Cine-a-tech

Cinebriated

2011-04-01T19:41:00.001-07:00

Hey one and all ... and you too!

The long Cine-a-tech hiatus is over! You may now start the celebratory festivities.

Me and a few of my like-minded friends decided to start our own website:

Kind of clever isn't it? Well, we thought so.

Cinebriated.com will have all of the Cine-a-tech goodness plus so much more! Film reviews, commentary, knowledgeable insight and even some entertaining inebriated ramblings plus all of the general gadgetry and tech news you have come to expect here!

Please feel free to head on over and peruse Cinebriated and leave some comments (we live to read them, seriously!), it is still an infant and who knows what it could grow into but we are having fun doing what we love.

Here's hoping some of that rubs off on you.

Your's in Cinebriation,

Jake

Just mostly dead ...

2011-01-13T21:44:00.001-08:00

Hey dudes and dudettes!

There is something lurking over the horizon ... I am not saying Cine-a-Tech is back, but it may be resurfacing as something new in the near future.

You see, me and my pal Ed (Check out his slick blog The Talking Ed if you are so inclined) and another associate are planning something. "What?" You may ask ... frankly we don't really know yet either.

But whatever it is it will be going down soon, of that I am sure. I'll be sure to keep everyone of you posted as something more solid comes to fruition. Expect something soon!

As per usual when it comes to movies, watch responsibly. Don't Uwe Boll and drive!

The Blog is dead, long live the site!

2010-10-04T16:20:00.001-07:00

I am sorry.

That is all can really be said about my absence on the Blog-o-sphere. I really loved the Frankenstein-ian experience of creating something but I am sad to say that for the foreseeable future this blog is on hiatus.

Do not feel said though, friend, because my writing on all kinds of movie techno-gadgetry lives on over at JoBlo.com. For several months now I have been getting paid to do what I gladly did here on Cine-a-tech for free (total sell-out, I know!) , but as school starts back up and a myriad of obligations take up my precious little free time some things had to be neglected.

So as of now Cine-a-tech will go dormant, but I would like to thank all of you who read, followed and the few that commented on my humble blog. It was a valuable learning experience that re-affirmed my love for movies and landed me a part-time gig. If you can find it in your heart to forgive me feel free to stop by The Digital Dorm section of JoBlo.com where I post at least a couple of news articles every weekday as well as handle some feature columns.

Thank you all again., maybe someday in the future Cine-a-tech will rise again.

Until then just keep enjoying the films that make you happy and maybe discover some new ones on the way. Happy travels, it is time for me to hit that dusty old trail ...

Yours in cinephilia,

Jake Riley

Deal: Battlestar Galactica 56% Off!

2010-08-03T22:25:00.000-07:00

Source: Amazon.com

Frak yeah!

For those of you waiting to pick up the SciFi Channel's bold re-imagining of the 1970's TV series Battlestar Galactica on Blu-ray now me be the time to open up your wallets.

Amazon.com is running an amazing deal on Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series through August 7th. For $133 (Over half off!) you will get the BSG 3-hour mini-series, all 4 seasons of the show (75 episodes full of frying toasters!) plus Battlestar Galactica: The Plan which recaps the story from the Cylon's point of view.

This is the cheapest Battlestar Galactica has ever been, and it is definitely worth checking out the political/SciFi thriller. I loved this series (can you tell?) and man I am seriously considering picking this bad boy up!

"So say we all!"

Get Him to the Greek in September

2010-08-03T22:17:00.000-07:00

Source: HighDef Disc News

The hilarious follow-up to 2008's Forgetting Sarah Marshall is rocking its way into your living rooms September 28th.

Let me set the scene for those of you who didn't catch one of the funniest movies of the year, or just think you are a rock star and due to your binge drinking/drug habit your memory isn't what it used to be ...

Get Him to the Greek revolves around the life and times of Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) a burnt out dying breed of rock star, but his biggest fan who is also an aspiring music producer (Jonah Hill) makes it his mission to get Snow back to The Greek Theatre in L.A. from London in under 3 days for possibly the greatest anniversary show to happen to Rock'n'Roll ... ever.

If they make it there that is.

Get Him to the Greek has three ways to rock: 1-Disc DVD, 2-Disc Collector's Edition DVD and 2-Disc Blu-ray release. The extras you get depend on which option you go with and the 1-Disc DVD seems to be just a bare bones release with no extras, but the collector's edition DVD and Blu-ray are jam-packed with goodness!

Extras for 2-Disc DVD and Blu-ray Include:

Gag Reel
Line-O-Rama
Blind Medicine: A promo for Sarah Marshall’s new TV series
Feature Commentary with director Nicholas Stoller, cast members Jonah Hill, Russell Brand, Rose Byrne, Elisabeth Moss and producer Rodney Rothman
Getting To Get Him to The Greek Documentary
Getting In Tune With The Greek Documentary
The Making Of “African Child” Documentary
Five Complete Music Videos featuring Aldous Snow, Infant Sorrow and Jackie Q
Musical Performances from Infant Sorrow’s triumphant 1999 Greek Theater Concert and 2009 Comeback Concert, plus a peek at their infamous World Tour and the 2002 London Concert.
Deleted, Extended and Alternate Scenes including an Alternate Intro and Ending
Digital Copy

Blu-ray Exclusive Extras:

More Additional and Extended Scenes
Musical performances from The Today Show and VH-1 Storytellers
Karaoke - Sing along to 15 Outrageous Songs
The Actual Auditions that landed Rose Byrne, Elisabeth Moss, Nick Kroll, Aziz Ansari and T.J. Miller their roles
Instant access to stream a bonus movie by choosing one of three hilarious comedies: Uncle Buck, Dazed and Confused or Life

The Rocky Horror Picture Show 35th Anniversary

2010-08-03T22:11:00.000-07:00

Source: HighDef Disc News

"I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey."

Fox Studios may be celebrating its 75th year in the movie biz, but it just so happens on of their films is also celebrating an anniversary!

The Rocky Horror Picture Show turns 35 years old, and to celebrate this comedy/rock opera cult classic Fox is releasing a fully restored Blu-ray overflowing with bonus materials.

And the kicker? The Rocky Horror hits shelves October 19th, just in time for your Halloween party! So dig that old Dr. Fank-N-Furter costume and the lady friends make-up!

I refuse to apologize for the following pic ... it is obligatory:

Rocky Horror Extras Include:

The Midnight Experience: The Late Night, Double Feature, Picture-in-Picture Show, Vintage Callback Track (Unrated), Prop Box, All New Trivia Track
Audio Commentary by Richard O'Brien and Patricia Quinn
Rocky-oke: Like the song? Now sing It!
Don't Dream It, Be It: The Search for the 35th Anniversary Shadowcast, Part I
An-tic-i-pation: The Search for the 35th Anniversary Shadowcast, Part II
Mick Rock (A Photographer)
Mick Rock's Picture Show Gallery
Pressbook and Poster Gallery
Deleted Musical Scenes and Outtakes
Alternate Credit Ending and Misprint Ending
Rocky Horror Double Feature Video Show Beacon Theater, New York City
"Time Warp" Music Video

Fine I do apologize if I offended your eyesight with a transsexual Tim Curry.

WTFriday?! - People of Wal*Mart iPhone App

2010-07-30T20:39:00.000-07:00

Source: Gizmodo

For those of you that are not familiar with the site P eopleofwalmart.com, I envy you. You probably still believe in the goodness of humanity.

For those of you that just love to check out photos of the patrons of America's favorite mega-store in all of their zany/disgusting/offensive/gravity defying glory you may appreciate this new iPhone application.

Not only will you be able to peruse the most recent Wal*Mart sightings, as well as their extensive archives, there is a built in feature that will allow you to take a picture and have it automatically uploaded to the site itself. Some things just have to be shared, and some things that should have never seen the light of day are going to be shared anyway, so do you part!

For you viewing displeasure I present you with some of the tamer pics from Peopleofwalmart.com. They all involve hair-do(n'ts)s:

GRANDMA?!

Metroid: Other M to have movie ... sort of ...

2010-07-30T20:31:00.000-07:00

Source: Kotaku

Their is a lot to be said for cinematic game play, but what if after you beat a game you can re-visit your glory as an actual movie?

Would you do it?

Metroid: Other M will give that chance! Coming out exclusively for the Wii in August this newest Samus adventure will have a "Theater Mode" in which, upon completing the story you can sit back, crack a cold one and watch a Metroid movie.

Nintendo designer and Other M creator Yoshio Sakamoto revealed how this novel idea would play out in an interview with 1up.com. According to him the goal for Theater Mode will be to weave cut-scenes and saved game play video together to tell an epic Samus story. The movie itself will be about two hours long and while game play footage would be included it is pre-recorded, which means you aren't actually watching a video of your self playing, which almost defeats the purpose for me but I can see how that would take a lot of processing power to accomplish ... which is unfortunately not a Wii strong point.

I really do, however, like the precedent that Metroid: Other M sets. I would love to see Theater Mode in some of my favorite games (*cough*Like the Uncharted series*cough*) and I can really see this working out well in the long run.

What do you guys think about Theater Mode in video games? Is it something you dig, or would you just be ready to move onto the next game?

The Last of the Mohicans Blu in October

2010-07-30T00:02:00.000-07:00

Source: HighDef Disc News

The 75th year of Fox Studios keeps pumping out amazing movies from their catalog for Blu-ray releases. This time Michael Mann's 1992 Oscar winning historical epic The Last of the Mohicans.

Starring Daniel Day Lewis as Hawkeye, one of three trappers that take it upon themselves to escort two daughters of a British Officer to a frontier fort after an ambush completely destroys their Redcoat escort, Mohicans drops you right in Colonial America during the tumultuous 1750's French and Indian War. In short; scalps are taken, tea is drank and cannons will go *BOOM*!

The word "epic" gets thrown around a lot like the word "literally". That said I literally can't describe how epic this movie really is, and I think a fair amount of that epicness is due to the amazing score by Trevor Jones.

And it sure as hell doesn't hurt that this Blu-ray release, due out October 5th, has been dubbed The Last of the Mohicans: The Director's Definitive Cut, so I would expect some goodies in store! But no details on bonus features info has been released yet, but when we know so will you!

Halo:Reach Combat Trailer

2010-07-29T23:51:00.000-07:00

Source: Kotaku

Just a few hours ago a new trailer for the final Bungie Studios created Halo game got a new single-player campaign trailer.

Here is that trailer:

I have to say, while it is short and sweet, it looks pretty damn awesome. I completely forgot that you were going to be able to have starfighter battles! There is just so much going on in that 1-Minute trailer that it will take me a while to process it.

And just because I am a swell guy here are some screens for Halo: Reach:

For all of you who have loyally remained Space Marines, get ready to get some Halo dust on your G.I. space combat boots September 14th!

Robin Hood (2010) in September

2010-07-29T01:11:00.000-07:00

Source: HighDef Disc News

Ridley Scott's interpretation of the Robin Hood folklore hits DVD and Blu-ray shelves on September 21st. The film stars Russel Crowe as the titular archer from the hood, Cate Blanchet as Maid Marion and Mark Strong (Sherlock Holmes) as the corrupt sheriff of Nottingham.

Robin Hood will be released as a "flipper-disc" Blu-ray, which means one side will be a DVD while the other a Blu-ray format, as well as a 2-Disc DVD release. Both the theatrical version of the movie as well as 15-Minute longer unrated director's cut will be included. There are a slew of bonus materials, some of which will be exclusive to the Blu-ray release.

Robin Hood Extras Include:

Deleted Scenes with introductions and commentary by Director Ridley Scott and Editor Pietro Scalia
Rise and Rise Again: The making of Ridley Scott's Robin Hood
Ballad, Legend & Myth: An intimate look at the preparation of the filmmakers and actors tackled the challenge of breathing new life into the longest surviving character in the English language.
The More The Merrier: The filming of Robin Hood.
No Quarter Given: A post-production featurette showing how Ridley Scott and editor Pietro Scalia work with the post-production team.
Digital Copy of Unrated Director's Cut

Blu-ray Exclusive Extras Include:

Director's Notebook: A seamless multimedia experience focusing on the director’s vision gives viewers a peek inside Ridley Scott’s unique filmmaking process. Incorporating behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with Scott and his trusted inner circle of collaborators, this feature launches at critical moments throughout the film to illuminate the task of mounting a vast production like Robin Hood.
The Art of Nottingham: A special look at the portfolio of designs generated for the film. Including galleries of concept art, costume designs, storyboards and other imagery are featured.

Space:1999 S1 Blu in November

2010-07-27T23:37:00.000-07:00

Source: Blu-ray.com

Oh the 1970's when the future looked so bright ...

Oh wait, in the first episode of Space:1999 a space garbage nuke goes off sending the Moon spiraling out of orbit along with the hundred of people stationed on Moonbase Alpha. And there only hope for survival is to find a new home while being trapped on a one way Moon ticket out Milky Wayville?

Crap dude ...

Well the almost 40 year old BBC SciFi series Space:1999 is getting all of the advantages of Blu-ray for its first season. On November 2nd you will have the opportunity to join Martin Landau and the "Alphans" on their cosmic journey, fully restored from the original 35mm film and remastered for the highest quality possible of course.

No details on extras are available yet, but stay tuned!

The Amityville Horror ('05) Blu in September

2010-07-27T23:31:00.000-07:00

Source: HighDef Disc News

The Michael "Awesome!" Bay produced 2005 remake of The Amityville Horror is getting the combo Blu-ray/DVD treatment September 14th.

The horror ("Based on a true story") begins when a family moves into an old house that was the location of some heinous murders, and before long some evil force begins terrorizing them out of their wits. Classic.

The Amityville Horror has a pretty solid cast with the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Rachel Nichols (G.I. Joe) and Mellissa George (30 Days of Night) that are constantly scared beejeebusless by various ghosts, ghouls and poltergeists.

No word on special features as of yet but we won't let them sneak up on you! Stay tuned!

Family Guy: It's A Trap! in December

2010-07-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Source: HighDef Disc News

You can't repel comedy of this magnitude!

When Family Guy: Blue Harvest successfully parodied Star Wars: A New Hope back in 2007 we wanted more. Then the farce was with them yet again when Family Guy: Something, Something, Something Dark Side took on The Empire Strikes Back and we knew it was only a matter of time before the trilogy would be complete.

We now have that time: December 21st will see the DVD and Blu-ray release of Family Guy: It's A Trap!

It's A Trap will of course parody Return of the Jedi, and I am sure it will not disappoint. No special features have been announced as of yet. But to hold you over until December here is a table read from Family Guy: It's A Trap!

Apocalypse Now Blu in October

2010-07-26T19:03:00.000-07:00

"My mission is to make it up into Cambodia. There's a Green Beret Colonel up there who's gone insane. I'm supposed to kill him."

Source: Blu-ray.com

That's right!

Francis Ford Coppola's '79 masterpiece Apocalypse Now is getting the Blu-ray treatment. This Blu-ray transfer was directly supervised by Coppola himself, meaning the video and audio quality should be amazing if he dedicated as much time as he did with the restoration of the first two Godfather films. Adapted from the Joseph Conrad's classic novella "Heart of Darkness" the film follows a disenfranchised Army Captain (Martin Sheen) sent on one last mission to find and assassinate a Green Beret Colonel (Marlon Brando) that has gone rogue. As if you didn't already know Apocalypse Now is a descent into madness with the tumultuous Vietnam War as a backdrop.

On October 19th you will have a choice between two Apocalypse Now releases. The first is a 2-Film set that features both the original theatrical cut of Apocalypse Now as well as the re-released deluxe edition Apocalypse Now Redux. Your second option is Apocalypse Now: Full Disclosure Edition which along with both versions of the film will include the infamous making of documentary Hearts of Darkness. The documentary parallels the films descent into madness with the film crew, actors and even Coppola himself losing their grasp on reality showing how dangerously close Apocalypse Now came to not being completed.

Although details have not yet been released on additional special features the 2-Film Apocalypse Now set will feature over 9 hours of bonus materials along with both versions of the film. While Apocalypse Now: Full Disclosure Edition will feature, along with everything from the 2-Film set, a third-disc with the documentary Hearts of Darkness as well as a 48-page booklet featuring storyboard art, photos, essays and more!

I will be sure to keep you updated on specs and official cover art as they become available!

Dead Space 2 in January

2010-07-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

Source: Kotaku

Did you experience the first Dead Space game?

I did, and I can vividly recount my first experience with the SciFi horror/first person shooter. It was well past midnight, it was a Tuesday so the dorms were pretty dead but the Dead Space Dismemberment Demo had just finished d-loading to my PS3. What would follow was two hours of screaming like a little girl while repeatedly playing the 10 minute demo.

Well I may get to re-experience that magic when Dead Space 2 hits shelves January 25th next year.

The sequel, that is still in production, is looking pretty damn awesome. For fans of the first game these pictures will raise all sorts of questions, but we will have to wait a while before these queries will be answered.

Hurry up January! I got me some alien monsters to decapitate!

Monster House 3D Blu in September

2010-07-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

Source: HighDef Disc News

2006's animated comedy/horror Monster House will be getting a re-release, this time as a 3D Blu-ray. This will be Sony's second 3D release (The first was Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) in full 1080p resolution.

The plot of Monster House revolves around three kids who discover that an old neighborhood house is actually a living, breathing creature that sustains itself bey apparently devouring all who make the mistake of entering it. And with Halloween just a day away they take it upon themselves to stop this monster before it can get it's maw around clueless trick'r'treaters.

Monster House uses the voice talents including Steve Buscemi, Fred Willard and Maggie Gyllanhaal in the animated family flick. It will get a 3D Blu-ray release on September 14th, and it comes with a goodie bag of extras!

Extras for Monster House Include:

Filmmakers’ Commentary
7 Featurettes: – Imaginary Heroes – Beginner’s Luck – The Best of Friends – Lots of Dots – Black Box Theater – Making it Real – Did You Hear That
Evolution of a Scene: Eliza vs. Nebbercracker
Photo Gallery

Go North Young Man!

2010-07-20T00:17:00.000-07:00

As many of turn your heads South to the little shindig going on in San Diego known as Comic-Con I will be heading North for a long overdue vacation with some friends I haven't seen in a long time.

It will be Jake versus the Canadian Wilderness. Maple syrup, moose, Mounties and booze are sure to be aplenty.

I will be gone until Sunday, and if I get some free time and WiFi I will try to throw in a couple of posts ... but antlers are not a recommended substitute for Broadband, so no promises.

Later days!

Jake

Deal: Back to the Future Blu-ray Amazon Pre-Order

2010-07-20T00:12:00.000-07:00

Source: Amazon.com

"Where we're going, we don't need roads ..." But a kickass deal might be nice!

The release date might not be until October 26th but if you are planning on getting the 25th Anniversary Back to the Future Trilogy Blu-rays now may be the time. Unless you have a DeLorean capable of time travel, then it doesn't really matter because you have all the time in the world.

But for those of us lacking Doc Brown's skills you can pre-order the BTTF Trilogy for $30 off of the retail price over at Amazon.com. So instead of dropping $80 in October you can invest in three classic films now for a mere $50.

The future is back, and it is Blu! Check out this heavy deal right here!

The League: The Complete First Season in September

2010-07-19T23:58:00.000-07:00

Source: Blu-ray.com

I don't play fantasy football, but if it is anything like it is portrayed on the TV show The League I totally would.

The League is just a fun show, plain and simple. Starring a great comedic ensemble cast of guys that are total dicks to each other the way only best friends can be. The best way I can describe it is It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia meets fantasy football, so awesome!

On September 14th (a few days after the NFL kicks off its season) you can get your hands on complete first season of The League on DVD and Blu-ray.

Extras Include:

Extended Cuts of All the Episodes
Over 45 Minutes of Unrated and Uncut Featurettes
Deleted Scenes & Bloopers

JoBlogathon: Equilibrium

2010-07-18T15:20:00.000-07:00

How can I attempt to describe the 2002 dystopian SciFi action/thriller film Equilibrium, one word: Gunkata!

Before I get into this review I had a one major initial beef with this film. For the first 10 minutes of the movie I couldn't see past the emotionless acting. It felt stale, deadpan and in general I just couldn't connect to any of the characters. But then it hit me that is EXACTLY what this film was going for.

Synopsis:

You see Equilibrium is a portrayal of a not to distant future where man, in an effort to be more humane to their fellow man, have forsaken all feeling. People walk around alive, but they don't truely live. With an emotion sedating substance known as Prozium fascist leaders, known as Tetragrammaton Council, control the populace. Where the drugs fail to control special soldiers known as Clerics completely destroy all resistance using superior fighting skills with extreme efficiency.

The Tetragrammaton Councils top Cleric John Preston (Christian Bale) has always done his job unrepentingly until he accidentally misses one dose and begins to feel. These feelings will turn his world upside down, and in the process maybe humanity will be human again.

My Take:

I loved Equilbrium, and have now watched it twice. The action scenes are amazing well done, and have a very similar feel to watching The Matrix, but without CGI as a crutch. Everything is done practically; shootouts, swordplay and fisticuffs all happen in a rapid flurry of camera pans and hard cuts that allow you to experience them instead of just admiring them. And the aforementioned Gunkata wasn't a joke! The martial art of firearms has never looked so damn good, and is just exhilarating to watch!

The acting is a little trickier to rate, as the majority of the characters are meant to be emotionless, and in that respect they do an adequate job. But the ones that do feel such as Preston, Cleric Partridge (Sean Bean) and Emotional Content violators (Such as Emily Watson) are a sharp contrast to the sedated majority. It is in Christian Bale's performance that we see true acting chops as he slowly transforms from apathetic drone into a real person who feels, loves, hates and questions his own existence.

Equilibrium has something for everyone in it. Intense action (I feel is superior to The Matrix) that is just fun to watch. Social commentary on what it means to truely be human and the importance of emotions. Hell, there is even some heavy hitting drama, especially revolving around Preston's relationship with his young son. Oh, and there is a cute puppy ... you know, if you are into that thing.

Do yourself a favor, and check out Equilibrium today! And just in case you don't want to take my word on it here is the trailer:

You can check out all of the upcoming JoBlogathon Participants over at 24FPS. Or check out these blogs for the entries already completed:

Sam Inglis of 24FPS reviews 11:14 (Spoiler, he didn't like it!)
Marcy over at SuperMarcy.com attempts to review Dogtooth
Aaron Elliot weighs in on Dahmer at his blog Islanded in a Stream of Stars
I'll post more as they become available!

WTFriday?! - Lost Chaplin Film Found!

2010-07-17T00:08:00.000-07:00

Source: THR

The thought to be long-lost short film A Thief Catcher has recently been found.

The 1914 silent film may be only 10 minutes long, but it includes an early cameo of now legendary actor Charlie Chaplin. Film historian; and proud owner of A Thief Catcher, Paul Gierucki after buying the reel at an auction thought it was just another old film reel of no real importance and set it on his shelf for 16 months. Imagine his amazement when upon finally watching it he recognized the iconic bumbling movements of Chaplin!

Now here is the coolest part for you Schmoes in the greater Washington D.C. area, if you want a chance to see the recently rediscovered Charlie Chaplin film A Thief Catcher it is re-premiering (probably the first time since 1914!) at the Rosslyn Spectrum Theater just outside of D.C. during the annual Slapsticon Film Festival THIS Saturday, July 17th at 8pm!

What is your favorite Chaplin film? I know I may get some flack for this seeing as it is one of his later ones, and is a talkie, but I loved 1947's Monsieur Verdoux.

James Bond 007: Blood Stone in December

2010-07-17T00:02:00.000-07:00

Source: Deadline Hollywood

While the next actual big screen 007 adventure is currently up in the air (Thanks MGM ...) but Bond isn't dead.

Not by a long shot.

Our favorite British super-spy is not only getting one video game re-release this year with the classic Goldeneye for the Wii but also a whole new original game entitled James Bond 007: Blood Stone.

Check out an early teaser trailer here:

While the trailer itself leaves a little to be desired (There is plenty of time, yo!) all of the flourishes of a good Bond movie are in there. And this game is going to have all of the trappings of an actual 007 film in spades.

They have Bruce Feirstein penning the screenplay, who has worked on four of the Bond films and including 007: Blood Stone four Bond games. It features a Grammy award winning singer/songwriter, Joss Stone, both creating original music for the game and lending her voice talent as a Bond girl. And the icing on the awesome cake, both Daniel Craig and Judi Dench reprise their roles as Bond and M (respectively, of course)!

James Bond 007: Blood Stone promises to pack the cinematic punch of a real Bond movie with an all new, epic single player adventure as well as a variety of multiplayer opportunities. We can all hope that James Bond makes it back to the big screen, and he most definitely will at some point, but 007: Blood Stone may help hold you over in the meantime!

Look for it on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC this December!

A Little Box of Butters in September

2010-07-16T23:54:00.000-07:00

Source: TV Shows On DVD

South Park has been on hiatus for a while when it appeared that they had finally crossed the line, but the show must go on!

So until new South Park episodes return on October 6th you will have a second option, besides watching re-runs, to get your fix. That option is a special DVD box set featuring everybody's favorite innocent: Butters Stotch.

The DVD collection endearingly entitled A Little Box of Butters hits stores September 28th. This boxed set will feature 13 widescreen Butteriffic episodes as well as an exclusive It's Butters! A Trivia Game.

Other Butterdacious Extras Include:

A pimp chain from “Butters’ Bottom B*tch”
Inspector Butters Badge from ”Butters Very Own Episode”
All new manuscript of the lost chapter from The Poop That Took A Pee from “The Tale of Scrotie McBoogerballs”
A cancelled check from Paris Hilton from “Stupid Spoiled Whore Video Playset”
And more!

Frankly, I can't believe it took 14 seasons of South Park before somebody tried to blow them up!

Criterion Collection: 5 Films In October!

2010-07-16T23:46:00.001-07:00

Source: Blu-ray.com

"God, I love the Criterion Collection."

I said it and now so will you when you see what they have in store for you come October! Criterion is releasing not one, not two but FIVE Blu-rays. Hold on to your butts, because this is going to get awesome!

First up on October 12th we will see the Blu-ray release of the 1958 Swedish classic, The Magician. Directed by the legendary auteur Ingmar Bergman The Magician pits a incredulous mid-19th century mesmerist and elixir salesman, Dr. Volger, against a traditional physician, Dr. Vergarus, in a entertaining battle of wits that will have you both laughing and cringing.

Extras for The Magician Include:

New visual essay by Bergman scholar Peter Cowie
Brief 1967 video interview with director Ingmar Bergman about the film
Rare English-language audio interview with Bergman, conducted by filmmakers Olivier Assayas and Stig Björkman
A booklet featuring an essay by critic Geoff Andrew, a reprinted essay by Assayas, and an excerpt from Bergman's autobiography
Images: My Life in Film

October 12th will also see the release of director Wes Anderson's The Darjeeling Limited. This film stars Owen Wilson, Adrian Brody and Jason Schwartzman as three estranged brothers who set off on a journey to rediscover themselves, and when they are left stranded in the desert with nothing but each other and a bunch of random junk the real journey begins.

No official cover art yet, stay posted!

Extras for The Darjeeling Limited Include:

Anderson's short film Hotel Chevalier (Which ended up as part one of The Darjeeling Limited), starring Natalie Portman, with commentary by Anderson
Audio commentary featuring Anderson and cowriters Jason Schwartzman and Roman Coppola
Behind-the-scenes documentary by Barry Braverman
Anderson and filmmaker James Ivory discussing the film's music
Anderson's American Express commercial
On-set footage shot by Coppola and actor Waris Ahluwalia
Audition footage, deleted and alternate scenes, and stills galleries
Original theatrical trailer
A booklet featuring an essay by critic Richard Brody and original illustrations by Eric Anderson

A week later on October 19th some very awesome happens. My favorite film of all time finally gets the Blu-ray transfer it deserves! That's right Akira Kurosawa's 1954 essential classic Seven Samurai is coming to glorious Blu-ray. Retold, homaged and often copied Seven Samurai is easily one of the most influential films to ever come out of Japanese cinema, or just cinema in general!

The story of course revolves around a ragtag band of seven noble samurai who take it upon themselves to help poor farmers defend their lives and livelihoods from an army of marauding bandits.

Extras for Seven Samurai include:

Two audio commentaries: 1) Film scholars David Desser, Joan Mellen, Stephen Prince, Tony Rayns, and Donald Richie 2) Japanese film expert Michael Jeck
A 50-minute documentary on the making of Seven Samurai
Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create
My Life in Cinema, a two-hour video conversation between Akira Kurosawa and Nagisa Oshima produced by the Directors Guild of Japan
Seven Samurai: Origins and Influences, a new documentary looking at the samurai traditions and films that impacted Kurosawa's masterpiece
Theatrical trailers and teaser
Gallery of rare posters and behind-the scenes and production stills
A booklet featuring essays by Peter Cowie, Philip Kemp, Peggy Chiao, Alain Silver, Kenneth Turan, Stuart Galbraith, Arthur Penn, and Sidney Lumet and an interview with Toshiro Mifune

As if that were not enough October 26th will see the release of another, albeit very different, Japanase film. This time it is the 1977 comedy horror House, directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi this movie has everything we know and love about Japan: A bevy of schoolgirls, check. Possessed house, check. Gratuitous death scenes, check. Nudity, you bet your ass!

Extras for House include:

Constructing a House: a new video piece featuring interviews with director Nobuhiko Obayashi, story scenarist and daughter of the director Chigumi Obayashi, and screenwriter
Chiho Katsura Emotion, a 1966 experimental film by Obayashi
New video appreciation by director Ti West (House of the Devil)
Theatrical trailer
An essay by Chuck Stephens

How about some Kubrick for the fifth and final October Criterion Blu-ray release? You got it as also on October 26th the 1957 Stanley Kubrick war/crime/drama Paths of Glory gets a Blu-ray. Starring Kirk "Spartacus" Douglas one of three men selected by incompetent generals as scapegoats for a failed WWI suicide mission. If they are proven guilty the firing squad awaits them, but to defend them against the generals will take nothing short of divine intervention.

Also no official cover art yet, but we'll keep you posted!

Extras for Paths of Glory Include:

New audio commentary by critic Gary Giddins
Television interview from 1979 with star Kirk Douglas
New video interviews with Kubrick's longtime executive producer Jan Harlan,Paths of Glory producer James B. Harris, and actress Christiane Kubrick
Excerpt from a French television program about real-life World War I executions similar to the events dramatized in Paths of Glory
Theatrical trailer
An essay by Kubrick scholar James Naremore

The Good, The Bad, The Weird in August

2010-07-16T23:34:00.000-07:00

Source: DVD Active

The Good, The Bad, The Weird is a Western in the true spirit of Sergio Leone, but instead of being filmed in Italy they went with South Korea. The film, directed by Ji-woon Kim, made the festival rounds last year including both at Cannes and Toronto with an overall positive reception.

The plot revolves around three men, one treasure map and no limits! But no words of mine can do this film justice, so just sit back and enjoy the trailer:

Pick up The Good, The Bad, The Weird August 17th on DVD and Blu-ray!

Extras Include:

Cannes Highlights
The making of Good/Bad/Weird
International trailers

Robot Border Patrol

2010-07-13T22:25:00.000-07:00

Source: Popular Science

No it isn't US/Mexico, hell it isn't even the US/Canada border we are talking about here! It is in a little place between South Korea and its neighbor to the North (North Korea, FYI) known as the DMZ.

South Korea has recently unleashed not one, but two killer sentry robots to patrol the area between the two countries Korea. Each robot cost $334,000 but they have some serious hardware, just looking for an excuse to decimate some commies, such as fully automatic weapons and 40-millimeter grenade launchers.

Before you run to the hills and barricade yourself in for the Robocalypse these robots are not fully autonomous, and when a potential threat is encountered a real live operator makes the final kill/let live call.

I would try to do the humane thing and warn the North Koreans about the robo-twins of death, but they are a simple people who don't have fancy things like the internet ... or electricity.

ESPN 3D

2010-07-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

Source: Wired

The 3D World Cup broadcasts spread out the over past couple of weeks were only the beggining of a much larger 3D push into the wide world of sports.

And now the biggest name in sports, ESPN, has made a year long commitment to this booming technology by starting its very own 3D production unit. Expect to see various 3D sports events over the coming months.

Initially the events featured will be ones that will be easier to shoot in 3D, such as golf and baseball (The Home Run Derby was already shot using 3D cameras) but if these are successful expect more variety soon.

If you are wondering how serious ESPN is about its new 3D mission just look at the camera setup for just the initial 3D Home Run Derby broadcast:

One 3D camera suspended behind the pitchers mound 15 feet in the air.
Dual 3D rigs, set up 5 feet away on both sides of of the batters box.

That is a lot of new hardware, and it should make for a very unique viewing experience. I feel if 3D can be at home anywhere, it would be in sports. I would love the rush of sitting on my couch staring down a pitcher who is about to throw a 102 mph pitch right into my living room, I would probably flinch like a little girl and that would be awesome.

There are some obvious limitations to ESPNs ambitions 3D programming as most viewers do not yet have the new 3D TVs, but ESPN VP Anthony Baily has a simple game plan to combat that initial problem, "The more 3-D content we give the viewers, the more people will want to watch it."

I am inclined to agree with that logic.

Deal: WB Blu-ray Sale

2010-07-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

Source: Warner Bros

Warner Bros wants you to have a decent Blu-ray library, so yet again they are having an excellent sale over at WBShop.com.

For the remainder of this week (ending Monday, July 19th) you have the opportunity to get 5 Blu-ray discs for $45. Some of the titles do cost a little bit more, so it may take some shuffling and mathmagic to get yourself the optimum deal for the movies you want.

There are over 50 Blu-rays to choose from included in this deal, so I figure you need all the time you can get to make an educated decision by Monday.

The Usually $9.95 Blus Include:

Every Which Way But Loose
A History of Violence
Letters From Iwo Jima
Natural Born Killers: Director’s Cut
Observe and Report
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Extended Cut
Bullitt: Special Edition
Blazing Saddles
Speed Racer
Grumpy Old Men

The Usually $14.95 Blus Include:

The Hangover
All 6 of the Harry Potter films
The Invention of Lying
Terminator Salvation
Watchmen

The Experiment in September

2010-07-12T17:05:00.000-07:00

Source: MovieWeb

If you didn't get enough Adrian Brody this last weekend in Predators, come September 21st you will get a second chance.

The Experiment is based off of a 2001 German film by the same name (Das Experiment in case you were wondering.) which is an interesting psychological thriller very loosely based off a real Stanford experiment. With the promise of $1,000 a day 24 men sign up for a social experiment. Said experiment breaks the men into two groups; prisoners (led by Adrian Brody) and guards (with Forrest Whitaker carrying the big nightstick) in what is meant to be a realistic prison simulation. But as the old adage goes; power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, and before you know it the relationship between the captives and the guards goes from tense to ... well, prison rules.

Although The Experiment boasts two Academy Award winning actors it is slated for a direct to DVD/Blu-ray release September 21st. No extras have been announced as of yet, but stay posted!

To sate your curiosity, here is a trailer for The Experiment:

Free Amazon Prime Account

2010-07-12T16:59:00.000-07:00

Source: TechCrunch

Amazon Prime is a special type of account that gets you special perks, such as free two-day delivery,exclusive promotions and other goodies that costs $79 annually. While 80 bucks may be a bit steep if you don't regularly use Amazon for your online shopping they have a special offer for all college students. Now if you have a valid email ending in ".edu" and are currently enrolled in college you can get one year of Amazon Prime for free!

By joining Amazon Student, and verifying your college enrollment, you will automatically be given all of the perks Amazon Prime has to offer. For specific guidelines, and to see if you qualify check here.

Don't worry everyone else, even if you aren't a currently enrolled college student you may still be eligible for a 1-month free trial of Amazon Prime.

Speaking as a college dude, who occasionally buys movies online, the free 2-day delivery is enough to convince me to give this a try. I knew getting a higher education would pay off in the long run!

The Peacemaker Blu in September

2010-07-12T16:54:00.000-07:00

Source: HighDef Disc News

Anybody has the potential to be a nuclear terrorist, even a piano teacher!

The 1997 action/thriller The Peacemaker is getting a Blu-ray release. The film stars Nicole Kidman as a nuclear weapons specialist and George Clooney as an special forces officer who have been tasked with finding missing Russian nuke (It is not in a vending machine, that is soooo Sum of all Fears.) before it falls into the hands of terrorists. But when they fail to get the warhead first they have a nearly impossible challenge; stop a terrorist who has absolutely no demands and intends on detonating the nuclear device somewhere in New York.

Extras Include:

Stunt Footage
Deleted Scenes
Theatrical Trailer

WTFriday?! - Firefly Intro ... The Awesome Edition

2010-07-09T20:50:00.000-07:00

Source: CrunchGear

There are two kinds of people in this world, those beholden to Joss Whedon's SciFi Western TV series Firefly, and those who would take the time to spit twice on it.

I freak'n love it!

While I am pretty partial to the original intro credits to the show Youtube uploader io9er put it best, "The original credits weren't bad, they just needed a little umph ... here is that umph."

With no further yapp'n on my part enjoy Firefly, circa 1980's:

PS3-D In September

2010-07-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

Source: CrunchGear

It is no secret that Sony is making itself out to be the champion in all things 3D. They have some of the first 3D TVs on the market, 3D cameras, 3D video recorders and last but not least the PS3.

Over the coming few months you will start to notice a few PS3 updates for various 3D game demos, but come September the PS3 will have full 3D Blu-ray functionality. Not long after you can watch 3D Blu-rays expect to see other features compatible with their 3D cameras, and if you think you can do better than Shyamalan 3D home movies!

I am going to be honest, again (sigh), I am not an advocate for 3D movies in their current form but if I could make a 3D home movie about a family vacation to the Grand Canyon I might have to switch teams.

Rock & Rule Blu in September

2010-07-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

Source: HighDef Disc News

1983's animated rock'n'roll music adventure is getting a Blu-ray release.

Rock & Rule is the post-apocalyptic classic tale of legendary evil rock star kidnapping a beautiful female singer in the hopes of utilizing her pipes to summon an ancient demon (Yeah, I know your mom told you the story before bed every night just like mine did.)But not the whole band is keen on awakening an ancient evil, and they set out on a mission to Nuke York in an attempt rescue the rock damsel in distress!

This all occurs, of course, with a killer soundtrack from such greats as Iggy Pop, Cheap Trick, Lou Reed and others. Essentially if you liked Heavy Metal, this might be right up your alley!

No official word on extras yet, but it would be safe to assume that you would at least get what came with the Rock & Rule 2-Disc Anniversary DVD release a few years back.

The 2-Disc DVD Included:

The Making of Rock & Rule
Commentary with Director Clive Smith
Character Sketch Gallery
Restoration Comparisons
Special Thanks
Alternate Version
The Devil and Daniel Mouse: Animated Short
How We Made The Devil and Daniel Mouse
Trailers and more!

Marmaduke in August

2010-07-09T20:40:00.000-07:00

Source: HighDef Disc News

Be warned, Marmaduke is coming on August 24th.

That is all I really have to say about this movie, as I even hesitated to tell you that much. But for any of you who did have to suffer through this critical and financial bomb I present you with a possible cathartic release. Again I am sorry if I offended you at all with this article but hey, it's my job and rain, sleet, great films or schlock I am going to get it done!

No extras have been announced yet, but this will be a 3-Disc combo release consisting of a DVD, Blu-ray and a Digital Copy of Marmaduke.

Always Practice Safe Gaming ...

2010-07-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

Source: Engadget

So you got her back to your bedroom, highfive stud!

Then the inevitable question arises almost as fast as you do, "Do you have protection?" Now what you do next may make or break the evening’s coital activities.

What do you boyscout, were you prepared?

Do you:

A) Fumble through you nightstand for that one damn prophylactic you know you left in there somewhere.

B) Say, "Nah, babe. But I'm good to go!" (GAME OVER)

Or are player enough to go with option "C"?

C) Bust out your Game Boy themed condoms case and hop on that honey like Mario on a Goomba?!

I think the answer is pretty obvious! Now the only tough decision is what game to go with, with such classics as Donkey Schlong, Sextris and The Long End of Zelda the choice is yours!

Game on, player! Game on!

Robo-Bartender

2010-07-08T20:00:00.000-07:00

Source: Popular Science

It is official; modern robotics has finally reached perfection because you sure as hell can't beat this!

Let me introduce you the Willow Garage Robot. This little champ has been successful at mundane tasks, and has even proven itself a proficient pool shark but it has now found it's primary directive: getting your lazy biomass housed!

Just place your order via a web interface, hit the "Beer Me" button and just sit back and wait for your Robo-waiter to deliver you a cold brew.

Enjoy perfection:

Hell, he'll even crack it open for you if you request it! Although I think the Beer-bot either hasn't quite mastered the technique quite yet, or he just shakes the beer up a bit as a general display of distaste for humanity.

It is a hot day here, and I know many of you can respect anything that can make hydration/inebriation easier is only a step forward for humanity ...

Until Skynet goes online, of course.

30 Days of Night: Dark Days in October

2010-07-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

Source: HighDef Disc News

No official cover art yet. Stay posted!

The sequel to 2007's 30 Days of Night, a movie that shows great vampires don't sparkle or wear guyliner, is getting a straight to DVD and a combo DVD/Blu-ray release October 5th.

30 Days of Night: Dark Days is based off the graphic novel of the same name that picks up the story where the first film left off, but now with even more pissed of Nosferatu!

Extras Include:

PS3 Wallpaper Theme
Filmmaker Commentary
Vampires Exist: The Gritty Realism of Dark Days
Graphic Inspirations: Comic to Film (Blu-ray Only)

Bill Shatner: Horse Enthusiast

2010-07-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

I have been wicked busy the past couple of days, which means my original plan for my Shatnerthon posts had to be scrapped. But as the old saying goes: Let the Shat hit the fan!

People have been writing about William Shatner’s prolific acting career. He has had a simply stellar (Pun not intended, but then I read this sentence and decided that I am not above puns, so deal with it!) presence on TV and the silver screen.

People have mused over Bill “Rocketman” Shatner’s musical accomplishments. I really have nothing to add, his body of work speaks for itself.

All these are things that Mr. Bill Shatner is known and loved for, but what does Bill love? What makes Kirk tick? What does Denny Crane do to take the edge off? Get ready, because this news may come as something of a shock to those of you that have only known William Shatner as a public figure.

William Shatner is many things, actor, musician, Canadian, author, and spokesman. But if you were to ask Bill who he identifies himself as he will most likely say that he is foremost an equestrian.

That’s right Shatner’s one true passion in life is … horses.

Yup, ol’ Bill fancies himself a cowboy! But he doesn't do it solo; he breeds, trains and competes with the other love of his life, his wife Elizabeth Anderson, on his 360 acre horse ranch in Kentucky. The Shatman raises various kinds of horses but primarily American Saddlebreds and Quarter Horses (Yeah, I don't really know what that means either ...) several of which have actually become successful champions.

Shatner doesn't do this for just his own benefit though and in the truest fashion of awesome badassery he hosts a horse show disguised as a charity fundraiser in Hollywood that draws in the big wigs of the industry every year. And you are damn right he wears a cowboy hat!

Hell, there is even a special riding competition named after him; the overly epic sounding Shatner Class.

At this point (if you are still reading this post about Shatner’s love of horses, and I wouldn’t blame you if you weren’t …) you may be asking yourself, “Self, why should I care about Billie’s horse obsession?”

Answer: Because William Shatner does, and that should be a good enough reason for you!

I could go on but because I just couldn’t possibly describe it any better then a shoddily taped, and extremely dated, TV interview I’ll just let the Shatman explain his love, in his ... own ... SYNCOPATED, PERsonaldialECT!

Enjoy, I sure did:

Aw crap ... now I have to write about his affinity for dogs.

SHATNERRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

Hatchet Blu in September

2010-07-07T19:39:00.000-07:00

Source: HighDef Disc News

Have you experienced Hatchet?

Writer/director Adam Green's 2007 horror flick has it all; copious violence, thrills, chills, gratuitous T&A and just the right comedic tone to make what would otherwise just be another hardcore slasher something more enjoyable.

On September 7th the unrated director's cut of Hatchet will be available on Blu-ray so you can see the blood spattered gore in all of its 1080p glory. This Blu-ray release will have all of the extras from the old DVD plus a whole new commentary featuring writer/director Green and the slasher Mr. Crowley himself; Kane Hodder.

Extras Include:

All new commentary track with director Adam Green and actor Kane Hodder
Original audio commentary with Adam Green, Co-Producer/Cinematographer Will Barratt and Actors Tamara Feldman, Joel David Moore and Deon Richmond
The Making of Hatchet
Meeting Victor Crowley: An in-depth look at the creation of a new horror icon
Guts & Gore: Go behind the scenes of Hatchet’s special makeup and prosthetic effects
Anatomy of a Kill: Witness the “jaw-breaking” birth, design and execution of a death scene
A Twisted Tale: Adam Green recounts his decades-long friendship with “Twisted Sister” front man Dee Snider
Gag Reel
Theatrical Trailer

This is all happening just before the release of Hatchet 2 in October, coincidence? I think not!

Roku News

2010-07-07T19:34:00.000-07:00

Source: Home Media Magazine

You Roku owners might have noticed a new addition to your device over the July 4th weekend.

Roku is currently testing a news channel, dubbed Pod TV, that is a compilation of various news sources such as CNN, National Public Radio, PBS, BBC, CBS, NBC, ESPN, Fox News and HBO among others.

If you are a Roku user and this sounds like something you might be interested in trying out Pod TV is currently free. All you have to do is go to the Roku site and go to your account and click the "Add Private Channel" link and then enter the code: H9DWC.

Pod TV will provide more than just another way for you to stay up to date on the worlds happenings as other cool features are currently included and more are planned for the near future. Currently, besides checking out the news, you can listen to a selection of speakers, tune in for the always entertaining radio show A Prairie Home Companion and even get some shopping done through Woot.com (Use the code: BPPIM for special deals!).

JVC Facebook Contest

2010-07-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

So JVC has begun a new contest on its Facebook Fanpage officially called "Like it to Win it".

Starting today through September 8th JVC will post some kind of product on Facebook and to enter to win that product all you have to do is click the "Like" button. There is a whole bunch of things that can be possible prizes from TVs, camcorders, laptops, stereos and whatever electronic gadgetry they decide to throw at us.

I know what you are probably all saying, "Is this some kind of fishing scam?" Well you can check out the official rules here, but as far as I can tell it seems legit.

So if you like the product of the day (Today it is a 19" LCD TV) or just want a chance at some free junk just click "Like" and you are entered! It is easier than stealing candy from a baby, and a hell of a lot quieter too!

Amazon Deal: Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut

2010-07-06T22:40:00.000-07:00

Source: Amazon

The end of this deal is nigh!

So check out this steal here!

For $28.99 (Over 50% off the retail price!) you can get your copy of Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut Blu-ray while supplies last!

The Ultimate Cut features the Zak Snyder directors cut of Watchmen with the animated feature Tales of the Black Freighter woven into the live action film. On top of that you get the nifty Under The Hood featurette that gives you further insight into the dark world created by master storyteller Alan Moore.

Oh did I mention it also comes with Watchmen: The Complete Motion Comics, because it does! This is the four-disc Ultimate Cut, remember? So the extras are aplenty!

Extras Include:

Disc 1 - Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut (215min), Commentary from Zac Snyder and artist Dave Gibbons
Disc 2 - Various Featurettes: The Phenomenon: The Comic That Changed Comics, Real Super Heroes, Real Vigilantes, Mechanics: Technologies of a Fantastic World, Watchmen: Video Journals - Under the Hood, Story Within a Story: The Books of Watchmen, Music Video: My Chemical Romance; Desolation Row
Disc 3 - Digital Copy of the Theatrical Version.
Discs 4 & 5 - Watchmen: The Complete Motion Comics (325 minutes and in it's own case within the box!)

That is a lot of bang for your buck!

Retro Gaming Triumvirate

2010-07-06T22:37:00.000-07:00

Source: Wired

Anytime gaming nostalgia used to hit me I would dust off my trusty old NES, blow the dust off a few cartridges and relive my first video game experiences in all of their pixelated glory.

Then my NES broke, and I tried to make due for a while on emulators and downloaded games on my laptop, but it just wasn't the same...

It looks like the good old days can be mine again with the RetroN 3 Gaming System. This ingenious device consists of one part NES, one part Super Nintendo, one part Sega Genesis and is completely radical!

As you can see from the pic it has three separate slots for the various game cartridges, and ports on the sides compatible with the original controllers for all three systems but comes with wireless controllers just in case you forgot what it was like to play with corded controllers. It is a first step to an old school gamers nirvana for a mere $70!

I knew saving my old NES games would pay off someday!

Simpsons 13th Season in August

2010-07-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

Source: MovieWeb

America's favorite dysfunctional yellow pigmented family is coming to DVD and Blu-ray again this August 24th.

All 22 episodes of the 13th season of The Simpsons will be included in the box set, and for you collectors out there wondering whose head will grace the limited special packaging wonder no more, because it is none other than lovable and infinitely quotable Ralph Wiggum.

If any of you are going to be in Southern California living the dream known as the San Diego Comic-Con you will have an opportunity to get your hands on the molded head DVD set a month early. If this is something that is relevant to your interests head directly to the Fox booth (#4313) between July 22nd and the 25th to pick up your copy, and all Comic-Con buyers will also receive a bonus limited edition lithograph as well as your Simpsons box set.

The Blu-ray box set of The Simpsons: The Complete 13th Season does come with specialized menus and extra animations than the DVD box set, but it seems that all of the other special features can be found in both versions.

Extras Include:

Audio commentaries on every episode featuring executive producers, writers, directors, cast and notable guest stars on select episodes
Deleted scenes
Various Special Featurettes: A Token from Matt Groening, Ralphisms, The People Ball, The 13th Crewman, Blame It On The Monkeys, The Games, The Sweet Life of Ralph
PiP Animation Showcases for episodes: The Parent Rap and Sweet & Sour Marge
Sketch Galleries
Commercials
Special Language Feature
Easter Eggs

Star Wars Special Edition ReDux?

2010-07-05T19:14:00.000-07:00

Source: Big Shiny Robot

Hold onto your butts, because George Lucas may be at it again...

Matt Wood, one of Lucasfilm's top audio Jedi, spilled some tidbits of information while being interviewed on The Forcecast on another possible revamping of the original Star Wars trilogy.

The detail in itself may be small; it is in reference to Obi-Wan Kenobi's screeching noise that scares off Luke's attackers, but here is the direct quote from the podcast:

"And, to be honest, that sound effect has been changed again. So at some point the audiences will be hearing that scene again with the new sound effect."

That particular sound effect is of course from the film that started it all, A New Hope, which means they are working yet again on at least the audio of original trilogy.

Why would Lucasfilm be spending time and resources on the old films again? A long anticipated Blu-ray release seems the most logical answer. Which in itself is amazing news, but if they are changing sound effects what else will change?

The special editions of the three classic Star Wars films that were released several years back were not exactly received well by fans, some of the changes (Han shoots second?!) really were unexpected and only succeeded in getting fanboys angry. And some of the CGI work that was added in already looks dated (Jabba anyone?).

While updating the audio and sound mixing may not be as controversial, and in all honesty even necessary for a quality Blu-ray release, it does Star Wars vulnerable for exploitation all over again.

All that I really have to say is, Mr. Lucas, for the love of all that is good in this universe and those far, far away ... please no 3D. All it took to bring down the Death Star was a exhaust port, how much can you do the original Star Wars trilogy before it also implodes?

WTFriday?! - Cardboard Warfare

2010-07-02T23:40:00.000-07:00

If war wasn't hell before now you have to worry about papercuts!

This short film a serious amount of dedication, more than you would think that could possibly go into a cardboard gun shootout:

254 program crashes
427 manual frames to rotoscope
59 layers of sound effects
a BUTTLOAD of cardboard and box cutters

The result speaks for itself however, and I can't help but to just be in awe. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

Dish Network $1 Movies

2010-07-02T23:15:00.000-07:00

Source: Home Media Magazine

The satellite television provider Dish Network has a pretty amazing deal for on demand movie rentals.

Typically new video on demand movies will cost you $3.99 but through July 7th select new releases will only cost you 99¢. Not only is the price right but there are some pretty decent flicks to choose from including She's Out of My League, Alice In Wonderland, Green Zone and Hot Tub Time Machine. After ordering the movies are available for viewing a full day, just in case you missed it the first time around for some reason. On top of that all of these VOD movies are available in standard and 1080p high definition (for no extra charge!) depending on the quality of your TV.

So if you Dish subscribers aren't to busy trying to lose a limb in some amateur pyrotechnic display, or the weather is just being crappy, for less than a dollar you have a pleasant alternative.

Paper Man in September

2010-07-02T23:04:00.000-07:00

Source: HighDef Disc News

What if you had an imaginary friend who was a superhero?

Cool right?

Well what if that superhero was played by Ryan Reynolds and you were Jeff Daniels?

Yup, I think this just got awesome!

Paper Man sees a writer (Daniels) suffering some severe writers block and the one true friend he could always rely on Captain Excellent (Reynolds) is only in his head. But he finds his first real life friend in a 17 year old (Emma Stone) he hires as a babysitter, although he has no kids. Over time their quirky friendship leads to some personal epiphanies and lots of origami.

Paper Man is an indie film that saw limited release last year. Don't worry if you missed it and it seems like your kind of flick seeing as you will be able to pick it up September 14th on DVD and Blu-ray. No word yet on special features, so stay tuned on that front.

For your viewing pleasure here is the trailer in all of its leotard wearing, cape fluttering glory:

The Big Bang Theory: Season 3 in September

2010-07-02T22:59:00.000-07:00

Source: MovieWeb

No official cover art available yet but stay tuned!

The third season of the critically acclaimed and geek savvy CBS show The Big Bang Theory is coming to DVD and Blu-ray September 14th.

The third season has 23 episodes of romance, tight pants, tattoos, bitter feuds and all of the other hilarity you have come to expect from the misadventures of Sheldon, Leonard and Penny.

Extras Include:

Big Bang Set Tour with Simon and Kunal (Howard and Raj)
Take-Out with the Cast of The Big Bang Theory: Group Interview
Gag Reel

Blogathon Season!

2010-07-01T21:31:00.001-07:00

So me being a neophyte in this whole blogging thing (4 months in!) I decided to try one of these "Blogathon" deals, and before I knew it I was wrangled into two!

If you look down my page a bit to the left you will see an image in the sidebar entitled "Shatnerthon" (Hosted by this lovely ladies blog) with a pic of the Shat-man himself. Essentially between July 5th-9th I will be trying to throw some Shatner themed posts up along with several other bloggers. Should be fun, and you should all feel free to visit her blog and let her know if you want to participate in the celebration of one of the greatest thespians to ever wield a phaser!

The second blogathon is from the forums of my favorite movie news site (and employer!) JoBlo.com where a handful of us film geek bloggers decided to host our own round robin style JoBlogathon! The deal is we get recommended a film by one other Schmoe and in return recommend them a flick to watch and then the fun begins, reviews, rants, emotional meltdowns and even possibly the discovery of our new favorite film!

My homework is to watch 2002's Equilibrium, starring Christian Bale, Dominic Purcell and Sean Bean. I can't wait! So stay tuned for my thoughts on Equilibrium and Shatner!

Don't be alarmed if all of a sudden my blog posts actually get awesome!

Real Hovering DeLorean?! Great Scott!

2010-07-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

Source: Jalopnik

You built a hovercraft out of a DeLorean?!

Mathew Riese figured if he was going to take the time to build a damn hovercraft he was going to do it in style! This labor of love has taken two years to get to the point it is at now, but it isn't complete yet!

Matt has run into a couple of problems during the development of this wondrous vehicle. The first being that DeLoreans aren't actually that aerodynamic so creating an actual flying car is out of the question until flubber is invented. So he settled on making a hovercraft, which is still pretty legit!

The second major hitch is like all good college students Matt is poor, and he needs financial help to finish what could easily be the coolest thing since news broke about the Back to the Future hoverboard a few weeks ago.

Except this will actually work!

If you can find it in your heart to help out poor Matt you can check out his page here: DeLorean's Kickstarter Donation Page. At the time of this writing he had almost half of his target $5,500. No word yet on if the donation would be tax deductable, but you would be making the world a better place!

Don't think I am pimping this project (Even though I kind of am, because it's awesome!) Matt has his own sales pitch:

"Video games can never be art."

2010-07-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

Source: Gizmodo

Those words launched a tirade of criticism, and you may be surprised who uttered them. Or you may recall the esteemed Roger Ebert (I mean that in all sincerity, the dude was the first film critic that received a Pulitzer!) refusing to believe that video games can ever be a legitimate art form.

Whether you agree or disagree with that statement you should know Ebert has just recently come out with an 1,800 word pseudo-apology . Right in the first paragraph he states "I still believe this, but I should never have said so" which is somewhat counter intuitive for a critic to admit.

But since uttering those infamous words gamers have not let him hear the end of it, and he felt it was worth rehashing after watching a TED speech given by video game designer and producer Kellee Santiago that argues against Ebert that video games are, in fact, a legitimate art form.

Ebert's passion for films is indisputable and has always been one of my most trusted sources for film reviews and criticisms, but I have to agree with Santiago on this one. Video games are art, they just happen to be a little more entertaining than a painting.

Idiot-Proof Batteries

2010-07-01T20:32:00.001-07:00

Source: Gizmodo

We have all been there, fumbling around with our positives and our negatives.

Sometimes it is the simplest of tasks that can suck out all of your patience. Replacing the batteries can be a real b*tch, but Microsoft has given us a glimmer of a future where it doesn't matter what end goes which way with the creation of its new InstaLoad batteries.

This newly patented technology uses a new contact design that will make having to remember which way the batteries go into your remote a unmissed pastime. InstaLoad batteries will come in all of the usual flavors: AA, AAA, D, C and even CR123 (What the hell are those used for?!)

Finally, Microsoft is thinking about the little guy!

UPDATE: CR123 are lithium batteries, man that was bothering me ...

Redbox Dabbles in Video Games

2010-07-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

Source: Home Media Magazine

It is a cautious start, but Redbox now not only rents out DVDs and some Blu-rays but a very limited catalog of video games as well.

Last week Redbox started experimenting with $2 a night game rentals in about 150 kiosks Austen, TX as well as lukewarm efforts in Reno, NV and Wilmington, NC. If you are in one of these localities and are a gamer who rents it may behoove to check this out.

The success or failure of these limited rentals may dictate how and if Redbox decides to make a major video game push. I think Redbox has every intention on adding video games to its wares in the near future, regardless of how these trial runs turn out, as video game rentals is big business racking in about $10 billion dollars annually.

The key to adding video games to the Redbox kiosks is simply a matter of space economy. These entertainment vending machines can only hold so much, and video games will need to be able to earn their place inside of them. If DVDs and Blu-rays can earn more then games simply will not be included.

It has been a while since I actually rented a game (I can't tell you how many times I forced my mom to rent Battletoads/Double Dragon for the NES back in the day) but is $2 a day too steep? Or do you guys feel that is fairly reasonable?

Spiderman: We Found Him!

2010-06-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

Source: Popular Science

Yes, he is a little younger than some of the other names being tossed around for the forthcoming Spiderman reboot, although going younger is supposedly the goal, but this 13 year old still has my vote.

His name is Hibiki Kono, and he has the ability to climb up walls. So that right there will pay for itself in CGI budgeting! Was Hibiki born with this ability or developed it after being bitten by a radioactive arachnid? Hell no! What, do you think since his name is Hibiki and he can climb up walls he must be a freak of nature? He built a machine.

Using a couple of retail vacuum cleaners and comically oversized suction pads he has attained webcrawling abilities. Even if it is just shy of Peter Parkers skills I bet he is climbing walls faster than you right now!

Check it:

Now stop laughing!

Sorry about the low quality video, but we all know how hard it is to get a superhero on camera that doesn't want to be seen.

International 3D Society

2010-06-30T20:51:00.000-07:00

Source: Home Media Magazine

You may not have known that there was an International 3D Society (I didn't, but its new so cut me some slack!) and it has some nefarious 3D related goals. Using "nefarious" isn't really fair as their site is actually very informative and if you had any questions about 3D media the answer can probably be found somewhere among the charts, graphs and press releases. If you are still wondering what it is the International 3D Society stands for just read their mission statement:

"The International 3D Society has been founded to advance the art and technologies of stereoscopic 3D content and its professional innovators. The organization will host educational opportunities for showcasing work, recognizing achievement and advancing member growth. The International 3D Society is open to individuals and organizations active in moving 3D media to an exciting new era of creative achievement and consumer support."

The big news today out of the 3D Society is that it just recently elected its first board members. You may not recognize some of the names but these are the people that control the recent 3D tsunami that has no signs of dissipating so you will probably get to know them soon enough. The two big names are chairman Buzz Hayes, Sony's 3D go to guy, and chair-elect Jim Mainard who heads up production development for DreamWorks Animation.

Essentially this means if you were hoping for this 3D boom to be a fad there are some seriously talented, devoted people who beg to differ. This organization of studios, production companies, individuals and other pro-3D entities is only growing and with the big push this summer over stereoscopic 3D you can bet your sweet left butt cheek that International 3D Society will be there, if only in the back ground pulling the strings.

Don't get me wrong, I am glad there is some responsible management for all of this 3D hoopla and I hope that "I3DS" can get the wheels in motion for a film experience that doesn't revolve around overpriced gimmicks. We just love movies and I am sure that is something we can all get behind.

Superman/Batman: Apocalypse in September

2010-06-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

Source: MovieWeb

One of the greatest team-ups in super hero history is reunited once again in this newest DC Comics animated adventure. DC has been pumping out some pretty decent PG-13 animated flicks the past few years (See Green Lantern: First Flight and Justice League: The New Frontier) and this newest movie, due out on September 28th, should continue that trend.

Superman/Batman: Apocalypse sees the Man of Steel (voiced by Tim Daly) and The Dark Knight (Voiced, of course, by Kevin Conroy) join forces when a mysterious ship crash lands in Gotham harbor. It's lone passenger, Kara (voiced by Summer Glau), may just be another survivor of the lost planet of Krypton. But before Superman and Batman can get to her the omnipotent Darkseid manages to use Kara's Kryptonian strength for his own malignant purposes. Two of the greatest heroes in comic book history may not be enough to take down a villainous god with an invincible slave.

Again, on September 28th Superman/Batman: Apocalypse will be released as a simple no extras DVD, and a special features filled 2-Disc Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray. The Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray also include a 10-minute Green Arrow animated adventure.

Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray Extras Include:

DC Showcase: Green Arrow (10 min)
Sneak Peak at the Next DC Universe Animated Original Movie (10 min)
Featurette: Supergirl: The Last Daughter of Krypton
2 bonus episodes from animated television series handpicked by Bruce W. Timm
2 additional bonus TV series episodes handpicked by Timm
Digital Copy

Additional Exclusive Blu-ray Extras Include:

Featurette: The New Gods - This documentary covers Darkseid's story, particularly in reference to the adaptation of Superman/Batman: Apocalypse.
All-New Featurette Pods
Orion - Orion follows an almost Shakespearean arc culminating in the slaying of his father, Darkseid. This mini-featurette shines a light on this classically tragic character.
Mister Miracle - This featurette focuses on the greatest escape artist the universe has ever known

Caught in the Crossfire in July

2010-06-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

Source: Beyond Hollywood

No it isn't a bio-pic about the late but great Stevie Ray Vaughan but it still might be worth your time.

There is something to be said for direct to DVD action movies. Some men, like Steven Seagal, just make it worth your time. And then there is something to be said about rappers turned action stars, sometimes it works but only if Seagal is also in the flick (See Exit Wounds).

Well all of that is null and void because Curtis "50 Cent' Jackson is teaming up with the multi-talented Chris Klein in the direct to DVD release of Caught in the Crossfire. This "hardcore urban gangster flick" follows a street hardened dick (Detective! It means detective!) played by Klein who is trying to wade through all of the lies and corruption of his own police department while investigating some gang slayings. 50 Cent is also there to represent the aforementioned "hardcore" element.

Get Caught in the Crossfire on DVD and Blu-ray July 13th. So far the announced extras only include outtakes; which is kind of slim, but with Klein providing the material I bet they are gold!

For your viewing pleasure I present to you the trailer for Caught in the Crossfire if you are still so inKleined:

Legal Flying Cars?!

2010-06-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

Source: The Register

We, my friends, live in the future.

The FAA has just given special approval to Terrafugia Transition (car/plane hybrid) that will make owning and operating this particular flying car feasible unlike many of it's predecessors.

The hold up was due to a weight issue. The Terrafugia was about 110 lbs over the light sport aircraft classification which has more lenient restrictions on who can operate the aircraft and specifically how much experience would be necessary (Only 20 in-flight hours!) but the FAA granted a special exemption seeing as the extra weight was necessary for safety features when the Terrafugia is in car mode.

Don't expect to see somebody pulling up along side you in one of these bad boys just yet, however, as there are still several more steps (crash tests, more prototypes, etc.) before the Terrafugia Transition can truly spread its wings and hit the highway sometime in 2011.

In case you were wondering participating in the future will put you back $194,000.

Fanboys Blu in July

2010-06-29T21:29:00.000-07:00

Source: HighDef Disc News

That is right, 2008's Fanboys is getting a long overdue Blu-ray release on July 27th.

For those of you that don't know about, or just haven't gotten around to seeing it yet, the movie shows the eternal optimism in a pre-Phantom Menace world. Oh, those were halcyon days where the only worry a good Star Wars fan had was getting their hands on a bootlegged copy of the Star Wars Holiday Special.

Fanboys centers around a small group of Star Wars fanatics (Including Jay Burachel, Kristen Bell, Dan Fogler and Seth Rogen) who embark on an adventure to get their hands on an early copy of Episode I.

There is Hutt sized assortment of extras, some of which were on the previous DVD release that should keep every Fanboys fanboy happy.

Extras Include:

Introduction By Director Kyle Newman & Producer Matthew Perniciaro
Commentary By Cast And Crew
Deleted Scenes
The Truth About Fanboys
Star Wars Parallel
4 Fanboys & 1 Fangirl
The Choreography
Disturbances In The Force: A Series Of Webisodes
Fanboys Goes Global
Fanboys, The Comic Book
Gallery

NASA Outsources To High School

2010-06-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

Source: NASA

You may have heard something of the recent Japanese unmanned spacecraft Hayabusha that was destroyed while in orbit above the Australian outback in order to retrieve its precious contents (the first ever harvested asteroid material).

What you may not have known those responsible for recording the planned detonation of the Hayabusha were a few high schoolers and their science teacher. Turns out the students were out of the loop assuming that what they were working on was just another school assignment and they didn't find out it was actually the real deal until 6 months into the project.

High school science teacher and expert in "optical observations, tracking, and spectroscopy" Ron Dantowitz had actually been tapped by NASA to record "The Hayabusa Re-entry Airborne Observing Campaign" and he figured it was time to introduce a few of his students to the wonderful world of applied sciences.

So the hypothetical science project turned real culminated in the students boarding a NASA DC-8 plane after months of work to record the Hayabusha event.

Here is the amazing footage that a few high school students captured; do your self a favor and watch it. Do it for the explosions but most of all do it for science!

Damn, I remember doing similar space related projects in middle school, like colonizing Mars and such. My astronauts almost always died.

How many brave souls lives were lost to my rushed miscalculations?! I need a drink ...

Manstruation Machine

2010-06-28T19:23:00.000-07:00

Source: Gizmodo

No, that title is unfortunately not a typo. And be forewarned those of you with weaker stomachs should just stop reading this article and click here.

(That link is also good for those of you who need comforting after reading the following article. Good luck, you brave souls.)

"What the f*ck am I looking at?" I assumed you asked. Well let me tell you, it is a machine for men to experience menstruation.

Now I assume most of you just shortened the question to a simple "What the f*ck?!" Well allow me to attempt an explanation.

This crime against nature was part of a film project by Hiromi Ozaki, a student at the Royal College of Art in London. The project is a music video called Menstruation Machine (or alternatively Takeshi's Take) and I will allow his synopsis to fill in the details while I hide in the corner and try to collect myself.

"It’s 2010, so why are humans still menstruating? ... What does Menstruation mean to humans? Who might choose to have it, and how might they have it? Fitted with a blood dispensing mechanism and lower-abdomen-stimulating electrodes, the Menstruation Machine simulates the pain and bleeding of an average 5 day menstruation process of a human. Menstruation Machine (Takashi's Take) is a music video about a boy ‘Takashi’, who builds the machine in an attempt to dress up as a female, biologically as well as aesthetically, to fulfill his desire to understand what it might feel like to be a truely kawaii (cute) girl."

If you have made it this far you might as well subject yourself to the music video:

I know, I know ... and I am sorry.

Titanic 2 in August

2010-06-28T19:15:00.000-07:00

Source: ScreenCrave

Those crazy bastards over at The Asylum are up to their shenanigans again.

From the studio that brought you sci-fi classics such as Transmorphers and The Terminators, scared you senseless with Snakes on a Train and ... well actually improved upon Indy's most recent adventure with Temple of the Skulls proudly announces its next project: Titanic 2

No, that isn't the official poster (Though it should be ...) this is the official poster:

Starring the *ahem* talents of Brook Burns (Baywatch) and that old senator dude from the X-Men movies (Bruce Davison) the film is pretty much exactly what you would expect. Let me regale you with the official synopsis:

"On the 100th anniversary of the original voyage, a modern luxury liner christened Titanic 2, follows the path of its namesake. But when a tsunami hurls an ice berg into the new ship's path, the passengers and crew must fight to avoid a similar fate."

Hold onto you female clothing, because come August 24th it will be time to abandon ship all over again!

WTFriday?! - Make-A-Wish Builds Star Wars Fort!

2010-06-25T18:35:00.003-07:00

Source: Geekologie

This one should warm the jaded cockles of your geeky heart in less than 12 parsecs.

There was a very sick boy in Tulsa, Oklahoma and he wanted the most kick ass Star Wars fort in the history of ever.

He got it!

Make-A-Wish made that dream happen and built him a beastly Millennium Falcon for his backyard.

Make-A-Wish has been on a role with the nerdiest wishes for a while now, and we all know these poor kids deserve that little extra slice of awesome to get them through the hell they have to endure. Just last month a kid in Seattle got to be a legit superhero for the day.

Make-A-Wish, bless you for making these kid's dreams come true and making my day!

Hulu Partners With Sony

2010-06-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

Source: Home Media Magazine

There were serious rumors that Hulu was in talks with Microsoft for exclusive rights for the Xbox, but Sony seems to have beaten them to the punch. Sony is in final talks with the Hulu people and it looks like, for a price, you will have another streaming option for your PS3. Hulu may still be coming to an Xbox near you, but not in the immediate future.

Recently Hulu, which has previously been free, has been toying with premium subscriptions for around $10 a month. The benefits of paying for a subscription have been more content and fewer commercials, now they are bringing that business model to your PSTriple.

While the PS3 already has Netflix capabilities Hulu would be a big boost as far as TV shows go. Netflix can sometimes be a bit stingy and erratic when it comes to TV shows while Hulu has tons of your favorite programming available soon after it airs on TV. Hulu also has a decent catalog of movies too, but no where near as extensive as Netflix.

I would say if you are into movies (Which I assume you are reader otherwise I have no idea why you are wasting your time here!) Netflix is probably still the best route. But if TV is more your bag Hulu on the PS3 might just be what you were looking for!

And if you like both well use both! Who am I to judge?

Boobless Robot Lifeguard

2010-06-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

Source: Popular Science

Nope, she isn't a Pamela Android.

No, she doesn't have boobs or run in slow motion.

But yes, she could save your life.

Her name is EMILY (Emergency Integrated Lifesaving LanYard ... that's a stretch) and she is a certified robo-lifeguard who is going to save riptide victims from undignified death by drowning.

This autonomous buoy operates in two ways. It can either be thrown from the shore, a helicopter, plane or boat manually by a human or it can just patrol the coastline looking for struggling swimmers. How the hell is she supposed to differentiate between the raucous splash fights and the truly drowning is where it gets interesting. EMILY uses sonar to hone in on movements associated with distressed swimmers such as panicked thrashing. Then she hits the throttle and shoots toward the drownee at upwards of 28 miles per hour.

Cool, you are drowning and a buoy shows up like an awkward red robo-angel, now what? Well she talks, giving you words of encouragement and instructions ("Hang the f*ck on!") that you should heed if you want hitch a ride back to the beach with minimal water in your lungs. If being comforted by software isn't really cutting it EMILY is also equipped with a camera operated by a lifeguard back on sure that can also give sage advise (Like, oh I don't know, maybe: "Hang the f*ck on!")

The EMILY 'bots will hit the beach sometime next spring and while each unit costs $3,500 you can't really put a price on saving a persons life, even if there are no slow motion boobs involved ...

Well, because I know you guys are thinking about it and are probably already Googling for Baywatch pics:

What did you expect? Don't hassel the 'Hoff!

First 3D Laptop

2010-06-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

Source: LAPTOPiNG

The brilliant minds at Toshiba (Artist's depiction above right) asked themselves "Should TVs and movies have all of the 3D fun?" and they decided that no, no they should not.

The Toshiba Satellite A665-3DV is the first laptop to boast 3D capabilities. It comes with all of the bells and whistles of other new laptops with a couple of extra features such as a Blu-ray burner and a hefty 640GB hardrive which will probably be needed for saving the 3D movies you are bound to be watching.

The pricing may be a little on the steep side for a laptop starting at $1,600, but if you were to lay down the green you would be owning a preview of what is bound to be the next big 3D push: home computers.

Man, 3D is everywhere, and like it or not it is beyond being a fad at this point.

Blockbuster On Demand

2010-06-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

Source: Home Media Magazine

Blockbuster has been experimenting with streaming content directly to Verizon customers with wireless devices for a while now and with the release of the new Motorola Droid X the deal has sweetened.

You don't need a Droid X to participate in the new Blockbuster video service as it will work on various devices equipped with Blockbuster On Demand, but it is probably the slickest way to watch the content.

"What content?" I assumed you asked. Well by using what is being called "Blockbuster On Demand Presented By V Cast Mobile" you can have access to the newest releases the day that they also hit the DVD shelves. You have the option to either rent or own, with rentals priced at a fairly reasonable $3.99 and $9.99 to own.

Looks like Blockbuster is getting its content streaming feet wet, even if right now it is just limited to Verizon customers.

Touchpad Vending Machines

2010-06-24T17:43:00.000-07:00

Source: CrunchGear

Granted it is in Japan, but Coca Cola has created a new vending machine that uses a gigantic 46' LCD touch screen. Not only will thirsty patrons be able to get there Coke fix using the new sleek interface there are even more bells and whistles.

Some of the extras features include advertisement for those that rent the new machines, and maps and information of the surrounding area that will be able to download to your phone. Coke machines are everywhere, and if this map function was in all of them I doubt a person would ever get lost again ... unless they are in Pepsi country.

Again, the release of these high tech Coke machines are currently only planned for Japan , but I would not be at all surprised to see these hit our shores in the not to distant future.

Human Hamster Ball = Virtual Reality

2010-06-23T18:48:00.000-07:00

Source: Popular Science

If somebody was to ask me what the next big step in gaming would be after 3D I would probably laugh you out of the room if you suggested virtual reality, that is so 1992.

But that isn't stopping some people from trying to push the proverbial hamster ball up the hill of progress as the 360 degree simulator previously only available for military and police training is going to be available for public consumption, sort of but they cleverly hide the actual price which is most likely considerable.

Pictured: The Future of Gaming ... don't mind Hamster Rambo (Hambo!)

Virtusphere, as it is dubbed, is exactly what it looks like. It is a large ball that spins around giving the hams- PLAYER a truly realistic experience, virtually of course. Right now, when equipped with the visor, you have the option to play a first person shooter game, go on a tour of Russian architecture or goof around on Google Earth (Personally, I would just pretend I was King Kong in downtown Manhattan).

While you may not personally be in the market for a human hamster gaming ball don't be surprised to see these start popping up around malls and fairs in the near future. After all virtual reality is so 2011!

DC Comics Goes Digital

2010-06-23T18:42:00.000-07:00

Source: Kotaku

DC now stands for two things "Detective Comics" and now "Digital Comics" since they finally joined the digital comic’s movement. Like Marvel, Dark Horse and Image before them DC, the last major comics company holding out on digital comics, has realized that comic book readers and people that like technology are usually the same people.

The home of such iconic characters such as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, DC Comics should have no trouble finding people who own iPads, iPhones and even the Sony PSP that want their comic fix without the paper cuts.

Each digital issue will cost you at most right now $2.99, and there are also many free comics. There is already a sizable catalog to choose from and even free previews to upcoming issues such as the milestone Superman#700. PSP digital comics can be found right on the Playstation Store while iPad and iPhone users will need to download the slick new DC Comics App.

Now all of the major comic companies have gone digital, and while buying your comics digitally does have its shortcomings (delays in release, no satisfying ink on your fingertips) it can only improve from here.

Do any of you read your comics digitally? I think it is perfect for something like the iPad, but the PSP and iPhone seem a little on the small side to make it worth my while.

Human Target in September

2010-06-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

Source: Blu-ray.com

I am going to be completely honest, when I saw the previews of the Fox show Human Target I was very skeptical (in my defense they were doing a barrel roll in a 747). Turns out my skepticism was unfounded because when I decided to give it a try I loved the hell out of it!

The first season of Human Target is getting a DVD and Blu-ray release September 21st. For those of you that may have missed the first season the show is based off of the DC comic by the same name and is about a badass dude that goes by the name Christopher Chance, played perfectly by Mark Valley (The 4400).

Chance will put himself in harms way to protect his clients and explosions and gunplay often ensue. He doesn't go it alone though as he has a surly ex-cop partner named Laverne, but don't you dare make fun of his name. Chance also has loyal friend, played Jackie Earle Haley, who finishes off the team as a sarcastic hacker that won't think twice about shooting you in the back.

Just good television, and contrary to Fox's usual M.O. the series has actually been renewed for a second season.

Extras Include:

Two Featurettes: Confidential Informant and Movie-sized Action on Television
Pilot Commentary
Deleted Scenes
Gag Reel

Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Webcam Tonight!

2010-06-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

Source: ABC

Prepare for a classic example of the age old adage of "The show must go on!"

A disaster of less than epic, but still pretty bad, proportions struck the set of Jimmy Kimmel's late night talk show yesterday when they were supposed to tape tonight's episode.

The power went out.

If there is one thing necessary to record a TV show it is electricity, electricity followed by a working camera. They had no electricity but they found a camera, a webcam to be exact.

Tonight’s low tech episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs at 12:05 on ABC and was shot entirely by webcam via Kimmel's personal laptop. Everything from the monologue, to the interviews (Including The Green Hornet himself: Seth Rogen!) and even a musical performance by Dierks Bentley.

In all honesty I haven't followed late night since the Conapocalypse, but I am intrigued by both this novelty of watching a late night talk show filmed entirely by webcam and Jimmy Kimmel's MacGuyveresque abilities.

If you are curious on how this whole mess turned into something potentially amazing tune in if you aren't sleeping, I sure as hell am!

TRON Out Your Gaming

2010-06-22T20:46:00.000-07:00

Source: Gizmodo

Want to show off how geeky and tech savvy you are to your friends and family? Disney is giving you the opportunity by releasing various TRON themed home theater accessories this fall in anticipation for the upcoming sequel TRON: Legacy and the tie-in video game.

Get ready to salivate, there are going to be gaming controllers such as the Xbox one above along with of course PS3 and Wii flavors. For you computer gamers there is a slick looking mouse, but for me the coolest TRON gadget is the keyboard:

And so you can listen to some bumping tunes as you light cycle across a neon landscape check out the sick iPhone/iPod dock disguised as a light disc:

TRON: Legacy could suck all kinds of bad as long as they keep pumping out this kick ass merchandise. But from what I have seen it only sucks awesome and spews it back onto you!

Awesome!

Johnny Handsome Blu in July

2010-06-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

Source: Blu-ray.com

Remember when Mickey Rourke's face hadn't been obliterated by a boxing career?

Yeah, I know it has been awhile, but in 1989 his nose still hadn't been broken and he was in a gangster revenge flick called Johnny Handsome. He played the titular role Johnny, and consequently was handsome. Don't believe me? Well, you can see it for yourself on July 27th.

But Johnny wasn't always handsome; in fact he was a grotesquely deformed bank robber that got caught. While in prison though he gets goes through rehabilitation for a chance at a new life and a new face (Probably, courtesy of our tax dollars ...) and leaves the joint a changed man in a more literal sense than most. Once he is back out on the streets of New Orleans though Johnny continues with his plot for revenge against those that got him nabbed in the first place while trying to hide his true intentions from a detective, Morgan Freeman; that thinks a new face won't be enough to kill off old habits.

Extras Include:

Noir In Nawlins: In-depth look at the cinematography of Johnny Handsome
Double-Crosser: Interview with actor Lance Henriksen
Dark Notes: The music of Johnny Handsome

LCD TV's May Save Your Life!

2010-06-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

Source: Gizmag

A recent study by the University of York in England has come to the conclusion that the chemicals in your LCD TV could have health benefits.

The specific chemical is polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA if you want to sound legit) which has proven effective at combating viruses and infections. Not only does it have medicinal applications, but it could possibly be used as a cleaning solvent for wreaking all kinds of havoc on germs. And if PVA is combined with ethanol its healing potential is that much greater.

Hell, the good news doesn't stop there as the goo in your LCD TV is even environmentally friendly!

But don't go sticking a straw into your high def set and sucking the goodness out just yet, as further testing needs to be done before anyone can even hope for PVA based medicines and cleaners hit the shelves. But the people at York see a lot of promise in polyvinyl-alcohol, and some of these people have doctorates so they should know!

$5 A Day in August

2010-06-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

Source: HighDef Disc News

If you think a film starring the talents of Sharon Stone, Amanda Peet and the great Christopher Walken would not be relegated to a straight to DVD and Blu-ray release you would think there was a mistake. (Ok, maybe with Sharon Stone ...)

But that is the case with the film $5 A Day, which was actually due out last January but has been postponed until August 24th. The film has a premise that, with Walken involved, seems ripe with hysterical situations.

The film revolves around Walken, an old conartist, who has recently found out he has a terminal illness so he gets his estranged son to drive him to Mexico for some kind of experimental procedure. They pay for this road trip through a series of ever increasingly ridiculous grifts and you are just along for the ride.

Road trip flick with Christopher Walken? How did this not get nominated for an Oscar, much less not make it to the big screen?! Just criminal ...

Extras Include:

Director and Cast Interviews
Still Galleries
Trailer

And because no words could do this film justice I present you with the trailer for $5 A Day:

Jacob's Ladder Blu in September

2010-06-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

Source: HighDef Disc News

Adrian Lyne's (Fatal Attraction) psychological horror Jacob's Ladder is getting a Blu-ray release come September 14th.

The film, which stars Tim Robbins as the titular Jacob, as a increasingly delusional soldier in Vietnam desperately clinging to his memories to ward off the insanity that surrounds him. Jacob battles the North Vietnamese, Army experiments and above all else his own past in this haunting film that while not pleasant it is at least poignant. Woah ... I sounded like a critic there!

Announced Extras Include:

Director Commentary
Deleted Scenes
The Making of Jacob's Ladder
Theatrical Trailer

Dearest Cine-a-tech Readers

2010-06-21T03:08:00.000-07:00

I know what they say about looking cool and how you are supposed to act like you have been there before, but I haven't so to hell with it:

Well shucks, guys, I love all ya'll!

In the couple short months that Cine-a-tech spawned from my deranged mind it has already managed rack up over 1000 views! (Thanks mom!)

On this humbling (read: momentus, extraordinary, badass, etc.) occasion I wish to thank all of the people that have stopped by, if only by accident, and I can only hope that I was able to improve the quality of your day if but for a moment.

To all of those kind Spambots that trolled through, thanks for the boost in numbers that kept me trucking along. And I wish to take this opportunity to let it be known that when Skynet finally does become self aware and starts the Robopocalypse that I, for one, welcome our new synthetic overlords.

And finally to you, yes you the reader of this very post, I wish to extend my gratitude. You, whoever you are, are an awesome individual that should be told so on a daily basis and anytime you feel that you have not been feel free to drop by here for a moral boost!

1K is just the start! I hope to get at least five more views before I call it quits and mosey on down that dusty ol' trail of obscurity and mediocrity, and that should only take about 6 more months excluding the Spambots!

Thanks again, at only 2 months Cine-a-tech is still a infant with gratuitous bib drool and repugnant soiled diapers, I can't wait to see what this creation will mature into!

Buy Solar, Get Free Boom-Stick!

2010-06-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

Source: The Consumerist

You got to ask yourself one question; do you want to invest in solar power? Well, do you, punk?!

Question: What is more rewarding than investing in green energy?

Answer: Getting a free freaking gun!

In a world where traditional energy sources are becoming scarce solar energy may be the answer. But if being responsible early adapter isn’t enough incentive for you California and Colorado based Bland Solar and Air Inc. have an extra reward that is sure to come in handy in sustaining (or ending) life by way of a gun.

For every Bland customer who purchases a big enough solar system a $400 gun voucher is theirs! (I guess if you want to be lame you can opt out of the gun option you can just go for the $400 rebate, but free gun is so much more badass!)

This is ingenious business plan that could be incorporated everywhere to increase the speed of energy source adaption. Buy a hybrid car, get a Winchester repeater on the house! Buy energy efficient light bulbs, receive free set of throwing knifes! Build a windmill and enjoy your RPG gratis!

I am telling you, if more energy companies incorporated this America would become more energy efficient faster than it takes you to say, “Shop smart. Shop S-Mart.”

E3: Nintendo 3DS Not For Young Children?

2010-06-18T16:22:00.000-07:00

Source: Kotaku

So when you think of Nintendo users who do you think of first?

Children of course!

Especially when you think of Game Boys and other handhelds kids are definitely the target demographic. But now the Nintendo 3D handheld 3DS, due out by the end of next March, is going through some serious safety tests right now. The conclusion this far is that young children should not look at 3D images.

Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime had this to say on the matter, “We will recommend that very young children not look at 3D images. That's because, [in] young children, the muscles for the eyes are not fully formed... This is the same messaging that the industry is putting out with 3D movies, so it is a standard protocol.”

This seems to be a standard way of covering themselves from any liability issues that may arise, and it should not be a problem for most gamers. Such as the lucky ones that got a chance to try out the 3DS at the Nintendo E3 booth, who only got sick of waiting in the ridiculously long lines and not from playing with the 3DS itself.

I suppose just like all of the finer things in life 3D should be enjoyed in moderation, so try not to go on a 5 hour bender that only stops when your retinas start bleeding … unless you are hardcore!

WTFriday?! - God Damned Batman Tweets!

2010-06-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

Source: Twitter

So I messed up guys, two Fridays ago I promised a new running feature, one Friday ago it did not happen. I have failed something fierce but hopefully this awesomeness I am about to share with you can make up for the err of my ways ... hopefully.

There are tons of celebrities that now use Twitter for their own self aggrandizement (See Ashton Kutcher, Jim Carrey and formerly John Mayer) which is totally fine, because there are people who care about how big of a deuce you just laid or how amazing that bran muffin was, I just ain't one of them.

Now there are celebrities that Tweet responsibly and effectively, like Conan O'Brien who launched a nationwide sellout tour with one blurb, and then there are people that everyone should follow on Twitter.

Who? The God Damned Batman is who!

Upon reviewing some of the Dark Knights daily tweets we come to the realization that he is a dick, and not just in the detective sense of the word. But that is OK, because he has embraced that and made it work for him and his nocturnal crime-fighting escapades.

He gives us profound insight into many things that should concern us all. Such as:

Cinema: "Saw the A-Team. Would've been better if instead of a 'team' it was one man. Dressed like a bat. Who drives a stealth tank."
Sports: "I'm not saying these World Cup guys aren't in shape, I'd just like to see them play in 50lbs of body armor with limited head motion."
And of course; Fighting Crime: "If the Joker is a dog chasing cars, I'm the a**hole driving the car who suddenly throws it in reverse."

I will allow you to peruse the rest at your leisure. No, I do not have a Twitter account, but upon discovering The Batman's profile I am seriously considering getting one.

Vinyl or CD? Why choose!

2010-06-17T21:28:00.001-07:00

Source: Gizmodo

Let me start this off by acknowledging the fact that both records and compact discs are arguably dead in this online age where you can find anything for the price of free. I get it. But as someone who still buys CDs and collect vinyl this is technological harmony at it's purest.

And I feel it is something you have to see:

What you are looking at is a CD, no big whoop right? Wrong, let's flip this bad boy:

That is right! It is a flip disc just like those old widescreen/fullscreen DVDs and those new fangled Blu-ray/DVD hybrids but for music. This changes everything about obsolete media! What will we see next, 8-Tracks merged with cassettes? VHS infused with floppy discs? iPads fused with paperweights?!

This 50% record, 50% CD adding up to 110% awesome is the work of musician and technology enthusiast Jeff Mills. The album is fittingly titled The Occurrence and is a limited release from Axis Records.

The possibilities are about as endless as my joy about the existence of a vinyl/CD hybrid! And if this catches on I guess it means I am buying The White Album again ...

Free Starbucks WiFi

2010-06-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

Source: Technorati

So you are sitting there with your mochafrappachinoventi (I don't drink coffee, sorry) and you have your netbook booted up and ready to check on your coffee bean stock portfolio and it dawns on you, Starbucks charges you $2 an hour for internet access!

Well starting July 1st not anymore!

Starbucks has just teamed up with Yahoo to offer free WiFi at about 60% of its coffee houses across America. Only airport, grocery store and other combination Starbucks locations will not get the free service.

For a business that is located almost literally everywhere in U.S. I am surprised it took them this long to offer this free service. God knows they can afford it! People will do unspeakable things to get their caffeine fix including paying exorbitant prices.

Better late than never Starbucks, maybe I will stop in for a cookie sometime.

E3: Goldeneye Is Back!

2010-06-16T22:51:00.000-07:00

Source: Kotaku

Damn it ... I am going to have to finally buy a Wii because the greatest video game of all time (no hyperbole necessary) is coming back.

Goldeneye was the video game of my childhood. I did not own an N64 (I was still rocking the NES!) but looking back I almost feel sorry for the friends I mooched off of for untold countless hours of Mountain Dew fueled deathmatches.

Enough of the nostalgia! Time to get into some details:

Goldeneye will exclusively be for the Wii.
It comes out sometime in November.
The game will feature 8 classic Bond playable characters. (Yes, Oddjob is one of them for you d-bags out there.)
It will have both classic split-screen and online multiplayer and it looks like the original single player campaign is back.
There will be 16 game modes including such classics including; Paintball, Melee Only and You Only Live Twice

And here is the kicker: Pierce Brosnan’s Bond has been replaced by Daniel Craig!

This does not make up for the disorder in MGM that has delayed the next 007 adventure from hitting the big screen anytime soon, but it sure doesn't hurt!

If you can stop dancing around from childish ecstasy for a moment you can check out the E3 teaser for Goldeneye yourself:

What other classic games would you guys like to see get re-released, if any? I was going to say NBA Jams, but apparently that too is on the way! BOOM-Shakka-lakka!

Best Buy Will Sell Used Games

2010-06-16T22:40:00.000-07:00

Source: Home Media Magazine

It is a good feeling when you are searching for that new game and then finding yourself a used copy of that game at a reduced price. Best Buy wants to foster that warm feeling of victory by beginning to trade and carry used games later this summer.

Gamers will be able to exchange their old games for Best Buy gift cards, which many of them will surely turn around and buy more used games with. It is a proven business model that keeps the traders mostly happy for getting something for their old games, the buys enjoy a price cut and Best Buy will get a slice of that sweet repackaged profit.

Best Buy may have some other changes on the horizon, but having another place to browse used games is so far the one that intrigues me the most. I love me a good deal!

Paramount Teams With Redbox

2010-06-16T22:33:00.000-07:00

Source: Blu-ray.com

Recently Blockbuster had made a deal with several major studios for the exclusive right to rent out their movies for 28 days competition free. This was an attempt to remain competitive in a rental market that is quickly making going to the store for your flick fix obsolete.

Paramount Studios has decided to not to support the the 28 day rental delay for new releases and has, after a trial period, decided to allow it's new releases on both DVD and Blu-ray to appear in Redbox kiosks the same day the movies hit the shelves in Blockbuster.

They are only one among many studios (including Disney, Sony and Anchor Bay) that have realized that Blockbuster is only one of many ways people rent their movies and have taken measures to ensure that their movies get the widest audience possible. And while Paramount has decided to not support Blockbuster with 28 day exclusive rights to their new releases a few notable studios have, such as Fox, Universal and Warner.

Choice is always good and while I still never have used Redbox, I sure can see the appeal. Who are you siding with in this battle for rental control? Do you even really care as long as you can still rent movies?

E3: Nintendo and 3D Movies

2010-06-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

Source: LA Times

Nintendo has pulled something of a coup against Sony in the 3D market by announcing this morning at the E3 conference that their new handheld called the "3DS" will not only support 3D gaming but also 3D movies.

Currently Nintendo has partnered up with a few major studios such as Disney, Warner Bros and Dreamworks to get stereoscopic 3D movies. The E3 demo of the Nintendo 3DS showed the trailer for the upcoming Disney movie Tangled to give an idea of how the system would work.

The Nintendo 3DS is due out sometime this year, but no definite date has been set yet. The new handheld has two screens just like the previous DS models, with the bottome screen integrated with a touchpad but the top one is now capable of projecting 3D images without requiring cumbersome, but oh so fashionable, 3D glasses. Another major upgrade from the current DS is the inclusion of three cameras that will allow you to actually take 3D pictures that you will then be able to share with your other 3DS buddies.

This was a pretty big announcement that was off of everyone’s radar. They stole some of Sony's thunder (who has been heavily pushing 3D) since their announcement of 3D gaming and movies wasn't until a few hours later in the day.

It has been a long time since I invested in a handheld gaming system, the last one I owned was a Gameboy Color, but the 3DS is looking pretty awesome ... maybe this is the handheld I have been waiting for ... maybe.

E3: Sony Move

2010-06-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

Source: Crunchgear

Well everyone is officially in the motion controlled video games business. The Nintendo Wii started the party while Microsoft and Sony chose to be fashionably late.

We all got to see the unveiling of Microsoft Kinect (formerly known as Project Natal) for the Xbox 360 yesterday at the E3 expo and it was really impressive. The thing that set itself apart on is the fact that no controllers are required as a camera just motion tracks your body for a whole new gaming experience.

Now Sony is in the fray with the Playstation Move. The move is much more like the Wii setup, where you have a controller (read: ice cream cone) in your hand that tracks full 3D movement. But before you think that it is nothing more than a Wii clone (I admit the article pic doesn't help matters) there are some differences in quality and functionality. So while it is similar to the Wii controllers but is far more accurate and has a wider range of motion sensing capabilities.

Totally nothing like the Wii ... we promise!

It is also worth noting that Playstation Move still has buttons, unlike the Xbox Kinect, which should be a relief for more traditional gamers who were starting to get concerned about actually getting off the couch to go to war or play in the Rose Bowl. It will also have a secondary attachment for "navigation" much like the Wii has the little nunchuk.

If the PS3 is your console of choice Move will be hitting shelves on September 19th. The pricing is pretty standard as the primary Move controller will cost you $50 and the optional navigation controller will put you back another $30, but that is just over half of what Xbox Kinect costs so it is fairly reasonable I guess. There will also be a bundle that comes with a Playstation Eye (camera) and the game Sports Champions for $100. There will initially be about 20 games that utilize Playstation Move but they hope to have at least 40 available by the time the holiday’s role around.

As a PS3 owner, not fanboy, I will be interested to try this out come September, especially if they can put together a halfway decent lightsaber dueling game. But I will probably be doing it when no one is watching ... just in case.

Amazon Gold Box: The Ultimate Matrix Collection

2010-06-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

Source: High-Def Disc News

Now I am of the opinion that The Matrix was mind blowingly awesome and the sequels just couldn't live up to the first. But for ridiculously low price of $49.99 for all three Matrix films plus The Animatrix on Blu-ray I would not think twice about picking it up.

This Amazon Gold Box deal only lasts through today, so if you want to just pay 50 bucks for something that retails at $125 now is your chance.

Extras Include:

Written introduction by the Wachowski Bros
Various commentaries including Philosophers Dr. Cornel West and Ken Wilbur; Critics Todd McCarthy, John Powers and David Thompson plus cast and crew
Feature length documentary: The Matrix Revisited
Music Videos plus an isolated music track of nearly 3 hours of music
Various featurettes on the making of The Matrix video game
The Roots of The Matrix: Various documentaries delving into the historical, philosophical and technological aspects of The Matrix series
Theatrical trailers, plus much more!

Sorry about the late notice, but you should still have time to pull this off. And if you don't, no big deal. Everybody misses the first jump. Everybody.

Hair High

2010-06-14T17:02:00.000-07:00

Source: Plymptoons.com

Bill Plympton's 2004 animated flick Hair High, the world's first "rom-zom-prom-com", that played around the world at various film festivals is now available on DVD via his site Plymptoons.com.

For those of you who haven't heard of Mr. Plympton and his work he has illustrated for The New York Times, Vogue and Vanity Fair and you may have seen his cartoon work in threads such as Rolling Stone, Penthouse and National Lampoon. The dude has even been nominated for an Oscar for his animated short Your Face way back in '88.

His latest animated feature, Hair High, follows the story of two 1950's high school kids that are murdered on their prom night and come back the following year zombified and looking for vengeance ... and their crowns.

This ‘toon employs the voice talents of Sarah Silverman, the late great David Carradine, Michael Showalter and Justin Long among others.

Extras Include:

Director's Commentary with Bill Plympton
Scene Breakdown and Voice-over Sessions
Anicam
Cockstume
Film Premiere Interviews
Trailers

I recommend supporting some independent animation and checking Hair High out!

E3: Microsoft's Monday

2010-06-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

Source: Engadget

Today Microsoft has owned the E3 Expo. Here are the Monday highlights from the Microsoft E3 camp:

Microsoft Kinect: (Pictured above left) Hey potential Project Natal users there are some solid facts in now for you to salivate over. First off it has a price tag now, looks like it will put you back $149 but there are some bundlle deals already popping up at retailers like Gamestop that will pair the Kinect with an Xbox Elite for $399. Microsoft Kinect will officially launch November 4th, along with a first wave of games that will utilize the motion tracking technology. The last Kinect related news for today involves video chatting. Yes. You will be able video chat while watching movies together for starters. Nifty feature that will be both Xbox Live and Windows Live Messenger compatible.
New Xbox 360: (Pictured center) Yup, that is apparently what it is called "The New Xbox 360" no clever name yet, but man it looks pretty slick and it starts shipping out today! Major changes from the existing Xbox 360 models, besides actually looking cool, is that it has one internal fan. This is supposed to reduce the noise considerably which is one less distraction. The power source is internal, which means no more unsightly brick attached to your power cord. And it has integrated WiFi, so you essentially it takes some of the former Xbox accessories and just compiles them into one sexy package.
ESPN3: No it isn't ESPN8 "The Ocho" but it is coming to an Xbox near you! Microsoft now has an exclusive deal with ESPN3 that will be available for no extra charge if you have an Xbox Live Gold Account and have a TV/Internet provider that will participate. You will be able to watch replays, highlights, participate in polls and will of course have Kinect capabilities.
Xbox Netflix: The Xbox version of Netflix is finally getting an essential upgrade in November. You will now be able to search the entire Netflix Instant Watch and add videos to your instant queue, all directly from your console. Xbox is the first console to have this unrestricted Netflix access with out actually needing a computer. I would expect the other major consoles to follow suit eventually as well.

That about sums up Xbox news for the first day of E3; be sure to keep checking in for more updates from the E3 gaming front all week!

New PS3 to be Unveiled at E3?

2010-06-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

Source: Engadget

Don't worry, that isn't it. That was actually one of the original PS3 designs a few years back, how about that controller? I apologize for the scare.

With the week long E3 Expo starting next Monday developers and companies will surely have announcements and surprises in store.

For the past several years E3 has been the place to announce the launches of new gaming systems and this year may not be different.

Some rumors are floating around that we might be seeing some new or updated version of the PS3. This speculation is backed up with an FCC report that confirms that they were testing some type of PS3 system with a new debugging unit.

What does this mean?

Well, you would generally need a new debugging unit only if you are using new hardware. If the new PS3 has significant hardware differences than the current model who knows what we will see? My guess is something involving 3D.

All this speculation on the new PS3 and more should be revealed next week during the E3 Expo; be sure to check back in then for updates!

Picnic at Hanging Rock in July

2010-06-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

Source: Blu-ray.com

Summer and picnics, those are two things that should always go together. Picnics are almost always categorized under good times, depending on the ant factor. Well on July 26 get ready for a whole different type of picnic as an acclaimed Australian film, Picnic at Hanging Rock, gets a Blu-ray release.

The 1975 classic Picnic at Hanging Rock is the story, some claim to be true, of the disappearance of a small group of schoolgirls and their teacher while on an outing into the Australian bush under bizarre and mysterious circumstances in 1900. But the real story is primarily about those that are left behind and their confusion and outrage that such a disappearance could not be solved. It drives certain characters to extremes.

This Blu-ray release will be the 107 minute director's cut of Peter Weir, which is actually shorter than the original theatrical release version.

This release's basket is loaded with special features for you to gorge on as well.

Extras Include:

A Dream within a Dream, a feature length documentary
A Recollection: Hanging Rock 1900, an interview with author Joan Lindsey
Hanging Rock and Martindale Hall: Then and Now
A short film; The Day of St Valentine, that was the first adaption of Joan Lindsey's novel that would later be adapted into Picnic at Hanging Rock
Audio Interviews
Gallery
Scenes that were removed for the director's cut

Can any of you name other director's cuts that are actually shorter than the theatrical? I can only think of one of the top of my head, Alien, but it is only a minute shorter and Ridley Scott has even said that he still prefers the theatrical version.

New Mortal Kombat Game

2010-06-10T22:13:00.000-07:00

Source: Kotaku

With all of the recent news and rumors surrounding the amazing short film that came out a couple of days ago Mortal Kombat fans are in a frenzy.

If you were among them prepare to go insane.

A new Mortal Kombat is in the works. And it is going to be brutal. Mortal Kombat creator has this to say about the next edition to the battle royale franchise:

"This game really is a response to what players have been demanding; mature presentation, reinvented 2D fighting mechanic and the best, most gruesome fatalities ever."

Aside from the classic 1v1 grudge match against your friend the new Mortal Kombat will have extensive online play, tag-team option that will allow up to four players and what promises to be "the deepest story mode of any fighting game".

Between the short film and the announcement of this game I would say Mortal Kombat is coming back with a vengeance.

Will Smith Makes 3D Look Good

2010-06-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

Source: SonyInsider

News flash!

In a recently released 3D promotional/teaser trailer for Men in Black III we find out two important things.

One we already knew, Men in Black III will be of course released in 3D. But infinitely more important is the fact Will Smith reassures us he will make 3D look good.

I am inclined to agree with Mr. Smith.

Unleashed in September

2010-06-10T17:56:00.000-07:00

Source: Blu-ray.com

Louis Leterrier's 2005 action film Unleashed (AKA Danny the Dog) was a ferocious movie that starred Jet Li as Danny; a human dog raised and trained for the soul purpose of fighting is coming to Blu-ray. As you can imagine he is very good at what he does in ring, but he wants something more than the life of a fighting dog. Danny, the dog, yearns to be human.

This film, written by Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita), was so much more than a hardcore action flick, it was a deep look into what it means to have humanity. But don't let that fool you because there are some brutal fight scenes that only a skilled martial artist like Jet Li can pull off.

Besides the talented Jet Li the movie had a supporting cast of Morgan Freeman and Bob Hoskins (Who Framed Roger Rabbit). This new Blu-ray has special features that were not in the DVD or HD DVD release of Unleashed.

Extras Include:

Director Louis Leterrier: Unleashed
Serve No Master
The Collar Comes Off: Behind the Scenes of Unleashed
Two Music Videos: Atta Boy by Massive Attack & Unleashed Me by RZA

No official cover art yet, so stay posted!

The Joneses in July

2010-06-10T17:49:00.000-07:00

Source: Blu-ray.com

It has been hard but you will finally be able to catch up with The Joneses on July 14th on DVD and Blu-ray. Last years drama/comedy written and directed by Derrick Borte had a critically successful limited release.

The films story follows David Duchovny and Demi Moore star as the titular Joneses; the envy of their suburban community. Everything they have is coveted by the people who live around them, and people struggle to have what the family Jones has.

From the outside looking in The Joneses are the gold standard of the perfect upper-middle class family, but as time goes on all is not what it seems. And people begin to wonder that if something seems to good to be true ...

Extras Include:

Two Deleted scenes: Steve's Job Interview and Steve's Post LifeImage Career