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NEW CALL OF DUTY®: BLACK OPS II DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT ARRIVES WITH A VENGEANCE

Four All-New Multiplayer Maps, Including a Re-Imagined Fan-Favourite,

and the Epic, New Zombies Experience, “Buried,”

Available Now, First, Exclusively on Xbox Live®

Sydney, Australia – July 3, 2013 – Call of Duty®: Black Ops II Vengeance, the newest downloadable content (DLC) pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops II is available now, on the Xbox Live® online entertainment network from Microsoft. The record setting title from Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard (Nasdaq: ATVI), and its award-winning studio Treyarch, adds its third DLC pack, Vengeance, to its already action-packed season of downloadable content. Call of Duty: Black Ops II Vengeance delivers four new, diverse multiplayer maps that will challenge even the most seasoned players:

  •  “Cove,” – The stage is set for all-out conflict on this small, forgotten island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, with players battling it out amongst the wreckage of a jet that crash-landed during a smuggling operation gone wrong. 
  • “Detour,” – The action plays out atop a destroyed suspension bridge, high above an East Coast waterway, packed with scattered vehicles, exposed iron and collapsed pavement enables head-to-head action playing out on multiple levels. 
  • “Rush,” – Prepare for fast, close-quarters engagements in this paintball course turned full-combat arena, giving players new opportunities and challenges to use the cover to their advantage. 
  • “Uplink,” – In this re-imagined adaptation of the fan-favourite multiplayer map “Summit” from the original Call of Duty®: Black Ops, players clash deep in the rain-soaked jungles of Myanmar, high atop a hi-tech mountain facility.

With “Buried,” Treyarch yet again expands the canon of Zombies fiction in brain-twisting ways.  Players meet up with old characters and will encounter new ones as they face off against the undead residents of an abandoned underground Old West mining town.  A healthy arsenal of equipment and weapons that will be at players’ disposal, but with one very special addition – something so powerful it will also appear in all other Call of Duty: Black Ops II Zombies maps (with the purchase of Vengeance DLC): the Ray Gun Mark II.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II Vengeance is available now, first on Xbox Live for Xbox 360® game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 1200 Microsoft Points, with other platforms to follow.   

Call of Duty: Black Ops II is rated “MA15+” (Strong Violence and Coarse Language) by the Australian Classification Board.  More information on Call of Duty: Black Ops II can be found at http://www.callofduty.com/blackops2 or on www.facebook.com/codblackops.  Fans can also follow @Treyarch on Twitter.

 
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Direct from Grasshopper Manufacture and the mind of cult game designer Suda 51 comes this fresh set of images from ‘KILLER IS DEAD’. Feast those eyes!

“KILLER IS DEAD™”

“KILLER IS DEAD” is set in a not-so-distant future similar to (but not the same as) the world we know now. The player takes control of an executioner named Mondo Zappa who wields a Japanese sword in his right hand and brandishes interchangeable weapons in his left artificial arm. His ultimate goal is to execute various heinous criminals scattered around the world and beyond.

Completely unique visuals and outstanding stylish action come together to deliver an unprecedented gaming experience in “KILLER IS DEAD.” This brand-new action title is being jointly developed by KADOKAWA GAMES and GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE, with SUDA51 lending his trademark sense of style at the helm. It will be available worldwide in August 2013.

Title?               KILLER IS DEAD™

Platform?        PlayStation®3 / Xbox 360®

Genre?            Action

Publisher?       Deep Silver

Developer?     KADOKAWA GAMES, LTD. / GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC.

Availability?     29.08.2013

Price?             Fan Edition : AU$89.95.

Copyright?      © GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC. Developed by KADOKAWA GAMES / GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE. Licensed to and published by Deep Silver.

Official Site?   www.loveandkill.com

 
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WD® ENABLES INTERNATIONAL CONSUMERS TO INSTANTLY RECORD AND PLAYBACK MOVIES AND TV PROGRAMS

SYDNEY, Australia – 03 July 2013 – WD®, a Western Digital company, and a world leader in storage solutions for the connected life, today introduced My Book® AV-TV, allowing customers to instantly enable their TV recording features to store and playback hundreds of hours of entertainment by simply connecting the My Book AV-TV drive directly to a compatible TV. Additionally, customers watching live TV with the My Book AV-TV connected can press pause and rewind, or fast-forward afterward, to control and enjoy live TV at their convenience.

