Audio Video News

B<I>en Affleck, Matt Damon, Linda Fiorentino, Salma Hayek, Jason Lee, Jason Mewes, Alan Rickman, Chris Rock, Kevin Smith. Directed by Kevin Smith. Aspect ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic). Dolby Digital 5.1. 130 minutes. 1999. Columbia TriStar 04891. R. $24.95.</I>

A strike next year by the <A HREF="http://www.sag.org/">Screen Actors Guild</A> (SAG) is not likely, according to a recent statement by the organization's president, William Daniels. "I'm optimistic that we can work something out with the industry," Daniels told reporters after a meeting with industry heavyweight Lew Wasserman at Universal Studios on Wednesday, August 23. Wasserman, the former head of MCA, is now a consultant at Universal, and is known throughout the industry as a shrewd negotiator and dealmaker.

T<I>om Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse, James Cromwell, Michael Jeter, Bonnie Hunt, Graham Greene, Doug Hutchison, Sam Rockwell, Barry Pepper, Jeffrey DeMunn, Patricia Clarkson, Harry Dean Stanton. Directed by Frank Darabont. Aspect ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic). Dolby Digital 5.1. 188 minutes (dual-layer). 1999. Warner Home Video C2579. R. $24.98.</I>

So-called "push technology" was one of the hot buzz phrases two years ago. The concept was that centralized server computers would send customized packages of information and entertainment to end users, rather than having them search for what they wanted.

Where does free speech end and copyright violation begin? The film industry has won the first skirmish in what promises to be a long war over this issue. A US federal district judge in Manhattan has ruled against <A HREF="http://www.2600.com/">2600.com</A>, a website that posted software for breaking DVD copy-protection encryption. The site also contained links to other sites posting the software, known as DeCSS.

Beware what you buy on the Internet; it could cost you a hefty fine and a jail term. An almost-two-year-long Federal investigation of phony satellite television access cards has led to several arrests.