there were some troubles configuring the splash screen. here is a possible solution based on the listed links below:

vim /etc/default/grub
>>
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash"
GRUB_GFXMODE=1280x1024
GRUB_GFXPAYLOAD_LINUX="1280x1024"

grub-update

vim /etc/initramfs-tools/conf.d/splash
>>
FRAMEBUFFER=y

update-alternatives --config default.plymouth
update-initramfs -u

http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-2066656.html
http://askubuntu.com/questions/202764/plymouth-not-showing-after-upgrading-to-ubuntu-12-10
http://askubuntu.com/questions/98022/startup-shutting-down-screen-showing-xubuntus-bootsplash-and-not-ubuntus