Silver Screen Saver

3D Frenzy

2010-04-28T19:15:00.003-04:00

In an age where originality is all but dead and consumers not only accept, but expect to be treated to washed up and reused ideas, the 3D film fad is just the latest trend Hollywood is milking for all it’s worth.
3D movies have been around since the early 1950’s, a fact that most people seem to have forgotten about. Sure, they remember seeing the pictures of people wearing funny-looking blue and red glasses, but that’s not the kind of 3D they have in mind.
“When I think of 3D movies, usually the first words that come to mind are things like Imax and CGI,” said Matthew Frankwitt, a freshman history major at Point Park University. “That stuff they had back in the 50’s doesn’t really compare to what we have now.”
It’s true that there have been many amazing advances in the 3D film industry over the last few decades, but all 3D movies, from the 50’s to the current era, are based on the same concept; their goal is to add another plane of vision or dimension to the picture.
After the initial hype died down in the 50’s, there were usually one to two 3D movies released each year; sometimes several years would pass without one. In the last decade alone, however, the upsurge in 3D movies being filmed and released is staggering, begging the question, ‘why now?’
“I think it’s all the technology we have now that works so well with 3D,” said Kate Dillon, an 18-year-old accounting major at Duquesne University. “They can actually film the movies now in a way that makes them look more realistic. I do think it’s getting a little excessive though.”
“I recently read a quote that said something like ‘3D is like the autotune of the film industry,’ and I completely agree with this statement,” said Alaina Komlenic, a sophomore business major at Duquesne. “In my opinion it’s what someone does when they have a script or cast of characters that can’t hold their own. It’s a gimmick, but of course that means people will be flocking to go see whatever you screen in 3D.”
Both Komlenic and Frankwitt expressed concern at the number of movies that are now filming or already set to be released in 3D this year alone.
“It’s a fad like anything else,” Frankwitt said, “but instead of showing signs of slowing down or stopping, this fad just seems to be picking up steam.”

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Now You Decide

2010-04-26T15:43:00.001-04:00

You've seen which summer movies everyone else is just dying to see, now you tell us, which is number 1 on your list!

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Summer Sequels and Blockbusters

2010-04-22T15:32:00.005-04:00

It's going to be another summer full of box office blockbusters and long-awaited sequels, and here's what some of you had to say about it!

redbox Promo!!

2010-04-16T17:07:00.001-04:00

Hey guys, looks like redbox has finally decided to reward all of its loyal customer with a new promo offer. the picture below is a link that will take you to redbox's web site for more details.

Blockbuster Blue Box

2010-03-19T05:13:00.000-04:00

So it looks like redbox is finally getting some competition. Blockbuster Blue Boxes have finally began to appear in our area, mainly at local Sheetz gas stations and convenience stores.

While redbox already has quite a head start, it sounds as though Blockbuster intends to be quite the competitor, releasing 10,000 of their kiosks within the next year alone. This rivals the 6,000 redbox currently has in place. Though I have never used the system myself, i plan on rectifying this soon and reporting my findings. If anyone has used the system comment and let us know!! Here is a promo code I found, though I can't guarantee that it will work guys; gsnx9×8

Technical Issues

2010-03-18T02:02:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry for all of the issues with the page recently, I understand that one of the links was corrupted and redirecting people all over the place. The problem has been resolved and the movie madness can begin again! Be sure to comment if there is anything specific you'd like more information on in the coming weeks!!

The Exchange

2010-03-12T10:57:00.001-05:00

Though it's not a well kept secret, many people still don't know the joys of The Exchange. With locations downtown, in the South Side, and all over the Pittsburgh Area, it's a wonder that more people don't take the time to stop in and shop around.

" Shopping at The Exchange is easy and fun. You can buy, sell or trade any combination of new and used movies, music, games, accessories and more. Bring in your old movies and music and get new titles or other used titles. Exchange your used games for that brand new game you’ve been waiting to be released."

For a full overview of how The Exchange works, click here. For a complete list of locations, click here. Round up those old movies and games and get trading today!

Netflix

2010-03-09T01:45:00.001-05:00

So we've all heard of netflix, right? Well for those who have never tried it or never looked into it before, here are some little known facts that can have you seeing your favorite movies and saving you money at the same time.

When it first started, netflix allowed users to go online, browse their movies and select those which they would like sent to their house. The could keep the movies as long as they pleased, though membership was on a month to month basis. when finished witht he movie they were on, users could send it back and pick another to be sent to them.

While all of the traditional rules still apply, netflix also added another, more convenient way to watch your favorite movies on demand. Now as part of your monthly membership you also have access to their online collection of movies and television shows. Instead of having to wait a day or two for your movie to be delivered you can stream it over the internet and watch it free of charge as part of your monthly package.

Netflix offers new users a free one month trial on there website. Click here for further details.

A Short Rant

2010-03-05T19:46:00.000-05:00

Is it me or does it seem like there just aren't a whole lot of original ideas for movies anymore? Every time I go to see a movie all of the previews are for sequels, remakes or movies based on books. I don't understand this trend, it's like Hollywood has run out of ideas and is completely scrambling to come up with whatever they can. It's fine every once in awhile, but honestly it seems like they're getting a little out of control now.
Let me know what you guys think of the growing trends!

Now's Your Chance

2010-03-03T09:48:00.000-05:00

The Blind Side, One of this year's nominees for best picture, is now playing at the Maxi Saver, Carmike Cinemas number 12 in Century Square. Click here for ticket information and show times. Below is a trailer for the movie (personally not a fan of the blonde Sandra Bullock but hey, whatever works for you...)

And the Academy Award goes to...

2010-02-28T17:23:00.000-05:00

One week till the Oscars! Here's your chance to pick the winner and then watch the 82nd Annual Academy Awards to see if you guessed right!

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

This Week's redbox Pick

2010-02-26T11:48:00.002-05:00

Looking for a nice family film to rent over the weekend? Maybe something wholesome you can watch with the kids? Well then this week's pick is definitely not for you.

Sorority Row is a remake of a 1980's slasher that was filmed in the Munhall area of Pittsburgh. Like most modern day horror films, Sorority Row plays heavily to the blood, guts and gore crowd, while keeping away from any material that might be considered "too fluffy" by avid slasher fans. It dives right into the action not 20 minutes into the movie and continues throughout the entire hour and and 40 minutes.

As far as horror films go, it's everything that you'd expect to see. The final twist leaves a great set up for a sequel, which is already rumored to be in the works. Overall it's worth a rental, if only because it was shot in the area.

Red Carpet Preview

2010-02-25T10:18:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year again. The 82nd Annual Academy Awards are set to take place in less than two weeks and the hype about who will take home which awards has begun. The link below will take you to a list of these year's nominees for each category.

2010 Nominations

As a new twist this year, the academy has upped the nominations for best picture. Instead of the traditional 4 nominees, this year 10 movies will be competing for the top spot. Best of luck to all those nominated, check back for more updates soon!

Premiers

2010-02-20T14:19:00.000-05:00

Sadly movie premiers aren't always as glamorous as they sound. But they can be a great way to see a new movie without having to empty your wallet. South Side Works often distributes free passes to the businesses around it in order to fill seats for a premier. Loews at the waterfront usually premiers movies on weeknights, keeping their $5 price in place. Not all movies have huge premieres, but then some, like those in the Twilight series, have been known to sell out 19 theaters in their opening night. Just keep an eye out for big name movies premiering and see if you can't manage to stay up past midnight

This Week's redbox Pick

2010-02-19T11:26:00.001-05:00

In the mood for a scary/thrilling movie? Might I recommend The Stepfather, a thriller that was just released on dvd and, you guessed it, redbox. Here's another free cpde in case you're not sold on spending a dollar on it; breakroom

Valentines Day

2010-02-14T12:49:00.000-05:00

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Weeknights at the Waterfront

2010-02-08T15:36:00.001-05:00

Much like South Side Work's Movie Mondays, Loews theater at the Waterfront runs a special every weeknight for $5. It's not a terrible price and you get to see all of the new releases. One issue with the Waterfront is the curfew in place; anyone under 18 will not be admitted to any movie that ends after 10pm without a parent or guardian present.
Here's a list of current show times for Waterfront 22

Maxi Saver 12

2010-02-05T17:05:00.000-05:00

So one great solution to the whole "how to save money and see the movies you love" question has always been the Carmike Maxi Saver Located by Century 3 mall, this theater is well known for it's reasonable prices. All movies at all times cost only $1.

The only setback is that the movies they screen are anywhere from 2 to 6 months old and have already left most other theaters. This, however, is only a problem if you are the kind of person who has to see a movie when it first comes out. If you don;t mind waiting a bit to see a movie, or there's something you're to sure you absolutely have to see, the this is the solution for you. Although the theater isn't in the best shape, it serves it's purpose and is rarely crowded. Click the link above to see current show times for the theater.

redbox

2010-02-03T11:16:00.003-05:00

Ok, so it's hump day and most people just don't feel like getting dressed up and going to see a movie. That doesn't mean that you have to suffer and just watch whatever happens to be on tv. Renting movies has gotten easier that ever, thanks to redbox!

Redbox rentals are cheap and the machines are everywhere, most local grocery stores and gas stations have them now. This is also helpful because you can return your movie to any redbox machine when you're finished with it; it doesn't have to be returned to the one where you rented it. All movies cost $1 per night, from the time you rent it until 9pm the following evening.

Redbox does require you to use a credit or debit card, but it is only charged another dollar for each night that you have it. One great feature redbox offers is free rental codes, which are delivered via email every now and then when you sign up. As a gift to you guys here's a code for tonight: dvdonme

Just type that in and you can select any movie for a free rental for one night. The slideshow above includes a few of redbox's newest movies, as well as a few of my personal favorites; Enjoy!!

South Side Works Movie Mondays

2010-02-01T11:27:00.005-05:00

Every Monday night, South Side Works Cinemas offers $5 Movie Mondays. This is a great opportunity for students to catch some of the latest movies at a (slightly) more reasonable price. Playing this week are some big name movies such as The Lovely Bones, Sherlock Holmes and It's Complicated. Personally I'd pick the last one, but then I'm a sucker for romantic comedies/Alec Baldwin.

One thing you may want to watch out for is 3D movies, like the current box office hit, Avatar. While the $5 price is still in effect, 3D movies are subject to a surcharge of $3.25, meaning that you'll have to pay $8.25 in the end. Not worth it in my opinion.

Here is a list of show times for Monday, February 1, 2010.

Back In Business

2010-01-27T12:29:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the delay in getting things up and running, apparently our fearless leader (Google) didn't like what I was doing and decided to lock me out of my account for a few days. After several emails to their tech department I got a response that basically said: oops, out bad. Now that the mistake is taken care of I'll be able to post some great ways to see the movies you want without breaking the bank. Look for more in the coming week!

Welcome

2010-01-20T12:11:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my blog!!