Archive for December, 2010
Physical Trophies And Achievements - Geek Spoils Part 2
A taxidermied 'laughing dog' would complete the illusion/fantasy.
In part 1 of the Geek Spoils series, I touched on the need for more geeky bravado that is in the same vein as a sports fan. And one of those bragging outlets would be the creation of trophies for geeks that celebrate (either genuinely or in humorous fashion) their geeky accomplishments.
Why limit yourself to those digital trophies that appear onscreen for a moment, and are accumulated in a digital profile, when you can have a real physical trophy sitting on your shelf?
I’m not saying Sony and Microsoft should distribute these. This should be a niche industry of products that geeks can acquire and customize as they see fit.
Plus I think we are in a day and age where video games are a legitimate sport. I also think a lot of this stuff would look cool on display (like Mr. Incredibles’ office, mentioned in Part 1).
Trophies I would like to see:
1. Big game kills. Like the Duck Hunt trophy above, this can depict a bad guy/end boss/opponent that you have taken down in battle. Right now a “I have defeated Super Meat Boy” trophy would be the ultimate boast. (Interesting note: this Duck Hunt Trophy was a late omission from the Geeky IKEA Furniture Series).
2. Plaques that list your many accomplishments. Like one of those ‘Employee-Of-The-Month’ plaques that are adorned with dozens of names, you can instead list all your top tier achievements. I think the trophy/engraving industry would get an uptick in business accomodating these.
3. Peripherals on display. I think it would look cool to display the NES Light Gun/SNES Super Scope Six in a gun rack of some sort. Not to make light of hunters or guns, but these are the kind of weapons I would like to see prominently displayed. Old controllers could also be enshrined in this fashion, perhaps even bronzed.
4. Team photos. I’m not sure if WoW guilds do this, but getting the whole gang together for a screen shot that would be framed would be a cool memento. An accompanying plaque listing everyone would be required. This can be done for any co-op/team game.
Some food for thought. I think geeks/gamers like to accessorize, so having that personal touch that is in keeping with what rabid sports fans do would be a very cool trend.
Add comment December 30, 2010
Music Recommendations Part 2: The Best Orchestra-Backed Music
A few months back, I made the argument for making Steve Jablonsky the sole composer for the upcoming Transformers film. In that post, I included a bunch of recommendations for music, mostly orchestral in nature. Lots of movie soundtracks and what not.
I thought I’d post some more music recommendations, but this time I will list my favorite songs backed by an orchestra. I have to admit most of these songs got me hooked before I went seeking orchestra-only music. So consider this a gateway to Beethoven.
I’m not trying to say I have amazing taste, or hey check out my personal playlist. These are just songs that I have found to be particularly inspiring, and often helpful in getting me to a productive or creative state.
I think the use of an orchestra adds a timeless quality to any song, and often amplifies the song’s presence, usually in a stirring fashion. So in no particular order:
1. Lenny Kravitz: Believe. If the Beatles released new music in the 90′s (er wait, they did), it would sound a lot like this track. Largely forgotten in the wake of the preceding Are You Gonna Go My Way single, I think this is one of Lenny’s best songs ever recorded.
2. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: It’s Good To Be King. Another song that kind of slipped under the radar, but unmistakable Tom Petty all the same. It starts off like a sad twangy country song featuring a simple piano medley, but the song grows and evolves, ending in an overpowering piece of orchestral work. The amazing lyrics and haunting backup singing make for quite the rock opus. The Youtube version below does not compare to the CD (Wildflowers) track being blasted at high volume.
3. Metallica: No Leaf Clover. Likely forgotten in the midst of Metallica’s many late 90′s albums, the S&M (Symphony and Metallica) double record was an ambitious experiment of marrying Metallica’s playlist with an orchestral accompaniment. Fortunately a few new songs were born of this collaboration, and No Leaf Clover redeems the whole exercise with it’s stellar sound. The classic Metallica songs given the orchestral retrofit often sounded diluted, or a bit mismatched. It’s a shame The Unforgiven didn’t receive the amplified orchestral treatment though - that song seems tailor-made for S&M. Sound quality is dubious here:
4. Apocolyptica: Metallica’s One. Okay so this isn’t a symphony-backed rock song, it is a rock song covered entirely in an orchestral fashion. Apocolyptica has covered many metal bands in impressive fashion with their modest trio of cellists, they are worth checking out. My favorite cover they performed happens to be Metallica’s One (live version here - the studio version sounds amazing):
5. Depeche Mode: Never Let Me Down Again. I remember seeing this song on 21 Jump Street when I was a kid, and it just sounded so epic. Still does! The orchestral presence is mostly subdued until the end, where it is joined by a rousing chorus. Has that 80′s synth pop sound, but can still capture your attention - given the opportunity.
6. Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton: Doctor Blind. A beautiful, haunting song. Emily Haines’ voice seamlessly blends in with the violins during her vocal ‘solo’. If you could only buy one song on iTunes this year, make it this one. The video is hypnotic too - Emily is just so surreal to behold, almost alien. Sorry you have to venture to Youtube to watch it. It’s worth the trip!
I’ll do some more of these music posts in the future. I hope you enjoyed a few of these songs. Do you have any suggestions?
Add comment December 30, 2010
TRON Legacy Review: Very Average
I watched TRON Legacy yesterday, and I just could not believe how meh the whole thing was. And I think this was the result of the film being painted into a corner from the get-go. Spoilers ahead.
First off, the film/franchise is named for a background character that has a very small role. This Tron guy was likely very pivotal in the first film, but here he was tacked on. I was very dumbfounded by this (more so than my usual dumbfounded self), as this would be the equivalent of renaming The Empire Strikes Back as Boba Fett Legacy.
I think the whole film was painted into a corner by the short teaser released three years ago, which featured a Zen-like Jeff Bridges in his cliffside chateau. Of course the feature film had to venture this way, though it still seemed like a forced diversion. I also don’t think his home would have been resilient to Clu’s flying vehicles (major plot hole).
That teaser also showed a younger CGI’ed Jeff Bridges in Clu form. I think this film could have benefitted from a different antagonist altogether. Heck, Tron Legacy might have been better served by deviating from the teaser as much as possible. Here is that teaser I speak of:
And don’t get me started on the digital Jeff Bridges. He looked weird. I find the CG acting in the L.A. Noire video game to be more convincing. Here, it was like someone was wearing a Jeff Bridges mask. If it were up to me, I would have given Clu some CG imperfections, which would have hinted at his morphing physical form of the first film. Here though, Clu was not intimidating or menacing, which undermined him as an antagonist. He couldn’t even imitate Robert Patrick’s robotic (and much more memorable) performance as the T-1000 in Terminator 2.
There were no stakes. At all. The lightning-quick exposition of the ISO race appearing and then falling to Clu’s genocide just fell flat, because I didn’t care about these people - I only met them seconds ago. What were the consequences of Clu getting Flynn’s frisbee? They were huge - the key - but to what? I don’t know. Clu’s apparent invasion of Earth with his army was hugely laughable. A few hundred thousand guys clad in orange neon armed with frisbees and sticks - that would have lasted long.
The protagonist, the underachieving “Son of Flynn”, showed some rebellious spirit early on, but not much in the way of being an underdog or a fish out of water. Could not relate to the guy at all. His goal of escaping this world and rescuing his dad was expected, and probably not a worthy goal for the film to revolve around. Destroying the bad guys and saving the world would have been more to the expectations of audiences everywhere.
The 3D was good, but the film didn’t really utilize this aspect much. I largely forgot I was watching a 3D film, felt like I was witnessing a CGI-fest.
This was generally a paint-by-numbers TRON film that showcased all the things you’d expect from the franchise, with the right amount of homage thrown in. I can see the production blackboard now: 1. Get beamed into Tron world. 2. Frisbee Fight! 3. Light Cycle Fight! 4. Chase scene for rest of film.
They should have tried to expand on this concept in a way that relects our modern digital age, but Disney’s idea of expanding Tron was including 4-wheel Light Cars to compliment the Light Cycles. Woopidy-doo.
Was there anything good? The effects were good, the overall look of the film was good, and the Daft Punk soundtrack were the standouts. The performances were solid, and nothing really eye-rolling as far as dialogue or scenes - even with the CG Clu.
Overall, it’s a watchable diversion, but still a missed opportunity.
TRON Legacy will go down as one of those pop-culture phenomenons that had a lot of hype, but did not deliver.
2 comments December 29, 2010
Unwilling Accomplice
- Even I was convinced.
Well if you knew me, that title should probably read as unwitting accomplice. But I digress!
For the past 4 months, this little blog of mine has become something of a lightning rod for all things Jurassic Park on Blu-Ray, thanks to this design I posted on September 12th that featured the raptor cage seen in the first film as a box set.
Well that was greatly amplified over the past few days, when some crafty people from ZonaDVD.com decided to enlist my design in their annual “April Fool’s Day” joke, which in Spain is celebrated on December 28, and is known as “Dia de los Santos Inocentes” (Day of the Innocents).
The image above was posted on their website (since pulled, with an admission this was a joke), which featured my design on the lower right. They also added a blue ‘Blu-Ray’ band to one image, making for a convincing package, if I may say so.
Fortunately many people already called ZonaDVD on it, as my design has been making the rounds for these four months. Still some people got fooled, and were ultimately disappointed this turned out to be a hoax.
I personally was very flattered that my design was used, and helped galvanize further interest in Jurassic Park being released on Blu-Ray. This in turn has also contributed a huge inflow of traffic from many DVD sites around the world.
Apologies to those who got their hopes up. I too am guilty of fooling a few people into thinking these are legit products. They are just wishful thinking in picture format. I also share your disappointment that JP has yet to be released in an HD format.
Kudos to ZonaDVD for the prank, and for their enthusiasm for getting Jurassic Park on Blu-Ray.
As for those who want Jurassic Park on Blu-Ray, my only suggestion is to buy Back to the Future on Blu-Ray. That would get Universal Studio’s undivided attention.
Add comment December 29, 2010
To quote a recent 30 Rock episode…
Absurd, yet hilarious! Classic 30 Rock. Probably my third favorite show, after Breaking Bad and Community.
Add comment December 23, 2010
Kill Bill Blu-Ray Case Design
Tailgate logo withheld. Trying to keep this blog rated G!
Kill Bill is already on Blu-Ray, though I think this is one of those films that warrants a special edition package. Especially if Volume 3 ever comes out - a film Quentin Tarantino frequently mentions he would like to make.
The concept is simple: take the infamous Wagon that appears in the film, and turn that into a Blu-Ray case. This is made possible by using the truck bed - which has a tonneau cover - making for a convenient snap case.
This would be a larger case, make no mistake. Might be worthwhile to have the entire Tarantino library packed within. I’d then make the tailgate fold open, and have all the movies sit on trays that can extend out.
And if the um, Cat Wagon look is too objectionable, the truck could also be issued in the trademark Kill Bill ‘yellow with the two black racing stripes’ scheme. Would make for a cool variant.
Apologies for not going 3D on this one. I usually tend to save the 3D for ideas I am more enthusiastic about, which I am when it comes to Kill Bill and Tarantino films in general. In this case, making a 3D truck would have been a bit too time consuming here. Maybe one day I’ll get around to it.
Check out all my Blu-Ray designs here.
Add comment December 22, 2010
Wikipedia Reads Dave’s Ideas?
I’m flattered! Though that probably isn’t the case, I’ll wager. A week or so ago I posted some ideas on how Wikipedia can fix their money issues.
One idea I listed: 4.) Be fiscally transparent. Take a look at the top left corner for this game community called “Europe in Ruins” (a mod of Company of Heroes). They solicit funds to cover costs on a monthly basis, and they show how much they need and how much is currently raised. If Wikipedia took this approach, people may be more inclined to help out.
Lo and behold, what did I see on the Wikipedia banner today? A funds raised counter (see image above).
My ego is always running at a surplus, so I won’t take any credit for this one. I will however make a donation.
Speaking of donations, that Kickstarter film project I mentioned a month back, Neil Gaiman’s The Price, actually secured it’s funding and is a go. I am one of it’s 2001 backers. How I wish Kickstarter was in Canada. Do you know how many projects I would have listed on the site? Many cool gadgets and collectibles, that is for sure.
1 comment December 20, 2010
The Hobbit Blu-Ray Case Design
I originally set out to do this for Lord of the Rings, but seeing as I usually make cases for films yet to debut in Blu-Ray, I thought I’d make one for the yet-to-be-made Hobbit films.
Plus this design is more appropriate to The Hobbit, as it is this particular door (or the knocking on it specifically) which became pivotal to the whole adventure starting. A long cautionary tale about unwanted guests, if you ask me!
It is based on Bilbo’s door shown in the Lord of the Rings films. I preferred showing the interior side of the door for this case, as it opens more like a book in this fashion. Also the interior side looks so much nicer. Whoever did the amazing set design for the LOTR trilogy should be commended.
A lot of my Blu-Ray designs so far are quite ‘busy’ and over the top. This one however, provokes me to ask how can they not run with this idea? It is just so perfect, in my opinion.
Edit: Oops, can’t really see that famous green door. Here is a re-do:
I’d even like to say this could make an excellent book cover as well. It could open to reveal the title page, or some nice artwork. George Allen & Unwin, Ltd. - feel free to run with this too.
Speaking of artwork, I usually do just enough to get the idea across, but I enjoyed getting artsy-fartsy for this case. I imagine Peter Jackson and his WETA/Wingnut gurus could design a much nicer one if this ever became a reality.
I think you can have add some additional disc trays that can swing out. Also the box could open normally to get at additional discs or booklets too.
I also have to say the book-style LOTR extended version DVD sets really caught my attention some 9 years ago. Really got me into the art of case design.
If you like this, check out my other Blu-Ray case designs. My previous designs feature the Incredibles, Jurassic Park, and Back to the Future, to name a few.
EDIT: Some new updated images:
Add comment December 18, 2010
Some Ideas For iTunes
I like the portable version of iTunes, you know - the software that resides in the iPod itself. As for it’s computer counterpart, well there is room for improvement. Where to begin?
Some of the more common features people want:
1. Cloud functionality. You can listen to your music just about anywhere you have iTunes installed and are logged-in. That would allow you to listen to the same playlist at work as you do at home.
2. Subscriber options that allow access ti the entire iTunes library in unlimited fashion.
3. Automatically remove duplicate songs. This program can weed them out, so why not go a step further and remove them outright? Argh.
Here is what I think they should add as well:
1. Roaming hardware that you can add to. Say you are traveling, and would like to add some new tunes to your iPod. Unfortunately, the iPod is tethered to your PC/Mac at home. You’re screwed. It doesn’t have to be this way. I think you should be given the ability to plug your iPod into any computer with an internet connection, login to the iTunes website (don’t need the application), buy your songs and download directly to your iPod from there. Currently you can download direct with the iPod Touch, but this option would be great for those with other models, or for people who are out of their service/router area.
2. I’d like to plug my iPod into any computer and listen to it’s library there. The iPod would be treated like an external drive with content - nothing would be transferred over to the hosting computer. Would be a lot more convenient - and sound a lot better - than using an audio jack to connect.
3. I’d like to trim/manage the on-board software I don’t need. I’d like the option to banish the Cover Flow feature to the bottom of the list. Yes I still use the classic iPod - how can you tell?
4. A few friendly prompts wouldn’t hurt. “You have changed your songs/playlists since your last sync. Would you like to sync now?” I would like this prompt when I am ejecting my iPod, or shutting down iTunes. I’d also like a “Launch iTunes? Yes / No thanks, just charging!” choice when I plug my iPod in.
5. Dear Steve Jobs, use my charger idea! The people will worship you. More so. Okay that is a hardware idea, my bad. Couldn’t resist.
6. When the battery is running low, put the iPod (or any other iDevice you have, really) into a no-frills mode. No back light. Less fancy interface. No graphics. iTunes would essentially be in DOS mode. I would prefer a working device that wasn’t all bells and whistles, than a dead one that looked good right up until the very end. Certainly would be a great indicator that it’s time to recharge.
7. An audio cue that my battery is running low. “Hello this is your iPod, please charge me, or I’ll DIE!” and “This is your iPod again. I’m just gonna turn the volume down a bit to conserve power. Buh-bye!” Or a few beeps will suffice.
8. You know when I like songs. How about when they fall out of favor? When I skip a particular song a few dozen times in a row, bury it. Then maybe surprise me with it down the road. This includes songs in playlists (just skip them automatically) and shuffle mode.
9. Volume calibration! This seems like a no-brainer, but I’m often scrambling to turn down some songs, and frequently raising the volume on others. Would be nice if iTunes could detect that User input behavior and act accordingly when the offending songs play.
10. “On deck” functionality. I saved the best for last! Obviously playlists are great for what we want to listen to in short order. But there are times you want to jump to a completely different song in your library. It’s an impulsive thing, but why short-change the current song you are listening to? With On Deck, you select your next song to play, and it will queued to play after the current one finishes. You could choose a whole bunch in this fashion. I thought this would be great for those times when I am keeping my iPod ready to start my new selection, but I am lingering on the current song, so I end up juggling (I keep touching the click-wheel to prevent it from switching back to what is now playing). Also this combats the attention-deficit deejaying habits we are all guilty of. Enjoy your batch of spontaneous picks in their entirety, and stop jumping from song to song. You can then save this as a playlist if you want. Better than the current “On-The -Go” functionality (where you assemble a playlist based on what you are playing now).
Also check out my iPod Nano Hybrid Design post.
Add comment December 17, 2010
Your Next Video Game System
With consoles about 3-6 years away from advancing into the next generation, I thought I’d put on my Nostradamus cap again and offer up a few theories in what to expect.
First off, say goodbye to physical media. No more discs or even flash cards, everything will be downloaded to your console directly. This not only fights piracy, but increases profit margins - no need to publish and distribute packaged goods.
Because the console is entirely dependent on the internet to download digital goods, you’ll likely endure an HRM (Hardware Rights Management!) that protects the console against tampering or modding. Also DRM for downloaded games will be in effect, and would require frequent internet authentication of some sort.
You will able to lease your console like a mobile phone. A 3-5 year contract for example, would cover the console and a few online accounts for the term. You’d get a bill every month to cover payment on the system (until you own it). Online use and downloaded content would also be factored in (likely billed in real-time). Don’t be shocked if Satellite/Cable/Mobile providers started vending these consoles as part of a cable/internet/phone package. Can’t afford it? Get bricked! Well, I’m sure you can return it - people could lease a used system cheaper.
Your identity will be tied to the system at the point of purchase. Just like leasing/buying a mobile phone, expect an activation process here too. Modders and people of ill-intent will shake their fists over this. Your online accounts will be activated at point of purchase too. So your mom might be in charge of naming your online persona - now there is a scary thought (Xbox Live tag: mommyslittleangel). This will keep people’s online behavior in check. Ah paranoia.
The all-encompassing console will be gone. Now that consumers are conditioned to choosing from multiple SKU’s of video game systems, they will now pick what they need to suit their gaming needs, and that’s where this design comes in:
1. The Core console. This is all you need to play a limited selection of games. Why limited? Many gamers are of the casual variety, and require less-demanding games. A separate GPU would be available to handle the really robust hardcore games. More on that in a bit.
2. Choose your modem. Wi-Fi? Or Broadband? To save money on a system, the consumer would pick the internet connector of their preference. Maybe even a mobile 7G connector?
3. Choose your TV signal. Do you want HDMI? Component? RCA? Giving consumers the ability to choose this output would save money on providing a cable that is bundled with multiple connectors. Plus the future will have 3D-HDMI. You heard it here first.
4. Legacy Drive/DVD Drive/Blu-Ray Drive or a Multi-Drive. Maybe you’d like to play a previous-generation game disc. Or would prefer a DVD/Blu-Ray player, or one that can juggle all three functions. You’d have that option (and at varying price points) to add to the Core system.
5. Expanded Storage/HD Recorder. The Core console would have some storage for games, though you can opt for adding on a Hard Drive or two. Maybe TiVo or Netflix will offer a third-party storage unit for your TV and film consumption.
6. Graphics Card. One of the bigger costs of a console is the GPU. Allowing people to buy this separately will keep the base Core Console price down, which is attractive for casual gamers (they don’t need a powerhouse). For the hardcore gamer, this swappable functionality will be handy when upgrading the card after X number of years. Also this can be easily replaced should it die. Having the system partitioned will make things easier to diagnose and repair. This does mean games will have to be tiered, but seeing as they are all download only, the game store can detect what your system is capable of playing, and filter what you can buy. Want to play Call of Duty: World War IV? Upgrade your hardware with the Graphics Card add-on.
7. Third Party components. Now a company like Toshiba or Panasonic can create an add-on like the stereo shown. This type of expandability would be very attractive to all electronics vendors, something Apple and their products are enjoying with the numerous docks and accessories for their iPods, iPhones, and iPads.
8. That’s the cover from the Core Console. Gotta think ahead for expansion!
9. Not shown: standard controllers and other input devices. Maybe you’d prefer the Sony/Microsoft-like controllers. Maybe a Wiimote-like input. An old-school SNES gamepad? There could also be an input for a compatible handheld device. Perhaps even a webcam? The sky is the limit. The next form of Kinect could be integrated in this platform of expansion.
This isn’t exactly new thinking. Remember the original NES system? There was a port underneath for future expansion. I was a kid when I saw that, and thought that was smart and very forward thinking (I was a very observant 9-year-old). Sadly, nothing came of that expansion port.
This type of configuration is not only expandable, but the interchangeability will prolong the life of the console. Even just swapping out the Core Console to upgrade to the next-gen beyond would be reasonable. Gamers could buy the latest Graphics Card to make the leap to next-gen.
Also this is User-friendly when something breaks down. Instead of sending the whole console in for repairs, it would just be a component.
I cannot stress enough how much this would help the bottom line for a video game company. Instead of packing every system to the gills and selling it at a loss, they can provide an assortment of options tailored to the User’s needs and lifestyle. Buying a ‘core’ system would be an attractive option for many, especially if given the ability to expand and grow the console.
And those are my predictions. A lot of them won’t be popular, so you better hope I don’t become CEO of Nintendo! Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Evil.
2 comments December 15, 2010
