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'Avatar' 3D Blu-ray May Be Panasonic Exclusive Until 2012[teaser]The bundle deal runs until February of 2012, exclusivity is the big question. [/teaser] "Just wait 'til after Christmas, they'll have to release it then." That's the advice commonly doled out to people considering a new TV purchase to grab a copy of the biggest 3D movie ever, or trying to get their James Cameron fix by doling out a few hundred bucks on eBay. As it turns out, those advisors may be dead wrong. Die hard fans may decide they want to pick it up sooner. According to the site AVZombie - down at the moment because of excessive traffic - Panasonic has the rights to the 'Avatar' bundle until February of 2012. That's a considerably longer window of opportunity than anyone had anticipated. There's no official word on whether the deal is actually exclusive until 2012, and we're certainly hoping that's not the case. Whether you're a fan of 'Avatar' or not, a year and a half exclusivity window is a precedent we don't want to see set. In the meantime, if you choose the right shipping, you can still get the bundle at a considerable discount. Source: AV Zombie (via Engadget)Posted Tue Dec 14, 2010 at 10:50 AM PST by: -
Kaleidescape's Blu-ray Movie Server Now Shipping[teaser]The server eliminates load times, and can give you Blu-ray access from any room in the house. [/teaser] "Blu-ray offers the highest fidelity for my discerning clients, but if you thought watching a DVD was frustrating, just try a Blu-ray Disc." These are the sentiments of Jeff Cherun, owner of Teatro Custom Installation. He's not bagging on the high definition picture and he's not downplaying the importance of great audio - he's talking about load times. "With the Kaleidescape System," he says, "you're enjoying any of your Blu-ray movies in seconds instead of minutes. My customers will never go back to an ordinary Blu-ray player." That system, which has been unveiled piece by piece over the last year or so, is finally shipping in full. With the Kaleidescape system, you're able to back up your Blu-rays onto a server and play them back at your leisure in any room with a Kaleidescape player. The Modular Disc Vault is the final piece of the puzzle. It allows you to import and store up to 100 discs at once. That's essential, since you'll still need the disc in the vault to play it - an anti piracy measure. Source:Posted Tue Dec 14, 2010 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
The New Roku Firmware Update Includes 1080p for XR owners.[teaser]Roku's latest firmware release brings plenty into the mix, but 1080p capabilities for older players is at the top of the list. [/teaser] If you're using a Roku player, you're probably used to getting excited about firmware updates. The company has a strong history of updates that not only fix problems but add functionality to their devices. The latest patch is no different. The biggest piece of news comes for owners of the Roku XR since the unit was updated to enable 1080p output. That means you're getting even better picture quality without having to buy a new piece of gear. Every Roku device will take advantage of new optimizations to the Hulu Plus program that allow quicker navigation, playback and better performance on slow networks. There is also a variety of bug fixes and small tweaks to the user interface. Roku (via EngadgetPosted Tue Dec 14, 2010 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Get $75 Amazon Credit with Purchase of PS3[teaser]Amazon has a great deal for those in the market for a PlayStation 3! [/teaser] The online retailer is currently selling a 160GB PlayStation 3 for $299, and with the purchase customers will also receive $75 credit to use towards items shipped and sold by Amazon.com. Some restrictions apply and full details can be viewed here! This offer is available only for a limited time and one per household, so if you're interested be sure to take advantage of the savings as quick as you can.Posted Tue Dec 14, 2010 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Sony, IMAX and Discovery Announce New 3D Programming[teaser]Along with a few expected shows, three new original series will be hitting the 3D channel. [/teaser] In October we got a glimpse of the upcoming programming for the new joint effort between Sony, Discovery and IMAX. Now we're seeing more, but just a bit more. A few more existing properties will be heading to 3D, including 'Ghost Lab,' 'Open Season,' and 'Space Station,' an IMAX exploration of the titular space station. More exciting is the trio of new shows coming to the channel. It all kicks off with 'Bullproof,' a show focusing on bull riding and delivering an up close and personal 3D version of the experience. 'Making the Brand' is a behind-the-scenes look at how the products we use every day are made, and 'High Octane' brings 3D to extreme sports like motocross, jet skiing, rock-climbing and more. "We continue to move forward aggressively to both create and acquire the most immersive and entertaining 3D programming for television audiences available anywhere," says the venture's president, Tom Cosgrove. "The broad range of series and programs announced today further underscores our ongoing commitment to providing consumers with the highest quality 3D content across a wide variety of genres." Source: DiscoveryPosted Tue Dec 14, 2010 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
'Get Low' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser] Academy Award-winner Robert Duvall will be gettin' low on Blu-ray this February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony has revealed 'Get Low' co-starring Bill Murray, Sissy Spacek, and Lucas Black is headed to the Blu-ray format on February 22. Based on a true story of Felix Breazeale, a Tennessee recluse, who planned his own funeral while he was still alive so he could enjoy it. Specs have yet to be revealed but supplements will include: Commentary with actors Robert Duvall and Sissy Spacek, director Aaron Schneider and producer Dean Zanuck; The Deep South: Buried Secrets; Getting Low: Getting into Character; Cast & Crew Q&A; A Screenwriter's Point of View; and On the Red Carpet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is set at $38.96. You can find the latest specs for 'Get Low' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 22.Posted Tue Dec 14, 2010 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Criterion Collection Blu-ray Sale at Amazon[teaser]Save up to 45% on a variety of must-own classics on Blu-ray![/teaser] Amazon has lowered the prices on over twenty titles from the Criterion Collection with many nearing the 50% off mark. Some of the great titles include 'Yojimbo/Sanjuro,' 'The Seventh Seal,' 'Days of Heaven,' and more! The promotion is available for a limited time and to browse all the titles click here!Posted Mon Dec 13, 2010 at 06:25 PM PST by: -
One Last Chance For 'Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut' Blu-ray at WB Shop[teaser]The long out of print release is available one last time today only from Warner Brothers. [/teaser] WB Shop is making available Zack Snyder's 'Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut' for today only for to $37.95 (plus shipping). The release includes the director's cut of the film with the animated 'Tales from the Black Freighter' woven into the live-action feature, the 'Under the Hood' addendum, as well as 'Watchmen: The Complete Motion Comic.' If you missed it before, this is your last chance to order your copy of this great 4-disc Blu-ray set today!Posted Mon Dec 13, 2010 at 01:17 PM PST by: -
Yamaha Debuts a 3D Compatible Digital Sound Projector[teaser]It's a slick soundbar, but the $1,000 price makes us think twice. [/teaser] The YSP-2000 is the latest soundbar from Yamaha, who prefers to call it a Digital Sound Projector. Whatever you call it, the YSP-2000 is an impressive setup. Yamaha's new soundbar boasts 16 speaker beam drivers, each with its own digital amplifier. The combination of drivers and internal technology allows the YSP-2000 to simulate 7.1 channel surround sound. The soundbar includes a 100 watt subwoofer that's compact enough for a shelf and can be positioned either horizontally or vertically. You'll get four HDMI 1.4 inputs and a dock port for adding accessories like iPhone docks and Bluetooth receivers. The YSP-2000 comes in at a price of $999.95. Source: EngadgetPosted Mon Dec 13, 2010 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
'IMAX: The Ultimate Wave - Tahiti - 3D' & 'Ultimate G's: Zac's Flying Dream - 3D' Announced for Blu-ray 3D[teaser]A pair of ultimate shorts are coming to Blu-ray 3D in March. [/teaser] Image Entertainment is bringing the surfing experience 'IMAX: The Ultimate Wave - Tahiti - 3D' to the Blu-ray 3D format on March 1. On March 29, 'Ultimate G's: Zac's Flying Dream - 3D' starring a very young Michael Cera will also be released on the format. The releases will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements for 'The Ultimate Wave' include a trailer gallery and Vignettes: 'Board Design, Kelly Slater, Raimana, Tahiti Wave Science.' No supplements have been revealed for 'Ultimate G's.' Suggested list price for each Blu-ray 3D is $24.98. You can find the latest specs for 'IMAX: The Ultimate Wave - Tahiti - 3D' and 'Ultimate G's: Zac's Flying Dream - 3D linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under March.Posted Mon Dec 13, 2010 at 10:00 AM PST by:
