(Not So) Grand Re-opening!
Googly Eyes
Well, that wasn't much of a vacation.
Yes, we here at the Comfy Chair Cinema are back, video problems solved, at least in the short term. We're back with a new movie-editing program, and we'll see how that goes. But welcome back.
We're re-opening the cinema tonight with possibly our silliest feature since "It's a Wonderful Pickle." It's called "Googly Eyes," and the premise is simple. What would some of our old familiar Comfy Chair stars look like - with googly eyes?
Well, you'll find out. Why googly eyes? I found them in a bin at Wal-Mart for 97 cents. When you find a shitload of googly eyes for 97 cents, you just can't pass them up.
So come back on in, grab some snacks in lobby (sold at a nominal fee), wave hello to Ethel at the popcorn machine, and settle in for "Googly Eyes."
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Comfy Chair Temporarily Closed
Sure, I could say it's Ethel and her hip again (sitting at that popcorn machine must be torture), or we're polishing the floors and mending the curtains, but the truth of the matter is that we here at the Comfy Chair Cinema are having a hell of a hard time making movies.
Apparently, the Comfy Chair's beloved Flip digital camera is roundly hated by Vista's version of Movie Maker. We here at the Comfy Chair have sweated, worked, cursed (well, we curse in good times and in bad), and tried everything we know to rectify the situation. It remains unrectified.
So we here at the Comfy Chair are exploring other movie-making options. Something will work, we will hit upon that magic solution, and all will be well again. We know this to be true.
So please, keep checking back, this closing is only temporary. We promise.
In the meantime, please check out our sidewalk sale of treats formerly sold in the lobby at a nominal fee, now sold on the street in front of the Comfy Chair Cinema. And hurry. The Goobers and Raisinettes are melting.
In the meantime, a trivia quiz - who spotted the blaring gaffe in our last movie, and what was it? (We here at the Comfy Chair [WHATCC] only spotted it a few days ago, and hung our head in shame.)
Sure, I could say it's Ethel and her hip again (sitting at that popcorn machine must be torture), or we're polishing the floors and mending the curtains, but the truth of the matter is that we here at the Comfy Chair Cinema are having a hell of a hard time making movies.
Apparently, the Comfy Chair's beloved Flip digital camera is roundly hated by Vista's version of Movie Maker. We here at the Comfy Chair have sweated, worked, cursed (well, we curse in good times and in bad), and tried everything we know to rectify the situation. It remains unrectified.
So we here at the Comfy Chair are exploring other movie-making options. Something will work, we will hit upon that magic solution, and all will be well again. We know this to be true.
So please, keep checking back, this closing is only temporary. We promise.
In the meantime, please check out our sidewalk sale of treats formerly sold in the lobby at a nominal fee, now sold on the street in front of the Comfy Chair Cinema. And hurry. The Goobers and Raisinettes are melting.
In the meantime, a trivia quiz - who spotted the blaring gaffe in our last movie, and what was it? (We here at the Comfy Chair [WHATCC] only spotted it a few days ago, and hung our head in shame.)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
A Moveable Feast
Hello, movie lovers!
Well, we here at the Comfy Chair have taken quite the break, haven't we? To be quite honest, "2001 (Sort Of)" just wore our asses out, and we were out of ideas.
Then we were flush with ideas, well, an idea, and lost our internet for a while.
But never fear, cineophiles. We are now back with Ethel at the popcorn stand, Pops taking tickets, and lots of new (sold at a nominal fee) snacks in the lobby.
Oh, and a new movie. This one's called "A Moveable Feast," and, well, if ever there was a literal title to a movie, here it is. It's the Comfy Chair's most ambitious try yet at stop-motion photography. (Attempt #5, if we're not mistaken.) Somewhere around 500 pictures for the 2:30 minutes of action. And it is action, it's some serious action.
So please, make yourself comfortable (after all, it is the Comfy Chair Cinema) and enjoy "A Moveable Feast."
Hello, movie lovers!
Well, we here at the Comfy Chair have taken quite the break, haven't we? To be quite honest, "2001 (Sort Of)" just wore our asses out, and we were out of ideas.
Then we were flush with ideas, well, an idea, and lost our internet for a while.
But never fear, cineophiles. We are now back with Ethel at the popcorn stand, Pops taking tickets, and lots of new (sold at a nominal fee) snacks in the lobby.
Oh, and a new movie. This one's called "A Moveable Feast," and, well, if ever there was a literal title to a movie, here it is. It's the Comfy Chair's most ambitious try yet at stop-motion photography. (Attempt #5, if we're not mistaken.) Somewhere around 500 pictures for the 2:30 minutes of action. And it is action, it's some serious action.
So please, make yourself comfortable (after all, it is the Comfy Chair Cinema) and enjoy "A Moveable Feast."
Sunday, August 17, 2008
2001 (Sort Of)
Hello, friends and moviegoers, and welcome back to another week at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
We here at the Comfy Chair have been mulling over this week's feature, "2001 (Sort Of)," for quite a while. For a couple of reasons. First, we've been wanting to do a sort of movie parody, something not from our own minds, and second, because the film "2001: A Space Odyssey" has been a film that has perplexed the Comfy Chair for a long time. The Comfy Chair saw this film in the theater when it was released, when the Comfy Chair was just a small girl.
No offense meant, or maybe a little, but we here at the Cinema have never understood this film, never liked it, and never seen its greatness. But that's just us. If someone asked us to describe the movie, here's what we'd say:
"Well, it starts with some apes, a bone turns into a spaceship, a computer sings 'Bicycle Built for Two' and kills a man, there's a light show, and an old man turns into a baby."
If, many years from now, someone asks you what "2001 (Sort Of)" is about, you can answer the same way.
This week's movie features more stop-motion photography (our longest segment yet), and something completely new for us - location shooting. What the people in our little town must have thought of the Comfy Chair.
So sit back, get a nice snack in the lobby, and join us for "2001 (Sort Of)."
Hello, friends and moviegoers, and welcome back to another week at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
We here at the Comfy Chair have been mulling over this week's feature, "2001 (Sort Of)," for quite a while. For a couple of reasons. First, we've been wanting to do a sort of movie parody, something not from our own minds, and second, because the film "2001: A Space Odyssey" has been a film that has perplexed the Comfy Chair for a long time. The Comfy Chair saw this film in the theater when it was released, when the Comfy Chair was just a small girl.
No offense meant, or maybe a little, but we here at the Cinema have never understood this film, never liked it, and never seen its greatness. But that's just us. If someone asked us to describe the movie, here's what we'd say:
"Well, it starts with some apes, a bone turns into a spaceship, a computer sings 'Bicycle Built for Two' and kills a man, there's a light show, and an old man turns into a baby."
If, many years from now, someone asks you what "2001 (Sort Of)" is about, you can answer the same way.
This week's movie features more stop-motion photography (our longest segment yet), and something completely new for us - location shooting. What the people in our little town must have thought of the Comfy Chair.
So sit back, get a nice snack in the lobby, and join us for "2001 (Sort Of)."
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Double Feature!
The Script Ohio
Hello, cinema fans, and welcome back to another week at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
Ahh, marching bands. As you all know, we here at the Comfy Chair Cinema love our marching bands. And where marching bands are concerned, nothing has ever or will ever beat the grand tradition of Ohio State University's "Script Ohio." For the uninitiated, the band spells out "Ohio" not by all heading to their assigned spots on the field, but by banding together to actually write it out in cursive. I can't imagine there's anyone out there who hasn't seen it, but just in case, here you go.
We at the Comfy Chair have toyed with the idea of the Script Ohio more than once. When we made "Kisses Regiment" lo those many months ago, we wanted to incorporate script into the mix. It was quickly realized that with our small knowledge of stop-motion that would take upwards of 15 years, and so we just doffed our caps to the OSU band in the dotting of the i.
Then it was Mr M's idea to forge ahead with a stop-motion Script Ohio using pennies, he was keen to help, then he too realized it was just too big an undertaking.
But Mr M had a contingency plan!
He himself volunteered to star in this week's movie, which is a rendering of the Script Ohio like you've never seen before.
So sit back, grab a snack and a drink (sold in the lobby at a nominal fee), and enjoy "The Script Ohio." And please, I beseech you. You will not want to miss the entry below this one, the second part of our double feature - "The Script Ohio: The Outtakes." You'll be sorry if you do.
The Script Ohio
Hello, cinema fans, and welcome back to another week at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
Ahh, marching bands. As you all know, we here at the Comfy Chair Cinema love our marching bands. And where marching bands are concerned, nothing has ever or will ever beat the grand tradition of Ohio State University's "Script Ohio." For the uninitiated, the band spells out "Ohio" not by all heading to their assigned spots on the field, but by banding together to actually write it out in cursive. I can't imagine there's anyone out there who hasn't seen it, but just in case, here you go.
We at the Comfy Chair have toyed with the idea of the Script Ohio more than once. When we made "Kisses Regiment" lo those many months ago, we wanted to incorporate script into the mix. It was quickly realized that with our small knowledge of stop-motion that would take upwards of 15 years, and so we just doffed our caps to the OSU band in the dotting of the i.
Then it was Mr M's idea to forge ahead with a stop-motion Script Ohio using pennies, he was keen to help, then he too realized it was just too big an undertaking.
But Mr M had a contingency plan!
He himself volunteered to star in this week's movie, which is a rendering of the Script Ohio like you've never seen before.
So sit back, grab a snack and a drink (sold in the lobby at a nominal fee), and enjoy "The Script Ohio." And please, I beseech you. You will not want to miss the entry below this one, the second part of our double feature - "The Script Ohio: The Outtakes." You'll be sorry if you do.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Rubber Stamp Fun
Hello, cinophiles, and welcome to yet another week at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
This week's feature was a lot of fun to make. It was hard, and messy (upon the Comfy Chair Cinema home and upon our actual person), and made us learn a new technique. Double speeding. Only double speeding still made "Rubber Stamp Fun" over 10 minutes long and pretty draggy in spots, and so we here at the Comfy Chair learned double double speeding.
It also gave us a chance to use the groovy new tripod given to us by Mr M for playing in his clarinet recital. And it is for that purpose you will hear clarinet music as the soundtrack.
The letters and all the rubber stamps used in the first segment are homemade. The rest are store bought, years and years ago, back when we here at the Comfy Chair actually had time to do things like play with rubber stamps.
Sit back, grab a snack and a drink (sold in the lobby at a nominal fee, please try the popcorn), and enjoy "Rubber Stamp Fun."
Hello, cinophiles, and welcome to yet another week at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
This week's feature was a lot of fun to make. It was hard, and messy (upon the Comfy Chair Cinema home and upon our actual person), and made us learn a new technique. Double speeding. Only double speeding still made "Rubber Stamp Fun" over 10 minutes long and pretty draggy in spots, and so we here at the Comfy Chair learned double double speeding.
It also gave us a chance to use the groovy new tripod given to us by Mr M for playing in his clarinet recital. And it is for that purpose you will hear clarinet music as the soundtrack.
The letters and all the rubber stamps used in the first segment are homemade. The rest are store bought, years and years ago, back when we here at the Comfy Chair actually had time to do things like play with rubber stamps.
Sit back, grab a snack and a drink (sold in the lobby at a nominal fee, please try the popcorn), and enjoy "Rubber Stamp Fun."
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Sock Puppet Theatre!
Hello old friends and movie chums, and welcome back to the Comfy Chair Cinema. The cinema's been closed for a week because we at the Comfy Chair had other pressing matters. Those are all solved now, we're back, Ethel's back at her post at the popcorn machine, the concession stand's stocked with Lemonheads and Raisinettes (all sold at a nominal fee), and we're ready to serve the movie-going public again.
We here at the Comfy Chair Cinema saw a book in a bookstore (my, how revolutionary) this past week all about sock puppets. We picked it up and thumbed through it, then put it down and left it on the table. But we still had sock puppets on our mind. The Comfy Chair Cinema Chest of Drawers is filled with socks, unmatched and unused.
We figured it was about time we put those socks to good use.
And so that brings us to this week's feature, "Sock Puppet Theatre!" It's not a musical, so there's not really a reason there should be an exclamation point ending the title, but we put one there, and so you'll just have to live with it. The idea behind "Sock Puppet Theatre!" was taking a piece of dialogue (a Bob & Ray sketch is the first thing that came to mind, but since we at the Comfy Chair have already been wrist-slapped once for using someone's music, we nixed that) and having it reenacted by a couple of sock puppets. Well, we here at the Chair just happen to know another two-person dialogue - the Hucklebug Podcast. And so the idea was set.
All that was left was to slap together a couple of sock puppets and let the good times roll.
So please settle in, get your snack at hand (sold in the lobby, etc), and enjoy "Sock Puppet Theatre!" And for a special added treat, keep looking below to see the Special Bonus Outtake!
(By the by, for the first time ever we have here at the Comfy Chair Cinema a movie rated R for profanity. So if there are children present, you may want to send them outside to play.)
Hello old friends and movie chums, and welcome back to the Comfy Chair Cinema. The cinema's been closed for a week because we at the Comfy Chair had other pressing matters. Those are all solved now, we're back, Ethel's back at her post at the popcorn machine, the concession stand's stocked with Lemonheads and Raisinettes (all sold at a nominal fee), and we're ready to serve the movie-going public again.
We here at the Comfy Chair Cinema saw a book in a bookstore (my, how revolutionary) this past week all about sock puppets. We picked it up and thumbed through it, then put it down and left it on the table. But we still had sock puppets on our mind. The Comfy Chair Cinema Chest of Drawers is filled with socks, unmatched and unused.
We figured it was about time we put those socks to good use.
And so that brings us to this week's feature, "Sock Puppet Theatre!" It's not a musical, so there's not really a reason there should be an exclamation point ending the title, but we put one there, and so you'll just have to live with it. The idea behind "Sock Puppet Theatre!" was taking a piece of dialogue (a Bob & Ray sketch is the first thing that came to mind, but since we at the Comfy Chair have already been wrist-slapped once for using someone's music, we nixed that) and having it reenacted by a couple of sock puppets. Well, we here at the Chair just happen to know another two-person dialogue - the Hucklebug Podcast. And so the idea was set.
All that was left was to slap together a couple of sock puppets and let the good times roll.
So please settle in, get your snack at hand (sold in the lobby, etc), and enjoy "Sock Puppet Theatre!" And for a special added treat, keep looking below to see the Special Bonus Outtake!
(By the by, for the first time ever we have here at the Comfy Chair Cinema a movie rated R for profanity. So if there are children present, you may want to send them outside to play.)
Special Bonus Outtake!
Yes, it's only those rarest of occasions when you get a special bonus for your Comfy Chair admission fee. You get one this week. And here's how it happened.
See, in making the above "Sock Puppet Theatre!" we had to make it logistically simple for the puppets to have time to get situated and in place and ready for the dialogue. To do this, we at the Comfy Chair made playlists in iTunes for each of the pieces of dialogue. However, to give us time to get ready and in place when the dialogue started, we needed a short piece of something to play while we were getting situated. There in iTunes, fresh from being used in the "Yodel of Love" movie, was "The Wedding March," 42 seconds long.
Perfect. In each playlist, right before the piece of Hucklebug dialogue, we inserted the 42-second "Wedding March." Lots of takes and that song, which, let's face it, ain't that great to begin with, really starts to grate on the nerves.
And so that explains this 23 seconds of fun.
Yes, it's only those rarest of occasions when you get a special bonus for your Comfy Chair admission fee. You get one this week. And here's how it happened.
See, in making the above "Sock Puppet Theatre!" we had to make it logistically simple for the puppets to have time to get situated and in place and ready for the dialogue. To do this, we at the Comfy Chair made playlists in iTunes for each of the pieces of dialogue. However, to give us time to get ready and in place when the dialogue started, we needed a short piece of something to play while we were getting situated. There in iTunes, fresh from being used in the "Yodel of Love" movie, was "The Wedding March," 42 seconds long.
Perfect. In each playlist, right before the piece of Hucklebug dialogue, we inserted the 42-second "Wedding March." Lots of takes and that song, which, let's face it, ain't that great to begin with, really starts to grate on the nerves.
And so that explains this 23 seconds of fun.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Two Men, Two Clarinets
Hello, Comfy Chairers. Welcome to another week at the cinema.
This week, for the first time, we have a documentary! Filmed at the famed and now possibly annual Mr M Recital, it features Mr M and his friend David N playing a seriously difficult clarinet duet.
We'd been asked by Mr M to mention that the sound quality is quite poor, but we here at the Comfy Chair don't have to do that, because we're not using his recorded version of the piece, we're using ours. And we think our audio is just fine, thanks very much.
By the way, this piece has an added bonus - listen for a chorus of "When the Saints Go Marching In."
So get a musical snack in the lobby, some Bugles, perhaps, and enjoy the music.
Hello, Comfy Chairers. Welcome to another week at the cinema.
This week, for the first time, we have a documentary! Filmed at the famed and now possibly annual Mr M Recital, it features Mr M and his friend David N playing a seriously difficult clarinet duet.
We'd been asked by Mr M to mention that the sound quality is quite poor, but we here at the Comfy Chair don't have to do that, because we're not using his recorded version of the piece, we're using ours. And we think our audio is just fine, thanks very much.
By the way, this piece has an added bonus - listen for a chorus of "When the Saints Go Marching In."
So get a musical snack in the lobby, some Bugles, perhaps, and enjoy the music.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Game Night!
Hello, movie goers, and welcome to a delayed opening at the Comfy Chair Cinema. We took an extra day for the long weekend. Ours was a very long weekend.
Have you ever thought about some of your favorite idols playing a game? Like, say Scrabble? Wonder how they'd do? Who would win? Well, this week's feature, "Game Night!" gives you an insight into what happens when The Biggies play.
So sit back, enjoy a box of Lemonheads (sold in the lobby at a nominal fee), and enjoy "Game Night!" (It has an exclamation point, but is not a musical, sadly.)
Hello, movie goers, and welcome to a delayed opening at the Comfy Chair Cinema. We took an extra day for the long weekend. Ours was a very long weekend.
Have you ever thought about some of your favorite idols playing a game? Like, say Scrabble? Wonder how they'd do? Who would win? Well, this week's feature, "Game Night!" gives you an insight into what happens when The Biggies play.
So sit back, enjoy a box of Lemonheads (sold in the lobby at a nominal fee), and enjoy "Game Night!" (It has an exclamation point, but is not a musical, sadly.)
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Great Houndini
Hello, movie fans, welcome to another week at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
This week's movie was a lot of fun to make. It incorporates our largest cast ever, the idea came to us Friday around 11 pm, and moviemaking lasted all night long. We at the Comfy Chair finally went to bed at 6:30 Saturday morning.
Ahhh, nothing like a night shoot.
Our feature stars the one and only, the kind, the genteel, the handsome - Huckleberry Hound.
Please, have a snack from the lobby (sold at a nominal fee, and please don't think we at the Comfy Chair Cinema are not aware that some of you are bringing in your own food from home), grab your comfiest seat, and enjoy "The Great Houndini."
Hello, movie fans, welcome to another week at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
This week's movie was a lot of fun to make. It incorporates our largest cast ever, the idea came to us Friday around 11 pm, and moviemaking lasted all night long. We at the Comfy Chair finally went to bed at 6:30 Saturday morning.
Ahhh, nothing like a night shoot.
Our feature stars the one and only, the kind, the genteel, the handsome - Huckleberry Hound.
Please, have a snack from the lobby (sold at a nominal fee, and please don't think we at the Comfy Chair Cinema are not aware that some of you are bringing in your own food from home), grab your comfiest seat, and enjoy "The Great Houndini."
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Sherman's Garden
Greetings, moviegoers, and welcome to a new week at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
Sherman's such a happy boy. That's why he's a joy to cast in film roles. He's also an expert gardener, so what better way to spend a summer afternoon than romping around the yard with Sherman.
In "Sherman's Garden," our boy takes us through the growing process, helped along by, well, by a voice you might not expect.
Grab your refreshments (sold in the lobby at a nominal fee), get comfy (after all, that's a requirement at the Comfy Chair Cinema), and watch "Sherman's Garden."
Greetings, moviegoers, and welcome to a new week at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
Sherman's such a happy boy. That's why he's a joy to cast in film roles. He's also an expert gardener, so what better way to spend a summer afternoon than romping around the yard with Sherman.
In "Sherman's Garden," our boy takes us through the growing process, helped along by, well, by a voice you might not expect.
Grab your refreshments (sold in the lobby at a nominal fee), get comfy (after all, that's a requirement at the Comfy Chair Cinema), and watch "Sherman's Garden."
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Dog and Boy Stomp
Hello, movie people, welcome to another week's feature at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
They've each starred separately in movies, but today is Father's Day, and what could be more appropriate here at the cinema than to feature everyone's favorite father and son team, Mr Peabody and his boy Sherman, together in a film? Nothing could be more appropriate, and that's why this week's feature is "Dog and Boy Stomp," in which our dynamic duo dance their pants off. Actually, that's a bit of a lie. Peabody never had pants, and Sherman's will stay attached the whole time.
Enjoy, nevertheless.
Hello, movie people, welcome to another week's feature at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
They've each starred separately in movies, but today is Father's Day, and what could be more appropriate here at the cinema than to feature everyone's favorite father and son team, Mr Peabody and his boy Sherman, together in a film? Nothing could be more appropriate, and that's why this week's feature is "Dog and Boy Stomp," in which our dynamic duo dance their pants off. Actually, that's a bit of a lie. Peabody never had pants, and Sherman's will stay attached the whole time.
Enjoy, nevertheless.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
The New Boarder
Hello, film fanatics, and welcome to yet another week at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
We here at the Comfy Chair Cinema aren't trying to toot our own horn, but we would like to announce that this week we have produced a Big Fat Fucking Epic. Six hours in the making and coming in at a whopping four minutes-plus long. And under budget, which turned out to be $4.00.
For those of you who checked tonight's Betland blog, you realize there is yet another new boarder at the Poderosa. And he was kind enough to make light of his rather lofty reputation and star in a movie. Which, you know, is a pretty mean feat seeing as how he's only been at the Poderosa a few days and is still getting settled in.
That's the kind of can-do spirit that fills the Poderosa, and thus the Comfy Chair Cinema as well. Everyone wants to get into the act!
By the way, the "narration" in this week's film is in fact a little nod of appreciation to the video for the song used in the movie.
So please, everyone pick up a refreshment in the lobby (sold at a nominal fee) and get comfy for "The New Boarder."
As a disclaimer, we here at the Comfy Chair would like to stress that our floors aren't nearly as filthy as they appear on film. They just don't photograph well. Really. I mean it. OK?
Hello, film fanatics, and welcome to yet another week at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
We here at the Comfy Chair Cinema aren't trying to toot our own horn, but we would like to announce that this week we have produced a Big Fat Fucking Epic. Six hours in the making and coming in at a whopping four minutes-plus long. And under budget, which turned out to be $4.00.
For those of you who checked tonight's Betland blog, you realize there is yet another new boarder at the Poderosa. And he was kind enough to make light of his rather lofty reputation and star in a movie. Which, you know, is a pretty mean feat seeing as how he's only been at the Poderosa a few days and is still getting settled in.
That's the kind of can-do spirit that fills the Poderosa, and thus the Comfy Chair Cinema as well. Everyone wants to get into the act!
By the way, the "narration" in this week's film is in fact a little nod of appreciation to the video for the song used in the movie.
So please, everyone pick up a refreshment in the lobby (sold at a nominal fee) and get comfy for "The New Boarder."
As a disclaimer, we here at the Comfy Chair would like to stress that our floors aren't nearly as filthy as they appear on film. They just don't photograph well. Really. I mean it. OK?
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Special Double Feature!!
Kisses Regiment (the prototype)
Hello, movie folks. And welcome to another week at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
Tonight we have a special double feature for you. See, a few weeks ago, heady with my "Whooosh" attempt at stop-motion photography, I attempted my second feature which I called "Kisses Regiment." See, I don't think it's a secret to any of you I'm a big fan of marching bands, and I wanted to do something of a marching formation. I decided to go with the bane of every soul who's ever marched in a band, the Parade Turn.
Turned out to be the bane of a beginning stop-motioner, too.
So I chalked it up to Try #2, and left it in the file. But since it was the fetus of an idea that became this week's bouncing baby feature, I thought as a little treat, I'd give you a look at the original Kisses Regiment
Kisses Regiment (the prototype)
Hello, movie folks. And welcome to another week at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
Tonight we have a special double feature for you. See, a few weeks ago, heady with my "Whooosh" attempt at stop-motion photography, I attempted my second feature which I called "Kisses Regiment." See, I don't think it's a secret to any of you I'm a big fan of marching bands, and I wanted to do something of a marching formation. I decided to go with the bane of every soul who's ever marched in a band, the Parade Turn.
Turned out to be the bane of a beginning stop-motioner, too.
So I chalked it up to Try #2, and left it in the file. But since it was the fetus of an idea that became this week's bouncing baby feature, I thought as a little treat, I'd give you a look at the original Kisses Regiment
Kisses Regiment (the feature)
It's my third-ever attempt at stop-motion photography. And it might have been really good if I hadn't had to stop midway through to change camera batteries. Dammit.
Anyway, this is what grew from the above germ of an idea, and it contains a little nod of appreciation to the Ohio State Marching Band.
Enjoy
It's my third-ever attempt at stop-motion photography. And it might have been really good if I hadn't had to stop midway through to change camera batteries. Dammit.
Anyway, this is what grew from the above germ of an idea, and it contains a little nod of appreciation to the Ohio State Marching Band.
Enjoy
Monday, May 26, 2008
Good Luck Baby Lily Dances!
Hello, friends, and welcome back to the Comfy Chair Cinema.
If you read Betland, you know that this week's moviemaking was a little bit of an odd experience. I made a little movie Friday night, I made a bigger movie Monday morning. Neither of them really grabbed me. And let's face it, a movie has to grab me first before I unleash to it grab you all.
But later this eve I came up with a little something, and my dear friend and good luck charm Good Luck Baby Lily offered to help. She may be just a baby, but she can dance, and since her Poderosa buddies were getting into the Movie Biz, she wanted to join in on the fun.
So please, grab some popcorn, a nice cold drink, and a candy bar (all sold in the lobby at a nominal fee) and enjoy "Good Luck Baby Lily Dances!"
Hello, friends, and welcome back to the Comfy Chair Cinema.
If you read Betland, you know that this week's moviemaking was a little bit of an odd experience. I made a little movie Friday night, I made a bigger movie Monday morning. Neither of them really grabbed me. And let's face it, a movie has to grab me first before I unleash to it grab you all.
But later this eve I came up with a little something, and my dear friend and good luck charm Good Luck Baby Lily offered to help. She may be just a baby, but she can dance, and since her Poderosa buddies were getting into the Movie Biz, she wanted to join in on the fun.
So please, grab some popcorn, a nice cold drink, and a candy bar (all sold in the lobby at a nominal fee) and enjoy "Good Luck Baby Lily Dances!"
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Special Double Feature Week!
Behind the Scenes of "Whooosh"
Hello, movie fans. Welcome back to yet another week at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
Tonight we have a special treat for you. Not only do we have our main feature, "Whooosh!" but we have a documentary about the making of "Whooosh." Actually, that's a bit of a lie, but you will get to see a little behind-the-scenes action, starring the movie's director, who just happens to be Yours Truly. Yours V Truly, esq.
It's not much, there's not a lot of reasoning behind it, and to be honest, we at the Comfy Chair Cinema don't really know why we made it. Other than the still camera has a moving pictures feature, and, well, it was raining and we were bored.
Please enjoy a short film behind the scenes of "Whooosh."
Behind the Scenes of "Whooosh"
Hello, movie fans. Welcome back to yet another week at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
Tonight we have a special treat for you. Not only do we have our main feature, "Whooosh!" but we have a documentary about the making of "Whooosh." Actually, that's a bit of a lie, but you will get to see a little behind-the-scenes action, starring the movie's director, who just happens to be Yours Truly. Yours V Truly, esq.
It's not much, there's not a lot of reasoning behind it, and to be honest, we at the Comfy Chair Cinema don't really know why we made it. Other than the still camera has a moving pictures feature, and, well, it was raining and we were bored.
Please enjoy a short film behind the scenes of "Whooosh."
Whooosh!
Hello, cinephiles. Welcome to the Comfy Chair Cinema's main feature.
Ethel's back at her post at the popcorn machine, Goobers are back to their regular price (sorry, peanut lovers) - and I left my Flip camera at Mr M's yesterday.
So now we improvise!
Ever since playing around with the idea in the "Marshmallow Castle" blog recipe du jour movie, we here at the Comfy Chair Cinema have been toying with the idea of trying some stop-action photography. And what better time to try than when a still camera's the only game in town.
If ever you've had the urge to diss an animator, claymationist, or stop-action photographer, try it for yourself sometime. I promise the diss will turn to admiration.
Sherman has graciously accepted our invitation to star in another film. He's a joy to work with, unlike some other actors we've encountered. (Are you listening, Yodeling Lederhosen?)
And so now, without further ado, sit back and enjoy "Whooosh!"
Hello, cinephiles. Welcome to the Comfy Chair Cinema's main feature.
Ethel's back at her post at the popcorn machine, Goobers are back to their regular price (sorry, peanut lovers) - and I left my Flip camera at Mr M's yesterday.
So now we improvise!
Ever since playing around with the idea in the "Marshmallow Castle" blog recipe du jour movie, we here at the Comfy Chair Cinema have been toying with the idea of trying some stop-action photography. And what better time to try than when a still camera's the only game in town.
If ever you've had the urge to diss an animator, claymationist, or stop-action photographer, try it for yourself sometime. I promise the diss will turn to admiration.
Sherman has graciously accepted our invitation to star in another film. He's a joy to work with, unlike some other actors we've encountered. (Are you listening, Yodeling Lederhosen?)
And so now, without further ado, sit back and enjoy "Whooosh!"
Sunday, May 11, 2008
The Typewriter
Hello, movie fans, and welcome back to the Comfy Chair Cinema.
Isn't the 21st century great? Even with no flying cars, no trasnporter pods, no... well, no return carriages.
This week's movie was actually inspired by the mighty and feared Blacksburg Community Band. See, this season one of our numbers on the Spring concert program was that old Leroy Anderson nugget, "The Typewriter." For those of you not familiar, it's a short novelty tune that uses the typewriter - and its keys, bell, and return carriage - as an instrument.
The story goes that the band had a rather difficult time finding a manual portable typewriter for the concert.
