Drive, cut, and slog for real as Codemasters ® in partnership with Namco Bandai Partners Australia and Nintendo Australia reveals details of the first cricket video game for Wii.

– Wednesday, 16^th September 2009 – Gamers will be able to use their Wii Remote^™ to bat and bowl their country to success when ‘Cricket’ is released November 5^th; the integration of the Wii  is set to take players closer to the action than ever before. To be published by Codemasters^®, the home of video game cricket, ‘Cricket’ will feature fully licensed players, kit and stadia from the npower Ashes Series 2009 between England and Australia offering a completely authentic experience.

 ‘Cricket’ will enable up to four players to take to the field in a variety of game modes including the iconic Ashes Series, Test Matches and limited over games including 20 overs. Batsmen will use the Wii Remote to drive, cut and slog their way through an innings. When fielding, players will use the Wii Remote to shine the ball, set their field and bowl accurately applying swing/turn to their deliveries in order to take those all important wickets.

‘Cricket’ will also feature a Scenario mode that will pit players against more than 50 match defining moments, such as scoring vital match-winning runs, taking dramatic last-gasp wickets and seeing off the oppositions’ danger men to succeed.

As well as featuring the fully licensed teams from England and Australia, ‘Cricket’ will feature six other Test playing nations as well as ten of the world’s most recognisable stadia, including the five featured in the npower Ashes Series 2009 as well as the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The authenticity of the experience extends to the game’s commentary, which is provided by cricketing favourites Jonathan Agnew, Shane Warne, Ian Botham, Ian Bishop and Tony Greig.

Produced by Codemasters and developed by Gusto Games, ‘Cricket’ will be releasing November 5^th, 2009 for Wii.

Smash Stuff on Your PC – Now with DirectX 10 Support and Exclusive Content

THQ today announced Red Faction: Guerrilla, the latest instalment in the Red Faction franchise will be released at Australian & New Zealand retail this Thursday.  Developed by THQ’s award-winning studio, Volition, Inc., Red Faction: Guerrilla is a third-person action game featuring unrivalled destruction-based game-play, a story-driven single player campaign and extensive multiplayer options. Red Faction: Guerrilla was recently released on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and is now available.

 “Red Faction: Guerrilla earned wide-spread critical acclaim on the Xbox 360 and PS3 for providing an unique open-world experience packed with intense guerrilla-style combat,  sophisticated weaponry and the most advanced destruction engine ever built,” said Kevin Kraff, vice president of worldwide marketing, THQ.  “Gamers can expect the same top quality from the PC version, with the added benefits of DirectX10 support, bonus downloadable content and additional technical advancements.”

“Red Faction: Guerrilla’s PC debut will expose even more gamers to the Red Faction universe and further enhance the game-play experience by maximizing the PC’s capabilities,” said Rick White, producer,  Volition, Inc. “The PC version features higher graphical quality through the support of Direct X10, as well as smooth, customizable controls, resulting in a visually impressive, high performance product.”

About Red Faction: Guerrilla

Red Faction: Guerrilla is a 3^rd person, open-world shooter set on Mars, 50 years after the events of the original Red Faction®. Players take on the role of freedom fighter Alec Mason, with the newly re-established Red Faction movement, as they battle for liberation from the oppressive Earth Defence Force (EDF). Throughout their fight for freedom, players can carve their own path, wreaking havoc across the vast, open-world environment of Mars, from the desolate mining outpost of Parker to the gleaming EDF capital city of Eos.  Utilising improvised weapons, explosives and re-purposed mining equipment and vehicles, Red Faction: Guerrilla allows players to tear through fully destructible environments in a Martian landscape swarming with EDF forces, Red Faction resistance fighters, and the downtrodden settlers caught in the cross-fire. Red Faction: Guerrilla features a robust multiplayer experience, including several modes focused on destruction-based game-play.

Astro Boy set to fly into action at
‘A Night in Fantasia 2009’

SYDNEY – Wednesday 16 September. 2009 – While the new animated movie ‘Astro Boy’ will launch in cinemas in late October, the Eminence Symphony Orchestra is preparing to ‘fanfare’ the arrival of the long awaited blockbuster by performing the entire Astro Boy score – the one we all know and love – at ‘A Night in Fantasia 2009’.

“We’re all big fans of Astro Boy at Eminence. Let’s face it, he takes you back to your childhood and the time when you thought he was such a super hero and wished you could get some super powers too and be like him. So, we’re really excited to be playing the entire score as part of our line up for A Night in Fantasia 2009,” commented Hiroaki Yura, Founder and Director of Eminence Symphony Orchestra.

In addition to celebrating the music of Astro Boy, the huge score of tracks to be performed include AFRIKA, Ace Combat V, Darksiders: Wrath of War, Metal Gear Solid, Prince of Persia, Red Alert 3, Dragon Age, Shadow of the Colossus and a wide range of anime titles, including Studio Ghibli, Totoro, Laputa, Princess Mononoke, Deathnote and many, many more ….

A Night in Fantasia 2009 will also feature a host of international special guests – Steve Jablonsky, composer of the musical score for Transformers 2 the movie, Inon Zur (Crysis, Prince of Persia and Fallout 3); Cris Velasco (Starcraft II and God of War); Wataru Hokoyama (AFRIKA and Resident Evil 5); Go Shiina (Tales of Legendia and Tekken: Dark Resurrection); Yasunori Mitsuda (Chrono Chross and Xenosaga); Kow Otani (Godzilla series, Shadow of the Colossus); Chiaki Takahashi, singer for The Idolm@ster, model and actress and the celebrated singer Aubrey Ashburn.

Featuring a full Symphony Orchestra, a mind blowing choir, special guest performers and boasting a score of popular tracks from the worlds of video games and anime, A Night in Fantasia 2009 is a must see for both ardent Eminence fans and lovers of good music.

Fans can find out more about the concert by visiting www.anif09.com. The site also features lots of different videos, including performances by some of the featured international guests, as well as past concert performances by the Eminence Symphony Orchestra.

You can also check out the ‘A Night in Fantasia 2009’ trailer on YouTube, at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Jnlcha-Up0 to get a taste of just what’s in store on September 26, when Eminence will blow the roof off the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

The concert will be recorded and released on CD along with a ‘behind the scenes’ DVD on 12.12.09 – in limited editions. Packages can be pre-ordered via the Eminence website, www.eminenceonline.com 

“We promise everyone that A Night in Fantasia 2009 will be a night of music and reminiscence that you will love and will never forget. Come and join us,” Mr Yura added.

‘A Night in Fantasia 2009’ is a ‘don’t miss’ event…
so, make sure you don’t miss out!

-ends-

Eminence Group Pty Ltd reserves the right to add, withdraw or substitute artists/special guests and/or vary advertised programmes without prior notification.

Date:                                Saturday 26 September, 2009

Time(s):                           6.00pm (doors open at 5.00pm)

Venue:                             Sydney Entertainment Centre

35 Harbour Street
Darling Harbour

Ticket prices:                                 

                                                Adult                 

A Reserve                              $95.00                        

B Reserve                               $85.00                        

C Reserve                               $75.00                        

Bookings through:                Tickets can only be booked via Ticketmaster.
Phone 1300 883 662, visit  www.ticketmaster.com.au or go to a Ticketmaster outlet.
           

All attendees will receive a full colour program booklet.

For more information, visit www.eminenceonline.com

Sydney, Australia – September 16, 2009 – The sequel to the greatest Super Hero™ action/RPG ever heads to retail stores today with the release of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 from Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) for the Xbox 360® & Nintendo DS™ consoles. PLAYSTATION®3 and Nintendo Wii™ will release September 23rd 2009. Players will have the chance to experience Marvel’s landmark Civil War storyline first hand, as they fight for their chosen side in the battle over the Superhuman Registration Act. In control of the largest army of heroes and villains ever featured in a game, players will assemble four-character dream teams, utilise their heroes’ unique powers and, for the first time ever, fuse the abilities of two characters to unleash astonishing new attacks during battles.

“Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 builds on the gameplay that made the first title a hit and takes the experience to all new heights,” states Rob Kostich, Head of Marketing for Licensed Properties, Activision Publishing, Inc. “Players will fight through cinematic and immersive environments, engage in graphically vivid and devastating fusions, and interact with or destroy everything in their path as they experience one of the most tumultuous political events ever imagined in comic book lore.”

“Just as Civil War will be remembered as this decade’s most memorable comic book event, so too will Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 go down as one of this generation’s greatest Super Hero games,” says Ira Rubenstein, Executive Vice President of the Marvel Digital Media Group. “The notion of heroes fighting heroes is compelling both in terms of action and storytelling, and Activision has brought it all to life in a way that’s sure to please everyone who plays.”

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 allows gamers to play as some of the most popular Marvel heroes and villains in an explosive action-RPG experience. For the first time, players will be able to take full advantage of the Marvel Universe by combining dynamic Super Hero powers to create over 250 unique fusions, such as a fiery tornado between Human Torch and Storm, or a powerful beam splitter between Wolverine and Iron Man. The game also features deep character customisation, including upgrading abilities, powers and boosts on the fly, as well as storyline choices that will influence character stats. Gamers can play on their own or with up to three friends in co-operative multiplayer modes, allowing them to assemble unique dream teams from 24 playable heroes and villains, giving fans one of the most exciting action/RPG experiences of all time.

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 is available on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, by Vicarious Visions; and the Nintendo Wii™ and DS™ by Savage. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 is rated “M” (Violence) on all platforms except for the Nintendo DS™, which is rated “PG” (Mild Violence) by the Classification Board.

Additional game information can be found at www.activision.com, as well as http://MarvelUltimateAlliance.com where consumers can also join the fight for Pro-Registration or Anti-Registration with Civil War Online. Members of the media can visit Activision Publishing’s Broadcast Media Centre to download broadcast quality video and web-ready video and high-resolution images at http://usngondemand.com/index.php. Members of the media using Pathfire can take advantage of a Pathfire enabled video download.

About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics). Marvel’s strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online. For more information visit www.marvel.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 Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands and Australia. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.

Milan, Italy – 16 September 2009 – NewU Fitness First Personal Trainer, published by Black Bean Games, is a title exclusive for Wii™ that offers a complete and comprehensive workout program tailored specifically to your selected goals. These goals are made achievable thanks to the integration into NewU of real Personal Trainers from the world’s largest gym franchise, Fitness First, drawing upon their expertise to create the exercises.

NewU Fitness First Personal Trainer allows you to create a profile and select personal goals. No matter what your gender, age, height or current level of activity, everyone can begin to get fit or enhance their current in-club fitness program with NewU. The goals are organized into four main categories: Sport, Shape, General Health and Special Occasions. NewU Fitness First Personal Trainer has 84 different exercises, which, when combined with the 50 available goals, give you over 900 possible workouts.

NewU Fitness First Personal Trainer requests you to select a primary goal and an optional secondary goal from which it will design your personalised training and nutrition program. You then choose your preferred personal trainer and a training location for your training to begin. To help you with your workout program there are three real-time feedback systems to indicate how well you are executing the exercises:
• Traffic light system – green = good, red = try harder
• Timing bar at the top of screen – with audio pips and coloured sections
• Vocal encouragement direct from your trainer

In the fitness section you can access your daily fitness program and see the workouts you’ll be doing for the next day and the rest of the week. When you are short of time, there are also quick workouts available. If you feel brave enough for a real challenge there are five tough trials to push you to the limit. In one of these challenges you can even take on the Army fitness test.

NewU Fitness First Personal Trainer provides a bespoke nutrition program designed by professional nutritionists in order to get the full benefits of a new healthy life.

Sydney, Australia – 16 September 2009 – AOC presents an all-purpose widescreen LCD monitor in the shape of the 2036Va. It features a 20″ widescreen display with dual inputs, 60,000:1 (DCR) contrast ratio (which delivers exceptional image clarity), and a 160-degree viewing angle to provide increased visibility from side viewpoints. The 2036Va has built-in speakers, 16:9 aspect ratio for ideal HD viewing and a fast response time of 5ms for sharp moving images with no motion blur. For added convenience, the 36 series includes a USB port for easier access to peripheral devices.

AOC’s latest release, the 36 series LCD monitor range boasts extremely low power consumption of up to 50% of the energy used in a typical LCD monitor. Combined with great value, the 36 series monitor is a must-buy for budget-conscious users who also want to reduce energy consumption in computing. Winning the EPEAT Silver Award, the 36 series has achieved a high standard of “Green” monitor.

AOC 36 Series Key Features

Energy Savings
In power saving mode the monitor uses only 50% of the power compared to normal operation, without affecting the image quality. This is complemented by AOC’s market-leading i-Bright technology which reduces backlight CCFL for lower power consumption and reduced mercury levels.
Power Off Timer
When tuning to Power Saving mode in friendly OSD menu, the monitor will only use 50% power compared to the normal condition, without affecting users.
Improved Depth (DCR 60000:1):
The Ultra-high Dynamic Contrast Ratio (DCR) gives the finest details at a ratio of 60000:1, allowing the user to see the darker areas of the content with greater depth.
USB 2.0 Hub:
With a USB connector provides an alternative gateway to connect and access storage devices such as USB flash, hard disks and cameras.
16: 9 Widescreen, True Full Screen HD:
View full screen HD movie without distortion or black bars.
Image Ratio Control:
With an input format of 4:3, switching display formats from 4:3 to 16:9 matches the input format and prevents the distortion of images. There is also a convenient hotkey for easy adjustment.
Eco Mode:
It consists of 6 display settings of text, Internet, games, movies, sport & power saving mode, and caters to different viewing situations.

Product and Pricing Summary
Vendor: AOC
Model: AOC 36 Series 20″ 2036Va
RRP: A$219
Website: http://www.aocmonitor-anz.com/
Distributor: Altech Computers
Availability: Now

About AOC
AOC is positioned to be one of the top global players in providing the best value display technology. Nowadays AOC offers not only a cold hardware, but also unique lifestyle feeling. AOC LCD monitor brings green, entertainment, human-element life experience. In 2008, AOC shipped 8.4 million units of PC monitor and TV products, representing an annual growth of 20.8%. AOC achieved impressive sales performance in Asia Pacific & South America. AOC market share increased 2.1% from 12.2% in Y2007 to 14.3% in Y2008, which IDC AP ranked AOC second in volume in Asia Pacific (ex. Japan) (Source: IDC AP non-bundled PC Monitor Tracker Q4 2008).

JustCause.com updates with all-new media

The official Just Cause 2 website has today been updated with some all-new assets for adrenaline junkies to get their fix of Eidos Interactive’s explosive new freeroaming adventure. New podcast, new screens and an in-depth Mini Documentary video await…

The Media section at JustCause2.com is where you can find the first in a series of podcasts where Community Manager Mike Oldman probes deep within the development studio and gets to the heart of what will make Just Cause 2 one-to-watch for 2010. Talking with Magnus Nedfors, Game Director, and Peter Johansson, Lead Designer, Mike discusses the challenges faced by the team creating the game, their chaos-fuelled adventures on the island of Panau and poses questions taken directly from the community.

The Images area has been updated with half a dozen new screens showing the stunning island of Panau and, while you’re there, make sure to check out the Videos area… the latest Mini Documentary video is available now and gives you a view behind-the-scenes at Avalanche Studios, talking with the project leads and showing off Just Cause 2’s vertical gameplay, and how a bus played a key role in breaking the office BASE jump record!

Logitech Rechargeable Speaker S315i Offers Up to 20-Hour Battery Life and Logitech Portable Speaker S125i Cranks Up the Bass

SYDNEY, Australia. — September 15^th, 2009 — If you want a dock for your iPod® that also makes it fun and easy to share your music with your friends and family, then Logitech has an iPod speaker dock for you. Logitech Australia today unveiled the Logitech® Rechargeable Speaker S315i and the Logitech® Portable Speaker S125i. Offering exceptionally long battery life, the Rechargeable Speaker S315i delivers up to 20 hours of listening time, while the Portable Speaker S125i lets you crank up the bass in your bedroom, kitchen, living room – even in your backyard.
“Millions of people have fallen in love with the iPod, but want a speaker dock so they can share their music with friends,” said Mark Schneider, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s audio business unit. “Logitech’s newest iPod speaker docks help improve your iPod listening experience at home, at work or anywhere you enjoy your music. With Logitech’s new speakers, you’ll hear every note – loud and clear.”
Logitech Rechargeable Speaker S315i
Because you don’t always have time to recharge your iPod at home, and it’s inconvenient to carry your charger when you’re out and about, the Logitech Rechargeable Speaker S315i gives you a full day’s (or night’s) worth of music on a single charge – up to 20 hours of power (in power-saving mode). Plus, unlike other iPod speaker docks, the Rechargeable Speaker S315i can play your music while it’s plugged in and charging your iPod.
But Logitech does not stop with exceptional battery life. The Rechargeable Speaker S315i uses custom, full-range drivers to accurately reproduce the highs and lows of your favourite songs. And, with its slim design – it’s less than two-inches thick – and durable metal grills, the S315i is ready for the rigors of your suitcase, backpack or car.
When you need to charge your iPod or iPhone®, just dock it in the Rechargeable Speaker S315i. The Rechargeable Speaker S315i works with the iPhone and any iPod model with the Apple Universal Dock Connector.

Logitech Portable Speaker S125i

Ideal for first-time iPod owners ready to move and groove, the Logitech Portable Speaker S125i is an easy-to-transport speaker dock with extra bass when you need it. You can use it to play and charge any iPod model with the Apple Universal Dock Connector or connect other music players using the 3.5mm auxiliary input. And you’ll feel the beat even more with one push of the Bass Boost button.
At less than 500g, the portable, power-smart and compact Portable Speaker S125i runs on AC or battery power – up to 10 hours of battery-powered music (4 AA not included) – so it can go just about anywhere inside or outside the home.

Both the Rechargeable Speaker S315i and the Portable Speaker 125i offer a standard 3.5 mm jack so you can plug in any portable music player, and even your PC or CD player.

Pricing and Availability
Logitech Rechargeable Speaker S315i – RRP $199.95 AU, inc. GST

Logitech Portable Speaker S125i – RRP $99.95 AU, inc. GST

***Logitech S315i and S125i speakers are expected to be available in Australia from September.

About Logitech
Logitech is a world leader in personal peripherals, driving innovation in PC navigation, Internet communications, digital music, home-entertainment control, gaming and wireless devices. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

# # #

Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are registered in Switzerland and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information about Logitech and its products, visit the company’s Web site at www.logitech.com.

Hannah Montana: The Movie

Available in a Three-Disc Blu-Ray^™ Hi-Def Combo Pack, Two-Disc DVD Set and Single-Disc DVD

Watch your Hannah Montana: The Movie DVD or Blu-Ray in the living room and your DisneyFile Digital Copy on the go! Available to own from 21 October 2009.

Teen superstar Miley Cyrus brings her wildly popular Disney Channel alter ego home to Tennessee when Hannah Montana: The Movie comes to Blu-ray^™ Hi-Def and DVD from 21 October. The first-ever full-length Hannah Montana theatrical movie is available for a limited time only in a Three-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack that includes the film in both Blu-ray and DVD formats, as well as Two-Disc and Single-Disc DVD editions. Both the Blu-ray Combo Pack and Two-Disc DVD include DisneyFile, a digital copy of the movie that can be viewed on an array of electronic devices.
She has the best of both worlds but now she has to choose just one in Hannah’s first ever full-length movie, Hannah Montana: The Movie!

Your favourite Hannah Montana cast members and some new soon-to-be favourites are all here for Hannah Montana: The Movie. Starring Miley Cyrus, Billy-Ray Cyrus and Emily Osment along with newcomer Lucas Till, Hannah Montana: The Movie is a fabulously fun and heartfelt family movie with great role models and positive messages. 

When Miley Stewart’s pop star alter-ego Hannah Montana starts to get too big for her designer-cowboy boots, her father Robby-Ray Stewart, played by Miley’s real-life dad Billy-Ray Cyrus, sends her back to her hometown in Tennessee for a dose of reality. For the first time, Miley has to learn to live without the superstar Hollywood life and be happy within herself in a coming-of-age adventure filled with fun, laughter and romance even Hannah Montana couldn’t imagine. Will Miley hang up her blonde wig forever and close the curtain on her double life? 

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Come along for the ride as Miley is forced to leave behind the glamour of Hollywood and rediscover her roots, while having the adventure of a lifetime, with the help of some special friends including Tyra Banks as a Hollywood rival and Vanessa Williams as Miley’s publicist. This family movie event also includes special music performances from Taylor Swift and Rascal Flats!

ROCKIN’ BONUS FEATURES

The Three-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack, Two-Disc and single DVD include the following bonus features:

• New Music Video
• Find Your Way Back Home – Miley, Emily, Billy Ray, and other cast members share with us “THEIR” hometowns: the people, places & things that make them special. We’ll go to a pottery class with Miley & her sister, visit their favourite ice cream shop and other haunts around the Franklin Tennessee Town Square. Billy Ray saddles up his iron horse to show viewers a firsthand account of the beauty a country town like Thompson’s Station Tennessee has to offer. But not everyone is from a small country town. Emily will show us what it’s like to grow up in the entertainment Mecca we like to call Hollywood. Perhaps it will inspire us all to find a little reason to brag of our own hailing? 
• I Should Have Gone to Film School – Jason Earles is more than Miley’s big brother on TV.  He is quite the accomplished actor. Here he will put his talents to use by interviewing cast & crew and giving us a true behind the scenes look at how this movie was made. He’ll cover the fashion, the music, the stars, lights, camera…action!
• Bloopers 
• Deleted Scenes with Director Commentary  

PLUS the Three-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack includes these exclusive additional bonus features:

• The HoeDown ThrowDown Home Experience – everyone in the movie has to learn to do it, and now you can too.  Famed choreographer Jamal Sims and some of the Hannah Montana cast will show us all step by step how to do the dance everyone is talking about.
• 7 Music Videos 

AVAILABLE OPTIONS

Available from 21 October, Hannah Montana: The Movie comes in the new 3 Disc Combo Pack which allows you 3 ways to watch the movie.   

–        3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack which includes, Blu Ray + DVD + DisneyFile Digital Copy
RRP $64.95 (Includes $115 value!)

–        2-Disc DVD Pack, which includes, DVD + Disney-first DisneyFile Digital Copy
RRP $49.95  

–        1-Disc DVD edition
RRP $39.95

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About DisneyFile Digital Copy

Watch your DVD or Blu-Ray in the living room and your DisneyFile Digital Copy on the go! Simply insert the DisneyFile Digital Copy disc in your PC or Mac, then transfer and watch the movie on your computer, video iPods, iPhone or compatible Windows Media devices. DisneyFile offers consumers a fast and easy way to enjoy movies, anywhere, anytime in just minutes.