Monsters Vs Aliens

It was a big morning for Samsung — not only did it announce that its first HD 3D TVs will hit shelves this month, but it will also be rolling out 3D-ready Blu-Ray players, will be launching an app store for your home theater, and is partnering with DreamWorks to bring you some extra movie-watching goodies.

First up are the TVs. Samsung's lineup of HD 3D LED TVs will go on sale this month, starting with a few 46 inch and 55 inch screens, while the remaining LED and plasmas will roll out over the next several months alongside its Blu-Ray players. All of Samsung's new 3D TVs will come stocked with Real240Hz refresh rates for the clearest picture without blur and drag. Additionally, if you purchase a new 3D TV and Blu-Ray player, you'll get a starter kit that includes two pairs of Samsung 3D glasses (sold separately for $150) and a copy of Monsters vs. Aliens in 3D to kick-start your home theater experience.

To see what the Samsung Apps store is all about, just read more

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a press release today, announcing that 20 films have been submitted for Best Animated Film consideration at this year's Oscars. This means there could be five movies competing at the awards show in March. (In the history of the category, there have typically been only three.) So who is up for the honor?

Some are obvious choices. Up, for example, comes as no surprise thanks to its huge accolades. I also think Coraline stands a chance, as well as Fantastic Mr. Fox (look for my review on Friday!). But Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel seems like a long shot — even though it hasn't hit theaters yet, so I'm just making an early prediction. (Sorry, Alvin.)

With 10 movies in the Best Picture category, I wouldn't be surprised if some of these films end up with more than one nomination. Check out the full list of animated film contenders, and tell me which you think is most deserving of an Oscar when you read more

Tonight, NBC is airing a Halloween-themed follow up to last Summer's animated hit Monsters Vs. Aliens, Monsters Vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins From Outer Space. Seth Rogen, who voices the gelatinous jokester B.O.B. in the half-hour special, chatted on the phone with a few reporters about reprising his role. He talked animated films, Halloween, and even a little bit of the upcoming adaptation of The Green Hornet that he's currently filming with Michel Gondry.

• On why he enjoys voicing B.O.B.: I enjoy it because, I mean, this is the stupidest answer — I enjoy it because it's fun. The character is funny and the directors are cool and the story is funny; to me it's like a very fun format to kind of improvise, and try to discover a character in a different way than physically doing it, you know. You've got to do it all with your voice, and I really enjoy that.
• On dressing up for Halloween: I have a girlfriend now and I've entered the unfortunate world of paired costuming. It's not fun. I don’t recommend it. I always end up being the lamer half — it's like she's a dog and I'm a fire hydrant or something like that. It's never fun. So maybe I'm dodging a bullet this year.

To hear what Rogen said about The Green Hornet and what he loves about Halloween TV, just read more

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the movies below, there's also Steven Soderbergh's The Girlfriend Experience and Madonna's directorial debut Filth and Wisdom. Check out this week's picks!

Away We Go

John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph star as an expecting, road-tripping couple in this indie comedy drama directed by Sam Mendes. I loved the quirky humor that came from not only the leads, but a star-studded cast of supporting characters played by Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jeff Daniels, Alison Janney, and Catherine O'Hara. It may not be as laugh-out-loud as the two leads' usual work, but if you're looking for a sweetly funny flick you may like Away We Go. The DVD and Blu-ray have a making-of featurette, a commentary track, and a behind-the-scenes feature about how the filmmakers tried to make the production more environmentally friendly.

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See two more new releases when you read more

• Bryce Dallas Howard will be replacing Rachelle Lefevre in the role of Victoria in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. — ComingSoon
• FX has officially ordered the drama series Lawman starring Timothy Olyphant. — The Futon Critic
• Charlize Theron will produce and star in an adaptation of Christopher Buckley's satirical novel Florence of Arabia. — Variety
• USA has renewed Royal Pains and Burn Notice. — TV.com
• Due to its underperformance in some major international audiences, Monsters vs. Aliens may not get a sequel. — The Hollywood Reporter
• ABC Family has ordered 10 additional episodes of Make It or Break It. — Variety
• Ron Livingston, Jim Gaffigan, Kelli Gellar, Rob Riggle, and Jason Sudeikis round out the cast of the romantic comedy Going the Distance, starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. — ComingSoon
• Corbin Bleu and Elle Macpherson have been promoted to series regulars on The Beautiful Life. — The Hollywood Reporter