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Netflix for the Boxee Box Delayed Again[teaser]Boxee cites security requirements as the big holdup. [/teaser] People who own the Boxee Box - at least the vocal ones - want Netflix bad. There's no reason they shouldn't expect to have it since Netflix has become a standard feature on Blu-ray players, TVs, game systems, and even phones. The folks at Boxee agree. "There’s not a day that goes by without dozens of emails, comments, tweets, asking about Netflix. We all want it," writes Andrew Klippen on the official Boxee Blog. The problem, he says, is that Boxee has not yet satisfied the Netflix security requirements. "The Netflix app is up and running on Boxee," he writes, adding "we watched the intro to Full Metal Jacket earlier today." It's just a matter of getting the security just right. Klippen says Netflix on the Boxee Box is close, it's just not here yet. Source: Boxee BlogPosted Wed Feb 2, 2011 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
'Street Kings 2: Motor City' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The direct-to-video action thriller has been dated for April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox has revealed 'Street Kings 2: Motor City' for Blu-ray on April 19. The film stars Golden Globe nominee Ray Liotta ('Goodfellas') and Shawn Hatosy ('Alpha Dog') and is directed by Chris Fisher ('Chuck'). The Blu-ray is expected to have 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and no supplements have been revealed so far. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'S.W.A.T.: Firefight' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 19.Posted Wed Feb 2, 2011 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Aperion Launches Verus Forte Speakers[teaser]The three-way speaker series is set to launch in February. [/teaser] "We worked to produce uncolored, authentic sound in a small form-factor speaker," says Aperion's lead speaker designer Ken Humphries, "by achieving a flat frequency response, a power response that slowly and evenly rolls off toward the highs and the lowest possible distortion." Like the Verus Grand series, Verus Forte speakers use the Aperion Sync Driver in the center channel, combining a woofer and the Axially Stabilized Radiator (ASR) tweeter. This allows the tweeter to add a bit of support and improve the mid-high frequencies. The Verus Forte tower sports a one-inch ASR tweeter, a 4.25-inch mid-range driver and a pair of 4.25-inch woofers. You'll be able to pick it up for $990 a pair. The Forte Center will run $350, while the bookshelf speakers will sell for $350 a pair when the line launches on February 22. Source: eCousticsPosted Wed Feb 2, 2011 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The timeless C.S. Lewis saga continues on Blu-ray this April! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox has slated 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader' for Blu-ray on March 1. Imagination comes to life with stunning special effects that bring the vast oceans and sprawling landscapes to life. The release comes just in time for Easter, making the family favorite a perfect gift for kids of all ages. Academy Award®-nominee Liam Neeson ('Schindler’s List') is featured as the voice of Aslan the Lion, Simon Pegg ('Mission Impossible III') as the voice of Reepicheep the Mouse, and Academy Award®-winner Tilda Swinton ('Michael Clayton') appears in a cameo as Jadis the White Witch. The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Audio Commentary by Director Michael Apted and Producer Mark Johnson; Deleted Scenes; “The Untold Adventures of The Dawn Treader” Animated Short; King Caspian’s Guide to the Dawn Treader: Legends and Lore of the Great Ship; 5 Islands Explorations; Narnian Discoveries: Friends and Foes of Narnia (7 featurettes); 3 Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes including Battle on the Sea; Sword Game; and 4 Fox Movie Channel Presents Behind The Scenes Featurettes. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under April 8.Posted Wed Feb 2, 2011 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
The Top Ten Blu-rays to Help You Forget Winter[teaser]High-Def Digest presents a list of Blu-rays to get you through the darkest days of winter.[/teaser] The Top Ten Blu-rays to Help You Forget Winter by Michael S. Palmer Well, dear Readers, here we are, the day before Groundhog Day, in the thick of the blustery, dark days of another long winter…well, except for me. I live in Southern California, and despite an unending bout of pre-Christmas rain, it's been a balmy 70 degrees for weeks. In fact, hold on just a minute, I need to turn on my air conditioner so I'll be more mentally aligned with the rest of North America and Europe… Ah, brrrrr, nice and chilly now. Man, what a year. I don't know if it's El Nino or La Nina or what is going on, but Canadian cold air and Pacific moisture are clearly making sweet, sweet love, and in the process, causing back-to-back-to-back Blizzards all across the lower 48. And to our European readers, you haven't fared much better this winter season. The good news is that the days are again getting longer (for those in the Northern hemisphere). But the bad news is that we're in for more cold and more storms. So, in order to combat the cold outside – assuming you still have power – here are ten hot Blu-rays guaranteed to whisk you away from shovels and snow blowers, and drop you into an entertaining inferno of heat, deserts, and tropical jungles: 10) 'Backdraft' Akin to a holiday Yule log, our first feature is like curling up on the couch in front of a warm fire. 'Backdraft' features extended sequences inside burning (and lovingly photographed) buildings guaranteed to warm the chill in your spine. Hans Zimmer's score is epically patriotic and the plot, you might say, is quite explosive…. hahahahahaha… hahaha… ha. Ahem, not funny, so sorry. But somewhat more seriously, this movie is so hot you'll need oven mitts just to hold your remote. 9) 'The Road Warrior' 'The Road Warrior' is a high-octane adventure set in the vast wastelands of a world gone by. The sunshine, earth tones, and explosions will warm anyone. Yes, there are some campy comedy bits, but the gritty car chases and action sequences will put you on the edge of your seat. Also, the Aussie accents (in the USA at least) make the whole thing feel a bit exotic. 8) 'Tropic Thunder' "What's in a name?" the Bard once asked. Well, friends, 'Tropic Thunder' says it all. It's a movie set in the lush jungles of South East Asia, which happens to be a thunderous lambasting of Hollywood and all of its ridiculous excess. Here, with one role, Tom Cruise almost managed to undue years of bad press and awkward shenanigans. And don't get me started on how funny Robert Downey Jr. is as the obsessive white actor who died his skin black to play the role of an African American soldier. If 'Tropic Thunders' locations don't warm you up, laughing for two hours should raise your core temperature. 7) 'Disney Nature: Oceans' Okay, this may be the only cheat on the list. Disney Nature's 'Oceans' is a captivating and beautiful documentary about what lives under the waves. There are mammals and fish and all sorts of intriguing creatures to behold, I literally couldn't take my eyes off my TV. This is the type of Blu-ray that sells televisions. But back to the "cheat" element… I must admit there are moments in 'Oceans' where the filmmakers explore frigid, arctic seas. Yet, for whatever reason, I always see the ocean and think warmth (despite having to wear a wet suit nearly year round when surfing). Watching 'Oceans' is like taking a trip to another world, one that sometimes exists within an arms reach. This film is also great for the whole family, so perhaps by huddling everyone together on the sofa, you'll get warm that way. 6) 'Pirates of the Caribbean' As a native New Englander, nothing says winter break like a trip to Florida or the Caribbean. 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl' (a title so long, I just got carpal tunnel while typing it) combines both for me: a trip to a Disney world and the clear, blue waters of paradise. 'Pirates' was actually one of my first Blu-ray purchases -- it features a crisp, vibrant HD picture and a ripping uncompressed soundtrack -- and doing scene by scene comparisons with it and the DVD counterpart, I quickly saw how vastly superior Blu-ray is to DVD. From the high seas swashbuckling to buckets of golden treasure to burning down the palm trees on a deserted island, 'Pirates' will take anyone out of the winter doldrums. And frankly, every time you watch it, you'll want to immediately put it back in again and again. 5) 'Black Hawk Down' We've spent a lot of time on this list in the jungles, but let's go back to the deserts and dry urban sprawls of Ridley Scott's war actioner. Between sandy beaches and African markets, 'Black Hawk Down' is a trip across the world into a war. The heroic nature of the characters is at once admirable and humbling, and like many of the films on this list, the explosions will help you pretend it's not eleven below outside. 4) 'Apocalypse Now' If 'Tropic Thunder' was the spoof, 'Apocalypse Now' is the real thing. It's an explosive journey through war and the mind of a man as he travels up river through the unbearable heat of Vietnam. More jungles, more rivers, and more Napalm are among the many things that will heat up the living room. In fact, people sweat so much in this movie, you can't help but join 'em (sympathy sweating). 3) Sunshine' Space as a setting might be cold enough to freeze a man in seconds, but 'Sunshine' may be the hottest film on this list. It features a team of scientists and astronauts flying to our dying sun to restart it, and as they get closer, the sun's solar rays threaten to destroy their protective shield and incinerate the ship (and all souls aboard). Many of the film's tense set pieces and character moments are built around this threat and by the final moments, you'll have stripped out of a sweater and pants, and be watching in shorts and a t-shirt. Whew, even writing about 'Sunshine' makes my feel feverish. 2) 'The Bridge On the River Kwai' Gosh, so many war movies and jungle settings. But none of them are as engrossing as 'The Bridge on the River Kwai'. Alec Guinness portrays one of the finest descents into madness ever captured on film. And the setting… We cross-cut between the resort-like American bases and the burning jungles of Burma where men who disobey their vicious Japanese captors are forced to sweat it out in a metal box. David Lean's film defines the word epic in everyway, and the climax will floor first time viewers. And now…the number one Blu-ray, or in this case Blu-rays, that will help you forget the endless winter… 1) 'LOST' Nothing is better than six exciting seasons following castaways trapped on a mysterious, tropical island. Filmed on the lush island of Oahu in Hawaii, there's action, adventure, suspense, crazy plot twists, relationships, love, and some of the best characters ever written for the small screen. Yet, the production values here rival those of many big screen productions. And the best part for newbies -- or those coming back to revisit the series -- is by the time you're finished watching 121 episodes of ground breaking, mind-boggling television, it literally will be the summer. So there we have it. Another list to debate and discuss. As always, there are certainly more Blu-rays (TV and feature films) to mention than what's considered on this list of my favorites -- please remember, we're only considering currently available Blu-ray Discs -- so I encourage readers to hit up the forums to add titles and/or arrange your own list(s). Cheers.Posted Tue Feb 1, 2011 at 01:40 PM PST by: -
'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1' Blu-ray Announced and Detailed[teaser]The first half of the Harry Potter grand finale is coming to Blu-ray in April! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers has announced 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1' for Blu-ray on April 15. From celebrated director David Yates (Harry Potter series Years 5-7), 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1' brings back the highly-acclaimed cast including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson as well as Academy Award® Nominee Ralph Fiennes ('Clash of the Titans,' 'The English Patient'), Academy Award® Nominee Helena Bonham Carter ('The Kings’s Speech,' 'Sweeney Todd'), Academy Award® Nominee Imelda Staunton ('Vera Drake'), Alan Rickman ('Sweeney Todd,' 'Love Actually'), and Michael Gambon ('The Good Shepherd,' 'Gosford Park'). 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1' also introduces Golden Globe® Winner Bill Nighy ('The Constant Gardener,' 'Love Actually') as Rufus Scrimgeour. The release will be a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack andwill feature 1080p video, a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack, and the only supplement shared with standard-definition releases will be additional scenes. Blu-ray exclusives include: Maximum Movie Mode: join host Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), and other members of the cast and crew, on an interactive journey through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1. Plus, revisit important moments from the previous films to prepare for the final battle that takes place in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2; Exclusive sneak peek of a scene from the upcoming film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2; Dan, Rupert and Emma's Running Competition: while filming the escape scene from the Snatchers in Swinley Forest, Dan, Rupert and Emma engage in a little competition of their own. With colorful commentary by Director David Yates, see the competitive spirit on set and this hilarious rivalry between the three leads; The Seven Harrys: see how Daniel Radcliffe recreated the personalities of the different characters that transform into Harrys in the Privet Drive scene; On the Green with Rupert, Tom, Oliver and James: accompany Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Oliver Phelps (George Weasley) and James Phelps (Fred Weasley) for a round of golf and get a glimpse into their 10-year friendship that developed while making the Harry Potter films; The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Promotional Trailer: join Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and other cast members from the Harry Potter films on their first visit to the Grand Opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter; and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1: Behind the Soundtrack. Also be sure to join the Quest for the Hallows, an online global adventure offering exclusive photos, videos, and the chance to win amazing prizes throughout the year! Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $35.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under April 15.Posted Tue Feb 1, 2011 at 12:20 PM PST by: -
'Ernest Goes to Camp/Ernest Goes to Jail' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]Hey Vern... Ernest goes to Blu-ray next month! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Mill Creek says 'Ernest Goes to Camp/Ernest Goes to Jail' will hit Blu-ray on March 22. This double feature of family comedies stars the late Jim Varney in his iconic role as Ernest P. Worrell. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $14.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Ernest Goes to Camp/Ernest Goes to Jail' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 22.Posted Tue Feb 1, 2011 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Francis Ford Coppola Defends Piracy - Sort Of[teaser]A recent interview has Coppola dismissing artists who expect big money, supporting those that download their music and movies.[/teaser] Francis Ford Coppola is a great filmmaker, and one who seems to have a bit of disdain for those that expect to get rich off of their art. " You have to remember that it’s only a few hundred years, if that much, that artists are working with money. Artists never got money," he says in a recent interview with The 99 Percent. Coppola says that money and art don't necessarily go hand in hand. " I’m going to be shot for saying this," he says, "But who said art has to cost money? And therefore, who says artists have to make money?" "As we enter into a new age, maybe art will be free. Maybe the students are right," he continues. "They should be able to download music and movies." Hit the source to read the full article, where Coppola speaks on great directors, great actors, and the need for a real job. No word on whether he plans to give his wine away for free or how he got the dough to found that vineyard... Source: The 99 PercentPosted Tue Feb 1, 2011 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
'The Tourist' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]Johnny Depp will be sightseeing with Angelina Jolie on Blu-ray next month! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony has revealed 'The Tourist' will hop on a gondola and head down the Blu-ray format on March 22. The film was nominated for three Golden Globes including Best Actor - Musical/Comedy (Johnny Depp), Best Actress - Musical/Comedy (Angelina Jolie), and Best Motion Picture - Musical/Comedy. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include: Director's commentary, Canal Chats, A Gala Affair, Action in Venice, Bringing Glamour Back, Tourist Destination-Travel the Canals of Venice, and Outtake Reel. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is set at $38.96. You can find the latest specs for 'The Tourist' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 22.Posted Tue Feb 1, 2011 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
THX Certified Displays Take Four of Five 'Sound + Vision' Accolades[teaser]As you can imagine, THX says this is a very good sign. [/teaser] THX Certification is a contentious subject for some, especially since the company refuses to reveal detailed standards for approval. Still, if the 2010 Editor's Choice awards from 'Sound + Vision' magazine are anything to judge by, THX Certification can make a big difference. THX Certified displays took four out of the five commendations, including an Editor's Choice award for the Runco Q-750i DLP Projector, Epson Powerlite Pro Cinema 9700UB LCD Projector and the LG 47LE8500 LCD TV. Video Product of the year went to the THX Certified Panasonic TC-950VT25 3D Plasma TV. "THX should be proud of its work with nearly all of our winners," says Sound + Vision Editor-in-Chief Mike Mettler. "It's clear that by going through the process of certification these companies care deeply about giving consumers the highest-quality home entertainment experience." PR NewswirePosted Tue Feb 1, 2011 at 09:00 AM PST by:
