Flying Clocks, Kewl Chops & Boob Rests?

What's this? Another cool sampling of documents from the Frobish papers... man, was Doc ahead of his time or what? Here's the latest Top 10 recent finds people are talking about:

10. Mr. Comfy Pillow

9. TV Glasses

8. Frobish's Flying Clock

7. Kewl Chops

6. Chillax Boob Rest

5. Morning Java

4. The First Water Noodles

3. Shoe-brellas

2. The Toilet Bowl

1. Frobish's Hearing Aids

Very Rare Lobsteroid's Comic book revealed!

Photo courtesy R. Peterson, Lower Level

New Gloucester, ME - Andrew Peterson is an 11 year old middle school student who uncovered a rare comic book while rummaging through some old collectables his family had stored away.  Andrew is the Grandson of "Lobsteroids" creator and writer Jim Peterson.  Rich Peterson, Andrew's father says "I don't really know were the graphic novel came from.  My son picked right up on it when he saw the cover.  I wasn't sure at first, but there it was. The original graphic novel by Lower Level Comics circa 1989."

The Peterson family had no comment regarding the rumors that have spread regarding the authenticity of the find - however, a spokesperson for the family confirmed that the original is on it's way to the experts for analysis.

Photo courtesy R. Peterson, Lower Level

"It don't matter," Robert A. - comic book collector from Westbrook, Maine. "A gem like this is sure to peak everyone's interests. A Lobsteroids comic book from 1989 or 2089 is worth it's weight in gold far as a I'm concerned."

Others agree. This blog reporter surveyed dozens of folks familiar with the story and everyone agrees that this rare Lobsteroids comic book is something to see.  Everyone is looking forward to the first edition reproductions from the Peterson's (hint, hint.)

Photo courtesy R. Peterson, Lower Level

Jim Peterson, his son's and grandson all share artistic talents - and it would not surprise anyone to learn that each or all had their hand in the creation (or re-creation) of the rare gem.  People who have seen the graphic novel say the art is wonderful and that they really appreciated the well written story.  For more information feel free to visit this blog daily for updates!

Photo courtesy R. Peterson, Lower Level

In related news: Animals all over the world seem to be celebrating the Lobsteroids find in Maine.  Oceanographers from all over the globe may visit Maine in the summer to meet the Peterson family - and tour the locations identified in the "Lobsteroids" graphic novel - inlcuding Lobster Central, the Power Plant, the Lab and other important sites.

A spokeswoman for one scientist reported that the finer hotel rooms in the area are sure to be booked ahead in Portland, ME this summer. She told us that many of her colleagues are anticipating having to secure accommodations in advance! This is further effected by the large number of cruise ships expected to port in Portland.  Officials couldn't be reached for any further comments. 

Whale watch tour guide's have been overheard commenting about how excited all the seals and whales seemed to be acting lately. Is this simply a coincidence? You will have to decide for yourself.

Deal in the works - talks continue

Word has it that people from John Lane Films, Lower Level (Jim Peterson) and Autumn Pictures are close to making a deal that would involve the re-release of "Lobsteroids" (1989) in a packaged set that could include several versions of the movie - including Jim Peterson's latest: "Lobsteroids, the Movie? Creator's Cut."

This is very good news for fans of the film who are anxiously waiting to see and hear what Jim Peterson and the Lower Level team has done - and for collectors who want to have a complete library of the 1989 film.

Autumn Pictures and Lower Level have committed to an aggressive marketing and promotional plan for Lobsteroids and look forward to moving forward on the project.

 http://lobsteroids.com
Stay updated on this blog!

How did they do it?

November 6, 2011

Portland, ME - The folks at Lower Level have outdone themselves this year by reproducing an authentic abstract piece of art in the form of "Lobsteroids, the Movie?" - an independent film originally shot in the late 80's and reconstituted over the last eleven months using 20 year old footage and the latest in digital video technology.

The result:
"Lobsteroids, the Movie?" - Creator's Cut.

The film was originally shot and edited in Portland, Maine by filmmaker Jim Peterson and a crew of creative talent in 1989. With the help of Steve Stern and Joe Brien, Jim took a story by Dave Wakefield and created the screenplay for the movie "Lobsteroids."

It's all about music and electrically stimulated lobsters who get doused with massive amounts of steroids and turn into giant, mutated Lobsteroids that are somehow attracted to (enraged by) music.

"Music, music - it's got to have something to do with the music!" - Dr. Walter Frobish

Lobsteroids is filled with local and regional bands that appear in the movie performing their music. The music is interwoven into the story - and creates a unique viewing and listening experience for the audience!

Why re-cut ?

The film was never really finished in the eyes of it's creator, writer and director Jim Peterson. When it was "released" in 1990 - the movie was an underground success, reportedly one of the most requested movie rentals from Videoport in Portland, Maine. "Lobsteroids" was shown at the Maine Festival on the last day as a main event - the large audience watched intently... and at the end stood and applauded to the delight of the entire production staff. However, Jim Peterson knew the film was still missing a few important pieces - and there were a few parts of the movie that needed further attention in post production.

About a decade or so later, one of the original producer's of the movie created a REDUX version on DVD, which is the form most people today would recognize it in... However, not to take anything away from the REDUX version - but it really lost its soul as an abstract piece of art and music. Almost all of the music was removed (they cut down the music videos to shorten the movie) and many of the scenes were re-organized. The biggest issue was that the film's creator Jim Peterson was not involved at all with the re-editing. As a result, none of his "fixes" were addressed and certain scenes were never added.

Present Day

Enter Jim Peterson, his son Rich Peterson and Adobe Creative Suite Professional.

At 19 and just out of High School, Rich worked for his Dad on the original production of Lobsteroids in 1989. Rich had gained valuable experience in film/video as a founding member of the Media Crew at South Portland High School. He shot, edited and recorded voice over’s and music for many local television productions and was introduced to non-linear editing when it first came out. Nearly two decades later Rich and Jim now work together in the television and film industry. They have collaborated on many projects over the last several years including a 13 part television series that is scheduled to be released nationally in 2012.

Having the creator of "Lobsteroids" back in the director's chair and a world of new video technology at their disposal, the team embarked on a wonderful journey back to 1989 - and to now. Rich Peterson acted as 2nd Unit Director and editor on this latest release. He undertook a mind boggling job that entailed digitally capturing footage from a variety of sources and re-creating the movie to it's original form (including all original music/music videos) - and making improvements to the movie as envisioned by Jim Peterson. Major work included storyline fixes, added/deleted scenes, and additional sound effects and completely re-mixed audio.

Okay, finally an answer to "How did they do it?"

Simple, take Jim Peterson's vision and 40 plus years of film-making knowledge, add Rich Peterson's 20 plus years of technical expertise and creative talent - mix with efforts from several key players including Joe Brien (sound recording expert, creative influence and member of the original production staff and associate producer in 1989) and others including Robert Arsenault (Photoshop, after effects, assistant editor), producers Dan Shea & Vincent Bruni and the support and patience of their families and business associates for eleven months - and of course the beloved computers (PC and Mac) and Chris and Walter at I/O computer... chill, stir, and serve - whalla!

It took just about a year from the day the crew started importing and cataloging footage to completing the process of rendering "Lobsteroids, the Movie?" Creator's Cut DVD, with music CD containing 20 songs and Special Features DVD. The importing and editing was done using Adobe Premiere Pro as part of Adobe Creative Suite Professional (CS3, CS4 and CS5.) Digital video (non-linear) editing has come a LONG way since 1989 - and is being used more and more by major production houses. Recently film-makers have used Adobe CS in major motion picture productions including Avatar, Dust to Glory, Superman Returns (for the video capture process), Captain Abu Raed, The Social Network and Monsters.

The folks at Lower Level have successfully saved a truly classic cult film from 1989 that was at risk of being misunderstood, lost and possibly forgotten forever... Phew. Rumor has it there is a VERY LIMITED EDITION in circulation for $30.

Lobsteroids, the Movie? - Creator's Cut, Collector's Edition 3 Disk set - DVD widescreen movie, DVD special features and 20 song CD with never before released tracks, including the Lobsteroids Theme Song and some new stuff (are you Paranoid?) A combo package, DVD's and CD (including singles) will be available after the re-premiere of the movie this winter at retailers and the web via iTunes, Amazon and others.

For more information visit LOBSTEROIDS online.

Scan QR Code

Above: Lobster Central (Lower Level world headquarters.)

Above: One of the editing suites

Above: Another shot of one of the editing suites

Live from Lobster Central

Tune in NOW

Lobsteroids will be live from Maine in about 26 minutes...

LIVE HERE ON USTREAM

Special Super Secret Preview

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQItRuf87wA

Trick or Treat?

Lower Level is pulling out all stops. Beginning at 10:31 PM and 11 seconds Lobster Central will begin broadcasting a very rare limited edition version of Lobsteroids, the Movie? on the web - and giving away treats to fans. Word has it there is some kind of free Halloween Trick or Treat "game" that users can play again and again to win fabulous things!



It's confirmed: Lobster Central will be giving away copies of a very Special Halloween Edition release that will be delivered on DVD, VHS and electronically via download. Fans of the film can win the Special Collector's Edition Combo Pack DVD/CD - with special features, music videos and never before released footage by keeping an eye on the web:

• Lobsteroids Official Site
• Facebook
• Ustream
• Blogspot

More halloween stuff:

http://digg.com/news/offbeat/best_halloween_costume_design_ever_pic

VHS Re-purpopsing Program

Wanna re-purpose and old VHS tape?

The folks at Lobster Central have introduced their own VHS recycling program! The company will release special edition copies of Lobsteroids, the Movie? on re-used VHS tapes in an effort to reduce, re-use and recycle!

Customers who do not have (or wish to have) a VHS videotape machine should not be afraid - anyone who purchases a previously loved VHS tape that has been re-purposed will receive an all access pass and ticket to the Rock Off 1989 Music Festival. Each ticket is unique - every one grants the bearer one free download of Lobsteroids, the Movie? that they can watch on a PC, iPod, tablet, Mac or even TV (special one time burn your own DVD!)

That's not all! The ticket also grants the bearer access to the entire Lobsteroids music library in MP3 format for their own personal use! Like 18 plus songs from the 80's and today. Rock, metal, country, pop, jazz, oldies, grunge - and more!

Wait, there's more! Random "golden tickets" will be distributed and winners will get a copy of the Special Edition, Creator's Cut DVD & CD Combo pack... others will win even bigger prizes including a Lobster Dinner for 2, Booze Cruise Tix, Merchandise - oh, and a FREE iPad?

So for those of you who bothered to read this far - ye shall be rewarded with the opportunity to get your hands on a super top-secret underground VHS release of Lobsteroids, the Movie?, electronic download, mp3's - and a chance to win one of many great additional prizes for a mere 30 bucks! How? Copies will be available on Halloween at Strange Maine and select outlets (like Bull Moose.) Details to follow!

So, what's not to love?

Seriously, check this out, from TreeHugger.com:

"VHS tapes and CDs are on the decline, indeed with the last major VHS supplier closing its doors, and both will soon be kaput.

For the majority of us, VHS tapes are something still hanging around the house just because we haven't bothered to (or needed to) replace the movie with a DVD version. But we all most likely haven't actually purchased a VHS in a very, very long time.

"It's dead, this is it, this is the last Christmas, without a doubt," Distribution Video Audio co-owner Ryan Kugler told the L.A. Times. "I was the last one buying VHS and the last one selling it, and I'm done. Anything left in the warehouse we'll just give away or throw away."

Well, hopefully not throw away. With luck, they'll recycle or reuse what they can. With luck..."

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/12/vhs-tapes-and-cds-take-final-bows-no-encore.php

No purchase necessary to enter the golden ticket drawing - submit a request to join Lobster Central at http://lobsteroids.com for a chance to win!

Warning! Warning!

The following is a transcription of the message sent from above believed to have been generated in the late 1980's from somewhere in outer space:

###.@.***:] || Watch WORP-TV3 for the latest breaking news and other useless information to numb you into submission as we suck your brain and soul for everything you've got - submit now you stupid humans! The only salvation is solving riddle #43. Watch Lobsteroids the Movie? 2011 Creator's Cut (REDUX) Coming Soon... or the worthless little marble you call a planet will cease to exist after 2012... (we need time to take the rest of your salt.) Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and please have a nice day. || [:***.@.### <3

This transmission was edited to fit the amount of characters allowed.

Hacked! Lobsteroids alternate ending revealed?

Holy hackness... looks like another version of "Lobsteroids the Movie?" redux, creator's cut has been uncovered that contains an alternate ending to the film. It is rumored that there is an "Easter egg" at the end of the clip... hmmm. Could this be a seed, sewn to be reaped or eggs laid to wreak havoc on mankind?

The clip will be published here, very very very soon!

Dunnies influence in a Rock and Roll World - the Joe Brien Interview, in his own words:

Joe Brien is a producer, musician, artist, and arguably the most influential person of the independent music scene today. He shares his thoughts on the incredible influence of Brian Shilling and the Dunnies (AKA Dunny's).

This is very rare footage acquired from an anonymous source. A snip it from the in-depth interview recorded recently at an undisclosed location somewhere in the South Pacific, during post production of Lobesteroids, the Movie? Redux. Creators Cut 2011.

BREAKING NEWS! Our sources have uncovered this exclusive report:

West Palm Beach, FL - A top secret film from 1961 was uncovered in a hidden closet at the Kennedy Compound in West Palm Beach Florida. The facts that will be revealed to prove the conspiracy of the Lobsteroids started when the "Frobish Electrical Muscle Stimulation" experiments on lobsters were secretly funded by the Kennedy family fortune. The first Kennedy-Frobish link was established when Joseph Kennedy Sr. took his son Jack to pre WWII Germany, and met a young Walter Frobish.

So, WORP TV-3 was rumored to have been taken off the air before they even broadcast a frame in 1989. Here's actual footage of a WORP TV3 News Trailer...

The Conspiracy about Lobsteroids.avi

New Trailer for the Movie?

It's a serious threat. Wait, there's a serious threat on the horizon.

They are called Lobsteroids, and they are on a rampage!

Footage collected from various sources (circa late 1980's) was recently unearthed by Lower Level Comics. Funny thing, Lobsteroids Creator Jim Peterson and his son Rich happen to own Lower Level. Hence the first ever release of the film "Lobsteroids" the way it was intended to be shown... Lobsteroids was filmed in Portland (and SoPo) Maine and will be released under the following title:

"Lobsteroids, the Movie?" - Creator's Cut - Special Edition
The film includes all of the original music videos, plus never before seen footage!



The release date is still a secret, but word has it that you will be able to order the limited edition collectors set VERY SOON!

Email frobish@lobsteroids.com FMI

22 Years Ago Today, August 1st

http://youtu.be/mZxViS4JPho

Production Update

Lobsteroids, the Movie?

Currently in post production at AMS/Lower Level, the final editing has been completed for the 2011 release of the movie in its original form - the way the creators intended it. Updated with new sound effects, more music, music videos, and more!

Lobsteroids creator, writer and director Jim Peterson says that he is, "excited to see the film in the form I originally intended. It is supposed to be campy, fun, full of music and enjoyable for everyone - including children."

Rich Peterson, Jim's son, has been hard at work. "This was an epic endeavor, we gathered all the original footage we could - from various old VHS copies and a few DVD's. We spent a lot of time importing, encoding and cataloging the scenes using the latest and greatest professional video editing software. Having been a part of the original filming in 1988 - 1999, I was just as pleased as my Dad with the end result! Cooky and fun, this movie should entertain the viewers like nothing before."

Exclusive: for readers of this blog - a link to the private video of the trailer (in production) is available: Lobsteroids Trailer on YouTube

The producers have announced plans for a really cool and engaging project titled "Lobsteroids, the Movie? Go ahead punk, make my trailer." This "contest" will encourage young editors to show off their skills by creating a trailer for the movie. Lower Level will be releasing a catalog of clips, sound effects and other media to the general public - contestants will be allowed to download the media and create their own trailer. There will be several catagories, and winning trailers will be released with the film on DVD!

Keep checking this blog for updates - and feel free to keep an eye on http://lobsteroids.com as the new site will be fully operational very soon!

A short scene from Lobsteroids

This was made for sound designer Mike McInnis on his birthday... a sneak preview of Lobster Central... WARNING: Watch at your own risk.

A song that didn't get in the movie... but it's in the archive

The Sense - Defcon 4

Free MP3 Download Coming this Week !!

Lower Level announced TODAY, Saturday, April 30th 2011 that they will be releasing a single in MP3 format from the Lobsteroids soundtrack for FREE! They wouldn't say which track will be released, but hinted that it may be something no one has heard before (outside the crew at Lower Level.)

If you haven't already, you may want to follow this blog for more insight into the Lobsteroids Project - a home grown feature filmed right here in Maine. Stay tuned. Feel free to visit Lobster Central on facebook or the official website http://lobsteroids.com


LC

Conspiracy, coincidence or collective Deja Vu?

Giant Claw Unearthed in Portland, Maine

Officials from government agencies all over the world have reportedly visited Portland, Maine recently to investigate the remains of giant, potentially mutated, steroid-ed lobsters that are somehow attracted to the frequency of music.

No one will talk, but they all seem to remember. Not even the mayor, chief of police or President of POI, the Portland Oceanographic Institute will confirm or deny the facts. No one seems to be able to answer some very simple questions:

Are Lobsteroids real? Are they lurking low in the deep dark waters of Casco Bay? Well, if the latest news about professional baseball players juicing it up during the 90's isn't enough evidence to convince you that the rampant use of steroids extends into our food chain via creatures sporting exoskeletons, then there's no way you'd believe a tail like this one!

In the late 1980's a scientist on Peak's Island in scenic Casco Bay (Maine) was working on stimulating the growth of lobsters using electricity. One night, a scornful villain broke into his lab and did a dreadful thing. He doused them lobsters with a massive amount of steroids.

While the song "Warning, warning" eerily emanated from lobster scientist Dr. Frobish's young, and very attractive daughter Phoebe's radio, a chain reaction ensued resulting in near catastrophe. The events lead to what has been described by esteemed local reporter Tom Ankerham as "a travesty wrapped in mystery inside an enigma!"

I will be posting more evidence of these so called "Lobsteroids" as I have happened upon quite a collection of interesting facts, video evidence and audio recordings that can only be described as awesome.

Visit often my fellow believers.

Eek! Enraged Lobsters eat rock musicians!

THE STORY: There is a serious threat on the horizon. Driven by electro-stimulation, steroids and music, wild mutated lobsters are on the rampage, growing and getting hungry. Dr. Walter Frobish, a scientist working out of his Casco Bay island laboratory discovers the secrets of increasing lobster size through electro-stimulation. With the help of his lovely daughter Phoebe, Dr. Frobish has found a way to "super size" the lobster specimens.

One foggy night, a scornful villain breaks into Dr. Frobish's lab and introduces the lobsters to a dangerously heavy dose of steroids. As the saboteur disappears into the foggy night, the steroids - combined with electro-stimulation & blaring music - mutate the lobsters into giant sized killing machines. These crazed crustaceans bust loose from Dr. Frosbish's lab into the deep, dark, murky waters of Casco Bay.

Famous oceanographer Denty More is called in to investigate after lobster-man Old Salt is attacked just outside bug light around 6 am. Denty joins forces with lobster scientist Dr. Frobish, Phoebe & government officials to find answers.

Meanwhile... revelers who are enjoying a beach party while listening to a live musical performance by The Brood are brutally attacked by giant lobsters on East Beach. A little dining hole on the waterfront gets a dose of what will come if these giant mutated lobsters aren't stopped, soon!

With everyone in a panic, and giant mutated steroid-ed lobsters on the prowl, the clock is running out for Denty to stop the madness.

A GIANT ROCK OFF music festival is planned at East Beach, where promoter Dawn Queen expects over 2 million people to attend. With the threat of Lobsteroids looming large, who knows what will happen.

What follows is an intensity driven finale that will leave you thinking...

The LOBSTEROIDS soundtrack is just as vital to the film as the giant lobsters that attack. Fifteen bands were brought in to create "lobster themed" songs for the films score.


The songs in the film in order of appearance: CAROL & THE CHARMERS- "Warning, Warning"; LETHAL CREED- "T.K.O."; SILENT PROPHET- "Into Danger"; THE BROOD- "Surfin' Eyeball"; STREAMLINER- "All About Lisa"; HIGH RYDER- "Once In A Lifetime"; THE WILD HEARTS- "Rock N' Roll Started With Eve"; MR. THING- "Summer Vacation"; LOST LATINOS- "Personal Grooming"; THE KOPTERZ- "3D"; PRIVATE TOYS- "Living Dangerously"; THE WHIGS- "We're Just Friends"; NEVADA BEACH- "Rough House"; BOOM SHANKA- "Dragster From Outer Space"; STEVE HOWELL & THE WOLVES- "Toy Guns"; THE GARGOYLES- "Claw Bite"; MR. THING- "Lobsteroids House Rock".

The Claw alone must have weighed SIXTY POUNDS!

Lobsteroids 2011 - Coming Soon!