Can’t Stop The Serenity has  learned that Universal is no longer sending out prints of Serenity to US venues. Universal has been extremely generous to CSTS in keeping 35mm prints of Serenity around for as long as they have, but we knew it couldn’t be forever.

With the rise in digital formats and the cost of maintaining 35mm projection equipment, many venues have been making the switch to the new DCP (Digital Cinema Package). As a result, our beloved 35mm prints have been retired. Some may say that the prints have been showing their age recently, but it’s still very sad to see them go.

Here’s an interesting tidbit for you… did you know that Serenity was actually the very first digitally presented feature film? Although it was never shown that way in theaters at the time of its release (due to only a limited number of venues having the capability to screen DCP), Serenity was on the cutting edge of this new technology.

And now CSTS attendees have the chance to see the film as it was first shown to only a few select insiders – in glorious DCP.

Fortunately, CSTS had anticipated this change and the majority of events used digital copies last year so only a limited number of events are impacted by this. Many have reported that the switch from 35mm to DVD, Blu-ray or DCP was very successful, so we look forward to a great year of fantastic events despite this news.

Note: This news relates to prints in the United States. Some countries may find them still available but no doubt not for long.

If you want to win some awesome prizes, we’ll soon be launching our Global Auction for Equality Now. There are some fantastic goodies up for grabs, and you won’t want to miss your chance. We’ll have more news on this soon, so keep your eyes peeled on www.cantstoptheserenity.com, and on our Twitter and Facebook.

Have you heard about our Art Contest? We’re reaching out to all the creative folks out there to design a logo for next year’s events. Our Art Contest has been running since 2009 and has discovered some amazing artists. This year’s contest will run until 14 October, so if you’ve got the creative spirit, get your entries in soon! The winning design will be featured on our website, merchandise and more!

Now, we promised you Jossy goodness and here it is! In case you missed this last week, we’ve released this year’s awesome event introduction video! If you were able to make it to a Can’t Stop the Serenity event this year, you may have had the opportunity to see this year’s video. But if you missed out, not to fret! You can watch it now on our YouTube Channel. This year’s intro was packed to the brim with big damn heroes. We’re extremely honoured to have received a very special contribution from Joss, who has inspired us once more to continue to fight the good fight for equality. Other special guests include artist Jason Palmer, writer Jane Espensen, actors Tahmoh Penikett, Claire Kramer, Eliza Dusku, Dichen Lachman, Summer Glau and a host of Browncoats from across the globe! Watch it now!. You can get your hands on the Joss Whedon designed Equality Now shirt (as worn by Joss in the video) for just $20 from the Equality Now Online Store.

FInally, we’d like to thank all of the wonderful people who have volunteered to coordinate Can’t Stop the Serenity at a global level in 2012. Our fabulous local event organisers are pouring over the applications as we speak, so that we can bring you the best team possible in 2012.

And don’t forget, registration for 2012 events is open, so why not grab some friends and start planning a Can’t Stop the Serenity event in your area?

This year’s intro was packed to the brim with big damn heroes. We’re extremely honoured to have received a very special contribution from Joss, who has inspired us once more to continue to fight the good fight for equality. Other special guests include artist Jason Palmer, writer Jane Espensen, actors Tahmoh Penikett, Claire Kramer, Eliza Dusku, Dichen Lachman, Summer Glau and a host of Browncoats from across the globe!

The global team would like to offer our special thanks to all those who contributed to the video, and to Liam Merrick for pulling it all together.

Check out our YouTube Channel for more videos, including past Global Intros from 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Registration is open now, so you’ve got plenty of time to start planning a Can’t Stop the Serenity event for 2012. All the information you need to get you started can be found in the Events section on the menu above.

Most CSTS events are known as “Screening Events” where Joss Whedon’s “Serenity” is shown on the big screen in conjunction with auctions, raffles, contests, merchandise sales and other multimedia (pending licensing arrangements). If you’re unable to organize a Screening Event (due to funds, location or proximity to other Browncoats), an Affiliate event may be the answer. This can be any kind of event, such as a BBQ, dance party, or trivia night. The choice is yours!

Once you’ve decided, you can begin planning at once. Take advantage of Event Resources to help you and your team with the planning process.

Next, you need to tell the Global Team about your plans so that you can become an official event. This year, there is a two step registration process – Pre-Registration and Registration.

Being an official CSTS Event means that you become part of the wonderful CSTS community which comes with some amazing perks. We’ll help you raise money for Equality Now by providing access to official CSTS merchandise and items from our wonderful sponsors to use as auction/raffle/contest prizes, assist you with promotion, give you access to our forums to talk with other organizers who have come before and continue to triumph and your event’s charitable donation will be added to the 2012 Global Donation Total. Plus you’ll get the support of other shiny people who are traveling this journey with you! In other words, you get a lot.

But most importantly, you’ll be helping raise awareness and money for Equality Now so that they can continue their work to end violence and discrimination against women and girls around the world. 2012 marks Equality Now’s 20th year, and we hope that you will all join with us as we help celebrate Equality Now’s achievements and continue to push for change.

“There are two ways to fight a battle like ours. One is to whisper in the ear of the masses, try subtlely and gradually to change the gender expectations and mythic structures of our culture. That’s me. The other is to step up and confront the thousands of atrocities that are taking place around the world on an immediate, one-by-one basis. That’s a great deal harder, and that’s Equality Now. It’s not about politics; it’s about basic human decency” – Joss Whedon

Thanks for a fantastic year! But it’s not over yet… we’ve got a few more things in store for you over October, so check back often!!

On behalf of the Can’t Stop the Serenity Global Steering Committee, Global Team and countless volunteers all over the world, we’d like to congratulate the Beeston Browncoats on a fabulous wedding shindig – what a way to celebrate!

Also, there will be an event in Syracuse, NY at the Storch Theatre at the Syracuse Stage, 820 East Genesee. The event starts at 6pm.