SENSIO Announces Licensing Agreement With Universal Studios Offering 3D Movies on Premium 3D VOD

MONTREAL, QUEBEC, Oct 02, 2013  -- SENSIO Technologies Inc. ("SENSIO" or "the Company") announced today that it has signed a 3D VOD licensing agreement with Universal Studios Inc. to make 3D movies available for rent on SENSIO's 3DGO!(TM) VOD service, beginning soon. 3DGO! (TM) is a premium 3D video-on-demand service, offering the best selection of Hollywood 3D movies for rent on demand to consumers whose 3DTVs support the SENSIO(R) Hi-Fi 3D technology.

The agreement with Universal Studios includes several feature films and documentaries which will become available in the US on the 3DGO!(TM) service according to specific availability windows. Viewers can expect quality titles including recent popular features such as Despicable Me, Jurassic Park 3D and Paranorman.

"We are extremely proud to add Universal Studios' outstanding movies to our ever-growing collection, confirming 3DGO!(TM)'s position as the best source of diversified high-quality 3D entertainment on demand", said Richard LaBerge, Executive Vice-President and Chief Business Development Officer of SENSIO. "While some consumers are looking for the latest 3D blockbusters, others are looking for a favorite 3D movie or for a breathtaking 3D documentary. Universal's library provides this great diversity and with this agreement, SENSIO once again consolidates its position as a leader in providing quality 3D entertainment at home."

3DGO!(TM) is the world's first and only dedicated 3D transactional VOD service offering the largest selection of high-quality 3D content, including some of the latest 3D Hollywood blockbuster titles, via internet streaming to 3D television sets. The application offers consumers quick and easy access to an ever-growing library of varied 3D content which SENSIO is committed to continue developing. Neither subscription nor additional equipment is required making it a simple, inexpensive and ideal way to watch 3D in the home. 3DGO! uses the award-winning SENSIO(R) Hi-Fi 3D technology, a unique frame-compatible technology providing high-fidelity stereoscopic images while using conventional 2D channels. 3DGO! is currently available in the US to consumers whose 3DTVs support the SENSIO(R) Hi-Fi 3D technology. For a list of compatible devices and available movies, please visit www.3DGO.com.

For further information on SENSIO and its technologies, please visit www.sensio.tv

About SENSIO Technologies Inc. (SENSIO):

SENSIO Technologies Inc. (www.sensio.tv) has been leading the floor in bringing 3D video to the consumer since 1999. Its vision, expertise and state-of-the-art solutions, based on diversified stereoscopic image-processing technologies, have been trusted by some of the biggest names in the media and entertainment industries to power numerous industry firsts, initiate new business models and generate immediate revenue with a distinctive 3D offering.

SENSIO enables its clients to deliver the best possible 3D experience for the end-user through a broad portfolio of products, including its flagship, award-winning technology, SENSIO(R) Hi-Fi 3D. Through SENSIO solutions, consumers can access - with effortless interaction and complete peace of mind - 3D content of superior quality to common frame-compatible formats distributed over existing infrastructure (cable, satellite or over IP) and displayed using any existing digital equipment (cinema, home cinema, TV, game consoles or PC). SENSIO is listed on the Toronto TSX Venture Exchange.

SENSIO(R) is a registered trademark of SENSIO Technologies Inc.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and are subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The results or events predicted in these forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events. As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward looking statements. For more exhaustive information on these risks and uncertainties, the reader should refer to the risk factors described in the management's discussion and analysis of SENSIO for the quarter ended February 28, 2013. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent our expectations as of the date hereof. We disclaim any intention and assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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WATCH: New Trailer For DESPICABLE ME 2!

The best part of the original DESPICABLE ME was the minions in my minion opinion. So naturally when you have a resource you exploit it right? Right.

DESPICABLE ME 2 seems to be all about that with the apparent alien abduction of various minions going about their innocent (?) lives. Of course we will have a search and recover mission soon embarked upon right? Right!

Here's a brief description for the movie:
Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's worldwide blockbuster, Despicable Me, delighted audiences around the globe in 2010, grossing more than $540 million and becoming the 10th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history. In Summer 2013, get ready for more minion madness in Despicable Me 2. Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed filmmaking team create an all-new comedy animated adventure featuring the return of Gru (Steve Carell), the girls, the unpredictably hilarious minions... and a host of new and outrageously funny characters.

Director: Chris Renaud
Writer: Cinco Paul
Studio: Universal Pictures
Cast: Al Pacino, Jason Segel, Steve Carell

DESPICABLE ME is slated for release on July 3, 2013.

Hit the jump to watch the trailer... 

3D Animation Roundup: ME AND MY SHADOW, DESPICABLE ME MINIONS And DWA Acquires Casper, Voltron And More...

Tons of 3D animation news this week! Lets start off with a poster from Dreamworks Animation and their all-star cast for the upcoming 2014 film ME AND MY SHADOW, featuring Josh Gad (Love and Other Drugs), Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs) and Kate Hudson (Almost Famous, Something Borrowed).

Animation veteran Alessandro Carloni, who most recently served as head of story on DreamWorks Animation's Academy Award-nominated HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, will make his directorial debut on Me & My Shadow. Melissa Cobb (KUNG FU PANDA 1 and 2) will produce and Jeff Hermann (KUNG FU PANDA 1 and 2) will co-produce. Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember (GET SMART) are writing the screenplay. The original script was written by Steve Bencich and Ron J. Friedman.

When recently asked about traditional hand drawn animation, DreamWorks Animation Chief Creative Officer Bill Damaschke spoke about the hybrid animation in ME AND MY SHADOW:

"Me And My Shadow, which is out in spring of 2014, is a combination of CG and traditional hand drawn animation. There is a reason to tell the story in that fashion. It's about what would happen if your shadow, that has been following you around and basically just follows what you do your whole life, just stood up and took over. The shadows will be animated hand drawn, and the other characters will be CG animated. There is a reason to do it [hand drawn animation] that felt creatively interesting."

Here's the storyline for ME & MY SHADOW:
Me And My Shadow reveals the once secret world of shadows and their human counterparts. Stan, our hero's shadow, yearns for a more exciting life but happens to be stuck with Stanley Grubb, a timid guy with an extreme aversion to adventure. When a crime in the shadow world puts both of their lives in danger, Stan is forced to take control of Stanley. They go on a madcap adventure to investigate the crime and stop the shadow villain from leading a rebellion where shadows take over the human world. During this adventure, Stan empowers Stanley to let go of his fears and embrace life. Through their adventure, they both learn that one cannot be whole without a true friend. 

Look for ME AND MY SHADOW in the Spring of 2013. Here's the official Facebook page.


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One of the best features of the DESPICABLE ME franchise are those minions. They are pretty irresistible aren't they? Very funny stuff indeed. In fact, they are so irresistible that they have secured their own movie!

Yes, according to Deadline, Universal Picture are going to spawn a spin off movie from the original franchise.

Apparently Pierre Coffin (DESPICABLE ME) will direct with Kyle Balda (THE LORAX) acting as co-director and Brian Lynch (PUSS IN BOOTS) writing the screenplay.

Look for the minions in their own big screen movie in 2014.


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And back to Dreamworks Animation - HUGE news. The studio has just acquired a treasure trove of characters and properties from Classic Media. Just how classic? How about Casper The Friendly Ghost, The Lone Ranger (doesn't affect the Disney movie that's about to pop), Voltron, George Of The Jungle, Rocky And Bullwinkle, Lassie and Where's Waldo?, not to mention all the characters in the Golden Books series. The price of the deal was valued at $155m.


Congratulations to everyone involved and continued success with these iconic brands.

