Jem 2012 Dolls at $135!

 Maybe I am a month late but here it is, what we have been waiting for. And wow! Awesome work! They are releasing three dolls but they are for $135. But they are fully poseable! These are soooo made for collectors, it is not even funny. 

 We got Jerrica, who can turn into Jem. I am surprise Pizzazz is not part of this group because they did release Halloween costumes of her.

 Rio is so hot! And they have him in show-accurate clothing, which is not available before. Even with mundane cream and brown colors, he still looks so handsome!

 Synergy has show-accurate clothes and looks fabulous! Who is synergy? She was the computer that made Jerrica into Jem!

At the SDCC 2012, this Hollywood Jem was revealed. Pre-orders are sold out!

Sources:

http://www.dollobserver.com/2012/10/05/jem-and-the-hollograms-wave-1-dolls-announced/

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-10-24/jem-dolls-reboot-sells-out

http://www.rockjem.com/dolls4.html

Jem and the Holograms EXCLUSIVE Spirit Halloween Costumes

At Spirit Halloween stores online and in various malls has Jem and the Hologram costumes for ADULT WOMEN! Mad awesome! They have Jem, Pizzazz and Synergy. I hope more is to come! Where's Rio? I would sooo wear that!

http://halloween-costumes.spirithalloween.com/search#p=R&w=jem%2520and%2520the%2520h&url=http%3a%2f%2fhalloween-costumes.spirithalloween.com%2fsearch%3fw%3djem%2520and%2520the%2520holograms%26ts%3dajax&rk=1&uid=606389902&ts=rac&rt=racsug&asug=jem%20and%20the%20h?apelog=yes

Dream Casting: Jem and the Holograms 2012

I did this before split up but I decided to do it again as new talent has arisen and match up better. It's almost 2012 and I'm talking about a series from 1985!
 
Jerrica Benton/Jem / Rachael McAdams
Jerrica could have be considered a goody goody two-shoes but she was concerned for her family, friends and foster kids. She had internal conflicts like any person. The mysterious Jem with no last name and no past. Jerrica got to go free. Dunno if she can sing. I know you might be saying, why not Gwen Stefani but unfortunately age is a factor and Jerrica was a teenager or in her early twenties I think. No, I didn't pick Rachael McAdams because of the new pink streaks she has but because I think she has the qualities for Jerrica that would make the audience care for her. On Pop Culture talk show on 9/14/10, Samantha Newark (the speaking voice of Jem) even said she thought Rachael would be a good pick. but people might lean on... Lady Gaga might be the most popular chocie. I know she said she wanted to act.

 
Rio /  Tyler Hoechlin / Rodrigo Santoro
Jerrica's long time sweetheart who learned under her father and became the group's manager. He fell for Jem and was torn between the two. He also had a mean streak, a thing about liars. Of MTV's Teen Wolf and 7th Heaven, he has those dreamy blue eyes and jet black hair. And he's a good actor, so I think that would be good for Rio. And we know he can handle having a mean streak.

HOLOGRAMS

 
Kimber Benton / Katy Perry
Jerrica's kid sister, the youngest and most passionate of the group. She let men hang on by a string, she dated and dated. She had her own 'sister shadow' issues like any little sister. She wrote the songs for the band. I like her music but I don't like her personality, but eh, people like her and I think she might do a decent job as Kimber, be a little sister to Lady gaga and be the girl who has lots of boyfriends.

 
Shana Elmsford / Nicki Minaj
In the beginning she played the drums. She was real good at designing clothes and dreamed to have her own fashion line or something. She was a foster girl who grew up with the Benton sisters. She is clearly inspired by Jem, and I think would make a great Shana, even though my last choice Rihanna would still make a good choice too.

 
Aja Leith/ Jenna Ushkowitz
Lead guitarist and tomboy, Aja also grew up with the others. She was very courageous and no bull kind of gal. Tina from Glee can sing and I think she would make an awesome Aja.

 
Carmen 'Raya' Alonso / Belinda
Raya was the 'new' Hologram and naive to the show business and had a Latina accent. Mexican pop singer, born in Spain. The only English she has done was in "Cheetah Girls 2".

THE MISFITS

 
Pizzazz/Phyllis Gabor / Alecia Beth Moore "P!nk"
The spoiled brat who is really a lonely girl inside, the leader of the Misfits. She was the bad girl you loved to despise. Okay I know what you're thinking, she should be Jem but come on, playing the bad girl is way more fun. I'm sure she'd have fun with it. And I also think, she can pull the soft side of Miss Gabor. I chose her before and I still think she'd be great!

Roxy / Avril Lavigne
The second hand man to Pizzazz. She'd follow Pizzazz but when she wanted to. She was illiterate and came from the 'bad side of town'.  I think she'd have more fun as a baddie. She can sing but Roxy didn't sing that much solo--except for in one episode but they used Pizzazz's singer.

Stormer / Felicia Day
The sweet compassionate 'always look at the bright side' pushover of the group. Oh, sweet sexy Felicia. She was in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog, I think she can cover the sweet pushover anytime. And in my fantasy movie, she gets the guts and stands up to her group mates. How will she look like in a dark blue wig? I don't know.

 
Jetta / April Pearson
She was the tough new girl in the Misfits. She played the saxophone. She took crap from nobody. According to Christy Marx, when she suggested the new Misfit be African-American, the people in charge were against the idea but that a British character would be fine. It's funny. My vision of a black Misfit would have a mohawk for some reason. British actress from "Skins."

 
Eric Raymond / Julian McMahon
His name is the show writer Kristy Marx's brother. He was the only major character that wasn't a doll. He was the 'villain.' Basically the Misfits made him their bitch. The go-to bad guy? And Eric wasn't sexy at all but heh, its a movie. I think he'd be a nice fit and it be nice women chewing him out for a change. I picked him last time and still think he'd be a good choice, him or Zachary Quinto or Dylan Mcdermott.

MINOR CHARACTERS

 
Synergy / Brenda Strong
How Jerrica actually transformed into Jem was through a super advanced computer that her father built, originally meant for using holograms to revolutionize the music and entertainment industry but it became so powerful that he feared it landing in the wrong hands so he left it in possession of his birth and foster daughters. Her personality was modeled after Jerrica and Kimber's singer mother who died when they were young. As it can be imagined, it was hard to think about what actress can balanced a stoic computerize mentor that gave motherly advice and also be coy. Brenda is the go-to dead mother narrator, I can see her both being funny and good with advice. I don't know how she will look in purple, but she would be good as Jacqui Benton in flashbacks.

 
Lindsey Pierce / Sandra Benhard
She is a VJ that had her own show. Now, could any old MTV VJ play her or someone with personality? I think Kathy Griffin would be hilarious as a mix of Lindsey and gossip queen Harriet Horn. Or to be totally vicious, maybe someone like Perez Hilton in drag. Too bad Divine is gone. She could totally do the vicious gossip queen shtick.

 
Anthony Julian / Lee Thompson Young
Shana's boyfriend and confidant and director for virtually everything involving the Holograms such as movies and music videos. Best known for 'The Famous Jett Jackson,' I think he would be charming.

 
Vivien 'Video' Montgomery /  Debbie Ryan
The videographer of Jem's friends, if they keep it in the 80's, the big lugging camera would make sense. I guess if it is set now, she can have one of those small DVs and just be a doing a web-exclusive material for them. Sweetheart from Suite Life on Deck and Disney's Jessie.

 
Constance "Clash" Montgomery / Taryn Manning
Video's cousin. She was the wild and crazy fan of the Misfits, she made a ruckus with symbols on her wrists. She desperately wanted to be a Misfit. Her dad was always bossy over Video's dad. McCrazy, she has done Crossroads, Crazy/Beautiful, and Hustle & Flow.

 
Zipper / Chris Zylka
He wasn't a doll but had his name on his jacket for some reason. Eric Raymond (baddie) used him for dirty deeds to 'ruin' Jem. He was a shady character that was also used for comic relief. For some reason, in some episodes his hair turned black. From "Secret Circle" and the short-lived "10 Things I hate about you" would be perfect. He's good at being sneaky and hot at the same time.

 
Techrat / Eric Millegan
When writers got bored with Zipper, a new character was introduced. Techrat, a tech expert who Eric Raymond employed to 'ruin' Jem. Show writer Christy Marx originally wanted Techrat to be a Boy George-like androgynous and ambiguous. Unfortunately, whoever was in charge wasn't comfortable with the idea and made him male. He was on "Bones," it was hard tot ell if he was a woman or a man, I think he'd be a good androgynous Techrat.

 
Giselle "Danse" Dvorak / Julianne Hough
Guess what she did? Well, she had an awesome storyline in which she broke her leg and had to go through rehab. Cartoon characters going through rehab. Also she was from Eastern European decent. Good dancer and singer.


THE STINGERS

 Riot / Trevor Donnovan

 Lead singer of the Stingers that came in Season 3 and was competition for Rio, he loved Jem and not Jerrica. He also had daddy issues. It would be an interesting wrench to throw in. Sure he looks like a Ken Doll but wasn't Riot based on a doll? (Even though the doll was not released---as of yet). He has played the bad guy before and also an egoistical jerk, also the sensitive gay guy so I am sure he can handle the duality of Riot being self-centered, but also charming, and have daddy issues.

 Rapture / Annelynne McCord

A con-artist and I found her annoying, she was so self-righteous. 90210, Nip/Tuck, good at being a witch.

Minx / Anna Faris

German character, she was always after Rio and had a hinted romance with Techrat. She was selfish and cruel and anti-American. I wanted a young actress but I can't think of anyone else better. She can handle the accent.

Related: http://spanengrish.blogspot.com/2007/04/dream-casting-jem.html | http://spanengrish.blogspot.com/2007/07/dream-casting-jem-supporting-cast-and.html

Jem and the Holograms Truly Outrageous Complete Series DVD Review

I have been waiting for this in a long time, I got it for Christmas. I have spoke about Jem before, the series based on the Hasbro toyline running from 1985-1987. The DVD set has all three seasons, the first season has 4 discs--26 episodes, second had 4 discs--27 episodes and third season has 3 discs--12 episodes. It is about Jerrica Benton who poses as Jem, lead singer of the all-girl band known as the Holograms thanks to her dad's super-tech computer Synergy. They have a rival group the Misfits who are competition and a thorn on their sides. Misfits are more beloved by fans other than the 'goody goodies' but these girls were mean-spirited, selfish, lazy and greedy. I have the first season on DVD thanks to Rhino back in 2003. They released season 2 but I didn't get it, it was too much money at the time. The original set has commentary from Christy Marx, these dvd sets don't have the commentary but some great featurettes, one including the male producers and Christy Marx. 

 (The Rhino DVD to left and the Shout! Factory to right)

Some great insights such as the opening sequence was rotorscoped, that the music videos were intentionally made to be animated better, the animation was done by Toei Animation (famous for Sailor Moon) and originally they did Anime eyes for the Holograms. Also, the music videos were inspired by music videos of an now-old Anime, whose name is said but i can't find the spelling for. Anyway, the quality isn't that great for the episodes. Some episodes of Season 2 have a darkness and weird tint that makes Kimber's red hair look hot pink. I personally believe that the Rhino Season 1 DVD had better quality. But anyway, I think it is the only time we will get this, so it is a good set. It also has the cool Jukebox option. As for the episodes, I hadn't seen Season 3 in a long time and it was pretty good, the new bumpers were amazing, it is a shame it is the shortest season but Sunbow/Marvel/Toei had a commitment only for 65 episodes and the toy line was already canceled (because the dolls were too tall--boxes didn't fit on shelves and barbie clothes didn't fit them and the prices were too high), plus they introduced lots of characters that were to be released but never were released like Riot, Minx, and Rapture the Stingers and also fashion designer Regine and magician Dazzle.

Jem and the Holograms: The Truly Outrageous Complete Series

Now you can relive the adventures of Jem and The Holograms and their archrivals, The Misfits and The Stingers, in this first-ever complete collector's edition DVD box set. All 65 episodes of the hit series are included, accompanied by an exclusive bonus disc of brand-new and archival material rarely seen.

Jem Inspired T-Shirts and Keytars

WeLoveFine.com, the website of LA-based t-shirt imprint Mighty Fine are now working with Hasbro on a line of retro-inspired JEM apparel. Here are the first two shirts, which are in part inspired by the 80's fashion art of Patrick Nagel; we've got Jem in her classic look, as well Stormer, since she seems to still be the most popular Misfit.

http://www.welovefine.com/product.php?id_product=296
http://www.welovefine.com/product.php?id_product=304

In early 1970s, Edgar Winter often performed with keyboards slung around his neck, but they were not technically keytars because they had no "neck." Keytars (Keyboards and Guitars combined) started becoming famous in the 80's, and all us 80's kids know them best from Jem. In the toyline Kimber had a keytar but in the cartoon she had a keyboard. Stormer had a keytar on the show but not in the toyline. I remember keytars most from Jem. Keytars faded with more advanced technology in keyboards and synthesizers but they have become more sophisticated nowadays with a recent resurgence in use, especially from Lady Gaga.

Jem and the Holograms finally some action: Reruns on Hub

For years I wanted a live-action movie or a revival of Jem and the Holograms, which for a cartoon in the 80's that was made to promote dolls and fashions, had great music and awesome writing, mixing comedy, soap-opera drama, lessons and un-apologetic feminism. Hasbro (who made the toys) bought back the license two years back and now on their channel The Hub, the 80's cartoon has been airing since May. Hasbro has also registered 4 domain names that are Jem related: jerricabenton.com (which redirects to Hasbro's home page,) showtimesynergy.com, jemmovie.com, and jemandthehologramsmovie.com (these three do not redirect).

Christy Marx (who was given the task to create the cartoon and is loved by fans) has long expressed a desire to make a modern day revival of the animated series, but stated in a 2004 interview that there are a great deal of complications concerning the rights to the Jem

properties.

"I would like to see that happen. I don't want to go into a lot of detail, but the whole rights situation for Jem is very, very complicated. Believe me, if there were a simple straightforward way to do it, it would be done. But there are some very big complications that are in the way at the moment." --Christy Marx.

On March 23, 2011, Christy Marx announced that Shout! Factory and Hasbro are working together to re-release the entire series to DVD. I have the first set from Rhino, which was season 1 and 2. The Rhino DVDs were great, they had great box art inside and great menus. Given the recent success of G.I. Joe and Transformers, Hasbro is said to be considering a live-action movie with Universal, with whom Hasbro signed a six-movie contract last year, or a new incarnation of the animated series. Rumor is Christy Marx is working on the new project. November 30, 2010: Hasbro added the trademarks Jerrica Benton, Kimber Benton, Aja Leith, Shana Elmsford, Rio Pacheco, and Minx for "G & S: Dolls, doll clothing and doll accessories; toy figures and playsets for use therewith." The odd thing about the trademarks are the (Christy Marx-Sunbow) given names, not the original doll names. Very strange that the original Holograms, one Stinger (Minx) stage name has been added, but no Misfits.

http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/04/28/jem-is-back-on-the-hub/
http://www.wiredprnews.com/2011/06/16/hey-pop-culture-fans-jem-is-back-on-tv_2011061620002.html
http://www.fangirltastic.com/content/yes-hasbro-working-new-jem-and-holograms-movie-and-series

Official Site on the Hub:
http://www.hubworld.com/jem-and-the-holograms/shows/jem-and-the-holograms

The Hub states that since it's return to television, Jem and the Holograms is one of it's highest rated/watched programs. With this success, there is speculation of a 25th anniversary Jem doll toyline return along with related merchandise by Hasbro. The dolls started in 1985, the 25th anniversary would had been 2010 or early 2011.

Jem re-surfacing in the works

Pajiba reported in November that Hasbro is planning to bring Jem and the Holograms, the 80's doll and TV show franchise about a girl band headed by a foster home/music industry mogul/singer Jerrica Benton thanks to super computer Synergy. Now, all Jem fans like I have been wanting a live-action movie that stays in the 80's and has the original animated show writer Kristy Marx involved. In 2007, I have previously put who I think should be in the movie. Hasbro has been vague, they don't yet if it will be a new cartoon, movie or what. Hasbro is bringing up a new TV cable channel, with a My Little Pony show and other shows based on Hasbro products and original programming in the works. But it is unknown if Jem will be involved. With the success of Transformers and G.I.Joe, it is natural this would happen. BUT HASBRO: PLEASE, PLEASE MAKE A LIVE-ACTION MOVIE SET IN THE 80's WITH KRISTY MARX! She knows this and she is a genius! She is needed! She will make you more money!

Related Topic: Yay! Everyone supports my Jem plea | Dream Casting: Jem | Dream Casting: Jem - Supporting Cast and Others

Dream Casting: Jem - Supporting Cast and Others

Well now that Jem fans are musing about a possible live-action movie and suggesting their dream cast, here is my 2 cents on the rest of the cast. Every good movie needs a supporting cast and Jem had a boat load of them. Clearly I am a die hard fan and most Jem fans are. Also you may notice with the last post, I pick obscure and virtually unknown actresses in the roles, in other words, people you wouldn't normally thought of for the role.

Synergy
How Jerrica actually transformed into Jem was through a super advanced computer that her father built, originally meant for using holograms to revolutionize the music and entertainment industry but it became so powerful that he feared it landing in the wrong hands so he left it in possession of his birth and foster daughters. Her personality was modeled after Jerrica and Kimber's singer mother who died when they were young.

Brenda Strong
As it can be imagined, it was hard to think about what actress can balanced a stoic computerize mentor that gave motherly advice and also be coy. Brenda is the go-to dead mother narrator, I can see her both being funny and good with advice. I don't know how she will look in purple, but she would be good as Jacqui Benton in flashbacks.

Anthony Julian
Shana's boyfriend and confidant and director for virtually everything involving the Holograms such as movies and music videos.

Lee Thompson Young
Best known for 'The Famous Jett Jackson,' I think he would be charming.

Lindsey Pierce
She is a VJ that had her own show. Now, could any old MTV VJ play her or someone with personality? I think Kathy Griffin would be hilarious as a mix of Lindsey and gossip queen Harriet Horn. Or to be totally vicious, maybe someone like Perez Hilton in drag. Too bad Divine is gone. Or...

Sandra Benhard
She could totally do the vicious gossip queen shtick.

Vivien 'Video' Montgomery
The videographer of Jem's friends, if they keep it in the 80's, the big lugging camera would make sense. I guess if it is set now, she can have one of those small DVs and just be a doing a web-exclusive material for them.

Clea Duvall
Best known for "Heroes" and "Carnivale" and was that inviso-girl in "Buffy."

Constance "Clash" Montgomery
Video's cousin. She was the wild and crazy fan of the Misfits, she made a ruckus with symbols on her wrists.

Taryn Manning
McCrazy, she has done Crossroads, Crazy/Beautiful, and Hustle & Flow.

Zipper
He wasn't a doll but had his name on his jacket for some reason. Eric Raymond (baddie) used him for dirty deeds to 'ruin' Jem. He was a shady character that was also used for comic relief. For some reason, in some episodes his hair turned black.

Andrew Walker
He can be like the muscle and the bad egg, eye candy to boot.

Techrat
When writers got bored with Zipper, a new character was introduced. Techrat, a tech expert who Eric Raymond employed to 'ruin' Jem. Show writer Christy Marx originally wanted Techrat to be a Boy George-like androgynous and ambiguous. Unfortunately, whoever was in charge wasn't comfortable with the idea and made him male.

J.D. Pardo
With a live-action version, I think can get away with an ambiguous character like Christy previously envisioned. It would be much more looser to do so with this character since he wasn't a Hasbro doll. J.D. Pardo has done gender bending before with a lifetime movie based on the brave individual Gwen. I think something in between who fit nicely.

Giselle "Danse" Dvorak
Guess what she did? Well, she had an awesome storyline in which she broke her leg and had to go through rehab. Cartoon characters going through rehab, awesome.

Ashley Tisdale
"High School Muscial"
Update 12/29/09: On second thought, Maybe not.

Carmen 'Raya' Alonso
As with the characters, I say what the hell and cast the extra characters too even though they were not in the beginning. Raya was the 'new' Hologram and naive to the show business and had a Latina accent. Personally growing up, I liked that she was Hispanic. It might sound silly but I kinda identified with her--okay she is like a sister.

Belinda
Mexican pop singer, born in Spain. The only English she has done was in "Cheetah Girls 2".

Jetta
She was the tough new girl in the Misfits. She played the saxophone. She took crap from nobody. According to Christy Marx, when she suggested the new Misfit be African-American, the people in charge were against the idea but that a British character would be fine. It's funny. My vision of a black Misfit would have a mohawk for some reason.

Amy Whinehouse
I think she can do the mean strong chick thing. Did I pick her solely because she's British? Come on, she does Jazz and Jetta was into Jazz.
Update 12/29/09: On second thought, Maybe not.

Related Topic: Dreamcasting Jem