Review: ‘Driven’ is a great vehicle to showcase Jason Sudeikis’ talents

When you think of Back To The Future, you cannot help but see one of the most iconic cars of all time in your mind is: The DeLorean. But does anyone know a single thing about the creator of this movie legend? Few names in the tech industry evoke an immediate portrait of that person: Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and perhaps now Elizabeth Holmes for better or for worse. I certainly had no clue about the tangled and complex story behind the man who would lend his name to cinematic history. Driven goes behind the proverbial curtain and sheds light on an unbelievable true tale of corruption and image through the eyes of someone who befriended this enigmatic figure. Con man to con man, takes one to know one.

Corey Stoll is probably the most believable version of a fed up FBI agent there could be. His genuinely flabbergasted attitude is the perfect foil for Sudeikis’ sardonic wit. Judy Greer, my beautiful girlcrush, is honest and spitfire as ever. One particularly climactic scene between her and Sudeikis (unmistakable once you see it) is pretty much a masterclass in scene partnering. Lee Pace is immensely unsettling and about as big of a dickhead as you need DeLorean to be. His bullshit is thick and perfect. Now, let’s get to the man of the hour. Jason Sudeikis, since I saw him in Tumbledown, is as surprising as ever. He has honest to God acting chops outside of his charming funny guy routine. More roles like this please and thank you. Bravo, once again, good sir.

The film’s pacing works well with the backdrop of Hoffman’s testimony. This is one hell of an intriguing story. You’ll need to know how it ends. Driven is about the deadly mixture of ingenuity and pride. It will take you for a ride.

New York Comic Con 2015 Coverage

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As a veteran of making the yearly pilgrimage to San Diego for the king of all cons, San Diego Comic Con, I was curious to hear that New York Comic Con was quickly becoming the east coasts version of the massive event. Having never attended the event I was ready to see for myself, so I made the train ride up to the Big Apple and walked into the Javits Center for the first time, and I am so glad that I did.

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First off, this con is very much a fan event, first and foremost. Walking into the gates you find huge banners of upcoming seasons of fan favorite shows as well as some new, interesting shows gathering buzz around the fandom. The landscape is wide open for your cosplay viewing pleasure and it seems that the event coordinators have filled each area with something interesting to keep the traffic flowing to every square foot of the convention center. My favorite booth, by far, was the Cafe 80’s replica from Back to the Future II. Complete with video board and Delorean, fans had their chance to take photos with the car as well as try their luck at the Wild Gunman video game for a chance to win one of a limited amount of Pepsi Perfect replicas made by Pepsi to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the franchise. Unfortunately yours truly didn’t get a chance to play, but the kids loved it!

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Starz was among the exhibitors to bring to life their newest show “Ash vs Evil Dead” for fans to walk thru Ash Williams trailer and win some cool prizes. Other featured props came from Jurassic World, who brought an animatronic Velociraptor for fans to take pictures with and Warner Bros., who featured the costumes of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman from the upcoming film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The vendor floor and artist row were filled with amazing pieces of original art as well as chances to purchase some rare and highly sought after collectibles.

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After a few long hours of gazing at the sights, it was time to head into one of the many panels that this con had to offer. From comic book writers to television stars, there was something for everyone one to enjoy. For me, it was the television panels, most importantly, Fox’s “The X-Files” Season 10 debut. Creator Chris Carter and stars David Duchovny and Mitch Pileggi were on hand to take fan questions and to show the season 10 premiere to the lucky fans in the audience. As a long time fan of the show I can say that the episode was outstanding and exactly what fans were hoping for in this return event series. Seeing Mulder and Scully together again brought back so many wonderful memories from the shows hayday and the actors haven’t missed a beat. The wait til January is on!

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Starz presents “Ash vs Evil Dead” panel brought cast and crew to the Hammerstein Ballroom for a Q&A session hosted by Kevin Smith. Director and creator Sam Raimi and star Bruce Campbell introduced the pilot episode to the crowd of thousands of fans eager to see a glimpse of the new show. The pilot didn’t disappoint! The comedy and over the top gore that made the Evil Dead trilogy so beloved was present and the new cast of characters add a new dimension to the show. After the viewing the cast and crew took fan questions and some interesting tidbits as to what to expect from the upcoming season were revealed. One of the most welcome comment came from Campbell himself who announced that Starz and the creators are hoping that the show runs for as many seasons as fans want.  “Ash vs Evil Dead” is here to stay people and it’s…groovy!

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Netflix panel featuring Marvel’s “Daredevil” and “Jessica Jones” was another highlight of the weekend. Rumors were abound that we could be getting the world premiere of the pilot episode for “Jessica Jones” and sure enough, Marvel delivered! But before that, we were graced by a panel for “Daredevil” Season 2 which featured the first teaser of the season featuring a first look at Elektra and The Punisher! Nothing ground breaking was revealed but the cast and crew are very excited to bring season two to viewers in 2016. Up next was what the audience was waiting for. A quick introduction of the cast and crew of “Marvel’s Jessica Jones” lead into the world premiere of episode one. The episode was dark, gritty and sexy which was a welcome surprise. The actors, including lead actress Krysten Ritter were wonderful and the tone of the show appears to allow for the each actor to explore their characters without constraint. David Tennant’s Kilgrave was lurking in the shadows for much of the episode and truly adds that a level of creepiness that will no doubt make “Jessica Jones” the must see show of 2015.  “Marvel’s Jessica Jones” premieres on Netflix on November 20th at 12:01am.

 

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As New York Comic Con comes to a close, I have so much appreciation for all the hard work that went into making this show as wonderful as it was. From the vendor floor to the panel line organization, everything was first rate at NYCC. As this show continues to gain steam, I can definitely see it being talked about in the same breath as San Diego, and rightfully so. NYCC, you have gained another fan, see you next October for round 2!

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‘Back to the Future’ Original Soundtrack Limited Edition Box Set from MONDO is just as awesome as you think it would be

BTTF_boxset_mockIt’s 2015 and we have hover boards and now we finally have the full trilogy score for Back to the Future available for the first time! Mondo is thrilled to unveil a 6-LP vinyl box set for the Back to the Future trilogy as well as individual releases of one of the most celebrated film scores of all time with music fully restored from original master recordings under the supervision of composer Alan Silvestri. This marks the first time the score has ever been made available in a box set in any format, the first time the original film score has been available on vinyl and includes never-before-released tracks from the sequels.
BTTF_box_mock_web BTTF1_DKNG_web BTTF2_DKNG_web BTTF3_DKNG_webThe collectible packaging for the box set was designed by DKNG studios, creatively highlighting the DeLorean’s iconic fire trails in each film’s setting. The individual albums were designed by artist Matt Taylor from his previously released screen prints for the first two films and an upcoming print for the third film, all set for sale on the Future Date of10/21/2015 at MondoTees.com.
Screenwriter Bob Gale contributed exclusive liner notes for the box set and here is an excerpt about producer Steven Spielberg’s first encounter with Silvestri’s score, “I remember sitting in Universal’s Hitchcock Theater with Bob Zemeckis next to me, and Steven Spielberg next to Bob. Steven had not attended any of our scoring sessions and had always been a tad uncertain as to whether Alan was capable of doing the type of score Steven believed we needed. He didn’t realize that some of Al’s score had been laid in for this screening. During the Clock Tower sequence he leaned over to Bob and said,’now, this is what your score should sound like.’ Bob smiled and replied, ‘that is our score, Steven.’ Thus, Steven Spielberg immediately became an Alan Silvestri fan.”
Back To The Future Trilogy Box Set
  • All music Composed and Conducted by Alan Silvestri
  • Artwork by DKNG Studios
  • The complete soundtrack to all three films
  • Each film’s soundtrack is contained in a deluxe gatefold jacket with artwork unique to the box set, housed in a hardshell slipcase
  • 6XLPs all pressed on 180 Gram colored Vinyl
  • Featuring exclusive liner notes by screenwriter Bob Gale
  • Limited Edition
  • $105
Back To The Future
  • Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
  • Composed and Conducted by Alan Silvestri
  • Artwork by Matt Taylor
  • 2XLP Pressed on 180 Gram Colored Vinyl
  • The complete original score to the time travel masterpiece available on vinyl for the first time ever.
  • $35
Back To The Future Part II
  • Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
  • Composed and Conducted by Alan Silvestri
  • Artwork by Matt Taylor
  • 2XLP Pressed on 180 Gram Colored Vinyl
  • The complete original score, available for the first time ever, featuring over 20 minutes of previously unreleased cues.
  • $35
Back To The Future Part III
  • Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
  • Composed and Conducted by Alan Silvestri
  • Artwork by Matt Taylor
  • 2XLP Pressed on 180 Gram Colored Vinyl
  • The complete original score, available for the first time ever, featuring over 20 minutes of previously unreleased cues.
  • $35
BTTF1 (Matt Taylor) BTTF2 (Matt Taylor) BTTF3 (Matt Taylor)Back To The Future
Original Score – Composed & Conducted by Alan Silvestri
Side A
01. Logo (0:24)
02. DeLorean Reveal (0:49)
03. Einstein Disintegrated (1:25)
04. ’85 Twin Pines Mall (4:45)
05. Peabody Barn / Marty Ditches DeLorean (3:13)
06. ’55 Town Square (1:21)
07. Lorraine’s Bedroom (0:49)
Side B
08. Retrieve DeLorean (1:17)
09. 1.21 Jigowatts (1:40)
10. The Picture (1:09)
11. Picture Fades (0:20)
12. Skateboard Chase (1:41)
13. Marty’s Letter (1:21)
14. George to the Rescue, Part 1 (0:53)
15. Marvin Be-Bop (source cue) (2:28)
16. George to the Rescue, Part 2 (2:37)
Side C
17. Tension / The Kiss (1:36)
18. Goodnight Marty (Source Cue) (1:33)
19. It’s Been Educational / Clocktower (10:33)
Side D
20. Helicopter (0:21)
21. ’85 Lone Pine Mall (3:49)
22. 4×4 (0:43)
23. Doc Returns (1:16)
24. Back to the Future (End Credits) (3:19)
Back To The Future Part II
Original Score – Composed & Conducted by Alan Silvestri
Side A
01. Back To Back / It’s Your Kids  (2:38)
02. Main Title (Extended Version) (3:19)
03. The Future (5:23)
04. Chicken / Hoverboard Chase (3:12)
                              
Side B
05. A Flying DeLorean? (4:29)
06. I’m In The Future / Biff Steals DeLorean (2:12)
07. Chicken Needles / Jenn Sees Jenn (2:55)
08. Biff’s World / 27th Floor (2:08)
09. My Father (2:04)
10. “Alternate 1985” (3:04)
Side C
11. Gray’s Sports Almanac / If They Ever Did (4:26)
12. Something Inconspicuous (1:33)
13. You’ll Never Lose / Old New DeLorean (3:18)
14. Pair O’ Docs (1:26)
15. The Book (4:49)
Side D
16. Nobody / Tunnel Chase (5:45)
17. Burn The Book (2:24)
18. He’s Gone (0:41)
19. Western Union (1:52)
20. I’m Back / End Logo (0:59)
21. The West (0:57)
22. End Credits (4:38)
Back To The Future Part III
Original Score – Composed & Conducted by Alan Silvestri
Side A
1. Back To Back / Court House (1:24)
2. Main Title (2:43)
3. Into The Mine / Tombstone (3:17)
4. Warmed Up (1:30)
5. Indians (Film Version) (1:09)
6. Safe And Sound (0:42)
7. Hill Valley (2:18)
8. The Hanging (1:42)
9. We’re Out Of Gas (1:17)
Side B
10. There Is No Bridge / Doc to the Rescue (1:25)
11. At First Sight (3:19)
12. Yellow (0:45)
13. The Kiss (1:55)
14. You Talkin’ To Me? (0:35)
15. The Future Isn’t Written (3:37)
16. Goodbye Clara (3:03)
17. What’s Up Doc / Marty Gallops / To The Future (1:44)
Side C
18. Wake Up Juice (1:12)
19. Callin’ You Out / Count Off (1:56)
20. The Showdown / The Kick (2:12)
21. A Science Experiment? (The Train – Part I) (3:12)
22. It’s Clara (The Train – Part II) (4:36)
23. Point of No Return (The Train – Part III) (3:49)
Side D
24. It’s Destroyed / Back To The Girlfriend / It Erased (3:39)
25. Doc Returns (2:55)
26. End Credits (4:08)
27. Doubleback (Extended Version) (3:11)
Visit the Mondo official site & social handles for more information:
MondoTees.com
Facebook.com/MondoTees
Instagram.com/MondoTees

It’s Still Not Safe to Go Into the Water…the ‘Jaws 19’ Trailer is Here!

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Continuing the month long celebration of day Marty traveled into the future in Back to the Future Part II, the Jaws 19 trailer has arrived! Directed by Max Spielberg, this terrifying new film in the killer shark franchise will have you on the edge of your seat in stunning Holomax 3D! Well, maybe now, but as you will remember from the 1989 film, this was the hologram that almost ate Marty in his arrival to the future Hill Valley!

Jaws 19 trailer is the latest in a series of viral videos to celebrate the 30th anniversary release of the original Back to the Future film and the Blu-ray and DVD release of the  Back to the Future 30th Anniversary Trilogy on October 20th.

The box set will include all three movies plus a new bonus disc with more two hours of content. Back to the Future: The Complete Animated Series will also be released for the first time ever on DVD featuring all 26 episodes from the award-winning series and Back to the Future: The Complete Adventures will include all three movies, the complete animated series, a new bonus disc, a 64-page book and collectible light-up Flux Capacitor packaging.

Christopher Lloyd Returns as Doc Brown in New Teaser for ‘Back to the Future’ 30th Anniversary Blu-ray Set

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Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has released a new teaser for their upcoming 30th Anniversary Blu-ray set for the Back to the Future trilogy and they brought back none other than Doc Brown! Yes Christopher Lloyd has reprised his iconic role to sets up a brand-new short coming exclusively to the release titled “Doc Brown Saves the World.” You can preorder this box set now before its October 20th release at many online retailers. The set will include the following:

Special Features
The Future Is Now! The Back to the Future 30th Anniversary Trilogy includes all 3 films on DVD and an all-new bonus disc featuring over 2 hours of content.

Disc 1: Back to the Future
Deleted Scenes
Tales from the Future: In the Beginning…
Tales from the Future: Time to Go
Tales from the Future: Keeping Time
Q&A Commentary with Director Robert Zemeckis and Producer Bob Gale
Feature Commentary with Producers Bob Gale and Neil Canton

Disc 2: Back to the Future Part II
Deleted Scenes
Tales from the Future: Time Flies
The Physics of Back to the Future
Q&A Commentary with Director Robert Zemeckis and Producer Bob Gale
Feature Commentary with Producers Bob Gale and Neil Canton

Disc 3: Back to the Future Part III
Deleted Scene
Tales from the Future: Third Time’s the Charm
Tales from the Future: The Test of Time
Back to the Future: The Ride
Q&A Commentary with Director Robert Zemeckis and Producer Bob Gale
Feature Commentary with Producers Bob Gale and Neil Canton

Disc 4: Bonus Disc
The Making of Back to the Future
The Making of Back to the Future Part II
The Making of Back to the Future Part III
Making the Trilogy: Chapter One
Making the Trilogy: Chapter Two
Making the Trilogy: Chapter Three
Michael J. Fox Q&A
Original Makeup Tests
Outtakes
Nuclear Test Site Ending
Storyboard Sequence
Production Design
Storyboarding
Designing the DeLeorean
Designing Time Travel
Hoverboard Test
Evolution of Visual Effects
Designing Hill Valley
Designing the Campaign
Photo Galleries
The Secrets of the Back to the Future Trilogy
Huey Lewis and the News “Power of Love” Music Video
ZZ Top “Doubleback” Music Video
Back to the Future Theatrical Teaser Trailer
Back to the Future Part II Theatrical Trailer
Back to the Future Part III Theatrical Trailer
FAQ’s About the Trilogy
Join TEAM FOX

