Trailer: The Walking Dead (AMC’s fitting premiere date enclosed)

Posted in News,Television,Video by Scott Meisner on August 24th, 2010

I have not anticipated the premiere of a new fall TV series like this in quite some time.  The Walking Dead, the famed comic book series from Robert Kirkman that follows a band of survivors in a zombie-infested world, is being adapted to the small screen with executive producer/director Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile) at the helm.  I have attempted to hook you in from the start–reporting cast additions, production stills, and behind-the-scenes looks from the set.  Today the four-and-a-half minute trailer, originally screened at Comic Con in July, has hit the ‘Net and boy does it impress.  If nothing caught your attention in the past surrounding the development of the AMC series, this will.  In it you will meet Rick Grimes, a man who gets shots and wakes up after a prolonged period of time in a hospital to find his home infiltrated by a hoard of flesh-hungry zombies.  Said zombies look horrifyingly spectacular thanks to makeup/special FX extraordinaire Greg Nicotero.  I implore you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the first in-depth peek at The Walking Dead.

We’ve been told that The Walking Dead would premiere in October sometime during AMC’s Fearfest schedule, which will include 14 consecutive days of horror-themed programming.  Today THR reports that the zombie series will premiere on Halloween night, Sunday October 31 at 10:00PM ET.  If you’re planning on spending the night trick-or-treating, don’t forget to set your DVR!  The pilot episode, written and directed by Darabont, will run 90 minutes long.

[Via THR]

Game trailer: BioShock Infinite

Posted in Images,Technology,Video by Scott Meisner on August 15th, 2010

Three years after the release of the original BioShock developer Irrational Games is back with a brand new game called BioShock InfiniteInfinite (set in the year 1912) serves as a sequel to the 2007 critically acclaimed horror first-person shooter (which was set in the 1960s).  It takes the player out of the underwater city of Rapture and into a fantastical city-in-the-sky named Columbia.  You play as Booker DeWitt and your assignment is to find an abducted women Elizabeth and then work with her to escape Columbia.  As you can see in the trailer, the Big Daddies look, erm, a bit primitive.  (Update: It’s been confirmed that the machine with big hands is not a Big Daddy..then what the heck is it!?)  Lead designer Ken Levine explains that although Infinite is an extension of the BioShock franchise, the game clearly sets itself apart from the previous BioShock games; the environment is not the only difference.  Though he does not go into much detail about the gameplay specifics, you should head over to Joystiq to read (or watch) an informative interview with Levine.  BioShock Infinite plans to release sometime in 2012.  And I…can’t…wait.

[Via Joystiq]

Trailer: Jackass 3D

Posted in Movies,Video by Scott Meisner on August 5th, 2010

The Jackass gang is back, this time in EYE-POPPING 3D.  Get ready to see some foul and painful stunts like you’ve never witnessed them before when Jackass 3D hits theatres October 15, 2010.

[Thanks, Corey Z.]

Joaquin Phoenix’s crazy tale set to hit theatres September 10 [Update: trailer posted]

Posted in Image cache,Movies,Video by Scott Meisner on August 5th, 2010

Im Still Here Poster Joaquin Phoenix

Remember when Joaquin Phoenix grew a filthy beard, stopped going to the barber, and decided to quit acting to become a rapper and act like a total idiot (much to our amusement) on Letterman?  Well all of that insanity will culminate in the upcoming (mock?)-umentary film titled I’m Still Here.  Magnolia Pictures recently outed the official poster for the Casey Affleck-directed movie (see above) and it’s been confirmed that it will release wide on September 10.  The press release describes the movie as “sometimes funny, sometimes shocking and always riveting, the film is a portrait of an artist at a crossroads.  Defying expectations, it deftly explores notions of courage and creative reinvention, as well as the ramifications of a life spent in the public eye.”  Are you willing to pay money to find out what exactly happened to Phoenix during his tumultuous days as an actor-turned-hip-hop artist?  Was he for real or was it all just a hoax for a social experiment?

Update: Theatrical trailer posted after the break.

[Via Moviefone; EW-HollywoodInsider] (Click here for more…)

Music video: Linkin Park – “The Catalyst”

Posted in Music,Technology,Video by Scott Meisner on August 3rd, 2010

After a three year absence Linkin Park is back.  Their fourth studio album A Thousand Suns drops on September 14.  The first single off the album is called “The Catalyst”.  The band decided to take a non-traditional route in promoting the track in collaboration with the upcoming video game Medal of Honor.  The video, directed by Linkin Park’s Joe Hahn, mashes together live and gameplay combat footage; the result is pretty stellar.

[Via EW-MusicMix]

Trailer #2: The Social Network

Posted in Movies,Video by Scott Meisner on August 3rd, 2010

We are now two teaser trailers and two full-length trailers into The Social Network.  Check out this latest one; it includes a bit more new footage and features Kanye West’s super single “Power.”  The movie about the rise of Facebook hits theatres October 1, 2010.

Extended Thor trailer leaks online

Posted in Movies by Scott Meisner on July 30th, 2010

Earlier today the extended trailer for Thor that was shown to thousands of fans at the Marvel panel at this year’s Comic Con leaked onto the ‘Net.  Quickly “Thor” became a trending topic on Twitter and people could not stop talking about how great it looked!  It definitely feels very Lord of the Rings, but the superhero spin works mighty well.  Director Kenneth Branagh, who has a background in Shakespearean tales, has created a believable and extraordinary world in Asgard, and the costume design for Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and Anthony Hopkins’ Odin (ruler of Asgard) are top notch.  The Mjolnir, Thor’s powerful hammer teased during the credits of Iron Man 2, makes a notable appearence, as does IM2‘s Agent Coulsen.  Thor (May 20, 2011) and the utlimate followup The Avengers cannot hit theaters soon enough.

Oh, what’s that?  You want to watch the 5+ minute trailer?  Hours after its leak the studio has been making its rounds to disable the streaming of it on all popular web sites, including YouTube and TrailerAddict.  I was able to find a clean stream at Moviefone, but who knows how long it’ll stay up there.  If/when Marvel decides to officially release the trailer I will certainly embed it here for you.

Trailer: Sucker Punch

Posted in Images,Movies,Video by Scott Meisner on July 30th, 2010

From the mind of Zack Snyder (Watchmen, 300) comes Sucker Punch, an action-fantasy flick that features an ensemble female cast.  They include Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung, Jena Malone, and Carla Gugino.  To say this movie is going to be hot, steamy, and sexy is an understatement.  Now before you watch the epic trailer might want to find out what exactly this movie that Snyder calls “Alice in Wonderland with machine guns” is all about:

“Set in the 1950s, it tells the story of Baby Doll (Browning), who is trying to hide from the pain caused by her evil stepfather and lobotomy. She ends up in mental institution in Brattleboro, Vermont and while there she starts to imagine an alternate reality. She plans to escape from that imaginary world but to do that she needs to steal five objects before she is captured by an unknown adversary. She has 5 days to escape before being lobotomized. In order to cope with the situation, she enters the hyper-real world of her imagination, and the lines between reality and dream begin to blur. She is joined with friends who are inmates from the institution. Lessons learned in the said fantasy world could help the girls escape their real-world fate.”

DRAGONS!  Did you see the dragons?!  Can’t wait for this one.  It releases in regular and IMAX theatres March 25, 2011.  Look in the gallery below for an awesome banner plus posters of all the leading ladies.

[Via SuckerPunch; Wiki]

Trailer #3: Tron: Legacy (+ Daft Punk tracks!)

Posted in Movies,Music,Video by Scott Meisner on July 26th, 2010

We’re three trailers deep into the expansive world of Tron (catch the others here & here).  This latest one is fresh from its 2010 Comic Con debut.  I really don’t know how they do it, but somehow these Tron sneak peeks get better with every trailer.  I don’t give a damn if you have never heard of Tron or don’t take any interest in the movie/1978 arcade game; you will watch this trailer and like it.  And if you are a Tron fan and are highly anticipating its December 17 release in IMAX 3D like a respectable human being, well then…you’re in for a treat!  Load in HD, turn up your speakers, and let it rip.

Note: You should know that actor Jeff Bridges starred in the original 1982 Tron flick as Kevin Flynn, and that he reprises his role as Papa Flynn in Legacy.  At timestamp 1:08 we are introduced to Clu, a villianous rogue program in the Tron universe, who might look eerily similar to a young Jeff Bridges to you.  Well that’s because it is a young Bridges!  Thanks to advanced CGI technology, a performance-capture suit, and impeccable editing skills, the Tron special FX crew was able to create a Kevin Flynn as he appeared in Tron almost thirty years ago.  Crazy (and a bit creepy), right?!  Moving on…

It was leaked quite some time ago that Daft Punk would compose the score for Tron: Legacy.  And over the course of the last year we were teased with the theme music in the trailers that have been released.  Today that tease disappears!  Online radio station “The End” got their hands on exclusive streams of six tracks from the movie soundtrack, including the epic theme from the trailers.  They’re dark and appropriately cinematic in scope.  Click here to take a listen.  (Bonus note: The electric Daft Punk duo will have cameo roles in the movie–gasp!–sans characteristic helmets!

[Via MTVuk]

Trailer: Saw 3D

Posted in Image cache,Movies,Video by Scott Meisner on July 26th, 2010

The seventh and final chapter in the highest grossing horror film franchise begins with this first theatrical trailer for Saw 3D.  The tagline?  “This October, the traps come alive.”  After a fantastic start (well II was pretty awful, III was freaking awesome), the Saw movies have steadily drifted downhill in value.  Sure the traps are always fun, but for me it was ultimately the twist endings and the John Kramer mythos that hooked me at the start.  After watching this brief trailer and reading what director Kevin Greutert (Saw VI) has to say about the final Saw, I’m excited to see how it’s all going to end.  “There’s something miraculous about creating a final chapter to the Saw chronology that not only gives the core fans everything they want and deserve, but also serves as a perfect introduction to audiences who are new to the series,” says Gruetart who served a role in every Saw movie.  Thoughts from producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg: “It’s been an amazing ride. As filmmakers it was important to us that Saw was one story in seven chapters rather than just a series of sequels.”  Tobin Bell (Jigsaw), Costas Mandylor (Mark Hoffman), and Betsy Russell (Jill Tuck) will reprise their roles.  Also, Cary Elwes (Dr. Lawrence Gordon), who has not been seen since the original Saw (not including archived/flashback footage), is back for revenge.

Besides the sick traps and inventive twists, if there’s anything I’m going to miss from the Saw franchise it’ll be Charlie Clouser’s fantastic and chilling score.  “Hello Zepp”, the song used in the first movie and recycled in the rest of them, will remain one of my favorite instrumentals of all time.  (FYI, it’s the song featured in the trailer above…and can be downloaded here.)

Saw 3D will duke it out with Paranormal Activity 2 this Halloween.  Look after the break for the movie poster.

[Via IGN] (Click here for more…)

Trailer #3: Machete (red band)

Posted in Movies,Video by Scott Meisner on July 26th, 2010

You’ve seen the “illegal” and first theatrical trailer for Robert Rodriguez’s Machete.  Now it’s time to feast your eyes on the NSFW red band trailer.  (NSFW = Not Stuff For Work = the video contains blood, guts, nudity, and tons of other fun and inappropriate content.)  Due to its NSFW nature, I’ve embedded the trailer after the break, so click through if you dare.

[Via IGN] (Click here for more…)

Trailer: Syfy’s Red (starring Felicia Day)

Posted in Television,Video by Scott Meisner on July 26th, 2010

Waay back in March news broke that The Guild/Dr. Horrible‘s Felicia Day would star in a Syfy original movie called Red, a dark re-imagining of the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood.  This past weekend at Comic Con the trailer for it was finally debuted.  To call this a “dark” version of the tale is an understatement.  There’s guns and blood and creepy CGI wolves.  Ah, I won’t spoil it all for you; check it out in the video above.  Red is expected to air next July.

[Via Syfy]

David Cross joins FOX’s ‘Running Wilde’

Posted in News,Television,Video by Scott Meisner on July 22nd, 2010

Now this is fantastic news!  Actor David Cross is joining the new FOX comedy Running Wilde.  The show stars Will Arnett.  The show is created by Mitch Hurwitz.  Have you connected the dots yet?  It’s an Arrested Developement reunion!  In Hurwitz’s Arrested Development, Cross played doctor-turned-aspiring actor Tobias Fünke, the brother-in-law of Arnett’s Gob Bluth.  Cross will be featured in 7 of the initial 13 episodes as ”the radical environmentalist boyfriend of Keri Russell’s character” according to IGN.  Hurwitz and Arnett serve as creators, writers, and executive producers.  Arrested Development directors Anthony and Joe Russo and executive producer Jim Valley are also on board.

FOX is giving Hurwitz another chance with Running Wilde, so make sure you tune in Tuesday, September 21 at 9:30PM.  We can’t give the network another opportunity to shun Hurwitz & Co. away from making great TV like they did with the prematurally canned Arrested Development.  With a handful of AD alum signed on, I have a good feeling this comedy will tower over other network premieres in terms of quality.  AD‘s theme was “family first.”  From the looks of the trailer (embedded after the break, along with the synopsis), Running Wilde will take a new yet familar path: Russell’s Emmy to Arnett’s Wilde: “I am going to make you a better man.”  Family, relationships, heart, hilarity.  Welcome back, Hurwitz.

[Via IGN] (Click here for more…)

New Droid X trailer captivates sci-fi lovers

Posted in Technology,Video by Scott Meisner on July 16th, 2010

The “See You Tomorrow” teaser trailer–erm, commercial–is making its rounds on the ‘Net and TV.  It promotes Verizon’s latest smartphone from Motorola, the Droid X.  The 8-megapixel packin’ 4.3-inch beast of a phone is now shipping for Verizon Wireless customers; $199.99 with a new two-year contract.

Trailer: The Social Network

Posted in Movies,Video by Scott Meisner on July 16th, 2010

When the first teaser for The Social Network hit the web I said this: “I have to say that this teaser is rather bland; it has not piqued my interest in the least to want to see this movie, and that’s what trailers are supposed to do.”  Another teaser trailer (look after the break) and standard theatrical trailer later, and I’m sold.   The Social Network, from director David Fincher and writer Aaron Sorkin, will chronicle the rise of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.  Though this trailer contains much of the dialogue we’ve already heard in the two teasers, we finally get to put some faces to the words and everything just seems to work.  I really like the way the studio is marketing the flick as a dark(ish) tale of greed and business opportunity that pushes those involved to their limits.  And that fantastic rendition of Radiohead’s “Creep” is the sweet cherry on top.  The Social Network stars Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake, Brenda Song, Andrew Garfield, and Rashida Jones and releases on October 1.

[Via TrailerAddict] (Click here for more…)

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Trailer #2: Machete

Posted in Movies,Video by Scott Meisner on July 16th, 2010

After releasing an “illegal” trailer back in mid-May, director Robert Rodriquez (and backing studio 20th Century Fox) approved this theatrical trailer for his upcoming bloody, over-the-top revenge fest Machete.  Watch as star Danny Trejo cuts his way through enemies with assistence from Cheech Marin, Robert De Niro, Jessica Alba, Jeff Fahey, Don Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Steven Seagal, and Rose McGowan.  Lindsay Lohan, who was included in the first trailer dressed as a nun, is noticably absent here.  Here’s a nice synopsis for you:

Machete is a Mexican ex-Federale with a gift for wielding a blade, who hides out as a day laborer, who is double-crossed by a corrupt state senator. The feature version of the trailer finds Machete (Trejo) a renegade former Mexican Federale, roaming the streets of Texas after a shakedown from drug lord Torrez (Seagal). Reluctantly, Machete takes an offer from spin doctor Benz (Fahey) to assassinate McLaughlin (De Niro) a corrupt Senator. Double crossed and on the run Machete braves the odds with the help of Luz (Rodriguez), a saucy taco slinger, Padre (Marin) his “holy” brother, and April (Lohan) a socialite with a penchant for guns. All while being tracked by Sartana (Alba), a sexy ICE agent with a special interest in the blade slinger.

Machete opens September 3, 2010.

[Via Collider]

Trailer: Paranormal Activity 2

Posted in Movies,Video by Scott Meisner on July 3rd, 2010

It’s baaaaaack.  The demon thing that took over Katie (Katie Featherston) has returned in a sequel to 2009′s hit screamfest Paranormal Activity.  This teaser trailer for Paranormal Activity 2 is just as creepy and mysterious as the original’s.  So what do we have here?  Multiple security camera shots, a baby, a whimpering dog, and a silhouette that resembles the actress Featherston (leading me to believe that the story will continue with the same demon that terrified us in the first movie).  Paramount is taking the same route with the sequel–no casting information has been spilled in order to sustain the veil of realism that made this franchise so widely popular and successful.

Paranormal Activity 2 (missing) babyParanormal Activity 2 easter egg

If you take a closer look at the trailer you will notice two things.  In the last frame at the end, we see a still of the baby’s room through the eyes of the security camera.  But this time around the baby (and dog) are no longer in the scene.  But look in the mirror!  The baby is standing up in his crib!  And what’s that scibbled message on the carpet?  It reads “what is happening to hunter?”  Oh sweet lord what is happening to that innocent little baby?!

You’ll have to wait and find out when PA 2 hits theatres October 22.  Kip Williams directs, Oren Peli (writer/director of the original) exec produces.

[Via ScreenRant]

Teaser trailer: The Social Network

Posted in Movies,Video by Scott Meisner on July 3rd, 2010

The Social Network aka The Facebook Movie stars Jesse Eisenberg (Zombieland) as Mark Zuckerberg, Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker, as well as Brenda Song (The Suite Life of Zack & Cody), Andrew Garfield (the next Spider-Man), and Rashida Jones (Parks & Recreation).  It’s directed by David Fincher (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), written by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing), and executive produced by Scott Rudin, Kevin Spacey, and Michael DeLuca.  Like the book The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich, the film will focus on the founding of Facebook and all of the internal battles that took place.

I have to say that this teaser is rather bland; it has not piqued my interest in the least to want to see this movie, and that’s what trailers are supposed to do.  If there’s one rewarding aspect to take away from it it’s the amazing score that’s being provided by Trent Reznor (of Nine Inch Nails) and Atticus Ross.  “…when I read the script and realized what [Fincher] was up to, I said goodbye to that free time I had planned,” said Reznor on his site.  He calls the movie “really fu**ing good.  And dark!”  Look after the break for the theatrical poster which reads, “You don’t get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies.”

[Via Pitchfork; Wiki] (Click here for more…)

Trailer: The Smurfs

Posted in Movies,Video by Scott Meisner on July 3rd, 2010

The Smurfs are making their way to the big screen next summer in a live action/CGI animated feature-length film directed by Raja Gosnell (Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Scooby-Doo).  Since this is only a teaser trailer, it’s difficult to read what the plot of the movie is.  Here’s how the Wiki page describes it:

Set in the Middle Ages, the evil wizard Gargamel (Hank Azaria) discovers the Smurf’s village and chases them into some woods. The Smurfs get scattered and Clumsy Smurf (voiced by Anton Yelchin) wanders into a “forbidden” grotto and some of the other Smurfs follow. Since it’s also a blue moon, a magical portal within the grotto transports them into Central Park in New York. They take shelter with a married couple (Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays) and try to find a way back to their village before Gargamel finds them.

The live cast includes Hank Azaria as Gargamel, Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother), Jayma Mays (Glee), Sofía Vergara (Modern Family), and Tim Gunn (Project Runway).  The voice actors include Jonathan Winters as Papa Smurf, Katy Perry as Smurfette, Alan Cumming as Gutsy Smurf, George Lopez as Grouchy Smurf, Gary Basaraba as Hefty Smurf, Anton Yelchin as Clumsy Smurf, Fred Armisen as Brainy Smurf, John Oliver as Vanity Smurf, Paul Reubens as Jokey Smurf, Kenan Thompson as Greedy Smurf, B. J. Novak as Baker Smurf, Jeff Foxworthy as Handy Smurf, and Wolfgang Puck as Chef Smurf.

The Smurfs hit theatres in 3D on August 3, 2011.

[Via Wiki]

Microsoft press conference highlights: Kinect, ESPN, Xbox slim

Posted in Images,Technology,[experience-it-all] by Scott Meisner on June 15th, 2010

Microsoft kicked off E3 2010 in unique fashion with their Project Natal for Xbox 360 Experience featuring a Cirque du Soleil crew.  Next they kicked things into high gear with their media briefing at the Wiltern Theatre.  Ready, set…

The press conference began with a number of game trailers and real-time demos.  First up was Treyarch with Call of Duty: Black Ops.  It releases November 9.  It was announced that Microsoft & Activision signed a multi-year agreement pertaining to Call of Duty downloadable content.  Starting with Black Ops in 2010, all Call of Duty add-ons and map packs will launch first on Xbox 360 through 2012.

Next was Kojima Productions with Metal Gear Solid: Rising.  It’s being described as a “sword action game” that’s based on the Japanese terms “zan-datzu” which means “to cut” and “to take.”  A brief trailer revealed that the game will feature protagonist Raiden slicing and dicing his way past enemies (and watermelon).

Then Xbox’s major blockbusters hit the stage.  Epic’s Cliffy B. demonstrated Gears of War 3 which is due out April 5.  A new mode called “Beast” will be detailed soon.  Then Lionhead Studios’ Peter Molyneux showed off a trailer for Fable III; it releases October the 26th.  And things rounded out with a new trailer for Halo: Reach, “the most ambitious game Bungie has ever created.”  The trailer was a mix of gameplay footage and cinematic cut scenes.  Reach drops September 14.  Also thrown into the mix was a new game from Crytek codenamed Kingdoms; it looks like a game based on the move 300.  (*Each game title is linked to their respective E3 trailers/gameplay footage.)

Kinect for Xbox 360, formally known as Project Natal, was detailed.  ”Kinect detects both movement and sound in very sophisticated ways.”  An image revealed the guts of the motion-sensing device; it contains two 3D depth sensors, an RGB camera, multi-array mic, and a motorized tilt.  ”When you combine the power of Xbox 360, the services of Xbox Live, and the magic of Kinect, the result is not just a revolution for your games, but for all of your entertainment.”  Enter the Kinect Hub.

To get your Xbox 360 to recognize you, simply stand in front of Kinect, wave your hand, and the software will sign you into Xbox Live and bring up your custom avatar.  Wave your hand a second time and you’re brought to a “controller-free menu” designed for Kinect gestures.  The Kinect Hub allows you to interact with your games, friends, Netflix, Zune, Facebook, last.fm, and also customize your avatar.  Thanks to the built-in mic, voice control is also accessible.  Their motto is “if you see it, just say it.”  You must precede all commands with “Xbox.”  So for example, if you say “Xbox, Zune” the Zune hub loads up and now you have access to Zune Video, and now, Zune Music.  Over seven million songs are now available over Xbox Live with Zune Music integration.  With controller-free entertainment that’s “natural and effortless” you can also play/pause movies with your voice and rewind/fast-forward them with your hands.  To select a piece of content simply hover your hand over it for a couple seconds.

(Click here for more…)

DJ Hero 2 adds a second turnable and mic to the mix

Posted in Technology,Video by Scott Meisner on June 10th, 2010

DJ Hero is getting significantly upgraded in its second installment.  DJ Hero 2 will feature over 70 never before heard mixes with artists ranging from Dr. Dre, The Chemical Brothers, Kanye West, Metallica, and Rihanna.  Only three mixes have been revealed: Lady Gaga “Just Dance” Mixed With Deadmau5 “Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff”, Pussycat Dolls “Don’t Cha” Mixed With Pitbull “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)”, and MSTRKRFT “Bounce” Beat Juggle.  Deadmau5 will also be featured as an in-game playable character.  This game will include something the original did not–a story mode.  In Empire Mode,  ”players start out as an up-and-coming DJ on the road to becoming the head of a major entertainment empire, all of which is founded solely on their success as a DJ.”  There will also be a couple new multiplayer modes.  DJ Battles will “pit DJ against DJ in mixes produced specifically for battle gameplay.”  This mode differs from the multiplayer experience in the first game.  Previously both players played the same notes and battled for the high score.  This new mode has players take turns with the notes, making it feel more like a genuine head-to-head DJ battle.  Gameplay is separated into checkpoints, and the objective is to collect the most checkpoints.

With the original DJ Hero, players were given the option to connect their own mic into the deck’s USB port to freestyle vocals over mixes.  DJ Hero 2 integrates the mic as a standard intrument in gameplay.  If you choose to play along with/as a vocalist, on-screen lyrics will appear at the top of the screen and you’ll be scored on pitch and accuracy.

DJ Hero 2 will arrive this fall on Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Wii.  The “Party Bundle” includes the game, two turntables, and a microphone (if you opt for this bundle, you can select a white deck).  The “Turntable Bundle” includes the game and one turntable.  They will go for $149.99 & $99.99, respectively.  Also the game will sell standalone at $59.99.  Pre-order here.  More details will spill next week at E3, so stay tuned.  For now, check out the awesome trailer above!

[Via Engadget; IGN; Activision]

Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock gets detailed

Posted in News,Technology,Video by Scott Meisner on June 10th, 2010

 

This week Activision spilled the beans on details surrounding the next iteration of its coveted Guitar Hero franchise.  Number 6 is called Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock and it will pack  90 “guitar-shredding tracks” and come bundled with a brand new guitar.  The story is dubbed Quest Mode and it will be narrated by Gene Simmons of KISS.  In this story-driven mode, “players will embark on a larger-than-life, epic rock journey from the stage of CBGBs, the infamous punk-rock club in New York City, to the molten lava fields of rock treachery as eight Guitar Hero characters transform into rock warriors that must join together to use their unique, game-changing powers to help the Demi-God of Rock take down “The Beast” and save rock n’ roll.”  A new mode called Quickplay+ will introduce 13 challenges for every track in the game (and for all downloadable content tracks released since Guitar Hero World Tour).  In it, “gamers will complete challenges such as Band Streak, High Score and Power Challenge, which allows players to choose any two warrior powers they have unlocked to try and earn ridiculously high scores, to rank up and unlock more rewards and content than ever before.”  A partial tracklist has been revealed and is sitting after the break.  Avenged Sevenfold, Black Sabbath, Children of Bodom, DragonForce, Foreigner, KISS, Megadeth, and ZZ Top made the cut.  Oh and there’s this: Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Muse’s “Uprising” are featured as well!

The guitar features a bold new design.  Since all of the internal circuitry is now located in the neck of the guitar, players can remove the interchangable “wings” and replace them with other custom designs if they so choose.  Noticably absent is the touch-enabled slider bar.  Now located at the bottom of the neck is a battery compartment (or where you’ll store the Wiimote if you’re a Wii user).  Also, the star power button has been slightly raised so reaching it with your palm is an easier task for you non-tilters.  Two guitars will be made available for WoR, the standard controller (above, left) and the GameStop exclusive “axe” controller (above, right).  Look after the break for a closer look at ‘em.

Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock will release for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Wii this September.  Pre-order your flavor here.  With E3 looming around the corner, more details surrounding gameplay, release date, and pricing will surely be announced soon.

[Via Joystiq, here & here; Activision] (Click here for more…)

Trailer #2: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Posted in Movies,Video by Scott Meisner on June 2nd, 2010

And just when I thought it wasn’t possible for me to get more excited about Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim vs. The World comic book-in-a-feature-film movie, this trailer hit the ‘Net.

[Via TrailerAddict]

Entourage returns to HBO June 27 [Update]

Posted in Image cache,Television,Video by Scott Meisner on June 2nd, 2010

The seventh season of Entourage is set to hit the airwaves this summer on June 27.  It will air at 10:30PM on HBO, joining Hung (season 2), True Blood (season 3), and newcomer Treme on Sunday nights.  The teaser trailer (embedded after the break) asks “Once you have it all…what’s next?”  The poster answers, “Enjoy the ride.”  Last time we saw the gang, Ari bought out Terrance’s agency, Vince, Drama, and Turtle were setting off for Rome to watch Vince start a new film, and E successfully proposed to Sloan.  Looking forward to see where things go next.

Update: Look after the break for an extended trailer with season 7 footage included.

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