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Amazon adds 'hundreds' of Paramount movies to Prime, signals a Clear and Present Danger to free time

Jon Fingas — Wed, 23 May 2012 10:49:00 EST

Amazon is keeping its pace of expanding Amazon Prime's video collection every few months, and today it's Paramount's turn to swell the ranks. Instant Video is getting 'hundreds' of Paramount's movies, including both relatively recent movies like Nacho Libre and Mission: Impossible III as well as back catalog titles like Breakfast at Tiffany's and Clear and Present Danger. As always, the movies are watchable anywhere you've got broadband, and they don't add a premium to the $79 yearly Prime subscription. Just be prepared to explain why you're watching Urban Cowboy on your Kindle Fire at the airport.

Amazon adds 'hundreds' of Paramount movies to Prime, signals a Clear and Present Danger to free time originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2012 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reuters: Apple in talks to stream films owned by Epix, no deal expected before September

Tim Stevens — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:51:00 EST

It's reasonably well known at this point that Apple is looking to line up partnerships for some sort of a streaming video service. We've heard again and again that it's coming, so get ready to hum along with that 'ol tune one more time. Reuters is reporting that Apple has been in negotiations with Epix since earlier this year, hoping to secure access to films from Lions Gate, MGM and Paramount Pictures. There's no indication of when such a service might come to light, but Reuters indicates the company's current deal with Netflix, which expires on September 1st, could be a conflict (though that hasn't stopped Google TV in the past). So, no proper Apple-branded TV until the fall? Stay tuned...

Reuters: Apple in talks to stream films owned by Epix, no deal expected before September originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget Giveaway: win a pair of Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Zeal Optics Z3 Transcend GPS goggles!

Brad Molen — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:01:00 EST

Nothing like a smooth action movie with Tom Cruise to inspire our latest giveaway, eh? This time Paramount Home Media Distribution is stepping up to the plate to celebrate tomorrow's release of Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol on Blu-ray and DVD, and it's offering a pair of special edition Zeal Optics Z3 Transcend GPS goggles (by special edition, we mean the box is M:I-branded), as well as a copy of the movie! But if you don't win this time, you may still have a chance to get something: the first two runners-up will receive the movie as well. Fortunately, all you need to do is leave a comment -- we're not asking you to climb a skyscraper or anything.

Continue reading Engadget Giveaway: win a pair of Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Zeal Optics Z3 Transcend GPS goggles!

Engadget Giveaway: win a pair of Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Zeal Optics Z3 Transcend GPS goggles! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paramount flicks are coming to YouTube and Google Play despite Viacom lawsuit

Richard Lawler — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:58:00 EST

While its corporate parent Viacom continues to tussle with Google over who is liable for user uploaded content, Paramount Pictures has struck a deal to offer its movies for rental on YouTube / Google Play in the US and Canada. According to Google that adds up to around 500 new movies becoming available on the service over the next few weeks including hits like Ferris Bueller and The Godfather. Those catalog titles are currently available on 48hr joypasses for $3.99/$2.99 (HD/SD) each, while newer titles like Hugo are $4.99/$3.99. Also worth noting is that now the folks at Mountain View can count five of the six major studios (Fox is still out) among their offerings. We'll see if this signals a thawing relationship between Google and the studios upset that pirated copies of their content are so easily found via Google's searches (doubt it), but at least Android users can look forward to more easily accessible content.

Paramount flicks are coming to YouTube and Google Play despite Viacom lawsuit originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Complete Indiana Jones Blu-ray Collection finally brings the entire set home in HD this fall

Richard Lawler — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 07:55:00 EST

It's taken forever to come about, but the first three Indiana Jones movies will be released on Blu-ray for the first time later this year. Paramount announced it will deliver The Complete Indiana Jones Blu-ray Collection this fall (no exact date yet), without explaining how it could possibly be complete if it lacked The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. This set does however include the three movies everyone wants to see (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) plus the other one (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) which was previously released on Blu-ray. Paramount and Lucasfilm are promising the "highest possible" picture and audio quality plus a collection of the usual behind the scenes featurettes and extras plus some surprises. Judging by the work Lucasfilm and Fox did on the Star Wars Blu-ray discs we should be in for a treat, and fans of other classic Spielberg flicks have a lot to look forward to from Universal's centennial celebration releases which will include Jaws and E.T. While we wait for more details, hardcore Indy fans can already get their preorder on at Amazon where the set is priced at $74.99, or check after the break for the press release and a few throwback trailers.

Continue reading The Complete Indiana Jones Blu-ray Collection finally brings the entire set home in HD this fall

The Complete Indiana Jones Blu-ray Collection finally brings the entire set home in HD this fall originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Martin Scorsese's 'Hugo' Blu-ray 3D set for release February 28th -- 3D haters beware

Richard Lawler — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:38:00 EST

Considering that Hugo was a flick capable of earning 4 out of 4 stars from noted 3D hater Roger Ebert, it will be interesting to see how it's received upon its home release February 28th. Nominated for 11 Academy Awards and currently rocking a 94 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the fantasy tale of a boy who crosses paths with legendary filmmaker Georges Méliès in 1930s Paris may be the best example yet of how an artist can make use of the effect. The two hour six minute flick will be available in Blu-ray 3D combo pack, and 2D Blu-ray editions, with a 7.1 DTS-HD MA soundtrack and special featurettes on the making of the film and the real magician/director who inspired the story.

The release date is two days after the Academy Awards, and if this flick can snag Best Picture or Best Director it could become a turning point for 3D. New 3D movies are already on deck from other high-profile directors like Ridley Scott (Alien prequel Prometheus) and Baz Luhrmann (The Great Gatsby), while big budget conversions like Star Wars -- coming to theaters next week -- and already-sold-out-for-Valentines Day Titanic test the waters for older movies. Add in sports broadcasts planned including UFC 143 tonight and the London Olympics in the summer, and 2012 is shaping up to be an especially rough year for 3D haters -- you have our deepest sympathies. Those on the other side of the fence can check after the break for a press release with more details and (2D) theatrical trailer, it's currently available on Amazon for preorders at $27.99, 2D only is $21.99.

Continue reading Martin Scorsese's 'Hugo' Blu-ray 3D set for release February 28th -- 3D haters beware

Martin Scorsese's 'Hugo' Blu-ray 3D set for release February 28th -- 3D haters beware originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paramount Movies lets you stream UltraViolet films from the cloud, for a price

Amar Toor — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:02:00 EST

Paramount became the first studio to offer digital versions of UltraViolet-based movies this week, with the launch of Paramount Movies. With this new service, users can purchase a film in either digital or physical form, and automatically store a copy of it within Paramount's cloud-based digital locker. This effectively allows you to stream a film to any iOS device, though support for Android and Windows Phone remains unavailable (as does compatibility with most set-top boxes). It's all part of DECE's "buy once, play anywhere" ethos, though it should be noted that the studio's UV offerings are somewhat limited. At the moment, Paramount Movies boasts about 60 titles, all of which are available at comparatively steep prices: $20 for HD quality movies, and $13 for SD versions. Check it out for yourself at the source link below.

Paramount Movies lets you stream UltraViolet films from the cloud, for a price originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix close to signing deals with Sony, Disney, Paramount and ITV, to debut in the UK soon? (update: pricing pegged at £5.99/month, website live)

Dante Cesa — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:42:00 EST

Those with a PS3 in the United Kingdom might have gotten a sneak peek at a placeholder, but according to The Guardian, apparently its proper "early 2012" launch isn't far off. Purportedly the video streaming service is close to signing rights to content from Sony, Disney and Paramount, which'll join existing agreements with Lionsgate, Miramax and MGM. But it isn't just studios, as Channel 4 and ITV are supposedly close to joining the UK bash as-well. If everything goes to plan, most of the British Isles will be treated to an ad campaign that'll reveal all next week. Game on, Lovefilm.

Update: Well, it looks like we don't have to wait until next week for all of those details after all. Some Google ads have now started appearing in searches for Netflix that peg the price at £5.99 per month (or about $9), and also confirm that the service is headed to the Wii and Xbox 360 in addition to the PS3. Unfortunately, that netflix.com/UK page isn't functional just yet.

Update 2: Looks like the UK website is live for many, confirming the Google ad pricing. Check it out after the break.

[Thanks, Chris, James]

Continue reading Netflix close to signing deals with Sony, Disney, Paramount and ITV, to debut in the UK soon? (update: pricing pegged at £5.99/month, website live)

Netflix close to signing deals with Sony, Disney, Paramount and ITV, to debut in the UK soon? (update: pricing pegged at £5.99/month, website live) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transformers Blu-ray 3D comes home January 31st in Ultimate and Collector's editions

Richard Lawler — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:11:00 EST

After a quickie Blu-ray dropped in the fall sans-extras, Transformers: Dark of the Moon is getting a full fledged release January 31st complete with 3D and four hours of bonus features. There's actually two versions coming, first up is the $39.99 four disc Ultimate Edition with a 2D copy on one disc, a Blu-ray full of extras, a Blu-ray 3D copy, and a DVD with the film in standard def plus iTunes / Windows Media Player compatible digital copies. Even though it's coming with that old school digital copy disc, this flick will also be Ultraviolet ready, so if you're packing the correct assortment of logins and software it can be downloaded or streamed on other devices. The other release is a $99 seven-disc Limited Collector's Edition Blu-ray Trilogy set that dedicates two discs each to the first two movies, and three for DotM as well as a signed plaque from the director. We may have to wait to see Martin Scorsese's Hugo to see a Blu-ray 3D release to watch a good movie on the format, but the extensive work done in creating Transformer's visual effects should definitely hold over AV junkies until Avatar gets a wide release. Check out the press release with a full list of extras and a picture of the LCE after the break.

Continue reading Transformers Blu-ray 3D comes home January 31st in Ultimate and Collector's editions

Transformers Blu-ray 3D comes home January 31st in Ultimate and Collector's editions originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transformers Blu-ray 3D release coming to Japan in January, still no release date for US

Richard Lawler — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:00:00 EST

The United States got a quickie Blu-ray release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon a couple of weeks ago sans-extras and 3D, with only a promise they would be delivered "in the coming months" but that is not the case across the Pacific. In Japan Paramount has announced the Blu-ray 3D version is coming January 20th complete with English and Japanese soundtracks. There's still no date for a full-fledged release around these parts, so if you're an early adopter (if you have a 3D TV, it's a pretty safe bet) your first chance to bring the billion dollar blockbuster home as Michael Bay intended may come with some extra kanji on it.

Transformers Blu-ray 3D release coming to Japan in January, still no release date for US originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transformers: Dark of the Moon Blu-ray due September 30th, 3D version later

Richard Lawler — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 21:18:00 EST

Besides being a lightning rod for the Blu-ray vs. HD DVD wars, the Transformers series also racked up some of the biggest HD sales ever, and now we'll see if the latest entry, Dark of the Moon, keeps up that trend. Paramount has announced it will be released September 30th in Blu-ray/DVD combo form for $29.99, with a "deluxe" release including Blu-ray 3D expected in "the coming months." There's no specifics on any extras included in this release, but it looks like PHE is going the Avatar route and saving those for later. For those anticipating the 3D release, hopefully this doesn't equal a similar exclusivity period, but until the disc is actually announced we won't assume anything. If 154 minutes of Michael Bay exploding things sounds like a good idea to you, check after the break for a press release and schedule that Friday off -- you have somewhere to be.

Continue reading Transformers: Dark of the Moon Blu-ray due September 30th, 3D version later

Transformers: Dark of the Moon Blu-ray due September 30th, 3D version later originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Sep 2011 21:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thor Blu-ray comes home September 13th with 3D and an Avengers sneak peek

Richard Lawler — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:59:00 EST

The movie that set off the 2011 season of superhero movies will come home September 13th, when Thor is released on Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D. Paramount has mentioned the details of the release, either in three disc Blu-ray 3D combo or two disc Blu-ray / DVD trim, but after seeing the movie we're more interested in the promised "Exclusive look at Marvel's The Avengers". Leaked trailers of that hero flick have been popping up (and been promptly removed from) all over the internet, we might endure the slightly-too-dim Thor one more time for a better look at what's to come.

Continue reading Thor Blu-ray comes home September 13th with 3D and an Avengers sneak peek

Thor Blu-ray comes home September 13th with 3D and an Avengers sneak peek originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Breakfast at Tiffany's 50th Anniversary Blu-ray will be released September 20th

Richard Lawler — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:53:00 EST

The parade of classic films debuting on Blu-ray this fall continues, with Breakfast at Tiffany's as the latest addition. Paramount has announced a restored and remastered 50th Anniversary edition it will release September 20th complete with the option of a 5.1 DTS-HD MA soundtrack or restored mono audio track. Other special features include a producer commentary and featurettes on topics including the star Audrey Hepburn's style. Check after the break for the press release with all the details and the original movie trailer or head to Amazon and preorder it now for $20.99.

Continue reading Breakfast at Tiffany's 50th Anniversary Blu-ray will be released September 20th

Breakfast at Tiffany's 50th Anniversary Blu-ray will be released September 20th originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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True Grit Blu-ray special feature (clip)

Richard Lawler — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:56:00 EST

The True Grit Blu-ray / DVD combo pack arrives on store shelves tomorrow, but today you can peek this exclusive clip from the special features focusing on Josh Brolin's performance as the villain of the movie. There's a press release with details on the other special features after the break, while this one is embedded in standard def here all of them are in HD on the disc. We missed True Grit in theaters, but judging from the critical acclaim this flick received, The Dude and Good Will Hunting make quite the posse.

Continue reading True Grit Blu-ray special feature (clip)

True Grit Blu-ray special feature (clip) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michael Bay and James Cameron chat about shooting movies in 3D (video)

Richard Lawler — Fri, 27 May 2011 16:19:00 EST

Two of the biggest action movie directors going right now, James Cameron and Michael Bay, took some time out to talk about shooting movies in 3D ahead of the release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon this summer. You can check out the entire conversation, put on by Paramount and The Hollywood Reporter, in the video above, where Bay talks about some of the challenges faced in shooting the movie and how the technology pioneered by James Cameron for Avatar has continued to progress. Making Transformers in 3D caused the movie to cost about $30 million extra, but it didn't cause any shooting delays. We'll find out if it was worth it, or if audiences have started to turn against wearing the glasses when the movie comes out June 29th.

Continue reading Michael Bay and James Cameron chat about shooting movies in 3D (video)

Michael Bay and James Cameron chat about shooting movies in 3D (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 May 2011 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Titanic 3D re-release scheduled for April 2012, 100 years after the ship set sail

Richard Lawler — Thu, 19 May 2011 13:59:00 EST

Before James Cameron was all about 3D he did a few features you may have heard of, including some indie project called Titanic that happens to be the second highest grossing movie of all time. Now, that flick is going to return to theaters and of course, it's in 3D. He's been working on the conversion for several years and says it "will be Titanic as you've never seen it before, digitally re-mastered at 4K and painstakingly converted to 3D." This is certainly no Clash of the Titans rush job, but as much as viewers loved Leo & Kate the first time around, whether or not they fill up movie houses again on April 6, 2012 (and for the Star Wars 3D re-releases) will either lift or crush the potential for conversions and 3D movies in general.

Continue reading Titanic 3D re-release scheduled for April 2012, 100 years after the ship set sail

Titanic 3D re-release scheduled for April 2012, 100 years after the ship set sail originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 May 2011 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michael Bay's The Island is finally coming to Blu-ray in the U.S. June 21st

Richard Lawler — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 17:59:00 EST

More than five years after we suggested the upscaled DVD (ah, the old days) for your HDTV viewing pleasure Paramount has finally seen fit to schedule The Island for release on Blu-ray in the United States on June 21st. The treatment of this release is basic at best, with 1080p video with 5.1 DTS-HD MA soundtrack and extras ported over from the DVD in standard definition. However, after being released in Europe and sitting in limbo for years we're just glad this action thriller starring Ewan McGregor, Scarlett Johansson, Steve Buscemi and Djimon Hounsou is coming out at all. Plus, it's directed by Michael Bay so for those who haven't seen it there is at least some assurance things will blow up real good. The original trailer and more details are after the break.

Continue reading Michael Bay's The Island is finally coming to Blu-ray in the U.S. June 21st

Michael Bay's The Island is finally coming to Blu-ray in the U.S. June 21st originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix nabs exclusive subscription pay TV rights to Paramount movies -- in Canada

Richard Lawler — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:32:00 EST

So far Canadian Netflix users have had to deal with a far more limited streaming library than their US cousins, exacerbated by the lack of a DVD / Blu-ray library to fall back on, but that's about to change. Netflix has struck a deal in Canada with Paramount for premium pay TV window access covering "exclusive subscription television rights to all first-run films." Currently in the US Netflix's deal with Epix gives it access to many of the same movies (Iron Man 2 -- already available since the 25th in Canada, while not currently ready for streaming in the US -- Titanic, Zoolander, The Last Airbender) eventually, but that's clearly not exclusive. While it's previously cut deals with smaller distributors like Relativity Media and Nu Image/Millennium Films for pay TV window access, the combo of exclusive and a major studio like Paramount makes Netflix a pay TV channel competitor in a whole new way. This backs up its earlier move in that direction by signing up for a new original show to debut on the service in 2012 and potentially adds a new edge to rumored negotiations for the Miramax back catalog, press release follows after the break.

Continue reading Netflix nabs exclusive subscription pay TV rights to Paramount movies -- in Canada

Netflix nabs exclusive subscription pay TV rights to Paramount movies -- in Canada originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paramount Pictures, BitTorrent team up to distribute feature film (video)

Joseph L. Flatley — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 20:26:00 EST

In case you haven't heard, there are websites out there that will let you download movies and software using a little something called the BitTorrent protocol. And while the majority of cinematic fare available is of a non-DMCA-approved nature, filmmakers and organizations are increasingly turning to torrent sites to get the word out. For instance, in 2009 a filmmaker named Hanna Sköld worked with the folks at The Pirate Bay to distribute her film Nasty Old People. And indeed, there seem to be as many zany ways to get your work out to audiences these days as there are filmmakers.

