Andy TaylorLeave a commentConsumer Electronics, Entertainment, Featured, Media Center, Movies, Shopping, TechtalkRadio, Videos, , ,

Star Wars Digital Downloads – Just what are the Extras?

Star Wars Digital Download Available 4102015
Banner for the Star Wars Digital Movie Collection

There is going to be a great deal of complaints from some of the fans of the Star Wars franchise who would love to see the Original Star Wars films released “As Is”

This would include the 1977 Era capabilities of visual effects which even for its time were handled so perfectly. I have already read some twitter post and facebook comments that the “Originals” should be released and even though the story itself doesn’t change some would like to relive the experience of sitting in the theaters back from 1977 through Return of the Jedi with the films as they saw it.

For me, it was Star Wars, it was the Edwards Newport Theater on a Sunday Afternoon. I didn’t even want to see this movie! My parents dropped me off  and made me see it. For everybody, that same description came from that opening sequence, the jaw dropping Star Destroyer flying over head and the complete confusion of not knowing what was happening. Later I would learn from a TED Talk with JJ Abrams – This is what “That Box” is all about. Another reason I am so excited JJ is shooting the latest film.

Some will still want that original experience, an argument that will probably continue for years to come.

When George Lucas set out for the first Star Wars film, there were limitations as to what could be done. It was a huge undertaking that almost cause the halt in production of the film due to its budget. I’ve heard stories of the power struggle at Fox during the production and the story behind the scenes is equally as interesting as the tale of Luke Skywalker in a galaxy far far away.

I have always wanted to see the Star Wars films at home in the High Definition technology of today. I am very happy that Fox, Disney and Lucasfilm have agreed to partner and make these remastered Digital Downloads available and from what I have seen preview wise, it is amazing!

Another nice feature of these Digital Downloads will be the extra’s that come with it.

BONUS

*Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer          

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace

  • Conversations: Doug Chiang Looks Back
  • Discoveries From Inside: Models & Miniatures
  • Legacy content includes “The Beginning”; The Podrace: Theatrical Edit;plus eight deleted scenes.

STAR WARS EPISODE II:  Attack of the Clones

  • Conversations: Sounds In Space
  • Discoveries From Inside: Costumes Revealed
  • Legacy content includes “From Puppets To Pixels: Digital Characters In Episode II”; State Of The Art: The Previsualization Of Episode II; and “Films Are Not Released, They Escape”; plus Episode II Visual Effects Breakdown Montage and six deleted scenes.

STAR WARS EPISODE III: Revenge of the Sith

  • Conversations: The Star Wars That Almost Was
  • Discoveries From Inside: Hologram & Bloopers
  • Legacy content includes documentaries “Within A Minute: The Making Of Episode III”; The Journey Part 1; and The Journey Part 2; plus six deleted scenes.

STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A New Hope (20th Century Fox)

  • Conversations: Creating A Universe
  • Discoveries From Inside: Weapons & The First Lightsaber
  • Legacy content includes “Anatomy Of A Dewback”; Star Wars Launch Trailer; plus eight deleted scenes.

STAR WARS EPISODE V: The Empire Strikes Back

  • Conversations: The Lost Interviews
  • Discoveries From Inside: Matte Paintings Unveiled
  • Legacy content includes “A Conversation With The Masters” (2010); “Dennis Muren: How Walkers Walk”; “George Lucas On Editing The Empire Strikes Back 1979”; and “George Lucas On The Force: 2010”; plus six deleted scenes.

STAR WARS EPISODE VI: Return of the Jedi

  • Conversations: The Effects
  • Discoveries From Inside: The Sounds Of Ben Burtt
  • Legacy content includes “Classic Creatures: Return Of The Jedi”; “Revenge Of The Jedi Teaser Trailer”; Return Of The Jedi Launch Trailer; “It Began TV Spot”; “Climactic Chapter TV Spot”; plus five deleted scenes.

I am looking forward to seeing them all again, even updated – its the story the films tell that will continue to entertain for years to come.

Andy Taylor

Andy TaylorLeave a commentHealth and Fitness, Legal, Online Safety, TechtalkRadio, , , ,

Death and Facebook…

It’s that subject that nobody really wants to talk about however it is something that is being addressed and can provide a little piece of mind to Facebook Users on what happens to a users Facebook account when the unfortunate happens. Today, Facebook introduced what they are calling Legacy Contacts.

Users can easily choose a legacy contact, either a member of the family or a friend that can manage the account of a Facebook User when that user passes away. Again, a great deal of trust would need to be exercised as that person has the power to notify of the passing, Facebook will then Memorialize the account and allow the Legacy Contact Chosen to “Write a post to display at the top of the memorialized Timeline (for example, to announce a memorial service or share a special message), Respond to new friend requests from family members and friends who were not yet connected on Facebook Update the profile picture and cover photo.”

According to a release from Facebook, The legacy contact will not be able to log in as the person who passed away or see that person’s private messages. Facebook staff has stated this was done after talking to members who experienced loss and wanted to offer more to those grieving than the basic memorialized viewable only accounts offered in the past.

All of this is not required and the option is also available for Facebook Users to elect to just have the account deleted upon their passing. This is all coordinated through the settings tab, then the security tab. Users will see Legacy Contacts as pictured in our screen capture this morning.

Facebook Capture of Legacy Contacts
Facebook Screen Capture of Legacy Contacts

The Service according to Facebook is launched in the United States first and is hopefull to expand to more countries over time.

Andy TaylorLeave a commentAutomotive, Consumer Electronics, TechtalkRadio, , , , , , ,

Our Latest TechtalkRadio KMSB Fox 11 02/09/2015

In this Weeks Segment Andy Taylor features products for enhancing the Drive. Have an Older Car but not a radio to todays Technology? Check out the JVC Bluetooth Enabled Radio, Headphones for the Kids? The iFrogz Little Rockerz is designed for young ears. Old School Cassette Radio in the Car? Monster iCarPlay can connect that smartphone, media player or tablet to your older car radio through the Cassette and finally, want some really good studio quality headphones? The JVC XX Series is fantastic!

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Andy TaylorLeave a commentBluetooth Technology, Consumer Electronics, Media Center, Mobile Apps, software, TechtalkRadio, Videos, , , , , , ,

KMSB Fox 11 09/08/2014

Thanks for checking out our most recent KMSB Fox 11 Segment! In this weeks segment we take a look at the DXG IronX Action Camera. This Sturdy small action camera is packed with features for the Action Enthusiast. 1920×1280 HD Capture at 60fps and for those in intense action, 120fps at 1280×780! Capture High definition stills and video and easily controlled through a Wi-Fi Connection to the Phone or paired with the included Watch which allows for easy capturing of video in action with a simple press of a record button.

The IronX Action Camera
A Photo of the IronX Action Camera from DXG

Waterproof to a depth of about 60 meters, the IronX is an affordable solution with high quality. See more at http://www.ironxcam.com 

Also featured is the Muvee Reveal 11 Software program for creating stunning montages and video presentations easily. No heavy video editing experience required and with many options for output, the Reveal 11 program is a must have for anybody looking to create videos! Try it with a Demo at http://www.muvee.com 

For More Reviews and Interviews – Be sure to Check out http://www.techtalkradio.com 

 

Andy TaylorLeave a commentComputers, Consumer Electronics, Hardware, Security, Smartphones, Tablets, TechtalkRadio, , , ,

Video cameras, garage door apps for today’s homeowner – Tucson News Now

Be sure to check out the Video Segment from the Latest KMSB Fox 11 08/25/2014 with TechtalkRadio’s Andy Taylor – It is available on our website at http://www.techtalkradio.com

Photo from Tech Segment on KMSB Fox 11
Segment from 08/25/2014 Looked at Seeing-Cam.Com and Chamberlain

In this weeks segment from 08/25/2014 We take a look at some products for Home Monitoring. First up is the DXG Seeing-Cam.com 110v. This R2D2 Like Camera can rotate a full 360 and tilt 90 degrees and can be controlled via a smartphone, tablet or PC. We also looked at the Chamberlain MyQ Garage for keeping track of and manage your Garage Door Status, Open or Closed? Need it closed? Easy – you can do it remotely from your smart phone.

Read our Column about the products on the Daybreak Website!