FIFTEEN MINUTE BREAK June 18, 2003

A mish mash of stuff:

One of my co-workers is going to a press screening of the Hulk tonight. Jeez, they sure waited long enough. The movie offically opens up in two days and that would mean that some of these (if not all) review journalists better get cranking on their laptops.
I'm excited about seeing it, for reasons people can't fathom, as I imagine that I was only one of the few who voiced fanboy elation upon seeing the CGI effects- laden teasers on the Super Bowl. As of late, I've been on a Incredible Hulk kick, with watching my Columbia House club editions of the old Bill Bixby series. How I miss that guy. I met him one time when I was used to be a seat warmer at most of the Paramount tapings and I think he was on his last legs back then. Didn't really recognize him until the warm up guy pointed him out giving directions to the cast of Blossom from a partitioned window. It wasn't until you got up close to the guy until you recognized what chemo can take out of a guy. I've seen it before when I last saw my Grandfather before shuffling off the mortal coil. That guy sure had it rough, with the death of his son and the suicide of his wife

In addition, I'll probably be tuning into some animated episodes as well. A new DVD came out from Buena Vista and they're in the similar vein as the Spider-Man and X-Men editions are. I'm crossing my fingers that the movie will be out in IMAX at the Universal Studio lot as I feel, that would be the idea venue to see it at- since they put up a huge hunk of change for it. Usually, all the Universal releases go straight to the AMC theater chains- which is ok, since the quality of the concession stands have improved since they bought out General Cinema Corporation- but in terms of sound quality- nothing beats a good ol' THX aural- gasm and only theaters like the Mann Village Westwood or the Mann's Chinese Theaters only provide that level of excitement.

If worse comes to worse, I guess my only prime available choice would be the Cinerama Dome on Sunset and Vine- where they've now reinovated the entire street to include this spiffy, but overpriced multiplex called the Arclight Cinemas (owned by Pacific Theaters) where you can grab a bagel sandwich at the concession stand and where ushers actually escort you to your seat and introduce the audience of each movie with some production facts. If they do feature a solo engagement, usually there will be actual props from the movie displayed downstairs in the lobby (along with a overpriced gift shop and some elegant cafe dining)- as least there was one there when I caught Road to Perdition .

Last night, I picked up the new sensational Steve Hackett album, To Watch the Storms , and it is indeed quite a package! An e-mail buddy of mine from Australia used to work for Steve's new label, Insideout Music which I believe can be accessed through . They are a german label and they've been giving old prog rock acts a new home and a new lease on life such as Renaissance, Steve Howe, Steve Hackett, and Chris Squire. And their packaging is exquisite. My buddy helped develop some of the new packaging with their limited editions (like minature little hardcover collector books in a slip sleeve) when he worked there. He came up with the idea of the sturdy collector's sleeve inside the hardcover booklets before shipping off to Australia to become a customs inspector (talk about switching careers! Boy, do I miss those complementary demos he used to send me!), now I see a lot of the major labels taking notice of this packaging that is made to last . Anyway, musically, this new release from the ex-guitarist of Genesis is even more adventurous and eclectic than some of Peter Gabriel's efforts. I'll talk more tomorrow about this, along with some comments on the new Radiohead.

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Coat