Disc 5: All-New 2015 Bonus Disc
Doc Brown Saves the World: An all-new short featuring Christopher Lloyd.
OUTATIME: Restoring the DeLorean: An inside look at the 2012 restoration of the most iconic car in film history.
Looking Back to the Future: A 9-part retrospective documentary from 2009 on the trilogy’s legacy.
Back to the Future: The Animated Series: 2 episodes (“Brothers” and “Mac the Black”) from the 1991 series featuring live action segments with Christopher Lloyd as Doc Brown.
And More

Retro Review: ‘Back to the Future’- We Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Films Release!

back-to-the-future-posterDirector Robert Zemeckis probably hoped that his film about a time traveling boy would be a remembered, but I’m reasonably sure he had no idea the impact it would have on the legions of fans for years to come. To say this movie was a success would be an understatement. Since 1985, Back to the Future has gone on to gross more than $381 million dollars worldwide and was the #1 movie of 1985. Back to the Future was voted the 23rd greatest film ever made by readers of Empire Magazine, it has been included in AFI’s Top 10 Science Fiction Films of All Time, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”, and most importantly, it is my #1 movie of all time. Let’s look back 30 years into the past and travel Back to the Future.

Back-to-the-Future-MartyMarty (Michael J. Fox) is your average rebellious teen destined for rock stardom and all the spoils that come with it; there’s just one problem…he’s a McFly and in Hill Valley, that name stands for mediocrity; but things are about to change. Marty lives with his parents George (Crispin Glover) and Lorraine (Lea Thompson) along with his siblings Dave (Marc McClure) and Linda (Wendi Jo Sperber). George is the pushover type never looking for trouble but seemingly finding it. He works for a supervisor named Biff Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson) who is always looking to bully George and seems to have a past with the family. Lorraine, Marty’s mom, is an alcoholic who’s life just hasn’t turned out quite the way she imagined. Marty’s siblings still live at home after graduating high school and just can’t seem to catch a break in life. During an exchange at the dinner table, Lorraine recants the tale of the night her and her husband met, a story which involving George being hit by Lorraine’s fathers car. It was the moment she knew they fell in love and would be together forever.

Back-to-the-Future-back-to-the-future-8227843-640-480Marty’s best friend scientist Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd) has created a time machine….out of a DeLorean! How can it time travel you may ask? Well you preset a travel date into the console, a date like, oooooh say November 5th, 1955. Yes! November 5th 1955, the day Doc Brown hit his head on the porcelain sink while hanging a clock in the bathroom, when he came to he had a vision of the Flux Capacitor. The vehicles time displacement is powered by plutonium, but don’t worry, this suckers electrical, it uses the plutonium to create a nuclear reaction to generate the 1.21 gigawatts of electricity to power the Flux Capacitor. But watch out, once this baby hits 88 mph we’re gonna see some serious shit.

Back to the future 3So where would a scientist from California get his hands on plutonium? Well from a Libyan terrorist group of course, and they are sure pissed that he stole from them. They show up to collect what is owed to them and they are out for revenge. Marty witnesses the assassination of his old friend which leaves him little choice, jump in the DeLorean and haul ass. But as Marty is speeding away, he hits the magical 88 mph and Marty is shot back in time to Hill Valley 1955.

michael-j-fox-marty-mcfly-and-crispin-gloverOf course Marty’s immediate reaction is to explore Hill Valley and search for Doc Brown to help him return to the future but in the process some unexpected events occur. Marty encounters his father George who is again being bullied by Biff. As George fleas the scene, Marty decides to follow him only to find him spying in a tree at an unsuspecting female. George loses his balance and falls out of the tree, but Marty comes to the rescue, pushes George away from the car and inadvertently is hit with the car instead. Marty wakes in his mothers room where she has become smitten with Marty. He realizes that he has mistakenly taken the place of his father in the tale of their impeding love story and subsequently altered the future.

