TommyTallarico
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Intellivision plans a revival with a new game console
Add Intellivision to the list of vintage console brands hoping for another shot at glory. Intellivision Entertainment has revealed that it's in the early stages of creating a new video game system. Details are scarce (there isn't even a name), but the emphasis is on making a system that "all age groups and levels of gamers and non-gamers" can enjoy. There's familiar talent involved, too. Soundtrack impresario and Video Games Live host Tommy Tallarico has been named the President of the fledgling company, while numerous original Intellivision designers and executives are taking on leadership roles. Mattel is about the only absentee at this stage, but that's not surprising.
Video Games Live special brings orchestral game music to PBS
Are video games art? That question may still be a cause of debate for some, but there is little question that there is artistry in video games -- like the music, which often doesn't receive the attention it deserves. Game music composers Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall have been doing their best to change that for years now with their symphonic Video Games Live show, however, and it looks like they'll soon have what could be their largest audience yet. The group recently announced that PBS will be debuting a 90-minute Video Games Live special on July 31st, which will continue to air throughout August, and be available on DVD, Blu-ray and CD. Check with your local PBS affiliate for the exact time and air dates in your area, and head on past the break for a taste of what's in store.
Video Games Live announces 40 shows across the globe
Video Games Live has announced approximately 40 shows to take place across the globe over the next year. Full details aren't available on some locations, but there will be special concerts at GDC, Comic-Con, Leipzig and a bullring in Mexico (full list of locations after the break). There's really nothing more to say about VGL other than you should go and see hear it. The quality of the show is absolutely worth the price of admission and there's nothing quite like getting a chill from hearing your favorite piece of game music played by a full orchestra. If going into public isn't your thing, there's always the CD.[Via Press Release]
Postal devs lay Person of the Year award at Tallarico's feet
Video Games Live co-creator Tommy Tallarico has been singled out as the 2007's Person of the Year. No, not by Time magazine, or really any outlet from which we'd expect such acclaim to originate, but rather by outspoken game studio Running with Scissors, creators of the controversial Postal game franchise. As the first such award bestowed by the studio, the accolade was announced during Running with Scissors' annual holiday shindig. We appreciate the effort, and are glad to see when personalities within the game industry are recognized, but in all honestly we can't recall a time when anything said by Running with Scissors was met with anything but indifference. If we were Tallarico, and believe us when we say that nothing could be further from the truth, we'd be inclined to accept the award, nod, and back out of the room. Slowly.
Video Games Live CD coming October 15
Find yourself a CD player, yet? An album of epic, gaming proportions is coming October 15 when EMI Classics releases Video Games Live: Greatest Hits -- Volume One. Although it's not a live recording (according to the press release, it was mixed and recorded at London's Abbey Road studios), the collection does feature music from Zelda, Mario, Halo, Warcraft, Sonic, Myst, Civilization IV, Final Fantasy ... and Tron.No word on the previously-mentioned DVD release, also expected this fall. We've contacted VGL co-creator Tommy Tallarico for more information.
NPR goes to Video Games Live
We're glad to see Video Games Live getting some attention from National Public Radio, and it's nice to hear some of VGL on their broadcast. But we have to admit to being a little bit perturbed by the tone of the reporter, who appears to be mystified by the idea that anyone would be in the seats. "Why is video game music so compelling to these people?" he wonders aloud, the disdain deliciously audible.We would kindly remind NPR that the only way that orchestras in many areas can fill seats is by promising to play the hits of Andrew Lloyd Webber or selections from Rocky, Chariots of Fire and Star Wars. The chamber halls ceased long ago to be the domain solely of Mozart and Beethoven. We understand that video game concerts are novel, but is the reasoning behind them really so puzzling? [Thanks, Jenn]
Video Games Live coming to your CD and DVD player this Fall
And you do have a CD or DVD player, right? If not, you've probably made a slight typing error in your efforts to visit Koistiq.com, the world's most popular fish enthusiast blog. As for the rest of you, please note the following: Video Games Live has finally announced that a CD and DVD recording of one of their extravagant concerts will be released in the US and "throughout the world" this Fall.The alliteratively awesome Tommy Tallarico, video game composer and co-creator of Video Games Live, says he's been ignoring pleas for five years! "Since we started Video Games Live over 5 years ago we've always received at least a few e-mails and letters each week asking if and when a DVD and CD would be available." Since we're sure 90% of those messages and threats came from us, we're especially pleased that the group has finally relented and seen (heard?) fit to preserve last Novembro's Rio De Janeiro, Brazil concert in digital form. You'll find a trailer embedded after the break.More information concerning exact release dates and prices will be revealed in August. Oh, and if any fishermen are still reading this, get yourself a DVD player before then.
Video Games Live holding 14 shows at 10 North American cities [update 1]
Video Games Live continues to spread its musically inclined tendrils across the North American continent, with the announcement of 13 upcoming concerts in 10 different cities. If you can't make the GDC concert next month (featuring Nintendo's Koji Kondo), perhaps you'll find solace in the complete list of events presented after the break.In addition, Video Games Live concerts are currently being planned for several European, Asian and South American venues. Keep an eye (and an ear) out for further announcements regarding international events.
Video Games Live hits Philly tomorrow
The previously canceled but now resuscitated Video Games Live show is ready to play its third show to date at Philadelphia's Merriam Theater in Center City tomorrow night. Like their show at GDC in March, this one is tied to a popular event -- namely Wizard World Philadelphia -- giving them a built-in audience who've already traveled to the city. The GDC show in San Jose sold out, no doubt as a result of the hoards of gaming geeks and industry insiders around, but there are still tickets available in Philadelphia (comic book geeks, what's up?). In addition to the great music, the pre-show festival includes a costume event and a special meet and greet. Philadelphia attendees include Marty O'Donell (Halo), Jason Hayes (World of Warcraft), Martin Leung (Video Game Pianist) and me! Alright, maybe I'm not a celebrity, but I'll be there with a handful of Joystiq t-shirts so if you see me*, ask for one. If there's enough Philly readers going (c'mon guys!) it might even be fun to meet up before hand, play some Metroid Prime: Hunters, you know the deal.*I'll be the tall guy with a Joystiq shirt on!
