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Tags: bilbo baggins, cdwow, Film, hobbit, lord of the rings, lotr, movie, peter jackson
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Doogs’ films of 2010 to be seen for 2011

Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

When the clouds of fog fade from the squishy piles of electrically charged brain cells, you know the hangover’s gone. The last of the greasy food for 2010 has been digested, and you feel like a mess. Great start to the year, you say.

Well this week, I’d like to look at the best 2010 had to offer, just so I bring back some better memories than stress overload on that last week of holiday fun. I figured it was better to look back at the year, rather than look whilst still in the year. It has more ‘Aww’ value to it when looking backwards. It’s like seeing a photograph on your digital camera straight after you’ve taken it. In the wise words of Demetri Martin: “Wow, we looked so young back then.”

Best Movies of 2010 – Doogs’ Edition

Inception

Inception
For those hating movies over one and a half hours, Inception would be like reading half of an instruction manual. Christopher Nolan has a well-maintained explosive atmosphere of a Michael Bay film, crossed with enough background to keep you thinking something’s amiss.

After the wonderful Dark Knight, Shutter Island was just another tick for the director in the good books.Then came along this beauty. With Leonardo DiCaprio coming along to amaze us again (seriously, I can’t even remember his Titanic acting anymore. It’s amazing!…), and the brilliant Joseph Gordon-Levitt as well (seriously, I can’t even remember his 3rd Rock from the Sun acting anymore. It’s amazing!…), it was an imaginative story with livid visuals and a ‘boom’ing soundtrack. BWAHHHHH! BWAHHHHH!

On a side note: It was real sad to hear Pete Postlethwaite (the priest in Romeo & Juliet) passed away yesterday. I had a big smile when I saw he came on screen. Brilliant actor.

Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3
We saw the end to an amazing story that made the biggest impression and kickstart into 3D animated films. Pixar’s quality has always been above the rest in terms of storytelling and imagination, as well as technological wizardry.

Toy Story 3 made you feel for plastic toys. The only emotions one could get from Barbie and Ken in real life would be severely immature.

Thinking back to the original, there was this special attachment you had with these characters, so the way it unfolded in the third just felt really nice. There aren’t too many movies that can afford the rights to put toys you remember from yesteryear on screen for even more nostalgic value.

Kick-Ass

Kick-Ass
In the mess of comic book adaptations, one film had the audacity to not only put Nicholas Cage in a near-perfect role (not involving bees), but also stir controversy for having a young girl kick ass, and have the sailor’s mouth.

Kick-Ass had the similar story structure of a teenager coming to grips with comic book dreams (sorta), and also feel for the child trying to impress her single parent.

I still can’t get over how cool badass Hit Girl was. I just really…really couldn’t handle being a parent after seeing that though. “Honey, clean up your room or I won’t give you the antidote for this morning’s breakfast. You’ve got an hour and…not wait sorry five minutes.”

A-Team

The A-Team
Some will argue that in the mess of remakes, none of them should’ve been given the light of day for the main reason that they shouldn’t have happened in the first place. But when you put together a crack team of war veterans and are all wise-cracky and stuff, it just turns into a funny action movie.

The Expendables were going to take the place of A-Team, but I was watching A-Team with more initial scepticism, which turned into a big cheesy smile. While Expendables was a big cheesy smile, turned into sadness that the history of those action stars…were coming to an end… :’(

Scott Pilgrim vs The World

Scott Pilgrim vs The World
To satisfy one of the all-time best movies in a long time for myself was Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, a film which despite knowing the demographic it was aimed at was nowhere near the majority, was able to please the die-hard comic book fans, and newbies.

Yes Michael Cera plays his nervous-type character, but he’s got more macho outbursts, like when he randomly beats people up, not knowing he’s got fighting skills. And the Vegan Police…the coolest guys ever.

I’ve been a fanboy of Edgar Wright since Shaun of the Dead, so it was another film to put on my list. This movie made me want to read the comic books, to which I had a nice suprise that they were so nicely translated.

Obviously you’re going to miss a lot of parts coming from a 6 book series (the last of which hadn’t even been released until after production started on the film), but even die-hard fans were like “Yeah, that’s cool.”

So, any films I missed out on? It’s 2011, I know. We need to rectify the not-seeing-2010′s-films-before-2011 issue. Really, it’s a problem!

Tags: 2010, a-team, cdwow, inception, kick-ass, movies, scott pilgrim, toy story
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2010 – An end to an explosive decade

Friday, December 31st, 2010

It is at this time of the year when a frenzy of change occurs. People all around the world dedicate themselves to goals that they know they should’ve made months ago, but use the full force of a new year to encourage.

Some donate their old Spice Girls CDs to those unaware of who they are not only for self-healing, but also a social experiment to see if a decade on, “Wannabe” can still be infused into the mind. Torturous, but hey, you’re too busy worrying about going to the gym more. You can’t be held responsible!

2010 was a big year, believe it or not. I have admittedly focused more on the more horrible things that have come out this year, but it was only out of love. Saying that, there were some absolutely amazing movies, games, books and TV shows that came from it too, and next week I will be properly celebrating what I think 2010 should be proud to give to the world.

If you didn’t check out our ‘Top 10′ lists for 2010 done by our awesome staff members Mark (CDs), Shayne (DVDs), Anthea (CDs) and Andy (Games), click here. If you’ve ever made your own ‘Top 10′ list, you would be all-too-familiar with the agonizing time spent trying to organise the numbers to make it just right. Trust me, it’s caused one too many debates about what should be number 4, right down to a character’s wincing in a scene.

Next week will be an in-depth exploration on what made 2010 what it was. Movies, music, games and books will all be discussed, and I encourage ever one of you to shout out your ideas. We love hearing what makes you absolutely absorbed, fascinated, or even at awe of. At CD WOW we love what we do, and what we offer. The great thing about the internet is discussing the best (and worst) of practically everything. It’s a warming piece of news to hear from our customers and break down that barrier that seems to exist nowadays from record stores and game shops.

The last conversation I had at a record store was telling the guy behind the counter, who didn’t know any David Bowie songs, that Vanilla Ice’s ‘Ice Ice Baby’ sampled ‘Under Pressure’, to which he looked at me as if I was on something.

I was. It was rage. And it was also Christmas shopping.

"This is Bowie back to Bowie, I hear you loud and clear man. HOO-YAH MAHN!"

But ask someone in our office about Bowie, and the conversation will no doubt be an in-depth conversation on what was the best time for Bowie, his cameos in film, and why Flight of the Conchords’ version of Bowie has now been infused into our vocal chords come karaoke time.

There are going to be some amazing releases come 2011, and we’ll be there to bring it to you. Jump on to pre-ordering some to get a nice early discount. We love having an open discussion, so please feel free to tell us what you’d love us to add to our catalogue, change about the process, anything! We do listen, and unless the question involves ninjas and pirates (to which there is no answer, only mayhem), we’ll be right on getting it sorted.

2010 is indeed an end to a year, and also a decade. Musical genres have spread out even more than first imagined, and movies are becoming more daring with storytelling than ever before.

With that said, let me be the one to say: Have an absolutely amazing 2011, stick to your resolutions as long you can (or want), and thank you for a fantastic celebration of 2010.

Bonne année!

Tags: 2010, 2011, album, best, CD, cdwow, Flight Of The Conchords, inception, Spice Girls, wow
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On the 10th day of Christmas…

Thursday, December 9th, 2010

"OH MY GAWWWD!"

Christmas fast approaches! It’s one of those seasons that you just can’t miss. The decorations are everywhere: The supermarket, the clothing stores, train stations, even elevators. While the grudge against the need to buy presents for everyone comes first, it should be understood that, yes, Christmas is a time for giving. To everyone. That means you.

You may have bought for mum or dad. The siblings might have already been taken care of. But what about you? Why can’t you help yourself avoid that awkward moment of “Thanks, I needed another one of those,” or “That’s so thoughtful!”?

We’ve been running our ‘10 Days of Christmas’ promotion for…you guessed it, ten days. Well, it’s happening now, depending on when you read this. Or it happened some time ago. I cannot foresee your reading habits, but I can predict.

Nonetheless, I challenge you to finally take a stand this Christmas and buy something for yourself. If you don’t, who will? Well, that’s maybe not an issue, but think of the awkwardness! Imagine knowing you have three brand new CDs waiting for you to rip open from your rushed wrapping.

Bliss.

Hit the homepage to see our ‘Chart CD’ promo for the 9th day. Coming soon (tomorrow), the 10th and final day. What will we offer? You’ll have to find out for yourself!

Tags: CD, cdwow, chart, cheap, Christmas, music, n64, promo
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End of Side B for the Walkman

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010

He couldn't handle it.

It seems more of a personal attack on childhood memories than a business decision, but after three decades of representing portable music, Sony’s cutting the cord of Walkman units.

The pinnacle of portable listening devices has seen the toughest of competitors, and at the old (technological) age of 31, it is time to take out those ‘AA’ batteries and stick them into your TV remote.

How woeful it is to see such a device being taken off the shelves. It’s one of those “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone” moments more or less, but considering I have a different branded music player, I can’t be too protective of a brand that I myself don’t still endorse.

I always loved using our stereo to dub tracks from the radio, and years later from other CDs, to those cassettes that could be sped up double-time by holding the ‘Play’ button halfway.

Do you remember ‘Mega Bass’, or the other brand’s ‘Bass Boost’? It did practically nothing to the sound, but it proved to people that you weren’t one to mess around with your music. Those Beastie Boys would’ve been all intergalactic up in your grill if your Mega Bass wasn’t turned on.

I laugh now thinking about the ‘Shuffle’ function we have. When I had my portable CD player, I remember pressing the ‘Random’ button, only to keep pressing ‘Skip’ ten times until that one track I wanted to listen to came on. We’ve gone from twelve tracks on a disc to 12 weeks of music no bigger than the palm of your hand.

Sure, the Walkman has come and gone, but I will never yield my childhood memories for an apple with a bite in it.

Have you ever had this moment of numbness for something you remember?

Tags: apple, bass boost, headphones, ipod, mega bass, music, portable, sony, walkman
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We lost a Cunningham today

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

Wednesday was supposed to be a happy day.

Richie Cunningham was a very recognisable name back in the 70’s due to the TV show Happy Days. Ron Howard’s clean-cut character was a symbol to the way which Americans hoped their son would end up like, minus the devious plots to attract women.

But it was father Howard Cunningham that was the essential voice of reason, contrasting the extremely cool and wild ‘Fonz’. Tom Bosley had a great comedic talent to nicely finish up jokes missing that final finishing ingredient.

He passed away this morning due to lung cancer, and even though I only knew this particular role of his, it’s still sad to read about it.

Parents in TV shows and movies that seem to encapsulate all sorts of personalities, but all with the best of intentions for the children of the family that we needed when we were young. So it’s normal to have a certain soft spot inside of us when something like a death happens.

No one would shed a tear for the Full Metal Jacket drill sergeant for his kindness (but for how awesome he was at being a drill sergeant).

Are there any mothers or fathers on TV or a movie that you think would’ve been awesome (aside from your own, of course)?

Being one of the Cosby kids would’ve been cool. You get all the lessons needed to grow up a respectful member of society, and you can listen to dad talk about pudding pops.

I’m sure as a mother she’d be irritating with that laugh, but That 70’s Show’s Kitty Forman makes an awesome mother. She even came down to the basement that one time, so she’s not a total prude.

Tags: 70s show, cosby, cunningham, fonz, forman, full metal jacket, happy days, howard, kitty, richie, ron howard, tom bosley
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Monkeys are our best line of defence

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

With the countdown of days until the Commonwealth Games begin in New Delhi, the stories about the location being difficult due to unfinished and dangerous buildings are only the start.

The organisers, in an attempt to up security at this event, have enlisted the help of highly intelligent monkeys to patrol the stadiums to scare off other wildlife.

I’ve got a picture of the guards currently patrolling the grounds.

Suited for the job.

Charleton Heston tried to warn us of our impending doom ahead, but it seems we just weren’t listening.

Net! My one true weakness!

I know it sounds like a necessary precaution, but just like the uprising of the robots, we need to watch these apes.

We all love a movie about some sort of animal or inanimate object putting the human race at risk of extinction or slavery.

Computers had Matrix, aliens had Independence Day, black clouds had Lost.

If I see one texting with a Blackberry, I’m grabbing some heavy weaponry and building a bunker. You may laugh now, but monkeys can already drive jetskis and star in movies alongside Charlize Theron. It’s only a matter of time.

Be careful at who you give your next babysitting job to. Otherwise, you could very well be looking at this soon.

How'd they only blow the bottom half up like that?

We’ve currently got our CD WOW Games sale going right now, so stop monkeying around (OH what an original pun!) and check out some of the nice deals we’ve got set up.

Tags: Charleton Heston, Charlize Theron, commonwealth games, guard, monkey, new delhi, Planet Of The Apes, security
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Real ligers = Threat to humanity!

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

"Great shading work, Dyno."

When television and movies have the ability to inspire others, it brings on a whole new idea of how the power of media can bring about change. The advancements in technology alone are worth being inspired about.

Without Star Trek there wouldn’t be those out there inspired to start colonies on other life forms. Captain Kirk made inter-galactic lovemaking so natural-looking.

But sometimes an idea intended to be silly, or one without substance within reality, can become more of a mess when planted in the wrong minds.

Napoleon Dynamite was a teenager who didn’t fit in particularly well in high school. His social ineptitude led to his awkwardness and negative demeanour was a result of his personality clashes with the rest of the school.

He knew ninja skills were essential not only for self-defence, but to pick up the ladies. He also had a thing for drawing.

One particular drawing that stood out was a combination of two very dangerous felines (and it didn’t involve Catwoman).

The ‘Liger’, which is a male lion bred with a tigress (not like those male tiger, female lion ‘Tiglon’s), was a breed of animal that had the survival skills of both animals. Yet a quick search on Wikipedia will tell you: “Ligers enjoy swimming which is a characteristic of tigers and are very sociable like lions, but unlike tiglons, ligers are more likely to live past birth.”

This is an important fact for survival in its simplest form. It shows superiority. Ligers are also capable of growing much larger than average lions.

A private zoo in Taiwan recently received a $50,000 Taiwan dollars (about $1,600 USD) fine for not gaining approval to breed their newly born ligers.

Some may say it sounds crazy for two animals to mate under the gazing eye of zoo keepers. But that’s another true characteristic that we’re seeing in these new super breeds: Secrecy.

Only a matter of time...

If they start growing thorns like Napoleon’s sketch, we may not be at the top of the food chain anymore.

Tags: liger, lion, napoleon dynamite, Star Trek, tiger
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What? Me worry?

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

South Park wasn't far from a correct protrayal.

Oh man. I am absolutely speechless, on two counts.

I’m not going to provide a link to them, because honestly it’s one of those “if you want to see for yourself” things that a quick Google search will provide.

Mel Gibson is in hot trouble again for three new, very racially and sexually intolerant phone calls to his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva, who recorded them secretly.

The built pressure of celebrity as well as an obvious anger issue must’ve blinded Gibson’s mind into thinking he had privacy anymore.

He’s been dumped by his talent agency from all this, and it’s no surprise. Ever since What Women Want, I’ve been desperately waiting for a good film with (legally) Mad Mel in it.

His upcoming movie ‘The Beaver’ (no pun intended) will be a dark comedy involving a puppet of a man (Gibson) who communicates with a beaver puppet on his hand. Talk about a series of unfortunate events!

There was a court ordered agreement that tapes of any kind needed to be withheld from public until their previous court case for physical abuse was settled early this year, but they’ve slipped out to the public somehow anyway.

I’m not saying the girlfriend is completely innocent if she recorded these conversations and threw them on the internet through a third party. Then again, everything is speculation about Hollywood, and maturity in Hollywood is not linked with money.

Polanski taunting at the Swiss border.

But it doesn’t stop there. Roman Polanski, the French-Polish director who was under house arrest in Switzerland’s Gstaad will not be extradited to the United States to be put on trial for child sexual assault charges.

Instead he is now a free man, free to gorge on awesome Swiss chocolates and enjoy life, fearing nothing at all. His victim is apparently happy he’s out, but it still troubled me how many people supported the director after the allegations came out.

As with most people, our primal defence mechanism for ourselves is to put down someone else, whether it be with sarcasm, insults, threats and escalating to physical violence.

But when it comes to observing celebrities, there’s a double-edged way we act towards these people who we don’t even know personally. Their presence seems to be infused with the majority of topics discussed amongst the public, and will always be the first to be judged when something bad goes wrong.

It’s a part of being a big star, and there are very few who succeed in this ever-breaching eye of Sauron. If you do something wrong, you should be put through the same laws that the rest face.

It’s simple to point the finger and make fun of someone, and it takes a proper person to turn the other cheek. But this is a bit of a 920 degree twirl here, and the nausea’s starting to creep up. A lot of celebrities are given slack for something bad, calling it “human error”.

I don’t think racial hatred or abuse is a slip up. I think Mel and Roman need a good spray of Bruce Willis and act like real men. Or the Old Spice guy, at least. He’s awesome.

Tags: mel gibson, roman polanski
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We’ve got a really big shoe for you

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

No butts on da plane.

The top searched topic of the day?

‘Shoe’.

It’s funny watching news reports trying to grab on to a story the moment they hear a whisper, only for the drama to slowly wind down to a lethargic shrug.

The newest “shoe bomb” on a domestic flight in the U.S. turned out to be a Qatari diplomat trying to secretly light up a cigarette in the plane’s bathroom. When the alarms went off, people automatically thought “bomb”.

The sources of this breaking news story wanted to stay anonymous as they were not authorized to discuss the investigation. I just think they wanted to stir someone up by giving such vague details. Two military jets followed the flight from Washington to Denver as it landed, the ‘offender’ subdued by air marshalls.

I’m not giving any sympathy for the diplomat for what he did, trust me. Anyone who tries to break the rules shouldn’t whine and moan when they get caught.

I assumed smoking was a big cause of issues on flights in the past, and as a cautionary procedure took the leap to ban smoking on flights.

It turns out smoking wasn’t considered as much of a health risk on board as it was a cost-cutting technique. In the old days, the air used to be constantly changed in order to get the smoke out of the air.

If not, the flight could be a breeding ground for new smokers who’re getting the second-hand stuff. Nowadays air is recycled, meaning you’re free to breathe in everything else transferred in the air.

Regardless, if you’re trying to smuggle in a cigarette on a 3 1/2 hour flight, you’re looking a little desperate.

And it’s really annoying when you’re on a flight, and the seat belt light will turn off, yet the smoking light is always on. Haven’t people gotten it in their heads that if you smoke, you’ll get a smacked bottom?

This definitely reminds me of the scene in Harold and Kumar 2 where the boys are sent to Guantanamo Bay for trying to blow up the plane, when it was an elaborate bong made up to keep the alarms from sounding.

The Qatari diplomat could learn a thing or two from these boys.

Jim Jefferies (Warning: NSFW) talks about the lack of a need for ‘No Smoking’ signs, but perhaps we aren’t ready yet.