Charles Nelson Reilly Is _______.

Comedian Charles Nelson Reilly, who was best know for his frequent appearances on the TV game show Match Game, died on May 25th due to complications from pneumonia.

Reilly was also well-known for his visits to The Tonight Show, as well as the children’s television program Lidsville and his guest starring role in The X-Files episode “Jose Chung’s From Outer Space”.

Reilly won the Tony Award in 1962 for his portrayal of Bud Frump in “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying”. More recently, he received rave reviews for his autobiographic stage work in “Save It For The Stage: The Life Of Reilly”.

Charles Nelson Reilly was 76 years old.

Happy Birthday!

Yes, it was 30 years ago today that Star Wars (the "A New Hope" title didn't come until later versions) blazed its way across movie screens throughout the world.

Since that day, we've seen one awesome sequel, one okay third chapter, three prequels of questionable entertainment value, and enough toys, books, models, posters, t-shirts and collectibles to fill up the Death Star.

A number of events are marking Star Wars' 30th, most notably the release of stamps by the United States Postal Service. There's also a fan gathering this weekend at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Additionally, Cinemax and Cinemax HD subscribers will be treated to a marathon of all six films back to back, starting today at 3pm Eastern.

To celebrate, DVD Empire would like to hear about the first time YOU saw Star Wars! Post a comment here in the forum and read about other's experiences!

Plus, don't forget to check out our Jedi Master contest, where you have the chance to win all six movies on DVD! Hurry...the contest ends May 31st!

Have An "Old Friend" For Dinner!

Want to find out how Dr. Hannibal Lecter became the madman that he did?

DVD Empire is giving away one copy of the Unrated version of Hannibal Rising, and all you need to do to be entered in the drawing is send an e-mail to the following address:

HannibalRising@dvdempire.com

To qualify, please be sure to include your Name, Mailing Address, and a valid e-mail address.

Here are the official rules for the contest:
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
One entry per person.
Multiple entries or false information will render entries void.
Winner must be 18 years or older.
All entries must be received by June 19, 2007.
Employees of DVD Empire or any sponsor participating in this contest are not eligible to win.
DVD Empire is not responsible for lost or late entries.
Offer good in the continental United States only, void where prohibited.
Prize will be shipped to the address furnished by the winner.
There will be no prize substitutions or cash value.
Information submitted to DVDEmpire.com will not be transferred or disclosed, except winning entry.
Winner will be notified via e-mail.
Unclaimed prize(s) will be awarded to a new winner after 7 days.

The Clock Runs Out

Sometimes saving the world isn't all it's cracked up to be. At least that was the case for Jack Bauer as he (and the audience) went through 24 episodes of sheer agony during Season 6.

For the first time, 24 was uneven and unentertaining - either rehashing plot ideas we had seen in previous seasons, or stretching the realm of believability far beyond what even 24 fans could reasonably digest.

But last night was 24's chance for redemption. Not so much a chance to save an already lost season, but a chance to at least give fans hope for Season 7. Internet and publication rumors had been making the rounds for weeks that a "long dead" character (the odds-on favorite was Tony Almeida, played by Carlos Bernard) would make an cameo for the last-second cliffhanger.

As the clock clicked off its final seconds, however, no such revelation was made. In fact, no cliffhanger at all, as Jack stared off into the sunset on a day that was much more draining for fans than it was for his character.

The show's producers have promised a sea change next year and a whole new approach to the series (although it will retain its "real time" format)...but the question is, at this point, will fans still care?

24 returns for Season 7 in January 2008.

Selleck Antes Up For Vegas

With James Caan exiting his hit NBC series to return to film work, the network had some big shoes to fill. Enter Magnum, P.I. himself.

Tom Selleck has agreed to become the new lead on Las Vegas, and will be playing a billionaire with a secret past who becomes the new owner of the Montecito Casino. Caan will guest-star in the first episode of the new season to bring closure to his character.

Selleck continues to have success in other roles, as well. The fourth entry in his popular Jesse Stone series of TV movies airs on CBS on May 22nd.

Spidey Smashes Box Office Record

The critics gave Spider-Man 3 lukewarm reviews, but that didn’t stop audiences worldwide from going in droves to see the webbed wonder over the past weekend.

Spider-Man 3 shattered box office records in every category, starting with a $59 million opening in North America on Friday that set the single day take for any movie in history. Spider-Man 3 also had the biggest domestic opening weekend of all-time, raking in an impressive $148 million. Both the single day and weekend records had previously been held by Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.

Spider-Man 3 also has pulled in a whopping $227 million overseas, meaning the film already has made $375 million worldwide. It also managed to shatter records for its various IMAX showings around the country, making $4.8 million at 84 sites – breaking the previous record of $3.6 million that was obtained earlier this year by the release of 300.

Spidey should have no trouble swinging into the number one spot again next weekend, as the only major competition doesn’t come along until May 18th, when Shrek 3 is released. Sony has already announced plans for three more Spider-Man films, although new contracts have to be worked out with all involved, including star Tobey Maguire.