Editorial: Late Night Fight

The Internet hasn't been this buzzing since...well Spider-Man got rebooted. Jay Leno will move to 10:30, Conan is leaving, Jimmy Fallon's bumped and Carson Daly is leaving. It looks like a tornado has struck NBC and made it a disaster area.

The thing is, Conan is so immensely talented he shouldn't have to be fodder for NBC's "We need Jay Leno forever" crud. I love Jay Leno (adored his quote last night about 'you can either watch skaters on Vancouver Ice or two talk-show hosts on thin ice!') His Jay Leno Show was misguided and not that good overall.

Conan is also getting support, with celebrities like Roger Ebert, Rosie O'Donnel, Jim Gaffigan, Paul F. Tompkins, Doug Benson, Ahmir Thompson, Alyssa Milano, Chris Parnell, Jimmy Kimmel, Marlee Matlin, Ice-T, Matthew Perry, Ricky Gervais, Patton Oswalt, David Letterman and me, Doug (had to say it!). Patton Oswalt even said this:

Comedians who don't like Jay Leno now, and I'm one of them, we're not like, 'Jay Leno sucks;' it's that we're so hurt and disappointed that one of the best comedians of our generation... willfully has shut the switch off."

So true, Patton, So true.

Of course, he's right. Jay Leno is funny, but Conan doesn't need to take this crud. He should be able to stay in his time slot and have Jay go home. It's sad that despite 88% of people on Twitter are in favor of Conan and want him to stay.

I am one of those people on 'Team Conan". And this is a Conan Blog.

SYS

Editorial: A Web of Rumors

Ever since Sony announced 4 days ago that Spider-Man was getting the reboot, I have been getting reports after report of rumblings going on about the new franchise. What do I know? Here is what I have now:

* Sam Raimi dropped out because he felt he couldn't match that 2011 date and still be creativley good.

* Sony had been devolping the reboot and Spider-Man 4 side-by-side. The 4th film would be the final part of the Sma Raimi quadology and the reboot would be out the following year in 2012.

* A slew of directors are trying to get into the film. The one that's likely to be chosen is Marc Webb, direcotr of (500) Days of Summer. David Fincher, James Cameron, Wes Anderson and even Neil Blompkamp are also in the running to direct.

* Who is likely to play Peter Parker? None other than Robert Pattison or Tyler Lautner. My spidey-sense is tingling now...for all the wrong reasons.

This disaster could be good if Wes ANderson driected...but I don't know. We'll see come 2012.

SYS

A Strong Sinistro

It seems Jack Earl Haley may have fallen out of the running to play Sinistro, the villain for The Green Lantern. Who will replace him? Mark Strong from Sherlock holmes and the upcoming films Kick-A** and Robin Hood.

SYS

Transforming in May

Michael Bay has actually psoken a bit about Transformers 3, which will definitly start shooting in May. Michael had this to say:

"There will be a nice crescendo ending, it gets much more into the robot character. The last time you kind of met a few of the robots; this time you're gonna get a much cooler landscape."

Hmm. This could be interesting. I love both of the Transformers films very much but I am ecstatic ot hear that mroe character devlopment is coming for the great robots in disguise.

SYS

Mars Project Has Begun

The John Carter of Mars project that is!! The genuis that is Andrew Stanton is about to churn out John Carter of Mars, based on the classic novels. The film will be released by Disney and will be Live-Action/CGI like Avatar. PIXAR is actually an uncredited producer on the film. I can't wait to see hwat Andrew churns up next. \

I am pumped for May 2012.

SYS

Octain is Gainng On You!

A new Cars Crew Team has come out. This time, it's Octana Gain's turn. I L-O-V-E the crew chief. It's a new model as well, just showing their creativity. I can't wait to find one soon!

SYS

Shrek 4 & MegaMind Screened

Two of Dreamworks 2010 releases had never-before seen footage screened yesterday. The following is the description for Shrek 4:

Screened for an eager audience was, straight through, the first thirty minutes of the new film in 3D, which opens with storybook narration, recounting Shrek's previous adventures. We're then taken to a "carriage park" (imagine a redneck trailer park, but with fairytale witches and vampires living out of their carriages) as the King and Queen of Far, Far Away reluctantly drive through to a meeting with Rumpelstiltskin (and his surprisingly sinister-looking pet, a sharp-toothed duck named Fifi). There, the diminutive creature (voiced by Dreamworks Animation production artist Wal Dohrn) tries to get them to sign a contract, trading their kingdom to have Fiona's curse lifted. Just as they are about to sign, someone barges in and tells them that the curse has been lifted, as per the events of the first "Shrek" film.

We cut back to the storybook with the narrator, now revealed to be Rumpelstiltskin himself, sitting in a bookstore, furiously talking about how Shrek ruined his chances at ruling Far, Far Away.

Shrek, meanwhile, is living an idyllic life with Fiona and his kids. Donkey drops by with his own dragon/donkey offspring and every day a tour bus passes and tourists happily photograph the formerly terrifying ogre. Quickly, this builds to a montage, revealing that, as happy as Shrek is, the monotony is getting to him. He finally reveals to Fiona that he wishes he could have just a single day of being a monster again.

Setting himself up in a false carriage accident, Rumpelstiltskin tricks Shrek into stopping to help him in the middle of the woods. Pretending to be grateful, he tells Shrek that, if he's willing to give up a single past day of his, he can magically arrange a day for him to be a real ogre again. Suggesting that it could be a day when he was a baby that he won't even remember, Rumpelstiltskin convinces Shrek and he signs a lengthy contract.

Suddenly coming to in the woods, Shrek spots "WANTED" posters with his face and, to his delight, realizes that his wish has come true: he can terrorize the village again. In a musical montage, he does just that, happily causing havoc and chasing townspeople (all set to The Carpenters' "Top of the World").

Later, though, Shrek spots another poster, this one with Fiona's face. Realizing something is wrong, he returns to the town and realizes things aren't as he planned; Ogres are being rounded up and imprisoned in the castle by the new ruler, Rumpelstiltskin. Shrek himself is captured and brought in by two witches, in a carriage pulled by Donkey (who, in this reality, never met Shrek).

On the way into town, there's a great appearance by Gingerbread man who, in the alternate timeline, is a Roman-style gladiator, fighting animal crackers in a miniature stadium.

At the palace, Shrek comes before Rumpelstiltskin in a sort of witch-filled nightclub. The villain reveals that the day that was taken from Shrek was the day he was born and, as such, he never really existed. When the 24 hours are up, Shrek will vanish forever.

Furious, Shrek breaks free of his chains and grabs an unwitting Donkey, battling witches and escaping from the palace, the clock quickly running out to find a loophole in Rumpelstiltskin's contract

Here is The MegaMind description:

Megamind himself (voiced by Will Ferrell) has a similar origin to Superman; when he was a baby, his planet was destroyed and he was rocketed to Earth. His landing, however, was inside a penitentiary and he grew up a criminal genius.

By Megamind's side is Minion (voice by David Cross), a combination robot/monkey with fish tank for a head and the mind of a talking piranha (presumably constructed by Megamind himself).

Metro City (mispronounced by Megamind as "metrocity", rhyming with "velocity") is championed by Metroman (voiced by Brad Pitt), a muscular superhero with a white Elvis-like costume and Reed Richards-style graying temples.

Metroman's love interest is Roxanne Ritchie (voiced by Tina Fey), a TV news reporter who is Megamind's go-to girl when he needs a damsel in distress. As such, Megamind and Roxanne are extremely familiar with one another and she has become bored by his failed plots to rule the world.

The footage opens with Metroman attending a museum ribbon cutting in his honor. He showboats for the crowd, flying, doing tricks and even juggling a woman's babies, all the rounds of roaring applause.

Megamind, meanwhile, has kidnapped Roxanne and taken him to his secret lair. Tied to a chair, Roxanne is unimpressed with anything Megamind has, including a pit of alligators and an enormous machine gun.

Going on the air, Megamind broadcasts a message to Metroman, telling him off the kidnapping. Roxanne shouts to the hero that she's being held at an abandoned observatory and Metroman rushes to her aid. The tables are turned on Metroman, however, as the observatory is revealed to be a fake. Metroman finds himself inside a large, domed building while Megamind watches from an adjacent base.

Telling Minion to fire his laser, Megamind is horrified to find that it's going to take longer to load the programing than he had thought. Metroman and Megamind exchange some really funny superhero metaphors back and forth ("Justice is a non-corrodible metal!" shouts Metroman at one point). With the laser unable to fire, Megamind thinks he's lost again, until he spots something unusual on his monitor: Metroman is trapped inside the dome. Copper, he reveals, is his secret weakness and Megamind has unwittingly lured him to a building that has sapped his energy. Unable to fly away, Metroman is struck by the laser blast and, apparently, completely destroyed.

The footage ends here, but a few slides were shown of what happens next; Megamind conquers the city, but finds that, without a rival, his life has no meaning. He goes to work creating a new superhero out of Hal Stewart, a cameraman for Roxanne (as voiced by Jonah Hill), creating the alternate superhero identity Titan.

These films sound OK, though I like MegaMind more than Shrek 4.

SYS

BREAKING NEWS: Sean Bailey Has Moved Up

After firing Oren the other day, Rich Ross has replaced him with Sean Bailey. Sean is now the head of Disney's Live-Action Film Department. In case you don't know, Sean has produced many films, including the upcoming Tron: Legacy and The Black Hole remake.

I'm actually in favor of this 'un, mainly because I actually LIKE this guy. He might know what projects that are good to put in the pipeline (let's be frank, Race To Witch Mountain was a dud that didn't need to happen). I'll be excited to see what projects can come from the mouse now.

SYS

I AM IMAX MAN

It seems Iron Man 2 will follow the hip IMAX trail. IRon Man 2 will bin a two week engagement in IMAX Digital. No word yet on Digital 3D, though I suspect it will.

SYS

Captain of A Forthcoming Park

Odd title? Actually, it perfectly describes Joe Johntson (above), who right now is wrapping up The Wolfman and is starting work on Captain America. He notes that Captain America will be like Saving Private Ryan, in that it starts and ends in the present day, but it mostly takes place in the 1940's.

Also, Jurassic Park IV seems to be moving forward a long last. Joe says it's somewhat of a reboot. It'll "take the franchise into a new direction". My interest is piqued. Let's see if they will do it right.

SYS

Lionsgate To Terminate

It seems htat on February 10th, Lionsgate will be the new home for Ah-Nolds great franchise The Terminator. Lionsgate has put up a 15 million dollar bid to buy the franchise. Looks like on February 10th, Lionsgate "will be back".

SYS

Avatar Box Office Part VIII: This One's For No. 4

Avatar has now surpassed Shrek 2's 441.2 million dollars gross. This puts it as the 4th biggest film of all-time in the USA. Not only that, but it's gross now stands at a trmendous 1.3 billion worldwide. Titanic better look out. Avatar is about to beat it.

SYS

Thor Double Wham

Two pieces of Thor news to pass on.

First off, the third of shooting for Thor is almost done. I have heard nothing but good things about the film at this time, so I think we're in for another goodie.

Secondly, Stellan Skarsgard will play the villain in Thor. I like Stellan and hope he has a big role in the film.

SYS

No Jr. Cowboys

Robert Downey Jr. has fallen out of Cowboys and Aliens. However, his Iron Man director Jon Faverau will direct. The film is expected in July 2011.

SYS

What's All The Hub-Bub, Sub?

Robert Zmeckis's 3D remake of Yellow Submarine has gotten it's 4 cast members They are:

* Cary Elwes (above) as George Harrison
* Dean Lennox Kelly as John Lennon
* Peter Serafinowicz as Paul McCartney
* Adam Campbell as Ringo Starr

Nice casting. Mayhaps this could be good after all.

SYS

Breaking News: Spider-Man Got Rebooted!!!!!!!!!

Holy crackers and cheese, Sony has pulled the reboot button on Spider-Man. Due to script problems, they have decided to put the 2 billion dollar franchise into overdirve. The following is what Sony announced:

"A decade ago we set out on this journey with Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire and together we made three 'Spider-Man' films that set a new bar for the genre. When we began, no one ever imagined that we would make history at the box-office and now we have a rare opportunity to make history once again with this franchise. Peter Parker as an ordinary young adult grappling with extraordinary powers has always been the foundation that has made this character so timeless and compelling for generations of fans. We're very excited about the creative possibilities that come from returning to Peter's roots and we look forward to working once again with Marvel Studios, Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin on this new beginning," said Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Me, I don't like the idea. It just sounds like they have no faith in Sam Raimi. I'm dissapointed. Expect a LOT of insults at Sony this coming weeks.

SYS

First Paula...Now Simon!!

American Idol it seems is going deeper into the gutter. Not only has Paula Abdul, but Simon Cowell is leaving next season. The series is preety much over now. Im ean, Simon MAKES this show so I think we'll be seeing drastic rating drops next season.

SYS

Going Tokyo..Mater Style!

Speaking of Fast and Furious, here's some REAL cars! Thanks to Takefiveaday, we have images of the Tokyo Mater cars coming! These look great and I can't wait to see them on shelves. Click on the image for larger look.

SYS

Faster And Furiouser

Vin Diesel has revealed there will be 2 more Fast and Furious films coming out. This franchise is dead, but I guess as long as people keep going, they'll keep making them. Oh well.

SYS

Editorial: Time To Jay Up

If you have even been near the internet recently, you know about the big battle going on with NBC and Jay Leno. The atrocity that is The Jay Leno show isn't even getting 2 million viewers these days, so NBC decided that, effictive this Spring, Jay Leno runs a 30 minute show at 10:30 PM. So the big question is this: whydid it all go wrong?

Simply put, it's hard to watch a show 5 times a week at 10. The kids are likely to still be up and there's much better shows on like Fringe and 30 Rock you'll want to watch on your Tivo.

If Jay Leno had kept himself once a week, he'd probably still be a hit. Right now though, he's derided by his critics and a ratings disaster. NBC, it's time to quite on Jay Leno. Time to move on.

Come February, we'll see if it was time slot problems that hurt the show or Jay himself.

SYS

FIlm Review: Leap Year

You know a film is bad when Amy Adams is cliche. This film smacks of "They hate each other...but they don't!"-isms that have been trotted out over and over again to the point where even women are ignoring these types of films. And for a guy like me it's just plain garbage.

Anna (Amy Adams) travels to Dublin, Ireland on Leap Day to propose to her boyfriend because legend says he can't refuse on that day. In Ireland, she befriends a man named Declan (Mathew Goode) who annoys here, but is also charming to her. They soon develops feelings for each other..but what about Anna's proposal?

The single thing that keeps this dreck a-float is Amy Adams. Like Anna Farris, she should be doing much juicier roles than this rom-com stuff. She is spectacular here and can be found funny and likeable. The rest of the cast, though, sleepwalk through the film and her boyfriend dosen't seem to show much emotion ever.

The film like the cast can be described as this: A little charming, but really mediocore overall.

Rating: 5.2 out of 10 or C-

SYS

Being The Vulture

Continuing the complicated Spider-Man 4 storyu, John Malkovich has come forward and confirmed that he was set to play The Vulture!! Not only that, but he wants filming to start soon and saw the previous version of the script. I think John would work well here, though I hope The Lizard is a seocnd villain.

SYS

Good Luck, Chuck...Again

It seems NBC has their own Scrubs on their hands. Chuck returns from the dead tonight. It turns out in it's 3rd season Chuck will have new powers and friends to help him. I have always liked the show and I'll tune in.

Plus, tonights the 450th episode of The Simpsons at 7. A documentary immediatly succeds it. Sounds like a good night for TV.

SYS

Which Is The Real X?

It seems a SECOND X-Men movie has been said to be next. Despite X-Men: First Class having a director and Deadpool having a finished script, a second Wolverine film has something those films don't: a start date. The film is set to start filming next Spring and have a script and casting done by the end of 2010. Hmm. My question is where does First Class come in? Maybe it's right after it?

TIme will tell.

SYS

Star Trek 2 Gets A Launch Date

Star Trek 2 has gotten a release date. The dtae is June 29, 2011. This puts it in the coveted 4th of July date. Nice.

SYS

Yo, Reese and Wernick!

Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick seem to be really busy these days. Both have sighned on for Deadpool AND G.I. Joe 2. Hmmmmm. Zombieland was their debut and I liked that film. Mayhaps we have the next big blockbuster writers.

SYS

Tobey on Spider-Man 4 Delays

Interestingly enough, Tobey Maguire has commented on a webcam chat that Spider-Man 4 is just having some normal problems and that it's "...a big undertaking". He also notes of some sort of evolution of Peter Parker. Now THAT has my mind whirring.

Strangely enough, Spidey has yet to move his May 6, 2011 date even though Thor has moved in there. Where will the Spider go? Only time will tell.

SYS

3D Is Getting Twisted

Bill Paxton has mentioned in an interview that a sequel to the 1996 disaster flick Twsiter is in development. Bill says it'll REALLY take avdvantage of the 3D tricks and noodles. I think this cool, but much too late. Still, we'll see I suppose if this comes to fruition.

SYS

Top 10 of 2009

A little late I know. However, here finally is my best films of 2009:

10. The Blind Side: This will tick off critics, but I definitely say this film deserves every penny it gets. Cute, funny and inspiring, this film is a wonderful exporation of the type of roles Sandra bullock can portray. And at the end if you ain't crying...wel you have no soul, pure and simple.

9. A Christmas Carol: Another unexpected 'un. This film cuaght me off-guard completley and dazzled me. The UnCanny Valley has completley been washed away. Jim Carrey gives a pitch perfect performance and makes this one of the best adaptations of the classic tale ever.

8. Star Trek: J.J. Abrams has created, along with Avatar, a Star Wars type film that has fun, laughs and action coming through in spades. This film leaves you awe-struck and makes you wish The Enterprise came around much more often. Good job, Kirk for this one.



7. 2012: A modern day Towering Inferno? Mayhaps. This film combines thrilling events (they're gonna crash...into Mount Everest!!) with down-to Earth humans. A tale full of sacrifice and destruction, it's one of those rare films that's a little bit of everything...and is just flat-out perfect.

6. Sherlock Holmes: This choice is elementary, my dear readers. Robert Downy Jr. gives an Oscar winning performance as the grand sleuth and makes Sherlock a hero...but still unlike any version we've seen of him before. It's quite a film and quite a mystery as to why no one else thought Holmes could be an action hero.

5. The Princess and The Frog: Disney was in a rut earlier this decade with Home on The Range and Atlantis. Now, they hit the gold mine of fun, music and depth they were missing. This film may even be on par with films like Dumbo and The Little Mermaid. It's a classic, one that deserves so much more. This is a film that'll stick like glue to future generations and prove Disney is still an animation king.



4. Where The Wild Things Are: A kids movie? As if. Dismemberment, tantrums and betrayl are all an integral part of this polarizing, but brilliant film. It may be a stretch, but I certainly think this film is a modern day E.T.



3. The Fantastic Mr. Fox: Talk about misleading marketing. This film will leave in stitches and awe as Wes Anderson creates a film that leaves you begging for more. George Clooney is stunning as Mr. Fox and leads you to love him like in Michale Clayton and the Ocean's films. Wes has created a picture that will remain essential to any animation viewing.



2. Up: Wow. PIXAR ain't number one. Still, this film is a masterpiece, PIXAR's near best. Carl Fredrickson's sad montage at the beggining is guranteed to leave you in tears. And about Dug...well let's just say he's a great tracker, okay? SQUIRELL!



1. Avatar: James Cameron has created The Godfather of sci-fi. A modern day Star Wars. He has transformed cinema from nice to breathtaking. Every single 3D moment leaves you breathless, wanting to see it again immediatly. Thisi s a film that'll one day be known as a triumph of both storytelling and visual effects. A rare modern day masterpiece.



There you have it. Hope you enjoyed reading it. I can't wait to seee what 2010 brings.

SYS

20 iDays

In 20 days Steve Jobs will host an event that'll unveil a new Apple product. The leading name for it right now is iSlate, but I'm gonna bet we're all wrong. Excitements-a brewin'. Canoot wait for it.

SYS

Iron Man Goes Super..Bowl!

Paramount has bought time for 3 ads: one for Iron Man 2, one for Shutter Island and one for The LAst Airbender. I can't wait to see them at the game this February.

The football kick draws near...

SYS

Greenlighting The Lantern

A project that I'm highly anticipating has ben greenlit: The Green Lantern. Ryan Reynold will play Hal Jordan/Green Lantern and I couldn't be happier. Ryan has talent and this and Deadpool should put him on the A-list as far as I'm concerned.

Get ready to go green June 17, 2011. No, that's not the tagline. I made it up.

SYS

Avatar Box Office Part VII: #2 Ain't a Bad Place

Avatar has just surpassed The Reutrn of The King to become the 2nd biggest film of all-time with 1.1 billion. It's total in the US pushed it as it has now made 374 million, becoming the 12th biggest film of all-time surpassing Spider-Man 2. This film just won't stop making money. Who else wants to bet that it'll surpass Titanic?

SYS

Spider-Man Zips off, Thor & Pirates Move

Spider-Man 4 was announced yesterday to have troubles with the script, putting it's May 6, 2011 date in jeopardy. Thor has moved up to that date. Plus, Pirates 4 has moved up one week to where Thor was. I don't think Spider-Man 4 will make it into 2011. 2012 perhaps?

This is quite a development. I'll keep an eye on this one.

SYS

Mad About Hatter Image

Johnny Depp's genuis interpretation of The Mad Hatter has been shown in this new image. Gad, the makeup here is brilliant. Love it.

SYS

Editorial: The Princess and The Screwed Up Ads

The Princess and the Frog is one of the best films of 2009. It's a classic, on par with Aladdin and The Little Mermaid. So why is this film going to struggle to make 100 million. This film SHOULD beat Lilo & Stitch. Instead, it's going take less than half off the gross of the crud that is Alvin and The Chipmunks 2.

Why did it dissapoint? Marketing. This film (and Avatar) had the worst marketing department ever. I mean, the only things they sold were for Disney Princess toys. They needed to get a wider age range. Perhaps highliting all the voodoo spirits would've gotten a couple of boys in there.

I do know for a fact that the following things would've been great for the film:

*Thanksgiving Day parade float. Why the heck did they not do this? Some of those songs blaring from the float would've had the audience hooked.

*Better Preivews- How about declaring that this film is the 49th classic from Disney? Plus, they should've showed the musical numbers Dig A Little Deeper & Friends on The Other Side as previews like The Lion King did as they had Circle of Life as it's preview. That film was a hit. Plus, at the end of those ads, state that the songs are on iTunes. That would've gotten the tech generation to love the songs and film.

*Look at the banner above. Does that make you wanna rush out to see it? No. Personally, fleshing out the story more in the ads would've done the film better justice.

I think Disney also should've just said that this was an event film like Avatar. Pump it up, make it look big. If Disney dosen't fine-tune their marketing by the time Rapunzel hits 3D theatres in November...well, Disney could be looking at more dissapointing grosses.

Sad

SYS

3D DVD Rush Continues

It seems Samsung and DreamWorks are coming together for the first ever 3D home release TV and DVD. The following is the press release they announced this morning:

Samsung Electronics America, Inc., DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. and Technicolor today announced that they have formed a global strategic alliance for the delivery of a complete 3D home entertainment solution in 2010. The three companies have joined forces to accelerate the worldwide deployment of in-home 3D to mainstream consumers.

The solution includes a broad line-up of 3D-capable HDTVs from Samsung, its new 3D Blu-ray disc player, and an exclusive promotion that includes a first-time feature-length, 3D Blu-ray version of DreamWorks Animation’s 2009 release, “Monsters vs. Aliens.” The disc will be created and produced by Technicolor, the leading innovator in entertainment technology. Samsung will provide customers several 3D selections, including a short entitled "Bob's Big Break" as well as trailers for 2010 DreamWorks Animation feature film releases "How to Train your Dragon" and "Shrek Forever After" on Samsung HDTVs with its Internet@TV feature.

“We’ve continued to innovate and make significant investments in 3D technology since we delivered our first 3D HDTV to market in 2007, and now we’re pleased to deliver a complete 3D entertainment offering for the home along with industry-leading innovators like DreamWorks Animation and Technicolor,” said Tim Baxter, president of the Consumer Electronics Division at Samsung Electronics America. “There has been great success with 3D in theaters, and the stars have finally aligned to bring this experience to the home with combination of standardization, plenty of product options and 3D content.”

“2009 was the Year of 3D in theaters throughout the world as movie-goers consistently chose the premium 3D experiences,” said Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chief Executive Officer of DreamWorks Animation. “Innovative technology is at the heart of everything we do at DreamWorks Animation so we are thrilled that Samsung’s industry-leading 3D HDTVs and Technicolor’s first-of-its-kind Blu-ray technology can now bring 3D content to consumers across the globe at home.”

“We have great collaborators in Samsung and DreamWorks Animation to make in-home 3D content available to the consumer,” said Frederic Rose, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Technicolor. “With our innovations in Blu-ray 3D technology, Technicolor is well-positioned to meet consumer demand for 3D in the home. We look forward to continuing to help DreamWorks Animation innovate its art of storytelling and Samsung extend its global home entertainment leadership into the 3D space.”

About the Samsung 3D Entertainment Solution

The largest 3D-capable product lineup to date, Samsung’s 2010 HDTV lineup includes the 7000 Series and above LED TVs, 7000 Series and above plasma TVs, and 750 Series LCD TVs. The HDTVs include Samsung’s proprietary built-in 3D processor and emitter that is optimized for and enables compatibility with multiple 3D standards including half and full HD resolution formats, as well as the Blu-ray Disc Association ratified “Blu-ray 3D” standard. In addition, Samsung’s 3D system delivers a picture using a full color spectrum for an unbelievable, immersive viewing experience.

