2008 Movie News Archives
March 7, 2008: Neil Patrick Harris is The Flash in New Frontier
Neil Patrick Harris ("How I Met Your Mother") adds speed to his typical wit as the voice of The Flash in "Justice League: The New Frontier," the second DC Universe original animated PG-13 film presented by Warner Premiere, produced by Warner Bros. Animation and distributed by Warner Home Video. Based on the landmark DC Comics graphic novel by Darwyn Cooke and produced by animation legend Bruce Timm, "Justice League: The New Frontier" takes viewers on an action-packed adventure exploring the origins of The Justice League. In addition to Neil Patrick Harris, the all-star voice cast includes Kyle MacLachlan (Superman), David Boreanaz (Green Lantern), Lucy Lawless (Wonder Woman), Brooke Shields (Carol Ferris), Kyra Sedgwick (Lois Lane), Jeremy Sisto (Batman), Miguel Ferrer (Martian Manhunter) and Phil Morris (King Faraday).The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray Disc on February 26, 2008 to critical acclaim and outstanding sales. The HD DVD edition will be available March 18, 2006.
Attached you'll find Neil Patrick Harris's thoughts on recording for "Justice League: The New Frontier" as well as a few new images from the film:
- Neil Patrick Harris Voices The Flash in "Justice League: The New Frontier"
Somewhere between the Emmy Award nominations and the critically-acclaimed stage performances from Broadway to Los Angeles, Neil Patrick Harris still finds room in his busy schedule for his guilty pleasure: comic books and the super heroes within.
Harris is now back on the set of "How I Met Your Mother," but he had time during the industry's recent "vacation" to enjoy the transition from comic book reader to super hero actor as the voice as The Flash in the DC Universe original, animated direct-to-DVD release, "Justice League: The New Frontier." In its first week of release, reviews and sales of the new film from Warner Home Video, Warner Premiere, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Comics have been equally stellar, and Harris has been particularly well received in his key role.
"To voice a super hero is phenomenal," Harris said. "I could've been the sixth-super-hero-on-the-right and I'd have been happy, but Flash actually gets to help save the day, so this is great."
Harris continues to peruse his local comics stores, even taking a moment during a recent interview to voice his dismay when he thought Los Angeles standard Golden Apple Comics had closed - and relief when he discovered the store had simply moved from its location of nearly three decades.
"I like the impressive art designs of comics," Harris said. "I'm not so keen on outer worlds and strange proper nouns, but I like Alex Ross and some of the artists like that, so I find myself at the comics store every three or four months doing some shopping. I have a secret comic that I love, a historical comic called Super Magician Comics that Harry Blackstone actually did. I believe they made 12 or 14 of them. But once you start collecting comics, it's not enough to say 'Oh, I found issue #8' - you have to find issue #8 in mint condition, etc. It's a bad habit."
Harris started his career quickly in film at age 15 and, within a year, was starring as the title character in "Doogie Howser, M.D." He has managed to avoid any strict pattern in his roles, bouncing from sitcom to drama, television to film to stage, live action to voiceover. He's had roles in numerous animation series, including the lead in MTV's incarnation of Spider-Man. Voicing The Flash presents new challenges.
"This medium isn't entirely technical - they hire you because they like the flavor and color you provide to the pallet," Harris said. "Actually I find recording the script is very inflection based, so you have to sort of leave your individuality and ego at the door and do what they tell you to do. You do a great grunt that's supposed to start with an "o" and you say "raaaar" and they say 'yes, but you started with an "r" so do it this way.' It's very interesting because you have to be very specific to whatever the script calls for.
"When you're acting on stage or film, it's your interpretation of the notes that are given to you, so they can get as specific as they want in the direction, but if they get too specific then you feel like you're not even acting. But in animation, we record the voices much earlier then they animate the characters, so they have to be very specific in their direction - and then when you come back for pick-ups, they've already animated the characters and there's no room for interpretation. You do a two-second ugh or a four-second ugh, depending on how the character has already been animated."
Still, voicing a character for an animated film offers Harris a measure of enjoyment he isn't afforded in live-action roles.
"For me, the most exciting part of being a voice in an animated character in anything is that the lag time is so long that by the time you see it, you're an audience member like everybody else," Harris explained. "When I finally get to see the animation, I barely remember what the lines were - which is great because not only do I get to be in it, but I get the fan perspective on it, too. "
Animation isn't the only voiceover gig for Harris. He's also very popular on the books-on-tape casting circuit.
"Voicing Flash was fun - animation is fun - but books on tape are hard," he said. "It's just you in a booth with a manuscript, and you have to be technically perfect. You can't pop a "p," you have to have every word spot-on, and after about 45 pages your eyes are just crossing. You have to come up with characters and have everyone stay interested. Some of them take 30-40 hours or recording, and there's not a lot of visual stimulation in those experiences."
Harris has spent his time dabbling in science fiction, guest starring in TV series like "Quantum Leap" and "The Outer Limits" as well as his best-known role in the genre as Colonel Carl Jenkins in "Starship Troopers." For his part, he knows his roles in the science fiction world might be limited by his physique, but he still enjoys a good Sci-Fi film - whether he's acting in it or just watching.
"I'm the agile, young, exuberant guy - I can't ever expect to play Batman," he said. "Batman has that dark, gravelly voice. (Jeremy) Sisto is a great Batman voice. I guess I could be the Robin to Sisto's Batman. Someday I think I'd like to play some really iconic science fiction guy - you know, like (David) Boreanaz does. That'd be cool."
Don't forget, you can pre-order the "Justice League: The New Frontier" now in either a 2-disc special edition DVD, a single-disc DVD, Blu-ray disc, or HD DVD.
2008 Movie News
Listed below are all the Movie News items archived for 2008 organized into various categories:Superman Returns & Sequel/Reboot Movie News:
- January 3, 2008: No Superman for Singer? JLA Movie Delayed?
- January 5, 2008: Routh NOT Out of Superman Sequel
- January 9, 2008: Eddie Yang Reveals Unused Superman Costume Designs
- January 11, 2008: Variety Article on Superman Movie Status
- February 22, 2008: JLA and Superman Movie Rumors
- March 4, 2008: Brandon Routh Talks Superman Sequel
- March 10, 2008: Superman Movie Sequel News
- March 11, 2008: Bryan Singer Talks Superman Sequel
- March 18, 2008: Concept Art From Failed Superman Movie Projects
- March 20, 2008: More Unused Superman Movie Designs
- March 24, 2008: Kevin Spacey on Returning for Superman Sequel
- March 24, 2008: Kate Bosworth Talks Superman Returns and Sequel
- April 1, 2008: Fortress of Solitude Paintings from Superman Returns
- April 22, 2008: Legendary Pictures CEO Talks Superman Sequel
- April 24, 2008: Brandon Routh Video Interview
- April 29, 2008: Brandon Routh Talks Superman Sequel
- May 6, 2008: More From Brandon Routh on Next Superman Movie
- May 20, 2008: Is John Williams Returning to Superman for Man of Steel?
- May 29, 2008: Is Priyanka Chopra Superman's New Love Interest?
- June 22, 2008: Brandon Routh Speculates on Man of Steel Schedule
- June 26, 2008: Mark Millar's Plans for New Superman Movie
- June 27, 2008: Brandon Routh Out and About in L.A.
- July 10, 2008: Superman Movie Quotes, Lies and Casting Calls
- July 11, 2008: Warner Bros. and DC Comics Hold Superhero Summit
- July 21, 2008: Mark Millar on His Ideas for a Superman Movie
- July 24, 2008: Bryan Singer to Produce Capeshooters Movie
- July 28, 2008: Zack Snyder, Superman Seems Too Earnest
- August 4, 2008: Legendary's Thomas Tull Talks Superman Movie Sequel
- August 11, 2008: Morrison, Waid & Meltzer Talk Superman Returns & Reboot
- August 17, 2008: Horn and Noveck Talk Comic Character Movies
- August 19, 2008: Could Superman Fly Without Singer?
- August 22, 2008: Superman Reboot Now Confirmed By Warner Bros. President
- August 22, 2008: TrueHD Treatment for Blu-ray Superman Returns
- August 26, 2008: Industry Reactions to Superman Reboot News
- August 27, 2008: More Reboot Opinions from Superman Identities
- September 3, 2008: Mark Millar's Plans for Superman Trilogy
- September 5, 2008: Speculations and Opinions on Next Superman Movie
- September 13, 2008: More From Mark Millar on His Superman Movie Pitch
- September 23, 2008: James Marsden's Opinion on Superman Returns
- October 2, 2008: Superman and JLA Movie News and Rumors
- October 4, 2008: Rumor Control - Kevin Spacey Interview Causes Stir
- October 9, 2008: Is Brandon Routh Still Superman?
- October 14, 2008: Richard Donner's Thoughts on Superman Films
- October 16, 2008: Superman and Batman Attend Fundraiser
- October 25, 2008: Is John Ottman Returning for Next Superman Movie?
- October 29, 2008: More Details on Mark Millar's Superman Movie Pitch
- October 30, 2008: Brandon Routh's Thoughts on Next Superman Movie
- October 30, 2008: No Superheroes in Nolan's Gotham
- November 1, 2008: More From Brandon Routh on Superman Uncertainty
- November 19, 2008: Bryan Singer Talks Superman... Sort Of
- November 19, 2008: Christopher Reeve's Son Discusses Next Superman Movie
- November 21, 2008: Frank Langella Has Strong Sense About Superman Movie
- December 4, 2008: Geoff Johns Would Love to Script a Superman Movie
- December 5, 2008: Bryan Singer Not Involved in Superman Movie Talks
- December 15, 2008: More Singer Confusion Over Next Superman Movie
- December 17, 2008: Singer's Next Move Uncertain
- December 18, 2008: Alan Horn Says Couple of Years Until Next Superman Movie
- December 23, 2008: Singer Hounded By Superman Questions
- January 3, 2008: No Superman for Singer? JLA Movie Delayed?
- January 8, 2008: Justice League Movie Delayed or Cancelled?
- January 13, 2008: Decision on Justice League Movie in 2 Days
- January 16, 2008: Justice League Movie Delayed
- January 18, 2008: Further Details Regarding JLA Movie Postponement
- January 22, 2008: Megan Gale Confirms Wonder Woman Casting
- February 12, 2008: Justice League Movie Cast News
- February 17, 2008: No Superman or Batman in JLA Movie?
- February 20, 2008: Possible Justice League Movie Location
- February 22, 2008: JLA and Superman Movie Rumors
- February 25, 2008: JLA Movie May Be Made in Canada
- February 26, 2008: JLA Movie's Title and Martian Manhunter
- February 27, 2008: JLA Movie Flying Fast for 2009
- March 2, 2008: Could an Actors Strike Defeat the JLA Movie?
- March 10, 2008: Australian Film Commissioner Talks JLA Movie
- March 18, 2007: JLA Movie Code-Named: 7 Friends
- March 19, 2008: Justice League Movie Refused Tax Rebate
- April 4, 2008: Justice League Movie Tax Rebate Woes and Crew Messages
- April 7, 2008: Justice League Movie Could Move to New Zealand
- April 12, 2008: Jason Reitman Turned Down JLA Movie
- April 16, 2008: Megan Gale Preparing for JLA Movie
- April 22, 2008: Death of the JLA Movie
- June 13, 2008: JLA Movie Still on WB Agenda?
- June 18, 2008: Actor Common Says Still No Word on JLA Movie
- August 3, 2008: Miller Talks Megan Gale and JLA Movie
- August 7, 2008: Jay Baruchel Talks JLA Movie
- August 13, 2008: Justice League Movie - Dead or Alive?
- September 27, 2008: Hammer Talks Batman in JLA Movie
- October 2, 2008: Superman and JLA Movie News and Rumors
- December 3, 2008: George Miller Still on JLA Movie
- January 25, 2008: New Chris Reeve Superman Movie CDs Coming Soon
- February 15, 2008: Darth Vader Dave Prowse Talks About Superman
- February 15, 2008: Superman Brings You the Gift of Music
- February 17, 2008: Superman: The Music Photo Revealed
- February 21, 2008: Superman: The Music CD Collection Available Now!
- February 28, 2008: Interview - Superman: The Music CD Collection
- March 3, 2008: Review of Superman: The Music (1978-1988)
- March 11, 2008: Q&A with Superman: The Music Co-Producer Mike Matessino
- March 19, 2008: John Williams Tribute Concert in Chicago
- March 31, 2008: Initial Run of Superman: The Music Sells Out
- April 1, 2008: 1991 Video of Christopher Reeve Talking About Superman V
- April 1, 2008: Special Superman: The Movie Screening
- April 9, 2008: Ken Thorne Talks Scoring Superman II and III
- April 10, 2008: Christopher Reeve Quote on Superman V
- April 10, 2008: Donruss to Release Margot Kidder Trading Card
- April 14, 2008: Meet Jeff East at ConQuesT 39 Convention
- April 21, 2008: Ilya Salkind Auctions Off Personal Items
- May 1, 2008: Derek Meddings - Special Effects Superman Book
- May 21, 2008: 1990's TV Interview with Chris Reeve
- May 29, 2008: Alexander Courage Dies Aged 88
- June 3, 2008: Superman: The Music CD Collection Back in Stock
- June 12, 2008: Interview with Terence Stamp (General Zod)
- June 22, 2008: Superman Stars at Hollywood Collectors & Celebrities Show
- June 22, 2008: Margot Kidder to Speak Out on Mental Health
- June 24, 2008: Johnny Carson Interviews Christopher Reeve
- June 25, 2008: Superman III Cape Up For Auction
- June 26, 2008: Superman Movies Items on Auction
- July 8, 2008: Margot Kidder Appearing at London Film and Comic Con
- July 8, 2008: Superman II Screening in London
- July 22, 2008: Superman III Cape Swatch in Upper Deck Trading Cards
- August 15, 2008: Superman Movies in Hi-Def VOD
- August 29, 2008: WHV Announces 4 Film Favorite: Superman DVD Collection
- September 10, 2008: Empire Online's 500 Greatest Movies of All Time
- September 15, 2008: Superman: The Movie and Superman II BFI Screening Experience
- October 9, 2008: Sarah Douglas Says Chris Reeve Was Difficult to Work With
- October 10, 2008: Susannah York Appearing at Autographica in London
- October 15, 2008: Superman Celebration at Jules Verne Festival
- October 21, 2008: Comedy Sketch - General Zod Kitchens
- October 24, 2008: Margot Kidder at Armageddon Expo in New Zealand
- October 27, 2008: Richard Donner Receives Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
- December 3, 2008: Best Comic Book Movie Poster - Superman: The Movie
- December 22, 2008: Mark Pillow Talks Superman IV
- January 10, 2008: Duane Capizzi Looks Back at Superman: Doomsday
- January 15, 2008: Official Legion of Super Heroes Website Updated
- January 17, 2008: Justice League: The New Frontier HD DVD Edition Delayed
- January 19, 2008: Justice League: The New Frontier Website Update
- February 9, 2008: Justice League: The New Frontier Soundtrack and Video Clips
- February 11, 2008: Kyle MacLachlan on Voicing Superman in New Frontier
- February 13, 2008: Special Edition New Frontier DVD and Action Figure
- February 13, 2008: Stan Berkowitz Talks Scripting New Frontier
- February 14, 2008: Brooke Shields on Voicing Carol Ferris in New Frontier
- February 15, 2008: Dave Bullock on Directing New Frontier
- February 17, 2008: Jeremy Sisto on Voicing Batman in New Frontier
- February 20, 2008: David Boreanaz on Voicing Green Lantern in New Frontier
- February 28, 2008: Interview with New Frontier Executive Producer Bruce Timm
- February 28, 2008: Interview with New Frontier Voice Director Andrea Romano
- February 29, 2008: New Frontier Interview with Director Dave Bullock
- February 29, 2008: New Frontier Interview with Phil Morris
- March 3, 2008: New Frontier Interview with Darwyn Cooke
- March 3, 2008: New Frontier Interview with Kevin Manthei
- March 7, 2008: Neil Patrick Harris is The Flash in New Frontier
- March 14, 2008: Excellent Sales for Justice League: The New Frontier
- April 30, 2008: Superman: Doomsday Finally Gets an Australian Release
- August 27, 2008: Special Edition Superman: Doomsday on DVD and Blu-ray
- September 9, 2008: Cover Artwork for Special Edition Superman: Doomsday
- January 1, 2008: More Superman Billboards in Movies
- January 16, 2008: Superman Reborn Movie Script Online
- January 30, 2008: Confessions of a Superhero Available on DVD
- March 22, 2008: Helen Slater Appearing in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- April 16, 2008: Superman Serial to Screen in Cleveland Celebration
- April 23, 2008: Brendan Fraser Talks About Almost Being Superman
- May 12, 2008: Mole Man Jerry Maren's Life Story Released
- June 13, 2008: DC Movies versus Marvel Movies
- June 26, 2008: Kirk Alyn Talks About Auditioning for Superman
- July 3, 2008: Will Smith on Why Hancock Suits Him Better Than Superman
- July 7, 2008: Superhero Rumble - Hancock vs Superman
- July 21, 2008: Last Son Documentary Screening in Cleveland
- July 22, 2008: Helen Slater at the Super Megashow and Comicfest
- August 14, 2008: Jon Peters and Stan Lee Planning a DC vs Marvel Movie?
- August 15, 2008: Siegel and Shuster Life Story on Film
- August 19, 2008: Lex Luthor in Green Arrow Movie
- August 20, 2008: Derek Meddings - Special Effects Superman Book
- September 11, 2008: Brendan Fraser Recalls J.J. Abrams' Superman
- September 17, 2008: Brett Ratner and the Superman Movie He Wanted to Make
- October 14, 2008: Kirk Alyn Personal Collection on Auction
- October 18, 2008: New Korean Drama/Comedy Film If I Were Superman
- December 2, 2008: Superman Cameo in Green Lantern Movie
- December 24, 2008: New Fleischer Superman DVD Collection
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