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'Tron' and 'Tron Legacy' Blu-rays Officially Announced![teaser]Both films are coming in April, and each release will be loaded with special features! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Disney/Buena Vista will be releasing the original 'Tron' and the new 'Tron Legacy' on Blu-ray on April 5. On the 2D front, 'Tron' and 'Tron Legacy' will be available in combo packs each with a suggested list price of $39.99. Also available will be a 'Tron Legacy - 3D' combo pack priced at $49.99. Finally, there will be two different sets available containing both movies: 'Tron /Tron Legacy - 3D' for $69.99 and for the ultimate collector, 'The Limited Edition Ultimate Tron Experience' with special Identity Disc packaging for $99.99. 'Tron' features include: Audio Commentary, The TRON Phenomenon, The Making of TRON, Development, Digital Imagery, Music, Publicity, Deleted Scenes, Design, Storyboarding & Galleries, and the Blu-ray exclusive Photo Tronology. 'Tron Legacy' will feature: Visualizing TRON, Installing the Cast, and First Look at TRON: Uprising – the Disney XD animated series. Blu-ray exclusives will include: The Next Day: Flynn Lives Revealed; Disney Second Screen: this feature transforms the movie watching experience by allowing viewers to explore the story behind the film perfectly synched on a second device, like an iPad or laptop, without interrupting their enjoyment of the movie. By simply accessing the Disney Second Screen companion application on their Internet-connected device, consumers are able to dive deeper into the film by engaging with elements including 360-degree vehicle turnarounds, interactive progression reels, and more. Disney Second Screen directions and access codes can be found inside the Blu-ray Disc packaging. Audio synching is powered by TVPLUS; Launching The Legacy; Disc Roars; and Music video: Daft Punk, "Derezzed" You can find the latest specs for 'Tron' and 'Tron Legacy' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under April 5.Posted Sat Feb 12, 2011 at 01:40 PM PST by: -
HD Advisor Ninety 3DEditor's Note: Each Friday, High-Def Digest's own HD Advisor will answer a new round of questions from our readers. If you have home theater questions you need answered, send an email to [email protected]. If you've already sent a question and don't see it answered yet, please be patient as we work our way through them. To browse through previously answered questions, visit the main HD Advisor page. Answers by Joshua Zyber Before we start this week, I felt it worth pointing out that I've recently made the editorial decision to use the spelling "3D" (no hyphen) when referring to three-dimensional cinema, rather than my previous preference for "3-D." For more on why I made this change, see this blog post. Passive vs. Active Shutter 3D Q: With the different offerings of 3D sets out there (passive and active shutter), will any 3D Blu-ray I buy work properly on either set? Could something change with current or upcoming TV technology that will not allow current 3D disc offerings to play properly? A: The short answer here is yes. Blu-ray 3D will work with both types of 3D HDTV: those that require active shutter glasses or those that use passive glasses. The Blu-ray 3D signal is transmitted to either type of television as "packed" frames at a resolution of 1920x2205 (that's two 1080p pictures stacked one above the other). It's then up to the TV to separate out the left and right images and display them by whatever method the manufacturer has chosen. TVs that use active shutter glasses will display each eye's view in an alternating series: left, right, left, right, etc. The shutter glasses will sync to the TV signal and only allow the appropriate image to hit the intended eye. On the other hand, televisions of the passive type will display both the left and right eye views simultaneously with polarized light. Some will display them side-by-side, while other may use top-to-bottom or a "checkerboard" pattern. The glasses you wear have polarized lenses that redirect the light to the designated eyes. At the present time, the only way to get full 1080p imagery from both left and right eye views is to use a display with active shutter glasses. The passive displays, by necessity, reduce the resolution of each eye view in order to fit both into the same 1920x1080 pixel grid at the same time. In the future (perhaps even the near future), we may see higher resolution displays that have enough extra pixels to accommodate two full 1080p images side-by-side, but right now you'll have to compromise. Brand-Specific 3D Q: I am in the market for a 3D Blu-ray player. I have as my TV the Panasonic Viera TC-P50VT25. I also received Panasonic 3D glasses that came with the TV. Does this mean I have to get a Panasonic 3D Blu-ray player to watch 3D movies? I was looking to purchase the OPPO BDP-95. Is this 3d player compatible? A: You do not need to buy the same brand of Blu-ray player as your TV. Any Blu-ray 3D player will send the exact same signal to your 3D TV. The Blu-ray 3D spec requires universal compatibility in this regard. The 3D glasses you wear are a different story. In most cases, you must use glasses that are specifically designed to sync with your TV. Toshiba glasses will probably not work with a Panasonic HDTV, for example. However, some companies have marketed universal 3D glasses that will work across all brands. XpanD is currently the leader in this product category. Blu-ray 3D Backwards Compatibility Q: When the Blu-ray 3D spec was announced, 3D discs were meant to be backwards compatible with 2D Blu-ray players and equipment. However, with the majority of 3D discs, this is not the case. Separate 2D Blu-rays discs are usually included instead. Why is this? Is it down to compatibility issues with older players, or because of space constraints trying to fit a 3D picture, lossless soundtrack and extra features on a 50GB disc? A: A little over a month ago, I wrote up a blog post with the complete list of Blu-ray 3D titles available through the end of January of this year. (I'll try to update it with newer titles when I get a chance.) The list includes stats on whether and how each title is backwards compatible with 2D equipment. Of the 38 titles available, 23 of them are compatible with both 3D and 2D on the same disc. (One of these also includes a separate 2D disc anyway.) 7 titles achieve backwards compatibility only through the inclusion of a separate 2D disc. 2 titles have no compatibility with 2D at all, and 6 are still to be determined. So, it would seem that the most popular option is to include both 3D and 2D on the same disc. Those titles that require a separate 2D disc of course beg the question: Why? At least theoretically, this shouldn't be a disc storage space issue. A 3D image is created by displaying separate left eye and right eye views, each from a slightly different angle. To convert a 3D image to 2D, all the disc player has to do is turn off or ignore one of the views. The 2D version of the movie is already fully contained within the 3D version. It doesn't require a separate encode or more disc space. It's possible that some studios have had trouble authoring discs that will play properly on all existing 2D-only players without compatibility issues, and so have elected to split the 3D and 2D versions to separate discs. Another possibility might be that this is simply a marketing decision. Keeping the versions separate helps to avoid consumer confusion about how to access each. It also gives studios an excuse to charge more if there are more discs in the case. In almost all cases, the studios are going to author and release 2D-only copies of the movie anyway, so it could even be that this is simply a matter of laziness; they don't want to go to the effort or expense of programming and testing the 3D disc for 2D compatibility, and just decide to throw an already-existing 2D disc in the same case instead. Is Anaglyph 3D Dead? Q: I had a question regarding Blu-ray 3D. I think it's cool that they've been able to develop real 3D with fancy new TVs and such. But let's be honest, this is still a new technology and it's rather expensive for the average person (like me). I've noticed that ever since real Blu-ray 3D has been becoming more popular, 3D movies are being released in this new format and they're no longer releasing the cheesy red/blue 3D. Sure those cardboard glasses are kind of corny and the 3D doesn't look fantastic, but I really like it. Do you think they'll ever release any Blu-rays in this way anymore now that real 3D Blu-ray is becoming more popular? I like watching my 'Friday the 13th Part 3' and 'My Bloody Valentine' in corny red & blue 3D. I'd still like to watch other titles like 'Piranha' that way without having to spend $3,000 dollars. A: The old form of 3D that required colored cardboard glasses (usually red & blue, though other color combinations have also been used) was called "anaglyph." With the advent of the new Blu-ray 3D format, I'd say that there's very little call for anaglyph anymore, other than for nostalgic reasons. I'm sure even you'd have to admit that it looks pretty crappy. The advantages to anaglyph 3D are that it's compatible with any color television at all (no fancy equipment required) and it's cheap. I know of at least one upcoming Blu-ray title that will use anaglyph 3D: 'Scar 3D'. For the most part, however, it's going extinct – at least on Blu-ray. If you watch Blu-rays on your computer, PowerDVD 10 has the ability to convert movies to anaglyph 3D. Homework Assignment: You Be the Advisor The HD Advisor knows many things, but he doesn't know everything. Some questions are best answered with a consensus of opinions from our readers. If you can help to answer the following question, please post your response in our forum thread linked at the end of this article. Your advice and opinions matter too! Blu-ray 3D Rentals Q: I am trapped in an IFITL neighborhood that gets a maximum 1.5mbps connection, making HD streaming via Netflix/PSN/XBL/iTunes impossible. HD downloads take forever but are an option. Thankfully, I get Blu-ray discs via mail from both Netflix and Blockbuster. But we recently purchased a 3D TV and would like to watch some movies in 3D. Are there currently any services that either have 3D discs or 3D downloads (non streaming)? Or any services in the pipeline that may offer this service for people stuck in low-speed broadband areas? Buying 3D Blu-Rays are expensive! Check back soon for another round of answers. Keep those questions coming. Joshua Zyber's opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of this site, its owners or employees.Posted Fri Feb 11, 2011 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
'Yogi Bear' Dated for Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D[teaser]Pic-i-nic baskets won't be safe on either high-definition format by the end of next month! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers will be bringing the family film 'Yogi Bear' starring the voices of Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake as Yogi and Boo-Boo to high-definition on March 22. 'Yogi Bear - 3D' will also be available on the same date. Specs, supplements and suggested list prices have yet to be determined, but each release will be a Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack with the 3D release adding the 3D version of the film. You can find the latest specs for 'Yogi Bear' and 'Yogi Bear - 3D' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under March 22.Posted Fri Feb 11, 2011 at 10:45 AM PST by: -
'Teen Wolf' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The outrageous 1985 coming-of-age comedy is planned for Blu-ray this March! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, MGM has revealed 'Teen Wolf' will howl at the high-definition moon on March 29. The film stars Michael J. Fox as a shy teenager who scores big at basketball and with the girls after he discovers he's a werewolf. Specs, supplements, and suggested list price for the Blu-ray are still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Teen Wolf' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 29.Posted Fri Feb 11, 2011 at 10:30 AM PST by: -
'Green Day: Awesome as F**k' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]More Green Day is coming to Blu-ray this March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Music will be bringing 'Green Day: Awesome as F**k' to Blu-ray on March 22. The release features the best performances from the band's 21st Century Breakdown Tour. The full set list can be viewed here. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the 2-disc set is $24.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Green Day: Awesome as F**k' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 22.Posted Fri Feb 11, 2011 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Onkyo Unveils a Pair of Home Theater Systems[teaser]Both offer higher end features at an entry level price. [/teaser] Onkyo is all about value this year, and it's especially evident in their new HTiB systems, the HT-S5400 and HT-S3400. Both systems bring PLL jitter-cleaning circuitry to the table as well as TI Burr-Brown DACs and an Advanced Music Optimizer that brings your compressed audio files to life. They both feature Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume as well. The HT-S5400 kicks things up a bit by offering 7.1 channel audio instead of the 5.1 of the 3400. It also includes Dolby ProLogic IIz for a vertical soundstage and a USB port that allows you to hook up your iPod or iPhone directly. You'll be able to pick the HTiBs up when they go on sale in April. The 3400 comes in at $379 while the 5400 retails at $599. Both systems come with speakers and subs for a complete audio solution. Source: Widescreen ReviewPosted Fri Feb 11, 2011 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
'Material Girls,' 'Picture This,' 'Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, & Blonde' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]A trio of chick flicks is being prepped for high-definition in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, MGM says 'Material Girls,' 'Picture This,' and 'Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, & Blonde' are planned for Blu-ray on March 29. Specs, supplements, and suggested list price for the Blu-rays are still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Material Girls,' 'Picture This,' and 'Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, & Blonde' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under March 29.Posted Fri Feb 11, 2011 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Onkyo Intros Entry-Level Receivers With High-End Features[teaser]The latest from Onkyo feature iPhone interfaces, networking capabilities and more at entry level prices. [/teaser] Onkyo is known for high quality receivers but, just as it is with all companies, the low-end entry- level product lines felt lacking. They were about as bare-bones as you can get, but this year that all changes. The TX-SR309, TX-NR509 and TX-NR609 bring higher end features to the common man. The 309 and 509 offer 5.1 channel sound while the 609 gives you 7.2, but all three give you a front USB port designed to offer a direct connection from your iPod or iPhone. The 509 and 609 bring some extra functionality to the table in the form of advanced networking options like the ability to control your receiver through an iPhone. For an extra $39 you can go wireless with the UWF-1 wireless adapter. The TX-SR309 will run you $299, while the TX-NR509 will come in at $399. At the higher end is the TX-NR609 which runs $599. All three receivers will be out in early April. Source: Pocket-lintPosted Fri Feb 11, 2011 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
'The Secret of NIMH' and Both 'All Dogs Go to Heaven' Films Announced for Blu-ray![teaser]Two Don Bluth animated classics (and a mediocre sequel) are getting the high-definition treatment next month! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, MGM says 'The Secret of NIMH,' 'All Dogs Go to Heaven,' and 'All Dogs Go to Heaven 2' are planned for Blu-ray on March 29. All three films feature the voice talent of the late and incredibly funny Dom DeLuise. Specs, supplements, and suggested list price for the Blu-rays are still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'The Secret of NIMH,' 'All Dogs Go to Heaven,' and 'All Dogs Go to Heaven 2' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under March 29.Posted Fri Feb 11, 2011 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
'Fiddler on the Roof' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]Norman Jewison's 1971 award-winning musical will hit Blu-ray this April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, MGM has revealed 'Fiddler on the Roof' will hit Blu-ray on April 5. The movie was nominated for eight Oscars including Best Director and Best Picture and won three (Best Cinematography; Best Sound; and Best Music, Scoring Adaptation and Original Song Score - John Williams). Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Fiddler on the Roof' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 5.Posted Thu Feb 10, 2011 at 02:20 PM PST by:
