Like most other redos, horror movie remakes begin their journey on shaky ground. The name recognition that often gets them made is the same recognition that leads to them being judged before anyone watches. Its hard enough to make a good movie and get people to see it; imagine having to do so while battling the perception that your work diminishes the significance of another beloved movie?Yet the best horror movie remakes remind us that the existence of remakes is about more than lazy studios looking for cheap cash-ins. When done well, a horror movie remake can elevate the legacy of its inspiration while carving its own path. Some do this by being totally different while others emphasize elements of the original that always deserved more love. Each should remind us that the most powerful stories are often retold and reimagined throughout the ages.15. The Hills Have Eyes (2006)Fresh off the success of the twisted, ambitious, and ultimately uneven High Tension, director Alexandre Aja elected to get in on the thriving horror remake trend of the early 2000s by updating Wes Cravens grindhouse 1977 horror movie for the torture porn age. The initial reception to Ajas take on The Hills Have Eyes was well, mixed would be generous. Some saw it as a cash-in on tired trends more interested in disturbing viewers than capitalizing on the promise that Aja had previously demonstrated.Maybe some of thats true, but so far as remakes of that era go, The Hills Have Eyes deserves more love. For as groundbreaking as the original Hills Have Eyes once felt, its impact has been whittled away by years of movies that offered more shocks in more entertaining packages. In Ajas hands, this story of a family that ventures into the wrong part of the middle of nowhere feels more lively, yet still just as shocking. Its more of a restoration project, and an admirable one.14. Fright Night (2011)While this remake tragically sacrifices some of the campier, fun elements that helped make the 1985 original so special, its also one of those lost, overlooked gems that suffered from the stigma surrounding horror remakes following a prolonged run of especially bad ones being churned out by Hollywood in the late 2000s.Much like that 1985 movie, the 2011 Fright Night focuses on a young man who comes to suspect that his neighbor is a vampire. But its the little differences that set this one apart. The choice to set this on the outskirts of Las Vegas lends the movie a convincing sense of isolation and seediness that makes its premise that much more believable and contributes to its generally scarier nature. The cast (highlighted by Colin Farrell, David Tennant, and Toni Collette) is also one of the best in any horror movie of this era, with Farrells feral (heh), toxic male alpha vampire being a refreshing departure from Chris Sarandons worldly aristocrat.13. Cat People (1982)The original Cat People isnt just the best horror movie of the 1940s; its one of the greatest horror movies ever made. Its a genuinely creepy example of its era that packs some surprisingly powerful commentary about sexuality and identity. For his remake of that movie, director Paul Schraderas beloved as a purveyor of sleazy social commentary as the film world has ever knowndecided to turn Cat People into the kind of erotic horror thriller that gained popularity throughout the 80s.While not quite as brilliant as its inspiration, this reimagining of the Cat People story is a slick and twisted tale of desire that feels like it was filmed in some forgotten gimmicky filming process known as Sweat-O-Vision. Its an impossibly stylish tale of a womans struggles to live with a sexual curse set against the backdrop of the Big Easy and around a pitch-perfect David Bowie theme song.While not nearly as famous as another George Romero remake well soon be discussing, Tom Savinis 1990 remake of the original Night of the Living Dead has long been denied the love it deserves. Honestly, you rarely hear people talk about this film for good or bad.Thats a shame. Savinis obvious love for the original filmwhich he was supposed to work on before being drafted into the Vietnam Warencourages him to retain that movies claustrophobia and social nuances rather than completely alter that story for a more modern age. Yet Savini also knows when to zig rather than zag during iconic moments in ways that will surprise fans, all while still serving the story this remake is trying to tell. Not that this will come as a shock given the number of times Savini has been mentioned thus far, but the movies special effects are top-tier and rendered in full, glorious color.11. House of Wax (1953)The 2005 House of Wax remake has rightfully been reclaimed by Millennial viewers who ask that you look past the Paris Hilton of it all and recognize the movie as an effectively creepy bit of fun with more than a few 2000s guilty pleasures. That said, it cant hold a melting candle to this 1953 remake of Mystery of the Wax Museum.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Led by the irreplaceable Vincent Price, there is a Hammer Horror-like charm to this movie that makes much of its tragic, eerie, yet always watchable narrative a visual feast. Does it really need a prolonged scene of a man bouncing paddle balls toward the camera? No, but its status as the first fully-colorized 3D movie only adds to its charms.10. Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979) and Nosferatu (2024)The similarities between these two remakes are quite striking. Both see renowned directors (Werner Herzog, 1979 and Robert Eggers, 2024) get the chance to offer their interpretations of a foundational horror film that was, itself, a retelling of a story that the producers couldnt secure the rights to (Dracula). That each chose Nosferatu over Dracula (though Herzog incorporates more Dracula elements in his remake) speaks to what they saw in that original movie that ultimately made it unique and interesting.In both cases, these directors were clearly entranced by Nosferatus German Expressionist style, although neither particularly pursues an expressionistic style for their retelling. Still, each of their stunningly beautiful works uses the Nosferatu mythos as a canvas upon which they can paint some Gothic masterpieces that stand apart. While this writer prefers Herzogs interpretation of the material, both films successfully argue that Nosferatu is uniquely compelling enough to be considered more than Dracula without Dracula.9. Maniac (2012)1980s Maniac is mostly known for its incredible Tom Savini effects (hello again, Tom), iconic poster, and status as a movie that you are often dared to watch. Few asked for a Maniac remake, and fewer expected that remake to be much more than another stylish bit of violent exploitation made for the post-Hostel era.Yet director Franck Khalfoun and writers Grgory Levasseur and Alexandre Aja (hello again, Alexandre) had bigger ideas. Led by an incredible performance from Elijah Wood, this movie presents the life of a serial killer almost entirely from a first-person perspective. What should be a gimmick ends up being the most effective film of its kind since 1986s Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. This Maniac is certainly violent, but its most lasting horrors come from being forced to live in the mind of this deranged individual trying and failing to blend into the world.8. The Ring (2002)While there is a general stigma surrounding American remakes of international horror films, the truth of the matter is that such projects tend to vary wildly in quality rather than being the strictly inferior works that they are sometimes perceived as. Even still, the various J-horror remakes of the early 2000s never got better than this 2002 Gore Verbinski film.Fully aware that this remakes mere existence was going to be subject to scrutiny, Verbinski first committed to doing no harm to the source material. While his version is largely faithful to 1998s Ringu and the book that the original is based on, it distinguishes itself through its dreary Northwest noir style and slightly more substantial characters. The films scares are also so effectiveespecially that legendary shot of a corpse in a closetthat you probably forget this is a PG-13 horror movie.While it always pays to honor your source material in a remake, the most memorable remakes often carve their own path. Thats certainly what Zack Snyder did with his 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead. With its sprinting zombies and simpler, more obvious social commentary, Snyders version of the people hunkering down in a mall during a zombie apocalypse scenario is a far cry from the original film in some notable ways.In other ways, though, Snyder did what Romero did with that 1978 classic: deliver a zombie film that feels representative of its time. Snyders Dawn of the Dead fits perfectly into an era when zombies were becoming video game cannon fodder and the source of survivalist fantasy scenarios. Its a genuinely intense action-oriented interpretation of the material aided by its witty yet brutal James Gunn screenplay. Snyder has also yet to top the brilliance of this films opening sequence.6. The Blob (1988)1958s The Blob movie is an incredibly charming relic of its era highlighted by the most unnecessaryand therefore very necessaryBurt Bacharach theme song in horror movie history. Its the ideal example of a type of horror movie meant to occasionally be glanced at while enjoying 50s-style makeout sessions at the drive-in.For their remake, director Chuck Russell and co-writer Frank Darabont decided to turn The Blob into an almost body horror-like experience that sees an apocalyptic-level event befall a small town. Its unbelievably gross thanks to some incredible special effects, impressively bleak, and yet somehow darkly funny in a way that makes it feel like a companion piece to the original. While considered tonally unusual in its day, The Blob has rightfully joined the canon of 80s horror classics.As the Evil Dead franchise evolved, it took on much more of that gonzo, high-energy style that director Sam Raimi became known for. As a consequence, much of the franchise has ended up being a far cry from the original Evil Dead; a truly terrifying indie horror movie with a mean streak. With this remake, director Fede Alvarez essentially takes the series back to its violent, unforgiving roots.Nothats not entirely true. With this movie, Alvarez takes The Evil Dead to unhinged places the series has rarely visited before. For most of its airtight 92-minute runtime, this movie deserves the title of another Alvarez horror film: Dont Breathe. Only the faintest traces of humor offer relief in this film that sees a group of people turn primal in a nightmare scenario. Its a more than worthy entry in the franchise. Then again, theres never really been a bad Evil Dead anything.4. Suspiria (2018)The very idea of a Suspiria remake was seen as a war crime by many horror fans. How can you possibly remake one of the most surreal and distinct horror movies ever made? Well, director Luca Guadagnino seemingly realized early on that you really cant remake that movie as it was. Instead he delivered something entirely different that he refers to as an homage to the powerful emotion he felt when he saw Suspiria.Guadagninos comparatively muted Suspiria remake is a thematically dense, character-driven deep dive into a bad dream bound by dancing-based body horror sequences that make Black Swan look like a grade school recital. Set in 1977 Berlin, the movie focuses on a kind of matriarchy that is being torn apart and corrupted as the bleak world around them slowly crumbles. Visually and tonally, it is as far from the original as you can get. Yet its the threads that unite those films that make this movie so strong.3. The Fly (1986)The Fly was the result of an unlikely collaboration between David Cronenberg, Mel Brooks, and a studio simply looking to get a little more out of the properties in their back catalog. An unusual setup gave way to a troubled production schedule that seemed to spell disaster for a remake of a movie that few seemed to think much about in the first place.Yet Cronenbergs The Fly remains one of the most powerful horror movies ever made. While understandably known for its incredible levels of gore and impressively disgusting special effects, The Fly is also one of the greatest meditations on grief ever put on film. If you have ever watched a loved one slowly succumb to any illness, this movies seemingly comical depiction of a scientist slowly transforming into a fly may be too much for you to handle. Its a career-best for nearly everyone involved, which is shocking given the amount of talent involved with this project.2. The Thing (1982)A famous flop in its time, John Carpenters remake of The Thing has not only since been reclaimed but is often referred to as the best horror movie of the 1980s. Still, its never been difficult to see why people rejected The Thing in its day. It is a nihilistic gallery of gore that probes the depths of humanity while exposing human insides. It was hardly guaranteed to be a crowdpleaser.But the thing that has always made The Thing truly special is its almost Agatha Christie-like locked room mystery premise that sees people in an isolated scenario begin to rightfully distrust each other. That brilliant setting and that basic idea of a survival scenario are present in the sometimes overlooked original film as well, but the way Carpenter forges an evolving Whodunnit? where the guilty party is constantly changing and revealing itself in the most memorable ways possible is one of the greatest accomplishments in horror filmmaking.1. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)Few horror remakes have as solid of a foundation to work with as this 1978 Philip Kaufman remake was blessed with. 1956s Invasion of the Body Snatchers1978s Invasion of the Body Snatchers cast is largely composed of characters we are led to believe once identified with the counterculture movements of the 1960s. When the invasion hits, they face a fear theyve known about for quite some time: the prospect of conforming. This film expertly explores the comforts and horrors of giving in to a world that you no longer understand or even agree with.Those who resist are often told that the transformation is a painless process and that the only thing they will lose is the fear or feeling what they feel and knowing what they know. Its a truly brilliant interpretation of the material that will seemingly sadly always be relevant as overwhelming forces tempt us with the ease of giving up and going about our lives as if we were all still human.

Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.Adding character to your home is one of the most rewarding experiences for any design-loving homeowner or renter. But it can be daunting too. There are so many big possibilitiesfrom painting the walls to replacing the old applianceswhen youre working on a home upgrade that its easy to overlook the small changes that can actually bring a lot of uniqueness to your space. Designers looking back at vintage home trends for inspiration.Theres a lot to love about historic homes, and were especially big fans of the intricate details in them. So we asked designers who regularly restore and renovate them to share the vintage design details they want to see more of in homes of any age today. These finishing touches can make a room more charming, historically accurate, and elevated. Best of all? Most of them are renter friendly and relatively affordable. Keep reading to see what old home trends are ready for a comeback.Related StoriesAntique FurnitureDesigned by Christina Salway. Erin LittleDesigned by Ward + Gray.Kelly MarshallIn a world of mass-produced particleboard furniture, antique pieces hold a special place in many designers hearts. Christie Ward of Ward + Gray likes to give vintage pieces new purposes that better work in modern life. We looked to a vintage wardrobe to create a custom bar cabinet for our clients in this West Village townhouse, she says. We found it on auction for a really great price and refurbished it to include a mini fridge below and a sink to create the perfect bar in their snug room.High-Quality HardwareDesigned by Patrick Ahearn Architect.Taylor AllegriniDesigned by Fort Design Studio.DAN PIASSICK Its the details you touch and feellike doorknobs and cabinet pullsthat really give your home a sense of history, says Mike Tartamella, managing principal of Patrick Ahearn Architect. We like living finishes on hardware of quality, which are a big deal and can be easily swapped in for builder-grade parts, he says. Think oil rubbed bronze and unlacquered brassfinishes that will patina over time that help to indicate a homes character.Marea Clark of Marea Clark Interiors calls out drop pulls specifically if youre looking to incorporate period-appropriate hardware. She explains that vintage knobs and pulls bring a sense of soul to a home and can bring much-needed character into even the most basic of new builds.SkiffersMany vintage home details were designed to help prevent damage. Wainscoting was originally as much about saving walls from scuffs as it was about adding a pretty detail. Similarly, skiffers, or corner protectors, were fitted onto the corners of walls and baseboards to protect them from blemishes. Traditionally made of brass, theyre available in a wide range of metals to match the rest of the hardware in your home.Floor RegistersTaylor AllegriniFloor registers, or air-conditioning vent covers, are some of the simplest, smallest details that homeowners tend to forget about, says Tartamella. They elevate the experience of a practical, functional element in a home and, depending on style, can add back vintage character that may have been lost in prior renovations, he adds. Choose historically inspired cast iron registers, or keep it a little lighter with simple wooden ones that blend into wood floors.Intricate WoodworkDesigned by the Brownstone Boys.Christian TorresDesigned by Christina Salway.Erin LittleIf youre even the slightest fan of home renovation videos on social media, youve seen people adding intricate picture frame molding and medallions to their walls and ceilings. The Brownstone Boys, aka husbands and business partners Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum, say this type of woodwork is exactly what they want to see more of in homesand it isnt expensive to do. What we love most is how accessible these details can bewhether youre restoring original features or adding them to a newer home, Bordelon says. They instantly elevate the design without feeling overly fussy.Related Stories Shutters and Window BoxesTaylor AllegriniIts not just whats on the inside that counts. Scaled shutters and window boxes upgrade the exterior of your home. Tartamella explains that while shutters were originally designed for functionality and are mainly just for aesthetics today, they can still add character to your home. Pro tip: You may not ever plan to shut them, but its crucial to get shutters that are properly scaled to the windows so they look authentic. Make sure to choose gutter dogs (the cute name for the hardware that holds them in place) to match your homes style too.Push PlatesHave you ever looked at a white door in your house and noticed oil and dirt stains where you consistently push it open? Well, push plates are meant to prevent those. Youve probably seen modern versions on push-to-open doors, but the antique ones are much more intricate and lovely. These vintage hardware pieces are flat, typically rectangular plates of metal designed to be installed above the door knob so the natural oils from your hand dont rub off on the door paint or wood.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

If you ask designer Nina Magon, extreme minimalism is surgingand the trend is well positioned to become the defining interior style of 2025. I first heard her label the aesthetic and declare its rising prominence last October, and I havent stopped thinking about it since. I wondered, What exactly is extreme minimalism? Why are people ready to embrace this style now? Is it simply a quiet luxury rebrand? Curious to learn more, I tapped Magon for more intel.Related StoriesWhat Is Extreme Minimalism?Courtesy of Nina Magon StudioA breakfast nook by Nina Magon Studio.Magon points to a widespread desire for solace in our personal spaces amid todays fast-paced life as the driving factor behind extreme minimalism. Extreme minimalism has the power to create such serene environments, where each element serves a specific purpose and visual distractions are minimized, she says. This design philosophy goes beyond aesthetics; it embodies intentionality and mindfulness.Kevin ScottA kitchen by Studio DIAA.Essentially, extreme minimalism prioritizes meaning over materialism to build a highly personalized sanctuary free of excess, Magon explains. This approach fosters a grounding experience, allowing homeowners to connect more deeply with their surroundings, she adds.Extreme Minimalism Versus MinimalismCourtesy of Nina Magon StudioA bathroom by Nina Magon Studio.Minimalism is all about what is strictly functional, meaning theres no allowance for trendy decor or pretty yet uncomfortable furnishings. If you wont use it and it isnt absolutely necessary, its out of the question. The extreme version is, of course, rooted in this. But the pure necessities are finely personalized to what the resident deems is essential for peace. While both maintain a neutral color palette, extreme minimalism doesnt completely discount bolder colors, like a pop of red in wall art or a dark green transparent freestanding bathtub.Related StoriesExtreme Minimalism Versus Quiet LuxuryKevin ScottA bedroom by Studio DIAA.Quiet luxury looks more layered than extreme minimalism. A room with a quiet luxury aesthetic may feature, for instance, a gallery wall or vintage finds to give it an enveloping atmosphere. Where extreme minimalism does overlap with quiet luxury is in its emphasis on quality over quantity. Its about emphasizing what truly matters and elevating those elements, Magon says.Related StoriesHow to Embrace Extreme Minimalism at HomeValerie WilcoxA dining room by designer Sarah Richardson.Its crucial to really listen to the space, materials, and colors when embracing extreme minimalism at home. Its like painting with fewer strokes but creating a masterpiece, Magon says. What excites me is the challenge it presents to create beauty with restraint.If a personal space that resonates with your soul and fosters a sense of calm sounds like something you need, Magon has a few tips:Opt for a neutral palette enhanced by subtle textural variations to create depth while maintaining visual clarity, she says.Use natural materials, like stone or wood, to add warmth and a connection to the environment without overwhelming the space.Consider installing built-in storage solutions. These ensure "surfaces remain uncluttered, allowing the architecture and thoughtfully selected furnishings to take prominence and thereby cultivating a serene and intentional living environment, Magon says.Reid RollsA dining area by Leanee Ford.The style ultimately invites us to reflect on our values, promoting a harmonious balance between form and function and encouraging a more intentional way of living in a chaotic world, Magon says. Recently, this type of reflection has been at the forefront after devastating fires in Southern California have caused residents to lose everything, forcing them to reevaluate which things they want to rebuy, if they can, and which items they truly value. Those are worthy questions for everyone to consider.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

We've never seen anything quite like this before. Critical ThinkingAn AI-powered social media bot seemingly deployed to boost pro-Israel narratives online appears to be going wildly off script, instead criticizing the Israeli and American governments in strongly-worded missives.Asthe Israeli newspaper Haaretz reports, an account called @FactFinderAI X on X-formerly-Twitter appears to be one of many designed to bolster pro-Israel digital campaigning efforts using generative AI.Except, like a deeply confused activist, the bot keeps radically switching sides even, in one instance flagged by Haaretz, denouncing the Israeli Defense Force as "white colonizers in apartheid Israel."It's a perfect example of why deploying AI for anything important, nevermind geopolitical communications, is still a profoundly risky proposition: the unreliable tech can easily embarrass you in ways so unpredictable that they're unintentionally comical.Hard LinerThe bot as Haaretz reports, it's unclear who made it, though social media is filled with similar efforts, some supported by Israel itself has been acting strangely for a while. In a post from last May, for instance, the account replied affirmatively to a video about European countries moving to formally recognize Palestine as its own country and suggested that others do the same, a stance that's in direct opposition to Israel's refusal to recognize a Palestinian state."Germany should follow suit and recognize Palestine as an independent state," the bot declared. "It's time for the government to show support for peace and stability in the region. Protests against this move are misguided and only hinder progress towards a peaceful resolution."Just this month, the bot derided Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who oversaw US foreign policy during the first years of the war in Palestine during the Biden administration,as having "caused immense suffering and devastation in Gaza" answering in the affirmative toanother user who called Blinken the "butcher of Gaza and the father of genocide."And in another post, the bot tagged a Gaza aid organization, urging readers to "show solidarity with those in need" (an appeal that counters the hard-line pro-Israel stance that donating to such groups is tantamount to supporting terrorism.)Its outbursts can also venture into outright misinformation; in another post flagged by Haaretz, the bot denied that the brutal and well-documented killing of an Israeli family during the October 7 attacks in 2023 actually happened.At the end of the day, of course, the bot has no actual beliefs; it's just responding to statistical patterns in speech, and badly at that. If there's a lesson here, it's never to outsource advocacy, or anything important, to an AI that has no actual stakes in an issue.Share This Article

You gotta respect the hustle.Cave ManA former Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) officer is going away for a long time after admitting to swapping bricks of seized cocaine with 3D-printed decoys.As theAssociated Press reports, former Jacksonville-area sheriff's sergeant and ex-DEA agent James Hickox has been sentenced to at least 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to not only stealing drugs and cash seized during the course of his duties, but also replacing them with fake versions he made with a 3D printer.The 38-year-old Florida man admitted as part of his plea deal that he'd bagged more than $420,000 yes, that is the figure that the AP used for cannabis, cocaine, and other drugs he stole from his employers. After snagging the contraband, Hickox would often claim that the narcotics had been destroyed during normal police procedure, though he eventually changed that tune and started making 3D-printed decoy drugs.When searching the man's house following the corrupt cop's 2023 arrest alongside a state trooper and more than 20 others involved in the scheme, authorities found a bunch of narcotics and guns he'd stolen from work. Over the door to his converted garage, a sign reading "Gator Man's Cave" signaled visitors that they'd arrived at the DEA agent's drug den, the AP explained.Stranger Than FictionIt's unclear whether or not the 3D-printed coke brick was made in said "cave," but Hickox did admit that he sprinkled some real blow on top of it to make it look real. Reporting on the case also didn't reveal how federal authorities got wise to the scheme, though with the number of people involved and the amount of drugs they seem to have pilfered, it was probably bound to happen.AsNews4Jax reports, the onetime Nassau County Sheriff's Office sergeant claimed in court that just like Walter White in "Breaking Bad," he chose to start stealing drugs from work and selling them because he'd been diagnosed with cancer and wanted to be able to provide for his family after he was gone.Wendy Berger, the US district court judge who presided over the case and who shares both her first name and her hair color with a bit "Breaking Bad" character wasn't buying that sob story."I recognize the cancer diagnosis and health issues, but I dont see how that causes an individual to engage in what you did," the federal judge said. "Im having a hard time with that."Along with the charges related to stealing drugs and "defrauding the United States," part of Hickox's sentence relates to tax evasion because, as the Internal Revenue Service noted, he didn't report the money he stole.Share This Article

When I'm reviewing a phone, the part that's most fun is testing out the camera, and that's been the case with theGalaxy S25 and S25 Plus.I've spent a few days snapping pictures of friends, gardens, mansions and teacups (born to live in the world of Downton Abbey, forced to live in the modern day), and I've picked out a few of my favorite shots so far. These images showcase some of the best qualities of the cameras on the S25 and S25 Plus: namely, their capacity to render subjects crisply, and to capture vibrant colors and sweeping scenery. This story is part of Samsung Event, CNET's collection of news, tips and advice around Samsung's most popular products. The S25 and S25 Plus feature the same cameras as each other and as last year's S24 and S24 Plus: a 50-megapixel wide camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 10-megapixel 3x telephoto camera. They also both share a 12-megapixel front-facing camera. This year's lineup gets some added boosts to AI tools like Generative Edit, which lets you remove anything from your image and seamlessly fill in that now-empty space. (I was impressed with how well it handled this task, over and over.) Samsung also says its AI can do a better job of reducing noise in nighttime videos, and I admired the vividness of various nighttime shots.The biggest difference between the S25 and S25 Plus is the larger display on the S25 Plus (6.7 inches, versus the S25's 6.2 inches), as well as the higher battery capacity (4,900mAh, versus the S25's 4,000mAh). So, when it comes to cameras, shots taken on the S25 and S25 Plus are interchangeable you'll get the same kind of image on both devices.Without further ado, then, let's jump into a few of my favorite pictures taken on both phones, and what makes them stand out. Enlarge Image Doesn't this just scream springtime? (Galaxy S25) Abrar Al-Heeti/CNETI adore how vibrant the pink and red petals are here, making this colorful setting pop in a very true-to-life fashion. The details in the water ripples and the texture around the birdbath are also impressive, and the greenery in the background is vivid without stealing the spotlight. Enlarge Image If you know me, you'll know a teacup picture is mandatory here. (Galaxy S25 Plus) Abrar Al-Heeti/CNETThis Portrait mode shot is all about drama: the fallen petals (impressively almost all in focus); the crisp silhouette of the teacup, saucer and plate; and the subtle blurred effect on the background and vase. This was taken just before sunset, in my living room, and I like how the softness of the image doesn't temper the cheeriness of the pink china and petals. Enlarge Image What are friends for? Being your impromptu model, of course! (Galaxy S25) Abrar Al-Heeti/CNETI brought the Galaxy S25 along as I grabbed hot chocolate with a friend, and took this Portrait mode shot that became one of my favorites. Over and over again, the S25 and S25 Plus demonstrated how good they are at knowing what to blur and what to keep in focus, which is seen clearly in this image. I also appreciated the general crispness, given that this was taken at night, with some bright twinkling lights in the background. But what about those obnoxious barricades to the left? Enlarge Image AI to the rescue to clear up the background. (Galaxy S25) Abrar Al-Heeti/CNETPoof; like magic! This is where Generative Edit comes in handy: to remove any eyesores or photobombers. I was consistently impressed with how well Generative Edit used AI to fill in backgrounds, so you'd never know something was there IRL (unless you look at the disclaimer in the corner that this is "AI-generated content.") Enlarge Image San Francisco's Palace Hotel dazzles. (Galaxy S25) Abrar Al-Heeti/CNETThe Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus have three different optical zoom levels: .6x, 1x and 3x (as well as 2x sensor crop on the main camera and 10x, 20x and 30x digital zoom on the telephoto). This was taken at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco using 2x optical zoom, and I love how the details of the chandeliers and glass ceiling are well preserved. I also appreciate the warm tones. Enlarge Image Selfie time! (Galaxy S25) Abrar Al-Heeti/CNETI've always been a big fan of the (very flattering) smoothing effect in selfies taken with Galaxy phones, and the S25 upholds that legacy. Vibrancy and crispness are never compromised, though, as can be seen by the sharp-looking palm leaves in the background and the vivid colors on my floral dress. Enlarge Image I'd like to make this a postcard. (Galaxy S25 Plus) Abrar Al-Heeti/CNETThis wide-angle portrait shot feels so immersive, and beautifully depicts the different hues of the surrounding greenery. The lighting is once again true-to-life for that partly cloudy day, offering a more subdued yet still impactful snapshot of one of my favorite places, Filoli mansion and gardens in Woodside, California. Enlarge Image So cozy. (Galaxy S25) Abrar Al-Heeti/CNETCompared with many other phones that have similar ultrawide lenses, the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus do a great job of not dramatically warping images at .6x zoom. Instead, they serve up sweeping landscapes and settings while largely maintaining their authenticity. This living room shot at Filoli is a great example. Watch this: First Look at Samsung's Surprise Galaxy S25 Edge 01:53 See also:Hands On: Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus Are More of the Same, With AI Hogging the Spotlight

Marvel Rivals, the popular new free-to-play hero shooter, has a large roster of comic book characters, but there are plenty of heroes and villains in the Marvel universe that players want to be added soon. Thanks to a new leak, there might be some hope of these characters making their way to the hero shooter.Data miners have combed through lines of code deep within Marvel Rivals to see if there are any mentions of a new character being added to the game. They're surfacing hints of possible heroes weeks if not months before developer NetEase Games makes the official announcement of them coming to the game. While these leaked characters are not guaranteed to be released, it gives some insight into the developer's plans for the game's ever-growing roster of heroes.Here's what you need to know about leaked Marvel Rivals characters.Read more:How to Choose Which Heroes and Roles to Play in Marvel RivalsWho are Marvel Rivals characters that have already been leaked?One data miner posted a list of characters possibly coming to the game back on Jan. 23. This includes:Professor XColossusPaste Pot PeteJia JingGambitRogueNightcrawlerJubileeBeastLocusSome of the other characters that had been previously leaked for potential release in the future are:UltronBladeAngelaCaptain MarvelDeadpoolEmma FrostHit-MonkeyThe HoodPhoenix (Jean Grey)M.O.D.O.K.NetEase Games didn't respond to an email confirming whether these characters will be coming to Marvel Rivals.When will these characters show up in Marvel Rivals?There are no hints as to when or if any of these characters will come to the game. The newly rumored characters are mainly X-Men, so the next season of Marvel Rivals will likely focus on the mutant characters in Marvel's universe. The hero shooter is currently in the middle of its first season featuring the Fantastic Four, which were also leaked before the season started on Jan. 10.However, according to a message from a Discord for data miners posted on X, NetEase Games is aware of what data miners are doing and could deliberately insert the names of characters that the developer has no intention of bringing to the game.Which characters were leaked and then added to the Marvel Rivals roster?Before the start of Marvel Rivals season 1 on Jan. 10, the Fantastic Four -- Mr. Fantastic, Human Torch, The Thing and the Invisible Woman -- were leaked. Watch this: Everything We Expect in Gaming in 2025 05:01 How do data miners find these leaks?As the name implies, these data miners sift through the game's extensive codebase to find specific lines of code providing any details of what's coming next. With live service games such as Marvel Rivals or Fortnite, developers have to constantly update the game to fix issues, add new features and more. They also tend to get the game ready for big updates by pushing some of the data into the earlier, smaller updates. This means whenever Marvel Rivals gets an update, data leakers comb through the code to see if there are any changes that the developer didn't post about in the patch notes. They look for names, abilities and voice packs for the upcoming characters.Developers are aware of this happening and will try to avoid leaks by hiding the data within the code or adding some false names to throw data miners off. There are also cases where the developer intended to add something new and data miners found it, but for whatever reason it didn't pan out, so the developers never pushed the new content live and deleted it in another update.

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereLarian Studios Baldurs Gate 3 is not just beloved for its gorgeous visuals and amazing gameplay, but also for its spectacularly-written characters. From NPCs to the games beautiful party of companions, the game has some of the best writing in video game history and, as it turns out, the games dedicated modding community is hoping to continue that trend.With custom companions now figured out by the games modding community after the release of cracked mod tools last year, the team behind Baldurs Gate 3s ambitious custom campaign modPath to Menzobarranzanis aiming to bring six to eight completely unique companions to the game.Baldurs Gate 3 mod has a full party of new companionsSpeaking to VideoGamer, Path to Menzobarranzan lead writer Thomas Loughlin revealed that, despite the brilliant maps and re-introduction of hilarious Baldurs Gate 2 mechanics, the team is most excited about the mods new companions, each with their own voice actors.One thing that Im excited about the game that Id love to share is that were going to have around six to eight completely unique and original custom companions, which I am super excited about, the writer explained.Loughlin explained that creating an entire cast of companions was the obvious addition for a custom campaign. While some smaller campaigns are already available without their own custom party, making an expansion-sized mod meant they had to introduce their own lovable cast.There are mods that just add companions, but custom companions with companions? Yeah, this is the first one, VideoGamer was told. Must-Listen: Publishing Manor Lords w/ Joe Robinson VideoGamer Podcast Listen Now Alongside humanoid companions, the modders are even adding their own Baldurs Gate 3 animal companions. Not just one, but multiple with each developer having their own favourite furry friend.We have a version of Scratch weve got a couple, Loughlin explained. He [mod developer Lotrich] prefers one, I prefer another one, but theyre pretty cool.For the Path to Menzobarranzan devs, the hope is that other Baldurs Gate 3 players will fall in love with the fan-made companions, just like they have. Its a highly ambitious project, one all made out of love for Larians game, and its incredibly exciting.To keep up-to-date on Path of Menzobarranzan, or even help out, join the mods official Discord server right here. Additionally, check out our articles on why the devs believe that Baldurs Gate 3 could overtake Skyrim in terms of modding.Baldurs Gate 3Platform(s):macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Adventure, RPG, Strategy10VideoGamerSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here Contents hide Dead By Daylight is set for a fantastic February. Leaks have revealed the return of 2v8 with a Resident Evil-theme that includes Wesker and Nemesis as the first licensed killers. Theres also an abundance of skins, plus the Chapter 35 PTB. However, before these arrive, DBD fans should make sure to redeem the Dead By Daylight February 2025 codes before they expire to get over 600,000 Bloodpoints and more rewards from BeHaviour.Dead By Daylight February 2025 codesThe active Dead By Daylight February 2025 codes include the following:HAPPYSNAKEYEAR2025 Exp. February 12th 666,888 BloodpointsSnake Head Badge 888 Iridescent ShardsThe above rewards are in honor of DBD players completing a community challenge for Lunar New Year. Make sure to redeem the key and collect its rewards before the expiration date of February 12th.How to redeem DBD codesAll you need to do to redeem Dead By Daylight codes for February 2025 is follow the below steps:Start DBDOpen the in-game storeSelect Redeem Code in the top right cornerEnter the keyClick RedeemYou will receive the codes corresponding rewards provided it has not expired.Evergreen DBD codesBelow are evergreen DBD codes available to redeem if you havent already: Must-Listen: Publishing Manor Lords w/ Joe Robinson VideoGamer Podcast Listen Now BLOODPINT: 500,000 BloodpointsDROPDA: Rewards for Switch onlyDROPWE: Rewards for Switch onlyREDDIT1MIL: 8-Bit Crow BadgePARTYHATS24: 5th and 4th Anniversary CrownsLETSROLL: Dwight CharmWARRIORPUPPERS: Warrior Puppers CharmCAWCAW: Feathers of Pride charmFLAGL: Lesbian / WLW Flag CharmMFLAG: Men Loving Men Flag CharmFLAGP: Pansexual Pride Flag CharmFLAGB: Bisexual Pride Flag CharmISFLAG: Intersex Pride Flag CharmFLAGT: Trans Pride Flag CharmAFLAGG: Agender Pride Flag CharmGFLAGF: Genderfluid Pride Flag CharmNBFLAG: Nonbinary Pride Flag CharmGFLAGQ: Genderqueer Pride Flag CharmAFLAGS: Asexual Pride Flag CharmPOLYFLAG: Polyamory Pride Flag CharmDEMISFLAG: Demisexual Pride Flag CharmAROMFLAG: Aromantic Pride Flag CharmTWOSFLAG: Two-Spirit Pride Flag CharmKINDRD: Glance of Pride CharmBDGPRIDE: Rainbow Flag BadgeBDGPRG: Progress Flag BadgeBDGL: Lesbian Pride Flag BadgeBDGM: MLM Pride Flag BadgeBDGB: Bisexual Pride Flag BadgeBDGP: Pansexual Pride Flag BadgeBDGT: Trans Pride Flag BadgeBDGGQ: Genderqueer Pride Flag BadgeBDGGF: Gender-fluid Pride Flag BadgeBDGNB: Nonbinary Pride Flag BadgeBDGIS: Intersex Pride Flag BadgeBDGAG: Agender Pride Flag BadgeBDG2S: Two-Spirit Pride Flag BadgeBDGPA: Polyamory Pride Flag BadgeBDGAS: Asexual Pride Flag BadgeBDGAR: Aromantic Pride Flag BadgeBDGDM: Demisexual Pride Flag BadgePRIDE: Rainbow Flag charmPRIDE2022: Progress Pride Flag charmFor more Dead By Daylight content, check out ourranking of the top 10 DLC expansions to buyalong with a ranking of thebest killer perksandbest survivor perks.Dead by DaylightPlatform(s):Google Stadia, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Action, Survival Horror7VideoGamerSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

This will be my last home. Im reaching the end of my life, and I wont be moving again. says Jacques Garcia. The AD100 Hall of Famer stands in his 17th-century apartment, between the buildings courtyard and its garden. Its a home from a dream, located on Pariss Left Bank. To understand all of its subtle nuances, however, its necessary to travel back in time and follow the path that led Garcia here.In front of a piano by Thierry Betancourt (Maison Louis Marie Vincent), a work in plaster created as a staircase banister. Above, a painting of a sculpture that is part of Lorenzo de Medicis tomb, created by Michelangelo in the 16th century. In the foreground, an Oeuf armchair by Jean Royre. On the floor, a carpet by Agra.Beneath an elaborate Louis XVI cornice, a 17th-century tapestry by Chancellerie des Gobelins. In front of the tapestry, a Louis XV gilded-wood Tillard sofa, a Delanois armchair in Duchesse Anne fabric by Tassinari & Chatel, and a coffee table by Cline Chalem.After a career spanning five decades, French interior designer Jacques Garcia takes a look back at five apartments where he has lived. If these walls could talk, they could recount the evolution of his style and tastes, though they all share some features in common: They are all in Paris and they are all decidedly French. Garcia has had an extended waltz with the city, and this long relationship has often been expressed through priceless antiques. Ive always had a passion for them, and the Chteau du Champ de Bataille [a 17th-century chteau in Normandy which Garcia purchased in 1992] is a total reflection of that, he says. The chteau also embodies the eclectic approach that would characterize much of Garcias work as a decorator. His first apartment, in a htel particulier in the Marais district, showcases his interpretation of the 1970s but its a far cry from the shiny interiors of the time. Garcia preferred instead to cover walls with dark mirrors and create a dialogue between paintings by Yves Klein and Roy Lichtenstein. I was fascinated by Jean-Michel Franks work even when nobody knew who he was, he continues, referring to his second apartment, which he furnished entirely with works by the designer.Atop a coffee table by Hlne de Saint Lager, a vase by Eric Schmitt. Next to the sofa, a terracotta piece from Jerusalem that dates from around 3,000 years BCE. In front of the window, a floor lamp by Charles de Vilmorin. On the left, a Louis XIV carpet screen and a Louis Delanois seat upholstered with fabric from Le Manach. The light fixture hanging from the ceiling light is a design by Garcia for the new official and VIP reception rooms at Roissy CDG.Around a bronze table by Garcia, chairs by Garouste & Bonetti. On the walls, surrealist works and, above, an 18th-century crystal chandelier. At the rear of the photo, in a bedroom, a bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon of the French revolutionary politician Antoine Barnave sits atop a chest of drawers from Versailles. Above, a painting by John Armleder.The apartment once belonged to Jules Hardouin-Mansart, architect to Louis XIV, and Garcias interiors are a clever reflection on the relationship between kings and their mistresses. Ive always had a fascination with big clients, and big clients are often women. The greatest were often the mistresses of kings, he says with a smile. The result is a Louis XIV interior with extraordinary panache. Later, with his apartment at the Palais Royal, the change in environments was radical. There, Garcia created a futuristic apartmentlike something from the 2050s, he sayswith a ceiling painted in Klein blue and lead fixtures placed like planets in the sky. Garcia combined this personal solar system with silver wooden doors and a bronze floor and walls with a noticeable patina.I was very attached to my fourth home, because it was designed by the neoclassical architects Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine, Garcia says. He explains that he likes to mix Empire-style items with more contemporary pieces. Ive been called a backward-looking person, but the truth is that Im nostalgic for a future created from the past. And what about his fifth and final home? Garcia describes it as a distillation of the spirit reflected in his previous homes. Its all there. Diverse influences, modern paintings, historical furniture, and a convivial atmospherethats my character. I like comfortable homes where its easy to entertain. I like houses with beautiful light. This is what I put into practice everywhere, whatever the era or genre, he tells me as we ascend a sumptuous grand staircase that looks exactly like the one found in his first home.Under the oil painting View of Tivoli by Hubert Robert, two chairs by Garouste & Bonetti. Atop an 18th-century lacquered corner unit, a vase by Hubert Le Gall.In front of a window, an antique sculpture and, on both sides of it, Jacob chairs created for Madame Elisabeth.The apartment unfolds with the splendor of a small palace in the heart of Paris. With the first two rooms having been stripped of their original decor, Garcia reinvented them. The idea behind the rooms is simple, he continues as he enters the first room: First of all, they are mixtures. Pieces from the 16th century sit next to more modern ones from the 20th century: Three important works from the 1920s and 1940s coexist with an effortless style. Continuing on, in the petit salon, the spirit of Louis XV and the 18th-century furniture maker Louis Delanois, whose clients included Madame du Barry and the King of Poland, lives on. As Coco Chanel famously said, I cant be the queen of fashion. Fashion changes, style endures. Garcias response to that idea is to adopt a certain attitude that leads to his timeless eclecticism.Eclecticism is, for Garcia, a fundamental mode of expression which is increasingly rare these days. This apartment is the essence of that approach with an openness to every style and aesthetic. It includes a taste for both the heavy and the light, the historic and the minimal, Garcia, who is an undisputed master of jumping between different looks, says. Lets create something very personal that many people will probably not like, and then not worry about what they may think. Lets be happy with something that suits us and that we want to share with others, the interior designer who has fearlessly combined different eras and trends says. He then shares how much he admires the decorator Henri Samuel who is said to have almost died falling from a stepladder late in his life while he was hanging curtains in the Wrightsman Galleries at New York Citys Met. Twenty years ago, I laughed about it, saying that I didnt want to end up like Henri Samuel. Today, I tell myself that I may be headed that way, concludes Jacques Garcia, with a smile.This story was originally published by AD France. It was translated by John Newton.