Category Archives: Music

Music video: Blue Roses – Doubtful (in 3D, no glasses required)

Here’s a music video that incorporates 3D effects, and you can enjoy it without wearing those pesky glasses.  LaughingSquid explains how it’s done: “Known as wiggle stereoscopy, the technique works by rapidly alternating between images shot from two cameras, slightly offset from one another.”  Though the effect is certainly visible, the jittery movements of the camera make for a rather unpleasant experience.  But it’s great to see artists taking fun creative risks!

[Via LaughingSquid; Gizmodo]

Sequel notes: The Hangover 2, Harold & Kumar 3, American Pie 4, Saw VII 3D

The Hangover 2 is a done deal.  The script is underway and the film will be directed and produced by The Hangover director Todd Phillips.  Warner Bros. recently signed a deal to bring back the three stars: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zack Galifianakis.  The actors will be getting $5 million each for their roles in the sequel (they received $1 million combined in the first film).  But then again, The Hangover made $467 million dollars worldwide, and became the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time.  All we know what the plot is this: it will not take place in Las Vegas again.  Rumors swirled that it would be set in Thailand, but Phillips shot that down.  Shooting begins November 1 with an expected release during Memorial Day weekend in 2011.

So where have Harold & Kumar been lately?  John Cho (Harold) has been working hard at Agent Demetri Noh on ABC’s FlashForward and Kal Penn went from playing doctor on FOX’s House to working along President Obama as associate director of the White House Office Of Public Engagement.  Cho and Penn have decided to team up for a third time to make A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas.  It will be a Christmas-themed adventure, with pot of course.  Neil Patrick Harris is expected to reprise his role (didn’t he die in the last one?).  New Line Studios confirmed that Todd Strauss Schulson will direct (creators Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg penned the script but are moving on to direct American Pie 4, see below) and it’s being contemplated whether or not the film will be shot in 3D.  Shooting starts this summer and it’s slated to hit theatres Christmas 2011.

As noted above, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg have signed on to write and direct American Pie 4, the first Pie movie to hit theatres since American Wedding in 2003.  Though no deals have been made yet, the entire cast from the original trilogy is expected to come aboard for the “reboot.”  They include: Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Shannon Elizabeth, Tara Reid, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Seann William Scott, Eugene Levy, Natasha Lyonne, Mena Suvari, Jennifer Coolidge, Thomas Ian Nichols, and Chris Owen.  Pie proved to be a lucrative franchise with its original movies and the four direct-to-DVD films.  The plot is being kept under wraps for now and  release info has not been disclosed.

You know the drill: another Halloween, another Saw movie.  Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures confirm Saw VI director Kevin Greutert will reprise his directorial role.  Also, the move will be shot in 3D, hence the title, Saw VII 3D.  No plot details, but come on now, you know what to expect: blood, guts, and more blood–now in mind-boggling 3D!  Saw is being pitted directly against Paranormal Activity 2; they both release on October 22 later this year.

[Via ReelzChannel; EW, here & here; Newsinfilm; THR; IGN]

“NY-Z” is a beautifully shot documentary featuring rapper Jay-Z

Got fifteen minutes to shave off the day?  Sit back and watch this short documentary featuring rapper Jay-Z.

Continuing to collaborate with creative visionaries, ABSOLUT Vodka presents this new 15-minute short film featuring Jay-Z. The documentary, titled NY-Z, was directed by Danny Clinch and paints a rare portrait of the global hip-hop icon. With unprecedented access to Jay-Z the days and moments leading up to, and after, his legendary September 11th benefit concert at Madison Square Garden, Danny Clinch gives us an intimate glimpse into Jay-Z: his childhood, his motivation as an artist, his passion for music, and his muse, New York.

[Thanks, Tim S.]

Music video: Owl City – “Vanilla Twilight”

“Vanilla Twilight” is the second single off Adam Young’s second album Ocean Eyes.  It follows the chart-topping “Fireflies” I’m sure you’ve been inundated with on the radio.  But do yourself a favor and download the entire album, it’s pure ear candy.  This music video finds Young back on his synthesizer and features a bunch of people staring up into a beautiful sky, dropping everything they are doing and watching the swirling, colorful clouds in wonder.  Many speculate it’s symbolic of the rapture, or some sort of salvational revival.  Can’t help but smile in awe along with them.  (Why, hello Shaq.)

Music video: Kid Cudi – “Soundtrack 2 My Life”

And it’s finally here.  The music video for arguably the most popular single off Kid Cudi’s debut album, Man on the Moon: The End of Day.  It’s not a music video in the traditional sense.  Rather than have Cudi sing throughout the video, director Jason Goldwatch and Decon Creative Group decided to splice together months of tour footage.  In a way “Soundtrack 2 My Life” gives us a look into the crazy life that is touring for Kid Cudi and it’s definitely a fun ride.  The tour footage used in this music video is part of a larger project that Cudder, Goldwatch, and Decon are putting together for fans.  We can all look forward to that.  And Cudder.

[Via DatNewCudi]

Ben Folds’ “Ode to Merton” brings us more Chatroulette freestylin’

I bet you’ve all seen or heard of mystery man “Merton” who actually made Chatroulette’s existence something to actually take interest in (at least for a few minutes).  He interacted with strangers by playing the piano, improvising his lyrics based on the stranger’s looks and actions.  After this hilarious video made its rounds on the Internet, many started to believe “Merton” was actually musican Ben Folds.  A source close to Folds denied this rumor.  Fortunately Folds is a funny man at heart and decided to take hold of this opportunity.  And so we get the video you see above: Ben Folds performing an “ode to Merton,” hoodie and all, in front of a live audience during a stop on his tour.

Music video: Diane Birch – “Valentino” (Super cool augmented reality!)

Watch this music video for Diane Birch’s catchy tune “Valenino,” a single off her debut album Bible Belt.  It features some old-school augmented reality tricks.  It all looks easy at first glance, but there is much choreography that had to be memorized and performed to perfection in order to pull everything off.  Just look after the break for a behind-the-scenes video that reveals all the magic and see what I mean.

[Via Gizmodo]

Continue reading Music video: Diane Birch — “Valentino” (Super cool augmented reality!)