../ n e w s a r c h i v e

ABaHB News March 1999

March 30th, 1999 10:55pm
CROW SALVATION NEWS AND PICS!

Here is a report from The Comic Book Continuum about the new Crow: Salvation. This report will either make you happy or cringe, depending on what kind of Crow Fan you are, please take the time to look over this carefully! Also, don't forget to check below this article for more news and info!

Third Crow movie takes a youthful turn

By Rob Allstetter/The Detroit News

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah -- It didn't take long to realize there's something different going on with The Crow: Salvation.

As soon as you take a couple of steps onto the set, sequestered on a dusty trainyard in an industrial area of Salt Lake City, Eric Mabius, the actor playing the new Crow, comes into view.

Mabius looks nothing like the previous feature-film Crows; there's no long black hair like that worn by Brandon Lee or Vincent Perez ­ or even the TV Crow Mark Dacascos.

There's no black outfit. Instead, there's a jumpsuit, something like you would see on a gas attendant or (hint, hint) a prisoner.

There's no face painting. Instead, Mabius' Crow sports painful-looking scars.

And this guy's definitely younger than the other Crows. He looks 21, not 31.

To borrow a phrase from the X-Men, this is "an all-new, all-different" take on the concept created by Metro Detroiter James O'Barr.

As The Crow franchise reaches its third movie, the follow-up to The Crow and The Crow: City of Angels marks the biggest departure of any Crow flick.

Skewed with younger characters and new twists to the mythos established by O'Barr, The Crow: Salvation looks to keep the franchise flying into the next century.

The Continuum visited the set of The Crow: Salvation last week, and this is the first in a series of reports on the movie. This one is basically a primer on the film ­ look for more photographs, detailed information and features here in future weeks.

THE PRODUCTION

The Crow: Salvation completed six weeks of principal photography on Sunday. The $12-million production is from Edward R. Pressman Film Corp. and will be released by Miramax/Dimension.

Like the first two Crow movies, The Crow: Salvation is being produced by Pressman and Jeff Most.

Chip Johannessen, a writer and producer of Fox's Millennium television series, wrote the screenplay, based on a story by Matt Greenberg (Mimic).

"I certainly believe, in my heart of hearts, this is the best production we've had on The Crow," Most said. "We certainly have the finest screenplay we've yet had to work on in terms of a new telling of The Crow.

"It's hard to compare to the first Crow because it's such an enigma and it is such a worshipped film. That said, I think that, due to the first Crow being able to establish what a Crow is, we've been able to take all of that impetus and put it in a dynamic storytelling that is very different from either of the first two movies ­ which in many ways resembled each other in a storytelling schematic."

British director Bharat Nalluri, whose credits include Downtime and Killing Time, is making his American film debut with The Crow: Salvation.

"I think we have the most talented director we've had to work with," Most said. "Bharat is our only Crow director who had directed features before The Crow. Both Alex Proyas and Tim Pope, it was their first feature.

"Bharat comes to the set with an assurance, an understanding, a depth of knowledge and a passion for the material that oozes from his pores. We see it in the dailies, and sitting behind the monitor, I see it every evening."

"Middle of last year, I didn't know I was going to be doing The Crow," Nalluri said. "I just made two successful movies back in England and was starting to do commercials, and, for some reason, my reel ended up on Pressman's table.

"They loved it, and I got a phone call. And they said, 'Your stuff looks really, really sexy and dynamic.' I flew in, and we had a meeting.

"They said, 'What would you like to do with the Crow if you had a chance?'

"I said, 'I'd like to do a young Crow. I'd like to bring it down so all the actors were 16, 18, 21. Make old people bad. Make young people good.'

"They said, 'Oh, that's funny, here's the script.' Obviously, we were on the same wavelength right from the start. And that's it. Here I am ­ in Utah!"

Nalluri said he hopes to put his stamp on the franchise.

"This is my film," he said. "They were calling it Crow 3 when I came on, and I went, 'No, this is The Crow: Salvation.' It's its own movie; it's a very different story and we've done something very fresh and new to it. And it has a new visual style. We've brought it up to date, and the editing style is going to be pretty radical."

Nalluri said he expects to be in postproduction on The Crow: Salvation through the end of the year.

According to Most, The Crow: Salvation is being targeted for a spring 2000 release.

"We've understood that Miramax might want to take advantage of a mid- March opportunity next year," Most said, "which ties in with spring break, Easter break, midweek business ... that sort of thing."

THE STORY

The Crow: Salvation centers around 21-year-old Alex Corvis, who is sent to the electric chair for a crime he did not commit: the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Lauren Randall.

His subsequent resurrection signals the birth of a new Crow, who must find out who is behind the conspiracy that led to Lauren's murder. The twist is that this Crow doesn't have a clear path to redemption.

THE CAST

Eric Mabius stars as Alex Corvis, the new Crow.

Mabius starred in Welcome to the Dollhouse, the Grand Jury winner at the 1996 Sundance Film Festival. He also appeared in I Shot Andy Warhol and The Journey of the August King and the independent films Lawn Dogs and The Black Circle Boys.

Mabius attracted director Narulli's attention with Lawn Dogs. Narulli was editing his last movie, Downtime, in London while Lawn Dogs was being edited just down the corridor, giving him an excellent opportunity to see Mabius' work.

"I thought this guy was brilliant, and he really stuck in my head," Narulli said. "I came to L.A. and everyone had the consensus of making a young Crow, a 21-year-old Crow. Someone who is the fan base, basically.

"They said, 'Who do you want?' And I said, 'Eric.' He was the first choice. He came in, and we got on like a house afire. I'm so glad we made this choice. He's a brilliant actor.

"He's very physical. He doesn't come from a martial-arts background, but we put him through training and he took to it like a duck to water."

Mabius said he was grateful with the chance to continue the legacy of The Crow, following the feature-film footsteps of Brandon Lee and Vincent Perez.

"The process started in October, and it wasn't very quick ­ five weeks," he recalled. "I would sort of put it out of my mind and then I would get these tortuous calls ­ 'Oh, you're still in the mix.'

"They didn't go with the obvious choice. Everybody could have wanted a television face, a hot face, but Bharat and Jeff stuck by me ­ as did Ed. Without Bharat pushing for me like he did..."

For his first action movie, Mabius, a former luger, was trained by David Lea, who was Michael Keaton's stunt double in Batman and Batman Returns.

"He's very natural," Lea said. "He's one of the persons I've worked with who's come across with flying colors."

And while an energetic Mabius comes across convincingly in the action scenes ­ even coming up with some impromptu fight choreography on the set - he was just as happy with the more emotional moments in the filming.

"I was amazed at how rich the script is," Mabius said. "That's part of the reason I took the part. Obviously, The Crow is a genre piece, but there's a lot more respect from the audience, and it requires more. It's the revenge I need to find and the love I have for Lauren that brings me back.

"When I don't know where I am at times (during the production), I am always going back to that and it sets me up again."

  • Kirsten Dunst plays Erin Randall, the kid sister of the murdered Lauren.

  • Dunst, 16, is best known for her Golden Globe-nominated role in Interview with the Vampire.

    Her film credits include Little Women, Jumanji, Wag the Dog, Small Soldiers and the upcoming Drop Dead Gorgeous and Virgin Suicides. She also appeared in the television series ER.

    "Kirsten Dunst is truly the finest actress of her generation," Most said. "I mean, we roll cameras, the director and I sit behind the monitor and we just look at each other in awe."

    "Kirsten Dunst is probably the most naturally gifted actor I've worked with in my life," Narulli said. "Stunning. A 16-year-old, and boy, can she act. We were very, very lucky to get her. You know her pedigree.

    "She fell in love with the script and was very keyed to do it. The chemistry between her and Eric has been perfect. It really leaps off the screen. The best stuff in the movie is just them."

  • Fred Ward plays the captain of the police force.

    He has more than 35 films to his credit, including the recent Chain Reaction and Dangerous Beauty. Genre fans probably know him best from the Tremors movies and Cast a Deadly Spell.

    "Fred Ward is really cool," Narulli said. "I remember Fred Ward from things like Miami Blues, The Right Stuff and Tremors. He's an established actor ­ a really good actor ­ and to get him to come on board is just great."

  • Jodi Lynn O'Keefe plays Alex's girlfriend Lauren.

    A former model, O'Keefe appeared in more than 75 episodes of NBC's Another World soap opera and has a recurring role as Don Johnson's daughter in CBS' Nash Bridges. She was featured in last week's issue of TV Guide.

    In feature films, O'Keefe has appeared in Halloween: H20 and currently can be seen in Miramax's She's All That.

  • Grant Shaud plays Alex's lawyer.

    Shaud is best known for playing Miles, the put-upon program director, in the long-running sitcom Murphy Brown. Since leaving the series, Shaud has appeared in guest-star appearances and in the telefilms The Distinguished Gentleman and From Earth to the Moon.

    THE SOUNDTRACK

    Music has always been a key factor in Crow films, and Most is again assembling an original rock soundtrack.

    "It's the one area I don't like to talk about until I've got all the contracts signed, seal and delivered," Most said, "because it's a bit of a worrisome situation if you go out and scream from the rooftops about what great acts you have, and then, God forbid, contractually something doesn't work."

    Most said his goal ­ as with all Crow films - is to produce new music specifically for the soundtrack.

    "What I found is that, in identifying music for The Crow, it is certainly a matter of defining moments and characters, and defining the essence and vibe of the environments that we go into," he said. "That's of particular interest to me because when I watch a film and I'm hearing a lot of pop-familiar songs I've heard before on the radio, I'm often taken out of the movie and I reference in a mental manner some other occasion that I'm reminded of by the song.

    "And so, what I've always sought to do is make the music of The Crow stand alone, so that those songs don't bring another connotation, they don't take you out of the movie. People come to them to look for a reunion to the experience they had watching the film."

    Most described his philosophy on assembling performers.

    "We have played with different formats of music and have tried to meld them together," he said. "We've never gone with one sound. What we've always sought to do is have an album flow as if an artist were creating, from different vantage points, songs about a life. We always try to bring different stylistic touches to songs that are used in The Crow.

    "We're excited about all we're getting in with this movie because artists do enjoy being part of The Crow."

Thanks to: Crow 331, CRigg and Richard Wilson!

More Mabius News!

Here's some more Mabius news, not Crow news, but Mabius none the less!

X-MEN CASTING BUZZ

With production hoped to begin on the X-Men live-action movie this summer, the buzz is beginning to intensify on the film's cast. There has been no official casting, but the names of Eric Mabius and Russell Crowe are being bandied about.

Mabius, who just completed principal photography on The Crow: Salvation last Sunday in Utah, told The Continuum that he is "definitely interested" in being part of X-Men, which is being produced at 20th Century Fox with director Bryan Singer.

"When I was a kid, the two comic books I used to read were Daredevil and X-Men," Mabius said. "X-Men was cool."

Mabius, who didn't specify which role he is interested in, said he thinks X-Men could work as a movie.

"When films give people super-powers, it's just too easy for them, and it doesn't ring true," Mabius said. "That's what I like about X-Men, the problems of being outcasts and misfits -- it's thinly veiled adolescence."

Meanwhile, Crowe has become a definite possibility for the key role of Wolverine. Crowe was born in New Zealand and raised in Australia. His film credits include L.A. Confidential, Breaking Up, Virtuosity and The Quick and The Dead.

In an interview with The Continuum last year, Singer detailed what he was looking for with the actor who will be playing Wolverine.

