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The Best TV on Blu-ray 2012by Aaron Peck [teaser]TV on Blu-ray has become a must for any HD home theater fan's collection. So how did 2012 stack up in that regard? Here's a look at our favorite TV Blu-ray releases last year.[/teaser] The year started on a promising note. Not only were we going to get the usual onslaught of new day-and-date shows, but we were also waiting with eager anticipation to see how a couple of high-profile catalogue releases would turn out. The big news of the year was the announcement that our beloved 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' was getting a complete overhaul and Blu-ray release. Paramount even went as far as remastering old effects and reediting each episode with the original film elements. It was an enormous undertaking, so we expected great things. Sadly, season one was plagued with audio problems, which was a bummer. Paramount made good on that though and sent out replacement discs as fast as possible. Then the second season came out and it underwhelmed in the video department. Now fans are left wondering if problems are in store for future releases. One of the most anticipated titles of the year, turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. Because of the troubles that these seasons had, you won't find them on the year-end list. However, I should point out that after the disc exchange program happened, the first season turned out as flawless as it should have been in the first place. It wasn't all glum though. Last year was full of stellar television Blu-rays of fantastic shows on great discs. Here are a few of our favorites. 15. 'Strike Back: Cinemax Season 1' A TV show on Cinemax that wasn't ridiculous softcore porn? Could it be true? Still, it can't be good right? I mean it's on Cinemax. What's that you say? It was originally produced across the pond? Well, they usually make some stand up shows. Maybe I'll give it a try… Hey, that was great fun! It's violent, sexy, and just as tense as '24' ever was. Now this is an action show. It feels like it has the budget of a film! It's exciting, and surprisingly emotional in parts. Really, 'Strike Back' has it all. 14. 'Boss: Season 1' Who knew Kelsey Grammer could be so mean? He's ruthless here. Downright despicable really. 'Boss' is a well-crafted political drama about the mayor of Chicago (Grammer) trying his hardest to hold onto his political power. Starz really reached with 'Spartacus' and seemed to come up with a show that was heavy on the style, but a little light on substance. 'Boss' is every bit as risqué as 'Spartacus,' but with deep characters and worthwhile storylines to match. 13. 'Downton Abbey: Season 1 & 2' 'Downton Abbey' took the soap opera formula, stuck it in the pre-war era, and created surprisingly compelling television. On paper this really isn't the type of series I'd even give a chance. A period drama about servants and the people they serve isn't something that I'm normally be interested in, however, the goings on at Downton sucked me in. It's hard to explain why I enjoy the show so much. I just do (and no, my wife isn't making me say this). 12. 'George Gently: Series 4' If there's one series that Acorn Media puts out that you simply must pay attention, to it’s 'George Gently.' 'Gently' is one of the most well-written and well-acted detective procedurals I've ever come across. Each episode is feature-length, so they're able to build on the characters, creating living, breathing people instead of stereotypical character cut-outs. The show is set in the 60s and routinely deals with hot-button issues of the day. Best of all, the mysteries are almost impossible to predict, and even if you do anticipate some of it, there are inevitably more surprising twists along the way. 11. 'Modern Family: Season 3' 'Modern Family' has stayed solidly funny through three seasons. Sure it's had its dips here and there. The third seasons seemed to coast along on location episodes, like going to Disneyland, but it still remains one of the funniest shows on TV. This was a really solid Blu-ray release and it's one of the rare television shows that you can watch over and over. 10. 'The League: Season 3' Speaking of rewatch value, 'The League' beats out just about any other show on television. It's crass, irreverent, and absolutely hilarious. You don't even have to be a fan of fantasy football to enjoy its humor. The show has gathered together a group of seasoned comics who throw verbal barbs with ease. Not to mention seeing Jeff Goldblum play Ruxin's father was one of the funniest things I saw on television all year. 9. 'Friends: The Complete Series' It was hard to expect much in the way of stellar visuals and audio, but that's simply the nature of straight up sitcoms like this. The 'Friends' set breaks into the top ten because of its history, its popularity, and it being one of the funnier sitcoms from the 90s. The fan base for this show is huge, so it was fantastic for them that Warner Bros. decided to go through with this release. (Now, can we please get 'The West Wing?') 8. 'Breaking Bad: Season 4' It's one of the hottest shows on television right now, and for good reason. Bryan Cranston, usually an actor who plays loveable characters, has gone against type (much like Kelsey Grammer in 'Boss') and has morphed into one of the scariest SOBs in the history of TV. Walter White is certainly a key reason 'Breaking Bad' is such a good show. Not only is Walter White a force on screen, but the entire series is perfectly crafted. To quote reviewer Luke Hickman, "If the Coen Brothers wrote a television series, it would be 'Breaking Bad.'" 7. 'Justified: Season 3' The character of Raylan Givens is my favorite character on TV right now. Instead of being a Jack Bauer-type action hero, which he could easily have become, Raylan is a man who would much rather settle disputes with his words than his gun. The dialogue in 'Justified' is razor-sharp. The conversations between Raylan and Boyd seethe with hostility, yet they hold back from ripping each other's throats out. That's what I love so much about this show. It's this giant powder keg that's just itching to blow, only you have no idea when or how it's going to happen, and that's what keeps you watching. 6. 'Sherlock: Season 2' I love me some British television, but I think the re-imagining of 'Sherlock' in modern times is the best of the bunch. This is a fantastically addictive show with only one flaw – they produce too few episodes. It's a good thing each installment is feature-film length, but I still can't get enough 'Sherlock' to keep me satisfied. We've spoken so much about great performances, so Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock Holmes cannot be understated. He makes for a delightfully fun, energetic, and sarcastic version of the famous detective. 5. 'Treme: Season 2' Quietly, HBO's 'Treme' does its thing. It doesn't get as much fanfare or publicity as some other TV shows do, but it is, without a doubt, the most human of all the series on television. If you haven't gotten into 'Treme' you really should. It's a complex story about how a wide swath of New Orleans residents begin picking up the pieces after Hurricane Katrina. Plus, both of the seasons that have been put out by HBO have some of the best quality high-def audio that you'll find anywhere. 4. 'Boardwalk Empire: Season 1 & 2' While the release schedule for HBO's hit show seems rather weird, there's no denying the quality with these releases. HBO produces some of the greatest TV Blu-rays and these are the cream of the crop. Top of the line audio and video accompanying a series that's simply one of the best. It's so easy to get lost in this show and watch it for hours without realizing how much time has gone by. 3. 'Entourage: The Complete Series' HBO's willingness to release the entire series on Blu-ray, in some swanky packaging might I add, was music to my ears. I adore most of the seasons of 'Entourage' and having the entire series in my collection makes me extremely happy. What I was most impressed with was how HBO handled the first couple seasons, which were shot with in a 4:3 aspect ratio. They made the entire series look uniform and the first two seasons never looked odd at all. 2. 'Homeland: Season 1' Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) is the craziest character on TV and I love her. There's something addicting about a main character who is a complete enigma. You have no idea what she's going to do and when. It makes the entire show completely unpredictable. It's a great change from the glut of formulaic television out there. Oh, and don't forget Mandy Patinkin's Saul Berenson, a character so awesome he almost makes you forget about Inigo Montoya. Almost... 1. 'Game of Thrones: Season 1' It's the best show on TV. No really, it is. If you don't agree then The Mountain will come looking for you and make you agree. HBO's release of the first season was magnificently put together. Everything from the video, to the audio, to the huge extent of special features, this was an amazing set. If you're a collector of TV on Blu-ray then the first season of 'Game of Thrones' definitely belongs on your shelf. Honorable mentions go to 'Dexter: Season 6,' 'Futurama: Volume 7,' 'Enlightened: Season 1,' 'Frozen Planet,' 'Girls: Season 1,' 'Hatfields & McCoys,' 'Louie: Season 2,' 'Mad Men: Season 5,' 'Magic City: Season 1,' 'Mildred Pierce,' 'Spartacus: Vengeance,' 'The Simpsons: Season 15,' 'The Walking Dead: Season 2,' and 'The War.' There's a ton of great TV out there. What are some of your favorites? Please let us know in the forums by clicking on the link below.Posted Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Samsung Prices its 85 Inch UHDTV at $38,000 in Korea[teaser]The massive set with the unique shape is up for preorder now in Korea. Now to see who's buying. [/teaser] UHDTVs from a variety of companies have been announced and at a huge range of prices. Westinghouse wants $300,000 for its set while LG is looking for around $22,000. Samsung just set the price for its TV and it falls closer to the LG at $38,000, or the Korean equivalent. Pricing can, and usually does, change by the time these TVs hit the States. Samsung's set packs a quad-core CPU, 2.2 channel speakers that should give you a nice sound boost and the Precision Black Pro LCD panel. Of course, it also includes the Timeless Gallery frame that really sets it apart looks-wise. A total of 77 sets are now up for preorder. Source: EngadgetPosted Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
'The Dick Van Dyke Show: The Complete First Season' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The first season of the classic comedy series will arrive on Blu-ray in April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Image Entertainment is working on 'The Dick Van Dyke Show: The Complete First Season' for a Blu-ray release on April 9. The complete series of all 158 episodes has already been released on Blu-ray. Welcome one of TV's funniest couples ever into your living room. You'll be laughing hysterically as you join Rob Petrie struggling with the ups and downs of work and home, aided and agitated by his lovely wife Laura. Adding to the fun are Rob's wisecracking co-workers Sally and Buddy, long-suffering Mel Cooly and hot-tempered boss Alan Brady. The 3-Disc Blu-ray set will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD mono soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio Commentaries: Episodes 19 and 29, with Carl Reiner and Dick Van Dyke; Head of the Family Original Series Pilot Episode; Interviews with Cast and Directers; Emmy Award Telecast Clips Honoring The Dick Van Dyke Show; Original Commercials with the Cast and Network Promos; Original Network Promo Spots; and Photo Galleries: Episodes 1-6, 10-12, 21 and 23-30. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $59.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Dick Van Dyke Show: The Complete First Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 9.Posted Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Triluminos LED Backlighting Comes Back to Sony TVs[teaser]At least, you'll find it in Sony's upcoming 4K set. [/teaser] A lot happens at CES and sometimes things slip right by us. In this case, it's the return of Sony's Triluminos LED backlighting technology, which used colored LEDs instead of white to provide light to your screen. The end result was a richer picture, but the tech was cost prohibitive. Triluminos is back in Sony's new UHDTV sets thanks to QD Vision's quantum dot technology – something we heard a lot about over the last year but that has never really been applied until now. Using quantum dots and blue LEDs, Sony is able to produce colors across the spectrum and give you a more accurate and overall nicer picture. Unfortunately, this is only coming to 4K sets for now, but we're hoping it will trickle down in time. Sony also points out that it offers Blu-ray players made to play nice with Triluminos color, so you may want to pick one of those up to go along with your UHDTV. Source: EngadgetPosted Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
'The Master' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The character study from Paul Thomas Anderson hits Blu-ray in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay is working on 'The Master' for Blu-ray on February 26. A striking portrait of drifters and seekers in post-World War II America, Paul Thomas Anderson’s 'The Master' unfolds the journey of a naval veteran (Joaquin Phoenix) who arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future–until he is tantalized by The Cause and its charismatic leader (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include: "Back Beyond" Outtakes - Additional Scenes Music by Jonny Greenwood (20 min); "Unguided Message" - 8 Minute Short; Behind the Scenes Featurette; Teasers and Trailers; and "Let There Be Light" (1946) - John Huston's landmark documentary about WWII veterans (58 Minutes). Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Master' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 26.Posted Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Blu-ray Highlights for January 15th, 2013The bad news: We're still stuck in the doldrums of January. The good news: If you enjoy lame sequels to overhyped movies (hey, some people do), we may have a Blu-ray for you this week. Read all about today's Blu-ray releases in the blog today.Posted Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
'The Insider' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Michael Mann's 1999 true life drama will be exposed on Blu-ray in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Disney/Buena Vista seems to be preparing 'The Insider' for a Blu-ray release on February 19. Experience the celebrated film 'The Insider' on Blu-ray for the first time with an all-new digital restoration. Nominated for 7 Academy Awards, including best picture, best director, and best actor, this gripping true-life drama features an astonishing cast, including Oscar-winners Al Pacino (best actor, 1992, 'Scent Of A Woman'), Russell Crowe (best actor, 2000, 'Gladiator') and Christopher Plummer (best supporting actor, 2010, 'Beginners'). Witness the incredible chain of events that pitted an ordinary man against the tobacco industry and dragged two people into the fight of their lives. When former tobacco executive Dr. Jeffrey Wigand agrees to blow the whistle on the alleged unethical practices within the industry, and forms an alliance with veteran 60 Minutes producer Lowell Bergman, he starts an all-out war that could cost both men their reputations.and much, much more. Relive every unbelievable twist and turn like never before on Blu-ray. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $20.00. You can find the latest specs for 'The Insider' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 19.Posted Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
'Schindler's List' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]Steven Spielberg's acclaimed holocaust drama is finally getting the Blu-ray treatment this March! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal Studios says 'Schindler's List' will have a Blu-ray release on March 5. Winner of seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, it also won every major Best Picture Awards from the New York Film Critics Circle, the National Society of Film Critics, the National Board of Review, the Producers Guild, the Los Angeles Film Critics, the Chicago, Boston and Dallas Film Critics; a Christopher Award; and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Golden Globe Awards. Steven Spielberg was further honored with the Directors Guild of America Award. The film presents the indelible true story of the enigmatic Oskar Schindler, a member of the Nazi party, womanizer, and war profiteer who saved the lives of more than 1,100 Jews during the Holocaust. It is the triumph of one man who made a difference, and the drama of those who survived one of the darkest chapters in human history because of what he did. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film, which also won Academy Awards for Screenplay, Cinematography, Music, Editing, and Art Direction, stars an acclaimed cast headed by Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, Caroline Goodall, Jonathan Sagalle, and Embeth Davidtz. The Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet Digital Copy combo pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Voices from the List: Featuring documentary with testimonies from those who survived the Holocaust thanks to Oskar Schindler; and USC Shoah Foundation Story with Steven Spielberg: The director shows how filming Schindler's list inspired him to establish the USC Shoah Foundation. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Schindler's List' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 5.Posted Mon Jan 14, 2013 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
The Original 'Sparkle' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Sam O'Steen's 1976 drama will debut on Blu-ray in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers says 'Sparkle' is coming to Blu-ray on May 7. Loosely based on the lives of Diana Ross and The Supremes, 'Sparkle' charts the at-times tumultuous rise of Sister and the Sisters, a talented three-sister trio from Harlem: Sister (Lonette McKee), Sparkle (Irene Cara) and Delores (Dwan Smith). But when Sister descends into drug addiction and Sparkle steps into the spotlight, a rift forms between the once-tight singers that threatens to destroy their relationship forever. The film also stars Mary Alice, Dorian Harewood and Tony King, and features a soundtrack by Curtis Mayfield. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Sparkle' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 7.Posted Mon Jan 14, 2013 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
The First UHDTV Channel Launches in Europe[teaser]The new satellite channel is delivered at 40Mbps and is transmitting now. [/teaser] European satellite television provider Eutelsat has created the very first dedicated UHD channel and on January 8th, they completed their first 4K broadcast. The channel utilizes MPEG-4 encoding and transmits at 40Mbps, though future broadcasts will use different compression and less bandwidth. Eutelsat's new channel is designed more as a way to demonstrate 4K content and less something for people to watch 24/7. Still, the quick implementation does give hope for many more 4K broadcasts in the future. Source: EngadgetPosted Mon Jan 14, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by:
