It’s Finally Here – The New iPad revealed.

"The New iPad"

Apple recently revealed its third instalment of a device which is showing no signs of slowing down any-time soon. This stunning new device is packed full of new features such as the new Retina display,  5 megapixel camera with advanced optics for capturing amazing photos and 1080p HD video – surpassing many digital cameras currently on the market. The iPad also comes with 4G network capabilities while still managing to give users a solid 10 hours of all-day battery life.

This new product also supports dictation, allowing users to verbally direct the words to the iPad, rather than typing them on the touchscreen. This new feature will be compatible with text messaging, notes, browsing the web, and it will even work with third-party apps – allowing users to update their Facebook statuses, tweets and more.

The iPad 3’s Retina display also delivers four times the number of pixels on the iPad 2. To put it lightly, the 3.1 million pixels in the Retina display of the iPad 3, holds one million more pixels than a HD TV, which will revolutionise user experience.

Now I’m sure by now you’re asking yourself the exact same question that I am – will I be able to afford it? But as always, Apple provides us with the luxury of choice. Prices for the new Apple iPad 3 will start at $499 US for the 16GB model, $599 US for the 32GB model and $699 US for the 64GB model. Prices in Australia are yet to be released.

With the release date of March 16, 2012 approaching fast, this new iPad is certain to live up to the hype.

View the full press release here: http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2012/03/07Apple-Launches-New-iPad.html

A “Blockbuster’ Hit

The term ‘blockbuster’ originally comes from a military background, and was originally used to draw attention to large scale bombs, which were employed during WWII (Cucco p 215). However, in the 1950s, this term made its transition in to film, and was used to help define the size and relevance of film productions, in relation to both financial investment, and monetary gains.

The film Jaws saw a new method of advertising introduced to Hollywood. It was the first successful film which was heavily advertised and promoted through television. And was also the first film which was premiered in a large number of theatres on the opening weekend. This film was the catalyst for the major rethink of how Hollywood products were exported.

Blockbuster films were originally born from popular US culture, and their success mainly stems from their ability to connect with the mass public (Cucco p 218). They are films which generally appeal to primary emotions such as fear, love, anger, happiness and sadness, and usually contain universal messages. These films are also packed full of spectacular visuals, often lined with epic battle scenes, war-torn cities & worlds and riveting shorelines. This further increases the viewer’s experience. It could be said that this is part of why these ‘blockbuster’ films are so extraordinarily successful, as society is able to connect with characters on an emotional level.

Top Gun (1986)

Another important element is the importance of image. As blockbuster films cost hundreds of millions to produce, the blockbuster has to appeal to the public audience in a way which they can immediately connect and understand (Cucco p 219). Movies such as Jaws, Top Gun, Independence Day and Titanic, are all examples of films which hold high-concept film characteristics which allowed audiences both domestically and abroad to instantly connect with the films; ultimately making them a success. (Cucco pp. 219-220).