It’s the next generation of karaoke, and a first step for Oscar wannabes.
– For at-home thespian training–or, more likely, just a good chuckle–hook up the “Movie Karaoke Presents ‘American Pie’ ” CD-ROM to any computer microphone, then redub the original dialogue from classic scenes in the “American Pie” movies. The dialogue is cued up on your computer screen just as in regular karaoke. Or you can ad-lib your own script. It is recorded and edited and, as you watch the scene again, the actors speak your dialogue in your voice. The “Pie” product is $29.95 at www.movie-karaoke.com. (The makers are negotiating with movie studios for additional releases.)
– On the New York nightlife scene, Movieoke has become a draw at the Den of Cin in the East Village, according to the Worth Global Style Network, which tracks fashion and trends. Performers choose a movie to act along to from a selection at the video store upstairs–favorites are cult classics such as “Heathers” and “The Breakfast Club”–then perform, with the help of subtitles, before beer- and wine-primed critics. More details at www.twoboots.com/theden/.