Latest news with #JohnTravolta
Geek Vibes Nation
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
'Swordfish' Arrow Video 4K UHD Blu-Ray Review - Outlandish But Fun Cyber-Thriller Excess
The 90s saw an ever-growing number of action-thrillers based around computers and the internet as more and more people connected to the information superhighway. Fresh from the success of The Matrix, legendary producer Joel Silver (Road House, The Invasion) would ride the wave of this global phenomenon into the next millennium with high concept hit Swordfish. Former master hacker Stanley Jobson (Hugh Jackman) is on parole after getting caught infiltrating an FBI program. Even so much as glancing at a computer could send him straight back to prison, but Stanley's new offline life is interrupted when he's approached by the mysterious Gabriel Shear (John Travolta), who offers him $10 million for one last hacking job. Unable to resist the lure of the computer screen, Stanley accepts and finds himself caught in the middle of a complex web of intrigue involving several covert agencies and a nine billion-dollar government slush fund. Slick, stylish and action-packed, Swordfish is a nail-biting high-tech thriller from its explosive opening to its thrilling climax, with a great supporting cast including Halle Berry, Don Cheadle and Vinnie Jones. For thoughts on Swordfish, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required: Video Quality Arrow Films presents Swordfish with a grand 2160p transfer in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio sourced from a 16-bit 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative in 4K HDR/Dolby Vision approved by director Dominic Sena. This is a very visually distinct film, and there are some technological drawbacks, but fans will find this to be a monumental improvement from the ancient VC-1 encoded Blu-Ray from 2006. One of the most obvious upgrades for this film is the implementation of Dolby Vision for expanded color output that captures the nuances of the cinematography of Paul Cameron. The new restoration brings out the bold colors of the filters with the proper complexity. Outfits and strong lighting choices likewise saturate the screen with incredible depth. Black levels are deep and nuanced with nothing in the way of crush present, and highlights are handled with care to avoid blooming. This new transfer features nothing in the way of lingering print damage. This refined presentation always appears natural with no digital anomalies such as compression artifacts, banding, or other such nuisances making an appearance. Fans waiting for this to be given a proper presentation are in for a treat. The picture retains a proper amount of natural film grain that relishes in the textural details of the settings. The grain is consistent without clumping or turning into noise. The textures on display in the costumes and high-tech production design are exquisite. This disc handles every locale with the same level of care. Some of the special effects in the beginning with the bullet time are quite dated, but that is not an issue with the transfer itself. This looks about as pleasing as one could hope. The enhanced detail and clarity will allow you to discern elements of the production design you may not have noticed before. Arrow Video has brought the standard level of quality they give to each release. Audio Quality This 4K UHD Blu-Ray comes with the original DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio surround sound track along with a stereo track which captures this film quite favorably. One of the prominent elements of this experience is the Paul Oakenfold score that gets you in a futuristic headspace as characters indulge in ridiculous hacking exercises. Every sound fills the speakers well and sets the tone that makes the movie pulse with energy. Even with its power, dialogue comes through crisp and clear without being overshadowed by any sound effects or music. There is an ideal sense of directionality when it comes to deploying sounds from the appropriate channels. Even during the most chaotic moments, like the thrilling car chase shootout, elements stay firmly defined as the low end shows off. There are no issues with fidelity or damage to the tracks. This audio presentation is a winner on all fronts. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided. Special Features The first pressing of the Arrow Video 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Swordfish includes a multi-page booklet featuring new writing on the film by film critic Priscilla Page and an article from American Cinematographer about the film's opening sequence. These works provide a great analysis of the film and the talent at large in a thoughtfully written style. This package also includes a double-sided poster. The on-disc special features are as follows: Audio Commentary: Director Dominic Sena provides an archival commentary track in which he recounts many great anecdotes about working with the performers, the shot composition, the structure of the narrative, the influences on various moments, and more. Soundtrack Hacker: A new nearly 13-minute interview with composer Paul Oakenfold in which he discusses his love of film, scoring a movie for the first time on this production, learning the process from other composers, guiding the energy of each scene, and more. How To Design A Tech Heist: A new nearly 21-minute interview with production designer Jeff Mann in which he discusses his background, early opportunities in features, finding a space for Swordfish , creating the aesthetic for the film, and more. HBO First Look – Swordfish: A 15-minute promotional piece that gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the film alongside interviews with the cast and creative team. Effects In Focus – The Flying Bus: An eight-minute archival look at how the team pulled off the exciting finale. Planet Rock Club Reel: A four-minute music video for the Paul Oakenfold tune. Swordfish – In Conversation: A 13-minute vintage collection of interviews in which the cast and creative team reveal interesting facts and amusing moments from the production. Alternate Endings: There are two alternate endings provided in upscaled standard definition with optional audio commentary from director Dominic Sena. Alternate Ending #1 (3:48) Alternate Ending #2 (2:08) Theatrical Trailer (2:12) Final Thoughts Swordfish is a patently outlandish film at times, yet there is no doubt that it provides a lot of unhinged fun that makes it a blast to watch. There is a practical sensibility to the production that many movies do not indulge in these days, but the tactile nature of what you are viewing on screen is part of what makes it so thrilling. Sure, John Travolta looks ridiculous and the plot is extremely over the top (and we won't get into the depiction of women). Nevertheless, you have some very charismatic performers going all in on a feature that delivers what it promises with some directorial flair. It's dumb fun, but it is indeed fun. Arrow Video has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a fantastic A/V presentation and a nice assortment of new and archival special features. If you are a fan of the film, don't miss this excellent release. Recommended Swordfish will be available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray on June 10, 2025. Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray. Disclaimer: Arrow Video has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Post your questions for Gina Gershon
Gina Gershon has been on our screens for nearly 40 years, during which she has starred in scene-stealing roles opposite some of Hollywood's biggest actors. In her more likable moments, she orders an orgasm from cocktail-maker Tom Cruise in Cocktail ('How many would you like?' 'Multiple' – fnar fnar) and takes a bullet for Nicolas Cage in Face/Off. In her less likable (but equally scene-stealing) moments, she receives a lapdance from – and gets pushed down the stairs by – Elizabeth Berkley in Showgirls, chops Val Kilmer into small pieces in Breathless, gets murdered under the supposed watch of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Belushi in Red Heat, and is forced by Matthew McConaughey to simulate oral sex on a chicken drumstick in Killer Joe. Ahem. Now Gershon stars as the wife of Vegas thief John Travolta in High Rollers, although, from the trailer, in which she gets kidnapped to force Travolta to work, it's hard to see if we're dealing with a nice or nasty Gina. But that won't stop her having plenty to talk about; ask her anything. Maybe her first bit part in 1986's Pretty in Pink or becoming a gay icon for starring as a lesbian ex-con in the Wachowskis' first film, Bound in 1996. Or there's that time in Curb Your Enthusiasm where she offers to have sex with Larry David as his birthday present from Cheryl. She has also parodied Melania Trump on more than one occasion. And perhaps most bizarrely of all, she played the jaw harp on the second Scissor Sisters album. Please get your questions in for Gina by 6pm BST Monday 2 June, and we'll print her answers in Film & Music later in June. High Rollers is on digital platforms from 16 June
Time Out Dubai
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Grease The Musical is coming to Dubai — Here's how to secure tickets
In news cooler than the leather-jacketed T-Birds, the electrifyin' West-End show, Grease The Musical, is officially coming to Dubai. The production, based on the iconic '50s film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, will light up the Dubai Opera this Autumn, with dates spanning from Friday October 24 to Sunday November 2. In collaboration with MAC Global and People Entertainment Group, the popular show reimagines the classic whirlwind romance of Sandy and Danny, with generous sprinkles of slicked-back hair, puffy skirts and jukebox energy. Grease The Musical will feature all the nostalgia-spinning tunes you'd expect, including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin', Hopelessly Devoted to You, and You're the One That I Want, all performed by a top-tier cast with punchy vocals. Us and a West End musical? We go together like ramma-lamma-lamma-ka-dingity-da-dinga-dong. With only 10 performances scheduled at Dubai Opera, demand for tickets is already higher than Danny Zuko's hairdo and early booking is strongly recommended. Paolo Petrocelli, Head of Dubai Opera, is proud to bing the West End show to the emirate. He said: 'Bringing Grease The Musical to Dubai Opera for the very first time is both a thrilling moment and a cultural milestone for the region. 'As one of the most iconic and beloved musicals of all time, its arrival underscores our ongoing commitment to presenting world-class productions that captivate and connect audiences. 'We are proud to be the stage that welcomes this electrifying West End sensation to the Middle East, offering our community the chance to experience the timeless energy and joy of Grease, live in Downtown Dubai.' So rally your Pink Ladies and T-Birds and head to or to secure your ticket. More than 40 years later, Grease is still the word. Prices start from Dhs340. Fri Oct 24 to Sun Nov 2. Dubai Opera. 04 440 8888 More in Dubai: Gastronomy at Atlantis The Royal: Your guide to the viral breakfast buffet What to know before you go Coming soon: The most anticipated restaurant and bar openings in Dubai Get these hot spots on your radar 70 of Dubai's coolest cafés and coffee shops Your essential caffeine guide, from Jumeirah to Al Khawaneej
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Billionaire mogul Barry Diller claims John Travolta rejected iconic role due to film's ‘gay subtext'
A Hollywood mogul has claimed John Travolta rejected an iconic role due to the movie's 'gay subtext'. Barry Diller, who published tell-all memoir Who Knew this week, alleged Travolta, 71, was set to take the leading role in 1980's American Gigolo, about a male escort who gets framed for the murder of an ex-client, but was replaced by Richard Gere, 75, after he exited the movie. Diller, 83 – who was the CEO of Paramount at the time, writes in the book that Travolta told then-Paramount Pictures president Michael Eisner that he was pulling out due to his grief over the death of his mother and girlfriend Diana Hyland. Per THR, Diller writes: 'He slumped down in a chair in Michael's office, started to cry and said, "I can't do American Gigolo. I'm too sad. I'm still in mourning. It's the wrong thing for me to do. You have to let me out of it."' 'Michael came down to my office and said, "John's just left, and we have to let him out of the movie because he just can't do it." I said, "He's faking it and using you. It's too late to recast and he's perfect for it.'' Diller says he 'was certain [Travolta] had acted his way through his meeting with Michael' and 'no longer wanted to do Gigolo. He was afraid of playing that character because of its somewhat gay subtext. For days, I said, "I'm not even going to hear of letting him out of the movie, full stop, period.' Diller says he then sat down with Travolta and tried to persuade him not to 'screw up' his career but listening to his 'twerpy, inexperienced manager.' He wrote: 'This is a critical time for you, and when you've got a great script and a great part, you don't let anything put you off it.' I went on with various examples of how his management had been mishandling things since his spurt to superstardom.' 'He left with a pained and hurt look. A day or two later it became clear that he was not going to show up for the first day of shooting and would take whatever consequences ensued. I had made the situation worse because he'd told his manager about my criticism of him, so they both hated me.' Diller added that 'Gigolo made Gere a star' and claimed the Pretty Woman actor briefly broke up his romance with Diane von Furstenberg - who Gere had a fling with in the 1980s. Diller went onto wed Von Furstenberg in 2001 but has now came out as gay in his memoir. American Gigolo director Paul Schrader also claimed the 'gay subtext' of the film led to Travolta's drop-out, telling THR 'three things' led Travolta to exit: the passing of his mother, 'his first mega-flop, a film called Moment by Moment' and 'he had growing anxiety about the gay subtext [of the film].' has contacted representatives for John Travolta for comment. Travolta lost his first love Hyland, to breast cancer in 1977, when he was 23 and she was 41, ten years before he met his wife Kelly Preston, who died from the same disease in 2020. Travolta and Hyland met while working on the movie The Boy in the Plastic Bubble in which Hyland played Travolta's mother. The film was released in 1976, a year before Diana died in Travolta's arms. In an interview with People three months after she died, he said: 'I have never been more in love with anyone in my life. I thought I was in love before, but I wasn't. 'From the moment I met her I was attracted. We were like two maniacs talking all the time on the set of Bubble. 'After a month it became romantic. The pair spent weekends traveling and spending time with Diana's four-year-old son from a previous marriage. 'I had more fun with Diana than I ever had in my life. 'And the odd thing is just before we met I thought I would never have a successful relationship. 'She told me that she too had thought the same thing. Then, bam,' he said. She'd already had a mastectomy two years before they met, and was confident her cancer would not return. When she got her second diagnosis, Travolta was filming Saturday Night Fever in New York. He flew back to be with her. She died aged 41 two weeks after finding out the cancer had returned. He married Preston in 1991 and the couple welcomed three children, including son Jett, who died aged 16 in 2009.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ella Bleu Travolta Hosts Tod's Luncheon, With Olivia Holt and More
'The shoes were the first solid thing that we were going with, this color,' said actress Ella Bleu Travolta of her look for the day. She had on Tod's Gommino loafers — naturally, as the face of the footwear. She opted for the 'driving' style in brown patent leather, paired with a brown tunic-cut leather dress and trousers. More from WWD Will Trump Tariffs Help or Hurt U.S. Garment Workers? Kate Hudson, Mindy Kaling, Ruth Negga and Power Stylists Celebrate Marco Bicego's 25-year Anniversary in L.A. Jacquemus Celebrates L.A. Opening with Bananas, Bouquets and Bubbly, Joined by Lori Harvey, Laura Harrier, Cole Sprouse and More 'We tried on a few things, and this was the last thing we tried on,' she went on, with her dog by her side. 'I bring him everywhere.' The Italian brand hosted a luncheon in its Rodeo Drive boutique in Beverly Hills on Wednesday in celebration of the shoe — launched at the end of the 1970s, with a sole covered in 133 rubber pebbles — and Travolta's new campaign. 'It honestly just felt like we were all hanging out, and they were there capturing it,' she said of the campaign, shot by photographer Oliver Hadlee Pearch in Tuscany alongside four other young talents — Lennon Gallagher, Stella Banderas, Roberto Rossellini and Leo Gassmann. All have familiar last names; Travolta, who turned 25 this month, is the daughter of John Travolta and Kelly Preston. 'Everyone who was in the shoot was so sweet,' she continued. 'We all became very fast friends. I felt like we were on a movie set. It was such a big production, but it also felt so intimate. It was just a lot of fun.' Tod's brought a taste of Italy to the store's third-floor terrace, serving up a lunch of endive salad with shaved parmesan and pomegranates, paccheri al pomodoro and Basque cheesecake. 'I'll need a nap after this,' guests echoed, under an overcast sky. The event brought out a slew of rising actresses, including Fiona Palomo; Larsen Thompson; Harlow Olivia, daughter of Patricia Arquette; Olivia Holt; María Gabriela de Faría; Amiah Miller, as well as singer Claire Khodara and Art Production Fund's Casey Fremont. Next, Travolta will appear in a film with her father, she said: 'It's a very personal project. I can't say too, too much about it, but it's a project I did with my dad. It's very personal, very beautiful. It's something that he's been wanting to do for a really long time, and it's finally done. It's actually interesting, because it's very close to home. It has a lot to do with our family, and our family is a part of it, even my aunts and uncles. It's really cool. I'm really excited about it. It's coming out this year I think.' View Gallery Launch Gallery: Inside the Tod's Luncheon Hosted by Ella Bleu Travolta Best of WWD A Look Back at SAG Awards Best Dressed Red Carpet Stars SAG Awards Wildest Looks of All Time on the Red Carpet, Photos From the Archive: A Look Back at Marc Jacobs Annual Holiday Party [PHOTOS]
