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Bonus View Digest - September 28, 2012Last week we had the biggest giveaway in Bonus View history by giving away a free copy of 'Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures' on Blu-ray. So, naturally we had to top ourselves. [teaser]This week we're giving away a free 'Bond 50' Blu-ray set![/teaser] That's right! It's the most amazing giveaway we've done. Enter for your chance to win the 'Bond 50' set by simply entering a caption to the picture we posted. It's that easy! A $149.99 value for free. It doesn't get much better than that. What are you waiting for? Enter now. Deadline for entries is October 5th. Blu-ray News As I mentioned above, we gave away a free copy of 'Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures' on Blu-ray this week. Check out who won on the contest results post. Wondering what you should buy this week (besides 'Bond 50' of course)? Well, Josh has you covered there as he does his weekly Blu-ray Highlights post where he points out the notable releases that you should be looking forward to. Along with the huge 'Bond' release this week we also got releases of 'American Horror Story: Season 1' and 'The Avengers.' Theatrical News This weekend one of the best movies of the year, so far, gets released. Find out what Luke thought about the time travel/hitman movie 'Looper.' Personally I thought it was fantastic and well worth seeing. Also out this weekend is the musical comedy 'Pitch Perfect.' In the Trailer Park, E discusses new trailers for 'Dead Fall' and the gritty-looking 'Killing Them Softly.' Check out these trailers and find out if they're movies you're going to be excited for. TV Recaps This week Josh watched the series premiere of 'Vegas' starring Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis on CBS. Is it worth tuning into? Find out what he thought in his recap of the pilot. We also have recaps for the season premieres of 'Castle' and 'Haven.' Special Features Last week's Roundtable we focused on our favorite spy movies and asked what yours were. Keeping the 'Bond' theme going into this week, our poll asked what your favorite 'Bond' theme songs have been over the years. Thanks for joining us for another busy week at The Bonus View. Remember you have until October 5th to put in your entry for the free copy of 'Bond 50.' Make sure you do so, because you don't want to miss out on a chance to win.Posted Fri Sep 28, 2012 at 11:45 AM PDT by: -
'The Dark Knight Rises' and 'The Dark Knight Trilogy Giftset' Blu-rays Announced[teaser]There will be a few different editions of Christopher Nolan's Batman saga on Blu-ray just in time for the holiday season! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers says 'The Dark Knight Rises' is coming to high-definition on December 4. A Limited Edition Version with Broken Cowl Packaging will also be available on the same date. In the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan's 'The Dark Knight' trilogy, Gotham City is threatened by the masked terrorist Bane, forcing Batman to return from an eight-year absence and fight for his city one more time. That's not all - just in time for holiday gift-giving, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will release 'The Dark Knight Trilogy Limited Edition Giftset,' featuring "Batman Begins," "The Dark Knight" and "The Dark Knight Rises" all in one collection on December 4. This set will also include a premium book exclusive to the collection, which takes fans deeper into the epic franchise, as well as existing special features. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment also plans to release 'The Dark Knight Trilogy Ultimate Collector's Edition' in 2013. 'The Dark Knight Rises' Blu-rays will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include The Journey of Bruce Wayne; The Batmobile Documentary - witness all five Batmobiles together for the first time in history. Dive deep into every aspect of the most awe-inspiring weapon in Batman's arsenal as you journey through the birth and evolution of this technological marvel and cultural icon; and Ending the Knight - a comprehensive look into how Director Christopher Nolan and his production team made "The Dark Knight Rises" the epic conclusion to the Dark Knight legend. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray combo pack is $35.99, the Broken Cowl Limited Edition set is $39.99, and the trilogy is $52.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Dark Knight Rises' and 'The Dark Knight Trilogy' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under December 4.Posted Fri Sep 28, 2012 at 11:16 AM PDT by: -
Wharfedale Reveals a Pair of New Ultra Power Cube Subs[teaser]The UPC-8 and UPC-10 sport a remote control for adjustments, so you don't have to leave the sweet spot while you're tweaking. [/teaser] If you're the kind of person who loves tweaking their gear, you've almost certainly run into the issue of having to go make adjustments to your sub and then having to run back to where you'll be listening. It makes it a bit difficult to A/B your settings. That's why Wharfedale's new UPC-8 and UPC-10 both offer a remote control to make all the adjustments you want. Of course, there's more to these subs than just their control mechanism. The UPC-8 and UPC-10 give you bass down to 30Hz thanks to the eight and 10 inch woofers – we'll assume you can guess which has which. The UPC-8 is equipped with a 350 watt amp and comes in at $1,199 and the $1,599 UPC-10 kicks that up to an even 500 watts. On a side note, what's with subwoofers and the word "ultra"? It's a great word but there's a whole thesaurus full of other options. Source:Posted Fri Sep 28, 2012 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts 1 and 2 - Year 7 Ultimate Edition' Blu-ray Target Exclusive[teaser]The much-anticipated Ultimate Editions for the final two films are available now only at Target and will have a retailer-wide release this January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers will release 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts 1 and 2 - Year 7 Ultimate Edition' on Blu-ray on January 6, however it's apparently available now exclusively at Target stores. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for this 6-disc set is $49.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts 1 and 2 - Year 7 Ultimate Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 6, 2013.Posted Fri Sep 28, 2012 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
SVS Launches the SB13-Ultra Subwoofer[teaser]The sub is designed to fit nicely in any room. [/teaser] The folks over at SVS have a new sub that's made to complement any room you put it in, both in looks and in audio thanks to highly adjustable settings. The SB13-Ultra packs a punch, with a massive 13.5-inch front firing driver and a 1000 watt amplifier with a 3600 watt peak. You'll find a 3-inch voice coil, an FEA optimized motor and a Rohacell composite cone that's extra-light and rigid. That's not to say the sub itself is light though – it comes in at a whopping 92 pounds. The SB13, with its Sledge STA-1000D amplifier, offers a bevy of adjustments through a single knob and LED interface. The sub features advanced DSP control and a wide array of other options made to get the sound of the sub just right for whatever room you've put it in. Depending on how its set up, you can get a frequency response as low as 10Hz. The SB13 begins shipping on September 30th with a list price of $1,599. Source: Electronic HousePosted Fri Sep 28, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'Chuck: The Complete Series' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]All five seasons of the cult action-comedy are on target for a Blu-ray boxed set this October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is working on 'Chuck: The Complete Series' for Blu-ray on October 30. Chuck Bartowski, ace computer geek at the BuyMore, is not in his right mind. That’s a good thing. Ever since he unwittingly downloaded stolen government secrets into his brain, action, excitement and a cool secret- agent girlfriend have entered his life. It’s a bad thing, too. Because now Chuck is in danger 24/7. The 17-disc set will include loads of bonus features including: Declassified Scenes; Chuck’s World – An inside look at character development and casting sessions; Chuck on Chuck – Series Stars Zachary Levi and Joshua Gomez join creators Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedek for some point/counterpoint; Chuck vs. the Chuckles – aka: The Gag Reel; and Chuck’s Online World – a gallery of web originated mini-featurettes. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray set is $179.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Chuck: The Complete Series' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 30.Posted Fri Sep 28, 2012 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Spotlight Bargain: 'Breaking Bad: The Complete Third Season' Blu-ray On Sale At Amazon[teaser]Today's deal is for the third season of the acclaimed TV series on Blu-ray for fifty-eight percent off at Amazon! [/teaser] Amazon is currently offering 'Breaking Bad: The Complete Third Season' for $21.12 (58% off suggested list price). As previously reported, Amazon is also selling 'Breaking Bad: The Complete First Season' for $14.20 (54% off suggested list price) as well as 'Breaking Bad: The Complete Second Season' for $16.16 (55% off suggested list price). The series stars Emmy-winner Bryan Cranston as a cancer-stricken high school chemistry teacher who turns to a life of crime making meth in order to provide for his family. Click here to order any or all of these Blu-ray sets and the offers are valid from now through September 30.Posted Fri Sep 28, 2012 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Dee Wallace Discusses the 'E.T.' Blu-rayby Michael S. Palmer [teaser]HDD has already rated the 30th Anniversary Edition 'E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial' Blu-ray must own, but last week we were also fortunate enough to sit down with Elliot's mother, Mary -- better known as the friendly and energetic Dee Wallace.[/teaser] Take a minute to examine her IMDb page, would you? Wow, what a career. Thanks to her work in 'Critters', 'Cujo', and 'E.T.', I'll always think of her as my Second Mom – it was such a thrill to meet her in person – but her resume includes everything from horror classics, blockbusters, television series, and everything in between. She's worked for filmmakers like Rob Zombie, Peter Jackson, Steven Spielberg, Wes Craven, and J.J. Abrams. And now, between acting jobs, she travels the world teaching and practicing the art of self-healing. As always, we only have a short time for these brief interviews, but I knew this was going to be a fun one immediately. As I navigated a path between cameras and lighting equipment, Dee Wallace called out in a mock-sinister voice, "Michael, come into my lair." I laughed, and continued in my attempt avoid breaking any of the fancy equipment. HDD: You don't have to answer it, but what's the question you get asked the most at these press junkets. DW: "Did you know when you were making it that it was going to be such a big hit?" HDD: Is there anything you've wanted to talk about -- E.T. or something else in your career – that people never ask you? DW: Well, you're just full of it, aren't you? [everyone laughs] Well, I had one question today about a role I've always wanted to play, which is a nun. And one really interesting question about Mary and what Mary meant and how I came up with Mary. It occurred to me, in the moment, that I was talking about my mother. It was a poignant moment today, really. HDD: Before we get to the movie, High-Def Digest primarily does Blu-ray Disc reviews. Do you have a favorite Blu-ray, are you a fan of the format? DW: Oh, dear, you're putting me on the spot. Yes, E.T.! Have you seen all the Special Features yet? HDD: I have, they're amazing. DW: Aren't they awesome? What was your favorite? HDD: The E.T. Journals, of course. Is that what it was really like on set? DW: Yes, absolutely. It was low key. [This documentary] is literally like you're participating in the film that you love. I thought it was just amazing how they put that together. I'm glad you enjoyed it. HDD: How did you first become involved with 'E.T.'? DW: Steven [Spielberg] auditioned me for a movie called 'Used Cars' [Robert Zemeckis' first feature], but he saw this child-likeness he had in mind for Mary and so he just offered me 'E.T.' when it came along. HDD: You've worked with huge directors like Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson. As an actress, what makes the actor-director relationship really special? How do you know when you're working with someone of that caliber? DW: When they don't have to micromanage what you do. They have a vision and they're very secure in their vision. They know they've put together the right people. And then they go okay, everybody from the cameramen to the actors to the music, bring yours in now. Bring your talent in now. Bring your ideas in now. And not be so locked in and straight-jacketed to a line or a vision when something new can happen. Things just got added on the 'E.T.' set all the time. Magic moments like when we were at the family dinner table scene about Mexico. And Steven had given Henry a line about [his father] went to Mexico with Sally, which I didn't know was coming. It hit me so hard I teared up, and I didn't want my kids to see me crying, so I got up from the table and walked away. That was not in the script (that I remember). So in that moment, Steven wanted to expand that moment, and built a set literally in that moment over at the sink, and brought me into that close up where I say "He hates Mexico." So that's the sign of a great director. When he sees a moment and allows it to be born. HDD: There were a lot of practical effects on set -- the E.T. puppet and so forth. What was it like seeing the finished film for the first time? DW: I ran out of the room crying, thinking my career was over. HDD: Really? DW: I did, it's a truthful statement, I'm ashamed to say it. You know, there's something traumatic about seeing it for the first time put together for me, and for many actors. What happens is you can't look at it objectively. You remember everything that went down on the set. You remember the stomach ache that you had that day. You remember all the scenes you shot that aren't on the screen anymore, right? So you have no objectivity the first time. Absolutely none, I don't think. By the third time I saw ['E.T.'], I said this is the best movie that's ever been made. This is the most beautiful film I've ever seen. But not that first time. HDD: So that third time was when you realized, not necessarily that E.T. was going to be a big hit, but that it was emotionally successful and worked as a movie itself. DW: Absolutely, I knew we had a brilliant script and cast and everything while we were shooting it, but there's a joke on set where you never hear the dailies are bad. It's just somehow all these amazing dailies made a really shitty picture. But in this case, all those dailies that were so brilliant came together in an even more brilliant picture. HDD: Last question, what's next for you? DW: Well, I just finished 'Hansel & Gretel' as the Witch [editor's note, not the 'Witch Hunters' version], and I'm coming out as one of the witches in Rob Zombie's 'Lords of Salem'. And I also do a lot of healing work, so a lot of my time is devoted to healing and doing private sessions with people all over the world. HDD: Excellent, thank you so very much for your time. And thanks again to the friendly folks at Universal Home Entertainment for inviting HDD to the 'E.T.' Blu-ray press junket. For more information about Dee Wallace, check out www.iamdeewallace.com. 'E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial' 30th Anniversary Blu-ray will be available on Tuesday, October 6.Posted Thu Sep 27, 2012 at 04:10 PM PDT by: -
Barnes & Noble is Launching a Video Service This Fall[teaser]The service will offer movies on demand and will link with your UltraViolet account. [/teaser] Because we don't have enough services that offer almost the exact same thing as it is, Barnes & Noble has thrown its hat into the on-demand ring. The company will be launching a streaming service in the fall that allows customers to buy movies and TV shows and watch them through their Nook tablet. The movies and shows you buy through Nook Video aren't limited to Nook viewing, thankfully. Your downloads can be linked to an UltraViolet account, which gives you a few more options on how to play back our purchased videos. Source: Wall Street JournalPosted Thu Sep 27, 2012 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Ambassador' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The acclaimed documentary from Mads Brügger is getting the high-definition treatment this October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Image Entertainment is prepping 'The Ambassador' for Blu-ray on October 16. 'The Ambassador,' a darkly comic, genre-bending documentary that exposes the controversial business of selling diplomatic titles that gives wealthy businessmen the opportunity to exploit the lucrative and limited resources of war torn, third world nations. Filmmaker/journalist/provocateur Mads Brügger (Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner for 'Red Chapel') uses humor in his jaw-dropping descent into one of the most dangerous places on the planet: the Central African Republic. From each absurdly terrifying and hilarious situation to the next, 'The Ambassador' is a one-of-a-kind excursion from the man whom The Huffington Post has called “the most provocative filmmaker in the world.” Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include Audio Commentary with Director Mads Brügger and the original theatrical trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.97. You can find the latest specs for 'The Ambassador' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 16.Posted Thu Sep 27, 2012 at 10:00 AM PDT by:
