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January 08, 2006 - January 14, 2006

News for Jan. 14, 2006

King Kong in China

1/14/06, 1:06 pm EST - Xoanon

King Kong in China Richard sends along these images of a large promo gorilla on display in China. Used to promote the release of Peter Jackson's King Kong there recently. Take a look! [More]

"King Kong" comes to China

1/14/06, 12:37 pm EST - Xoanon

The scene that Ann accompanies dying Kong enjoying the sunset atop the Empire State Building touched many Chinese audiences. "King Kong has fully understood the Ann's affection to it, and the animal and human achieved real communication on that occasion, " He Junli said after watching Peter Jackson's new version of "King Kong," which was released on the Chinese mainland Thursday. As the first imported foreign film in 2006, "King Kong" features a giant ape, King Kong, which lives in a jungle on "Skull Island," saves and loves an actress among a group of adventurers led by a U.S. filmmaker Carl. [More]

Get KongisKing.net Newsletter Today!

1/14/06, 12:26 pm EST - Xoanon

The latest newsletter is ready to go! Do you want to receive our free weekly newsletter? Packed with tons of info to keep you up to date on the latest? Plus filled with exclusives from time to time! Join the crowd of over 2600 mailing list members! Sign up now! [More]

Weekend Kong Chat

1/14/06, 12:22 pm EST - Xoanon

It is time to come together and talk Kong! The chatroom has been a great success, however some people have been popping in at odd hours when there is no one to chat with. To that end we've devised 2 KONG Chat times, a set time and day of the week for all Kong chatters to meet and have fun! Tonight's chat will be at 5:30PM Eastern Standard Time (click here for more info). World times are below, if you need more help click here.

5:30PM (Saturday) EST in New York, Montreal
2:30PM (Saturday) PST in Los Angeles, Seattle
11:30PM (Saturday) (Central European Time)
7:30AM (Sunday) in Sydney
9:30AM (Sunday) in Auckland, Wellington

News for Jan. 13, 2006

There is no stopping King Kong now

1/13/06, 9:31 pm EST - Xoanon

Peter Jackson remakes “King Kong” as an epic journey taken by shifty producer Carl Denham and a boat full of people, who Denham fully intends to leave in a lurch. Jackson has taken what is a monster movie standard and infused it with horror conventions, which are hallmarks of Japanese horror films. Jackson fleshes out the bare-bones plot of the 1933 original by adding the minute details of 1933 New York. Yet he isn’t doing this as a “love letter” to New York. Jackson is merely trying to ground his film in some sort of reality. He is seeking to give this film a sense of place. The 1933 original simply did not have a sense of any geographic location at all, so this is a real upgrade over the 1933 version. He also bulks the runtime of his “Kong” by fleshing out virtually every point of the 1933 version. [More]

Behind the Scenes with Cooper and Shoedsack

1/13/06, 9:28 pm EST - Xoanon

Darius writes: Jackson's movie is being followed with enthusiasm by the Iranian community in the US and Australia. Feel free to link to this article with rare photos and anecdotes on Cooper and Shoedsack in Persia/Iran before shooting their very first film Grass: A nation's battle for Life that launched their movie carreers and future collaboration on Kong. [More]

Kong 2005 DVD: March 28th?

1/13/06, 9:26 pm EST - Xoanon

The folks from thedigitalbits.com are saying the street date for Peter Jackson's King Kong may be March 28th, 2006. Since they tend be correct about these things, I'd say it's a sure bet...more info soon! [More]

KONG WINNER: M. Rizzo of Puyallup, WA

1/13/06, 5:48 pm EST - Celeborn

King Kong: Venatosaurus SkullKong UnboundNestle Bars

Congrats to our next winner: M. Rizzo of Puyallup, WA! They have won a KING KONG pack from Universal Studios, WETA Collectibles and Nestle. The pack includes a King Kong Hat, King Kong Unbound Book, a Venatosaurus Skull, and Nestle Chocolate Bars. Have you entered our giveaway? There are no strings attached and its the easiest way to win the coolest Kong stuff out there! [Giveaway Entry] [Purchase Venatosaurus Skull] [Kong Unbound Book] [Nestle]

A $500 million film ain't what it used to be

1/13/06, 1:35 pm EST - Xoanon

Can a film that's going to rake in more than $500 million be a disappointment? Depends on whom you ask.

King Kong, the three-hour Peter Jackson opus that swung into theaters last month amid a publicity campaign that would make a monkey blush, is already the eighth-biggest film of 2005 with $195 million in North American ticket sales. Worldwide, it has taken in $465 million and will likely break the half-billion mark by this weekend. But "compared to expectations, it was a disappointment," says Brandon Gray of Box Office Mojo. "But that's what's going to happen when you spend $200 million on a movie that stars an ape." [More]

News for Jan. 12, 2006

Ray Morton Booksigning in Hollywood

1/12/06, 12:18 pm EST - Xoanon

Book Soup in Hollywood presents author Ray Morton at a booksigning event tonight (January 12th). Morton will be signing copies of his book King Kong: The History of a Movie Icon from Fay Wray to Peter Jackson. Kong is one of the most amazing, popular, and iconic characters in the history of motion pictures. [More]

King Kong DVD Art Competition: Last Call For Entries!

1/12/06, 12:14 pm EST - Xoanon

Today is the last day to sign up for the King Kong DVD Cover and Disc Art Competition. There is a great prize to be won for the best design. Design the Outside and Inside Cover Sleeve for the DVD as well as the art for 2 discs for making this DVD the King Kong 2 Disc DVD Set. [Sign Up Today!]

Kong Chat Tonight

1/12/06, 12:13 pm EST - Xoanon

It is time to come together and talk Kong! The chatroom has been a great success, however some people have been popping in at odd hours when there is no one to chat with. To that end I've devised a KONG Chat time, a set time and day of the week for all Kong chatters to meet and have fun! The bi-weekly Kong Chats will be Thursday nights at 8:30PM Eastern Standard Time (a new Saturday chat has been added click here for more info). World times are below, if you need more help click here. [Kong Java Chat Room] [irc chat settings: SERVER www.theonering.net ROOM: #kongisking.net]

8:30pm (Thursday) EST in New York, Montreal
5:30pm (Thursday) PST in Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco
1:30am (Friday) in GMT (UK)
2:30am (Friday) CET in Berlin, Barcelona, Amsterdam
12:30pm (Friday) in Sydney
2:30pm (Friday) in Auckland and Wellington

News for Jan. 11, 2006

KONG WINNER: D. Thiel of Lawrenceville, NJ

1/11/06, 6:22 pm EST - Celeborn

Skull Island Board GameNestle Bars

Congrats to our next winner: D. Thiel of Lawrenceville, NJ! They have won a Skull Island Board Game, Nestle Candy, and a King Kong Hat. Thanks to our sponsors Pressman Toys, Nestle Corporation and Universal Studios for the great prizes! Have you entered our giveaway? There are no strings attached and its the easiest way to win the coolest Kong stuff out there! [Giveaway Entry] [Purchase the Game] [Nestle]

Andrew Lesnie Nabs ASC Nom

1/11/06, 3:18 pm EST - Xoanon

Thanks to michellecat for this: According to the folks at Oscarwatch.com, King Kong has been nominated in the the feature film competition of the 20th Annual American Society of Cinematographers Outstanding Achievements Awards. The winner will be named during the ASC Awards gala on February 26 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. Yeah! Go Kong and congratulation Andrew Lesnie. The other nominees are:

BATMAN BEGINS (Wally Pfister)
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (Rodrigo Prieto)
GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK (Robert Elswit)
MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA (Dion Beebe)

News for Jan. 10, 2006

Kong Goodies on eBay

1/10/06, 7:50 pm EST - Xoanon

Author Joe DeVito writes: Here's another post, for a Kong painting I'm putting on eBay: This original study of King Kong was painted and used for a limited edition bookmark (500), that was given out with 'KONG: King of Skull Island' books sold through Bud Plant. The painting, in oils and charcoal, is on an 18"x24" canvas board.

This is one of the few pieces of original Kong art that I plan to put up for sale through eBay (starting today for seven days for this one). I hope it finds a good home (or skyscraper). For more auction details go to here.

For more info on my work please go to: kongskullisland.com or jdevito.com

Ray Morton Booksigning in Hollywood

1/10/06, 7:28 pm EST - Xoanon

Lhunsarniel writes: Not sure if you've posted this already, but this week at Book Soup in Hollywood the following book-signing event will take place: Thursday, January 12th, 7pm Ray Morton presents and signs King Kong: The History of a Movie Icon from Fay Wray to Peter Jackson He is one of the most amazing, popular, and iconic characters in the history of motion pictures. His 1933 debut was a legendary piece of pure cinema; simultaneously a terrifying monster movie, epic fairy tale, tragic love story, and deeply resonant cultural myth. His name is King Kong. And this is the first book to chronicle the making of all seven feature films in which the character of Kong has appeared, including the hotly anticipated Peter Jackson film opening in December 2005. Generously illustrated with photographs, production art, and promotional materials from the author's extensive private collection, Morton parlays a colorful overview of the tremendous amount of collectible Kong merchandise for fans of Kongdom to devour.

Order 'King Kong : The History of a Movie Icon from Fay Wray to Peter Jackson' on Amazon.com today!

Got Game? Bid on Kong!

1/10/06, 7:19 pm EST - Xoanon

The mysterious M writes: I just noticed at our local GAME store in Manchester (United Kingdom) is selling a huge King Kong statue which I think is to help sell the Xbox 360's Kong game. I don't have any photos of it, but i thought you're readers if they're in the UK might like to know its for sale. They're basically taking bids, and I guess will sell to the highest bidder. GAME (Unit 59, Arndale Centre, Manchester, 0161 839 5101) [Google Map]

KONG WINNER: A. Chambers of Maitland, FL

1/10/06, 5:41 pm EST - Celeborn

Skull Island Board GameNestle Bars

Congrats to our next winner: A. Chambers of Maitland, FL! They have won a Skull Island Board Game, Nestle Candy, and a King Kong Hat. Thanks to our sponsors Pressman Toys, Nestle Corporation and Universal Studios for the great prizes! Have you entered our giveaway? There are no strings attached and its the easiest way to win the coolest Kong stuff out there! [Giveaway Entry] [Purchase the Game] [Nestle]

Kong's secret identity

1/10/06, 4:49 pm EST - Xoanon

In computer-generated bodies not his own, Andy Serkis has starred in two of the most humongously budgeted films of the decade. Serkis, who stands 5 feet 8 inches, plays the role of Kong in Peter Jackson's $200 million-plus "King Kong." As he was for the "precious"-hungry Gollum in Jackson's $300 million-plus "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, Serkis has again been transformed by computer graphics into a fantastical creature. [More]

Kong recaptures UK box office crown

1/10/06, 4:42 pm EST - Xoanon

King Kong has returned to the top of the UK and Ireland's box office. Peter Jackson's remake of the classic film regained the crown from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The two films have jostled for pole position in recent weeks, taking £2.16m and £2.13m respectively at the weekend. Gay cowboy romance Brokeback Mountain - starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger - opened in fourth spot after showing in a limited number of cinemas. [More]

The Flying McCoys Goof on Kong

1/10/06, 4:38 pm EST - Xoanon

The Flying McCoys Goof on Kong thegoldensimatar sends this along from Glenn and Gary McCoy's comic talents in 'The Flying McCoys' comic. Take a look at what really killed the beast! [More]

Kong-size prizes put winners in spotlight

1/10/06, 4:30 pm EST - Xoanon

SAUGERTIES - What would you do if you won $1 million? What if you won $8 million? Those were the questions two local residents faced after each won King Kong-sized prizes in the New York Lottery in recent weeks. Ryan Maxwell, a 25-year-old construction worker from Malden-on-Hudson, said his $1 million King Kong Millions game ticket will buy him and his girlfriend a vacation, a wedding and an investment in the future for the couple and their unborn child. Jie Lin, 36, of Kingston, a Chinese immigrant and restaurant chef who hit the $8 million jackpot King Kong Millions instant lottery, plans to buy a car and a home, and maybe his own business. [More]

Online Film Critics Nominations

1/10/06, 4:25 pm EST - Xoanon

Thanks to Nessa for this bit of info and a link to the Online Film Critics Nominations. King Kong was nominated for; Best Director (Peter Jackson), Best Actress (Naomi Watts), Best Score (James Newton Howard). James Newton Howard is also nominated for his work on 'Batman Begins'. [View All Nominations]

Seven films on Oscar sound editing shortlist

1/10/06, 4:20 pm EST - Xoanon

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Monday announced the seven films in consideration for achievement in sound editing for the 78th Annual Academy Awards. The seven are Walt Disney Pictures' "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," Warner Bros. Pictures' "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," Universal Pictures' "King Kong," Columbia Pictures' "Memoirs of a Geisha," 20th Century Fox's "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith" and "Walk the Line" and Paramount Pictures' "War of the Worlds." [More]

DVD Tuesday: Bell is 'The Chumscrubber'

1/10/06, 2:25 pm EST - Xoanon

Out on DVD today is Jamie Bell's 'The Chumscrubber': At first glance perhaps evoking the despair-beneath-the-hedges genre, The Chumscrubber possesses a wondrous sense of American magic realism uniquely its own. First-time director Arie Posin is also exceedingly generous toward his characters; investing each of the players in his large cast with a novelistic sense of empathy, ambiguity, and complexity. A work of brutal, uncompromising honesty The Chumscrubber is also, somehow, miraculously devoid of vitriol. [More]

King Kong DVD Art Competition: Two Days Left!!

1/10/06, 1:13 pm EST - Xoanon

There are only 2 days left to sign up for the King Kong DVD Cover and Disc Art Competition. There is a great prize to be won for the best design. Design the Outside and Inside Cover Sleeve for the DVD as well as the art for 2 discs for making this DVD the King Kong 2 Disc DVD Set. [Sign Up Today!]

News for Jan. 09, 2006

King Kong's enormous earnings

1/09/06, 1:44 pm EST - Xoanon

It may have stumbled at the US box office in the past week, but King Kong is still expected to reap more than $US600 million ($796 million) at the box office worldwide. The weekend box office was sheer torture as the bloody Hostel, a tale of buddies who stumble into a den of violent depravity, debuted at No. 1 with $US20.1 million. Lionsgate's Hostel bumped off the previous weekend's No. 1 film, Disney's The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which came in second with $US15.4 million to lift its domestic total to $US247.6 million, according to studio estimates. [More]

KONG WINNER: J. Neal of Fullerton, CA

1/09/06, 9:47 am EST - Celeborn


King Kong: V-Rex Skull
Nestle Bars

Congrats to our next winner: J. Neal of Fullerton, CA! They have won a V-Rex Skull, Nestle Candy, and a King Kong Hat. Thanks to our sponsors WETA Collectibles, Nestle Corporation and Universal Studios for the great prizes! Have you entered our giveaway? There are no strings attached and its the easiest way to win the coolest Kong stuff out there! [Giveaway Entry] [Purchase the Skull] [Nestle]

Andy Serkis to Receive Special Award Tonight

1/09/06, 8:37 am EST - Xoanon

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The hirsute star of Peter Jackson's "King Kong" will receive a special honor at the 11th annual Critics' Choice Awards on January 9. The Broadcast Film Critics Assn., the group behind the event, created the Distinguished Achievement in Performing Arts Award to recognize what it called "the singular achievement in creating this character, representing a revolutionary leap forward in synthesizing visual effects with an actor's performance." "Many BFCA members wanted to vote for Kong for best actor because they were so impressed by the astonishing way in which he expresses love, lust, humor and rage in the tradition of the finest human actors," BFCA president Joey Berlin said. The award will be accepted by Andy Serkis, the actor who breathed life into Kong. Jackson and his crew are creating new footage for the event. [More]

News for Jan. 08, 2006

Air show secures King Kong biplane

1/08/06, 8:14 pm EST - Xoanon

Backers of a mini air pageant at Masterton's Hood Aerodrome have secured a major drawcard – the replica Curtiss Helldiver used in Peter Jackson's King Kong movie remake. The full-scale replica biplane that tackled Kong on the Empire State Building and a range of World War I aircraft will be part of the ground display at the open day and air display on January 22. It will be the first time the Helldiver has been shown in Wairarapa. The pageant, run by the Sport and Vintage Aviation Society, is a scaled-back sky and ground display aimed at reviving interest in aviation history and keeping interest alive in the two-yearly Wings Over Wairarapa event, to be staged next January. Money from gate fees and food sales will also help next year's show. Society president Tom Williams said though the open day was always popular, having the Helldiver in the attractions was a real bonus. [More]

3D World Talks Kong & Aslan

1/08/06, 12:54 pm EST - Xoanon

3D World Talks Kong & Aslan Figurefreaks sends along these scans from the January edition of 3D World Magazine, it features and article called 'Hair Wars: Aslan vs. Kong'. [More]

Jackson highlights gorilla plight with DVD release

1/08/06, 12:43 pm EST - Xoanon

King Kong director Peter Jackson has added a documentary film about the plight of gorillas to the DVD release of the Hollywood blockbuster, in a bid to prevent the extinction of the endangered species. The acclaimed film-maker is teaming up with the International Gorilla Conservation Programme for the environmental campaign, after the original 1933 Kong movie prompted a huge upsurge in gorilla hunting. The DVD release of the remake - due to hit stores later this year - is hoped to increase public awareness of the species, which is predicted to be extinct within thirty years. [More]

All things KONG

1/08/06, 12:40 pm EST - Xoanon

Since King Kong first appeared onscreen in 1933, the giant ape has become an almost omnipresent part of the pop culture landscape. Besides numerous appearances on movie screens, including the campy 1976 remake and the current Peter Jackson-helmed blockbuster, Kong has been the subject of pop songs, comedy routines and video games. While the movie monster inspired his fair share of awe and fear on-screen, offscreen he's inspired everything from a cartoon series and jazz melody to a baseball slugger's nickname and a "Simpsons" parody. Here's a look at some of the numerous ways Kong has infiltrated our culture, including the ultimate Kong song mix and some alternate monkey movies. [More]

Can Apes Win Oscars?

1/08/06, 12:38 pm EST - Xoanon

Jan. 16, 2006 issue - Technically speaking, yes, they can. With ballots for Academy Award nominations due on Jan. 21, all that voters have to do to honor Andy Serkis's momentous work as Kong in director Peter Jackson's "King Kong" is scribble in the actor's name on their forms. Although the on-screen ape is computer-generated, Serkis provided the base performance through a technique called motion capture. As a result, he's eligible for a statue. But Serkis probably won't need a tuxedo come Oscar night: just as he was for Gollum in "The Lord of the Rings," he'll almost certainly be overlooked again. Serkis has emerged as the first artist of a nascent discipline of acting—the CGI character—but Oscar voters have a stubborn bias in favor of real, live flesh. [More]

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