10/5/98

California residents: Rob Bowman and Dean Haglund will be signing copies of the X-Files movie videos on 10/13! Here are the details:

Director Rob Bowman and Dean Haglund will be at the Tower Video store in Sherman Oaks, CA on Oct. 13 from 6-8 p.m. to meet fans and sign copies of the video (which fans must buy at Tower...). They'll have special prices for the event:

$14.99 for Pan and Scan version
$16.99 for Widescreen version

And the first 30 folks to make a purchase get a free X-Files gift. Also, everyone who makes a purchase gets entered into a drawing for an X-clusive Gift Pack....

Here is a picture of the flyer for the event, and here is another picture.

Source: The PA X-Files

10/4/98

Yet new movie merchandise has just been released--wallet cards. There is a set of 6, each with a character on it and bios on the back. See the Merchandise section for pictures.

Source: The X-Files Total Resource

10/2/98

No preview during the game yesterday. Oh well, at least the Braves won! Anyway, David Duchovny is writing and will direct an episode about baseball. Here's hoping that it will be as good as "Colony"/"End Game" and not "The Field Where I Died." Also, here's an article from Daily Variety about Chris Carter's upcoming venture...two books:

"Publishing industryites say TXF creator CC has scored a high-seven-figure deal to write two original suspense novels for Bantam.

"The books are reportedly not related to CC’s existing or recently signed upcoming new projects for 20th Century Fox TV, which may be a reason why this deal was, surprisingly, not made at News Corp. sister company HarperCollins, which formed new imprint Harper Entertainment in part for synergistic projects.

"CC recently inked a new exclusive development and production deal with 20th Century Fox TV (DV, 9/18).

"The new CC books were reportedly sought after by several publishers. Bantam publisher Irwyn Appelbaum could not be reached for comment. Renaissance agent Joel Gotler, who reportedly repped CC on these properties, would not comment on the deal."

Also, here is an excerpt from an eBay auction of the blue X-Files movie watch:

"What does Lenticular mean? To put it simply, the face of the watch changes shapes as light reflects off of it at different angles. Different shades of blue, grey, & white shift back and forth & from side to side. Very cool! Very similar to being holographic. This awesome unisex style timepiece sports a leather band with a brush silver casing. Written in red at the bottom of the face is 'Fight the Future' and the hands glow in the dark."

10/1/98

I added some information about the variations of the action figures to the Merchandise section. I also added listings and pictures for the X-Files movie lobby cards--11x14" color photos of scenes and characters. And, I added a picture of the third X-Files watch, and new pictures of the alien maquette.

Also, the "wildcard" game that I said would air a few days ago will actually be today on Fox at 8 p.m. EST, and it's a playoff game, not a wildcard game. It's the Braves vs. the Cubs. I'll enjoy it even if the season 6 preview isn't aired.... Go Braves! Also, the Millennium crossover that's rumored may take place with only Skinner. This could tie in with the earlier rumor that Skinner would leave the show or be killed off. And, the movie should come out in Pay-Per-View in November. That's all for now....

Sources: The X-Files Total Resource and THE X-FILES: INVASION

9/30/98

Episode 6 is called "Terms of Endearment," taken from the movie. This could hint at what's going to happen in the episode (which will have Fowley and Kersh in it).

9/28/98

Bad news for those looking forward to it: David Duchovny's butt shot won't be in the video release. And, for information on the "Dreamland" episodes' sets and other season 6 stuff, click here. Also, the wildcard game is today, but it's on ESPN, not Fox. Let me know if the preview was aired!

9/27/98

Some interesting things about the direction of season 6 are on this page. Also, here is a picture of the X-Files movie mylar--available in both large and mini sizes. Movie mylars are banner-sized ads the theaters display on marquees, on top of the theater door, etc. You can buy them here.

9/25/98

I dug through Diamond Comics's site for a long time today, and found out about a lot of movie merchandise I never knew about. See the Merchandise section. There is a "briefcase CD holder," a clock, and a graphic novel adaptation (comic book). I don't know if any of these were discontinued, but as far as I know they weren't canceled. The Illustrated X-Files Feature Film Scriptbook was originally supposed to be released, but was canceled. In addition to the P1 promo card and P0 oversize promo card, there is a European promo card. And a small tidbit from the site: The third watch (the one not in the watch ad, called the Blue Dial X Logo Watch) wasn't originally supposed to say "Fight the Future," but it was changed. I also found another ad for Dark Horse Comics's statues. This is also from the site, about an upcoming set of busts. Here is another picture.

Greg Aronowitz's Legends in 3 Dimensions has announced the impending release of cold cast porcelain busts of both FBI Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully from the television and feature film phenomenon, The X-Files. Limited to 5,000 units each and sculpted by company founder Greg Aronowitz, the two busts are the only sculpted product personally approved by both David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson.

Legends in 3 Dimensions has previously satiated sculpture fans with product based on Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel Comics, and other pop culture-related licenses. Now the company has its sights on one of the hottest sci-fi TV properties to come along since Rod Serling wowed audiences with his freaky series, The Twilight Zone.

"I've been a huge fan of The X-Files since the first season hit the airwaves," said company founder and sculptor Greg Aronowitz, who has provided special effects, design, and modeling work for hundreds of movies including Jurassic Park, Contact, Saving Private Ryan and Terminator 2. "I worked with David and Gillian on The X-Files: Fight the Future movie, and was able to get their input into what they would like to see in a sculpted piece. I was excited to get their personal approval on the finished product and their signatures for the Certificate of Authenticity that comes with each box."

X-Files fans and aficionados of award-winning poster art will also be thrilled to know that The X-Files packaging for the sculptures feature artwork by none other than internationally renowned painter Drew Struzan. Best known for his magnificent painted movie posters for the Indiana Jones and Star Wars franchises, his painting of Mulder and Scully for Legends in 3 Dimensions is the only Struzan X-Files art in existence!

Anyway, the first (only?) wildcard game will probably be September 28, so watch out for the season 6 TV spot on Fox!

Source: Diamond Comics

9/24/98

The LaserDisc can be preordered starting September 29. Both DTS and Dolby Digital (AC-3) versions will be in letterboxed (2.35:1) format. It doesn't look like they will include the extra footage and interviews like the video versions. (The Image Entertainment site says 121 minutes, the same length as the theatrical version.) The DTS version is CX analog noise reduced, and both are close-captioned. See the AC-3 and DTS pages.

Source: Image Entertainment

9/23/98

I have a ton of upcoming episode news. First, in episode 6 (Bowman/Omon) will be Fowley and Kersh. Episode 7 (Manners/Gilligan) will be called "Weary Men." Episode 8 (Shiban) will be called "Xeox Pur Soli" and be Scully-centered. Michael Watkins will direct either that episode or "Dreamland II." The Carter/Spotnitz two-parter (episodes 9 and 10) will include Krycek and Covarrubias, and possibly Cassandra Spender. This episode may give away answers about Samantha, and will air during February sweeps. Episode 11 (Cliff Bole/Gilligan) will be another comedy episode by the writer and director of "Bad Blood." Next season we will get 6-7 new episodes before reruns are aired, which will probably start with "Christmas Carol" and "Emily." See the news from 9/13/98 for earlier upcoming episode news.

Also, highlight the following phrase which involves the end of season 7 and the second movie: The X-Files will be permanently closed.

Sources: HELIX Online, Dark Horizons

9/22/98

This is an interview with Irish author Michael Scott from a magazine called Hot Press.

"'I'd love to tell you all about it, but in keeping with the theme of the show, they put a non-disclosure clause into my contract,' he laughs. 'I don't think I'm giving away any trade secrets, though, when I say that there are two threads to the program--the UFO one, and the horror one that they're strengthening by bringing in people like myself and Stephen King. There's an episode I've written, "The Banshee" that looks as if it's going to be made, but the show's in a constant state of flux and they may want to take it in another direction.... What I've found with the X-Files is that some of them have been doing it so long that they've developed tunnel vision. Throw in a mad idea that you, me or any Irish person would come up with over a few pints and they look at you like you're Alfred Hitchcock.'"

Also, there will be a preview of the sixth season during Fox's coverage of the first baseball wildcard game. And, apparently, Krycek would have been in episode 3 had Nicholas Lea not had visa problems! He won't be in episodes 1-5.

Source: The PA X-Files

9/21/98

As you can see above, you can preorder the movie on video through my site at Reel.com. I also have some new merchandise news, and this time it's bookmarks. There are 11 bookmarks, five tasseled and six die-cut. See the Merchandise section for pictures. Still no news on the upcoming lunchboxes. There is a preliminary picture of one in the Merchandise section, too.

Source: The X-Files Total Resource

9/19/98

There have been all sorts of little news bits and rumors going around for the past few days, and here they are. First, Chris Carter has signed on with Fox for another 5 years (at least), and will stay on The X-Files for at least 2 more years, and 1 more year on Millennium. He will also develop a new series for next fall (rumored to be called Harsh Realm, based on the comic books), and other series as well. The deal includes making feature films (X-Files included), and is worth $25-30 million. Carter would still work under the Ten Thirteen Productions name. Also, Chris Carter is rumored to have said that the sequel to the movie may actually be a prequel. This would be interesting. He also said that the movie might be less mythology-oriented and might involve an unrelated investigation into the paranormal by our dynamic duo. And, there is a still unconfirmed rumor that Téa Leoni is pregnant! Also, for those still bitter about the Emmys, see the bottom of the Info page.

A few days ago, I wrote that poster D is available in the German dimensions of 23x33 inches. This is correct, but I was referring to the reprint (commercial version) of the poster. The other three reprints are also available in those dimensions. There are also two other sizes for the reprints. See the Merchandise section for details.

Source: THE X-FILES: INVASION

9/17/98

I have some technical news and corrections for the video, LaserDisc, and DVD releases. First, before I said that the LaserDisc would come in a DTS-encoded version, and a version without any digital surround. I was correcting what I said before about there being Dolby Digital and DTS versions. It appears that I was right the first time--the Image Entertainment Web site changed, and now it says that there's a Dolby Digital and a DTS version. As for the DVD release, it could happen around January 1999. Also, this has to do with the DVD, LaserDisc, and video versions. The X-Files was shot in a format called Super 35, just like Titanic, which allows two cameras to shoot the exact scene at the same time, resulting in a pan & scan and widescreen version of the same shot. The widescreen footage is actually wider than the movie screen (which allows panning within the actual frame to be done during postproduction), so more is seen on both sides in the widescreen version of the video than in theaters, and on LaserDisc and DVD. The pan & scan footage actually allows more on the top and bottom of the frame to show up than on the movie screen. Apparently this makes the background appear more visible. This was an issue with Titanic, because people said that the pan & scan version of the video might be a whole different experience than the widescreen version. We'll have to see what happens.

In poster news, version D is available in German dimensions (23x33) from Pix Poster Cellar.

Source: The Digital Bits

9/16/98

Now here's some BIG NEWS. Not only does this story from Mr. Showbiz confirm yesterday's news, it also has information on the Collector's Gift Set, which will include the widescreen version of the movie and many other goodies, that comes out on November 2.

"For those who spent the better part of their summer vacations sitting in a darkened theater munching on popcorn and attempting to discern whether any of Scully's privates were visible when Mulder rescued her from the deep freeze, don't make big plans for the summer of 2000.