michael-j.-fox-and-lea-thompson-in-inapoi-in-viitorMarty finds Doc and Doc explains that the only available power source capable of generating 1.21 gigawatts of energy is bolt of lightning. Marty knows that lightning stuck the towns clock tower and 10:04 pm on November 14th, 1955. All that Doc and Marty have to do is figure out a way to harness its power. Oh, and convince George to ask Lorraine to the Enchantment Under the Sea dance and re-change the past so Marty can save his future! But of course Biff has something to say about that.

thomas-f-wilson-as-biff-tannen-in-back-toMy love for this movie knows no bounds. It was the first movie I latched onto in my younger years and I’ve watched it at least once every month since…yes I’ve seen this movie over 350 times. The film’s story was so original and fresh that it immediately found an audience with young viewers. Michael J. Fox was a star at the time with the popularity of the hit show “Family Ties”, but interestingly enough Fox was the producers second choice for Marty (Eric Stoltz was originally cast); but there was no better choice than Fox as he ultimately proved. Marty McFly has become an iconic character who’s appeal is as beloved today as it was 29 years ago…maybe ever more so. Christopher Lloyd’s portrayal as Doc Brown is equally as iconic as Fox’s performance. The mannerisms, the delivery of the dialogue, the chemistry he created with Fox brought an immediate emotional connection to the movie which resonated thru the following two sequels. The friendship between Marty and Doc is one very few can top. These characters will live on in film history as two of the greatest ever created.

back-to-the-futureThe supporting cast was amazing. Lea Thompson was fantastic in her duel roles as Lorraine Baines and the future Lorraine McFly. Her beauty was unsurpassed and her presence omitted a touch of youthful mischief that added a level of playfulness that was key to the execution of her relationship with Marty. Crispin Glover was equally as phenomenal as George McFly. His mannerisms as a youthful outcast whose dream of becoming a sci-fi writer and sweeping the woman of his dreams off her feet are quirky and awkward but extremely lovable. Glover brings a level of tension to each scene that allows the audience the feeling of concern yet allows for a playful exuberance to shine thru. And who could forget Tom Wilson. The antagonist of the film, Biff Tannen, arguably one of the top villainous performances of the 1980’s and beyond. Wilson is THE perfect bully. From his interactions with George to his confrontations with Marty, Wilson stands with each actor toe to toe and creates memorable scene after memorable scene. From his bruting mannerisms to his off beat comical delivery, Wilson is a gem in every scene.

Back to the Future is a film that changed the way I watched movies at an early age and solidified my love for film. It is a movie that deserves every one of its accolades and will stand the test of time as one of the all time films. This movie takes me to a place emotionally that allows me to relive a small piece of my childhood with each viewing. I owe so much to this film and I have no way to pay it back. I can simply say thank you Marty and Doc for taking me on your journey.

Stars:

5 out of 5 stars

Trailer:

Tribeca Film Festival 2015 Has Begun! Drive-In Movies & Free Events!

tribeca film festival 2015 logoLiz and Melissa are your eyes and ears of this year’s Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. They’ve got a headstart – Liz has already seen 24 and Melissa has seen 15! They’ll be attending the festival, watching movies and interviewing actors and directors. Make sure to follow them to see what they’re up to!

Follow the ladies on:

What are you seeing this year?

Clue_Press_3bTRIBECA DRIVE-IN FILMS

BACKTOTHEFUTURE_web_1FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS

  • TRIBECA FAMILY FESTIVAL STREET FAIR: April 25, 10am – 6pm Greenwich Street / North of Chambers
  • Free Screening of: Back to the Future: April 25, 6pm at BMCC
  • Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day 1: April 23, 10am – 6pm Greenwich Street / North Chambers

Quick facts:

  • 3,147 Feature submissions
    • World Premiere: 67
    • International Premiere: 4
    • North American Premiere: 13
    • U.S. Premiere: 5
    • New York Premiere: 11
    • Restoration: 1
  • Total Number of Feature Directors: 124
    • Feature-Length Female Directors: 32
    • Feature-Length Male Directors: 93
    • First-Time Directors: 41
    • First-Time Female Directors: 14
    • First-Time Male Directors: 27
    • Returning Directors: 62