Dell’s new Studio Hybrid line of computers is a rather interesting offering.
Designed to be an “anywhere-you-want-it-desktop”, the pint-sized PC comes in six colors, as well as bamboo, features an ultra-compact design with Intel mobile technology performance, a slot-load DVD, HDMI, digital/analog TV tuner, and optional Blu-ray for home entertainment duties.
In addition, the Dell Hybrid helps to preserve the planet as Dell’s greenest and most power-efficient consumer desktop (75% less printed documentation, 70% less power usage, Energy Star 4.0 compliant, and packaging made form 95% recyclable materials).
A good-looking computer that’s good for the environment and performs too?
The opening scene of every Simpsons features a panoramic sweep of the city that reveals many of the characters, yet does so in such a speedy manner that it’s hard to see exactly what’s shown.
Thankfully, with the release of the series on DVD, it’s possible to slow down time, and as Drew Mackie has done, stitch together the into clip into one large image.
What’s interesting is that, despite seeing this clip before every episode, most people (myself included) have never really had a chance to see exactly what’s going on.
On December 19, Jackass 2.5, the half-sequel to the rather popular Jackass movie series, will officially become the “first broadband movie ever distributed by a major studio”.
For two weeks, anyone will be able to view the hour-long film in its entirety for free, with a pre and post-roll the only intrusion into their Jackass pleasure.
After the free preview, the film will be available on DVD, through iTunes, on Amazon, and anywhere else Paramount Pictures can make a buck off of the pain of others.
If it works, there could be a swing towards using this method of distribution in the future, so check it out, because free is hard to beat.
Pixar has a habit of sneaking in-jokes and self-references into their feature films and shorts.
Whether it’s bringing characters from different Pixar projects together or referencing earlier and/or upcoming productions, Pixar likes to fill their films with Easter Eggs and secrets for you to find.
Some of them are rather hidden, and most take a keen eye, so for those of you who don’t want to weed through your old DVDs with a fine toothed comb, Jim Hill has put together a definitive list of locations and screen shots for the doubters.
When I heard the words ‘fixed gear bikes’ and ‘DVD’ used together, I had my doubts about how good a movie about the somewhat artsy bikes could be, but after watching the trailer, I will humbly accept defeat.
Despite a lack of gears, pegs, shocks, or comfort of any kind normally associated with trick bikes, the Mash SF crew manages to make this sport look like a ton of fun.
The DVD includes their hour-long feature film, an extra hour of outtakes, and a 120-page book of project photos and explanations.
The hole in the center of each CD/DVD has for too long gone unnoticed. Thankfully, one creative artist has given this hole the recognition it deserves with these very original designs. Holey art, anyone?
In addition to numerous other promotion methods, the Evan Almighty crew has started a campaign called Get On Board, designed to bring awareness to the go green movement. As part of this campaign, they’ve also started the Almighty Forest, where you can plant a virtual and a real tree for just a $5 (tax deductible) donation.
What’s interesting about the Almighty Forest is that with your tree donation, they will also include your name somewhere in the DVD. It might not make you famous, but at least you can tell your friends to start checking for you when the DVD comes out.
Four Eyed Monsters is a full length feature film that has been released to YouTube for one week only.
It’s about our lives. Being alone in a city, wanting to be in a relationship but feeling there are no good ways to start a connection and then breaking out of a rut, jumping feet first into something deeper and crazier than either of us expected.
What’s interesting is the steps they’re taking to monetize the film.
First, they’re asking everyone to join Spout, a movie review site that has agreed to give them $1 for every user that signs up (to a max of $100,000).
Second, they’re selling their film on a variety of DRM free media, from downloads to a full featured DVD.
Third, they’re running co-branded advertising on YouTube, similar to Rolling Rock, which is something I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of as YouTube tries to figure out how to get back it’s Dollar Eyed Monster of an investment (though I’m thinking this is a good thing, seeing as advertising linked to the video you are watching is much better than a flashing Crazy Frog).
The movie is over 70 minutes long, so be prepared to sit for a while, but if you want a peak at the way media is going to be distributed in the future, look no further, because this is it.
The Animation Show is a collection of very cutting edge animations put together by Mike Judge and Don Hertzfeldt. Mike is the creator of Beavis and Butthead, Office Space and King Of The Hill, and Don created Rejected, an Internet sensation. The show is more of a film festival than a movie, traveling across the country and usually just playing in a single showing per venue, but it’s definitely worth the price of admission. I have seen all three shows, including the latest one this past Tuesday, and it continues to impress me with the variety and the uniqueness of the included animations. If you get a chance, definitely check out a life showing, otherwise, the DVD collections will have to satisfy your desire for off the wall animation. My spoon is too big.
