Shrek
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What's on TV this week: 'Mass Effect,' 'Love, Death & Robots' and 'Castlevania'
Also new this week: 'Subnautica: Below Zero,' 'Intergalactic' and 'Shrek' in 4K.
A Redditor is squeezing entire movies onto a single floppy disk
They made a custom VCR to watch them with as well.
Netflix's three new originals include 'Shrek' and 'Madagascar' spin-offs
Netflix is set to make good on its largest-ever deal for original content by launching no fewer than three new original Dreamworks series. With such varied and popular character base to choose from, the streaming giant confirmed today that it has chosen to launch spin-offs from two of the animation studio's biggest franchises. So what are they? The first is King Julien: a spin-off of the Madagascar franchise that focuses on a certain royal lemur, and the other is Puss In Boots: a Shrek-themed show featuring that swashbuckling cat with the adorable big eyes. Last up is Veggie Tales in the House: a reboot of the faith-based series that features a cast of, you guessed it, various fruit and vegetables. They follow Netflix's first Dreamworks spin-off, Turbo Fast, which debuted last December but wasn't available to binge watch. Instead, the company says it will push the second cluster of new episodes live on April 4th. The streaming giant expects to make the three new original series available by "late 2014," giving you plenty of time to familiarize yourself with the feature films.
Puss In Boots: The Video Game is exactly what it sounds like
Somewhere, someone has tossed a coin into a fountain, quietly uttering "I wish I were an Antonio Banderas cat." Were we the universe, we would have fulfilled wishes about global hunger or world peace first, but whatever. Puss In Boots: The Video Game is a licensed multiplatform exercise from THQ, coming to 360, PS3, Wii and DS sometime around the movie's November 4 theatrical release. The 360 and PS3 versions both tout heavy Kinect and Move integration, respectively, claiming that Kinect owners can "actually become Puss," which sounds painful and terrifying. The PS3 version's Move support allows for a much more normal sounding "full-motion sword fighting experience," while the DS variant receives the standard mini-game collection treatment. Wii owners can expect a rather Zelda-esque sounding Wiimote + Nunchuk configuration, as well as a lower price-tag ($29.99), while PS3 and 360 owners will be charged slightly less discounty discounts ($39.99 and $49.99). Personally, we've all got our fingers crossed for a Nasonex Bee pre-order bonus.
Dreamworks animated films now available on iTunes
After quite a wait, Dreamworks Animation has finally relented to allowing its movies on iTunes, which means the company's catalog is more or less up for grabs. Kung Fu Panda is one title customers have been waiting for, and Monsters vs. Aliens, Bee Movie, and Madagascar 2 are available as well. Shrek the Third is the only movie of that series available at the moment, unfortunately, and there's no sign of Megamind or How to Train Your Dragon, so the catalog isn't complete by any means. Still, progress is progress, and this deal means you and your kids have a few more options when you jump into iTunes to find a movie to watch. Whatever issues there were between Dreamworks and Apple have apparently been worked out, to some degree at least.
DreamWorks' Jeff Katzenberg joins Zynga board of directors
DreamWorks CEO Jeff Katzenberg is expanding his portfolio beyond touching our hearts with endearing movies about pandas and ogres to touching our Facebook profiles with invites to games about agriculture. The animated film studio co-founder is now also the sixth member of Zynga's board of directors -- which, according to a blog post by Zynga chief Mark Pincus, came about "after he suggested that the blockbuster of 2011 could be ShrekVille." We've read that statement probably about 20 times now, and we're still not sure whether or not it's a joke. Like, it seems like a joke -- we're no strangers to the phony baloney portmanteau -- but we're receptive to the fact that a thing called ShrekVille would probably make a berzillion dollars.
Samsung's QWERTY flip Smart TV remote is official along with new TV apps and Megamind Blu-ray 3D pack-in (updated: hands-on!)
Samsung's 2011 product showcase is underway in New York City and while most of these products we got a peek at during CES, it's only finally ready to show off the new QWERTY flip remote for its smart TVs. The QWERTY TV remote is looking a lot sleeker in its glamour shot than it did in the FCC tests weeks ago, and is available in the box with all D7000 and D8000 model HDTVs, or as an add-on compatible with the D6300 line and above (no mention of the Smart Touch remote or Google TV devices in the press release we received.) Samsung's also putting a lot of stock in its new lighter 3D glasses and officially announced the new 3D Starter Kit that includes two pairs along with a copy of Megamind and all the Shrek movies on Blu-ray 3D, along with prescription-ready models for kids and adults. Finally, an app market is nothing without apps, and there's two new ones to announce today with HBO GO making its debut on the TV and MTV Music Meter. Check the details (Update: now including MSRPs!) in the press release after the break and the gallery for a few pictures. Updated: We got a few minutes to play around with the new QWERTY flip remote after Samsung's NYC press event today. It's not exactly the most glamorous handheld keyboard remote control out there with its monochrome screen, although we do like that the center of the D-pad can me morphed into a touch sensitive mouse-like control. Okay, so this thing isn't exactly ground breaking, but check out the shots below for a closer look. %Gallery-119170% %Gallery-119178%
Shrek the Third, Far Cry 2 and Kane & Lynch coming to Games on Demand
Here's a brain-teaser for you: What do Shrek the Third, Far Cry 2 and Kane & Lynch all have in common? If you said "they all feature cartoon donkeys voiced by the stars of the Beverly Hills Cop series," you'd be correct. It's a little known fact that all three games contain flippant burros voiced by Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold and Bronson Pinchot, respectively. Oh, also? They're all coming to the Xbox Live Games on Demand storefront on April 27. The price of each game hasn't been announced -- we've contacted Microsoft to see if we can figure out how much each game will cost. Also, we'll double-check about the donkeys, although we're pretty certain we're right about that one.
Breakfast Topic: Would you play a Worgen or a Goblin?
So it might just be some fanciful speculation, the product of rampant imaginings after digging through some game files. It could mean something, it could mean nothing. But yesterday's bombshell discovery of Halloween masks, traditionally reserved for playable races, threw a whole bunch of us into a tizzy. Goblins as playable races? That wouldn't be too surprising considering they've had models in the game that could wear player armor, anyway. But Worgen? I mean, wow.It's not that far-fetched, either. The Undermine, the home of the Goblins, is situated near the Maelstrom. Remember how Blizzard trademarked Cataclysm, which in Azerothian terms actually refers to the events around the Maelstrom? That means we just might see The Undermine in the next expansion. So Goblins aren't such a wild idea. But what about the Worgen?
Activision announces megaton surprises for 2010: 007, Tony Hawk, Call of Duty
Activision, as the bastion of original IP development, announced a number of megaton titles in development for 2010. Names dropped at its investor's call include new additions to its venerable lineup of franchises: 007, Tony Hawk, Spider-man, Transformers and Shrek.Those hungry for innovation will be able to look forward to a new original action IP from the company. In addition, Activision plans on expanding the Call of Duty franchise to new genres. Call of Duty Kart? Call of Duty Party? Call of Duty Hero: Metallica? We're psyched.
All the World's a Stage: So you want to be a Rogue
This installment of All the World's a Stage is the twenty-second in a series of roleplaying guides in which we find out all the background information you need to roleplay a particular race or class well, without embarrassing yourself. Rogues are the masters of shadows. While two other classes actually use the shadow as a source of magical power, it's the Rogue who can potentially live and breathe the shadow, and make it an essential part of who he or she is what he or she does."The Shadow" as a concept, could mean a number of different things to your character, however -- anything from literal shadows that he or she might disappear in, to underground networks, knowledge of the street, and secret societies few others know about. An advanced rogue might even possess an intimate relationship with "the Shadow" as a mystical force he can wrap around himself in as a kind of cloak, or step through the shadows to appear behind his enemy in a flash.In fact, your rogue may not even use the term "shadow" at all, and may simply think of himself as a simple bandit, thief, pickpocket, detective, scout, special agent, assassin, bank-robber, or even a venture capitalist. In fact, the Rogue class is suitable as a broad catch-all class for a number of seemingly unrelated character types, from a court jester to a penniless tourist.
Poll Results: Poker best, Shrek worst of XBLA chopping block titles
Over the last few days, we asked you to pick the best and worst of the Xbox Live Arcade titles that are potentially up for delisting. We've now tallied the votes and the results are in:Best: Texas Hold 'Em (12.77%) Marathon: Durandal (12.48%) Contra (9.18%) Worst: Shrek N Roll (12.00%) Yie Ar Kung-Fu (8.37%) Screwjumper! (6.48%) You can view our picks for best and worst here. We want to make a special note regarding the Yaris game, which was not included because it would pass the delist hurdle of over 6% conversion rate (hint: it had no demo and was free; the devil is in the details). We don't know if Microsoft will be that stringent regarding its guidelines, but there is poetic justice in noting that the developer, comprised of former Blizzard North staffers, suspended operations in April.
Dreamworks Animation isn't ready to quit HD DVD yet
While even the most steadfast red fans have accepted things are over for HD DVD, it appears Dreamworks Animation isn't able to let the format war go. Even though Paramount seems to have found a way out from under its exclusivity deal, Dreamworks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg told Reuters he still needs to hear from Toshiba what to do with the truckloads of money HD DVD gave them about its agreement before making any Blu-ray release plans. He seems (to be the only one) worried about the upcoming DVD release of Bee Movie and what will happen there. An analyst quoted said they should certainly have this taken care of by the holiday season, which would only be six to eight months after HD DVD manufacturing has ceased to be. We have a feeling it won't take that long to turn Shrek Blu.
Ice Age: the MMO?
Right off the top of my head, I can think of at least 5 other CGI-based kids' movies that would make better foundations for an MMO. But that isn't stopping Gravity, the makers of Ragnarok Online, from being excited about landing a 7-year contract to develop a game based on 20th Century Fox's Ice Age franchise. I'll leave it to you guys to think of ways in which this might be a good idea, but let me offer up my 5 alternates, in no particular order:Robots -- whether or not you liked the movie, just imagine a world where your entire body is replaceable and upgradeable. Not to mention getting around the resurrection issue; just rebuild yourself!A Bug's Life -- Think of the faction possibilities! Endless warfare between your mound and other ants who just don't smell right! Also, boss battles are easy to create: any insects bigger than you make formidable enemies.Finding Nemo -- of course, the obvious disadvantage right up front: there will be at least one mission where you have to protect a baby fish as it makes its way somewhere. The amazing color palette, the limitless variation in undersea fauna, and the depth (no pun intended) of the environments would do nicely to offset that.The Incredibles -- It's like City of Heroes, but with that elusive, family-friendly Disney touch!Shrek -- Choose from a huge pool of character types, from Gingerbread Man, to ogre, to Wolf-in-Sheep's-Clothing. Complete each fairy-tale-based quest the way YOU would have done it. Build up your power by enticing characters from all over to live in your kingdom.See? Easy! Good luck, Gravity. I'm actually eager to see how this will work.[Via WarCry]
Microsoft touts family focus with cartoon downloads
Think Nintendo has a stranglehold on the family-friendly console maker moniker? Microsoft would like you to think again. A new press release from the Xbox 360 maker touts the availability today of 100 downloadable cartoons from Warner Bros. and Nickelodeon properties on the Video Marketplace, as well as the impending launch of Shrek and Spongebob-licensed games for Xbox Live Arcade. Add in the recent branding of the new Xbox 360 Arcade as "the console for families" and a Microsoft-sponsored "family fun day" event in Times Square's Toys "R" Us today and you have a major push into the Big N's family-oriented turf.This isn't the first time Microsoft has tried to extend its reach past the hardcore Halo fans, but in the past innovative family titles like Viva Pinata have had trouble making inroads against big-name hardcore games like Gears of War. Will this latest push broaden Microsoft's image or is the 360 destined to be known primarily (and inaccurately) as a first-person shooter system. Leave your thoughts in the comments.
Shrek the Third's HD DVD special features revealed
Now that Shrek the Third is an HD DVD exclusive, it appears Dreamworks Animation is taking the opportunity to throw in all new HDi features. High Def Digest has the updated specs, which include advanced PiP features above and beyond those of previous HD DVD titles, as well as exclusive downloadable content such as a subtitle trivia and movie guide. It would be nice not to have this format war at all, but increased support for each format's unique -- at least until the Blu-ray players are upgraded -- features is a benefit.
WRUP: Shrek does a triple-take edition
With this week only giving us one new game, we're wondering how many of you out there picked it up for play over the weekend? Are you going to play something else, instead? You could always turn to the Virtual Console for some entertainment ...And if the movie tie-in game isn't really your thing, you're probably going to be disappointed next week, as well.
Shipping this week: big green ogre edition
It looks like the spring game doldrums have arisen once again. Having been blessed with the arrival of Command & Conquer 3 last week, we are now faced with the onslaught of a large ogre, his boot-wearing cat, and his talking ass. Not to be pessimistic, but we've sampled the demo of Shrek the Third and we think we'll pass. However, if you've yet to sample the goodness of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, you can now pick up the special Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Gold Edition. Basically, the gold edition gives you access to all the super heroes and villains recently made available through downloadable content. You'll also get 250 more available achievement points, and all of it for the standard price of $59.99. Not too shabby if you haven't played it yet.Now, we'd love to get excited by these fabulous new games, but we've got a certain beta to play.
New games this week: Shrek the Third edition
We were jonesing to insert a Smash Mouth lyrical pun like "I saw this game, now I'm a believer" or "Hey Shrek, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play," but we couldn't decide on just one. So instead, we'll just say that if you enjoy the film Shrek the Third, you can now buy a game that's also called Shrek the Third.Xbox 360: Shrek the Third %Gallery-3110%
SHReK the Third demo now widely available
A month ago we posted about a SHReK the Third demo that hit Marketplace, at least for Canada, the U.K., U.S., Sweden, and Australia. Even so, we never got around to our Xbox 360 Fanblogger duty of actually downloading and playing said demo. But perhaps Xbox Live members from the regions of Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Spain can see the fault in our ways and enjoy the demo themselves. Wherever you are, have you played this demo yet?
