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Rian Johnson Set to Develop New 'Star Wars' Trilogy[teaser]The writer/director of The Last Jedi is returning to a galaxy far, far away.[/teaser] Disney and Lucasfilm have announced plans to create a new Star Wars trilogy with filmmaker Rian Johnson. Johnson previously directed The Last Jedi which is set to hit theaters on December 15. "We all loved working with Rian on The Last Jedi," said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. "He's a creative force, and watching him craft The Last Jedi from start to finish was one of the great joys of my career. Rian will do amazing things with the blank canvas of this new trilogy." Though full details on the new trilogy have not been announced yet, the films will tell a story separate from the episodic Skywalker saga, allowing Johnson to spotlight new characters and locations not yet seen in the Star Wars franchise. Johnson is currently set to write and direct the first installment, and Ram Bergman is attached to produce. Meanwhile, Johnson's upcoming Star Wars: The Last Jedi will pick up where Star Wars: The Force Awakens left off, following Rey (Daisy Ridley) as she continues her epic journey with Finn (John Boyega), Poe (Oscar Isaac) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in the next chapter of the original saga. Check out the official trailer below! "We had the time of our lives collaborating with Lucasfilm and Disney on The Last Jedi," Johnson and Bergman said in a joint statement. "Star Wars is the greatest modern mythology and we feel very lucky to have contributed to it. We can't wait to continue with this new series of films." Release dates for the new films have not been revealed at this time. Source: StarWars.comPosted Thu Nov 9, 2017 at 03:15 PM PST by: -
'The LEGO Ninjago Movie' Headed for Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The animated action-adventure will be available in stores this December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is working on 'The LEGO Ninjago Movie' for Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on December 19. In the battle for NINJAGO City, Lloyd (Dave Franco), high school student by day and Green Ninja by night, gets thrown into the ultimate adventure with his secret ninja warrior friends! Led by the wise and wisecracking Master Wu (Jackie Chan), they must defeat evil warlord Garmadon (Justin Theroux), The Worst Guy Ever, who also happens to be Lloyd's dad. On their courageous journey, they learn to band together to unleash their inner power in an epic showdown to save the city. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Team Supreme: Building NINJAGO® – featurette Rumble in the Bricks- featurette Rebrick Contest Winners- featurette Which Way to the Ocean – mini-movie Zane's Stand Up Promo – mini-movie The Master: A LEGO® NINJAGO® Short – mini-movie LEGO® NINJAGO® TV Series Sneak Peek Oh, Hush! & Jeff Lewis Found My Place – Music Video Everybody Have a Ninja Day – Music Video Rocktagon – Music Video Warlord Ballad – Music Video Animation Bridge Test – Deleted Scene Baby Fight– Deleted Scene Dock Scene– Deleted Scene Gimme Some Outtakes! Commentary by Director Charlie Bean and Crew 13 Promotional Videos. You can find the latest specs for The LEGO Ninjago Movie linked from our Blu-ray and 4K, where it is indexed under December 19. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Nov 8, 2017 at 09:53 AM PST by: -
Darren Aronofsky's 'mother!' Bound for Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The thriller starring Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem arrives on home video this December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount is working on 'mother!' for Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on December 19. A couple's relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. From filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream), mother! stars Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer in this riveting psychological thriller about love, devotion and sacrifice. Each release will feature a Dolby Atmos soundtrack and supplements include: Mother! The Downward Spiral and The Makeup FX of Mother! The 4K combo pack also includes Dolby Vision as well as a Blu-ray and digital copy. You can find the latest specs for mother! linked from our Blu-ray and 4K, where it is indexed under December 19. Order the 4K UHD Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Nov 7, 2017 at 08:34 PM PST by: -
Countdown to Black Friday Deals: Up to 41% off 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Players & HD Projectors![teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select 4K players and other gear![/teaser] As part of the online retailer's Countdown to Black Friday Deals Store, Amazon is running a special sale on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray players from LG and Philips, along with projectors from Elecwave, Elepawl, and Caiwei. Philips BDP7501 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray Player with Wi-Fi - Currently $163 (35% off). Philips BDP7502/F7 4K Ultra HD Wifi Blu-ray Player (Dolby Vision Ready) - Currently $195. LG UP970 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray Player with Dolby Vision Compatibility - Currently $197 (34% off). Elecwave HD Mini LED Video Projector - Currently $77 (41% off). Elepawl LED HD Video Projector - Currently $186 (18% off). CAIWEI LCD LED HD Projector - Currently $322 (15% off). These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more Black Friday sales and special promotions!Posted Tue Nov 7, 2017 at 09:30 AM PST by: -
BenQ Releases SW271 27-Inch 4K HDR Monitor for $1,099[teaser]The company's latest 4K high dynamic range monitor is now available.[/teaser] BenQ has announced the launch of its latest display. The SW271 emphasizes color accuracy and is geared toward use for professional photographers. "We are proud to present the SW271, which joins our full line of professional monitors developed for photographers," said Steve Yang, Senior Director at BenQ America Corp. "The SW271 brings users specialized tools and advanced hardware calibration for color-critical applications. It also has USB-C™ connectivity for transmitting video and data signals using just one cable for convenience." The SW271 features a 27-inch 10-bit IPS LCD panel with LED backlighting and an Ultra HD resolution of 3840 x 2160. In addition, the display offers HDR10 capabilities with support for 350 nits of brightness. Likewise, the monitor includes 99% coverage of the Adobe RGB color gamut, 93% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut, and 100% coverage of the sRGB/Rec. 709 color gamut. The set's native contrast ratio is rated at 1000:1 and its dynamic contrast is rated for 20M:1. Meanwhile, the panel uses 60Hz refresh rate and offers a 5ms (GtG) response time. An SD card reader, along with USB 3.1, USB Type-C, HDMI 2.0, and DisplayPort 1.4 connections are included as well. Users can also opt to use a detachable shading hood to reduce screen glare. Finally, BenQ's AQCOLOR technology is integrated as well, combining hardware calibration, Palette Master Elements software, and Technicolor Color Certification to ensure that the monitor meets the entertainment idustry's standards. Here's a rundown of key specs and features per BenQ: - 99% Adobe RGB Color Space With IPS technology- 27 Inch 4K UHD Resolution- High Dynamic Range (HDR)- Hardware Calibration With Palette Master Element Software- USB-C™ for transmitting data and video signal with one cable The BenQ SW271 4K monitor is now available for a suggested retail price of $1,099. Source: BenQ via TWICEPosted Tue Nov 7, 2017 at 08:30 AM PST by: -
Thor: Ragnarok in Dolby CinemaWhat's up, everybody? Hope you're having an awesome week. I recently caught a screening of Thor: Ragnarok at our local Dolby Cinema at AMC where Marvel's latest blockbuster is presented in dual 4K laser projection with a million-to-one contrast ratio, Dolby Vision high dynamic range, and Dolby Atmos surround sound (and we haven't even started talking about the super-comfy leather recliners). In this video, we take viewers through the basics of Dolby Cinema at AMC auditoriums, share our quick thoughts on the movie itself, and dive into the audio and picture quality of this particular premium format presentation. The short version, for those who don't' have time to watch... I thought the Movie Itself was a lot of fun and a breath of fresh air for the Thor parts of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It's got all the standard superhero action beats balanced with a quirky sense of comedy and good character beats. The Dolby Vision presentation is quite good and better than most, thanks to its sharpness, excellent highlight details, and vibrant use of color, but it's not quite the best of the best. Likewise, the Dolby Atmos sound mix is, overall, very good, and I loved Mark Motherbaugh's 80s-style score, but it doesn't quite have the finesse and overhead immersion of Gravity, Mad Max Fury Road, or Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. What about you? Have you seen Ragnarok yet? Were you able to check it out in a Dolby Cinema, IMAX Laser, or some other type of premium format? Let us know about your experience in the comments below!Posted Tue Nov 7, 2017 at 07:22 AM PST by: -
Coming Soon to Blu-ray: 'Drag Me To Hell,' 'Cadillac Man,' 'S.W.A.T.,' and More[teaser]A new Collector's Edition of Sam Raimi's Drag Me To Hell is among the latest crop of upcoming Blu-ray discs.[/teaser] New info has been revealed for several upcoming Blu-ray releases from Kino, Mill Creek Entertainment, Shout Factory, and Vinegar Syndrome. Here's a full rundown of recently revealed details and title announcements: First up, Kino is set to bring Jean Delannoy's Maigret and the St. Fiacre Case starring Jean Gabin, Michel Auclair, Valentine Tessier, Jacques Morel, Michel Vitold, and Gabrielle Fontan to Blu-ray on December 5. Supplements have not been announced, but the film will feature a new digital restoration. Likewise, the label will also release Jean Delannoy's Maigret Sets a Trap starring Jean Gabin, Annie Girardot, Olivier Hussenot, Jeanne Boitel, Lucienne Bogaert, and Jean Debucourt on December 5 as well. Supplements have not been announced, but the film will feature a new digital restoration. Meanwhile, Roger Donaldson's Cadillac Man starring Robin Williams, Tim Robbins, Pamela Reed, Fran Drescher, and Zack Norman is set to hit Blu-ray on January 2. Supplements will include: - NEW Audio Commentary by director Roger Donaldson- Theatrical Trailer In addition, Kino is also prepping Dan Curtis' Trilogy of Terror starring Karen Black, Robert Burton, John Karlen, George Gaynes, and Jim Storm for Blu-ray. Supplements and an exact release date have not been announced yet. Finally, the label will bring Richard Wallace's The Young in Heart starring Janet Gaynor, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Paulette Goddard, Roland Young, and Billie Burke to Blu-ray in 2018. Supplements and an exact release date have not been announced yet. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Mill Creek Entertainment is prepping a 35th Anniversary Edition of Antonio Margheriti's Yor, The Hunter From The Future starring Reb Brown, Corinne Clery and Luciano Pigozzi for Blu-ray on January 16. Supplements will include: - EXCLUSIVE NEW audio commentary with star Reb Brown Likewise, the label will also release a Special Edition of Clark Johnson's S.W.A.T. starring Colin Farrell, Jeremy Renner, and Samuel L. Jackson on January 16 as well. Supplements will include: - Two audio commentary tracks with cast and crew not previously available on any Blu-ray release! Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray As previously reported, Shout Factory is preparing Greydon Clark's Dance Macabre starring Robert Englund and Michelle Zeitlin for Blu-ray on January 23, and pre-orders are now live. Supplements have not been detailed yet. In addition, the label is bringing James Glickenhaus' Shakedown starring Peter Weller, Sam Elliott, Richard Brooks, Jude Ciccolella, and Thomas G. Waites to Blu-ray on January 23 as well. No other details have been announced at this time. Meanwhile, the company's Scream Factory imprint is set to release Curtis Harrington's Games starring Simone Signoret, James Caan, Katharine Ross, Don Stroud, Kent Smith, and Estelle Winwood on Blu-ray on February 13. No other details have been announced. Scream Factory will also bring a new Collector's Edition of Sam Raimi's Drag Me To Hell starring Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, and Dileep Rao to Blu-ray on February 13. The disc will feature a brand new transfer and supplements will include: - BRAND NEW interviews with stars Alison Lohman and Lorna Raver- And more! In addition, William Castle's The Night Walker starring Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor will hit Blu-ray on February 20. No other details have been revealed at this time. Likewise, Tibor Takács' The Gate II: The Trespassers starring Louis Tripp, Simon Reynolds, James Villemaire, and Pamela Adlon will also arrive on Blu-ray on February 20. Supplements have not been detailed yet. Joseph Sargent's Colossus: The Forbin Project starring Eric Braeden, Susan Clark, Gordon Pinsent, and William Schallert will then follow on February 27. Supplements have not been revealed at this time. Meanwhile, Nico Mastorakis' Nightmare at Noon starring Wings Hauser, Bo Hopkins, and George Kennedy will arrive on March 20. No other details have been announced so far. Finally, Scream Factory has also announced plans to bring Scott Glosserman's Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon: Collector's Edition to Blu-ray. Supplements and an exact release date have not been revealed. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Vinegar Syndrome is prepping Slava Tsukerman's Liquid Sky starring Anne Carlisle for Blu-ray on November 24. The disc will feature a brand new 4K restoration of the film from the 35mm original negative, and supplements will include: - Brand new commentary track with: Slava Tsukerman (director)- Interviews- Director's Introduction- "Liquid Sky Revisited" (2017) – 50 minute making-of documentary- Q&A from a 2017 Alamo Dafthouse Yonkers screening with: Slava Tsukerman, Anne Carlisle and Clive Smith (music)- Isolated soundtrack- Never before seen outtakes- Alternate opening sequence- Behind the scenes rehearsal footage- And more! In addition, the label will bring a Double Feature set with Andy Milligan's Seeds and Vapors to Blu-ray on December 12. The films have been newly scanned and restored in 4K from a mixture of 35mm & 16mm vault elements, and supplements will include: - "VAPORS" – short film directed by Andy Milligan- "SEEDS OF SIN" – alternate feature length sexploitation version- Interviews- Q&A from the Quad Cinema NYC screening in 2017 with John Borske, Gerald Jacuzzo and Patricia Dillon (actress / SEEDS)- Original theatrical trailer- Still Gallery Likewise, Vinegar Syndrome will also release Bernard Hirschenson's Pick-Up on December 12 as well. The disc will feature a brand new 2K restoration of the film from the 35mm original camera negative, and supplements will include: - Audio Commentary track with: Bernard Hirschenson (director)- "Orgy at Lil's Place" (1963) – bonus feature film co-produced & photographed by Bernard Hirschenson- Interviews- Trailers- Alternate Crown International opening & ending credits- Promo gallery for ORGY AT LIL'S PLACE- Reversible cover with PAZUZU artwork You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule.Posted Tue Nov 7, 2017 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Klipsch Launches Black and Copper Friday Sale with up to 56% off Audio Gear[teaser]The company is offering a limited time sale on its home theater lineup.[/teaser] Klipsch has announced the launch of its Black and Copper Friday Sale. As part of the promotion, several Klipsch audio products are now up to 56% off, including many Reference, Reference Dolby Atmos, Reference Premiere, and Reference Premiere Dolby Atmos speakers and subwoofers like the new R-14SA elevation speaker and the R-26FA floorstanding speaker. The holiday shopping discounts will be active from now until November 27 while supplies last. Here's a rundown of some items currently on sale: R-10SWi 10" Wireless Subwoofer - $199 (56% off). RP-280FA Dolby Atmos Floorstanding Speaker - $799 each (33% off). RP-140SA Dolby Atmos Add-on Modules - $399 per pair (20% off). RP-280F Floorstanding Speaker - $539 each (10% off) RP-450C Center Channel Speaker - $584 (10% off). RP-150M Bookshelf Speaker - $377 per pair (10% off). R-110SW Subwoofer - $439 (20% off). R-112SW Subwoofer - $519 (20% off). R-115SW Subwoofer - $719 (20% off). R-14SA Dolby Atmos Elevation Speaker - $299 per pair (25% off). R-26FA Dolby Atmos Floorstanding Speaker - $499 each (17% off). Source: KlipschPosted Mon Nov 6, 2017 at 08:00 PM PST by: -
This Week in Gear: McIntosh Details New Amplifier, YouTube Announces Live TV App for Media Players, and More[teaser]We've compiled the latest gear news, including McIntosh's newest audio component, YouTube's live TV app for smart devices, Netflix 4K support on Xfinity, and more.[/teaser] From product announcements and streaming app updates to general industry news and recent gear trends, keeping up with the latest tech news can be a daunting task. With that in mind, we're here to offer you a roundup of some of the latest gear and consumer electronics news that you may have missed. For this edition, we're covering the release of McIntosh's MA252 Integrated Amplifier, the launch of the new YouTube TV app for connected devices, the arrival of Netflix 4K support on the Xfinity X1, and the addition of Amazon Prime streaming to Xbox One systems. So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news: McIntosh Details MA252 Integrated Amplifier McIntosh has revealed the latest addition to its audio lineup. The new MA252 is the first hybrid integrated amplifier from the company, combining elements of vacuum tube and solid-state circuit design. The device's direct coupled solid-state 2-channel amplifier stage is rated for 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm speakers or 160 Watts per channel into 4 Ohm speakers. In addition, the unit incorporates a preamplifier stage with two 12AX7a and two 12AT7 vacuum tubes. Likewise, the device features an all analog design with two unbalanced, one balanced, and one Moving Magnet phono input, along with a full range subwoofer output. McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks connected to advanced high current output transistors, a powerful control microprocessor, audio-grade circuit components, and Power Guard technology are all implemented as well. Finally, the device uses a polished stainless steel chassis and includes an OLED screen for displaying settings and input selections. McIntosh's MA252 is set to start shipping this month for a suggested retail price of $3,500. Source: McIntosh YouTube Announces Live TV App for Smart Devices YouTube has announced a new live TV app specifically designed for media players and smart TVs, bringing the company's streaming TV service to the big screen. In the coming days and weeks, the app will roll out to Android TV devices like the NVIDIA SHIELD and Sony smart TVs; Xbox One, Xbox One S, and Xbox One X consoles; Apple TV; and additional smart TV models from LG and Samsung. YouTube TV costs $35 per month and offers access to more than 40 live streaming networks, regional sports channels, and cable stations, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, The CW, ESPN, Fox News, MSNBC, USA, Syfy, FX, Disney Channel, Sprout, E!, Bravo, and more. Likewise, the platform also includes an unlimited Cloud DVR feature, allowing users to record as many shows as they want at the same time with no storage limitations. Each recording will be available across supported playback devices and will be stored for nine months. In addition, the internet TV service provides access to YouTube Red original series and movies as well, along with the option to add Showtime or Fox Soccer Plus to the channel lineup for an extra fee. Here's a full rundown of the new TV app's design perks and main features per YouTube: - Control your live TV experience with your TV's remote control or game controller.- For a more cinematic look, we made the background dark on your TVs.- A new Live guide made for your big screen so you can get a sneak-peek at what's airing soon.- Never miss the action with our background playback experience built for your big screen.- Easily pick up where you left off on another device when you get home. In addition to the new app for smart TVs and media players, YouTube TV is also currently accessible through Android and iOS mobile devices, computers, Google Chromecast, and Chromecast built-in TVs. The service is now available in all top 50 metro areas and new users can receive a free one-month trial. Source: YouTube Comcast Adds 4K Netflix Support to Xfinity X1 Platform Comcast has announced the addition of Netflix 4K streaming support for its 4K-capable Xfinity X1 platform. With Netflix 4K integration, Xfinity users who have an XG1v4 set-top box and a Netflix Premium subscription can now access Ultra HD Netflix content directly through their set-top boxes alongside the live, on demand, DVR, and web programming already included with their Xfinity TV plans. "We remain focused on providing our customers high-quality entertainment experiences across platforms, which includes easy access to the best 4K programming," said Brynn Lev, Vice President, Editorial and Programming, Content Strategy and Operations, Comcast Cable. "We are thrilled to make the popular Netflix catalog of 4K programming available to X1 customers and will continue to rapidly expand the UHD programming choices available on the platform." Netflix currently offers a growing 4K Ultra HD library of over 1200 hours of original films, documentaries, specials, and series, including popular shows like Stranger Things. In order to properly stream 4K Ultra HD content, the company recommends an internet connection speed of at least 25 megabits. The 4K Netflix Premium plan costs $14 per month. Source: Comcast Amazon Prime Video Arrives on Xbox One Consoles Microsoft has announced the launch of the Amazon Prime Video app for Xbox One systems. Users with an Xbox One console can now download the app from the Microsoft Store. In addition, the app will also be available through the new Xbox One X when it launches on November 7 Amazon Prime Video offers a growing collection of movies and TV shows, including several Amazon original series like Transparent, The Man in the High Castle, The Tick, Mozart in the Jungle, and The Grand Tour. Likewise, the service now offers many of its titles in 4K Ultra HD. A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year or $11 per month. In addition to video streaming, the service also includes free two-day shipping, unlimited music streaming, unlimited reading on any device, free unlimited photo storage, and frees same-day delivery in eligible areas. Meanwhile, Prime Video is also available as a standalone option for $9 per month. Source: Xbox WirePosted Sun Nov 5, 2017 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Countdown to Black Friday Deal of the Day: Up to 40% off Samsung 4K Ultra HD TVs![teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select Samsung displays, today only! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's Countdown to Black Friday Deals Store, Amazon is running a special limited time Deal of the Day sale on the Samsung UN55MU6500 4K Ultra HD TV and the UN65MU6500 4K Ultra HD TV. Samsung UN65MU6500 Curved 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart TV (2017 Model) - Currently $930 (38% off MSRP, Deal of the Day). Samsung UN55MU6500 Curved 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart TV (2017 Model) - Currently $600 (40% off MSRP, Deal of the Day). The Samsung MU6500 4K Ultra HD TV series displays feature curved screen direct-lit LED panels with HDR10 high dynamic range support, Motion Rate 120 tech, and Samsung's Smart Hub for streaming app access. With that said, the TVs do not include wide color gamut capabilities. These discounts are only set to be active until 12AM PT/3AM ET. while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more Black Friday sales and special promotions!Posted Sat Nov 4, 2017 at 01:50 PM PDT by:
