Deal: Battlestar Galactica 56% Off!

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!"

Space:1999 S1 Blu in November

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!

Family Guy: It's A Trap! in December

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!

The League: The Complete First Season in September

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

A Little Box of Butters in September

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!

Roku News

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!).

Simpsons 13th Season in August

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

Dish Network $1 Movies

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.

The Big Bang Theory: Season 3 in September

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

Human Target in September

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!

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!

LCD TV's May Save Your Life!

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!

Heroes Season 4 in August

Source: Blu-ray.com

The fourth and final season of Heroes that followed everyday people with extraordinary powers is coming to Blu-ray and DVD August 3rd.

The series that had us rooting for the cheerleader, enjoying the misadventures of time travelling Hiro and anxiously awaiting the diabolical Sylar's next move has ended.

Don't be completely depressed true believers because with this final release comes some extra features to make sure you will find some comfort on those Monday nights.

Extras Include:

• Picture-in-Picture video commentaries with creators, directors and stars (Blu-ray Only)
• Audio Commentaries for select episodes
• Hero Connections (Blu-ray Only)
• Deconstructing Sylar: Discussion with Tim Kring, Adam Armus and Zachary Quinto
• Milo Speaks: Milo Vetimiglia talks about his experience on Heroes
• Heroes Revolution: Tim Kring discusses everything Heroes, from the TV series to the web series and even the company that formed behind the show.
• Genetics of Scene: In-Depth look behind the scenes with the cast and crew of Heroes.
• Behind the Big Top: Unique look at the actors who joined the series just in time for it to end. (Blu-ray Only)
• Screensaver for your TV
• Deleted and Extended Scenes (Some Blu-ray Only) and more!

Highlander Season 2

Source: Blu-ray.com

"There can only be one ..."

It is true that there can only be one Highlander, but multiple seasons are apparently kosher as the second season of Highlander, originally set for an April release, will be available exclusively through the specialty website LegendaryHeroes.com on Blu-ray in late July.

A unique and interesting addition that may have delayed the Blu-ray release is present in the special features. A few fan-made extras have surfaced, including fan commentaries, discussions and documentaries. I really dig that fan-made extra features are even present on a Blu-ray release, and I really hope to see more along these lines in future larger releases.

So if you like to watch immortals battle across eternity, fancy Scottish accents or love to support fellow fans the Highlander Season 2 Blu-rays might be right up your alley.

Extras Include:

• Documentary: Season of Change
• Photo Gallery
• Picture-in-Picture Commentaries with star Adrian Paul
• BD Touch remote for iPhone and iPod Touch

Fan-Made Extras:

• Fans talk about Highlander
• Fan created documentaries
• Fan created PiP Commentaries

MacGyver: The TV Movies

Source: DVDTown.com

With all the hoopla over MacGruber it is easy to sweep the source material under the carpet.

To remind you of how badass a guy armed with a paper clip, staple gun and that foil that covers that stick of gum can be CBS Home Entertainment is releasing MacGyver: The TV Movies that followed the shows finale in 1994 in a DVD double feature.

On June 15th you will get to see a bemulleted Richard Dean Anderson improvise his way through two separate adventures!

First, in The Lost Treasure of Atlantis, MacGyver aids an archaeologist in finding and securing the treasure of the legendary lost city of Atlantis. The second and final MacGyver adventure, Trail of Doomsday, follows our hero when while investigating the death of a close friend unravels a worldwide conspiracy that puts his problem solving skills to the ultimate test.

I have fond memories of MacGyver, it was one of the few TV shows I can remember my dad ever watching when I was a kid. It may have led to my compulsion for making bomb defusing kits out of toothpicks and duct tape. We didn't have money for brand name tools like this:

Google TV

Source: TechCrunch

Love them or love to hate them Google knows how to get things done, and the long awaited unveiling of their newest innovation that they are touting as "TV meets web. Web meets TV."

Google TV promises that with their service you will spend less time searching for videos and more time enjoying them while adding new elements of personalization. This should make watching TV a much more involved experience.

The TV can be hooked up to your existing setup, such as cable and satellite boxes, and the set comes packaged with a keyboard and mouse. Keyboard and mouse not your style? That's cool, especially if you have an Android phone, because Google has made the phone essentially into a remote control. Best news is if you lose the remote somebody can call it, no more missing remotes! This is the kind of innovation Google strives for people!

But wait, there's more!

Want to surf the web? They have Google Chrome pre-installed and ready for you to surf, both web and channel. As well as included software there are a few announced optional Google TV hardware additions as well as partnering up with the likes of Sony and Dish Network for an enhanced viewing experience.

No word yet on if getting a sweet slice of that advertisement pie ($70 billion in the US alone!) played a role in Google hitting the TV market next Fall. And before you start hating on Google, just remember their motto, "Don't be evil."

Burn Notice Season 3 on DVD

Source: MovieWeb

What happens when you are a disavowed agent stuck in Miami? You have a hell of a lot of fun if Burn Notice is to be believed!

The series stars Jeffrey Donavan as Michael Westen; a down on his luck spy who is lucky to have friends, such as the always welcomed Bruce Campbell, in low places along with a femme fatale or two.

The third season is coming to DVD on June 1st in a four disc set that will include all 16 episodes plus a couple of cool extras:

• Smash, Crash, Boom: Inside the Burn Notice Stunt Unit
• The Burn Notice 2009 Comic-Con Panel

No word yet if there is a Blu-ray in the works, but the first two seasons did get a Blu-ray release so stay tuned.

Battlestar Galactica Season 3

Source: Blu-ray.com

So say we all!

Up to this point the only way to get the third season of the Sci-Fi (I refuse to refer to it as SyFy) Channel's break away political thriller, that just so happens to be in space, Battlestar Galactica was to by the big frakk'n Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series box set. July 27th will present a second option.

Battlestar Galactica: Season 3 will be released in a 5 disc set, exactly the same as the 5 released in the larger collection including the same special features.

Extras Include:

• U-Control: Battlestar Blips and The Oracle
• Creator Ronald D. Moore's Podcast Commentaries
• Battlestar Galactica: The Resistance Webisodes
• Video Blogs
• Extended Cuts for Select Episodes
• Colonial Military Assessment Quiz

Southland Resurrected

Source: Deadline Hollywood

Mark this day in your collective memories people, this is one of those rare occasions where a great TV show gets a second chance.

Southland is a a gritty cop drama with borderline comedic censorship. NBC gave the show one season to woo the viewers with the dark drama and even filmed a second, but maybe network TV was not the appropriate home for such a series. NBC didn't feel that way and cancelled the show faster than a Fox executive with a Joss Whedon property.

Here is where the unlikely happens. TNT saw potential in the series and got rights to re-air the first season and air the never before seen second season. And the fans responded and TNT could not be more pleased to announce that they will be producing a ten episode third season of the visceral drama.

I think Michael Wright of TNT summed it up best, “Southland is a challenging, visceral show that engages viewers with its immersive style, provocative storylines and complex characters. These qualities have made Southland a favorite among critics and appointment viewing for an extremely loyal audience.”

I encourage supporting the second chance of Southland, it is deserving of at least that much. If for no other reason you should support Southland to prove to network executives that good TV is hard to come by and it deserves a timeslot.

Plasma Windows to the World

Source: Rationalcraft.com

Got a couple of plasma TVs lounging around the house you want to put to work? You want a view of the Golden Gate Bridge? You want to make your home look like the lair of Dr. No? You want to be in space?! Well you are in luck!

The fine people over at Winscape have got you covered! They are planning on having kits available by July to turn those bare walls into the envy of your friends and family. The kit itself will be somewhere in the $2,000-3,000 area but if you have the cash to burn (unlike me) then this may be the aesthetic home décor you have been waiting for.

I could go into further detail, but man that would be boring compared to seeing it in action: