Autoblog

Cʼétait un Rendezvous coming to Blu-ray [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 10:44:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Videos, TV/Movies

French director Claude LeLouch made a film called C'etait un Rendezvous that featured a car being driven through the streets of Paris at dawn, by someone who would not stop for any reason - not lights, not cars, nothing. And the whole thing was done in one take. When it was shown in 1976 the public outrage caused it to be banned. Those are the facts. The rest, 36 years later - since LeLouch wouldn't ever reveal who drove or what he (or she) was driving - is still myth, legend and Wikipedia supposition.

The mythology is still so potent that a search on YouTube will bring up the movie itself, the making of, and a ton of videos about the movie or made in homage to it, like this one by Lamborghini. Fitting that it is no longer relegated to the small screen with a Blu-ray release courtesy of the UK's Spirit Level Film.

The launch of the home version is accompanied by a contest that will see someone getting a Ferrari for a weekend and a driving club membership. If you watch it, you'll find the film itself is almost just as entertaining, and Hunger TV has a longer piece on its background. There's a trailer for it just below along with a press release announcing the Blu-ray edition.

Continue reading Cʼétait un Rendezvous coming to Blu-ray [w/video]

Cʼétait un Rendezvous coming to Blu-ray [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear previews Worst Car In The World special

Zach Bowman — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Videos, Celebrities, Humor

If you've grown a reputation as a "car person," odds are you've been assailed with single most infuriating query that can be leveled at an individual of our ilk. In some weak attempt to strike up a conversation, someone has dribbled the words "What's the best car?" from between their lips and slung the syllables all over your shirt front. As you and I know, that's an unanswerable question. You might as well attempt to levy a verdict on the best music, art, sex, or tool. They all have their own time, purpose and flair. The crew at Top Gear have set out to tackle no less of a sticky meditation with its latest DVD: The Worst Car in the History of the World.

Of course, to put some clarity on the question, Jeremy Clarkson and James May are out to investigate the worst car in the history that is both not cheap and from an automaker that should know better. Judging by the quick promotional clip in the video below, the duo take a look at everything from the Ferrari 458 Italia to a Lincoln Continental Mark V and the Lexus SC 430. Check it out for yourself.

Continue reading Top Gear previews Worst Car In The World special

Top Gear previews Worst Car In The World special originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What's Jeremy Clarkson's favorite car of the year?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Wagon, Videos, Celebrities, Luxury

Whether he's hosting an episode of Top Gear, writing a column for a magazine or newspaper, or putting together his own DVD special, there's little doubt that Jeremy Clarkson has an enviable level of access to pretty much any car he wants. That ranges from the latest supercars to everyday commuters to oddball one-off classics like the Brutus. So which, of all the cars at his disposal, is his favorite this year?

The answer might surprise you. While the BMW 535d M-Sport Touring is Clarkson's choice for the best car of the year, it's not his favorite. No, that accolade belongs to the one that can put the biggest grin on his mug. So which gets the top prize from the UK's top automotive personality? Follow the jump to watch a clip from his new Powered Up DVD to find out.

Continue reading What's Jeremy Clarkson's favorite car of the year?

What's Jeremy Clarkson's favorite car of the year? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi unveils in-dash Blu Ray player

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Technology, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MEC) wants to be able to offer a 1 DIN Blu-ray DVD player in the 2009 fiscal year. The unit, 1/3 the size of an at-home Blue-ray player, will not only fit in a standard dash slot but will also play BD-ROM, BD-R, and BD-RE discs.

MEC says the kit is expected to go along with in-car navigation systems, but since it runs on Linux it remains to be seen how - and who - will be integrating it with the Windows CE that generally runs navigation software. If and when they do get it to work, they want to bundle it with a TV tuner that can display digital terrestrial broadcasts at up to 120 mph. Because when you've finished watching Transformers 2 at illegal speeds, you'll need something to do... other than drive...

[Source: Tech On via Engadget]

Mitsubishi unveils in-dash Blu Ray player originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007 Holiday Sweepstakes Day 2: The Bourne Ultimatum DVD

John Neff — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Contests

"Get some rest Pam, you look tired." I've been saying that line to my girlfriend ever since I saw The Bourne Ultimatum in the theater, and I can't wait to hear it again at home when I get the movie on DVD for Christmas. Are you afraid Santa or a disgruntled spouse won't let you watch Jason Bourne tear up the Big Apple on your flat screen this Christmas? We've got you covered. The prize for Day 2 of Autoblog's 2007 Holiday Sweepstakes is The Bourne Ultimatum DVD, and we've got 5 copies to give away. This movie is worth a watch for the car chase alone, and the DVD also includes a special feature on how the chase was done.

How to Enter: Just leave a single comment on this post (if you leave two or more, all will be disqualified).

Simple Rules:

5 winners will be randomly selected at 12:00PM EST Wednesday, 12/12/07
You may enter today's sweepstakes only once
Only residents of the United States are eligible
You must be at least 18 to enter

Click here to view official rules and come back every day this week around noon to see what else we're giving away. Happy Holidays from your friendly neighborhood Autoblog!

NOTE: We have already randomly chosen 10 winners for yesterday's sweepstakes and will be in contact with them shortly. Feel free to enter today's sweepstakes if you're eligible, and if you happen to be one of yesterday's winners, your entry in today's sweepstakes will automatically not count.

2007 Holiday Sweepstakes Day 2: The Bourne Ultimatum DVD originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transformers on DVD has landed

Dan Roth — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games, Lifestyle

Here's what you're doing tonight. You're going to your local big box retailer and walking out with a copy of Michael Bay's CG-extravaganza that was one of last summer's coolest ways to waste a couple hours: Transformers. We've all been inundated by the ad blitz, and now the DVD and HD-DVD are in stores now, still warm and offgassing from the pressing plant. You should do your homework to make sure you get the exclusive edition you want, though. Target's got the coolest, a DVD case that actually transforms into Optimus Prime, but Wal-Mart's got the prequel bundled with the film. If you're really hardcore and you need to have both, you'll end up with two copies of the feature. Or you could just go to Best Buy and get the two action figures and be done with it.

If you're in the Hollywood area, you can actually hang out with Bumblebee as he stands guard over the West Hollywood Gateway shopping center. It's an actual prop from the movie, and we think it's a brilliant idea to send Autobots out to promote their own DVD. After all, the life of unemployed Transformer can be tough (see video after the jump). The Hollywood Bumblebee is huge, you'd need Ironhide to tow it around, but you can also enter to win a Bumblebee Camaro when the model goes live in 2009.

[Source: Cinematical, Slashfilm, FilmSchoolRejects]

Continue reading Transformers on DVD has landed

Transformers on DVD has landed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transformers rolling onto DVD October 16th

Alex Nunez — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Well, there goes 20 bucks. On October 16, Transformers arrives on DVD, and multiple versions will hit retailers simultaneously. In addition to the single-disc release, a two-disc, extras-laden Special Edition and an even more special 2-disc HD-DVD Special Edition will go on sale.

In addition to director's commentary from Michael Bay (Bay's always entertaining in this regard), the second disc will be loaded with behind-the-scenes stuff, including a casting backgrounder, a doc on how the Bay worked with Hasbro to, ahem, transform the toy line into a live-action feature film, a piece on the military training the actors underwent to prepare for their roles and much more. We have a feeling that you won't be the least bit surprised to learn that theres also an ~~informercial~~ featurette on Bay's collaboration with Chevy and the GM design team as well.

Suffice to say, we'll be stopping at the local Wal-Get Circuit Buy Mart on the way home from work on 10/16. Maybe we should take the next day off, too. Follow the jump for the full specs on the release.

[Source: Ciinematical]

Gallery: Transformers Movie Pics

Continue reading Transformers rolling onto DVD October 16th

Transformers rolling onto DVD October 16th originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bumblebee actor hints at Transformers prequel content for DVD release

Alex Nunez — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:37:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

That there will be a Transformers 2 is a foregone conclusion. The film's $222,000,000 domestic box-office tally in under two weeks makes the sequel a lock to happen. Tack another $100,000,000 on if you want to factor in the foreign b/o, too. Before a sequel happens, however, there will be the DVD, and we expect the TF disc to be loaded with extras. (Bay's films in the past have spawned outstanding, content-laden special-edition home versions.) Our Weblogs, Inc. pals over at Cinematical report that Mark Ryan, who voices everyone's favorite Camaro, told an interviewer, "I recently recorded more material for the DVD release of the film. It has to do with the prequel that will set up the second film."

Speculation continues after the jump.

[Source: Cinematical]

Continue reading Bumblebee actor hints at Transformers prequel content for DVD release

Bumblebee actor hints at Transformers prequel content for DVD release originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Town & Country, Jimmy Neutron edition

Dan Roth — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Minivan/Van, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Dodge

It's better than Lee Iacocca saying something like "fo shizzle." Chrysler has joined up with Nickelodeon to shill their newly revamped minivans. With the addition of Sirius TV to beam content off the birds and into the backseat, it makes perfect sense for the two to team up. I'd rather interact with our child, but some parents just need a break from their little monsters, and video screens in the back seem to shut them up for a while. Cartoon characters have been used to sell cars before; even the Peanuts gang promoted Ford Falcons back in the '60s. Perhaps there will be some kind of Joe Camel effect, and the kids will specifically request that mom and pop take a ride at the Chrysler dealer when it's time for a new Wagon Queen Family Truckster. The new Chrysler minis are cool, with their video systems, flexible swivelly seats and if patriotism appeals to you, they're the last US brand in the game.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Town & Country, Jimmy Neutron edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW mystery device

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 20:28:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., BMW

Click image to enlarge

If you follow the "read" link your eyes and ears will be under full assault as BMW hypes up a soon to be released gizmo. What is it? We're a bit baffled, but according to the trailer it has the ability to play MP3s, DVDs and CDs, has USB and Bluetooth connectivity, can recognize voice commands and has a 65,000 color LCD. But alas, no nav.

We're still a trifle confused as to why an automaker would begin producing personal electronics, but then again, BMW has a tendency to throw the occasional curve ball, with its products and marketing tactics.

Until it's released in Mid-January 2007, we're just going to call it the "Highend," since that's the only discernable thing we could see in the URL.

A few more images are posted after the jump.

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BMW mystery device originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Dec 2006 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blu-ray players on the horizon for in-car entertainment

John Neff — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 12:54:00 EST

Filed under: Audio, Gadgets, Technology

The high-definition format wars are currently raging. HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray. The conflict reeks of Beta-Max vs. VHS, although at this point no one is sure which format will survive to become the standard. Regardless of which format prevails, it's only a matter of time before it ends up in a car, and Panasonic recently hinted that it's working on mobile entertainment applications for its Blu-ray technology.

The fact that Blu-ray can support 1080p resolution will be completely lost on the 7- to 10-inch LCD screens embedded in the backs of our headrests, but it will allow Blu-ray consumers to play their discs on the go, as well as record an obscene number of Sponge Bob episodes on one disc. Technoride suggests that before Blu-ray reaches car interiors, though, the hardware will need to be ruggedized to handle a jarring commute.

[Source: Technoride]

Blu-ray players on the horizon for in-car entertainment originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jul 2006 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Movie "Grand Prix" coming out on DVD!

Stuart Waterman — Tue, 09 May 2006 19:54:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

We know many Autoblog readers were among the 7,105 people who signed the petition to persuade Warner Home Video to release this classic movie on DVD. Well, we're a little late in posting this update, but in case you haven't heard, your efforts have been rewarded! Warner announced in April that a U.S. release for a two-disc 40th anniversary special edition of John Frankenheimer's Academy Award winning movie is scheduled for July 11.

The re-release is fully restored with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, in 16x9 widescreen format, and includes several special feature documentaries on the making of the movie.

The movie predates the era of computer-generated special effects, and all the racing footage was shot "live," with many of the cars driven by real-life grand prix racers. Many legendary racers also appear in cameo roles in the film, including Graham Hill, Richie Ginther, Dan Gurney, Bruce McLaren, and Phil Hill, and hardcore fans will have fun playing "spot the famous racer" while watching the movie.

Kudos to The Motorsport Collector in Downers Grove, Illinois for spearheading the petition drive. Reward their efforts by pre-ordering the DVD at their website: www.PutGrandPrixonDVD.com. (Amazon is also accepting advance orders.) We're warming up the Autoblog Theatre and getting the popcorn ready!

[via the ekartingnews.com forum]

Movie "Grand Prix" coming out on DVD! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 May 2006 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vique GPS: the Ultimate entertainment system you can't have

Joel Arellano — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 19:36:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Audio, Gadgets, Technology

We feel Engadget's pain.

The Vique GPS sounds like the perfect multimedia entertainment system for a tech-oriented driver and his or her passengers. Got music? Vique supports MP3, WMA, and OGG formats. Same with DVDs and DivX if you're willing to risk watching movies and driving simultaneously. A USB port is also available to expand those options with, for example, a laptop. And GPS is available... but with a catch. The Vique GPS is marketed strictly for the South Korean market, so you need to be stalking the streets of Seoul with this thing.

[Source: Engadget]

Vique GPS: the Ultimate entertainment system you can't have originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Apr 2006 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Things to think about before adding aftermarket A/V

Joel Arellano — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Audio, Gadgets, I.C.E., Technology

Bill Howard, editor of TechnoRide, offers advice on either installing a iPod adapter, DVD players, etc., or having such devices installed in your vehicle. He points out that:

Installations mean squeaks and rattles. Exception: Yugos, Fiats, and any British car older than an American Idol candidate - fit and finish can only be improved here.
Keep your lines short or keep it digital.
Is that how you'll really use it? You don't want that navigation monitor to swing in front of your vents when it's 100 degrees Fahrenheit inside the car.
Get the best techs possible on your side. The cliche, 'you get what you pay for' applies in accessory installations.
Hard-wire your satellite console. Spend the extra cash on a tech to hide all that wiring.
Check with Crutchfield. This is not an advertisement.
Get the best audio-in quality. See 'Get the best tech...' above.
Line-in is good, radio display is better.
Replace the radio. Remember, though, you probably won't be wearing those thick winter gloves again.

Finally, Howard reminds you that vehicle accessories, unlike home additions or improvements, do not jack up that vehicle's value. Details on each step above can be found at the link. What additional pointers would you give to would-be mods?

[Source: TechnoRide]

Things to think about before adding aftermarket A/V originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Apr 2006 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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