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'Farscape: The Complete Series' Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]All 88 episodes of the cult science fiction series are coming to Blu-ray this November. [/teaser] Although the status of the U.S. space program is in flux, those wishing to explore the furthest reaches of the cosmos need to look no further than 'Farscape: The Complete Series' BLU-RAY EDITION. This November, home viewers will be transported through a wormhole across a thousand galaxies to the stunningly original universe of this groundbreaking cult classic from The Jim Henson Company, finally available in spectacular hi-def! Bringing together all four complete seasons (88 episodes) and over 15 hours of bonus programming across 20 blu-ray discs, this definitive collection - optimized for HD from the European PAL masters - the highest quality available source elements - delivers the most optimal viewing experience for the series which TV Guide named "one of television's best cult shows ever". And, on November 15, it will be available for fans both new and old for $199.95 SRP. A+E Networks Home Entertainment, one of the pioneers of TV DVD collectibles, and The Jim Henson Company have worked closely together to guarantee that this BLU-RAY EDITION will satisfy the series loyal fan base. "With FARSCAPE, we work hard to meet our fans' high expectations and this new Blu Ray release utilizes the highest quality source materials available so I know our audience will not be disappointed," said Brian Henson, Chairman of The Jim Henson Company and executive producer of FARSCAPE. "A+E Networks Home Entertainment has met all the challenges that, given the nature and age of the series, are inherent with a show like FARSCAPE, and the result is that all four seasons of FARSCAPE look better than ever before." The superb High-Def picture and sound isn't the only cause for celebration as this set also includes a BRAND-NEW documentary: Memories of Moya: An Epic Journey Explored featuring revealing new interviews with creators Brian Henson and Rockne O'Bannon, writer Richard Manning, and stars Ben Browder and Claudia Black as they look back at the legacy of the sci-fi classic. In addition to this new documentary, the FARSCAPE Blu-ray set also includes ALL of the bonus material from the bestselling DVD release: over 15 hours episode commentaries, featurettes, deleted scenes, trailers, promos and more. An imaginative fusion of live action, state-of-the-art puppetry, prosthetics and CGI, "Farscape," produced by The Jim Henson Company in association with RHI Entertainment, featured mind-boggling alien life forms, dazzling special effects, edge-of-your-seat thrills, irreverent humor and unforgettable characters...all brought to rich life by the creative minds at Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Strap in and hold on tight for the extraordinary adventures of astronaut John Crichton, (Ben Browder) who, after a freak accident, finds himself surrounded by hostile aliens and soaring through the cosmos aboard Moya, a glorious living space ship. Hunted by the relentless Peacekeepers, he allies himself with Moya's crew - Aeryn Sun (Claudia Black), Luxan warrior Ka D'Argo (Anthony Simcoe), azure priestess Zhaan (Virginia Hey), spritely Nebari thief Chiana (Gigi Edgley), Dominar Rygel, the deposed royal ruler of the Hynerian Empire and Pilot - to search for a way out of this inconceivably alien world and return home. In addition to the complete BLU-RAY EDITION, day-and-date A+E Networks Home Entertainment will also release single season blu-ray sets. Each BD release in FARSCAPE: THE COMPLETE SEASONS 1-4 BLU-RAY EDITIONS will contain over 18 hours of cosmically cool entertainment...22 episodes on five discs packed with incisive and stimulating bonus features for $69.95 SRP each. BLU-RAY EDITION Includes: 20 Blu-ray discs featuring 88 complete and unedited episodes from the four-season run (1999-2003), remastered from the highest quality source material available; Collectible packaging featuring all-new series artwork; 29 Episode Commentaries, including "Premiere" with Rockne S. O'Bannon, Brian Henson and Ben Browder; "Jeremiah Crichton" with Claudia Black, Producer/Writer David Kemper, Browder and O'Bannon; "Bone to Be Wild" with Anthony Simcoe; "Relativity" with Lani Tupu (Crais/Voice of Pilot) and Director Peter Andrikidis; and, "Bad Timing" which features Browder, Black and Kemper discussing the series' final episode; A BRAND-NEW documentary - Memories of Moya: An Epic Journey Explored featuring revealing new interviews with the cast and creators; Multiple featurettes and documentaries including "In the Beginning: A Look Back with Brian Henson"; "Making of a Space Opera" and "Inside Farscape: Save Farscape," on which fans, cast and crew discuss the fate of their beloved series; Multiple video profiles featuring archival clips and cast/crew discussing their characters and roles on Farscape; Over 90 minutes of deleted scenes; Slideshows and archival photo galleries, including character concepts and promo photos; Production design galleries featuring screenshots, rough drafts and concept slide shows; Behind-the-Scenes interviews with Ben Browder, Claudia Black, Anthony Simcoe, Virginia Hey, Gigi Edgley, Paul Goddard (Stark), Wayne Pygram (Scorpius); Original TV promos and trailers; and more! You can find the latest specs for 'Farscape: The Complete Series' and each of the four individual seasons linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under November 15. Source: tvshowsondvd.com.Posted Fri Sep 9, 2011 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
MartinLogan Debuts the Montis Loudspeaker[teaser]It's inspired by the CLX and offers many of the same features as Martin Logan's flagship. [/teaser] The Montis - no, not Mantis - is the latest speaker to come out of MartinLogan. If you've seen one MartinLogan speaker then you're familiar with the look and general principle behind the Montis, but the company's new electrostatic speaker is more than just nice. The Montis offers the same controlled dispersion XStat technology and DSP engine that you'll find in the higher-end speaker, all of which combine to provide mid-range clarity and excellent performance on the lows. It also utilizes an electrostatic transducer that, thanks to several new technologies, has a radiating area twice that of older speakers. Though the Montis is more than just a pretty face, it sure does succeed at being absolutely gorgeous. You can pick it up in a variety of wood finishes including a new Gloss Black Cherrywood. You can pick up a pair yourself later this month for $9,999. Source: eCousticsPosted Fri Sep 9, 2011 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'Dreamworks Dragons' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]Hiccup and Toothless are back on Blu-ray in an all-new double feature plus videogame combo pack this November! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, DreamWorks says 'Dreamworks Dragons' will hit Blu-ray on November 15. One of the best reviewed films of 2010, 'How To Train Your Dragon' enchanted audiences the world over with its captivating and original story boasting fire-breathing action, heroic deeds and heartfelt laughs. DreamWorks Animation’s new signature entertainment experience, 'Dreamworks Dragons' features two brand new adventures plus a Dragons online video game available for the first time ever. 'Dreamworks Dragons' includes the follow-up “Gift of the Night Fury,” in which the epic story of Hiccup and Toothless picks up where it left off and they take flight in a thrilling, all-new adventure to discover an island of never-before-seen dragons; the all-new “Book of Dragons” that reveals seven never-before-seen dragons as Hiccup, Astrid and Gobber share insider training secrets and new dragon mythology; AND a game card that grants exclusive access to the ultimate interactive Dragons challenge: a brand new Dragons Online Video Game in which players use the new training secrets they’ve learned to earn badges as they fight and train new dragons to become the ultimate dragon trainer. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Deleted scenes, Gobber’s Training Secrets, Spot the Difference, Learn How to Draw a Baby Gronckle, World of DreamWorks Animation, and Previews. Blu-ray exclusives include: Gift of the Night Fury: The Animators’ Corner & Ultimate Book of Dragons. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Dreamworks Dragons' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 15.Posted Fri Sep 9, 2011 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Study Hall: Steven Soderberghby Luke Hickman Although his name is not as widely known amongst average moviegoers, every cinephile knows director Steven Soderbergh very, very well. Each year, the Sundance Film Festival somehow finds a way to stick him in the unique pre-show reel. Exploding onto the film scene at the 1989 Sundance Film Festival with 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape,' Soderbergh is one of the biggest directors to come from the then-small festival. Since then, Soderbergh has been all over the place, never sticking to just one studio, one genre, or one style. He's made both big budget studio flicks and small unconventional indies – sometimes back to back. Long before films began debuting on video on demand services, Soderbergh took a chance playing with different mediums. His small film 'Bubble' was released in theaters, on DVD, and on pay-per-view services on the same day. Currently, Soderbergh is working as the second-unit director on 'The Hunger Games,' a highly-anticipated film series based on a trilogy of wildly popular teen novels. What Academy Award-winning director takes a measly second-unit director job by choice?! Needless to say, Soderbergh is innovative, creative, more than willing to take risks and not above anything. [teaser]With his latest film 'Contagion,' a biological thriller with an enormous ensemble cast, opening this week, here is a look at five noteworthy films from Soderbergh's credits. Some are iconic Soderbergh films, some passed under the radar.[/teaser] 'Out of Sight' George Clooney stars in this comedic and romantic heist flick based on Elmore Leonard's novel of the same title, playing a convicted bank robber who escapes from prison, sparks a romance with the female U.S. Marshal (Jennifer Lopez) hot on his trail, and plots a climactic final act robbery. A fun fact about 'Out of Sight' is that it takes place in the same world as 'Jackie Brown,' Quentin Tarantino's adaptation of Leonard's novel 'Rum Punch.' Michael Keaton appears as the same cocky FBI agent in both films. This is one of the absolute best Elmore Leonard adaptations, and its success is largely due to Soderbergh's skillful work behind the camera. Soderbergh earns bonus brownie points for bringing a strong and completely unannoying performance out of always-annoying Jennifer Lopez. In every other Lopez film, I've pitied the poor sap who ends up with her. But in 'Out of Sight,' she is so likable that you actually want Clooney's character to end up with her. 'Traffic' Soderbergh was nominated twice for Best Directing at the 2001 Academy Awards with two different films. Both 'Erin Brockovich' and 'Traffic' earned him the prestigious nominations, 'Traffic' being the one that finally earned him a directing Oscar. 'Traffic' also went on to win Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Benicio Del Toro), Best Film Editing and Best Adapted Screenplay. Looking at 'Traffic' and 'Contagion,' it's obvious that Soderbergh enjoys making complex films with many great actors playing key characters. 'Traffic' dives into America's gritty war on drugs, covering the story from four angles on both sides of the border. For 'Traffic,' Soderbergh rounded up a huge cast, including Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Benicio Del Toro, Don Cheadle, Albert Finney, James Brolin, Dennis Quaid, Clifton Collins Jr., Viola Davis, Benjamin Bratt, Luis Guzman, Topher Grace, Erika Christensen, and Salma Hayek. Although heavy-handed, 'Traffic' never comes across as preachy. Soderbergh tells the complicated tale through genuine characters whose lives naturally intertwine. If you haven't seen 'Traffic,' it's definitely worth looking at. If you saw it once and didn't care much for it – like I did after my first viewing – give it another go. As it did with me, a second viewing completely changed my outlook on it. 'Ocean's Eleven' Just like the original Rat Pack film, Soderbergh's 'Ocean's Eleven' cast features some of the hottest actors of it's day. Were there any more popular male actors in 2001 than Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Matt Damon? Adding Bernie Mac, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Elliot Gould, Andy Garcia, and Don Cheadle to the mix only made it better. Oh, and did I mention Julia Roberts? Again, Soderbergh likes his ensemble casts. Without a doubt, 'Ocean's Eleven' is Soderbergh's biggest mainstream studio film. Sitting fresh at 82 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, 'Ocean's Eleven' won over both the critics and the general audiences with it's superb cast, witty script, unpredictable story and all-out fun. Although the successful remake spawned two sequels, neither made it to the level of quality as Soderbergh's first. 'Twelve' received a rotten rating – probably for being the first heist-less heist film and featuring Julia Roberts' character being told that she looks like Julia Roberts – so 'Thirteen' tried to return the series to it's witty roots. Not nearly as good as the first, 'Thirteen' was still leaps and bounds above 'Twelve.' Audiences may not have had as much fun with 'Twelve' or 'Thirteen,' but neither did enough damage to ruin the memorable nature of 'Eleven.' Perhaps the best thing about the two sequels is that it's obvious Soderbergh and company had a great time making the trilogy. Too bad we couldn't be brought along with them. 'Che: Part One' Awards season takes place at the worst time of the year. Most deadlines for end-of-year voting in critics circles are just days before Christmas. The month leading up to the busiest holiday of the year is always crammed with last minute screenings and ton of screeners – meaning it's time to play catch up. Both of Soderbergh's 'Che' screeners weren't available to me until two days before voting for the Utah Film Critics Association, so I had to fly through them – all 269 minutes of it. Even with a rushed viewing, 'Che' was boldly intriguing. It's no wonder why Soderbergh decided to make a film (or two) depicting the revolutionary leader's life and death – the details are extremely interesting. Benicio Del Toro plays Argentinian Che Guevara, the man who became the leader of Fidel Castro's rebel forces in Cuba during the 1950s. 'Part One' is absolutely enthralling. It shows Che's role in overthrowing Cuba's dictator. 'Part Two,' not nearly as interesting as 'Part One,' relocates to Bolivia ten years later as Che tried to spark a revolution in South America. Watching 'The Motorcycle Diaries' followed by both of Soderbergh's 'Che' films will give you a full biography of one of the most notorious revolutionists in the history of the world. Just like 'The Motorcycle Diaries,' Soderbergh's 'Che' films intimately reel you into his life. You see life through his eyes. You understand the cause and watch your friends die trying to fight for it. The political rationale behind the Cuban revolution is invalid here. You're watching an intimate character story that takes place during the revolution, not a film about the revolution itself. Had Soderbergh flipped it the other way, 'Che' would be nothing more than another war film. But as is, it's a very strong character piece. 'The Informant!' For some reason, 'The Informant!' didn't receive much love. The story told is wildly entertaining – and not knowing the true story that the film is based upon makes it even better. Anyone who didn't follow the true story on the news prior to see the film will be shocked once the whole story is unfolds. You walk away thinking, 'I didn't know I was about to watch a film about that.' Matt Damon plays a whistle-blower giving away a lot of company secrets to the feds. The agents working with him eat up all of the information, knowing that they've got a major case on their hands. But the agents stumble across a problem when they realize that their whistle-blower is a total idiot completely incapable of collecting the evidence necessary to launch their official investigation. Showing how much of an idiot Damon's character really is, during different scenes that should be important to his character, we hear his random thoughts as his mind drifts off in boredom. Some of the lines delivered during these A.D.D. moments are priceless. Not only is it obvious that Soderbergh enjoys complex scripts requiring large casts, but he also enjoys certain flavors of witty scripts. He isn't bound to just one genre. Au contraire, he enjoys blending genres. He can tell major, all-engulfing stories as well as quiet simple character studies. Like every director, he doesn't have a perfect track record, but at least he's always trying to branch out and attempt something new. He passionately puts all of his effort into his work – and it shows.Posted Thu Sep 8, 2011 at 04:50 PM PDT by: -
Citizen Kane and Extras Come to iTunes[teaser]The classic film has come to the iTunes music, movie, and app service. [/teaser] The thing about streaming movies and digitally distributed content is that typically the only thing you get is the movie itself. All that cool extra content that comes with the Blu-ray is nowhere to be seen. Documentaries, interviews, commentary, and trailers are something that only owners with hard copies get to experience. It looks like the iTunes download of Citizen Kane may break the mold. In addition to the movie itself, the folks at iTunes say that the release is coming with "Extras." Exactly what that means isn't clear, but if they're delivering the same thing that comes with the Blu-ray, it would be quite an attractive deal indeed. To celebrate the release of the 70th anniversary edition, iTunes is giving away a copy of the film along with an iPad 2. To enter, simply enter on the Facebook page linked below. Source: iTunes on FacebookPosted Thu Sep 8, 2011 at 03:35 PM PDT by: -
Save $10 with Purchase of 'Thor' and 'Iron Man' Blu-rays[teaser]If you don't already own Robert Downey Jr.'s comeback special or its sequel, then this Amazon deal might be for you.[/teaser] Paramount will release 'Thor' and 'Thor - 3D' on September 13, and now you can save an additional $10 on either title if you also purchase 'Iron Man' (single disc edition) or 'Iron Man 2' (single disc or 3-disc editions) on Blu-ray. Simply add the titles to your shopping cart and apply the promotional code IRONMAN9 during checkout. Complete details on this offer is available here and the sale will last until October 8.Posted Thu Sep 8, 2011 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
'The Pretenders: Loose in L.A.,' ' Yes: Symphonic Live,' & 'Procol Harum’s Live At The Union Chapel' Blu-rays Announced[teaser]Three more concerts are coming to the high-definition format next week. [/teaser] For over 30 years, The Pretenders have perfected a tightly crafted brand of rock ‘n’ roll, topped with the haunting, smoky vocals of Chrissie Hynde. This signature sound has earned them chart-topping success on both sides of the Atlantic, and other territories worldwide. Now available for the first time in the stunning Blu-ray format, 'Pretenders: Loose In L.A.' is a 26-song concert shot in hi-def at the Wiltern Theater in 2003. Loose In L.A. captures the band touring in support of their Loose Screw album, and includes extras (the video for “You Know Who Your Friends Are,” backstage footage and a concert montage). 'Yes: Symphonic Live' is the dazzling 14-song three-hour+ visual document of the grand sound of Yes live, filmed in hi-definition. Since its inception in 1968, Yes has become synonymous with Progressive Rock, influencing countless bands in the genre. Backed by a full symphony orchestra, lead guitarist Steve Howe, bassist Chris Squire, drummer Alan White and vocalist Jon Anderson, re-created the dramatic intensity of their 2001 album Magnification (the first Yes album with no keyboards and the last Yes album with Anderson). Extras on Symphonic Live include the promotional video for “Don’t Go” and a 30-minute documentary, “Dreamtime.” Originally released on DVD in 2004, 'Procol Harum’s Live At The Union Chapel' also includes a bonus interview with vocalist/pianist Gary Brooker, an “Earlier In The Day” montage and “Comments From The Bar” in its two and half hours. The band formed in 1967 England and had a #1 hit right out of the box with that most classic-of-classics “Whiter Shade Of Pale.” Serious musicologists for the last 44 years still haven’t figured out what its lyrics mean but that’s just added to the fascination. This song closes out a 21-track set filmed in high definition at the Union Chapel in London. Suggested list price for each Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Pretenders: Loose in L.A.,' ' Yes: Symphonic Live,' & 'Procol Harum’s Live At The Union Chapel' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under September 13.Posted Thu Sep 8, 2011 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
MartinLogan Announces In-Wall and On-Wall Speakers[teaser] Two more releases from MartinLogan, both of which borrow tech from flagship products. [/teaser] The MartinLogan EFX is an on-wall speaker that uses a mix of technologies to produce what the company describes as reference quality audio. The EFX is also the slimmest on-wall speaker ever for MartinLogan. Inside the EFX you'll find a crossover derived from the CLX loudspeaker and diaphragm with a conductive coating that's applied in an oxygen free chamber to ensure uniform and transparent application. It's also as close to mass free as you're likely to find. The CLX is available now at $3,095 a pair. On the in-wall tip, MartinLogan is releasing the new Stealth series comprised of the Axis, Edge and Vanquish. A more badass sounding speaker you'll not find, though it's a bit odd for loudspeakers designed to be hidden away. Of course, if you want to show off, they're designed to look good without the magnetic grills. The Stealth series will hit in early 2012. Source: eCoustics Stealth Series Source: eCousticsEFXPosted Thu Sep 8, 2011 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
'Moby Dick (2011)' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The latest retelling of Herman Melville's whale of a tale will splash down on Blu-ray next month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Vivendi is working on 'Moby Dick (2011)' for Blu-ray on October 4. With the famous words, “Call me Ishmael,” begins the spectacular adaptation of Herman Melville’s novel, considered the greatest work of American literature, 'Moby Dick.' A two-part original miniseries event that premiered August 1 & 2 on Encore, the New York Times calls it “an ambitious, beautifully made adventure tale that seeks to be respectful of the book while still making the characters and story accessible to modern viewers,” and the Wall Street Journal adds, “there is much to marvel at in this production.” Led by a “persuasive and compelling” (New York Times) performance from Academy Award® winner William Hurt ('Children Of A Lesser God'), the miniseries features powerful dramatic performances by a cast of celebrated actors including Golden Globe® winner Donald Sutherland ('Citizen X'), Academy Award® nominee Ethan Hawke ('Daybreakers'), Gillian Anderson (“The X-Files”), Eddie Marsan ('Sherlock Holmes') and Billy Boyd ('The Lord Of The Rings'). A psychological thriller of one man’s decent into madness, the story begins when inexperienced sailor Ishmael (Charlie Cox, 'Stardust') joins the crew of the whaling ship Pequod helmed by the mysterious and tortured Captain Ahab (Hurt). Though the journey at first appears to be a routine whaling quest, the crew soon is unwittingly forced to join Ahab in his singular purpose – to hunt and kill the enigmatic white whale, which nearly killed him years before. As they sail across the desolate ocean, Ahab’s obsession to seek the deadly whale they call Moby Dick, no matter the cost, soon proves fatal. Never straying from his quest to hunt and kill the monstrous whale, the crew realizes that their captain is so blinded by vengeance that he may soon lead them all to an ultimate peril. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Moby Dick (2011)' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 4.Posted Thu Sep 8, 2011 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
LG, Sharp, and Philips Working on a Smart TV App Standard[teaser]The set makers have released a universal SDK that will play nice with TVs from all three companies. [/teaser] Just as computers have two main operating systems, less powerful devices like TVs, smartphones and set-top boxes have the choice between Android and, well, Android. Of course, they could always make their own proprietary OS, but trying to attract developers to such a limited market is a hard sell. That's why LG, Sharp, and Philips have decided to work together on a standard that would work across all their platforms. By sharing one standard, they'll have a much easier time wooing developers. After all, making an app for three brands is a lot more attractive than making one for a single brand. "This cooperation is nothing less than a watershed in the brief history of Smart TVs," says LG president Havis Kwon. "By working in partnership with two innovators in TVs, we've taken a major step towards creating an app market every bit as inventive and dynamic as the one that exists for smartphones." Source: EngadgetPosted Thu Sep 8, 2011 at 09:00 AM PDT by:
