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Otherland plans a second closed beta test for February
After hints and rumors, the Otherland dev team is finally prepared to confirm that a second closed beta test is indeed on the way -- and it will be happening next month. "Otherland is starting into the second CBT in February. We don't have an exact date yet and it can be delayed, but we don't want to tease you anymore. We polished a lot of stuff and put a lot of effort in it to provide you with more content, more quests and new features," the team said on the forums. The next closed beta test will include crafting, the auction house, storage, and vendors. Those who didn't get in the first time around can take heart in knowing the team will be handing out more beta keys than the last round.
The Otherland MMO has returned from the dead
It appears that the Tad Williams-inspired cyberpunk Otherland MMO has a new lease on life. The first version of Otherland was still in production back in March 2013, when developer RealU laid off most of its staff and work on the title ground to a halt. Now it seems Drago-Entertainment, a Polish outfit, has taken over the project and its assets, having launched a new website and Facebook page earlier in October with the declaration, "Otherland the MMO is back!" Drago-Entertainment was last in MMO news in April 2013 when it, perhaps not coincidentally, canceled its Kickstarter for a Grimlands MMO in favor of working with other investors. Both games were set to be published by Gamigo at the time. According to posts on the forums, Otherland's closed beta has not yet begun, though a registration link is prominently displayed on the website. [Many thanks to tipster Joe.]
Chrome for Android's first post-beta update brings better sandboxing, other tweaks
Chrome users on Android might have felt a bit neglected over the last couple of months, during which Google pushed a few updates to its browser on iOS while leaving its own platform untouched after it dropped the beta tag in June. That changes today as the Android version is getting its own update, which the team says automatically brings improved sandboxing technology on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean to keep any potentially malicious websites contained thanks to the operating system's user ID isolation technology. According to the changelog it also integrates location preferences with system level Google apps settings, brings playback controls to fullscreen YouTube videos and fixes aimed at third-party input method editors (IMEs), which is helpful if you're typing in another language. There's also a few other security fixes and bugs squashed, check the Chrome releases blog for cash payout details or hit Google Play to grab the update.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines also being replaced by Warner
It's really a bit hard to believe that this is anything more than a stunt, but apparently, Warner really has established a hotline to replace botched discs found in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. After waiting for ages to finally see the release, it appears that the title plays back in 1080i (rather than 1080p, as advertised) when the In Movie Experience (IME) is not activated. Interestingly, it seems that 1080p output is achieved when IME is active, which leads us to believe that two encodes of the movie are indeed on the disc. If you've been so unlucky, you can phone up Warner's customer support center at 1-800-553-6937 to request a replacement, and be sure to ask what's going on in the QA department while you're at it.
Format War: Interactivity vs HD supplements
Next Tuesday, the biggest dual format HD release since 300 hits the streets; and once again, we just can't wait to compare red vs blu. For the most part, Warner has always offered the same content on both format, and if anything, Blu-ray fans have complained that Warner doesn't take advantage of Blu-ray's extra capacity. Well, with Order of the Phoenix, Warner has pulled out the stops and has pitted interactivity vs HD supplemental video, because while the HD DVD version includes Warner's IME and web content, the Blu-ray version includes HD supplements and a 44 minute high-def TV special called, The Hidden Secrets of Harry Potter -- that was left out of the HD DVD version completely. The other big difference enabled by Blu-ray's additional capacity is an extensive list of foreign language surround sound tracks and sub-titles -- at the same time the HD DVD is a combo disc without the $10 premium. So dual format owners will have to choose between interactivity and HD supplements -- or maybe they'll just choose to save $5 and go with the Blu-ray version. We don't know about anyone else, but we can't wait to see what Nielsen VideoScan results have to say about this.Read - HighDefDigest HD DVD reviewRead - HighDefDigest Blu-ray review
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix HD DVD to debut new online community features
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is throwing a new wrinkle on the current list of web-enabled features when it hits HD DVD next month, as the Live Community Screening feature lets multiple owners watch together and chat during the movie. The host initiates the session by inviting other viewers -- no word on how many people are supported -- and synchronizes the viewing on all machines. Other features we've seen before like IME picture-in-picture track, favorite scenes and ringtone store also tag along, but we'll see if this Xbox Live-style community aspect is a hit with Potter aficionados December 11th.[Via Harry Potter Fanzone]
Terminator 3: I'll be back, in a couple of weeks
We all have to wait a couple of weeks longer than expected to check out Terminator 3, Warner's first Blu-ray release with IME. The release date has been bumped from December 4 to December 18. It's been an interesting road to release for this title: an initial HD DVD-only release; then its announcement as a Blu-ray "catch up" disc; clarification that the PiP commentary would come from two copies of the movie on one disc rather than a single Profile 1.1 version; and now this delay. No word on what the cause for the delay is -- hopefully Warner isn't having to compromise the sound or video quality to make space for the IME version.
Warner: Terminator 3 on Blu-ray to include IME, but not Profile 1.1
Terminator 3 will be Warner's first Blu-ray release with IME, but it won't be the first to support Blu-ray Profile 1.1 features. High-Def Digest confirmed that Warner is including the PiP commentary from the HD DVD release by putting two copies of the movie on the disc, one with commentary and one without. This has been done before, most notably on The Descent, and should have the benefit of being viewable even on older (or newer) Blu-ray players. The bad news is that whenever updated hardware and software exists to support more BD-Java, there may not be anything new to watch for a while (we're hoping for The Matrix Trilogy).[Thanks, domerdel]
Integrated Mobile Electronics' universal iMe dock gets price, ship date
We know, it's pretty difficult to remember all the way back to November of last year, but for those who need a refresher, Integrated Mobile Electronics' iMe docking station enables one device to accept a multitude of DAPs / PMPs within your car. The company hopes that folks with various players (or various riders) will enjoy not having to rewire their vehicle for every single unit, and apparently, the iMe is entering production and should be in customers' hands "within six to eight weeks." Dubbed an "integrated package," it should play nice with devices from Apple, Microsoft and SanDisk from day one, while a variety of other players should get support in the future. Potential buyers can even specify what vehicle they own in order to receive a system "specifically engineered to work with their setup," and while the iMe station itself will cost $249.99, each additional dock will run you a stiff $89.99. [Warning: PDF read link]
Integrated Mobile Electronics launches universal iMe Dock for your car
If you're genuinely frustrated with fuzzy (and "dangerous") FM transmitter results, and aren't exactly keen on wiring up a separate connection for each DAP you own, Integrated Mobile Electronics has your solution. In a presumed attempt to alleviate the frustration of priopritary DAP-to-automobile liaisons (and grab the entire market's attention), the startup has unveiled the iMe in-car docking station. The device, like most other hardwired options, will require a good bit of DIY handiwork (and Excedrin Migraine pills), but will apparently channel audio to your sound system and even video to your LCD-equipped whip. The package will reportedly support the Apple iPod / nano, Microsoft Zune (including the unannounced "80GB" version), Creative Zen Vision:M, SanDisk Sansa, and iRiver Clix right out-of-the-box, and even touts the ability to charge your device while docked. While it's being marketed as an end-all solution to your in-car docking station needs, these all-in-one contraptions should certainly be approached with caution -- and while there's no info on pricing or availability, you can see its potential for yourself at the SEMA expo this month.
More Smallville HD DVD details
The first network TV series to see release on HD DVD or Blu-ray, Smallville just gave us a few more reasons to eagerly anticipate the release of the season 5 boxed set. There will be an HDi interactive feature for the season premiere episode "Arrival" -- we suppose Warner can't call it IME seeing as its not a movie, but we're sure they'll come up with something -- and all episodes will be encoded in 1080p, with Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtracks. All this HD goodness comes at a price, $79.98 to be exact; a $20 bump over the standard DVD edition when it hits February 6, 2007. Despite the premium price, after watching a series in HD, going back to DVD quality later isn't our preferred option.Update: VideoBusiness is reporting that the 5-disc set will be available November 28, 2006. Sooner = better. (Confirmed.)[Thanks, TJ]
Warner adds 7 high-def releases for October 31
Warner Home Video might have had to cut sales projections but are still supporting HD, announcing three HD DVD releases and four Blu-ray discs due on October 31st. The highest profile title of the seven is V for Vendetta which will include Warner's In Movie Experience (IME), to view director commentary while the movie plays in the background. Joining V on HD DVD are Excalibur and Under Siege. Under Siege is also making its Blu-ray bow on the same day, along with The Phantom of the Opera, Searchers and Unforgiven. All will include the extras present on the standard DVD version -- no 1080p HD extras, 50GB discs or 30/9 combos here -- and we don't expect them given their $28.98 MSRP. Our Google Calendars are of course updated with the releases. Blu-ray may be catching up a bit, with one extra release, but we're sure some who were lucky enough to get a PS3 pre-order are looking to see when V for Vendetta crosses into the Blu.HD DVD release scheduleBlu-ray release schedule
Fast and the Furious 3: Tokyo Drift HD DVD combo reviewed
The third installment of the Fast & the Furious movie franchise is finally on store shelves in HD DVD format so we can stop posting about it right? Not quite, as it's the first 30GB/9GB HD DVD/DVD combo disc, and includes HDi features at level we haven't seen before. The reviewer at High Def Digest has nothing but praise for the 1080p VC-1 transfer, with all the fast moving cars, CGI and loud colors it manages to keep up without any issues. The soundtrack isn't Dolby TrueHD but it also earns kudos for high quality.. The most interesting aspect of this release is the U-Control interface, surpassing any IME features we've seen so far. The viewer can access extras like director commentary, car information, and insurance damage estimates at any time while the movie continues to play. Some might be worried this is all too complicated, when all they want to do is sit back and watch fast cars, but the review says it's got a very simple learning curve. This could be the start of real next generation home theater experiences...or just another menu to skip during a quick rental of a popcorn flick.
Superman Returns to DVD, HD DVD and Blu-ray Nov. 28th
Summer blockbuster Superman Returns has a date from Warner Home Video, and VideoBusiness says you'll be able to see it no matter what side of the format war you're on. While The Lake House will still be the first triple-release later this month, you can pick up Superman Returns on DVD, HD DVD & Blu-ray November 28th. The standard DVD will be available either as a single disc (MSRP $28.98), 2-disc special edition (MSRP $34.99), HD DVD Combo disc (MSRP $39.99), or Blu-ray (MSRP $34.99). The special edition DVD will come with several hours worth of extras, but no word on the high definition IME extras we've already heard so much about. Still, considering such a high profile release and that they've already got HD extras ready, it seems likely that Superman follows Fast and the Furious 3: Tokyo Drift in being a 30GB/9GB combo disc. We're still not sure how many people are willing to pay a few extra bucks for a combo disc, but Warner is putting a lot of weight behind them. Information on whether or not the disc would allow buyers to fly merely by putting on a cape and yelling "I'm Superman" is also unavailable at this time.
Warner announces seven HD DVD & Blu-ray releases for Oct. 10
As expected, Warner Home Video has announced Batman Begins and The Polar Express will be coming to HD DVD October 10th. Also coming to HD DVD that day are Tim Burton's The Corpse Bride (previously announced for Blu-ray), and both Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (2006 starring Johnny Depp) and the original Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder. Batman Begins and Charlie & the Chocolate Factory both feature IME sequences, taking viewers into the creative processes of the directors of each movie while the movie continues to play in the background. In addition Warner will release both Syriana and 16 Blocks on Blu-ray the same day, both previously released on HD DVD, giving them over 50 movies total released on both formats. Other than the two IME-enhanced titles all will have the same extras as their DVD counterparts, the HD DVDs carry an MSRP of $28.99 and the Blu-ray discs $34.99. So far Warner's dual-release strategy seems to be working out well as they've got some of the best titles on each format, best features, and have been able to take their VC-1 encoded movies from HD DVD to Blu-ray and vice versa without trouble.
Batman Begins HD DVD hits October 10
The much-anticipated Batman Begins HD DVD including several HD DVD-exclusive IME (HDi) features will hit store shelves October 10, along with The Polar Express. One consistent complaint about the HD DVD and Blu-ray launches has been the paucity of big, quality titles.This hopefully marks a reversal of that trend and is a sign that studios are also confident in taking advantage of the unique features afforded by the formats. Studios know they have to get things right with their most valuable properties or risk angering millions of fans, now its just up to consumers to show if they're willing to pay the cost for the experience. VideoBusiness expects more details tomorrow including price and features. What this really means is in a month or so we can move on to complaining that Superman and Lord of the Rings aren't out yet but for now, we wait.
Warner Bros. to release TEN high definition movies September 26
Going dual-format certainly has its benefits. You can put up cool press releases about slating a record number of high definition media releases on one day. Luckily, Warner hasn't just stopped there. Among the six Blu-ray and four HD DVD discs are a few particularly notable items. Tim Burton's Corpse Bride makes its HD debut on blu-ray, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines will include Warner's In-Movie Experience (IME) on HD DVD and they will debut their Ultra-Resolution technology by transferring over the animated Bugs Bunny flick The Adventures of Robin Hood. All of the movies will carry an MSRP of $28.99 and except for T3, contain the same extras as the original DVD releases. No details on if any of the Blu-ray discs will be encoded in anything other than MPEG-2 but we will keep you posted.Blu-ray releases: Tim Burton's Corpse Bride Swordfish Space Cowboys Lethal Weapon 2 The Fugitive House of Wax HD DVD releases: The Dirty Dozen Grand Prix Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines The Adventures of Robin Hood You can also check out our Google Calendars for all the dates.HD DVD release scheduleBlu-ray release schedule
Paramount officially announces M:i:III simultaneous Blu-ray, HD DVD & DVD release
We may be able to forgive Paramount for the relatively small number of high-def discs they plan to release this year as they have announced what appears to be only the second tri-format day-and-date release on Blu-ray, HD DVD & DVD, after The Lake House. Mission: Impossible III will come on HD DVD with all the special features we told you about on the same day as the standard-def DVD release, but it will also come out on Blu-ray complete with high-def extras, DD+ soundtracks and all...except for the HD DVD-exclusive picture-in-picture enhanced commentary from star Tom Cruise and director J.J. Abrams. The MSRP is set at $19.99 for the standard DVD, $24.99 for the collectors edition, and $29.99 for both HD DVD and Blu-ray. Blu-ray fans finally have a blockbuster to look forward to this winter, unfortunately they're still coming up short on the extras, we have to wonder if the home release of Superman Returns will suffer the same cuts.
Superman Returns director talks HD DVD extras
Bryan Singer, director of the new movie Superman Returns did an interview with The Hollywood Reporter recently and talked a lot about the special effects technology that went into the movie, plus the inclusion of blogging for fans during the moviemaking process. Despite the fact that the movie hasn't even been released in theaters yet, he's already giving details on the DVD versions. He mentions specifically Warner's In Movie Experience (IME) technology, using the interactive technology of HD DVD (and potentially Blu-ray also) to show behind the scenes looks as well as cast interviews while the movie continues playing. He sounds pretty excited, and the feeling is catching.This is good not just for HDTV owners to hear such things are coming down the pipe, this kind of exposure about the additional features for the new formats will be very key in them being accepted by mainstream consumers. Can we expect a day-and-date HD DVD/Blu-ray release for Superman Returns?[Via MovieWeb]
Constantine HD DVD release (Warner's) first for special features, Bourne Supremacy out now
Other than Keanu Reeves, star of The Matrix and Bill & Ted movies (the Bill & Ted flicks are far better as a series), the HD DVD release of Constantine that we mentioned earlier will also be the first to feature bonus content exclusive to the HD DVD version. Using what they are calling In-movie Experience (IME), you can watch an interview with the director while the film is still playing.This seems to be the first disc to use any iHD features, it will be interesting to see how well received this is by buyers, not to mention what sort of special features Blu-ray discs will launch with. Until now HD DVD has only offered SD extras copied direct from their DVD cousins, hopefully this marks the end of that era.Update: VideoBusiness has more information on Universal's release of The Bourne Supremacy, which contains similar interactive features and should be on store shelves near you for $34.98. Batman Begins, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (thanks WiFiSpy) and Dukes of Hazzard are also slated to get the interactive treatment, no release dates yet.
