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Tag: Television

  • Miss Claudette From Netflix’s ‘Orange Is The New Black’ In ICU After Awaking From Coma

    Actress Michelle Hurst, who plays Miss Claudette on Netflix’s Orange is the New Black is in the intensive care unit in a North Carolina hospital after being in a coma. She was in a car accident last month before being placed under a 16-day medically-induced coma. She woke up on Thursday.

    Now, her friends associated with the show are spreading the word about a fundraiser that has been set up to help pay for her medical expenses and time off of work (via her sister).

    In the Updates section of the site, a post by “Orange is the New Black” says, “Michelle is the ICU. We can’t send flowers or visit, only family. She is progressing slowly, but progressing! She is out of the medically induced coma & is responsive. Anyone who has updates feel free to post them.”

    The site has already nearly reached its $5000 goal at $4,665.

    It’s unclear if she was finished with her scenes for the upcoming second season of the show, which appears to be nearing its final stages of filming.

    Image via YouCaring.com

  • ‘Orange Is The New Black’ Season 2 Appears To Be Close To Wrapping [Netflix]

    Update: It looks like shooting will continue for at least a couple more weeks. The show reportedly has a casting call out for extras for shooting through February 6th.

    The second season of Netflix’s much-loved Orange is the New Black appears to be close to finishing shooting.

    Actor Matt McGorry shared this via Instagram, saying, “Suiting up as John Bennett for my last scene of #oitnb season 2. #ImAWeirdo FYI again- this is NOT a spoiler and indicates nothing about plot or when the show will be released (which noone knows the answer to).”

    In the caption to this one, he appears to indicate the actual season is wrapping (as opposed to just his scenes): “Wrapping season 2 of #oitnb today!”

    As he said, we don’t have a firm release date for the second season yet, but the first one premiered in July, so it stands to reason that we’ll be seeing it around then, but you never know.

    The official OITNB account shared this one a couple days ago, saying, “It’s @sheisdash’s last day on set for season 2.”

    The second season of Netflix’s House of Cards is due out on February 14h. Its first season was also released in February. The second season of Netflix’s Hemlock Grove (which came out between HoC and OITNB) is also in the works.

    Images via Instagram

  • Netflix’s Upcoming ‘Marco Polo’ Series To Feature Adventure, Betrayal, Lust & ‘Game Of Thrones’ Alum

    Last summer, we learned that Netflix had acquired the rights to a new series, Marco Polo, about the famous explorer. The Weinstein production was originally going to air on Starz, but Netflix snatched it up while it was in limbo.

    On Tuesday, Netflix formally announced the project, which is set to premiere in late 2014. The company describes it as “a kinetic tale of high politics, masterful manipulation and deadly warfare among clashing empires.” More from the official description:

    The famed explorer’s journey takes him to the center of a brutal war in 13th century China, a world replete with astonishing martial arts, sexual intrigue, political skullduggery and spectacular battles and comes from directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg (Kon-Tiki, Max Manus: Man of War), executive producer and director Dan Minahan (Game of Thrones, True Blood) and executive producer and creator John Fusco (Young Guns, Hidalgo).

    It will consist of nine chapters, and will begin shooting at the new Pinewood Studios in Malaysia.

    Netflix content chief Ted Sarandos said, “John Fusco and his team have created a timeless tale of power, adventure, betrayal and lust that combines deft storytelling and cinematic ambition. It is a fantastic addition to our slate of original series, both because of its quality and because it is the kind of gripping action-adventure that Netflix members love.”

    “With the glowing success of series like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black, it’s clear that Netflix is breaking tremendous ground in the realm of streaming original content,” said Harvey Weinstein. “We could not be more excited to partner with them on this project, along with the creative tour de force of John Fusco and his talented team.”

    The content announcements are coming rapidly from Netflix this week. First, it was news that the streaming service would get the final episodes of Breaking Bad, the most popular show it provides, in February. Then, Netflix announced that it has renewed Lilyhammer, its first original series, for a third season.

    On Sunday, Netflix got its first Golden Globe for an original series, as House of Cards star Robin Wright took home the award for Best Actress in a TV Drama.

    The ball has only started to roll for Netflix. In addition to the upcoming second seasons of House of Cards, Hemlock Grove, Orange is the New Black, Mako Mermaids and Derek, and the third season of Lilyhammer, Netflix will debut new shows BoJack Horseman, Sense8 and Narcos in addition to Marco Polo this year. Dates are yet to be determined for Netflix’s first original season of The Killing and its untitled psychological thriller from the creators of Damages, as well as a handful of Marvel superhero shows. Daredevil, the first of those, is set to premiere in 2015.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • ‘Breaking Bad’ Final Episodes Get Netflix Release Date

    Netflix has announced a release date for the final episodes of Breaking Bad.

    You’ll be able to stream them starting February 24th.

    If you’re a fan of the show, and have been waiting for these episodes to hit Netflix, I hope you’ve made good use of the “Spoiler Foiler” Netflix released in September.

    It’s nice that people won’t have to wait until the summer to get more Breaking Bad on Netflix, as was the case last year. I guess that’s one good thing about the show being over.

    Data from SimilarWeb released a couple months ago found that Breaking Bad is the most popular show on Netflix, which shouldn’t really come as much of a surprise. Netflix has pretty much treated it like one of its own originals at times (see Spoiler Foiler).

    In December, Netflix announced a deal with Sony that will see it exclusively streaming Better Call Saul, the coming spin-off to Breaking Bad, due to hit AMC later this year. 2014 will also see Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul coming to Netflix in a new animated series, BoJack Horseman.

    Breaking Bad won the Golden Globe for Best TV Drama on Sunday, beating out Netflix original House of Cards. Breaking Bad‘s Bryan Cranston also beat out HoC‘s Kevin Spacey for Best Actor in a TV Drama.

    Image via YouTube

  • ‘Lilyhammer’ Season 3 Will Be Available On Netflix Later This Year

    Netflix announced on Monday that it has renewed Lilyhammer, its first original series, for a third season. This follows uncertainty expressed by star Steven Van Zandt last year.

    Netflix didn’t give much more in the way of details about the third season, but did say that the new episodes will debut in 2014. The second season just became available in December, so we expect a similarly timed released for the next one.

    “We are proud to bring back Lilyhammer for a third season,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos. “Lilyhammer is the type of global show that Netflix members around the world have discovered and love and season three will see that world expand even more.”

    The show was developed and produced by Rubicon TV AS, and is co-produced by Netflix for NRK/Netflix in association with Red Arrow International. It’s distributed by Red Arrow International. Van Zandt serves as one of the executive producers.

    It’s unclear if Season 3 will continue with the eight-episode format of the previous two seasons.

    Netflix said last year that it would double its investment in original content. Apparently that includes loyalty to the early titles that have put it on the map as a content producer.

    Image via YouTube

  • Robin Wright Gets Golden Globe For ‘House Of Cards’ (First For A Netflix Series)

    Add another award to the Netflix trophy case. Actress Robin Wright scored a Golden Globe Sunday night in the Best Actress In A TV Drama category for her role as Claire Underwood in House of Cards.

    Wright was up against Julianna Margulies for The Good Wife, Tatiana Maslany for Orphan Black, Kerry Washington for Scandal and Taylor Schilling for Netflix’s Orange is the New Black.

    Netflix shows actually had a total of six nominations among them. In addition to Wright’s and Schilling’s, Kevin Spacey was up for Best Actor in a TV Drama (HoC), Corey Stoll was up for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Mini-Series or TV Movie (HoC), House of Cards was up for Best TV Series, Drama, and Jason Bateman was up for Best Actor in a TV Comedy for Arrested Development.

    House of Cards took three Emmys last year. The new season is set to debut on February 14th. It will be Netflix’s first foray into 4K ultra HD video, though most people probably won’t see it that way for a while.

    Last week, Netflix released director’s commentary for all of the first season.

    Netflix’s Orange is the New Black won a People’s Choice Award last week. The company is also looking for some Oscar love with a recent documentary acquisition. The nominations will be announced on Thursday.

    Image via YouTube

  • Chevy Chase To Reunite With Beverly D’Angelo In ABC Comedy

    After getting a shot at prime-time television once already with NBC’s Community, Chevy Chase looks to make a second attempt with his new comedy.

    Beverly D’Angelo was most recently seen in Entourage as agent Barbara Miller, who was constantly feuding with Jeremy Piven’s character.

    The project should intrigue viewers who were fans of the National Lampoon’s Vacation films since it will reunite him with Beverly D’Angelo, who played his wife for each of the wacky family adventure films.

    It will be the first time that the two of them will have been seen on screen together since Vegas Vacation came out in 1997.

    Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo played Clark and Ellen Griswold and four films that gave them huge popularity, including Christmas Vacation, which many people still watch around Christmas time.

    The show is still in the early stages of development, with no writer, script or studio currently attached. With the way things are going right now, the show is not likely to air until the 2015-2016 season.

    Chevy Chase is in talks with D’Angelo for a reboot of the Vacation films for the big screen as well. However, with all of the years that have past since their last film, they may have to shake up the family dynamic a bit, and play grandparents in the film.

    Luckily, their kids were already played by different actors in each of the other films, and picking the same kids again will not be a problem. Clark Griswold even remarked to the kids in the final film about how he hardly recognized them anymore, a reference to how they keep changing actors.

    The two veteran actors have booked a pilot along with the help of producer Aaron Kaplan, with the pilot being based on his idea. The show will feature a plot about a pair of 60-something grandparents who are forced to raise their grandchildren.

    Chevy Chase’s comeback to television could be an exciting one, especially with the help of Beverly D’Angelo, who has plenty of experience playing his wife on the screen.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • ‘Enlisted’ Premieres with Great Reviews

    ‘Enlisted’ Premieres with Great Reviews

    Fox Network’s newest comedy, Enlisted, premiered this past Friday and looks to be off to a great start. The show is being dubbed as a “workplace comedy,” albiet one that takes place on a military base instead of a traditional office, and focuses more on three brothers living and interacting with each other than on war.

    In the show, Sgt. Pete Hill is sent back home from overseas for punching out a lower-ranking Colonel. In his fall from glory, he’s put in charge of a platoon in the Rear D unit on Fort McGee, Florida. In this platoon are his two younger brothers: Derrick, the smart ass, and Randy, a much more sensitive and fragile type. The platoon is dubbed as “not quite good enough to be sent overseas, yet not bad enough to be kicked out of the Army. These are the men and women who mow lawns at the base, sort mail, wash tanks, find lost dogs and maybe engage in a war game or two.”

    Show creator Kevin Biegel tells TV Guide that he hopes the show will be an honest portrayal of the men and women serving their country. “The people I know who do this job…they’re real human beings and they’re very funny and they talk about their work and their job is sometimes crazy and sometimes boring and sometimes wondrous and sometimes inspiring.”

    Critics have been quick to spot the show’s unique portrayal of military life, one that strays from Hollywood’s typical portrait. Robert Lloyd, LA Times TV critic, says the show is really “soft and romantic at its core. It could as easily have been set in a summer camp or a ballclub. But the military theme works well, as it pays due respect to those who only wash and mow.”

    There’s also something to be said about the great chemistry between the three brothers, making it as much a family comedy as a “military workplace” one. Forbes reviewer Merrill Barr writes that the show is essentially built on the way the brothers interact with each other and their platoon. “This is where Enlisted finds the one thing that was going to make or break the series: charm. Pete is a fish out of water, Derrick is a cynical mess and Randy is a lovable buffoon, and through those highly different personalities, Enlisted makes the audience care about the misplaced men in green.”

    Entertainment Weekly reviewer Samantha Highfill agrees that the show’s strength its all in the characters. “I’m already falling for some of these people,” she writes. “Whether they’re playing war games or just trying to do some jumping jacks, I can see how these characters are going to work together moving forward, and I’m excited for what will come next.”

    Image via YouTube

  • Joseph Gordon-Levitt Gets His Own Variety Show

    Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who has spent the last few years working on and promoting his site HitRECcord, is now seeing that site come to life with its own variety show, HitRECord On TV. The show premieres on Pivot on January 18th with two back-to-back episodes. The first season is scheduled for eight episodes and contains content right from the website itself, HitRECord. The half hour show will be made up of short films, interviews, performances and more. Each episode will revolve around a different theme, based on the thousands of contributions from the website.

    “We like to call ourselves an open collaborative production company, where hundreds of thousands of artists around the world form a community around the art we make together,” co-creator Jared Geller tells SPIN magazine. The first episode alone uses content from over 400 contributors on the site. Plus, if your content is used, there’s a sweet cut from the $50,000 per episode check.

    If you don’t want to wait to catch the premiere episode on January 18th, or don’t have the cable channel Pivot (which seems likely), Joseph kindly uploaded the entire first episode to Youtube for fans to check out:

    In the Youtube introduction, Joseph writes: “I’m deeply proud of this show, and I think you’re realllllly gonna like it. Honestly, making this thing together with all the artists from around the world in our hitRECord community has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life so far.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Here’s What’s About To Hit Netlfix

    Here’s What’s About To Hit Netlfix

    As you know, content comes and goes on Netflix. Each week, we’re bringing you a list of titles that you’ll be able to stream in the U.S. in the coming days.

    Netflix has captured a lot of headlines this week thanks to its presence at CES, and its plans to release all of its original content (and Breaking Bad) in 4K. We also learned some more details about its upcoming original Sense8 as last year’s Orange is the New Black: Season 1 earned Netflix its first People’s Choice Award. And don’t forget to check out the latest House of Cards: Season 2 trailer if you haven’t yet.

    Now, here are some titles you’ll find on Netflix in the coming days.

    Available on 1/10:

    Ip Man: The Final Fight (2013)

    Anthony Wong Chau-Sang, Eric Tsang, Jordan Chan, Gillian Chung, Anita Yuen, Xin Xin Xiong

    This entry in the saga of the man who famously trained Bruce Lee finds the middle-aged master teaching the Wing Chun style in Hong Kong. The nostalgic tale unfolds during a cultural crossroads amid the tension of British rule during the 1950s.

    Available on 1/13:

    Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain (2013)

    Philadelphia funnyman Kevin Hart takes the stage in front of a sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden, part of his hit “Let Me Explain” world tour. Hart puts his unique spin on women, infidelity, hiring a bodyguard and more.

    Being Human: Season 3 (US)

    Boston roommates Aidan, Josh and Sally are your average twenty-somethings — except that they’re also a vampire, werewolf and ghost, respectively. All three struggle with their supernatural identities while trying to get by in the human world.

    Available on 1/14:

    Toad Road (2012)

    Sara Anne Jones, James Davidson, Jim Driscoll, Whitleigh Higuera, Damon Johansen, Andy Martin

    Feeling he’s living a meaningless life in a small town, disaffected junkie James jumps at the chance to escort newcomer Sara to Toad Road — and risk whatever may happen as they pass seven wooden gates that lead toward hell.

    Run (2013)

    William Moselely, Eric Roberts, Adrian Pasdar, Kelsey Chow, Edoardo Ballerini, Joseph Perrino

    Evading the mob, Mike and his son Daniel have lived a nomadic life for 16 years, using Daniel’s parkour skills to make a living by pulling off robberies. Now, Daniel wants to leave the life of crime, but Mike plans one last — ill-fated — job.

    Available on 1/15:

    Inside: Chipotle (2013)

    Chipotle is a company that broke all the fast food rules, turning a small eatery into an $11 billion, 14,000-store chain. Bloomberg television takes you behind the counter to see how this increasingly popular company keep customers lining up.

    Inside: DeBeers (2012)

    This volume of the Bloomberg series takes viewers from DeBeers’s Botswana diamond mine (the richest in the world) to its London headquarters. Oliva Sterns gets unprecedented access to this famously secretive company in a one-of-a-kind tour.

    Inside: Dolce & Gabbana (2013)

    Join Bloomberg’s Tom Gibson for this behind-the-scenes look at luxury fashion giant Dolce & Gabbana and how it markets worldwide. The show delves into the business side of fashion, revealing the brand as few have seen it before.

    Inside: LinkedIn (2013)

    Bloomberg West takes a comprehensive look inside LinkedIn. The probing documentary features exclusive access to LinkedIn’s headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., and interviews with CEO Jeff Weiner and Chairman Reid Hoffman.

    Inside: McDonald’s (2013)

    Bloomberg’s “Inside” visits the world’s biggest restaurant chain as it caters to 69 million people a day and reveals how it reached the top. Discover how McDonald’s stays competitive in a market it started — and also what’s in the secret sauce.

    Inside: Pixar (2013)

    When it comes to animation, few do it better than Pixar and Disney; they are the dreamers and doers with multibillion-dollar imaginations. Bloomberg television takes you behind closed doors to see how this powerhouse makes movie magic.

    The Baidu Billionaire: Inside the Google of China (2013)

    Although it’s a familiar name in China, the search engine Baidu is little known elsewhere — despite being the fifth most-visited website on Earth. Robin Li, the company’s founder, details Baidu’s complex corporate history in this documentary.

    An Idiot Abroad: Seasons 1-3

    Karl Pilkington, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant

    In a twist on the travelogue genre, comedian Ricky Gervais sends his “idiot” friend Karl Pilkington to a series of exotic locales around the world. The result is an amusing social experiment that forces Karl to confront his cultural hang-ups.

    Cash Crop (2010)

    This feature-length documentary and California road movie explores America’s largest cash crop: marijuana. Take an epic West Coast adventure into the heart of the Emerald Triangle and America’s most valuable crop.

    Nick Thune: Folk Hero (2013)

    With help from his guitars, comedian Nick Thune regales the audience of Brooklyn’s Bell Theatre with a collection of hilarious stories about his childhood, his past romantic relationships and his experience with a burning building.

    Available on 1/16:

    Spy Kids 3: Game Over (2003)

    Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, Alexa Vega, Sylvester Stallone, Mike Judge, Salma Hayek

    In the continuing adventures of the two spy siblings, Carmen gets caught in a virtual reality game designed by the kids’ new nemesis, the Toymaker, and it’s up to Juni to save her by battling through the game’s levels.

    Caught Up (1998)

    Bokeem Woodbine, Cynda Williams, Clifton Powell, Tony Todd, Basil Wallace, Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J

    Released from prison, Daryl finds his former life in tatters until a new girlfriend gets him hired as a driver. But his new job isn’t what it seems. Daryl soon learns that he can’t trust anyone around him, and that his life may be on the line.

    See more recently added titles here.

    Image: An Idiot Abroad via YouTube

  • Netflix’s ‘Orange Is The New Black’ Wins People’s Choice Award

    Another award has been given to a a Netflix original series. The People’s Choice Award winners were revealed on Wednesday, and Orange is the New Black took the Favorite Streaming Series category.

    It was likely that a Netflix show was going to win this category anyway, because three out of five of the nominations were Netflix originals (the other two being House of Cards and Arrested Development). Between Two Ferns With Zach Galifianakis and Losing It With John Stamos were also nominated.

    It is noteworthy that OITNB won out over these other titles, as House of Cards has won three Emmys, and Arrested Development (which was also Emmy-nominated) had a built in fan base long before Netflix ever got ahold of it.

    Orange is the New Black was released too late to be considered for the Emmys in 2013, but don’t be surprised to see it make more than one appearance in 2014.

    When Netflix released its quarterly earnings report in October, it revealed that OITNB was its most successful show.

    Image via Netflix

  • Pretty Little Liars Has A New Clothing Line

    Pretty Little Liars, for those who might not know, is a hit television show that airs on ABC Family, with the story line revolving around a group of friends who, as IMDb puts it, “band together against an anonymous foe who threatens to reveal their darkest secrets, whilst unraveling the mystery of the murder of their best friend.” And when the writer says this show is a hit, she means it; the show is incredibly popular among high school-aged viewers, as are the books the show is based on. So popular, in fact, that there is a new clothing line being launched with the show’s name on it.

    The clothing line surely won’t come as a surprise to fans of the show; the lead characters are often dressed to the nines, and style is a very important part of the show’s aesthetic. With that in mind, it’s certainly not surprising that Aeropostale would pick up the show’s fashionable, up-and-coming clothing line. Fans of the show won’t be disappointed, either; the clothes are being designed by the show’s costume designer, Mandi Line, for a four-season collection.

    Line, when asked about her involvement, seemed very excited about the opportunity and positive about her creations. She was quoted as saying, “I knew that if the cards aligned this would be the ideal show for a clothing line. It’s just so popular- a combination of the books, and edgy, savvy team, and a cast that embodies everything. The line is only going to get better and better.”

    Fans will also be pleased to hear that they can get their hands on a piece of the clothing just in time for the show’s return to the silver screen by shopping on the website, with the pieces being divided by character. This allows the line to feature all kinds of styles, ranging from “tomboy” to “girly,” meaning that any fan will surely be able to find something stylish to add to their wardrobe while supporting a show they love. And with all the pieces being between $18 and $72, a new addition to a budding fashionista’s wardrobe won’t break her bank, either. It seems like everyone wins with this line!

    Image via Twitter.

  • New Details About Netflix’s Sense8 Reported

    Netflix acquired the exclusive rights to a new sci-fi thriller series called Sense8 last year. The series comes from the Wachowskis (of The Matrix fame) and Babylon 5 writer J. Michael Straczynski.

    For most of the time that has passed since the announcement, very little has been known about the plot, though Straczynski shared a bit in an interview in September.

    To recap, these are some things he said at the time, speaking to Comic Book Resources.

    “The series is contemporaneous with current events,” he explains. “It is somewhat science fiction in some respects. It concerns eight characters around the world, who are joined telepathically with each other, or empathically, and those who are after them and hunting them to try and stop this next evolution. And the cool thing is that we’re gonna shoot this in the countries that the stories are taking place.”

    He said that shooting will take place in Mumbai, Nairobi, London, Mexico, the U.S., Germany, and possibly Russia.

    “This is gonna be a show that will be shot around the world simultaneously,” he says. “We’re gonna have five different units shooting at the same time to tell the story, and it’s gonna be ridiculously huge, and the cool thing about working with the Wachowskis…when they did The Matrix, they didn’t want to do a show like anything else they’d ever seen before, and The Matrix created a whole new cinema language. And they said, ‘If we’re gonna do television, then we have to do the same thing. We have to create a whole new vocabulary for television production…for television, which you can do in TV. And so coming into this, working with them, we’re pioneering some new techniques and new approaches in television storytelling. It’s quite extraordinary.”

    Here’s the full interview:

    TVLine is now reporting that the eight characters are connected by a shared “violent” vision, and that among the so far uncast regulars are “a closeted Mexican telenovela hunk, an Icelandic party girl, a German safe-cracker, a Korean businesswoman, an African bus driver and a transgender American blogger,” as well as a villain named Mr. Whispers.

    Each episode, according to this report, will follow characters’ separate stories, and are shot in the UK, Seoul, Mumbai, Nairobi, Berlin, Mexico City, San Francisco and Chicago.

    The Wachowskis said a few months ago that pre-production would begin in January.

    “We’re excited to work with Netflix and Georgeville Television on this project, and we’ve wanted to work with Joe Straczynski for years, chiefly due to the fact his name is harder to pronounce than ours, but also because we share a love of genre and all things nerdy,” the Wachowskis said when the project was first announced. “Several years ago, we had a late night conversation about the ways technology simultaneously unites and divides us, and out of that paradox Sense8 was born.”

    If nothing else, the show should be visually pleasing. In addition to Straczynski’s comments, Netflix announced at CES that all of its original shows will be produced in 4K.

    Image via Image: Anna Hanks (Flickr/Wikimedia Commons)

  • Netflix Original ‘Derek’ Gets U.S. DVD Release Date

    The first season of “Netflix original” Derek now has a DVD release date for the U.S.

    If you don’t subscribe to Netflix, you’ll be able to pick it up on April 15th. Presumably, it will be digitally available from places like Amazon and iTunes at that point as well.

    This is the third U.S. DVD release we’ve seen for Netflix originals following the first seasons of Lilyhammer and House of Cards. We were told that Orange is the New Black: Season 1 would be coming to DVD, but have yet to get a firm release date. Potential DVD releases for Hemlock Grove and Netflix’s fourth season of Arrested Development remain a mystery.

    Derek recently wrapped filming on Series 2, which will first debut in the UK on TV before hitting Netflix here in the U.S. later this year. Series 1 is already available on DVD in the UK.

  • Sharp 85-Inch TV Unveiled at CES 2014

    Sharp 85-Inch TV Unveiled at CES 2014

    Early reports from CES 2014 showed that this year might be the year of the humongously-big TV, with Samsung and Vizio both unveiling TV’s topping the 100-inch milestone. Of course, both TV’s feature the newest 4k technology, allowing one to view TV as one has never viewed it before.

    That was until Sharp revealed their designs for an 85-inch, 8k television during their CES press conference. This is not the first time Sharp has unveiled an 85-inch 8k television, doing so during last year’s CES. The difference this year, however, is that the model is now less of a prototype / more of a reality, and it offers glasses-free, 3D viewing.

    Sharp produced the 85-inch TV alongside Phillips and Dolby. The 8k rating for the TV means that it will be able to handle resolutions measuring 7680 x 4320, which is 16 times more than current, standard HD TV’s. (1080p resolutions being 1920 x 1080.)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QawPm3E7bfE

    That being said, the 85-inch 8k offering from Sharp may be stretching a bit beyond current technological carrying capacity. Much debate has been raised over the past few years concerning whether or not the eye can discern the differences between ultra-high resolutions. Most television producers are currently focusing on furthering the development of 4k resolution televisions (3840 x 2160), a viewing quality which already faces difficulties due to the lack of channel support (due to inadequate technology) from satellite or cable companies.

    As it currently stands, most experts agree that one could only notice the increase in viewing quality with an 8k TV if one views it at uncomfortably close distances. If that is the case, the one positive aspect of this offering from Sharp would be the glasses-free (autostereoscopic) 3D viewing capabilities.

    Fortunately for Sharp, the company has not placed all of its eggs into one basket. During CES 2014, the company also unveiled new products in its Aquos line, the most impressive of which being the Aquos Quattron Plus, a television offering 10 million more subpixels than standard HD televisions. These extra subpixels places the Aquos Quattron Plus at the level between standard HD and 4k, making it a viable viewing option for those with less-deep pockets and being more compatible with current cable and satellite provider technologies.

    Sharp Quattron Plus

    Images via YouTube

  • Netflix: All Originals (And ‘Breaking Bad’) To Be 4K, 3D Support May End

    Netflix: All Originals (And ‘Breaking Bad’) To Be 4K, 3D Support May End

    All of Netflix’s original shows will be produced in 4K, according to the company. CEO Reed Hastings said as much at the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas, where he promoted the company’s use of the ultra HD video format along with partnerships with TV makers.

    We knew that House of Cards: Season 2 was produced in 4K, and a new trailer (also in 4K) was made available this week. Now we can expect upcoming seasons of shows like Hemlock Grove and Orange is the New Black to follow suit, not to mention initial seasons of shows that have yet to debut (like Sense8 and the untitled project from the Damages creators).

    Netflix reportedly has partnerships in place with Sony, LG, Vizio and Samsung for 4K video. The Hollywood Reporter shares some comments from Hastings:

    “Netflix is working with Sony to create a fabulous entertainment experience. When 4K started to be talked about, we saw the Internet as the natural medium to deliver it because most 4K content was going to be available online. We know that content creators are very excited about 4K because of the additional picture range they get to play with. All new original content from Netflix, including season two of House of Cards, will be shot, edited and produced in 4K…and we’ve been working with Sony to show Breaking Bad in 4K.”

    He added that Netflix’ 4K service will require 15Mb/s of in-home bandwidth compressed using HEVC. “This is very practical,” said Hastings. “You can stream 4K over WiFi if you want to. It’s testament to the work we’ve been doing on encoding and what Sony has been doing on decoding.”

    Hastings also appeared at LG’s press conference at CES, which saw the launch of LG’s Web OS-powered Ultra HD smart TVs.

    As Netflix focuses on 4K content, 3D appears to be taking a backseat. A year ago, Netflix launched Super HD and 3D streaming, but now the company is indicating that 3D will likely go away due to lack of interest.

    Giga Om’s Janko Roettgers spoke with Netflix’s Joris Evers at CES, and was told that the company may end support for 3D in the future. Evers also reportedly said that Netflix will not charge consumers any extra money to watch content in Ultra HD.

    Image: Breaking Bad (YouTube)

  • ‘House Of Cards’ Season 2: Netflix Releases New Trailer

    Netflix has released a new official trailer for the upcoming House of Cards: Season 2:

    This is the third trailer Netflix has released for the second season of its flagship original series. The first was just a teaser, then a real trailer was released a few weeks ago (“And the butchery begins.”).

    The season will be made available to Netflix subscribers on February 14th. Netflix is also putting out some cool cinemagraphs to promote it.

    It’s worth noting that the new trailer is available in 4K, as House of Cards: Season 2 is the first real Netflix material to be shot for it. This is also a confirmation that YouTube is offering 4K streams, which it is supposed to be showing off at CES this week.

  • Downton Abbey: Let’s Have a Bit of a Chin Wag*

    Downton Abbey‘s fourth season has just premiered to the delight of faithful watchers and new fans alike. With Downton Abbey, it seems as if one either adores the show, or abhors it. If you’re of another group– the one wondering “what is Downtown Downton Abbey?”– get up to speed quickly with a few bits ‘n bobs* about the show.

    What’s it About?
    The drama series surrounds the lives of the Crawleys, a family of aristocrats dealing with early 20th century British issues. The first season began with the day after the Titanic’s sinking (both heirs to the Crawley inheritance died on the ship) and ended with the beginning of World War I. What saves this show from being just a stuffy dialogue-heavy show about a minted* family is that it also covers the lives of their servants downstairs. The servants have their own lives while still being affected by world events as well as their employer’s moods.

    Does it Take the Biscuit?*

    Possibly due to its airing on PBS, Downton Abbey may be one of the most quietly successful shows out in the past five years. The show has received a Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film, an Emmy and is sealed in the Guinness World Records as the most critically acclaimed television series of 2011.

    Alas, we won’t waffle* on any more about the subject, and besides you may want to catch up on the past seasons now to prepare for the new season. You can watch past full episodes on Amazon, and be sure to check your local listings for Downton Abbey‘s showtime every Sunday on PBS.

    ——————
    chin wag- Conversation
    bits ‘n bobs- facts
    minted- wealthy
    take the biscuit- something being awesome
    waffle- ramble

    Image via Twitter

  • Michael Muhney Fired After Groping Soap Actress

    Soap operas have always been notorious for re-casting characters seemingly out of nowhere. But since the television niche is filled with a sea of actors who wish to stay in the genre, actors from tend to leap from show to show and character to character. Later, the actor might to the show to step back into the role or as a different character altogether.

    Whenever there was a change, there was always some belated explanation. In the case of Michael Muhney’s departure, it was so sudden fans were left without one. It turns out the reason for that was because it was more or less spur of the moment and allegedly due entirely to 38-year-old actor’s behavior on set.

    Fans of “The Young & The Restless” may recognize the actor in the role of Adam Newman, the devious son of Victor Newman, longtime patriarch of the drama. According to TMZ, Muhney was fired from the show after 20-year-old Hunter King complained to the higher ups that he had groped her breasts on two different occasions. As it turns out, this accusation alone did not lead to the firing. Someone close to the situation called the complaint the final straw. Apparently Muhney was hell to work with, known for his bullying and harassment of other actors.

    In an interview with Canada’s Huffington Post, Michael Muhney gave his opinion on the situation. “Part of me feels this is because I’ve always been outspoken, and sometimes I’ve been too outspoken. Sometimes I’ve walked around with a big backpack full of hubris. That is entirely on me.” He also added that part of the character might have bled into his real life interactions with his co-stars.

    As for fans of the show, some of them are upset to the point of boycotting. Given that soap operas aren’t as popular as they once were, some might consider this a valid concern. However, re-castings are practically inevitable. Soap actors and actresses have been fired and rehired so many times, the controversy has lost all meaning. Odds are, if fans of the actor wait long enough, he’ll reappear on a show in the near future.

    Image via NaVeil Lee

  • Former Cylon Tricia Helfer Talks ‘Killer Women’

    Former Cylon model “Number 6” Tricia Helfer of Battlestar Galactica fame recently opened up about her new role as Texas Ranger Molly Parker on ABC’s new drama Killer Women, which premieres on Tuesday.

    Former human supermodel Helfer, 39, who grew up on a grain farm outside of Donalda, east of Ponoka, near Alberta, Canada, tells the Edmonton Journal, “There is a lot of action,” regarding Killer Women, adding, “I grew up a tomboy and I love doing all that stuff. It’s 95 percent me. All the driving stuff – I love doing it. We just had a motorcycle chase in the finale episode and that’s not all me because insurance wasn’t going to allow me to do it.”

    Killer Women is loosely based on the Argentine true-crime series Mujeres Asesinas, and is produced by Modern Family’s Sophia Vergara. It combines a typical police procedural, modern-western elements and family drama. The series also delves into the psychological makeup of ladykillers. Or, killers who are ladies.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLdPeUeA2KU

    Helfer comments on her Killer Woman protagonist Parker, “Quite often, when strong female characters are written, especially if they are in law enforcement, they tend to be very one- or two-dimensional. But Molly isn’t. She definitely has a fun and quirky side. She is dealing with vulnerability, going through a divorce with an abusive ex-husband and is hiding some shame. It was a very well-rounded character that drew me from the first script.”

    The new series which is presently filmed in Albuquerque has a lot of action, and Helfer does her own stunts, sometimes to her detriment – she underwent back surgery to correct injuries received on the Battlestar set years ago.

    “We’ve been building a barbed wire fence. We’ve been enclosing a section the last couple of years. We’ve built a lean-to, a hay shed, a pumphouse and tons of stuff. So we all descend on the farm and help. I have 30 acres there that my husband and I will eventually be building a vacation house on. So we often put up a camper and motorhome and park it on the ridge. That’s where we spent our ninth anniversary last year, parked up on our land. Alberta is still very close to my heart.”

    Image via YouTube.

  • Veronica Mars Movie Trailer Is Out Now [Video]

    Everyone is excited for the upcoming Veronica Mars film right? After ending seven years ago following a 3-season-run, Veronica Mars will return with a film that is sure to please all of its die hard fans.

    The show premiered in September of 2004, and aired on the UPN network for its final two years, picking up on the CW for its final season.

    Following the cancellation of the Veronica Mars, there was a film written to continue the story, but it was never able to get funded.

    Although she has become a big hit movie star now, and has starred in multiple comedies, Kristen Bell got her start as the title character in Veronica Mars.

    The show stars Bell as the female protagonist, a student who progresses from high school to college while operating as a private investigator.

    She most recently starred in Disney’s Frozen, which took the top spot at the box office in the week after its release.

    Rob Thomas originally wrote the series as a young adult novel, featuring a male protagonist, but chose to feature it as a female role in order to be more original. To the delight of many fans, along with Kristen Bell, Thomas launched a Kickstarter campaign in order to finally be able to release the film to the public.

    While the two of them initially set their goal at $2 million, the fans were overwhelmed with the news, and raised $5.7 million for the project with a total of 91,585 backers.

    Veronica Mars originally took place in the fictional town of Neptune. In the film, fans will see Veronica Mars return for her 10-year high school reunion, although she is now a lawyer in New York. However, she starts to get back to her old investigating ways when her ex is accused of murder.

    The majority of the beloved cast from the original show will be returning for the film, as well as some new faces that audiences are likely to recognize. Jamie Lee Curtis and Justin Long can both be seen in the preview, and it also looks as if Kristen Bell’s real-life husband will be making an appearance. She has been married to Dax Shepard since October of 2013, and they have a daughter together.

    For those that did not watch the original series, the Veronica Mars film should still be entertaining and will have its own stand-alone plot. The film will hit theaters on March 14th.

    Image via Youtube