Here's the official press release:
DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA) announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Classic Media, owner of one of the most extensive portfolios featuring many of the best-known and most-enduring franchises in all of family entertainment, for $155 million in cash from Boomerang Media Holdings I LLC, a portfolio company of Chicago-based private equity firm GTCR.


Classic Media’s library of intellectual property, which is focused on family characters and brands, features a vast collection of filmed entertainment with over 450 titles and more than 6,100 episodes of animated and live-action programming. Classic Media owns one of the world’s largest comic book archives and media rights to the titles in the Golden Books library, which have sold over two billion copies worldwide. Their properties have been distributed in over 170 territories around the globe.


With well-established titles such as Casper the Friendly Ghost, Where’s Waldo?, Lassie, The Lone Ranger, George of the Jungle and Rocky And Bullwinkle, Classic Media’s properties have been a fixture in mainstream entertainment for decades. The Christmas Classics – Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town – are the longest-running, highest-rated holiday specials in television history. Classic Media counts among its holdings contemporary bestsellers such as VeggieTales and the beloved Olivia property, as well as hits Postman Pat and Noddy in international markets.


“Classic Media brings a large and diverse collection of characters and branded assets that is extremely complementary to DreamWorks Animation’s franchise business, and we plan to leverage it across our motion picture, television, home entertainment, consumer products, digital, theme park and live entertainment channels,” said Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chief Executive Officer of DreamWorks Animation. “Founders and co-CEOs Eric Ellenbogen and John Engelman – seasoned executives with over 20 years of industry experience and a proven track record of success in managing high-quality content – have built an amazing team at Classic Media and are a welcome addition to the DreamWorks Animation family.”


Classic Media has approximately 80 employees and is headquartered in New York City, with offices in the UK and a division, Big Idea Entertainment, in Nashville, TN.


“No company knows the family entertainment business better than DreamWorks Animation and we are excited to join their family in a natural extension of our long-standing relationship that began years ago on Mr. Peabody & Sherman,” said Eric Ellenbogen, co-CEO of Classic Media. “Classic Media brings to the table extensive rights to some of the most beloved family entertainment brands in the world. Our combination with DreamWorks Animation will expand the opportunities for us and for our content and distribution partners around the globe.”


Classic Media’s joint venture with Jay Ward Productions, a legend in animation, manages the rights to the entire Jay Ward animated catalog, which includes Rocky And Bullwinkle and Mr. Peabody And Sherman. DreamWorks Animation’s 3D feature film Mr. Peabody And Sherman is scheduled for release on December 25, 2013.


“For over 75 years, Classic Media’s iconic properties have entertained kids and families around the world with a unique, cross-generational appeal that is also a defining characteristic of DreamWorks Animation’s films,” added Bill Damaschke, Chief Creative Officer at DreamWorks Animation. “We believe their characters and brands will continue to serve as a creative magnet for the industry’s top directors, producers and artists.”


For the 12 months ended February 29, 2012, Classic Media earned net revenue of $82.2 million and operating profit of $19.2 million.The acquisition of Classic Media will be financed through a combination of cash and borrowings under DreamWorks Animation’s revolving credit facility. The purchase price of $155 million includes amounts required to retire indebtedness.


“As part of DreamWorks Animation’s ongoing diversification strategy, this acquisition combines our hit-driven business with Classic Media’s extensive and sustainable library revenue stream,” added Lew Coleman, DreamWorks Animation’s President and Chief Financial Officer. “We expect the transaction to be accretive to our earnings in the first full year following the completion of the acquisition.”


The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the expiration or termination of the required waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. DreamWorks Animation expects that the transaction will be completed during the quarter ended September 30, 2012.


J.P. Morgan Chase And Co. acted as financial advisor and Cravath, Swaine And Moore LLP and O’Melveny And Myers LLP served as legal advisors to DreamWorks Animation in connection with the transaction. Jefferies And Company, Inc. acted as financial advisor and Kirkland And Ellis LLP served as legal advisor to Classic Media in connection with the transaction.

Double Feature: New Trailers For FRANKENWEENIE And DESPICABLE ME 2

For the kid in all of us! Check out these two new trailers for Tim Burton's FRANKENWEENIE and Universal's DESPICABLE ME 2. Ok - the latter is actually a teaser trailer, but heck this is a fun post regardless.

In Burton's revisiting of his own creation, I think we are in for a treat because he has had a LONG time to think about what he wants to do with this thing...

Here's the storyline:
From creative genius Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” The Nightmare Before Christmas”) comes “Frankenweenie,” a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.

Here's FRANKENWEENIE:



Watch it in HD at Yahoo!

FRANKENWEENIE reanimates in theaters October 5.

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So what made DESPICABLE ME a worldwide sensation? THE MINIONS of course. They have their own unique language and humor obviously - but cute they are. And they work.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s worldwide blockbuster, Despicable Me, delighted audiences around the globe in 2010, grossing more than $540 million and becoming the 10th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history. In Summer 2013, get ready for more minion madness in Despicable Me 2. Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed filmmaking team create an all-new comedy animated adventure featuring the return of Gru (Steve Carell), the girls, the unpredictably hilarious minions…and a host of new and outrageously funny characters.

And here's the DESPICABLE ME 2 teaser:



The HD version can be found at Apple. Look for DESPICABLE ME 2 to slap you silly July 3, 2013.

DESPICABLE ME Beats All Projections And Hauls In $60.1 Million!

Universal (and Illumination Entertainment) has a solid hit on their hands. Their family 3D animation DESPICABLE ME (DM) schemed up a remarkable $60.1 million (estimated) from 5,200 screens in 3,476 theaters. In fact, it is the second best launch of a non-Pixar animation ever. Dreamworks Animation's KUNG FU PANDA opened with $60.2 million in 2008 and yes, DM could claim that mantle when the official box office receipts come rolling in tomorrow.

Early estimates had the family movie doing about HALF of what DM actually wound up earning.

3D played a major role in the box office success but strangely not as high as it has been with past animations. 45% of the receipts has come from 1,551 3D locations. A great number to be sure, but not as high as say another original animation, last year's MONSTERS VS. ALIENS. MvsA's 1,550 3D locations brought in a 56% share of receipts.

Simply said, 2D played a slightly larger role with this film, at least for the first weekend. 3D still dominated 2D of course by representing so much of the total receipts through less locations, but it is interesting to watch.

Marketing has a LOT to do with the success of this film. Who has NOT seen those pesky, yellow little critters pasted everywhere of late? I can see the appeal of those minions to both boys and girls - they are pretty darn cute, but they can also wield fart guns. Not hard to see the appeal!

Watch 10 Clips From DESPICABLE ME!

I've got 10 clips for you from the upcoming Universal 3D animation DESPICABLE ME (via Collider). I think these are innocent enough to not give away much from the story so go ahead and enjoy...



This movie is starting to grow on me. DESPICABLE ME enjoys an outstanding voice cast with Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Kristen Wiig, Will Arnett, Danny McBride, and Jemaine Clement. Opens wide on July 9! And If you haven't seen the trailer yet - here you go!!

New DESPICABLE ME Featurette!

Got the new DESPICABLE ME featurette for you, courtesy of Universal and GRU-Tube :-)

In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden deep beneath this home is a vast secret hideout. Surrounded by an army of tireless, little yellow minions, we discover Gru (Steve Carell) planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon (Yes, the moon!) in Universals new 3-D CGI feature, Despicable Me.

Gru delights in all things wicked. Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad.

One of the worlds greatest super-villains has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.

Sounds like fun for the family - although I must admit I have not been very excited about this project. Something is missing and I am not sure what just yet. So far the quality seems to be on par though. We'll see!

DESPICABLE ME opens July 9.