RSS FeedTonight I'm Going to Party Like It's On Sale For $19.99!
Remember when The Simpsons did that awesome house giveaway? Well this is even better.
In a larger-than-life promo for the Simpsons movie, a Kwik-E-Mart has been constructed in Burbank, CA, at the corner of Olive & Verdugo. It's stocked with Buzz Cola, Krusty O's, and plenty of Simpsons characters. Hit the source for the photo set at flickr.
[thanks reader wanetheisis for sending the tip!]
In a larger-than-life promo for the Simpsons movie, a Kwik-E-Mart has been constructed in Burbank, CA, at the corner of Olive & Verdugo. It's stocked with Buzz Cola, Krusty O's, and plenty of Simpsons characters. Hit the source for the photo set at flickr.
[thanks reader wanetheisis for sending the tip!]
Blockbuster Video Sales
Blockbuster Video has started up some new sales this past Tuesday. Nothing amazing, but worth noting I suppose.
-B2G2 (Buy Two Get Two Free) on Pre-Viewed DVD's. This is all inclusive, unlike the 4 for $20 and 2 for $20, which had price ranges. With this new sale, you can find 4 $5.99 PVD's and get them for $11.98, or $2.99 a piece.
Also, Pre-Played Games $14.99 and below are B1G1. Probably excludes next-gen games, but most of those are at least $20 anyway.
-B2G2 (Buy Two Get Two Free) on Pre-Viewed DVD's. This is all inclusive, unlike the 4 for $20 and 2 for $20, which had price ranges. With this new sale, you can find 4 $5.99 PVD's and get them for $11.98, or $2.99 a piece.
Also, Pre-Played Games $14.99 and below are B1G1. Probably excludes next-gen games, but most of those are at least $20 anyway.
Stranger Than Fiction
#Movie Review, #DVD, #Stranger Than Fiction, #Will Ferrell, #Dustin Hoffman, #Maggie Gyllenhaal, #Queen Latifah, #Emma Thompson
Stranger Than Fiction is a movie of interesting premise: Harold Crick (Will Ferrell) is an average man leading an average life as an IRS tax collector- until he one day hears this average life being narrated, as he puts it, "accurately... and with a better vocabulary." As Ferrell soon discovers, he is the character in a novel being written; the author, Kay Eiffel (Emma Thompson), has already decided that Crick will die, but how, and when, is still a mystery to all. A minor case of writers block for Eiffel, but a major life change for Crick. The premise is interesting, and I've always found Ferrell funny. So funny premise plus funny actor equals funny movie, right? (story continues after break)
360 to Incorporate Blu-ray (when Hell Freezes Over)
So, about a month late, I hear from a friend of mine that MS was thinking of installing a BD player in their Xbox 360 gaming console. I found this very interesting, since HD-DVD, last I heard, was being fully supported by Microsoft. So I did some legwork, and found out the story broke about a month ago, and that the story was a completely different one as well.
It seems Peter Moore had previously said this:
This seems pretty clear that what he was saying was that SHOULD HD-DVD not be the victor in this new-fangled format war, MS would consider BD. Which I'm sure would be at a point where HD-DVD was pretty much non-existent, which also seems to be not anytime soon at all.
Of course everyone the world over took this to mean MS had given up and that the 360 would have BD drives in them the following week. So MS issued this:
So, it seems to me that what MS said was pretty much a logical statement with no real bearing on the future, as we don't know where that will lead us. I for one would like to see BD and HD-DVD coexist (or both die off and a very superior format arise), but it seems as though the studios are really pushing for one or the other.
Anyone here have a preferred format? If you could design the next-gen media, what features would you include?
It seems Peter Moore had previously said this:
Microsoft would consider adding an external Blu-ray drive to the Xbox 360 in the future, should the right market conditions emerge. According to Peter Moore, corporate VP in charge of fun stuff at Microsoft, those conditions would be the emergence of Blu-ray as the clear winner in the next-generation optical disc format battles.
This seems pretty clear that what he was saying was that SHOULD HD-DVD not be the victor in this new-fangled format war, MS would consider BD. Which I'm sure would be at a point where HD-DVD was pretty much non-existent, which also seems to be not anytime soon at all.
Of course everyone the world over took this to mean MS had given up and that the 360 would have BD drives in them the following week. So MS issued this:
It is important to understand the context in which that statement was made. Microsoft firmly stands behind the HD-DVD format as the best choice for our consumers. As we've said before, we're confident that HD-DVD will bring the excitement of high definition movies to the consumer faster and at a greater value. We believe that consumers have signalled [sic] what format they want to enjoy high definition DVD and we're going to follow them down that path.
So, it seems to me that what MS said was pretty much a logical statement with no real bearing on the future, as we don't know where that will lead us. I for one would like to see BD and HD-DVD coexist (or both die off and a very superior format arise), but it seems as though the studios are really pushing for one or the other.
Anyone here have a preferred format? If you could design the next-gen media, what features would you include?
Movie Review: Man of the Year
Let me be honest: I didn't expect greatness from Man of the Year. I'm not a huge Robin Williams fan, and sometimes find his constant barrage of jokes, his seeming need to be "always on," to be a bit annoying. But I thought the premise of him as the President of the United States had promise; I thought Man of the Year could really go somewhere, with the right writers. Throw into the mix a favorite comedian of mine, Lewis Black, add some cow bell with Christopher Walken, and basically the movie's done. You can bet it will be formulaic and silly, but suddenly I'm thinking Man of the Year will be an entertaining movie. With the right writers.
But apparently the right writer wasn't chosen, nor the right director, nor the right producer, who was, for all of the above, Barry Levinson (Envy, Wag The Dog, Good Morning Vietnam). The movie simply never decides what it wants be: a silly comedy? A political drama? Maybe a scary thriller? Sometimes the direction of the movie changes so quickly it's hard to tell where we're at.
Robin Williams plays Tom Dobbs, a political talk show host in the vein of Jon Stewart (The Daily Show) or Bill Maher (Politically Incorrect). The movie begins with Dobb's manager, Jack Menken (Christopher Walken), quickly recounting the host's rise from talk show host to Independent candidate for the presidency, explaining as well how the year's election would be decided by electronic vote. This all happens within about the first half hour, with Dobbs touring the country giving speeches about what he believes is wrong with our political system and what he would like to change. Most of this is fairly straight-forward, with a few jokes thrown in to keep us believing that maybe this is a comedy.
(Article continues after break; spoilers ahead!)
But apparently the right writer wasn't chosen, nor the right director, nor the right producer, who was, for all of the above, Barry Levinson (Envy, Wag The Dog, Good Morning Vietnam). The movie simply never decides what it wants be: a silly comedy? A political drama? Maybe a scary thriller? Sometimes the direction of the movie changes so quickly it's hard to tell where we're at.
Robin Williams plays Tom Dobbs, a political talk show host in the vein of Jon Stewart (The Daily Show) or Bill Maher (Politically Incorrect). The movie begins with Dobb's manager, Jack Menken (Christopher Walken), quickly recounting the host's rise from talk show host to Independent candidate for the presidency, explaining as well how the year's election would be decided by electronic vote. This all happens within about the first half hour, with Dobbs touring the country giving speeches about what he believes is wrong with our political system and what he would like to change. Most of this is fairly straight-forward, with a few jokes thrown in to keep us believing that maybe this is a comedy.
(Article continues after break; spoilers ahead!)
Why Rent Movies?
I don't normally write opinion pieces or personal articles because I feel it's unprofessional. Of course nobody reads the articles here anyway, so I thought I might write something up on the long-baffling subject of why people rent movies.
I work in a video store; a major chain. I have worked there most of my adult life, which is nearly 4 years. And in this short amount of time, I've found that people, for some odd reason, just do not understand movies, or anything surrounding the subject, including their worth.
People often ask me what a good movie would be to rent; please don't. Don't ask and don't rent. It's not worth it. The cost of renting a movie is nearly five dollars where I live, and I know this is by far not a rich town. But people put up with this. They complain and whine and sometimes get really mad, but they still rent movies.
Of course Netflix has made this a much better situation, and Blockbuster Total Access is even better since you can switch the movies in the store. The averages per movie for plans such as these are less than a dollar usually, which is really great if you like watching movies. And yet people still drop five dollar bill after five dollar bill at rental stores.
I find that buying movies is a much more cost effective approach to the whole situation. Best Buy, Target, and Circuit City are always having sales on DVD's, and sometimes mere weeks after a release the movie will be less then ten dollars. To own. The cost of renting two movies to buy one. And often times, buying can be as cheap as renting.
I've told people this. I've told them to check out Amazon or Deepdiscount for a particular movie. But people still rent.
I can see the logic to it: it's been ingrained into people's minds that a DVD is upwards of $20 to buy, and with the over-used (yet often wrong) phrase of "you get what you pay for", people tend to think buying cheap DVD's is a risky business. And so, in light of this, I can see why $5 seems a good deal, especially since you aren't sure you'll like the movie enough to own it. Also, newer releases ARE often $15-$20, so I can see where impulsive people might want it "right now", and so a rental sounds appealing. And, let's face it, movie nights are wonderful things, and the idea of picking up a special one time movie makes it much more exciting. Getting the movie, the snacks, the food, the drinks - and then the immediate payoff of watching it with friends - sounds great. I suppose in these instance one could say the extra money spent is for the experience, and in these rare cases, it makes a little sense. But these are not the renters I'm talking about.
I'm talking repeat offenders here. People that will rent movie after movie after movie. People that rent at least five movies a week. It sickens me, to be honest.
Some people will buy an in store promo offer, something that lessens the cost overall, but usually not by much. But I suppose people just don't know the value of a dollar; maybe my town is richer than I thought? Maybe I am just too much of a penny pincher? Maybe the un-bathed, loud, obnoxious and uncouth members of this small town aren't really blowing another welfare check on rentals; maybe they're high payed lawyers and doctors? Maybe.
Point being, if you want movies, rent online or not at all.
I work in a video store; a major chain. I have worked there most of my adult life, which is nearly 4 years. And in this short amount of time, I've found that people, for some odd reason, just do not understand movies, or anything surrounding the subject, including their worth.
People often ask me what a good movie would be to rent; please don't. Don't ask and don't rent. It's not worth it. The cost of renting a movie is nearly five dollars where I live, and I know this is by far not a rich town. But people put up with this. They complain and whine and sometimes get really mad, but they still rent movies.
Of course Netflix has made this a much better situation, and Blockbuster Total Access is even better since you can switch the movies in the store. The averages per movie for plans such as these are less than a dollar usually, which is really great if you like watching movies. And yet people still drop five dollar bill after five dollar bill at rental stores.
I find that buying movies is a much more cost effective approach to the whole situation. Best Buy, Target, and Circuit City are always having sales on DVD's, and sometimes mere weeks after a release the movie will be less then ten dollars. To own. The cost of renting two movies to buy one. And often times, buying can be as cheap as renting.
I've told people this. I've told them to check out Amazon or Deepdiscount for a particular movie. But people still rent.
I can see the logic to it: it's been ingrained into people's minds that a DVD is upwards of $20 to buy, and with the over-used (yet often wrong) phrase of "you get what you pay for", people tend to think buying cheap DVD's is a risky business. And so, in light of this, I can see why $5 seems a good deal, especially since you aren't sure you'll like the movie enough to own it. Also, newer releases ARE often $15-$20, so I can see where impulsive people might want it "right now", and so a rental sounds appealing. And, let's face it, movie nights are wonderful things, and the idea of picking up a special one time movie makes it much more exciting. Getting the movie, the snacks, the food, the drinks - and then the immediate payoff of watching it with friends - sounds great. I suppose in these instance one could say the extra money spent is for the experience, and in these rare cases, it makes a little sense. But these are not the renters I'm talking about.
I'm talking repeat offenders here. People that will rent movie after movie after movie. People that rent at least five movies a week. It sickens me, to be honest.
Some people will buy an in store promo offer, something that lessens the cost overall, but usually not by much. But I suppose people just don't know the value of a dollar; maybe my town is richer than I thought? Maybe I am just too much of a penny pincher? Maybe the un-bathed, loud, obnoxious and uncouth members of this small town aren't really blowing another welfare check on rentals; maybe they're high payed lawyers and doctors? Maybe.
Point being, if you want movies, rent online or not at all.
Weekly Random Video!
Well, for anyone actually paying attention, you may have noticed that the daily random videos have been a little less daily than their name would imply. It's actually really hard to find a new video every day (at least enjoyable ones). It also meant nearly every article had a video in it, which was annoying. We here at confusinglygood have found a happy median though: Weekly Random Videos! We'll try to get them up by Friday afternoon each week so that you have something to start the weekend off right with. Unfortunately, I decided this tonight, which is a Saturday. But at least you're getting something!
So, without further ado, you can find this weeks video after the break, which just might be somehow related to the image to the right. Maybe.
So, without further ado, you can find this weeks video after the break, which just might be somehow related to the image to the right. Maybe.
Tuesday's DVD Releases
Hollywoodland
Starring Adrien Brody (The Pianist), Diane Lane (A Walk on the Moon), Ben Affleck (Daredevil, heh), and Bob Hoskins (Super Mario Bros, double heh), this is the film-noir look at the true story of the supposed suicide of George Reeves (star of TV's Adventures of Superman). But rumors of a homicide are being spread around, with anyone's guess as to who killed the Man of Steel.
Flags of our Fathers
From Director/Producer Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby) and co-producer Steven Spielberg (Schindler's List) comes the story of the battle of Iwo Jima, the turning point of World War II.
The Science of Sleep
Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) returns to the director's chair to bring us yet another surreal and dream-like experience.
I've been looking forward to Sleep since last fall. I REALLY enjoyed Eternal Sunshine, and if you haven't seen it yet, you owe it to yourself. It's an amazing work of art, and Jim Carrey really stretches our expectations (before falling right back into typical comedy with Fun With Dick and Jane).
Maybe this weekend I can actually watch these and get some reviews going or something.
After the break, check out the trailers!
The List: 01/28/07 - 02/03/07
The List: Vol1, Issue4
As usual, read Speedy1961's complete list at the dvdtalk forums.
Best Buy
Pretty much nothing interests me here. Read Speedy's thread if you want to see it all, but be warned, there are really no great deals this week from BB.
Circuit City
Man On Fire
Labyrinth
Shaun Of The Dead
Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior
The Dark Crystal: Special Edition
BLOW
Ghostbusters 1 & 2
Pearl Harbor: 2 DVD Set
NBA Street Vol2 (PS2) - $4.99
Blitz The League (XB360) - $22.49
Target
This Is Spinal Tap: Special Edition
There's Something About Mary: Special Edition
Casablanca: 2 DVD Special Edition
GoodFellas: 2 DVD Special Edition
One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest: 2 DVD Special Edition
Gladiator: Extended Edition
Unforgiven: 2 DVD Special Edition
(You're gonna need $40-$50 for this one cause these are definitely worth $10. Gladiator 3-Disc may be a mistake, but if they are actually $10, what a glorious mistake it is! Also, it may be worth noting that both CC and BB price match; I believe CC will do 110% and BB, you can get Reward Zone points. Just remember to grab Target's ad first!)
Well I know it's a short List this week, but that's it. And remember to check out Speedy1961's posts at dvdtalk; you can find links after the break.
As usual, read Speedy1961's complete list at the dvdtalk forums.
Best Buy
Pretty much nothing interests me here. Read Speedy's thread if you want to see it all, but be warned, there are really no great deals this week from BB.
Circuit City
$7.49 DVD'sMan On Fire
Labyrinth
Shaun Of The Dead
Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior
The Dark Crystal: Special Edition
BLOW
$9.99 DVD'sGhostbusters 1 & 2
Pearl Harbor: 2 DVD Set
NBA Street Vol2 (PS2) - $4.99
Blitz The League (XB360) - $22.49
Target
$6.50 DVD'sThis Is Spinal Tap: Special Edition
There's Something About Mary: Special Edition
$10 DVD'sCasablanca: 2 DVD Special Edition
GoodFellas: 2 DVD Special Edition
One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest: 2 DVD Special Edition
Gladiator: Extended Edition
Unforgiven: 2 DVD Special Edition
(You're gonna need $40-$50 for this one cause these are definitely worth $10. Gladiator 3-Disc may be a mistake, but if they are actually $10, what a glorious mistake it is! Also, it may be worth noting that both CC and BB price match; I believe CC will do 110% and BB, you can get Reward Zone points. Just remember to grab Target's ad first!)
Well I know it's a short List this week, but that's it. And remember to check out Speedy1961's posts at dvdtalk; you can find links after the break.
The List: 01/21/07 - 01/27/07
#Wii, #Sale, #TV on DVD, #DVD, #Boxsets, #The List, #Circular Ads, #Best Buy, #Target, #Circuit City, #Online Sale, #Phoenix Wright, #Video Games, #Cheap, #24, #Arrested Development, #NDS, #Nintendo DS, #Movies
The List: Vol1, Issue 3
Welcome to another edition of The List! For all one of you reading, I'm sorry I don't write these up sooner; I totally could but I've been trying hard to get the site in a state where I can show other people. But there is something YOU can do, and it's quite easy, to get the list as early as possible: head over to the dvdtalk forums and check out the posts by speedy1961 each week; he posts all three circular ads, usually two weeks in advance. So don't call me lazy; you have the power!
Alright onto The List for this week.
Each retailer is supposedly getting Wii's in this Sunday, so if you've been looking for one, now might be your chance. Another good reference is WiiSeeker (www.ps3seeker.com/Wii)(It's worth it, btw).
Best Buy
Wii's - $249.99 - 20 Per Store MINIMUM
Verbatim 20 Pack DVD+R Double Layer Discs : $29.99 - I haven't been up on dvd recordable media in a while, but this seems really good for DVDR9's, and Verbatim no less. It's still about $2 a disc, but it's still better than I usually see. I'm just waiting for $1.00 to .50 cents a disc before I even consider DVD9's.
Donnie Brasco: Special Edition
The Aviator
GoodFellas: 2 DVD Special Edition
Beavis & Butt-head Do America: Special Collector's Edition
Caddyshack
Circuit City
Wii - $249.99 - Vouchers will be handed out on Sunday 1/21/07, 1 hour prior to store's opening - Minimum 9 per store - See Speedy's post for more details
Apollo 13: Anniversary Edition
Enemy Of The State: Unrated Extended Edition
The Constant Gardner
American History X
Unbreakable: Vista Series
Remember The Titans: Director's Cut
Gone In 60 Seconds: Director's Cut
Family Guy: Freakin' Sweet Collection
LOST: Season 1: $29.99
Family Guy: Volume I: Season 1+2: $24.99
Scrubs: Season 1: $24.99 (Personally, on both Family Guy and scrubs, I would hold out for $20; I've seen them that low and they will go there again.)
The Shins: Wincing The Night Away - $8.99 (Really good band!)
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (NDS): $29.99 (Although this is the standard fare for a DS game, this one is very good and totally worth $30).
Medal Of Honor: Rising Son (PS2)
Star Trek: Encounter (PS2)
Space Channel 5: Special Edition (PS2)
Bomberman Jetters (GCN)
GUN (PS2)
Target
Wii - $249.99 (I hear min. 10 per store)
The Following DVD sets are each $17.99, and most likely cover each respective season, or most of them. So check your local target! Some good deals here!
(Bolded titles are must haves IMAO... the A is for awesome...)
24: Season 1
Weeds: Season 1
Arrested Development: Season 3
M*A*S*H*: Season 10
The Simpsons: Season 2
Seinfeld: Season 4
Rescue Me: Season 2
The Office (US): Season 1
New Super Mario Bros (NDS): $29.99 (not the lowest price ever, but a great game)
As always I left A LOT OUT, so check out the lists at their respective forums at dvdtalk, and thank Speedy while you're at it!
Welcome to another edition of The List! For all one of you reading, I'm sorry I don't write these up sooner; I totally could but I've been trying hard to get the site in a state where I can show other people. But there is something YOU can do, and it's quite easy, to get the list as early as possible: head over to the dvdtalk forums and check out the posts by speedy1961 each week; he posts all three circular ads, usually two weeks in advance. So don't call me lazy; you have the power!
Alright onto The List for this week.
Each retailer is supposedly getting Wii's in this Sunday, so if you've been looking for one, now might be your chance. Another good reference is WiiSeeker (www.ps3seeker.com/Wii)(It's worth it, btw).
Best Buy
Wii's - $249.99 - 20 Per Store MINIMUM
Verbatim 20 Pack DVD+R Double Layer Discs : $29.99 - I haven't been up on dvd recordable media in a while, but this seems really good for DVDR9's, and Verbatim no less. It's still about $2 a disc, but it's still better than I usually see. I'm just waiting for $1.00 to .50 cents a disc before I even consider DVD9's.
$7.50 DVD'sDonnie Brasco: Special Edition
The Aviator
GoodFellas: 2 DVD Special Edition
Beavis & Butt-head Do America: Special Collector's Edition
Caddyshack
Circuit City
Wii - $249.99 - Vouchers will be handed out on Sunday 1/21/07, 1 hour prior to store's opening - Minimum 9 per store - See Speedy's post for more details
$7.49 DVD'sApollo 13: Anniversary Edition
Enemy Of The State: Unrated Extended Edition
The Constant Gardner
American History X
Unbreakable: Vista Series
Remember The Titans: Director's Cut
Gone In 60 Seconds: Director's Cut
Family Guy: Freakin' Sweet Collection
LOST: Season 1: $29.99
Family Guy: Volume I: Season 1+2: $24.99
Scrubs: Season 1: $24.99 (Personally, on both Family Guy and scrubs, I would hold out for $20; I've seen them that low and they will go there again.)
The Shins: Wincing The Night Away - $8.99 (Really good band!)
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (NDS): $29.99 (Although this is the standard fare for a DS game, this one is very good and totally worth $30).
$7.99 GamesMedal Of Honor: Rising Son (PS2)
Star Trek: Encounter (PS2)
Space Channel 5: Special Edition (PS2)
Bomberman Jetters (GCN)
GUN (PS2)
Target
Wii - $249.99 (I hear min. 10 per store)
The Following DVD sets are each $17.99, and most likely cover each respective season, or most of them. So check your local target! Some good deals here!
(Bolded titles are must haves IMAO... the A is for awesome...)
24: Season 1
Weeds: Season 1
Arrested Development: Season 3
M*A*S*H*: Season 10
The Simpsons: Season 2
Seinfeld: Season 4
Rescue Me: Season 2
The Office (US): Season 1
New Super Mario Bros (NDS): $29.99 (not the lowest price ever, but a great game)
As always I left A LOT OUT, so check out the lists at their respective forums at dvdtalk, and thank Speedy while you're at it!