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Time Warner Will Acquire Insight Communications[teaser]Another small cable provider is gobbled up by the big fish in the pond. [/teaser] The once diverse selection of cable providers keeps getting smaller, and yet another regional provider has been bought up. Time Warner will be picking up Insight Communications at a price of $3 billion in a deal that's expected to close by the end of this year. With cable subscribers on the decline recently, increasing a customer base is more important than ever. This new acquisition will be bringing Time Warner 679,000 new subscribers and about $100 million in cost savings. "We believe in our business and its long-term prospects and have long thought that Insight's well-run, technologically advanced systems would fit well with our Midwest operations," says Time Warner CEO Glenn Brit. "With the deal announced today, we are able to acquire those systems at an attractive price that is consistent with both our disciplined approach to M&A and our capital allocation strategy." Source: ReutersPosted Wed Aug 17, 2011 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]The fourth chapter in the mutant hillbilly horror franchise coming to Blu-ray in October has been fully detailed. [/teaser] As previously reported, 20th Century Fox is set to release 'Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings' on Blu-ray on October 25. The movie is directed by Declan O'Brien (who helmed 'Wrong Turn 3: Left for Dead' and 'Sharktopus'). At an isolated hospital deep in the West Virginia wilderness, three hideously deformed mutants go on a merciless killing spree. Now, decades later, this family of blood-thirsty cannibals is stalking new prey: a group of young skiers trapped by a blizzard. The abandoned medical wards soon become killing fields as the panicked victims come face to face with a chilling choice — fight back or die. With bonus footage too graphic for theaters, Wrong Turn 4 takes you to the most terrifying place of all…the beginning.. The Blu-ray will include both the R-rated and unrated cuts in 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Feature Commentary with Director Declan O'Brien, Director's Die-ary's, Making Another Wrong Turn, Lifestyles of the Sick and Infamous, and Music Video. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 25.Posted Wed Aug 17, 2011 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'My Fair Lady' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1964 classic directed by George Cukor is getting the Blu-ray treatment in November! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount says 'My Fair Lady' is planned for Blu-ray on November 15. The musical starring Audrey Hepburn, Rex Harrison and Stanley Holloway was nominated for twelve Academy Awards and won eight including Best Actor (Harrison), Best Art/Set Decoration, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Music, Best Sound, Best Director, and Best Picture. Specs, supplements, and suggested list price haven't been finalized as of yet. You can find the latest specs for 'My Fair Lady' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under November 15.Posted Wed Aug 17, 2011 at 05:30 AM PDT by: -
Beyond the Blu: August 2011by Dick Ward [teaser]You've preordered some new Blu-rays and you can't wait for them to arrive. We know the feeling - the anticipation can be downright difficult to handle. But just the Blu-rays isn't enough for you. You want more. You want collectables, clothing, knick knacks and stuff that's just plain weird. And you want it now![/teaser] Nightmare Before Christmas When I think of 'Nightmare Before Christmas' my mind goes straight to the incredibly cool soundtrack. Well, to be completely honest, my first thoughts are headbutting everyone who refers to it as a Tim Burton movie - it was directed by Henry Selick! Still, the soundtrack is absolutely fantastic. The tribute album 'Nightmare Revisited' may be even better. If for nothing else, you need to pick this up for Marilyn Manson's version of "This is Halloween" and the brilliant job that The Polyphonic Spree did with "The Town Meeting Song." The Big Lebowski We've started with a pair of cult classics, but while it's fairly easy to pick up as much 'Nightmare Before Christmas' themed clothing as you could ever want with one quick stop at Hot Topic, The Big Lebowski didn't get the same treatment. Still, with this Little Lebowski Urban Achievers bowling shirt you can double up a bit on movie references while not being too obvious. The effect is pretty subtle and very cool. Good Will Hunting Some movies are remembered by a single line that ties the whole thing together or just represents an iconic moment. "I am your father," "Here's looking at you kid," and "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn," are among them, but 'Good Will Hunting' doesn't have anything even close to as cool. Instead, folks remember "How do you like them apples?" It's a shame, but if you're a fan the best thing you can do is embrace it and enjoy some gourmet chocolate covered caramel apples. How do you like them apples? Probably pretty well - they look delicious. Demolition Man Alright, so chances are you're not going to be frozen and then reawakened in the future to fight a blond Wesley Snipes, but there's always the chance that you'll be delivering pizza and get frozen on accident or even just fall through a rift in space time. Point is, you're going to need to be prepared. Avoid the embarrassment of having to ask about the shells on the first day and revealing yourself to be a total noob by bringing some travel toilet paper along with you. Keep it with you at all times - you never know when you might end up. Wayne's World Ahh 'Wayne's World.' It's the film that helped to define a generation. Wait, define isn't the right word. Entertain maybe. Anyway, it's a great flick and despite a few silly things they let slip in there - why is Cassandra amazed by a whammy bar? - the movie is amazing. So hey, you want to celebrate the release of 'Wayne's World?' Get yourself a gun rack, regardless of whether or not you own a gun, let alone many guns that would necessitate an entire rack. The Mummy Trilogy So you got yourself that gun rack from 'Wayne's World' and you need something to put in it? How about a Colt 1911 Airsoft pistol that's based on the same gun that Rick used throughout the first 'Mummy' movie. If you've never played around with an Airsoft gun you really should. It's like Nerf but it hurts like crazy and you could probably seriously shoot someone's eye out. It's still a lot of fun. (Dick Ward and High-Def Digest do not condone whatever it is you get up to with this thing. Seriously, don't tell anyone I said how fun these things are.) Dexter: The Complete Fifth Season Good ol' 'Dexter.' The show is yet another one of Showtime's runaway hits and an unabashed success. There are a few iconic things in the 'Dexter' universe, but perhaps nothing as memorable as the shirt he wears for his kills. The Dexter Kill Shirt is a perfect addition to a Halloween costume, a good but confusing look for a night out or something to wear around the house while catching up on season five. (Dick Ward and High-Def Digest do not condone murder, but duh.)Posted Tue Aug 16, 2011 at 05:25 PM PDT by: -
'Destroy All Monsters' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]The 1968 Japanese monster mash is bound for Blu-ray this October! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Media Blasters says 'Destroy All Monsters' will be released on the high-definition format on October 25. The year is 1999, and all of Earth s monsters have been captured and detained at Ogasawara Island. All is well in the solar system until one day, a race of alien women brainwashes the monsters and releases them, causing havoc around the world. Godzilla attacks New York City, Rodan invades Moscow, Mothra lays waste to Beijing, Gorosaurus destroys Paris, and Manda attacks London! Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Destroy All Monsters' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 25.Posted Mon Aug 15, 2011 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Definitive Technology Launches New Sound Bars[teaser]Both the three channel and five channel sound bars are just over an inch and a half deep for use with ultra-slim TVs. [/teaser] Definitive technology has launched a pair of new sound bars aimed at folks who either don't want a surround sound setup or just don't have a room that allows for it. The XTR-SSA3 offers up three channels, the right and left of which use Spatial Array technology to widen the sound stage as much as is possible with two speakers. The SSA5 boasts five channels with Spatial Array packed into all of them to present the illusion of a surround system. The SSA5 has a total of 10 drivers at 3.5 inches in diameter and three one-inch tweeters. It comes in at a price of $999. The SSA3 has only six drivers and three tweeters and costs $799. Both are available now. Source: eCousticsPosted Mon Aug 15, 2011 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
'Bleach The Movie: Fade to Black' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The 2008 anime movie is coming to high-definition in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers and VIZ Media says 'Bleach The Movie: Fade to Black' will have a Blu-ray release on November 15. The film is based on the popular Japanese manga created by Noriaki Kubo. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, DTS 2.0 soundtracks, and supplements include production sketches. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Bleach The Movie: Fade to Black' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 15.Posted Mon Aug 15, 2011 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
3D Glasses Vending Machines Roll Out[teaser]Glasses will come in a variety of styles and prices from $20 to $70. [/teaser] Cinemark and UltraStar theaters in San Diego and Huntington Beach California are some of the first in the country to offer up vending machines which carry premium 3D glasses. The glasses in question are supplied by Marchon 3D and are designed to offer style in addition to a better picture. "Unveiling these EX3D vending machines will reach consumers as they walk in," says Marchon 3D president David Johnson. He says that the glasses offered in the machines will "provide the best viewing experience from a technological standpoint as well as guaranteed comfort and style that speaks to each person’s personality." As far as the 3D effect goes, it's really hard to judge what's legitimate and what's fluff. In terms of comfort though, he makes a good point. If you're seeing a lot of 3D movies and it's just $20 to grab your own pair of more comfortable glasses many movie goers may see the value. Source: Home Theater MagazinePosted Mon Aug 15, 2011 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'Ghost Hunters: Season 6 - Part 1' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The first wave of season six episodes from America’s favorite paranormal investigation series will debut on Blu-ray this September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Image Entertainment is preparing 'Ghost Hunters: Season 6 - Part 1' for Blu-ray on September 13. “Ghost Hunters,” currently in its seventh season on the Syfy Channel, continues to be the #1 paranormal franchise on cable television. In Season 6, the TAPS gang takes on their biggest case yet: Alcatraz, the former military prison known worldwide for the countless claims of paranormal activity witnessed within its walls. Other spine-tingling investigations this season include some of the team’s most thrilling locales, including cases at the famous Philadelphia Zoo, the historic Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown and the home of abolitionist and author Harriet Beecher Stowe. Prepare to be scared with some of the most unforgettable episodes of the series. The 3-disc set features Dolby Digital 2.0 audio and includes the series’ 100th live broadcast, deleted scenes and additional creepy content. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Ghost Hunters: Season 6 - Part 1' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's now indexed under September 13.Posted Mon Aug 15, 2011 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Definitive Releases New Bookshelf Speakers and Subs[teaser]The company's new subs are designed for areas where space is a primary concern. [/teaser] Definitive Technology has had a few new releases today including the SC4000 and SC6000 subwoofers. Both are wireless, just over a cubic foot in size and designed for rooms that lack the space for a bigger sub. Both SuperCube subs are wireless and offer a slick digital display hidden under the grille so you only have to see it when you're making adjustments. The SC4000 runs $799 and the SC6000 comes in at $999. You'll need a $149 wireless kit if you want to ditch the cords. Both subs will be available in September. Definitive's new bookshelf speakers are the first from the company in almost a decade. They boast Balanced Double Surround System mids and the company's Pure Aluminum tweeters for improved accuracy. The new speakers will ship in September at prices starting at $399 for a pair. Source: eCousticsPosted Mon Aug 15, 2011 at 07:00 AM PDT by:
