Showbiz Sandbox

You would have thought the world was coming to an end last week after popular movie streaming service Netflix raised its prices by 60%. The company's customers took to blogs and social networks in revolt, threatening to cancel their subscriptions. However, between the cost of mailing DVDs and paying increased licensing fees for content, a Netflix rate hike was inevitable. Is Netflix still one of the best movie bargains available today, and if not, are there any alternatives? Speaking of subscription offerings, one of Europe's hottest music streaming services is finally available in the United States. Will Spotify be able to displace some of the entrenched players in the space like Spotify and Rdio? You can find out for yourself since we have some Spotify invitations to give away to a few lucky listeners. Over in television-land the Emmy nominations were announced and as usual, there were a few noticeable omissions. Just ask "Sons of Anarchy" producer Kurt Sutter who chastised the Academy via Twitter for not recognizing the show's star Katey Sagal (who also happens to be his wife). During Inside Baseball we talk to Abigail Phillips (https://www.eff.org/about/staff/abigail-phillips) from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (https://www.eff.org/) who helps us unravel the "Common Framework for Copyright Alerts" agreed upon by major content owners and Internet service providers. We also cover the week's top entertainment news stories including the News Corp. phone hacking scandal, Arnold Schwarzenegger's comeback and who Mila Kunis is accompanying to the Marine Corps ball. 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2' Final Weekend Total Hits $481.5 Million http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/harry-potter-final-weekend-total-212505 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/harry-potter-final-weekend-total-212505) Sherwood Schwartz Dies At 94; 'Gilligan's Island' And 'Brady Bunch' Creator http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/13/local/la-me-sherwood-schwartz-20110713 (http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/13/local/la-me-sherwood-schwartz-20110713) 2011 Emmy Nominations Complete List http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/emmy-nominations-2011-full-list-211331 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/emmy-nominations-2011-full-list-211331) Sons of Anarchy’s Kurt Sutter Tweets Away His Rage At Emmy Snub http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/07/kurt_sutter_tweets_away.... (http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/07/kurt_sutter_tweets_away_his_ra.html) Emmy Snubs: Here's Our Grouse List http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/07/14/emmy-snubs/ (http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/07/14/emmy-snubs/) Why Netflix Raised It's Prices http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/14/why-netflix-raised-its-prices/ (http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/14/why-netflix-raised-its-prices/) Netflix Alternatives http://www.pcworld.com/article/235629/netflix_alternatives_other_places.... (http://www.pcworld.com/article/235629/netflix_alternatives_other_places_you_can_get_streaming_media_dvd_rentals.html ) Netflix Renews Deal With NBCUniversal For Streaming TV Shows, Movies http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflix-renews-deal-nbcunivers.... (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflix-renews-deal-nbcuniversal-streaming-210792) Spotify Music Streaming Service Comes To U.S. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/14/technology/spotify-music-streaming.... (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/14/technology/spotify-music-streaming-service-comes-to-us.html) George R. R. Martin's "Dance With Dragons" Sells Well http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/14/books/george-r-r-martins-dance.... (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/14/books/george-r-r-martins-dance-with-dragons-sells-well.html) Borders Closer To Folding http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/booksel.... (http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/48031-borders-closer-to-folding.html)

Less than a year after ceasing publication of their print edition Paste Magazine has revived itself in a new digital format. The popular music and culture magazine shunned the traditional print medium and relaunched as a weekly web periodical chock full of long-form features, downloadable music and multimedia content. Editor Josh Jackson (http://twitter.com/joshjackson) reveals how the new Paste mPlayer was designed from the ground up as a next-generation publication. Is Paste giving us a glimpse into the future of magazines? Soap operas are in the midst of their own transformation. Rather than canceling "All My Children" and "One Life To Live" as planned, ABC has struck a deal to keep the shows alive on the Internet. Will loyal viewers migrate online to keep up with their favorite soaps? The music industry has also received some good news lately. Not only will the hotly anticipated arrival of Spotify in the United States soon be a reality, but Nielsen Soundscan is reporting that music sales are up slightly this year. Does all of this mean the music business is poised to make a comeback? We answer all these questions and more while providing analysis of the week's top entertainment headlines, including Paramount's plans for an animation studio, Rupert Murdoch's fight to gain control of BSkyB and why your Internet service provider may be in touch about all that pirated content you've been downloading. 'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon' Repeats As Top Box Office Champ http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-report-transformers-dark.... (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-report-transformers-dark-209511) Paramount Announces Animation division Amid Dreamworks Departure Rumors http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/motion-captured/posts/paramount-announces-anim.... (http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/motion-captured/posts/paramount-announces-animation-division-amid-dreamworks-departure-rumors) Paste Magazine Returns With New Digital mPlayer http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2011/06/paste-magazine-returns-with.... (http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2011/06/paste-magazine-returns-with-new-digital-mplayer.html) Amazon Offers Unlimited Cloud Music Storage For $20 Per Year http://techland.time.com/2011/07/07/amazon-offers-unlimited-cloud-music.... (http://techland.time.com/2011/07/07/amazon-offers-unlimited-cloud-music-storage-for-20-per-year/ ) Spotify Coming 'Soon' To U.S., Albeit No Deal (Yet) With Warner Music http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/07/spotify-teaser.... (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/07/spotify-teaser-coming-soon-to-the-us.html) Nielsen Soundscan 2011 Midyear Report: Music Sales Up For A Change http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/07/nielsen-soundscan-midyear.... (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/07/nielsen-soundscan-midyear-report-music-sales-retail-albums.html) Beloved Soap Operas To Migrate Online http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/beloved_soap_operas_to_migrate_online.... (http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/beloved_soap_operas_to_migrate_online_m43crD8GDK4h8aRDIGRwjJ) Scandal Shifts Britain’s Media And Political Landscape http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/08/world/europe/08britain.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/08/world/europe/08britain.html) StumbleUpon Drives More U.S. Web Traffic Than Facebook http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/stumbleupon-drives-more-us-web-tra.... (http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/stumbleupon-drives-more-us-web-traffic-facebook-133207) The Potter In Print Count http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/.... (http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/47903-the-potter-in-print-count.html) Highest-PaidAactresses: Angelina Jolie, Sarah Jessica Parker Rake It In http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2011/07/highest-paid-actresses-ang....

When "Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon" hit theaters over the Fourth of July holiday weekend fans of the franchise were relieved to discover it wasn't nearly as bad ad the second film. That seems to be a fairly common response to Michael Bay's latest critic-proof popcorn blockbuster. The highly anticipated movie made nearly $400 million at the worldwide box office in its first week explaining why studios love such formulaic dreck and all but ensuring another sequel. Last week also saw the sale of MySpace. The once dominant social network Internet site which was once valued at $12 billion was sold by News Corp. at a loss for a mere $35 million. What may be more surprising than anyone actually wanting to buy MySpace is that pop star Justin Timberlake has been tapped to help turn the company's fortunes around by focusing on music. Speaking of music, NPR tried to figure out how much it costs to make a hit pop song by examining the finances behind Rihanna's recent single "Man Down". Apparently all it takes is $1.1 million in production and promotions costs and 12 minutes to right the lyrics. Of course we also review all the week's top entertainment headlines including plans for another movie based on a Disney theme park ride, a Charlie Sheen celebrity roast and Netflix's trip to Latin America. 'Transformers' A U.S. Hit, Soars Even Higher Abroad http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/07/box-office.... (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/07/box-office-transformers.html) MoviePass Put On Hold Amid Negative Reactions From Theater Owners http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/moviepass-put-hold-negative-reactions.... (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/moviepass-put-hold-negative-reactions-207402) News Corp. Sells MySpace To Specific Media For $35 Million http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/news-corp-agrees-sell-myspace-206897 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/news-corp-agrees-sell-myspace-206897) Justin Timberlake Takes Stake In MySpace http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/justin-timberlake-takes-stake.... (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/justin-timberlake-takes-stake-myspace-206943) Top 10 Musicians Sharing Content On Facebook Drive 80 Million Pageviews http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2011/06/top-10-musicians-sharing-content.... (http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2011/06/top-10-musicians-sharing-content-on-facebook.html) How Much Does It Cost To Make A Hit Song http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2011/07/05/137530847/how-much-does-it.... (http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2011/07/05/137530847/how-much-does-it-cost-to-make-a-hit-song) Netflix Stock Hits All-Time High After Latin America, Caribbean Expansion Announced http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflix-stock-hits-all-time-207966 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflix-stock-hits-all-time-207966) Chord Overstreet Is No Longer A 'Glee' Regular http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/07/glee_cast_reshuffle.html (http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/07/glee_cast_reshuffle.html) David Gray Release Live Album Through GroupOn http://www.americansongwriter.com/2011/06/david-gray-releases-live-album.... (http://www.americansongwriter.com/2011/06/david-gray-releases-live-album-through-groupon/) Disney Prepping Adventure Movie Based On Matterhorn Ride http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/disney-prepping-adventure-.... (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/disney-prepping-adventure-movie-based-206982) ESPN Finalizes 12-Year Deal For Wimbledon Rights http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/espn-finalizes-12-year-deal-207980 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/espn-finalizes-12-year-deal-207980) Amazon To Acquire UK Online Book Seller And Publisher http://allthingsd.com/20110704/amazon-to-acquire-uk-online-book-seller.... (http://allthingsd.com/20110704/amazon-to-acquire-uk-online-book-seller-and-publisher/)

When Chris Baker (http://ilovechrisbaker.com/) isn't working on Madison Avenue for a big advertising firm, he is creating some of the world's most exclusive websites... literarily.  TheWorldsMostExclusiveWebsite.com (http://www.theworldsmostexclusivewebsite.com/) only lets verified celebrities and big wigs past the home page. His website M. Night School (http://www.mnightschool.org/) is crowd-sourcing enough funds to send director M. Night Shyamalan back to film school. Baker joins us to discuss his latest effort, "The Elements of F*cking Style (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031258377X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=showbsandb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=031258377X)(http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=031258377X&camp=217145&creative=399373)", a book that, unlike the one it parodies, employs sex, drugs and swearing to help teach readers proper English grammar. After this past weekend, Baker may want to send Pixar back to film school. "Cars 2", the company's highly anticipated sequel to their blockbuster "Cars", was given a drubbing by critics. However, critical acclaim may not matter for a film that earns $2 billion a year in merchandising. At least nobody's forcing you to see "Cars 2". That might not be an option in China where the government is "suggesting" that everyone see "Beginning of the Great Revival," a propaganda film disguised as a historical epic detailing the founding of China's Communist Party. We review all the week's top entertainment news, including the potential sale of video streaming site Hulu.com, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter project and why your Internet service provider may kick you offline for downloading pirated music or movies. Michael Bay Wants You to See Transformers In The Most Expensive Way Possible http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/06/michael_bay_wants_you_to.... (http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/06/michael_bay_wants_you_to_see_t.html) Disney's 'Cars 2' A Hit Already - In Stores http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100014240527023044533045763907206377.... (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304453304576390720637710278.html) '13 Women': Zhang Yimou's Chinese & English Film Starring Christian Bale Wraps http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/23/13-women-zhang-yimous-christian.... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/23/13-women-zhang-yimous-christian-bale_n_882823.html) Political Maneuvers Drive 'Beginning Of The Great Revival's' Success http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-communist-movie-20110624.... (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-communist-movie-20110624,0,2466369.story) Website Hulu Considers Sale http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303936704576400133483416612.html (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303936704576400133483416612.html) Hulu's Owners Weigh Cons Of A Possible Sale Of The Site http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304447804576409641800748236.html (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304447804576409641800748236.html) Casting Announced For "Relatively Speaking" Comedies By Woody Allen, Elaine May and Ethan Coen http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/22/casting-announced-for-relatively.... (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/22/casting-announced-for-relatively-speaking-comedies-by-woody-allen-elaine-may-and-ethan-coen/) Angela Bassett Will Star Opposite Samuel L. Jackson In "The Mountaintop" http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/21/angela-bassett-will-star-opposite.... (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/21/angela-bassett-will-star-opposite-samuel-l-jackson-in-the-mountaintop/) How the Numbers Add Up (Way Up) For ‘Spider-Man’ http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/23/theater/spider-man-by-the-numbers.... (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/23/theater/spider-man-by-the-numbers-breaking-down-its-costs.html) J.K. Rowling Reveals Pottermore, Says It Is A Unique Online Experience

Hollywood movie studios have been raking in the yuan at the Chinese box office over the past year. This despite China missing the most recent World Trade Organization deadline to open its market to more foreign films. Forced to work through governmen...

After months of rumors and speculation Apple finally announced their cloud music service last week. Aptly named iCloud, the new service joins similar offerings from both Amazon and Google. Though each of the services has their benefits, no two are exactly alike. Amazon and Google stream music over the Internet and require you to upload your entire music library. Apple doesn't do any of those things. We dissect the pros and cons of all three services and wonder why anyone really needs them in the first place. Something else that's probably not needed is a sequel to "Tron: Legacy" but thanks to a television series spinoff of last year's sci-fi blockbuster, we'll probably get one. And it will probably be in 3D like its predecessor even though Dreamworks Animation head Jeffrey Katzenberg is heartbroken over the decline of the format. The Tony Awards were handed out on Sunday and as we predicted, "The Book Of Mormon" walked off with the most trophies, including Best Musical. But what is a Tony really worth to a Broadway show's bottom line? We'll try and find out. We also cover and provide analysis of the week's top entertainment news stories, including the economy of concert tours, comedian Tracy Morgan's homophobic rant and Laurence Fishburne's departure from "CSI". Jeffrey Katzenberg On The 'Heartbreaking' Decline Of 3D http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jeffrey-katzenberg-why-hollywood-is.... (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jeffrey-katzenberg-why-hollywood-is-196616) Laura Ziskin, Producer of 'Spider-Man,' 'Pretty Woman,' Dies At 61 http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/laura-ziskin-producer-spider-man-197145 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/laura-ziskin-producer-spider-man-197145) "Tron: Legacy" Sequel In Motion With New Writer http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/tron-legacy-sequel-motion-new.... (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/tron-legacy-sequel-motion-new-195714) Warner Bros. Release 3D Looney Tunes Short Films Theatrically http://www.thewrap.com/movies/article/warner-bros-releasing-3d-looney-tunes.... (http://www.thewrap.com/movies/article/warner-bros-releasing-3d-looney-tunes-short-films-theatrically-28056) Adele's 21 To Return To Number 1 On Billboard http://www.billboard.com/#/news/adele-s-21-to-return-to-no-1-on-billboard-10.... (http://www.billboard.com/#/news/adele-s-21-to-return-to-no-1-on-billboard-1005221552.story) Bad Weather Ends Black Eyed Peas Central Park Show http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/09/bad-weather-ends-central-park.... (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/09/bad-weather-ends-central-park-show/) Paul McCartney To Play Yankee Stadium http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/08/paul-mccartney-to-perform-at.... (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/08/paul-mccartney-to-perform-at-yankee-stadium/) The Concert Tour Economy http://www.newsweek.com/2011/06/05/the-concert-tour-economy.html (http://www.newsweek.com/2011/06/05/the-concert-tour-economy.html) A Doodle For An Instrumental Inventor http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/doodle-for-instrumental-inventor.html (http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/doodle-for-instrumental-inventor.html) 65th Annual Tony Awards - Complete List Of Winners http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/65th_Tony_Awards (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/65th_Tony_Awards) 5 Lessons The Oscars Can Learn From The Tony Awards http://www.movieline.com/2011/06/5-lessons-the-oscars-can-learn-from-the.... (http://www.movieline.com/2011/06/5-lessons-the-oscars-can-learn-from-the-tony-awards.php) Just How Much Is A Tony Worth? http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/09/just-how-much-is-a-tony-worth/ (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/09/just-how-much-is-a-tony-worth/) Human Centipede 2 Director Criticises BBFC Over Rejection http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/jun/07/human-centipede-2-ban-tom....

Even without all the news surrounding the troubled production of "Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark", Broadway gave us plenty to talk about over the past year. This season brought more critically acclaimed (and financially successful) productions than during any time in recent memory. Brian Scott Lipton, editor-in-chief of TheaterMania.com (http://www.theatermania.com/), tells us who he thinks will win the year's top Tony Awards on Sunday evening. Movie box office is also on the rise after a disappointing first half of the year. Even so, the film grosses being earned in North America are being dwarfed by international box office. We'll explain why. Meanwhile, Lady Gaga ruled the album charts with her new release thanks to some help from Amazon.com. A number of artists are finding new and innovative ways to sell their music. In fact, the Kaiser Chiefs are allowing fans to create and sell their own albums with the band's music. We also provide analysis the week's top entertainment news stories including, Katie Couric's new gig at ABC, Adele's canceled tour and how e-books talk dominated this year's BookExpo. 'Kung Fu Panda 2' Sets Chinese Box Office Record http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kung-fu-panda-2-sets-194973 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kung-fu-panda-2-sets-194973) The High Price Of Amazon's Gaga Deal http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/high-price-amazons-gaga-deal-132209 (http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/high-price-amazons-gaga-deal-132209) Amazon Boosts Lady Gaga http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100014240527023036574045763581706152781.... (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303657404576358170615278138.html) Fans Rock-Out On A Sales Commission http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303657404576359824168872.... (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303657404576359824168872148.html) Bjork Releases Details About iPad Inspired Record http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2011/05/bjork-releases-details-about.... (http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2011/05/bjork-releases-details-about-ipad-inspired-record.html) Apple Paying $100-$150 Million To Labels For iCloud http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/apple_pays_music_bigs_OcxlGqT1.... (http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/apple_pays_music_bigs_OcxlGqT1E0P5P9vzosxtyK) Tony Awards Coverage On TheaterMania http://www.theatermania.com/feature/tony-awards-2011/ (http://www.theatermania.com/feature/tony-awards-2011/) Broadway Season Box Office Up Nearly 6 Percent http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/31/how-to-succeed-in-show.... (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/31/how-to-succeed-in-show-business-broadway-season-box-office-up-nearly-6-percent/) A Rocky Musical Is Moving Ahead http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/01/gonna-fly-soon-a-rocky.... (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/01/gonna-fly-soon-a-rocky-musical-is-moving-ahead/) Broadway Backlash Against Hollywood Stars Heats Up http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/broadway-backlash-hollywood.... (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/broadway-backlash-hollywood-stars-heats-193117) Stage Version Of 'Once' Will Start Downtown http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/05/stage-version-of-once-will.... (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/05/stage-version-of-once-will-start-downtown/) For Couric, ABC's Pitch Proved Best http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/06/business/media/06couric.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/06/business/media/06couric.html) Adele Cancels Remainder Of Tour Due To Laryngitis http://www.thedailyswarm.com/headlines/adele-cancels-remainder-tour.... (http://www.thedailyswarm.com/headlines/adele-cancels-remainder-tour-due-laryngitis/) Cheryl Cole Out as U.K. Judge of 'The X Factor' Amid Drama http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cheryl-cole-as-uk-judge-193113 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cheryl-cole-as-uk-judge-193113)

When Ty Burr (http://www.twitter.com/tyburr), film critic for The Boston Globe, noticed that the films he was seeing didn't appear as bright as they usually do he did a little investigating to figure out why. What he discovered, and documented in a recent front page article, is that some major theater chains are leaving moviegoers in the dark by regularly misusing digital projection equipment. Burr joins us to explain why this is happening and what cinema patrons can do about it. Meanwhile, the market for streaming music online hasn't cooled off. Apple is about to announce a service the company has dubbed iCloud and it is rumored that Facebook may integrate Spotify into its website. It seems more people are listening to more music than ever before. That may be why the Coachella Music Festival is doubling down and expanding the event to two weekends next year. Oprah Winfrey ended her long-running talk show last week and nearly 17 million people tuned in to watch. Yet that audience pales in comparison to the 28 million viewers that watched the final episode of this season's "American Idol". That's nearly a 20% increase over last years finale. We also provide coverage and analysis of all the weeks top entertainment news, including a record setting Memorial Day weekend at the box office, some changes to Simon Cowell's "The X-Factor" and how Academy members will be voting for next year's Oscar winners. ‘Hangover II’ Biggest Comedy Bow of All Time at $137.4 Million http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hangover-part-ii-biggest-comedy-192954 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hangover-part-ii-biggest-comedy-192954) Did Sony Leak The Red Band Trailer For Dragon Tattoo? http://celluloidjunkie.com/2011/05/30/did-sony-leak-the-red-band-trailer-for.... (http://celluloidjunkie.com/2011/05/30/did-sony-leak-the-red-band-trailer-for-dragon-tattoo/) Facebook To Launch Music Service With Spotify http://blogs.forbes.com/parmyolson/2011/05/25/facebook-to-launch-music.... (http://blogs.forbes.com/parmyolson/2011/05/25/facebook-to-launch-music-service-with-spotify/) Apple's Deals May Transform Digital Music http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_23/b4231035679728.... (http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_23/b4231035679728_page_2.htm) Goldenvoice Expanding Coachella Into A Multi-Weekend Event http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/05/goldenvoice.... (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/05/goldenvoice-expanding-coachella-into-a-multi-weekend-event.html) Oprah's Last Show Delivers Highest Ratings In 17 Years http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oprahs-last-show-delivers-highest-192626 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oprahs-last-show-delivers-highest-192626) Idol Finale Up From Last Year http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-idol-finale-up-192613 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-idol-finale-up-192613) When It Comes To Ad Avoidance Smart Phones A Bigger Distraction Than DVRs http://adage.com/article/adagestat/smartphones-a-bigger-distraction-dvrs/227725/ (http://adage.com/article/adagestat/smartphones-a-bigger-distraction-dvrs/227725/) Dish's BlockBuster Stores Lower Film Rental Prices http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dishs-blockbuster-stores-lower-film-192773 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dishs-blockbuster-stores-lower-film-192773) Upload DVDs To Flixster? That's Time Warner's Very Big Idea http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/upload-dvds-to-flixster-thats-time-warners.... (http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/upload-dvds-to-flixster-thats-time-warners-very-big-idea-exec-says/) The Truth Behind Cheryl Cole's 'X-Factor' Departure http://www.periscopepost.com/2011/06/the-truth-behind-cheryl-cole’s-us-x.... (http://www.periscopepost.com/2011/06/the-truth-behind-cheryl-cole’s-us-x-factor-departure/) Amazon Publishing Causes Rivals Some Unease http://www.adweek.

Despite earning more than $90 million in North America during its debut weekend, the opening of "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" did not live up to many industry insiders lofty expectations for the movie. However, considering the film mad...

Woody Allen's film "Midnight In Paris" opened the 64th annual Cannes Film Festival last week, but it was Terrence Malick's long awaited "Tree of Life" which everyone was eager to see.  The film divided audiences with some booing loudly and others proclaiming it a masterpiece.  We provide all the highlights from this year's festival, including news about films and the scene along the Croisette. Google decided not to wait around for record labels to offer them a decent license before launching their cloud music service.  After watching Amazon launch their own music service, Google realized they would never get an appropriate licensing deal from the labels so took matters into their own hands. Meanwhile, major television networks began holding their upfronts where they inform advertisers, and the world, what shows will air during the fall television season.  We fill you in on who made the cut, who got cut, and why.  The announcement that Ashton Kutcher will replace Charlie Sheen on "Two and a Half Men" was the biggest television news of the week. We review all the week's top entertainment news stories including Jerry Lewis' retirement, a new anti-piracy bill making its way through Congress and why worldwide box office matters. Showbiz Sandbox Cannes Updates On YouTube http://www.youtube.com/showbizsandbox (http://www.youtube.com/showbizsandbox) $12M Budgeted Black Swan Passes $300M http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/12m-budgeted-black-swan-passes-300m/ (http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/12m-budgeted-black-swan-passes-300m/) Cannes 2011 - The Four Star Review - Terrence Malick's "Tree of Life" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-giltz/cannes-2011-the-four-star.... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-giltz/cannes-2011-the-four-star_b_862393.html) Cannes 2011 - Angry Kids, Dying Kids and Kids In Danger http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-giltz/cannes-2011-day-two-angry.... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-giltz/cannes-2011-day-two-angry_b_861554.html) Cannes 2011 - Woody Loves Paris, Sleeping Beauty Gets Dark http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-giltz/cannes-2011-woody-loves.... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-giltz/cannes-2011-woody-loves-p_b_860847.html) Adele Is At Number One For 8th Week http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/18/adele-is-at-no-1-for-8th.... (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/18/adele-is-at-no-1-for-8th-week-but-lady-gaga-is-on-deck/) Kutcher To Replace Sheen On "Two And A Half Men" http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/13/kutcher-hints-of-a.... (http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/13/kutcher-hints-of-a-role-on-two-and-a-half-men/) CBS Cancels Sh-t My Dad Says, The Defenders and Mad Love http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cbs-cancels-s-my-dad-188419 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cbs-cancels-s-my-dad-188419) Fox Unveils 2011-12 Television Schedule http://www.marketwatch.com/story/fox-unveils-2011-12-television-slate.... (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/fox-unveils-2011-12-television-slate-2011-05-16) NBC To Offer Six New Series This Fall http://www.adweek.com/upfronts-blog/nbc-offer-six-new-series-fall-131643 (http://www.adweek.com/upfronts-blog/nbc-offer-six-new-series-fall-131643) ABC To Add 12 New Series For 2011-12 http://www.adweek.com/upfronts-blog/abc-add-12-new-series-2011-12-131642 (http://www.adweek.com/upfronts-blog/abc-add-12-new-series-2011-12-131642) Jerry Lewis To Retire From Telethon http://content.usatoday.com/communities/entertainment/post/2011/05/.... (http://content.usatoday.com/communities/entertainment/post/2011/05/jerry-lewis-to-retire-from-telethon/1) LimeWire Settles Law Suit With Record Labels For $105 Million http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/05/.... (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/05/limewire-and-founder-pay-labels-105-million-to-settle-lawsuit.html) LiveNation,

Music videos rose to prominence in the 1980s to become on of the most important promotional vehicles for new music. As fans grew tired of watching their favorite musicians lip sync their way through elaborate videos MTV and the like stopped showing them. However, with the advent of inexpensive production equipment and the ability to reach a massive global audience via the Internet, musicians have begun churning out a new crop of innovative, and at times interactive, music videos, revitalizing an art form once written off as extinct. In other music news, Warner Music Group was finally auctioned off for $3.3 billion. Now there is talk that the record labels new owner might scoop up EMI making Warner Music Group even larger than it is already. Meanwhile, in an attempt to reverse declining box office, concert promoters are trying to win audiences back with cheaper ticket prices and high-end acts. Flixster and Rotten Tomatoes, two of the Internet's most popular movie sites, were sold to Warner Bros. We debate whether the move will influence some of the reviews and recommendations the websites have become known for. We also discuss and analyze the week's top entertainment news stories, including the Tony nominations, executive shakeups at both MTV and Oprah Winfrey's network, and how Jerry Seinfeld plans to stay relevant through his new website. The Film Department Shutters http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/exclusive-the-film-department-shutters/ (http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/exclusive-the-film-department-shutters/) Flixster and Rotten Tomatoes Bought By Warner Bros. Home Entertainment http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/flixster-and-rotten-tomatoes-bought-by-warner.... (http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/flixster-and-rotten-tomatoes-bought-by-warner-bros-home-entertainment-will-operate-independently/) Blavatnik Agrees To Buy Warner Music Group For $1.3 Billion http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-05-06/blavatnik-agrees-to-buy-warner.... (http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-05-06/blavatnik-agrees-to-buy-warner-music-group-for-1-3-billion.html) Amazon Launches 69 cent MP3 Store For Top Selling Tunes http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/04/price-war-amazon-launches.... (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/04/price-war-amazon-launches-69-cent-mp3-store-for-top-selling-tunes.html) Beyond Thriller: Reinventing The Music Video http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703834804576301022363607508.html (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703834804576301022363607508.html) Lady Gaga's New Single Judas Leaks To The Web http://mashable.com/2011/04/15/lady-gaga-judas-leak/ (http://mashable.com/2011/04/15/lady-gaga-judas-leak/) Exec Who Shaped MTV Networks For Decades Steps Down http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-fi-ct-mtv-20110506,0,693326.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-fi-ct-mtv-20110506,0,693326.story) Oprah Network Ousts Its CEO http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703859304576307420542715538.html (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703859304576307420542715538.html) The 2011 Tony Award Nominations http://www.theatermania.com/new-york/news/05-2011/the-2011-tony-award.... (http://www.theatermania.com/new-york/news/05-2011/the-2011-tony-award-nominations_36914.html) Lots Of Drama But No Fall During Spider-Man Rehearsal http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/06/lots-of-drama-but-no-fall.... (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/06/lots-of-drama-but-no-fall-during-spider-man-rehearsal/) Seinfeld On The Web, Portion Controlled http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/05/arts/television/seinfeld-starts-web-site.... (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/05/arts/television/seinfeld-starts-web-site-of-his-stand-up-routines.html) Tarantino Wants Will Smith To Star In Django Unchained http://blogs.indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood/2011/05/06/tarantino....

Starting out on the streets of Brooklyn, New York as a drug dealer in the late 1980s, hip-hop star Jay-Z has transformed himself into a recognizable brand encompassing music, clothing, restaurants, nightclubs and an NBA basketball team. Our guest this week is Forbes staff writer Zack O'Malley Greenburg (http://zogreenburg.com/) who tells the improbable story of how Jay-Z rose to the top of the business world in his new book, "Empire State of Mind: How Jay-Z Went from Street Corner to Corner Office (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591843812/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=showbsandb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=1591843812)(http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=1591843812&camp=217145&creative=399349)". Another brand that has proven their business acumen is home video subscription service Netflix. The company, which reported record first quarter numbers this past week, soon will have a number of competitors, including the likes of YouTube, DirecTV and Comcast. Maybe Vin Diesel can turn himself into a mega-brand, proving he can still open a film on a global scale with "Fast Five", the fifth installment in the "The Fast and The Furious" franchise. The film earned mega-bucks this past weekend, despite being up against the summer blockbuster "Thor" in international territories. We also give you a run down of all the top entertainment headlines from the past week, including Paula Abdul's new gig, the merger of two big Hollywood trade unions and how Roger Ebert finally got published in the New Yorker. "Fast Five" Races To Front Of Pack, Ignites Summer Ticket Sales http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/05/box-office-fast-five-prom-hoodwinked-too-hood-vs-evil.html (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/05/box-office-fast-five-prom-hoodwinked-too-hood-vs-evil.html) Royal Wedding Sets A Web Streaming Record http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/royal-wedding-sets-a-web-183705 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/royal-wedding-sets-a-web-183705) 23 Million Watch Royal Wedding In U.S. http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/media_entertainment/23-million-watch-royal-wedding-in-u-s/ (http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/media_entertainment/23-million-watch-royal-wedding-in-u-s/) TimeWarner CEO Extends Olive Branch To Netflix, Theater Operators http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/time-warner-ceo-extends-olive-182669 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/time-warner-ceo-extends-olive-182669) Youtube To Challenge Apple With New Movies-On-Demand Service http://www.thewrap.com/movies/article/youtube-challenge-apple-new-movies-demand-service---hooray-says-hollywood-26788 (http://www.thewrap.com/movies/article/youtube-challenge-apple-new-movies-demand-service---hooray-says-hollywood-26788) Netflix Fast Growth Continues In First Quarter http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/04/netflix-fast-growth-contines-in-first-quarter-as-company-defends-itself-to-hollywood.htm (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/04/netflix-fast-growth-contines-in-first-quarter-as-company-defends-itself-to-hollywood.htm)l Netflix: We're A Friend, Not An Enemy, To Cable Networks http://gigaom.com/video/netflix-cable-networks/ (http://gigaom.com/video/netflix-cable-networks/) Survey Says: DirecTV Could Compete With Netflix Online http://gigaom.com/video/directv-netflix-competitor/ (http://gigaom.com/video/directv-netflix-competitor/) Comcast Is Making VOD More Like Live TV http://gigaom.com/video/comcast-vod/ (http://gigaom.com/video/comcast-vod/) Vevo Goes International, Now In The U.K. http://gigaom.com/video/vevo-uk/ (http://gigaom.com/video/vevo-uk/) NCIS Creator Don Bellisario Sues CBS Over Spinoff NCIS Los Angeles http://www.deadline.com/2011/04/ncis-creator-don-bellisario-sues-cbs-over-spinoff-ncis-los-angeles/

It's hard to believe we've recorded 100 episodes of Showbiz Sandbox. It's also hard to believe that a 3D porno (okay, an erotic comedy) could ever smash a box office record set by "Avatar". But that's exactly what happened in Hong Kong, where "Sex and Zen: Extreme Ecstasy" opened to USD $2.19 million. The producers wanted to screen the film in Imax, but were refused, disappointing Karen Woodward (http://www.karenwoodwardonline.com), our guest and former co-host, who says that despite all the rumors, size does matter. If bigger really is better, then Netflix has nothing to worry about. They are set to become the largest subscription entertainment business in the United States with over 23 million customers, beating out satellite radio and cable television. The same can't be said about any of the music streaming services that Apple, Google and others are working on. Apparently, negotiating a licensing deal with record labels can be quite difficult. Go figure! The Coachella Music Festival also took the size issue to heart, adding more space for attendees to enjoy the more than 100 bands which performed this year. J. Sperling Reich (http://www.twitter.com/sperling) was there and tells us which artists are worth checking out (Lauryn Hill), and which shouldn't quit their day jobs (Odd Future). ABC, on the other hand, is downsizing by cutting two long running soap operas: "All My Children" and "One Life To Live". This means actress Susan Lucci is headed for unemployment, but at least she's not headed to jail like some celebrities (yes, we're talking about Lindsey Lohan). We cover all the top entertainment news from the past two weeks including the ongoing fight over premium VOD, Weird Al Yankovic's fight with Lady Gaga and Jeremy Renner's new role in the "Bourne" franchise. 3-D Erotic Comedy Shakes Up Hong Kong Box Office http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2011/04/20/arts/AP-AS-Film-Hong-Kong-3-D.... (http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2011/04/20/arts/AP-AS-Film-Hong-Kong-3-D-Erotica.html) China Bans Time Travel Movies http://www.chinahush.com/2011/04/03/no-more-time-travel-drama (http://www.chinahush.com/2011/04/03/no-more-time-travel-drama-authority-says-it-disrespects-history/).... (http://www.chinahush.com/2011/04/03/no-more-time-travel-drama-authority-says-it-disrespects-history/) 'Pirates of the Caribbean 4' Gets Day-And-Date China Release http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/stranger-tides-gets-day-date-179973 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/stranger-tides-gets-day-date-179973 ) Top Directors Lead Opposition To Premium Video-On-Demand Plan http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/20/top-directors-lead.... (http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/20/top-directors-lead-opposition-to-premium-video-on-demand-plan/ ) Grooveshark Insists It's Legal Under DMCA http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20110419/11434013962/grooveshark-insists-its.... (http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20110419/11434013962/grooveshark-insists-its-legal-points-out-that-using-dmca-safe-harbors-is-not-illegal.shtml) Google Talks To Spotify To Power Music Service http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-20056446-261.html (http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-20056446-261.html) Apple's iTunes Posts A Record $1.4 Billion Quarter http://mediamemo.allthingsd.com/20110420/the-most-successful-store-no-one.... (http://mediamemo.allthingsd.com/20110420/the-most-successful-store-no-one-cares-about-apples-itunes-posts-a-record-1-4-billion-quarter/) Spotify Sets New Limits On Free Music http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-20053672-261.html (http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-20053672-261.html) HP Is Getting Into The Cloud Music Business http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2011/04/hp-is-getting-into-the-cloud-music.... (http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2011/04/hp-is-getting-into-the-cloud-music-business.html) ABC Cancels "All My Children" and "One Life To Live" http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.

The dog ate our homework!  Here we were, all prepared to fill you in on the week's top entertainment headlines during this week's episode, when unexpected travel plans got in the way. Entertainment journalist extraordinaire Michael Giltz (http://www.michaelgiltz.com) was hoping to talk about daytime soap operas "All My Children" and "One Life To Live" being canceled by ABC.  Of course, we've pointed out on numerous occasions that soap operas have been dying a slow death, so it should really come as no surprise.  We had a whole bunch of news about "The Hobbit", as well as some info on how much it will cost to purchase a 30 second commercial during Oprah's finale this May. Co-host J. Sperling Reich (http://www.twitter.com/sperling) attended the Coachella Music and Arts Fetival and was going to fill us in on all the hot acts worth checking out.  But have no fear, we plan on returning next week for our 100th episode and will catch you up on all the news then.  In the meantime, feel free to catch up on some of our past episodes.

Labor and contract negotiations are a constant concern in Hollywood. Entertainment attorney Jonathan Handel (http://digitalmedialaw.blogspot.com/) is a contributor to The Hollywood Reporter and has written a book about the industry's labor disputes,  "Hollywood on Strike!: An Industry at War in the Internet Age (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/143823385X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=showbsandb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=143823385X)(http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=143823385X)". The book grew out of his coverage of the labor unrest that began with the 100 day Writers Guild strike leading to turmoil in all union negotiations over the next two years. Handel proposes a new formula for residuals that could help avoid future strikes. Blockbuster, the beleaguered video chain which filed for bankruptcy protection last year, was auctioned off to Dish Networks.  How the acquisition will benefit the satellite television provider remains to be seen. The Grammy Awards are getting trimmed down as they cut more than 30 categories and combine a number of others.  Music industry professionals are split over whether the changes will help the awards show. We provide coverage and analysis of the week's top entertainment news, including the death of filmmaker Sidney Lumet, how the end of Oprah's talk show has led to a shuffling of big name news anchors and why pop stars insist on getting writing credit on songs they didn't write. 'Hop' Beats 'Arthur' At Weekend Box Office http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-report-hop-beats-176791 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-report-hop-beats-176791) Sidney Lumet, Director of American Classics, Dies At 86 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/10/movies/sidney-lumet-director-of.... (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/10/movies/sidney-lumet-director-of-american-classics-dies-at-86.html) New CEO For Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences http://theenvelope.latimes.com/la-et-academy-awards-2-20110409,0,43.... (http://theenvelope.latimes.com/la-et-academy-awards-2-20110409,0,4392893.story) Dish Network To Acquire Blockbuster http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/04/dish.... (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/04/dish-network-to-acquire-blockbuster-for-320-million.html) Grammys Cutting More Than 30 Categories http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/06/grammys-to-cut-more-than.... (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/06/grammys-to-cut-more-than-30-categories/) Glenn Beck To 'Transition Off" Fox News Show http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/content_display/news/national-broadcast.... (http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/content_display/news/national-broadcast/e3i83fd5d3ff978172747d8bd6796d73718) Katie Couric, Then Meredith Viera Now Matt Lauer To Leave Today Show After 13 Years http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1374231/Katie-Couric-Meredith.... (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1374231/Katie-Couric-Meredith-Viera-MATT-LAUER-leave-Today-13-years.html) Couric’s Rocky Path To A Likely Parting With CBS http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/11/business/media/11couric.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/11/business/media/11couric.html) 'Glee' Going Gaga In Special 90 Minute Episode http://www.hitfix.com/articles/glee-going-gaga-in-special-90-minute-episode (http://www.hitfix.com/articles/glee-going-gaga-in-special-90-minute-episode) YouTube Gets Into The Live Streaming Game http://gigaom.com/video/youtube-live/ (http://gigaom.com/video/youtube-live/) George Takei Wants To Be Spider-Man http://content.usatoday.com/communities/popcandy/post/2011/04/george.... (http://content.usatoday.com/communities/popcandy/post/2011/04/george-takei-wants-to-be-spider-man/) Programmers Silent As Cablevision Launches iPad App http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/content_display/news/digital-downloads....