Update: The One With the 3DS, Batman, and Necromorphs

A quick update as I am being very much swamped with homework lately. Today we hear news of the Nintendo 3DS with the official release date of March 27, 2011. The official price tag is $249.99. Pretty reasonable as no one here wanted to pay more than $300 for a portable system. Back when the PSP came out it was also $250 so compare it to that in some way. I kinda wish I could go back in time now and save that money for a 3DS, but alas here we are…Here’s a list of games that will be available by June (not counting all of the new downloadable 3DS store and GameBoy Virtual Games):

Pilotwings Resort
nintendogs + cats
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D
Madden NFL Football
The Sims 3
Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D
LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars
Ridge Racer 3D
Dual Pen Sports
Super Monkey Ball 3D
Thor: God of Thunder
CRUSH 3D
BUST-A-MOVE UNIVERSE
Samurai Warriors Chronicles
Dead or Alive Dimensions
Asphalt 3D
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Shadow Wars
Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D
Rayman 3D
Rabbids Travel in Time

It’s a good list, but I will all I would get is Resident Evil, Super Street Fighter IV and probably Pilotwings. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Mario Kart, and Starfox 64 is what I’ll be queuing for. Have any you’re most interested in for the new system?

Here’s a look at the software working on the system including (surprisingly) multi-tasking! It already sounds better than an iPhone or iTouch. I keed Steve Jobs. Or do I? Online play will supposedly be easier since the friend code will be revamped and DSi purchases can be transferred to the 3DS. I don’t have a DSi but I kinda felt like they would allow that anyway. Also if you look around YouTube, there are already videos popping up of Zelda: OoT, Kid Icarus, and Dead or Alive Dimensions gameplay.

 

More or less shortly after the major 3DS news today, 2 new actors where announced for the new The Dark Knight Rises movie. Those two are Anne Hathaway and Tom Hardy. Their roles are Catwoman and Bane. Immediately after I was skeptical, but then I saw this comparison:

Ok, yeah I can see it. But with Tom Hardy (he was from Inception), also apparently has been a wrestler before:

I just don’t know. We’ll have to see what badassery Christopher Nolan has for us this time around though.

As a last minute thing, some new photos have popped up from the new X-Men: First Class which are slightly better from the last one. Now with more Kevin Bacon:

I lied, there's only one picture with Kevin Bacon. There are also reportedly some problems going on set, but hopefully it won’t be all bad. At least the photos look better.

Video of the Day:

Now on to the Necromorphs part. EA is doing a kinda sad, but brilliant ad campaign where they place moms from different areas of US and show clips of Dead Space 2 on monitors in front of them. They were horrified. Except for this mom in particular. Prepare to be more creeped out than the game:

Update: There are more X-Men: First Class photos to put out the hellfire of the first photo yesterday:

And the official poster:

Top 10 Most Anticipated Movies of 2009

Here are my choices for this year’s Movies that will premiere this year. I certainly wont steal my associates Top 9 choices so I picked 10 this time. I compiled a list before of the movies I would be seeing and came up with 20, which evens out a bit. There was also a movie on there that even though how bad it looks, I still can’t deny my being a fan of the series. Well anyways here’s my Top 10:

10.) 9

No I’m not counting down its an actual movie. Based on the short animation by Shane Acker, its set in a Post-Apocalyptic world were sock puppets are alive and roam freely. I am a fan of Animation movies, but not ones that look incredibly strange. Yet this is an exception. Its also produced by Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov, who directed Wanted. Check out the Trailer:

You can also check out the short here.

9.) Sherlock Holmes

Anything with Robert Downey Jr., now after Iron Man and Tropic Thunder, is probably a must see now like this one. Also hearing the man being knocked unconscious, caught his groin on fire, and other sorts on set; the movie’s gotta be epic now right?

8.) X-Men Origins: Wolverine

After seeing the trailer on this one, I realized, its not only Wolverine’s Origin, but also the Weapon X project origin. It makes the movie more interesting yes, but the execution of the trailer seemed poorly done compared to the comic-con version. Although you do get to see more of Gambit and others in the official version, so it also evens itself out. Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool was interesting, which also paves way for his own movie, which was put in Development Hell years ago (dates back to the 80s).

7.) Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen

Only fans, and friends of fans, of comics (or the T.V. series if I believe) know what the title actually means. What it means for the rest of us? More action and lots of it. That’s all what we really need right? The first movie had great execution and if we know Michael Bay for his action movies, this one will be great as well.

6.) Inglourious Basterds

Did I mention I was a fan of Quentin Tarantino? Well if I didn’t mention it enough, what blog would this be if I didn’t mention his new movie coming out later this year? No, I didn’t spell it wrong, the name of the movie is completely intentional. Quentin is known for his movies with are nothing but a bloodbath and great storytelling. This is no exception either. Based on an old war movie, which may be a Grindhouse movie, but I may be mistaken; tells the tale of a unit in World War II which spreads fear towards the Nazi Army. Also stars Brad Pitt (with an amusing mustache) and B.J. Novak (The Office fame). Did I mention this is a Quentin Tarantino movie?

Now on to the Top 5…but first I would like to mention a few worthy mentions, which I will see throughout the year as well: Moon, Avatar, The Road, Astro Boy, and The Hurt Locker. You will probably have to do some research on your own about some of the movies, but I will eventually see them. The reason they didn’t make it is I probably won’t get to see them right away. Or They may be replacments for the ones here. Who knows. Continuing on…

5.) Public Enemies

The Dark Knight vs. Jack Sparrow, eh? Christian Bale and Johnny Depp are great actors and I have been wanting to see what they can do together (Well mostly in a Batman movie), but this will do for now. The other thing is I’m a sucker for cop or detective movies based around the 1930’s era. There seems to be a lot that happened within the era as well.

4.) Star Trek

Just to point out, I’m not a big Star Trek fan, but the trailer sucked me in. Its also directed by J.J. Abrams and he has made some very good things; which include Mission: Impossible III, Alias, Lost, Fringe, and created the idea of Cloverfield. The plot for this movie was revealed and when I heard about it, it was really interesting and new. The trailer itself will make you see it, so just watch it.

3.) Terminator: Salvation

Yes, we all know by now that McG, the director for this movie, has made the Charlie's Angels movie. But that was in the past, this is now a new and improved McG. He saw his mistake and is going to fix it with this movie. The trailer is really mind blowing. I couldn’t really get enough of it. Christian Bale is now on my list twice so that’s gotta be something. This movie is really different because of how many times John Connor has tried to stop Skynet from the future he never wanted. Yet, it ultimately comes, but not the future he was told about which makes things different. So don’t let the McG thing be a turn off and just look at the trailer. Also I’m a huge Terminator fan.

2.) Up

After watching Wall·E yesterday, finally, I was ready for my next Pixar movie to watch. Everything is about trailers these days and it also shows a basic summary or a teaser for the movie. This movie’s trailer was something a little different. It first shows a compilation of Pixar movie’s, which becomes nostalgic, and a bit of a huge clip of Up. What is up about? Some old man who makes a bunch of balloons and goes off in the distance with his house and a boy happens to be along for the ride. I’m sold. Also this happens at some point:

1.) Watchmen

Its not really a surprise to most people, but my question is; Who doesn’t want to watch the Watchmen? After being introduced to the Watchmen graphic novel and reading it, I was an instant fan.I too was skeptical of a movie being made about the novel. But if there was one man who could do it: Zack Snyder the director of 300 and Dawn of the Dead (2004). Unfortunately now with the rights to Watchmen now go to 20th Century Fox the movie may not come out this year as scheduled, right now it is still scheduled and still my number one pick for the year of 2009 (and it better come out). Trailer.

 

Concerning The Dark Knight Video Quality

Few days ago when I gave my Dark Knight review I said that the digital copy was the best video quality than from the DVD itself. Although that may be true (and still is) there are still some pretty noticeable differences which make the DVD edition a tad good as well. Yet as I have noticed in comparison shots, it is also somewhat an awkward transfer. I’m not kidding. The transfer seems somewhat and slightly squeezed. You’ll see what I mean in a bit. Let’s just say its not good, and its in pretty bad shape for DVD quality. As a quote from the Joker himself: (not my words mind you) “I mean, what happened? Your balls drop off?” I have seen Batman Begins better than this. (Okay, I have seen many DVDS better than this) Another government conspiracy it seems for people to side with Blu-Ray. Now for the comparisons:

DVD Edition (Remember to click for bigger quality)

Digital Copy (QuickTime Version)

Blu-Ray Quality (from 720p source)

DVD Edition

Digital Copy (Quick Time)

Blu-Ray (720p)

DVD Edition

Digital Copy

Blu-Ray (720p)

DVD Edition

Digital Copy

Blu-Ray (720p)

DVD Edition

Digital Copy

Blu-Ray (720p)

As you can tell with the Commissioner Gordon pics that with the DVD version, its been squeezed a bit. Its possibly the strangest thing I have ever seen. Also each screen isn’t perfectly matched so some will looked zoomed than others because again its not the same position. But many I did get lucky on. From the picture comparisons we all know that the Blu-Ray edition is truly the best edition to get. Here are the same and more comparisons in the same order, but closer together: (pictures may look not as good because of resolution change, but its how it would look though)

Comparison Picture 1

Comparison Picture 2

Comparison Picture 3

Comparison Picture 4

Comparison Picture 5

Comparison Picture 6

Comparison Picture 7

Comparison Picture 8

Comparison Picture 9

Comparison Picture 10

 

This DVD is cursed, well just have to wait to get a Blu-Ray player now.

Update: Guess who's back? Back Again. (I totally went there)

An Epic Day

Most people know today is the day The Dark Knight is out on DVD. And I have the review of the FYE exclusive steelbook here. I did go to Best Buy to buy the Batpod Blu-Ray Special Edition, unfortunately they were out since I had no idea they had a midnight opening for the movie and I got nothing except for the Batman Statuette, which technically isn’t a statuette. Store exclusives here. In any case I got the movie at least and I’ll eventually get the Batpod online. And after seeing the Circuit City exclusive, I wants it now. With some partially bad news and good news out of the way, a random thing happened: I got an email saying I had won a contest, which was back in October, for a Ghost Story contest. My story that I wrote for some English club in my school, which was devised in about 5 minutes, will be published in Ghost Stories (which I assume is some sort of book) by my schools English Department and I get a check (amount wasn’t specified). Epic Indeed.

Now on to the review. First here are some very nice pictures of the Steelbook artwork:

Front Side

Back Side.

If I ever said The X-Files: I Want To Believe was the best Steelbook I have ever seen, I stand corrected; THIS is the best Steelbook I have ever seen. The Steelbook actually feels authentic, the feel of it is what makes it awesome. It feels like it will actually last more so than any other Steelbook.

The first disk is just the movie. No extras at all, but it is again how the previous Batman Begins was, so don’t expect a lot from the single disk edition. Although if you want a nicer copy of The Dark Knight, you may want to get the 2 disk edition and I will explain why:

On the second disk, it contains:

The Dark Knight: Digital Copy

Gotham Uncovered: Creation of a Scene

The Dark Knight IMAX Scenes: View the 6 scenes that was in IMAX (Note: It isn’t widescreen really, well it is but not anamorphic; a poor choice)

Gotham Tonight (Not a great feature, which is kinda like a Talk Show in Gotham.)

The Galleries – Poster Art, Production Stills and all the Trailers.

A nice set of extras no? Also the one thing that you might want to get this for is: The Digital Copy. For some odd reason it is way better than it is on the disk itself. It is also were the first time the Digital Copy is something I really like. The Windows format doesn’t work for some reason, but the Quicktime does and its in really great quality. It even has the IMAX sequences. A really odd choice, but yet its the best one to get.

The Result? This DVD gets about a 8.0. Its a great set, but I could use some more features. I also must see it on Blu-Ray. Remember to catch it in Theaters and IMAX again in January!

Update; Heres the Statuette picture:

Update 12/12:

I couldn't make it smaller, so you get to see a big size. I got it online so no hassle at the store.

Video of the Day:

International Terminator: Salvation Trailer:

Terminator 4 - Neuer Japanischer Trailer - MyVideo

And So It Comes To This...

Well Summer has past and gone by, at least for me anyway. A new semester has started so blogging may take longer than usual now. My classes are somewhat good, unfortunately I have an 8:00AM class so I will be more tired than I ever have been before. Although it is piano, so it somewhat subtle of a class. Other classes on my list is a class called Motion Picture & Television/Radio, and Lettering and Typography; both ranging in good classes. Another class year, more ways of becoming incredibly lazy and days involving procrastination. Besides school, this summer has still not ended for most people. What do they look forward to? Perhaps the recent movies that have just been released such as Pineapple Express, Tropic Thunder, Star Wars: The Clone Wars (If your a fan), and/or another round of The Dark Knight (Especially in IMAX). Nothing much else as happened unless you are keeping up with the Beijing 2008 Olympics or have yet to be in school (for you Floridians) and have been preparing or in the approaching storm. Well whatever the case here are the top five events that have happened during summer just for fun:

#5: Bigfoot Corpse in a freezer; A hoax or not? -

This was solved a few days ago: A hoax. Don't believe it until it is proven, especially from the same guys who said they found a corpse a couple years earlier. This was not only disappointing, but again we were fooled to believe something that clearly resembles a monkey suit with fake teeth and fake guts sticking out. The picture most people have saw was unclear, but still smelled of a hoax. We should have disproved it right away when DNA results came back of that of an Opossum.

#4: Iron Man was good? -

But sadly the video game was not. Yes, most people were skeptical (like myself) at first of the new Iron Man movie with the rejuvenated Robert Downey Jr. helmed the huge part and become an instant success. Who knew? I sure didn't, at first I thought it was going to be another Hulk, but it ended up being really funny and really cool. Robert Downey Jr. was really funny in this and see him even more funnier as he portrays the part of an African American in the new Tropic Thunder movie.

#3: Comic-Con '08 -

I say its big since it is the biggest Comic Book convention ever, but I actually got to go to it. Yep, I went for one day and it was one heck of an event. Lines were a bit long, but weren't anymore since we arrived late on account of a traffic accident. Don't ask. It was cool though, we saw a few celebrities, didn't get to the autographs section or see any panels, but this was my first year and was a good day. We got a semi close-up of Alfie, a hover ship from the upcoming Watchmen movie, some new toys, and what else? The Comics. I'm sure we will se more next year. Right?

#2: Michael Phelps Wins 8 and Chinese at the Olympics controversy -

Olympics are still going on, but I got to admit, I haven't kept up with most of the Olympics, although what I did see was two of Phelps' Gold wins. Especially the really close 10ths of a second win which blew my mind. You seriously have to have lightning fast arms to do something like that. (You can see Michael Phelps' picture above along with all the other mayhem) I also saw the gymnastics with the super young Chinese girls, which is still in controversy. As well as the fake fireworks, the Chinese singing girl perfection (actually probably not the right term), and other wins by the Chinese and other countries. All mostly paranoia, but I still dislike the fact about the singer controversy.

Honorable Mentions: California 5.4 Earthquake and Fires -

Anyone else feel that? The reason these didn't make the list is because; no one really talks about it. Sure the fires are serious deal to the people who live within the area, but the earthquake was relatively small compared to the past. Most people thought it was big since its been a while since their has been one. Although it also has said it is just the beginning and just paves the way for an even bigger earthquake. We doing anything about it?: Not really...no.

Indiana Jones, Mulder and Scully return to the big screen -

What a summer for movies this year, we got to see not only Hellboy and Hulk, but Indy and our favorite paranormal FBI investigators come back to the big screen. Indy was a fun adventure I say, but X-Files seemed like an old episode from the past. It was cool to see them back but was mostly for the fans. Yeah I'm a fan and enjoyed it as well as Indiana Jones.

Now that we got through all that, what is the most thing that has shaked the industry more than the earthquake?:

#1: The Dark Knight Premieres -

What else? Being on top for 5 (I think) straight weeks is no easy feat with all the other movies that have premiered. Its one heck of a movie. From start to finish, you will enjoy every minute of it. Unless your one of those people who drift out too easily for some odd reason, you should enjoy it. Its even on its way to defeat Titanic from being the top grossing movie ever. But most importantly is Heath Ledger's fantastic performance as The Joker. He's the man of the hour and is what makes this movie great along with everyone else. This is one thing Joker can't make disappear.

