The Wizard of Oz Fever Coming Back

One of my favorite movies of all time, "The Wizard of Oz", is coming back to theaters. The beloved 1939 movie is set to come back to IMAX theaters for a one week run. Hopefully I will be lucky enough to make it to the theater to see what enhanced picture and sound can do for one of the most important movies of all time.

Here was my article on how this will boost IMAX stock http://seekingalpha.com/article/1489262-the-wizard-of-oz-coming-to-imax-theatres-follow-the-yellow-brick-road-in-your-portfolio

Also, remember that "The Wizard of Oz" is coming to television through several networks. The movie will be the central focus on several new shows. Read my highlights here:

http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/09/20/the-wizard-of-oz-set-to-boost-several-stocks.aspx

*Disclosure-Long shares of IMAX*

Amazon Prime vs. Netflix Streaming

Just wanted to share with any of my readers or followers. I am now writing for national magazine Variety as well. Here is my first article discussing the comparison between Amazon Prime and Netflix streaming. Please check it out and share.

Amazon Prime vs. Netflix

Zumba Kids: Will Investors Follow Majesco Entertainment Into Newest Venture?

Small video game company Majesco Entertainment (COOL) has seen its shares drop 42% in 2013. The drop comes off of earnings misses and lowered guidance. The gaming company, popular for its Zumba Fitness line of games, is trading for around $0.60 a share. Can two new gaming updates send shares back above $1.00?

On Friday morning, Majesco Entertainment announced its plans to launch "Zumba Kids" for the XBOX 360 Kinect and Nintendo Wii. The game will target kids ages 7 to 12. Mini-games and dances feature over 30 songs, including hits from Justin Bieber and Willow Smith.

The game has a chance to be successful for Majesco Entertainment. "Zumba Kids" will potentially have a cool factor among kids, as the "Dance Central" games have proved popular with children. The game could also be a good gift idea from parents, as it represents a way for kids to possibly lose weight. There are millions of overweight kids in America. The game could get the blessing from healthcare organizations if it can get kids off the couch and playing a movement based game.

"Zumba Kids" will be released during the holiday season, which could also help propel sales. The game pairs nicely with the latest Zumba Fitness game, "Zumba Fitness World Party". "Zumba Fitness World Party" will be released in October for XBOX One, XBOX 360, Nintentdo Wii, and the Nintendo WiiU.

Weeks ago, Majesco Entertainment announced its "Zumba Dance" game for the iPad and Android based tablets. Available for $4.99, the game is one of the best-selling health and fitness games in over 45 countries. The tablet version is similar to the console game and offers 20 to 60 minute workouts, tracks calories, and also helps users find live classes nearby.

The new kids game doesn't solve the problem of Majesco's dependence on the Zumba Fitness line. However, the game does help expansion of the franchise into new markets. The two new console games and tablet based version offer excitement to the stock. Strong sales of each of these products could lead to a revenue and earnings beat for the fiscal year. Any positive news and sales movement could send shares back over $1.

Analysts expect Majesco Entertainment to post a loss of $0.15 per share in fiscal 2013. Revenue is expected to decline 48.7% to $132.3 million. As you can see, analysts aren't expecting much from the company. If any of these games surprises or posts strong sales, Majesco investors could be in for a wild ride upwards. In fiscal 2014, the company is expected to post a profit of $0.01 with revenue returning to $84.0 million. Majesco is a great speculative stock going forward with a high risk high reward opportunity going into the 2013 holiday season.

*Disclosure-Author Owns Shares of COOL at Time of Writing*

Gluu Mobile Scores Big With MGM Deal For Robocop And James Bond Games

Shares of Gluu Mobile (GLUU) shot up in early morning trading Thursday before settling with a modest gain. The company released an 8K that shows a new deal with MGM. The announcement includes warrants from MGM to purchase up to 3.33 million shares of Gluu Mobile shares. This news could have a huge impact on shares in the near and long term.

Details of the warrants include:

· Rights to make games based on Robocop and James Bond

· Rights to purchase up to 3,333,333 common shares at $3 each

· Expiration on warrants on July 15, 2018

· First 333,333 vested and become exercisable on July 15

· 333,333 shares vest and become exercisable at release of a new mobile game based on MGM intellectual property (does not include first Robocop game)

· 1,000,000 shares vested and exercisable with release of new James Bond game and also 1,000,000 shares per sequel until limit reached

Comcast's Syfy Network And Trion Worlds Potentially Changing Video Game Industry With Defiance

On Monday, Syfy Network will premiere its new show "Defiance". The unique part about this new show from Comcast (CMCSA) owned Syfy is its accompanying video game. This isn't a video game based on a tv show, or a tv show based on a video game. The two are connected and will give players and viewers the most unique experience.

The video game from Trion Worlds is the first to connect to a television show at the same time. Players will have new missions after every episode airs and will have an impact on the show's storyline based on gameplay. By connecting to the television show, Trion can release downloadable content (DLCs) and gain additional revenue.

The show is set in the future in the town of Defiance, similar to St. Louis. "Defiance" is complete with aliens, post war survival, and human struggles. The show will provide a lift to the network that has struggled to showcase original content since "Battlestar Galactica". The channel now counts on reality shows to gain viewers.

There are 13 episodes scheduled to air between Monday and July 8th. A huge budget of over $40 million was spent on the first season. The show was paid for by Comcast and Trion Worlds. Syfy is hoping for a renewal if ratings are strong. Trion has already begun working on a follow up game based on a second season.

The potential for Comcast and its Syfy network is huge. Back in 2009, Syfy charged $0.21 per subscriber to large cable companies. With a declining fan base and viewers, the network has even turned to WWE (WWE) to showcase "Smackdown" on its network. "WWE Smackdown" is shown on Fridays and most recently had 2.52 million viewers.

"Defiance" has also already seen several international pickups, providing additional revenue for Comcast. The show will also air in Brazil, Canada, France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Australia.

The Defiance video game was released this month and has seen strong sales for a new brand. According to VGChartz.com, the game has sold 170,000 copies on XBOX360, 70,000 copies on Playstation 3, and 50,000 copies for the PC. Sales remain strong and the game is currently on Amazon's top 100 selling video game list. The game will likely see strong sales this week as the show airs.

The impact on the video game industry could be huge. Two companies recently released games based on AMC's (AMCX) "The Walking Dead". "The Walking Dead", which is the most popular show on television, saw releases from Telltale Games and Activision (ATVI). The Telltale version, which follows an episodic storyline has sold 400,000 copies on the XBOX360 and 250,000 copies on the Playstation 3. The Activision version titled "Survival Instinct" has sold 210,000 copies on the XBOX360 and 140,000 on the Playstation 3.

Imagine that if "Defiance" is successful, television shows following video games will start popping up. Old franchises like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and Resident Evil could all see a boost in game sales with a new version surrounding a television show. A successful "Defiance" could also lead to a buyout of Trion Worlds by a larger company. The video game company is partially owned by Comcast, Time Warner (TWX), and the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.

As "Defiance" airs on Syfy Monday, it won't be just science fiction fans watching, but an entire video game industry. This new move by Trion Worlds and Syfy could be just the boost the declining video game market needs.

The potential winners to watch in this video game/television partnership are:

• Comcast-company owns the Syfy channel and will be able to charge other cable networks more in subscriber costs thanks to higher viewer numbers.
• Time Waner-owns Mortal Kombat, Batman Arkham brand which could also translate well from a television series and game concept.
• Activision Blizzard-has large library of games and cold make a play into this avenue. Could also utilize strong bases with its MMORPG games and turn them into televisions shows.

The biggest winners in this new format could be the video game consoles. Consider investing in Sony (SNE) or Microsoft (MSFT). Both have new consoles hitting the market soon, but could see a lift in current games with a television following. A new audience of video game players could emerge from shows like "Defiance". Shows like "American Idol" and "Dancing with the Stars" don't just do well for the talent. It is the human interaction where people have an attachment.

*Disclosure-Chris is long Activision Blizzard (ATVI)