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Rumors of an HBO/Netflix Partnership Have Been Greatly Exaggerated[teaser]We’re not going to be seeing streaming HBO content any time soon. [/teaser] The folks at Netflix have been chasing HBO for quite some time now and it seemed that they had finally reached an accord – at least if you believe rumors and speculation. As it turns out, they haven’t, and things are going to stay as normal for the streaming company. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings has been actively, even publically courting HBO for years. He knows, after all, just how big a deal it would be to get shows like ‘True Blood,’ and ‘Game of Thrones’ as streaming titles. Of course, former HBO CEO Jeff Bewkes has just as publically stated that it’s not going to happen. There’s always the chance that something will happen between these two in the future, but for now it’s a big fat “no.” Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Thu Jul 26, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Pro Audio Technology Reveals Seven Foot Tall Speaker[teaser]The SCR-3215sm is a monster of a speaker, and the specs reflect just that. [/teaser] Ever hear a complaint that your speakers are throwing off the look of a room or taking up too much space? No? Would you like to? The SCR-3215sm from Pro Audio Technology is an absolutely ridiculous loudspeaker that’s made for folks that have the room for it, have a space that requires it and, of course, have the money to spend. It measures in at seven feet tall and weighs 350 pounds. Inside the SCR-3215sm you’ll find two 15” 400 watt woofers, a mid/high frequency assembly that packs a 41 pound compression driver and a 30 pound motor system. The maximum output comes in at over 130dB. Source: Electronic HousePosted Thu Jul 26, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Research Shows 30% of Americans Want a Connected TV[teaser]Size, price and picture quality are still up there as the main purchasing considerations. [/teaser] Smart TVs have become increasingly popular and far more common over the last few years and consumers are taking notice. In a recent survey from IMS Research, it was found that over 30% of Americans want a Smart TV for their next set. Those in the survey that had purchased a set in the 12 months previous say that LED backlighting was more important, but those planning to buy a new set put streaming video and audio higher on their list. Of course, the basics reign as the most essential. Screen size, affordability and picture quality take the top spots, and that doesn’t look to be changing any time soon. Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Wed Jul 25, 2012 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Virgin Media Awards Millionth TiVo Customer with a Gold Coated TiVo[teaser]We’re going to go ahead and assume that they got a normal one as well. [/teaser] Ever wanted something really crazy to set your home theater apart from everyone else’s? One couple got something that definitely accomplishes the task – a gold coated TiVo. Allan and Christine Ward received a surprise this week when they answered the door to find U.K. soap star and former Spandau Ballet member Martin Kemp at their door. As it turns out, that’s one of the benefits that comes with being the millionth TiVo customer with Virgin Media. The pair also picked up a gold coated TiVo unit. As cool as the idea is, you know it’s only a matter of weeks before that thing is sitting in the garage. Source: EngadgetPosted Wed Jul 25, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Pioneer Announces a New HTiB with 3D Blu-ray Player[teaser]It also packs Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing you to stream DLNA files from your computer. [/teaser] The latest from Pioneer is the HTZ-BD32, a home theater system that includes, among other things, a fairly well equipped Blu-ray player. The player handles 3D Blu-ray, SACD, AVC, DVD and standard Blu-ray playback. It’s also Wi-Fi enabled for streaming of files from your computer and includes access to YouTube, Netflix and more. The 5.1 channel system comes equipped with satellite speakers for front and back, a center channel speaker and a 250 watt subwoofer. You can pick up the HTZ-BD32 at a price of $499. Source: eCousticsPosted Wed Jul 25, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Pioneer Introduces Second Generation Andrew Jones Speaker System[teaser]Pricing starts at $520 for a 5.1 channel package, or you can buy speakers separately to suit your needs. [/teaser] Pioneer has introduced a new set of speakers designed by Andrew Jones, who has made some tweaks that give you more out of this low priced system. One of the big tweaks is the redesign of the woofers, which adds a vented pole piece and a new structured surface cone. Pioneer says the woofers have enhanced strength and better bass dynamics to go with it. The tweeters in the system have also been modified and are using oversized magnets and new domes for a better response as well as more efficient operation. They also smooth the response for midrange sound. You can pick up the new speakers in a 5.1 channel package for $520 or pick them up individually. Source: eCousticsPosted Tue Jul 24, 2012 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Redbox Instant Begins an Internal Alpha Testing Stage[teaser]Bugs are being fixed, things are being fine tuned and Redbox is prepping for launch. [/teaser] It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything about the Redbox and Verizon joint effort known as Redbox Instant, but today the company revealed that internal Alpha testing is about to begin. This means that people within the company will be trying out the streaming program in its infant stage. This Alpha test will not only get the kinks of the program worked out, but help to fine tune pricing structure and other aspects of the service. There’s no word yet on just what Redbox Instant will cost, but you can bet we’ll be right on top of the news when we find out. Source: EngadgetPosted Tue Jul 24, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Vizo’s $99 Google TV Box is Now Available for Preorder[teaser]The Co-Star includes both the box and a QWERTY remote at that price. [/teaser] Google TV products have typically come in a bit pricier than competitors like the Roku player or Apple TV, but the Vizio Co-Star is different. It offers up all the Google TV goodness you’ve come to expect at a price of just $99. That $99 nets you the Co-Star itself plus a QWERTY remote with a track pad for easy navigation. The device packs OnLive streaming games, gives you an HDMI input for cable/satellite connections and a USB port for your digital files. It’s an impressive setup and it’s available for preorder now directly from Vizio. Source: EngadgetPosted Tue Jul 24, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Interviews 'Get the Gringo' (and 'Elysium') Producer and Co-writer Stacy Perskieby Luke Hickman If you've been reading the 'Get the Gringo' interviews that I've conducted, then this one introduces the third ingredient used in making this a throwback to Gibson's earlier films – Stacy Perskie. Like director Adrian Grunberg, Perskie has previously worked alongside Gibson too. Perskie worked as the second unit director on 'Edge of Darkness' and as the second assistant director on 'Apocalptyo.' Perskie not only co-wrote 'Get the Gringo' with Gibson and Grunberg, but he produced it as well. [teaser]Perskie has worked on several very big films, but I believe he's really about to explode. Why? Because he's currently co-producing Neill Blomkamp's first film after his 'District 9' feature debut, the uber-secretive 'Elysium.' The first footage and a general synopsis was finally revealed at Comic-Con two weeks ago, but I conducted this interview just days before that so Perskie still had to be tight-lipped about it – but that didn't stop me from asking. I managed to get one little tidbit out of him about 'Elysium' that got me very excited for it.[/teaser] Read on. Stacy Perskie: Hi, Luke! HDD – Luke Hickman: Hey, Stacy. How are you? Stacy Perskie: Good, good. How are you? HDD: Not bad at all. Are you tired from your full day of interviews yet? Stacy Perskie: This is actually my first one of the day – the first of few. HDD: I spoke with both Kevin [Hernandez] and Adrian [Grunberg] today - Stacy Perskie: Cool! How are they? HDD: They sounded great. I was especially impressed with Kevin because he doesn't sound like a 15-year-old at all. Stacy Perskie: Right?! He's very mature for his age. He's a very great guy. HDD: I see that you've done a few film with Mel Gibson now. Stacy Perskie: That's right. We've done three movies now. I've also done some music videos that he directed. ... HDD: How is it working with Mel? Stacy Perskie: He's extremely creative, you know. He's a lot of fun and a very great guy to work with. He's very humble, sharing a lot of his knowledge – and that's very rewarding because you get to learn a lot. At the same time, he allows you to propose things and he hears you out. It's a very open collaboration. HDD: Was it always the intention of you guys to get him to return to the 'Payback' type of role, or did that just happen naturally? Stacy Perskie: You know, when we started writing the script, it was [Mel's] original idea. We started doing research and he proposed that we all write it together. He never said from the beginning that it was to be an acting vehicle for him. It wasn't until the script was almost ready that he said that he might prefer the role. HDD: I'm glad that he took it. It felt like it was meant for him, especially with all of the quick and witty jokes that might fly over your head if you're not paying attention. Stacy Perskie: I agree. I agree. It's really great. When writing the script, we never said that it was going to be him … but it always seemed – I think from his point of view too – that it was always a very natural character for himself. I agree with you; it's great to see him in that type of role. HDD: It seems like you're keeping busy in the film industry. You've done second-unit directing - Stacy Perskie: Uh-huh. HDD: - producing, writing. Is there one of those roles that you prefer over the others? Stacy Perskie: I really like both writing and producing. I had a lot of fun on this project, so I look forward to being able to do it more. I also hope, at some point, to create the opportunity to direct something myself. But both writing and producing are definitely great. HDD: I know that you probably can't say anything, but the inner movie geek inside me won't let me not ask you. Stacy Perskie: (laughs) HDD: Being a producer on 'Elysium' - Stacy Perskie: Yeah. HDD: - can you say something – anything – at all about the movie just to appease me? Stacy Perskie: I'm pretty locked down at the moment. As you already know, it's a very confidential project. There hasn't been much out there yet, so I unfortunately can't say much. I will say that, personally, it's going to be an amazing movie. HDD: Has the shoot already wrapped? Stacy Perskie: Yes. Shooting has wrapped completely. The film had some additional photography that we shot last month. HDD: Were you on set for most of the shoot? Stacy Perskie: I was, yes. I concentrated on the Mexican portion of it. I was in the entirety of … the six weeks in Mexico, in Mexico City and the outskirt of the city. I was also in Vancouver, where the rest of the film was shot. HDD: Being a big fan of 'District 9,' I'm dying to see what Blomkamp does with it. Stacy Perskie: I think it's going to be a really amazing film. I think it's going to be on a whole other level than 'District 9.' Even though I think 'District 9' was very good, I think 'Elysium' is going to take it up a notch. HDD: Your words are making me excited – and I'm already really excited. Stacy Perskie: (laughs) That's cool! HDD: Do you have anything lined up after 'Elysium?' Stacy Perskie: Both Adrian [Grunberg] and I are reading scripts, we have a few scripts in development to produce. We're working on a movie called 'The Boy Who Smells Like Fish.' It'll probably be out early 2013. … We're looking for a few other projects for Adrian to direct and also thinking of things that we can write ourselves to see where it takes us. HDD: Well, thanks for giving me a call today and I look forward to seeing what you guys do next. Stacy Perskie:Thank you. That's very nice.Posted Mon Jul 23, 2012 at 02:05 PM PDT by: -
HDD Interviews 'Get the Gringo' Director Adrian Grunbergby Luke Hickman 'Get the Gringo' is a Blu-ray I've been anticipating since first hearing about it. Despite the media drama that Mel Gibson has found himself in over the years, I've continued to love his on-screen and behind-the-camera personas just as much as ever. So to hear that he had co-written and starred in a film that threw him back into the crass and gritty action roles that got him started, I was pumped. If you read M. Enois Duarte's review of 'Get the Gringo,' you will read my exact sentiments of the film. Through the character (known as "Gringo"), his hilarious narration and the story, we get to see Mel Gibson return to form. If it wasn't for Gibson's face revealing his age, 'Get the Gringo' could easily appear as one of his movies from "the good old days" of his career. I believe that this is the result of a couple combined things. First, Gibson co-wrote the screenplay. And second, the other minds behind the filming have now worked with Gibson for quite some time. Director Adrian Grunberg co-wrote 'Get the Gringo' with Gibson and producer Stacy Perskie. Grunberg also worked as first assistant director with Gibson on 'Edge of Darkness' and 'Apocalypto.' [teaser]I recently spoke with director Adrian Grunberg about 'Get the Gringo.' I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.[/teaser] HDD – Luke Hickman: Hello, Adrian! How are things going? Adrian Grunberg: Not bad at all. HDD: Are you doing a load of phoners today? Adrian Grunberg: Uh... yes – but thank God it's only today. HDD: Well, let's get this over with then. Let's get you onto the next call. I watched 'Get the Gringo' last night and have to say, I loved the opening sequence - Adrian Grunberg: Was that all you liked?! HDD: No, no, no! (laughs) I just wanted to say that I was gripped from the get-go because of the action, the visuals - Adrian Grunberg: (laughs) I'm kidding. I'm glad you did. I think it's a cool, cool scene as well. HDD: Having worked with Mel Gibson a few times now - Adrian Grunberg: - as first [assistant director] - HDD: - how is having the tables turned, being the guy who gets to fully direct Mel in a movie? Adrian Grunberg: It feels great! (laughs) I can't tell you enough – I love the guy. I've know him for a number of years now and there's an affinity, a friendship, that we've developed over the years. It was good, it was great, it was an amazing experience. This is a film that we brought forth from the idea, all the way through the script and the production, so it was fantastic. HDD: How did 'Get the Gringo' come to be? Adrian Grunberg: Mel had the idea … this idea of putting a "gringo" in a Mexican prison. [Mel] had been reading stuff about Mexican prisons, so he called me up and offered me the movie. We started to get together along with Stacy Perskie, who's the other co-writer and producer – all three of us started to get together and throw ideas around. We would come back the next week with research, we would grow the script, get together with Mel, then tear it apart and put it back together. This went on for almost two years. HDD: How close was the reality of the "Pueblito" (the Mexican prison) that you wrote to the actual "Pueblito" itself? Adrian Grunberg: It's exactly the way that the real Pueblito was. El Pueblito was closed down in 2002 (SPOILER ALERT) in the same way that it is closed down in the movie (END SPOLER). The authorities came in at two in the morning because it was the only way to close this place down. Now, that was in 2002 and the real Pueblito was even worse than the one in the movie. I had trouble about what not to put in the movie because the movie had to be under two hours. The movie is not about the prison, it just happens in the prison. Nowadays you won't find a prison exactly like that one, but that kind of prison does still exist in much of Mexico. HDD: And you shot the whole movie down in Mexico, right? Adrian Grunberg: Yes, all of it was shot there. It was 12-week shoot. HDD: The way it appears on screen, it looks like there was blistering heat. Was it that hot? Adrian Grunberg: Yes. We shot during the hot months, during the summer months, in Vera Cruz. We shot 'Apocalypto' there as well, so it was a comfortable place for Mel as well because it's a fantastic place. It's a cool town and the people are great. It was amazing, very enjoyable. HDD: When shooting a film like this - one filled with violence, torture, rape, language – how do you, as a director, tackle the shoot with such a young actor like Kevin Hernandez? Adrian Grunberg: Umm … shooting with kids is always difficult, but Kevin – as you might have guessed from talking with him (see my interview with Kevin Hernandez from last week) – he's very mature and he's a very cool kid. He's from El Salvador, but he lives in L.A., so he had never been to Mexico, this was his first big role, so he was really excited. We got along great and he came down there with his parents. He understood right away that it was role that he was playing. He had trouble at first because he doesn't swear, he doesn't speak that way – he would say, "I don't talk this way." And we would say, "I know, but you're acting." And he got that, he got it right away. He was fantastic and he did an amazing job. HDD: When casting a young actor like this, what sort of things do you take into consideration? Adrian Grunberg: We knew that the movie's success was largely due to whoever that role was being played by. "The Kid" would make or break this movie. It's such a powerful role and it's so easy to fuck it up, especially because you're dealing with a kid, so I did extensive [cast] testing in Mexico and couldn't find anyone. And it just so happened that he was recommended to me by a casting director who had just seen him for another casting job and I was really luck to get Kevin. I was struggling in finding somebody that could pull this off. HDD: I had seen Kevin in 'The Sitter,' but didn't know that he could dramatically act until 'Get the Gringo.' Adrian Grunberg: By the way, he shot 'Get the Gringo' before 'The Sitter.' HDD: That's what he was telling me. I thought it was great to see this kid acting on the same level as Mel while Mel was going back to a classic sort of Mel Gibson role – kind of like a 'Payback' role. Are you guys working on anything else right now? Adrian Grunberg: Not together. Mel is working on a couple of things that he wants to direct. I'm reading scripts and writing with my partner, Stacy, deciding what the next movie is. If something comes up in the future, I'd be happy to work with Mel. I love the guy. But right now we don't have anything planned together. HDD: I've got to tell you before I go – while watching the movie with my wife last night, we both agree that the best line in the movie is in the intro with Dean Norris, whom I love from 'Breaking Bad,' drops the quick clown line. If I wasn't paying attention, it would have flown right over my head. And this movie is filled with witty dialog like that. Adrian Grunberg: (laughs) I think there's a few of those, lines that I particularly still laugh at when I hear them because they happen so fast. They are little things within the scene that get missed by people on the first watch. I agree. HDD: Mel's voice-over was filled with them. Adrian Grunberg: I agree. HDD: Adrian, thanks for talking with me today. I was afraid that we weren't going to be able to fit this call in, but it worked and I'm glad that it did. Adrian Grunberg: Excellent.Posted Mon Jul 23, 2012 at 01:55 PM PDT by:
