Monthly Archives: April 2016
New Star Wars Doc Explores Film’s Unsung Actors
The upcoming documentary Elstree 1976 "explores the lives of the actors and extras behind one of the most celebrated science fiction films in cinematic history: Star Wars." Some of the Star Wars vets interviewed in writer-director Jon Spira's film include David Prowse, Jeremy Bulloch, Derek Lyons, Pam Rose, Paul Blake, and John Chapman.
Prowse, who portrayed Darth Vader in the original trilogy, recalls in our exclusive clip below how came to learn that Vader's voice would be dubbed by none other than James Earl Jones:
Elstree 1976's official synopsis adds that the film looks "at the unheralded stars of George Lucas’s original film - from the man behind film’s most iconic villain, to the actor whose character was completely cut from the final film - the documentary delves into the eccentric community these individuals have formed and how the Star Wars franchise – which spans five decades from A New Hope to The Force Awakens – continues to impact their lives decades later."
Let it Die Lets You Fight Mutants in Your Underpants
To call Let it Die a hack-and-slash would be a disservice. In my time with Grasshopper Manufacturer's latest psychedelic brain-buster, I did my fair share of hacking and slashing, but there was also a healthy amount chainsawing, grenade throwing, and more running around in my underpants than I care to admit.
That last bit didn’t come as much of a surprise considering that this is, through and through, a Suda51 jam.
Death is literally your tour guide as you wander your way through a crumbling, carnival-themed tower. He periodically pops up, wearing 3D glasses, to compliment your bravery and give you tips on how to survive encounters with the tower’s inhabitants; grotesque mutants, who just so happen to be the results of some twisted experiments and are currently out for your blood.
PAX East 2016 Cosplay Gallery
PAX East 2016 has begun, and we've been collecting pictures of some of our favorite cosplayers. So far we've seen lots of Final Fantasy, Star Wars, and Fallout, all shown off in different shapes, skill levels and sizes. Check 'em out!
Click right for more images -
We'll be updating this article until PAX ends, so make sure you keep an eye on it for awesome updates.
Alanah Pearce is IGN's Toys and Culture Editor, but she's a cosplayer, too! You can find her cosplays on Facebook, or let her know about an awesome cosplay IGN should feature by contacting her on Twitter @Charalanahzard.
Doctor Who Reveals Peter Capaldi’s New Companion
Pearl Mackie has joined the cast of Doctor Who as Bill, Peter Capaldi's new companion, BBC America announced.
"I'm incredibly excited to be joining the Doctor Who family," the actress said of her first major role in a TV series. "It's such an extraordinary British institution, I couldn't be prouder to call the TARDIS my home!"
Capaldi, who stars as Doctor Who's leading man, also chimed in to express his excitement in having Mackie on board, calling her "a fine, fine actress with a wonderful zest and charm" who will be "a refreshing addition to the TARDIS and will bring a universe of exciting new possibilities to The Doctor’s adventures."
For a first look at Mackie as Bill, check out her introduction trailer below.
Thumper Might Be PlayStation VR’s Killer App
Thumper on Playstation VR excels at creating a sense of controlled discomfort. I found my palms sweaty, my heart racing, and an ephemeral sense of dread build up inside of my as I continued to race my puck down the track with no beginning, middle, or end in sight.
Like an unholy mix of Amplitude, Rez, F-Zero, and Super Hexagon, Thumper is described by its developers as a “Rhythm Violence Game.” It’s aggressive, stress-inducing, and a complete sensory overload. The core concept is simple -- you're guiding a shiny, metallic beetle-thingy down a psychedelic rail, twisting and turning to the ebb and flow of the track as you pass through nodes that hit with the beat of the pulse-pounding electronica.
Outlast 2: Stunning, Scary, and Sick
You’d think that a place like the cacophonous show floor of PAX East 2016 would be just about the worst possible venue to preview a game as reliant on mood and atmosphere as Outlast 2, but somehow developer Red Barrels absolutely nailed the presentation. Nestled in the back of the show floor was an ominous wooden structure, and upon entering, we were guided to a claustrophobic nook that removed us from the sounds of the show floor, and given the opportunity to play a 15-minute slice of the sequel.
Like the original, the immediate takeaway from Outlast 2 is just how damn gorgeous the game is. Every single gross, maggot-covered severed limb looks exactly how I'd imagine a gross, maggot-covered severed limb would look like. Textures and objects in the environment are terrifyingly-realistic, low fog and walls of dust obscure your vision in a realistic and evocative way, and the night-vision camera effects from the original game are back to amp up the tension ten-fold.
Grimm Star Reggie Lee Reacts to Wu’s Huge Transformation
Full spoilers for the Grimm episode "Good to the Bone" continue below.
It's the end of Sergeant Wu as we know him, and actor Reggie Lee feels pretty fine about it.
"It's interesting, because I didn't think I would ever be here," he said during a visit to the set of Grimm when the series was filming "Good to the Bone." "I always thought I was like the human that was safe -- safe being a relative term in Grimm."
But no one is safe on Grimm, and now Wu has gone full "NeanderWu," as they called the non-Wesen Lycanthrope creature he transformed into in tonight's episode. Initially the creature was going to be Wesen in origin, but NBC told the Grimm writers that they couldn't change the rules with werewolves on the show.
Battleborn Coming to Rock Band 4
Gearbox Software's upcoming hero shooter Battleborn will be featured in Rock Band 4.
During its panel today at PAX East, Gearbox announced that members of Battleborn's colorful cast will appear in the popular music rhythm game, teasing cameos by both Thorn and Miko.
Teaser image, via Rock Band on Twitter
While the studio didn't provide any further information about the collaboration, additional details will be revealed on Sunday afternoon during Harmonix's PAX East panel, titled "Rock Band: Present, Past and Future."
Witcher Medallion Coming to Rocket League
Rocket League developer Psyonix partnered with CD Projekt Red to bring a little bit of The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt to Rocket League.
On April 26, player can get the Witcher medallion with free with the Hoops Mode update, which adds Rocket League's basketball mode. The Witcher medallion can be attached to battle-cars as an antenna topper.
The Witchers' medallion will watch look over your battle-car.
Here’s What’s Leaving Netflix in May
Click here for our list of what's being added to Netflix in May.
Heads up, streamers. Here's your last call for some specific Netflix movies and TV shows for May. Movies like Blade Runner, The Ladykillers, Black Hawk Down, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, Election, and more are expiring from the service next month.
Below is the list of titles that will be rotating off Netflix.