4k Movie, Streaming, Blu-Ray Disc, and Home Theater Product Reviews & News

[teaser]The 1987 B-movie from Y.K. Kim and Park Woo-sang explodes on Blu-ray this December! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Image Entertainment says they are working on 'Miami Connection' for a Blu-ray release on December 11. The year is 1987. Motorcycle ninjas tighten their grip on Florida's narcotics trade, viciously annihilating anyone who dares move in on their turf. Multi-national martial arts rock band Dragon Sound have had enough, and embark on a roundhouse wreck-wave of crime-crushing justice. When not chasing beach bunnies or performing their hit song "Against the Ninja," Mark (kung-fu master/inspirational speaker Y.K. Kim) and the boys are kicking and chopping at the drug world's smelliest underbelly. It'll take every ounce of their blood and courage, but Dragon Sound can't stop until they've completely destroyed the dealers, the drunk bikers, the kill-crazy ninjas, the middle-aged thugs, the "stupid cocaine"...and the entire Miami Connection! Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.97. You can find the latest specs for 'Miami Connection' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 11.

Posted Fri Sep 7, 2012 at 08:00 AM PDT by: Tom Landy

SIM2 Reveals the CinemaQuattro 4K Projector

[teaser]This 3-chip DLP is the first 4K projector to come from SIM2. [/teaser] The folks at SIM2 are known for high-end projectors and that puts 4K right up their alley. In fact, it's a bit of a surprise that it took them this long to announce one. Nonetheless, a SIM2 projector that handles the resolution is now on the way. The new CinemaQuattro 4K DLP 3-Chip Home Cinema Projector packs a trio of 1.38 inch 4K chipsets and Christie technology to help provide the best picture possible. It handles both 2D and 3D content and the Triple Flash 3D tech built in helps to prevent eye strain or discomfort while enjoying 3D movies. "When SIM2 decided to embark on the 4K challenge, it was clear that we had to offer a product with performance as close as possible to a true movie theater experience," says CEO Maurizio Cini. He adds that the inclusion of Christie technology means "our Premiere Dealers will have access to the BEST 4K technology available today, and not a product that is just good enough because it is 4K resolution." Pricing and availability have not yet been announced. Source: Electronic House

Posted Fri Sep 7, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: Dick Ward

'Suddenly' Blu-ray Announced

[teaser]The 1954 crime drama starring Frank Sinatra has been restored from the original 35mm film elements and will hit Blu-ray this October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Film Chest will release 'Suddenly' on Blu-ray on October 16. In a house atop a hill overlooking the train station where the president will arrive, three gangsters, led by John Baron (Frank Sinatra, 'From Here to Eternity'), have taken hostages Pop Benson (James Gleason, 'The Night of the Hunter'), his daughter Ellen (Nancy Gates, 'Some Came Running') and her son Peter III, a.k.a. "Pidge" (Kim Charney, 'The Werewolf'). Local sheriff Tod Shaw (Sterling Hayden, 'The Asphalt Jungle') and Secret Service agent Dan Carney (Willis Bouchey, 'The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance') are pitted against Baron, who's determined not to let anyone stand in his way. Specs have yet to be detailed, but the release will be a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack and supplements will include: Audio commentary by Sinatra historian Tom Santopietro; Liner notes; theatrical trailer; before-and-after restoration demo; and post card reproduction of the original movie poster. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $15.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Suddenly' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 16.

Posted Fri Sep 7, 2012 at 06:00 AM PDT by: Tom Landy

'Portlandia: Season Two' Announced for Blu-ray

[teaser]Ten more episodes from the acclaimed comedy series are coming to Blu-ray at the end of September. [/teaser] In an announcement to retailers, IFC Films says 'Portlandia: Season Two' will hit Blu-ray on September 25. The Peabody© award-winning and critically acclaimed series that presents a romanticized and dreamy rendering of Portland, Oregon through the eyes of Fred and Carrie (Fred Armisen of 'Saturday Night Live' and Carrie Brownstein from 'Wild Flag' and 'Sleater'-- Kinney) has been heralded as “hilariously offbeat” and an “astute comedy” by Entertainment Weekly, and “[a show] you shouldn’t miss” by The Hollywood Reporter. Season Two is packed with new characters and special guest stars and the release has loads of extras not seen anywhere else. Some of Portlandia’s most loved and notable characters from Season One return for Season Two including Portland’s trusty but sometimes misguided Reggae bass playing Mayor (Kyle MacLachlan), Peter and Nance, an overly eco-conscious couple caught up in the organic and local food movement; Bryce Shivers and Lisa Eversman, an arty, obsessive couple who find a new trend to explore; and Toni and Candice, the former activist shopkeepers of the feminist bookstore Women and Women First. New residents have also moved in for Season Two including Doug and Claire, a couple whose lives spin out of control when they run out of new episodes of “Battlestar Galactica” and a struggling band who finds itself with an all too enthusiastic fan. This season new guest stars include Jeff Goldblum, Sean Hayes, Penny Marshall, Jack McBrayer, Tim Robbins, Andy Samberg, Amber Tamblyn, and Kristen Wiig, as well as musicians Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse), Steve Jones (Sex Pistols), Johnny Marr (The Smiths), Joanna Newsom, St. Vincent and Eddie Vedder. Specs have yet to be revealed for the 2-disc set, but bonus features include behind-the-scenes Portlandia Live tour footage, creator commentaries, a bonus feminist bookstore scene, "Brunch Village: The Director's Cut," an excerpt from the new book Portlandia: A Guide for Visitors and the "Inside Portlandia" documentary special. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Portlandia: Season Two' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 25.

Posted Thu Sep 6, 2012 at 12:00 PM PDT by: Tom Landy

Denon and Marantz Receivers Get Updated with Spotify

Posted Thu Sep 6, 2012 at 11:00 AM PDT by: Dick Ward

'Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One Collection' Blu-ray Delayed

[teaser]German luggage company Rimowa BhmbH has filed a lawsuit against Marvel for copyright infringement on the replica S.H.I.E.L.D. briefcase planned for release in late September. [/teaser] As previously reported, Disney/Buena Vista was readying 'Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One Collection' for September 25, but now the date looks to be postponed indefinitely. Apparently Marvel's license for the briefcase did not include the manufacture and sale of replica briefcases using the company's design. More details on the lawsuit can be seen here. Immerse yourself in every aspect of Marvel’s elite Super Heroes with this limited-edition, 10-disc Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One Collection. Complete with glowing Tesseract, this exclusive replica of Nick Fury’s iconic briefcase includes stunning Blu-ray 3D™ and Blu-ray™ presentations of 'The Avengers;' 'Captain America: The First Avenger' and 'Thor,' as well as Blu-ray™ versions of 'Iron Man;' 'Iron Man 2' and 'The Incredible Hulk' in exclusive collectible packaging. Plus, now that you possess the highest level of security clearance, you have been granted access to S.H.I.E.L.D.’s most confidential files, including a top-secret bonus disc filled never before seen, classified information. Also featuring exquisitely detailed art, prop reproductions and artifacts from the motion pictures, the must-own 'Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One Collection' will verify your status as the world’s greatest authority on the Marvel Super Hero mythos! Suggested list price for this package was $219.00. You can find the latest specs for 'Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One Collection' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING.

Posted Thu Sep 6, 2012 at 10:05 AM PDT by: Tom Landy

'Legendary Amazons' Blu-ray Announced

[teaser]Renowned actor and producer Jackie Chan teams with director Frankie Chan ('A Warrior’s Tragedy 2') for an epic remake based on the 1972 martial arts classic 'The 14 Amazons.' 'Legendary Amazons' is planned for Blu-ray this October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Well Go USA is working on 'Legendary Amazons' for Blu-ray on October 16. Cecilia Cheung ('Shaolin Soccer'), Cheng Pei-Pei ('Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon') and Liu Ziaoqing ('Plastic Flowers') star as widowed wives who must lead the other widows into battle when the last of a long line of Song generals are killed. Richie Ren ('Life Without Principle,' 'Accident') also stars as Yang Zongbao, the last of the Song generals to fall. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include a new English dub, behind the scenes featurette, and trailers. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray set is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Legendary Amazons' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 16.

Posted Thu Sep 6, 2012 at 10:00 AM PDT by: Tom Landy

Sony's 84 Inch 4K TV is Coming in November at $25,000

[teaser]You'll be able to find it in retail locations including select Magnolia Design Centers. [/teaser] Sure, television channels aren't caught up on the whole 1080p front and Blu-rays are still new enough that we couldn't possibly expect a new format to pick up yet. That's not going to stop television manufacturers from bringing us the biggest and best sets they possibly can, especially when they have a chance to really push the limits of technology. The XBR-84X900 from Sony is an incredibly large set at 84 inches and it offers something that you can't get in too many other places – 4K resolution. The new TV even upscales courtesy of the 4K X-Reality PRO engine to help address the lack of 4K content. The newest development is that we'll actually be seeing this massive set at around 60 retail stores, including a few Magnolia locations. It won't come cheap though. The MSRP on this is $24,999. Source: Electronic House

Posted Thu Sep 6, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: Dick Ward

'The Amazing Spider-Man' Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D Officially Announced

Posted Thu Sep 6, 2012 at 08:00 AM PDT by: Tom Landy

Sony's Newly Announced Flagship Sets Priced – Available Now

[teaser]The 55 and 65 inch sets will sell for $4,499 and $5,499 respectively. [/teaser] Amid all of the hullabaloo about ridiculously sized 4K and 8K sets, it's easy to forget that high-end TVs for normal folks are hitting the market too. Sony has just announced that its brand new flagship sets are "available immediately" online and at retail. The XBR-HX950 is a LED backlit Internet TV that packs all of the streaming features you've come to expect from a high-end set, including Netflix, Pandora, Blip.tv and of course Sony's own video and audio streaming services. It offers up Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections so you can get your TV online in whatever way you prefer. You'll find plenty of tech inside designed to give you the best picture possible. The XBR-HX950 utilizes the X-Reality PRO engine to provide optimized video quality and 14-bit upscaling, processing and pixel mapping to kick things up even more. The 55 inch version of the HX950 will run you $4,499 while stepping up to 65 inches will cost $5,499. Source: Engadget

Posted Thu Sep 6, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: Dick Ward

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