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David X. Cohen of Futurama Talks About the Movie

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the things-i-want-to-see dept.

Joel Keller writes "I conducted a brief interview with David X. Cohen, EP and show-runner for Futurama, about the release of the new DVD, "Futurama: Bender's Big Score," as well as the return of his show to TV. The interview was posted to TV Squad this morning. In it, Cohen talks about how the movies will be split up into episodes, some of the inside references that they inserted for the die-hards, and a quick preview of what the second Futurama movie is going to be about."

118 of 141 comments (clear)

  1. To Mix Memes by X43B · · Score: 5, Funny

    I've got a fever....and the only prescription is more Hypnotoad.

    1. Re:To Mix Memes by rootofevil · · Score: 1

      ALL BOW BEFORE THE HYPNOTOAD

      --
      turn up the jukebox and tell me a lie
    2. Re:To Mix Memes by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Informative

      You'll love the DVD then. It has a full 22-minute episode of "Everyone Loves Hypnotoad," complete with commercials and bloopers. :)

    3. Re:To Mix Memes by satoshi1 · · Score: 1

      All glory to the... cowbell?

    4. Re:To Mix Memes by utopianfiat · · Score: 1

      ALL HAIL THE HYPNOTOAD

      Say, isn't David Cohen's middle initial not really X?

      --
      +5, Truth
    5. Re:To Mix Memes by Workaphobia · · Score: 1

      ALL GLORY TO THE HYPNOTOAD

      (It's not redundant - I believe that's the correct quote. Unless there were multiple ones.)

      --
      Evidently, the key to understanding recursion is to begin by understanding recursion. The rest is easy.
    6. Re:To Mix Memes by Workaphobia · · Score: 1

      Waiting... What, no one's going to say it? Nobody? Okay. Ahem.

      I, for one, bow to our new amphibian overlords.

      --
      Evidently, the key to understanding recursion is to begin by understanding recursion. The rest is easy.
  2. Comedy Central? by morgan_greywolf · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Ick. Comedy Central is famous for getting shows like this and then killing them off quick. MST3K anyone?

    --
    My blog
    1. Re:Comedy Central? by roadkill_cr · · Score: 3, Insightful

      I'll take what I can get; better that we have any new Futurama than no new Futurama at all.

    2. Re:Comedy Central? by PoitNarf · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I think Futurama has a slightly larger audience than MST3K ever did... so I'm not all that worried ;)

      --

      "0101100101? It's just jibberish. *looks in mirror, gasps* 1010011010@!? AHHHHHH!!"
    3. Re:Comedy Central? by thedogcow · · Score: 1

      Oh come on man! You're telling me that Crank Yankers, Reno 911, Upright Citizens Brigade, and Mind of Mencia are worse shows than MST3K and Futurama. What next huh?! You're probably gonna tell me that the Sci-Fi channel sucks and kills off all their good sci-fi programming as well and replaces it with wrestling... oh wait...

      In all seriousness, I agree. With the exception of South Park, Comedy Central really doesn't have a whole lot going for it. With Sci-fi, well they had Dead Like Me for a while but they got rid of that as well. So I guess the only thing Sci-fi has going is Enterprise. Oh wait, that show sucks too. Meh, both channels are dying. Netcraft confirms it.

      --
      Yes! I listen to NYC Speedcore and do math at 3AM. I suggest you try it too.
    4. Re:Comedy Central? by AmaDaden · · Score: 5, Informative

      It's worth noting that both Adult Swim and Comedy Central both put in bids for the new eps of Futurama and Comedy Central won. Since Adult Swim more or less resurrected Futurama by playing it almost every night for the last few years it was kind of a dirty move on CCs part. So if Adult Swim got it the new eps would still happen and would be in, what some would consider, more capable hands. The same exact thing happened with Family Guy but the other guy was Fox and not CC.

    5. Re:Comedy Central? by starwed · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Wait, how does carrying a show for seven years constitue "killing it off quick?"

    6. Re:Comedy Central? by elrous0 · · Score: 1

      Hey, I like Reno 911 you insensitive clod!

      --
      SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
    7. Re:Comedy Central? by MobileTatsu-NJG · · Score: 1

      "Ick. Comedy Central is famous for getting shows like this and then killing them off quick. MST3K anyone?"

      Oh yeah, five years is real quick. BTW, that's longer than they had under Fox's reign.

      --

      "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)

    8. Re:Comedy Central? by cthulu_mt · · Score: 2, Informative

      I think "Dead Like Me" was originally on ABC and didn't last a full season. Sci-fi ran the episodes a few times and then moved on. They do that alot with cancelled series.

      --
      Virginia is for lovers. EVE is for griefers.
    9. Re:Comedy Central? by MuscaDomestica · · Score: 3, Informative

      Wha? Fox made new episodes and aired them, but Adult Swim got the episodes one Week after they aired on Fox. It was an arrangement that helped both of them. The Futurama situation is a little different.

    10. Re:Comedy Central? by Darth_brooks · · Score: 1

      You're confusing MST3K's run on comedy central with its run on SciFi. Scifi finally killed off MST3k, though in their defense it was a mercy killing at that point. The show had had its run and needed to end. The fan support kept it limping along.

      --
      There are some people that if they don't know, you can't tell 'em.
    11. Re:Comedy Central? by theantipop · · Score: 1

      That's not even the worst part. Instead of humorous off-the-wall [AS] bumps I have to gnash my teeth to Mind of Mencia promos. Ugh.

    12. Re:Comedy Central? by Tony+Hoyle · · Score: 1

      DLM had a few good soundbites ("Life sucks, then you die, then it still sucks" springs to mind) but the programme was pretty terrible to watch - poor script writing I think. It's not surprising it didn't last.

    13. Re:Comedy Central? by Schnapple · · Score: 1

      "Dead Like Me" was on Showtime originally, which is why the show had to be somewhat censored before it was on the Sci-Fi channel.

      --

      Schnapple

    14. Re:Comedy Central? by poot_rootbeer · · Score: 3, Informative

      Comedy Central is famous for getting shows like this and then killing them off quick. MST3K anyone?

      Zwuh?

      The Comedy Channel/Comedy Central picked up a quirky little program from a Minneapolis UHF station, and turned it into a national sensation (turning itself one of the top-tier cable networks at the same time). MST3K ran on CC for seven seasons.

      Honestly, Futurama would be more at risk returning to Fox -- the network that already short-sightedly cancelled the program once -- than to a cable network like Comedy Central, which has typically taken very good care of its cash cows.

    15. Re:Comedy Central? by 0100010001010011 · · Score: 3, Informative

      Comedy Central != Cartoon Network.

      The show's been on Cartoon Network for the last 7 years not Comedy Central

    16. Re:Comedy Central? by AmaDaden · · Score: 1

      Your right. I was thinking about the events leading up to it, not the details of the conclusion.

    17. Re:Comedy Central? by Blakey+Rat · · Score: 1

      WTF? Didn't Comedy Central fund MST3K for like a decade? Or almost a decade? Didn't Comedy Central buy this MST3K from a teeny local broadcaster in the first place? WTF?

      --
      Comment of the year
    18. Re:Comedy Central? by Hatta · · Score: 1

      Most of those shows suck, but UCB is one of the best american sketch comedy shows ever. It's easily up there with Mr Show and the early years of SNL.

      --
      Give me Classic Slashdot or give me death!
    19. Re:Comedy Central? by Tetsujin · · Score: 2, Informative

      Comedy Central != Cartoon Network.

      The show's been on Cartoon Network for the last 7 years not Comedy Central He was talking about MST3K.

      MST3K was on Comedy Central/Comedy Channel for seven years. It's the only show to survive from the network's launch that survived that long. So it's hard to understand how someone could use MST3K as an example of Comedy Central killing off good shows quickly...

      Granted, as the show went its timeslot got shifted around, it got split up into "MST Hour" format, etc. - and then the seventh season was remarkably short... But still, it ran seven seasons. It even survived major cast changes. So, yeah, it's not a great example of Comedy Central getting a good show and killing it off "quick"...

      (As an MST3K fan it was hard to understand a decision like that when the 7th season ended - Comedy Central pulled MST3K in favor of... what, exactly? So they could run crappy low-budget unfunny Bill Maher movies? Mind you, this was when The Daily Show had just barely started and South Park hadn't. But TV shows gotta end sometime, right?)
      --
      Bow-ties are cool.
    20. Re:Comedy Central? by morgan_greywolf · · Score: 1

      Okay, okay, you're right everyone. I'm confusing CC with Sci Fi. Still, I think Futurama would have been better served by Adult Swim than by CC.

      --
      My blog
    21. Re:Comedy Central? by 0100010001010011 · · Score: 1

      Oops, sorry.

    22. Re:Comedy Central? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      With the exception of South Park, Comedy Central really doesn't have a whole lot going for it.

      You must be one of those who aren't independent-minded enough appreciate the genius of John Stewert and Stephen Colbert.

    23. Re:Comedy Central? by owlnation · · Score: 2, Funny

      Ultimately, you need to really blame the brainless drones at the Box Network...

    24. Re:Comedy Central? by falcon5768 · · Score: 1

      Cartoon network couldnt pay for the rights... They show has gotten so popular that Comedy outbid them by a decent amount of money.

      --

      "Slashdot, where telling the truth is overrated but lying is insightful."

    25. Re:Comedy Central? by thedogcow · · Score: 1

      There are not any new episodes of The Daily Show or The Colbert Report right now and is the reason why I did not say those shows. FYI, I like The Daily Show. I do think The Colbert Report is old and tired.

      --
      Yes! I listen to NYC Speedcore and do math at 3AM. I suggest you try it too.
    26. Re:Comedy Central? by heelrod · · Score: 1

      Comedy Central = Cartoon Network = SciFi = Thank God for Porn!

      If it aint animated or naked, I dont watch

    27. Re:Comedy Central? by WhatAmIDoingHere · · Score: 1

      Reno 911 is a hilarious show and UCB was even better. I like MST3k a whole lot (every single episode downloaded and watched over and over), but with that show it's more than just ratings. The licensing issue with the movies was a big deal with CC and the reason SciFi finally called it quits.

      --
      Not a Twitter sockpuppet... but I wish I was.
    28. Re:Comedy Central? by C0rinthian · · Score: 1

      IIRC, MST3K lasted quite a while on Comedy Central. (6 seasons I believe) Thats not 'quickly killed off' by any stretch. Especially for a series with 2-hour episodes.

    29. Re:Comedy Central? by Darthmalt · · Score: 1

      Dead Like Me had two seasons on showtime and has a DVD movie coming this spring. Sci-Fi was doing basically the same thing they did with Firefly. / I personally liked DLM.

    30. Re:Comedy Central? by twistedsymphony · · Score: 1

      I want my Hot Chicks Room! And my Bucket of Truth.
      Obviously the mods aren't familiar enough with UCB... then again, the parent didn't exactly provide quotes with the rapier wit of a Master /. Dialectition on Super Cool.
      --
      Collector's Edition
    31. Re:Comedy Central? by PopeRatzo · · Score: 1

      With the exception of South Park, Comedy Central really doesn't have a whole lot going for it.
      If only for their decade of supporting South Park, even during times when there was great pressure to take it off the air, and for giving Parker and Stone sufficient freedom and control of the show to really make it something special, Comedy Central will always have a place in the Satellite TV of my Mind. I don't happen to subscribe to cable orsatellite, and I won't watch network television, but I've watched every episode of South Park religiously, and to this day it is one of the things that my teenage daughter and I can regularly share. In fact, I think South Park was the very first video I ever downloaded via p2p and I probably installed my first bittorrent client especially to get SP episodes, so I have more than just the hundred-plus episodes to thank them for. In a way, they also introduced me to the wonderful variety of content that I can enjoy without having to enrich the cable providers or telcos. Over time I've learned that there are much better and more effective ways of repaying the artists and content creators whose work I enjoy without the ugly members of the RIAA or MPAA or Fox or Sony or Time/Warner taking their cut like so many mafia thugs.

      The creators of South Park have made my world a better place. Kudos to Comedy Central for doing right by them.
      --
      You are welcome on my lawn.
    32. Re:Comedy Central? by toleraen · · Score: 1

      Comedy Central presumably paid more money because it has a larger audience, so they can charge more for advertisements. You'd rather the show go to a network with fewer viewers? Futurama was already killed off once due to a supposedly low fan base...do you want a repeat? I'd prefer they air on whichever network can better guarantee them success. Seems like Comedy Central is better positioned to do that, at least they think so.

    33. Re:Comedy Central? by cthulu_mt · · Score: 1

      Thanks for the correction. I was posting from work and couldn't look it up.

      This is one of those times a "-1 Wrong" mod would be handy.

      --
      Virginia is for lovers. EVE is for griefers.
  3. AdultSwim by jshriverWVU · · Score: 1

    AdultSwim saved Futurama,and I believe it's still one of the most popular shows, even with it being a constant rerun over the past year or so. Can't wait for the new season (?) movie (?).

    1. Re:AdultSwim by techpawn · · Score: 1

      AdultSwim saved Futurama

      just like Family Guy right? It was all [AS] and had nothing to do with DVD sales?

      --
      Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what your country did to you
    2. Re:AdultSwim by jshriverWVU · · Score: 1

      Thought the DVD's didnt come about till after it was on [AS] for a year or so. That the DVD sales were sparked by the following on AdultSwim.

    3. Re:AdultSwim by phobos13013 · · Score: 1

      Further I think Futurama creators would be well served to release this _to_ AS regardless of whether it single-handedly brought them back from the depths! Simple matter is, the best market for them on television is likely on AS. Fiercely loyal and fairly consumerist. Comedy Central for what its worth, is the next best option, IMO.

      --
      ...and it should be known by now
    4. Re:AdultSwim by Bill_the_Engineer · · Score: 1

      AdultSwim saved Futurama,and I believe it's still one of the most popular shows, even with it being a constant rerun over the past year or so. Can't wait for the new season (?) movie (?).

      I think it worked both ways, meaning Futurama (and Family Guy) also saved Adult Swim.

      It was the mass appeal of Futurama that allowed AS to experiment with alternative shows. I believe Futurama and Family Guy would be considered lead-in shows, which all the remaining shows benefited from anyone who decided not to change the channel.

      The big question is: What will Adult Swim do? More Family Guy?

      --
      These comments are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of my employer or colleagues...
    5. Re:AdultSwim by jshriverWVU · · Score: 1

      Agree after reading the article it seems Comedy Central bought the rights to Futurama, so no more 11 Futurama on Adult Swim. Kinda sad too, the new shows have sucked the past years. I really miss Sealab 2021, Harvey Birdman, The Brak Show, and countless others that modernized remakes of classic based shows. The new shows seem centered on being weird but not in a funny way. Mole people!?

    6. Re:AdultSwim by FudRucker · · Score: 1

      the ONLY show Adult Swim has that is worthwhile is Robot Chicken, both Family Guy and Futurama are not manufactured in-house are good editions though...

      --
      Politics is Treachery, Religion is Brainwashing
    7. Re:AdultSwim by chrismcdirty · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I liked the early years of AS up until Sealab, Home Movies, Brak, and Harvey Birdman stopped making new episodes and ATHF got really bad (somewhere around the 3rd or 4th season). The only "new" shows I like are Robot Chicken, Venture Bros., and Lucy, Daughter of the Devil, and I haven't noticed my MythTV recording Lucy recently, so I hope it hasn't been canceled already. Everything else (especially Saul, Tim & Eric, and Xavier) is trash.

      --
      It's like sex, except I'm having it!
    8. Re:AdultSwim by schiefaw · · Score: 1

      I believe that Venture Bros. is due for a new season after the first of the year. Much better than the new Family Guy.

      --
      Angleyne: You can't bend that girder - it's unbendable! Bender: Well I don't know anything about lifting, so that ju
    9. Re:AdultSwim by Tony+Hoyle · · Score: 1

      Have to agree.. a lot of AS is pretty crappy. I found Moral Orel quite amusing (now cancelled, alas), and Sealab has its moments, but most of the stuff I switch off after about 10 seconds as it's unwatchable.

    10. Re:AdultSwim by jandrese · · Score: 1

      According to the bumps Venture Brothers has been renewed for two seasons, a fact which brought joy to my heart, especially since they have been advertising even more Tim Eric crap lately.

      --

      I read the internet for the articles.
    11. Re:AdultSwim by techpawn · · Score: 1

      Call me what you will but I still like the DethAlbum. Some Metalocalypse episodes where bad... Real bad... But the ones that where good where really good and the music is pretty solid.

      Besides where else would we get Dr. Rockzo the Rock and Roll clown?

      --
      Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what your country did to you
    12. Re:AdultSwim by Altus · · Score: 1


      honestly they might have done more harm than good given some of the crap thats hitting AS these days. I dont think AS was ever in any real danger honestly. Its not like cartoon network was going to make big money running any of their regular fare in the late night time slot. Using that space for anime and off the wall cartoons was probably a pretty easy choice. Admittedly the success of Futurama and Family Guy helped them bring in more shows but to some degree I wish they would get back to their roots and away from the new live action shows (or nearly live action shows) that they have been producing lately.

      I mean really... without Futurama I'm sure they still could have found enough money to produce saul of the mole men without too much trouble, but it still wouldn't have been a good idea.

      --

      "In America, first you get the sugar, then you get the power, then you get the women..." -H. Simpson

    13. Re:AdultSwim by bytor4232 · · Score: 1

      I agree. [AS] needs to get back to their roots. Bring back the shows like Harvey, Sealab, and Home Movies. The live action stuff they show right now is just crap. TGGTM/Tim & Eric Show must be their bid for the homosexual demographic. I don't know many people who actually enjoy Saul either.

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      -- 4 8 15 16 23 42
    14. Re:AdultSwim by cheater512 · · Score: 1

      Channel 10 in Australia still runs Futurama every single night.
      Sure its filler material but its damn good filler.

      Its still insanely popular. I dont think DVD sales would completely demonstrate that.

    15. Re:AdultSwim by Workaphobia · · Score: 1

      At first I didn't like Venture Brothers that much, but I caught a marathon of it about a year ago and got hooked. It really is a lot of fun to watch back to back. Unfortunately I haven't gotten around to seeing them all yet.

      As a fellow venture fan, I'd recommend Stroker and Hoop to you.

      --
      Evidently, the key to understanding recursion is to begin by understanding recursion. The rest is easy.
    16. Re:AdultSwim by Workaphobia · · Score: 1

      I think it's clever how AS has practically been running Futurama non stop ever since they lost the bid to Comedy Central. Maybe part of their plan is to dilute its rerun value when the contract switches hands.

      --
      Evidently, the key to understanding recursion is to begin by understanding recursion. The rest is easy.
    17. Re:AdultSwim by gonebursar · · Score: 1

      The third season has just started post-production and is tentatively set to debut in June. Jason Publick, co-creator and writer, has a blog where he occasionally posts production updates and art. No date for season four as of yet, but he says the wait between seasons shouldn't be as bad this time around.

  4. Oblig. by truthsearch · · Score: 1

    Professor Farnsworth: (Staring at blank movie screen) They don't make movies like these anymore...(blows nose)

    Or...

    Calculon: I've seen better acting from extras in Godzilla movies.

    --
    Developers: We can use your help.
    1. Re:Oblig. by truthsearch · · Score: 4, Funny

      Hey, what kinda party is this? There's no booze and only one hooker.

      --
      Developers: We can use your help.
    2. Re:Oblig. by Cryacin · · Score: 1

      Professor Farnsworth: (Staring at blank movie screen) They don't make movies like these anymore...(blows nose)

      Or...

      Calculon: I've seen better acting from extras in Godzilla movies. Bender: Bite my shiny metal ass
      --
      Science advances one funeral at a time- Max Planck
    3. Re:Oblig. by pak9rabid · · Score: 1

      My personal favorite:

      Zap Brannigan: Ahh, my home away from home. By the way Kiff, your toilet seems to be set to stun and not kill

  5. His show? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    ...return of his show to TV...

    Didn't some guy named Matt Groening have something to do with it?

    1. Re:His show? by AmaDaden · · Score: 5, Informative

      I thought that too at first but he seems to stick mostly to the Simpsons. David X. Cohen is the main guy behind Futurama but as I understand it he still has to answer to Groening.

    2. Re:His show? by Xiaran · · Score: 4, Interesting

      If you listen to the DVD commentaries(yes I am a futurama fan... one of those that DXC thanks in TFA... no problem Dave) I get the distinct impression you are correct. Cohen seems to be the head day to day management of the show guy and Groening comes in time to time with advice and suggestions... Greoning seems to be the one that deals with the boneheads at Fox(prolly cause he has the showbiz clout)

    3. Re:His show? by joelkeller · · Score: 4, Informative

      Groening is the creator, but Cohen runs the show. I talked to Groening in January about the show, and, believe me, he's pretty involved with it, as well.

    4. Re:His show? by Xiaran · · Score: 1

      Mod this guy up. I just got a +4 and all I was basing it on was my listening to the DVD commentary(which is prolly one of the best commentaries on a DVD Ive heard[other than spinal tap]). "That guy" has talked to Groening :) All hail the return of futurama. The only TV show(other than Dr Who) I really watch.

  6. I've seen it by astrotek · · Score: 5, Insightful

    If you like Futurama you will like this movie. The movie dragged on for about 45 minutes to long because the ending was obvious through the last 60 minutes or so.

    1. Re:I've seen it by Selfbain · · Score: 2, Informative

      I thought the movie was decent but not as good as I had been hoping for. Some of the old episodes had more funny moments in 22 minutes than the entire movie had (Roswell That Ends Well anyone?).

      --
      Well, it has never been successfully tested.
    2. Re:I've seen it by neoform · · Score: 1

      --SPOILER--

      I thought it was obvious as soon as i noticed their voices were the same.

      --
      MABASPLOOM!
    3. Re:I've seen it by darien · · Score: 1

      I thought that too, but then Billy West does lots of voices - Fry, the Professor, Zoidberg and Zapp Brannigan, TO NAME BUT FOUR... so it wasn't exactly a foregone conclusion.

    4. Re:I've seen it by neoform · · Score: 1

      I thought that too, but they're voices were too similar and so were their faces. Like, on the simpsons you can tell the voice of martin is reused by a lot of child characters, but they're always very different looking kids, that way you don't confuse them. Fry and Lars both looked very similar minus the hair.

      --
      MABASPLOOM!
    5. Re:I've seen it by owlnation · · Score: 1

      I liked it well enough, however my viewing enjoyment came with neither Blackjack nor Hookers. To my great disappointment...

    6. Re:I've seen it by skoaldipper · · Score: 1

      Y'arrrgh. Like a moth to flame, I saw the word spoiler and read further. Thankfully, I probably won't see the movie for months, and my memory fades away quicker than monkey fur in the summer.

      --
      I hope, when they die, cartoon characters have to answer for their sins.
    7. Re:I've seen it by putch · · Score: 1

      i'd say it breaks down to be about 1 really good ep (think roswell that ends well or time keeps on slipping). 2 so-so episodes (think how hermes got his groove back or obsoletely fabulous) and 1 really bad episode (think bend-her).

      i thought it was great. though. can't wait to buy the real version. i hope it has commentary!

      --
      just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand!
    8. Re:I've seen it by Selfbain · · Score: 1

      Oh come on, the line "I'm a doctor, she's dead" in bend-her is one of my favorite scenes.

      --
      Well, it has never been successfully tested.
    9. Re:I've seen it by sacrilicious · · Score: 1
      ...and 1 really bad episode (think bend-her).

      Hey, I *liked* bend-her.

      --
      - First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then ???, then profit.
    10. Re:I've seen it by kramulous · · Score: 1

      Jerry Seinfield has said that comedy movies are really hard to do. Comedy should be prescribed in short doses (a transcript for this quote is not yet available but should be soon - http://www.abc.net.au/tv/enoughrope/pastepisodes/date_2007.htm).
       
      I loved the Futurama movie ... lots. I actually watched it in short bursts (not the episodic way that David describes) but because my girlfriend thinks it is stupid and she gets bored with it (yes, it could be the source of a breakup). I had to download it because it will be AGES before it comes to Australia, but will buy it when it does. I can't miss the episode of hypnotoad.

      --
      .
    11. Re:I've seen it by ibentmywookie · · Score: 1

      "How Hermes got his groove back" is one of my favourites!

      --
      -- The doctor said I wouldn't get so many nose bleeds if I just kept my finger out of there!
  7. My favorite part by Brazilian+Geek · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I loved the movie and I loved the nods and goodies they gave the fans such as Seymour.

    My favorite part was during the opening graphics - the "old" cartoon showing before the Planet Express ship crashes into the billboard. I had to stop the movie and jerk back a few tears, it was the most intense feeling of nostalgia I've felt in a very long time.

    --
    All browsers' default homepage should read: Don't Panic...
    1. Re:My favorite part by Ultra64 · · Score: 1

      It was Fry falling into his cryogenic tube.

    2. Re:My favorite part by ArcherB · · Score: 3, Funny

      So Seymour is back? I see that they took the threats from the SRF seriously!

      --
      There is no "I disagree" mod for a reason. Flamebait, Troll, and Overrated are not substitutes.
  8. Oblig. by Rob+T+Firefly · · Score: 5, Funny

    Good news, everyone!

    --
    Slashdot Burying Stories About Slashdot Media Owned
  9. Well, bless. . . by noewun · · Score: 1

    My glorious metal ass.

    --
    I am a believer of momentum and curves.
  10. MST3K by conureman · · Score: 1

    I, for one, could stand more re-airing of that show. However, IMHO, Comedy Central gave it a decent run.

    --
    The cost of that cleanup, of course, will be borne by taxpayers, not industry.
  11. Anybody else smell that? by StressGuy · · Score: 1

    The distinct aroma of BS that is. A blanket, anonymous, and non-specific, "This movie sucks" post with a vague reference to the WGA strike.

    I certainly hope your not one of the writers because I just know you could have done better than that.

    --
    A goal is a dream with a deadline
    1. Re:Anybody else smell that? by jo42 · · Score: 1

      The problem with Futurama: Bender's Big Score is that it is a 20 minute episode stretched out into an excruciating hour plus. The time could have of been better spent doing something much more satisfying, like pulling pud to pr0n. At least, at the end of that activity, there would have been a much greater feeling of satisfaction rather than then "man, that new Futurama kinda sucked".

    2. Re:Anybody else smell that? by Svenne · · Score: 1

      The series still holds up, no questions about it, I watched it just a couple of months ago.

      But the movie sucked. It really did.

      The jokes were boring, and the pace was just too slow. If this was written during the strike that explains a lot.

      --

      Slagborr
  12. Mars University Challenge by itsdapead · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Speaking of Futurama, a week or two back, the BBC's intellectual quiz show "University Challenge" had a whole round (3 questions) on "Science References in Futurama"!

    If I remember the questions were along the lines of:

    1. Which quantum physicist was referred to via a parody of Schroedinger's Cat
    2. What is Bender's serial number, also the smallest number that can be written as the sum of two cubes in two different ways?
    3. What was the symbol, representing the the cardinality of the set of all natural numbers, used in the name of the local cinema?

    (I.e. the contestants could conceivably have got the answers without knowing the show - more detail was given for q1 than I can remember - although they didn't do too well and Paxo looked a bit bemused).

    I think that this confirms the sad truth that "Futurama" must be the most intellectual TV show of recent years (excluding University Challenge).

    --
    In a survey of 100 programmers, 111111 thought that duck-typing was a good idea.
    1. Re:Mars University Challenge by MutantHamster · · Score: 1

      Wha? I thought my Futurama knowledge was boundless but I can't for the life of me recall a Schrodinger's Cat parody. The closest I can think of is a reference to Heisenberg in "Luck of the Fryrish." Racetrack PA announcer: And the winner is number three, in a quantum finish. Professor Farnsworth: No fair! You changed the outcome by measuring it!

      --
      My Greatest Heist - Muisc partly inspired by the unbeatable Qwantz
    2. Re:Mars University Challenge by Jerko · · Score: 1

      What about Bender's beer? St. Pauli's Exclusion Principle

    3. Re:Mars University Challenge by itsdapead · · Score: 1

      What about Bender's beer? St. Pauli's Exclusion Principle

      There was also "Old Fortran" and Kleiner (in a very odd-shaped bottle) :-)

      --
      In a survey of 100 programmers, 111111 thought that duck-typing was a good idea.
    4. Re:Mars University Challenge by Kjella · · Score: 1

      Wha? I thought my Futurama knowledge was boundless but I can't for the life of me recall a Schrodinger's Cat parody. The closest I can think of is a reference to Heisenberg in "Luck of the Fryrish." Racetrack PA announcer: And the winner is number three, in a quantum finish. Professor Farnsworth: No fair! You changed the outcome by measuring it! And quoting the WP article on Schroedinger's cat:

      It is accepted that a subatomic particle can exist in a superposition of states, a combination of possible states. According to the Copenhagen Interpretation, the superposition only settles into a definite state upon observation. This is known as collapse or measurement.

      Schrödinger proposed his "cat", after a suggestion of Albert Einstein's. Schrödinger states that if a scenario existed where a cat's state of life or death could be made dependent on the state of a subatomic particle, and also isolated from any possible observation, the state of the cat itself would be a quantum superposition according to the Copenhagen interpretation, at least. Basicly the winner was and was not number three, in a superposition of states. By measuring it, they collapsed the state to be the winner just like Schroedinger's cat which would collapse into a state of dead or alive.

      How you figured it was related to Heisenberg I don't know - his most famous part is the uncertainty principle about measuring several quantities at once, but it says nothing of changing anything. So full score on the Futurama trivia, no marks in physics.
      --
      Live today, because you never know what tomorrow brings
    5. Re:Mars University Challenge by nahdude812 · · Score: 1

      I believe the GP was referring to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP) which states that in quantum physics, you can know either the position or vector of a particle, but you cannot know both since measuring either one alters the other (or something similar to that). HUP makes other statements, but the uncertainty of a particle's position and vector pair is probably the most famous in layman's arenas. Basically you cannot predict where a particle will be because to do so you need both those pieces of information, and measuring either alters the other.

      This is also what the "Heisenberg Compensator" in Star Trek transporter systems is meant to address.

      --
      Slay a dragon... over lunch!
    6. Re:Mars University Challenge by Altus · · Score: 1


      Still, I don't remember a reference to a quantum physicist in that scene, so its probably something else.

      --

      "In America, first you get the sugar, then you get the power, then you get the women..." -H. Simpson

    7. Re:Mars University Challenge by RealGrouchy · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I think that this confirms the sad truth that "Futurama" must be the most intellectual TV show of recent years (excluding University Challenge). Why is this a sad thing? Because it is animated instead of with real characters? Because it makes people laugh? Because it has an extremely talented and capable production team? Because it speaks to current events with amusing analogies instead of directly?

      Something should not have to be boring to be intellectual.

      - RG>
      --
      Hey pal, this isn't a pleasantforest, so don't waste my time with pleasantries!
    8. Re:Mars University Challenge by kmac06 · · Score: 1

      I think the GP was saying that it's sad that there aren't other shows that are as intellectual as Futurama, not that it was sad how intellectual Futurama was.

    9. Re:Mars University Challenge by itsdapead · · Score: 1

      Why is this a sad thing? Because it is animated instead of with real characters? Because it makes people laugh? Because it has an extremely talented and capable production team? Because it speaks to current events with amusing analogies instead of directly?

      No, its not Futurama that's sad. Futurama deserves to be very happy. Its all those other shows (and that includes the CSI genre as well as SF) with less intelligent references to science (and more glaring scientific errors) in an entire season than Futurama has in 25 minutes that are sad. SF shows like BSG, Heroes and Firefly have succeeded (OK so one of those only "succeeded" on DVD) by upping the drama and characterization ante, but in the process have dumped all of the science (turning the sound off in space only gets you so much credit). ...and the least said about Trek "science" the better.

      Ok, so Futurama has the advantage that when they want to violate the laws of nature to advance the plot they can make a joke out of it...

      --
      In a survey of 100 programmers, 111111 thought that duck-typing was a good idea.
  13. Seen it. by ErikZ · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Overall they put a lot more work into the quality of the show when you compare it to previous episodes.

    The only parts I didn't like were the song and dance routines. They were really poor when compared to the opera piece they did.

    They really went nuts with the time travel. Which I liked. Sure it got confusing, but it was cheap and easy TIME TRAVEL. Chaos just comes with it.

    I plan on buying the DVD when it comes out to show my support. :)

    --
    Democrats or Republicans. They are both taking us to the same place and they are not afraid of us anymore.
    1. Re:Seen it. by Tony+Hoyle · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Oh god singing.

      Is it an american thing? Turn every half decent programme into a musical?

      There's no *way* I'd watch it in a cinema now. Wait for the DVD when you can fast forward the singing bits.

    2. Re:Seen it. by Chris+Tucker · · Score: 2, Funny

      "So jump back, Jack, 'cause I'm Jewish and I'm undead!"

      Wait 'till you hear Mark Hamil as the Chanukah Zombie.

      As for the film, on the downside, no full frontal Amy Wong or Leela nudity.

      On the plus side No Zapp Brannigan nudity of any kind whatsoever! (Oh, thank you, sweet Jeebus!)

      --
      Guaranteed! This comment 100% Anthrax free!
    3. Re:Seen it. by corychristison · · Score: 1

      I've seen it as well.. it seemed as though it dragged out a bit, but i am 90% sure it is because:
      1) I was a "little" intoxicated
      2) I'm used to watching it in 20 min episodes (i hate commercials)

  14. So what TIME will it be on??? by gurps_npc · · Score: 1
    I checked Comedy Central and they have nothing about it being on Nov 27th, 2007.

    Or is it Nov 27th, 2008? If it is, then those people could have said so. I mean, today being Nov 26th, when you here it will be on Nov 27th, you think tomorrow.

    --
    excitingthingstodo.blogspot.com
    1. Re:So what TIME will it be on??? by c0ck_l0rge · · Score: 1

      Not a fan of the show, eh? I only say that because they've been talking about this DVD release for a year and a half or so. Don't check Comedy Central; check Best Buy, Amazon, etc.

      --
      nothin' sounds quite like an 808
    2. Re:So what TIME will it be on??? by mgabrys_sf · · Score: 1

      They haven't announced it yet. The DVD is coming out the 27th. RTFA.

    3. Re:So what TIME will it be on??? by gurps_npc · · Score: 1

      I did RTFA. The article clearly said that Comedy Central would be showing it, but failed to mention the time - so I asked if anyone knew it. The article talked about the DVD. I am clearly not a super-fan of the show, as I don't want to buy the DVD. But I am considering watching it for free., so I asked for the time.

      --
      excitingthingstodo.blogspot.com
  15. OB Reference by notnAP · · Score: 2, Insightful
    ...an "epic" film involving everyone's favorite characters from the show that ran on Fox from 1999-2003.

    ...Also Zoidberg...

    1. Re:OB Reference by k_187 · · Score: 1

      With my last breath I curse Zoidberg!

      --
      11 was a racehorse
      12 was 12
      1111 Race
      12112
  16. WAAAAARGH by polar+red · · Score: 1, Flamebait

    WHERE the F@CK is the region 2 release ? I want to BUY it NOW! If they wait too long : I'll download it.

    --
    Yes, I'm left. You have a problem with that?
    1. Re:WAAAAARGH by FlopEJoe · · Score: 1

      I'm region 1 and I'm still thinking of downloading for now. Don't get me wrong... I bought and own the TV DVDs but I'll wait for the box set of the movies. I've been screwed too many times by buying things as they became available only to be pissed off when a box set comes out later with "never before seen extras."

      Fool me 50 or so times... shame on me!

      My only concern is how bad it looks for the future of the series if everyone thinks like me. So... erm... forget I mentioned it.

    2. Re:WAAAAARGH by Fyz · · Score: 1

      Then download it. And then buy the dvd for the reviewability and the 22 minute episode of Everybody Loves Hypnotoad.

  17. douchebag by ClioCJS · · Score: 3, Insightful

    refer to title for my opinon of parent poster.

    --
    -Clio
    Karma: Bad (mostly from not giving a fuck)
    Blog: http://clintjcl.wordpress.com
  18. Answers: Re:Mars University Challenge by siglercm · · Score: 3, Informative

    1. Witten's Dog (I think it was the neutrino that tasted like grape, right?)
    2. (Hermes) Look it up, ya lazy bum!: http://www.peelified.com/cgi-bin/Futurama/3-000058-1/ (read down a bit; further info at http://www.mathsci.appstate.edu/~sjg/futurama/cubes.html )
    3. Aleph naught

    --
    sigfault (core dumped)
  19. Bender's Big BORE by VeteranNoob · · Score: 3

    Am I the only one that found the movie to be completely bland and devoid of any of the uniqueness that made the show what it was?

    Don't get me wrong, though! I am a HUGE Futurama fan. I watched the show from the beginning and thought it was going to best new thing since sliced bread. And to be canceled ... Part of me believes that this was the most ignorant decision ever made in television history. But I also understand that Futurama is NOT geared towards the bottom of the IQ barrel like the rest of today's television, and it wasn't going to last knowing that intelligent audiences don't make "good little consumers."

    I honestly got the impression that they just bought the movie's script from an unrelated writer and stamped the good ol' Futurama cast on the project. This wasn't the Futurama I knew and loved.

    One of the things I loved about the show was its witty references to technology and how the 1,000 years of advancement had only resulted in backwards-thinking and useless gadgets. Indeed, this concept is enshrined in the name of the show, Futurama, which is a reference to the now-cheesy, B-ish displays at World Fairs that attempted to predict technology of the next era (e.g. today). Those goofy gizmos never materialized in our own time, but they seem to thrive in the year 3000.

    So I didn't find any connection to the series besides the unsettling number of previous characters they decided to throw in for nostalgia. Most of them were out of place, but some of them were just down right degrading to the movie and .. believe it or not .. even the show. For instance, just why exactly did they feel the need to utterly ruin the emotions we all felt in Jurassic Bark's story of Seymour?!?! I won't apologize for the punctuation. It's a mystery to me what was going through their heads when they decided to event put Seymour in the movie, let alone killing him in the most lame, unexpected, and unimaginative manner. Wasn't the idea that Seymour lived out his years missing Fry? So all of a sudden we have him getting to see Fry right before he gets burnt to death? SERIOUSLY! WHAT THE FUCK!?

    I could have lived with a mediocre movie, but they had to go and screw up part of my love of the series too!

    Try harder! Try again!

    --
    Adapt, adopt, or get out of the way!
    1. Re:Bender's Big BORE by Dested · · Score: 1

      I wholeheartedly agree.

    2. Re:Bender's Big BORE by Almonday · · Score: 1

      I also found the movie to be a major disappointment, from the aliens who looked like steam-cleaned Pillsbury doughboys to the deeply stupid virus Bender spends most of the movie being infected with to the tedious, oh so painfully tedious sexual tension between Fry and Leela. I, too, am a huge Futurama fan.

      --
      Posterity, my posterior.
  20. I didn't like it by ibentmywookie · · Score: 1

    Here I am sitting at the computer while it's still playing in the other room. I found it dead boring, not funny and with no coherent plot. This is coming from a huge Futurama fan who has bought the DVD box sets of all 4 seasons.

    I guess this is going to be yet another series that I will have to forget was ever continued after it was "over". Careful what you wish for, huh?

    --
    -- The doctor said I wouldn't get so many nose bleeds if I just kept my finger out of there!