Do you remember that moment as a kid when you finally beat The Legend Of Zelda. You stuck the silver arrow into the large snout of Ganon, you snagged the Triforce of Power and you walked into the next room to find the Princess Zelda awaiting you. You had finished that fateful quest when suddenly, you go back to the player select screen and find that you were not done with the game! There was a second even harder quest awaiting you, the levels were in different spots, they were harder with new puzzles to solve. You thought you had conquered the game completely and now you had even more game to play.

We play games now and wish for those days, you have just finished a good game and you wish you could play through again with different puzzles to solve, well now the Zelda franchise has done it again and with one of the greatest games of all time. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of my favorite games, in fact on my top games list it made it to number 18 (Yes I have a top games list). It’s easily one of best reasons to still own a Nintendo 64 but now it’s become the best reason in my opinion to buy the new Nintendo 3DS. This game is slated to come out in June of this year and it’s going to include a Master Quest where each of the dungeons is done differently with new puzzles to solve, so if you’ve already played the game around 5 times like me or around 20 times like many Zelda fans you now have new puzzles to solve. The graphics on this game look improved as well and the menu screen will be on the bottom screen so you no longer have to pause the game to see where you are on the map. Overall this is looking to be a very good game and a must buy for any Zelda fans out there. I hadn’t really planned on picking up a 3DS but now it seems I have no choice.

There are some gameplay videos over at The Zelda Dungeon though none of them contain new footage, it just looks really cool. Also you can find the original video announcing the new Master Quest at Gameinformer.com

http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/03/06/ocarina-of-time-3d-to-include-master-quest.aspx

So the real questions is, if you name yourself Link will you be able to go straight to the Master Quest?

I got this press release mere moments ago. Warner Brothers has announced that it will begin distributing films directly through social media networking site Facebook. This move makes a lot of sense, actually. You want to make it as convenient and easy as possible for people who want to watch your content instantly to be able to easily and cheaply pay you for it. Case and point: Yesterday I wanted to watch The Social Network. It’s out of theatres but out on DVD, but I didn’t want to leave the house. It wasn’t yet on Netflix Instant Streaming yet, but it was on Xfinity’s Pay Per View. Sure, maybe I could have downloaded it illegally (something I don’t do), but I could have it instantly for $4.99.

I bought it right then and there.

People spend more time on Facebook than just about any other website on the Internet, so it would make sense to try to capture people there. And with more and more TV’s being able to hook up to computers, it makes more and more sense.

The first film they’re rolling out today is The Dark Knight. If you like The Dark Knight and spend 3 Facebook credits (about $3) you can watch the movie for 48 hours. And really, if it doesn’t work, what are they out? These movies have already paid for themselves ten times over. This is just testing new distribution waters and it’s very smart.

Here’s the official press release:

WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT BECOMES FIRST HOLLYWOOD STUDIO TO OFFER MOVIES DIRECTLY ON FACEBOOK

BURBANK, CALIF., March 8, 2011 – Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD), a market leader in video-on-demand and electronic sell-through, today announced it will begin testing an offering of selected movies for purchase or rental through Warner Bros. Entertainment’s Facebook movie Pages. Consumers will be able to use Facebook Credits to easily buy or rent a title, all while staying connected to Facebook.

Starting today, millions of fans who “Liked” Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film “The Dark Knight” can rent the title through its official Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/darkknight). Consumers simply click on the “rent” icon to apply their Facebook Credits, and within seconds they will begin enjoying the film. The cost per rental is 30 Facebook Credits or $3. This offering is presently available only to consumers in the United States. Additional titles will be made available for rental and purchase on a regular basis over the coming months.

“Facebook has become a daily destination for hundreds of millions of people,” said Thomas Gewecke, President of Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. “Making our films available through Facebook is a natural extension of our digital distribution efforts. It gives consumers a simple, convenient way to access and enjoy our films through the world’s largest social network.”

Fans will have full control over the film while watching it through their Facebook account for up to 48 hours from purchase. They can choose to watch it in full screen, pause the movie, and resume playing it when they log back into Facebook. Consumers will also have full Facebook functionality including the ability to post comments on the movie, interact with friends and update their status.

So what about you guys: Do you see yourselves renting films on Facebook?

Every week for about 2 1/2 years the fellows from the Geek Show Podcast have been bringing you an excellent, hilarious, geeky hour of geekiness every week. For almost two of those years, I have been producing a video version of their show for Xfinity’s Utah On Demand system. Their licensing agreement was such that the content was exclusive to them, but we’ve since worked it so that it is only a window of exclusivity and now we’ll be getting the show every week on the internet.

Be sure to check out their website and subscribe to their podcast. The show’s regular panelists includes Kerry Jackson, host of X96′s Radio From Hell, Leigh George Kade from Grimmleigh’s Fiends, Shannon Barnson, my co-host at the Pub Quiz, Jeff Vice and Jimmy Martin from the Big Movie Mouth-Off, and Scott Pierce, television critic for The Salt Lake Tribune.

The Geek Show will be putting the video up on their website, and we’ll be putting it up here as well.

Without further ado, here’s part 1:

And Part 2:

With the release of All Star Superman on DVD and Blu-ray last week, Grant Morrison took time out from his home in Scotland to answer questions about the film and the release.

So without further ado:

Question: Did you have, and did you want, creative input into the script?

Grant Morrison: Once I knew someone else was going to do it, I kind of wanted to let it happen and not interfere. I’m always excited to see how others translate things from page to screen. I didn’t even know Dwaynen (McDuffie) was involved at first, but I’m so glad he did it. I was happy to see what the story might look like from someone else’s perspective and he did a fantastic job.

Question: Overall, how did you feel your story translated from page to screen?

Grant Morrison: I really loved it, which was why I wound up raving about it on so many of the DVD extras! Dwayne worked in a staggering amount of story, and he was able to give it this wonderful, strange episodic flavor where it seemed as if every day could bring some incredible and unexpected new challenge into Superman’s life. I didn’t really expect half of the material from the book to be in there, and loved the way it was
organized and edited because it made the whole thing a very different experience for me.

Question: Were you disappointed that anything was cut out?

Grant Morrison: You’re always a little disappointed when some favorite detail doesn’t make the cut, but what did make it was so well-done and faithful to the source that I can’t really say I was upset. It’s a long book that could easily make a six-hour movie, so I’m amazed “All-Star” incorporated as much of the story as it did, more than anything else.

Question: Were you particularly pleased with the way certain things were condensed?

Grant Morrison: It was impressive that Dwayne was able to condense entire issues of 22 to 24 pages into tight, satisfying eight- or ten-minute complete scenes. To take a whole issue and make it into an episode that felt complete in itself inside a larger narrative was ingenious and was a great way to translate the book’s serial structure into a feature film. I hope Dwayne knew how much I appreciated his work on this.

Question: Are you a fan of animation?

Grant Morrison: I couldn’t say I’m a giant animation fan, but I love the obvious stuff from around the world. I always liked the Fleischer animation, the Superman cartoons and the old features they did. I’m not a major animation fan but I do think the good stuff in any field stands the test of time.

Question: Which of your stories do you think would best translate to animation next?

Grant Morrison: I don’t really think of the stories being done as films. When I’m writing them, I’m focused on what makes a good comic rather than a potential movie. Having said that, seeing All-Star Superman left me quite keen to see some more! I think it would be fun to see what they could do with “Final Crisis” or one of the Batman stories, like “Batman R.I.P.” in that dark Bruce Timm style. I’d love to see something done with “Doom Patrol” or “Seven Soldiers.” Go for it.

We’re working on getting an interview with Morrison about Batman, but only time will tell.

Over the last few weeks we’ve been giving you a little glimpse into who we surly robots of Big Shiny Robot! are by giving you a peek into our bags. To be honest I generally only carry my personal bag around on the weekends as I have a separate bag for work – but that one is boring as shit. So, here’s a little peak into who I, Arse-bot, am by taking a look into my bag.

We will start with the bag itself. It’s a brown pin-striped Ogio laptop messenger bag that I have been toting around for about four years now. I actually received it as a gift from an ex-girlfriend – so, you know, that worked out well! Aside from the main pocket that’s padded for laptop protection, it’s loaded down with pockets to carry around things everyone generally needs: cell phone, wallet, headphones, cables, pens, etc. It’s durable, comfortable, and suits all of my needs.

Sitting on top of the bag are a must for me, some Fossil polarized sunglasses. Aside from me looking totally bad ass in them, they serve a necessity for me. I have always been super-sensitive to light, having to wear sunglasses on overcast days when most are fine without. I found out a few years back that my pupils are actually about “20-30%” larger than average, so you will rarely see me outdoors without rocking some polarized sunglasses.

Sitting to the right of the bag is another necessity, especially as of late: just your basic bottle of water. I have gone through all sorts of reusable bottles only to lose them over and over again, so I just usually pack around the same bottle for a week or so – refilling it over and over again – before recycling it and grabbing a new one.

Towards the bottom right of the photo above are the electronics I pack around with me. Sitting there is a Gateway 17 in. laptop with a 320 GB HDD, 4 GB Memory, built-in webcam, DVD reader/burner, HDMI out, and a few USB slots – pretty much everything standard you’d find in a laptop today. My whole life I have been an Apple guy, but when my five year old 12 in. MacBook tanked about a year and a half ago I picked up this Gateway. At first it pained me to switch to a Windows machine, but the price was right, and frankly it has worked out great. I’m sure my next computer will be an Apple but for now I’m completely satisfied with my Gateway.

Sitting on top of the laptop is my third arm, my 32 GB iPhone 4. I jumped on the iPhone bandwagon with the iPhone 3G and was so pleased I upgraded to the iPhone 4 when it was released. I’m not an Apple Sheep in that I just think it’s the end-all smart phone option, but I really like the iOS operating system and have had no problems with either of my iPhones, but here’s to hoping they come up with a better notification system with iOS 5! I carry around my entire music selection on it which takes up about half of my memory (compressed) along with a large photo library of pictures I snapped with it, and of course tons of apps. Along with the iPhone are the must-haves that go along with it. First up is of course the USB cable for it. My car stereo accepts a USB device so I am able to plug in and listen to my music library as I’m commuting around the Salt Lake valley while also charging it. Also by the iPhone are my Skull Candy Asym Black headphones. I know Skull Candy aren’t the best headphones out there on the market, but they are cheap and offer decent sound as I refuse to invest in an expensive pair of headphones knowing that I will eventually lose them. I like these because they fit flush with my ear without puncturing my eardrum. Finally, to the right of the iPhone is my BlueAnt bluetooth headset. Don’t worry, I’m not one of those douchebags who’s bluetooth is constanty in ear walking around pretending to have important hands-free conversations. My bluetooth is exclusively used in my car as I drive around; since I drive a manual transmission car, this little bugger is a must so I don’t wreck my car trying to drive, shift, and talk on the phone at the same time.

In front of my bag to the left are a few more items I always have on hand. I usually am carrying around whatever book I’m currently reading, right now it is “The 4 Hour Body” by Timothy Ferriss. I’ve never been one for “self-help” or “diet” books, but I have been sticking to the plan in this book for two weeks now and I have lost 15 pounds. There’s all sorts of other interesting information in the book, so I continue to tote it around. On top of the book is a Moleskine notebook and pen. I have probably gone through a dozen of these over the last five years or so – each served a different purpose. This particular one that I am carrying around now is for taking notes as I read “The 4 Hour Body”. So, right now it is full of the diet plan I am currently following, some personal notes about it, and my coveted “cheat day” food log – a log of food I crave throughout the week that I intend to devour on my weekly day off from my diet. Finally, also sitting on top of the book is my “Lady Luck” Zippo lighter. Believe it or not this little lighter is actually quite a bit of a lucky charm for me – especially on random trips to Wendover, NV. It also serves the practical purpose of having a lighter handy for the occasional cigar I’ll indulge in – and yes, I know, “You should light cigars with a wood match or a torch lighter!” Well, fuck you, I use this.

And that, faithful readers, is what’s in my bag! The things I don’t leave home without, even if it is a bit mundane. Coming soon to this collection will most likely be a portable gaming device, but until I drop some cash for the Nintendo 3DS or something, my iPhone will continue to fill that void.

You’ve seen what’s in Arse-bot’s bag, now check out what Proletariatron and Zombietron pack around with them from day to day!

Topping off my list I’m going to start with a movie you haven’t seen most likely because of poor advertising- I wasn’t paying as much attention to advertising trends at the time as I was girls and homework, so I be more specific- all I know is that the trailer for this is VERY misleading and aimed toward the wrong audience.

Snow Falling On Cedars

Apparently they thought that because it was masterfully shot, emotionally written and skillfully put together that the world wouldn’t want to see it. This must have been when they must have decided to market it as a touching and dripping love story that spans the ages- its not- if anything its a Courtroom movie with loving undertones. The following is how it was advertised-

This is what the movie is really like- (its 6 minutes long but worth the watch, I promise)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-zCWZLjt8g

The next movie I’m throwing at you is a foreign film that I PROMISE you haven’t heard of (unless I’ve told you about it)

Flickering Lights (Blinkende lygter)

The darkest comedy I have ever seen- and also one of the most upliftingl; A Danish film about a band of best friends/criminals turning their lives around while opening a restaurant. FANTASTIC! (this clip doesn’t have subtitles- but it still works)

Okay- we’re rolling now. Next- You haven’t heard of this one because you never browse the video shelves… I mean seriously browse the video shelves- It’ll surprise you EVERY time… Like this pleasant little surprise I stumbled across years ago-

Happy, Texas

Steve Zahn is one of two escaped cons who have to pretend to be a couple of gay, little miss junior pageant planners in a small town in Texas – ENOUGH said.

The Way of the Gun

If you liked No Country for Old Men but want an ending. This is the movie for you- with a lovely cameo from my no. 5 most attractive: Sarah Silverman (p.s. if you don’t like her- you’ll LOVE this cameo).

Gun is that kind of movie that if released this year- would have been seen… well- watch this and you’ll understand.

Dog Soldiers

Have you ever walked through the Horror section of your local blockbuster, just- making fun of the different titles and concepts of the RIDICULOUS movies gracing its shelves? Well, I do this all the time. I also tend to watch, rent and stream movies bases purely on how bad the film looks like its going to be- the worse it looks, the more likely I am to rent it and enjoy the night watching it!

That is how I saw Dog Soldiers. Let me tell you something- This was one of the best cinematic mistakes I have ever made- this British produced film is one of the most solid pieces of independent film making I have ever seen – and believe it or not, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the screenplay for this werewolf movie… (did I also mention this is how werewolf movies SHOULD be made?)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1KWTAR3eBQ

Well- that’s part one of my list of The Greatest Movies You’ve Never Seen… Stay tuned because I could go for days and days with the things you haven’t seen, yet should.

The Morgan Motor Company of the United Kingdom makes a lot of unique vehicles with a style that goes back to the 1930’s and their newst venture is no different. The Morgan 3 Wheeler premiered last week at the Geneva Auto Show and I instantly wanted one. With a front mounted S & S V Twin engine putting out 115 hp this “cycle-car” can get up to 120 mph and has a 0-60 time that would make many super cars jealous.

I know this doesn’t seem like the kind of thing we usually feature on BigShinyRobot! but their tagline is what pulled me in “The Morgan 3 wheeler: podracer/fighter plane/speeding bullet or car?” It brought to mind Star Wars, Superman and WW2 all in one line and pulled me in with it. The styling on this thing is just irresistible. It looks fast standing still and immediately I want to jump in and carve a canyon road with it. I can think of a few roads in southern Utah that would make many of you feel just like Anakin in a podrace. Flying past the red rocks in this thing would be amazing, now I just need to scrape up an extra $40k and get one from one of the few American dealers.

I was shot over this link to My Modern Met who were given some pretty incredible photos from a television shoot National Geographic put together over the weekend. They put a team of scientists and engineers together and recreated the balloon lifted house.

UP is a tremendous film from Pixar with beautiful imagery and when applied to real life it is no less stunning.

My Modern Met has the specific details:

Yesterday morning, March 5 at dawn, National Geographic Channel and a team of scientists, engineers, and two world-class balloon pilots successfully launched a 16′ X 16′ house 18′ tall with 300 8′ colored weather balloons from a private airfield east of Los Angeles, and set a new world record for the largest balloon cluster flight ever attempted. The entire experimental aircraft was more than 10 stories high, reached an altitude of over 10,000 feet, and flew for approximately one hour.

This was all for a television show that National Geographic is premiering in the fall of this year called How Hard Can it Be?

I can’t wait to see this in action on film. My Modern Met has plenty more pictures where these came from and it’s quite a thing to see.

While we wait for this show to premiere, you can always watch UP. You can get the 4 disc Blu-ray set on Amazon for less than $20.

What is this? Why is Superman hanging out with a slew of loud and obnoxious zombies? Why is Vincent from the 1987 hit series Beauty and the Beast screaming at the camera at 0:09 into the trailer? Why is the monster from the end of Resident Evil 2 beating up Superman and some other loud and obnoxious creatures?  When did Taye Diggs come out of hiding!?

In short… who cut this trailer? The guy that cuts re-run trailers on Nick at Night? I feel that if Brandon Routh stopped eating meat and destroyed all the ‘monsters’ with his vegan super powers, this could probably turn out alright… if not… what is this!? Is it REALLY that important that we know everything takes place “just 3 blocks West of the French Quarter”?

The music editing/selection leaves SO much to the imagination, its like they opened up GarageBand and picked the first three loops labeled “techno” and tossed them into the timeline… Visually, this film looks interesting- but not special. If you’re gonna make this movie, give me flash, give me pizzaz, give me sexy, or give me grunge, dirt and hard to see- don’t go safe with your camera!

Something deep down tells me this is another incredibly original idea from Mike Mignola that the studios are trying desperately to destroy before it is brought to life… I desperately want them to re-cut the trailer and make me think its not a terrible movie- because honestly, the concept of “Living, Undead Detective” is really kinda cool and I don’t want to wait for the sequel for the movie to reach it’s full potential…

I WILL give them props for using practical effects as opposed to CGI though… good on you for that- and yes, Taye Diggs and Brandon Routh may bring something to the table that is worthwhile… just… don’t phone it in on the trailer cutting! Its a sad state of affairs when the best trailers I’ve seen this year are from video games…

what do y’all think?

Today would have been Will Eisner’s 94th birthday. It’s sad that such a legend is gone, but his legacy live on in the form of his works and accomplishments. Google knows that too, so today on their homepage, they have a great tribute to the man who is arguably the most influential artists that the comics medium has ever known.

As seen above, Eisner’s The Spirit is used in the image and it demonstrates the man’s penchant for elaborate (and downright cool) uses for the title page of his book, and example can be seen below.

In addition to honor Will Eisner and the Spirit today, Google also has a complimentary blog post written by Scott McCloud who has some great insight on the man, you should all check it out. Here’s an excerpt:

Eisner was one of the first cartoonists to understand the power of visual education, and wrote eloquently about the process of making comics in Comics and Sequential Art (1985) andGraphic Storytelling (1996). As early as 1941, he publicly advocated treating comics as a distinct literary and artistic form, and—nearly four decades later—was instrumental in the rise of the graphic novel in America, beginning with A Contract with God in 1978.

I think Google is a pretty cool company for doing this, not only because the art is snazzy, but to let people who may otherwise not know who Eisner is to be educated a little. If you want to find out more about Will Eisner, I suggest Will Eisner: A Spirited Life. It’s a great tale, and a fascinating read. We here at BSR salute you Mr. Eisner!