Cowboy Bebop Remastered Review

There are few things in this world that can automatically connect you to an emotion response.  Sounds are one way and when I heard the bass start to twang and then the voice counting down "3,2,1 let's jam" and the horns kicked in I suddenly had a warm happy feeling come over me. I was back in my old apartment watching Cartoon Network's Adult Swim and it was the first time I saw Spike, Jet, Faye and Ed grace my tv screen. It was magical as I had been out of Anime for so long. And this wonderful series of bounty hunters and rocket ships brought me back to the genre. And it brought me back in style.

Cowboy Bebop is one of those timeless anime classics. It combines just the perfect amount of action and wit with a dramatic element that connects you and the characters.

Madman has presented a beautiful new set of the first 13 sessions of this great show. The updated BluRay versions brighten the colors and fill the stereo with the great sounds of that wonderful jazz soundtrack. 

BRING ON SESSIONS 14 to 26!!!!

There is not a lot here in terms of extras but that is ok because do you really want to hear a load of commentaries while you are trying to enjoy the story. Ok sometimes I do but here not so much. I just want the fun wild ride that is Cowboy Bebop. There is a beautiful art book included with all the main cast and the extras. Wish could get some of the prints for my walls.

So do I recommend this new updated BluRay version of the crazy bounty hunters? Yes, yes I do. So stop reading this and go buy it already.

Thanks Madman this BluRay made my dull week. You are welcome to send more. Now on to more Bebop.

Now to add all the techno bits for Madman: 

Cowboy Bebop Sessions 1 - 13 

2 disc BluRay 

1080i Pillarboxed

Dts-hd sound English 5.1 (Japanese 5.1)

Extras

DVD and BluRay Commercials

Music Videos

Textless Opening

Audio Commentaries

And a beautiful booklet of Art of Cowboy Bebop

So much BluRay goodness from Madman. 

You can purchase it online here

© SUNRISE This product is manufactured and distributed by Madman Entertainment under the license by Sunrise, Inc.

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Forza Motorsport 5 x Audi

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Developers for “Forza Motorsport 5” visited the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans race at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, together with Audi Sport Team Joest, the most successful team in modern endurance racing, as they prepared to defend their 2012 title in the preeminent endurance race. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, 24 Hour of Le Mans race teams and vehicles have to balance speed, technology, and perseverance in a race that is widely regarded as one of the toughest in all of motorsports.

The video features interviews with racing drivers from Audi Sport Team Joest, including Tom Kristensen, 9 time winner, 24 hours of Le Mans, and fellow Audi Sport Team Joest R18 e-tron quattro drivers Lucas Di Grassi, Andre Lotterer, and Benoît Tréluyer along with the Audi Sport's head of the Le Mans Prototype project, Christopher Reinke and “Forza Motorsport 5” Creative Director Dan Greenawalt.

Audi R18 e-tron quattro / Launch Car List and Le Mans Circuit Confirmed for “Forza Motorsport 5”

“Forza Motorsport 5” players will get to experience the 2012 Audi #1 Audi Sport Team Joest R18 e-tron quattro, the world's most dominant endurance racecar design, in stunningly realistic 1080p resolution at 60 frames-per-second. “Now everyone can share in the passion of driving this car,” said Tom Kristensen.

Turn 10 Studios also confirmed today that the Le Mans Circuit de la Sarthe will be playable in “Forza Motorsport 5”. In addition to the Circuit de la Sarthe circuit, players will be able to race on the Old Mulsanne version of the track as well as the Bugatti Circuit, which is making its return to the Forza Motorsport series. The historical LeMans track has been built from the ground up for “Forza Motorsport 5” and Xbox One, painstakingly recreated using the latest in capture technology, including ‘laser-scanning’ and the introduction of physically based materials, resulting in the premiere photorealistic racing experience.

In addition to the R18 e-tron quattro, Turn 10 Studios is excited to reveal today the full list of Audi vehicles that will be race able in “Forza Motorsport 5” at launch, including the below:



· 1983 Sport quattro

· 2006 #2 Audi Sport North America R8

· 2006 RS 4

· 2010 R8 Coupé 5.2 FSI quattro

· 2010 TT RS Coupé

· 2011 RS 3 Sportback

· 2011 RS 5 Coupé

· 2012 #1 Audi Sport Team Joest R18 e-tron quattro

· 2013 S4

· 2013 R8 Coupé V10 plus 5.2 FSI quattro

· 2013 RS 7 Sportback

The Lego Movie - Trailer

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Call of Duty®: Ghosts Free Fall Gameplay Trailer

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Ratchet and Clank: Into the Nexus - Choose Your Weapon

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Castlevania Lords of Shadow 2 Collectors Edition Announced.

Konami have announced a Collectors Edition for Castlevania Lords of Shadow 2, and shown off a new trailer.

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Konami Digital Entertainment has used Halloween to update fans on key new elements to its vampiric Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 and has outlined a series of pre-order incentives ahead of its February 28th release.

As attention turns to all things supernatural, Konami has released the packshot and a new themed trailer for the eagerly-awaited Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2.

Named Dracula's Vengeance Trailer, Konami has issued an all-new trailer, focusing on Dracula as the game’s central anti-hero. Exploring the definitive vampire, the trailer focuses on the unwilling Dracula as he is charged with engaging an even more evil force: Satan himself.

Konami has also outlined the content for exclusive special editions and collectible content, available to pre-order.

• Leading the line is a ‘Dracula’s Tomb Premium Edition’ which is beautifully encased in a tomb casing, contains a copy of the game, four highly detailed miniature figurines designed by comic book artist Neil Googe (Judge Dredd, Wildcats), an A4 hardcover art book, and an exclusive Steelbook. This stunning item is limited to just 30,000 units across Europe and will be available in the UK exclusively via GAME.

• Konami has also created an alternative steelbook edition for pre-orders from Zavvi, which is encased in a metallic cover featuring an exclusive image of its central figure, Dracula. Those pre-ordering will also receive the alternate ‘Premium Dracula’ suit, a ‘Dark Dracula’ costume, or a ‘Relic Rune’ pack, that adds a wealth of relic items to the user’s inventory, dependent on where it is pre-ordered.

South Park: The Stick of Truth Delayed - New Gameplay video

With the news that Ubisoft have delayed South Park: The Stick of Truth until March of next year, there is a little good news in the form of a shiny new gameplay video. Thats right, time to see how the game will actually play.

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Nintendo Australia to bring two new Wii U bundles to market this Christmas

31^st October 2013 – Nintendo Australia announces two new Wii U console value offers in the lead up to the holiday season that will provide consumers even more options to experience Wii U – the home console from Nintendo boasting more variety of gameplay than ever before. 

From 14^th November, consumers who purchase^ a standalone Wii U Basic Pack for AU$349.95 will receive at the point of purchase a Just Dance 2014 Additional Set at no extra cost.  

The two box set of Wii U Basic Pack and a Just Dance 2014 Additional Set includes:

·         Wii U Basic Pack*

·         Just Dance 2014 Additional Set that includes:

-       Just Dance 2014 Wii U game disc – the latest game in the number 1 dance video game franchise

-       Nintendo Land game disc

-       Wii Remote Plus (White)

-       Sensor Bar

On 21^st November, the release of the Skylanders SWAP Force Wii U Basic Pack delivers an all-in-one bundle at a suggested retail price of AU$349.95 and includes everything needed to start the new adventure plus an assortment of Skylanders extras that will satisfy current fans and newcomers alike.

The Skylanders SWAP Force Wii U Basic Pack includes:

·         Wii U Basic Pack*

·         Nintendo Land game disc

·         Skylanders SWAP Force starter pack that includes:

-       Skylanders SWAP Force Wii U game disc

-       Portal of Power®

-       Three Skylanders figures, including Ninja Stealth Elf and two SWAP Force characters: EXCLUSIVE Colour Shift Wash Buckler and Blast Zone

-       Collector poster, trading cards and sticker sheets

Launching in time for the festive period in addition to the upcoming Mario & Luigi Premium Pack, the offers for Wii U deliver amazing value to consumers in the lead up to the release of one of its most anticipated new titles – Super Mario 3D World launching 30^th November gives fans the chance to discover a new world rendered in HD in the first ever multiplayer 3D Mario adventure, where you can play as Mario or a number of other characters, each with their own unique personalities. 

Dead Rising 3: Nick or Treat

WWE 2K14 is now available!

Battlefield 4 - In stores now

SYDNEY, Australia. – October 31, 2013 – DICE, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) studio, today announced that Battlefield 4™ is now available in retail stores for the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC, as well as a digital download on Origin™. Powered by the advanced technology of DICE’s proprietary Frostbite™ 3 engine, gamers will experience the all-out-war and epic moments possible only in Battlefield 4. The game lets players wage war across land, air and sea with unparalleled vehicular combat, dynamic environments and a new level of destruction. Players will also be able to transfer their multiplayer stats at launch of the next-gen consoles so they can hit the ground running.  

Winner of more than 30 industry awards, Battlefield 4 has been praised as “glorious chaos” by GameSpot while Yahoo! Games states it “looks amazing and packs innovative multiplayer enhancements.” With its award-winning, best-in-class multiplayer, Battlefield 4 delivers the bleeding edge of interactive technology and gaming. Battlefield 4 has received a 9.4 from AusGamers, 9.0 from NZ Gamer, 8.75 from Game Informer Magazine and 8.5 from IGN.com.

Battlefield 4 features an engaging single-player campaign and epic multiplayer online action. In the single-player, Battlefield 4 puts players in the boots of U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Daniel Recker, member of the Tombstone squad. The world is on the brink of chaos, China is the tinderbox and the player is the inadvertent spark that could ignite a global conflict. Navigating the turmoil around them as they fight to save the final hope for peace between U.S., Russia and China, players will engage in combat on foot and by operating land, sea and air units.

In multiplayer, Battlefield 4 offers a wide range of unique experiences. The varied and distinct maps, thrilling game modes and dynamic destruction ensure that no two games will be the same. Battlefield 4 players engage in close quarters squad-based combat and in vast battles commandeering tanks, jeeps, jets, helicopters and naval units. Whether in a jet dogfighting the opposing team or onboard an attack boat in a joint strike with squad mates, the freedom of choice is always present in Battlefield 4 multiplayer. Players will lead their team to victory by running and gunning at the frontlines, locating the perfect sniping position, or repairing critically damaged vehicles. Battlefield 4 lets players be more and do more on the battlefield to deliver an entertainment experience that is unrivalled.

Fans looking to get the most out of their time on the battlefield can also join Battlefield 4 Premium. As Battlefield 4 Premium members gamers will receive themed digital expansion packs, two-week early access to each pack, plus additional content and new updates every week for only $50** Battlefield 4 Premium includes the five expansions Battlefield 4 China Rising, Battlefield 4 Second Assault***, Battlefield 4 Naval Strike, Battlefield 4 Dragon’s Teethand Battlefield 4 Final Stand. Fans that purchase Battlefield 4 Premium on current-gen consoles will also carry their membership forward on next-gen platforms.

In addition to current gen consoles and PC, Battlefield 4 will also be available for the PlayStation®4 starting November 29 in Australia and New Zealand, and for Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft starting November 22 in Australia and New Zealand.

To join the conversation on Battlefield 4, please visit http://www.facebook.com/battlefield, follow us on Twitter® at www.twitter.com/battlefield and #BF4, or sign up for the officialBattlefield newsletter at www.battlefield.com. To order Battlefield 4 on Origin, visitwww.origin.com. 

** See http://www.battlefield.com/au/battlefield-4/premium for details.
*** Available first on Xbox One

One month to go until PlayStation®4 launches in Australia

SYDNEY, October 30, 2013: One month out from the company’s release of its next generation games console, Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) reveals the company has been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm Australians have shown so far for the PlayStation®4 (PS4™).

Michael Ephraim, Managing Director at SCE Aust., said, “We’ve known for a while that we have something really special with PS4 and the number of pre-orders we’re seeing through our retail partners affirms this belief. It’s been seven years since we launched our last console in Australia and it seems the appetite for a high quality gaming experience continues to grow.”

Recent research from Roy Morgan Research (July-August 2013) revealed that 600,000 gamers are already intending to purchase PS4, which represents nearly double the number intending to purchase the competitor product.

Exploring the enthusiasm around the console’s release, SCE Aust.’s own research revealed the top three features people are most excited about with the PS4 are the powerful processor, the line-up of new games and the DualShock®4 controller[i].  

Ephraim continued, “Sony Computer Entertainment believes that it is important to offer as many gamers around the world the opportunity to get their hands on PS4 this year. The features of the PS4 have really captured the imagination of Australian gamers, making demand far higher than we anticipated. It's clear that PS4's powerful features, personalisation and unrelenting focus on what gamers love most is building up to one of the most exciting launches in our industry's history.”

When it launches, PS4 will be the most powerful games console ever, created by game creators for game creators to ensure the best games are on PS4.  This has resulted in the strongest line-up ever for a new PlayStation platform.  With the combination of huge blockbusters such as Killzone Shadow Fall, Destiny, FIFA, Watchdogs and Call of Duty Ghosts, alongside a vast array of Indie titles such as Transistor, The Witness, Rogue Legacy and Hotline Miami 2, PS4 promises to be the best place to play. When combined with the innovative features and services available on PS4, all at a reasonable price, PS4 is set to be the true next generation games console.

PS4 launches in Australia on 29 November and will retail for a recommended retail price of AUD$549.95.

Join the conversation #4ThePlayers.

The Walking Dead: The Game Season 2 Teaser Trailer

X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST - Official Trailer

SimCity Cities of Tomorrow

Jack Skellington brings the spooky to Disney Infinity

Disney Interactive is bringing Disney Infinity’s Jack Skellington to Australian stores. The Pumpkin King of Halloween Town is all scared up and ready to show off his unique charm to Disney Infinity players.

Need for Speed Rivals - Ultimate Cars, Speed and Rivalry

Battlefield 4: Official Multiplayer Launch Trailer

Angry Birds Star Wars unleashed today for home and hand-held gaming systems‏

Sydney, Australia – October 30, 2013 – Rovio Entertainment Ltd. and Lucasfilm Ltd., in association with Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI), today launched Angry Birds™ Star Wars® for home and hand-held video game systems. Based on Rovio’s wildly popular, action-strategy mobile game, Angry Birds Star Wars brings the interstellar struggle between the ragtag Rebel Birds and dastardly Imperial Pigs to new audiences onthe Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Nintendo 3DS™ handheld system.

"Angry Birds Star Wars brings together fans from multiple generations and across two widely loved fictional worlds" noted Jami Laes, Executive Vice President of Games at Rovio Entertainment. "The success of Angry Birds Star Wars is a testament to the versatility of these iconic franchises. As a company we want to be where-ever the fans are, so we are thrilled to be partnering with Activision to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to console and handheld gaming fans."

Angry Birds Star Wars marries the fantastic spirit, legendary characters and classic imagery of Star Wars™ with the accessibly engaging design and energetic gameplay of Angry Birds™, thrusting players into a captivating, light-hearted adventure saga, featuring inventive challenges, tantalizing Force powers and a wealth of familiar faces and places. Twenty exclusive, newly created levels join the over 200 stages already available from the original mobile release of Angry Birds Star Wars. This latest version brings the flock to the fight with the introduction of cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes, letting players team up or square off for high scores and galactic bragging rights. Moreover, this expansive edition exploits the unique capabilities of each game system to deliver a distinctive experience tailored specifically to each platform, including sharp and colourful, high-definition visuals (on HD-compatible devices), achievements and trophies, leader boards, voice command support through Kinect for Xbox 360®, and touch-screen controls on Nintendo 3DS™.

Angry Birds Star Wars is available now for the Xbox 360® and PlayStation®3 system, and for Nintendo 3DS™. The game is rated G (General) by the Australian Classification Board. For more information, please visit www.starwarsgame.angrybirds.com. 

About Rovio Entertainment Ltd.

Rovio Entertainment Ltd is a global industry-changing entertainment media company headquartered in Finland, and the creator of the globally successful Angry Birds™ characters franchise. Angry Birds, a casual puzzle game, became an international phenomenon within a few months of its release. Angry Birds has expanded rapidly into multifaceted entertainment, publishing, and licensing to become a beloved international brand. Rovio's animated Angry Birds feature film is slated for July 1, 2016. www.rovio.com

About Lucasfilm Ltd.

Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production.  In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company's activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.