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Harry Potter e-books now available to muggles
The Hunger Games may have had a heck of an opening weekend, but let's not forget who the top box office spot belongs to: a certain bespectacled boy wizard. Roughly a decade and half after the publication of the first book in the series -- and after several months of promises -- the ultra-popular series has finally made its way onto e-readers like the Kindle and Nook. A couple of days after announcing the rather pricey Wizard's Collection, J.K. Rowling's books have hit the Pottermore site, priced at $8 to $10. The books are currently available in English, with French, German, Italian and Spanish versions coming soon. "Enhanced" versions are on their way as well. Check our some relevant press info after the break.
Harry Potter Wizard's Collection brings home all eight movies on a ridiculous 31 discs (video)
Now that all of the Harry Potter movies have been released, Warner Bros. has seen fit to slide them together in one truly epic set. Harry Potter Wizard's Collection spans 31 discs including the theatrical version of each movie, extended cuts of the first two flicks, 3D versions of the last two, Ultraviolet digital copies and several bonus discs with ten hours of new to disc bonus content and 5 hours of never before seen extras. Of course, we should also mention the incredibly detailed box it all comes in, seen in the CG video above. Of course, you can't always have everything, and some fans are upset about what this collection doesn't include -- extended versions of the last six movies. Those still interested can preorder the $499 MSRP set (currently selling for $349 on Amazon) for delivery September 7th, and get an early preview of one of the special features embedded after the break.
Pottermore departing beta from platform nine (and three quarters) in April
The digital exploits of Little Whinging's most famous lightning-scarred resident is belatedly exiting beta next month. The six-month delay was prompted because the server platform couldn't handle the load of the million pottermaniacs who had early access. This led to the team behind the site summoning up a whole new backbone without the aid of accio. As well as the audio and e-book versions of the seven novels, the site's general opening will herald a fiery goblet of exclusive content, features and sounds. It'll be open to everyone, unless of course, you've tasted the blood of a unicorn -- then the only thing you can look forward to is being condemned to a half-life, a cursed life.
Digital downloads bring UltraViolet one step closer to being useful
The dream of being able to buy a movie once and watch it anywhere promised by UltraViolet still seems impossible, but adding digital downloads to Flixster does bring it one step closer. Of course being able to download and watch a handful of movies on a single movie application is far from anyone's dream, but we supposed you have to start somewhere. If you had your hopes a simpler solution, though, you might also keep dreaming as the video after the break seems to show just how complicated one can make watching a movie. We suppose we'd be more excited if we'd just purchased Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 and learned that we could now also watch it on our tablet or smartphone -- now even if we aren't connected to the internet -- but perhaps like you, the final Potter installment isn't exactly on the top of our must have movie list.
Must See HDTV (November 7th - 13th)
It'll be hard to find a sports matchup that equals last weekend's 'Bama/LSU showdown, but Fox will try as it dives into the octagon with some MMA this weekend. There's also a few family-friendly Blu-ray 3D titles on deck, and the final edition of some series called Harry Potter hitting stores on Friday (pick up Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim while you're there, you'll thank us later). Look below for the highlights this week, followed after the break by our weekly listing of what to look out for in TV, Blu-ray and videogames. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 The king is back. The Modern Warfare series has reigned over the console shooter pile for the last few years and it's no secret why. A combination of fast-paced action and precise controls make it the online game of choice for many (some prefer the Battlefield games, it's a matter of taste). This year's edition once again hails from the offices of Infinity Ward, birthplace of the best this series has to offer so this one is a must-buy. The only thing giving us pause? A new "Elite" feature, which adds online stat tracking and more for hardcore players, but comes at a hefty price of $49 a year. (Update: A peek at the official list reveals most of the features, including stat-tracking are free, and that $50 does buy all the DLC for a year so it may come in handy, check out more info from our friends at Joystiq here. Thanks @ejalcantera!) (November 8th, $56.99 on Amazon) UFC on Fox CBS tried bringing MMA fighting to network TV a couple of years ago but hasn't had any bouts in a while, opening the door for this weekend's heavyweight match on Fox. Cain Velasquez is one of the scariest human beings alive, but he appears to have a worthy competitor coming for his title in Junior Dos Santos. We've been fans of UFC for a little while, if expensive PPV matches and reality TV-styled The Ultimate Fighter have been the only thing keeping you on the outside, this could be the one that makes you a fan -- or disgusts you beyond words. Check out a trailer embedded after the break. (November 12th, Fox, 9PM) Death Valley Looking for a a zombie alternative to The Walking Dead (which actually improved this weekend -- apparently someone finally told the writers that less is more)? You've found it. MTV's Cops-style mockumentary follows officers around an alternate reality Los Angeles populated by werewolves, vampires and more otherworldly creatures with a campy sense of humor throughout. Beware however, here anyone can become a meal for the people they're pursuing, including members of the camera crew. (November 7th, MTV, 11PM)
Invisibility cloak made of carbon nanotubes uses 'mirage effect' to disappear
If the phrase "I solemnly swear I'm up to no good" means anything to you, you'll be happy to know that scientists have come one step closer to a Potter-style "invisibility cloak" so you can use your Marauder's Map to the fullest. With the help of carbon nanotubes, researchers have been able to make objects seem to magically vanish by using the same principle that causes mirages. As anyone who's been especially parched along Route 66 knows, optical illusions occur when heat changes the air's temperature and density, something that forces light to "bend," making us see all sorts of crazy things. Apply the same theory under water using nanotubes -- one molecule carbon coils with super high heat conductivity -- and scientists can make a sheet of the stuff "disappear." Remember, it only works underwater, so get your gillyweed ready and check out the video after the break.