My Book AV-TV, available in 1 terabyte (TB) and 2 TB capacities1, easily connects directly to televisions with built-in recording capability to provide plentiful storage capacity for standard or high-definition entertainment programming. Built with WD GreenPower Technology™, the drive inside is engineered for the audio/video market in order to optimise the customer experience with smooth video playback of recorded content. Additionally, the WD GreenPower Technology is engineered to use less power and stay cool even in a hot entertainment center full of electronics.

The drive’s super-fast USB 3.0 connection enables multiple HD streaming for simultaneous recording and playback for customers that connect their My Book AV-TV to a dual-tuner television. The simultaneous recording feature allows customers to record their favorite program while watching a different channel at the same time.

Additionally, the sleek and compact design of My Book AV-TV ensures that the drive fits neatly in most entertainment center consoles. It can stand upright or lay horizontally, making it easy to neatly position the drive near the television while maximising airflow and minimising heat around the drive.

“With the recent influx of TVs produced with direct recording functionality built-in, millions of global consumers will now be able to reap the benefits of recording and playing back their favourite entertainment at their convenience,” said Jim Welsh, executive vice president and general manager of WD’s branded and CE products. “My Book AV-TV is a hassle-free solution for these consumers to enjoy hundreds of hours of their favorite TV programming through a simple USB connection to the TV.”

Compatibility
For the latest list of compatible TVs and AV devices, visit www.wd.com/mybookavtv.

Pricing and Availability
Product Name: My Book® AV-TV
Australian Distributors: Synnex Australia
New Zealand Distributors:  Synnex NZ
Availability: Now
Website: http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=1010
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDAustralia , https://www.facebook.com/WDNewZealand
Warranty:  3 years

MSRP:

 Model Number

Capacity

AUD

NZD

 WDBGLG0010HBK-AESN

 1 TB

$139

$179

 WDBGLG0020HBK-AESN

 2 TB

 $179

 $229

 

 

 
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GRAN TURISMO®6 DEMO NOW LIVE ON PLAYSTATION®STORE

Free GT6™ demo available to download now  

SYDNEY, 3RD July 2013 – An exclusive free demo of the new Gran Turismo®6 game for PlayStation®3 (PS3™) is now available to download.

The GT6™ demo is available to anyone with a Sony Entertainment Network account and access to a PlayStation 3 connected to the internet. It can be downloaded free from the PlayStation®Store now, with no ownership of the Gran Turismo® game required.

The GT6 demo will guide players through a number of rounds in a GT Academy-themed driving school before unlocking a final event at Silverstone Circuit. . Anyone who completes the challenges will receive free bonus content for GT6 when the game is released later this year.

Click HERE to visit the PlayStation Store to download the free GT6 demo. 

Click HERE for more details on Gran Turismo 6.

 
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BenQ’s Joybee GP3 Mini Projector – connect and project like never before

Lamp-free, wireless technology that fits in the palm of your hand

Sydney, Australia, July 2013:     BenQ announce the arrival of their newest mini projector, the Joybee GP3, compact, lightweight and effortless to operate – it’s so easy to drive, no licence is required.  The BenQ GP3 is now available in Australia and for a limited time will be bundled with a complimentary rechargeable battery valued at $129.00, for on-the-go convenience, anytime, anywhere.

Following the success of GP1, GP2 and GP10, the new Joybee GP3 has a host of exciting features and the most wireless options ever offered in a BenQ projector.

This new mini projector is designed to bring your smart device to life – couple the Joybee GP3 with your smartphone or tablet to share seamless audiovisual entertainment, anytime and anywhere – wirelessly.

It’s palm-sized, 100% portable thanks to the optional battery, lamp-free for lower cost of ownership, and ‘unplugged’ for the ultimate versatility.

BenQ refer to the GP3 as the ‘wireless mobile cinema’ – no installation is required and it’s equipped with HD-ready 720p image quality and two expert-tuned built-in 2W speakers featuring SRS WOW HD™ technology to significantly improve audio playback.

Improvements afforded to the new GP3 over its predecessors include improved smart device projection, an all-in-one Apple iPhone iPod dock, built-in 2W speakers offering deeper bass tones and high frequency clarity for crisper detail and incredible 160” short-throw 3LED projection.  HD-ready image quality multimedia content from videos, music to photos can be shared instantly from any smart device, whether it’s iOS, Android or Windows.

GP3 offers up to 30,000 hours of reliable brightness in Eco Mode and is designed with a user-friendly interface providing instant access to all the files on your smart device, but alternatively, multimedia content can also be directly projected from a USB flash drive or SD card for PC-less sharing.

BenQ Australia’s managing director, Martin Moelle said the GP3 brings home entertainment to the general population.  “The concept of home entertainment is not just for audiovisual enthusiasts and professional techies – anyone can operate the GP3 and no installation is required.  Sit it on your coffee table when in use, and house it away in a cupboard or drawer when not in use.  Sharing seamless audiovisual entertainment with friends and family has never been easier,” he said, “we’ve made it so people can connect and project like never before.”

The BenQ Joybee GP3 is available late June and will retail for just $699.00.  For a limited time, the GP3 will be bundled with a rechargeable battery at no extra cost.  For information and stockist details, call 1300 130 336 or visit www.BenQ.com.au

RRP:                             $699.00  (battery RRP: $129.00)

Available:                      July 2013

For further information and stockist details visit www.BenQ.com.au

 
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MARVEL UNVEILS ACTION-PACKED LINE-UP OF EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIBLES AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON

Action Figures, Vinyl Figurines and Other Limited-Edition Products Featuring Renowned Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, Spider-Man, Deadpool, Wolverine and Others to Debut At Pre-Eminent Pop Culture Event 

New York (July 1, 2013) – Marvel Entertainment, LLC will once again give fans another reason to head to the comic event of the year – Comic-Con International: San Diego – with a lineup of one-of-a-kind exclusives that will be available at the show for the first time. Marvel, along with partners Hasbro, Diamond Select, Gentle Giant, and Huckleberry have created a stellar line-up of limited edition collectibles featuring some of Marvel’s biggest icons. A few of the key Comic-Con product unveilings include the Marvel Universe Deadpool Corps Special Edition figure set, three variant editions of the “Iron Man 3” Iron Man Chara-Bricks 7” vinyl and Marvel Minimates Wolverine Saga box set. Some of the Comic-Con exclusives will be available in limited supply following the 4-day pop culture extravaganza.

“Comic-Con is the ideal time to honor our incredible fan base by introducing special and unexpected Marvel exclusives,” said Jesse Falcon, director of merchandising, Marvel Entertainment. “We work closely with our licensing partners on Comic-Con unveilings so that we can show our fervent fan base our appreciation for the endless support that they display year after year.”

Here is a rundown of some of the exciting Comic-Con International: San Diego Marvel exclusives to be unveiled:

  • DIAMOND      SELECT
    • Marvel       Minimates Wolverine Saga Box Set,       $20.00, four-pack features 2-inch versions of Symbiote Wolverine,       Spacesuit Wolverine, Ultimate Wolverine and Logan-san in Japanese robes,       with a variety of interchangeable parts
  • FUNKO
    • Metallic       Iron Patriot Wacky Wobbler, limited edition,       $17.00
    • Metallic       Deadpool POP Bobblehead, limited edition,       $15.00
    • Metallic       Ghost Rider POP Bobblehead, limited edition,       $15.00
    • Metallic       Red Hulk POP Bobblehead, limited edition,       $15.00
    • Tony       Stark Iron Man POP Bobblehead,       limited edition, $15.00
    • James       Rhodes Iron Patriot POP Bobblehead,       limited edition, $15.00
  • GENTLE      GIANT
    • Galactus       with Silver Surfer Collectible Statue,       limited edition, $120.00
       
  • HASBRO     
    • Marvel       Legends Special Edition Marvel’s Thunderbolts Collector Pack, $89.99, features Luke Cage, Ghost, Crossbones, Marvel’s       Moonstone and Judith Chambers
    • Marvel       Universe 3.75-inch Deadpool Corps Special Edition Figure Set, $49.99, features Deadpool, Lady Deadpool and Champion of the       Universe, along with Kidpool, Dogpool, and Squirrelpool
  • HUCKLEBERRY
    • Black       Spider-Man Chara-Covers iPhone 4/4s Case,       limited edition, $30.00
    • Iron       Man 3 Iron Man Chara-Bricks 7” Vinyl,       limited edition, $25.00 – $30.00, available in regular, variant       and glow-in-the-dark
    • Iron       Man 3 Iron Patriot Chara-Bricks 7” Vinyl,       limited edition, $25.00 – $30.00, available in regular, variant       and glow-in-the-dark
    • Deadpool       Chara-Bricks 7” Vinyl, limited edition,       $25.00 – $30.00, available in regular, variant and glow-in-the-dark
    • Black       Spider-Man Chara-Bricks 7” Vinyl,       limited edition, $25.00 – $30.00, available in regular, variant       and glow-in-the-dark

The above items will compliment an array of previously announced merchandise that will be available exclusively on site at The Marvel Shop in Marvel’s San Diego Comic Con International booth (Booth #2329).   Limited edition merchandise in the Marvel Shop include:  character themed tumblers; Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D T-Shirt; special edition Avengers t-shirts; specially designed Spider-Man and Rocket Racoon iPhone Cases; Iron Man Statue by Beast Kingdom; Rocket Raccoon mug; and Uncanny X-Men #8 and Deadpool Kills Deadpool #1 Variant cover comic book editions.

Remember to check out the Marvel booth and the vast range of toy, apparel and collectible companies who offer Marvel merchandise year round for fans of all ages.

 
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CALL OF DUTY®: GHOSTS UPS THE ANTE WITH ALL-NEW DOWNLOADABLE BONUS MAP AVAILABLE WITH PRE-ORDER

Activision Shares New Multiplayer Information on Next Generation of Call of Duty® 

Dynamic Map “Free Fall” Delivers New Multiplayer Experience As Players Encounter Constantly Changing Environment

 

Sydney, Australia – July 2, 2013 – The franchise that has defined a generation of gaming, and the one set to raise the bar yet again this November 5, is delivering a compelling, all-new pre-order incentive for Call of Duty: Ghosts’ highly anticipated multiplayer mode.  Fans around the world that pre-order the game at participating retailers will receive the Free Fall downloadable bonus map that features the new dynamic map event mechanic, included with their copy of the game at launch.  Free Fall ushers in the first details on how players will encounter the changing environments in the leading multiplayer experience on consoles.

As an example of just one of Call of Duty: Ghosts’ new dynamic map events, Free Fall drops players into a shattered skyscraper on the brink of collapse. Sideways staircases climb into the night sky, elevator shafts run along the ground, and what were once windows now form a terrifying glass floor, hundreds of feet above the city streets.  Free Fall’s close-quarters combat and frenetic action are then thrown into overdrive as the ruined skyscraper continues to fall throughout the match. With every drop, the accompanying shockwaves cause further destruction, disrupting sightlines and constantly evolving paths and chokepoints as the map changes in real-time.

“Dynamic map events change the way players approach the game, and Free Fall does a great job illustrating this new mechanic,” said Mark Rubin, executive producer at Infinity Ward. “As the match progresses, the geometry of the world continues to change and players need to adjust on the fly or else.  It’s a really fun new feature that adds layers of strategy and constantly evolving gameplay options for players.  And this is just one of the many new approaches we’re putting into Ghosts’ multiplayer across the board.  There’s so much more that we look forward to sharing in the weeks to come.”

Call of Duty: Ghosts, published by Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard (Nasdaq: ATVI), and developed by Infinity Ward, the studio that created the original Call of Duty and the seminal Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® series, features an all-new world, story, characters and experiences, all powered by a new, next-gen engine.  Call of Duty: Ghosts is not only a stunning leap forward for the mega-hit franchise, but also showcases what’s possible on next generation consoles.

Call of Duty: Ghosts will release on Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC on November 5. Call of Duty: Ghosts will also release on the Xbox One, the all-in one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PlayStation® 4 later this year. Call of Duty: Ghosts has not yet been rated by the Australian Classification Board. For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com/ghosts, www.facebook.com/CODGhosts, or follow on Twitter @InfinityWard.

 
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Man of Steel iOS Update

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has released the first update for the Man of Steel action-adventure mobile game, which features a batch of exciting new story content and a new suit for Superman that is available for purchase.

In the new chapter of Story Mode, General Zod has released the World Engine and only the Man of Steel can stop it. Players will witness a new action-packed cinematic scene followed by players taking on the role of Superman to see if they can defeat this menacing threat. The World Engine serves up a new challenge to Man of Steel players with the introduction of a brand new combat mechanic.

Along with the additional story content, Superman fans can also check out the new Skin Suit, pulled straight from the “Man of Steel” film, which will give players a boost to Kal-El’s power, health, and damage resistance.

The Man of Steel mobile game is available now on the App Store for iPad and iPhone for $2.99 RRP.

The Man of Steel mobile game is based on DC Comics’ iconic Superman character and inspired by the Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures feature film “Man of Steel.”  The game is a 3D-brawler that lets players combat General Zod and his invading Kryptonian forces on both ground and air in a fast-paced mobile adventure.

 

 

 
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THE GRADUATE AUSTRALIAN CAST ANNOUNCED

NEW TICKETS NOW ON SALE 

After an extensive audition process throughout Australia, the full cast of ‘THE GRADUATE’ has now been confirmed. In addition, due to incredible demand the limited season at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne has been extended with new seats on sale today.

About to share the stage with Jerry Hall, starring as young, wide eyed Benjamin Braddock is newcomer Tim Dashwood. Tim has been working as an actor since graduating from University in 2005. He has performed extensively with the Queensland Theatre Company in productions including Managing Carmen, Romeo and Juliet, The Importance of Being Earnest and The Exception and The Rule. He played Schlomo in the 2010 National tour of Fame The Musical and has appeared in a number of independent Australian films including Myles West which earned him a Best Actor award at the 48 hour Short Film Festival.

Jerry Hall will reprise her role as seductress Mrs Robinson after having wowed audiences in this iconic piece of American culture in the West End, Toronto, Broadway, North America and Perth. Further to her role as Mrs. Robinson, Jerry Hall has numerous theatre credits to her name, including originating the role of Sugar in Bud Shrake’s Benchmark, directed by Michael Rudman at the New End Theatre in Hampstead. She also has had roles in the U.S. and West End productions of Bus Stop, the West End productions of The Vagina Monologues and The Play What I Wrote. She was the guest star with the North American Tour of The Vagina Monologues in Austin, Texas, and toured England with Picasso’s Women, a 52-minute monologue. Jerry also performed in the West End hit production of Calendar Girls.

Joining Jerry Hall and Tim Dashwood in the cast of the Melbourne season of ‘THE GRADUATE’ is recognised Australian television, theatre and film actress Pippa Grandison as Mrs Braddock, accomplished writer, director and actor Peter Houghton as Mr Braddock, award winning theatre actor Luke Hewitt as Mr Robinson, and taking on the role of the innocent Elaine Robinson is WAAPA Graduate Claire Lovering.

“An undoubted theatrical success – fast and funny.”

Sunday Telegraph UK

“Jerry Hall is cool, suave, sleek, languid, elegant and charismatic; which is all that Mrs Robinson should be”

The Times UK

“She makes a witty, sharp, drop-dead gorgeous Mrs Robinson”

BBC London Live

Adapted from Charles Webb’s novel and the Oscar winning film, ‘THE GRADUATE’ is at once a moving coming of age story and a terrifically funny black comedy. ‘THE GRADUATE’ is set against a soundtrack of some of the most memorable songs of the sixties including Wouldn’t It Be Nice – by The Beach Boys, Everybody’s Talkin – by Harry Nilsson and, of course, The Sound Of Silence and Mrs Robinson – by Simon & Garfunkel.

‘THE GRADUATE’ is adapted and originally directed by Terry Johnson, from the novel by Charles Webb and the screenplay by Calder Willingham and Buck Henry. This production in Melbourne is directed by Jo Turner and produced by Kay & McLean Productions Pty Ltd in association with Michael Coppel Theatrical.

Production design is by Rob Howell (sets and costumes), Hugh Vanstone (lighting) and Christopher Cronin (sound). ‘THE GRADUATE’ features songs by Paul Simon, performed by Simon and Garfunkel, and original music composed and arranged by Barrington Pheloung.

‘THE GRADUATE’ was originally commissioned and produced on the London and Broadway stage by John Reid and Sacha Brooks. 

HER MAJESTY’S THEATRE, MELBOURNE

From September 21st 2013 for a STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON

NEW TICKETS NOW ON SALE  

www.ticketek.com.au

General Tickets call 132 849 Groups Bookings (min 12) call 1300 364 001

http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=GRADWAIT13

Premium VIP Tickets, Corporate Hospitality and Travel Packages

Visit showbiz.com.au/the-graduate or call 1300 4 SHOWS

 
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FINAL FANTASY XIV: A REALM REBORN HITS ONE MILLION REGISTRATIONS FOR BETA

Sydney 2nd July – Square Enix today announced that one million users have signed up to take part in the Beta Test of FINAL FANTASY® XIV: A Realm RebornTM, the highly anticipated MMORPG arriving August 27, 2013 for Windows PC and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.

A massive-scale RPG true to the legendary franchise, the title features new and unique gameplay mechanics, such as the “Limit Break” system (originally introduced in FINAL FANTASY VII), the Armory system which allows users to experience all of the classes in the game with a single character, and cross-platform gameplay between PC and PlayStation®3 system. 

For those who haven’t signed up to the Beta yet, head over to: http://entry.ffxiv.com/beta/eu

Related Links

Official Website: www.finalfantasyxiv.com

Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyXIV

Official Twitter: @FF_XIV_EN

Official YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/FINALFANTASYXIV

View the E3 trailer here: http://youtu.be/LWeTxlVXVTE

 
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