Video Game to Feature the Genre-Blending Guitar Virtuoso’s Music and Likeness 

Sydney, Australia – 21 July, 2009 – Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and 11-time Grammy Award winner, Carlos Santana, is set to appear as an exclusive in-game artist in the upcoming Guitar Hero® 5. Santana’s accomplishments span four decades and more than 40 albums including the self-titled album, Santana, that launched one of the most recognizable Latin-infused classic rock anthems, “No One to Depend On.” The live version of the song will be featured in Guitar Hero 5 with Carlos Santana jamming on stage as a playable character.

In addition to music from Santana, Guitar Hero 5 features a wide variety of today’s hottest rock ‘n’ roll bands mixed with classic tracks.  Brand new game features let fans tailor their experience to meet the evolving ways consumers are interacting with their favourite music and allows them to challenge themselves as a solo act or band member, or kick back with friends and enjoy their personalized set list.

“We’re thrilled to showcase one of the top guitarists of all time in Guitar Hero 5 and offer fans the opportunity to experience Carlos Santana’s signature sounds and iconic likeness first-hand,” said Tim Riley, Vice President of Music Affairs for Guitar Hero. “His accomplished career and breadth of musical style are a great illustration of the variety of rock experiences we have included in the game and we are excited to announce him as the first of five playable in-game artists.”

 This September, living room legends will rock any way they want in Guitar Hero 5. The entire set list is at players’ finger tips from the start, featuring genre-defining hits from some of the biggest rock artists and bands of all time, including The Rolling Stones, The White Stripes, Kings of Leon, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Vampire Weekend. Players take complete control as Guitar Hero 5 allows gamers to personalize and customize how they experience music by being able to play with any controller combination — multiple vocalists, guitarists, bassists and drummers, in any game mode. With the game’s all-new Party Play Mode, getting the band back together has never been easier. Players can now jump in or drop out of gameplay seamlessly, without interrupting their jam session. Elevating the Guitar Hero® series to new heights with unmatched social gameplay, an enhanced style, new in-game artists and more rock legends, Guitar Hero 5 features new surprises and challenges that will fire-up long-time fret board fanatics and create a new generation of addicts.

Published by Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), Guitar Hero 5  is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and by Vicarious Visions for the Wii™ system from Nintendo.  Budcat is developing Guitar Hero 5 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The game is rated “T” for “Teen” by the ESRB.  For more information about Guitar Hero 5, please visit GH5.GuitarHero.com. 

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Russia, Japan, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.

SYDNEY – Tuesday 22 July 2009 – This week, Australia’s own Eminence Symphony Orchestra reached a milestone on YouTube, achieving more than 3 million views of their performance of Final Fantasy VII’s ‘One-Winged Angel’. 

The performance took place at the Sydney Town Hall during the orchestra’s A Night in Fantasia 2005 concert tour and stands atop YouTube as the site’s most watched live symphonic concert. The footage is viewable at
http:// youtube.com/watch?v=Yn71hIsm0U8.

Eminence Symphony Orchestra founder and concertmaster, Hiroaki Yura appreciates the response to their take on Final Fantasy VII’s most celebrated composition.

“This sort of following shows us the impact that our music and moreover, our unique take on innovation within the classical genre is having around the world,” Yura commented. 

“There’s no other video game music track to have topped 3 million views in YouTube, so we’re very proud to see this worldwide level of support from our fans,” he added.

Eminence’s goal is to challenge the image of symphonic music, by aligning it with things that are more familiar to younger audiences, such as video games.  Since the 2005 concert, the Eminence Symphony Orchestra has lent its talents to video game and Japanese animation projects such as Romeo x Juliet, Valkyria Chronicles, Soulcalibur IV and The Tower of Druaga. 

Eminence’s latest album, Echoes of War: The Music of Blizzard Entertainment, celebrates the music of Blizzard’s hugely successful gaming franchises Warcraft, StarCraft and Diablo.
The Eminence team is currently working on a number of new projects, including the biggest and best ever ‘A Night in Fantasia’ concert – details of which will be released in the near future. Stay tuned!

MELBOURNE, Monday, 20 July 2009 – Madman proudly presents DANNY BHOY LIVE AT THE ATHENAEUM (Available 05 August, 2009, SRP $29.95), the highly anticipated follow-up to Danny’s 2007 debut DVD, LIVE AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE.  

Following on from Danny’s extensive, sold out run of 2009 dates,     including a 4 week season at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Danny returns to DVD with a brand new show, recorded live at Melbourne’s iconic Athenaeum Theatre.

The DVD promises more memorable tales from the globe-trotting Scotsman in his finest performance yet to date. As possibly the most-travelled comedian in the world, he describes, sometimes in painfully funny detail, the less glamorous side of a comedian’s life on the road. Sometimes introspective, occasionally outlandish, these true stories from his life are sure to leave you with a smile on your face and wanderlust in your heart.

LIVE AT THE ATHENAEUM also includes a special unreleased ‘Visitor’s Guide to Scotland’ as well as his famous ‘bag-pipe routine’, bonus scene and photo gallery.

–          ENDS –

NOTES TO EDITORS

–              DANN BHOY LIVE AT THE ATHENAEUM is available on DVD, August 5, 2009. SRP $29.95.

–              Danny Bhoy is hugely popular with Australian audiences having completed a 65 date sold out tour earlier this year. For more details see www.dannybhoy.com

ABOUT MADMAN ENTERTAINMENT

THE MADMAN ENTERTAINMENT GROUP proudly showcases the best in world cinema, arthouse film, Australian independent features, animation and Japanese anime. Madman is Australia’s leading distributor of home entertainment and an industry innovator with a sought-after interactive and DVD authoring studio; printing division; film production involvement; and a range of DVD and video labels.

For further information, interview requests, images and DVD screeners please contact:

Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination
Could cars that hover above the ground become the mass transit of the future?  Will we ever have druids like       C-3PO in real life? Fantasy and reality join forces in Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination. This is the first exhibition to showcase more than 80 costumes, models and props from all six Star Wars films.
Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination, presented by Bose Corporation, was developed by the Museum of Science, Boston and Lucasfilm Ltd. The exhibition is based upon work supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation, USA.  © 2009 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved.  Presented by Bose Corporation.
Date: Until 3 November 2009
Cost: $18 Adults, $8 Concession, $6 Children (includes entry to Scienceworks)
Pre-purchase your tickets to Star Wars to avoid disappointment, either online at http://museumvictoria.com.au/starwars or by calling 13 11 02  

Machines in Action Day
This is a unique opportunity to see heritage steam engines and agricultural machinery at work. Items on display include the Cowley Steam Roller, Cowley Steam Traction Engine, the only working Australian made traction engine in the world, along with the Super Sentinel Steam Wagon, the K.L. Bulldog Tractor and many others. The day includes parades, hay-baling demonstrations and rides on the model steam train with the Springvale Live Steamers.
Date: Sunday 2 August, 10.30am to 3.30pm
Cost: Included with Scienceworks admission

Discover the Night Sky
Evening Planetarium Program
The Melbourne Planetarium at Scienceworks presents special after-dark sessions, Thursday evenings in August. All evenings include complimentary wine and cheese, the opportunity to chat to the Planetarium’s Astronomer and be immersed in a Planetarium experience. The evening will finish with stargazing through telescopes (weather permitting).

Each evening will showcase a different aspect of the night sky:

Thursday 6 August: Leaving Earth
It’s been 50 years since the first satellite was launched into space. Now one of them is a permanent home. See what it’s like to live in space; why do we go there and where are we heading next?
Thursday 13 August:  Our Solar System
Take a step through the Earth’s local neighbourhood – our Solar System. It is a system of planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids and comets, bound by the pull of the sun. Marvel at the beauty of each unique world and the stories they tell.
Thursday 20 August:  Milky Way Galaxy
We are just one planet, orbiting one star, mong the 400-billion-odd stars of our Milky Way Galaxy. It is truly magnificent; a swirling mass of stars, gas and dust. But what do we know of our home galaxy? And how did we come to discover it?
Thursday 27 August:  Backyard Astronomy
It’s not just stars you can see in the night sky – planets, comets, shooting stars and satellites are all there if you know when and where to look. Navigate by the stars and discover how you can become a backyard astronomer.

Session times: Commence 7pm.
Cost: $25 per person, MV members $20, Season pass $85.
Bookings essential: Call 03 9392 4819 Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm
National Science Week 2009
Museum Victoria will be celebrating National Science Week with special lectures and events from 15 – 23 August. Visit our website for program details museumvictoria.com.au/Scienceworks

Four of Scienceworks National Science Week events include:

BASF Kids’ Lab
Experience the fascinating world of chemistry! Run by BASF chemists, the chemistry workshops introduce chemistry to children in a fun and exciting way through simple and interactive hands-on experiments.
Date: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August
Time: 11.00am, 1.00 & 3.00pm
Bookings essential: Call 9392 4819

Australian Skeptics
The Australian Skeptics will be explaining the science behind the paranormal at Scienceworks. See magic illusions, try out a bed of nails and many more surprising demonstrations.
Date: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August
Time: 11.00am to 4.00pm

Inspiring Scientists
Biology? Paleontology? Find out about your favourite “ology” by chatting to inspiring career scientists. Meet scientists from a range of research and career backgrounds and talk to an expert to find out what exciting and varied opportunities a career in science has to offer.
Date: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August
Time: 11.00 to 4.00pm

SCINEMA
In National Science Week 2009 we invite you to discover the talent across Australia with SCINEMA – exploring science through film. Sit back and relax with SCINEMA in the Discovery Centre and find out about all things science and the great Science Week events in the coming week.
Date: Saturday 15 August and Sunday 23 August (Scienceworks only)
Time: Daily
Mathamazing
Explore the mathematics behind everyday life. Mathamazing includes hands-on activities based on topics such as shapes, probability, sequences and series, puzzles, problem solving, topology and building.
Developed by Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, Canberra.
Date: Until 6 December
Cost: Included with Scienceworks admission
Scienceworks, 2 Booker St, Spotswood. (Melway 56, B1). Open daily 10.00am – 4.30pm. Admission: Adults $8, Children and Concession FREE. For further details ph 03 9392 4800 or visit museumvictoria.com.au/scienceworks

I.D. magazine recognizes the Belkin Conserve as an “intuitive, user-friendly means of reducing environmental impact”

(Tuggerah, NSW) – July 15th, 2009 – Belkin International, Inc., has been recognized in I.D. magazine’s 2009 Annual Design Review in the “Consumer Products” category for the Conserve Surge Protector. Conserve was chosen for not only its design, but also its ability to reduce environmental impact while improving the quality of everyday life.

Since 1954, the Annual Design Review has recognized the best in product, furniture, graphic, and environment design, from the iconic to the obscure. Throughout the years, this annual showcase has chronicled the evolution of design, and highlighted its impact on material and visual culture. Each year, the featured work is chosen by a jury of leading practitioners, who, along with I.D.’s editorial team, focus the abundance of submissions into a clear survey of the state of design.

Conserve Surge Protector with Wireless Remote (AG108040au2M, BG108200au2M)
The Conserve Surge Protector helps you lower your overall impact on the environment, making it simple to eliminate wasteful standby power to your electronic devices while helping to reduce energy consumption and you save money.

• Offers 8 surge-protected outlets: 6 “Remote Switched” and 2 “Always On” outlets, allowing users to control energy use easily
• Slim, sleek design blends in seamlessly with today’s modern electronics and appliances
• Control multiple Conserve Surge Protectors with a single remote control from virtually anywhere in the house with user-selectable channels
• “Remote Switched” and “Always On” outlets are ideal for home theaters or small/home offices

QUOTE
Jesse Ashlock, Editor-in-Chief at I.D. Magazine:
“Belkin’s Conserve Surge Protector provides an intuitive, user-friendly means of reducing environmental impact, extending the company’s enviable track record for designing simple solutions to improve the quality of our everyday lives.”

For more information, please visit http://www.id-mag.com/annualdesignreview  

Availability
Now

RRP
$199.95

Now that you’ve had the opportunity to experience the single-player campaigns and multiplayer modes of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, we wanted to let you know about an exciting downloadable content pack that Luxoflux has been hard at work on to support the growing TF: RotF community. 

Set to launch later this winter for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game, the robust DLC offering will appeal to fans of both the original Transformers animated series and the blockbuster films.   

We are pleased to announce that the pack will include the following: 

§         Over TEN new multiplayer characters including ultimate fan favourites such as G1 Starscream and movie favourites like Sideswipe.

§         Three all-new multiplayer maps.

§         Play new characters in both the Autobot and Decepticon single player campaigns.

§         New Expert difficulty mode with a fresh set of leaderboards to challenge more experienced gamers in the single-player campaigns.

§         New Achievements and Trophies to earn.

Keep an eye out for additional details in the coming weeks…!

FIFA 10 in stores on October 1st  

EA SPORTS is pleased to confirm that FIFA 10 will be available in Australian stores from October 1st for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, Wii™ home video game system, PC, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS™, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and mobile. 

To learn more about FIFA 10 visit WWW.FIFA.EASPORTS.COM
 
Developed in Burnaby, B.C., by EA Canada, FIFA 10 is the most popular franchise globally for EA SPORTS. The game has not yet been rated.

Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City delivers two games on disk:  

The Ballad of Gay Tony and The Lost and Damned together on disc for the first time on Xbox 360, and will not require a copy of the original Grand Theft Auto IV or an Xbox Live connection to play. 

‘The Episodes’ release in Australia and New Zealand this Spring, and the online use logo can now be found on our FTP site. 

Pricing to be announced shortly – stay tuned….

– NAMCO BANDAI Games Announces Two Exclusive Editions of ‘TEKKEN 6’ Coming to Australia for Xbox 360® and PLAYSTATION®3 –

CERGY-PONTOISE, FRANCE – 17 July 2009 – NAMCO BANDAI Games Australia today announced two official limited editions of TEKKEN 6 produced by the development team in Japan, the Arcade Stick Edition and Collectors Edition, in addition to the standalone game for the upcoming release of the ultimate fighter TEKKEN 6, scheduled for release in Australia this Spring 2009 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.  All three retail editions will be available for both platforms at launch.

Bringing the game closer than ever to the arcade experience, the TEKKEN 6 Arcade Stick Edition includes the game, a stunning 100 page heavyweight art book containing a wealth of images chronicling the story, characters and the game’s development, plus an exclusive TEKKEN 6 customised wireless arcade fighting stick.  Produced by renowned arcade fight stick specialists Hori, the arcade stick is a brand new exclusive design, available in two differently customised versions for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 versions respectively.

The TEKKEN 6 Collectors Edition, the second limited edition available at launch, includes the game, 100 page art book, exclusive poster, and unique TEKKEN 6 hooded sweatshirt designed by the development team and featuring different designs for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 versions.

Developed by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc., TEKKEN 6 brings the blockbuster fighting series onto multiple platforms for the first time in the history of the TEKKEN franchise with stunning realism, uncompromising quality, major gameplay enhancements and the largest character roster ever seen in the TEKKEN series. 

In a first for the series, the Scenario Campaign mode in TEKKEN 6 features a unique hybrid control system combining conventional fighting game controls with free movement allowing players to progress through the story and mow down hordes of enemies with relative ease while still enjoying the fight action. In addition to hand-to-hand fighting, players have an arsenal of staffs, machine guns, flame throwers, and even giant robots at their disposal.
Rendered in vivid high definition detail, TEKKEN 6 heralds the dawn of a new era as a new King of the Iron Fist Tournament opens for business, with intense gameplay modes, new features and environments that guarantee blistering fight action, lightning-paced brawls and bone-crunching punch-ups. 

TEKKEN 6 introduces a host of new characters alongside familiar faces with each customizable fighter equipped with their own deadly techniques, moves and attack combinations.  To complete the package,  multiplayer gameplay lets fans compete for world domination.

With an illustrious 14 year legacy, TEKKEN is among the world’s most popular and well-known gaming brands with franchise sales of more than 33 million units to date. TEKKEN 6 is a must-have for any fan of console arcade fighting.

For more information on TEKKEN 6 visit http://Tekken.Namco.com