3D Geek Alert: Get A Free Ticket To See MEN IN BLACK III With A Pre-Order Of The Blu-ray

Amazon's got a pretty good deal going on right now for the first 10,000 customers who pre-order the Men In Black 3 Blu-ray from them before June 25, 2013. This will undoubtedly sell out fast, so if you plan on getting the Blu-ray anyway - go for it!

Here's what Amazon says about the deal:

Be one of the first 10,000 customers to pre-order Men in Black 3 on Blu-ray or Blu-ray 3D at Amazon.com between May 23, 2012 and June 25, 2012 and receive a promotional code that you can redeem by July 5, 2012 for a certificate valid for one admission up to $10 to see the movie at participating theaters. Terms and conditions apply.

• Step 1: Complete your pre-order of Men in Black 3 on Blu-ray or Blu-ray 3D between May 23, 2012 and June 25, 2012.
• Step 2: If you are one of the first 10,000 to pre-order, you will receive an e-mail within 48 hours containing your promotional code, click the link contained in the email to go to http://www.sonymoviecash.com/mib3 and redeem your promotional code by July 5, 2012. 
• Step 3: On the http://www.sonymoviecash.com/mib3, website follow the instructions to enter your promotional code and other required information and print your certificate. 

Sounds like a great deal to me. THE AVENGERS gave away poster at the midnight screenings but this deal of a free ticket AND potentially seeing a 6 minute clip of THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN at the screening tonight is adding up to a really good deal!

Thanks to /Film for the heads up!

3D Geek Alert: Fujifilm Snaps Up Even More Attention With Their 2nd Generation 3D Consumer Camera!!

Wow! I knew this was coming today and Fujifilm did not disappoint. The Finepix Real 3D W3 digital camera system officially launches in September and brings with it the ability to shoot hi-res 3D photos (1920x1080 or higher) as well as 720p HD video with stereo audio.

Your newly captured 3D media can then be viewed on most new 3D TVs (through the camera's mini HDMI v1.4 port) or printed (via Fujifilm's SeeHere.com - for example: 5x7" high precision prints with lenticular 3D technology for $6.99).

The W3 uses twin 10-megapixel CCD sensors and dual FUJINON (some of the world's best optics!) 3x optical zoom lenses (35-105mm) that are 75 mm apart. The synchronized control of the CCD sensors release the left and right shutters simultaneously.

You are not constrained to only use the camera in three dimensions as there are exciting W3 features that can be used for unique 2D shots as well. One example is the W3's Tele/Wide Simultaneous Shooting feature that allows photographers to zoom in on a subject while concurrently taking a wide-angle shot of the same scene!

The dimensions for the camera are just under an inch (21.0 mm) at its thinnest point and weighs 8.5 ounces with memory card and battery installed.

The camera has an autostereoscopic (glasses-free) 3.5" widescreen LCD 3D screen (1150K resolution) which uses the newly developed RP (Real Photo) processor 3D HD, which merges the left and right images into a single image/video. All of this is built into a nicely balanced stainless steel body.

Some further camera details:
- Switch 2D/3D Button to switch between capturing a subject in 2D or 3D instantly.
- One Touch Movie Mode using dedicated button to instantly changing from still to movie mode.
- Auto and Manual Parallax Control to automatically adjust parallax in 3D Auto mode for an optimal sense of depth.
- MyFinePix Studio 3D Movie and Photo Editor software allows manually editing captured 3D images effortlessly.
- Manual Shooting Functions with aperture and shutter priority.
- 13 scene positions to automatically optimize camera settings for some of the most common shooting environments.
- Super Intelligent Flash adjusts flash output and timing to capture subjects and background.

All this for a quite affordable $499.95 in early September. I am totally thrilled by this announcement! Consumers need more affordable choices for 3D at home and the W3 delivers. I hope to get one of these soon and I will post a review ASAP.

More info when I obtain it!!

3D Geek Alert: Now Companies Are Innovating! Simple New 3D Lens For Panasonic's G Series On Its Way!!

Wow. Love this elegant solution for capturing 3D at home! As we have seen in the past, if you wanted home 3D you had to buy an all in one unit and foot the bill accordingly. Moreover, while they are indeed 3D cameras, they were one dimensional with regard to flexibility.

Now enters Panasonic with a truly wonderful innovation! I do not know how well if performs yet, but on a purely high level the new 3D Lens for the LUMIX G Micro System Series (a Micro 4:3 system) seems to hit all the needs of today's consumers.

The system utilizes two integrated optical systems within a single lens assembly feeding left and right eye images to a single (and flexible) CCD to be processed by Panasonic's 3D image system. The interchangeable lens assembly is very compact too. The result should be very elegant: No time lags or distortion between left and right eyes, even when shooting moving objects

Screen Digest says that by 2014 there will be 3DTVs in about a quarter of all homes in major markets. That is an impressive figure. Someone has to provide consumer solutions to capture all those family moments in 3D and Panasonic is definitely stepping up (Canon and Sony will also probably do something similar for their interchangeable lens camera systems, but they will most likely be beamsplitters by design, and therefore bulky).

I am loving the innovation I have been seeing lately in consumer home 3D electronics. Impressive thinking is taking place. I will more than likely be picking up one of these G series cameras now that 3D is involved. :-)

Source: Screen Digest, ‘Bringing 3D Home: the opportunities for 3D broadcast’, 2010

The Future Of 3D Home Theater: LaserTV! Mitsubishi's 75-LT1 Being Released In Japan This Month

As far as I am concerned, Laser TV is the future of 3D home entertainment - and the price will get lower as time goes by. The Mitsubishi 75-LT1 is being released on August 21 in Japan for the rather hefty price tag of $8500.

So what makes it so great? Other than it's impressive size which is 75 inches and resolution (1920x1080), it utilizes the company's Laser TV technology. The lasers DOUBLE the color range of what is found on a normal HDTV and at the same time using about a quarter of what current TVs use in power consumption. LCDs and Plasmas can only reproduce about 40% of the colors a human eye can see, while a Laser TV can reproduce 90%. Further, that color intensity lasts for the life of the TV while others technologies don't. Laser TVs are typically about half the weight of LCDs and Plasmas too.

Two pairs of active shutter 3D glasses are included in the price.

The 75-LT1 also comes with a built-in BS.110/CS digital TV Tuner, 5x HDMI inputs and 1x HDMI output, 1x D-Sub port, built-in 2x 10Watts speakers and 3x S-Video ports.

Sounds stunning to me! Would love to try out one of these things... Mitsubishi, send me an email will you? I want to review!! :-) Will let you know about North American availability ASAP.

3D Geek Alert: AVATAR's Neytiri Polystone Statue!!

**Update July 30 - WOW! The exclusive is sold out already!! You can still preorder the non-exclusive Neytiri (only $289) by clicking the front-on image of Neytiri below. They are going FAST!

Finally guys we have more statues to select from for the AVATAR universe from Sideshow Collectibles - Neytiri!! The AMP Suit has been available for some time now.

Note that the price for Neytiri ($299) is significantly lower than the AMP Suit ($1199). The Neytiri statue is almost 17 inches tall, 19 inches wide and 13 inches deep and weighs in at 12 lbs. Neytiri is also available on the affordable Flexpay for $100 / month for 3 months.

I just received the 21" IRON MAN Hulkbuster comiquette from Sideshow which I will be posting a review shortly. These pieces are simply stunning guys. Well worth the money and you will admire these daily I guarantee you.

To view more details on the Neytiri statue - just click the bottom, larger image!



I will be ordering one of these pronto. Let me know if you pull the trigger too on one of these stunning pieces of art!

3D Geek Alert: First Batch Of Panasonic S3DHD TVs Sell Out

Jim here. Not surprising and not really something to laud about because we simply do not know how many were actually bought yet - BUT - all of Panasonic's S3DHD TVs were sold out in the first week of release this month.

They were sold in bundles which is good because everyone loves a good combo. $2900 got you a 50" S3DHD Plasma, 3D Blu-ray Player and one pair of 3D glasses.

Look for increased sales of the systems throughout the year, especially when the 3D AVATAR Blu-ray comes out (hopefully in November, in time for the holidays).

It won't hurt the ratings or 3D TV sales when The Masters is televised in S3DHD - complete with the infamous return to golf for Mr. Tiger Woods this April 5-11, 2010.

3D Geek Alert: Pre-order AVATAR Character Busts!

Jim here. Got some new AVATAR items up for your consideration! You can pre-order these items now for delivery in May (Tsu Tey will be released in July).

These mini busts were created from the film's actual 3D models so they are perfectly accurate and are limited editions.

I have used Entertainment Earth many times before and their service is very good. The manufacturer is Gentle Giant.

The busts are cast in high quality poly-stone and no detail was overlooked. Hand painted with florescent paint to give off an eerie luminescence.

These strictly limited edition collectibles come numbered, complete with matching certificates of authenticity.

Here's Neytiri, Jake and Tsu Tey! (click to enlarge / order)


The cost? $69.99 - not bad for quite a nice collectible! The Viper Wolves will be coming out at $79.99 in January 2011. I don't like the cheap plastic knock offs that seem to come out all the time - I like substantial pieces. These are definitely going on my collector's shelf :-)

Want that S3DHD Television? You Can Pre-order Samsungs Right Now For Next Month Delivery!!

Jim here. Exciting news! Samsung has two of its S3DHD television line up available for pre-order! Be the first on your block to have immersive S3D movies, games, sports and more. The televisions will be released on March 8!!

Just click the links below for full details and to order:

The Samsung UN55C7000 55-Inch 1080p 240 Hz LED HDTV (Black) looks stunning. Some of the highlights of the unit are downloadable and customizable widgets along with Samsung apps. Widgets allow you to track local weather and news with Yahoo, access eBay, display Flickr pictures and see Twitter updates - all on your screen. With a split-screen display, you can do it all without missing a second of your favorite shows. You can also get movies on demand via blockbuster and Amazon Video On Demand. 240Hz technology brings you your S3DHD content via the new S3D Blu-rays or cable / satellite channels. More stereo input options on the way of course, like the Sony PS3's firmware upgrade. These S3DHD TVs are only 1.1 inches thick and LED edge lit!

Key Features
• Screen Size: 55 inches
• Full 1080p HD: Enjoy the powerful picture quality, vivid colors and stunning clarity of Full HD 1080p resolution..
• 240 Hz Clear Motion Rate: Samsung 240 Hz technology delivers even the fastest onscreen motion with utterly life like clarity.
• 3D-ready: Samsung 3D technology makes images leap off the screen– so you feel like you’re a part of the action. Sync up with our Samsung Blu-ray
player to experience movies in 3D on your TV – and enjoy more TV broadcasts in stunning 3D, coming soon.
• Ultra Slim Design: Stunning ultra slim depth – includes tuner (no external transceiver box).
• Ultra Clear Panel: Advanced technology lets you enjoy crisp image details, natural skin tones, excellent shadow detail, and vibrant colors.
• Touch of Color design: Exclusive Mystic Earth Touch of Color design combines texture and color that can complement any room.
• ConnectShare Movie: Connect a thumb drive or digital camera quickly and easily. User-friendly interface allows access to videos, music
playlists and pictures via the remote.
• Internet@TV: Connect to an ever-expanding portal of your favorite digital content. Customizable widgets give you access to BLOCKBUSTER, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Amazon Video On Demand and more – all on your HDTV.
• Game Mode: Enhances dark areas, sharpens the picture, speeds up the image processing response and enhances the sounds of your games. Picture and sound quality optimized for the special needs of gaming systems at the touch of a button.
• Exceeds ENERGY STAR Standards: Up to 57% more energy efficient than ENERGY STAR 4.0 minimum standards.
• Wide Color Enhancer Pro delivers the entire spectrum of color and luminance for rich, saturated images with intense detail.
• 15 Watts x 2 audio power stereo broadcast reception: Supports multichannel sound (MTS)and second audio program (SAP) with 181-channel capacity.
• Built in Digital Tuner: no external box needed.
• Warranty: 1 year parts and 1 year labor warranty (90 days parts and labor for commercial use), with in-home service, backed by Samsung
toll-free support.
• BDWise: Automatically adjusts all your components for the best picture and sound quality.
• AllShare: Sync up your entire household. A wired or wireless DLNA connection lets you stream your PC audio and video files to your HDTV using your remote.
• Skype on Samsung TV: Enjoy the convenience and connectivity of free, IP-based, picture-in-picture video calls via Skype right from your couch: View it all life size on your Samsung TV.
• Swivel stand

Connections
• 4 HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia
Interface) version 1.3: 4 back
• Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC): Allows peripheral AV devices such as a DVD player to be controlled by a Samsung TV remote control.
• USB: 2 side
• PC input: 1 back

Dimensions
• TV without stand: 50.5 x 30.0 x 1.0 inches (WxHxD); 48.9 pounds
• TV with stand: 50.5 x 32.9 x 12.0 inches (WxHxD); 54 pounds

And here is the Samsung UN46C7000 46-Inch 1080p 240 Hz LED HDTV (Black) which has ALL the same features as its big brother, but with smaller dimensions:

Dimensions
• TV without stand: 50.5 x 30.0 x 1.0 inches (WxHxD); 48.9 pounds
• TV with stand: 50.5 x 32.9 x 12.0 inches (WxHxD); 54 pounds

Either way you will have an awesome S3DHD viewing experience! There will also be a 40" model released from their LED 7000 lineup. Can't wait to get one of these beautiful units in my living room... :-)

3D Geek Alert: Comin' At Ya! Sony Unveils Three New S3DHD Blu-ray Players

Jim here. Well we don't have their complete pricing (one price is disclosed below) or official launch date yet but we do have some details to pass on to you about Sony's three new entries into the S3DHD blu-ray player race.

Sony's BDP-S370, BDP-S570 and BDP-S770 (pictured) all feature Blu-ray 3D playback. When they are connected to the Internet via broadband they can also stream entertainment from Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, Slacker Internet Radio, Pandora, NPR, and of course Sony. There are 25 partners in the Sony BRAVIA Internet Video Platform.

Further, you can use your iPhone/iPod Touch as a remote control device for these units (with a downloaded app). The app also includes functionality to access cover art for movies, music, actor and production information as well as that all important search capability for additional media. Keep in mind that the App Store has this particular app called "BD Remote" rated as 2.5 stars out of 5.

The BDP-S770 has Wi-Fi built in, DLNA and a front USB input to act as a media converter. Something else - it has a quick start feature to improve the lag time when starting these units up.

Here are the details for the other two units:
BDP-S570 Blu-ray Disc player features built in Wi-Fi wireless (802.11) with WPS for easy access to Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video platform and BD-LIVE functionality.
Other features include:
• DVD, CD, and SA-CD playback
• IP Content Noise Reduction
• Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote technology
• BD Remote (iPhone/iPod touch BD Remote Control application)
• Photo, music, and video playback via front USB and DLNA (firmware update required)
• DVD upscaling to near high definition with Precision Cinema HD Upscaling
• Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio decoding
• Quick start and fast loading

Sony's BDP-S370 Blu-ray Disc player, shipping this spring, also offers full HD 1080p picture quality and access to the BRAVIA Internet Video platform and BD-LIVE functionality.
Other features found in this model include:
• DVD, CD, and SA-CD playback
• Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote technology
• BD Remote (iPhone/iPod touch BD Remote Control application)
• Wi-Fi-ready (UWA-BR100 USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)
• Photo, music, and video playback via front USB and DLNA (firmware update required)
• DVD Upscaling to near high definition with Precision Cinema HD Upscaling
• Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio decoding
• Quick start and fast loading

Great to see these units ramping up production! The BDP-S570 will lighten your wallet by about $250 - well worth it! Samsung had better rethink their $399 price point for their BD-C6900. You will need to flash your firmware as well once the Blu-ray 3D update is ready. Can't wait to start comparing some of these units.

Sources: Engadget, RegHardware

3D Geek Alert: Sideshow Collectibles Has AVATAR License

Jim here. Just a quick note to let you know that Sideshow Collectibles has obtained an AVATAR license to create and sell premium collectible figures.

What's first you ask? How about a 22" AMP Suit fully articulated maquette with Lang's character in tow? Sounds good to me! Check out the video right here.

This isn't a Mattel toy - not that there is anything wrong with them. This is for serious collectors. I will be picking one up for sure. Can't wait to see what else is coming from Sideshow for AVATAR...

Also here are some shots via JamesCameronOnline of the finished product (or close to finished) - click to enlarge:

3D Geek Alert: 3D Display Uses A Mirror To Project Objects

Now this looks pretty cool. I prefer the elegance of a 3D solution that does not use any "hardware" at all on the 3D image itself so that you can interact with it however. With this particular solution, while stunning, you cannot put your hand into the box as there is a rapidly spinning mirror within that bounces the various images back to your eyes at any angle.

Have a look. It's very interesting, but I am still partial to the tactile response 3D imagery found here.

3D Geek Alert: Cool Online 3D Photo Service

Guys - Jim here. Interesting site called Snapily.com has come on stream and can take your normal 2D photos and make truly magical things happen. It is the natural progression of the technology used to make those 3D movie posters that can store up to something like 10 seconds of action when you walk by them. Only this tech limits you to 2 seconds. Tons of other cool applications though, like morphing faces and having a 3D foreground with a moving background.

Check it out!