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What's coming to Netflix in January: 'Kimmy Schmidt' and Star Wars
Most of us will have a couple of days off at the start of the year before getting back to work after the holidays, and Netflix hopes to keep us occupied with a slew of show and movie additions. January 1st brings the final season of A Series of Unfortunate Events, along with stand-up series Comedians of the World and Tidying Up with Marie Kondo -- perfectly timed to inspire a start-of-year clear out.
'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' hits Netflix July 18th
That exclusive deal with Disney that Netflix made back in 2012 started to pay off last fall. We wondered when we might see any Lucasfilm releases at the time, but it looks like the time is ripe for spending some time with Jyn Erso and her band of plucky Rebels. Rogue One is headed to Netflix on July 18th.
How 'Rogue One' used CG to complete its cast
Spoilers ahead for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Two weeks ago, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story debuted, a side tale devoted to bridging the gap between the prequels and original trilogy. But it also spent time with numerous nods to the latter, including digitally resurrecting a character portrayed by an actor who passed away in 1994. While the CG necromancy earned mixed reactions, the resulting animation is an incredible achievement requiring the Rogue One filmmakers to walk a tightrope of technical and ethical concerns.
'Rogue One' is a milestone (and warning sign) for CG resurrection
Spoilers ahead for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. You probably didn't expect many surprises in Rogue One, the first Star Wars "side story" which details how, exactly, the Rebel Alliance acquired the plans for the Death Star. Indeed, the entire film seems to exist just to fill in a bit of background detail for A New Hope, our first Luke Skywalker adventure. But it turns out Rogue One is much more than an elaborate bit of fan service. It's surprisingly harrowing, genuinely moving and it'll likely go down as a milestone for digital-actor resurrection.
Uber wants you to give its app a 'Rogue One' makeover
Rogue One is almost upon us, so what better way to scoot around town then in the back of an X-Wing? Okay, so Uber hasn't made a road-worthy starfighter replica. Instead, it's teamed up with Disney for a -- wait for it, and try not to shudder -- brand "activation." In non-advertiser lingo, that means you'll see a new Star Wars card inside the Uber app. Tap "activate" and the cars on the map will turn into Rebellion spaceships. (The hope being, presumably, that you'll pretend you're rolling with Jyn Erso and the gang.) You'll also get the option to watch "never-before-seen curated video content," which probably means a slightly re-cut trailer or featurette.
ICYMI: Amazon wants to revolutionize grocery shopping
try{document.getElementById("aol-cms-player-1").style.display="none";}catch(e){} Today on In Case You Missed It: Amazon created a smart store in Seattle which is currently open to just employees but next year will open to all. It lets people saunter in, grab whatever they need, then leave without formally checking out. The trick is in using the Amazon Go app and all the sensors within the store, which track which items are placed in a basket and charges shoppers accordingly. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech created a 'TuneTable,' an interactive table with moving coaster-sized tiles people use to both program and then play music. If you're interested, the Guinness Book of World Records video for candles is here, and the behind-the-scenes video from Rogue One is here. As always, please share any interesting tech or science videos you find by using the #ICYMI hashtag on Twitter for @mskerryd.
Twitter will host a live Q&A with 'Rogue One' director and cast
We're just a few weeks out from Rogue One, the first in what will probably be a never-ending string of "stand-alone" Star Wars films. After last year's successful revival of the franchise, fans are chomping at the bit for more on Rogue One, and they'll get it this Friday. Twitter will be hosting a live Q&A and broadcast some unseen footage from the upcoming film.
The second trailer for 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' is here
Disney has dropped the latest trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, showing more of the main characters and building on details revealed in the last one. The film -- which arrives on December 16th -- is set in the time before the original 1977 film, as the rebels seek the Death Star plans. Felicity Huffman's character, aided by Diego Luna's Cassian Andor, is actually looking for her own father, who is "critical to the development of the super-weapon." There's a more eye-candy, too, including an AT-ST walker, more ships, a better look at Darth Vader and ... well, just watch it already.
New 'Rogue One' trailer has some familiar 'Star Wars' touches
Disney and Lucasfilm just premiered a new trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and you don't even have to wade through NBC's Rio 2016 Olympics coverage to see it. As we'd heard, this prequel to Star Wars: A New Hope will focus on heroes trying to steal the plans for a still-under-construction Death Star, and the new trailer gives us a good idea of what we'll see. Beyond a look at stars like Felicity Jones and Diego Luna, you'll also get a peek at a new droid character, familiar AT-ATs, and, yup, Darth Vader. The latest addition to the Star Wars universe premieres December 16th.
'Star Wars: Battlefront' add-on will tie into 'Rogue One'
EA and DICE are determined to wrap up Star Wars: Battlefront's year of add-ons with a bang. The developers have used Star Wars Celebration to reveal that the fourth DLC pack will revolve around the Rogue One storyline. Rogue One: Scarif will let you play as rebel Jyn Erso or her Imperial nemesis, Director Krennic, as you fight for the original Death Star's plans on the planet Scarif. While you're not getting a look at actual gameplay just yet, EA vows that the add-on will be available in time for the movie's mid-December debut. Season Pass holders will get to play two weeks early.
'Star Wars: Rogue One' sizzle reel loves practical effects
If you fell in love with Star Wars: The Force Awakens' gorgeous melody of practical sets and VFX, then good news: Rogue One seems to be following in its footsteps. A new sizzle reel released at Star Wars: Celebration looks behind the camera to highlight the film's use of practical effects, props and stunts. It's nearly three minutes of explosions, sets on moving hydraulics, fantastic creature costumes and gorgeous shooting locations.
'Star Wars' first spinoff is 'Rogue One'; Episode VIII due in 2017
Because every movie must have its own cinematic universe, Disney is expanding the reach of Star Wars -- as we expected when it purchased Lucasfilm a few years ago. While we wait for Episode VII to arrive later this year (the most recent teaser trailer is after the break), today at a shareholder meeting Disney's CEO Bob Iger announced details for two more movies. The first Star Wars movie taking place outside of the core saga will be Rogue One. It's written by Chris Weitz (Antz, About a Boy), directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla), and so far has cast actress Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything). It's scheduled for release December 16, 2016, while the next big Star Wars saga film, Episode VIII will arrive the following spring. Written and directed by Rian Johnson (Looper), it's coming to the screen on May 16, 2017. This strategy has been (mostly) well executed for the Marvel movies, we'll find out soon if Disney can recapture the magic of the original trilogy.
