Availability:
Direct TV - channels 258 & 1258 (VOD)
Dish Network - channel 133
Verizon FiOS - channel 232
Time Warner Cable - channel 208
Comcast and other systems - check local listings
(*note* in most Comcast markets not available with basic cable but as part of their Digital Sports Package)
Launched October 1994 as “fxM: Movies From Fox” (officially
becoming the “Fox Movie Channel” in March, 2000) the network is in some
respects Fox’s version of Turner Classic Movies with a contemporary
slant. Broadcasting 24hrs., it runs it’s films - the best widescreen
prints when available - unedited and without commercial interruption.
To date it has yet to make the jump to HD and still broadcasts in 4801
SDTV.
The network's films are primarily from the Fox catalog - produced in
whole or in part and/or distributed by the studio. This is one of the
channel's greatest attributes for buffs and students as many
older films were originally released with no royalty, copyright or
other agreements in place concerning their future on yet-to-be-created
formats other than broadcast television. As such Fox cannot distribute
them on home video but can air them exclusively. Four such never-released-on-video gems which air regularly on the Fox Movie Channel include:
* THE CHAIRMAN (1969)
Espionage thriller (with sci fi overtones) directed by THE GUNS OF
NAVARONE’s J. Lee Thompson stars Gregory Peck as an American scientist
traveling to China on a peace mission, unaware the communications device
in his skull packs an explosive which can be detonated in the presence
of Chinese Communist Party Chairman Mao.
* THE NICKEL RIDE (1975)
Dark, brooding utterly fascinating examination of the American
“dream” directed by Robert Mulligan (TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD). Oscar
nominated / Pulitzer prize winning actor / writer Jason Miller stars as
an aging mob warehouse overseer who refuses to give up his position
when the bosses want to replace him with a younger protégé’.
* SKYRIDERS (1976)
High flying action-adventure with James Coburn as a mercenary who
joins with an acrobatic hang-glider troupe to rescue his estranged wife
and children from terrorists holding them hostage in a mountain-top
European prison.
* ORDEAL (1973)
TV movie remake of the classic 1953 suspenser INFERNO outdoes the
original. Arthur Hill (THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN) is crippled by his
scheming wife and her paramour then left to die in the middle of a
brutal desert. Using his wits and crudely fashioned tools he fights his
way back to civilization.
THE NETWORK ALSO RUNS A SERIES OF REGULAR PROGRAMS DEDICATED TO THE CRAFT OF FILM MAKING:
* FOX LEGACY
Before and after selected Fox films studio Chairman Tom Roth
discusses the creation, back stories and end result of the movie's trip
from concept to screen. Viewed from the perspective of the production
office, some of these insightful “intros” run up to a half hour.
Highlights include a recounting of the tumultuous production of 1963’s
CLEOPATRA and a two-part sit down discussion with former studio head
Richard Zanuck on BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID.
* LIFE AFTER FILM SCHOOL:
Designed to coincide with an upcoming theatrical release this
refreshingly candid show features three different film school students
each episode interviewing a writer, director, producer, animator, etc.
on the real world obstacles and triumphs of life in the industry.
* WRITER’S DRAFT:
Mini docs (running approx. 10 mins.) features screenwriters
discussing the ins, outs, conflicts and deadlines (oh yeah, and
creativity too) involved in writing craft.