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Yamaha Details YAS-108 Sound Bar with DTS Virtual:X[teaser]The affordable sound bar model is set to start shipping next month.[/teaser] Yamaha has revealed the latest addition to its home audio lineup. The new YAS-108 Sound Bar will serve as the successor to the popular YAS-107 model. "Entertainment, music and gaming enthusiasts looking for a sound bar in the price range of the YAS-108 are awash in choices from TV brands and from companies offering commodity products. However, thanks to our six decades of leadership in home theater systems, the best sound will come from Yamaha," said Robert Goedken, general manager, AV division, Yamaha Corporation of America. "The enhancements on the YAS-108 reflect our commitment to offering exceptional sound quality and value." The sound bar features a low profile, ultra-slim, single-chassis design with rounded ends. At just over 2-inches high, the unit can be placed in front of a TV without blocking the screen or mounted to a wall through integrated keyholes. Under the hood, the device incorporates two built-in subwoofers, a bass-reflex port, two dome tweeters, and two woofers. In addition, the sound bar ships with DTS Virtual:X post-processing tech, allowing the system to simulate 3D sound without separate front, surround, or height speakers. Likewise, Yamaha's Clear Voice technology is implemented as an option as well, enabling easier to hear dialogue. Connectivity options include HDMI (ARC), optical, analog audio, and wireless Bluetooth. Here's a full rundown of key features per Yamaha: - Built-in subwoofers for deep bass in one slim sound bar- Clear Voice for enhanced dialogue clarity- DTS Virtual:X virtual 3D surround sound- Bluetooth streaming that allows easy switching between two devices- Simple setup with HDMI®, optical or aux connection The Yamaha YAS-108 Sound Bar is set to launch in July for an MSRP of $199.95. Source: YamahaPosted Mon Jun 18, 2018 at 04:00 PM PDT by: -
'Predator' Hunts Down 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray this August[teaser]The action-horror classic starring Arnold Schwarzenegger is getting a 4K upgrade this August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox is set to release 'Predator' on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on August 7. In the remote jungle of a Central American country, an elite group of commandos led by Major Dutch Schaeffer, embarks on a CIA mission to clear out a guerrilla stronghold and rescue the remaining hostages. However, the hunters become the hunted when a highly intelligent, otherwordly being slowly and methodically starts killing off members of Dutch's team. Possessing a chameleonlike camouflaging ability and a deadly alien arsenal, the creature tracks down the soldiers one by one. The release will include a lossless 5.1 soundtrack and supplements include:• Predator: Evolution of a Species-Hunters of Extreme Perfection • Audio Commentary by Director John McTiernan • Text Commentary by Film Historian Eric Lichtenfeld • If It Bleeds, We Can Kill It: The Making of Predator • Inside the Predator Featurettes • Special Effects Featurettes • Short Takes with the Filmmakers • Deleted Scenes and Outtakes • Photo Gallery and Predator Profile Suggested list price is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for Predator - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray linked from our 4K Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under August 7. Order the 4K Blu-rayPosted Mon Jun 18, 2018 at 10:29 AM PDT by: -
Criterion Details September 2018 Blu-ray Titles[teaser]Films from Andrei Tarkovsky, Ingmar Bergman, and more are all in the works for Blu-ray.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion is preparing Andrei Rublev, A Raisin in the Sun, My Man Godfrey, Cold Water, and Scenes from a Marriage for Blu-ray throughout the month of September. Scenes from a Marriage (September 4) - Chronicles the many years of love and turmoil that bind Marianne and Johan, tracking their relationship through matrimony, infidelity, divorce, and subsequent partnerships. Originally conceived by director Ingmar Bergman as a five-hour, six-part television miniseries, the film is also presented in its three-hour theatrical cut. Shot largely in intense, intimate close-ups by cinematographer Sven Nykvist and featuring flawless performances by Liv Ullmann and Erland Josephson, Bergman’s emotional X-ray reveals the deep joys and pains of a complex bond. - High-definition digital transfers of both the television version and the U.S. theatrical version of the film, with uncompressed monaural soundtracks on the Blu-ray- Interview with director Ingmar Bergman from 1986- Interviews from 2003 with actors Liv Ullmann and Erland Josephson- Interview from 2003 with Bergman scholar Peter Cowie comparing the two versions of Scenes from a Marriage- PLUS: An essay by author Phillip Lopate Order the Blu-ray Cold Water (September 11) - An acclaimed early work by Olivier Assayas, the long-unavailable, deeply felt coming-of-age drama Cold Water can at last be seen in the United States. Drawing from his own youthful experiences, Assayas revisits the outskirts of Paris in the early 1970s, telling the story of teenage lovers Gilles (Cyprien Fouquet) and Christine (Virginie Ledoyen), whose rebellions against family and society threaten to tear them apart. The visceral realism of the movie’s narrative and the near experimentalism of its camera work come together effortlessly thanks to a rock soundtrack that vividly evokes the period. With one of the most memorable party sequences ever committed to film as a centerpiece, Cold Water is a heartbreaking immersion in the emotional tumult of being young. - New 4K digital restoration, supervised by director Olivier Assayas, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray- New interview with Assayas- New interview with cinematographer Denis Lenoir- Excerpt from a 1994 French television program on the film featuring Assayas and actors Virginie Ledoyen and Cyprien Fouquet- New English subtitle translation- PLUS: An essay by critic Girish Shambu Order the Blu-ray My Man Godfrey (September 18) - Carole Lombard and William Powell dazzle in this definitive screwball comedy, directed by Gregory La Cava—a potent cocktail of romantic repartee and Depression-era social critique. Irene (Lombard), an eccentric Manhattan socialite, wins a society-ball scavenger hunt after finding one of the “items” on the list, a “lost man” (Powell), at a dump. She gives the man she believes to be a down-and-out drifter work as the family butler, and soon falls head over heels in love. Her attempts to both woo Godfrey and indoctrinate him in the dysfunctional ways of the household make for an unbeatable series of madcap hijinks. La Cava’s deft film was the first to garner Oscar nominations in all four acting categories, and it is one of Hollywood’s greatest commentaries on class and the social unrest of its time. - New high-definition digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray- New piece about the film with jazz and film critic Gary Giddins- New discussion about director Gregory La Cava with critic Nick Pinkerton- Outtakes- Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of the film from 1938, starring actors William Powell, Carole Lombard, Gail Patrick, and Mischa Auer- Newsreels from the thirties documenting the class divide during the Great Depression- Trailer- PLUS: An essay by critic Farran Smith Nehme Order the Blu-ray A Raisin in the Sun (September 25) - Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun was the first play by a black woman to be on Broadway and is now an immortal part of the theatrical canon. Two years after its premiere, the production came to the screen, directed by Daniel Petrie. The original stars—including Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee—reprise their roles as members of an African American family living in a cramped Chicago apartment, in this deeply resonant tale of dreams deferred. Following the death of their patriarch, the Youngers await a life insurance check they hope will change their circumstances, but tensions arise over how best to use the money. Vividly rendering Hansberry’s intimate observations on generational conflict and housing discrimination, Petrie’s film captures the high stakes, shifting currents, and varieties of experience within black life in midcentury America. - New 4K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray- Interview from 1961 with playwright and screenwriter Lorraine Hansberry- New interview with Imani Perry, author of Looking for Lorraine, on the real-life events on which the play is based- Episode of Theater Talk from 2002 featuring producer Philip Rose and actors Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis- Excerpt from The Black Theatre Movement: From “A Raisin in the Sun” to the Present, a 1978 documentary, with a new introduction by director Woodie King Jr.- New interview with film scholar Mia Mask, author of Poitier Revisited- Trailer- PLUS: An essay by scholar Sarita Cannon Order the Blu-ray Andrei Rublev (September 25) - Tracing the life of a renowned icon painter, the second feature by Andrei Tarkovsky vividly conjures the murky world of medieval Russia. This dreamlike and remarkably tactile film follows Andrei Rublev as he passes through a series of poetically linked scenes—snow falls inside an unfinished church, naked pagans stream through a thicket during a torchlit ritual, a boy oversees the clearing away of muddy earth for the forging of a gigantic bell—gradually emerging as a man struggling mightily to preserve his creative and religious integrity. Appearing here in the director’s preferred 185-minute cut as well as the version that was originally suppressed by Soviet authorities, the masterwork Andrei Rublev is one of Tarkovsky’s most revered films, an arresting meditation on art, faith, and endurance. - New 2K digital restoration of the director’s preferred 185-minute cut, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray- New 2K digital transfer of the original 205-minute version of the film, The Passion According to Andrei- Steamroller and Violin, Tarkovsky’s 1961 student thesis film- The Three Andreis, a 1966 documentary about the writing of the film’s script- On the Set of “Andrei Rublev,” a 1966 documentary about the making of the film- New interviews with actor Nikolai Burlyaev and cinematographer Vadim Yusov by filmmakers Seán Martin and Louise Milne- New interview with film scholar Robert Bird- Selected-scene commentary from 1998 featuring film scholar Vlada Petric- New video essay by filmmaker Daniel Raim- New English subtitle translation- PLUS: An essay by critic J. Hoberman 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 September.Posted Mon Jun 18, 2018 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'Incredibles 2' 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray & Blu-ray Up for Pre-Order[teaser]The superhero family will return to save the day in 4K later this year.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Disney is prepping Incredibles 2 for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray. In addition, a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook is also in the works. UPDATE: The release date is November 6, 2018. In Incredibles 2, Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is called on to lead a campaign to bring Supers back, while Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) navigates the day-to-day heroics of "normal" life at home with Violet (voice of Sarah Vowell), Dash (voice of Huck Milner) and baby Jack-Jack—whose superpowers are about to be discovered. Their mission is derailed, however, when a new villain emerges with a brilliant and dangerous plot that threatens everything. But the Parrs don’t shy away from a challenge, especially with Frozone (voice of Samuel L. Jackson) by their side. That’s what makes this family so Incredible. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. You can find the latest specs for Incredibles 2 linked from our Blu-ray and 4K Release Schedules, where it is indexed under November 6. Order the 4K Blu-ray Order the 4K SteelBook Order the Blu-rayPosted Sat Jun 16, 2018 at 03:35 PM PDT by: -
Coming Soon to Streaming: 'Jack Ryan,' 'Luke Cage,' and More[teaser]Check out the latest crop of trailers for new streaming shows and movies.[/teaser] Netflix and Amazon have released new trailers and info for several of their upcoming programs and films, including the latest season of Luke Cage and a new series based on Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan books. Here's a full rundown of titles scheduled to arrive on each service: Hannah Gadsby: Nanette (Netflix, June 19) - In her hilarious debut Netflix Original stand-up special, comedian Hannah Gadsby gets up close and personal about her life and growing up gay on the small island of Tasmania. Recently hailed by the New York Times as a “major new voice in comedy,” Hannah keeps her audience at the Sydney Opera House laughing with her sharp observations as she takes aim at everything from pride parades, unsolicited opinions and the whole history of art before she turns her punchlines into sucker punches, silencing the laughs and flipping the art of comedy completely on its head. Marvel's Luke Cage: Season 2 (Netflix, June 22) - After a sabotaged experiment leaves him with super strength and unbreakable skin, Luke Cage (Mike Colter) becomes a fugitive trying to rebuild his life in modern day Harlem, New York City. But he is soon pulled out of the shadows and must fight a battle for the heart of his city – forcing him to confront a past he had tried to bury. Brain On Fire - (Netflix, June 22) - One morning, 24-year-old Susannah Cahalan woke up in a hospital bed. She couldn't speak. She couldn't move. And she had no idea how she got there. Derren Brown: Miracle (Netflix, June 22) - Illusionist Derren Brown reinvents the concept of 'faith healing' through a series of stunts that debunk the confines of fear, pain, and disbelief. GLOW: Season 2 (Netflix, June 29) - Season 2 follows the women of GLOW as they become local celebrities, confronting the good, the bad, and the ugly realities of their newfound fame. As Ruth and Debbie settle into the day-to-day of making a season of TV together, they confront lingering issues at the heart of their friendship. Sam is still Sam, but now he has a teenage daughter living with him and twenty episodes to churn out. The wrestling is harder, the stakes are higher, and the hair is even bigger. Kiss Me First (Netflix, June 29) - Tells the story of Leila, a lonely 17 year old girl who is addicted to a fictional online gaming site called Agora. While in Agora, Leila meets Tess, a cool and confident party girl who harbours a dark secret. In the real world, the two girls become friends, but after Tess disappears Leila decides to assume her friend’s identity and in doing so is quickly drawn into unravelling the mystery behind her disappearance. Recovery Boys (Netflix, June 29) - In the heart of America's opioid epidemic, four men attempt to reinvent their lives and mend broken relationships after years of drug abuse. Recovery Boys, from Academy Award nominated director Elaine McMillion Sheldon (Heroin(e)), is an intimate look at the strength, brotherhood, and courage that it takes to overcome addiction and lays bare the internal conflict of recovery. In an effort to break the cycle of generational addiction and trauma, the young men let go of painful pasts as they live in the present, and build a new community in a farming-based rehab. After rehab, they experience life's trials and tribulations sober, but struggle to find their place and purpose in an often unforgiving society. In today’s world, where shocking statistics about the opioid crisis make headlines daily, Recovery Boys gives a deeply personal look into the unseen lives of those working toward transformation. Sacred Games (Netflix, July 6) - A policeman, a criminal overlord, a Bollywood film star, politicians, cultists, spies, and terrorists—the lives of the privileged, the famous, the wretched, and the bloodthirsty interweave with cataclysmic consequences amid the chaos of modern-day Mumbai. The series is based on the critically-acclaimed best-selling novel Sacred Games by author Vikram Chandra. Anne With An E: Season 2 (Netflix, July 6) - Inspired by the timeless Canadian novel ”Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Montgomery, the second season of Anne with an E continues to chart bold new territory, adding new characters and storylines while further exploring themes of identity, prejudice, feminism, bullying, gender parity and empowerment through the lens of its fierce, starry-eyed, irrepressible 14-year-old protagonist. The House of Flowers (Netflix, August 10) - In this satirical comedy, the seemingly perfect De La Mora household deals with the dark secrets uncovered by the sudden death of the patriarch's mistress, while learning that their flower shop shares its name with a cabaret that was secretly owned by the father of the family. 13 Reasons Why: Season 3 (Netflix, Coming in 2019) - A third season of the popular series has been ordered. The first two seasons follow teenager Clay Jensen, in his quest to uncover the story behind his classmate and crush, Hannah, and her decision to end her life. Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan (Amazon Prime Video, August 31) - Jack Ryan, an up-and-coming CIA analyst, is thrust into a dangerous field assignment for the first time. He soon uncovers a pattern in terrorist communication that launches him into the center of a dangerous gambit with a new breed of terrorism that threatens destruction on a global scale. - A current Netflix subscription starts at $11 per month for HD streaming and $14 per month for Ultra HD streaming. - A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $119 per year or $13 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Sources: Netflix (YouTube), Amazon (YouTube)Posted Fri Jun 15, 2018 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Coming Soon to Blu-ray: 'Isle of Dogs,' 'Super Troopers 2,' and More[teaser]Wes Anderson's latest flick leads the pack of upcoming Blu-ray releases.[/teaser] New info has been revealed for several Blu-rays from Magnolia, 20th Century Fox, Camp Motion Pictures, Starz / Anchor Bay, Code Red, HBO, and MVD Rewind Collection set for release over the coming months. Here's a full rundown of recently revealed details and title announcements: First up, Magnolia is prepping Thierry Poiraud's Don't Grow Up starring Fergus Riordan and McKell David for Blu-ray on July 3. Supplements will include: - Making of Don't Grow Up- On The Set: Languages And The Director- Inside The Group: Cast And Characters Meanwhile, the label will bring Peter Ricq's Dead Shack starring Matthew Nelson-Mahood, Lizzie Boys, and Gabriel LaBelle to Blu-ray on August 7. Supplements have not been detailed yet. In addition, Matthew Charles Santoro's Higher Power starring Jordan Hinson, Ron Eldard, and Colm Feore is set to arrive on August 14. No other details have been announced at this time. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Camp Motion Pictures is bringing Chris LaMartina's Call Girl of Cthulhu starring David Phillip Carollo, Melissa O'Brien, and Nicolette le Faye to Blu-ray on July 3. Supplements will include: - Two Audio Commentary Tracks: With Director Chris LaMartina and Producer Jimmy George & With Chris LaMartina and Select Cast and Crew- My 5-Year Old Niece Explains Cthulhu- "Lights! Camera! Tentacles! The Making of Call Girl of Cthulhu"- "Dunwhich Whorers: the Outtakes of Cthulhu"- Call Girl of Cthulhu Kickstarter Videos Including:-Call Girl of Cthulhu Kick-Off Video- A Special Message from H.P. Lovecraft- Cthulhu for President Commercial- A Special Message from George Stover- Call Girl of Cthulhu Trailer- Camp Motion Pictures Trailer Vault Order the Blu-ray 20th Century Fox is prepping Wes Anderson's Isle of Dogs starring Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, Edward Norton, and Bill Murray for Blu-ray on July 17. In addition, a Collectible Gift Set with 6 Figurines and a Two Movie Collection with Fantastic Mr. Fox will also be available that same day. Supplements will include: - Featurettes- Image Gallery- Theatrical Trailer In addition, the studio is set to release Jay Chandrasekhar's Super Troopers 2 starring Jay Chandrasekhar, Paul Soter, Steve Lemme, Erik Stolhanske, Kevin Heffernan, and Brian Cox on July 17. A Two Movie Collection with Super Troopers will be released that same day as well. Supplements will include: - Making SUPER TROOPERS 2- Deleted and Extended Scenes- Kevin Heffernan: Method Actor- Theatrical Trailers Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Starz / Anchor Bay is preparing Deon Taylor's Traffik starring Paula Patton, William Fichtner, Luke Goss, Laz Alonso, and Scott Anthony Leet for Blu-ray on July 17. Supplements will include: - "Journey into the Depths: Making Traffik" Featurette- "Deon & Dante: The Look of Traffik" Featurette Order the Blu-ray Code Red is bringing Nicholas Meyer's The Day After starring Jason Robards, JoBeth Williams, Steve Guttenberg, John Cullum, and John Lithgow to Blu-ray on August 7. The 2-disc set will feature brand new remasters of the Original 122-Minute TV Cut (1.33:1) and the 127-Minute Theatrical Cut (1.78:1). Supplements will include: - Interview with star JoBeth Williams- Interview with director Nicholas Meyer- Audio Commentary by Film Historian Lee Gambin and Comic Artist/Writer Tristan Jones- Reversible Blu-ray Art Likewise, the label is also releasing Dante Tomaselli's Desecration starring Irma St. Paule, Christie Sanford, and Danny Lopes on August 7. The disc will feature a new remaster, and supplements will include: - Audio Commentary by Writer/Director/Composer Dante Tomaselli- Building the Torture Chamber - Featurette- Desecration - Short Film- Witches Album - Featuring 13 Tracks- Still Gallery- Original Trailer In addition, John Leone's The Great Smokey Roadblock starring Henry Fonda, Eileen Brennan, Austin Pendleton, and Robert Englund is in the works for August 14. The disc will feature a brand new remaster of the film and supplements will include: - On-camera interview with star Robert Englund Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray HBO has announced plans to release Strike Back: Season Five starring Philip Winchester, Sullivan Stapleton, and Michelle Lukes on August 21. No other details have been announced at this time. In addition, the studio is bringing Ramin Bahrani's Fahrenheit 451 starring Michael B. Jordan, Michael Shannon, and Sofia Boutella to Blu-ray on September 18. Supplements will include: - Behind the Fire - Take a deeper look into Fahrenheit 451 as Michael B. Jordan, Michael Shannon, Sofia Boutella, and director Ramin Bahrani discuss Guy Montag's character evolution and relationships Order the Blu-ray MVD Rewind Collection is prepping Kevin Bray's Walking Tall: Special Edition starring Neal McDonough, Johnny Knoxville, and Dwayne Johnson for Blu-ray on August 14. Supplements will include: - Audio Commentary by star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson- Audio Commentary by Director Kevin Bray, Editor Robert Ivison, and Director of Photography Glen MacPherson- 'Fight the Good Fight' Stunts Featurette (SD)- Deleted Scenes (SD)- Alternate Ending (SD)- Bloopers (SD)- Photo Gallery (TBD)- Original Theatrical Trailer (SD) In addition, the label will release Jamie Dixon's Shadowbuilder (Special Edition) starring Michael Rooker, Leslie Hope, Shawn Thompson, Andrew Jackson, and Kevin Zegers on August 28. Supplements will include: - NEW "Making of Shadowbuilder" featurette (HD, 33:22) (featuring director Jamie Dixon, writer Michael Stokes and stars Andrew Jackson (The Shadowbuilder) and Tony Todd (Covey)- NEW "Shadowbuilder: Visual Effects" featurette (HD, 13:26)- NEW "Shadowbuilder: Kevin Zegers" featurette (HD, 5:00)- Audio Commentary from Director Jamie Dixon- Original Theatrical Trailer (SD)- Collectible Poster- Reversible Artwork Likewise, Joan Chen's Autumn in New York: Special Edition starring Richard Gere, Winona Ryder, Anthony Lapaglia, Elaine Stritch, Vera Farmiga is also in the works for August 28. Supplements will include: - Photo Gallery- Original Theatrical Trailer (SD) Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule.Posted Thu Jun 14, 2018 at 10:20 AM PDT by: -
Tim Burton's 'Dumbo' Soars into the Spotlight in First Teaser Trailer[teaser]The live action adaptation of the Disney classic takes flight next year.[/teaser] Disney has released the first teaser 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 teaser 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 Disney re-imaginings in the works include Aladdin from director Guy Ritchie, The Lion King from Jon Favreau, and Mulan from Niki Caro. And outside of live action films, Disney/Pixar is set to release Brad Bird's Incredibles 2 on June 15. Source: Disney (YouTube)Posted Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 10:15 AM PDT by: -
Every Pixar Movie RankedIncredibles 2 marks the 20th Pixar film since the studio debuted Toy Story in 1995, changing the landscape of animated motion pictures forever. In these 20 years, we've seen animation transition from a computer-enhanced 2D hand-drawn medium to 3D CGI renderings capable of photo-real textures. Every other studio followed Pixar's lead, but technically and visually speaking, Pixar remains a pioneer. Not only has Pixar changed the game as far as visuals go, they weave well-rounded, emotional stories with deeply-developed characters and thematics that connect with audiences young and old. With the release of The Incredibles 2, I thought it would be fun to rank all of the Pixar movies, getting to revisit each movie once again. BRAVE Brave stands out as Pixar's first fairytale or princess movie. It also features Pixar's first female protagonist. Yet, while the movie is visually rich, the story and characters are forgettable. The story is a mother-daughter bit that should play to the heart strings of people of all ages, but somewhere along the way, the creators add in a bit of slapstick humor, which makes the film an uneven balance of sincere emotion and silly comedy. Most of the time, this sort of thing works when Pixar is involved, but it misses the mark by a million feet in Brave's case. What we are left with is a jumbled up mess of comedy and half-cocked emotion with easily forgettable characters. This is my least favorite Pixar movie to date. MONSTERS UNIVERSITY Monsters University is Pixar's first prequel to an amazing film from several years before it. The film features two of its most beloved characters back when they were in college, which I imagine is Pixar's attempt at an Animal House type of situation. With Monsters University, we get mostly a funny, silly film without any emotional heft. That's about it. Sure, there is a decent message, but we already know how everyone turns out from the original film, so nothing is at stake nor is there any real conflict. The film looks great, of course, but this prequel just failed to impress above a silly comedic level that doesn't have a good replay factor at all. Even when you're watching this movie, you can't help but want to watch the original film instead. There are some wink and nod jokes throughout, but other than that, Monster's University doesn't have a lot going for it. THE GOOD DINOSAUR Arguably the worst Pixar movie to date is The Good Dinosaur. However, I moved it up a couple of rankings due to the movie's very sincere ending. There are many things to dislike about this movie, but at the end, Pixar tugs at those heartstrings quite well, which leads to a few instances of forgiveness. First of all, I do believe this is Pixar's attempt at a subtle western movie. There are numerous homages to the western movie genre, which play out great, but the fact remains that The Good Dinosaur fails miserably due to its horrible protagonists. Arlo the dinosaur and Spot the cave boy are so obnoxious throughout the whole movie that you begin to loathe being with them. Add to that an incredibly slow paced movie that results in snoozes and snores. I do enjoy the fact that Pixar uses real-life settings and backdrops in the movie, but the contrasts of the goofy-looking animated dinosaur is (dare I say it) an eye-sore. This had a lot of potential, but again, it misses the mark. CARS 2 I'm so torn on this movie. On one hand, Cars 2 is a spy thriller film with Bruce Campbell lending his voice to one of the cars. On the other hand, this is a horrible Mater-centric movie that is unfunny, lacks any emotion, and is quite a chore to even watch with my eyes open, let alone listen to the awful sound of Larry the Cable Guy's voice-acting. Even with Bruce Campbell being a part of this movie, I just can't in good conscious give it a good ranking. What puts it further up the chain than the others, though, is it's spy thriller side story and excellent visuals that take us out of Radiator Springs and into new worlds. It is simply gorgeous. Other than that, Cars 2 fails to do much of anything else, other than excite the few of us who love the Evil Dead franchise for a few minutes. FINDING DORY Visually, Finding Dory is stunning, and is maybe one of the best looking Pixar films. Every nuance of sea life and underwater scene is intricate with the finest of details and fully immerses you into this world. The voice work is spot on and Ellen DeGeneres shines as Dory, while Ed O’Neill and Albert Brooks pack some good laughs. Even though, a lot of the charm and boldness of the first film is gone here, Finding Dory is still worth your time. Finding Nemo did everything the first time, where as this sequel just re-hashes the same material with a somewhat different message behind it. That is until the final act where all of the fish actually drive a car on the highway. This is where the film lost me and became low on the totem pole. Finding Dory may have some good moments, but they aren't great. CARS 3 Cars 3 if a bit better than part 2, but still falls short of the original. This film has some good moments, but I'm not sure why they decided to tell a story about retirement to its core demographic of eight-year-olds. By and large, the Cars franchise is mostly geared to its younger audiences, but in Cars 3, it's all about being old and retiring, or at least knowing when to retire. It's a good message and storyline for sure, but it's just a strange one to tell. Given the storyline, most of the movie is actually quite slow moving, that is until the third act of the film, when the visuals look exceptionally good. Again, it's nice to see a lot of people return to their voice roles and see Lightning's transformation, but they may have jumped the gun a little bit with this one. All in all, Cars 3 is a decent film, but not a keeper. CARS Pixar's take on a world inhabited by talking cars is a good one. It's a sweet movie with fun characters and a great message of helping someone new -- with a backdrop of how difficult it is to get a job and keep a business from failing. This film applies to all ages and is a joy to watch. The only thing missing is any real sort of big conflict that would be drastic to anyone. Sure, we want to see Lightning win the race and Radiator Springs thrive with business, but that's about it. There isn't a sense of urgency to keep our interests up to see these characters save the day or win the race. Instead, the film is just natural and fun, and sometimes that's all you need. Cars is a film that isn't talked about a lot, but is still worth your time. Plus, it's the only Pixar film to have George Carlin in it, and that should count for something. INSIDE OUT Before Inside Out was released, Pixar had a few movies that didn't play well and lacked any emotional heft to them. Luckily, Pixar returned with a vengeance with Inside Out, a movie that is as funny as it is sad, which is exactly the point of the film. Pixar tells an amazing story about a little girl who moves from her hometown to somewhere new, with her emotions struggling to accept the new environment. This message and story is highly intelligent for both kids and adults alike. It tells us that we as humans need to have a healthy dose of not just happiness, but also sadness to help keep us sane and well-rounded individuals. There are some funny moments for sure, but there are also some extremely emotional scenes as well that are done with love and tenderness. The story structure and voice acting is incredible, too. One fault I have with this, is perhaps the emotion characters themselves are a tad bit silly, but still, Inside Out is a fantastic film. FINDING NEMO Finding Nemo is a fantastic film through and through. It is the first time in Pixar's career that we get to see life under the sea and what it might be like. Nobody thought that a trio of fish could become household names, spawn sequels, and make you cry and laugh all in the same scene. Finding Nemo does that. It follows a father/son dynamic that is filled with thrills, adventure, big monstrous fish, and even life and death. It's a powerful story that really connects to its audience, which is just about everyone. The film looks gorgeous and never slows down. If you're wondering why Finding Nemo isn't higher up on the list, that would be due to a few out of place slapstick scenes, which are more or less a staple early on in Pixar's career. Still, it's a fantastic film. MONSTER'S INC. One of Pixar's earliest films is Monster's Inc. and it brought audiences into unfamiliar territory with different dimension where monsters scare human children to power their lives. It could have gone in a horrible direction, but Pixar plays it out beautifully from start to finish. Billy Crystal is a welcome addition to the Pixar family with his unique comedy in the character Mike, and of course the extremely cute toddler named Boo melts everyone's heart. However, there is more than meets the eye with Monster's Inc. in the character that John Goodman voiced so perfectly. This big monster named Sully is the most famous monster in this Pixar world, but it comes at a cost. He's completely lonely, which I imagine is a satire on the rich and famous in real life. Even though they are respected, wealthy, and successful, some of them are completely alone, and that's how Sully feels -- until he meets Boo. It's a fantastic and heart warming Pixar favorite. A BUG'S LIFE A Bug's Life doesn't get enough credit like it should. It's an amazing film that was the second effort from Pixar and follows an ant colony, which shouldn't be confused with AntZ that was released around the same time. This Pixar film though has a ton of heart, which features an ant who thinks outside the box, but is shunned and looked down upon, because he doesn't follow the pack. It's a great message about being yourself no matter what obstacles come your way. It doesn't have the emotional weight that other Pixar films embody, but the characters are top notch, the script is tight, and it's a lot of fun still to this day. RATATOUILLE What a lovely film from Pixar that probably plays more to grownups than a younger crowd. This film follows a rat who loves to cook in Paris and eventually befriends a fumbling intern cook at a fancy restaurant. The visuals alone of the Paris cityscape and countryside is breathtaking, but it also has an amazing story about family, doing what you love, and great food. Patton Oswalt hit a home run with his voice as Remy the rat, while the animation is some of the best we've ever seen for the time. Ratatouille brings the kid out in all of us with this story of love and food. COCO One of the most recent Pixar films proves that Pixar still has the juice in the engines to make amazing and important films, such as this one - Coco. The filmmakers completely immerse themselves in Mexican culture for their research for the film in every aspect and it shows flawlessly on screen. Coco will have you in tears every time you think about it, as it tackles subjects of family and warmth as well as sympathy for strangers you might not know yet. I would also go as far to say that Coco is the most colorful and best-looking Pixar film to date, showcasing the underworld and beautiful villages of Mexico. The score and original songs are perfect and spark emotions that you didn't know were there. This is Pixar at its finest and let's hope they continue with this type of filmmaking. TOY STORY The movie that started the Pixar movie franchise back in 1995 still holds up after all these years. Nobody knew if Toy Story was going to be good or if the new animation style was going to take off, but the creators made a beautiful film, not only visually, but with iconic and endearing characters that we still talk about today. It is a fantastic simple story of what our toys or think when we humans are not playing with them. It could have been left at that, but instead Pixar takes two characters with Woody and Buzz who make their way into our hearts forever as they try to stay relevant to their owners. This film brings out the kid in all of us and reminds us of our best friends growing up, which were our toys. There are no forced emotions here, but rather just natural kindness and fun. Toy Story is still magnificent and one of the major milestones in filmmaking and storytelling. TOY STORY 2 Sometimes you get terrible sequels, however at other times, you get sequels like The Godfather: Part II. Yes, I'm going to do that. I'm going to compare Toy Story 2 to The Godfather: Part II in that it's just as good if not better than the original film. We get more of an insight into the world of these toys and what makes them tick as well as dive head first into the good and sinister world of toy collecting. Each character develops even further, along with some new faces that are instantly likable. Also with Toy Story 2 is the faint hint of a hard hitting, emotional film, which we see in later films, but it's here where it all started. THE INCREDIBLES What an incredible movie for sure. Pixar took a chance on its version of the superhero genre and scored a big win. Not only that, but they set the story in the mid-century modern 1960s in the vein of noir spy thrillers. The Incredibles centers on a family of superheroes in a world where it's frowned upon. It's a wonderfully told story on just how important family is. The movie doesn't shy away from showing adult problems or arguments within the family, nor does it sugar coat a villain. In fact, the villain -- played perfectly by Jason Lee -- is ruthless and evil, which makes everything relevant and worthy of your time. The Incredibles is an amazing film from top to bottom, and has some room for some emotions and a great score, inspired by the 1960s. THE INCREDIBLES 2 The most recent Pixar film is stunning and highly entertaining. You might be thinking why it took so long for Pixar to make a sequel to one of the most popular films in their wheelhouse, but we can all rest easy now, because The Incredibles 2 is here and it's one of their finest achievements. The Incredibles 2 takes place right where the first film left off and fully develops each character even more with bigger twists and turns around every corner. The same message is still in play here of family sticking together, but there is more to it than just surface material. There is also an added element that can relate to our own political and social climate these days, which plays out perfectly. The visuals are even better than the first film and the action along with the adventure and thrills are at an all-time high. There isn't an emotional punch in this one like in some other Pixar films, but it's not needed. The Incredibles 2 is utterly fantastic. TOY STORY 3 Toy Story 3 really breaks the mold and decides to go all out with a super emotional and very dark film. Andy is all grown up and going to college, where all of his toys, including Buzz and Woody, haven't been played with in a long time. They are kept in a trunk, which leads to a garbage bag headed for the attic. This film goes to new territory in a very adult way that tackles situations such as death, abandonment, getting older, and broken relationships. On top of all that, it's the funniest Toy Story film out of all of them. Pixar took a chance here, and it reaped the rewards on each of those chances. There are two big tear-jerking moments that you'll never forget, in that you've grown up with these toys and they are friends and family and not just pieces of plastic. I really don't know if they can top this one with Toy Story 4. UP I've seen this movie no less than 50 times and each time I bawl my eyes out throughout the entire film. The opening several minutes of the film have almost zero dialogue, but tells a story of decades between a couple who fall in love, which brings tears to my eyes as I write this. This is the most mature of Pixar films, but it's told so tenderly that all ages know exactly what's going on in the film, and just how big the stakes are. The unlikely duo of an elderly man and a young kid who go on an adventure of a lifetime with a talking dog is a visual spectacle to behold. Not only that, this story rips out those heart strings and will cause you to tear up and think of those you love dearly. This is a one-of-a-kind movie and holds up after each viewing. Up is one of Pixar's best ever. WALL-E Wall-E is the perfect film. This is Pixar's opus on all levels and is the movie we all need right about now. The film tells a story about a futuristic Earth that has been abandoned due to our own greed and unhealthy ways, leaving a series of robots to clean up our trash on Earth. This is the fall of human kind in a way, which is quite scary and could possibly become a reality sooner than later as the technology in the film is becoming more and more true with each year. After all that said, this movie really is a love story between two robots. Wall-E is an old soul who is kind, generous, curious, and is struck by the love-at-first-sight arrow when he sees the impressive and technological robot Eve. What's great and poetic about this movie is that Wall-E is the hero of the film, but he's not your typical hero. He doesn't save the day or protect his loved one because he fights for a great cause or wants to impress anyone. Instead, he does these good things, because he wants to be kind and love everyone. This could be billed as the world's sweetest movie. The emotional charge is here as are the simple funny moments. This love story and two characters are probably the best in-love couple on screen, and they barely talk in the film. In fact, the first part of the film there is no dialogue, but the filmmakers tell a story so intricately and perfectly that you instantly bond with these robots. Again, Wall-E is the perfect film that rounds out this ranking. Now, I dare Pixar to do better than this.Posted Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 08:12 AM PDT by: -
Hisense Launches H9E Plus ULED 4K TV Series with Dolby Vision HDR[teaser]The company's latest 4K HDR TVs are now available.[/teaser] Hisense has announced pricing and availability for its H9E Plus ULED 4K Android Smart TV lineup. 55-inch ($700) and 65-inch ($1,200) models are now available from retailers like Best Buy and Walmart. "We are thrilled to bring Android TV with Google Assistant to the premium H9E Plus," said Peter Erdman, Hisense USA Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. "We recognize that consumers are looking for amazing picture quality, great content along with top-notch sound, all in an intuitive and customizable voice-controlled system." The H9E Plus series features 4K Ultra HD resolution with Hisense's proprietary ULED technology. In addition, the display supports Dolby Vision HDR, HDR10, Wide Color Gamut capabilities, Motion Rate 240, and edge-lit Local Dimming. In addition, the TV incorporates Harman/Kardon audio tech and uses a sleek, bezel-less edge design. Meanwhile, smart TV functions are powered by Android TV with Google Assistant, offering access to 3,000+ apps through the Google Play Store and voice control/search via an included Bluetooth remote. Likewise, the unit is compatible with Alexa devices. Here's a full rundown of key specs and features per Hisense: -Dolby Vision HDR & HDR10 (HDR viewing experience will vary by model, content availability and internet connection)-Wide Color Gamut-Motion Rate 240-Local Dimming-UHD Upscaler-Android TV-4K Media Player-30w Harman/Kardon Sound (Available in 55" model)-dbx-tv Audio Technology-Bluetooth Audio Out-Android TV with Google Assistant "Android TV re-imagines the living room entertainment experience by offering users a wide variety of content including Google Play Movies, YouTube and over 3,000 Google Play apps built for the big screen,: said Shalini GovilPai, Director of Product Management, Android TV. "We're excited about working with partners like Hisense who match our level of excitement about building the future of TV experiences." And beyond the H9E Plus series, Hisense also recently launch its R7 Roku TV lineup with models ranging in size from 43-inches to 65-inches. Source: HisensePosted Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber Offers Support for Lag-Free Gameplay Video Capture[teaser]The unit supports 4K passthrough and 1080p capture for live game streams.[/teaser] Pengo has announced the release of its 4K HDMI Grabber. The device is compatible with 4K enabled gaming consoles, allowing users to capture video at 1080p 60 fps to a connected USB 3.0 computer or laptop for live gameplay streaming. The Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber supports 4096x2160 pass-through @ 60 Hz and UYV12 4:4:4 from HDMI 2.0 sources. Users can then capture lag-free video of their gaming sessions while they play in uncompressed 1080p 60Hz video over USB 3.0 to a connected computer for recordings and live streams without any performance impact. Meanwhile, older hardware with USB 2.0 connections can receive 1080p content with light color space compression. Compatible input devices include 4K enabled gaming consoles like the Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation4 Pro. Any UVC enabled application can then be used to capture and stream, including OBS, XSplit, and Bandicam. In addition, the 4K HDMI Grabber has a separate headphone and microphone connector, enabling users to create voice-over and commentary for their streaming videos. Here's a full rundown of specs and features per Pengo: - Support HDMI 2.0 and UHD resolution up to 4K at 60 frames per second.- Support HDMI 2.0 loop-through output- USB 3.0 Video capture at 1080P @60 fps- Video capture in FHD at 60 frames per second- Support USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 data uplink- Audio capture mixed with external line-in audio at 48 kHz sampling rate- Support true 24-bit color and provides consistent frame rate performance regardless of video content- Support UVC 1.0- Support stereo microphone input and stereo headphone output- Captures PS4 Pro and Xbox One X game display- GUI control interface for Windows- No external power supply required- Plug-n-play The Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber is now available is Titanium Gray for $250. Source: PengoPosted Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 11:30 AM PDT by:
