blu

Dive into theBlu, a giant ocean simulation

Coming to a Web browser near you--a giant user-generated simulation of the world's oceans.

Known as theBlu, the huge collaborative project is the first effort from Wemo, a startup built by a series of Hollywood veterans including Academy Award-winning animator Andy Jones, as well as MIT Media Lab director Joi Ito. The idea? To let 3D artists design and model many of the creatures of the deep, and to invite everyday users to explore and learn about the digital sea, and to collect--and buy--the artists' creations. TheBlu launched Tuesday.

Ultimately, Venice, Calif.-based Wemo intends to use its "… Read more

Get a 3D-ready Samsung Blu-ray player for $69.99

I have mixed feelings about 3D. Much as I enjoyed "Avatar" and "Despicable Me" on the big screen, I'm not exactly dying to bring the 3D experience into my home.

On the other hand, why not give myself the option? All I need is a 3D-ready TV (or projector) and Blu-ray player. Today only, and while supplies last, DailySteals has a killer deal on the latter: a refurbished Samsung BD-D5500C 3D-capable Blu-ray player for $69.99, plus $4.99 for shipping.

That price rivals, and even exceeds, most of the non-3D Blu-ray players I'… Read more

Disney plans 3D party in theaters and on Blu-ray

Disney is doubling down on 3D with a mix of big-screen 3D rereleases and a big "Toy Story" rollout on Blu-ray 3D.

While analysts across the board are wondering if the general public wants movies in 3D at home or at the multiplex, a chorus of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" resounded from Burbank as Disney dominated the box office the last couple of weeks with the 3D theater release of "The Lion King."

So, forever an entity eager to make hay while the cartoon sun shines, Disney has announced more 3D rereleases of animated classics. The limited theatrical engagements will include "Beauty and the Beast" on January 13, 2012; Pixar's "Finding Nemo" on September 14, 2012; Pixar's "Monsters, Inc." on January 18, 2013; and "The Little Mermaid" on September 13, 2013.

On the home front, the "Toy Story" trilogy will hit on Blu-ray 3D on November 1. … Read more

'Pulp Fiction' finally arrives on Blu-ray

Strike another one off our list of best movies not on Blu-ray: "Pulp Fiction" is finally available after years of waiting and it's priced pretty reasonably on Amazon for $15.99 right now.

We're happy to report that both the video and sound are stellar (apparently director Quentin Tarantino personally supervised the production of the Blu-ray). And while there isn't a whole lot in the way of new of extras that are different from what you'll find on the two-disc Collector's Edition DVD, you do get a set of new retrospective cast interviews … Read more

Tokyo trains get Star Wars lightsaber handrails

The Force is now strong with train commuters in Tokyo. Lucky subway travelers are able to wrap fingers around handrails that have been transformed into life-size lightsabers.

According to Japan Trends, the lightsaber handrails are part of a promotion by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Japan for the release of the complete "Star Wars" saga in a Blu-ray boxset.

These are not just lifeless wrap-arounds. The lightsabers have built-in LEDs. Squeeze a button and it lights up. You'll have to provide your own sound effects, but I know you've been working on those ever since you saw the first movie.

Unfortunately, the handrail lightsabers are fixed in place, which makes it difficult to carry out epic battles in the train aisles. Perhaps you could sneak a Spyder III Pro Arctic laser or JediBot onto the train with you and re-create your favorite scenes from "The Return of the Jedi."… Read more

'Star Wars' breaks Blu-ray sales records

After just a week on store shelves, "Star Wars: The Complete Saga" on Blu-ray has already set global sales records.

Lucasfilm and Twentieth Century Fox have so far sold one million units of the Blu-ray box set, which launched on September 16, including 515,000 units in North America alone. With that many unit sales, according to the film studios, "Star Wars" is now the "bestselling catalog Blu-ray Disc of all time."

In addition, the "Star Wars" Blu-ray set generated $84 million in worldwide revenue in the past week, including $38 million … Read more

LG BD690 review: Blu-ray player meets CD-ripper

If you haven't ripped your CD collection yet, you either have a runaway case of procrastination or you're just not that into technology. That's what makes LG's CD-ripping Blu-ray player, the BD690, a bit of a strange hybrid. The type of tech-oriented people who will appreciate the BD690's solid Blu-ray playback and excellent suite of streaming-media services probably ripped their CD collections years ago and are in no rush to revisit that tedious process. They're also better off going with the similarly priced Sony PlayStation 3 Slim ($250), which gets you HD gaming, streaming video, Blu-ray playback, and CD ripping.… Read more

Unboxing 'Star Wars: The Complete Saga' on Blu-ray

At last, the very long-awaited "Star Wars" Blu-ray box set has arrived in stores. Its arrival hasn't come without gripes: the newly remastered films feature even more controversial sound edits and visual tweaks, further distancing the classic Episodes IV-VI from their original '70s and '80s counterparts.

Since the box set doesn't include versions of the untouched original theatrical releases, if you want to enjoy any of the "Star Wars" movies in full HD, this is the set you'll turn to. It'll be a reference set for many, and undoubtedly a must-have Blu-ray. So, what sort of packaging comes with such high aspirations? … Read more

Digital City 141: Glasses-free 3D laptops, NFL streaming on PS3

This week, we offer a hands-on demo of the new glasses-free 3D laptop from Toshiba; figure out why NFL streaming on the PS3 doesn't work; and take a poll of who is buying the new Star Wars Blu-ray box set.

Bonus: Download the show's jaunty theme song as a free MP3 here.

Buzz Out Loud 1550: Are you Hot or Bot? (Podcast)

Amazon wants to be the Netflix of books, and we can't wait. The 9/11 Memorial uses tech to honor the victims memory. If you just use Twitter to lurk, you're not a bot, we're paging Dr. Watson and we want your Android OS name ideas!