The Media Play News Podcast: Recent Episodes
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Media Play News is the voice of the home entertainment industry. We cover all aspects of personal entertainment from the moment it leaves the movie or TV screen and is ready for viewing in the home, in the car, on a tablet or on a smartphone.
We give you exclusive, insightful industry information and act as your personal content aggregator. From the latest industry trends to product news and market intelligence, we tell you what’s important and what it means to your business.
In this final episode, we revisit the Hollywood writers and actors strike and Netflix makes another foray into game streaming by bringing two games to PCs and TVs
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Articles:
Corporate Fence Straddling on Hollywood Strike is Entertaining
Netflix Expanding Video Game Access to Televisions, PCs, and Macs
Adam Conover Explains the SAG-AFTRA & WGA Strikes, Writing Residuals & Why He's not Scared of AI
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
SAG-AFTRA announces a simultaneous strike with the writers of Hollywood and Disney is disrupting itself with theatrical releases tripped up by Disney+.
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Articles:
Actors Set to Join Writers in Strike Against Studios, Streamers
Disney's Harsh New Reality: Costly Film Flops, Creative Struggles and a Shrinking Global Box Office
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
We’re back with a new episode, this time covering how successful Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing has been since launch. Disney+ has removed about 30 titles from its service since last month, and Apple has debuted a state of the art AR headset for…$3,500. Should you buy one to watch movies at home? Probably not! But we’ll talk about details anyway.
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Articles:
Report: Netflix Posts Big Gain in Sign-Ups Post Password-Sharing Crackdown
'Avatar 2' Due on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, 'Avatar' on 4K UHD for First Time June 20
Disney Sets Star Wars Film, Delays Marvel, Avatar Sequel Release Dates
Disney will remove over 50 shows from Disney Plus and Hulu this month
Apple Unveils Vision Pro Spatial Computer Device, Supporting Disney+, Apple TV+, Movies, 3D and Other Entertainment Content
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
The writer’s strike brings Hollywood production to a standstill, Mario and Avatar come to streaming, and Xbox’s gaming console is on the ropes. All that and more on this month’s episode!
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Writers Guilds Authorize Strike Following Unsuccessful Contract Negotiations With Streamers
The entire Super Mario Bros. movie keeps getting posted to Twitter
Microsoft Concedes Video Game Console War, Focusing on Subscription Gaming
Cinema is dead – and Guardians of the Galaxy 3's final scene proves it
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
We welcome Erik back to the podcast for his second appearance! Erik quickly covers the Warner Bros 100th anniversary sales happening on Vudu including some recent releases like Renfield and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves before diving into the meat of the interview: CinemaCon 2023. He saw pre-screenings of some upcoming high-profile movies like The Flash and Joyride as well as teaser presentations about movies like Dune: Part 2. Last up is an interview he had with Joaquin Phoenix about his surreal horror/comedy movie Beau is Afraid.
Follow Erik on Twitter @ErikDavis!
We dig in deep on this one. Jeff has been collecting physical media since 2012 and hosts the podcast and Youtube channel Films at Home where he reviews movies, interviews special features producers, and discusses the trends of the industry. This could have easily been a 3 hour episode, there's so much ground we covered.
Films at Home - Youtube
Films at Home - Spotify
Jeff Rauseo on Bloody Disgusting
We’re back! We’ve switched to a monthly release schedule for now, which means there’s a lot to catch up on. Mario movie review and where to expect it on streaming, the Max service orders a full 10-year Harry Potter series, and an interview with Jeff Rauseo from the podcast Films at Home.
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Articles:
'Super Mario Bros. Movie' Sets 2nd Weekend Animation Box Office Record Enroute to $678 Million Global Tally
JustWatch: 'John Wick' Movies Continue to Resonate Among Streamers
Newly Rebranded 'Max' Streamer Orders First-Ever Harry Potter TV Series
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
Shazam 2 debuted under expectations in theaters, but we take the contrarian opinion that this doesn’t mean anything negative for superhero movies. Netflix is going to double its game content library in the next year, and as we scroll through their games some of them are actually solid titles. Last, Rocky III gets a steelbook release and we talk about favorite specialty sets of ours.
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'Shazam! 2' Posts Muted 'Fury' at Weekend Box Office Debut
Netflix Upping Video Game Presence With More Than 100 New Titles Planned
Merchandising: Best Buy Releases 'Rocky III' Steelbook
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
We break down some Oscars winners and recall back to older Oscars wins to debate whether they hold up or not. The Silo debuts soon on Apple TV+, and John Wick is getting a trilogy box set as a promotional lead-up to its fourth film’s debut. This franchise needs to wind down!
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Articles:
Voting Is Open for the 2023 Home Entertainment Media Play Awards
‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ Dominates Oscars With 7 Wins, Including Best Picture
Apple TV+ Set to Launch New Dystopian Series 'Silo' on May 5
Silo — Official Teaser | Apple TV+
Merchandising: Walmart Offers ‘John Wick’ Trilogy With Playing Cards
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
It’s a 20-foot deep dive into animation this week: surprise hit Puss in Boots: The Last Wish hits Peacock soon and we talk about what its artistic style spells for the future of animated features. Meanwhile Crunchyroll has partnered with Sony to add itself as a one-click button to one of Sony’s smart TV lines. What this says about the tastes of the average viewer is pretty profound.
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Articles:
Universal's 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish' Heads to Peacock on March 10
2023 Sony Bravia TV Line-Up to Include Crunchyroll Button on Remotes
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
Mandalorian and Succession return to streaming, each with their own flavors of roasting. South Park is in the middle of a legal dustup and It gets a prequel show greenlit. Also: Party Down is back???
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Articles:
Whip Media: ‘True Lies’ Top New Show, ‘Shadow and Bone’ Top Returning Show, ‘John Wick 4’ Top Movie Anticipated in March
Warner Bros. Discovery Files 'South Park' Content Licensing Lawsuit Against Paramount
HBO Max Orders Series Prequel to Stephen King-Based 'It' Films
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
It’s a short one this week: we review the latest MCU release Ant-Man 3, and Avatar 2 crosses Titanic to become the third highest grossing movie of all time. Netflix removes its random button “Surprise Me” to no one’s surprise, and a glut of new shows drop on the service including a dating show featuring contestants from multiple past Netflix dating shows.
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Articles:
'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Delivers Franchise Record $104 Million North American Box Office Debut
Netflix Quietly Drops 'Surprise Me' Content Recommendation Feature
New Season of ‘You’ Again Topped Netflix Weekly Streaming Through Feb. 19
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
Disney poised to lose control of Hulu by the end of the year, Peacock announces a livestreaming feature coming to the “Bel Air” premiere, and checking in on the box office!
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CNBC: Disney CEO Bob Iger Open to Selling Hulu Stake
Peacock Bowing 'Watch With' Feature Enabling Streamers to Interact With Content Talent in Real Time
Warner's 'Magic Mike's Last Dance' Tops Sluggish Super Bowl Weekend Box Office With $8.2 Million
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
Children of the Mist, a documentary about loneliness, childhood, and the tradition of bridal kidnapping with the Hmong group in northern Vietnam. First time director Diem takes the viewer on a journey into a village over multiple years following the young girl Di as she grows up and loses her childhood innocence. Children of the Mist made the 95th Academy Awards shortlist for Best Documentary, won the First Appearance Award - Special Mention at the Amsterdam International Film Festival, and many other awards and nominations.
We lead off with an in-depth dissection of the latest announcement coming from DC Studios and their massive slate of TV shows and movies coming over the next few years. We have an exclusive interview with director Ha Le Diem about her documentary Children of the Mist, shortlisted for the Academy Awards for Best Documentary. And Netflix retraces its plan to crack down on password sharing following online backlash.
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Chapter 1 - Gods and Monsters | DC Studios | DC
Analyst: 62% of Netflix Password-Sharing Users Would Drop Service by Erik Gruenwedel
Netflix Quietly Backtracks on New Password Sharing Rules by Erik Gruenwedel
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
This is the full audio from our interview with Fandango's Erik Davis. Listen to hear about his predictions for some Oscar nominees' chances to win and which are available to rent or purchase from Vudu.
Find Erik on Twitter @ErikDavis
https://www.fandango.com/movies/bloggers/erik-davis-424850
https://www.vudu.com/
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Modern Chillout
Music by penguinmusic from Pixabay
We're covering the most anticipated movies and shows coming in February, including Cocaine Bear, angling for most-memeable movie of the year. Erik Davis from Fandango joins the show to talk about several Oscar nominated movies on Vudu, listen to hear what his predictions for the winners this year will be. Find Erik on Twitter @ErikDavis
Twitter: @podcastmpn
https://www.fandango.com/movies/bloggers/erik-davis-424850
https://www.vudu.com/
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Whip Media: ‘Not Dead Yet’ Top New Show, ‘Carnival Row’ Top Returning Show, ‘Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ Top Movie Anticipated in February by Stephanie Prange
NBCUniversal's Peacock Streaming Service Ended 2022 With 20 Million Paid Subs, $2.5 Billion Loss by Erik Gruenwedel
ReThink: Global SVOD Subscriptions to Reach 1.9 Billion by 2028 by Erik Gruenwedel
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
Charlie recaps his thoughts on the first two episodes of The Last of Us and how fresh it feels from the bland sameness of the "netflix look" that so many shows seem to have these days. And lots of news coming out of Netflix with one of its co-CEOs stepping down to an executive chairman position, the planned rollout of paid password sharing, and 34 (!!!) south Korean shows slated to release this year alone.
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Articles:
Why Does Everything On Netflix Look Like That? by Gita Jackson
HBO Max Post-Apocalyptic Series 'The Last of Us' Sees Record Episodic Viewership Growth by Erik Gruenwedel
Reed Hastings Steps Down as Co-CEO as Netflix Tops Q4 Subscriber Growth Estimate by Erik Gruenwedel
Netflix Rolling Out Shared Password Option This Quarter by Erik Gruenwedel
Netflix Saw DVD Rental Revenue Plummet 50% in 2022 by Erik Gruenwedel
Study: 'Squid Game 2' Most-Coveted New Series in 2023 by Erik Gruenwedel
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
The critics choice awards brings a slew of stuff we missed from 2022. Turns out, there's a lot of TV to watch these days! Also, Amazon brings back Epix now rebranded as MGM+ and Avatar 2 remains as the #1 theatrical offering in spite of the multiple new releases.
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Critics Choice Awards 2023 Winners List by EJ Panaligan & William Earl
Amazon Formally Relaunches Epix as MGM+ by Erik Gruenwedel
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
Netflix cancellations have gone too far! It was OK when ‘1899’ was taken out, but ‘Inside Job’? Unforgivable. We go into a deep dive on where Netflix’s future lies with subscriber trust now that people’s expectations are that shows will be ended early rather than letting their stories conclude. Meanwhile, an exec from Warner Bros. Discovery asserts that streaming services should cost more, and VR comes to CES.
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Articles
Warner Bros. Discovery CFO Says SVOD Pricing Too Low as Media Giant Readies Combined HBO Max/Discovery+ Streaming Platform by Erik Gruenwedel
CES 2023 Ends With Higher-Than-Expected Attendance of 115,000 by Thomas K. Arnold
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
It’s the first episode of the new year so we look back to the top streamed shows and movies of 2022 and forward to the coming month’s most anticipated content. Long story short: January is a pretty dull month! Here’s to Avatar sailing past $2B well before February.
JustWatch: 'Top Gun: Maverick,' 'Stranger Things 4' Top Streamed Movie, Show in 2022 by Erik Gruenwedel
Whip Media: ‘The Last of Us’ Top New Show, ‘Ginny & Georgia’ Top Returning Show, 'Teen Wolf: The Movie' Top Movie Anticipated in January by Stephanie Prange
We’ve got DC news, we’ve got Witcher news, we’ve got Warhammer 40k news, and we’ve got a fresh review for Avatar 2 (the last Avatar content for awhile). It’ll probably cross $1 billion by the time you read this!
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Articles:
'Avatar: The Way of Water' Dominates Wintery Christmas Weekend Box Office - Media Play News by Erik Gruenwedel
Henry Cavill Will Not Return To ‘The Witcher,’ Will Do ‘Warhammer 40,000’ Instead - Forbes by Paul Tassi
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
Avatar 2 has finally released, and we’ve got a gauntlet of James Cameron interviews from multiple points of his career to peek into the mind behind the movie. Following up is an exhaustive list of movies to check out during the long holiday weekend. Merry Christmas!
Articles:
'Avatar: The Way of Water' Leads Global Box Office With $435 Million Tidal Wave - Driven by 3D by Erik Gruenwedel
James Cameron interviews:
James Cameron & Robert Rodriguez Interview: Why Avatar 2 Is Dangerous - Variety by Brent Lang
Interview | James Cameron Says 'Avatar' Can Inspire Environmental Change - Mandatory by John Gaudiosi
Man of Extremes | The New Yorker by Dana Goodyear
The Return of James Cameron, Box Office King | GQ by Zach Baron
Charlie’s feel-good Christmas movie list:
Pusher 3: I’m the Angel of Death
Force Majeure
I Saw the Devil
The Fellowship of the Ring (extended edition)
Se7en
Gone Girl
The Foreigner
Prisoners
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Nightmare Before Christmas
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Modern Chillout
Music by penguinmusic from Pixabay
It’s a face-off between digital download movies to collect versus buying physical box sets of movie franchises and TV shows. New York Times releases an out of touch “Best of 2022” list of movies. James Cameron does his best to talk up Avatar 2 and the future of the franchise. With everything he’s saying you’d get a pass if you thought this movie is destined to single-handedly end all streaming services and lead to a golden age of in-theater-only cinema.
Defunctland
Blank Check with Griffin & David
James Cameron Says 'Avatar 4' "Goes Nuts" and Studio Executive Said “Holy F*ck” After Reading Script by Ross Bonaime
NYT Top Movies of 2022
‘Top Gun,’ ‘Yellowstone’ Among Most Notable Boxed Sets Available During Holidays by John Latchem
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Slackline
Music by The Amalgamated
This episode could have been 4 hours long. The show winds the clock forwards and backwards, looking ahead to December’s most anticipated movies and streaming shows, and looking backwards to some of the most popular shows of the year. Sandwiched between those segments are wrap-up thoughts on both The Peripheral and 1899.
Whip Media: ‘The Witcher: Blood Origin’ Top New Show, ‘Jack Ryan’ Top Returning Show Anticipated in December by Stephanie Prange
The best television series of 2022 | The Economist
Media Play News Interviews Whip Media
Watcher: Puppet History
Netflix's Content Budget Is Bigger Than It Seems (Netflix Misunderstandings, Pt. 1) by Matthew Ball
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Bandito ft. Reggie Costa
Music by The Amalgamated
It’s a review roundtable week: Charles brings in his thoughts on the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special and Charlie updates the show on his progress through The Peripheral (pretty good) and 1899 (imagine if Lost happened on the Titanic). Glass Onion debuted in theaters for a limited Thanksgiving weekend run and Amazon Studios ordered a miniseries that will dramatize the implosion of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special by John Latchem
Netflix's 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery' Throws Intrigue on Thanksgiving Weekend Box Office by Erik Gruenwedel
Amazon Orders FTX Limited Series From Russo Brothers' AGBO, 'Hunters' Creator David Weil (EXCLUSIVE) by Joe Otterson
Behind the Bastards: How Sam Bankman-Fried Conned the Crypto World
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Bandito ft. Reggie Costa
Music by The Amalgamated
We have a new show format! Charles covers the original comic’s influences for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Charlie gives a teaser for the sci-fi show The Peripheral. Following that, Peacemaker gets a physical release next week and James Cameron wildly throws expletives around in an interview about Avatar 2 having to be a top-5 highest grossing movie of all time just to break even on its budget.
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'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' Pushes Global Box Office Near $550 Million - Media Play News by Erik Gruenwedel
Nov. 22 Home Video Releases Include 'Peacemaker,' 'Bros' on Disc, 'Woman King,' 'Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile' on Digital - Media Play News by John Latchem
‘Avatar 2’ Will Have to Be One of the Highest-Grossing Movies Ever Just to Break Even by Ryan Lattanzio
'Top Gun: Maverick' to Begin Streaming on Paramount+ Dec. 22 - Media Play News by Erik Gruenwedel
Slackline
Music by The Amalgamated
33 years after Weird Al Yankovic’s cult movie UHF comes his biopic-parody movie “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.” We review this movie and then a 1960s romcom starring Elvis. Surprised? Turns out Elvis had a prolific acting career as Blue Hawaii was his 8th film (and most lucrative up to that point). Black Panther: Wakanda Forever released over the weekend and we cover box office numbers, and close with the sad news that the voice of Batman, Kevin Conroy, has passed away.
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Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum: Kevin Conroy on Apple Podcasts
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story by John Latchem
Blue Hawaii by Scott Marks
'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' Sets November Box Office Debut Record with $181 Million in North American Ticket Sales by Erik Gruenwedel
Kevin Conroy, Voice of Batman for a Generation, Dies at 66 by John Latchem
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
Black Adam still tops the box office for its third consecutive weekend, but is sure to surrender the crown next weekend when Wakanda Forever debuts. We cover the minimalist movie Fall and a trio of 40s film noir movies from the ongoing Dark Side of Cinema collection.
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Fall by John Latchem
Film Noir: The Dark Side of Cinema IX by Scott Marks
Warner's 'Black Adam' Hits Sluggish Weekend Box Office With $18.5 Million Punch - Media Play News by Erik Gruenwedel
Study: Piracy Software Not Detrimental to SVOD Platforms, ISPs by Erik Gruenwedel
Modern Chillout
Music by penguinmusic from Pixabay
It’s the Top Gun Maverick episode! After hyping this movie up for multiple months’ worth of podcasts, it’s time for a deep dive into the movie and what made it such a surprise hit. We’ve also got a review for Nope which has been discussed briefly already but now we dig into the details.
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Top Gun: Maverick by John Latchem
Nope by John Latchem
Warner's 'Black Adam' Takes Second Weekend Box Office with $27.7 Million by Erik Gruenwedel
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
We’ve got a micro-review for Black Adam, the House of the Dragon season finale, and full reviews for DC animated movie Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons and classic 30s romantic comedy film By Candlelight. On top of that is tons of industry news with James Gunn taking a co-leadership position at DC.
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Transformers Retrospective - Prime of Grammar
Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons by John Latchem
By Candlelight by Scott Marks
‘Black Adam’ Rejuvenates Warner Bros. Pictures’ Box Office Clout, Beating Expectations by Erik Gruenwedel
DC Movies: James Gunn, Peter Safran to Lead Film, TV Division – The Hollywood Reporter
Modern Chillout
Music by penguinmusic from Pixabay
This week we catch a ride on Bullet Train. Remember seeing that in theaters? Following that is 1930s-era movie Murder at the Vanities, with a spirited discussion over how thrillers have evolved since their inception on film.
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Bullet Train by John Latchem
Murder at the Vanities by Scott Marks
‘Halloween Ends’ Tops North American Weekend Box Office Despite Concurrent Release on Peacock Streaming by Erik Gruenwedel
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
We’ve got reviews for the movie with the infamously, inexplicably bad trailer: The Munsters, as well as the 4K rerelease for underrated crime comedy In Bruges. Before that we discuss fan edits of movies, credit to the Youtube channel Royal Ocean Film Society. Check out a link to their video below.
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the bizarre world of fan edits and restorations
The Munsters by John Latchem
In Bruges by Scott Marks
Paramount’s ‘Smile’ Remains No. 1 at North American Weekend Box Office by Erik Gruenwedel
Netflix to Bow ‘Knives Out’ Movie Sequel Exclusively in Theaters Nov. 23 by Erik Gruenwedel
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
This week we have a time traveling romcom and a 50s-era movie about journalism and political corruption, and for the first time, a roundup of stats of record-breaking streaming releases over the last couple weeks.
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Meet Cute by John Latchem
The Turning Point by Scott Marks
Paramount Pictures All ‘Smile'[s] With $22 Million Weekend Box Office Debut by Erik Gruenwedel
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
Thor 4 is finally here! We warm up with a review of the 1950s war movie Bright Victory before diving into the latest MCU film. TL;DR if you like Marvel movies, you’ll probably like this one. Meanwhile, Netflix casually drops announcements for 120 movies and shows and Avatar returns to theaters.
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Bright Victory by Scott Marks
Thor: Love and Thunder by John Latchem
Warner’s ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ Tops Weekend Box Office with $19.2 Million Debut by Erik Gruenwedel
Netflix Showcases 120 Programs in Second ‘Tudum’ Global Marketing Event by Erik Gruenwedel
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
This week it’s a review of the latest season of Cobra Kai, which neither of us were even aware was still producing new episodes. Next hear about the history of 3-D films, a technology that dates back to the 50s as it turns out, with 3 re-releases of Sangaree, Those Redheads from Seattle, and Jivaro.
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Cobra Kai: Season 5 by John Latchem
Paravision Dreams: The Golden Age 3D Films of Pine and Thomas by Scott Marks
‘The Woman King’ Exceeds Expectations, Tops Domestic Box Office by Thomas K. Arnold
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
It’s a week of reviews for two single word, titular characters: Pinocchio and Elvis. Neither is altogether too engaging, as we’ll get into. The summer box office continues to drag without any major releases.
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Pinocchio (2022) by John Latchem
Elvis by John Latchem
20th Century Studios’ ‘Barbarian’ Tops Another Slow Weekend Box Office by Erik Gruenwedel
Heist Thriller ‘Bitcon’ Due on Digital and DVD Oct. 18 From Mill Creek by Stephanie Prange
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
This week it’s dueling single-title prequel-sequels, with Lightyear and Prey. Prey earns a rare “looks pretty good” from Charlie, and Charles recounts his day at the movies for $3 movie ticket day and extremely rude theatergoers.
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Lightyear by John Latchem
Prey by John Latchem
Paramount: ‘Top Gun Maverick’ Becomes Fifth Highest-Grossing Domestic Movie in History, Topping $700 Million in Ticket Sales by Erik Gruenwedel
‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ Generated 25 Million Global First Day Viewers, Prime Video’s Biggest Premiere Ever by Erik Gruenwedel
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
For the first time every theatrical Star Trek release has been remastered in 4K and brought to physical discs. We cover the large number of extras and audio tracks included in some of the box set's special features and share some anecdotes about the series. Afterwards, we cover the close of an extremely weak August box office, which had significantly lower ticket sales than August 2019.
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Star Trek: The Motion Picture — The Director’s Edition: The Complete Adventure by John Latchem
Star Trek: The Original Motion Picture 6-Movie Collection by John Latchem
Box Office Sputters Again as ‘The Invitation’ Eyes $7 Million Opening Weekend by Erik Gruenwedel
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
We review the latest Jurassic World movie this week, as well as season 3 of The Orville, now available to stream on Hulu. In addition to our usual Top Gun: Maverick shoutout is a quick recap of our thoughts on the premiere of House of the Dragon. Turns out we are hard to impress.
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Jurassic World: Dominion by John Latchem
The Orville: New Horizons by John Latchem
‘Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero’ Tops Another Sluggish August Weekend Box Office by Erik Gruenwedel
Samba TV: HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon” Is the Year’s Most-Watched Premium Cable or Streaming Premiere by Erik Gruenwedel
Modern Chillout
Music by penguinmusic from Pixabay
The sequel Sonic (& Knuckles) movie gets covered this week along with a Disney+ documentary about Industrial Light & Magic, the studio responsible for many popular and influential movies including Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and more.
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Sonic the Hedgehog 2 by John Latchem
Light & Magic by John Latchem
Brad Pitt’s ‘Bullet Train’ Tops Slow Weekend Box Office with $13.1 Million in Ticket Sales by Erik Gruenwedel
Paramount+ to Be Bundled With Walmart+ by Stephanie Prange
Reports: HBO, HBO Max to Lay Off 70 as Cost Cutting at Warner Bros. Discovery Continues by Stephanie Prange
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
We turn back the clock to early 90s TV to review SeaQuest DSV while commenting on its slightly inaccurate predictions for the future (the show takes place in 2018). On the opposite end of the demographic spectrum is Lego Star Wars Summer Vacation, starring the voice of “Weird Al” Yankovic.
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SeaQuest DSV: The Complete Series – Media Play News by John Latchem
Lego Star Wars Summer Vacation – Media Play News by John Latchem
Sony Pictures’ ‘Bullet Train’ Speeds to $30.1 Million Opening Weekend Box Office – Media Play News by Erik Gruenwedel
Warner Bros. Discovery to Combine Discovery+, HBO Max Streaming Services in 2023 – Media Play News by Erik Gruenwedel
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
Charles caught an early showing of Green Lantern at Comic-Con, and gets into more detail on the movie and the DC animated cinematic universe. We also cover The Lost City, whose advertising was lost amidst other movies.
Meanwhile Netflix is trying to spin up its own extended universe around its recent release The Gray Man. Will it succeed? Will it fail? Neither Charlie or Charles has seen it, so it's not off to a great start.
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The Lost City – Media Play News by John Latchem
Green Lantern: Beware My Power by John Latchem
Warner’s ‘DC League of Super-Pets’ Tops Weekend Box Office with $23 Million Debut – Media Play News by Erik Gruenwedel
Netflix Greenlights ‘The Gray Man’ Movie Sequel and Spin-Off Film – Media Play News by Erik Gruenwedel
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
This is some more from our review of Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness that didn't get included in the cut of the episode. Any time the show touches on plots from the source material, we turn to Loremaster Charles for some info on how the MCU is influenced by its comic roots.
In this special episode of the Media Play News podcast, hosts Charles and Charlie talk about their experience at the 2022 San Diego Comic-Con. The main floor was bustling, the lines stretched for miles, and the surrounding downtown area was transformed by studios' promotional booths for upcoming movies and shows.
Friday had the duo exploring the show floor and catching an early screening of the next season of Archer. Saturday and Sunday, Charles returned to the convention to see multiple live podcast recordings of pop culture reactions, behind-the-scenes Q&As of classic superhero cartoons, and cultural analyses of Justice League characters.
All this, and more in the episode!
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Music by The Amalgamated
Panel/event list:
TMNT Cowabunga Collection
Little Demon Panel | SDCC 2022
FX's Archer: Exclusive Season 13 screening and Q&A
Power of X-Men - X-Men animated 30th anniversary panel
Invisible Man(hunter): The Resonance of Blackness in the Depiction of J’onn J’onzz
Newcomers with Nicole Byer and Jon Gabrus: Live!
I Hear Voices with Will Friedle and Christy Carlson Romano
We’re working on a Comic-Con special episode set to come out soon. In the meantime are reviews for a sci-fi clone movie that flew under the radar, Dual, and parts 1 & 2 of South Park: The Streaming Wars. As the title suggests it gets extremely meta.
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Dual – Media Play News by John Latchem
South Park: The Streaming Wars (Parts 1 & 2) by John Latchem
Universal Pictures’ ‘Nope’ Follows Script with $44 Million Opening Box Office Weekend by Erik Gruenwedel
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
It’s the long awaited deep dive review for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The episode leans heavily on Charles’ encyclopedic knowledge of comics for the many nods and allusions the movie makes to its source material. A review for Beavis and Butt-head Do the Universe follows as well as an announcement for the franchises’s scheduled Comic-Con panel appearances this coming weekend for their upcoming TV revival series.
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Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness by John Latchem
Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe by John Latchem
New 'Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head' to Premiere Aug. 4 on Paramount+ by Stephanie Prange
‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Tops Second Box Office Weekend Despite 68% Drop in Revenue by Erik Gruenwedel
Modern Chillout
Music by penguinmusic from Pixabay
This week is a review for the latest movie in the Harry Potter spin-off series Fantastic Beasts, followed by a review for the underrated Tom Cruise sci-fi movie Edge of Tomorrow.
Thor: Love and Thunder leads the box office numbers, as expected, and more new features come to Netflix.
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Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore by John Latchem
Edge of Tomorrow by John Latchem
Marvel's Thor: Love and Thunder Smashes to $143 Million Opening Weekend Box Office by Erik Gruenwedel
Netflix Offering Spatial Audio With Sennheiser by Stephanie Prange
Paramount+ Announces 2022 San Diego Comic-Con Plans by Stephanie Prange
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
We review the latest Disney+ Star Wars series, Obi-Wan! If the most recent trilogy of movies didn't pan out quite how they expected, maybe revisiting the prequel trilogy will work. Also in the news is Gen Z and their curious movement to dress in formalwear to see the latest Minions movie, breaking July 4th box office records.
Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi by John Latchem
Billions: Season Six by John Latchem
'Minions: The Rise of Gru' Biggest July 4 Weekend Box Office Opener Ever by Erik Gruenwedel
Apple TV+ to Make Its Debut at San Diego Comic-Con by Stephanie Prange
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
This week we review the self-aware Nicolas Cage comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and the crime drama streaming series Under the Banner of Heaven. We give an update on the box office numbers of the past weekend and report on some more news coming out of Netflix: big changes are coming to the streaming service.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent by John Latchem
Under the Banner of Heaven by Stephanie Prange
‘Elvis’ Nips ‘Maverick’ at Weekend Box Office as ‘Top Gun’ Sequel Passes $1 Billion in Global Revenue by Erik Gruenwedel
Netflix lays off another 300 employees by Erik Gruenwede
Ted Sarandos: Netflix in Talks with Partners for Ad-Supported Subscription Streaming Service – Media Play News by Erik Gruenwedell
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
This week is a review of The Offer, a docu-drama chronicling the making of The Godfather, and the return of The Northman to the show, which has been brought in passing on previous episodes but now is featured in its own long form review. Also covered is Lightyear's release, the latest box office leaders, and news of an original VHS copy of Back to the Future being sold at auction.
Partway through the episode we call back to the early features of this podcast regarding the history of physical media and streaming. If you haven't listened to them already, check them out!
25 Years of Digital Entertainment – Part One: The Disc that Changed the World
25 Years of Digital Entertainment – Part Two: The Digital Stream
The Offer by John Latchem
The Northman by John Latchem
‘Jurassic World: Dominion’ Takes Second Weekend Box Office as ‘Lightyear’ Stumbles in Debut by Erik Gruenwedel
VHS Copy of ‘Back to the Future’ Movie Nets $75,000 at Auction by Erik Gruenwedel
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
This week on the pod we review the infamous superhero movie Morbius and the multiverse sleeper series Shining Girls, from Apple TV. Afterwards we discuss the Jurassic franchise in the context of its latest smash release and wrap up with an announcement for Dr. Strange physical and digital release dates.
Morbius by John Latchem
Shining Girls by Stephanie Prange
‘Jurassic World: Dominion’ Thrashes Box Office with $143 Million Opening by Erik Gruenwedel
‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Set for Disc Release July 26 by John Latchem
Modern Chillout by penguinmusic from Pixabay
As if an entire bonus episode about Batman wasn't enough, we get even deeper into the making of The Batman and how its portrayal of its villains as foils for the latest movie is so striking. We lead with more news on future Netflix programming, an update on Top Gun Maverick's box office performance, and The Northman's physical and digital releases.
Netflix Reportedly Bidding for F1 Live-Streaming Rights by Erik Gruenwedel
‘Is it Cake?’ Renewed for Second Season at Netflix by Stephanie Prange
Tom Cruise Remains ‘Top Gun’ at the Box Office as ‘Maverick’ Hauls in $86 Million in Second-Weekend Revenue by Erik Gruenwedel
Viking Saga ‘The Northman’ Headed to Digital June 6, Disc June 7 by Stephanie Prange
‘The Batman’ Perches Atop Blu-ray and DVD Sales Charts by John Latchem
Jazzy Abstract Beat
Music by Coma-Media from Pixabay
No reviews this week, but plenty to say about the week's news and some upcoming physical releases!
‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Tops $156 Million in Debut, Best Memorial Day Weekend Opening Ever By Erik Gruenwedel
Report: U.S. Homes Subscribe to Three SVOD Services, Cut Spending by $5 Monthly by Erik Gruenwedel
‘Exploding Kittens’ Leads Netflix May Mobile Video Games Slate by Erik Gruenwedel
‘The Boys’ … on Digital May 31 by John Latchem
‘The Beatles: Get Back’ Disc Release Reset for July 12 by John Latchem
Season 15 of ‘Ancient Aliens’ Headed to DVD July 19 by Stephanie Prange
In this extra feature we make some associations between the subject of Our Father and similar offenders that didn't make it into the original review.
This discussion was cut from our 5/24 episode and presented in full here.
We dug deep into the history of cartoons and their subtle influences on the story of the new Chip n' Dale movie. Apparently cartoons can be a lot darker than you think they are!
This discussion was cut from our 5/24 episode and presented in full here.
We have some additional thoughts and insights into The Batman and what we think makes it stand out from most superhero movies lately.
This discussion was cut from our 5/24 episode and presented in full here.
We have an incredibly packed episode, with reviews for several highly anticipated new shows and movies, including the physical release of The Batman! Lots and lots to say this week.
The Batman by John Latchem
Licorice Pizza by John Latchem
Our Father by Stephanie Prange
Chip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers by John Latchem
Bullshit The Game Show by John Latchem
Modern Chillout by penguinmusic from Pixabay
We're joined this week by special guests John Peters, Media and Entertainment Lead of Accenture, and Eric Steinberg, Media Research and Insights Lead from Whip Media. Media Play News Publisher and Editorial Director Thomas K. Arnold leads an in-depth discussion into the future of streaming platforms and how they can best utilize viewer data to develop content that leads to growth. TV Time, a media aggregator app by Whip Media
Research decks compiled by Accenture:
Streaming’s Complex Consumer
Streaming’s Next Act
This episode is sponsored by Whip Media.
This week we review the physical release of Uncharted and Hulu's drama miniseries Candy. Afterwards we dig into some numbers around AVOD's growth and Netflix's strategies to reduce its subscriber churn. Finally we round out the show with a shoutout for an upcoming documentary about the street artist Banksy. Check it out!
Uncharted by John Latchem
Candy by Stephanie Prange
Global AVOD Revenue to Reach $70 Billion by 2027 by Erik Gruenwedel
Netflix Could Bow Cheaper Ad-Supported Option by October by Erik Gruenwedel
Netflix Stopping Entire Season Episode Drops Could Curb Subscriber Churn by Erik Gruenwedel
Banksy Most Wanted by Stephanie Prange
Boomerang by Stephanie Prange
Returning guest Mike Fidler, former Sony SVP of Marketing, rejoins the podcast for an extended chat about where he thinks the future of media distribution is headed. We also touch on points around the increasingly crowded streaming market and gaming vying for consumers' attention.
Video Games with your Brother by Mystery Mammal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
We’re joined this week by show producer Charlie Showley, with reviews for Turning Red and Green Eggs and Ham, as well as the latest news of Dr. Strange’s long awaited theatrical release and physical release dates of upcoming movies this week.
Turning Red by John Latchem
Green Eggs and Ham: The Second Serving by Adam Kaunfer
Disney/Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange 2’ Opens with $185 Million Blockbuster Weekend by Erik Gruenwedel
AMC Entertainment Narrows Q1 Losses Thanks to Superhero Movies by Erik Gruenwedel
Amazon, NBCUniversal Upping Virtual Product Placements Across Streaming Video Content by Erik Gruenwedel
Reno 911!: The Hunt for QAnon by Stephanie Prange
Green Lantern by John Latchem
Most Guys are Losers by Stephanie Prange
This week we have reviews of the classic Charles Bronson action movie Breakout as well as the first season of the Apple TV+ show Slow Horses.
We recap news of the past week surrounding Peacock's upcoming original and licenses movies, and round out with physical release dates for Morbius and more.
Breakout by Kirk Sanderson
Slow Horses by Stephanie Prange
Peacock, Lionsgate Ink Movie Distribution Deal Beginning in 2024 by Erik Gruenwedel
Peacock Announces First Original Movies From Universal Pictures to Bow in 2023 by Erik Gruenwedel
Redbox Gets Access to $50 Million in Additional Financing, Stock Soars by Erik Gruenwedel
Disney+’s ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ Top New Show, Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things’ Top Returning Show Anticipated in May by Stephanie Prange
Morbius by Stephanie Prange
After Yang by Stephanie Prange
Cryo by Stephanie Prange
Secret of Skinwalker Ranch by Stephanie Prange
Kinky Boots by Stephanie Prange
Light Awash by Kevin MacLeod is licensed by the Simplified filmmusic.io Standard License
This week we look at the fallout from Netflix's Q1 earnings and streaming platform news.
We also cover release dates for steelbook special editions for Cabin in the Woods, Grease 2, the restored release of Charles Bronson's Violent City, and more.
Cabin in the Woods by John Latchem Grease 2 by Stephanie Prange Violent City by Kirk Sanderson Doula by Stephanie Prange MacGyver: The Complete Series by Stephanie Prange End of the Line by Stephanie Prange
Where the Scary Things Are by Stephanie Prange
Row 19 by Stephanie Prange
Compartment No. 6 by Stephanie Prange
Analysts Weigh in Following Netflix’s Black Tuesday Financial Report by Erik Gruenwedel Analyst: Netflix’s Pain Could be Redbox’s Gain by Erik Gruenwedel CNN+ Subscription Streaming Service to Shut Down After Just One Month of Operation by Erik Gruenwedel
This month, Media Play News traces the history of digital distribution, including electronic sellthrough, digital rental, and streaming. Beginning 25 years ago with the launch of DVD, the evolution of how we consume media has led to the present-day ubiquity of streaming.
Childhood Imagination by Homie Cat is licensed under a Creative Commons Attributions License.
This week are reviews for Moonfall and the remastered release of 1967's In the Heat of the Night. We then cover a trio of thriller genre physical releases, The Batman physical release, and new shows coming to streaming. ---
Moonfall by John Latchem
In the Heat of the Night by Thomas K. Arnold
Naomi Watts Thriller ‘The Desperate Hour’ Due on DVD April 19 From Vertical and Distribution Solutions by Stephanie Prange
Mel Gibson Spy Thriller ‘Agent Game’ Headed to Blu-ray Combo Pack May 24 by Stephanie Prange
Liam Neeson Thriller ‘Blacklight’ Due on Digital April 19, Disc May 3 by Stephanie Prange
‘The Batman’ Flies to Disc May 14, After Going on Sale Digitally April 18 at a Premium Price by Stephanie Prange
Season Seven of ‘Rupaul’s Drag Race All Stars’ Streaming on Paramount+ May 20 by Stephanie Prange
Maya Rudolph Comedy Series ‘Loot’ to Bow on Apple TV+ June 24 by Stephanie Prange
Cool Jazzy Bass & Vibraphone by M33 Project is distributed under a Creative Commons Public license
This month and next, Media Play News is celebrating 25 years of digital entertainment with two back-to-back special features. This is an extended interview with Bob Chapek, CEO of Disney from Part One. Media Play News Publisher and Editorial Director Thomas K. Arnold gets insight into Disney's early days in making creative DVD experiences up to the present day with its move into streaming with Disney+.
Video Games with your Brother by Mystery Mammal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
This week we review Spider-man: No Way Home and the 4K remasted Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Afterwards we recap streaming and physical release announcements for The Batman, Licorice Pizza, and many more features.
Spider-Man: No Way Home by John Latchem - https://www.mediaplaynews.com/spider-man-no-way-home-review/
Star Trek: The Motion Picture by John Latchem - https://www.mediaplaynews.com/star-trek-the-motion-picture-the-directors-edition-review/
Turning Red by Stephanie Prange - https://www.mediaplaynews.com/turning-red-to-debut-on-digital-april-26-disc-may-3/
Cyrano by Stephanie Prange - https://www.mediaplaynews.com/oscar-lauded-cyrano-headed-to-blu-ray-and-dvd-april-19/
Sacco & Vanzetti by Kirk Sanderson - https://www.mediaplaynews.com/kino-lorber-to-issue-1971s-sacco-vanzetti-on-dvd-blu-ray-disc-may-3/
Girl on a Chain Gang by Stephanie Prange - https://www.mediaplaynews.com/exploitation-classic-girl-on-a-chain-gang-due-on-blu-ray-and-dvd-april-19-from-film-detective-and-mvd/
Panda! Go Panda! by Justin K. Arnold - https://www.mediaplaynews.com/50th-anniversary-release-of-anime-classic-panda-go-panda-due-on-disc-june-21/
The Fallout + Kimi by Stephanie Prange - https://www.mediaplaynews.com/hbo-max-titles-the-fallout-and-kimi-available-on-digital-and-dvd-in-april/
Licorice Pizza by Stephanie Prange - https://www.mediaplaynews.com/oscar-lauded-licorice-pizza-headed-to-blu-ray-and-dvd-may-17/
The Batman by Erik Gruenwedel - https://www.mediaplaynews.com/the-batman-streaming-on-hbo-max-on-april-18/
The James Bond Collection by Erik Gruenwedel - https://www.mediaplaynews.com/entire-james-bond-movie-collection-reportedly-coming-to-amazon-prime-video/
This month and next, Media Play News is celebrating 25 years of digital entertainment with two back-to-back special features. This is an extended interview with Ben Feingold, former President of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment from Part One. We talk about how Ben pushed for the transition from DVD to Blu-ray and its fight against HD-DVD. Video Games with your Brother by Mystery Mammal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
This week we review the physical release of Death on the Nile and the streaming release of the game show Is It Cake? on Netflix.
https://www.mediaplaynews.com/death-on-the-nile-2022-review/
https://www.mediaplaynews.com/is-it-cake-review/
Reviews written by John Latchem.
PTSD (Instrumental) by HoliznaRAPS is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.
This month and next, Media Play News is celebrating 25 years of digital entertainment with two back-to-back special features. This is an extended interview with Mike Fidler, former SVP of Marketing for Sony from Part One. We talk about Mike's history with the development of physical media and the growth of the industry from laser disc through Blu-ray.
Video Games with your Brother by Mystery Mammal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
This month and next, Media Play News is celebrating 25 years of digital entertainment with two back-to-back special features. This month, we will chronicle the development, launch and rise of DVD and its two successor disc formats, Blu-ray Disc and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. Next month, we will trace the history of digital distribution, including electronic sellthrough, digital rental, and streaming.
A very special thanks to Deluxe Entertainment for sponsoring this episode
Faster Does It by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
I Knew a Guy by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.