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William Goldman, Award-Winning Screenwriter & Novelist, Dies at 87[teaser]The writer behind Butch Cassidy and The Princess Bride has passed away.[/teaser] As reported by The Washington Post, writer William Goldman has died at the age of 87. Goldman was best known as the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President's Men. According to his daughter Jenny, Goldman passed away at his home in Manhattan today from complications related to colon cancer and pneumonia. Throughout his career in Hollywood, Goldman wrote screenplays for several notable films, including the aforementioned Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman, and All the President's Men starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, along with scripts for A Bridge Too Far, Misery, Chaplin, Maverick, Absolute Power, and more. Likewise, he adapted several of his own novels into screenplays as well, including scripts for Marathon Man and The Princess Bride. As a novelist, Goldman began his career with The Temple of Gold in 1957. Several more books followed over the years, including novels like Boys and Girls Together and No Way to Treat a Lady. Meanwhile, Goldman got his start as a screenwriter in 1965 with the script for Masquerade, a comedy thriller based on Victor Canning's book Castle Minerva. His final credited feature-length works as a screenwriter include adaptations of Stephen King's novels Dreamcatcher and Hearts in Atlantis, and 2015's Wild Card, a remake of the 1986 film Heat based on his own novel. Beyond his daughter Jenny, Goldman is survived by his domestic partner of 19 years, Susan Burden, and his grandson. Source: The Washington PostPosted Fri Nov 16, 2018 at 07:45 AM PST by: -
Amazon Announces Black Friday Deals: Save on 4K HDR TVs, Fire TV Stick 4K, and More[teaser]The company has revealed some of its upcoming holiday shopping discounts.[/teaser] Amazon has announced its Seven Days of Black Friday Deals promotion. The week-long sale is set start on November 16 and will run through Black Friday on November 23. Items scheduled to be discounted at various points throughout the sale include several Fire TV and Echo devices, select 4K HDR TV models, and more. Though exact dates and times for each discount have not been revealed yet, here's a full rundown of all the upcoming home theater gear and gadget deals announced so far per Amazon's press release: Save $25.99 on All-New Echo Dot, only $24.00 Save $20 on Echo Dot Kids Edition, only $49.99 – and save $110 total when you buy three Echo Dot Kids Edition devices, only $99.97 Save $30.99 on Echo (2nd generation), only $69 – and save $80 total when you buy two Echo (2nd generation) devices, only $119.98 Save $30.99 on Echo (RED) edition, only $69.00 –for every Echo (RED) edition sold Amazon will donate $10 to the Global Fund Save $40 on All-New Echo Plus, only $109.99 Save $40 on Echo Spot, only $89.99 – and save $100 total when you buy two Echo Spot devices, only $159.98 Save $50 on All-New Echo Show, only $179.99 – and save $120 total when you buy two All-New Echo Show devices, only $339.98 Save $15 on Fire TV Stick 4K with all-new Alexa Voice Remote, only $34.99 Save $60 on Fire TV Cube with Far-Field Voice Control and 4K UHD/HDR, only $59.99 Save $50 on Fire TV Recast 500 GB with two tuners, only $179.99—and save an additional $10 when you purchase Fire TV Recast 1 TB with four tuners, only $219.99 Save $50 on Toshiba 32” 720p HD Smart TV - Fire TV Edition, only $129.99 Save $60 on Insignia 39” 1080p Full HD Smart TV - Fire TV Edition, only $189.99 Save $100 on Toshiba 50“ 4K Ultra HD Smart TV – Fire TV Edition, only $299.99 Save $20 on Fire 7 tablet with Alexa, only $29.99 Save $30 on Fire 7 Kids Edition tablet, only $69.99 Save $30 on All-New Fire HD 8 tablet with Alexa Hands-Free, only $49.99 Save $40 on All-New Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablet, only $89.99 Save $50 on Fire HD 10 tablet with Alexa Hands-Free, only $99.99 Sony's XBR55X900F Amazon's Choice High Performance TV (2018 Model), only $1098.00 Sony's XBR65X850F 65-Inch 4K TV (2018 Model), only $998.00 Sony's XBR75X850F 75-Inch 4K TV (2018 Model), only $1,798.00 Save over 15% on select Samsung QLED 2018 TVs, now through Cyber Monday Save over 15% on select Samsung NU8 series 2018 TVs, now through Cyber Monday Save up to 15% on LG Electronics 2018 Smart 4K TVs Save big on Dell 34.1" curved gaming monitor Save big on Sceptre 27" curved gaming monitor Beyond the sale prices listed above, Amazon will offer thousands of additional deals throughout the promotion, with new discounts set to go live every day. Likewise, the company is also providing free shipping with no minimum purchase amount on eligible items that will arrive in time for Christmas. Source: AmazonPosted Thu Nov 15, 2018 at 12:55 PM PST by: -
Roku Details Black Friday Deals & Launches New TV Wireless Speakers[teaser]Several Roku products will be on sale for Black Friday.[/teaser] Roku has revealed Black Friday pricing for select products. Likewise, the company has also announced the release of its Roku TV Wireless Speakers. Here's a full rundown of Roku Black Friday pricing set to launch soon via the company's website and other participating retailers: Roku Streaming Stick - $29.99 (starting 11/22, while supplies last) Roku Ultra - $49.99 (starting 11/22, while supplies last) Roku Ultra at Walmart - $48 (starting 11/22, while supplies last) Roku SE at Walmart in stores only - $20 (starting 11/22, while supplies last) In addition, the company's new Roku TV Wireless Speakers will be available for a limited time sale price of $149.99. The speakers are set to start shipping out to customers on November 16 and the discount will run from 11/16 – 11/26. "Picture quality, a tremendous selection of content, value, and ease of use make Roku TVs some of the most popular smart TVs on the market today," said Roku CEO Anthony Wood. "Adding great audio dramatically enhances the way people experience their favorite entertainment. With Roku TV Wireless Speakers, we're able to offer our customers a simple and affordable way to further immerse themselves into the TV, movies and music they love, while providing them with a better whole home entertainment experience." The Roku TV Wireless Speakers are designed to work exclusively with Roku TV models from brands like TCL, Hisense, Philips, Sharp, Insignia, Hitachi, RCA, and Element. When paired via Roku Connect, the speakers are capable of playing wireless stereo sound from streaming channels, live TV broadcasts with an antenna, or other components connected to the TV like a cable set-top box. Likewise, the units support Bluetooth music streaming from mobile devices as well. The package also includes a Roku TV Voice Remote, a Roku Touch tabletop remote, (2) Power Cables and (4) AAA Batteries. Source: RokuPosted Thu Nov 15, 2018 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
New Trailer for Tim Burton's DUMBO Tugs at the Heartstrings[teaser]The live action adaptation of the Disney classic takes flight next year.[/teaser] Following an intial teaser, Disney has now released a new full trailer for Tim Burton's Dumbo. The movie is based on the animated film of the same name from 1941, and is set to soar into theaters on March 29, 2019. From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, the all-new grand live-action adventure Dumbo expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets. Check out the official trailer below! Dumbo is directed by Tim Burton and comes from a script by Ehren Kruger. The film is the latest in a series of recent live-action adaptations based on classic Disney animated films, including Maleficent, Cinderella, The Jungle Book, and Beauty and the Beast. Other live-action Disney re-imaginings in the works include Aladdin from director Guy Ritchie, The Lion King from Jon Favreau, and Mulan from Niki Caro. Source: Disney (YouTube)Posted Wed Nov 14, 2018 at 09:10 PM PST by: -
Sound United Reveals Black Friday Deals for Denon, Polk, HEOS, and Definitive Technology Brands[teaser]Various sound bars, receivers, and speaker systems will be discounted for the holidays.[/teaser] Sound United has announced special Black Friday pricing for select products. The sale includes gear under the company's Denon, Polk Audio, HEOS, and Definitive Technology brands. Here's a full rundown of deals set to be available per Sound United: (Note: sale pricing may not be in effect yet) Polk Audio Command Bar: a home theater sound bar system with Amazon Alexa built-in - $100 off Polk Audio Signa S2: a universal TV sound bar and wireless subwoofer system - $50 off Polk Audio Signa Solo: a universal home theater sound bar - $30 off Polk Audio MagniFi Series: powerful low-profile sound bars - up to $200 off Polk Assist: a recently-released smart speaker with the Google Assistant built-in - $50 off Definitive Technology ProCinema / AVR bundles: home theater speaker systems - up to $450 off Denon AVRS540BT: 5.2 Ch. 4K Ultra HD AV receiver with Bluetooth and Dolby Vision - $80 off Denon AVRS740H: 7.2 Ch. 4K AV receiver with Amazon Alexa Voice Control - $130 off Denon AVRs X Series: versatile and uncompromising AV Surround Receivers - up to $200 off (1500H, 2500H, 4500H) HEOS Wireless Systems: wireless speaker systems that add power and depth to your favorite music and movies- up to $300 off HEOS HomeCinema HS2: wireless soundbar that features bi-amplified mid-woofers and tweeters, plus a wireless subwoofer- $300 off Source: Sound UnitedPosted Wed Nov 14, 2018 at 03:50 PM PST by: -
HELL FEST Dated and Detailed for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray[teaser]The scary slasher will be available on both formats in the new year. [/teaser] Lionsgate says Hell Fest will be available on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray on January 8. A group of friends are bound for a horror-themed Halloween event at a local amusement park — a sprawling labyrinth of rides, games, and mazes that travels the country and happens to be in town. But for one visitor, the ghoulish carnival of nightmares is not the attraction — it is a hunting ground. On the night the friends attend, a masked serial killer turns the amusement park into his own playground, terrorizing attendees while the rest of the patrons believe that it is all part of the show. As the body count and frenzied excitement of the crowd continues to rise, who will fight to survive the night? The 4K release will feature Dolby Vision HDR, a DTS:X soundtrack, and supplements on both releases will include Thrills and Kills: Making Hell Fest and the Theatrical Trailer. You can find the latest specs for Hell Fest linked from our 4K and Blu-ray Release Schedules, where it is indexed under January 8.Posted Wed Nov 14, 2018 at 11:54 AM PST by: -
VIZIO Black Friday Deals: P-Series Quantum $600 Off, Dolby Atmos Sound Bar $150 Off, and More[teaser]Select VIZIO displays and sound systems are going on sale for the Black Friday shopping season.[/teaser] VIZIO has revealed its assortment of Black Friday deals. The promotion includes big discounts on several 4K HDR TVs, including the company's flagship P-Series Quantum (full review) and P-Series (full review) displays. Here's a full rundown of products set to be discounted: (Note: it's not yet clear if Best Buy will also offer the same sale pricing, but other listed retailers are confirmed by VIZIO) P-Series Quantum Costco, Target and Walmart: PQ65-F: 11/16 - 11/26: Was $2,099.99 Now $1,499.99 (Save $600) P-Series Costco, Target and Walmart: P55-F: 11/18 - 11/26: Was $799.99 Now $649.99 (Save $150) P65-F: 11/18 - 11/26: Was $1,199.99 Now $899.99 (Save $300) P75-F: 11/23 - 11/26: Was $1,999.99 Now $1,699.99 (Save $300) D-Series Costco, Target and Walmart: D24h-G: 11/16 - 11/26: Was $119.99 Now $99.99 (Save $20) D40F-G: 11/22 - 11/26: Was $229.99 Now $199.99 (Save $30) Target: D40F-G: 11/27 - 12/01: Was $229.99 Now $199.99 (Save $30) D70-F: 11/10 - 11/11: Was $799.99 Now $469.99 (Save $150) Walmart: D60-F: 11/23 - 11/23: Was $598.00 Now $498.00 (Save $100) E-Series Costco, Target and Walmart: E70-F: 11/16 - 11/26: Was $899.99 Now $749.99 (Save $150) SB36512-F Dolby Atmos Sound Bar Costco, and Target: SB36512-F: 11/16 - 11/26: Was $499.99 Now $349.99 (Save $150) SB3621n-E Sound Bar Costco, Target and Walmart: SB3621n-E: 11/16 - 11/26: Was $149.99 Now $99.99 (Save $50) Target: SB3621n-E: 11/25 - 12/1: Was $149.99 Now $134.99 (Save $15) SB3651-E Sound Bar Costco, Target and Walmart: SB3651-E: 11/15 - 11/26: Was $249.99 Now $169.99 (Save $80) These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to check back with High-Def Digest for all the latest Black Friday deals and promotions!Posted Wed Nov 14, 2018 at 11:30 AM PST by: -
McIntosh Labs Announces XRT1.1K Loudspeaker[teaser]The company's newest premium speaker has been detailed.[/teaser] McIntosh Labs has announced its latest speaker model. The new XRT1.1K Loudspeaker serves as a smaller, more user friendly sized version of the company's larger XRT2.1K model. The XRT1.1K is a 1200 watt line array floor-standing loudspeaker with 70 drivers and a ported 4-way design. Measuring 21-7/32" (53.89cm) x 70-23/32" and weighing 181 lbs, the unit is 14" (35 cm) shorter and 173 lbs (78 kg) lighter than the XRT2.1K speaker, while still maintaining similar audio performance. The driver array includes (4) 6.5" woofers, (2) 6.5" low frequency midranges, (24) 2" upper frequency midranges and (40) ¾" tweeters. In addition, the speaker features a striking visual aesthetic with 7 layers of high gloss piano black paint on the bass cabinet, along with touches of brushed and black aluminum, and a suspended line array construction inspired by skyscrapers. Here's a full rundown of specs per McIntosh: Impedance Nominal: 8 Ohms Power Rating: 1,200 Watts Frequency Response: 16Hz - 45kHz Sound Pressure Level, 2.8V/1m: 89dB Crossover: 150Hz, 400Hz, 2kHz Number of Woofers: 4 Woofer Size: 6.5" Woofer Type: Nanocarbon Fiber/Nomex Honeycomb Long Throw Number of Low Frequency Midranges: 2 Number of Upper Frequency Midranges: 24 Low Frequency Midrange Size: 6.5" Upper Frequency Midrange Size: 2" Low Frequency Midrange Type: Nanocarbon Fiber/Nomex Honeycomb Long Throw Upper Frequency Midrange Type: Aluminum–Magnesium Dome Number of Tweeters: 40 Tweeter Size: 3/4" Tweeter Type: Aluminum–Magnesium Dome System Type: Ported 4-Way Floor Standing Grille: Black knit cloth, magnetically attached Available Finishes: Piano Black Dimensions (W x H x D): 21-7/32" (53.89cm) x 70-23/32" (179.65cm) (including feet) x 21-7/32" (53.89cm) Weight: 181 lbs (82 kg) Source: McIntosh LabsPosted Wed Nov 14, 2018 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Dolby Details New Dolby Dimension Wireless Headphones[teaser]The new headphones are geared toward home entertainment use.[/teaser] Dolby has announced its latest audio innovation, the Dolby Dimension Headphones. Designed for binge watching your favorite streaming shows while still maintaining complete control over how much of your surroundings you want to hear, the headphones offer advanced noise blending and cancellation technology. "Dolby's true north is uniting the art and science of entertainment, elevating the creators' ability to tell their stories and enabling consumers to be immersed in spectacular experiences," said Kevin Yeaman, President and CEO, Dolby Laboratories. "Today we continue that journey with the introduction of Dolby Dimension." With Dolby's new proprietary LifeMix technology, the Dolby Dimension headphones allow users to adjust how much they can hear of their surrounding environment. A Transparency option enables blending external sound with entertainment playback while an Active Noise Cancellation feature shuts out external noise. In addition, the headphones include custom-designed 40mm acoustic drivers, wireless Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, an advanced microphone array, proprietary signal processing, and touch controls with a one-touch switching option. This feature allows users to easily switch between playback devices via three source buttons on the right earcup. Meanwhile, the headphones also offer support for the free Dolby Dimension mobile app for iOS and Android with access to advanced adjustments for Dolby LifeMix, virtualization, head tracking, and device management. Finally, the package comes with a Power Base as well for charging and easy storage when not in use. The Dolby Dimension Headphones are now available for $599 via dolby.com. In addition, customers can demo the headphones in select b8ta stores starting December 1. Source: DolbyPosted Wed Nov 14, 2018 at 08:38 AM PST by: -
Pedro Pascal Cast as Lead in STAR WARS Series THE MANDALORIAN[teaser]The former Game of Thrones actor will star in the upcoming streaming series.[/teaser] According to a report by Variety, Pedro Pascal has been cast as the lead in Disney's upcoming Star Wars streaming show, The Mandalorian. The series comes from executive producer Jon Favreau and is expected to debut on the Disney+ streaming platform in 2019. Though full details on Pascal's character have not been revealed yet, here's a synopsis for the series per Jon Favreau and Disney: After the stories of Jango and Boba Fett, another warrior emerges in the Star Wars universe. The Mandalorian is set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order. We follow the travails of a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic.... Actor Pedro Pascal is best known for his previous roles in HBO's Game of Thrones and Netflix's Narcos. In addition to executive producing, Jon Favreau will also serve as the show's writer. Meanwhile, Dave Filoni Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels) is on board to direct the first episode of the series. Likewise, Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok), Rick Famuyiwa (Dope), Deborah Chow (Jessica Jones), and Bryce Dallas Howard are attached to direct episodes as well. The Mandalorian is one of two live-action Star Wars shows set to arrive on Disney+, joining the recently announced Rogue One prequel series starring Diego Luna. And in addition to the Star Wars franchise, the streaming service will also include a show starring Tom Hiddleston as Loki from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Likewise, other MCU series starring characters like Falcon, Winter Solider, and Scarlet Witch are also reportedly in the works. Pricing and availability for Disney+ have not been revealed yet, but the platform is set to launch in late 2019. Source: VarietyPosted Tue Nov 13, 2018 at 12:30 PM PST by:
