The 3rd and final installment of the MindCandy trilogy brings 40 of the greatest PC demos (real-time computer animated music videos) of the years 2003-2010 to your (HD)TV on both Blu-ray and DVD. It takes these poetic programs of the computer world to the next level: Each of the demos has been optimized scene by scene or even rewritten just for MindCandy in order to achieve perfectly smooth 60 frames per second in a mind-blowing "better-than-realtime" visual quality. MindCandy 3 will push the limits of your HD hardware with its spectacular audio-visual effects. It's a best-of-the-best look at what imaginative amateur programmers, musicians and graphic artists can do with an off-the-shelf personal computer.

Both discs share the main feature: 40 remastered demos with audio-track, commentary-track (1st hand background stories from many of the demo creators) and subtitles in four languages, running time about 3.5 hours. Next to the brilliant HD video quality (1280x720 in 60 progressive frames per second) the Blu-ray contains more than 7 hours of extra footage, while the included cut-down DVD version allows playback on older systems as well.

You're welcome to order the MindCandy 3 box as of now. The MAZ Shop offers it at an introductory price of 16 instead of 19.80 Euro, this offer is valid untill December 31st. Shipping will start on Wednesday, 23.11.

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In its reworked edition the book tells the cutthroat story of computer pioneer Commodore through first-hand accounts by former engineers and managers. They share their experiences of ambition, greed and inspired engineering between 1976 and 1984, the groundbreaking moments, soaring highs, and stunning employee turnover that came with being on top of the world in the early computer business. These halcyon days were tumultuous, however, owing to the expectations and unsparing tactics of founder Jack Tramiel. Partners and rivals were the young Bill Gates, Apple visionary Steve Jobs and Ataris Nolan Bushnell.

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• MindCandy 3: PC Demos 2003-2010: All videos are captured, all permissions are in. Dan just told me: "We are 90% there so we can complete it in 2011, Q1 I believe. It's just a matter of getting menu structure down and possibly adding in subtitles." Slight consolation: The releases of the previous volumes V1: PC Demos and V2: Amiga Demos were delayed several times as well, and it was worth the wait. No MindCandy release without a decent delay :o)
• Amiga Immortal 4: The CD-Mastering is finished, final tracklist is released. Jan just has to finish the cover artwork, a release early next year should be realistic. I got about 10 copies of the predecessor Immortal 3 on stock, re-print chances are good.

Immortal 4 coming - Preorder now!

• most of them created by their original authors - trademark of the Immortal series
• blockbuster titles such as Lemmings, Cannon Fodder, Leisure Suit Larry, Wing Commander, Turrican 2
• double-CD, 35 songs, 150 minutes [ MP3 previews and all details ]

Symphonic Fantasies (sucessor of Symphonic Shades) puts the music of popular videogames of developer Square Enix into focus. Soundtracks from Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, Secret of Mana, Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross were rearranged for orchestra and choir and performed under direction of Grammy-winning artist Arnie Roth.

Supported by the soloists Rony Barrak (percussion) and Benyamin Nuss (piano) the 120 musicians of the Cologne WDR Radio Orchestra and Choir presented an unforgettable experience to the audience. Once again the orchestra arrangements were written by Jonne Valtonen, known to friends of the early PC demoscene by the name Purple Motion (Future Crew).

For the CD album the recordings of the concert passed the mastering process at the famous London Abbey Road Studios. Expected release date of the CD is September 17th, it can be ordered as of now at the price of 18.95 Euro.

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