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Sharp is Shipping its 60 and 70 Inch 6-Series LEDs Now[teaser]A smaller 52" model is set to release later this month. [/teaser] It's been a big month for TV releases already. We've seen new sets from Samsung and Panasonic and now its Sharp's turn to enter the mix with two massive LED backlit sets from its new 6-Series. Most manufacturers have been putting out their smallest first, but Sharp is leading with the impressive 60" and 70" 6-Series sets, which come in at MSRPs of $1,999 and $2,999 respectively. The 6-Series boast LED edge lighting, 120Hz Fine Motion Enhanced Technology, built in Wi-Fi and the new SmartCentral interface. You'll also find a pair of USB ports and the new narrow bezel design. The LC60LE640U and LC70LE640U are available now on Amazon for significantly less than the MSRP.Posted Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Devil Inside' Blu-ray Best Buy Exclusive[teaser]The "found footage" R-rated horror film makes its Blu-ray debut in May only at Best Buy. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount is working on 'The Devil Inside' for a high-definition bow on May 15. In 1989, emergency responders received a 9-1-1 call from Maria Rossi confessing to three brutal murders. Twenty years later, her daughter Isabella (Fernanda Andrade, Fallen) seeks to understand what really happened that night, traveling to the Centrino Hospital for the Criminally Insane in Italy where her mother has been locked away. When Isabella recruits two young men to cure her mother using unconventional methods, they discover the horrifying truth. Now Isabella must face pure evil or forsake her soul. The release will be a Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet Digital Copy combo pack with 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and there doesn't appear to be any supplements. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Devil Inside' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 15.Posted Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Intel is Working on an IPTV Service[teaser]According to reports, it could launch as early as 2012.[/teaser] IPTV is something that’s been talked about for years, but never fully realized in any significant way. The success of streaming services like Hulu, Netflix and Amazon show that customers may be ready to embrace an internet based solution. Intel is sure hoping so, as the company is planning its own IPTV solution that may be launching as early as the end of this year. Nothing is set in stone yet, but Intel is setting up to compete directly with both cable and satellite companies with the new service. Source: EngadgetPosted Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'Deliverance: 40th Anniversary Edition' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]John Boorman's classic film is getting a Blu-ray digibook double dip in June! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is preparing 'Deliverance: 40th Anniversary Edition' on Blu-ray on June 26. The 1973 film starring Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox was nominated for three Oscars including Best Film Editing, Best Director, and Best Picture and you can read our review of the previous edition here. Specs have yet to be revealed, but the release will be a digibook and supplements will include Commentary by John Boorman; All-new Deliverance: The Cast Remembers retrospective; Four-part behind-the-scenes documentary; The Dangerous World of Deliverance vintage featurette; and theatrical trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Deliverance: 40th Anniversary Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 26.Posted Thu Mar 15, 2012 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]Guy Ritchie's mystery will continue on Blu-ray this June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is set to release 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows' on Blu-ray on June 12. In this follow-up to the 2009 smash hit, Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and Watson (Jude Law) face their greatest adversary yet -- the criminal genius James Moriarty (Jared Harris). The release will be a Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet Digital Copy combo pack with 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson: A Perfect Chemistry, Holmes Without Borders, Moriarty's Master Plan Unleashed, Holmesavision on Steroids, Sherlock Holmes: Under the Gypsy Spell, Meet Mycroft Holmes, Guy Ritchie's Well-Oiled Machine, and Maximum Movie Mode viewing option hosted by Robert Downey Jr. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $35.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 12.Posted Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Archos Updates G9 Tablets with Ice Cream Sandwich[teaser]The company’s Android based tablets have gotten a boost to the new operating system. [/teaser] If you’re rocking an Archos G9 tablet, then you’re eligible for a free upgrade to the Android 4.0.3 operating system, or as its more deliciously referred to, Ice Cream Sandwich. It’s an over-the-air update which means all you need to do is tap the “A” in the upper right hand corner of your screen and wait for the software to download and install. In addition to everything the OS update brings – faster browsing, customizable screens and more – Archos is adding 1080p video file support, DLNA support and compatibility with MKV3D files. Source:Posted Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'Empire of the Sun: 25th Anniversary Edition' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Steven Spielberg's WWII epic is getting the Blu-ray digibook treatment in June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is getting ready to release 'Empire of the Sun: 25th Anniversary Edition' on Blu-ray on June 19. The movie stars a young Christian Bale as a privileged English boy who has to learn how to survive on his own after being separated from his parents during Shanghai's occupation by the Japanese. The film also stars Miranda Richardson, John Malkovich, and Ben Stiller. Specs have yet to be revealed, but the release will have digibook packaging and supplements will include The China Odyssey: Empire of the Sun behind-the-scenes documentary and Warner at War documentary about Warner Bros' WWII propaganda department. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Empire of the Sun: 25th Anniversary Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 19.Posted Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
KEF Reveals New Low Profile In-Wall Speakers[teaser]All of which utilize the Ultra Thin Bezel design and magnetic grilles, for optimum aesthetics. [/teaser] KEF’s latest In-Wall speakers are designed with a strong focus on looks, and incorporate several different design elements to account for this. An Ultra Thin bezel and the addition of magnetic grilles means that you’ll be able to install the speakers without interrupting the look of the room. The speakers utilize the Uni-Q driver array, which puts the tweeter right in the middle of the woofer so as to focus sound sources and better disperse the sound throughout the room. “We have incorporated over 50 years of research and design into making our Ci Series one of the best architectural loudspeaker solutions on the market,” says product manager David Kroll. “With unobtrusive design and KEF's renowned audio quality, installers can feel confident knowing the Ci Series will deliver aesthetically and acoustically.” There are a total of 11 new in-wall speakers from KEF – four rectangular and seven square. Each speaker is sold separately and prices range from $179 on up to $249. Source: Big Picture Big SoundPosted Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'Murdoch Mysteries: Season 4' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]The fourth season of the Canadian crime drama is coming to Blu-ray in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Acorn Media has just revealed 'Murdoch Mysteries: Season 4' for Blu-ray on May 29. In the late 1890s, police Inspector William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) takes a new, more scientific approach to solving crimes. Assisted by coroner Dr. Julia Ogden and Constable George Crabtree, Murdoch introduces such concepts as finger marks and lie detecting machines. He has the support of his somewhat doubtful superior, Inspector Brackenreid, though at times, even he finds Murdoch's methods - and claims - somewhat astounding. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $59.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Murdoch Mysteries: Season 4' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 29.Posted Wed Mar 14, 2012 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Ten Hitchcock Movies that Should Be on Blu-ray NOW!by Aaron Peck Nine, count them, nine Alfred Hitchcock movies have been released on Blu-ray. His films are spread out through numerous studio catalogues, so getting the releases that we want can be a frustrating process indeed. Still, I'm surprised more of Hitchcock's famous films haven't been released on the format. Beside Steven Spielberg I can't think of a director who has had such a slow emergence on Blu-ray. MGM recently released several Hitchcock movies on the format, including 'Rebecca,' 'Spellbound,' and 'Notorious.' Paramount's masterful release last week of 'To Catch a Thief' added to the riches, but it's not enough! [teaser]You'd think such a heralded director would garner more Blu-ray attention! Hitchcock really was the master of suspense, and his films have stood the test of time. Lets take a look at what's left in Hitchcock's filmography and pick out 10 titles that need to be released in high definition right this very minute![/teaser] Universal seems to be hording the largest number of them! 'The Birds' I remember being petrified of seagulls after seeing 'The Birds.' Seeing this film as a kid had a worse effect on me than watching 'Jaws' for the first time. In my mind I could easily stay away from the ocean and avoid man-eating sharks, but seagulls are everywhere. How was I supposed to be kept safe from them? My parents tried to explain to me that it was all just a movie; that birds didn't really attack whole towns of people like blood-thirsty avian dive bombers, but I didn't believe them. The way Hitchcock set up the situation added to my dread. Had it been a cheesy movie like 'Birdemic' there would've been no reason to be frightened. It was the way Hitchcock masterfully ramped up the fear factor by using what should've been a laugh-worthy premise. But, when that flock of birds attacked all those school children I lost it. I was literally afraid to go out for recess the next day. Note: 'The Birds' is rumored for an August release this year, but we'll have to wait and see if that actually pans out. 'Dial M for Murder' Originally filmed in 3D, 'Dial M for Murder' makes an interesting case for Blu-ray. Not only am I jonesing for the 2D version on Blu-ray, it would be great to see how a classic like this translates to today's 3D. I'm not a huge fan of the technique, but I'd love to see what 'Dial M for Murder' looks like since Hitchcock filmed it with the technology in mind. It looks as if the UK is getting the 3D version of the film at some point in the near future, but there's really been no word on if we'll get the 2D release here, let alone the 3D version. 'Lifeboat' This is another one of Hitchcock's classics. The director managed to build suspense through his characters. Set entirely in a lifeboat, a handful of survivors float around hoping to be rescued. The situation begins to take its toll and tensions rise. 'Lifeboat' accomplishes in one movie what survival TV shows like 'Lost' and 'The Walking Dead' try to accomplish in multiple seasons. How do strangers live together? Especially if they suspect the others are up to no good. It's a simple premise that lays bare the foibles of humanity and just how tenuous the situation can get when people are pushed to the brink. Also, fun to look for Hitchcock's signature cameo in this situation. Watch for him, he's there! 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' Take your pick, either the original or the remake, I'd love to have both on Blu-ray. Personally, I'd love to have the 1956 remake more than his original version just because I really enjoyed Jimmy Stewart and Doris Day in the starring roles. One of Hitchcock's favorite topics, an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary situations is on full throttle here. Truthfully, I enjoy this movie just as much as I like 'North by Northwest.' Hope we see it in HD soon. 'Rear Window' This is probably my favorite Hitchcock movie. Hitchcock brilliantly played with point of view here. The only information we are privy to comes from what we and Jeff observe from his apartment window. Stuck at home with a broken leg, all he can do is look out over a courtyard surrounded by other apartments. This is a perfect way of building suspense. Seeing only what Jeff sees allows us to get inside his mind, his building paranoia. The way Hitchcock pieces together this masterpiece make the viewer feel actual tension and paranoia building up inside of them. For all intents and purposes we are Jeff. It's still one of cinema's most thrilling rides. 'Rope' Hitchcock himself has said that 'Rope' was nothing more than a stunt. An experiment in what he could achieve with the medium of film. Filmed in only 10 shots, 'Rope' may not make the greatest Hitchcock movie, but there really is some masterful and inventive filmmaking going on during this movie. This is experimental filmmaking that I'd love to have in my high-def collection one day. 'Secret Agent' We simply need more black and white movies on Blu-ray. The 1936 film 'Secret Agent' would be a wonderful addition, as we've seen over and over the kind of detail that black and white films are capable of once they hit the format. As a Hitchcock film 'Secret Agent' is solid and deals with Hitchcockian themes like mistaken identity. It's been a long time since I've watched it, but I remember enjoying it a lot. 'Shadow of a Doubt' All of Hitchcock's films were immaculately filmed. He selected camera angles and compositions that not only showed the scene but played a major part in foreshadowing events and building the story. Besides the great suspense built throughout the movie, I remember the distinct way the film was shot. Hitchcock's use of the camera is simply masterful. He was able to convey tension and fear simply by where he placed his camera and how he used the lenses. I'd love to see this masterful film in HD. 'Vertigo' One of Hitchcock's most famous films, which is why I'm surprised it doesn't have a Blu-ray release yet. It's almost to the point where I half expect to get on Amazon and for it to be there ready and waiting for me to purchase it, but every time I'm disappointed. I love the way Roger Ebert explains, in his review of 'Vertigo,' why Hitchcock was so good at what he did. "Alfred Hitchcock took universal emotions, like fear, guilt and lust, placed them in ordinary characters, and developed them in images more than in words. His most frequent character, an innocent man wrongly accused, inspired much deeper identification than the superficial supermen in today's action movies." 'The Wrong Man' Another man wrongfully accused, but even though Hitchcock fell back on this main theme of storytelling, he still found ways to keep it fresh and filled with suspense. It's so easy for us to relate to the everyday guy in Hitchcock's stories then we get to wondering what we'd do if we were in that situation. What if you were accused for something you didn't do? That's a great question to ask. Hitchcock asked it over and over, but was still able to maintain new ways of conveying that theme across to the audience. With so many movies in his filmography I had to shorten up my list to my ten most wanted titles, but I know you film fans out there would love to see many more than just the ones I've listed here. What other titles from Hitchcock's illustrious career would you love to finally see make the jump to Blu-ray? Please, take a moment to click on the link below and let us know in the forums.Posted Tue Mar 13, 2012 at 02:50 PM PDT by:
