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Giant Interactive Launches BD-Connect for Blu-ray
The Sopranos wins two DVD Critics Awards
UNFORGETTABLY EVIL for Starz
Giant Interactive Transitions to Blu-ray; Los Angeles Facility Undergoes Major Expansion
GIANT STANDS OUT AT 2008 TV DVD AWARDS
Giant launches Blu-ray and HD DVD next generation services
Giant shines during dvd awards
music dvd 2 conference
giant goes west
giant announces new team member
studio monthly cover story
post magazine
launch announcement
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(November 2009)
Giant Interactive, in exclusive partnership with Imagion AG, announced today the North American availability of BD-Connect™, the world’s most widely used BD-Live solution. The flexible, easy to use gateway to content and customers is the easiest BD-Live technology to implement, is pre-configured with more features than competing solutions and ready to go.
“Blu-ray is well on its way to becoming DVD’s successor, and in addition to amazing high definition video and audio, one of the great features of the format is web interactivity,” noted Jeff Stabenau, President, Giant Interactive. “BD-Connect offers the richest, most powerful BD-Live experience for consumers and content providers today.”
 The technology arrives in North America as a compelling and thoroughly proven gateway to customers and content, that is easy to implement, pre-configured with rich features, fast, flexible and ready to go. BD-Connect has a highly scalable architecture with Akamai edge server content delivery, allowing for rapid loading of geo-targeted BD-Live components including full screen progressive streaming video, HD downloads, synched movie viewing experiences, user generated quizzes, trivia tracks, photo galleries, marketing banners, RSS feeds and menu widgets.
BD-Connect works seamlessly with community-driven BD-Live web sites (such as cbs-bdlive.com, Twitter and Facebook) and utilizes a highly scalable architecture with Akamai edge server content delivery, allowing for rapid loading of BD-Live components and full screen progressive streaming video. Other key features of BD-Connect include synched movie viewing experiences, user generated quizzes, trivia tracks and photo galleries, iPhone applications, live event downloads, marketing banners, RSS feeds, menu widgets and geo-targeting for seamless content delivery by region or country.
BD-Connect has also enjoyed critical acclaim from the Blu-ray community. Featured on Paramount Home Entertainment’s “Star Trek The Original Series” and “CSI” box sets, HighDefDigest.com called the technology “…one of the most useful and best implemented BD-Live features I’ve used to date,” while High-Def Disc News praised the “very sleek and fast interface,” and EngadgetHD declared “These implementations so far have been some of the best examples of the potential BD-Live holds that we keep hearing about, but rarely see.”
BD-Connect is currently featured on CBS/Paramount Home Entertainment’s recently released “CSI” Blu-ray release. The release, which takes users to criminology and forensics conferences in Denver and Las Vegas via BD-Live, showing how easily targeted content can be delivered to consumers with this platform, is being spotlighted this week at the media industry confab Blu-Con 2.0 in Los Angeles.
Link to BD-Connect Site
(September 2009)
Giant Interactive celebrated the two wins of HBO Home Video’s gigantic 28-DVD box set “The Sopranos: The Complete Collection” as Home Media Magazine not only awarded the megaset, authored by Giant-Interactive, Best Collection/MultiDisc Set of 2008, but also bestowed upon the release their highest honor: Title of the Year – the first a TV DVD set has taken the top prize.
“We’re thrilled with the recognition by our industry for the hard, hard work we put into this title,” stated Jeff Stabenau, Giant Interactive President. “For a series as critically acclaimed as ‘The Sopranos,’ we wanted to make sure our work was as hand-crafted and ground-breaking as the amazing series it celebrates.”
Already a legend within the industry and among fans, “The Sopranos: The Complete Collection” truly redefined the concept of what TV-on-DVD could be. With 86 episodes on 28 DVDs, the set literally weighs in at over 10 pounds. Adding even more depth is two discs of never-before-seen material, including sixteen "lost" scenes, auditions from some of the cast, an interview with creator David Chase by Alec Baldwin, secrets from the writer’s room and Sopranos spoofs from The Simpsons, Saturday Night Live and Mad TV. There's also a panel discussion from the Paley Center for Media among "Whacked Sopranos" actors reflecting on their regrettable but necessary exits.
Complete list of Winners
(July 2009)
 Giant Interactive has just completed its work on the prime-time television documentary UNFORGETTABLY EVIL for Starz and it’s cinema-themed documentary series, “Starz Inside.” At its core, the 55-minute piece is an exploration into Hollywood’s meanest, baddest, scariest, and most chilling on-screen characters, and the indelible imprint they have left on the audience’s psyche.
Hosted by Richard Roeper, this special which is set to premiere on July 28, 2009 10pm (EST/PST) only on Starz.
This program marks the second documentary for the original programming team at Giant. Their first special, ANIME: DRAWING A REVOLUTION, deconstructed the history, art and themes of Japanese anime and manga, and explored how the Japanese approach to action and storytelling made a profound impact on Western filmmakers.
(Jan 2009)
NEW YORK -- To meet the growing market for digital media services, Giant Interactive has recently added key industry experts in Blu-ray authoring, as well as a newly created Original Programming division to its Los Angeles operations. These moves come on the heels of a recent expansion at the same location, constructing and outfitting a new HD facility specially equipped for Blu-ray and digital interactive products. These added capabilities, also available at the company's New York base, will bolster Giant's position as an innovative and creative leader in BD, DVD, creative content and interactive media services.
Steven Haas, Jay Chumley, Allie Rosenzweig, and
Jeffrey Eagle.
"We at Giant Interactive see Blu-ray not only as the successor to DVD," noted Jeff Stabenau, President, "but as a marvelous challenge to give our clients a whole new way of looking at interactive digital content. Having the right tools and creative environment is the first important step."
Heading up Giant Interactive's Original Programming division are Executive Producer Jeffrey Eagle and Supervising Producer Allie Rosenzweig. Working together with the likes of Walt Disney Studios, Lionsgate, ABC Family, Starz Entertainment and others, Jeffrey and Allie -- and their team of producers, writers and editors -- are already underway on several original productions for broadcast, Blu-ray, DVD and digital media.
"Regardless of the assignment or requested style of content, our goal at Giant is to always tell great stories in new, interesting, and now, interactive ways," remarked Eagle. "Combining that approach to original programming with Giant's proven track record of inspired design and technical expertise is beyond exciting!"
Prior to joining Giant, Jeffrey served as creative director for Herzog-Cowen Entertainment, where he collaborated on such blockbusting film and television titles as Pirates of the Caribbean, Ray, Serenity, Desperate Housewives, The Polar Express, West Wing, Scrubs and Wedding Crashers. In his previous position he produced a primetime feature-length documentary special for Starz as part of their "Starz Inside" series entitled Anime: Drawing a Revolution, charting the history and influence of Japanese anime on Western filmmakers. In addition to prime-time broadcast work, he also created theatrical, DVD and Internet original programing in support of such titles as Naruto, The Muppet Show, Kyle XY, Masters of Horror, Dirty Sexy Money, and the Blu-ray release of both Ratatouille and Sleeping Beauty. Giant Executive DVD Producer Steven Haas explains, "Jeffrey Eagle is known for his high degree of professionalism when dealing with talent and clients. He has the creative touch that enables him to create a finished piece that always stands above the crowd."
Giant's newly-appointed director of digital operations in Los Angeles, Jay Chumley, has a distinguished award-winning career in the DVD industry. Together with his team at Giant, Jay has implemented complete Blu-ray compression and HDMV and Java programming services, as well as an expansion of SD DVD authoring.
Stabenau praised Jay as someone who "possesses a great combination of technical and creative expertise that results in his establishing innovative solutions to the production process. He has a great ability to author the most demanding and complex projects in a way that always surpasses client expectations."
Jay brings 15 years of experience working in media distribution, including web, DVD, Enhanced CD-ROM, DVD-Audio, UMD, HD-DVD and Blu-ray. His background includes working extensively in all facets of production including video mastering, compression, audio mixing, design and authoring. He has worked in Los Angeles for the last five years at LaserPacific and 1K Studios, working primarily on high-profile studio titles with clients such as New Line, HBO, Miramax and Disney. His principal achievement was working on the three-time "DVD of the Year" winner The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He also won "Best Box Set" with the 20-disc package of "Sex and the City."
Most recently at 1K Studios, Jay oversaw the development of the Blu-ray department where he was responsible for such New Line BD titles as The Golden Compass, Harold and Kumar, Pan's Labyrinth and Semi-Pro.
(Oct 2008)
In continuing industry recognition, design and authoring company Giant Interactive received awards for its exemplary DVD work on HBO's John Adams, and Time LIfe's, The Man From U.N.C.L.E, as well as a nomination for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour Season 3.
 
For the 2008 TV DVD Awards, a blue-ribbon panel of judges comprised of the top DVD critics and journalists selected four finalists in each category from a field of more than 150 studio submissions of titles released. Online voters determined the winners by casting ballots for their favorite DVDs.
When the final votes were tallied the industry and the public’s voice was loud and clear. Giant helped HBO win Best Miniseries/Made-for-TV Movie for the John Adams DVD boxed set, and after winning last year for the "Get Smart" boxed set, Time Life was recognized for another Giant produced project; The Man From U.N.C.L.E.-- The Complete Series, which took home the award for Best 1950s/1960s Series (beating out the Smothers Brother Comedy Hour Season 3, also produced by Giant)
With more and more TV DVDs competing for the public's attention, it is a point of pride at Giant that its client's DVD projects stand out. "When one of our client's projects wins an award and is recognized like this, it means so much to the entire team at Giant. It means that all the creativity and hard work that we bring to our projects makes a difference." said Giant Executive Producer Meri Hassouni.
With locations in NY, LA and Denver, Giant is pleased to be collaborating with clients that share our passion for excellence and creating DVDs that capture the public’s imagination.
Link to full list of winners
(Aug 2007) New York - Giant Interactive is the first facility on the East Coast to provide complete next generation DVD services for both HD DVD and Blu-ray. Menu design, compression and authoring are all part of the package of services now available from both the New York and Los Angeles production locations.
Giant is rapidly becoming the go-to company for high-end, next generation creative and technical services.
Giant brings the same high level of creativity and service to the next generation platforms that they are well known for in standard DVD.
"We are very excited about the opportunity that high definition DVD provides for our clients," said Jeff Stabenau, president of Giant Interactive. "The rich features and unsurpassed video and audio quality enable viewers to experience the full richness of these films."
Giant brings the same high level of creativity and service to the next generation platforms as they are known for in standard definition DVD. With offices in New York, Los Angeles and Denver, Giant can work closely with clients from anywhere in the country who may need these cutting edge services.
(Aug 2007)
In the past year, Giant projects have earned a slew of awards. Some recent highlights include:
- The Get Smart Collection, "Best TV Series DVD", awarded at the Sixth Annual Home Entertainment Summit, held June 18-19 in Los Angeles.
- KISSology Vol. 1, "Best Music Compilation," awarded at the Music DVD Awards, held March 26 in Century City, Calif.
"Giant takes personal pride and satisfaction in seeing our client's DVD projects receive these types of accolades. DVD is a collaborative effort from everyone involved and it's great to be recognized for our accomplishments," stated Executive DVD Producer Meri Hassouni. "We put our heart into each one of our projects and treat them all as special projects."
Giant is pleased to be working with a great group of clients that share our passion for creating the best products in the marketplace. Below is a partial list of 2006 DVDs recognized for outstanding quality:
Get Smart Collection – Time/Life HBO
Kissology Vol. 1 – Vh1 Classics
Gojira 2-Disc Collector's Edition – Classic Media
Pandora's Box – Criterion Collection
When The Levees Broke – HBO
(Mar 2006)
Jeff Stabenau will represent Giant at the Music DVD 2 Conference to be held on March 7th at the Regent Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles. Jeff is scheduled to be a panelist for the session; Anatomy of a Music DVD. The session focuses on the process of assembling a music DVD, from a creative, label and marketing perspective.
(Jan 2006)
Giant Interactive announces their expansion by opening an office in Denver. Opened January 2006, the Giant Denver office provides services for DVD and the growing Interactive and Mobile media industries.
Headed by long-time DVD veteran Sean Anderson. Denver has completed a number of recent projects including; editing and posting VAM for interviews and "making of" segments; menu design for Criterion, A&E, MTV and EMI Records; along with Interactive TV design and development projects. Sean Anderson is the Director of Creative Services for Giant and works on projects originating from New York to Los Angeles and everyplace in between.
(Dec 2005)
Giant Interactive is pleased to announce its newest member of the team, Sean Anderson.
Sean joins us as Director of Creative Services and will work on projects originating from New York to Los Angeles and everyplace in between. Sean will oversee creative development, including Value-added creation and menu design, of DVD, UMD and Interactive TV projects.
Sean is the former Director of DVD Development for the Criterion Collection where he oversaw the production of all 140 Criterion DVDs produced while he was there. The very cool Brazil Special Edition that he designed and produced remains a landmark title to this day. Sean also had a hand in the design and production of such notable DVDs as the Beastie Boys Anthology, Rushmore, Gimme Shelter and This is Spinal Tap. Sean also served as Creative Director for Blink Digital and designed or art directed menus for over 30 Miramax and Disney DVDs.
With the welcome addition of Sean's unsurpassed creativity as a designer and our goal of bringing each project to the highest standard of creativity and user friendliness will be met with ease. We're thrilled to have Sean on board as part of our team.
(Dec 2005)
Jeff and David scale the cover of Studio Monthly magazine.
Read Full Article
(Jun 2005)
NEW YORK - DVD authoring veteran Jeff Stabenau, former president of Blink Digital here in NYC, has partnered with Metropolis DVD founder David Anthony to form Giant Interactive (www.giant-interactive.com), a DVD design and authoring studio that will also develop projects for interactive television, wireless platforms and next-generation DVD formats.
Read Full Article
(Jun 2005)
NEW YORK—Blink Digital founder Jeff Stabenau and Metropolis DVD founder David Anthony have teamed up to launch a new company, Giant Interactive. Giant will offer design and authoring for DVDs and similar creative services for a range of emerging media applications including interactive television, wireless platforms and "next-generation" DVD formats.
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