Why Must We Wait?

Alright I'm back with a few updates. I just started a new job which is why I have been so long, but good news is I will have much more reviews for movies since of the job I have taken.

• Yes, I now work at a movie theater called Krikorian Theaters. These are the semi-new theaters which present movies in Digital Projection which shows the best way to watch a movie. Much like IMAX only on a little smaller of a screen. I have seen two movies here and the quality is one of the greatest I have seen. I have watched Iron Man and The Happening here. Iron Man was great, The Happening; not so much. I also have a great benefit here which lets me watch free movies, unfortunately was taken away once I got hired. And I still don't know when I'm getting that back either. I still really want to watch The Incredible Hulk, Wanted, and Wall-E which are out now.
• The Dark Knight cannot come out any sooner. This is the one movie, as you know by now, that I have been waiting to see all year. I thought it was coming out much sooner as well, but its not till just a few weeks. Tickets are also selling like hotcake's online now. I am just hoping it won't sell out around here in IMAX. The online marketing campaign is also almost over for the Joker as he just updated his Why So Serious website. Also check out the new poster here.
• Ever been to Gaia Online? As a friend of mine briefly explains it here, its one of the most quickly growing and top website's on the internets right now. Its a good way to meet new friends, customize your own avatar (or avi to most) to your own style or liking. For many months Gaia has been saying the many ways they want to make their place grow by making their own combat flash based system type thing. Thing is they weren't lying. They have developing this thing for years. It might have been announced at Anime Expo or something, but anyway's here's the full report from IGN.
• Remember I did that post were there's DVD that are in desperate need of a Re-Release? Well the DVD gods must be listening since they listened; partially. There is now a re-release ready for The Nightmare Before Christmas. Yes! Before the DVD was widescreen, but not anamorphic (Not sure what this means? Go back to my post). Unfortunately I don't think the DVD has the special Disney True 3-D on the thing, so you just might have to wait till you see it again in theaters. My cousin has the video here. See the DVD in late August.
• Death Note fans, the series is about to end on Adult Swim soon so have your TiVo's set to record the finale on Saturday since the last two episodes are about the greatest anime endings I have ever seen anyway's. And possibly soon in anime history so don't miss it.
• Thought The Dark Knight updates were over? Well here's a last one, but this requires either a Domino's pizza online account or have your last order number ready since Domino's has an exclusive website for those who just ordered. Just go to the Domino's website and there's a link to the vault which needs some type of verification. The site includes previous downloads and a new exclusive trailer.

Another Face In The Crowd

(Highlight white parts unless ready to read major spoilers!) Something new came out today in promotion for The Dark Knight movie. Their hasn't been many updates recently, but this one is huge. It also quite confuses me. It could be just to hype up the movie more, I just don't understand why they would release something like this. It also seems it would come out near the end of the movie. Before you watch this, be prepared since its quite a major spoiler here, since we don't know what exactly Two-Face will look like entirely in the movie. Yes, this is a Two-Face related clip, its not entirely been said that its a clip of the movie, but it sure looks that way. We'll just have to wait and see what this all comes down to. But we all know by now that its all part of the plan.
(Hint for website: Click the shaking HA in Gotham.)

More Joker Craziness

New Alternate Trailer #3 to the new The Dark Knight movie:

A Batch Of New Things

Yeah I haven't really posted in a while, but good thing I haven't since I've complied a new batch of news which you surely want to read up on:

• Has anyone seen Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull yet? I surely have and I got to say, yes my friends, Indiana Jones is indeed back in this new adventure which is really for all the Indiana Jones fans out there. I have no review yet, but I'll save a review for my next post. I won't ruin anything I will just say that it really brings back many memories as well as new ones, and it will take quite a while to take that theme song out of your head.
• Heres a video which brings my faith back into M. Night Shyamalan's new movie; The Happening:
  

Online Videos by Veoh.com

• See the new Prince of Persia video game? Yeah looks awesome. Heard about the Prince of Persia movie? Yeah unfortunately. The only piece of news I have heard from the movie is that it stars Jake Gyllenhaal. Not much else. Here's a pic from the new game:

See that? That ain't concept art. Thats the actual game folks.

• Theres a new pic from the Street Fighter: Legend of Chun-Li movie as well. This time its actually Kristin Kreuk as Chun-Li and well shes not wearing her usual outfit, its still a very good looking picture:
• 

• The Dark Knight website has been updated with a new screensaver and very many other things to download just to let people know. The link is on the sidebar here on the right side. Theres also a new website for the new Batman: Gotham Knight DVD as well, which is another thing to take a look at.
• Their is rumored that new Spider-Man 4 and 5 movies will be filmed all together. I don't exactly know how that will work out, but its something. Apparently someone has penned the new sequel and that it will all somehow continue to another movie. Toby Maguire and Sam Raimi have not said anything about coming back yet, but we all know they will.
  
• The Simpsons Ride opened today at Universal Studios Hollywood, although, I haven't tried to find any pictures I'll provide you with my own near the end of the week as I make my own trek to Universal Studios Hollywood on Wednesday. I heard the ride is great so I really can't wait myself to try it out.

The Dark Knight TV Spots

Some have you seen em, many have not. I mostly see them on the internets. I would post them, but they arent like really long and show very little. Although the newest of TV spots, which is the third one shows a little more and my favorite of the TV spots. So against what I said I wasn't going to do here's the third TV spot and see for yourself why it could be the best:

Four Spoilers From The Dark Knight Trailer

Spoiler 1: Which is pretty obvious from the trailer, the transformation of Harvey Dent to Two-Face from the scene seen(whoa didn't think that would happen in the same sentence) in about 1:52 in most trailers. We knew it was gonna happen anyways, but its still quite spoiling on what we are going to see in The Dark Knight.

Spoiler 2:

Probably the most pointed out thing that seems hidden, but catches the eye, is which you can kinda see Harvey Dent has already turned into Two-Face. All you see is a few scars and a little peak at half his suit, either custom made or burned along with half his face.

And heres a link to my friends website with the pic from the trailer, as well as a little major spoiler on what Two-Face may look like in the movie: http://afistfulofsuck.blogspot.com/2008/05/severe-dermatological-issues.html

Spoiler 3:

Probably another semi-spoiler, but not well pointed out as Two-Face is what you see for a fraction of a second after Harvey asks Alfred of Rachel's Psychotic boyfriend, and before Batman smashes the van, you have to wonder: who's driving the van? Hm, I wonder...


(Click for bigger image)

Spoiler 4:

And finally one that probably has been talked about once, but no one seems to think about, is (Highlight for major spoiler) the completely psychotic thing Joker does at about 1:55. This happens a lot in Batman movies, but yet it doesn't show where Batman is and whats going on exactly. Rachel Dawes seems to be thrown off the ledge by Joker as he laughs. Gotta think about that.

And Here We...Go.

Watch the new Dark Knight Trailer here:


Online Videos by Veoh.com

Or download a higher version here:

http://www.whysoserious.com/happytrails/trailer.htm

The Dark Knight Trailer Is Here...Sort Of....

Here is a special treat from the Joker himself:

More TDK Banners For Your Eye Candy

Here are more banners and posters to drool over before we see the official The Dark Knight trailer, and before the actual movie:

And the new one (Click for bigger pic):

Update 2: It's All Part Of the Plan

New posters have come out for two movies. Know what they are? Here are the posters:



And this banner:




Check back later for something else that may be fun...

Update: And now for the trailer:


wait for it....


Which will be out Sunday for us, which will be seen here: http://www.whysoserious.com/happytrails/

Anyone else pissed? Here's a duck game you can play which takes you to the site seen above, once you win: http://www.whysoserious.com/sittingducks/

Update 2: Shh! Here's a trailer of the upcoming "Oompa Oompa Oompa TDK da di - If you are right then listen to me" movie: (Highlight: A bootleg of TDK, click link if you can't wait till Sunday, hint: click on the first link text)