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WoW Moviewatch: 500 Miles
Which is approximately the distance that I was willing to walk to get away from any radio station playing this song back in 1993. Fortunately, this version is much cooler...it's actually kinda heartwarming. And it doesn't have those annoying Poindexter guys screaming in my face...
WoW Moviewatch: Guild Wars Vs. WoW
Ever wonder what it would be like if two big contenders in the MMO sweepstakes squared off against each other, MC Hammer-style? Yeah, me either...but it's pretty dang funny...
Universal announces August HD DVD lineup
We're not sure why we're finding out about these more than a week in advance, but it looks like Universal is planning to release Ray on HD DVD August 8th, followed by The Interpreter, Spy Game and The Bone Collector. The suggested price tag is $34.98, however other than Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 soundtracks on the first three, additional special features are currently unknown.
Canon may quit film camera business
Canon, a company long associated with all kinds of photography, may become the next player to abandon the shrinking film photo business. While Canon says it has yet to make a firm decision, a spokesman said the company is considering whether it makes sense to continue producing cameras for the film market. Canon's potential withdrawal from the film business would follow a similar decision by arch-rival Nikon, which dropped production of all but one of its film cameras earlier this year. For now Canon says it will continue to support existing models, but you may just want to stock up on glass for that EOS before they change their mind.
WoW Moviewatch: Amish Azeroth
Even though I once vowed to shoot someone if I was ever forced to hear this song again, I have to admit, this is a pretty clever adaptation...
Blizzard's Paul Sams on the Wow Movie
Everyone has been buzzing about the announcement last week of a live-action Warcraft film, and now Gamespot has an interview with Blizzard exec Paul Sams, where he discusses some of the goals in bringing WoW to the big screen." We're not trying to take what we've done and...try to make a literal translation to the big screen. What we want to do is to make a great movie that happens to be set in a video game universe. That's a differentiator, and a key differentiator."It sounds to me like they have the right attitude about the project, as no direct adaptation, if one is even possible, is going to please everyone. The best idea is for them to craft a solid, compelling story that happens to be set in the gameworld we all know & love, and just try to make a good film first & foremost. From this interview, it seems that's exactly what they're trying to do, so lets just hope the suits don't stick too many fingers in the pie between script & screen...
WoW Machinima Spotlight
The folks over at Machinima.com have put together a great collection of Warcraft machinima videos & featured them in their very own channel over at their website. There are some really clever videos here, some of which you may have seen, but plenty which were new to me.The Vengeance series, in particular, is a lot of fun, but all the movies are worth watching. Any particular favorites that you guys enjoyed?
WoW Moviewatch: Live Action Leeroy
In the latest example of the emerging trend of live-action machinima remakes, our good friend Leeroy Jenkins finally gets the flesh & blood treatment. And no, it's still not all that funny...
WoW Moviewatch: He-Man & The Masters of WoW
To anyone born before 1978, this video needs no introduction. To the rest of you, just know that it might be the coolest thing ever. Or at least all day...
WoW Moviewatch: Naxxramas Trailer from E3
This video, Shadow of the Necropolis, gives us our first glimpse of action in the upcoming Naxxramas instance, included in the 1.11 patch, from the Blizzard previews at E3. Those are some seriously gnarly spiders...
Warner Bros. keeps pumping out HD DVD movies
A couple of titles we already knew were coming to HD DVD but didn't know when, have gotten a date. May 16 the few, the proud, the...$800/$500 lighter in the wallet can look forward to high definition copies of Unforgiven and Full Metal Jacket coming to stores near them. The price is set to $28.99, and will include the bonus features in SD just like previous HD DVD releases. Since these titles are also slated for Blu-ray release, it will be interesting to see if bonus features for that format will be included in HDTV resolutions as some Blu-ray supporters have suggested.
Breakfast Topic: Game to Movie
So the recent movie rumors have been confirmed as legitimate - but how well will Azeroth really translate in a live action movie? The World of Warcraft we all know and love has such an exaggerated and cartoony style, and while I can see that easily translating into a CGI film, I have trouble envisioning it transferring into a film with live actors. Of course WoW has the advantage of a detailed world environment and history to work from, so all may not yet be lost. But what do you think - is will Azeroth be able to go Hollywood, or will it be another video game film flop?
Blizzard's Word: WoW Movie Officialy a Go
We reported yesterday about the news of a new WoW motion picture in development, and now it looks like the boys in blue have indeed confirmed that report. An official press release went out today, announcing the joint development of the film, with producers Legendary Pictures at the reigns.The release quotes both the Blizzard creative team and the filmmakers, and shines some light on what we can expect to see from the upcoming epic. No talent or crew have been signed as of yet, but I'm sure that the rumors will start flying anytime now, and the fans will have plenty to chew upon as the project comes to fruition.Aside from my wary words yesterday, I do indeed hope for the best with this adaptation; aside from being a fantasy fan in general, I would enjoy a property I'm familiar with being given the proper screen treatment. I'm sure every WoW fan under the sun has their own idea of what the ideal Warcraft movie would be, and I'm sure the filmmakers are going to be listening to those ideas as the project moves forth, so start your dream casting now, folks!
WoW Moviewatch: Get My Water, Mage!
Today's video gives us a little slice of the demanding life of a water boy...I mean a Mage. I'm sure many of you can probably sympathize. Watch the clip; I think Samuel L. Jackson says it best....
WoW: Coming to a Theater Near You?
Well, we knew it had to be on the drawing board somewhere. It seems that Legendary Pictures, producers of both the latest Superman & Batman films, are interested in bringing World of Warcraft to the big screen, according to this IGN article. The film would likely hit screens via Warner Bros., as they have handled most of the distribution for Legendary's releases so far.This could be exciting news for all Warcraft fans, but we all know just how well video games usually survive translation into the film medium. Alone in the Dark, Doom, Silent Hill....Super Mario Brothers, anyone? Still, just by the law of averages, they have to get one right sometime...here's hoping the best for WoW's big-screen maiden voyage.
E3: Let's all go to the movies!
The good folks at SIG Financial Group remind us that E3 is chock full of games based on movies, all set for release by the 2006 (and all of them set to capitalize on their film counterparts by launching nearly simultaneously). Here's some of what we'll be seeing: Cars The Da Vinci Code Over the Hedge Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest Superman Returns X-Men: The Last Stand Their prediction is that Cars, because of its connection with the highly successful Pixar studios, "is shaping up to be the likely blockbuster kids game of the summer." They also feel that Superman Returns could be very lucrative, given that it is the ideal movie-based game: "one that appeals to all ages developed on a movie that appeals to all ages." In order to appeal to some more experienced gamers, the title will have to be good to knock Superman 64 out of our memory faster than a speeding bullet.
Mamiya bailing on camera biz
It looks like another venerable Japanese camera company is about to exit the business, just weeks after Konica Minolta produced its last camera. According to reports out of Japan (which we've confirmed with our Japanese bureau), Mamiya, best known for its high-end pro equipment, will be selling off its film and digital camera business to focus on other sectors. The company apparently has had "stagnant sales" of its digital models, including its 22-megapixel, $12,000, Mamiya ZD, which was released in Japan in December and in Europe just last month. The buyer is apparently Cosmos Scientific, a Japanese company better known for its IT business than for any expertise in digital imaging. As of now, it looks like the deal is set to close on September 1. We'll keep you posted as we get further details.
Lionsgate delays Blu-ray movies
Just as our own Ben was lauding the release of top tier titles like Best Picture winner Crash on Blu-ray, Lionsgate turns around and delays all of it's Blu-ray releases. The movies were scheduled to be released on May 23 along with the offerings from Sony Pictures, but instead will be on hold until June when Samsung is releasing their first Blu-ray player.Confirmed Lionsgate Blu-ray titles: Lord of War, The Punisher, Devil's Rejects, Saw, T2: Judgment Day, Reservoir Dogs, Total Recall, Dune, Rambo: First Blood, See No EvilThe second wave of titles they had previously announced for June are now on hold indefinitely. This is probably to be expected after the Samsung delay became official, but it doesn't make it any easier to swallow.
Home theater vs. movie theater
First M Night Shyamalan, and now this guy. Going on and on about "the theater experience" and what viewing movies at home can't hope to match. There's always somebody who (to me at least) feels their theater going way of life is threatened by HDTV, home theaters and the like. As a result, there is a list of reasons why movie theaters rock. I was quite unsatisfied with his list so of course, I made my own.Why home theaters rock: The little screen: No bad seats in the house. Last time I went to see a movie on opening night, I showed up late and ended up in the first row needing a neck brace. No such thing here, my favorite seat is always available and perfectly positioned the way I want it. Someday all theaters will have digital projectors for a consistently high quality show, but not yet. If you need something larger, grab a projector and find the largest wall you have, problem solved. No interruptions (unless I want there to be):: If a cellphone goes off during a movie at home, I don't have to wonder what idiot forgot to turn his phone off, I know who it was and I can answer it if I want, the movie goes on pause and waits dutifully for my return. Try getting the projector operator to back up a few minutes because your mom wanted to know how you're doing and why you never call. Big sound: I've got big speakers and a little apartment. Only the best theater systems rumble the seats in a similar fashion (with bonus banging from my downstairs neighbors). Ok seriously, this is at best a push, movie theaters may have better sound systems, but mine is personally calibrated to my liking and I can usually get a DVD commentary or two.
A Chinese World of Warcraft Film?
A blogger has published photos from a Korean magazine they say are from a Chinese production of World of Warcraft movie. Ah yes, I'm completely serious. There are scenes of an army of Orcs, an army of Alliance members, a Night Elf, and even a Dwarf.Of course, done properly with good CGI, a World of Warcraft movie would indeed be an amazing thing. But based on these photos, this is anything but.However, will I download the movie or seek it out when it finally is released? Of course, if only for entertainment during a LAN party.