For those who want to add the third dimension to their regular TV viewing, Samsung included in its 3D processor an auto-conversion technology that renders 2D content into 3D in real time. When not in the 3D mood, you’re back to watching one of the best quality HDTVs on the market with the push of a button.

Samsung offers a complete solution allowing consumers to bring the 3D theater experience home with the following products:

* Samsung 3D LED, LCD, and plasma HDTVs
* Samsung BD-C6900 Blu-ray player
* Samsung’s active shutter 3D glasses to enable a superior 3D viewing experience
* DreamWorks Animation’s ”Monsters vs. Aliens” Blu-ray 3D disc created and produced by Technicolor

Samsung and Technicolor at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES)

Samsung’s lineup of 3D products will be on display at Booth #11026 during International Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, January 7 – 10, 2010.

Technicolor is hosting private media demonstrations of its “Technicolor Genuine 3D,” including showcasing 3D content from DreamWorks Animation, at Booth 13219 Central Hall.

SYS

Ron N' Vaughn Team Up

Ron Howard and Vince Vaughns have teamed up for a rom-com. Following Couples Retreat, I think Vince Vaughn has found a niche'.

SYS

Blu-Ray Review: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Sony Animation has created 4 films now and are starting to become a competitive force in the animation world. Their latest, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, is a fine film, though just barely able to stand out of the gigantic animation film crowd.

Flint Lockwood is an inventor. However, he can't make a good machine. That all changes when he makes a machine that converts water into food. However, too much food starts falling and a disaster of giant portions...er, proportions, begins...

The film has many humorous moments and I really liked the monkey. He's voiced by master of Awards Shows Neil Patrick Harris, but it still feels funny. James Caan and Bill Hader are also nice and it's brilliant to see Bruce Campbell again, though like David Cross in Alvin and The Chipmunks 2, you wish he'd do better stuff.

The animation is also nice. The main flaw of the film is it's just a bit too short and breezy to be really grand. Also, emotion just dosen't come through as well as even in 9. Still, the film does have many funny moments, some hillarious, but it's good for the kids and enjoyable enough for everyone else.

SYS

The PGA Nomminations Are Announced!

Excitingly, the PGA nominations have been revealed. Below are the noms. On January 24th, by the way, we will know who wins. Fingers crossed for Up!

Darryl F. Zanuck Producer of the Year Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures:

Avatar
Producers: James Cameron, Jon Landau

District 9
Producers: Carolynne Cunningham, Peter Jackson

An Education
Producers: Finola Dwyer, Amanda Posey

The Hurt Locker
Producer(s): Awaiting final credit determination.

Inglourious Basterds
Producer: Lawrence Bender

Invictus
Producers: Clint Eastwood, Rob Lorenz, Lori McCreary , Mace Neufeld

Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire
Producers: Lee Daniels, Gary Magness, Sarah Siegel-Magness

Star Trek
Producers: J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof

Up
Producer: Jonas Rivera

Up in the Air
Producer(s): Awaiting final credit determination.

PGA Producer of the Year Award in Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures:

9
Producer(s): Awaiting final credit determination.

Coraline
Producer(s): Awaiting final credit determination.

Fantastic Mr. Fox
Producer(s): Awaiting final credit determination.

The Princess and the Frog
Producer: Peter Del Vecho

Up
Producer: Jonas Rivera

PGA Producer of the Year Award in Documentary Theatrical Motion Pictures:

Burma VJ
Producer: Lise Lense-Moller

The Cove
Producers: Paula DuPre Pesman, Fisher Stevens

Sergio
Producer(s): Awaiting final credit determination.

Soundtrack for a Revolution
Producer(s): Awaiting final credit determination.

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Sean Re-Becomes A Stooge

Sean Penn has returned to The Three Stooges as Larry. Benico Del Toro will play Moe. The only role left is Curly. Jim Carrey would've played him, but he dropped out.

This project should be out by 2012. This is an interesting one. Could Shemp be in it perhaps? We shall see.

SYS

Mendes, Sam Mendes

Although MGM is being sold, it's biggest franchise lives on. That franchise is of course James Bond and they have a director for it. The director of 2008's Revolutionary Road will direct Bond 23. The film is being fast-tracked and will start filming in July for a November 2011 date.

I have mixed feelings about the current Bond series, but love Same Mendes. Perhaps this will work.

Breaking News: DirecTV launching 3D TV Network

In awesome news, Discovery, Sony & DirecTv are coming together to bring you the 1st
3D TV station. Here's the news release:

Three of the world's leading media, technology and entertainment companies - Discovery Communications, Sony Corporation and IMAX Corporation - today announced a joint venture established to develop the first 24/7 dedicated 3D television network in the U.S. The partnership brings together three leaders with an extraordinary collection of award-winning 3D content, technology expertise, television distribution and operational strength to deliver a high-quality three-dimensional viewing experience to home television audiences. The joint venture intends to launch the network beginning in the U.S.

"Discovery's business strategy has always focused on delivering groundbreaking content through new platforms, including the first suite of digital channels launched in 1996 and the first 24/7 basic cable HD channel in 2002," said Discovery Founder and Chairman John Hendricks. "Now, as Discovery celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2010 as the world leader in satisfying curiosity and bringing audiences the most realistic viewing experience, we continue to change the face of television with the launch of the first-ever 24/7 dedicated 3D television network."

"Sony is the only company with expertise in every part of the 3D value chain," said Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation. "We are delighted to be partnering with Discovery and IMAX, two premier companies also dedicated to leadership in 3D, in this groundbreaking new venture. It is clear to us that consumers will always migrate to a better and richer entertainment experience, and together we are determined to be the leader in providing that around the world."

"By partnering with Sony and IMAX on 3D, Discovery will lead the way in revolutionizing the next-generation home viewing experience in the U.S. and around the world," said Discovery Communications President and CEO David Zaslav. "Today's announcement is the next step in fulfilling Discovery's mission of providing groundbreaking content for our affiliate partners and enlightening viewers with the most immersive and realistic viewing experience available anywhere."

"IMAX has been a pioneer and recognized leader in 3D technology for more than twenty-five years, delivering the premium in-theatre experience to audiences around the world. We're reaching more and more consumers with the recent expansion of the IMAX® theatre network and the growth of 3D movie content," said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. "This new business venture is the first step in our strategic effort to take 3D into the home and extend the IMAX brand. We've already had strong collaborations with Discovery Communications and Sony in the past on IMAX event film titles, and we are thrilled to work with such strong partners to be the first to make in-home 3D a reality."

Discovery, Sony, through its U.S. affiliate, Sony Corporation of America, and IMAX each will be equal partners in the joint venture. It will be launched in the U.S., with a goal of driving consumer adoption of 3D televisions and giving the network long-term leadership in the 3D home marketplace. In the future, the companies also will explore international distribution opportunities in selected markets.

The new 3D network will feature high-quality premium content from genres that are most appealing in 3D, including natural history, space, exploration, adventure, engineering, science and technology, motion pictures and children's programming from Discovery, Sony Pictures Entertainment, IMAX and other third-party providers.

Discovery will provide network services, including affiliate sales and technical support functions, as well as 3D television rights to Discovery content and cross-promotion across its portfolio of 13 U.S. television networks. Sony will provide advertising/sponsorship sales support, and will seek to license television rights to current and future 3D feature films, music-related 3D content and game-related 3D content, while providing cross-promotion at retail stores. IMAX also will license television rights to future 3D films, promotion through its owned-and-operated movie theaters across the U.S., and a suite of proprietary and patented image enhancement and 3D technologies.

Governance for the joint venture will be handled by a board of directors comprised of members from each of the three companies, with the day-to-day operations run by a separate staff and management team that will report to the board. A search for the venture's general manager will begin immediately.

The parties have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent. Specific financial terms of the venture were not disclosed. The parties will work towards prompt execution of definitive agreements, subject to any necessary regulatory approvals.

Plus, ESPN will bring you a 3D TV station on June 11. Guess my article yesterday wondering if 3D was here to stay or not was obselete.

SYS

Update on Tintin

It seems Tintin has just gotten it's 1st rendered images out. That's what I've just happened to stumble upon while maming my usual rounds. It seems Spielberg is pleased and there might be some re-shoots in March/April.

After seeing Avatar and A Christmas Carol, I'll be elated to see more Motion Capture now.

SYS

2 Pieces of Cover Art

Companies are starting to release their fall films to DVD and Blu-Ray. I've been able to get these 2 movies cover art. Enjoy!




SYS