Coverage
This page contains listings of articles and videos previewing and covering Super Mario Bros. from its development in 1992 to its release in 1993. We have also designated a series of "Featured Items"--which contain exceptionally thorough or useful information--with a Bob-Omb graphic.
= Featured Item
Video Coverage
Bad Influence (UK TV Series)
Original airdate: January 14, 1993
Notes: This rare clip from the UK's "Bad Influence" television show provides us an extremely early look at the Super Mario Bros. movie. This footage appears to be from the 1993 winter CES show which took place in January of 1993. This (I believe) was before the actual trailer was completed and therefore you see some really great never-seen-elsewhere clips, such as:--The first footage you see is of Mario arriving into the alternate dimension--and with what looks like some "in-progress" VFX work.
--Temp dialogue throughout the whole thing.
--Bertha's "Come and get it, big boy" is seen with her actually saying the line--and with different dialogue than in the finished film.
--Extended dialogue in the jail sequence; Luigi: "You told me to go after her..." Mario: "Yeah, for a date, not into another world."
Newspaper Coverage
The Argus-Press
June 20, 1993 by Frank Lovece
Notes: A wonderful article highlighting Bob Hoskins and his experience working on Super Mario Bros. There's some really good stuff in here regarding things like Hoskins' reaction to the Goombas and what he thought of filming a picture in the Southern US--his first time down there.
The Baltimore Sun
'Super Mario Brothers' will go from TV screen to the big screen at Christmas
August 16, 1992 by Michael Specter
Notes: A general overview of the upcoming film, though the second page features a wonderful quote from Beth Rubino, the set decorator, on the look they were going for with Dinohattan.
The Chicago Tribune
November 05, 1992 by Richard Stayton
Notes: An incredibly telling article published before the movie even came out. Includes comments from Bob Hoskins, John Leguizamo, and Dennis Hopper as well as producer Roland Joffe and others involved in the production on just about everything. Look for information on how Roland acquired the rights from Nintendo, which actors they sought out for the roles of Mario and Koopa, and funny stories about what went on on-set.
The Dispatch
Fincannon brothers fill boatload of films
June 23, 1992 by Sharon Overton
Notes: An article describing the Fincannon casting team--with a great little tidbit about Super Mario Bros.
Lakeland Ledger
Per Gessle of Sweden's Roxette...
June 6, 1993
Notes: This short blurb reveals that Per Gessle gives no credit to the Mario movie as inspiration for their song, "Almost Unreal."
Los Angeles Times
March 29, 1992 by Jerry Hicks and Sheila Kern
Notes: A notice for a casting call seeking an actress for the role of Daisy, including a quote from Mali Finn (the casting director) on what type of girl they're looking for. Hint: one with "spunkiness."
August 16, 1992 by Richard Stayton
Notes: An extended version of the above Chicago Tribune Article "Mario's Great Challenge" by the same writer. Features further stories and expanded quotes. A much better read, though certainly different enough that both warrant a read.
The News
December 8, 1990 by Marilyn Beck
Notes: While having additional confirmation of DeVito's initial involvement in the film is nice, that's not the best thing to come out of this article. It's the only known statement on record from Barry Morrow in regards to his draft on the film. Pretty interesting stuff.
Ocala Star-Banner
July 12, 1992 by Parade Magazine
Notes: A short article in Parade featuring John Leguizamo containing some of his initial reactions working on the film.
The Spokesman Review
May 28, 1993 by Dan Yakir
Notes: One of the very, very few interviews conducted with directors Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel right after Super Mario Bros. was released. Get a rare glimpse into their filmmaking process and reflections on creating the film.
Star-News
August 9, 1992 by Leigh Pressley
Notes: An interview with Dennis Hopper right after shooting wrapped on Super Mario Bros. There are some pretty good comments from him about the production you won't find elsewhere.
Magazine Coverage
Cinefantastique
Notes: This extensive feature in Cinefantasique is one of the most complete and revealing series of articles available from the time of the film's production. Everything from set design, to creatures, props, makeup, visual effects, and story development are covered. Definitely a great read if you want to understand the circumstances surrounding the film's production.
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Electronic Gaming Monthly - March 1993, Vol. 6, Issue 49, Pg. 6 - Contents
Electronic Gaming Monthly - March 1993, Vol. 6, Issue 49, Pg. 151 - Movies
Notes: The first scan is of the Contents page that mentions the actual blurb found on the second scan.
GamePro
GamePro - January 1993, Vol. 42, Pg. 229 - Mario Goes to the Movies
GamePro - June 1993, Vol. 47, Pg. 6 - Full-page advertisement
GamePro - August 1993, Vol. 49, Pg. 57 - Summer CES Snapshots!
Notes: Oh the CES Snapshots article, a Goomba is shown at the top-right corner, and appears to be holding a Yoshi figure.
Markee Magazine
Notes: An article written by Tyme (who worked on the film) that was published in Markee Magazine in June 1993 (though the page says published and copyrighted 1992). The article details the pre-production of the movie, specifically the conversion of the cement factory into a workable set. A PDF scan of the original article can be found at the bottom of the page.
N-Force
N-Force - August 1993 - Pgs. 12-14, 29 - Mario at the Movies
Notes: This article from UK magazine N-Force is your standard preview cover story with some info on the film and some screenshots. However, there's an interesting quote concering the game elements that ended up in the film--mentioning "King Bowser" in particular.
Nintendo Power
Nintendo Power - August 1993, Vol. 51, Pg. 111 - Pak Watch Update
Notes: Not necessarily a reference, but the film's logo is visible on display in one of the screen shots.
Nintendo Power - July 1998, Vol. 110, Pg. 80 - 10-Year Anniversary spread
Notes: The movie "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" has no question mark at the end, despite popular belief. This makes this a (sic).
Time Magazine
http://www.4colorrebellion.com/media/pics/jun/time_chart.jpg
Notes: Not sure of the exact specifics of this reference, other than it appeared in Time magazine.
