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'Johnny English' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]The 2003 spy spoof starring Rowan Atkinson ('Mr. Bean') suiting up on Blu-ray in February has now been fully detailed. [/teaser] As previously reported, Universal is preparing 'Johnny English' for Blu-ray on February 28. He knows no fear. He knows no danger. He knows... nothing! When the priceless Crown Jewels are stolen, bumbling Johnny English (Rowan Atkinson) is the last remaining British spy and the only one who can solve the crime. His prime suspects: a sinister business man (John Malkovich) and a beautiful woman (Natalie Imbruglia) with a mysterious interest in Johnny's top-secret mission. Can the clueless super spy save the day without denting the nation's pride... or his Aston Martin? The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: The Making of Johnny English featurette, deleted scenes, character profiles, Spy Tips feature, and Observation Test feature. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray will be is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Johnny English' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 28.Posted Tue Dec 20, 2011 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Most Would Rather Have a TV Than a Couch in the Living Room[teaser]A new survey reveals some interesting statistics on the need for a TV, multitasking, and more. [/teaser] A TV is essential for a proper living room as any home theater enthusiast will tell you, and it turns out that most people would agree. According to a survey conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Logitech, 53 percent of tech-savvy folks think that a living room without a TV is worse than a living room without a couch. Bean bag chairs aren't a bad setup, but they're not going to impress company. Then again, that 60" plasma just might. The survey also found that we are multitasking machines. Of all the folks between 18 and 44 interviewed, 95 percent reported doing an average of three other things while watching TV. Smartphones and social media almost certainly account for much of this. Logitech will be updating its blog with more results in the near future. Source: LogitechPosted Tue Dec 20, 2011 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
'To Catch a Thief' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]Alfred Hitchcock's classic romantic thriller is getting the high-definition treatment in March! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount has revealed 'To Catch a Thief' for Blu-ray on March 6. Starring Cary Grant as John Robie, a reformed cat burglar, and Grace Kelly as an heiress with whom he becomes romantically entangled, the film takes place on the opulent French Riviera as Robie tries to uncover the identity of a jewel thief and prove his own innocence. A delightful classic filled with star power, witty dialogue, breathtaking scenery and plenty of plot twists, 'To Catch a Thief' garnered three Academy Award® nominations and won the Oscar® for Best Cinematography, Color. The 'To Catch a Thief' Blu-ray features more than 90 minutes of bonus material including “A Night With The Hitchcocks”, in which Alfred Hitchcock’s daughter and granddaughter discuss the prolific director; a look at censorship during the time and its impact on the film; an exploration of the writing and casting; a “making-of”featurette; profiles of Cary Grant and Grace Kelly; a segment on Oscar®-winning costume designer Edith Head; an interactive travelogue; commentary by Hitchcock film historian Dr. Drew Casper; photo galleries; the original theatrical trailer and more. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, Dolby TrueHD 2.0 and mono soundtracks, and will have a suggested list price of $15.00. You can find the latest specs for 'To Catch a Thief' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 6.Posted Tue Dec 20, 2011 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
'Picnic (1955)' & 'The Roots of Heaven (1958)' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Two more limited edition Blu-ray releases are coming from Twilight Time in mid-January. [/teaser] In a recent press release, Twilight Time has set 'Picnic (1955)' and 'The Roots of Heaven (1958)' for Blu-ray on January 17. 'Picnic' is director Joshua Logan’s superb adaptation of William Inge’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play focuses on a golden-boy-turned-drifter (William Holden) whose unexpected arrival in a small Kansas town ignites explosive passions in a discontented beauty queen (Kim Novak), a waspish schoolteacher (Rosalind Russell), an insecure bookworm (Susan Strasberg), and an ambitious mother (Betty Field). Featuring stunning ‘Scope cinematography by James Wong Howe and George Duning’s memorable romantic score (available on this release as an isolated track). John Huston’s 'The Roots of Heaven' is an adventure-packed adaptation of Romain Gary’s Prix Goncourt-winning novel that takes a prescient look at an early eco-warrior (Trevor Howard) waging a battle to preserve the elephant herds of French Equatorial Africa. With the colonial government and bloodthirsty ivory hunters aligned against him, he joins forces with a motley band of rebels—including a jovial but perpetually hammered ex-military man (Errol Flynn) and a world-weary bar girl (Juliette Greco)—in a courageous effort to save the last wild things of this Earth. The Blu-rays are each limited to 3000 copies and feature 1080p video, DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks (5.1 on 'Picnic' and 2.0 on 'The Roots of Heaven'), and supplements include isolated score tracks (both releases) and original theatrical trailer ('Picnic'). 'Picnic' is available here from Screen Archives Entertainment for $34.95, while 'The Roots of Heaven' can be purchased here for $29.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Picnic (1965)' and 'Fright Night' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under January 17.Posted Mon Dec 19, 2011 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
'David Lean Directs Noël Coward' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]A boxed set of four 1940s films from David Lean is planned for Blu-ray this spring. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion will be bringing 'David Lean Directs Noël Coward' to Blu-ray on March 27. In the 1940s, the wit of playwright Noël Coward and the craft of filmmaker David Lean melded harmoniously in one of cinema’s greatest writer-director collaborations. With the wartime military drama sensation 'In Which We Serve,' Coward and Lean (along with producing partners Ronald Neame and Anthony Havelock-Allan) embarked on a series of literate, socially engaged, and enormously entertaining pictures that ranged from domestic epic ('This Happy Breed') to whimsical comedy ('Blithe Spirit') to poignant romance ('Brief Encounter'). These films created a lasting testament to Coward’s artistic legacy and introduced Lean’s visionary talents to the world. The 4-disc Blu-ray set will feature 1080p video, uncompressed mono soundtracks, and supplements include: Audio commentary on Brief Encounter by film historian Bruce Eder; New interviews with Noël Coward scholar Barry Day on all of the films; Interview with cinematographer-screenwriter-producer Ronald Neame from 2010; Short documentaries from 2000 on the making of In Which We Serve and Brief Encounter; David Lean: A Self Portrait - a 1971 television documentary on Lean's career; Episode of the British television series The Southbank Show from 1992 on the life and career of Coward; Audio recording of a 1969 conversation between Richard Attenborough and Coward at London's National Film Theatre; Trailers; and a booklet featuring essays by Ian Christie, Terrence Rafferty, Farran Nehne, Geoffrey O'Brien, and Kevin Brownlow. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $99.95. You can find the latest specs for 'David Lean Directs Noël Coward' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 27.Posted Mon Dec 19, 2011 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Pioneer, Klipsch, Aperion and More Form Group to Promote Wireless Audio Standard[teaser]One standard would, of course, mean that all of your wireless audio devices would play nice together. [/teaser] Is there an obscure holiday that we don't know about? Wireless Day maybe? Or maybe a name that's more clever. Point is, Intel and LG announced their wireless video plans at the same time as the WiSA Group formed to get a wireless audio standard to become, well, the standard. The tech that WiSA is promoting is the Summit Wireless technology that's been utilized in prototypes by companies like Aperion Audio. Among the groups members are Pioneer, Aperion, Sharp, and DEI - the company that owns Polk and Definitive Technology. The WiSA says that the sound coming through wirelessly is "virtually indistinguishable" from the quality you get through traditional means. They also say that interference and latency won't be an issue at all. Expect to see plenty of promotion of this new tech at CES next month. Source: TWICEPosted Mon Dec 19, 2011 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Save Forty Percent on Blu-rays at Barnes & Noble![teaser]Many Criterion titles are on sale and if you act today you can save an additional 25% on one item![/teaser] The retailer is selling a wide variety of Blu-ray discs (including many Criterion titles) for 40% off the suggested list price (online only). Some highlights include 'Seven Samurai,' 'Carlos,' 'Three Colors Trilogy,' and many more! Click here to check out the sale! Plus save an additional 25% off of one item by using the coupon code F9C7J3C (valid today only). Thanks to forum user Wolvie!Posted Mon Dec 19, 2011 at 10:31 AM PST by: -
HDD Spotlight Bargain: 'The Lion King - 3D' Blu-ray $19.99 at Amazon[teaser]Save sixty percent on the Blu-ray 3D combo pack at Amazon! [/teaser] Amazon is offering 'The Lion King - 3D' for $19.99 (60% off suggested list price). “‘The Lion King’ is the best-selling home entertainment release of all time—and this is ‘The Lion King’ like never before,” said Bob Chapek, president of distribution, The Walt Disney Studios. “The all-new 3D format immerses viewers in the epic settings and puts them face-to-face with these beloved characters. We’re showcasing one of the all-time favorite Disney movies in theaters and making it available in Blu-ray hi-def and in Blu-ray 3D—it’s the must-see, must-own title for everyone.” Click here to take advantage of this excellent deal!Posted Mon Dec 19, 2011 at 10:04 AM PST by: -
'Letter Never Sent' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Kalatozov's 1959 Siberian tale of survival joins the Criterion Blu-ray line-up in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion says 'Letter Never Sent' will be released on Blu-ray on March 20. The great Soviet director Mikhail Kalatozov, known for his virtuosic, emotionally gripping films, perhaps never directed one more visually astonishing than 'Letter Never Sent.' The Blu-ray will feature a 1080p digital transfer, an uncompressed mono soundtrack, and supplements include: Return of the War Room, a 2008 documentary in which advisers James Carville, George Stephanopoulos, and Paul Begala and others reflect on the effect the Clinton war room had on the way campaigns are run; Making The War Room, a conversation between the filmmakers about the difficulties of shooting in the campaign's fast-paced environment; Panel discussion hosted by the William J. Clinton Foundation and featuring Carville, Clinton adviser Vernon Jordan, journalist Ron Brownstein, and surprise guest Bill Clinton; Interview with strategist Stanley Greenberg on the increasing importance of polling; and a booklet featuring an essay by writer Louis Menand. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Letter Never Sent' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 20.Posted Mon Dec 19, 2011 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
LG Will Build Wireless Video Into 2012 3D Smart TVs[teaser]In alliance with Intel, LG is the first to introduce WiDi into their TVs. [/teaser] Streaming video from a laptop to your TV is very cool, especially when there aren't any wires to muck things up. You have to pick up a dongle though, which makes things just slightly less convenient than they could be. The newest sets from LG will have wireless video functionality built right in. Using an Intel technology called WiDi, you'll be able to stream video from an Intel-based device right to your TV. There's no need for dongles or even a Wi-Fi network. It sounds like a pretty sweet setup for Intel and LG fans. "Intel is planning to expand Intel WiDi technology to various devices to provide consumers the seamless, smarter usage experience," says Hee-Sung Lee of Intel Korea. "Through this collaboration with LG Electronics, LG Cinema 3D Smart TV users could also benefit from Intel WiDi without the need to purchase an external adapter." Source: TWICEPosted Mon Dec 19, 2011 at 09:00 AM PST by:
