Archived News Updates
7-18-07:
I was sent this email from a person affiliated with the "Ghost Trackers" group mentioned below:
Hello David:
I am familiar with your site. Nicely done.
I don't know anything else on the DVD save for what you know. They are having interviews with JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson (I believe that's what I heard) and the hold out was Zelda Rubinstein due to prior commitments.
Short of that we were very honored to be asked to have this film crew with us as we investigated the nicely haunted Pierpont Inn in Ventura and a couple of other places. We held our conference in May but were asked not to release any information until June/July while they completed the segments for inclusion on the DVD.
7-17-07:
from:
http://www.ghost-trackers.org/index1.htm
Watch for the Ghost Trackers on the soon-to-be released DVD, "Poltergeist, Special Edition". The Ghost Trackers had their investigations filmed by New Wave Entertainment (affiliated with Warner Bros. Pictures) at their 2007 California Ghost Hunters Conference and then they were interviewed along with Richard and Debbie Senate.
Big thanks to Gavin and Meredith, producers on these segments, for this INCREDIBLE opportunity!!!
http://www.ghost-trackers.org/index1.htm
Watch for the Ghost Trackers on the soon-to-be released DVD, "Poltergeist, Special Edition". The Ghost Trackers had their investigations filmed by New Wave Entertainment (affiliated with Warner Bros. Pictures) at their 2007 California Ghost Hunters Conference and then they were interviewed along with Richard and Debbie Senate.
Big thanks to Gavin and Meredith, producers on these segments, for this INCREDIBLE opportunity!!!
7-16-07:
Ok, this one is obviously fake, but it's hilarious: These guys impersonate Spielberg, Hooper, and Craig T. Nelson and they've done a feature length commentary:
from:
http://movierot.com/2007/07/movierot-episode-2-poltergeist.html
Monday, July 2, 2007
MovieRot Episode #2 - Poltergeist
A jam packed commentary featuring producer Steven Spielberg, director Tobe Hooper, star Craig T. Nelson and real-life ghost hunter Dr. Terry Gozer. This one was buried deep in a landfill. But now it's been unearthed for you, our dear listeners. Bon Appétit.
Download it here. You can find Poltergeist (the movie) at a variety of places online or at your local video store.
Stay tuned for more episodes at MovieRot.com
7-2-07:
On June 1, 2006, Fangoria Radio did an interview with Jobeth Williams regarding the 25th anniversary of the original film. To listen to the clip, click here:
6-16-07:
Here's my report on the 25th Anniversary Screening and Panel Discussion in Santa Monica here!:
http://www.poltergeist.poltergeistiii.com/25th.html
5-8-07: "Poltergeist IV" confirmed!
Clint Morris over at Moviehole.net has confirmed that there is indeed a new "Poltergeist" film in the works, and it's being written/developed by Michael Grais, co-writer of the original film and co-writer/co-producer of "Poltergeist II!" From Clint:
Michael Grais, writer or “Poltergeist” and co-writer of “Poltergeist II : The Other Side”, has been coaxed back to the land of scary old farts; evil bedside clowns and [very] long-distance phone calls, it seems. Word has it – confirmed by three people in the know - that he may have scored the job of penning the next “Poltergeist” film. The new film “Poltergeist: In the Shadows” is in the “early stages of development right now”, sources inform us. I can tell you that the new film is in no way based on “Poltergeist: Kayeri” – of which I penned the first scriptment pre-Sony/MGM amalgamate – and have been informed that it’s not a remake of the first film either. One can only assume “Shadows” will encompass the mythology and world of the first three films but not necessarily feature any of the previous cast or characters (In contrast to “Kayeri”, which would’ve seen Craig T.Nelson reprising his role as Stephen Freeling). Honestly, I don't know. And I won't know. So please don't ask for any more on it. My guess is as good as yours. What I do know is that the film will be prepped as a theatrical release, and isn’t intended to be one of MGM’s direct-to-video sequels (of which they’re doing quite a few, at the moment). “I believe it’ll take it another direction”, an insider told us this morning. “You know as well as anyone how many times they’ve tried to get a Poltergeist 4 off the ground; too many to count. Grais might be the man to revive it.”
You can read the full post at
4-19-07: MGM says new "Poltergeist" idea NOT a direct to DVD release
Last week MGM announced plans to release a string of direct to DVD movies, some based on MGM franchise films such as "Species" and "Legally Blonde." I asked Charles Cohen, Senior VP at MGM, whether the new "Poltergeist" idea he told me about back in January involved one of these releases. Here's what he said:
"No, our idea is different. It is taking longer to pull together than I expected."
4-13-07: Nancy Allen Radio Interview
Actress Nancy Allen appeared on Fangoria Radio to discuss her career. I emailed the show and they asked her my question about P3's alleged re-shot ending. Listen to what she had to say and read some discussion about her comments here:
1-27-07: Poltergeist IV?
In response to my question about the rumors of a sequel or remake that have been floating around the net, I received this statement from Charles Cohen, senior executive Vice President at MGM:
"We are working on a Poltergeist idea, and hope to have some news to announce shortly.
Stay tuned."
Stay tuned."
In addition, when I told him about the alleged original ending to "Poltergeist III" and the fact that many fans would like to see it on DVD, he said he'd "look into it."
8-07-06: Confirmed: Over 100 boxes of P3 footage in the MGM vaults!
On Monday August 7, 2006 I spoke on the phone with Steve, a representative who works for MGM's Corporate Communications Office. The good news is that there are over 100 boxes of film footage related to "Poltergeist III" in the MGM archives. The bad news: at this time they have no plans for a SE DVD, and they don't have the time nor the money to search through the many boxes to look for any additional deleted scenes or the original ending. He said that it's possible that the original ending is included somewhere in one of these many boxes, but they won't be looking for it anytime soon.
Another bad sign: If they decide to release a SE DVD later on and do find additional scenes, to be included on the DVD they'd have to go through a long process, which could possibly involve obtaining the legal clearances from both the director and the actors. Considering past experience of getting certain people to admit they even filmed the original ending...well, you get the picture.
Steve seemed understanding of the fact that there were many fans of the film who wanted to see the original ending because it involved Heather and was her last performance. He also said I'd be the first to know if they do decide to do a SE DVD.
The 100+ boxes most likely contain the film's original negative, outtakes, deleted scenes, SFX tests, etc. I've started a new site/campaign called "Free Carol Anne!" If you'd like to help, visit
Another bad sign: If they decide to release a SE DVD later on and do find additional scenes, to be included on the DVD they'd have to go through a long process, which could possibly involve obtaining the legal clearances from both the director and the actors. Considering past experience of getting certain people to admit they even filmed the original ending...well, you get the picture.
Steve seemed understanding of the fact that there were many fans of the film who wanted to see the original ending because it involved Heather and was her last performance. He also said I'd be the first to know if they do decide to do a SE DVD.
The 100+ boxes most likely contain the film's original negative, outtakes, deleted scenes, SFX tests, etc. I've started a new site/campaign called "Free Carol Anne!" If you'd like to help, visit
www.freecarolanne.poltergeistIII.com
I'd also like to thank the cool guys over at ArrowInTheHead.com for posting an update on this as well: