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'The Bravest' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]All 22 episodes of the 2001 firefighting reality series are coming to Blu-ray in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Image Entertainment is preparing 'The Bravest' for Blu-ray on March 27. The object of primordial fear for all living beings, fire exerts a terrifying pull upon the human imagination. 'The Bravest' stares this fear down, portraying in breathtaking reality the lives of those extraordinary men and women who face it every day. Featuring real stories and real heroes, this live-action reality series transports viewers to scenes of raging fires, car wrecks and life threatening rescues… and then back to the firehouse where firefighters live, eat, and sleep. Along the way, you'll learn about the tactics they employ to battle the blazes, see the constant preparations that keep them on their steel, and explore the ways in which modern technology aids them in their quest. Filmed with the busiest fire departments across North America, this twenty-two-episode series profiles these courageous individuals who run into burning buildings while everyone else is running out. The release will be a 3-disc set with a mono soundtrack and suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $17.97. You can find the latest specs for 'The Bravest' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 27.Posted Mon Jan 9, 2012 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Pioneer Launches a Pair of Networked Audio Players[teaser]The N-30 and N-50 are compatible with lossless audio and offer plenty of streaming options. [/teaser] Streaming music to your system is all well and good but so many devices that have the ability aren't compatible with the best sounding audio formats. Thanks to DLNA 1.5, Pioneer's new N-30 and N-50 networked audio players handle FLAC, WAV and Apple Lossless audio. Of course, you'll still be able to stream the old favorites like MP3, WMA and AAC. Both players are capable of streaming music from internet radio and sources like Pandora and iHeartMusic and even feature AirPlay capability. You'll find a 2.5" LCD screen that displays the music currently playing and those that prefer can control the device through an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad or "certain Android devices". The N-50 separates itself from the N-30 by utilizing twin EL transformers, gold RCA plugs and what Pioneer refers to as an armored chassis. It uses AIR to kick up the audio quality on compressed files and packs a DAC only mode for those without solid DACs already in their home theater setup. The N-30 will run you $499 while the N-50 comes in at $699. As tends to be the case with Pioneer products, you'll have to shell out cash for separate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters. Source: EngadgetPosted Mon Jan 9, 2012 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
Rumor: Warner is Doubling the Rental Embargo to Eight Weeks[teaser] This embargo affects not only Redbox and Netflix, but Blockbuster stores as well. [/teaser] Warner Home Video has never been a fan of the whole Redbox and Netflix thing. They say that the low priced rentals are hurting sales and are doing what they can to cut down on the effects. It's not surprising then that Warner is looking to expand their existing 28 day embargo to 56. What does seem a bit out of character is that Warner isn't just targeting Netflix and Redbox this time. Not only is the company expanding the embargo on low priced kiosks and subscription services, they're applying that eight week embargo to Blockbuster stores as well. It hasn't been officially announced at this point, but it seems fairly likely. Adding the delay would be a move not only to increase DVD and Blu-ray sales, but to push the digital copy storage locker UltraViolet which is getting a big push this year. Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Mon Jan 9, 2012 at 06:30 AM PST by: -
'The Terror Experiment' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Our fate rests in the hands of C. Thomas Howell and Judd Nelson on Blu-ray this April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay is working on 'The Terror Experiment' for Blu-ray on April 12. A terrorist sets off an explosion that rocks the Federal Building and unleashes a toxic gas throughout the ventilation system. His purpose: to expose the Government's secret biological warfare weapon, a deadly virus that instantly attacks a person's adrenal system, causing them to become inhumanly aggressive, with an uncontrollable urge to kill each other. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include a filmmaker commentary. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Terror Experiment' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 12.Posted Mon Jan 9, 2012 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Deal of the Week: 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory: 40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition' Blu-ray $27.99 at Amazon[teaser]You're in for a treat this week! Save nearly sixty percent on the children's musical fantasy starring Gene Wilder at Amazon! [/teaser] The online retailer is now selling 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory: 40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition' for $27.99 (57% off suggested retail price). Gene Wilder stars as Willy Wonka, maker of Everlasting Gobstoppers, Fizzy Lifting Drinks, Three Course Dinner Gum, and other sweet treats in this music-filled fantasy based on Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Join five contest-winning children on a tour of Wonka's magical candy factory, staffed by the mysterious and diminutive Oompa Loompas. With Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum. Includes the songs "The Candy Man," "Oompa-Loompa-Doompa-De-Do," and more. The 3-disc set features 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and all of the supplements from the the previous editions including an audio commentary, featurettes, a Sing-Along feature, and a trailer, plus a few new additional items including Mel Stuart's Wonkavision and A World of Pure Imagination. The discs come packaged in an individually numbered box with a Wonka bar, a pencil case with scented pencils and a scented eraser, the book "Pure Imagination: The Making of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," a Golden Ticket replica, and archival letters. Click here to enter a world of pure imagination and this offer is available now through January 14th.Posted Sun Jan 8, 2012 at 08:41 AM PST by: -
'Fun Size' Blu-ray Announced and Detailed[teaser]The Nickelodeon comedy is in the works for Blu-ray this February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount has revealed 'Fun Size' for a Blu-ray release on February 19. Wildly popular teen sensation Victoria Justice ('Victorious') stars as Wren, a whip smart high school student who is forced to track down her kid brother rather than go to THE party of the year. But Wren's night turns into a wild ride filled with uproarious antics, eccentric characters and exciting adventure beyond what she ever could have expected. The Blu-ray will include 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Unwrapped: The Making of Fun Size, Jackson Nicoll—Trouble Sized!, Gag Reel, Deleted Scenes, "This Kiss" Music Video by Carly Rae Jepsen, and Carly Rae Jepsen: Making of "This Kiss". Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Fun Size' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 19.Posted Sun Jan 8, 2012 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
'Anna Karenina' Blu-ray Announced and Detailed[teaser]The period drama from acclaimed director Joe Wright is planned for Blu-ray this February.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal has set 'Anna Karenina' for a Blu-ray release on February 19. From Golden Globe Award-nominated director Joe Wright ('Atonement') comes a thrilling new vision of the epic story of love, Anna Karenina, adapted by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Tom Stoppard ('Shakespeare in Love') from Leo Tolstoy's timeless classic novel. At the twilight of an empire, Anna Karenina (Keira Knightley), the beautiful wife of one of Russia's most esteemed men (Jude Law), has it all. But when she meets the dashing cavalry officer Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), there is a mutual spark of instant attraction that cannot be ignored. Anna is swept up in a passionate affair that will shock a nation and change the lives of everyone around her. The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy will include 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Deleted Scenes, Anna Karenina: An Epic Story About Love, Adapting Tolstoy, Keira as Anna, On the Set with Director Joe Wright, Dressing Anna, Anna Karenina: Time-Lapse Photography, and Feature Commentary with Director Joe Wright. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Anna Karenina' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 19.Posted Sat Jan 7, 2012 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Bonus View Digest - January 6, 2012This week's Bonus View Digest is being typed in a drug-induced haze. No, I wasn't up all night partying – not those kinds of drugs. Instead I, Aaron Peck, was up all night with my first cold of the New Year. Great way to start it off huh? Well, at least when I was up at 4:00 am in the morning I had nothing else to do but read all the great stuff that even I miss sometimes on our blog. [teaser]As I sniffed, coughed, and sneezed through the night – all the while cursing the cold drugs for not working like they promised they would – I was able to catch up on all of this week's great articles that were posted on the blog. Check out what you may have missed.[/teaser] Theatrical News E introduced us to a couple new trailers in this week's Trailer Park. 'A Thousand Words' appears to be Eddie Murphy's next cinematic disaster, while the rom-com 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' has E a bit apprehensive of what the final outcome will be. In the Weekend Movies section Luke dissects the films that are in theaters, but it being January there aren't a lot of great options out there. Posterizing got the year end treatment. Aaron revealed his top 15 favorite movie posters of 2011. Home Theater News E continues to update us on his home theater overhaul with Part 2 of his home theater PC build. In case you were wondering on what movies to catch on streaming services, check out our posts for the Netflix Stream and VUDU where you can find all the information you need about new shows and old ones that may be leaving soon. Blu-ray News This week, as a New Year's celebration we gave away a brand new copy of 'Kung Fu Panda 2.' Check out the results page to see who won, and continue to check the blog for contests. We're having them all the time. Josh unboxed his Japanese 'Aladdin' Laser Disc set. Check it out if you want to see the kinds of memorabilia that is included in these rare sets. Josh unboxes different releases from time to time so keep a look out for them. Special Features In a special post this week Luke revealed how film critic awards happen by using the Utah Film Critics Association as an example. The Mid-Week Poll discussed our favorite 2011 blockbusters. Finally, with the Weekend Roundtable we all made our own New Year's wishes. Thanks for making the first week of the New Year a great one. Be sure to stay tuned though, because on the 15th of January we're planning on doing a Live-Blog for the Golden Globes! You won't want to miss it.Posted Fri Jan 6, 2012 at 11:20 AM PST by: -
'Monty Python and the Holy Grail: 35th Anniversary Edition' Officially Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray![teaser]Full details are in for the classic 1975 British comedy banging coconuts together in high-definition this March! [/teaser] As previously reported, Sony looked to be releasing 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail: 35th Anniversary Edition' on Blu-ray on March 20, but now it seems the release is coming a few weeks sooner on March 6. The Hugo-nominated classic is currently ranked #74 on IMDb.com's Top 250 and stars Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. The Blu-ray will include an Ultraviolet Digital Copy and will feature 1080p video, a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Commentaries by Terry Gilliam & Terry Jones, plus general complaints and back-biting by John Cleese, Eric Idle & Michael Palin; Join Michael Palin and Terry Jones in their special documentary The Quest For The Holy Grail Locations; Monty Python And The Holy Grail In Lego!; Japanese version; How To Use Your Coconuts (An Educational Film); BBC Film Night; Terry Gilliam introduces his lost animation reel; Terry Jones introduces the outtakes; Meanwhile, King Arthur & Sir Bedevere...; Elephant & Castle; Run Away!; The Tale of Sir Robin; The Tale of Sir Lancelot; Three Mindless Sing-Alongs; Henry 4th; and Cast directory photo gallery. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is set at $19.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail: 35th Anniversary Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 6.Posted Fri Jan 6, 2012 at 11:10 AM PST by: -
Netflix Streams 2 Billion Hours of Content in Fourth Quarter- Beats out FX, MTV, CNN and More in Viewing Hours[teaser]Analysts say Netflix viewing habits would make it the 15th largest TV network in the country. [/teaser] It's comparing apples to oranges of course, but analysts say that the viewing numbers that Netflix brings in are enough to make it the 15th largest TV network in the U.S. With 2 billion viewing hours, it surpasses popular cable channels like FX and MTV while more than doubling the numbers for CNN and The Discovery Channel. In homes equipped with Netflix, it's the second most watched source, right behind CBS. Perhaps even more interesting is the fact that Netflix subscribers spend a majority of their time watching TV content - around 60 percent. Analyst Richard Greenfield says that Netflix has been underestimated for quite some time. This 2 billion viewing hours is, as he puts it, "Pretty amazing, given that Netflix is only in 21 million homes (with its streaming service just four years old) compared to the near-complete distribution across multichannel homes of the top cable networks." Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Fri Jan 6, 2012 at 11:00 AM PST by:
