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Video On Demand Revenue to Increase Dramatically Says Study[teaser]By 2016, VOD revenue is expected to reach $5.7 billion. [/teaser] A London research firm called Direct TV Research - not to be confused with DirecTV - estimates that VOD revenues will increase by 58 percent by the year 2016. That would put the total money brought in by on demand content at $5.7 billion. In the US alone, the money brought in by VOD content is expected to be $1.8 billion with the next highest country, Italy, coming in at $592 million. The research firm states that this number doesn't include pay-per-view sports events or adult content - just the more traditional VOD offerings. One particularly interesting piece of the study is that it seems free content doesn't incentivize customers like you might think. "There is little evidence to suggest that these free services actually encourage subscribers to pay for on-demand titles," writes analyst Simon Murray. "In fact, it may be harder to convince households to pay for on-demand services if they have become accustomed to receiving free on-demand titles." Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Tue Jul 26, 2011 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'Jeff Dunham: Controlled Chaos' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The hilarious man behind Achmed the Dead Terrorist is coming to Blu-ray this September! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Comedy Central says 'Jeff Dunham: Controlled Chaos' will have a Blu-ray release on September 27. Jeff Dunham is back in his much-anticipated fourth concert event, with all-new material and unparalleled comedy that surpasses his record-breaking specials Arguing with Myself, Spark of Insanity, and A Very Special Christmas Special. All the favorites are here: Walter, the grumpy retiree; furry and manic Peanut; Jose Jalapeño, the spicy pepper from south of the border; plus bumbling skeletal Achmed the Dead Terrorist. Dunham is also joined by two never-before-seen characters certain to unleash their own unique havoc on stage. Dunham is an international phenomenon with sold out stadium concerts, one-half billion YouTube views, and television shows that remain among the highest rated in Comedy Central history. Controlled Chaos is guaranteed to deliver an unequaled number of laughs per minute – whether you’re a Dunham Maniac or seeing him and his partners for the very first time. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include: Bubba J Winery Tour, Outtakes, The Necklace, Share the Hair, Flirting with Victoria, Tour Opens, Dunham Goes Global, Photo Shoot, and Making of the Achmedmobile. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Jeff Dunham: Controlled Chaos' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under September 27.Posted Tue Jul 26, 2011 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Bidding on Another Original Series and More[teaser]Rumor has it Netflix is looking to pick up the latest show by 'Weeds' creator Jenji Kohan. [/teaser] Showtime has a lot going for it with shows like 'Californication,' 'Dexter' and the show that put the channel back into the public mind, 'Weeds.' Netflix has been doing well with the shows too, and the streaming versions of Showtime's series has been a highlight of the service for many subscribers. 'Weeds' creator Jenji Kohan has a new show in the works and though it seems natural for Showtime to pick this one up as well, the folks at Netflix have something else in mind. They've got their eyes on original content to add to their lineup and the rumor mill says they'll be putting in a bid on the new Kohan show, based on a book about life in a women's prison. Netflix is also in talks with DreamWorks Animation. DreamWorks will reportedly offer Netflix exclusive streaming rights to its animated features - a deal that could be finished by the end of this week. Source: Hacking NetflixPosted Tue Jul 26, 2011 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings' Blu-ray Delayed[teaser]Fans will have to wait an extra week for the fourth chapter in the horror franchise coming to Blu-ray this October. [/teaser] As previously reported, 20th Century Fox was set to release 'Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings' on Blu-ray on October 18, but now the date looks to be October 25. The movie is directed by Declan O'Brien (who helmed 'Wrong Turn 3: Left for Dead' and 'Sharktopus') and was filmed in our own Tom Landy's hometown of Winnipeg, Canada. 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.. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is now indexed under October 25.Posted Tue Jul 26, 2011 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Beyond the Blu: July 25, 2011by Dick Ward [teaser]Collecting Blu-rays is all well and good, but true fans aren't content to just sit back and watch their discs. They need more. They need posters, costumes, trinkets and more. They need the obscure, the weird and the very very cool. 'Beyond the Blu' spotlights some of the interesting stuff you can pick up to go with the Blu-rays you've been picking up this month.[/teaser] Blues Brothers Sure, you could be like every other 'Blues Brothers' fan in the world and get a knockoff hat and sunglasses set, but why settle for simply looking like the guys when you could sound like them? Well, you can sound like Elwood at least, by picking up a slick seven piece Hohner Bluesband Harmonica set complete with a carrying case. Donnie Darko If there's one thing that everyone remembers about 'Donnie Darko' without exception it's that accursed rabbit costume that still haunts my dreams to this day. For a little over a hundred bucks you too can be the thing of nightmares in your Frank the Bunny costume. It comes complete with the costume, the mask and a go-to line for when people ask you why you're wearing that stupid bunny costume. Doctor Who: Series Six, Part 1 As fun as it is to get obscure and strange with these 'Beyond the Blu' picks, I'm going to go nice and easy here. If you're a 'Doctor Who' fan and you don't own a replica of The Eleventh Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver you really should. It's the coolest yet, what with all the pop-up action and fun sounds and such. Rango Maybe you're not the biggest fan of 'Rango,' but I'd be willing to bet that your kids - assuming you have some and they're age appropriate and they're not terrified of lizards and they went to see the move - love it. Isn't it about time you got them a chameleon of their own? Just make sure to get a slick Open Air Cage to keep it from getting away. And maybe a lock to ensure that they don't try putting small Hawaiian shirts on it. Shark Week: Restless Fury So you like sharks eh? The correct answer here is "No. I LOVE sharks." If you answered right then you need to own ' Blue Water White Death.' It's not a choice - this is compulsory. Even though it's now 40 years old, the documentary still holds up as one of the finest ever made about the great white. Torchwood: The Complete Original UK Series You've seen all the new 'Doctor Who' episodes and a smattering of the old ones. You've been watching 'Torchwood' from the start and you're hooked on the new season. You know everything there is to know about the show. Fine, but do you know everything about the actors? Did you know that Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) has a career in musical theater and has put out several albums of his song renditions. You do now. Give a listen to 'Aspects of Lloyd Webber.' Barrowman has a hell of a voice and he knows how to use it. National Lampoon's Animal House We opened with Belushi and we're closing with Belushi. He's a comedy legend after all, and 'Animal House' was instrumental in getting him there. His character of Bluto seemed to have it all figured out - sort of - but one thing he really could have benefited from is a regulation panty raid ladder. None of this wooden ladder garbage, how about a nice strong 28 foot D-Rung Extension Ladder? (note: Neither Dick Ward nor High-Def Digest endorse the use of ladders for panty raids or any other illicit purpose. I don't actually own a ladder, but I assume that if I did I would use it solely for rescuing kitties from trees.)Posted Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
'Troll Hunter' Blu-ray Features Added[teaser]Supplements have been revealed for the acclaimed fantasy thriller from Norwegian filmmaker André Øvredal planned for Blu-ray release this August. [/teaser] As previously reported, Magnolia says 'Troll Hunter' is coming to Blu-ray on August 23. 'The Troll Hunter' is the story of a group of Norwegian film students that set out to capture real-life trolls on camera after learning their existence has been covered up for years by a government conspiracy. A thrilling and wildly entertaining film, 'The Troll Hunter' delivers truly fantastic images of giant trolls wreaking havoc on the countryside, with darkly funny adherence to the original Norwegian folklore. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include Making-of Featurette, Deleted Scenes, HDNet Special, and International Trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Troll Hunter' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 23.Posted Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Sharp and Foxconn Team Up to Beat Korean LCD Makers[teaser]Samsung and LG are strong rivals to have, but the two companies have high hopes for a new partnership. [/teaser] Sharp has big plans and it's not about to let anyone get in the way if it can help it. One of those plans includes beating out Korean manufacturers Samsung and LG. To do that they've enlisted the help of Taiwanese manufacturer Hon Hai, better known as Foxconn. The way it's going to work going forward is that Foxconn is going to produce smaller LCD panels - anything between 20 and 40 inches. They're set up to do it better, cheaper and more efficiently according to Sharp. Sharp in turn will provide Foxconn with panels 60 inches and larger - a specialty of Sharp's. A new joint venture company will make other things like components, glass and the other essentials for LCD televisions. Source: TWICEPosted Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
'Little Big Soldier' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]The Chinese action/comedy 'Da bing xiao jiang' announced for Blu-ray this August has been fully detailed. [/teaser] As previously reported, Well Go USA is prepping 'Little Big Soldier' for a Blu-ray release on August 23. The film which tells the tale of an old soldier who kidnaps the young general of an enemy state and begins long adventure to claim the reward is produced, written by, and stars Jackie Chan. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include a making of featurette, behind the scenes featurette, Jackie Chan Music Video, and trailers. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Little Big Soldier' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under August 23.Posted Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Apple Expected to Bid on Hulu - Yahoo Demands More From the Service[teaser]There's a lot going on in the impending Hulu sale with two big bidders emerging. [/teaser] There are a few companies out there that are suspect for every purchase opportunity that comes along. Analysts have been expecting Google and Amazon to snap something up in recent years, but they've been quiet in the bidding war for Hulu. Instead, somewhat surprisingly, Apple is considering placing a bid. The company is focusing on video in the future according to analyst Scott Sutherland of Wedbush Securities and Hulu would be a strong way to expand the company's own video offerings. Of course, it seems like that might cut down on sales of TV episodes through iTunes. Yahoo put in the offer that spurred the Hulu sale, but they're not ready to bite at the $2 billion price that Hulu is expected to sell for. The reason they give is a lack of exclusivity to content. The current offer from Hulu's owners guarantees two years of exclusivity to the content, but Yahoo wants five. Source: BloombergPosted Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'Star Wars' Blu-ray Deleted Scenes Preview![teaser]Not too long ago, at Comic-Con, that for some is far, far away… Attendees at the Star Wars Fan Movie Awards just got a sneak peek at some of the deleted scenes included on the upcoming Blu-ray release, and now you can, too! Punch it, Chewie! [/teaser] As previously reported, 20th Century Fox official announced that all of George Lucas' 'Star Wars' movies are coming to Blu-ray on September 16. There will be three different releases, with the major one being a mega 9-disc set 'Star Wars: The Complete Saga' (including all six films) for a suggested list price of $139.99, as well as 'Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy' and 'Star Wars: Original Trilogy' -- 3-disc sets with a suggested list price of $69.99. Check out this sizzle reel of deleted snippets: You can find the latest specs for 'Star Wars: The Complete Saga,' 'Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy,' and 'Star Wars: Original Trilogy' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under September 16.Posted Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 08:00 AM PDT by:
