Wesley Snipes returns to NY's mean streets in 'Brooklyn's Finest' Special

After a short, self-imposed exile, actor Wesley Snipes has returned to the screen to play the kind of character he swore off of after 'New Jack City.' He also recalls filming the “Bad” video with Michael Jackson and how Michael influenced his life.

In director Antione Fuqua's latest gritty and raw motion picture Brooklyn's Finest, moviegoers get the chance to experience the volatile and deadly world of one of New York's most dangerous precincts through the eyes of the men and women pledged to protect and serve. In this film, three conflicted New York City police officers are forever transformed by their involvement in a massive drug operation. Burned-out veteran Eddie Dugan (Richard Gere) is just one week away from his retirement. Narcotics officer Sal Procida (Ethan Hawke) has discovered there's no line he won't cross to provide a better life for his long-suffering wife and seven children. And Clarence "Tango" Butler (Don Cheadle) has been undercover so long his loyalties have started to shift from his fellow police officers to his prison buddy Caz, one of Brooklyn's most infamous drug dealers. With personal and work pressures bearing down on them, each man finds himself spiraling toward the same fatal crime scene and a shattering collision with destiny in this gripping crime drama. After a short absence from the big screen, Wesley Snipes is back making movies – playing the fictional Caz, one of Brooklyn's most infamous drug dealers – in the all-star cast that makes up the action/cop drama Brooklyn's Finest. On a cold New York City morning, this past February, Snipes sat down, one-on-one, with various members of the media to talk about his return to movie-making with Brooklyn's Finest. Sharply dressed in black jeans, a brown pullover, cotton shirt and brown leather hiking books and wearing a brown gangster fedora, a massive bling-bling ring and a stunning, authentic, carved African beaded necklace, the 47-year-old Snipes discussed his decision to portray Caz, after swearing off the drug-dealing type of character after portraying the iconic drug kingpin, Nino Brown, in 1991's New Jack City. In addition to talking about Caz and his personal feelings about law enforcement, Wesley talked about what he drew from his own childhood while growing up in the Bronx, how he's been dealing with his own legal problems and confessed if he planned to ever resurrect the heroic vampire, Blade, on film again. Finally, Snipes revealed his fond recollections of making the “Bad” video with Michael Jackson in the subways of NYC and why he considers the legendary MJ an angel sent to us from heaven.

Anchor Bay/Starz/Overture

Wesley Snipes and Don Cheadle in 'Brooklyn's Finest'

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Why did you want to be a part of Brooklyn's Finest? Not long after starring in New Jack City, you said that you really weren't that excited about playing a drug dealer again. What changed your mind? “When I heard about everyone who was in this cast, all my reservations about playing a drug dealer went out the window. I was back on the block.” (laughs) Did you identify at all with ex-con Caz's bad behavior? “Well, I've been through some stuff, so I can appreciate this character. But I don't know, I don't like perpetuating the stereotype of black males being drug dealers, and innately criminal. Like guys still come up to me and say, 'Yo Snipes, I'm the real Nino from New Jack City, that's me.' So he's like transcended into some kind of urban folk hero. It's like a badge of honor. I'm not with that. I didn't want to recreate that kind of a role again.” How do you see Caz as different from Nino? “He learned. Incarceration can change you. So he learned a lot. He had time to reflect on the error of his ways, and the futility of that path and how much death he was distributing to his own community. He realized ow he was a contributor to the demise of his own community, and the destruction of his own community. So he gets out and says, 'Look, if I don't change my life and if I don't walk a different path and put God more in my life, then it's a wrap.' That to me, is a redeeming quality in the character. And it's a redeeming character for me as an actor, having played Nino.” Since Brooklyn's Finest is a cop movie, and considering your own bad experiences with the law, do you feel differently about the police? “I some have cops in my own family. And I don't feel innate animosity towards the police. I understand the predicament they're in. You know, sometimes they go into it, just to pay the bills. Or sometimes they go into it, just to get the gun. (laughs) But no, it didn't change my perspective. It did educate me to the psychological challenges they face, and how that part of their lives is often overlooked, and less cultivated. I didn't know that more officers die as a result of suicide than in the line of duty. That's amazing to me. But that's the product of living in a war zone. Just like soldiers. War zone, straight up.” Since you grew up in the Bronx, did you bring some of your own street experience character to the film? “Sure, I drew on my experiences, because you can definitely say that I saw some stuff growing up – but it's not all bad stuff. I still draw on the close relationships and friendships I found on the streets. There's also this rhythm of the Bronx that's always in me. It's a very competitive environment there, and you're competing to survive. More than anything, that really helped me years later in Hollywood, where you need to survive the entertainment industry. So, I'm really great at dealing with rejection, because I learned that on the streets.”

Anchor Bay/Starz/Overture

Wesley Snipes in 'Brooklyn's Finest'

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Since you used to fight other vampires when you were portraying Blade, do you think it's more difficult going up against vampires or the street thugs that run the streets in Brooklyn's Finest? “Hmm, that's an interesting question. I guess I would have to say that the vampires are so much easier than the street guys – because the street guys are also vampires if you think about it. If you throw some garbage at the vampires in Blade, they just run. But, if you throw the same garbage at the street guys in Brooklyn's Finest, that's a small meal to these guys." (laughs) Not too long ago, you weren't all that crazy about the idea, but now that time has passed, do you think you'll end up doing another Blade sequel? Fans would certainly love to see you in another installment. “Do you know what one of the most important things that I've learned about this business? To never say never. It could happen, because they way that people are talking to me about Blade these days, I'm thinking about him and the concept in a whole new vein." Speaking of a bloody mess, the news has been reporting that you've had some really big problems with the government over your taxes. Luckily, your government case is on appeal at the moment, but how are you making it through what sounds like, some pretty difficult times? “As usual. I'm just pushing straight ahead. You know, I grew up in the Bronx where I constantly faced adversities. So, what's new? I think tough times in life are actually a blessing. I really do. It's a blessing that I even lived this long. I mean, thinking back, there was a time in the 1990s where brothers were dropping like flies. So how am I handling things? I'm just pushing on – and on.”

Anchor Bay/Starz/Overture

Wesley Snipes and Don Cheadle in 'Brooklyn's Finest'

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The African necklace you're wearing today looks incredible. Is it alright if I touch it? “Yes, but be careful of the talisman. Your hair might fall out by the end of the week.” (laughs) And today you are wearing quite a sleek outfit. How would you describe it?. “Chocolate on chocolate.” What are your memories of shooting the “Bad” video with Michael Jackson on the Brooklyn subway platform? What did you take from the experience? “The thing I took from it the most was watching Michael Jackson perform at performance levels, in his rehearsals. And I said, 'Wow, that's the consummate artist right there. That's the pentacle of where I would like to go and the kind of skills I would like to have as an artist.' So I took that from him. And that's what I've been trying to be consistent with in my work, as well.” So Michael Jackson really had a profound effect on you, didn't he? “Absolutely, Michael changed my life as an artist. He set the bar for me. This was a man who was extraordinary in every aspect of his life. From that point on, I knew that I had to try to be special like that.On a personal note, the man was an angel to me. Now there's a real angel named Michael. Of course, there aren't many angels named Wesley. If I ever find an angel named Wesley, I will lose my mind. (laughs) Seriously, Michael had quite an impact on people. You know, people wanted to move to America, because of Michael Jackson. The music industry changed because of Michael Jackson. That's a gift to us. I'm concerned, you know, that the Good Lord may not send another one. Because maybe we didn't take good care of him. That's just me.” Brooklyn's Finest Blu-ray + DVD Bonus Features: Audio commentary with director Antoine Fuqua; “Chaos And Conflict: The Life Of A New York Cop” and “Boyz N The Real Hood” featurettes, “An Eye For Detail” - director featurette and “From The MTA To The WGA” writer featurette; deleted scenes and “Three Cops And A Dealer” - character profiles. Columbia Film Noir Collection II It's time for fans of American Film Noir to rejoice again – loud and clear. For a second time, Sony Pictures and The Film Foundation have partnered together again to bring five films to DVD for the first time, fully restored and remastered, in Columbia Film Noir Classics II. In Volume 2, renowned directors Fritz Lang (Human Desire), Phil Karlson (The Brothers Rico) and Irving Lerner (City Of Fear)are joined by Jacques Tourneur (Nightfall) and Richard Quine (Pushover) in proving that lust, adultery, greed and revenge all add up to cold, calculated murder. Eeaturing such Hollywood legends as Anne Bancroft, Fred MacMurray, Kim Novak, Gloria Grahame and Glenn Ford, Film Noir Classics II takes you on a dark journey among lowlifes and mobsters, cops and gun molls, and the dimwitted, hapless pawns who forever changed the landscape of cinema, and whose doomed paths are as disturbing today as when they were first committed to film. (Only on DVD) “Martin Scorsese On The Brothers Rico,” “Pulp Paranoia With Christopher Nolan" and “Terror And Desire With Emily Mortimer” featurettes and the original theatrical trailers. Tom & Jerry Deluxe Anniversary Collection Since the invention of the moving picture, movie-goers have laughed their behinds off to the most hysterical, talented and laugh-dependable comedy duos put on film – both animated and living and breathing comedian twosomes. From the very human team of Jerry Lewis & Dean Martin and Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy to the cartoon pairing of Slyvester & Tweety and, of course, the most hilarious duo of them all – Tom & Jerry. Celebrate the most enduring team in animation history with a collection fans will want to chase and catch. Stars of their own theatrical shorts, movies and TV series, Tom and Jerry make the pursuit of pursuit eternal fun. The Tom & Jerry Deluxe Anniversary Collection, 2-Disc, 30-Short Collection, samples many of their best (including seven Academy Award-winners) over the years, put through their paces and evolving their look and personalities through the talents of great directors (William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, Chuck Jones and Maurice Noble). Whatever the medium, their encounters are always fast, frisky and delightful. (Only on DVD) Bonus Feature: "Much Ado About Tom & Jerry" - retrospective look at one of animations greatest teams -- from the earl days to award-winning glory. A Single Man Although he took home a Best Actor BAFTA Award (the British Oscar) for his performance as George Falconer in A Single Man, English actor Colin Firth also deserved the Academy Award for his incredible portrayal as a college professor struggling to find meaning in his life after the tragic death of his longtime partner, Jim (Matthew Goode). It would be easy to categorize A Single Man as an alternative love story, but that would oversimplifying this sensational, heartrending motion picture debut from internationally renowned fashion designer Tom Ford. Better put, A Single Man is a romantic tale of love interrupted, the isolation that is an inherent part of the human condition, and ultimately the importance of the seemingly smaller moments in life. Firth, after making his first film in 1984's critically-acclaimed English classic Another Country Firth has made dozens and dozens of films -- including a sensational leading man role in (the little seen,, but brilliantly stylized) Apartment Zero, a possible dad in Mamma Mia and two tries at Bridget Jones' heart in the Renee Zellweger hits. In A Single Man, he heads a stunning cast that includes Julianne Moore (Far From Heaven) Matthew Goode (Watchmen), Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love), Nicholas Hoult (Clash of the Titans) and Lee Pace (Pushing Daisies). Set in Los Angeles in 1962, at the height of the Cuban missile crisis, George dwells on the past and cannot see his future as we follow him through a single day, where a series of events and encounters, ultimately leads him to decide if there is a meaning to life after Jim. George is consoled by his closest friend Charley (Moore), a 48-year-old beauty who is wrestling with her own questions about the future. A young student of George's, Kenny (Hoult), who is coming to terms with his true nature, stalks George as he feels in him a kindred spirit. Featuring sumptuous art direction, stunning cinematography and ravishing costume design, A Single Man (written by Ford and David Scearce, based on the novel by Christopher Isherwood) is a heart-stopping piece of exquisitely crafted cinema that movie-lovers have rarely experienced before on Blu-ray and DVD. Blu-Ray + DVD Bonus Features: Commentary with co-writer/director Tom Ford and “Making Of” featurette. BLU-RAY ONLY: BD-LIVE! + movieIQ+sync - more live information and trivia information about the film's cast, crew, music and production. ER - The Complete Thirteenth Season Much like Law & Order, no matter how many times you may have seen an episode, you're always bound to discover something new and interesting about the characters on the late Michael Crichton-conceived ER or even a major, overlooked part of the storyline. In other words, ER (an incredible in-depth look into the lives of the doctors of a public hospital emergency room and the immense daily pressures they face) never seems to get old – the doctor drama is always hypnotically exciting, even in the thirteenth installment of the most Emmy-nominated show in television history. This season, Dr. Gates (John Stamos) returns to the ER, now as an intern, with a straightforward attitude and a complicated personal life. He is Dr. Gallants opposite: brash, cocksure, with a bad-boy past, and maybe the right prescription for Neelas (Parminder Nagra) broken heart. Further shaking up the ER, Weaver (Laura Innes) decides to leave County General for a career move you would'nt expect. And the profound dramas of the outside world continue to make their way to the ER, including a hostile patient whose real condition is a secret even to himself, homeless children who escape to a magic world of their own making, and a Christmas miracle. Then again, miracles happen every day at County General. (Only on DVD) Bonus Feature: Outpatient outtakes: Unaired Scenes. Bitten If you think you've seen just about cinematic take on the vampire legend imaginable, then you just haven't seen Bitten. It's unique and original, as it is bloody and strangely romantic (it's no Twilight Lite, that's for sure). Jason Mewes (Zack and Miri Make A Porno, Clerks II) plays a night-shift paramedic who gets a lot more than he bargained for during a routine rescue in the gruesome thriller Bitten. Jack is a good-hearted, hard-working EMT, so when he finds a young woman named Danika (Erika Cox) on death's door but refuses to go to the hospital, Jack decides to take her home to nurse her back to health. As her condition improves, Jack begins to fall in love with the mystery girl but something is not quite right -- and it's not just his fear of commitment. As secrets begin to unfold, Jack learns that Danika is a vampire who has more skeletons in her closet than he could have ever imagined -- and if he isn't careful, his could be next. A delicious SyFy Channel spine-chiller, Bitten is a horrifying love story that doesn't promise a happy ending. (Only on DVD) Bonus Feature: Additional scenes and sequences - featuring never-before-seen, too hot for television footage. Have Gun, Will Travel - Fourth Season: Volume 2 Richard Boone, the dark knight of the Old West, is back in Have Gun, Will Travel, once again portraying the suave gunfighter Paladin, in the last nineteen episodes from 1961's Season Four (contained in a collectible 3-disc set). Bringing Paladin into TV viewers' homes each week in the late-'50s thru the early '60s, turned Richard Boone into a household name. It was no easy feat, considering the airwaves during that era was packed with Westerns. But Boone played a gunslinger from the Old West that was unique and a completely unforgettable character. Ride along with Paladin, a man of refined taste and the gunfighter with the fastest draw, who always tries to settle things in a civilized manner. But when pushed into violence, he rises to the challenge. From his classy home at San Francisco's Carlton Hotel, the master gunfighter is willing to travel wherever the strong hand of zero is needed. Whether he's taking out a madman Marshal or saving a delusional Australian Duke from himself, Paladin always delivered in each exciting season of Have Gun, Will Travel (which also stars Lisa Lu, Hal Needham and Kam Tong). The Game: The Third Season It's never too late to join in on The Game – and you'll be glad you became a member of the team. Tia Mowry Hardriet, Wendy Raquel Robinson and Brittany Daniel co-star in this delightful and drama-filled look at the off-field lives they share with the famous men they love (Pooch Hall, Coby Bell and Hosea Chanchez). Being the wife or girlfriend of a pro-football player might sound like a glamorous and stress-free existence, but Melanie Barnett (Hardriet) is about to discover the truth. Melanie's boyfriend, Derwin, is the new third-string wide receiver for the San Diego Sabers. While Derwin worries about the plays on the field, Melanie learns about the power plays that NFL wives use to get their men the best agents, managers, endorsements, merchandising deals and even the "in" charity. As she deals with egos, groupies and image consultants, Melanie is finding out how The Game is played among the women behind the athletes. In the Third Season of The Game (a spin-off of the hit series Girlfriends), Melanie confesses to Derwin that she is still in love with him, Derwin tells Melanie that Janay is pregnant with his child, Janay gives birth to her and Derwin's baby – and the drama has just begun in The Game. Doctor Who: The Space Museum/The Chase - The William Hartnell Years 1963-1966 The Space Museum: The TARDIS lands on the planet Xeros, where a vast museum houses a collection of relics from the galactic conquests of the mighty Morok Empire. While they are exploring, the Doctor and his companion make a disturbing discovering: their future selves are preserved as exhibits. The Chase: When the Doctor and his companions discover that a group of time-traveling Daleks have orders to exterminate them, a dangerous chase across time and space follows.(Only on DVD) THE SPACE MUSEUM Bonus Features: Audio commentary by actors William Russell (Ian), Maureen O'Brien (Vicki) and writer Glyn Jones, moderated by Peter Purves; “Defending The Museum,” “My Grandfather, the Doctor” and “A Holiday for the Doctor” featurettes. THE CHASE Bonus Features: Audio commentary by actors Maureen O’Brien, William Russell, Peter Purvis (Steven) and director Richard Martin; “Cusik in Cardiff,” “The Thrill of The Chase,” “Last Stop White City,” “Daleks Conquer and Destroy,” and “Daleks Beyond The Screen” futurities “Showcraft - The Original Monster Makers” retrospective; “Follow That Dalek” amateur film’ “Give A Show Slides” - sixteen stories; photo gallery and production notes. Doctor Who - The Horns Of Nimon - The Tom Baker Years 1974-1981 When the TARDIS collides with a spaceship en route to the planet Skonnos, the Doctor, Romana and K-9 soon uncover the horrible truth about its cargo. The ship is carrying the young sacrifices for a powerful, horned creature called the Nimon. But why is the creature so desperate for the delivery, and what other dangers await the time travelers? All will be revealed at the center of the labyrinthine Power Complex on Skonnos. (Only on DVD) Bonus Features: Audio commentary by actors Lalla Ward (Romana), Janet Ellis (Teka) and Graham Cowden (Soldeeed) and writer Anthony Read; “Who Peter - Partners In Time,” “Read The Writer” and “Peter Howell Music Demos” futurities; photo gallery; Production Note Option,; Radio Times Listings and PDF Materials. Doctor Who - Underworld - The Tom Baker Years 1974-1981 At the very edge of the known universe, the TARDIS materializes on an aging spacecraft, the R1C. On board, the Doctor and Leela meet Jackson and his crew, who are doggedly pursuing their mission to recover the Minyan race banks from a ship that left their home planet centuries earlier. Closing in at last on the P7E, Jackson risks everything to follow the trail into the heart of a newly formed planet. Can the Doctor face gus greatest challenge yet and secure the future of the Minyans? (Only on DVD) Bonus Features: Audio commentary by actors Tom Baker (The Doctor) and Louise Jameson (Leela) and co-writer Bob Baker; “Into The Unknown” featurette; “Underworld - In The Studio” - video clips; photo gallery; Production Notes Option and PDF Materials; Radio Times Listings. Doctor Who - The Time Monster - The Jon Pertwee Years 1970-1974 The Master is back! Assuming the alias of Professor Thascales at the Newton Research Unit at Cambridge University, he harbors his latest deadly plot to seize control of time itself. Can the Doctor and Jo thwart his terrible plan? What secrets does the mysterious trident-shaped crystal hold? Why is the ancient city of Atlantis central to the Masters plan? And what mythical terror lies at the heart of the Maze? With time literally against them, the odds might just be too great for the time travelers. (Only on DVD) Bonus Features: Audio commentary by actors John Levene (Sergeant Benton) and Susan Penhaligun (Lakis), producer Barry Letts, production assistant Marlon McDougall, writers Graham Duff, Phil Ford, Joe Lidster and James Moran, moderated by Toby Hadke; “Between Now…and Now!” featurette; Restoration comparison; photo gallery; Production Notes Option; PDF Materials and Radio Times Listings. Squidbillies, Volume 3 Look out, boy! The 'billies be gettin' into more trouble than ever in Squidbillies Volume 3. Squidbillies follows the unconventional lives of a family of squids (the Cuylers) left behind when the pre-historic oceans receded from the North Georgian mountains. Loaded with laughs and maddening hijinx, it's no wonder that over 7.million adult humans are tuning-in to the Cartoon Newtork each week to get a load of Squidbillies. The Cuyler clan are still up to their animated shenanigans – drinkin', destructin' and just being reckless – in this latest installment. Look out for Rusty gettin' into the steroids and fussin' with the oldest living confederate widow. Watch Early fleece money off his family, and experience the toxic effects of getting caught up in a liberal news media human interest typhoon. (Only on DVD) Bonus Features: Art Sequence: "Art & Music”; Hat Sequence: "This Ain't a Hat, It's a Ragtop for a Sex Convertible”; "Funny Pete Stuff" promos and Squidbillies video from Dragon *Con 2009 Return To Lonesome Dove Jon Voight (Deliverance), Barbara Hershey (Beaches), Reese Witherspoon (Walk The Line), Rick Schroder (NYPD Blue), and Louis Gossett, Jr. (An Officer And A Gentleman) take viewers on an unforgettable and long overdue journey to revisit the story that captured both the spirit of the Old West and the hearts of America. Return to Lonsome Dove is the continuing saga from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Larry McMurtry (which includes the recent DVD releases of Streets Of Laredo and Dead Man's Walk). In the latest Old Western tale of the Lonesome Dove saga, Return To Lonesome Dove is a gripping adventure that follows three ex-Texas Rangers (Voight, Schroder and Gossett) through riotous battles, deadly gunfights, soaring triumphs and shattered dreams. Return To Lonesome Dove is a must-have for every fan of the Lonesome Dove saga – your prized Old West and/or Larry McMurtry collection would be sorely incomplete without the dynamic and adventure-filled DVD. Six Gun Saddle up for another Austin Film Festival favorite, Six Gun, where the film – classic western meets nonstop action – sold out two shows at the film festival in 2008. And many of those same viewers compared Six Gun – which stars Tommy Hill, William Wise, Sue Rock, Michael Hankin and Robert Graham – to the epic Golden Globe Award-winning TV series Lonesome Dove. Tommy (Hill) is a retired bounty-hunter-turned-rancher who is grieving over the loss of his wife. Having turned to the bottle to cope and on the verge of losing his home, he takes the opportunity to relive his glory days after three cowboys turn up dead in the Old West town. Tommy joins forces with a ruthless partner in pursuit of the bandit, and they will stop at nothing to collect a ransom. The duo takes the law into their own hands to avenge the cowboys’ untimely deaths with hopes of riding off into the sunset satisfied. (Only on DVD) Bonus Features: “Making of Six Gun” featurette and deleted scenes. Bakugan: Chapter 2 The battle for the control of the universe rages on in this latest DVD collection of one of the hottest and most successful animated series on the Cartoon Channel. In Chapter 2, viewers are taken on a dangerous quest with the intrepid Brawlers. Bakugan fans can watch the climactic showdown between Naga against Drago in the 2-disc box set featuring the final 13 episodes from the series' action-packed Season One. In this latest installment, evil has spread through the universe at an alarming rate as Naga and his band of Bakugan wreak havoc on the human world. In responding to this threat, Dan and his friends set out to find Naga and retrieve the Silent Core from his vile henchmen. Find out what happens when the final battle is set and Naga squares off against Drago in pursuit of the Infinity Core and the complete power over the universe. Join in on the fight with the Bakugan Battle Brawlers, you and your kids (guys, 6-17 years old) will all enjoy yourselves.