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'A Trip to the Moon' Blu-ray Disc Replacement Announcement[teaser]The limited edition Blu-ray/DVD SteelBook of Georges Méliès' 1902 classic is now shipping, however there is an issue with the Blu-ray disc included in this set. [/teaser] As previously reported over in The Bonus View, Flicker Alley scheduled 'A Trip to the Moon' for Blu-ray on March 27. The product is now already in some customers' hands, but apparently there is an authoring glitch on the Blu-ray that Flicker Ally is working to correct in the near future: Dear Flicker Alley Customer: Please note that one of the bonus feature audio options on the Blu-ray disc of our limited SteelBook edition -- A Trip to the Moon in B&W Audio Option 1, featuring Robert Israel's orchestral score and the original English narration written by Georges Melies -- is currently missing its narration track and only features Robert Israel's orchestral score - All Blu-ray discs shipped at this time will be with this orchestral score only configuration. This only affects the Blu-ray disc of this set. The DVD disc in this publication contains the audio for this bonus feature as described on the packaging. We are in the process of remastering and remanufacturing a Blu-ray disc which will have the English narration/Robert Israel's orchestral score configuration for this particular bonus feature. If interested, we will make it available, by request, to customers who fill out our on-line Disc Replacement Form below. Please complete the following form with as much of your original order information as possible (to verify your purchase) and we will contact you once the replacement discs have been manufactured and are ready for shipment. Disc Replacement Form Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.95, but it's currently $34.95 direct from Flicker Alley with free shipping within the continental U.S.. You can find the latest specs for 'A Trip to the Moon' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 27.Posted Wed Apr 4, 2012 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Spotlight Bargain: 'Super 8' Blu-ray $14.99 at Amazon[teaser]Save nearly seventy percent on the sci-fi smash hit at Amazon![/teaser] The online retailer is now selling 'Super 8' on Blu-ray for only $14.99 (67% off suggested retail price). From writer/director J.J. Abrams and producer Steven Spielberg comes the sci-fi throwback set during the summer of 1979 that follows a group of kids who notice strange happenings around their town after they witness a train crash. Click here to purchase this must-own Blu-ray release today!Posted Wed Apr 4, 2012 at 09:23 AM PDT by: -
LG's 55 Inch OLED Coming in May at $7,900[teaser]Apparently the company will start aggressively hitting the consumer market just after the Cannes film festival. [/teaser] OLED tech has been shown off for quite some time and there was a point when it seemed like it was something that only worked in theory. The technology worked of course, but the price point meant that it was something that could never come to the consumer market. Sony's tiny and crazy expensive OLED didn't do anything to change that perception. LG is going to be the first to bring a reasonably sized OLED set to the market at a not-too-crazy price. The 55 inch 55EM9600 will be coming in May at right around $7,900. It's more than your average LCD or Plasma set, but it's a premium that early adopters may be willing to pay. The 55EM9600 is just 4mm thick and it weighs in at 16.5 pounds. LG says you can expect a response time of 0.1 microseconds. Source: Big Picture Big SoundPosted Wed Apr 4, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'Blade II' Blu-ray Dated for July[teaser]Hey, it's better late than never. [/teaser] As previously reported, Warner Brothers has slated 'Blade' and 'Blade: Trinity' for Blu-ray on June 19, with no mention of the second film in the trilogy. Now it looks like Guillermo Del Toro's 'Blade II' *is* also in the works, but it won't be available until July 10. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and along with all of the Special Edition DVD supplements the Blu-ray will also have the following exclusives: all-new commentary with Guillermo Del Toro, Director's Notebook, and Blade II: Blood Brothers featurette with writer David Goyer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray will be $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Blade II' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 10.Posted Wed Apr 4, 2012 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Amazon Prime Instant Video Comes to the PlayStation 3[teaser]Sony's system is the first to get access to Amazon's streaming service – no word yet on Xbox 360 and Wii. [/teaser] You can enjoy Amazon Prime Instant Video on a few different devices, but up until now it hasn't been available on a videogame system. Considering that around half of Netflix users connect through either their 360, PS3 or Wii, this is a big step for Prime. It's also a nice step forward for the PlayStation 3, which has been battling with the Xbox 360 in a war of non-gaming content. Prime Instant Video is definitely a strong pickup for Sony and a nice addition to their already strong entertainment suite. There's no word at this point on whether we'll see Prime on the Xbox or Wii, but we're certain to find out more in the near future. It would be surprising for Microsoft in particular not to pursue this. Source: AmazonPosted Wed Apr 4, 2012 at 07:30 AM PDT by: -
Pioneer Introduces New Elite Network Receivers[teaser]They offer AirPlay, DLNA and 192kHz/24-Bit DACs. [/teaser] The 7.1 channel VSX-42 and 7.2 channel VSX-60 aren't too far off from one another. They both pack DLNA compatibility, Pandora music streaming, and 192kHz/24-bit DACs. The difference is that the VSX-60 kicks nearly every feature up a notch. The VSX-42 gives you wired ethernet access, six HDMI ports, auto MCACC for room calibration and 1080p upscaling thanks to an Anchor Bay video processor. The 60 is compatible with a wireless adapter sold separately, gives you an audio return channel, boasts Advanced MCACC and utilizes Marvel Qdeo to handle its video processing. Pioneer's VSX-42 comes in at $450 while the VSX-60 will run you $650. Source: eCousticsPosted Wed Apr 4, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Grey' Blu-ray Date Change[teaser]Joe Carnahan's thriller starring Liam Neeson is now coming to Blu-ray a week earlier.[/teaser] As previously reported, Universal has set 'The Grey' for a high-definition release on May 22, but now it looks to be coming on May 15. The story follows a group of oil rig roughnecks who must struggle to survive after their plane crashes in the remote Alaskan wilderness where a rogue pack of wolves hunts them down. The Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet Digital Copy will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: audio commentary with co-writer/director Joe Carnahan and editors Roger Barton and Jason Hellmann; deleted scenes; D-Box functionality; and a Blu-ray exclusive picture-in-picture track featuring pre-visualization and storyboard comparisons of some the film's top scenes. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Grey' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 15.Posted Wed Apr 4, 2012 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
High-Def Holidays: April Blools Day!by Dick Ward 2012 is just flying by, isn't it? We're into the fourth month already, and all the holidays that come with it. If you're reading this, that means we all survived another April Fool's Day – the day when everyone tries to be funny and fails miserably instead of just leaving it to the professionals who can come up with things like "April Blools Day." [teaser]The first of the month may not be a holiday worth celebrating, but there are plenty of others that give you a good enough reason to pick up and watch a new Blu-ray or two.[/teaser] International Guitar Month It's a scientific fact – any male holding a guitar gets instantly more attractive to women. Any male holding a gun gets instantly cooler to men. Now take Antonio Banderas and give him a guitar case full of guns. 'Desperado' pushes the amount of awesome that can be put on one screen to dangerous levels. Stress Awareness Month You know how it is. It's been a long day at work so you stop off for a Coke and the price is weird so you take out a bazooka and blow up a construction site. 'Falling Down' is the ultimate in vicarious stress relief. April 3rd – Find a Rainbow Day Finding a rainbow is one thing, but it's what you do with it that's important. If you need, I've got a guy – yeah, you probably saw him in 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' – who can take a rainbow, wrap it in a sigh, soak it in the sun and make a strawberry lemon pie. If you ask for it "Sammy style" you can get a groovy lemon pie instead. April 6th – North Pole Discovered It's confusing being a kid. When I learned – spoiler alert – the truth about Santa Claus, I just assumed the North Pole wasn't real either. Celebrate all the confusion that comes with the whole Santa Claus thing with the ' Rifftrax: Live! Christmas Short-Stravaganza!' Mike, Kevin and Bill help ease the pain. April 11th – US Navy Acquires First Submarine Sure, there are submarine movies that you could watch to celebrate the US's first acquisition of the vessels, but I prefer to go with 'Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,' which is still one of the finest submarine combat films ever made, even if it did take place in space. April 15th – Leonardo Da Vinci's Birthday You may know Leonardo Da Vinci from his works like The Mona Lisa, his study of human anatomy which includes the Vitruvian Man, or his various inventions. He's also famous for 'The Da Vinci Code,' if you don't choose to delve so deep. Not the best tribute to a great man, but you could do worse. April 22nd – Earth Day Will Smith seems like he might be a good ambassador to our alien brothers and sisters – if they have traditional genders – but he's a man of mixed messages. Take a look at 'Independence Day.' After knocking out an alien with his fist, he shouts out "Welcome to Earth!" Now Mr. Smith, that doesn't seem as welcoming as I think you might intend. April 23rd – International Sing Out Day This lined up so perfectly. 'Harold and Maude,' with its Cat Stevens soundtrack, was supposed to hit shelves on April 17th so you could watch the movie in time to join the chorus of "If You Want to Sing Out" for International Sing Out Day. The movie was pushed back to June, sadly, but that doesn't have to stop you from singing! April 25th – National Telephone Day I watch a lot of movies, and I find myself focusing on weird things. For example, I've found that the greatest telephone conversation ever on film is in 'Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.' Surprise: Peter Sellers is brilliant.Posted Tue Apr 3, 2012 at 01:55 PM PDT by: -
High-Def Digest-Digest: April 3rd, 2012by Dick Ward [teaser]There's been plenty happening over the last month – so much that even we have a bit of trouble keeping up with it all. While March may not have had the biggest Blu-ray or videogame releases, it did play host to some significant reveals in both movies and gaming.[/teaser] Blu-ray News 'The Secret World of Arrietty' Blu-ray Announced The latest Ghibli film will be hitting disc on May 22nd in a DVD/Blu-ray combo pack. The full details haven't been revealed, but we do know that we'll be seeing a storyboard feature as well as trailers and TV spots. 'Sherlock: Season Two' Announced for Blu-ray The BBC knocked it out of the park with 'Sherlock' and now the second season of the series is slated to hit Blu-ray. You'll be seeing it on May 22nd along with audio commentaries and more. Blu-ray Player Penetration Exceeds a Quarter of Homes Blu-ray player penetration is up significantly, from 18% of homes in 2011 to 26% of homes in 2012. Interestingly, DVD player penetration also increased a bit over the year. 'Smokey and the Bandit' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed Well it's about time! 'Smokey and the Bandit' hits Blu-ray on June 5th and will include Loaded Up and Truckin': Making Smokey and the Bandit as well as a CB radio tutorial. 'Harold and Maude' Blu-ray Delayed If you want to sing out, wait until June 12th. The classic black comedy was just bumped back two months with no explanation given. Gear and Industry News New Onkyo Receivers May Suffer From Defects – Free Repairs Offered Specific receivers made between November 2011 and January 2012 carry performance affecting issues that Onkyo is fixing for free. Click through to the full story for more information and a list of specific models. Best Buy Loses Big in 4th Quarter – Closing 50 Stores Out of the 1,000 stores Best Buy currently operates, 50 will be closing before the year is over. They'll be opening 100 mobile kiosks though, and another 50 stores in China. Sharp 7-Series Shipping Now – 8-Series Coming in Late March/Early April Sharp's new TVs are on the way to stores now, including the 80" 8-Series set complete with full array LED backlighting. Onkyo Announces Mid-Range Receivers for May The latest from Onkyo offer 4K upscaling, networking features, 3D support, and 7.2 channels of audio. The higher end of the two packs a dual-core video engine and Audyssey MultiEQ XT32. Netflix Secures Original Series From Writer/Director Eli Roth The new series will be known as 'Hemlock Grove' and follows in the tradition of recent supernatural thrillers and dramas. It's set to debut on the streaming service in 2013. Videogame News Rumor: An Elder Scrolls MMO is On the Way Nothing has been announced or confirmed yet, but rumor has it that Bethesda's new online game will be themed around the 'Elder Scrolls' universe. 'Fez' Finally Comes Out April 13th The indie game 'Fez' was first announced for a 2010 release date, but it's finally on the way to the Xbox Live Arcade at a price of 800 Microsoft Points. An 'Adventure Time' DS Game is On the Way Algebraic! A videogame version of the absolutely bonkers cartoon 'Adventure Time' is on the way for the Nintendo DS. Series creator Pendleton Ward says that he'll be heavily involved in creation. Blizzard Reveals New 'Mists of Pandaria' Info and Trailers Now that the beta has started to open up for some players, Blizzard has dumped a huge amount of info on our laps, including more on pet battles, farming and, of course, the new Monk class. NECA's Portal Gun Replica Available May 18th In mid May you'll finally be able to get your hands on a portal gun of your own. The 1:1 replica will run $139 when it starts selling on Think Geek.Posted Tue Apr 3, 2012 at 01:25 PM PDT by: -
'The Vow' Dated and Detailed Blu-ray[teaser]The tearjerker inspired by true events is planned for Blu-ray next month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony Pictures will be releasing 'The Vow' starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams on Blu-ray on May 8. Leo (Tatum) is devastated when a car accident plunges his wife Paige (McAdams) into a deep coma. She miraculously recovers – but the last five years of her memories have vanished. Suddenly, Leo finds himself married to a stranger who can't remember anything about him...Desperately, Leo tries to recreate the moments that shaped their romance. The Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Commentary with director Michael Sucsy; deleted scenes; 'Til Death Do They Part; Profiles of Love: Paige and Leo; Trying To Remember; and a gag reel. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray set is $40.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Vow' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 8.Posted Tue Apr 3, 2012 at 12:00 PM PDT by:
