Netflix could lose A&E, History hit series

Netflix and A+E Networks are engaged in a "Storage Wars" of their own making.
The unscripted series could be among many ratings hits from the owner of channels A&E and History that will vacate the streaming giant's servers by Friday, when their licenses expire, unless a new deal is reached.  In addition to "Storage Wars," some of the most popular and longest-running cable series of recent years could be leaving Netflix, including History's "Ice Road Truckers," "Pawn Stars" and "American Pickers" and A&E's "Dog the Bounty Hunter," "Gene Simmons: Family Jewels," "Hoarders" and "Intervention."  Sources familiar with talks be-tween the two companies offer strikingly different interpretations of the state of the negotiations. Netflix is said to have already considered this a done deal, having decided to part with some 40 series and miniseries totaling approximately 800 hours of content because the viewership didn't justify the licensing cost. There is still 200-300 more hours of content from A&E and History that it intends to keep on the service.

Read more - http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118059326

DVD releases good for a laugh

What makes you laugh, besides obvious inspirations like burping babies and frolicking puppies? When it comes to movies, the answer is subjective. Personally, I can laugh along with raucous wordplay in a Shakespearean play, crack up over Buster Keaton's poker face, then get equal satisfaction from The Three Stooges' pratfalls (and I'm talking about the original goofballs). So, in the neverending what's funny search, I look at three comedies in the current home entertainment market. One is an animation; the other two are live action. The animation is Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, hyped as the latest work "from the creators of Despicable Me." This draws my attention as a fan of that crafty, crazy cartoon. The Lorax debuts on DVD, Blu-ray and digital download on Tuesday, Aug. 7.

Read More - http://jam.canoe.ca/Video/DVD_Column/2012/07/27/20033946.html?cid=rssentertainment