Apple is worth more than all of these things
With Apple (AAPL) having a market cap of roughly US$387 billion, it becomes the most valuable company in the US. Matter of fact, it currently has a $30 billion lead over the next most valuable company, Exxon Mobil (XOM). However, market caps are boring. What's fun is to look at how much Apple is worth compared to other things. Like drugs, the Star Wars franchise and Denmark. That's exactly what the Things Apple is Worth More Than tumblr does. It turns out that at a market cap of $380 billion+, Apple is worth more than: All the illegal drugs in the world ($321 billion) The Star Wars, Harry Potter, Star Trek, Steven King, and Twilight franchises combined ($49 billion) The GDP of Denmark ($337 billion) and my personal favorite, the American obesity epidemic ($300 billion) The tumblr blog has more gems Apple is worth so be sure to check it out. It's an interesting list that really puts it in perspective just how much the Mac, iPhone and iPad maker is worth.
Du.static dust-busting concept clears the air, won't vanquish Voldemort
Avada Keduster! That's right Potter fans, magic may not be real (sorry), but if Du.static ever makes it to market, get set to eliminate household dust with the flourish of a wand. Designed by Hongik University's Won Suk Lee, this 2011 Spring Spark Concept Design winner combines the functionality of a feather duster and air purifier, into a two-in-one, Hershey-kissed silhouette. The standalone unit's base-mounted induction fan sucks your room's filth into a fine particle filter, releasing fresh air out its other end, while an LED light keeps track of environmental detritus -- signaling red for "polluted" and blue as "pure enough." Impressive powers of purification aside, we have a feeling its removable electrostatic stick cleaner is going to get more cosplay (and cleaning) mileage. Head to the source now for extra shots of the device in action and while you're at, petition Dyson for its real-world equivalent.
J.K. Rowling, Google to bring Pottermania to your e-reader
Having a hard time parting ways with a certain plucky, lightning-scarred orphan? J.K. Rowling feels your pain (as she counts her money) and has teamed up with Google to help you fall in love with the world of Hogwarts all over again -- e-book style. The voluminous tomes will be making their exclusive electronic debut through Google's eBooks platform as part of the Sony-backed Pottermore site launching this October. El Goog's open format plays nicely with "more than 80 ereaders" -- we're looking at you iRiver Story HD -- and can also be downloaded in app form for iOS and Android smartphones. But the integration doesn't end there -- under terms of the agreement, Google Checkout "will be the preferred third party payment platform" for all the site's Harry Potter knick knacks your credit limit will allow. It's ok, you don't have to let go of the dream just yet. There's still a little wizard inside us all.
Harvard physicist puts fires out with electrified wand, hopes to share on HarvardConnection
Okay, so maybe Ludovico Cademartiri will be forced to share the good news on Facebook (or ConnectU, if he's into playing the role of rebel), but at least he's bound to see over a couple of hundred hits. According to The Harvard Crimson, the aforesaid physicist and a smattering of other researchers have stumbled upon a novel way to extinguish flames: electricity. The idea is eventually enable firefighters to squash fires without having to douse a home or object with water and foam -- if hit with a beam of juice, there's at least a sliver of a chance that something can be salvaged. While the specifics of the project are obviously far above our heads, the gist of it is fairly simple -- flames contain soot particles, which become "electrically charged during combustion." Given that those very particles react to electrical fields, a strong enough beam can twist things until it's extinguished completely. Quite honestly, it's a hands-on experience we're desperately trying to arrange, but till then, it looks like another round of Harry Potter will have to do.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 'Dementors' and 'Golfing with Ron' Blu-ray extras
If you can't wait until April 15th, check out these two clips Warner has posted on YouTube from the upcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 Blu-ray. The first is a Maximum Movie Mode picture-in-picture breakdown of the Dementors and how they've changed in the movies embedded above, while after the break actor Rupert Grint a.k.a Ron Weasley as he takes in a round of golf and reflects on the movie franchise coming to an end later this year.
Warner Bros. expands movie rentals via Facebook with five more high profile titles
After dipping a toe in the waters with The Dark Knight, starting tonight Warner is offering five more movies for streaming on Facebook including Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Inception, Life as We Know It and Yogi Bear. The deal remains the same, with United States viewers able to pay for a 48-hour viewing window instantly in Facebook credits then enjoy the flick with full functionality on the page, and pause/resume tied to their login on the site. Even with an increasing number of movie titles including recent ones like Yogi Bear that just debuted last week, it's hard to see any VOD service seriously challenging the current video rental incumbents like iTunes and Netflix, especially one that offers only SD rentals viewable on the PC. What it does offer however is a quick way for Warner to monetize the significant Facebook communities around popular movies, which may be enough to keep this program growing for the foreseeable future. Either way, the pages should be live starting at 1 a.m., check the press release after the break if you need more details.
Warner schedules Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1 Blu-ray release for April 15th
The next to last Harry Potter flick is coming to Blu-ray April 15th, and Warner's blowing it out with a slew of special features including a sneak preview of the opening of the next film. Beyond that there's a promised two and a half hours of special features including Maximum Movie Mode, a behind the scenes look with Daniel Radcliffe and more. Of course the first seven movies are already will also be available in a $134.99 MSRP boxed set in case you somehow missed them until now, but there's plenty of time to watch swap out your HD DVDs before The Deathly Hallows Part 1 arrives with its $35.99 MSRP.
LEGO Harry Potter available for iOS, but iPad requires 4.2
Warner Bros. has released the game LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4, and it's available as a universal download from the App Store for US$4.99. Gameplay includes going inside Hogwarts castle, the most detailed LEGO game location ever; the game provides 40+ levels of play along with endless freeplay to discover areas not accessible in Story Mode. Players can play as any one of over 100 characters including Harry Potter himself, and can cast spells, mix potions, or fly on broomsticks throughout the game. Mike Rose has played both the Wii and iOS versions of HPY1-4, and he notes that the iOS take is more isometric and 'LEGO-like' than the 3D action of the Wii version. The iOS game presents specific tasks/quests that have to be performed and puzzles to be solved before you can advance Harry and his cohorts to the next scene of the game. Potential buyers should note that while the game is ready for the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPod touch (3rd and 4th generation) running iOS 4.1 or later, iPad owners will have to wait until they are running iOS 4.2 to play and sync their devices. This is clearly noted in the app description, but it hasn't stopped some overeager buyers from giving the app one-star reviews because they didn't notice the caveat beforehand. Maybe while they are waiting for iOS 4.2 to drop they can check out some LEGO guys unboxing an iPad to pass the time. With Harry Potter popularity at a fever pitch right now due to the first-half film version release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, LEGO Harry Potter might have more than a few fans looking for a good game to download. I myself am looking forward to spending time digging through all the different worlds in the game, especially with a three-day train trip coming up. This should occupy some of that time, for sure.
Blu-ray releases on December 8th 2009
It feels like just yesterday that Warner released the a Harry Potter movie as a way to decide which HD format it should abandon and now the whole world is Blu and this week Half-Blood Prince hits the shelves and it sure doesn't feel like two years later. In the TV show category, Disney has the 5th season of Lost and although that's one of our favorite shows, we're waiting on the complete collection. The real interesting one this week is Anchor Bay which really opened up the gates with 10 new Blu-ray titles in one week. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Warner) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Ultimate Edition (Warner) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Ultimate Edition (Warner) Julie & Julia (Sony) Lost: The Complete Fifth Season (Walt Disney) Public Enemies (Universal) The Alphabet Killer (Anchor Bay) Behind The Mask: The Rise Of Leslie Vernon (Anchor Bay) Cyclops (Anchor Bay) Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer (Anchor Bay) The Lost Treasure of the Grand Canyon (Anchor Bay) Lower Learning (Anchor Bay) Red Mist (Anchor Bay) Sands Of Oblivion (Anchor Bay) Walled In (Anchor Bay) While She Was Out (Anchor Bay) Knut & Friends (Image) UltraMarathon Man (ChannelSources) World's Greatest Dad (Magnolia)
Windows 7 breaks Amazon UK pre-order volume record, ousts Harry Potter
Take it from us, your London-based sleuths, when anything sells faster than Harry Potter books or DVDs in the UK, it's scorching hot. Case in point is Microsoft's Vista successor, which has sold so well that it has beaten the Amazon UK pre-order record previously held by J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. In fact, Windows 7 was able to tally up more sales in the first 8 hours of pre-order availability than Vista was able to collect altogether. Now that's what we call an upgrade.
Warner Bros. plans to support CBHD, the format war is back on -- at least in China
It seems appropriate that after striking the fatal blow in the war between HD DVD and Blu-ray, Warner is the first to break rank and ally itself with the China Blue HD team. Ready to enter the ordinary Chinese consumer's family, according to Managing Director Tony Vaughan, the Harry Potter series, Speed Racer and others will launch for 50-70 yuan ($7.30 - $10.22) per disc. Excuse us while we pick our jaws up from the floor, but with at least one Hollywood studio in pocket and 1999 yuan ($292) players on the way the son of HD DVD looks closer to a real Blu-ray competitor -- and less like the destined for the scrap heap reject we predicted -- than ever. With DVD sales shrinking and Blu-ray not quite ready to pick up the slack, how long until another studio decides the Chinese market has enough potential to publish movies on CBHD? [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Via Format War Central]
Blu-ray releases on November 11th 2008
Just when we thought there wasn't another comic book movie this holiday season until The Dark Knight, along comes Hellboy, which we somehow forgot about. It's available both in regular and extra geeky, the latter will set you back another $20, but while both include a digital copy, only the Collector's Edition includes a scary looking figurine and we're not sure what else. Also this week, Weinstein has the made for TV movie about the NASCAR legend, Dale Earnhardt, which is sure to be a popular stocking stuffer for Blu-ray NASCAR fans -- not sure how many of those there are. Star Wars fans can look forward to the animated feature Star Wars: The Clone Wars, while WW2 junkies can can relive Band of Brothers for the first time on Blu-ray. That isn't the only TV show series this week though, as Warner has both the first season of Chuck and the third season of Supernatural. And finally, Fox offers up the first, and regrettably, the only season of Firefly. Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Universal) Hellboy II: The Golden Army Collector's Edition (Universal) 3: The Dale Earnhardt Story (Weinstein) Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Warner) Band of Brothers (HBO) Chuck: The Complete First Season (Warner) Supernatural: The Complete Third Season (Warner) JFK (Warner) Firefly: The complete series (Fox) Harry Potter Years 1-5 Giftset (Warner) This Christmas (Sony)
Brace yourself: EA is making Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Are you sitting down? Really? We don't mean that in the figurative internet sense, we mean it in the "please put your butt on a flat surface and brace yourself" sense. Ready? ... EA is making Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Don't worry, we'll give you a second to return your eyeballs to your head after they comically extend three inches from their sockets. Guess which systems it's coming out for. Did you guess everything from 360s and PS3s to microwave oven readouts and pocket watches? Then you're totally right. Did you suspect that the game would be released around the same time as the movie of the same name this November? Alright Professor Trelawney, where are you hiding that crystal ball?Our one hope, and we know that this won't happen, is for the games to evolve in their maturity level and tone just like the books grew progressively darker. But we'll probably just end up waving our Wiimotes around using magic to make Hagrid a sandwich or something.
Warner planning to release "book-like" Blu-ray sets for collectors
Now that all studios can focus their efforts on cranking out titles for a single format (well, almost), it's no surprise to hear that Warner is already planning a few special sets for the hordes of collectors out there. Early reports are suggesting that the aforementioned firm will debut a series of "book-like" Blu-ray packages on March 25th with the unveiling of Bonnie & Clyde. Apparently, at least nine other films will follow suit, offering movie buffs a "handsomely bound volume containing rare and never-before-seen archival material." As for exact titles, we're hearing that Dirty Harry, Woodstock, Gone with the Wind and North by Northwest could be among those chosen (no Matrix?), but Warner could re-release hits such as Blade Runner and certain Harry Potter selections as well. Interestingly, it seems as if HD DVD followers will also get the chance to indulge with the red release of Bonnie & Clyde, but there's been nothing said officially either way just yet.[Via The Leaky Cauldron, thanks Kellan]Read - Warner Plans Ten Blu-ray "Book" Releases for 2008Read - Warner to Bow "Ultimate" Dirty Harry
