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D23 Expands Membership Perks and Events in 2016

2015/12/01
boothby
Geek News, News

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BURBANK, Calif. – December 1, 2015 – In 2016, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will expand member events with more experiences on the East Coast and new twists on current favorites.

  • D23 BEHIND-THE-SCENES EXPERIENCES: In 2015, D23 Members had the opportunity to explore hidden Disney gems—such as the Animation Research Library—while hearing stories from Disney luminaries such as Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith and animator Andreas Deja. In 2016, D23 will bring back this popular event with incredible guests and new locations, while adding even more surprises and a special gift.
  • SCREENINGS ON THE DISNEY STUDIO LOT AND AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT: In 2016, D23 will once again offer special screenings on both coasts of Disney favorites including Alice in Wonderland, Finding Nemo, and Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Plus, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of The Reluctant Dragon, D23 will hold a special screening event on the Studio lot including special guests, picture spots, and more surprises.
  • D23’S LUNCH WITH A DISNEY LEGEND: Following a year that included exclusive luncheons with such luminaries as former Imagineer Orlando Ferrante and voice actress Kathryn Beaumont, D23 will be bringing back the popular event series on the Walt Disney Studios lot, as well as adding events on the East Coast. The first event will be at Walt Disney World Resort with Disney Legend Charlie Ridgway, who helped open Walt Disney World, Epcot Center, and Disneyland Paris.
  • D23 DAY AT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS AND ARCHIVES: D23 Gold Member-exclusive tours of the historic Studio lot and Walt Disney Archives in Burbank return, highlighting historic moments from Disney film, television, and theme parks—and in 2016 we will be enhancing the experience with a very special new location to be announced soon.
  • ADVANCE SCREENINGS: This year, D23 Members were able to attend previews of Cinderella and Inside Out in cities such as New York, Orlando, Chicago, San Francisco, and Philadelphia. Next year, in partnership with The Walt Disney Studios, D23 will screen a selection of upcoming releases. And for those guests who may not live in the cities where movies are screened, D23 Gold Members across the country will be selected at random to receive complimentary movie passes, which will be included in issues of Disney twenty-three, D23’s quarterly publication.
  • D23 MEMBER NIGHTS AT NEWSIES—ON TOUR: Disney fans are cheering for the Tony® Award-winning Newsies, now on tour. In 2016, guests in Salt Lake City, Portland, and other cities around the country are invited to see the show with premium seats on special nights and a talk-back with the cast following the show.
  • MEMBER MIXERS AROUND THE COUNTRY: After giving members a peek at the reimagined Disney Stores in Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, and Kentucky, in 2016, Disney Store will once again invite D23 Members for exclusive mornings of shopping, discounts, games, and goodies. Also this past year, D23 held mixers including Breakfast on Broadway in New York and Never Had a Friend Like D23 events to celebrate Aladdin in Phoenix, Sacramento, and Seattle. Look for more mixers in cities around the country in 2016.
  • MICKEY’S OF GLENDALE: The Walt Disney Imagineering employee store will once again offer shopping opportunities to D23 Gold Members at Walt Disney World Resort and in Southern California. Guests will be able to peruse collectibles and pick up official Imagineering merchandise. Dates to be announced in 2016.
  • D23 DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION—BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: Following D23’s first “Home Edition” of Fanniversary, celebrating the 60th anniversary of Lady and the Tramp, D23 in 2016 will bring fans around the world unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the spectacular, Academy Award®-winning animated feature Beauty and the Beast, which celebrates its 25th anniversary next year.
  • SIGNATURE EVENTS: Look for the return of some favorites, including SIP & SCREAM (a Halloween twist on D23’s Sip & Stroll event at Walt Disney World in the fall), as well as special holiday events on both the East and West Coasts. More details will be announced in 2016.

Dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events will be announced throughout the year. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2016 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at www.D23.com/events. All events and dates are subject to change.

Current event calendar:

  • January 29: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA, Burbank, Calif.
  • February 20: Alice in Wonderland, Burbank, Calif.
  • March 18: Lunch with a Disney Legend: Charlie Ridgway, Walt Disney World Resort
  • March 19: Alice in Wonderland, Walt Disney World Resort
  • April 8: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
  • April 9: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • April 20: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, Portland, Ore.
  • May 21: Finding Nemo, Walt Disney World Resort
  • June 4: Finding Nemo, Burbank, Calif.
  • June 8: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, Salt Lake City, Utah
  • June 25: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
  • July 18: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA, Burbank, Calif.
  • August 20: The Reluctant Dragon 75th anniversary screening event, Burbank, Calif.
  • September 23: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Walt Disney World Resort
  • September 24: Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Walt Disney World Resort
  • Fall: D23 Disney Fanniversary Celebration: Beauty and the Beast, more info coming in 2016
  • October 8: Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Burbank, Calif.
  • October 22: Sip & Scream, Walt Disney World Resort
  • November 18: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
  • November 19: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Opening Date Announcement on Dec 8

2015/12/01
boothby
Geek News, News

Wizarding_World_of_Harry_Potter_Castle

Universal City, California, December 1, 2015 – “When will “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” at Universal Studios Hollywood open?

This has been the #1 question asked since the theme park first announced that “Hogwarts is coming to Hollywood” in 2011.  The perennial question will soon have an answer and Universal Studios Hollywood is about to shed some light on it.

More information is available here:

WHEN:       Tuesday, December 8, 2015

TIME:         7AM PT / 10AM ET

WHERE: The Universal Studios YouTube Channel

For more information, visit the newly launched interactive website for a virtual tour of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and sign up for the latest news and information at www.universalstudioshollywood.com/harrypotter/signup.
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Join the conversation online using #WizardingWorldHollywood. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Star Wars Battlefront – Battle of Jakku: Live from London TONIGHT

2015/11/30
boothby
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

Star Wars Battlefront - Battle of Jakku

November 30, 2015 – Let’s play Star Wars™! Star Wars™ Battlefront™ – Battle of Jakku: Live from London (#StarWarsBattlefrontLondon) is taking place today, and will include the world premiere of The Battle of Jakku gameplay live streamed on Twitch. The below code can be used to embed the stream from the official EA Star Wars Twitch channel beginning at 11am PST / 2pm EST / 7pm GMT / 8pm CET:

Among the 40 player set up at Star Wars Battefront – Battle of Jakku: Live from London will be Ali-A, Vikkstar123 and JackFrags who will do battle on two maps set on Jakku as well as the debut of a new mode, Turning Point, a vast Star Wars Battlefront game mode for 40 players

The Battle of Jakku was created through a collaboration between DICE and Lucasfilm and takes place 29 years before Star Wars™: The Force Awakens™ in the aftermath of the Rebel victory in the Battle of Endor – the pivotal moment when the New Republic confronted key Imperial holdouts on a remote desert planet. Learn more here.

Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two Artwork Revealed

2015/11/25
boothby
Geek News, Movie News, News, Screenshots / Photos

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Walt Disney Studios and Marvel have revealed the artwork to accompany the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two collector’s edition movie box set – due out on December 8 only at Amazon.com.

About the MCU Phase Two Collection

The limited edition, 13-Disc Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two Collection invites you to hold the greatest power in the cosmos in your grasp – an orb containing one of the legendary Infinity Stones! Plus Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™ and Digital Copies of all Phase 2 films, in collectible packaging designed by artist Matt Ferguson. This set overflows with stunning Marvel memorabilia, including a gold-foiled page from the book of Dark Elves, an ancient drawing from the Morag vault, Avengers and S.T.R.I.K.E. uniform patches, a replica of the Tony Stark Tattoo from Marvel’s Iron Man 3, and much more!

Artwork Images

Universal Studios Hollywood Cel-Who-brates with 21 Days of Grinchmas

2015/11/24
boothby
Geek News, News

universal-studios-grinchmas

Universal City, California – November 24, 2015 – It’s the most wonderful time of the year as Universal Studios HollywoodSM and Universal CityWalk® deck the halls for a wintry calendar of cool holiday activities at The Entertainment Capital of L.A.SM

A very, merry “GrinchmasTM” returns to Universal Studios Hollywood as the theme park celebrates the Who-lidays with The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Whos from the town of Who-ville.

“Grinchmas” runs weekends on December 5-6 and 12-13, then continues daily from December 18, 2015 through January 3, 2016.

The Universal Plaza, an elaborate grand piazza at the heart of the theme park, will serve as the backdrop for the lighting of the towering “Grinchmas” tree – a whimsical centerpiece twisting and spiraling 60 feet above visitors and providing the ideal setting for merry holiday making memories, while The Grinch, his adorable dog Max and the Who-ville Whos entertain guests nearby with fun-filled photo opportunities.

As part of the fab-Who-lous event, Martha May Who-vier and the Who Dolls will take center stage by the “Grinchmas” tree performing energetic musical sets to usher in the Christmas season in style.  The Wholiday Singers—a hip boy-band ensemble—will perform nightly a cappella concerts featuring a mix of Christmas favorites and pop rock.

The spirited “Grinchmas” event will also capture guests’ imagination with a variety of inspiring activities designed to create long lasting memories. These include:

  • Who-ville Post Office – Visitors will have a chance to partake in the “Grow Your Heart 3 Sizes” campaign when they share their good deeds on a postcard and mail them to The Grinch. In return, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. and Random House Children’s Books, the publishers of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, will pay it forward by donating a book to a child in need through First Book on behalf of the sender.
  • Trim up the Tree Lot – Guests can design and personalize their own “Grinchmas” ornaments to help decorate the venue’s other “Grinchmas” trees or take them home as a keepsake.
  • Who-bilicious Cookie Dec-Who-rating – Freshly baked, ginger bread and Christmas tree cookies will be available for purchase, and guests can create their very own amazing treats with an assortment of delectable frostings and tasty toppers.
  • Story Time with Cindy-Lou Who – Cindy-Lou Who and her Who friends will gather guests of all ages – tall and small—for an engaging storytelling show of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, featuring special effects and audience participation.

The spirit of “Grinchmas” will also come to life aboard the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour with engaging performances by unforgettable Who-ville Whos re-enacting popular scenes and songs from the family favorite at the original film sets from the blockbuster film, “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

Universal Studios Hollywood’s newly introduced Annual Passes add additional cheer to the holidays as special stocking stuffer gifts.  For more information or to purchase one of three new passes: the Gold Pass, the California Resident Plus Pass or the California Resident Pass, please visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/tickets.

“Grinchmas” is included in the price of theme park admission.  More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.

The spirit of the season continues with a wintertime transformation of Universal CityWalk, beginning the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, November 27 through Friday, January 1, 2016.  A spectacular 40-foot tall Christmas tree will glisten with 200,000 LED icicles choreographed to the lights and sounds of the season in the “5 Towers” plaza. Santa Claus will make nightly appearances and offer special photo opportunities at “5 Towers,” plaza complete with evening hourly snow falls at the heart of CityWalk.  Visits from St. Nick, along with free concert performances and an eclectic ensemble of talented street performers will make CityWalk the ultimate L.A. holiday destination.  Admission to Universal CityWalk is free.

Sound Blaster X H5 Professional PC Gaming Headset Review

2015/11/24
boothby
Geek News, News, Peripheral Review, Peripherals News, Reviews

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Creative Labs continues its war to dominate the gaming audio market with the new Sound BlasterX line of gaming headsets. Ranging from the lower-end H3 headset going all the way to the high-end H7 7.1 channel surround sound headset, there is something for everyone in the Sound BlasterX line-up. We got the chance to take a look at the almost-top tier level headset, the Sound BlasterX H5. The Sound BlasterX H5 gaming headset features a stainless steel and black style that exudes classy aggression. The headset is capable of taking a lot of wear and coming back for more every time, thanks to its steel headband. I was actually shocked at just how flexible the steel headband is. You can twist it almost all the way around and the steel just bounces right back to shape. It also features faux leather ear cups that, while making my ears sweat slightly after long periods of use, provide ample comfort and a quiet gameplay session.

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Its boom microphone did a terrific job of carrying my voice to my comrades while we played Arma 3 and Romero’s Aftermath, and I was told from my cohorts that the mic seemed successful in filtering out a lot of the background noise floating around my office space. In fact, it sounded better to them than the dedicated desktop microphone I usually use for Skype calls, etc. It should be noted that the boom microphone is removable in case you do not require it.

Setting up the Sound BlasterX H5 for use is very simple – it comes with a 3.5mm splitter and also uses a 4 port 3.5mm plug. This allows you to plug the headset into your smartphone, PC, and even a PS4 game console! You also have the option of downloading and installing the Creative Labs Sound BlasterX Acoustic Engine Lite software that allows you to tweak your sound to your specifications. For the purposes of my review, I did not do this as I already have a Creative Labs software suite running thanks to my sound card.

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The sound quality coming out of the Sound BlasterX H5 was excellent, and I could just as easily listen to my favorite songs while wearing this headset as I could taking on OPFOR in Arma 3. I heard no issues with high or low-end sounds while listening to my tunes and was happy it seemed to marry so well with my Creative Labs sound card. I could take advantage of most of my sound card’s options, such as the Crystalizer and Scout modes with no issue whatsoever. Its 50mm “FullSpectrum” neodymium drivers are up to the task and the ear cups are closed just enough to block out a decent amount of outside noise while still allowing you to hear some of whats going on around you.

Finally, I love that the Sound BlasterX H5 features a nylon, braided cable. This was all the rage a few years ago but has since petered out among peripheral makers. I loved this feature on headsets and am glad Creative Labs is bringing it back for the H5.

Overall, the Creative Labs Sound BlasterX H5 pro gaming headset is exactly what you would hope to get out of an analog, pro gaming headset. They have great sound quality, great construction, and a reliable microphone that actually filters out some background noise. It’s only real drawback is the $129.99 price point but headsets are getting more expensive these days. At least with the Sound BlasterX H5, you know your $129.99 is going towards a high quality product.

Sound BlasterX H5 on Amazon

[easyreview title=”Sound BlasterX H5 Professional PC Gaming Headset Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

Rainbow Six Siege Siege The Day TV Spot with Idris Elba

2015/11/19
boothby
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

rainbow-six-siege-idris-elba

SAN FRANCISCO – November 18, 2015 – With just weeks to go until the highly anticipated return of Rainbow Six, Ubisoft® is kicking off the launch of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Siege with the release of a new live-action trailer starring Golden Globe Award–winning actor Idris Elba. Elba takes the lead role in the explosive trailer entitled “Siege the Day” that brings to life an actual in-game multiplayer match with counter-terrorist operators facing off in a setting inspired by the House map from the game. He also enlightens viewers on the exciting and destructible foundations of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege in the complementary featurette series, “The Laws of Siege.”

Ubisoft also announced that an open beta will take place November 25–29 on Xbox One, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. The open beta will be an invitation for all players to try Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege for free, ahead of the worldwide launch on December 1.

The trailer and the featurettes were shot over four days in Prague, directed by Park Pictures founder Seb Edwards along with Angus Wall, two-time Academy Award–winning film editor (The Social Network and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and founder of Rock Paper Scissors and its sister company, VFX. Ubisoft worked with Los Angeles–based agency Omelet on development of the concept and overall creative direction and execution of the “Siege the Day” campaign.

“Getting to work on a set with explosions and big destruction always adds an element of excitement. The Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege shoot was unique in that my character is at the eye of the storm during the chaos around him,” said Idris Elba. “In the game, walls can be shattered; ceilings and floors can be breached to change how players experience the game. My character walks the viewer through the destruction, while coming out unscathed on the other end.”

The “Siege the Day” television ad will air nationally to promote the launch of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege and can be seen during key television moments such as Thanksgiving Day football and the mid-season finale of The Walking Dead.

For more information about Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, please visit rainbow6.com.

Star Wars Battlefront Launch Trailer

2015/11/17
boothby
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

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REDWOOD CITY, Calif. November 17, 2015 – From DICE, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) studio, and Lucasfilm Ltd. comes the highly anticipated video game, Star Wars™ Battlefront™. Winner of more than 50 awards worldwide including the Best of Show recognition* at E3, gamescom, Eurogamer Expo and Tokyo Game Show, Star Wars Battlefront delivers the epic Star Wars battle fantasies fans have always dreamed of, while allowing them to create all new memories of their own. The game is available today in North America and Asia, and in Europe this Thursday, November 19 on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Origin™ for PC.

“Star Wars Battlefront is a game made by Star Wars™ fans for Star Wars fans of all generations,” said Sigurlina Ingvarsdottir, Senior Producer. “Our vision is to give fans a game that is truly authentic to this amazing universe, to allow them to immerse themselves in these worlds with stunning visuals and remarkable sound, and most importantly, to make sure the gameplay is exciting and fun.”

In Star Wars Battlefront, players will live out the battles between the Rebellion and the Empire in the time period of the original Star Wars trilogy. From large-scale multiplayer matches for up to 40 players to exciting Missions that can be played alone offline or with a friend, the game delivers a wide variety of the Star Wars experiences fans have been clamoring for. Drive speeder bikes at breakneck speeds through Endor, crush Rebel scum in an AT-ST or AT-AT, take to the skies in the Millennium Falcon or even become the ultimate boss of a multiplayer match as one of theStar Wars universe’s most iconic Heroes or Villains – Boba Fett, Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader and more.

“We have given DICE unprecedented access to the original source materials and our creative teams and in turn, they have done an incredible job of capturing the essence and spirit of the original trilogy,” added Ada Duan, Vice President of Digital Business and Franchise Management, Lucasfilm. “With Star Wars Battlefront releasing this November, and Star Wars™: The Force Awakens coming to theaters in just one month, there’s never been a better time to be a Star Wars fan.”

Starting on December 1, 2015, fans that pre-ordered Star Wars Battlefront will be among the first players to experience the Battle of Jakku, the pivotal moment when the New Republic confronted key Imperial holdouts on a remote desert planet. Taking place in the aftermath of the Rebel victory in the Battle of Endor, players will experience the events that created the massive, battle-scarred landscape of Jakku in Star Wars™: The Force Awakens™. All other players will get access to this content, for free**, on December 8, 2015.

Fans looking to enhance their Star Wars Battlefront experience can do so with the Star Wars Battlefront Companion. Available on web and in theApp StoreSM and Google Play™ store, the Star Wars Battlefront Companion features the tactical, card-based game Base Command which allows players to earn in-game credits that can be used in Star Wars Battlefront. The Companion also lets you connect with friends, track your career, and more. The Star Wars Battlefront Companion is available now on web at www.StarWarsBattlefront.com/Career, as well as in the App Store and Google Play store.

Players looking to expand their experience can with the Star Wars Battlefront Season Pass***, which includes 4 epic digital expansion packs coming post-launch, including new weapons, vehicles, Star Cards, iconic heroes and villains, new maps and new modes. Season Pass also gives players two-week early access to each expansion pack and an exclusive “Shoot First” emote. Learn more about the Star Wars Battlefront Season Pass, including release dates and additional info, at www.StarWarsBattlefront.com/SeasonPass.

Star Wars Battlefront is available now in North America and Asia at retail and digitally for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, and on Origin for PC. EA Access**** members can save 10% when they buy the digital version of Star Wars Battlefront on Xbox One. For more information on the game, visit www.StarWarsBattlefront.com and see the Star Wars Battlefront Launch Gameplay trailer here. Join the Star Wars Battlefront conversation on Facebook®, Twitter®, and Instagram®.