Posted Mon Feb 13, 2012 at 01:00 PM PST by Dick Ward
by Dick Ward
A whole lot has happened this week, and while we have a team of people digging up and reporting all the news that's fit to print - er, publish digitally - you're only one person, and it's easy to miss some of the cool stuff that's been going on. Well, it's High-Def Digest-Digest to the rescue, filling you in on what's worth knowing.
Blu-ray News
Sales Report: Blu-ray the Majority Format for 3 of the Top 5 Movies Last Week
'Drive,' 'In Time,' and 'The Thing' all had Blu-ray outselling DVD, while 'Real Steel' came in at 42% Blu-ray, 58% DVD. 'Treasure Buddies' only had 18% of its sales come from Blu-ray, but a low-budged family film isn't exactly the kind of thing you need in high-def.
'Plan 9 from Outer Space' Dated for Blu-ray
Back before 'Troll 2,' 'The Room,' and 'Manos: Hands of Fate,' came a movie that earned a reputation for being the worst that still holds up today. This brilliantly bad movie will be available on March 6th.
'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray
Few films have as impressive a cast as this one, and even fewer offer commentary by one of the most impressive stars in the film. Gary Oldman joins director Tomas Alfredson for the commentary on the Blu-ray which is set to come out March 20th.
Alicia Silverstone stars in the 1995 comedy alongside Paul Rudd, Brittany Murphy, Jeremy Sisto, and Breckin Meyer. The Blu-ray is set to be released on May 1st.
Redbox Buys Blockbuster Express Kiosks and NCR Entertainment Division
It's been a good week or two for Redbox, starting with the purchase of NCR's entertainment division which includes the Blockbuster Express kiosk business. They've also decided to ignore the demands of an extended deadline by Warner and start renting Warner films the day that come out on DVD and Blu-ray.
Gear and Industry News
Verizon and Redbox Join up for Netflix-Like Disc and Streaming Service
If the purchase of Blockbuster Express wasn't enough, Redbox is also starting its own subscription based streaming service with Verizon.
Vizio Announces $3,499 MSRP for 58" 21:9 CinemaWide TV
The middle of the road CinemaWide TV from Vizio is coming in at an unsurprising $3,499. We're just waiting for the price reveal of the 70" version.
Panasonic Prices and Dates Plasmas and LCDs for Japan
The Japanese pricing doesn't reflect the US price completely accurately, but it's a nice way to get a prediction.
New Sony President and CEO Kaz Hirai Says Sony Could be in "Serious Trouble"
The company's new CEO is going to work hard to turn things around, but he knows it's not going to be an easy road ahead.
Netflix Launches 'Lillyhammer' - its First Original Series
The success or failure of 'Lillyhammer' could help to determine what Netflix plans to do with original content move forward.
Game News
The folks over at Double Fine studios were looking for $400,000 to make a new adventure game. A campaign on KickStarter has raised over four times that amount. Meanwhile, 'Minecraft' creator Markus "Notch" Persson is in talks to help fund 'Pyschonauts 2 .'
Oklahoma State Rep Wants to Tax Violent Videogames
Will Fourkiller is upset about 'Grand Theft Auto' and the 2001 release 'Bully.' His new bill would introduce an additional tax on games rated Teen, Mature or Adult Only.
'MLB 2K12' and 'NBA 2K12' $69.99 Combo Pack Coming to Xbox 360
If you're planning on picking up 'MLB 2K12' you'll be able to spend a mere $10 more and pick up 'NBA 2K12' right along with it. Sadly for PS3 owners, the combo pack is for Xbox 360 only.
Activision Blizzard Says 'Diablo III' Coming This Spring - New 'Call of Duty' Out This Year
'Diablo III' has been delayed from its expected release date yet again and Activision says there's a new 'Call of Duty' on the way for 2012. No big surprises there!
Namco Bandai is Forming a Studio Focused Solely on Game Development
The company behind games like 'Soulcalibur,' 'Tekken' and the 'Tales' series is splitting off a development company so they can better focus on game development.
The latest news on all things 4K Ultra HD, blu-ray and Gear.