Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Overdue Reviews: 'Strange Days']]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/06/overdue-reviews-strange-days/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/06/overdue-reviews-strange-days/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/06/overdue-reviews-strange-days/#comments 'strange days'
Overdue Reviews takes a critical look at tech-centric films that are well-loved, well-loathed or eye-rollingly obscure.

When Kathryn Bigelow's 'Strange Days' was released in 1995, it didn't even break $8 million at the box office; with a production budget of $42 million, it was by all accounts a commercial disaster. Even the critically panned 'Johnny Mnemonic' pulled in $19 million, and cinematic abortion 'The Net' snagged over $50 million. (Both were released in the same year.) Unlike those films, however, 'Strange Days' starred two Oscar nominees and one Oscar winner, and boasted a script co-written by James Cameron. What went wrong?

Many observers have noted that the racial violence depicted in the film directly echoed the 1991 Rodney King ordeal, which saw its 20th anniversary last month. Were filmgoers just not ready to deal with depictions hitting so close to home? And why has the film -- a hodgepodge of cyberpunk, action, and psychological-erotic thriller genres -- since gone on to become a cult favorite for sci-fi fans? Is it because it's a film that mirrors our own addiction to images, from the '90s obsession with virtual reality to our current love affair with YouTube?

Continue reading Overdue Reviews: 'Strange Days'

SwitchedOverdue Reviews: 'Strange Days' originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angela bassettAngelaBassettfeaturesjames cameronJamesCameronjuliette lewisJulietteLewiskathryn bigelowKathrynBigelowmoviesoverdue reviewsOverdueReviewsquantum+moviequantummovieralph fiennesRalphFiennesStrange DaysStrangeDaystopvirtual realityVirtualRealityWed, 06 Apr 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[MPAA Files Lawsuit Against Movie Rental Start-Up]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/06/mpaa-files-lawsuit-against-zediva/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/06/mpaa-files-lawsuit-against-zediva/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/06/mpaa-files-lawsuit-against-zediva/#comments zediva Six movie studios have filed a federal lawsuit against Zediva -- a movie rental start-up that allows users to watch films shortly after they're released on DVD, but before they become available on services like Netflix or Redbox.

According to Zediva's founder and chief executive, Venky Srinivasan, the company operates like any other brick-and-mortar DVD rental service. Users pay to rent individual DVDs, which they can watch on physical players. The only difference is that the DVD players aren't located in users' homes, but in Silicon Valley. Customers can remotely control the players to stream films to their homes, but their array of choices depends upon Zediva's DVD stocks. If the company has 10 DVDs of a certain film, only 10 people can watch it at a time.

Continue reading MPAA Files Lawsuit Against Movie Rental Start-Up

SwitchedMPAA Files Lawsuit Against Movie Rental Start-Up originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dvdlawsuitmovie rentalsMovieRentalsmoviesMPAArentalsstreamingstudiotopWebzedivaWed, 06 Apr 2011 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Dish Network Buys What's Left of Blockbuster]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/06/dish-network-buys-whats-left-of-blockbuster/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/06/dish-network-buys-whats-left-of-blockbuster/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/06/dish-network-buys-whats-left-of-blockbuster/#commentsDish Network has agreed to buy Blockbuster more than six months after the movie rental chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Dish "won" a bankruptcy court auction for the company, with a winning bid of $320 million, although negotiations pushed the final price down to a paltry $228 million. Tom Cullen, Dish Network's executive vice president of sales, marketing and programming, says his goal is to "re-establish Blockbuster's brand as a leader in video entertainment."

SwitchedDish Network Buys What's Left of Blockbuster originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionbankruptcyBlockbusterBlockbusterBoughtDishDishNetworkBuysBlockbustermoneymoviesrentalstopWed, 06 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[James Cameron to Shoot 'Avatar' Sequels at Higher Frame Rates, Aiming for 'Reality']]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/02/james-cameron-to-achieve-reality-on-film-faster-frame-rates/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/02/james-cameron-to-achieve-reality-on-film-faster-frame-rates/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/02/james-cameron-to-achieve-reality-on-film-faster-frame-rates/#comments james cameron During an address at CinemaCon in Las Vegas yesterday, James Cameron introduced what he considers to be the next frontier in filmmaking: faster film projection rates.

It may not sound quite as sexy as some other cinematic techniques that Cameron has pioneered, but, according to the 'Avatar' director, faster frame rates could dramatically enhance image quality across all film genres. Today, movies are shot at 24 frames per second (fps), which has become the industry standard. As Cameron pointed out, however, this standard was established in 1927, with the release of 'The Jazz Singer,' adding that a change is long overdue.

Continue reading James Cameron to Shoot 'Avatar' Sequels at Higher Frame Rates, Aiming for 'Reality'

SwitchedJames Cameron to Shoot 'Avatar' Sequels at Higher Frame Rates, Aiming for 'Reality' originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 02 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avataravatar+movieavatar+newsavatarmovieavatarnewscameracinemacinemacondirectorfilmfpsframe rateFrameRatejames cameronjames+cameron+newsJamesCameronjamescameronnewsmoviestopSat, 02 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More Fox Shows Coming to Netflix, Including 'The Wonder Years']]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/netflix-gets-fox-shows-wonder-years-ally-mcbeal-glee/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/netflix-gets-fox-shows-wonder-years-ally-mcbeal-glee/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/netflix-gets-fox-shows-wonder-years-ally-mcbeal-glee/#comments Wonder Years on Netflix The Netflix library just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Today the company announced that it struck a deal with Fox to bring older shows like 'The Wonder Years' (huzzah!) and 'Ally McBeal' (meh) to the streaming media service, as well as more recent titles like 'Glee' and the FX series 'Sons of Anarchy.' Fox will also be bringing "library" movies to Netflix after their pay-TV licenses expire.

SwitchedMore Fox Shows Coming to Netflix, Including 'The Wonder Years' originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>foxmoviesnetflixtoptvFri, 01 Apr 2011 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Bros. Expands Its Facebook Movie Rentals With 'Harry Potter']]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/warner-bros-expands-its-facebook-movie-rentals-with-harry-pott/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/warner-bros-expands-its-facebook-movie-rentals-with-harry-pott/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/warner-bros-expands-its-facebook-movie-rentals-with-harry-pott/#commentsWarner Bros. has announced that five new movies are now available to rent on Facebook, as part of a service that the studio launched earlier this month. In addition to 'The Dark Knight,' users will now be able to rent 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,' 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,' 'Inception,' 'Life as We Know It' and 'Yogi Bear.' Each film can be rented for 48 hours using Facebook credits. Check out PC World for a guide on how to get started.

SwitchedWarner Bros. Expands Its Facebook Movie Rentals With 'Harry Potter' originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookFacebookCreditsfilmHarryPotterinceptionmoviesrentalsSocialNetworkingtopwarner+brothersWebyogi bearYogiBearMon, 28 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video Turntables Make Picking a Flick More Social]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/27/video-turntables-make-picking-a-flick-more-social/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/27/video-turntables-make-picking-a-flick-more-social/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/27/video-turntables-make-picking-a-flick-more-social/#comments Video Turntables The Video Turntable is a unique installation that debuted at the Encounters Film Festival in the U.K. this week. The display uses QR codes to lead participants to a website on their smartphones, where they pick the trailer of one of the films being shown at the festival. Once selected, the trailer is projected onto a round bar table that viewers can gather around and watch together, allowing festival-goers to pick a movie together or share a film they just saw. The table can even detect when people approach, rotating the projection to keep the image right side up.

The tables use a technology called Krstl from Matter2Media, which ensures the content is exclusive to that location. (So only festival attendees will be able to enjoy the trailers.) You can check out a video of the tables in action at the Matter2Media website.

SwitchedVideo Turntables Make Picking a Flick More Social originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designEncountersFilmFestivalmatter2mediamoviestopVideoTurntableSun, 27 Mar 2011 12:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Starz Follows Suit, Withholds From Netflix]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/starz-pulls-out-from-netflix/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/starz-pulls-out-from-netflix/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/starz-pulls-out-from-netflix/#comments 'camelot' Oh Starz, you saucy minx. Just days after Showtime announced some pretty dispiriting caps on Netflix content, Starz has announced similar intentions. Starting April 1st, a 90-day delay will be applied to all original shows and movies that are currently airing. Starz says that older shows and movies won't be touched, but still this is terrible news for you folk just dying to see what this 'Camelot' is all about. You know who you are...

SwitchedStarz Follows Suit, Withholds From Netflix originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotmoviesnetflixNetflixWatchInstantlyshowtimestarzstreamingtopFri, 25 Mar 2011 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[IMDB App Update to Bring 'Watchlist,' Ticket Purchasing to iPhone, iPad]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/imdb-iphone-ipad-app-update/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/imdb-iphone-ipad-app-update/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/imdb-iphone-ipad-app-update/#comments Major IMDB Update IMDB will release a major update to its app for iPhone and iPad today, designed to allow users to follow a movie's development from start to finish.

With the update, users will be able to receive news on films and TV shows from the moment they're greenlit and up until the second they're produced via updates from IMDB. Selected projects can be added to a user's 'Watchlist,' which will display information like theater release dates or TV broadcast times. The update also includes a feature that allows users to purchase movie tickets directly from the app.

Continue reading IMDB App Update to Bring 'Watchlist,' Ticket Purchasing to iPhone, iPad

SwitchedIMDB App Update to Bring 'Watchlist,' Ticket Purchasing to iPhone, iPad originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsimdbipadiphonemoviessmartphonetoptvupdateWebWed, 23 Mar 2011 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Showtime Puts Up Dukes, Plans to Pull New Shows From Netflix]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/showtime-to-pull-new-netflix-shows-dexter-californication/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/showtime-to-pull-new-netflix-shows-dexter-californication/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/showtime-to-pull-new-netflix-shows-dexter-californication/#commentsSo long, 'Dexter.' We hardly knew thee. Just days after Netflix announced its first foray into the content business (a political drama starring Kevin Spacey), Showtime said it would not be renewing streaming rights come summer for its shows that are currently on-air, such as 'Dexter' and 'Californication.' It's a little tit-for-tat; Showtime will be offering these shows on its own online service. Canceled shows, however, will remain available on Netflix's Watch Instantly. So, yes, in short, you will still be able to get your 'Tudors' fix. Feel free to exhale now.

SwitchedShowtime Puts Up Dukes, Plans to Pull New Shows From Netflix originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californicationdexterInternetmoviesnetflixNetflixWatchInstantlyshowtimestreamingtopTudorsWed, 23 Mar 2011 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA['Blinky' Offers Glimpse of Future Robot 'Helpers']]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/blinky-offers-glimpse-of-future-robot-helpers/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/blinky-offers-glimpse-of-future-robot-helpers/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/blinky-offers-glimpse-of-future-robot-helpers/#comments
If we had to guess how the robot revolution would begin, it would look something like this. 'Blinky[TM]' is the work of Ruairi Robinson, an Academy Award-nominated short film director. His latest work stars Max Records (from 'Where the Wild Things Are'), alongside an adorable helper robot named Blinky, who turns out to be quite good at following directions. Just hit play now.

Switched'Blinky' Offers Glimpse of Future Robot 'Helpers' originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blinkymax recordsMaxRecordsmoviesrobotsRuairi RobinsonRuairiRobinsontopMon, 21 Mar 2011 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Film Buff Uses Google Maps to Display Set Locations of 2,000 Movies]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/edmund-helmer-maps-classic-films-on-google-maps/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/edmund-helmer-maps-classic-films-on-google-maps/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/edmund-helmer-maps-classic-films-on-google-maps/#comments Edmund Helmer used to spend a lot his time on IMDB, where he would look up the exact filming locations of his favorite movies. One day, though, he decided to cut out the middle man, and created his own custom Google Map, showing more geographical movie information than anyone could ever desire.

Using Google's Fusion Tables data management tool, Helmer created a map showing the precise set locations of the top 2,000 films listed on IMDB, as ranked by the site's users. It might sound like excruciating work, but Helmer's description makes it seem remarkably straightforward. All he had to do was import the geographic data from IMDB, and let Google automatically generate the map. All told, Helmer's map encompasses a total of 9,736 locations, covering 2,001 movies produced within the last 100 years. (For personal reasons, he included 'The Fall' in addition to the top 2,000.)

Continue reading Film Buff Uses Google Maps to Display Set Locations of 2,000 Movies

SwitchedFilm Buff Uses Google Maps to Display Set Locations of 2,000 Movies originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>datafilmgooglegoogle+fusiongoogle+mapsgooglefusionGoogleMapsimdbmapsmoviesSetLocationtopWebMon, 21 Mar 2011 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Viral Ads Grow Ever More Subtle -- But Are They Effective?]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/17/times-square-iphone-ad-hoax-viral-ads-subtle/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/17/times-square-iphone-ad-hoax-viral-ads-subtle/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/17/times-square-iphone-ad-hoax-viral-ads-subtle/#comments Remember the video of the mysterious hacker taking over the video monitors in Times Square? The one we were all sure was fake, probably? Well, the cynical among you can strike a smug pose because not only is the video fake, it's a viral ad for the upcoming Bradley Cooper vehicle 'Limitless.' Miss it? Scroll to 1:26, when the hacker tackles the big screen. Oh, whaddya know, that screen is playing a trailer for 'Limitless.'

The video was made by viral marketing company Thinkmondo, and has received well over a million views on YouTube. (No surprise there, since its topic is pitch-perfect for spawning online conversation.) But what of it? The ad component was so subtle that, had the media not latched onto the story of its viral-ness, it seems unlikely that 'Limitless' would ever come up. And while the directors surely counted on the media doing so, the next video or five mirroring this strategy would certainly fail. The story's already been done.

Continue reading Viral Ads Grow Ever More Subtle -- But Are They Effective?

SwitchedViral Ads Grow Ever More Subtle -- But Are They Effective? originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisementadvertisingbitcrash44Limitlessmediamoviesnewsmainsmart waterthinkmondotimes squareTimesSquarevideoviral videoViralVideoThu, 17 Mar 2011 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Sci-Fi Movie Interfaces: Why Transparent Screens Are Miserable to Use]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/16/sci-fi-movie-interfaces-why-transparent-screens-are-miserable-t/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/16/sci-fi-movie-interfaces-why-transparent-screens-are-miserable-t/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/16/sci-fi-movie-interfaces-why-transparent-screens-are-miserable-t/#comments
Yesterday, we sat in on the excellent 'Made it So (Interface Makers in Movies)' panel at SXSW with Chris Noessel, Mike Fink, Mark Coleran and David Lewandowski, some of the designers behind the on-screen interfaces in movies ranging from '80s classics 'Blade Runner' and 'WarGames' to modern day blockbusters 'Avatar' and 'Tron: Legacy.' The panel followed a simple question and answer format, touching on favorite movie interfaces, the elements that shape on-screen graphics and the connections between real-world gadgets and UIs and sci-fi movies.

Continue reading Sci-Fi Movie Interfaces: Why Transparent Screens Are Miserable to Use

SwitchedSci-Fi Movie Interfaces: Why Transparent Screens Are Miserable to Use originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade runnerBladeRunnerchris noesselChrisNoesseldavid lewandowskiDavidLewandowskidesignfeaturesfilminterface designInterfaceDesignmade it soMadeItSomark coleranMarkColeranmichael finkMichaelFinkminority reportMinorityReportmoviessci fiscience fictionScienceFictionSciFisxswsxsw 2011sxsw-2011Sxsw2011toptransparent+screenstransparentscreensuiWed, 16 Mar 2011 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA['Blade Runner's Mike Fink: Sound Sells a Fictional Computer]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/16/blade-runners-mike-fink-sound-sells-a-fictional-computer/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/16/blade-runners-mike-fink-sound-sells-a-fictional-computer/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/16/blade-runners-mike-fink-sound-sells-a-fictional-computer/#comments michael fink
Sound goes a long way to selling futuristic interfaces. Especially with the new graphical interfaces -- they are non-tactile. No more clicking switches, turning things over that go 'clunk', little motors aren't turning gears to make needles move, nothing makes noise anymore. So you really have to add a sound component to give a tactile sensation to the audience.
One of the first names in futuristic interfaces, Michael Fink has worked designer the computer systems seen in movies like 'Wargames,' 'Blade Runner' and 'Batman Returns.' Fink believes that, like the famous *clickclick* of the 'Bladerunner' search system, sound in interface design is more important than ever.

Switched'Blade Runner's Mike Fink: Sound Sells a Fictional Computer originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade runnerBladeRunnerfictional user interfaceFictionalUserInterfacemichael finkMichaelFinkmoviessxswsxsw-2011Sxsw2011tactiletoptropic thunderTropicThunderuser interfaceUserInterfaceWed, 16 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Angry Birds Rio' to Launch on Amazon Appstore, for Android]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/14/angry-birds-rio-to-launch-on-amazon-appstore-for-android/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/14/angry-birds-rio-to-launch-on-amazon-appstore-for-android/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/14/angry-birds-rio-to-launch-on-amazon-appstore-for-android/#comments angry birds rio Rovio, the game company that introduced us all to the joys of ornithological warfare, has announced that the upcoming 'Angry Birds Rio' will launch exclusively on the Amazon Appstore. The game, available for Android users, is designed as a companion to the animated movie 'Rio,' slated to hit theaters on April 15. Android gamers will also be able to download ad-free versions of the original 'Angry Birds' and 'Angry Birds Seasons' -- both available via Amazon.

Switched'Angry Birds Rio' to Launch on Amazon Appstore, for Android originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon appstoreAmazonAppstoreangry birdsangry birds rioAngryBirdsAngryBirdsRioappsgamingrioRoviotopMon, 14 Mar 2011 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA['Doom' Gets a Second Shot at Movie Magic, in 3-D]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/10/doom-3-d-film-coming-from-universal/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/10/doom-3-d-film-coming-from-universal/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/10/doom-3-d-film-coming-from-universal/#comments Doom Once upon a time, there was a well respected series of games called 'Doom.' The pioneering first-person shooters were so popular that they spawned a 2005 film staring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. It was unwatchable. Now Hollywood plans to reboot the franchise. No director or screen writers have been hired, but we do know one thing -- it will be in 3-D. Clearly Universal knows what really makes compelling cinema.

Switched'Doom' Gets a Second Shot at Movie Magic, in 3-D originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doomgamingmoviestopThu, 10 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Overdue Reviews: 'Minority Report']]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/10/minority-report-overdue-reviews/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/10/minority-report-overdue-reviews/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/10/minority-report-overdue-reviews/#comments Overdue Reviews takes a critical look at tech-centric films that are well-loved, well-loathed or eye-rollingly obscure.

For better or worse, they love Dick in Hollywood: 'Blade Runner,' 'Total Recall,' 'Impostor,' 'A Scanner Darkly,' 'Paycheck' and 'Next' all have roots in the notorious paranoiac Philip K. Dick's fiction. Last week, in fact, saw the release of the latest adaptation, 'The Adjustment Bureau,' based on his short story 'The Adjustment Team.' But while 'Blade Runner' might be the supreme PDK translation (nerd alert!), Steven Spielberg's 2002 film adaptation of 'The Minority Report,' a short story originally published in 1956, has more thoroughly stuck in our collective consciousness. It's a film that depicts a world just on the horizon from our own.

To the source material!

Continue reading Overdue Reviews: 'Minority Report'

SwitchedOverdue Reviews: 'Minority Report' originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresminority reportMinorityReportmoviesoverdue reviewsoverduereviewsPhilip K. DickPhilipK.Dicksteven spielbergStevenSpielbergtopThu, 10 Mar 2011 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Fandor Wants to Be Netflix for the Indie Film Crowd]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/09/fandor-wants-to-be-netflix-for-the-indie-film-crowd/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/09/fandor-wants-to-be-netflix-for-the-indie-film-crowd/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/09/fandor-wants-to-be-netflix-for-the-indie-film-crowd/#comments 'Winnebago Man' on Fandor Netflix has a reasonable selection of independent films, but it only represents just a tiny fraction of the indie movies that get made every year. Many more may draw critical acclaim or wow audiences at festivals, but there are only so many distribution deals to be signed. A site called Fandor is interested in those movies that don't get picked up by studios or shown in theaters around the country, yet still draw praise on the festival circuit. The site's creators are offering streaming indie flicks for $10 a month and are relying on deep integration with Facebook to help spread the word about these movies that might otherwise fly under the radar.

Continue reading Fandor Wants to Be Netflix for the Indie Film Crowd

SwitchedFandor Wants to Be Netflix for the Indie Film Crowd originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fandorindependentmoviesnetflixstreamingstreaming videoStreamingVideotopwebWed, 09 Mar 2011 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Bros. Launches Facebook Movie Rental Program]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/08/the-dark-knight-facebook-movie-rental/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/08/the-dark-knight-facebook-movie-rental/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/08/the-dark-knight-facebook-movie-rental/#commentsFans of 'The Dark Knight' can now rent the film on Facebook through a new program that Warner Bros. began testing today. Users who "like" the film's page can rent it for 30 Facebook credits ($3), giving them a 48-hour window to stream it. During that rental period, fans can leave comments on the movie, or pause and resume it as many times as they like, simply by logging into Facebook. Warner expects to expand the program to other movies and incorporate digital purchases in the "near future."

SwitchedWarner Bros. Launches Facebook Movie Rental Program originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmandark knightDarkKnightfacebookfilmlikemediamoviesrentalsSocialNetworkingstreamingthe dark knightTheDarkKnighttopwarner+brothersWebTue, 08 Mar 2011 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Roger Ebert Calls the Web a 'Life-Saver' at TED Talks]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/07/roger-ebert-calls-the-web-a-life-saver-at-ted-talks/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/07/roger-ebert-calls-the-web-a-life-saver-at-ted-talks/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/07/roger-ebert-calls-the-web-a-life-saver-at-ted-talks/#comments Ebert at TED It's no secret that Team Switched is a big fan of Roger Ebert: his witty Tweets, on-point reviews and fascinating blog posts are both entertaining and thoughtful (even if he once bemoaned the idea of art in video games). And, as a Chicagoan, your author was often lulled to sleep by late-night airings of 'At the Movies,' during which Ebert's know-it-all voice often overpowered the measured calm of Gene Siskel. Last year, however, the critic received attention not for his opinions, but for his newfound silence, when Esquire wrote a heart-wrenching article about his bout with thyroid cancer, after which Ebert lost both his jaw and ability to speak.

Eventually, Ebert took to Twitter and blogs, constantly retweeting and posting his thoughts, ideas and reviews as normal. He continues his post as the resident critic at the Sun-Times (though he did lose his show on PBS), and he is one of the most read tweeters on the micro-blogging site, boasting a strong following of almost 373,000.

Continue reading Roger Ebert Calls the Web a 'Life-Saver' at TED Talks

SwitchedRoger Ebert Calls the Web a 'Life-Saver' at TED Talks originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloggingcelebritiesmovie criticsMovieCriticsmoviesRoger EbertRogerEbertSocialNetworkingtedted talksTedTalkstoptwitterWebMon, 07 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[3-D Jar Jar Binks Will Defile Theaters on February 10, 2012]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/03/3-d-star-wars-episode-1-the-phantom-menace-lands-february-10-2012/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/03/3-d-star-wars-episode-1-the-phantom-menace-lands-february-10-2012/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/03/3-d-star-wars-episode-1-the-phantom-menace-lands-february-10-2012/#comments Star Wars in 3-D February 10, 2012. Mark that day on your calendars, and make sure to be nowhere near a movie theater. On that fateful Friday, 'Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace' will once again violate theaters (and your childhood memories), only this time it will be doing it in 3-D. The rest of the franchise will get the 3-D treatment in annual installments.

Switched3-D Jar Jar Binks Will Defile Theaters on February 10, 2012 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-dgeekmoviesstar warsStarWarsStarWarsEpisodeIThePhantomMenacethe phantom menaceThePhantomMenacetopThu, 03 Mar 2011 17:06:00 EST<![CDATA[DreamWorks Snatches WikiLeaks Book for Julian Assange 'Thriller' Film]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/03/wikileaks-julian-assange-thriller-film-by-dreamworks/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/03/wikileaks-julian-assange-thriller-film-by-dreamworks/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/03/wikileaks-julian-assange-thriller-film-by-dreamworks/#commentsThe era has come wherein movie makers are no longer content exploring shared cultural events, or mining moments in history for inspiration. Instead, they have started turning to stories that, in many ways, haven't even been finished. The award-winning film 'The Social Network' is about a website that we continue to use daily, and one that still occupies our headlines. And now DreamWorks, the studio co-founded by Steven Spielberg, has snatched up the rights to the books 'WikiLeaks: Inside Julian Assange's War On Secrecy' and 'Inside WikiLeaks.'

According to the Guardian, the movie will plot the story of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, from his days in Australia to the site's inception in 2006. Editor-in-chief of the Guardian Alan Rusbridger, who was pivotal in releasing the leaked documents, has suggested that the film will be "Woodward and Bernstein meets Stieg Larsson meets Jason Bourne."

Continue reading DreamWorks Snatches WikiLeaks Book for Julian Assange 'Thriller' Film

SwitchedDreamWorks Snatches WikiLeaks Book for Julian Assange 'Thriller' Film originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamworksguardianJulianAssangemoviestopwebWikileaksWikileaksMovieThu, 03 Mar 2011 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Napoleon Dynamite Star Turns to Kickstarter to Finance Film]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/28/jon-heder-turns-to-kickstarter-to-finance-film/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/28/jon-heder-turns-to-kickstarter-to-finance-film/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/28/jon-heder-turns-to-kickstarter-to-finance-film/#comments jon heder Jon Heder, of 'Napoleon Dynamite' fame, is working on a new project with writer and director Nick Peterson. The short film, tentatively titled 'Drained,' will combine live actors and stop-motion animation, and sounds like it's about how men are dirty, rotten bastards. (That, or it's about sewage.) What's interesting here, though, is that Heder and Peterson have turned to the Internet to help fund the film. The duo took their pitch to Kickstarter -- a place for people to post the ideas and projects they just don't have the money to complete, and beg for donations. Anyone can contribute as little as $1 to 'Drained,' but donating more earns you certain perks. For example, at $10 you get your name in the credits, and $250 gets you an associate producer credit. Cough up $5,000 and you get a full producer credit and a private screening of the film in L.A. with Heder and Peterson.

That Heder could probably afford to finance the $27,000 project out of pocket is beside the point. The stunt is a big vote of confidence in crowdsourcing and in the Kickstarter community in general. Take a gander at the video pitch after the break.

Continue reading Napoleon Dynamite Star Turns to Kickstarter to Finance Film

SwitchedNapoleon Dynamite Star Turns to Kickstarter to Finance Film originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 17:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebritiescrowdsourcingdrainedjon hederJonHederkickstartermoviestopwebMon, 28 Feb 2011 17:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Feel-Good Beats Out Facebook at the Oscars, but 'The Social Network' Takes Three]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/28/social-network-wins-three-oscars/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/28/social-network-wins-three-oscars/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/28/social-network-wins-three-oscars/#commentsIn case you missed it, 'The King's Speech' took home top honors at the Academy Awards last night, beating out 'The Social Network,' 'Black Swan' and good taste to win the award for Best Picture. Colin Firth's ability to stutter and be British earned him the Best Actor award he should've won for 'A Single Man,' while 'King's Speech' director Tom Hooper (inexplicably) won the award for Best Director, leaving David Fincher empty-handed.

But the night wasn't a complete disappointment for Fincher and the Facebook gang. The 'Social Network' accumulated three awards by the end of the evening, all of which were well deserved. Trent Reznor won Best Original Score, Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter earned Best Film Editing honors, and 'West Wing' creator Aaron Sorkin took home the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Continue reading Feel-Good Beats Out Facebook at the Oscars, but 'The Social Network' Takes Three

SwitchedFeel-Good Beats Out Facebook at the Oscars, but 'The Social Network' Takes Three originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AaronSorkinAcademyAwardscelebritiesDavidFincherfacebookJesseEisenbergMarkZuckerbergmoviesoscarsSocialNetworkingTheSocialNetworktopMon, 28 Feb 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA['The Bodyguard' Getting an Internet-Stalking Update]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/25/the-bodyguard-getting-an-internet-stalking-update/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/25/the-bodyguard-getting-an-internet-stalking-update/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/25/the-bodyguard-getting-an-internet-stalking-update/#comments'The Bodyguard,' a piece of '90s schlock best known for turning the excellent Dolly Parton song 'I Will Always Love You' into a histrionics lesson from Whitney Houston, is slated for a 21st century update. The new version will weave social networking and Internet stalking into the thin, haphazard plot. If there is any justice in the world, this film -- along with 'The Chronicles of Rick Roll' -- will never make it to theaters.

Switched'The Bodyguard' Getting an Internet-Stalking Update originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>moviesSocialNetworkingstalkingTheBodyguardtopFri, 25 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hide Ya' Kids, Hide Ya' Eyes: 'The Chronicles Of Rick Roll' Is Real]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/24/chronicles-of-rick-roll-is-real/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/24/chronicles-of-rick-roll-is-real/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/24/chronicles-of-rick-roll-is-real/#comments
You might have seen the teaser for 'The Chronicles of Rick Roll' already, and thought to yourself, "This is a really bad joke." But you'd be wrong!

The creator of the clip, Andrew Fischer of Nurv.com, told Business Insider he is very serious about making a feature-length film. He assured the publication that "the movie is not a prank," and said he's hoping for a theatrical release. Even if Fischer succeeds in getting 'The Chronicles of Rick Roll' on the big screen, we're not sold on the idea of an "epic comedy" staring viral video celebs like Antoine Dodson, Paul Vasquez, the "Numa Numa" guy, and Leroy Jenkins. Okay, maybe that's an understatement. We're terrified of this film. An hour and a half of Dodsen telling everyone to hide their kids and Vasquez getting over-excited about rainbows? Stab our eyes.

SwitchedHide Ya' Kids, Hide Ya' Eyes: 'The Chronicles Of Rick Roll' Is Real originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AntoineDodsonLeroyJenkinslolzmemesmoviesNumaNumaPaulVasquezTheChroniclesOfRickRolltopThu, 24 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Oh, Look: Apple a Big Winner in Hit Movie Product Placements]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/23/apple-product-placement-in-movies/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/23/apple-product-placement-in-movies/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/23/apple-product-placement-in-movies/#comments apple product placement And the Academy Award goes to... Apple. Hollywood, that beacon of liberal elitism, seems to also embrace tech snobbery, so it's no surprise that Apple showed up in 30-percent of the 33 movies that hit number one at the box office in 2010. Impressive, unless you consider that this number has fallen from 2008, when Apple was in 50-percent of number one hits. (Perhaps its cachet was greater pre-iPad?) According to Interbrand's Brandchannel, though, the average number of identifiable products in hit films has been on a downward slope since 2005, with only 17.9 products per film in 2010. But it still pays to set yourself up to be "Little, Yellow, Different."

SwitchedOh, Look: Apple a Big Winner in Hit Movie Product Placements originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingapplemarketingmoviesProductPlacementtopWaynesWorldWed, 23 Feb 2011 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Transformers 3-D Face Mask Is a Venerable Addition to Any Cineaste's Collection]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/23/optimus-prime-3-d-glasses-wont-make-transformers-3-bearable/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/23/optimus-prime-3-d-glasses-wont-make-transformers-3-bearable/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/23/optimus-prime-3-d-glasses-wont-make-transformers-3-bearable/#comments3-d glasses In honor of the upcoming movie 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon,' Hasbro will release something called the Transformers CineMask 3D -- a plastic mask that includes RealD 3-D lenses. That's right. You can watch 'Transformers' in 3-D while dressed up as a 3-D Transformer. The film won't hit theaters until July 1st, but these $10 glasses will be available as of May 16th -- meaning that, until July, you can also attend every other 3-D movie in full Optimus Prime regalia.

SwitchedTransformers 3-D Face Mask Is a Venerable Addition to Any Cineaste's Collection originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-D3-dGlassescinemaskcostumesglasseshasbromoviestoptransformer+3transformer3transformerstransformers+3transformers+dark+of+the+moontransformers3transformersdarkofthemoonWed, 23 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Prime Now Offers Unlimited Streaming Video]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/22/amazon-prime-now-offers-unlimited-streaming-video/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/22/amazon-prime-now-offers-unlimited-streaming-video/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/22/amazon-prime-now-offers-unlimited-streaming-video/#comments Amazon has now opened its long-rumored, unlimited video-streaming service to paying Prime members. Anyone coughing up the $79 annual fee for Amazon Prime can now stream 5,000 movies and TV shows, either via the Amazon website or a Roku. The new service is a direct challenge to Netflix, the current king of subscription-based streaming video.

SwitchedAmazon Prime Now Offers Unlimited Streaming Video originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonAmazonPrimemoviesrokustreamingStreamingVideotopTue, 22 Feb 2011 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA['Terrible Movie Night' Recaptures That MST3K Magic via Twitter]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/16/terrible-movie-night-recaptures-that-mst3k-magic-via-twitter/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/16/terrible-movie-night-recaptures-that-mst3k-magic-via-twitter/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/16/terrible-movie-night-recaptures-that-mst3k-magic-via-twitter/#commentsTerrible Movie Night The geekier among you probably have fond memories of 'Mystery Science Theater 3000.' But attempts to recapture that magic through projects like RiffTrax (featuring MST3K's Mike Nelson) and Cinematic Titanic (created by original MST3K cast members, including Joel Hodgson) have fallen short. Philip Bump is hoping that his efforts to update the formula with social media can put the spark back into making fun of bad films. Rather than simply asking people to gather around the TV with a bunch of friends, or listen to professional comedy writers hurl jokes at a flick, Terrible Movie Night gets people from around the globe to sit down simultaneously, watch a particularly awful film, and crack wise via Twitter and Facebook.

A bad movie is chosen and scheduled to be watched at a particular time. (For instance, the fantastic 'Gojira' is on the chopping block for tonight at 8:00 p.m. EST.) Participants then head to Netflix (or iTunes or Amazon, whichever you prefer), and watch together. As the film unfolds, watchers are encouraged to comment either via Facebook or Twitter, reveling in the filmic awfulness. Comments and jokes are slapped with a time stamp and saved for posterity. You can even go back and play comments from the community in real time, in case you missed a particular film. The whole thing sounds pretty fun, but it seems like getting everyone synchronized might be a bit difficult. Remember, when it comes to comedy, timing is everything.

Switched'Terrible Movie Night' Recaptures That MST3K Magic via Twitter originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookmoviesmst3kmystery science theater 3000MysteryScienceTheater3000social networkingSocialNetworkingterrible movie nightTerribleMovieNighttoptwitterwebWed, 16 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit Group Raises $50,000 For RoboCop Statue, Mayor Be Damned]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/16/detroit-robocop-statue-group-raises-50000/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/16/detroit-robocop-statue-group-raises-50000/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/16/detroit-robocop-statue-group-raises-50000/#commentsBarely a week after Detroit's mayor tweeted that a RoboCop statue wouldn't be erected in the city, the Detroit Free-Press is reporting that a group of artists and fans who supported the idea have raised more than $50,000 toward its construction. The group will continue to solicit donations on its Kickstarter page until March 29th. After that, it will determine how much to spend and hire sculptors to build the RoboCop statue. Despite Mayor Dave Bing initially rejecting the idea, the Free-Press claims the Mayor's office is now working with the group to find a public spot for the statue. If not, the statue will likely end up at an outdoor art space called the Imagination Station.

SwitchedDetroit Group Raises $50,000 For RoboCop Statue, Mayor Be Damned originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DaveBingDetroitdetroit+robocop+statuedetroitrobocopstatuekickstarterlolzMayorDaveBingmoviesrobocoprobocop statueRobocopStatuetopWed, 16 Feb 2011 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Criterion Collection Hits Hulu Plus, Film Geeks Rejoice]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/15/criterion-collection-on-hulu/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/15/criterion-collection-on-hulu/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/15/criterion-collection-on-hulu/#comments The Criterion Collection, known for its exhaustively detailed and tastefully packaged classic and art house releases, was launched this morning on Hulu Plus with 150 classic films, ranging from Kurosawa and Antonioni to Godard and Truffaut. Even heavy hitters like Chaplin and Bergman probably won't inspire many non-subscribers to throw down the monthly $7.99 fee, but you'll be able to get a taste of the Collection on Hulu.com with free, ad-supported monthly picks. Even without Criterion's exhaustive Blu-ray and DVD special features, film geeks or anyone interested in the history of cinema should be thrilled to have online access to a huge range of film classics, many of which are nearly impossible to find at your local video store. Go ahead and get started with 'The Wages of Fear,' 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' and 'Eyes Without a Face.'

SwitchedCriterion Collection Hits Hulu Plus, Film Geeks Rejoice originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterioncriterion collectionCriterionCollectionfilmhuluhulu+criterion+collectionhulu+plus+criterionhulucriterioncollectionhulupluscriterionmoviesstreamingtopTue, 15 Feb 2011 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Avoid 3-D Headaches With DIY 2-D Glasses]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/13/avoid-3-d-headaches-with-diy-2-d-glasses/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/13/avoid-3-d-headaches-with-diy-2-d-glasses/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/13/avoid-3-d-headaches-with-diy-2-d-glasses/#comments

3-D movies are all the rage, but if your eyes are not fans (like mine), here's a way to avoid the headache-inducing eye-strain without being a killjoy. Turns out you can simply hack two pairs of cheap 3-D glasses to create two pairs of 2-D glasses. Simply swap one lens out of each, so one has two right lenses and one has two left lenses.

SwitchedAvoid 3-D Headaches With DIY 2-D Glasses originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2-D2d glasses2dGlasses3-D3d glasses3dGlassesDIYmoviestopSun, 13 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Overdue Reviews: 'Johnny Mnemonic']]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/11/overdue-reviews-johnny-mnemonic/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/11/overdue-reviews-johnny-mnemonic/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/11/overdue-reviews-johnny-mnemonic/#comments Overdue Reviews takes a critical look at tech-centric films that are well-loved, well-loathed or eye-rollingly obscure.

'Johnny Mnemonic' is frequently considered one of the worst sci-fi films of the modern era. It is not! In fact, it stands up exceptionally well after 16 years -- especially if you're drunk. (Seriously, alcohol really helps.)

To refresh your overloaded memory (storyline joke!): Keanu Reeves plays a futuristic courier who's dumped his childhood memories in order to jam a hard drive into his skull. One night, he downloads too much "product," which turns out to be the cure to a worldwide epidemic called Nerve Attenuation Syndrome (NAS). Johnny then gets embroiled with a series of bizarro villains -- like Dolph Lundgren as a cyborg Jesus -- before saving the world with the help of Ice-T and a dolphin.

Roger Ebert said this movie "doesn't deserve one nanosecond of serious analysis but has a kind of idiotic grandeur that makes you almost forgive it." I'm willing to forgive 'Johnny Mnemonic,' not because it oozes camp, but because the movie really meant to be better. The problem is, we've all been watching this movie the wrong way.

Continue reading Overdue Reviews: 'Johnny Mnemonic'

SwitchedOverdue Reviews: 'Johnny Mnemonic' originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dolph+lundgrendolphlundgrenfeaturesjohnny mnemonicJohnnyMnemonickeanu+reeveskeanureevesmoviesoverdue reviewsoverduereviewsrobert longoRobertLongotopwilliam gibsonWilliamGibsonFri, 11 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Academy Award 'Mominees' Invited to Live-Tweet Oscar Insight]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/09/academy-award-mominees-invited-to-live-tweet-oscar-insight/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/09/academy-award-mominees-invited-to-live-tweet-oscar-insight/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/09/academy-award-mominees-invited-to-live-tweet-oscar-insight/#commentsThe producers of this year's Academy Awards have initiated a "You're Invited" campaign, in hopes of sparking increased fan interest and interaction. As part of that campaign, the producers have asked the mothers of Oscar nominees (or "mominees") to share memories and insight live on Twitter. The producers have also implemented other methods to foster a feel-good, fan-friendly Oscar atmosphere, so the awards should definitely be heavy on sappy nostalgia and celebrity backslapping. Yech. Is is too late to replace co-hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco with Ricky Gervais?

SwitchedAcademy Award 'Mominees' Invited to Live-Tweet Oscar Insight originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Academy AwardsAcademyAwardscelebritiesmomineesmoviesoscarstoptweettweetingtwitterWed, 09 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Feature Film Downloads Skyrocket, Surpass TV Streams]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/08/feature-film-downloads-skyrocket-surpass-tv-streams/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/08/feature-film-downloads-skyrocket-surpass-tv-streams/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/08/feature-film-downloads-skyrocket-surpass-tv-streams/#commentsDownloadable Movies In 2010, sales and rentals of feature-length films online climbed a stunning 38-percent, with U.S. consumers spending a grand total of $385 million on downloadable and streaming movies. By contrast, only $366 million was spent to purchase or rent television shows online, marking the first time that movie downloads have surpassed that of TV. As the market has grown, Apple's dominance has started to slip. Whereas in 2009 iTunes movie downloads accounted for 74.4-percent of all sales, in 2010 it had dropped to 64.5-percent, largely thanks to increased competition from Microsoft and Sony who both saw sales of films through their respective game consoles increase. Another major player in the field, Amazon, came in behind Vudu in online sales and rentals, which may explain why the company is expected to shift to a subscription-based service similar to Netflix.

SwitchedFeature Film Downloads Skyrocket, Surpass TV Streams originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleMicrosoftmoviesnetflixsonystreaming mediaStreamingMediatopwebTue, 08 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[John Woo Reprising Classic Film 'The Killer' With 3-D Tech]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/08/john-woo-the-killer-goes-3-d/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/08/john-woo-the-killer-goes-3-d/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/08/john-woo-the-killer-goes-3-d/#comments'the killer' 3-D technology affords directors and screen writers with an excellent excuse for rejuvenating (or regurgitating) older, somewhat outdated films. John Woo, the renowned director of stylized action films like 'Face/Off' and 'Mission: Impossible II,' reportedly now intends to add another dimension to his 1989 thriller 'The Killer.'

Woo will apparently produce the 3-D redux, while John H. Lee will assume the director's role and Jung Woo-sung will replace preeminent Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat in the protagonist's role. The updated film should showcase Woo's stunning cinematic techniques, but -- one has to wonder -- will 3-D impress in a movie with so much slow-motion?

Continue reading John Woo Reprising Classic Film 'The Killer' With 3-D Tech

SwitchedJohn Woo Reprising Classic Film 'The Killer' With 3-D Tech originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-d3-d movies3-dMoviesJohn WooJohnWoomediamoviesthe killerTheKillertopTue, 08 Feb 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[RoboCop Will Not Be Immortalized As a Statue, Detroit Mayor Tweets]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/08/robocop-will-not-be-immortalized-as-a-statue-detroit-mayor-twee/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/08/robocop-will-not-be-immortalized-as-a-statue-detroit-mayor-twee/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/08/robocop-will-not-be-immortalized-as-a-statue-detroit-mayor-twee/#commentsBad news, world: Detroit will not be building a statue of RoboCop. The cyborg who convinced us that, dead or alive, we're going with him will not be immortalized à la Rocky in Philly. Detroit mayor Dave Bing has been reaching out to the community for ideas to revive the inner city, and the public's continued insistence to see Officer Alex Murphy in stone will just simply not be heard. "There are not any plans to erect a statue to Robocop. Thank you for your suggestion," he tweeted, clearly under the influence of OCP. We offer a suggestion: 'The Crow'?

SwitchedRoboCop Will Not Be Immortalized As a Statue, Detroit Mayor Tweets originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Detroitlolzmayor dave bingMayorDaveBingmediamoviesrobocoprobocop statueRobocopStatuetopTue, 08 Feb 2011 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[On Making 'The Social Network': "We Got Shunned by Harvard"]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/04/how-did-they-ever-make-a-movie-of-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/04/how-did-they-ever-make-a-movie-of-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/04/how-did-they-ever-make-a-movie-of-facebook/#commentsthe social network making of For our viewing pleasure, IMDB has posted all 93 minutes of a documentary on the making of David Fincher's 'The Social Network.' Titled 'How Did They Ever Make a Movie of Facebook?,' the film offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at how Fincher and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin sculpted their Oscar-nominated movie, along with interviews from Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield and other cast members. Following the trajectory of the film's narrative, the documentary traces the evolution of the film from Boston, to California, and eventually back to the studio. If you have some free time this weekend, it's definitely worth checking out.

SwitchedOn Making 'The Social Network': "We Got Shunned by Harvard" originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron sorkinAaronSorkinandrew garfieldAndrewGarfieldDavid FincherDavidFincherdocumentaryfacebookimdbjesse eisenbergJesseEisenbergMark ZuckerbergMarkZuckerbergmediamoviesSocialNetworkingthe social networkthe+social+network+making+ofTheSocialNetworkthesocialnetworkmakingoftopFri, 04 Feb 2011 15:25:00 EST