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JBO: Joystiq Box Office, June 29 - July 3

by Kevin Kelly { Jul 3rd 2009 at 8:30PM }

We can't be gaming all the time, despite our best efforts, and from time to time we'll actually take advantage of the movie-playing abilities on our gaming systems. JBO features our top picks for XBL, PSN, Netflix's Watch Instantly, and Blu-ray each week.

Recommendation of the Week:

Sunshine (Blu-ray: $29.99): We all know about Danny Boyle and Slumdog Millionaire; winning a few Oscars will do that to your movie, particularly if it's great. However, his sci-fi masterpiece Sunshine is severely underrated and underwatched. The Sun becomes an ominous character in this taut thriller, which, granted, has a plot point that could be completely jettisoned to make for a perfectly streamlined film. However, the sound, the action, and the attention to detail in this movie make this a must see in HD.

Read for the full list on a system by system basis just after the break, this time with a bent toward the upcoming Independence Day holiday this Saturday. As usual, we'll see you at the popcorn st ... well, actually we won't see you at all. But you catch our drift.

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JBO: Joystiq Box Office, June 22 - 26

by Kevin Kelly { Jun 26th 2009 at 10:15PM }

The Girlfriend Experience (XBL to rent: 480 MS points for HD, 320 for SD): Steven Soderbergh returns to his indie film roots with this character study that was shot on one of the new RedOne HD cameras for only $1.3 million dollars. Real-life porn star Sasha Grey stars as Christine; an escort who offers the full "Girlfriend Experience" for a high price. Her boyfriend is okay with the arrangement on the surface, but underneath he's struggling. The film follows both of them as they deal with the reality of her job, and how they each handle the repercussions.

Read for the full list on a system by system basis just after the break. As usual, we'll see you at the popcorn st ... well, actually we won't see you at all. But you catch our drift.

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Rumorang: Survey suggests Netflix streaming on Wii

by Alexander Sliwinski { Jun 23rd 2009 at 10:05PM }

A survey we reported on back in March about the possibility of Netflix video streaming on the Nintendo Wii has popped up again on our radar, but this time with one very noticeable difference. Today, a former Joystiq staff member was given a similar survey to fill out, but instead of the $10 charge for the "Netflix Instant Streaming Disc" mentioned in the previous questionnaire, this time it noted the disc would be "available for free."

We contacted both Nintendo and Netflix for comment. The House of Mario had nothing to say on the matter. A Netflix spokesperson informed us, "Netflix is always looking for ways to expand its service, but for now our game platform is the Xbox 360."

We'll say exactly what we said last time: This survey in no way validates that Netflix support is confirmed for the Wii, but it wouldn't be the least bit shocking that the service would want to tap into the Wii's "particular" demographic.

E3 2009 highlights: The Xbox roundup

by James Ransom-Wiley { Jun 12th 2009 at 11:45AM }

E3 was brütal! If you blinked, for a split/second, you missed something. Even if you were trine to keep up, it was a blur -- staying a.wake like that, you only pushed yourself to the brink of your own dark void. That's where Joystiq comes in; to crackdown on the madness; to reach out ... with conviction -- phew! Crysis averted.

We've scoured the dark corners and survived the inferno to piece together this roundup of all things Xbox at E3. Why? Just 'cause we love you. So, draw nier and shift your eyes past the break.

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Netflix on Xbox 360 receiving upgrade soon

by Alexander Sliwinski { Jun 1st 2009 at 2:58PM }

Netflix on Xbox 360 will receive a minor -- but very welcomed upgrade -- sometime in the near future.

Browse through categories.
Add films from the Xbox 360 dashboard.

We'll look into seeing if there's more upgrade details from Netflix and Microsoft.

Netflix job posting hints at movie streaming for other consoles

by Alexander Sliwinski { Apr 13th 2009 at 12:44PM }

A curious new job listing for Netflix seeks an "Engineering Leader -- Gaming Platforms," reports Gamasutra. The applicant is expected to have experience developing and testing media rich applications, and should be prepared to "rapidly prototype and iterate on a variety of platforms."

Either Netflix is getting into the game streaming space, or this may be another sign that Netflix streaming is coming to other consoles. Considering the relative success of Netflix on Xbox 360, it's not surprising that the company would like to expand its service and branding to other consoles -- that is, if this "Engineering Leader" can figure it out.

Update: A Netflix spokesperson got back to us and said, "We're always looking to grow. For now our game console is Xbox 360."

[Via Gamasutra]

Blu-ray releases for the week of April 5, 2009

by James Ransom-Wiley { Apr 6th 2009 at 4:05PM }

Gawd he's provocative in Blu-ray high-definition! And so are the rest of the week's releases in Blu-ray video (posted after the break). As in: It's weeks like this one (mediocre new releases mixed with plenty of stuff we've seen before) that provoke us to rethink that new $4 monthly Netflix charge for unlimited Blu-ray access ...

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Southpark seasons 1-9 added to Netflix streaming lineup

by Randy Nelson { Apr 6th 2009 at 4:00PM }

OMG. They streamed Kenny! Netflix has announced that, as of right now, every episode from the first nine seasons of South Park are available for Instant Queue streaming. In other words, if you have a Netflix account, you can watch all 139 episodes without incurring additional charges ... or buying them from the Live Marketplace. Wait, howzit?

While South Park represents just one show from Comedy Central available to this extent via Netflix streaming (c'mon the Daily Show!) it's interesting to note how this announcement may directly affect sales of single episodes (at 160

/$2 a pop) from the Marketplace. XBLM houses four more seasons than are available via Netflix (10-13) but 1-9 are standard definition only, nixing a possible incentive to purchase. We'll check in with Microsoft in a couple weeks to see if there's been any slowing of downloads.

Unfortunately, classic video game inspired episodes of the show, including "Make Love, Not WarCraft" and "Guitar Queer-o," didn't air until after season nine. It's a conspiracy, we tell you ... a conspiracy. If it's any consolation, season three of Spongebob Squarepants is also available as part of the arrangement. We love that guy.

Survey proposes Netflix service for Wii

by Andrew Yoon { Mar 20th 2009 at 5:40PM }

Click to see the full-size screen capture.

Netflix may be looking to expanding their service beyond Xbox 360. According to a consumer survey mailed to a Joystiq reader, Netflix may provide their service to Wii owners. "Imagine that, as an added benefit to DVDs by mail, Netflix offers its members the ability to watch movies & TV episodes instantly on their TV via their Nintendo Wii, choosing from a library of over 12,000 choices.

According to the survey, the Netflix service will be enabled through a "Netflix Instant Streaming Disc." The disc would need to be placed in the Wii every time someone wanted to use the Netflix service. Unlike Microsoft, it appears Nintendo will not bundle Netflix into an upcoming firmware.

The existence of this survey doesn't necessarily mean Netflix support on Wii is confirmed. However, it does suggest the company has been investigating the possibilities. We're certain Netflix is eager to tap into the millions of Nintendo fans ready to try the streaming movie service.

[Thanks, Trey!]

Microsoft iffy on Netflix-style service for Euro 360s

by Dustin Burg { Mar 3rd 2009 at 10:30AM }

Commenting on the possibility of a Netflix-style streaming service making its way to Xbox 360s in Europe, UK Xbox boss Neil Thompson admits to Eurogamer that such plans, well ... don't look too promising.

"Netflix is a great deal in the US," says Thompson, who believes that the Live service has to evolve "in different territories at different speeds." Though uncertain as to what the future holds for each of those territories, he adds, "We're concentrating on delivering the services we've got and bolstering the content we've got."

We're guessing the addition of 30 new Universal movies to Europe's XBVM is part of Microsoft's exhaustive efforts. Sorry, Europe, looks like you'll be Netflix-less for a while. Think of it as a boon to productivity! You're helping to save the economy for the rest of us!

Netflix planning on offering 'streaming only' subscriptions in future

by Griffin McElroy { Feb 25th 2009 at 3:16PM }

If you've found yourself fascinated by the Xbox 360's recently acquired ability to stream movies and TV programs off Netflix, but found yourself hesitant to subscribe to its pesky DVD delivery service in order to access said function, we've got great news. Netflix has apparently recognized your reservations, and is planning on implementing a "streaming only" subscription in the "foreseeable future."

The demand for such a subscription plan is clear. Netflix, which offers over 12,000 titles on its streaming service, saw a great deal of unexpected growth last quarter thanks to the popularity of streaming programming -- we'd wager most of that came from the 360s Netflix app. No word on the release date or pricing of the stand-alone streaming subscription -- without the hassle of postage fees, we'd wager it'll see a nice discount from the standard $8.99 monthly plan.

Blockbuster integrates games into Total Access subscription [update]

by Alexander Sliwinski { Feb 11th 2009 at 11:24AM }

Blockbuster announced today that it will begin offering game rentals as part of its Total Access online movie rental service. The company will start a pilot program during its second quarter, with a goal of implementing the integrated system nationally by the second half of the year. Essentially, Blockbuster is trying to morph Total Access into a Netflix meets GameFly offering. The question: Will the quality of service be as high as the two go-to names in the field?

~~Several details on how this program will work are missing from the company's press release. We've contacted Blockbuster and will hopefully speak with them soon. We'll update as soon as we hear back.~~

Update: We talked to Bob Barr, vice president and general manager for Blockbuster Online. He answers our questions after the break about the service and the possibility of integration with PS3.

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Six reasons why PSN is the BEST

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Feb 5th 2009 at 8:00PM }

Free access / No double fees: Unlike Xbox Live, there's no annual service fee to access PSN. You also don't have to pay a Netflix subscription (because there's no Netflix!) and have the FREE ability to purchase whatever video content you want!
Video content on the go: The PSN's video delivery service allows you to transfer certain types of content between your PS3 and PSP at no additional charge (unless your PSP's battery is in need of ... a charge).
Faster download speeds: After a lengthy study, the respected scientists at the MTV Multiplayer labs have proven PSN downloads to be faster than all other current systems. Especially if you're downloading Mega Man 9.
Quality HD experiences: The PSN gives you HD content in a reliable way -- there's no waiting for streaming connections like on Xbox Live. Connections which might not ever be made.
Blu-ray and streaming: Streaming is awesome, especially when you use it to watch videos through PS3's web browser! You can also download HD movies from the PlayStation Store or buy them on Blu-ray disc.
Relevant new releases: Um, Max Payne is out now on Blu-ray!

So, what do you think? Would you take this argument seriously if we published it unfettered on Joystiq? What if it was a tongue-in-cheek repetition of a press release Sony sent us? Like the one we've published verbatim after the break.

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Netflix app rallies 1 million activations on Xbox 360

by Dustin Burg { Feb 5th 2009 at 8:00AM }

Ever since last Summer's E3 announcement of the Microsoft and Netflix partnership, we knew that having the ability to stream Netflix content via the Xbox 360 was going to be a big hit. So, with that, we're not surprised to hear today's announcement that 1 million Netflix subscribers have downloaded and activated the Xbox 360 streaming application. And according to Microsoft, those 1 million subscribers have watched over 1.5 billion minutes of TV and movies since the program's launch in November. That's a lot of "let's just relax and be lazy tonight" minutes.

Also, now that we know streaming Netflix content over the 360 is at least somewhat popular, would it be too needy of us to ask for even more video content? We'd really like that.

Netflix survey hints at paid HBO instant view content

by Dustin Burg { Feb 2nd 2009 at 12:15PM }

There's a survey floating around the web asking current Netflix subscribers their opinion on paying an additional fee to get access to "premium" HBO content through the instant view service. Hacking Netflix posted a screen grab of said survey, which asks subscribers if paying an additional $9.99 per month would be worth receiving HBO original series, including Entourage, Sex and the City, The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, as well as HBO original movies on top of the 12,000+ pieces of instant view content already available.

We'll admit, our Xbox 360's Netflix instant queue is getting stale, but paying $10 on top of the cost of our Netflix subscription to watch HBO content is bit too rich for our liking. Especially during these lovely economic times.

[Via Ars Technica]