nathenson's digital garbage » Parody

New Star Trek trailer

Ira Nathenson — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:36:01 +0000

The new Star Trek trailer has had mixed reviews on the internet. Me, I think it’s frakking awesome. Sure, the trailer is mostly action, but that’s ok. It’s is trying to attract an audience beyond the pointy-ears-and-forehead-ridges wearing set, and does so successfully.

Based on watching the trailer (repeatedly) and reading around the web (see fansite TrekMovie for at-times heated commentary), I think that the pic has great potential of combining great action, character development, and big ideas. (Think Wrath of Khan.)

Click here to view the embedded video.

For a list of spoofs and parodies of the new Trek trailer (such as Smallville Trek, etc.), go to TrekMovie.

UPDATE (11/27): AICN has posted a new trailer with an appearance by old Spock played by Leonard Nimoy. I’ve substituted the video for the updated trailer. (H/T to TrekMovie.com.) The older trailer can be found here.

Musings on the Shatman

Ira Nathenson — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:06:47 +0000

I have to admit that I’m an unabashed Star Trek fan. (Not a surprise, I suppose.) I recently read William Shatner’s new book, Up Till Now: The Autobiography (co-written with David Fisher). I highly recommend it. It’s well-written, informative, and witty. Shatner alternates between self-effacing charm, unabashed pomposity, and a gleeful hawking of goods available through his website. At times, the book is poignant, such as when Shatner recounts early career disappointments, the break-ups of multiple marriages, and especially the tragic accidental death of his third wife, Nerine.

Among other things, the book details Shatner’s efforts at being a recording artist. In his records, Shatner doesn’t really sing; instead he speaks the words dramatically. His recent recording effort, Has Been, is actually very good and includes musical talents such as Joe Jackson, Adrian Belew, and Henry Rollins. It was well-received by reviewers. (Over 200 readers on Amazon.com gave it on average 4.5 stars out of 5.)

But as Shatner’s book recounts, his earlier musical efforts were not well-received, such as his infamous cover of Rocket Man at the 1978 Science Fiction Film Awards. Shatner also discusses his cover of The Beatles’ Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, which I do think is pretty darn awful.

Below is a wonderful YouTube parody mashing together Shatner’s cover of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds with images to gently mock Shatner, Star Trek, and The Beatles (as well as Lucy Ricardo and Lucy Van Pelt):

Click here to view the embedded video.

The real end to Harry Potter 7

Ira Nathenson — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 15:44:18 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

Simpsons – Star Trek mash-up

Ira Nathenson — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 05:59:06 +0000

IP Profs: here’s some music to blog, prepare for IP class, or simply recover from the holidays by.

IP Students: discuss (or just hum along).

Click here to view the embedded video.

The video’s creator, Culture Killer, can be found here and here.