A new trailer for the HBO original series based on the wildly popular “Game of Thrones” series has been released. The prequel, and title of the new TV series “House of the Dragon” is set 200 years before events that unfolded in “ The Game of Thrones” which breaks down the origin story of House Targaryen.
The series adapted to the big screen thanks to the work of George R. R. Martin novels, specifically “Fire and Blood”. The spinoff will explain how the Targaryens wound up in a brutal civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons, which foreshadow the beginning of the end of the Westeros’ ruling.
The first 10 episodes that will make up the first season is sure to be a huge production, based on reports that each episode cost under $20 million per episode to make.
The streaming platform just released a teaser trailer, along with character information which will feature (get ready for difficult name pronunciations!): Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Paddy Considine as King Viserys Targaryen, Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen, Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria , Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon, Fabien Frankel as Sir Criston Cole, Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower and Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower.
“House of the Dragon” will make its debut this fall on August 21.
Despite most of us knowing we should cut down on salt, Australians consume on average almost twice the recommended daily maximum per day.
Salt has been used in food preservation for centuries, and idioms like “worth your weight in salt” indicate how valuable it was for preserving food to ensure survival. Salt draws moisture out of foods, which limits bacterial growth that would otherwise spoil food and cause gastrointestinal illnesses. Today, salt is still added as a preservative, but it also improves the taste of foods.
Salt is a chemical compound made of sodium and chloride, and this is the main form in which we consume it in our diet. Of these two elements, it’s the sodium we need to worry about.
So what does sodium do in our bodies?
The major concern of consuming too much sodium is the well-established link to the increased risk of high blood pressure (or hypertension). High blood pressure is in turn a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, a major cause of severe illness and death in Australia. High blood pressure is also a cause of kidney disease.
Most of the salt we consume is from processed foods. Shutterstock
The exact processes that lead to high blood pressure from eating large amounts of sodium are not fully understood. However, we do know it’s due to physiological changes that occur in the body to tightly control the body’s fluid and sodium levels. This involves changes in how the kidneys, heart, nervous system and fluid-regulating hormones respond to increasing sodium levels in our body.
Maintaining tight control on sodium levels is necessary because sodium affects the membranes of all the individual cells in your body. Healthy membranes allow for the movement of:
nutrients in and out of the cells
signals through the nervous system (for example, messages from the brain to other parts of your body).
Dietary salt is needed for these processes. However, most of us consume much, much more than we need.
When we eat too much salt, this increases sodium levels in the blood. The body responds by drawing more fluid into the blood to keep the sodium concentration at the right level. However, by increasing the fluid volume, the pressure against the blood vessel walls is increased, leading to high blood pressure.
High blood pressure makes the heart work harder, which can lead to disease of the heart and blood vessels, including heart attack and heart failure.
While there is some controversy around the effect of salt on blood pressure, most of the literature indicates there is a progressive association, which means the more sodium you consume, the more likely you are to die prematurely.
What to watch out for
Certain groups of people are more affected by high-salt diets than others. These people are referred to as “salt-sensitive”, and are more likely to get high blood pressure from salt consumption.
Those most at risk include older people, those who already have high blood pressure, people of African-American background, those who have chronic kidney disease, those with a history of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), and those who had a low birth weight.
Optimal blood pressure is 120/80. Shutterstock
It is important to be aware of your blood pressure, so next time you visit your doctor make sure you get it checked. Your blood pressure is given as two figures: highest (systolic) over lowest (diastolic). Systolic is the pressure in the artery as the heart contracts and pushes the blood through your body. The diastolic pressure in the artery is when the heart is relaxing and being filled with blood.
Optimal blood pressure is below 120/80. Blood pressure is considered high if the reading is over 140/90. If you have other risk factors for heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease, a lower target may be set by your doctor.
How to reduce salt intake
Reducing salt in your diet is a good strategy to reduce your blood pressure, and avoiding processed and ultra-processed foods, which is where about 75% of our daily salt intake comes from, is the first step.
Try to use less salt in your cooking, but home prepared meals are not the worst culprit. Shutterstock
Increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables to at least seven serves per day may also be effective in reducing your blood pressure, as they contain potassium, which helps our blood vessels relax.
Increasing physical activity, stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting your alcohol intake will also help to maintain a healthy blood pressure. Blood pressure reducing medications are also available if blood pressure can not be reduced initially by lifestyle changes.
Prequel based on Game of Thrones: Fire will Reign, GOT fans will see the history of the Targaryens come to life
During a panel for Television Critics’ Association, the HBO network confirmed that the GOT prequel is happening and will begin filming, starting in April. The prequel, “House of the Dragon” is co-created by George R.R. Martin and based off his book “Fire & Blood”.
The series will have a total of 10 episodes and star Paddy Considine as King Viserys Targaryen and will tell the story of the Targaryen war that happened 300 years before events in the series “Game of Thrones”.
Other characters include Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen played by Emma D’Arcy, Queen Alicent Hightower played by Olivia Cooke, Viserys’ and Prince Daemon Targaryen played by Matt Smith.
Another character, Aegon II Targaryen, who is Princess Rhaenyra’s half-brother, also it appears, will be pivotal for the series. The younger half sibling challenges her claim to the throne and is ultimately the cause of the civil war, however the actor that is to play the character has yet to be revealed.
Filming is set to begin in April and based on current information will be slated for release sometime in 2022 on HBO and HBO Max.
In any particular month, on any given streaming platform, besides the “endless” searching to find something you want to watch, there usually is one, or at best two, new incoming movies or TV shows “worthy” of watching.
This month may prove different, since, with the entertainment industry and movie production in full swing, there are buckets of better movies and shows to watch (and this state of affairs will potentially be the case for the remainder of the year).
We’ve broken down some Must Watch Movies and TV shows on each platform with and an overview:
Netflix
Whether its Jack Gyllenhall in the remake of the 2018 “The Guilty“, Andy McDowell is the limited series “Maid” or the prequel to Zack Snyder’s “Army of the Dead” – “Army of Thieves” there is plenty of content to keep us nice and entertained this month. Netflix is the power hitter this month as far as watch-worthy streaming content.
Several widely popular Netflix shows also have new seasons coming our way. First is “On My Block” with, sadly the 4th and final season. And then “You” based on the YA novel and in my opinion is probably the best of the Netflix shows to grace the platform this month. Next is “Locke and Key” and “The Baby-Sitters Club” both coming in season 2.
The Guilty – October 1:
The Maid – October 1:
On My Block – Season 4 – October 4:
YOU -Season 3 – October 15:
https://youtu.be/xAN1ThhTWsE
Army of Thieves – October 29:
HBO
Streamers get to take advantage of all Warner Bros 2021 films that gives subscribers the chance to watch theatrical releases the same day (for up to 31 days) on their HBO Max accounts.
For October there are 2 must watch movies, the highly anticipated “Dune” and “The Many Saints of Newark“. For TV Shows, the third season of the dysfunctional Roy family returns in “Succession“.
The Many Saints of Newark – October 1:
Dune – October 22:
Succession -Season 3 – October 17:
Apple TV+
This streaming platform is bringing us Sci-Fi and extraterrestrial extravaganza. The long awaiting adaption of Isaac Asimov in “Foundation” is available to watch. In addition. On October 22nd (when the first 3 episodes will be released), sci-fi fans can experience “Invasion” what it would be like to live through an alien invasion. Joy!
Foundation – Weekly Episodes – available now:
Invasion – Weekly episodes starting October 22:
Amazon Prime
Since October is obviously the month to bring on the season of spookiness, Amazon Prime has made it a priority is bringing some new horror content to the platform. The biggest original series that it will bring is the latest reboot to the classic ’97 slasher movie “I Know What you Did Last Summer”.
Also starting on October 1st – “Welcome to the Blumhouse” features a total of 4 horror features: “Bingo Hell” and “Black as Night” and then a week later on October 8, an additional two horror indies ” Madres” and “The Manor”.
If you aren’t in the mood for anything ‘scary’ and rather a music fan, specifically a Bieleber – his documentary is also available on Amazon Prime
I Know What You Did Last Summer (Reboot) – October 15:
Welcome to the Blumhouse: (Black as Night and Bingo Hell -October 1 & The Manor and Madres – October 8):
In what has become a monthly Netflix ritual, some great films have just hours left for you to stream them
As is customary when each month comes to a close Netflix is saying “out with the old, in with the new”. There are many new and exciting titles premiering in the Fall months, including October, before that though, the streaming platform is giving viewers a last call to watch some classic movies.
The large list of films and series going out and becoming unavailable is a long one. As of Thursday, September 30th at midnight PT (so dramatic!) no less than 24 items will cease to be available to stream on the Platform.
While some films might be available on other platforms, and they might one day return to Netflix, it is often the case that they switch to a pay-to-pay status during the time that Netflix removes them from its catalog.
In addition to the movies about to disappear there are film “sequel groups” such as Kung Fu Panda 1 & 2, three Austin Powers movies: Austin Powers in Goldmember, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Karate Kid and Karate Kid II & III as well as Star Trek Seasons 1-3, Star Trek: Enterprise Seasons 1-4 and Star Trek Voyager Seasons 1-7!
While many of these big-time sequel franchises are so well known that you might have already seen them all, the two films that we are featuring, though huge hits in the day, are unique & special and, if you have not seen them or want to revisit, we highly recommend that you go for it now, before Netflix retires them indefinitely.
These “double-view” films are great enough to see again…
Watch “Boogie Nights” one of Paul Thomas Anderson’s classics. This movie stars Mark Wahlberg, Burt Reynolds, Heather Graham, Julianne Moore and John C. Reilly.
Or the Oscar-winning drama “The Pianist” directed by Roman Polanski. Adrien Brody stars as Wladyslaw Szpillman, a Jewish pianist that was confined to the Warsaw Ghetto and later forced into hiding as the Nazi’s invaded Poland.
Leaving Netflix this Thursday at Midnight:
Air Force One Austin Powers in Goldmember Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me Boogie Nights Cradle 2 the Grave Evil, Season 1 Fools Rush In Insidious The Karate Kid The Karate Kid Part II The Karate Kid Part III Kung Fu Panda Kung Fu Panda 2 No Strings Attached The Pianist Prom Night The Queen Star Trek Star Trek: Enterprise, Seasons 1-4 Star Trek, Seasons 1-3 Star Trek: Voyager, Seasons 1-7 The Unicorn, Season 1 Why Do Fools Fall in Love
The new season welcomes back the unforgettable cast members, including Sarah Snook as Shiv, Kieran Culkin as Roman, Matthew Macfayden as Tom Wambsgans, and Nicholas Braun as Cousin Greg.
There will also be some new faces which include a lineup of high-amplitude and high-profile guest stars like Adrien Brody, Alexander Skarsgård, Hope Davis, Sanaa Lathan, Linda Emond, and Korean music star Jihae.
A lot has been mentioned in the media-verse about an intensification of Kendall and how it’s all going “full fucking beast.” The trailer does show that and the earlier seasons of incredibly vile dysfunction are looking to be, what else, pumped up a notch is season 3. And those of us that got hooked already into the decadent moral decay of this erzatz Fox-media fiction will cheer at the new depths of disgusting behavior. Yippeee!
Season 3, will strategically enter during the 2022 Emmy Season, and is likely to again be a frontrunner for Best Drama Series. The show won big-time in 2020 for Best Drama Series, Writing, Directing as well as Best Lead Actor to Jeremy Strong grad Guest Actress Cherry Jones.
The brand new season of Succession is slated to premier on October 17, 2021, and you can catch seasons 1 and 2 already and, of course, the new episodes when they are released, as before on HBO Max.
33 Anticipated TV Shows coming out, but there’s not enough time to watch them all!
There will be no shortage of new series and movies one can stream this fall. Netflix just announced its influx of movies (42) to watch. Next comes an avalanche of new TV series, 33 already scheduled for release during the rest of 2021, including new seasons of established shows.
With what feels like the countless number of streaming platforms (Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Paramount+, Peacock, Showtime, you get the point), there are almost too many options to know where the heck to start!
Don’t worry, though, the launching new streaming options won’t end in Fall, your TV watching bonanza will be far from over as the holiday season approaches. The gift of streaming will be seemingly boundless, in particular, due to the release of two upcoming Marvel series: “Hawkeye” and “Ms. Marvel” in addition to Netflix’s “The Witcher”.
The future overall looks bright in the digital entertainment realm, at least with regard to “choice” and seemingly endless options, viewers have so much to watch, even as many of us are also already waiting for the long-planned currently-in-production status of Game of Thrones spinoffs and Lord of the Rings TV series to wrap up and finally come to our screens.
In the meantime, below we picked the top 5, out of a total of 33, not including the 42 upcoming movies, that should definitely be on your list to consider for your screens this Fall.
Succession: Season 3 – HBO – October dates and times TBA:
Made for Love, is a new half-hour dramedy series streaming now on HBO Max. The first three episodes were released on April fools day, (not sure if this is significant) and there are seven more episodes that will come out in a subsequent 2 bundles all available as of April 15th.
Although there may be a familiar vibe for those who enjoyed “Palm Springs”, the Hulu production, there are also some meaningful differences. “Made for Love” is mining the rich ground where love and disaster intersect. The united front in the face of chaos is no longer central to the themes.
The twin or triumvirate of themes, all dark yet at times ridiculously amusing are woven well. Those that have an appetite for the dystopia of tech and romance will be right at home and feel an affinity for the tone.
From HBO: Made for Love is a darkly absurd and cynically poignant story of love and divorce. It follows Hazel Green (Cristin Milioti), a thirty-something woman on the run after 10 years in a suffocating marriage to Byron Gogol (Billy Magnussen), a controlling tech billionaire.
Synopsis: “A woman is on the run after 10 years in a suffocating marriage to a tech billionaire, who has implanted a monitoring device in her brain, allowing him to track her, watch her and know her “emotional data” as she tries to regain her independence.”
Prequel based on Game of Thrones: Fire will Reign, GOT fans will see the history of the Targaryens come to life
During a panel for Television Critics’ Association, the HBO network confirmed that the GOT prequel is happening and will begin filming, starting in April. The prequel, “House of the Dragon” is co-created by George R.R. Martin and based off his book “Fire & Blood”.
Click here to see “Fire & Blood” and help independent bookstores. Also available on Amazon.
The series will have a total of 10 episodes and star Paddy Considine as King Viserys Targaryen and will tell the story of the Targaryen war that happened 300 years before events in the series “Game of Thrones”.
Other characters include Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen played by Emma D’Arcy, Queen Alicent Hightower played by Olivia Cooke, Viserys’ and Prince Daemon Targaryen played by Matt Smith.
Another character, Aegon II Targaryen, who is Princess Rhaenyra’s half-brother, who will be pivotal for the series. The younger half sibling challenges her claim to the throne and ultimately the cause of the civil war, however the actor to play the character has yet to be revealed.
Filming is said to begin in April and based on current information will be slated for release sometime in 2022 on HBO and HBO Max.
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The streaming wars are looking to be forever, which at least is producing a bountiful harvest
After the serious brouhaha surrounding the massively groundbreaking new deal for HBOmax to get all Warner Brothers releases to stream on the same day those new films get to theaters, we are now seeing an avalanche of content building up for release in the first half of 2021. Netflix has new titles releasing weekly and Apple TV+ are hot on their heels.
Quality is king of content, however, and it does look like HBOmax will be able to hold it’s own. You can get a first glimpse below and see if the titles are tempting enough:
Locked Down / January 14, 2021
Just as they decide to separate, Linda (Anne Hathaway) and Paxton (Chiwetel Ejiofor) find life has other plans when they are stuck at home in a mandatory lockdown. Co-habitation is proving to be a challenge, but fueled by poetry and copious amounts of wine, it will bring them closer together in the most surprising way.
The Event / January 14, 2021
A four-episode culinary series premiering January 14 on HBO Max, takes viewers into the kitchen of Wolfgang Puck’s elite catering company as his team tackles some of the industry’s biggest, most exclusive events. Known as the crème de la crème of the industry, Wolfgang Puck Catering is responsible for some of the nation’s most legendary corporate, cultural, and entertainment events. Placing viewers both behind-the-scenes and inside these lavish affairs, The Event follows renowned restaurateur Wolfgang Puck and members of his skilled catering team through every step of their intricate execution process. Each episode features a different high-profile event – from the SAG Awards to HBO’s “Westworld” premiere party – offering access to trade secrets and an unprecedented look into the creative development, planning, and immense scope of running a world-renowned catering company.
Search Party / Season 4 / January 14, 2021
https://youtu.be/VgG1B6w39XI
In the new season, Dory (Alia Shawkat) is held prisoner by her psychotic stalker Chip (Cole Escola), who is determined to make Dory believe that they are best friends. Meanwhile, Portia (Meredith Hagner) is starring in a film about the trial, although not as herself; Elliott (John Early) has switched party lines to become a far-right conservative talk show host; and Drew (John Reynolds) is trying to escape his dark past by working as a costumed cast member in a theme park. As the friends begin to connect the dots that Dory might not be touring Europe as her faked social media posts suggest, they must decide whether or not to put their traumatic pasts behind them and once again become a search party – but this time, for Dory.
Gomorrah / Season 3 / January 21, 2021
Genny takes control and ultimately rules over Naples and Rome. Within his network two women rise to power: Annalisa, named “Scianel”, a key drug pusher and a natural leader, and Patrizia, one of Genny’s most faithful foot soldiers. When Ciro forms a new partnership with the young and ambitious Enzo, a light that once vanished from Ciro’s eyes reappears. The former street-level drug dealers cast their net far beyond the city of Naples and the borders of Italy. Genny, Ciro and Enzo are about to make peace, when Enzo demands a sacrifice.
The Little Things / January 29, 2021:
Deputy Sheriff Joe “Deke” Deacon joins forces with Sgt. Jim Baxter to search for a serial killer who’s terrorizing Los Angeles. As they track the culprit, Baxter is unaware that the investigation is dredging up echoes of Deke’s past, uncovering disturbing secrets that could threaten more than his case.
Arthur’s Law / Available now:
Follows unemployed Arthur Ahnepol (Jan Josef Liefers), who wants his obnoxious wife to die to claim the life insurance and start a new life with his mistress, which sets off a series of disastrous events.
Perfect Life / January 21, 2021:
After getting dumped by her long-term boyfriend and pregnant by a one-night stand, María’s meticulous life plan begins to slip into disarray – but her sister Esther and best friend Cristina are determined to see her through.
Selena + Chef / Season 2 / January 21, 2021:
https://youtu.be/CUcJMjw18-g
The series features the multi-platinum selling recording artist, actress, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist as she navigates unfamiliar territory: making delicious meals while stuck at home in quarantine. Selena continues her cooking adventures at home with a new roster of all-star chefs that help her whip up delicious dishes.
The epic sci-fi with man eating sandworms is coming to a theater or couch near you
The production company Warner Bros. announced its plan to release ALL its 2021 movies in an unprecedented, unique hybrid, consumer-focused, yet very 2020 way. Warner Bros. will release its films theatrically worldwide, while also adding exclusive access to the HBO Max streaming platform on the same day for a one month period (U.S. only).
There will be a wide range of releases on HBO Max throughout 2021 for every type of movie lover. One much anticipated movie on the list is Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s of Dune. The movie will hits both theaters and HBO Max on October 1, 2021.
The star-studded cast includes: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Stellan Skarsgård, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, and Javier Bardem.
Speaking of Zendaya and HBO, the “Euphoria” Rue special is coming this weekend and will air Dec. 6. The series premiered summer 2019 and was supposed to return for a second season this year. Due to COVID-19 the production was shut down but creator Sam Levinson shot two “special episodes” in order to give audience a little something and bridge the gap to Season 2.
In an article by Inverse, Herbert’s son, Brian Herbert spoke about the upcoming film:
“I was very impressed by the trailer, and I was thrilled to actually be on the movie set in Budapest last year, where my wife and I watched the filming of several scenes. This is a really big movie, a major project that will forever be considered THE definitive film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic novel. Fans are going to love this movie. Denis Villeneuve is the perfect director to do Dune.”
The mythic and emotionally charged hero’s journey, “Dune” tells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence—a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential—only those who can conquer their fear will survive.
Here is a little taste of the titles you’ll be seeing next year
Alongside “Wonder Woman: 1984” for Christmas release 2020, there will be an additional 17 movies to be released over the next 12 months.
Immediate Streaming option set after blockbuster WB / HBO max announcement
In great news for Harley Quinn aficionados, included among the 17 movie titles to be released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max, is the upcoming sequel, “The Suicide Squad”. HBO Max subscribers will be able to reap the benefits and watch, for no extra charge, Harley and Crew in the DC movie on August 6, 2021.
The star studded cast, will be be reprising their roles from the 2016 version (Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn) and also a huge list of stars to play the DC villains. There are also set to be additional high-profile new additions including Idris Elba, Peter Capaldi and Sylvester Stallone.
Brad Pitt Coupling for Babylon in the works
In other Margot Robbie news, a major development: reports that she will replace Emma Stone in “Babylon” alongside Brad Pitt.
Margot and Pitt have worked together splendidly in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”. Babylon, a Paramount production has a Christmas Day 2021 release date planned.
Because the California Film Commission coughed up a $17.5 million tax credit based on the film qualifying as a “period drama” and California project, and that “Babylon” is expected to generate $83.4 mil. in local economic activity, a.k.a. “qualified spending”, the shooting will need to commence within 180 days (or lose all that cash).
Oh wait, and in addition to director James Gunn’s new take on his version of “The Suicide Squad” to hit theaters and HBO Max on Aug 06, 2021, Gunn is also working on a television series for HBO, a spin-off called “Peacemaker” which is currently in production.
A more permanent “new normal” appears to be emerging in effort to adapt to a post-pandemic future
The debut for WB’s slate of movies to hit streaming services concurrently with theater releases, will undoubtedly have drastic consequences for the the already hard-pressed and struggling theaters.
Warner Bros. made mention that the hybrid release is strictly due to the pandemic, yet it’s unclear how the studio will navigate with movie releases for 2022 and beyond given the new model they are setting into motion.
Movie theater stock prices fell on the news. AMC shares dropped more than 15 percent, while Cinemark was down 14.5 percent.
Following the announcement, theater chain AMC’s CEO and president, Adam Aron made note they have “already commenced an immediate and urgent dialogue with the leadership of Warner on this subject.” He continued by saying “As for AMC, we will do all in our power to ensure that Warner does not do so at our expense. We will aggressively pursue economic terms that preserve our business.”
Theaters like AMC were agreeable to the one time exception of the Wonder Woman:1984 release to both theaters and streaming, however it appears they appear less thrilled to be on-board with the decision to upload the entirety of 2021’s schedule of films with that same release model.
Another large theater chain, Cinemark, wasn’t able to comment on how the hybrid model would impact its theaters in the long-term, “In light of the current operating environment, we are making near-term booking decisions on a film-by-film basis,” said a spokesperson.
It’s hard to not to have seen something like this coming. Streaming videos are been on the rise. Earlier this year Disney+ released “Mulan” and Universal released “King of Staten Island” and “Trolls: World Tour” straight to on-demand platforms.
Future evolution of entertainment distribution is a big unknown, like nearly everything else
Warner Bros and HBO are doing it a little differently. What has been typical during the pandemic, is the increased number of options for premium video-on-demand (PVOD) where viewers are given access to blockbusters on the same day as theater release but are required to pay a premium price, in some cases upwards of $30.
Yet in the case of WB’s 2021 movies, provided you are already a HBO Max subscriber, you will be able to watch these movies at no additional charge, other than your monthly fee. Compared to a PVOD price of $30 for one movie, $14.99 a month for the 17 movies for 2021 seems like a no-brainer.
There is a 30-day availability limitation currently set on these special same-day release titles, but that would likely only be an issue if you wanted to sign up for a single month to game the system, so to speak.
It does appear to be the case that this announcement and others that may be soon to come, still represent a form of experimentation by WB / HBO max to see what works during a pandemic. At the same time, there are some major signs that this is the beginning of the end for movie theaters, at least as the primary vehicle for the initial release phase of major feature films.
It’s unclear whether the dual release model will set a permanent new precedent for how Warner Brothers conducts its business, as currently only 2021 films are on the table. Come 2022 it is also possible that the entire entertainment landscape will be unrecognizable, since, for example, theater chains, such as Regal Cinema, are already at the brink of bankruptcy.
Entire WB slate will have simultaneous HBO max availability
Warner Bros. has announced it will be releasing its 2021 movies in a unique hybrid, consumer-focused, yet very 2020 way. Warner Bros. will release its films theatrically worldwide, while also adding exclusive access to the HBO Max streaming platform on the same day for a one month period (U.S. only).
Among the 17 titles now slated to be available on HBO max on the same day of theatrical release are Matrix 4, Mortal Kombat and Godzilla vs. Kong. There will be no “video-on-demand” uncharge as long as you are an HBO max member. There is also a 30 day limitation on the availability of each title from the day of release, with an unknown “dark” period until it would, presumably, become available again as part of the general HBO max offerings.
Strong enticement to subscribe if you tend to enjoy WB films and other HBO exclusives
Although, for example, DreamWorks Animation sequel Trolls World Tour was made available for rental, and Disney’s Mulan was on Disney Plus in September, in both cases there was an up-charge to stream them and considered at the time to be “early” for streaming release and therefore require this extra payment to view. HBO max, due to it’s affiliation to Warner Brothers, will be offering its films for no extra charge as long as you have a membership.
It’s also important to note that HBO Max has discontinued the previously established weeklong free trial. So, for example it you want to see Wonder Woman on December 25th or stream any of the upcoming films, a minimum of one month of the service, which is $15 would have to be paid or, in some cases you might be able to take a regular HBO subscription and use it to snag a free upgrade to HBO max. There may also be specials to sign up that can be found, with a little sleuthing on your part.
“No one wants films back on the big screen more than we do. We know new content is the lifeblood of theatrical exhibition, but we have to balance this with the reality that most theaters in the U.S. will likely operate at reduced capacity throughout 2021.
With this unique one-year plan, we can support our partners in exhibition with a steady pipeline of world-class films, while also giving moviegoers who may not have access to theaters or aren’t quite ready to go back to the movies the chance to see our amazing 2021 films.
We see it as a win-win for film lovers and exhibitors, and we’re extremely grateful to our filmmaking partners for working with us on this innovative response to these circumstances.”
Trailer hints at a major over-haul which led to the upcoming 4 x 1 hour Segments
Zack Snyder let loose a new trailer on Vero and Twitter for the upcoming “Synder-Cut” of Justice League that will be released on HBO Max in 2021. The director purposely gave fans an opportunity to experience the trailer on the exact 3 year anniversary of the theatrical release of the Justice League, originally released on Nov. 17, 2017.
The new, crazy Snyder-esque full version will run nearly 4 hours and be jammed-packed with never-before seen footage from the DC FanDome, and this time around, (surprise!), it will be in black and white. He culled the new content from previously-shot clips (of which he no doubt has a boat-load in his archive). Apparently, according to sources, in the release will be separated, and the marathon will get further cut into one hour sections, presumably, to remove the medical dangers that could arise from any binging into a four hour watch-a-thon without a break…
In an even more thrilling tidbit, for the obsessed, there will also be 4-5 minutes of brand new footage, including some featuring Jared Leto is his role as (the new) Joker. The director shared the new trailer with the hashtag: #UsUnited, as a homage to the now-famous line Batman uttered at the end of the 2017 Justice League.
An introduction for fans meant to build the buzz, in anticipation of the new longer, darker version to come
The world’s greatest super heroes, the Justice League, comprising of DC’s unprecedented team, including the likes of Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash, who are known to have fought to restore faith, and recover the humanity in humanity.
“It will be an entirely new thing, and, especially talking to those who have seen the released movie, a new experience apart from that movie.”
The God of Evil himself, Darkseid, as played by Ray Porter, is said to be notably featured within the movie, giving the “Snyder-Cut” a unique story-arc emphasizing a different and darker perspective, one that only Zack himself can produce.
Justice League stars:
Ben Affleck as Batman
Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman
Henry Cavill as Superman
Amy Adams as Lois Lane
Jason Momoa as Aquaman
Connie Nielsen as Hippolyta
Ezra Miller as The Flash
Ray Fisher as Cyborg
Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth
Diane Lane as Martha Kent
Ciarán Hinds as Steppenwolf
Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor
J.K. Simmons as Commissioner Gordon
Jared Leto as Joker
Ray Porter as Darkseid
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