One scheme that recently piqued our interest was concocted by the folks at Distracted Media. The Australian company is crowdsourcing its latest production, The Tunnel (not to be confused with Chunnel: 32 Miles of Danger) by selling individual frames for a buck a pop. Of course, "owning" a frame gives you nothing more than the opportunity to say that you helped an indie filmmaker out, but it's a worthwhile cause. And at 135,000 frames that's a lot of dollars! When the film is done, it will be distributed via BitTorrent for free -- alongside an actual DVD release by Paramount Pictures which, when you think about how reluctant Hollywood has been to embrace the internet, is pretty wild. Check out the (NSFW) trailer after the break, and then hit the links below for more info. Tunnel should make its premiere this May.

Continue reading Paramount Pictures, BitTorrent team up to distribute feature film (video)

Paramount Pictures, BitTorrent team up to distribute feature film (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 20:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beverly Hills Cop comes to Blu-ray May 17th

Richard Lawler — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:38:00 EST

While we wait for the LOTR EE Blu-rays to get a release date we can mark down a specific one for Axel Foley, since Paramount has announced it will be releasing Beverly Hills Cop on Blu-ray May 17th. It's coming home a week after another 80s classic, Top Gun is rereleased in 25th anniversary form, and promises "nearly an hour" of special features. Besides the 5.1 DTS-HD MA soundtrack, the extras include a look into both the casting and the music of the movie. Check out the details in the press release after the break although we should warn you, there's no info about Beverly Hills Cop II on Blu-ray in there -- we looked.

Continue reading Beverly Hills Cop comes to Blu-ray May 17th

Beverly Hills Cop comes to Blu-ray May 17th originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paramount rolls out Silverlight-enhanced movies for Windows Phone 7

Donald Melanson — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 02:02:00 EST

Why simply download a movie when you can download a movie app? That's the thinking at Paramount, at least, which launched it's first Silverlight-enhanced movie app, School of Rock, for Windows Phone 7 devices this week. That's one of an initial batch of ten movies that will be released before the end of the year, which will also include Zoolander, GI JOE: The Rise of Cobra and Waiting for Superman, among other yet-to-be-announced titles. In addition to the movie itself, each of those will come packed with a range of extras including trailers, DVD-style special features, a Scene It? pop-up trivia mode, and the ability to create custom movie clips. As for how much they'll cost, School of Rock currently runs $10, although it's not clear if that will be the standard pricing for all releases.

Continue reading Paramount rolls out Silverlight-enhanced movies for Windows Phone 7

Paramount rolls out Silverlight-enhanced movies for Windows Phone 7 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iMovie blocks studio names in new trailers

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 07:21:00 EST

Perhaps its testament to the quality of the iMovie '11 trailers that Apple is blocking the use of big name studios in the titles. Ironic since Apple provides templates that ape the Paramount snow-capped mountain (pictured after the break) and familiar Universal Studios globe. Just don't try to enter those studio names into the title sequence -- the words "Paramount" and "Universal" will be replaced with hyphens. We suspect other studios are affected as well. Hard to say if this is Apple's doing or the studios as both are notoriously controlling. We'd laugh if only we could stop crying.

Continue reading iMovie blocks studio names in new trailers

iMovie blocks studio names in new trailers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 07:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Media Hub: movies and next-day TV shows from NBC, Paramount, Universal, and more

Ross Miller — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:29:00 EST

We've been itching to see how Samsung would leverage Media Hub, and now we're getting the goods at its Galaxy Tab event. Compatible with Tab and Galaxy S devices, both movies and next-day TV shows will be available for purchase and rental. As for the content partners, they're not quite shabby: MTV Networks, NBC, Paramount, Universal Studios, and Warner, with more to be announced. Purchased content can be shared with up to five devices. What's not specified is pricing. We should be getting hands-on with it soon, so stay tuned -- or whatever the internet equivalent of that idiom is.

Samsung Media Hub: movies and next-day TV shows from NBC, Paramount, Universal, and more originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix, EPIX deal is official; Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate movies start streaming September 1

Richard Lawler — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:32:00 EST

Netflix streaming queue starting to look a little stale? It's working on that, and has signed a deal that brings EPIX's library of movies to Watch Instantly -- just not that instantly. If you're not familiar with EPIX, allow us to refresh you, it's a network launched last year by Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate that brings their movies home (though often unfortunately cropped and zoomed to 16x9) through a linear channel, video on-demand or internet streaming. Under this new agreement, movies from those studios can come to Netflix 90 days after they debut on the premium pay-tv and subscription VOD services. While that means streamers won't get access to Iron Man 2, The Expendables, or Dinner for Shmucks anywhere near day-and-date with their DVD or Blu-ray releases, those kinds of high profile flicks will show up and stick around with greater regularity than we've been used to. The companies haven't released further details, but rumors reported by the L.A. Times suggest licensing costs could reach $1 billion over the next 5 years. The first movies covered by the new deal arrive September 1, likely with flicks from the Star Trek, James Bond and Indiana Jones series (hopefully not Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) among them.

Update: Analyst Dan Rayburn claims on Business of Video that Netflix won't be getting any EPIX movies in HD, so we asked Netflix VP of Corporate Communications Steve Swasey whether we could expect HD streaming movies with Movie Parties or if they would have Starz-like restrictions. The answer? "HD over time and no restrictions on Party Viewing." Take from that what you will.

Continue reading Netflix, EPIX deal is official; Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate movies start streaming September 1

Netflix, EPIX deal is official; Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate movies start streaming September 1 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iron Man 2 Blu-ray goes on sale September 28 with plenty of extras

Richard Lawler — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:21:00 EST

After breaking $300 million in the domestic box office and a record breaking (though initially flawed) predecessor, you'd figure Iron Man 2 would be in for an incredibly well-spec'd Blu-ray release... and you would be right. The three disc Blu-ray/DVD with Digital Copy set has plenty of extras including a 5.1 DTS-HD MA English soundtrack, commentary from director Jon Favreau and Previsualization and Animatics special features -- and that's just Disc 1. Disc 2 brings even more HD features including an extensive making of, more featurettes and a shout out to the late DJ AM. Check after the break for box art and all the other details in the press release (except for the MSRP) we'll be waiting to find out if this is a proper addition to the collection of reference quality discs this fall.

Continue reading Iron Man 2 Blu-ray goes on sale September 28 with plenty of extras

Iron Man 2 Blu-ray goes on sale September 28 with plenty of extras originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American Beauty Blu-ray joins Paramount's Sapphire Series on September 21

Richard Lawler — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:53:00 EST

It should be good news that American Beauty is seeing a "Sapphire Series" Blu-ray release, but given the issues faced by Saving Private Ryan and Gladiator, we'll wait until the reviews are in to buy this one. If all goes well, buyers can get the quintuple Academy Award winner with 5.1 DTS-HD Master audio tracks, though the only HD bonus feature announced is the theatrical trailers. Still, if your most memorable Sam Mendes production isn't the iPhone 4 FaceTime ad, it may be hard to pass this one up when it arrives September 21.

Continue reading American Beauty Blu-ray joins Paramount's Sapphire Series on September 21

American Beauty Blu-ray joins Paramount's Sapphire Series on September 21 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paramount, Redbox keep DVDs and Blu-ray discs in kiosks the same day they go on sale

Richard Lawler — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:46:00 EST

It looks like not all of the remaining Hollywood studios are putting the 30-day brakes on providing movies to Redbox, as Paramount has concluded after a ten month study that it has "minimal" effect on DVD sales. Dennis Maguire, President of Paramount Home Entertainment says the company is "allowing the consumer a choice of how to consume our movies while maximizing the profitability of our releases in the home entertainment window" while Redbox prez Mitch Lowe looked forward to joint marketing programs. That puts another studio on deck to provide the Blu-ray rentals we're expecting to see later this year and is a pretty sharp contrast to recent deals with Fox and Warner delaying low cost rentals to protect their day one sales and premium rentals on video on-demand.

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Paramount, Redbox keep DVDs and Blu-ray discs in kiosks the same day they go on sale originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Movies could be available as a VOD rental before DVD, Blu-ray -- for $20 to $30 each

Richard Lawler — Mon, 24 May 2010 14:57:00 EST

The MPAA has often stated its desire to offer movies through video on-demand ahead of their release on DVD or Blu-ray -- provided the analog hole was closed -- and now that it has been, the Wall Street Journal reports Disney, Fox, Paramount, Sony, Universal and Warner Bros. are considering a pitch from Time Warner Cable to do just that. The price for cutting the usual four month wait for home viewing to just 30 days? As much as $20 to $30 for a rental. Sony's already tried experimenting with a higher price point on early delivery of Hancock and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs to BRAVIA HDTV owners, but at least they threw in a free Blu-ray copy with the former. So far the studios have only agreed that their current release strategy needs some sort of change, but unless they add some sweeteners we don't see this one shifting us from our current rental/purchase habits.

Movies could be available as a VOD rental before DVD, Blu-ray -- for $20 to $30 each originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 May 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saving Private Ryan Blu-ray discs recalled due to audio glitch

Richard Lawler — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:17:00 EST

So nice, they'll have to release it twice. Apparently a problem with the audio synchronization in at least one of the chapters of Saving Private Ryan slipped past Technicolor and Paramount, causing the whole lot to be recalled. If you own it, you've got a bad disc, so check the press release after the break for a number to call for the replacements which should arrive at retail next week on the 18th -- check for a yellow UPC label to make sure you're getting a fixed one. We hadn't noticed any of the numerous reviews mention problems with the audio, let us know if you picked up on it when you watched.

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Saving Private Ryan Blu-ray discs recalled due to audio glitch originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 May 2010 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seagate teams with Paramount, pre-loads movies onto 500GB FreeAgent Go

Darren Murph — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:01:00 EST

Another fine day in paradise, another fine external hard drive for archivists to consider. Seagate has just announced its latest FreeAgent Go USB 2.0 drive, a pocket-sized external HDD with a 2.5-inch 500GB disc in there ready to be stuffed with your favorite blurred images and shakycam videos from the decade that was... except for the 20GB or so that's already claimed. In a move that may or may not be indicative of forward progress in the fight to free digital content, Seagate has partnered with Paramount Pictures in order to pre-load these drives with Star Trek (yes, the 2009 version), which can be unlocked gratis and shuffled about as you please after you register the drive. Additionally, 20 other titles are pre-loaded, and those guys can be "easily and securely unlocked through the online purchase of a license key," with pricing ranging from $9.99 to $14.99 per film. We had an opportunity to fire up Star Trek, and we must say -- the whole unlocking process was pretty painless on a Windows 7 rig. We didn't splurge on a ~~third~~ ninth copy of Nacho Libre, but we're pretty sure that masterpiece would be similarly easy to tap into. Oh, and if you'd rather just have free space rather than movies you already own / couldn't care less about, the delete command works wonders.

Gallery: Seagate FreeAgent Go tag-teams with Paramount

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Seagate teams with Paramount, pre-loads movies onto 500GB FreeAgent Go originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony signs up all six major studios for HD movies on PlayStation Network

Donald Melanson — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:10:00 EST

Well, it looks like Sony has a little treat for PS3 users now that they're able to turn their consoles back on -- it's just announced that it has signed up all six major studios to deliver HD movies on the PlayStation Network (the first company to do so, as Sony is happy to point out). That includes 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. and, of course, Sony Pictures Entertainment, which combined have an initial slate of 19 HD movies available to buy or rent -- including "Fantastic Mr. Fox," "Star Trek," "District 9," "Inglourious Basterds," and "The Wizard of Oz," to name a few. Those are only available in the US at the moment, but Sony says it plans to also roll them out to the U.K., France, Germany, and Spain "soon."

Sony signs up all six major studios for HD movies on PlayStation Network originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ZillionTV signs the final remaining major studio

Ben Drawbaugh — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST

A good idea is worthless without adoption and we're glad to hear that ZillionTV has signed Paramount, which means that all six major studios are on board. Of course we still don't know how much we're actually going to like ZillionTV because although streaming content for free or ad-supported sounds like a new approach, who knows how it'll work. We do think we'd love the choice of either watching ads or paying if that is what's actually going to happen. According to HMM, at least in regards to Paramount, some content will be available for rent or purchase while other content will be ad-supported. If this is going to be the case for all the content, then we're sure the ZillionTV will look great in our attic sitting next to our Moviebeam.

Filed under: Industry, Media streamers, Internet

ZillionTV signs the final remaining major studio originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paramount and Kingston team up for movies on flash memory

Donald Melanson — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:43:00 EST

Movies delivered on memory cards isn't an entirely new development (Sony did it back in the early days of the PSP), but it looks like Paramount and Kingston think the idea is prime for a comeback, and have today announced a partnership that'll see some of the studio's movies delivered on SD cards and USB drives. That gets started with Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen on a (presumably reusable) 4GB Kingston DataTraveler I USB drive that's available right now for $29.99, and will apparently continue with additional movies offered across Kingston's full line of memory cards and USB drives, although both parties are staying mum on any further specifics. There's also no word from any other studios or memory companies just yet, but we can only presume this means slotMovies are right around the corner.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Storage

Paramount and Kingston team up for movies on flash memory originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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mSpot brings new release movie streaming to major US carriers

Darren Murph — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:34:00 EST

mSpot has been streaming full-length movies to cellphones for a few years now, but not until this week has the company had a potential customer base of 40 million. As of right now, mobile phone users on Sprint, AT&T, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile (yes, that includes the G1, Pre, iPhone and every other smartphone with a half-decent browser) can surf over to m.mspot.com in order to stream major motion pictures, and being that the service is on-demand, you can also pause and restart 'em whenever you darn well please. Deals have been inked with Paramount Studios, Universal Pictures and the Weinstein Company, and we're told that more agreements are in the works. Movie rentals will cost $4.99 per title, and can be viewed from 24 hours to 5 days after they're rented. Naturally, mSpot recommends paying for an "unlimited" data plan, and if you're smart, you won't utilize the service whilst traveling abroad.

Filed under: Multimedia

mSpot brings new release movie streaming to major US carriers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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mSpot brings new release movie streaming to major US carriers

Darren Murph — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:34:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Video

mSpot brings new release movie streaming to major US carriers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paramount, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. & Sony Pictures movies finally available (legitimately) in DivX

Richard Lawler — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Over the last few years we've witnessed a slew of DivX Certified devices including HDTVs, DVD & Blu-ray player, set-top boxes, game consoles and even cell phones, but until now, despite several content agreements, in the U.S. there hasn't been any content available in the format from the major studios. That changes today now that online store FilmFresh.com, has signed up Paramount, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. & Sony Pictures to offer new release and archive movies for purchase as DivX formatted downloads. The bad news? For now at least, they'll be standard definition (stereo audio) only. Rick Bolton, CEO of Film Fresh as well as Eric Grab and John Greene of DivX filled us in on the details, and from what we've learned -- if you'll stand for lower res video -- the combination of compatibility and portability could make this download service a competitor against the likes of iTunes, CinemaNow and Zune.

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Filed under: Home Entertainment

Paramount, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. & Sony Pictures movies finally available (legitimately) in DivX originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paramount, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. & Sony Pictures movies finally available (legitimately) in DivX

Richard Lawler — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

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Filed under: Other formats, Other hardware, Internet

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Paramount flicks to see Blu-ray purchase, DVD rental availability ahead of DVD sale date

Richard Lawler — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 04:27:00 EST

We'll leave it to rabid commenters to debate how well Blu-ray is or isn't doing, but Paramount's latest weapon to boost sales and DVD rentals is a staggered release schedule. Variety reports Dance Flick (sure reference material) will debut on September 8 in unrated Blu-ray form for purchase, plus rental DVD & blu-ray, while a version for purchase on DVD should arrive four to eight weeks later. Disney already tried something similar with its Bolt rollout, but retailers botched it and put both versions on shelves at the same time in many cases, though that hasn't stopped the studio from planning to try again with Snow White. At least in this case, we figure it's probably more about boosting rentals and testing the waters, but with VP of Paramount Ken Williams saying "that releasing a Blu-ray exclusively for sell-through will help drive adoption of the format" we figure the day a new blockbuster hits shelves on Blu only (for a limited time) isn't far off.

Filed under: Blu-ray

Paramount flicks to see Blu-ray purchase, DVD rental availability ahead of DVD sale date originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 04:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon to offer Epix movie channel / streaming service on FiOS, VCast

Richard Lawler — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:44:00 EST

TV channel / online service combo Epix has finally locked up its first distribution partner, Verizon's FiOS TV. Not a lot of details are available yet, but Viacom CEO Phillippe Dauman says it can offer the service a la carte, in bundles with broadband, and even plans a mobile VCast offering. We've already had a peek at the in-beta HD streams and saw a lot to like, with planned access on three screens and flicks from MGM, Lionsgate and Paramount locked up for years to come Epix is shaping up as a very formidable offering prior to its planned October launch.

Update: Epix hit us off with the official PR (posted after the break) but here's the most important details - in the coming weeks, Verizon customers will be able to access a preview of the network, either through their VOD menu on the FiOS set-top box, or by visiting EpixHD.com and entering their account info.

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Filed under: Industry, Fiber, Internet

Verizon to offer Epix movie channel / streaming service on FiOS, VCast originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paramount considering home video partnership with Sony, Fox

Richard Lawler — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:27:00 EST

In a bit of news that would have been considerably juicier back in the old format war days, Paramount is reportedly negotiating with Sony and Fox to take over parts of its home video business, specifically physical fulfillment to retail, billing and collections. Reported by Video Business and Financial Times, it seems like the studio is trying to save cash as the DVD market shrinks while Blu-ray and other distribution methods aren't yet picking up the slack. We're not sure if home viewers would notice any difference from such a deal, but with titles like Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Monsters vs. Aliens releasing later this year it's worth keeping an eye on, if only for the slim possibility of history repeating itself and Paramount promising exclusive China Blue HD format support in return for a huge bundle of incentives. Hey, it could happen....maybe.

Filed under: Misc, Blu-ray

Paramount considering home video partnership with Sony, Fox originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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