Big E3 Announcement: Sony to Offer Online Video Service April 22, 2008

Since E3 is being taken very seriously these days with video games out performing movies and theatrical releases this latest news is might just push Sony’s P3 to be the best system EVER!

Apparently, Sony has been in talks with big studio exec’s to have some backing when they launch their own online video service to be linked with the PlaysStation 3.

“Sony is trying to capitalize on its Trojan horse in the living room, the PlayStation 3. The console is already connected to the TV and the Internet, and has sold more than 4 million units in the U.S. and 9 million worldwide, according to Wedbush Morgan Securities in Los Angeles. The console gave Sony the decisive edge in the battle to establish its Blu-ray discs as the standard for high-definition video in the home, trumping the HD DVD format backed by Toshiba Corp., Microsoft Corp. and others.”

“Its biggest competitor would be Microsoft’s Xbox Live service, which boasts 10 million subscribers who can sample online more than 4,800 hours of video, a quarter of them in high-definition. That includes 350 movies and more than 5,000 episodes of TV shows such as “Desperate Housewives” and “Lost,” most of which go on sale on Xbox Live the day after their initial broadcast airing. Unlike closed networks such as Apple’s, Sony plans to embrace open standards that would make its offering compatible with a range of computers and hand-held devices, including its PlayStation Portable.”

I own both the XBox360 and the P3 and I love my P3 way more. But…that’s probably because of the Blu-ray player. I am excited to see this latest development. Go Sony, GO!

SOURCE IT

Blu-Ray Rentals to Come With a Higher Price Says Netflix April 22, 2008

The format war has ended but not without some penalties to the consumer. Not only are the players still expensive but the disks are $10 – $15 more than standard DVD’s. The best way to view Blu-rays are through rentals. But, those prices are looking to go up reports the popular mail delivery, Netflix.

Citing that the costs per Blu-ray disk, Netflix plans to raise a subscriber’s monthly payment to cover the new extra costs. Though the numbers are still low for their customers who do make use of the rental service for the ease of availability for the high-def format, the price increase will begin sooner rather than later.

I love Blu-ray but I can only see this to be another reason why download-able content will out do the format in the next coming years. It’s so beautiful thought…it kills me!

SOURCE IT

Jackie Chan Says No (Actually Meiyou!) to Piracy April 22, 2008

Since China is hosting the Olympics this year they are staying on everyone’s good side (well as much as they can be except for all of the political side of things) including Hollywood’s. They have taken extra steps to control the over whelming piracy problem of bootleg movies and CD’s.

“Chinese copyright officials in 31 provinces this week destroyed more than 47 million pornographic and illegal publications, including pirated DVDs.

China is home to some of the world’s worst offenders on intellectual property rights evasion, prompting the U.S. to formally complain to the World Trade Organization that the country is not doing enough to stop counterfeiting.”

Well….they brought on Jackie Chan to help fight the good fight. His new billboard hangs in Beijing’s Silk Market. The billboard reads, “Protect the movies, say NO to piracy.” It will be displayed for two weeks and its message is said to at least reach 20million people.

“Chan’s message to Beijing’s citizens is direct and simple,” said Mike Ellis, MPA’s regional prexy and managing director. By eschewing pirated fare, Chinese will take steps toward “nurturing and protecting China’s movie industry, which then will be free to reach out and tell compelling, exciting Chinese stories to people around the world.”

My family lives in Shanghai and I know by first hand experience how bad the bootlegging is. It’s everywhere and it doesn’t just hit the DVD’s and CD’s, it hits fashion and iconic imagery – and it’s easily duplicated. I think it’s great for someone who’s such a huge celebrity in China to stand up and fight.

SOURCE IT
SOURCE IT

Connor Cruise to Make Big Screen Debut With Seven Pounds April 22, 2008

Much like his parents, Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise, little 13yr-old Connor Cruise will be taking on the family profession of acting. Though his role to be a minor one in the latest Will Smith staring drama, Seven Pounds, little man still had to land the role on his own:

“Tom is so proud of Connor,” says a source. “He’s proud of him for really doing this on his own.”

Costarring in Seven Pounds is Woody Harrelson and Rosario Dawson.

The film is still currently filming and is set to be released in theaters later this year.

SOURCE IT

The Stangers….the Poster! April 21, 2008

Officially published on shocktillyoudrop.com, I can already tell you this movie should be good. Should be because I am a horror movie fan and I’ve been let down before. I like to prep myself for disappointment.

SOURCE IT

Disney To Launch Eco-friendly Disneynature April 21, 2008

Looks like the Earth Day Bug (well…week) has been caught by everyone! The house that a mouse built, Disney, has released today their latest production endeavor – Disneynature.

Disneynature productions will be centered around earth conscience documentaries and films. At the head will be Jean-Francois Camilleri, the man who pushed the documentary hit March of the Penguins.

“Disneynature is a concept we look forward to building across the company and across the globe for years to come, and we hope these films will contribute to a greater understanding and appreciation of the beauty and fragility of our natural world,” said Disney prexy-CEO Robert Iger.”

I think that this is the best idea Disney’s had since their make up with Pixar. Children are the future and what better company to instill some sort of global awareness than Disney.

SOURCE IT

Radiohead to Appear On Late Night With Conan O’Brian Ala the Green Method April 21, 2008

Prep the Tivo’s!

Since this week is set aside every year to celebrate Mother Earth, this year everyone is doing something with a little taste of the Green, eco-friendly way, wave of the Future. Radiohead and NBC teamed up on this idea by having the band stay home instead of flying out to NY to film in studio. They helped save our atmosphere of some unnecessary jet fuel.

I think the idea is genius…and kudos to the Late Night folks for scoring such and awesome band!

Radiohead’s performance can be seen this Wednesday, April 23. Their appearance is to support their latest album, In Rainbows, and their tour which is set to begin early May.

SOURCE IT

Paid TV Is Where It’s At – Studios Decide Not to Beat Premium Channels But to Join Them April 21, 2008

With many of today’s Golden Globe winners not being part of most viewers basic cable packages Viacom announced that it will join up with Lionsgate, MGM and Paramount Pictures on a super Premium channel to win them all.

“As for the new joint venture, it pools classic library titles with new series and movies. It will draw from Par and Par Vantage theatricals released on or after Jan. 1 of this year and MGM, United Artists and Lionsgate titles released on or after Jan. 1, 2009. That means titles such as “Iron Man,” “Star Trek,” “Shutter Island” and “Valkyrie.”

The libraries of the companies involved also bring in the James Bond, Indiana Jones and “Saw” franchises, “Dirty Dancing” and Oscar-winning classics such as “Titanic,” “Sunset Boulevard” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” The channel will also be a venue for new series created by the five studios involved.”

It sounds like someone really wants to be like Showtime or HBO to me. Unless these people offer this new Package at dirt cheap prices or have excellent new original series….no one is going to want to buy in. I think the deal that they are striking though, is going to MAKE viewers of the other networks buy in. That disgusts me. I think all movies should be played more than just on one station. Further proving why Netflix is so popular: It’s cheaper and they don’t tell you what you can or can’t watch.

The channel is currently nameless, but plans for it to over take the air waves begin as early as late fall 2009.

SOURCE IT

Bonds: Quantum of Solace Aston Martin bids Adieu April 21, 2008

I guess when you’re filming a stunt filled movie, a little bump and maybe a few bruises is to be expected. But, for the New Jame’s Bond Filming currently in northern Italy, I think one stunt man got more than he bargained for.

While on the way to the set the driver of the rare Aston Martin lost control of the vehicle and crashed it into a lake! The car had to be fished out and thank fully the driver went without any serious injury. The only injury incurred was the fact that the car that decided to go for a swim was the only one in the world that was currently available! I smell a rewrite!

The expect to see this 22nd film of the Bond franchise release this November.

SOURCE IT

Alicia Silverstone to Play Mom on TV in "Bad Mother’s Handbook" April 21, 2008

So, Ms Clueless star will be making all teen mom’s look “good” in her new sitcom title, Bad Mother’s Handbook. Alicia Silverstone will be playing a mother of a 16yr-old while mommy is only 32. I will let you do the math but, maybe Jamie-Lynn can use it as a reference tool too.

Isn’t right-winged America just going to be furious about this one! Aren’t they afraid it might glorify those who get preggers at a young age? I am totally a teen mother advocate…but, this seems it might get little ABC into trouble with their viewer audience.

SOURCE IT