Buy 2 Get 1 Free Hi-Def sale @ Amazon
HD DVD store / Blu Ray store

In a way I’m glad I hadn’t picked up 300 on HD DVD yet, fooling with the nutty DVD collector’s editions; I wanted the helms, not the DVDs (which I’ve since ebayed). Here’s how my order stacks up:

300 HD DVD
Letters from Iwo Jima HD DVD
Shaun of the Dead HD DVD

Subtotal of Items: $75.85
Shipping & Handling: $4.96
Promotion Applied -$7.59
Super Saver Discount -$4.96
Promotion Applied -$19.95
——
Total for this Order: $48.31

Roughly $16 a movie, shipped. Not bad. You could do better if you concentrated on non-combos.

This sale applies to both HD DVD and Blu Ray, and has driven the top sellers in DVD list at Amazon bonkers, with 11 of the top 25 being Hi-Def. Continue for a complete list of what is eligible below.

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I can’t describe the Big Daddy any better than what you can see for yourself. It’s a weird, sentient, aquatic gear-loving creature, with a giant drill for a right hand. It really makes more sense in the context of the game. And it’s already become fairly iconic, considering the game is only days old. With Bioshock locked as a “Game of the Year” nominee, and with it being a huge success, we will be seeing this fellow for years to come.

The statue stands about 6 inches tall. And it is a statue, not an action figure. The wording has always been vague from 2K’s press (what’ya expect? They’re interested in selling the game, not the statue)– I believe they refer to it as a ‘figurine’. Like every collectible these days, this statue comes from China. I was hoping to find some sort of indication as to which manufacturer, but no such luck. I was delighted to find that it is made of polystone and therefore has that familiar heft we’ve all come to love. The fresh poly scent is that which most any Sideshow, Weta, and probably Gentle Giant collector is immediately familiar.

It’s actually kind of adorable, despite the fact that it is (in the game) a big terrible creature that has a tendency to drill people to death every chance it gets. The sculpt itself is fair; Not up to par with what you’re accustomed to from the high end collectibles companies, certainly– but keep in mind this thing costs $10 (technically even less, when you factor in the other stuff you get with the Collector’s Edition). The paintjob is on the sloppy side, but all things considered, it does the job fine. The whole thing has this ancient luster about it that is incredibly fitting, and it’s a handsome piece. Certainly worth the trouble I went through to get it.

Pluses:

• Dirt cheap
• Good size, for a pack-in
• Made of polystone, nice weight, fairly detailed

Minuses:

• Not the most sophisticated paint apps.
• Wire cage too large and missshapen

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The more eagle-eyed observers may notice that the pinky tip of my Big Daddy is broken off. I was aware this prior to even leaving the parking lot, but didn’t bother me one bit as I would be taken care of: 2K Games is admirably offering a replacement plan for busted Daddies. Shipping paid and everything, and an artbook thrown in on top of that for my troubles. Now, that is classy.

Bioshock took me on a strange journey, and I’m not talking about the underwater metropolis, the little sisters, or the Big Daddy. You see, I have known for a while about Bioshock, and the Collector’s Edition– you may even recall my blog post about it a week ago. Still, I remained sort of blasé about the whole thing, until I casually checked Gamestop.com again on release day. Collector’s Edition page went bye bye. I called the local stores, nothing: “It’s only for pre-orders”. And I didn’t just call one or two stores mind you — it’s scary how many Gamestops are actually within what I consider moderate driving distance, no less than 30.

That’s when the Collector took hold. This thing was actually rare, and now I must have it. Ebay is an easy out, but I will avoid it even if all else fails. Paying more than retail (Bioshock LE goes for at least $100+ on ebay) is not my bag. So I called around again the next day, with only one lady telling me that if her last remaining LE isn’t picked up by the pre-orderee tomorrow, I could have it. Slim chance, but it’s something. I call again today, and of course am greeted by another employee who tells me they are holding it for two weeks. Okay, see you later.

I give a few more a try– one fellow at another location tells me they have them. REALLY? Limited Edition? “Yep.” The 360 version? “Hold on one sec”. I am put on hold for eternity. This guy is probably having a laugh. After some minutes I hang up and call it again, and again pin down and confirm exactly what he claims they have. “Yeah, we have like 150,000 of these”. Yes, those were actually his exact words. I figure this is some punk kid pulling a fast one or it’s really true, they have a ton of these, when they’re non-existent elsewhere. Worth a shot. I show up, scope out the scene– don’t see the LE in the glass display behind the registers. I get worried. For naught, afterall– I am presented with one from the backroom after asking nicely. The hunt is over. Pics later.

On the night the news broke that Paramount studios had pledged exclusivity for HD DVD, the Transformers director (now, rather infamously) ranted via his forum:

I want people to see my movies in the best formats possible. For them to deny people who have Blu-ray sucks! They were progressive by having two formats. No Transformers 2 for me!

Bay

On Bay’s blog just the morning after, a retraction was posted, recounting his dinner with three mysterious blu-men:

Last night at dinner I was having dinner with three Blu-Ray owners, they were pissed about no Transformers Blu-Ray and I drank the kool aid hook line and sinker. So at 1:30 in the morning I posted – nothing good ever comes out of early am posts mind you – I over reacted. I heard where Paramount is coming from and the future of HD and players that will be close to the $200 mark which is the magic number. I like what I heard.

As a director, I’m all about people seeing films in the best quality possible, and I saw and heard firsthand people upset about a corporate decision.

So today I saw 300 on HD-DVD, it rocks!

So I think I might be back on to do Transformers 2!

Michael Bay

Neither his diva-ish outburst or the fact that he is not basing one of his biggest career decisions on a divided niche HD format should surprise anybody. In fact, the only real valuable thing I’ve learned from all this is that the dude has possibly the most radical-est, awesomest forum header ever. Rock on Bay-meister! *cue 80’s guitar rock*

By now you know that Ray Stevenson is set to don the skull shirt for Punisher 2. Not intensely familiar with the comics, I’ve no idea whether the man is any better a fit for the role than his predecessor Thomas Jane. Still, it struck me as cool news, being a die-hard Rome fan– I am always rooting for the XIIIth legion.

The buzz that the script was horrid (allegedly why Jane walked) however, left me less than optimistic, but rumors are rumors. Now comes word that Lexi Alexander has been tapped to direct. Other than knowing that Green Street Hooligans was “some film that Frodo was in”, I am completely unfamiliar with her work but will take Harry Knowles’ word that “she made Elijah Wood a Badass”. Strangely, I am now hopeful, though it is premature. There is just a little sliver of hope that those in charge know these simple truths: “Punisher sucked. We should make Punisher 2 good.”

You might be thinking, “Is it actually gold?”

Well, I’m giving one away– that might answer your question. No, it’s actually not as nice as the pictures might lead you to think. It’s not very heavy, and actually reminds me of the ol’ arcade tokens (but even some of those were actually metal). For a freebie, I’m certainly not going to complain, and neither should you.

This coin is very shiny, and does have some nice design, particular on the back. Fedora, whip, snakes, says it all, really. And it’s a promo for the first Indiana Jones movie in I think, 40 years, so the awesome bar is automatically raised that much higher.

How do I win one? Read this thread. Post your reply either on the forum if you’re a member, or post it right here in the comments. A random entry will be selected as the winner, and I will contact you by email. If I don’t hear from you in a couple of days I move on to the next lucky fellow, and so on.

Paramount and Dreamworks are now HD DVD exclusive studios.

As you’d expect, this news has HD DVD fans cheering and Blu Ray fans jeering (the more extreme among them would do well to stay away from open windows in these trying times methinks).

This year’s Comic-Con saw the realization of a few ‘dream licenses’, but there remains a plethora of choice IPMIA (Intellectual Properties Missing In Action). My picks for 5 no-brainers:

Transformers

The complexities involved in transforming these beauties into collectibles (I pity the fools who’d have to sculpt this project) explains why none of the major collectible players had a thing to show at this year’s Comic-Con. A would-be optimist’s perspective, anyway. In reality, the fact that none of them so much as hinted at the license may signal that it’s not coming at all.

That Transformers is born out of the collectibles industry may ironically result in (high-end) collectors being robbed of the goods. It’s more than a bit disheartening with Transformers exploding as a geek phenomenon this summer, to find that all we get is big plastic Bumblebee? By all means Hasbro, keep doing what you do, but let’s hope you can unhinge the grip around your baby just a tad so that some of the other guys can play as well- $300+ statues won’t really futz with your business model.

A high quality, shiny, meticulously and ludicrously detailed, LED-lit Transformer would easily steal the show at Comic-Con 2008. If you want to go a step further, have the whole gang of robots on display and annihilate your competitors in one fell swoop. Ball’s in your court, majors.

A good fit for: Sideshow/The Gore Group, Weta, or really anyone aspiring beyond plastic toys. Autobots, roll out?


Iron Man (movie)

In contrast, you can almost taste the shiny metal on this one. For Iron Man it seems it’s not if, but when. I’d be shocked if the gears weren’t already in motion.

A good fit for: Sideshow. Too easy.

Pan’s Labyrinth

Maybe the boat has been missed on this one, but there are still plenty of folks waiting to get on. On the one hand I sort of think the film transcends tie-in statues, busts, and all those sort of knick-nacks we all know too well. Still, ignoring that Pan’s = potential for beautiful collectibles goes against the very nature of this here collectiblog.

A good fit for: Sideshow and/or Weta: Previously both partnered to bring to life a Santi with Bomb statue from Del Toro’s The Devil’s Backbone. Don’t forget Sideshow’s broad movie-based Hellboy line as well. Where’s the love? Gentle Giant for busts.

Underworld

Speaking personally, this is the least appealing of the bunch. I just don’t think the films are anything beyond mediocre. However, I still believe it to be a potent property with eager devotees. The geek attach rate is strong with this one. Underworld sells an inordinate amount of DVDs, and the number of people fantasizing about vampires has shot up by at least 1000%, all thanks to Kate Beckinsale and black rubber/latex. If that doesn’t sound like a recipe for success, your collector’s license may need to be revoked!

A good fit for: Sideshow or Cinemaquette. Let’s be clear here, this isn’t so much an Underworld license as it is a Kate Beckinsale license. Nobody cares about whoever else is in the movies, whoever they are. An exhaustive line here would be overkill. All that’s need are a few pieces, and all of them better have Kate. Gentle Giant for the less expensive, non-mixed media approach.

The Dark Knight

High-end is long overdue for the Nolan/Bale superhero masterpiece. Bonus points if the license covers “Begins” as well. Someone shine a Bat Signal toward New Zealand.

A good fit for: Weta, who has given us highly praised collectibles from the not-as-highly-praised Return of Bruce Wayne’s brother-in-tights, Superman. Both DC. Both Warner Bros. Lightning can strike twice, and Weta can prove it.

“Who’s in your 5?”

What does your birthday cake look like when your daddy is Daniel Falconer? Is Hellgate ever going to be released? (and how can you be a beta tester?) All this and more answered in the latest Wetabug update.

Happy Birthday, Anushke!