netflix • QSF5

11 Oct 2015

Checkpoint: Interstellar Edition

by No_Style | posted in: Editorials & Features | 0

I finally watched Interstellar last night and it is by far the preeminent science-fiction film of the last decade. For me, the best science-fiction films expand the mind, think of different possibilities and inspires the viewer to learn more. Interstellar did that for me if only for a few late hours last night and a few more hours early this morning.

I was pleased to read that the science behind the film was vetted by an expert. I’m going to buy that paperback just to have a go to source to accompany the film. The official Wikipedia article summarizes the events of the movie but I want more. And who better to get the answers from than from the man behind the science itself?

I watched it via Netflix but I was still awe struck by what was shown on screen. It’s one of the most visually stunning films I’ve ever seen. And that soundtrack? Fit the film like a glove; Hans Zimmer did it again.

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I’ve been tinkering with the Star Wars: Battlefront beta and it may have convinced me to wait for the the game to hit a lower price point. I’m not sold on the game’s depth.

After like four restarts, I believe I’m on my way to a solid run with Massive Chalice. The mechanics are simple but the systems themselves have nuances that were simply lost to me early on. I wonder if I’ll continue to go deep with this game and actually finish it though.

31 Jul 2014

About that EA Access service for Xbox One

by No_Style | posted in: Game News | 0

If you pay Electronic Arts $4.99 per month or $29.99 per year, you will gain access to some older Xbox One titles published by EA themselves. EA Access service members will also receive 10% discounts and 5-day early access to new EA titles.

It’s really about that Vault access but its appeal will depend heavily on what EA is offering at the time.

The beta will initially offer access to Battlefield 4, Peggle 2, Madden NFL 25 and FIFA 14. If this was coming for PlayStation 4, I’d pull the trigger right now. I’m still playing Battlefield 4 and my interest in FIFA games are at an all time high at the moment. I also wouldn’t mind trying Madden NFL 25 and I’m sure I’ll find enjoyment in more Peggle.

Unfortunately for me and other PlayStation centric players, this is an Xbox One exclusive. I don’t know if this an EA and Microsoft thing or if Sony actually denied EA access from entering their ecosystem but I’m bummed out by its absence. I actually want the titles being offered by EA unlike the ones that appear on Sony’s Instant Game Collection.

I can understand Sony wanting to put the kibosh on this if it means publishers will begin to withhold titles from their PlayStation Plus Instant Game Collection program though. If they allowed EA to start this service, what’s going to stop Ubisoft, Activision and other publishers from doing the same? It would be like every movie and TV studio having their own service instead of using all encompassing services like Netflix or Amazon Instant Video.

13 Oct 2013

Checkpoint: Netflix TV Q3 2013 Edition

by No_Style | posted in: Editorials & Features | 0

I’ve watched a lot more TV over the past few months than I have through all of 2012. Thanks Netflix.

It started with House of Cards and followed with Star Trek: The Next Generation which I’ve already spoke about at length. I watched Twin Peaks in parallel and was impressed with how well it held up. I also took in a healthy dose of laughter courtesy of Arrested Development.

I mentioned all the above in a previous Checkpoint and decided to provide an update:

12 May 2013

Checkpoint: Netflix Canada Edition

by No_Style | posted in: Editorials & Features | 0

I’m finding a lot of enjoyment from NetFlix — even in the so called “limited” Canadian version. I have not even considered looking into changing IPs and connecting to the U.S repository yet.

The shows I’m currently watching and re-watching include:

Arrested Development
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Twin Peaks

NetFlix’s gamble with original content like “House of Cards” worked; they lured me in with fantastic original programming and now I’m continuing to give them a monthly rate. I’m going to continue paying for it until I’ve exhausted all that they have.

I don’t think that’s going to happen any time soon though. I still have the often praised Mad Men to watch and much more “shows” that I’ve been skipping on because I was too lazy to invest in. As it turns out, I will gladly consume content if it’s as easy as watching a YouTube clip.

My latest muse is Twin Peaks. I’ve heard many good things about it but I had my reservations. I finished House of Cards UK but there were signs from its time that were a bit jarring. Twin Peaks, on the other hand, holds up remarkably well. I’ve only watched the first episode but I can see all the cultural influences at work here. I look forward to watching more of it.

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