Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D

Today, I decided to go out to the movies and see the new 3D movie, Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D. I wasn't sure what to expect because technology is always evolving and yesterdays 3D is different than today's version of it. As we arrived at the theater mid-day there was a line at the ticket counter. I honestly didn't expect that many people mid-day on a Sunday afternoon.

Then as we got to the counter and purchased our tickets, they gave us our ticket and a pair of 3D glasses for the movie. I wasn't sure if they would be the old cheap cardboard red and blue lens glasses. But, they weren't those at all. The glasses were black plastic framed with slightly tinted clear lenses. So after I loaded up with my bottled water, large butter popcorn and twislers I headed into the theater.

It was a small crowd for Resident Evil so I found the perfect seat to view it without worrying about loud, noisy, people around me. Then just as I sat down, a message came across the screen for everyone to please put on your 3D glasses. So I put mine on and got ready for the show.

We were pleasantly entertained by a Scion car commercial in 3D. It was actually pretty cool to see. Then there were a few other goodies they showed us in 3D. Afterwards, they ran some regular movie previews for upcoming shows.

I got the feeling we saw 20 mins of previews before the movie began. Then another message came across the screen to please put on your 3D glasses. This time more 3D previews came on for some new movies coming out soon in 3D. They looked pretty awesome. Then it was time for the show to start.

I have to admit, when first putting on the glasses it did feel a bit strange. Then they cut the 3D stuff out, showed some regular previews. Then back to the 3D stuff. As the movie started I noticed in the first few mins I felt a bit queasy. I was worried I might actually lose my lunch. It took a few minutes to get used to it, then it was ok. I don't know if others felt it, but I definitely did.

Then as I sat back and watched the rest of the movie, I was totally blown away. It was AWESOME, I loved it. There were several parts where things came right out at you, as they were thrown or exploded out. This was definitely a new form of 3D.

A few times I peered over the glasses to see if I could notice anything. There is one scene where the people are standing talking together and they appear to be right out in front of you. So as I peered out over the glasses, I noticed that the background was a bit blurry. But, outside of that no other difference.

All in all the movie was Fantastic. It did leave room for another version for the Resident Evil series. You know how it is folks, the umbrella corp. never dies they just terrorize in another way. If you want to see a great action, zombie flick with yes a bit of the matrix theme in it, Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D is your movie.

I give it 4 thumbs up out of 4 thumbs....

Google offers virtual trip for New York City

(image taken from screen capture of nycgo website)

Planning a trip just got easier. Everyone knows the hassle that comes when planning a trip to see all the cool sites, museums and other hot spots around the city. Well Google and the City of New York have launched a virtual website to help you make your trip virtually easier before venturing out into the city to do it in person. The new website allows you to explore the Big Apple from the comfort of your home, phone or where ever else you can surf in from. This program even gives you options to see buildings in 3D and also experience New York in the "Google Street View" experience too.

(video originally found on YouTube Website - Google)
I would definitely recommend to watching this video and judge for yourself how amazing this service really is to the public.

The Mayor of New York city Michael Bloomberg launched the new website nycgo.com to the public for all to see. The information center for this project is located in Manhattan on 810 Seventh Avenue, between 52nd and 53rd Streets. The center itself offers touch screen interfaces for people to use in person. The video segment above gives you a glimps at how amazing and cutting edge this center really is. I think young and old will be in awe when visiting the information center in person.

""This dynamic site uses Google Maps to help you plan your New York experience," Bloomberg said in a posting at Google's website.

"So whether you are a visitor or a resident, we invite you to explore New York City from your home computer, your mobile phone -- and of course, in person."

People can use nycgo.com to learn about attractions, promotions, events and more, then map itineraries using Google software and send the information to mobile telephones for reference while on the move."

(image found on raising the bar: winter roof hotspots on nycgo.com)

I had a chance to check out the site and try it a bit. I enjoy the layout and design. The site is designed in a simple and user friendly format. I think this is a big plus because there are to many sites that just over complicate things. I especially enjoyed the assorted views of the inside of various places to get an idea of what it looks like. To many times all we get a chance to see is the outside which leaves many times much to the imagination.

This tool is a great way to view a city. I look forward when this kind of project is unveiled for my home Chicago and then some of the other metropolitan city's around the United States. This is definitely a step in the right direction when it comes down to broadening our horizons and really having a chance to see all the beauty the city has to give. This is definelty another "WoW" product from Google.

So if you have some free time check out the site and enjoy all that the Big Apple has to offer.

Google and New York City Launch town-touring technology tools (AFP)

New York uses Google Maps to guide Tourists (ComputerWorld Government)

Google-Powered Nycgo.com Site is Great Lesson in Interactive Web Maps (Google Watch)