Why Blockbuster Is In Trouble

Source: Gizmodo

This, my friends, is a direct quote from the mouth of Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes ... hold on to your pants:

"I don't have to figure out how to get it from my Nintendo machine to the screen. I know I can do it, but I don't want to - it makes my head hurt to think about it."

Wow.

Mr. Keyes up there is of course referring the complex act of inserting the Netflix disc into a Wii and the apparent headache that the entire process induces. If I had stock in Blockbuster I probably wouldn't for much longer. That above quote may be excusable for, say, my grandmother to utter but a CEO of a company that specializes in video rentals?

This actually explains a lot about Blockbuster and how it hasn't exactly been proactive in competing with online streaming services like Netflix. Blockbuster recently pulled off something of a media embargo and has exclusive rights for 28 days on new releases, but that is far from enough to keep them competitive in the rental market.

Yes it is true, Blockbuster now has a mailing service similar to Netflix and has a kiosk system similar to Redbox but it apparently has no plans to go digital as this candid interview with Jim Keyes proves.

CEO Jim Keyes is obviously a firm believer in the old school rental train of thought, he has had to be, and while I still feel that going and renting a hard copy of a flick still has its place it is by no means the most convenient method. Blockbuster needs to do something drastic if it is going to survive this new age of instant gratification, streaming is the future and it is time for the people like Mr. Keyes who run the company to come to terms with this fact.

G.I. Joe: The Movie in July

Source: MovieWeb

"Yo, Joe!"

July 27th will see the final chapter in the 1980's G.I. Joe cartoon series on both Blu-ray and a newer special collector's DVD release.

G.I. Joe: The Movie portrays the final conflicts between our favorite real American heroes against the sinister forces of COBRA. Red and blue lasers will fly as a new group of rough and ready Joe rookies look for ways to prove themselves to the battle hardened veterans on the team.

Knowing may be half the battle, but the other half is extras!

Extras Include:

• Audio Commentary with Story Consultant Buzz Dixon
• The Final 8 "Knowing Is Half The Battle" Public Service Announcements that weren't on the previously released DVD Box Set
• Original Printable Screenplay
• Art Gallery

I remember making my mom rent this movie for me on multiple occasions ... I am sure Blockbuster would kill for that kind of return customer now.

For your viewing pleasure I present to you the G.I. Joe PSA's ... completely unaltered, completely.

Shogun Assassin in August

Source: Blu-ray.com

It is nice to see smaller studios starting to release their own Blu-rays, especially when the films are so awesome.

Shogun Assassin: 30th Anniversary Collector's Edition is actually two Japanese films condensed and re-released into one samurai slash-fest. The classic American version of the film is actually the first two segments of the popular Lone Wolf and Cub series and is a must own for any fan of Japanese cinema.

The independent studio AnimEigo is starting off their Blu-ray catalog the right way with an August 24th release of the classic tale of a ronin turned Japan's deadliest assassin who is known only by his ominous name: Lone Wolf.

Extras Include:

• Audio Commentary with producer David Weisman, illustrator Jim Evans and actor Gibran Evans (the English voice of Daigoro)
• An interview with Samuel L. Jackson, about his love for Shogun Assassin and samurai in general, shot specifically for this release.

For those of you playing at home, Shogun Assassin is the movie that is being watched toward the end of Kill Bill: Volume II.

Special Deal: Alice In Wonderland

Source: Disney Movie Rewards

Did you like Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland? Have you yet to pick up a copy of it? Then you, my friend, are in luck!

Disney wants you to enjoy a combo pack Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy and they are giving out $10 coupons online! Just think of what you could do with an extra $10.

Let's list it out:

• See a matinee and pay for half a kiddie-sized popcorn.
• Feed a small developing nation for a month on Taco Bell.
• Pay for 2/3rds of a MAD Magazine subscription.
• Buy, and subsequently drink, Booze
• Buy Socks ...

What would you do with 10 extra bones?!

Apple's WWDC '10: iPhone 4G

Source: CrunchGear

As Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference completes its first day of festivities already there is overwhelming news on what is on the horizon.

Of course the star at the conference today was the iPhone 4G. Steve Job's himself was on hand to demonstrate some of the new features that you can expect to get if you upgrade to fourth, and newest, iPhone.

There is quite a bit of news surrounding the iPhone specifically so let's try break it down to the bare facts:

Hardware:

• It is sleek and sexy. Some of you may recall the whole iPhone "leak" that happened a few weeks back where allegedly one of the developers "accidentally" left a prototype in a bar, it looks like that phone.
• The new iPhone's display is 3.5" and sports the highest pixel rate on the cellphone market. It has 2X the resolution of its predecessor and boasts one of the sharpest pictures for crisp clean apps.
• New 5-Megapixel rear camera is a step up.

Software:

• iMovie is a premium application that will cost you $5 but should be completely worth it for the amateur film auteur or the home movie expert. It is a film editing room in the palm of your hand. Cut, splice and tweak your movies in glorious 720p high definition. This pocket version of iMovie will allow you to add titles, effects and even a musical score! If you are planning on laying down your money for this new iPhone it would be criminal not to pick up this app while you are at it.
• Netflix! Yes, it will be available on this version of the iPhone in a similar set-up to what you would see on an iPad. Finally, something to while waiting in line for the next version of the iPad.
• Video conferencing is the last revealed major addition for the new iPhone and man is it cool. The video chat program is called Face Time and it uses either the front or read camera to broadcast live video. Steve Jobs after making an actual video call during his demonstration hinted at other Face Time enabled devices, so stay tuned on that front.

That is about it on the details for the iPhone 4G up to this point. As for how much it will hurt your wallet to get one the 16 gig will cost you $199 and the 32 gig model will set you back $299 with a new contract. You will also have a choice between a sleek black or classic white version and you can expect to see it in stores June 24th.

The Apple World Wide Developer Conference runs all week, so updates are in store. Stay tuned for exciting Apple related news, and for those of you who don't care sorry but Apple is now the biggest in the tech business now didn't you hear?

Steve Jobs will not rest until he has converted everyone to all things Apple. And yes that means:

Ocean's 11: 50th Anniversary Edition in October

Source: Blu-ray.com

It was the beginning of the 1960's, there was class, there was sophistication, there was the rat-pack.

On October 5th the original Ocean's 11 will get a special anniversary Blu-ray release. I doubt I need to tell you but the film starred the likes of "Ol' Blue Eyes" himself Frank Sinatra along with Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop and more.

So if you want amazing tunes and a touch of elegance that may have emulated but few obtained this Blu-ray is for you.

Luck me some extras:

• Commentary with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.
• Interactive Las Vegas Then and Now Map
• The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson excerpt featuring guests Frank Sinatra and Angie Dickinson
• Theatrical Trailer