Tickets for university students, faculty and staff are a mere $5 with a valid USC ID and available at the Russell House Information Desk. Tickets for the public are $15 per person plus service charges and are available at the Carolina Coliseum, all Capitol Tickets outlets, online at www.capitoltickets.com or via phone at 803-251-2222. Yes, you read that right. FIVE or FIFTEEN BUCKS. That’s IT!!!!

Basically USC students can ONLY get them at the student union and the general public can ONLY get them at the locations mentioned above. As the number released is VERY limited, you should buy your tix immediately, as we know they will sell out. There’s no way they’ll last at that price or amount. Have a blast at the show, the first time we can remember Kevin visiting the state in a while, if ever.

While some web outlets will start taking pre-orders now, as always, we suggest waiting for The Stash to get copies made available for order. Typically, Kevin will sign your DVD FOR FREE in person or for mail orders, highly increasing the value of the DVD and making it another valued item in your View Askew collection.

We were there for the show, where Kevin celebrated his 37th birthday in Red Bank, New Jersey. The disc will be packed with all new material, stories we had never heard before (many which have not been told since), and HUGE laughs. There’s a Die Hard 4 story you just must see/hear, quite possibly the best tale Kevin has ever told over the years. We’ll keep you posted on how to order your own copy of this set from The Stash. Just really pleased to finally see that official release date!

As always special thanks to VideoETA for getting that release date sent right over to us.

Some tidbits from the press release:

“I can’t imagine a single person in the entertainment industry who embodies the spirit of the Woodstock Mavericks more than Kevin Smith” said John Sloss, head of Cinetic Media, member of the Woodstock Film Festival Advisory Board and a long time colleague of Mr. Smith. “From “Clerks” to “Dogma” to the upcoming “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” he has tweaked the noses of the Establishment and expanded the bounds of propriety in a singularly brilliant and irreverent way. More remarkably, all the while imbuing his work with an uncommon humanism, a quality also historically attributed to the Woodstock community.”

…

“Woodstock embodies the Maverick spirit as a symbol of creative, risk-taking, independent thought,” said Meira Blaustein, WFF Executive Director and Co-Founder. “This year’s honorary Maverick Award recipient, Kevin Smith, personifies all of these qualities. His films perceptively pursue humanity with a satiric and fiercely independent eye. He’s an outstanding choice for this award.”


“I don’t know about the ‘Maverick’ part, but I’m delighted to be getting an award from Woodstock, as I’ve been a Peanuts fan for years,” Smith said. “Truly, it’s an honor.”

Find more info on the festival, which runs from October 1-5, at their official site. The date the award will be presented, in person, to Kevin has not yet been disclosed. However, our press release states that “Zack And Miri Make a Porno” will CLOSE the festival, which has us guessing Kevin may be there on the 5th at the very least to screen the film. Catch the full press release HERE. Congratulations to Kevin on another well-deserved honor.

• SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 – UNOFFICIAL WORLD PREMIERE AT TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL – This showing was added after we first announced the September 9th showing, and is at a different venue. Kevin will be in attendance though no other cast and crew have been confirmed. Showing at 9:15 PM on a Sunday night though, at the Ryerson Theater, we have a feeling this one might attract some big names. We see no way to buy tickets online for this particular event, though you could always call the box office this week and ask.
• TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 – TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL SCREENING – This event takes place at the Visa Screening Room in Toronto and is in the afternoon, 3:00 PM to be exact. We’re sure Kevin will show to introduce the film, though have not confirmed any other guests. We’re betting the Sunday showing MIGHT have a few more “names” in the room, but you never know. As of presstime, the TIFF website still has tickets on sale for this showing.
• THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 – FANTASTIC FEST OPENING FILM – The film will kick off Fantastic Fest 2008 in Austin, Texas. Kevin will be on hand to introduce the film as well as hold a live Q&A session following the screening. Tickets for the fest are selling out fast , and this one’s likely to be the hottest of the show. There is a SLIGHT chance you can get a specific ticket for the show on the day of the screening though it will likely be a standby situation. Your best bet is to have a festival pass.
• WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th – Pleasantville, NY – Jacob Burns Film Center Benefit Screening. 7:30 PM, SOLD OUT! Tickets were $20 for members and $30 for non-members. We have confirmed that Kevin will be on hand for the screening, but can not speak for any other cast at this time.
• MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 – OFFICIAL WORLD PREMIERE – This will be considered the official world premiere, and likely held in Los Angeles. This is the one with the red carpet and all the celebs that you typically see on Access Hollywood and shows of that ilk. No further details, and obviously this one is by invitation only, typically reserved for cast, crew and friends. We’re assuming this will be the most celeb-packed affair.

Amongst all the premiere announcements, we HAVE seen something we hadn’t seen confirmed before – A running time of 101 minutes along with the confirmed “R” rating. So, for the math-challenged, that’s 1:41 minutes, from opening frame to end of credits. Should move at a fast pace at that rate. For those of you lucky enough to have scored tix to one of the shows, enjoy — We’d love to hear reviews but obviously will stray from spoilers at this site until after the film has opened. So send away without spoilers or save ’em up for November.

That wraps up our review of the screenings that we know of until opening day. So that’s 2 in Canada, one on the east coast, one in the deep south, and the world premiere, likely on the west coast. If more opportunities come up, you can bet we’ll have the scoop for ya here — And, as always, we’re thinking you might be able to catch Kevin on opening day/weekend around the Arclight Theaters in Los Angeles, where he sometimes surprises audiences with a Q&A or an appearance to thank fans for coming out on opening day (again just speculation, but it’s happened before). Remember — If it’s happening, we’ll have the story here at News Askew.

• SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 – UNOFFICIAL WORLD PREMIERE AT TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL – This showing was added after we first announced the September 9th showing, and is at a different venue. Kevin will be in attendance though no other cast and crew have been confirmed. Showing at 9:15 PM on a Sunday night though, at the Ryerson Theater, we have a feeling this one might attract some big names. We see no way to buy tickets online for this particular event, though you could always call the box office this week and ask.
• TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 – TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL SCREENING – This event takes place at the Visa Screening Room in Toronto and is in the afternoon, 3:00 PM to be exact. We’re sure Kevin will show to introduce the film, though have not confirmed any other guests. We’re betting the Sunday showing MIGHT have a few more “names” in the room, but you never know. As of presstime, the TIFF website still has tickets on sale for this showing.
• THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 – FANTASTIC FEST OPENING FILM – The film will kick off Fantastic Fest 2008 in Austin, Texas. Kevin will be on hand to introduce the film as well as hold a live Q&A session following the screening. Tickets for the fest are selling out fast , and this one’s likely to be the hottest of the show. There is a SLIGHT chance you can get a specific ticket for the show on the day of the screening though it will likely be a standby situation. Your best bet is to have a festival pass.
• WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th – Pleasantville, NY – Jacob Burns Film Center Benefit Screening. 7:30 PM, SOLD OUT! Tickets were $20 for members and $30 for non-members. We have confirmed that Kevin will be on hand for the screening, but can not speak for any other cast at this time.
• MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 – OFFICIAL WORLD PREMIERE – This will be considered the official world premiere, and likely held in Los Angeles. This is the one with the red carpet and all the celebs that you typically see on Access Hollywood and shows of that ilk. No further details, and obviously this one is by invitation only, typically reserved for cast, crew and friends. We’re assuming this will be the most celeb-packed affair.

Amongst all the premiere announcements, we HAVE seen something we hadn’t seen confirmed before – A running time of 101 minutes along with the confirmed “R” rating. So, for the math-challenged, that’s 1:41 minutes, from opening frame to end of credits. Should move at a fast pace at that rate. For those of you lucky enough to have scored tix to one of the shows, enjoy — We’d love to hear reviews but obviously will stray from spoilers at this site until after the film has opened. So send away without spoilers or save ’em up for November.

That wraps up our review of the screenings that we know of until opening day. So that’s 2 in Canada, one on the east coast, one in the deep south, and the world premiere, likely on the west coast. If more opportunities come up, you can bet we’ll have the scoop for ya here — And, as always, we’re thinking you might be able to catch Kevin on opening day/weekend around the Arclight Theaters in Los Angeles, where he sometimes surprises audiences with a Q&A or an appearance to thank fans for coming out on opening day (again just speculation, but it’s happened before). Remember — If it’s happening, we’ll have the story here at News Askew.

Wanna go? You can get your tickets this Saturday, August 30th! Tickets go on sale for “Zack & Miri Make a Porno” at noon CST, Saturday, August 30th and will be available online at http://www.fantasticfest.com, by phone at 1-866-4GET-TIX or at the Paramount Theater Box Office in Austin, Texas. Admission to this show is included for Fantastic Fest badge holders. THIS WILL SELL OUT THIS WEEKEND! If you wanna go, we highly suggest you be near a phone or computer at NOON CST this Saturday.

Aint It Cool News picked up the story and confirms that anyone who has a festival pass will definitely get into the screening. The theater seats 1,200 people, so this will be a HUGE audience and just incredible fun to attend. AICN also picked up Kevin’s very brief “Trek” comments for a story this week. Nothing new there, just the same cryptic quotes. So cool that Kev’s getting to see some of the most anticipated flicks, and cool, considering he’s been known to do the same type of screenings of his own for fellow directors as well.

Wanna go? You can get your tickets this Saturday, August 30th! Tickets go on sale for “Zack & Miri Make a Porno” at noon CST, Saturday, August 30th and will be available online at http://www.fantasticfest.com, by phone at 1-866-4GET-TIX or at the Paramount Theater Box Office in Austin, Texas. Admission to this show is included for Fantastic Fest badge holders. THIS WILL SELL OUT THIS WEEKEND! If you wanna go, we highly suggest you be near a phone or computer at NOON CST this Saturday.

Aint It Cool News picked up the story and confirms that anyone who has a festival pass will definitely get into the screening. The theater seats 1,200 people, so this will be a HUGE audience and just incredible fun to attend. AICN also picked up Kevin’s very brief “Trek” comments for a story this week. Nothing new there, just the same cryptic quotes. So cool that Kev’s getting to see some of the most anticipated flicks, and cool, considering he’s been known to do the same type of screenings of his own for fellow directors as well.

Appearances from Kevin on the coasts are more common than those in the middle of the US and elsewhere, so when you have a chance to catch Kevin live, don’t miss it — Everyone gets loads of laughs, many hours of entertainment, and no one leaves having a bad time. With the new flick just released prior to this appearance, Kevin will likely have a bunch of new tales to tell, so even if you’ve seen the live Q&A before, you gotta go back — We can’t even count the amount of times we’ve seen the man live, and every single time has been totally different and worth the trip. We’ll have more details as the date draws closer, but for now, get those tix before the place sells out!

However, we owe it all to “Spaced”, which ran in the UK back in 1999 and 2001 for an all-too-short 14 episodes (the British know how to keep fans wanting more). The show was fanboy love personified in its characters, all memorable, making for a one-of-a-kind show that nothing has come close to touching since (an American remake was briefly thought of, but without the blessing of Wright, Pegg, or Hynes, put down). The show is one of our all-time favorites, and now, thankfully, coming to American DVD (previously only available on UK imports). “Spaced: The Complete Series” collects every single episode along with a boatload of extras, including commentary from our own Kevin Smith.

Sold yet? You gotta have the DVD, sure, but we’ll do ya one better – On Wedesnday, July 23rd, from 12:30 til 2:30, all 3 stars/creators, Hynes, Pegg, and Wright, will join Kevin live, in person, at Secret Stash West and Laser Blazer, the greatest DVD/Video and Comic Book shop in all the land. They’ll all be signing copies of the new DVD for the bargain price of $49.98 – $10 off retail! That gets you the DVD and all 4 signatures! It’s extremely rare that this group will sit together in a room for an event like this again, so we’re telling you know — Get to Laser Blazer, tell your boss you need the day off, whatever it takes. Don’t miss this event, and line up early! If you’re coming to town for ComiCon, this happens RIGHT BEFORE IT. Perfect timing.

Oh and by the way, want anything else signed? You can have up to 3 items signed, but that’s it — Gotta keep the line moving — So bring them along if ya like. But you MUST purchase the “Spaced” DVD to get into the event. PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY! We’re telling ya now. Full details on the disc:

Spaced DVD retail price $59.98. Laser Blazer in-store price $49.98.


DVD features include:


* Exclusive feature length documentary.
* “Spaced Jam” music video by Osymyso.
* Commentary with stars Simon Pegg, Jessica Hynes, Nick Frost, Mark Heap, Julia Deakin, Katy Carmichael, director Edgar Wright, producer Nira Park, Plus guests Kevin Smith, Quentin Tarantino, Matt Stone, Diablo Cody, Bill Hader, and Patton Oswalt!
* Footage from the UK Spaced marathon’s Q & A session
* Homage-O-Meter that tracks every pop culture reference!
* Out-takes, raw footage, deleted scenes, and more!


Spaced revolves around two idle twentysomething flatmates – immature skateboarding would-be comic artist Tim (Simon Pegg), and moody, responsibility-shy Daisy (Jessica Stevenson), and their self-induced lack of success in employment, relationships and life in general. Together with their oddball assortment of friends and neighbors, Marsha, Brian, Mike and Twist, they exist in a world perched precariously on the edge of normality.


* Spaced DVD must be purchased at Laser Blazer to participate in the signing.
* The line may be capped at any time. PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY!!
* No more than three items signed per customer.

For more details on “Spaced”, see “Spaced Invasion” or the IMDB.

Laser Blazer/Jay & Silent Bob’s Secret Stash are located at 10587 West Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90064. Call (310) 475-4788 for details. There’s a limited amount of parking behind the store — Otherwise, you’re on your own. This is one of the coolest events we’ve ever seen, folks — You never know who might show up to meet these fantastic folks. Be there!

Thursday – 7/24
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Kevin will be moderating the Spike TV Scream panel discussion called ‘Scream’ Like a Girl: Spike Salutes the Women of Sci-Fi (check con schedule for location).


Friday – 7/25
5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. – Kevin’s taking part in Entertainment Weekly’s panel – “The Visionaries: Filmmakers” panel in Hall H
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Kevin’s Main Q&A panel in Hall H (ED. NOTE – “Zack & Miri” Footage is likely!)


Saturday – 7/26
2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. – Kevin will be participating in the Battlestar Galactica panel (check con schedule for location)

We can’t see why you’d want to miss any of these events, all fantastic topics — We’re once again incredibly envious of the Galactica gig, what a blast and what a fantastic job Kev did at the last one. Plus, the Friday night event in Hall H will likely be the hottest ticket of the entire con – Line up early, and make sure that you can get it. The hall ALWAYS fills to capacity when Kev’s in town. All times are subject to change, so if anything moves around, we’ll let ya know.