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Logitech Harmony Link Makes your iPad or phone a Universal Remote[teaser]The highly customizable setup even allows for multiple user specific iPads. [/teaser] There are a few devices out there that give you tablet and smartphone control. As cool as that is - and it really is pretty cool - controlling just one device in your home theater isn't enough. Logitech is known for making some impressive universal remotes, but the Harmony Link takes things in a different direction. It turns your existing smartphone or iPad into a fully featured remote that uses gestures and on-screen menus to let you navigate with ease. The menus and the navigation options are incredibly nice looking - check out the video - and are simple enough for even the family technophobe to handle. You can get a fully customized experience by using multiple iPads, but smartphones won't have that capability at launch. The Logitech Harmony Link will launch in October for $99. Source: eCousticsPosted Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Spotlight Bargain: 'Harry Potter: Years 1-7 Part 1 Gift Set' Blu-ray $49.99 at Amazon[teaser]Today only: Amazon's gold box special offers over sixty percent in savings on the first seven Harry Potter movies![/teaser] The online retailer is now selling 'Harry Potter: Years 1-7 Part 1 Gift Set' on Blu-ray for only $49.99 (63% off suggested retail price). Click here to take advantage of this deal that is available today only!Posted Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 08:15 AM PDT by: -
'5 Days of War' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]Renny Harlin's latest action extravaganza will be gunning for Blu-ray in November. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay is working on '5 Days of War' for Blu-ray on November 29. This action-packed international thriller from acclaimed director Renny Harlin ('Die Hard 2,' 'Cliffhanger') is based on the true events of a renegade American journalist, his cameraman and a local woman caught behind enemy lines during the devastating five day war between Russian and the Georgian Republic. From writers Mikko Alanne and David Battle, '5 Days of War' features an all-star cast including Rupert Friend ('Young Victoria,' 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas'), Emmanuelle Chriqui (HBO’s “Entourage,” 'You Don’t Mess With The Zohan'), Richard Coyle ('Prince of Persia'), Andy Garcia ('City Island,' 'Oceans 12'), Val Kilmer ('Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,' 'Batman Forever'), and proves director Harlin to still be the master of the high-octane action genre. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack, and there doesn't seem to be any supplements on this release. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.97. You can find the latest specs for '5 Days of War' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under November 29.Posted Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix May Be Setting Up For a Sale to Amazon[teaser]One analyst suggests that the reason Netflix split off the businesses is so they could sell to Amazon more easily. [/teaser] There's been a lot of discussion about sales recently, and with Hulu potentially pulling itself from the market, all eyes are on Netflix. The company split off into two recently and one analyst says that he knows why. "Netflix’s streaming has current content deals that provide it with access to movie content during the premium cable TV window," says Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities, who suggests that the reason for the split was to package the streaming service up for easy sale. As far as the buyer is concerned, Pachter says that Amazon looks most likely. As analysts go, Pachter tends towards the grandiose predictions and has a habit - especially in the gaming world - of being more of a rock star than an analyst. Still, his idea here makes a lot of sense. Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Clowns' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]Federico Fellini's 1970 'I clowns' getting the Blu-ray treatment in October has been detailed. [/teaser] As previously reported, RaroVideo is getting ready to send in 'The Clowns' on Blu-ray on October 17. Fellini's fascination with the circus and the surreal come to a head in one of his final masterpieces, 'The Clowns.' The film reflects Fellini's childhood obsession with clowns and begins with a young boy watching a circus set up from his bedroom window. Though comical and referred to as a "docu-comedy", this film explores deeper human conditions such as authority, poverty, humility and arrogance all of which manifest themselves through the characters of the clowns who vary from the local sex-crazed hobo, a midget nun, to a mutilated Mussolini disciple. The film then diverges from its narrative and dreamy state to a more documentary like approach as Fellini searches out these jesters of his youth in Paris to see what has become of them. Featuring Anita Ekberg, the star of his 1960's masterpiece, 'La Dolce Vita' and the director himself. The Blu-ray will have a new HD transfer from original 35MM negative and extras contain a rare and exclusive short film by Fellini, a video essay on the genesis of the film and a 50 page booklet with exclusive Fellini drawings. Hard-to-find, this 1970 film melds memoir and documentary into a circus of fiction and reality where Fellini delights in the role of ringmaster. The carnival-sounding score composed by Nino Rota, and an appearance by Anita Ekberg (star of Fellini’s 1960’s masterpiece La Dolce Vita), enhances the Fellini-esque experience. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Clowns' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 17.Posted Mon Sep 26, 2011 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Captain America: The First Avenger' Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D Dated and Detailed![teaser]Marvel's patriotic superhero is already suiting up for both high-definition formats in late October! [/teaser] As previously reported, Paramount is preparing 'Captain America: The First Avenger' Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack and 'Captain America: The First Avenger - 3D' Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD combo pack for a fall release, and now that date has been officially confirmed for October 25. The action-packed adventure stars Chris Evans as Steve Rogers, the scrawny weakling turned super-soldier and future leader of The Avengers. The film co-stars Hugo Weaving as Red Skull and Samuel L. Jackson reprises his role as Nick Fury. The releases will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Commentary by director Joe Johnston, director of photography Shelly Johnson and editor Jeff Ford; Deleted scenes with optional commentary; the Marvel One-Shot: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor's Hammer; Outfitting a Hero; Howling Commandos; Heightened Technology; The Transformation; Behind the Skull; Captain America Origins; The Assembly Begins; and trailers. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is set at $42.99 and the Blu-ray 3D is $54.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Captain America: The First Avenger' and 'Captain America: The First Avenger - 3D' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're both indexed under October 25.Posted Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 01:05 PM PDT by: -
HDD Deal of the Week: 'Apocalypse Now: Disclosure Edition (3 Disc Set)' Blu-ray $28.99 at Amazon[teaser]Francis Ford Coppola's classic 1979 war epic is this week's Blu-ray bargain at Amazon! [/teaser] Amazon is selling 'Apocalypse Now: Disclosure Edition (3 Disc Set)' for $28.99 (52% off the suggested retail price). The 'Full Disclosure Edition' includes The 1979 Cut and Redux along with the documentary 'Hearts of Darkness' with optional audio commentary with Eleanor and Francis Ford Coppola; 48-page collectible printed booklet with special note from Francis Ford Coppola, never-before-seen archives from the set, behind the scenes photos and more; John Milius Script Excerpt with Francis Ford Coppola Notes; Storyboard Gallery; Photo Gallery, including images from photographer Mary Ellen Mark; and Marketing Archive, plus all of the supplements from the 'Apocalypse Now (2-Film Set).' Click here to own one of the best war films of all time! This offer is available from now through October 1.Posted Sun Sep 25, 2011 at 06:59 AM PDT by: -
Bonus View Digest - September 23, 2011[teaser]Can you believe September is almost over? Today is the first day of fall! Time sure flies when you're having fun talking about the latest in movies, games, and television. That's what we do over on The Bonus View and we'd love for you to join us. Here are some of the topics we've been discussing this past week.[/teaser] Theatrical News Josh took a big trip to the Toronto Film Festival and saw some great, and not-so-great movies. He's been submitting reviews of movies that you will most likely see later on down the road, all this week. Check out his reviews for 'Extraterrestrial ,' 'Carre blanc ,' 'The Moth Diaries ,' 'Butter ,' 'Samsara ,' 'The Lady ,' 'Life Without Principle ,' 'The Kid with a Bike ,' and 'Rebellion .' This past week saw the release of the new movie 'Drive ' starring Ryan Gosling. Aaron saw it and gave it a rave review. If you're on the fence, take a look at this review and then head on over to your local Megaplex as fast as you can. Luke gave us the Weekend Box Office update, along with the interesting tidbit that if you get into a 'Moneyball' pre-screening, you may just be treated to an eight minute preview of David Fincher's new film 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.' Luke also saw and reviewed the remake of 'Straw Dogs ,' which was also great. In the Trailer Park we discussed trailers for 'Underworld: Awakening 3D' and 'Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.' Home Theater News Are you sick and tired of that spider web of cords behind your entertainment center? Well, Dick has the product for you. It's called the PowerSquid. TV Recaps It's been a busy week as far as TV is concerned. The Emmys were announced on Sunday, and this week saw the premiere of a bunch of new shows. One of those new shows was 'Ringer ' starring Sarah Michelle Gellar. Find out what Josh thought about the pilot. Other recaps include, 'Project Runway ,' 'True Blood ,' 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia ,' 'Suits ,' and the series finale of 'Entourage .' We also learned that the movie 'Source Code ' will be getting adapted for television. What do you think? Is that something you'd watch? Special Features This week in the Weekend Roundtable we discussed our favorite movies that take place in a school setting. What are your favorites? Join in on the discussion at let us know. This week's Mid-Week Poll was television related. With all the new shows coming out for the fall we wanted to know which ones you'd be watching. Next week we're covering all the new comedies, so stay tuned. Thanks for making this another fantastic week of high-def discussion over at The Bonus View. And if you haven't joined us yet, we hope to see you very soon. Have a great weekend High-Def Digest readers!Posted Fri Sep 23, 2011 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Vudu Adds Next Day Network and Cable TV Shows[teaser]You'll be able to pick up some of your favorite shows the day after they air in SD or HD. [/teaser] Buying episodes of TV shows just after they've aired isn't something that appeals to everybody, but if you're a cord cutter and you want nice crisp HD episodes of your favorite shows, Vudu has something you just might like. By the end of next month, Vudu will have over 10 thousand titles available for purchase including those from NBC, Comedy Central, BBC America, SyFy, Showtime and plenty more. Over 60 shows will be available the day after they air. You'll be able to pick these new episodes and back episodes for $1.99 in standard definition and $2.99 in HDX. Source: TWICEPosted Fri Sep 23, 2011 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
'Looney Tunes Showcase: Volume One' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]A bargain priced collection with 25 animated shorts featuring Bugs, Daffy, Tweety, and the rest of the loveable gang is in the works for January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is preparing 'Looney Tunes Showcase: Volume One' for Blu-ray on January 10. The release will include 25 of the shorts and the same supplements from the first disc of the previously announced 'Looney Tunes Platinum Collection: Volume 1' hitting stores in November. The shorts include: "Hare Tonic" "Baseball Bugs" "Buccaneer Bunny" "The Old Grey Hare" "Rabbit Hood" "8 Ball Bunny" "Rabbit of Seville" "What's Opera Doc?" "The Great Piggy Bank Robbery" "A Pest in the House" "The Scarlet Pumpernickle" "Duck Amuck" "Robin Hood Daffy" "Baby Bottleneck" "Kitty Kornered" "Scaredy Cat" "Porky Chops" "Old Glory" "A Tale of Two Kitties" "Tweetie Pie" "Fast and Furry-ous" "Beep, Beep" "Lovelorn Leghorn" "For Scent-imental Reasons" "Speedy Gonzales" Special features will include: Wagnerian Wabbit: The Making of What's Opera, Doc?; Twilight in Tunes: The Music of Raymond Scott; Powerhouse in Pictures; Putty Problems and Canary Rows; A Chuck Jones Tutorial: Tricks of the Cartoon Trade; The Charm of Stink: On the Scent of Pepé le Pew; plus numerous commentary and music-only tracks. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Looney Tunes Showcase: Volume One' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 10.Posted Fri Sep 23, 2011 at 10:00 AM PDT by: