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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

DirecTV Ramping Up 3D Content!! Here's What To Expect In The Coming Months...

Starting this December and January DirecTV is lining up a dozen 3D movies for its viewers! We are finally seeing some real action with 3D home entertainment guys. Check out the available titles...

December sees the introduction of DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE LAST AIRBENDER, STEP UP 3D, BOLT, SCAR 3D and CHICKEN LITTLE all at $6.99 each. Anything 3D in their library will be $4.99 each.

January will see DESPICABLE ME, SHREK FOREVER AFTER, ALPHA & OMEGA, SAW 3D, MEET THE ROBINSONS and GRAND CANYON: RIVER AT RISK hit satellite dishes everywhere.

Derek Chang, EVP Content Strategy & Development, DirecTV said: "With up to a dozen of the most popular 3D movies available on DirecTV and ‘Black Friday' right around the corner, there is no better time for consumers to put that 3DTV set at the top of their holiday shopping list. Experiencing a Hollywood feature film in 3D in the home is truly the essence of what 3DTV technology was made for, and now DirecTV customers can share this new phenomenon with their whole family right in their living room."

Further, DirecTV has announced two stereoscopic 3D specials:
First up is the MACY'S PRESENTS JESSICA SIMPSON: HAPPY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL with musical guests Carly Simon, John Forte and her sister Ashlee Simpson-Wentz.

Secondly
is THE VANCOUVER 2010 - STORIES OF OLYMPIC GLORY documentary which is the first of its kind. Stories include the opening ceremonies, China's figure skaters Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo, Russia's figure skater Yevgeni Pluschenko, and America's skaters Apolo Ohno and Evan Lysacek.

Can't wait to get set up in my home too. I am planning a 3DTV system soon and I will keep you guys in the loop as to why and what I selected.

Source: Multichannel

Monday, November 29, 2010

Roy Taylor Joins MasterImage 3D to Head 3D Display Business

MasterImage continues to grow! It does my heart good to endorse a company with such great 3D solutions that I have seen up close and personal. Their employees are second to none.

Here's their press release (emphasis is mine):

Former NVIDIA VP named EVP and GM, 3D Display, to drive adoption of auto-stereoscopic 3D displays


Hollywood, CA (November 29, 2010) -- MasterImage 3D, LLC has named Roy Taylor Executive Vice President and General Manager, 3D Display. The former NVIDIA VP moves from Silicon Valley to Hollywood, joining MasterImage 3D to drive adoption of its auto-stereoscopic 3D displays and strengthen content partnerships across the mobile ecosystem.

MasterImage 3D provides digital 3D systems for theaters (2,500 are installed) and commercialized one of the world's first glasses-free 3D displays for cell phones, in 2009, based on the company's patented cell matrix parallax barrier technology. Taylor will lead MasterImage's drive to put glasses-free smartphones and tablets in consumers' hands worldwide, and help enable a mobile platform for 3D video, games, applications, interface and user-generated content.

Taylor joins MasterImage 3D from NVIDIA, where he was Vice President of Telco Relations overseeing an international sales team and relationships with AT&T, Vodafone, China Mobile and other major telecommunications companies. In his ten-year tenure at NVIDIA Taylor was also VP of Worldwide GPU Sales and held VP- and Director-level regional sales positions. Prior to that, Taylor ran his own business as a manufacturer's representative for NVIDIA, IBM Microelectronics, NEC Semiconductors and other companies.

"Roy has a strong vision of where the mobile landscape is headed, and of the technical, business, and partnership requirements to get there," said MasterImage 3D CEO and Chairman, Younghoon Lee. "He is exactly the right person to lead our efforts in connecting OEMs, chip manufacturers, carriers, TFT makers and the content community to set the stage for 3D."

"Through his experience at NVIDIA, Roy demonstrated the importance of enabling content creators to develop for stereo 3D, which built a demand for hardware. He brings this mindset to MasterImage, and will help us create not only new opportunities for our 3D display technologies, but for 3D content developers as well. Roy's leadership will contribute to more than just MasterImage's effort -- it will benefit the emerging S3D industry overall," added MasterImage 3D President, Business Development James Bower.

Taylor said, "I believe sincerely in the future of stereo 3D -- that the best glasses-free display technology will have a huge impact on how consumers view, create and share mobile content. MasterImage 3D is the leading technology company in this sphere. Not only were they the first to market with a successful glasses-free 3D cell phone, but the quality of their product is superior. I'm thrilled to be part of that success as it grows along with the mobile market's adoption of 3D."

Taylor will be based in MasterImage 3D headquarters at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood.

About MasterImage 3D LLC
MasterImage 3D LLC is a 3D technology company that provides pioneering solutions for theaters, mobile devices and gaming. With digital 3D cinema systems installed in 42 countries, MasterImage 3D is a fast-growing digital 3D cinema system supplier, offering audiences the clearest, sharpest 3D experience while providing exhibitors with a compelling ownership-based pricing model. The company's auto-stereoscopic display technology enabled one of the world's first glasses-free 3D mobile phones and its 3D camera ASIC empowers users to create and share 3D content. Founded in 2004, the company is privately held and headquartered in Hollywood, with offices in the UK, Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing.

Visit www.masterimage3d.com

Congratulations Roy! Looking forward to meeting you soon.

MasterImage is a sponsor of MarketSaw.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Michael Bay On TRANSFORMERS 3: "Don't watch this movie in 2D, we made it for 3D!" **AND When The First Trailer May Hit!!

Oh yeah! Michael Bay is my new co-anchor here on MarketSaw!! He is touting the company line here and I am loving every minute of it.

According to ComicBookmovie, Bay speaks to the rumors that all is not well in 3D land where TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON:
"Wow, I read these morons on the internet who think they are in the know. "We have have problems with our 3D????” Really? Come into my edit room and I will show you beautiful 3D. There has never been a live action show that has pushed the boundaries of 3D like Transformers 3. We shot the entire movie with 3D cameras. I actually loved shooting in 3D.

I will give full details of my process and why I liked 3D in the next week right before the Transformers announcement piece comes out on Tron and Narnia.

And don't watch this movie in 2D, we made it for 3D.

Michael"

See? All is well and the first taste of TRANSFORMERS 3 may well be hitting us with NARNIA and TRON! :-) Gear Up!!

THE HOBBIT Will Be Shot With At Least 30 New RED EPICs At 5K Resolution!!

YES!! I am ecstatic! Peter Jackson has elected to shoot THE HOBBIT movies with RED EPIC cameras, at least 30 of them (via RedUser)! If you are unaware of the EPIC technology, no worries - it isn't even released yet, but it is from the same company that produces the industry leading RED ONE digital cameras. Jackson used Jim Jannard's RED cameras to shoot his short film CROSSING THE LINE so he is obviously very excited about the new cameras coming out.

Why should Jackson be excited? The RED ONE cameras shoot digitally at 4K resolution, while the new RED EPICS will capture 5K resolution at 120 frames+ / second!! Yes you read that correctly. The EPIC will have the highest dynamic range ever for a digital camera too.

Further, as THE HOBBIT(s) will be shot in native stereoscopic 3D, Jackson must be reveling in the smaller size and weight of the EPICS.

Jackson said: "I have always liked the look of Red footage. I'm not a scientist or mathematician, but the image Red produces has a much more filmic feel than most of the other digital formats. I find the picture quality appealing and attractive, and with the Epic, Jim and his team have gone even further. It is a fantastic tool, the Epic not only has cutting edge technology, incredible resolution and visual quality, but it is also a very practical tool for film makers. Many competing digital systems require the cameras to be tethered to large cumbersome VTR machines. The Epic gives us back the ability to be totally cable free, even when working in stereo."

Are you amped or what? I am. The man is using the PERFECT technology for these productions!!

If you love movies during the December holidays as much as I do then you should be darn excited for the next little while. Why? How about this line up... 2010 - TRON: LEGACY, 2011 - TINTIN, 2012 - THE HOBBIT PT1, 2013 - THE HOBBIT PT2, 2014 - AVATAR 2, 2015 - AVATAR 3!! Looks like we are set for the holidays aren't we?

Thanks to Mark for the heads up!


Saturday, November 27, 2010

ZOMBIELAND 2 Plans A Superstar Cameo AND A Plot Morsel

Got some ZOMBIELAND 2 info for you regarding some upcoming cameo action! Seems that Ruben Fleischer is interested in nabbing Harrison Ford or Anthony Hopkins for a comedic intersection in the sequel along the same vein as what Bill Murray did for the original (which everyone loved!). The parellel with Hopkins is obvious what with his character Hannibal eating humans without the need of being a zombie in the first place! :-)

The info comes from Bloody Disgusting who also claim that the script calls for "a lead villain with comedic roots, while Tallahassee (played by Woody Harrelson) will find himself going head-to-head with a 'hunky rival'."

So far only Jesse 'facebook' Eisenberg has signed on for ZOMBIELAND 2, but you can expect some more actors attaching themselves soon.

I was thrilled with the original movie - so of course I am ecstatic that the sequel will be in native 3D. Fleischer was quoted as saying: "When it comes to 3D, I feel pretty strongly that you should shoot it in camera. I feel like it just looks so much better. If you're going to make a 3D movie, go ahead and make a 3D movie. I would definitely, if we do 'Zombieland 2,' make it in 3D and want to shoot it in 3D."

Gotta love it! More when I get it...

Thursday, November 25, 2010

TANGLED Angles Into Hallows Gold! Almost $12 Million Worth Wednesday!!

Disney's TANGLED, which I thoroughly endorse by the way, surprisingly almost overtook HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS within days of the latter's opening, and not because HP was performing poorly!

No, you see TANGLED has 3D premium pricing folks. HP is unfortunately missing out on that - at least for Part One. And it is definitely worth the extra money to see TANGLED in stunning three dimensions. Disney has done it again. I knew months ago that their stylistic treatment of the TANGLED universe with World of Warcraft type rounded edges and coloring will make for a very pleasing backdrop for their story. And Disney did not disappoint with the story either.

TANGLED took in an estimated $11.6 million Wednesday alone
and it could comb out an amazing $60 million over the Thanksgiving weekend. Do yourself a favor, check this thing out. It's tons of fun.


TANGLED is in theaters NOW. Click here for all of our coverage.

Sony Developing Over 20 3D Games And Over 50 3D Games In Total To Hit PS3 Soon!

You may not have heard Mick Hocking's name before, but consider yourself informed! SCEE Director Mick Hocking has some very key words to say about Sony and their cutting edge 3D involvement in advance of DEVELOP taking place in Liverpool.

Hocking says they have over 20 S3D games under development within Sony itself and a huge 50+ titles in total, including external 3D gaming developers.

We'll have those title names and more in the coming weeks and months!
While Microsoft continues to practically ignore the marketing of anything 3D for their XBOX, Sony is taking the worldwide reigns for console gaming...

Stay tuned for more developments once the DEVELOP conference ends and of course the upcoming SPIKE 2010 Video Game Awards on December 11. Looks like there will be at least 10 world premiere gaming announcements made during the awards via trailers. Exciting times in stereoscopic 3D gaming!! Thanks Adam for the heads up!

Source: Develop

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

New TRON: LEGACY Featurette: VEHICLES!

Got the new Disney featurette on TRON: LEGACY's vehicles - very cool to see the director Joseph Kosinski, Jeff Bridges and Olivia Wilde talking about the various modes of movement in the film.

The light cycle for me is my most anticipated - obviously very perilous on the grid!

Here's the featurette:



Are you primed yet? December 17 can't come soon enough!!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

New Television Series, ANOMALY, Explores the Paranormal in 3D

The world needs stereoscopic 3D content for television and Majestic 7 is stepping up to meet that demand with a series of programs focused on paranormal activity entitled ANOMALY. There is no lack of interest in the unexplained and that has been resoundingly underscored by the success of the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY movie franchise.

I'm looking forward to seeing this series in action. Here's the official press release (emphasis is mine):

(November 23, 2010) Majestic 7 Media Partners, Ltd. announced today, Anomaly, the worlds-first 3D television program to focus on the paranormal and unexplained.

Anomaly uses 3D never-before-seen night vision cameras and new production techniques to immerse viewers in the world’s most unusual and frightening locations. The show’s 1-hour docu-reality format is fast paced and entertaining.

Anomaly isn’t your average “things-that-go-bump” paranormal show, however. The show’s host and lead investigator, Jack Kassewitz, brings the same scientific determination that he has demonstrated in his seminal research in human-dolphin communication. “The same technological advances that are helping crack the communication barrier between humans and dolphins will allow us to take a real, balanced and scientific look at the paranormal,” said Jack Kassewitz. Jack and his team will continuously innovate and apply new research tools and protocols to filter out explainable phenomena and capture evidence of quantifiably genuine paranormal occurrences.

According to a Gallup survey, three out of four Americans profess at least one paranormal belief. “Anomaly is state-of-the-art entertainment that appeals to an astoundingly wide demographic,” according to the show’s creators, Majestic 7 Media Partners.

Anomaly will premier in early 2011 on Next3DTV, an internet-based 3D video-on-demand service, with broader distribution to follow. The first season will focus on the most reportedly haunted locations in the world. “You’ve gotta fish where the fish are, said Jack Kassewitz. “We’re going to capture as much evidence of the paranormal as we possibly can – and we’re bringing our viewers along for the ride.”

A sneak preview of Anomaly (3D and 2D) is available now at www.anomaly3d.tv.



About Majestic 7 Media Partners, Ltd.
Majestic 7 is developing episodic and documentary properties for the emerging 3D television market. Properties currently under development capitalize on 3D television’s ability to immerse viewers in intriguing and uncommon environments and situations.

More info when I get it... Stay tuned!


Monday, November 22, 2010

Ground-breaking Humpback Whales Documentary Goes 3D

OCEAN VOYAGERS Producers Team with PassmoreLab to Bring 3D Version to Life

San Diego, CA (Nov 22, 2010) – Award-winning Humpback whales documentary, OCEAN VOYAGERS will soon be seen in full 3D, it was announced today in a statement by San Diego-based 3D Production studio PassmoreLab, Feodor Pitcairn Productions and Off the Fence Productions.

The 72-minute documentary, narrated by two-time Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep, explores the familiar themes of motherhood and parenting in a world as unfamiliar as it is breathtaking. Featuring a precocious newborn humpback calf and his enormous 40 ton mother, viewers are taken on a 7,000 mile journey of discovery into their world. The story begins in the tropical seas of the South Pacific and witnesses the dangers of animal and human predation – shark attacks, fishing gear entanglement, and perhaps worst of all, commercial whaling.

PassmoreLab produced all 3D aspects of the film out of San Diego, utilizing the company’s proprietary technology.

“This film is beautiful,” said Greg Passmore, president of PassmoreLab. “I think it will translate wonderfully into 3D, giving new audiences a more immersive and personal experience of life in the oceans.”

Previously broadcast in 2D, Ocean Voyagers was produced by Feodor Pitcairn Productions and Off the Fence Productions for Animal Planet International. The five-year excursion was shot entirely in High Definition on location in French Polynesia, Hawaii, Alaska, Newfoundland, The Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine.

“Ocean Voyagers was one of those special projects that just seems to have a little magic associated with it, there were so many serendipitous events that resulted in truly amazing footage,”
said Feodor Pitcairn, cinematographer of the film. “The bond that was created between the cameramen and the whales really shows up on screen and it will be even more amazing in 3D.”

Surprisingly little is known about the lives of Humpback whales. Still hunted and on the verge of extinction, Ocean Voyagers in 3D! provides a startlingly intimate portrait of Humpback life through the eyes of a mother whale as she teaches her baby all he will need to know to survive the dangers of the sea.

Ocean Voyagers in 3D! will be released internationally in 2011.

About PassmoreLab
Passmorelab, the San Diego-based multi-media 3D production studio, has the world’s largest library of 3D content available for licensing. The studio custom-designs and builds its own RED camera 3D rigs for both conventional and rugged film productions. Passmorelab’s proprietary technology for state-of-the-art 3D post production is known in the industry for quick turnaround times and competitive costs. Additional offices in Russia and the Philippines. www.passmorelab.com, or contact Steve Glum 858.200.5813.

