p> <p>  </p> <p> The cast standout is Michelle Williams who gives a beautiful portrayal of the good witch Glinda. Williams captures the essence of Billie Burke’s performance in “Wizard,” then expands on it, giving viewers a younger, tougher version of the character. Raimi also gets nice supporting performances from Rachel Weisz, Tony Cox and Zach Braff.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Ultimately, “Oz” is an uneven picture that has moments of greatness but doesn’t feel truly magical. And magic is a must for Oz.</p> <p>  </p> <p> DVD extras are limited to bloopers and a short about Walt Disney’s fascination with Baum’s Oz stories. The Blu-ray release contains these bits plus another five shorts about the making of the film.  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/hanselgretel.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 413px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Hansel &amp; Gretel: Witch Hunters</strong></p> <p> <strong>2 stars<br /> Rated R<br /> Paramount<br /> Available on: DVD, Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D digital download and on demand</strong><br />  </p> <p> Hollywood must sense a demand for horror movies that place a supernatural spin on beloved figures because we’re in the midst of a trend. The past 12 months brought us “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” and “Warm Bodies,” a zombified version of “Romeo and Juliet.” Now, writer-director Tommy Wirkola has given us “Hansel &amp; Gretel: Witch Hunters,” a black comedy supposing the title characters not only escaped a witch as children, but decided to hunt them as adults.  </p> <p>  </p> <p> The premise is silly, and Wirkola doesn’t even attempt to make the movie smarter than its title. Instead, he embraces the wackiness, making the adult Hansel (Jeremy Renner) and Gretel (Gemma Arterton) full-on superheroes. They are immune to the spells and curses of witches, giving them a considerable advantage over average mortals. This also allows them to make a reasonable living as witch-killing mercenaries.</p> <p>  </p> <p> The latest client to hire the fairy tale duo is the mayor of a small town where children are being abducted. Not long into their investigation, Hansel and Gretel discover that the kidnappings are part of a huge plot that could forever tip the balance of power between witches and humans. This increases the stakes, but not by much. The film’s real selling points are action, special effects and gore.</p> <p>  </p> <p> During the course of the movie, many characters die, often under horrifyingly bloody circumstances. In other words, this version of “Hansel &amp; Gretel” isn’t for children. It is difficult, however, to argue that the movie is for mature audiences because older viewers tend to value things like smarts and restraint. “Hansel &amp; Gretel” has neither.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Wirkola attempts to balance his over-the-top gore with gags, but the jokes often fall flat. The characters aren’t very compelling either, and that’s a problem in a film built around action. After all, death-defying stunts are most inspiring when viewers care whether the players live or die.   </p> <p>  </p> <p> The DVD release has no extra features. The Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D releases have theatrical and unrated cuts of the film plus several making-of shorts.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/snitch.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 375px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Snitch</strong></p> <p> <strong>2½ stars<br /> Rated PG-13<br /> Summit Entertainment<br /> Available on: DVD, Blu-ray, digital download and on demand</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p> Writer-director Rick Roman Waugh must detest mandatory minimum sentencing for drug crimes because his latest film, “Snitch,” is a blatant indictment of the practice. Despite literally driving this political message home with a semi, the movie is also a reasonably effective thriller.</p> <p>  </p> <p> “Snitch” starts by introducing viewers to Jason Collins (Rafi Gavron), a decent young man accused of drug trafficking after a “friend” sets him up. He is unable to beat the charges and winds up in prison where he is ill-equipped to deal with the ruffians surrounding him. In a desperate attempt to help, Jason’s father, John Matthews (Dwayne Johnson), cuts an unusual deal with a US attorney (Susan Sarandon). She agrees to reduce Jason’s sentence if John aids in the arrest of a major drug dealer, something he is in a unique position to accomplish since his legitimate construction business is a perfect front for transporting drugs.</p> <p>  </p> <p> As the film charges forward, John immerses himself in the world of underground drug cartels, and finds himself in increasingly dangerous situations. Waugh is self-indulgent in his approach to the material, and the dialogue occasionally bogs in preachy rhetoric. Once one moves beyond these annoyances, however, “Snitch” works as a simple and enjoyable action thriller.</p> <p>  </p> <p> As usual, Johnson plays his stock character – a tough guy with a heart of gold. It would be nice to see Johnson push his boundaries, but he’s good at this part, and “Snitch” isn’t refined enough to require great acting.</p> <p>  </p> <p> DVD and Blu-ray extras include a 50-minute making-of documentary and an audio commentary with Waugh and editor Jonathan Chibnall.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/mediumhouseofcards.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>ALSO OUT THIS WEEK</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“House of Cards” – The Complete First Season:</strong> This 13-episode drama changed the face of television by becoming the first series distributed solely through Netflix’s streaming video service. Finally, it’s available to folks who don’t have Netflix... as well as fans who really want to own it on DVD or Blu-ray. Adapted from the like-titled BBC miniseries, “House of Cards” focuses on a congressman (Kevin Spacey) who seeks revenge after the U.S. President (Michael Gill) betrays him. Robin Wright, Kate Mara and Cory Stoll also star. David Fincher is an executive producer, and he directed the first two episodes.    </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“The Newsroom” – The Complete First Season:</strong> First 10 episodes of the Golden Globe-nominated, HBO drama about the behind-the-scenes happenings at a fictional cable news network. Jeff Daniels, Emily Mortimer and John Gallagher Jr. star. Created by Aaron Sorkin.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Major Crimes” – The Complete First Season:</strong> This spinoff of the TNT drama “The Closer” picks up where the old series left off. With Deputy Police Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick) having left the Major Crimes division of the Los Angeles Police Department, the remaining detectives must adjust to the leadership of a former adversary, Captain Sharon Raydor (Mary McDonnell).   </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Wild Strawberries”:</strong> The Criterion Collection delivers a freshly restored transfer of writer-director Ingmar Bergman’s 1957 drama about an aging professor coming to terms with the inadequacies of his life. Victor Sjöström stars. The movie was nominated for a best original screenplay Oscar, and it won the best foreign film award at the 1960 Golden Globes.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/wildstrawberries.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 391px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Perry Mason” –Final Season, Volume 1:</strong> This popular courtroom drama ran from 1957 to 1966, and Paramount is releasing the final 30 episodes in two volumes. This release features 15 episodes in which attorney Perry Mason (Raymond Burr) tackles seemingly hopeless cases with the help of detective Paul Drake (William Hopper) and secretary Della Street (Barbara Hale).</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Rizzoli &amp; Isles” – The Complete Third Season</strong>: Fifteen latest episodes of the TNT crime drama about the crime-fighting efforts of a Boston detective (Angie Harmon) and her medical examiner friend (Sasha Alexander). Based on characters created by novelist Tess Gerritsen.  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Burn Notice” – Season Six:</strong> USA Network just debuted the seventh and final season of this drama about a spy (Jeffrey Donovan) who was blacklisted by the CIA. The 18 episodes presented here can bring new fans up to speed or pad the video collection of long-time followers.  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Beverly Lewis’ “The Confession”:</strong> This Hallmark Channel TV movie is a sequel Beverly Lewis’ “The Shunning,” and it is based on the second novel in Lewis’ “The Heritage of Lancaster County” book series. The plot centers on an Amish woman (Katie Leclerc) who goes on a journey of self-discovery and finds herself embroiled in a mystery. Directed by Michael Landon Jr.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Ring of Fire”: </strong>Home video release of the ReelzChannel miniseries about activists fighting to stop a string of volcanic eruptions capable of destroying life on Earth. Michael Vartan, Terry O’Quinn and Lauren Lee Smith star.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Betty &amp; Coretta”:</strong> Lifetime original movie about the friendship between Coretta Scott King (Angela Bassett) and Dr. Betty Shabazz (Mary J. Blige), the widows of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Ninja III – The Domination”:</strong> Home video debut of the 1984 exploitation film about an aerobics instructor (Lucinda Dickey) possessed by the spirit of an evil ninja. Shô Kosugi, Jordan Bennett and James Hong also star.  Directed by Sam Firstenberg.   </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p> <em>Forrest Hartman, a</em> Highbrow Magazine <em>contributor, is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation's largest publications. For more of his work visit <a href="http://www.ForrestHartman.com">www.ForrestHartman.com</a>.</em></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/oz-great-and-powerful" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">oz the great and powerful</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/james-france" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">james france</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/michelle-williams" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Michelle Williams</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/hansel-and-gretel" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">hansel and gretel</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/snitch" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">snitch</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/house-cards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">house of cards</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/kevin-spacey" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">kevin spacey</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/burn-notice" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">burn notice</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/wild-strawberries" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">wild strawberries</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/ingmar-bergman" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ingmar Bergman</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Forrest Hartman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-photographer field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Photographer:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Disney</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:08:19 +0000 tara 2996 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/2515-oz-great-and-powerful-house-cards-arrive-dvd-blu-ray#comments