Web DVD renter obtains patent on service
HOLLYWOOD, June 25 (UPI) -- Netflix stock soared more than 6 percent after the company said it has received a broadly worded patent for its online subscription film-rental service.
It apparently would cover systems in use by competitors such as Wal-Mart and Blockbuster.
It covers subscription plans based on allowing a maximum number of items to be out at any given time as well as those based on permitting a maximum number of exchanges during the rental period, Daily Variety reported.
Although the patent primarily describes a system for Internet ordering and delivery through the mail, it claims to cover all methods for placing orders through a subscription program and all modes of delivery, including in-store subscription services.
The broad language of the patent would appear to apply to the online DVD rental service recently initiated by Wal-Mart Stores, as well as the in-store game rental program initiated by Blockbuster.
'South Park' pair plan terror flick
LOS ANGELES, June 25 (UPI) -- "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone are taking on terrorism, marionette-style, in a new feature film project.
The two are currently writing an untitled project, previously known as "American Heroes," which Paramount Pictures is expected to distribute. Parker and Stone will direct and voice the project as well, the Hollywood Reporter said.
Although Paramount would not comment on the project, the "South Park" creators revealed they are working with producer Scott Rudin on a "top secret movie."
According to several sources, the project in development is a marionette movie about superheroes on a mission to eradicate such things as terrorism and certain celebrities who have outworn their welcome in the public eye.
Parker and Stone last took to ridiculing Saddam Hussein in the animated, "South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut."
Toronto festival opener announced
TORONTO, June 25 (UPI) -- Denys Arcand's "The Barbarian Invasions" has been set to open the 28th Toronto International Film Festival Sept. 4.
This year's festival will also include the world premieres of Robert Altman's "The Company," John Sayles' "Casa de Los Babys" and the North American premiere of Lars von Trier's "Dogville," a parable of small-town prejudice starring Nicole Kidman.
The Hollywood Reporter said Arcand's latest movie, a sequel to his 1986 feature, "The Decline of the American Empire," focuses on a man (Remy Girard) dying of cancer as he comes to terms with his life. It picked up two awards at this year's Festival de Cannes, and Miramax Films will release it domestically Nov. 21.
Altman's latest film, about an up-and-coming ballet dancer played by Neve Campbell, will be brought to Toronto by Sony Pictures Classics.
About 250 movies are expected to be shown during the festival's Sept. 4-13 run.
Rapper a no-show at arraignment
FALL RIVER, Mass., June 25 (UPI) -- Rapper Busta Rhymes didn't appear in a Massachusetts court to answer to assault charges but his lawyer did, a report said Wednesday.
The top-selling performer's lawyer pleaded innocent for him to charges he shoved an aggressive fan and yanked her hair at a nightclub, the Boston Herald reported.
The 30-year-old rapper, whose real name is Trevor Smith Jr., faces charges of assaulting 21-year-old Celine Giguerre of Providence after a Dec. 7 appearance.
The fan also faces assault charges for allegedly touching the rapper's face as he left the nightclub.
Rhymes performs in Hartford, Conn., Wednesday, and then continues throughout the northeast, into Canada and down to Texas in a tour that has a show almost every day through Aug. 5.