"The New York Daily News' Mitchell Fink reports that there's definitely a sequel to The X-Files: Fight the Future in the works. Chris Carter, exec producer and creator of the Fox paranormal series, tells the paper that the second installment of the now big-screen franchise will go into production next summer with release planned for the following summer.

"'I realize it's a Herculean task to do it in that time frame,' Carter tells the paper. 'But we're going to try.' It's unclear whether Rob Bowman will once again helm the big-screen X-Files, although here's hoping that Carter opts to avoid that black oil-alien colonization theme this time out.

"The release in 2000 will reportedly come just after the series wraps its seventh and believed to be final season with David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. The famously prickly co-stars have reportedly already agreed to star in the sequel, but there's no word on how much they'll receive to don their trench coats and designer duds for Part II. Each received an estimated $4 million for Fight the Future, which has so far taken in a respectable but not blockbuster $83.4 at the domestic box office. Still, Fox believes it has a profit-generating franchise on its hands.

"Both Duchovny and Anderson have expressed their dissatisfaction with the grind of a daily TV show, even one that has brought them fame and fortune. And while they are only signed through the 1999-2000 season, take heart, for puppet master Carter has said of The X-Files: 'It is conceivable that it could be done without both of them.'

"And for X-philes who simply can't wait until Nov. 8 for the new season of The X-Files to begin, we have good news. On Oct. 13, a date in-the-know fans out there will appreciate (it's Carter's birthday; the name of his production company, Ten Thirteen; and the last four digits of Scully's cell phone number), Fight the Future hits video store shelves.

"But this isn't just any release: Twentieth Century Fox promises the pic will contain new, never-before-seen footage and 'will answer one of the long-standing questions of The X-Files.' In addition, the tape, which will retail for $22.98 (a wide-screen version is available for a few dollars more), will feature exclusive interviews with Carter and Anderson.

"And just in time for Christmas, Fox will release a special collector's gift set Nov. 2. For a mere $79.98, you can watch Mulder and Scully track conspiracies in a wide-screen format of the flick; peruse a numbered copy of the script (printed on nonreproducible red paper, just like on the set!), and flip through five individual frames from the film.

"But wait, there's more. You'll also receive 8 by 10 reprints of the three theatrical posters that are 'suitable for framing' and an 'all-new,' 'behind the scenes' video titled The Making of The X-Files, with an accompanying book."

Pretty cool. I'm waiting until the gift set to buy the video! Here is an official press release published on Yahoo!.

"CENTURY CITY, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Sept. 15, 1998-- Hot from its smash $80 million-plus theatrical release, The X-Files, one of the most-popular and talked about film releases of the year, is destined to become one of the most highly anticipated video releases of the year.

"Making its direct-to-sell-through video debut from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on October 13--a date of great significance to the nearly 20 million X-Files fans out there--the all-star, riveting special-effects thriller will include new, never-before-seen footage that will answer one of the long-standing questions of The X-Files.

"Featuring exclusive interviews with Chris Carter and Gillian Anderson, the video will be priced in pan-and-scan at an ownable US$22.98/C$26.98 (US$14.95 MAP) or less at retailers throughout North America and will also be available in the widescreen format for $24.98 (US$16.95 MAP) or less. A special Collector's Giftset has been created and will be available on Nov. 2, 1998, priced at US$79.98 (US$59.95 MAP).

[SNIP]

"For the true X-Files aficionado, Fox Home Entertainment has created The X-Files Collector's Giftset that contains many highly collectible X-Files items that are not available anywhere else.

"In addition to a widescreen copy of the film, the giftset includes: a numbered script printed on non-reproducible red paper--as was done for the film; five individual frames from the 35mm film print; 8 x 10 reprints of the three theatrical posters that are suitable for framing; an additional, all-new, exclusive to the giftset 'behind-the-scenes' videocassette program entitled The Making of The X-Files, plus a special Making of the X-Files book from Harper-Collins.

[SNIP]

"To ensure the best possible presentation, The X-Files has undergone a painstaking film-to-video transfer process and is digitally mastered by THX for superior sound and picture quality. The film, with a running time of approximately 122 minutes, has been rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America, and is close-captioned for the hearing impaired.

[SNIP]"

And yes, the video's extra scenes will be edited into the rest of the movie.

9/15/98

This is from the New York Daily News about the sequel:

"There's definitely going to be a sequel to this summer's X Files movie.

"Chris Carter, executive producer of the Fox series and the feature film, said Part II is set to shoot next summer for release in the summer 2000 movie season, which coincides with the end of the seventh and final season of the highly acclaimed TV show.

"'I realize it's a Herculean task to do it in that time frame,' said Carter. 'But we're going to try.'

"By the way, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson have already agreed to co-star in the sequel."

Also, X² has been renewed for another 2 years at least.

9/14/98

Well, if you watched the Emmys yesterday you know that it was a very disappointing evening--down to Gillian Anderson's boring presentation. The X-Files won nothing, except for the two awards it won in the Creative Arts Awards a few weeks earlier. "Post-Modern Prometheus" and "Kill Switch" were the winning episodes.

Also, I found the official Swiss movie site, in French or German. It also had a contest, but it's over already and only for Swiss residents.

9/13/98

Don't forget to watch the Emmys tonight at 7 EST on NBC! Now, here is some information about an X-Files movie CD that could be sent away for in the Sunday Times in U.K. sometime last month. It was kind of like the enhanced CD, but it included slightly different things: a screensaver (it could have been the same or different than the screensaver available on the U.K. site), 2 songs from the soundtrack, a link to the official Web site (presumably the U.K. site), and Internet access software. If anyone got one of these CDs, I need a picture of this CD. Thanks!

Also, here is a transcript from "Drive." Another interesting tidbit is that Mulder won't have such a bad relationship with the Syndicate this year. What could this mean...?? Also, next season will certainly address the fate of Samantha, which was cut out of the movie but will be in the video release. I forgot to mention a couple of things about next season. First, "The Beginning" will start out with a 1-minute clip of important scenes from both "The End" and the movie. Also, Kersh is African-American.

Here is some preliminary info on episodes 6-11. 6X06 will be written by David Omon, a new writer, and directed by Rob Bowman, his first this season. 7 will be written by Vince Gilligan and directed by Kim Manners. 8 will be written by John Shiban. 9 and 10 will be the second two-parter and second mythology episode of the season, with Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz writing. And Vince Gilligan will write episode 11. Also, click here for some inside set information from "Dreamland."

Here are some corrections for the LaserDisc release of the movie. First, the date is November 11, not the 25th. And, it will be released in two versions, one of which will be DTS-encoded. But the other version won't be Dolby Digital-encoded; it will have neither surround format. Also, the cost is set at $39.98. Here is a picture of the LaserDisc cover. Image Entertainment's Web site is www.image-entertainment.com, and the page on the X-Files movie is here.

Sources: Da Hellspawn's Homepage, The PA X-Files

9/12/98

Just some quick news. First, FTF videos can be preordered starting September 16. And, so far the movie has grossed $57 million overseas, bringing the total to around $140 million.

9/11/98

Here is a picture that could either be an ad for the video release or from a four-page booklet sent out to video stores. I'm not sure which. Also, I have a picture that looks like it's also a video ad, but it might just be a doctored image or something. Can anyone help me out with these two? Here's another mystery: this is a small picture of the video box cover, but this is another picture that looks like a video box cover, but is different. Also, Mike scanned the two-page game ad. (One page is linked on each side of the "-".)

9/10/98

Some LaserDisc news from alt.binaries.x-files: It will come out on November 25, made by Image Entertainment. It will come out in both Dolby Digital and DTS formats, priced at $39.99. Also from the newsgroup is a strange rumor that DD and GA filmed a nude scene together, but it was cut out. The poster promises to post a French article about it. It may be just a misunderstanding about GA's "nude" scene in the spaceship when Mulder pulls her out of the cryopod (which was actually a film of latex on her skin), and Mulder's cut-out butt scene when he's in the hospital. If anyone gets a chance to read the article and translate it when it's posted, please e-mail me.

9/9/98

More merchandise news: there is a third watch, one other than the ones shown in the watch ad in the official magazine. It seems to have replaced the white watch with the black "X" and band. The watch has a hologram of the tunnel in the spaceship and says "Fight the Future." Here is a picture of the watch, and here is the watch ad. Thanks to Mike for the pictures and info. See the Merchandise section for more info on the watches.

Also, The X-Files came out in 11th place for total summer box-office sales, behind The Mask of Zorro, with $83.1 million.

9/8/98

The "X-Files Fight the Future Screen Saver CD" and the "Album and Score Promo CD" are the same thing, I think. I took out both entries in the Merchandise section, and added "The X-Files Enhanced Screen Saver CD" under the Albums heading. The "promo" had 3 tracks from both the album and score, and the "screen saver CD" had the screensaver on it. But then I heard about an enhanced CD with the 3 songs, the screensaver, and the 3 trailers, so they must all be the same thing. I'll try to get a picture of it.

9/7/98

Yesterday I forgot to mention the books. They still seem to be in stock, from what I've seen. But if you're planning on getting any, I wouldn't wait too long. Speaking of books, check out the new official pages for the Making of the X-Files books (normal and junior versions), linked to from the Info section. Also, there is another supplier of Poster E: The X-Files Total Resource.

A while back, I made a "correction" from November 1 to 8 for the season premiere. It wasn't a mistake to say November 1, because that's what it was...until Fox decided to air The Lost World instead. Already "The Beginning" had been delayed because of the World Series. Well, look at it this way: the season will end late! Speaking of sports games, there will be no episode after the Superbowl this year. Another tidbit on "The Beginning": The X-Files will be open, but run by Spender and Fowley. We'll have to see if this situation rights itself!

Source: The Wire

9/6/98

Just did some major X-Files shopping (before everything gets out of stock). I have two things to say. First, the "black oil" mystery cards don't work. The picture always shows, and doesn't disappear. And second, the alien action figure can't stand on its own. There are holes on its feet like for a stand, but it didn't come with one. Up to now, it seems that the only merchandise still on shelves are the mouse pads, action figures, cards, and albums. The shirts (from what I've seen) seem to be sold out, and I saw one remaining hat at the local music store. Speaking of shirts, the shirt I have listed in the Merchandise section as "T-Shirt: Fight the Future" does exist, even though I haven't seen it in stores or on any Web sites. I saw someone wearing it. It has the movie logo in the front. Someone had told me about it a while ago, so I put it under the Clothes heading. He also told me that the back said "Fight the Future," but I couldn't see the back of the shirt I saw the person wearing. Anyway, I got the last magazine (which were supposed to be taken off display August 24).

Also, I have something to clear up. I've always thought that this picture was a poster for the albums, but it turns out that it was only an ad. So I assume that this one is also not a poster, but an ad. Don't confuse the latter for the album promo poster. See the Media section, to which I moved them. They are under the Ads (Print) heading. They used to be in the Merchandise section as posters.

9/4/98

Here is some news about some upcoming episodes I've never heard before. But first, there are rumors that Skinner and the Bounty Hunter may be killed off some time in the next two seasons, basically because there is nothing more the writers can do with the characters. Also, Mulder is revealed to be Jewish in "Drive." And, Kersh may be a nickname for Ben Stevens. Don't ask me why. Now for the coolest upcoming episode news. There will be an at least two-part episode taking place in Australia having to do with ancient aboriginal paintings of extraterrestrials. Now that is the kind of originality that we should see in the upcoming season. In fact, all the new episodes so far look original!

Source: THE X-FILES: INVASION