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Spotify agrees to let artists keep new albums off its free tier
One of the biggest points of contention between music streaming giant Spotify and the record labels that provide it with songs is the service's free tier. Regardless of whether you pay for a subscription or not, Spotify users have access to the same music catalog. That is finally changing though: as reported in Music Business Worldwide, a new deal between Spotify and Universal Music Group will make some albums premium-only for a limited time. It's a reversal of a long-held position that Spotify wouldn't segment its catalog in this way, but it was likely necessary to continue offering all the music it has access to.
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.
Dr. Strangelove to ride in on Blu-ray this summer
Oh sure, the Cold War is a distant memory for most of us, but the hilarity of Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, um, kills us even 45 years since its release. Which is all the more reason to keep an eye out for the 45th Anniversary Special Edition of the Stanley Kubrick classic starring a whole lot of Peter Sellers set to ship on June 16. The special features announced so far are a little thin (but do sound interesting), so we're hoping that more goodies find their way onto the disc by the time it releases -- there's got to be some great deleted scenes and outtakes that got left on the cutting room floor, especially with Peter Sellers filling so many roles in the movie.
Universal Pictures Australasia releasing 20 HD DVD titles in 2008
In a move not totally shocking considering Ken Graffeo's sentiments shared just days ago, Universal Pictures Australasia has come forward and announced that it will continue backing HD DVD by promising some 20 titles on the format in 2008. According to the release, consumers in Australia and New Zealand can look forward to picking up Atonement, The Kingdom, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, American Gangster and Charlie Wilson's War on HD DVD later this year. Unfortunately, none of the other flicks making up the previously mentioned "20" were detailed, so it looks as if we'll be waiting in tense anticipation for release dates and titles for the majority of the bunch.[Via iTWire, thanks Anthony B.]
Blu-ray movie releases for the week of May 13
Four last week and four more this week, there's just no stopping the Blu-rays. However, this week's releases are not too exciting. You'll probably be most interested in The Road Warrior. Let us know what you think of it if you pick up a copy. US Blu-ray Movie Releases Battle of the Bulge The Fountain The Road Warrior Stomp the Yard As always, availability is subject to manufacturer delivery.
PSP releases for the week of May 7th
Hope you weren't counting on picking up a new UMD this week, because, once again, there are no new releases. Looks like May will be a slow month for Sony's beleaguered proprietary movie format. The good news is we have four new PSP game releases this week. Let us know which ones you recommend. PSP Game Releases Driver 76 Heatseeker Hot Wheels Ultimate Racing Taito Legends Power Up As always, availability is subject to manufacturer delivery.
Blu-ray movie releases for the week of May 7th
A few more new Blu-rays to add to your collection this week. I know you've all been waiting to own Dirty Dancing on Blu-ray. Come on, admit it! This is a collector's item, given that it's Jennifer Grey pre-nosejob. Blu-ray Movie Releases Catch and Release Dirty Dancing Donnie Brasco: Extended Cut Revenge: Director's Cut As always, availability is subject to manufacturer delivery.
PS3 game releases for the week of May 7th
It's a slow week for PS3 games, and by slow, I actually mean no new games! Check out some of the new PS2 releases to hold you over. PS3 Game Releases No new releases PS2 Game Releases .Hack//G.U. Vol. 2//Reminisce Taito Legends 2 Tony Hawks Downhill Jam As always, availability is subject to manufacturer delivery.
PSP releases for the week of April 30th
We have three new PSP games this week. You'll probably be most interested in Legend of the Dragon, but who can resist Ultimate Board Game Collection? It contains 20 classics, including chess, Chinese checkers, backgammon, concentration, etc. Or maybe you'd enjoy hanging out with the fairies from Winx Club? PSP Game Releases Legend of the Dragon Ultimate Board Game Collection Winx Club: Join the Club PSP UMD Releases No new releases As always, availability is subject to manufacturer delivery.
PS3 game releases for the week of April 30th
There's one new PS3 game release this week, and it's a big one, Spider-Man 3: The Game. When does Peter Parker's better half (and we're not talking about Venom) get their own game? Who wants to play Mary Jane: The Game?! We, of course, also have Spider-Man 3 on the PS2 as well as two other new PS2 games to check out. PS3 Game Releases Spider-Man 3 (Collector's Edition available) PS2 Game Releases Heatseeker Legend of the Dragon Spider-Man 3 (Collector's Edition available) As always, availability is subject to manufacturer delivery.
PSP releases for the week of April 23rd
We have five new PSP game releases this week, and three of them fall into the "puzzle" category. There's just no stopping this puzzle craze! If you are not a "puzzle" guy, check out The Fast and the Furious or Aedis Eclipse. PSP Game Releases 7 Wonders Aedis Eclipse: Generation of Chaos Cube The Fast and the Furious Hard Rock Casino PSP UMD Releases No new releases As always, availability is subject to manufacturer delivery.
Blu-ray movie releases for the week of April 23rd
We have a good variety of Blu-ray movies to pick from this week. So, what will it be? A comedy, a drama, a thriller or even a documentary! Let us know what you recommend. Night and the Museum and Ultimate Avengers Collection are on my shopping list. Blu-ray Movie Releases Deja Vu Failure to Launch Night at the Museum Planet Earth: The Complete Collection The Queen Secret Window Ultimate Avengers Collection As always, availability is subject to manufacturer delivery.
PSP releases for the week of April 16th
Spidey fans, it's your week... we have Spider-Man coming out on UMD. And, if Spider-Man isn't for you, I'm betting you'll want to check out Pocket Pool, complete with 13 pool games and unlockable "adult" content. PSP Game Releases Pocket Pool Valhalla Knights PSP UMD Releases Spider-Man As always, availability is subject to manufacturer delivery.
Blu-ray movie releases for the week of April 16th
A handful of action-packed Blu-ray movies trickle in this week.... including an old-school Laser-disc based arcade game reborn on Blu-Ray (but not requring a PS3)! Let us know what you'll be buying. I may just give Dragon's Lair a shot to relive some old quarter-munching memories. Blu-ray Movie Releases The Dirty Dozen Dragon's Lair Enter the Dragon As always, availability is subject to manufacturer delivery.
PS3 game releases for the week of April 16th
Well, once again, we are thankful to have the PS2 game releases to hold us over until we see some more PS3 games later this month. What will you be playing? PS3 Game Releases No new releases PS2 Game Releases Eureka Seven Vol. 2 New Vision Raiden III The Plan Tokyo Xtreme Racer Drift 2 (delayed from last week) Red Star As always, availability is subject to manufacturer delivery.
PSP releases for the week of April 9th
Never been to the Hard Rock Casino? Well, now you have the chance to experience all the excitement, including 20 different casino games, without leaving your living room. But, if you are not a betting man, you are out of luck this week, because Hard Rock Casino is the only new PSP game we've got! PSP Game Releases Hard Rock Casino PSP UMD Releases No new releases As always, availability is subject to manufacturer delivery.
Blu-ray movie releases for the week of April 9th
It's a slower week than we've seen in a while for our new bestest friend, Mr. Blu-ray. Only three new Blue-ray movies this round (but many, many more on the way). Let us know what you're watching this week. A Scanner Darkly gets my vote... Blu-ray Movie Releases A Scanner Darkly Dog Day Afternoon Payback: Straight Up As always, availability is subject to manufacturer delivery.
PS3 game releases for the week of April 9th
We'll see some new PS3 games later this month and in May, but, unfortunately, there are no new games this week. As a consolation prize, we have a couple of snazzy new PS2 games to hold us over. PS3 Game Releases No new releases PS2 Game Releases Brave: The Search for Spirit Dancer (delayed from last week) Tokyo Xtreme Racer Drift 2 As always, availability is subject to manufacturer delivery.
PSP releases for the week of April 2nd
Two new action-packed PSP games this week. Are you a Pimp or a Prince kinda guy? I'll admit that anything with the Prince of Persia label gets my attention (and usually my money). Will this one be any good? PSP Game Releases Pimp My Ride Prince of Persia: Rival Swords PSP UMD Releases Indiana Jones Trilogy As always, availability is subject to manufacturer delivery.
Blu-ray movie releases for the week of April 2nd
A couple of decent Blu-ray movie releases this week, and then there's King Arthur. I hope the "Director's Cut" version cut out about 90% of the film, because the original version needed some work! Blu-ray Movie Releases G.I. Jane Identity King Arthur (Director's Cut) Star Wars Collectors Set (Episodes I - VI) The Natural (Director's Cut) Volver As always, availability is subject to manufacturer delivery.