"I'm looking at all ages," Singer said. "With his healing factor, I'm establishing how old he could be and I'm aware of how old he could be, but physically with his body, I'm actually more interested in the character. I'm looking for a guy who is that character, who is Wolverine. Not who is physically Wolverine. with that, it's amazing the things you can do in movies."

Singer said he is looking for a strong ensemble cast for X-Men, similar to the one he used in The Usual Suspects.

"Not necessarily the $20 million players," Singer said. "It's probably not going to be that kind of movie."

Although several key production members are on board, X-Men does not yet have an official production start. The film is being targeted for a summer 2000 release by Fox.

From: The Comic Book Continuum!

Brandon Lee's Passing

Tomorrow is going to be ABaHB's tribute to Brandon Lee. Included in the tribute will be a new News Page and a Brandon Lee biography. 1st Feb, 1965 - March 31st, 1993. 'Six years you've been lost, but we shall never forget.'

March 29th, 1999 3:55pm

Crow Comic News

Here's some fantastic news about the upcoming comic and a new trade papaerback from The Comic Book Continuum

THE CROW #6

Written by Jon J Muth, art by Paul Lee, colored by Mark Nicholas, cover by Kent Williams.

The second chapter of the two-part story, "In the Skin of an Angel," finds Eric Draven facing off against Sin, a woman with strange desires, and The Walker, a mysterious being who might be able to explain the purpose of The Crow.

32 pages, $2.50.

THE CROW TRADE PAPERBACK BOOK ONE: VENGEANCE

Written by Jon J Muth, art by Jamie Tolagson, colored by Mark Nicholas, cover by Kent Williams.

When Eric Draven's life is ended by a street gang, no one has any idea that it will lead to his resurrection as The Crow. Least of all, those who murdered him. But as each one is brutally killed, they learn that Eric Draven has had his soul wrapped in the supernatural cloak of The Crow, giving him the power to wreak the vengeance that most victims can only dream about. Collecting the sold-out issues of The Crow #1-3. Features a new cover by Williams.

72 pages, $7.95.

March 28th, 1999 4:55am
Kirsten Dunst on Tonight Show

Well, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno which Kirsten Dunst appeared on was uneventful, with out a mention of the movie she was there to promote or any news of The Crow: Salvation.

Updates

Just as a small reminder, as this page is around-the-clock, updates can be up to seven times a day, so remember to check back often!

March 27th, 1999 4:30pm
More Argument over Salvation Release Date

Crow 331 has sent some interesting points on the Crow: Salvation release date:

"Jeff Conner said "it will be first quarter of 2000".  He did not say "fiscal year."

FYI, I work in the tv & movie industry here in Los Angeles, and I have
never heard of a director, producer, actor talk in "fiscal years" when
discussing release dates. The average home viewer would have no clue
that a "movie" fiscaly year runs from Oct. to Sept so they would never
talk this way. But I can tell you will 100% assurity that movie studios
do not work on a fiscal year basis. That is the same reason that they
try and rush pictures out at the end of the year to try and get oscar
considerations. Oscars are run on Calendar year ie "Best Picture of
1998" ... it's not best picture of movies released between Oct. to Sept
of fiscal year 1998. That would be silly.

Anyways, fiscal years may work that way in the military but in the big
old world of Hollywood, movies are on a normal calendar year.

FYI, I have spoken to Robert Zuckerman who was on the on-set photog of
both previous Crow movies. He knows Jeff Conner personally so I will
drop him an email and see if he can ask Jeff specifically what is going
on. Jeff may be misinformed as you stated, but he did say the year 2000.

ALSO FYI ... I posted the Jeff Conner info under the topic "The Third
Crow Movie" at the Crow TV series website and someone named NEWSBOY
responded with this ....

"the reason he said that was because they have had some problems filming
and it is taking
     longer than expected. "

Thanks to: Crow 331

March 26th, 1999 4:11pm
March 18 Chat with Mark Dacascos Up!

Here is the March 18 chat that people have been waiting for!

  Mark Dacascos
Mark stars in the "The Crow: Stairway to Heaven." (24:29)
 video 28 Related Features

Kirsten Dunst on the Tonight Show

Darren Moss reports that Kirsten Dunst will be on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Friday, March 26th.

Thanks to: Darren Moss and NBC

April 16 Mark Dacascos Chat

There is another Mark Dacascos chat on April 16th at 10p.m at tv guide online!

The Crow's
Mark Dacascos		   Apr. 16   10 pm/ET

From: TV Guide Online

The Crow STH Episode Rundown

Episode for 3/22: THROUGH A DARK CIRCLE

Written by: John Turman
Directed by: Tibor Takacs

 
Log Line: Desperate to open the loft portal and re-connect with Shelly, Draven dabbles in magic, unleashing a terrible force that even he may be incapable of overcoming.
Desperately lonely, Draven attempts to re-open the loft portal door using ancient incantations. He believes he is successful when the door energizes. However, what emerges is not his beloved Shelly but the beast-like, evil force of executed serial killer Richard Lee Wilbanks (Lawrence S. Smilgys) who has been waiting for an opportunity to return and wreak vengeance on everyone who saw him die. He easily overpowers Draven, who loses his regenerative powers in the devastating fight. When several of those who were present at Wilbanksí execution are violently kidnapped Det. Albrecht and his new partner Capshaw are assigned to the case. Draven confesses to Albrecht that it was he who unleashed this terrible force and when Cordelia, who was an Assistant D.A. at Wilbanksí trial, is also kidnapped, the rift between the two men seems insurmountable. A weakened Draven uncovers Wilbanks' plan for his victims but he needs Albrecht's help to save them. In a fierce battle Draven transports both himself and Wilbanks into the Land of the Damned, where Draven finally recovers his powers, and destroys the evil force he conjured up. It's obvious to Draven that the portal has to be closed, even though this may mean losing Shelly forever.

Thanks to: The Offical Crow TV

Answers to Ease the Curiosity - The Crow: Salvation

Good news from Richard Wilson about the Crow Salvation release date:

"On the Jeff Connor interview, he said the firstquarter of Fiscal Year 2000,which doesn't necessarily mean the year 2000. I believe FY2000 starts in Octoberfor the movies. Fiscal year doesn't follow the normal Jan-Dec timeframe. The military FY2000 starts 1 Oct 99, and ends 30 Sept 2000, i'm pretty sure that is the same for the movies. I'm not sure where you can double check that, but i'm almost positive that is the case."

Thanks to: Richard Wilson

March 25th, 1999 4:11pm
Script Review Link

Just to make it easier on everyone, there is a link to the script review at the top of the page.

The Crow: Salvation Release Date?!

I missed this in the Jeff Conner interview, but according to Conner, the Crow: Salvation will be released in the first quater of 2000 - not Halloween 1999. This cannot be confirmed, as Conner is only the associate producer. Some digging around is required!

Thanks to Daniel Storm for pointing it out!

The Crow Email

This from 'Eric Draven' of The Crow Page:

The Crow Page is offering free web-based e-mail through Zap Zone Network.They have two choices for their address somebody@the_crow.zzn.com orsomebody@thecrowtv.zzn.com . To sign up for an address at the_crow.zzn.comthey need to go to http://the_crow.zzn.com/ . To sign up for an address at thecrowtv.zzn.com they need to go http://thecrowtv.zzn.com/ . All that isrequired to get an account is fill out the sign up form and a frames capablebrowser such Netscape 3 or MSIE 3 or higher.

March 24th, 1999 5:11pm
ABaHB = The Flavour of the Month!

ABaHB has won the Corvus award from the 'A Dead Man Visits You' Site, so from us here at ABaHB, our many thanks goes out to you! Also, apart from the sites mentioned, A Boy and His Bird has been reviewed on a great many other Internet sites out there. Once again, ABaHB is certainly the centre of the Crow Internet!

Eric Mabius News

For those interested, Eric Mabius has a new movie out on video today. It's called The Black Circle Boys.  Mabius was meant to be the Crow because there are plenty of dark and brooding crow like moments in the movie. This is his biggest lead until Salvation.

Thanks goes out to C.Rigg for the news!

The Painkillers in Concert

The Painkillers (Who do the Crow STH Music) are in Concert:

the Painkillers
THIS FRIDAY NIGHT!
March 26th
@ the Martini Lounge
off Melrose(between Vine and Gower)
at 9:30    $4.00 at door

Check out our new website for new T-shirts and Stickers!
www.thepainkillers.com
For more information you can contact our hotline
(213) 673-7367

Thanks to: Cherish Alexander

March 23rd, 1999 7:30pm
Vote for ABaHB

To vote for ABaHB as the best Crow site on the internet (you know it's true!), click HERE to vote!

Jeff Conner Interview Online

Click here to see the Ground Zero Interview with Jeff Conner. This interview is fantastic, but you'll need Real Audio to listen to it. This interview should really be heard by Crow fans, Conner talks of Brandon Lee, the comics and The Crow 3!

March 22nd, 1999 4:12pm
The Crow STH Video Posters

English video posters of The Crow STH have been spotted. The posters have the Crow symbol with Mark Dacascos' eyes in it, with Mark on a motorbike underneath the eyes. Everything else is black. The poster claims the video has an '18' rating.

Jeff Conner Interviewed

Jeff Conner, the associate producer of The Crow: Salvation has been interviewed:
Sunday March 21st
Jeff Conner Associate Producer for The Crow: Salvation
Also The Crow: City of Angels. The new Movie that is currently in production. He also has won a Fantasy Award for his contributions to Horror and Dark Fantasy. He is also Co editing The new Line of Crow Comics With Beau Smith and Ted Adams and our friends at Todd McFarlane Productions.

 

From: Ground Zero

March 21st, 1999 1:33pm
Salvation Production Updates

John Harper has kept some tabs on the Crow Salvation shooting and has this to report:

Unfortunately the crew packed up and left the Mansion last week. I've seen them all over town lately, but haven't had enough drive to pesterthem with my presence. Last I heard they were shooting some scenes at the Manhattan Club, a dining and dance place a few blocks south of here.

Thanks to: John Harper

Crow STH Episode Rundown

Episode for 3/15: DEATH WISH
Written by: Jeff Androsky & Jackie Zabel
Directed by: James Head
 
Log Line: While mourning at Shelly's gravesite Draven meets a boy only he can see, and becomes embroiled in a murder plot being hatched against the young ghost's stunt daredevil father.

Still trying to reconnect with Shelly, Draven visits her gravesite only to stumble upon a young boy who, apparently, only he can see. The six-year old ghost, Casey Thompson (Jared Zabel) is lonely, and worried about his stunt motorcyclist father, whom he believes will die soon. Jake Thompson, "the World's Greatest Daredevil" (John Hawkes) plans to jump three hundred feet, over 30 cars, as part of a pay-for-view television event set up by shady promoter Royal Boyd (Jason Shombing). Contacted by Draven, Jake refuses to believe that his son is desperately trying to send him a message. When Jake's stunt mechanic dies in a freak bike explosion, Draven feels compelled to intervene, despite the fact that Det. Albrecht and his uncomfortably inquisitive new partner Jessica Capshaw (Christina Cox) have been assigned the case. Draven finally persuades Jake to let him do the jump instead, since he cannot die, and they exchange talismans, but things go wrong when Draven is kidnapped by the professional killers who've been stalking Jake. The stunt daredevil is forced to take the jump and crashes, finding himself in the Land of the Dead where Shelly has been spending time with Casey. It is up to Draven and Shelly, who is still cut off on the other side, to give Jake the second chance his son so desperately wants him to have.

From: The Offical Crow STH Site

Mix Southpark With The Crow?

Here's an excellent pic of Chef from Southpark, click on the pic for a larger version.

Thanks to: David Chiu-Lim Wong, Sweet.com and Theodicy

March 20th, 1999 4:37pm
Crow 3 Review Up!

I might have been a little fast on taking down the script review, but it's going back up for a few days. People who are supposedly from Miramax/Dimension have had their feathers ruffled from the review, but I'm going to do some checking to make sure. If the claim IS true, please read the review now and I'll take it down in about 2 days. All that I can say is that the script review is just that - a REVIEW, and NOT the script. No copyright laws have been breeched.

Crow #2 Review

As the comic came out this week, here's a neat review!

"There is alot of "reflection" in it by all the characters, definantly something different from the JOB version. They have changed up how the gang is killed, but the story does not seem to be straying too much from the original, which I had assumed that it would, but I guess the personal thoughts of the characters is what Jon meant when he said they would take the story in a different direction. The art continues to be impressive, and there is onepicture that takes up two pages that is probably one of the best Crow drawings Ihave seen since the JOB original. Eric is sitting on a roof top and looking outover the city, the faded coloring gives you more of a gloomy feel than the blackand white series have in the past. Looking forward to volume 3."

Thanks to Richard Wilson

Comic 2 Film Praises ABaHB

Crow Movie Script Reviewed Online

Cinescape reports that the Crow fan site, The Crow: A Boy and His Bird has acquired a  copy of the script from the next movie: The Crow: Salvation.  A "spoiler-packed scene-by-scene" review of the script is reviewed on the site.  The screenplay has been written by Chip Johannessen (Millenium) from an original story by Matt Greenberg (Halloween: H20) who will also co-produce.  Eric Mabius (Welcome to the Dollhouse) is set to star in the title role with Kirsten Dunst (Interview With the Vampire) co-starring in a supporting role.  The film is to be directed by Bharat Nalluri (Killing Time).

March 19th, 1999 8:02am
Crow In Australian Commercial + Crow #2 Fix

In an effort to sell more Crow Soundtracks, parts of Brandon Lee in the Crow are used along with some of the soundtrack.Oh yes, and when I wrote that The Crow #4 is delayed, it is the Crow #2, which has now come out!

March 18th, 1999 6:09pm
Cinescape and ABaHB

Many thanks go out to Cinescape for posting the Crow 3 script review news and a link to ABaHB. Hopefully, this will make fans realise that ABaHB cannot be beaten for Crow News!

‘Crow: Salvation’ Script Review
‘Irony Despair’ sent along word that he/she has gotten his/her mitts on the script for The Crow: Salvation. I.D.’s site, The Crow: A Boy and His Bird, provides what is claimed to be a spoiler-packed scene-by-scene breakdown of the eventual film from the script written by Chip Johannessen dated April 16 1998. The posted review sounds a lot like the plot previously reported in the Insider which follows a young man named Alex Corvis who returns from death seeking justice and righting the wrongs which thrust him into the afterlife, courtesy of an electric chair. If you’ve really got to know how the next Crow film may play out, click here and read what I.D. says. (Thanks to ‘Irony Despair’ for the winged tip!)

Thanks to: Cinecape

Oh yes, two little points of interest! I'm male and Theodicy is very much the webmaster! I'm just the lowly news master, but hey, I get the job done!

March 17th, 1999 4:42pm
Crow STH Videos!

I said it yesterday and here are the details: Videos of numbers one and two are already available overseas. The home video in the US is due for release on June 1st. Blockbuster video should stock it. The second home video should have "Before I Wake" and "Birds of a Feather".

Chat With Bryze Zabel!

For those who weren't there, you can read a transcript of the Bryce Zabel chat by clicking HERE

Borrowing News

Just as a note, anyone who wishes to borrow news from this site must ask permission from me or the webmaster. Under no circumstances may the info be taken. If small parts of news are used, a reference to ABaHB and a link is appropriate.

March 16th, 1999 6:39pm
The Crow: STH on Video

Details are sketchy, but there is certainly a Crow STH video in the works. A release date and additional details will be given soon.

Mark Dacascos Chat!

Entertainment Asylum, is pleased to invite you
to participate in our special live chat on Studio-i! Just load the
latest edition of Real Video, and join us at: http://www.asylum.com/si.

Let other Mark Dacascos and The Crow fans know about the event!
click the link below to a direct entrance to the 3/18 chat. Plus, be sure to drop by EA's live event archives on Friday to grab the location of the Real Video file to post on your site so that others can enjoy the Mark Dacascos chat too! http://www.asylum.com/odv

March 15th, 1999 6:09pm
New Look For the Page

The crows on the side bar were a bit big for what we were looking for, so the new sidebar is classy but not distracting from the news. Also is a new header, the animated .gif one was pretty cool, but it took to long to load, e-mail me and tell me what you think! Also, there is a link at the bottom of the page to A Wing and a Prayer, which needs more people to help bring the movie back to the big screen - lend a helping hand and visit the site!

Crow #2 Delayed

The Crow #2 has been delayed for a week or so according to sources, should be out soon, though.

Salvation Shooting

Nothing big, but reports have flown in that the shooting of Salvation has been going smoothly, with about 2 weeks left until edit starts.

March 14th, 1999 8:19pm
James O'Barr News

Here is some news on J. O'Barr from the Offical Crow Fanclub!

January, 1999
James breaks several ribs while skiing with the family.. Although both his body and ego are a bit bruised, he is set to recover just fine...

Chat With Bryce Zabel

Just a small note, Crow Fans, that the chat with Bryce Zabel is on today at 6:00 PM (PST) - Click Here to check it out!

The Crow Merchandise and Comics

Kitchen Sink Press has gone down the drain, but there are still outlets that stock Crow comics. The April edition of 'Certified Cool' is selling the Crow TP and the Dead Time Collection:

Crow TP

by James O'Barr

Sold over 250,000 copies! This edition collects all of James O'Barr's dark, grim comic book series, including an eight-page colour section, reprinting seven covers from the original series, plus new material.

SC, 224pg, PC ---- $15.95  (US)

Crow: Dead Time Collection

By James O'Barr, John Wagner and Alexander Maleev

When Joshua and his family are killed by a marauding band of Confederate renegades, Joshua's soul returns over a century later to take vengeance on the reincarnated men, now a motorcycle gang. Mature readers. SC 96pg b&w ----$10.95 (US)

Previews: Another Crow / Razor comic, The Crow #4, Brandon (Crow) Shirt

That's right, from the March issue of Previews, another Crow / Razor comic, but this time it's the collection of the series. Also, there is a description to the plot of the comics!

The Crow / Razor Team-Up Collected

What was once a successful project between London Night Studios, Pressman Films, Everette Hartsoe, and J. O'Barr is now collected in a convenient trade paperback. Hartsoe is excited about The Crow/Razor: Kill the Pain TP release as he's been a fan of The Crow since he was 17. "O'Barr has provided some of my inspiration as an artist and a publisher," he said. "To have my creation cross over with his is truly a magical experience and I'm thankful that it happened. This is the right time to put the collection out, as the TV show is doing great and the third Crow movie will be released this October."

LONDON NIGHT STUDIOS

SPOTLIGHT ON

The Crow / Razor: Kill the Pain TP

by Everette Hartsoe

The highly successful crossover between these two independent superstars is finally collected in one prestige format book. James O'Barr's The Crow - international character of movies, books and now TV - joins forces with one of the comic book industry's darkest femme fatales, Razor, in a story that transcends the dark recesses of the mind. The Crow has been brought back from the world of the dead to help his uncle find peace in his soul after tragically losing his family in a fire. Once The Crow finds out who's behind these random attacks of violence, he crosses the path of the mistress of vengeance, Razor! Also features a pinup section, plus a colour section displaying James O'Barr's Crow/Razor paintings. Also available in a Sketch Edition signed by Everette Hartsoe. Limited to 250 . MATURE READERS.

 

- REG - SC 150+pg $15.95 (US)

- SKETCH LTD. ED. (SIGNED) -HC 150+pg $49.95 (US)

THE CROW #4

Todd McFarlane Productions

(W) Jon Muth

(A) Tommy Lee Edwards

(C) Mark Nicholas, Cover by Kent Williams

Now that Eric Draven has avenged his death, why is he still The Crow? "The Line Between the Devil's Teeth" begins to explore that question as The Crow finds himself involved in the life of his young friend, Sarah, and her family. This stand-alone story introduces a major new villain into The Crow Mythos - Sin, a woman even more evil than her name implies. Jon J Muth continues as writer of the only ongoing - full colour monthly Crow comic book with art for this issue contributed by Tommy Lee Edwards (Zombie World: Winter's Dregs, Moon Knight, Gemini Blood).

FC 32pp. $2.50 (US)

THE CROW SPOTLIGHT ON
THE CROW: SOUL SEARCHING T-SHIRT

Sometimes something so bad happens that a terrible sadness is carried with the soul and the soul can't rest . And sometime, just sometimes, the crow can bring that soul back to put the wrong things right. Pay tribute to the late Brandon Lee and the cult hit film, The Crow, with this black two sided tee featuring the photorealistic image of "Eric Draven" on the front along with the back image of a crow perched atop a gravestone. - L-XL ---- $16.95 (US)March 13th, 1999 11:59pm

The Crow Merchandise and Comic News It's a bit late to write it up now, but there are some large articles and comic reviews tomorrow! Also is a new Crow shirt with Brandon Lee on the front and a crow on the back. Stay tuned for more!

March 12th, 1999 3:59pm The Crow Stairway To Heaven Chat Wirh Bryce Zabel Bryce Zabel, Executive Producer of the show hasagreed to a chat at the delphi.com chat room attached to the starbuzz site.This will take place on Sunday, March 14, 1999 at 6:00PM (PST). Anyone who wants to see the chat needs to register with delphi first. All questions for Mr. Zabel must be submitted ahead of time by email to mark-dacascos-site@aol.com by no later than Saturday, March 13th, 6:00PM (PST).

Thanks to Cordelia of The Mark Dacascos Fan Forum

March 11th, 1999 6:15pm Crow Salvation Script and Plot Review

Once again, Crow fans should not miss this oppertunity to see the Crow Salvation scene by scene. CLICK HERE to go to the page

March 10th, 1999 5:21pm Crow Salvation Script Up!

I've written a BIG review of the script right now, it is full of MAJOR spoilers, so if you don't want to know, don't look there. If you are curious, click HERE everything you could ever want to know about the movie, the plot, everything, is here! This means ABaHB has been the first to report it on the internet, undoubtable, ABaHB is the centre of the Crow internet!

Bryce Zabel on The Crow: Stairway To Heaven

Here is an interview from Pyre with Bryce ZabelXF 5x20: hello :) i am a huge fan of your show, "the crow:stairway to heaven." i was just wondering if there will be any more new shows this season? BZTV: We have just finished producing our 22nd show of the season so, yes,you can expect more. I believe we have only aired 16 so far. XF 5x20: really? excellent :) thank you very much BZTV: Some good stuff, too. The Lazarus Society. Draven's brother. Asecond female crow episode... XF 5x20: i saw corey feldman on a talk show from vancouver. he mentioned that he was playing draven's brother. i am really looking forward to that!are there any plans to have Razor guest star? (by the way, please pardon myspelling if there are mistakes) BZTV: No Razor, not yet. We think Talon (female crow) is our original toughlady, and doesn't involve crossing in another person's comic creation. BZTV: Feldman is very good, BTW. XF 5x20: I really loved the Talon episode (Birds Of A Feather). Bobbie played an excellent Crow. BZTV: Thanks. I'm gettin' pulled in about a dozen ways, gotta go. Thanks for caring! As the Crow flies... XF 5x20: Thanks for chatting! Later :)

New A Boy and His Bird!

If ABaHB doesn't look any different, come back soon, because the new look is going up and it looks fantastic! A lot of effort has been put into it and it will pay off, as ABaHB is now the centre of the Crow Internet!

March 9th, 1999 6:00pm Crow Salvation Script! I've just gotten my hands on the Crow Salvation script and I'm going to start reading it now. By tomorrow, I'll have a full update on the script and a rumour control. You've heard it first on ABaHB Crow Fans, The Crow Salvation news will be told! Also, the script says it was drafted in April 18 1998, so this would have just been during/after when Rob Zombie left. Until tomorrow Crow Fans!

March 8th, 1999 6:19pm The New ABaHB I've said it before and now I can say it with conviction. Here is a screen shot of the fantastic new ABaHB look. It's going to incorporate the best and most cutting edge technology and graphics the Internet has to offer. This will make ABaHB the centre of the internet for News, Events and everything else related to The Crow on the internet. THE CROW #5 Written by Jon J Muth, art by Paul Lee, colored by Mark Nicholas, cover by Kent Williams. The first chapter of a two-part story, "In the Skin of an Angel" introduces a major new character into the Crow mythology -- The Walker. Does this mysterious being work for Sin or do they just have similar goals? And speaking of Sin, this issue will leave you gasping when you learn what she does with her victims. Eric Draven truly is her dream man. From the Comic Book ContinuumCruel Intentions Reviews Dark Horizons has some reviews of Eric Mabius' new film Cruel Intentions..."Anyone who says this movie is poor has no idea what they're talking about. It jerked every possible emotion from me throughout the course of the film. First, I was extremely horny , then I was happy, then I wanted to cry. I would recommend this movie to anyone who's searching for a decent film these days. 4.5 stars out of 5." - SMGFan "WOW! I think that about sums it up. This movie was amazing. I thought it would be good but it ended up being awsome! Gellar was so sexy in her performance, I don't think I'll watch "Buffy" the same again! And how about the scene with her and Selma Blair, oh yeah!! ****" - Steve "What more could you ask for from a teen movie? Sex, drugs, a great soundtrack, and lots of kids swearing at eachother? Well, none the less Sarah Michelle Gellar shines in this remake, but it is her character that keeps the film on its toes, and the audience hating her more and more!" - cm5268 "I absolutely loved this movie!!! Great unexpected laughs from start to finish. Lots of sex and good, real seduction. A few unexpected surprises as well. Sarah Michelle Gellar is so frickin hot in this movie & totally plays against Buffy type as a cold-hearted, manipulative bitch. The best movie that I've seen this year!!! I give it 10/10!!!!" - Screamer "The first time I saw "Cruel Intentions" on Friday, I was stuck with a wildly immature and loud audience and couldn't enjoy the film, but luckily when I went back Saturday, the audience behaved well and I liked the film a lot, particularly the double entendres in the dialogue and the standout performances from Sarah Michelle Gellar, Selma Blair, and Reese Witherspoon. This film adaptation has stuck surprisingly close to the source material (an 18th-century novel), but is far more entertaining." - Dustin "Cruel Intentions is one of the best movies I've seen in a long, long time. Sarah Michelle Gellar is a goddess playing the very wicked, very cruel Kathryn while Ryan Phillippe is a close second with his manipulative but soft-hearted Sebastian. The rest on the cast does and excellent job playing the toys of the two step-siblings. Stays close to "Dangerous Liaisons" and doesn't leave you dissapointed in the end. 10/10" - orgyprez "Cruel Intentions was sooo great! Very sexy! Sarah Michelle Gellar plays a good mean rich bitch, doesn't she? Loved everything!" - Michael "This film is indeed a mixed bag. While obviously tending to the teenage whimsies of sex and maliciousness, the overall substance of the movie left a little to be desired. Ryan Philippe gave a better than average performance as a stuck up gigolo, whereas Sarah Michelle Gellar, albeit a different role from what people are accustomed to, gave a somewhat erratic performance. The cinematography and the colors of the film gave it a vibrant feel. On purely an entertainment plane, "Cruel Intentions" delivers--it is sexy, witty, and contains an encompassing plot and delivers some clever lines. However, the characters are negligible and the ending seems very contrived, and is quite predictable. Go see the movie, go see the beautiful women, but when it is over, don't expect to be left with a thoughtful and deep opinion of this film--it doesn't prompt one." - Elwood "Cruel Intentions -- quite a racy film, i must say. No nudity, but lots of desciptive words. I saw one family leave about 30 minutes into it. I was glad that I didn't because an hour into the film, it takes a nice 180 and leaves you with a great story. well...not great, but...you know. 2/4" - Corbin "Cruel Intentions" has pathetic stereotypes, badly written clichés and horrible acting. That Gellar played a poorly written, most un-Buffylike character as well as the script allowed does not give me reason to recommend this movie."- Cronan From Dark HorizonsMarch 7th, 1999 3:09pm A Wing And A Prayer

Don't forget that The Crow petition to bring back the movie to the big screen is still open! On the site is a Brandon Biography and hs last interview on screen. Crow Fans should not miss this oppertunity to re-release The Crow along-side The Crow: Salvation. Go to the site HERE.

Mention of Crow 3 in Zombie Chat

Nothing major, but a small mention of the Crow 3 in a recent Zombie chat."guest1697 asks "What's up with the CROW 3 movie?" Rob Zombie says "Nothing as far as me. I think they are making a movie, but I left that project"

From: Belly of the Superbeast

Salvation Script Tid Bits

Highlight the following news to read some interesting reports about The Crow: Salvation!Alex Corvis isnt 20 he's actually 18. He is eletrocuted on his 18th birthday. The girl he's accused of killing is his 16 year old girlfriend Lauren Randell. Kirsten Dunst's Erin character is 14. Thanks to CRigg for the info!

March 6th, 1999 2:39pm New Crow: Salvation PageClick HERE to go to the re-designed ABaHB Crow 3 page, it's up to date with the best Crow 3 news found on the internet!Image Crow #1 Variant CoverThough the comic has been out for a month, here is some news and a pic from the first Image Comics Crow issue!Todd McFarlane unleashes his pencilling talents on THE CROW #1...and Wizard World Online gives you the EXCLUSIVE first look! Todd McFarlane Productions is publishing the first full-color, monthly Crow comic book. This all-new series is written by Jon J Muth and focuses on the popular Eric Draven character. Each story arc will be drawn by a different artist, with the first three issues being handled by Jamie Tolagson. The first six issues of the series have covers by Kent Williams and the first issue has a special variant cover by Todd McFarlane. Issue #1 will be in stores on February 10, 1999 and retails for $2.50.From: WizardWorldMarch 5th, 1999 3:59pm Eric Mabius Pic and News!

Here is a pic and some small news of Eric Mabius for his upcoming film, Cruel Intentions opening today!

ERIC MABIUS gained attention with his portrayal of 'Steve,' the hip young musician, in the critically acclaimed Welcome to the Dollhouse, winner of the Grand Jury Prize of the 1996 Sundance Film Festival. Mabius' second film, I Shot Andy Warhol, was also met with critical acclaim.

Mabius completed three films including Black Circle Boys, John Duigan's Lawn Dogs and the Galt Niederhoffer-directed independent feature Myth America. He has been featured in The Journey of August King and has had featured roles in the telefilms Harvest of Fire (CBS/Hallmark Hall of Fame) and Seventh Avenue (NBC/MOW). On stage, he has performed in Dinner At Eight, Scenes from an Execution, The Seagull and Zoo Story.

From: Official Cruel Intentions  Thanks to CRiggThe Crow STH Episode Rundown

Episode for week of 3/1: GIVE ME DEATH
Written by: Peter M. Lenkov
Directed by: Scott Williams
 
Log Line: Top Dollar escapes, determined to die at the hands of The Crow and gain evil immortality. In confronting him, Eric Draven ignores the advice of the Skull Cowboy, who has come to finally reunite him with Shelly.

Top Dollar, aka Jason Danko (John Pypher-Ferguson), has an evil plan - to die at the hands of The Crow and gain evil immortality. He breaks out of the prison asylum, killing a guard in the process, and sets out to goad Draven into a deadly confrontation. Meanwhile, Draven meets The Skull Cowboy (Kadeem Hardison) who has come to help him through the portal into the Land of the Dead and the longed for reunion with Shelly. As the cat-and-mouse game between Draven and Top Dollar intensifies, Sarah, Darla and India are drawn into danger. Despite Skull Cowboy's intervention and repeated warnings to Draven not to give way to Top Dollar's pressure, Draven loses his self-control after one of his few friends is murdered. Top Dollar and The Crow face off in a climactic battle, but the stakes are high; Eric Draven could forever lose his opportunity to reconnect with Shelly, and the Crow could unleash an evil force as deadly as himself.

From: The Offical Crow STH

March 4th, 1999 6:09pm

Salvation Script Tid Bits

Highligh the following news to read some interesting reports about The Crow: Salvation!Alex Corvis isnt 20 he's actually 18. He is eletrocuted on his 18th birthday. The girl he's accused of killing is his 16 year old girlfriend Lauren Randell. Kirsten Dunst's Erin character is 14. Thanks to CRigg for the info!

Pics of Kirsten Dunst!

Don't be alarmed Crow Fans, these are just pics of Kirtsen Dunst in her new film 'Drop Dead Gorgeous'.Drop Dead Gorgeous: Movieweb landed some great new shots of ex-vampiress Kirsten Dunst, new Bond squeeze Denise Richards and the fashion chich Kirstie Alley in the black comedy "Drop Dead Gorgeous".Thanks to Dark Horizons

March 3rd, 1999 1:59pm
Screen Size

Don't worry Crow Fans, the site that was up yesterday isn't going to eventuate, but this page is going to be a little more user friendly! People have written to me, and I know from experience that the 800 x 600 screen is a commonly used one, so I'm working on a screen that all Crow Fans can be pleased with. This is only a start, but it's a welcome start!

Slow Day

Doesn't seem to be any substantial news today, but I'm expecting something big very soon, possibly tomorrow, but only time will tell! I'm sure there is plenty of recent Crow News for all to enjoy!

March 2nd, 1999 12:01am
Crow Fans Unite!

The Crow petition page is up! It's named A Wing and a Prayer, and is best viewed in 1024 x 768 pixles. The page was created for you, the Crow Fan, to re-release The Crow in October, so please visit the site and email to the authors of the site. All emails will get to Edward R. Pressman, but Fans must act fast, as the re-release of The Crow is to come out along with The Crow: Salvation, in October. If we all band together, Crow Fans can make this happen! Visit the site HERE

Mark Dacascos Pic

Here's a cool little pic of Mark promoting STH in New Orleans! Click on the pic for a larger version!

Thanks to Shelly Angel

March 1st, 1999 1:59pm
Not Another Crow/Razor Comic!

That's right, earlier this week a Crow/Razor comic was released called The Crow/Razor Finale. This, however, does not add anything to the plot of the original comic, but is possibly the best of the series, fully written and drawn by Everette Hartsoe (creator of Razor).

Crow Mentions In wizard #92

A beautiful pic of the Brandon Lee Crow figure can be found on page 84 of Wizard, this pic can also be found in the February News section of the site. The figure will be released with Todd McFarlane's Movie Maniacs line and should be out some time near September.A description of the Image Crow Comic #2 page 103:

THE CROW #2 (Todd McFarlane Productions/Image) The Crow tracks down his killers and force-feeds them their spleens. $2.50 (US)