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'Kuroneko' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]Kaneto Shindo's 1968 ghost story is set for an October Blu-ray release. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion says 'Kuroneko' is coming to Blu-ray on October 18. In this poetic and atmospheric horror fable, set in a village in war-torn medieval Japan, a malevolent spirit has been ripping out the throats of itinerant samurai. 'Kuroneko' ('Black Cat') is a spectacularly eerie twilight tale. The Blu-ray will feature a 1080p transfer, an uncompressed mono soundtrack, and supplements include: Video interview with director Kaneto Shindo from the Directors Guild of Japan; New video interview with critic Tadao Sato; Theatrical trailer; and a booklet featuring an essay by film critic Maitland McDonagh and an excerpt from film scholar Joan Mellen's 1972 interview with Shindo. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Kuroneko' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 18.Posted Tue Jul 19, 2011 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Best Buy's New Insignia TV Boasts Built-In TiVo[teaser]There's no DVR functionality, but the set does boast Wi-Fi connectivity. [/teaser] There's been a trend in electronics for a long time - Japan gets cool stuff first. In the case of the TV with a built in DVR, the US still hasn't gotten any, but the newest set from Insignia takes us a step closer. The latest set from Best Buy's house brand Insignia packs the TiVo user interface along with all the streaming services that go along with it, like CinemaNow and Netflix. Dubbed the cTV, it will be available in 32 and 42 inch sizes, both of which offer Wi-Fi connectivity. Best Buy's new TV doesn't include DVR functionality, which would make this product launch far more interesting. Details are still fuzzy on multi-room access and whether or not DVR capabilities can be unlocked with the addition of an external hard drive. We're guessing no to both. The TVs are set to launch on July 31st. Pricing is unavailable at this time. Source: EngadgetPosted Tue Jul 19, 2011 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
'Salo, or The 120 Days of Sodom' and 'Harakiri' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Pasolini and Kobayashi get the Criterion Blu-ray treatment this October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion has revealed the controversial 1975 film 'Salo, or The 120 Days of Sodom' for Blu-ray on October 4. Pier Paolo Pasolini’s notorious transposition of the Marquis de Sade’s eighteenth-century opus of torture and degradation to Fascist Italy in 1944 remains one of the most passionately debated films of all time. The Blu-ray will feature a 1080p transfer and supplements include: “Salò”: Yesterday and Today, a thirty-three-minute 2002 documentary featuring interviews with director Pier Paolo Pasolini, actor-filmmaker Jean-Claude Biette, and Pasolini friend Nineto Davoli; Fade to Black, a twenty-three-minute 2001 documentary featuring directors Bernardo Bertolucci, Catherine Breillat, and John Maybury, as well as scholar David Forgacs; The End of “Salò”, a forty-minute documentary about the film’s production; Video interviews with set designer Dante Ferretti and director and film scholar Jean-Pierre Gorin; Theatrical trailer; and a booklet featuring essays by Neil Bartlett, Breillat, Naomi Greene, Sam Rohdie, Roberto Chiesi, and Gary Indiana, and excerpts from Gideon Bachmann’s on-set diary. Criterion will also be bringing 'Harakiri' to Blu-ray on the same date. Following the collapse of his clan, unemployed samurai Hanshiro Tsugumo (Tatsuya Nakadai) arrives at the manor of Lord Iyi, begging to commit ritual suicide on his property in Masaki Kobayashi’s fierce evocation of individual agency in the face of a corrupt and hypocritical system. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a Japanese soundtrack, and supplements will include: Video introduction by Japanese-film historian Donald Richie; Excerpt from a rare Directors Guild of Japan video interview with director Masaki Kobayashi, moderated by filmmaker Masahiro Shinoda; Video interviews with star Tatsuya Nakadai and screenwriter Shinobu Hashimoto; Original theatrical trailer; and a booklet featuring an essay by film scholar Joan Mellen and a reprint of a 1972 interview by Mellen with Kobayashi. Suggested list price for each Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Salo, or The 120 Days of Sodom' and 'Harakiri' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under October 4.Posted Tue Jul 19, 2011 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Circuit City is Selling DIVX - No, Not DivX[teaser]Remember that awful technology that got shut down hard by DVDs? It can be yours for the right price. [/teaser] Think way back to the days when DVD first came on the market and try to remember DIVX. Not the computer format, but that strange video rental style scheme that Circuit City came up with. The way DIVX worked was that you'd purchase a disc for four dollars or so and then take it home and watch it. You could watch it as many times as you wanted for 48 hours and then it would be disabled. After that, you could activate the disc again by paying more. Sort of like a crappy version of VODs. That technology and others are being sold at auction on August 16th for a starting price of $750,000. If there are no bidders, Imaging Transfer Co. will pick it all up at the starting price. "Although Circuit City was not able to capitalize on its inventions, the video distribution model it envisioned has become the mainstream," says Gabe Fried of Streambank - the company assisting in the sale of the tech. DIVX may have helped to pave the way for video on demand, but how much is a failed technology that showed everyone what not to do really worth? Apparently $750 grand. Source: EngadgetPosted Tue Jul 19, 2011 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The original 1992 dark comedy will plunge a wooden stake through the heart of Blu-ray this September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox has revealed 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' for a Blu-ray release on September 13. The film stars Kristy Swanson in the titular role (that would eventually be passed on to Sarah Michelle Gellar for Joss Whedon's TV series) and co-stars Donald Sutherland and Paul Reubens ('Pee-Wee's Big Adventure'). The Blu-ray will feature a 1080p digital transfer with a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack, and supplements have yet to be revealed. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 13.Posted Tue Jul 19, 2011 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
8 Comedies From The 80s That Are Better Than 'Take Me Home Tonight'by Aaron Peck [teaser]Topher Grace's ode to the 80s 'Take Me Home Tonight' hits Blu-ray this week. This got me thinking about teen comedies from the 80s and how there are so many movies from the "me decade" that you'd be better off watching this week.[/teaser] The fact is, the Topher Grace vehicle just isn't that good. Rumor has it that it sat on the shelf for four years – filmed the same year as 'Superbad' – and was just never brought to the public's attention until now. Grace says tit's the movie's heavy cocaine use that got its release date pushed back, but methinks that the studio saw it and thought, "Gee, this film looks eerily similar to every other 80s teen comedy only it lacks any sort of charm or nostalgic value." The 80s were a wonderful time for teen comedies. There are tons of classic teen movies from that time period that made us laugh and cringe at the same time. There were some that pushed the envelope and others that simply entertained. There are guilty pleasures along with bona fide classics. Check out the list below to see some of the movies you could watch besides sitting through 'Take Me Home Tonight'. 'Back to the Future' It's true that this isn't a movie that you think about when you think of raucous teenage comedies from the 80s, but nothing says 80s comedy like taking a trip with Marty and the Doc. 'Back to the Future' is the perfect way to – ahem – travel back in time and remember what 80s movies were all about. Even though there's a whole time travel plot going on, 'Back to the Future' nails the high school experience and is a pure slice of 80s nostalgia. 'Better Off Dead' Ah, it's so nice that we're finally getting 'Better Off Dead' on Blu-ray in August. Just in time for you to push 'Take Me Home Tonight' aside for a John Cusack movie that will have you reminiscing about cheesy 80s movies that will have you laughing every time. That "2 Dollars!" kid gets me every single time. He's far more iconic that the Ball Scene in 'Take Me Home Tonight' could ever hope to be. 'Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure' Nothing screams 80s teen awesomeness like Bill and Ted embarking on an excellent adventure that takes them throughout the span of time as they collect historical figures for a school report. It's a movie that's infinitely watchable if only for the fact that it's the role Keanu Reeves was born to play. Now let's finally get a Blu-ray release for this movie, shall we? 'The Breakfast Club' Our very own M. Enois Duarte gave 'The Breakfast Club' an outstanding four and a half out of five stars when he reviewed the Blu-ray not too long ago. It's true, 'The Breakfast Club' is the epitome of 80s teen comedy. What's so great about 'The Breakfast Club,' which Duarte points out in his review, is the fact that the teenage characters here aren't treated like idiotic adolescents. John Hughes pays them respect and treats them like grown ups with intelligence and insight. 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' Another 80s classic that is coming to Blu-ray this August. 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' was one of those sex comedies that really pushed the boundaries of what could be put on film. One of the most famous masturbation scenes comes from 'Fast Times'. It seems timid by comparison to some of the scenes that have found their ways into movies nowadays, but back then it was pretty edgy. 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' Quite possibly the most influential and memorable teen comedy from the 80s. 'Ferris' became an instant classic. It's a film that has gone down through the decades, gathering new fans who weren't even born when it was made. Watching Ferris navigate his phony sick day is every bit as delightful the 73rd time around as it was the first time you watched it. It's a movie that will be loved for decades to come. 'Say Anything' Another 80s comedy reviewed here by M. Enois Duarte and another four and a half star release. That iconic scene with John Cusack hoisting the boombox above his head is every bit as memorable as Ferris serenading thousands of Chicagoans with his rendition of "Twist and Shout." One of the best romantic comedies of all time. 'Weird Science' I was torn over whether or not to put 'Sixteen Candles' in this slot, but I thought "What they heck! Let's go with a guilty pleasure." Two horny geeks create the perfect woman on their computer, and in perfect 80s goofiness, a lightning storm brings her to life. Now they have a sexy new friend named Lisa (Kelly LeBrock) to help them become men. Every horny adolescent's dream come true. 'Take Me Home Tonight' just wasn't the look back at the 80s that I was hoping it would be. It was forgettable at best. Just another movie that tried unsuccessfully to emulate what John Hughes did so masterfully. Do yourself a favor and dig up one of these genuine classics this week and watch something better and more nostalgic.Posted Mon Jul 18, 2011 at 01:20 PM PDT by: -
'Clash of Empires' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]The title says it all. Empires will clash in high-definition this September! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Image Entertainment is working on 'Clash of Empires' for Blu-ray on September 6. A clash of swords is like a call to arms. But a clash of empires will summon much, much more! A narrative that travels through unknown lands towards nameless peril, 'Clash of Empires' is an exhilarating story of brave deeds from distant times. 'Clash of Empires' features an international cast and incredible action sequences headed by renowned Hong Kong stunt choreographer Chan Man Ching (member of the Jackie Chan Stuntman Team). A colossal film in the epic tradition, 'Clash of Empires' is a thrilling combination of romance and betrayal…of adventure and danger! The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and there doesn't appear to be any supplements. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.97. You can find the latest specs for 'Clash of Empires' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 6.Posted Mon Jul 18, 2011 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The 2002 historical short will be discovered on Blu-ray in September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, National Geographic has just announced 'Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West' for a Blu-ray release on September 13. Relive an amazing tale of discovery and exploration in Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West, as National Geographic brings to life the first crossing of what would become the United States. With careful research and meticulous re-creations, this expedition comes to life for the first time in stunning high-definition. Two hundred years after their epic journey, go back in time with Lewis, Clark, their guide Sacagawea, and the brave Corps of Discovery as they discover the adventure, danger, and beauty of the unmapped West. Specs haven't been confirmed yet, but supplements will include a making-of featurette and an interactive trail map. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 13.Posted Mon Jul 18, 2011 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Spotlight Bargain: 'Futurama: Volume 5' Blu-ray $13.49 at Amazon![teaser]Save over sixty percent on this high-definition collection of episodes from the cult animated series! [/teaser] The online retailer is selling 'Futurama: Volume 5' for only $13.49 (66% off suggested list price). Click here to own this Bender-rific set today!Posted Mon Jul 18, 2011 at 09:50 AM PDT by: -
'The Four Feathers (1939)' Blu-ray Announced and Detailed[teaser]Criterion will literally stick four more feathers in its Blu-ray cap in early October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, the Criterion Collection will bring 'The Four Feathers (1939)' to Blu-ray on October 11. This spectacular Technicolor epic, directed by Zoltán Korda, is considered the finest of the many adaptations of A.E.W. Mason’s classic 1902 adventure novel about the British Empire’s exploits in Africa, and a crowning achievement of Alexander Korda’s legendary production company, London Films. The Blu-ray will feature a new 1080p digital transfer, an uncompressed mono soundtrack, and supplements include: Audio commentary by film historian Charles Drazin; New video interview with David Korda, son of director Zoltán Korda; A Day at Denham: A short film from 1939 featuring footage of Zoltán Korda on the set of The Four Feathers; Trailer; and a booklet featuring an essay by critic Michael Sragow. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for 'The Four Feathers (1939)' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 11.Posted Mon Jul 18, 2011 at 09:00 AM PDT by:
