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Amazon Reveals New Echo Lineup and Fire TV Recast DVR[teaser]The company has unveiled its latest lineup of gadgets.[/teaser] Amazon detailed its newest collection of Echo devices. The lineup includes the new Echo Dot, Echo Input, Echo Sub, Echo Link Amp, Echo Plus, Echo Show, and Echo Auto, along with the Fire TV Recast. "We want you to have access to Alexa everywhere—in your kitchen, in your living room, in your office, and now in your car or truck," said Tom Taylor, Senior Vice President, Amazon Alexa. "Today, we're excited to expand the number of ways that customers can add Alexa to their homes and their vehicles, so they can use Alexa to make their lives more convenient and easy—whether it’s asking for the traffic on your drive home, checking your email in the morning, or simply saying ‘Alexa, good night’ to turn off your lights and lock your door." The Fire TV Recast is a companion OTA DVR that allows users to receive and record free HD over the air broadcasts via a connected digital antenna without any kind of monthly fee. Live OTA content and recordings can then be streamed wirelessly from the device to other compatible Fire products, including Fire TV, Echo Show, and supported Fire tablet and smartphone models. Fire TV Recast can stream on two devices at the same time, and includes Alexa voice capabilities via a separate Alexa-enabled product. "We are focused on making Fire TV an easy way to watch all the entertainment you love, whether it’s through streaming video services, cable and satellite providers, or even local broadcast stations," said Marc Whitten, Vice President of Amazon Fire TV. "Now with Fire TV Recast, we've made it simpler to find, watch, and record live over-the-air TV at home and on your mobile devices." The Fire TV Recast is now available for pre-order in 500 GB ($230) or 1 TB ($280) models. The 500 GB version includes two tuners and offers support for up to 75 hours of HD recording and the ability to record up to two programs at once. Meanwhile, the 1 TB version includes four tuners and offers support for up to 150 hours of HD recording and the ability to record up to four programs at once. Units are expected to start shipping on November 14. The third generation Echo Dot smart speaker with Alexa features a new fabric exterior design, along with an improved mic array, and a larger 1.6" driver for better sound and less distortion. Likewise, the power output has been increased, allowing for a 70 percent increase in volume. Pre-orders for the updated Echo Dot are now live for $50. Units are available in Charcoal, Heather Gray, and Sandstone variants. Shipments are expected to go out on October 11. The new second generation Echo Plus features improved sound with premium speakers powered by Dolby and an equalizer feature to adjust bass and treble through voice control. Likewise, the device includes a smart home hub and the ability to setup smart devices by asking, "Alexa, discover my devices." In addition, a temperature sensor is integrated as well, allowing users to program actions based on how hot or cool it is in a room. Pre-orders for the new Echo Plus are now live for $150. Units are set to launch on October 11. The new second generation Echo Show features an updated design with a larger 10" HD screen, fabric back panel, a 5MP camera, and an 8-mic array. In addition, the device offers improved stereo sound with dual, side-firing 2" Neodymium drivers, a passive bass radiator, and Dolby processing "Customers tell us they love the convenience of being able to ask Alexa to show them things," said Tom Taylor, Senior Vice President, AmazonAlexa. "Today, we're making the voice-first, visual Echo Show experience better in every way by adding even more experiences to delight our customers—a dynamic and vivid display makes watching live TV enjoyable, new speakers for music and music videos, two-way doorbell video calling, simple set-up and control of smart home devices, Skype calling to friends and family, and all-new visual features." Pre-orders for the new Echo Show are now live for $230 with orders set to start shipping on October 11. The Echo Input is designed to add Alexa voice control to existing speakers through a 3.5mm audio cable or Bluetooth connection. The device itself measures just 12.5mm tall and includes a four-microphone array. An exact release date has not been announced yet, but the Echo Input will be available later this year for $35. The Echo Sub is a 6" down-firing, 100W subwoofer designed for use with Echo devices. The sub can be paired with one Echo or Echo Plus for a 1.1 configuration or two of the same Echo devices for 2.1 stereo sound. Pre-orders for the Echo Sub are now available for $130. A bundle with two Echo speakers is also available for $250. The Echo Link is designed to work with a user's existing speaker setup by connecting to a receiver or amplifier, adding the ability to control music selection, volume, and multi-room playback via a separate Echo device or the Alexa app. In addition, an Echo Link Amp model will also be available with an integrated 60W 2-channel amplifier of its own. Amazon's Echo Link ($200) and Echo Link Amp ($300) will both be available later this year. Finally, the Echo Auto allows users to add Alexa to their car or truck by connecting to the Alexa app on a smartphone, offering support for music, navigation, calling, and more. The device features an eight-microphone array designed for in-car noise and can connect to a vehicle stereo system via a 3.5 mm audio jack or Bluetooth connection. Meanwhile, the unit can be powered by a car's 12V power outlet or USB port. Invitation-only pre-orders are now available for the Echo Auto for a special reduced price of $25. Sources: Amazon 1, Amazon 2Posted Thu Sep 20, 2018 at 02:05 PM PDT by: -
Jordan Peele Set to Host New TWILIGHT ZONE Series for CBS All Access[teaser]Jordan Peele's next stop ahead will be The Twilight Zone.[/teaser] Jordan Peele (Get Out) has been announced as the host and narrator for CBS All Access' new The Twilight Zone streaming series. The upcoming show will be a modern reimagining of the original 1959 anthology series which was hosted by creator Rod Serling. "Rod Serling was an uncompromising visionary who not only shed light on social issues of his time, but prophesied issues of ours," said Jordan Peele. "I'm honored to carry on his legacy to a new generation of audiences as the gatekeeper of 'The Twilight Zone.'" Check out the announcement teaser below! The original Twilight Zone series ran for five seasons from 1959 until 1964. The show told standalone sci-fi stories in every episode, frequently using metaphor and socially conscious writing to examine timely cultural themes. All 156 episodes of the show are now available to stream through CBC All Access. Likewise, all five seasons of the series are available on Blu-ray in a Complete Series Box Set. Though an exact release date for the reboot has not been announced yet, new episodes of The Twilight Zone are set to begin production this fall for a 2019 debut through CBS All Access. CBS Television Studios will produce the series in association with Jordan Peele's Monkeypaw Productions and Simon Kinberg's Genre Films. In addition, Peele and Kinberg will serve as executive producers, along with Win Rosenfeld, Audrey Chon, Carol Serling, Rick Berg, and Greg Yaitanes. Host and producer Jordan Peele is best known as the director and Academy Award-winning writer behind Universal's Get Out, and as one half of the sketch comedy duo Key and Peele with Keegan-Michael Key. A current CBS All Access subscription costs $5.99 per month with reduced commercials or $9.99 per month for a commercial-free plan. Other recently announced CBS All Access original series include a new Star Trek show starring Patrick Stewart. Source: CBS All AccessPosted Thu Sep 20, 2018 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
Sony Launches Pre-Orders for PlayStation Classic Mini Console[teaser]The new mini console will include 20 pre-loaded games.[/teaser] Sony has announced a new PlayStation Classic retro game console. The system is designed to look like a miniature version of the company's original PlayStation and will include two controllers and 20 pre-loaded games. Pre-orders are now live for $100 through Amazon and Best Buy. The PlayStation Classic mimics the look and feel of the original system but is about 45% smaller. Likewise, the device doesn't actually feature a disc drive. Instead, the Open button is used to switch games and the Reset button is used to suspend games. The package includes the console, two wired controllers, a virtual memory card, an HDMI cable, and a USB cable -- though users will need their own separate USB AC adaptor to power the unit. 20 games will be pre-loaded on the system and playable in their original formats. While a full list of titles has not been announced yet, the collection will include games like Final Fantasy VII, Jumping Flash, Ridge Racer Type 4, Tekken 3, and Wild Arms. More games will be revealed at a later date. The original PlayStation console was first released on December 3, 1994 in Japan and September 9, 1995 in the US. Over 100 million units of the console have been sold. The device was succeeded by the PlayStation 2 in 2000, the PlayStation 3 in 2006, and the PlayStation 4 in 2013. Sony's PlayStation Classic ($100) is now available for pre-order for a December 3 release. The retro console will join similar previously released mini systems from Nintendo, including the NES Classic Edition ($60) and SNES Classic Edition ($80). Source: PlayStation BlogPosted Wed Sep 19, 2018 at 03:25 PM PDT by: -
THE DARKEST MINDS Announced for Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The science fiction film will hit both formats this October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox says The Darkest Minds will be available on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on October 30. From producers of Stranger Things comes an empowering tale of teens who mysteriously develop new abilities and are declared a threat by the government. Ruby (Amandla Stenberg), one of the most powerful young people anyone has encountered, escapes and joins a group of runaway teens seeking safe haven. Soon, this newfound family realizes that collective power is needed to take back control of their fate and save future generations. The 4K release will feature a Dolby Atmos soundtrack and supplements include: Remember – A Look Beyond Ruby and Liam's Last Kiss (Original Animatic by Jennifer Yuh Nelson) Deleted Scene Gag Reel Jennifer Yuh Nelson: Heroine at the Helm Character Profiles Storyboard to Screen Comparison Feature Commentary by Jennifer Yuh Nelson, Dan Levine and Dan Cohen The Power of Georgia Behind the Scenes in Georgia Gallery Theatrical Trailer You can find the latest specs for The Darkest Minds linked from our Blu-ray and 4K Release Schedules, where it is indexed under October 30. Order the Blu-ray Order the 4K Blu-rayPosted Wed Sep 19, 2018 at 09:17 AM PDT by: -
Marvel Reportedly Developing LOKI & SCARLET WITCH Shows for Disney Streaming Service[teaser]Big screen Marvel heroes and villains are set to hit the studio's new streaming platform.[/teaser] According to a report by Variety, Marvel is developing new shows focused on its Marvel Cinematic Universe characters for Disney's upcoming streaming service. The MCU series will join the previously announced Star Wars show from Jon Favreau. Though the studio has not confirmed the news, Variety's report indicates that Marvel's plan centers on several limited series starring MCU heroes and villains who have not already had their own standalone films. This includes shows about Loki and Scarlet Witch with Tom Hiddleston and Elizabeth Olson expected to reprise their roles. With that said, major characters like Iron Man and Captain America who have already starred in their own movies will not be featured on the streaming platform. The potential series are expected to feature six to eight episodes each and will likely carry big budgets similar to major studio productions. Marvel Studios and Kevin Feige are also expected to be directly involved in the shows' development. Full details on Disney's streaming service have not been revealed yet, but the platform is set to launch in the fall of 2019. Beyond the Marvel and Star Wars shows, other series reportedly planned for the service include a Monsters Inc show and a High School Musical project. Likewise, movies expected to premiere on the platform include Don Quixote, Stargirl, Togo, Lady and the Tramp, The Paper Magician, 3 Men and a Baby, Sword and the Stone, Timmy Failure, Magic Camp, and Noelle. Outside of streaming news, Marvel recently released the first trailer for its upcoming Captain Marvel film. The movie is set to hit theaters on March 8, 2019. Source: VarietyPosted Wed Sep 19, 2018 at 08:10 AM PDT by: -
Criterion Details December 2018 Blu-ray Titles[teaser]Samuel Fuller's Forty Guns, Ingmar Bergman's Sawdust and Tinsel, and more are all in the works for Blu-ray.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion is preparing Forty Guns, A Dry White Season, Panique, and Sawdust and Tinsel for Blu-ray throughout the month of December. Forty Guns (December 11) - Hollywood legend Barbara Stanwyck saddled up with writer-director Samuel Fuller for the pulp maestro’s most audacious western, a boldly feminist spin on the genre that pivots effortlessly between ribald humor, visceral action, and disarming tenderness. High-riding rancher Jessica Drummond (Stanwyck) commands a forty-strong posse of cowboys, ruling Cochise County, Arizona, without challenge. When U.S. marshal Griff Bonnell (Barry Sullivan) and his brothers arrive in town with a warrant for one of her hired guns, Jessica begins to fall for the lawman even as he chips away at her authority. With astonishing black-and-white CinemaScope photography, hard-boiled dialogue laced with double entendres, and a fiery performance by Stanwyck at her most imperious, Forty Guns is a virtuoso display of Fuller’s sharpshooting talents. New 4K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray New interview with director Samuel Fuller’s widow, Christa Lang-Fuller, and daughter, Samantha Fuller A Fuller Life (2013), a feature-length documentary by Samantha Fuller about her father, featuring admirers and collaborators Wim Wenders, William Friedkin, Mark Hamill, James Franco, Monte Hellman, Jennifer Beals, Bill Duke, Constance Towers, and others New interview with critic Imogen Sara Smith, author of In Lonely Places: Film Noir Beyond the City Stills gallery PLUS: An essay by film scholar Lisa Dombrowski and excerpts from Fuller’s 2002 autobiography, A Third Face: My Tale of Writing, Fighting, and Filmmaking Order the Blu-ray A Dry White Season (December 11) - With this bracing drama, made at the climax of the anti-apartheid movement, director Euzhan Palcy issued a devastating indictment of South Africa’s racist government—and made history in the process, becoming the first black woman to direct a Hollywood studio film. White schoolteacher Ben Du Toit (Donald Sutherland) lives in Johannesburg and remains blissfully incurious about the lives of his black countrymen until a wave of brutal repression comes crashing down on his gardener (Winston Ntshona), bringing Du Toit face-to-face with harsh political realities. Based on a celebrated novel by André Brink and rooted in the first-hand research the Martinican Palcy did in South Africa into the way black people lived under apartheid, A Dry White Season is unflinching in its depiction of violence and its chronicling of injustice, making for a galvanizing tribute to those willing to sacrifice everything to fight oppression. New 4K digital restoration, with uncompressed stereo soundtrack on the Blu-ray New interview with director Euzhan Palcy by film critic Scott Foundas Five Scenes, a new program featuring Palcy Interview from 1989 with actor Donald Sutherland Excerpt from a 1995 interview Palcy conducted with Nelson Mandela Footage of Palcy receiving the highest distinction for foreign dignitaries at the 2017 South African National Orders awards PLUS: An essay by filmmaker and scholar Jyoti Mistry Order the Blu-ray Panique (December 18) - Proud, eccentric, and antisocial, Monsieur Hire (Michel Simon) has always kept to himself. But after a woman turns up dead in the Paris suburb where he lives, he feels drawn to a pretty young newcomer to town (Viviane Romance), discovers that his neighbors are only too ready to be suspicious of him, and is framed for the murder. Based on a novel by Georges Simenon, Julien Duvivier’s first film after his return to France from Hollywood finds the acclaimed poetic realist applying his consummate craft to darker, moodier ends. Propelled by its two deeply nuanced lead performances, the tensely noirish Panique exposes the dangers of the knives-out mob mentality, delivering as well a pointed allegory of the behavior of Duvivier’s countrymen during the war. New 2K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray The Art of Subtitling, a new short documentary by Bruce Goldstein, founder and copresident of Rialto Pictures, about the history of subtitles New interview with author Pierre Simenon, the son of novelist Georges Simenon Conversation from 2015 between critics Guillemette Odicino and Eric Libiot about director Julien Duvivier and the film’s production history Rialto Pictures rerelease trailer New English subtitle translation by Duvivier expert Lenny Borger PLUS: Essays by film scholar James Quandt and Borger Order the Blu-ray Sawdust and Tinsel (December 18) - Ingmar Bergman presents the battle of the sexes as a ramshackle, grotesque carnival of humiliation in Sawdust and Tinsel, one of the master’s most vivid early works and his first of many collaborations with the great cinematographer Sven Nykvist. The story of the charged relationship between a turn-of-the-twentieth-century circus owner (Åke Grönberg) and his younger mistress (Harriet Andersson), a horseback rider in the traveling show, the film features dreamlike detours and twisted psychosexual power plays, making for a piercingly brilliant depiction of physical and spiritual degradation. New 2K digital restoration (Blu-ray) or restored high-definition digital transfer of the film (DVD), with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray Audio commentary by Ingmar Bergman scholar Peter Cowie Introduction by Bergman from 2003 PLUS: An essay by critic John Simon and (DVD only) an appreciation by filmmaker Catherine Breillat New cover by Sarah Habibi Order the Blu-ray You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed throughout December.Posted Tue Sep 18, 2018 at 01:20 PM PDT by: -
Logitech Unveils New K600 Wireless Keyboard for Smart TVs[teaser]The new keyboard is designed to make Smart TV navigation easier.[/teaser] Logitech has announced the latest addition to its keyboard lineup. The K600 TV Keyboard features a touchpad and D-pad to go along with standard keys, offering support for text entry and precise menu and cursor control for select smart TV models. "Finding web content and navigating menus on your Smart TV can be a chore," said Art O'Gnimh, global head of keyboards at Logitech. "The Logitech K600 TV Keyboard provides familiar text typing and cursor control, making it easier than ever to interact with and unlock the full potential of your Smart TV." The K600 TV Keyboard is geared toward living room use with a smart TV. The unit's curved shape, slim size, and light weight make it easy to rest on a user's lap, store face down on any table, or hold for simple two-hand navigation. Thanks to its standard keys, touchpad, and d-pad, the device offers easy navigation and control for web browsers and media apps on supported smart TVs, making it much simpler to enter in text for searches or select content in streaming services. In addition, the keyboard also features dedicated media and navigation keys for remote control functions like volume. The device supports a wireless range of 15-meters and is rated for 12-months of battery life. Full smart TV controls are supported for select models from Samsung, LG, Sony BRAVIA, and Philips, as well as select Toshiba and Insignia Fire TVs. To check whether your TV model is supported, click here. Likewise, the keyboard is compatible with Windows and Mac computers, as well as iOS or Android mobile devices. The K600 TV Keyboard is set to launch in October for a suggested retail price of $79.99. Source: LogitechPosted Tue Sep 18, 2018 at 09:35 AM PDT by: -
MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO 30th Anniversary Edition Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The classic Studio Ghibli animated feature film is getting a 30th anniversary edition this December. [/teaser] Studio Ghibli and GKIDS (with distribution by Shout! Factory) are set to release a My Neighbor Totoro 30th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray on December 11. From the legendary Studio Ghibli, this classic tale of magic and adventure is one of the most endearing and internationally renowned films of all time. My Neighbor Totoro here celebrates its 30th anniversary with a release perfect for collectors and animation fans who have adored the film since its initial release. When Satsuki and her sister Mei move with their father to a new home in the countryside, they find country life is not as simple as it seems. They soon discover that the house and nearby woods are full of strange and delightful creatures, including a gigantic but gentle forest spirit called Totoro, who can only be seen by children. Totoro and his friends introduce the girls to a series of adventures, including a ride aboard the extraordinary Cat Bus, in this all-ages animated masterpiece from Academy Award®-winning director Hayao Miyazaki which features the voices of Tim Daly, Lea Salonga, and real-life sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning, in one of their earliest roles. The limited-edition set comes housed in an elegant hard slipcase and includes a new 40-page book with stunning art and essays. Featured in a deluxe disc portfolio will be a Blu-ray™ of the film paired with hours of special features, and the film’s soundtrack made available on CD for the first time in North America. The set’s 40-page book features new essays by The New York Times’ film critic A.O. Scott and film writer Lauren Wilford, alongside gorgeous art and statements from director Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki, and more. Supplements include: · Behind the Microphone · Creating My Neighbor Totoro · Creating the Characters · The Totoro Experience · Producer’s Perspective: Creating Ghibli · The Locations of Totoro · Scoring Miyazaki You can find the latest specs for My Neighbor Totoro: 30th Anniversary Edition linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 11. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Sep 18, 2018 at 09:13 AM PDT by: -
ARIZONA Announced for Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The action-comedy will arrive on both formats next month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, RLJE Films says Arizona will be available on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on October 16. In Arizona, Cassie (Rosemarie DeWitt) is a real estate agent and single mom struggling to keep it all together during the housing crisis of 2009. Her problems go from bad to worse when disgruntled client Sonny (Danny McBride) violently confronts Cassie's boss and then kidnaps Cassie – making one outrageously bad, and bloody, decision after another. Things completely spiral out of control in this explosive action comedy. Each release will feature a lossless soundtrack and supplements will include a making-of and a photo gallery. You can find the latest specs for Arizona linked from our Blu-ray and 4K Release Schedules, where it is indexed under October 16. Order the Blu-ray Order the 4K Blu-rayPosted Tue Sep 18, 2018 at 07:19 AM PDT by: -
Brie Larson Suits Up in First CAPTAIN MARVEL Trailer[teaser]Carol Danvers is heading to theaters in March.[/teaser] Marvel has released the first trailer for Captain Marvel. The upcoming superhero film stars Brie Larson as the title character and is set to premiere on March 8, 2019. Carol Danvers becomes one of the universe's most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races. Check out the official trailer below! Captain Marvel comes from directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck and is based on the Marvel Comics character created by Roy Thomas and Gene Colan. The cast includes Brie Larson as Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel, Ben Mendelsohn as Talos, Jude Law as Walter Lawson / Mar-Vell, Lashana Lynch as Maria Rambeau, and Gemma Chan as Minn-Erva. In addition, Djimon Hounsou and Lee Pace will reprise their roles as Korath and Ronan from Guardians of the Galaxy. Likewise, Samuel L. Jackson and Clark Gregg will appear as younger versions of Nick Fury and Agent Phil Coulson respectively through the use of digital de-aging techniques. In addition to her solo film debut, the character of Captain Marvel is also set to be featured in Marvel's Avengers 4. The still untitled superhero team-up film is due to hit theaters on May 3, 2019. Spider-Man: Far From Home will then follow on July 5, 2019. Meanwhile, Sony is set to release Venom on October 5 and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse on December 14. Finally, 20th Century Fox is bringing X-Men: Dark Phoenix to theaters on February 14, 2019 and The New Mutants to theaters on August 2, 2019. Source: Marvel (YouTube)Posted Tue Sep 18, 2018 at 05:50 AM PDT by:
