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The Popbox Pushed Back… Again[teaser]It looks like you'll be waiting until July 23rd to get your hands on the Popbox, now sans Netflix and SDTV support. [/teaser] It's getting harder and harder to be excited about the Popbox. We've been waiting on it for quite a while now, and the latest pushback from the original July 4th launch date means we've got three more weeks to wait. According to Popblog, the official Popbox blog, there's a bit of an issue with the software. If that sounds familiar, it's because the Boxee Box has been delayed for the same reason. The Popbox apps are looking a bit sparse without Netflix there, but the device will still play just about every video file you can throw at it, so that's a bonus. The folks at Popbox want to stress that more providers, which probably includes Netflix, will be available after launch. "We want to make it clear that the PopBox that ships is, TODAY, capable of supporting all foreseeable App partners in the future WITHOUT requiring a hardware upgrade," states the Popblog. Strangely though, the Popbox does support 3D video but doesn't support output to SDTVs. Source: PopblogPosted Fri Jul 2, 2010 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'Superman/Batman: Apocalypse' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Darkseid cometh in the next DC Universe direct-to-video animated feature based on the DC Comics series/graphic novel “Superman/Batman: Supergirl” by Jeph Loeb, Michael Turner & Peter Steigerwald hitting Blu-ray this September. [/teaser] Warner Brothers will bring 'Superman/Batman: Apocalypse' to Blu-ray on September 28. Fan favorites Tim Daly ('Private Practice') and Kevin Conroy ('China Beach') return to their seminal roles as Superman and Batman, respectively. The celebrity-laden guest cast is headed by Andre Braugher ('Men of a Certain Age') as the daunting Darkseid. Sci-Fi heroine Summer Glau ('Serenity'/'Firefly', 'Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles') provides the voice of Supergirl, and seven-time Emmy Award winner Ed Asner ('Up') reprises his 'Superman: The Animated Series'/'Justice League' role as Granny Goodness. In addition to the feature film, the 'Superman/Batman: Apocalypse' Special Edition Blu-Ray™ and 2-Disc Special Edition DVD include the third DC Showcase animated short, 'Green Arrow.' Screenwriter Greg Weisman’s story finds Oliver Queen at the Star City International Airport to pick up his girlfriend, only to be forced into action as Green Arrow to protect the 10-year-old Princess of Vlatava from his old nemesis Merlyn the Magnificent and the League of Assassins. The short features the voices of Neal McDonough ('Desperate Housewives') and Malcolm McDowell ('Entourage'). Bruce Timm is executive producer. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include: Sneak Peak at the Next DC Universe Animated Original Movie (10 min), Featurette: Supergirl: The Last Daughter of Krypton - A comprehensive look at The Maiden of Might from her introduction in the classic age of comics to her death in the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover event to her appearance on Smallville and beyond, and 2 bonus episodes from animated television series handpicked by Bruce Timm. Exclusive items include: All-New Featurette: The New Gods - This documentary covers Darkseid’s story, particularly in reference to the adaptation of Superman/Batman: Apocalypse. A primer on the wealth of material and stories contained in the New Gods series, along with a deeper understanding of why these characters – and especially Darkseid – are so memorable and important to the DC pantheon, All-New Featurette Pods: Orion - The mightiest warrior on either New Genesis or Apokolips, Orion follows an almost Shakespearean arc culminating in the slaying of his father, Darkseid. This mini-featurette shines a light on this classically tragic character & Mister Miracle - This mini-featurette focuses on the greatest escape artist the universe has ever known and how he was traded in a peace effort to be raised by Darkseid, the enemy of all New Genesis, 2 additional bonus TV series episodes handpicked by Bruce Timm, and a digital copy. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Superman/Batman: Apocalypse' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 28.Posted Fri Jul 2, 2010 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Spotlight Bargain: 'Minority Report' on Blu-ray $9.99 at Best Buy[teaser]Best Buy has a deal of the day: Steven Spielberg's sci-fi thriller for under $10.00![/teaser] For today only, Best Buy is selling 'Minority Report,' starring Tom Cruise and Colin Farrell, for $9.99 (66% off the suggested list price). This offer is only good online by clicking here, but apparently store pick up is available.Posted Thu Jul 1, 2010 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
'The Third Man' Returns to Blu-ray[teaser]Carol Reed's classic mystery thriller is returning to high-definition this September, this time as part of the StudioCanal Collection. [/teaser] Lionsgate is preparing 'The Third Man' starring Joseph Cotton, Trevor Howard, and the legendary Orson Welles for a Blu-ray release on September 21. The film won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography - Black-and-White (Robert Krasker) and was recently discontinued as part of the Criterion Collection. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono soundtrack, and supplements will include: "The Third Man on the Radio" audio interviews with Joseph Cotton and Graham Greene, An alternative opening with voiceover from Joseph Cotton, An interview and zither performance from Cornelia Mayer, Stills gallery, Original trailers, New audio commentary with assistant director Guy Hamilton, actor Simon Callow and crew member Angela Allen, New The Third Man interactive Vienna Tour, and a 20-page collectible booklet written by film historian Charles Drazin. Suggested list price is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Third Man' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 21.Posted Thu Jul 1, 2010 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Blu-ray is 'Just Wright' This Fall[teaser]The romantic comedy starring Queen Latifah and Common is coming to high-definition this September. [/teaser] 20th Century Fox has announced 'Just Wright' co-starring Paula Patton for Blu-ray on September 14. [/teaser] Directed by Sanaa Hamri ('The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2'), Just Wright features cameos by real NBA basketball stars Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic), Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat), LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers), as well as singer John Legend, among others. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: The One You Can't Live Without, Common on the Fast Break, and a Gag Reel. Blu-ray exclusives include: When Amazing Happens, Live Extras – What's New, and a Digital Copy. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Just Wright' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under September 14.Posted Thu Jul 1, 2010 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Nixeus Launches the Fusion HD Media Player[teaser]It's got built-in wireless networking, Bit Torrent capabilities, and it plays a huge range of audio and video formats. [/teaser] If you've got a collection of digital media files, then chances are you've got a way to play them on your TV. Whether you use an Xbox, PS3, or Blu-ray player, the device almost always leaves something to be desired. The Fusion HD from Nixeus, on the other hand, does just about everything you could ask for. It handles a wide variety of video formats that include MKV, AVI, DivX, WMV, MP4 and even DVD ISO. It's got great audio capabilities, with the only exception being playback of WMA Lossless. But the Fusion HD does more than just play files, it can download them too. If you install an internal or external hard drive into the Fusion HD, you'll be able to use the built-in Bit Torrent client. The Fusion HD has 802.11n Wi-Fi right out of the box thanks to an included USB dongle, and it can play video files at 1080p60Hz. It's certified for Dolby Digital and it includes HDMI, stereo and optical audio outputs. You can pick up the Nixeus Fusion HD now for $219.99. Source: NixeusPosted Thu Jul 1, 2010 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Onkyo Launches a Pair of High-End Receivers[teaser]The TX-NR3008 and TX-NR5008 can handle 3D, multiple audio zones, lossless audio streaming and much more. [/teaser] Onkyo's new receivers certainly aren't for everyone. They're made, essentially, for folks who are willing to drop two grand on a receiver. But Onkyo makes it well worth their while. Both the TX-NR3008 and NR5008 are incredibly capable from an audio standpoint. Each of these receivers has 9.2 channels to work with, which means you can add height and width or just send the audio to another room entirely. They've got support for the latest in lossless audio from Blu-rays and they're at the top of the line as far as digital audio formats go. Whether you're going lossless with WMA or FLAC, these receivers can do it. The receivers are made of much of the same hardware, but the 5008 adds a toroidal transformer and 22,000 uF capacitors. Onkyo's receivers aren't just about audio though, they handle video with the help of HQV-Reon VX processing and upscaling. They've also got an assortment of inputs eight HDMI ins and two HDMI outs. You'll be able to pick up both of these receivers in August. The TX-NR3008 will set you back $2,099 while the TX-NR5008 carries an MSRP of $2,699. Source: eCousticsPosted Thu Jul 1, 2010 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Loose Screws' Coming to Blu-ray[teaser]The sequel to the sex comedy classic will be available in high-definition late this summer. [/teaser] Severin will be bringing the cult 1985 film 'Screwballs II: Loose Screws' to Blu-ray on July 27. The uproarious film has been restored to its former glory thanks to a rare 35mm print recently unearthed in Glendale. The pristine condition ensures the DVD and Blu-Ray versions of 'Loose Screws' offer not only the original aspect ratio, but also rich lustrous colors; two elements not seen since the successful film’s 1985 debut. 'Loose Screws' vividly captures the looks and sounds of 1985 with memorable fashion and music. In fact, the soundtrack is made up of original songs written exclusively for the film and performed by the Nu Kats. A standout is “Do The Screw,” a song that appears in the film during an unforgettable production number on the beach. Nu Kat singer and guitarist Freddy Moore co-wrote “Changing” with his then-wife, Demi Moore. Specs haven't been revealed yet, but the release will include Commentary track by director Rafael Zielinski, Featurettes with production manager Ken Gord and producer Maurice Smith, and both versions of the film including the International cut in its entirety, with 10 extra minutes of footage trimmed from the U.S. version. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Screwballs II: Loose Screws' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 27.Posted Thu Jul 1, 2010 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Hitachi Launches a New Line of LCD Sets[teaser]Among the entry level sets is a pair of LED backlit TVs and a surprisingly cheap 55" LCD. [/teaser] Hitachi may not be at the top of your brand list when shopping for a new HDTV, but if you're looking for something on the less expensive side, Hitachi's got it. Among the assortment of televisions Hitachi is bringing to market this summer, two really stand out. The first is the UltraVision LE46S704. The LE46S704 uses LED edge lighting to illuminate the screen. It's capable of 1080p/120Hz and it's Energy Star 4.1 compliant. You can pick this 46 inch set up for $1,499. If you're not as concerned about the backlighting, you can step up to the UltraVision L55S604. It's got four HDMI inputs with Instaport technology, which enables faster switching between inputs. It does 1080p/120Hz and it's even got CONEQ to simulate surround sound. The 55 inch S604 has an MSRP of $1,699, while the 46 inch step down runs $1,199. Source: eCousticsPosted Thu Jul 1, 2010 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Blu-ray Heads 'Home'[teaser]The critically-acclaimed Swiss-produced drama has been dated and detailed for Blu-ray this July. [/teaser] Kino Video will be bringing Ursula Meier's 'Home (2008)' starring Isabelle Huppert and Olivier Gourmet to Blu-ray on July 27. The film was an official selection at Cannes International Critics' Week and New Directors/New Films. The Blu-ray will have 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Sleepless, a short film by Ursula Meier, Interview with Ursula Meier and cinematographer Agnès Godard, theatrical trailer, and a stills gallery. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Home (2008)' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 27.Posted Wed Jun 30, 2010 at 12:00 PM PDT by:
