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Samsung Announces the "Smart Evolution Kit"[teaser]$299 add-on and remote adds latest smart features to some Samsung models. [/teaser] Samsung has been promising that several of its 2012 model TVs would be upgradable through their Smart Evolution slot, and now that upgrade path has been more solidified. With the 'Smart Evolution Kit,' 7500 and 8000 series of Samsung LED TVs and 7000 and 8000 models of Samsung plasma TVs, can be brought to a 2013 level of Smart TV capability. While upgrading a TV for $299, and even getting a new remote has its appeal, the market for recent TVs looking for a Smart TV upgrade may not be immediately apparent. And yet, Samsung is also featuring the Smart Evolution slot on its 2013 models. Owners heavily focused on Smart TV features and desirous of a significant upgrade of those features every year or two may be another group of buyers drawn to Samsung TVs. Samsung's Smart Evolution Kit is expected to release in May. Source: The VergePosted Wed Mar 20, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Sorcerer and the White Snake' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The Chinese fantasy epic bursting with non-stop action is bound for Blu-ray this April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Magnolia says 'The Sorcerer and the White Snake' is coming to Blu-ray on April 9. Jet Li stars as a sorcerer monk in this epic special effects fantasy film based on a Chinese legend. The story centers around a man who falls in love with a thousand-year-old white snake disguised as a woman. Discovering the white snake’s true identity, the sorcerer goes to battle believing that in so doing, he is restoring balance andorder between man and the supernatural. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Behind the Scenes with Jet Li: Fighting, Stunts & Laughs; Behind the Scenes: Visual Effects and Production Design; Behind the Scenes of the Beauties and the Beasts; AXS TV: A Look at The Sorcerer and the White Snake; and Theatrical Trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Sorcerer and the White Snake' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 9.Posted Wed Mar 20, 2013 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Samsung Offering 85 Inches of UHD for a Cheeky $39,999[teaser]Pricing on the 110 inch model still up in the air. [/teaser] Samsung's S9 85 inch UHD TV is a full inch larger than Sony's paltry 84 inch model, and Samsung will begin accepting pre-orders at the end of March. The UN85S9 includes Samsung's Precision Black Pro and a proprietary upscaler for upscaled UHD. The TV also features Samsung's teased "unprecedented new shape," which sets the display in a stylish frame not functionally unlike a standing chalkboard frame. Included with the new display standard is Samsung's quad-core processor-powered smart TV capabilities. The cost of this latest and greatest offering is $39,999, which dwarfs the prices of Sony and LG's 84 inch models. Samsung has previously teased 95 inch and 110 inch versions, which promise to be even more staggering pricewise. Source: EngadgetPosted Wed Mar 20, 2013 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Poll: How Do You Read Books?This week, we have a poll for all the book readers out there. Do you still buy books in print, or have you moved on to an eReader, tablet or other electronic reading device? Which do you prefer? Vote in our blog poll today.Posted Wed Mar 20, 2013 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Town That Dreaded Sundown' Blu-ray Supplements Detailed[teaser]The long sought-after thriller from Charles B. Pierce will hit Blu-ray and include the director's rare cult classic 'The Evictors' as a bonus supplement this May. [/teaser] As previously reported, Scream Factory is preparing 'The Town That Dreaded Sundown' for Blu-ray on May 21. When two young lovers are savagely beaten and tortured on a back country road in Texarkana, local police are baffled. Three weeks later, two more people are slain in a similar setting and Deputy Norman Ramsey fears a pattern might be developing. Texas Ranger J.D. Morales (Ben Johnson, 'The Wild Bunch') is brought in to help. The two officers must find “the Phantom Killer” before he can kill again. Also starring Andrew Prine ('Grizzly') and Dawn Wells (Gilligan’s Island), directed by Charles B. Pierce ('The Legend Of Boggy Creek'), and based on one of America’s most baffling murder cases, this horrifying suspense thriller is a shocking experience you’ll never forget. The Blu-ray/DVD will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono soundtrack, and the supplements will include: Audio Commentary with Justin Beahm and Historian Jim Presley; Small Town Lawman – An Interview with actor Andrew Prine; Survivor Stories – An Interview with actress Dawn Wells; Eye of the Beholder – An Interview with Director of Photography James Roberson; Theatrical Trailer; Essay by writer Brian Albright; and Poster & Still Gallery. The release will also include the DVD debut of Charles B. Pierce’s 'The Evictors' (DVD only) - A nice young couple move into an eerie house located in a small Louisiana town, unaware of its violent history. Soon they find themselves tormented by the previous owners. Vic Morrow ('Combat!,' 'Humanoids From The Deep'), Michael Parks ('Django Unchained,' 'Argo') and Jessica Harper ('Suspiria,' 'Phantom Of The Paradise') star in this chilling horror film. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $26.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Town That Dreaded Sundown' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 21.Posted Wed Mar 20, 2013 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Monster Madness: The Championship Round Is Here!Those of you who've followed our Monster Madness tournament in the blog might like to know that it's finally time for the championship round. What will happen when the universe's ultimate hunter (and one ugly m-f- to boot) faces his most dangerous prey, a towering behemoth more than 20 times his size? Is one of our competitors terribly outmatched against the other, or does he have secret weapons and skills to his advantage? You can determine the outcome by voting in the final match-up today.Posted Tue Mar 19, 2013 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
'Side Effects' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The suspenseful thriller from Oscar-winner Steven Soderbergh will intrigue Blu-ray in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is working on 'Side Effects' for Blu-ray on May 21. After her husband (Channing Tatum) is released from prison for insider trading, Emily (Rooney Mara) begins suffering from terrifying anxiety and turns to psychiatrist Dr. Banks (Jude Law) for help. But when Banks prescribes an experimental drug for her, the side effects have chilling and deadly consequences. Full of unexpected twists, 'Side Effects' is the sexy psychological thriller that critics are calling “wildly unpredictable!” (Marlow Stern, Newsweek). The Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet Digital Copy combo pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Aliza Website Experience; Behind-the-scenes Of Side Effects; Ablixa Commercial – the fictional drug portrayed in the film; and Intenin Commercial . Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Side Effects' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 21.Posted Tue Mar 19, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Barrymore' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The critically-acclaimed drama starring Christopher Plummer will be released on Blu-ray in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Image Entertainment is preparing 'Barrymore' for Blu-ray on May 7. Hot on the heels of Plummer's Best Supporting Actor Oscar for 'Beginners' last year, the octogenarian star of stage and screen delivers his most affecting performance yet. 'Barrymore' was released theatrically by BY Experience and Image Entertainment in New York and Los Angeles in November of 2012. The Los Angeles Times then enthused, "Christopher Plummer is a mischievous delight as the great John Barrymore, intent on a stage comeback." Barrymore was also recently nominated for two PRISM Awards including Performance in a Feature Film. The screen version of the William Luce play by the same name, 'Barrymore' had its world premiere at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. It was adapted by writer-director Érik Canuel from the 1996 Broadway production for which Plummer won a Tony™ Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in 1997. Plummer, 82, has long had a fascination with the title character, and it shows. The Village Voice exclaimed, "Christopher Plummer re-creates his Tony-winning performance as the charming louse in his booze-addled final days. Blessed with a script that is witty, insightful to the workings of the narcissistic Hollywood psyche, and often wonderfully bitchy, the film is also a wistful look at faded dreams and opportunities lost due to both the vagaries of the business and self-sabotage." Of Plummer's performance, noted critic Rex Reed proclaimed, "It’s the role—and the performance-- of a lifetime, and he plays every color, nuance, mood shift and variety of vocal power and body language in his enormous range. The artistry leaves you with your mouth wide open." Scott Feinberg of The Hollywood Reporter exclaims, "Christopher Plummer could be back in Oscar contention this fall for his portrayal of legendary actor John Barrymore." And the New York Times' Manohla Dargis succinctly sums it up with, "The performance is the thing." The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio and will include Backstage With Barrymore, featuring Helen Mirren, Julie Andrews and Zoe Caldwell. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Barrymore' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 7.Posted Tue Mar 19, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Sony Now Selling 2013 W and R Series of TVs[teaser]The KDL-W900A packs in Quantum Dots at $3,299.[/teaser] While Sony continues to talk 4K, 2013 sees the company offering a host of other TV models and features. 2013's W series consists of three Wi-Fi enabled LED Bravia TVs, and each includes Sony's X-Reality PRO picture processor, screen mirroring via Wi-Fi, and MHL compatibility. Stepping beyond the respectable KDL-W820A and KDL-W650A is the KDL-W900A, which is coupled with a pair of active shutter 3D glasses. Of greater significance is the 55" TV's new back-lighting system, built around Quantum Dot technology, which should see the display boast a superior color gamut. Also included is a NFC remote, which works with NFC phones and tablets for content streaming. The remote is an option for the KDLW820A. The KDL-820A is available in 55" and 47" screen sizes and starts at $1,799. The KDL-W650A is a 32" model and is priced at $799. Sony's new R series includes a passive 3D LED line and 3D-less versions. The KDL-R550A is the 3D LED Wi-Fi connected line and includes four pairs of passive glasses. It comes in 70", 60" and 50" sizes, and starts at $1,399. The non 3D version, the KDL-520A comes in 70" and 60" sizes and starts at $1,999. Both lines include Sony Entertainment Network Services (access also to Netflix, Hulu, Pandora and more,) and wireless screen monitoring. Also in the R series are smaller displays. The KDL-46R453A, HDL-40R450A and KDL-32R400A can screen mirror using an optional MHL Cable, and start at $399. Source: Sony BlogPosted Tue Mar 19, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Top 5 / Bottom 5: Jessica Chastainby Aaron Peck [teaser]In the past couple years, Jessica Chastain's star has risen to unbelievable Hollywood heights. She's one of the most sought after actresses right now, and for good reason. She's usually great in everything she's in. This is one of those Top 5 / Bottom 5s where we find ourselves throwing a few good performances in the bottom simply because she brings it in just about every movie she does.[/teaser] Get this, since 2011, Chastain has made 11 movies. Eleven! How is that even possible? That's not even counting two more movies she has coming out – 'Oblivion' and 'Tar'. And it's not like she's cranking out stinkers either. Most of her roles are beautifully memorable. Okay, I'll admit it... I have a slight crush on her. With that said, let's see the highs and lows of Chastain's quickly built career. (Note: As always the movies are listed alphabetically. There are no specific rankings attached.) The Best 'Coriolanus' While Chastain does a great job in 'Coriolanus' the bulk of the movie is bolstered by fantastic performances by Ralph Fiennes and Vanessa Redgrave. This modern day adaption of William Shakespeare's play ends up being wonderfully bloody and extremely well-acted. 'Mama' While I personally lamented the fact that Chastain wasn't sporting her trademark red hair, I still found 'Mama' to be a frightening surprise of a film. Many people were let down by the ending, but 'Mama' found a way to scare, entertain, and become a stylish horror movie all at the same time. It was certainly an early surprise of 2013. 'Take Shelter' Acting opposite Michael Shannon is a tough task for anyone, but Chastain holds her own, and then some, in Jeff Nichols' suspenseful tale of a man terrified about an apocalyptic storm that he's sure is headed their way. It's unsettling, it's intriguing, and beautifully shot. This is one of the finest films Chastain has been a part of. 'The Tree of Life' Speaking of beautifully shot films, Terrance Malick's 'Tree of Life' is an extraordinary cinematic vision of the variety of life. Much of the film's heavy presence can be directly attributed to Malick's unconventional filmmaking. However, Chastain is at her best here. Playing the mother, she provides a shelter for her boys that are caught in the storm of their father's anger. At times she's almost an angelic presence. Man, I really loved this movie. 'Zero Dark Thirty' Her Oscar nomination was well-deserved for her role as CIA agent Maya. Chastain easily commands each and every scene she's in, even though most of the time she's sharing the same screen with some of Hollywood's most notable actors. She becomes a believable unstoppable force here, but is still able to tap into the raw human emotion that must have been present when her real-life counterpart was struggling to find bin Laden all those years. The Worst 'The Help' I feel like I was one of the only people that detested 'The Help' and its sugar-coated way of explaining how some plucky spirit is what overcame America's deep-seated racial problems of the '60s. It felt like one of those movies that try to pry the tears from your ducts by any means necessary. Of course it got a bunch of Oscar nominations. Go figure. 'Lawless' Sadly, the most memorable part of 'Lawless,' besides Tom Hardy's "Hey, look, I'm totally still Bane," voice, is Jessica Chastain's topless scene. When she was mentioned in Seth MacFarlane's boob song at the Oscars I thought, "Oh yeah, she was topless in that movie. I'd forgotten that." Because all I could remember was how much time the movie spent following Shia LaBeouf around when there were so many more interesting characters and actors in the movie getting the shaft. 'Madagascar 3: Eurpoe's Most Wanted' Honestly, for a kids movie, it wasn't too terrible. And Chastain did simply provide a voice for a side character. Yet, we had to put some of her movies in the Bottom 5, right? 'Stolen' Whenever we do these lists there's always got to be at least one, "Huh, I've never heard of that," movie included. Well, that movie is the low-budget thriller starring Jon Hamm. It currently sits at 0-percent on RottenTomatoes. There's not much more to say, other than seeing 'Stolen' is a waste of time. 'Texas Killing Fields' The movie isn't without talent. Along with Chastain, Jason Clarke, Chloe Moretz, Jeffery Dean Morgan, and Sam Worthington star in this little-seen detective thriller about a sadistic serial killer. It had such promise, but felt like it wallowed too much in the tired police procedural that we've seen a thousand times over. There's a reason that Jessica Chastain has become a hot commodity in Hollywood. She's continuing to crank out the movies at an unbelievable clip, and I for one hope she continues. How would you rank her films? Do we have it all wrong? Let us know but clicking on the link below and making your opinion known in our forums.Posted Tue Mar 19, 2013 at 08:40 AM PDT by:
