Monthly Archives: December, 2011

Talk about variety. This week on Blu-ray we've got everything from blockbuster films to Vietnam war footage in HD, to Shakira live in Paris. Starting in the action genre the most anticipated BD release might be Cowboys & Aliens, but we can't not mention the hi-def remastering of Tora Tora Tora, the 1970 dramatization of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Also in action, the Mission Impossible Giftset Collection hits shelves, no doubt timed perfectly with MI Ghost Protocol releasing on Dec. 21 this month.

Want a nice holiday gift? And a deal? Amazon is offering Disney's Toy Story Ultimate Toy Box Collection for $49.99. That's a 50-percent discount off the list price of $100.

If you're an Xbox 360 owner you'll be able to get an app for movie network EPIX when Microsoft launches the new LIVE interface on Dec. 6. The EPIX app will also utilize Kinect voice and gesture commands, enhancing the overall movie search interface. You'll need an EPIX subscription, of course, through your TV service provider.

The new Xbox 360 Dashboard goes live Tuesday, featuring (another) new, brighter and whiter user interface, enhanced Kinect controls, cloud storage, streaming TV content, and more. Microsoft's Major Nelson says the changes will include: New personal and social features including Cloud Storage for Game Saves and LIVE Profile

This month HDNet Movies' schedule includes several movies the network has never shown before - all broadcast in crisp high-definition. On Wednesday, Dec. 7 HDNet Movies will premiere 50 First Dates (2004) for the first time, starring Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, and Rob Schneider.

Electronic Arts has committed the Battlefield 3: Back to Karkand digital expansion pack to release on December 6 for PlayStation 3, and December 13 for Xbox and PC users. If you remember, the PlayStation 3 "Limited Edition" of Battlefield 3 promised a free copy of the 'Karkand' pack one week before Xbox and PC users are able to get it.

Today the NBA announced opening day of the 2011/12 season will be Christmas Day, Dec. 25. The NBA cut no corners either in lining up the biggest franchises in the league. Start with the Boston Celtics vs. old-time rivals the New York Knicks at

Sony Bravia TV owners might want to check out the new firmware update now available online. The update includes support for high-definition video from YouTube -- a welcome addition which is of course contingent upon the quality of the clip you're watching. The firmware update from Sony also includes the ability to view Facebook videos and photos in full screen on your TV.

Starting this month Verizon FiOS TV subscribers with an Xbox Live Gold account will be able to download a free app to access live television. The app (developed by Verizon) will give subscribers 26 channels to choose from via Kinect interface, without any need to use a remote control.

Universal's 2011 remake of the 1982 cult classic The Thing has been announced for release on Blu-ray Disc and DVD on January 31, 2012. The disc editions will contain deleted and extended scenes, featurettes "The Thing Evolves" and "Fire & Ice," and commentaries from the producer and director.