So grab your Goobers and Raisinettes (also sold in the lobby at a nominal fee, Goobers 10% off this week), and enjoy "The Typewriter."
Hello, movie fans, and welcome back to the Comfy Chair Cinema.
Isn't the 21st century great? Even with no flying cars, no trasnporter pods, no... well, no return carriages.
This week's movie was actually inspired by the mighty and feared Blacksburg Community Band. See, this season one of our numbers on the Spring concert program was that old Leroy Anderson nugget, "The Typewriter." For those of you not familiar, it's a short novelty tune that uses the typewriter - and its keys, bell, and return carriage - as an instrument.
The story goes that the band had a rather difficult time finding a manual portable typewriter for the concert.
So grab your Goobers and Raisinettes (also sold in the lobby at a nominal fee, Goobers 10% off this week), and enjoy "The Typewriter."
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Morris Dancing With Mr Peabody
Greetings, movie lovers. Welcome to another week at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
Last week's feature, "Sherman's Footlight Parade," spotlighted our boy Sherman and his twinkling toes.
Well, not one to be left out, Mr Peabody graciously agreed to appear in this week's fare. I'll bet few of you out there knew that Mr Peabody was a Morris Dancer. He's very keen on it as a hobby, and after some coaxing, he agreed to do one of his favorite dances for us. Only if I'd let him wear his Morris Dancing hat and carry his staff, because, well, you know, if you're going to Morris Dance, there's no reason to do it halfway.
Now, get your popcorn (sold in the lobby at a nominal fee) and enjoy "Morris Dancing With Mr Peabody."
Greetings, movie lovers. Welcome to another week at the Comfy Chair Cinema.
Last week's feature, "Sherman's Footlight Parade," spotlighted our boy Sherman and his twinkling toes.
Well, not one to be left out, Mr Peabody graciously agreed to appear in this week's fare. I'll bet few of you out there knew that Mr Peabody was a Morris Dancer. He's very keen on it as a hobby, and after some coaxing, he agreed to do one of his favorite dances for us. Only if I'd let him wear his Morris Dancing hat and carry his staff, because, well, you know, if you're going to Morris Dance, there's no reason to do it halfway.
Now, get your popcorn (sold in the lobby at a nominal fee) and enjoy "Morris Dancing With Mr Peabody."
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Sherman's Footlight Parade
Hello, all, and welcome back to the Comfy Chair Cinema.
You know, it's wonderful to see a great actor. Or a great singer. Or a great dancer. It's very seldom to see such a force of talent that is all three.
But then again, there are few Shermans in the world.
In this week's feature, "Sherman's Footlight Parade," our boy Sherman shows off his dancing skills. And I think you'll be amazed.
Sit back and enjoy "Sherman's Footlight Parade."
Hello, all, and welcome back to the Comfy Chair Cinema.
You know, it's wonderful to see a great actor. Or a great singer. Or a great dancer. It's very seldom to see such a force of talent that is all three.
But then again, there are few Shermans in the world.
In this week's feature, "Sherman's Footlight Parade," our boy Sherman shows off his dancing skills. And I think you'll be amazed.
Sit back and enjoy "Sherman's Footlight Parade."
Sunday, April 20, 2008
The Yodel of Love, Pt 2, or It's A Wonderful Pickle
Hello, friends, and welcome back to the Comfy Chair Cinema.
Yes, our first sequel. It was bound to happen. When last you left the Yodeling Pickle, it was calling out and had found true love in the Yodeling Lederhosen. There was a wedding.
"But what happened afterwards?" I know you're all wondering.
Well, wonder no more! Enjoy a cinematic look at the happy life of our your favorite couple.
(By the way, may this be the last time I ever work with the Yodeling Lederhosen. A worse actor I've never encountered. Unruly, that's what he is! This must be what it's like working with Russell Crowe.)
Hello, friends, and welcome back to the Comfy Chair Cinema.
Yes, our first sequel. It was bound to happen. When last you left the Yodeling Pickle, it was calling out and had found true love in the Yodeling Lederhosen. There was a wedding.
"But what happened afterwards?" I know you're all wondering.
Well, wonder no more! Enjoy a cinematic look at the happy life of our your favorite couple.
(By the way, may this be the last time I ever work with the Yodeling Lederhosen. A worse actor I've never encountered. Unruly, that's what he is! This must be what it's like working with Russell Crowe.)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Comfy Chair Retrospective: Two Feet of Music
Yes, we've only been existence (at the new building) for a month, and we're already having a retrospective. So sue us.
However, I did say at the very beginning that one of my fondest wishes for the Cinema was to unearth some of the movies Mr M and I made in the old days. So far I've found two. This is the one I chose.
"Two Feet of Music" was made for a reason. Since I've known Mr M, he's always been amused at the fact that whether we're listening to music or watching TV and movies with music in the background, I, without even thinking, begin to direct that music with my feet. He said we needed to document that. And so we did, and it became "Two Feet of Music."
And so, for the refurbished Comfy Chair Cinema, I give you the remastered* "Two Feet of Music." Enjoy.
(* In this case, "remastered" means I added some titles and a small explanation. It does not mean the footage is any better. Because, if you've seen any of these films, you know that I know nothing about the making or remaking of film.)
Yes, we've only been existence (at the new building) for a month, and we're already having a retrospective. So sue us.
However, I did say at the very beginning that one of my fondest wishes for the Cinema was to unearth some of the movies Mr M and I made in the old days. So far I've found two. This is the one I chose.
"Two Feet of Music" was made for a reason. Since I've known Mr M, he's always been amused at the fact that whether we're listening to music or watching TV and movies with music in the background, I, without even thinking, begin to direct that music with my feet. He said we needed to document that. And so we did, and it became "Two Feet of Music."
And so, for the refurbished Comfy Chair Cinema, I give you the remastered* "Two Feet of Music." Enjoy.
(* In this case, "remastered" means I added some titles and a small explanation. It does not mean the footage is any better. Because, if you've seen any of these films, you know that I know nothing about the making or remaking of film.)
Friday, April 4, 2008
Wind-Ups on Parade
Welcome back to the Comfy Chair Cinema. This week, for you - a veritable epic.
Yes, "Wind-Ups on Parade" comes in at a whopping 3 minutes 14 seconds. It's the "Berlin Alexanderplatz" of the Comfy Chair Cinema.
I'm happy this movie is over. Now all my wind-ups can go back to my desk at work. Sadly, however, I learned a cruel fact in the making of this movie. I've been way too kind in letting kids play with my work toys. My very favorite wind-up, the "Skittish Mechanical Thingie," has been wound too tight too many times by too many kids. He died in the making of this film.
So as you enjoy "Wind-Ups on Parade," say a prayer in sending "Skittish Mechanical Thingie" off to Toy Heaven.
Welcome back to the Comfy Chair Cinema. This week, for you - a veritable epic.
Yes, "Wind-Ups on Parade" comes in at a whopping 3 minutes 14 seconds. It's the "Berlin Alexanderplatz" of the Comfy Chair Cinema.
I'm happy this movie is over. Now all my wind-ups can go back to my desk at work. Sadly, however, I learned a cruel fact in the making of this movie. I've been way too kind in letting kids play with my work toys. My very favorite wind-up, the "Skittish Mechanical Thingie," has been wound too tight too many times by too many kids. He died in the making of this film.
So as you enjoy "Wind-Ups on Parade," say a prayer in sending "Skittish Mechanical Thingie" off to Toy Heaven.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
The Yodel of Love
Hello, friends, and welcome back to The Comfy Chair Cinema. We have a fine new feature playing for you this week.
You know, when we do the "Bergvagabunden," or yodeling song, at Oktoberfest, it is explained how yodeling came to be. See, the woman, who was looking for her true love, would stand at the bottom of the mountain and yodel to her man as she walked up the mountain. The man, upon hearing the yodel, would yodel back and head down the mountain. Through the yodeling the two would find each other, where they would then do the Yodel of Love.
Our latest movie stars an old favorite, the Yodeling Pickle, and a fresh new force to be reckoned with, the Yodeling Lederhosen.
Watch "The Yodel of Love," but please, grab a hankie because I have a feeling you might mist up.
Hello, friends, and welcome back to The Comfy Chair Cinema. We have a fine new feature playing for you this week.
You know, when we do the "Bergvagabunden," or yodeling song, at Oktoberfest, it is explained how yodeling came to be. See, the woman, who was looking for her true love, would stand at the bottom of the mountain and yodel to her man as she walked up the mountain. The man, upon hearing the yodel, would yodel back and head down the mountain. Through the yodeling the two would find each other, where they would then do the Yodel of Love.
Our latest movie stars an old favorite, the Yodeling Pickle, and a fresh new force to be reckoned with, the Yodeling Lederhosen.
Watch "The Yodel of Love," but please, grab a hankie because I have a feeling you might mist up.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
The Sound of Pickles
Hello, and welcome to the Comfy Chair Cinema. Or, "You Get A Digital Camcorder For Your Birthday And You Just Go Wild." But I thought this might be a good way to archive things.
And speaking of archives, well, try not to get too excited, but those of you who've been around Betland a while know that there was once a Comfy Chair Cinema on my old website, which is so neglected now I should be reported to the authorities. Mr M and I are trying to find our copies of those old nuggets, and hopefully they'll show up here as well.
It was suggested to me that I use youtube for uploading movies. And so I will. And I'll leave links here.
The movie that opens the Comfy Chair Cinema? Made last weekend and edited this weekend, it's "The Sound Of Pickles," a heartwarming romp through the living room of my humble home, the Poderosa.
Enjoy!
Hello, and welcome to the Comfy Chair Cinema. Or, "You Get A Digital Camcorder For Your Birthday And You Just Go Wild." But I thought this might be a good way to archive things.
And speaking of archives, well, try not to get too excited, but those of you who've been around Betland a while know that there was once a Comfy Chair Cinema on my old website, which is so neglected now I should be reported to the authorities. Mr M and I are trying to find our copies of those old nuggets, and hopefully they'll show up here as well.
It was suggested to me that I use youtube for uploading movies. And so I will. And I'll leave links here.
The movie that opens the Comfy Chair Cinema? Made last weekend and edited this weekend, it's "The Sound Of Pickles," a heartwarming romp through the living room of my humble home, the Poderosa.
Enjoy!
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