Author: Chris Ullrich

Toshiba ‘Officially’ Drops HD-DVD

Toshiba ‘Officially’ Drops HD-DVD

  • News
  • February 19, 2008

Remember that format war between Blu-Ray and HD-DVD? Well, you can forget about it now because the final battle is over and Blu-ray is the winner — which ComicMix Chief Mike Gold called on Sunday.

Today, Variety is reporting Toshiba has officially thrown in the towel and will no longer build or ship players and recorders using the HD-DVD format — with the final end coming March 31st.

According to the article, Toshiba President and CEO Atsutoshi Nishida made the annoiuncement today from its company headquartes in Tokyo. 

“We realized that if we were to continue in this business on such a small scale, we would only inconvenience our customers and partners,” Nishida explained. “We also saw that, from a competitive standpoint, there was no way we could win.”

In addition to the reasons Nishida outlined above, Warner Bros.’ decision to stop selling HD-DVD discs last month and support only Blu-Ray had, according to the article, "a major impact” on the situation. “After that we had to make a decision quickly," Nishida admitted.
 
Toshiba’s decision clears the way for Blu-Ray, which is championed by Sony and has been battling Toshiba and its HD-DVD allies, including Intel and Microsoft, for nearly six years, to finally dominate the market. Of course, this also comes at a time when downloading content via devices such as Microsoft’s XBox 360 or the Apple TV, instead of using physical media such as Blu-Ray disks, is becoming more and more popular. 
 
Will Blu-Ray’s victory be short-lived as consumers switch, instead, to other ways of getting their content, leaving their unwanted disks gathering dust in a closet somewhere? With the state of our current infrastructure and the country’s lack of internet bandwidth when compared to others, it seems unlikely that downloads will completely replace physical product any time soon. 
 
However, technology often advances very quickly so the switch to downloadable content may end up happening sooner rather than later, especially with the very important younger consumers who already downloading most, if not all, of their content anyway. 
 
In the end, Blu-ray’s victory may be a hollow one and its dominance fleeting. I hope they enjoy it while it lasts. Hey, anyone want to buy a slightly used XBox 360 HD-DVD drive?
 
Toy Fair ’08: Ledger Inspired Joker Figure Announced

Toy Fair ’08: Ledger Inspired Joker Figure Announced

  • News
  • February 19, 2008

In spite of the recent, tragic death of actor Heath Ledger, the New York Post is reporting that plans are still in effect to release a new action figure in his Dark Knight character’s likeness to coincide with the upcoming release of the film.

According to the article, the Joker action figure will come in two different versions, both of which will hit store shelves in May.

One smaller version will feature a rocket launcher that can be put in the figure’s hand. The other, designed by well-known team the Four Horsemen, will be slightly larger, more detailed and come with a toy knife. Some might question the timing, or good taste, of releasing the action figure so close to Ledger’s death — or in releasing it at all.

However, according to the article, Ledger’s family supports the decision. "Heath was very proud of his work in the film, and his family is aware and supportive of Warner Bros. and its partner’s plans for the movie," said a family spokesperson. In addition, Mattel, the company behind the figure, are sensitive to the situation but still plan to go forward.

"It’s not exactly a marketing point," said Mattel’s P.J. Lewis of Ledger’s death. "But kids are going to buy the toy if they like the movie."

The Dark Knight hits theaters in July.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: You can see pictures of both figures in our gallery of photos from the ComicMix tour of Mattel’s showroom.]

 

Reynolds, Kitsch Join Up With ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’

Reynolds, Kitsch Join Up With ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’

  • News
  • February 19, 2008

Recently, I told you about some cool pictures from the upcoming X-Men Origins: Wolverine film that had just hit the net. Now, according to SuperheroHype, there’s quite a bit of casting news to report about the upcoming film as well.

Yesterday, they dropped a few hints that Ryan Reynolds is likely onboard to portray mercenary-for-hire Deadpool in the film. Today, they’re reporting that Friday Night Lights star Taylor Kitsch has signed a three-picture deal to play Gambit, the card-throwing, Bo’ wielding former thief, in the film.

Reynolds and Kitsch join a pretty great lineup that already includes Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Liev Schreiber as Sabretooth, Danny Huston as the young William Stryker and Lynn Collins as Silver Fox. The story of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, in case you haven’t been following along, takes place prior to the X-Men films and recounts the events of Wolverine’s very violent past, his relationship with Victor Creed and the nefarious Weapon X program.

In addition to his own adventures, Wolverine also encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe — just to keep things interesting. 

X-Men Origins: Wolverine comes to your local multiplex May 1st, 2009.

’24: Cold Warriors’ One-Shot Coming This Month From IDW

’24: Cold Warriors’ One-Shot Coming This Month From IDW

  • News
  • February 18, 2008

Even though the writer’s strike has forced some shows, such as Fox’s blockbuster franchise hit 24, to play the waiting game for new episodes until next season, that doesn’t mean Jack Bauer fans are going to be left with no way to get their fix. Fortunately, the folks at IDW are stepping up and releasing an all-new 48-page one-shot comic based on the show called 24: Cold Warriors.

The comic, written by Beau Smith with art by Steve Bryant, centers on Jack Bauer (of course) and Chloe O’Brian who are stranded at a remote communications station in Alaska during a huge snowstorm. Unfortunately, snow is the least of their concerns once they discover a plot by terrorists, who are led by a Russian agent from jack’s past, which threatens to bring down all wireless comunications in the U.S.

Both IDW and Fox are excited about being able to release this new 24 adventure while fans wait for new episodes until next season. "Our partnership with IDW has been very gratifying for our division as well as for fans of the show," said Virginia King, Vice President of U.S. Licensing for Fox. "The quality of the writing, the creation of original story arcs, and top-drawer illustrations are all superb and do justice to a powerful show. The graphic novels have helped fill the void as fans await the return of the show to broadcast."

24: Cold Warriors lands at your local comic shop later this month.

 

 

‘Hulk’ Issue #2 Preview Hits the Net

‘Hulk’ Issue #2 Preview Hits the Net

Over at USA Today they’ve posted an exclusive preview of Hulk #2, which smashes into comic book stores this Wednesday. Among the less-subtle differences you might notice with this preview is the color of your favorite raging behemouth. Yes, he’s red. That’s not an illusion.

The Red Hulk story, a murder mystery written by Ultimates 3 and Heroes scribe Jeph Loeb, with art by Ed McGuinness, centers on the identity of the Red Hulk, who might be Bruce Banner but is definitely many times more savage than the green version. 

According to Loeb: "I wanted to bring a danger back to the book. The Red Hulk is the kind of Hulk we haven’t seen before — a thinking, calculating, brutal weapon-toting kind of Hulk."
 
"In many ways," continued Loeb, "the Red Hulk speaks to the worst in us so when the Green Hulk comes back, it will remind us of the best in us." Loeb doesn’t reveal much more detail about the Red Hulk or the story in the article, but does let fans know that come issue #4, the green Hulk will be back and ready to smash once more.
 

 

New ‘Wolverine’ Set Photos Hit the Net

New ‘Wolverine’ Set Photos Hit the Net

  • News
  • February 18, 2008

Previously, I told you about the first "official" pic from the upcoming X-Men Origins: Wolverine film. Now, there’s a couple more pics to share with you. Sure, they don’t show all that much. But still, I’m excited for the new movie, so what the heck? Over at XMenFilms.net they’ve posted a couple pics supposedly snapped by a sneaky photog on the New Zealand set of the film.

According to the site, one photo is of an abandoned cement storage warehouse with extra lighting for night shooting. The other is of more night shooting on top of a large cement water tank which might be for an extensive action sequence or fight scene.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine claws its way into theaters May 1st, 2009.

Check out the new full-size photos after the jump.

(more…)

Toy Fair ’08: NECA Toys Announces New ‘Harry Potter’ Lineup

Toy Fair ’08: NECA Toys Announces New ‘Harry Potter’ Lineup

  • News
  • February 18, 2008

According to ComingSoon, NECA Toys has announced they will be expanding their already extensive lineup of Harry Potter inspired toys to include many all-new figures. Later this year, the company will release a two-pack of 7" figures of Harry as he appears in the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets film.

In addition, NECA will also release an original Dumbledore figure based on the late Richard Harris’ characterization and more figures in their 7" line such as the Wesley Twins, Fred and George and Mad-Eye Moody. They will also debut other Potter-related toys and gifts including a snow globe of Harry on his Quidditch broom.

These releases will also serve as the kick-off to their action figures line leading up to the release of  Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which hits theaters on November 21st.

 

Toy Fair ’08: New Playmates ‘Star Trek’ Toy Line Confirmed

Toy Fair ’08: New Playmates ‘Star Trek’ Toy Line Confirmed

  • News
  • February 18, 2008

According to Toy News International, Playmates Toys has confirmed they will be launching a collectable line-up of all new toys based on director J.J. Abrams highly-anticipated new Star Trek film. The new line-up will include three scales of life-like, fully-articulated action figures, a set of special 12" scale collector figures, a realistic U.S.S. Enterprise and other vehicles.

The line will also feature basic role play toys and deluxe versions with advanced electronic features, intricate playsets that are compatible with the action figures and more. According to Pat Linden, Sr. Director of Boys Marketing at the company:

“We are proud to represent Star Trek, an important entertainment event, with highly-detailed and intricately designed new toys,”With a full line of figures, vehicles, playsets and role-play toys, fans of all ages can relive their favorite moments from the feature film again and again.”

 
The new Star Trek toys will hit store shelves in spring of 2009.
 
Exec. Producer Gains on Wrapping ‘Watchmen’

Exec. Producer Gains on Wrapping ‘Watchmen’

  • News
  • February 18, 2008

Recently, we told you about director Zack Snyder answering fan’s questions about the new Watchmen film. Now, another update has been posted over at the film’s official site. This time around, Executive Producer Herb Gains has dropped an update sharing his thoughts about the project now that principal photography on the movie is close to being finished.

According to Gains:

"The combination of modern-day technology and the level of artistic ability of so many people has made the Watchmen experience second to none. The spirit behind the making of this film was nothing short of total pleasure and love. The one thing that remains for me is the anticipation and excitement of seeing the finished product, knowing that we’ve all worked on something very special."

The film, which features Patrick Wilson, Jackie Earle Haley, Matthew Goode, Billy Crudup, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Malin Akerman, Carla Gugino, Stephen McHattie and Matt Frewer hits theaters March 6, 2009. 
Toy Fair ’08: Mattel Unleashes ‘Infinite Heroes’ Toy Line

Toy Fair ’08: Mattel Unleashes ‘Infinite Heroes’ Toy Line

  • News
  • February 18, 2008

According to Action Figure Insider, toy powerhouse Mattel has "done the impossible" and announced a new line of action figures called Infinite Heroes inspired by some of DC comics most well-known characters. The list of upcoming figures, which will reportetly come in both themed 3-pack and single figure versions, includes Batman, Shazam!, Power Girl, Hawkman, Super Girl, and Black Canary.

Other heroes reporting for duty include Black Adam, Hush, Hal Jordan and Green Arrow and both the Jay Garrick and Wally West Flash characters. The set of figures will also include some Gotham policemen and even a Comissioner Gordon figure, just so you can have the most well-rounded lineup possible.

Check back here later for all of the photos from the ComicMix tour of Mattel’s showroom!

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