Thursday, 31 July 2014

Love transcends time and space in Interstellar



"Love is the one thing that transcends time and space..."

Anne Hathaway's character says it best in the latest trailer for Christopher Nolan's upcoming sci-fi epic Interstellar this November.

Is Interstellar this year's Gravity? Let me know in the comments below.

Wednesday, 30 July 2014

NOW TV has arrived on Xbox One



Last week NOW TV debuted on the PS4 and today it's the turn of Microsoft's multimedia powerhouse Xbox One!

"We're pleased that NOW TV has joined the ever growing list of entertainment apps and services on Xbox One," said Pawan Bhardwaj, UK Xbox Live product manager.

"Sky is an important partner for Xbox."

NOW TV joins an array of apps including Amazon Instant Video, Blinkbox, Netflix and YouTube. Not forgetting you can connect Sky+ and Virgin Media TV via HDMI to Xbox One and use the voice commands and OneGuide to control everything.

It's worth noting you no longer need an Xbox Live Gold subscription to stream content from third-parties.

The Xbox One is getting a 3D Blu-ray update next month. Add BBC iPlayer, DLNA or Plex and Xbox One becomes the quintessential multimedia streaming hub for the living room.

Join NOW TV here. No contract.

Tuesday, 29 July 2014

The Last of Us: One Night Live



The Last of Us is my favourite PlayStation game. Ever. There, I've said it.

To celebrate the launch of the PS4 version of The Last of Us, Naughty Dog brings last year’s Game of the Year to life in front of hundreds of fans in Santa Monica. This special one night only event will celebrate the artistry behind the game with a performance of the score, plus a “live read” of key scenes featuring the principal actors, as directed by Neil Druckmann. The creative team will also participate in a live audience Q&A.

The Last of Us: One Night Live contains spoilers. Consider yourself warned.



Getting The Last of Us Remastered for PS4? Let me know in the comments below.

Monday, 28 July 2014

Star Wars Rebels poster art inspired by Drew Struzan



This shiny poster for Star Wars Rebels evokes artist Drew Struzan.

The new series follows on from The Clone Wars.

‘Star Wars Rebels’ continues the epic tradition of the legendary ‘Star Wars’ saga with all-new exciting, action-packed adventures. It is a dark time in the galaxy, as the evil Galactic Empire tightens its grip of power from world to world. As the series begins, Imperial forces have occupied a remote planet, ruling with an iron fist and ruining the lives of its people.

But there are a select few who are brave enough to stand up against the endless Stormtroopers and TIE fighters of the Empire: the clever and motley crew of the starship “Ghost.” Together, this ragtag group will face threatening new villains, have thrilling adventures, and become heroes.

Watching the series premiere on Disney Channel? Let me know in the comments below.

Sunday, 27 July 2014

Guardians of the Galaxy gets a sequel in 2017



Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is released in UK theatres this week and the Mouse House has announced plans for a sequel during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con!

The studio confirmed James Gunn will write and direct the first sequel with the original cast expected to return.

Marvel Animation announced an animated series, which will join a burgeoning roster including Avengers Assemble, Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., and Ultimate Spider-Man: Web Warriors on Disney XD.

Looking forward to more Guardians of the Galaxy? Let me know in the comments below.

Saturday, 26 July 2014

Star Wars Rebels exclusive at San Diego Comic-Con



During the Star Wars Rebels panel at San Diego Comic-Con executive producer Dave Filoni shed light on the upcoming Disney XD series set between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope.

“When the Empire took over, it was stronger than what preceded it,” Filoni said. “Around the galaxy, to the majority of people, the Jedi are seen as traitors.”

With the Jedi in hiding, their iconic lightsabers won’t play as prominent a role in the new series.

“It’s not like we were doing in ‘Clone Wars’ with lightsabers in every episode,” Filoni said. “Those fights are held back, so when we do have them, they’re for a pivotal point in the character’s development.”

In this San Diego Comic-Con 2014 exclusive Star Wars Rebels clip, Kanan squares off against the Empire's powerful Inquisitor, who seeks to destroy the Jedi and Ezra.



Are you excited for Star Wars Rebels? Let me know in the comments below.

Friday, 25 July 2014

NOW TV on PS4



For the past few months I've been beta testing NOW TV for PS4 and the app is now available for download.

Gidion Katz, director of NOW TV, said: “We're excited to be able to unveil yet another fantastic way to watch NOW TV – offering the huge number of PS4 customers in the UK a contract-free and flexible way of watching great pay TV content on their television.”

Fergal Gara, vice president and managing director for Sony Computer Entertainment UK, said: “PlayStation 4 has been a great success since we launched just over seven months ago, proving that the world’s most powerful console is also the best place to play. With the addition of the brilliant NOW TV to the PlayStation entertainment proposition, PS4 keeps getting better.”

Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. have been added to NOW TV's Entertainment Month Pass in time for the school holidays.

Episodes of Nickelodeon shows such as Sanjay and Craig and Spongebob Squarepants can be streamed on demand, as well as episodes of Nick Jr. programming including Peppa Pig and Dora the Explorer.

The NOW TV Entertainment Month Pass grants access to live and catch-up channels including Sky Atlantic, Sky1, Disney Channel and Fox for £4.99 per month with no contractual obligation.

NOW TV is available on multiple devices and is coming to Xbox One this summer.

Sign up to a NOW TV pass here. No contract.

Thursday, 24 July 2014

Peter Jackson to direct Doctor Who



After years of speculation Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit director Peter Jackson will direct Doctor Who. Probably.

Steven Moffat told SFX in the magazine’s new issue:

“He can do what the hell he likes – he owns New Zealand! I think he’s sincere in his Doctor Who fandom, to say the least. He’s a nice guy, he quite often drops me a line after a show goes out. He’s into it – it’s just ‘Can you make it work?’ I think he would also like us to go and make it in New Zealand! And I'm like ‘Okaaay… I’d rather we just flew you to Cardiff!’”

Are you excited for epic episodes? Let me know in the comments below.

Tuesday, 22 July 2014

Agent Locke in Ridley Scott's Halo: Nightfall



Xbox Entertainment Studios may be closing, but Ridley Scott's Halo: Nightfall digital series is packaged with Halo: The Master Chief Collection this November.

Trade magazine Variety accidently gave readers a first glimpse of Agent Locke played by Mike Colter (The Good Wife).

Locke will play "a key role in Halo 5: Guardians," general manager and 343 Industries studio head Bonnie Ross said during a Halo-themed meeting at E3 2014.

"We're using Halo: Nightfall to basically tell his backstory and tell his origin story," Ross continued. "You don't have to watch this, but knowing this will kind of tee you up for all the new things that are going on in Halo 5: Guardians."

A few weeks ago Amazon Prime offered a discounted Xbox One Titanfall bundle. So, I jumped in and Microsoft's beleaguered box has earned pride of place in the living room. Appreciating the monthly software updates, which put Sony's PS4 to shame.

Monday, 21 July 2014

Your final chance to be in Star Wars: Episode VII



Director JJ Abrams reveals a battle-scarred X-Wing in blue livery on the set of Star Wars: Episode VII in aid of Force for Change.



Here's the press release:

All Wings Report In! On the set of Star Wars: Episode VII, Director J.J. Abrams was interrupted by an X-Wing pilot and rogue robot as he announced the chance for fans to win an advance private screening of Star Wars: Episode VII. “We are so grateful for the support that the fans from over 119 countries have shown for Force for Change," said Abrams. "As we close this final week, we've added an additional prize that allows the fans the opportunity to see the movie early as a thank you for supporting such a great cause as UNICEF’s innovative, lifesaving work for children.” By contributing at any level by July 25th, participants will be eligible for all prizes including a chance to be in the movie.

The plot premise for Episode VII has allegedly leaked online and is doing the rounds. I won't be linking to any of the stories or adding to the speculation.

You can donate to Force for Change here. I've made a donation in memory of my high school classmate Rebecca Richards who tragically died at the weekend following a long illness.

Do you want to see more X-Wings? Let me know in the comments below.