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Super Nintendo World won't open in Orlando until at least 2023
The first Super Nintendo World theme park attraction is set to open at Universal Studios Japan this summer. There have long been plans to open up similar areas at Universal Studios locations in Hollywood and Orlando, but you'll have to wait a while longer to explore the Mario-themed attractions stateside.
Netflix rescues sci-fi movie 'Extinction' from oblivion
The Cloverfield Paradox isn't the only sci-fi movie Netflix has saved from Hollywood purgatory. Variety has discovered that Netflix bought the worldwide rights to Extinction, a sci-fi thriller from Universal starring Lizzy Caplan and Michael Pena. The studio was originally slated to have released the alien invasion flick on January 26th, but took it off its release schedule just two months prior -- not exactly a resounding vote of confidence. The title is expected to premiere on Netflix sometime later in 2018.
Real-world 'Mario Kart' is headed to Japan's Nintendo theme park
To celebrate the start of construction on Super Nintendo World, Universal Studios Japan has released its first teaser trailer for the upcoming park attraction. And what's more, the pair confirmed that a Mario Kart ride will be the jewel in its crown, which should come as a surprise to absolutely no one. Previously published patent documents suggest this guaranteed crowd-pleaser will run on a rail, but let one rider control drift while their kart partner concentrates on power-up and weapon use. Super Nintendo World is set to open at some vague time before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, though, so it's unlikely we'll get any firm details in the immediate future.
Hollywood again considers $30 early movie rentals
Slowly, movie studios are putting the pieces in place for reducing the time between a film's theatrical run and when you can watch it at home. The latest step toward this is news that Warner Bros. would be cool with people watching its movies as soon as 17 days after theatrical debut, according to Variety. That privilege would come with a $50 price tag -- the same price Napster founder Sean Parker proposed over a year ago for his Screening Room service.
Super Nintendo World coming to Universal Studios Japan
Nintendo will launch the Super Nintendo World park attraction at Universal Studios Japan, the two companies revealed. The themed area will open in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with similar attractions coming later to Hollywood and Orlando in the US. Nintendo first revealed news of the attractions last year, and in November announced the three locations. It has now added more details, saying the park attraction will have "state-of-the-art rides, interactive areas, shops and restaurants, all featuring Nintendo's most popular characters and games."
Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan want to save the future of movies on film
The movie industry has seen its share of struggles as we transition into a digital future, and likely no one has felt the pinch more than film company Kodak. The struggling outfit is getting a life-raft, though, in the form of several studios committing to buy a set amount of celluloid per year regardless of if any of their movies are even made using film. As The Wall Street Journal tells it, directors J.J. Abrams, Judd Apatow, Christopher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino -- all who've professed their love for celluloid quite publicly -- were part of the lobbying council for the business deal. Why? Because they adore the look and feel of working with the physical format. Nolan's Interstellar and Abrams' upcoming Star Wars are both being shot on film, but for better or worse, though, these filmmakers are a dying breed.
HBO extends exclusive, $2 billion deal with Universal Studios until 2022
HBO is determined to maintain its position as pay TV's top dog and will break the bank to ensure it does. It's inked a decade-long extension to a deal that gives it exclusive rights to Universal Studios movie catalogue until 2022. While neither HBO nor Universal have talked figures, Hollywood sources "in the know" think the Emmy Award-farm is paying around $200 million a year. All of these exclusive deals make us slightly nervous -- after all, it looks like we'll have to sign up with four or five different providers just for a decent selection...oh, so that's the idea then.
Dracula, The Mummy and six other horror classics coming in a Blu-ray set October 2nd (video)
Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection will arrive on shelves October 2nd, and pack eight classic horror movies, all restored so they can be seen in the highest quality possible. Among the releases is Creature from the Black Lagoon restored for Blu-ray 3D (yes, like Dial M for Murder it was originally shot and released in 3D back in 1954), as well as Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man and Phantom of the Opera. This is all a part of the ongoing Universal centennial celebration that's seeing its vaults unleash many of our favorites for the first time in high definition. After the break you can check out a featurette detailing the process undertaken to prep Dracula for Blu-ray release, as well as a press release with details on all of the flicks and which extras are included for each movie. Of course, the downside of a pack like this is that it's pricey -- the MSRP is $160, but it's available for preorder on Amazon currently priced at $112.
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Blu-ray full specs revealed, arrives in October
We already got an early peek at the trailer, but Universal has finally issued a press release that breaks down everything that will be included in the E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial 30th Anniversary Blu-ray. The disc will include only the 1982 theatrical version of the movie, a Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound audio track and two brand-new featurettes. Those include an interview with the director Steven Spielberg and a behind the scenes look in The E.T. Journals. There's also support for the pocket BLU remote app, Ultraviolet and standard Digital Copy, and more. It certainly seems to be a package befitting the fourth-highest performing movie of all time, check after the break for another look at the trailer and the full press release. It's already up for preorder on Amazon for $24.49, although we'll have to keep waiting for an exact release date.
Universal Studios films appear in iCloud, Fox still unavailable
One advantage to iCloud is the ability to re-download movies that you purchased through iTunes. When the download feature became available in March, only four of the six major movie studios were on-board with the service. The two holdouts, Universal and 20th Century Fox, had contracts with HBO that prevented their participation in the service. HBO reportedly loosened its agreement and now Universal movies are available for download via iCloud, according to a MacRumors report. Movies from 20th Century Fox are still not available in iCloud, but negotiations supposedly are under way and iCloud support should be coming soon.
Universal Studios' films now available on iCloud, Fox still grounded
Back in early March, it became clear that content from Fox and Universal Studios would be held back from being available in the all-encompassing iCloud, presumably due to the HBO release window stranglehold impacting both libraries. Today, however, the tides of change are having an impact of their own. Mac Rumors is reporting that Universal titles no longer boast the unfortunate warning that they used to, allowing iTunes users to enjoy titles from iTunes in the Cloud. Regrettably, Fox titles still exhibit the hold back, but we're told that negotiations are ongoing to remedy that. So, movie plans back on for this evening?
HBO in talks to relax iCloud ban on Universal, Fox movies for Apple TV
Remember when it was revealed that Fox and Universal's movie libraries wouldn't be able to stream via iCloud to your Apple TV? The reason was that both studios were locked into an exclusive window with HBO. Fortunately, the cable channel is already entering into negotiations with the studios to relax that rule for people who have already bought their movies -- having already done so for stablemate Warner Bros. A settlement is expected to be forthcoming in the next few weeks, at which point we can get back to the important things in life: the second series of Game of Thrones.
Redbox deal with Universal keeps DVDs, Blu-rays on 28-day delay through 2014
So far, Redbox has maintained that it's only willing to delay rentals of new releases a maximum of one month, but while Warner pushes for a longer window the rental kiosk chain has reached an agreement with Universal Studios Home Entertainment. The new deal keeps the delay window at 28 days, and promises to keep the discs flowing through August 2014. Despite Redbox's threat to start offering Warner movies day and date due to their dispute, so far it's still taken a couple of weeks for new releases like Harold & Kumar and J Edgar to make their way into kiosks. So far there's no word of other studios backing Warner's push for a 56-day delay between the date movies go on sale at retail and the earliest budget renters like Redbox and Netflix will offer them, which is a good sign. Not mentioned in the press release? Whether or not this deal could affect the availability of content for Redbox's internet streaming service that's on the way with Verizon.
Universal celebrates 100 years of movies, finally brings classics like Jaws and E.T. to Blu-ray
Blu-ray fans waiting to see classic flicks like E.T. and Jaws on the format can rejoice, as Universal has officially announced they will be released this year as a part of its centennial celebration. After being in the moving picture business for 100 years the studio has a lot to celebrate, and plans "extensive restorations" of 13 movies including To Kill a Mockingbird, All Quiet on the Western Front, Jaws, The Sting, Out of Africa, Frankenstein and Schindler's List. There's also the special celebration logo seen above, but really, as long as they finally deliver a proper edition of Spielberg's 1982 classic sci-fi flick, they can put whichever picture they want up before it -- check the press release after the break for details, lists and Tumblr links.
Animal House, Blues Brothers, Dazed & Confused and Fast Times at Ridgemont High coming to Blu-ray
Universal is bringing some of the funniest flicks of the 70s and 80s out on Blu-ray this summer when it delivers Animal House, Blues Brothers, Dazed & Confused and Fast Times at Ridgemont High. They're getting a pretty good treatment as well, with some HD extras, u-control and other bonus tie ins. Only only real question is what took so long? Animal House and Blues Brothers arrive July 26th, while Dazed & Confused and Fast Times at Ridgemont High are scheduled for August 9th - details and specs follow after the break.
BlockBuster Express to distribute Warner Bros DVD rentals 28 days after release
It was only a couple of weeks ago that BlockBuster Express and Warner Bros were trialling the release of DVD titles into the former company's rental kiosks on their day of commercial release, but it seems like that's a future we're not going to see any more of. The pair have now announced a partnership whereby NCR's Blockbuster Express will offer WB's new DVD titles for rent 28 days after launch, matching Redbox and Netflix who are also subject to a four-week delay. This follows similar deals being concluded by NCR with Universal Studios and 20th Century Fox, with the major benefits being lower acquisition costs and a direct relationship with the studio. Update: We initially conflated Blockbuster with Blockbuster Express-branded DVD kiosks operated by NCR. The post has now been updated to rectify this unforgivable misguidance.
iMovie '11 Trailers feature won't let you spoof Universal trailers
Loyal tipster Tarik sent word that the iMovie '11 Trailers theme using a globe (very similar to the Universal Studios opener) won't allow you to use the word "Universal" in the title. He's currently testing other themes for similar censors, but it looks like Apple didn't want people spoofing Universal Studios trailers. Because I'm sure "Me and my dog go to the beach" could easily be confused with "Marley and Me,"* right? As you can see in the picture, Tarik tried to input Universal for the "studio name" field. iMovie detected this, and substituted the hyphens. Further, he reports you're able to use the string 'Universal' in other themes, just not in this one. Was this accommodation reached directly with Universal, perhaps to prevent any derailing of Universal's deal for distribution on iTunes and Apple TV? I doubt we'll ever know. Let us know in the comments if you find more examples of this. UPDATE: iMovie '11 won't let you write in the text string "Paramount" without the adding the hyphenations either. Image on the next page. *Yeah, I know "Marley and Me" is a 20th Century Fox production.
Back to the Future's 25th Anniversary celebrated by a Blu-ray box set October 26
The Back to the Future trilogy is coming to Blu-ray for its 25th Anniversary, with a boxed set hitting stores October 26. There's apparently two hours of new extra content, with plenty of BD-Live and U-control features baked in. Back to the Future.net reports these should be great looking and sounding, with an all new transfer that preserves the original film grain and lets viewers hear the "full dynamic range" of the audio. Of course, we would have preferred a hoverboard and Mr. Fusion pack-in, but we may have to wait for the 50th anniversary to get those -- details are in the press release after the break.
Sony signs up all six major studios for HD movies on PlayStation Network
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."
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit now rockin' in Orlando
Heads-up, thrill seekers: the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is finally open and making laps at Universal Studios Orlando. If you'll recall, this coaster was actually announced way back in March of 2008, and after its opening was delayed a few times while kinks were worked out, we're happy to say that it's now capturing the most intimate emotions of those who willfully strap themselves in. We recently had an opportunity to catch a ride in between rainstorms and spats of Tiger Woods drama down in Central Florida, and being the roller coaster freaks that we are, we had a tough time pulling ourselves away from the adrenaline rush to focus on the technology making it all happen. Without question, this ride is the now the main draw at Universal Studios; the bulk of the wild coasters are at the neighboring Islands of Adventure, but this one's definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in the area. You'll notice that each car actually uses platform seating, so the rear rows can see slightly above those in front. Once strapped in, a bright touchscreen panel awaits your attention on the top of the front lap bar; you can navigate through a half dozen or so genres in order to select one of 30 tracks, and while it's not publicized, those in the know will realize that a few Easter Egg tracks are hidden if you mash the right buttons. Once you select your ride soundtrack, the music begins to blast from the headrest-mounted speakers and you're towed straight up in the air as you await the first big drop. After you unload, you're funneled into a media area where employees are waiting to assist you in the purchase of your ride photo or video. We found out that each individual video is recorded in 720 x 480 resolution, and amazingly enough, each one is ready the moment you step down off the ride. Guests can choose to purchase their ride DVD (complete with their song of choice) for $29.95 or as part of a few bundle packs that include photos, frames, etc. Photos can be purchased as actual prints, or they can be emailed directly from the kiosk; in our experience, a confirmation email was sent immediately, and our ride photo (it's actually an e-card that shows the photo at the end of the animation) arrived around an hour later. For an idea of what a first-hand video from the ride would look like, pop on past the break. %Gallery-80023%
