Buena Vista announced in early January the coming releases of a bunch of special Blu-ray Discs specially made for HDTVs. Among the coming Blu-ray releases is "Cars" this summer. For the uninitiated, Blu-ray discs contain a lot more data than standard DVDs or even HD-DVDs, making them ideal for the burgeoning high-definition television market. The … Continue reading Blu-ray Disc of “Cars” coming this summer
Category: Movies
DVD review: “Independent America”
As a Route 66 aficionado, I don't need encouragement to patronize mom-and-pop businesses. Visiting independent stores remains a vital part of the Mother Road experience. So a documentary that advocates supporting mom-and-pops is preaching to the choir. However, I learned from the just-released DVD of "Independent America" (subtitled "The Two Lane Search for Mom & … Continue reading DVD review: “Independent America”
The Oscar-nominated song “Our Town”
Today, Randy Newman's song, "Our Town," performed by James Taylor, was nominated for an Academy Award for Original Song. Here is the song and its key scene from the hit Pixar animated movie, "Cars." "Our Town" is available on the "Cars" soundtrack. And, yes, the album and song both are available on iTunes.
“Cars” receives two Oscar nominations
The Disney/Pixar animated movie "Cars," which takes place on Route 66, was nominated for two Academy Awards today. One nomination was for Animated Feature Film. The other nominees were "Happy Feet" and "Monster House." The other nod was for "Our Town," written by Randy Newman and performed by James Taylor, for Original Song. Three of … Continue reading “Cars” receives two Oscar nominations
“Cars” wins a Golden Globe
The Disney/Pixar hit summer movie, "Cars," which takes place on Route 66, won a Golden Globe on Monday night for Animated Film, the first year of that category. Here's an excerpt from the Associated Press report of the awards ceremony: "Animation is awesome everybody. It's my life. I've lived in it. It's so exciting to … Continue reading “Cars” wins a Golden Globe
Cheetah Girls launch MySpace site
The Cheetah Girls, a female trio that's gained a huge preteen and teen audience, launched a MySpace site last week. In case you're wondering what the Cheetah Girls have to do with the Mother Road, a few months ago they recorded a new version of the Bobby Troup classic, "Route 66," to help boost interest … Continue reading Cheetah Girls launch MySpace site
Tilting at the Mill
The Decatur (Ill.) Herald & Review has a good article about Geoff Ladd, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County, and his efforts to save The Mill on old Route 66 in Lincoln, Ill. He was looking to promote connections and objects associated with Route 66 and his optimistic eye soon … Continue reading Tilting at the Mill
“Route 66” film pushed back to 2010
I hadn't heard much lately about Harland Williams' animated film project, "Route 66." According to the last update on the IMDB site, Williams' movie was slated to be released this year. But a reader pointed out this excerpt in Punchline Magazine, which interviewed Williams: He recently began the painstakingly long process of directing his own … Continue reading “Route 66” film pushed back to 2010
“Phantom 309” and Pee-Wee Herman
I know a Red Sovine trucker song and Pee-Wee Herman seem like a strange combination, but bear with me. First, trucker tunes are part of the Route 66 traveling experience, or should be. At some point while traveling the Mother Road, you should have Dave Dudley's "Six Days on the Road" and "Truck Drivin' Son … Continue reading “Phantom 309” and Pee-Wee Herman
Route 66 on the silver screen
Speaking of guidebooks, Harry Medved was kind enough to send me a copy of the book he co-wrote with Bruce Akiyama, "Hollywood Escapes." It describes itself as "The moviegoing guide to exploring Southern California's great outdoors." The reason this book is mentioned here is because it contains a chapter about Route 66 and its role … Continue reading Route 66 on the silver screen