-
'Faster' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]The Rated-R revenge flick will hunt down Blu-ray this March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony has revealed 'Faster' for Blu-ray on March 1. After 10 years in prison, Driver (Dwayne Johnson) is now a free man with a single focus – hunting down the people responsible for brutally murdering his brother. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Deleted Scenes & Alternate Ending with Director's Introduction and Blu-ray exclusives: Weapons and Wheels: The Guns, Cars and Stunts of Faster; Bank Heist; PS3 Theme; and movieIQ®+sync. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Faster' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 1.Posted Wed Jan 19, 2011 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Netflix Pulls "Add to DVD Queue" From Instant Watch Devices[teaser]It's another move away from physical media for Netflix, and one that's gotten people understandably upset. [/teaser] Up until now, Netflix has had a feature on Instant Watch devices like the PS3, Roku player, and iPhone that would allow you to add a movie to your DVD queue if it wasn't available to stream. Seems like a good idea, right? Well it's gone. Netflix has announced that they're pulling the option because "providing the option to add a DVD to your Queue from a streaming device complicates the instant watching experience and ties up resources that are better used to improve the overall streaming functionality." The problem with that answer is that removing the option actually makes things more complicated. To add a movie to your DVD queue on the iPhone, you can't just search for it and then add it to your queue like you used to. You'll have to search, find it, realize that it's unavailable streaming, close the Netflix app, open up your internet browser and then add it from the Netflix site. That or keep a netbook handy for adding and removing DVDs and Blu-rays from your queue. This seems to be yet another move away from DVD and Blu-ray discs for Netflix, which has been focusing intently on its streaming service. Source: Netflix BlogPosted Wed Jan 19, 2011 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
'Burlesque' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed[teaser]Steve Antin's musical Cinderella story will dance and dazzle on Blu-ray this March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony has slated 'Burlesque' for Blu-ray on March 1. A small town singer (Christina Aguilera) moves to the big city for her chance at stardom when she discovers Burlesque, a glamorous nightclub packed with dancers, sizzling musical numbers, and an owner (Cher) in need of a star. The release will be a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack and will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Director's Commentary; Alternate Opening; The Burlesque Lounge: Alternate Full Musical Performances!; Blooper Reel, and Blu-ray exclusives will include movieIQ™+sync featuring the Burlesque playlist; Burlesque is Back!; The Performers: The Cast of Burlesque; Setting the Stage: Production Design & Performers; Inside the Dressing Room: Creating the Burlesque Look; and The Set List: The Music & Choreography of Burlesque. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Burlesque' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 1.Posted Wed Jan 19, 2011 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Rumor: The iPad 2 Getting 720p or Better Resolution[teaser]Apple's popular tablet may be going HD after all. [/teaser] When Apple launched the iPad last year, they did so with the pomp and circumstance normally associated with Apple products. Steve Jobs took the podium and introduced some of the iPad's features, including the ability to play back HD movies. Of course, without an HD screen that hardly matters. The iPad 2, which we should start hearing about soon if Apple is on course for the next piece of tech, is rumored to upgrade the existing 1024x768 screen to a display that can actually play back HD content in its native resolution. It seems likely that Apple would want to upgrade, but there's a question of compatibility. The iPad has a 4:3 aspect ratio, and unless Apple is planning on changing up their apps significantly, we'll likely see another 4:3. The most likely, according to CrunchGear's Devin Coldewey, is an upgrade to 2048x1536 - four times the resolution of the original. Source: CrunchGearPosted Wed Jan 19, 2011 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
'Fair Game' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Doug Liman's political thriller based on true events is in the works for Blu-ray release in two months. [/teaser] In an early retailer announcement, Summit Entertainment is planning to bring 'Fair Game' starring Sean Penn and Naomi Watts to Blu-ray on March 29. Specs haven't been revealed yet, and the only supplement appears to be an audio commentary with Valerie Plame Wilson and Joe Wilson. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Fair Game' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 29.Posted Wed Jan 19, 2011 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
'What Dreams May Come' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Robin Williams dies and Cuba Gooding Jr. shows him the heaven on Blu-ray this May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is preparing 'What Dreams May Come' for a Blu-ray release on May 3. The 1998 film was nominated for two Oscars, winning Best Effects/Visual Effects. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements are expected to include: Feature Commentary with Director Vincent Ward; About the Visual Effects; "Making of" Featurette; Alternate Ending; Photo Gallery; Cast and Filmmakers; Production Information; and a Theatrical Trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $26.98. You can find the latest specs for 'What Dreams May Come' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under May 3.Posted Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 04:45 PM PST by: -
"High-Def Digest-Digest" - January 18, 2011[teaser]The first few weeks of January have been huuuuuge, thanks in part to CES 2011. New gear was announced, 3D technology was pushed further forward, and we got what might be the biggest Blu-ray announcement of all time!!! Not sure what we're talking about? That's what the High-Def Digest-Digest is for.[/teaser] Blu-ray News 'Star Wars' Announced for Blu-ray! If you didn't hear about this one then you're really out of the loop. The trilogy everyone's been waiting for and the trilogy everyone wants to forget about are hitting Blu-ray on September 18th. 'The Lion King' & 'Beauty and the Beast' Announced for Blu-ray 3D Disney's going 3D with some of their classics, including 'The Lion King' and 'Beauty and the Beast.' Even more titles are rumored, including 'Nightmare Before Christmas.' 'The Incredibles' Blu-ray Dated It's always exciting when a Pixar movie goes HD, and we couldn't be more excited for the Blu-ray release of 'The Incredibles' on April 12. 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' Criterion Announced For Blu-ray If you're a 'Fear and Loathing' fan, you'll be happy to know that the Criterion Collection Blu-ray will be hitting shelves on April 26. We're still trying to get Drew Taylor to stop giggling and clapping his hands together maniacally. 'The Ten Commandments' Blu-rays Detailed The Cecil B. Demille classic will be hitting Blu-ray on March 29th along with documentaries, commentary and more. Blu-ray Director’s Panel – CES 2011 Oliver Stone, Baz Luhrmann, and Michael Mann sat down to talk about Blu-ray and what it means to them. The State of Blu-ray At CES 2011 There weren't very many big Blu-ray player announcements at CES 2011 - Dick Ward says that's a good sign. Other News Samsung Roundtable – CES 2011 Samsung holds a roundtable to discuss the present and future of the company with some of its top execs and a few members of the press. High-Def Digest is there. Philips Announces World's First Wireless HDMI Blu-ray Player Aside from the power cord, you can go wireless with the new Philips player, giving you freedom to put the player anywhere you want - within 100 feet of course. Japan Gets First 3D Series, And It's a Drama! Adventure? Excitement? A Japanese 3D audience craves not these things. Even if they do want it, they're getting a drama about air traffic controllers instead. Netflix Buttons Are Coming to Remotes Everywhere Netflix fans with connected TVs and Blu-ray players will have an even easier time getting to their favorite streaming content thanks to the addition of Netflix specific buttons. Goodbye Component - From Now On Only HDMI Will Do HD Analog video users are out of luck thanks to the new standard. Starting in 2013, Blu-ray players won't even offer component outputs. The Bonus View The Year in Review: The Best Films of 2010 Drew Taylor takes a look at the year's best and inspires controversy with 'Piranha 3D.' How Soon is Too Soon for a Remake? The impending remake of 'Total Recall' makes Josh Zyber ask - is twenty years too soon? My Latest Addiction: 'Game Dev Story' Dick Ward is hooked on an iPhone game - and he doesn't even have an iPhone. 'Game Dev Story' is the game worth borrowing your rommate's phone to play. Worst Weekend Ever Josh Zyber hates on Vampire Weekend, or at least one song in particular in his rant about the music used in TV commercials.Posted Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 12:03 PM PST by: -
'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' Criterion Blu-ray Announcement Corrected[teaser]As previously reported, Terry Gilliam's wacky adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's work is getting a Criterion double dip this April. This time we have the correct supplements cut and paste! [/teaser] The Criterion Collection has announced 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' starring Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro for a Blu-ray release on April 26. The movie has already been released by Universal and is reviewed here. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack, and supplements include: Audio commentary with Terry Gilliam; Hunter Goes to Hollywood, a short documentary by filmmaker Wayne Ewing; A look at the controversy over the screenwriting credit; Profile of Oscar Zeta Acosta, the inspiration for Dr. Gonzo; Collection of artwork by illustrator Ralph Steadman; Audio excerpt from the 1996 spoken-word CD Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, featuring filmmaker Jim Jarmusch and actor Maury Chaykin; Fear and Loathing on the Road to Hollywood, a 1978 BBC documentary with Thompson and Steadman; Storyboards, production designs, stills gallery, theatrical trailer, and TV spots; A booklet featuring an essay by critic J. Hoberman and two pieces by Thompson; Audio commentary with Stars Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro and producer Laila Nabulsi; Audio commentary with Author Hunter S. Thompson; Deleted scenes, with optional commentary by Gilliam; and Selection of Thompson correspondence, read on camera by Depp. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under April 26.Posted Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
'White Material' and 'Le Cercle Rouge' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Criterion slates up Denis and Melville films for Blu-ray this April. [/teaser] Criterion has revealed the 2009 drama 'White Material' for Blu-ray on April 12. In White Material, the great contemporary French filmmaker Claire Denis, known for her restless, intimate dramas, introduces an unforgettably crazed character. Played ferociously by Isabelle Huppert, Maria is an entitled white woman living in Africa, desperately unwilling to give up her family’s crumbling coffee plantation despite the civil war closing in on her. Created with Denis’ signature full-throttle visual style, which places the viewer in the center of the maelstrom, White Material is a gripping evocation of the death throes of European colonialism and a fascinating look at a woman lost in her own mind. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio, and supplements include: New interviews with Clare Denis and actors Isabelle Huppert and Isaach de Bankolé; Short documentary by Denis on the film's premiere at the Écrans Noirs Film Festival 2010 in Cameroon; Deleted scene; Theatrical trailer; and a booklet featuring a new essay by film writer Amy Taubin. On the same day, Criterion will also be bringing 'Le Cercle Rouge' to Blu-ray. Alain Delon plays a master thief, fresh out of prison, who crosses paths with a notorious escapee and an alcoholic ex-cop (Yves Montand). The unlikely trio plot a heist, against impossible odds, and then a relentless inspector and their own pasts seal their fates. Le cercle rouge, from Jean-Pierre Melville, combines honorable antiheroes, coolly atmospheric cinematography, and breathtaking set pieces to create a masterpiece of crime cinema. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, an uncompressed soundtrack, and supplements will include: Excerpts from Cinéastes de notre temps: "Jean-Pierre Melville"; Video interviews with assistant director Bernard Stora and Rui Nogueria, the author of Melville on Melville; Thirty minutes of rare on-set and archival footage, featuring interviews with director Jean-Pierre Melville and stars Alain Delon, Yves Montand, and André Bourvil; Original theatrical trailer and 2003 Rialto Pictures rerelease trailer; and a booklet featuring essays by film critics Michael Sragow and Chris Fujiwara, excerpts from Melville on Melville, a reprinted interview with composer Eric Demarsan, and an appreciation from director John Woo. Suggested list price for each Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for 'White Material' and 'Le Cercle Rouge' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under April 12.Posted Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
'Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]The acclaimed documentary on the classical musician is going Blu this March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lorber Films is preparing 'Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould' for Blu-ray on March 1. The film includes interviews with Petula Clark, Cornelia Foss, Roxolana Roslak, Vladimir Ashkenazy, among others and will be the director's cut containing footage not seen in theatres. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include deleted scenes and extra interviews. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 1.Posted Tue Jan 18, 2011 at 10:00 AM PST by:
