-
Xbox 360 Update Includes ESPN and Searchable Netflix[teaser]Of course, Kinect compatibility is included too, but that won't matter for another few days. [/teaser] The latest dashboard update for the Xbox 360 is live and it brings more to the table than just a redesigned look and new sound effects for switching through the menus. For starters, Xbox owners finally get the Netflix search they've been hoping for. It allows you to search by title, which is nice, but allowing for an actor or director search would be a great benefit. The entire Netflix interface has been redesigned, making it smoother and easier to browse though even if it's not as pretty. If you're a sports fan, you'll be excited to know that ESPN has been added to the lineup. You can jump on anytime you want and watch live or recorded games. Content is limited, but college football is available in HD and that's not bad. Source: WiredPosted Wed Nov 3, 2010 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
'Piranha - 3D' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]The surprise fishy hit sinking its teeth into Blu-ray in January has now been fully detailed! [/teaser] As previously reported, Sony has planned Alejandre Aja's 'Piranha - 3D' for the Blu-ray 3D format as well as a non-3d Blu-ray release on January 11. The film is a loose remake of Joe Dante's 'Piranha' already released on Blu-ray as part of Shout Factory's Corman Classics line and stars Elizabeth Shue, Jerry O'Connell, Richard Dreyfuss, and Ving Rhames. Specs have yet to be revealed, but the 2D version will include: Filmmaker commentary; Deleted scenes with optional commentary; Deleted storyboard sequences; 10 Behind-the-scenes featurettes; Storyboard gallery; and Trailer & TV spots. Although the 3D version will also include the 2D version, it apparently will only include: Filmmaker commentary and 10 Behind-the-scenes featurettes. Suggested list price for the 3D Blu-ray is set at $39.95, while the regular Blu-ray is listed at $34.95. You can find the latest specs for both versions of 'Piranha - 3D' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're now indexed under January 11.Posted Wed Nov 3, 2010 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Philips Shuts Down Its Pronto Controller Business[teaser]Pronto remotes will remain available until supplies are exhausted.[/teaser] There's nothing good about a business shutting down, especially when it leaves us with very little competition in the realm of higher-end universal remotes. The Philips Pronto brand was introduced back in the 90s and while plenty of strong controllers and in-wall control panels have been brought to market, the brand just didn't perform as Philips had hoped. In 2009, Philips announced that it would be selling off Pronto. "Following thorough research, no suitable partner was found for the acquisition of these activities," reads the official statement. "As such, Philips confirms today that it will discontinue the Pronto product line and related activities." There's no word yet on what this means for current Pronto customers. SourcePosted Wed Nov 3, 2010 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Save $10 on 'Fantasia/Fantasia 2000' Blu-ray[teaser]All of you sorcerer's apprentices out there can save $10 on the Disney 2-Movie Collection on Blu-ray! [/teaser] Disney has another coupon offer, this time to save $10 on the 'Fantasia/Fantasia 2000' Blu-ray available on November 30! Click this link to access to the page where you can enter the UPC code (717951004611 - thanks thunderbrain!) and print out your coupon valid at participating retail stores. Printable coupons are available for both the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec), and the promotion expires on December 4.Posted Wed Nov 3, 2010 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Yamaha Intros the BD-A1000 3D Capable Universal Blu-ray Player[teaser]The new player includes streaming options, 3D capabilities, and promises stellar Blu-ray playback. [/teaser] The latest addition to the Aventage line is the BD-A1000 Universal Blu-ray player. In addition to what you'd normally find on a Blu-ray player, it includes Netflix, Blockbuster and YouTube streaming as well as two USB ports for playback of digitally stored content. It plays back Blu-rays at 1080p/24 and boasts 7.1 channel analog outputs that utilize four 2-channel DACS. It can handle all the latest high definition audio formats and boasts solid audio performance. "Home theater enthusiasts are demanding versatile content compatibility, and Yamaha offers the most versatile entertainment options," says Yamaha president Tom Sumner. "The new Yamaha AVENTAGE BD-A1000 highly enhances the visual and audio experience." The BD-A1000 can be had at a price of $699. Source: HDTV MagazinePosted Wed Nov 3, 2010 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'Supernatural: The Complete Second Season' Blu-ray Date Correction[teaser]The previously reported title isn't coming to Blu-ray at the end of December, but Sam and Dean Winchester's second demon huntin' season will still be coming sometime next year. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, it seemed Warner Brothers was planning to release 'Supernatural: The Complete Second Season' starring Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles on Blu-ray on December 31, but now, according to TV Shows on DVD, the date is inaccurate, although Warner still plans on bringing the season to Blu-ray in the first half of 2011. The Blu-ray set will feature 1080p video, a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Deleted Scenes, Audio commentary, Gag Reel, Behind-The-Scenes Featurette, Webisode Gallery, and the Blu-ray exclusive The Devil's Road Map. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray set is $79.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Supernatural: The Complete Second Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING.Posted Wed Nov 3, 2010 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Have you entered to win 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' or 'The Sound of Music' on High-Def Digest's Facebook Page![teaser]Time for another Facebook giveaway! Between now and Thursday, "like" High-Def Digest's Facebook page, and you can enter to win a Blu-ray of either 'The Sound of Music' or 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!'[/teaser] We have two Blu-rays of each film, and we'll sending them to four lucky winners! To enter, simply leave a comment on the Facebook post detailing THIS GIVEAWAY and tell us which movie you prefer and why. Flying cars, singing nannies, brown paper packages tied up in string?! (Winners will be picked on Thursday) Just a reminder, both films are making their Blu-ray debuts tomorrow, November 2! Here are the details on each: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment toasts the 45th anniversary of the five-time Academy Award-winning 'The Sound of Music' with its highly anticipated Blu-ray Disc debut November 2nd. Starring Oscar winner Julie Andrews in one of her most memorable roles, the film adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical follows Maria, a spirited young woman who leaves a convent and becomes a governess to seven unruly children. Her charm and songs soon win the hearts of the children and their father but when Nazi Germany unites with Austria, Maria is forced to attempt a daring escape with her new family. Meticulously restored and re-mastered , The Sound Of Music 45th Anniversary Edition is presented with new 7.1 audio and offers BD-LIVE: Live Lookup Powered by IMDb; Your Favorite Things: An Interactive Celebration featuring a Sing-A-Long, behind-the-scenes images, trivia and a location quiz; A City of Song with a virtual map of filming locations and interactive tour of the movie’s locale of Salzburg, Austria, and much more. Perfect for at home or on the go, The Sound of Music is available in 3-Disc Blu-ray and DVD Combo Packs. For a limited time, The Sound of Music is also available in an individually numbered Limited Collector’s Set packaged in a keepsake box and featuring a 100-page “My Favorite Things” scrapbook, a 45th Anniversary Soundtrack, a reproduction of the original 1965 souvenir program, an exclusive hand-painted “My Favorite Things” music box and more. Directed by Robert Wise and co-starring Christopher Plummer, the film garnered five Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director. A heartwarming story full of cherished songs such as “My Favorite Things,” “Sixteen Going On Seventeen,” “Edelweiss” and the title song, the film graces six different Top 100 lists by the American Film Institute including Musicals, Songs and Movies. Also hitting Blu-ray on November 2nd: MGM Home Entertainment releases an all-new re-mastered version of 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!' on Blu-ray. Enjoy the fun of this family classic for the first time on Blu-ray disc with upgraded 7.1 DTS-HD master audio and new interactive games. An original version of the film on DVD will accompany the all-new re-mastered Blu-ray. Based on the children’s book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car by Ian Fleming, the film tells the story of an eccentric professor (played by Dick Van Dyke) who invents wacky machinery, but can't seem to make ends meet. When he invents a revolutionary car, a foreign government becomes interested in it, and resorts to skullduggery to get their hands on it. The all-time family classic evolves from there and viewers are taken on a magical ride with the professor and loveable motorcar. The re-mastered version of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on Blu-ray will feature special interactive features for families everywhere to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes, including an all-new “Toot Sweet Symphony” melody maker, “Remembering Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” with Dick Van Dyke, song demos from the Sherman Brothers and a featurette entitled "A Fantasmagorical Motorcar." Check out the High-Def Digest Facebook page for all the details. Remember, this giveaway ends on Thursday! Good luck!Posted Tue Nov 2, 2010 at 12:45 PM PDT by: -
HDD Spotlight Bargain: 'Modern Family: The Complete First Season' $23.99 at Amazon[teaser]Deal of the Day: Amazon's Gold Box special today features the first season of the acclaimed comedy series! [/teaser] The online retailer is now selling 'Modern Family: The Complete First Season' for $23.99 (60% off suggested retail price). As an added bonus, those who also purchase 'Glee: The Complete First Season' can shave an additional $10 off the total! The Gold Box offer can be viewed here and will only last until midnight PST.Posted Tue Nov 2, 2010 at 12:20 PM PDT by: -
'Resident Evil: Afterlife' & 'Resident Evil: Afterlife - 3D' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]Milla Jovovich will be back kicking zombie ass on Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D this December! [/teaser] Sony will release 'Resident Evil: Afterlife' and 'Resident Evil: Afterlife - 3D' on December 28. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Filmmaker commentary; Band of Survivors: Casting Afterlife; and Fighting Back: The Action of Afterlife. The discs will be loaded with exclusive features including: Undead Vision: Picture-in-Picture; Deleted and extended scenes; Outtakes; Back Under the Umbrella: Directing Afterlife; Undead Dimension: Resident Evil in 3D; Vision of the Apocalypse: The Design of Afterlife; New Blood: The Undead of Afterlife; Pwning the Undead: Gamers of the Afterlife; PS3 Wallpaper Theme; movieIQ™+sync; and BD-Live. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.95 and $39.95 for the Blu-ray 3D (that includes the 2D version). You can find the latest specs for 'Resident Evil: Afterlife' and 'Resident Evil: Afterlife - 3D' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under December 28.Posted Tue Nov 2, 2010 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Things are Fixed with Fox, Cablevision and DISH[teaser]Cablevision bit the bullet – sour grapes abound. [/teaser] Cablevision customers will be happy to hear that Fox channels are finally back on the air. The company released a statement to explain how it all worked out and it's more than just a little snippy. "In the absence of any meaningful action from the FCC, Cablevision has agreed to pay Fox an unfair price for multiple channels of its programming including many in which our customers have little or no interest," says the release, which later goes on to say, "In the end, our customers will pay more than they should for Fox programming, but less than they would have if we had accepted the unprecedented rates News Corp. was demanding when they pulled their channels off Cablevision." Cablevision isn't the only provider with Fox troubles these days, but it sounds like DISH anted up before things got to Cablevision levels. "After prolonged negotiations to reach a fair deal, we're pleased to enter into a long term agreement with Fox and to assure our customers that they can continue to enjoy these channels," explains VP Dave Shull. Source: PR NewswirePosted Tue Nov 2, 2010 at 11:00 AM PDT by:
