Bolt, the superdog, and his companion Penny are ready to spring into action. Disney Interactive Studios today announced that the Disney’s Bolt video game is available at retail stores throughout the United States in time for the film’s opening on Friday, November 21. Inspired by the animated comedy adventure of the same name from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Bolt game versions are available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Wii™ home video game console, PLAYSTATION? computer entertainment system, PlayStation? computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS™ and Windows-based PC.

Developed by Avalanche Software, Disney Interactive Studios’ renowned studio in Salt Lake City, the Bolt video game follows a unique storyline, which takes place within the fictional high-action television series featured in the film. In the game, players must take on the personalities of Bolt and Penny to utilize their unique talents and superpowers to save the world and Penny’s father from the evil Calico. Players will take on Calico’s henchmen; avoid capture at the Mayan Temple; and hack enemy computer systems as the duo’s adventures take them throughout expansive areas in five global locations: Italy, Russia, Belize, China and Oceania. Separately, the film focuses on Bolt’s inadvertent shipment to New York City and his journey back to Hollywood with the help of a jaded cat named Mittens and a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino, whose favorite word is “awesome.”

“The action TV show within the film was an excellent basis for the game to give fans a story that extends far beyond the movie experience,” said John Blackburn, vice president and general manager of Avalanche Software. “We maintained an ongoing collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios so there would be a natural familiarity for game players.”

As Bolt, players can devastate opponents with his superpowers. His laser vision melts enemies in just one glance; his ground pound, an earth-shattering attack, catches enemies off-balance; and his superbark sends out a sonic blast that disables opponents. As Penny, players utilize her stealth abilities and a wheelbar, inspired by her scooter from the movie, to climb around locations and outwit enemies. In addition, Bolt features unique minigames based on Penny’s ability to hack computers. When players assume the role of Penny, they are required to complete various tasks in virtual worlds to progress in the game.

“Avalanche Software is a premier studio for family friendly games and has an expertise in creating video games that exist within a film’s universe, but expand beyond the movie-going experience to give fans and gamers a truly unique experience,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Bolt continues this legacy by delivering a high-quality game with intriguing storylines and exciting adventures that extend from and complement the film.”

Developed by Altron, the Nintendo DS version will include competitive and co-op local wireless multiplayer modes such as competing against a player in a hacking game or teaming up with a friend in one of five single-player missions. A Nintendo DS exclusive minigame featuring Rhino enables him to become a hero just like Bolt. The Nintendo DS version also includes DGamer, Disney Interactive Studios’ innovative new technology that provides a fun, connected game community for Disney video game fans. With DGamer, players earn content, interact and chat with others on Nintendo DS through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection or on a computer through the www.dgamer.com website.

The game is available for Xbox 360, Wii, and PLAYSTATION 3 system for $49.99. Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2 and Windows-based PC versions are available for $29.99. Bolt for home consoles and Windows PC is rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The Nintendo DS version is rated E for Everyone. For a limited time Bolt video games will include a code for Movie Money, which can be accessed online to print a $5 certificate for admission into a movie theater. The certificate is valid at participating theaters throughout the United States and the code can be redeemed through January 31, 2009.

Fans of Bolt also have a chance to win a family vacation for four at Walt Disney World® Resort. More information, including details and official rules, is available at the Bolt video game web site: www.Boltvideogame.com. The sweepstakes offer is valid November 18, 2008, to January 31, 2009. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

In addition, Bolt: The Mobile Game will also be available in November 2008 on most major wireless carriers. Bolt: The Mobile Game is an action-filled game that features diverse environments and epic boss battles. In the game, players control Bolt and his super power moves: superbark, superbite and superspeed to defeat the evil Dr. Calico and save the world. Bolt: The Mobile game has a suggested retail price of $6.99 (prices may vary by carrier).

For more information, log on to www.BoltVideoGame.com.

About the “Bolt” film

For superdog Bolt (voice of John Travolta), every day is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue - at least until the cameras stop rolling. When the star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet - a cross-country journey through the real world to get back to his owner and co-star, Penny (voice of Miley Cyrus). Armed only with the delusions that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and with the help of two unlikely traveling companions: a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens (voice of Susie Essman) and a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino, Bolt discovers he doesn’t need superpowers to be a hero. Directed by Chris Williams and Byron Howard, “Bolt” is a hilarious, fun-filled, action-packed animated comedy adventure in Disney Digital 3-D™. Rated PG, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Bolt” hits theaters Nov. 21, 2008.

About Disney Interactive Studios

Disney Interactive Studios, part of Disney Interactive Media Group, is the interactive entertainment affiliate of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS). Disney Interactive Studios self publishes and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games, mobile games and interactive entertainment worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works directly with other interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market. Disney Interactive Studios is based in Glendale, California, and has six internal video game development studios around the world: Avalanche Software, Fall Line Studio, Propaganda Games, Black Rock Studio, Gamestar and Junction Point Studios; and two internal mobile game development studios: Enorbus and Living Mobile. For more information, log on to http://www.disneyinteractivestudios.com.

The new Animal Crossing City Folk game for the Wii console launches Nov. 16, allowing players to move into fun communities, customize their surroundings and interact with hundreds of animal characters. The world is filled with possibilities, and players never run out of things to do. They can collect more than 2,400 items like shells, fossils and bugs, or design new clothing patterns that they can share with their friends.

The new “city” area of the game provides access to the latest fashions and offers players the ability to give their character a Mii™ makeover at the hair salon, which transforms the character’s features to look like the player’s Mii. Players can also put items up for auction in the city and bid on items others want to sell.

“Animal Crossing: City Folk is all about building communities, customizing your world and staying in touch with friends and other characters,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “There’s no ending, so people can keep playing for months and even years. It’s an experience that everyone in the household can share together.”

Up to four people can create characters and move into the same town. And using the Wii Speak™ accessory, players can voice chat with friends and family members around the world. The microphone sits atop the TV set and captures the voice of everyone in the room, providing for a more communal experience. People can now get together to chat with their distant loved ones, which is especially meaningful when they can’t be together for the holidays. The microphone can also be used with the upcoming Wii Speak Channel, which launches in December.

The Animal Crossing: City Folk calendar passes in real time, so climates along with bugs and fish change with the seasons. Players can catch fireflies in the summer or celebrate Harvest Festival in the fall. If players use Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection to meet up with friends in other countries, they will experience the holidays native to the friends’ cultures.

Animal Crossing: City Folk is a great value for the holidays because it can be enjoyed by everyone. The game never ends, which gives players months – or even years – of exploring and interacting with their virtual community.

Animal Crossing: City Folk retails at an MSRP of $49.99 and the Wii Speak accessory is sold separately at an MSRP of $29.99. Bundles of the game and accessory are also available at an MSRP of $69.99.

Animal Crossing remains one of Nintendo’s most popular franchises. The original Animal Crossing for Nintendo GameCube™ sold more than 1.55 million copies in the United States alone, while the Nintendo DS™ version, Animal Crossing™: Wild World, sold more than 1.75 million in the United States.

Remember that Wii features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other Wii features, visit Wii.com. For more information about Animal Crossing: City Folk, visit Animal-Crossing.com.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold nearly 2.8 billion video games and more than 480 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii and Nintendo DS, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™ and Nintendo GameCube™. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, visit the company’s Web site at www.nintendo.com.

Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at press.nintendo.com, a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please contact Danny Beardsworth at 213-438-8835 or dbeardsworth@golinharris.com. Users can receive instant Nintendo information by subscribing to the site’s RSS feed. B-roll is available at www.thenewsmarket.com/Nintendo.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and TT Games today announced that Guinness World Records The Videogame for Wii and Nintendo DS has shipped to retail outlets in North America. In the only videogame based on actual Guinness World Records, players can strive to become world record holders as they compete in 36 engaging challenges that the entire family will enjoy. Gamers can even compete to become a “Virtual Guinness World Records Holder” by posting their results for each event online to see how they stack up against the competition. Those with the best scores have a chance to win the ultimate prize of being immortalized in the official book of Guinness World Records.

“Guinness World Records The Videogame offers fans an immersive, interactive Guinness World Records experience they can share with friends and family,” said Tom Stone, Managing Director of TT Games Publishing. “Players can feel the rush of becoming a Guinness World Records holder using lifelike motions and actions that will have them feeling like they have just competed in a record breaking event.”

Guinness World Records™: The Videogame allows players of all ages and abilities to create their very own customized avatars to participate in quick-fire action challenges that can be played solo, in teams or in competitive multi-player groups. The accessible gameplay mechanics utilize unique and engaging Wii and DS controls that enable anyone to conquer a diverse set of records ranging from “Longest Fingernails” and “Longest Motorcycle Jump” to “Most Arrows Caught” and even “Fastest Time to Eat a Plane.”

As gamers traverse the globe in search of gameplay glory, they can collect trophies, fact cards and record breaking certificates, as well as Guinness World Records Coins that can be used to unlock new events and zany supplies such as trampolines and space hoppers. Along the journey, players uncover interesting facts about real-life records that have been set in different locations around the world.

Guinness World Records™: The Videogame is rated “E 10+” (Everyone 10 and older) by the ESRB and is available for the Wii for the suggested retail price of $39.99. The Nintendo DS version is rated “E” (Everyone) and is available for the suggested retail price of $29.99. For more information, please visit http://www.guinnessworldrecordsgame.com/.

About TT Games

TT Games (www.ttgames.com) is the combined publishing and development group behind the hit games LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Star Wars II and LEGO Indiana Jones. Incorporating renowned UK developer Traveller’s Tales, TT Games has a distinctive focus on console and PC games of the highest quality, suitable for young gamers.

About Guinness World Records

First published in 1955, the annual Guinness World Records book is published in more than 100 countries and 25 languages and is one of the highest-selling books under copyright of all time with more than 3 million copies sold annually across the globe. Guinness World Records celebrated its 50th anniversary edition in 2004, a year after the sale of its 100 millionth copy. Guinness World Records also annually publishes the Gamer’s Edition; a records book devoted solely to the world of computer gaming and high score record achievements. The Guinness World Records website (www.guinnessworldrecords.com) receives more than 11 million visitors a year. Guinness World Records is part of the Jim Pattison Group, one of Canada’s largest privately owned companies which is a conglomerate of interests, including advertising, broadcasting, grocery stores and automotive retailing.

About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and future platforms, including console, handheld and PC-based gaming for both internal and third party game titles.

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS: THE VIDEOGAME software © 2008 TT Games Publishing Ltd. ©2008 Guinness World Records Limited. Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

WBIE LOGO, WB SHIELD: ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s08)

Yudo Begins Worldwide Distribution of Its Next Generation of Rhythm Action Games for the iPhone and iPod Touch: Aero Guitar, Aero Synth and Aero Drum. In Japan iTunes App Store, Those 3 Titles of AeroSeries Nominated for Best 10th and Start to Take Actions for Worldwide

Yudo, Ltd. headquartered in Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, Reo Nagumo, CEO, hereafter, Yudo has announced that it has begun worldwide distribution, through the AppStore run by iTunes, three games, it initially developed jointly with Five Any, Inc. headquartered in Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Akinori Okawa, CEO, hereafter, Five Any, as WiiWare™ for the Nintendo Wii™ family consumer platform, Aero Guitar, an air guitar game, Aero Synth and Aero Drum, for Apple Computer’s iPhone and iPod Touch platforms.

Yudo began sales in Japan of its air guitar game, Aero Guitar on September 30, 2008, using the WiiWare content delivery service available for the Nintendo Wii family consumer platform. Since then, that product’s popularity has kept it in the upper ranks of software titles.

• The Aero Series for the iPhone and iPod touch

This series of rhythm action games uses multi-touch functionality to play along with famous instrumental performances, simulating the feel of playing a guitar, the drums or a synthesizer. With the added functionality of an Internet ranking system, you can compete against scores from users the world over.
Aero Guitar:

You play the games guitar by shaking the iPhone just as you would do with an air
guitar. Including the same songs as found in the Wii version of the game, users can
play along to songs recorded by the Japanese rock band, The Emeralds, who have
toured in North America.
Aero Synth:

This game includes songs recorded by the track maker Nish, among others, which form
the soundtrack for the online game, Cabal Online, which boasts of more than twenty
million players from Japan and around the world.
Aero Drum:

Even people who’ve never played the drums before will find the easy interface to be an
excellent introduction to the art of drumming. Create rhythms as you tap on the snare
drum, the tom drum and the cymbals.

Aero Guitar Free, Aero Synth Free, Aero Drum Free:

One song only for free version. You can explore fun of Aero Series.
Producer: Yudo
Sales: Yudo, Five Any
Official Web Site:

http://iphone.yudo-aero.com/
Release Date: October 23, 2008
(ranking system available from November 5, 2008)
Download Price:

$2.99 (tax included), each, from November 6 through December 31, 2008

$6.99 for standard price

Aero Guitar Free, Aero Synth Free, Aero drum Free are free of charge.
Participating Artists: The Emeralds, NARD, Nish, et al.

Yudo and Five Any have recorded songs that go beyond what game manufacturers are usually known for, and will continue to release songs from artists active on the world stage. The music engine in use will also be the basis for ongoing development for a wider range of platforms, too.

New versions are also planned to be released during the first half of 2009, allowing users to play against each other online, to form bands across the globe and to enjoy networked jam sessions.

• Demo Videos on YouTube
Aero Drum:

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=BJmlUW_sQ7o
Aero Synth:

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=gHVVdYL8v3s
Aero Guitar:

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=arbGr72NDA4

• An Overview of Yudo, Ltd.

Corporate Name: Yudo, Ltd.

Established: March 3, 2003

Representative: Reo Nagumo, CEO

Address: 8th Floor, Takuei Yokohama Nishiguchi Dairoku Building, 3-29-9 Tsuruyamachi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa

Website: http://www.yudo.jp/

Yudo created a trend in music-based games with titles such as beatmania and pop’n music, with experience that runs deep into the management level. Yudo was founded, and is currently helmed by, Reo Nagumo, who worked as a DJ under the moniker dj nagureo. The company continues to develop and produce games and music.

With a unique planning expertise, Yudo aims to offer revolutionarily new services and games throughout the world.

• An Overview of Five Any, Inc.

Corporate Name: Five Any, Inc.

Established: October, 2000

Representative: Akinori Okawa, CEO

Address: Minami Ikebukuro Building, 3-13-5 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Website: http://www.fiveany.co.jp/

– iPhone and iPod are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple, Inc.

– Wii and WiiWare are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nintendo Co., Ltd.

© 2006 by ESTsoft Corp. All rights reserved.

© 2006 by Gamespot, Inc., All rights reserved.

read more | digg story

Popular virtual world marks third anniversary with new toys and unique party

Club Penguin, one of the largest and fastest-growing virtual worlds for children, today celebrated its third anniversary by hosting a massive online/offline party and launching a much-anticipated line of new consumer products.

The new products bring to life the characters and environments found in Club Penguin, the popular, snow-covered virtual world where children can explore, play games and interact with friends in the guise of colorful, animated penguin avatars. The new toy line includes collectible plush, mini-figures and play sets that come with a code for kids to redeem virtual items on clubpenguin.com. A limited assortment of home furnishings, books and apparel is also available, and a Nintendo DS™ game is planned for release this holiday season.

The Club Penguin virtual world is visited by millions of children around the globe and is valued by parents for its proven commitment to safety. The company recently opened international offices in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Brazil to provide additional support and moderation to fans there. As the virtual world’s popularity has grown, so has demand for products.

“Club Penguin is all about the kids, and they’ve been asking us to come up with new ways they can experience the fun and creativity of the Club Penguin world since we launched the site in 2005,” pointed out co-founder and general manager Lane Merrifield, who also heads up development of virtual worlds for the Disney Interactive Media Group. “Every item we’re launching comes from the requests our audience has sent in. We’re really excited about these new products, and it’s great that we can celebrate our third anniversary by delivering more of what our fans want.”

To help launch the new product line and mark three years of entertaining children and families online, Club Penguin hosted a huge online/offline party today with special activities simultaneously at clubpenguin.com and in New York City at Toys“R”Us Times Square.

The all new Club Penguin toys are available at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide as well as the Club Penguin shop online, Disneyshopping.com, Disney Stores nationwide and Disney Theme Parks. Mirroring the collectible play pattern from the site, the toy line will introduce a new plush figure every eight weeks, including one based on the elusive and much sought-after Captain Rockhopper character. Each item in the limited-edition toy line includes a coin imprinted with a code kids can use to redeem virtual items on clubpenguin.com. The code gives kids the opportunity to access unique items not otherwise currently available to Club Penguin players. Both members and non-members can redeem the coins that accompany their Club Penguin toys.

“Internet toys are the hottest trend in the toy industry. Kids want to play with their toys online as well as in the real world. The Club Penguin toy line gives kids the best of both worlds,” said Chris Heatherly, vice president of technology and innovation, Disney Consumer Products. “The same humor, surprises, and sense of personalization that made Club Penguin an online success are engrained in these toys. Kids who love Club Penguin are going to love these toys just as much.”

The fall 2008 Club Penguin toy line manufactured by Jakks Pacific includes:

The Club Penguin 6.5” Plush assortment brings Club Penguin characters to life with high quality, detailed costumes. Each Club Penguin 6.5” Plush includes a coin with a code to unlock items on clubpenguin.com. Suggested retail price: $9.99.

In the Club Penguin world, Puffles are the penguins’ loveable pets. Now kids can have their very own with the Club Penguin Puffle Plush. Available in multiple colors, each Club Penguin Puffle Plush includes a coin with a code to unlock items online. Suggested retail price: $5.99.

Kids can collect all their favorite penguin characters with the Club Penguin 2” Mix ‘n Match Figures. Each set includes two 2” Mix ‘n Match figures and a mini accessory. Mix ‘n match the penguin parts to interchange the costumes and create unique figure variations. Each Club Penguin 2” Mix ‘n Match Figure includes a coin with a code to unlock items on clubpenguin.com. Suggested retail price: $5.99.

The Club Penguin Igloo Playset provides a home for the 2” Mix ‘n Match Club Penguin Figures! This playset features a moving dance floor and music just like on clubpenguin.com, as well as a shooting cannon with a basketball hoop to aim at! The Club Penguin Igloo Playset stores up to 15 figures and includes a coin with a code to unlock items online. Suggested retail price: $29.99.

Additionally, a Nintendo DS™ game is planned for release this holiday season:

Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force for Nintendo DS™ allows players to go on new missions as agents of the Elite Penguin Force, utilizing familiar and all-new gadgets, accessories, disguises, vehicles and locations to investigate mysterious events in Club Penguin. Play exclusive new mini-games, including Snowboarding and Dance Challenge, as well as favorite Club Penguin online mini-games such as Cart Surfer, Jet Pack Adventure and Ice Fishing. Earn coins to spend in game or upload to online accounts. Download weekly newsletters and polls, along with new, seasonal missions. Suggested retail price: $29.99.

About Club Penguin

Club Penguin (www.clubpenguin.com), a division of Disney Online and part of the Disney Interactive Media Group, provides one of the largest and fastest-growing virtual worlds for children. Club Penguin is free to use and enjoy, however a subscription membership provides access to additional features that enhance the play experience. The Club Penguin virtual world, which contains no third-party advertising, works to provide a fun and safe online experience through the use of sophisticated filtering technology and a team of highly trained moderators. Club Penguin is headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada and maintains offices and staff in Brighton, England, Sydney, Australia and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

About Disney Consumer Products

Disney Consumer Products and affiliates (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) that extends the Disney brand to merchandise ranging from apparel, toys, home décor and books and magazines to foods and beverages, stationery, electronics and fine art. This is accomplished through DCP’s various lines of business which include: Disney Toys, Disney Fashion and Home, Disney Food, Health & Beauty, and Disney Stationery. Other businesses involved in Disney’s consumer products sales are Disney Publishing Worldwide, the world’s largest publisher of children’s books and magazines, and www.disneyshopping.com, the company’s official shopping portal. The Disney Stores retail chain, which debuted in 1987, is owned and operated by Disney in North America and Europe. The Disney Stores chain in Japan is operated under a license agreement with Disney.

Samsung Electronics America, a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, proudly announces the availability of Netflix and Pandora services for its Blu-ray players. Greatly enhancing the functionality of its cutting-edge BD-P2500 and BD-P2550 devices, users can now instantly access a wealth of compelling online entertainment. Going well beyond simply spinning ordinary Blu-ray discs, these Samsung Blu-ray players can instantly stream movies and television episodes from Netflix and music powered by Pandora, all from the comfort of the living room.

Consumers can upload the value-added services at no additional cost to the players via a feature upgrade. Starting today, current Samsung Blu-ray device owners will be able to instantly watch from a growing library of more than 12,000 movies and television episodes from Netflix BD-P2500 BD-P2550 and music from Pandora BD-P2550. The upgrade is available at www.samsung.com/bluraysupport.

“In its new form, Samsung Blu-ray players become the ultimate content delivery box, combining on-demand access to movies and music as well as jaw-dropping Full HD viewing,” said Reid Sullivan, Vice President of Marketing, Audio/Video & Imaging at Samsung Electronics America. “Samsung presents a new value proposition for Blu-ray players by positioning it as a portal to a wide world of engaging digital content, be it Blu-ray discs, Pandora’s online music library or movies from Netflix.”

The addition of content from Netflix and Pandora underscores Samsung’s strong commitment to meeting consumers’ rapidly-evolving desire for multimedia enjoyment at home. Since releasing the first stand-alone Blu-ray player in 2006, Samsung has a proven track record of continuously improving features for its product owners. With this update, the most potent yet, consumers can instantly enjoy a vast library of digital music, movies and television shows along with the crystal clear high-definition experience of Blu-ray using one device.

In addition to the content services, Samsung will provide a BD-Live update for the company’s BD-P2550. To heighten audio format options, a DTS-HD High Resolution firmware upgrade will also be available for both the BD-P2500 and BD-P2550 on October 30, giving consumers both superior sound plus incredibly sharp high-definition picture quality. Making the upgrade process a breeze is Samsung’s Auto Firmware Update feature. When connected to a home network, the player will now prompt users of new firmware as soon as it becomes available.

Netflix

Access to Netflix on both the BD-P2500 and BD-P2550 offers consumers an extensive supply of video content to watch instantly. From the players’ welcome screen, Netflix members click on the Netflix icon to reach their instant Queue (the list of movies they have selected on the PC want to watch instantly.) After choosing the title they want to watch, they simply push play and the movie starts in as little as 30 seconds. Netflix members also can use the BD-P2500 and BD-P2550 to watch any one of the 100,000 titles Netflix has on DVDs as well as the more than 800 titles Netflix has on Blu-ray disc.

“Samsung has been at the forefront of innovation in consumer electronics and has established a market leadership position in Blu-ray and digital television,” said Netflix Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Reed Hastings. “We’re excited about the upgraded Blu-ray disc players. Moreover, we look forward to working with Samsung in the years to come to deliver a variety of outstanding products on which consumers can watch movies delivered over the Internet from Netflix.”

Pandora

The BD-P2550 can now stream music though the popular Pandora music service. As a result, Samsung Blu-ray consumers have a fresh way to discover new music and stay up-to-date with their favorite artists.

“Internet radio is rapidly spreading beyond the desktop computer to every room of the house” said Tim Westergren, Pandora’s founder. “We’re honored and excited that Samsung selected Pandora’s personalized radio as the radio of choice for their Blu-Ray player customers.”

BD-P2500/BD-P2550

The BD-P2500 and BD-P2550 make up Samsung’s 2008 step-up Blu-ray player line. They offer breakthrough enhancements, such as Hollywood Quality Video (HQV) processing and 7.1-channel analog audio outputs creating a powerful HD audio-visual experience. The upgrade schedule by unit is as follows:

BD-P2500

* October 23 – Netflix feature upgrade for current users
* October 30 – DTS-HD HR firmware update

BD-P2550

* October 23 – Netflix and Pandora feature upgrade for current users
* October 23 – BD-Live firmware update
* October 30 – DTS-HD HR firmware update

Specifications
BD-P2500 Blu-ray Player BD-P2550 Blu-ray Player
Design Piano black with chrome accents and touch pad controls
BD Profile

* Compatible with BD Profile 2.0 (BD Live), Profile 1.1 (Bonus View), and Profile 1.0 interactivity features

* Compatible with Profile 1.1 (Bonus View), and Profile 1.0 interactivity features
* Compatible with Profile 2.0 (BD Live) via firmware

A/V Features

* 1GB internal flash memory
* Award-winning Hollywood Quality Video™ (HQV™) processing
* 24fps film mode
* xvYCC Deep Color
* Selectable DVD upconversion (720p / 1080i / 1080p)
* Dolby Digital Plus™, Dolby TrueHD™, dts-HD HR® decoding (via firmware)
* Dolby Digital Plus™, Dolby TrueHD™, dts-HD HR / MA® bitstream output

A/V Connections

* 1 HDMI version 1.3 output with CEC (Anynet+)
* 1 component output
* 1 composite output
* 7.1-Channel analog audio outputs
* 1 optical audio output
* 1 Ethernet connection (for interactivity features and firmware upgrades only)
* 1 USB connection (for memory expansion and firmware upgrades only)

Playable Media BD-ROM, DVD-ROM, DVD-R(V mode only), DVD-RW (V/VR mode), Audio CD, CD-R, CD-RW, AVCHD disc
Estimated Selling Price $399.99 $399.99
Availability Now Now

*Subject to change without notice.

About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.

Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., markets a broad range of award-winning, digital consumer electronics and home appliance products, including HDTVs, home theater systems, MP3 players, digital imaging products, refrigerators and washing machines. A recognized innovation leader in consumer electronics design and technology, Samsung is the HDTV market leader in the U.S. Please visit www.samsung.com for more information.

Logitech Wireless Guitar, Premiere Edition Features Wood Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard, Metal Frets, Gig Bag

Logitech today announced the Logitech® Wireless Guitar Controller, Premiere Edition for the PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems – enabling gamers to play like a rock star. The premiere edition of the Logitech Wireless Guitar Controller is the first in Logitech’s planned line of premium peripherals for the world’s best-selling music-based video game franchise. The guitar is licensed by Activision Publishing, Inc. for all Guitar Hero® games, including the highly anticipated Guitar Hero® World Tour. Featuring authentic materials – including a wood neck, a rosewood fingerboard and metal frets – the Wireless Guitar Controller is for gamers who truly want to flex their Star Power.

“There’s no better feeling than being the guy with the best instrument when you walk into your friend’s house to jam on Guitar Hero,” said Ruben Mookerjee, Logitech’s director of product marketing for gaming. “We designed this guitar for that experience. From the humbucker to the metal frets, the whammy bar to the metal tuners, the Logitech Wireless Guitar Controller gives you the credibility you rightfully deserve.”

To provide even more realism for those who love to jam on Guitar Hero, the premiere edition of the Logitech Wireless Guitar Controller uses the authentic materials you’d expect to see on a real rock guitar. In addition to the metal frets and metal tuning peg handles, the rosewood fingerboard and wood neck, Logitech’s design offers the one-piece contoured shape preferred by many of the world’s leading rock guitarists. To match the wood neck, the Wireless Guitar Controller features a crimson body.

“As the leading producer of peripheral devices, Logitech is delivering on its promise to provide high-quality, premium guitars for our number one franchise,” said Charles Huang, vice president business development for RedOctane. “With this new controller, Logitech is giving Guitar Hero fans the opportunity to unleash their inner rock stars in a new, authentic way.”

To minimize button noise, Logitech uses rubber dome technology on the fret board controls, the same material used in its award-winning keyboards. The guitar controller also incorporates a New Touch-Sensitive Neck Slider, located so strumming is not always necessary to rack up the points. Additionally, the Neck Slider can be used in Guitar Hero World Tour’s new Music Studio to create an even wider away of sounds.

So you’ll be free to go where the music moves you, the Logitech Wireless Guitar Controller uses 2.4 GHz wireless technology to provide a range of up to 30 feet from the console. Just plug the USB receiver into the console and you’re ready to rock. In addition, a gig bag protects your guitar when you’re on the road and provides pocket space for your game discs and wireless receivers. Offering hundreds of hours of battery life, the Wireless Guitar Controller gives you enough juice to perform a festival’s worth of hits, encores included. The Wireless Guitar Controller requires two AA batteries to operate.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech Wireless Guitar Controller, Premiere Edition is expected to be available in the U.S. in December for a suggested retail price of $249.99 (U.S.).

About Guitar Hero World Tour

When the house lights go down this fall, a new generation of guitarists, drummers and fearless frontmen will come together and rock with Guitar Hero World Tour. The latest installment in the best-selling video game franchise of 2007, Guitar Hero World Tour transforms music gaming by expanding Guitar Hero’s signature guitar gameplay into a cooperative band experience that combines the most advanced wireless controllers with new revolutionary online and offline gameplay modes including Band Career and 8-player “Battle of the Bands,” which allows two full bands to compete head-to-head online for the first time ever.

About Logitech

Logitech is a world leader in personal peripherals, driving innovation in PC navigation, Internet communications, digital music, home-entertainment control, gaming and wireless devices. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are registered in Switzerland and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information about Logitech and its products, visit the company’s Web site at www.logitech.com.

© 2008 Activision Publishing, Inc. Guitar Hero, Activision and RedOctane are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

“PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION” and “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Used with Permission.

(LOGI - IR)

UNIVERSAL MUSIC ENTERPRISES will release 11/25

White Zombie. The musical horrorshow that mixed dark pop culture with metallic hard rock has been resurrected on the 4-CD/1-DVD box set LET SLEEPING CORPSES LIE (Geffen/UMe), released November 25, 2008. The CDs bring together for the first time all 64 original studio recordings released by the band led by Rob Zombie during its 1985-1996 career. The DVD offers nine music videos, 10 live performances, and some hidden gems.

Disc One of LET SLEEPING CORPSES LIE includes all of the tracks released on the New York City band’s own Silent Explosion label — the four songs on the 1985 GODS ON VOODOO MOON EP, of which only 300 copies were pressed; the two songs on the 1986 PIG HEAVEN EP, which had only 1,000 made; and the seven on 1987’s PSYCHO-HEAD BLOWOUT EP, which Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain called one of his favorite albums.

Disc Two encompasses White Zombie’s first two full-length albums, 1987’s SOUL-CRUSHER, which began on Silent Explosion but was re-released by Caroline Records the following year, and 1989’s MAKE THEM DIE SLOWLY. Disc Three offers the three-selection GOD OF THUNDER EP and the band’s 1992 major label debut, LA SEXORCISTO: DEVIL MUSIC VOL. 1, which broke the band into the Top 40, earned double platinum and spawned the Best Hard Rock Performance Grammy-nominated “Thunder Kiss ‘65″ and “Black Sunshine” (with Iggy Pop). Also heard is “I Am Hell” from the soundtrack to the 1993 animated flick THE BEAVIS & BUTT-HEAD EXPERIENCE.

Disc Four opens with “Children Of The Grave” from a 1994 Black Sabbath tribute album and “Feed The Gods” from that year’s AIRHEADS soundtrack album. The centerpiece, however, is 1995’s ASTRO-CREEP: 2000, SONGS OF LOVE, DESTRUCTION AND OTHER SYNTHETIC DELUSIONS OF THE ELECTRIC HEAD, which ranked in the Top 10 for two months, was certified triple platinum and spun off the Modern Rock Top 10, Grammy nominated “More Human Than Human.” The 64 LET SLEEPING CORPSES LIE recordings conclude with 1996 soundtrack contributions to ESCAPE FROM L.A., BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD DO AMERICA and THE CROW: CITY OF ANGELS, with its Grammy nominated cover of the disco hit “I’m Your Boogieman.”

Among the DVD’s videos are those for “More Human Than Human,” winner of the MTV Video Music Award for Best Hard Rock Video, as well as “Thunder Kiss ‘65,” “Black Sunshine,” “Super-Charger Heaven,” “I’m Your Boogieman” and “The One.” Live performances include “Soul-Crusher,” “Spiderbaby (Yeah Yeah Yeah),” “I Am Hell” and “Creature Of The Wheel.”

White Zombie stopped touring and recording in 1998 after the release of the HELLBILLY DELUXE, the triple platinum solo debut for Rob Zombie, who has since enjoyed continued success both on record and as a film director with his vision of the dark side.

Source: UNIVERSAL MUSIC ENTERPRISES

Today, Toys”R”Us announced its 2008 list of toy trends that will influence kids’ wish lists this holiday season. Toys”R”Us has identified the following five toy trends for Holiday 2008: Adorable Animatronics, Curious Kids, Earth-Friendly Fun, Music: My Way, and $avvy Savers. With children’s interests constantly changing, Toys”R”Us each year compiles a list of the season’s most popular toy trends to help shoppers find the perfect gift.

“With global merchants in 34 countries, Toys”R”Us is able to track and study toy trends throughout the world. Through this process we’ve identified five trends that reflect the types of toys that kids will be dreaming of on Christmas Eve,” said Bob Giampietro, Senior Vice President, Trend and Innovation, Toys”R”Us, Inc. “Children continually emulate and adapt based on what they see and hear in real life, and this is reflected in the trends we’ve recognized this year.”

Following are the top five toy trends identified by Toys”R”Us for the 2008 holiday season, accompanied by some of the best product examples in each category. Some of the toys are new for 2008 and were recently named to the Toys”R”Us Hot Toy list, while others are simply great toys - both old favorites and new hits. All of the items listed can be found at Toys”R”Us stores nationwide or online at www.Toysrus.com.

TREND #1: ADORABLE ANIMATRONICS

As technology advances throughout all facets of life, children’s toys have become more realistic, interactive and, of course, exciting! From the “pet” dog that doesn’t need to be fed or walked, to beloved movie characters that come to life, the toys in the Adorable Animatronics category will delight kids (and parents) of every age.

— FURREAL FRIENDS BISCUIT, MY LOVIN’ PUP from Hasbro(R) is a loveable,
plush dog that reacts to humans much like a real golden retriever. He
follows voice commands such as “sit,” “beg” and “lie down,” but the
best part is there’s never a mess to clean up!
— Kids of all ages will also love the interactive 16-inch Disney(R)
Pixar(R) Ultimate WALL-E from Thinkway Toys. WALL-E jumps off the big
screen and into the home. This full-function robot includes original
character voice, light-up eyes, realistic character expressions,
highly advanced creative technology interfaces, pre-programmed special
effects and more.
— Dreamworks’ Kung Fu Panda Master Moves Po from Mattel(R), featuring
the voice of actor Jack Black as Po, is the ultimate electronic action
figure with sounds and sensors that acknowledge any kid’s Kung-Fu
movements. This Toys”R”Us exclusive can draw nunchucks and perform a
never-before-seen-in-a-toy roundhouse kick.
— A 27-inch-tall, remote control dinosaur, Imaginext(TM) Spike the Ultra
Dinosaur from Fisher-Price(R), is stomping out of the prehistoric age
and ready to become kids’ new best friend. Spike can walk, move his
head, stand on his hind legs, open and close his mouth, blink and eat
two boulders or a bone with a command from the remote control.

TREND #2: CURIOUS KIDS

This trend reinforces that kids are always looking for fun ways to learn about the world around them. But now, they have cool, new ways to showcase their curiosity. These toys in the science, space and nature categories create endless fun for year-round students - or kids who just want to extend outdoor play into the evening hours.

— Cosmic Explorer from EduScience is an interactive quiz game and
light-up/moveable solar system model with more than 1,000 questions
and answers that will test kids’ knowledge of the solar system.
— The EyeClops(R) Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles from JAKKS
Pacific(R) allow kids to see up to 50-feet-away in absolute darkness.
The invisible infrared illumination lets young secret agents stay
hidden, while giving them the advantage of seeing their opponents in a
pitch-black night.
— Discovery Kids(TM) Smart Animals Green Scenes and Scanopedia(TM) from
JAKKS Pacific(R) (sold separately) allow kids to hear interesting
facts about animals and their environment while playing. The
Scanopedia, which kids use to scan animals or their Discovery Kids ID
tags, also includes a quiz mode of play to see just how well players
have been listening. With the Green Scenes set, kids can create a
real prehistoric habitat for Smart Animal dinosaurs just by adding
water and watching the plants grow!

TREND #3: EARTH-FRIENDLY FUN

Kids of all ages are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and show the world they know how to reuse and recycle. Toys”R”Us provides a wide selection of earth-friendly toys, plush animals and books to help kids and moms everywhere have fun in a green way.

— The fun and forest-friendly Natural Wood Alphabet Blocks Wagon from
Toys”R”Us is made from chemical-free, replenishable materials and
ensures safe and environmentally conscious play.
— Eco-conscious kids will love playing with Planet Pixies from I Love My
Planet Toys, which are plush dolls made from organic materials and
come in packaging that is made from 100% post-consumer recycled
materials. Each of the Planet Pixies dolls provide information about a
specific endangered region of the world, while also providing ecology
tips on what families can do to help.
— Also, Nature’s Art Box by Laura C. Martin offers 65 cool projects kids
will enjoy, using materials they can find just about anywhere. This
wonderful arts and crafts resource explains ways that kids can make
paints and inks from flowers and other plants, and much more.
— Made in the U.S.A. from recycled plastic milk containers that save
energy, reduce landfill waste, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, the
environmentally friendly Cookware and Dining Set from Green Toys
offers a 27-piece set complete with a stock pot and lid, a skillet,
plates, bowls, cups, and utensils.
— And to carry all the gifts home, throughout the holiday season,
Toys”R”Us offers a special assortment of reusable bags in hot holiday
styles.

TREND #4: MUSIC: MY WAY

With tunes and tones incorporated in toys and games across all categories, such as preschool, electronics, video games, traditional instruments and more, kids can create their own tunes with their own individual style.

— For the first time ever, Toys”R”Us guests will be delighted to find a
wide variety of Apple items, including iPod(R) touch, shuffle and
nano. The Pink 8GB Apple iPod(R) nano is doubly hot, allowing kids to
listen to their favorite jams on the go in the season’s most
fashionable hue.
— To bring family and friends together to share the musical experience
is this year’s newest addition to the Guitar Hero collection, Guitar
Hero: World Tour from Activision/Blizzard. Among many new features,
the game comes with a brand new drum kit! The package also includes a
massive soundtrack of 86 master tracks, including songs from fans’
favorite artists such as Linkin Park, The Eagles, Van Halen, Billy
Idol, Foo Fighters, Blink 182, and The DOORS. Players can also enjoy
the game’s innovative music studio with composition, editing,
recording and online sharing capabilities. Not to mention, Guitar
Hero: World Tour comes with a state-of-the-art wireless guitar
controller and free, community-created content available to download
and play.
— Popular licensed characters, such as Nickelodeon’s iCarly, are also
invading the music market. The musical sharing sensation will only
continue with the Nickelodeon(TM) iCarly Portable CD Boombox from
Imation(TM). Kids will love this top-loading, sporty model, which
makes it an ideal companion for cookouts, camping trips anywhere else
they’ll want to bring this season’s hottest tunes. And for private
listening, the boombox has a handy headphone jack.
— The 30″ designer series acoustic guitars from First Act Discovery(R)
provide a more traditional take on tunes in five hot styles and can
bring kids through the process of musical learning with exclusive
Learn-A-Chord Cards that teach beginners to groove as they strum their
way to fame. These eye-catching instruments are made with natural
wood, thin frets and low string action to help musicians achieve the
highest quality sound. To encourage kids to keep playing, these
guitars were specifically designed to fit a child’s small hands and
arms.

TREND #5: $AVVY SAVERS

Whether searching for a place to hide their weekly allowance, coveting their Toys”R”Us gift card or learning to shop on a budget, kids are learning how to save their money.

— The Zillions(TM) Laser Beam Safe from Summit Toys helps kids to stow
money and their valuables from any would-be thief. This ultra-cool
safe has motion detecting lasers plus a secret code and thumbprint
that must be entered in order to get into the safe. If the laser
connection is broken or a wrong code is entered an alarm sounds.
— The Laugh & Learn(TM) Shop & Learn(TM) Walker from Fisher-Price(R)
teaches baby and toddler through everyday play while they emulate mom
and dad shopping at the grocery store for the latest specials! The
walker will grow with a child and includes four grocery shape-and-sort
items and three additional grocery items.
— The Zillions(TM) Counting Money Jar from Summit Toys allows kids to
track the amount of money saved by electronically adding the value of
each coin as it is placed in the jar. Kids simply unscrew the cool top
to get at their money any time.

About Toys”R”Us, Inc.

Toys”R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer. Currently it sells merchandise through more than 1,500 stores, including 585 Toys”R”Us stores and 262 Babies”R”Us stores in the U.S., more than 690 international stores in 33 countries, which includes licensed and franchise stores, and through its Internet site at www.Toysrus.com.