Feodor Pitcairn Productions, Ltd: Founded in 1977, FPP is an independent production company featuring the work of diver, naturalist and underwater cinematographer Feodor Pitcairn. FPP was an early pioneer in the use of High-Definition technology in the underwater environment, originating and releasing Sperm Whale Oasis and Realm of the Killer Whales in HD in 2000. FPP was commissioned by the Smithsonian to create the Ocean Odyssey exhibit for the Sant Ocean Hall, which opened in 2008 at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. The installation consists of eight HD projections wrapping more than 220 feet around the interior of the space. www.feodorpitcairnproductions.com

Off The Fence, Inc: Established in 1994, OTF is an independent television distribution and production company, specialized in non-fiction programming for the international marketplace. OTF works hands-on with established production companies as well as talented newcomers to create internationally marketable specials and series. www.offthefence.com

Should be an excellent watch in 3D
- especially as portion of this film were shot in Canada's
Bay of Fundy, where my family has dozens of acres right on the shoreline. Highest tides in the world are there - it's an amazing spectacle of nature. I've been whale watching in The Bay of Fundy many times and it never ceases to inspire.

PassmoreLab is a sponsor of MarketSaw

New Posters And Wallpapers For The CG / Live Action YOGI BEAR

December 17 is rolling around fairly quickly and of course we all know about TRON: LEGACY opening on that date - but so is Warner Bros' YOGI BEAR! And it looks great for a family outing.

Click images to enlarge...

The Hanna-Barbera Productions live action / CG hybrid movie is the first movie for the company since Joseph Barbera (2006) and William Hanna (2001) died.

Warner Bros' Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner will host a pre-roll short prior to YOGI BEAR entitled RAPID RIDER.

Here is the storyline:
Jellystone Park has been losing business, so greedy Mayor Brown decides to shut it down and sell the land. That means families will no longer be able to experience the natural beauty of the outdoors — and, even worse, Yogi and Boo Boo will be tossed out of the only home they’ve ever known. Faced with his biggest challenge ever, Yogi must prove that he really is “smarter than the average bear” as he and Boo Boo join forces with their old nemesis Ranger Smith to find a way to save Jellystone Park from closing forever.

More Info:
Directed by: Eric Brevig
Produced by: Donald De Line, Karen Rosenfelt
Screenplay by: Brad Copeland, Joshua Sternin, Jeffrey Ventimilia
Based on Characters: William Hanna, Joseph Barbera
Voices: Dan Aykroyd, Justin Timberlake, Tom Cavanagh, Christine Taylor, Anna Faris, T.J. Miller
Music by: John Debney
Cinematography: Peter James
Studios: Hanna-Barbera Productions, De Line Pictures, Rhythm and Hues
Distributed by: Warner Bros.
Release date: December 17, 2010

Should be a great time for the family!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

FIRST LOOK: Karl Urban As JUDGE DREDD

Here's our first glimpse of Karl Urban as Judge Dredd in Reliance Big Entertainment's DREDD.

The photo has emerged on the Interwebs from this tweet from a comic book artist known as Jock. I am liking the treatment that the designers have given his costume and if they hold true to their promise of Urban not taking off the helmet then I am pretty much a happy blogger to this point.

Olivia Thirlby also stars in the very hard R rated comic book adaptation.

Do you think director Pete Travis (VANTAGE POINT) will be able to hold true to the original comic? I will say that by shooting the feature with the same DISTRICT 9 folks they are off on the right foot...

Friday, November 19, 2010

WATCH: THE GREEN HORNET's New Trailer!

Well it is an improvement over past trailers but reuses a lot of the existing shots already scene. Still, what is new in this trailer is refreshing. I just hope they are not using up all their best sights up front!

We do get a look at Kato-Vision which will probably be the coolest part of the whole thing.

Check it out:



I know some folks are worried about this one - myself included, but hopefully that is what test audiences are for and surely adjustments could be made IF they were needed. Will I be seeing this movie? Of course - first in line. But I can't say for sure it will be a monster hit.

THE GREEN HORNET opens January 14, 2011.

More when I get it...

CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS Sets New 5 Day Entertainment Industry Record Grossing Over $650 Million Worldwide!!

While I disagree with the comparison to the entertainment industry as a whole and movies in particular, you cannot dispute the astronomical numbers that this stereoscopic 3D game is pole vaulting. Very impressive indeed!

Here is the official press release:


- Largest Entertainment Launch in History Establishes New Xbox® LIVE™ Record with 2.6 Million Unique Players in One Day

- Call of Duty: Black Ops Was Best-Selling Video Game Launch of All Time on Amazon.com and at GameStop

/PRNewswire/ -- Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced that Treyarch's Call of Duty®: Black Ops has shattered theatrical box office, book and video game sales records for five-day worldwide sell through in dollars. The game established an all-new five-day worldwide sell-through record of more than $650 million, exceeding Activision's previous five-day worldwide record of $550 million set by last year's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare® 2, according to internal Activision estimates.

"Call of Duty has become the first entertainment property in history to set five-day launch records for two consecutive years across all forms of entertainment," said Robert Kotick, CEO, Activision Blizzard. "The title's success illustrates the mass appeal of interactive entertainment as millions of consumers are choosing to play Call of Duty: Black Ops at unprecedented levels rather than engage in other forms of media. The number of people playing online and the number of hours they are playing demonstrates how online gaming has become a mainstream form of entertainment and certainly validates Activision Blizzard's leadership role in online entertainment."

"There are many reasons for the success of Black Ops, but first and foremost is the fact that our team at Treyarch delivered a truly awesome game, and in the process have established themselves as one of the most talented developers in the world,"
said Eric Hirshberg, CEO, Activision Publishing. "There are millions of people all over the world engaging in this community. It's our job to keep them coming back for more."

In addition to beating all previous first-and five-day box office, book and video game sell-through records, Call of Duty: Black Ops set two new records on Xbox® LIVE™.

According to Microsoft:
- More than 5.9 million multiplayer hours were logged playing Call of Duty: Black Ops by end of launch day, November 9.
- More than 2.6 million unique gamers played Call of Duty: Black Ops in one day on November 9.

"With a record breaking performance on Xbox LIVE, home to the world's largest Call of Duty gaming community, Call of Duty: Black Ops has already carved out its legacy as one of the biggest video games in history,"
said Don Mattrick, president of the interactive entertainment business at Microsoft. "We congratulate our partners at Activision and Treyarch and are proud to continue offering the best Call of Duty experience to our 25 million global Xbox LIVE members by launching all Call of Duty map packs first on Xbox 360."

The game also was a tremendous success on the PlayStation® 3 and the best-selling video game launch of all time on Amazon.com and at GameStop.

"Call of Duty: Black Ops has been an incredible success on PlayStation 3," said Jack Tretton, President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA). "Treyarch's latest efforts are driving unprecedented traffic to the PlayStation Network with the flagship online experience this holiday season."

"Call of Duty: Black Ops had the highest number of pre-orders of any video game to date," said Paul Raines, CEO, GameStop. "It went on to become our biggest video game launch ever, which bodes well for game sales as we enter the holidays."

Activision is excited about the performance of Call of Duty: Black Ops, but given that it is still very early in the holiday shopping season, the company remains cautiously optimistic.
Call of Duty: Black Ops is rated "M" (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Language. For additional information visit www.callofduty.com/blackops and also via Twitter @JD_2020.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.

Source: Activision


Thursday, November 18, 2010

Top Tier 3D Conversion Company IN-THREE Bought By DIGITAL DOMAIN

Digital Domain Holdings which owns the FX company Digital Domain has just bought the 2D to 3D conversion company In-Three. In-Three is clearly a top tier 'dimensionalization' company and the move makes sense on many levels.

My good friend Neil Feldman
, CEO of In-Three told David Cohen of Variety: "It's a no-brainer to us to want to be affiliated with a high-end vfx expert company so we can pool our resources and do something beyond what's been done before. We've seen low-end conversions, and that's not what we want to do. We're trying to maintain the highest quality."

Cliff Plumer, CEO of Digital Domain continues:
"Pretty much all the movies we're working on have a stereo aspect. Our preference still is shooting in stereo, if you can. But a lot of films are still shot flat and the post schedules are getting much tighter, which forces visual effects companies and stereo companies to work together."

Shortly In-Three will begin to move its production facilities from California to Florida
to be in close proximity to Digital Domain's headquarters. Sales efforts will largely remain in California which again makes perfect sense.

Apparently the acquisition will not affect In-Three's day to day operations when it comes to the conversion of third party titles which is great to hear. Top tier conversion companies are like gold in today's massive 3D conversion market.

Congratulations to all involved!
Looks like a solid move.


Disney's HOVERCAR To Be 3D!

Disney is again developing a live action futuristic thriller entitled HOVERCAR based on Matthew Reilly's online serial / book series. Apparently they have had the project on the shelf for about 6 years.

The LATimes is reporting that Fredrik Bond may direct and Blaise Hemingway will write. They also hint at the possibility of this movie having plenty in common with the HARRY POTTER franchise - multiple adventures and sequels.

Sounds very interesting! Hopefully TRON: LEGACY reinvigorates more projects like this as clearly there is a market for it. More when I get it.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Marvel's THE AVENGERS To Shoot In LA And Relativity Media's SNOW WHITE To Shoot In Montreal

Just some shooting location updates for you: Marvel is apparently changing their plans to shoot THE AVENGERS in New York City (via Bleeding Cool) and will move the lion's share of the production to Los Angeles.

That's it. Move along. Nothing more to see here. Just don't mess this thing up guys! I am sooo invested in seeing a quality product with this ensemble movie.

--

Speaking of production location news, Relativity Media's SNOW WHITE will be shot in Montreal at Mel's Studios where they will be building a 100,000 square foot village just for the movie.

Shooting for director Tarsem Singh (IMMORTALS) will take place from April to June, 2011 and it seems that the production will faithfully follow the darker Brother's Grimm fairy tale rather than other lighter versions. Release window is in 2012.

More details on these stereoscopic 3D productions when I get them!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

MUST WATCH: Trailer For GREEN LANTERN!!!

Wow! I have to say half way through this I didn't want to watch the rest so I could have a totally pristine viewing of the movie but dang it - I couldn't stop. Then there's this whole thing about reviewing trailers as a movie blogger... yeah, the deck was stacked against me the whole time.

Watch this thing guys. It looks amazing! Ryan Reynolds looks perfectly at home (knew he would be) and I truly think DC Comics has another blockbuster on their hands. In stereoscopic 3D of course!

Check it out:



Director: Martin Campbell
Writer: Greg Berlanti
Studio: Warner Bros Pictures
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard
Release: June 17, 2011

What did you think? I am totally stoked...

Legend3D Appoints Former Prime Focus CEO As President

Current President and Founder Barry Sandrew Continues All Conversion Operations and Technology Development as COO and CTO...

SAN DIEGO (Nov. 16, 2010)—Legend3D, Inc., the leading innovator in 2D-to-3D conversion technology, today announced that Rob Hummel has joined the company as president, effective immediately. The former executive of 3D conversion company Prime Focus will play a highly strategic role, closely collaborating with Geoff Goodman, Legend3D’s executive vice president of new business development, in directing top projects and studio relationships. This appointment will allow Barry Sandrew, company founder and current president to better focus his energy on 3D/VFX technology development and creative oversight of feature films and commercial projects.

The expansion of Legend3D’s executive team is a direct response to the influx of feature film, broadcast commercial, and catalog film conversion projects; Legend3D’s much-praised conversion of Alice in Wonderland for Disney; as well as its ongoing 3D work for several major Hollywood studios. Of note, Legend3D’s four-person executive team now collectively holds 12 patents and represents multiple decades of film and entertainment experience. With Hummel’s appointment as president, Legend3D remains well-positioned as the leader in delivering high-quality conversions on time and on budget.

“Rob’s unique strategic knowledge of film and digital entertainment, backed by his comprehensive knowledge and experience in cinematography, post production, animation, film restoration, and all aspects of digital capture, scanning compositing and visual effects will greatly strengthen Legend3D’s ability to continue its mission. He will help produce the seamless, highest-quality 3D storytelling experience that renowned film makers have come to expect from us,” said Barry Sandrew, founder, COO and CTO of Legend3D. “It’s an honor to welcome Rob to our executive team.”

Prior to joining Legend3D, Hummel served as CEO, post production, of Prime Focus North America. Before that, he was the president of Digital Cinema at DALSA Corporation, where he led the charge into the motion picture industry for the company’s 4K camera. He also worked on numerous high-profile projects, including The Dark Knight, for which he helped test the post production pipeline and proof of concept to deliver the film in IMAX format. Hummel has also held senior vice president positions at Warner Bros.—where he advised on motion picture technologies, including digital restoration work for Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz—and at SONY, where he led the development of the company’s Digital Cinema strategy. Additionally, Hummel’s vast portfolio within the filmmaking industry includes leadership positions at Technicolor, DreamWorks Animation and The Walt Disney Company.

As a proponent of motion picture technology throughout his career, Hummel is an associate member of the American Society of Cinematographers and also serves on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Science and Technology Council. He has hosted numerous Academy events, covering a variety of subjects from film formats to 3D cinematography, and also has taught at the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles. In 2006, Hummel was honored by ShoWest as a pioneer in the digital cinema field, recognizing his ongoing contributions in advancing the digital cinema.

Hummel will be based out of Legend3D’s Los Angeles office. For more information about Legend3D, please visit www.Legend3D.com. For press inquiries, contact Taryn Unruh at 619-234-0345.

About Legend3D
Legend3D is a dynamic digital media and visual effects company. Legend3D utilizes patented 2D-to-3D image conversion technologies to enhance filmmakers’ storytelling by creating the highest quality dimensional conversions possible. Legend3D’s conversion artists are helping filmmakers connect with audiences worldwide and are rapidly setting the industry standard for 2D-to-3D conversion. Legend3D has completed 3D conversions for Warner Brothers, Sony, Disney, and DreamWorks Animation SKG, Hewlett Packard, M&M Mars, New Balance, the Michael Jackson Tour and MTV. Founded in 2001 by Dr. Barry Sandrew, Legend3D is headquartered in San Diego and operates facilities in San Diego, Los Angeles and Patna, India. For more information, visit www.Legend3D.com.

Legend3D is a top tier 2D to 3D conversion company and is highly recommended by MarketSaw. Best wishes for Rob Hummel in his new role and continued success for Barry Sandrew's expanding company!



Scorsese Adds Even More Talent To HUGO CABRET; Talks About 3D Redefining Movies!!

Martin Scorsese has landed some pretty big names for smaller roles in HUGO CABRET - impressive names!

"...appearing in the all-star cast are Academy Award® nominee Jude Law (Sherlock Holmes), Ray Winstone (London Boulevard), Christopher Lee (“The Lord of the Rings”), Helen McCrory (“The Special Relationship”), Frances de la Tour (Alice in Wonderland), and Richard Griffiths (The History Boys)."

“It’s a film that’s a fable. It involves Hugo Cabret, [a young boy] and playing the part is Asa Butterfield. I think he’s 12 or 13 in the film and he’s the lead. [The rest of the cast] Chloe Moretz, Ben Kingsley, Christopher Lee, Emily Mortimer, Sacha Baron Cohen, it’s a group, quite a group. We had the sets built by Dante Feretti out here in Shepperton Studios and we’ve been shooting for quite a while now. We only have a few more weeks, I hope and I hope to get it out by next year.”


And Scorsese spoke about how he is dealing with the movie and 3D: “It’s going. It’s going. It’s an experience. The geometry of it, everything, you’re really redefining. You’re trying to figure out how to tell the story again in pictures with this 3D, which is really interesting.”

It is so exciting to see Martin Scorsese engrossed in 3D and to actually hear him talk about redefining the movie going experience! Truly a movie to earnestly look forward to. HUGO CABRET is slated for a December 9, 2011 release.

WATCH: CARS 2 Trailer Released!!

Just as I informed you yesterday (with the CARS 2 poster and image) - here is today's CARS 2 trailer from Disney / Pixar!

Here is the official movie breakdown:
CARS 2 (In Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D)
DISNEY•PIXAR
Website and Mobile Site: Disney.com/cars
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/pixarcars
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/disneypixar

Genre: Animation/Comedy/Adventure
Rating: TBD
U.S. Release Date: June 24, 2011
Voice Talent: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy
Director: John Lasseter
Co-Director: Brad Lewis
Producer: Denise Ream
Composer: Michael Giacchino

Star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places in “Cars 2” when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, Mater’s action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world. Adding to the fast-paced fun is a colorful new all-car cast that includes secret agents, menacing villains and international racing competitors.

John Lasseter returns to the driver’s seat to direct this follow-up to his 2006 Golden Globe®-winning “Cars.” “Cars 2” is co-directed by Brad Lewis, producer of the Oscar®-winning film “Ratatouille,” and produced by visual effects industry veteran Denise Ream (associate producer, “Up”; visual effects executive producer, “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith”). The film hits the track on June 24, 2011, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D in select theaters.

Notes:
• John Lasseter made his feature film directing debut with “Toy Story” in 1995. He has since directed such Disney•Pixar classics as “A Bug’s Life,” “Toy Story 2” and “Cars” and served as executive producer of all other Pixar films to date. He is currently the chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios and principal creative advisor of Walt Disney Imagineering.
• “Cars 2,” slated for a June 2011 release, is the 12th feature-length animated film from Pixar Animation Studios (its first 11 have earned $6.5 billion at the global box office). Pixar, which has earned 26 Academy Awards® and six Golden Globes®, celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2011.
• “Cars” originally released on June 9, 2006, and grossed nearly $462 million worldwide. It was nominated for two Oscars® and one Golden Globe®, winning the first ever Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film.
When star racecar Lighting McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix, Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.



More when I get it!!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Teaser Poster For PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES!

We are getting our first teaser poster for Disney's PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES! I am not surprised at all with the style - are you? :-)

Click to enlarge...

Here is the official storyline:

In this action-packed tale of truth, betrayal, youth and demise, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz), and he’s not sure if it’s love–or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past.

Disney has slated May 20, 2012 for the native 3D shot ON STRANGER TIDES.

Source: Jerry Bruckheimer

Pixar Starts Its CARS 2 Engines With Official Poster, Image And Storyline!!

**SAME DAY UPDATE: Pixar is revealing the first official trailer for CARS 2 tomorrow morning (Nov 16) at 8am Pacific on their Facebook page and webpage!!

Finally we get the goods
and begin the march to the next Pixar release, CARS 2! Pixar has released an official poster, image and storyline and the anticipation is starting to mount.

Click images to enlarge...

Actors lending their voices to the stereoscopic 3D animation include: Owen Wilson, John Ratzenberger, Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin, Bonnie Hunt and Larry The Cable Guy. John Lasseter directs along with Brad Lewis as co-director and Denise Ream producing.

Pixar chooses themes that resonate with the world so well... Aging (UP), Toys (TOY STORY) and of course CARS to name a few. The opportunities are boundless to transcend the original stories with allow us to grow with the characters. Again TOY STORY comes to mind. As cars are toys for big boys - I think it is safe to assume that the appeal is going to be amazing!

Here's the official storyline:
Star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places in “Cars 2” when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, Mater’s action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world. Adding to the fast-paced fun is a colorful new all-car cast that includes secret agents, menacing villains and international racing competitors.

CARS 2 wheels into theaters on June 24, 2011. If you haven't seen the teaser trailer yet, check it out here.

Sources: HeyUGuys | Yahoo
Via /Film


Sunday, November 14, 2010

MEGAMIND Defeats Denzel As UNSTOPPABLE Opens In Second Place

I get a laugh out of those sites who continually lambaste Dreamworks Animation's films on opening weekend as not being high enough, yet they quickly backtrack the following week when DWA's movies prove to have legs.

Same story this week too. MEGAMIND held on to its top box office position for the second week in a row despite a potential freight train in Tony Scott's 2D UNSTOPPABLE. Will Ferrell's MEGAMIND swiped ~$30 million to UNSTOPPABLE's ~$23.5 million. Dreamworks Animation experienced only a ~35% drop as they enjoy strong word of mouth with recent pictures (except the tired SHREK franchise).

SKYLINE was a none factor as the movie has proven to not live up to its hype. It pulled in ~$11.7 million. MORNING GLORY pulled in about ~$10 million and I did enjoy that movie a lot. Many are calling it a Harrison Ford vehicle, but it truly is not. It is clearly a Rachel McAdam's flick and she does carry it well.

MEGAMIND will drop to third spot more than likely this coming weekend with HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PT1 opening along with Russell Crowe in THE NEXT THREE DAYS written and directed by Paul Haggis which I saw last week. THAT is a darn good 2D movie guys. See it.


Friday, November 12, 2010

New GNOMEO AND JULIET Photos! Elton John Songs Featured In Movie!!

Have you guys heard about Disney's GNOMEO AND JULIET? It sure is creeping up fast! Scheduled for release on February 11, 2011 (Same date as DRIVE ANGRY) the animation is starting its marketing campaign in earnest. The trailer is playing in front of MEGAMIND as well in Canada (E1 Entertainment distributing). See trailer below.

I have some new images direct from Disney for you today (Click to enlarge...)

Obviously a family movie, the garden gnomes Gnomeo (voice of McAvoy) and Juliet (voice of Blunt) have as many obstacles to overcome as their quasi namesakes when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors. But with plastic pink flamingos and lawnmower races in the mix, can this young couple find lasting happiness?

GNOMEO AND JULIET has assembled an impressive list of voice actors: Jason Statham, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, James McAvoy, Patrick Stewart and Maggie Smith to name several.

Disney Animation did not create this movie however - those credits belong to Rocket Pictures, Starz Animation and Touchstone Pictures.

Guys - this isn't for everyone of course but Shakespeare's revered tale does get a comical, off-the-wall makeover. Directed by Kelly Asbury (co-director of "Shrek 2") and showcasing both classic and original songs by Elton John! They aren't pulling any punches.



Stay tuned for more info
as this movie's release approaches...


BATTLE ROYALE 3D And BATTLE ROYALE II Coming To North America!

Yes you read that right! The very successful 2000 Japanese movie BATTLE ROYALE has been converted to 3D for its tenth anniversary and Anchor Bay just picked up the US rights for its distribution! Note that it was never screened in the US as sensitivity was high following Columbine.

The 3D version will have an R-15 rating in Japan - just as director Kinji Fukasaku's original.

For those unacquainted with the movie, here is how the project has developed over the years, including a storyline:

Few films have captured the hearts and minds of more new Japanese cinema fans in the past decade than Kinji Fukasaku’s Battle Royale. Grossing $26 million at the Japanese box office and eventually being sold to 35 territories, it’s considered one of the most successful Japanese films ever made. Now comes word that Toei is planning to repeat that success and capitalize on a successful trend by re-releasing the 2000 film in 3D.

Based on a best-selling 1999 novel by Koushun Takami, the film is set in an alternate timeline in which Japan is on the verge of collapse with a 15% unemployment rate and a generation of delinquent youth threatening to make the problem worse in the near future. In order to combat this, adults pass the Millennium Educational Reform Act, also known as the “BR act”. One class of unruly 9th-grade students learn of this new law the hard way when they’re brought to a remote island and are informed by their teacher, Mr. Kitano (Takeshi Kitano), that their class has been selected through a national lottery to kill each other off. They’re all fitted with explosive collars and are given the rules of the game; the most important being that if more than 1 student remained alive at the end of three days, they’d all be killed.

The film launched the careers of several stars such as Tatsuya Fujiwara, Chiaki Kuriyama (pictured), and Kou Shibasaki, among many others. Quentin Tarantino recently listed it as the best movie made in the past 18 years (since his own career began), which probably explains why he memorably cast Kuriyama in his 2003 film Kill Bill.

Fukasaku died in January of 2003. His son, Kenta Fukasaku, is currently supervising the 2D to 3D conversion with a Japanese theatrical release planned for November 20, 2010.

Here is the red-band trailer (no subtitles):



Sounds interesting, yet brutal. I can't really comment on much about this movie other than if Tarantino loves it, it is probably pretty darn good. That and Kuriyama is in it. Reserving judgement on the movie and the 3D conversion until I see it though.

Anchor Bay plans on a release sometime in 2011. More when I get it...

Sources: Nippon Cinema I | Nippon Cinema II | Twitch

Thursday, November 11, 2010

3D Gaming Alert: CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS Sets New Opening Day Record: $360M In North America & United Kingdom Alone!

Stunning! Treyarch's CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS just slipped away with $360 million in a SINGLE DAY of sales in the US and UK only!! That figure tops the $310 million that Activision captured with MODERN WARFARE 2 in the same territories.

Here is the official press release for the 3D game:

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Shattering its own day-one sales record, Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced that Treyarch's highly-anticipated Call of Duty®: Black Ops has become the biggest entertainment launch ever with an estimated sell-through of approximately $360 million in North America and the United Kingdom alone in the first 24 hours of its release, as compared to last year's estimated day-one sell-through of $310 million for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare® 2 in North America and the United Kingdom, according to internal Activision estimates.

Call of Duty: Black Ops, marks the second year in a row that the Call of Duty franchise has set day one launch records across all forms of entertainment. In its first day on November 9, the blockbuster title sold through approximately 5.6 million copies in North America and the United Kingdom, as compared to 4.7 million copies for last year's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, according to internal Activision estimates.

Call of Duty: Black Ops is one of the most critically acclaimed games of the year worldwide and was released with unprecedented retailer support and more than 12,000 midnight openings around the globe.

"There has never been another entertainment franchise that has set opening day records for two consecutive years and we are on track to outperform last year's five-day global sales record of $550 million," said Bobby Kotick, CEO, Activision Blizzard, Inc. "The game's success underscores the pop culture appeal of the brand. Call of Duty: Black Ops is the finest game that Treyarch has ever made and raises the bar for online gameplay by delivering the deepest and most intense Call of Duty experience yet. The Call of Duty franchise has over 25 million players around the world that are engaged in billions of hours of online gameplay, and we are committed to supporting them with new content and features on a more frequent and regular basis."

Call of Duty: Black Ops is rated "M" (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Language. For additional information visit www.callofduty.com/blackops and also via Twitter @JD_2020.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.

As you know, BLACK OPS is a stereoscopic 3D enabled game. We are VERY excited about this release! Can't wait to try it out with my NVIDIA 3D Vision setup!!

Source: Activision


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