TV & movies

The latest news and reviews of TV shows and movies.

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Walmart taps MGM to create original shows for its Vudu service
Walmart is bringing original programming to its Vudu video streaming service and it's partnering with MGM to do so. The studio will develop original, family-friendly series for the platform, with the first expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2019. The new content will be hosted by Vudu's ad-supported Movies On Us service.
Apple may enlist UK telecom giant BT to jumpstart its TV strategy
Apple has been laying the groundwork for its entry into TV services for a while. Now, however, it might recruit one of the UK's largest telecoms to help out. The Daily Telegraph sources have claimed that Apple is in "early discussions" with BT to distribute Apple TV devices to EE broadband customers. Each media hub would come pre-loaded with apps for BT Sport and third-party channels. Apple and BT have both declined to comment, but there are reasons why an alliance would make sense.
NBC's WatchBack video app rewards you for sharing viewing habits
The rumors of NBCUniversal launching a rewards-based streaming video app were true. The network has released a free, currently iOS-only WatchBack app that offers a chance to win prizes if you create a profile (complete with viewer preferences) and watch certain full-length shows, such as E!'s Ashlee+Evan. At the moment, each featured episode gives 10 viewers $100 worth of points they can redeem at outlets like Amazon, Best Buy, Macy's and Target.
'Tell Me A Story' trailer shows fairy tales gone horribly wrong
Add CBS All Access to the ranks of streaming services delivering appropriately eerie shows for Halloween. It used a New York Comic-Con panel to premiere the trailer for Tell Me A Story, an original series mashing up three fairy tales ("Three Little Pigs," "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Hansel and Gretel") in modern New York City. As you might imagine, these new narratives aren't nearly as child-friendly as the originals -- the three 'pigs' are bank robbers whose partnership falls apart, while Hansel gets into trouble with shady characters that endanger both him and his sister.
'Star Trek: Discovery' season two premieres January 17th
After months upon months of teasing and production challenges, CBS is finally ready to set the stage for Star Trek: Discovery's second season. The network has announced that the 13-episode next chapter of its signature All Access show will premiere on January 17th, 2019. Accordingly, CBS has also debuted a trailer (below) that gives a glimpse as to how the storyline will continue -- including a first glimpse of Spock.
Tidal will now stream to your Samsung TV
Just weeks after it announced a partnership with Spotify, Samsung is now bringing Tidal to its TVs. Music Business Worldwide reports that the Samsung TV Tidal app is "just the beginning of the partnership," according to Tidal, and that the app will prioritize the streaming service's visual content. Last year, Tidal announced apps for Apple TV and Android TV, following that up with Amazon Fire TV support in March.
Samsung's 85-inch 8K TV is available to pre-order for $15,000
Samsung's gigantic 8K QLED TV is very nearly available in the US... and you might need to take out a loan to afford it. The company has opened up American pre-orders for the 85-inch Q900 ahead of its October 28th ship date, and it will cost you a staggering $15,000. While that's not the most expensive bleeding-edge set we've seen (remember when a 4K TV cost $20,000?), it still means monthly payments closer to what you'd expect for a car.
'Dance Dance Revolution' is going to the movies
The world is burning and there's only one way to stop it: through the power of dance. At least that's the premise of the upcoming Dance Dance Revolution movie. Yep, some 20 years later a film studio picked up the rights for the once-wildly popular rhythm game. As for any casting details or who's directing the film, that info isn't available at the moment. Variety reports that publisher Konami is onboard as a production partner.
Netflix snags the rights to ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’
New Chronicles of Narnia adaptations are headed to Netflix, and while details about the plans are light, it looks like both films and series are in the works. The news was posted to the official Chronicles of Narnia Facebook page today and the press release said that this is the first time the rights to all seven books have been obtained by one company. "CS Lewis' beloved Chronicles of Narnia stories have resonated with generations of readers around the world," Ted Sarandos, Netflix's chief content officer, said in a statement. "Families have fallen in love with characters like Aslan and the entire world of Narnia, and we're thrilled to be their home for years to come."
Amazon plans TV series based on Robert Jordan's 'Wheel of Time' novels
Amazon's fantasy TV ambitions aren't just confined to The Lord of the Rings. The company has ordered an hour-per-episode series based on Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time novels -- yes, after years of canceled plans and legal hurdles, it's finally happening. The series promises to be a direct adaptation of the books, which center around a world where only women are known to wield magic (or rather, "channeling") and prophecies talk of a person who's the reincarnation of a powerful being.
Sony will add in-program shopping to its TVs and Blu-ray players
It's about to become a little too easy to impulse-shop through your TV. Sony is partnering with Connekt to add a "Buy Now" button to its TVs and Blu-ray players. It'll start immediately through making Connekt's ShopTV app available through Sony's app store on Android sets, but you'll eventually see this extend to "in-program purchasing" as well as voice-controlled shopping. Yes, if you simply must own that hot outfit you saw in a TV show, you could theoretically buy it before the next commercial break.
Netflix will be home to DC's 'Titans' outside of the US
DC Universe's streaming service is limited to the US for now, but that doesn't mean you'll be locked out of its flagship show. Netflix has reached a deal with Warner Bros. to stream Titans outside of the US, giving people in most countries (outside of China, where you can't watch Netflix) the chance to see Robin gather his band of young superheroes. There's no specific date for when the show will reach international audiences, although it makes its DC Universe debut on October 12th.
MoviePass test reactivates accounts if users don't opt out
Former MoviePass subscribers who thought they were able to evade the company's previous attempts at reactivating accounts without consent may want to check their emails. According to various social media posts on Twitter and Reddit, the beleaguered company has been sending out letters telling inactive users that their subscriptions will be restored unless they opt out of a test. The letters said the recipients had been chosen to be "part of a select test group" who can use their accounts to see one movie per day again starting on October 5th.
'House of Cards' teaser previews Claire's battle with nearly everyone
Netflix has followed its brief peek at House of Cards' final season with a larger teaser, and we now know how Claire Underwood will handle the presidency with Frank out of the picture: by fighting for it every step of the way. This latest preview shows Claire remaking the White House under her rules, telling people that Frank's promises don't count under her tenure and that they shouldn't believe anything her late husband said. Not that it's likely to deter others. More than a few former associates come out of the woodwork to challenge Claire, including former Chief of Staff Doug Stamper.
Dish adds dual tuners to AirTV Player through an adapter
Dish's AirTV Player is an intriguing mix of an over-the-air player with streaming services, but that single tuner has made it difficult to recommend if you want to both record and watch live broadcasts. You won't have to make that compromise from now on, though, if you're willing to pay. The company has launched a dual tuner adapter that enables simultaneous recording and viewing, or recording for two channels if there are two must-see shows you're going to miss.
Netflix's Halloween lineup includes 'The Shining'
Netflix has certainly touted its Halloween shows before, but this year you may have a particularly good reason to pay attention. The streaming giant has outlined all the horror movies and thrillers you can expect to see in the run-up to October 31st, and the highlight this year might not be one of its originals. You see, The Shining arrives on October 1st -- you now have an easy way to watch Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of the classic Stephen King novel. It's a well-worn tale for horror fans, but it could be worthwhile to remind yourself why you shouldn't visit room 237.
Tommy Wiseau's wonderfully terrible 'The Room' is free on YouTube (updated)
You no longer have to go to a special screening (or track down bootlegs) to watch The Room. Tommy Wiseau has posted his so-bad-it's-good classic movie on YouTube for free in its entirety. If you've ever wanted to relive every "oh hi" moment or see Lisa tear Johnny apart one more time, you just have to fire up your web browser. The title hasn't been officially available online before, so this is likely your best chance to see what the fuss is about.
Comcast to acquire Sky for $39 billion following bidding war
The fierce bidding battle over Sky has come to a close -- Comcast has successfully outbid 21st Century Fox to acquire the UK media giant for $39 billion. It clinched the deal following an unusual blind auction through the UK's Takeover Panel, which helps moderate these large scale acquisitions. Comcast had led the bidding for months (including a $34 billion offer in August), but had to go through the Panel after neither side made a final offer.
Apple reportedly delays original shows over mature content
Apple has skewed toward safer fare for its upcoming streaming video service (with occasional exceptions), and it now looks like that might be creating problems for a few shows. Wall Street Journal sources have claimed that Apple's push for more family-friendly material led it to replace the showrunner for the drama from Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, which (along with Witherspoon's scheduling issues) led to delays. Apple wanted a "more upbeat" production and didn't like some of the humor, according to the tipsters.
Apple snags Chris Evans for limited series ‘Defending Jacob’
Chris Evans is the latest star to join Apple's growing TV lineup. The actor, known for playing Captain America, will lead Defending Jacob, a limited series based on a 2012 novel by William Landay. The story centers on an attorney whose 14-year-old son is accused of murdering a classmate. Defending Jacob, which was ordered straight-to-series, will be written by Mark Bomback (Outlaw King, War for the Planet of the Apes) and directed by Morten Tyldum (The Imitation Game).

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