Wednesday 26 January 2011

Star Wars: Sounds from a galaxy far, far away



Star Wars is a multimedia experience, replete with sounds that continue to reverberate through its ever-expanding universe. Nothing proves that better than this dazzling large format hardcover and sound module package.

Written with New York Times best-selling author J. W. Rinzler, with a foreword by Ben Burtt, The Sounds of Star Wars tells the intimate details behind your favorite Star Wars sound effects. From the majestic hum of a lightsaber to the lowly chitter of a Jawa, every effect has a story.

This lavishly illustrated book is required reading for Star Wars fans and anyone with a remote interest in the art of sound design.

The Sounds of Star Wars is currently on offer at Amazon.co.uk.

Thursday 20 January 2011

Amazon to acquire LOVEFiLM

LUXEMBOURG & LONDON – January 20, 2010 – Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire the remaining shares in LOVEFiLM International Limited (www.LOVEFiLM.com). LOVEFiLM is a leading European subscription entertainment service which combines the benefits of online DVD and games rental-by-post as well as streaming films and TV shows instantly over the internet to PCs, internet enabled TVs and Playstation®3. LOVEFiLM operates today in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Amazon already has a significant minority shareholding in LOVEFiLM and does not itself operate any similar business in Europe.

“LOVEFiLM has been innovating on behalf of movie rental customers across Europe for many years and with the advent of the LOVEFiLM player, they are further delighting customers by streaming digital movies for their immediate enjoyment,” said Greg Greeley, Amazon’s Vice President of European Retail. “LOVEFiLM and Amazon have enjoyed a strong working relationship since LOVEFiLM acquired Amazon Europe’s DVD rental business in 2008, and we look forward to a productive and innovative future.”

“The deal is a winner for the members who love LOVEFiLM because of its value, choice, convenience and innovation in home entertainment,” said Simon Calver, Chief Executive of LOVEFiLM International. “With Amazon’s unequivocal support we can significantly enhance our members’ experience across Europe.”

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2011.

Tuesday 11 January 2011

Glee goes Star Wars in 3 Minutes



Glee’s Harry Shum Jr. shows off his lightsaber skills against Stephen Boss in this short film directed by Ross Ching.

Watch 3 Minutes. Trust me, it's cool.

Friday 7 January 2011

Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray



20th Century Fox Home Entertainment and George Lucas announced, in the Panasonic booth at CES, that the Star Wars saga will bow on Blu-ray disc this September.

The studio is releasing three boxsets to meet the expectations of fans:

Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray (9-disc set)
Star Wars: Prequel Blu-ray Trilogy (3-disc set includes Episodes I-III)
Star Wars: Original Blu-ray Trilogy (3-disc set includes Episodes IV-VI)

Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray will feature all six live-action Star Wars feature films utilizing the highest possible picture and audio presentation, along with three additional discs and more than 30 hours of extensive special features including never-before-seen deleted and alternate scenes, an exploration of the exclusive Star Wars archives, and much more.

There's no news regarding 3D Blu-ray disc editions. However, I'd be most surprised if Panasonic doesn't have an exclusive deal as part of a VIERA 3D TV pack-in.

Pre-order Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray and the Star Wars: Trilogy Sets at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk today!