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Buena Vista and Vudu to sell HD titles day-and-date with Blu-ray
Big news for Vudu fans this morning as yet another barrier to the digital download world is knocked down. Buena Vista has shown over the past year or so that it is willing to try new things and today that means you'll be able to buy HD and HDX titles via Vudu. This is the first major studio to make this type of commitment to digital purchases via Vudu and although we're not the biggest fans of the model due to limited viewing windows etc, we have to admit that having access to 60 HDX quality movies like No Country for Old Men is intriguing. No mention of animated features in the release though, which is a concern, but even so, we like knowing that there are higher quality digital downloads than Apple available for sale.
Blu-ray studios get graded, Sony Pictures comes out on top
Kudos, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment -- you've apparently been doing quite well in the Blu-ray department this year. The folks over at Sound & Vision recently took a hard look at a number of BD-releasing studios this year in order to give 'em all the grade they deserve. As for criteria? Critics looked at the "technical prowess of the audio and video presentations, the adoption or avoidance of available Blu-ray exclusive technologies (BD-Live, etc.) and the breadth and diversity of their releases as well as their reaction to the unique challenges of the latest evolution of the BD market." Interested to see how the rest of the competition fared? Give the read link a look for all the dirt.
Wall-E Blu-ray details seep out, it's unsurprisingly getting the royal treatment
To say that Wall-E was a hit for Disney would be grossly understating it, and that's evidenced by the robust Blu-ray release that's being primed for a November 18th release. Unsurprisingly, Disney and Buena Vista Home Entertainment will be releasing this one just before the holiday shopping season really gets going, and we have a hunch it'll probably do some record smashing of its own. The 3-disc BD package will include Digital Copy, Burn-E with Boards (PiP), Cine-Explor with director Andrew Stanton, Axoim Arcade: retro suite of video games with a twist and a few Blu-ray exclusive features including at least one that taps into BD-Live. So, are you going to hand over $40.99 (MSRP) to hear that sweetheart utter "EEEEEVVVAAAAAA!" once more?
Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy on Blu-ray September 16th
It's quite possible that you're not really taking a long, hard look at what's coming up in September, but for those acutely aware of what's taking place, you can easily see that said month will be a total drain on the wallet. Shortly after hearing that masterpieces such as The Godfather trilogy, Kill Bill 1 & 2 and Transformers (okay, so maybe the latter hasn't reached masterpiece status just yet) would be hitting in September, now we've got the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy arriving as well. On September 16th, fans of Mr. Depp and Mr. Sparrow alike will have the opportunity to acquire the six-disc set for $82.99, which will include a 1080p presentation of the features and the same supplements found on each of the individually released discs. Just to clarify, what you're seeing here is a repackaging of the titles already out there, so folks who have already snagged all three individually won't find anything new in this.
Kill Bill Volumes 1 and 2 headed to Blu-ray on September 9th
Better start saving those pennies folks, because September is apt to drain your wallet dry. Not only do we have Transformers launching in Blu-ray format on September 2nd, but we now know that both volumes of Kill Bill will be arriving in Blu cases a week later. According to an insider with access to Disney's retailer website, both flicks will be available on September 9th, and Amazon already has place-holders up for the both of 'em. Can anyone say "must buy?"[Via Audio/Video Revolution]
Disney's Magical Blu-ray Disc Tour
Our friends over at Format War Central had the chance to stop by the mall when Disney's Magical Blu-ray Disc Tour was in town. Overall, it seems the presentation was impressive, including a 58-inch Panasonic plasma, Blu-ray player and a Yamaha surround sound system. Tyler liked the demo -- which included a few movies not even avaialble on Blu-ray like, Cars, Ratatouille , and Meet the Robinsons -- but couldn't help but laugh when they plugged Monster HDMI cables. We don't know about anyone else, but we'd rather seem them release more movies, than to go on tour.
Virgin Media, Buena Vista ink deal to give UK more HD on demand
While UK users were recently able to catch America's biggest game in crisp HD glory, it now looks like HD lovers on the other side of the pond have even more reasons to celebrate. In a recent deal between Virgina Media and The Walt Disney Company's Buena Vista International Television (BVITV), hit network series such as Grey's Anatomy, Criminal Minds, Daybreak, Ghost Whisperer, Night Stalker, and Alias will soon be available in high-definition via Virgin's TV-on-demand service. Although further details were scant, it was also noted that this was probably not the last deal the UK would see in terms of adding additional HD on demand offerings this year, and while a specific timetable wasn't set, Virgin Media stated that the content should be available "before month's end."
Buena Vista Games renamed Disney Interactive Studios
During a shareholder meeting today, Disney senior vice president and general manager Graham Hopper announced that the company's game division, Buena Vista Games, has been renamed to Disney Interactive Studios to better reflect the celebrated brand. More precisely, the re-branding marks a return to BVG's original name, Disney Interactive. The studio will continue to publish both Disney and non-Disney branded titles for all major platforms, including Propaganda Games' forthcoming re-imagining of Turok (pictured).
Exclusive: Every Extend Extra fan pack
While America has been able to enjoy Every Extend Extra for months now, Europe will be getting Mizuguchi's latest PSP-exclusive effort this Friday. This unique game fuses an interesting shooter-like concept with Q? Entertainment's trademark music synestesia.In preparation for the game's European release, Buena Vista has prepared a new trailer and a few new wallpapers for you to download to your PSP. You'll learn how to play this puzzling game, and find some sweet designs for you to plaster your system with. Expect our full review of the game in next few days. Download See also:Heavenly Star fan pack
More Turok shots. Dino-mite!
It's only been two days since our last batch of Turok shots, and we already have some new ones for you, fresh out of the oven. We're happy to note that these shots are not entirely brown, as is the new trend. Nope, these shots have some vibrant greens and even some pink(!). Also, unlike our previous shots, most of these images showcase actual gameplay. In other words, you can see that these are shots taken during play (note the first person viewpoint) as opposed to cinematic in-engine still shots. All in all the game is looking great. Hopefully, we'll see some video soon.[Thanks, Scott Berlin]
New Turok shots are dino-tastic
Our friends at Xboxygen have gotten a hold of some new shots from the upcoming Turok. In case you don't like to familiarize yourself with interesting franchises that slowly died, Turok is a shooter centered around dinosaurs. It's essentially one of those dream game ideas you had when you were a kid: "I want a game with big guns ... and DINOSAURS!" After a few sequels, Turok got pretty bad, but this entry looks to revitalize the series with new gen pizazz (and the Unreal Engine 3). The above shot showcases a dinosaur getting roasted by a very pretty flamethrower. The game definitely has the looks, now it just has to back things up with a little personality. Hit the "read" link for more shots.Anyone have hope for this once great series?
Wannabe DJs compete Lumines-style
Who's Junkie XL? I don't know either. But, if you're in the DJ scene, you may be familiar with him, and the Winter Music Conference. Buena Vista Games wants to take you (yes, you!) to this event in sunny Miami, and all you have to do is play with the Lumines II video mixer. Looks a little familiar to me... Even if you don't want to enter the contest, it might be a good way to pass the time.[Via Joystiq]
Remix Lumines II's 'Breezer' track
Wanna hang with Junkie XL at the Winter Music Conference in Miami next year? We don't either. But Buena Vista's Lumines II Video Mixer is a fun diversion for wannabe DJs anyway. The mixing program is free to use and you aren't obligated to enter the contest (unless you want to). We just wish this thing had a chop n' screw button...
Lost Season 1 hitting Blu-ray next summer?
Lost fansite The Tail Section is reporting that sources from ABCs marketing department have indicated Disney's home video arm, Buena Vista is close to announcing a series of HDTV shows coming to Blu-ray boxed sets next year. ABC's Lost would be the flagship of the lineup and include many extras not available on the already successful DVD release. Unfortunately, if you thought the $79 Smallville Season 5 boxed set was high priced you may want to sit down as the rumor pegs a single season of Lost at $200. Future plans would include releasing shows in in two-episode discs, for $20 each. Lost is still a wildly popular series, but $200 per season is just a bit much, no matter what the extras...but you do want to be able to catch every single detail right?
Buena Vista reveals plans for 50GB Blu-ray movies
Buena Vista Worldwide Home Entertainment added to its enhanced winter Blu-ray release slate today, as Invincible and Pearl Harbor were joined by Touchstone Pictures' Enemy of the State and Flightplan. The company revealed the latter three will all be on dual-layer 50GB discs, as Buena Vista joined Warner, Fox and Paramount in announcing plans for the much-delayed discs this winter. Invincible will include a Blu-ray exclusive HD extra, "Recreating the Vet", while the three others mirror their DVD counterparts, plus an exclusive "Blu-ray Showcase". Flightplan will also add a Blu-scape short "Jet Stream". The two Disney movies are due December 19th, while Enemy of the State and Flightplan will still be released November 21. We're not sure what took them so long, but the Blu-ray camp is obviously trying to make 50GB releases a regular part of the high-def landscape. All of these titles have been added to our Google Release CalendarsHD DVDBlu-ray
Buena Vista's December Blu-ray releases: Pearl Harbor and Invincible
Disney's home distribution arm, Buena Vista has successfully launched two waves of Blu-ray titles already, and is dropping a couple more before year end. Pearl Harbor and Invincible are the lucky movies, the latter day-and-date with the DVD version. No word on any special features or "Blu-scape" extras, but they carry an MSRP of $34.98. No Pirates of the Caribbean or Cars just yet, seems like we'll have to wait until 2007, meanwhile we'll "enjoy" box office-failure Pearl Harbor.[Thanks, Dave]
Every Extend Extra to feature new song in US
Siliconera has just secured an interview with Every Extend Extra's producer, Linda Jo. For the most part, it repeats many details we already know (such as how music and timing functions into the game). However, Linda let slip a few interesting tidbits. Firstly, she confirms that the game is a PSP-exclusive, and won't receive a Lumines-like PS2 port (for now at least). She also reveals that "one of the bonus drives in the game includes an original music track that is exclusive to the version published by BVG."Considering Buena Vista Games is owned by Disney, maybe we'll get some hardcore Mickey Mouse music in our game. That'd be crunk. The game hits stores in November.
The first Spectrobes webisode
IGN's first Spectrobes webisode is here, complete with all sorts of space monster drama. Oh no! A guy with an attitude! A cut-off transmission! A cliffhanger! Whatever will happen to them? Guess we'll just have to wait for the next one ....Check the video out after the jump.
Spectrobes webisodes to back up DS release
We know you're in pain. There are so few Nintendo games dedicated to collecting and training monsters that you're all in severe withdrawals. After all, it's been at least ... oh ... six seconds or so since another such title was announced!Okay, so maybe we're being a tad sarcastic, but these days, you can't walk into a gaming store without tripping over monster-farming titles. In such a market, what's a company like Buena Vista to do that will make their new game, Spectrobes, stand out? It's not enough these days to have a kick ass developer -- and they do -- and the intergalactic setting might not do it, either. So what's left? Webisodes, of course! Six webisodes, designed to grant a little insight into the characters and their place in the world, will hit the game's official website over the next half year. Wow, maybe they could even put one of them "telly-vision shows" on the magical picture box! Now that would be something really new and fresh.
Slaying Dinosaurs in Turok, totally Unreal
Xboxyde got a handful of screenshots for the upcoming next gen Turok. The game is running on Unreal Engine 3 (then again, what isn't?) and looks awfully nice. The game pits players against humans, dinosaurs, and -- if previous iterations are anything to go by -- robot dinosaurs. The game supposedly mixes up GOW style cover and some intense melee combat as well. The game isn't coming out until 2007, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see.Anyone willing to place their confidence in this ailing franchise?
